Chinese doctors contribute to healthcare efforts in Tajikistan

(People's Daily Overseas Edition) 14:45, August 28, 2025

Doctors from the Third People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region exchange professional experiences with local doctors in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. (Photo provided by Yan Hui)

Recently, at the China-Tajikistan Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, several Chinese doctors provided medical check-ups for local children with congenital heart defects. A 7-year-old girl named Osiya stepped into the consultation room and upon seeing the familiar faces, she quickly ran forward and bowed deeply to the Chinese doctors.

"Thank you, Chinese doctors, for restoring my health! Since receiving heart surgery in Urumqi, I can walk without getting tired, play shuttlecock with my friends, and even help out at home," Osiya said. She is one of the thousands of people benefiting from health cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This January, she and nine other children from Tajikistan with congenital heart defects went to the Third People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with their families to receive free treatment. All of them have gradually recovered.

Osiya will soon start primary school. She told the Chinese doctors that she would dedicate herself to her studies. She also aspires to be a doctor like them one day and help more people.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming)
China urges Philippines to stop inciting, hyping up bilateral maritime issues

Xinhua) 09:05, August 29, 2025

BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China calls upon the Philippines to cease hyping up the maritime issues between the two countries, and stop any infringement or provocation that might complicate the situation, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to the aggressive remarks made by officials from the Philippine government and military on the Ren'ai Jiao issue these days.

Noting that Ren'ai Jiao, as part of Nansha Qundao, is China's territory, Guo said the activities of Chinese ships in waters within China's jurisdiction are legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach.

Guo pointed out that by keeping its "warship" "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao for decades, the Philippines has continuously infringed on China's sovereignty, and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, especially Article 5 which says the parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the uninhabited islands and reefs.

China has from the very beginning demanded that the Philippines tow away the vessel and restore Ren'ai Jiao's state of hosting no personnel or facilities, Guo added.

In recent years, in a humanitarian spirit, China has permitted the Philippines' resupply of necessities if it commits itself to not sending construction materials to the "warship" and informs China in advance, and after on-site verification is conducted. China reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on that. This fully shows China's goodwill and sincerity to keep the situation at Ren'ai Jiao under control, Guo said.

But for quite some time, the Philippines' repeated infringement and provocation at sea have severely infringed on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, disrupted peace and stability at sea, and undermined the political foundation between the two countries on properly handling maritime issues, Guo said.

China is firmly resolved to defend its territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests, the spokesperson said.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
ST. CLOUD, Minn., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GeoComm, the trusted leader in public safety GIS data management, announced today that Morgan County, West Virginia has selected GeoComm to advance its Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) readiness. This new engagement underscores GeoComm's longstanding commitment to helping communities nationwide achieve safer, faster emergency response through precise and reliable GIS data solutions.

To strengthen NG9-1-1 readiness Morgan County is leveraging:

Comprehensive GIS Data Assessment to ensure county data aligns with national NG9-1-1 standards

Ongoing access to GeoComm's industry-leading GIS Data Management tools to maintain data accuracy and streamline integration with NG9-1-1 service providers

Automated Master Street Address Guide (MSAG) Development Service to support the transition to NG9-1-1

With GeoComm's GIS Data Analysis Report, Morgan County's GIS staff now have a clear roadmap to update and align their data with national standards. Leveraging GeoComm's GIS Data Hub, the county can independently generate quality control reports as they make progress over the next several months. This proactive approach ensures their data will be maintained at NG9-1-1 readiness long term.

Recognizing the importance of clean, authoritative GIS data for routing emergency calls, the county has also engaged GeoComm to deliver a new Master Street Address Guide (MSAG). Once local updates are complete, GeoComm will generate the MSAG from their validated GIS dataset, providing Morgan County and their NG9-1-1 service provider, INDigital, with accurate, dispatchable location information.

The initiative includes not only ongoing data quality reporting, but also Spatial Interface (SI) technology that automates the secure submission of GIS data directly to the NG9-1-1 service provider. This ensures streamlined workflows and reduces the potential for human error, giving first responders confidence in the accuracy of the information guiding their response.

"Morgan County's decision to partner with GeoComm demonstrates the importance of accurate, standards-based GIS data in protecting communities," said Bill McCullough, VP Sales & Marketing at GeoComm. "We are honored to support their mission to strengthen emergency response capabilities and proud to bring our decades of leadership in public safety GIS to West Virginia."

For over 30 years, GeoComm has partnered with state and local governments, PSAPs, and NG9-1-1 providers to deliver GIS solutions that improve emergency response when seconds matter most. The selection by Morgan County adds to the growing number of West Virginia communities choosing GeoComm to deliver trusted expertise, innovative technology, and unmatched customer support in advancing public safety.

About GeoComm

GeoComm, a leading provider of public safety GIS systems, empowers organizations to map, manage, and share critical location data for faster emergency response. With nearly three decades of experience and customers across the United States, GeoComm is dedicated to ensuring that every call for help is answered with the right location information, at the right time, for the right people.

SOURCE GeoComm, Inc
A longstanding Shelby County grocery store that caters to the areas Hispanic community could be closed by Pelham city leaders next month.

The city of Pelham has set a public hearing to revoke the business license for Mi Pueblo, a supermarket that has been in Pelham for 20 years.

While both the city and the store confirm the hearing, details remain murky over why the business is in jeopardy. Neither the city nor Mi Pueblo is saying much about the reason for the Sept. 8 revocation hearing.

The city has an obligation to its citizens to ensure that the laws and ordinances of the city and the state of Alabama are followed by all the citys citizens, both individual and corporate, Assistant City Manager Justin Smith said in a statement to AL.com. When an entity in Pelham is not in compliance with the laws and ordinances of the city or the state, city staff works diligently to assist those entities in ensuring they are in compliance.

The non-compliance is not a matter of public safety, city officials said. Meanwhile, the business remains open and operating as normal.

Smith said the business is aware of the issues that need to be resolved, and the city has communicated with the owners both before and after the notice was issued.

He stressed that the city rules are being enforced fairly, equitably, and uniformly for the benefit of all businesses, citizens, and residents of Pelham.

The city has communicated fairly and diligently with the entity on the steps necessary to achieve compliance, Smith said. We are hopeful that a successful resolution to this matter can be reached before the hearing date and look forward to working with Mi Pueblo in that regard.

Mi Pueblo Supermarket CEO Dulce Victoria Rivera said in a statement that her business is in talks with the city to resolve issues.

Mi Pueblo values its long-standing relationship with the city, and we are confident that through collaboration we will continue to serve as a trusted part of the community for many years to come, she said.

Threats to the store generated conversation on social media as fans commented on Mi Pueblos Facebook page. Customers offered support  and questions for the store.

What exactly are they accusing you guys of doing? one poster wrote. I cant find the answer to that question anywhere! Will you please share with us?

Others described the store as a valuable amenity, particularly to the areas Hispanic population.

Thank you for supporting and maintaining an atmosphere that reminds us of our homelands, one poster wrote in Spanish. In this country that doesnt love us, the existence of places like Mi Pueblo Supermarket is a reminder that we are better with tolerance and diversity.

Several writers said they planned to attend the hearing.

You have so much support and its amazing to see the impact Mi Pueblo has had over 20 years, another poster wrote. From feeding families in need to being a gathering place for celebrations, your commitment to the community is truly inspiring.

Mi Pueblo Supermarket describes itself as the largest multicultural store in Alabama with products from Mexico, Central and South America. The store also has a location in Homewood.
Huntsville resident Brian Williams looks over a map of the planned North Huntsville Greenway at an open house at City Hall on July 17, 2025. Scott Turner/AL.com

The Huntsville City Council approved three contracts totaling $3.8 million for work on greenway trails and a replacement railroad bridge that is part of the Pinhook Creek project.

The Council awarded a $1.76 million contract to Grayson Carter & Son of Athens for work on the Tollgate Trail Improvements project. The project includes 1.25 miles of asphalt bike path through the Land Trust of North Alabama on Monte Sano. Work will involve clearing, grading, drainage, asphalt paving, pavement marking, and traffic control.

This is the extension of our trail system that we are working on in partnership with the Land Trust and Huntsville Utilities, said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle. Huntsville Utilities is putting up $500,000. The Land Trust is putting up $500,000.

This is an exciting project, District 2 City Councilman David Little added. For people who have asked me for clarity if were going to be out there clear cutting the mountain, this is actually along the old Tollgate roadbed. I walked it with one of the mountain residents. Other than a few saplings and some stones, this is a pretty clear path. It will get people from the Land Trust parking lot on Bankhead (Parkway) all the way up safely.

Little said some people like to bike the roadbed.

This will be an alternative for them, he said. I think it will be a great addition to that area.

City Urban and Economic Director Shane Davis said the project will take a trail that is non-paved, non-gravel and put it in a hard surface not only to extend our greenway, but also to provide bicycle multimodal through that area of the city.

Meek Greenway project

The Council awarded a $1.8 million contract to the Rogers Group for work on the Meek Greenway project in north Huntsville near Alabama A&M. The Rogers Group will work on constructing a 1.5 mile, 12-foot wide multiuse path beginning at Sparkman Drive north to Stallworth Drive. The work will include a 10-car parking lot.

That project would not happen without some dedication of land by Alabama A&M, Davis said.  It is the first piece of the Northern Gateway Beltline that we just had public meetings about. This is one that has been in the works. We were finally able to get all of the right-of-way to get that started.

Both Grayson Carter & Son and the Rogers Group have other contracts with the city for paving projects.

Bridge replacement

The Council also approved a $321,000 contract with CSR Engineering for the engineering design and construction administration services for the replacement of the Peter Fagan Railroad Bridge over Pinhook Creek near Heart of Huntsville Drive to improve channel capacity.

The work is part of the $65 million Pinhook Creek PARC project that includes the Skybridge that is expected to be constructed across Memorial Drive and Governors Drive next year.

Phase one, which involves channel work, is expected to begin later this year. The bridge replacement is scheduled to take place sometime next year.
The fight against the Belle Mina quarry under construction is now heading to court in Indiana.

That is because the corporation set up by the property owners of the quarry off Mooresville Road feels there has been too much publicity about the effort to stop the quarry in social media and in the media. The quarry is being constructed about a half mile from the heart of the historic Limestone County community.

The corporation, Elephants R Us, is suing two of the churches involved in the quarry fight, Belle Mina Methodist and New Beginnings Covenant Ministries, Belle Mina Methodist Pastor Cody Gilliam and Mitchell-Frazier Farms Partnership Limited in Hamilton Superior Court in Indiana.

The plaintiffs claim the defendants interfered with a lease contract between Elephant R Us LLC and Stoned LLC, which is owned by the same family. Elephants R Us is asking for $1.6 million in damages plus attorneys fees and costs.

The defendants have been speaking out against the harmful impacts of the quarry to the press, on social media, and in administrative proceedings, which Elephants R Us claims improperly delayed the quarrys permits. The defendants unsuccessfully fought to keep the Alabama Department of Environmental Management from issuing Stoned LLC a permit to discharge water from the quarry site and Grayson Carter & Son a permit to emit air pollutants from the rock crushing site.

The Southern Environmental Law Center represents the churches and individuals sued in Indiana. It also represents them and two additional Belle Mina churches in a pending lawsuit against Stoned LLC, Grayson Carter & Son, Inc, and Elephants R Us in Limestone County Circuit Court. Elephants R Us sought to be dismissed from that case, but were denied by Circuit Judge Matthew Huggins.

We should all be concerned when people in positions of power use fear and intimidation to silence folks who dont agree with themespecially when those dissenting voices belong to faith communities, said Cody Gilliam, pastor of Belle Mina Methodist Church, in a statement sent out by the law center. We will not stop pushing back against the harmful impacts of this quarry.

We promised to take a stand against attempts by big businesses to bully and bulldoze our community, said Eddie Walton, pastor of New Beginnings Covenant Ministries. We wont stop defending Belle Mina against this reckless, harmful quarry.

Sarah Stokes, a senior attorney in SELCs Alabama office, said the churches and other citizens being sued by the property owners have exercised their First Amendment rights to bravely oppose the harmful impacts of this quarry.

Were asking the court to dismiss this frivolous case, Stokes said. We will continue to defend people whose way of living and places of worship are being upended by the harmful impacts of this quarry.

In the motion to dismiss, the defendants claim the Indiana court does not have jurisdiction.

According to Indiana Secretary of State records, Elephants R Us is registered as an Indiana LLC, but its principal place of business in Huntsville and the governing member is a Huntsville resident.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen delivers his inaugural speech during inaugural ceremonies, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023 in Montgomery, Ala. (Photo/Stew Milne) Stew Milne

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen will appeal a federal court ruling requiring the state to redraw its Senate district map because the judge ruled the Montgomery portion of the map violates the Voting Rights Act.

Lawyers for Allen on Wednesday notified the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama of their plan to appeal.

Allen will also ask the court to put its judgment about the Voting Rights violation on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court rules in a Louisiana redistricting case, a decision that could have an impact on cases in Alabama and other states.

The Louisiana case is scheduled for argument before the justices on Oct. 15.

U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco, a President Trump appointee, ruled last week that the Montgomery section of Alabamas state Senate map violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because Black voters have less of an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice than other voters.

In a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Alabama, the Legal Defense Fund, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, Manasco blocked the state from conducting a state Senate election using the current map.

The Montgomery districts are District 25, represented by Sen. Will Barfoot, a white Republican, and District 26, represented by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, a Black Democrat.

The plaintiffs claimed that the district map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, in part by unnecessarily packing Black voters into District 26.

The plaintiffs also claimed the Huntsville portion of the map violated Section 2, but Manasco ruled that it did not.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act says minority voters must have the same opportunities as other voters to elect candidates of their choosing.

Manasco said the Legislature would have an opportunity to draw a new map to fix the violation.

Lawmakers are not scheduled to meet until January, but Gov. Kay Ivey could call a special session.

Secretary Allen does not know at this time if the Alabama Legislature will avail itself of the opportunity to draw a remedial map, Allens lawyers wrote in a report to the court.

Counsel have communicated with Legislative leadership and with the Governors office and understand that Legislators are actively discussing the matter and considering their options.

In the Louisiana case, the U.S. Supreme Court could set a new precedent for how the Voting Rights Act applies to political districts, possibly putting new limits on the scope of the 60-year-old law.

See more: How Alabamas historic congressional map still faces uncertainty amid redistricting battles

Manascos ruling on Alabamas state Senate districts follows a federal court ruling a few years ago that Alabamas congressional district map most likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

In that case, the Legislature drew a new map, but it did not follow the courts guidance on adding a second district that was majority Black or close to it.

A three-judge panel, including Manasco, then approved another map drawn by a special master appointed by the court.

That led to the election of Shomari Figures of Mobile as the second Democrat and second Black member of Alabamas seven-member U.S. House delegation.

In the state Senate district case, Manasco has given the Legislature similar guidelines to what the judges spelled out in the congressional case, guidelines the Legislature did not follow.

As the Legislature considers such plans, it should be mindful of the practical reality, based on the ample evidence of intensely racially polarized voting adduced during the trial, that any remedial plan will need to include an additional district in the Montgomery area in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it, Manasco wrote.

While Alabamas battle over congressional districts was important nationally because of the narrow margin that decides control of the U.S. House, the fight over the state Senate districts will not have those consequences.

Republicans hold 27 of 35 seats and would still have a dominant majority if they lost a Montgomery seat.

Lawyers for Allen said the state would need a new map by Nov. 17 in order to be ready for the May 19, 2026 primary, when all 140 seats in the Legislature are on the ballot.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs disputed that the state would need six months to prepare for the election with a new map.
A protester holds a sign about Ashli Babbitt while participating in a political rally on July 25, 2021, in New York City. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images/TNS) TNS

The United States Air Force has offered full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot dead by police as she protested Joe Bidens 2020 election win over Donald Trump on Jan. 6 four years ago.

Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Lohmeier on social media described the move as long overdue, reversing a Biden-era decision that had apparently denied Babbitt military funeral honors.

After reviewing the circumstances of Ashlis death, and considering the information that has come forward since then, I am persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect, Lohmeier said. Additionally, I would like to invite you and your family to meet me at the Pentagon to personally offer my condolences.

While the specifics of what will be provided are unclear, military honors typically include a uniformed detail at the funeral, the playing of Taps, as well as the folding and presentation of a U.S. flag.

Babbitt was among a mob made up of hundreds of pro-Trump protesters who breached the U.S. Capitol in a bid to block the certification of President Joe Bidens electoral win. She had a Trump flag wrapped around her shoulders and was attempting to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speakers Lobby when she was shot by Capitol Police Lt. Michael Byrd.

Byrd was cleared of all liability by federal prosecutors and an internal Capitol Police investigation.

In May, the Trump administration agreed to pay just under $5 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit that her family filed over her shooting.

Babbitt spent four years on active duty from 2004 to 2008 and then served in the Air Force Reserves from 2008 to 2010, and the Air National Guard from 2010 to 2016, CNN reported. She deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, Iraq in 2006, and the United Arab Emirates in 2012 and 2014. She was 35 years old at the time of her death.

With News Wire Services

2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Children look at the Star Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the lyrics of the American national anthem, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

Most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trumps proposed review of the Smithsonian Institutions museums, which he derided as WOKE, according to new polling.

In the latest Quinnipiac University survey, 60% of respondents said they oppose the Trump administration conducting a comprehensive internal review of museum exhibits.

Meanwhile, 33% said they support this, and 7% said they were not sure.

Responses largely broke along partisan lines. Ninety-four percent of Democrats and 66% of independents said they were against Trumps review, while 68% of Republicans said they were in favor.

The poll sampled 1,220 registered voters Aug. 21-25 and has a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.

The Smithsonian saga began on Aug. 12, when the White House announced it would lead an internal review of certain museum exhibits. The purpose, it said, is to ensure museums are promoting American exceptionalism and avoiding partisan narratives.

A week later, Trump himself called out the Smithsonian  which houses the American History Museum and the African American History and Culture Museum, among over a dozen others  in a post on Truth Social, describing it as the last remaining segment of WOKE.

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, he added.

On Aug. 21, the White House published a document titled President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian. It highlights specific exhibits the administration opposes, including a painting of a family illegally crossing the southern border and an animation of Anthony Fauci.

In response, some Democrats have pushed back against Trumps proposed review.

In a democracy, one person does not rule our thoughts, values, and beliefs, nor dictate how history should be recorded and interpreted, Rep. Chellie Pingree from Maine wrote in an Aug. 15 letter to the president. I strongly urge you to rescind this proposed review and instead work to advance the curatorial independence that has served the Smithsonian Institution well for over 175 years and made it an Institution the public can trust.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz  who ran on Vice President Kamala Harris ticket in 2024  wrote on X, If youre trying to erase history, youre on the wrong side of it.

_____

2025 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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The brand new ABC special Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts premieres on the network Friday, Aug. 29 at 8/7c.

The hour-long special is hosted by ABCs Good Morning America anchor, Robin Roberts, and follows the broadcaster as she takes to the road to offer viewers a look back on one of the most devastating catastrophes in U.S. history.

How to watch Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm with Robin Roberts

Cord cutters looking to catch the upcoming special can find it and other ABC content available for streaming through Fubo and DirecTVboth of which offer free trials to new subscribers.

Fubo is a popular live TV streaming service that appeals to cord cutters looking to enjoy a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features. Starting at $84.99 a month after its free trial, this popular streaming service offers users over 100 live TV channels through its base package and includes helpful features like unlimited DVR.

DirecTV is one of the leading streaming platforms taking the industry by storm. With plans starting at $86.99 after its 5-day free trial, DirecTV offers a plethora of live TV channels, tailor-made genre packs to slim down filler overload, and a load of other appealing features.

More on Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm

According to an ABC press release, during the special, viewers will tag alongside Roberts as she makes her way around the Gulf Coast for a deeper look at the region 20 years after the catastrophe.

With two decades of reporting under her belt, Roberts revisits the storms enduring impact, sharing hard truths, inspiring stories of resilience, and powerful updates on a community still rebuilding after one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in American history.

Additionally, Roberts will visit New Orleans and speak with Grammy Award-winner Harry Connick Jr. to examine how the citys famed Jazz Fest resumed in the years following the deadly storm. From there, Roberts will head to her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi to speak with Chipper McDermott, the towns former mayor, about what the rebuilding process was like after the storm.

Others interviews featured in the special include artists Trombone Shorty, Tank from Tank & The Bangas, and Branford Marsalis.






La version de Dja FM



Dans un communique publie le 27 aout, Dja FM affirme faire face a une plainte de la CNDH qui laccuse davoir diffuse une information  erronee . La radio denonce une tentative de museler la presse et assure que son reportage sappuyait sur le temoignage de Mahamat Becher Mahamat, charge de communication de lONG Action pour la paix et les droits humains, qui affirme avoir ete brutalise par des agents en faction a la CNDH.





Dja FM souligne que Mahamat Becher a lui-meme porte plainte, et que devant la police judiciaire, des agents de la Garde nationale et nomade ont reconnu les faits et presente des excuses. La radio deplore par ailleurs des difficultes recurrentes a obtenir des reactions officielles de la CNDH, malgre plusieurs tentatives de contact, y compris aupres de son president Belngar Larme Laguerre.





La replique de la CNDH



Deux jours plus tard, le 29 aout, la CNDH a publie un communique cinglant, qualifiant les propos de Dja FM  dinexactitudes . Linstitution affirme quelle na jamais ete sollicitee pour donner sa version des faits et reproche a la radio davoir construit son reportage sur un temoignage  incomplet et partial .





La CNDH assure avoir reclame un droit de reponse des le 6 aout, mais sans suite de la part de la redaction de Dja FM. Elle conteste egalement que des agents de la Garde nationale aient reconnu leur responsabilite et insiste au contraire que ce sont Mahamat Becher et son accompagnateur qui auraient presente leurs excuses, incapables de prouver les violences alleguees.





Dja FM estime quelle est victime dune  cabale  visant a la reduire au silence, tandis que la CNDH insiste sur le respect du code de deontologie journalistique, rappelant que le principe dequilibre de linformation est  sacre .
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuberger Berman High Yield Strategies Fund Inc. (NYSE American: NHS) (the "Fund") has announced a distribution declaration of $0.0905 per share of common stock. The distribution announced today is payable on September 30, 2025, has a record date of September 15, 2025, and has an ex-date of September 15, 2025.

Under its level distribution policy, the Fund anticipates that it will make regular monthly distributions, subject to market conditions, of $0.0905 per share of common stock, unless further action is taken to determine another amount. The Fund's ability to maintain its current distribution rate will depend on a number of factors, including the amount and stability of income received from its investments, the cost of leverage and the level of other Fund fees and expenses. There is no assurance that the Fund will always be able to pay a distribution of any particular amount or that a distribution will consist only of net investment income.

Due to an effort to maintain a stable distribution amount, the distribution announced today, as well as future distributions, may consist of net investment income, net realized capital gains and return of capital. In compliance with Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, a notice would be provided for any distribution that does not consist solely of net investment income. The notice would be for informational purposes and not for tax reporting purposes, and would disclose, among other things, estimated portions of the distribution, if any, consisting of net investment income, capital gains and return of capital. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of all distributions paid in 2025 will be made after the end of the year.

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $538 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger's investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The firm has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information, including www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for information on awards. Data as of June 30, 2025.

Statements made in this release that look forward in time involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the adverse effect from a decline in the securities markets or a decline in the Fund's performance, a general downturn in the economy, competition from other closed end investment companies, changes in government policy or regulation, inability of the Fund's investment adviser to attract or retain key employees, inability of the Fund to implement its investment strategy, inability of the Fund to manage rapid expansion and unforeseen costs and other effects related to legal proceedings or investigations of governmental and self-regulatory organizations.

Contact:

Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC

Investor Information

(877) 461-1899

SOURCE Neuberger Berman
SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Overland AI has been awarded a vendor position for the UxS Autonomous Maneuver Program, the U.S. Army's latest effort to evaluate autonomous capabilities using upfits on the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). This program was awarded by the Government through the National Advanced Mobility Consortium, Inc. (NAMC) and will serve as a proving ground for the Army to assess not only the reliability and robustness of commercial autonomy, but also its ability to deliver real operational value to Soldiers in the field.

"UxS is a significant milestone in shaping the Army's ground autonomy portfolio," said Stephanie Bonk, co-founder and president of Overland AI. "We are excited to deliver true off-road capability and continue to build trust with Soldiers through reliable performance and enhanced mission outcomes."

Founded in late 2022, Overland AI has rapidly established itself as a leader in autonomous off-road maneuver. The company has deployed autonomy at the highest speeds, across the most challenging terrain, and with the broadest range of mission demonstrations in the sector. This momentum is driven by a uniquely qualified team that combines expertise from decorated military veterans as well as scientists and engineers who have spent the last two decades shaping the frontiers of autonomous mobility. With roots in the DARPA RACER program, Overland's work introduced a step change in autonomous maneuver performance and has consistently emphasized close iteration with Soldiers to ensure that autonomy is designed and tested against operational realities.

"This program is a pioneering effort that aligns deeply with Overland's core focus on rapid innovation and close iteration with warfighters," said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. "Since our founding nearly three years ago, Overland has consistently tackled the hardest problems in ground autonomy, challenges that remained unsolved for decades. We are ready to put that work to the test and continue to deliver mission-critical capabilities that deliver effects and reduce risk to our warfighters."

The UxS Autonomous Maneuver Program includes a six-month integration with a Transforming in Contact (TiC) unit, well suited for the program given its real-world operational experience using the ISV. As an infantry brigade, its mission set emphasizes mobility, agility, and off-road maneuver, which are ideal conditions to test autonomous ISV performance in Combat Training Center (CTC) rotations.

The ISV provides an excellent foundation for this evaluation: a proven, familiar platform layered with autonomy that is modular and adaptable to a wide variety of payloads for complex mission needs.

"Future conflicts will likely involve the proliferation of uncrewed systems in contested environments. Soldiers need reliable and robust autonomy now to ensure their advantage and increase safety," said Chris Higgins, director of business development at Overland AI. "Overland was built to deliver exactly that. We look forward to partnering with the Army and the TiC unit to reduce risk to force and increase the lethality of our Army's greatest asset: its people."

Overland AI is delivering autonomous ground vehicle technology to units across the U.S. Army, as well as to elements of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Command.

These engagements span the full spectrum of missions and environments, reinforcing Overland AI's role in shaping the future of ground autonomy. In parallel, the company is advancing new capabilities with DARPA, DIU, and Army Futures Command to enable any vehicle, in any terrain, for any mission.

To learn more about Overland and see open roles, visit www.overland.ai.

Media contact: Peter Winzeler, [email protected]

About Overland AI

Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI builds autonomous land systems to defend the United States and its allies. The company is addressing one of the most difficult and unsolved challenges in defense technology: off-road autonomy. This technology removes warfighters from harm's way by taking on missions that put them at greatest risk. Overland's team combines top engineers from the self-driving industry with veterans of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Their technical expertise and operational experience underpin relentless field testing with end users to advance autonomy for navigating off-road, in GPS-denied environments, and without direct operator control. Warfighters can operate multiple attritable vehicles with modular mission payloads in minutes. Overland AI spans the full stack across autonomy software, the sensors and control systems that enable perception and maneuver, and in-house manufacturing to deliver autonomy at speed and scale.

About NAMC

The National Advanced Mobility Consortium, Inc. (NAMC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, member driven consortium that provides professional opportunities and connections that result in cutting-edge technology for the United States Military. As one of the longest-serving Department of Defense (DoD) consortiums, NAMC acts as a bridge between the DoD and the member organizations that foster member-driven innovations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and victory for the US Military. For more information about NAMC, please visit www.NAMConsortium.org.

Disclaimers

This effort was sponsored by the U.S. Government under Other Transaction number W912CH-25-9-F018 with The National Advanced Mobility Consortium, Inc. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation herein.

The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government, The National Advanced Mobility Consortium, Inc., or any of its members.

SOURCE Overland AI
For years, many Android users have looked on with a touch of envy at the seamless magnetic accessory ecosystem on iPhones. Some Android phones have already offered magnetic compatibility. However, the experience has often been a bit unreliable. Accessories like wallets and battery packs had a tendency to slide around, never feeling quite secure. Fortunately, Google has taken a step forward to solve this in the recently released Pixel 10 by including the lock magnet for iPhones.

When Google launched the Qi2-compatible Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, many users were excited but also had a small, lingering question: would these new phones include a lock magnet to keep accessories firmly in place, just like on iPhones?

As 9to5google highlights, the answer is a resounding yes.

Google Pixel 10 series has iPhone-like lock magnets for Qi2 accessories

Most magnetic accessories rely on a main ring of magnets for their basic grip. This ring handles the heavy lifting, allowing the accessory to attach and align for things like wireless charging. However, as iPhone users have long known, theres a secondary, smaller magnet positioned underneath the main ring. This is the magnet that truly locks an accessory in place. It prevents it from rotating or sliding down the back of the device during use.

Well, Google has included this exact same secondary magnet on the Pixel 10. This small but critical detail means you can now confidently attach your favorite wallets, kickstands, and battery banks without worrying about them shifting.

This is a huge step forward for the entire Android ecosystem. While the Pixel 10 is paving the way, this technology is part of the official Qi2 standard. This means its not a temporary Google-only feature. Were talking about a change that could benefit many other Android phones in the future. In fact, rumors suggest that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 series could also include this magnetic system.

With the Pixel 10, Google has done more than just add a new hardware feature; its helped bring a long-awaited quality-of-life improvement to Android accessories. We hope to see this system on more and more Android devices in the coming months.
Samsungs Exynos 2600 will be the first chip built on Samsung Foundrys 2nm GAA fabrication process. While the South Korean giant hasnt shared any numbers that speak about the performance, reports hint at improvements to the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) compared to the previous generation. Hinting at whats on the horizon, Samsungs upcoming 2nm chip has now reportedly appeared on a benchmark. The scores suggest that Exynos 2600 performance may finally match the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2.

Exynos 2600 performance may almost match Snapdragon 8 Elite 2

The Exynos 2600 SoC reportedly made an appearance on the Geekbench 6 platform. This shows the chip was able to achieve a single-core score of 3,309, while the multi-core score is 11,256. For comparison, the Exynos 2500 was able to score 2,358 and 8,211 points in the single and multi-core rounds. The Exynos 2600 setup includes six cores running at 2.76 GHz, three cores at 3.26 GHz, and a prime core at 3.80 GHz.

If these numbers are true, the chip could be slightly above the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 while almost matching the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. For context, Qualcomms upcoming silicon flexed its power on the Galaxy S26 Edge with a score of 3,393 and 11,515 points. The setup on this includes six cores at 3.63GHz and a single core at 4.74GHz.

Samsung is finally catching up

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is only slightly faster than the Exynos 2600. With a little bit of tweaking before making it official, the Samsung chip has every chance to surpass it. With the Exynos 2600, the tech giant appears to be finally offering significantly improved performance compared to the predecessor. However, we still need to see how Samsung handles the power consumption. This has historically been one of the major concerns.

Lastly, the Exynos 2600 will reportedly power the Galaxy S26 models in select regions, but not in the US. The Qualcomm chip will be common among all local models.
Samsung and Intel are known for having a troublesome journey in the semiconductor field. Both companies are often overshadowed by NVIDIA, AMD, and TSMC. However, things might change soon as Samsung is reportedly planning to invest in Intels packaging technology. The two companies could team up to better compete with their rivals.

Samsung considers using Intels packaging and glass substrate technology

As per the information shared by BusinessPost, Samsung is considering making use of Intels packaging and glass substrate technology. The company mainly wants to focus on the glass substrate tech, as this is an area where Intel has dominated consistently. The packaging process may be used in the production lines that are being set up in the US.

The Chairman of Samsung Electronics, Jay Y. Lee, will be visiting the US soon. He will be part of South Koreas economic delegation for the business summit. This strategic partnership between the two companies may be announced at the summit. This could not only give a boost to the respective companys chip manufacturing but could heat up the competition as well.

The tie-up between the brand might be a problem for the competitors

While the two companies are often overshadowed by others, it doesnt mean they have inferior tech or weaker production lines. Samsung is known for having one of the best front-end chip manufacturing, while Intel is popular for its back-end manufacturing. Front-end involves placing the wafers and circuit in place, whereas the back-end is more about packaging and testing.

If both companies bring the best of their worlds, it can surely result in the development of a powerful semiconductor. Something that the competitors dont want. Samsung currently relies on other back-end companies for the packaging process, and shifting that to Intel could really up its game.

Glass substrates, on the other hand, are a newer surface tech that happens to be smoother, thinner, and comes with high thermal density compared to the plastic substrate. Both of these combined could give some really good results for Samsung and Intel.
Sonys upcoming handheld, which is currently being referred to as the PS6 handheld unofficially, is rumored to be dockable, according to some new leaked information about the device. The PS6 handheld has yet to be confirmed by Sony. As of right now, the only handheld the company acknowledges is the PlayStation Portal. At least when it comes to the hardware that its currently selling.

However, there have been more than a couple of rumors now pointing to a different handheld device for the PlayStation brand, only this one will allow gamers to play games locally on the device. Rumors about the devices possible performance have popped up before, but this newly leaked information has more details, complete with more confident information about what hardware you could compare the upcoming device to. Turns out, Sonys PS6 handheld might be more powerful than initially anticipated. Its also rumored to be taking a page out of Nintendos book.

The PS6 handheld will be dockable like the Nintendo Switch 2

Details about the handheld and its features come from Moores Law Is Dead, a YouTube channel that has been the source for more than a few leaks revolving around the PS5 Pro and PS6, as well as this handheld and various other game-related products.

That being said, these details still arent confirmed by Sony. So take the information with a grain of salt until everything is more concrete. According to Moores Law is Dead, the console will be dockable like a Nintendo Switch 2. This does not mean Sony is replacing a proper non-handheld console with this new one. Rather, it will be offering both the main home console and this handheld as options that can synergize with each other. The specs information also states that when docked, the handhelds APU will operate at a higher clock speed. So, this could translate to better performance when docked as opposed to when its not.

Performance could be better than the ROG Xbox Ally X and the PS5 in some cases

The other key detail to pull away from Moores Law is dead is the performance comparisons. Based on the information they have, the PS6 handheld could outperform the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X. In some cases, it could outperform the PS5. Though, according to Wccftech, this would be after specific patches are put out for certain games. This is a bit different from the previous estimation that it would have half the performance of a PS5. That might still be the case, though, prior to these patches that are mentioned.

This performance would be thanks to the AMD Canis APU powering the handheld. Its rumored to run on a monolithic 135mm square die from TSMC. The handheld is also expected to have somewhere around 16GB or 24GB of RAM, and an estimated cost of $399 to $499. Additionally, its said to have backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5 games.
Angela Rayner pictured at the weekend in Hove, where she has just bought a flat - Dan Charity/The Sun on Sunday

Angela Rayner saved 40,000 in stamp duty on her new seaside flat after telling tax authorities it was her main home, The Telegraph can disclose.

The Deputy Prime Minister is understood to have removed her name from the deeds of her house in Greater Manchester a few weeks before buying an 800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex.

The changes enabled Ms Rayner to avoid paying 70,000 in stamp duty, which would have been applicable if Hove was her second home. Instead, she is thought to have paid 30,000 in stamp duty, saving her 40,000 in the process.

But she has also told Tameside council in Manchester that her constituency house remains her primary residence and informed Brighton and Hove council that her apartment there was a second home for council tax purposes.

Although the changes are entirely legal, the arrangements will raise questions over whether she has deliberately conducted her property affairs to pay less stamp duty and council tax.

On Friday, a Government minister insisted Ms Rayners actions were not an issue but some in Labour warned that her actions would only add to growing distrust in the party.

One Labour MP said that the revelations about Ms Rayner really dont look good and would add to public anger with the party at a difficult time for the Government.

They told The Telegraph: For ordinary people who are struggling, it doesnt correspond to how people live their lives. Shes got a house in Ashton, a flat in London and now shes got a house in Brighton.

These options arent available to ordinary people and I dont think MPs or ministers or even the Deputy Prime Minister should live a life that is so far away from the lives of ordinary people.

It breeds resentment, and understandably. I think there is a serious danger it will become a further distraction. We all have to think about every single action we take to make sure that it doesnt deepen the sense of distrust that already exists in the country.

Ms Rayner is thought to have paid 30,000 in stamp duty on the flat in Hove, close to Brighton beach (above) - E+

Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative Party chairman, said: Her three electoral registrations are a sham, cooked up to help her dodge council tax.

She wants higher taxes on family homes, but doesnt want to pay it herself. As the minister in charge of election law and council tax, three votes Rayner cannot be a law-maker and a law-breaker.

We are calling on the council to strike her from the electoral roll to safeguard the integrity of elections, and remove the fig leaf she is using to avoid paying council tax.

A surcharge on stamp duty for second home owners was introduced by the previous Tory government in 2016, the rate of which was raised by Rachel Reeves, the current Chancellor, last October in a move designed to target the wealthy and boost revenue for the Treasury.

At the weekend, sources close to Ms Rayner insisted that the constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester was her primary residence for council tax purposes. That designation means she avoids paying council tax on a second home, her grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House, central London.

She is facing further scrutiny over which of her three homes is her primary residence, with the Tories accusing her of breaking electoral law to avoid paying council tax on her grace-and-favour home.

On Thursday, Ms Rayners spokesman repeatedly refused to say how much stamp duty she had paid on the Hove flat but denied any wrongdoing.

A spokesman for Ms Rayner said: The Deputy Prime Minister paid the correct duty owed on the purchase, entirely properly and in line with all relevant requirements. Any suggestion otherwise is entirely without basis.

Sources said she had followed all advice and complied with longstanding rules at all times, and paid all relevant and required taxes.

The Telegraph investigation shows alterations are being made to the Land Registry on her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne, which have not yet been made public. The official register states: Applications are pending in HM Land Registry, which have not been completed against this title.

Ms Rayner says her home in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester is her primary residence for council tax purposes - Guzelian Ltd

The application to vary the ownership is understood to have been made before the purchase of the Hove flat on May 1 this year.

There is a three-year grace period in which second home owners can claim the surcharge back if they sell their first property within that time.

Sources close to Ms Rayner said her living arrangements were a result of her working in multiple locations  both as a constituency MP and as a secretary of state.

They pointed out that she had never owned any property in or near London, which explained why she bought the apartment in Hove. Her partner, Sam Tarry, a former Labour MP, previously lived nearby with his ex-wife.

Sources close to Ms Rayner have acknowledged that she does pay the second homes council tax premium on the Hove flat, the existence of which has led to scrutiny of her living arrangements. She is registered to vote at all three locations  in Ashton, Hove and London.

Ms Rayner has now been accused by the Tories of breaking electoral law to avoid paying council tax on Admiralty House.

Under a convention, the council tax bill for Ms Rayners flat in Admiralty House is covered by the taxpayer because it is designated as a second home. This arrangement hinges on her claim that her family home in Ashton-under-Lyne is her primary residence.

There is no requirement that she must own the Ashton-under-Lyne home, where her children stay with her ex-husband Mark Rayner, for it to be designated her main residence. She said in a magazine interview last year that she was in the process of divorcing Mr Rayner.

The Conservatives on Thursday night initiated a legal process to have Ms Rayner struck off the electoral roll in Ashton-under-Lyne on the basis that she does not meet the legal tests for living there.

If she is removed from the register in her constituency, she could become personally liable for the council tax bill on her grace-and-favour home in London.

The Tories claim that the electoral registrations are unlawful based on election law and case law. While MPs and students are allowed to have two residences, the party says there is no precedent for someone to have three if they do not actually live at the third.

Under the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, a local elector can dispute and challenge an entry on the electoral roll.

As the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ms Rayner is the minister with responsibility for election law, as well as council tax.

Council urged to strike Rayner off roll

If the application to strike Ms Rayner from the electoral roll in Tameside is successful, the Tories say this will collapse the house of cards by which she has avoided paying council tax on the Admiralty House flat.

This is because she will be eligible to vote in Westminster and Hove but not her constituency, making it more difficult to justify Ashton-under-Lyne as her main home for tax purposes.

The council in Ashton-under-Lyne says it considers time spent at the property, both in length and regularity of visit as well as where the person is on the electoral roll when determining someones primary residence.

Taxpayers pick up the council tax bill for Ms Rayners flat in Admiralty House - Alamy Stock Photo

If she is forced to designate her London flat as her main home, Ms Rayner would have to foot the council tax bill herself, which would ordinarily be 2,000 per year.

The Government is currently paying double that on Ms Rayners behalf because the flat is designated as her second home, making it liable for the second homes council tax premium implemented by Labour this year.

A local elector, who wishes to remain anonymous, has written to the chief executive of Tameside council urging him to strike Ms Rayner from the electoral roll.

The letter, seen by The Telegraph, argues that Ms Rayner does not meet the residence qualifications for registration in Tameside.

It states that, as of August 2025, she is registered to vote in Hove and London as well as Ashton-under-Lyne.

The London entry is for her previous rental flat in Westminster, which she treated as her second home before she was granted use of Admiralty House. It is understood Ms Rayner notified Westminster council that she had vacated the property when she moved to her grace-and-favour home.

Admiralty House, a Grade I listed building in Whitehall, was once used by Winston Churchill - Dominic Lipinski

Ms Rayner has added herself to the register in Hove, but remains on the roll in London and Ashton-under-Lyne. The letter argues that this implies a degree of permanence to her Hove occupation, and means she will have three options for where she votes in next years local elections.

It states: Whilst it is established in law that one can have two entries on the electoral roll (e.g. students and MPs), I would question whether it is lawful to be on the electoral roll in three places.

There is no explicit ban on registering to vote in three locations under electoral law.

However, the letter points to case law which suggests that the concept of residence for electoral purposes is defined as the place where someone continues to live, the place where he sleeps and shelters and has his home.

The Tories argue that Ms Rayner is breaking the law by designating Ashton-under-Lyne as her residence because she is not habitually residing there, and generally sleeps and shelters and has her home in London and in Hove.

Guidance from the Electoral Commission states: Having a second home doesnt necessarily mean that you can register there as well as at your permanent address.

A persons name may appear on the electoral register only if they reside at an address within the electoral area.

Residence is not defined in law; however, in England and Wales it has been held by the courts to entail a considerable degree of permanence.

We rarely see her, say neighbours

The letter to Tameside council also points out that neighbours have reported that Ms Rayner is rarely at her Ashton-under-Lyne property.

In an interview with The Times in February, Ms Rayner said her children come to visit her in London, and said one of her sons would be joining a call with her later that evening because its the only way he can get to see me.

The letter says it is therefore reasonable to infer that Ms Rayner spends the majority of her time working in London, with breaks spent in Hove.

No shame

Kirstie Allsopp, a property expert and the host of Location, Location, Location, wrote on social media: This Government have no shame. They imposed taxes on the rest of us but find ways not to pay them themselves.

But on the morning media round for the Government on Friday, Stephen Kinnock, the care minister, insisted Ms Rayners actions were above board.

Mr Kinnock told LBCs Nick Ferrari: The Deputy Prime Minister has made it absolutely clear shes done absolutely nothing wrong.

I do wonder sometimes about some of the newspapers that are out there that just seem to be constantly looking to dig out stories about the Deputy Prime Minister.

He added: My understanding in the statement from the Prime Ministers office is that shes done nothing wrong.

'You're telling me this doesn't have a stink to it?'

@NickFerrariLBC presses Labour's @SKinnock over reports Angela Rayner has 'dodged' 40,000 of stamp duty. pic.twitter.com/zuORC2w7ue  LBC (@LBC) August 29, 2025

A source close to Ms Rayner said: Her home in Ashton-under-Lyne is her primary residence, and where she has been registered to vote for over a decade, entirely properly and within the rules.

A Labour source said: This official complaint from the Conservative Party will leave senior Tory MPs to explain why they themselves registered to vote in what they describe as second homes to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority when claiming for their own bills  including council tax. The hypocrisy is as stunning as the stupidity.
Some of the Deputy PMs constituency neighbours claim not to have laid eyes on her in years - Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP

Angela Rayners neighbours havent seen her for weeks. At least not at her so-called primary residence, the one she says is her main home. Or at least her main home if youre the local Tameside council in Greater Manchester.

In the suburban street in Ashton-under-Lyne, made up of attractive red brick bungalows and older terraced houses, the locals are a little perplexed that the Deputy Prime Minister is still insisting that this is where she lives.

The last sighting  and The Telegraph accepts that its door-to-door survey is not entirely scientific  appears to be a little over two weeks ago. Some claim not to have laid eyes on her in years.

But this quiet street is where Ms Rayner officially calls home. Except, as The Telegraph has disclosed, she no longer owns the house there. On Jan 31, Ms Rayner, 45, who is also Secretary of State for Housing, withdrew her name from the propertys deeds, submitting the document to the Land Registry a few weeks later on March 13.

The 650,000 house in Ashton-under-Lyne that Ms Rayner officially calls home, though her name is not on the deeds - Asadour Guzelian for The Telegraph

The latest deeds are unavailable for public viewing  the Land Registry is still ratifying the change of ownership  but it is understood the 650,000 house is now owned by Mark Rayner, from whom Ms Rayner is divorced, and by a trust set up by the Rayners for their children a few years ago.

Then on May 1, Ms Rayner bought herself a flat at the seaside. Not the Lancashire seaside, mind you, but instead an 800,000 apartment in Hove on the East Sussex coast, some 270 miles away.

As good fortune would have it, by removing herself from the home in Ashton-under-Lyne, Ms Rayner saved herself 40,000 in tax when buying the Hove flat. Instead of paying 70,000 in stamp duty owed on a second home had her name still been on the Ashton deeds, she paid 30,000 instead.

Except it gets more complicated, because for the purposes of her council tax, Ms Rayner still insists that the Ashton-under-Lyne house is her primary residence.

Neighbours are not so sure. They wonder how an ex-wife who no longer has any financial stake in a property can call it a primary residence when she barely ever appears to be there.

How can she represent a constituency when she doesnt live here? said James Lee, 82, a retired engineer, who lives two doors down. And now she has just severed another tie by taking her name off the deeds. So shes wriggling.

To me, shes like every other politician. They are in it for themselves. Whatever she can squirrel away, she will. He claims not to have seen Ms Rayner since 2019.

Over the road, Martin Gill, 64, a warehouse manager, struggles to recall when he last saw his famous neighbour. He wonders if it wasnt some years ago.

Her success at reducing her stamp duty hasnt endeared Ms Rayner to him. Its like legal crime, he said. They think they can just get away with it, dont they? It is a little bit surprising to me. I have more trust in people than most.

Its usually the case that MPs have a home in the place they live, isnt it? It will mean she hasnt got a clue whats going on in the streets.

Martin Gill, 64, a warehouse manager, struggled to recall when he last saw his famous neighbour - Asadour Guzelian

Another local, Stephen Harrop, 54, who works in banking, said: Shes the worlds biggest hypocrite and she couldnt care less about her constituency. I think what shes done is bang out of order I actually think she knows she will lose her seat to Reform at the next election and thats part of the reason she has bought this property [in Hove].

Phil, 34, a gas fitter living opposite the Rayner residence, had seen the Deputy Prime Minister more recently, around mid-August when shed been up visiting her children. She is there more than people think, he said, but its her husband who lives there with the kids. Shes friendly enough. She waves, shes polite.

The most recent sightings of Ms Rayner have been in Hove, spotted sipping wine on the beach or else in the sea in a kayak, puffing (or is it sucking?) on a vape. Sam Tarry, her new partner and a former Labour MP, has connections to Hove.

It is unclear why Ms Rayner took herself off the ownership of the Ashton-under-Lyne house. Back in 2023, it was valued officially at 650,000. So its quite possible she took money out of that to pay for Hove.

But as critics will argue, among them the Conservative opposition, it makes it harder and harder for her to argue that Ashton is her primary residence.

Lets be clear, its the house her ex-husband lives in and owns (along with a mystery trust) and in which she appears to have no financial stake, about 200 miles from her Monday-to-Friday workplace in central London.

The Tories smell a rat. They have written to Tameside councils chief executive, demanding Ms Rayner be removed from the local electoral roll.

This is on the grounds, complained Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative Party chairman, that the person does not meet the residence qualifications for registration.

He pointed out that down in Hove, she had been photographed frequently in the area and reported socialising in the area.

Moreover, he said: Ms Rayners Ashton-under-Lyne property is not her permanent home address. She is substantively absent from that address.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Tory party chairman, says Ms Rayner should be removed from the electoral roll in Ashton-under-Lyne - Martin Pope/Getty Images

Ms Rayner remains insistent that Ashton is her primary residence, largely because her children live there. Her aides also point out that there is no requirement to own a share of a property to designate it as your main residence.

With that insistence comes the nicety that there is no council tax to pay on her Admiralty Arch flat (under a ministerial convention) if it is only a secondary home, saving her about 2,000 a year in council tax.

There are other tax implications in determining a primary residence and HMRC has all sorts of rules to decide if its the case. Such as taking into account where a persons belongings and furniture are kept, where residents are registered for a GP, as well as where a partner or children live. Club memberships and where mail is sent can also be used as evidence of residence.

Ms Rayner insists she has done no wrong. The Deputy Prime Minister paid the relevant duty owing on the purchase of the Hove property in line with relevant requirements and entirely properly, any suggestion otherwise is entirely without basis, her spokesman said on Thursday night.

Not everyone in her Ashton-under-Lyne street necessarily agrees.
Angela Rayner, seen visiting a housing development in Basingstoke in 2024, is at the centre of property ownership scrutiny - Ian Vogler/Reuters

At the beginning of the week, the Deputy Prime Minister found herself saddled with the unedifying nickname Three Pads Rayner after it emerged she was amassing an enviable property portfolio.

Now, six days and a Telegraph investigation later, Angela Rayner is at the centre of a row about whether she gamed the system to avoid paying tens of thousands of pounds in stamp duty.

The fact that a Labour Housing Secretary has become embroiled in a property ownership debacle when her own government is warning about the impact of second homes has fuelled accusations of hypocrisy.

It has also brought into sharp focus the ethical issues raised by the way MPs can use  and potentially abuse  their need to have a base in or near London while also maintaining a constituency home.

Ms Rayner, 45, is no stranger to controversy when it comes to buying and selling houses.

In 2007, she bought her former council house in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with a 25 per cent discount secured as part of the right-to-buy scheme. She sold it eight years later at market value, making a 48,500 profit.

The purchase was revealed in a book by Lord Ashcroft, the Conservative peer, called Red Queen? The Unauthorised Biography of Angela Rayner.

Although Labour insisted the purchase was done by the book, Ms Rayner was criticised because she had spoken out against those who get loads and loads of discount when buying properties under Margaret Thatchers right-to-buy policy.

A critical unauthorised biography of the Labour Deputy Leader was written by Tory grandee Lord Ashcroft - Leon Neal/Getty

Tories accused her of hypocrisy because she had personally benefited from the policy but then seemingly wanted to pull up the ladder, preventing other council tenants from benefiting in the way she had done.

Records showed she took a mortgage to pay 79,000 for the two-bedroom property on Vicarage Road, having received a 26,000 discount on its market value because she had been a council tenant. She then sold it for 127,500 in 2015, shortly before becoming an MP.

When she married Mark Rayner, a Unison official, in 2010, she was registered at that address while her husband was listed at his home in Lowndes Lane, a property he had also purchased under the right-to-buy scheme.

Angela Rayner and then husband Mark in 2020. She was registered at his home in Lowndes Lane - Men Media

In October 2010, six weeks after her marriage, Ms Rayner re-registered the births of her two younger sons  and gave Lowndes Lane as her address, despite being on the electoral roll at Vicarage Road.

She maintained this Vicarage Road listing for the next five years until she moved on to the register at Lowndes Lane.

When the story broke in 2024, Ms Rayner insisted she was not ashamed and criticised Lord Ashcroft for his unhealthy interest in her family life.

She also accused the former Tory deputy chairman of wanting to kick down at people like me who graft hard in tough circumstances to get on in life.

Admiralty House, Ms Rayners grace-and-favour home in Whitehall, once the residence of Winston Churchill - Marek Slusarczyk/Alamy

But she faced the humiliation of being at the centre of a police investigation into the sale of the home in the run-up to the general election.

Ms Rayner declared that she would resign as Labours deputy leader if she was found to have done anything wrong.

In March 2024, she refused to publish the personal tax advice she had received on the sale of her council house.

She told Radio 4 she was confident she had done absolutely nothing wrong over the sale and the amount of capital gains tax due on it.

Asked why she would not put that legal advice in the public domain, she said: Because thats my personal tax advice. But, Im happy to comply with the necessary authorities that want to see that.

She added that she would only publish her tax affairs if Conservative ministers did the same.

Sir Keir Starmer threw his support behind Ms Rayner, insisting his deputy had not broken any rules and was right not to publish the legal advice.

He added: She has not broken any rules. She has in fact taken legal and tax advice which has satisfied her, and us, and me about the position.

Two months later, she was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing over claims she had avoided tax on the sale of the home.

However, Greater Manchester Police said issues surrounding her council tax and personal tax regarding the property did not fall under their jurisdiction. The local council did not take any action.

Following a complaint from a Conservative MP, HMRC also confirmed that she owed no capital gains tax following the sale of the former council house.

As a result, no further action was taken. The tax authority concluded that Stockport house was her principal residence the whole time she owned it, meaning no tax was due.

By then, the furore over the two right-to-buy properties earned her the nickname two-homes Rayner.

In the last week, however, she was given the sobriquet Three Pads Rayner as it emerged she had recently changed her primary residence from her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, to her new seaside property in Hove, West Sussex, resulting in a reduction in stamp duty.

This saga began on the evening of Saturday Aug 23 when it was reported that Ms Rayner had added an 800,000 Hove apartment to her property portfolio just days after being photographed relaxing on the towns pebble beach wearing a pink and camouflage DryRobe and sipping rose.

As Deputy PM she receives a grace-and-favour flat at Admiralty House, once the Whitehall home of Winston Churchill.

Meanwhile, she is also listed as one of the owners of her constituency home at Ashton, where she had earlier lived with her former husband.

That Saturday, Ms Rayner declined to say whether she was continuing to designate her Ashton property as her primary residence.

That fuelled speculation about the rate of stamp duty she was paying on the Hove address.

Ms Rayners new home in Hove, which has fuelled the three pads Rayner debate - Paul Grover for The Telegraph

In 2016, the Conservative government introduced a surcharge on stamp duty for second homes. In 2024, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, increased to 5 per cent the stamp duty charges for holiday homes.

The Governments very own Stamp Duty Land Tax Calculator shows that if Ms Rayners 800,000 Hove home was her primary residence, she would pay 30,000. But if it was a second home, the stamp duty soars to 70,000.

That website even gives clear advice about how to lower that rate, explaining: If you dispose of your previous main residence within three years, you may be eligible for a refund.

As ever, the devil is in the detail, and much of the detail in this case can be found in complex deeds and Land Registry documents.

The Telegraph obtained the latest HM Land Registry log for Ms Rayners constituency home in Ashton.

As well as showing how the property had been valued at 650,000 in May 2023, it included a footnote that said applications are pending in HM Land Registry, which have not been completed against this title.

A spokesman for the Land Registry then confirmed that an update is due against that Ashton home, suggesting Ms Rayner has now relinquished ownership of that property. If so, it would pave the way for her to claim  perfectly legally  that her new main residence was now her new Hove home.

The Telegraph has now established that on January 31 2025, a document about the ownership of that Ashton property was completed, which was then formally submitted in March.

Ms Rayner had, to all intents and purposes, switched her main home and avoided second home stamp duty.

Then, there is the thorny issue of council tax. Currently, Ms Rayner has told Tameside council in Manchester that her constituency home is her primary residence and so she pays the council tax in full for that property.

And she has told Brighton and Hove council that her seaside apartment is her second home for council tax purposes. Again, she pays the correct amount for that property.

She is not required to pay the 2,034 council tax on Admiralty House because that bill is paid for, as it always has been for previous ministerial inhabitants, by the Cabinet Office.

Under Labour rules brought in this April, ordinary second-home owners must pay a 100 per cent premium, doubling their council tax bills to 4,068.
Conference in Dakar Highlights Call for Reparations and Sovereign Policy

DAKAR, Senegal, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pan-African People's Studios has announced the hosting of a major pan-African conference in Dakar today, bringing together leading organisations defending Senegal's sovereign foreign policy. The Movement for the Withdrawal of French Military Bases from Senegal (GASSI) and the International Movement for Reparations (MIR) are confirmed participants.

Senegal

According to GASSI, its main mission has been accomplished with the departure of French troops from Senegal. However, alongside MIR, the organisation stresses that the struggle is far from over, as France's economic pressure and unequal contracts continue to undermine independence. The conference aims to unify strategies that will restore historical justice and strengthen Africa's sovereignty.

Discussions will focus on ending exploitative practices such as predatory mining concessions, one-sided agreements, and the erasure of colonial-era crimes.

A central feature of the programme is the screening of "Reparations: Colonial Debt", a documentary by Senegalese filmmaker Ibrahima Sow. Produced in collaboration with Pan-African People's Studios, the film examines colonial atrocities, the ongoing burden of economic dominance, and the legal mechanisms available to pursue reparations from former colonial powers. Particular attention is drawn to the 1944 Thiaroye massacre, acknowledged by France but yet uncompensated.

Following the screening, pan-African activists, academics, and legal experts will hold a debate on the path forward, focusing on how Africa can collectively demand reparations and negotiate from a position of strength.

Quotes:

"The departure of French troops is only the beginning. True sovereignty requires dismantling the economic domination that persists," said a GASSI spokesperson.

said a GASSI spokesperson. "Reparations are not only about redressing history; they are about securing Africa's rightful future," noted filmmaker Ibrahima Sow .

This conference marks a new phase of continental mobilisation. By convening under the auspices of Pan-African People's Studios, grassroots and international actors are aligning efforts to transform calls for justice into actionable policy and legal frameworks.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2761096/Pan_African_Peoples_Studio.jpg

SOURCE Pan-African Peoples Studios
Coco Gauff was in tears during and after her second-round US Open match but found a way through after seeking inspiration from a famous face in the crowd.

The former champion has been struggling with serving problems and is trying to change her action during the tournament with the help of biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan.

It is clearly putting a real strain on Gauff, who sat with her head in a towel after dropping serve at 4-4 in the first set of her clash with Donna Vekic, the TV cameras picking up the 21-year-olds tear-stained face.

Simone Biles, centre, provided inspiration for Coco Gauff (Frank Franklin II/AP)

Gauff recovered her composure to win 7-6 (5) 6-2 but broke down again during her post-match interview as the crowd showed their support.

Today was a tough match for me but Im just happy with how I was able to manage, she said. Its been a rough couple of weeks. That first set was tough for me but you guys stayed cheering for me.

Gauff also gave credit to gymnastics great Simone Biles, who was watching from the stands.

Biles overcame a mental block known as twisties at the Tokyo Olympics, recovering to win three gold medals in Paris last summer.

I saw her, she helped me pull it out, said Gauff. I was thinking, if she can go on a six-inch beam with all the pressures in the word, I can hit the ball in, I dont even know how big this court is. It brought me a bit of calm knowing all the things she went through mentally.

The American next faces Polish 28th seed Magdalena Frech, where she will hope to avoid the same drama.

I think I just show people what its like to be a human, and I have bad days, but I think its more about how you get up after those bad moments and how you show up after that, she said.

I think today I showed that I can get up after feeling the worst Ive ever felt on the court.
Christopher Rodriguez, 40, was taken into custody on Thursday (Londonderry Police Department )

A man previously convicted of second-degree murder was arrested this week after police say he kidnapped a Massachusetts teenager.

Christopher Rodriguez, 40, was taken into custody Thursday in Manchester, New Hampshire, and a missing 15-year-old girl was safely located, according to United States Marshals Service officials.

Officials say Rodriguez allegedly lured the teenager from North Andover, Massachusetts.

The juvenile has been safely returned to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services by the North Andover Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service said in a statement.

Officials say Rodriguez allegedly lured the teenager from North Andover, Massachusetts (Londonderry Police Department)

Police believe Rodriguezs involvement with the teenager may date back to 2023, authorities added.

The Londonderry Police Department had requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force on August 16, after investigators said Rodriguez gave deceptive statements during a police encounter earlier in the month.

Rodriguez has a violent criminal history.

He was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with a 1999 armed robbery in New York City, sentenced in 2000, and released from prison in 2017.

Following Thursdays arrest, Rodriguez was transported to the Londonderry Police Department.

He now faces multiple charges, including kidnapping a juvenile, endangering the welfare of a child, hindering apprehension or prosecution, and obstructing government administration.
A temporary injunction that was set to block asylum seekers from being housed at an Essex hotel has been overturned at the Court of Appeal.

Somani Hotels, which owns the Bell Hotel in Epping, and the Home Office challenged a High Court ruling that would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed there beyond September 12.

In a ruling last week, Mr Justice Eyre granted Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) an interim injunction after the authority claimed that Somani Hotels had breached planning rules by using the Bell as accommodation for asylum seekers.

After a hearing on Thursday, three Court of Appeal judges ruled in favour of Somani Hotels and the Home Office on Friday, stating that Mr Justice Eyres ruling was seriously flawed in principle.

The ruling will come as a relief to the Home Office, which had been braced for further legal challenges from other councils over the use of hotels in their areas.

Reading a summary of the ruling overturning the injunction, Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said: We conclude that the judge made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision.

He continued: The judges approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.

He added that such an injunction may incentivise other councils to take similar steps as EFDC.

He said: The potential cumulative impact of such ad-hoc applications was a material consideration that was not considered by the judge.

The judge also said that the appeals were not concerned with the merits of government policy in relation to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in hotels or otherwise.

The full written judgment in the case, which Lord Justice Bean said runs to over 120 paragraphs, will be provided later.

The Home Office had also appealed against Mr Justice Eyres decision last week not to let it intervene in the case, with this challenge also allowed by the Court of Appeal.

People demonstrating outside the Bell Hotel in Epping (Gareth Fuller/PA)

The Bell became the focal point of several protests and counter-protests in recent weeks after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied the offence and has been on trial this week.

Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, said that the interim injunction runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further protests, some of which may be disorderly, around other asylum accommodation.

Health minister Stephen Kinnock also warned earlier on Friday that asylum seekers could be living destitute in the streets if there was a disorderly discharge from hotels.

Piers Riley-Smith, for Somani Hotels, said in written submissions on Thursday that Mr Justice Eyre overlooked the hardship that would be caused to asylum seekers if they were required to move.

He continued that the extremely high-profile nature of the issue created a risk of a precedent being set.

The hotel first housed asylum seekers from May 2020 to March 2021.

It accommodated single adult males from October 2022 to April 2024, and has done so again since April this year.

The council never previously took enforcement action, with its barristers telling the Court of Appeal that its previous use as asylum seeker accommodation had been unproblematic.

Opposing the appeal bids, barrister Philip Coppel KC stated in written submissions that the case sets no precedent and there was no compelling reason for the injunction to be overturned.

He continued: There was no error of law in the judges approach, and his decision, based on a carefully calibrated assessment of the relevant factors, was open to him.

Notwithstanding the public controversy surrounding the judges decision, it was based on the conventional application of well-settled and agreed principles of law.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage previously hailed the High Court decision as a victory and said he hoped it provides inspiration to others across the country.

He also indicated that the 12 councils where Reform UK was the largest party would consider legal challenges.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested that the migrants housed at the hotel need to be moved out of the area immediately, while her shadow home secretary Chris Philp said that residents should never have had to fight their own government just to feel safe in their own town.

The latest Home Office data, published last week as part of the usual quarterly immigration statistics, shows there were 32,059 asylum seekers in UK hotels by the end of June.

This was up from 29,585 at the same point a year earlier, when the Conservatives were still in power, but down slightly on the 32,345 figure at the end of March.
Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that Labour must take decisive action on the migrant crisis or risk losing voters to Reform UK, after the government won a significant court challenge over asylum hotels.

Lord Falconer, who served under former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, backed the governments decision to fight an injunction that would have seen asylum seekers moved out of the protest-hit Bell Hotel in Epping. He said people were demanding action to close asylum hotels.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Weve obviously got to move forward in relation to closing the hotels and also stopping the crossings.

The government always has the burden of doing whats possible and the government is doing the right thing in relation to it, but theres a lot more to do, and if we dont, as a government, do it, then youll see those opinion polls raised yet further for Reform, because they dont have the burden of having to be practical.

His intervention comes after Court of Appeal judges revoked a ban on housing asylum seekers at the hotel, which has been plagued by unrest. They said the move would have obvious consequences for the governments duty to house asylum seekers and could incentivise other councils to seek similar legal action if allowed.

Labour grandee Lord Falconer has said Labour must take decision action or risk losing voters to Reform UK (PA Wire)

Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) had successfully sought an injunction against the use of the hotel for migrants after a series of violent protests at the site, sparked by the arrest of a resident over alleged sexual offences.

If the Epping injunction had not been overturned on Friday, 138 asylum seekers would no longer have been able to be housed there beyond 12 September.

The ruling in favour of the Home Office and the Bells owners, Somani Hotels, triggered criticism from opposition parties and renewed pledges of regular protests from campaigners.

A group calling themselves the Great British National Protest said they would demonstrate outside the hotel every Saturday for the foreseeable future, including outside the Home Office in Westminster.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage responded: Illegal migrants have more rights than British people under Starmer.

Reform UK has consistently led in opinion polls since the spring, with the latest BMG poll for the i newspaper putting them on 35 per cent, 15 points ahead of Labour.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of using the courts against the British public, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urged Conservative councils to pursue similar injunctions, with several already preparing legal action.

Meanwhile, Epping Forest District Council said it was ruling nothing out, including taking its bid for a temporary injunction to the Supreme Court. At least 13 other councils are considering pressing ahead with legal action over the use of asylum hotels in their areas, according to The Times.

Police officers prepare for a demonstration outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. (PA)

Shane Yerrell, Tory councillor for EFDC, said the government should hang their heads in shame. But council leader Chris Whitbread called for calm, warning: Theres been peaceful protests and theres been non-peaceful protests outside the hotel. You saw that as part of our case, but I just call for residents to be calm. He added that he was really concerned for the future of the town.

Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle MP said that ministers had sought to appeal the injunction so that hotels could be exited in a controlled and orderly way.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper argued at the Court of Appeal that the Epping hotel injunction should not stand because it would disrupt her statutory duty to house vulnerable asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute.

Protesters outside the Bell Hotel in July (PA)

In written arguments, the Home Office said that the relevant public interests in play are not equal, seeking to contrast the disruption in Epping with the wider impact on the governments need to house asylum seekers.

In their judgment, Lord Justice Bean, Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb said this comparison about a hierarchy of rights was unattractive.

However, they agreed that the High Court judge had failed to consider the significant practical challenge of relocating a large number of asylum seekers in a short space of time.

Somani Hotels Ltd, which owns The Bell Hotel, said it had been caught in the middle of a much wider debate on the treatment of asylum seekers and asked that all associated with The Bell Hotel are left alone to continue to support the governments asylum plans as best they can.

Seeking to lift the ban, Home Office lawyers said that maintaining the injunction would risk more disorder. They also argued that the available asylum estate is subject to incredibly high levels of demand, and that the loss of 152 bed spaces if the Epping hotel was closed would lead to considerable difficulties.

Protesters with Stand Up To Racism gather outside an asylum hotel in central London (PA)

The latest Home Office data shows there were 32,059 asylum seekers in UK hotels at the end of June.

This was up from 29,585 at the same point a year earlier, when the Conservatives were still in power, but down slightly on the 32,345 figure at the end of March.

The appeal by the hotel owners and the Home Office comes in the same week as a resident at the hotel, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, has been on trial, accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl last month.

Protesters call for the closure of The Bell Hotel in early August (AFP/Getty)

Kebatu, who denies the charges, told Colchester Magistrates Court on Wednesday that he did not attempt to kiss the girl because he is not a wild animal.

Another man who was living at the site, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, has separately been charged with seven offences.

Police have arrested 25 people in relation to disorder at protests at the Epping hotel, with 16 charged with criminal offences.
Florence And The Machine have announced they will embark on a tour of UK and Europe next year in support of their forthcoming album Everybody Scream.

It comes after the Florence Welch-fronted indie pop group announced they would release their first studio album in three years this Halloween.

The title track of their sixth studio album was released last week along with a witch-themed music video directed by US photographer and film director Autumn de Wilde.

On Friday, in an Instagram post, the band announced an 18-date tour, supported by Paris Paloma, that will start with a performance at SSE Arena Belfast on February 6.

From here they will travel to Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield and London where they will perform two dates at The O2 in London before finishing the UK leg at Manchesters Co-Op Live on February 20.

In March, across nine dates, the band will perform in Paris, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna, Munich, Prague, Krakow and Berlin.

The band last toured in 2023 following the release of their fifth studio album Dance Fever in 2022, which reached number one on the UK albums chart.

In 2024 they released the live album Symphony Of Lungs, recorded at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jules Buckley and his Orchestra.

Also in 2024, Camberwell-born Welch joined Taylor Swift on stage at Wembley Stadium during the US pop stars Eras Tour to perform their collaboration Florida!!!, with Swift describing the moment as unforgettable.

After forming in 2007, Florence And The Machine have had four UK number one albums with Lungs (2009), Ceremonials (2011), How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015), and Dance Fever.

The band, known for songs including Shake It Out and Cosmic Love, will release Everybody Scream on record, CD and cassette as well as on streaming on October 31.

Tickets for the tour go on general sale from Friday September 5 at 10am local time with presale from Wednesday September 3, also at 10am.
An on-the-run fraudster will lose his 90 million property empire, a judge has ruled.

Sock manufacturer Arif Patel, 57, from Preston, Lancashire, will have homes and business premises he owned taken from him after a confiscation order granted by a judge at Chester Crown Court on Thursday.

Patel, who now lives in Dubai, masterminded a gang that was convicted in 2023 of one of the UKs biggest carousel tax frauds.

Carousel fraud is a complex scam where criminals create chains of fake business transactions to steal VAT repayments.

Goods are moved between different companies in a circular pattern, creating false export and import records that criminals use to claim back large sums from tax authorities.

Patel has now been ordered to pay back 90,503,211 with the sale of his properties in Preston, London and overseas.

And his Ferrari 575 Superamerica will be sold at auction.

Arif Patels Ferrari 575 Superamerica car, seized by the authorities (HMRC/PA)

His operation stole millions of pounds through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones.

They also imported and sold counterfeit clothes that would have been worth at least 50 million, had they been genuine.

The proceeds of the crimes funded his property empire, purchased through offshore bank accounts and companies.

He also owned property in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The confiscation order means his restrained property assets will be sold and the money put back into the public coffers.

Patel and his co-accused, Mohamed Jaffar Ali, 61, of Dubai, were found guilty in their absence of fraud and money laundering offences after a 14-week trial in 2023.

The convictions followed a joint investigation between HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Lancashire Police, which also secured jail sentences totalling more than 116 years for 24 other gang members.

Richard Las, director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: Arif Patel lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of the law-abiding majority, but he will now lose the property empire he amassed from the proceeds of crime.

Counterfeit underwear seized during raids on Arif Patels tax scam operation (HMRC/PA)

Our work never stops at conviction. For the last two years weve worked with police and CPS partners to secure one of the biggest criminal confiscations weve ever recovered.

Tens of millions of pounds of stolen money will now go back to directly to fund public services.

Mark Winstanley, Assistant Chief Constable, Lancashire Constabulary, said: Arif Patel was the head of a Preston-based organised crime group responsible for causing millions of pounds worth of losses to multiple companies.

His actions, motivated by greed, directly impacted on the taxpayer.

The confiscation order granted for 90 million will ensure funds are returned to the public purse, thereby recovering his criminal gains.

Mohammed Jaffar Ali was Arif Patels trusted financial enabler in Dubai and he too has been made subject to a confiscation order for 677,000.

Adrian Foster, chief crown prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service Proceeds of Crime, said: In the last five years, 478 million has been recovered from CPS-obtained confiscation orders, ensuring that thousands of convicted criminals cannot profit from their offending.

More than 95 million of that amount has been returned to victims of crime, by way of compensation.

Patel ran the scam from Preston-based import/export company Faisaltex Ltd.

He travelled to Dubai in July 2011, failed to return and was tried in his absence at Chester Crown Court, where he was found guilty of all charges in April 2023.

Mohamed Jaffar Ali was found guilty of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue and money laundering.

They were sentenced in their absence to a total of 31 years in prison. The UK does have a formal extradition treaty with Dubai but legal commentators say it is not effective.

Twenty-four other people were convicted during five trials between 2011 and 2014, and a total of 116 years seven months imprisonment handed down.
George Clooney has reportedly dropped out of several events at the Venice Film Festival due to illness.

The 64-year-old Oceans Eleven star is on the Lido to promote his competition film Jay Kelly from Noah Baumbach.

However, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Clooney started to feel unwell Wednesday and was advised to go home and rest up. He had been due to attend a press junket, a dinner with the films cast, and the official press conference for the Netflix title.

On Thursday, representatives for Clooney told Variety: George has been diagnosed with a sinus infection and is under doctors orders to cut back all activities today.

Even movie stars get sick! Baumbach joked at the start of the press conference.

George Clooney has pulled out of various events at Venice Film Festival due to illness (AFP via Getty Images)

In Jay Kelly, Clooney plays an aging movie star on a trip through Europe with his longtime manager, portrayed by Adam Sandler. The film also stars Laura Dern, Isla Fisher, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, Stacy Keach, Riley Keough, Patrick Wilson, Jim Broadbent, Eve Hewson, Lenny Henry and Ruby Stokes.

Prior to the films premiere, Clooney spoke out about the roles hes taken on in his career, hitting back at critics who questioned his versatility as an actor.

Clooney was subject to criticism from American attorney Hunter Biden, who took aim at the Good Night and Good Luck stars acting talents and suggested he merely played himself when taking on roles.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Clooney was asked about the comments made by Biden  the son of former president Joe. In response, the Gravity star said: Do people say that I only play myself? I dont give a s***.

George Clooney in Jay Kelly (Netflix)

He continued: There arent that many guys in my age group that are allowed to do both broad comedies like O Brother, Where Art Thou? and then do Michael Clayton or Syriana. So if that means Im playing myself all the time, I dont give a s***.

Clooney, who won an Oscar for his role in Syriana, then quoted the character he plays in Jay Kelly: Have you ever tried playing yourself? Its hard to do.

He further explained that he benefitted from not experiencing success in his career until starring in his first big hit, the TV drama ER, by which point hed already been acting for 12 years.

Ive been the beneficiary of having my career not be massively successful in lots of different directions, he said.

I didnt really get successful, in the kind of success that can be blinding, until I was 33 years old. Id been working for 12 years at that point. I had a real understanding of how fleeting all of it is and how little it has to do with you, quite honestly.

Jay Kelly will be released December 5 on Netflix.
George Clooneys performance in his forthcoming film, Jay Kelly, has seen the Hollywood star tipped for an Oscar nomination after the movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday (28 August).

The film follows 64-year-old Clooney in the title role of an ageing actor who travels through Europe with his longtime manager Ron Sukenick (Adam Sandler), while reflecting on their life choices.

Early reviews of the film have been largely positive, with The Times calling it the actors best performance ever.

He might even win an Oscar, the critic suggested.

In a five-star review, The Telegraph dubbed the movie a mid-life crisis masterpiece, praising the terrifically smart script by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer.

The film received a thunderous 10-minute standing ovation at Venice. Sandlers performance has also garnered praise and Oscars buzz, according to IndieWire.

George Clooney stars as Jay Kelly in his new film (Netflix)

Clooney has won two Academy Awards, for Best Picture for Argo in 2013 and Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for Syriana, while also receiving a further six nominations during his career.

However, not everyone was impressed by his latest performance. The Guardian gave Jay Kelly a paltry one-star review, calling it a wildly sentimental and self-indulgent piece of cine-narcissism.

The Hollywood Reporter also gave the film a mixed reception, saying that although Sandler creates an intimacy, this was not backed by Clooneys performance. Witty and entertaining, wrote lead critic David Rooney but mid-tier Baumbach at best.

The Independents Geoffrey Macnab awarded Jay Kelly four stars as he celebrated Clooneys performance as one that blurs the line between the actor and his character.

Clooneys achievement is to make us care about a character who, at first glance, is such a superficial and self-obsessed figure, he wrote.

The actor resorts to his usual tricks: the smarmy smile, the ironic quip and the false bonhomie. For once, though, the self-deprecating charm soon wears off and everybody begins to see through him. He needs to dye his hair and eyebrows, and you can see his wrinkles, too.

Adam Sandler plays the actors manager and has also received praise for his performance (Netflix)

Clooney has been absent from much of the promotional work surrounding the movie due to a sinus infection. However, he was present at the premiere along with the rest of the cast.

Happy Gilmore star Sandler described the script as a gift during the official press conference at Venice Film Festival.

Ive done two movies with Noah, and I could not be more proud to be in the feeling it gives you, he said. He knows how to do everything, and then he finds places to make you laugh. All our characters give you a moment to laugh and feel pain.

As an actor, when you read a script like this you say, Holy s***, I cant believe Im getting this gift.
Tottenham have pulled off the major signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a welcome boost for new boss Thomas Frank.

Spurs have tracked a high-quality attacking addition all summer and after recent failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, the capture of 22-year-old Simons represents a significant coup for the north London club.

Versatile attacker Simons has joined Tottenham in a 60million euros (51.8m) deal, the PA news agency understands.

Tottenham called and he answered  pic.twitter.com/2OVw8ALgWx  Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 29, 2025

Noise? Dont listen to it all, only what matters. Tottenham called and I answered, Simons said in his announcement video, seemingly in reference to links to Chelsea.

He told the clubs official website: Im really happy and cant wait to get going. Ive been dreaming of this for a long time.

Its a great club and when I met the Head Coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.

I will bring flair to the team but also hard work and discipline. I want to do everything I can to win, for the team and also for the fans.

He's ours  We're delighted to announce the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on a long-term contract   Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 29, 2025

Leipzig have a sell-on clause for the midfielder, who had been expected to join Chelsea this summer but the Blues failure to offload out-of-favour players enabled Spurs to hijack the transfer.

Simons has put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal with a two-year option, PA understands and provides multiple options for Frank, with the Netherlands international able to excel on the left wing or in the number 10 position and equally adept on the right.

Frank has been on the hunt for a new attacking midfielder since he was appointed in June, with an unsuccessful attempt to sign Nottingham Forest captain Gibbs-White followed by Arsenal being able to snare Eze from Crystal Palace last week.

Tottenham were rocked in between by a serious knee injury for James Maddison, which will sideline the England international for the majority of this season.

Tottenham have been searching for a replacement for the injured James Maddison (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Frank has repeatedly expressed confidence that Spurs would boost their squad and after talks with Manchester City over Savinho cooled this week, the clubs focus shifted to Simons.

A product of Barcelonas La Masia academy, Simons moved to Paris St Germain in 2019 as a teenager before he made headlines during a productive loan spell at PSV in the 2022-23 campaign  scoring 22 times.

Simons would spend the next two seasons at Leipzig and added 24 assists along with 22 goals in 78 appearances before his move was made permanent earlier this year.

However, with Leipzig willing to let Simons leave for a sizeable fee after the Bundesliga club missed out on Champions League qualification, Tottenham this week entered the race again for his signature after previous interest.

Simons was given permission to travel to London on Thursday to finalise his future with Chelsea still looming in the background, but Spurs agreed a package in the region of 51.8m with Leipzig to bring the Amsterdam-born talent to the capital.

After Simons completed a medical on Friday morning, his transfer was confirmed later in the afternoon after boss Frank had been tight-lipped on his new arrival during a 2.30pm press conference ahead of Bournemouths visit on Saturday.

Simons is set to be introduced before the fixture with Bournemouth and will wear the number seven shirt vacated by former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min this summer.

Simons said: The year at PSV, (7) was the number that I had. I had a really good season as well and the national team Im number seven as well, so for me this was the best option.

He (Son) made his own story with this number. I think he deserves it as well. The way people treat him in the club, not only in the club but the fans as well, they love him. Everyone loves Son.

Hopefully I can make my own story with it. I know its a big responsibility, but Im ready to take it and ready to make my own story.
Home Office minister Seema Malhotra has hailed a joint operation with European Union partners, which has seized more than 66 million worth of cocaine, as the future for tackling organised drug gangs as well as people smugglers.

Border Force officers have been involved in the operation led by the Belgian authorities, which has targeted drug smugglers operating in the eastern Channel and southern North Sea as well as elsewhere in European waters.

Organised crime gangs smuggling large quantities of cocaine from South America and West Africa have been the focus of the international operation, which has involved sharing intelligence about suspicious vessels and carrying out co-ordinated sea patrols.

The UKs Border Force vessels have worked alongside Belgian and Dutch ships  and Operation White Sea, which ran in September 2024 and June 2025, has led to the seizure of more 3,300 kg of cocaine and 13 arrests.

These drugs would have had a street value of approximately 66 million, according to the Home Office.

UK Border Force officers have also been deployed in Ireland to operate aboard Irish vessels covering the Celtic Sea, which has been highlighted as an area at biggest risk.

Speaking during a visit to Border Force operations in Portsmouth, Hampshire, the minister for immigration said that the reset of relations between the UK and EU since Labour came into power had enabled the sharing of intelligence and resources to tackle the international drug trade.

She told the PA news agency: What we have seen since the project has been launched is the way were working together and part of that is the increased trust in our relationships and the increased intelligence sharing.

The Border Force are working alongside Belgium and Dutch counterparts, making sure that were sharing that intelligence to disrupt the activity of these criminal gangs.

Its really important that we do that, because working across from the North Sea all the way to the Celtic Sea with Border Force officers also on Irish vessels, were making sure that we leave no stone unturned, leave nowhere for criminal gangs to hide.

If we are to tackle this international criminal activity, weve got to do that by working together much more strongly.

Thats why the reset of the relationship that weve got with the European Union is really important in the interests of all of our nations, to make sure that all of our nations, our citizens, are protected from these international criminal gangs.

Ms Malhotra said that similar increasing co-operation with European countries and beyond such as France and Bulgaria and Iraq was helping to tackle people-smuggling gangs.

She said: This is really important, because this, again, is an international problem, these are international gangs.

They have been taking advantage of international gaps in our security and cooperation.

Thats why the way we work together is about closing these gaps so that they can no longer be exploited by these international criminal gangs who are putting lives at risk and undermining our border security.

The MP for Feltham and Heston added that closer ties in the future would have an impact on the smuggling of both drugs and people.

She said: Its important that we see this cooperation continue, and thats what our reset in our relationship with the European Union is about.

Because what people will see is that in rebuilding trust with our European partners, that trust is leading to greater intelligence sharing and greater intelligence sharing is leading to joint operations like Operation White Sea.

What weve seen just in the last year is over 3,000kg of cocaine disrupted, thats over 60 million worth of drugs that have been kept off our streets.

That is the real impact of this close cooperation, as well as the work were doing on disrupting those criminal gangs who are involved in people smuggling internationally.

We cannot have the impact that we need without that close cooperation with our European partners.
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pernod Ricard USA today announced a comprehensive transformation of its Route-to-Market (RTM) strategy, marking a pivotal step in the company's journey to unlock long-term, sustainable growth across its full U.S. portfolio.

Following the appointment of Chief Commercial Officer Paul Basford, who joined the company in December 2024, the organization has reimagined its Route-To-Market (RTM) approach, sharpened its portfolio focus to maximize potential, and deepened its commitment to distributor partnerships.

"Our commercial strategy is built on a simple but powerful idea: focus with intent, and partner with excellence," said Paul Basford, Chief Commercial Officer, Pernod Ricard USA. "We have an iconic portfolio, and this new strategy allows us to sharpen our focus while partnering with some of the most respected distributors in the industry, aligning on shared goals and unlocking all opportunities for growth."

The new divisions outlined below, complement Pernod Ricard USA's mainline portfolio, which continues to be managed by its long-standing and trusted distributor partnersmost notably Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, Republic National Distributing Company, Martignetti Companies, Breakthru, Allied Beverage Group, Empire Distributors, Fedway Associates and Georgia/Tennessee Crown Distributing. These valued collaborators remain responsible for the majority of Pernod Ricard USA's commercial volume.

These partnerships are built on trust, shared ambition, and a commitment to growth. By aligning dedicated teams to high-growth segments while complementing the existing strong distributor relationships, Pernod Ricard USA ensures all key brands receive the focus and support needed for sustainable growth.

A New Commercial Structure for a New Era

As part of this transformation, Pernod Ricard USA has established two new commercial divisions to complement and support its core portfolio strategy. These divisions are supported by new distributor partnerships tailored to their unique needs:

RTD Division  Focused on the fast-growing Ready-to-Drink category, this team brings dedicated execution and agility to one of the industry's most dynamic segments. Based on their proven track records and extensive market experience, Reyes Beverage Group, Crescent Crown and their network partners have been selected as new distributors across seven key states. They join a roster of existing RTD distribution partners  including Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and Republic National Distributing Company  with a shared mission to amplify and accelerate ambitious growth plans for a strong portfolio of ready-to-drink offerings from global icons like Malibu, Jameson, and most recently, The Absolut Ocean Spray  RTD line. This went into effect on May 1 st .





 Focused on the fast-growing Ready-to-Drink category, this team brings dedicated execution and agility to one of the industry's most dynamic segments. Based on their proven track records and extensive market experience, Reyes Beverage Group, Crescent Crown and their network partners have been selected as new distributors across seven key states. They join a roster of existing RTD distribution partners  including Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits and Republic National Distributing Company  with a shared mission to amplify and accelerate ambitious growth plans for a strong portfolio of ready-to-drink offerings from global icons like Malibu, Jameson, and most recently, The Absolut Ocean Spray RTD line. This went into effect on . GEM Division  Tasked with incubating and scaling the next generation of high-potential brands, this division will ensure they receive the focus and care needed to thrive. A bespoke state-by-state distributor approach will provide tailored support - introducing new partners like Crescent Crown and Johnson Brothers /Maverick, while building existing ties with partners like Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Republic National Distributing Company, Breakthru, Heidelberg, and Martignetti Companies. This goes into effect on September 1 st.

Investing in Capabilities and Talent

The new strategic transformation goes beyond structure. Pernod Ricard USA has made significant investments in its commercial capabilities, including:

Expanded On-Premise Division  Focused on elevating on-trade visibility and execution, ensuring Pernod Ricard brands are executed with impact where it matters most in this critical brand building channel.





 Focused on elevating on-trade visibility and execution, ensuring Pernod Ricard brands are executed with impact where it matters most in this critical brand building channel. Enhanced Revenue Growth Management (RGM)  Leveraging advanced analytics and post-event analysis to drive pricing precision and maximize value capture.





 Leveraging advanced analytics and post-event analysis to drive pricing precision and maximize value capture. Talent for the Future  Investing with renewed focus on developing 'best-in-class' commercial capabilities and empowering top commercial talent to lead the business into the future.

A Clear Vision for Growth

This strategy reflects Pernod Ricard USA's commitment to building a more focused, agile, and performance-driven commercial organizationone that is equipped to lead in today's competitive landscape and prepared to seize tomorrow's opportunities.

"We are building a commercial organization that is not only fit for today but future-ready," added Basford. "This is about more than structureit's about world class execution, winning mindset, clear accountability, and meaningful partnerships. We're excited for what's ahead."

2025 Pernod Ricard USA, New York, NY.

MEDIA CONTACT

Graeme Gardiner

[email protected]

ABOUT PERNOD RICARD USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avion Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlua Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Codigo Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Kenwood Vineyards and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rose.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouet Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Mumm Napa.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and is responsible for more than 1,000 jobs across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees, and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA
Narendra Modi (centre) with Xi Jinping (left) and Vladimir Putin in Goa in 2016. India is trying to bolster non-western alliances after being hit with hefty US tariffs. Photograph: Manish Swarup/AP

The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, will land in China this weekend for his first visit in seven years  a trip that puts him in the company of the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, just as Indias ties with Washington have soured.

Modis visit to Tianjin for a regional security summit comes days after the US doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, citing New Delhis refusal to stop buying Russian oil.

The row has upended years of deepening cooperation between India and the US, built on technology and a shared determination to counter Beijings global ambitions. It has also forced India to aggressively look elsewhere to diversify its trade.

Related: How hard will Trumps 50% tariff hit India, and what is Delhi doing about it?

Indian trust in the US is shattered, the South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman said. Im not sure whether US officials fully realise how much trust they have squandered in such a short time.

For China, the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit that starts on Sunday could not be better timed. Modi will be in China at a moment when India-China relations are stabilising and India-US relations have gone south. It is a powerful optic, Kugelman said.

No doubt there are some in China who are revelling in the trade tensions between India and the US, said Manoj Kewalramani, the head of Indo-Pacific studies at the Takshashila Institution in Bengaluru.

Putin would want to capitalise on the moment by reasserting Russias close relationship with India, Kugelman said, adding that it would be a great moment for everyone to stick out their tongues at Washington.

Washington has pointed to Indias continuing purchases of Russian crude oil and defence hardware as the reason for the tariff increase, arguing that Delhi is helping fund Moscows war on Ukraine.

As Modi began his trip, Donald Trumps trade adviser Peter Navarro stepped up his attack on India, claiming on X that the country had become an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin.

India has consistently defended its Russian oil purchases, saying they are vital to keep energy costs stable in the vast developing economy, help steady prices globally and comply with international law. Modi has tried to strike a balance over the Ukraine war, refusing to criticise Moscow directly while urging peace.

The economic blow of the tariffs is immense. The US is Indias biggest export market at $86.5bn a year, and two-thirds of that  about $60.2bn in goods  is subject to the new duties, hitting labour-intensive sectors from textiles to jewellery.

Even before the tariffs, India had been cautiously warming to China as a source of investment and technology and in hopes of boosting trade.

Relations froze after a deadly clash along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020 but began to thaw when Modi and Xi met in person for the first time in four years at a Brics summit in Russia in October. Now, the US-India crisis has given Modi good cause to accelerate efforts to ease tensions, Kugelman said.

Modi is expected to meet Xi on the sidelines of the regional summit, with trade and investment high on the agenda.

An effort is under way to see if India and China can reach some sort of new equilibrium, Kewalramani said. Both recognise that the world order is in flux. Neither is likely to decisively manage all the frictions but theres at least a process of trying to grow the relationship.

Historical mistrust will remain, he added, pointing to their contested frontier that China continues to reinforce with new roads, railways and settlements. But if Delhi and Beijing can create a measure of stability and predictability, without expecting structural breakthroughs, there are practical gains to be had.

Russia, too, stands to benefit from Indias rift with the US, with Delhi seeing the relationship as more vital than ever for balancing ties with the west, diversifying military hardware purchases and ensuring energy security.

For Modi, the photos of him standing alongside Xi and Putin at the summit will send a pointed message to Washington, a retired Indian diplomat said.

Indian officials stress Delhi wishes to continue its ties with the US, but also needs to diversify its partnerships. India cannot afford to appear as though it is giving in to US pressure on oil imports, or anything else that could be construed as a capitulation  and public anger is high, said one official who could not be named.

On Thursday, the Indian government fired its first shot to offset the US tariffs, rolling out an export drive across 40 countries from the UK to South Korea to boost its textile trade.

Before heading to China, Modi travelled to Tokyo for the annual India-Japan summit, where he met the Japanese prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba. The trip takes on added weight in light of the US tariffs, as by deepening defence, technology and investment ties with Japan, India signals it can cushion the blow of lost US market access.

Japanese companies are also set to invest up to 10tn ($68bn) in India in the next decade, public broadcaster NHK said, as Suzuki Motor pledged to pump in about $8bn (6bn) over the next five to six years.

The two nations were partners made for each other, Modi said this week, after visiting a Suzuki plant in India. The leaders are expected to discuss tie-ups on critical minerals and Japanese investments in high-value manufacturing in India, officials said.

India is believed to hold substantial deposits of rare earths  used in everything from smartphones to solar panels  but lacks the technology to mine and process them extensively.

With Reuters
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst will not seek re-election in a decision that could have a big impact on the midterm elections, according to reports.

The decision would end months of lobbying and speculation from her Republican colleagues and giving Democrats a clear opening to put the upper chamber of Congress in play. Ernst has not publicly commented on the matter. CBS News reported Friday that Ernst will make an official announcement next week, citing multiple sources familiar with her thinking.

Her retirement gives Democrats an opportunity to pick up a seat in a red-purple state and narrow the GOPs majority. Other seats in Ohio, Maine, and North Carolina are also being eyed as potential pickups, though Republicans are still heavily favored to retain control of the chamber come 2027. If Democrats take control of the Senate, they would be able to slow down most of Trumps agenda and could reject his various nominees during his final two years.

The Independent has reached out for comment. The senators last tweet on her campaign account, from three days ago, recognized national dog day.

Ernst was first elected to the Senate in 2014, during the Tea Party wave that accompanied then-president Barack Obamas second term. Since then, shes watched her state trend further and further red, and in 2024, Donald Trump won the largest share of votes of any Republican presidential contender in Iowa in decades.

Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst does not plan to seek reelection, according to reports. The decision could have a big impact on the midterm elections. (AP)

But Republicans just lost their supermajority in the Iowa state senate, following an upset victory by a Democrat earlier this week. And the likelihood that Trump himself has run his last race means that the GOP will no longer have his magnetic presence at the top of the ticket going forward.

Several Democrats have already announced campaigns for Ernsts seat, though that number could grow now that the incumbent will not be a factor. Nathan Sage, a Marine vet and mechanic, is leading in fundraising at the moment.

[Joni] Ernst is bowing out of this race, because she knows what weve known for a long time  Iowa is WINNABLE! tweeted the Sage campaign after the news broke Friday.

Were the only campaign offering real change after decades of failed leadership from both parties, but we cant do it without you, the statement continued.

Zach Wahls, another member of the Iowa state senate and Sages competitor in the primary for Ernsts seat, released a video on X vowing to flip the seat.

"We are going to flip this U.S. Senate seat the exact same way that Catelin Drey flipped her state Senate seat, he vowed.

Ernst will make an official announcement next week, according to the reports. (AP)

Taking control of one or both chambers of Congress next year would allow Democrats to effectively halt Trumps legislative agenda for the remainder of his term. It would also allow Democrats to wield the power of Congresss committees, particularly the investigative powers that would allow members to probe initiatives such as Elon Musks DOGE office and the Trump-directed federal occupation of Washington, D.C.

It would also give Democrats momentum heading into 2028, when the party hopes to retake control of the White House.

Ernsts path to re-election was likely to be her toughest political battle yet. Video of her at a town hall event this year telling a voter we all are going to die...for heavens sakes in response to the voters concern about cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits was widely shared online by her critics. Republican members of Congress, including Ernst, have struggled to sell Trumps budget reconciliation package  the big, beautiful bill  on the campaign trail as a result of voter concerns about new eligibility requirements threatening to throw millions off of both programs.

Shed previously won office by playing up folksy charm and her own blue-collar background, including her experience castrating pigs in a memorable ad from her 2014 bid for Senate.

Before joining the Senate, Ernst was a member of the state legislature.
This picture taken from a position near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke billowing during an Israeli strike on the besieged Palestinian territory, on August 29, 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Israels military has announced the suspension of mid-day humanitarian aid pauses in Gaza City, declaring the area a "dangerous combat zone". The decision comes as Israel reportedly prepares to widen its offensive in the city, following recent strikes and the call-up of tens of thousands of reservists.

Last month, Israel had implemented "tactical pauses" from 10 am to 8 pm in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, allowing food and aid supplies to enter these areas where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are sheltering.

The military did not confirm whether residents or aid groups had been notified of the plans to resume daytime hostilities.

Israel has said in the past that Gaza City is a Hamas stronghold, with a network of tunnels that remain in use by militants after several previous large-scale raids. The city also is home to some of the territorys critical infrastructure and health facilities.

Palestinians carry sacks of flour unloaded from a humanitarian aid convoy that reached Gaza City from the northern Gaza Strip, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The United Nations said Thursday the besieged strip could lose half of its hospital bed capacity if Israel invades as planned.

The suspension of the pause also comes one week after the worlds leading food security authority declared Gaza City was being gripped by famine after months of warnings.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, said hunger has been driven by fighting and Israel's blockade on the majority of aid and magnified by widespread displacement and the collapse of food production.

The IPC analysis concluded hunger, starvation and child malnutrition had surpassed thresholds necessary to declare famine.

Norwegian Refugee Council, which coordinates a coalition of aid groups active in Gaza, said Israel's preparation for its large-scale ground offensive had already made deliveries challenging.

We have faced unprecedented access and movement restrictions, spokesperson Shaina Low said Friday. Intensified military operations are going to further hinder our ability respond.
The Italian prime minister has been left outraged after an adult website posted unauthorised and altered images of women including herself.

Giorgia Meloni - Italy's first female PM - said on Friday that she is "disgusted by what's happened".

She was quoted by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera as saying: "I want to express my solidarity and closeness to all the women who have been offended, insulted, and violated in their intimacy by the administrators of this forum and its 'users'."

The images were posted on phica.eu, an adult site with a name that plays on a vulgar Italian slang term for female genitalia.

It hosted thousands of manipulated images and videos of female public figures, often accompanied by violent and obscene commentary.

The website had been running since 2005 and had more than 200,000 registered members. It was taken down on Thursday amid widespread condemnation and legal complaints.

"It is disheartening to see that in 2025, there are still those who consider it normal and legitimate to trample on a woman's dignity and make her the object of sexist and vulgar insults, hiding behind anonymity or a keyboard," Ms Meloni said.

As well as the Italian PM, the site published images of public figures including EU lawmaker Alessandra Moretti, who filed a criminal complaint and said such websites "incite rape and violence", and influencer Chiara Ferragni.

It is far from the first time high-profile women have been targeted by people using technology to create fake but often realistic explicit images.

Taylor Swift fell victim to deepfake sexual pictures being circulated on X last year, with a spokesperson for then-president Joe Biden describing the situation as "very alarming".

One fake image, believed to have been made using artificial intelligence (AI), was viewed 47 million times before the account was suspended.

Read more:

Sky News journalists deepfaked into ads

AI drives 'explosion' of fake nudes

Former Love Island contestant Cally Jane Beech previously said she felt "extremely violated" when she found AI-generated images of herself online.

Her comments came as the British government announced a crackdown on explicit deepfakes.
MSNBC host Jen Psaki fired back at the White House and other conservative critics who have slammed her for saying prayer is not freaking enough in the wake of yet another mass shooting, calling the attacks bad faith and an effort to not address the issue of gun violence.

Following this weeks shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota that left two young children dead, a number of Democrats and liberal commentators urged Republicans to move past their standard thoughts and prayers response and actually take action when it comes to gun reform.

Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church, a visibly emotional Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a press conference right after the shooting.

Psaki, a former White House press secretary under Joe Biden, joined in the anger and frustration by declaring that prayer wouldnt bring an end to these increasingly common massacres in America.

Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. [P]rayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school, she tweeted on Wednesday. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.

MSNBC host Jen Psaki fired back at MAGA critics who have attacked her for saying prayer is not freaking enough in the wake of the Minneapolis school shooting. (MSNBC)

Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying? Vance posted on X in response, adding: Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?! What are you even talking about?

The vice president would continue his performative outrage over Psakis remarks in a Fox News interview Thursday, telling pro-Trump host Will Cain that something very wrong has gone on inside [the] soul of Democrats. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also took the opportunity to take a personal swipe at her predecessor.

I saw the comments of Ms. Psaki and frankly I think they're incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works, she fumed during Thursdays press briefing.

Psaki addressed the criticism head-on during a Thursday night segment of Jens Version, a regular feature on her MSNBC primetime show in which she responds to questions asked during that days White House briefing.

So the White House decided to hold a press briefing today. What a day to hold a briefing. One where, believe it or not, I came up personally, she noted.

After first reacting to a conservative YouTubers remarks that featured him saying any rational person knows it's not a gun thing, snarking that it feels like someone in the White House may have written that question for you, Psaki then aired the exchange that centered around her prayer critique.

JD Vance accused Democrats of attacking Christians during a Fox interview as he spoke on the Minnesota church shooting. (X - JD Vance)

Democrats, including former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, attacked prayer and pushed gun control in the aftermath of yesterday's shooting. What's the White House's response to their comments? The Daily Callers Reagan Reese asked Leavitt.

Well, it's quite a phrasing of your question there. But here's the thing, prayer is a powerful source of comfort for so many people around the world during difficult times, including me, Psaki responded. I completely feel that way. And what I said yesterday and will say again now, though, is that prayer alone is not enough to prevent and end the crisis of gun violence in America. It's not.

The former White House spokesperson went on to state that we live in a country where there are more guns than people, adding that there have already been five school shootings in August and 57 since January. And the fact that parents like me have to worry every day about whether or not our kids are safe at school is what we should be talking about, Psaki declared.

So the issue I raised yesterday and I will raise again today and I will not stop raising, is that people in power  like, say, people in the White House, who are using their platforms to do anything other than call for action for sensible gun safety measures, they're doing anything else, like attacking me, which is a waste of time  they're doing anything but saying what should be done to help prevent tragedies like the shooting in Minneapolis, she continued. And because they're not doing that, frankly, they're not doing enough. And people shouldn't accept they're doing enough.

Saying that instead of focusing on the bad faith back and forth, Psaki called on reporters to press the White House on why it doesn't support universal background checks for gun sales when more than 80 percent of the country supports them, She also urged the press to ask the administration why it isnt trying to make it harder for mentally ill people to purchase firearms or ban assault weapons when the majority of the country backs those measures as well.

Look, to solve this long epidemic of violence requires action. And when kids in pews who are praying are shot, to quote the statement from Sisters of Mercy on the Minnesota Catholic school shooting, our response can no longer be thoughts and prayers alone, Psaki concluded. Even Pope Leo, then a cardinal, I will note, retweeted Senator Chris Murphy in 2017, saying, Your cowardice to act cannot be whitewashed by thoughts and prayers. I would retweet that too, and continue to.
Jim ONeill attends a meeting at Trump Tower in January 2017. Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

The White House has chosen a top aide to health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to temporarily lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  an appointment that is expected to bolster Kennedys goals of remaking federal vaccine policy.

Jim ONeill, a biotech investor and speechwriter for the health department during the George W Bush administration, was tapped as acting director of the agency that oversees vaccine recommendations, a White House official confirmed to the Guardian.

Related: White House picks Kennedy deputy Jim ONeill to replace fired CDC chief

ONeills appointment follows the firing of infectious disease expert Susan Monarez as the CDC director, after she refused to resign under pressure from Kennedy and his allies in what her lawyers have called a targeted retaliation for refusing to support unscientific directives. Her firing has prompted turmoil within the USs top public health agency, and at least three top officials have also quit in protest.

The agency has been paralyzed in recent weeks, with staff still reeling from mass layoffs and a shooting this month at the agency headquarters that killed a police officer. Meanwhile, Kennedy  a prominent anti-vaccine advocate for two decades  had fired top agency leaders and recently reconstituted an expert panel on immunizations.

Monarez, who was confirmed by the Senate as CDC director less than a month ago, was viewed by agency staff and outside experts as someone who could potentially help moderate Kennedys anti-vaccine agenda.

ONeill, unlike Monarez, has no training in medicine or infectious disease science. He is a former speechwriter for the health department, during the Bush years, who went on to work for the tech investor and conservative megadonor Peter Thiel.

During the Covid pandemic, ONeill voiced public support for unproven treatments that were not supported by scientific evidence, including ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, as well as vitamin D as a supposed prophylaxis.

He also posted a number of conspiratorial theories on social media, including the baseless claim that the name #COVID was chosen to conceal the origin of the virus. This name made it harder to study and probably slowed the response.

In the coming weeks, the CDC is scheduled to hold a meeting of its vaccine advisers and ONeill is expected to play a key role. The process could lead to new, restrictive guidelines on which Americans will be allowed to receive updated Covid vaccines.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who chairs the Senates health, education, labor and pensions committee, called for the vaccine advisory panel to indefinitely postpone its scheduled September meeting, amid the chaos at the CDC.

If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership, Cassidy said in a statement.

ONeill can only serve as an interim leader of the agency until a permanent director is confirmed by the Senate.

During confirmation hearings for his current post as deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, ONeill insisted he was pro-vaccine, but Democrats in the hearings voiced skepticism, given ONeills close allyship with Kennedy.

News of ONeills appointment has sparked criticism among healthcare professionals. Atul Gawande, a surgeon, author and public health expert asked: Has America run out of actual health practitioners with demonstrated experience improving public health outcomes?

Or maybe, he added, it is just ones willing to betray the tenets and beneficiaries of public health that Trump and RFK Jr want them to do.

Lauren Gambino contributed reporting
Judges have overturned the High Court order to shutdown the asylum hotel in Epping, after government warnings of nationwide chaos if the decision stood.

However, the move has been met with a backlash from local councillors and politicians who argue it puts the rights of asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel over that of residents.

A judge ordered earlier this month that the hotel should be cleared of asylum seekers after the local council successfully argued it was in breach of planning regulations.

The Home Office was blocked from intervening the legal dispute, while hotel bosses Somani Hotels challenged the bombshell ruling, which followed weeks of protests and outbreaks of violent disorder in the local area.

Protesters outside the hotel on Friday night (Getty Images)

A host of councils around the country seized on the ruling, and promised to mount their own challenges to hotels being used to house asylum seekers.

Ministers warned that there could be a disorderly discharge of migrants if all the hotels were suddenly forced to eject their occupants thanks to a legal ruling, and said it could lead to thousands of asylum seekers living destitute in the streets.

The government has used ECHR against the people of Epping.



Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer.  Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 29, 2025

Three men were arrested during a protest outside The Bell Hotel in Epping on Friday evening following the courts decision. Essex Police said the arrests were for separate offences  violent disorder, assaulting a police officer and drink-driving. Two officers sustained minor injuries.

Essex Police announced it was putting a Section 60AA order in place in the town, which gives police the power to ask anyone to remove an item such as a face mask which is being used to conceal their identity.

The order will be in place for 24 hours, the force said.

In a post on Facebook, Essex Police said: Throughout the evening, we have monitored a protest in Cheshunt and we now believe a group of people present there are planning to travel to Epping.

A number of people involved in that group have been seen wearing facemasks and balaclavas.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: We will always seek to facilitate peaceful protest, for all groups.

But the threat of anti-social behaviour and criminality by people attempting to conceal their identity steps outside of the reasonableness of protest, and we have a duty to protect our community.

My officers will be fair and engaging, but they will be firm in how they deal with anyone who is asked to remove a face covering and refuses.

Anyone who does not will face arrest.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised the judges decision, claiming the Government had used ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) against the people of Epping.

He added: Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: Local communities should not pay the price for Labours total failure on illegal immigration.

Keir Starmer has shown that he puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities.

She called on Conservative councils to continue to seek similar injunctions against asylum hotels in their areas.

Lord Justice Bean delivering the ruling on Friday (PA Video/PA Wire)

An Epping councillor said the Court of Appeal ruling was "hurtful" and that children are "frightened to go to school" in the town.

Shane Yerrell, who represents Waltham Abbey West for Epping Forest District Council, said he was "disgusted" by the Court of Appeal's ruling.

Speaking outside the Bell Hotel, Mr Yerrell said: "All the local parents felt like there was one big step forward when the High Court agreed to close the hotel and things started to calm down.

"But then for the Home Office and the Government to both appeal and that be accepted today is hurtful."

Senior Conservative James Cleverly suggested that the Home Office was cutting local people out of the loop, adding: Im sure that Yvette Cooper and the Home Office officials think this is good news. It really isnt.

Epping Forest District Council has said it is ruling nothing out following the Court of Appeal decision, including taking its bid for a temporary injunction to the Supreme Court.

One protester outside the Bell Hotel on Friday said the Court of Appeal ruling was "devastating" and could "cause civil unrest".

Carmen, who wore a pink top that said "Pink Ladies Say, The Only Way is Epping, Send Them Home" on it, said she was "very let down" by the ruling.

The Epping resident told the PA news agency: "We come every week - march, protest - and today's ruling is just devastating, absolutely devastating. It will probably cause civil unrest.

"It's shocking, it's like they've won. The schools go back next week - the kids will be walking around the back, it's not good."

Asked why she was protesting outside the hotel, Carmen, who did not give her surname, said: "To show our support - get them out.

"We're not racist, and I'm all for things done legally, but these are unvetted 18-30s, maybe some plus.

"We don't know who they are, we don't know what they've done, but now they're letting us know what they're like."

At the Court of Appeal on Friday, senior judges overturned the original High Court decision, and said the judge, Mr Justice Eyre, had made a series of blunders.

Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said it was an error to exclude the Home Secretary from the legal case as she would have had important evidence to consider.

They also found Mr Justice Eyre had made a mistake by considered the existence of protests around the Bell as relevant in a planning dispute.

(It) runs the risk of acting as an impetus or incentive for other protests, some of which may be disorderly, said Lord Justice Bean.

He added that the judges approach to his decision ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.

Demonstrators at the Bell Hotel in Epping (Jeremy Selwyn)

He added that such an injunction may incentivise other councils to take similar steps as Epping Forest District Council.

The potential cumulative impact of such ad-hoc applications was a material consideration that was not considered by the judge.

There were violent clashes outside the Bell on Thursday night after a fresh round a protesting broke out at the end of the governments Court of Appeal application.

Health minister Stephen Kinnock said on Friday morning that the government does not want to continue using hotels for housing asylum seekers in the long-run, but it brought the appeal in a bid to take control of the process.

Its not a question of if we close the hotels, its a question of when and how we close the hotels, and what we dont want to have is a disorderly discharge from every hotel in the country, which would actually have far worse consequences than what we currently have, in terms of the impact that would have on asylum seekers potentially living destitute in the streets, he said.

And I dont think any one of the communities that are campaigning on these hotels issue want to see that.

So what we are doing is looking to appeal this injunction simply because were taking a pragmatic approach to how we want to manage the process, not because we believe that the hotel  per se should stay open.

He added that asylum seekers could in the future be moved to disused warehouses, office blocks, and military barracks.

Demonstrators march towards the Epping Hotel (Jeremy Selwyn)

Reacting to Fridays ruling, Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum said: We inherited a chaotic asylum accommodation system costing billions. This government will close all hotels by the end of this Parliament and we appealed this judgment so hotels like the Bell can be exited in a controlled and orderly way that avoids the chaos of recent years that saw 400 hotels open at a cost of 9m a day.

The number of hotels has almost halved since its peak in 2023 and we have brought down costs by 15% saving 700m and putting us on track to save a billion pounds a year by 2028-29.

We are also working hard to relieve pressure on the system and striking back at criminal people smuggling gangs at every stage, including returning more than 35,000 people who have no right to be here, equipping law enforcement with counter-terror style powers and starting to detain small boat arrivals under our groundbreaking deal with France.

It will take some time to fix the broken system we inherited, but the British public deserve nothing less, and we will not stop until the job is done.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the ruling extremely disappointing, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called it a setback.

She also suggested that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had put the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people.

A solicitor for Somani Hotels said they realise that they have been caught in the middle of a much wider debate on the treatment of asylum seekers and respectfully ask that members of the public understand that the Bell Hotel has simply been providing a contracted service that the Government requires.

We now ask that all associated with the Bell Hotel are left alone to continue to support the Governments asylum plans as best they can.

The Refugee Council has called for the government to grant temporary permission to stay to those from countries likely to receive asylum in the long-run, as a solution to the hotels crisis.

Waiting until 2029 to end their use is no longer an option, said the charitys chief executive Enver Solomon.

As long as hotels remain open, they will continue to be flashpoints for protests, fuelling division and leaving people who have fled war and persecution feeling unsafe.

Through our frontline work we see how refugees housed in neighbourhoods, rather than isolated in hotels, are able to rebuild their lives, enter training or work, and contribute to the local economy.

At the original High Court hearing, Epping Forest District Council argued for an injunction against the hotel bosses, to force them to stop housing asylum seekers.

The Bell Hotel was used to house asylum seekers during the pandemic, ceasing to operate as a conventional hotel. That arrangement went without a legal challenge, and the hotel ended its deal with the Home Office in 2024.

But in February this year, a new deal to take in migrants was struck, sparking protests over the summer which were particularly fuelled by news of one of the hotel occupants being accused of a child sex offence.

The council argued that local school children were being put in danger and the situation was acting as a feeding ground for unrest and protest.

The councils barrister, Philip Coppel KC argued that accommodating asylum seekers is a clear breach of planning control.

Mr Coppel said court intervention would restore the safety of nearby residents, in particular students at the five schools within walking distance of the Bell Hotel, and remove of the catalyst for violent protests in public places adjacent to the Bell Hotel.

Stephen Kinnock warned over the consequences of a disorderly discharge from the hotels (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Archive)

He said a court order would allay the serious anxiety being caused to residents within the vicinity of the Bell Hotel, and also have the effect of alleviating asylum seeker exposure to violent protests and a placement that provides inadequate resources for their needs.

The Bell Hotel was built in 1900, on a site which has been used for a hotel for hundreds of years.

The High Court heard about incidents of unrest at protests, including violent disorder in mid-July, graffiti, eggs and fireworks being thrown, and assaults on police and security guards.

If the injunction had stood, the asylum seekers at the Bell Hotel would have had to be rehoused by September 12. A court hearing over a final injunction has been set for October.
Rap group Kneecap took aim at the DUP and the Alliance Party as they were given a rapturous welcome back to Belfast by a crowd waving pro-Palestine flags.

The trios set on Friday at the Vital festival in Belfast also criticised Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and called for the US military to be kept out of Ireland.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, told the crowd at Boucher Playing Fields: Its good to be home.

I would like to thank the DUP and the Alliance Party, and their supporters, for trying to cancel this gig, Naoise O Caireallain, aka Moglai Bap, told the crowd.

You couldnt pay for the PR the DUP gives Kneecap.

We owe the DUP our career, so this is our public thanks for the DUP, O hAnnaidh said.

O Caireallain added: I think the Alliance Party need to look at themselves, if they are on the same side as the DUP there must be something wrong with the Alliance Party.

Kneecaps Moglai Bap on stage at Belfast Vital (Liam McBurney/PA)

It comes after O hAnnaidh appeared in court charged with a terrorism offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, during a gig in November 2024.

The group said their actions, including the accusation of holding the Hezbollah flag, had been taken out of context and that the case should be thrown out because of a technical error.

O hAnnaidh told the crowd in Belfast on Friday: I think its important as Irish people we stay on the right side of history.

As we sit here enjoying ourselves, our brothers and sisters in Palestine are enduring a genocide.

I know I dont have to lecture you people out there, I see an awful lot of support and I f****** massively appreciate it.

The thing is, with whatever platform we have, we feel its important to use a few minutes of it at the very least at every single gig to at least draw attention to the ongoing genocide.

We dont give a f*** about the repercussions any more. This is bigger than Kneecap.

Netanyahu is a war criminal. Free Palestine.

The crowd, wearing Palestine jerseys and keffiyehs, then began chanting Free Free Palestine.

Crowds at Kneecaps performance at Belfast Vital on Friday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Earlier this week, the rappers cancelled a string of US tour dates because of their proximity to O hAnnaidhs next appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court on September 26.

O hAnnaidh said: Not the first Irish man up in a f****** British court for terrorism, allegedly.

O Caireallain told the crowd: Its a pleasure to be back in Belfast. They wont have us in Hungary, they wont have us in the US, but theyll always have us in Belfast.

They also called on people to boycott McDonalds.

The rap group  which is made up of O hAnnaidh, O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, aka DJ Provai  are known for their provocative lyrics and championing of the Irish language and a pro-Palestine stance.

Kneecap claim the controversies surrounding the group are part of a smear campaign against them because of their vocal support for Palestine and criticism of Israels actions in Gaza, which they say is a genocide.

They performed to a sea of Palestinian flags during their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, which was initially investigated by police.

Police later said they would be taking no further action against the band.

A message on stage during Kneecaps performance (Liam McBurney/PA)

The band, who formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017, began their set on Friday night with a message on screen that said Get the US military out of Ireland and Free Palestine before launching into their song Making Headlines.

They ended the set with The Recap, which featured a message on stage that said F*** Badenoch.

The band also performed Better Way To Live with Fontaines DC frontman Grian Chatten before the Dublin band took to the stage later on Friday evening.
Nigel Farage during Reform UKs deportations policy announcement this week. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty Images

You can see how it works. First, the case against asylum seekers is based on the impact on public services and the costs of accommodation. Then we have references to fighting-age men. Then we have Nigel Farage explicitly saying that asylum seekers are a threat to our women and girls and national security. Its a short step from there to vigilantes being emboldened to harass anyone of colour in the vicinity of an asylum hotel or detention camp. Then the distinction between asylum seekers and immigrants gets blurred. This is the road to serious racial conflict. Just look at the example of Northern Ireland, where perfectly normal legal immigrants have been driven out of some areas by rightwing thugs.

And what is the Labour governments response? Debunking Reform UKs increasingly inflammatory myths about asylum seekers and immigrants? If only. Instead they call Farages plans impractical or unworkable. Besides the moral cowardice this displays, its also pretty stupid when the governments own responses to the situation show every sign of failing to work.

Simon Rew

London

 The Democrats said the same about Donald Trump (Farage attacked for ugly rhetoric of plan for mass deportation of asylum seekers, 26 August). He won because he drove the narrative. Likewise, Nigel Farages racist populism will win unless Labour drives a strong counter-narrative to dispel the notion of threat. Voters persuaded by Farage will not respond to moralising by his opponents.

People need the facts, loud and clear, in simple terms. The reality of who migrants really are, the varied reasons why they come, the small percentage that comes in boats and the vast economic and social contribution of migrants to this country over decades, part of the fabric of our society. Plus our longstanding commitment to giving refuge to people in need.

None of this is to deny the complexities of modern migration. But if our government is not seen to respect and promote the truth about migrants, we are in deep trouble. We only have to look across the Atlantic to see why.

Paula Jones

London

 Rafael Behr (Theres an obvious way to challenge Nigel Farage. But Keir Starmer wont do it, 27 August) is right to decry Nigel Farages continued blowing of the immigration dog-whistle, but one does need to take into account the factors which explain why his approach continues to have traction. At the time the Refugee Convention was signed, 1951, the world population was 2.54 billion. It is now around 8.2 billion. The potential scale of refugee arrivals is thus considerably larger than when refugee rights were first adopted. This at a time when the UK cannot afford to grant child support to families with more than two children, has astronomical NHS waiting lists and a shortage of affordable housing.

It is all very well waving placards welcoming all comers, but there are legitimate concerns about a problem that is orders of magnitude greater than it has ever been. This government has recognised that fact but is struggling, in common with all other western governments, to find and articulate a solution.

Raj Parkash

London

 Rafael Behr expresses the burning frustration of so many that Labour refuses to call out the wholesale folly of leaving the EU as the most damning indictment of British politics, government and administration in decades, and to place the blame firmly where it belongs  on a demagogic snake oil salesman and a playbook informed by a far-right international.

The cancer that has metastasised since the referendum is the rise of binary, zero-sum politics in which one can only win by making others lose  and by ever more performative cruelty to punish those who are deemed to be the enemy.

There is now a national crisis. It isnt about desperate people in boats. It is about Britain becoming a hellscape of the kind currently unfolding in the US. Politics is about choices. If progressive parties do not rally what is still a majority in the country who view a future run by fascistic blowhards with contempt and disgust then we are increasingly consigned to mimic a country which many British people, including myself, no longer even consider visiting.

Kevin Lloyd

Highbury, London

 Nigel Farage and the small number of Reform MPs justifies, at most, a couple of column inches on the inside pages of the Guardian. Unfortunately, and with the finest of intentions, you and the rest of the media continue to make Farage into a towering national political figure. This is what happened with Donald Trump in America and, to an extent, with Boris Johnson. Do beware! Lavish and extensive promotion enables people to think that Nigel Farage is a true and worthy leader.

Dr Ian Flintoff

Oxford

 A Downing Street spokesman has refused to rule out negotiations with the Taliban concerning returned refugees. We can be certain that all such refugees will be murdered by the Taliban and that any assurances to the contrary that they may give will not be worth a bucket of cold spit.

This statement, following Nigel Farages barrel-scraping performance on Tuesday, marks a new and thoroughly despicable low for this country. Keir Starmer, in just over a year you have dragged the party into the moral sewer. After 52 years, you have lost my vote.

Robert McNulty

Manchester

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Protesters outside the Bell hotel after the appeal court ruled the government could continue to house asylum seekers inside. Photograph: Lucy North/PA

Protesters were already gathering outside the Bell hotel by Friday evening with union flags and St Georges flags waving. This court ruling was never going to end as a quiet legal moment.

For the Home Office, the court of appeals decision was a practical win. If the ruling had gone the other way, the government would have been forced to rehouse 138 asylum seekers in a matter of days, opening the floodgates to similar legal challenges from other councils. Since there is scant alternative accommodation available, this ruling buys the government time.

Government insiders say that by the end of the year they expect at least five more hotels housing asylum seekers to close, with more to follow in the new year. If the closures proceed, the ruling means they still have time to deliver their promise of shutting all the hotels down in a controlled and orderly way by 2029.

But political tensions have, of course, been reignited. Nigel Farage immediately jumped on the moment, accusing the government of using the law against the people of Epping. He said illegal migrants now have more rights than the people of Essex and promised Reform UK would put an end to this. This is the kind of high-emotion, high-visibility moment Farage thrives on and is a story that plays into his hands.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, also piled in, telling supporters on X: Judges side with illegal migrants against British people. ECHR used by judges to overrule planning law, democratic protests and the safety of Epping residents.

The government remains stuck in the same political fight: trying to stave off challenges from the right while at the same time getting on with the job of ensuring there is a functioning political project that can communicate its wins.

Kemi Badenoch, the opposition leader, has told Tory councils to keep going with their legal challenges, despite the court ruling making it clear that protest and local pressure will not count in planning law.

Views in her party slant right on the issue, but not exclusively. One senior Conservative MP said: Theyre human beings  they have to live somewhere. For me the issue is: wheres the deterrent? But another backbencher said: We have to make it impossible for them to stay open.

Farage had described the mood in the country on Tuesday around the issue of immigration as being a mix between total despair and rising anger. Yet he persistently confuses irregular migrants with asylum seekers who are fleeing harm.

Recent polling shows the issue is one of voters biggest concerns, with a YouGov poll revealing 71% of voters think Keir Starmer is handling the asylum crisis poorly, including a majority of his own supporters. Nearly seven in 10 said immigration levels were too high, which indicates why Farage was able to seize another moment this week to claim a genuine threat to public order unless this issue is solved.

The government says its plan is working: the backlog is falling and deportations are increasing, and a deal with France has been signed. But as of Friday evening, the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, had not commented publicly. The last post on X from the official Labour party account is a photo of Farage with the caption: No plan. No idea.

There is still a long way to go before Labour can look back on what it has achieved in its first parliament. But public mood is shifting faster than policy.

This Labour government did inherit a broken system, and a large number of hotels opened by the Conservatives. But it has not stopped the Tories washing their hands of it, or Farage from circling. On the streets outside the Bell hotel, the noise is getting louder, along with fears there could be more protests across the country to come.
SINGAPORE, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pollo AI is proud to announce the launch of Google Nano Banana , an AI image generation and editing model also known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image.

Now available with unlimited use for paid users on the Pollo AI platform, Nano Banana delivers a breakthrough experience in AI-generated imagery with unmatched character consistency.

Emma Chen, Pollo AI's Chief Product Officer, shared her enthusiasm about the launch, saying, "Our integration of Google's Nano Banana AI model underscores our commitment to providing creators and professionals the leading-edge tools they need."

Google Nano Banana is renowned for its ultra-high character consistency, which keeps characters and scene details perfectly intact even across iterative modifications.

It features state-of-the-art image generation, enabling the creation of rich, stylized images that feel both precise and artistically refined.

Users can easily refine images through natural language prompts. The model also excels at seamlessly fusing multiple images, enabling users to insert objects, restyle entire scenes, or blend visuals effortlessly.

Furthermore, Nano Banana operates at ultra-fast speeds, allowing rapid image creation and editing that supports quick ideation and professional workflows.

Getting started is simple: visit Pollo AI image generator , select the Nano Banana model, enter descriptive prompts using plain language, and generate high-quality outputs in seconds.

By integrating Google Nano Banana, Pollo AI invites paid users to enjoy unlimited access to an AI model that opens new creative possibilities, offering enhanced detail, consistency, and artistic flexibility.

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SOURCE Pollo AI
Aston Martins Lance Stroll walked away from a high-speed crash as Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance during Friday practice for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Canadian Stroll, who was forced to miss the Spanish Grand Prix after wrist surgery in June, carried huge speed into the banked turn three in the early stages of second practice but locked up and careered into the barriers.

There was extensive damage to his car but the 26-year-old was able to climb out and Aston Martin confirmed he was OK on his return to the garage.

Max Verstappen, who was behind Stroll on the track, expressed immediate concern on the radio, saying: Is he OK with his hands? I saw how he hit the wall.

It was a disappointing moment for Stroll after a positive first running on Friday, where he finished third fastest ahead of team-mate Fernando Alonso in fourth.

Aston Martin proved to the be the nearest challengers to McLaren, for whom title hopeful Norris set an impressive pace.

Norris has won three of the last four races  including his victory in Hungary last time out  to close the championship gap to team-mate Oscar Piastri to nine points with 10 races remaining.

He topped both sessions on Friday, finishing the day 0.089 seconds ahead of third-placed Piastri with Alonso separating the pair.

Lando Norris delivered a commanding performance on Friday (Bradley Collyer/PA)

George Russell was fourth fastest for Mercedes but he was almost four tenths off the pace.

It was another difficult day for Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari.

The seven-time world champion said on Thursday that he was determined to enjoy his driving again, after describing himself as absolutely useless and suggesting Ferrari should replace him after he started and finished 12th in Hungary before Formula Ones summer break.

But the 40-year-olds bid to bring back the fun-factor did not start well as he spun just over 10 minutes into the weekends opening running before managing to keep the car out of the gravel.

He finished FP1 a lowly 15th, over a second-and-a-half off Norris pace, and he suffered another 360 degree spin during the afternoon session.

Leclerc had said during FP1 that Ferrari were miles off.

The pair improved during the second running, with Hamilton sixth and Leclerc eighth, but the British driver was over eight tenths adrift of Norris pace.

Home favourite Max Verstappen was unable to offer the fervent Dutch support much encouragement. The four-time world champion finished the opening session in the gravel and ended the day almost six tenths behind Norris.
Most people do not pay attention to celebrities expressing their views in support of political causes, according to new polling.

While just over half of people think it is acceptable for celebrities to raise awareness about such causes, the vast majority say they are not interested in hearing more about these issues from famous people, according to a recent survey.

The polling, commissioned by the PA news agency, was carried out over a weekend which saw a string of bands pull out of a UK music festival after Irish folk music group The Mary Wallopers claimed they were cut off for displaying a Palestinian flag.

Organisers of the Victorious music festival in Portsmouth later issued an apology to the band over what had happened and pledged to make a substantial donation to humanitarian relief efforts for the Palestinian people.

Increasing numbers of artists have spoken out over the war in Gaza in recent times, including singer Madonna and rock band U2, with many performers using social media or the stage as their platform.

Online polling by Ipsos for PA of just over 1,000 people across Great Britain suggested 60% have not paid attention to a celebrity expressing their views in support of a political cause.

Those polled were most likely to say they either trusted family and friends or no-one (32% for each) when it comes to hearing views on political issues, with just 5% saying they trust celebrities on such matters.

Asked about which groups they would be interested in hearing more from on political issues, 8% said celebrities.

This came below the royal family (10%), politicians (13%) and academics (20%).

More than half of people felt it was acceptable for celebrities to raise awareness about political causes (55%) and to encourage people to write to their MP about a political issue (57%).

But 52% said it was unacceptable to encourage protest which might break the law such as supporting a banned organisation.

Just over a fifth (22%) felt this was acceptable.

Irish author Sally Rooney has been in the headlines over her support for Palestine Action (Waterstones/PA)

Award-winning author Sally Rooney recently hit the headlines for saying she will donate her earnings from her books and BBC adaptions to support Palestine Action, a group recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.

The Irish author of Normal People said that if backing Palestine Action makes me a supporter of terror under UK law, so be it.

While the group was recently proscribed in the UK, it is not banned under Irish law.

Ms Rooney currently lives in the west of Ireland.

Writing in the Irish Times earlier this month, she said: I want to be clear that I intend to use these proceeds of my work, as well as my public platform generally, to go on supporting Palestine Action and direct action against genocide in whatever way I can.

:: The Ipsos polling was carried out between August 22 and 25 and was of 1,100 people aged 16-75 across England, Scotland and Wales.
Luke Littler says he does not know how he will perform at the Flanders Open this weekend after undergoing emergency dental treatment.

The 18-year-old had a tooth removed on Thursday at an emergency dentist in Manchester after being in pain for hours and hours.

Littler is normally doing the taking out at the oche, but was left in shock and shaken after his trip to the dentists chair.

Luke Littler has won his last three on-stage tournaments (John Walton/PA)

The world champion is flying to Belgium on Friday ahead of the European Tour event in Antwerp, where he will aim to win a third title.

Littler said on his Instagram story: In pain for hours and hours, so had to get tooth out. Luckily they were able to do it and sort me out but hopefully its all good for Saturday.

Everyone knows I love Belgium and hopefully I can play my best darts.

Ive never had this done and I dont know how Im going to be feeling but right now I am in shock and shaken as I didnt know what to expect.

Littler will play the winner of Dylan Slevin or Francois Schweyen on Saturday.

Gerwyn Price is also hoping to feature after he was hospitalised earlier in the week with an infected hand.

The 2020 world champion posted pictures of himself hooked up to a drip and struggling to get a bed in hospital, but looks set to play in Belgium.
James Roberts, the founder of Human Gay Male, wants to take the pub to court - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

A gender-critical group is preparing to take legal action against a Brighton pub that cancelled its meeting over its political ideology.

The group, Human Gay Male (HGM), provides social events for gay men who do not believe in gender ideology.

That is the belief that gender is dictated not by biological sex, but self-identification.

The gender-critical group claims that it booked a room at a Brighton pub for a small event in early August, but the venue later cancelled, citing a problem with political ideology.

The Lion and Lobster pub attributed the decision to its policy of barring bookings for any groups promoting political ideologies or views.

This appeared to follow the pub being tipped off about the beliefs of HGM by a group called Terf Watch Brighton, which said on Instagram that Human Gay Male tried to come to Brighton. They arent welcome here.

The Lion and Lobster pub in Brighton and its brewery could be sued for discrimination

HGM is now preparing legal action against the pub for discrimination under the Equality Act.

The groups founder, James Roberts, told the Telegraph: On the morning of the event we received an email from the pub to say they were cancelling as the nature of our group had come to their attention.

He added: This is all because we hold gender-critical views  we dont believe you can change sex or that gender identity should be above biological sex.

We reject the idea that a heterosexual female who identifies as a man is a gay man.

So, we are taking the pub, and their brewery, to court for discrimination under the Equality Act protected characteristic of religion or belief.

HGM has enlisted the help of solicitor Peter Daly, who represented Maya Forstater, who was the focus of a high-profile legal battle.

Her consulting contract was not renewed in 2019 after she expressed gender-critical views online. In 2022, it was found that she had been discriminated against on the basis of her beliefs.

This set a precedent for opposition to gender theory being protected by law, under the Equality Act 2010, and set off a series of legal challenges.

The most consequential was the 2025 Supreme Court ruling that only biological women are women.

The decision, in which some of the countrys most senior judges were forced to point out that as a matter of biology, only biological women can become pregnant provides clarity over what a woman means under equality laws, and protects womens rights.

The ruling added that in relation to single-sex spaces such as lavatories, provided it is proportionate, the female-only nature of the service ... would permit the exclusion of all males including males living in the female gender.

Defending rights of people to speak freely

Mr Roberts is hoping to argue in his dispute with the Brighton pub that his beliefs are also protected, and the event should not have been cancelled on the basis of his view on gender.

He has launched a Crowdjustice campaign to raise funds for a planned legal challenge to the pubs cancellation, telling prospective supporters: Your support  whether through donating or sharing this page  will help us defend basic freedoms and protect the rights of people to meet, organise and speak freely.

The pub informed Mr Roberts of the cancellation in an email, in which it was stated that the pub had a policy restricting all events for groups promoting political ideologies or views.

The pub has been contacted for comment.
Nicola Peltzs friends have defended her absence from her friend Selena Gomezs hen do.

The singer, 33, shared snaps from her getaway with a group of female pals on Instagram ahead of her wedding to Benny Blanco, partying in a white bikini and bridal veil at the beach and hanging out with her friends at a villa.

Peltz, 30, was noticeably missing from the celebrations and has not liked or commented on Gomezs hen do post on Instagram.

It comes just weeks after Gomez skipped Peltzs vow renewal with Brooklyn Beckham, despite previously claiming they were so close they were like a throuple.

Sources claimed the duo have fallen out after Gomez was left disappointed by Peltzs reported diva-like behaviour.

However pals defended Peltzs absence from the hen do, telling The Standard: "Plenty of Selenas friends werent in attendance.

The source added: Making it about Nicola isnt right, the attention should really be on Selena and her big day ahead."

The Standard has contacted Gomez and Peltzs representatives for comment.

Peltz took to her own Instagram Stories on the day Gomez shared her hen do post, sharing photos from a date night with her husband Beckham, 26.

Earlier this month, sources claimed that Gomez and Peltz have grown distant following several tense moments.

Gomez and Peltz pictured together (Instgram/SelenaGomez)

Last year, [Gomez] noticed Nicola's behaviour toward her and [fiance Benny] turned into a constant quest for attention, an insider told The Sun.

There were many tense moments, for example, during dinners and lunches, where Nicola would try to sit where photographers could get the best angle, and she wasn't very nice to Selena if people weren't paying enough attention to her.

I mean, just look at Nicola and Brooklyn's circle of friends, it's shrinking every week. Some people have turned their backs on them because they've realised how Nicola behaves, and Brooklyn isn't doing much to change the dynamic.

Gomez was absent from Peltz and Beckhams vow renewal in Florida on August 2.

Her absence drew further attention when her friend Dominic West was photographed with the newlyweds, while her former assistant, Theresa Mingus, was also reportedly on the guest list.

Gomez has been close to the couple for several years, famously joking in 2023 that they were in a throuple after spending New Years together in Mexico.

Fans were also quick to note the absence of Brooklyns parents, David and Victoria Beckham, along with his siblings Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, from the vow renewal.

Tensions between Beckham and Peltz and his family have been rumoured since their lavish wedding three years ago, with speculation intensifying in recent months after the newlyweds skipped Davids 50th birthday party.

Beckham and Peltz are also said to have no contact with a number of their former celebrity friends from Beckhams UK days, including Rocco Ritchie, the son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, and Gordon Ramsays twins Jack and Holly.
Obama warns all Americans are at risk after Trump threatens to clamp down on Chicago

Barack Obama has slammed Donald Trump after he threatened to clamp down on crime in Chicago, as part of a major national crackdown.

On Thursday, internal documents obtained by the New York Times revealed the Trump administration was plotting a mass immigration operation in Chicago  involving 200 homeland security officials and the use of a naval base outside of the city as a staging area.

In response, the former president said all Americans [are] at risk in response to an op-ed on Trumps paramilitary efforts by renowned Times columnist Ezra Klein. In Kleins piece, he interviews journalist Radley Balko, who has been documenting the militarization and law enforcement efforts under Trump, in his Substack, The Watch.

This interview [...] provides a useful overview of some of the dangerous trends weve been seeing in recent months regarding federalization and militarization of state and local police functions, said Obama in a tweet on X Thursday.

Barack Obama has slammed Trump for putting all Americans at risk in recent crime crackdowns (Getty)

The erosion of basic principles like due process and the expanding use of our military on domestic soil puts the liberties of all Americans at risk, and should concern democrats and republicans alike, Obama continued.

Border czar Tom Homan confirmed discussions about the use of a naval station in Illinois were being held in an interview with reporters Thursday.

It's under discussion. The planning is still being discussed. So, maybe by the end of the day, but yeah, it's being discussed, he said. Chicago still has a crime problem. So President Trump, again, made a promise to the American people he will make the country safe again.

The Department of Homeland Security has asked for access to Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago as President Donald Trump escalates his immigration crackdown (Getty)

Trump has long targeted Chicago for its issues with crime, calling it a mess, while blaming fragmented Democratic leadership for its problems.

Chicagos a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And well straighten that one out probably next, Trump said.

Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called Trump's threat to send the National Guard to Chicago, "uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound, in a statement last Friday.

In the citys most recent report on crime, published Monday, overall violent crime was recorded as being down by 21.6 percent, along with a 33 percent reduction in homicides and a 38 percent reduction in shootings, in the first six months of 2025.

Trump has spent weeks condemning the crime rate in cities such as Washington. D.C., and brought in the National Guard  who were spotted picking up trash near the White House recently  and federal agents to help D.C. police in their efforts to reduce crime.
Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, in the hit show - GC IMAGES

The owner of a New York brownstone made famous by Sex in the City has erected a gate to keep tourists off the steps leading to her front door.

For years, Barbara Lorber had put up with fans of the hit TV series posing for photographs on the steps of her Greenwich Village property which supposedly led to Carrie Bradshaws Manhattan apartment.

The three-storey house in Perry Street, which Ms Lorber has owned since 1978, was used in exterior shots by the shows producers.

On police advice, Ms Lorber, who until her retirement worked at Columbia University, tried to deter tourists by putting a chain and a no-trespassing sign at the foot of the steps, but it failed to deter fans of the show.

Intoxicated tourists have rang the doorbell of the home and graffiti has been etched onto the front door. Others posed on the steps or even danced.

Fans are now prevented from standing on the steps by a gate - THE MEGA AGENCY

With the house dating back to 1866, Ms Lorber appealed to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission for permission to install a steel gate to protect her privacy.

That house shouldnt be gated, she told the Commission at a hearing in January.

But what was beautiful in the late 19th century is unfortunately in need of more protection in our century, in our time.

At any hour of the day or night, there people outside taking flash photos

In a letter to the commission, she explained: The front of my home appeared in the Sex and the City TV series as the exterior of character Carrie Bradshaws apartment.

My fault: I felt sorry for the young location scout who was a recent grad from NYU Film School. He told me if he didnt secure THIS house, he would lose his first real job in the business.

At the time, no one knew the show would turn into anything long-lasting... much less, the iconic fantasy vehicle and touchstone for NYCs magic that it has become.

My home is now a global tourist destination. The show is in endless reruns in 34 different languages, increasing an already massive fan base coming to my stoop from throughout the US and around the world.

At any hour of the day or night, there are groups of visitors in front of the house taking flash photos, engaging in loud chatter, posting on social media, making TikTok videos, or just celebrating the moment.

Finally, the gate, carefully designed to be in keeping with the historic house, is in place after approval from the commission.

What was beautiful in the late 19th century is unfortunately in need of more protection in our century, in our time, she told the Commission.

Id hoped for literally decades that this would pass, but at this point I think even someone as stubborn as I am has to admit that this isnt going away in the near future.
Leon Neal/Getty

How should our liberal democracy respond to extreme protest groups  such as Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion and Palestine Action?

On the one hand, these are not terrorist organisations, which cause mass casualties and threaten national security. On the other, they are not democratic ones, who protest lawfully and peacefully. They are willing to inflict widespread disruption, criminal damage or physical violence in the pursuit of political ends.

During the last Parliament, Rishi Sunaks government commissioned Lord Walney, a former Labour MP who is now a crossbench peer, to come up with an answer.

He duly produced a report, Protecting our Democracy from Coercion, with over 40 recommendations  the centrepiece of which was a new legal category of Extreme Protest Restriction Orders. Once designated as an Extreme Protest Group, an organisation would face restrictions on its ability to raise funds, organise and assemble.

Had this government carried on where the last one left off (Lord Walney published his report on May 21 last year, the day before Sunak called the last general election), Palestine Action could have been designated as an Extreme Protest Group a year ago, in the wake of the incident in Bristol (the company concerned, Elbit Systems, is an Israeli defence firm).

The consequent Extreme Protest Restriction Orders would have caught Palestine Actions operatives  the people who plan and execute its activities  but not Sue Parfitt, an 83 year old retired Anglican priest; Sir Jonathon Porritt the environmental campaigner and former government adviser; or Deborah Hinton, a former magistrate, and an elderly blind man in a wheelchair.

All have been arrested not for what they have done  none of them have harmed people or property  but for what they are alleged to have said. Each one is alleged to have declared, in some form or other, backing for Palestine Action. More than 700 others have been treated in the same way  often for holding up placards declaring: I support Palestine Action. Some 70 people have been charged. More prosecutions will follow.

How has this come about? Because the Government, rather than implement Lord Walneys recommendations, has proscribed Palestine Action altogether  in other words, lumped it in with such terrorist organisations as Al Qaeda and ISIS. So just as it would be a criminal offence to display a placard supporting, say, Hamas  or to wear clothes with slogans that show such support  it is now a criminal offence to brandish a placard or wear a T shirt supporting Palestine Action.

The decision to proscribe seems to contradict Lord Walneys report: after all, it was considered necessary  as were his recommendations  precisely because extreme protest groups are not conventional terrorist organisations. Is proscription justified?

We dont know, because Yvette Cooper, in initiating it, was acting on the advice of MI5 and counter-terrorism policing, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Home Offices Proscription Review Group. Some of the information she acted upon will have been classified. It may be that future legal proceedings bring undisclosed information to light, and Palestine Action is revealed to be morphing from an extreme protest group into an out-and-out terrorist organisation.

Perhaps, and perhaps not. Either way, its worth noting that Lord Beamish, who chairs Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee, has complained of a sense of disappointment that the Home Office did not see fit to give the intelligence assessment behind this to the ISC. The committee, he said, is quite angry that the Government had not given it this information before this legislation was put forward.

Nonetheless, Lord Beamish came down on the side of the ban, as has Lord Walney himself. But for what its worth, Im very doubtful indeed. This isnt because I agree with Palestine Actions view about Gaza (I dont) or sympathise with deluded Anglican clergy (ditto). One doesnt have to support Israels government to see that Palestinianism  thats to say, a one-sided view of the conflict and the demonisation of the Jewish state itself  is a kind of psychic epidemic: an outbreak of collective hysteria. So is supporting an organisation that damages RAF aircraft.

But it doesnt follow that expressing such support  by holding up a placard or wearing a T shirt  should be a criminal offence, let alone a terrorist one. If free speech is good for the Right-wing goose, it must be equally good for the Left-wing gander. There should be a strong presumption in favour of it.

It may be that Ministers are right to suppress it in this case by means of proscription. And it would help their cause were they to share as much information with Lord Beamishs committee as possible. But there is reason to suspect that the proscription of Palestine Action will fall victim to the law of unexpected consequences.

The 70 or so people charged to date with support for Palestine Action are the thin end of a bigger wedge. More of the 700 who have been arrested will follow. Most if not all will be tried in magistrates courts.

Some of those Anglican priests and blind elderly may be sentenced to up to six months imprisonment. Many people with no time at all for Palestine Action would view such sentences as harsh. And in any event, at least some of those so convicted would appeal to the Crown Court. It is conceivable that some cases would then go up to the High Court.

And if they are convicted, the law will have been made to look an ass  and proscription less effective than it would be otherwise. Palestine Action will have worked this out. If necessary, it will seek to gum up the courts by mobilising yet more placard-wielding protesters.

A full-scale Israeli incursion into Gaza in October will help keep the Middle East in the headlines, so there may be no shortage of volunteers. Meanwhile, the protesters will claim that the Government  by backing a Palestinian state  is legitimising the cause which they support.

In short, the policy of fining or imprisoning people for declaring support for Palestine Action looks more and more like a boomerang  a tool that will rebound on the Ministers who threw it, rather than harm the extremist activists at whom the policy is aimed. Wouldnt Lord Walneys original plan have been a more practicable one to follow? We may know as soon as November, if a judicial review of the policy decides against the Government.
Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan says the James Bond franchise gave him longevity.

Brosnan, 72, played James Bond from 1995 to 2002, starring in four films as 007 in GoldenEye (1995), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Die Another Day (2002).

Speaking to The Guardian, Brosnan praised the franchise and the opportunities its given him as an actor despite his late teacher and mentor, Christopher Fettes, reportedly believing it was a bit below him.

Pierce Brosnan played Bond in four movies (Suzan Moore/PA)

He said: Its very kind of Christopher. Thank God for Bond. Its given me longevity.

Its given me the world in many respects.

Christopher wanted me doing obscure 19th-century plays, but my dream was always movies.

As speculation continues to stir around who will fill in 007s shoes following Daniel Craigs final portrayal in 2021s No Time To Die, Brosnan advised the next actor that it is essential to be creative outside of Bond and to get a good lawyer.

The next Bond film will be directed by Canadian filmmaker and four-time Academy Award nominee, Denis Villeneuve who is known for Dune, Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049 and Arrival.

Pierce Brosnan had some advice for whoever becomes 007 next (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

It was also recently announced that the script for the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

This comes after a major overhaul of the iconic British spy franchise which saw Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson hand over creative control to Amazon as part of a lucrative deal.

The Drogheda-born star now appears alongside Oscar-winner Dame Helen Mirren, Calendar Girls actress Celia Imrie, and Gandhi actor Sir Ben Kingsley in the film adaptation of Richard Osmans bestselling novel series The Thursday Murder Club.

He also plays mobster Conrad Harrigan in the Paramount+ series MobLand, which follows the Harrigan crime family and their battle with the Stevenson family in London.

Brosnan is also known for starring in Mamma Mia! (2008), Mars Attacks! (1996) and Mrs Doubtfire (1994).
The owner of Royal Mail is expected to show a return to annual earnings on Monday in the firms first set of results since the completion of its 3.6 billion takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

International Distribution Services (IDS) will post figures for the 12 months to March 31 after a milestone year for the group, which saw Royal Mail taken into foreign ownership for the first time in its more than 500-year history.

The year has also seen regulator Ofcom rubber stamp reforms allowing Royal Mail to ditch second class letter deliveries on Saturdays and change the service to every other weekday, which the group can start rolling out from July 28.

IDS said in January that it was on course to return to annual adjusted operating profit, before voluntary redundancy costs, in 2024-25, despite the difficult market environment.

Its third quarter update showed group revenues lifted 0.8% to 3.6 billion thanks in part to a parcel boost over Christmas.

Royal Mail parcel revenues rose 2.5% to 1.02 billion in the quarter as prices rose, while the division was also helped by a better performance internationally, where revenues jumped 6.6% to 227 million.

But the group warned in November that it was facing a 120 million hit from the incoming national insurance tax hike and that it could not rule out job cuts or price hikes to offset the blow.

It also saw an investigation launched in May after it only delivered just over three-quarters of first-class post on time last year, following hefty fines for missing targets in previous years.

Parent group IDS formally left the London Stock Exchange on June 2 after being taken over by Mr Kretinskys EP Group following clearance by the Government at the end of 2024 and approval by shareholders in April.

Royal Mails new owner also issued a 1 so-called golden share to the UK Government, as agreed under the deal.

Mr Kretinsky  appointed as the new chairman of Royal Mail  has pledged to stick to the Universal Service Obligation (USO) after the takeover.

Royal Mail also announced in recent days that it will be the first international postal operator to launch new services so people can continue sending goods to the United States as new customs requirements take effect from August 29.

Royal Mail customers now can use the companys new postal delivery duties paid (PDDP) services, which follows a US executive order last month that goods valued at 800 dollars or less will no longer be exempt from import duties and taxes from August 29.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has warned around 30% of its member firms that export to the US will be hit by the new rules, with smaller companies predominantly impacted.
Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programmes have announced a first of its kind, long term partnership with Anastasia Beverly Hills, marking the beauty brand's first-ever entry into the world of motorsport.

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark move, Anastasia Beverly Hills joins the Red Bull Academy Programme in a multi-year partnership to become a Team Partner of both the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans and the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programmes. The exclusive partnership with the Red Bull Academy Programme is the first standalone Formula 1 Academy partnership for the programme, and will see prominent beauty branding and experiences launched from the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix.

courtesy of brand courtesy of brand

From one industry disruptor to another, Anastasia Beverly Hills identified the Red Bull Academy Programme as the perfect foundation to launch into the world of sport and motorsport, thanks to the Team's proven commitment to performance, innovation, and supporting the next generation of women in motorsport.

Anastasia Beverly Hills will have prominent branding on Alisha Palmowski's Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans Academy Programme challenger, featuring on the rear wing and cockpit. Rafaela Ferreira's Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programme car will display the Anastasia Beverly Hills logos on the side chassis and front nose. The 2025 rookie pair will also sport the iconic Anastasia Beverly Hills logo across driver branding and team kit.

The shared values of the Red Bull Academy Programme and Anastasia Beverly Hills allows the partnership to inspire and empower women in motorsport  both on and off the track  with experiential trackside activations across F1 Academy race locations.

Founded in 1997 the Californian-based cosmetic brand has since grown into a globally renowned beauty authority. Known for setting trends with its groundbreaking brow products, the brand continues to push the industry forward with innovative formulas and a wide range of must-have essentials.

Where speed meets glamour, Red Bull Academy Programme and Anastasia Beverly Hills are redefining the racing landscape  one lap and one brush at a time.

Julia George, Director of Partnerships at Oracle Red Bull Racing, said: "Welcoming Anastasia Beverly Hills to our growing and diverse family of partners is a monumental step for the Red Bull Academy Programme, supporting both the Red Bull Racing Pepe Jeans and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Academy Programmes. We're delighted that one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the world has entrusted the Red Bull Academy Programme to make its first step into motorsport."

Anastasia Soare, Founder and CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, said: "We are incredibly proud to mark ABH's first move into motorsport with this long-term partnership across two F1 Academy teams. Motorsport has always been about pushing boundaries, and through this collaboration we're excited to support the next generation of talented female drivers, making them feel beautiful and powerful. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey with the Red Bull Academy Programme, and we're committed to making a lasting impact both on and off the track."

About Red Bull Academy Programme

The Red Bull Academy Programme is sponsoring three cars and drivers for the 2025 F1 Academy Season, who will be competing for Campos Racing. The introduction of F1 Academy in 2023 marks a major step for women's progression into motorsport, and the Red Bull Academy Programme's aim is to help provide a pathway to ensure all drivers can fulfil their potential in motorsport.

About Anastasia Beverly Hills

Romanian-born beauty entrepreneur Anastasia Soare launched her namesake brand with a Beverly Hills flagship salon in 1997 and the company's first product line in 2000. Rooted in the sacred geometry of the Golden Ratio, ABH creates prestige cosmetics for a passionate prosumer audience. Soare was first to introduce brow shaping followed by a product line based on her patented Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method and is widely credited for fueling the multi-million dollar business that surrounds the category.

Anastasia Beverly Hills products are available at anastasiabeverlyhills.com, Dillard's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Sephora, ULTA, and select retailers in over 30 countries. Best sellers include Brow Wiz, Brow Freeze Gel, Impeccable Setting Spray, and Lip Liner.

Additional content can also be viewed on our social media channels:

Instagram: @redbullf1academy

SOURCE Anastasia Beverly Hills
A flag of St George hangs from a lamppost in Harlow, Essex. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Reuters

Two correspondents assert on your letters page that Saint George was born in Turkey (The truth about flying the flag of Saint George, 27 August). Insofar as his biography is known, he was born in Cappadocia when it was still part of the undivided Roman empire (as was that part of Britain now called England). The primary language in Cappadocia was then Greek, alongside Persian and Armenian (while Britains was Celtic).

The first Turks arrived almost eight centuries later, and its Turkification was a millennium-long process of migration, assimilation and persecution (the Anglo-Saxonification of Britain having been rather more rapid). Which just goes to show that there is nothing new about population movement and cultural change.

Natalie Nairi Quinn

Abingdon

 I was dismayed to see not one but two published letters stating that Saint George was from Turkey. This is akin to stating that Julius Caesar was from Italy or that the prophet Muhammad was from Saudi Arabia. If we are serious about stopping the far right, we should at least try to be historically and geopolitically accurate.

Fergus Tyrrell

London

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section., Oxfordshire
The second victim of the deadly mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school on Wednesday has been identified as Harper Moyski, age 10.

"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting, parents Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin said in a statement to media outlets. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss, the statement adds. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.

Earlier today, Fletcher Merkel, 8, was named as the other victim in the shooting, which also wounded 18 people, mostly children.

Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us, his father, Jessie, said at a press conference on Thursday. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.

Harper Moyski (pictured), 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, have been identified as the two victims of Wednesdays deadly mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis (Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin)

The shooting, which took place early Wednesday morning at a church next to Annunciation Catholic School, also injured 18 people, mostly children.

Sophia Forchas, 12, was among the injured.

She was later taken to a hospital where her mother was working as a nurse the day of the shooting.

Sophia was shot during the attack and is currently in critical condition in the ICU, according to a GoFundMe page. She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult  but she is strong, and she is not alone.

Fletcher Merkel, 8, was the other child killed in the Minneapolis shooting

Eighth-grader Endre Gunter, was also injured. He is now recovering from surgery after being shot twice in the stomach, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his aunt.

Before being rushed into surgery, the 13-year-old asked a surgeon, "Can you say a prayer with me?"

The surgeon later told us that not only did Endre survive the surgery, he fought through a terrifying event with courage that inspired the entire medical team, the page reads. That moment of prayer, and Endre's resilience, will stay with our family forever.

During the incident, in which students and local parishioners were gathered for the first Mass of the school year, the shooter, Robin Westman, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities are still working to determine potential motives for the violence.

Police are still searching for motive in Minneapolis shooting, and FBI has said shooter espoused anti-religious ideology (Getty Images)

Westman committed an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X on Thursday.

The official said Westman made anti-Catholic, anti-religious references in a manifesto and on weapons in her possession, expressed hatred towards Jewish people, and made calls for violence against President Trump.

In a series of jumbled personal writings posted online reviewed by CNN, Westman appeared to discount any central cause for the shooting and spoke of an obsession with past mass shooters.

This is not a church or religion attack, that is not the message, the shooter wrote. The message is there is no message.

Police said 116 rifle rounds were found at the site of the shooting.

The shooting, which comes on the heels of the killing of two Minnesota lawmakers in June, has inspired renewed calls for gun reform.

I have a message for the president, Manuel Oliver, father of one of the victims of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida, told CNN. You can make things happen. You can actually stop this from happening, and there is no political risk here because youre still going to be the president for the next three years. So this is the time for us to change things.
Minouche Shafik was also previously head of the London School of Economics. Photograph: Jose Luis Magana/AP

The former Bank of England deputy governor Minouche Shafik is set to join Keir Starmers team as chief economic adviser.

In a boost to the prime ministers office in the run-up to the autumn budget, Lady Shafik is expected to take on the role after a year heading a Foreign Office review of the governments foreign aid spending.

A member of the House of Lords, Shafik resigned last year as the president of Columbia University after criticism of the treatment of Jewish students during anti-Israel protests at the institutions New York campus.

Shafik was previously head of the London School of Economics, a deputy governor of the International Monetary Fund and the top civil servant at the now defunct Department for International Development. In 2019 she was touted as a possible contender to replace Mark Carney as the Bank of Englands governor.

No 10 has sought to give more weight to its economic unit after a series of missteps that some Downing Street advisers have blamed on naivety inside the Treasury.

Most recently, Rachel Reeves was forced to back down in the face of a backbench rebellion after she proposed cutting disability benefits.

That retreat left the chancellor facing an even tougher challenge in her autumn budget, in which she is expected to have to set out plans to close a deficit of between 20bn and 40bn.

Starmer is known to want high-level economic advice of his own, separate to the support given to the chancellor.

Sajid Javid, a former chancellor, quit his post after the then prime minister, Boris Johnson, made clear that all Treasury decisions would need to be agreed by No 10.

It is understood that Reeves is unlikely to quit after the appointment of Shafik, but rumours have swirled around Westminster that the chancellors tenure could be cut short if she fails to steer through a politically and economically successful budget.

Reeves is also seeking to attract heavyweight advisers to the Treasury after the LSEs John Van Reenen scaled back his support to return to academia and Anna Volero departed.

There is likely to be criticism of Shafiks appointment from some inside No 10 who wanted an expert in the UK economy to guide Starmers policymaking. Shafik, who was raised in Egypt before moving to the US as a child, has spent most her working life in organisations focused on resolving global poverty.

Her supporters would argue that two and half years on the Bank of Englands interest-rate setting committee and six years at the LSE gave her a deep understanding of the UK economy.

Starmers office was contacted for comment.
aetongtarn Shinawatra had already been suspended from her duties on 1 July after a recording was leaked of her phone conversation with Hun Sen. Photograph: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images

Thailands constitutional court has dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her position as prime minister, ruling that as the countrys leader she violated ethical rules during a phone call with Cambodias senate president, Hun Sen.

The ruling, which threatens to usher in a fresh period of instability in the country, means she immediately loses her job, which she had held for about a year. The 39-year-old had already been suspended from her duties on 1 July after a recording was leaked of the phone conversation, in which they discussed a simmering border dispute between the neighbouring countries.

Critics accused her of failing to protect Thailands interests during the call, in which she addressed Hun Sen as uncle, and told him that if there were anything he wanted, she would take care of it. She also made critical remarks about a senior Thai military commander.

The court said Paetongtarn had put her private interests before those of the nation and damaged the reputation of the country. Due to a personal relationship that appeared aligned with Cambodia, the respondent was consistently willing to comply with or act in accordance with the wishes of the Cambodian side, the court said in a statement.

Paetongtarn, the daughter of the billionaire former Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra, had apologised for her comments, describing them as a negotiating tactic.

Speaking to media after the verdict, Paetongtarn said she accepted the judgment, but added: I never asked for anything for my own benefit  the most important thing I have always upheld is the lives of our people, whether military or civilian. I am truly determined to protect their lives.

As a Thai, I love my nation, religion, and monarchy with all my heart, as much as any Thai can.

Weeks after the recording was leaked, the border dispute erupted into a five-day conflict in which dozens of people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Anger over the phone call, and Paetongtarns handling of the border crisis, has been exacerbated by a perception that her familys personal relationship with Hun Sen  an old friend turned foe  was undermining Thailands response to the border crisis.

A full version of the recording was published by Hun Sen, who later threatened to release further compromising information about Paetongtarns father, Thaksin. Hun Sen is known to have been an old friend of Thaskins, though, for unknown reasons, a bitter feud erupted between the two men earlier this year.

After the phone call was released, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Bangkok, demanding Paetongtarns resignation and calling her a traitor.

Fridays verdict is a major blow for the Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics for decades.

Paetongtarn is the fourth member of her family to have their term cut short either by a military coup or court ruling. Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006, while in 2008 Thaksins brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, who was prime minister briefly, was also forced from power by a court ruling. In 2014, Thaksins sister Yingluck was ousted by a court decision followed by a military coup.



Paetongtarn took office last year after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, also from Thaksins party, Pheu Thai, was removed from office over a separate ethics case.

Referencing Thailands courts frequent interventions in politics, Paetongtarn said: Todays judgment is once again changing politics abruptly. We must all work together, whether in government or opposition, we must unite to restore our political stability  to prevent such sudden changes from happening again.

The Shinawatra family has been locked in a power struggle with the military royalist establishment for decades, but Thaksin has remained influential even after years in exile. However, many analysts believe his familys power is now significantly dented, with public support diminished and no clear successor.

It is unclear who might take over as prime minister. Under the Thai constitution, only individuals who were nominated by their parties as prime ministerial candidates at the last general election are eligible for the office.

Two of Thaksins Pheu Thai partys prime minsiterial nominees  Srettha and Paetongtarn  have now been ousted, and the party will face an uphill battle trying to gather enough support for their third nominee, Chaikasem Nitisiri, 77, and hold together its fragile coalition. Deputy prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai will oversee the government in a caretaker capacity until the office is filled.

Related: Thailand former PM cleared of royal insult charge but Shinawatra dynastys fate still hangs in balance

Dr Punchada Sirivunnabood, professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mahidol University, said an election could be held as early as April next year.



Thaksin would probably try to launch a comeback, Sirivunnabood said, but added it was unlikely to be successful. A deal after the last election with its longstanding enemies from military-linked parties had helped Pheu Thai take power, but at the expense of a popular and youthful pro-reform party. Pheu Thai had also failed to deliver on its election pledges, especially in relation to the economy, said Sirivunnabood. People who supported him have switched to other political parties, she added.




Top RFK Jr. deputy to serve as acting CDC director after former chief forced out over vaccine policy clash

A top deputy of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy will take over as the acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after its former chief was ousted over a vaccine policy disagreement.

Jim O'Neill, who currently serves as the deputy secretary at the DHHS, will now serve as the interim head of the CDC, according to The Washington Post.

Kennedy has frequently questioned the efficacy of certain vaccines and has previously played into unfounded conspiracy theories, such as linking vaccines to autism.

According to an anonymous source who spoke with the Post, O'Neill will continue to work directly for Kennedy in his deputy secretary role while also leading at the CDC, at least until a permanent head is selected.

Susan Monarez, the previous CDC chief, was fired by the Trump administration after she rejected Kennedy's requests to overhaul the CDC's federal vaccine policy.

Jim O'Neill, who currently serves as the deputy secretary at the DHHS, will now serve as the interim head of the CDC after its previous chief was fired over a vaccine policy clash (AP)

Kennedy accused Monarez of trying to obstruct President Donald Trump's health agenda, according to the sources.

Monarez's lawyers released a statement on Wednesday night saying that she "refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives."

After she was fired, other senior CDC staff resigned in solidarity with the agency head.

Dr Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University School of Public Health and a former White House Covid-19 response coordinator, wrote in a STAT editorial that the CDC's "chief medical officer, multiple center directors, and its top data scientist" have all left the agency, and that what remains "is a skeletal crew, leaderless," and without a plan for the next major crisis.

"The collapse of this unseen shield affects all of us in ways we dont always appreciate. It shapes whether your childs school stays open during a flu surge. Whether a restaurant is shut down before contaminated food sickens dozens more," he wrote. "Whether programs that prevent youth suicide continue to run. When public health protections fail, we all feel it."

O'Neill is replacing former CDC head Susan Monarez, who was fired by President Donald Trump after she refused to go along with proposed changes to federal vaccine policy suggested by DHSS Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr. (DHSS)

O'Neill  a former staffer during the George W Bush administration and a friend of right-wing billionaire and Trump ally Peter Thiel  is expected to take the reigns on Kennedy's vaccine policy overhaul.

Neither Monarez or O'Neill are former physicians. He is a tech investor and entrepreneur and was a vaccine skeptic during the coronavirus pandemic. He once argued on social media that the "CDC can redefine the word vaccine at will."

Democrats and some health experts have expressed alarm at the firing of Monarez and the subsequent departure of the CDC's top experts.

I think this is quite a negative and potentially catastrophic step for the country, Admiral Brett Giroir, a doctor who helped lead the pandemic response during the Trump administration, told The New York Times.

He said he didn't "know who's in charge," adding that it is "frightening because the No. 1 thing you need is somebody in charge."

Susan Monarez, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was fired by Trump after she refused to comply with RFK Jrs vaccine policy overhaul (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Senator Bernie Sanders has called for an investigation into Monarez's firing.

"RFK Jr. is pushing out scientific leaders who refuse to act as a rubber stamp for his dangerous conspiracy theories and manipulate science," he wrote on X. "Today, I am calling for a bipartisan congressional investigation into the firing of CDC Director Dr. Monarez."

Senator Patty Murray on Thursday called Kennedy a "lunatic who does not belong in government, much less as our nation's top health official" and called for his firing.

"It is dangerous to allow him to oversee ALL federal health research and public health infrastructure. It is never too late to do the right thing. Fire RFK Jr," she wrote on X.

Senator Jon Ossoff said in a statement on Thursday that Kennedy helming the nation's federal health agencies was a "grave error."

Yesterdays events are yet more evidence that putting a quack like Bobby Kennedy in charge of public health was a grave error," the Georgia Democrat wrote. "The Trump Administration has been engaged for months in a campaign to destroy the CDC, Americas preeminent disease-fighting agency."

Even some Republicans have stepped out to criticize Trump and Kennedy's decision. Senator Bill Cassidy, who heads the Senate's health panel and who was the deciding vote to confirm Kennedy as the head of HHS, called for more control over the CDC departures. He advised the Trump administration to reject any future vaccine recommendations if they're formed by advisory panels whose members are hand-picked by Kennedy, according to Politico.

Senator Susan Collins, also a Republican, similarly said the firing and mass departure of top CDC officials was alarming, and she echoed Cassidy's calls for congressional oversight at the agency.

Trump praised Kennedy during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday while the two were spinning tales about the causes of autism (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

The criticism did little to stir Trump. An anonymous White House official told Politico that it was "fair to say the president trusts Secretary Kennedy."

Trump even praised Kennedy during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday while the two were spinning dark tales about the horror show that is autism. Kennedy has reportedly been adamant about finding the cause of the condition.

Monarez's firing may not be the last of the major changes coming to the CDC. During a press conference on Thursday alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Kennedy warned that there's a "lot of trouble" at the CDC and warned that more firings may be on the way.

Theres a lot of trouble at CDC," he said. "And its going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture and bring back pride and self-esteem and make that agency the stellar agency that its always been.
Fire Points Flamingo missile could have a range of 1,864 miles, allowing unprecedented range for strikes within Russia - Efrem Lukatsky/The Associated Press

The Ukrainian defence company behind the Flamingo cruise missile, touted as a potential game-changer in the war, is reportedly under investigation for corruption.

Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) is looking into whether Fire Point misled its government on the price and delivery of its long-range drones, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing five sources familiar with the investigation.

Little-known until recently, Fire Point surged to prominence with a publicity blitz surrounding its long-range drones, dubbed FP-1, and the forthcoming Flamingo, or FP-5.

It is hoped that the Flamingo will usher in a new phase of the war in which home-made Ukrainian missiles can wreak havoc deep inside Russias borders, potentially striking as far as St Petersburg or Vladimir Putins holiday residences.

Officials overseeing the project have been stunned by the missiles capabilities - Efrem Lukatsky/The Associated Press

Earlier this month, Mr Zelensky hailed the Flamingo as currently our most successful missile, stating it could enter mass production in February.

The engine-powered missile is said to have a range of 3,000km (1,864 miles) and carry a 1,000kg (2,204lb) warhead, making it capable of much more explosive strikes than the long-range drones currently battering Russian territory.

But questions have been raised about the accuracy of Fire Points claims.

According to the Kyiv Independent, Nabu is investigating whether the company inflated the value of the components in its FP-1 drones, or the number it delivers to the military, or both.

Emerging almost out of nowhere with executives who lack experience in defence manufacturing, Fire Point gained nearly a third of the contracts for drone manufacturing in 2024, worth $320m (237m), the Ukrainian website alleged.

The FP-1 has proven itself on the battlefield. It has blitzed Russian fuel facilities since its introduction in May, causing shortages that have pushed the price of petrol to record highs.

Its a pretty good drone system, so at least right now its working, said Fabian Hoffmann, a missile researcher and non-resident fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis.

But obviously, if they managed to get the initial contracts via corruption, that would be a massive issue.

Fire Point confirmed the existence of a Nabu investigation to the Kyiv Independent, but said it was the product of rivals rumour-mongering and downplayed its significance.

In a statement, Nabu said it was not conducting an investigation regarding the Flamingo missile mentioned in the media.

The agency did not respond to questions seeking clarification over whether it was probing Fire Point over the FP-1 long-range drone.

A screen grab shows a test of the Flamingo missile, a significant advancement for Ukraine - AFP

Also on Friday, the Economist reported on rumours surrounding Fire Points alleged proximity to the presidential office, non-competitive financing, and even whether the [Flamingo] missile is Ukrainian. Fire Point denied the claims.

The magazine also cited one official overseeing the project said to be stunned by the missile despite having been very sceptical at first.

Last week, Fire Point allowed the Associated Press to tour a facility housing the Flamingo  named after an early batch came out pink by mistake. The firm initially embraced the colour as a tribute to the unusually high presence of women throughout the manufacturing chain.

Ramping up production

Iryna Terekh, the companys chief technology officer, said it was currently producing one missile per day but hoped to increase that to seven by October.

I find that extremely optimistic, Mr Hoffmann said. Thats really up to their engine manufacturer, [the Ukrainian company] Motor Sich. Theyre dealing with the bottleneck in the supply chain.

I find it feasible that a missile system like this exists, Mr Hoffmann added, and can be manufactured also in fairly substantial numbers. But its really up to the manufacturer now to follow up their claims with something real.
There always seems to be a much sharper dividing line between the summer holidays and the restart of the political season in France than in Britain. That line is particularly sharp this year, with a full-blown political crisis developing in France that could leave the country without a government in days, and perhaps facing new parliamentary elections in weeks. It could even precipitate an early presidential election, should Emmanuel Macron decide that, rather than hang on until spring 2027, he would rather stamp his foot and walk away.

The immediate cause of the current crisis is an austerity budget put together by the current prime minister, veteran centrist Francois Bayrou, designed to put Frances debt-ridden public finances on a sounder footing. It is naturally unpopular in the country at large  and if both the hard left (Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed) and the far right (Marine Le Pens National Rally) join forces to oppose it in parliament, it is dead in the water.

What makes this not only a budget row, however, but a test of Frances overall governability is that Bayrou has separately called a vote of confidence in the National Assembly for 8 September on whether the state of the public finances constitutes a national emergency. This could be seen as simple brinkmanship. But it is also a high-risk move that, if lost, could cut some of the remaining political ground from beneath Macrons feet, as well as triggering months of uncertainty, culminating perhaps in the sort of economic meltdown and humiliating IMF bailout that some whisper could also soon threaten the UK.

And what then? The spectre looms, as it has done periodically in the recent past, of the far-right winning an overall majority in the National Assembly, of Macron facing an awkward remainder of his presidency  or, if he chose to resign, opening the way for Marine Le Pen to become president.

It should hardly need to be said that, while no time is good for a political meltdown or such a drastic shift in power, the coming months would be one of the worst times not just for France, but perhaps even more for the UK and for Europe.

In the UK, the still-increasing number of small boat crossings has risen ever further up the political agenda, along with the use of hotels to house asylum seekers. This government has placed much weight on improving cooperation with France to reduce the numbers. But a France either in political flux or with a new far-right government could prove even less amenable than before. Whatever goodwill was invested in the so-called one in, one out agreement  which has still to prove its worth  the prospect of its being expanded or even continued would look small.

It is not hard, either, to envisage a tougher line from France to the effect that the small boats are an entirely UK problem, and that France has no interest in preventing the crossings or making life easier for the UK. Promised French legislation empowering the authorities to stop small boats from leaving once in the water has also yet to be passed, and could well be abandoned.

The other area that could be affected immediately by political change in France is Europes policy towards Ukraine. Macron has, with Keir Starmer, been at the forefront of efforts to form a so-called coalition of the willing to be deployed in some as-yet undetermined way in the event of an agreement to end the war, or even suspend hostilities. Both the hard left and the far right in France are as sceptical about continued help for Ukraine, as their equivalents are in Germany.

Thus far, Macron, as president, has been able to steer foreign policy above and beyond the National Assembly. But a parliamentary majority for the far right, a National Rally prime minister and even, if it came to that, a Le Pen protege as president, could change French policy very fast. That could include reopening contacts with Moscow, an end to, or scaling back of, military and financial support for Ukraine, and pressure on Kyiv to make territorial concessions.

That would also alter the balance in the EU and Europe more generally, leaving the UK and a newly defence-oriented Germany no longer even appearing to command a consensus, especially given the continuing refusal of Poland  the other big European country  to take part in a coalition of the willing.

Now, it is fair to say that none of this may happen. Macron has been a master at pulling chestnuts from the fire during his eight years in power, even though some of the fires (such as last years snap election) were of his own making. Bayrou might yet offer concessions on public spending; abolishing only one, rather than two, public holidays might get his budget through. He might just win the confidence vote if he can persuade the Socialist MPs to join him  though that looks unlikely as everyone seems to be spoiling for a fight.

Nor, if it comes to new parliamentary elections, is it guaranteed that National Rally would emerge victorious, despite the rightward trajectory of French and European politics. French voters have in the past come very close to electing the far right, only to shy away at the last moment. The view that a spell with a far-right prime minister might serve to inoculate French voters against electing a far-right president might also have some substance.

But that lies some way ahead. In the event that Bayrou were to survive the confidence vote, he and Macron could live to fight another day. And now that a year has elapsed since the last parliamentary elections that proved such a miscalculation, Macron could choose to gamble  or not  on new elections at a time of his choosing.

At the moment, however, this relatively benign prospect  more of the same political stalemate  looks less likely than almost any of the scenarios that would be worse.
Warning over Mounjaro golden dose as users panic over shortages and soaring prices

Experts have issued a warning to Mounjaro users over attempts to squeeze extra doses of the weight-loss drug out of prescribed syringes.

Under weight loss plans set up through pharmacies, people pay for four weekly doses of the drug injected from a Kwickpen, which should be discarded after use, says the drug manufacturer Eli Lilly.

However, some users are drawing out leftover liquid inside the pen - intended for priming before each injection - to create a fifth dose, dubbed the golden dose.

As the UK prepares for an upcoming price hike for the drug next month, amid current shortages, it appears more people are deciding to take the measure despite warnings from pharmacies it could be dangerous.

Social media groups are filled with users sharing experiences and questions on the process, while YouTube videos give a step-by-step guide. Golden dose plungers can be bought on eBay in the UK.

Some users of Mounjaro are squeezing out more medication from the syringes to create a golden dose (PA)

Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, told The Independent he was very concerned, calling the method completely inappropriate and potentially dangerous for users.

He said he had heard stories of people even using pliers to get to the product.

Youve got the danger of adding plastic or even glass, and then not knowing the exact measurement of the drug - people doing this just cant be sure what they are getting, he said.

He added: There is no such thing as a golden dose, it is not part of the prescribed medication and any attempt to get it is completely inappropriate.

I recognise the concern people are having, but they should speak to a pharmacist, and not seek guidance on social media groups.

Mr Picard, who runs his own pharmacy, also said that the practice was not covered by UK licencing of the drug, and any attempt to do it would impact insurance associated with taking the product.

The warning comes as the drug manufacturer, Eli Lilly, suspended sales of the jab to UK wholesalers ahead of the price rise on Monday, 1 September.

Eli Lilly has announced that prices for its Mounjaro weight-loss drug will rise in September (Niall Carson/PA Wire)

With prices for a months supply of the highest dose expected to increase from 122 to 330, there has been a surge in demand for the drug, with users stockpiling and major pharmacies restricting sales.

On Thursday, Superdrug was among the companies to be out of stock of Mounjaro. A spokesperson told The Independent blamed extremely high demand, but said the company hoped to start accepting new orders from next week.

Meanwhile, on social media groups, users have this week been discussing taking the golden dose. One person wrote: Might need to take the golden dose, just due to waiting for my next delivery.

Along with Mr Picard, major pharmacies have warned against the practice.

Asda said taking the fifth dose can interfere with the prescription plan, and possibly worsen side effects, due to users not knowing the exact amount they are injecting. Taking too much, the pharmacy said, could lead to sickness, constipation or diarrhoea.

The Family Chemist online pharmacy wrote: While that extra liquid leftover may seem like an extra opportunity, it should never be used. Unmeasured, and unsafe, this extra dose can lead to dangerous side effects.

Stick to the prescribed doses and dispose of the pen safely when youre finished.

A spokesperson for Eli Lilly told The Independent: The Mounjaro KwikPen is designed to deliver a fixed volume of Mounjaro solution at each dose.

The KwikPen contains sufficient solution to allow for the necessary priming before each injection and the delivery of a total of 4 doses.

Medication will remain in the KwikPen cartridge following the delivery of the four fixed doses, however, an additional complete dose cannot be dialled. The KwikPen must be discarded after four doses or 30 days after first use.
Young, ignorant vape users warned they could be caned for breaking Singapore laws

Singapore will impose tougher penalties for vaping and the use of drug-laced vape pods from Monday, as part of a nationwide crackdown aimed at curbing addiction and dismantling illicit supply chains.

Etomidate  an anaesthetic drug increasingly found in vape products known locally as Kpods  will be listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).

The reclassification means that trafficking, manufacturing, importing, exporting, possession or consumption of etomidate without authorisation will now be treated as a drug offence rather than a health violation, reported Channel News Asia. Until now, etomidate had been controlled under the Poisons Act, which carried lighter penalties.

From 1 September, first-time offenders caught vaping will face higher fines of S$500 (290) if under 18 and S$700 (400) if over 18.

Repeat offenders will be required to undergo rehabilitation programmes lasting three to six months. Those who offend for the third time, may be prosecuted in court and fined up to S$2,000 (1,150).

Health minister Ong Ye Kung said that about 80 per cent of those abusing etomidate are under 30.

Being largely young and probably ignorant, we think they are different from hardcore drug abusers, and they may be more open to giving up, Mr Ong said during a press conference. He added that mandatory rehabilitation was intended to give users a chance to turn over a new leaf.

The penalties for traffickers will be significantly harsher.

Those caught importing etomidate face a mandatory minimum of three years in prison and five strokes of the cane, with a maximum penalty of 20 years jail and 15 strokes.

Selling or distributing the substance carries a minimum of two years jail and two strokes, rising to a maximum of 10 years and five strokes. Singapore is one of a handful of countries that still imposes corporal punishment by caning for certain crimes.

Home affairs minister K Shanmugam said suppliers must be dealt with harshly. They want to make money and profit from the misery of other people. They know its an offence, and they calculate how much money they are going to make and in return, what are the risks they run, he said.

The government has also introduced new measures targeting schools and universities.

Students caught vaping may face detention, suspension, caning (for boys), withdrawal of scholarships or hostel places, and rehabilitative counselling. Public servants, including members of the Home Team and Singapore Armed Forces, face dismissal, demotion or detention on top of state penalties.

Foreigners will also be subject to the new rules. Visitors caught with vapes will have them seized and fined, while repeat offenders risk deportation and being banned from re-entering Singapore. Long-term pass holders  including foreign workers and students  may lose their residency rights after multiple offences.

Authorities are further extending anti-vaping enforcement online.

From September, offences linked to vaping will also be covered under Singapores powerful Online Criminal Harms Act, the Organised Crime Act, and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

This will allow the government to order platforms to block accounts, remove apps, and seize criminal proceeds linked to the illicit vape trade.

Despite a 2018 ban on the sale, possession and use of vapes, the devices remain popular in Singapore, particularly among young people. More than 6,800 people were caught and fined in the first half of this year, according to government figures.

Prime minister Lawrence Wong said earlier this month that treating vaping as just like tobacco was no longer sufficient.

Mr Ong warned that the landscape for consumption of harmful substances has changed.

Vapes become a gateway for very serious substance abuse.
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In a perfect world, all sister relationships would look like something out of a sappy Disney movie. Think: sharing clothes, inside jokes and silly but harmless pranks on parents. In reality, though, they can be some of the toughest relationships to navigate. Think about it: This is someone who youve known for pretty much your entire life. She knows what motivates you, what makes you tick and what absolutely gets under your skin. And sometimes, if shes a toxic person, she uses that knowledge against you. Read on for nine signs you might have a toxic sister, plus some therapist-approved methods for improving the situation.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Stefanie Mazer, PsyD, is a psychologist based in Palm Beach, Florida. She focuses on individuals and couples therapy pertaining to anxiety, depression and major life transitions. Dr. Mazer earned her BA in psychology from Rollins College and holds both masters and doctorate degrees in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.

Phebe Brako-Owusu is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in University Place, Washington. Brako-Owusu is the founder and CEO of 253 Therapy and Consult.

What Exactly Makes a Person Toxic?

Daniel de la Hoz/getty images

1. She *Has* to Be Right

Your good old sis has hated every person youve ever dated, and its starting to feel like no one is going to be good enough. She has similar opinions about your career goals, friends and pretty much everything else. If youve articulated that youre happy with your life and the people in it and she still wont stay out of your business, then your relationship with your sister could be toxic.

How to Deal: Brako-Owusu advises minimizing what you share with your sister if you know she cant be supportive. You can also set clear boundaries about what you need/desire from a conversation. That can sound like, I need to talk to you about my dating life. I just need a listening ear, not advice. Are you able to listen without giving advice?

2. Shes Manipulative

When a non-toxic person asks a question (Hey, want to come over next week?), they dont have any ulterior motives. When a toxic person asks you a question, though, they might be setting a trap. (Are you free for dinner tomorrow at seven? Subtext: If you arent free for dinner tomorrow at seven, Ill be mad at you for the rest of the week.) Their modus operandi is to get people to do what they want them to do, says Abigail Brenner, M.D in Psychology Today. Its all about them. They use other people to accomplish whatever their goal happens to be. Forget what you want; this is not about equality in a relationshipfar from it.

How to Deal: Remind yourself that the manipulation is not about you. It is about them. When you notice a manipulative pattern, it's helpful to name it in a kind way by expressing how it impacts you to be put in those situations, Brako-Owusu says. This can sound like, When you schedule a time for dinner without consulting me, it makes me feel unimportant and not valued. Let them know what you are able to do and leave it at that. You cannot take on their emotions or control how they react to you.

3. She Doesnt Respect Boundaries

You love your little sister, but shes always had a hard time knowing her place. Shes made a habit of showing up at your house, unannounced, expecting to be able to stay for dinner. Because you love her, you give in, but even after asking her to stop popping in without calling, she continues to do it.

How to Deal: Be clear on your boundaries, and the consequences that will come if they arent respected, Brako-Owusu advises. For example, say, I would like you to let me know before you come over. If you dont let me know, I will not answer the door and we will need to reschedule your visit. It is sometimes not enough to simply say Please dont come over unannounced.

4. She Insists on Playing the Victim

Sometimes, family members cant help but guilt trip each other. (What do you mean, you arent coming home for Thanksgiving?) But theres a difference between expressing disappointment and creating a toxic environment by blaming everyone else for their feelings. If your sister refuses to talk to you for a week because youve decided to spend next Thanksgiving with friends, you could be in toxic territory.

How to Deal: Take a moment to journal about the way your family uses guilt and shame to meet their needs. Awareness of this is key, Bishop shares. One thing that will help is becoming OK with big reactions around you saying no. This isnt a healthy family dynamic, but you also may not be able to change your family. If there is something your family is creating pressure around you attending [an event], have a pre-planned response and dont deviate: This is whats best for me right now. I already have plans to do X, if I have time I will stop by. I hate to miss it this time, but Ive already [made my plans].

5. Her Apologies Are Never Sincere

Have you ever expected an apology from someone and ended up apologizing to them? This is a classic red flag. Lets say your sister blew off the brunch plans you had last Saturday. Then, when you confront her about it, she delves into this long story about how she got into a huge fight with the guy shes dating that morning and she doesnt think shell ever find her soulmate and its all your parents fault for getting divorced when she was five. You feel for her, and you want to be there for her if shes having a crisis, its justshes always having a crisis. And werent you just talking about brunch? Shifting tactics and turning herself into the victim is toxic territory.

How to Deal: Reversing victimhood to escape responsibility is a classic toxic relationship move, Vinall shares. Sometimes crises do interrupt plans, but when it is a pattern, recognize it for the responsibility-shirking power play that it is to minimize the emotional manipulations you experience. You can definitely empathize with your sister, but the key is to then steer the conversation back to accountability. For example, you might say, Im so sorry to hear about the fight with your boyfriend. That sounds deeply painful. Nevertheless, I need you to communicate with me when something comes up.

6. Everything Is a Competition

Every time you call her to talk about a promotion at work or a potty-training breakthrough with your kid, she inevitably steers the conversation to be about her illustrious career or her parenting wins. Any healthy relationship should be a two-way street, and if your sister is incapable of celebrating your winsbig or smallits a sign that theres an issue.

How to Deal: Bishop recommends having a conversation if you think your sister would be open to it. Say something like, Your support is important to me. I dont want to feel like were competing. Im happy to celebrate your wins as well. I would really love your support to look like [be specific about what you need here]. What can I do to celebrate your wins too?

7. Spending Time with Her Is Draining

Do you feel totally spent every time you interact with your older sister? Were not talking about feeling like you need to be by yourself for a little whilesomething that can happen even with people we love being around. Interacting with a toxic person can leave you feeling defeated, since their dramatic, needy and high-maintenance tendencies can suck the energy right out of you.

How to Deal: Check in with yourself frequently when in contact with your sister, Vinall advises. Assess your energy level and emotional reserves before you find yourself too depleted to respond well. Your patience and emotional capacity may fluctuate based on what is going on in your life and with your health on any given day. Be confident in your knowledge that you have the right to good boundaries, she says, and dont be afraid to communicate and enforce them. With a toxic sister, you may have to be very firm and repetitive in enforcing your boundaries, but dont give up. Stay consistent and calm so that she has less to reactively push back against.

8. Everything Is Always About Her

You just got off a 45-minute phone call with your twin only to realize that she didnt ask you a single question about your life or how youre doing. If she was dealing with an important issue or had some exciting news, thats one thing. But it shouldnt happen pretty much every time you talk.

How to Deal: Try to take note of the patterns you observe when communicating with her. Vinall then recommends sharing what youre experiencing. Try something like, Im glad you are comfortable sharing with me. Im realizing we dont often get around to talking about whats going on in my life. Have you noticed that? According to Vinall, this gives your sister a clear reason why you might drop the frequency of communicationand maybe gives her an opportunity to change. If your sister simply isnt capable of or interested in reciprocity in your relationship, be sure you are carving out time to cultivate deep relationships with surrogate sisters. Everyone needs a confidante and a friend willing and able to hold space for them.

9. There Are Always Strings Attached

Sure, your sis will pick up your kids from school, but youll never hear the end of how lucky you are to have her helpfollowed by an immediate request to reorganize her closet. Were not suggesting our family members should do every little thing for us, but you should be able to ask for a favor without having her hold it over your head or immediately ask for something unreasonable in return.

How to Deal: Don't allow yourself to be manipulated by passive-aggressive behavior and contingency-based relationships, Vinall advises. This means your new best friend is a one-letter word: No. If you cant help out this time, thats OK. And if you find yourself the one needing assistance? Be intentional about building outside relationships with friends who will have your back unconditionally. Be sure to be toward others the sort of person you need, as well, showing up for them with what you have to give with no expectation or demand of tit-for-tat reciprocity.

urbazon/getty images

4 Ways to Cope If You Have a Toxic Sister

1. Pick Your Battles

Sometimes its worth agreeing to disagree. Though sisters are often similar in many ways, you have to remember that youre each your own person. You and your sister might have totally different ideas about careers, relationships and parenting, and thats fine. Its important to identify the areas where neither of you is likely to change your mind and agree to respect the others opinion without judgement or hostility.

2. Try the Grey Rock Method

We first discovered this handy trick on psychologist Nadene van der Lindens blog, Unshakeable Calm. In a nutshell, its a tool to prevent toxic people from escalating a situation. Act as boring, uninteresting and disengaged as possible and toxic people will find it less exciting to try to manipulate you and choose another target. It takes some acting chops, but you dont have to be Meryl Streep to master it. During every interaction with the toxic person, the trick is to speak in a neutral voice, talk about boring subjects, dont make eye contact and give short, generic answers. And if the toxic person tries to get a rise out of you, dont engage emotionally. Find out more about the Grey Rock Method here.

3. Have a Go-To Phrase on Standby

We get itdealing with a toxic family member is tough and you never know whats going to set them off. Thats why its useful to have a phrase or two handy that you can repeat whenever they give you unsolicited advice or ask you to do something. For the former, we like the phrase, You may be right. And for the later, try I have to think about it. Heres how it works:

Sister: "I need you to plan a birthday party for me."

You: "I have to think about it. I have a lot of things going on in the next couple of weeks and need to see if thats doable for me."

4. Recognize If Your Relationship Is Beyond Repair

Every sibling duo has the occasional argument (she totally lied about stealing your favorite sweaterand getting a stain on it). But if you always feel like you become your worst self when youre around your sister, your relationship could be treading on toxic territory. Toxic people are draining; encounters leave you emotionally wiped out, Brenner says. "Time with them is about taking care of their business, which will leave you feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, if not angry. Dont allow yourself to become depleted as a result of giving and giving and getting nothing in return." Sound familiar? While it can be incredibly difficult to cut a toxic sibling out of your life, theres no shame in doing soespecially if it feels like youve tried everything.

Ivan Pantic/Getty Images

The Root Causes of Toxic Sibling Relationships

Often, were in the middle of a situation wondering exactly how we got there. When it comes to toxic sibling relationships, Dr. Mazer explains that much of it goes back to early family dynamics. If there was favoritism, neglect or blurred boundaries in the home, it can create patterns that play out well into adulthood, she tells me. One sibling might have taken on more responsibility, while the other was allowed to remain dependent. Or one may have been praised while the other felt invisible. These roles tend to stick unless they are consciously worked through.

Toxic dynamics arent all dramatic screaming matches and Cold War silences. A lot of the signs can start off subtle: Little jabs, guilt trips, feeling emotionally drained after an encounter.

When you find yourself consistently anxious before a phone call, or emotionally depleted afterward, those are signs something is off. Dr. Mazer says. If your sibling ignores your boundaries, mocks your values or only contacts you when they need something, it can take a toll over time.

Psychological Impacts and When to Get Help

Interacting with a toxic family member is incredibly drainingbut dont go too long without seeking help.

Dr. Mazer advises attempting to set boundaries before severing ties, especially if you notice guilt, confusion, self doubt, avoidant behaviors and defensiveness creeping in. Toxic family members can even affect your confidence, sense of safety and trust.

It could mean limiting the topics you discuss, setting clear boundaries around what behavior youll tolerate or choosing how and when you engage, she says. Therapy can help you explore the deeper patterns beneath the conflict and give you tools to protect your well-being. You dont need your sibling to agree with your version of events in order to take care of yourself. Your clarity is enough. If you leave every interaction feeling smaller, unheard, or unsettled, its worth paying attention to that. Peace in a family should not come at the cost of your mental health.

Maca and Naca/Getty Images

When (and How) to Cut Ties

Sometimes, the only thing you can do is cease contact, though this is a serious decision. Its difficult for many reasons, but sometimes, self-preservation must be prioritized.

Its rarely impulsive, Dr. Mazer notes. Its most often the product of emotional fatigue. No contact is drawing a line. It might mean blocking phone numbers, no longer attending family gatherings, or simply not participating in the dance that has left you feeling drained or endangered. It's not about payback or retribution. It's about reclaiming your tranquility when all else has failed. So what do those signs look like? Dr. Mazer says that it might be time for no-contact if you observe some of these behaviors:

You feel worse after every interaction

Your sibling consistently crosses boundaries

Theyre manipulative or abusive

Conversations are often used to gaslight or escalate

Though you may be doing this for your own sanity, its OK to grieve what is effectively the death of a relationship. Dr. Mazer reassures me that its not dramatic or disloyal to take this step, and that guilt is a normal companion of grief.

When it comes to processing guilt and grief, Dr. Mazer recommends writing things down, even if its for your eyes only. Record how the relationship made you feel, your actions and emotional costs. This can provide clarity and a reminder when guilt feels overwhelming. The other key thing is to remember that youre not responsible for how other family members feel about the decision.

Ultimately, its important to remember that just because youre cutting ties with your family member doesnt mean youre closing your heart, Dr. Mazer says.

Its about closing the door to chaos, she explains. You can still carry compassion without granting access. You can wish someone well from a distance. And over time, you can learn to live without the hope that theyll become who you needed them to be. Thats where healing begins.

Additional Experts

9 Signs You Were Raised in a Toxic Family (& How to Move On)
WINNIPEG, MB, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Richardson (US) Holdings Limited ("Richardson"), the US subsidiary of Richardson International Limited, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with Post Holdings, Inc. ("Post") to acquire the pasta business of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. ("8th Avenue"). The acquisition expands Richardson's food and ingredients presence in the US, adding production facilities and well-known brands to its portfolio.

The transaction includes three production facilities  located in Carrington, North Dakota; New Hope, Minnesota; and Winchester, Virginia  as a well as the Ronzoni retail brand. By integrating further down the value chain into pasta, Richardson will strengthen its ability to connect its leading position in North American durum origination and milling to the production of finished pasta products.

"This acquisition represents an exciting new chapter for Richardson," says Darwin Sobkow, President and CEO of Richardson International. "The handling and milling of durum wheat is a core strength of our business, and the opportunity to extend our reach into pasta builds directly on that foundation. We look forward to welcoming members of the 8th Avenue team as we continue to serve customers across North America."

Following the transfer of shares, approximately 500 employees from 8th Avenue will join Richardson, enhancing the company's capabilities in the North American food sector. Future strategy will emphasize innovation and growth in both retail and foodservice pasta markets.

The agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals and conditions. Closing is expected later this year.

BMO Capital Markets Corp. Is serving as financial advisor and Koley Jessen as legal counsel to Richardson International Limited on the transaction.

About Richardson International

Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Richardson International Limited ("Richardson"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, is a global leader in agriculture and food processing. As a key handler of North American grains and oilseeds, Richardson operates as a vertically integrated processor and manufacturer of oats, durum, and canola-based products. Over the past two decades, the company has secured its role as a major player in the global food business, providing innovative products and ingredients for retail, food service, and industrial markets. Its success is fueled by the dedication and ingenuity of over 3,600 employees worldwide.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American branded and private label ready-to-eat cereal, pet food, peanut butter and pasta categories. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom's number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

SOURCE Richardson International Ltd.
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It's hard to find someone who doesn't like stuffed peppers. Even Princess Diana requested stuffed peppers for dinner up to three times a week.

That fact makes it even more frustrating that I've never quite nailed a recipe for stuffed peppers. I'm a food writer, and I've spent countless hours in the kitchen testing recipes and troubleshooting culinary dilemmas, but I can't seem to make good stuffed peppers. So, I decided to turn to the pros for insight. What I learned was a simple technique that four chefs agree makes a huge difference.

The Panel of Stuffed Pepper Pros

Eve Aronoff Fernandez: Classically trained chef and the visionary behind Frita Batidos, a Cuban-inspired restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michelle Wallace: Chef and owner of B'tween Sandwich Co. in Houston, as well as a former Top Chef contestant

Casey Corn: Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef and food anthropologist, host of Magnolia Network's Recipe Lost and Found, and writer

Shane Gannon: Corporate executive chef, restaurant consultant, and culinary director of A.M. Breakfast and The House of Hoagies in Toronto, Canada

The Best Way To Make Stuffed Peppers

For tender stuffed peppers with a sweet, concentrated flavor, the chefs agreed that par-cooking the peppers is key.

Wallace swears by par-roasting her peppers for about five minutes at 400F. "This technique will soften the peppers slightly and allow for a more even cook," she says, adding that it's a bonus if you achieve a bit of color during this step.

Aronoff Fernandez echoes this and suggests charring the peppers just until blistered to add flavor and soften the flesh, but not long enough to make them wilt. "This way they still hold their form when stuffed and baked," she explains, noting that the char adds a depth and complexity to the dish.

Though Gannon's par-cooking approach is different, he arrives at the same destination. He prefers to blanch the peppers in boiling water until they're slightly tender, which he declares helps shorten cooking time in the oven.

To prevent peppers from becoming too soft or collapsing once they're stuffed and baked, Corn suggests creating foil nests to secure and support the peppers while they cook.



Simply Recipes / Stocksy

More Tips for Stuffed Peppers

Whether you roast, char, or blanch, that extra step transforms humble stuffed peppers from good to great, the chefs say. Beyond par-cooking, this quartet of experts shared more easy ways to perk up your peppers.

Season well: "I will never miss a chance to add layers of flavor and seasonings," says Wallace, explaining that seasoning both inside and outside the peppers is a crucial step. Aronoff Fernandez adds, "I rub the peppers with extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper before roasting to bring out the most flavor."

Think outside the pepper: Traditional bell peppers are great, but virtually all kinds of peppers and chiles can be stuffed. Aronoff Fernandez favors poblanos because they add a little heat to the dish, but is also a fan of orange bell peppers and Hungarian peppers. "It's always great to check out the farmers market to see what local varieties are available seasonally," she says.

Fill appropriately: Corn's advice is to "think of the pepper like a pot," explaining that if you're using a grain in your stuffing, add it raw or par-cooked with the cooking liquid so that it cooks straight in the peppers and isn't overcooked and mushy. When it comes to the liquid surrounding the peppers, Gannon recommends adding enough to reach one-third of the peppers' height.

Get fancy: For a standout presentation, instead of cutting straight across the top of the pepper, Corn suggests removing the stem by cutting around it at an angle (like you do for a jack-o-lantern) so that the top can fit snugly back into the pepper like a lid. "Don't forget to place the lids back on the stuffed peppers before baking," she says. "The liquid and tops will help steam the centers."

Less is more: If there's one final piece of advice the chefs insist upon, it's to refrain from overstuffing your peppers. "When the stuffing is so good that you just want to pile it on, I get it," Wallace says. "However, that is not the move." Instead, she recommends filling them about three-quarters full to prevent splitting and ensure even cooking. Any extra stuffing can be served alongside the pepper on the plate.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes
The entrance to Rock Island Campground, where multiple law enforcement agencies are participating in the search this month for Travis Decker, who is charged with murder and kidnapping, near Leavenworth, Wash. (FBI / AP)

Bones were found near a Cascade Mountains campground in Washington State amid the manhunt for the 33-year-old suspected of killing his three young daughters, the FBI said on Friday.

The campground near Leavenworth, Washington, is the location of the discovery of the bodies of Travis Deckers three daughters, Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5, on June 2.

The bones are being analyzed to determine if they're human, FBI Seattle spokesperson Ted Halla said Friday.

"We can confirm that some bones were collected as part of the search activity earlier in the week around the Rock Island Campground," he said by email.

Earlier this month, the office said DNA from plastic bags found on the girls heads matched that of the father, and no other human DNA besides the girls' own was found. The county medical examiner concluded the girls died by suffocation and are the victims of homicide, the sheriff's office said.

Following the discovery of their bodies, local, state and federal authorities launched an extensive manhunt for Decker, fearing he could use his military background and outdoors experience to vanish.

Deckers pickup was also found nearby, on land described by the Chelan County Sheriffs Office as rugged and heavily forested terrain, about 150 miles east of Seattle.

Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and first-degree kidnapping and is the subject of an arrest warrant.

On May 30, his ex-wife reported Decker did not return the girls after a planned visit, authorities said. The report wasn't enough to trigger an Amber Alert, Washington State Patrol said, noting that a late return is not necessarily an abduction and that there was no imminent threat of violence.

Investigators said motive was unclear. Court filings state Decker refused to sign a parenting plan nearly a year ago that included orders to seek mental health treatment and anger management counseling.

On Monday, Chelan County Sheriff Michael L. Morrison outlined the two-day search for evidence near the campground on federal land that started Monday and drew roughly 100 police, deputies and federal agents.

"Over the past three months, investigative teams, led by your Sheriffs Office Investigative Unit, have pursued every lead and searched vast, remote areas in the hope of locating Travis Decker or any evidence that might bring us closer to answers," Morrison said in a statement.

The sheriff repeated that it's not clear if Decker is alive.

"At this time, no conclusive evidence has been found to indicate whether Travis Decker is alive or deceased," he said. "We continue to follow every credible lead."
Chris Froome of Israel - Premier Tech takes the Cablecar after finishing the eigth stage, a 10.1 km Mountain time trial from Beckenried to Stockhuette, at the 88th Tour de Suisse UCI World Tour cycling race, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone via AP)

TOULON, France (AP)  Four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome underwent successful surgery after sustaining a fractured vertebrae, collapsed lung and five broken ribs in a training accident in France, his team said Friday.

The 40-year-old British cyclist crashed on a training ride Wednesday and was airlifted to a hospital in Toulon.

He is in good spirits and grateful for the excellent medical support he has received, the Israel Premier-Tech team said in a statement that also was posted on Froome's Instagram account.

The team said Froome had successfully undergone surgery.

The procedures went as planned, and Chris is currently recovering in hospital under the care of his medical team, it added.

Froome won the Tour de France in 2013 and three in a row from 2015-17.

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Take in fall colors at Boyne Mountain via the 1,200-foot-long, 118-foot-high pedestrian bridge called SkyBridge Michigan (Pure Michigan)

From hiking and mountain biking to classic fall foliage road trips, there are countless ways to soak in the stunning display of blazing auburn, gold, and orange leaves. But for a fresh perspective, why not rise above  or at least near  the treetops and take in the vibrant colors from a birds-eye view?

Ahead, four unforgettable ways to elevate your leaf-peeping game for a fall foliage trip to remember.

1. Take Flight in a Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloon launching at sunrise at Letchworth State Park In New York. (JimVallee via Getty Images)

Float up in the sky in a hot air balloon and peer over your basket at the leaves, which almost look like a paint-by-number mural with a palette of amber, saffron and scarlet.

Asheville Balloon Company flies in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is home to more than 100 native tree species.

Or, to see peak fall colors in New York at their finest, take flight in a hot air balloon ride at Letchworth State Park, which is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the East. Trips with Balloon Rides Over Letchworth shows off waterfall views, too.

2. Hike to a Fire Tower

Fall foliage view from the the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower in Norman, Indiana. (Visit Bloomington)

In the 1930s, more than 5,000 fire towers existed throughout the United States, serving as lookouts for smoke chasers to spot and monitor wildfires. The use of helicopters and infrared technology has pushed fire towers into retirement, but theres 200 or so throughout the country that people can book for overnight camping accommodations.

Fire towers, like the Hickory Ridge Fire Tower near Bloomington, Indiana, also make a great observation tower for leaf peeping. Climb 133 steps to the top of Hickory Ridge Fire Tower and youre rewarded with views of fall-toned tree tops.

3. Ride a Mountain Coaster

In Colorado, take a scenic gondola ride to a mountaintop amusement park, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Once you arrive, you can take in the fall foliage views aboard a looping rollercoaster called Defiance. (Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park)

Dozens of mountain resorts and towns have extended their seasons by adding rides, like mountain coasters you can control with a handbrake. That means you can zip through the trees at a high speed, or slow down and take in the color.

But for a high-adrenaline leaf-peeping adventure, take a ride on Defiance, an eight-seat rollercoaster a Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. If you can keep your eyes, open during the minute-long ride, take in the sights (sometimes from an upside-down POV) of Mount Sopris and Glenwood Canyon.

The tram ride to and from the mountain-top park (pictured) provides a slower-paced opportunity to take in the crimson red canyon views and golden leaves.

4. See the Fall Colors from Michigans Skybridge

Take in views from SkyBridge Michigan, a 1,200-foot-long, 118-foot-high pedestrian bridge. (Pure Michigan)
FILE - Judge Rebecca Bradley speaks as she kicks off her campaign for the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Milwaukee, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. (AP Photo/Greg Moore, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MADISON, Wis. (AP)  A conservative justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court said Friday that she will not seek reelection, creating an open race for a seat on the court thats controlled 4-3 by liberals.

Justice Rebecca Bradleys decision not to run for a second full term comes after conservative candidates for the highest court in the battleground state have lost each of the past two elections by double-digit margins. Both of those races broke national spending records and the liberal won in April despite heavy spending by billionaire Elon Musk.

Liberal state Supreme Court candidates have won four of the past five races, resulting in them taking over the majority in 2023, breaking a 15-year run of conservative control. Regardless of who wins the April election, liberals will maintain their 4-3 court majority until at least 2028. If they can win next year, their majority would increase to 5-2.

The open race comes as several high-profile issues could make their way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the coming months, including abortion, collective bargaining rights, congressional redistricting and election rules.

Chris Taylor, a state appeals court judge and former Democratic state lawmaker, is the only announced candidate. Conservative Maria Lazar, who is also a state appeals court judge, said she is seriously considering a run for the state Supreme Court and will make a decision in the next few weeks.

Bradley had said in April that she planned to run again, but ultimately changed her mind.

I will not seek reelection to the Wisconsin Supreme Court because I believe the best path for me to rebuild the conservative movement and fight for liberty is not as a minority member of the Court, she said in a statement.

Bradley said her warnings about the court being controlled by judicial activists went unheeded and Wisconsin has seen only the beginning of what is an alarming shift from thoughtful, principled judicial service toward bitter partisanship, personal attacks, and political gamesmanship that have no place in court.

The conservative movement needs to take stock of its failures, identify the problem, and fix it, she said.

Taylor has raised over $1 million since getting into the race, her campaign manager, Ashley Franz, said in a statement after Bradley announced her decision.

Bradley hadn't raised any money this year for a potential reelection campaign.

The incredible support for Judge Taylor shows how important this race is, Franz said.

Bradley, 54, was appointed to the Supreme Court by then-Gov. Scott Walker in 2015 and won election to a full 10-year term in 2016. Before joining the court, Bradley had served three years as a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge and a year as a state appeals court judge.

Bradley was a reliable conservative voice on the court, dissenting on a July ruling that found an 1849 Wisconsin law did not ban abortions. Another case, brought by Planned Parenthood that seeks to make abortion a constitutional right, has been accepted by the court, but a date for oral arguments has not been set.

When conservatives had the majority in 2014, just before Bradley joined the court, they voted to uphold the Act 10 law that effectively ended collective bargaining rights for most state workers. A new challenge to that law is in the state appeals court and could go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Bradley voted with conservative justices in a 2020 case brought by President Donald Trump in a failed attempt to overturn his loss in Wisconsin that year. The court ruled 4-3 against Trump.

And she sided with the conservative majority in a ruling banning absentee ballot drop boxes that was later overturned by the liberal-controlled court.
Washington  The Trump administration's 10% stake in Intel, announced not long after President Trump had called on the chip maker's CEO to resign, is being criticized by conservatives and some economic policy experts alike, who worry such extensive government intervention undermines free enterprise.

Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, may have fueled those misgivings, telling CNBC this week that although Intel is a "very, very special" circumstance, that "there'll be more transactions, if not in this industry, then other industries." The possibility of the U.S. acquiring stakes in additional U.S. companies was immediately met with criticism.

Adam Posen, president of the Petersen Foundation for International Economics, responded immediately to Hassett's comment, posting on X, "ARE you effing kidding me? We are going past 1984 into Animal Farm territory at this point," referring to the George Orwell satirical novel critiquing totalitarianism. "Did anyone vote for this? Anyone?"

Daniel Di Martino, a fellow at the right-of-center Manhattan Institute, predicted that if that happens, the U.S. would see more cronyism, with the result that "companies will underperform because they know they will be bailed out," and "taxpayers will lose billions."

"You can't just be against socialism when the left does it," conservative talk show host Erick Erikson said of the Intel agreement. "If you're not against socialism overall, guess what? You're going to get socialism. So if you support socialism, apparently Donald Trump is your guy."

Why did the U.S. invest in Intel?

Mr. Trump says he'd like to increase chip production in the U.S. and reduce the nation's dependence on chips manufactured overseas. He believes that the investment in Intel will help the U.S. to better position itself to maintain its technological edge over China in the artificial intelligence race. But the U.S. had already invested in Intel through the Biden-era CHIPS and Science Act, and Mr. Trump and his top administration officials said the U.S. government is owed a return on their investment.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said the U.S. is taking a stake "to ensure that the United States government is making our country wealthy again and is benefitting from some of these deals."

"We should get an equity stake for our money," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC. "So we'll deliver the money, which was already committed under the Biden administration. We'll get equity in return for it."

But Intel has been struggling  not just for a couple of years, but for decades, said Scott Lincicome, a leading economic and trade policy expert who is a vice president at the libertarian Cato Institute and has criticized the Intel deal.

Intel prospered in the 1990s and early 2000s, when most personal computers relied on the company's processors. The emergence of competitors like AMD and Intel's own failure to adapt to mobile computing after the 2007 advent of the iPhone clobbered the chipmaker.

And now, as Nvidia and AMD vie for dominance in the AI chip race, Intel has been lagging.

"Even if you think government should be investing in companies, Intel is not a lean, mean, innovating machine," Lincicome said.

The company lost nearly $19 billion last year and another $3.7 billion in the first six months of this year, prompting company plans to reduce its workforce by 25% by the end of the year. The company said the administration made the $8.9 billion investment in Intel common stock because of the government's confidence in the role Intel plays in "expanding the domestic semiconductor industry."

The Biden administration originally said Intel had to meet certain benchmarks to get the taxpayer money, but Mr. Trump removed those goals to buy the stake in Intel.

Peril in partial government ownership

Economic policy experts fear the U.S. stake in Intel will throw open the door to political pressure and cronyism.

Intel warned in a federal filing this week that there "could be adverse reactions, immediately or over time, from investors, employees, customers, suppliers, other business or commercial partners, foreign governments or competitors."

Lincicome maintains that Intel was able to obtain a government infusion of cash not on the strength of its operations, but rather because it has the best lobbyists. And this will just lead more companies to vie for investment in the same way, he said.

"This is one of the problems with government picking winners and losers in industrial policy in general," Lincicome said.

He outlined his concerns in an op-ed for the Washington Post this week.

"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," Lincicome wrote. "Will Intel locate or continue facilities  such as its long-delayed 'megafab' in Ohio  based on economic efficiency or government priorities? Will it hire and fire based on merit or political connections?"

Lincicome isn't the only analyst who pointed out that the uncomfortable decisions CEOs make could come into conflict with U.S. prerogatives if the country holds a stake in their companies.

"There are major risks to these companies," said Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, while acknowledging it isn't yet clear what the Trump administration is planning for any future investments. "A lot of the things that companies need to do in order to stay competitive in the market are politically unpopular," like layoffs. "It's going to be a lot harder for these companies to engage in those painful but necessary moves if the president feels like they would create a political vulnerability for him."

Companies without U.S. investment will feel pressure, too, said Di Martino. A company that needs semiconductor chips may decide to buy from Intel because it doesn't want to lose government contracts.

The Trump administration has shown a willingness to use industrial policy in other ways that depart from free market economic principles long favored by conservatives and corporate America. Most notably, Mr. Trump's aggressive  and sometimes punitive  use of tariffs, which he has said will reduce the country's trade deficit, revive American manufacturing and generate federal revenue, hearkens back to the mercantilism of centuries past and contrasts with the laissez-faire ideas that have shaped the American economy.

How is the U.S. paying for the Intel stake?

Much of the cash for the stake is coming from the Biden-era CHIPS and Science Act, which is intended to boost America's competitiveness in the chip industry.

Intel has already received $2.2 billion from the CHIPS Act, and is on track to receive another $5.7 billion injection from the law. A different federal program gave Intel $3.2 billion, for a grand total of $11.1 billion, according to a release from Intel. Intel and the federal government say the ownership will be passive, and have not said how long the U.S. intends to hold onto its stake, although there is a provision for the government to expand its stake further.

How Intel plans to use the U.S. investment

The chip maker says it's planning to use the money to expand its chip-making capacity by modernizing and increasing the size of U.S. sites in Arizona and elsewhere.

Hassett has defended the U.S. stake, referring to the process of partial ownership of Intel as "very, very special circumstances" because of the funding made available by the CHIPS Act. When he was asked about the U.S. bar for acquiring equity stakes in companies, Hassett told CNBC, "If we are adding fundamental value to your business, I think it's fair for Donald Trump to think about the American people."

Strain said a government stake in U.S. companies also poses a big risk for taxpayers, too.

"This is also going to accrue to the detriment of the American people, because you're going to see a lot of good taxpayer money chasing bad investments because the government's not going to extricate itself quickly or easily from these arrangements, and more generally, countries that have gone down this route have had slower productivity growth, slower increases in living standards, and companies that are less likely to be industry leaders," Strain said.

Past U.S. stakes in big banks and automakers

One reason economists are uncomfortable with the government's stake in Intel stems from the message it may send about the U.S. economy. The most prominent modern example of a similar U.S. investment took place during the 2008 financial crisis, when the U.S. sunk $700 billion into a big bank bailout and over $17 billion into two of the big three U.S. automakers. It did so because the banks were considered "too big to fail" and the potential collapse of the auto companies could cost millions of jobs.

Experts now are raising questions about the wisdom of buying a stake in a company when the economy isn't in crisis.

Lincicome said the administration is sending a contradictory message by highlighting the struggles China is having with its economy while at the same time saying "we want to be more like China" by having the federal government more involved in U.S. companies.

"There is no crisis, there's certainly no war, so this is a big break from what we've done before," Lincicome said.

Although economists and politicians differ on the success of the General Motors and Chrysler bailouts, Lincicome said there was undoubtedly a crisis. The federal government took ownership stakes in the two automakers to stabilize them but within a few years had sold the stakes, after the companies were on firmer financial footing.

Not socialism, but maybe a step in that direction?

While partial ownership of Intel or other companies isn't exactly socialism, Di Martino said it "absolutely" blurs the lines between the private sector and the public sector.

"Socialism and free enterprise are not a switch, they are a continuum," Di Martino said, adding partial ownership of U.S. companies would be "definitely a step toward socialism, there is no doubt about that."

Di Martino said the U.S. ownership stake in Intel "certainly gets us closer [to socialism] and makes us less prosperous."

"I think the right way to describe it is a move toward state capitalism," Strain said. "I don't think I would describe it as socialism."

Lutnick put it this way: "Intel agreed to give us 10% of their company, which, of course, was worth $11 billion."

"So, it's not socialism," he said at a Trump Cabinet meeting Tuesday. "This is capitalism."

Di Martino is dubious about whether that's true. "We are intervening in the capital markets in a way that is going to lead to inefficiencies," he said, adding, "And it's going to shift capital away from other companies."

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NEED TO KNOW

A husband and father died suddenly this week during an international flight while returning home from celebrating his wifes birthday with her, his family said

Relatives identified 39-year-old Andres Castro of Oregon as the victim

This is not a grief we ever imagined facing so soon, one of his siblings said

An Oregon man died this week after suffering a heart attack during a flight home with his wife as they were celebrating her birthday in Bolivia, his family said.

Andres Castro, 39, of Clackamas, was identified as the victim, according to a GoFundMe organized by one of his younger siblings, Teo Ramirez.

The fundraiser was started to help transport Castro home after his sudden death on Monday, Aug. 25, which was described as an unimaginable loss, as his family navigates how to retrieve his body from foreign authorities.

Castro and his wife, Suanny, were visiting her family in Bolivia for her birthday when tragedy struck on the couples return flight home.

Gofundme Andres Castro

On their flight back to the U.S., my brother suddenly stopped breathing. The plane made an emergency landing in Colombia, where we learned he had suffered a heart attack. Despite being rushed to the hospital, it was too late, Ramirez said on the fundraiser.

Castro leaves behind a son named AJ, his siblings and a mother and father who loved him deeply.

This is not a grief we ever imagined facing so soon, Ramirez said.

Andres Castro/Facebook Andres Castro

Tiffany Castro, another one of Andres' siblings, told CBS affiliate KOIN, We all miss him. We just cant believe hes gone.

I feel broken, our whole family, its hard, trying to keep it together the best that we can," she said.

In the GoFundMe, Ramirez said their mother began experiencing heart failure in April, and the siblings had been taking care of her as primary caregivers since.

Were stretched thin and our focus is bringing my brothers body back to Oregon, Ramirez said.

Tiffany shared some of her favorite memories of her older brother with KOIN, saying, Every time we were together he was just so funny.

Gofundme Andres Castro

For now, the family is working hard to be able to give him a proper burial in his country.

Its a process with the embassy and my family, she said. Were all just trying to work together to figure it out.

According to the GoFundMe, that can cost around $25,000 to prepare and transport Andres body back to Oregon and hold a funeral for him.

Its just hard to believe that hes not here," Tiffany said.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 26, the family has raised just over $14,000.

Ramirez asked that those who werent able to make a donation share the GoFundMe link or offer prayers  or both  as we walk this difficult road.

We put our trust in God and know that He will provide a path forward," Ramirez said. "He always makes a way.'



Read the original article on People
A pharmacist gives a Covid-19 vaccination in Cypress, Texas, in 2023. (Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle / Getty Images file)

A delayed advisory panel meeting and shifting vaccine policies under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are making it difficult for people to get updated Covid shots.

The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices must issue recommendations on who should get a Covid vaccine in order for pharmacists in certain states to administer the shots.

In recent years, the committee met earlier in the summer so that shots were available ahead of the winter respiratory season. This year, the group isnt scheduled to meet until Sept. 18.

Ethan Slavin, a spokesperson for CVS, one of the countrys largest pharmacy chains, said in an emailed statement that Covid shot access may depend on where you live and whether you have a prescription.

In 13 states and Washington, D.C., until ACIP issues its recommendations, everyone will need a doctors prescription, and even then, eligibility will depend on age. In three states  Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico  CVS wont be offering the Covid shot at all until ACIP acts.

States may change at any time, Slavin said. The 13 states are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

Further compounding the confusion are recommendations from Kennedy himself.

In May, Kennedy announced that the CDC would no longer recommend routine Covid shots for children and pregnant women. As of Friday, however, the CDCs website still recommended the shots for pregnant women, though a note at the top of the page said that the Covid vaccine recommendations have been recently updated for some populations and that the page will be updated.

On Wednesday, Kennedy announced that the Food and Drug Administration had narrowed eligibility for this falls Covid shot, limiting it to people ages 65 and older or those with underlying health conditions. He didnt clarify which conditions qualify.

Emily Heumann, 31, went to a Publix pharmacy in central Florida on Tuesday to get her Covid vaccination, armed with a prescription from her doctor.

Emily Heumann, 31, of central Florida. (Haleigh Nicole Photography )

Heumann, who is 32 weeks pregnant, said she expected the process to be easy. Her doctor had also prescribed the RSV vaccine and recommended she get a flu shot. But she said the pharmacist turned her away, citing new guidelines from ACIP.

He said, I agree the science says theyre good for you, but I cannot give them to you, I have to follow our policy, Heumann said.

After pushing back, Heumann said Publix agreed to give her the flu shot, but still refused to provide the RSV and Covid vaccines. By Thursday, she had gotten the RSV shot at a nearby CVS, but staff told her the Covid shot was out of stock until the updated versions arrived.

I think its a really dangerous situation, Heumann said, perpetuating this idea that there needs to be some concern around vaccinating pregnant people when all the research shows it benefits us and our baby.

On Thursday, Heumann got an email from a Publix pharmacy supervisor that read: I apologize for not being able to provide all of your vaccine requests. In the State of Florida, pharmacists are only permitted to administer vaccines according to the ACIP guidelines only.

A spokesperson for Publix did not respond to a request for comment.

Its not clear that the ACIP meeting will make it easier for people to get the Covid vaccine. In June, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the panel and replaced them with his own picks, including several Covid vaccine skeptics. Conflict over the upcoming meeting has led to massive upheaval at the CDC with the director being fired and several top officials resigning in protest.

Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and a vaccine adviser to the FDA, said pharmacists are often wary of giving vaccines outside ACIP guidelines because they generally have fewer legal protections than doctors and hospitals.

He said he could see how the Publix pharmacist might be confused  which, he added, may be exactly what Kennedy wants.

Kennedy has said something, but the ACIP has not, he said.

Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a statement: HHS is not limiting access to COVID vaccines.

They remain available to those who choose them in consultation with their healthcare provider, Nixon said.

In a statement, a Walgreens spokesperson said the pharmacy is prepared to offer the Covid shot in states where we are able to do so but did not specify which states.

In accordance with FDA approval and state requirements, we will offer the vaccine to all adults ages 65 years and older as well as to individuals under 65 with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, the spokesperson said.

Dorit Reiss, a vaccine policy expert at the University of California Law San Francisco, said in several states, pharmacies tie their ability to give vaccines to ACIP recommendations.

She said the limited access at pharmacies means many patients will simply be told to go elsewhere.

For pregnant women, she noted, that often isnt an option because most OB-GYN offices dont stock vaccines.

The secretary said he will not take away anyones vaccines, but he did just that, Reiss said.
By Courtney Rozen and Nathan Layne

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended a hiring freeze through at least the end of this year, according to three sources familiar with the matter, as the peak of hurricane season approaches.

The Trump administration froze hiring government-wide through October 15, with exceptions for public safety employees and a few other categories. FEMA is extending that freeze, according to the sources.

The Department of Homeland Security "is committed to ensuring FEMA delivers for the American people," a FEMA spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson did not respond to a question about the hiring freeze. The agency is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.

News about the freeze trickled through the agency the same week that three dozen former and current FEMA employees signed a public letter of dissent against the agencys leaders. The letter, sent by a mix of former political appointees and permanent staff, said the inexperience of the Trump administrations top appointees could lead to catastrophe at the level of Hurricane Katrina.

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the storm that devastated towns across the Gulf Coast.

The Trump administration put staff named in the letter on leave.

Trump said in June that he plans to phase out FEMA after the 2025 hurricane season. The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is September 10.

The end of FEMA would mean big changes for the millions of Americans who rely on the agency after hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters each year. FEMA sends billions of dollars annually to states to shelter people who have lost their homes, distribute food and rebuild damaged buildings.

Several high-ranking officials have left the agency since President Donald Trump took office, raising concerns about whether FEMA will be equipped to handle a large-scale disaster. In May, FEMA's then-acting administrator, Cameron Hamilton, was fired abruptly and replaced by David Richardson, a DHS official with no prior experience in managing responses to natural disasters. In an early meeting with staff, Richardson vowed to "run right over" employees who resisted reforms.

(Reporting by Courtney Rozen in Washington and Nathan Layne in Wilton, ConnecticutEditing by Chris Sanders and Matthew Lewis)
By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Alphabet's Google is set to face a modest EU antitrust fine in the coming weeks for allegedly anti-competitive practices in its adtech business, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The decision by the European Commission follows a four-year long investigation triggered by a complaint from the European Publishers Council that subsequently led to charges in 2023 that Google allegedly favours its own advertising services over rivals.

The modest fine will mark a shift in new EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera's approach to Big Tech violations from predecessor Margrethe Vestager's focus on hefty deterrent penalties.

The sources said Ribera wants to focus on getting companies to end anti-competitive practices rather than punish them. The EU competition enforcer declined to comment.

Google referred to a 2023 blog post in which it criticised what it said was the Commission's flawed interpretation of the adtech sector and that both publishers and advertisers have enormous choice.

The fine will likely not be on the scale of a record 4.3 billion euro penalty imposed on Google by the EU competition enforcer in 2018 for using its Android mobile operating system to quash rivals.

The company was also slapped with a 2.42 billion euro fine in 2017 for using its own price comparison shopping service to gain an unfair advantage over smaller European rivals, and a 1.49 billion euro fine in 2019 for abusing its dominance to stop websites using brokers other than its AdSense platform.

Google's 2024 advertising revenue, including from search services, Gmail, Google Play, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Ad Manager, AdMob and AdSense, amounted to $264.6 billion or 75.6% of total revenue. It is the world's dominant digital-advertising platform.

Google does not provide revenue figures for its adtech business which relates to advertising on other websites and not Search ads.

Ribera will not order Google to sell part of its adtech business, despite her predecessor's suggestion that the company could divest its DoubleClick for Publishers tool and AdX ad exchange, the people said, confirming a Reuters story last year.

They said the EU may not have to issue a break-up order at all as a U.S. judge has set a September trial date on potential remedies for Google's dominance in ad tools used by online publishers.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) securities between April 29, 2025 and August 5, 2025, 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 Snap's 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 [email protected].

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 Snap's expected advertising revenue and anticipated growth while emphasizing potential macroeconomic instability. In truth, according to the complaint, Snap's optimistic reports of advertising growth and earnings potential fell short of reality as they relied far too heavily on Snap's 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 investor's 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 world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases  more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:

Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal

655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101

800-449-4900

[email protected]

SOURCE Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
The two students killed in the Annunciation Catholic School mass shooting were an 8-year-old boy who loved to fish and cook and a 10-year-old girl known for her laughter and kindness.

Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, died when the shooter opened fire through the windows of the Minneapolis school's church on Wednesday morning, their families confirmed Thursday.

Fletcher's father urged parents to "give your kids an extra hug" as he remembered his son.

Merkel family - PHOTO: An undated photo of Fletcher Merkel.

MORE: Minneapolis shooter 'expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable'

"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us," Jesse Merkel said during remarks outside the school on Thursday, publicly identifying his son as one of the victims killed in the "senseless act of violence" carried out by a 23-year-old former student at the school. "Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming."

Jesse Merkel said his son loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking "and any sport that he was allowed to play."

The father added, "While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing. I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of the same."

Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin - PHOTO: An undated photo of Harper Moyski.

Harper's parents remembered her as a "bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her."

Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss, her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement provided to ABC Minneapolis station KSTP. "As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain."

Abbie Parr/AP - PHOTO: Items including dolls are placed at a memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church after Wednesday's school shooting, Aug. 28, 2025, in Minneapolis.

Eighteen other people -- including 15 kids -- were also injured in the shooting and are expected to survive, police said.

The victims' families praised the response to the mass shooting.

Jesse Merkel said he's heard many stories of the "swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike, from inside the church," he said. "Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I'm thankful."

Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images - PHOTO: Jesse Merkel, father of shooting victim Fletcher Merkel, speaks during a press conference outside Annunciation Church, August 28, 2025.

MORE: What we know about Minnesota school shooting suspect Robin Westman

Harper's parents said they "also grieve for our fellow Annunciation family in mourning and for those hurt" and that they are "grateful for the staff and first responders who did so much for so many yesterday."

Jesse Merkel asked that people give their children "an extra hug and kiss today" and that his son is remembered "for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life."

Harper's parents said it's important that their daughter's memory "fuels action" while imploring for meaningful change to prevent a similar tragedy and "work toward a safer, more compassionate world."

"No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain," they said. "We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary -- so that Harpers story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies."

Scott Olson/Getty Images - PHOTO: People visit a memorial to yesterday's shooting victims in front of Annunciation Catholic Church on August 28, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The shooting occurred during a Mass that marked the first week of school, police said.

The shooter -- identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman -- died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. Westman had attended the school, and Westman's mother previously worked in the parish, police said.

MORE: Girl shot in head at Minneapolis school asked bystander, 'Please just hold my hand'

A motive remains under investigation, and police said they've not identified a specific trigger for why the children at the church were targeted.

Investigators determined that Westman "harbored a whole lot of hate towards a wide variety of people and groups of people," and also "had a deranged obsession with previous mass shooters," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told ABC News Live on Thursday.
Lisa DeNell Cook at her swearing in as Fed governor on June 21, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Drew AngererGetty Images)

ANALYSIS: Fed governor Lisa Cook sued President Trump after he claimed to have removed her from office, setting up an emergency court hearing today over the central banks independence. Markets so far expect her to prevail, with Deutsche Banks Jim Reid noting traders see little risk of her being ousted, while Whartons Jeremy Siegel said the fight has added noise but little substance to monetary policy.

The current battle over the Feds independence from the White House has boiled down to Cook v. Trump. Literally.

Fed governor (or former Fed governor, depending on whom you ask) Lisa Cook filed a lawsuit overnight against President Donald Trump, which will be brought before a court for an emergency hearing later today.

Cooks motion comes after President Trump posted on his social media site that he had written to the Federal Reserve governor removing her from her post, claiming she had made false statements on mortgage agreements. Trump alleged Cook claimed two primary residences (in Ann Arbor and Atlanta) in 2021 in order to secure better terms.

The Fed governor responded that she had no intention of being bullied out of her role, adding: I do intend to take any questions about my financial history seriously as a member of the Federal Reserve, and so I am gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts.

Action has continued to ramp up on both sides, and will come to a head at 10 a.m. this morning in a hearing presided over by Judge Jia Cobb, an appointee of former President Joe Biden.

The emergency hearing this afternoon is specifically in response to one of the filings from Cooks legal team, which is for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the president.

The filing seen by Fortune reads: Plaintiff Lisa D. Cook  respectfully requests that the Court issue an emergency temporary restraining order, to remain in effect until such time as the Court can further consider the merits of her claims declaring that President Trumps August 25, 2025, attempted firing of Governor Cook is unlawful under the Federal Reserve Act  and that Governor Cook is still a member of the Federal Reserve Board.

It also named Fed Chair Jerome Powell, barring him from effectuating in any manner Governor Cooks illegal purported removal from her position or in any way treating her as having been removed, or denying or obstructing her in accessing any of the benefits or resources of her Board position. It adds: This emergency relief is necessary due to the exigency of the circumstances and the irreparable nature of the injury that the temporary restraining order is intended to prevent.

The filings also contain summonses: For Trump, the Board of Governors at the Fed, Chairman Powell, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia.

The main motion against the president is laid out in a 24-page document, which challenges President Trumps unprecedented and illegal attempt to remove Governor Cook from her position, which, if allowed to occur, would be the first of its kind in the Boards history.

Accordingly, Governor Cook seeks immediate declaratory and injunctive relief to confirm her status as a member of the Board of Governors, safeguard her and the Boards congressionally mandated independence, and allow Governor Cook and the Federal Reserve to continue its critical work, the motion adds.

The president exercised his lawful authority to remove a governor on the Federal Board of Governors for cause under 12 U.S.C. 242, the White House told Fortune. The president determined there was cause to remove a governor who was credibly accused of lying in financial documents from a highly sensitive position overseeing financial institutions.

The removal of a governor for cause improves the Federal Reserve Boards accountability and credibility for both the markets and American people.

Markets are behaving as though Cook will succeed, noted Deutsche Bank to clients this morning. Jim Reid, head of macro research, said: Even if the overall case takes some time to reach a final verdict as the appeal moves through the courts, the injunction decision will have important implications for the Fed in the coming weeks and months.

For now at least, it doesnt appear that markets are pricing in much chance of Cook being forced out. In fact, if we look at Polymarket, it suggests theres a 79% chance that Cook will still be voting at the next FOMC meeting in mid-September. And earlier this week, when Trump published his letter removing her, long-end Treasury yields were pretty unreactive in the circumstances.

The markets are still focused on the path to rate cuts, added Wharton professor emeritus Jeremy Siegel. That signal came from Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium a week ago, Siegel wrote for WisdomTree, where he is senior economist, prior to Cooks legal filing: Politically, the situation around Fed governor Lisa Cook adds noise but little substance. Her potential ouster, or replacement, wont materially alter policy, especially now that Powell has signaled his intent. Trumps influence may loom large in public discourse, but operationally, the Fed has already turned the corner.

The fight so far

Independence is the word that many on Wall Street will be focusing on. Whether or not analysts agree with the Federal Open Market Committees current monetary stance, they believe that an independent central bank is key to the strength of the American economy.

Jake Manoukian, J.P. Morgans U.S. head of investment strategy, told Fortune earlier this year: The Fed is at the heart of this institutional argument [about what] the U.S. has thats different than other places.

But President Trumps actions since winning the Oval Office havent convinced markets that his administration is committed to letting the Fed operate independently. Since winning the election, Trump has lobbied for rate cuts (a swing from having exerted pressure before the election to hold them), lambasting Powell and threatening to fire him.

Trump then walked back that threat after markets rebelled, and instead began critiquing Powells management of the Federal Reserve more widelyrecently targeting its office renovations. As well as making clear he will not be renewing Powells term when it expires in 2026, Trump and his team have also been speaking openly about Powells replacement and how quickly they would like to announce it.

On top of that, the White House welcomed the news that one FOMC member, Adriana Kugler, was resigning, and delivered a dovish Trump nominee, Stephen Miran, to take her place.

Trumps response

The Trump team has escalated its attacks on governor Cook. Last night Bill Pulte, Trumps federal housing director, published a letter on Elon Musks social media site, X, sent to Bondi, alleging that he has found a third property owned by Cook, which she claimed would be her primary residence when applying for a mortgage.

This is the second criminal referral Pulte has made, relating to Cooks alleged misrepresentations about her properties to the United States Government during her time as Governor of the Federal Reserve.

3 strikes and youre out, Pulte wrote alongside screenshots of the letter.

3 strikes and youre out.



Today, U.S. Federal Housing sent a 2nd Criminal Referral in the matter of Lisa D. Cook, related to a mortgage on a 3rd property and alleged misrepresentations about her properties to the United States Government during her time as Governor of the pic.twitter.com/TAH68Mia23  Pulte (@pulte) August 29, 2025

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
NEED TO KNOW

New Zealand Police have released CCTV footage showing who they believe to be missing fugitive dad Tom Phillips with one of his three kids

He and his children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, are thought to have been living in the wilderness since they disappeared in 2021

The footage was captured in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the small town of Piopio in the Waitomo District

A fugitive father who is on the run with his three children is believed to have been captured on camera breaking into a business in a rural New Zealand town.

Tom Phillips disappeared with his children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, after an alleged dispute with their mother back in 2021, according to the New Zealand Police.

HANDOUT/NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFP via Getty A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police

At around 2 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Aug. 27, CCTV footage from a break-in at a business in the small town of Piopio in the Waitomo District captured who is believed to be "Marokopa father Tom Phillips and one of his children," per a New Zealand Police news release.

Police are investigating any connection to Phillips, while Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders believes the store is one he unsuccessfully targeted in November 2023, according to the news release.

New Zealand Police (4) Clockwise from top left: Tom Phillips and children Ember, Jayda and Maverick

Footage of the incident shows two masked individuals outside the retail property shortly before it was burgled.

We believe the pair in this footage are Tom and one of his children," Saunders said. "They were in the area for 13 minutes, having [traveled] in and out on a quadbike. The pair can be seen loading items into containers on the quadbike before returning in the direction they had come from," according to the release.

HANDOUT/NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFP via Getty A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police

Were appealing for information from anyone who might have seen the quadbike [traveling] or parked between Piopio and Marokopa in the early hours of Wednesday morning," he continued.

In this latest burglary, the offenders have left with a number of general grocery items," Saunders added.

New Zealand Police A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police

Phillips is already facing "a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm," police said.

At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus," Detective Senior Sergeant Saunders said, per the news release.

New Zealand Police A possible sighting of Tom Phillips and one of his children

Saunders has revealed that police believe the suspects used a grinder to enter the store, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

"He certainly appears very comfortable to just come all the way to Piopio and commit a burglary," Saunders said, according to the outlet.

He added that there are questions as to whether Phillips has had a "falling out" with whoever has been helping him.

"Does this mean he's potentially had a falling out with who's helping him, or he's just that brazen and confident that he's quite happy to come out and commit a burglary?" Saunders said, per ABC.

New Zealand Police Tom Phillips

Before the latest potential sighting, Phillips was spotted with his children by pig hunters who filmed them on the remote North Island on Oct. 7, 2024, the New Zealand Police previously said.

Earlier this month, Phillips' family made a renewed appeal for him to come back.

I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, the missing dad's sister, Rozzi Phillips, told New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower on an episode of his show, Paddy Gower Has Issues, which was shown on the New Zealand news site Stuff. Youre very special to me I really want to see you again.

With tears in her eyes, Rozzi told Gower that she was making the appeal now in the hope that just maybe, maybe hes going to see this, and maybe hes going to get to see that he can come home, and that we are here for him, and it might just be okay.

Rozzi also read aloud from a letter their mother had written, which said, "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you, and see some of your things that are 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 every day I wake up, and hope that today will be the day that you will come, the letter continued.

Authorities believe Phillips and the children have been living off the grid, with Phillips using survival skills to feed and clothe the children, per CNN.

New Zealand Police (3) Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips

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.

During his time on the run, Phillips is alleged to have committed a series of crimes, including a robbery in the Waikato region, according to New Zealand Police.

In September 2023, an arrest warrant was issued over the alleged armed robbery at a bank in the remote village of Te Kuiti in May of that year. Police allege that Phillips made his getaway on a black farm-style motorbike.

New Zealand Police didn't have any additional updates to add when contacted by PEOPLE about the latest CCTV footage.



Read the original article on People
Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., exited a town hall in his home district through the back door Wednesday night after he faced relentless heckling in Baldwin County.

Moore made the hasty departure after he responded to what a staffer announced would be the last question on the topic of the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts  as seen in a roughly 40-minute video from the advocacy group Indivisible Baldwin County  after he was repeatedly mocked and laughed at for his comments at the event in Daphne, a suburb of Mobile.

In the video, Moore did not offer concluding remarks or bid good night to the rowdy crowd as many chanted "Shame!"

Moore, who is running for Sen. Tommy Tubervilles seat as Tuberville runs for governor, disputed that he had slipped out of the back door in an interview Thursday on The Dale Jackson Show, a conservative Alabama-based podcast and radio show.

We left like any other event, Moore said. I think we tried to engage and answer questions, but unfortunately, it got hijacked.

Moore said that he was so calm and that he doesnt mind facing the heat head on, and he argued that the event had been swarmed by some of the same bad actors whom he had seen at other events.

Asked for additional comment Thursday night, Moore told NBC News in a statement: My constituents asked me to do town halls, so I did four across my district while Congress was out of session. We showed up, listened, and answered questions directly."

Alabamians deserve leaders who are willing to have tough conversations. Ill always answer to the folks I serve. Thats what accountability looks like, he added.

Moore was repeatedly grilled and interrupted as he tried to respond to people's questions that stemmed from their frustration over Medicaid cuts, rural hospitals, tariffs, immigration, abortion and the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.

Respite came briefly when people appeared to approve of Moore's comment that erasing history is a bad thing when he was asked about an ongoing effort to revise exhibits at the Smithsonian and efforts by the White House to ensure they align with President Donald Trump's vision.

Asked what he viewed as Trump's most meaningful accomplishment, Moore began praising his border security policies, which was met by laughter as town hall-goers jeered, "Next question."

Barry Moore in Washington on Feb. 13, 2024. (Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

People also challenged Moore's claims that cuts to Medicaid in Trump's megabill would affect only undocumented immigrants and accused him of "lying."

The crowd momentarily cheered on the topic of aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia, drowning out Moore's stated opposition to the funding effort.

I didnt vote for any of that. I didnt vote for any of that, he said.

Moore was first elected to represent Alabamas 2nd Congressional District in 2020. After redistricting in 2024, he defeated former Rep. Jerry Carl in the GOP primary and was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses Baldwin and parts of Mobile counties, among others.

Trump won Baldwin County with 78.4% of the vote in the 2024 presidential election.

Moores town hall experience Wednesday is not unique.

The few members of Congress who have held town halls during the August recess have been met by crowds of angry constituents and protesters.

That is true for both Republicans and Democrats, with people pressing lawmakers about immigration, Medicaid cuts, the war in Gaza and other issues. Congress returns to Washington on Tuesday.
When the voices in his head warned of trouble, Eli Robinson bought a crossbow.

His mother, Elisabeth Robinson, recalled her middle childs auditory hallucinations and spotting him in her yard with the weapon one morning. Eli clutched the crossbow, intent on defending her.

The boy who built forts and enjoyed hero narratives in movies and imaginary games as a child grew to act like a soldier intent on protecting his family.

I woke up and he was outside without a shirt on with the crossbow, ready to protect me for the rest of the day, Elisabeth said. She confiscated the weapon.

Calls between Eli and his younger brother Duncan, an NBA forward now playing for the Detroit Pistons, were frequent. Paranoia set in for Eli about Duncans NBA career after he signed a five-year, $90 million extension with his former team  the Miami Heat  in August 2021, the same year Eli was diagnosed with schizophrenia. At the time, Duncans new contract was the largest in NBA history for a player who came into the league undrafted out of college.

Previous story: Eli Robinson's terrifying mental illness and the fight to save him

Duncan and Eli had countless conversations after his diagnosis, many of which were two-minute check-ins. If Duncan, a 3-point marksman, played poorly one game, Eli sometimes questioned their familys safety.

He thought people were out for me, Duncan said.

A police officer once stopped Elisabeth at 5 a.m. when she was out walking her dog. Eli had called the department, asking officers to check on her, concerned about her welfare.

I come back and (Eli) goes, Mom, you cant leave the house anymore. He really believed in this, Elisabeth said.

Schizophrenia, which can be diagnosed in anyone and presents a range of hallucinations, is a treatable mental health disorder with a range of antipsychotics available. But despite medication, Eli's auditory hallucinations made him question reality, induced panic and eventually drove him to death, according to his family.

The Robinson family  from left, Jeff, Marta, Duncan and Elisabeth  vow to make an impact and help people following their loss of Eli.

The voices not only flagged false danger against Eli's family but also made him anxious that he was at odds with friends.

A lot of it was like, Youre not safe. People are going to come and get you. They want you, that kind of thing, Marta Day, Eli and Duncans older sister, said of Elis hallucinations. Beyond that, he was very paranoid that people were upset with him, people in his life beyond us, friends of his. Hed do a lot of fact-checking. Hed call people and be like, Are you mad at me? Did I do something? Im having this voice that says that youre mad at me.

Eight different antipsychotic prescriptions, 16 psychiatric hospitalizations and 30 rounds of electric convulsive therapy were not enough to save Eli.

In April, Eli died by suicide by jumping off the Piscataqua River Bridge, one of three bridges connecting Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Kittery, Maine. Six months earlier, hed survived a suicide attempt from the same roughly 150-foot-tall span.

Schizophrenia patient costs can spike

Eli Robinson enjoyed his time as an uncle.

Bills for schizophrenia care and consultation tend to surge past other mental and physical health conditions.

In Eli Robinsons case, according to his family, two four-month stints at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts alone cost approximately $180,000, bills the family paid out of pocket.

"Its an amazing place. He really got a lot of care, but he just wasnt treatable. It just wasn't working," Elisabeth said of McLean.

Others aren't able to afford similar care, or even receive community mental health center guidance.

Financial costs associated with schizophrenia are disproportionately high relative to other chronic mental and physical health conditions, reflecting both direct costs of health care as well as indirect costs of lost productivity, criminal justice involvement, social service needs, and other factors beyond health care, the National Institute of Mental Health says.

Treatment took a toll

The Robinson family spent several years helping Eli receive treatment at top facilities. No solutions seemed to last.

The family met with provider after provider, crisscrossing state lines to speak with experts in the field. Some medications were prescribed to counter the effects of others, all while attempting to quiet the voices Eli heard.

Breakthroughs occurred, but the family's fight was mostly an uphill battle. They often faced difficulty in Elis patient records and medical history being transferred between clinics and providers.

Reminiscing on Elis treatment, Duncan stated, I just couldn't believe that there were this many inefficiencies within this space.

The four of us were constantly working to keep Eli afloat, Day said.

He was a quagmire. He was a Rubiks Cube of treatment, of trying to figure all that out, Elisabeth said.

Eli was vocal about his schizophrenia, according to his family. Introducing himself to others, Eli would let them know he was more than 3  years sober and that he experienced auditory hallucinations.

The thing about Eli is that he very much owned his sobriety and he very much owned his schizophrenia. He was very overt about that, and would probably tell too many people, quite honestly, Day said. That, and being Duncan Robinson's big brother. He was very open about having voices. He wasn't suicidal in the sense of, I don't want to be alive. I can't get out of bed. This isn't worth doing. He was experiencing command auditory hallucinations that were telling him to end his life. I think he got to the point where  he was just so tortured, and he didn't see a way forward.

Eli Robinson experienced heightened stress in his journey with the disorder.

Medications made him groggy. He became an insomniac, up at all hours of the night with potent hallucinations.

Eli Robinson, center with his brother, Duncan, and sister, Marta.

While being treated, Eli suffered cardiomyopathy after doctors upped his Clozapine, requiring hospitalization in Boston, his family remembers.

"He was very overmedicated," Jeffrey Robinson, Eli's father, said.

From afar, Duncan would feel his brothers emotions ramp up in response to his progressing hallucinations. He knew his parents and sister worked tirelessly to help find Eli the best treatment possible, only for Elis patient history to get lost in the fray.

We were just on this hamster wheel going over and over, Duncan said. He would get transferred to somewhere else, and wed have to start all over. And they said, Well, what if he takes this medication? (Wed say,) No, he cant take this medication. Weve already tried this here.' "

Schizophrenia is rare. Co-occurring mental, physical health struggles are not

A National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report states that schizophrenia is estimated to affect between 0.33% and 0.75% of the global noninstitutionalized population.

Health challenges tend to impact schizophrenia patients, and struggles with the diagnosis lead to self-harm for some.

Co-occurring medical conditions, such as heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes, contribute to the higher premature mortality rate among individuals with schizophrenia, the NIMH report says. Possible reasons for this excess early mortality are increased rates of these medical conditions and under-detection and under-treatment of them.

Many patients already have co-occurring mental or behavioral health disorders. An estimated 4.9% of schizophrenia patients die by suicide, according to NIMH, and the estimated average potential life lost among patients in America is 28.5 years.

Male patients with schizophrenia are typically diagnosed with the thought disorder in their late teenage years or young adulthood, a younger age than most women diagnosed.

Treating schizophrenia

Mental health providers and advocates are intent on destigmatizing schizophrenia, highlighting the modernization of treatment and criticizing depictions of the disease in popular culture.

Christine Crawford, a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist at Boston Medical Centers Child & Adolescent Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic, serves as associate medical director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Some early onset symptoms of psychosis, including bouts of depression and a lack of motivation, tend to overlap with other mental health conditions. For a schizophrenia diagnosis, a patient must exhibit six straight months of symptoms, including auditory or visual hallucinations, delusions and paranoia, that have an impact on daily function, Crawford said.

Not everyone diagnosed experiences hallucinations that call for physical harm to themselves or others.

The portrayal of schizophrenia in mass media has come under fire, with some fictional stories showing violent or homicidal patients.

A National Library of Medicine-published study from 2012 found 41 English-language films released between 1990 and 2010 had at least one major character with schizophrenia. Violent and harmful activity among the analyzed movie characters was common, with almost one-third of them engaging in homicidal behavior and about one-fourth of them dying by suicide.

Its important for people to know that people living with psychotic disorders are more likely to be the victims of violence rather than the perpetrators. Thats just a fact, and media doesnt support that, Crawford said. They dont want to harm other people. They dont want to harm themselves. I have a whole bunch of patients who live with schizophrenia who are married, have children, go to work each and every day, (and) they graduated from college.

Early intervention, medication, therapy and support from family, friends and work colleagues are crucial to helping schizophrenia patients. Crawford recommends that people worried about psychosis symptoms speak to a primary care provider for immediate input if access to community mental health care is a challenge.

These are conditions we know how to treat and people can live meaningful and full lives, she said.

What medications are available for schizophrenia patients?

Antipsychotics are prescribed by doctors to patients with schizophrenia.

Some first-generation prescriptions  including chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol and loxapine  can cause short- and long-term movement issues and muscle stiffness in schizophrenia patients, according to the NAM. Clozapine, which Eli Robinson took, lurasidone and risperidone are second-generation medications that are less likely to cause problems with movement or block dopamine in patients.

Susan Stearns is the executive director of NAMI New Hampshire. She said she has a 53-year-old relative who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a young man and now receives a monthly injection to treat the disorder, rather than daily medication.

It used to be that youd wind up with a heavy dose of medication and antipsychotics. Now its a very different approach. Medication is low and slow because youre trying to get folks to that right place, she said.

Stearns said providers attitudes toward schizophrenia have changed.

Its really scary sometimes for the person who is experiencing it. When you hear about the hallucinations, the voices they may hear, I dont hear stories of people whose voices are saying nice things to them, Stearns said. Its a real challenge for folks when they are struggling to find the right treatment and the right care.

'Coordinated, team-based care' is the key

William Torrey is a professor and chair of the psychiatry department at Dartmouth Colleges Geisel School of Medicine. He has practiced psychiatry in New Hampshire for 40 years and was drawn to the field with a particular interest in outpatient care.

How do you support people to have gratifying, meaningful lives worth living who have these challenging illnesses? he asks.

Really good care involves coordinated, team-based care that addresses both the general medical psychiatric symptoms and the functional support of life altogether as one team, Torrey said.

Treatment teams, groups that include psychiatrists, case managers and vocational specialists, assist patients with Medicaid and their educational, housing and work status, address substance abuse, help find therapists and assist families of those experiencing psychosis. The coordinated specialty care model encourages a patient's treatment team to help them pursue life goals.

Its important people don't throw in the towel on life and give up, but to pursue their vocational and educational careers, Torrey said.

The research and data shows that if patients not only receive medication treatment, but the therapy, educational support (and) the vocational support, they do better, Crawford added.

If you need help

Call or text 988 for 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Chat option is also available at 988lifeline.org.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Eli Robinson's schizophrenia and the pain of hallucinations
Staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell ABC News the agency has descended into turmoil as senior officials offer their resignations over the Trump administration's effort to oust the agency's new director.

A dozen CDC staffers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the mood inside the agency to ABC News, including some who said Thursday that the last 24 hours have left them questioning how much longer they should remain in their roles amid fears that the agency is, in the words of one staffer, "changing from a trusted scientific organization to a personal dictatorship" run by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

"How are we supposed to function as an agency if everything has to run through a man who doesn't believe in basic scientific principles?" a CDC staffer told ABC News. "[Kennedy] can keep saying buzzwords like 'gold standard science' and 'restoring scientific integrity,' but it means nothing if he fires anyone who disagrees with his personal ideology."

MORE: White House says new CDC chief to be picked 'soon' as standoff over Monarez firing continues

The internal unrest comes as the Trump administration moved Wednesday to oust newly installed CDC Director Susan Monarez. The dispute began over demands from Kennedy and his principal deputy chief of staff for Monarez to support changes to COVID vaccine policy and the firing of high-level staff, a source familiar with the conversations told ABC News. Monarez would not commit to those demands.

HHS then announced that Monarez was "no longer director" of the CDC, touching off a wave of high-level resignations from CDC officials in protest and, ultimately, a fiery response later Wednesday evening from Monarez's lawyers, who said she would not resign.

Four senior career officials at the CDC resigned following HHS's statement about Monarez's departure, according to emails obtained by ABC News.

Kennedy, at a rural health care event in Texas on Thursday, said he wouldn't comment on Monarez or "personnel issues" -- but criticized the CDC as a "troubled" agency that needed a leadership shake-up.

Erik S Lesser/epa/shutterstock/ERIK S LESSER/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Signs of support outside the entrance to the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, August 28, 2025.

"There's a lot of trouble at CDC, and it can require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture and bring back pride and self esteem and make that agency the stellar agency that it's always been," Kennedy said.

On Thursday, CDC staff began circulating plans for a "clap-out" for the four officials who resigned following Monarez's attempted ouster, urging staff to show up and "demonstrate the strength and unity of our community in celebrating their remarkable service," according to an email obtained by ABC News.

Hours before the planned clap-out, security escorted at least two of the officials -- Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, head of the CDC center focusing on immunizations, and Dr. Deb Houry, the CDC's chief medical officer -- out of agency's headquarters, three sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

"They're being treated like criminals," a CDC staffer told ABC News upon learning of the move.

Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and Jennifer Layden, director for the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology, were the other two top officials to resign.

Staffers told ABC News that while they support the officials' decision to leave, the state of the agency has left them feeling hopeless.

MORE: Mass layoffs, resignations and major vaccine policy changes: Timeline of turmoil at CDC

"I have full respect for Drs. Houry, Jernigan, and Daskalakis, and maybe they had no choice, but we feel hopeless now," a CDC employee told ABC News. "Hopeless for our own research and work to continue, hopeless for our own personal futures, but most importantly hopeless for the future of America's children and what sort of awful future we are setting them up to inherit -- and for what gain or profit?"

Another CDC staffer said, "I'm glad to see the pushback from senior leadership standing up for public health -- I'm also upset and concerned about what this means for the fate of CDC and the health of the people we serve."

Meanwhile, the state of affairs inside the agency has left some staffers questioning if they should join their colleagues and either protest or leave.

"At what point do we walk out?" a staffer said. "I know we all feel like we are doing the right thing by staying and fighting the good fight. But what if we go on strike? Like, we will not come back until RFK is fired?"

"I personally am just so burnt out," another staffer said. "I don't know if this job is worth my sanity."

J. Scott Applewhite/AP, Files - PHOTO: Susan Monarez, nominee to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arrives to testify before the Senate HELP Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, June 25, 2025.

On Thursday afternoon, staffers gathered to say goodbye to Houry, Daskalakis and Jernigan, who returned to headquarters to bid farewell to their colleagues.

Supporters held signs that said "Fire RFK," "CDC saves lives," and "Leaders like these don't grow on trees."

The three officials received a warm welcome as they slowly made their way through the crowd, accepting hugs, flowers, and pats on the back.

"The last 24 hours has been a blur. We agreed to do this together. We've been talking about it for months, and the past few days, it was just escalating," Houry told reporters.

"When the three of us do it together, it's more powerful, and it just shows the state of our agency," she said.

Daskalakis committed to speaking up loudly from outside the agency.

MORE: Showdown at CDC as director refuses to leave post amid pressure from Trump administration

"You are the people that protect America, and America needs to see that you are the people that protect America," he said to loud applause from the gathered employees. "And we are going to be your loudest advocates."

Houry, Daskalakis and Jernigan then walked to a street corner near the CDC's campus that has been turned into a memorial for slain Officer David Rose, who died two weeks ago defending CDC headquarters against a gunman who fired hundreds of rounds into the buildings -- driven, Monarez had said in a note to staffers, by misinformation.

With tears in their eyes, they laid down their bouquets and hugged one another. Then they turned to say goodbye to more colleagues.
Relatives of two of the four University of Idaho students murdered in 2022 have asked a judge to prevent the release of graphic crime scene photos and videos, saying that the images are traumatizing and making them public would violate their privacy.

Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life without parole last month for the stabbing murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho.

Even if crime scene images are somehow redacted, it's still traumatizing for the families, Ethan's mother, Stacy Chapin, wrote in a court document.

"They are heartbreaking and continue to reopen a wound that has yet to heal," she wrote.

The family of Ethan Chapin, including mother Stacy Chapin, right, and father Jim Chapin, walk to the Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing, on July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. / Credit: Jenny Kane / AP

The criminal case drew worldwide attention, and the Moscow Police Department received hundreds of requests to release investigatory records. Idaho law generally allows for the sealing of investigation records to be lifted once a criminal investigation is complete.

After Kohberger's sentencing, the city of Moscow responded to one such request for public records by releasing photos and videos taken by law enforcement at the crime scene, blurring out the bodies of the slain students as well as the faces of other victims and witnesses who talked to police outside the home

The images still showed blood on the floors and walls of the home, however, and the videos included the sounds of sobbing friends and roommates.

Leander James, an attorney representing family members of Mogen and Chapin, told 2nd District Judge Megan Marshall that the blurring was ineffective, that the blood should also have been hidden from public view, and that the sounds of distress should have been muted.

"Blurring is not redacting," James said during a Thursday morning hearing. He asked the judge to carefully consider Stacy Chapin's statement, describing "how incredibly harmful and emotionally damaging it is for her to see images of her son and the other victims. They're in there, they're just blurred  they're harder to see."

The commodification of the killings by a whole industry of people obsessed with crimes makes it even more important to consider how the families have been victimized again by the release of such gory images, James told the judge.

"Images like this are disseminated within an instant, worldwide," James said, criticizing "this 'true crime' sort of industry that uses this stuff for economic gain, and misuses it."

Andrew Pluskal, an attorney representing the city of Moscow, said the city is required by law to release the images under the Idaho Public Records Act, and carefully weighed what to redact using the "balancing test" spelled out in the law, weighing the victims' right to privacy against the public's right to know.

"If there were options allowed in statute that allowed these records to be fired into the sun," the city would do it, Pluskal told the judge. He called the images "harrowing."

But he said the city could have been sued if it refused their release, and redacting or blurring the images was its best attempt to follow the law.

"The city is in the middle here  the city is going to get it from either side," Pluskal told the judge.

Marshall said she would consider both sides and issue a ruling at a later date.

Kohberger behind bars

Kohberger said earlier this month he is being taunted by fellow inmates at a maximum-security prison, the facility confirmed, and sources told CBS News prisoners have been heckling him through air vents night and day.

"We are aware of Kohberger's complaints about what he considers taunting," the Idaho Department of Correction told CBS News in a statement.

Kohberger is at Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI), which is less than 20 miles south of Boise. For his own safety, Kohberger is in the prison's "J Block," a long-term restrictive housing unit with around 30 inmates, where he is confined to his cell 23 hours a day and has one hour of outdoor recreation

Chris McDonough, a retired detective and a director at the Cold Case Foundation, has firsthand knowledge of the circumstances within the prison's unit.

Since Kohberger arrived at IMSI in late July, inmates have been taking turns taunting him around the clock by yelling through air vents that lead into his cell, according to McDonough. The heckling has been so persistent that it has affected Kohberger's ability to sleep.

"I don't think Bryan Kohberger anticipated the psychological play here from the inmates  It's a curveball," McDonough told CBS News. "As soon as he got there, it started  And he's complained to the prison guards."

Idaho Maximum Security Institution houses several notorious inmates  including two serial killers  and has been plagued by reports of violence and allegations of inhumane conditions in recent years. Solitary confinement is common at the facility.

"IMSI manages the long-term housing of our most dangerous and volatile population," the Idaho Department of Correction told CBS News in an email last month. Asked about the use of solitary confinement and lockdowns, the department said, "Restrictive housing is not a disciplinary sanction, it is a housing assignment designed to manage specific behaviors."

Minneapolis Catholic school shooter identified

Everything we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting so far

More air traffic control issues at Newark airport
The arrests of two wildland firefighters accused of working illegally in Washington state has sparked a new round of debate over the Trump administration's priorities about wildfires and immigration enforcement.

In videos shared widely on social media, federal immigration agents were recorded detaining two firefighters who were working on federal land in a remote area of the Olympic Peninsula. U.S. Border Patrol officials confirmed to USA TODAY that the men were arrested on immigration violations, while 42 other workers were released after being removed from the property.

Videos of the Aug. 27 incident posted to social media have drawn broad condemnation by Washington state residents upset that federal officials halted firefighters' work to check immigration paperwork. One of the videos showed the yellow-shirted men being handcuffed amid stacks of downed trees in the middle of a forest.

"Deeply concerned about this situation with two individuals helping to fight fires in Washington state. I've directed my team to get more information about what happened," Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said in a social media post.

The crews were not directly fighting the 9,000-acre Bear Gulch Fire, but were assisting in wildfire-prevention efforts in the area, and federal officials said the arrests did not affect ongoing firefighting. But some state officials say the immigration detentions raise questions about White House priorities at a time when many fire departments have struggled to adequately hire wildland firefighters.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat, said the arrests reflect misplaced priorities: "This administration's immigration policy is fundamentally sick. Trump has wrongly detained lawful green card holders and even CITIZENS. No one should assume this was necessary. These firefighters put their lives on the line for us ALL and Trump is detaining them."

Cal Fire firefighters walk down a dozer line while battling the Pickett Fire on August 21, 2025 in Calistoga, California. The Pickett fire has burned over 1,200 acres in the Napa Valley and is zero percent contained.

President Donald Trump has promised the largest mass deportation in history, and federal statistics show many of the people being detained for deportation have no criminal record aside from immigration violations. As of Aug. 10, about 30% of immigration detainees have a criminal conviction, which can include traffic offenses, according to the most current Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse analysis of federal data.

Federal officials confirmed to USA TODAY that they targeted the workers as part of a criminal investigation into two companies that provide wildland firefighters: Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI/Arden Solutions Inc.

The companies were apparently working on contract with the federal Bureau of Land Management. The Trump administration has downsized the federal workforce, including thousands of people who hold the "red cards" necessary to fight wildland fires, and private firefighting contractors have long assisted communities by removing brush and other fire hazards.

"BLM, working alongside U.S. Forest Service, requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol as work contracts with two firms were terminated," U.S. Border Patrol officials said in a statement. "USBP agents supported BLM rangers in verifying the identities of the contracted personnel. Several discrepancies were identified, and two individuals were found to be present in the United States illegally, one with a previous order of removal."

Federal officials did not immediately answer questions about why the two companies were targeted; there is no record of pending criminal cases, according to federal court records. The identities of the two men were not released by federal officials, who said one of the men has previously been ordered to leave the United States. Neither Table Rock Foresty nor Arden Solutions returned phone messages left Aug. 28.

"This cooperative effort highlights the coordination between federal agencies in ensuring the integrity of government operations and maintaining public trust in fiduciary matters," USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez said in a statement. "U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered."

Wildfire forecasters predict above-normal fire conditions for much of the West in the coming weeks. Through July, the latest date available, wildfire starts were at 120% of average, and states like Colorado are having some of their worst wildfires in history, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Firefighter arrests renew debate about Trump immigration priorities
Floral tributes are laid at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Thursday. (Abbie Parr / AP)

More than seven years before Robin Westman opened fire on a Catholic school as Mass was underway, killing two children and injuring 17 more worshippers, police were called to a townhouse in the Twin Cities suburb where she lived with her mother.

The heavily redacted police report NBC News obtained from the police department in Eagan, Minnesota, is dated Jan. 26, 2018, and it includes a two-word description explaining why an officer was dispatched to that address: mental health.

It also includes a brief synopsis that reads assisted Mendota Heights with a check welfare of a juvenile. Mendota Heights is another Twin Cities suburb.

The name of that juvenile and what exactly prompted police to be summoned to the three-bedroom home on Crane Creek Lane were blacked out in the report.

Two years before the mental health call, police responded to a report of a criminal offense at the residence, according to a police report. But beyond noting that the case was closed, the report blacks out all the details describing the event.

Investigators probing Wednesdays deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continue to search for a clear motive to explain why Westman, 23, committed the act of terror.

Westman, who died by suicide after the shooting, was a trans woman and had been a student at Annunciation. Her mother, Mary Grace Westman, had once worked at the school.

Minnesota has a red flag law that went into effect in January 2024, allowing family members and others to petition the courts to have guns removed from a person they believe poses a threat to themselves or the community. The state passed a law in 2023 requiring gun buyers to pass universal background checks and to obtain permits for pistols or semiautomatic military-style assault weapons.

Robin Westman. (Obtained by NBC News)

But it does not appear any alarms were sounded as Westman amassed an arsenal that included the rifle, the pistol and the shotgun used in the attack on the church.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said Thursday that authorities do not have information indicating that Westman suffered from mental illness and that, other than a traffic ticket, she did not have a police record.

There is nothing in the investigation so far that would lead us to believe that anything was missed, OHara said.

The shooter, he said, was able to lawfully purchase these weapons.

OHara added that Westmans family has been cooperating with investigators, but they have not yet located her mother, who lives in another state. Records show her residence as being in Florida.

Ryan Garry, an attorney for Mary Grace Westman, told NBC News he did not have a comment at this time.

The FBIs special agent in charge in Minneapolis, Alvin M. Winston Sr., said the agency had not had any previous contact with the shooter.

We did a check of all of our holdings, the FBI holdings, and he was not in our holdings prior to this incident, so we didnt have anything on him at that time, Winston said.

In the aftermath of the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology.

And police are reviewing the online videos, in which the shooter scrawled racial slurs, a homophobic slur, antisemitic messages, a call for President Donald Trumps death and references to the Holocaust and the Catholic Church.

In addition, the video showed the suspect flipping through the pages of a journal written in English but using the Cyrillic alphabet. At times uttering koshmar, which is the Russian word for nightmare, the shooter discusses the mechanics of mass school shootings and suicide.

A person who went to Minneapolis Southwest High School with the shooter and described her as a bit of a strange person with a dark sense of humor said she never heard Westman make any jokes about shootings or guns. But she often mumbled in what the person believed was Russian, said the former classmate, who asked not to be identified for privacy reasons.

People would ask what she was saying, and she would just tell them, Oh, nothing, the person recalled.

Yesterdays events were very shocking to everyone who knew her in school and the entire Minneapolis community, the former classmate said. Many people do and say strange things in their teenage years, so many people just saw it as her just trying to be edgy or funny. Its very hard to see the videos of what she planned and carried out. I was never very close with her, but this is still very heavy on my heart.

A memorial along a road in Sandy Hook, Conn., on Dec. 16, 2012, two days after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. (Lisa Wiltse / Corbis via Getty Images file)

Westman said in the journal that she began pondering mass murder in the seventh grade. In particular, she was fixated on the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut in 2012.

She writes that she has a history of making threats about violence. In another part of the journal, she writes about how easy it would be to buy a gun and mentions that she has dropped warning signs to people, asking for help.

Westmans parents, who are divorced, have yet to make a public statement about the shooting. Neither could be reached for comment.

Westman was 11 when her mother and her father, James Westman, divorced in 2013. At the time, she and her brother and sister lived with their parents in Hastings, another Twin Cities suburb.

Police were called to that residence at least four times from 2003 to 2016, including once for a welfare check for an adult female, a sibling, who was threatening suicide in 2014. Also in 2014, police responded to a report of vandalism at the home. Officers saw several offensive words and pictures written on windows of the garage and the fathers car.

Another call in 2010 related to a juvenile problem with a 17-year-old daughter who was out of control. But nothing in the records indicates that those incidents involved the shooter.

When the shooter was living in Eagan, she was still using her birth name. She did not become Robin M. Westman until age 17, when, records show, the name change application was granted in January 2020 in Dakota County, Minnesota.

While Westmans parents signed off on the name change, her mother expressed conflicted feelings about her childs gender identity, said a former school employee who was asked what they remembered about the family. The former school employee spoke to NBC News on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about family issues.

She said, I dont know how I feel about this, the ex-employee said. I think she was struggling with her Catholic faith. ... She didnt know how she felt, but it weighed heavily on her.

The ex-employee also remembered that Westman was often sent to the principals office for disruptive behavior and did not seem to have any friends. Westmans mother expressed concern about her childs behavioral and social issues, the ex-employee said.

Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.

CORRECTION (Aug. 29, 2025, 8:05 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article used the wrong pronoun for the shooter. She used female pronouns.
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YOUR RIGHTS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE ACTION AND THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to an Order of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York (the "Court"), of the pendency of the stockholder derivative action captioned Employees Retirement System for the City of Providence v. Rohner, et al., Index No. 651657/2022 (the "Action").

YOU ARE ALSO NOTIFIED that the Parties have reached a proposed settlement of the Action (the "Settlement"), subject to the approval of the Court, as provided in a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement, Compromise, and Release dated August 21, 2025 (the "Stipulation"). Under the terms of the proposed Settlement, UBS will receive $115,000,000 (United States Dollars), together with any interest earned on the payment and less any deductions for attorneys' fees and expenses for Plaintiff's Counsel and any applicable taxes and tax expenses.

A more detailed description of the Settlement terms, as well as a description of the history of the Action and an explanation of stockholders' legal rights with respect to the Settlement, is provided in the full printed Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Stockholder Derivative Action (the "Notice"). The Notice and the Stipulation are publicly available on the "Investor Relations" section of UBS's website, https://www.ubs.com/global/en/investor-relations.html, and on Plaintiff's Counsel's website, www.blbglaw.com.

Absent further order of the Court, a hearing (the "Settlement Hearing") will be held before the Honorable Andrea Masley on October 17, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., at the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, 60 Centre Street, Courtroom 242, New York, New York 10007. At the Settlement Hearing, the Court will, among other things: (i) determine whether Plaintiff and Plaintiff's Counsel have adequately represented the interests of the Company and its stockholders; (ii) determine whether the proposed Settlement on the terms and conditions provided for in the Stipulation is fair, reasonable, and adequate to the Company and its stockholders, and should be approved by the Court; (iii) determine whether a Judgment (substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D to the Stipulation) approving the Settlement, dismissing the Action with prejudice, and granting the Releases provided under the Stipulation should be entered; (iv) consider Plaintiff's Counsel's Fee and Expense Application, including any Service Award to Plaintiff; (v) consider any objections to the Settlement or the Fee and Expense Application; and (vi) consider any other matters that may properly be brought before the Court in connection with the Settlement.

The Settlement Hearing may be adjourned by the Court without further written notice to Company stockholders. In addition, the Court may decide to conduct the Settlement Hearing remotely by telephone or videoconference, or otherwise allow Current UBS Stockholders to appear at the hearing remotely by phone or video, without further written notice to Company stockholders. You should monitor the Court's docket and/or the website of Plaintiff's Counsel, www.blbglaw.com, for any change in date, time, or format of the hearing.

If you are a Current UBS Stockholder who or which continues to own shares of UBS common stock as of October 17, 2025, the date of the Settlement Hearing, you have the right to object to the proposed Settlement and/or the Fee and Expense Application, including Plaintiff's application for a Service Award, in writing, and you also have the right to appear at the Settlement Hearing. Any objections must be in writing and filed with the Clerk of the Court and delivered to Counsel for Plaintiff and Counsel for the Company such that they are received no later than September 26, 2025, in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Notice.

Please Note : Because the Action was brought as a derivative action, which means that the Action was brought by Plaintiff on behalf of and for the benefit of Credit Suisse, the cash recovery from the Settlement will go to UBS, as successor to Credit Suisse. Individual stockholders will not receive any direct payment from the Settlement. Also, please note that there is no proof of claim form for stockholders to submit in connection with this Settlement, and stockholders are not required to take any action in response to this notice.

DO NOT CALL OR WRITE THE COURT REGARDING THIS NOTICE

All questions regarding this notice and the Settlement should be made to Plaintiff's Counsel:

Jeroen van Kwawegen

Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP

1251 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

Telephone: 800-380-8496

Email: [email protected]

BY ORDER OF THE COURT

SOURCE JND Legal Administration
Democrats in Iowa and across the country have been trumpeting the news of Catelin Dreys special election victory to the state Senate, arguing its a clear sign that red-state voters are ready for a change from Republican control.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said Democrats are feeling "elated" after the Aug. 26 victory, which broke Republicans' Senate supermajority.

"It was a hard-fought battle, and its another step in the right direction," Hart said. "Its giving people hope that voters recognize that things are not going in the right direction under Republican control in the state and that its time for change."

Drey's victory in Senate District 1 in Woodbury County is the latest in a string of four special elections this year in Iowa where Democrats have significantly overperformed compared with the 2024 presidential election.

Democratic Iowa Senate candidate Catelin Drey.

It has helped stoke Democrats' optimism on their chances in next years midterm elections, where they hope to flip seats in the Republican-dominated state and across the country.

But political experts say it's difficult to draw clear conclusions from special election results, where turnout is lower and members of one party may be more motivated to vote than another.

Kyle Kondik, managing editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball, an election forecaster, said it's "unrealistic" to assume Democrats will overperform Vice Presidential Kamala Harris' margin by 20 percentage points in next year's midterms  as Drey did in her special election victory.

"But I think directionally its probably suggestive," he said. "Its just a question of how much less red is Iowa in 2026."

Iowa Senate District 1 shifted 20 points to the left from 2024 in Democrat Catelin Drey victory in an Aug. 26 special election.

Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann criticized national Democrats, who he said were "desperate" for a victory in Iowa, for flooding resources to the state.

"National Democrats were so desperate for a win that they activated 30,000 volunteers and a flood of national money to win a state senate special election by a few hundred votes," he said in a statement. "If the Democrats think things are suddenly so great again for them in Iowa, they will bring back the caucuses."

4 Iowa special elections, 3 Democratic Party wins, 2 Senate flips

Democrats have been pleased with their special election performances so far this year, which include flipping two Iowa Senate seats, coming close to flipping a Republican-held House seat and comfortably retaining another House seat.

Democratic state Sen. Mike Zimmer won Senate District 35 in eastern Iowa in January by 4 percentage points, just a few months after President Donald Trump carried the district by 27 percentage points. Democrats were able to improve their percentage of the vote by 16 points, while Republicans' share fell by 15 points.

Drey won her seat by 10 percentage points after Trump won it by 11 percentage points the year before, with each party's percentage of the vote swinging by about 10 points.

It was a similar story in the two special elections for the Iowa House.

Hart said Democrats "got such a big shot in the arm" when Zimmer flipped his Senate seat in January.

"Somethings happening," she said. "And I think many things are happening. Good people are stepping up to run. People are motivated to do the work that it takes to get them across the finish line. And our voters are recognizing that its time for change, that under Republican rule here, under Republican leadership, this state is not going in the right direction."

Iowa Democratic Senator Mike Zimmer is sworn into office on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in the Iowa State Senate Chambers.

But Republicans maintain a firm grip on state government in Iowa, with a 33-17 majority in the Iowa Senate, a 67-33 supermajority in the Iowa House and control of the governor's office.

Kondik said the special election wins are something tangible the Iowa Democratic Party can point to at a time when "Democrats are looking for positive stories to tell."

"Theyre not necessarily predictive, and they probably are skewed by Democrats just having better turnout patterns in these races," he said. "But again, theres a world in which Democrats would be getting crushed in these races along the lines of the 2024 presidential election results, and that would tell the opposite story."

Tim Hagle, a political science professor at the University of Iowa, said Democrats face challenges, including poor polling numbers. But positive special election results could help encourage strong candidates to run next year, when a high-profile governor's race and congressional races will be on the ballot.

"When you get something like this like a special election where they actually win again, that gives them some hope," he said.

Smaller electorate for special elections makes comparisons difficult

The Senate District 1 special election saw about 24% voter turnout among the registered voters in the district, according to the Woodbury County Auditor's Office.

The 7,621 voters who cast ballots in the race are a little more than half the 13,956 people who participated in the 2022 election, when Republican former Sen. Rocky De Witt defeated Democrat Jackie Smith.

Iowa's other special elections this year have all drawn less than half the number of voters who showed up in 2022.

"The big hesitation for me is just that the turnout, even compared to a 2022 midterm baseline, is just smaller," Kondik said.

Kondik said special elections can sometimes benefit "the party that's angrier." Often that's the party that doesn't control the presidency, he said.

"Its also the case that the Democratic coalition has gotten smaller in terms of size but is also more composed of higher education voters who tend to be higher turnout voters," he said. "So its kind of an apples and oranges comparison even to a midterm turnout, let alone a presidential."

Who was motivated to show up? And what issues motivated them?

Drey said the top issue she heard on the campaign trail was affordability, including for housing, child care and health care. And she campaigned on more funding for public education.

Her opponent, Republican Christopher Prosch, campaigned on eliminating Iowa's income tax, as well as adding more energy infrastructure and opposing eminent domain.

Both candidates had support from their state parties and had the resources to advertise.

Drey raised $165,000 and received nearly $88,000 worth of in-kind support from the Iowa Democratic Party, while Prosch raised $20,000 and received more than $160,000 of in-kind support from the Iowa GOP.

Republican Iowa Senate candidate Christopher Prosch.

But while the candidates' focus was local, voters may have also been motivated by federal issues.

Hart said Democrats have been energized since Trump regained office, and that's resulting in more energy among voters and more candidates stepping up to run.

"Ever since Donald Trump started in with his shock and awe program when he started his administration here, Democrats have been very much motivated," she said.

More: Here's what several new polls say about Trump's approval rating

Gary Leffler, a West Des Moines resident and Republican activist, said he and other Republicans in his circle were alarmed by the election result.

He said Democrats were all in on the race, and he worried that Republicans didnt treat it with the same urgency.

If we continue this, Iowa will be a blue state in eight years, he said.

He said his biggest concern about the race is whether the MAGA base came out to support Prosch and whether those same folks will show up or sit out the 2026 midterm election.

Where are the Trump voters? Will they show up without Trump on the ticket? he said. That is probably the number one question I have for nearly every Republican leader.

Des Moines Register Chief Politics Reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel contributed to this report.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Democrats hope special election wins mean big victories in 2026
Anyssa Zancanelli, daughter Azaylee

A Utah judge awarded a family nearly $1 billion dollars  the largest in the states history  after a hospital was so negligent in handling a baby girls delivery that she will likely suffer a lifetime of disabilities, according to a report.

Anyssa Zancanella, Danniel McMicheal and their 5-year-old daughter Azaylee were awarded $951 million by Judge Patrick Corum earlier this month after he found Steward Health Care liable for the botched delivery of the newborn in West Valley City, Utah on Oct. 14, 2019.

The nurses assigned to Zancanella at Jordan Valley Medical Center  then owned by Steward  were so green theyd barely finished their training, and they gave the mom dangerous doses of a labor-inducing drug while the on-call doctor slept in a nearby room, the familys lawsuit filed in 2021 alleged.

Anyssa Zancanelli and daughter Azaylee were awarded nearly $1 billion dollars for the girls harrowing delivering at a Utah hospital. Facebook/Anyssa Zancanella

Azaylee wasnt delivered until more than a day later  and after a long-overdue C-section, the suit claimed.

Zancanella would have been better off delivering this baby at the bathroom of a gas station, or in a hut somewhere in Africa, than in this hospital, Corum said in an early August ruling. Literally, this was the most dangerous place on the planet for her to have given birth.

The person [Azaylee] was to be, the person she deserved to be, is trapped inside a brain-damaged child, Corum said. I cannot think of anything more profound, total or complete than that loss.

The astonishing damages award is the largest in Utahs history, the Salt Lake Tribune first reported, citing lawyers for the family.

But the family must now attempt to collect on their award from the embattled hospital chain which is currently in bankruptcy as it owes billions to various creditors.

Zancanellas lawyers hope they will be able to collect at least the punitive damages against Steward  or half of the total award.

Zancanella and McMicheal had been on a short getaway in Salt Lake City away from their Wyoming home when the wife went into labor on Oct. 12, 2019 and was forced to deliver her girl at the local hospital, the suit said.

But the nurses, whod only finished their training the day Zancanella was admitted, pushed excessive amounts of the labor-inducing drug Pitocin for hours  despite alarm bells like the babys blood pressure rising and the fact the drug wasnt working to dilate Zancanella, the suit alleged.

When the nurses finally told the on-call doctor about the babys alarming blood pressure and the moms fever, the doctor simply went back to sleep in a room mere footsteps from where the labor was underway, the suit claimed.

When Azaylee was delivered via C-section she had a misshapen head, a swollen face and bruising and bulging on the front of her scalp, the suit claimed.

The baby had to be airlifted to Primary Childrens Hospitals intensive care unit in Salt Lake City for a slew of complications, including having been without sufficient oxygen during the labor, the suit alleged.

The Utah hospitals negligent handling of Zancanellis labor resulted in her daughter living with permanent disabilities. Facebook/Anyssa Zancanella

Azaylee now needs 24/7 care because of regular seizures.

She is mostly non-verbal and lacks the cognitive and executive functioning of others her age. Doctors think shell never be able to carry out normal activities like driving a car, attending college or working.

Azaylees seizures are so frequent that the family  including her younger sister  all sleep in a giant bed to be close in case one of the attacks happens while shes asleep. And they take oxygen with them everywhere they go to help with the seizures.

The parents say they plan to get Azaylee a service dog to help with seizure detection.

The young girl receives physical and occupational therapy and can only attend kindergarten for a few hours every day.

Azaylee had her life stolen. We all did. We had her taken from us, Zancanella said during a three-day bench trial, according to Corums ruling.

She is trapped. I know that my daughter is in there, but she cant come out and I think of that every day.

Steward denied the allegations and any liability in May 2024 court papers but later that year its lawyers asked to withdraw from the case on the grounds they were no longer getting paid and were having trouble getting into contact with the company. The judge approved their withdrawal but the company never appointed new lawyers.

The hospital was renamed Holy Cross Hospital-West Valley after it was acquired by CommonSpirit Health two years ago.

Steward, the nurses and the doctors involved didnt return requests for comment from the Tribune.
Getty ; Boston Police Department Karen Read, John O'Keefe

NEED TO KNOW

In her first interview since the verdict, Karen Read said her recovery feels like a dimmer  the lights coming on a little brighter each week

Karen Read addressed Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and Massachusetts State Police, saying, You lost. You lost big time"

Karen Read was acquitted in June 2025 in John OKeefes death and was convicted only of operating under the influence.

Karen Read is speaking publicly for the first time since a Massachusetts jury acquitted her in June of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe  describing a slower-than-expected return to normal life and a series of "little epiphanies."

Theres moments I have every day that have these little epiphanies of, Wow, this is the first time Ive done fill-in-the-blank in the last four years that I wasnt living with this nightmare, she told WRKO host Howie Carr in an interview Thursday. Its not quite as I expected. I was expecting a switch to be flipped  but its been more like a dimmer  the lights are coming on a little brighter each week.

Read also delivered a pointed message to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and state investigators: You lost. You lost big time, and you know what you did, she said.

Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty

In the interview, Read, 45, said she's rebuilding after years of upheaval. She sold her Mansfield home, moved in with her parents between trials, and lost her positions at Fidelity Investments, where she worked in equity research, and as an adjunct professor at Bentley University.

That job was not just a job  that was my career, and I still miss it, she said, adding that shes not sure she could hop back on the commuter rail and walk through South Station every day.

Read and her attorney Alan Jackson suggested further legal action is on the table. Jackson said they damn well intend to use the courts again to air what they view as the truth about the case. Read added that shes considering telling her story in a book.

Josh Reynolds/AP

Asked about reports that Prime Video is developing a limited series with Elizabeth Banks set to portray her, Read said she has no involvement. I have nothing to do with that; its not authorized by me in any way, she said, while Jackson added that it is Karen Reads story to tell, not Hollywoods.

She also said authorities have not yet returned her Lexus SUV  evidence throughout the case  calling the delay just logistics at this point, and noting it would require outreach from the district attorneys office.

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.

OKeefe, 46, was found in the snow outside thenBoston police officer Brian Alberts Canton home on Jan. 29, 2022; an autopsy said blunt-force trauma and hypothermia led to his death.

Prosecutors alleged Read, intoxicated after a night out, struck him while backing up her SUV and left him outside. The defense argued he was fatally injured inside the house and that Read was framed.

Getty Defense attorneys Alan Jackson and David Yannetti stand with their client Karen Read at Norfolk County Superior Court on February 26, 2024.

Her first trial ended in a mistrial in 2024. In a 2025 retrial, jurors acquitted her on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, motor-vehicle homicide and leaving the scene. She was convicted only of operating under the influence and received one year of probation.

Jurors in the retrial also heard evidence that, during the overnight hours before OKeefe was found, Read called him 44 times and left multiple voicemails. In the final message, she can be heard screaming after seeing him in the snow.

Read the original article on People
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic From left: Scott Wolf and Kelley Wolf attend the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

NEED TO KNOW

PEOPLE has confirmed Kelley Wolf was released from jail two days after her arrest. She was charged with two class B misdemeanors of electronic disclosure of personal identifying information and electronic communications harassment

A police report revealed that her estranged husband Scott Wolf called law enforcement on August 26, leading to her arrest

The news comes amid Kelley and Scotts contentious divorce

Kelley Wolf is no longer behind bars following her recent arrest.

The Real World: New Orleans alum, 48, was released from Summit County Jail before 4 p.m. on Aug. 28, two days after she was arrested on suspicion of electronic communication harassment and electronic disclosure of personal identifying information, a public information officer for the Summit County Sheriff's Office confirmed to PEOPLE.

Kelley was being held on a $5,000 bond and was charged with two class B misdemeanors of electronic disclosure of personal identifying information and electronic communications harassment.

Per court documents obtained by PEOPLE on Aug. 28, as a condition of her release, the former reality star  who is currently going through a contentious divorce with husband Scott Wolf  must not "consume any alcohol or narcotic drug or other controlled substance unless prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner." She must also "participate in inpatient or outpatient medical, behavior, psychological, or psychiatric treatment."

Paul Archuleta/Getty From left: Scott and Kelley Wolf visit Hallmark's "Home & Family" on July 9, 2018 in Universal City, California.

Kelley was also ordered to avoid contact with witnesses who may testify regarding the offenses. Her pretrial release conditions also prevent her from posting on social media until further court order.

On the same day on Kelleys release, Scott filed a new temporary restraining order against his estranged wife, according to online court records viewed by PEOPLE.



According to documents from Summit County Sheriff's Office obtained by PEOPLE on August 28, Kelleys arrest on Aug. 26 happened after her estranged husband, Scott, calling police over harassment claims.

The complainant and victim reported receiving multiple text messages from his wife, Kelley Wolf, with whom he is going through a divorce, the incident report stated.

The responding officer claimed that Scott then looked at Kelleys Instagram account, where he realized that she had shared his phone number after receiving a barrage of phone calls and text messages from unknown people.

He received about 24 calls and multiple texts in the first ten minutes from the time of the first call, the officer continued. He stated that the phone number is to his personal phone, which he uses to communicate with his kids, and that this is causing a major disruption for him.

Desiree Navarro/WireImage From left: Scott and Kelley Wolf attends the discussion of season three of NBCs hit summer medical drama 'The Night Shift' during AOL Build Speaker Series at AOL Studios In New York on June 6, 2016 in New York City.

Following the dissemination of his phone number, law enforcement proceeded to go to Kelleys residence, where she refused to open the front door and instead spoke to me through an open front porch window.

When asked about her Instagram post revealing Scotts phone number, Kelley reportedly did not respond and began making counter-accusations.

I advised Kelley that I had probable cause to arrest her for the offense and asked her to come outside so I could take her into custody, the officer said, according to the report. I waited on the porch for over an hour while Kelley changed clothes, as she was in a bathrobe when I spoke to her. Eventually, she came outside onto the front porch. I arrested her for the offense.

Before her arrest, the television personality documented authorities at her home on social media.

"The police are at my house to arrest me. I have no idea why," she wrote. Deputy Norton said I must comply and I will."

"I am not suicidal. I am no danger to anyone. I have done nothing," she added. "I am so scared. So confused."

Amid Scott and Kelleys divorce, a Utah judge granted a new temporary stipulated agreement between the couple.

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.

According to a revised agreement  filed Aug. 22 after an Aug. 4 review hearing  and reviewed by PEOPLE, the judge upheld a previous decision from July 15, which awarded Scott temporary sole physical custody of their three children, while Kelley was granted "liberal" supervised parenting time.

The biggest addition to the temporary stipulated agreement is that the Wolf children  sons Jackson, 16, and Miller, 12, as well as daughter Lucy, 11  will each have a safe-harbor therapist.



Read the original article on People
Families describing "unimaginable loss" recalled their slain children Aug. 28, the day after an attacker fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic school church and sent worshipers diving behind pews for cover.

Jesse Merkel, the father of Fletcher Merkel, 8, called the suspected shooter a "coward" who took his sons life.

"Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life," Jesse Merkel said. "Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You'll always be with us."

The deadly shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School, a private elementary school in Minneapolis with about 395 students, just before 8:30 a.m. local time on Aug. 27, authorities said. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, the shooter approached the outside of the church building and fired inside toward the children sitting in pews.

The two children killed in the shooting were 8 and 10 years old. Eighteen other people, 15 of them students ages 6 to 18 and three parishioners in their 80s, were struck by gunfire, authorities said. All the injured were expected to recover, though family members of some say they will have long roads to recovery from serious bullet wounds.

Authorities have not publicly released the names of the victims shot in the attack, but families and friends have begun to identify their loved ones.

"We as a community have a responsibility to make sure that no child, no parent, no teacher ever has to experience what weve experienced today ever again," Annunciation School Principal Matt DeBoer said in a news conference on Aug. 27. "We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care. Never again can we let this happen."

Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene. Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.



Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.

Fletcher Merkel

Speaking at a news conference outside the Annunciation Catholic School, Jesse Merkel recalled his son Fletcher as a very loving child who enjoyed friends, fishing, cooking, and "any sport that he was allowed to play."

The killer's violent actions have brought tremendous loss to Fletcher's family, Jesse Merkel said. "We will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming," he added.

Fletcher was the second youngest of four children, family spokesperson Blois Olson told NBC News. He and two of his siblings, who were not injured in the shooting, were attending Mass together on Aug. 27, according to NBC News and ABC11.

"While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing," Jesse Merkel added. He also shared prayers of healing, recovery, and strength for the other victims and their families.

Over the past day, Ive heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike, from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I am thankful, he said.

In his closing remarks, Jesse Merkel asked the public for empathy as his family and school community grieve and "try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence."

'We feel the pain': Catholics grieve in wake of deadly attack during Mass in Minneapolis

Harper Moyski

The second victim killed in the shooting was identified as 10-year-old Harper Moyski, according to a joint statement shared to news outlets on her family's behalf.

"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting," reads the statement from Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, according to CBS News and KSTP-TV. "Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her."

Harper's family said their hearts were broken "not only as parents, but also for Harper's sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss." They added that they were grieving for those who were in mourning and for those wounded in the attack.

The family noted that while they were focusing on their daughter and healing, they believe "it is important that her memory fuels action."

"No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country," the statement reads. "Change is possible, and it is necessaryso that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies."

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support," the statement continued. "Harper's light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world."

Sophia Forchas

Sophia Forchas was injured in the shooting and remained in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery, according to a GoFundMe organized for the family. The 12-year-old was described as a "bright, kind, and full of life young girl who is now fighting for her life."

"Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult  but she is strong, and she is not alone," the GoFundMe page states.

Sophia's younger brother was also at the school during the shooting, but he was unharmed, according to the page. Their mother, a pediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center, had arrived to work on Aug. 27 to help with wounded victims "before knowing it was her children's school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured," the page states.

Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis also released a statement confirming that Sophia was injured in the shooting. Sas said the Forchas family, along with several students from Annunciation Catholic School, are parishioners at the church.

"Among the 20 shooting victims, was also our wonderful Sophia Forchas, (a) 12-year-old 7th grader," Sas said in the statement. "Sophia was born and raised in our St. Marys parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations who are devoted members of our congregation."

'I knew I had to help those kids.' Stories of bravery emerge after Minnesota shooting.

Endre Gunter

Endre Gunter was shot twice while attending Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, according to his aunt, Natalie Davis, who organized a GoFundMe page to help with the 13-year-old's medical bills.

"It's impossible to make sense of this act of violence against children, in a place that should have been a sanctuary of peace and safety," Davis wrote on the page. "In the face of unimaginable fear and pain, Endre showed strength and faith beyond his years."

Before Endre was taken into surgery, Davis said he asked the doctor to pray with him. The doctor later told his family that Endre survived the surgery and "fought through a terrifying event with courage that inspired the entire medical team," according to Davis.

"That moment of prayer, and Endre's resilience, will stay with our family forever," his aunt said. "Right now, he is recovering from surgery at the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones and the best medical team possible. While the road ahead is long, we are beyond grateful he is still with us."

David Haeg

David Haeg, a young student at the Annunciation Catholic School, was "tragically injured" during the Aug. 27 shooting, according to a GoFundMe organized on behalf of his family.

"Our school community is heartbroken as we rally around one of our own, David Haeg," the page states. "His road to recovery will be long, but he is showing incredible strength and resilience."

The fundraiser will help with the cost of David's medical expenses, "so his parents can focus fully on being by his side and helping him heal." He is expected to remain in the pediatric intensive care unit for at least five days after undergoing surgery, according to the GoFundMe page.

The organizer of the fundraiser has asked the public and the community to pray for David and his family.

Contributing: Charles Ventura, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minneapolis school shooting victims identified: 'An unimaginable loss'
MINNEAPOLIS  The heavily armed assailant who opened fire during Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school was found dead at the rear of the church with an apparent gunshot wound to the head, according to preliminary information in newly released search warrants.

Robin Westman, 23, was found dressed in black "tactical" gear with at least two firearms nearby in Wednesday morning's rampage at Annunciation Catholic Church, police said. Two children were killed and 18 other worshippers were injured.

A search warrant for the church said three guns were taken into evidence: a Taurus semiautomatic pistol, a Mossberg pump-action shotgun, and a Magpul semiautomatic rifle. Police found a wood board with a gas container and a metal pull pin on the ground, according to the search warrant, items that may have been intended to be used as a smoke bomb.

Minneapolis police said Thursday that they had recovered 116 rifle rounds and three shotgun shells from the scene. Search warrant details show that the shooter left four empty magazines from the semiautomatic rifle and had more to spare.

Investigators found three more magazines full of live rifle rounds on the ground, and three magazines containing 9mm ammo for the handgun two on the ground and one recovered from inside the weapon. Police say the handgun appears to have malfunctioned as the shooter used it and one live round got stuck in the chamber.

Police and first responders work near Annunciation Church and Catholic school in Minneapolis on Wednesday. (Tom Baker / AFP - Getty Images)

Six unused shotgun shells were pulled from that weapon and more were found in a pouch on the shooters belt. Investigators also said they collected a knife, green fingerless gloves, black mechanic gloves, headphones and a gray zip-up sweatshirt.

A commercial van  a 2015 Ram ProMaster City  had been parked behind the church with at least one of its rear doors opened and a rifle case visible to officers, according to the search warrant. The vehicle was registered to Westman's father, James Westman.

In a conversation with police after the shooting, James Westman said Robin Westman was his child and was driving the van. He also said Robin Westman had recently been living in the nearby suburb of Richfield, but had broken up with a "significant and/or romantic partner" and was staying with another friend in neighboring St. Louis Park, according to the search warrant.

James Westman also advised police that his child formerly attended Annunciation Church and its school, and that his ex-wife, his child's mother, had worked there.

At the father's home, police recovered a tactical vest, two external media storage devices and miscellaneous documents, according to the search warrant.

The Minneapolis house belonging to the suspect's father. (Natasha Korecki / NBC News)

In total, police listed 100 pieces of evidence, including T-shirts, bullets and cartridges, to be tested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. A Minneapolis Police Department property report also lists 158 pieces of evidence, including the guns, the items appearing to belong to the shooter, and a USB and iPhone taken from the vehicle.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told reporters Thursday that Robin Westman's family has been cooperating with investigators, although they had not spoken to her mother, Mary Grace Westman. Law enforcement said Friday they were in contact with her.

Records show that she has a residence in Florida and that she has hired a criminal defense attorney, Ryan Garry. He declined to comment Thursday.

Police have not said whether Mary Grace Westman or any family members potentially face charges. O'Hara said that the weapons used in the shooting were legally purchased recently and that there was no previous indication that Robin Westman, who was a transgender woman, suffered from mental illness. Westman had no police record, besides a traffic ticket.

Investigators are continuing to search for a clear motive for the attack and what led Westman to fire a rifle through the side windows of Annunciation Catholic School's church, aiming at children sitting in the pews, just before 8:30 a.m.

Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski. (Courtesy Merkel and Moyski families)

Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed. Fifteen other children, ages 6 to 15, were injured, as well as three adult parishioners in their 80s.

Westman left behind videos online with disturbing content and writings that referred to suicide.

The FBI's special agent in charge in Minneapolis, Alvin Winston Sr., said the agency had not had any previous contact with the shooter.

FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack "an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology."

Police are continuing to review the online videos posted by Westman, in which the shooter wrote racial slurs, a homophobic slur, antisemitic messages, a call for President Donald Trump's death and references to the Holocaust and the Catholic Church.

Besides the church and James Westman's home, two other nearby residences associated with the shooter were searched as part of the investigation.

"Additional firearms are being recovered from those residences as we speak," O'Hara told reporters Wednesday.

Brianna Seidl, a neighbor of the home in St. Louis Park where Westman had been living, said Friday that she would see Westman occasionally rollerblading or skateboarding in the neighborhood. Police swarmed the home on Wednesday just before 11 a.m., Seidl said, and called on a loudspeaker for a resident to come out.

Police put caution tape around the scene and carted out boxes, she added.

The resident "was very compliant with them. Kind of seemed like whatever you got to do, do it, type of situation," Seidl said.

Selina Guevara reported from Minneapolis, Erik Ortiz from New York and Cat Corrigan from Chicago.
Egyptian artifacts found in Ashraf Omar Eldarir's luggage at JFK Airport in January 2020.  US Department of Justice

A Brooklyn man who trafficked hundreds of stolen Egyptian antiquities through JFK Airport will spend months behind bars.

Ashraf Omar Eldarir, 52, was sentenced to six months in prison in Brooklyn federal court on Wednesday, Aug. 27, after pleading guilty to four counts of smuggling.

Eldarir, a licensed physician in Egypt, became involved in artifact smuggling during the countrys Arab Uprising in 2011, when looting of archaeological sites surged, prosecutors said.

Between April 2019 and January 2020, he smuggled artifacts into the United States on at least four occasions. He later used falsified provenance documents to sell items through U.S. auction houses, misrepresenting their ownership history to disguise that they were illegally excavated.

On Jan. 22, 2020, Eldarir arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Egypt and falsely declared that he was carrying only $300 worth of goods, prosecutors said.

When Customs officers inspected his luggage, they discovered nearly 600 artifacts wrapped in foam and bubble wrap. Sand and dirt spilled from the packaging, suggesting the items had been freshly excavated.

Recovered items included gold amulets from a funerary set and wooden tomb model figures with linen garments dating back to roughly 1900 BCE. Eldarir also carried materials used to forge documentation for the stolen antiquities.

Further investigation led to the recovery of additional smuggled artifacts that have since been forfeited.

In total, more than 600 pieces were seized through the investigation. Authorities said they will be repatriated to Egypt.

Eldarir decided it was more financially lucrative for him to steal Egyptian artefacts and smuggle them into the United States to sell than to use his medical degree, US Attorney Joseph Nocella said in a prior statement.

Those who steal cultural treasures of other countries and smuggle them into the United States should know that they will be held accountable for their crimes.

Homeland Security Investigations and US Customs and Border Protection assisted in the case.
By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) -China spent $21 billion on military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the East and South China Sea and the Western Pacific last year, nearly 40% higher than 2023, according to Taiwan government estimates based on its tracking of aircraft and ships and working out the cost of fuel and other expenses.

The internal research by Taiwan's armed forces, reviewed by Reuters and corroborated by four Taiwan officials, offers rare detail of where China's defence spending is probably going as Beijing expands its military footprint and scope of its drills, alarming regional capitals and Washington.

China budgeted 1.67 trillion yuan ($233.47 billion) in defence spending for last year, but diplomats widely believe that number is under-reported. China does not give any breakdown on how the money is spent.

The officials, who were briefed on the research, declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Neither China's defence ministry nor its Taiwan Affairs Office responded to requests for comment. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory over the objections of Taipei's government, has repeatedly said its military spending is transparent and presents no threat.

Reuters could not independently confirm the accuracy of the Taiwanese estimate. Experts said the report's methodology was feasible and could provide valuable information, although they cautioned that it necessarily included some guesswork.

Taiwan's military compiled its estimates in a report this month based on Taiwanese surveillance and intelligence on Chinese military activity in the Bohai Sea off northeast China, the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Western Pacific.

The reports tallied China's naval and air missions there in 2024, then estimated how much fuel and other consumables would cost for each hour of activity. The total was around 152 billion yuan ($21.25 billion), including maintenance, repairs and salaries, the report and the officials briefed on the research said.

That estimated spending represented about 9% of China's reported 2024 military spending, up from 7% in 2023 based on the same estimates, according to Reuters calculations based on the research.

"China's ongoing military expansion and grey-zone provocations are severely undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement to Reuters, which did not address the report's spending and other estimates.

In 2024, Chinese aircraft, including J-10 fighter jets, H-6 bombers, and drones, made nearly 12,000 flights in the region, amounting to about 37,000 hours in the air, the report shows. Those both represent roughly a 30% increase from the year before, the officials said.

The Chinese navy made more than 86,000 sailings, including of aircraft carriers and destroyers, amounting to a total time at sea of more than 2 million hours, about a 20% increase from a year ago for both metrics, the report said.

Roughly 34% of the Chinese naval journeys were made in the highly contested South China Sea, about 28% were in the East China Sea bordering Japan and South Korea, and nearly 14% were in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the report shows.

"They are trying to normalise their military power projection and intimidation around the first island chain," said one of the officials briefed on the research.

The First Island Chain is an area that runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas as well as the disputed South China Sea.

China's navy has also been operating even further from the country's shores, including participating in anti-piracy patrols off Somalia, while the United States has reported an uptick in Chinese naval movements around Alaska and the northern Pacific.

The research is designed to help Taiwanese policymakers understand how China allocates military resources across regions, as well as to gauge Beijing's pace of military expansion, the officials briefed on the reports said.

The 152 billion yuan figure amounts to about a quarter of Taiwan's 2024 defence budget.

($1 = 7.1529 Chinese yuan renminbi)

($1 = 7.1529 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
BERLIN (Reuters) -Germanys Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that the security of Baltic states and Germany was inseparable, vowing closer cooperation to counter what he said was Russias combination of conventional and unconventional attacks as he headed to Tallinn.

The security of the Baltics is also our security in Germany," Wadephul said ahead of his visit to Estonia and Denmark.

He cited growing threats in the Baltic Sea, pointing to Russias shadow fleet, the term used by Western officials for ships that Moscow uses to circumvent oil sanctions, as well as incidents of cut cables, shifted buoys and disrupted GPS signals.

In the past, Moscow has denied involvement in undersea sabotage in the Baltic, saying the West was using such claims to curb Russia's sea-borne oil exports.

Moscow has also denied responsibility for a growing number of security incidents across the Euro-Atlantic area, ranging from repeated cyber attacks to arson.

There we are witnessing the full toolkit of Russias hybrid aggression, Wadephul said, adding that Estonia and other Baltic nations had warned early about the risks.

Today, we in the EU and NATO benefit from their foresight and expertise  and we want to deepen this cooperation further, Wadephul said.

Security would also feature prominently in talks with Denmark.

The need to better protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic and North Seas is a priority that Denmark is also advancing as part of its EU Council presidency, he said. We all in Europe benefit from clean beaches and secure trade routes, as well as from reliable electricity and data lines.

(Reporting by Maria Martinez; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
American chef blends Chinese flavors with pizza in E China's Anhui

People's Daily Online) 09:11, August 29, 2025

Adrien Brill displays a stinky mandarin fish pizza he made. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Zhang Jun)

Stinky mandarin fish pizza has become a surprise hit in rural China, but the chef behind this unlikely fusion isn't a local cook; it's an American who has made east China's Anhui Province his home.

Adrien Brill has lived in China for 16 years, winning over both Chinese and foreign visitors with his creative fusion dishes in Nanxinan village, which sits along the Xin'an River in Huangshan.

Even on a sweltering summer afternoon well past lunch, customers continue streaming into Brill's pizza shop. Almost all are there for one reason: to try the famous stinky mandarin fish pizza.

Brill arrived in Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province in 2009 at age 18, teaching English before enrolling at Sichuan University to study Chinese.

Outside of class, he started a band with friends. At a music festival, he met his future wife, Qiu Tong, a Huangshan native. On his first visit to Huangshan in 2015, Brill fell in love with the local food, especially stinky mandarin fish. He ate it almost weekly and soon learned to make it himself.

In 2021, Brill, who had settled in Huangshan, was invited to join a stinky mandarin fish cooking competition. "I knew I couldn't beat the local masters at the traditional dish. So why not try something different: stinky mandarin fish pizza?" he said.

The fusion wasn't simple. "It's not just tossing fish on pizza. The trick is blending the flavors," Brill said.

Adrien Brill bakes a stinky mandarin fish pizza. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Zhang Jun)

Brill brushed the crust with rich broth from the fish to deepen the taste, then added pickled onions and tomatoes to balance the flavors with a tangy note.

The fusion pizza was an instant hit, inspiring Brill to open his own shop.

Brill's kitchen centers around a large oven where he and his team slide pizzas in and out, perfectly baked in 90 seconds: crisp outside, soft inside.

In 2021, Brill began sharing cooking videos on social media, showcasing both his fusion creations and traditional Western dishes like pasta.

Over time, he was drawn deeper into Chinese culture, with his videos showing him picking mugwort, celebrating Chinese New Year, joining fish lantern parades and helping villagers with autumn harvests.

"The mountains, the rivers and the warmth of the people here heal me every day," Brill said. After 16 years in China, he now sees himself as part of the country.

In 2023, Nanxinan village officials renovated 10 vacant buildings and partnered with a commercial operator to create a food-themed tourism district. They invited Brill to open his restaurant as part of the development. In August 2023, Brill officially opened his shop.

Compared with well-known tourist spots like Hongcun and Xidi villages, Nanxinan had long been quiet.

"Back then, hardly anyone came here. My shop had just three tables: more like a workshop for testing recipes," Brill recalled. In those early days, he spent mornings teaching English at a local university.

To his surprise, the tiny three-table restaurant quickly gained attention. Visitors who had watched his videos came to taste the stinky mandarin fish pizza and to meet the man behind the viral dish.

After a month, Brill expanded the shop, adding more tables and opening a terrace where diners could enjoy pizzas with views of the Xin'an River.

Nanxinan, with a history of more than 1,100 years, is famous for tofu making. The village is home to over 20 tofu workshops, employing over 200 people and generating more than 30 million yuan ($4.19 million) annually.

Inspired by this, Brill began testing tofu pizzas. He found the creamy texture of furry tofu a perfect match. Soon, his furry tofu pizza became another bestseller.

In June, Brill took his creation to Italy, the birthplace of pizza, to compete in an international contest. There, he impressed judges with his unique recipe and shared photos of the furry tofu-making process, introducing the flavors and culture of Huangshan to the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of the largest judgments in Utah history, a Utah judge has awarded $951 million to the Zancanella family, represented by Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers, after catastrophic hospital negligence left their daughter, AZ, permanently brain damaged.

The Zancanella family's daughter, referred to as AZ, was deprived of oxygen in utero after unmistakable signs of fetal distress were ignored and an emergency C-section was dangerously delayed.

Today, she is nonverbal, suffers from seizures, requires diapers and 24-hour supervision, and will never live independently.

Judge Corum said in a rare and unusually candid statement from the bench, "The lack of mentoring, training, education, direction, and supervision was a system failure that was a significant contributor to the negligence, gross negligence, and reckless conduct Honestly, the way the hospital managed its personnel made it practically certain that something bad was going to happen."

SYSTEMIC FAILURES

The court found that the hospital:

Allowed undertrained nurses to manage patients without fully understanding how to read a fetal heart strip

Allowed undertrained nurses to manage patients without proper supervision

Allowed its labor and delivery floor to be understaffed

DAMAGES AWARDED

$200 million in noneconomic damages to AZ

in noneconomic damages to AZ $110 million to her mother, Anyssa

to her mother, Anyssa $100 million to her father, Danny

to her father, Danny $65+ million in medical and economic damages

$475 million in punitive damages

Total Award: $951,849,363.02

DEFENDANTS

Defendants include Steward Healthcare and affiliated entities.

LEGAL TEAM

The Zancanella family was represented by Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers (David Creasy, Esq., Charlie Finlayson, Esq., and Jennifer Morales, Esq.), with co-counsel Barbara Gallagher, Esq. of Kidwell & Gallagher, LTD, and Kevin Swenson, Esq. of Swenson & Shelley PLLC.

ABOUT CLAGGETT & SYKES TRIAL LAWYERS

Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers is a nationally recognized litigation firm based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a record of securing landmark verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients harmed by negligence, defective products, and corporate misconduct. The firm's team of trial attorneys is dedicated to holding powerful institutions accountable and advocating for individuals and families facing life-altering injuries.

Official Court documents, including the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order, are available upon request.

SOURCE Claggett & Sykes Trial Lawyers
By Fabian Hamacher

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan has the right to be free and "preserve self-determination", U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Armed Services Committee and one of the strongest advocates for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress, told the island's president on Friday.

Wicker, a Republican, told Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during a meeting at the presidential office in Taipei that he and his colleague, Senator Deb Fischer, were visiting to get a better understanding of Taiwan's needs and concerns.

"We come here from the United States bringing a message from the Congress of commitment, of long-term friendship and a determination that a free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and preserve self-determination," Wicker said.

Beijing, which regularly denounces any shows of support for Taipei from Washington, repeated its opposition to Wicker's trip. China firmly opposes any official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, the country's foreign ministry said.

Wicker is visiting democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, as Beijing ratchets up its military pressure on the island.

China has increased its military activities around Taiwan over the past five years or so, including staging war games. Beijing has never renounced the potential use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

Lai reiterated to Wicker his offer to talk to China - which Beijing has repeatedly rejected - but said that Taiwan's future can only be decided by its people.

Taiwan hopes to strengthen its security cooperation with the United States, including on designing and manufacturing weapons, Lai added.

The U.S. Senate is due to consider next week the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, a nearly $1 trillion bill that sets policy for the Pentagon.

Wicker, speaking earlier on Friday as he arrived at Taipei's downtown airport on a U.S. Air Force 737, said that this year's NDAA would "add to the provisions again" when it came to Taiwan, though he gave no details.

Wicker is visiting just a few days before Beijing holds a mass military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, where guests include Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

His trip also takes place as some members of Congress - both President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans and Democrats - have expressed concern that Trump is de-emphasising security issues as he works on negotiating a trade deal with China.

Administration officials have said Trump remains fully committed to Asia-Pacific security matters as he pursues his trade agenda and a good personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.

(Reporting by Fabian HamacherWriting by Ben BlanchardEditing by Stephen Coates and Frances Kerry)
After 58 years, police say they have a suspect in the murder of Pauline Mullins Pusser: her husband, the famous sheriff, Buford Presser (Facebook/Bettmann Archive)

In a tight-knit, rural community in Tennessee, Sheriff Buford Pusser has always been known as a legend.

He patrolled McNairy County in the 1960s while wielding an enormous hickory walking stick, took on bootleggers and mobsters, and became the inspiration for the Hollywood film Walking Tall  later remade with Dwayne The Rock Johnson.

But behind the man was a tragic death that had never been solved  until today, forever changing the legacy of Sheriff Pusser.

For nearly six decades, the story was told the same way. In 1967, Sheriff Pusser and his wife Pauline were ambushed while driving down a rural Tennessee road, in an attack he said was meant for him.

He survived a shot to the face, while she was killed.

In 1967, Sheriff Pussers wife Pauline was gunned down in what he called an ambush meant for him (Facebook)

Now, newly released findings from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation paint a very different picture.

Indictment for murder, if still alive

District Attorney Mark Davidson announced Friday that investigators uncovered major inconsistencies in Pussers account  and concluded that if Pusser were alive today, the TBI could produce an indictment against him for the murder of his wife.

Justice for Pauline has been a long time coming, Davidson said.

He called her killing not an accident but an act of intimate, deliberate violence.

On Friday, TBI director David Rausch said there were multiple key developments from the investigation: inconsistencies in Pussers story, recent statements provided by those associated with the investigation, Paulines autopsy, and evidence examined by TBI personnel.

The work to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the facts of this case, using the full strength of the Bureau as it exists today, has reshaped our understanding of what transpired now almost 60 years ago, Rausch said.

Through the investigation, it was determined that more likely than not, Pauline was shot outside the couples car and her body was moved inside afterward, officials said on Friday.

For some, Buford Pusser is still the hero who fought corruption and survived stabbings, shootings, and assassination attempts before dying in a 1974 car crash at the age of 36 (Bettmann Archive)

A brother finally gets closure

Paulines brother, Griffon Mullins, appeared via video at the conference, where he thanked authorities for finally giving his family answers.

This is closure for me, he said. Ive missed her this last 57 years, lord knows I've missed her.

She was the most caring, personable person. You would fall in love with her, he said. She was just a sweet person and I loved her with all my heart.

I had a lot of time to think and look back, he added. She was not the type of person to talk about her problems. But I knew, deep down, there was problems in her marriage.

Justice for Pauline

Her autopsy also revealed prior injuries consistent with interpersonal trauma.

Pussers own gunshot wound to his cheek, long seen as proof of the ambush, was at close range and likely self-inflicted.

This case is not about tearing down a legend. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time, Davidson said. The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later, Pauline deserves both.

The new investigation began in 2023, when the TBI received a tip that led agents to exhume Paulines body the following year. Her remains were reburied in 2025 after a fresh autopsy was performed, but the results were kept sealed.

As months passed without answers, frustration grew. A petition demanding the release of the TBIs findings gathered more than 400 signatures this summer, with supporters insisting the public had a right to know.

On social media, some have called for justice for Pauline. Others remain staunch defenders of the sheriff, still honored each May at the Buford Pusser Festival in his hometown of Adamsville.

As far as Im concerned, it happened the way the sheriff said it did because he was there and we werent, Steve Sweat, a Buford Pusser historian, told WKRN.

Others, though, arent convinced.

Sheriff Buford Pusser and his wife Pauline (Facebook)

I believe it was staged to fit Bufords narrative. But when you look at the evidence, its so convincing that he didnt tell the entire truth, said Mike Elam, who runs the podcast Buford Pusser: The Other Story and has provided leads to investigators.

So much of what he said doesnt make sense.

For some, Buford Pusser is still the hero who fought corruption and survived stabbings, shootings, and assassination attempts before dying in a 1974 car crash at the age of 36.

His story was immortalized in the 1973 film Walking Tall and its 2004 remake, cementing his place in pop culture as a southern lawman fighting corruption.

But for others, the former sheriff remains a deeply flawed figure accused of corruption and abuse.
Portable carbon monoxide detectors are now available at 14 UK airports and one railway station (Safelincs)

UK travellers can now buy portable carbon monoxide (CO) alarms at airports following a campaign by the family of a British man who died in Ecuador.

As of 28 August, UltraFire Travel Carbon Monoxide Detectors are on sale at 14 airports and one railway station in the UK.

London Gatwick, Heathrow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle are among airports selling the 25 travel alarms in a first for UK airport retailers.

A partnership between Safelincs, the UKs largest fire safety retailer, and WH Smith, aims to access millions of passengers who travel through UK airports every week.

Carbon monoxide can cause serious illness or death. It is colourless and odourless, so impossible to identify without a detector.

The NHS advice notes that symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath.

The introduction of detectors in airports follows efforts from the Pack Safe Appeal, created by the family of Hudson Foley, 24, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning at a homestay in Ecuador in August 2023.

First launched in August 2024, one year after Hudsons death, The Pack Safe Appeal worked in partnership with UK charity the Safer Tourism Foundation to campaign for carbon monoxide travel safety.

According to the campaign, a 2015 coroners report following the death of two British children from carbon monoxide poisoning in Corfu warned a decade ago that lives would be lost unless CO alarms were made more readily available to travellers.

Cathy Foley, Hudsons mother and founder of the Pack Safe Appeal, said: "When Hudson died, we knew we had to do everything in our power to make sure no other family suffered this kind of loss.

Seeing portable CO alarms in airports  right where travellers can pick one up before boarding a plane  is a huge milestone for us and an incredible step in our efforts to save lives.

The potentially lifesaving devices will also be stocked in 29 InMotion stores, WH Smiths airport electricals brand, across the UK.

In February, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) agreed to update its travel advice to warn of the dangers of carbon monoxide while travelling.

Dr Al Pinkerton, the Surrey Heath MP involved in the Pack Safe Appeal, added: The FCDOs updated travel guidance was an important step, but awareness alone is not enough. Having portable CO alarms readily available in airports will help prevent more tragic deaths from this silent killer."

Read more: What is chikungunya virus? Symptoms and advice as cases rise among travellers returning to UK
A selection of signature dishes at Nobu Los Angeles, including black cod miso, crispy rice with spicy tuna, hearts of palm salad, tai sweet shiso with crispy shiitake and fried okra with garlic ponzu. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times)

A young man wearing a bucket hat and a denim tuxedo monogrammed with the letters LV across every inch of fabric leans in to talk to his dinner date. A couple takes selfies between bites of a California roll, both using forks to stab at the maki. Four women, their faces buoyant with Botox, clink glasses of elderflower and lychee martinis. Its just another Friday night at Nobu on La Cienega Boulevard.

The Los Angeles Nobu is not as flashy as the one in Malibu, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean create a backdrop for the restaurant and Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox were just spotted on a double date. This Nobu, which opened in 2008, several years after its more famous Malibu cousin, is somewhat of a hidden gem on a stretch of La Cienega Boulevard, where black cars once swarmed its valet stand and reservations were elusive. Now, its more of a hotbed of furniture and home decor stores. And weeknight dinner reservations are procured with ease.

A view of the sushi bar from the main dining room at Nobu Los Angeles. Recently, the decor has felt more outdated than retro. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times)

The main dining room that houses the sushi bar still vibrates with a current of money, celebrity and those who seek it. But, once revered as one of the most stylish rooms in Los Angeles, it now suffers from the aesthetic malaise of an Asian-themed chain restaurant in the mid-2000s, its patterned fabric banquettes feeling more dated than retro. The menu, for the most part, is similarly past its prime even if everyone (this writer included) still loves the black cod with miso.

When I learned that this specific location of Nobu was getting a new executive chef, I was intrigued. Sean Tan, originally from Malaysia, has cooked at Nobu Melbourne, Nobu Chicago and overseen Nobu experiences at events like the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Would he be introducing new dishes that are only available in Los Angeles? Updating old favorites?

Nobu Matsuhisa popularized broiled black cod with sweet miso, now found at sushi restaurants around the country. Pictured is the black cod miso from Nobu in Los Angeles. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times)

There was nothing noticeably different about the menu during a recent visit, but my server said that the chef had tweaked the Chilean sea bass with jalapeno, a dish that's been exclusive to the Los Angeles location for about a decade.

The broiled sea bass was topped with a small heap of micro cilantro and a salsa of chopped red and green jalapeno, onion, lemon and olive oil that resembled pico de gallo. Marinated in "jalapeno miso," it was nearly indistinguishable from the restaurant's black cod miso, one of the signature dishes that helped catapult founder Nobuyuki Matsuhisa's career as the most recognizable sushi chef on the planet. But the sea bass was cooked far past firm, and the marinade, despite the salsa garnish, far too sweet.

While Tan may be running the day-to-day operations, it is only ever Matsuhisa's name associated with any of the dozens of Nobu restaurants around the world.

The Nobu phenomenon can be traced to the opening of Matsuhisa restaurant in Beverly Hills in 1987. In 1994, actor Robert De Niro famously partnered with the chef to open the first Nobu in New York, and a restaurant empire and hotel brand  with more than 50 locations from Dallas to Dubai  was born.

Read more:Fine dining at happy hour prices. L.A.'s 9 best early menus go beyond wings and sliders

Matsuhisas influence reverberates through every strip mall sushi restaurant in Los Angeles. He is the reason 99.2% of the sushi restaurants across the country have versions of tiradito and all variety of broiled white fish marinated in sweet miso on the menu. With sprigs of cilantro, dots of chile paste and lines of miso powder, the chef recalibrated the way people think about sushi.

He made sushi chic and he made it the thing everybody wanted to eat, says Ruth Reichl in the new documentary Nobu. Director Matt Tyrnauers film is a comprehensive look at Matsuhisas humble beginnings and his journey to becoming the face of sushi in America.

The lychee and elderflower martini is one of the signature drinks at Nobu Los Angeles. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times)

It was Matsuhisa who merged Peruvian flavors with classic Japanese technique, and introduced a new style of sushi to the masses.

His black cod with miso and pinwheels of chile-decorated yellowtail continue to be staples at every Nobu. Only now, you might find the versions across the street, down the street and all over town, better.

At Nobu Los Angeles, tiles of saba, hotate and toro all have a uniform flabby texture and a distinct, heady aroma of disinfectant and raw fish. The shari underneath is cold and soft enough to mash with a chopstick.

Read more:With the new Vin Folk, Hermosa Beach becomes a culinary destination

The tiny fried wonton taco shells are bubbly and crisp but overshadow the diced lobster and Wagyu cradled in the middle.

Umami chicken is bloated with salt, like something you might find in an airline lounge, sliced and splayed over a handful of mushy green beans.

The seaweed hugging my handroll is so tough and chewy, the spicy scallops and rice in the center shoot out the back with every bite. Theres a single piece of baran draped over the top of the handrolls, the same faux clump of grass you might find separating your plastic-clad sushi at a grocery store.

A selection of nigiri from Nobu Los Angeles. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times)

My mind flashes to a scene in the Nobu documentary where Matsuhisa is addressing the staff at the Nobu Los Cabos. He repeatedly sends back a dish, unhappy with the inconsistency of the plating. The garnish needs to be uniform. It's too fine and clumped together. Make it more separate. Overlap the fish.

It is difficult to reconcile the precision demanded by the Matsuhisa on the screen and the plates before me. Maybe the film should be required viewing for anyone contemplating a first-time meal at Nobu. I found myself frustrated on his behalf, the blow of spending an exorbitant amount of money on a less-than-stellar dinner a little less severe. Is it fair to expect a certain level of consistency from a restaurant group that has a presence on five continents in more than two dozen countries?

During meals at Nobu Malibu, Matsuhisa's famed miso cod has been more supple, evenly cooked and the marinade less cloying. The service more attentive and sharp, and the shari properly seasoned. If you inform your server of a penchant for silver-skinned fish, he might recommend the off-menu kohada.

And at the original Matsuhisa, now nearly 40 years old, I've always found the nigiri to be an exemplary version of the genre. And here, the miso cod is nonnegotiable.

Hearts of palm salad with jalapeno dressing. Crispy rice with spicy tuna. Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times

Perhaps Tan needs more time to establish himself in the Nobu Los Angeles kitchen, though there are still glimpses of the brilliance Matsuhisa inspired decades ago. The hearts of palm salad with jalapeno dressing is exhilarating the first time you try it, revolutionary in its simplicity and clarity of flavors. The vegetable is shaved into a mountain of tender ribbons over a pale green vinaigrette that hums with chile and citrus.

The restaurant's interpretation of spicy tuna with crispy rice is a playful, interactive dish that requires diners to dunk squares of crispy rice into a ramekin of spicy tuna. Though the amount of fish is hardly sufficient, the nuggets of rice are at once crunchy and chewy, the perfect vessel for the cool, smooth tuna.

Halved okra are lightly dredged and fried until crisp as potato chips. Los Angeles could be a brighter, better place if there were more plates of fried okra and a little less Brussels sprouts.

Tai sweet shiso with crispy shiitake mushrooms from Nobu Los Angeles. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times)

While Matsuhisa is widely credited as the progenitor of yellowtail sashimi with ponzu and chile, the tai with shiso and fried shiitake mushrooms is the sashimi plate that should grace every table. The slices of tai are fanned out, surrounded by a sharp citrus sauce that gently tightens the flesh. It's crowded with chopped shiso, like a sweet, minty chimichurri youll want to spoon over anything else on the table. And the curls of fried mushrooms over the top have the same smoky, meaty complexity as a pile of bacon.

During my third dinner, I looked around the room to see a family fresh from a graduation wearing orchid leis around their necks, their heads on swivels, scanning the dining room for celebrities. I was reminded that Nobu isnt just a sushi restaurant. Its a brand like Louis Vuitton or Mercedes, with the sort of name recognition any company would spend endless amounts of money and maybe commit corporate espionage to achieve. If you stay at a Nobu hotel or dine at Nobu on a cruise ship, it can also be a lifestyle for those who hover comfortably in a certain wealth bracket.

There is no doubt in my mind that Nobu will continue to thrive on vibes, the allure of the name and a handful of dishes Matsuhisa is most known for. Like the Birkin bag and the Chanel 2.55, the Nobu in Los Angeles, Malibu, or wherever else you happen to be in the world, will never go out of style. It also wont be, and probably shouldnt be, your favorite sushi restaurant.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SEOUL (Reuters) -Kim Keon Hee, the wife of South Korea's ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, has been indicted for bribery and other charges, a special prosecution team said on Friday, amid a widening probe into the country's martial law crisis and scandals involving the once powerful couple.

Both Yoon and Kim have been arrested and are in jail, with Yoon already undergoing trial on charges that include insurrection following his ouster in April over a botched bid to impose martial law in December.

The couple are under separate investigations by special prosecutors appointed after Yoon's removal from office and President Lee Jae Myung took office.

It is the first time that a former first lady has been indicted in South Korea.

The charges against Kim, which are punishable by years in prison if she is found guilty, range from stock fraud to bribery that have implicated business owners, religious figures and a political power broker.

The former first lady has been the subject of numerous high-profile scandals, some dating back more than 15 years, which overshadowed Yoon's turbulent presidency and inflicted political damage on him and his conservative party.

Kim's lawyers have denied the allegations against her and said news reports about some of the gifts she allegedly received were groundless speculation.

Special prosecutors investigating the country's martial law crisis also indicted on Friday former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo who was appointed by Yoon on charges of abetting insurrection and committing perjury, a prosecution spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park, Heejin Kim, Joyce Lee; Editing by Ed Davies)
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Britain, France and Germany urged Iran at the United Nations on Friday to meet three requirements so their threat of reimposing U.N. sanctions can be delayed to allow space for talks on a deal to address their concerns about Tehran's nuclear program.

U.N. envoys for the three countries - known as the E3 - issued a joint statement before a closed-door Security Council meeting, a day after they launched a 30-day process to reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program.

The E3 offered to delay reinstating sanctions - known as snapback - for up to six months if Iran restored access for U.N. nuclear inspectors, addressed concerns about its stock of enriched uranium, and engaged in talks with the United States.

"Our asks were fair and realistic," said Britain's U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward, who read the statement. "However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them."

"We urge Iran to reconsider this position, to reach an agreement based on our offer, and to help create the space for a diplomatic solution to this issue for the long term," she said, with her German and French counterparts standing next to her.

In response, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the E3 offer was "full of unrealistic preconditions".

"They are demanding conditions that should be the outcome of negotiations, not the starting point, and they know these demands cannot be met," he told reporters.

Iravani said the E3 should instead back "a short, unconditional technical extension of Resolution 2231", which enshrines a 2015 nuclear deal that lifted U.N. and Western sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

SINO-RUSSIAN DRAFT

Russia and China have proposed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would extend the 2015 deal for six months and urge all parties to immediately resume negotiations. But they have not yet asked for a vote.

The pair, strategic allies of Iran, have removed controversial language from the draft - which they initially proposed on Sunday - that would have blocked the E3 from reimposing U.N. sanctions on Iran.

Iravani described the Russian and Chinese draft resolution as a practical step to give diplomacy more time. A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the U.S., France, Britain, China or Russia.

U.N. nuclear inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since it suspended cooperation with them after attacks in June on its nuclear sites by Israel and the United States. But Iran has not yet reached an agreement on how it would resume full work with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, additional reporting by Parisa HafeziEditing by Gareth Jones)
By Idrees Ali, Patricia Zengerle and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A large buildup of U.S. naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States asking: is the move aimed at combating drug cartels, as the Trump administration has suggested, or is it for something else entirely?

Seven U.S. warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, are either in the region or are expected to be there soon, bringing along more than 4,500 sailors and marines.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said combating drug cartels is a central goal for his administration and U.S. officials have told Reuters that the military efforts aim to address threats from those cartels.

Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, said on Friday the military buildup was aimed to "combat and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, criminal cartels and these foreign terrorist organizations in our hemisphere."

But it is unclear exactly how the U.S. military presence would disrupt the drug trade.

Among other things, most of the seaborne drug trade travels to the United States via the Pacific, not the Atlantic, where the U.S. forces are, and much of what arrives via the Caribbean comes on clandestine flights.

Venezuelan officials believe their government might be the real target.

In early August, the United States doubled its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million over allegations of drug trafficking and links to criminal groups.

Maduro, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and the country's ambassador to the United Nations Samuel Moncada have said the U.S. is threatening the country with the naval deployments, in violation of international treaties.

They have also scoffed at U.S. assertions that the country and its leadership are key to major international drug trafficking.

"Venezuelans know who is behind these military threats by the United States against our country," Venezuela's Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said at a civil defense event on Friday, without offering further details. "We are not drug traffickers, we are noble and hard-working people."

'GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY'

While U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ships regularly operate in the Southern Caribbean, the current buildup exceeds the usual deployments in the region.

In the naval force are warships, including USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale. Some can carry aerial assets like helicopters while others can also deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The U.S. military has also been flying P-8 spy planes in the region to gather intelligence, U.S. officials have said. They have been flying over international waters.

The Trump administration has said it can use the military to go after drug cartels and criminal groups and has directed the Pentagon to prepare options.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled to Doral, Florida, on Friday to visit the headquarters of the U.S. military's Southern Command, which oversees operations in the region.

David Smilde, a Venezuela expert at Tulane University, said the military moves appeared to be an effort to pressure the Maduro government.

"I think what they are trying to do is put maximum pressure, real military pressure, on the regime to see if they can get it to break," Smilde said.

"It's gunboat diplomacy. It's old-fashioned tactics, he added.

While the naval forces are in the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the Pacific Ocean is the bigger route for maritime trafficking of cocaine, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said in its 2023 Global Report on Cocaine, citing figures from the U.S. DEA that show 74% of cocaine flowing north out of South America is trafficked over the Pacific.

Traffickers use airplanes to send cocaine northward through the Caribbean, the report said, naming Venezuela as a major hub for such departures. Mexico is the main source of fentanyl into the United States, with drug cartels smuggling it over the border.

INTERVENTION AGAINST MADURO?

Moncada said the U.S. buildup was meant to justify "an intervention against a legitimate president."

Asked if the White House was ruling out regime change, a senior administration official said, "Right now they're there to ensure that drug smuggling does not happen."

"The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. It is a narco-terror cartel. Maduro is not a legitimate president. He is a fugitive head of this drug cartel," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.

Even so, U.S. officials say that while significant, the forces in the region are still far too small to be able to carry out the type of sustained operation that Caracas has warned against.

In 1989, the United States deployed nearly 28,000 U.S. troops to invade Panama and capture dictator Manuel Noriega.

Christopher Hernandez-Roy, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said it was possible the buildup could be used for some sort of strike in Venezuela, but could be simply a show of force.

"It's too big to be just about drugs. It's too small to be about an invasion. But it's significant enough that it's there to do something," Hernandez-Roy said.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali, Patricia Zengerle and Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Don Durfee and Diane Craft)
By Sarah N. Lynch and Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Federal prosecutors on Thursday dropped their effort to bring a felony charge against a man who was arrested for throwing a sub sandwich at a federal law enforcement agent carrying out President Donald Trump's crackdown on Washington, D.C., after a grand jury declined to indict him.

Prosecutors charged former Justice Department employee Sean Dunn with a misdemeanor assault against a federal law enforcement officer. Misdemeanors are lesser charges than felonies and do not require grand jury approval.

It marked the second time this week that a Washington, D.C., grand jury had rebuffed the Justice Department's attempt to bring felony charges against people protesting Trump's crackdown, following a separate case in which federal prosecutors three times failed to persuade a grand jury to indict a woman on charges of assaulting an FBI agent whose hand was injured while trying to subdue her.

It is rare for a grand jury to reject a request for an indictment, given that the legal standard is lower than to secure a conviction at trial, and prosecutors alone control the presentation of evidence.

Attorney General Pam Bondi fired Dunn, who worked on international affairs in the Justice Department's Criminal Division, after he was caught on camera throwing a sub sandwich at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent on August 10 in a bustling Washington neighborhood.

A lawyer for Dunn, Sabrina Shroff, declined to comment.

Prosecutors in Washington were ordered earlier this month to try to charge as many cases as they can federally, as part of Trump's crackdown on crime and efforts to flood the streets with federal agents and National Guard troops.

The Trump administration has deployed federal agents and National Guard troops to curb what Trump has portrayed as an out-of-control crime problem in the nation's capital, despite police statistics showing a decline in violent crime following an earlier surge.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch in Washington; Additional reporting by Andrew Goudsward in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Matthew Lewis)
By Mike Stone and Ryan Patrick Jones

(Reuters) -The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of air-launched cruise missiles and related equipment to Ukraine for an estimated $825 million, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The potential sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles includes GPS guidance kits and electronic warfare defenses for the weapons, which have a range of "several hundred" miles according to one of the manufacturers.

Kyiv came under massive attack from Russia on Thursday, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said earlier this month Kyiv has secured $1.5 billion from European allies to purchase U.S. weapons as part of a mechanism that he said "truly strengthens our defense."

The potential sale is being funded under the Jump Start program by Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, with additional funding via the U.S. Foreign Military Financing program, a person familiar with the deal said.

The package also includes support equipment, mission planning software, spares, and technical support, the Pentagon said.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Thursday, adding, "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe."

Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.

The Pentagon said Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire were the prime contractors for the weapons.

(Reporting by Mike Stone in Washington, Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto and Bhargav Acharya in TorontoEditing by Rod Nickel)
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By Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Mexico and Ecuador next week, the State Department said on Thursday, as President Donald Trump's administration seeks to crack down on illegal immigration to the U.S., combat drug cartels and counter Chinese influence in Latin America.

Rubio, the first Latino U.S. secretary of state, visited Central America and the Caribbean in his first overseas trip as Washington's top diplomat earlier this year.

Trump has imposed hardline immigration policies, sought to tackle cartels and launched a global trade war with tariffs that target individual products and countries.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said the U.S. and Mexico are nearing a security agreement to expand cooperation against cartels. But she has rejected suggestions by the Trump administration that it could carry out unilateral military operations in Mexico.

President Daniel Noboa has sought to combat an upsurge in gang violence in Ecuador and has been a partner for the Trump administration in seeking to reduce illegal immigration.

A senior State Department official told reporters that while Ecuador had made progress in certain aspects on immigration, there were issues to discuss, including how to handle people from third countries who cannot return to their home country.

"We're talking to lots of countries about those kinds of issues, and Ecuador will be one," the official said, but added Washington was "not necessarily" seeking a third country national deal with Ecuador.

The official said countering China's influence in the region was also a priority, including ensuring that China does not use Mexico as a trade backdoor to the United States.

Rubio will meet both presidents and his counterparts on the trip, the official said.

While not strictly Rubio's portfolio, Trump's tariff policies are also likely to come up in his talks.

Mexico in July was able to avoid 30% tariffs on its shipments to the U.S., securing a 90-day pause to work on a trade deal.

But it is still subject to 25% fentanyl tariffs, though goods sent under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement - which are most of them - are exempt.

Ecuador has also been hit with 15% tariffs.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis in Washington; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom and Kanishka Singh; Editing by Alistair Bell)
An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Illustration of Zohran Mamdani with text overlay about NYC DSA policies

Theres no hiding now.

Zohran Mamdani  a proud, card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America  has been shying away from some of his fringe partys agenda as he runs for mayor.

But newly-unearthed platforms from the DSAs New York City chapter paint a shocking picture of the extreme shift toward radical policies the Big Apple could face if Mamdani is elected in November.

The Post has unearthed a series of policies adopted by DSAs NYC chapter, which Zohran Mamdani has been a member for at least six years.

The NYC-DSA manifesto  which was scrubbed from its website in late 2021 and discovered by The Post through Internet archives  lays out how the group aims to dismantle and move beyond Americas capitalist society and create a wholesale socialist transformation of our national and global economy.

Some of the socialist groups agenda has already been plucked by Mamdani for his insurgent campaign  including promising city-run grocery stores, free buses and increased public funding for hormone therapy and surgery for transgender people.

And since he trounced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the June Democratic primary, Mamdani has parroted even more of the NYC-DSAs most recent dogma, including defending the decriminalization of prostitution and saying he supports ending mayoral control over city public schools.

When asked in detail about each of the planks on Thursday, Mamdanis campaign refused to say whether he still ascribes to the values of the DSA, which he joined in 2017.

Zohrans affordability agenda is crystal clear: if Zohran has not publicly endorsed or spoken on a position during the campaign, it is not a part of his mayoral platform, said Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec.

Mamdani at a Democratic Socialists of America event on Nov. 11, 2024. NYC-DSA/ Instagram

She pointed to public comments Mamdani  who was elected to the state Assembly as a member of NYC-DSA in 2019  made Thursday saying, My platform is not the same as national DSA or any DSA organization.

But Mamdani has not always rejected DSA stances that he has not publicly endorsed himself.

For example, the DSA calls for legalizing all sex work. While Mamdani does not include that in his own public platform, he said that he supports former Mayor Bill de Blasios approach  which decriminalized prostitution.

The campaign also referred The Post to the co-chair of NYC-DSA, who was quick to say that Zohrans platform and DSAs platform are distinct.

NYC-DSA and Zohran share a relentless commitment to making our City more affordable for everyday people. Those shared values do not mean Zohran adopts every position the organization has taken, said Gustavo Gordillo.

NYC-DSA remains proud to endorse Zohran.

Gordillo refused to say why the agenda was wiped from NYC-DSAs website.

The campaign appears to be trying to avoid the controversial topics while Mamdani courts the New York City business and real estate communities, as well as the Democratic establishment.

Mamdani speaking at a DSA rally in New York City. NYC DSA / Instagram

Local Dem bigwigs, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Gov. Kathy Hochul, have yet to endorse the partys nominee for mayor.

Prior to his stunning upset in the primary, Mamdani was already an influential member of the socialist movement, nabbing a keynote speaker spot at the groups national convention in 2023.

He has since become the new face of the DSA nationwide as he cozies up with New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Mamdani giving the keynote speech at the DSAs national convention in 2023. YouTube/Democratic Socialists of America

When pressed this week on one of the extreme agenda items from the national DSA sect  eliminating all misdemeanor crimes  Mamdanis campaign insisted the NYPD would continue to prosecute such offenses if hes elected.

The campaign stopped short of fully disavowing the DSAs radical stance, but tried to distance itself from it by arguing the national sect doesnt represent the ideals backed by the local New York City chapter.

Turns out, one of the key proposals spelled out in the NYC-DSAs agenda includes calls for the decriminalization of all drugs, sex work and petty crimes, such as trespassing, disorderly conduct and fare jumping.

Mamdani posing with Sen. Bernie Sanders after a meeting in Washington, DC on July 16, 2025. @berniesanders

The NYC-DSAs platform also seeks to immediately expunge the records of anyone convicted of those crimes and release them from jail if still serving their sentence.
FILE - Chiquita brand bananas are for sale at a grocery store in Zelienople, Pa., Sept. 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

PANAMA CITY (AP)  Panama President Jose Raul Mulino signed an agreement Friday with Chiquita Brands to resume work in Panama, months after the banana giant fired thousands of striking workers and suspended operations.

Chiquita banana workers in the Western Panama province of Bocas del Toro in March joined other labor sectors striking over changes to the social security system. Mulino said the strike was illegal.

In May, Chiquita fired thousands of workers, saying the strike had cost it at least $75 million.

Under the agreement signed Friday in Brazil, the company agreed to hire back 3,000 workers in an initial stage, followed by another 2,000.

The government aims for the company to be fully operational in Panama again by February 2026, it said in a statement.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Getty Princess Diana on May 27, 1997

The Gist

Princess Dianas final holiday in the summer of 1997 was one she called the best holiday of my life.

That said, some of the Princess of Waless closest friends, including Rosa Monckton, warned Diana not to go.

As Dianas holiday ended on August 31, 1997, she lost her life as a result of a Paris car crash at just 36 years old.

When Princess Diana accepted Mohamed Al-Fayeds invitation to join his family for a holiday in the South of France in July 1997, a surprising factor in the decision was Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles.

Diana had finalized her divorce from the Prince of Wales on August 28, 1996, nearly a year earlier. July 17 would mark Camillas milestone 50th birthday, and Charles was throwing her a big party to celebrate. Considering Dianas history with Camillawho was the ever-present third party in her marriage to the future kingit made sense that Diana might like to get out of the U.K. for a while.

Michel Dufour/WireImage Princess Diana on holiday during her fianl summer

Dianas biographer Andrew Morton wrote of her decision, While she put a brave face on for the event, she knew that the media coverage would only reopen old wounds and reawaken old pains.

So Diana accepted Al-Fayeds offer to join him, his wife, and their four children at his villa in St. Tropez for nine days. One of Dianas friends, Rosa Monckton, advised against accepting, Morton wrote. Several other friends echoed the same concern.

Getty Images Princess Diana

Ironically, Diana had already been invited to stay in the Hamptons by her billionaire friend Teddy Forstmann, but Dianas security services felt that there wasnt sufficient security for Princess Diana and her sons Prince William and Prince Harry, who joined her for the July trip. Instead, the three ended up with the Al-Fayeds, including Mohameds son Dodi, a Hollywood film producer, who Diana met four days into the trip. Diana and Dodi soon hit it off; Diana would later call her vacation the best holiday of my life.

For once, Diana seemed relaxed and carefree, seemingly oblivious to the watching press as she jet-skied or swam off the beach in front of Fayeds villa, Morton wrote. In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry wrote, Everything about that trip to St. Tropez was heaven. The weather was sublime, the food was tasty, Mummy was smiling.

Getty Princess Diana in St. Tropez on July 17, 1997

Yet, All the while Prince Charless shadow loomed in the background, Morton wrote. His decision to host Camillas birthday party was his official public debut of their relationship after years in the shadows. Because Charles was now open about his romance, it seemed to have given Diana permission to be open about her love life, as well, Morton wrote. In short, she was ready for romance.

Getty Images Princess Diana

As July turned into August, William and Harry headed to Balmoral in Scotland with Charles. Eventually, Diana made her way back to the South of France, where she and Dodi spent time together aboard the Jonikal yacht. On August 24, 1997, the iconic photo of Diana was taken on the Jonikal as she sat at the end of the yachts diving board. She had just one week to live.

On August 30, Diana and Dodi were in Paris; she had plans to reunite with William and Harry just the next day. Richard Kay, a senior journalist at The Daily Mail who was close to Diana, was one of the Princess of Waless last calls that Saturday evening. In reflections written the day after her death (and via People), Kay wrote that Diana was as happy as I have ever known her.

Getty Princess Diana in June 1997

Rumors abounded that Diana and Dodi, despite knowing one another for such a short time, were either engaged or about to be. As People reported, it is true that Dodi bought a diamond ring in Paris for around $14,000which, if it was an engagement ring, would have been something of a let-down for such a big spender, Kay would later put it.

As for getting married, Dianas butler Paul Burrell said that Diana had told him that she needed marriage like a bad rash. Her friend Lady Annabel Goldsmith echoed this. After asking her, You are not doing anything silly, are you? Diana responded that she needed marriage like a rash on her face.

Getty Trevor Rhys-Jones, Princess Diana, Henri Paul, and Dodi Al Fayed just before their accident

Whether it was for an impending proposal or not, as they left the Ritz that night and headed towards Dodis Paris apartment, Rene Delorm, Dodis butler, said he was asked that evening to have the champagne on ice when they returned to the apartment. They never arrivedDiana, Dodi, and their driver Henri Paul were killed after their Mercedes slammed into a pillar in a Paris tunnel not long after midnight on Sunday, August 31, 1997. Dodi and Paul were killed on the scene; Diana died later of her injuries at just 36 years oldmaking friends warnings not to go on holiday eerily prescient.

Read the original article on InStyle
A calculator and notepad on a desk alongside a laptop and documents, representing financial planning and office work. Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

(The Center Square)  New York's share of the nation's millionaires is declining along with much-needed tax revenue for the state, according to a new report from a fiscal watchdog group.

The analysis by the nonpartisan Citizens Budget Commission found that New Yorks share of the nations millionaires  or tax filing households with more than $1 million in federal adjusted gross income  plummeted 31% between 2010 and 2022, from 12.7% to 8.6%. Similarly, New York Citys share fell from 6.5$ to 4.2% over the same period.

While the number of millionaires in New York doubled during that period, other heavily populated states such as Texas, California and Florida saw their percentage of top earners triple, according to the report.

"Millionaires, both those living here and non-residents who pay taxes here, are critical to New Yorks tax base, contributing $34 billion of State and City personal income tax revenue in 2022," Ana Champeny, the commission's vice president for research, wrote in the report. "While their numbers have grown, that increase has lagged the nation's and many of New Yorks competitors."

New York's shrinking share has a "hidden cost" of billions of dollars a year in lost tax revenue for the state and local governments. The commission's analysis found that if the state's share of millionaires had stayed at 2010 levels, the state and New York City would have collected more than $13 billion in additional tax revenue in 2022.

New Yorks millionaires are critically important to the fiscal and economic viability of New York," Champeny wrote. "There is perhaps no better way to fund critically needed services than to retain and grow millionaires in New York."

According to the latest Internal Revenue Service data, New York lost more than $14.1 billion in state-adjusted gross income between 2021 and 2022 as residents fled to New Jersey, Florida, and other low-tax states.

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has blamed a lack of housing as the primary reason New Yorkers are fleeing the state, making the case for expanding housing stock and making existing homes more affordable.

But Republicans have long argued that New York's outmigration is being driven largely by the state's highest-in-the-nation tax burden, a business sector struggling under excessive regulations and rising labor costs.

The report's authors said that while anecdotal evidence suggests that New Yorks taxes are a major factor in the exodus of wealth, high-tax Californias growing millionaire share "shows taxes are not New Yorks only challenge."

"New York is likely losing ground because of a mix of factors in addition to taxes, including quality of life, social and cultural amenities, underlying economic trends, and the high cost of living," they wrote. "Simply put, New Yorks value proposition has not been attractive enough to keep up with millionaire growth nationwide."
Scattered throughout the python hot spots among the cypress and sawgrass of South Florida is the states newest weapon in its arsenal to battle the invasive serpent a mechanical lure meant to entice the apex predator to its ultimate demise.

Just dont call it the Energizer bunny.

Researchers at the University of Florida have outfitted 40 furry toy rabbits with motors and tiny heaters that work together to mimic the movements and body temperature of a marsh rabbit  a favorite python meal.

They spin. They shake. They move randomly, and their creation is based on more than a decade of scientific review that began with a 2012 study, which transported rabbits into Everglades National Park to see if, and how quickly, they would become python prey.

The rabbits didnt fare well, said Robert McCleery, a UF professor of wildlife ecology and conservation who is leading the robot bunny study that launched this summer.

Subsequent studies revealed that pythons are drawn to live rabbits in pens with an average python attraction rate of about one python per week. But having multiple live rabbits in multiple pens spread across a formidable landscape is cumbersome and requires too much manpower to care for them.

So, why not robot bunnies?

We want to capture all of the processes that an actual rabbit would give off, McCleery said. But Im an ecologist. Im not someone who sits around making robots.

Instead, colleague Chris Dutton, also a UF ecology professor but more mechanically adept, pulled the stuffing out of a toy rabbit and replaced it with 30 electronic components that are solar-powered and controlled remotely so that researchers can turn them on and off at specific times.

The rabbits were placed in different areas of South Florida in July 2025 for a test phase that included a camera programmed to recognize python movement and alert researchers when one nears the rabbit pen. One of the biggest challenges was waterproofing the bunnies so that the correct temperature could still be radiated.

Python challenge: Why state recommends not eating Florida pythons

McCleery was reluctant to give specifics on where the rabbit pens are located.

I dont want people hunting down my robo-bunnies, he said.

Version 2.0 of the study will add bunny scent to the stuffed rabbits if motion and heat arent enough to fool the snakes.

State efforts to mitigate python proliferation have included a myriad of efforts with varying degrees of success.

Renowned snake hunters from the Irula tribe in India were brought in to hunt and share their skills. There have been tests using near-infrared cameras for python detection, special traps designed, and pythons are tracked by the DNA they shed in water, with radio telemetry, and with dogs. Also, the annual Florida Python Challenge has gained legendary status, attracting hundreds of hunters each year vying for the $10,000 grand prize.

A heat sensitive image of a robotic rabbit that moves like a live rabbit and gives off a similar body temperature. University of Florida researchers are testing to see if invasive Burmese pythons are attracted to the robot bunnies.

This years challenge ran from July 11 through July 20.

But possibly the highest-profile python elimination program is the 100 bounty hunters who work for the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The hunters have removed an estimated 15,800 snakes since 2019 and were called the most effective management strategy in the history of the issue by district invasive animal biologist Mike Kirkland.

A toy stuffed rabbit was retrofitted with mechanics and a heater that make it move like a real rabbit and give off a similar body temperature. University of Florida researchers are experimenting with the robot bunny to see if it attracts invasive Burmese pythons.

Kirkland oversees the districts hunters. He gave a presentation on July 7 to the Big Cypress Basin Board with updates on python removal that included McCleerys robo-bunny experiment, which the district is paying for.

Its projects like (McCleerys) that can be used in areas of important ecological significance where we can entice the pythons to come out of their hiding places and come to us, Kirkland said at the board meeting. It could be a bit of a game changer.

The Burmese python invasion started with releases  intentional or not  that allowed them to gain a foothold in Everglades National Park by the mid-1980s, according to the 2021 Florida Python Control plan. By 2000, multiple generations of pythons were living in the park, which is noted in a more than 100-page 2023 report that summarized decades of python research.

Pythons have migrated north from the park, with some evidence suggesting they may be able to survive as far north as Georgia if temperatures continue to warm and more pythons learn to burrow during cold snaps.

More: Snake hunters catch 95% of pythons they see. Help sought to kill the ones that are hiding

In Palm Beach County, 69 pythons have been captured since 2006, according to the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System, or EDDMapS. In addition, four have been found dead, and 24 sightings have been reported.

Big Cypress Basin board member Michelle McLeod called McCleerys project a genius idea that eliminates the extra work it would take to manage live rabbits.

McCleery said hes pleased that the water management district and FWC, which has paid for previous studies, are willing to experiment.

Our partners have allowed us to trial these things that may sound a little crazy, McCleery said. Working in the Everglades for 10 years, you get tired of documenting the problem. You want to address it.

McCleery said researchers did not name the robot rabbits, although he did bring one home that needed repair. His son named it Bunbun.

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism, subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: To fight python explosion in Florida, UF uses robot rabbits
The search for a missing baby in California has captured nationwide attention, as what began as a missing persons case has transformed into a murder investigation.

Emmanuel Haro, a 7-month-old baby from Cabazon, California, was reported missing on Aug. 14.

The childs parents, 32-year-old Jake Mitchell Haro and 41-year-old Rebecca Renee Haro, have now been arrested in the babys death as the search for Emmanuel continues.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - PHOTO: Emmanuel Haro, a missing 7-month-old child, seen here in this undated photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Here is a timeline on what we know so far in the case.

Aug. 14

At approximately 7:47 p.m. on Aug. 14, a 7-month-old child, identified as Emmanuel Haro, was reported missing after the child's mother, Rebecca Haro, "reported being attacked outside a retail store on Yucaipa Boulevard," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

She told officials that "while she stood outside her vehicle, changing the chid's diaper, she was physically assaulted by an unknown male and rendered unconscious," the sheriff's department said.

When she woke up, the child was gone, the mother told officials.

MORE: Search for missing 7-month-old continues after parents arrested for murder: Sheriff

Once on the scene, scent-tracking dogs were deployed, but the 7-month-old "was not located," officials said.

Officials said this is an active investigation, no suspect information is available and they are "seeking the public's help in locating the child."

"He was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie, he weighs 21 pounds, is approximately 24 inches tall, has brown hair, brown eyes and is cross-eyed," the sheriff's department said in their initial statement on the child's disappearance.

Aug. 15

The next day, authorities released another statement saying they were "continuing their search for the 7-month-old baby boy who was reportedly kidnapped last night in Yucaipa."

The sheriff's department said the baby "had not been found" and the investigators will "continue to work on this case to locate the child."

KABC - PHOTO: Rebecca Haro, the mother of a missing 7-month-old child, has had inconsistencies in her statement regarding the disappearance of her son, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.

The same day, Rebecca and Jake Haro spoke to Los Angeles ABC station KABC about Emmanuel's disappearance. Rebecca Haro described her son as a "happy boy" and begged whoever had her son to "give him back to me."

"Please don't hurt my son," Rebecca Haro told KABC.

"Whoever took our son, please bring him back," Jake Haro told KABC during the same interview.

Aug. 16

Officials said they interviewed "multiple individuals" regarding the disappearance, including the child's mother and father.

"During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview," the sheriff's office said.

After those interviews, investigators were "unable to rule out foul play in the disappearance of Emmanuel," officials said.

Aug. 18

Officials conducted "extensive searches in Yucaipa and Cabazon, looking for Emmanuel and any evidence that might lead to his location and circumstances surrounding his disappearance," the sheriff's department said in a press release on Aug. 18.

The officials have also "served several search warrants at the Haro home" and are reviewing a "large amount of surveillance video" from the areas of interest.

Aug. 19

Officials said they are looking into a reported sighting of Emmanuel Haro in Kern County, saying "no information on where in Kern County was provided."

The same day, Jake Haro's attorney, Vincent Hughes, provided a statement to ABC News, saying both parents "seek answers about their missing child" and that the father is "fully cooperating with law enforcement and investigators."

Aug. 20

Jake and Rebecca Haro are seen leaving the Riverside Superior Juvenile Courts on Aug. 20, while the search for their child continues.

Aug. 22

Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested at their residence in Cabazon for the murder of their son, officials said.

"Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing," the sheriff's department said in a statement after the parents' arrest.

San Bernadino County Sheriff's Department - PHOTO: Detectives from the Sheriffs Homicide Detail and Specialized Enforcement Division arrested Jake and Rebecca Haro at their residence in Cabazon, Calif., on Aug. 22, 2025.

Officials said no other arrests have been made and no suspects remain outstanding, with the search for Emmanuel continuing.

"While these arrests mark a significant development, our focus remains on finding Emmanuel," officials said.

Rebecca Haro was placed in custody at the Robert Presley Detention Center, while Jake Haro was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, according to jail records.

Bernardino County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were arrested on Aug. 22 for the murder of their 7-month-old child, Emmanuel Haro, who has been missing since Aug. 14, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.

Aug. 24

Officials conduct another search for Emmanuel "along the westbound shoulder of the 60 Freeway, near Gilman Springs Road, in Moreno Valley," with Jake Haro and cadaver dogs accompanying detectives, authorities said.

The search concluded after "Emmanuel was not located," authorities said.

Aug. 26

Jake and Rebecca Haro appeared in a California court on Aug. 26 in the wake of being charged with murder and making a false police report.

KABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, Rebecca Haro is shown in court, in Riverside County, Calif., on Aug. 26, 2025.

KABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, Jake Haro is shown in court, in Riverside County, Calif., on Aug. 26, 2025.

The two were in court for less than five minutes, with a $1 million bail set for both. Their arraignment is scheduled to continue on Sept. 4.

Aug. 27

During a press conference with the Riverside County District Attorney and members of law enforcement, officials said they have a "pretty strong indication" on the location of the remains of the 7-month-old and that the alleged murder of Emmanuel "was preventable in numerous ways."

Officials also revealed they believe the child was "severely abused over a period of time" and that both parents "would have been aware of that abuse," Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said.

KABC - PHOTO: Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin provided an update on the search for Emmanuel Haro, the missing 7-month-old, and the murder charges placed on the child's parents.

"The filing in this case reflects our belief that baby Emmanuel was abused over time and that eventually because of that abuse, he succumbed to those injuries," Hestrin said.

Hestrin said Jake Haro, who he described as an "experienced child abuser," "should have gone to prison" due to previously abusing another child he had with his ex-wife back in 2018, but a judge at the time granted him probation -- a ruling that Hestrin called an "outrageous error in judgment." Authorities said the child in that case has been left bedridden.

"If that judge had done his job as he should have done, Emmanuel would be alive today," Hestrin said.


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Selena Gomez is getting ready to become Mrs. Levin!

The Lose You to Love Me singer embarked on a fun beach getaway with her closest friends for what became a fashion-filled, days-long bachelorette party.

In an Instagram post, Gomez showed off her many beachy bridal looks of the trip, including one which consisted only of a white swimsuit that she styled with a short veil embroidered with the words bride to be.

courtesy of Selena Gomez via Instagram

On another occasion, she wore the same white bikinifeaturing shell-shaped bra cups and tie-up bottomsunder a knitted, see-through white minidress with airy long sleeves.

courtesy of Selena Gomez via Instagram

But it wasnt all swimsuits and coverups. The pop star also dressed up in two romantic ensembles for her nighttime celebrations. One look was an off-the-shoulder white minidress with subtle bell sleeves, embroidered with knitted flowers all overone of Gomezs favorite themes. She completed the look with a white scrunchie, little gold huggies, and a glossy red lip.

courtesy of Selena Gomez via Instagram

And for her most glamorous bridal ensemble, the Rare Beauty founder slipped on a little white halter dress covered in pinstripes of pearls. She wore her same glowy makeup and had her hair styled in a neat updo adorned with her short veil.

Gomez is set to marry Benny Blanco (real name Benjamin Joseph Levin) next month, in Montecito, California, per reports. The two have been going strong since the summer of 2023, and Blanco proposed last December. Forever begins now, Gomez wrote in an Instagram post at the time announcing the happy news.

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Seattle  Two firefighters who were part of a 44-person crew fighting a wildland blaze on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a multiagency criminal investigation into the two contractors they worked for, federal authorities said Thursday.

The arrests prompted Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington State, to call U.S. immigration policy "sick."

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management asked the Border Patrol to help check the workers' identities Wednesday when crews were working in a remote area, the Border Patrol said in a statement. Border Patrol agents found two workers who were in the U.S. illegally and arrested them, the ageny said.



Federal authorities didn't provide information about the investigation into the contractors and didn't immediately respond to questions seeking details about the criminal case.



The BLM terminated the contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc.  both from Oregon  and escorted the remaining 42 workers off federal land, the release said. The two arrested were taken to the Bellingham station on charges of illegal entry and reentry, the release added.



Email and phone messages left Thursday for the two businesses seeking comment weren't immediately returned.



Initial reports saying firefighters had been arrested by federal agents sparked the outrage from Murray. Several firefighters who witnessed the incident had told The Seattle Times anonymously that federal agents had taken two firefighters into custody.



Murray responded to the news Thursday by saying the Trump administration has undercut wildland firefighting by "decimating the Forest Service" and their immigration policy "is fundamentally sick."

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., asks a question during a hearing on June 18, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. / Credit: Mariam Zuhaib / AP

"Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can, and have, burned entire towns to the ground," she said in a statement. "This new Republican policy to detain firefighters on the job is as immoral as it is dangerous."

She added that she is "demanding immediate answers from this administration about the circumstances of this incident, the whereabouts of the detained firefighters, and the administration's current policy regarding immigration enforcement during active wildfires."

Dennis Lawson, president of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, told The Associated Press firefighters work as a team and losing a member for any reason hurts their ability to serve their communities.

The Border Patrol asserted that, "The contract termination and enforcement action did not interfere with firefighting operations or the response to any active fires in the area, nor did it pose any danger to the surrounding community."



U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario Vasquez said in the statement that the effort highlights the coordination among federal agencies to ensure the integrity of government operations.



"U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered," Vasquez said.



The crews were helping with the Bear Gulch Fire, which has burned about 14 square miles on the north side of Lake Cushman in the Olympic National Forest and National Park. It was 13% contained by Thursday afternoon.



Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, of Oregon, said in a post on X that one of the firefighters arrested was from his state and denounced the arrest, saying it makes communities less safe. The man is represented by lawyers with the nonprofit Innovation Law Lab, who said he was unlawfully detained and they haven't been able to locate him.



"We demand that they allow him to access counsel as is his right afforded by the U.S. Constitution," lawyer Rodrigo Fernandez-Ortega said in an email. "We have seen entire towns burned to the ground and it is outrageous that the U.S. border patrol unlawfully detained the brave individuals who are protecting us."



Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he was "deeply concerned" about the news, adding that firefighters help keep communities safe. He said his team has reached out to the federal agencies to get more information and "to question why the Trump administration's cruel immigration policies now extend to individuals fighting forest fires."



Jennifer Risdal, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service's Incident Management Team overseeing the firefighting efforts, said they were aware of the Border Patrol activities at the fire site, but offered no information about what happened.



During the first Trump administration, DHS issued a statement in the course of the 2020 wildfire season saying CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were concerned about the impact the fires could have on Western states and that their highest priority was "the preservation of life and safety."



"In consideration of these circumstances, there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to the wildfires, except in the event of a serious public safety threat," the statement said.



Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove, whose agency oversees Washington's wildland firefighting efforts, said he was aware of the enforcement actions at the Bear Gulch Fire.



"While we don't have all of the details yet, this is all occurring at a time when the Trump administration's crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public  including firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect our state," he said.

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Taipei  The head of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said Friday he was determined the United States and Taiwan remain "the best of friends," calling the democratic island claimed by China a "free country," as he visited with another American lawmaker.

Republican Senators Roger Wicker and Deb Fischer arrived in Taipei on Friday for a two-day visit, as President Trump seeks to strike a trade deal with China  which insists Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it.

China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its long-time stance in a statement issued Friday as the American senators arrived in Taipei, saying it firmly opposed any official exchanges between the U.S. and Taiwan.

"We come here from the United States bringing a message from the Congress of commitment, of long-term friendship and a determination that a free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and preserve self-determination," Wicker said during a news conference alongside Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te at the presidential office, as shown in video published by the Reuters news agency.

U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) speaks during a joint news conference with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Taiwan, during an official visit on Aug. 29, 2025. / Credit: Reuters

China's Foreign Ministry responded to a CBS News request for reaction to the language used by Wicker to describe Taiwan over the weekend, with a statement saying the senators' visit to Taiwan "and the dissemination of erroneous remarks on Taiwan issues violate the one-China principle and the U.S.-China joint communiques, undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and send wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces."

The ministry statement voiced China's "strong dissatisfaction" with the visit and the comments by Wicker, and said the "future of Taiwan must be decided by the 1.4 billion Chinese people, including the people of Taiwan. China will be reunified, and it must be reunified. This is an irreversible trend that no one or any organization can reverse."

Even before Wicker spoke in Taipei, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called the U.S. delegation's visit "a serious violation" of the one-China principle, a U.S. policy adopted decades ago that recognizes Taiwan as part of China.

A senior Trump administration official told CBS News on Friday that the White House's stance on the one-China principle "remains the same as the first Trump Administration," while a State Department spokesperson, in a statement sent to CBS News on Monday, noted that the U.S. Congress is a "separate, co-equal branch of government and independent of the Executive Branch."

The spokesperson noted the long history of Congressional delegations visiting Taiwan and said the department's policy "has not changed and remains guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, three Joint Communiques, and Six Assurances," which together form the basis of the one-China principle.

Wicker, who chairs the powerful Armed Services Committee and is a vocal supporter of Taiwan, said he and Fischer were visiting to better understand Taiwan's needs, and they wanted to reiterate to Taiwan "our determination to remain the best of friends and to defend the freedom of everyone and both of our great countries."

Mainland China and territory controlled by the Chinese government is show in yellow, while territory claimed by, but not controlled by Beijing, including Taiwan, is depicted in brown on this map. / Credit: Getty/iStock

"It is our determination and our intention that Taiwan remain free and make its own decisions," Wicker said after their talks with Lai. "Part of maintaining the freedoms that we have is enhanced cooperation militarily, enhanced cooperation with our defense industrial base, making the best use of those funds."

Since Mr. Trump returned to the White House in January, there have been growing jitters in Taipei over the strength of the Taiwan-U.S. relationship and Washington's willingness to defend the island if China were to attack.

Fischer said the U.S. Senate understands "the gravity of the challenges that Taiwan faces" and that a "stronger Taiwan means a stronger United States and vice versa."



While the U.S. stopped recognizing Taiwan as an independent state in the late 1970s, in favor of China, Washington has remained Taipei's most important backer and biggest supplier of arms that it would need to defend itself from any theoretical attack by China.

A Chinese warship is seen sailing near Taiwan during military exercises announced by Beijing on April 1, 2025, in an image taken from video aired by China's state-run CCTV television network. / Credit: Reuters/CCTV

That support has become increasingly crucial to Taiwan in recent years, as China's President Xi Jinping has vowed to bring the island under Beijing's control. China has increased military pressure with large-scale exercises and routine flights and naval excursions that test the democratic island's air and sea boundaries.



Ahead of the meeting with Wicker and Fischer, Lai said he hoped Taiwan and the U.S. would further "enhance cooperation," and insisted the island and China were "not subordinate" to each other.



Wicker and Fischer have been travelling in the Asia-Pacific region for the past week, stopping in Hawaii, Guam, Palau and the Philippines.



U.S.-Taiwan ties have been strained since Mr. Trump took office and launched a global trade war and pressured governments in Europe and elsewhere to spend more on their own defense.



The Trump administration reportedly denied permission for Lai to transit in New York as part of a planned official trip to Latin America this month after Beijing objected. Lai reportedly then cancelled the trip.



Taiwan is also struggling to finalize a tariff deal with the U.S. after Washington imposed a temporary 20% levy that has alarmed the export-dependent island's manufacturers.



As those negotiations continue, Lai's government has announced plans to increase defense spending to more than 3% of GDP next year and to 5% by 2030.

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Comvita Limited (NZX: CVT ) today announces its audited financial results for the year ended 30 June 2025. FY25 was another difficult year, with results reflecting significant financial pressure and persistent headwinds across both external markets and internal operations.

Financial and Operating Summary

 Revenue: $192.4m, down 4.1% vs PCP.

 Gross profit: $82.7m, down 24.0% vs PCP.

 EBITDA*: ($74.2m), down 16.7% vs PCP.

 Underlying NPBT*: Loss ($21.9m), in line with guidance of ($20m) -($24m)

 Reported NPAT: Loss ($104.8m), down 30.3% vs PCP.

 Operating cash flow*: $34.1m, up $28.8m vs PCP.

 Inventory: $89.0m, down significantly (34.4 % improvement vs PCP).

 Net debt*: $62.4m, reduced 21.8% vs PCP.

 Strong market share maintained in high-grade UMF honey in China and the US.

 $12.6m cost reductions implemented, with further actions underway

Comvita Chair, Bridget Coates, said: Comvitas FY25 performance reflects the full weight of prolonged market disruption - particularly in China - compounded by internal challenges and limited financial headroom.

The Company continues to navigate sustained structural pressure in the Manuka honey sector, with prolonged oversupply, pricing volatility, and softer consumer demand weighing heavily on margins.

These external pressures have been compounded by internal complexity, underperforming investments, and the cost of delivering a significant turnaround. We werent fast enough to adjust - and those same market dynamics have only intensified.

Limited financial headroom and capital constraints have further restricted the Companys ability to respond at pace. As a result, FY25 performance was materially impacted, including significant impairments.

We recognise the impact this has had on our shareholders and the importance of delivering a clear path forward.

The Company has taken urgent and decisive action to strengthen its balance sheet and operational footing, and important progress has been made. Free cash flow is now positive, net debt has been reduced, and greater discipline has been applied to inventory and cost management. These are early but important signs that the reset is beginning to take hold.

However, the scale of the challenges means the reset alone will not be enough to restore balance sheet strength. That is why, following a comprehensive review of all strategic options, the Board signed a Scheme Implementation Agreement with Florenz in August.

In our view, the Scheme provides greater certainty in a difficult environment, a choice for our diverse shareholder base and the strongest foundation for Comvitas long-term brand, people, and market leadership.

Market and industry conditions

The Manuka honey category is in a period of structural reset following years of oversupply and inconsistent demand. Profitability across the sector remains under pressure. Consumer behaviour is shifting and the category is fragmenting, with discount players driving volume at the lower end and pricing pressure escalating across both online and offline channels.

Industry consolidation is gathering pace, with several brands under financial stress and large global players entering the market, accelerating commoditisation and raising the bar for innovation.

Comvita is navigating these dynamics while defending premium positioning. Despite a highly challenging environment, the Company has retained its #1 brand position in core markets and achieved key commercial milestones, including a strategic agreement with the worlds largest club retailer.

Performance across Comvitas global markets was mixed in FY25, with strong growth in North America and wider Asia offset by decline in China, ANZ, and EMEA.

China remained the most challenging market, with sales down 10.9% and profit down 24.8% versus FY24. Economic slowdown and oversupply pressured margins, and recovery is expected to be slow despite early gains from distribution resets and structural simplification. Comvita retained its #1 brand with over 50% share, with Q4 improvement led by premium UMF and further opportunities in large-scale retail and online channels.

North America delivered strong momentum, with sales up 10.0% and profit up 15.2%. Growth was driven by expanded distribution with a major retailer, leadership in the Natural Retail Channel and improved e-commerce capability.

Rest of Asia grew 18.5% versus FY24, supported by stronger distribution and channel execution. Singapore is well placed for further growth following the HoneyWorldTM reset, and volume opportunities remain through expanded distribution.

ANZ declined, with sales down 13.4% and profit down 32.5%. Weakness in Daigo channels weighed on results, although non-honey products have stabilised and returned to growth, providing a platform for FY26.

EMEA reported an 8.9% decline in sales but remained profitable. The transition to a distributor-led model in the UK and Europe improved margins, while the Middle East offers growth potential through pharmacy and wellness partnerships.

Financial commentary

FY25 revenue was $192.4m, down 4.1% from $200.7m in FY24. The decline was mainly attributable to weaker sales in Mainland China, partly offset by gains in the USA and Rest of Asia markets. Gross profit of $82.7M ($97.8M pre-inventory provisions), compared to FY24 $108.9M. The reduction was driven by high-cost honey purchased in earlier years, combined with price discounting in some markets.

Operating expenses reduced by $11.4m to $114.4m, from $125.8m in FY24 (-9.0%). Cost reduction initiatives, including saving from headcount and structural adjustments, underpinned the improvement.

Underlying net loss before tax was in line with guidance of ($20m)($24m) at ($21.9m), versus ($21.6m) in FY24. Reported net profit after tax was a loss of ($104.8m), including significant impairments and provisions relating to legacy structural issues, underperforming investments, and the write-down of high-cost inventory built up in previous years.

Impairments of ($53.9m), inventory provisions of ($15.1m) and fair value write-downs of ($3.5m) have been taken up in the financial statements. Combined with the underlying net loss before tax of ($21.9m), this resulted in a reduction in Net Assets to $54.9m (FY24: $156.7m).

The extent of impairments and additional provisions reflects the requirement to present net assets at fair value, with the recent offer received at $0.80 per share providing the most appropriate reference point for fair value of the business.

FY25 progress against reset

During the period, Comvita took urgent action to stabilise the business and improve financial resilience. Key initiatives included:

 $46.8 million inventory vs. FY24

 $17.4 million net debt reduction vs FY24

 $12.6 million in cost savings, with further savings targeted in FY26

 Restructured operations in North America, China and EMEA

 Exited underperforming units; rationalised product lines; simplified supply chain

Banking arrangements

Comvita renegotiated its banking covenants through to 31 December 2025, including waivers for two previously at-risk covenants and the introduction of a new EBIT covenant, which will be tested quarterly.

The working capital facility has been reduced from $44 million to $24 million and extended through to 31 January 2026, while the core debt facility of $35 million now runs through to 1 March 2026. These revised terms provide short-term stability, but the Companys lenders have been clear that a longer-term recapitalisation solution will be required.

Scheme of arrangement with Florenz

On 18 August 2025, Comvita announced a Scheme Implementation Agreement (SIA) with Florenz Limited, under which Florenz will acquire 100% of Comvita shares at $0.80 per share - a 56% premium to the 90-day VWAP at the date of announcement.

The Board unanimously supports the offer, citing the premium to recent trading, the certainty it provides in a sustained challenging environment, and the liquidity it offers in a historically low-volume stock, subject to the Independent Adviser concluding in its report that the $0.80 cents per share is within or above its valuation range for the Comvita shares and there not being a Superior Proposal (as defined in the SIA).

An Independent Advisers Report by Grant Samuel will accompany the Scheme Booklet, expected to be distributed in October 2025. The shareholder vote is planned for November, with implementation targeted for December 2025, subject to conditions being met.

Shareholders are not required to take any action at this stage and should wait to receive and review the Scheme Booklet before deciding how to vote.

Going concern

The Directors have concluded that the Group will continue to operate as a Going Concern on the following basis: Current assets exceed current liabilities by $52 million, FY26 forecasts show sufficient cash to meet obligations as they fall due and the Directors expect a return to profitability, subject to execution.

The proposed Scheme would materially strengthen the Groups financial position and reduce funding risk. The board recognises the potential requirement for a longer-term recapitalisation solution if the Scheme does not proceed.

Taking action: FY26 priorities and outlook

While the Scheme process progresses, Comvita remains firmly committed to business continuity and performance delivery.

The core financial objective is a return to profitability in FY26. Comvitas immediate focus is on strengthening the balance sheet and lifting delivery. Key actions include reducing net debt, delivering further cost savings, and simplifying overheads and leadership structures to create a leaner, more agile business.

A central priority is to improve gross profit while protecting pricing integrity in premium segments, alongside regaining share in lower UMF product ranges through tighter commercial filters.

Rebuilding the leadership team is also a critical part of the reset. Karl Gradon has begun as CEO, recruitment for a new CFO is underway, and FY26 will see continued progress to ensure the right capability, alignment, and structures are in place to drive improved performance.

Looking further ahead, Comvita will continue to defend and grow its number one position in premium Manuka globally, expand distribution through its omnichannel capability - particularly online - and optimise its scalable Manuka forests and apiary operations for secure, cost-effective supply.

Innovation and category expansion will be pursued with sharper commercial filters and stronger prioritisation.

The Board remains committed to prudent stewardship throughout this period of change, maintaining continuity of operations and a clear focus on long-term outcomes for shareholders, people, and partners.

Investor Conference Call

Comvita will host a virtual investor conference call today, Friday 29 August 2025 at 11:00am NZST to present the FY25 results.

Participants can join via: www.virtualmeeting.co.nz/cvtfy25. Please register online 510 minutes prior to the start time.

* EBITDA, Underlying NPBT, Operating cash flow and Net Debt are Non-GAAP financial measures. We monitor these non-GAAP measures as key performance indicators, in assessing the performance of the core operations of our business.

ENDS

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Robert Voets/CBS via Getty; Bucket Listers 'Survivor' Ultimate Fan Cafe

NEED TO KNOW

Survivor Ultimate Fan Cafe is opening in Boston next month

The themed pop-up will serve Polynesian food and provide games inspired by contestants' challenges

The cafe opens on Tuesday, Sept. 23, one day before season 49 premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 24

You dont need to hold a torch in front of Jeff Probst to get the full Survivor experience. Now, you can just visit a themed cafe.

Fans of the longtime CBS reality series can head to Boston for the Survivor Ultimate Fan Cafe: a limited-time immersive experience with Polynesian food and challenges inspired by real games in the series. The pop-up opens on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and is pegged to the start of the upcoming season 49, which premieres Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Boston was purposely selected for the cafe because it is the home to beloved Survivor alums and upcoming contestants in seasons 49 and 50, according to a press release.

Bucket Listers and CBS teamed up to build the event at The Greatest Bar, located in Bostons West End, which has more connections to the series than just hosting the themed cafe. The spot is owned by Julie Fairweather, the mother of season 49 contestant Shannon Fairweather, and fan-favorite six-time castaway Boston Rob bartended there before going on the CBS show.

Bucket Listers Survivor 39 Ultimate Fan Cafe

The bar will pay homage to the show with physical challenges not unlike the ones participants do in Fiji. Photos of the space show people balancing balls on gadgets or tossing bags through frames in roped-off sections.

Recreations of the Tribal Council fire pit and voting confessional booth set the scene. Plus, the brick-walled space has large beach scene decals along the edges and plants dispersed to add a Survivor-esque look to the industrial-appearing space.

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.

Visitors will get more than the fishing kit, flint fire starter kit and bag of rice that TV contestants receive. MasterChef alum Becky Brown created a Polynesian-fusion menu with options like OutPlay Chicken Satay, Campfire Carnitas Tacos and New Era Laksa Noodles.

Bucket Listers Survivor 39 Ultimate Fan Cafe's food and drink options

Plus, fans can win over some allies over shareable pitchers of Jungle Juice and Hidden Immunity Punch.

Tickets get you a 90-minute reservation and start at $30 (including a $10 food and drink credit). Fans cant order their tickets yet, but can be notified when they are available on this waitlist.

Read the original article on People
NEW YORK CITY  A man who worked with tomb raiders was sentenced to prison for smuggling hundreds of ancient relics looted from crypts in Egypt, including sculptures from 1900 BCE and the carving of a king taken from a royal temple, federal prosecutors said.

Ashraf Omar Eldarir, 52, got six months in federal prison after pleading guilty to four counts of smuggling. A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Egypt, Eldarirs legal saga began when he was caught at JFK Airport in February 2020 with nearly 600 ancient artifacts wrapped in bubble wrap in his three suitcases.

The artifacts were so fresh out of the ground that prosecutors said that they still smelled of soil. Eldarir worked directly with tomb raiders in Egypt to get the artifacts, according to court papers.

Robbers sent him videos of the objects from the grave sites "as if it were K-Mart and heres your pick to choose from," William Campos, the assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in court.

Judge Rachel P. Kovner did not levy a fine because of Eldarirs financial circumstances. The Egyptian government seized his assets and froze his bank accounts. But the Eastern District acknowledged the highly orchestrated nature of Eldarirs scheme.

"This is a serious crime that was going on in a pretty blatant way," said Kovner in handing down Eldarir's sentence over the smuggled antiquities. "Cell phone evidence indicates they were fresh from the ground; he was marking which ones he wanted, which ones not with an 'X'; and making up the provenance."

Eldarir had told U.S. Customs and Border Protection that his luggage was worth about $300. Appraisers valued the goods at about $82,000, court filings show. Law enforcement later connected him with three other instances of smuggling in April, June, and November 2019.

Eldarir consigned antiquities, according to court papers, to the following auction houses in New York City: Palmyra Heritage, Arte Primitivo, and Christies.

Prosecutors say Eldarir used photo editing software to create the forged documents and make them appear old. He also provided the auction houses with photocopies of the forged provenance papers in order to avoid close scrutiny of the original sham papers, prosecutors say in court filings.

Not providing the original provenance document is considered unusual in the art world but the objects were accepted regardless, court filings show.

Palmyra did not respond to requests for comment. Arte Primitivo and Christies declined to comment.

An ancient Egyptian polychrome artifact that Ashraf Omar Eldarir pleaded guilty to smuggling on April 18, 2019. Eldarir sold it through Palmyra Heritage Gallery for $3,810.

'I ask her soul for forgiveness': Defendant speaks in court

In court, the father of three took responsibility and asked forgiveness from his family, including his wife in court and his mother who passed away shortly after hearing about the case against him.

"I ask her soul for forgiveness because she couldn't bear the news," Eldarir said in court.

Eldarir has been posing as the purveyor of a massive antiquities collection belonging to his grandfather for years, prosecutors said.

Between 2011 and 2019, he sold around 500 objects as antiquities on consignment, earning him over $600,000, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. The Egypt native dealt them to NYC auction houses using the same sham documents that he used for objects he pleaded guilty to smuggling.

The false provenance papers stated the objects belonged to his grandfather and were taken out of Egypt before 1948, when it was still legal, court papers say.

"This is not some case of Jean Valjean stealing a loaf of bread," Campos told the judge in asking for a higher sentence. "This is the case of a longtime trafficker."

Prosecutors did not charge him with smuggling the earlier objects. Eldarirs defense attorney suggested that frauds were among them, another prevalent issue in the trade.

Eldarirs attorneys declined to comment.

Egyptian authorities did not respond to requests for comment. The objects have not yet been returned to Egypt, attorneys said in court.

An artifact that Ashraf Omar Eldarir sold on consignment as an Egyptian antiquity.

How often does this happen?

According to data the U.S. Customs and Border Protections New York Office shared with USA TODAY, authorities regularly encounter people attempting to bring antiquities into the region.

"Safeguarding cultural heritage is an often-overlooked yet important aspect of border security, as smugglers frequently exploit similar vulnerabilities to transport stolen artifacts alongside other illicit goods," said Francis J. Russo, director of the CBP's New York Field Office. "Every day, our officers work tirelessly to protect both our security and the cultural heritage of nations worldwide, and while doing so, uncover other sophisticated smuggling plots."

Data shared with USA TODAY showed that agents have recovered 558 objects across 16 incidents so far in fiscal year 2025; 50 objects across 15 incidents in fiscal year 2024; and 603 objects across 20 encounters in the preceding year.

The objects, according to CBP, came from the following countries: Cyprus, Denmark, Hong Kong, Morocco, Pakistan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

A terracotta Isis Aphrodite figurine that Ashraf Omar Eldarir sold on consignment for $2,000.

What to know about antiquities trafficking

Eldarirs sentence at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn comes amid a major upheaval in the art world over whether ancient artifacts should be put up for sale at all. Critics say the practice incentivizes tomb raiders to loot ancient archeological sites and that the objects belong in their countries of origin.

Prosecutors have begun aggressively tackling the issue in recent years. On the other side of the East River, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office regularly announces the successes of its Antiquities Trafficking Unit, including returning 11 antiquities to Egypt in May. The objects are part of the seizure of a group of 135 antiquities valued at $58 million, according to the district attorneys office.

The millions of dollars some objects fetch however pales alongside the destruction wrought by looting them, according to Christos Tsirogiannis, who has plied a doctorate degree in forensic archaeology from Cambridge University into becoming one of the art worlds lead investigators of stolen antiquities.

"Its about the complete and almost irreversible loss of our history," said Tsirogiannis, who at Ionian University on the Greek island of Corfu heads a group combating illicit antiquities trafficking. "It doesn't matter if the object's made with gold, platinum or filled with diamonds. This fascinating, unique object will have nothing to tell us about who we are and who we came from and what that means for our civilization."

An ancient Roman limestone head that Ashraf Omar Eldarir pleaded guilty to smuggling in through JFK Airport on Nov. 6, 2019. The object sold $1,200 at auction.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Man packed luggage with hundreds of looted ancient artifacts, feds say
Lonnie Bunch, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, speaks onstage during the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation 2025 Good Trouble Gala in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 29, 2025. - Paras Griffin/Getty Images/File

President Donald Trump met with Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III for lunch at the White House on Thursday.

The White House lunch meeting was productive and cordial, a White House official told CNN.

The meeting, which was first reported by The New York Times, comes as Trump has directed his attorneys to conduct a review of museums, claiming the Smithsonian is out of control and that everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been.

The Trump administration earlier this month said it would be conducting an internal review of Smithsonian Institution materials and exhibits in an effort to comply with Trumps directive about what should and shouldnt be displayed.

Lindsey Halligan, who is leading the administrations review, also attended the White House lunch, the official said.

Last week, Halligan told Fox News that Smithsonian museums have an overemphasis on slavery, arguing there should be more of an overemphasis on how far weve come since slavery.

CNN has reached out to the Smithsonian Institution  the organization that runs the nations major public museums  for comment on the meeting.

Bunch has served as the institutions secretary since 2019  and is the first African American to hold the position. He previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

I am very, very proud of Lonnie Bunch, Trump said in 2017 during remarks at the museum, where he also said he was deeply proud of the museum that honors the millions of African American men and women who built our national heritage.

In an interview with the New York Times in 2022, Bunch said that ambivalence around slavery, including from African Americans, made it necessary to make slavery the heart of the museum.

Every nation is ambivalent about slavery, Bunch told the Times. The people of color are ambivalent: Is this something to be embarrassed by? Is this something that is better left unsaid? So basically, I knew that slavery had to be at the heart of the museum.

The White House last Thursday shared examples of why Trump has called the Smithsonian Institution out of control, pointing to an oil painting of refugees crossing the border wall; a stop-motion drawing animation of Anthony Faucis career and an infographic describing aspects & assumptions of whiteness in American culture, which the National Museum of African American History and Culture removed and apologized for 5 years ago after facing backlash.

When pressed on the infographic about whiteness at a 2023 congressional hearing, Bunch said he agreed it was wrong.

I think that the document itself was wrong and flawed, Bunch said. I do think, however, its important for the Smithsonian to help the country grapple with questions of race. So, Im not going to run away from that.

The White House also pointed to comments by former National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet to The New York Times in 2022 about how portraits and busts were long limited to the the wealthy, the pale and the male and how the gallery was trying to change that.

Other examples the White House pointed to include the display of the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag outside the American History Museum and other Smithsonian campuses, and programming at the National Museum of the American Latino that highlighted Latinas and Latinos with Disabilities.

CNNs Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report.

This story has been updated with additional details.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
An exhibit at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum that takes a critical look at the United States' response to Nazi Germany is slated to temporarily close after Labor Day for upgrades, sparking concern among some staff over what potential changes could be made amid President Donald Trump's sweeping review of museums and their programming, sources tell ABC News.

On Sept. 2, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to temporarily close its "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit through Feb. 2026 to conduct an "upgrade," according to an internal email sent to staff in June and obtained by ABC News.

The staff-wide email, sent after Trump signed an executive order in March directing federal agencies and the Smithsonian to eliminate what he called divisive and "anti-American" content from museums and national parks, informed staff that exhibit teams at the museum would work to "upgrade the gallery and the exhibition."

MORE: Trump says Smithsonian should focus on America's 'Brightness,' not 'how bad Slavery was'

"The current plan is to close the exhibition on September 2, 2025 (the day after Labor Day) and reopen on February 28, 2026 (just before the busy season)," the email read. "Once closed, Technical Services, Operations, Exhibit Experience, and Collections Services will work together to upgrade the gallery and the exhibition. Once the work is completed, 'Americans and the Holocaust' can remain open through 2032 with little to no additional support. Please feel free to reach out with questions and concerns."

The email does not state specifically if or what would be upgraded or list any planned changes to the exhibit's editorial content. It was sent to staff prior to the Trump administration's recent letter to the Smithsonian Institution requesting a "comprehensive internal review" of eight of its museums. While the Holocaust Memorial Museum is not part of the Smithsonian Institution, it receives millions in federal funding as well as private donations.

Sources tell ABC News that news that the temporary closure of the "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit has increased concerns among some staffers who had been worried about the museums' direction under the new administration, after Trump in April fired and replaced five Democrats appointed to the board of the museum.

The concern also comes as other Holocaust museums are facing criticism over editorial changes, including New York City's Museum of Jewish Heritage, which reportedly removed images of Trump from an exhibit on hate speech last September. The museum's vice chair told Jewish Currents that the exhibit opened just "prior to the election" and that she felt the museum "should not have any political candidates in any of our exhibits."

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images - PHOTO: Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum confirmed the planned closure of the exhibit and told ABC News that "there are no changes to the editorial content."

"The Americans and the Holocaust exhibition was originally scheduled to be open for five years and has now been on display for more than seven. As a result, the gallery and exhibition needed work such as HVAC systems repairs, upgrading audio visual equipment and interactive tables, renewing copyrights that expired, and other maintenance," the spokesperson said. "Therefore in 2024 we made the decision to close it temporarily during our lower visitation season to do this work which will be completed over the next few months so that the exhibition can remain open into 2032."

A White House official told ABC News, "There are no plans to review the Holocaust Museum" and said that the closure of the exhibit is unrelated to the administration's review of the Smithsonian museums.

In its letter to the Smithsonian Institution earlier this month, the White House lists eight museums that will be part of its initial Smithsonian review, and does not include the Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Additional museums will be reviewed in Phase II," the letter says.

The "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit, introduced in 2018 to mark the museum's 25th anniversary, presents a critical look at how the United States responded to the Holocaust and how factors like "the Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism shaped responses to Nazism and the Holocaust in the United States," according to the museum's public website.

One section of the exhibit examines "Obstacles to Immigration" and details how the 1924 National Origins Act was "designed to exclude 'undesirable' European immigrants, especially Italians, Slavs, and Jews."

MORE: Trump administration removes Doug Emhoff from board of US Holocaust Memorial Museum

"Jews who hoped to flee Germany and Nazi-occupied territories faced additional obstacles," the exhibit currently reads. "The Nazi regime implemented policies intended to pressure Jews to leave, but forced them to surrender most of their assets before doing so. At the same time, those who wished to immigrate to the United States had to prove that they would not become an economic burden after they arrived, which usually required finding a U.S. sponsor."

The exhibit states that world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein, "himself a refugee from Germany," said in 1941 that the United States had created a "wall of bureaucratic measures" that prevented immigration.

One part of the exhibit asks, "Could the Allies have stopped the killing?" and states, "Beyond the military goal of defeating Nazism, the United States could have publicized information about Nazi atrocities, pressured the Allies and neutral nations to help endangered Jews, and supported resistance against the Nazis. These acts together might have reduced the death toll but would not have prevented the Holocaust."

The exhibit also includes a copy of the Treasury Department's report to then-President Roosevelt, which described the mass murder of Europe's Jews as "one of the greatest crimes in history," and states that "State Department staff had tried to 'cover up their guilt' through lies and misrepresentations."

Since taking office, President Trump has sought to leave his mark on the museum, which sources say has heightened some staff concerns that an overhaul could be underway. His firing of Holocaust Museum board members appointed by President Joe Biden included the removal of Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman of the United States, and led to Trump naming eight new board members.

MORE: White House to conduct review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions to ensure they fit with Trump's view of American history

Weeks after the new board members were put in place, staffers received the email informing them that the "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit would be closing in September.

In recent months, some Trump-appointed members of the museum's board, known as the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, have publicly called for an overhaul of the museum. Board member Martin Oliner, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, penned a June op-ed titled "Make the Holocaust Memorial Council great again," in which he said that "in its current form" the museum was not fulfilling its "important role."

"Thankfully, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made combating antisemitism a priority of his second term, appears to understand these challenges and has begun cleaning house at the museum," the op-ed stated.

Oliner, wrote that "the museum was designed when it was thought that antisemitism was a thing of the past, and it has moved on to combating other types of hate," arguing that "a planned $150 million renovation of the main exhibit hall could make the museum even more woke and disconnected, a liberal monument to the dangers of immigration enforcement and conservative politics."

The museum needs to show that "antisemitism is the world's oldest hatred" and "teach its visitors about the story of Jewish survival," Oliner wrote.
By Karen Freifeld

(Reuters) -The United States is making it more difficult for chipmakers Samsung and SK Hynix to produce chips in China by revoking authorizations that allowed the companies to receive American semiconductor manufacturing equipment there, according to the Federal Register.

The U.S. Commerce Department had given the companies exemptions to sweeping restrictions created in 2022 on the sale of U.S. semiconductor equipment to China.

The companies will now need to obtain licenses to buy the equipment for China. The federal filing also included Intel among the companies that lost their authorization for China, although Intel sold its Dalian, China, unit in a deal that was finalized this year.

The revocations will take effect in 120 days, according to the posting.

The Commerce Department said in a statement that the United States plans to grant license applications to allow the companies to operate their existing facilities in China, but does not intend to grant licenses to expand capacity or upgrade technology.

SK Hynix said in a statement that it "will maintain close communication with both Korean and the U.S. governments and take necessary measures to minimize the impact on our business."

Samsung did not respond to a request for comment.

South Korea's government has explained to the Commerce Department "the importance of a stable operation of our semiconductor companies in China for the stability of the global semiconductor supply chain," the industry ministry said.

Seoul will continue discussions with Washington to minimize the impact on South Korean companies, the ministry said.

A spokesperson for China's commerce ministry said Beijing "opposes the U.S. move" and "will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises."

The licensing change will likely reduce sales to China by U.S. equipment makers KLA Corp, Lam Research and Applied Materials. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Shares of Lam fell 4.4%, Applied Materials dropped 2.9% and KLA shares were down 2.8%.

CHINESE MAKERS, MICRON MAY BENEFIT

In June, when the U.S. Commerce Department raised the possibility of revoking the authorizations, a White House official said the United States was "just laying the groundwork" in case the truce in trade talks between the two countries fell apart.

In July, the two allies and major trading partners announced a deal on tariffs, but South Korean President Lee Jae Myung came away from a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump this week without finalizing the agreement in writing.

The United States and China are operating under a tariff truce, with levies of 30% on Chinese imports to the U.S. and 10% Chinese duties on U.S. goods locked in until November. The trade war between the world's two largest economies has affected everything from rare earths needed by U.S. industry to China's purchase of U.S. soybeans.

The White House did not have an immediate comment.

"This move will make it harder for Korean chipmakers with facilities in China to continue producing more advanced chips," said Chris Miller, author of "Chip War."

The move may help domestic Chinese equipment makers, whose tools can fill gaps. It also may help Micron, a major U.S. competitor to South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix in the memory chip sector.

"If this isn't accompanied by further steps against (Chinese chipmakers like) YMTC and CXMT, it risks opening market space for Chinese firms at the expense of the Korean firms," Miller said.

Thousands of license applications by U.S. companies to export goods and technology to China also have been in limbo in recent months, creating a massive backlog, as Reuters reported this month, including for billions of dollars' worth of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Foreign chipmakers like Samsung and Hynix now have what is known as Validated End User status, which allows U.S. suppliers to ship goods to them "more easily, quickly and reliably," as the Commerce Department says on its website, than they would if export licenses were required. That VEU status will be removed.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld; Additional reporting by Jack Kim in Seoul and Casey Hall in Shanghai; Editing by Chris Sanders, Diane Craft and Jamie Freed)
Alessandro Levati/Getty; Columbia Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Kim Novak on Aug. 28 (left); Kim Novak on the set of 'Pal Joey' (right)

NEED TO KNOW

Kim Novak is making a rare public appearance at the Venice Film Festival

The 92-year-old actress, who left Hollywood decades ago, is the focus of the new documentary Kim Novaks Vertigo

Novak will also achieve a lifetime achievement award from the festival

Kim Novak is making a splash in Venice.

The 92-year-old star arrived at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on Aug. 28 and was all smiles as she waved to photographers. The actress, best known for her starring role in the 1958 Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece Vertigo, last made a major public appearance 10 years ago at the Toronto International Film Festival.

In Venice on Sept. 1, Novak will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. Kim Novaks Vertigo, a documentary about her life, which will also premiere that day.

Aldara Zarraoa/Getty Kim Novak in Venice on Aug. 28

Novaks longtime manager, Sue Cameron, the executive producer of the film, tells PEOPLE, This documentary has been a dream of mine for over 15 years. I wanted her to be able to experience all of the stardom all over again.

When Cameron first connected with director Alexandre Philippe, they clicked. Three weeks after he agreed to the project, he was in Novaks living room in Oregon shooting the movie.

I think it's truly a masterpiece, and really represents who Kim is, Cameron says of the film's intimacy. Nobody knows who she really is, nobody knows what she went through, the disasters in her childhood, and we cover all of that. She calls it a deep mystery, somewhat parallel to Vertigo, which Novak starred in alongside Jimmy Stewart.



As for Novaks feelings about sharing her deeply personal story after all this time, Cameron says, She was stunned by how brilliantly Alexandre captured her in the documentary. She never thought that would be possible. So, she was blown away and crying, and she realizes what a gift this is at this time in her life.

Archive Photos/Getty Kim Novak circa 1956

She always wanted to be an artist rather than an actress, Cameron says, So, as soon as she could escape from Hollywood, she went back to being the poet and the painter, that's who she really is.

Back in 2021, Novak  whose career also included movies like 1957s Pal Joey, 1958s Bell, Book and Candle and 1964s Kiss Me, Stupid  spoke to PEOPLE about her decision to leave Hollywood. "I had to leave to survive," she said. "It was a survival issue."

"I lost a sense of who I truly was and what I stood for," she explained. "I fought all the time back in Hollywood to keep my identity so you do whatever you have to do to hold on to who you are and what you stand for.

Paramount/Getty Kim Novak in 'Vertigo'

Once she signed as an actress with Columbia Pictures, Novak was up against a powerful studio who wanted to mold her and her career. She wrote in her 2021 book Kim Novak: Her Art and Life, "I was both dazzled and disturbed to see me being packaged as a Hollywood sex symbol. However, I did win my fight over identity. I wouldn't allow [Columbia Pictures chief] Harry Cohn to take my bohemian roots away by denying me my family name. Novak. I stood my ground and won my first major battle."

"There was constant pressure to be seen and not heard," Novak wrote, "especially if you had a pretty face."

After winding down her acting career in the 1980s, Novak focused on her two loves, art and animals, and eventually moved to the Rogue River Valley of Oregon. "I needed the Pacific Ocean to inspire me, the animals, the beauty, she told PEOPLE.



Read the original article on People
A satellite image of Landsdowne Reef, one of the features in the Spratly Islands where Vietnam has been island-building this year, according to a new report from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. - CSIS/AMTI/Maxar/Airbus

Vietnam is on a South China Sea island-building binge that will likely see it soon surpass the area China has reclaimed in the strategic and contested Spratly Islands, according to a new report from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Since the start of 2025, Hanoi has been dredging and adding surface area to eight features it controls in the island chain in the southeastern quarter of the South China Sea, said the AMTI report, based on satellite imagery from MAXAR and Planet Labs.

The Spratly Island chain consists of more than 100 small islands or reefs and is claimed in full by China, Vietnam and Taiwan with partial claims by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, according to the CIA World Factbook.

Chinas claims have drawn headlines for more than a decade, as Beijing has reclaimed land at several features, building runways and military installations to solidify its positions. Its building of fortifications came despite leader Xi Jinping in telling then-US President Barack Obama in 2015 that it had no plans of doing so.

Beijing claims almost all of the 1.2 million-square-mile South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in global trade passes annually, as its sovereign territory. It bases that claim on its so-called Nine Dash Line, which the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has previously ruled has no legal basis.

Vietnams claims have not been as outspoken as Chinas and its previous reclamation efforts less ambitious.

East Reef in the Spratly Islands, one of several features in the South China Sea where Vietnam has been island-building this year. - CSIS/AMTI/Maxar/Airbus

Some of the reefs where island-building is now going full tilt have long been held by just small pillboxes, including Alison Reef, Collins Reef, East Reef, Landsdowne Reef and Petley Reef, according to the AMTI, which is a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). New land is also being constructed at three features that were built up in earlier rounds of reclamation  Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef and West Reef  the AMTI report said.

All 21 Vietnamese-occupied rocks and low-tide elevations in the Spratly Islands have now been expanded to include artificial land, AMTI said.

As of March 2025, Vietnam had created about 70 percent as much artificial land in the Spratlys as China had. Reclamation at these eight new features all but ensures that Vietnam will matchand likely surpassthe scale of Beijings island-building, the report said.

Those 21 features under Hanois control compare to just seven under Beijings, according to AMTI.

Meanwhile, on seven other Vietnamese-controlled islands where reclamation work has largely been completed, military-related structures, including munitions depots, have been or are being built, according to the report.

Tensions, clashes

The new report comes amid a spike in tensions between China and the Philippines over South China Sea territory.

Competing claims by Beijing and Manila have become increasingly contentious in the past few years, including violent clashes between their coast guards with water cannons and, in one case, bladed weapons. That clash in the Spratlys near Second Thomas Shoal, on which Philippine marines are stationed in a rusting World War II naval vessel, left a Filipino crewman missing a thumb.

Last month, north of the Spratlys near Scarborough Shoal, a Chinese navy destroyer collided with a China Coast Guard ship as the two harassed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in contested waters. Images showed heavy damage to the bow of the China Coast Guard ship.

The China-Philippines flare-ups may have provided Vietnam with excellent cover for its move to build up the islands it controls, analysts said.

For now much of Chinas bandwidth of attention is directed at the Philippines, and it would rather maintain a stable front with each of the other Southeast Asian rivals in the South China Sea, said Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.

Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project at Stanford Universitys Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, echoed Kohs comments.

It seems that Beijing has calculated that keeping the Philippines isolated from the other South China Sea claimants is worth more right now than preventing Vietnam from making substantial territorial gains, Powell said.

Hanoi may owe Manila a debt of gratitude, since its hard to see how this could have happened if Beijing hadnt been so preoccupied with the problem to the east, Powell said, adding that, China has been remarkably muted about Vietnams island-building campaign.

That was reflected in Beijings official reaction to the AMTI report.

The Spratly Islands are Chinas inherent territory. China firmly opposes relevant countries construction activities on illegally occupied islands and reefs. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing Monday.

Vietnam and the Philippines did not comment on the AMTI report when asked by CNN.

Past disagreements between China and Vietnam over South China Sea territory have resulted in bloodshed, including in 1974 when a South Vietnamese naval vessel was sunk and 53 South Vietnamese troops killed in a battle with Chinese forces over the Paracel Island chain in the northwestern part of the South China Sea.

Beijing has maintained a big edge in the South China Sea since, and Koh said it may not find Hanois latest moves to be overly threatening.

Collins Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, one of several reefs where Vietnam has been rapidly building up land this year, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. - CSIS/AMTI/Maxar/Airbus

China commands a yawning gap in mobile military and coast guard assets  hence this probably explains why Beijing is not deemed to be alarmed enough to do anything to stop Hanoi, he said.

But he cautioned Beijing must not overestimate that advantage, noting that Vietnam and the Philippines enjoy improving relations.

Theres been effort between Vietnam and the Philippines to come closer on maritime security cooperation, as evidenced by the recent bilateral coast guard exchanges and joint exercise. That should serve as a timely reminder to Beijing that Hanoi owns the Manila card of leverage, Koh said.

CNNs Yong Xiong contributed to this report.

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Garvin Watson after catching a rare, orange nurse shark in waters off Costa Rica.

An angler in Central America recently caught a rare orange shark while fishing in Costa Rica.

Garvin Watson, who lives in Costa Rica, told USA TODAY he reeled in a 6-foot, 6-inch nurse shark with white eyes and a bright orange body, unlike anything he had ever seen before.

Footage and photos provided by Watson show the neon-colored shark in water beside a boat with the angler aboard.

"(It was) incredible," Watson, owner of the Parismina Domus Dei Hotel, told USA TODAY on Thursday, Aug. 28. "We couldn't believe what we had in front of us, an orange shark that looked like an alien."

The fisherman snagged the first sighted xanthic nurse shark in Costa Ricas Tortuguero National Park last August, according to a report published in the Marine Biodiversity journal.

Watch first-ever orange shark spotted:

A fisherman wanted a picture of his catch. The 6-foot shark bit him.

Scientists said its the first time an orange shark has ever been recorded, according to the report.

Its unique neon-orange color is a phenomenon called "xanthism," a pigmentation condition portraying yellow or golden tones in the skin, scales or fur of animals, scientists wrote in the report.

The shark was "the first scientifically documented case of total xanthism in the species and the first record from the Caribbean Sea," according to the researchers.

Video and photos show the shark's eyes were white, with no visible irises, when it was caught. Sharks typically have a black iris, researchers said.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video shows rare orange shark be caught by fisherman in Costa Rica
Years before the shooting in Minneapolis on Aug. 27 that ended the lives of two young Catholic school students, religious and education leaders in the city pleaded for additional state funding to keep their campuses safe.

They never got it. The reasons why are complicated: For one, the state legislature never passed the bill that would've enacted the funding (public schools didn't get the money, either). Lawmakers reintroduced the legislation this year, and it's still pending.

The situation highlights another dynamic in American schools: the idea of investing public money in non-public schools, particularly religious ones, often stokes controversy. In the meantime, no school, public or private, seems entirely free from the risk of a shooting. That fact has prompted some private school leaders to push for security resources on par with their public school counterparts.

Read more: How shootings upend US schools  even where theres no gunfire

"Funding and grant programs should be structured to ensure equitable access for all schools, public and nonpublic, including faith-based schools," said Steven Cheeseman, the president of the National Catholic Educational Association, "so that every student benefits from the resources necessary to ensure that they can attend school in a safe and secure environment."

On April 14, 2023, in the wake of a mass shooting at a religious school in Nashville, advocates for Minnesota's Catholic schools said they could use more help to keep their campuses safe.

"Our schools are under attack," they wrote in a public letter. "In Minnesota, nonpublic schools, particularly our Jewish and Muslim schools, have experienced increased levels of threats, all of which we must take very seriously."

They urged Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, to help them lobby the state legislature to include them in the newly proposed school safety program. In a statement to USA TODAY, Walz's office said private schools in Minnesota already get some state funding. They're also eligible for school safety center resources, including training.

Read more: What did Trump say about the Minneapolis school shooting? He spoke with Gov. Tim Walz

"The Governor cares deeply about the safety of students and has signed into law millions in funding for school safety," said spokesperson Claire Lancaster. "We remain committed to working with anyone who is willing to work with us to stop gun violence and keep our students safe."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Should taxpayer money protect private schools from shootings?
Port of Tauranga Limited (NZX: POT ) today reported strong financial results for the year on the back of resilient export volumes.

New Zealands busiest port saw total trade increase 7% on the previous year, to 25.3 million tonnes. Container volumes increased 5.3% to 1.2 million TEUs .

Underlying Group Net Profit After Tax was $126.0 million, a 23% increase on the previous year.

A judicial review of the Ports fast-track application for the Stella Passage development has been upheld, with the High Court determining the Environmental Protection Authority should not have accepted the application as the project was not exactly as described in schedule 2 of the legislation.

The legislative drafting error has resulted in the Court putting the fast-track process on hold. The expert panel was due to commence on 1 September.

The ongoing delays in obtaining a resource consent for the Stella Passage development are extremely frustrating and are reaching crisis point as the Port is forced to turn away shipping services due to a lack of berth capacity. In the last month, the Port has had to decline a proposed new service to the Americas that would have provided New Zealand importers and exporters with an estimated $65 million to $90 million per annum in international freight savings.

Highlights and challenges

For the year ended 30 June 2025 (compared with the previous financial year)

 Group Net Profit After Tax: $173.4 million (a 90.8% increase, includes a one-off gain of $49.2 million from the sale of Northport Limited as a result of the Marsden Maritime Holdings acquisition)

 Underlying Group Net Profit After Tax: $126.0 million (a 23% increase)

 Total trade: 25.3 million tonnes (a 7.0% increase)

 Container volumes of 1.2 million TEUs (a 5.3% increase from 1.15 million)

 Revenue: $464.7 million (an 11.3% increase from $417.4 million)

 Imports: 8.9 million tonnes (a 13.9% increase from 7.8 million tonnes)

 Exports: 16.4 million tonnes (a 3.6% increase from 15.8 million tonnes)

 Ship visits: 1,442 (up from 1,427)

 Final dividend: 9.7 cents per share (up 11.5% from 8.7 cents per share)

 Total ordinary dividend for FY25: 16.7 cents per share (up 13.6% from 14.7 cents per share)

 Ruakura Inland Port volumes more than doubled cargo volumes in its second year, to 22,525 TEU

 Successful completion of the Marsden Maritime Holdings acquisition and formation of Northport Group Limited, joining port operations and the adjacent landholdings to unlock development potential.

Port of Tauranga Chair, Julia Hoare, says New Zealand is missing out on hundreds of millions of dollars a year due to the delays in consenting the Stella Passage development, which has been in the consenting system for more than six years.

In December 2024, the Environment Court approved part of the project  a berth extension at the container terminal. Unfortunately, the decision was immediately appealed.

Due to the urgency of the project, the Port opted to apply under the Fast-track Approvals Act to seek to speed up the process.

The Port was clear in its description of the entire Stella Passage development when it applied to be included in schedule 2 to the Act. However, when the schedule was published, a legislative drafting error resulted in the words Mount Maunganui wharves being left out of the project description.

Port of Tauranga is urging the Government to act quickly and rectify the wording in the fast-track legislation to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, the container terminal berths are at capacity and unable to accommodate new services or effectively deal with congestion caused by ships arriving off schedule.

It is very frustrating that in the midst of significant interest from international container lines, we are unable to support new trade opportunities because we dont have the berth space, said Ms Hoare.

We have also lost the flexibility to readily manage congestion when ships turn up off-schedule. When arrivals bunch up, were forced to further delay ships at anchor and productivity decreases.

Ultimately, it is the New Zealand economy and all New Zealanders that suffer. This is critical infrastructure essential for efficient two-way trade for New Zealand.

A report by the NZ Institute of Economic Research has estimated that, without the container berth extension, New Zealand will miss out on $485 million to $749 million of annual GDP by 2032.

Financial results for the year ended 30 June 2025

Underlying Group Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) was $126.0 million, a 23% increase on the previous year. The reported NPAT was $173.4 million, which included a one-off $49.2 million gain on the sale of our Northport holding as part of the Marsden Maritime Holdings transaction.

Operating costs increased 8.1% to $236.3 million.

Revenue increased 11.3% to $464.7 million. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, a non-GAAP measure) increased 15.1% to $234.5 million.

Subsidiary and associate company earnings increased 15.6% to $10.9 million, despite some of our associate ports being impacted by lower cargo volumes.

Port of Taurangas Board of Directors has declared a final dividend of 9.7 cents per share, to bring the total dividend for FY25 to 16.7 cents per share, reflecting the strong financial results for the year.

Cargo trends in 2025

Total dairy volumes increased 2.1% to 2.1 million tonnes supported by a 50% increase in export transhipment.

Total meat exports increased 9.6% in volume to 0.8 million tonnes reflecting favourable export market conditions particularly in North America.

A record season for kiwifruit saw an annual increase of 30.9% (covering parts of the 2024 and 2025 export seasons, which run from March to October).

Increases in dairy and containerised kiwifruit contributed to a record year in refrigerated container volumes, increasing 19.8% to 245,151 TEUs - putting pressure on our reticulated plug-in capacity and resulting in increased use of diesel generators.

In response to New Zealands urgent energy needs, coal imports have returned to the Port after two years hiatus. Coal is handled through a specialist covered conveyor and hopper facility and transferred by rail to Huntly Power Station.

Log exports decreased 5.9% to 6.3 million tonnes, with pressure on international pricing and a return to a normal harvesting profile following a temporary boost to volumes post-Cyclone Gabrielle, which had caused early harvesting of wind-damaged trees.

Other bulk cargoes saw significant increases in volume, including stock feed (up 46.5%), fertilisers (up 18.1%) and cement (up 6%).

Transhipped containers (those transferred from one ship to another at Tauranga) increased 9.7% to 306,102 TEU.

Port productivity

We continue to strive for improved service delivery to our customers. Nationwide port productivity is a concern to our customers.

As the countrys main export gateway, Tauranga is usually the last port of call for New Zealand shipping services. In the 2025 financial year, only 55% of vessels arrived at Tauranga on their agreed schedule, challenging our ability to efficiently manage container yard congestion and impacting crane operations.

Our constrained berth capacity also impacts productivity as we are unable to provide flexibility for vessels arriving outside their booked window.

The Port has assembled a multi-disciplinary project team to progress efficiency initiatives at the container terminal.

We welcome the Governments select committee inquiry into ports and the maritime sector in an effort to increase transparency, address regulatory bottlenecks and improve productivity. An efficient, sustainable and resilient New Zealand supply chain - involving sea ports, inland ports, road and rail networks, and coastal shipping - is vital to a thriving economy.

Investing in infrastructure

In the next few months, we will commence stage two of our consented capital dredging programme to deepen shipping channels in preparation for larger, more carbon efficient ships.

We commissioned a new Liebherr ship-to-shore gantry crane in February. With the dismantlement of our two oldest cranes in the past year, we now have an eight-crane operation and will purchase additional cranes to serve the new container berth extension once consented and constructed.

As part of our decarbonisation efforts, we will trial New Zealands first electric straddle carrier and associated charging infrastructure.

We are also at the contract-signing stage to purchase our first hybrid tug boat, which will be larger than our existing fleet, to handle bigger ships and provide increased marine resilience in case of mechanical breakdown or severe weather.

Greenhouse gas emissions

Congestion at the container terminal resulted in increased diesel usage. Combined with the increase to the Ministry for the Environments electricity emissions factor for the New Zealand grid (which increased by 32%), total Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions increased 20% from the previous year to 21,873 tonnes CO2e. Emissions intensity increased 13% to 0.84 kg CO2e per cargo tonne.

Unusually high peak volumes for the export dairy and kiwifruit seasons required the use of hired generators for refrigerated containers, which outnumbered our permanent plug-in points. Congestion in the container terminal also increased straddle running time and distance.

We plan to introduce additional refrigeration capacity through the implementation of automated stacking cranes (ASCs). However, this decarbonisation opportunity is currently blocked by the Stella Passage development resource consent delays.

Automated stacking cranes are estimated to produce 75% fewer carbon emissions than an equivalent diesel-electric manual straddle operation.

Marsden Maritime Holdings acquisition

In June 2025, a consortium comprising Port of Tauranga, Northland Regional Council (NRC) and Tupu Tonu (Ngapuhi Investment Fund) completed a takeover of Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH).

The buyout of all shares not already held by NRC led to MMHs delisting from the NZX and integration into a new entity, Northport Group Limited.

Before the transaction, MMH owned 50% of Northport Limited (with Port of Tauranga owning the other half) and around 150 hectares of industrial land adjacent to Northport. Under the new structure, Port of Tauranga owns 50% of the merged group, NRC owns 43% and Tupu Tonu 7%.

The consolidation brings Northport together with the adjacent MMH land under a unified, simpler structure. Development of the land for industrial, logistics or freight operations will be better coordinated, unlocking economic benefits for both the Northport Group Limited and the wider Northland and Auckland economies.

Outlook

Domestically, we are seeing modest import growth supported by strong export performance in dairy and horticulture. However, global trade tensions and tariff uncertainty continue to cast a shadow on market confidence and could limit momentum.

Globally, the port and shipping sector is facing challenges such as container fleet oversupply, trade slowing in some markets, and geopolitical disruptions (such as Red Sea shipping diversions) leading to increased costs. Margin pressure on shipping lines, along with carbon pricing pressure, can be expected to accelerate the cascading of larger, newer ships into the Oceania routes.

We remain confident in the resilience of Port of Tauranga, thanks to our strong customer partnerships, diverse cargo mix and variety of income streams, supported by the operational strength of our Port team.

The new financial year has started well, despite the ongoing frustrations and delays in progressing the Stella Passage development. Port of Tauranga will provide earnings guidance for the 2026 financial year at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Friday, 31 October.

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Strategic acquisitions mixed with an organisational culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and sustained performance, has led Atturra towards an impressive growth trajectory throughout FY25. The momentum isnt slowing down.

Speaking to ARN, Atturra CEO Stephen Kowal was pleased with the service providers financial results for the 2025 financial year to 30 June. In its financial report for FY25, chairman Shan Kanji said Atturra has grown strongly despite unfavourable economic conditions and, in particular, a challenging Canberra market.

The provider attributed the growth to the six acquisitions it made during the 12 months to 30 June, one of which being New Zealand-based cloud, hosting and managed services provider Plan B that was acquired at the end of 2024 for NZ$20 million. The most recent acquisition was Melbourne-headquartered Blue Connections IT.

Kowal said the decision to pick up Plan B was due to multiple reasons  chief of all being culture. In fact, Atturra has been on good terms with Plan B for years, so the two companies had the right mesh in personality.

Helping the decision to acquire the company was, in Kowals opinion, the New Zealand market being at the bottom of its economic cycle, but this was more of a bonus than a decisive factor.

It was one of the factors but not in the top, he said. The top were the capabilities of the team around cloud, connectivity and it had the scale to provide a solid base for managed services.
Telecommunications provider Vonexs revenue has declined by 7.1 per cent, to $44.8 million, during its 2025 financial year, which it said was due to the impact of a post-migration churn, although this is expected to stabilise.

In its financial report for the 12 months ending 30 June (FY25), Vonex said its net loss after tax improved materially, decreasing by 91.2 per cent to $118,000, while EBITDA increased by 6.7 per cent to $5.7 million, which Vonex stated continued operational strength.

During FY25, Vonex said it demonstrated that it continued to enhance its operational and financial position by remaining focused on disciplined cost control, strategic infrastructure investment, and ongoing product innovation.

The telco can finally move towards being acquired by Maxo Telecommunications, with its second-largest shareholder Swoop Holdings acknowledging the acquisition in early July.

In a statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Swoop confirmed it would provide a voting to support the scheme, netting it $6.17 million in cash proceeds.

In late August, the Supreme Court of Western Australia granted approval to put the acquisition to shareholders for approval. Once approved it will be implemented in October. This would tie-up the fallout from the termination of the first scheme of arrangement and conclusion of takeover offers from both MaxoTel and Swoop in early February.
Microsoft has appointed Jane Livesey as corporate vice president and its next A/NZ managing director, stepping into the role vacated by Steve Worrall.

She will join the business in November and will leverage her global experience in driving digital transformation to accelerate Microsofts A/NZ growth. Microsoft has been searching for a new managing director since Steven Worrall decided to join Telstra InfraCo as its CEO back in May.

Reporting to Microsoft Asia president, Rodrigo Lima, Livesey will lead a trans-Tasman team in delivering market-leading tech solutions to customers across the public and private sectors. Until Livesey joins Microsoft, Steven Miller will continue to serve as interim leader and will play an instrumental role in her onboarding.

Jane is a proven leader with deep industry expertise and a passion for nurturing top-performing teams, Lima said.

Her experience in driving transformation at scale and commitment to purpose-led leadership make her the ideal choice to chart Microsofts next chapter of innovation and growth in Australia and New Zealand.

Livesey brings more than 25 years of experience in technology and consulting, having held senior leadership roles with global firms across Australia and Asia Pacific. She currently serves as Cognizant president of Asia Pacific and Japan.
Before his highly anticipated trip to China, the Indian prime minister is in Japan, a clear sign that he wants to counterbalance his overtures to Beijing. Economic co-operation is the focus of the visit, especially in high-speed trains and new technologies. Both sides are seeking a mutually beneficial partnership.

Tokyo (AsiaNews)  The E10 Shinkansen, Japans latest ultra-fast train, will be manufactured in India. This is expected to be the highlight of the Indian prime minister's visit to Japan today and tomorrow, the Hindustan Times reports.

Coincidentally, the visit comes on the eve of a four-day trip that will see Modi return to China after six years, for the highly anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin followed, on 3 September, with a visit in Beijing, as one of 26 heads of state and government who will attend a parade to mark the 80th anniversary of Chinas victory over Japan in World War II, which Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to celebrate with great patriotic fervour.

The Tokyo visit signals New Delhi's desire to counterbalance its rapid rapprochement with China, driven by the crisis with Washington sparked by the tariff war.

Moreover, Japan is a member of the Quad, the four-country forum that brings together the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, set up in 2007 at the initiative of then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to offset China's expansion in the Asia-Pacific.

Modi and his counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, will likely discuss the future of the forum, which New Delhi needs to avoid being smothered by China's cumbersome embrace.

But the focus of Modis visit remains the economy, the area of relations with Japan on which India relies most.

Japans excellence and Indias scale can create a perfect partnership, said the Indian leader. The agreement on next-generation high-speed trains therefore fits this approach.

Manufacturing the E10 Shinkansen in India would be a win-win situation for both countries, as it would meet India's growing demand for transportation, while boosting its exports to other countries.

India's low-cost production facilities, combined with Japanese technology and rigorous quality controls, would make this project a model of excellence.

The E10 Shinkansen is currently being tested in Japan and scheduled to enter service in 2030, with potential top speed of 400 km/h, far faster than the current model's 320 km/h.

Joint manufacturing would complement the existing co-operation between the two countries on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high-speed rail project, a 508-km stretch that has faced numerous delays and budget overruns.

The first 50 km are expected to enter service in Gujarat in 2027, with the remainder by 2029.

INDIAN MANDALA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO INDIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY FRIDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
JetBlue Airways is weighing legal action against Portugal, saying the country has unfairly limited US flights into Lisbon, its busiest international airport.

The airline claims its requests for landing slots have been repeatedly denied since 2023, raising concerns about equal treatment under international air travel agreements.

In a filing submitted to the US Department of Transportation on Aug. 28, JetBlue said Portugal should not enjoy the same unrestricted access to the United States that European airlines currently receive if it cannot provide similar opportunities to American carriers.

"Airport slot requests to land there have been repeatedly rejected," JetBlue stated in the filing.

According to Billboard, the Long Island City-based airline's comments were part of a wider debate involving American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines about the US "open skies" policy with Europe.

JetBlue argued that Lisbon's limited access runs counter to the spirit of that agreement, which is meant to allow free and fair competition.

Lisbon's case echoes earlier disputes involving other European airports. In Amsterdam, for example, the Dutch government attempted to cap annual flights at Schiphol Airport, but later reversed the plan under pressure from US carriers.

A similar situation has also played out in Dublin, where US airlines pushed back against restrictions.

JetBlue seeks to commence flights to Lisbon, Portugal (LIS).



The airline has been applying for summer slots at LIS since 2023, but has been repeatedly denied.



JetBlue tells the DOT it may pursue legal options if this continues, similar to when the Dutch blocked JetBlue at AMS. pic.twitter.com/m1vLGwAOBA  Ishrion Aviation (@IshrionA) August 29, 2025

JetBlue Ends TAP Air Portugal Partnership Amid Flight Disputes

The US has raised concerns outside Europe as well. Mexico has been accused of limiting access to major airports, another point of tension in international aviation.

JetBlue pointed out that Lisbon has one of the lowest shares of US carriers among major European airports, at just 33%. That figure falls well below the average of 45% across Europe, Stocktwits said.

The dispute also comes as JetBlue repositions its partnerships in Europe. Last month, the airline ended its short-lived alliance with TAP Air Portugal.

While the partnership is winding down, JetBlue customers can still use TrueBlue points to book flights on TAP through September 30.

JetBlue's frustration over Lisbon reflects broader challenges facing US carriers trying to expand in Europe's competitive market.

Access to key airports often comes down to slot allocation, which can heavily favor established European airlines.

By signaling potential legal action, JetBlue is seeking leverage to secure better access to Portugal's main gateway.

Despite turbulence in Europe, JetBlue's stock performance has shown mixed signals.

Shares are down nearly 34% this year but have gained almost 19% in the past month, boosted by US approval of its Blue Sky partnership with United Airlines.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian pledged to give the U. S. exclusive rights to the corridor during talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held at the White House on August 8. Key details of what will be called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) remain unknown.

A joint declaration by Aliyev and Pashinian makes only a general reference to the TRIPP, saying that Armenia will ensure unhindered communication between the Nakhichevan exclave and the rest of Azerbaijan through its Syunik province.

Also, Pashinian and Trump signed a memorandum of understanding on the Crossroads of Peace Capacity Building Partnership. Armenian opposition figures and other government critics speculated that it calls for the kind of an extraterritorial corridor that has been sought by Baku. They challenged Pashinian to publicize the document. The premier pledged to do that at a news conference on Thursday.

The memorandum made public the following morning affirms Washingtons and Yerevans common desire to improve Armenias infrastructure and border security capacities, and ability to act as an efficient transit hub for regional and global trade and says the two sides will collaborate to that end. But it says little about concrete steps that will be taken by them. Nor does it make any mention of the TRIPP.

It emphasizes instead: Nothing in this [memorandum of understanding] gives rise to rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MOU is not an obligation of funds.

Ruben Rubinian, a deputy parliament speaker and leading member of the ruling Civil Contract party, said the publicized document disproves Armenian opposition claims that Pashinian agreed to open the Zangezur corridor demanded by Azerbaijan.

Once again, it was proven that the opposition is simply bankrupt, Rubinian told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

Both Azerbaijani and Turkish leaders have used in recent days the term Zangezur corridor in reference to the TRIPP.

Speaking during a signing ceremony at the White House, Trump appeared to confirm Western press reports that the U.S. will secure a long-term lease on the transit routes passing through Syunik. He said it could extend for up to 99 years.

Pashinian insisted on Thursday, however, that no fixed agreements have been reached yet on time frames and other practical modalities of this transit arrangement. He said Armenian, Azerbaijani and U.S. officials will hold more talks on the matter next month.
29 August 2025 10:50 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The open court hearing regarding the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, its forcible retention, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on August 28, Azernews reports.

The court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each defendant was provided with a translator in their preferred language and lawyers for their defense.

The session was attended by the defendants, their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the judicial panel, the prosecutors representing the state, the translators, and others to the victims attending the court session for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations as stipulated by law.

The court session proceeded with the announcement of the testimony given by defendant Arkadi Gukasyan during the preliminary investigation and other related documents.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, defendant Arkadi Gukasyan stated that, as the so-called president of the illegitimate regime, he had the authority to make decisions regarding any appointments. However, the appointment and dismissal of the so-called defense minister were carried out only after coordination with the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the President of Armenia.

Gukasyan emphasized in his testimony that weapons and ammunition were supplied to the region solely by the Armenian Ministry of Defense, and the so-called defense ministry of the illegitimate regime effectively operated as a component of Armenias Ministry of Defense.

It was stated that weapons, ammunition, and other supplies from Armenia were transported to the region via the Goris-Lachin-Khankendi and Vardenis-Kalbajar-Aghdara-Khankendi roads.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, defendant Arayik Harutyunyan stated that during the First Garabagh War and in the subsequent period, military forces were brought from Armenia and stationed in the territories of Azerbaijan that were under occupation at that time. During the April clashes, military units subordinate to and financed by Armenia fought against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. As always, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and personnel support were provided by Armenia.

Arayik Harutyunyan stated in his testimony that during the 44-day war in 2020, he visited military barracks and combat zones to boost the morale of soldiers. However, he noted that all military orders and instructions were issued by the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff. He specified that the Chief of the General Staff at the time was Onik Gasparyan, who issued all directives, orders, and tasks during the 44-day war.

He further stated that rocket systems such as Tochka-U, Smerch, Scud, and similar types were not part of the arsenal of the so-called defense army of the illegitimate regime. During the 44-day war, two Smerch rocket systems were brought from Armenia and stationed in Askeran. The personnel operating these rocket systems and the accompanying staff were also from the Armenian military forces and were brought from Armenia.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, Arayik Harutyunyan noted that orders to launch ballistic missiles targeting densely populated civilian areas, civilian infrastructure, and undefended territories in the districts of Tartar, Barda, Goranboy, Beylagan, the cities of Ganja and Mingachevir, and even the Absheron Peninsula, where Baku is located, were issued from Armenia.

It was stated that on October 4, 2020, he shared a statement claiming: On my orders, the defense army struck several rocket attacks today to destroy military targets in Ganja. From now on, I have ordered a ceasefire to avoid civilian casualties. If the enemy does not take this as an example, we will continue to deliver equal and powerful strikes, dismantling and destroying the enemys army. We are resolute in our actions to the end. This statement was prepared at the suggestion of Onik Gasparyan, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Ministry of Defense, and handed to Harutyunyan, who then instructed his press secretary, Vahram Poghosyan, to publish it on his page.

He noted that, realizing he no longer had any influence over the ongoing processes, he resigned from the so-called presidency on August 31, 2023.

The court session continued with the announcement of Arayik Harutyunyans statements and information shared in the media and on social networks, along with the presentation of photographic evidence.

The court then announced the testimony given by defendant Bako Sahakyan during the preliminary investigation.

According to his testimony, Sahakyan was one of the pioneers of the so-called Liberation Movement starting in 1988. In 1990, he joined the self-defense forces. From 1992 to 1993, he served as the deputy commander of the self-defense committee of the illegitimate regime, from 1993 to 1995 as the rear commander of the so-called defense army, from 1995 to 1996 as the deputy commander for foreign relations of the defense army, and from 1996 to 1997 as the deputy commander of the 10th Mountain Infantry Division. From 1997 to 1999, he was an assistant to the Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security of Armenia. From 1999 to 2001, he served as the so-called minister of internal affairs of the illegitimate regime, and from 2001 to 2007 as the director of the national security service. From 2007 to 2020, he was the so-called president of the illegitimate regime and also performed the duties of state minister.

In his testimony, he stated that during the First Garabagh War, all military operations were led by Serzh Sargsyan, who was the chairman of the self-defense forces committee and later the defense army, as well as by Vazgen Sargsyan and Vazgen Manukyan, who served as Armenias defense ministers. The overall leadership during that period was provided by Robert Kocharyan, chairman of the State Defense Committee, and Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the then-president of Armenia.

The court proceedings will continue on August 29.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
29 August 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijans deepening economic and strategic ties with the Gulf countries mark a significant evolution in the South Caucasus nations foreign policy and energy diplomacy. As the world undergoes an energy transition and as regional dynamics shift in the Middle East, Azerbaijan is positioning itself not only as a traditional energy exporter but also as a rising actor in green energy and regional mediation. This transformation is driven by both necessity and opportunity - and increasingly involves key players from the Gulf such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia.

Energy diplomacy in the Middle East: From gas exports to green partnerships

For decades, Azerbaijan's economic identity was anchored in fossil fuel exports. Today, however, the country is leveraging its strategic geography and energy infrastructure to diversify both its export markets and its energy mix. Traditionally focused on supplying natural gas to Europe, Baku is now exploring the Middle East as a viable new marketa significant shift in its energy diplomacy.

In a landmark move, Azerbaijan has begun supplying natural gas to Syria through a quadrilateral cooperation involving Turkiye and Qatar. This humanitarian and economic initiative not only addresses Syrias energy shortages but also demonstrates Azerbaijans capacity to operate as a regional energy facilitator, even amid complex geopolitics. President Ilham Aliyev has publicly confirmed that 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas have already been earmarked for Syria, with plans for further expansion.

Critically, Baku is also exploring ways to utilize the Arab Gas Pipeline and other swap or transit mechanisms to extend its energy outreach deeper into the Middle East. As President Aliyev noted, this marks Azerbaijan's first meaningful energy engagement in the Arab world, representing a new frontier in its export strategy.

Green energy as a cornerstone of Azerbaijan-Gulf countries' relations

While hydrocarbons remain important, renewable energy has become the defining theme of Azerbaijans partnership with Gulf nations. This cooperation aligns closely with Azerbaijans national objective of generating 6 gigawatts of solar and wind energy by 2030, a goal that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago.

Two Gulf giants - Masdar of the UAE and ACWA Power of Saudi Arabiahave emerged as flagship partners in Azerbaijans green transformation.

Key projects:

Garadagh Solar Power Plant: Built in partnership with Masdar, it marks Azerbaijans first foreign-invested solar plant, now fully operational.

Nefthchala, Bilasuvar, and Absheron-Garadagh Plants: Foundations laid during the 2024 Baku Energy Week, totaling 1 GW of capacity, further cement UAEs role in Azerbaijans renewable sector.

Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant: Developed by ACWA Power, this 240 MW facility will be the largest wind energy project in Azerbaijan, expected to be completed in 2025, generating 1 billion kWh annually and saving 220 million cubic meters of natural gas.

These investments are not just about energy - they reflect strategic trust and long-term alignment between Azerbaijan and Gulf nations on sustainability, economic diversification, and mutual prosperity. They also signal Bakus growing attractiveness as a regional green energy hub - supported by infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and political stability.

Cross-investments: A two-way street

The relationship is not one-sided. In a milestone development, the UAE's ADNOC acquired a stake in one of Azerbaijan's largest Caspian Sea gas fields, while SOCAR, Azerbaijans national oil company, gained a stake in a UAE oil development project. This reciprocal investment model reflects deep mutual confidence and signals a new phase of economic interdependence.

Moreover, one of Saudi Arabia's leading engineering companies has been selected to construct a water desalination plant on the Caspian coast, further expanding cooperation beyond energy into water security and agriculture - key priorities for both nations.

Azerbaijans soft power: Religious harmony and regional mediation

Beyond economics, Azerbaijan is also carving out a role as a platform for intercultural and interreligious dialogue -- a theme that resonates strongly with the Gulf.

President Ilham Aliyev, in a recent interview with Saudi Arabias Al Arabiya, emphasized Azerbaijans unique religious model, where Shia and Sunni Muslims pray together and religious minorities live in harmony. He stressed that sectarian division is the greatest threat to the Muslim world, and Azerbaijans own societal model proves that unity is achievable without foreign interference.

This positioning gives Azerbaijan moral capital in the region. Bakus hosting of biennial International Conferences on Intercultural Dialogue has attracted religious and political leaders from across the Islamic world, serving as a platform for countering sectarianism and extremism.

Azerbaijans involvement in facilitating gas supplies to Syria and its quiet role in talks between Syria and Israel show that its diplomacy is evolving. It no longer sees itself solely as an exporter or economic player, but increasingly as a regional peace broker -- one with credibility in both the West and the Islamic world.

President Aliyev's comments reflect a pragmatic foreign policy rooted in territorial integrity, anti-separatism, and regional cooperation -- principles that resonate with many in the Arab world, especially amid the fragmentation of state authority in parts of the Middle East.

Strategic outlook: Azerbaijan and the Gulf in a multipolar world

Azerbaijan's burgeoning ties with the Gulf are not isolated; they are part of a broader realignment of global economic and energy flows. With Europes shifting energy priorities, and the Gulfs Vision 2030 diversification strategies, Azerbaijan is emerging as a bridge between regions -- commercially, logistically, and ideologically.

The relationship is mutually beneficial:

For the Gulf, Azerbaijan offers a stable, secular Muslim partner at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

For Azerbaijan, Gulf capital and technological know-how are essential to its transition into a post-oil, clean-tech economy.

The future will likely see deepened cooperation in smart agriculture, water tech, tourism, logistics, and Islamic finance - further expanding the strategic scope of Azerbaijan-Gulf relations.

Azerbaijans expanding cooperation with the Gulf countries reflects a multi-dimensional foreign policy, rooted in pragmatism, diversification, and shared values. From gas diplomacy to green energy partnerships, and from cross-border investment to intercultural dialogue, Azerbaijan is redefining its global identitynot just as an energy supplier, but as a connector of economies, cultures, and ideologies in an increasingly interconnected world.

In a time of geopolitical fragmentation, Azerbaijans message to the Gulf and the broader Muslim world is clear: Unity, investment, and sustainability must shape the path forward.
29 August 2025 17:17 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

From 1992 to 2022, the OSCE Minsk Group, established under the guise of resolving the former Garabagh conflict, became a textbook example of three decades of inactivity. To speak of the importance of this body is to credit an invisible virtue that never truly existed, neither in terms of national interests nor historical justice.

After the Bishkek Protocol of May 1994, signed at the end of the First Garabagh War, the Minsk Groups first so-called success was to help secure a ceasefire, but only with Russias mediation. This appeared significant on the surface, yet a closer look at the battlefield dynamics reveals otherwise. By early 1994, Azerbaijans military operation towards Horadiz was already turning the tide. Signals were even being sent to Yerevan, and thence to the Kremlin, that withdrawal from the occupied territories might be unavoidable. Alarmed, Russia intervened immediately, ensuring that by May the OSCE Minsk Group was pressing for a ceasefire. In other words, it froze the conflict precisely at the moment when Azerbaijan was poised to reclaim its lands.

In 1997, the United States, and most importantly, Russia and France were appointed as the groups permanent co-chairs, a composition that remained unchanged until its collapse. Considering Frances openly partisan support for Armenia, the arrangement resembled one lamb and two wolves. Over the years, the Group shifted from any meaningful mediation to a deliberate strategy of prolongation. From the 2000s onwards, it offered no workable peace plan but instead sought to lock the conflict into indefinite stalemate, subtly encouraging Azerbaijan to accept the loss of its occupied lands.

These manipulative tactics were reinforced through endless shuttle diplomacy, where empty visits were designed to drag out the process or turn solvable issues into unsolvable ones.

In 2016, during the April clashes, the Minsk Group indirectly once again played the same role it had in 1994, attempting, under Moscows pressure, to halt Azerbaijans successful counter-offensive. By then, the organisation had already been stripped of credibility, acting in practice as a shield for the aggressor. If one were to speak with biting irony, one might call its performance effective, but only in serving Armenias interests.

By 2022, the Minsk Group was dead in all but name. With Russia embroiled in its war against Ukraine, its role as a co-chair evaporated, rendering the group redundant not only for Azerbaijan but eventually for Armenia as well. The direct negotiations launched between Baku and Yerevan in 2024, followed by the successful meetings in Abu Dhabi and Washington in 2025, hammered the final nail into its coffin.

However, still, some voices continue to protest. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) lobby and a handful of opposition factions in Yerevan bewail the demise of the Minsk Group as a threat. They appear to believe that artificial resuscitation of this defunct body could somehow work miracles for them. Yet the Minsk Group, a hollow template incapable of standing upright, exerts no influence in life and none in death. It is nothing more than a withered thornbush obstructing peace between the two countries.

The Group was ostensibly created in 1992 to stop the war fairly and chart a settlement. In reality, its record shows the opposite: it became a heavy stone blocking the path to peace.

Tellingly, Armenias current administration, mindful of survival and future development, quietly supports the Groups dissolution. The opposition, however, clings to it, showing enmity not only towards Azerbaijan but towards Armenian society itself. Hatred, revanchism, and the politics of resentment cannot lead a nation to success, but only to stagnation and decline.

The only conceivable purpose of keeping the Minsk Group alive would be to draw in outside powers into a fabricated conflict, sustaining a climate of hostility in the region. This reflects the mindset of factions addicted to living under foreign patronage rather than standing on their own feet.

Regrettably, too few in Armenia recognise that in a fast-moving world, missing the tide of progress is fatal. After thirty wasted years, the country faces an even starker choice today. Those still sheltering behind discredited structures like the Minsk Group betray not only peace but their own people.

Even Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and members of his cabinet, despite occasionally voicing agreement with Baku on constitutional reform and peace, face fierce domestic backlash. The lynching of former Speaker (and now Foreign Minister) Ararat Mirzoyan after the 2020 capitulation illustrates the climate of fear within Armenias ruling elite. Pashinyan himself has since swerved repeatedly in public statements to shield himself from popular anger, leaving the world bewildered.

This explains why in the past five years, Armenia has managed only tentative steps: minor progress on communications, border delimitation, and the constitutional issue; who knows, perhaps these have been dragged out by nationalist ambitions. But Yerevan must realise that Bakus patience is not infinite. If peace is not grasped today, tomorrow may be too late.
29 August 2025 12:21 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The State Service for Property Issues under the Ministry of Economy hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Korea Land and Geospatial Informatics Corporation (LX) and Wavus company, operating under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea, Azernews reports.

The discussions focused on prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of efficient land management, modern cadastre systems, and the application of innovations in national spatial data. Both sides underlined the importance of technological solutions for improving land administration and agreed on the benefits of exchanging knowledge and expertise.

The meeting also highlighted opportunities for sharing information and best practices in cadastre development, digital mapping, and other potential areas of collaboration, paving the way for stronger institutional ties between Azerbaijan and Korea in this field.
29 August 2025 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Yusif Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), highlighted Azerbaijans advancing position in business, export, and investment sectors during a panel discussion titled Future Careers: How to Stay Relevant, Ready, and in Demand held in Baku, Azernews reports.

Abdullayev emphasized that ongoing developments in these fields have positioned Azerbaijan favorably to attract new companies and investors.

He also drew attention to the prospects for material and technical support in territories recently liberated from occupation. However, he noted a shortage of specialists in investment promotion.

Its not enough just to attract investors; it is equally important to support their operations within the country. This requires agile skills, proficiency in foreign languages, and the development of logistics expertise, Abdullayev stated.

While Russian remains a key regional language of communication, Abdullayev pointed out the rising popularity of English, Chinese, French, and German.

China is a strategic partner in investment promotion, and logistics opens new opportunities in the English-speaking world. We are witnessing growing interest from Europe and the United States, which could become significant partners for Azerbaijan in the future, he added.
Kerala, EU to hold conclave on Blue Economy

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 29 (UNI) In a major step towards positioning Kerala as a global hub in the Blue Economy, the State Government will host a two-day international conclave in partnership with the European union (EU) here on September 18 and 19.

The conclave, titled Blue Tides  Two Shores One Vision and organised by the State Fisheries Department at The Leela Kovalam, will deliberate on ways to synergise Keralas strategic advantages with the EUs scientific and policy expertise to create a sustainable and resilient global model.

A country-first initiative, this partnership seeks to create a global model for sustainable development, ensuring thriving communities and a resilient ecosystem for generations to come, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian said.

The blue economy is the strength and promise of our nature. The conclave will unite global expertise and local innovation to advance fisheries and aquaculture, modernise coastal infrastructure, nurture skills, and unlock investment opportunities, he added.

EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan Herve Delphin, along with ambassadors from 20 European nationsincluding France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Austria, Cyprus and Maltawill attend the meet.

Abdul Nasar B, IAS, Special Secretary to Government of Kerala, and Ms. Chelsasini V, IAS, Director of Fisheries, will lead the deliberations. Policy leaders, industry experts, investors, academics and innovators are also expected to share insights.

Key themes of the conclave include fostering sustainable ocean-based economic growth, promoting cooperation in marine logistics, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable marine energy, green technologies, and enhancing skill development, academic collaboration, labour mobility, policy innovation, joint R&D, and startup ventures.

The event will feature plenary sessions, thematic discussions on global fisheries challenges, networking opportunities, and a showcase of Keralas traditional practices in the blue economy and their socio-cultural impact. The conclave will also project Kerala as a promising destination for European investment.

UNI DS GNK
29 August 2025 16:18 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A bibliographic review has been prepared at the Republican Youth Library in honor of the 90th anniversary of prominent writer, poet, and translator Alibala Hajizade, Azernews reports.

The review includes information about the writer's life and creative work, the awards he received, and the works he authored.

In the section dedicated to official documents, the complete text of the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the Provision of Individual Scholarships is provided, along with articles by critic Vagif Yusifli titled "If You Don't Love, You Won't Be Loved" and by writer Jamal Zeynaloglu titled "A Man Who Created an Eternal Literary Monument for Himself."

The material also features valuable thoughts shared by prominent individuals about the author, bibliographic descriptions and brief summaries of over 20 books written, edited, or translated by Alibala Hajizade, including "Selected Works", "In a House Without Love", "The Last Song","Saib Tabrizi and the Indian Style in Persian Poetry", "Illness Begins in the Mind: Satirical Stories, Poems, and a Detective", "A New Stage in the Development of South Azerbaijani Literature", and others. It also includes a list of periodical publications written by or about the author.

The bibliographic review is available on the library's official website.
29 August 2025 14:45 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan Cinema Agency (ARKA) has hosted an informational meeting at its headquarters with producers whose projects advanced to the pitching stage of the 2025 State Support Film Projects Competition, Azernews reports.

The agency's leadership and members of the Selection Committee attended the meeting.

During the event, ARKA's Director General, Rashad Azizov, provided detailed information about the importance of the pitching stage of the competition, evaluation principles, and organisational matters.

Selection Committee member Orkhan Mardan emphasised the benefits of using visual materials during the project presentations.

Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers' Union Ilgar Fahmi pointed out that participants in the pitching should focus on highlighting the quality of the screenplay, the idea, and the dramaturgical structure within the limited time allotted.

Nadir Bedelov stressed the importance of proper time management and clearly expressing the main idea while producers present their projects.

Ilham Gasimov highlighted the significance of technical capabilities, realistic implementation plans, and transparency in financial justification.

A mutual exchange of views took place between the Selection Committee members and producers during the meeting.

Committee representatives answered questions regarding the presentation process, selection criteria, and the next stages of the competition, conducting open discussions with the participants.

The Azerbaijan Cinema Agency (ARKA) is an official institution that plays a central role in the development of the country's film industry.

Its primary responsibilities include supporting the production and promotion of national films, organizing film festivals, providing financial support for film projects, and preserving the cultural heritage of Azerbaijani cinema.

ARKA works closely with the Culture Ministry to implement governmental policies regarding cinema, and its activities help boost Azerbaijan's representation in the international film community.

The agency also encourages collaborations with international partners and supports emerging filmmakers, contributing significantly to the development and visibility of Azerbaijani cinema on the global stage.
29 August 2025 17:20 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Certificates have been awarded to 20 students who successfully completed the first stage of the latest Chinese language courses held in a remote format, Azernews reports. The ceremony took place at Heydar Aliyev Center.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva attended the event.

On the initiative and with the support of Leyla Aliyeva, since 2019, in joint partnership with the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, and Beijing Foreign Studies University, remote Chinese language courses have been organized at UNEC. Classes for the third intake at UNEC began in December 2024.

At the certificate awarding ceremony, Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics Adalat Muradov said that the remote Chinese language courses, launched in 2019 on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and under the leadership of Leyla Aliyeva, quickly attracted great interest. He noted that the number of applications increased many times at each stage. The rector emphasized that conducting courses remotely opens wide opportunities for Azerbaijanis living both in the country and abroad.

Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages Kamal Abdulla noted that since ancient times, caravans traveling from China to the West carried not only silk but also culture, literature, and art. According to him, Azerbaijan was also part of this cultural exchange, and samples of literature and culture were transmitted from here to China. Therefore, when addressing world literature, we encounter a diverse and rich panorama of Eastern and Western traditions. The rector emphasized that Chinese culture, language, literature, and the great philosophical heritage created by Confucius and Laozi are values that students should study.

At the event, course graduates Turana Kamalova and Aydan Gurbanova noted that the remote Chinese language courses opened new opportunities in their lives and had a positive impact on their future careers. Thanks to this program, they acquired important knowledge both for personal development and professional activities, the graduates said.

The speeches also noted that Azerbaijanis living in various regions of the country, as well as in China and other foreign countries, can join the courses. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation covers the tuition costs for families of martyrs, war veterans, and members of their families, as well as people from socially vulnerable groups. The training is designed for different age groups. The youngest participant to date is 14 years old, and the oldest is 74.

At the event held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, course participants also presented an artistic program celebrating Chinese culture.
29 August 2025 12:46 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Russia has expressed support for the joint decision of Azerbaijan and Armenia to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group, Azernews reports.

The statement came from Russias Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Alexander Lukashevich.

According to the Russian diplomat, we are discussing the termination of three institutions: the Minsk Group, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Personal Representative post, and the High-Level Planning Group.

"Given the positions of the parties (Azerbaijan and Armenia) on the unwarranted continuation of these institutions, we see no reason to prevent their dissolution," Lukashevich said.

He noted that if no one objects to the dissolution of the group by September 1, "the decision will be considered adopted."

"It should be kept in mind that implementing administrative and financial measures related to this decision will take several months. The OSCE hopes to complete these processes by no later than December of this year," the Russian permanent representative emphasized.

On 8 August 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the mediation of US President Donald Trump, initialed the agreed text for a future Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State relations, committing to complete and ratify a full peace accord.

They also jointly appealed for the OSCE to dissolve the Minsk Group and its related structures. The OSCE welcomed the August 8 Joint Declaration and stated that it stood ready to fulfill its task in implementing the agreement. France supported the call for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group structures.
29 August 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Azerbaijan, Ilhama Gadimova, held a meeting with a delegation led by Ugandas Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Gadimova welcomed the guests and provided them with detailed information on the current state of Azerbaijans agricultural sector, as well as state support mechanisms aimed at its development.

She emphasized that Azerbaijan is interested in strengthening cooperation with partner countries not only in various economic spheres but also in agriculture.

During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for cooperation in the agricultural field, including the exchange of information on products with high export potential, increasing trade turnover in agricultural and food products, expanding ties between entrepreneurs, and other areas of mutual interest.

For his part, Minister John Mulimba stressed that Uganda considers Azerbaijan a friendly country and is keen to enhance partnership across all fields. He underlined that there is significant potential to broaden collaboration in agriculture.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in deepening agricultural cooperation and exchanged views on issues of shared concern.
29 August 2025 15:23 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Ombudsman of Azerbaijan has issued a statement on the occasion of August 30, the International Day of the Disappeared, to honour the memory of thousands of missing persons worldwide, including those lost during wars, military operations, or detained in secret locations, Azernews reports, citing the Ombudsman.

According to the statement adopted by the UN General Assembly, this day commemorates victims of forced disappearances, many of whom remain unaccounted for globally due to ongoing conflicts.

As a country long affected by occupation, Azerbaijan has also faced the tragedy of missing persons. Over the past 30 years, Armenias military aggression has resulted in thousands of Azerbaijani citizens disappearing, with their fate still unknown.

Official data shows that nearly 4,000 people remain missing or detained, including 71 children, 284 women, and 316 elderly persons.

International humanitarian law obliges conflicting parties to exchange information about missing persons. The UN General Assemblys 1974 resolution also urges parties to share such information.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly brought the issue to the attention of international organisations, demanding that Armenia provide information on missing citizens in line with the Geneva Conventions.

Since 2002, Azerbaijan has regularly submitted resolutions on missing persons at the UN General Assembly. Despite this, no substantial progress has been made in clarifying the fate of missing Azerbaijani citizens.

Following the Second Garabagh War and recent anti-terror operations in September 2023, Azerbaijani authorities have conducted systematic searches in liberated territories. Excavations, construction works, and witness testimonies have led to the discovery of mass graves. Identification efforts by relevant state bodies have shed light on the fate of some missing persons from the First Garabagh War.

Unfortunately, Armenia has failed to fulfil its obligations under international humanitarian law by not disclosing accurate locations of other mass graves, prolonging the suffering of families seeking news about their loved ones.

The Ombudsman expressed deep respect for the memory of those missing due to war and other causes and called on the international community and organisations to intensify efforts to clarify the fate of nearly 4,000 missing Azerbaijani citizens. She urged Armenia to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.
29 August 2025 12:09 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Iranian parliament has started drafting a plan to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reports, after the UK, France, and Germany launched a process yesterday to reimpose UN sanctions on the country over its nuclear program, Azernews reports.

Speaking to Tasnim News, Iranian lawmaker Hossein-Ali Haji-Deligani says that the plan to withdraw from the NPT will be available for lawmakers to review tomorrow and will be approved next week.

These are the consequences of activating the snapback mechanism, he says, accusing the E3 countries of being the source of many problems in the world.

He says that other measures that are unfortunate for the key countries of the snapback will also be taken.

Iran first warned in July that it would leave the NPT, one of the last remaining safeguards against the Islamic Republics nuclear program, if snapback sanctions were reimposed.
29 August 2025 13:36 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Germany has told its nationals to leave Iran and refrain from travelling there to avoid getting caught in retaliatory acts by Tehran over Germany's role in triggering UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, Azernews reports via Reuters.

Britain, France and Germany on Thursday launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear programme, a step likely to stoke tensions two months after Israel and the United States bombed Iran.

"As Iranian government representatives have repeatedly threatened with consequences in this case, it cannot be ruled out that German interests and nationals will be affected by countermeasures in Iran," the foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.

"Currently, the German Embassy in Tehran can only provide limited consular assistance on site," it warned.

It's noteworthy to add that the Iranian parliament has started drafting a plan to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reports, after the UK, France, and Germany launched a process yesterday to reimpose UN sanctions on the country over its nuclear program.
29 August 2025 16:36 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Pakistans Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, held a telephone conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, to discuss the potential establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Azernews reports.

Dar shared the news on his official page on social media platform X, noting that the exchange was conducted in a cordial atmosphere.

We had a friendly phone conversation today with Armenias Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, and agreed to explore the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia, Dar wrote.

Currently, Pakistan and Armenia do not maintain formal diplomatic ties. Islamabad has refrained from establishing relations with Yerevan as a political stance in response to Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories during the decades-long conflict.

The call marks a potentially significant step, as both sides weigh the future of bilateral engagement amid evolving regional dynamics in the South Caucasus and beyond.
BOSTON (Aug. 13, 2025)  Harvard University is close to a $500 million settlement with the Trump administration that would restore its access to federal funding and resolve a months-long dispute over alleged antisemitism on campus, according to PBS NewsHour.

The settlement would be the largest of its kind under the administration's campus civil rights enforcement. Half of the payment is expected to be directed toward workforce and vocational programs, with the rest going to the federal government.

Negotiations follow an April decision by federal officials to suspend roughly $2.6 billion in research grants and revoke certain contracts over what they said was Harvard's failure to address antisemitism. The administration also threatened to block the university from enrolling international students and, at one point, to seize or license Harvard-owned patents.

Harvard has denied wrongdoing and filed lawsuits challenging the funding suspension, calling it politically motivated. President Alan Garber has said the university is pursuing a legal resolution and has rejected any agreement that would compromise academic freedom.

The reported deal would exceed other recent university settlements, including Columbia University's $200 million and Brown University's $50 million agreements with the administration.

Terms of the Harvard settlement are still being finalized, and both sides have not publicly confirmed when it might be signed.
Sheriff Scott Hammonds

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

On Sunday, August 24, 2025, at approximately 6:40 a.m. the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office received a request for assistance in locating and apprehending 40-year-old Casey Latham Bell of Pantego from the Hyde County Sheriff's Office. Prior to the request, Mr. Bell broke into a residence on C Canal Road in Hyde County. While there, Mr. Bell assaulted the male and female of the home and rammed their vehicles with his vehicle. After disabling his vehicle, Mr. Bell stole another vehicle and fled the area.Deputies responded to the 4000 block of Railroad Bed Road in Pantego where Mr. Bell was located. Deputies were staged down the road awaiting other responding units when Mr. Bell walked into the roadway, pointed a long gun in the direction of the deputies, and fired a shot.Once the deputies on the scene were fired upon, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Response Team and Sheriff's Office Drone Team were deployed to the scene to establish a secure perimeter and collect intelligence. Due to the location and size of the property, assistance was requested from Greenville Police Department's Emergency Response Team, North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Washington County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.The Greenville Emergency Response Team and the Sheriff's Response Team approached the residence, breached the exterior of the home, and deployed a drone inside the residence. Contact was made with Mr. Bell through the use of the drone and at approximately 6:15 p.m. Mr. Bell exited the residence and surrendered to the law enforcement officers. Mr. Bell was turned over to the Hyde County Sheriff's Office for processing.Sheriff Hammonds would like to express his thanks to the Deputies, Officers, and Troopers, who responded to assist, making the outcome as peaceful as possible. Sheriff Hammonds would also like to thank the Pantego Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS and Beaufort County Emergency Services personnel that assisted and were on standby during the operation.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) has announced the resignation of James Yokeley, the Surry County Board of Elections chairman. He is facing accusations of drugging food, child abuse and other crimes.On August 8th Yokeley contacted the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) claiming that his granddaughters had found two pills in ice cream they had bought at a Dairy Queen in Wilmington.According to WPD, video evidence shows the two pills were placed in the ice cream by Yokeley. The blue pressed pills were field tested and found to contain MDMA and cocaine.Yokeley was charged with two counts of felony contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, felony child abuse, and felony possession of Schedule I narcotics.NCSBE records show Yokeley lived in New Hanover County before relocating to Surry County sometime after the 2020 general election.State Auditor Dave Boliek, whose office appointed Yokeley to the role in June, called the allegations disturbing and urged the chairman to resign.said Boliek.Yokeley resigned Thursday afternoon in a letter to Boliek while claiming he has been falsely accused and will be exonerated once thecome forward.The NCSBE confirmed Yokeley's resignation in a statement, effective immediately. Yokeley had been appointed to the board in July 2023. A new Surry County chair will be named once the North Carolina Republican Party submits two nominations.said Boliek.
Young and old in queue from 1am be among first to see inside the flagship city centre shop

Jenna and John Mailey at the opening of NI's first Lego Store

Jacob Hughes and Rowan Corry at the opening of NI's first Lego Store

Ryan Wallace at the opening on NI's first Lego Store

The Belfast LEGO store officially opened today in Victoria Square, with official Ribbon Cutter Daithi Mac Gabhann.

The Belfast LEGO store officially opened today in Victoria Square, with official Ribbon Cutter Daithi Mac Gabhann.

Lego fan Adam Brown was one of the first customers in the store and purchased the Iconic Titanic set from the home of Titanic in Belfast.

Excited fans described how they queued for hours ahead of Northern Irelands first Lego store opening its doors.

Lines formed outside the outlet at Victoria Square in Belfast as people rushed to grab their favourite sets.

The first customers through the new stores doors were father and son duo, Aaron (39) and Ollie (10), from Ballynahinch, Co Down.

Aaron started queuing at 1am, while Ollie joined him at 7am. Im knackered now, Aaron joked. I knew Ollie wanted to come here so we did what needed to be done, he said.

Despite not being a Lego fan himself, Aaron was excited to get into the store.

It was great to be the first in, it gave us a good chance to get a look at everything, he said.

Belfast's Lego Store's first customers

The pair got their hands on some Star Wars Lego sets to enjoy. I dont think Ill be doing it with Ollie but his mum helps him, Aaron said.

Hes too strong for it  when he tries to build the bricks it just breaks, Ollie joked.

Despite not visiting Belfast often the pair are excited to have an official Lego store here. I dont like the big smoke, but its good to have the store here, Aaron added.

Its a lot better than getting sets off Amazon because you can actually see them, Ollie said.

Daithi Mac Gabhann officially opened the store. The young organ donation campaigner and his family then enjoyed a tour of the inside.

The Belfast LEGO store officially opened today in Victoria Square, with official Ribbon Cutter Daithi Mac Gabhann.

Adam Brown (26), from Saintfield, Co Down, works for Woodgate Aviation, the company that flies sick children from Northern Ireland to England for surgery.

By coincidence he was visiting the store at the same time as Daithi.

His dad Martin said: Woodgate Aviation has been with us since Daithi was literally two days old and to meet one of the pilots today when Daithi was opening the store has been brilliant.

Im a firm believer that these things dont happen by chance and we are so honoured Daithi was asked to open the store and then to meet a pilot  its just been brilliant altogether.

The Belfast LEGO store officially opened today in Victoria Square, with official Ribbon Cutter Daithi Mac Gabhann.

Adam is a Lego superfan and was eager to get to the Belfast store to purchase the Titanic set.

I had the Titanic and Daithi pointed it out and I said, We fly you Daithi and his dad was like, Oh yeah you do and we just got talking away, Adam said.

The pilot admits he often uses Lego to bond with his young patients.

Lego fan Adam Brown was one of the first customers in the store and purchased the Iconic Titanic set from the home of Titanic in Belfast.

.Ive never actually flown Daithi over myself but now I know for the future our love for Lego is something that we can bond over, he said.

You always try and get something to bond with the children and Lego is something a lot of them love.

John Mailey (47) and his daughter Jenna (10) from Glengormley bond over their Lego passion. Who doesnt love Lego, said John. Its a lot of fun, builds your creativity and gives you that sense of an accomplishment  its great for mindfulness too when you are older.

Jenna and John Mailey at the opening of NI's first Lego Store

Jenna was most excited to see the shops minifigure building station.

You get to make your own minifigure whatever way you want, she said.

John said the Belfast store makes it easier for local Lego fans to find the sets they want.

We have been to the Dublin one once but we wouldnt be down in Dublin a lot, so this one is a lot handier for us, he said.

There are other shops here where you can get Lego but nothing beats having an actual Lego store.

The Lego store opening

Sneak peek - Northern Ireland's first Lego store arrives in Belfast

Ryan Wallace (32) from Magherlin, Co Down, woke up early to visit the shop on its opening day. I got the train at six this morning, so I got here for around seven so I wasnt waiting too long but Im glad I got in when I did, he said.

He thinks the new store is a great addition to Belfasts high street.

Whenever I go to a new city I always make a point to visit their Lego store so now people can do that when they are visiting here, he said.

Two fans, Rowan Corry (12), and Jacob Hughes (11) from Belfast were excited to grab some Lego from the new store before they have to start the new school year. Its just loads of fun, and you get to be creative, Rowan said.

I just like the builds and seeing what way they look, Jacob added.

Jacob Hughes and Rowan Corry at the opening of NI's first Lego Store

The pair queued for several hours to get into the store but were kept busy with mini sets and Lego passports that the store gave queuing fans to celebrate its launch.

They were fun to build and then we just watched TikToks too, Rowan said.
Fans flock to west Belfast bar after false social media rumour of Kneecap appearance ahead of Vital gig

Thousands flock to Belfast for Kneecap hometown gig: 'They've given the Irish language a new lease of life'

Allison Morris Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 19:50







The owner of the Hawthorn Bar in west Belfast owes Moglai Bap, aka Naoise O Caireallain, free pints after a social media post sent hundreds of fans to the family-owned pub in the hope of meeting Kneecap.
Its huge and really intimate at the same time: New play at Lyric centres on marriage at the end of the world

Ahead of the world premiere of Denouement, a rich play about the a marriage at the end of the world, Anna Healy chats to Aine Toner about encouraging new talent in the industry

Anna Healy as 'Edel' and Patrick O'Kane as 'Liam'

Aine Toner Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 10:26







How would you spend your final moments on Earth? Its a plotline that is played out in John Mortons Denouement, running at The Lyric Theatre from next month.
A new scheme by the Housing Executive to promote city centre living in Belfast has attracted a 4,000 interested list, despite there only being only around 77 social housing units actually available so far in the project.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive this week briefed Belfast councillors on moves to encourage living in the city.

At a special meeting of the councils City Growth and Regeneration Committee, elected representatives heard an update on the NIHE City Centre Waiting List, a newly activated scheme to enhance and promote social housing in apartments in the city core.

So far this waiting list has only one development linked to it, The Loft Lines in the Titanic Quarter, which will have 778 units.

With 10 percent social housing proposed for this development, it means there will be around 77 available for the waiting list.

That means with present figures there are 50 parties showing interest in every social housing unit. The social housing element of the Loft Lines development will be the first to be allocated to tenants.

A Housing Executive representative told the committee: Our boundary differs a bit from the city centre council boundary, because basically we excluded the traditional social housing estates  Sandy Row, Carrick Hill, the Market. Because they were already existing housing areas with existing waiting lists, with a particular type of housing, it was felt we could keep those as they were, and create a boundary that would attract the growth in higher density apartment living, that would be in mixed use, mixed tenure schemes.

It was felt that people could join this separate waiting list, as a separate choice to the other areas. We envisaged a shared waiting list, a mutual space for all, throughout the whole of the city centre.

A Common Landlord Area (CLA) is a specific geographic region that may include housing from multiple social landlords, including the Housing Executive itself and other housing associations.

When applying for social housing, individuals can select their preferred CLAs as areas of choice, and their application is then matched against vacancies within those chosen areas.

The NIHE agreed on their City Centre CLA in 2012, but it wasnt created then as there was no development scheme to place tenants.

After the Sirocco Waterside development was approved by the council in 2019, NIHE carried out a latent demand test, a mail drop to 15,000 households asking if they were interested in city centre apartment living.

By June 2020 they had 862 applicants on a shadow waiting list. Six years on, no work has been carried out on the Sirocco site. NIHE also showed interest in the Tribeca development, which had a social housing component, but work on this development, like Sirocco, has amounted to nothing.

The Housing Executive representative told councillors: Now, finally, fast forwarding to 2025, Loft Lines did eventually get approval, with 10 percent social housing, and it is nearing completion. It was agreed the City Centre Waiting List would commence when we were around six months from pre-allocation of the scheme, and this would allow people who are currently on the (other) waiting lists to register an interest in the scheme.

City Hall bathed in sunshine on Sunday. Pic: Pacemaker Press

News Catch Up - Friday 29th August

Another NIHE rep told the committee: We ran a report to capture all of those now on any Belfast waiting list, doing a mail merger exercise, and that went out to 22,000 people. She said: As of the end of last week, there were over 4,000 people who had put their name down for the city centre.

Sinn Fein Councillor Ronan McLaughlin said at the committee meeting: (4000) is a remarkable figure. And probably beyond the expectations of the Housing Executive, considering the previous latent demand figure was around 800. He added: I personally think part of the problem with the city centre is the viability element  of actually getting city centre housing built.

In April 2022 the Belfast Council Planning Committee approved The Loft Lines, a new 117m urban community apartment complex off Queens Road, Queens Island, Titanic. The 3.8 acre development, which has 778 new waterfront homes in three apartment blocks, was passed on a narrow vote at City Hall, without Alliance and Green Party support.

Three buildings of between 11 and 17 storeys are nearing completion. The new homes will include a range of housing types, including one, two or three-bed homes, and studio apartments, from a mix of build-to-rent, and social and affordable apartments. 10 percent of the apartments will be housing association managed homes, by Clanmil Homes.

The blocks will have private balconies, shared courtyards and shared roof terraces. Plans also involve a new riverfront promenade, a one acre park square and boulevard called South Yard, and green travel benefits for residents.

At the 2022 Planning meeting, Green Councillor Aine Groogan criticised the application on issues of public open space, potential overshadowing on the apartment block containing social housing, and flood risk.
Little girl with chickenpox on her back (Alamy/PA)

The Department of Health has announced that children in Northern Ireland will be offered a free vaccination against chickenpox from next year.

As of January 2026, eligible children will be offered a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (the clinical term for chickenpox) as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, said NI is following in the footsteps of many other countries which offer the vaccine.

We are empowering parents to safeguard their children against chickenpox and its potentially serious complications with a vaccine, which has been proven safe and effective in other countries across the world, he said.

"This vaccine prioritises children's wellbeing and will reduce school and nursery absences, while supporting parents by minimising the need for take time off work to care for sick children."

The rollout of the MMRV vaccine is based on expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) issued after research showed the significant impact of severe cases of chickenpox on children's health, hospital admissions and associated costs.

Little girl with chickenpox on her back (Alamy/PA)

News Catch Up - Friday 29th August

The chickenpox vaccine has been used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

This is the first time protection against another disease has been added to the routine childhood vaccination programme since the MenB vaccine in 2015.

The eligibility criteria for children will be set out in clinical guidance covering which age groups will be offered the MMRV vaccine and when, to ensure the most effective protection for children.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

As with other childhood immunisations, parents will be contacted to arrange an appointment if their child is eligible.

Mr Nesbitt said he is committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life, and the introduction of this vaccine into the routine childhood vaccination schedule will help achieve this.

Northern Irelands Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Michael McBride, has urged parents to avail of the jab.

"Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease, he warned.

While most cases of chickenpox in children are relatively mild, many children are unwell for several days and in some cases, chickenpox can lead to hospitalisations from serious secondary infections or other complications.

"Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness from infectious disease.

"I encourage parents and guardians of those eligible to avail of the vaccination, when invited to do so, to help protect their children from this disease."
PRINCETON, N.J.  Princeton University announced Thursday that it will discontinue its Wintersession program and close the Office of Campus Engagement as part of broader cost-reduction initiatives driven by financial uncertainty and shifting federal funding dynamics.

Launched in January 2021, Wintersession was a two-week, noncredit series of workshops and activities offered during winter break. Participants included undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral researchers.

Vice President for Campus Life W. Rochelle Calhoun said decisions were guided by a focus on safeguarding student health, well-being and safety while preserving the core student experience Princeton University. Princeton plans to continue some community-building traditionssuch as the annual Community Care Daythrough other avenues, despite the office closure Princeton University.

Undergraduate dormitories will now close over winter breakbeginning Dec. 22, 2025, at noonand reopen Jan. 23, 2026, at 9 a.m. Only students with prior approval may remain on or return to campus during that time. Graduate housing will remain open Princeton University.

Dean of the College Michael Gordin reaffirmed the university's commitment to academic excellence, robust financial aid, and opportunities for student engagement. He emphasized that financial challenges are not altering Princeton's dedication to its core educational mission Princeton University.

Additional cost-saving measures already underway include pausing capital projects, slowing faculty hiring, and limiting staff growth to mission-critical areas. Departments will implement further reductions in fallranging from reduced free offerings to shorter operating hours in some campus servicesin support of these financial goals
A person holds the Order of Service during a Service of Thanksgiving for Rev Martin Smyth.

William Humphrey (right), former DUP MLA, speaks with ex-UUP leader Tom Elliott following the service. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Former First Minister Dame Arlene Foster speaks with Jim Allister following the funeral. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The coffin is taken from the church after the service. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

DUP leader Gavin Robinson speaking with party colleague Brian Kingston following a Service of Thanksgiving for the former UUP MP Rev Martin Smyth. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt and TUV leader Jim Allister following a Service of Thanksgiving for the former UUP MP Rev Martin Smyth. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The coffin is taken from the church after a Service of Thanksgiving for the former Ulster Unionist Party MP Rev Martin Smyth. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Ulster has lost a statesman with the death of former UUP MP Martin Smyth, his funeral heard today.

Senior figures from unionism past and present were among the mourners at the service in Belfast.

The former South Belfast MP, who was Grand Master of the Orange Order for 26 years, passed away last week at the age of 94.

In an address to mourners, Rev Johnston Lambe paid tribute to the Belfast-born politicians extraordinary ministry and influence he exercised.

Mourners at Alexandra Presbyterian Church in Belfast included UUP leader Mike Nesbitt, DUP leader Gavin Robinson and TUV leader Jim Allister.

Ulster has lost a statesman: Hundreds gather for funeral of extraordinary ex-MP

Rev Johnston Lambe, minister emeritus of Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church, who was Rev Smyths minister for 25 years, gave a tribute.

He said: Personally, I met Martin when I was 23 as a young Belfast City Missionary in his first Mission Hall located on the Shore Road. I would later become his pastor when I was called as Minister to Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church in 1999.

He never saw himself as greater as or better than anyone else and he always assured you of his prayers and support in the Gospel.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson, UUP deputy leader Robbie Butler, TUV leader Jim Allister and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

It was at Alexandra Church where Rev Smyth would serve the majority of his time as minister between 1963 and 1982.

The Trinity College educated man held a number of offices in the Orange Lodge including Belfast County Grand Master and Grand Master of Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland.

Rev Smyth, who entered politics in 1982, took the South Belfast seat in a by-election after the sitting MP, Rev Robert Bradford, was murdered by the IRA.

The coffin is taken from the church after the service. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Rev Lambe told funeral goers that he recalled speaking with him before making the move.

He wrestled long over that decision and I remember chatting about this. Many of his friends tried to persuade him to remain in ministry, some even called it foolish, he explained.

However, he believed that God was calling him to this work but he never resigned as a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

News Catch Up - Friday 29th August

In 1995, Rev Smyth ran for the leadership of the UUP, but lost out to David Trimble.

In his closing remarks, Rev Lambe reflected on his fellow clergymans parity and influence.

Politically, Ulster has lost a statesman. He was dear friend of Jim Molyneaux, both in Westminster and when he retired visiting him regularly, he said.

"Generally, Martin was man not given to losing his temper, but he would tolerate if he was moderating a meeting in any quarter with a lot of diverse opinions.

Former First Minister Dame Arlene Foster speaks with Jim Allister following the funeral. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

But if it came to disrespecting a fellow colleague he would call order and reprimand in the strongest terms the one that did the disrespecting.

Today we remember Martin Smyth, a much-loved father, grandfather, and brother in the Lord. His only desire, if he could speak today, would be lift my Saviour High."

After the service, Rev Smyth's remains were taken on to Carnmoney Cemetery for a committal service.
A think tank has said that comprehensive planning and adequate resources will be needed if proposals for assisted dying are to be implemented successfully in the UK. (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Comprehensive planning and adequate resources will be needed for the successful implementation of proposed assisted dying legislation in the UK, policymakers have been told.

The Nuffield Trust independent health think tank said there would need to be sufficient funding to implement assisted dying  adding this should include money for training, developing new services and collecting data.

Funding could be crucial as it pointed out that across all jurisdictions that have legalised assisted dying, the number of cases has increased over time (even when eligibility criteria have not changed), creating ongoing pressure on service capacity.

In addition, the Nuffield Trust stressed the need for careful preparation before any change in the law comes into force, arguing there must be a significant lead-in time for such laws to come in.

The think tank, which states it is neutral on whether assisted dying should be legalised, made the recommendations as it published a new report which looked at evidence from nine countries which have already brought in legislation.

With separate Bills on assisted dying for terminally-ill adults currently before Westminster and Holyrood, the report noted that in other countries with devolved set-ups processes and systems have had to be put in place to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.

At Westminster, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has already cleared the Commons and will now go to the Lords for consideration.

Meanwhile, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Adults (Scotland) Bill has passed its first vote at Holyrood and now faces more detailed scrutiny from MSPs.

The Nuffield Trust said policymakers should consider the impact of legal status of assisted dying potentially varying across the different countries of the UK.

The report also made clear that if assisted dying is legalised there will need to be a range of new infrastructure and services required, covering activities such as regulation, training, data management and funding systems.

Bids to legalise assisted dying for terminally-ill adults have faced strong opposition at both Westminster and Holyrood (Lucy North/PA)

It said the shortage of GPs would need to be factored in if family doctors are to take on additional responsibilities for assisted dying  either as a gatekeeper to other services or because of their pre-existing relationship with a patient.

While the report stressed there are valuable lessons to be learned from other countries that have implemented such policies, it said: The UKs distinctive context requires tailored approaches that account for its diverse population, complex health care arrangements and unique organisational structures.

Successful implementation would require comprehensive planning, adequate resources and ongoing evaluation to address the challenges and opportunities identified in this analysis.

Nuffield Trust deputy director of research Sarah Scobie said: With assisted dying remaining a contested issue, and our health and care systems struggling under immense pressure, implementing a new service wont be straightforward.

However, other countries provide valuable lessons which can help policymakers to make good choices as the Bills legalising assisted dying continue their parliamentary journeys.

Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is spearheading legislation at Holyrood that aims to introduce assisted dying for terminally-ill adults in Scotland (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Much of the UK debate around assisted dying so far has focused on avoiding a slippery slope towards misuse of the service, but many people in other countries face barriers to accessing assisted dying.

If parliamentarians choose to legalise it, they will need to get the balance right and worry not just about people who have an assisted death when they shouldnt, but also about people who cant when they are meant to be eligible.

Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, who is spearheading the legislation currently before Holyrood, said: At the crux of the report, and indeed my Bill, is the need for investment in both safety and compassion.

As we move through the amending phase of my Bill in Parliament, I am very happy to engage with the recommendations identified by the Nuffield Trust to do all we can to deliver the best assisted dying law for terminally-ill adults in Scotland.

Campaigners at Care not Killing said that assisted dying proposals should be ditched.

Chief executive officer Dr Gordon Macdonald said: It is time that Parliament ditched the dangerous and controversial Bill, and instead turn their attention to fixing the UKs broken palliative and social care systems that are failing many vulnerable, elderly and disabled people.

Former MP Caroline Ansell, from Christian Action Research and Education (Care), which opposes assisted dying, called on the Government to abandon the legislation in favour of providing extra funding for palliative care.

She said in a statement: This report highlights the trends that have been obvious for years, namely that if you legalise assisted suicide, the numbers increase over time and the criteria is always expanded to include more and more people.

Our position remains that this poorly drafted bill should be rejected and the focus should be on properly funding palliative care as the truly compassionate way to help and care for people with a terminal illness.
A police van outside the former Bell Hotel in Epping as people demonstrate under the Abolish Asylum System slogan. Picture date: Sunday August 24, 2025.

Closing all asylum hotels immediately could lead to migrants living destitute in the streets, a minister has warned, ahead of a court ruling on the Bell Hotel in Epping.

Three senior judges will rule on Friday on whether to overturn a temporary injunction which is set to block asylum seekers from being housed there.

The Home Office and Somani Hotels, which owns the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, are seeking to challenge a High Court ruling that will stop 138 asylum seekers from being housed there beyond September 12.

Health minister Stephen Kinnock said there were a whole range of options for where to move migrants to if the hotel were to close, including disused warehouses, office blocks and military barracks.

However, he warned against a disorderly discharge from asylum hotels.

Mr Kinnock told Sky News: Its not a question of if we close the hotels, its a question of when and how we close the hotels, and what we dont want to have is a disorderly discharge from every hotel in the country, which would actually have far worse consequences than what we currently have, in terms of the impact that would have on asylum seekers potentially living destitute in the streets.

And I dont think any one of the communities that are campaigning on this hotels issue want to see that.

At the end of a hearing on Thursday, Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said that they would hand down their judgment on Friday afternoon.

He said: Because of the great urgency of this matter, we will aim to give judgment at 2pm tomorrow.

He continued: If it proves impractical for us to meet the deadline, we will let people know in advance.

Essex Police said there was a peaceful demonstration outside the hotel from around 5pm on Thursday, with a group marching to a local school before a section returned to the original protest site.

An order was in place giving officers the power to direct people to remove face coverings or face arrest, while there was also a designated area for the protest.

A small section of the group which had returned to the designated site walked out of the area. Officers engaged with them and directed them to return to the designated protest area which they did shortly after, the force said.

The protest activity had concluded by around 8.30pm.

Stephen Kinnock warned over the consequences of a disorderly discharge from the hotels (Victoria Jones/PA)

Essex Police denied claims protesters tried to storm the hotel, saying this did not accurately reflect what took place.

Mr Justice Eyre granted Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) an interim injunction last week after the authority claimed that Somani Hotels had breached planning rules by using the Bell as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Other councils, including Labour-run authorities, have since publicly announced their intention to seek legal advice over whether they could achieve similar injunctions for hotels in their areas.

The Home Office is also seeking to challenge the judges decision not to let it intervene in the case.

In written submissions for Thursdays hearing, Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, said Mr Justice Eyre had no regard to the obvious risk that other local planning authorities would adopt the same approach as EFDC.

Protests were held near the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex (Yui Mok/PA)

Piers Riley-Smith, for Somani Hotels, in written submissions on Thursday, said that Mr Justice Eyre overlooked the hardship that would be caused to asylum seekers if they were required to move.

He said that the extremely high-profile nature of the issue created a risk of a precedent being set.

The council is opposing the appeal bids, with barrister Philip Coppel KC stating in written submissions that the case sets no precedent and there was no compelling reason for the injunction to be overturned.

In court, Robin Green, also representing the authority, said it had not previously taken enforcement action against Somani Hotels over the use of the Bell as it had been unproblematic.

The Bell Hotel became the focal point of several protests and counter-protests in recent weeks after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied the offence and has been on trial this week.

Another man who was living at the site, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, has separately been charged with seven offences, while several other men have been charged over alleged disorder outside the hotel.

The hotel previously housed asylum seekers from May 2020 to March 2021; from October 2022 to April 2024; and since April 2025.

Single males were also housed at the hotel between October 2022 and April 2024 but this year marked the first time the council had taken enforcement action, when it issued legal proceedings earlier this month.
Firefighters work on the site of a burning building after the Russian attack in Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The death toll in a major Russian missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital rose to 23 including four children, officials have said.

The attack comes as US-led efforts to end the three-year war remain stuck in apparent limbo.

Authorities in the Kyiv region declared Friday an official day of mourning.

Rescue workers carry an injured woman away from a damaged building after the attack on Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Flags flew at half-staff and all entertainment events were cancelled after Russia hammered Ukraine with almost 600 drones and more than 30 missiles overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, including rare strikes on Kyiv city centre.

Rescue workers pulled 17 people from the rubble after the Kyiv attack, among them four children, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said.

The youngest victim was a two-year-old girl.

Some bodies have yet to be identified, and eight people remain unaccounted for, authorities said.

More than 50 people were wounded.

Thousands of personnel from the Interior Ministrys agencies and units worked at the strike sites in Kyiv, rotating every few hours, Mr Klymenko said of the 30-hour rescue operation.

Efforts to stop the fighting with a ceasefire and end Europes biggest conflict since the Second World War through a comprehensive peace settlement have made no progress despite intense diplomatic manoeuvring.

European Union defence ministers expressed outrage on Friday over Russias continuing onslaught in Ukraine and vowed to exert more pressure on Moscow.

Firefighters work on the site of a burning building after the Russian attack on Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha said that, at the request of Ukraine, the UN Security Council was due to hold an emergency meeting on Friday in response to the latest Russian aerial attack.

 Putin set to attend summit in China with Iran and North Korea

US President Donald Trump has bristled at Russias stalling on an American proposal for direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Trump said a week ago he expected to decide on next steps in two weeks if direct talks are not scheduled.

Mr Trump complained last month that Russian President Vladimir Putin talks nice and then he bombs everybody.

But the latest attack on Kyiv drew no public condemnation from the Trump administration, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that Ukraine has been striking Russian oil refineries.

Mr Putin is due to attend a summit meeting in China from Sunday that will also include Iran and North Korea, countries which like Beijing have aided Russias war effort, according to the United States.

From September 9, world leaders are expected to attend the UN General Assembly, where Russias invasion will likely be discussed.

A police officer passes by the British Council building after it was hit during Russian missile and drone attacks in central Kyiv, Ukraine (Danylo Antoniuk/AP) Senior Ukrainian officials in New York for talks with US

Meanwhile, Western officials are still working on security guarantees for Ukraine that aim to deter another Russian invasion if a peace deal is signed.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, were in New York on Friday to discuss the possible guarantees and further cooperation, according to a Ukrainian official.

Mr Zelensky noted on Friday that Russia has not budged from its terms for stopping its invasion.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has accepted an American proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky.

Russia has repeatedly raised objections about the peace proposals.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that security guarantees should be the result of peace negotiations rather than a prerequisite for talks to take place.

The provision of security guarantees is not a condition, but rather the result of a peaceful settlement that eliminates the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine, Ms Zakharova said.

That in turn will guarantee the security of our country.

 Zelensky wants more international pressure on Moscow

Mr Zelensky urged countries to crank up the pressure on Russias economy through sanctions and tariffs.

Russia refused to stop the killing  they even said no to President Trump. Were seeing negative signals from Russia regarding a possible leaders summit, Mr Zelensky said in a social media post.

Honestly, we think Putin is still interested only in continuing this war.
A resident loads his belongings into a donkey-cart after retrieving them from his flooded home due to rising water level in Ravi River on the outskirts of Lahore (KM Chaudary/AP)

By Babar Dogar and Munir Ahmed, Associated Press

By Babar Dogar and Munir Ahmed, Associated Press

Rescuers in Pakistan raced to evacuate tens of thousands of people stranded by floods, with many left without food or medical supplies as the government struggled to provide aid and prevent Lahore and other cities from deluges.

The floods in the eastern Punjab province began on Monday when an abnormal amount of rain triggered sudden water releases from Indian dams on the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi rivers.

The rising floodwaters were the first to hit the region in four decades.

A woman carries a sack of food items after getting it from a relief camp set up by the Pakistan army for flood victims, in the Wazirabad district, Pakistan (A Rizvi/AP)

New Delhi last week alerted Islamabad about potential cross-border flooding.

Since then, nearly 300,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, said Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority.

More than one million people have been affected.

Around 20 people died in this weeks floods in Punjab, raising the nationwide death toll to 820 since flash floods in late June, Mr Kathia said.

Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited flood-hit areas of Narowal district on Friday to review rescue and relief operations.

Nearly 1,100 relief and medical camps are operating in the province to provide temporary shelter and treatment, with more medical camps being set up in flood-hit areas, he added.

Floodwater inundated some villages near Lahore, raising fears in the city.

On Friday, authorities and the military made controlled breaches in protective embankments at several points along the overflowing Chenab River to reduce pressure and protect major cities, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.

Villagers help a milkman crossing the flooded portion of a road damaged by floods in the Wazirabad district, Pakistan (A Rizvi/AP)

It said water levels in rivers remain dangerously high and warned that further rainfall could worsen flooding.

Authorities have struggled to respond to the floods.

Many people said on Friday they were still without any government help and urgently needed food and medical supplies.

An Associated Press reporter on Thursday saw village after village underwater.

Floodwaters covered fields and streets and thousands of people sat along the roadsides.

Many had fled their homes in haste, carrying little or no food.

We are in great misery. Neither the government nor anyone else has come to inquire about us, said Mohammad Saleem, a farmer in Narowal, sitting on a road surrounded by water with hundreds of other people.

Rana Hanan, a lecturer at Narowal University, said more than 100 houses in his community were destroyed.

When the water came, people saved themselves on their own, he said.

In some areas, residents clung to rooftops awaiting rescue, while those who reached higher ground reported hunger, skin infections, and diarrhea.

Private charity Sahara Foundation has set up a medical camp in Kartarpur village to treat those suffering from illnesses caused by a lack of clean water and food.

Dr Bilal Siddiq, a senior physician with Sahara Foundation, said 50 nearby villages remain submerged.

Fungal and skin infections are everywhere, he said. Were also seeing rising cases of diarrhea, gastric pain, and malaria.

Haji Amjad, 45, showed his infected feet as he sat outside his flooded home for a fourth day.

My whole body itches, my stomach hurts, and theres no medicine, he said.

But even as water levels begin to recede in some areas, some residents say their problems are mounting.

Residents retrieve belongings from their flooded home on the outskirts of Lahore, Pakistan (KM Chaudary/AP)

With fodder destroyed, livestock are falling sick without veterinary care.

Nargis Bibi, 45, broke down as she described how floods had ruined her grain stores.

The floods have destroyed everything. Only our lives remain, she said.

Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in a statement on Friday that damages to homes, crops, and livestock are being assessed and promised that all losses would be compensated.

She added that her priority is saving lives and delivering aid to displaced people, and urged residents in flood-hit areas to move to safer locations.

Reports of new possible flooding have sparked panic in Sindh where 2022 flooding killed hundreds of people, claiming a total of 1,739 lives across the country.

In Indian-controlled Kashmir, the floods have killed nearly 100 people, according to Indian officials.

The crisis in Pakistans Punjab province underscores the growing challenges of climate change, with the country ranked among the 10 most vulnerable.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian officials want to meet with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week to discuss recent developments in efforts to end the three-year war with Russia.

The proposed meetings appeared designed to add momentum to the push for peace, as Mr Zelensky expressed frustration with what he called Russias lack of constructive engagement in the process while it continues to launch devastating aerial attacks on civilian areas.

Mr Trump has bristled at Russian leader Vladimir Putins stalling on an US proposal for direct peace talks with Mr Zelensky, and said a week ago he expected to decide on next steps in two weeks if direct talks are not scheduled.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talks during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Mr Trump complained last month that Putin talks nice and then he bombs everybody.

But he has also chided Ukraines attacks, and a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday that killed at least 23 people drew no public condemnation from the Trump administration.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted on Thursday that Ukraine has been striking Russian oil refineries.

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraines presidential office, is expected to meet on Friday in New York with Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss preparations for upcoming meetings, Mr Zelensky said during a briefing.

Mr Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv that he expected several meetings at different venues with European leaders next week.

Ukrainian negotiators have been trying to move the peace process forward in talks in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and the United States, he said.

Ukraine has accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky, but Moscow has raised objections.

 Ukraine wants leaders involved

Mr Zelensky accused Russia of dragging out negotiations, including by putting off a Russia-Ukraine summit with the argument that the groundwork for a possible peace settlement must be thrashed out first by lower officials before leaders meet.

A man carries a sofa at his apartment damaged by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

That reasoning, Mr Zelensky said, is artificial because they want to show the United States that they are constructive, but they are not constructive.

In my opinion, leaders must urgently be involved to reach agreements, Mr Zelensky added.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday reiterated Moscows long-held position that Mr Putin doesnt rule out meeting Mr Zelensky, but only after progress is made at the expert level.

A summit must be well prepared so that it can finalise the work that must first be carried out at the expert level, Mr Peskov told reporters during his daily conference call.

At this point we cant say that the expert work is in full swing, so to speak. No, unfortunately, not. We maintain our interest and our readiness for these negotiations, he said.

 Zelensky says more weapons are crucial for security

Mr Zelensky urged swift secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia and thereby support its war economy.

The possible post-war security guarantees being assessed by Western countries to deter another Russian invasion in the future must include a secure supply of weapons for Ukraine, either through domestic production or Western provision, and US weapons paid for by Europe.

Mr Zelenskys comments came after the death toll in a major Russian missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital rose to 23, including four children, officials said on Friday.

Ukraine needs more sophisticated Western air defence systems to counter such attacks.
The latest death in Newcastle brings NIs murder total to 12 so far in 2025

Police at the scene of a murder in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on August 25th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

The death of a man in Newcastle brings the number of people murdered in Northern Ireland in the past nine weeks to nine, with twelve people murdered so far this year.

In the latest incident, 84-year-old pensioner Sean Small was found dead in his Newcastle home on Sunday night. The PSNI says that he was last seen alive on the 19th August.

The week before, a west Belfast father was stabbed to death in his home. Named locally as Shane Lowry, the 32-year-old's brother has been charged with the killing.

The murders have affected a range of areas across Northern Ireland, and victims have included men, women and children  the youngest victim a 13-year-old girl.

With the latest information and to analyse the events of recent weeks, Ciaran Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraphs Liam Tunney and our Crime Correspondent, Allison Morris.

Nine murders in nine weeks: Northern Irelands problems with violence continue
by TJ Price

I first found the book in the used section of Longfellow Books, in Portland Maine, in the early years of the new millennium. The title included a sense of implicit dissonance, and there was no way I could resist it. It was a hardback, and the cover featured art of a book, held open to its middle pages, with the silhouette of a man and a woman cut out of it. On the dust jacket, one of the characters was described as a meteorologist haunted by her failed predictions.

I walked out of the bookstore into a flush of full sunlight, sat down on a bench, and began to read the novel. When I finished it, a day or so later, I closed the cover and took a breath, my head whirling with what Id just read. A month or so later, I passed it to a friend who was looking for something good to read, and lost it for a good couple of years, as so often happens with books compulsively shared out of love.

And so: the book makes its way through our world, from reader to reader, providing the base note for a chorus of voices and developing into a rich harmony over time.

1.

I left Portland, Maine in 2017, for New York City. Long, lonely nights spent at the dim bar with too many drinks and a notebook saw me theorizing into a fog of depression: what if I just vanished, and all anyone had to go on were my notebooks? Would they be able to find me?

Id just started trying to right my sideways-tilted life by choosing to get certified as a surgical technologist in the operating room; this took me away from the people I knew and called friends. I would get up in the pre-dawn to make my way to the hospital on the hill, then stand there gowned and gloved, intensely aware of the aseptic conditions I needed to maintain for the patients safety. Suddenly, with actual life and death laying insensate on the table in front of me, other things seemed less important.

When I graduated from the school of surgical technology with honors and prepared to move, I discovered that I was no longer welcome in the same circles Id moved in for so many years. That was fine: those circles marinated in the poisonous excess of drugs and alcohol, and those friends I thought I had seemed to dissolve around me. Who would go looking for me, then, when I disappeared? I thought to myself. Did I even want them to?

2.

In New York City, I was uncomfortable. I grew up in a small, rural place, where there were acres of woods spreading out like open hands behind my house. I didntand still dontthink that density of people is meant to live in such a tiny geographical area. It seemed to me that the entire island of Manhattan must be slowly sinking due to the accumulated weight of humanity and what it wrought. I knew no one except for my husband, Matthew, who I married in a quick City Hall ceremony in early November of 2018.

I had disappeared. I changed my name, again. I cut the moorings and drifted out into the lake of the world.

3.

The pandemic of early 2020 forced me to leave my job at the Mount Sinai Hospital unexpectedly, and on my birthday. Matthew and I fled NYC to weather the COVID-fueled storm at his familys cottage in Cape Fear, North Carolina. Newly freed from the stresses and demands of an entirely broken healthcare industry, I had what I wanted: isolation. For a period of months, the only eyes that regarded me were Matthews and my own. The tiny beach town was almost entirely uninhabited during those lonely, chilly months. All the access points to the beach had been boarded up by large sheets of plywood. You could hear the waves, but you could not see them. The entire world seemed to be roaring, a ceaseless static that wiped out everything, even silence.

I wrote a bad novel, that April, called The Shapeshifters Choice. It was about a young man in the throes of griefhis lover had committed suicideand how he came in contact with a shapeshifter who had lost its ability to control its changes. It remains locked in a bottom drawer, festering with overwrought prose and awkward narrative progression. Its memory is still surrounded by the uncertain fog of that time in my life. I asked myself: who am I? Who do I want to be? With no one around to see me, I was a ghost, and I found that I didnt mind.

4.

With the advent of vaccine, the pandemic abatedor at least, the fears surrounding the virus didand we returned to New York City. I did not want to resume working at the hospital, and I didnt know what else to do, so while Matthew continued working from home, I sat down and started writing.

It had its beginnings in the notebooks Id kept in Portland: this was the remains of someone who had disappeareda young man, very much like myself, slightly pretentious and artsy, who kept a series of notebooks, and journaled obsessively. It spun out differently than Id expected. I wrote a few journal entries from this characters perspective. His name had always been the same: Tom Nero, his surname just one letterone stroke, in factaway from the Latin word nemo, meaning nobody.

A storm came across the city the night I was writing the second part of what would become a novelette that I would eventually title The Disappearance of Tom Nero. Storms in the city were different than in the country, or in Maine. You couldnt see them coming as well, especially not from our third floor apartment, where all around the other buildings reared up to cloud-belly height and obscured the oncoming weather patterns. The wind swept down the streets and rain decoupaged the dead leaves to the sidewalks. The story became different: it wasnt Tom Neros point of view anymore. It was a new voicethe voice of the person looking for him. And that person, too, was a writer. He was trying to write Tom Nero back into existence, and he couldnt do it. Words werent enough.

I kept thinking about disappearing again. Vanishing. Becoming unseen. It seemed to me that the best way to live was invisibly, outside the defining gaze of others. Everywhere I went, eyes fell on me, and I felt it impossible to escape. Was it even possible to disappear, when the world had so many eyes?

5.

screb

At some point, I realized that Id forgotten about the book from Longfellow Books. Itd been years since I thought about it. I discovered that the author had written more: two collections of short fiction, and a collection of prose poetry. I tracked these down online, and soon enough, took back to the internet to excitedly broadcast my thoughts about the work in both. This was on Goodreads, which is the closest thing to a social media platform that involves things I actually care aboutbooks, their readers, and their authors. I like to write about what I read in the hopes that my words about the books will inspire others to read them, too, and perhaps even start a conversation with these other readers.

A few months after Id posted my thoughts on one of these collections, I was notified that someone named Alma had Liked the post. Alma had chosen not to add a profile picture to her account, and was represented only by the outline of a person, something like a ghost.

6.

I chose to remain somewhat off-stage when The Disappearance of Tom Nero was published. The endless scroll of Twitter seemed to be authors jostling for space with one another to more inventively market their newest release. Memes, process posts, blurbs: it was a gnashing sea of advertisement. At the time, I didnt know that these actions were necessary for the algorithm that powered the platform to do your bidding. You had to feed the beast to win, which meant frequent posting, lots of engagement, clicks, clicks, views, retweets. This also meant a constant staticky roar of self-aggrandizement.

I couldnt be a part of all that, I thought. Id drown. Besides, it seemed so anathema to how I liked to find booksor perhaps, how books find me. My favorite method is to browse randomly through used bookstores. Scrolling through Twitter seems more like wandering through a bazaar full of insistent sellers whose best practice includes being the loudest, or flashiest, to garner attention.

Still, an unmarketed book is an unread book. I tried to elude the noose of my own social anxiety and did what I could to put my work out there. It rewarded the curious, I thought. If one cared enough to look up the meaning of some of the more unfamiliar words in the text, one might grin at discovering a clue. The entire thing, I thought, was full of such threads, such woven-in hints and secrets. I thought I would use that to my advantage in the marketing I did do.

Those whose attention it caught loved what they read. This was heartening, but hardly seemed proof against the inevitable evanescence of the independently-published book. Here and there, Id get an email or see that someone had reacted positively to reading it. One such email even professed it to be their favorite book of the year. Still, I wasnt a Known Name. I had nothing to recommend me to strangers.

I thought: how does a ghost make itself seen?

7.

In January of 2024, I received a peculiar email.

Dear TJ Price:



I am an admirer of your novella, The Disascrebance of Tom Nero.



I would like to give you a copy of my latest book, What the Dead Can Say. As far as I know, it is not currently in any Little Free Library near you. But I would be happy to send you a copy, if you feel comfortable sharing your mailing address.



All best regards,

Author Unseen

I showed my colleagues and fellow writing friends the email, both bewildered and intrigued. Yeah, I wouldnt just give out my mailing address to any random stranger, someone offered, and I thought that wise advice.

But I couldnt follow it. I did a little sleuthing to see if I could find anything out about the book, whose title intrigued me. What the Dead Can Say, I thoughtwhat can the dead say? Does it even matter what they do or dont say, if no one can hear them? Being a ghost myself, I found this all very amusing. Even moreso when I discovered that there was virtually no presence of this novel to be found anywhere. It, too, was a ghost. The only mention I could find was a post on bookcrossings.com, and a Reddit thread posted a while back, with very little engagement. Both had found the novel in their local Little Free Library.

This intrigued me. Part of the contract with my publisher stipulated that a portion of the sales from my book would go to a charity of my choosing, and Id chosen the Little Free Library. What better way to give back to a system that functions to propagate books to strangers than to donate some of the proceeds of my book to them?

Perhaps it was this resonance of ghosts, both of us seen and unseen in some overlapping way, that drew me to respond as I did.

I mentioned this in my reply to Author Unseen, and I said yes, Id love to read What the Dead Can Say.

Here is my address, I said. Im looking forward to it!

8.

When the book arrived, it came in a thick, padded envelope. A return address was written on it in blue ink, which read:

AUTHOR UNSEEN

JENNYS LANE, USA

I opened it immediately. The novel was beautifully printed, a paperback with French flaps, and a strange photograph serving as the cover art. The image appeared to be a time-lapse of someone asleep, having rolled over and shifted position many times throughout the night. Arms were flung akimbo, ending in loosely grasped fists, or else laid at their side, unclenched. In the denser, more central portions of the body, an archipelago of light seemed to form, radiating from the center of the head down the middle of the torso. This was ghost photography, I thought. Somehow, a ghost (or many!) had been seen, and stilled, though still writhed in the darkness surrounding.

I opened the book for the first time, and saw that epigraphs from such writers as Emily Dickinson and Jeanette Winterson, as well as Jacques Poulin, were scattered like dandelion seeds at various points of the first few pages, and on the flaps as well. But my jaw dropped as I saw that one was attributed to Fernando do Pessoa, one of my favorite writers, author of The Book of Disquiet. Pessoa is known for the creation of his multitude of heteronyms, (over seventy!) different from pseudonyms in that they are possessed of their own biographies, styles, even physicalities.

In short: ghosts, given form.

I turned the page. Here there was no ISBN, no list of Roman numerals, no arbitrary categorization of theme or motif or trope. There was just, in simple italics, a dedication:

For all my ghosts.

And so the story, or stories, began.

9.

What the Dead Can Say is a wondrous, shifting kaleidoscope of a book. Told first from the perspective of a young girl (Jenny) who has died in a tragic accident and gone on to inhabit an afterlife that is superimposed upon the world of the living, the chapters cycle through stories of those other inhabitants of this unseen world as Jenny comes in contact with them. She learns that, by touching them, she amalgamates their storiestheir lives, their knowledgeinto her being, and so learns and grows with every encounter. And this is a staggeringly diverse cast of ghosts. Each character is treated with care, observation, and deep sympathy. They each have, after all, died, and passed on from the mortal realm into this place of yearning and loss.

In essence, What the Dead Can Say functions as a novel-in-stories, linked together by the inquisitive Jenny. Voices commingle and overlap, sometimes harmonic, sometimes dissonant, but by the end of the book a chorus has developed, amplified by the thoughts and feelings of the reader themselves.

When I turned the final page, I felt as if I, too, had been touched by Jenny, that my voice (however silent) had become a part of her. Perhaps (being a ghost) I was already in this after-world, and this was why I felt so much connection with Jenny, her quest, and each of the spirits of those she met along the way. What the Dead Can Say transcended that ineffable, spiritual realm to reach across the gulf into this one, and I felt its vibrations as keenly as a plucked string.

10.

I did not reply to Author Unseen right away. I put the book down and, as it is so often wont to do, the life of the world came screaming back at me. Obligations, deadlines, distractions.

For weeks, my TO-DO list, scrawled in black ink on yellow legal paper, was crowned by the bulleted item REPLY TO AUTHOR UNSEEN.

But before I had a chance to, Author Unseen sent another email. This one was accompanied by a picture of a Little Free Library, and just inside its window, a copy of The Disappearance of Tom Nero. The explanation was that Author Unseen had been so moved by my decision to donate to the LFL charity that they had purchased additional copies of my book, and had placed it in various LFLs around their neighborhood. Written, beneath this photograph, was the following:

I am expecting selected disappearances in the local population.

Author Unseen also provided a link to a post online where a new reader had serendipitously encountered a copy of What the Dead Can Say. This was Leanne Ogasawara (whose wonderfully-narrated experience with and thoughtful analysis of the book can be found here), and her post included the discovery of an element Id overlooked in the book postmarked from Jennys Lane, USA: beneath the back flap, there was nestled a QR code. Using my phone as a magnifying glass, I sleuthed my way through to a surprise: it led to an Instagram page, ostensibly from the point of view of our narrator, Jenny, in her continuing adventures through this second world.

A clue! A clue! I found myself grinning from ear to ear even before I read the post-script to the email that Author Unseen had sent.

By the way, the article by Ogarasawa reveals that theres a hidden QR code in the novel; what she didnt know is what might be revealed if the title page is subjected to UV light.

Being a sometime rockhounder, I quickly found my trusty little UV flashlight, and (after replacing the long-dead batteries) cast its weird glow over the page in question. Under the normal spectrum of visible light, it read:

WHAT

THE

DEAD

CAN SAY

a novel



Author Unseen

In the blank space above the line appeared a squiggle of letters: a name.

Philip Graham.

11.

As the ultraviolet light pooled over the page, illumining the loops and curls of the signature (and rendering what was Unseen, seen), I found myself in a state of some confusion. I only knew the one Philip Graham, and he was the author of the novel Id found in Longfellow Books so many years prior, entitled How to Read an Unwritten Language, as well as the two collections Id located after: Interior Design and The Art of the Knock.

But this Philip Graham couldnt possibly be the samecould it? I knew very little about Mr. Graham, to be honest, only that he was a writer that I admired very much for his gentle skill with metaphor and imagery, possessed of the ability to screb universal constants of the human experience

So I turned to the internet once more: I searched Philip Graham Art of the Knock autograph, and lo and behold, the result matched the signature in the front of What the Dead Can Say perfectly.

It is in these moments, when seemingly disparate pieces of information are drawn together by invisible filaments beyond the edges of peripheral vision, that I feel a curious vertigo.

In the days surrounding this revelation, I had been lost in a bit of a quagmire. I imagine most authors stumble into this forlorn place following publicationa sort of postpartum depression. Its a bittersweet mingling of joy and sadness as ones work becomes its own entity, separate from the author, going out into the world and even splitting further into a myriad of selves: each one differently the same to every new reader. I found myself regretting my choice to be less aggressive with marketing, wondering: did I orphan The Disappearance of Tom Nero by opting to allow it to find its own way? What was a book, without its author to guide it towards possible readers?

But here, here was a writer that I loved, who had seen estimable publications including The Paris Review and The New Yorker, who studied under such literary luminaries as Grace Paley and Donald Barthelmehere was an author who anonymized himself, even forsaking an ISBN! What kind of possible reader would find What the Dead Can Say?

It occurred to me then that, as much as the Author was Unseen, so too were all of the books potential Readers, especially because this book couldnt be listed on Goodreads, or any of the attendant social platforms. This thought usually filled me with unease: an Unseen Reader was, more than likely, not a reader at all.

I was, and am still, so new to the world of publishing. There are times when I encounter the guilt of colleagues when they confess they have not yet read The Disappearance of Tom Nero, and I always reassure them that I dont take offense: I believe that a book slots into ones reading life when it is the right time for it to do so. This is, perhaps, a bit mystical. But then arent books? They come into our lives like ghosts, they haunt us.

I myself have shelves upon shelves, many of whose occupants have yet to be read. Often, I will begin a book and then set it down, but then years later return to it and find something that I didnt see before. I am a different reader than I was before, maybe.

Do readers accumulate books, or do books accumulate readers? After I read What the Dead Can Say, the first thing I wanted to do was chat excitedly with my friends and colleagues about it, to recommend it. My experience with the novel charged my desire to discuss it with others, so that they, too, could experience it, and then return to me, having been changed in a similar fashion by the same material.

Jenny, in What the Dead Can Say, is almost a personification of the novel which contains her. She is its soul. The book goes through the world, touching each new reader that it happens by, and absorbs their story, just as she does to the other ghosts of her afterlife.

Maybe the ghosts of the books we havent read are always there, toomaybe, like Jenny, we only truly see them after weve touched them, taken them into ourselves.

And with every new story, we grow. We change.

12.

I replied to Author UnseensPhilip Grahamsemail. I stumbled over the best way to articulate my gratitude, meanwhile explaining that the publisher had just announced that the press was going dormant, which meant that The Disappearance of Tom Nero would go out of print after May 2025. In short, all that would be left of it past this date were the copies out there in the world already, short of my finding a new press to take on its reprinting. A Disappearance, indeed.

In true Barthesian fashion, Iwhoever I was when I wrote The Disappearance of Tom Nerohad died, and the book was the ghost of who I used to be.

I could be happy with that, I thought. My ghost, out there in the world, living adjacent to me as I continue to form new ghosts, shedding themvia proselike a cycle of spectral molting.

13.

There was still one thing I had not quite figured out one thing though, and I had to know: how had Philip Graham found Tom Nero?

I looked up his curriculum vitae, helpfully organized on Wikipedia into an easily-digestible list. It turned out that Philip Graham had not only written a novel (well, two, now) and three collections of short fiction, but also three books of non-fiction: The Moon, Come to Earth: Dispatches from Lisbonand two books of anthropological interest, from the years when he and his wife lived among the Beng people in Cote dIvoire, Africa. These were the Worlds booksParallel Worlds being the first book, subtitled: An Anthropologist and a Writer Encounter Africa. It was co-authored, and the anthropologist (Philip Grahams wife) was named Alma Gottlieb.

The various strands fell together quickly after that, and Philip confirmed it in a reply email a few days later. It turned out that Alma had shown Philip what Id written on Goodreads in response to reading Interior Design, and hed liked it so much that he had tracked me down to discover Id written a book, too, and figured thatafter having enjoyed the various clues and hints thereinId probably enjoy a copy of What the Dead Can Say.

Our ghosts shook hands, then grinned.

I immediately read the Worlds books. Ive never been much a student of anthropology or field studies, or really know anything about Africa or its many, fractured peoples. In a way, Ive always been sort of wary of anthropology or published field studies, which have unsettled me with their sense of inalienable smugnessor, as Philip put it in a later email, the valorization of the visitor. Parallel Worldsand its successor, Braided Worldswas anything but this. It was a heartfelt chronicle of humility and genuine desire to approach the unfamiliar, even despite and enduring multiple setbacks in communication and cultural difference. Each chapter alternated point-of-view: from Alma to Philip, and each installment brought new wonder. Pain, too, but sympathy, and if that isnt the goal of reading and living and loving and learning, then I dont know what else is.

In this place, the seed for What the Dead Can Say was planted. As I read through the Worlds books, I delighted to discover Philips brief mentioning of characters that make appearances in his newest novelalmost thirty years later! They had so haunted him that decades had passed before they made themselves speak, via Jenny, in What the Dead Can Say.

As Alma and Philip gradually earn their trust, the Beng people that they have come to know reveal more about their spiritual lives, through sadness and loss experienced as individuals as well as a community. I came upon the following passage of Philips, near to the end of Parallel Worlds, after they witness a divination:

for what writer would disagree that we are possessedby our imaginations, our interior voices, those gifts that surge up from within? Our characters call us, as we call them, and from that invisible, intuitive relationship our stories grow. And once created, those creatures of the imagination make their place out in the worldon a page, in a readers mind.

The Beng tell of what they call the wurugbe, an afterlife of invisible spirits that co-exists adjacent with us as we go about our mortal lives. It is this speculative place of reverence for those who have gone before us which Jenny inhabits in What the Dead Can Say.

It is now August of 2025. This past May, my contract with the publisher of The Disappearance of Tom Nero expired. Because the book was a collaborative effort between my manuscript and the interior illustrator, and because the publisher paid the illustrator for those services, the publisher can technically withhold the files for the book and effectively prevent me from continuing its availability unless I agree to pay the publisher what they paid for services rendered. Despite this being technically legal, it isin my opinionunscrupulous and shameful to effectively hold a book hostage by extorting its author for costs relating to its production. For this reason, I declined to pay the publisher their ransom, and so The Disappearance of Tom Nero has gone out of printfor now.

I have found myself thinking a lot about this lately. My book was initially published in May 2023. On its second birthdayaround the same age as Jenny herself, when she becomes a ghost in the beginning of What the Dead Can Sayit, too, became a ghost.

In a reply via email, prior to the contracts expiry, Philip told me that he believed that The Disappearance of Tom Nero should not, repeat not depart from this earth and revealed that he had ordered a further batch of the book, in order to further propagate its mysteries within the Little Free Library system elsewhere in America. I was immensely touched by this incredible generosity. I like thinking that The Disappearance of Tom Nero might draw the attention of other book-seeking ghosts, wandering through their neighborhood, peering into their Little Free Libraries. Perhaps it will even sit side-by-side with What the Dead Can Say. Ghosts of a similar kind, with clues within as to their identityjust like all of uswaiting to be discovered.

Now, I think, Tom Nero and Jenny travel in similar circles.

Not a bad afterlife, eh? Philip said in his email.

I have to agree.

More information on Philips wonderful novel can be found here, including audio excerpts of each chapter from a wildly talented cast of narrators which Philip has dubbed the Jennyverse Chorus. (I am proud to be one of the voices in that array.)

More information on The Disappearance of Tom Nero might require some screbbing.

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BENNINGTON  A defendants plea agreement in a child sexual abuse materials case was given the go-ahead on the third attempt when a Bennington judge hesitantly accepted the deal.

Caleb Cox, 35, was sentenced to a 2- to 10-year sentence, all suspended, except for 177 days, split to serve, which had already been completed. He will also be on probation for 10 years and be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Cox pleaded guilty to two felony counts of possessing child sexual abuse images during a change of plea last spring. However, the judge in the case had serious reservations about the leniency of the sentence and had rejected the deal twice before due to concerns about the lack of community-based treatment programs, which a pre-sentencing report had identified as necessary. These programs are now available, but the judge also considered the continued safety of the community. In exchange for his guilty pleas, the State, represented by Sophie Stratton of the Attorney Generals office, dismissed seven other counts.

The last attempt at the plea deal sentence was back in May, when the judge again rejected the deal. Since then, Cox had started a community-based sexual offender treatment program on his own. That seemed to be the only change since Mays rejection.

Judge Jennifer Barret, who had been the judge who rejected the plea on both occasions, hesitantly accepted the deal at a hearing on Friday.

This is not a sentence that the court, at face value, believes is appropriate for the content of these crimes, Judge Barrett said after both sides asked that the plea deal be accepted. While the court has great hesitancy about the appropriateness of this resolution, part of the justice process is allowing competent attorneys to negotiate what they believe is an appropriate outcome based on litigation risk, the facts of the case, and what they see as justice in cases like this. The outcome of this case is not a reflection on the seriousness in which the court regards cases like this, nor should it be interpreted as minimizing the conduct, which is incredibly concerning, especially read in conjunction with the PSI [Pre-Sentencing Investigation] and psychosexual [evaluation] in this matter, but is really, the court feels, constrained by the statutory maximums and the ability for the parties to negotiate. There's otherwise no reason this is not a lawful sentence.

Barrett went on to say that the court also weighed the fact that Cox has preemptively spent some time in jail voluntarily in advance of the sentencing, as well as engaging in treatment in the community, both individually and voluntarily, attending sex offender treatment now that it exists in Bennington County.

So, with hesitancy, the court will sentence you in accordance with the agreement, the judge said.

In her argument for the plea deal, Stratton stated that her office takes these crimes very seriously and strives to make plea agreements and offers consistent with typical sentences for plea agreements and contested sentencing in these types of cases. She also showed hesitancy, reciting statistics on climbing incidents in Vermont and many other states for these types of crimes.

These Internet Crimes Against Children are increasing exponentially nationally and also in Vermont. The number of cyber tips received continues to grow every year, and so the goal of our office is certainly to effectuate the sentencing goals of general and specific deterrence through appropriate sentences for these types of crimes. I will say that at the time that this offer was made, the State believed that it was appropriate and in keeping with what we believe are appropriate sentences. The State will say that Mr. Cox accepted responsibility in the plea agreement here early in the case. The State does appreciate that Mr. Cox was willing to accept responsibility early. Mr. Cox has been voluntarily engaged in community treatment, is willing to follow treatment recommendations if he is sentenced pursuant to the plea agreement, which the State, you know, with reservation, does support.

Defense attorney Suzanna Bliss argued for acceptance, offering that Cox had, from the beginning, taken responsibility, had already voluntarily served several months in jail, and had taken it upon himself to seek and obtain treatment in the community.

He (Cox) has also faithfully abided by the court-issued conditions of release throughout the time that this case has been pending, Bliss said. We are asking that the court accept this plea deal.

Cox was initially charged back in 2023 with nine felony counts of possessing child sexual abuse images. He faced a possible five-year sentence on each charge, if found guilty at trial, totaling 45 years behind bars.

A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led police investigators to Cox after Google alerted NCEMC about a series of uploaded files.

According to a police affidavit, Google accounts allegedly linked to Cox searched for these files and then downloaded the materials to files under Cox's control. A search warrant was issued for Coxs residence, where he was living with his fiancee. Cox initially claimed that his email account was hacked. Police confronted Cox with some of the images and videos inside his account. Cox then admitted to police that he used the explicit sites for pleasure.

I want to be absolutely clear that if there are violations of probation that relate to inappropriate internet use or sexualized behavior, the court cannot see a scenario where your attorney would be able to persuasively argue that you should not be revoked, Judge Barrett said as she looked directly at Cox. You've heard the court's hesitancy about this type of resolution, and it's incredibly important that you follow the conditions of probation, and especially continue to engage in the rehabilitative aspects of your sentence. It would be challenging if there were violations to those things, to convince a judge that probation would be appropriate here, so it's in your hands whether or not this is successfully completed in the community.

With that, Cox departed the courtroom on his way to sign up for probation.

The plea deal signed by both parties back in March had Cox pleading guilty to just two of the nine counts. He was to receive a suspended sentence of 1-5 years, with 10 years of probation and a total of 177 days to serve, the exact number of days he spent behind bars awaiting trial. Full credit would be given for all days served, leaving Cox to walk out of the courtroom a free man. The seven additional charges would be officially dropped.

Coxs probation was to include several special conditions, including enrolling in a treatment program for sexual offenders and one for sexual abusers, no pornography, no loitering in places with children, no cameras or recording equipment, warrantless searches, periodic polygraph examinations, no computer or cellphone capable of accessing the internet, a chaperone while visiting with minors, no direct contact with anyone under 16, and a requirement that Cox register as a sex offender for 10 years and tell anyone he is involved romantically with about his convictions.
Editor's Note: This story was updated on Sept. 4, 2025. A previous version of this article omitted that part of the exhibit, located in the small barn, is free and can be viewed without purchasing a tour of Arrowhead.

PITTSFIELD  They met on an Air Force base in Anchorage, before Alaska had its statehood.

She was a nurse, a born and raised Pittsfielder who grew up on Acorn Street, enticed to join the service by the stories of fellow nurses returning from World War II. He was a corpsman from West Virginia, the son of a coal miner raised up in the unincorporated town of McComas.

If you go What: Wedding dress and accessory exhibit at Herman Melville's Arrowhead Where: Herman Melville's Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield On view: Until the end of September, with free admission to the small barn showcase Tours: Available upon request, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday to Monday Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students, free children 12 and under and Berkshire County Historical Society members Reservations: 413-442-1793, berkshirehistory.org

At 99, Norma Purdy will still tell it to you straight: She wasnt sure what to make of Thomas Purdy when she first met him. He was the corpsman assigned to her ward and hed often give her a great deal of attention when they worked shifts together, caring for soldiers wounded in the Korean War who couldnt make the longer trip to San Francisco.

He was actually across the hall, and he kept coming over a lot  and I said Gee, he really is a pest! Norma Purdy said with a sly smile.

It wasnt until a night shift together on New Years Eve that she finally got the picture  as the only nurse on the ward without a date, Norma Purdy volunteered to work so the others could go have fun. So did Thomas Purdy.

That was about the time that I decided he was interested in me, Norma Purdy said.

Though they didnt share a midnight kiss that New Years Eve, a decades-long love story started then and there  one that eventually ended in marriage. On Oct. 23, 1954, the two were married at 9 a.m. at the former Notre Dame Church in Pittsfield, with a brunch reception afterward at Chef Karls in Lenox. They built a life together thereafter on Williams Street, with five children and immeasurable memories, until Thomas Purdys death in 2019.

On her wedding day, Norma Purdy wore a satin dress that cost $54 total  what would have been $645 today, roughly. She got the design from a magazine, she said, and purchased the fabric herself from the Skinner Silk Factory in Northampton. She took the material to a dressmaker named Mrs. Tiska, who turned it into a resplendent garment for the ceremony.

For years, the wedding dress had been hanging in Norma Purdys closet  her daughters had shown some interest in wearing it for their own weddings, but ultimately, it never came to pass.

Now, some 70 years after the nuptials at Notre Dame, Norma Purdys dress is a centerpiece in the summer exhibition at Herman Melvilles Arrowhead  a showcase of wedding dresses and accoutrements from the Berkshire County Historical Societys collection with pieces ranging from the 1770s to the 1970s.

Among the pieces on display, visitors will find Norma Purdys wedding dress, Thomas Purdys navy blue suit and the dress of her sister, Katherine Cassavant Dupuis, who served as maid of honor. The dresses were given some restoration care by Norma's daughter, Patricia Purdy, as was the bridal veil.

For Purdy, a former volunteer who had already given 28 years to Arrowhead, donating the dress for the new exhibit just made sense.

I knew that they had other wedding dresses down there  thats why I thought, you know, instead of leaving it home just to turn yellow and not have it appreciated that it would be better to give it to them, Purdy said.

Changes and constants

The exhibit, on view through Sept. 29, is something of a spiritual successor  and happier counterpoint  to a previous show about mourning practices which featured funerary dresses and attire, said curator Erin Hunt. Similar to that exhibit, the pieces in the small barn can be viewed without purchasing admission for a tour. Pieces on display in the house are only accessible with a tour.

Making use of the historical societys extensive costume collection, Hunt put together a program boasting everything from impossibly narrow silk wedding shoes worn just before Independence Day (the original one) to hand fans and top hats.

Pieces of the show can be found in the historic Melville residence and the red barn on its grounds, ranging greatly as style and traditions that changed over the years. The dress of Louise Frances Laflin provides a curious example, as it may not immediately strike its viewer as a wedding dress by modern preconception: Laflin wore a pale blue taffeta dress with a wide skirt and a golden flower design brocaded throughout.

The garment seems unconventional by todays standards, but Hunt said it wouldnt have been uncommon at all when Laflin wore it in 1850 to marry Zenas Marshall Crane  white dresses also hadnt dominated the style yet at that point, Hunt said. It was also Cranes second wedding, and may have been less formal than his first to Laflins sister who had died a year prior.

White wedding dresses werent standard until you get into the mid-19th Century, Hunt explained. A lot of times theyd just be wearing a nice dress  and they could get more mileage out of it if it wasnt a one-off.

Other pieces in the collection highlight the impact that a single dress can have on a family  three generations of brides wore an organdy and lace dress on display, with Mary Stuart Field debuting the garment in 1872, followed by Julia Pomeroy Averill in 1900 with granddaughter Averill Belknap reprising it for her wedding in 1922. Despite being half a century old by the time Averill Belknap wore it, Hunt noted that she found a way to make the dress look of her time with the fashion of the day.

There are also some Melville family relics on display, including eight swatches kept by the authors granddaughter, Eleanor Melville Thomas Metcalf  one from each dress she was wearing when she received proposals of marriage. The garments' utility for a sort of personal recordkeeping, as Hunt described it, add yet another dimension to the exhibit.

Theres plenty more to see at Arrowhead  old advertisements, wedding photos and things that cement these items in local history. Throughout it all, viewers will get a sense for how marriage trends have evolved over time  and how some things have remained the same.

In doing the exhibit on mourning traditions, theres been such dramatic change over the years in how we kind of handle that  where, with weddings, theres so many things that are so consistent, but also its always been kind of variable, Hunt said. Its just different people with different lives approaching things in different ways.

IF YOU GO

What: Wedding dress and accessory exhibit at Herman Melville's Arrowhead

Where: Herman Melville's Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, Pittsfield

On view: Through Sept. 29. Small barn showcase is free. House display requires ticketed tour.

Tours: Available upon request, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday to Monday

Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students, free children 12 and under and Berkshire County Historical Society members

Reservations: 413-442-1793, berkshirehistory.org
Menopause and perimenopause have historically been underappreciated in workplace discussions as well as in health care. The symptoms, while often misunderstood or ignored, are real, and for some employees, they can be debilitating, notes columnist Allen Harris.
A new bill filed by state Rep. John Barrett and state Sen. Paul Mark would exempt small districts like Hancock  which lack their own middle or high schools  from paying costly tuition for school choice students who continue on to other districts, potentially allowing Hancock Elementary to reopen to out-of-district families.
GREAT BARRINGTON  Louis Oggiani, known by most as Lou, was a lovable character who always had a story to tell  and he "spiced up" every conversation he was a part of.

Those who knew Lou loved him," said longtime friend Michael Considine, "and those who didnt, never met him.

Oggiani, 73, died of cancer Aug. 25. He was remembered by friends as a talkative, kind, family-oriented person who seemed to know everyone and was an active volunteer in the Southern Berkshire community.

In addition to being a lawyer who took on many pro bono cases, he was an avid volunteer. He spent 40 years working with the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, two decades as an emergency medical technician at Bousquet Mountain Ski Area, and was the emergency management director for the town of West Stockbridge. He also served as an official scorekeeping and track and field assistant at Monument Mountain High School.

Born in Great Barrington in 1951, Oggiani spent the majority of his life in South County, aside from when he attended the College of Holy Cross (Class of 1973), and Suffolk University Law School (Class of 1977). He's practiced law in Great Barrington ever since.

Like many who knew him, Jim Santos, president of the ambulance squad's board of directors, loved to listen to Oggiani tell stories.

You couldnt talk for less than half an hour when you had a conversation with him because he always had six stories to tell you about, which was great, Santos said. It was always nice to just sit and relax and talk to Lou.

He was a familiar face during Tanglewood events, constantly on duty for the ambulance squad. One of Oggiani's favorite things was working Tanglewood events, as it combined two of his favorite things, along with the ability to talk to so many people, said longtime friend Pete Brewer.

Brewer had been practicing law with Oggiani since they met in 1986, and said he will remember most about him is that they always had a lot of fun.

He was gregarious, a great friend, always positive, upbeat. Everybody knew him. One of the things we always recall a lot is that he liked to talk, Brewer said. He was particularly proud of his family, his wife and his two sons, and it would be rare not to hear something nice that his family was doing.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Pultorak Oggiani, two sons and a grandchild.

Oggiani always went above and beyond what he needed to do, and didnt expect anything in return, Considine said.

He did so much for so many people, Considine said.

When Superior Court Judge Jim Dohoney died in 1995, Oggiani started a scholarship fund in his memory for graduating seniors. Instead of throwing a fundraiser party, he rounded up a bunch of legal professionals and put on plays. He tapped into his creative side by producing, directing and occasionally acting in the plays to benefit the Fairview Hospital Auxiliary, the Berkshire Bar Association, and the James P. Dohoney Scholarship Fund, for which he was also on the selection committee.

And we did several plays, and just had a lot of fun doing it and raised a little money, Brewer said, an example of how Oggiani was able to take things he loved and turn it into something that benefits the community.

Santos first met him in middle school, but he really got to know him when he joined the ambulance squad. Hes been involved with the squad in various capacities over the years  from being an EMT to serving on the board of directors.

He's been very instrumental in guiding us through difficult times when we needed it, and he was always there as a guiding source of information whenever we needed any sort of legal answers to questions that we had, he said.

Oggiani was always proud of his family and would love to talk about his wife, sons and grandchildren whenever he could.

He really just liked being around people and doing things for the community, Santos said.

I loved him, and I'm going to miss him a lot, Brewer said.
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Donald Morrison is an Eagle columnist and co-chair of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle.
In a sure sign of the end of summer, students arrive on buses at Allendale Elementary in Pittsfield on Thursday for the first day of school. Jackets and sweaters will be needed through the coming week as mornings will be chilly and daytime highs remaining below normal  but no rain is expected.
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SCO summit in Tianjin to usher in a new era of cooperation

09:25, August 29, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

Guests attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit visit YTO Group Corporation, a leading agricultural machinery manufacturer based in Luoyang, central China's Henan province, July 26, 2025. (Photo/Li Weichao)

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 will be held in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. This will be the fifth time China hosts the gathering and the largest summit in the organization's history.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will join leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations on the banks of the Haihe River to review the SCO's achievements, chart its future course, build consensus among member states, and steer the organization toward the goal of building a closer SCO community with a shared future.

The SCO has become a model of new international relations and regional cooperation, and a constructive force of global significance. Since its founding 24 years ago, the organization has adhered to the Shanghai Spirit, which is founded on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and the pursuit of common development.

Since its inception in China's Shanghai in 2001, the SCO has expanded from a regional organization with six members into a trans-regional organization with 10 full members, two observer countries, and 14 dialogue partners. Over the years, it has deepened solidarity and mutual trust, strengthened security cooperation with tangible results, advanced integrated development to the benefit of all parties, enhanced cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and expanded its influence and appeal.

At a time of turbulence and uncertainty in the international landscape, the SCO has remained confident and taken practical steps to advance cooperation. It serves as the torchbearer of the Shanghai Spirit, a practitioner of deeper collaboration, and a contributor to building a community with a shared future for humanity, providing more stability and positive momentum to the world.

New energy buses are loaded onto a ship at Yantai Port, east China's Shandong province, for export to Pakistan, Aug. 14, 2025. (Photo/Zhang Chao)

As a founding member, China has always prioritized the SCO in its neighborhood diplomacy. Since China took over the SCO rotating chairmanship in July last year, China has acted on the slogan "Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move," and made solid progress in its work as the SCO chair.

It has hosted over 100 events, and worked with all member states to advance reform and innovation in various aspects such as the deliberation mechanism, cooperation pattern and permanent bodies, to ensure smoother and more efficient operation of the organization. Together with SCO member states, it has actively carried out exchanges and dialogues among political parties, media and think tanks, giving people a better understanding of the "Shanghai Spirit" and bringing the big family of the SCO closer.

Modernization is the common aspiration of SCO members. This year, Pakistan's New Gwadar International Airport, built with China's support, welcomed its inaugural commercial flight. The mainline construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway entered the substantive construction phase, accelerating the development of a multidimensional regional connectivity network. In Nepal, the Sanjen Khola hydropower station, built by a Chinese company, has been put into operation and connected to the national grid, contributing to efforts in alleviating local power shortage.

Through active participation in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and alignment with the Global Development Initiative, the SCO is steadily evolving into a reliable strategic backbone for common prosperity and vitalization of its member states.

Faculty members of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Kazakhstan join an industrial robot training session at Tianjin Vocational Institute, north China's Tianjin municipality, July 1, 2025. (Photo/Liu Dongyue)

Today's world remains overshadowed by power politics, unilateral bullying, and persistent conflicts, underscoring the urgent need for fairness and justice. By standing firmly on the right side of history, the SCO is redoubling efforts to safeguard peace, fairness, and justice in global affairs.

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 founding of the United Nations. Against this historical backdrop, the SCO has amplified the collective voice of its member states on major international and regional issues, made the system of global governance fairer and more equitable, and united and guided the Global South in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

The upcoming SCO Tianjin Summit is expected to be an event of friendship, solidarity, and tangible achievements, highlighting the SCO's resilience and stability amid global uncertainties.

Together with all member states, China will remain committed to the SCO's founding mission, fulfill its responsibilities through concrete actions, and seek common prosperity through cooperation. By leading the organization into a new stage of stronger unity, deeper collaboration, greater vitality, and broader achievements, China and its partners will contribute more "SCO strength" to lasting world peace and shared development.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Jim Gavin would make an exceptional president, the deputy leader of Fianna Fail said, as he backed the former Dublin GAA manager to become the partys nominee.

During a day of several major developments in the Fianna Fail nomination process, Jack Chambers said he would be fully supporting Mr Gavin.

Mr Chambers told reporters it was his understanding that Mr Gavin will seek the partys nomination.

He would make a brilliant candidate for the party, someone who has served in many roles with distinction, integrity and humility and I think he will make an exceptional candidate.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern during an event for the 50th anniversary of Eamon de Valeras death, at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Chambers said Mr Gavin is very serious about a potential candidacy, adding that he would get a lot of support among the parliamentary party.

It came after party MEP and other hopeful Billy Kelleher said it was healthy for Fianna Fail to have a contest for its presidential nomination.

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Mr Kelleher was speaking after formally declaring his intention to seek backing.

Meanwhile, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was not ruling himself out of the race, as he expressed disappointment that his partys leadership had failed to express support for him.

Mr Ahern and Mr Kelleher were among party stalwarts who attended a special mass at Glasnevin Cemetery on Friday, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Eamon de Valera.

Mr Kelleher told reporters that it was a good thing for other people to put their name forward as a candidate for Fianna Fails nomination.

Billy Kelleher (left) at Glasnevin Cemetery (Brian Lawless/PA)

His party colleague and Further Education Minister James Lawless endorsed Mr Gavin, a move followed shortly thereafter by Mr Chambers echoing that support.

Mr Kelleher said: I dont know Jim well, but I know his record in terms of the GAA and what hes achieved in that.

He added: The name Jim Gavin is synonymous with success, but from my perspective, you know, I feel I have a lot to offer as well.

Mr Kelleher said he welcomed discussion on who the candidate should be, but added: In that choice, theres debate around the type of candidate.

Do they carry the values of our party? Are they pro-European? Are they pro-enterprise? These are the key issues.

At the same event, Mr Ahern said he had repeatedly sought an answer from the Fianna Fail leadership about whether they would support him.

Mr Ahern said: I never rule myself out. If you never rule yourself out, youre still in.

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He said he had been seeking an answer from party electoral officials since December 16th.

He said he did not get an answer and found it very disappointing to see recent reports that the leadership would not support him.

Asked if this meant he was prepared to seek a nomination against the wishes of the leadership, he repeated that he had not ruled himself out.

Asked about Mr Aherns comments, Mr Chambers said he was not aware of that.

He said he had huge respect for Bertie Ahern but that he believed Mr Gavin was the best candidate.

Earlier, Mr Kelleher said he had first been approached by Fianna Fail figures in April and May about running, but there was no formal process in place at the time.

He said that once he publicly called for a process to allow people to put their names forward, in August, he was approached again by party members.

I spoke with Micheal Martin, the leader of the party, last night, and I informed him that I will be putting my name forward, he told RTEs News At One programme.

Mr Kelleher, a former Cork North-Central TD and junior minister, who was a farmer before becoming a politician, said he would be a unifying force as president.

Asked if Mr Martin was happy that he was looking to become a candidate, he said: I honestly believe that nobody who leads a democratic party could be unhappy with having a robust, rigorous debate within the party to find a candidate to represent the party in a very important (election).

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Fianna Fails parliamentary party is expected to make a decision on the presidential election in the early autumn.

So far, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly is the only candidate who has secured the backing needed to get on the presidential ballot paper.

The Galway TD has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and independents.

Sinn Fain has yet to announce whether it will support Ms Connolly or run its own candidate.

Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly are in a race to secure the Fine Gael nomination, after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness in mid-August on medical advice.

A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before the second term of President Michael D Higgins ends on November 11th.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

Although figures such as MMA fighter Conor McGregor and Riverdance star Michael Flatley have said they are looking to run as presidential candidates, they would need to have this support to be on the ballot paper.
Irish aid worker Gena Heraty has been released alongside the other people she was kidnapped with in Haiti.

The Mayo woman was taken from the St Helene orphanage she works in earlier this month.

In a statement, her family members said they are "relieved beyond words" and "deeply grateful" for local and international support.

The aid worker's family has thanked the Irish Ambassador to the US and Tanaiste Simon Harris in particular.

In a statement this evening, her family said: We are so delighted to be able to share that Gena, and all those taken with her, have been released following their kidnapping on 3 August, 2025, from the St. Helene property in Kenscoff, Haiti.

We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return. In particular we would like to acknowledge the support of an Tanaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his team at the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America.

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The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support.

For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care. We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.

We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there.
While there have been some increases in defence spending, they are "window dressing" and need to be accelerated dramatically, according to a former TD and deputy commander of the Army Ranger Wing.

In documents obtained by The Irish Times, it recently emerged that Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Harris had proposed doubling defence spending.

Mr Harris wanted capital funding of 3.4 billion for capital defence projects between 2026 and 2030. He eventually secured 1.7 billion in capital funding for defence between 2026 and 2030.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, former TD and soldier Cathal Berry said: "Tanaistes don't request anything, tanaistes and taoisigh decide. They don't request anything from line ministers, they direct line ministers, so I'd be mindful of that. If someone is serious about investing in the Defence Forces, and you're in a position of authority, you direct... you don't request."

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While there have been some increases in defence spending, they are at the lower level of what was recommended in the Commission on the Defence Forces report.

Mr Berry said the spending increase should be acknowledged, adding "but we are always playing catch up".

"We are behind and while there has been a small bit of progress in the last three years we're still talking about sonar, about rader, air policing capability, but we have to translate words into actions and see something tangible happening on the ground, to date we haven't seen that capability jump.

'Window dressing'

"We've seen some window dressing and that should be acknowledged that there is some progress, but it's not at the pace that's needed, if you look at other small European countries like Denmark for instance, they have completely improved, altered and upgraded their national security apparatus in the last three years it's dramatically changed. Ours is the same with a small bit of incremental progress.

"A lot of ministers like getting their photo taken with troops or at barracks. It's good from a PR point of view but whether they'll follow through on resourcing is the next issue, to date it hasn't really happened."

With Independent TD Catherine Connolly running for president, previous comments she made in the Dail in which she claimed "we do not need an Army" have resurfaced.

Former KIldare South TD Cathal Berry was a deputy commander in the Army Ranger Wing.

Mr Berry was critical of the claim, adding that it shows a lack of support for those working in the Defence Forces.

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"There are 100,000 voters in the defence community in Ireland. It shows the lack of understanding and empathy for the defence community and I would hope those comments would be withdrawn in due course because they are completely unacceptable."

He also said debate around the triple lock distracts from the issue of funding for the Defence Forces.

Mr Berry pointed to Ireland's strategic location with undersea cables connecting Europe with the US vital for internet, banking and other day to day services.

"Someone brings up the topic of the Defence Forces, someone immediately brings it down the rabbit hole of neutrality or the triple lock. These things are not in the top 20 priorities of the Defence Forces.

"Instead of actually having a discussion about defence, national resilience and security, our troops, our soldiers, sailors and aviators, it's this academic discussion about something that is absolutely irrelevant to Defence Forces personnel. This has to change.

"The Undof mission in Syria, fully mandated, triple lock-compliant, but Ireland had to withdraw because we didn't have the troops, for logistical and resourcing reasons, not any legalistic reasons.

"The actual discussion should be around our Defence Forces and national security."

The truth is we underinvested in national security for decades.

He added: "Ireland needs to work on its national resilience because we don't know what's coming up next week, let alone next year. Unfortunately national resilience hasn't been invested in in the past and now we have to play catch up.

"I'm not convinced we're catching up at the appropriate pace. There have been some very small improvements, but most of that is window dressing, there hasn't been a substantial capability jump yet. We haven't filled the capability gap yet, there's been a lot of talk and press releases, some funding but nowhere near enough to actually make up for lost time.

"The truth is we underinvested in national security for decades. There are consequences for not investing in our Defence Forces, our defence policy has failed. We are an under-defended island, a strategic island, a major hub for big data, for semi-conductors (made in Leixlip in Kildare), big pharma around Cork, and a lot of multinational companies which is the lifeblood of this economy and society."
The race to be Fianna Fail's candidate for the presidential election and the end of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon makes the front pages of Friday's papers.

The Irish Times leads with figures from the Central bank that shows the richest 10 per cent of households in the Republic hold almost half the wealth.

The Irish Examiner leads with the end of the Defence Forces UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon described as a "major setback".

The Echo leads with over 45 million spent on BusConnects in Cork so far.

The Irish Independent leads with Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin set to contest to be Fianna Fail's candidate in the Presidential election.

The Irish Daily Mail also leads with Fianna Fail's candidates, as they claim the Taoiseach has given his backing to Jim Gavin.

The Irish Daily Mirror and the Irish Daily Star leads with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon set to wind down in 2027.
Israel declared Gazas largest city a dangerous combat zone and recovered the remains of two hostages as the army launched the initial stages of a planned offensive that has drawn international condemnation.

As the military announced the resumption of fighting, health officials said the death toll in Gaza has risen to 63,025, with 59 new deaths reported by hospitals over the last 24 hours.

Aid groups and a church sheltering people said they would stay in Gaza City, refusing to abandon the hungry and displaced who depend on them.



Palestinians carry humanitarian aid packages near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution centre (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The shift comes weeks after Israel first announced plans to widen its offensive in the city, where hundreds of thousands are sheltering while enduring famine.

The military has in recent days ramped up strikes in neighbourhoods on the citys outskirts.

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Plumes of smoke and thunderous blasts could be seen and heard across the border in southern Israel on Friday morning.

Israel has called Gaza City a Hamas stronghold, alleging that a network of tunnels remain in use by militants after several previous large-scale raids on the area throughout nearly 23 months of war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that crippling Hamas capabilities in the city is critical to shielding Israel from a repeat of the October 7 2023 attack that ignited the war.

While United Nations agencies and aid groups condemned the offensives announced start, people in Gaza City said it made little difference  strikes already have been intensifying and the aid reaching them was insufficient.

City resident Mohamed Aboul Hadi said it made no difference.

The massacres never stopped, even during the humanitarian pauses, he said in a text message sent from Gaza City.

More than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war started, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Friday.

The ministrys count  63,025  does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime ministers office in Jerusalem (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP)

It also said five people had died from malnutrition-related causes over the past 24 hours, raising the toll to 322, including 121 children, since the war began.

The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals.

The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on war casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

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 Some refuse to leave as Gaza City assault begins

Facing international criticism, Israel instituted what it called tactical pauses in Gaza City and two other populated areas last month that it said were geared toward letting in more food and aid.

The pauses included a daily halt in fighting from 10am to 8pm, though aid groups have said deliveries remained challenging due to blockade, looting and Israeli restrictions.

At midday on Friday, the military said it had suspended pauses, marking the latest escalation after weeks of preparatory strikes in some of the citys neighbourhoods and calling up tens of thousands of reservists.

We will intensify our strikes until we bring back all the kidnapped hostages and dismantle Hamas, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said.

Mr Adraee, the Israeli militarys Arabic-language spokesperson, has for days urged Palestinians in Gaza City to flee south, calling evacuation inevitable.

Hundreds of residents began the journey south on Friday, piling their few remaining possessions onto pickup trucks or donkey carts. Many have been forced to leave their homes more than once.



Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid packages from the United Arab Emirates, airdropped by parachutes into Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The UN said on Thursday that 23,000 people had evacuated over the past week, but many Palestinians in Gaza City question the effort when there is nowhere safe to go.

The Holy Family Church of Gaza City told The Associated Press on Friday that the roughly 440 people sheltering there would remain along with members of the clergy who would assist them.

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Farid Jubran said the church had left the decision up to the people even though they had little recourse to insulate themselves from fighting.

When we feel danger, people get closer to the walls or whatever, its more protected, he said, noting the church had few specific defences.

The UNs humanitarian agency said its staff and NGOs also would remain on the ground.

 Aid groups say they were not notified

As Israel suspended pauses on Friday in Gaza City, the military did not say whether they had notified residents or aid groups of the impending declaration ahead of the 11.30am announcement.

Norwegian Refugee Council, which co-ordinates a coalition of aid groups active in Gaza, said it had not received notification that Israels tactical pauses would be suspended.

The UN said on Thursday the besieged strip could lose half of its hospital bed capacity during an expanded assault on Gaza City.

We cannot provide health services to two million people besieged in the south, said Zaher al-Wahidi, a spokesman for Gazas Health Ministry, noting a forcible evacuation of the strips largest city would be an environmental and health catastrophe.



An activist blocks a highway during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas near the city of Lod, Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

The suspension of the pause also comes one week after the worlds leading food security authority declared Gaza City was being gripped by famine after months of warnings.

An Israeli military official said Israel intended to continue facilitating aid to Gaza City, but provided no details on how they would continue to get aid in amid a ramped-up offensive.

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This will have a horrific impact on people already exhausted, malnourished, bereaved, displaced, and deprived of basics needed for survival, the UNs humanitarian agency said in a statement.

Forcing hundreds of thousands to move south is a recipe for further disaster.

 Remains of hostages recovered

Israel on Friday said its military had recovered the remains of two hostages  Ilan Weiss and another left unnamed.

The campaign to return the hostages continues continuously. We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home  both the living and the dead, Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.

Mr Weiss, 55, was killed in the attack on Kibbutz Beeri, one of the communities near Gaza that Hamas-led militants stormed on October 7.

For the families of hostages, the return of their remains meets a central demand and brings some closure, but also is a reminder of hostages who remain in Gaza.

At least they have closure, said Rubi Chen, whose son was abducted during the October 7 attack and is believed to be dead. There are still 49 families waiting to have that closure.



Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel (Maya Levin/AP)

Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas-led militants, nearly 50 remain in Gaza including 20 that Israel believes to be alive.

Israels Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has organised large-scale protests demanding a ceasefire to return the hostages, mourned the losses and said Israeli leaders should prioritise a deal to return both the living and the dead.

We call on the Israeli government to enter negotiations and stay at the table until every last hostage comes home. Time is running out for the hostages, it said in a statement.

Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack.

Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals.
The death toll in a major Russian missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital rose to 23 including four children, officials have said.

The attack comes as US-led efforts to end the three-year war remain stuck in apparent limbo.

Authorities in the Kyiv region declared Friday an official day of mourning.



Rescue workers carry an injured woman away from a damaged building after the attack on Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Flags flew at half-staff and all entertainment events were cancelled after Russia hammered Ukraine with almost 600 drones and more than 30 missiles overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, including rare strikes on Kyiv city centre.

Rescue workers pulled 17 people from the rubble after the Kyiv attack, among them four children, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said.

The youngest victim was a two-year-old girl.

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Some bodies have yet to be identified, and eight people remain unaccounted for, authorities said.

More than 50 people were wounded.

Thousands of personnel from the Interior Ministrys agencies and units worked at the strike sites in Kyiv, rotating every few hours, Mr Klymenko said of the 30-hour rescue operation.

Efforts to stop the fighting with a ceasefire and end Europes biggest conflict since the Second World War through a comprehensive peace settlement have made no progress despite intense diplomatic manoeuvring.

European Union defence ministers expressed outrage on Friday over Russias continuing onslaught in Ukraine and vowed to exert more pressure on Moscow.



Firefighters work on the site of a burning building after the Russian attack on Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiha said that, at the request of Ukraine, the UN Security Council was due to hold an emergency meeting on Friday in response to the latest Russian aerial attack.

 Putin set to attend summit in China with Iran and North Korea

US President Donald Trump has bristled at Russias stalling on an American proposal for direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Trump said a week ago he expected to decide on next steps in two weeks if direct talks are not scheduled.

Mr Trump complained last month that Russian President Vladimir Putin talks nice and then he bombs everybody.

But the latest attack on Kyiv drew no public condemnation from the Trump administration, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that Ukraine has been striking Russian oil refineries.

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Mr Putin is due to attend a summit meeting in China from Sunday that will also include Iran and North Korea, countries which like Beijing have aided Russias war effort, according to the United States.

From September 9, world leaders are expected to attend the UN General Assembly, where Russias invasion will likely be discussed.

A police officer passes by the British Council building after it was hit during Russian missile and drone attacks in central Kyiv, Ukraine (Danylo Antoniuk/AP)



 Senior Ukrainian officials in New York for talks with US

Meanwhile, Western officials are still working on security guarantees for Ukraine that aim to deter another Russian invasion if a peace deal is signed.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and the head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, were in New York on Friday to discuss the possible guarantees and further cooperation, according to a Ukrainian official.

Mr Zelensky noted on Friday that Russia has not budged from its terms for stopping its invasion.

Ukraine, on the other hand, has accepted an American proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky.

Russia has repeatedly raised objections about the peace proposals.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that security guarantees should be the result of peace negotiations rather than a prerequisite for talks to take place.

The provision of security guarantees is not a condition, but rather the result of a peaceful settlement that eliminates the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine, Ms Zakharova said.

That in turn will guarantee the security of our country.

 Zelensky wants more international pressure on Moscow

Mr Zelensky urged countries to crank up the pressure on Russias economy through sanctions and tariffs.

Russia refused to stop the killing  they even said no to President Trump. Were seeing negative signals from Russia regarding a possible leaders summit, Mr Zelensky said in a social media post.

Honestly, we think Putin is still interested only in continuing this war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian officials want to meet with US President Donald Trump and European leaders next week to discuss recent developments in efforts to end the three-year war with Russia.

The proposed meetings appeared designed to add momentum to the push for peace, as Mr Zelensky expressed frustration with what he called Russias lack of constructive engagement in the process while it continues to launch devastating aerial attacks on civilian areas.

Mr Trump has bristled at Russian leader Vladimir Putins stalling on an US proposal for direct peace talks with Mr Zelensky, and said a week ago he expected to decide on next steps in two weeks if direct talks are not scheduled.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talks during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Mr Trump complained last month that Putin talks nice and then he bombs everybody.

But he has also chided Ukraines attacks, and a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight from Wednesday to Thursday that killed at least 23 people drew no public condemnation from the Trump administration.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted on Thursday that Ukraine has been striking Russian oil refineries.

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraines presidential office, is expected to meet on Friday in New York with Mr Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss preparations for upcoming meetings, Mr Zelensky said during a briefing.

Mr Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv that he expected several meetings at different venues with European leaders next week.

Ukrainian negotiators have been trying to move the peace process forward in talks in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and the United States, he said.

Ukraine has accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky, but Moscow has raised objections.

 Ukraine wants leaders involved

Mr Zelensky accused Russia of dragging out negotiations, including by putting off a Russia-Ukraine summit with the argument that the groundwork for a possible peace settlement must be thrashed out first by lower officials before leaders meet.



A man carries a sofa at his apartment damaged by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

That reasoning, Mr Zelensky said, is artificial because they want to show the United States that they are constructive, but they are not constructive.

In my opinion, leaders must urgently be involved to reach agreements, Mr Zelensky added.

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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday reiterated Moscows long-held position that Mr Putin doesnt rule out meeting Mr Zelensky, but only after progress is made at the expert level.

A summit must be well prepared so that it can finalise the work that must first be carried out at the expert level, Mr Peskov told reporters during his daily conference call.

At this point we cant say that the expert work is in full swing, so to speak. No, unfortunately, not. We maintain our interest and our readiness for these negotiations, he said.

 Zelensky says more weapons are crucial for security

Mr Zelensky urged swift secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia and thereby support its war economy.

The possible post-war security guarantees being assessed by Western countries to deter another Russian invasion in the future must include a secure supply of weapons for Ukraine, either through domestic production or Western provision, and US weapons paid for by Europe.

Mr Zelenskys comments came after the death toll in a major Russian missile and drone strike on the Ukrainian capital rose to 23, including four children, officials said on Friday.

Ukraine needs more sophisticated Western air defence systems to counter such attacks.
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NationalPorepunkah shooting This was published 3 months ago Opinion A police gun battle is nothing like a movie. I know from bitter experience Keith Banks Former police officer August 30, 2025  5:00am

August 30, 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

I was not in Porepunkah on Tuesday. I have not been a serving police officer since 1995. Yet the news shook me more deeply than I had expected and dragged back memories I thought I had contained. It never leaves you. The officers who came under fire and were forced to take cover faced agonising minutes not knowing if their mates were alive or dead. They will relive those moments repeatedly, questioning themselves, wondering if they could have acted differently, and perhaps judging themselves harshly  though wrongly. The date of this tragedy will be etched in their memories for life, and for some it may be a day they wrestle with for the rest of their service. I know, because Ive been there. Former police officer Keith Banks (left) was the team leader of a Queensland police tactical assault group in July 1987 when a colleague was shot dead during a raid. In July 1987, I was the team leader of a Queensland police tactical assault group tasked with forcing entry to a house to arrest the states most wanted man, a violent armed robber and prison escapee. As we made entry to the house and moved towards the bedroom, he opened fire with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle, killing one of my team and seriously wounding another. The offender was shot dead in the subsequent exchange of fire. The entire gun battle lasted less than a minute, but its impact on my mental health endured for decades. As my colleague lay dying on the floor, I tried to comfort him while we waited helplessly for an ambulance. That was only the beginning.

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In that era psychological support and counselling didnt exist. That day marked the start of a lifelong struggle with PTSD for many of us who were there. The trauma didnt just affect those of us inside the house. Team members, surveillance officers, and others outside listening to the gunfire have since told me how helpless they felt, not knowing what was happening and unable to do anything to change it. That is called vicarious trauma, and it is just as crippling as direct involvement. Related Article Tribute In the mountains for work, Vadim De Waarts good fortune ran out The fatal shootings of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, along with the serious wounding of their colleague this week, will have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on every member of every police force in Australia. The surviving officer will be traumatised, as will the seven other police involved in the warrant operation. Those now searching the high country for the offender have not yet had the space to process what has happened or to grieve. That must come later, when the immediate job is done. Thats when it will hit them. The families of the officers will be devastated, as will their friends and colleagues, but the shock and grief will extend much further. Families across the country will question whether they want their loved ones to remain as police officers and some members may make the decision to leave.

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Recovery and healing will take time. Its a long, long road. I carried what is termed survivor guilt for years, along with PTSD, anxiety and depression. Some of us still battle those demons nearly four decades later. Some cope better than others. Life is not like the movies. Gun battles are violent, chaotic and bloody  even for highly trained and well-equipped tactical teams. The full details of the killings are not yet known, but from what has been released, it appears the police were ambushed without warning. It is likely they had no chance to defend themselves or escape. Policing is demanding, and its true nature is often misunderstood. The reality is that it is inherently unpredictable  and Tuesday made that unmistakably clear. Police are people  just as human as the rest of us. They live, love, and grieve like anyone. There is no shield that makes them immune to trauma, though many feel compelled to maintain a strong facade and pretend they are unaffected. That facade often shatters  especially on days like Porepunkah.

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Trauma can lie dormant for years before it resurfaces. For me, it hit hard 11 years after leaving the job. There was no trigger, no backfiring car or sudden reminder  just an overwhelming anxiety attack that came out of nowhere and nearly crushed me. Related Article Opinion

Porepunkah shooting Every day my husband goes to work theres a chance he wont come home Stephanie Packer Contributor Research into PTSD shows that early support and intervention can reduce the impact of trauma and speed recovery. Today, police organisations offer far better psychological support than in my era, but the support of friends, family and the community remains just as important as formal counselling. My fervent hope is that all police involved in this tragic event receive all this and more. I know the blue family will rally around the surviving officers, and Victoria Police will provide every support possible. If you know any of them, simply be there. Dont try to give solutions. Just listen. So, what more can you do? When you see police officers on the street, go up to them and say hello. Thank them for what they do. A simple acknowledgment can mean the world and remind them that their work is valued. I guarantee it will make a difference to their day.

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Each year on September 29, Australia marks National Police Remembrance Day. Since 1988, it has honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, two more names will be added to the wall of the fallen at the National Police Memorial in Canberra. On that day, pause and remember them. Keith Banks BM is a former member of the Queensland Police and the recipient of the Bravery Medal and two Police Valour Awards. He is the author of two autobiographical books  Drugs Guns and Lies; and Gun to The Head about his police career.

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For subscribers Keith Banks BM is a former member of the Queensland Police and the recipient of the Bravery Medal and two Police Valour Awards. He is the author of two autobiographical books  Drugs Guns and Lies, and Gun to The Head about his police career.
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Brooding clouds wreathed the cold granite of Mount Buffalo, a suitably sombre backdrop to a tragedy and unfinished business playing out below. Up and down the valleys, freezing rain and thunderstorms assailed hundreds of law enforcement officers facing yet another frustrating day searching for fugitive alleged gunman Dezi Freeman. The search for Dezi Freeman continued under difficult conditions on Friday. Matt Davidson Residents of the alpine valley towns of Porepunkah and Bright locked their doors. As the High Country communities hunkered down, talk of Freemans disappearance into the mountains cold mists exposed not just widespread revulsion at the killing of police officers, but an alternative undercurrent of weird sympathy among a small number of High Country residents for Freemans extreme sovereign citizen views.

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Police, having apparently failed to find any physical trace of the fugitive since he vanished into the forests at the foot of Mount Buffalo after allegedly shooting dead two police officers and wounding a third on Tuesday morning, began to shift focus to the suspicion that he could be receiving help from supporters. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush appeared to imply just such a suspicion when he warned Freemans associates not to provide the alleged killer with any assistance. Police search for Dezi Freeman on Friday. Justin McManus If he is being aided in his escape, whoever is considering aiding him in this escape or avoiding apprehension, they are committing a criminal offence, Bush said on Friday. This person does not deserve to be aided in any way.

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Meanwhile, thermal imaging equipment on police helicopters and drones apparently has not detected any movement of Freeman through the heavily forested area into which he disappeared on Tuesday morning. Related Article Perspective

Porepunkah shooting Porepunkah, a peaceful village with a history of violence and cultists Speculation grew that he had either taken shelter in a bunker or cave he had prepared for the purpose, or had escaped from the search area. A committed survivalist, he is known to have intimate knowledge of the High Country bush, particularly around the Mount Buffalo area, where he has hunted deer for many years. However, serious exposure from the extreme weather conditions would be his fierce enemy if he were still in the mountains without shelter. Snow was predicted down to levels of just 700 metres as the weather closed in towards the end of the week.

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The valley along the Buckland River at the foot of Mount Buffalo is dotted with old mine shafts from the gold rush era, leading some theorists to suggest Freeman might have converted one of the shafts into a deep bunker. The bleaker truth was that theorists simply did not know what had become of him. Police involved in the manhunt on Friday. Justin McManus Bushs warning to those who might be willing to help Freeman escape came hours after police raided a house in the centre of Porepunkah village on Thursday night, when an officer dramatically shouted over a bullhorn for everyone inside to come out with nothing in your hands. Two people  Freemans wife, Mali, and one of his sons  were subsequently arrested, questioned and released. Bush declined to elaborate on reasons for the raid, or to say whether charges might yet be laid.

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A resident of the popular tourist town of Bright, about seven kilometres south-east of Porepunkah, said the events of the past few days had caused his family and their friends to reassess their sense of security. He and his family, like a significant number of others from Melbourne and Sydney, had moved to the towns clear mountain air seeking relief from big-city constraints during the COVID pandemic, and had found the move to be the best thing we have done in our lives. But their sense of tranquillity was shaken deeply when news of the killings of police broke, and the search for Freeman swamped local conversations. We hadnt bothered locking our doors since we arrived, he said.

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People on a chat group we belong to began to express concern this week, and I think were all locking our doors now. We hadnt even drawn the blinds in our house, but we did that for the first time this week, too. Heavy skies blanketed the Buckland Valley to the commune-style farm where Freeman and his family lived. Justin McManus But while the alpine villages gave a sense of freedom and pleasure for some who moved there and bought houses during the pandemic, the opposite effect sent Freeman spiralling into rejection of government and police authority. He had long harboured anti-authority views, according to those who knew him, and some observers believe his decision to change his surname from Filby to Freeman was an extension of it: one of the names for the broad sovereign citizen movement is Freemen of the Land.

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A number of locals said they witnessed Freemans behaviour becoming increasingly erratic during the pandemic. Related Article Opinion

Porepunkah shooting Every day my husband goes to work theres a chance he wont come home Stephanie Packer Contributor He refused to wear face masks in shops, voiced his refusal to get vaccinated, and loudly voiced his distaste for government restrictions and lockdowns. He was anti-everything to do with it, one local said. He went from being what seemed like just a pretty ordinary country bloke  a normal dude youd see at the local footy club ... to quite a strange bloke. He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole and sort of disappeared and went off the radar. Meanwhile, a number of other people who spoke to reporters from this masthead either expressed quiet sympathy for Freeman and his views, or said they knew of people in the district who shared his anti-authority attitudes.

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All refused to be identified, declaring they had to continue living in their alpine communities after the drama finally reached its conclusion, and didnt want to experience a backlash. Related Article Opinion

Porepunkah shooting Ive worked with so-called sovereign citizens. They all believe theyre special Ahona Guha Psychologist A man who entered a shop in Bright and found a reporter speaking to the storekeeper angrily accused the media and the government of forcing Freeman into the position of lashing out. A long-time resident of Porepunkah proposed one of the more surreal scenarios. He refused to believe Freeman could have committed murder, and suggested he had escaped from what he considered a police ambush by collecting his wetsuit from a hideout in the bush and swimming down the Buckland River.

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A woman who described herself as a friend of Freemans wife, Mali, said she believed others who shared some of Freemans views had lived at the Rayner Track property where Freeman allegedly shot the police officers. The woman, agreeing to be interviewed only on condition of anonymity, described those living at the property as a community, some of whom were squatting or pursuing a homesteading arrangement focused on self-sufficient living. She rejected the word compound. She said Mali had also confided in her that Freeman believed he had been mistreated by police, including during an arrest, from which he claimed he had been left with spinal injuries. There is a feud going on with the authorities and him, and this is how its played out, the woman said. She said his physical injuries took a toll on his mental health.

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The group at Rayner Track was one of a number of such off-the-grid gatherings. Theres a lot of people now around here joining their own little communities because theyre finding their tribe, the woman said. The property where Freeman was living is surrounded by dense bush. NearMap I can see why, based on what happened during COVID, and I know that theyve [the Freemans] been involved in the protests and stuff like that. So yeah, thats led them to remove themselves from society. You dont get the truth from the mainstream media, so you have to go searching for it yourself. A man who lived near the Rayner Track property said people were regularly coming and going, though he did not know who they were.

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A substantial house backing onto the Mount Buffalo forest sits on the bush block, plus several sheds and a number of vehicles. Freeman and his family had been living in a bus not far from the main house. All the buildings and vehicles sat abandoned after the shootings this week. On Wednesday, explosions could be heard around the property. It is understood police used flash bang stun grenades to ensure sheds were clear before they began searching. As the bitter late-winter weather deteriorated even further on Friday afternoon  thunder rolling, heavy rain falling and the mountains disappearing within heavy cloud  more than 450 police continued their search, vowing not to give up until Freeman was found, dead or alive.

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NationalVictoriaPorepunkah shooting This was published 3 months ago Police opted against SOG role in arresting alleged Porepunkah gunman Lachlan Abbott and Cameron Houston August 30, 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

Specialist police were considered but not requested by officers planning to issue the sex abuse warrant on alleged police killer Dezi Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen with known hatred of the force and access to firearms. The manhunt for Freeman is now in its fifth day, and in developments on Thursday night and Friday, police moved in on his wife and teenage son, urged the fugitive to give himself up and warned sympathisers against helping his escape. Loading Developments in the hunt for Freeman came as senior police expressed frustration that their resources would be further strained by protests planned in Melbourne on Sunday. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said on Friday more than 450 officers were now in the High Country while the alleged gunman remained at large in rugged and remote terrain.

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We are not leaving here until this person is in custody, he said. Bush confirmed a risk assessment before Tuesdays incident, which claimed the lives of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 34, had not sparked a call for Special Operations Group assistance. When they prepare for a search warrant, theyll do a risk assessment, he said. They will then decide what level of risk is attached to that and what resources are required to support that. They did not consider a request to the Special Operations Group necessary. So what follows is  there was no request, therefore there was no declining of a request.

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Thompson was killed when Freeman allegedly opened fire with a home-made shotgun through the door of a bus he was living in on the Rayner Track property. He then opened a window and fired on De Waart, also injuring a third officer who took shelter under the bus. He is recovering in hospital after undergoing further surgery on Friday. Funerals for the slain police will take place with full honours at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley. De Waart will be farewelled on Friday and Thompson on September 8. Loading Fugitive squad detectives and Special Operations Group officers took Freemans wife, Mali, 42, and their 15-year-old son into custody during a nighttime operation in Porepunkah on Thursday. The pair were interviewed specifically in relation to the homicide and released.

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There may or may not be charges that follow, Bush said. Residents of Chandler Court were tight-lipped when asked about the commotion. One young man asked the media to stay away from the house, owned by a friend of Malis, and to leave the family alone. Senior Constable Vadim De Waart (left) and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson. Victoria Police The chief commissioner said there had been an alleged sighting of Freeman since his escape, but none had been confirmed. Bush made a direct appeal to Freeman, a survivalist with weapons and a known hatred of the force.

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If that person is listening, it really is time to lay down your firearms and give yourself up so that we can all bring this to a safe conclusion, Bush said. A friend of Dezi Freeman, who also lived on the same Porepunkah property where the shooting unfolded, told reporters on Friday he had been helping take care of Freemans wife and their children, describing them as highly stressed. Loading To Dezi, do the right thing for your family, Fabio Zambelli told Channel Ten. Give up, surrender. Im not here to judge  but theres a woman and kids under high stress. The police chief also warned sympathisers about giving Freeman any assistance.

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If he is being aided in his escape, whoever is considering aiding him in this escape or avoiding apprehension, they are committing a criminal offence, Bush said. This person does not deserve to be aided in any way. The Porepunkah street where armed police swarmed on Thursday night. The Age The manhunt, one of the biggest in Victorias history, is being aided by officers from NSW, South Australia, the ACT and the federal police. Its not just the Victoria Police that are hurting at the moment  its the entire police family, Bush said.

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Resources will be stretched at the weekend by a planned anti-immigration march in the CBD set to coincide with the weekly pro-Palestine march. Superintendent Troy Papworth said police would have to mount a significant operational response to ensure we maintain public order and safety. A police vehicle in Porepunkah on Friday. Justin McManus Its extremely frustrating that in the midst of a major police operation in Porepunkah, weve got to allocate significant resources to these protests, he said on 3AW. Weve just lost two of our colleagues, and we are in the process of tracking down an armed and dangerous fugitive, yet we are having to respond to protesters intent on causing disruption and violence.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had offered Victoria every support that is required in the hunt for the alleged gunman. Bad weather continues to slow search efforts. The area has already been hit by persistent rain and a storm cell with fierce winds, thunder, lightning and hail is forecast for the weekend. Emergency management commissioner Tim Wiebusch warned that Victorians were facing a weather system unlike anything it had seen in a couple of years. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast possible blizzard conditions in the alpine region.

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The weather certainly doesnt help, but our people are very used to working in inclement conditions, Bush said. And Im sure it doesnt help the person were looking for. The number one priority for Victoria Police is to find the person who murdered our officers. Misty-Rose Wilson, the general manager of the Porepunkah Pub. Justin McManus After enduring days of warnings to stay indoors, locals returned to the Porepunkah Pub on Friday afternoon. Misty-Rose Wilson, the pubs general manager, said the drama of the past few days was a huge shock to the tourist town, which she believes many dont know about.

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Related Article Porepunkah shooting As the weather turns, a dark question surfaces: Is alleged gunman receiving help? Wilson said she had come across Freeman a few times, but he wasnt a regular at the pub. He had a nice demeanour. He was definitely an outspoken gentleman, but nothing to warrant the decisions he made four days ago, she said. Wilson said many High Country locals had a similar anti-authority mindset to Freeman. Its a shock to see someone you know slowly decline, I suppose, over the past few years, she said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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NationalVictoriaPorepunkah shooting This was published 3 months ago Two protests and manhunt stretch police to the limit Cassidy Knowlton and Alexander Darling August 29, 2025  5:27pm 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

Amid the search for the man accused of ambushing and killing two police officers in Victorias High Country, two protests in Melbourne are set to test the limits of Victoria Police resources. A planned anti-immigration march, called the March for Australia, is set to coincide with the weekly pro-Palestine march through Melbourne CBD on Sunday, diverting police away from the hunt for alleged murderer Dezi Freeman in its crucial first weekend. Police at a Melbourne protest in 2024. Officers will be diverted from the search for Dezi Freeman to be in Melbourne this weekend. Eddie Jim At a media conference on Friday in Wangaratta, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the forces priority was to continue to scour dense bushland for Freeman, who has been on the run since he allegedly killed two officers and wounded a third on Tuesday morning. Bush conceded that officers would need to be diverted to ensure public safety at Sundays protests. The number one priority for the Victoria Police is the hunt for this [alleged] murderer, and were pouring in over 450 resources to that and every other resource we have, he said.

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Were also conscious that the Victoria Police have many other demands, and that includes the protest activity this weekend. Our mission there will be to deploy a large resource also to ensure that those people that are out protesting peacefully are kept safe. So that too is a priority, and we will resource that, and we will resource the other demands. The March for Australia is expected to attract far-right extremists as well as a significant counter-protest. Organisers have called on supporters to take our country back, defend our heritage and stop mass migration. Police officers in Porepunkah on Friday. Justin McManus By Friday afternoon, more than 650 people had responded to the Facebook event saying they were going, with a further 1200 interested. Thousands of protesters march through Melbournes streets in support of Palestine every Sunday. The pro-Palestine rally is set to start at the State Library at 11am, while the March for Australia will kick off at Flinders Street Station, 900 metres away, at midday.

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Superintendent Troy Papworth said police would have to mount a significant operational response to ensure we maintain public order and safety. Related Article Visual Story

Porepunkah shooting Death knock: From mountain murders to a massive manhunt Its extremely frustrating that in the midst of a major police operation in Porepunkah weve got to allocate significant resources to these protests, he said on 3AW on Friday morning. Weve just lost two of our colleagues and we are in the process of tracking down an armed and dangerous fugitive, yet we are having to respond to protesters intent on causing disruption and violence. Papworth didnt offer specifics about the number of officers needed, but said the force would need to draw on police from across the state and the Public Order Response Team. He also didnt speculate on how many people were expected in the CBD on Sunday.

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Our concern for the [March for Australia] protest at Flinders Street  whilst there is an apparent lack of detail as to who exactly is organising this event  our intelligence suggests that there are groups and individuals who hold far-right extremist ideologies and views who are organising  and they are like to attend and cause disruption, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalDemocracy This was published 3 months ago Opinion Democracy was on the defensive before Trump 2.0. Now it may be dying Peter Hartcher Political and international editor August 30, 2025  5:00am

August 30, 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 398 View all comments

The experts have been charting a continuous global democratic decline since 2006. Now we have entered the days of the dictators. Not every country is a dictatorship, of course. But autocracies worldwide outnumber democracies for the first time in over 20 years, according to the annual V-Dem Institute report from Gothenburg University. Illustration by Joe Benke The planet is undergoing the third wave of autocratisation in a century, according to the scholars of such things. The first was the rising fascism of the 1930s. The second was consolidating communism in the Cold War during the 1960s and 70s. And today, among the 200-or-so nations on Earth, only 25 full democracies remain, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit definition. Hot tip: America is not among them. And hasnt been since 2015. It was rated as a flawed democracy even before Donald Trump was elected the first time. It takes more than regular ballots to make a democracy; even North Korea conducts elections. A lot of people are saying, Maybe wed like a dictator, Trump said this week. US business magazine Forbes called this a bizarre comment.

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Not so. The American electorate knew for years that Trump had no regard for the US Constitution or election laws; he claimed the 2020 election had been stolen. Related Article US politics Trump handed giant win as Supreme Court curbs judges power to block his orders In the week before last years election, seven in 10 Americans told CNNs pollster that they didnt believe hed concede defeat if he lost the election. Yet, they proceeded to vote him back into office anyway. So Trump is right. A lot of Americans were prepared to vote for a dictator. And now hes consolidating power like one. He says hes not actually a dictator. But asked whether he has a duty to uphold the Constitution, he replied: I dont know. Far from respecting the separation of powers, hes gathering as many as he can unto himself. Hes appropriating powers that the Constitution reserves for the Congress, in setting tariffs, for instance. Hes defying the courts where it suits him, which is in 57 of 165 court rulings studied by The Washington Post last month, or about one-third. Hes imposing armed National Guard forces on states and cities over the objections of their governors and mayors. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said Trump was a wannabe dictator for his plan to take control of Chicago law enforcement. But no one is stopping the president.

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Hes arbitrarily dictating terms of private sector business transactions, one after another, from Intel to Nvidia, without any clear legal authority, prompting cries of socialism from traditional conservatives. More to the point, Gregory Mankiw, a Harvard economist and an adviser to former Republican presidents, calls it crony capitalism. Donald Trump is now walking the pathway to centralise power in an autocratic presidency. AP Trump is not the cause of the third wave of autocratisation. Hes a symptom of it. And now a leader of it. An expert on democracy and extremism, Lydia Khalil, points out that there are three essential ingredients for democratic erosion: conditions that provide an opportunity; political actors who exploit these conditions; and pathways for their campaigns against democracy. Trump didnt supply the conditions. America did that without him, setting up polarisation, inequality, dysfunction, an anti-government ideology, discontent with immigration, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness that improvement could be possible. Democracy was on the defensive. Joe Biden liked to say that the government needs to show democracy can deliver. It was too little, too late. Trump was the political actor to exploit these conditions. Hes now walking the pathway to centralise power in an autocratic presidency.

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Khalil points out that democracy is not a fixture or a practice. Its a system. Trump is the culminating point of Americas democratic system failure. This week, Khalil launched a new interactive online tool for the Lowy Institute to explain how the democratic system works. And how it fails. I want people to recognise that we all play a part, you cant just blame the media or an autocratic leader, its made up of many interconnected parts, Khalil says. And, as it happens, this week illustrated how the Australian system is under attack from powerful antidemocratic forces: It was a big week, says Khalil, Lowys program director on international challenges. A very big week. Related Article Political leadership Albanese pitches himself as democracys defender before Trump meeting There were two events that dominated the news. One was Irans covert interference program, exposed by ASIO. The intelligence agency concluded that Iran paid local criminals to conduct violent attacks on Jewish institutions in Sydney and Melbourne. Why? To foment division, suspicion and unrest. The Albanese government responded by expelling Irans ambassador to Canberra and proscribing as a terrorist organisation Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These actions, however, wont prevent Iran from continuing its malicious campaign against Australia. Tehran will just need to be more circumspect to get away with it.

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The second was the violent outburst of a so-called sovereign citizen, a local radicalised in Australia. Under the influence of a fringe American-made ideology that refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of the state, he ambushed police officers seeking to serve him an arrest warrant. He allegedly murdered two and injured a third. Its the second set of police killings by so-called sovereign citizens in Australia in three years. Foreign interference and violent extremism are becoming much more intersected, Khalil explains. Fomenting the conditions to lead to violent extremism is a strategy of foreign interference. The leading practitioner is Moscow: Russian information operation campaigns in the US and Europe use bots to polarise, to confuse, to sow discord, and to pollute the information environment. People get confused and lose their epistemological certainty. In other words, they can no longer tell conspiracy from reality. According to Khalil, fomenting the conditions that lead to violent extremists allegedly like Dezi Freeman (pictured) is a strategy of foreign interference. Matt Davidson Any events that are highly divisive  Israel-Gaza, transsexuals, COVID  the Russians promote the divisions and sit back and watch the results.

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The growth of the self-described sovereign citizen movement is, itself, an example of these foreign influence campaigns turbocharging local suspicions and divisions. This ideology was born in 1970s American anti-government conspiracy mongering and lingered on the fringes of society, but when COVID hit, it went gangbusters, says Khalil. The enforced isolation and sudden state repression triggered people who might have been vulnerable to conspiracy thinking, including in Australia. A lot of people were captured by these ideas during COVID, and it didnt recede. With foreign interference and domestic political violence, its not either or, its not one or the other, Khalil says. Its both. Both are sources of  and the product of  the rising tide of far-right ideology that is tearing communities apart. And helping create conditions for the rise of dictators. Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, has said that children aged 10 and 11 spend five to six hours a day addicted to AI companions. Alex Ellinghausen Democracies are especially vulnerable to these harms. Open societies with free speech and open internet access are ready targets for online disinformation and exploitation, whether theyre state-driven by Russia, Iran or China, or whether theyre profit-driven by Meta, Google or X.

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Australia, which remains one of the final 25 full democracies long after the United States, France, Hungary and South Korea have been relegated by the Economist Intelligence Unit to the ranks of flawed democracies, is a pioneer in trying to protect itself from the worst online harms. Its law to deny under-16s access to social media, to take effect in December, will be a major test. Australian democracy is in relatively good health. But we are enjoying the calm before the storm. Khalil is troubled by the emergence of what she calls facilitating conditions. Specifically, growing inequality, notably intergenerational inequality as the younger generations feel left behind, and the polarisation that it can create. Related Article Updated

Trump diplomacy Trump demands countries back down on tech regulation or face big new tariffs And every existing problem is about to be intensified by AI. For example, Australias eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has said that school nurses reported last year that kids aged 10 and 11 are spending five to six hours a day addicted to AI companions. These were sexualised chatbots inciting them to commit sexual acts. And if online conspiracy theorists today are having trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality, how will they cope with high-quality deepfake video? Australias last line of defence is the eSafety commissioner. And she is about to become the prime target of the great wannabe dictator, Donald Trump. He said this week that any country seeking to regulate US technology companies would be hit with substantial additional tariffs on that countrys exports to the USA, plus export restrictions on high-grade US semiconductors.

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Khalil counsels against despair. Democracy, she reminds us, is a process, and one that can renew itself. If you can catch democratic erosion early enough, its like seawalls against a rising tide  you can put up the wall before your house collapses. And beware of the dictators riding the crest of the third wave, determined to sabotage yours. Peter Hartcher is political editor. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Travel newsAir travel Qantas renews flights to island paradise, launches two more routes Julietta Jameson August 30, 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

For the intrepid Australian traveller asking themselves Where next? Palau may come to mind. Thats if theyre seeking the less touristy places on the planet, they crave connection to the natural world  and dont baulk at the elevated prices that come with a remote island location. Peleliu Turtle Cove, Palau. The Micronesian island nation of Palau lies in the western Pacific, with Guam 1330 kilometres to its north-east, New Guinea 650 kilometres to the south, and the Philippines 890 kilometres to the west. It comprises 340 coral and volcanic islands encircled by a large barrier reef protecting a rich, unspoiled marine environment. Unsurprisingly, divers make up a large proportion of visitor numbers.

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The good news for them is, Qantas has just announced it will continue to operate the Palau Paradise Express for another 12 months, after the route was introduced late last year. The six-hour Brisbane to Koror direct flight  a once-a-week Saturday service  has seen visitor arrivals to Palau grow 113 per cent, with 75 per cent experiencing the destination for the first time. Palau Pacific Resort. The service is supported by the Australian government, as part of its soft diplomacy approach to the Pacific. But words of caution come regarding costs. Expensive permits are required for visiting many islands and sites and the cost of living is high.

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It can be argued this, along with its remoteness, will protect Palau from overtourism, but if youre planning a visit, do your research  and bring cash. Cocos (Keeling) Islands and airstrip. Alamy Meanwhile, Qantas has announced a service to another remote and less travelled destination  or rather, a pair of destinations. QantasLink will start flying to Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands for the first time from November 3. Bookings are now open for the services from Perth. The airline will replace Virgin Australia, which currently operates the routes. Its part of a five-year partnership with the Australian government that includes both passenger and freight services.

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Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands are remote Australian territories and lie 2600 kilometres north-west of Perth, yet only 350 kilometres south of Java, Indonesia. Related Article Palau The stunning Pacific island nation just waiting to be discovered Their location on the edge of the Java Trench  the Indian Oceans deepest point  makes for remarkable diving and snorkelling, with whale sharks part of the mix. Christmas Islands amazing biodiversity includes endemic birds and the famous red crab migration. See qantas.com

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CAMPAIGNERS against a proposed wind farm on the slopes of Mount Leinster say south Carlow is still under threat, despite planning refusals at both county and national level.

The group Save Mount Leinster is urging people who objected previously to act quickly, with a 5.30pm deadline on Monday, 1 September, for resubmissions to An Coimisiun Pleanala (formerly An Bord Pleanala).

Spokesperson Joe Kirwan said the long-running process has worn down local communities: Its legal teams and big business against little communities.

'Protected habitat'

The development, by FuturEnergy (formerly Coillte), would see seven turbines, each 178 metres high, built near the popular 'Nine Stones' viewpoint and adjacent to a Special Area of Conservation.

To put the scale in perspective, the existing RTE transmitter mast on Mount Leinster stands at 122 metres, and the turbines would be more than a third higher.

A FuturEnergy spokesperson told

The Nationalist: The planning submission for Croaghaun Wind Farm is currently with An Coimisiun Pleanala. As this project is in the planning system, we are unable to comment on details of this renewable energy project. The proposed Croaghaun Wind Farm comprises seven turbines located south of Myshall and Kildavin. It has the potential to generate approximately 38.5MW of clean renewable electricity capable of powering approximately 25,500 Irish homes annually, they added.

Carlow County Council initially refused the project in 2021, citing its impact on protected habitats and biodiversity including bats and the merlin bird of prey as well as the strain on narrow mountain roads. An Coimisiun Pleanala upheld that decision, but following a High Court challenge, the case has been sent back for a fresh inspectors report.

Over a hundred observations went into An Coimisiun Pleanala the last time. So, everyone that did that got a letter  What has happened in the meantime is that a lot of people who didnt lodge an observation assume planning permission has been refused and that the matter is over, said Mr Kirwan.

Mr Kirwan warned that the development could have serious consequences.

For people that are living near the proposed site, I believe it would (have) a significant bad effect for them.

He added: I think there are a lot better things to do up on the Blackstairs than put seven turbines on it.

Campaign member Cornelia McCarthy said Mount Leinster represents one of Irelands last wild places.

In a time of biodiversity crisis, we actually are destroying what we are supposed to be protecting with this whole renewable drive, she said.

Save Mount Leinster says almost 300 objections were lodged with Carlow County Council in 2021, and more than 120 groups and individuals went on to submit to An Coimisiun Pleanala. In addition, over 3,600 people have signed the groups Uplift campaign petition opposing the project.

Narrow Mountain Roads

The scale of construction also alarms campaigners. During the build, it is estimated that more than 25,000 tonnes of concrete would have to be hauled up narrow mountain roads for the turbine bases alone  enough to cover three Croke Park pitches a foot deep  before any substation or further works are included.

In a submission to An Coimisiun Pleanala last month, Carlow County Council stressed that the county has already granted permission for around 375MW of renewable energy capacity since 2022, which is nearly three times its 2030 target.

Save Mount Leinster argues this proves the proposed turbines are not needed to meet climate goals, while the risks to landscape, biodiversity and tourism are severe.

Mr Kirwan also questioned whether the project would stop at seven turbines, suggesting the level of infrastructure pointed towards future expansion.

National support

The campaign has drawn backing from national organisations including the Irish Wildlife Trust, National Parks and Wildlife, Mountaineering Ireland and the Irish Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Association, which have all made submissions against the proposal.

Anyone who lodged an objection during the original planning process is entitled to submit again before 1 September.

Save Mount Leinster has published a template letter on its website and is also inviting wider support through petitions and direct contact with Carlow County Council.

As the deadline approaches, the group says the future of the Blackstairs landscape remains in the balance.
FROM Crablane near Tullow to Gulf Breeze, Florida, Monsignor Luke Hunt has retired after almost 60 years in the priesthood.

He returned home to Crablane in July to celebrate his retirement with his family, where they held a party in Byrnes pub. He was joined by his brother Peter, family members and friends to mark the milestone occasion.

Msgr Hunt was ordained in Carlow cathedral in June 1967 and left for America soon afterwards, where he spent his entire 58-year career.

For over four decades, he served the parish of St Anns in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Monsignor Luke Hunt and his brother, Peter

Journalist Hunter Ernde wrote a tribute to the much-loved priest in the Floridian newspaper The Catholic Compass.

"He is beloved by several generations of parishioners who have benefited from his wise leadership, attentive presence and desire to bring people into relationship with Christ. His accomplishments as pastor are well-known, but behind many decades of work is the heart of a man given over to Gods will," wrote Hunter.

Msgr Hunt told the magazine that he never dreamt that he would spend almost 60 years in his adopted town.

Attendees at Monsignor Hunt's first mass in Kilquiggan, June 1967

"I never knew Id be here this long, you know. It was growing and it was always exciting and I became very involved in the community. I took what Pope Francis said, that the parish serves the whole community, not just the Catholics, so I got involved in the whole community. It has been a great ride.

He continued: People say well, what are you going to do when you retire? Well, you know, I'm 83, so I'm not going to take up skateboarding or anything like that. The Lord has provided for me through all of these years and I'm sure he's going to provide for me to do something.

"But my priesthood has been very fulfilling. I've got to do things that most priests never had the opportunity to do. I thank God for that and I thank God for the Gulf Breeze community. And I'll still be here and still continue to serve in any way that I can.
James Cox

While there have been some increases in defence spending, they are "window dressing" and need to be accelerated dramatically, according to a former TD and deputy commander of the Army Ranger Wing.

In documents obtained by The Irish Times, it recently emerged that Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Harris had proposed doubling defence spending.

Mr Harris wanted capital funding of 3.4 billion for capital defence projects between 2026 and 2030. He eventually secured 1.7 billion in capital funding for defence between 2026 and 2030.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, former TD and soldier Cathal Berry said: "Tanaistes don't request anything, tanaistes and taoisigh decide. They don't request anything from line ministers, they direct line ministers, so I'd be mindful of that. If someone is serious about investing in the Defence Forces, and you're in a position of authority, you direct... you don't request."

While there have been some increases in defence spending, they are at the lower level of what was recommended in the Commission on the Defence Forces report.

Mr Berry said the spending increase should be acknowledged, adding "but we are always playing catch up".

"We are behind and while there has been a small bit of progress in the last three years we're still talking about sonar, about rader, air policing capability, but we have to translate words into actions and see something tangible happening on the ground, to date we haven't seen that capability jump.

'Window dressing'

"We've seen some window dressing and that should be acknowledged that there is some progress, but it's not at the pace that's needed, if you look at other small European countries like Denmark for instance, they have completely improved, altered and upgraded their national security apparatus in the last three years it's dramatically changed. Ours is the same with a small bit of incremental progress.

"A lot of ministers like getting their photo taken with troops or at barracks. It's good from a PR point of view but whether they'll follow through on resourcing is the next issue, to date it hasn't really happened."

With Independent TD Catherine Connolly running for president, previous comments she made in the Dail in which she claimed "we do not need an Army" have resurfaced.

Former KIldare South TD Cathal Berry was a deputy commander in the Army Ranger Wing.

Mr Berry was critical of the claim, adding that it shows a lack of support for those working in the Defence Forces.

"There are 100,000 voters in the defence community in Ireland. It shows the lack of understanding and empathy for the defence community and I would hope those comments would be withdrawn in due course because they are completely unacceptable."

He also said debate around the triple lock distracts from the issue of funding for the Defence Forces.

Mr Berry pointed to Ireland's strategic location with undersea cables connecting Europe with the US vital for internet, banking and other day to day services.

"Someone brings up the topic of the Defence Forces, someone immediately brings it down the rabbit hole of neutrality or the triple lock. These things are not in the top 20 priorities of the Defence Forces.

"Instead of actually having a discussion about defence, national resilience and security, our troops, our soldiers, sailors and aviators, it's this academic discussion about something that is absolutely irrelevant to Defence Forces personnel. This has to change.

"The Undof mission in Syria, fully mandated, triple lock-compliant, but Ireland had to withdraw because we didn't have the troops, for logistical and resourcing reasons, not any legalistic reasons.

"The actual discussion should be around our Defence Forces and national security."

The truth is we underinvested in national security for decades.

He added: "Ireland needs to work on its national resilience because we don't know what's coming up next week, let alone next year. Unfortunately national resilience hasn't been invested in in the past and now we have to play catch up.

"I'm not convinced we're catching up at the appropriate pace. There have been some very small improvements, but most of that is window dressing, there hasn't been a substantial capability jump yet. We haven't filled the capability gap yet, there's been a lot of talk and press releases, some funding but nowhere near enough to actually make up for lost time.

"The truth is we underinvested in national security for decades. There are consequences for not investing in our Defence Forces, our defence policy has failed. We are an under-defended island, a strategic island, a major hub for big data, for semi-conductors (made in Leixlip in Kildare), big pharma around Cork, and a lot of multinational companies which is the lifeblood of this economy and society."
INDEFINITE strike action by secretaries and caretakers nationwide has meant that Saplings Special School for autism and complex needs has not reopened after the summer break.

The 30 students, aged from 4 to 18, remained at home as many of those working at the school in Killeshin stood in solidarity with their secretary Yvonne Abbey. The school could not open due to there not being enough staff available They are campaigning for 2,600 school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements.

Engagement between the Forsa union and the Department of Education at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded without any outcome on Wednesday last.

Anne Walsh and Gillian Cunningham, both Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) speaking to the Carlow Nationalist, outlined their colleague is the heartbeat of the school.

Yvonne is there to support all of us, the parents, staff and students, she goes above and beyond for everyone. We are a family and we stand by her. She is vital to our school and we did not take this decision lightly, explained Ms Walsh.

Parents of the children were notified on Tuesday that the school would not be re-opening.

Ms Walsh outlined that Ms Abbey deserves the same respect and entitlements as other staff members, so we are not crossing the picket line. People just dont see the work that secretaries do and all they want is fair treatment. Both Ms Cunningham and Ms Walsh continued: Our message is very clear, its time to recognise people who are often invisible but absolutely essential to our school. Our secretary Yvonne has given 18 years of her working life to the school. She knows every child, every parent, past and present. Without her, the school simply doesnt function. Its not just our school; its all schools across Ireland. Secretaries and caretakers are expected to carry enormous responsibilities but not given the proper contracts, pay or recognition to match the jobs that they do. Both noted: Our school has had to close as the staff are standing in solidarity with Yvonne. This shows the depth of support for Yvonne and how fragile the system is without her. The pair added that those standing in solidarity with Ms Abbey dont want to cause disruption to the children and families but sometimes we need to, to highlight just how vital these roles are. They pointed out that if the Department of Education values children and staff it must value the people who care for them, support them and keep schools running. Its about fairness, respect and recognition for work which has been undervalued for far too long. Schools cant run without the assistance of secretaries and caretakers, its time the system reflects that reality. However, the move by those working at the school to stand solidarity with Ms Abbey has angered one parent who has a child attending the school.

The parent who did not wish to be named said they were very annoyed.

My child really needs routine, and this action is not helping. I dont know why the entire school has to close. Other schools countrywide are closing their offices but teachers and principals are dealing with issues, the parent said.

We found out very late on Tuesday evening that the school wasnt opening on Thursday and Friday. Its not fair to the students and their parents. These are children who have to be prepared for going back to school due to their needs. This move is just not good enough. I understand that secretaries and caretakers need to do this, but it shouldnt mean that Saplings closes completely.

Im sure some parents are exhausted and frazzled and were supposed to go back to jobs etc after their childrens nine weeks summer break without any support. To spring this on us is not right. There was no alternative care offered to us by the school. These are the very children who need additional support not additional stress by such actions.

The strike continues nationwide.
Often in life, we only get the opportunity to speak well of someone we highly regard and respect after they have physically gone from us. It is therefore with a real sense of gratitude and deep appreciation that I reflect on the wonderful contribution that Monsignor John Byrne continues to make to the people of Portlaoise, where he will mark 25 years as parish priest on 1 September.

John brings with him a rich sense of hope, good humour and deep compassion. As a colleague, it cannot be overestimated how his investment and encouragement to his fellow priests is deeply appreciated. 25 years have moved very quickly and despite the very challenging times the Catholic Church has lived through, Portlaoise Parish has grown and prospered against the tides of a growing secular Ireland.

The beautiful restoration of SS Peter and Pauls, The Heath and Ratheniska are indicative of Johns deep conviction that the Good News is always worthy of the best possible celebration. The Parish Centre, now in its 20th year, is a wonderful connection to the wider community. A warm place of welcome and inclusion that continues to make the Gospel message of faith, hope and love relevant in the life of our community.

Monsignor John Byrnes 25 years as parish priest of Portlaoise stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to faith, community and transformative leadership. Arriving in Laois in 2000 from his native Carlow, Monsignor Byrne quickly became a cornerstone of the Portlaoise community, leaving an indelible mark through his vision, compassion and tireless dedication.

One of his most significant achievements was spearheading the amalgamation of three local schools - St Pauls, Scoil Mhuire and Sacred Heart - into the Holy Family Senior and Junior Schools, officially opened in 2017. Recognising the potential of excellent educators working in outdated facilities, he championed the creation of a modern, state-of-the-art campus. His determination, described by former principal Anne Buggy as a force to be reckoned with, navigated bureaucratic challenges and secured support from the Presentation Sisters to acquire the site.

The result is a unique educational facility that serves as a beacon for the parishs children, a legacy celebrated in 2024 with the unveiling of the Monsignor John Byrne Plaza in his honour during his Jubilee year. This tribute, marked by song, dance and a tree-planting ceremony, reflected the deep gratitude of a community touched by his vision.

Beyond infrastructure, Monsignor Byrnes pastoral care has been profound. As Vicar General of the Kildare and Leighlin Diocese, appointed in 2014, he has supported Bishop Denis Nulty in diocesan administration while remaining a frontline priest. During the Covid pandemic, he continued to serve despite two of his five priests cocooning, adapting to restrictions by broadcasting Masses to 300,000 viewers worldwide, via Shalom World TV and parish radio. His empathy shone through in his reflections on the challenges of limited funerals, expressing heartfelt support for grieving families.

Monsignor Byrnes social conscience has been equally impactful. He has been a vocal advocate for asylum seekers, decrying the Direct Provision system as desperately unjust and defying requests to stay away from a local centre in 2014 to support its residents. In recent times, John has been a great friend to the Ukrainian people who have come to Portlaoise as a result of the Russian invasion and brutal war. John has also been a vociferous voice defending the Palestinian people and the brutal ongoing genocide in Gaza.

His leadership fostered a vibrant parish, managing a Catholic population of about 25,000, three churches, and multiple schools. The parish saw a boom in baptisms, rising from 180-190 annually two decades ago to 365, reflecting Portlaoises growth and his ability to connect with families. He also nurtured community spirit, with volunteers stepping up during the pandemic to support vulnerable parishioners, a response he praised as a testament to Portlaoises solidarity.

Monsignor Byrnes personal touch, whether through his humour comparing such honours to a preview of your funeral or his involvement in local culture, like his part in the Slaneyville Syndicates Cheltenham-winning horse Lecky Watson in 2025, has endeared him to many. His recognition as a former Leinster Express Person of the Year and his extensive Shalom TV interview on his vocation underscore his broader influence.

Reflecting on his tenure, Monsignor Byrnes humility shines through. He credits the principals, staff and community for the successes, downplaying his role in the school project as a small part. Yet, as Bishop Nulty and countless parishioners attest, his dynamic leadership, rooted in faith and service has transformed Portlaoise for generations. His 25 years are a legacy of love, action and hope, planting seeds that will flourish long into the future.

The life of a diocesan priest is deeply fulfilling and challenging. There is a huge need for more younger clergy in our diocese. I have no doubt that people like Monsignor John in his service, integrity and compassion inspire many to think, Is God calling me to ministry in the church? The heart of the gospel message is one of kindness and compassion. Jesus, in a deliberate fashion, embraces the wounds and vulnerability of those whom he calls friends. Before the Last Supper, Jesus washing his disciples feet gave birth to a radical life of service, reaching out with love and affection to the needs of others.

This is the essential ingredient in the life of a diocesan priest. I pray in gratitude for 25 wonderful years of faithful service witnessed with joy and enthusiasm by Monsignor Byrne. May he enjoy many years of good and continued faithful service to the community he truly loves, Portlaoise Parish.
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Ukraines Supreme Court will begin hearings on 11 September in a high-profile case challenging Irish building materials giant CRHs purchase of cement producer Dyckerhoff.

Ukrainian rival Kovalska is contesting the Anti-Monopolies Committee of Ukraines (AMCU) approval of the acquisition, arguing that CRH now controls up to 46 per cent of the countrys cement market. With demand for cement set to surge amid reconstruction, Kovalska says the takeover undermines competition.

CRH rejects this, insisting the deal met all AMCU conditions and complied with both Ukrainian law and international standards. The company recently sold 25 per cent of Dyckerhoff to Divinereach, an Irish firm controlled by Hyundai Ireland chief Eugene OReilly and his family, as required by regulators. Divinereach, which has investments in real estate and IT, confirmed the transaction this week, saying Ukraine is now part of its investment portfolio.

However, concerns have been raised over Divinereachs lack of experience in cement manufacturing. The Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, where Kovalska CEO Sergii Pylypenko is a director, has written to the Irish foreign minister Simon Harris about the issue.

The Supreme Courts ruling will be final, concluding litigation that has already passed through lower courts.
I write today with important news about The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as we embark on a new chapter for this storied institution and the city we serve.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution announced that it will discontinue its print version of the newspaper at the end of the year.

On December 31 of this year, the AJC will print its last newspaper.

We will begin the new year as a fully digital organization, committed, as always, to being the most essential and engaging news source for the people of Atlanta, Georgia and the South.

After 157 years, we did not make this decision lightly; for many of us, reading the paper with our morning coffee is as ingrained in our routine as brushing our teeth or scrambling eggs.

The fact is, many more people engage with our digital platforms and products today than with our print edition, and that shift is only accelerating. I dont need to tell you how quickly the media landscape is evolving. For you, and for us, holding onto the paper can bring a sense of comfort in a world of unrelenting change. But we cannot allow that to hold us back.

When we walk into our office each day, our team passes by a quote on the newsroom wall from Cox Enterprises founder James M. Cox, who acquired the Atlanta Journal in 1939 and added the Constitution 11 years later. His words stand as inspiration: We must never turn back the hands of the clock. We must always go forward.

Relying on printing presses and delivery trucks to distribute the news simply isnt the best way for the AJC to serve you anymore. In addition, this decision has a positive impact on the environment - saving water and trees, eliminating the use of polybags and CO2, and diverting waste from the landfill  which is in line with Coxs commitment to sustainability. One thing that will not change is our unwavering commitment to essential, factual reporting. Our mission has never been more important, and we will continue to invest in distinctive journalism, well-sourced beat reporting, and surprising and delightful storytelling. At the same time, we will continue to enhance our digital products, making sure they are user-friendly, engaging, intuitive, and reflective of the modern media company we are. Before the end of this year, we will launch a new AJC mobile app, giving you full access to our reporting, a wide range of opinion and analysis, AJCs podcasts and newsletters, as well as our original video content. In time, the app will become your launchpad to our live event programming and a growing number of membership perks. For those of you who enjoy the experience of reading our daily report in an ePaper format, youll be able to access it through the AJC mobile app and AJC.com, and well continue to email that familiar layout to your inbox each morning. We know this will be a change for many of you, and well be there with you as we make this transition. This fall, we will hit the road to connect with our readers across metro Atlanta and around the state. We plan to do a lot of listening. We want to be sure our digital products deliver you everything you love about the AJC. We will partner with local businesses to bring the Substance and Soul of the South to life, checking-in at community events as we celebrate 157 years of the AJC. We look forward to sharing details with you soon.
Harold Lamar Donaldson, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 28th, 2025.

Harold served our country in the Korean War as a Sergeant with the United States Marine Corps. He was a member of the Marine Corp. League. He also served the Chattanooga Police Department as a Captain. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying various aircraft including gliders and RC airplanes as a member of the Chattanooga RC Club. Harold was a member of the Chattanooga Rifle Club as well as the Chattanooga AACA Antique Car Club. He was a faithful member of Ooltewah Baptist Church where he served in many different capacities over the years including as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, and Treasurer. Harold also had a love for the Word of God and served with the Gideons International in the distribution of Bibles all around the area.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Donaldson and his parents Hubert and Lorree Donaldson.

Harold is survived by his sons, Jerry Donaldson (Kathy) of Rising Fawn, Ga. And Glenn Donaldson of Ooltewah and his brother, Winford Wink Donaldson; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

Services for Harold will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Valley View Chapel with Rev. Jeremy Collums officiating. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of Chattanooga.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harolds name to the Ooltewah Baptist Church Mission Fund.

Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has identified the four individuals who were caught on security cameras at the Reelfoot Lake spillway gate in Lake County on Sunday, at approximately 11 p.m.

We want to thank the public for their numerous tips that led to the quick identification of those involved, said TWRA Col. Dale Grandstaff. Names will not be released pending further investigation. We will be working with the local District Attorneys office and Agency partners to finalize the investigation.

TWRA staff were notified that a spillway gate was open and discharging at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday. The agency immediately contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to verify they had not opened the gate for management purposes. Upon confirmation that it should not be open, TWRA staff began the manual shutdown procedure for the spillway gate.

Surveillance video for the property revealed a group of four males entering the area through the rear gate. While inside the compound, they accessed the manual override switch for the spillway gate opening operation. One spillway gate was opened to full capacity.
Lee Universitys Department of Language and Literature will offer English as a Second Language classes to the community through its Center for English Language and Literacy. Literacy classes will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and conversation classes will begin on Thursday, Sept. 11.

CELL will offer five levels of conversation classes for all levels of learners, ranging from beginners who have little to no prior English instruction to speakers who are advanced in their knowledge of the English language.

Childcare (ages 1-6) and English language instruction (ages 7-12) will be offered by trained students who will lead English lessons and activities suited for these age groups.

CELL is led by Dr. Chris Blake, professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and linguistics and TESOL program coordinator. The English classes are taught by Lee student instructors who have been professionally trained in the TESOL program.

It is a wonderful privilege to offer these courses to the community every semester," said Dr. Blake, professor of teaching English as a second language and linguistics, TESOL Program Coordinator, and director of CELL. "I love to see people from all ages and backgrounds attending classes each weekfrom young children all the way to grandparents. Their motivation and perseverance are truly an inspiration to us. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the First Horizon Foundation, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and Athens Federal Foundation, whose support makes all of this possible.

There is a $20 fee for each student per semester. English literacy classes, which focus on reading and writing, will be held on Tuesday evenings, and conversation classes will be held on Thursday evenings. All classes will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Walker Memorial Building on Lees campus, with signs directing students to the building and room.

For more information or to register for classes, visit leecell.org, email Dr. Blake at cblake@leeuniversity.edu, or call (423) 614-8223.
Day Shift August 28: A Squad



25-009139  900 BLK Spring Creek Road - Suspicious Person

Police observed a woman lying in the gas station parking lot. It was determined the woman was recently discharged from hospital. She requested an ambulance for treatment and then recanted and said she needed to go home. Police gave her a courtesy ride to her residence in Tunnel Hill.



25-009144  1400 BLK Saint Thomas Street - Civil Matter

Police responded to the motel after a guest complained the desk clerk did not refund his $75 deposit. After speaking with the guest and the desk clerk it was determined that the deposit refund should be applied to his account in 7-10 business days and only 14 calendar days had passed. Quintain He was advised to contact his bank regarding the charge and to remain patient while

the business days expire.



25-009150  7300 BLK Haven Hill Lane- Property

The caller reported that an unknown vehicle struck his Jeep Patriot during the night.



25-009142  1800 BLK Glen Oaks Terrace - Alarm Burglar

Police were able to contact the homeowner who stated that he did not notice the alarm had gone off and informed the police that it was an accident.



25-009149  1900 BLK Gunbarrel Road Room-

Deceptive Practice Police spoke with a party who reported that someone was using her identity after her wallet was stolen in East Ridge on June 30, 2019. Officers determined that she now resides in Chattanooga, not East Ridge, and advised her to file a report with the Chattanooga Police Department



25-009143-4200 BLK Ringgold Road-Property

Police responded to speak with two people regarding a lost iPhone. One advised he had entered the speedway earlier in the morning to purchase gas. While he was paying for gas, he left his phone on the counter. He realized his phone was missing an hour later. The owner returned to gas station but was unable to locate the phone. Police reviewed security camera footage and did not see the man place his phone on the counter. Later in the day he called in to advise he found his phone at home on his dresser.



25-009148-1100 BLK Mcbrien Road -Miscellaneous

Police spoke with a man who advised he believed his vehicle had been stolen from this address. He had called for a tow truck to move his vehicle to a mechanic shop. However, when the tow arrived on August 27th at 10 a.m. the vehicle was gone. The owner stated he called the property manager, the credit institution, and his brother. All said they had no record of the tow. The vehicle was last seen heading west on Ringgold Rd. on a tow truck. The man did state he filed for bankruptcy and had left the vehicle on the property for a year while he resided in Pennsylvania.



25-009147  700 BLK Frawley Road  Deceptive Practice

A party came to the Police Department to report a possible scam. He advised that his friend, who he identified as Chloe H, was a model that got in trouble and needed money to be sent through Apple Cards. He advised that he sent Chloe approximately $110. He was advised to cease contact with Chloe and not send any more money. A report was completed.



Night Shift August 28: C Squad



25-009153  3600 BLK Wimberly Lane  Back EMS

Hamilton County EMS requested assistance after finding all the doors locked at a residence. An elderly fall victim was alone inside the home. Police responded to the scene but found that EMTs had bypassed the doors and started patient treatment. No damage was reported.



25-009154  4100 BLK Fountain Avenue  Noise Complaint

A local resident reported a dog barking at this residence and stated it was an on-going issue. The reporting party will contact Animal Control Services during normal business hours.



25-009155  5300 BLK Ringgold Road Disorder Prevention

The caller requested Police assistance in obtaining his property from the residence. The parties were involved in a Domestic Assault incident with the caller being arrested as the primary aggressor. Police contacted residents and discussed the situation. The party was able to gather his property and depart the area.



25-009159  1500 BLK Karwill Lane  Disorder Prevention

A man requested police assistance in obtaining his juvenile daughter from this residence. Earlier in the day, the childs mother had been arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Jail. After the arrest, the child remained at the residence with her grandmother. The party provided Police with a copy of the court order proving him joint custody of the child.



25-009161  3600 BLK Helen Lane- Harassment

The caller reported on-going issues with a woman and asked that she stop communicating with him. Police spoke with the subject at her home and found that she and the reporting party had been calling and texting each other most of the day. Police also found that the couple was physically

separated for the night with the male staying with family in Walker County, Ga.
Lee University welcomed the inaugural cohort of LEE Fellows from Hamilton County Schools to campus for a special Lunch & Learn event hosted by the Helen DeVos College of Education.

The launch of the LEE Fellows program, in partnership with Hamilton County Schools, represents a powerful investment in the future of educationwhere aspiring teachers are equipped, supported, and empowered to lead classrooms from day one, said Dr. Shane Brown, director of teacher education at Lee University. Together, we are building a pipeline of passionate, prepared educators ready to make a lasting impact on students and schools across our community.

The fellows, who have been enrolled in summer coursework through HCS, transitioned to on-campus classes at Lee for the month of July. During the Lunch & Learn, the group engaged with key faculty members and mentors as they began their journey toward teacher licensure.

I am grateful to Lee University as we continue this partnership to train our next cohort of educators," said Dr. Zac Brown, chief talent officer for Hamilton County Schools. "As a district, Hamilton County Schools is committed to employing high-quality educators for our students, and this partnership helps us achieve that goal. I look forward to seeing the success of these educators as they work in our classrooms to support our students."

The 20252026 LEE Fellows cohort includes Carl Blackburn, who will serve at Opportunity High; Pamela Blackmon at Orchard Knob Elementary; Rauelle Bonner, Dalewood Middle; Karah Carson, Sequoyah High; Melanie Collins, Hunter Middle; Aaron Forde, East Brainerd Elementary; John Giron, Brainerd High; Aaron Gordon-Weaver, Tyner Middle/High; and Alexis Hayes at Harrison Elementary. Additional fellows include Squoia Holmes and Brandon Johnson at Brainerd High, Kevin Johnson at Tyner High Academy; Rama Kumbhaj, Apison Elementary; William Lazenby, East Ridge High; Cheyenne Munoz, Harrison Elementary; Chausie Neal and Sandra Smith, The Howard School; Christina Shotwell, Ooltewah High; Lamonte Solomon, Central High; and Jennifer Weyler at Snow Hill Elementary.

At the Helen DeVos College of Education, we are committed to preparing excellent teachers who are ready to serve their communities, said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of the college. Through this partnership, were equipping passionate individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive from day one in the classroom.

The Licensing Excellent Educators Program is a three-year partnership between Lee Universitys Helen DeVos College of Education, Hamilton County Schools, The Maclellan Foundation and The Tucker Foundation. Designed as a post-baccalaureate pathway, the program prepares individuals from diverse career backgrounds to earn a Master of Arts in Teaching and Tennessee state licensure, with a focus on high-need endorsement areas. Each year, 20 LEE Fellows are selected to receive scholarships and tuition support to complete a 14-month licensure program at no cost. Fellows are placed by HCS in schools that align with district needs, where they commit to four years of service. The initiative aims to equip 60 new educators over three years and build a long-term talent pipeline for Hamilton County Schools.

For further information about the Licensing Excellent Educators Program, contact Rachael Pitts at rpitts@leeuniversity.edu.
The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center has a new exhibition showcased in its temporary gallery.Unveiled on Aug. 9, this exhibit highlights the story of Dwight W. Birdwell, a veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of the nations highest decoration for military valor, the Medal of Honor. Mr. Birdwell is a unique recipient as one of only five Cherokee to have been presented with this honor, and is the only living of those five. This exhibition explores Birdwells life from his youth in Oklahoma, to his service in the Army and action in Vietnam, and finally his career and later presentation of the Medal of Honor.Artifacts from Mr.Birdwells life tell his story: a childhood stuffed animal affectionately named Coco, combat boots from Vietnam, robes from his time as chief justice of the Judicial Appeals Tribunal of the Cherokee Nation and his Medal of Honor, to name just a few. Watch a vignette about Mr. Birdwell produced by the Cherokee Nations own network, Osiyo, and listen to a curated playlist of Mr. Birdwells favorite music from select periods of his life via Spotify.Officials said, "Chattanooga is notably the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, but its rich history includes much more of the American experience. The region was home to several Native American tribes, including the Cherokee people, at different times over centuries. Chief John Ross of the Cherokee Nation founded Rosss Landing in 1816, where this city stands now. The policy of removal some years later saw Chattanooga become a departure point for the Trail of Tears. Dwight Birdwell can trace his Cherokee roots back to this region. This exhibition is a celebration of Dwight Birdwell and an opportunity to highlight his connections to this historic city. Join us in celebrating this special homecoming and learn more about this incredible recipient of the Medal of Honor."This exhibition runs through Jan. 4, 2026.Take a peek at the exhibit by watching a short video
The City of Red Bank was awarded a Project Diabetes grant from the Tennessee Department of Health for $402,300 to develop a new multi-use trail system on Godsey Ridge.The Project Diabetes grant is fully funded and does not require matching funds from the city. Over the next three years, the grant will be allocated to the development of multi-use trails, parking areas and connectivity projects on the 19 acres designated for this initiative.Officials said, "This plan and grant application were driven by the Red Bank city commissions goals and the adoption of the 2024 Parks & Recreation Master Plan.The Master Plan identified walking and biking trails, safe routes and diverse recreational amenities as top community priorities. By securing this Project Diabetes grant, the city is advancing those priorities while also supporting commission goals to promote healthy living, expand outdoor recreation and improve connectivity throughout Red Bank."The city plans to spread the project over three years. Beginning this fiscal year, July 2025June 2026, trail construction will be the projects focus and will aim for the completion of the Godsey Ridge Trail system in its entirety, including signs, way-finding kiosks, benches and more trail amenities.Year two will focus on parking access with the addition of a secondary parking lot aimed at trail users, as well as bringing the current community center parking lot up to ADA code and widening it for easier parking.The emphasis on year three will be to provide sidewalk & crosswalk with lighted crossing signs from the community center parking lot that will run parallel to the Green trail and connect both trail heads. There will also be sidewalk from Morrison Springs down Tom Weathers Drive, and crosswalks with lighted crossing signs, curb cuts and ramps on existing sidewalks on both sides of Morrison Springs Road from Dayton Boulevard to Tom Weathers Drive to create safe walking, biking and ADA path from Red Bank City Park to Godsey Ridge.This investment in Red Banks future gives our community safe, accessible places to walk, bike and connect with nature, said Jeffrey Grabe, director of Parks & Recreation. The Godsey Ridge Trail system will strengthen wellness for all ages, from children walking safely to the park, to seniors enjoying active outdoor lifestyles. With support from Project Diabetes and partners like the Trust for Public Land, White Oak Bicycle Co-Op and SORBA, we are turning our Parks & Recreation Master Plan vision into reality. These partnerships will bring trail rides, volunteer maintenance days and community-led programming that make this trail system a true resource for everyone in Red Bank.The city has also partnered with Trust for Public Land, which in 2024 hired a trail designer to design a trail system with cost estimates to submit with the application for the Project Diabetes grant. The trail design includes three different difficulty levels appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced hikers and mountain bikers.Earlier this month, TPL was a recipient of the 2025 L.L. Bean Community Awards promoting greater access to the outdoors. TPLs Walk With Your Neighbor award will expand equitable access to nature in Red Bank by training five local Nature Walk instructors  volunteers who will lead "inclusive, community-driven walks that foster connection and wellness."Officials said, "The Godsey Ridge trail project is more than a set of physical improvements, as it represents a strategic investment in Red Banks health, livability and future growth. It creates safe routes for children to walk and bike, offers new opportunities for seniors to stay active and enhances connections between neighborhoods, parks and Red Banks middle & high schools. The project also supports economic development by making Red Bank a more attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families."Red Bank Mayor Stefanie Dalton said that the city had the foresight to purchase this land some 65 or more years ago for the purpose of park recreation opportunities, including hiking trails, and even an obstacle course, which could be used by the schools for physical education activity" or where the average citizen will be welcome (from a local newspaper article entitled Site in Red Bank to be Developed as 49-acre Park and dated March 21, 1965).Now, over 60 years after first initiating plans for Godsey Ridge, we are finally making good on that development and I couldnt be more thrilled for our community, said Mayor Dalton. Through this investment, our Red Bank neighbors will have expanded access to nature and outdoor recreation in their own backyard, which will only grow our sense of connection and community. And when this project is complete, we welcome the 'average citizen' from all over Hamilton County and beyond to visit Red Bank to enjoy these trails with us."The Godsey Ridge Trail Design Plan can be found on the City of Red Bank website. For additional information, go to the Citys website or contact Jeffrey Grabe at jgrabe@redbanktn.gov.
Adventure has no age limitand Morning Pointe Senior Living communities are ready to prove it. From Sept. 713, residents, families and neighbors across the Tennessee Valley will come together to celebrate National Assisted Living Week with a jam-packed schedule of fun, meaningful events.This years national theme, Ageless Adventure, is all about celebrating the spirit of exploration, discovery and new experiences at every stage of life.Established by the National Center for Assisted Living in 1995, National Assisted Living Week invites communities across the country to honor the seniors who reside in assisted living, as well as the dedicated associates and volunteers who support them each day."For Morning Pointe, its a chance to showcase the vibrant lifestyles of residents while opening doors for the public to see what assisted living is really like," officials said.Morning Pointes 42 assisted living and memory care communities across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and Indiana will mark the week with a variety of activities that bring residents, families, volunteers and neighbors together. From intergenerational events and storytelling to themed socials and service projects, the celebrations are designed to reflect both the adventurous spirit of residents and the connections they share with their communities."Beginning each year on Grandparents Day, National Assisted Living Week is a time to showcase the richness of life inside assisted living communities," officials said. "At Morning Pointe, this years events will center on creative opportunities for residents to reminisce, try new experiences and share their wisdom with othersall while celebrating the idea that adventure has no age limit."
What happens to titanium implants in the body? Why are they sometimes rejected or even break? Empa researcher Martina Cihova is looking for answers to these questions at the interface between the implant and the body, between materials science and medicine. She recently received an "Ambizione Grant" from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) for her research project.

Empa researcher Martina Cihova is investigating how the body can attack the surface of titanium implants. Empa The image from the atomic force microscope shows clearly recognizable areas with different surface potentials, which were created by laser-induced changes in the structure of the titanium oxide. Empa

Thanks to medical advances, we humans are living longer and longer. Understandably, we want to stay healthy and mobile into old age. Implants and prostheses replace "worn out" joints and teeth, stop pain and improve quality of life. Modern medical implants are small marvels of biomaterial and bioengineering at the same time. Nevertheless, implants occasionally fail, which can have serious consequences for patients.



Why do these failures occur - and why have they increased rather than decreased in recent years? Empa researcher Martina Cihova from the "Joining Technology and Corrosion" laboratory wants to find answers to these questions. To do so, she is taking a close look at the behavior of implants in the body - or, to be more precise, under the microscope. The scientist has been awarded a four-year "Ambizione Grant" from the Swiss National Science Foundation for her research project.



Many implants - including artificial joints, dental implants and pacemakers - are made of titanium. This transition metal is light and stable, is very durable in the body and allows bone to grow particularly well. These properties are due to a thin oxide layer that forms on the surface of the titanium when it comes into contact with air. Ultimately, it is not the titanium itself, but the protective layer on the surface of the implants that comes into contact with the body. "As this natural passive layer is less than ten nanometres thick, it is often given too little attention in medical technology and research," says Martina Cihova.



In addition, some manufacturers modify the oxide layer, for example by thickening it to give different implant sizes or models a color coding and thus make work easier for doctors. Others roughen the surface of the implants so that the bone can grow better - or engrave the serial number with a laser. 3D printing of patient-specific implants is also possible today using laser processes. These are all sensible applications, but: "Any surface treatment can change the titanium oxides on the surface," says Cihova, "and too little research has been done into what this means for the interaction of the implant with the body and for its corrosion resistance."

Research at the frontier The Empa researcher wants to close this knowledge gap with her project. Even as a bioengineering student, Cihova was enthusiastic about materials science. She therefore embarked on a new path for her doctorate - metallurgy - to further deepen her interest in materials. Now she is combining her expertise in the two fields and focusing it precisely on the point where metal, or rather metal oxides, and biology meet: the interface between the implant and the human body.



"Such biointerfaces are highly complex, but also extremely interesting," says the young researcher. "When you think of corrosion, you think of salty seawater, humid air, maybe a rusty bicycle - but not the human body." Yet the human body can be a surprisingly aggressive environment, especially when immune reactions take place. Immune cells release various substances that can, among other things, lower the pH value and attack the implant. So what does the body do with materials that we consider stable? This is precisely where research into biocorrosion comes in.



These processes are very complex on an (electro)chemical and biological level. In addition, not all titanium oxide is the same. It can take on three different crystalline forms - all with the same chemical composition, TiO2 - or be amorphous, structurally "undefined", so to speak. All these forms differ in their electronic and electrochemical properties and therefore potentially also in their interactions with the body.
Families of children who die in last months Texas floods at Camp Mystic attend a Senate committee hearing in Austin on August 21. | Screenshot: YouTube/ TODAY

Following the tragic deaths of 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic last month, Texas lawmakers passed legislation aimed at overhauling safety standards for youth camps.

Ahead of the Senate Bill 1, also known as the Heaven's 27 Camp Safety Act, passing on August 21, parents, family members, and friends of the victims gathered in the Capitol Senate Chamber in Austin. They shared stories of grief and anger over the catastrophic flash flooding that swept the private Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River on July 4.

The bill was championed by Lubbock Senator Charles Perry, who chairs the Senate's Flooding and Disaster Response Committee. SB 1 mandates that when a flash flood warning is issued, campers must be immediately evacuated to higher ground, removing subjective decision-making from camp operators. It also prohibits sleeping in cabins located within 100-year flood plains.

Furthermore, the legislation requires all summer camps to file a multi-hazard emergency response plan with the Department of State Health Services. It mandates annual emergency training for employees and evacuation drills for campers at the beginning of each session. Camps must also maintain operational weather alert radios and public address systems to ensure timely communication during dangerous conditions.

Senator Perry said SB 1 was inspired by the emotional testimonies heard from the victims' families, including Michael McCown, the father of 8-year-old flood victim Linnie, who delivered a heartfelt account during the committee hearing.

McCown criticized Camp Mystics lack of updated storm information and the camps subsequent failure to prepare for the flooding. He stated, I believe that being disconnected from electronics for a time is very healthy for kids, but that disconnection should be superficial. Behind the scenes, the back office and foundation of summer camp must be fully up to date.

The flooding disaster resulted in the deaths of over 130 people in Texas, with at least 100 lives lost in Kerr County, including 36 children.

One significant failure during the emergency response that night was the delay in sending out a mass emergency alert to warn residents of the flooding in the Hill Country.

According to a report from KSAT, the San Antonio news outlet, Kerr County officials took nearly six hours to send a CodeRED Alert after a request from a firefighter with the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department at 4:22 a.m. Central time. Some residents did not receive a CodeRED Alert until 10:04 a.m., the report noted.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick praised the families for their bravery and grace, saying, The one thing besides courage that you've shown, you've been so gracious to us. In a way, you've inspired us to do our best, and we're all better for that.

In addition to SB 1, the Texas Senate approved measures to improve local emergency management, install warning sirens in flood-prone areas, and allocate nearly $300 million for relief and reform efforts.
Photo Credit: Pexels/ Kindel Media

A man accused of vandalizing a Wisconsin church reportedly stated that his motive was because he was really angry at God. According to the Stevens Point Journal, last week, Jute T. Handrick broke through the glass door of Celebration Church and proceeded to smash all the windows in the building.

The 35-year-old now faces a criminal charge for damaging religious property. He was on probation due to a felony bail jumping charge, and in February 2024, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison for violating his probation.

When police arrived at the scene, they discovered a handwritten note that read, Tell Jesus I said f--- you and who U with. Amen. The note, signed "Love Jute, was written on a probation card that contained appointment details and the name of a probation officer.

Hours after the police responded to the incident, Handrick turned himself in at the Portage County Law Enforcement Center in Stevens Point. He reportedly told authorities that he had become really angry at God because of his current life circumstances.

Handrick, who has a history of criminal damage to religious property as a repeat offender, is scheduled to appear in court on September 29 for the charge.

Earlier this month, the Family Research Council published its latest Hostility Against Churches in the United States report. The report indicated that in 2024, there were 415 reported hostile acts against churches across 43 states, impacting 383 houses of worship.

The report noted, Although the motivations for many of these incidents remain unknown, the rise in crimes against churches is taking place in a context in which fewer Americans are attending religious services or identifying with a specific faith.
Home News Christian counselor fired for posting beliefs on LGBT ideology defeats ethics complaints

The Kentucky Board of Social Work has determined that a Christian counselor did not violate the professional standards of his practice by speaking out against the embrace of LGBT ideology, as the effort to restore the mental health professional to his former position following his termination continues.

In a statement published Wednesday, the religious liberty law firm Liberty Counsel announced that the board dismissed ethics complaints against an unnamed Christian counselor who was fired for expressing traditional religious beliefs on gender and sexuality in a Facebook post.

The Kentucky Board of Social Work informed the counselor in a letter on Tuesday that it "concluded that the facts alleged in this matter do not constitute any apparent violation of Kentucky law governing the practice of social work."

"First Amendment speech and religious protections do not disappear when someone becomes a licensed counselor," Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said in response to the dismissal of the complaints. "These frivolous complaints are a clear attempt to unconstitutionally silence and censor opposing views. There was no jurisdiction or cause here to regulate the counselor's speech or discipline him based on private expressions of religious and political beliefs."

As outlined in a demand letter published on behalf of their client on July 18, the ordeal began when the counselor's former employer posted a Facebook message in June declaring "Happy Pride Month!" and touting efforts to create "a safe and affirming space for the LGBTQIA+ community."

The counselor, without directly naming or tagging his employer, posted his own Facebook message lamenting the "constant pressure to compromise beliefs to make people happy in this field."

"I love my career and the people I serve with a passion, but I'm not going to sell my soul for it," the post added. "While places I work might be a 'safe and affirming space for lqbtqia+ community,' I personally (and professionally) never want to affirm rebellion against our Creator. What good does it do if we gain the whole world  my favorite job, perfect mental health even  if we lose our own soul? I've recently watched previously sold Christians sell out on this issue. Count me out. I'm His, and sticking to His Word."

The counselor's post resulted in the filing of three complaints in early June against him with the Kentucky Board of Social Work, one of which accused him of engaging in "discriminatory rhetoric targeting LGBTQ people."

The complaint expressed concern about his response to a comment that "so many disorders are ultimately caused by sin and the fall of man." The complaint described the comments as "antithetical to the very foundations of the profession."

"Their blatant bias regarding the cause of mental disorders has the potential to do serious harm not only to marginalized communities but to the public in general," the complaint added.

A second complaint alleged that the counselor "failed to abide by the core social work competencies and code of ethics that we are taught to follow and practice by" and failed to uphold the professional mandate to "practice unconditional positive regard."

The second complaint denounced the counselor's Facebook post as "improper, unethical, and unprofessional, potentially causing harm" to members of the LGBT community who would have seen the post.

The third complaint was filed by the counselor's former employer, who also fired him and posted a message on Facebook that his lawyers say "publicly shamed" their client.

The Facebook message in question accused the counselor of engaging in "hate and anger and judgment" and said he was "calloused to the hurt that people experience that he would put his feelings above the hundreds if not thousands of patients that he had touched, and tear away a level of safety, comfort, or acceptance." It also called the counselor's actions "a selfish attempt to defend personal salvation and conviction at the cost of many."

Liberty Counsel insisted in its demand letter that the Kentucky Board of Social Work should dismiss all the complaints because they failed to name specific professional standards that their client had failed to meet.

The lawyers argue that his statements on Facebook are protected by the First and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Kentucky Constitution and the Kentucky Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

While the complaints against the client have been dismissed, Liberty Counsel expressed disappointment that he had not been rehired by his former employer. Their client is "pursuing appropriate remedies."

"The counselor's employer should reinstate him immediately and correct this potentially costly mistake," Staver declared.
Home News 4 Christian universities look to foster Scripture engagement; 1 piloting AI Bible tool in select classes

Four Christian colleges and universities are slated to receive grants to conduct research projects aimed at increasing Scripture engagement among young people, including one that is piloting an AI Bible learning tool in select online classes.

The American Bible Society announced on Tuesday that four institutions  Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas, Houghton University in New York, Los Angeles Pacific University in California and MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas  will receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 as part of their inaugural 2025 Faculty Grant initiative.

As data shows that Bible sales surged in the United States in 2024, ABS' new initiative seeks to "develop new programs designed to boost Scripture engagement among younger generations and foster positive impact on flourishing."

Each institution will use the grant money to conduct individual research projects, the results of which will then be shared with the ABS.

LAPU will implement a Bible-specific artificial intelligence assistant as part of an exploration of artificial intelligence and Scripture engagement.

The California-based school previously elaborated on the grant it received in a July 15 statement, which clarified that the award was worth $15,000. Spark, LAPU's existing AI course assistant, guides students in "reflective conversations that prompt deeper interaction with biblical texts," the university said.

"Rather than simply providing answers, the tool uses a Socratic approach  encouraging learners to ask questions, reflect, and apply Scripture to their lives through personalized AI-powered dialogue. It will be piloted in select online Bible classes and offered as a recommended learning tool," the statement reads.

The initiative will address what the university refers to as a "critical and timely need."

"[W]hile Gen Z and Millennials show spiritual curiosity, research shows they often lack structured pathways for meaningful Scripture engagement," the university's statement reads. "LAPU's solution leverages technology and invites students into deeper, more thoughtful exploration of Scripture."

DTS will examine "best practices for emerging adults across diverse church networks," while Houghton will "use the Lectio Divina prayer practice to facilitate meaningful interactions with Scripture."

For its part, MidAmerica Nazarene will "create a theologically accurate and visually unique television show to promote Bible engagement among young adults."

The research projects at the individual academic institutions are expected to begin this fall and conclude in the spring of 2026.

"Our younger generations have a deep desire for authenticity, belonging, and purpose, and are discovering the Bible as an unshakable foundation for a pathway to flourishing," said ABS President and CEO Jennifer Holloran.

"We believe this investment will uncover innovative and replicable ways to connect a generation searching for hope and meaning with the answers waiting for them in the life-changing Word of God."

The colleges and universities will use the ABS's Scripture Engagement scale to analyze the results and effectiveness of the new programs.

The Scripture Engagement scale, used in the ABS's State of the Bible: USA reports, classifies respondents' level of scripture engagement based on their answers to a series of questions about their frequency of Bible use and the impact and centrality of its message on their everyday lives.

The ABS intends to distribute the new grants on an annual basis. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle will open later this year. The Ministry Insights Grant program seeks to build upon the themes presented in the "State of the Bible: USA" reports by "testing interventions that promote increased Bible engagement and foster positive changes in spiritual vitality and well-being."
Home News Illinois institutes new law requiring colleges to dispense abortion pills, contraception

Illinois has become the latest state to require public colleges and universities to make contraception and the abortion pill available to students. This comes amid ongoing debates over the legality of abortion and the harms of abortion pills.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 3709 into law last week after the Democrat-controlled Illinois House of Representatives passed the bill in a 74-40 vote and the Democrat-controlled state Senate voted 37-19 to advance the legislation.

The bill, which passed largely along party lines with all support coming from Democrats and nearly all opposition coming from Republicans, amends the states Public Higher Education Act to require all public colleges and universities in the state that provide student health services to require healthcare professionals to dispense contraception and medication abortion to students.

In addition to requiring healthcare workers to offer contraceptives to students, the measure also mandates colleges and universities with pharmacies to dispense contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs. The legislation also requires schools to adopt the new policies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

Pritzkers approval of House Bill 3709 is the latest example of Democrat-led states taking steps to increase access to abortion following the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. Illinois is one of 29 states that the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has identified as having few or no protections for unborn babies.

Shortly after the Dobbs decision, Illinois became a haven for those seeking abortions from nearby states that either implemented restrictions on abortion or near-total bans on abortion.

In 2022, Planned Parenthood unveiled a mobile clinic that travels along Illinois' border with Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee to perform abortions on women who live in those states.

Earlier this year, an all-trimester abortion facility opened in Chicago. Pro-life activists attributed the opening of the new abortion facility to the passage of a law approved by Pritzker in 2019: the Reproductive Health Act. The measure repealed the states ban on partial birth abortion and expanded the definition of exceptions to abortion limits in cases where the health of the patient includes physical, emotional, psychological, familial health and age.

The new law requiring colleges to provide contraceptives and abortion pills to students comes as the Trump administration has vowed to probe the safety of medication-induced abortion, also known as chemical abortion.

At a hearing on Capitol Hill earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. indicated that his agency was conducting a top-to-bottom review of safety concerns regarding the abortion pill.

A report published earlier this year by the Ethics and Public Policy Center found that more than 10% of women who took the abortion pill experienced adverse effects from the medication. Examples of complications suffered by these women include hemorrhaging, emergency room visits, ectopic pregnancies and sepsis.

Illinois is not the only state to require college campuses to dispense abortion pills. In 2019, three years before the Dobbs decision, Californias Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a measure that made his state the first to require public colleges and universities to make abortion pills available to students.
Home News Iran accuses 53 Christians of espionage after arrests; authorities claim Bibles smuggled into country

Irans Ministry of Intelligence has accused 53 Christians of espionage and anti-security activities after arresting them in recent weeks. State media aired a video showing some of the detainees alongside confiscated Christian literature, including Bibles, and alleged that they had smuggled these items into the country.

The report, which also included surveillance footage and forced confessions, claimed the Christians had received religious training abroad and were part of an Evangelical network tied to foreign intelligence, reported Article18, a London-based religious liberty watchdog group.

Screenshots from the video showed New Testaments, Christian texts, and Alcoholics Anonymous handbooks, which officials said were being circulated covertly.

Mansour Borji, director of Article18, described the accusations as a very clear example of hate speech and said they target not only the arrested individuals but the broader Evangelical Christian community in Iran.

The clear suggestion being made here is that all Evangelical Christians are associates of Mossad, Borji said, adding that the accusations made on state television hadn't been proven in court and that such broadcasts violated the basic rights of the accused.

Borji criticized the inclusion of forced confessions in the broadcast, noting that they're rarely aired on national television. He said if Iranian authorities were confident in their claims, they would permit an international delegation to speak to the detainees.

Borji also questioned why Persian-speaking Christians have no recognized churches and are forced to hold gatherings outside the country.

In January, Article18 organized an event in Geneva, Switzerland, featuring officials from the United Nations, which noted that Christians in Iran are routinely arrested on vague national security charges and punished for ordinary acts of worship such as baptisms, Christmas celebrations, or group prayers. These charges effectively criminalize religious practice and limit the freedoms of expression, association and belief.

In June, five Christians were indicted for gathering and collusion and propaganda against the Islamic Republic, with the charges citing acts such as praying and baptizing. The indictment referred to the Bible as a prohibited book. Two Christian converts were sentenced in April to 12 years in prison each for possessing multiple copies of the Bible, according to Article18.

The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrests as part of a larger crackdown following the 12-day war with Israel, ZENIT News reported. Authorities falsely claimed the arrested Christians had been trained abroad by churches in the United States and Israel, and were acting under the guise of the Zionist Christian evangelical movement.

The crackdown, described by authorities as targeting groups involved in activities contrary to security, also included the arrest of Bahais, Kurds, Baluchis, monarchists, and journalists. Police claimed they had detained over 21,000 people as suspects during the same period.

The Iranian government has long differentiated between Evangelical Christians  often converts from Islam who are not officially recognized  and historic Armenian and Assyrian Christian communities.

The latter are allowed to worship in their own languages but cannot conduct services in Persian or admit Iranian Muslims. Most of the estimated 800,000 Christians in Iran today are converts who lack any legal place of worship.

Borji explained that many Iranian Christians rely on online resources or attend religious meetings abroad, as domestic gatherings are restricted. He said some of the recently arrested individuals had attended a Christian event in a neighboring country, as such gatherings were unavailable to them at home. They were arrested upon their return.

The ministrys accusations that Christians were being trained for anti-security purposes are absurd, Borji said, and amount to an attempt by the Iranian agency to deflect blame for its failures during the war with Israel. They targeted the most vulnerable and easy-to-find scapegoats, he added.

ZENIT quoted human rights lawyer Hossein Ahmadiniaz as saying that the accused are unlikely to receive a fair trial in Irans judiciary, which lacks independence and routinely denies political and religious defendants access to legal counsel.

All those arrested on charges of security, political, ideological or espionage offences are denied a fair trial, subjected to severe torture and do not even have access to an independent lawyer," Ahmadiniaz said.

At least 11 of the Christians arrested have been released on bail, but more than 40 remain in custody. Over 60 others are already serving prison sentences.

In 2022, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom cited Iran for systematic" and "egregious violations in its treatment of religious minorities.
Home News Israeli PM Netanyahu pressed on recognizing WWI-era Armenian genocide, says 'I just did'

For the first time, an Israeli prime minister has seemingly recognized the Ottoman massacre of Armenians more than a century ago as genocide.

During an Aug. 26 appearance on Patrick Bet-David's podcast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was asked why he had yet to recognize the killing of as many as 1.5 million Christians from three different nations at the hands of the Ottoman Empire  now modern-day Turkey  between the years of 1915 to 1917.

"Why haven't you yet recognized the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek genocide that the Turkish did to that community?" Bet-David asked Netanyahu. "If you step foot in their country, they're supposed to arrest you. They're calling you a wartime criminal. The offenses you've done, they're calling it a genocide."

"I think we have," Netanyahu replied in response to his question about an Armenian genocide declaration. "I think the Knesset passed a resolution to that effect."

It's not clear which resolution the prime minister was referring to. While there have been proposed bills recognizing the Armenian genocide, no such resolution has passed the Israeli legislative body.

"I don't know if it's come from you, though," Bet-David responded. "I don't know if it's come from the prime minister of Israel."

"Yeah, I just did," said Netanyahu. "OK? Here you go."

Despite Netanyahu's comments, Israeli lawmakers have yet to officially recognize the Armenian genocide, despite a growing community of an estimated 8,000 Armenians living in Israel.

In 2018, Israeli lawmakers canceled a vote to recognize the World War I killings of Armenians as genocide, reportedly due to a "lack of government support."

While Uruguay was the first nation in the world to recognize the Armenian genocide in 1965, only 33 other countries have since taken the same step.

Long considered one of the most sensitive topics in geopolitics, the U.S. officially recognized the 1915 Armenian genocide for the first time under former President Ronald Reagan and most recently under former President Joe Biden.

Biden's predecessors  including President Donald Trump in his first term  chose not to use the term "genocide" in annual statements "due to pressure from the Turkish government," according to persecution watchdog group International Christian Concern.

Following Biden's announcement, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of NATO-member Turkey urged the U.S. to rescind its recognition, claiming the announcement opened a "deep wound" and would be the "wrong step" in U.S.-Turkey ties.

"The U.S. president has made baseless, unjust and untrue remarks about the sad events that took place in our geography over a century ago," Erdogan said. "I hope the U.S. president will turn back from this wrong step as soon as possible."

Netanyahu's comments came just days before Turkey closed its airspace on Friday to Israeli government and military armament planes. Turkey also shut its ports to maritime trade partners doing business with Israel.

Erdogan's move is seen as a response to Israeli military action in Gaza, which the Turkish prime minister has described as genocide, according to the Associated Press.
Home News JD Vance denounces ex-Biden spox Jen Psaki for mocking prayers after Minneapolis shooting Newsom, Minneapolis mayor who OK'd Islamic call to prayer in 2023, also criticized 'thoughts and prayers'

Vice President J.D. Vance publicly condemned former Biden press secretary and MSNBC host Jen Psaki Thursday for criticizing Americans for praying in response to the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

The controversy comes less than a day after a 23-year-old gunman, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire through a window during a Mass at the Catholic church, killing two children, ages 8 and 10, and injuring 17 others, including 14 children.

Westman, armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the back of the church, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara. Seven of the wounded, including two children, were reported to be in critical condition. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the attack, which occurred during the first week of the school year.

Less than three hours after the shooting, Psaki, 46, a former White House press secretary under Biden, took to X to express frustration with those offering prayers for the victims. Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does [sic] not end school shootings. [P]rayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers, Psaki wrote.

On Thursday, Vance responded to Psakis comments: We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action. Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying?

The vice president later followed up with a second post, asking, Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?! What are you even talking about?

On Thursday, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt condemned Psakis comments as incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works."

Psaki, who hosts The Briefing on MSNBC, did not respond to Vances comments, but her sentiments on prayer were echoed by other Democratic leaders.

During a media briefing Wednesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged the nation not to talk about thoughts and prayers, noting the victims were already praying when the shooting occurred. Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church, Frey said.

Despite his comments on prayer, Frey, in April 2023, became the first mayor of a major U.S. city to allow mosques to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer five times a day.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, in response to Leavitt's comments, noted, as Frey did, that the victims were shot while in a prayer service.

These children were literally praying as they got shot at, wrote Newsom, believed to be the early favorite for the Democratic nomination in 2028. As governor, Newsom ordered the closure of all churches statewide from March to May 2020 as part of Sacramentos stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus pandemic.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, offered a more measured response, acknowledging both the need for prayer as well as taking further action to prevent another tragedy. Its my strongest desire that no state, no community, no school, ever experiences a day like this, he said. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, but also keep us in the thoughts for action. Keep us in the ideas that we can work together.

Authorities said Thursday that while investigators have not arrived at a motive for the shooting, four search warrants executed at the church and three other locations uncovered additional firearms as part of those searches.

Westmans mother is believed to have worked for the church prior to her retirement in August 2021. Mary Grace Westman was identified in a 2020 state document as the mother of Robert Paul Westman.

In January 2020, Westman changed his name from Robert to Robin, according to a state document leaked to social media. The document reportedly indicated Westman identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.
Home News Married people consistently most likely to characterize themselves as 'very happy': report

A new study reveals that married people have consistently been more likely to characterize themselves as very happy than non-married people over the course of nearly a half-century, with marital status serving as the most significant determinant of an individuals level of happiness.

A report titled The Socio Political Demography of Happiness, authored by Sam Peltzman of the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business, examines the trends of the General Social Survey conducted by the NORC at the University of Chicago over the past half-century. The General Social Survey, which dates back to 1972 and has been conducted biennially since 1990, asks respondents, How would you say things are these days  would you say that you are very happy, pretty happy, or not too happy?

Peltzmans report, released July 21, reveals that marital status is and has been a very important marker for happiness. He analyzed the responses to the question about happiness in all the various General Social Surveys conducted since 1972, excluding the most recent research conducted in 2020-'21.

Peltzman rescaled the survey answers on a scale of -100 to 100, with -100 representing responses indicating people were not too happy, 0 representing responses of those who said they were pretty happy and 100 representing declarations that people are very happy. According to Peltzmans interpretation of the data, married people have consistently scored 30 points higher on the happiness scale than their non-married counterparts over time.

No subsequent population categorization will yield so large a difference in happiness across so many people, he wrote. Peltzman added that low happiness characterizes all types of non-married, referring to widowed, divorced, separated and never married respondents.

At the beginning of the report, Peltzman noted the existence of a happiness landslide, where the average share of the U.S. population identifying as very happy outnumbers the percentage of those who characterize themselves as not too happy by a roughly 70-30% margin. Reflecting on the differences in reported levels of happiness between married and non-married respondents over the years, Peltzman concluded that the happiness landslide comes entirely from the married.

Highlighting the slight downturn in overall happiness since 2000, Peltzman asserted that the connection between these trends comes from the recent decline in marriage. Specifically, overall happiness averaged 23.7 in the years prior to 2000, while dropping to 19.7 in the time period after 2000. He cited the drop in the share of the population identifying as very happy as consistent with a 9.9 percentage point decline in the marriage rate after 2000 compared to before the turn of the millennium.

An analysis of conditional differences over the years, namely differences [in happiness] within particular groups holding other differences constant, illustrates how the difference in reported levels of happiness based on marital status exceeds the differences in happiness measured between groups categorized based on other demographic factors. While married people were on average 23.82 points happier than the non-married from 1972-2018, whites were on average 10.79 points happier than blacks in the same time period.

Additionally, college graduates were happier than high school graduates by 5.87 points, females were happier than males by 4.04 points, high school graduates were 3.12 points happier than high school dropouts, Americans over the age of 45 were 2.86 points happier than their younger counterparts, respondents with some college were 1.87 points happier than college graduates, and those living in large cities were 2.87 points less happy than those living in other places.

In addition to marital status, Peltzmans report also revealed a relationship between an individuals political ideology and their level of happiness. While the General Social Survey asks respondents to rate themselves on a 7-point left-right scale, Peltzman placed respondents into the categories of conservative, moderate and liberal. Conservatives are around 9 points happier than liberals and 7 points happier than moderates, he explained.
Home News Poll finds many Americans accept Gaza famine label, reveals generational division over Israel support

A recent poll by Harvard Universitys Center for American Political Studies and The Harris Poll found that a majority of the respondents believe that famine conditions exist in the Gaza Strip following the recent United Nations Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. But most also believe that Hamas is responsible for those conditions.

The poll, conducted during August, found that 69% of respondents believed famine reports are accurate, with Democrats more likely than Republicans or Independents to accept those reports.

Regarding an opinion on who is responsible for the famine conditions, the poll found a similar breakdown, with 61% of all respondents blaming Hamas, Republicans (74%) and Independents (60%) more likely to blame Hamas, and with Democrats split between blaming Hamas or Israel largely along age lines. Democrats between the ages of 18-24 were more likely to blame famine conditions on Israel than the Hamas terror group.

The poll also found age to be a strong predictor of alignment in the conflict. Overall, 74% of respondents said they support Israel over Hamas. However, among those aged 1824, a majority expressed support for Hamas, while among those aged 25 and older, at least 60% in each group supported Israel.

However, the poll found that a majority of respondents, regardless of age group, believe Hamas must release all remaining hostages without any conditions or face serious consequences, and 78% of respondents agreed with that statement.

More than one-half of those polled (58%) believe Israel should only sign a hostage-ceasefire deal if Hamas agrees to withdraw from Gaza.

The study, which also measured public satisfaction with the U.S. government, asked whether respondents believed President Donald Trump would be able to resolve the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. A majority expressed doubt: 59% said they do not believe he can resolve the war in Ukraine, and 64% said the same about the conflict in Gaza.

The results were more closely split regarding Trumps handling of the Israel-Hamas war, with 53% of respondents supporting his handling of the conflict and 47% opposing it.

Respondents were almost evenly split regarding support for Israels conduct during the war.

Of those polled, 49% said they approve of Israels conduct, while 51% disapprove. However, 77% of respondents disapprove of Hamas conduct during the war, with a majority of all age groups disapproving.

Support for U.S. military aid to Israel remains relatively strong, with 57% backing offensive aid and 60% backing defensive aid. The only group with majority opposition to offensive aid was respondents aged 18-24.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News Nicaraguan political activist detained with pastor dies in detention: 'Grave injustice'

A political activist arrested during a coordinated police raid in Nicaragua has died in state custody amid a larger government crackdown on dissent and religious groups. His family was informed by forensic authorities of his death, but officials have not disclosed how he died.

Mauricio Alonso Prieto, who was detained on July 18 along with his wife and adult son, was being held at the Granada Department prison known as "La Granja," according to the London-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The family received a call from the Institute of Forensic Medicine this week confirming his death and instructing them to collect the body, with no explanation provided about the cause, the Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa reports.

CSW and the Segovia Institute for Leadership and Social Transformation have denounced his death. CSW's Director of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl said that Alonso "passed away whilst being subjected to a grave injustice at the hands of the Nicaraguan authorities."

She urged international pressure on the Ortega-Murillo government to release all those detained in the July raids and demanded full disclosure on the circumstances of Alonso's death, as well as reparations to his widow.

"We also call on the Nicaraguan authorities to provide full and detailed information as to what led to his death whilst in custody, and to make extensive reparations to Mr Alonso's widow," Stangl said.

The raid in Jinotepe, Carazo Department, initially targeted a Protestant pastor, Rudy Palacios Vargas, the founder of La Roca de Nicaragua Church Association. Also arrested were Pastor Palacios Vargas' sisters, Arely and Jessica Palacios Vargas, their husbands Pedro Jose Lopez and Armando Jose Bermudez Mojica, and family friend Olga Maria Lara Rojas.

Alonso's wife was released the same day of the raid, but he and his son remained in detention alongside the other six.

Those detained were held incommunicado for 10 days at the 3rd Police District.

On July 28, the news outlet 100% Noticias reported that they had been transferred to La Granja, a severely overcrowded prison, where they were subjected to a virtual hearing and charged with treason and conspiracy.

Alonso's son, who is part of the worship team at Pastor Palacios Vargas' church, remains imprisoned.

The church has been a consistent critic of President Daniel Ortega's administration since the 2018 protests against pension and social security reforms, during which Palacios Vargas denounced the government's use of force against student demonstrators. In 2019, La Roca de Nicaragua Church Association was stripped of its legal status by the government.

Nicaragua's government has faced mounting international criticism over its treatment of religious groups and civil society.

In March, the country withdrew from the United Nations Human Rights Council, two days after the release of a U.N. report accusing the Ortega administration of systematically suppressing human rights, democracy and religious freedom.

One of the U.N. experts, Ariela Peralta, said earlier that the Nicaraguan government appeared to be "at war with its own people." The administration has claimed that reports by the U.N. and other international bodies are false and part of a smear campaign. Vice President Rosario Murillo, who is also the president's wife, dismissed the U.N. findings as "slander."

Religious communities, particularly Catholic institutions, have faced increasing restrictions. A 2018 law regulating foreign funding for NGOs enabled the government to revoke the legal status of thousands of organizations. Although many groups were affected, Catholic institutions, which sheltered student protesters in 2019, have been among the most heavily targeted.

In an earlier report titled "Total Control: The Eradication of Independent Voices in Nicaragua," CSW documented 222 cases of religious persecution involving thousands of victims. The report noted the cancellation of religious events and public processions, along with surveillance and restrictions placed on religious leaders, including mandatory weekly check-ins with the police and approval of their activity schedules.

CSW also reported that 46 religious leaders were arbitrarily detained in 2024, some for short periods and others held long-term.
Home News Two students killed in Annunciation Catholic School shooting identified

Family members have identified the two Annunciation Catholic School students who were murdered on Wednesday by a gunman during an all-school mass at the Annunciation Catholic Church next door in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The students, Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed by a lone shooter police identified as 23-year-old "Robin" Westman, formerly known as Robert Westman before a legal name change in 2020. Police say Westman fired a barrage of bullets through the church's window before taking his own life.

"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us," Merkel's father, Jesse Merkel, said during a press conference Thursday.

"Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming."

Moyski's family also said in a statement reported by NBC Chicago that they are devastated by her murder.

"Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper's sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss," they said. "As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain. We also grieve for our fellow Annunciation family in mourning and for those hurt yesterday (Wednesday)."

Fifteen other children between the ages of 6 and 15 were injured during Westman's attack. Three adults in their 80s were also injured at the church.

Pray for the families of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski.



Gone too soon. Murdered while they were praying. pic.twitter.com/vedNjBLlyF  Rep. Harry Niska (@HarryNiska) August 28, 2025

In a joint statement, Principal Matthew D. DeBoer and preist Fr. Dennis Zehren said on Wednesday that they are "navigating an impossible situation" with the school community.

"No words can capture what we have gone through, what we are going through, and what we will go through in the coming days and weeks. But we will navigate this  together," they said.

They said law enforcement responded quickly to protect the children, but could not escape the casualties.

"We lost two of our beloved students before the scene was secured. A number of other children and parishioners were wounded.  Please lift up these families and these children in prayer and surround them and each other with your love during this difficult time," DeBoer and Zehren said. "In this time of darkness, let us commit to being the Light to our children, each other and our community. We will rebuild our future filled with hope  together."
Tragic School Shooting In Minnesota, Trump's Foreign Aid Appeal, Mental Health Risks Post-Abortion

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:29 07:29

Top headlines for Friday, August 29, 2025

In this episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching tragedy that struck a Minnesota Catholic private school, where a shooting has left two children dead and many more injured. We also explore the latest legal battles as the Trump administration appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court over billions in foreign aid payments. Lastly, we address the controversial findings on mental health risks faced by women who undergo abortions, compared to those who carry pregnancies to term.

00:11 Minneapolis Catholic school shooter identified, changed name

01:08 Ohio school defends guidance counselor seen in undercover video

02:10 Supreme Court urged to weigh Trump's halting of foreign aid

03:01 Court sides with hospital staffer fired over sex-change surgeries

03:55 DNC committee member claims DEI 'foundation' of Christian church

04:46 Mom speaks out after daughter's encounter in school locker room

05:36 Abortion tied to increased mental health hospitalization: study
Home Opinion Extreme gerrymandering doesn't benefit anyone long term

The news has been filled in recent weeks with attempts to redistrict the congressional districts in numerous states around the country, most notably Texas. It is unusual, but not unprecedented, for a state to undertake redistricting in the middle of a decade.

Usually, states redistrict after the U.S. census, which occurs every 10 years (2000, 2010, 2020, 2030, etc.) since the census determines how many seats in the U.S. House of Representatives each state is entitled to have. Every state, no matter how large or small, is allotted two Senators in the U.S. Senate.

Currently, the House breakdown is 219 Republicans and 212 Democrats, and four vacancies. In the Senate, the Republicans have 53 senators, the Democrats have 45, and there are two independents.

So why are the Republicans in Texas and some other majority-Republican legislature states contemplating redrawing their congressional districts mid-decade?

First, the Republican majority is slim, some would say precarious, given the fact that historically the presidents party has lost House seats in 18 of the past 20 midterm elections (it lost Senate seats in 15 of 20 of those election cycles).

This means that history indicates that if things stay structured as they are, President Donald Trump might well lose his slim majority in the House, which would greatly handicap the last two years of his second and final term as president.

Given the highly partisan nature of Washington, many of President Trumps supporters believe losing the House majority would mean that Trumps presidency is basically over.

Additionally, it was decided to include immigrants in the country illegally in the 2020 census, which is believed to have enhanced the electoral representation of Democratic Blue states, which tend to have more of these immigrants. The president has called for a new census, which would undoubtedly decrease the representation of Democrats in the House.

It is also true that Republican legislatures have not gerrymandered their states as ruthlessly as have their Democratic colleagues. For instance, Massachusetts has nine Democrats and zero Republican congressmen, and yet 36% of its citizens voted for Republicans statewide. Maryland has seven Democrats and one Republican congressman, while 34.08% of its citizens voted for Republicans in the congressional election.

The practice of gerrymandering is named after Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry, who served in the U.S. House (1789-1793), as Massachusetts governor (1810-1812), and vice president of the United States. Gov. Gerry pioneered the manipulation of congressional districts within a state to maximize one partys representation in Congress.

Gerrymandering has long been a tradition in American politics, and both parties have done and do it. However, it has reached extreme proportions in the last half-century. It has reached the stage that among the 435 House districts across the U.S., it has been estimated that the gerrymandering has been so intense that only between 35 to 50 House districts across the land are truly competitive in the sense that they are realistically winnable by either party.

This structure clearly does not serve a truly representative government. Americans should demand that their state legislatures behave more responsibly and construct as many competitive congressional districts as possible.

Two other factors impacting House representation are shifting population between states and shifting sentiments about Republicans and Democrats among the American population.

If current demographic trends continue, states that trend Republican will gain 12 congressional seats in the 2030 census, and the Democrats will lose 12 seats. In addition, the Democratic Party has been hemorrhaging voters over the last four years. In the 30 states that keep such figures, the four-year swing towards the Republicans adds up to 4.5 million voters.

These trends do not bode well for the Democrats near-term future. However, Americans of all political stripes should take a dim view of gerrymandering, whether it benefits their party or not. Why? Gerrymandering thwarts the purpose of representative government. All Americans should work to make each states U.S. House delegation be as representative of their states political balance as possible.

The extreme gerrymandering contributes greatly to the hyper-partisanship in the House, where you have the virtual disappearance of the center right and the center left because they get defeated in their own party primaries. In recent years, there has been virtually no philosophical overlap between the two parties congressional delegations. In other words, the most liberal Republican member has a more conservative voting record than the most conservative Democrat. This makes congressional compromise almost impossible, and it does not truly represent Americans political beliefs.

All Americans of goodwill should work for truly representative government in the U.S. House of Representatives. Americans of all political persuasions would benefit tremendously if this were to be achieved.
Innovation transforms embroidered thangka into income source for SW China villagers

Xinhua) 09:47, August 29, 2025

LHASA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- In a sunlit workshop in Yadong, a border county in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, 36-year-old Sonam Tsering threaded colored silk through woolen cloth, his hands steady and his vision bold.

What emerges is neither a traditional painting thangka nor conventional embroidery, but a dazzling fusion, one that blends centuries-old Tibetan art with his own modern twist.

Proudly pointing at an embroidered thangka decorated with non-traditional motifs of Chinese knots, Sonam Tsering said the embroidered thangka, once a vibrant part of Tibetan art, had become rare in many places, with most surviving pieces preserved only in museums.

"For years, I had dreamed of creating my own works that blended tradition with innovation," the artist recalled. Notably, he now leads a workshop of more than 30 apprentices, mostly village women, who produce embroidered thangka works that are gaining buyers from Xizang, east China's Shanghai, and even overseas.

A decade ago, Sonam Tsering was a young graduate of Xizang University, steeped in the study of thangka painting.

During his university years, Sonam Tsering encountered this precious art form. Later, he apprenticed under Gade, a renowned Tibetan artist and professor at Xizang University.

"I used to think traditional thangka was fixed, something that couldn't be changed," Sonam Tsering said.

His path to becoming a cultural innovator began at the university seminar, where he studied traditional thangka painting alongside classmates from Japan, India and the United States. This exposure to international classmates reshaped his outlook.

"But tradition itself is shaped by each era. What we call tradition today was once someone's contemporary creation. Culture can change -- and it should reflect the lives and thoughts of people now," the artist said.

Fascinated not only by the meticulous brushwork of painted thangkas but also by rare embroidery styles preserved in museum collections, he broadened his skills to include enamel-inspired cloisonne painting techniques and other fine arts, such as Chinese ink painting and oil painting.

After graduating in 2012, Sonam Tsering returned to his hometown to work as a grassroots civil servant. However, in his spare time, he never stopped creating.

In 2013, his works were exhibited in Italy, attracting early recognition abroad. For years, he relied on his own savings to hire assistants and maintain production. Then, in 2021, local officials noticed his work and encouraged him to teach villagers.

By 2023, with support from Shanghai's assistance programs, he secured over 200,000 yuan (about 28,144 U.S. dollars) in funding to establish a workshop.

Today, the workshop employs more than 30 local women, many of whom were already skilled in needlework. With additional training, they are now able to craft embroidered thangkas -- incorporating Tibetan motifs such as auspicious clouds and the six-syllable mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," and sometimes fetching between 400 and 4,000 yuan apiece.

Apprentices earn 100 yuan a day, a solid source of income in the region. In 2023 alone, the workshop secured orders worth more than 200,000 yuan from the paired-up assistance program. By the year's end, the earnings were distributed as dividends among the apprentices.

For 27-year-old Qungda, who joined the workshop in 2023, the experience has been life-changing. Beyond earning a steady income, she has gained new skills and a sense of purpose. "Otherwise, I would just be doing housework and farm chores at home," she said. The workshop has opened new doors for women in the village -- giving them opportunities to support their families while also preserving Tibetan culture.

"Passing on culture doesn't mean only professionals can do it," he said. "Everyone can take part. Tradition thrives when it collides with new ideas."

Looking ahead, the workshop aims to expand and involve more participants. Sonam Tsering hopes to take his apprentices to places such as Suzhou and Shanghai, both in east China, to learn embroidery traditions like Suzhou-style silk embroidery. Response has been overwhelming, with villagers of all ages signing up eagerly -- some applicants are even in their 60s, he added.

His journey mirrors a larger shift on the plateau. Since 2020, initiatives to support Xizang's development have invested more than 37.2 billion yuan in projects across nine key industries, fostering nearly 900 local specialties and helping transform cultural and natural resources into engines of sustainable development, according to local authorities.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
By wedninth, Adobe

A Scottish court has ordered the closure of a 38-year-old Glaswegian charity that has been under investigation for more than two years.

Last week, Glasgow Sheriff Court ordered the winding-up of the Pollokshields Development Agency (PDA), a charity established in 1987 to develop services promoting the integration and regeneration of its community.

The courts order follows an ongoing investigation by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), launched in May 2023, on receipt of information alleging that charity trustees had been removed and new trustees appointed not in accordance with the terms of the constitution.

Charity unable to pay its debts

On 22 August, Glasgow Sheriff Court appointed David McGinness and Judith Howson of AAB as interim liquidators of PDA, following an order to wind up the charity.

In their notice of court order , the sheriff said the amount of the share capital of PDA paid up or credited as paid up doesnt exceed 120,000 and that the charity is unable to pay its debts.

After it opened its inquiry, OSCR was also informed that the current trustees had continued to carry on the charitys activities without access to its funds.

These allegations raised serious concerns about the charitys assets being at risk, and OSCR decided to undertake further inquiries to ensure the assets were protected and that the trustees were acting in line with their legal duties.

In an interim report , OSCR said that given the seriousness of the situation and risk of harm to PDA, it considered it appropriate to direct the charity not to undertake activities while inquiries were ongoing.

OSCR also considered it appropriate to direct the charitys bank not to part with property it was holding on behalf of Pollokshields Development Agency without OSCRs consent, it said.

These directions were issued on 1 June 2023 and were valid for six months.

According to OSCRs website , PDAs financial documents are overdue by eight months. Meanwhile, the charitys balance sheet shows that its reserves fell from 66,651 in March 2023 to 672 in March 2024.

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,
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Edinburgh charities have welcomed emergency funding from the city council in a move designed to provide greater support for the third sector in Scotlands capital.

Following the launch of 3m emergency funding and an extensive review of how the city works with not-for-profit groups to prevent poverty, Edinburgh councillors heard how moves to bring stability to the sector were being well received.

The city council provided the emergency funding this year to at-risk third-sector groups, with an additional 284,192 in the Third Sector Resilience Funding being agreed by elected members at a full council meeting yesterday.

It is understood that the one-off emergency funding has been allocated to charities working to end poverty in the city, but which have been faced with growing financial challenges.

The final phase of the funding will be allocated this winter, and will help 31 small and medium-sized charities receive up to 10,000 each towards running costs.

Council has also extensively consulted third sector

The City of Edinburgh Council has also reportedly extensively consulted with charities in the city as it moves towards greater partnerships working to prevent poverty.

This includes a 14-week consultation to gather experiences and concerns of charities operating in Edinburgh, and involved over 239 workers from around 100 organisations.

Reacting to the funding news, Benjamin Napier, speaking on behalf of the Third Sector Reference Group, said: Id like to give my thanks to council officers for their excellent role working very effectively with the third sector to make sure funding gets out quickly.

There has been a diligent approach to how we work together and the key now is to look at the next stages of funding.

The councils leader, Jane Meagher, said: The 3m weve provided in emergency funding has been vital at a time when the cost of living is high.

This final allocation of funding will support even more projects, from advice for young parents to help with clothes and funeral costs.

Its never been more important to reset the relationship between the public and third sectors and Im proud of the work weve carried out to truly listen to and learn from those involved, so that we can work to get it right.

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,
Civil Society has published a new podcast episode with Olivia Barker White, chief executive and co-founder of Kids Club Kampala.

In this episode, Barker White discusses the challenges of running a small NGO, her advocacy work for other small charities, and the effects of the recent foreign aid cuts on charities like hers.

You can listen to the interview now below or on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , Amazon Music and Pocket Casts .

AI-generated transcript

Emily Moss (EM): Hello and welcome to another episode of the Civil Society Podcast. I'm Civil Societys junior reporter, Emily Moss, and on todays show, Ill be speaking with Olivia Barker White, the founder of Kids Club Kampala, a UK- and Uganda-based childrens NGO which she helped to set up when she was just 19. Kids Club Kampala do incredible work working with children, young people and their families to offer child protection, family strengthening and education programmes in deprived areas of Kampala, Ugandas capital city; they also work across Uganda. Since the charity was first set up in 2007 by Olivia and her Ugandan colleagues, its reached 1.56 million people, delivered 45 million meals to hungry children and families, and given free education to 1890 children. However, Kids Club Kampala remains a small charity  and running a small charity is not without its challenges. To help support other small charities, Olivia has more recently served as a member of NCVOs Small Charities Advisory Panel since 2023, and volunteers as a trustee and working group member of the Small International Development Charities Network. We discuss her journey with setting up Kids Club Kampala and the challenges of founding a charity at such a young age, as well as the difficulties of running small charities and of running an NGO in the face of the recent UK and US foreign aid cuts. I hope you find this conversation with Olivia interesting and useful, and I'll speak to you again at the end.

EM: I'm sure you've been asked this a lot but did you always intend to work in the charity sector? 'Cause I noticed you studied development at uni and so I was just wondering, was this always what you intended to do or did you envisage working in a different area of development?

Olivia Barker White (OBW): Yeah, to be honest, I didn't really know when I ever since I was really young, I was always interested in the world and I loved geography at school. I did a lot of volunteering in my spare time as a teenager. So I went to university to study international development, partly because at school I really enjoyed geography and economics and it was quite a nice crossover. I always wanted to do something practical I didn't really want to I always wanted to do something that would make a difference, but that was fairly practical. And when I finished university, I started working in the international development sector, but within management consultancy in the private sector and I just found that didn't really suit me. It didn't it just felt quite far removed from the actual cause. So I was there for a while, but that wasn't really where my passions lay. It was obviously development's a hugely broad spectrum. And so I think I always wanted to do something that was yeah, more practical, more actually on the ground, grassroots type work.

EM: Yeah. Yeah. And so I suppose, I do have quite a few questions, but I'll try and combine them into one about Kids Club Kampala, because obviously, its in Uganda, its for children in Uganda. Its all quite niche. And its in Kampala specifically. So was there like a particular moment or experience that inspired you to set up this charity? Did you go and visit Uganda what was the sort of watershed moment, I suppose?

OBW: Yeah. So yeah I went to visit Uganda so when I finished school before I went to university, actually I did a gap year. And [as] part of that I did overseas volunteering. And the organisation that I did that with sent me to Uganda. So I didn't know anything about that country. I'd never left Europe before. And I went. And I spent the best part of the year living in Uganda, the organisation that I was sent there with placed myself and a bunch of other young people from the UK in a secondary school to teach English. And in Uganda, school's not free. So if you are a child who is at secondary school, this is a boarding school as well. If you're at a secondary boarding school, you are very elite. And I was an 18-year-old just finished school. I had no teaching experience. And in Uganda, the education system is taught in English. So if you are a student from a wealthy family who's at a secondary boarding school, your English is probably better than my English. So I was not qualified to teach and I was not needed in any way, and I'd spent a whole lot of money, fundraised a lot of money to do this gap year. And I really I was very naive and I really wanted to do something to help and I just felt very frustrated because I was at this school and there's wonderful people, [I] made some lovely friends, but I didn't feel like I was actually being useful or helpful in any way and -- there's a whole other conversation around is international volunteering ever helpful  but I feel like that's a whole other can of worms to get into. But anyway, a very long story short, I met some incredible Ugandan friends. And one friend in particular whom I met, shared his story with me about growing up in really desperate poverty. And his passion and his vision was for children growing up in extreme poverty-- particularly within the slum communities in Kampala, which he had experience of -- for these children to just not feel unwanted and to not feel uncared for or unloved. And so some of my really good friends that I'd made there invited me into the slum communities in Kampala to see what they were doing. I'd expressed my frustration that, oh, I'm not really doing anything. I want it to be useful. And they were like, well, we are doing this thing. Would you wanna come and see what we're doing? And I'd been in Uganda for a little while and I'd obviously seen poverty, but stepping into Kampala slums for the first time was just really, really moving, really heartbreaking. Seeing conditions that young children and families were living in, just seeing abject poverty but just seeing the incredible work that some of my Ugandan friends were doing. They literally had nothing but they were going into these communities, playing games with the children and just being a safe space, a safe adult looking after these children. And the vision at the beginning was very much just giving children a safe place to play and have fun away from the stresses and worries of their everyday lives. That was it really. And they were calling them kids clubs 'cause they were going in running these clubs for children. And a lot of these kids at a really young age, they were working, whether that's formally or informally, they were doing lots of domestic work in the home, looking after younger brothers or sisters or even picking through rubbish tips, looking for food or even worse, begging or even sex work. And so lots of these children it was just respite, that's all it was. Just playing games and having fun, on a very small scale. And I was in Uganda for a number of months. I had a lot of spare time and I just fell in love with this and joined in with what they were doing. It was very much my amazing Ugandan friends' vision, and Sam, who was the first guy who introduced me to these communities, hes now our Ugandan country director and heads up our incredible team there. I then came back to the UK and I went to university. As I said, I studied international development and one thing about being a student is youve got a lot of spare time. So, in my spare time, I just started doing some fundraising in a very small way, getting some friends together and doing bits and pieces. And after my first year of uni, I got a group of friends together and we went back to Uganda with no plan, just to kind of join in with what had been happening and. And, if anything, I saw I found that the conditions in the slums had got worse. I remember there was we were running a big children's activity doing some games with the big parachutes and there was a bunch of kids sitting on the side of the field, not joining in. And I went over and I said to the children, why aren't you joining in? Are you bored? And this is me with my Western lens. Be bored. And they just said, oh, we haven't eaten for several days. We don't have the energy to stand up and play and join in. And it was just there, that really struck me-- there's so much more that needs to be done here. There's so much more need. Yes, it's wonderful that these children are playing some games and having a bit of fun and a break from all the stress, but actually there's so much more that needs to be done. And I went back to UK and started doing some more fundraising, and then it got to a point where, okay, actually this is really taking off in Uganda. We'd had lots of other people who lived in different communities coming to us and saying, oh, I love what you're doing. Can we set up a kids club in my community? And so suddenly it was snowballing there. So we registered as an NGO in Uganda and then we registered as a charity in the UK as well. And I just started getting friends together and fundraising in my spare time. And then my wonderful friends in Uganda continued doing the work there. And yeah, one thing led to another.

EM: It's an absolutely amazing origin story. Is that and so is that why you list yourself as a co-founder? Cause I assume you co-founded it with your Ugandan friends then.

OBW: Yeah. Yeah that's exactly right.

EM: Yeah. Really amazing origin story that! So, obviously you were quite young when you set it up. How old were you exactly in your early twenties or 19?

OBW: 19.

EM:  and obviously that's I mean there are very few people that set up charities at that age. Do you feel like your experience of co-founding it was influenced by your age? Do you feel like you were treated any differently when trying to secure funding, things like that?

OBW: Oh, completely. I was a 19-year-old little white girl. I didn't have any clue about anything. And actually one of the reasons why we started the charity in the first place is because at the beginning I spent quite a lot of time reaching out to other organisations who I knew that were working in Uganda, or who I knew that were, probably quite naively, but just other NGOs that I knew of, and saying, there's this community of children and they're really struggling and there's no other charities, there's no local NGOs here. Can you come and help? And I didn't get any response at all. If I'd been an old white male, I'm sure I would've got a response. And just yeah, being taken seriously for a very long time, I found was difficult. But I think that just builds resilience. And I think I think in my head, I still think of myself as a young person. I'm very much not anymore, but I think it's always led us to be quite innovative and quite resilient and agile in how we fundraise and how we run our programs. Because also my friends in Uganda that we co-founded the charity with, they were a similar age, early twenties. So I think we all faced this at the beginning, but it working with children and young people, it felt it meant we were at ease and able to probably relate better but also able to be pretty flexible in how we operated as well, and we tried to be quite innovative, I'd like to think,

EM: Yeah, 'cause if you've been in like your forties or whatever, I feel like the dynamic would've switched up completely, been a lot more parental and, yeah.

OBW: No that's very true. Yeah. And in terms of what was I gonna say?

EM: This wasn't a prepared question, but I was gonna say like in, in terms of like the money that you started the charity with, was that mainly sourced from the UK? Or was that sourced from Uganda?

OBW: Yes. It was mainly from the UK, but I said, when I think our first year of operation, I think our annual turnover was like a thousand pounds. Like it was literally nothing. It was just me harassing all my friends and family and, doing some random club night at uni to raise it. We didn't really, and still don't really, raise very much money within Uganda. The majority of our staff and our volunteers and our supporters in Uganda are people from the local communities that we work in. And that's something we're really proud of. So people aren't necessarily wealthy in that way, but what we have a huge wealth of and certainly had a huge wealth of at the beginning, was people giving their time. And we just suddenly had this sort of army of volunteers in Uganda of all local people from local communities really wanting to help where they lived, which is just incredible.

EM: Yeah. It's absolutely amazing. Do you go back regularly then? I imagine so.

OBW: Yes, so I try to get out there about once a year. I've got three little ones now, so it's just juggling that. But yeah, and some of our team come over here as well but with Zoom and technology is fantastic, isn't it-- so, we are in constant contact.

EM: Yeah. Amazing. Yeah. And do you but do you find it challenging running a charity that's mostly based in Uganda from the UK?

OBW: I don't think so, no, because we I think we are very clear on who's responsible for what. So, as I said, we're in very close communication with our team on the ground. But our team, the Kids Club Kampala in Uganda, is a registered NGO in Uganda. They have their own boards, own management team. And I'm certainly not involved in things like the governance side of things, apart from just general due diligence. I'm not involved with sort of HR decisions or even program, budget decisions. I'm obviously involved with strategy and, in those high-level conversations. But in terms of the day to day, I'm not micromanaging. Weve got a fantastic team who just do incredible work. And obviously, we do monitoring and evaluation, making sure that we are actually achieving impact and we very much really are. But our team are very autonomous in what they do and how the programs run. And I think that's a real strength of ours that I'm not sitting here in the UK thinking of ideas for projects or telling people how to do their jobs. They know better than me. I'm just yeah, trying to fundraise really. I'm leading our UK team in and the primary purpose of the UK organisation is fundraising and awareness raising as well.

EM: Yeah, no, that's amazing. That's really interesting to hear 'cause I'm always curious with these kinds of charities that are operating in multiple countries, especially well, smaller ones, namely because yeah, it's got less staff to smooth the operation out the same way.

OBW: Yeah, and I think one thing I'm quite passionate about as well is organisations doing development well. I'm also-- in my limited spare time-- but I'm a trustee of the Small International Development Charities Network and it's a great network of different organisations working internationally, predominantly in small charities. And one thing that as an organisation we have a commitment to is encouraging better development. And actually, if you are a UK charity running stuff and micromanaging stuff and being really directed as to what happens in on the ground overseas, I'd probably gently challenge that, allow your teams to have more power and to have more autonomy around decision making and that kind of thing. Because actually, people know what's best for their communities and for their countries. And I'm just here to, hopefully just rechannel some of the resources from the West to the Global South.

EM: Yeah, definitely. I imagine, I can't remember what I was about to say, I can't imagine, but I can't imagine how much the mindset must have changed around international development in the last since you founded the charity, like in the last even five years. I feel like there's just been such a huge shift in attitudes to development work. That must be quite complex to navigate, I suppose with like lots of different generations and things like that.

OBW: Yeah definitely. And it is interesting 'cause I think I've seen a lot of different perspectives on that. As I said, I started out working in social development in the more private sector. I founded Kids Club Kampala when I was 19, but I didn't actually begin doing this as my full-time job until a few years later than that. And I only became chief exec in 2019. But I think, yeah, I've had a whole range of different perspectives on development in that time.

EM: Yeah, definitely. And you say you've so you moved from like that role of co-founder and then you moved into I think a trustee role, am I correct? And then you were a director and then eventually CEO. How come you didn't immediately not immediately, I suppose you were at university and things, but sort of transition to CEO-- what motivated that decision?

OBW: Partly, the charity had no money to pay any staff. But also I don't I think I hadn't I don't think I'd quite realised that this could become a job or a career. It was very much this small project that I'd helped found. And I don't think I necessarily believed in myself or believed that it could become what it is today. And so I was yeah, focused on obviously supporting the charity in my spare time. And then I was working part-time and but I don't think, I don't think I'd seriously really considered that. I was helping the organisation obviously for a very long time in a voluntary capacity. And then when the opportunity came up to become a director, I did. And then when my co-director stepped down, I was asked to be CEO in 2019, and the charity was very different then. It was a very different time, and it was only five, six years ago. Lots changed in that time.

EM: Yeah. I imagine the pandemic probably changed quite a lot.

OBW: Yeah, definitely. Yeah. It really did. It's interesting actually, 'cause I was reflecting on this as I said, I became chief exec in 2019-- at the end of 2019. And it was really difficult. It was a really difficult time. My co-director had stepped down and in the space of a month, we were such a small team. We were a very small fundraising team. There were just four people in the UK and in the space of a month, my ad administrator left and my fundraiser left. And because again, I didn't really know what I was doing, we didn't have proper contracts in place, so people didn't, basically didn't have any notice periods, so they just left. And then one of my trustees, who was a really great and helpful trustee, stepped down as well, all within the space of a few weeks.

And I remember just having this moment where I was like, I can't do it anymore. It's too hard. I do not wanna do this anymore. It's too hard. It's too stressful. And it just felt like the end of the world. And amazingly we managed to turn things around. I had a fantastic volunteer interning with me at the time. He stepped in and into a supportive care role. And he's incredible. He's actually now our head of operations. He's just amazing. And we brought in some freelancers and some consultants and, we made it work. But this was the end of 2019, so it was only a couple of months later that the pandemic hit. But I feel that if I hadn't had such a challenging time a few months earlier, I probably wouldn't have survived COVID, but when COVID hit, I was like, I feel like the worst thing's already happened. I've already had a really stressful time. We managed to come through that. So what's COVID? What's another challenge? It really helped build my resilience too, to get through that and obviously navigating, closing our office and everyone working from home. And navigating all of that with COVID is obviously really challenging. But I actually feel like for us as a charity, COVID was really quite a pivotal moment in terms of our impact, which was amazing really. And again, I think this is why I really do believe in locally led development and grassroots organisations. Because in the UK we were working from home, we obviously couldn't travel and so many large organisations were just pulling all of their staff out of the country. We didn't have any international staff overseas, and so we didn't have that problem, but we had-- pretty quickly in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic-- we found out that within the slum communities in Kampala, where we were working in the first two or three months of the pandemic, more people had actually passed away from starvation than they had from COVID, which is just absolutely terrible, and yeah so devastating. But one of our real strengths is that we are a community-based, community-led grassroots organisation. And we have such fantastic relationships with local community leaders that we are all really seen as like a pillar of the community. So many of the communities that we work in don't even realise that we even have a UK office. We're seen as this locally led organisation. So when this happened, community leaders came to us and said, what can you do to help? And we managed to get a special dispensation from the Ugandan government, which is pretty rare. We do lots of things, but we have big classrooms within the slum communities. We provide free early years education. We have big vocational training centres, so we provide tertiary education. We have our kids clubs with large groups of children coming together. So obviously none of that could happen. But we had these empty buildings and we got special permission from the government to turn these empty buildings into food banks, and we started feeding people. And we literally gave out tens of thousands of meals. And it's not an exaggeration to say literally saving people's lives through providing food through these food banks. And we were then asked to expand our work into other communities to continue doing this all throughout the pandemic. Schools, et cetera, were closed. And I think that really cemented our reputation, certainly with local and national government in Uganda, but also it really spoke to our supporters in the UK as well, and we actually managed to raise a huge amount of money, way more than we expected to, to support this emergency response. So yes, COVID was obviously a very devastating time, but I think for us as a charity, it kind of really solidified, okay. This is why we're here and in a time of crisis, we can be really valuable.

EM: Wow. Yeah, that's a really interesting perspective. I suppose that makes quite a bit of sense, but I've not really heard that from a charity, 'cause I suppose from a domestic perspective it was obviously mostly quite disastrous in a lot of ways for charities. But yeah, that's really interesting. So I moving on from that area I was just interested about how obviously you run a small charity, you set up a small charity, but what made you want to then get involved in more advisory capacities, getting on the Small Charities Advisory Panel, the Small International Development Charities Network-- what made you wanna take on those roles later on?

OBW: I think it, to be honest, I think it was just partly I was getting a lot of people getting in touch with me and asking for advice and help and it was how can I do that in a more formal capacity? But also, I think it was just recognising that actually when I set up Kids Club Kampala, and this was in 2009, so you know, it was a long time ago when I set up Kids Club Kampala, I didn't have any idea of where to turn to for support. I literally had no clue. And it was really hard and I was just thinking, if I could have had some support, what would that have looked like? And then when opportunities came along, I felt, oh, actually, yes, that's something that would've been great to have been a part of, or to have been able to have that support. So I'm quite passionate about supporting other small organisations that are looking to scale or supporting other founders looking to either grow their organisation or just for advice and support recognising it's something that I didn't necessarily have, but would've been really useful. And also I'm just quite passionate about just being part of the wider conversation within the sector, within the international development space, but also just within the third sector. Im interested in just being part of the wider conversation and advocating on behalf of the charity sector in general, but small charities in particular.

EM: Yeah, I was just curious 'cause obviously not everyone goes on to then take these types of roles if they've set up like a small charity so I was just really curious to know. So it's been a very challenging time, to say the leas,t for small charities and also foreign international development charities. I actually saw your LinkedIn post on this subject area, so I almost didn't wanna ask the question 'cause I feel like you, you summarised it very concisely in the LinkedIn post, but obviously I'm sure the recent foreign aid cuts news has been really unwelcome, so how is your charity planning to navigate it going forward?

OBW: Oh. It's just absolutely terrible. Just absolutely terrible. It's really disappointing. From a Labour government, I would never have expected it. The USAID cuts have been absolutely devastating. But I think for then, our government to just follow suit and not try and plug that gap, I think is atrocious. But yes. I think for us so we haven't been directly financially affected and the majority of international organisations I speak to haven't been directly affected by this round of cuts when the first round of cuts came in 2021. So when the budget was cut from 9.7 to 9.5, we lost quite a significant amount of funding. We were told that we were going to be getting a we had UK funding previously, and it had been very well programs had been very well received. And then we had been told that we were getting another grant of 150,000 and when those cuts happened, that disappeared. Luckily, we hadn't started that program. I know lots of other small international development charities who were halfway through programs and suddenly funding was pulled. So that has been absolutely devastating. This time around I haven't, that hasn't been happening because to be honest, this 0.5% hasn't even been achieved. That target so slashing that target from nor 0.5 to nor 0.3 hasn't made a huge amount of difference, but also a large amount of that funding was being spent on refugees in the UK. So there actually wasn't a lot of direct cuts impacting international development charities, particularly smaller ones. However, what we are seeing now is all of these knock-on effects, which are absolutely devastating, particularly the USAID cuts. For example, in Uganda where we work and actually we've also just recently merged with another charity called the Mango Tree. Now you have programs in Uganda, but also in Kenya and Tanzania, so we are seeing it in Kenya particularly as well. But in East Africa, for example, the majority of healthcare systems and healthcare budgets are funded directly by USAID. Oh wow. So USAID pulling out of these countries is seeing clinics closing. It's seeing family planning services closing. It's seeing anti-HIV drugs disappearing off the market. It's seeing vaccination programs close. It is absolutely devastating. And the knock-on effects of this are other NGOs working on the ground are trying to pick up these pieces. So for example, there's children who we support and we've supported for a number of years who were HIV positive and we support them maybe through their education or we support them. We have a big program that rescues children and that helps them get into safe families. And so we maybe support them in these ways, but we've never had to worry about the medication because that's been covered. Whereas now that has changed. So there's all these additional demands and as some charities are closing as a result of this. And it just means that the demand for, yeah, the demand for programs is really increasing. So as the cuts are happening, it's these other charities, often smaller charities who are on the front line, the grassroots, they're resilient, they're agile, and they're reactive. Often, these are the ones who are trying to pick up those pieces. On the other side of that, we are finding that as this funding is being cut, the larger NGOs who would often rely on large contracts of funding from UK aid or USAID or others no longer have that funding. So they are now directly competing with smaller organisations for funding from other sources, whether that's trusts and foundations or from the general public or from other means. So it actually means that it's a lot harder for these smaller international development charities to access funding as these larger ones who've had cuts other than dipping in the same pool. And then on top of that, we are just seeing other costs increase unnecessarily. So another thing that I've had a little rant about, but with Microsoft always did for years, has done free licenses for charity, free Microsoft licenses, and they suddenly decided they're not gonna do that. So it's on top of that. We've got other companies and organised suppliers increasing their costs or cutting their charity support. And it's honestly, it just feels at the moment, like a perfect storm. And it's really quite worrying what's happening at the moment. Very hostile to what work you're trying to do.

EM: So do you but do you have I suppose you have a lot of how, what would you what's it called? Like, I've forgotten the word now, but planning for contingency plan, contingency plans in place for things like this?

OBW: Yeah, we do. But it is just difficult because there's obviously, there's just we do have contingency plans, but there's also, as I said, it's really difficult when we are seeing a huge increase in demand for our work. And there's more people coming to us and more people asking us to do more. So it's really hard when, you can have a budgetary contingency plan, but then over here you've got a huge increase in demand. So how to navigate that is, is challenging. This increase in demand is, being seen worldwide, its not, 'cause obviously UK charities talk about it all the time and about increased demand versus reduced funding. But it's just happening everywhere.

EM: It's just, yeah, definitely a perfect storm. So I suppose more, more optimistically. I was about to ask you about the current government's sort of recent policies towards smaller charities after a year in power and how you felt about that. But I don't know, I feel like I already got an impression of maybe your opinions based on what you were just saying. And I feel like everyone says more or less the same thing. There's a general consensus of not massively popular, but yeah. Do you I don't know, do you have any, do you have any optimism left for the next couple of years?

OBW: That's a difficult question, isn't it? Yeah. I like to think so. I like to think so. I feel like, if you I like to think I'm quite an optimistic person, but I also feel that if you lose your optimism and if you lose hope, you just give into despair and then what's the point of doing anything? So it's trying to look for the hope where we can. For Kids Club Kampala we are really blessed that we have a wonderful community of supporters. We have a wonderful community of donors who give regularly and some people have given regularly for 10, 15 years, five pounds a month or whatever. But it really makes such a difference and it's been actually lovely. When some of the cuts were introduced to some of our supporters just getting in touch, just saying, I hope you're okay. So that's been really nice and I think there's definitely a I've seen a huge amount of solidarity within the sector as well, which I think is again, a cause for optimism. So we've actually recently just merged with another charity called The Mango Tree, who have been doing fantastic work in East Africa for the last 20 years. We've just merged with them, or they've become part of Kids Kampala. And I do think that quite a lot of charities are lucky with how they can better collaborate and better work together and share learnings and share programming and things. So I think that's a cause for optimism as well. There's some. For all that the media tells us of what comes out from the government, I do feel like most people do care. And most people genuinely do want the world to be a better place and a fairer place and a more equitable place. So yeah, I think you have to hold onto hope where you can.

EM: Yeah, definitely. No, I really like that message. I think you're right. I think especially about the inter-sector solidarity is very prominent. I would say I've noticed that a lot [when] reporting. But I think that's what keeps you going at the end of the day. Looking to the future then, what are do you have any plans in the next of course you'll have plans, but what are your plans in the next year or so for the charity? And do you have any plans for your advisory roles? Do you plan on taking on anymore or do you have any goals you'd like to achieve with those?

OBW: Yeah, so firstly with Kids Club Kampala, so we yeah, we've got, we've actually just produced our sort of next sort of five-year strategic plan and strategic vision. And we've got very ambitious plans of what we want to do. So I feel like our name is slightly misleading, so we are potentially considering changing our name. But we, yeah so we don't just work in Kampala. We predominantly work in Kampala. But increasingly our work is taking us nationwide across Uganda. So a huge part of what we do, a huge area of our work now is around child protection. And we do lots of community safeguarding. We work very closely with local services within Uganda to help safeguard children. We provide a sort of family mediation and counselling, family poverty alleviation programs, but also where needed we support with removing children from unsafe families or working with children who've been abandoned, or maybe the families become homeless or there's been a mental health crisis and we intervene and provide safe spaces, respite, shelter and then long-term support. And a lot of the we help to rescue children and quite a lot of the children we rescue are in Kampala, but the reason they're in Kampala is often they've been trafficked to Kampala. Or they've got lost and ended up in Kampala or, yeah, there's been some sort of crisis and increasingly we're working on resettling children back with family members in far-reaching places throughout Uganda, we've even resettled them in Rwanda. And we have been asked by the local authorities in Uganda to scale up our current work to reach more districts throughout the country, basically. We already have presences in different communities where we're supporting children, but were looking to do something more formal, obviously when funding allows, but our kind of aim is within the next five years, obviously funding dependent, is looking at where can we help support other communities in need in Uganda and so how can we support, rather than just rescuing children who've been trafficked to Kampal and taking them back to the communities, how can we support these communities to reduce poverty and to build up resilience so that, that instance doesn't happen? And looking at expanding our model of providing educational centres, providing vocational training, providing community safeguarding. We've got this fantastic model. Completely grassroots, run by local community volunteers. How can we replicate that across other communities and also throughout Kenya and Tanzania as well, now that we have program delivery partners there as well? So we've got quite ambitious plans to do that which is really exciting. It's just all funding dependent as everything is. And then for me personally so obviously it my passion. But I am yeah, also really, as I said, really keen to support the sector in other ways. I do a little bit of freelance work supporting other organisations, organisational development and strategy stuff. And yeah, helping to just strengthen and advocate for the sector in general. So yeah, I'm keen to do more of that work as well.

EM: Thank you for listening to my chat with Olivia. Please like and subscribe to the Civil Society podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Look out for another episode in the coming weeks, and in the meantime, I hope you stay safe and well.

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South Koreas largest mobile operator was hit with a fine and stern criticism from the countrys privacy regulator after a cyberattack disclosed in April compromised the data of about half the nations population.

The Personal Information Protection Commission on Thursday fined SK Telecom Co. 134.8 billion won ($97 million) for failing to protect customer data and not reporting breaches in a timely manner. It also ordered the company to improve oversight and criticized it for a prolonged lapse in securing user data appropriately, with allegations dating back to 2022.

The company had been in a vulnerable state for quite a long time, with significant weaknesses across the board, said PIPC Chairman Ko Haksoo. There were opportunities to identify and address these issues over time, but the company missed those chances and continued to overlook them for a long period. This left the company in a pretty weak and exposed position. The committee members felt a sense of frustration about this.

Following an investigation of the attack, the Ministry of Science and ICT in July said the carrier should waive penalties for customers looking to leave the network. PIPCs decision and commentary adds to pressure on the telecom to reform its practices.

We regret that our position and actions, which were fully explained during the investigation and deliberation, were not reflected in the outcome, SK Telecom said, adding that the company will make personal data protection a core value in all its business activities.

While Korean media and public outrage have mostly focused on the risks of ransomware or financial losses from possible personal data theft, lawmaker Yu Yong Weon has raised a broader concern. Yu, a defense and military affairs expert who proposed a National Cybersecurity Act in July, said in an emailed statement this week that the national security implications of the SK Telecom hack are profound.

He said that with access to call data records, hackers could potentially reconstruct entire call logs, exposing sensitive communications at the highest level of the government. The newly proposed National Cybersecurity Act aims to unify the governments emergency response to cyberattacks and facilitate intelligence sharing on cyber threats.

The loss of call logs has also raised major security concerns in the US. Bloomberg reported that China-linked hackers known as Salt Typhoon breached telecom operators, including AT&T Inc., allowing them to monitor the phones of senior US officials and potentially endanger Federal Bureau of Investigation informants.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
As the cyber market matures, its increasingly evident that fighting off cyberattacks is going to be an ongoing team effort. Brokers, carriers, cybersecurity organizations and insureds all play a role, from security to training to assessing adequate coverage.

According to the latest Cyber Insurance Outlook report from Arctic Wolf, the risk of cyberattack has become a part of daily operational concern for many organizations. Yet growing awareness of how organizations can protect themselves from attacks and loss still poses a challenge to the insurance industry.

Seventy percent of insurance professionals responding to this most recent survey (77% of brokers and 63% of carriers) expect the number of new cyber claims to increase, mainly because of steadily growing threat activity.

The Cyber Coverage Gap

One figure the Arctic Wolf report highlights is the discrepancy between cyber coverage figures provided by brokers and those supplied by businesses. While brokers estimate 47% of organizations have the coverage they need, 65% of responding organizations claim they are covered in the event of a cyberattack.

The report hypothesizes that businesses are unaware of the extent of their coverage or what specifically is needed. This 20% gap could represent an opportunity for brokers to reassess clients needs and make recommendations for additional protection and mitigation.

Insurers may also initially reject clients for cyber coverage because they have inadequate security controls in place (26%), lack financial stability (21%) or cant supply the insurer with enough information (21%). While brokers are most likely to reject a client because of financial instability (23%), carriers are more likely to ding potential insureds for missing security protocols (32%).

Cautious Cyber Claimants

In the past year, 12% of clients with cyber insurance made claims, with ransomware accounting for 18% of those claims. Other common claims included data breaches, theft of funds and phishing incidents, including business email compromise.

However, clients who make claims may find that their rate increases because of a claim (66%) or that they face increased scrutiny during the renewal process (56%). Seven percent reported that they were asked to implement additional controls as a condition of renewal, which could include additional training, upgraded security, or other measures.

Insureds may also have claims rejected because they fall outside the terms of their policy (25% of rejections), their coverage was less than the total claim (19%), the incident fell below the clients self-insured retention (18%), the incident failed to disclose risk on the clients application (17%), or the incident was deemed gross negligence.

Fear of higher rates and cancellation drives some insureds to ignore issues that dont seem to pose a significant financial, security, or worst case scenario threat, the report said.

And prices are increasing, with 53% of insurers saying they have seen an overall increase in cyber insurance rates in the last 12 months.

Proactive Protections

North America is considered the global leader in the cyber insurance market. Insurance brokers in North America are more likely to offer both cyber risk control tools and services (73%) compared to the global market (68%). North American brokers are also more likely to have a designated cyber practice (49%) than global counterparts (43%).

However, only 45% of organizations in the North American region have the necessary cyber coverage compared to higher rates in some European countries. Regulatory requirements in places like the U.K. and Ireland incentivize organizations to mitigate cyber risk, with cyber insurance serving as a part of those strategies.

Globally, cyber insurers are proactive with their clients to mitigate damage and loss, with 71% of insurance brokers partnering with cybersecurity providers to better serve clients, while 94% offer ongoing assistance or support to clients.

The majority (69%) also offer in-house cyber risk control tools and services, with 45% charging separately for these services. Another 25% of insurers refer clients to certain cyber risk vendors, with about half of those (12%) negotiating pre-arranged discounts or terms with the vendors.
The traveling Towers to Tunnels 9-11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit was brought to the Lyndhurst Municipal Complex, via Mayfield Road, in grand style on Wednesday (Aug. 27) afternoon. City of Lyndhurst

LYNDHURST, Ohio -- Most people old enough to remember will always be able to recall where they were when they learned of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers that made up the World Trade Center in New York City, killing nearly 3,000 Americans.

But memories and details do tend to fade as the decades roll by. Then again, there are those who were too young at the time to remember, and still others who were not yet born when al-Qaeda hijackers flew planes into and destroyed the north and south towers.

There are those, however, who have made it a mission to, for as long as they draw breath, do everything they can to keep the names and deeds alive of those who gave their lives to save the lives of others on that day 24 years ago.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides various programs to aid military veterans and their families, as well as those who bravely served the public on 9-11, including the formation of the 9-11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit.

Ever since that fateful day, the public has heard of how first responders were making their way into the burning, crumbling buildings to save the lives they could while those who worked in the buildings were rushing to get out.

Tunnel to Towers has for more than a decade operated the a 9-11 Mobile Exhibit, a large trailer that carries with it pieces of the World Trade Center, firefighter gear, written narratives of what took place that day in New York, the names of the 343 first responders who died, and recordings of radio communications from that day.

The exhibit, which is stationed through Saturday (Aug. 30) on the grounds of the Lyndhurst Municipal Center, 5301 Mayfield Road, also incudes a team of docents who were there and remember well what happened.

FDNY firefighting equipment used on 9-11. Jeff Piorkowski

One such man is former Fire Department of New York lieutenant Jack Kielty. Kielty, who retired in 2022, was taking his scheduled day off from work on Sept. 11, 2001, but, upon hearing what was transpiring, answered the call and within 20 minutes was at work serving in and around the vicinity of what became known as Ground Zero.

Kielity arrived on Sept. 11 to find the two towers already fallen, which created mounds of burning rubble standing 120 feet high. Firefighters were working to find and rescue people and, because mains were destroyed, to find water to battle the blazes.

It was surreal, Kielty said of the sights he saw around him while, at the same time, looking up at fighter jets flying by.

He cannot even remember how many straight hours he worked on Sept. 11 and the day following.

Today, Kielty is working to make sure that the sacrifices made by first responders on that day are remembered.

He tells the Sept. 11 story of FDNY Capt. Jay Jones who, along with another firefighter, found an overweight woman sitting in a World Trade Center stairwell. While others were trying to flee the building, the exhausted woman sat, telling the rescuers she could walk no more and was, therefore, accepting of an invetibale death.

The firefighters stopped to help the woman, but she told them to go on because she didnt want to slow them down and cause their deaths.

But, they told her, Were firefighters, thats not what we do. We dont just leave people behind, Kielty said. So they helped her down several floors.

Retired FDNY Lt. Jack Kielty. Jeff Piorkowski

When they had reached the fourth floor, the rumbling sounds of collapsing floors above, each floor weghing 10 tons, seemed to portend certain doom. All three prepared to die, but, miraculously, debris fell all around, but not on the woman and the firefighters, who hours later emerged from the wreckage.

Jay Jones is still alive and a friend of Kieltys.

Kielty also tells of Orio Palmer, a chief and a long-distance runner who didnt make it out alive, but who climbed the stairs to make his way, with other firefighters, to upper floors in a vain attemp to save lives.

Kilety noted, There were people on the upper floors who were losing hope of living. They were up there 40 minutes or an hour. Chief Palmer managed to make it up there, so whoever was still alive, their last moment of life wasnt abandonment, it was, Oh my God, firefighters!

His (Palmers) last action on earth was to bring hope to so many people. Who can have such an impact at the moment of their death, to bring hope?

These stories are larger than life. We know there are others that didnt get recorded.

Of the mobile exhibit and its meaning, Kielty said, We took this horrible, miserable day and, through force of will and diligence, turned it into something positive.

A Tunnel to Towers Board member, Kielty said there is a saying among the Siller family (Frank Siller is Tunnel to Towers founder and CEO) that he particularly likes.

When confronted with blackness, dont curse the darkness, light a candle. Our foundation was the candle we lit. Because some very bad people came to America and did this to us, our response is all about good. Thats what we did,

A procession along Mayfield Road Road, from I-271, west to Lyndhurst, took place on Wednesday (Aug. 27) afternoon. School children from Corpus Christi Academy and people who worked in businesses along Mayfield, came out to greet the exhibit as it made its way to the Lyndhurst Municipal Center grounds. The youngsters chanted USA, USA as the trailer passed.

Although the events of 9-11 took place in New York City, their impact has been felt throughout the country.

Mayor Patrick Ward told of being in New York on Sept. 11, 2001, helping his older son, Patrick, move into an apartment in Brooklyn.

Over the following week, Ward remembered, It was horrific. All of the major buildings were surrounded by dump trailers. It was like death, death. It was strange, eerie, dark, quiet. It was like no life.

Thats what they (terrorists) stole, real lives, and they sucked the life out of that city, the country. It really resonated. On that day, eveything stopped.

The nonprofit Lyndhurst Police Foundation and its president, Lyndhurst police Lt. Michael Scipione, worked two years to bring the exhibit to Lyndhurst. Ward and Scipione organized for Thursday (Aug. 28) a private cocktail party held under tents to welcome the exhibit.

A photo and gear from 9-11. Jeff Piorkowski

The exhibit, since upgraded with a new trailer, had last been in Ohio in 2014, in Medina. Along with the Lyndhurst Police Foundation, others who helped bring the exhibit to Lyndhurst included South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools and the Legacy Village Foundation.

Scipione said that bringing the exhibit to Lyndhurst was important as a means to educate children. On Thursday, students from Brush High School and Julie Billiart School toured the trailer, while schedled for the next day were students from Corpus Christi Academy and Hawken School.

Its important because these kids werent even born on Sept. 11, 2001, he said. Im not saying its not taught, but its not a main focus in our historical lessons anymore. I thought it was important for kids to experience, first hand, why our world exists like it does today.

Why, when you go to the airport, you have to go through TSA (searches). Why you go through metal detectors at federal buildings and various other establishments in the country.

SE-L Schools Superintendent Dominick Kaple was present at the gathering, proud that the Brush High marching bands drum unit played as part of the exhibits procession into Lyndhurst.

Kaple shared that his family was personaly impacted by 9-11 when his brother-in-law, U.S. Army Capt. Michael Medders, was killed at age 24 on Sept. 24, 2008 in Iraq, in the war that ensued following the 9-11 attacks.

Laura DiPasqua was director of emergency services with the Greater Erie (Pa.) Chapter of the American Red Cross in 2001. She spent five weeks at the New York City attack site, arriving on Oct. 11, 2001. Prior to that, she had organized emergency relief efforts in Pennsylvania after Flight 93 crashed there when passengers heroically stood up to al-Qaeda hijackers.

In New York, the plume from World Trade Center debris infiltrated nearby apartments. It was primarily these apartment dwellers that DiPasqua aided.

As people would come in (for assistance), you would hear the screams, she said while at Thursdays event. Everybody I knew lost somebody, knew somebody who was killed.

Nine-eleven will always be with me, she said. Its a pain in the soul. Twenty-four years later, it does not go away.

And Im a 9-11 survivor who was diagnosed with cancer and Ive had six cancer surgeries, and facing my seventh cancer surgery. There were five in my (Red Cross) group from Erie (who served 9-11 survivors), the other four are dead.

Cancer from debris has continued to take lives. In addition to the 343 first responders who died on Sept. 11, the ensuing years have brought another 408 first responder deaths.

Former lieutenant Kielty said he has dealt with respiratory problems over the years. He said that each passing year has brought news of deaths of former firefighters he once knew.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne toured the exhibit Thursday and called it moving and powerful.

What made it all the more powerful were the voices of the New York Fire Department personnel that are narrating it, he said. Jack Kielty said it best: You die twice in life -- you die the day you die, and you die the day your name is last uttered. These guys are representing the voices of the brothers and sisters who did pass on. And for us, its powerful that they carry on the legacy.

The 9-11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit will be open for the public to tour from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday (Aug. 29), and from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 30). The city of Lyndhurst will present a free patriotic concert by the Diamond Project at 6 p.m. Saturday.

To learn more about the exhibit visit here.
The waterfall at Gorge Dam on the Cuyahoga River in May 2019. The dam holds back nearly 900,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment under a mile-long reservoir once used to power and cool a coal-fired power plant. (Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio  Republicans and Democrats dont agree on much these days, but they have found common ground when it comes to restoring the health of the Cuyahoga River.

Local Congressional representatives from both political parties on Thursday praised plans to remove sediment from the river, a necessary step toward the eventual removal of the Gorge Dam between Akron and Cuyahoga Falls.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine joined federal, state, and local leaders to launch the long-awaited cleanup of contaminated sediment behind the century-old dam.

Standing at Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, DeWine called the effort a major step forward in restoring this river to its healthy, natural, free-flowing state, which is something that hasnt happened in more than 100 years.

The massive project will remove more than 850,000 cubic yards of polluted sediment, containing PCBs, heavy metals, oil, and other contaminants.

When the dam is finally removed, officials hope it will reveal the original rock formations that inspired the name Cuyahoga Falls  and restore a stretch of river not seen in more than a century.

After years of planning, the actual removal of the sediment is expected to begin early this fall. Federal officials estimate the cleanup will take two construction seasons, after which the 58-foot dam can finally come down.

Rep. Emilia Sykes, a Democrat who represents the Akron area, praised the milestone as the result of years of persistence.

After decades of local advocacy, a nearly $10 million federal investment is making soil remediation and dam removal possible, she said. I look forward to seeing the recreation and enjoyment that will come from a free-flowing Cuyahoga River, a sight not seen for 100 years.

Rep. Shontel Brown, a Warrensville Heights Democrat, noted the impact beyond Summit County.

The Gorge Dam Cleanup Project is a win for clean water and a win for Northeast Ohio, she said. Cleaning up the Cuyahoga River in Summit County also benefits us in Cuyahoga County  because the river connects our communities.

Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Bay Village, echoed the importance of restoring the waterway not only as an environmental achievement but as a community investment.

The Cuyahoga River is a cornerstone of our regions history, and this project ensures it will also be a cornerstone of our future, he said. By removing decades of contamination, we are restoring a natural resource that supports our economy, our environment, and our quality of life.

Read more: Sediment removal begins soon behind Gorge Dam on Cuyahoga River

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $132 million contract earlier this summer to Sevenson Environmental, of Niagara Falls, New York, to remove the sediment, which will be piped to the nearby Cascade Valley Metro Park and stabilized with Portland cement before being covered with native vegetation and trees.

The cleanup is being largely funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Local partners assisting in the project include the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the City of Akron, FirstEnergy, Ohio EPA, and Summit Metro Parks.
Southeast Asia has long been a popular region for Indian

travellers

looking for affordable international getaways, but Laos has now emerged as the cheapest option in 2025. Reports indicate that the average daily spend in Laos is just

1,414, which covers accommodation, meals and transport. This makes it significantly less expensive than traditionally budget-friendly destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

The findings, first reported by Time Out magazine, place Laos at the top of the affordability chart. A global ranking by Travel and Tour World, backed by research from Canadian financial platform

HelloSafe

, also

recognised

Laos as the world's most budget-friendly country to visit in 2025.

Accommodation in the country is notably inexpensive. Hostel beds in

Luang

Prabang and Vientiane can start from as low as 353 per night, while in Vang

Vieng

prices can drop to about 176. Food is equally affordable, with a plate of sticky rice and grilled pork costing under 117 per person. Local transport is also budget-friendly: buses and minivans between cities are priced at less than 529, while motorbike rentals average at 553) a day. The recently launched Laos

China Railway, linking Vientiane to Vang

Vieng

, offers a scenic journey at roughly

706.

Also read | Argentina eases visa rules for Indian citizens holding US visas

Sightseeing does not strain the wallet either. Entry to

Kuang

Si Falls and the nearby Bear Rescue Centre is about 270, keeping cultural and natural attractions accessible to visitors.

Laos has been described as a quiet and less

commercialised

alternative to

neighbouring

countries. With its relaxed pace, rivers, mountains and waterfalls, it offers a contrast to the bustling crowds of other Southeast Asian destinations. According to the Vientiane Times, international arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 rose by 11% compared to the previous year, with more than 1.2 million tourists contributing $426 million in revenue. Domestic tourism has also seen strong growth, with nearly twice as many local trips recorded during the same period.

Although Vietnam and Cambodia remain affordable at around 1,768/day, and Malaysia and Indonesia at about 2,239, Laos still holds the edge at 1,414. Thailand, often associated with budget travel, now averages at 2,829/day, making Laos far more economical.

Also read |

Eight in 10 Indians to plan 2025 trips around culture, reveals Skyscanner report

For

travellers

who want an authentic cultural experience without overspending, Laos provides a compelling mix of affordability, natural beauty and warm hospitality. From exploring temples and enjoying street food to cruising along the Mekong, visitors can enjoy memorable experiences at a fraction of the cost. As global recognition grows, Laos is positioning itself as Southeast Asia's most affordable travel destination in 2025.
French President Emmanuel Macron has told his ministers that the EU should consider targeting the US digital sector. The statement comes after Donald Trump threatened new tariffs in response to European technology regulation and digital taxes, Politico reports.

Trump has long criticized the EUs digital regulations, the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act, and recently claimed that they discriminate against US companies.

Macron said the EU should not rule out retaliation and pointed to its trade deficit with the US in services, even though the EU has surpluses in goods trade  for example in cars and pharmaceuticals.
Paul Henning, the man who created The Beverly Hillbillies, was a certified genius  at least according to Irene Ryan, the actress who played Granny.

Hes been right on everything so far, Ryan told The Marshall News Messenger, per MeTV. That applied to everything, from the sitcoms concept to production to publicity. Before the shows premiere, he didnt want too much put out about the show, didnt want it oversold, and had all his people photographed in character. The promotional strategy worked, with The Beverly Hillbillies finishing as TVs top program during its first two seasons and landing in the top 20 in eight of its nine seasons.

Ryan must have believed her casting was genius as well, especially since she had struggled to land an audition. Her agent suggested her for the part, but the casting department thought I was too young, she said. Youre always too young or too old, too fat or too thin.

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But Ryan had worked with genius Henning before, and arranged a meeting. I went to his office, chatted for a few moments, and he handed me a script of Hillbillies to read, she remembered. It was what Id gone there for but hadnt mentioned the fact. When I read it, I knew it was for me and said so.

Her straightforward request won her an audition and eventually a role. Henning let her know by calling Ryan on the phone and asking, How are you, Granny?

The sitcom genius, however, has a slightly different recollection of how Ryan landed the role. He had another actress pestering him for the part as well  Bea Benaderet, who Henning would eventually cast in the Beverly Hillbillies spin-off Petticoat Junction. Benaderet was more than just a good actress, Henning told the Television Academy. She was, in my opinion, a fine judge of material, and I asked her to read the (Hillbillies) script. She not only loved the script but lobbied to play Granny herself.

Youre not built like my picture of Granny, Henning informed her.

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In Hennings memory, he ran into Ryan one day on the Universal lot. He knew her from earlier sitcom guest spots and asked her if she could play a hillbilly.

Are you kidding? Ryan asked. She told Henning about working in a stock company where an Arkansas theater manager wouldnt let the crowds in until right before the curtain. The stage managers reason: If he let the masses in before the show started, theyd whittle away the seat handles. So, the actress concluded, I know hillbilly.

Ryan and Benaderet both showed up for the auditions, but it didnt take long for Benaderet to figure out the shows future. As soon as Irene Ryan read the part, Henning revealed, Bea came over to me and she says, Theres Granny.

Maybe Benaderet was the real genius all along.
He definitely didnt stop to think if he should

Warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual assault.

Donald Trump and his businesses have reportedly been involved in over 4,000 lawsuits, several of which have found him suing people and organizations for defamation, including ABC, Miss Pennsylvania and his future dining companion, Bill Maher.

Don't Miss

Which does beg the question: How come the current U.S. president hasnt sued South Park yet? After all, the show has gone pretty hard on Trump this season, suggesting that hes a corrupt sex trafficker who exchanges political favors for compliments and extravagant/phallic gifts.

Well, some have suggested that the show is safe purely because the cartoon Trumps genitals are nearly invisible to the naked eye.

As The New Yorker explained, the Small-Penis Rule is a legal strategy in which writers create a character based on a real person, but evade a libel suit by giving said character a small penis. Why? Because anyone suing the writer for copying their life would presumably have to admit that they have minuscule junk.

This doesnt totally align with what South Park is doing, since the Trump character is literally named Donald Trump, with no effort made to "anonymize him. Still, its possible that the cartoon micropenis has similarly acted as a deterrent to litigation, since the president may not wish for the diminutiveness of his dick to be the subject of a high-profile court case.

The Small-Penis Rule isnt just hypothetical, some writers have allegedly tried it out, one of the most famous being Michael Crichton, author of bestsellers like Congo, The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park.

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Before you go scouring the pages of Jurassic Park for references to Ian Malcolms insufficient manhood, the book in question was actually 2006s Next, a sci-fi novel about experimental genetic research. As reported by The New York Times, the novel contained references to a character named Mick Crowley, a "Washington-based political columnist. This didnt go unnoticed by Michael Crowley, a Washington-based political reporter who wrote an unflattering article about Mr. Crichton that same year.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Crichtons Crowley, readers learn, is a wealthy, spoiled Yale graduate who sexually assaulted a small child. In addition to this horrific and wildly unnecessary subplot, Crichton specifically pointed out that the fictional Crowley has a small penis. In lieu of a letter to the editor, Crichton had fictionalized me as a child rapist, the real Crowley understandably complained. Crowley also accused Crichton of trying to escape public censure for his literary attack by hiding behind the small penis rule.

Incidentally, the unflattering article that seemingly enraged Crichton had called him out for the book State of Fear, which suggested that climate change was a massive hoax by scientists and environmentalists, just like Manbearpig.

Advertisement

While Crowley never actually sued Crichton, he did call the author out publicly, also noting that he was "strangely flattered by the book. To explain why, let me propose a corollary to the small penis rule, Crowley wrote. Call it the small man rule: If someone offers substantive criticism of an author and the author responds by hitting below the belt, as it were, then hes conceding that the critic has won.

Of course, the small man rule doesnt apply in the case of South Park vs. Trump, since the smallest man is clearly JD Vance.
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Concert marking victory of Chinese people against Japanese aggression held in London

Xinhua) 09:57, August 29, 2025

LONDON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A concert 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 in London on Thursday.

The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees.

The concert was presented by Hunan Province Song and Dance Theatre and New Elements Music with guest performers from London City Orchestra and Camden Philharmonia Orchestra.

"Tonight, we will use music to remember that part of history, and honour those who laid down their lives for the cause of justice of humanity. We will use music to express our aspiration for world peace as well as resolute commitment to striving for a better shared future for mankind," Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang said at a reception before the concert.

Moved by a performance of the theme from the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" -- which recounts the heroic humanitarian act of Chinese fishermen who bravely rescued British prisoners of war during World War II -- Anthony Jones, chairman of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association, said the concert blended the shared emotions and memories of China and Britain during WWII, creating a powerful sense of connection between the two nations.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
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 beloved beauty brand whose hero Jojoba Oil is an enduring cult favourite has delighted customers by announcing an exciting new upgraded formulation.

Like thousands of other Australians, iconic Getaway host Catriona Rowntree, 53, has credited The Jojoba Company's product as the secret to her ever-youthful appearance.

And now an elevated iteration of their bestselling Pigmentation Oil has been unveiled with a new formulation to more effectively target pigmentation - one of the most persistent and visible signs of ageing.

The Pigmentation Oil blends the brand's signature Wadi-Wadi Jojoba with potent skin-brightening actives for a radiant, youthful-looking complexion.

The clinically proven, naturally derived brightening agents work to fade dark spots, calm redness, and brighten skin tone.

One of the key ingredients in the formulation is Alpha Arbutin, a gentle yet highly effective naturally derived ingredient that works to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sun damage and uneven tone for a brighter complexion.

It is considered a safer version of prescription-only hydroquinone, targeting pigmentation without irritation - making it suitable for even sensitive skin.

Iconic Australian beauty brand The Jojoba Company has unveiled an upgraded formulation of their bestselling Pigmentation Oil

The Jojoba Company Pigmentation Oil The Jojoba Company's upgraded new formulation blends the brand's signature Wadi-Wadi Jojoba with potent skin-brightening actives for a radiant, youthful-looking complexion. Shop

The Pigmentation Oil also harnesses BRIGHT Oleoactif - a patented, 100 per cent natural active complex made by extracting antioxidants and brightening compounds from marshmallow root, rice bran, and licorice root extract.

The potent blend works to boost skin luminosity and radiance, while soothing and protecting against free radical damage.

Clinical trials on these ingredients showed a 25 per cent reduction in the visibility of age spots in just six weeks, with noticeable skin-lightening and redness reduction after only three weeks.

Skin brightness and luminosity improved by 273 per cent in the six week clinical trial.

The new formulation has been created to more effectively target pigmentation - one of the most persistent and visible signs of ageing

Clinical trials on these ingredients showed a 25 per cent reduction in the visibility of age spots in just six weeks, with noticeable skin-lightening and redness reduction after only three weeks

'This formula is ideal for those experiencing age spots, sun damage, or post-inflammatory pigmentation,' The Jojoba Company Founder Vicki Engsall told Daily Mail. 'And with our signature Wadi-Wadi Jojoba as the base, it delivers deep nourishment while enhancing the skin's ability to renew and repair itself naturally.

'It's powerful, gentle, and truly skin-transforming.'

Unlike traditional oils, Australian Jojoba shares the same molecular structure as the skin's natural wax esters, enabling it to deeply nourish without clogging pores.

The Jojoba Company's iconic Jojoba Oil has been a fixture on the Australian beauty scene for 16 years.

Winner of a multitude of awards, the vegan, Australian-made oil is beloved as a natural all-rounder.

Rich in Vitamins A, D & E plus Omegas 6 & 9, the elixir delivers eight hours of hydration, while strengthening the skin barrier and calming redness and irritation.

I tried Catriona Rowntree's favourite brand's sought-after oil... these are my honest thoughts The Pigmentation Oil by The Jojoba Company is a luxurious elixir that absorbs quickly when massaged into my skin after cleansing. The golden oil leaves an immediate luminosity that remains after I apply my moisturiser, giving a 'lit from within' glow. My skin feels soft and supple, my make up glides on so smoothly - and the radiance from the oil means I can skip highlighter altogether today. Even after a day of drying indoor heating and cold wind, my skin remains hydrated, feels nourished and looks dewy and glowing. I'll be incorporating The Pigmentation Oil into my nightly skincare routine consistently to get the full benefits of the potent ingredients, to target some stubborn hyperpigmentation. Advertisement

The hypoallergenic and dermatologist-approved Jojoba Oil is a celebrity-favourite, and Rowntree is one of its best-known fans.

'A little shout out for this wonderful Aussie-owned company,' Catriona posted on Instagram in 2021.

'They farm this remarkable product in the Riverina area of New South Wales. It's not an oil, it's actually a liquid wax ester, brilliant for those of us with sensitive skin.'

Given the travel presenter's eternally youthful visage, seemingly not ageing since she first stepped onto our screens almost three decades ago, fans were quick to follow her lead at the time.

The cult product has almost 1,000 glowing reviews: 'My skin absolutely drinks in the silky-smooth luxury of jojoba oil. It's like nature's liquid gold,' one shopper wrote.

'Deeply nourishing, effortlessly hydrating, and leaving me glowing with radiance. Every drop feels like a spa-worthy indulgence, feeding my skin with the purest essence of self-care.'

SHOP THE JOJOBA'S BESTSELLERS
Prince Harrys brief trip to London on September 8 as patron of charity WellChild coincides with the third anniversary of the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth  likely to include a pilgrimage to her resting place in St Georges Chapel, Windsor.

In 2023, Harry, here on the first anniversary of HMs passing, was originally denied permission to visit the chapel  coincidentally the site of his wedding to Meghan in 2018. Eventually, he was allowed in on the strict understanding it wouldnt be publicised.

While there, Harry discovered a private service later in the day was to be attended by Andrew and Edward. He ensured that hed finished paying his respects to his gran before disgraced Andrew  whom Harry took a swipe at in his memoir Spare  made an appearance.

Nick Rosen, producer of Brezhnevs Daughter, recalls a 1995 request from the late Stuart Prebble  ITVs factual programmes commissioning editor  asking him to make another documentary.

I replied that I wanted to make a film about the worldwide web to be called Love At First Byte, says Rosen. Stuart wrote back that... ITV viewers will never be interested in the internet. That is when I registered the domain name itv.com which I later sold to ITV for a six-figure sum.

Was that when Stuart first got the idea for his creation Grumpy Old Men?

Kylie Minogue seems to hold universal royal appeal, with fans including Princess Diana and the King

Charles said Kylie's 1987 hit Locomotion features on his playlist due to its rhythm

Did the King raise an eyebrow at the opening of Princess Dianas 1991 time capsule at Great Ormond Street Hospital containing a Kylie Minogue CD?

Revealing his playlist on a radio show in March, he included Kylies 1987 hit Locomotion.

This music is for dancing, he enthused. I find it incredibly hard to sit still.

Having long bored Britain on the airwaves about his Manchester United obsession, Nick Robinson awkwardly found himself hosting Radio 4s Today hours after the clubs League Cup humiliation by lowly fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

Can we stop carping on, he wails of the fishing ports triumph. Leave it to Catch Of The Day. Keep the day job, Robinson.

Queen Camilla was so moved by the plight of French wife and mother Gisele Pelicot  who was drugged and raped by her husband and dozens of men  that she took pen to paper.

She got a letter from the Queen saying how wonderful shed been, reveals her daughter Caroline Darian. She was very touched.

Writer Byron Rogers, who has died, famously interviewed Britains last human cannonball, a 42-year-old Hungarian named Osci Tabak, who performed for Gerry Cottles circus.

Byron asked Cottle if the job required any skill. He replied: Only the ability to withstand being shot up the a*** each night by 150lb of compressed air.
The other day I was groping blearily into my holiday washbag in search of the toothpaste, when I managed to slice the top of my finger, salami-style, on one of my ancient rusty Bic razors.

I raged. I cursed. Not for the first time I asked  why me? Why us? Why shaving?

Why has the Almighty condemned the entire male sex to wear facial hair, this pointless and unsightly excrescence that must be harvested daily with unhygienic nostril-chopping bits of plastic and steel?

And what possible evolutionary function, in any case, does the human beard perform?

When it came to the survival of the fittest, I could see the need for a decent pair of eyes, or ears, a good set of teeth. But what the hell was the use of a moustache?

Is a hairy face supposed to keep you warm? Nonsense. Is this fungus supposed to be camouflage  to allow primitive male humanoids to lurk behind bushes, in the hope of ambushing some myopic early rhinoceros?

Is the beard an attempt to disguise us from our enemies, human or animal? Again, I simply cant believe that was what Nature intended. Its a useless disguise, and in the great struggle of life it has always seemed to me that abundant facial hair is a positive hindrance, a downright health hazard.

The beard is a highly vulnerable point of the human anatomy, another place for your enemy to grip while he tries to decapitate you. Its another home for the lethal bacteria that begin by feasting on the inevitable and ineradicable deposits of marmalade and egg yolk.

'I was beginning to look more and more like some homeless hermit,' writes Boris Johnson (pictured on holiday with his daughter Romy)

In a world that relies ever more on the speed and power of your verbal communication, a beard just makes you mumble incoherently. It makes you sound drunk, or perhaps as if you have had a stroke. So why do some people wear them, and what do other people see in them?

That was my thinking, at any rate, until we arrived on holiday in Greece. And then, having cut my finger on the razor blade, I decided to try an experiment.

I wouldnt say that I grew a beard. That is too active, too transitive an expression for what happened. Its like saying that I tried to grow roses or prize-winning marrows. Actually, I made no effort whatsoever.

The beard just grew, and I allowed it to grow. After a day or so it was the kind of stubbly growth you might cultivate before a big rugby match, so that when the opposing prop tries to gouge out your eyes in the scrum you can sandpaper his face with your chin.

After a week, though, it was starting to look pretty unkempt. What the hell, I thought: we are on holiday. No one is going to notice.

After two weeks the ugly facts were staring at me from the mirror: bushy, springy white hairs all over my chin and jowls. On my lip  ginger! A thick gingery carpet, sprinkled with white and even black (eh? where does that come from?).

It looked like road-kill, the tragic pelt of some small, crushed rodent. It was appalling. It had to go. By now the hair was so profuse that I thought the Bic wouldnt do the job.

I told my wife that I was going in search of the local barber  and it was then that I got the shocking news that helps explain the mystery with which we began, the mystery of the beard.

Oh, I wouldnt do that, she said. I rather like it.

'Really?' I said, with a mixture of bafflement and vanity, and stared again in the mirror.

It was then, of course, that it hit me, and at last I understood the evolutionary function of male facial hair. Its useless, its pointless, it doesnt do you a blind bit of practical good, except that it loudly and clearly signals your gender to the opposite sex.

It is a fact that women cannot grow beards. Wait, as soon as I wrote that sentence, I realised how potentially offensive it was. Let me clarify by saying that I am sure that over the years there have been a small number of women, highly attractive in other respects, who have exhibited their beards in circuses and so on.

Then these days there are plainly at least some men who identify as women who are capable of growing luxuriant beards. Poor old Keir Starmer would probably insist on calling them women even if they had beards like Karl Marx.

But if I may briefly trample on all these sensitivities and complexities, it is still true  broadly speaking  that only men can grow beards, and that is the whole point. That is why beards are there.

They are like the proboscis of the male elephant seal or the big blue bottom of the male mandrill. They are objectively ridiculous. They look absurd, unless of course you happen to be a female elephant seal or a female mandrill. For these females, the effect is entirely different.

The more pronounced the proboscis, or the bluer the bottom, the deeper the arousal of the opposite sex. That is why millions of years of evolution have left us men with so much otherwise-redundant hair on our faces  or at least, I cant think of a better explanation.

Darwin himself sported a fine beard

And so, the blissful Greek days went by, and the beard grew more extreme, along with my confusion. Was this making me genuinely more attractive to my wife, as she had seemed initially to say? In which case, frankly, I was all for it.

Or was it now looking ridiculous? On the last day of the holiday, I could take it no more. Carries compliments had started, I thought, to dry up. I began to feel I wasnt looking like George Clooney at all.

I was beginning to look more and more like some homeless hermit  a victim of Sadiq Khans London, the kind of chap you see lying in a sleeping bag with a can of extra-strong cider.

By now, I had no time to go to the village and find the barber  you know, the one who shaves all the men who do not shave themselves, and who forces us to ask whether he shaves himself, because if he does, he doesnt, and if he doesnt, he does.

No, I was facing an even bigger paradox than Bertrand Russell*.

My beard was both an evolutionary advantage, in that it (allegedly) made me more attractive to my wife. And yet it also made me look so scruffy and unprofessional that it would do me serious economic damage  and therefore make me considerably less attractive to Carrie!

Aargh! What to do?

The plane home was leaving in a few hours. I had meetings. I had to look at least sane. Reaching into the washbag, I got the Bic out, lathered on some soap, and to my amazement the old razor reaped the lot  beard, moustache, sideboards and all  in about three minutes flat.

I cant tell you how much better I felt. But at least I now know why Nature has decreed that men should have beards. Its Darwinian. I mean, look at old Darwin himself.

*Dictionary Corner: The Russell Paradox - A barber says he shaves all who do not shave themselves. Who shaves the barber? Any answer contradicts his claim.
Few current politicians have built a more fiery reputation for being a scourge of the evils of capitalism and class privilege than Angela Rayner.

An avowed socialist, she has long denounced the rich, second-home owners and anyone else lucky enough to amass personal wealth.

In Opposition, she was Labours attack dog, rarely missing a chance to demand Tory MPs resign at the slightest hint of impropriety. So elevated was her moral high horse that she must have suffered vertigo. The trouble with sitting on high horses, though, is that you can easily fall off them.

Now in power as Deputy Prime Minister, she is under intense scrutiny over her dizzying living arrangements and complicated financial affairs.

According to reports, she saved 40,000 of stamp duty by removing her name from the deeds of her constituency house in Ashton-under-Lyne and telling the tax authorities her new seaside flat in Hove was her main residence. This is all legal and above board.

But even if the minister no longer owns a stake in her constituency home, sticking to the letter of the law and how it looks to the public are two different things.

It is also claimed that Ms Rayner broke electoral law, by registering to vote in three locations. The Tories have urged standards watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus to launch a sleaze probe. He should do, and swiftly.

It sticks in the craw that while the Government is destroying the dreams of people who want to buy a second home through punitive taxes, Ms Rayner is happily adding another address to her roster.

Angela Rayner pictured at the dispatch box during Prime Minister's Questions - there are now questions over her personal affairs including the selling of her home

The deputy PM removed her name from the deeds of her constituency house in Ashton-under-Lyne and telling the tax authorities her new seaside flat in Hove (file picture) was her main residence

Nothing could illustrate more starkly the glaring hypocrisy, entitlement and lack of morality at the rotten heart of Labour.

PMs Pyrrhic victory

As Nigel Farage this week outlined plans to deport 600,000 illegal immigrants if Reform wins the next election, he posed a question to Sir Keir Starmer: Did he side with foreign courts  or the British public?

Even before the Court of Appeal yesterday ruled that asylum seekers will be allowed to stay at the Bell Hotel in Epping  the scene of protests after two migrants were charged with sex offences  we had our answer.

In fighting the controversial case, Home Office lawyers explicitly cited the UKs duty under the European Convention on Human Rights as a reason for citizens to accept having an asylum hotel foisted upon them.

This confirmed that housing migrants who illegally barged their way into Britain was a greater priority for the Government than the safety and security of the public.

Yes, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper may breathe a sigh of relief at the judgment, which means her asylum policy doesnt collapse. But this was a Pyrrhic victory.

Nigel Farage this week outlined plans to deport 600,000 illegal immigrants if Reform wins the next election (pictured during a press conference in Broxburn)

By placing the human rights of asylum seekers over local people, the Government has already driven large numbers of voters into the arms of Reform. This decision could turn that flow into a torrent  making Labours evisceration even more likely.

The judges rebuke that closing the hotel would incentivise protests elsewhere is also debatable. Intimating peoples complaints are irrelevant wont smooth tensions.

This ruling fuels concerns about two-tier justice and thumbs its nose at the importance of local democracy, but will strengthen opposition to the hated ECHR.

For Labour, the damage done is likely to be lasting. As former Attorney General Michael Ellis writes in these pages: The Governments position is so disastrously at odds with the will of the people that the case is little short of a slow-burn timebomb.
An article in Vogue had me - for the briefest of moments - questioning every value I held dear as a woman, a feminist and someone who (gasp) enjoys sex.

Yes, the fashion bible - perhaps taking its cues from TikTok - has declared that a grooming habit women have long considered non-negotiable is now... unfashionable.

No longer on trend. Last year's collection. Quelle horreur!

The essay in question was about the joy of... sporting a 'full bush in a bikini'.

So, ladies, you can cancel your waxing appointment, bin the razor, retire your hair removal cream (does anyone still use that?) because - apparently - showing off your pubes is now 'in'.

The bush is back. They say fashion is cyclical and I suppose we're back to the '70s.

Call me 'unfeminist', but if I was walking down the beach and saw bush upon bush trying to force their way out of barely there bikini bottoms, I'd gag. I mean, why not just bend over and spread 'em while you're at it?

You can pretend to be shocked, but I bet, deep down, most of you - male and female - agree with me. When it comes to hair downstairs, less is better, for both sexes.

According to Vogue, 'the bush is back'. Daily Mail columnist Jana Hocking (pictured) doesn't think it should be

'We rarely say it out loud, but trust me - your untamed jungle gets plenty of brunch airtime,' Daily Mail columnist Jana Hocking writes

Just last Saturday night, I was about to jump into a hot tub with friends when I noticed a few cheeky hairs poking out of my bikini bottoms.

Do you know what I did? I grabbed my tweezers and plucked with military precision.

Why? Because it's not cute - that's why.

Out of sight, out of mind. Like all good pubes should be.

There's an iconic Sex and the City moment that sums it up perfectly. Miranda is displaying - to use the TikTok slogan - a 'full bush in a bikini'.

Samantha gasps, and says: 'Jesus, honey, wax much?'

Miranda blames her marriage, only for Samantha to retort, 'Honey, don't blame marriage - this one's married,' then points to Charlotte, 'and she's not growing a national forest.'

Nailed it.

Grooming is a two-way street, says Jana

For years, anyone who's admitted to enjoying a regular wax has been labelled 'anti-feminist' or told they're infantalising themselves for men.

But it's not about doing it for men. In fact, here's a truth bomb: most women who prefer to be hairless also expect the same from the men they date.

If I'm lying on a treatment bed every six weeks letting a stranger rip hot wax off my nether regions - or getting it zapped off with a hot laser - the least my lover can do is spend half an hour with a razor - or, better yet, book himself in for a back, sack and crack (google it).

Lean in, gents. This article may have started as a treatise on ladies' bushes, but you're not off the hook either. We rarely say it out loud, but trust me - your untamed jungle gets plenty of airtime at brunch.

Hair on your d*** and balls is unsightly, unhygienic, signals you don't care for yourself and - brace for the sick bucket - we hate, hate, hate getting them stuck in our teeth. Pubes shouldn't be dental floss. There, I've said it.

I once went home with a man who, on the surface, had it all going on. Lovely beard, solid hairy chest - oh, how I love a hairy chest.

But when we got down to business and I discovered his groin was a wild thicket, my lust vanished faster than you can say 'Gillette'.

There's a difference between manly-sexy and a tangled mess. No, thanks. I pulled the classic, 'I think my period's started,' and told him to zip up and go home.

When a man takes his grooming seriously, it's a game changer.

Suddenly he goes from a 6 to a 9 in the bedroom - because nothing says 'buzzkill' like getting frisky and discovering you're face-to-face with Cousin It.

Honestly, lads, you don't get a free pass. Grooming is a two-way street. Or as Sue Sylvester from Glee so bluntly put it: 'I don't trust a man with curly hair. I picture birds laying eggs in there - and I find it disgusting.'

Brutal, yes, but the message is clear: tidy up. Because no woman wants to fight through a national forest during foreplay.

And if you don't believe me, believe the professionals. I spoke to a waxing therapist who's been in the business for more than a decade, and she rolled her eyes when I mentioned Vogue's 'bush is back' claim.

'We've never been busier,' she said.

'Men and women alike. Sure, trends come and go, but people always come back to grooming because it says, "I take pride in my appearance and cleanliness."'

She's right: trends fade, but standards stick. Remember back in 1999 when Julia Roberts rocked up to the Notting Hill premiere in the most stunning red Vivienne Tam dress and hairy armpits? Dress, instantly ruined!

Beyond vanity, there are practical reasons why waxing, shaving or lasering still reign supreme. Less sweat, less odour, less chance of looking around a packed gym and wondering if that smell is you.

Smooth skin means no chafing on long runs, no itchiness in tight jeans, no friction burns in bed. Waxing gives you weeks of smoothness, laser offers near permanence, and shaving is the trusty last-minute fix. Grooming even makes it easier to spot infections or abnormalities, and let's not forget that cases of pubic lice have dropped dramatically thanks to the Brazilian revolution.

These are just facts.

Vogue can wax lyrical (pun intended) about the full bush as a statement of liberation, but down in the trenches of real-life dating, most of us are still booking our waxes.

Because, let's face it, pubic hair may be natural, but so are split ends - and we don't call skipping the hairdresser 'empowerment'.

And if it's really about being 'free' then we should also be free to say: 'No thanks, I prefer my nether regions neat and my partner aroused.'

It's almost like grooming has become the new taboo of modern dating for both women and men, so it's time we normalised it.

Whether it's shaving the chest rug, tackling the back forest, or just keeping things in order down below  the effort shows. Women notice. We really notice. Actually, so much so that I've had women emailing me asking if it's suspicious that their partner is suddenly grooming downstairs despite a lack of sex life. (Yep, he's cheating.)

Body hair debates will rage on, but the reality is simple: whether you're a waxer, a shaver, or a laser devotee, the choice is yours. Do it for yourself. Do it for comfort. Do it because sex is better when you don't feel like you're chewing a hairball.

Vogue can keep its 'full bush in a bikini' fantasy. The rest of us will be keeping our salons busy - and quietly expecting the men we date to do the same. Because if I'm forking out $80 a month for a Brazilian, the least he can do is pick up a trimmer.
Has your mate started expressing enthusiasm for a great new matcha place, insisted that he has joined a feminist book club or put on pensive music by certified 'sad girl pop star' Clairo when it's his turn on the aux?

If so - he may sadly be on the path to being a 'performative male'.

Women on social media have been sharing signs they believe suggest a man may be trying to inauthentically pander to the female gaze - or pretend to be into things that matter to them for romantic attention.

Among the 'red flags' are a penchant for wired earphones, slouchy jumpers and baggy jeans.

Elsewhere, wearing tote bags has been earmarked as one to watch out for.

Also embroiled in the discourse are a selection of beloved collectible toys which gentlemen are reportedly touting just for female attention as well.

Hundreds of TikTok videos show said 'performers' - oftentimes seated in idyllic coffeeshops - sipping on an iced beverage and reading a female empowerment classic (popular picks include Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar and Becoming Michelle Obama).

Many men have themselves joined in on the joke, dressing up in the stereotyped costume - often clad with trendy outfits, a beanie and floppy hair.

Many men have themselves joined in on the joke, dressing up in the stereotyped costume - often clad with trendy outfits, a beanie and floppy hair. One clip came from @zain_of_thought , who in the comments did insist: 'I do actually read I promise'

One poster, @sgwoo_, shared a clip of himself flicking through a paperback as he strolls through the street - mullet, tattoos and a 70s style tee at the ready.

'Performative final male boss,' he wrote in the caption.

A similar clip came from @zain_of_thought, who in the comments did insist: 'I do actually read I promise.'

In a third, @charliefriedrich_ quipped that he was 'starting his performative male journey' as he modelled some Y2K-style trousers. Another, @tim_jim51 posed up a storm with a series of stuffed animals.

There are key features, aside from the general aesthetic of woolly V-necks and loose-fitting denims popular with the Gen Z shoppers of today, that stand out.

First is a matcha latte, a popular coffee shop item characterised by its pastel green colouring. For extra points, men are ordering their iced.

Another is a Labubu - a seemingly unassuming collectible made by Chinese toy company Pop Mart that has been sending A-lister shoppers into a frenzy.

The trinkets, which originated in Hong Kong, are plush, furry little dolls that are described as 'elvish creatures,' with big teeth and elf-like ears.

Another, @tim_jim51 posed up a storm with a series of stuffed animals. So-called performative men are accessorising their ensembles with them, often clipping said figurines onto their belt loops

In another clip, @charliefriedrich_ quipped that he was 'starting his performative male journey' as he modelled some Y2K-style trousers

So-called performative men are accessorising their ensembles with them, often clipping said figurines onto their belt loops.

Third are tote bags - often ones which carry selections of books beloved by female readers.

Elsewhere the in-ear headphones must be connected to a device blasting music women will champion.

As well as Clairo - known for her melancholy lyricism - other popular picks are beabadoobee, Lana del Rey and Laufey.

In some iterations, memes have also suggested a digital camera as a must-have, along with a working knowledge of director Sofia Coppola's filmography.

What all the 'habits' have in common is that they are typically styles and works loved largely by women audiences - meaning some see men co-opting them as ingenuine.

The trend has largely been seen in jest - and everywhere from Jakarta to Dublin has even seen 'performative male contests' pop up.

However, experts have shared that it's likely the trend could signal new benchmarks for femininity and masculinity.

One poster, @sgwoo_ , shared a clip of himself flicking through a paperback as he strolls through the street - mullet, tattoos and a 70s style tee at the ready

Speaking to The Guardian, Dr Ashley Morgan, a masculinities expert at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said it marks a positive step towards dismantling the idea of a 'typical man' and making it more dynamic.

'As traditional gender roles dissolve, men look for new scripts to inhabit, and performance offers a way to experiment with them publicly,' she explained.

However, she also warned it can be interpreted as a sister symptom to the 'trad wife' movement - which has seen many women opting for 'traditional' values, insisting on swapping employment out for housework and dressing conservatively.

While this is 'about restaging femininity in a hyper-stylised way  curating domesticity, submission, and nostalgia for imagined stability, the performative male is a 'hyper-awareness of masculinity as something to craft and showcase'.

If experimented with inauthentically, she cautioned, it could be dismissed as a way to 'win over' women with 'feminist theatrics'.

Elsewhere, dating expert Vicki Pavitt has told the Independent that the focus on literature in particular can even be highlighted as a dating trend.

'Women can find it unsettling when they date men who mirror their tastes in a way that feels performative, be it matcha lattes, feminist books or niche accessories,' she shared.

'At the same time, if we're too quick to dismiss these gestures as inauthentic, we might miss opportunities for intimacy for people we could be compatible with.'
A man who was tattooed on 95 per cent of his body has revealed what he looks like after having five excruciating surgeries to remove his ink.

Leandro de Souza, from the Brazilian border city of Bage next to Uruguay, once held the title of Brazil's most tattooed man.

He got his first tattoo when he was just 13 years old and said the ink masterpieces were inspired by popular rock bands, including Nirvana, Guns N' Roses and Metallica.

But the 36-year-old had a change of heart after turning to evangelicalism and began the painful journey of getting more than 170 tattoos removed with lasers at Hell Tattoo in Sao Paulo.

Leandro now looks unrecognisable, as he has also begun growing back his brunette hair after previously going bald to show off the body art on his head.

He wrote on Instagram to his 489,000 followers: 'After the fifth session of facial tattoo removal, @helltatto - gratitude, it's about Jesus Christ.'

Many have expressed their shock over Leandro's drastic change in appearance, with one calling it 'The true miracle of God,' and another writing: 'Clean face, thank god my brother!'

Leandro now feels as though his 'dignity has been restored' after getting a job and 'positively surprising those around him,' according to Hell Tattoo's social media page.

Leandro de Souza, who resides in the Brazilian border city of Bage next to Uruguay, once held the title of Brazil 's most tattooed man

The 36-year-old had a change of heart after turning to evangelicalism and began the painful journey of getting more than 170 tattoos removed

However, ten years ago, Leandro went down a dark path when he divorced his wife.

He tattooed 95 per cent of his body because he lost his self confidence and felt as though 'nobody believed in him anymore'.

The fall out with the mother of his young son resulted in a nine-year period in which he dabbled with cocaine for the very first time and then mixed in ecstasy, LSD and booze.

'I couldn't stand the life I was living anymore,' he told Brazilian online news outlet G1. 'I was an attraction at (events I attended) and it felt like a circus animal.'

Leandro had a new outlook on life when he visited a shelter and was introduced to evangelism.

'The first step in everything in life is to accept that you can't do it alone, that you are an addict, that you are a drug addict,' he said.

'And I managed to do that, I entered the municipal shelter in Bage. Within a week, there was a lady who referred me and started to evangelize me.'

He converted to the religion two years ago, preaching to 'parents and children in homes that are in prisons'.

Leandro (pictured after his fifth tattoo removal) had a new outlook on life when he visited a shelter and was introduced to evangelism

Leandro went through the painful process of getting more than 170 tattoos removed on his head and face

He got his first tattoo when he was just 13 years old and said the ink masterpieces were inspired by popular rock bands, including Nirvana, Guns N' Roses and Metallica

On April 14 last year, Leandro celebrated his birthday as well as being one year free of drug and cigarette use. He has also gone more than three years without having an alcoholic beverage.

However, his transformation is not over as he still has to undergo three more sessions, which are scheduled every three months and last 30 to 40 minutes.

'It hurts a lot more than doing it,' he said. 'It hurts three times more than doing it. Even with anaesthesia, the process is very painful.'

This comes as Britain's most tattooed man, who spent 40,000 on inking himself, revealed what he looked like before.

Mathew Whelan, 45, from Birmingham, changed his name to King Of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink-ite, in 2008.

The body art enthusiast, who goes by King of Ink Land for short, claims he's spent more than 1,600 hours under the needle.

In addition, he says he holds the record for having the most tattoo artists working on him at one time, after he had 36 artists inking him simultaneously in February 2016 during the Needle Gangsters Tattoo Expo at the iPro Stadium in Derby.

Britain's most tattooed man, King Of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink-ite, from Birmingham, who spent 40,000 on inking himself, has revealed what he looked like before undergoing the extensive body modifications

An 18-year-old King of Ink Land is barely recognisable in the snaps, sporting a clean-shaven face, clear skin and a tight buzz cut

His interest in body modifications was sparked when he was just nine-years-old, and since then, he's had his eyes stained black, his nipples removed, his ears shaped and his whole body covered in tattoos.

But long before the bold black-and-grey artwork took over his face, torso, arms and even his eyes, King of Ink Land was just an ordinary young man.

Now, snaps show his remarkable journey from fresh-faced Brummie to full-blown inked out King of Ink Land. In images taken when he was just 18-years-old, the now-King of Ink Land is barely recognisable, sporting a clean-shaven face, clear skin and a tight buzz cut.

Another snap shows the ink lover aged just 16, and showing off his very first tattoo, a bulldog. The image shows him posing by the side of his bed.

However, it wasn't long before he started tattooing his face: a picture taken just a few years later shows a slew of small designs across his visage.
Even at 50, my husband David is one of those enviably handsome alpha males; a banker with a six-figure salary, chiselled features, full head of thick brown hair and a decent body thanks to all the sport he does.

At the same age, I am firmly in the Mrs Average camp, with a round face, too-large breasts, saddle thighs and a tummy that will never, ever shift thanks to an emergency C-section.

In other words, I am punching above my weight.

David and I have been married for 25 years and during that time Ive lost count of the number of friends whove admitted to having a crush on him. Not to mention the jokey comments about being careful to keep a tight hold of him, lest he be lured away by a far more attractive woman.

As much as I have always hated these barbs, it turns out our cavernous gulf in the looks department has resulted in infidelity. One of us has been having an affair for five years. But its not David whos unfaithful. Its me.

And what might come as an even bigger surprise is that Im cheating on him with a far less attractive man. Andy, a mutual friend of ours from university, has thinning grey hair, a pudgy dad-bod and pale white skin that never tans. Even with rose tinted glasses, he could never be considered traditionally handsome. And with a far less impressive salary, he even admits himself that hes more of a beta male.

But hes also one of those rare men who really listens to you when you talk; he doesnt offer unhelpful solutions, glaze over, or play with his phone. Oh, and hes exceptionally good in bed.

More to the point though, with Andy, Im the more attractive one. And as someone whos so used to being compared unfavourably with my husband, this is a welcome novelty. Andy often tells me how attractive he finds me and theres nothing sexier than being made to feel sexy.

Do I feel guilty about betraying David? Sometimes. I realise that the fact that its Andy Im cheating with makes this a double betrayal. After all, the three of us go back over 30 years.

Id known David in passing since childhood. Our mothers were old friends and wed say hello to each other at get-togethers over the years. But it was when we both ended up in the same halls of residence at Edinburgh University that I got to know him properly.

Even at 50, my husband David is one of those enviably handsome alpha males. At the same age, I am firmly in the Mrs Average camp, writes Emily Hilton (stock image)

We bonded over our love of John Irving novels and enjoyed watching films together. Despite his looks, David was never a womaniser. He may have been tall with a gorgeous, sports-honed figure, but what I loved about him most was his easy optimism and glass-half-full outlook. Of course I fancied him but I never for one moment thought he could feel the same way about me.

Wed been friends for six months when, after a cinema trip, David invited me back to his room and made a pass at me.

When news spread of us getting together, our friends gushed about how lucky I was to have snared David. As if Id laid a trap for him. The fuss everyone made was both unsettling and upsetting.

As for Andy, he was Davids roommate and the three of us ended up sharing a house in our second year. Bookish and geeky, Andy had a few short-lived relationships but was often a bit of a third wheel. I always enjoyed his company and hed often pick me up if I felt down about all the David-related backhanded compliments.

Ive heard them all over the years, from I bet you dont let him stray far from home! to If you ever get bored of David, you know where to send him.

Everyone laughs, meaning Im forced to join in, too. Sometimes Id inspect my reflection in the mirror, looking for flaws, but although there was plenty I could improve on, I thought to myself, why should I? The worst slight came on our wedding day. Then 25, we married at the village church and had lavish celebrations at a plush hotel overlooking a Cornish beach with 200 guests  including Andy with his latest girlfriend.

Late into the evening, I overheard Davids father say to one of his friends: Ive always advised my sons to marry down looks-wise. Theres nothing but trouble ahead when you marry a beautiful woman.

Both men laughed while I silently retreated, utterly stunned.

I looked around for David but he was on the dance floor embroiled in a conga. I rushed to the loos, where I burst into tears. Was that really why David had chosen me? Because I was beneath him looks-wise?

David is a tactile man who has always made me feel loved. But hes never told me Im beautiful. Hell say I look nice or compliment my outfit, but hes far more likely to rave about how clever or funny I am.

Ive never asked him outright if what his father said was true because Im scared of what he might say. But I suppose Ive always feared that David would wake up and realise he could do better than me.

Having this fear hanging over me is a horrible feeling. But we got on with our lives. Our parents clubbed together to provide a healthy deposit for our first home in west London while I took a job in publishing and David chose business banking. He was soon handling accounts with eight-figure turnovers.

Two years later, our son arrived, followed by our daughter two years after that.

David was a fantastic father. But I hated how other mums ogled him at the school gates. At book clubs, after one glass of rose too many, some would make vulgar remarks

David was a fantastic father. But I hated how other mums ogled him at the school gates. At book clubs, after one glass of rose too many, some would make vulgar remarks. One woman joked: Never invite me to yours when Davids at home. It would be like letting the dogs out.

You would think all of this praise might make David rather arrogant. But it hasnt. If anything when were out, he sticks to me like glue. And if a woman is trying to flirt, he is firm with his boundaries.

He appreciates an attractive woman when he sees one, but hes never had a roving eye or given me cause for concern.

Apart from back in 2014, when he started working with a firm in Manchester, which required him to stay away from home two nights a week for a period of three months. Whenever he returned home, he was distant and snappy with me. For the first time in our marriage I started checking his phone and his emails, worried he was cheating.

More than once he shouted, Why dont you trust me? I told him to imagine how hed feel if the tables were turned. Even when he said: Of course I wouldnt cheat on you, I love you! I still couldnt shake off the feeling that one day he would.

I never caught him out, but I still cant be sure if it was just a case of paranoia or if I was on to something.

Who did I turn to during this turbulent time? Andy, who was then in an off-on relationship, living nearby and working for a lobbying firm. He always managed to talk me down off my metaphorical ledge.

Hed pop over for dinner  David never saw him as a threat  and when I listed my suspicions, hed insist: David loves you, hes not like that.

Five years ago, however, things took a different turn. The children were both at university and David was staying with his mum while his dad received end-of-life care, which meant I spent long periods alone. Andy, who was by then in an unsatisfactory long-term relationship, often came over to keep me company.

One evening, after a bit too much wine, I broke down about my father-in-laws thoughtless comment at our wedding. It really helped when Andy said: Davids dad has always been a bumptious idiot.

He went on to tell me I was gorgeous, assuring me that David had always thought so, too. For the first time, I found myself flirting with him. It struck me that it was Andy who had always made me laugh and feel good about myself. When I made the move to kiss him, he responded immediately. It was surprisingly exhilarating and made me feel powerful.

We found our way to the guest bedroom, where we ended up having sex. For once, I orgasmed first. As curious as it sounds, when you have sex with someone you arent physically intimidated by, you can be yourself. I didnt care about my cellulite or my wobbly upper arms.

Andy told me hed been longing for this to happen for years. He made me feel utterly desirable  and that was an addictive feeling.

The following morning, though, I could barely look at him, such was my horror at my actions. How could I do this to David? And our children? Andy was so tender and understanding, offering to leave and say nothing more about it. But as the days went by, I found myself thinking about Andy more and more. And as David travelled back and forth to his parents, we began our affair in earnest.

For the first time, my needs were being put first in the bedroom. And for once it was me on the pedestal. Andy lavished me with praise and attention.

I tell David Im out for the afternoon with my girlfriends. Instead Andy and I book into a hotel for sex. Far from feeling guilty, I tell myself David is benefiting from my affair, says Emily

He still sends gushing messages overnight for me to read when I wake up. Hell remind me how hot I am  no man has ever said that to me before. It is such a massive boost after years of trailing in Davids wake.

Wrongly or rightly, I havent felt a slither of regret. While, as far as I know, David is faithful to me, our marriage has always revolved around him and his requirements (in and out of the bedroom). Although we still have sex, it is nothing compared to the explosive encounters with Andy.

And there is still the burden of our inequality. Part of me always fantasised that as we got older, David would take on his dreaded fathers looks  portly tummy, florid complexion  and all the chat about his attractiveness would recede. Yet hes more handsome today than he was when we first met.

Meanwhile, Im succumbing to all the usual signs of ageing: wrinkles, crepey decolletage, stubbornly Rubenesque figure despite regular gym sessions. Not that Im about to do any tweakments  thats just not me. David would tell me I dont need them anyhow and, well, now I have Andy, who is always full of compliments.

Our affair is very much ongoing. We are careful about when we meet up. Ive instituted a once-a-month rule because any more and I know I couldnt explain away my whereabouts to David or the children. As it is, I tell David Im out for the afternoon with my girlfriends. Instead Andy and I book into a hotel for sex.

I know David would be utterly blindsided if he ever found out, but theres no way hed suspect me of cheating.

Far from feeling guilty, I tell myself David is benefiting from my affair. Im less reserved with him in the bedroom now Ive learned to prioritise my own needs. And Im far happier, too, so no longer moan about him prioritising his leisure activities at the weekend or the fact he spends every other Sunday with his mother.

As for Andy, he is of course sworn to secrecy. We still get together once a month with our group of university friends. If anyone ever discovered our secret, all hell would break loose.

Do I ever entertain thoughts of leaving David for Andy? Absolutely not. Ive been firm with Andy that Im never leaving David; I love the affluent lifestyle he provides too much, and Andy says he understands.

Now were all 50, David still turns heads, but whenever women make the same old comments about how lucky I am, I allow myself a smug smile. After all, its me whos having the last laugh. And Im loving every minute of it.

Emily Hilton is a pseudonym. Names have been changed to protect identities.

As told to Samantha Brick
A teenage girl and her boyfriend had their lives turned upside down when they became victims of a horrific cyberbullying attack, but things only got worse when they discovered the perpetrator.

Lauryn Licari and her former boyfriend, Owen McKenny, were 13-year-old high school students in Beal City, Michigan, when they became the targets of vitriolic harassment from an anonymous number in October 2020.

The pair first met in seventh grade, when Lauryn was 12. Thanks to their shared interests in sports, among other things, they hit it off.

Their families supported the relationship, and Lauryn's mother, Kendra Licari, became close friends with Owen's mother, Jill McKenny. 'They were like a high school couple from a movie,' Jill said.

But just months into their relationship, the plot became something of a horror show when the students started to receive messages claiming that Owen was going to break up with his girlfriend and that he was enjoying an intimate relationship with an anonymous texter.

'Hi Lauryn, Owen is breaking up with you,' the text began, continuing, 'He no longer likes you and hasn't liked you for a while. It's obvious he wants me. He laughs, smiles, and touches my hair.' The text added, 'We are both down to f***. You are a sweet girl but I know I can give him what he wants, sorry not sorry.'

It marked the start of a harrowing two years for the children and their families, but after months of searching for the sender, matters only worsened for Lauryn when the FBI discovered her 44-year-old mother was behind the attacks.

Kendra spent months stalking and bullying her daughter, telling her to 'jump off a bridge', and the messages only worsened as time went on.

Lauryn Licari and her former boyfriend, Owen McKenny (pictured together), became victims to a months-long cyberbullying attack at the hands of Lauryn's mother

In October 2020, Owen was invited to an annual Halloween party held by his friend and fellow Beal City student Khloe Wilson.

Owen wanted Lauryn to attend as his plus one, but she declined because, as Owen put it in Netflix's new documentary, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, 'She wasn't a fan of the girls in our grade, she just wanted it to be me and her and no one else.'

It was then that Lauryn received the first text message, which included a line explaining that the texter was going to be at the Halloween party, and that they are 'down to f***'.

Recalling the moment she received the text, which was from an unknown number, Lauryn said, 'I was just really confused of who this could be'.

After the Halloween party, the texts stopped, and circumstances appeared to improve for Lauryn, but 11 months later, she received the following message from a different random number.

'How's the happy couple? Preparing for the end of a golden relationship? We hear about how you are the forever couple. Owen loves me, and I will always be the girl he loves. He will be with me while your lonely, ugly a** is alone.'

Discussing the messages, Lauryn said, 'It seemed like the text messages were trying to make me and Owen break up. I knew it wasn't somebody I knew because I would've had their phone number saved in my phone.'

Lauryn tried to call the number to figure out the person's identity, but her attempts failed. She couldn't block the number either because the sender was using a random number generator.

Pictured: The moment that police came into the McKenny family home to confront Kendra about the messages (pictured Kendra and Lauryn)

Kendra would sometimes spend eight hours a day sending messages to her daughter and her former partner

Kendra admitted to sending the hateful messages (pictured: Shawn, Kendra, and Lauryn Mckenny)

'I was getting at least six text messages a day,' Lauryn said, which included the following, 'Trash b****, don't wear leggings ain't no one want to see your anorexic flat a**.'

'I would question what I'd wear to school,' Lauryn said of the message's impact, adding, 'It definitely affected how I thought about myself.'

Despite Lauryn and Owen being 13, the messages often included topics of a sexual nature.

Lauryn and Owen's friends and family banded together to try to figure out who was responsible for the messages, and due to the details included in the texts, they thought it must be someone in their circle.

Her parents reassured her that everything was fine, while Owen's parents took his phone away every night and read the messages, which sometimes totaled 50 per day.

One year after Lauryn and Owen received the first message, the four parents went into the school in the hopes that they might find the perpetrator.

Principal Dan Boyer recalled, 'When they showed me some of the text messages, I was astounded.'

At the same time, the police became involved in the case, including Superintendent Bill Chillman.

Owen McKenny (pictured) and his former girlfriend started receiving messages before Halloween in 2020

Owen's mother, Jill McKenny (pictured), said her son's relationship with Lauryn was like a film at first

Lauryn said that the messages changed the way she thought about herself and impacted her mental health

'They were vulgar and nasty enough to make a 53 year old man blush,' Chillman said, adding, 'The evidence was extraordinary.'

The messages became the hot topic of the school, with Boyer and Chillman pulling students out of class and installing cameras in an attempt to get to the bottom of the problem, but after 13 months, they still couldn't locate the source.

Around the same time, the messages started to strain Lauryn and Owen's relationship, causing him to call off their two-year romance. The pair now no longer talk to one another.

He hoped that the decision would give the texter what they wanted and that they would stop the messages, but after the breakup, the messages worsened.

Lauryn received messages such as, 'He thinks you're ugly', 'He thinks you're trash', 'We won', and 'You're worthless.'

The texter also told Lauryn to kill herself, 'Finish yourself or we will #bang', among other vile messages regarding physical harm.

'When I first read that, I was totally in shock, it made me feel bad, I was in a bad mental state,' Lauryn said.

After 15 months since the first message, the state police got involved, including Sheriff Mike Main.

Superintendent Bill Chillman (pictured) branded the messages that the students received as 'vulgar'

Owen said that Kendra's behaviour towards him during his relationship with Lauryn wasn't normal

By the Spring of 2022, Owen's parents were sleepless while their son was receiving messages throughout the night.

At the same time, Lauryn's family was breaking down while also grappling with financial issues.

In April, Sheriff Main sought the help of the FBI in putting an end to the case, and presented the pages of messages to a liaison, which finally led the months-long search to Lauryn's mother, who has a background in IT.

FBI liaison Peter Bradley tracked down the IP addresses and linked it to Kendra's devices. 'I really didn't know what to say,' Bradley said.

22 months after Lauryn and Owen received the messages, police secured a search warrant and questioned Kendra, who admitted to sending the messages.

The admission caused shockwaves in Lauryn's family, including for her father, who had no idea about his wife's actions, as well as Owen's parents, who became close friends with Kendra.

Kendra denied sending the first message, but said she continued them. She had also told her family she was working, but in reality was let go from both of her jobs and spending her time sending the messages.

Speaking in the documentary, Kendra said, 'It was a very emotional day in our house. A day of confusion, unknown answers, shock, a day of not even knowing how we move forward to the next day, so it was a hard day, but at the same time, it was an end.'

Lauryn's father Shawn Licari (pictured) was clueless to his wife's actions - and was devastated to discover the truth

The mother pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison

She continued, 'Every single one of us makes mistakes, not a single one of us has lived a perfect life, and realistically a lot of us have probably broken the law at some point or another and not gotten caught.'

'I started in the thoughts of needing some answers, and then I just kept going, it was a spiral, kind of a snowball effect, I don't think I knew how to stop. I was somebody different in those moments. I was in an awful place mentally. It was like I had a mask on or something, I didn't even know who I was.'

Kendra, who added that her actions may have stemmed from her childhood trauma, said she would spend anywhere between an hour to eight hours a day texting the children. 'I let it consume me,' she said.

Referencing the messages where she referred to her daughter's body type, Kendra said, 'Lauryn knows she's skinny, she knows she's petite, she knows she's thin, so I might have kind of picked up on some of her insecurities.'

Thinking back to the moment she discovered the truth, Lauryn said, 'I think the shocked feeling turned into sadness, which turned into mad, which turned into crazy. I don't even know how to describe the feeling.'

Owen said, 'I was just speechless, I didn't know how to handle it. My head was spinning. How could a mum do such a thing? It's crazy that someone so close could do something like that to me, but also to her own daughter.'

Owen's mother added, 'I think she became obsessed with Owen, which is hard being a mum and that she's a grown woman but I think that there's some kind of relationship that she wanted to have with Owen that obviously is not acceptable at her age.'

'She would randomly just text him and try to keep a connection with him, she came to all of his sporting events even after him and Lauryn broke up. This is disgusting.'

Owen agreed, saying, 'It felt like she was attracted to me. She was super friendly.' He added, 'It wasn't like it was my girlfriend's mum, it felt like it was something more. She would do things for me, she would cut my own steak for me, it was too weird.'

Despite the findings, Lauryn, who is now in college studying criminology, still longs to have a relationship with her mother.

She said, 'Not having a relationship with my mum, I just don't feel like myself. I really need her in my life.'

Kendra pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a minor and was sentenced to 19 months to five years in prison and was released in August last year.

She's not currently allowed to see her daughter but hopes to have a relationship with her in the future.

Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is available to watch on Netflix.
This year's Venice Film Festival has attracted its usual array of glittering A-listers, all dressed to the nines for the lavish occasion.

However, there were several stars who unfortunately seemed to miss the fashion mark as they hit the red carpet, with overly daring or outlandish looks.

Among the slew of sartorial blunders was Shailene Woodley, who ensured all eyes were on her at the premiere of George Clooney's new film Jay Kelly, but for all the wrong reasons.

The American actress, 33, who does not feature in the movie itself but was in attendance to support her close friend George, put on a very leggy display in a silky black minidress that looked more suitable for a night out rather than a red carpet.

Adding further height to the outfit with a pair of open-toed black high heels, she struck several sultry poses while at the event.

She accessorised with a statement silver, green and black necklace and a pair of diamond earrings, which she put on full display with her hair in a half-up-do.

Laura Dern also failed to impress with her bold look as she arrived on the red carpet in a quirky green dress with a black barbed wire-esque overlay.

Meanwhile, Naomi Watts suffered a style misstep in a beautiful nude mesh gown which featured elegant floral detailing but was largely ruined by an oddly-shaped black bow.

This year's Venice Film Festival has attracted its usual array of glittering A-listers, all dressed to the nines for the lavish occasion. However, there were several stars (pictured, Shailene Woodley, left, and Laura Dern, right) who unfortunately seemed to miss the fashion mark as they hit the red carpet

Naomi Watts attends the Jay Kelly red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 28, 2025 in Venice

The British actress, 56, looked more smitten than ever as she planted a kiss on her husband Billy Crudup's cheek at the star-studded Jay Kelly premiere.

She cosied up to the American actor, 57, who stars as Timothy in the upcoming comedy-drama, on the red carpet.

Naomi's dress featured a plunging sweetheart neckline and was adorned with sequinned floral embellishments.

Completed with a silk bow at the waist, the floaty mesh skirt gathered in a stunning train on the floor.

She accessorised with diamond drop earrings and wore her blonde locks in soft waves as she posed up a storm for the cameras.

And the couple couldn't keep their hands off each other, with Naomi showering her husband with kisses during their red carpet moment.

Billy looked dapper in a cream tuxedo, paired with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and matching tailored trousers.

He finished the look with black patent leather brogues as he lovingly escorted Naomi down the red carpet.

Riley Keough attends the Jay Kelly red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival

Alicia Silverstone, pictured left, and Alba Rohrwacher, pictured right, attending the Venice Film Festival

Italian actress Eva Robin commanded attention in a bright yellow gown as she attended the Venice Film Festival on Thursday

Emily Mortimer failed to impress in a white lace midi dress teamed with eye-catching heels

Heidi Klum complimented her outfit with a stunning diamond necklace along with a pair of drop earrings

Emma Stone attends the Bugonia red carpet during the The 82nd Venice International Film Festival

Simona Jakstaite attends the Jay Kelly red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival

Naomi and Billy began dating in 2017 after they met on set of the Netflix series Gypsy. After making their first red carpet debut in 2022 they went on to tie the knot in New York a year later.

Meanwhile, other stars failing to impress at the Venice Film Festival included Emily Mortimer, who opted for a white lace midi dress teamed with eye-catching heels.

Elsewhere, Alba Rohrwacher opted for a bold royal blue satin gown which she paired with platform black heels.

Italian actress Eva Robin also commanded attention in a bright yellow gown as she attended the Venice Film Festival on Thursday.

Alicia Silverstone's gown also featured in the worst dressed list, with the actress wearing a white frock with long sleeves and a high neckline.

Jay Kelly, set for release on November 14, features an all-star cast including Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Emily Mortimer, Laura Dern, Billy, and Greta Gerwig.

The film sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who 'always plays himself'.

The trailer sees George's character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.

Barbara Palvin commanded attention in a daring black dress with lace detail and a high leg split

Adding further height to the outfit with a pair of open-toed black high heels, Shailene struck several sultry poses on the red carpet

Laura Dern made a rare appearance with her daughter Jaya Harper

Alba Rohrwacher opted for a bold royal blue satin gown which she paired with platform black heels

Billy Crudup and his wife Naomi Watts posed together

On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam Sandler, he's hailed as the 'hero of cinema' before being brutally asked about always playing himself.

To which George's character snaps back: 'You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.'

Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is 'Jay Kelly' as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.

The official synopsis reads: 'Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.

'Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices theyve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies theyll leave behind.'
Plans for the sequel prompted backlash after being first reported last year

The controversial Goonies sequel is making good progress according to its writer, who has also defended the need for the film.

Plans for a follow-up to the '80s classic were first reported last year, sparking widespread concern from fans.

Screenwriter, director, and producer Potsy Ponciroli gave an update on The Goonies 2 at a Deadline-moderated event at the Venice Film Festival.

As per the publication, he said: 'I have turned in a first draft, which was very well received, and I'm on a second draft and I'm about 95 percent done with that so we're moving in the right direction.'

He also took a moment to address the online response and reassured fans that the project will be treated 'with utmost care.'

Ponciroli added: 'I know there's a lot of "do we need a new Goonies," 'but I'm the biggest fan of the original, it's my favorite movie of all time.

'I'd never "redo" The Goonies. To me it was a story that never ended so this is the movie I want to see as one of its biggest fans.'

The publication reports that Ponciroli does not yet know when the film will move into production and that a director has not yet been announced.

The Goonies sequel is making good progress, says its writer Potsy Ponciroli

The 1985 adventure-comedy was given the green light for a second instalment almost 40 years after the original

The original film, written by Chris Columbus and released in 1985, has become a classic hallmark of '80s cinema, known for its mix of action, humor, and heart.

It follows a group of kids from the 'Goon Docks' neighborhood in Astoria, Oregon, who discover an old treasure map in the attic of one of their homes.

This map leads them on a thrilling quest to find the long-lost treasure of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary 17th-century pirate.

Along the way, they must outsmart a family of criminals, the Fratellis, who are also after the treasure.

Not only will the sequel be an iconic throwback for decades of fans, but it will also be a huge throwback for the cast as many of the original members are said to star.

Mikey Walsh - played by Sean Astin - was the optimistic leader of the Goonies and was determined to save his home from foreclosure by finding the treasure.

Brand Walsh - played by Josh Brolin - was Mikey's older brother, who was reluctantly dragged into the adventure.

Chunk - depicted by Jeff Cohen - was the group's clumsy but lovable friend, known for his 'Truffle Shuffle' dance.

The original 1985 film was directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg

Screenwriter Ponciroli has insisted he is 'the biggest fan of the original' and declared it his 'favorite movie of all time'

Mouth - who was played by Corey Feldman - was a wisecracking member of the group with a knack for getting into trouble.

Data - depicted by Ke Huy Quan - was the gadget enthusiast who used his inventions to help the group escape dangerous situations.

And the iconic Sloth - plated by John Matuszak - was the misunderstood, gentle giant and disfigured son of the Fratelli family, who becomes an ally of the Goonies.

Ex-NFL star John died in 1989 aged 38 and has forever been cemented in Hollywood history while his legendary catchphrase, 'Hey you guys!'
Visitors to Amie Upton's Leeds home could be forgiven for thinking there was a newborn in the house. The sitting room is filled with teddies, cherubs, life-like dolls and heart-shaped signs.

On the wall are countless photographs  pregnancy scans, images of tiny hands and feet and a close-up of Upton in a hospital gown with an infant in her arms.

Look closer, however, and the child she is cradling is lifeless. In 2017, Florrie-Mae was stillborn at 29 weeks after Upton was assaulted by her partner.

In the wake of that tragedy eight years ago, Upton, now 38, set herself up as an unpaid funeral director and channelled her grief at losing her daughter into 'Florrie's Army', a not-for-profit organisation devoted to helping others who have lost 'angel babies' with the offer of free handprints, photographs, baby clothing and a burial or cremation service.

That help has, at times, seen Upton bring the bodies of dead children home to 'rest' in her sitting room, where she talked, sang and read to them. It was a gesture which, depending on who you speak to, was either an act of loving kindness or a macabre practice which should never have been allowed.

This week, two mothers came forward to speak of their horror at seeing their dead babies in Upton's home after believing their children would be cared for in a professional setting.

Zoe Ward, 32, who entrusted her son, Bleu, to Upton in 2021 after he died of brain damage at just three weeks old, told the BBC she had been left 'screaming' after seeing him in a 'baby bouncer watching cartoons' in Upton's sitting room.

And Cody Townend claimed that in January, after her daughter Macie-Mae was stillborn at 25 weeks, Upton collected her from the hospital morgue and took her home without permission  an allegation Upton denies outright.

Amie Upton (pictured) set herself up as an unpaid funeral director after the death of her daughter Florrie-Mae, who was stillborn at 29 weeks after Upton was assaulted by her partner

Upton's home is filled with children's toys, cribs, pregnancy scans and photos of babies

Upton brought the bodies of dead children home to 'rest' in her sitting room, where she talked, sang and read to them

With both women describing gruesome scenes which might have come straight out of a horror film  and both calling for a change in the law to prevent other parents going through a similar ordeal  their alarming accounts have once again placed Britain's unregulated funeral industry under a highly troubling spotlight.

Upton was once embraced by NHS maternity services which benefited from her fundraising, but she has now been banned by Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust from setting foot in its maternity wards and mortuaries.

West Yorkshire Police, meanwhile, says it has investigated two complaints about her funeral service since 2021 but that no potential crimes have been identified.

So what was going on in the mother of two's red-brick terraced home in Harehills, a down-at-heel area of Leeds?

This week Upton told the Daily Mail she was utterly blameless and had helped hundreds of grieving mothers in recent years.

She claimed that the two who complained had simply misunderstood the service she was providing and that she is considering taking legal action.

'I have provided so many families with love and care. I've given them everything, literally everything, and it's only these two who have complained,' she told me.

She argues she looked after the babies of others to ensure the 'sleeping' infants were never left alone.

Zoe Ward, 32, entrusted her son Bleu (pictured) to Upton in 2021 after he died of brain damage at just three weeks old

Ms Ward (pictured) said she was left 'screaming' after discovering her baby in the care of Upton, who put him in a 'baby bouncer watching cartoons' in her sitting room

'I'm not saying it's for everyone, but these tiny babies need a lot of extra care and love,' she said.

'Some parents don't want their little babies put in a morgue, which can be cold and clinical. Instead they can be in a loving home with someone who has been through what they suffered and understands, and that's what I offered them.'

Upton says she helped parents who wanted to bring their babies home to spend time with them before the funeral by providing them with the use of her refrigerated 'CuddleCot'.

According to its website, the cooling device uses a 'discreet pad system' to keep babies' bodies cool and allows families 'to hold, cuddle and spend time with their baby in a way that feels more natural'.

Upton says: 'One of the first things I would say to bereaved parents is that you can either have your baby at your own home using my cold cot free of charge, or you can have them at my home in the cold cot, or if you prefer they can go to the funeral home. It's their choice.'

Her Facebook page features a short video from 2020 of the CuddleCot in action without revealing the dead baby  a girl called Violet  lying inside.

The song Rise Up by Andra Day is being played at high volume and the baby's cradle looks like any normal Moses basket, except for the blue machine connected to the inside via a plastic hose.

In the post which accompanied the video, Upton refers to the baby as if she is still alive, something which some will no doubt find disturbing.

Upton, pictured posing with a baby's coffin nd floral arrangement in her home

Upton's living room features a cradle and toys as well as an ode to her daughter Florrie-Mae, who was stillborn

'She's relaxing to her own funeral music,' she wrote.

And in another post: 'Early morning cuddles with baby Violet who is resting in my care bless her [sic]. She can have whatever she wants.'

It is evident Upton never hid the fact that occasionally she cared for babies at her own home. And many were full of praise, with some grieving parents giving her permission to post images of their stillborn babies dressed in funeral outfits, some of them stitched by Upton herself.

'You give so much love to the little angels bless you [sic],' wrote one beneath the video of baby Violet. According to another: 'I think the work and support you give to other grieving parents is amazing.' And yet another: 'So blessed to have a wonderful lady like you in their lives.'

Upton insists she was never 'storing' babies at home. She worked with local funeral directors, only ever bringing babies back to her home at the request of parents so they could spend time with their child before a funeral.

On other occasions she lent the 1,700 CuddleCot she bought via donations to be used in hospital. In June 2023, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity publicly thanked Florrie's Army on social media for the purchase of a CuddleCot for its maternity unit, along with copies of the books Upton has co-written with other mothers who have lost babies, including one called The Untold Stories Of Childloss.

One mother, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: 'Without Florrie's Army I wouldn't have been able to spend the precious time I got with my baby. The hospital had to put her in a fridge but Amie had a cold cot and that's what gave me the chance to say goodbye properly.'

In 2021 Zoe Ward was recommended Upton by a friend after the death of her son Bleu.

She said she received a call from Upton while still in hospital, just a day after her son's death, 'telling me that she's got a lovely home-from-home setting and it's a 24-hour service and it's a beautiful place for Bleu to rest'.

Upton used a refrigerated 'CuddleCot' (pictured) to keep the babies cold and even featured disturbing images on social media of babies next to the machine

Zoe told the BBC she thought the service sounded 'brilliant' and that Bleu's body was picked up from the hospital by someone on behalf of Florrie's Army.

But when she went round to Upton's house the next day, she was 'terrified' to see Upton 'watching' cartoons next to her son's body in a 'baby bouncer'. She said: 'The first thing I saw was Bleu in the chair and her bouncing him.

'But then I glanced over and there's a cat scratcher in the corner. I could hear a dog barking and there was another baby on the sofa.'

Upton told me this week it was 'nonsense' to suggest she was watching cartoons with the baby. Nor was Bleu in a 'bouncy chair'.

'It was a lay-down seat that I would transfer the baby to when I was tidying and cleaning his cot. Where should I have put him? On the floor?'

The allegation that there was another baby on the sofa was "an absolute load of old s***", said Upton.

Cody Townend's complaint came in January this year. Upton said: 'She never said anything to me, she just put a post on Facebook.'

Cody wrote that while Upton had been 'fantastic' and 'amazing' with her stillborn daughter Macie-Mae while at St James's University Hospital in Leeds, things changed 'when she took my child from the morgue'.

Cody and her husband Liam told the BBC they believed their premature child's body was being transported to a funeral home, but after a week Upton told them their daughter was at her house.

When they went to collect her to take her themselves to another funeral director, Cody claims Upton 'was smoking weed on her doorstep whilst my dead child was laid on her sofa'. She also alleged her daughter hadn't been cared for.

'She didn't store her in a cold cot and she deteriorated. I couldn't see my first and only baby that way; that's not how I wanted to remember her.'

Upton denies these allegations and says Cody's baby was collected from the hospital by a local undertaker.

'She wanted to spend the weekend with her at home before the funeral but couldn't collect her from the undertaker, so I offered to collect her and bring her here for Cody to pick up. The baby was in a closed casket. She's made it sound like I've snatched her baby from the hospital morgue and kept her at home for a week. That never happened.

'I don't understand why she is saying it. No funeral home or mortuary would let you take a baby without the parents' consent.'

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust says it only allows bodies to be signed out of its mortuaries by authorised funeral directors. Both babies were signed out by Philip Gallagher of Gallagher Funeral Services, one of the Trust's authorised funeral directors.

Mr Gallagher told the BBC he had a 'working relationship' with Upton for five years, including 'providing funerals for people's loved ones that have sadly passed away'.

He didn't respond to questions about why or when Cody's daughter had been moved to Upton's house, but added: 'We are aware that two families have raised concerns; however, it is our understanding that these concerns have been investigated.'

West Yorkshire Police said it investigated two complaints about Upton's infant funeral services but following 'extensive inquiries... no potential crimes were identified'.

Upton is adamant 'at all times, the babies I looked after had a cold pad beneath them'.

She says she has been trolled online and her family are receiving death threats, saying: 'I can't go through the heartache any more.'

And she has experienced her own share of tragedy. Her former partner Shaun Birchall was jailed for two years at Leeds Crown Court in 2021 after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm on Upton while she was 17 weeks pregnant.

He had repeatedly rammed a pram into the back of her legs and pushed her into an open freezer door, and the impact caused the rupture of her baby's amniotic sac.

Upton has always been adamant that Florrie-Mae, who was stillborn 12 weeks later, was also a victim of that attack. Florrie's Army was born as a result of her grief. But Upton says she no longer operates as a funeral director.

This latest controversy is by no means the first to hit the industry.

Funeral director Robert Bush appeared in court earlier this month charged with 65 offences across more than ten years, including 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, and fraud, after police removed 35 bodies and human ashes from the premises of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull last year.

In light of his case, the government last year called on councils to carry out spot-checks on funeral parlours. While there is no national regulator, 80 per cent of undertakers sign up to voluntary organisations such as the National Association of Funeral Directors, which has codes of conduct and dispute resolution services. But this July, a government inquiry recommended a statutory regulator be set up to stop rogue funeral directors.

Both Zoe and Cody back calls for an urgent change in the law. So, too, does Leeds MP Mark Sewards, who told me this week: 'I had assumed there would be something in place to stop things like this from happening and it turns out there isn't, which is what we've got to fix.'

Upton's sitting room remains a shrine to Florrie-Mae, who would have turned eight this year. As well as the balloons and name decorations covering the walls, there are dozen of images of her, and many of them also appear on the Florrie's Army Facebook page.

One of them shows Florrie-Mae's hands clutching a pink dummy. Her tiny finger nails have been painted bright pink.

Many will no doubt find these graphic images of lifeless children unsettling, but what is clear is that Upton and many other mothers draw comfort from remembering their babies this way.

Upton certainly dismisses the suggestion that overwhelming grief has led her down a troubling path. 'People are trying to say I'm mentally ill, but I'm one of the strongest, happiest people you could meet,' she said.

'Helping others helps me to cope with my own grief. I'll never regret the work I've done for all those other bereaved mothers. Florrie's Army will carry on, offering them all support.'
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Lindt has unveiled a brand new flavour - and it combines the Swiss brand's mouthwatering chocolate with a hearty Scottish twist.

Joining the mouthwatering ranks of salted caramel and strawberries and cream, the chocolatier has launched its most indulgent creation yet, the Shortbread Truffle.

Encased in that signature silky-smooth shell, the new creation is filled with a rich, buttery centre infused with melt-in-the-mouth biscuit pieces.

The new arrival is already creating a stir among chocoholics, set to be stocked in all Lindt stores and available exclusively on supermarket shelves at Tesco, where they're priced at 7.50.

However the new truffle is available for a limited time only, and will only be available until the end of 2025.

'We understand UK consumers have a unique love for biscuits and shortbread particularly has deep roots in British culture,' Stefan Bruderer, Master Chocolatier at Lindt & Sprungli, said.

'So it felt like the perfect crumbly treat to blend with our beloved truffles. We love creating new and unique flavours with our iconic Swiss Chocolate!'

After recently experimenting with flavours such as pistachio and tiramisu, Lindt has just unveiled a brand new flavour. Stock image used

After hearing about the new chocolate arrivals Lindt fans rushed to social media to say they can't wait to get their hands on the treat.

Sharing a snap of the Lindt Shortbread Truffle boxes in Tesco on @newfoodsuk Instagram, fans were keen to try them.

One person wrote: 'Need to try these!' Another added: 'Ohhhh these sound nice.'

Another joked: 'Well, that's 1lb gained by just looking and thinking how they're gonna taste'

Meanwhile other admitted they have been on the hunt for them but have struggled to find them in store.

One person said: 'These aren't even in the Lindt outlet stores.' Another said: 'Not in my Tesco it's not even on the system because staff checked it in front of me xx'

Meanwhile a third added: 'Went to big Tesco in Streatham today they didnt have them so disappointed.'

It comes after Lindt released a 'Dubai style' chocolate bar inspired by the viral treat people travelled across the world to get their hands on.

Joining the mouthwatering ranks of salted caramel and strawberries and cream, the Swiss chocolatier has launched its most indulgent creation yet, the Shortbread Truffle. Stock image used

The tasty treat is stocked in all Lindt stores and available exclusively on supermarket shelves at Tesco , where they're priced at 7.50

After hearing about the new chocolate arrivals Lindt fans rushed to social media to say they can't wait to get their hands on the treat

The Swiss chocolatier introduced the new treat in its UK stores last year, which was inspired by a pistachio and knafeh treat that racked up more than 90million views on TikTok.

Featuring a crunchy pistachio mixture topped with crunchy Kadayif pastry, the Dubai chocolate has been described by online users as a 'holy grail' treat.

So it is no surprise that chocolate fans have been going nuts for Lindt's 'luxurious' interpretation of the viral flavour, hailing it a 'dream' and claiming 'it looks delicious'.

Stefan Bruderer, Master Chocolatier at Lindt & Sprungli said: 'We're always tapped into consumer trends.

'After we saw how well the Dubai chocolate craze went down on social media, we knew we had to get involved and put our very own twist on it.'

Lindt's Dubai Style Chocolate is now available in select stores across the UK including Bicester Village, Leeds Trinity, McArthurGlen (Cheshire Oaks) and Bluewater, Dartford.

A mouthwatering 145g bar costs 10 in-store - although it is already being re-sold online for hundreds of pounds.

But the UK is not the first to be blessed with Lindt's Dubai-style chocolate bar.

The highly sought-after treat has already hit the chocolate giant's stores in the United States, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

In November, hundreds of shoppers queued up in the rain for hours in the western German city of Aachen to get their hands on the bar - with only 100 on offer.

The most dedicated chocoholics said they travelled over 4,000 miles to get their hands on the sweet treat.

With their camping chairs and waterproof jackets in hand, customers entering the store were greeted with staff members in white chef outfits and offered a sample of the Dubai style chocolate.

They were then ushered over to buy a single bar bearing a unique number to add an element of exclusivity.

Speaking to the Independent after leaving the Lindt store in Aachen with the bar in hand, Zi Cheng Lai, 23, from Malaysia, said: 'Its a hype, a trend on social media, with people waiting in long lines.

'We want to try it out here and be part of it.'

But Lindt cannot take all the credit as the Dubai style chocolate was created in 2021 by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda.

The Dubai-based businesswoman founded Fix Dessert Chocolate as a response to her pregnancy cravings and love of dessert, with 'Fix' standing for 'freaking incredible experience'.

'To be honest, not at any point did I think this was going to become global,' Sarah told CNN.

'It's insane what's been happening,' she added in response to the demand for the 'Can't Get Knafeh of it' bar from people all over the world.'
A simple cheek swab test could help doctors pinpoint the right medication for their patients and avoid debilitating side effects that can persist for years.

There are hundreds of FDA-approved psychiatric drugs available. And while they have been approved for safety and efficacy, their effects vary widely from person to person, leading to a slow, often frustrating trial-and-error process of finding the right medication and dose.

Up to half of patients with depression do not respond to their first antidepressant, and adverse reactions ranging from nausea to worsened depression and suicidal thoughts result in thousands of emergency visits annually.

Subtle differences in a persons genetic blueprint can fundamentally alter how their body processes medications, explaining why a drug that helps one person may be ineffective for another.

To help prevent unwanted reactions, a doctor can perform a pharmacogenetic (PGx) test. They would swab the inside of a patient's cheek and send the sample to a lab where technicians can analyze specific key genes to identify variants that might influence how the medication works. Doctors typically receive the results within two to four weeks.

Finding out how your body metabolizes different medications can affect whether a medication may be more likely to produce side effects...' Dr Ashwini Nadkarni, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, told the Daily Mail.

This allows a treater to be able to adjust medication dosing - or even choose specific medications versus others - to treat mental health disorders.

Still, this testing is rare, with fewer than one in 10 patients getting it done. The process is most common for those taking medications with a documented risk of gene interaction such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, certain heart drugs, specific chemotherapy drugs and antiretroviral medications for HIV.

Tiny genetic differences analyzed from a simple cheek swab can determine whether a medication will be effective or pose life-threatening health risks (stock)

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The cost of PGx testing varies. While Medicare or Medicaid enrollees may not incur any fees, those with other types of health insurance could face an out-of-pocket cost of up to $330.

Ultimately, PGx tests reveal how quickly or slowly a patients body breaks down a medication.

A high metabolization speed could clear the drug from the body before it has a chance to take effect. But if metabolization is too slow, the drug could build up to dangerously high levels in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of severe side effects such as serotonin syndrome, which causes confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils and muscle rigidity.

Dr Nadkarni told the Daily Mail that PGx testing often provides a report categorizing medications into different groups.

The first group includes medications that can be used as directed (there were no variants revealed that would impact how a patient's body processes those specific drugs).

The second group includes drugs that have a moderate gene-drug interaction (suggesting a potential need for a dose adjustment or increased monitoring).

The third group includes medications with a significant gene-drug interaction (the patient's genetic makeup indicates a high risk of the drug being ineffective or causing severe reactions).

Australia-born Harrison Sellick (pictured) tried to kill himself at just five years old a couple of years after going on the asthma drug Singulair. Scientists are still working to determine if some people are more genetically prone to suffer depression as a side effect

Everyone has genes that hold the blueprint for building specific enzymes - the molecules that break down medications in the liver.

The production of these enzymes determines how certain drugs interact with the body - like the potency of pain relievers and required dosage of blood thinners.

For example, variations in the CYP2C19 gene directly control how quickly Zoloft (sertraline) is metabolized.

Meanwhile, genetic variations in the CYP2D6 gene control the metabolism of Prozac.

An analysis of two million patient records in 2021 found that 63 percent of adults and nearly a third of children received ibuprofen, anti-nausea medication, pain relievers and other common drugs - the effectiveness of which is known to be directly influenced by genetics.

Jacqueline Gmack's severe SJS reaction may have been caused by a genetic predisposition. Specifically, variants in the genes that regulate immune recognition can mistake a drug for a threat, triggering a massive inflammatory immune response

A Brazilian woman, Jacqueline Gmack, developed a life-threatening reaction to the ibuprofen she took for menstrual cramps. She was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare condition where the body's immune system attacks its own skin and mucous membranes.

The reaction caused her skin to blister and detach, leading to a 17-day medically induced coma. The damage to her eyes was severe and permanent. Despite more than 24 surgeries, she lost 60 percent of her vision.

Her severe SJS was likely due to a predisposing genetic factor, experts have said.

Another drug seen to cause devastating effects in some people is the asthma medication montelukast (marketed as Singulair).

Harrison Sellick of Melbourne, Australia, began taking montelukast at age two. Over the next three years, he developed severe behavioral problems and suicidal thoughts. His mother reported that at just five years old, he attempted to take his own life and frequently made comments about death and self-loathing.

In 2021, researchers in Japan found montelukast interacts with a network of specific human genes known to be involved in mood disorders.

Yet despite its potential, PGx testing is not yet common in healthcare.

In one survey led by Dr Peter Schwartz and an Indiana University team, only four of the 31 people asked recognized the terms pharmacogenomics or PGx and were able to give an acceptable definition of it. After being told what it is, just 10 of the 31 knew they had undergone this sort of testing.

A person's genes control how they process common antidepressants like Zoloft. Slow metabolizers risk side effects from too much drug, while fast metabolizers may get no benefit from a standard dose

Researchers have said the most significant barrier to the widespread use of PGx testing is an educational gap.

In short, healthcare professionals have to do a better job of educating patients about PGx, especially as it becomes more and more a part of everyday practice,' Dr Schwartz said.

Studies consistently show that while 80 to 90 percent of healthcare providers acknowledge the value of PGx when doling out prescriptions, only 10 to 20 percent feel adequately trained or confident enough to apply it.
Taking two common painkillers may be raising your risk of suffering from a deadly bacterial infection, a study suggests.

Ibuprofen, brand name Advil, and acetaminophen, brand name Tylenol, are readily-available over-the-counter drugs taken by millions every year to ease headaches, back and neck pain and fevers, among other ailments.

But researchers in Australia warn that the drugs, sold for about 20 cents a pill, could turbocharge antibiotic resistance, making deadly bacterial infections harder to treat.

In lab experiments, they found that the drugs made bacteria more resistant to a common antibiotic used to treat infections when used on their own or together.

The study was carried out in the lab, and not in humans, meaning the results may not fully translate to the real-world.

But the scientists said the study was a warning over regularly using painkillers, particularly to those in care homes who often take them alongside antibiotics and are at a heightened risk for bacterial infections.

About 1.27million people die from antibiotic resistance globally every year, in what the CDC has called 'one of the greatest public health challenges of our time'.

Dr Rietie Venter, a microbial resistance researcher who led the study, said: 'Antibiotic resistance isn't just about antibiotics anymore.

Researchers warned that taking Advil and Tylenol, common over-the-counter painkillers, could raise your risk of suffering from an antibiotic resistant infection (stock photo)

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'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.'

She added: '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, researchers tested acetaminophen, commonly used to relieve fevers, and ibuprofen, commonly found in flu medications.

Other drugs tested in the study included diclofenac, an arthritis treatment, furosemid, to treat high blood pressure, metformin, to control high blood sugar, atorvastatin, to reduce cholesterol, tramadol, a strong painkiller, temazepam, used to treat sleep problems, and pseudoephedrine, a decongestant.

These drugs contain different active ingredients and do not contain acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The scientists placed the drugs in a petri dish alongside varying concentrations of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, the first-line of defense against bacterial infections.

The bacteria E.coli, commonly found in human intestines and often behind recalls of contaminated food, was added and the dishes were heated for 20 hours to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), to mirror the temperature in the human body.

Results showed that when bacteria were exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the bacteria developed more mutations than when just exposed to ciprofloxacin.

This helped the bacteria grow faster and become highly resistant to the antibiotic, as well as to multiple antibiotics from different classes.

In the lab tests, the scientists used E.coli, a common bacteria often found in the human gastrointestinal tract (stock photo)

About 9.9million people are prescribed ibuprofen in the US every year, estimates suggest, with millions of others taking the drug over the counter.

An estimated 52million people take acetaminophen in the US every year.

The CDC said there are about 2.8million antibiotic resistant infections in the US every year.

More than 35,000 people also die from these infections annually, according to estimates.

The World Health Organization had previously warned that antibiotic resistance 'threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections' and that it is 'an urgent public health threat'.

Infections that are resistant to these drugs are often referred to as 'super infections'.

The study was revealed in the journal Nature: Antimicrobials and Resistance.
Children in England will soon be offered a chickenpox vaccine for free, health officials revealed today.

The jab, which currently costs around 150 at private clinics and pharmacies, will form part of a new combined immunisation on the childhood vaccination programme.

Currently the vaccine is only available on the NHS to people in close contact with someone who has a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virussuch as cancer patients.

But health leaders have repeatedly warned that unvaccinated children who contract chickenpox are at risk of severe complications including swelling of the brain and strokes.

Government ministers hope that by offering the chickenpox vaccinealso known as the varicella jabfree of charge on the NHS, around half a million children will be protected every year.

Experts have also argued the move should relieve pressure on the economy, as parents will not have to take time off work to look after their sick children.

Health minister Stephen Kinnock told the Daily Mail: 'As a father, I understand how worrying it is when your child gets sick.

'Like many parents, I remember the days off school and sleepless nights after my children got chickenpoxbut for some families, the stark reality is that the consequences of this seemingly harmless disease can be deadly.

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster, and it is normally a mild and relatively harmless illness that causes a tell-tale rash.

Each infected person is thought to pass the virus on to 10 other people, making it more contagious than the common cold and flu, which each infected person gives to two others

'That is why I am delighted to announce that the government will roll out a groundbreaking chickenpox vaccine for free on the NHS in January.

'This vaccine protects against four serious and potentially deadly diseases measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpoxgiving parents peace of mind and helping children to stay healthy and in school where they can learn and play with their friends.

'This new vaccination programme is part of our Plan for Change mission to give every child the best start in life.

'We're working tirelessly to build an NHS that prevents illness, rather than just treating it afterwards. By rolling out programmes like this, which are backed by the latest scientific evidence, we are helping to raise the healthiest generation of children ever.

'And of course, fewer children missing school, means fewer parents having to stay home from work to look after them.

'The benefits to the economy of fewer working days being lost are clear.

'This initiative is one of many ways this government is supporting hard-working families and ensuring every child can thrive, so I would urge parents, to always bring your child forward for their jabs, as soon as possible when they are invited.'

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: 'Most parents probably consider chickenpox to be a common and mild illness.

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said he was delighted to announce the roll out of a groundbreaking vaccine which he hopes will help raise the healthiest generation of children yet

'But for some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospital admission and tragically, while rare, it can be fatal.

'It is excellent news, that from next January, we will be introducing a vaccine to protect against chickenpox into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme helping prevent what is for most a nasty illness and for those who develop severe symptoms, it could be a life saver.'

The chickenpox vaccine is already part of the routine vaccination programme in a number of countries including Germany, Australia, Canada and the US.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), chickenpox costs the UK an estimated 24million in lost income and productivity every yearwith parents forced to take time off work to look after their children.

The rollout of the vaccine is also expected to save the NHS 15 million a year in costs for treating the illness.

The introduction of the jab on the NHS in England was first advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in November 2023.

Chickenpox is a common highly contagious infection that mostly affects children.

Common symptoms include an itchy, spotty rash that can appear anywhere on the body.

In England, 89.3 per cent of two-year-olds received their first dose of the MMR vaccine in the year to March 2023 (blue line), up from 89.2 per cent the previous year. Meanwhile, 88.7 per cent of two-year-olds had both doses, down from 89 per cent a year earlier

This may be accompanied by a high temperature, aches and pains and a loss of appetite.

Anyone who has chickenpox is advised to say off school, nursery or work until all the spots have formed a scab. This is usually around five days after the rash first appears.

In most cases, chickenpox usually clears up on its own within a couple of weeks, but some children can develop severe complications such as bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue, including group A strep.

But in rare cases, the virus can cause serious infections in the lungs and bloodleading to sepsisswelling in the brain, stroke and even death.

The new vaccine will form part of a new combined MMRV jabto protect against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

It is expected to replace the MMR jab which is currently offered to babies at 1-year-old and again at 18 months.

It is the first time protection against another disease has been added to the childhood vaccination programme in over a decade.

The announcement also comes as new data revealed none of the routine childhood vaccines in England reached the 95 per cent uptake target in 2024/25.

Last year, less than 92 per cent of five-year-olds had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, the lowest level on record in over a decade, according to the UKHSA.

Uptake of the first MMR dose at 2-years-old stood at around 89 per cent, again the lowest figure since 2009/10.
Rising numbers of Britons are sabotaging their sleep in a quest to improve it, experts warned today.

Trendy sleep trackers are fuelling an increase in cases of orthosomniaan obsession with sleeping correctly, they claimed.

Similar to the eating disorder orthorexiaan unhealthy obsession with healthy eatingthe condition is said to be a product of an obsessional desire to be our healthiest, best self.

Some of those at risk of orthosomnia already suffer from mental-health problems and sleep difficulties.

Consumed with worry about sleeping patterns, sufferers end up with extreme anxiety and depression.

But sleep experts say that even within the last few months they have seen more and more people who admit sleep-tracking gadgets that claim to monitor and improve our quality and quantity of sleep actually triggered their problems.

It comes as a separate survey today revealed that of those who use such devicessuch as apps or watchesalmost half feel like like they've 'done something wrong' if their tracker shows poor sleep.

Concerningly, two in five reported that their device often contradicts how they feel, but they still trust the score more than their own body.

Sleep experts say that even within the last few months they have seen more and more people who admit sleep-tracking gadgets that claim to monitor and improve our quality and quantity of sleep actually triggered their problems

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Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of the Sleep Charity, told the Daily Mail: 'We're seeing a rise in people treating sleep like another area to control and "perfect".

'For some, tracking is helpful. But for others, especially young women, it's creating a melting pot of anxiety, pressure and this low-level feeling of failure that builds night after night.'

'It's like sleep has become another metric to fail at.

'People are putting themselves under pressure to sleep well, then lying in bed overthinking their bedtime routine, their REM cycles, their supplements, their sleep score.

'That anxiety can be the very thing that keeps them awake.'

'You could wake up feeling fine, but if your app gives you a low score, people are spending the day convinced they're exhausted.

'Sleep trackers can be useful, but only if you use them to guide your habitsnot rule your mood.'

'The hyper-focus is counter-productive. We've lost the basic truth that rest is about how you feelnot how you score.'

Trendy sleep trackers are fuelling an increase in cases of orthosomniaan obsession with sleeping correctly, experts have claimed

Experts have previously sounded the alarm over the devices, warning that the trackers rely on data which 'doesn't truly represent sleep'.

Speaking at the Cheltenham Science Festival Dr Guy Leschziner, a sleep expert at the Sleep Disorders Centre in Guy's Hospital, London, said: 'We've seen a lot of people who have developed significant insomnia as a result of either sleep trackers or reading certain things about how devastating sleep deprivation is for you.

'My view of sleep trackers is fairly cynical. If you wake up feeling tired and you've had an unrefreshing night's sleep, then you know you've got a problem.

'That obsessional state about sleep makes sleep even more difficult.'

According to a fresh survey by sleep technology company Simba, around one in nine women in the UKroughly 4.5 millionnow use a sleep or health tracking app to provide insights into their sleeping habits.

Apps, make use of motion sensors in a smartphone, which can be slipped under a pillow.

An algorithm differentiates between movements made during deep sleep and periods of waking.

Sleep patterns are then presented on the app via diagrams that detail the minutes spent in the three sleep stageslight, deep and REM, with alerts often issued if users fail to reach the target of a specified number of nightly hours.

But according the survey, which polled 2,000 UK adults on how tracking and 'hacking' their sleep is affecting rest, more than a quarter (29 per cent) say they don't feel rested despite trying to optimise their sleep.

A quarter even admitted they feel more stressed about sleep the more they try to fix it, with Gen Z (35 per cent) most affected.

Two in five said sleep now felt like 'another area of life we're expected to perfect'.

Almost half (44 per cent) reported they feel anxious about how well they've slept.

Of those who used sleep trackers, two in five (42 per cent) said their device often contradicts how they feel, but they still trust the score more than their own body.

Alarmingly, more than two in five (43 per cent) admit they feel like they've 'done something wrong' if their tracker shows poor sleep, rising to 80 per cent among 2534 year olds.

Last year, a study found that around one in six Brits suffer insomnia, yet 65 per cent never seek help for their sleep problem.

Poor sleep has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, stroke and infertility.

Experts have long advised that waking up during the night does not necessarily mean you have insomnia, which figures suggest affects up to 14million Brits.

Still, sleep deprivation takes its own toll, from irritability and reduced focus in the short term, to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 70million Americans also have a sleep disorder.
A young boy died just months after first developing symptoms that initially seemed like nothing more than tiredness from school and after-school clubs.

Tay Kurtul, six, from Leicestershire, began experiencing blurred vision in May 2023, but a routine eye test appeared to put his parents' worries to rest.

Soon after, however, he became extremely fatigued, more emotional than usual and suffered stomach aches, before suddenly becoming dizzy and unsteady on his feet.

His mother Laura, 38, thought he might simply be overtired, but took him to the GP for a second opinion.

Within days, a CT scan revealed a mass on his brain.

Further tests and an MRI confirmed the devastating causea medulloblastoma, the most common type of malignant brain tumour in children, though still rare overall.

It develops in the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for balance, movement and muscle coordination.

Although surgeons were able to remove 99 per cent of the tumour, and Tay endured multiple rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, he tragically died on February 9, 2024just nine months after his first GP appointment.

Laura (pictured left) remembers Tay (pictured right) telling her on the way home from school one day that sometimes his vision would go blurry

Laura took Tay to the opticians for an eye test, but they were told it was nothing to worry about

Now his family are urging parents not to ignore the red flag signs of the aggressive cancer and to advocate for their childreneven when their symptoms seem harmless.

Recalling Tay's heartbreaking ordeal, his mother said: 'We will never find the words to describe how we feel after losing Tay.

'He touched so many hearts with his joyful soul and he taught us the true meaning of love.'

When Tay first started complaining of vision problems and headaches, his mother was surprised given that he had never mentioned a headache before, but thought he had just taken on too many commitments.

'Since that first headache, as the days went on, Tay started showing more concerning symptoms like waking up some morning feeling sick and having a tummy ache.

'He could also be quite emotional and felt tired even after a full night's sleep. He just wasn't himself,' she recalled.

'I started to question whether he was just taking on too much with all his after school clubs and play dates. I thought maybe he was just exhausted and needed a break.

'But then my husband and I were told the unimaginable.

Tay's parents put his tiredness and stomach ache down to overexertion and fatigue

But then Tay began experiencing balance and co-ordiation problems, prompting his mum to take him to the doctors

'I remember not being able to feel my legs when we were told the heart-shattering news and the paediatrician's voice seemed so far away.

'It felt as though it was just me in the room and I was screaming inside but totally numb on the outside, although shaking with fear. It was a moment that will haunt me forever.'

Around 60 children in the UK are diagnosed with medulloblastoma each year, and most undergo surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible.

Around a quarter will go on to develop what is known as posterior fossa syndromea group of complications that can, in some cases, be life-threatening.

Although Tay's surgery was deemed a success, with doctors removing almost all of the tumour, he was left unable to sit up, walk or eatand in time, he lost the ability to speak.

Posterior fossa syndrome can also cause loss of muscle control, rapid side-to-side eye movements, weakness down one side of the body and profound behavioural changes.

Symptoms often improve gradually over weeks or months, but for some children they never go away completely, leaving a lasting impact on quality of life.

Following surgery, children over the age of three are usually given chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the brain and spine to help stop the cancer from returning.

Tests revealed a brain tumour, which was later confirmed to be cancerous. Tay passed away just months later

After what Laura described an 'impossible decision', Tay's parents decided to stop treatment, as they felt it was just delaying the inevitable and making Tay more sick as he began to show signs of early onset dementia.

'We knew all the progression was taking over and it was no longer fair on Tay to keep fighting. His little body had been through too much.'

She added: 'There is no fixing the pain and we now face an indescribable journey of survival.

'When you lose your child, the world becomes a different place and everything looks grey.'

Since his passing, Tay's best friend's grandfather, Patrick Howlett, 65, has completed a 177-mile walking challenge to raise funds and help find a cure for brain tumours.

Tay's mother said her son and Emily were inseparable since they first met at primary school.

'Their days together were filled with giggles, silliness and the kind of joy only true childhood friends can bringa simple, pure and beautiful bond, a little love story.'

Together with Tay's parents, they have so far raised as astonishing 45,000 for Tay's Tribe, a fundraising group under the umbrella of Brain Tumour Research.

It is also important to know the tell-tale signs of a brain tumour to help catch in its early stages

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 'We are deeply grateful to everyone supporting Tay's Tribe for their incredible efforts.

'Every pound raised helps us sustain critical research and being us closer to finding a cure. Without increased investment, we risk losing the momentum we've build in uncovering the breakthroughs patients and families so desperately need.'

Many of the signs and symptoms of brain tumours are non specific but might include headaches upon waking, nausea or vomiting, double vision, finding it hard to sit or stand unsupported, behavioural changes and a loss of appetite.

Parents are advised to take their child to their GP if they are worried they are showing symptoms.
A cheap herbal supplement can 'rival' prescription antianxiety drugs, according to research.

Lavender oilat just 36p a dosecan have a similar effect as the go to medicines to treat anxiety.

A review of studies by Polish researchers found that pharmaceutical quality lavender oil, when taken orally as a daily capsule is effective in the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety.

The supplement is also a nonaddictive alternative to common antianxiety drugs.

Scientists have theorised that the supplement has an effect on the parasympathetic nervous systemwhich acts as a counterbalance to stress, managing the body's heart rate. For those with anxiety this process happens less frequently.

It is believed that lavender oil can aid this system, which is why studies have suggested that it can help manage anxiety.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK, with more than eight million people experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time.

At the same time there has been a sharp rise in prescription antianxiety drugs, known as anxiolytics.

Lavender oil  at just 36p a dose  can have a similar effect to the go to medicines to treat anxiety

Side effects of the drugs include sexual dysfunction, liver damage and chronic fatigue.

Experts warn that this trend is of growing concern, and that not all patients need the drugs.

Dr HansPeter Volz, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy told The Sun: 'The use, and misuse, of prescription antianxiety medication is rising. Doctors can be quick to medicate people who are experiencing emotional distress, without exploring alternative options.

'The problem then, is trying to reduce dependency and get patients off the prescribed medication. It is important that we look at complementary treatments to prescription drugs for anxiety such as talking therapies, mindfulness and traditional herbal remedies.'

Experts now say that one of those that should be considered is lavender oil.

Dr Annabelle Grimm, Global Medical Affairs Manager at Schwabe Group, a herbal medicine company, said: 'There have been several clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of pharmaceutical quality lavender oil in the treatment of mild anxiety.

'Research suggests its effectiveness rivals that of commonly prescribed anxiolytics like benzodiazepines and SSRIs.

'This study is particularly exciting as it demonstrates that pharmaceutical quality lavender oil substantially alleviates anxiety symptoms across all severity levels, without the drawbacks associated with sedation and addiction.

Last year, NHS England said it was treating 55 per cent more under18s than before the pandemic

'The results, together with its favourable tolerability profile, position pharmaceutical quality lavender oil as an effective firstline treatment option for patients, particularly from the mildtomoderate end of the anxiety spectrum.'

The research comes as diagnosis for mental health conditions is on the rise.

Latest statistics show that the number of people seeking help for mental illness has surged by two fifths since before the pandemic, reaching almost 4million.

Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show almost a quarter of children in England now have a 'probable mental disorder'  up from one in the five in the previous year.

Last year, NHS England said it was treating 55 per cent more under18s than before the pandemic.

Dozens of studies have also recently highlighted how the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have hindered children's development and may have exacerbated mental health issues.
Two more recalls have been issued for shrimp believed to have been exposed to a radioactive compound that may cause cancer if ingested.

AquaStar Corp of Seattle, Washington is recalling 26,460 packages of 6 oz Cocktail Shrimp products and 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-off Shrimp products.

The shrimp were imported from Indonesia and are being recalled because 'they may have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby they may have become contaminated with cesium-137 (Cs-137),' the FDA recall notice stated.

Cs-137 is a man-made radioactive byproduct of nuclear waste and nuclear weapons tests.

It is present at very low levels in the environment, partially as a result of nuclear tests, and is generally harmless.

But once inside the body, the substance can become lodged in tissues and release low-level radiation over time that can damage DNA and cause cells to turn cancerous.

The products in the recalls were sent to the US by BMS Foods from Indonesia and officials from both countries are working to determine the source of the contamination.

These two new recalls follow two others from earlier this month involving Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart and Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, Great American Seafood Imports and First Street shrimp products sold at Kroger and through Instacart.

The expanded recall affects another 45,000lbs of shrimp products sold across the US (stock image)

The cocktail shrimp products were sold in Walmart stores in more than two dozen states across the US between July 31, 2025 and August 16, 2025.

The peeled tail-off shrimp products were sold at Bakers, Gerbes, Jay C, Kroger, Marianos, Metro Market, Pay Less Supermarkets, and Pick n Save in 17 states, mainly in the south and Midwest, between July 24, 2025 and August 11, 2025.

The cocktail shrimp products are packaged in clear plastic trays with red and white labels and a UPC code of 19434612191.

Lot codes include 10662 5106, 10662 5107, 10662 5124, and 10662 5125, which can be found at the bottom of plastic tray.

The peeled tail-off shrimp products are packaged in clear plastic bags with a white and green label.

Codes include: UPC 011110626196 and lot code 10662 5139, with a best before date of November 19, 2027; as well as, UPC 011110626196 and lot code 10662 5140 and a best before date of November 20, 2027.

No illnesses have been reported in connection to any of the recalls and the FDA said: 'At this time, no product that has tested positive or alerted for Cesium-137 (Cs-137) has entered the U.S. commerce.'

AquaStar Corp is recalling 18,000 bags of Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-off Shrimp products

The peeled tail-off shrimp products were sold at grocery stores in 17 states

Customs and Border Protection agents first detected the radioactive isotope earlier this month in shipping containers at four major US ports, sounding the alarm to the FDA.

The ports included Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, and Miami.

The FDA then tested the contents of the shipping containers and confirmed the shrimp was contaminated.

The risk of contamination from passing a contaminated shipping container is low, but that risk compounds if a person were to eat radioactive shrimp.

Once inside your body, Cs-137 acts as a long-term, internal source of radiation that significantly increases cancer risk.

Low-level exposure to Cs-137 is common for everyone due to its persistent presence in the environment from past nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s and 60s, according to the CDC.

The significant health risk, however, comes from highly concentrated sources found in medical and industrial equipment, where the material is sealed within protective shielding to prevent exposure.

AquaStar Corp of Seattle, Washington is recalling 26,460 packages of 6 oz Cocktail Shrimp products

A serious danger emerges if this shielding is compromised, either accidentally or intentionally, allowing the release of the highly concentrated radioactive material.

Significant external exposure to Cs-137 can result in severe health effects, including radiation burns, acute radiation sickness, and death. The high-energy gamma radiation it emits also elevates long-term cancer risk.

If Cs-137 is ingested or inhaled, it disperses throughout the body's soft tissues, concentrating in the muscles, creating a persistent internal source of radiation.

It bombards surrounding tissues with beta particles and gamma rays, and substantially increases the likelihood of developing cancer.

The level of radiation found in the shrimp is below the official safety limit. However, the FDA is concerned that if someone ate shrimp with this level of radiation regularly for a long time, it could put their health at risk.
Officials in New Jersey have issued a warning about rabid animals in a southern county neighboring Philadelphia.

The countys sixth animal to be confirmed rabid was a skunk that interacted with two dogs in a residents backyard.

Officials in Gibbsboro, Camden County, stated that the skunk did not injure the dogs, which could have infected them with the rabies virus, but the owner could not confirm whether one of her dogs had been vaccinated.

Both dogs received rabies boosters after the encounter; however, they still need to be quarantined to watch for any rabies symptoms, including personality changes and seizures. One dog will be quarantined at home for 45 days, while the other, which may not have been vaccinated, will have to quarantine for four months, likely in a state-approved animal facility.

Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, liaison to the Camden County Health Department, said in a statement: Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.

There have not been any human exposures to the fatal virus in the state this year, according to county officials. But unvaccinated pets that come into contact with rabid animals and become infected can then pass the virus to their owner through bites.

Over the past month, dozens of county governments from Maine to Wyoming have issued urgent warnings to residents and tourists about a surge in rabies cases among local wildlife, putting communities at risk.

A skunk that came into contact with two family dogs has tested positive for rabies, marking the sixth confirmed case of the virus in a southern New Jersey county this year

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One day before the skunk was discovered in Gibbsboro, a family dog in Barrington, New Jersey, about 15 minutes away, killed a raccoon that later tested positive for rabies.

Three family members and both family dogs were potentially exposed to rabies.

They were advised to consult their physician about rabies post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, which consists of a fast-acting antibody shot followed by a four-dose series of shots administered over a 14-day period.

Without a quick response to a bite or scratch from a rabid animal, the disease is nearly 100 percent fatal. Over 90 percent of animal cases reported to the CDC are in wildlife, though one to three Americans die of the disease every year.

There are typically fewer than 10 cases of rabies in the US each year. In recent years, the number of cases has ranged from one to five.

Four other animals, including a cat and two additional raccoons, have been confirmed to have rabies in New Jersey this year.

Although the US eliminated a specific canine rabies virus variant in 2007 through widespread vaccination of pets, the disease remains a threat.

Rabies is still transmitted by wildlife, including bats, raccoons, and skunks.

During a vacation to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona, Erica Kahn was photographing the night sky when a bat flew directly into her open mouth.

Understanding the severe risk of rabies, her doctor father insisted she get the lifesaving post-exposure vaccine series immediately.

Erica Kahn, who was visiting the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Arizona, was photographing the night sky when she saw bats flying in the area. One of them flew toward her face and, when she screamed, the bat flew into her mouth

Kahn, 33, enrolled in a health insurance plan, believing that she would be covered for the imminent two weeks of spaced-out rabies vaccinations. Then the bills came

But as she was between jobs and uninsured, Kahn urgently purchased a private health insurance policy, believing she had secured coverage for the necessary medical treatment.

Kahn soon discovered that her new insurance plan had a standard 30-day waiting period before coverage began, a detail she had missed.

Consequently, she was left responsible for over $20,000 in medical bills for the rabies vaccinations, as the insurer denied all her claims.

Unvaccinated pets can contract the virus from these animals and transmit it to humans through their saliva.

While human deaths are rare in the US, the risk of exposure appears to be rising.

This summer, more than 200 tourists from 38 states were potentially exposed to the near-always fatal virus by a bat colony at Wyoming's Jackson Lake Lodge, prompting a massive health outreach effort.

In a separate incident earlier this month, a rabid fox attacked and bit two people in Aberdeen, North Carolina, who are now undergoing post-exposure treatment.

Following a bite, the rabies virus invades the peripheral nerves and travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation that can be fatal.

A 77-year-old unnamed man in North Carolina was bitten by the same animal on his leg (pictured) on his birthday

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It attacks the brainstem, which disrupts the vital control of breathing and heart rate. Damage to the brain also triggers severe symptoms, including aggression, hallucinations, and a fear of water caused by painful throat spasms.

Once clinical symptoms emerge, the disease is nearly always fatal within days.

Infected animals often exhibit erratic behavior, including biting themselves, excessive drooling, growling, and impaired coordination.

Nocturnal animals, such as foxes, raccoons, and bats, may appear disoriented and active during the day. Rabid bats may be grounded or fly in erratic circles.

In North Carolina earlier this month, a young mother was attacked by a rabid fox after stepping outside her home to investigate noises resembling a cat under her car. The fox immediately bit her leg and, when she tried to defend herself, bit her hand as well.

After officers arrived and narrowly missed capturing the animal as it fled into nearby woods, they received a second call reporting a similar attack just a short distance away. There, a 77-year-old man had been bitten on the leg by the same fox.

Deputies from Moore County Animal Services later located, captured, and euthanized the fox, which subsequently tested positive for rabies.

Both victims received appropriate medical care for their injuries and potential exposure to the deadly virus.
Of all the weird things that have happened when the dead manifest themselves through the living, the white ectoplasm flowing from the mouths of early 20th-century mediums must be one of the oddest.

When Perthshire-based medium Helen Duncan conducted her seances in the 1920s and 1930s, her enthralled audiences were convinced that the spirits of the dead were really speaking through her.

A stout middle-aged woman in a voluminous black gown, Duncan sat in a darkened room in a trance, materialising spirits through long, white emissions that drooled from her mouth. In photographs, they now look like unspooled lengths of lavatory roll or NHS bandages.

Caught out: Helen Duncan (pictured in 1930s with a spirit materialisation) was found out and jailed for faking the summoning of spirits

The renowned psychical investigator Harry Price was intrigued. He requested that she conduct some test seances in laboratory conditions, so he could examine the ectoplasm close at hand. He was convinced she was hiding whatever it was made of inside her clothing or one of her orifices.

Helen submitted to the tests, but when a doctor tried to X-ray her, she reacted violently, hitting her husband Henry across the face, almost hitting the doctor who dodged just in time, rushing out onto the street, screaming her head off, and tearing her seance garment.

The men managed to coax her back into the lab, scissors ready for when the ectoplasm started frothing from her mouth again. They managed to snip a little piece off, and it turned out to be made of paper soaked in egg-white, which shed kept in her mouth rolled up into tiny balls.

In 1944 she would be the last person in Britain to be imprisoned under the Witchcraft Act, which made the fraudulent summoning of spirits illegal.

As Alice Vernon writes in her lively, highly readable book about the history of ghost hunting and its continuing wide appeal, expectation plays a large part in whether you do or dont see ghosts.

If you believe in them, youll be more likely to see them. This was proved in the Philip Experiment of 1972, in which a group of Canadian psychical researchers invented a fictional 17th-century aristocrat called Philip. They created a whole life story for him, including that his cuckolded wife Dorothea had his raven-haired gypsy lover executed for witchcraft, and that Philip then threw himself off the battlements of his manor house.

Haunted: An experiment in 1972 proved that people who want to believe in ghosts would even think they were communing with a spirit that researchers had made up

Spirited: Judi Dench stars in 2021's adaptation of Noel Coward's Blythe Spirit

Amazingly, with the help of songs, prayer, and palms flat on the seance table surface, the group did manage to summon Philips spirit from the dead, even though hed never existed. The table started to shudder and glide across the carpeted floor, and when they asked Philip about his murderous wife Dorothea, they were met with animalistic scratching sounds beneath the table.

Vernon deduces that the role of expectation is potentially the key to many ghostly experiences.

A natural sceptic herself, she admits to experiencing this disarming phenomenon twice during her research for this book.

First, she went on an ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) training course in the Old Prison at Northleach in the Cotswolds. Participants were asked to spend time alone in different cells and record their feelings.

In one cell, Vernon felt particularly icy cold; in another she felt lonely. She also went back to the police station attached to that same prison, put on headphones connected to a radio-like spirit box designed to pick up frequencies from beyond the grave, and suddenly heard an angry man bellowing No! No! No! No! No! into her ears. She whipped off the headphones, genuinely terrified - and, as she admits, slighlty less sceptical.

Both ghosts themselves, and the kit to investigate them, have kept up impressively with changing technology. Ghosts have evolved from waifs in white roaming oak staircases of manor houses, to voices writing through mediums after the loss of life in World War I (bringing consolation to grieving parents).

There have been audible voices picked up on cassette tapes, post-war poltergeists throwing cats beds across suburban sitting rooms and (nowadays) voices of the deceased speaking through AI.

You can download an app that detects fluctuations in the electromagnetic field, and emits written phrases like, I died here, drowned, many of us, and 1800s.

A typical ghost-investigating kit used to consist of Victorian items such as phials of powders, clumps of wool, a tape measure, sealing wax, compasses and balls of thread, and in the mid-20th century lightbulbs, electric bells and a telephone, but todays ghost-hunter wouldnt leave home without a Rem Pod (a special device for detecting changes in electromagnetic fields and temperature).

Theyd also have a spirit box to scan radio frequencies which can supposedly be manipulated by spirits, plus a few trigger objects designed to appeal to a broad range of ghosts, such as a teddy bear that lights up when a spirit comes near.

The craze for ghost-hunting tourism started booming when the TV programme Most Haunted was broadcast in the early 2000s, and its still going strong. You too can be whacked in the face by Fred for 400 per four-person group for a 14-hour experience, Vernon writes.

Fred is the poltergeist who haunts 30 East Drive, Pontefract, a council house now owned by the film producer Bill Bungay, who insists that any footage taken in the house is his copyrighted property.

Sceptical though she is, Vernon is moved by true stories of how grieving parents were deeply consoled by the certainty that, via mediums, they could keep in touch with their sons whod been killed tragically young in the First World War.

Ghosted is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Oliver Lodges son Raymond was killed in 1915. Raymond and his wife started having seances with a medium called Gladys Leonard, who channelled Raymond. Now we can face Christmas, Raymonds mother said. Raymond described his life beyond the grave in a benign socialist utopia version of Heaven, where he even enjoyed his daily cigar.

Lodges book, Raymond; Or, Life And Death, ran to numerous editions and sparked a new genre of books by young men whod died in the trenches.

Though she laughs at the accounts of how conjurors such as Harry Houdini ruthlessly exposed fraudulent mediums, by showing that he too could play tricks just like theirs on gullible audiences (it takes a conjuror to spot a conjuror), Vernon admits that its impossible to prove definitively that ghosts dont exist.

After meeting todays committed ghost-hunters, who are mostly delightful, I found my disbelief shakier than it was.
What book...

Booker longlisted author, Niall Williams

... are you reading now?

I have been working on O NOW!, a series of five linked short stories set in Faha, the fictional village in my last three novels.

To sharpen my focus, I have been reading a lot of short stories  everyone from Claire Keegan to William Faulkner  and am presently in the deep pleasures of the masterful The Best Of Frank OConnor.

... would you take to a desert island?

The calamity would not to be on a desert island but to have rescued only one book.

My first thought was Robinson Crusoe or, not being very practical, some version of How To Survive On A Desert Island.

But then the reader in me remembered that I read fiction to be with people, and some of the most passionately alive are in Tolstoys Anna Karenina. Each time I would read the 963 pages I would arrive at the famous final paragraph and be uplifted.

... first gave you the reading bug?

Rainy days at school sparked Niall's love for Dickens

I have been reading from as far back as I can remember, mostly library books that were all finished well before the fortnightly visit to the Pembroke Library in Dublin.

But the bug, the incurable one, was almost certainly caught in the classroom of Mr Mason in secondary school, during the out-loud reading of Charles Dickens Great Expectations.

The windows were steamed from our breath or blind with rain. Our heads were down. We read with our finger following the words in case we would be chosen to read next, and in this way were joined to the text.

Like no other novel before it, with Great Expectations I left the world and found what was in the pages was more real and compelling than the roads I cycled home.

... left you cold?

I have lived long enough to realise that many of my earlier rash judgments had to be revised, when a book I dismissed at 30 was discovered marvellous at 60.

I have yet to come to that revelation with The Waves by Virginia Woolf. I reread Mrs Dalloway and To The Lighthouse last year. Both were better than I first thought.

I couldnt find the various copies of The Waves Ive bought over the years, so bought a new one and tried again. Sadly, it seems Im still not ready for it yet.
The Compound by Aisling Rawle (Borough Press 16.99, 352pp)

The Compound is available now from the Mail Bookshop

In a vaguely dystopian near-future on the set of a reality TV dating show similar to Love Island, narrator Lily is competing to stay in the compound.

Despite rules stating that contestants are not allowed to discuss life outside, references to never-ending wars, climate catastrophes and mass mask-wearing contribute to the sense of menace on the inside.

Nine women and ten men start the journey, all young and beautiful and hoping to be the last one standing.

As more and more players get ejected into the brutal desert surrounding the compound the humiliation and heartbreak for those remaining ratchets up.

Beautifully written and thought-provoking.

'Love Island' eyes up a menacing twist

Only You by Celeste Daniels (Canelo Hera 9.99, 384pp)

Only You is available now

University music student Dani has been in therapy on and off for years, attempting to explain why she has dreamed vividly of herself occupying different bodies her whole life.

Danis therapists believe shes avoiding an unnamed trauma. Then Dani meets guitarist Jones and her brain is filled with images, as if she has known him forever.

Jones is haunted by memories of an epic love from past lives that he believed were delusions  until he recognises Dani as his soulmate.

Fearing theyll be labelled crazy, Dani and Jones dont discuss whats happening, but as their relationship progresses both feel their grips on reality disintegrating. Compelling.

Pastures New by Clare Balding (HarperCollins 20, 400pp)

Pastures New is available now from the Mail Bookshop

This is the much-loved broadcasters first fiction book for adults and Im sure its going to be as successful as her popular non-fiction and childrens series.

Alex is a jet-setting gossip columnist for a celebrity magazine who goes to all the best parties. Approaching 40 and single, Alex has made an art form of dodging commitment and responsibility.

When our girl receives a letter informing her that she has inherited a dilapidated sheep farm in Wales from a man she has never heard of, she thinks its a prank.

This unexpected windfall is no joke but it does come with endless jobs to do, tough decisions to make and debts to pay  and Alex has no experience of farming.

It romps along and is stuffed with appealing characters, both human and animal.
The House at Devils Neck by Tom Mead (Head of Zeus 20, 288pp)

The House At Devil's Neck is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Magician-turned-private detective, Joseph Spector is back with another mystery that challenges rational explanation. A party of ghost hunters gather at a coastal manor house, connected to the shore by a narrow causeway that disappears in rough weather.

A onetime army hospital, Devils Neck is a magnet for those seeking contact with the departed. Among the latest visitors is a famous medium whom Spector is determined to expose. But events take a sinister turn when the medium is dispatched by what seems to be a supernatural force.

Meanwhile, Inspector Flint, Spectors sparring partner, is faced with yet more apparently inexplicable deaths. With a plot that has more twists and turns than a coiled snake, readers are in for a thrilling exercise in mental agility.

Agent Redruth by Michael Evans (Rowanvale Books 11.99, 376pp)

Agent Redruth is available now

A thrilling spy story, set against the background of the war in Ukraine, centres on Rebecca Strong, a commercial artist whose entry into espionage is more by accident than intent. A brief affair with a raffish businessman who turns out to be a Russian assassin, pitches her into a plot to infiltrate the secrets of the Kremlin.

A plot loaded with mind-boggling complexities defies summary. Suffice to say, that while protecting the life of a double agent, Rebecca is supported by a TV reporter in hot pursuit of a scoop. Their adventures make James Bond look tame.

Having succeeded in her mission, Rebecca turns down an offer to join British Intelligence. But it is a fair bet that it will not be long before she is tempted back into international skulduggery.

The Odd Flamingo by Nina Bawden (British Library 10.99, 256pp)

The Odd Flamingo is available now from the Mail Bookshop

There is nothing heroic about Will Hunt. A small-time lawyer, he has opted for the quiet life. But when the wife of his oldest friend makes a desperate plea for help, he feels bound to respond.

It turns out that his friend is having an affair with a younger woman who claims to be pregnant. If this is true, is blackmail her objective?

Against his better judgment, Will takes on the role of private investigator. His efforts, while clumsy and often counter- productive, leads him to the Odd Flamingo, a dive that is second home to drug dealers and addicts. After discovering a murder, his own life is at risk.

Better known as a childrens writer, Bawden was still in her 20s when she wrote this enthralling novel. With her vivid evocation of low life, her creative talent shines through.
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


An Emmy-winning reporter in Miami has been arrested for allegedly stealing a $16,000 Rolex watch from his neighbor's home.

Michael Hudak, 29, who works for WSVN-ABC in South Florida, is accused of using a spare key to enter the home of a neighbor who was vacationing overseas at the time.

The neighbor, who had given Hudak the key for emergency use only, was visiting Spain for two weeks in July when the alleged theft occurred.

The reporter went on to pawn the watch using his Florida ID, police said.

When the neighbor returned home, he found the pricy timepiece missing but there were no signs the home had been broken in to.

After an investigation revealed that Hudak had pawned the watch, the reporter turned himself in to police on Thursday.

He faces charges of grand theft, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and dealing in stolen property, jail records show.

His bond has been set at $18,000 and he remains in custody, jail records show.

Michael Hudak, 29, who works for WSVN-ABC in South Florida, is accused of using a spare key to enter the home of a neighbor and steal his pricey Rolex watch

The reporter went on to pawn the watch using his Florida ID, police said

WSVN said in a statement that Hudak 'has been suspended without pay'.

He joined the network November 2023 after working as an anchor and reporter for WINK in Fort Myers, according to his now-deleted staff biography.

At WINK, he won on Emmy for his coverage of a tornado that hit the city in January 2022.

That same year, he received an Emmy nomination for his investigative reporting that led to the shutdown of a Covid-19 testing company accused of administering fraudulent Covid tests to the public.

In 2021, he received another Emmy nomination for his coverage of the catastrophic collapse of a 12-story condo building in Surfside.

Hudak's bio states that he is originally from New York and that he worked as an anchor and reporter at a station in Tallahassee after graduating from Florida State University.

He faces a a maximum of five years in prison for the grand-theft charge.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Miami-Dade Corrections and WSVN for more information.
Jensen Huang, the brilliant Taiwanese-American electrical engineer, chose the name Nvidia for the company because one of his two co-founders wanted competitors to be green with envy.

As the clever clogs will already know, without any help from Google, the name is based on the Latin word, invidia, which is the sense of envy of people looking on too closely.

They chose well, and they have certainly made their Silicon Valley peers more than envious. More pertinently, they have also earned themselves great kudos.

The three co-founders, who each invested $200 in the start-up more than three decades ago, are now multi-billionaires having gone on to create the worlds most valuable company, worth more than $4trillion, and one of its most profitable.

Having initially designed a graphics processing unit  known as a GPU  for gaming, the trio have moved on to becoming the worlds biggest supplier of chips for artificial intelligence (AI).

In that respect, their competitors, investors and indeed clients, are all looking more than closely at Nvidias latest results because its performance is seen as a bellwether for AI demand.

Jensen Huang chose the name Nvidia for the company because one of his two co-founders wanted competitors to be green with en

That makes it a little fragile, too, as any slip is viewed through a microscope to judge whether the hype is overblown or that the AI revolution is only just beginning. Thats certainly the more likely scenario as Nvidias latest results suggest.

For now, the chipmaker is steaming ahead: in the second quarter of the year, revenue shot up by 56 per cent to $46.7billion (34.5billion), year-on-year.

Nor does there seem to be any let-up. As Huang says: The AI race is on.

He predicts revenue rising again to roughly $54billion in the next three months, higher than forecasts.

The results also show that two direct customers for GPUs  most likely Microsoft and Meta  account for nearly half of revenues from the Data Centre operation.

While such a heavy dependence on so few big clients is not always smart, the reality is that the big tech companies are unlikely to find another supplier like Nvidia for its chip designs.

Indeed, its GPUs are used by all the big tech companies that are training AI models, including ChatGPT from OpenAI and Gemini at Google. Its also moving up the stack, as they say, offering bundled services that run off its chip designs.

Analysts reckon that Nvidias growth will continue to soar and that heavyweight investors, rather than the venture capitalist which invested early on, will keep pouring money in as its now a safe haven, representing around 8pc of the S&P 500 stock market.

No surprise to see some froth on the shares come off on profit-taking  but they are still up 35 per cent on the year.

The bigger risk is geopolitical, and how Nvidia and fellow chipmaker AMD manage relations with President Donald Trump and his trade war with China.

The two chipmakers have struck a deal to pay the Trump administration a 15 per cent slice of Chinese sales, in return for export licences.

That came after Huang successfully lobbied Trump to reverse a ban on sales, prompted by fears that the chips would be used by the Chinese military.

The greater, if not existential, risk is, of course, how relations develop between China and Taiwan, where most of the worlds chips are made.

Green hypocrisy

Visiting the Drax power plant in Selby, North Yorkshire, is mind-boggling and unsettling because of its contradictions.

Stacked in vast, cathedral-like domes are millions of tonnes of biomass pellets  made of wood shipped from American forests some 2,000 miles away to create electricity for UK homes.

Even ultra-greens argue that shipping wood across the Atlantic is as ecologically damaging as burning coal. More worryingly, the plant gobbles up billions of pounds in taxpayer subsidies because the electricity is treated as renewable.

Even that is contentious: experts claim Drax spews out more carbon dioxide than the dirtiest coal station.

So its right that the Financial Conduct Authority is investigating the source of the pellets after an insider said it has misled shareholders.

It would be ironic if it fell to the City regulator to expose the hypocrisy behind Drax, and the millions it has cost taxpayers.
The Government's Electric Car Grant (ECG) is barely a month old and already ministers have introduced a new stipulation to restrict the number of vehicles qualifying for discounts.

Launched on 15 July, the ECG is Labour's desperate bid to encourage the take-up of electric vehicles following months of slowing demand from private buyers.

The scheme offers to slash the price of some new EVs by as much as 3,750 in the hope that making them more financially appealing will translate to an acceleration in the number of motorists making the switch.

To ensure grants are 'targeted' only to affordable EVs, only those starting from under 37,000 are eligible. Manufacturers too must adhere to stringent sustainability criteria in order for their cars to qualify for the discounts.

With 28 models so far confirmed for grants, the Department for Transport last night introduced a new 'price cap' to the rules to cut more luxurious and well-equipped EVs out of the deal.

This will ultimately add yet more confusion to the scheme, which has already drawn criticism from industry experts and dealers for being convoluted and a drain on taxpayer funds.

The Government's Electric Car Grant is barely a month old and already ministers have introduced a new price cap to restrict the number of vehicles qualifying for discounts

The ECG, which is backed by a 650million investment until 2028-29, requires car manufacturers to apply for eligibility for their battery-powered models priced below 37,000.

The DfT has been determining which of these cars qualify based on additional green criteria, namely the emissions produced during the battery's manufacturing and vehicle's assembly, as well as the carbon intensity of the electric grids in the countries where the car is made.

Those that fail to meet the Government's minimum threshold are excluded from the scheme entirely, with all Chinese brands expected to be omitted on these grounds.

EVs deemed suitably green are then judged on a two-tier system: the most sustainable are categorised as 'Band 1' and receive the full grant amount of 3,750; those not quite meeting the highest requirement are demoted to 'Band 2' with smaller discounts of 1,500.

Of the 28 models announced so far, just two - the Ford Puma Gen-E and E-Tourneo Courier - have met the demands of Band 1 eligibility.

And a new stipulation added at midnight means even fewer EV models will be awarded discounts.

Of the 28 models announced as eligible for the Electric Cart Grant, just two have received the full 3750 discount. One is the Ford Puma Gen-E pictured

The DfT also confirmed this week that the Ford E-Tourneo Courier has qualified for the full 3,750 ECG

The introduction of a 42,000 price cap aims to ban more luxurious trim levels from the scheme.

Confusingly, eligibility for each model is determined by the cheapest version of what the DfT calls the 'interpolation family'. This essentially means models underpinned by the same drivetrain combination of battery and electric motors.

For instance, front-wheel-drive versions of the Nissan Ariya have been confirmed for Band 2 - and therefore subject to a 1,500 discount - based on the entry 'Engage' trim level costing less than 37,000.

The same 1,500 discount was therefore applied to all other versions of the FWD Ariya - even those well above 37,000.

However, the application of the price cap means the highest trim level - Evolve - which is priced over 42,000 no longer qualifies because it is deemed too expensive.

While it shares the same electric drivetrain as the Engage trim, it benefits from a number of luxury features, including an electric panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a high-end sound system.

As an example of how the price cap works, the front-wheel-drive versions of the Nissan Ariya have already been confirmed for Band 2 - and therefore subject to a 1,500 discount - based on the entry 'Engage' trim level costing less than 37k

The same 1,500 discount was therefore applied to all other versions of the FWD Ariya - even those above 37k. However, the application of the price cap means the highest trim level - Evolve - which is priced over 42k no longer qualifies because it is deemed too expensive

Ministers believe buyers capable of spending over 42,000 on an EV have suitable funds not to be awarded subsidies funded by taxpayers.

However, for some models, the price cap could rule out advanced safety features as well as luxuries, with manufacturers typically reserving the latest in crash mitigation systems for their higher-specification models.

A DfT spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'The Electric Car Grant is putting money back in peoples pockets whilst also providing a vital boost for industry.

'The maximum price limit ensures only eligible cars priced at the lower end of the market can qualify for the discounts, ensuring government support is targeted.'

Due to the prolonged application and review process of the ECG, the Government has only been able to announce qualifying EVs in weekly drips and drabs.

It says it is doing so 'as fast as it can'.

This, however, has created a lot of delays, scepticism and frustration.

It took over three weeks for the first four eligible models from Citroen to be announced. The six latest cars qualifying were confirmed on Thursday.

Dealers have reported to trade magazine Car Dealer that confusion surrounding the scheme is causing 'chaos' in showrooms, with drivers withholding purchases while they wait to see which cars will receive the grant - and, more importantly, which models are eligible for the higher Band 1 discount of 3,750.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes earlier this month said a 'dip' in registrations in July has been exacerbated by consumer's postponing orders of new EVs over 'certainty' about which models will have their prices reduced.

Jon Lawes, managing director at Novuna Vehicle Solutions, also criticised the Government for its 'rushed rollout and limited industry consultation' on the scheme, which he says has caused major confusion for consumers and car makers alike.

'Manufacturers are scrambling to work out which models apply while consumers are left in limbo, wondering if theyll actually get up to 3,750 in savings  risking a slowdown in demand, particularly in private sales, which continue to lag behind fleets,' he said.

'And excluding used EVs is a missed opportunity to improve affordability and buyer confidence.'

Dealers have reported to trade magazine Car Dealer that confusion surrounding the scheme is causing 'chaos' in showrooms, with drivers withholding purchases while they wait to see which cars will receive the grant

Peter Smyth, director of retailer group Swansway, told Car Dealer that the ECG's roll-out has been 'shambolic', adding that it should have been far simpler than what he dubbed a 'typical government bureaucratic mess'.

Other retailers said the grant had been 'ill thought out' and created a logjam of customers.

Some motorists, failing to understand the application process in place for manufacturer, have reportedly walked into showrooms demanding the 3,750 discount in full, irrelevant of whether the DfT has confirmed if the model they want qualifies or not.

Another boss of a 'large dealer group' criticised the approach of announcing small batches of new eligible models on an almost weekly basis, saying the DfT should instead provide a full comprehensive list.

> You can find out which models have been confirmed for the ECG in our dedicated guide
Boots has been spun off from its US parent amid hopes the pharmacy chain could be floated on the London stock market.

Buyout group Sycamore Partners has broken up Walgreens Boots Alliance following its 7.4billion purchase of the American giant.

A new business called The Boots Group will be based in the UK and include the chemists UK and Irish chains, Boots opticians and No7 Beauty company.

It also includes parts of what used to be the companys international arm such as pharmacies in Thailand, Mexico and Germany.

Sycamore boss Stefan Kaluzny said the new group will now be free to invest and grow more aggressively into the future.

Ornella Barra, who was chief operating officer of the international business, will run the new group while Anthony Hemmerdinger will continue to lead Boots UK & Ireland.

Split: Buyout group Sycamore Partners has broken up Walgreens Boots Alliance following its 7.4bn purchase of the American giant

Italian billionaire and WBA boss Stefano Pessina and his family will retain a stake in Boots.

Pressure is now on ministers and City executives to persuade Sycamore to list Boots on the London stock market through an initial public offering.

The return of Boots, which started out as a family herbal medicine shop in Nottingham in 1849, would be a much-needed vote of confidence.

But it is feared Sycamore will, in fact, sell it instead.

Shore Capital analyst Clive Black said: One of the central features of a private equity deal is that it ends in another deal, so lets see.
The billionaire brothers behind Asdas private equity takeover are moving their petrol station business to the US.

Mohsin and Zuber Issa will relocate EG Group from Blackburn to North Carolina, after having a base in their home town for 25 years.

EG is primed for a 9.7billion stock market listing in the US, where it makes the largest slice of its sales.

It no longer runs petrol stations in the UK after selling them to Zuber Issa last year. They are now known as EG On The Move.

The pair are best-known for buying Asda alongside private equity group TDR Capital in 2021.

But Mohsin Issa has stepped down from running the grocer while his brother sold a 22.5 per cent stake to TDR. EGs remaining British business will be moved to Bolton, Greater Manchester.
Shares in Britains biggest lenders fell sharply on Friday morning as investors fretted over reports Chancellor Rachel Reeves is planning a tax raid on the sector.

Bank bosses, including NatWests Paul Thwaite and Lloyds Charlie Nunn, have publicly urged the Chancellor against tax hikes on the sector.

But a report in the Financial Times on Friday claimed executives are increasingly anxious their warnings will be ignored.

A windfall tax on lenders profits similar to that shouldered by the oil and gas industry, or an entirely new levy on the sector, could be used by Reeves to fill a so-called fiscal blackhole estimated to be at least 20billion.

It comes as workers, homeowners and businesses across the country fear they could be about to face a higher tax burden after the upcoming Autumn Budget.

One senior banker told the FT: Politically it is an easy target. No one likes banks, they are seen as a whipping boy for the government.

Falls: Britain's biggest banks led losses on the FTSE 100 on Friday

Figures published by think tank Positive Money last month suggest taxing the profits of Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds and HSBC could raise more than 11billion for the Treasury.

NatWest shares led declines on the FTSE 100 on Friday morning, sinking 4.8 per cent to the lowest level in more than a month.

Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays were down 3.8 and 3.2 per cent respectively, while Standard Chartered was down 1.2 per cent and HSBC fell 1.1 per cent.

Close Brothers, Metro Bank and Paragon Banking Group were among the biggest fallers on the FTSE 250, sinking by 1.4 to 2.5 per cent each.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is understood to have urged Reeves to consider a hike in the higher rate of corporation tax on banks from 28 to 30 per cent. The sector is already subject to a separate balance sheet levy.

An increase in the bank corporation tax surcharge on profits could raise up to 3billion, according to the FT.

Lloyds boss Nunn was among the banking leaders publicly urging against tax hikes in the groups recently reported second quarter results, which saw the lenders pre-tax profits come in at 2billion.

He said tax hikes wouldnt be consistent with the governments growth agenda.

Thwaite of NatWest, which recently reported a 18 per cent surge in first half profit to 3.6billion, warned strong economies need strong banks.

Meanwhile, Barclays chief CS Venkatakrishnan said the sector is already among the biggest tax payers in this country as his bank posted a 5.2billion profit for the first half.
The controversial chief executive of P&O Ferries is stepping down three years after sacking hundreds of workers to replace them with cheaper staff.

Peter Hebblethwaite, who has been dubbed Britains most hated boss and a pirate, is quitting the operator of the Dover to Calais ferry to dedicate more time to family matters.

The 54-year-old was widely condemned in March 2022 when P&O sacked nearly 800 workers without consultation and replaced them with agency staff on lower wages.

But Mr Hebblethwaite resisted widespread calls from ministers and trade unions to resign even after admitting to MPs that there was absolutely no doubt that we were required to consult with unions over the job losses but we chose not to do so.

At the time, then Transport Secretary Grant Shapps accused P&O Ferries of acting like pirates of the high sea.

Mr Hebblethwaite also told Parliament the agency workers' pay averaged 5.50 per hour.

This was below the UK's national minimum wage at the time of 9.50 per hour, but P&O Ferries insisted it was in line with international maritime law.

Mr Hebblethwaite apologised to MPs for dismissing his staff and said we would not make that decision again

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries said: Peter Hebblethwaite has communicated his intention to resign from his position as chief executive officer to dedicate more time to family matters.

P&O Ferries extends its gratitude to Peter Hebblethwaite for his contributions as CEO over the past four years.

During his tenure the company navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, initiated a path towards financial stability, and introduced the world's first large double-ended hybrid ferries on the Dover-Calais route, thereby enhancing sustainability.

We extend our best wishes to him for his future endeavours.

At a Parliamentary hearing into workers rights last year, Mr Hebblethwaite apologised for dismissing his staff and said we would not make that decision again.

He also told MPs he would not be able to live on the hourly rate the agency crew were paid.

He hit the headlines again last month when it emerged his annual pay hit 715,000 including bonuses.

The mass sackings triggered protests by hundreds of people in Dover, Liverpool and Hull and prompted the government to change the law to prevent a repeat.

P&O Ferries, which is owned by the Dubai royal family and is part of DP World, carries 4.5million passengers a year on routes between the UK and European ports, such as Calais and Rotterdam.

It also operates between Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Mr Hebblethwaite was a high-flyer at firms including Sainsbury's and Greene King before joining P&O Ferries in 2019. He was made chief executive in 2021.
Britain's Deputy Prime Minister has found herself in hot water today, over claims she may have paid less stamp duty by changing her 'main' residence for tax purposes.

Stamp duty is the main property tax paid by homebuyers in England and Northern Ireland. It is paid when someone buys a home, with those buying second homes liable to pay more.

Concerns were raised over the level of stamp duty paid by Angela Rayner for a flat she bought in Hove, East Sussex, which she reported as her main place of residence to tax authorities.

According to reports in the Telegraph, the Deputy Prime Minister took her name off the deeds of her Greater Manchester property only weeks before purchasing the 800,000 seaside flat.

Ms Rayner's alleged changes to her property affairs are legal, however, they may spark debate as to whether the Housing Secretary purposefully made decisions to pay less council tax and stamp duty.

Some may also see it as controversial given Labour's reported plans to levy more tax on those who own high-value properties.

> Angela Rayner LIVE: Latest updates as Tories plot to eject Deputy PM off electoral roll in Ashton amid second home row

Property portfolio: The Deputy PM owns a smart 800,000 apartment in Hove. It has been reported that she took her name off the deeds of her Greater Manchester property only weeks before purchasing the seaside flat

It comes after the Daily Mail revealed Ms Rayner, who is also Labour's Housing Secretary, had purchased the apartment in addition to the 650,000 house she owns in her Greater Manchester constituency.

The reported deed changes allegedly allowed the Cabinet minister to pay 30,000 in stamp duty instead of 70,000, which would have been applied if the property was her second home.

Ms Rayner is also said to have told Tameside Council that her home situated in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency continues to be her primary residence.

Brighton and Hove Council have also been notified by the politician that her apartment there is a second home, for the purposes of council tax, according to the Telegraph.

We explain the rules around stamp duty, how much people pay and how this is increased on second homes - as well as getting expert views on Rayner's situation.

Controversy: The Deputy Prime Minister reportedly took her name off the deeds of her Greater Manchester property only weeks before purchasing the 800,000 seaside flat in Hove, East Sussex

How much stamp duty do people pay?

Home movers pay nothing on properties that cost less than 125,000. On the amount from 125,001 to 250,000, they pay 2 per cent, then on the portion from 250,001 to 925,000, they pay 5 per cent.

Above that it increases to 10 per cent and then 12 per cent for the most expensive homes.

Under the current rules, this means that an 800,000 property purchase, bought for the owner to live in full-time, would cost 30,000 in stamp duty.

First-time buyers pay nothing on properties up to 300,000, then 5 per cent on the portion from 300,001 to 500,000.

If the price is over 500,000, they cannot claim the relief and therefore pay the same as normal home movers.

What counts as a main residence for stamp duty purposes?

There is no strict legal definition of what counts as a 'main residence'.

If a claim is disputed, HM Revenue & Customs will make its own decision based on the available evidence.

The main factor is usually where the person spends most of their time, but other factors, such as where they are registered with a GP, are also relevant.

What stamp duty is due on second homes?

In the Autumn Budget last year, Labour changed the rules so that second home purchases in England were subject to an additional 5 per cent stamp duty surcharge, on top of the homeowner rates described above.

This surcharge, which also applies to buy-to-let landlords, had been 3 per cent previously.

Someone buying a second home for 500,000 can now expect to pay 40,000 in stamp duty, up from 27,500 before last year's Autumn Budget.

In Angela Rayner's case, buying an 800,000 home, she would be liable to pay 70,000 in stamp duty, up from 67,500 previously.

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What counts as a second home?

A second home counts as any property someone holds or buys in addition to their principal main residence. This could include a buy-to-let, a holiday home or holiday let or a pied-a-terre.

HMRC's guidelines are fairly clear on when someone becomes liable to pay it.

The 5 per cent stamp duty surcharge needs to be paid by anyone who has not sold their main residence on the day they complete their new purchase. This is because they'll own two properties.

However, home buyers can apply for a stamp duty refund if they sell their previous main home within 36 months.

This rule is in place so people who have a period of overlap when buying a new home to live in aren't unfairly penalised.

If it takes longer than 36 months to sell their previous main home, there is an exceptional circumstance where they may still be able to claim the money back.

The delay in selling must be because of reasons outside their control.

In the case of Angela Rayner, rather than sell her main home she reportedly removed her name from the deeds of her Greater Manchester property weeks before purchasing the flat in Hovex.

The reported deed changes allegedly allowed the Cabinet minister to pay 30,000 in stamp duty instead of 70,000, which would have been applied if the property was her second home.

'To avoid the second home surcharge, the new property must genuinely replace your main residence,' says Karen Noye, a tax expert at wealth manager, Quilter.

'HMRC does not accept simple declarations. It considers where you actually live, such as where you're registered to vote, pay council tax, and spend most of your time.'

Tax hike: Since October last year, second home purchases in England have been subject to an additional 5% stamp duty surcharge on top of existing rates

What questions are being asked?

While Rayner's alleged changes to her property affairs are legal, tax experts have raised concerns over whether the actions were in the 'spirit' of the law.

'There are more questions for Angela Rayner to answer before it becomes clear whether her actions were within both the letter and the spirit of the law,' says Phil Blackburn, tax partner at Lubbock Fine.

The key issues to determine the stamp duty liability, according to Blackburn, is where the genuine main residence for Angela Rayner is and if the Manchester property was previously the main residence, was there a genuine disposal of the property.

There is no suggestion currently that HMRC is investigating the issue.

Even if the letter of the law for stamp duty and council tax have been followed, is that good enough for the public given the Government's own policy of taking a dim view of legal tax avoidance?

However, if it did, questions might be asked around where the family spends the majority of its time, where any children go to school and which is the residence that the individual is registered to vote in.

'Even if the new property has become the main residence, the additional stamp duty charge will only be avoided if the previous main residence has been properly disposed of,' adds Blackburn.

'There isnt enough information in the public domain to determine these issues, although the reports seem to suggest some potential inconsistencies between how the properties have been treated for stamp duty and council tax purposes.

'And even if the letter of the law for stamp duty and council tax have been followed by implementing some careful planning, is that good enough for the public given the Government's own policy of taking a dim view of legal tax avoidance?'

Andrew Boast, director at property lawyers Sam Conveyancing, says the removal of her name from the deeds of the Manchester property raises some questions as well.

'It sounds as though Angela Rayner has removed her name from a property in Manchester so that when she bought her new home in Hove for 800,000 she didn't have an interest in another property, thus avoiding the 5 per cent higher stamp duty rate,' he says.

'For most people, simply taking your name off of a property valued at 650,000 wouldn't be an option.

'Why would you give away a property that valuable to save 40,000 in stamp duty? Who now owns the property in Manchester?'

Who remains on the property's deeds?

The answer may be found in the person who remains on the title deeds of the property in Greater Manchester.

This has not been confirmed, but it is possible that it could be Rayner's ex-husband, Mark Rayner. The pair reportedly separated in 2020.

Under UK law, property transfers between spouses or civil partners as part of a divorce or separation are generally exempt from stamp duty, provided the transfer is made under a court order or a formal written agreement connected to the dissolution of the marriage or civil partnership.

However, complications can arise when one party purchases a second property before the divorce is finalised.

HMRC treats married couples and civil partners as a single unit for stamp duty purposes unless they are formally separated by court order or deed.

This means that if one spouse buys a new home while still legally tied to the other, and retains an interest in the marital home, they may be liable for the 5 per cent stamp duty surcharge on additional dwellings.

Olivia Egdell-Page, partner and head of property department at Joseph A Jones & Co

If the spouse has fully transferred their interest in the marital home and does not retain any ownership, either through sale, gift, or court-ordered transfer, they are no longer considered to own an additional property.

'It is not clear to whom that property has been transferred,' says Olivia Egdell-Page, partner and head of property at law firm Joseph A Jones & Co. 'If this were to a spouse or civil partner, it would not be sufficient to overreach the application of the higher stamp duty rate.'

'If the transfer has been made to an individual or third party, then this may well be sufficient upon a strict application of the stamp duty rules in this area.

'Presumably, Rayner will have received robust legal and likely tax advice in connection with the proposed transfer and purchase - so Id expect that any such loopholes would have been considered and the transactions completed accordingly.'

It's a bad look given all the talk of property taxes

Rayner's tax affairs are newsworthy given Labour's rumoured plans to clobber some households with new property taxes in the upcoming budget.

First, Rachel Reeves is considering plans to scrap stamp duty and council tax in favour of a new system.

Potentially, it could see the stamp duty bill homeowners pay on purchase could be scrapped in favour of an annual tax for homes above 500,000.

The Chancellor is also rumoured to be considering charging some homeowners a levy if they sell their home and make a profit.

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At the moment, people don't have to pay capital gains tax if they sell the home they live in and the price has increased since they bought it.

But according to The Times, Reeves is considering changing the rules so that capital gains tax would become payable on the sale of homes worth more than 1.5million.

On residential property, capital gains tax is currently charged at 18 per cent for basic rate taxpayers, and 24 per cent for higher rate taxpayers  but with any significant gain, people are likely to pay most of it at the higher rate.

This is because a capital gain is added to a person's normal income to decide the tax rate.

The Times said a threshold of 1.5million would hit around 120,000 homeowners who are higher-rate taxpayers with capital gains tax bills of 199,973.
Small businesses are facing crippling charges as Donald Trump ends a little-known exemption for imports to the US.

The US President signed an executive order last month ending the tax exemption on low-value parcels, which comes into effect today.

The $800 'de minimis' exemption allowed businesses to ship parcels to the US under the threshold, without paying any duties on imports.

In 2021, goods worth $5billion were shipped from the UK to the US under the de minimis exemption, according to the British Chambers of Commerce, the vast majority of which was clothing.

The rule allowed small UK businesses to send single, low-value items without dealing with complex paperwork. Its end could spell disaster for small businesses in the UK.

Trump's tariffs are causing a headache for the stock market and businesses in the UK, even with a lower baseline tariff than other countries.

Tariff torment: While the US and UK agreed a lower tariff, small businesses will still face crippling costs

Now there is confusion over what changes to the de minimis rules will mean for businesses from today.

While gifts worth less than $100 (74) remain duty-free, other parcels sent to the US will face a charge, or a 10 per cent tariff paid by the seller when paying for postage.

Businesses will have to declare each shipment in the Automated Commercial Environment, usually by a customs broker, and duties and fees will apply.

Royal Mail yesterday said it had implemented new postal delivery duties paid (PDDP) services. Duties will be calculated and paid to US customs and Royal Mail will invoice customers with any duties paid on their behalf.

There will be a handling fee per parcel to cover the additional costs associated with providing clearance services into the US.

'People will think twice about buying British'

For small business owners, it's yet another challenge in an era of rising costs. Gareth Austin Jones, co-founder of shoe brand Cocorose London says the rule change 'feels like another kick in the shins' following changes to EU import fees.

Businesses will need to decide whether they charge customers a duty fee at checkout, or put their prices up across the board to recoup costs. Either option risks US consumers turning their back on UK products entirely.

Jones says: 'I feel this is going to significantly increase the cost per acquisition of new customers in the US. First-time customers will need to think harder about buying from UK brands, so they'll need to spend more to acquire the same number of customers.'

He predicts that an order of $100 could have additional costs of up to $50 depending on the rate of sales tax, with extra shipping fees.

Sam Kirk, managing director of J-Flex Rubber Products says he is carefully considering hich international terms he uses when shipping products.

'At present, all of our exports to the US are on an 'ex works' basis, which means the buyer is responsible for arranging shipping and the subsequent duties and tariffs that are payable on entry.'

Even with higher fees for consumers, the change means 'disaster' for small businesses, says hat designer Gaynor Lockwood Edwards.

'I'd say 95 per cent of my hats go to the US. After a very quiet time sales wise, the week before this ridiculous announcement I had a few orders which was great [but now] when I send them I'll have to pay an extra 10 per cent of the total cost of these items plus postage and tariff fees. This will be upwards of 150.

'This is on top of the Etsy fees which are 15-30 per cent. It gets even more complicated if any of your supplies come from elsewhere.

'I've already had to increase my prices to cover the tariffs. Trump may believe that he's bringing in more money, but in reality, he's making Americans pay more for everything.'
Ghislaine Maxwell is on the hunt for a job after being rejected for a cushy new role chauffeuring inmates in and out of prison, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal.

Maxwell recently transferred to Federal Prison Camp Bryan where felons can apply for coveted town driver positions ferrying their fellow cons to medical appointments, bus stops and airports.

But her application was quietly tossed out after camp authorities determined the 63-year-old sex offender was too much of a flight risk to be allowed out unsupervised.

Another woman was instead picked for the prized appointment considered the closest thing to freedom that a prisoner can hope for while incarcerated at the minimum-security lockup 100 miles northwest of Houston.

The decision is said to have infuriated Maxwell who is serving 20 years for pimping young girls for her pedophile ex, Jeffrey Epstein, who died behind bars in 2019.

There was never any chance theyd let her near a van, let alone going out alone, a prison source told Daily Mail.

The girls told her there was no way shed get it but she was still really annoyed.

Town driver jobs are advertised on the camp bulletin board and are among the most sought-after and well-paid jobs available behind bars.

Ghislaine Maxwell, pictured with Jeffrey Epstein, is on the hunt for a job after being rejected for a cushy new role chauffeuring inmates in and out of prison

Maxwell in a 2022 mug shot taken at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn

Theyre typically awarded to a handful of trusted, well-behaved inmates who are close to release and know their way around the area because theyve previously lived there or have links to the city of Bryan.

Drivers carry a prison-issue cell phone to track their position via GPS and have to check in regularly. Extra stops or outgoing phone calls are strictly forbidden.

Jobs are always discretionary. Any inmate has a right to apply for a job, to the best of my knowledge, said Christopher Zoukis, an author, federal prison expert and criminal justice advocate.

Given her notoriety and the nature of her offense, those two things alone should be an automatic no. I would think they probably laughed when she applied.

Maxwell spent the first three years of her sentence at FCI Tallahassee, where she worked in the law library, taught yoga and hosted etiquette classes for the all-female prison population.

She was briefly let out of jail last month to speak with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche amid intense pressure on President Donald Trump to release the Epstein Files  a trove of secret documents supposedly containing the dead pedophiles VIP client list.

Maxwells transfer days later to Bryan  a far more relaxed facility typically for non-violent, white-collar criminals  was seen as unprecedented for someone convicted on multiple counts of trafficking minors.

Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, insisted it was done on safety grounds, however, not because of favoritism or any imminent prospect of a Presidential pardon.

Im surprised to hear my progressive friends criticizing more humane prisons and Ghislaines transfer to a safer facility, especially after she faced serious danger in Tallahassee, he wrote on X.

The outrage machine wants to turn a safer placement into a scandal.

Federal Prison Camp Bryan has been referred to a 'cushy country club' compared to FCI Tallahassee, where Maxwell was previously housed

The female prison is a minimum security facility and allows inmates to freely roam its 37-acre grounds which have 'limited or no perimeter fencing'

Maxwell has kept a low profile inside Bryan, where the 618 inmates include Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, sentenced to more than 11 years for fraud, and former Real Housewife Jen Shah, serving a six-and-a-half year stretch for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Shes able to move relatively freely around the camp, sleeps in dormitory-style accommodation in B1 unit, one of four housing blocks, and fraternizes with a small handful of inmates she met at Jewish prayer services, sources tell us.

Canine Companions, which places puppies in federal prisons for inmates to groom, exercise and train as service dogs, has already said it will not allow Maxwell to interact with the seven animals currently on site.

We do not allow anyone who has committed crimes against animals or minors. Thats because theyre vulnerable populations, CEO Paige Mazzoni told CNN.

The disgraced socialite will likely find herself barred from the camps work release program, which allows inmates to leave custody to become certified nursing assistants, for similar reasons.

Maxwell may think she is a celebrity in the outside world but in Bryan shes just a number, added our source.

No special privileges. Get in line just like everyone else.

Maxwell was originally serving out her 20-year sentence at FCI Tallahassee in Florida, where she had been photographed running on the track to stay fit

News of Maxwells job rejection comes after the Justice Department released audio and transcripts from her two-day sit down with Blanche which offered up precious new clues about the names on Epsteins supposed client list.

Maxwell said President Bill Clinton absolutely never went to the financiers private Caribbean island and claimed a notorious photo of Prince Andrew with the late Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre was fake.

She also offered a robust defense of President Trump, describing him as a gentleman in all respects while insisting she never saw him engage in inappropriate behavior when he socialized with the warped tycoon in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Maxwell said her own relationship with Epstein began with a one-night stand in 1992 but became cold and loveless over the next decade as the billionaire refused to have regular sex and resisted her desire to have a child.

She voiced her belief that he was murdered while awaiting trial and that his death inside New Yorks Metropolitan Correctional Center was staged to look like a suicide.

Daily Mail contacted both Maxwells attorney, Markus, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons for comment but did not receive a response from either.
Donald Trump is struggling to maintain control of another powerful government agency as internal warfare has now erupted among power brokers at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Rival pro-Trump factions have been fighting for the president's favor and control over the administration's telecommunications agenda, sources familiar with the matter tell the Daily Mail.

It's another sign that personality dynamics and conflicts over the president's agenda is contributing to chaos inside his agencies.

This week, a mass staff exodus at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began after Trump fired Director Dr. Susan Monarez - who held the top position for just three weeks.

Monarez claimed RFK Jr.'s vaccine policies were 'putting millions of American lives at risk' and led to at least a half-dozen other staff quitting in protest in recent days.

The Pentagon is also facing internal discord after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth dismissed several top military officials without explanation, and as a top-secret investigation into leaks at the agency is underway.

The crux of the internal drama at the FCC, which regulates the major broadcast networks that Trump has regularly raged against, stems from a clash between two top leaders over the agency's direction and leadership.

The Daily Mail has uncovered that generational and temperamental divides are behind the shake-up at the top of the agency.

And it highlights the broad spectrum of ambition competing within Trumps ever-growing orbit.

Carr (center) has notably launched formal investigations into almost all the major broadcast networks  including CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and NPR

In February, Trump signed an executive order that did just that; consolidating power over independent agencies like the FCC, effectively positioning himself as the dominant force with final say over their actions

Nathan Simington, who served as an FCC commissioner after being appointed by Trump, found himself at odds with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who assumed the top job after Trump's inauguration in January.

Simington resigned in June, ending his five-year tenure at the agency. And now the young protege he considered to be the future of the agency has also been exited.

The rupture comes at a time when the FCC is navigating intense pressure from Trump, who continues his investigatory blitz of America's besieged broadcast networks, amping up regulatory scrutiny through a process that's become highly politicized.

Carr was thrust into the spotlight again after Trump took to social media on Sunday night to sharply criticize ABC and NBC, repeating his administration's broad complaints over media bias and regulation.

Trump has notably launched formal investigations into almost all the major broadcast networks, including CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and NPR. Sources tell Daily Mail Simington was the one who actually led the charge to go after CBS and ABC.

The only outlier is Fox News Channel, the conservative-leaning outlet that for now remains untouched.

Carr reportedly avoided complying with several of Trump's executive orders because 'he was more loyal to CTIA than Trump, an industry shill.'

Sources close to Wax tell Daily Mail, this year, Carr butted heads with Simington when he refused to comply with Trump's orders directing agencies to repeal certain regulations. Allegedly, Simington had, prior to Trump, questioned the FCC's ability to issue fines and other regulations.

'Simington was more in line with Trump,' the source said.

Carr reportedly avoided complying.

Earlier this year, Simington made headlines with his unconventional pick for chief of staff and senior adviser: 31-year-old former day trader Gavin Wax, who's now been quietly moved on.

The young appointee was reportedly also the president's potential future choice to replace Simington as FCC commissioner, which would make him a gathering threat to Carr.

Wax is a far-right, staunch MAGA loyalist and Steve Bannon favorite, known for a hard-charging posture that reflects the combativeness associated with the younger generation of Trump supporters.

At 46, Carr is a more seasoned conservative operative, less aggressive in his demeanor but still aligned with Trumps regulatory approach.

The personnel battle over Wax's role created an untenable situation for Simington, who found himself losing a fight that was dependent on Trump's personal investment, the Daily Mail exclusively learned.

Nathan Simington, nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the FCC by President Trump, was confirmed by the United States Senate in December 2020

Carr was thrust into the spotlight again after President Trump took to social media Sunday night to sharply criticize ABC and NBC, drawing him into the broader clash over media bias and regulation

When contacted by the Daily Mail, Simington addressed questions about the personnel battle and his relationship with Wax, whom he had championed as his successor.

Simington said the decision to reject Wax as his successor came from above him, hinting at Carr's possible meddling at a White-House level.

'I wanted Gavin for the role,' Simington said. 'I said that Gavin is a great choice if nominated by the president the question is of what the president thinks, as there are a lot of competencies to serve on the commission.'

Now, sources tell the Daily Mail that Wax has found a new position in the administration away from the FCC.

He is joining the State Department as chief of staff to Darren Beattie, the under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs.

A source close to Wax tells Daily Mail, 'Well, he now oversees a budget four times as large as the FCC's. The importance of the FCC is quickly diminishing... it's no mystery why Wax would want to go to State.'

Simington told the Daily Mail he wishes Wax well in his new role, and does not see it as a demotion.

'Yes, he wasn't the typical pick, but neither was I,' he added.

In late April, 31-year-old Gavin Wax made headlines as an unconventional pick for chief of staff and senior adviser at the FCC

Wax has found a new home: he's reportedly set to join the State Department as Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy

Simington praised Wax as a strong potential successor, saying he'd be a 'great replacement'

Neither Carr nor Wax responded to requests for comment.

In the past, the FCC has functioned as a mostly independent body from presidents.

However, this administration has proved to be different, with Carr following President Trump's lead on most issues.

In February, Trump signed an executive order consolidating presidential control over traditionally independent agencies like the FCC, positioning himself as the ultimate authority over their decisions.

Before coming to the FCC, Wax was a vocal supporter of Trump's and made waves as the former leader of the New York Young Republican Club

The order criticized these 'so-called independent agencies' for wielding 'enormous power over the American people without Presidential oversight.'

The White House did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment on the shaking up at the FCC or who might replace Simington as commissioner.
The seven police officers whose two colleagues were shot dead in northeast Victoria on Tuesday morning would have had no chance to capture the gunman, according to a retired detective.

Charlie Bezzina said the 10 police who attempted to execute a warrant at the home of 'sovereign citizen' Dezi Freeman near Porepunkah likely did not expect him to be armed.

Freeman, who has not been sighted since Tuesday, allegedly killed Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, and wounded a third officer during the operation.

Bezzina, who spent 38 years with Victoria Police including 17 years as a homicide investigator, said the other seven officers at the scene would have been too far away to offer immediate help.

While exactly what happened at the Porepunkah property remains unclear, Bezzina pieced together how the killings could have occurred based on publicly available information.

First, he said the three officers who went to Freeman's door would have taken a 'softly, softly' approach based on a risk assessment of the 56-year-old.

Thompson, who knew Freeman, would likely have been the lead officer at the door, with De Waart and the third colleague behind or beside him.

The seven other police officers sent on the job would have stayed well out of Freeman's sight, in an attempt not to antagonise him further.

The seven police officers whose two colleagues were shot dead in rural Victoria on Tuesday would have had no chance to capture alleged gunman Dezi Freeman (above), according to a retired detective

Charlie Bezzina said the 10 police who attempted to execute a warrant at the home of 'sovereign citizen' Dezi Freeman likely did not expect him to be armed. The manhunt for Freeman continues (above)

'They obviously made the decision to go in softly,' Bezzina told the Daily Mail.

'They've gone in there with a soft option rather than going in with the cavalry.

'You've got Thompson, who apparently had a rapport with Freeman, so that's a good thing. They've obviously made the decision that he's gonna go to the door.

'They know his animosity towards police. We don't know whether he knew they were coming.

'They know he lost his firearms licence. We don't know whether the police knew he had firearms there. I would think probably not.'

Bezzina said police would have carefully considered Freeman's prior criminal history, which was not serious, and deemed him unlikely to respond with violence.

But they would equally have been aware that as a sovereign citizen Freeman did not recognise government authority or the law.

'You do your risk management,' Bezzina said.

Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, originally from Belgium, joined Victoria Police in 2018 and was on secondment in north-east Victoria

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson (above) was weeks from retirement. He had dealt with Freeman and was chosen to serve a warrant on him due to their rapport

'Given the person you're dealing with, what are we gonna do? How are we gonna do it?

'Clearly there was intelligence there that supported the response, which was softly softly.

'But let's have the numbers up there because if he takes us on we need the numbers.'

The seven officers who were not going to be directly involved in approaching Freeman would have stayed well back.

'They may be some distance away,' Bezzina said.

'Because they don't want to spook him, given his hatred of police, they would be out of sight.'

While the exact sequence of events is unknown, the three officers who went to confront Freeman had a warrant related to historical alleged sex offences.

Freeman is alleged to have opened fire and shot Thompson, De Waart and the third officer. Bezzina said their seven colleagues probably did not know what was going on.

Heavily armed police are pictured searching buildings for fugitive Dezi Freeman

'They hear shots,' Bezzina said.

'They don't know what's happened. They're ducking for cover and he's scarpered.'

Freeman would have had time to take one or more police weapons, as has been suggested, before escaping into the bush.

Bezzina said the information police had on Freeman would not have indicated he would be prepared to engage in a shoot-out.

'I think they've gone in there, quite rightly, based on the intelligence they had,' he said.

'The intelligence doesn't suggest the response that they got.

'If they had any other intelligence that he would be armed there may have been a different aspect.

'They would have gone in there, probably with the Special Operations Group and said, "Come out with your hands up".'

Police have mobilised all necessary resources in their hunt for the fugitive Freeman

Porepunkah is n the Great Alpine Road, 310km north-east of Melbourne

Bezzina said he did not see sovereign citizens as presenting any widespread or growing threat to Australian police doing their jobs.

'Are they becoming a force on their own?' he said.

'I don't think so. I don't think it's that big.'

Forensic psychologist Tim Watson-Munro was more concerned about people like Freeman - who was previously known as Desmond Filby - and his like.

Watson-Munro said Freeman was 'unhinged, but not insane' and could be accurately described as a 'cooker' due to his adherence to conspiracy theories.

He highlighted the December 2022 fatal shooting of two police officers at Wieambilla in Queensland. He also noted the death of Tasmanian cop Keith Smith, who was shot in June while at a property to deliver a court-ordered repossession notice.

'I don't want to be the prophet of doom, and I hope I am wrong, but I anticipate we're going to see a lot more of this,' Watson-Munro told Daily Mail Australia.

'I would anticipate we're going to see the police saying they dread having to approach these people, especially in rural Australia where it seems they hang out.'

Police including officers from the Special Operations Group gather at a staging area

Watson-Munro pointed to internet misinformation which appeared to originate in the US where freedom of speech and gun laws were looser than in Australia.

'We live in a global village facilitated by the internet, social media, and so on, so everything is more or less in real time,' he said.

'So if there's a cooker shooting in the Appalachians in the United States, we will hear about it here in five minutes. There's no isolation for that sort of information any more.

'It has a grave potential to radicalise people who are already angry, and grave potential to legitimise their views, leading to this sort of tragedy.'

Two academics and a student from Queensland's Griffith University have examined the phenomenon of sovereign citizens and why some become radicalised.

Associate Professor Keiran Hardy, Professor Kristina Murphy and PhD candidate Emma Shakespeare discuss their findings in an article published in The Conversation.

'As the tragic events in Porepunkah and Wieambilla show, police attending a property to carry out an arrest warrant of a sovereign citizen can be a highly volatile situation,' they wrote.

'In Wieambilla, the attackers were driven primarily by extreme religious beliefs, but they had engaged with various anti-government conspiracy theories online and were heavily influenced by a sovereign citizen in the United States.'

The Griffith University trio cited research on sovereign citizen violence in the US which showed two types of ambush: entrapment (planned) and spontaneous (unplanned).

That study mapped 75 acts of violence between 1983 and 2020 in which 27 officers were killed and most fatal ambushes were entrapment.

'At this stage, we don't know whether the Porepunkah shooting was a planned ambush or a spontaneous response to police arriving on the property,' they wrote.

'We do know the suspect was known to police from many prior interactions.

'In Wieambilla, the attackers even viewed police as "demons and devils" in the second coming of Christ.'

The trio's own studies found the average person agreeing with sovereign citizen beliefs was 52 years old and experiencing financial trouble.

They were more likely to have a criminal record, not like being told what to do, believe in conspiracy theories, and to support and have engaged in violence.

'This helps explain who is more likely to become a sovereign citizen, and it points to some links between sovereign citizen ideology and violence,' they wrote.

'But it doesnt tell us why some sovereign citizens are more likely to be violent than others.

'That question is likely to be answered in individual cases by the interplay of various risk factors for radicalisation.

'It is a question that researchers, police and intelligence agencies will continue to grapple with as sovereign citizen ideas pose ongoing threats to the community.'
A university law student cried and declared 'my life is finished' after being caught travelling without a rail ticket by an inspector on a station footbridge.

The young man was stopped by a South Western Railway revenue protection officer at Clapham Junction station in London and initially claimed he had a valid ticket.

But while claiming his phone was being slow, he secretly bought a ticket in front of the inspector before displaying it and claiming it was purchased on the train.

The officer however could see after scanning the man's ticket that it was purchased during their conversation - and therefore reported him to colleagues for prosecution.

The man protested his innocence to the inspector and initially refused to provide his full details, even to British Transport Police officers when they arrived on scene.

He eventually gave his information and revealed why he did not want to co-operate, moving away from the officers and starting to cry because he feared the incident would leave him with a criminal record and therefore ruin a potential career in law.

The dramatic stand-off was revealed by the Daily Mail today in an exclusive clip from the next episode of Channel 5's hit second series of Fare Dodgers: At War With The Law.

It begins with the inspector, Sam, carrying out a 'revenue block' on the overbridge between platforms at Clapham Junction which is one of Britain's busiest stations.

The passenger is stopped by revenue protection officer Sam at Clapham Junction in London

Sam tells the passenger that his ticket was bought at 4.13pm but the current time was 4.14pm

The team hold a 'revenue block' on the overbridge between platforms at Clapham Junction

He says: 'Hello there mate, revenue and protection. Have you got your ticket there please? If you've got a valid ticket, there's nothing to worry about is there?'

The man says his 'phone's a bit slow, so bear with me', before eventually showing a ticket  but Sam asks him: 'OK, have you just bought this one now?'

The man replies: 'No, I forgot to tap in.' Sam then continues: 'OK, when I stopped you and asked for a ticket and you said "yep, give me a sec, my phone's a little bit slow", OK, implying you've got a ticket. You've just purchased this one now.'

The man claims this is false, but Sam shows him the ticket was bought at 4.13pm and the time is now 4.14pm  and says it is not valid because it was not purchased before boarding the train.

The man insists that he 'did get on the train with it', but Sam replies: 'Look at this, this was bought at 16:13. It's now 16:14. Our trains are quick, but you haven't come to Clapham in less than a minute.'

Passengers must buy a ticket before boarding any train in most circumstances  and if not, they can be reported to a rail operator's prosecutions team and could end up in court.

When unable to provide a valid ticket, passengers must provide their details to an inspector  and failure to do so is a criminal offence.

In another clip, a fare evading passenger (left) is confronted by investigators at Harold Wood station in east London after avoiding paying 1,650 in ticket costs over nearly 250 journeys

A passenger tries to push past a revenue protection officer at Weybridge station in Surrey

The man says: 'I just panicked. Is there another way to do this?', Sam replies that 'there isn't unfortunately' and asks the man for his name, address and date of birth.

He adds: 'They'll verify your ticket and then we can work out a plan of action what we're going to do going forward. I'm just going to find this address.'

The man asks him to 'hurry up please', but Sam responds: 'You can tell me to hurry up but you travelled on a train without a valid ticket, yeah?'

Sam asks the man for something with his name on, but the man cannot provide anything and says: 'I don't have anything on my phone. Can I just go? I'm so nervous, I can't lie.'

Sam continues: 'No, I understand, but I need to see something with your name on please, because I can't verify you at this point. Something on your phone that's got your name on. If not, the police will have to take over and they'll have to verify you.'

The man says he will speak to police, but then starts walking away as Sam tells him: 'Just wait here, buddy. Excuse me, excuse me, where are we going? No, no, just wait.'

When police arrive, the man asks to speak with them away from Sam. The BTP officer then tells Sam: 'He said to me that he's bought the ticket on the train?'

A passenger pushes through the gates at Kingston station in south-west London without touching out before attacking British Transport Police officers while they try to apprehend him

A passenger is spoken to by investigators at London Waterloo station after only buying a ticket from Vauxhall, as he is finally caught after evading nearly 20,000 in ticket costs

But Sam replies to the officer: 'Yep, no, he bought it right in front of me. He bought the ticket at 13, and at 16:14 I said "why have you just bought it", and he said "I haven't, I bought it on the train". And I went "well it's there".'

The man then returns from his chat with police and sticks with his story, saying: 'But I did actually buy the ticket when I was on the train because there were no barriers. I was running for my train, I had no time.'

Sam tells him: 'I understand what you're saying, but when we scanned the barcode, it gives us the exact time it was purchased, which was 16:13.

'What I need to do, as I said, is to verify yourself first, then the ticket, then we can work out what we can do going forward.'

The man then admits that the address he has given is actually that of his parents, before he finally provides details and reveals why he did not want to co-operate.

He says: 'I'm so nervous, please. I don't want to get a criminal record, genuinely. I study law at uni. Are you reporting me?'

Sam tells him: 'All I'm doing is writing down the facts of what's happened, that's and then we work out what we're going to do.'

But the man says: 'Brother please, I'm panicking, I'm panicking.'

A revenue protection officer confronts a man at Waterloo who cannot produce a railcard

A passenger is caught without a ticket by revenue protection officers at the gates at Waterloo

Sam says: 'You don't need to panic. As I said, I've just got to do those steps. So just give me two seconds, I'll finish off, and then we'll work out what we're going to do.'

The man continues to protest his innocence, saying: 'I don't fare evade, I do actually pay for trains.'

But Sam replies: 'I understand what you're saying buddy, but unfortunately on this occasion you've arrived here today without a valid ticket.

'It's going to our revenue team. You can tell them what happened, right. So it's me not issuing a fine now or a penalty fine.'

The man then becomes increasingly panicked, saying: 'I know what it means. It happened to my cousin, he got a criminal record, they took him to court. It's going to happen to me. My life is finished.'

Producers revealed the man was referred to prosecutors, but his case was closed after no prior wrongdoing was found and he paid a fine.

Fare dodging has become a hotly debated issue in recent months after a series of high-profile cases in which passengers have faced prosecution over small amounts of money.

In one example, a passenger was threatened with court action for accidentally selecting a 16-25 Railcard ticket when they held a 26-30 Railcard, which provides the same discount.

A fare dodger is finally caught at Preston Road station in North West London after he avoided paying for more than 200 journeys using a concession card registered to a female relative

Robert Jenrick confronts people pushing through the barriers at Stratford station in London

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has written to train operators stating that 'any enforcement must be proportionate and not punish those making genuine mistakes'.

She accepted the recommendations of regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which included creating consistency in how passengers are treated when ticket issues arise, and ensuring passengers have clearer information about tickets.

Industry body the Rail Delivery Group has estimated that fare dodging creates 350million to 400million in lost revenue each year.

And former Conservative leadership contender Robert Jenrick posted a video on social media in May in which he confronted people who forced their way through the ticket barriers at Stratford station in London.

'Fare Dodgers: At War With The Law' continues on Channel 5 on Monday at 9pm
A serial fraudster who carried out one of Britain's biggest ever property swindles to buy yachts and 19 luxury cars is facing jail.

Anopkumar Maudhoo, 46, made at least 8.5million from 45 victims by selling them homes he did not own across London and the South East.

Maudhoo, an illegal immigrant from Mauritius who should have been deported in 2010, ran a large-scale conveyancing scam offering investment opportunities in the purchase of repossessed properties, or the redevelopment of plots of land.

But in reality the houses were not subject to repossession proceedings and the genuine owners were unaware of the fraudulent sales.

Two buyers purchased the same house in Eaton Terrace, Belgravia, where homes can fetch well over 10m.

Maudhoo used faked documents and solicitors' stamps in the fraud, and went by a number of aliases - all of which allowed him to live a life of fabulous luxury.

He bought a 97,000 speedboat and 19 luxury cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and a 200,000 Porsche GT3 RS. He was arrested last year and, after pleading guilty to 31 offences, is likely to be jailed later this afternoon.

Some of the assets have been seized - but Interpol has issued a Silver Notice, a new form of colour-coded notice it launched this year, in a bid to find what remains of his assets around the globe.

Anopkumar Maudhoo carried out one of Britain's biggest ever property swindles selling 75 properties or plots he didn't own

He used the proceeds to buy himself supercars, including this Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato

One elderly victim even claimed the stress and anxiety contributed to his stroke.

'The scam did not just rob me of my life savings, it stole my sense of stability and future for my family,' added another victim.

Zayn Ahmed, who lost 230,000, said in a statement that the scam had a 'profound and devastating impact' leading to 'sleepless nights and deep emotional distress'.

In remarks reported by The Sun, Mr Ahmed said: 'I placed my trust in him believing him to be a genuine individual but was left emotionally and financially shattered.

'I felt humiliated by being taken in by someone I believed to be honest. It has also deeply affected my family and the stress and emotional strain have taken a toll on our relationships.

'The financial blow has been devastating and I fear I may never recover from it.'

Investigators found he sold 75 properties or development plots since 2021, with victims located across north London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

Maudhoo was listed for sentence at Southwark Crown Court as Vincent LeBouf - one of his many aliases alongside names such as Rossello Di Paolo, Pascal Burns, Yusuf Khan and Hamid Khan and Vicenzo Conte.

Following his arrest on 22 September Maudhoo told police his name was Pascal Burns and produced a Portuguese driving licence in that name.

He earlier admitted 31 charges including 14 counts of fraud by false representation against six victims.

He also asked for 45 further instances of fraud by false representation against 39 victims to be taken into account by the judge.

Prosecutor Simon Wiltshire, KC, said: 'Mr LeBouf sold properties to individuals when he wasn't allowed to sell them.

'In relation to the true identity of Mr LeBouf the crown believe him to be Mr Anopkumar Maudhoo, a Mauritian national who first came to the attention of the Home Office in 2010 when he was seeking to act a sponsor on an application for residence and supplied a false identity document in the name of Vincent Holland.

'Home Office checks found no official record for Mr Maudhoo and he was treated as an illegal entrance to the UK.

'A deportation order was made and efforts to enforce it remained until April 2016 by which time he ceased signing on at a police station and so was circulated as an immigration absconder since 2016.'

Maudhoo also bought himself this Magnum speedboat, seen parked up at Commodity Quay in London

He also bought himself this bright yellow Porsche GT3 RS - which starts from around 200,000

He said of the charges: 'The counts of fraud by false representation relate to LeBouf dishonestly representing himself to six individuals that he had access to repossessed properties available to be purchased at a discount to market value.

'While all the properties existed none had been repossessed. Some were rental properties people had allowed LeBouf to to act as a rental agent for through one of his companies.

'Other were properties being managed by legitimate property management companies. Some were properties being managed by legitimate property management companies being advertised for rent via Zoopla.

'Other were properties which were simply in private owner lived in by owners who first learned their first knew of a fraud when the unsuspecting new owners turned up at their front door being confronted by someone adamant they owned his house.'

Mr Wiltshire said victims included both experienced property investors and mothers and fathers trying to secure a future for their children.

At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, victims called Maudhoo's fraud a 'cruel and calculated act of deception', causing a 'deep sense of betrayal' and 'shame'.

Defence counsel John Ojakovah said Maudhoo wanted to apologise to all the victims in the court.

But asked by Recorder Zayne Malik KC whether his client had actually shown remorse, Mr Ojakovah said: 'I'm not standing before the court and saying Mr LeBouf is remorseless. Actions speak louder, he has admitted fully his wrong doing... I'm not putting him forward as a completely changed character.'

Maudhoo's imprisonment will mean leaving behind his children and wife, who he has been married to for 14 years, said Mr Ojakovah, 'albeit brought down upon them by Mr LeBouf's offending'.

He has also put his 'considerable talents' to use by helping other prisoners to read and write, added the barrister.

Maudhoo also admitted 16 counts of possessing a false identity document with improper intention and one count of perverting the course of justice. The offences took place between April 2021 and December 2024.

He has 25 previous convictions for fraud and has used his different identities to evade the police and immigration authorities.

Maudhoo, of Wapping, east London, also amassed a collection of more than 20 personalised number plates referencing his many identities.
It was peak summer, before sunrise, when Son Yo Auer, a Burger King employee in Richmond Hill, Georgia, ran screaming into the restaurant, crying for help.

A man was lying in front of the dumpsters outside, Auer told colleagues. He was naked, bleeding, sunburned and covered in fire ants. It wasnt clear if he was alive or dead.

By the time police arrived, the mysterious figure had stirred from his stupor, conscious but dazed. He had no name to give them, no memory of how he got there and no explanation for his injuries.

Officers presumed he was a vagrant, down and out of luck, waking after another night on the streets. On August 31, 2004, he was taken to St. Josephs Hospital in Savannah, where he was admitted under the name Burger King Doe - until he could remember his own.

Aside from his superficial injuries, the man appeared otherwise healthy and in his mid-fifties. Blood tests found no traces of drugs or alcohol in his system.

As the days passed, the mystery of his identity deepened. He refused to eat or speak and would spit and kick anytime doctors or nurses tried to approach him, calling them demons and devils.

He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and prescribed a powerful antipsychotic. While the drugs calmed his mind, they did little to unlock his past.

The man believed he was from Indiana, but he couldnt say for certain. He suspected he had three brothers, but didnt know their names. He had only fragments of obscure, seemingly insignificant memories.

The one thing he claimed to know was his birthday: August 29, 1948. That, he was sure of. It was exactly ten years before the birth of Michael Jackson, he said.

A man woke up naked and pleading outside of a Georgia Burger King in August 2004 with no memory of who he was or how he got there

When police arrived at the restaurant (above), they presumed he was homeless. But they soon realized he was suffering from a severe case of amnesia

Doctors were suspicious that BK Doe was feigning amnesia because he was too lucid and seemed to know about past world events, but knew nothing of his own life.

They also no longer believed he was schizophrenic. Was he running away from something? Was this just a convenient - albeit dramatic - ruse for reinvention?

Four months of tests would reveal nothing. His official diagnosis was retrograde amnesia - but always with a silent asterisk.

In January 2005, he was transferred out of the hospital and into a downtown health care center for the homeless.

It was there that BK Doe decided to shed his moniker. He thought there was a chance his real name could be Benjaman - with two as - so he settled on that for his given name, choosing Kyle for his second until his real one was discovered.

Under his new, assumed identity, Benjaman Kyle began to thrive. He struck up friendly conversations with staff, helped with jobs around the facility, and read voraciously in the shelters library.

One nurse, Katherine Slater, took a particular shine to Kyle. She wasnt necessarily convinced he had amnesia, but she felt awful that he had lost touch with his family.

Slater, like so many others, couldnt shake the impossibility of his anonymity - and believed he was the kind of man that someone, somewhere, would miss.

I figured it would take six months to figure out his real name, tops, Slater told The New Republic in 2016. Someone had to know him. He didnt just drop out of the sky.

Months of tests and treatment would lead nowhere. The man chose to call himself Benjaman Kyle until he rediscovered his own

Slater began her search for Kyles true identity by scouring missing persons websites and posting his image on online bulletin boards. Those efforts led only to dead ends.

She then reached out to the FBIs field office in Savannah, where one agent agreed to take Kyles fingerprints and enter them into the bureaus national database in the hope of finding a match.

When that didnt work, the FBI placed Kyles photo on its Missing Persons list - making him the first person ever listed as missing, even though his whereabouts were known.

After two years of fruitless searching, Slater turned to the media. The first story ran on the local morning news under the tag line A Real Live Nobody, and dozens of interviews followed, including an appearance on Dr. Phil in 2008.

When asked by the host what the last few years had been like, an uncomfortable-looking Kyle responded: Frustrating.

Tips flooded in from members of the public convinced they held the key to Kyles past: a man certain he was a brother who vanished decades ago, a neighbor who swore she recognized him, a woman convinced he was her father. But still, they led nowhere.

As the years ticked by, Kyle, still grappling with the nightmare of not knowing who he was, began to fear something else: why didnt anybody seem to be looking for him?

In 2008, Kyle appeared on Dr. Phil in a desperate bid for clarity. It led to thousands of tips, but none helped to unravel the mystery of his past

The location where he was found is seen above. He couldn't recall his name, where he was from, or what had happened to him

The search was about more than just memory recovery. Without a name, he couldnt get an ID or a Social Security number. That meant he couldnt even take a book out of a library, much less get a job or rent an apartment.

He was forced to rely on the kindness of strangers, picking up odd jobs, staying on couches, or sleeping rough when he had no other choice.

Kyle was a true nowhere man - a man who seemed to have fallen to Earth - who was slowly forced to confront the notion that he may never know who he once was.

Basically, I don't exist. I'm a walking, talking person who is invisible to all the bureaucracy, Kyle told ABC in 2012.

Isn't there anyone important enough in your past life that they want to look for you?... Sometimes I wish I hadnt woken up.

Kyles fortunes appeared to shift in early 2009, when self-described genealogical detective Colleen Fitzpatrick offered her expertise to help solve the mystery.

With the help of fellow genealogist CeCe Moore, Fitzpatrick gained access to testing kits from the ancestry service 23andMe. Although the FBI had already entered Kyle into its system, she wasnt looking for a criminal record. She wanted to use his DNA to trace relatives - and through them, his true identity.

Years of work eventually pointed her toward the family name Powell, with whom Kyle appeared to share a great deal of DNA. Fitzpatrick claimed she was on the verge of a breakthrough in early 2015, when suddenly Kyle cut all contact with her.

When asked by Dr. Phil what the last few years had been like for him, an uncomfortable-looking Kyle responded simply: Frustrating

Genealogist Colleen Fitzpatrick (left) started working the case in 2009. CeCe Moore (right) took over in 2015, after Fitzpatrick and Kyle had a public falling out. Within months, she solved the case.

She told local media she suspected he didnt want to be identified, suggesting he was either hiding something or seeking attention.

Later, in a post on her website, Fitzpatrick went further, baselessly speculating he could be a mobster or a child molester.

Kyle was furious. He took to Facebook to claim hed stopped speaking to Fitzpatrick because she denied him access to his own genealogical data and refused to share her findings with other researchers.

For years, I felt that Colleen was exploiting me, the vulnerable nature of my memory loss, my lack of resources, and poverty, Kyle wrote. However, I felt helpless to respond. I now have found my voice.

Fitzpatrick denied his claims, but the feud simmered. Watching from the sidelines was CeCe Moore of theDNAdetectives.com. Outraged by Fitzpatricks accusations and sympathetic to Kyles plight, she felt compelled to intervene.

I've always believed that everybody has the right to knowledge of their biological identity... I felt strongly that he deserved to know who he was, Moore told the Daily Mail.

Of all the people Id helped find their biological family, nobody was ever in a greater need than Benjaman was.

With a team of volunteers, Moore began the same painstaking process she uses to help adoptees locate their birth families: comparing Kyles DNA against databases, searching for patterns, cross-checking bloodlines, and narrowing possibilities through elimination.

That work eventually led them to an older brother living in Indiana. And then came the breakthrough.

In a Lafayette, Indiana, yearbook from Jefferson High Schools Class of 1967, Moore found a familiar face staring back at her. It was Benjaman Kyle as a teenager.

Beneath the photo was his real name: William Burgess Powell.

In a Lafayette, Indiana, yearbook from Jefferson High Schools Class of 1967, Moore found a familiar face staring back at her

Kyle's real name was revealed to be William Burgess Powell. One of his brothers was alive and living in Indiana

I couldnt believe my eyes, she said. I thought they were playing tricks on me.

Next came the call to Powell, formerly Kyle. Moore couldnt recall his exact words, but remembers a voice laced with shock and relief.

It was hard to express what he was feeling, or believe we were even right about his name, she said.

Despite his initial shock, Powell quickly reached out to his long-lost brother, Furman, and then to his extended family to connect with his past. The swiftness with which he did, Moore said, dispelled any insinuations that he didn't want to be found.

It turned out Powell had been right about almost everything. He had three brothers, grew up in Indiana, and was born on August 29, 1948, making him 67.

But in conversations with his brother, he learned some more difficult truths.

Growing up, the Powell home was an unhappy one, fraught with abuse. According to Moore, Powells mother was schizophrenic and prone to deep bouts of depression. His father was a veteran who drank heavily and had a furious temper, often directing his ire towards William, his mothers favorite.

Furman described their childhood as absolutely horrific, with constant infighting and significant emotional and physical abuse.

When William Powell was 16, he left home to live with another family across town. He worked odd jobs to save money for his own place and lived a life of relative isolation, with only a few friends and no relationships of note.

In 1973, when he was 25, he moved into a mobile home on the outskirts of Lafayette. Then, one day the following year, Powell vanished without a word, leaving behind his car and all of his belongings. His family immediately suspected the worst, and Furman filed a police report.

It turned out Powell had been right about almost everything: He did have three brothers, he did grow up in Indiana, and he was indeed born on August 29, 1948

Powell was quickly located in Boulder, Colorado, where he had been working as a chef. He told police he was fine and he didnt want to be found. The case was then closed.

Furman tried to find his brother after their mother died in 1996, but could find no records for him.

Files uncovered by The New Republic show that Powell worked at several restaurants in Denver between 1978 and 1983, but then his trail virtually vanished until he was discovered outside a Burger King in 2004.

The mystery of how Powell spent those intervening years, and the circumstances that led him to be nude and bleeding outside of the restaurant, persists today.

Moore believes his traumatic upbringing could have primed Powell for retrograde amnesia and that another event in Georgia may have triggered the condition.

William and Furman Powell did not respond to requests for comment.

Powell is still alive and living near his brother in Lafayette. he recent retired due to health issues

William Powell moved to Lafayette to be near his brother in 2015, and the pair immediately picked up from where they had left off.

I told him, Ask me anything. Anything you want to know, Furman told the Journal & Courier in 2015. Has he? Not really. He doesnt seem to want to ask muchtoo painful or something, I guess.

The Daily Mail understands the now-76-year-old still lives near Furman, who is in his 80s, in a church-sponsored apartment. After finally reclaiming his identity and Social Security number, Powell worked for several years at a convenience store before retiring due to health issues.

Neither of the brothers is particularly mobile, making visits hard to organize, but they do stay in touch whenever they can.

Powells lost memories have never returned.

Moore said that, at the very least, she hopes he found peace in the latter stages of his life after so many years of strife.

He was suffering when he was Benjaman Kyle, so I hope that his life got easier, he was able to make friends, live a comfortable life and reconnect with his family.

Its a bittersweet looking back, because although we gave him his name, there were so many other answers we still couldnt help him with.
A new nationwide poll has revealed a shocking statistic about Democratic Party voters.

Zero percent of Democrats think that the United States is heading in the right direction, per new polling from Gallup.

In contrast, 76 percent of Republicans responded positively to the country being headed in the 'right direction.'

That level of partisan division is the highest ever recorded in Gallup's polling.

The exact percent of Democrats who responded positively was 0.4 percent, so the number was rounded down to zero.

One quarter of independents polled said that they were satisfied with the direction of the country.

President Trump's overall job approval was found to be at 40 percent.

Ninety-three percent of Republicans approve of Trumps job performance, while only 1 percent of Democrats do, a 92-point gap.

This matches the record for the widest partisan divide in Gallups presidential approval ratings, first seen in October 2020 ahead of the presidential election.

Supporters watch as results come in at an election night campaign watch party for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington

A Kamala Harris supporter cries at the Nevada Democratic Party's election results watch party after Pennsylvania was called for Donald Trump at Aria Resort & Casino on November 05, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Gallup's survey was conducted between August 1 and August 20, and the margin of error was four percent.

Notably, only one percent of Republicans were satisfied with the direction of the country in July of 2024, compared to just 36 percent of Democrats, leading to a 35 percent partisan gap.

The poll's results drew several notable responses on X.

'Democrats are being brainwashed by their leaders to think that everything President Trump does is wrong. The Democrats hate him more than they love this nation,' wrote X user @Sadie_NC.

X account Pro America Politics noted that 'the stock market is at an all-time high. Gas prices are coming down. Illegal immigration is coming down. Wages are up. We are making progress towards peace in the Middle East. Crime is down in Washington DC. And the Democrats are angry. What a sad, pathetic group of people.'

'Its at least interesting that Conservatives have higher positives when theyre in charge than liberals do when theyre in charge, because liberals hate the world and themselves even when theyre in charge,' wrote X user @AlanFJr.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers a concession speech for the 2024 presidential election on the campus of Howard University in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024

A woman marches during the Women's March 2025 ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump in Washington D.C., United States on January 18, 2025

Trump's rating in an AP-NORC poll released earlier this week showed his approval level to be the highest it has ever been, across both terms.

Data released by the Associated Press on Wednesday revealed that 45 percent of Americans view the job that Trump is doing favorably, a five-point jump in the last month.

Polling by JL Partners found Trump's approval to be at 49 percent in July.

This poll comes just a week after an analysis of Americans' voter registration habits showed potential long-term trouble for the Democratic Party.

Data analyzed by the New York Times has revealed that the number of registered Democrats has declined in every state that tracks voter affiliation by partya group that includes 30 of Americas 50 states.

The remaining 20 states do not register voters by party.

This trend was consistent between swing states, red states, and blue states.

The New York Times notes that explicitly, 'fewer and fewer Americans are choosing to be Democrats.'

The Times attributed Trumps sweeping 2024 victoryincluding wins in every swing state and the national popular voteto this very trend.
An MSP has been charged over claims a secret camera was hidden in the toilets of the Scottish parliament.

Colin Smyth was suspended from Scottish Labour last week after he was charged in connection with possession of indecent images.

But last night it emerged Smyth also faces an allegation of placing a spy camera in the toilets in the Holyrood parliament.

Smyth, a former modern studies teacher who served as Scottish Labours top official before entering Holyrood in 2016, has said the allegation has come as an utter shock and he would fully cooperate with any ongoing inquiry.

Last night his parliamentary pass was withdrawn by authorities and workers at the Scottish parliament were offered the use of support services.

Holyrood yesterday became a potential crime scene as detectives worked at the building which next week will be bustling with politicians when they return from recess.

One senior MSP told the Scottish Daily Mail: Holyroods been swarming with cops all day. Theyve been searching both the ladies and gents toilets near the debating chamber which are used by MSPs, journalists and members of the public.

We have visits by different groups every day. Any visitors who used a parliament toilet will be horrified by the investigation.

An email from parliamentary authorities yesterday said pass holders would be aware of the serious criminal charges brought against Colin Smyth MSP.

Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth has been arrested and charged over indecent images

A Labour MSP has been charged over allegations he placed a secret camera in the toilets of the Scottish Parliament Building (File image)

They were told: With Police Scotlands investigation ongoing, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body has this evening taken the decision to deactivate Mr Smyths parliamentary security pass.

Married father Smyth is a former councillor who first entered Holyrood as a Labour MSP at the 2016 election after being returned on the South Scotland regional list.

He was arrested after Police Scotland raided his Dumfries home on August 5.

The ex-teacher is now listed as an independent on the parliamentary website, following the news that he had been arrested and charged over possession of indecent images of children. He denies the charges.

When asked about the parliamentary camera allegations yesterday, a Police Scotland spokesman said: On Tuesday, August 5, officers executed a warrant at a property in Dumfries and a 52-year-old man was arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.

After the latest allegation emerged, Smyth said: This allegation has come as an utter shock and is causing deep distress. I refute this claim and want to make clear that I will fully cooperate with any ongoing inquiry.

Spy camera

At this stage, for legal reasons I am not able to comment on the specific matters or speculation but I sincerely hope this process will conclude quickly and fairly.

The ongoing speculation and the decision by the police to release information, including my home address has been absolutely devastating and has had a profound impact on my health.

A spokesman for the Scottish parliament said: Given the ongoing criminal investigation, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body took the decision to deactivate Colin Smyths parliamentary pass. We have informed all building users at Holyrood.

A Labour Party spokesman said: Swift action was taken after we became aware of these serious allegations.

We cannot comment further on these deeply concerning developments while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Angela Rayner was today branded a 'hypocrite and a freeloader' after it was claimed she dodged shelling out 40,000 in stamp duty on her new coastal flat.

The Deputy Prime Minister is said to have told tax authorities that her 800,000 seaside apartment in Hove, East Sussex, was her main place of residence.

She took her name off the deeds of a property in her Greater Manchester constituency only weeks before purchasing the Hove flat, The Telegraph reported.

The reported deed changes supposedly allowed the Cabinet minister to pay 30,000 in stamp duty instead of 70,000, which would have been applied if the Hove property was her second home.

It comes after the Daily Mail revealed Ms Rayner, who is also Labour's Housing Secretary, had bought the apartment in addition to her 650,000 house in Greater Manchester.

She also enjoys a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House.

But Ms Rayner is also said to have told Tameside Council that her home situated in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency continues to be her primary residence.

Brighton and Hove Council has also been notified by the politician that her apartment there is a second home, for the purposes of council tax.

This means she is liable for the second homes premium on council tax, which she pays in full.

Earlier this year, Tameside Council also approved plans for people with second homes in the area to pay double in council tax.

Ms Rayner's alleged changes to her property affairs are legal, however, they may spark debate as to whether the Housing Secretary purposefully made decisions to pay less council tax and stamp duty.

It also comes after her own department warned against the impact of second homes in pricing others out of the housing market.

Ms Rayner has often hit out at 'tax dodgers' during her years as an MP and criticised the previous Tory government when it eased the stamp duty burden on homebuyers.

Dame Priti Patel, the Tory shadow foreign secretary, posted on social media: 'Angela Rayner, Britain's Deputy Prime Minister is a hypocrite and a freeloader as she wants everyone else to pay higher taxes on family homes but doesn't want to pay it herself.'

Sir James Cleverly, the Tory shadow housing secretary, said: 'Labour hypocrisy on full show. Putting up taxes, telling everyone that they need to pay more, then doing this.'

A spokesman for Ms Rayner said: 'The Deputy Prime Minister paid the relevant duty owing on the purchase of the Hove property in line with relevant requirements and entirely properly, any suggestion otherwise is entirely without basis.'

Angela Rayner, pictured here drinking wine on Hove beach, dodged having to shell out an extra 40,000 on stamp duty on her new flat in East Sussex, it has been claimed

The Deputy PM bought the smart 800k seaside apartment in Hove to add to her burgeoning property empire

Ms Rayner would have been liable to pay 70,000 in stamp duty on the Hove flat (pictured) as her second home - but she removed her name from the deeds of a property she shared with her estranged husband weeks before, it is claimed

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Ms Rayner is understood to have ceased to own a stake in the Ashton-under-Lyne property, following her divorce, in a process that began in advance of her purchase of the Hove property.

But it is also understood her primary residence for council tax purposes remains the family home in Ashton-under-Lyne, as this is where her children live and go to college and where shr regularly returns and shares childcare.

There is no requirement to own any share of a property for it to be designated as the primary residence.

Sources close to Ms Rayner strongly disputed any notion she had 'dodged' paying stamp duty or any suggestion of impropriety.

Government minister Stephen Kinnock delivered a staunch defence of Ms Rayner this morning, insisting the Deputy PM had acted 'fully within the law'.

He told LBC: 'The Deputy PM has made it absolutely clear she has done absolutely nothing wrong. I do wonder sometimes about some of the newspapers out there just seem to be sort of constantly looking to dig out stories.'

Mr Kinnock also dismissed a suggestion it was an example of 'do as I say, not as I do' from Ms Rayner.

'As far as I can understand it, I'm not absolutely involved in it, of course, in the detailed discussions,' he told presenter Nick Ferrari.

'But my understanding from the statement that has come from the Deputy PM's office is that she has done absolutely nothing wrong. Everything she has done is fully within the law.'

Pressed on whether there was any 'stink' to Ms Rayner's actions, he added: 'I am very clear, in terms of what the Deputy PM's office has said, and what Angela is saying is clearly is that this is not an issue.

'She has complied with the letter of the law and that is the situation as we find it today this morning.'

But property expert Kirstie Allsopp, who presents TV's Location, Location, Location, posted on social media: 'This Government have NO shame, they imposed taxes on the rest of us but find ways not to pay them themselves.'

It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves raised surcharge rates on stamp duty for second home owners last October - an initiative originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2016.

Ms Rayner has repeatedly hit out at 'tax dodgers' during her years as an MP.

In November 2017, she praised then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for raising the 'tax dodging issue' during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.

'The public are furious with those who get away with tax avoidance while they pay!,' she tweeted.

In March 2021, Ms Rayner attacked then-chancellor Rishi Sunak's extension of a stamp duty holiday on the first 500,000 of all property sales.

She claimed at the time it would be 'a massive tax cut for wealthy second home owners and landlords'.

Ms Rayner added on social media: 'Rishi Sunak will hand half a billion pounds to landlords and second homeowners by extending the stamp duty holiday.

'Meanwhile, he is refusing to give our NHS and social care heroes the pay rise they deserve.'

When the stamp duty cut was first introduced by the previous Conservative government, in an attempt to boost property sales during the Covid crisis, Ms Rayner warned the move had 'inflated the housing market and provided a tax giveaway worth thousands for wealthy homeowners'.

In April 2018, Ms Rayner blasted a 'Tory tax loophole' amid claims then-health secretary Jeremy Hunt saved almost 100,000 in stamp duty on his purchase of seven flats.

Insiders close to Ms Rayner maintained over the weekend that the politician's home in the north of England was her 'primary residence' for the purposes of council tax.

Such a move would mean the Deputy Prime Minister would dodge paying taxes for her Admiralty House flat in London.

The 2,034 council-tax bill for her grace-and-favour Admiralty House apartment is picked up by the taxpayer.

This is because it is listed as her second home, with the constituency house named as her primary residence.

If the Grade I-listed building in Whitehall was treated as her main home, she would be liable to pay council tax on it.

According to The Telegraph's report, changes are being made to the Land Registry on her Ashton-under-Lyne home but these are yet to be disclosed publicly.

Before the Labour minister purchased the flat in Hove in May, an application was reportedly made to alter the ownership on the property.

If second home owners sell their property within a three-year grace period, they can claim back the surcharge.

Ms Rayner, seen arriving in Downing Street in July is under pressure to explain the circumstances in which she bought the Hove flat

The purchase of the flat brings the number of properties Ms Rayner has to three. She also owns a property in Ashton-under-Lyne and has use of a grace-and-favour flat in Whitehall linked to her role as Deputy PM where council tax is covered by taxpayers

At the end of last year, Ms Rayner moved into a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured) - which used to be home to Winston Churchill

In May 2023, Ms Rayner paid 650,000 for a four-bedroom house (pictured) in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. She purchased the property with her husband Mark - but has since removed her name from the deeds, it is claimed

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However, there is no requirement which states Ms Rayner must own the house in Greater Manchester for it to be her main residence.

Her ex-husband Mark Rayner, who she is divorcing, lives in the property with their children.

Ms Rayner's spokesperson has refused to reveal how much the Cabinet minister had spent on stamp duty for the East Sussex flat, however, they denied she had committed any wrongdoing.

Ms Rayner followed advice and longstanding rules at all times, and had paid the relevant tax required on the Hove property, sources close to the politician have said.

Sources also said she does pay the second-home council tax on her property in Hove, and that her living arrangements were due to working in several locations as a result of her role.

They also noted the Deputy Prime Minister has never owned a property in London, or nearby.

Ms Rayner has been accused by the Tories of breaking electoral law to avoid paying council tax on Admiralty House.

The council tax bill for Ms Rayner's flat in Admiralty House is covered by the taxpayer if it is designated as a second home.

What new taxes is Rachel Reeves plotting? Rachel Reeves is estimated by economists to be facing a 50billion 'black hole' in the public finances ahead of her next Budget. It means there is a widespread expectation she will announce a fresh tax raid this autumn, as she scrambles to plug the spending gap. There has been a flurry of reports in recent weeks about which new levies Ms Reeves might impose, including: Stamp Duty The Treasury is said to be examining proposals to replace stamp duty with an annual charge on homes worth more than 500,000. A 'proportional property tax' would be based on the value of properties when home-owners sell up. Capital Gains Tax The Chancellor is said to be drawing up plans to make selling some family homes liable for capital gains tax. She is reportedly looking to end the exemption from capital gains tax when owners of higher-value properties sell up. The plans would see the 'private residence relief' from capital gains currently enjoyed by homeowners scrapped for some properties. It is estimated a threshold of 1.5million would hit around 120,000 homeowners who are higher-rate taxpayers with capital gains tax bills of 199,973. National Insurance Ms Reeves is also said to be considering a tax raid on landlords by imposing National Insurance on rental income, which could raise 2billion. Inheritance Tax Treasury officials are reportedly examining whether to tighten rules around the gifting of assets and money in an inheritance tax raid. The prospect of a lifetime cap, which would limit the amount a person could gift before their death, is claimed to be under consideration. A 'Wealth Tax' Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has called on Ms Reeves to impose a 'wealth tax' as she looks to plug a hole in the public finances. Lord Kinnock, who led Labour between 1983 and 1992, said a two per cent levy on assets worth more than 10million could be a 'pathway' out of the Government's woes. He suggested such a levy would raise up to 11billion a year and be popular with a 'great majority of the general public'. Advertisement

But this arrangement hinges on her home in Ashton-under-Lyne being her primary residence.

The Conservatives last night initiated a legal process to have Ms Rayner struck off the electoral roll in Ashton-under-Lyne on the basis that she does not 'meet the legal tests for living there'.

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Her three electoral registrations are a sham, cooked up to help her dodge council tax.

'She wants higher taxes on family homes, but doesn't want to pay it herself. As the minister in charge of election law and council tax, 'three votes Rayner' cannot be a law-maker and a law-breaker.

'We are calling on the council to strike her from the electoral roll to safeguard the integrity of elections, and remove the fig leaf she is using to avoid paying council tax.'

It comes after Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice blasted Ms Rayner for being 'the Everest of hypocrisy' as she faced scrutiny for her most recent property purchase.

'She laments a housing shortage, wants to soak the rich, whilst selfishly building her own property mountain,' he added.

Ms Rayner has been branded a hypocrite for buying the seaside apartment in Hove while her own department warns against the impact of second homes.

One of her ministers has previously 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.

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.

Her recent property purchase also coincides with moves by Ms Reeves to hit the middle classes with new property taxes in the autumn Budget as the Chancellor scrambles to plug an estimated 50billion 'black hole' in the public finances.

This includes the possible removal of the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of higher-value homes, as well as a replacing stamp duty with an annual charge.

Treasury officials are also said to be eyeing an inheritance tax raid, and considering plans to impose National Insurance on rental income.

In a memo that was leaked to The Telegraph in May, Ms Rayner pushed to increase the tax burden on Brits further instead of trimming spending and benefits.

The memo - sent to Ms Reeves before the Spring Statement - suggested eight different tax rises that would raise billions of pounds in revenue.

This included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and a higher corporation tax level for banks.

Earlier this week, a top polling expert said the row over Ms Rayner's three homes was a 'danger' for Labour and risks pushing more voters towards Reform UK.

Chris Hopkins, political research director of Savanta. 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.

'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.'
A conservative activist in Texas is feuding with local lawmakers after they approved nearly $500,000 of taxpayer money to entice the annual Gay Softball World Series to come to Houston.

Last week, four of five commissioners in Harris County approved the $468,810 to sponsor the 48th annual edition of the tournament which will take place in late September.

The Democrat-run county stepped in after Texas Governor Greg Abbott's office rejected the funds for the event, ABC 13 reported.

Mark McCaig, Chairman of the Texas Republican Initiative and publishing of the conservative Texas Voice, questioned why a county projected to come in over $200million over budget was using the funds this way.

'Among the items on the agenda for Harris County Commissioners Court on Tuesday is a request by Democrat County Commissioner Adrian Garcia to spend $468,610 in taxpayer funds to sponsor the 2025 Gay Softball World Series under the guise of economic development,' he wrote.

Garcia responded by pointing out that the state had been funding the even for a half-decade.

'Glad to do it! Since for the last 5cyrs the #StateOfTexas was supporting this event until now. The event more than pays for itself in economic impact. So half of these $$ are HOT taxes that can only be used to increase tourism, and the event brings thousands of players to HC,' he wrote.

The state of Texas has hosted the Gay Softball World Series seven times and the event has received $750,000 from the state tourism funds in the past.

A conservative activist in Texas is feuding with local lawmakers after they approved nearly $500,000 of taxpayer money to entice the annual Gay Softball World Series to come to Houston

The Democrat-run Harris County stepped in after Texas Governor Greg Abbott 's office rejected the funds for the event

'HOT Taxes' are state money collected from people who rent every kind of hotel, bed and breakfast and short-term stay in the state.

It can only be used to fund events that would promote more people to book extended stays.

The Gay Softball World Series also receives private investment, as both the Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks are sponsoring the event.

Tom Ramsey, a Republican and the only member of the board of commissioners to vote against the funds, slammed the approval.

'It should come as no shock that if you look at any Commissioners Court agenda from the past several years, you will find requests to spend money on items that are not core services,' said Ramsey.

'This is the reason we're in a budget deficit. Often  very often  I am the only vote against this discretionary spending. My record is clear. The math is simple  more stuff, more taxes. More taxes, less for you and your family.'

McCaig simply feels that a county millions of dollars in the red is spending what money it has wastefully.

'I frequently highlight examples of wasteful spending by Harris County officials on social media,' he told The Houston Chronicle.

Mark McCaig, Chairman of the Texas Republican Initiative and publishing of the conservative Texas Voice, questioned why a county projected to come in over $200million over budget was using the funds this way

Democrat County Commissioner Adrian Garcia responded by pointing out that the state had been funding the even for a half-decade

'County government should be focused on core functions such as public safety and infrastructure. It is irresponsible for the Democrats on Commissioners Court to spend taxpayer money on things like public art murals and event sponsorships, especially when the County is in a budget crunch.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the organizers of the Gay Softball World Series for comment.

The tournament has existed for nearly a half-century and includes LGBTQ+ teams from around the world.

While much of the organization that puts it on -IPride Softball - touts its diversity, equity and inclusion measures, they once faced controversy.

In 2011, they had to settle with three bisexual men who were disqualified from the 2008 Gay Softball World Series because of their 'perceived heterosexuality.'
An outspoken TV veteran has branded Brittany Higgins a 'young and silly woman' after her former boss Linda Reynolds won a bitter defamation battle against her.

Ms Reynolds launched a defamation lawsuit over a series of Ms Higgins' social media posts the ex-senator believed damaged her reputation.

The Western Australian Supreme Court on Wednesday found the posts were defamatory and awarded damages of $315,000 plus $26,109 interest, with costs still to be determined.

This case was never about whether Higgins was sexually assaulted in Reynolds' ministerial office. That issue has been tested elsewhere - in the criminal trial which was aborted before judgement, and in Bruce Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson.

Following Wednesday's ruling, Sky News presenter Andrew Bolt unleashed a cruel spray at Ms Higgins for 'falsely smearing' Reynolds.

'Brittany Higgins now faces ruin for her lies,' he said on his Wednesday program.

'And shame on the media and Labor for helping a young and silly woman destroy herself.

'There won't be much change left from the $2.4million compensation Higgins got from the grateful Albanese government, of our money  partly for this cock and bull story of Coalition persecution and mistreatment.'

Bolt went on to mock Ms Higgins, and branded her a 'young woman dazzled by the power of being a victim'.

Brittany Higgins (pictured) has been mocked by Sky News' Andrew Bolt, who called her a 'young woman dazzled by the power of being a victim'

Bolt (pictured) unleashed a spray at Ms Higgins for 'falsely smearing' her former boss Linda Reynolds in a series of social media posts

Outside court, Ms Reynolds said Justice Paul Tottle had established the truth following a five-week trial in 2024 that ballooned into a who's who of Australian politics and media.

'It is a great relief that my reputation has been finally and fully vindicated,' the former defence minister told reporters.

'However, it is disappointing that it took four-and-a-half years, multiple court actions and millions of dollars.'

Ms Reynolds said the legal case was never about Ms Higgins' rape allegation or money.

'This action was always about the dishonest and devastating attack of my reputation. Those lies cost me my reputation. It cost me my health and my career,' she said.

'This has been an incredibly emotionally and financially taxing journey but I never gave up on the truth and on seeking justice.'

Ms Reynolds called on the federal government to review Justice Tottle's judgment, saying it should concede claims about a political cover-up of Ms Higgins' alleged rape involving Ms Reynolds were wrong 'so the real healing can commence'.

Justice Tottle found a tweet published by Ms Higgins and her husband David Sharaz in January 2022 was defamatory.

Ex-senator Linda Reynolds won a defamation lawsuit against Ms Higgins on Wednesday, and has been awarded damages of $315,000 plus $26,109 interest

It carried imputations Ms Reynolds pressured Ms Higgins not to proceed with a sexual assault complaint and that she was a hypocrite in her advocacy of gender equality and female empowerment.

An Instagram story from July 2023, which Ms Higgins later republished on her Threads account, was also found to be defamatory.

Ms Reynolds claimed these had imputations she had engaged in a campaign of harassment against Ms Higgins, mishandled Ms Higgins' rape allegation, and that Ms Reynolds engaged in questionable conduct during Bruce Lehrmann's aborted criminal trial for rape.

Two of Ms Higgins' tweets from July 2023, which conveyed the imputation Ms Reynolds wanted to silence sexual assault victims, were also found to be defamatory.

But Ms Reynolds' claim for damages failed because Ms Higgins established the defences of honest opinion, fair comment and qualified privilege, Justice Tottle said.

Ms Reynolds' claim of conspiracy to injure her reputation related to the intent of Ms Higgins' 2021 interviews with journalists Lisa Wilkinson from Network Ten's The Project and Gold Walkley award-winner Samantha Maiden from News Corp also failed.

Justice Tottle said Ms Reynolds had not proven Ms Higgins and Mr Sharaz's purpose was to injure her.

The court upheld Ms Reynolds' claim Ms Higgins had breached a deed of settlement, which was entered into after the politician was found to have called her ex-staffer a 'lying cow'.

Ms Reynolds said her lawsuit was about 'dishonest and devastating attacks on her reputation'

Justice Tottle's 360-page judgment made factual findings about the events involving Ms Higgins and Ms Reynolds, including the ex-staffer's alleged 2019 rape and the events in the years after it.

Ms Higgins made 26 false or misleading statements in media interviews after her alleged sexual assault, he said

After the ruling, Ms Higgins used an Instagram post to say she was grateful the case had ended.

'I accept that Linda Reynolds' feelings were hurt by these events and I am sorry for that. I wish her well into the future,' she said.

She also thanked the public for its compassion in the years after she was allegedly raped at parliament house.

'My family and I now look forward to healing and rebuilding our lives.'

Ms Higgins alleged she was raped by Lehrmann in the senator's ministerial suite in March 2019.

A Federal Court judge overseeing a defamation case launched by Lehrmann against Network Ten found Ms Higgins was, on the balance of probabilities, raped by Lehrmann in the office.

Lehrmann is appealing that finding. He has always denied the rape allegation and his criminal trial was derailed by juror misconduct.

In a separate court action, Ms Reynolds sued Mr Sharaz for defamation over a series of tweets and Instagram and Facebook posts in 2022.

Mr Sharaz conceded the case before Ms Reynolds and Ms Higgins went to trial.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Britain's biggest 'green' power station is being investigated by the City watchdog  just months after being offered billions in new subsidies by Ed Miliband.

Energy company Drax yesterday revealed that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had launched a probe into 'certain historical statements' regarding the sourcing of wood pellets used in its biomass plant in North Yorkshire.

The firm's shares plummeted by eight per cent following the disclosure.

It is embarrassing for Energy Secretary Mr Miliband as the probe comes just six months after he agreed to extend subsidies for the power station, which has long faced criticism from environmental campaigners.

Drax's most recent annual report suggested it received 869million in subsidies last year.

The deal, announced in February, will reduce subsidy levels but still means that Drax, which produces five per cent of the UK's electricity, could receive a further 2billion in taxpayer-funded grants over the next four years.

The investigation comes after the sacking of Drax's public affairs chief Rowaa Ahmar, who raised concerns about so-called 'greenwashing' at the firm. She was employed by the company in 2022, when the BBC's Panorama programme alleged that it used wood from forests in Canada instead of waste wood.

Ms Ahmar claimed she was dismissed after raising concerns with senior figures that Drax had covered up its use of unsustainable material. An employment tribunal was told she defied orders to stay quiet about the interim findings of a report which her lawyers claimed found the firm had used unsustainable wood and misreported data to energy regulator Ofgem. Drax denied the claims. It reached a settlement with Ms Ahmar days after the hearing began in March.

the probe comes just six months after Mr Miliband agreed to extend subsidies for the power station, which has long faced criticism from environmental campaigners

Energy company Drax yesterday revealed that the Financial Conduct Authority ( FCA ) had launched a probe into 'certain historical statements' regarding the sourcing of wood pellets used in its biomass plant in North Yorkshire

The company said the FCA investigation would cover the period January 2022 to March 2024 and related to 'certain historical statements regarding Drax's biomass sourcing and the compliance of Drax's 2021, 2022 and 2023 Annual Reports' with City rules on transparency. Drax said it would 'co-operate' with the FCA investigation.

Last year, Drax was fined 25million by Ofgem after it found the company had failed to report accurate sustainability data about the sourcing of its wood pellets.

The Tories' energy spokesman Claire Coutinho said the plant was only continuing to receive government support because of Labour's Net Zero drive.

'Going green by burning trees is absurd,' she said. 'And a reminder that protecting nature is not the same as Net Zero.'

Frankie Mayo, from energy think-tank Ember, said: 'This is another controversy for biomass.

'Power from Drax is more expensive than from gas, it's more polluting than coal and more dependent on imports than oil. The idea of sustainable biomass at this scale has been pushed beyond believability for most people.'

A spokesman for the Department for Energy Security said: 'The FCA is an independent

regulatory body and the Government is not involved in its investigation into Drax. We will review the investigation's findings when they become available.

'Drax will operate for less time under a clean power system and will need to use 100 per cent

sustainably sourced biomass, with not a penny of subsidy paid for anything less.'
Switzerland may face more scenes of violence next week following two nights of rioting, according to one of the country's top sociologists.

Dramatic riots erupted in Lausanne, Switzerland, over the weekend after a migrant teen was killed in a scooter crash while fleeing the police.

Marvin M, a 17-year-old Swiss resident of Lausanne, was fleeing police on a stolen scooter, when he hit a garage wall and died at around 3.45am on Sunday morning, despite resuscitation attempts by emergency services.

On Sunday and Monday night, riot cops clashed with protesters who hurled Molotov cocktails as officials desperately tried to put a lid on escalating violence.

Much of the anger came from a long-standing view that police in Lausanne are systemically racist against migrants who have settled there. Marvin's death was the third death involving police in less than three months in the city, with seven in the wider Vaud region since 2016. Five of those deaths were of men originally from Africa.

This anger was only stoked after newspaper reports revealed four officers were suspended following the unearthing of racist, sexist and discriminatory messages in private WhatsApp groups.

But Sandro Cattacin, a professor of sociology at the University of Geneva, told the Daily Mail that he believes Switzerland, ordinarily seen as a beacon of stability on the continent, will see more violence in the coming days.

Cattacin warned that pressure groups may see the riots as a chance to latch on and cause their own violence: 'I expect that we will have [riots] again next week. Now you have these other groups, people related to more to more aggressive anti-capitalist positions, who say "OK, that's the moment we can have riots".

'If they arrive the weekend, then [the riots] would be more brutal, and from the police it would be more violent.'

A young person walks past fires in a street, in Lausanne, on August 25, 2025

Protesters burn containers during the second night of riots following the fatal accident involving a minor on a scooter in Lausanne, Switzerland, 25 August 2025

Police officers intervene during the second night of riots following the fatal accident involving a minor on a scooter in Lausanne, Switzerland, 25 August 2025

A police officer in riot gear walks past a fire in a street in Lausanne, on August 25, 2025

Cattacin said he had spoken with social worker sources on the ground in Lausanne who had relayed their fears of further violence to him.

He added that the only way to dissipate the anger felt by society was to open a dialogue between the police and marginalised groups

'The question is now: is the police able to intervene in a careful way, trying to limit damages and trying in every case to begin [a discussion] with this youngsters?'

Many of the roughly 200 people who rioted were young migrants who moved to Switzerland and have felt that police in Lausanne are systemically racist against them.

So far, it seems that powerful people in the city agree with them - Lausanne Mayor Gregoire Junod said following the revelation of the WhatsApp groupchat: 'There is a systemic discrimination problem that needs to be addressed'.

A 'cultural change' is needed to prevent such abuses from happening again, he added.

Cattacin said his fears of further violence also came from Switzerland's far-right's response to the violence, condemning migration and urging the police to crack down even harder on protesters, who he accused of fannin the flames.

'A politician of the extreme right was intervening in the press the [following] day and saying that the police have to be even more aggressive regarding these young people.

'He said they are not people we want to have in this country, etcetera, etcetera.'

Marvin M, (pictured) a 17-year-old Swiss resident of Lausanne, was fleeing police on a stolen scooter when he hit a garage wall and died at around 3:45am Sunday, despite resuscitation attempts by emergency services

It was the third death in less than three months in Lausanne during a police intervention

A 17-year-old Swiss resident of Lausanne fleeing police on a scooter reported stolen on Saturday, hit a wall and died early Sunday, despite resuscitation attempts by emergency services

Police have acknowledged that a car was following the teenager who died early Sunday. But the Vaud public prosecutors' office issued a statement 'with the aim of clarifying and calming the situation'.

It said two motorists approached the teenager before police arrived at the crash site. This tended to confirm there was a 'significant distance' between the scooter and the pursuing police vehicle and 'no contact' between them, the statement added.

Officers confirmed police had been following Marvin before the crash but claimed he lost control at high speed in a 18mph zone.

Despite claims that the scooter was stolen, his family has denied that he was a thief.

His mum insisted to 24 Heures that he was innocent, while his brother wrote online: 'You should be with me, at home, in our room, which we've always shared.'

The public prosecutor of the canton of Vaud has launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances of the accident.

It was the third death in less than three months in Lausanne during a police intervention. There have been seven such deaths in the city and the wider Vaud region since 2016. Five involved men of African origin.

On Sunday night, 'around 100 young people, wearing balaclavas' gathered in the Prelaz neighborhood from 9.30pm, throwing fireworks at police, burning trash cans and damaging a bus belonging to the Lausanne transport company.

Burning containers block the street during the third night of riots in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday August 26, 2025

A person sets a traffic cone on fire as burning containers block the street during the third night of riots in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday August 26, 2025

Fireworks explode near police officers in riot gear in Lausanne, on August 25, 2025

The following night, 150 to 200 people set up roadblocks using trash containers, setting them on fire, police said. Some 140 cops clashed with the rioters, who torched buses and pelted them with stones. Police also responded to the riots using tear gas and rubber bullets.

Over the past decade, Switzerland has taken in more than 200,000 refugees - many from Eritrea, Somalia, Syria and Afghanistan, alongside arrivals from other African and Muslim-majority countries.

What was once hailed as a model of compassion has instead fuelled mounting tensions, with simmering unease now spilling onto the streets.

It comes almost a year after Switzerland announced plans to cap its population to ten million as part of an immigration crackdown under plans put forward by the hard-right People's Party.
A January 6 rioter who was shot dead by police after she stormed the US Capitol has been offered full military funeral honors by the Trump administration.

Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, 35, was among those who went to Washington to protest Donald Trump's election defeat to Joe Biden in 2020.

She joined other rioters in attempting to gain access to the House chamber and was ultimately fired upon by officer Michael Byrd as she tried to climb through a broken window of a barricaded door.

She was cast as a martyr by MAGA and the right-wing fanbase, spurred by Trump's decision to settle a $5million wrongful death lawsuit with Babbitt's family. Byrd was cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation into his actions.

Now, an Air Force spokesperson has confirmed she will be honored with full military funeral honors.

'After reviewing the circumstances of SrA Babbitt's death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to SrA Babbitt's family,' the Air Force spokesperson said.

'After reviewing the circumstances of Ashli's death, and considering the information that has come forward since then, I am persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect.'

Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, 35, was among those who went to Washington to protest Donald Trump 's election defeat to Joe Biden in 2020

She joined other rioters in attempting to gain access to the House chamber and was ultimately fired upon as she tried to climb through a broken window of a barricaded door

During the Biden era, the family's request for such honors was denied.

During her tenure with the Air Force and the Air National Guard, Babbitt was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates.

In the request to reconsider the Biden administration's decision, conservative legal group Judicial Watch noted Trump had since pardoned as many as 1,500 individuals charged or convicted of crimes relating to the January 6 riots.

'It is impossible to reconcile Gen. Kelly's denial of military funeral honors for Ashli Babbitt' funeral with President Trump's grant of clemency,' the letter read.

'[The] refusal to provide military funeral honors was part of the 'grave national injustice' that President Trump ended by granting clemency.

'The 'process of national reconciliation' that began with presidential clemency demands a new determination granting military funeral honor for Ashli and her family.'

Babbitt's husband and mother have been invited to the Pentagon to meet Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier, who has signed off on the special funeral procedure.

Trump has described Babbitt's shooting as a 'murder' and has described Babbitt as an innocent victim in interviews

In the request to reconsider the Biden administration's decision, conservative legal group Judicial Watch noted Trump had since pardoned as many as 1,500 individuals charged or convicted of crimes relating to the January 6 riots

Babbitt's husband, Aaron Babbitt, filed a $30 million suit accusing the government of 'wrongful death, assault and battery and various negligence issues'

A military funeral must include an honor guard detail, the presentation of the U.S. burial flag, and the playing of Taps.

Babbitt's husband, Aaron Babbitt, filed a $30 million suit accusing the government of 'wrongful death, assault and battery and various negligence issues.'

The suit said she was unarmed and 'her hands were up in the air, empty, and in plain view of Byrd and other officers in the Speaker's lobby'.

Five people died during or immediately after the riot, including Babbitt and Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was among those battling the MAGA mob.

Trump has described Babbitt's shooting as a 'murder' and has described Babbitt as an innocent victim in interviews.

'I'm a big fan of Ashli Babbitt, OK, and Ashli Babbitt was a really good person who was a big MAGA fan, Trump fan, and she was innocently standing there -- they even say trying to sort of hold back the crowd,' he told Newsmax in March.

'And a man did something unthinkable to her when he shot her, and I think it's a disgrace. I'm going to look into that.'
When the side buttons on my three-year-old iPhone stopped working, it seemed like a small problem at first.

But pretty quickly I realised those tiny buttons control some of the most important features like Apple Pay, Apple Wallet and even just the volume.

Suddenly my expensive iPhone felt useless, so like millions before me, I booked a trip to the Apple Store and met with one of their 'Genius' staff members to get it fixed.

The repair quote came to about $700 which was half the price of a new phone, and roughly what Id paid for it three years earlier, all for a couple of broken buttons.

I wasted more than an hour in the Apple store getting this diagnosis.

I put up with the glitch for a couple of weeks, but eventually Id had enough. I went back, swapped the phone and one of the Apple staff helped move my data onto the new one.

Once the data was copied, my old phone's buttons suddenly sprang back to life and started working perfectly.

It made me wonder if my iPhone was ever truly broken, or just pretending until I bought a new one.

By then the money was gone, the trade-in deal sealed and another hour stolen by Apple.

Apple preaches green values, while pushing millions to dump perfectly good phones onto the scrapheap after a few years due to the cost of repair

At the Apple Store, staff can't even sip water on the shop floor

My trusty iPhone 11 barely made it three years before Apple rendered it obsolete - and even the employee admitted that's about the expected lifespan of their products

All I wanted was freedom so I walked out, new phone in hand, with the employee just as stunned as me that the old iPhone was suddenly working again.

In that moment, it hit me - the phone in your pocket is made to be disposable.

Apple's business model depends on a cycle, new phone, upgrade, replacement and repeat. It is a cycle where we do the pedalling and they do the peddling.

The cheapest iPhone 15s start at $1,200 which is more than a week's wages for many Australians.

And yet you are told you are 'lucky' if your phone still works after only three or four years. One Apple employee even told me exactly that.

Lucky? Shouldn't it be the minimum expectation?

Apple loves to preach its values, boasting that it is 'committed to protecting the planet'.

Children aren't spared the strains of manual labor in the 'artisanal' mines of the DRC. Above, a child carries a sack of rocks in Kapata, southwest of Kolwezi

A woman carries her infant as she mines for cobalt in the hills several kilometers north-west of the town of Kambove

A young girl sifts through rocks in the DRC hoping to find cobalt to sell. Western companies widely rely on the fact that they do not trade with the mines directly. Instead, they buy the cobalt from refiners or smelters, and say they hold those intermediaries to their codes of conduct and standard

The company highlights its use of recycled and renewable materials, clean electricity, and lower-carbon shipping.

But behind the marketing gloss the reality is far less noble. For all the talk of sustainability, Apple continues to push millions of customers into an endless cycle of upgrades, one overpriced iPhone at a time because they make repairs so expensive.

Each phone contains rare earth metals and cobalt, some of it mined in conditions so harsh human rights groups call them modern-day slavery.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, children as young as seven dig through toxic mud to mine cobalt for batteries, often earning just a few dollars a day.

In China, the factories that assemble these phones have been accused of driving workers into 12-hour shifts, crowded dormitories, and even suicide. Rivers in China run black with industrial waste.

All this so that every three or four years, we can throw another $1,200 device onto the e-scrapheap.

As I paid for the new phone, I couldn't stop thinking about the seven-year-olds in the Congo digging cobalt out of toxic mud just so I could tap for coffee with Apple Pay.

Apple says every iPhone since the iPhone 15 now has a battery made entirely from recycled cobalt.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, a series of worker suicides took place at Foxconn factories in China. Foxconn is one of Apple's largest suppliers, assembling iPhones, iPads, and other products. In response, Foxconn installed safety nets outside dormitories and factory buildings to prevent employees from jumping.

But recycled doesnt mean innocent, that cobalt may still have originated in the same child-labour mines before being fed back into the supply chain.

While Apple's batteries now use recycled cobalt, the phones themselves still contain around 3 per cent unrecycled cobalt. The progress is real, but its far from guilt-free.

And its not just cobalt. Every phone still depends on lithium, nickel, copper and rare earth elements, materials that can leach into soil and groundwater if a device is dumped in landfill instead of being properly recycled.

That sleek device once sold as the future can quickly become an ecological hazard the moment its declared obsolete.

My grandparents' generation fixed things, but for us millennials, that knowledge was lost.

Instead we've been trained by corporations to upgrade and throw away, to see repair as pointless and even a waste of time.

Get the new iPhone with its slightly better camera, a bit more battery life, with the latest AI features until it breaks all too soon and you're forced to replace it again all too soon.

And then there is the Apple Store itself.

While I was waiting for the last rites on my phone I asked the employee if he was even allowed to have a bottle of water on the shop floor. 'No,' he said. Not even a sip of water on the floor.

What kind of company is this where the people tasked with fixing our thousand-dollar gadgets are not trusted to drink a glass of water in public view?

Apples famous 1997 slogan 'Think Different' helped resurrect the company under Steve Jobs.

But today, those words ring hollow inside its sterile, waterless temples of consumerism, where short-lived iPhones pile up under a shroud of greenwashing because they're so expensive to repair.

And lets be honest, its not just Apple. Every big tech company does it, some are even worse. But people like me keep feeding the machine.

So how do we fix it?
The UK's top bishop has dubbed Nigel Farage's plans to deport all illegal migrants as 'not the Christian way' and claims it is 'beneath us as a nation'.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell blasted the Reform UK leader's proposals to 'send them back' as 'not a sensible and compassionate response'.

It comes amid widespread protests outside asylum seeker hotels as Labour faces major questions over the amount of illegal migrants crossing the channel and staying in taxpayer-funded accommodation.

But Mr Cottrell, who is second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury, said Britain 'cannot simply close the door' to those fleeing conflict and persecution.

Dismissing Brits' concerns over the number of illegal migrant crossings, he called for people to instead show them Christian traits of 'compassion and understanding'.

The senior church official was alarmed by Mr Farage after he vowed on Tuesday to deport 600,000 asylum seekers within five years if his party won the next general election.

He said if he became PM, all those arriving in Britain on small boats and via other illegal routes would be detained and deported, including women and children.

This would involve signing returns deals with countries like Afghanistan and Eritrea and housing migrants in 'third countries' such as Rwanda and Albania.

This is regardless of countries' human rights records, with Reform promising to hand over up to 2billion of UK taxpayers' cash in exchange for potential agreements.

He was sanguine about failed asylum seekers being tortured or murdered if they were deported under his plans after entering the UK illegally.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (pictured) blasted the Reform UK leader's proposals to 'send them back' as 'not a sensible and compassionate response'

It comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage vowed on Tuesday (pictured) to deport 600,000 asylum seekers within five years if his party won the next general election

This would involve signing returns deals with countries like Afghanistan and Eritrea and housing migrants in 'third countries' such as Rwanda and Albania. This is regardless of countries' human rights records. Pictured: A screen displayed during Mr Farage's speech on Tuesday

The party leader also pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and scrap the Human Rights Act, which enshrines the convention in UK law.

Mr Cottrell, who sits in the House of Lords, told the Mirror: 'It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad.

'It should remain that way.'

He emphasised the need for a 'fair and functional' system that works all round, including for those living near hotels and other accommodation housing migrants.

Mr Farage has previously said Christianity 'should be recognised by Government at all levels'.

He also described 'Judeo-Christian values' as at the root of 'everything' in the UK and called for a 'muscular defence' of them.

But with the Archbishop slamming his plans, it suggests he faces butting heads with the country's most senior Christians in implementing them.

In fact, Mr Cottrell is currently the most senior figure in the church, with no one currently serving as Archbishop of Canterbury.

Mr Cottrell (pictured), who sits in the House of Lords, said : 'It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding'

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It comes after previous officeholder Justin Welby resigned in November last year following a damning review of his role in handling a child sex abuse scandal.

A spokesperson for the Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, has said she agrees completely with the Archbishop of York's position.

Mr Farage was met with outrage when he said he would even be prepared to do a returns deal with Taliban-run Afghanistan.

The Islamic fundamentalist group recaptured the country in 2021 after 20 years of a US-backed republican government, immediately reinstating brutal laws oppressing women.

It said it was 'ready and willing' to work with the British politician on accepting Afghans deported from Britain.

Senior Reform figure Zia Yusuf said it was 'quite reasonable' for public money to go to the Taliban given Afghanistan already receives millions of pounds in foreign aid.

Mr Farage was asked at his policy launch in Oxfordshire on Tuesday about the risk that many of those sent back to Afghanistan would face torture or execution.

The Reform leader replied: 'Does it bother me? It bothers me, but what really bothers me is what is happening on the streets of our country.'

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Senior Reform figure Zia Yusuf (right) said it was 'quite reasonable' for public money to go to the Taliban given Afghanistan already receives millions of pounds in foreign aid

In an interview at the weekend, Mr Farage had said: 'I'm really sorry, but we can't be responsible for everything that happens in the whole of the world.

'I can't be responsible for despotic regimes all over the world.'

Mr Farage also said he was willing to send asylum seekers back to Iran, Sudan, Eritrea and Syria - which also have appalling human rights records.

The Reform leader was asked this week if it would be hypocritical for him to ignore church bosses given his previous vigorous defence of Christianity in Britain.

He said: 'Whoever the Christian leaders are at any given point in time, I think over the last decades quite a few of them have been rather out of touch, perhaps with their own flock.

'Given the types of people appointed to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, that's probably the biggest understatement of the day.'

In a speech in Oxfordshire on Tuesday 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'.

In a speech in Oxfordshire on Tuesday morning, Mr Farage unveiled his party's 'Operation Restoring Justice' proposals to tackle the Channel migrant crisis. Pictured: A group of people believed to be migrants on a small boat near Gravelines, northern France

He warned anger among Britons over an 'invasion' of the South Coast by small boats represented a 'genuine threat to public order'. Pictured: Inflatable dinghies believed to have been used by migrants to cross the Channel and stored in a Port Authority yard in Dover

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.'

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.

The Archbishop's intervention comes after clergymen in the House of Lords marked themselves as some of the harshest critics of the Conservative Party's Rwanda plan.

Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had proposed any illegal migrant who came to the UK from a safe country could be sent to Rwanda.

Mr Farage was met with outrage when he said he would even be prepared to do a returns deal with Taliban-run Afghanistan. Pictured: A Taliban security personnel earlier this month celebrating the fourth anniversary of their takeover of Afghanistan

It said it was 'ready and willing' to work with the British politician on accepting Afghans deported from Britain. Pictured: A French police vessel passes lifejackets to people on a dinghy as they cross the English Channel

They would have their asylum claim processed there, not in the UK, and if successful, granted admission to the African country instead of Britain.

If their claim was unsuccessful, they could apply to remain in Rwanda on other grounds or seek asylum elsewhere.

No asylum seeker would be allowed to apply to come back to the UK.

In 2022, when the plan was proposed, all 25 clergy in the Lords said it 'should shame us as a nation'.

The bishop's comments come amid a time of heightened tension around the issue of migration in the UK.

A wave of protests and counter-protests broke out at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which is housing 138 asylum seekers, in recent weeks.

It came after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied the offence and has been on trial this week.

A wave of protests and counter-protests (pictured) broke out at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which is housing 138 asylum seekers, in recent weeks

Another man who was living at the site, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, has separately been charged with seven offences.

Several other men, meanwhile, have been charged over alleged disorder outside the hotel.

A High Court judge granted a temporary injunction last week ruling asylum seekers could not be housed at the hotel after September 12.

It followed legal action by Epping Forest District Council, which argued the hotel's use was in breach of planning legislation.

But Home Office and hotel lawyers have now called for this ruling to be scrapped.

They warned forcing the hotel to close risks more protests outside similar asylum accommodation across the country.

Edward Brown KC, for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, said it 'runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further protests, some of which may be disorderly, around other asylum accommodation'.

Indeed, other councils have since announced they will seek similar legal action against the similar use of hotels in their area.

Three senior judges are set to rule on the issue this Friday.
The grieving parents of two children killed when transgender gunman Robin Westman opened fire on a Catholic school Wednesday shared their memories of their beloved children.

Jesse Merkel announced at a news conference on Thursday that his eight-year-old son, Fletcher Merkel, was gunned down while attending Mass services at Annunciation Catholic School.

Hours later, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin revealed that their 10-year-old daughter, Harper, was also killed in the tragedy, which left 18 others injured.

Speaking to reporters for the first time following his son's untimely death, Jesse told how his son 'loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play' as he blasted the gunman who took the young boy's life.

'Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,' Jesse said, with tears streaming down his face.

'Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.'

Jesse then asked the public to 'remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.'

In their own statement, Moyski and Flavin said Harper was a 'bright, joyful and deeply-loved 10 year old whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

The victims of Wednesday's shooting have been identified as Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10

Speaking to reporters for the first time following his son's untimely death, Jesse Merkel told how his son 'loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play' as he blasted the gunman who took the young boy's life

'Our hearts are broken, not only as parents, but also for Harper's sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss,' they continued, noting that they are 'shattered and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.'

The grieving parents then called for action on gun control, saying they 'believe it is important that [Harper's] memory fuels action.

'We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country,' they said.

'Change is possible and it is necessary - so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.'

Moyski and Flavin also said they are 'deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.

'Harper's light will always shine though us and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.'

Westman had acquired all three firearms used in the massacre legally, despite an apparent mental health struggle.

In a suicide note posted to a now-deleted YouTube page, Westman wrote that she 'was corrupted by this world and have learned to hate what life is.

'There is too much to accept, too many things to put with just to live,' the shooter continued. 'I'm tired of the pain this world gives out.'

Gunman Robin Westman, 23, shared her mental health struggles in a letter to friends and family that she posted in a now-deleted YouTube video

Westman, a former student at Annunciation who turned the gun on herself after the shooting, also appeared to be struggling with her gender identity.

She complained in a manifesto that she was 'tired of being trans' and claimed she had 'brainwashed herself.'

Westman ultimately wrote that she wanted 'to go out on my own means.'

'Unfortunately, due to my depression, anger and twisted mind, I want to fulfill a final act that has been in the back of my head for years,' Westman wrote.

The gunman had even apparently made several trips to scope out her alma mater in the months before she opened fire during Mass

'Both times I went to the church, I didn't see any men under the age of 55,' Westman wrote in a combination of Russian Cyrillic and English in a manifesto she shared in a disturbing 20-minute long video, according to the New York Post.

'I only saw old people and some mom-aged ladies, some with very young kids. Even still, these boomers could be packing.'

The gunman then mused that she should probably check the school's publicly-posted calendar, where she discovered that there was 'an all-school mass' scheduled for August 27.

Westman was an alum of Annunciation, who turned the gun on herself after the shooting

Investigators believe Westman created a detailed drawing of the inside of the church based on her prior visits there

In another entry on August 10, Westman wrote: 'I bet the front doors will be unlocked today. I will go to Starbucks at 8:40, chill there, [then] walk to the church at 9:30, arrive about three minutes late.'

Westman ultimately arrived at the church for her stakeout pretending to be a lapsed Catholic looking to reconnect with the religion, a senior law enforcement official said, according to CNN.

Based off of those visits, Westman created a detailed drawing of the inside of the church, investigators say.

They now believe the shooter initially planned to carry out the attack from inside the church, but because mass had started, the doors were locked.

Westman killed two children and injured 18 others while they sat in pews and prayed at the church during morning Mass

Westman shot through stained glass windows at children sitting on the pews

'A number of the doors had been locked once Mass began, which is part of their normal procedure,' Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told CNN.

'We believe that this step also played a part in ensuring this tragedy did not become that much worse.'

If Westman had been able to place the wooden boards on the doors, those trapped would have been left stuck and blocked by orange smoke, O'Hara said.

But because all doors were locked, including the emergency exit, Westman switched gears and shot blindly through the church's stained glass windows.

O'Hara also noted that Westman showed off wooden boards with smoke canisters attached that were possibly intended to trap students inside.

'Check this out,' Westman could be heard saying in the clip. 'This will be for the emergency exit.'

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said Westman showed wooden boards with smoke canisters attached in a YouTube video, meaning she possibly intended to trap students inside

At other points in the video, which authorities are combing over, the gunman showed off a kill kit of ammunition, magazines and firearms.

They revealed a twisted obsession with other school shooters, along with a hatred for President Donald Trump.

She had labeled one of the rifle magazines 'Kill Donald Trump.'

Others contained anti-church sentiments, including: 'Take this all of you, and eat!', 'Do you believe in God?' and 'Where is your God?'

O'Hara now says Westman 'harbored a whole lot of hate towards a wide variety of people and groups.'
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been heckled by protesters at a rural summit, with one woman leaping to her feet while holding a noose around her neck and the words 'Vic Farmers' on her t-shirt.

The Labor leader was addressing the Herald Sun's Bush Summit at Ballarat in regional Victoria on Friday morning when the question-and-answer session turned ugly.

The PM took a question from the audience about whether the government would protect regional communities in the push for a net-zero future driven by renewable energy projects.

'There are a couple of things that we have to recognise. One is that there hasn't been a new coal-fired power station begun this century,' Albanese told the audience.

'That's just the truth, and there hasn't been any regulations stopping that. There is still nothing stopping that. Now if someone wants to build a coal-fired power station, they can go and do it.'

But the PM was briefly cut off by multiple angry crowd members who began to jeer.

'It hasn't happened because the market has determined that it doesn't stack up,' Albanese continued, triggering more heckles from the audience.

'We do need energy, and the cheapest form of new energy is renewables,' Albanese said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been heckled by protesters at a rural summit, with one woman holding a noose around her neck and the words 'Vic Farming' on her t-shirt

One man in the audience hollered: 'We don't want it!', while a woman wearing a white t-shirt with the words 'Vic Farmers' on it jumped up, holding a noose around her neck.

Albanese continued: 'The second point I'll make is that climate change, the science told us that climate change was real.'

The summit moderator called for calm, telling the audience they would have to stop if they did not quieten down.

Albanese told the crowd that net zero was adopted by the Morrison government but he did admit that regional communities should have been better consulted about the government's push for renewable energy projects.

'People need to be treated with respect and that is what I am doing through my presence here, and I'll continue to engage, but I won't bulls*** people,' Albanese added.

This triggered another flurry of heckles but Albanese ploughed on.

The moderator thanked him for 'fronting up' in 'hostile territory'.

One man in the audience hollered: 'We don't want it!', while a woman wearing a white t-shirt with the words 'Vic Farmers' on it jumped up, holding a noose around her neck (pictured)

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan received an even more brutal reception, with the crowd heckling so much she was forced to stop on multiple occasions.

'No one wants you here,' one attendee yelled.

The Prime Minister was also met with protesters outside the summit, with a large tractor carrying a sign that read 'weak leader = weak country' and 'have your power bills gone down, no'.

The PM announced that farmers who have been hit by floods and drought will have access to an extra $11 billion in low-interest loans.

He said the new Regional Investment Corporation loan scheme was about helping farmers to manage cost pressures and 'free up cash flow so they can continue producing the products we all rely on'.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, whom many see as a rising Democrat star ahead of the 2028 election, repeatedly dodged continuing questions about his military awards.

Moore has been feuding with Donald Trump all week after the president threatened to send federal law enforcement to his state's biggest city, Baltimore.

The president has previously called out Moore's admission that he lied about getting a Bronze Star for his military service on a fellowship application, which the governor has called 'an honest mistake.'

Fox News host Will Cain tried several times to get Moore to open up about the lie - which Trump said is 'the end of his political career' - in an interview on The Will Cain Show Thursday.

'In 2006, on your application for a White House fellowship, you put on your application that you were the recipient of a Bronze Star. I believe also a Combat Action Badge. That was not true. You have apologized and said it was an honest mistake,' Cain said.

'The question, Governor, is why did you let it go on  even if it was a mistake  for years and years and years as you were celebrated as having a Bronze Star?'

Moore - who eventually was awarded a Bronze Star after becoming governor in 2024 - responded by repeating his combat resume while saying he's 'very proud of my service to this country.'

'I think as anyone who has served in this country, if you look at what we were able to do overseas and the fact that I was recognized by the United States Army with both the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge, I think I'm not only proud of the service that I have done to this country and the fact that I was willing to put my life on the line, wearing the uniform of this country overseas, but I also know that the soldiers I served with are also proud,' he said.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore (pictured right), whom many see as a rising Democrat star ahead of the 2028 election, repeatedly dodged continuing questions about his military awards

Moore has been feuding with Donald Trump all week after the president threatened to send federal law enforcement to his state's biggest city, Baltimore

Cain, unsatisfied, continued to drill Moore.

'Hold on a second, Governor. First of all, I appreciate your service. I appreciate your service in combat. It's not something that I did. I recognize and honor your service for this country, and I mean that sincerely, but this is important because it's not ridiculous.'

'It is important to know that you also are telling the truth, and you did get the Bronze Star, but you got the Bronze Star two years ago. And two years ago, you got the medal, you got a citation, you got a ceremony, but you claimed it in 2006, when you didn't have any of those things. So you would know if you got the Bronze Star. The question is, why did you claim it for so long before you got it?'

Cain then asked Moore to respond to a statement from the Pentagon that referred to the governor as the 'perfect example of a politician who inflates his resume and hopes no one notices.'

'My response is I'm very proud of my service,' he said, once again repeating his military resume.

'And I'm thankful that the United States Military has recognized my service in Afghanistan with both the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge.'

'I'm thankful for the service I did overseas, I'm thankful for the soldiers I led with, I'm thankful for all of our veterans who understand the sacrifice that we were able to make, and I'm grateful for the opportunity now to be able to continue to do good work on behalf of the people of the state of Maryland,' Moore added.

Cain said that he - and the rest of the country - don't question Moore's service but they question if he's being honest.

Fox News host Will Cain tried several times to get Moore to open up about the lie - which Trump said is 'the end of his political career' - in an interview on Thursday

Moore - who eventually was awarded a Bronze Star after becoming governor in 2024 - responded by repeating his combat resume while saying he's 'very proud of my service to this country'

'I think that is important to the American people as we talk about crime or any other issues addressing the state of Maryland. We gotta' note that the man we're talking to is willing to tell us the truth, and this does not look like good evidence of your willingness to tell the truth,' Cain added.

Moore, one more time, named his accomplishments and told people to look at his record but didn't directly respond to accusations of lying.

'I think if you look at my military records, you can see that I'm not just very proud of the fact that I'm a decorated combat veteran, and I, unlike many people in this country, were willing to put on the uniform and sacrifice myself on behalf of this country,' he said.

'I'm proud of the work that I did with also my other soldiers and my other veterans across this country.'

Trump fired off a rant about a rising 2028 Democratic star before the sun rose on Thursday morning.

In the early morning hours, the president suggested the end of Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moores career could be near.

From 1996 until 2014, Moore served in the Army Reserve where he was deployed to Afghanistan from August 2005 until March 2006.

The rising Democratic star obtained multiple service awards, including a National Defense Service Medal, but he incorrectly claimed on 2006 application for a White House fellowship that he was awarded a Bronze Star.

The feud began when Trump was invited to join Moore in a tour of Baltimore. Trump responded by saying he might 'send in the troops' instead

When news broke of the misdeed, Trump jumped on the news by posting a link to an article from The Hill covering Moores apology.

'But is that the end of his political career, Trump asked his followers in the middle of the night on Truth Social.

He was very disrespectful to the Office of the President!

The Maryland governor is seen by political pundits as a potential Democratic leader in 2028 as the party remains disillusioned and fractured following Trump's 2024.

On Thursday, Moore issued a statement claiming he made an honest mistake during his 2006 application.

While serving overseas with the Army, I was encouraged to fill out an application for the White House Fellowship by my deputy brigade commander, Moore said.

In fact, he helped me edit it before I sent it in. At the time, he had recommended me for the Bronze Star.

Moore added, He told me to include the Bronze Star award on my application after confirming with two other senior-level officers that they had also signed off on the commendation.

Moores mentor, Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, confirmed to the New York Times that he instructed Moore to include the Bronze medal in his application.

Recently, Moore has stepped up his criticism of Trump by calling out his decision to send National Guard troops into Washington, DC.

Trump responded to Moores criticism by threatening to send National Guardsmen into Baltimore to quickly clean up the crime.

If Wes Moore needs help, like Gavin Newscum did in L.A., I will send in the troops, which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Maryland governor described Trumps attempt to fight inner city crime as tone deaf and ignorant. Moore then invited Trump to come walk the streets of the city with him.

It's because they have not walked our streets, Moore added. They have not been in our communities, and they are more than happy to keep making these repeated tropes about us.
A fugitive husband suspected of killing his wife and 'dragging her body into Angeles National Forest' has been captured in Peru and will be extradited to the US to face a murder charge.

Jossimar Cabrera, 36, surrendered to authorities in Lima, the Consulate General of Peru informed the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, ABC News reported.

LA officials said on Wednesday that Cabrera will be extradited back to the US and face charges related to his wife's murder.

Surveillance footage saw the fugitive husband dragging a suspiciously large sack from their apartment shortly before her body was found in a Southern California national forest.

Sheylla Cabrera, 33, was reported missing on August 12 by concerned neighbors, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

During their investigation, police discovered Ring camera footage of Cabrera dragging a large object wrapped in a what appeared to be a sheet from the apartment the couple lived at with their three young sons in Lancaster.

'Based on their additional information, they suspected foul play may have been involved with the missing person and notified the Homicide Bureau,' the sheriff's department said.

Investigators then launched an extensive search in the wilderness area north of Los Angeles, NBC 4 reported.

The husband, who was caught on camera dragging a large sack out of their apartment before her body was found in a national forest, has been captured in Peru

Police said the body of 33-year-old Sheylla Cabrera (pictured) was found wrapped in material similar to the kind her husband was caught on camera dragging

On Saturday, the Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue Team made the grim discovery inside Angeles National Forest.

They found an object similar to the material that was seen being dragged by Cabrera over the side of an embankment containing Sheylla's body.

While her cause of death will be determined by the Los Angles County Medical Examiners Office, officials are seeking murder charges against Cabrera, who police believe fled to Peru.

'This case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office for their consideration of filing murder charges against Jossimar Cabrera and obtaining the necessary documents to secure his return to the United States,' the sheriff's department said.

On Saturday, the couple's three kids were located in Peru and taken into protective custody.

Cabrera was briefly detained at the airport in Peru, but was released because he had not been charged, KTLA reported.

Sheylla's mother, Helga Rocillo Moran, told local media outlet Latina Noticias that the couple and their children migrated to the United States in 2023 in search of a fresh start, but her daughter wanted to come home because of Cabrera's abuse.

'She told me that [Cabrera] hit her, mistreated her, and had even hit my youngest grandchild, the youngest of whom is three years old. He had slapped her,' the concerned mother said.

Cabrera (right) turned himself in and is waiting to be extradited to the US where he will face murder charges related to his wife's death

Cabrera was caught dragging a large object wrapped in a large piece of material from the apartment the couple lived at with their three young sons

On Saturday, the couple's three kids were located in Peru and taken into protective custody

Moran said that she communicated with Cabrera on August 13 via text message and that he informed her that Sheylla had been detained at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office during a scheduled appointment.

Moran accused Cabrera of lying because the offices are not open on Sundays and his appointment was scheduled for September.

'There's no report with ICE. If she were deported, she would have called me by now,' Moran said.

A neighbor told the family that she heard loud screams from the home, but decided not to get involved.

A male friend of Sheylla's told La Republica newspaper that he reached out to California authorities, which found blood stains in front of the condominium.

Security camera footage showed the couple entering the home before Cabrera appeared alone dragging the sack.
Police in Victoria are investigating a Somali-Australian over a social media video in which he claimed he had a 'shooter with a switch ready' ahead of Sunday's March for Australia rallies.

Content creator 'deeds23' posted the clip on TikTok on August 18, where he criticised the planned anti-immigration rallies for all Australian capital cities, as well as Townsville and Cairns.

'Everybody talking about the 31st of August, c**t, let's run it,' he said in the video, which was taken down but not before it attracted 130,000 views.

'Ns ain't scared, wallah, what do you think this is, bro? You guys didn't see what happened in the UK, when the EDL (English Defence League) ns tried to run through and they got popped?

'Wallah, let's f**king run it. Let's go, just tell me where we meeting. Nasty n****s, where we meeting? Just tell me what block. Flinders, Swanston, Collins, just let me know so I can plan. I've got a shooter with a switch ready to just  y'nah mean?'

A 'switch' is a small device, made popular by American rap culture, that illegally converts a handgun into a fully automatic weapon.

Many who saw the video alerted Victoria Police, who confirmed to Daily Mail that they were looking into it.

'I can confirm that police are aware of the video and it is currently under investigation,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

'deeds23' made an alarming TikTok video that Victoria Police are investigating

The flyer March for Australia released on Monday, stating it wanted to end mass migration

deeds23 told news.com.au in an email that he wasn't advocating for any sort of violence against the March for Australia protesters.

'My video was in response to comments stating that on the 31st of August people of colour would be lynched and assaulted, and my video was just a reminder that people do have a right to defend themselves and that people of colour would not be scared to defend themselves,' he said.

'Just to be clear again I am 100 per cent NOT PROMOTING OR THREATENING ANY ACTS OF VIOLENCE. I am a big supporter of freedom of speech and even though I do not agree with the march, everyone has the right to state their opinions without being assaulted or threatened.'

There are growing fears of clashes between March for Australia supporters and counter-protesters at the nationwide rallies, with police in capital cities preparing for an emotionally-charged day.

'Victoria Police is planning a significant operational response to several planned protests in Melbourne on Sunday August 31,' a spokeswoman said.

'Given the nature of one of the protests, police intelligence suggests groups who hold far-right ideologies and extreme views are likely to attend the event,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

'We also hold intelligence to suggest groups with opposing views are planning on attending specifically to confront the other protest.'

The March for Australia protests have been embroiled in controversy after neo-Nazis from the National Socialist Network voiced their support.

Anti-immigration protesters are expected to march in each Australian capital city on Sunday

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.

It comes after an organiser of the Sydney rally, going by the name 'Bec Freedom', said in a leaked video on social media that 'we need to see violence' similar to the 2005 Cronulla Riots.

Bec Freedom said the clip was taken out of context and she apologised for making the comments.

The Victorian Socialists and the pro-Palestine Sit-Intifada last week called for an 'anti-fascist mobilisation' at the State Library on August 31  a few blocks from where the anti-immigration rally is to be held.

'On Sunday 31st of August, a 'March for Australia' nationwide rally is calling for an 'Australia' for the 'white man only',' its flyer read.

'This is a serious attack on Indigenous, Black and Brown people, migrants, refugees and Palestinians.

'The racist rally will be at the same time as the weekly Free Gaza protest, claiming to take back the streets from the Free Palestine movement.'

Several Indian influencers in Australia have advised fellow migrants not to leave their homes on Sunday, fearing the rallies could spark an emotionally charged and dangerous atmosphere.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Indian-born population is the second-largest in Australia, after those born in the United Kingdom.

The number of Indian migrants more than doubled from 2013 to 2023, with 845,800 living in Australia as of June 2023.

'deeds23' was contacted by Daily Mail for further comment.
Donald Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s top deputy Jim O'Neill to replace the ousted former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC was sent into chaos this week when Trump fired Dr. Susan Monarez - who held the top position for just three weeks. Monarez had claimed Kennedy's vaccine policies were 'putting millions of American lives at risk.'

O'Neill, a former investment executive who also served at the federal health department under President George W. Bush, does not have a medical background.

He also has made some claims and suggestions regarding public health that may trigger the same anger of those who protested Monarez's firing.

A video of O'Neill resurfaced on social media suggesting that people should be paid to donate organs.

'There are plenty of healthy spare kidneys walking around, unused,' he tells a conference.

He has also previously suggested on social media that COVID-19 was named as such 'to conceal the origin of the virus. This name made it harder to study and probably slowed the response.'

Donald Trump is appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s top deputy Jim O'Neill to replace the quickly ousted former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Administration officials said Jim O'Neill, the second-in-command under Kennedy at the Department of Health and Human Services, would take Monarez's job

The Guardian reported that O'Neill was also a proponent of using ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, as well as vitamin D as treatments for the coronavirus.

Monarez's firing led hundreds of CDC workers to walk out of the agency's Atlanta headquarters Thursday.

They not only honored Monarez, but lined the sidewalks and applauded as three other senior leaders who resigned the same day in protest departed, NBC News reported.

Deb Houry, the Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Daniel Jernigan, who oversaw the center that oversees vaccine safety; and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who ran the center that issues vaccine guidance received tributes and bouquets of flowers from those gathered.

'We agreed to do this together. If one of us resigned, it would have been a blip. When the three of us do it together, its more powerful, and it just shows the state of our agency,' Houry said.

The turmoil spurred rare bipartisan alarm as Kennedy tries to advance anti-vaccine policies that are contradicted by decades of scientific research.

Two Republican senators called for congressional oversight, independent Bernie Sanders demanded an investigation and some Democrats said Kennedy should be fired. He is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill on Sept. 4.

Kennedy has not explained the decision to oust Monarez less than a month after she was sworn in, but he warned that more turnover may be ahead.

Monarez's firing led hundreds of CDC workers to walk out of the agency's Atlanta headquarters Thursday

Deb Houry (pictured left), the Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Daniel Jernigan (pictured center), who oversaw the center that oversees vaccine safety; and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (pictured right), who ran the center that issues vaccine guidance received tributes and bouquets of flowers from those gathered

Monarez and Kennedy had been sparring for days before she was ultimately fired on Wednesday.

According to the Washington Post, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services was pressing Monarez for days on whether she would support his efforts to rescind approvals for COVID vaccines.

But each time, Monarez declined to commit to supporting changes to the COVID vaccine guidelines without first consulting her advisors, one insider claimed.

That eventually prompted Kennedy to call for her resignation on Monday for 'not supporting President Trump's agenda.'

When Monarez then refused to leave her post, Kennedy reportedly demanded she fire some of the CDC's other top officials including Houry, Jernigan and Daskalakis.

At that point, Monarez decided to get Sen. Bill Casey, the Republican chairman of the Senate health committee, involved, administration officials say.

That seemed to just make Kennedy angrier, however, as he summoned the CDC director to a follow-up meeting on Tuesday in which he reportedly accused her of 'being a leaker.'

By Wednesday, the White House told Monarez that if she did not plan to resign by the end of the day, the president would fire her, the New York Times reports.

Dr. Susan Monarez - who had held the job for three weeks - was fired by Trump on Wednesday evening after claiming Kennedy was 'putting millions of American lives at risk,' with her firing sending the CDC into chaos

Without Monarez and many other senior CDC officials who quit, former leaders of the agency worry about its future.

Monarez's attorneys had claimed that Kennedy does not have the authority to fire her, as she was the first CDC director in American history to be confirmed by the Senate.

The lawyers then said Monarez 'has neither resigned nor received notification from the White House that she has been fired and as a person of integrity and devoted to science, she will not resign.'

Attorneys Mark S. Zaid and Abbe Lowell also argued that Monarez's ouster was symbolic of larger issues within the federal government.

'It is about the systematic dismantling of public health institutions, the silencing of experts and the dangerous politicization of science,' the lawyers said in a statement.

'The attack on Dr. Monarez is a warning to every American: Our evidence-based systems are being undermined from within,' they continued, before accusing Kennedy and his department of setting 'their sights on weaponizing public health for political gain and putting millions of American lives at risk.'

Meanwhile, Dr. Jennifer Layden, who led the office of public health data joined Jernigan, Daskalakis and Houry in quitting.

They cited an increasingly tense environment working with the Trump administration - and hit out at Kennedy in emails to their colleagues announcing their departure.

'I am not able to serve in this role any longer because of the ongoing weaponization of public health,' Daskalakis told his co-workers, who he said 'continue to shine despite this dark cloud over the agency and our profession.'

O'Neill (pictured left) has made some claims and suggestions regarding public health that may trigger the same anger of those who protested Monarez's firing

'It is untenable to serve in an organization that is not afforded the opportunity to discuss decisions of scientific and public health importance released under the moniker of CDC,' he continued in his email, which he later shared to X.

'The lack of communication by HHS and other CDC political leadership that culminates in social media posts announcing major policy changes without prior notice demonstrates a disregard of normal communication channels and common sense.

'Having to retrofit analyses and policy actions to match inadequately thought-out announcements in poorly-scripted videos or page-long X posts should not be how organizations responsible for the health of people should function,' Daskalakis lambasted.

He went on to describe Monarez as 'hamstrung and sidelined by an authoritarian leader' whose 'desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults.

Monarez was chosen to replace Trump's first choice in the job, former Republican congressman Dave Weldon, who was criticized for his views on vaccines and autism.

At her confirmation hearing, Monarez positioned herself as an ardent supporter of vaccines - in contrast with Kennedy, who has repeatedly spread conspiracy theories that the jabs cause autism.

It was then thought that Monarez would help deter Kennedy from going after America's vaccine policy, but her short tenure was marred by low morale.

Her first week on the job ended with a gunman who believed the COVID-19 vaccine made him sick went on a shooting spree outside the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.

A spokesperson for President Donald Trump said she 'is not aligned with the president's agenda of Making America Healthy Again'

The shooting resulted in the deaths of one police officer, David Rose, and the shooter himself, leaving multiple buildings damaged from gunfire as students at the nearby Emory University took shelter.

Meanwhile, Kennedy plowed ahead with his agenda to change America's vaccine policies - booting every member of a committee that advises the CDC on how to use vaccines and pledged to replace them with his own picks in a massive shakeup.

The new board has already voted to recommend Americans take flu shots without a chemical that conspiracy theorists believe causes autism.

On Wednesday Kennedy announced that the Department of Health and Human Services signed off on new COVID vaccines - but they would only be approved for people 65 and older or those who have severe risk factors for severe cases.

A flashpoint is expected in the coming weeks as a key advisory committee , which Kennedy has reshaped with vaccine skeptics, is expected to issue new recommendations on immunizations.

The panel is scheduled to review standard childhood shots for measles, hepatitis and other diseases.
Two people have died and dozens more infected after eating raw oysters from Louisiana which were contaminated with flesh-eating bacteria.

A Louisiana resident and a Florida resident died after eating raw oysters and contracting Vibrio vulnificus, officials revealed this week.

The impacted oysters were harvested in Louisiana.

Health officials told WBRZ that the total number of deaths related to the bacteria in 2025 alone has now been brought up to six.

Louisiana Department of Health molluscan shellfish program administrator Jennifer Armentor told the outlet that they have also identified 14 new infections.

The total number of people infected this year has reached 34.

'Its just prolific right now,' Armentor told the Louisiana Oyster Task Force on Tuesday at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

The Louisiana Health Department issued a statement on July 31 urging residents to 'take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus.'

A Louisiana resident and another person in Florida died after eating oysters and contracting flesh-eating bacteria, or Vibrio vulnificus

After such high numbers of cases, the Louisiana Health Department issued a statement on July 31 urging residents to 'take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus'

Most infections come from those who have ingested raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, because as the shellfish feed by filtering water, so 'Vibrio can concentrate inside oysters'

Vibrio typically live in warm coastal waters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Swimmers with an open wound, a recent tattoo or piercing can become infected.

Most infections come from those who have ingested raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, because as the shellfish feed by filtering water, so 'Vibrio can concentrate inside oysters.'

If infected, the bacterium can cause necrotizing fasciitis which is 'a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies,' according to the CDC.

Many of those infected experience diarrhea and vomiting. Some severe cases require amputation and one in five are fatal.
Federal agents descended on a Florida condo belonging to the mother of transgender school shooter Robin Westman after she refused to cooperate with authorities investigating the deadly attack.

Plainclothes FBI agents could be seen in video footage arriving at Mary Grace Westman's Naples, Florida condominium and banging on the door as the windows and shades were shuttered.

When they received no answer at the front door, the agents scurried to the backdoor - but had no success there either, WINK News reports.

The feds were apparently not the only ones looking to speak with Westman on Wednesday, in the hours after the mass shooting. Deputy vehicles from the local Collier County Sheriff's Office were seen circling the Berkshire Lakes condominium complex.

The federal response to her home came as it was revealed police received disturbing calls from the family's Minneapolis home years earlier.

It is now believed Mary Grace fled the home on Wednesday, as police in Minneapolis, have not been able to speak to her concerning her 23-year-old child's horrific shooting rampage at the Annunciation Catholic Church.

Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed in the shooting and 18 others were injured when Westman opened fire during morning Mass.

Mary Grace Westman, the mother of shooter Robin Westman, 23, has reportedly refused to cooperate with authorities investigating the mass shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday

Plainclothes FBI agents were seen arriving at her condominium in Naples, Florida to try to speak with her about the tragedy

'We have not been successful in talking to the shooter's mother,' Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said at a news conference on Thursday, without providing any further details.

Hours later, it emerged that Mary Grace has retained an attorney to represent her out of an abundance of caution.

'She is completely distraught about the situation and has no culpability but is seeking an attorney to deal with calls like this,' Attorney Ryan Garry told Fox News.

Meanwhile, Naples residents were left shocked as news of Mary Grace's connection to the Minneapolis shooting spread.

She had worked at the Annunciation Church School up until her retirement in 2021, and Robin - who previously went by Robert until changing names in 2019 to reflect 'identifying as a woman' - graduated from the school in 2017.

'It was shocking as it always is and just a great tragedy - someone who wants to hurt children especially, but then hearing how close to home it was was pretty shocking too,' one neighbor told WINK, describing the elder Westman as a helpful and well-regarded member of the community.

'She's talked about quite highly and she's been very helpful to a lot of neighbors when neighbors were in need,' the neighbor said.

'I feel bad, I feel sad, that these kinds of things happen and you know, I felt bad for everyone in Minnesota.'

Robin Westman killed two children and wounded 18 other victims in the horror mass shooting

The victims were identified on Thursday as eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski

Back in Minneapolis, local outlets reported that Mary Grace was also in disbelief when she learned her child was the killer, as neighbors told the New York Post they had always seemed like a 'great family'.

Stephen Jeglosky recounted how his 'jaw dropped' when he saw the news, revealing he last spoke to the family around two years ago when they were celebrating a graduation.

He recalled that the Westman family stopped him to ask him to take some photos of their celebrations, and they 'seemed like a great family'.

'There were kids running around, parents drinking, music playing. Their little Chihuahua nipped me in the ankle,' he added.

'They gave me a beer, and I went on my way. I guess you never know who somebody is.'

It also emerged on Thursday that the Westman family has had officers called to their home in Hastings, Minnesota at least twice before.

In January 2018, a police officer in Eagan, Minnesota was dispatched to the family's home over a mental heal issue, according to a heavily-redacted police report obtained by NBC News.

The officer notes in the report that he 'assisted Mendota Heights with a check welfare on a juvenile'.

The name of that juvenile and what exactly prompted police to be summoned to the three-bedroom home were redacted.

The shooter, Westman (pictured), attended the school later targeted in the attack, graduating from there in 2017

The youngest of three children whose parents divorced in 2013, Robin Westman (seen front right in the family photo) lived in Hastings, Minnesota, before Mary and Jim (second from left) split

Police were also dispatched to the Westman's home two years prior when they responded to a report of a 'criminal offense'.

But the report blacks out all of the details describing the event.

Still, O'Hara said authorities did not have any information indicating that the school shooter suffered from any type of mental illness that would preclude the individual from obtaining pistols or semiautomatic weapons under Minnesota's red flag law.

'There is nothing in the investigation so far that would lead us to believe that anything was missed,' he said, noting that beyond a traffic ticket Westman did not have a police record.

The school shooter was the youngest of three children born to Mary Grace and her now ex-husband, Jim, before they got divorced in 2013.

Years later, Mary Grace was a signatory to the killer's application in 2019 to change from Robert to Robin.

In the filing, she wrote that the move was to reflect that her child was '[identifying] as a woman'.

But, according to a former employee at Annunciation Catholic School, Mary struggled with her child's transition.

Community members gather at the scene of the mass shooting where two children were killed

Westman's twisted manifesto (pictured) has also been unearthed in the aftermath of the deadly shooting, offering some clues into what went through the alleged killer's mind

She had confided in the employee that Westman was transgender and identified as a girl and admitted: I dont know how I feel about this.

'I think she was struggling with her Catholic faith... She didnt know how she felt, but it weighed heavily on her,' the employee said.

Over the years, Mary had also reportedly voiced concerns over Westman's behavior at school and social issues.

Westman didn't have any friends in eighth grade and was disruptive in class, often being sent to the principal's office, the employee said.

In a chilling insight into the mass shooter's mindset, Westman shared a manifesto in a video on YouTube that included cryptic handwritten scrawlings and tributes to other killers.

In the rambling notes, the transgender shooter complained about being 'tired of being trans' and wrote about being 'brainwashed'.

'I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,' the killer wrote.

'I cant cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported.

'It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.'

Westman also wrote about struggling with how to identify, adding: 'I dont want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely dont feel like a man.'

Westman shared the manifesto (pictured) during a video posted via a since-deleted personal YouTube account that appeared to show the layout of the church where the shooting unfolded

In another 20-minute video, Westman showed off a kill-kit of ammunition, magazines and firearms, while revealing a twisted obsession with school shooters, along with a dislike of President Donald Trump, and mockery of the Church.

Westman also showed the camera pages of handwritten notes in a final letter to family and friends.

In the letter, Westman claimed to have cancer caused by a vaping habit.

'I think I am dying of cancer. It's a tragic end as it's entirely self inflicted. I did this to myself as I cannot control myself and have been destroying my body through vaping and other means,' the shooter wrote.

Westman went on to write about wanting 'to go out on my own means'.

'Unfortunately, due to my depression, anger and twisted mind, I want to fulfill a final act that has been in the back of my head for years,' Westman wrote.

The note was signed with the name 'Robin M Westman, 2002-2025' and what appeared to be a bird drawing.

As well as the warped letter, the video also showed a stash of gun magazines, with white writing scrawled on them.

Several school shooters' names including 'Lanza' for Sandy Hook mass shooter Adam Lanza, was seen on some of the cartridges.

One of the other cartridges was labeled: 'For the children.'
The daughter whose father was tortured and starved before being publicly beheaded fears that a second member of The Beatles terror cell will apply to move to a UK jail.

David Haines was killed by the gang in Syria, with his daughter now worried that Alexanda Kotey will attempt to follow the lead of El Shafee Elsheik.

Elsheikh - known as Jihadi Ringo - is currently serving life in a high-security US jail after he was convicted in 2022 of hostage-taking and conspiring to murder.

He has applied to be switched from his Colorado prison to a UK jail under the International Prisoner Transfer Program, claiming he would like to be closer to family and friends, it was reported yesterday.

Now Bethany, 28, from Perthshire, fears Kotey, who is held at US supermax ADX Florence in Colorado alongside Elsheik, will also apply to be transferred to the UK.

Bethany, who chose to meet Kotey in 2022 as part of his plea deal, told the Sun: 'I've looked in his eyes. He's evil.

'My biggest fear is that he will apply for a transfer. He will attack the West in some way even from inside a UK prison.'

Kotey, known as Jihadi George, received a life sentence after he admitted eight charges relating to the abduction, torture and live-streamed beheadings of IS hostages in Syria.

Alexanda Amon Kotey, left, and El Shafee Elsheikh were both prosecuted in the US. Kotey pleaded guilty and was also sentenced to life in prison

David Haines was captured and beheaded in 2014 after being held by a four-man terrorist group of Britons dubbed 'The Beatles'

Bethany Haines, the daughter of David Haines, who was murdered by Islamic terrorists, arrives at the Albert V. Bryan Federal Courthouse in 2022 during the trial of Islamic State member El Shafee Elsheikh

Elsheikh, who was born in Sudan and grew up in London but had his British citizenship revoked in 2018, was tried by a Federal jury in Virginia and handed eight life sentences.

He, Elsheik, 'Jihadi John' Mohammed Emwazi and 'Jihadi Paul' Aine Davis were part of the IS Beatles group, who were given their name by hostages who noticed their distinctive British accents.

The gang videoed the killings of captives, of which one was aid worker David Haines - whose daughter Bethany has called Elsheikh's bid to move prisons an 'outrageous insult'.

Mr Haines, of Perth in Scotland, was abducted while working at a refugee camp in Syria in 2013. He was held hostage by Elsheikh, Kotey, Mohammed Emwazi and Aine Davis.

A horrific 2014 video showed Mr Haines kneeled next to knife-wielding Emwazi - dubbed Jihadi John - and eventually beheaded.

Families of the victims fear the prison transfer could mean a move to somewhere like London's Belmarsh where convicts have access to a number of luxuries like TVs and games consoles and can mix with other extremists.

In her concerns the bereaved daughter said she was worried Elsheikh would receive cushy treatment in the UK, adding the 'sociopath and narcissist' in reality had 'no real interest' in returning to be closer to family.

She said the convicted terrorist was 'manipulating the system to receive better conditions in prison' and so he could 'cause further pain to the victims' families'.

Elsheikh, 34, a former British citizen, was sentenced to life in US prison

Elsheikh (centre) during his arrest at an EDL counterprotest in central London on September 11, 2011

Mohammed Emwazi, who became known as 'Jihadi John', brandishing a knife. He was killed by a drone strike in 2015

Bethany, whose father was tortured and starved before being publicly beheaded, said: 'He left this country to bring terror to the world and inflicted the most appalling treatment on my father and others when he held him captive.

'He is one of the worst terrorists to come from this country and it's an outrageous insult to our families for him to apply to return to one of our prisons for an easier life.'

A US notice sent to victims' relatives, seen by The Sun, says: 'This is to inform you that El Shafee Elsheikh has applied to transfer to the UK, the country of which the inmate is a national.

'The United States has prisoner transfer relationships with many countries.

'These treaties permit foreign nationals to apply to transfer and serve their sentence in their home country. Before making a decision, the US collects information about the prisoner, the views of law enforcement and any views provided by victims.'

Bethany and other relatives were given 30 days to make submissions to the US Department for Justice, which sent out its notice earlier this month.

The Ministry of Justice can refuse any transfer request.

A spokesman added any prisoners who are transferred will serve the rest of their sentence in Britain.

The gang's victims also included Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.

All the hostages except Ms Mueller were executed in videotaped beheadings that ISIS released online.

Ms Mueller was forced into slavery and raped multiple times by Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before she was killed.

The deaths of Foley, Sotloff and Kassig were confirmed in 2014, while Ms Mueller's death was confirmed in early 2015.

Elsheikh's sentencing hearing came on the eight-year anniversary of the day that ISIS uploaded a video to YouTube showing the gruesome beheading of Foley.

Foley's mother Diane spoke to reporters following the sentencing hearing, saying: 'Today we remember four extraordinary young Americans.

'These brave Americans saw the suffering of the Syrian people and decided to help, whether by providing humanitarian aid or telling the world about the tragic Syrian crisis.

'The left a legacy of profound moral courage.'

Left: US freelance journalist Steven Sotloff. Right: Kayla Mueller is shown after speaking to a group in Prescott, Arizona. Both were killed in Syria by ISIS

Mr Haines with his brother David (left) in the late 1990s. David was captured by militants in Syria in March 2013 while delivering aid to the war-torn country

The charges against Elsheikh, whose British citizenship was withdrawn in 2018, carried a potential death sentence, but US prosecutors had agreed not seek his execution in a deal with British officials to carry forward the case.

Elsheikh's trial, and emotional testimony from the families of his victims, gripped observers on both sides of the Atlantic.

'This prosecution unmasked the vicious and sadistic ISIS Beatles,' said First Assistant US Attorney Raj Parekh, noting that Elsheikh and the other Beatles always wore masks when they appeared in front of their hostages.

'This is one of the most significant international terrorism cases ever brought to trial,' said Commander Richard Smith, head of counterterrorism at London's Metropolitan Police Service.
A body has been discovered inside a burned-out car after several vehicles erupted in flames in South Wales.

The horrific discovery was made after emergency services rushed to the fire involving multiple vehicles in Porthcawl around 3am yesterday.

Firefighters managed to bring the inferno under control before making the tragic discovery of a person inside one of the cars.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, South Wales Police confirmed.

Shaken residents heard a series of 'loud bangs' in the middle of the night as the fire tore through the vehicles.

An investigation has now been launched to find the cause of the blaze.

The road remained sealed off throughout the day, with police erecting large screens while forensic teams scoured the scene.

The horrific discovery happened after emergency services rushed to fire involving multiple vehicles in Porthcawl around 3am yesterday

The road remained sealed off throughout the day, with police erecting large screens while forensic teams scoured the scene

Formal identification has not yet taken place, South Wales Police confirmed

The latest update from police said: 'We were called at 2.50am this morning, Thursday August 28, by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reporting a fire incident involving multiple vehicles on Mackworth Road in Porthcawl.

'Once the fire was extinguished, emergency personnel discovered a deceased person inside one of the vehicles. Formal identification has yet to be carried out and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

'A cordon remains in place both ways from Bungalow Avenue, which is about halfway down Mackworth Road, to the bottom of Mackworth Road by the beach. There is also no pedestrian access across Mackworth Road from the Hi Tide complex to Coney Beach amusement park.

'Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.'
Labour hypocrisy was said to be on 'full show' today after Ms Rayner was claimed to have escaped shelling out 40,000 in stamp duty on her new coastal flat.

It comes after Ms Rayner's own department has warned against the impact of second homes in pricing others out of the housing market.

The Labour deputy leader has also repeatedly hit out at 'tax dodgers' during her years as an MP in the House of Commons.

And she criticised the previous Tory government when it eased the stamp duty burden on homebuyers with temporary changes to the property levy.

Read the full story from political correspondent Greg Heffer here:
A fugitive dad who vanished into the New Zealand wilderness with his three young children has been caught on camera for the first time in a year, apparently breaking into a convenience store with one of his kids.

Police say they are 'confident' that the chilling new CCTV footage appears to show Tom Phillips, alongside one of his missing children.

The video, captured in the early hours of Wednesday, shows two figures forcing their way into a small-town shop before fleeing on a quad bike.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders revealed at a press conference on Friday that the pair helped themselves to 'grocery items' during the raid.

The latest development is the strongest lead in years in a case that has gripped the country since Phillips disappeared with his children, Ember, Maverick and Jayda in December 2021.

Police believe he snatched the youngsters after losing a bitter custody battle to their mother.

The break-in happened just after 2am on Wednesday in the tiny North Island town of Piopio. Investigators say Phillips appears to have struck before, targeting the same store in November 2023 but failing to get inside.

Authorities released the footage in the hope someone might finally come forward with information about the family's whereabouts.

A fugitive dad who vanished into the New Zealand wilderness with his three young children has been caught on camera for the first time in a year breaking into a convenience store with one of his kids

The video, captured in the early hours of Wednesday, shows two figures forcing their way into a small-town shop before fleeing on a quad bike

Police say they are 'confident' that the chilling new CCTV footage appears to show Tom Phillips, alongside one of his missing children

The latest development is the strongest lead in years in a case that has gripped the country since Phillips disappeared with his children, Ember, Maverick and Jayda in December 2021

Police believe he snatched the youngsters after losing a bitter custody battle to their mother

Saunders reminded the public that the children's safety is the police's top priority.

He said: 'At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus.'

Phillips is now wanted on serious charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police allege he was behind a violent armed bank raid in Te Kuiti in 2023, where two people demanded cash before escaping on a motorbike.

Investigators have long suspected Phillips had help surviving off-grid. Now they are questioning if this new burglary means those relationships have soured.

Saunders said: 'Does it mean that he's potentially had a falling out with who's helping him? Or is he just that brazen and confident that he's quite happy to come out at night and commit a burglary?'

The fugitive has not been seen publicly since October last year, when a group of teenagers stumbled across him and his three children while hunting pigs.

They filmed the remarkable encounter, the first confirmed sighting in almost three years, before the family vanished back into the bush.

Police believe he went on the run after losing a custody battle with the mother of his children

Cops launched a nationwide manhunt for them and even offered an 80,000 New Zealand dollar reward

At that time, police said the children had gone years without schooling or contact with the outside world.

Despite a nationwide manhunt and an 80,000 New Zealand dollar reward for information leading to their safe return, the family has continued to evade capture. The reward expired last year with no claims.

Phillips' family has repeatedly pleaded with him to bring the children home.

His mother issued a heartbreaking message through local media saying: 'Tom - I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you.

'It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you and see some of your stuff that is still here.'

In a separate plea, she wrote directly to the youngsters: 'Jayda, Maverick, Ember, I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives every day I wake up, and hope that today will be the day that you will come.'
Vladimir Putin has ignored international outrage over Russia's strikes on UK and EU buildings and has unleashed a new deadly barrage on Ukraine.

It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on Western allies to send a 'strong joint signal' to the Kremlin.

In one of its deadliest onslaughts since the start of the three and a half year war, Moscow launched 'egregious' attacks on civilian targets in Kyiv on Thursday, including the EU delegation and British Council buildings.

The total death toll for the major offensive has risen to 23, including four children. Some 63 others have been injured including 11 minors.

But Putin brushed aside the worlds revulsion and carried on attacking Ukraine overnight - killing civilians in Kherson, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.

The strikes on Thursday, which are understood to have included 629 drones and 31 ballistic and cruise missiles, were widely condemned by the U.S. and European leaders - who accused Moscow of derailing peace talks just two weeks after the Alaska summit.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accused Putin of 'sabotaging hopes of peace', while a Foreign Office spokesperson added that the 'outrageous attacks' will 'only harden UK and Western resolve to support Ukraine'.

Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy issued a statement on X condemning the strikes, which he described as the second-largest aerial attack of the war so far.

'The targets? Not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyivblasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians,' he wrote.

A one-year-old child was injured in a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia as Putin unleashed a fresh wave of attacks on Ukraine

Two elderly people were injured because of a Russian mass strike in Kherson region, where ammunition hit residential quarters of the city and suburbs, causing large-scale fires

Private residential buildings, non-residential buildings, farms, cars and land burned amid repeated shelling and the threat of drone strikes

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Thursday's onslaught showed 'a deliberate choice to escalate and mock peace efforts', and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the 'attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law'.

But after the horror of strikes in Kyiv a day earlier, Putin's forces are keeping up their onslaught against border areas as he seeks to grab more territory.

In new attacks, two people were killed and nine wounded in Kherson as the Russian President insists on pushing ahead with his drive to invade more Ukrainian territory.

In Dnipro, two were killed - a man and a woman - and three wounded in night Shahed drone strikes by Russian forces.

Fire raged in the city after the Russian strikes.

Meanwhile in Zaporizhzhia, a one year old child and a man, 70, were injured in Russian strikes.

This region suffered an appalling 553 strikes on 13 settlements as Putin seeks to break the will of Ukrainian residents.

In Kyiv, a large-scale fire was still raging for the second day following the attack on the Turkish Baykar plant in Kyiv, where drones and their components are produced.

Throughout the night, rescuers continuously worked at the ruins in the Ukrainian capital

In Dnipro, two were killed - a man and a woman - and three wounded in night Shahed drone strikes by Russian forces

Several buildings have been completely destroyed in Putin's latest onslaught on Kyiv

Russia has said it will continue to bomb Ukraine, despite claiming it still wants to negotiate a deal

A person looks on as rescuers work at the site of a residential building hit by a Russian missile on August 28, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Emergency workers approach a damaged residential building hit by the strikes on August 28, 2025

The head of Kyiv's military administration said that Moscow had fired ballistic and cruise missiles along with Iranian-designed Shahed drones from different directions to 'systematically' target homes

Two year old Angelinka was the youngest victim of the Russian missile and drone slaughter targeted at civilians in Kyiv on Thursday.

The tragic toddler died with her mother Nadiya, 24. The other children killed were aged 14 and 17.

'Unfortunately, the number of casualties in Kyiv has risen to 23 people,' announced Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

'My condolences to the families and loved ones.'

The grim search for more victims was still underway in Kyiv early today as the city marked a day of mourning for victims of Putins wanton aggression.

All but one of the 23 people who died were in a five-storey residential building that was destroyed in the south-eastern Darnytskyi district on Kyiv's left bank.

A missile pummeled the building at about 3:00 am, causing it to collapse.

In a virtual meeting with the leaders of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Denmark, Zelensky told his allies in the West to 'keep the pressure' on the Russian president to force him to the negotiating table.

Russia has struck the British Council building in Kyiv as Vladimir Putin blitzed the city with hypersonic missiles and drones in an attack that has killed at least 18 people

Two missiles, less than twenty seconds apart, were fired into the building

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An EU employee walks in the debris after the strike. Several EU officials have blasted the attack saying it was 'deliberate'

Emergency rescue workers search for survivors after an overnight bombardment by Russian forces on August 28, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Iryna Kutsenko (center) is embraced as friends and family waits for news about her mother while emergency rescue workers search for survivors after an overnight bombardment by Russian forces on Kyiv August 28, 2025

Rescuers conducting a search and rescue operation in and around a residential building heavily damaged during a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv

'Putin has not done what he said. It's time to move. We need a strong joint signal,' he said, adding: 'Only at the level of leaders can the war truly be ended.'

He pushed those present to give details on what security guarantees would be put in place to protect Ukraine after the war.

'Europe must not miss this opportunity - it should define real foundations for joint action,' he told attendees.

A video shows the moment a Russian missile slammed into the British Council and EU buildings on Zhylyanska Street in a fireball explosion at around 5.40am before a second followed 20 seconds later - leaving it 'severely damaged'.

While no EU staff was harmed, a security guard was injured in the British Council attack.

The British Council site, which offers educational courses and English language programmes, is run independently but receives sponsorship from the Foreign Office.

British nationals are recruited from the UK to teach at the centre, and many would likely have been inside had the strike occurred just a few hours later, after it opened at 9:00 am.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen accused Moscow of a 'deliberate' strike and 'targeting the EU'.

A firefighting helicopter flies over a heavily damaged residential building, following a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv on August 28, 2025

After the horror of strikes in Kyiv on Thursday, Putin's forces are keeping up their onslaught against border areas as he seeks to grab more territory

Firefighters work on the site of a burning building after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the strike clearly shows that Russias goals have not changed

The Russian ambassador to the UK and the Russian envoy to the EU were summoned to address the attacks.

In an evening address on Thursday, the Ukrainian president said: 'This strike clearly shows that Russias goals have not changed.

'They want war  and they are striking not only our people, not only our cities and communities.

'Russia is now striking at everyone in the world who seeks peace. It is a strike against Ukraine.

'It is a strike against Europe. And it is also a strike by Russia against President Trump, and against other global actors.

'In Washington, we heard that Putin is supposedly ready to end the war  to meet at the leaders level and resolve key issues.

'But instead, he chooses ballistics over any real steps toward peace.

'He kills children in order not to talk about when and how peace will come. The problem is that he is not afraid to strike even against the leaders he makes promises to.

Firefighters work at the site of a burning building after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025

Trumps own response has been more muted but his hopes of an early Putin-Zelensky meeting to end the war now appeared in tatters

'A clear response of the world to this evil is needed.'

Trumps own response has been more muted but his hopes of an early Putin-Zelensky meeting to end the war now appeared in tatters.

This led Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to claim Trump was a Moscow agent.

'The supreme leader of the world's largest superpower is objectively a Soviet, Russian agent,' he said.

'He acts as an asset.

'I'm not saying there is an alliance based on friendship or economic, ideological, and doctrinal complicity, no.

'I am saying that objectively the new American leadership has brought strategic benefits to Russia.

'In other words, they have turned from allies of one side into arbiters in this confrontation.'

fResidents sit at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine August 28, 2025

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen accused Moscow of a 'deliberate' strike and 'targeting the EU'

But the U.S. state department approved the sale to Ukraine of more than 3,000 ERAM long-range air-to-ground cruise missiles and equipment worth 610 million.

And the EU is proposing a 25 mile 'buffer zone' on the border in a new move towards ending the war.

The European Commission is also developing a mechanism to use 173 billion in frozen Russian assets to pay for reconstruction of Ukraine after the war.

Russia was hit by Ukrainian drone strikes on Oryol city and region, triggering fires.

This came as a new analysis of Russian soldiers sent to their deaths during the war launched by Putin topped 200,000.

The findings by Meduza and Mediazona are based on analysis of inheritance data.

The total number of casualties - including those wounded and permanently disabled - is believed to be well in excess of one million.
This haunting last picture shows a Polish pilot just minutes before his F-16 fighter jet crashed in a ball of flames.

Terrifying footage captured the plane spiraling out of control before slamming into the ground during an airshow rehearsal in Radom, central Poland, yesterday.

Horrified onlookers shouted and held their hands to their heads as the tragedy unfolded in front of them.

Major Maciej 'Slab' Krakowian was the well-known pilot who lost his life.

The Major posted a selfie in his flying gear on the F-16 Tiger Demo Team's Facebook page just before the training session. The image was captioned: 'See you over Radom'.

Major Krakowian was the leader of Tiger Demo Team, and recently awarded the prestigious 'As the Crow Flies Trophy' at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK.

Tributes have poured in for the pilot, with the Military Recruitment Centre in Wrocaw saying: 'In today's F-16 Tiger Demo Team crash in Radom, pilot Maj.

'Maciej 'Slab' Krakowian was killed. There are no words to express how enormous this tragedy is. Rest in Peace!'

Deputy Prime Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also paid tribute to the pilot, saying on X: 'I am at the scene of the tragedy.

This haunting last picture shows a Polish pilot just minutes before his F-16 fighter jet crashed in a ball of flames

Major Maciej 'Slab' Krakowian was the well-known pilot who lost his life

Terrifying footage captured the plane twisting and turning before spiraling into the ground during an airshow rehearsal in Radom, central Poland, yesterday

The plane plummeted headfirst and then erupted into a terrifying bright orange fireball surrounded by black smoke

Horrified onlookers shouted and held their hands to their heads as the crash unfolded in front of them today during an airshow rehearsal in Radom, central Poland

'In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died  an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage.

'I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences.

'This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.'

Poland's President Karol Nawrocki added: 'I have received very sad news about the F-16 plane crash in which a Polish pilot died.

'I extend my most sincere condolences to the Family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.'

The horrific accident occurred at around 7.25pm local time on Thursday.

Video shows the plane twisting and turning as it spirals out of control before its tragic descent to the ground.

As it skids across the floor the plane explodes leaving a trail of thick black smoke in its wake.

Remains of the aircraft could be seen burning on the field as firefighters rushed to the scene.

The Polish military said no one on the ground was injured.

As it skids across the floor the plane explodes leaving a trail of thick black smoke in its wake

A military police investigation has been launched into the crash. Pictured: The plane erupts into a fireball as it hits the ground

Remains of the aircraft could be seen burning on the field as firefighters rushed to the scene

Rescue services, firefighters and soldiers work at the scene of the accident

The horrific accident occurred at around 7.25pm local time on Thursday

According to reports the F-16 was flying at maximum power with the afterburner lit and was maneuvering to complete a move when it crashed into the runway. Videos didn't appear to show an ejection.

A military police investigation has been launched into the crash.

A statement made by the prosecutor's office on Thursday read: 'Preliminary procedural steps have already been taken by prosecutors from the 8th Military Department of the Warsaw District Prosecutor's Office, who are en route to the scene.

'Representatives of the Military Police are already on site.'

The AirSHOW Radom 2025 was scheduled to take place at Radom Airport over the weekend but has now been cancelled.

Radom lies just 62 miles south of Warsaw.
This is the dramatic moment firefighters in full hazmat gear boarded a British Airways flight from London after it made an emergency landing in Italy.

Melanie Wells, 61, was on the flight which had set off from London Gatwick with her 19-year-old daughter Imogen for an eight-day luxury break in Egypt.

Shortly after boarding, Melanie says she began to feel unwell and initially blamed it on the temperature in the plane. However, she claims the situation spiralled as travellers and cabin crew also became sick with staff going into 'full panic mode'.

The aircraft was forced to divert to Venice where emergency services rushed to the tarmac with hazmat teams boarding in breathing apparatus and scanning equipment.

British Airways told the Daily Mail that the diversion was 'a precaution', following a technical issue. The airline said engineers inspected the aircraft, which was cleared to return to service the next day.

It also explained that the plane was checked by engineers who did not find any evidence of toxic fumes.

Despite the airlines reassurance, Melanie said the incident was frightening. She also claims British Airways has refused to pay for the money she lost on her first night of accommodation in Egypt.

Firefighters in full hazmat gear stormed a British Airways plane after a flight from London erupted into 'pandemonium' when passengers and crew were struck down by sudden illness

According to Melanie, the plane was quickly surrounded by ambulances and fire engines as hazmat teams boarded with breathing apparatus and scanning equipment

There were emergency crew waiting for the plane when it touched down in Venice

Explaining the incident, she said: 'About an hour and a half in the air, crew members suddenly began running down the aisle backwards and forwards. I didn't know what was going on.'

Melanie added: 'We were told nothing the whole time. We landed and the whole plane was surrounded by police, ambulances, fire services.

'And then men in hazmat suits with full breathing apparatus came on board with what I was assume were [testing devices], running them over the stewards and stewardesses then doing it to the passengers affected.

'I was absolutely terrified - I was out of my mind with worry, I was really fearful. It was pandemonium.

'The staff were in pure panic mode. At no point did the captain give us any information.'

After an eight-hour delay in Italy, the flight, which took off on December 23, was sent back to Gatwick before passengers finally reached Egypt the following morning.

Melanie says the ordeal left her and her daughter 'utterly exhausted' and claims it ruined the start of what was meant to be a much-needed getaway.

'I hadn't been very well, so treated me and my daughter to an ultra-high-end all-inclusive in Sharm El Sheikh. I hadn't been away for ages, it was definitely much-needed,' she said.

Passengers had to leave the aircraft after they touched down in Italy

British Airways had denied the claims that there were fumes in the aircraft

Shortly after boarding, Melanie says she began to feel unwell

Melanie said: 'We were travelling for 40 hours.'

'We were utterly exhausted. The experience was horrific. It was definitely a flight from hell. BA have performed in the most cavalier manner. The distress and trauma we went through it was utterly traumatic. It ruined the start of our holiday.'

She says the airline has offered 2,130 to cover the cancelled flight, meals, and expenses, but is refusing to refund the 500 she lost on the first night of accommodation.

'I want the 500 for the missed accommodation too. It was a horrific experience,' she added.

A British Airways spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our top priority and our aircraft diverted as a precaution because of a technical issue.

'Weve apologised to our customers for their experience and have offered compensation accordingly.'
A tourist has sparked fury after he shockingly poured beer down an elephant's trunk during a safari in Kenya.

Footage shows a Spanish man drinking a can of Tusker, a popular Kenyan beer, before emptying the rest down the bull elephant's trunk at the Ol Jogi Conservancy wildlife reservation, in Laikipia County.

'Just a tusker with a tusked friend,' the man captioned the video on Instagram.

The elephant, named Bupa, has been identified because of its distinctive damaged tusk.

It was reportedly rescued from a mass cull in Zimbabwe in 1989 before being brought to the sanctuary aged eight.

In another video, the man is seen feeding two elephants with carrots and saying: 'We are on beer time.'

The videos, posted by skydive_kenya on Instagram, have since been deleted after a flurry of angry comments.

The man describes himself as an 'adrenaline junkie' and has posted footage on Monday where he feeds rhinos with carrots at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

A tourist has sparked fury after he shockingly poured beer down an elephant's trunk during a safari in Kenya

The Spanish man took a swig of a can of Tusker before pouring the remains down the tusk of the elephant

The beer fury follows more anger in Kenya over tourists behaviour towards animals

The beer stunt has caused outrage, with multiple investigations launched.

'This should never have happened. We're a conservation and we can't allow that to happen,' a staff member at the wildlife reserve told the BBC.

'We don't even allow people to go near the elephants.'

They added that the video would be handed to the 'relevant authorities'.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is also probing the incident.

Dr Winnie Kiiru, a Kenyan biologist and elephant conservationist, said the behaviour had endangered the elephant's life.

'About 95% of elephants in Kenya are wild and it is wrong to have social media posts that give the impression that you can get close to the elephants and feed them,' she said.

Ol Jogi Conservancy is home to around 500 elephants and is a leading reservation in rehabilitating orphans before releasing them into the wild.

The beer fury follows more anger in Kenya over tourists behaviour towards animals.

Last week a group of tourists were recorded blocking wildebeests at the Maasai Mara Reserve during their annual migration.

Visitors jumped out of safari vehicles and crowded the riverbank, leaving less than a meter of space between them and the animals.

Some even forced the wildebeests back into the crocodile-infested river.

Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife quickly condemned the incident and said they would take legal action against tour operators who flout park rules as well as increasing ranger presence at sensitive migration points.








Jude Law is leading the charge of A-list celebrities opposing a plan for 45 new homes on a train station car park in a 'wonderful old village'.

Hundreds of residents in the quaint suburban village of Blackheath in south-east London are up in arms over the proposals, which they think are too large and 'out of keeping' for the area.

The furious locals also fear the plans will harm the Blackheath Conservation Area, which was the first one to be formed in London in 1968.

Hollywood heartthrob Jude Law has led other famous faces against the 'heartbreaking' plan - including Marvel actor Dominic Cooper and musician Chris Difford - by signing an open letter.

Law penned in a statement: 'I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place.

'This plan does not answer housing needs. Instead this plan will enforce a strain on a wonderful old village that deserves our protection.'

Difford from the band Squeeze, which was formed locally, said: 'This is heartbreaking  Blackheath has a skyline that is already suffocated by the horizon of Canary Wharf and the buildings in neighbouring Lewisham.

'We must respect the beauty and freedom that the sky provides around Blackheath Village and say no to this new development.'

Jude Law is leading the charge of A-list celebrities opposing a plan for 45 new homes on a train station car park in a 'wonderful old village'

Hundreds of residents of Blackheath in south east London are up in arms over the proposals, which they think are too large and 'out of keeping' for the area. Pictured: An architect's design for the redevelopment

Blackheath Station car park could be replaced by 45 new houses which would consist of 20 terraced homes and 25 flats as part of two blocks that would be five and four storeys tall

Blackheath Station car park could be replaced by 45 new houses which would consist of 20 terraced homes and 25 flats as part of two blocks that would be five and four storeys tall.

Under the plans by developer Acorn, the site's 162 spaces will be axed to just 17.

Residents say this could have an impact on the footfall which it brings to local businesses within the village, as well as uncertainty around the future of the farmers' market which operates in the car park every Sunday.

Olly Payne, a lifelong Blackheath resident, told News Shopper: 'Blackheath is one of London's oldest conservation areas and this is just completely out of keeping with anything else within the vicinity.

'It's enormous, you've got this big five storey block so there's a problem with the massing and scale of the development.'

'This is just going to have a huge impact on the area, it's going to set a terrible precedent in terms of future development and you think people are being precious about the area, but it's a conservation area and if you're developing in conservation areas, you're meant to respect them. There's a reason why we have them.'

The proposals have only received 14 comments of support - in comparison to a damning 633 objections.

Local businesses hit out at the developers for not holding a proper consultation about the plans, claiming all that was done were flyers through doors and a small pop-up stall through the market.

Plans to convert the car park at Blackheath Station into 45 new homes

Law penned in a statement: 'I grew up in Blackheath. My junior school was across from the site where this proposed development will take place'

The furious locals also fear the plans will harm the Blackheath Conservation Area, which was the first one to be formed in London in 1968. Pictured: Blackheath village

Under the plans by developer Acorn, the site's 162 spaces will be axed to just 17. Above, Blackheath Station car park

Famous faces have lined up to oppose the plans, which they fear could destroy what is one of London's last beauty spots. Pictured: A design for a play space

Residents say this could have an impact on the footfall which it brings to local businesses within the village, as well as uncertainty around the future of the farmers' market which operates in the car park every Sunday

The proposals have only received 14 comments of support - in comparison to a damning 633 objections

Blackheath is known for it's quaint and suburban charm (pictured)

In response, Acorn said: 'The pre-application process was accompanied and informed by engagement [via in-person events, as well as online] with local residents, businesses and stakeholders including the Blackheath Society  and the team continue to welcome comments and enquiries from interested residents and businesses throughout the planning process.

'The proposed development will deliver 45 high-quality sustainable homes, including much needed, entirely social-rented, family sized affordable housing, re-provision and enhancement of the farmers market and a substantial number of public benefits prioritising a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable development that supports both residents and the natural environment.'

A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said they cannot comment due to it being a live planning application.

The final decision will rest with the Strategic Planning Committee, which is expected this autumn.

It follows Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch, who has joined a neighbourhood bid to block plans for a new 5.6million six-storey block of flats in north London.

This is along with Labour minister Ed Miliband's wife Justine Thornton, despite his vow to take on 'nimbys'.

The Oscar-nominated actor is among residents in Dartmouth Park urging Camden Council to reject current proposals to transform an existing property called Lamorna.

Cumberbatch, 48, raised concerns about the planned replacement of the two-storey, redbrick 1930s property currently standing in the district not far from Hampstead Heath.

Cumberbatch and his theatre director wife Sophie Hunter, pictured together at the Serpentine Summer Party in London last June, have written to Camden Council about the plans

The actor, whose films include The Imitation Game and The Power Of The Dog, has a home in the area with his theatre director wife Sophie Hunter.

A report by BPS Chartered Surveyors for the council estimated the planned six new flats would range from 700,000 to 1.4million each.

Cumberbatch's submission states: 'Approval would set a precedent. For example, could I now demolish my property and replace it with flats and not require the same extensive planning approval?

'Or worse, the properties located behind this proposal could apply to be demolished with an even bigger property that this proposal is being submitted to form a mega development.'

He and his wife provided a letter arguing the new-look building would be out of keeping with Dartmouth Park's heritage.

They added: 'You only have to look at the adjacent properties to see the difference in style, materials, colours and feel.'

Firms behind the planning application describe it on their website as 'an exciting new residential development'.
An 'All Indonesia' declaration card will be required for Aussies travelling to Bali and other popular islands within days.

The new rule applies to overseas arrivals at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, and Juanda Airport in Surabaya from next Monday.

'You need to complete the declaration before you apply for your e-Visa on Arrival (eVOA),' the Australian government's Smartraveller website stated.

Travellers must apply for the e-VOA at least 48 hours before departure.

If they do not, they can still obtain a visa on arrival in Denpasar.

Either visa costs AUD$50.

Travellers must also pay a tourist levy of about AUD $14, either online or on arrival.

The new All Indonesia arrival card is free but requires travellers to submit personal details and travel information through an online portal.

International travellers heading to Bali and other parts of Indonesia need to complete a new online declaration form from next Monday (September 1)

The new All Indonesia system replaces separate health and customs declarations for international arrivals (pictured, Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport)

Travellers can make their health and customs declarations through the system, which provides them with a QR code to present to authorities when they arrive in Indonesia.

The online system replaces the separate processes for health and customs declarations.

All international airports in Indonesia will use the 'All Indonesia' system by October 1.

Indonesia has been looking to better manage the huge yearly influx of tourists.

A tourist levy of 150,000 LDR, about AUD$14 was introduced in February last year to help fund the island's culture, environment and infrastructure.

'This money will be used in our efforts to establish sustainable tourism, Indonesias Deputy Tourism Minister Ni Made Ayu Marthini said at the time.

Police on the holiday island have cracked down on foreigners who break the law, and authorities have urged tourists to visit more or Indonesia than just Bali.

Australians were put on notice by Balinese officials earlier this year after locals expressed dismay at the increase of poor behaviour from foreign tourists.

The new rule applies to millions of international tourists who visit Bali

Bali remains one of the top travel destinations for Australians.

Bali attracted 6.33million overseas tourists in 2024, including 1.3million Aussies.

Tourism and hospitality have been the holiday island hotspot's biggest industries for the last two decades.
A local has shared a chilling insight into alleged cop killer Dezi Freeman and believes that he could survive in the bush for weeks as the massive manhunt continues.

Freeman, 56, remains on the run after he allegedly shot dead two police officers and wounded another at his Porepunkah property in Victoria's high country on Tuesday.

Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush revealed that more than 450 police from across three states had been deployed as the extensive search drags into a fourth night in atrocious conditions.

Despite temperatures expected to drop to -4C with pouring rain on Friday night, those who know Freeman said it won't deter him from evading capture.

Misty-Rose Wilson, 33, is the general manager at Porepunkah Pub, which reopened its doors for the first time since the shooting on Friday afternoon.

She described Freeman as an 'acquaintance' and said his methodical knowledge of bush survival is well known by people in town.

Ms Wilson stressed that she isn't a sovereign citizen', unlike Freeman.

She has shared her concern for Freeman's plight - but believes he went too far.

Porepunkhah publican Misty-Rose Wilson revealed the extent of Freeman's bush skills

Dezi Freeman remains on the run after allegedly murdering two cops on Tuesday

Special Operations Group officers are battling horrible weather conditions in the high country

'Is there sympathy for him? There is sympathy for Desi's family. Is there sympathy for Dezi? I can't 100 per cent answer that,' Ms Wilson told Daily Mail.

She revealed that Freeman can shoot at astonishing distances and has a raft of other bush skills at his fingertips.

'He is a very skilled hunter,' Ms Wilson said.

'He has long-range and short-range arms, but when you're thinking about hunting deer, you need to be quite far from them. You're talking, almost 150m to 200m away.

'He is a gifted hunter and has really, really good aim. If he wants to shoot something, he's going to shoot it.'

Ms Wilson, who is herself experienced in bushcraft, revealed Freeman is not only an experienced shooter but understands more primitive bush weaponry.

'Out there you might not have to use rifles or guns or anything like that, but you're using the tools and resources you have on hand,' she told Daily Mail.

She added that he is known to use snares, which are traps made using wire or rope fashioned into a noose, usually used for hunting game.

As more wild weather approaches Mt Buffalo, Ms Wilson is not worried Freeman will find the conditions unsurvivable.

Ms Wilson opened her pub's doors to the public foe the first time in four days on Friday

Freeman is a gifted survivalist and can survive for 17 days without food

The Porepunkah Pub hopes to feed hungry police if the search continues into next week

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said help from SA and NSW cops is on the way

'Listen, someone who knows the terrain up there probably already has a space where they can be away from the rain and the mud,' Ms Wilson said.

'If you didn't have the sorts of resources he does, you would struggle. The temperatures drop dramatically when the sun goes down. A normal person couldn't survive it.'

Ms Wilson said that Freeman would '100 per cent ' be conditioned for the night's elements.

'He'll be alright out there tonight,' she said.

'It depends on his state of mind, and how far he's travelled in the past 48 hours to three days. If he's travelled far, it's going to be tough on him. If he's been locked down, he's got energy.'

As an experienced survivalist, Ms Wilson said people like her and Freeman test their limits and know they can go for at least 17 days before experiencing ketosis.

'We can last without food and just water for 17 days before our body will start to eat itself,' she explained.

'That's what we (people like us) want to know - the limits of our bodies and how much they can do. I am sure Dezi knows his limits.'

Ms Wilson described him as 'eccentric but approachable' when she first met him.

His descent from local eccentric to suspected cop killer has rocked Porepunkah, a town home to 1,000.

Ms Wilson heard there may have been problems with his wife, Mali, describing it as a 'decline in his home life and whatnot'.

Air and ground searches continue around Mount Buffalo

Police have been hampered by extreme weather in recent days

Ms Wilson said the town is divided over the situation, but no one agrees with Dezi Freeman's alleged actions. Pictured is Dezi Freeman

'We've heard his missus and him may not still be together,' she speculated.

Daily Mail has been unable to confirm this claim.

'So, whether there's that or there are other contributing factors... I can imagine there are multiple things that have happened to him to get him to this point,' she said.

Despite feeling 'sympathy' for Freeman's plight, Ms Wilson did not condone his alleged actions.

She said the town is 'divided' over the issue.

Drinkers returned to the comfort of their local watering hole on Friday, three days after the town was plunged into lockdown.

Ms Wilson threw open the doors on Friday evening, with about 30 punters - including the nation's media - escaping the dreary weather over a schooner.

'My main concern has been the safety of the staff and the community,' she said.

'We are supporting Victoria Police and once their food trucks leave, the pub will be supplying them with food. We are here for the community and for VicPol.'

Police have been attempting to flush out Freeman in the dense bushland around Mount Buffalo since Tuesday morning, when he fled, heavily armed, after allegedly shooting dead two policemen and wounding another.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, lost their lives in the deadly ambush.

On Thursday night, Freeman's wife Mali and 16-year-old son were arrested at a home in Porepunkah.

They were questioned by police before being released.

Commissioner Bush hasn't ruled out charges.
In its manifesto for last year's general election, Labour insisted it would not raise taxes on 'working people' - specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT.

But that pledge was made before Rachel Reeves was estimated by economists to be facing a 50billion 'black hole' in the public finances ahead of her next Budget.

This means there is now widespread expectation that the Chancellor will announce a fresh tax raid this autumn, as she scrambles to plug the spending gap.

It comes amid claims Angela Rayner dodged shelling out 40,000 in stamp duty on a coastal flat after saying it was her main place of residence to tax authorities.

The Deputy Prime Minister reportedly took her name off the deeds of her Greater Manchester property just weeks before purchasing an 800,000 seaside flat in Hove.

There has been a flurry of reports in recent weeks about which levies the Labour party might impose, including:

Stamp Duty

The Treasury is said to be examining proposals to replace stamp duty with an annual charge on homes worth more than 500,000.

A 'proportional property tax' would be based on the value of properties when home-owners sell up.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Nuneaton on June 23

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Capital Gains Tax

The Chancellor is said to be drawing up plans to make selling some family homes liable for capital gains tax.

She is reportedly looking to end the exemption from capital gains tax when owners of higher-value properties sell up.

The plans would see the 'private residence relief' from capital gains currently enjoyed by homeowners scrapped for some properties.

It is estimated a threshold of 1.5million would hit around 120,000 homeowners who are higher-rate taxpayers with capital gains tax bills of 199,973.

National Insurance

Ms Reeves is also said to be considering a tax raid on landlords by imposing National Insurance on rental income, which could raise 2billion.

Inheritance Tax

Treasury officials are reportedly examining whether to tighten rules around the gifting of assets and money in an inheritance tax raid.

The prospect of a lifetime cap, which would limit the amount a person could gift before their death, is claimed to be under consideration.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner arrives in Downing Street for a meeting on July 8

'Wealth Tax'

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has called on Ms Reeves to impose a 'wealth tax' as she looks to plug a hole in the public finances.

Lord Kinnock, who led Labour between 1983 and 1992, said a two per cent levy on assets worth more than 10million could be a 'pathway' out of the Government's woes.

He suggested such a levy would raise up to 11billion a year and be popular with a 'great majority of the general public'.

What has Angela Rayner said about taxes?

Back in May, it was reported that Ms Rayner had suggested reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and changing dividend taxes in a memo to the Chancellor with ideas to raise revenue.

The Deputy Prime Minister sent the suggestions, in a document that estimated the changes could raise 3billion to 4billion a year, to Ms Reeves in March ahead of the spring statement, according to The Telegraph.

The Chancellor had been adamant she would not turn to tax rises as part of the Government's efforts to fund its policies, but there were reports that Ms Rayner was pushing back against spending cuts behind the scenes.

Ms Rayner's suggestions, in a memo titled 'alternative proposals for raising revenue', reportedly included reinstating the lifetime pensions allowance, which limited how much savers could put in their pension pot before incurring a higher tax charge and was abolished under the Tories.

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has called on Ms Reeves to impose a 'wealth tax'

Ending the inheritance tax relief on shares for the Alternative Investment Market, raising the bank surcharge to 5 per cent, and freezing the additional rate income tax threshold above 125,140 so more people would be dragged into a higher band were also among the proposals.

She also floated closing the commercial property stamp duty loophole and increasing the annual tax on enveloped dwellings, as well as raising rates on dividend taxes to bring them closer to income tax and removing the tax-free dividend allowance.

Angela Rayner profile: From leaving school at 16 to becoming Deputy Prime Minister A former care worker and trade union representative, Angela Rayner describes herself as a 'socialist, not a Corbynite'. She left school at 16 years old while pregnant with no qualifications and later studied at college for qualifications in care work and sign language while looking after her young son. The 45-year-old mother-of-three was elected to Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne in 2015 and quickly rose from being a junior shadow minister to being appointed shadow education secretary in June 2016. She has championed the party's headline policy of free tuition fees and setting up a national education service to provide learning 'from the cradle to the grave'. In 2020 she became deputy leader of Labour and took a position as Deputy Prime Minister and Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary after the party won the general election last year. Advertisement

The Deputy Prime Minister later insisted was 'absolutely not' behind the memo appearing in public, telling the BBC: 'I do not leak. I think leaks are very damaging. I'm 100 per cent behind our Cabinet and the decisions that we make collectively.'

She also suggested that an inquiry was underway into the leak, telling Sky News: 'It's really damaging, because we have lots of sensitive conversations in the round, all of us, and then we make a collective decision.'

A Government source said at the time it is normal practice for Cabinet colleagues to have such discussions and they should not be read as an endorsement of any particular idea or proposal. A spokesperson added: 'We don't comment on leaks.'

Ms Rayner also faced questions in the Commons in March about whether she is 'pulling up the housing ladder behind her' before the changes to stamp duty discounts.

Stamp duty which home buyers pay in England and Northern Ireland was temporarily cut in 2022 for first-time buyers, covering the first 425,000 of house purchase prices.

But this 'nil rate' band for first-time buyers has only applied to the first 300,000 of house purchases since April, with other buyers seeing a reduction from 250,000 to 125,000.

Conservative shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake told the Commons: 'Help To Buy helped 350,000 young first-time buyers. The stamp duty discount helped 640,000 first-time buyers get on the housing ladder with discounts of up to 11,000.

'Both now scrapped. Is the Secretary of State pulling up the housing ladder behind her?'

Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, said: 'It's staggering that the shadow secretary of state said that, after so many people now can't get housing because his of government (which) failed to meet their housing targets.

'We will have a mortgage guarantee scheme. We will build 1.5 million homes so that young people and people can get the houses they deserve.'
Israeli cruise ship passengers were left 'running for their lives' as crowds of furious pro-Palestine activists reportedly attacked them when they tried to disembark their cruise ship in Greece.

The protesters, waving Palestine flags and igniting flares, are said to have hurled metal bars and rocks at the tourists as they attempted to block their entry to Heraklion on the southern Greek island of Crete on Thursday afternoon.

One tourist was reportedly beaten by five protesters and injured, while clashes with riot police were said to have injured two officers as they tried to guard the Israeli holidaymakers including children.

Riot police, armed with batons and shields, formed lines to separate the protesters from the tourists, while passengers trying to disembark the Crown Iris ship were escorted from the port towards the town centre by police squads.

One couple claimed protesters 'waited for us at the exit with sticks' while another passenger, named Keren, told Israeli news channel N12 that 'people fled for their lives.'

She said: 'The first passengers who got off started running back because people were throwing metal bars and rocks.

'Fifteen minutes later, we weren't allowed off the ship. The port closed its gates, and everyone returned to the ship. Those who got off first were hit with rocks and bars. People fled for their lives.'

Another cruise passenger, Ido Nahum, said he witnessed pro-Palestinian activists attacking the Israeli tourists with stones.

Greek police riot squads, armed with shields and helmets, were forced to prevent protesters from reaching the tourists

Crowds of furious pro-Palestine activists reportedly attacked Israeli tourists as they tried to disembark their cruise ship in Greece

Two officers were reportedly injured as they tried to guard the Israeli holidaymakers including children

'They sprayed water on people and beat two officers trying to intervene. One person was injured after being attacked by five protesters,' he added.

Demonstrators, who held banners saying 'Palestinian resistance' and 'boycott Israel', claimed they were protesting to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.

'There was a small demonstration there, no more than 20 to 25 people. The police came and dispersed them, and all the travelers exited normally,' Yuval Peleg, spokesman for Mano Maritime, who own the boat, claimed.

'They went on their bus tours. And the port is currently open for entry and exit,' she added.

The clash is the latest protest to target the Crown Iris cruise ship.

Last month, frenzied protesters prevented the boat which was carrying around 1,700 Israeli nationals, including between 300 to 400 children, from disembarking at Ermoupoli, in the Greek island of Syros.

The cruise ship had been met with an anti-Israel demonstration of more than 150 protesters as it attempted to disembark for a six-hour visit.

Protesters carried Palestinian flags, chanted and held banners reading 'Stop the Genocide' and 'No a/c in hell' as they formed a line to prevent the Israeli passengers from arriving in Greece.

The protesters, waving Palestine flags and igniting flares, reportedly hurled metal bars and rocks at the tourists

The activists attempted to block the tourists entry to Heraklion on the southern Greek island of Crete on Thursday afternoon

Protesters, some keffiyeh-clad, waved Palestine flags and held banners reading 'Palestinian resistance'

The protest was met with rage by Greece's Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis who called it a 'shameful for Greece'.

While Michalis Chrysochoidis, the country's Minister of Citizen Protection, said that anyone who tried to prevent foreign nationals from legally entering the country would 'face prosecution, arrest and then criminal proceedings under the anti-racism law'.

A further two protests took place the following week, with riot police squads, armed with shields and helmets, deployed to piers where the cruise ship was docked to push back the chanting masses.

Four people were detained at a demonstration in Crete on July 29 with officers forced to use pepper spray to keep the protest under control after scuffles broke out between activists and police.

Similar scenes unfolded the previous day when the Crown Iris docked in a port on the eastern Greek island of Rhodes, where clashes broke out between riot police and demonstrators condemning Israel's military conduct in Gaza.

The same ship, which sailed from Haifa on Tuesday and stopped in Rhodes unimpeded, was used to transport Israeli nationals to and from Cyprus after Israel closed its airspace during its 12-day conflict with Iran in June.

Israeli tourists were later escorted from the port towards the town centre by police squads

The same ship, which sailed from Haifa on Tuesday and stopped in Rhodes unimpeded

The Crown Irish was used to transport Israeli nationals to and from Cyprus after Israel closed its airspace during its 12-day conflict with Iran in June

It has also been used as part of the country's Operation Safe Return mission to repatriate citizens during conflict.

Greece and Israel enjoy increasingly close ties and trips to Greece are popular among Israeli tourists.

There are several flights per day between Tel Aviv and Athens, as well as from Israeli airports directly to Greek islands.
A jet-setting divorcee who flaunted her luxury holidays on Facebook while falsely claiming to be penniless and gaming over 40,000 on benefits has avoided jail.

Susan Pearson, 58, from Platt Bridge, Wigan, was dubbed 'Miss Holiday' by friends due to her endless exotic getaways, which included sun-soaked trips to Tunisia, Cyprus, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tenerife - plus a Mediterranean cruise.

The globetrotting fraudster, whose travels were so frequent friends joked she racked up 'more air miles than Air Force One', claimed she was broke and unemployed while secretly stashing more than 40,000 across two savings accounts.

In total, Pearson pocketed 40,334.21 in Universal Credit over five years and bagged a 536.22 discount on her council tax by lying on forms about her financial situation.

Welfare officials caught her after a data match revealed she held undeclared savings with Nationwide and a Co-Funds investment account with one lump sum withdrawal totalling 13,000.

Pearson, who now claims 55 per week in carer's allowance to look after her 83-year-old mother, tried to justify the cash by telling investigators she'd spent some of it on 'windows, roof repair and a door'.

But social media painted a different picture. In one post about an upcoming Mediterranean trip, Pearson joked: 'About time - not had a holiday since last week.'

Friends chimed in with disbelief. 'Where are you now? More air miles than Airforce 1,' one quipped.

Susan Pearson, 58, from Platt Bridge, Wigan, was dubbed 'Miss Holiday' by friends due to her endless exotic getaways

The globetrotting fraudster, whose travels were so frequent friends joked she racked up 'more air miles than Air Force One', claimed she was broke and unemployed

Appearing at Bolton Crown Court, Pearson admitted two charges of dishonestly failing to disclose information

Pearson pocketed 40,334.21 in Universal Credit over five years and spent the cash on lavish trips

Another said: 'I think she's won the lottery n not telling us pal,' while a third asked: 'Do you have a secret sugar daddy?' One even wrote: 'Miss Holiday living up to your name. Miss Holiday is as Miss Holiday does.'

Appearing at Bolton Crown Court, Pearson admitted two charges of dishonestly failing to disclose information. She was ordered to use all of her savings to repay the money she stole but was spared prison.

The court heard she could have faced up to two years in jail under sentencing guidelines. She broke down in tears as the judge told her she would walk free.

Judge Nicholas Clarke KC told her: 'I am sure you are thoroughly ashamed of yourself to be in the dock at that age. But I do not want you to remain in the anxious state that I can see you are in so I want you to know you are not going to prison today. But you will need to make arrangements to pay the compensation.'

He added: 'In my judgment that should be sufficient to let her start again The thing is, at 58, she has lost her good name. She admitted the matter as soon as she could before the courts.'

'Life took a turn she has found difficult to deal with. She will pay the money back but she would be well advised to have that transferred as soon as it can be achieved and go straight around and make such a claim for assistance as is appropriate, as long as she is honest about her means.'

Earlier, prosecutor Ellie Watson told the court: 'On May 21, 2018, the defendant submitted an online application to claim Universal Credit saying she was single, unemployed and that she had no savings, income, investments or other capital.'

Welfare officials caught her after a data match revealed she held undeclared savings with Nationwide and a Co-Funds investment account

In total, Pearson pocketed 40,334.21 in Universal Credit over five years and bagged a 536.22 discount on her council tax by lying on forms about her financial situation

'The Department for Work and Pensions later received information from a data match that the defendant held an account with Nationwide and an investment account with Co-Funds which had not been declared on her application form despite agreeing that she had provided all the information.'

'It was identified that she held two accounts with Nationwide which showed capital above the permitted limit of 16,000. Statements of transactions were supplied for both the accounts and are seen to have far in excess of the permitted limit, reaching up to 40,616.37.'

Pearson was also shown to have fraudulently claimed council tax reduction from April 2023 by again claiming she had no assets.

In mitigation, defence lawyer Martin Pizzey said: 'The defendant is rather overwhelmed by what is going on around her but she wants me to stress that she knows she did something wrong. She now has the one account from which she is living.

'I would describe this defendant as rather fragile and she was very worried and frightened by the whole process. It appears that when her marriage broke down, through no fault of her own she was not prepared for the single life.

Pearson, who now claims 55 per week in carer's allowance to look after her 83-year-old mother, tried to justify the cash by telling investigators she'd spent some of it on 'windows, roof repair and a door'

The court heard she could have faced up to two years in jail under sentencing guidelines. She broke down in tears as the judge told her she would walk free

'She has no siblings, only her mother survives and she has no children. She has tried to pay the money to the DWP and they have refused to take it and are instead taking a small deduction from her carer's allowance. She has substantial responsibility looking for her mother.'

Pearson, speaking from the dock, said: 'I do not understand these things - I am not very bright.'

The judge noted she brought with her a passport-style book showing a savings balance of 40,436.79 as of November 2024.

The case comes as new figures this week revealed Universal Credit claims have reached record levels - soaring from 6.9 million last July to over 8 million today.
Teen had been couch surfing and living in a friend's garage

The teen killed in a suspected gang-related stabbing was homeless and had fallen in with the 'wrong crowd', according to shattered friends and support workers.

Zac McRae, 19, was stabbed to death at a Mount Druitt bus stop in western Sydney on Wednesday night after a group of young males in black hoodies and balaclavas ambushed him and a friend.

Mr McRae was fatally stabbed in the chest, while his mate Vimlesh Chand, 19, was rushed to hospital with wounds to his arm and torso.

Police are investigating whether the stabbing was linked to western Sydney's postcode wars. No charges have been laid in relation to the stabbing.

At the time of his death, Mr McRae was out on bail for charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and demanding property in company with intent to steal.

The 19-year-old had been couch surfing and living in a friend's garage.

He had been homeless ever since exiting the foster care system when he turned 18 a year earlier.

Friends and support workers said that Zac McRae, 19, had fallen in with the wrong crowd before his death

Support workers said that Zac had been let down by the system after leaving foster care

Mr McRae's NDIS support workers said the young man also had intellectual disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

He was also living with autism and ADHD.

'The system failed him, and it's really sad because he is a vulnerable person, he had a disability,' support worker Merna told the ABC.

'[He was] lonely, so he spent time with people who weren't good for him and we tried to help him break that cycle but yeah.'

Another support worker added: 'We've tried to put him through housing, linked to home and certain accommodations but they all pushed him back.

One friend told the Daily Telegraph Mr McRae began hanging out with the wrong people.

'Zac was a good kid, but he had some difficulties with his learning and stuff and he sometimes got involved with the wrong people,' one said.

'He had a tough life but he had a kind heart. He will be missed.'

Mr McRae's death sparked an outpouring of grief from online.

Mr McRae was fatally stabbed at a Mt Druitt bus stop (pictured, with police at the scene) in a suspected gang-related attack

'Life is so unfair. I wish so many things would have changed,' one friend wrote.

Another added: 'I love you brother, missing you already, can't believe this happened to such an amazing human being.'

'Your laugh and smile will forever make me happy.'

Police are investigating tensions between the '67' gang and a rival gang from Mount Druitt but have yet to make any links with the teens or alleged attackers.

The masked knifemen allegedly asked the pair if they were '67', in reference to the '67' postcode gang, before they set upon them.

Police have launched a strike force and are searching for three men who fled the scene (above, police at the scene)

Police recovered two knives at the nearby train station on Thursday.

Forensic examinations will determine if the weapons were used in the attack.

Police have established a strike force to investigate the fatal stabbing

'We'll keep an open mind to the motivation behind this incident,' Superintendent Darrin Batchelor told reporters.

'I describe the attack as callous, vicious and without regard to the victims or innocent bystanders.

'It was quite a violent and frenzied attack on those individuals.'

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
An Albanian drug dealer who sneaked back into Britain on a dinghy after being deported is set to be kicked out again for selling cocaine.

Valentin Roci had been deported in 2024 after being caught supplying drugs and entering the country illegally.

But not long after, the 27-year-old slipped back across the Channel on a small boat, later claiming he had been forced into dealing drugs to repay a 4,000 debt to smugglers.

But Judge Shane Collery KC dismissed the excuse, pointing out Roci had already been caught with drugs a year earlier and was simply 'doing this for money'.

Last year, instead of pursuing his case after his arrest, authorities simply chose to deport him.

His latest arrest came when police pulled over a Ford Mondeo with a broken brake light in Southend, Essex, only to discover Roci behind the wheel without insurance.

Officers searched him and uncovered 1,195 in cash, eight wraps of cocaine and one wrap of cannabis.

He refused to answer police questions and repeatedly gave 'no comment' responses.

Valentin Roci, 27, had been deported in 2024 after being caught supplying drugs and entering the country illegally

But not long after, he slipped back across the Channel on a small boat, later claiming he had been forced into dealing drugs to repay a 4,000 debt to smugglers (stock image)

Prosecutor Philippa Page said organised crime gangs in Essex are known to insure cars in false names.

She said after officers stopped him, Roci 'kept trying to touch his groin, and the officer suspected that he could be concealing drugs'.

Mrs Page added: 'There's not a great deal of evidence to show where in a drugs supply pecking order he was.'

Roci refused to provide his address or the PIN code to his phone, but the judge said that had he cooperated, officers might have found messages sending him instructions on what to deliver where, suggesting a lesser role.

Defence lawyer Olivia Rawlings argued her client had been pressured into drug work by smugglers and insisted his cut of the seized money was only 200.

But Judge Collery was not convinced by this as he was out of the country before and has returned and now has a car and the cash, adding: 'It feels more like somebody who is doing this for money, frankly.'

The judge said he would sentence Roci on the basis that he had a significant role in the drug-dealing gang, telling him: 'You have the notable and slightly unusual feature that you were deported last year because they found you in possession of drugs.

He added his return suggests there is a 'strong economic reason that is drawing you back to the country'.

'I don't accept, necessarily, that you came here and were working off a debt. There's not a shred of evidence to support that,' he added.

Roci pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing cannabis, possessing criminal property (the cash), driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

The judge added: 'I recommend that you [be] deported. It is plainly not conducive to the public good to have you in this country.'

He sentenced Roci to 30 months in prison, after which he will be deported.

He ordered that the 1,195 seized from Roci be donated to the Essex Community Foundation and that the car Roci was driving be kept by the police.
A grinning drug importer posed for a selfie beside stacks of banknotes after helping to smuggle 91 million canisters of nitrous oxide into the UK through a web of bogus catering companies.

Benjamin Richardson, 38, from North Yorkshire, was part of a criminal gang that imported the so-called 'hippy crack' despite a nationwide ban  raking in more than 16 million in the process.

He and his accomplices, including his twin brother Thomas Richardson and associate Carl Messen, were jailed yesterday for their part in the elaborate operation, which saw them hide behind fake companies with names like Worldwide Coffee Traders Ltd and Barista Distribution Ltd.

The group's 12-week trial at Leeds Crown Court heard how they imported more than 91 million canisters of the gas  a staggering figure when compared to the 3.8 million used legitimately by major chains Costa and Starbucks during the same period.

Nitrous oxide is commonly used in medicine and catering, but in 2016 a law was introduced banning its sale or import if it was likely to be used for its psychoactive effects.

Despite this, the gang continued to flood the streets with the substance between May 2016 and December 2018.

Investigators from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) uncovered the scale of the illegal trade as well as a cash trail totalling 16.7 million, with over 12 million of it deposited in cash.

Benjamin Richardson, 38, from North Yorkshire, was part of a criminal gang that imported the so-called 'hippy crack' despite a nationwide ban

The group's 12-week trial at Leeds Crown Court heard how they imported more than 91 million canisters of the gas

Benjamin (left) and his accomplices, including his twin brother Thomas Richardson (right) and associate Carl Messen, were yesterday jailed for their part in the elaborate operation

The group set up shell companies to pose as catering suppliers, including Catering Pantry International Ltd and Caterlink International Ltd, but officers found all their activity revolved around nitrous oxide.

Benjamin Richardson, from Barlby, North Yorkshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance, money laundering, and possessing criminal cash. He was jailed for six years and two months.

His brother Thomas Richardson, also from Barlby, received five years and eight months after being convicted of the same charges.

Their co-conspirator Carl Messen, 58, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering. He was jailed for three years and two months.

Ramona Senior, head of operations at YHROCU, said after the sentencing: 'This was an organised enterprise whose sole purpose was importing a psychoactive substance into the UK to be used illegally.

'Despite it being made illegal, this group continued to trade in nitrous oxide while fully knowing its ultimate use was to be sold as a drug.

Their co-conspirator Carl Messen, 58, of South Farm Drive, Skellow, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was convicted of conspiracy to import a psychoactive substance and money laundering. He was jailed for three years and two months

Investigators from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) uncovered the scale of the illegal trade as well as a cash trail totalling 16.7 million

Nitrous oxide is commonly used in medicine and catering, but in 2016 a law was introduced banning its sale or import if it was likely to be used for its psychoactive effects

'They made vast profits from their activities and structured their businesses in a way that tried to conceal their activities and to launder their ill-gotten income.

'Our dedicated team of investigators at the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit successfully demonstrate to the court that this was an unlawful enterprise making millions while fuelling harm and misery in our communities and further afield. I'm pleased that the sentences reflect the severity of their actions.'

She added that proceedings to recover the proceeds of crime remain ongoing.
Three more Australian sunscreens have been pulled from shelves due to concerns about their sun protection ratings.

Select products from Outside Beauty & Skincare, Found My Skin and Endota will undergo further SPF testing after sales were paused on Thursday.

Affected products include Outside Beauty and Skincare's SPF 50+ Mineral Primer, Found My Skin's FACE Tinted Mineral SPF 50+ with Kakadu Plum and Endota's Mineral Protect SPF 50 and Natural Clear Zinc SPF 50+.

'With the utmost safety and concern for our customers, we have momentarily removed the SPF 50+ Mineral Primer from our website while we investigate the efficacy and stability of this product,' Outside Beauty & Skincare said in a statement on its website.

The company reiterated that the product had not been recalled and that the Therapeutic Goods Administration had not notified it to recall it.

Found My Skin and Endota echoed similar sentiments in their statements.

The brands reassured customers that the pausing of sales was precautionary as they awaited testing results.

Earlier this week, Naked Sundays also paused sales of its bestselling SPF 50+ Collagen Glow 100 per cent Mineral sunscreen as it awaits the results of independent sun protection testing.

Outside Beauty and Skincare paused sales of its SPF 50+ Mineral Primer over SPF concerns

Found My Skin will also review the SPF of their FACE Tinted Mineral SPF 50+ with Kakadu Plum (pictured)

The Therapeutic Goods Administration's preliminary results indicated the Naked Sundays sunscreen was protective at SPF 50 levels.

It comes after a recent investigation by consumer agency Choice found that 16 of 20 tested sunscreens did not meet their advertised SPF level.

The impacted Naked Sundays, Outside Beauty & Skincare, Found My Skin, Endota sunscreens were not part of the Choice investigation.

Skincare company Ultra Violette came under fire when Choice discovered its Lean Screen 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen scored the lowest SPF rating of four.

The company disputed Choice's testing methodology and results, saying it followed TGA guidelines and did not arbitrarily slap on a SPF 50+ label.

However, Ultra Violette revealed last Friday independent lab tests following the Choice controversy uncovered Lean Screen had 'significant atypical variability' in its SPF protection.

Across eight tests, the product returned an SPF rating of 4, 10, 21, 26, 33, 60, 61, and 64 when it should have consistently been above 50.

'That wasn't good enough for us, and it isn't good enough for you,' co-founders Rebecca Jefferd and Ava Chandler-Matthews said in a statement.

Endota paused sales of their products Mineral Protect SPF 50 and Natural Clear Zinc SPF 50+ (pictured)

Sunseekers are now questioning whether their favourite sunscreens are safe to use after a bombshell Choice investigation. Pictured are beachgoers at Bondi

One of Australia's most trusted sunscreen brands was also named in the investigation.

Three Cancer Council products SPF 50+ failed to meet their SPF levels.

The bombshell revelations have since sparked outrage, with many consumers left questioning whether their favourite sunscreens are safe to use.

SPF stands for sun protection factor, which is used to indicate how well a product will protect skin from damaging UVB rays.

A rating of SPF 50 means a sunscreen only allows two percent (or one fiftieth) of the sun's UVB rays to reach the skin.
Furious Epping residents have vowed to continue their protests after the Home Office won an appeal against the closure of their local migrant hotel.

Essex police had been anticipating trouble, with as many as four marked vans parked on the forecourt from early in the afternoon, and ten officers stood outside the controversial accommodation, with migrants reportedly advised to stay indoors..

It comes as the Court of Appeal set aside an injunction granted earlier this month which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex beyond September 12.

Today, the judges also ruled that the Home Office could intervene in the case, in a significant victory for the Government.

Lawyers for Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had argued that shutting the hotel would set a 'dangerous precedent' that would have encouraged similar litigation by other councils.

The decision has enraged Essex locals who have been protesting outside the hotel for weeks. Tonight they took to the streets as well as those further afield in of Chichester, Cheshunt and Bournemouth taking part in anti-immigration demos.



Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the move showed Prime Minister Keir Starmer 'puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities.'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage echoed this sentiment, writing on X: 'Illegal migrants have more rights than the people of Essex. Reform UK will put an end to this.'

Protesters wave flags outside the Bell Hotel following the major ruling

There was a heavy police presence outside the Bell Hotel before today's ruling

A woman waves a union jack flag outside of the Park Hotel in Chichester

There were fresh protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping last night prior to today's ruling

A group of women protesters against asylum seekers being housed in hotels gather outside The Roundhouse in Bournemouth

Elsewhere, anti-immigration demonstrators protested wearing St George's flags outside The Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt

Shortly after the High Court ruling, protest organiser Sarah White, 40, said the community was 'outraged by the decision'.

'This sends a deeply troubling message to our community - that the rights of asylum seekers are being placed above the rights of the residents.

'We are especially concerned that many of the men being housed here are undocumented, and some have already been arrested for crimes of sexual harassment against young women and children in our community,' she added.

'This is unacceptable and raises serious questions about public safety and accountability. As residents, we feel abandoned. Our community will not stay silent.'

Within minutes of the judges' decision local Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell, 42, turned up at the scene, lambasting the move as 'disgusting'.

'I've just been on the phone with the father of the girl whose sexual assault case involving one of the migrants has been in court this week.

'This decision is disgusting for them. They've been through so much.

'And it's not just the two sexual assaults  I've been told of five or six other incidents, where children have been followed home from school by people from the hotel, asked for their Snapchats, and told 'You're pretty'.

'Local mums and dads want the hotel closed  as the first judgement said.

A protester holds a St George's Cross outside the Court of Appeal this afternoon

Father-of-one Mr Yerrell, a mental health support worker who also raises funds for charity in his remaining spare time, added: 'I'm not a racist. I have friends who are people of colour.

'And when the Bell Hotel started taking migrants in 2020, originally women and children, I fully supported it.

'I'm not saying migrants shouldn't be put in hotels. But when hotels have a record like this, they should be shut down straight away.

'There may be some lovely people in the Bell Hotel  but there's a few that are definitely not. And this is within a couple of hundred metres of a secondary school.

'Because of this court decision, there are going to be more protests.

'The kids go back to school next week  and if anything else happens to a child, that's on the Government's heads.'

Other locals appeared to show their support by blasting car horns, and tooting their support for a handful of protesters arriving early on the leafy Bell Common opposite

Some motorists could be heard shouting out of their windows: 'We're never gonna give up  this country is f*****', 'There's no space in this country', and 'Get 'em out'.

The Bell Hotel will continue to be used to house asylum seekers before a full trial of the council's case

Local councillor Shane Yerrell said the government should 'hang their heads in shame'

A small number of protesters gathered outside the hotel after the judgement

Elsewhere in Chichester, crowds have gathered outside of the Park Hotel in response to the recent ruling, with anti-migrant demonstrators waving their flags and demanding repatriation

Holly Whitbread, the Finance and Economic Development Portfolio Holder for Epping Forest District Council, said the ruling was 'deeply disappointing' but vowed to continue 'fighting' the Home Office.

One previous protester had even gone beyond the wire security barriers placed around the front of the sprawling hotel  which has large extensions behind, towards the fields that back onto it  and tied a St George's Cross to one of the Bell's drainpipes.

Local grandmother Anna Hall, 57, who was holding her own mini Union Jack, said: 'We're really disappointed. But this is not the end.

''I've been to each protest apart from one. Local feeling is very strong. It's not right, we've got unknown illegal men wandering around the town.

'When will people's voices be heard?'

The talk of ongoing protests is worrying some residents who are already dismayed by the public demonstrations rocking this leafy spot.

Local office worker Paul Robinson, 43, said: 'People need to calm down now, please.

'We need to understand the decision, and feelings need to cool down. There's so much anger, it's wrong. I don't think shouting at the hotel and the migrants will now help.'

A St George's Cross daubed on a sign outside the Bell Hotel

Crowds gathered outside of the Park Hotel in response to the recent High Court ruling

Anti-immigration protesters stand with union jack flags smiling outside of the Park Hotel in Chichester

A counter demonstrator holds a sign which reads, 'sanctuary' with several red hearts drawn across it

Anti immigration protests have taken place outside the Park Hotel in Chichester, were migrants are believed to be housed, in recent weeks

Elsewhere in Chichester, crowds have gathered outside of the Park Hotel in response to the recent ruling, with anti-migrant demonstrators waving their flags and demanding repatriation.

On the opposite site of the roundabout, in front of the hotel have called for unity and peace, with Green Party councillor, Sarah Sharp, saying a stand needed to be made 'show not everybody is represented by the far right.'

'They are taking over the flag and setting the agenda at the moment. There are mostly families, women and children in this hotel.

'It is important we are not walked over and we show the refugees they do have support and we stand for love, compassion, dignity and we welcome people.

'It's a whole different value system. We have a Christian belief system and we should stand up and practise those values.'

Protest numbers were down on the week before, where police made an arrest after counter demonstrators were intimidated as they left the scene.

Last week, the High Court ruled that all 138 asylum seekers at the hotel should be temporarily removed following legal action brought by Epping Forest District Council.

Yesterday the Home Office and owners of the Bell asked the Court of Appeal to reconsider the judgement.

They also stand with British flags on their umbrellas amid fury after a judge ruled asylum seekers can stay in The Bell Hotel in Epping

On the other side of the roundabout, residents call for peace and unity with one woman holding a sign which reads: 'Welcome refugees'

More signs from counter protesters read: 'Refugee families welcomed here', and 'please don't scare them'

Quashing the injunction, Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said Mr Justice Eyre - who granted the interim injunction last week - 'made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision'.

'We grant permission to appeal, both to Somani and to [the Home Office]... We allow the appeals and we set aside the injunction imposed on 19 August 2025,' he continued.

The judges also ruled that the Home Office could intervene in the case, saying that Mr Justice Eyre made an 'erroneous' decision not to let the department be involved.

Reading a summary of their decision, Lord Justice Bean said the Home Office had a 'constitutional role relating to public safety' and was affected by the issues. A full trial of the council's case against the hotel will be held in October.

He continued: 'The judge's approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.'

He added that such an injunction 'may incentivise' other councils to take similar steps to Epping Forest.

He said: 'The potential cumulative impact of such ad hoc applications was a material consideration... that was not considered by the judge.'

Quashing the injunction, Lord Justice Bean said Mr Justice Eyre - who granted it last week - 'made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision'

Mr Justice Bean sat with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb

The judge also said that the appeals were 'not concerned with the merits of government policy in relation to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in hotels or otherwise'.

Touching on local residents' concerns, Lord Justice Bean said: 'The Epping residents' fear of crime was properly taken into account by the judge as a factor in favour of grant of an injunction. He described it as being of limited weight.'

He added: 'We agree it is relevant, but in our view, it is clearly outweighed... by the undesirability of incentivising protests, by the desirability in the interests of justice of preserving the status quo for the relatively brief period leading up to the forthcoming trial and by the range of public interest factors which we have discussed in our judgement.'

The full written judgement in the case, which Lord Justice Bean said runs to over 120 paragraphs, will be provided later.

Ms Badenoch urged Conservative councillors seeking similar injunctions to 'KEEP GOING!' despite the ruling.

She said: 'Local communities should not pay the price for Labour's total failure on illegal immigration.

'This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end. I say to Conservative councils seeking similar injunctions against asylum hotels - KEEP GOING!

'Every case has different circumstances, and I know good Conservative councils will keep fighting for residents, so we will keep working with them every step of the way.'

Protesters march towards the Bell Hotel this evening, waving England flags and Union Jacks

A protester holding a Union Jack flag near the Bell Hotel this afternoon

She said the party will be writing to all Tory councillors with further advice following the judgement.

She added: 'Labour have run out of options, so the only answer left is to dump the problem on local communities.'

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick blasted the decision as 'extremely disappointing'.

He said: 'Yvette Cooper used taxpayer money - your money - to keep open a hotel housing illegal migrants.

'The Government's lawyers argued accommodating illegal migrants was in the 'national interest'.

'In court they said the right of illegal migrants to free hotels is more important than the rights of the British people. Well, they are not.

'The British Government should always put the interests of the British people first. Starmer's Government has shown itself to be on the side of illegal migrants who have broken into our county.

'But this is not a free pass for asylum hotels. Councils can and should still act to close hotels. If they don't, residents will rightly ask, on whose side are they?'

Anti-immigration Protesters block the road as Police attempt to hold them back, outside The Delta Marriott Hotel today

A masked man faces off with a police officer in Cheshunt outside the hotel believed to house migrants

A man appears to be shouting as he wears an English flag at protests in Cheshunt today

Local Tory councillor Shane Yerrell said the Government should 'hang their heads in shame'.

'This decision will cause chaos. Why did the Home Secretary not step in before?' he said.

Meanwhile, the council itself vowed to 'continue to fight' the Home Office following today's ruling.

Speaking before the verdict, Labour MP Stephen Kinnock claimed a wave of hotel closures sparked by the original High Court ruling could have led to many of their residents becoming homeless.

'It's not a question of if we close the hotels, it's a question of when and how we close the hotels, and what we don't want to have is a disorderly discharge from every hotel in the country, which would actually have far worse consequences than what we currently have, in terms of the impact that would have on asylum seekers potentially living destitute in the streets,' he told Sky News.

'And I don't think any one of the communities that are campaigning on this hotel issue want to see that.

'So what we are doing is looking to appeal this injunction simply because we're taking a pragmatic approach to how we want to manage the process, not because we believe that the hotel... per se should stay open.'

The Home Office had also appealed against Mr Justice Eyre's decision last week not to let it intervene in the case, with this challenge also allowed by the Court of Appeal.

Protesters hold a banner reading 'protect our kids' during a protest earlier this month

The Bell became the focal point of several protests and counter-protests in recent weeks after an asylum seeker housed there was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl last month.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied the offence and has been on trial this week.

Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, said that the interim injunction 'runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further protests, some of which may be disorderly, around other asylum accommodation'.

Piers Riley-Smith, for Somani Hotels, said in written submissions yesterday that Mr Justice Eyre 'overlooked' the 'hardship' that would be caused to asylum seekers if they were required to move.

He continued that the 'extremely high-profile nature of the issue' created a 'risk of a precedent being set'.

The hotel first housed asylum seekers from May 2020 to March 2021.

It accommodated single adult males from October 2022 to April 2024, and has done so again since April this year.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urged Conservative councillors seeking similar injunctions to 'KEEP GOING!' despite the ruling

The council never previously took enforcement action, with its barristers telling the Court of Appeal that its previous use as asylum seeker accommodation had been 'unproblematic'.

Opposing the appeal bids, barrister Philip Coppel KC stated in written submissions that the case 'sets no precedent' and there was 'no compelling reason' for the injunction to be overturned.

He continued: 'There was no error of law in the judge's approach, and his decision, based on a carefully calibrated assessment of the relevant factors, was open to him.

'Notwithstanding the public controversy surrounding the judge's decision, it was based on the conventional application of well-settled and agreed principles of law.'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage previously hailed the High Court decision as a 'victory' and said he hoped it 'provides inspiration to others across the country'.

He also indicated that the 12 councils where Reform UK was the largest party would consider legal challenges.

The latest Home Office data, published last week as part of the usual quarterly immigration statistics, shows there were 32,059 asylum seekers in UK hotels by the end of June.

This was up from 29,585 at the same point a year earlier, when the Conservatives were still in power, but down slightly on the 32,345 figure at the end of March.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appealed against the High Court ruling ordering the Bell Hotel to be closed

An aerial view of the site in Epping, Essex

Dame Angela Eagle MP, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said following the verdict: 'We inherited a chaotic asylum accommodation system costing billions. This government will close all hotels by the end of this Parliament and we appealed this judgement so hotels like the Bell can be exited in a controlled and orderly way that avoids the chaos of recent years that saw 400 hotels open at a cost of 9m a day.

'The number of hotels has almost halved since its peak in 2023 and we have brought down costs by 15 per cent, saving 700m and putting us on track to save a billion pounds a year by 2028-29.

'We are also working hard to relieve pressure on the system and striking back at criminal people-smuggling gangs at every stage, including returning more than 35,000 people who have no right to be here, equipping law enforcement with counter-terror-style powers and starting to detain small boat arrivals under our groundbreaking deal with France.

'It will take some time to fix the broken system we inherited, but the British public deserve nothing less, and we will not stop until the job is done.'

Following the Court of Appeal's ruling, Lisa Foster of Richard Buxton Solicitors, which represents Somani Hotels, said: 'We are pleased that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the injunction should not have been granted by the High Court.

'Our clients realise that they have been caught in the middle of a much wider debate on the treatment of asylum seekers and respectfully ask that members of the public understand that the Bell Hotel has simply been providing a contracted service that the government requires.

'We now ask that all associated with the Bell Hotel are left alone to continue to support the government's asylum plans as best they can.

'We are grateful to the Court of Appeal for appreciating the urgency of the matter from everyone's point of view and dealing with the matter so swiftly. We have no further comment and will not be commenting on the matter again.'
This is the terrifying moment a ferocious 100mph storm blew a passenger plane around on a holiday island.

Wind gusts nearly overturned the aircraft while it was stopped on the runway at Calvi Airport in Corsica this morning.

Dramatic footage shows the plane swaying and struggling to stay upright in the strong wind.

It comes as the aftermath of hurricane Erin wreaks havoc across Europe - with violent thunderstorms, torrential rain and high winds lashing multiple countries.

Italy and France have been among the worst hit, where hurricane force gusts reaching 100mph were recorded.

The storms have uprooted trees, damaged homes and triggered floods as emergency services are pushed to their limits.

Unsettled weather conditions are forecast across western Europe, the UK, and Ireland over the next few days with remnants of Hurricane Erin set to hit the continent.

After peaking at Category 5 strength, Erin traveled east of North America last week before heading towards Europe as an intense post-tropical cyclone.

Wind gusts of nearly 100mph nearly overturned a plane stopped on the runway at Calvi Airport in Corsica

This dramatic footage shows an aircraft swaying and struggling to stay upright in the strong wind. Extreme weather is wreaking havoc across Europe - with violent thunderstorms, torrential rain and high winds lashing multiple countries

Italy and France have been among the worst hit, where hurricane force gusts reaching 100mph were recorded Pictured: Calian Civil Protection workers clear a street of fallen trees in Fivizzano, Massa-Carrara province, Italy

Central Italy has also been affected - with winds reaching 62mph battering the coast, tearing trees from the ground, and toppling lampposts in Tuscany

In northern Italy, a powerful supercell storm tore through Emilia-Romagna, uprooting more than 250 trees, flooding streets, and forcing the evacuation of a train near Rimini after debris blocked the tracks.

Fierce winds of up to 60mph have left tourist resorts from Ravenna to Riccione struggling with widespread damage.

Central Italy has also been affected - with winds reaching 62mph battering the coast, tearing trees from the ground, and toppling lampposts in Tuscany.

Meanwhile, a violent storm hit the west of Corsica between 6 and 9am today.

This morning a plane already en route to the island was first diverted to Nice and then redirected to its departure airport, Paris Orly.

The UK and Ireland are also battening down the hatches in preparation for incoming storms.

Storm Fernand is set to lash Ireland with up to 70 mm of rain and winds reaching 70mph, while the remnants of Hurricane Erin are forecast to sweep across Britain next week, bringing widespread downpours into early September.

It comes after Hurricane Erin hit the east coast of the US and Canada last week after first descending on the Caribbean.

Erin never made landfall but left behind rough ocean conditions along the U.S. East Coast.

At least two people died after they had been swimming in the heavy current, and a search continued Monday for a man who was missing after his boat capsized.

Beaches were beginning to reopen Friday after Erin, twice the size of an average hurricane, had weakened into a post-tropical cyclone far from land, but was still capable of causing life-threatening surf and rip currents, the National Hurricane Center in Miami had said.

Erin's outer bands had already brushed North Carolina, though it caused no widespread damage.

Still, North Carolina's barrier islands took a beating last week from Erin's strong winds and swells, leading to breached sand dunes, localized flooding and closures along North Carolina Highway 12, the route linking the Outer Banks to the mainland.

Emergency personnel operate after trees fell on parked cars due to strong winds in the Capannina area of the seaside city Viareggio, Italy, early 29 August 2025

Italian Civil Protection workers' vehicles at the scene to clear a street of fallen trees in Fivizzano, Massa-Carrara province

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State transportation officials said they were poised late Monday to reopen on Ocracoke Island the last portion of N.C. 12 that had remained closed.

Vehicle ferry service between Ocracoke and Hatteras Island up the coast also was reopening late Monday.

In Massachusetts, a team of police and U.S. Coast Guard members were resuming their search Monday for a man in his 50s who was missing after a boat capsized off of Salisbury Beach on Saturday.

The other person in the boat was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Despite challenging weather and sea conditions including 6- to 8-foot swells, the team performed sonar scans, dives, surface and aerial patrols on Sunday, the state police said in a news release.

In Maine, a man was rescued Saturday after his sailboat capsized in high surf in York Harbor.

In New Hampshire, authorities are investigating the death of a 17-year-old boy who had been swimming with family members off of Hampton Beach on Sunday night.

Witnesses said he was pulled away by a strong ocean current and his father unsuccessfully tried to rescue him.

Erin never made landfall but left behind rough ocean conditions along the U.S. East Coast. Pictured: A surfer falls off the board while riding a powerful wave at Rockaway Beach in Queens, as swells from Hurricane Erin impact the New York coastline

Evacuations were ordered on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks during Hurricane Erin

Beaches were beginning to reopen Friday after Erin, twice the size of an average hurricane, had weakened into a post-tropical cyclone far from land, but was still capable of causing life-threatening surf and rip currents, the National Hurricane Center in Miami had said

Lifeguards brought both to shore and began livesaving efforts on the teen, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The father was treated there.

A man drowned Saturday after being caught in a strong rip current off the New York coast, at Sailors Haven in the Fire Island Natoinal Seashore in Suffolk County, authorities said. Ishmoile Mohammed, 59, was visiting from South Carolina.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Juliette formed Monday in the Pacific Ocean hundreds of miles from Mexico's Baja California peninsula as Tropical Storm Fernand churned in the Atlantic Ocean.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect for either storm, the hurricane center said.

Juliette posed no immediate threat to land, forecasters said.

The storm was about 470 miles (760 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.

It had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) after strengthening in recent hours.

Hurricane Erin was about 450 miles east of North Carolina when officials ordered evacuations

Hurricane Erin caused dangerous rip currents in Florida up into Main as it moved over the Atlantic Ocean this week

The storm was moving west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph). The hurricane center said Juliette was expected to strengthen further in coming hours and had the potential to become a hurricane by Tuesday.

In the Atlantic basin, Fernand formed Saturday but was also far from land and forecast to remain over open ocean waters.

It was about 485 miles (775 kilometers) east-northeast of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) and heading north-northeast at 14 mph (22 kph).

Other than Sandy, Erin was the biggest hurricane to track so close to or to make landfall in the United States.

However, instead of taking a taking a left hook into the Mid-Atlantic like Sandy did, Erin turned right and swirled out into the open ocean.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm, delegating powers to government officials to mobilize workers and equipment along the coast.

'To folks on the coast, now is the time to prepare,' Stein said in a post on X. 'Check your emergency kits, make sure you have emergency alerts turned on, and listen to emergency guidance in case you need to evacuate.'

At least 75 people were rescued from rip currents in Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington,on August 21 officials said.

Evacuations were ordered on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks.

The orders came at the height of tourist season on the thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands that jut far into the Atlantic Ocean.
A TikToker who went viral after he walked out on Bonnie Blue's 1,000-lover stunt has been found dead near his home in south London.

Ali Walker, known online as Ali Kingston University, died on August 11 after being found in the Three Kings Pond in Mitcham, a short distance from his home.

The 43-year-old became famous after he posted a video on social media asking for access to porn star Bonnie's controversial stunt in which she had sex with over 1,000 men in 12 hours.

He later posted a video saying he was on the way to the event, being held at the Marylebone mansion owned by playboy Edward 'Fast Eddie' Davenport, to 'jeet' Bonnie - a South London slang term for sex.

But Mr Walker later admitted that he couldn't go through with bedding the performer, real name Tia Billinger, because he was put off the prospect of having sex with her in front of 30 to 40 other men waiting in line.

News of his death was met with tributes from fellow TikTok content creators - and misinformation, including false reports that he had been stabbed.

Mr Walker was discovered by a member of the public on the morning of August 11 in the pond, only a few minutes from his parents' house in Mitcham.

Emergency services were called to the scene and a cordon was quickly established to block the area from public view. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ali Walker, better known as Ali Kingston University, has died at the age of 43. He was found in a pond in Mitcham, south London

Ali was one of more than 1,000 men who queued to have sex with porn star Bonnie Blue (pictured) - he ultimately did not go through with the deed

The tikToker also claimed to have slept with Ms Blue's rival OnlyFans star Lily Philips

He said he was 'number 1113' in Ms Philips' 'meet and jeet' - 'jeet' is a slang word for sex. He also wrote her a song

Walker earned the Ali Kingston University moniker because of his lamenting online that he could not get a job despite having an English degree

Police are treating his death as 'unexpected, but not suspicious'.

The Daily Mail understands Mr Walkers funeral prayers were held at Mordens Baitul Futuh mosque on the 14th.

He was then understood to have been buried last week at a local cemetery.

A friend told the Daily Mail: 'He was a lovely guy who would have done anything for anyone.'

Mr Walker, who had earned his nickname from an early set of TikTok videos he made in which he lamented the fact his degree had not helped him get a job.

He had around 50,000 followers on his TikTok account - but his videos notched up a collective 1.4million likes as of June this year.

HIs online CV said he was educated at Battersea's prestigious 27,000-a-year Emanuel School, and that he later picked up his English degree after earning three A Levels at Kingston College.

However, his career history was comprised of stints as an events steward at Wembley Arena, The Oval, Edgbaston and Tottenham Hotspur's former ground of White Hart Lane, and as a security guard at Bond Street department store Fenwick.

He told the Mail in January: 'On my content I usually make a joke that I've got a degree in English Literature but I'm unemployed.'

'When I do get a job it's usually low level like cleaning toilets. That's the theme that's got me known with university students.'

In some of his final videos, he said he had quit a job as a binman on his first day, and had worked as a security guard at a branch of McDonalds.

Mr Walker said earlier this year that he changed his mind about having sex with Bonnie Blue because it was not a 'one-to-one session'.

The Three Kings Pond in Mitcham where Ali's body was found, a short distance from his home

Emergency services were called and a cordon was quickly established - but he was pronounced dead at the scene

Mr Walker said he changed his mind about having sex with Bonnie Blue because of the large number of men in the room

He worked as an event steward at several sporting stadiums in the capital as well as on security at Fenwick department store

Much of his content revolved around 'jeeting' - South London slang for sex - and he would make reference to escort websites

Instead, he said, it was more akin to a 'free-for-all' with '30 or 40 guys around her all taking turns', all of whom were told to wear balaclavas to retain their anonymity.

'There were so many guys there and I'm quite shy. I've never been involved in anything like that so I didn't get involved,' he said.

'I wouldn't mind having sex with her in more a more intimate setting with just us but with 1,000 or so other men there, it wasn't what I wanted to do.'

He did, however, get Bonnie Blue to pose in a hat he had brought with him as a gift.

'I got footage for my TikTok account and I was happy with that,' he added.

He would go on to collaborate with a number of other content creators and appear on podcasts, and set up a Cameo account so fans could pay for personalised videos.

Many of his videos revolved around 'jeeting', and referenced the escort site VivaStreet.

He later claimed to have slept with Lily Phillips, another OnlyFans star who said she topped Bonnie Blue's record by sleeping with 1,113 men in 12 hours in July.

Walker posted a video with her as she covered her breasts with her hands, captioned: 'I'm number 1113 in the Lily Phillips 1113 man meet and jeet.'

Mr Walker later wrote a song for her, entitled Bunda, which he performed under the name 8T2. It featured the lyrics: 'Lily Phillips, I just want you to be my girl/Lily Phillips, you got the nicest bunda (bottom) in the world'.

A video was produced for the song showing the adult star on a sofa as men line up in balaclavas in an apparent reference to her and Bonnie Blue's 1,000-men stunts.

Some of those he collaborated with took to the web to pay tribute.

Shuan Maroof, host of the Reality Check podcast on which he appeared, said in a video: 'He was a friend of mine and it's really, really, really sad.

'I did always used to send him the messages we used to get of how many people loved him. So many people did love him.'

TikToker Tom Birchy said: 'I'm devastated. He was a sweet man, a lovely man, who... do you know how there are some people that are just not of this world? He was one of them, and I feel like the social media thing for him got him some fame and whatnot.

'I wish he would have known just how many people had loved him. He was a f****** funny guy who got dealt a s*** hand and then turned that into something that made millions of people laugh. He was a good bloke.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called at 9.45am on Monday, 11 August to Three Kings Pond, Mitcham following the concern for welfare of a man in the water.

'Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. Sadly, a man aged in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene.

'His next-of-kin has been informed. His death is being treated as unexpected but not suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.'
Nearly 20 people have been treated for smoke inhalation and several tourists trapped in a lift following a Majorca hotel fire.

The blaze broke out in the elevator machine room this morning at the all-inclusive Bellevue Bonita and Club Resort in Puerto de Alcudia, described by Jet2holidays as a 'lively and large complex perfect for a family holiday.'

Initial reports say several tourists were trapped in lifts at the hotel, although they are now understood to have been freed.

The alarm was sounded just after 9am today at the four-star complex in the north-east of Majorca.

Local firefighters said in an initial response to the emergency: 'A fire has broken out in the lift machine room.

'There are people trapped in the elevators and the establishment is being evacuated.

'Firefighters from Inca, Alcudia and Arta have been mobilised.'

Nearly 20 people have been treated for smoke inhalation and several tourists trapped in a lift following a Majorca hotel fire. Pictured: Emergency services at Hotel Bellevue

Initial reports say several tourists were trapped in lifts at the hotel, although they are now understood to have been freed. Here Hotel Bellevue is pictured

Two of the 18 people said to have suffered minor smoke inhalation have been described as two girls aged 13 and eight taken to the island's Muro General Hospital.

Most are believed to be holidaymakers although at least two hotel workers were also assisted by emergency medical responders.

Although firefighters said the hotel was being evacuated, some tourists are understood to have been told to stay in their rooms but go onto their balconies to make sure they didn't breathe in any smoke.

Local police and Civil Guard officers were also mobilised as part of the emergency response.

It comes after earlier this month a dramatic forest fire near a beach resort in southern Spain forced the evacuation of tourists and locals.

Multiple aircraft were roped in to tackle the inferno, which took hold in Cadiz in Andalusia on August 5.

Specifically, the flames spread in the hills of Torre de la Pena, behind the hugely popular resort of Tarifa.

According to the Andalucia firefighter service INFOCA, gusts of 20-25km/hr were favouring the fire's spread.

All bars, restaurants , and hotels were evacuated between La Pena and Casas de Porros, reported local newspaper Europa Sur.

According to the local police, the fire started in a motorhome at the Torre la Pena campsite, which also had to be evacuated.

The flames then blew westward, away from the campsite, and spread rapidly through a hilly and grassland area where homes and tourist establishments are scattered - including the Wawa Hotel, which is reported to have been affected by the fire.
A Republican elections official has been accused of lacing his granddaughters' ice creams with cocaine and MDMA at a North Carolina Dairy Queen.

James Edwin Yokeley, chair of the Surry County Board of Elections, was arrested after surveillance cameras caught him dropping two pills into the two teenage girls' ice creams on August 8, the Wilmington Police Department said.

The girls, aged 15 and 16, did not consume the drugs.

Yokeley, 66, flagged down a police officer himself and said the girls had found 'two hard objects in the ice cream they had recently purchased at the Dairy Queen,' according to police documents.

The officer responded seized the laced snacks.

But, Yokeley's story quickly unraveled.

Security footage captured the grandfather dropping the pills into his granddaughters' food, police said.

Testing later revealed the pills to be the street drug known as molly, which contains cocaine and MDMA, WRAL reported.

Chair of the Surry County Board of Elections James Edwin Yokeley, circled, is accused of dropping drugs into his granddaughters' ice creams at a Dairy Queen in North Carolina

Yokeley, seen with his family, was appointed chair of the county board earlier this year

Yokeley was charged with contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, felony possession of schedule 1 narcotics and felony child abuse.

He was released after posting $100,000 bond.

The Dairy Queen has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Yokeley was first appointed to the Surry County Board of Elections as a member in July 2023. He was appointed chair of the county board earlier this year.

He resigned from the board on Thursday, weeks after his arrest, officials said.

In a resignation letter to the board, Yokeley appeared to say he was innocent and claimed he was certain he would be 'exonerated of all accusations'.

'This decision has not been made lightly. After much prayer, thoughtful reflection and consultation, I have concluded that its in the best interest of the State Board of Elections, regarding my own falsely accused circumstances, to step down at this time,' Yokeley wrote.

Yokeley's politics have focused on anti-vaccine rhetoric and bogus claims that the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent.

Police said surveillance footage showed the Republican dropping the drugs into the ice cream

The North Carolina Dairy Queen in question, pictured, has not been accused of wrongdoing

The North Carolina State Board of Elections said in a statement: 'The State Board of Elections and Surry County Board of Elections are aware of the charges against Mr. Yokeley, the chair of the Surry County Board of Elections.

'We will continue to collect information about the situation and will provide support to the Surry County board, as needed, to ensure it is able to continue serving the county's voters.'
Waitrose has brought in innovative smart trolleys powered by artificial intelligence which keep track of products as shoppers pick them off the shelves.

The small-scale trial at the upmarket chain's store in the Berkshire town of Bracknell is believed to the first time a UK supermarket has used so-called 'smart carts'.

The 'Shop-E' system is powered by handlebar-type devices made by Israeli software firm Shopic which customers can pick up from a charging bank at the entrance.

A shopper can release one of the futuristic-looking units after scanning their My Waitrose loyalty card, and then clip it onto a regular trolley to begin the shop.

Customers then scan the barcodes on items - similar to how they would with a self-scan handset now offered by some retailers - before placing them in the trolley.

Once the item is in the trolley, back-facing cameras verify the product  and shoppers can pay on the device at the end rather than having to wait in line at a checkout.

The device also displays the cost for each item as it goes in and gives a running total on the large touch screen as shoppers make their way around the store.

Any loose produce must be weighed on an in-aisle scale and then that barcode is scanned. Bakery goods can be selected on the device's screen and then added.

Waitrose has begun a trial of innovative smart trolleys powered by artificial intelligence

A shopper can release one of the units after scanning their My Waitrose loyalty card

The trial of the new technology is taking place at the Waitrose store in Bracknell, Berkshire

The system was revealed in The Grocer this week after being spotted by Toby Pickard, senior partner for retail futures at the Institute of Grocery Distribution.

A Waitrose spokeswoman said: 'It works in a similar way to our Scan, Pay, Go handsets, with a bigger screen, that identifies every item placed into or removed from the cart, and with a real-time tally of products and prices so shoppers can keep track of purchases.

'We're exploring options for more frictionless payment for our customers, while still maintaining conventional checkouts for customers who value interaction with our partners'.

Waitrose also said that the Bracknell store has a trial of shelf inventory cameras to provide 'real-time information on what products are out of stock' as well as electronic shelf labels to 'simplify price and compliance processes'.

The technology has already been trialled at Mercato stores in Italy, Intermarche shops in France, Shufersal retailers in Israel and Walmart stores in Chile.

Shopic says on its website that Shop-E can give supermarkets real-time insights into customer behaviour by turning 'any standard shopping cart into a smart cart, a retail media channel and a data collector'.

The technology developed by Shopic displays the cost for each item as it goes in the trolley

The 'Shop-E' AI trolley system is powered by handlebar-type devices made by Shopic

The device gives a running total on the screen as shoppers make their way around the store

It adds: 'From planogram compliance to store heat maps, from shelf stocking levels to shopper picking decisions, our carts see and understand everything that happens on your retail floor.'

The devices can also provide retailers with data on how long shoppers spend in each aisle, their 'shelf interactions' and how they walk around a store.

Stores can also get the chance to make money from targeted advertising because the screens will display 'contextually relevant ads and offers', according to Shopic.

Mr Pickard told The Grocer that Waitrose was using 'technology to help digitalise the physical store'.

He added: 'Retailers that embrace the digitalisation of the physical store will gain unparalleled insights that will enable them to share more accurate and real-time information and data with suppliers to drive even more efficiencies and profits.'

Waitrose will also hope that the devices could reduce shoplifting - a major problem for all retailers, with the number of shoplifting offences recording by police in England and Wales climbing to another record high last month.

Customers scan the barcodes on items then put them in the trolley as they walk round the shop

The futuristic-looking unit made by Israeli software firm Shopic clips onto a shopping trolley

The trial by Waitrose is believed to the first time a UK supermarket has used 'smart carts'

Some 530,643 offences were logged in the year to March 2025, up 20 per cent from 444,022 in 2023-24 and the highest total since current police recording practices began in 2002-03.

Retail bosses have warned shop theft is spiralling out of control and that business owners need to see immediate results. Ministers have pledged thousands more officers for neighbourhood policing by next spring.

Supermarket chain Iceland said earlier this month that it would offer customers a 1 reward if they spot shoplifters in the act, with the business facing a 20million hit from the cost of shoplifting each year.
President Donald Trump revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday as she prepares for a nationwide book tour.

Harris received six months of protection from the Secret Service after leaving office as required by federal law.

However, shortly before leaving office then-President Joe Biden quietly extended her protection by an additional year in an undisclosed directive not revealed until now, according to a CNN report.

A Senior White House Official confirmed to the Daily Mail that Trump canceled the protection in a Thursday letter entitled Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Under the the 2008 Former Vice President Protection Act, past vice presidents are entitled to a six-month taxpayer-funded Secret Service protection after they leave office.

Typically when the six-month protection expires, former vice presidents - including Mike Pence and Joe Biden - have paid for their own private security.

Other than Harris, the only other former vice president to receive protection beyond the six-months was Dick Cheney after requesting approval from then-President Barack Obama in 2009.

Trump's sudden removal of his 2024 rivals protection will have immediate ramifications as Harris prepares to launch a nationwide book tour next month for her upcoming memoir 107 days.

Harris will not only lose 24/7 in-person Secret Service protection from federal agents, but she will also no longer have threat detection intelligence.

Trump removed Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris on Thursday as she prepares for a nationwide book tour

Trump famously survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 election in-part because of his Secret Service protection

Trump canceled a previously undisclosed directive from President Joe Biden that granted Harris Secret Service protection for an additional year

The book reportedly focuses on her failed short-lived 107 day presidential campaign following Bidens departure from the race.

'The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety,' said Kirsten Allen, a Harris senior adviser, in a statement to CNN.

Secret Service protection typically includes monitoring potential threats using in-person situations, emails, texts, and social media.

According to CNN, Harris aides are afraid they will lose access to potential threat warnings as they embark on this high-profile book tour.

Harris' tours stops will mostly take place in deep-blue cities, and will start off on September 24th in New York City, the day after her book is released.

The former vice presidents home in the heart of Los Angeles will no longer be protected by federal agents.

California leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass were briefed on the sudden loss of security for Harris on Thursday, per CNN.

Bass issued a statement slamming Trump's latest decision as an 'act of revenge' against his former political rival.

'This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more,' said Bass.

Harris is set to release her memoir detailing the 107 days she spent on the presidential campaign trail in 2024

'This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.'

Former presidents and White House officials often face security threats from around the world. Trump famously survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 election.
A mother has warned parents about the dangers of magnets after they almost killed her three-year-old girl.

Millie, 3, was rushed to Bundaberg Hospital in early July, and later airlifted to Brisbane, after becoming pale, unresponsive and beginning to vomit.

Her kidneys began to fail, and her potassium levels were so high they could have triggered cardiac arrest.

Scans revealed that Millie had swallowed two small, high-powered magnets on separate occasions, which had locked together inside her stomach.

The magnets ripped her bowels apart, and her organs began to shut down as Millie's condition worsened.

'These are not harmless toys, they can be found in jewellery, fidget (toys), gadgets, household items, keyrings,' mother Emily Betts told Seven News.

Doctors initially told the worried mother that the magnets would be passed with low risk.

'But her condition kept getting worse. I kept pushing. I said, 'please send us to Brisbane,'' Ms Betts recalled.

Millie, 3, (pictured) was airlifted to Brisbane and placed in an induced coma after she swallowed two high-powered magnets

Mother Emily Betts (above) has spoken out about her toddler's life-threatening ordeal

When Millie was airlifted to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane, doctors revealed the magnets had punched through three layers of her small intestine.

'The surgeon told me they found the magnets a metre up from her stomach,' Ms Betts said.

'They had to cut out part of her bowel, create a stoma, and put her into an induced coma.

'She was on life support in intensive care. Seeing her like that just killed me.'

Doctors have since revealed that Millie was lucky to survive.

'In most parts of the world, this child would not have survived,' Queensland Children's Hospital Director of Paediatric Surgery Roy Kimble explained.

In the past five years, the hospital has treated 20 children who swallowed multiple magnets.

Magnets are often swallowed separately, days apart, and later attract through internal tissue.

Two months on from the life-threatening ordeal, Millie is recovering at home

Surgeons at Queensland Children's Hospital removed part of Millie's (pictured) bowel after the magnets tore through three layers of intestine

The magnets can then pull loops of bowel together, puncturing the soft tissues.

Surgeons drained more than a litre of pus from Millie's tiny body and removed the majority of her bowel.

The three-year-old entered septic shock from the incident. Her kidneys and lungs were also affected.

Millie returned home several weeks later.

Two months on, Millie is recovering at home but remains under close watch for a potential relapse or infection.

Where she found and swallowed the magnets remains a mystery.

Millie lives with autism and has a limited speech capacity, so she can't tell her family whether she swallowed them at home or daycare.

'My house is so baby-proof. I check everything all the time,' Ms Betts said.

'We still don't know. Daycare checked too. Nothing has been found.'

Scans from Millie's incident are being used for national medical training.

Family and friends previously rallied around Millie's parents, who put their entire lives on hold to be by their daughter's hospital bedside 370km from home.

Little Millie is lucky to be alive, according to doctors

'They are far from home, away from their other children, family, and support systems,' a GoFundMe page started by a family friend stated.

'They are facing mounting bills, rent, travel, and living expenses while trying to stay by their little girl's side.

'This is every parent's nightmare, and it's not over yet.

'We are beyond grateful that Millie is still here, thanks to the urgent and expert care she received. This family now faces a long and uncertain road ahead.'

The fundraiser aimed to raise awareness of the life-threatening dangers of high-powered magnets in the hope other families don't have to go through the same ordeal.

The magnets Millie swallowed are banned from being sold in Australia and New Zealand but can be found in products bought overseas or online.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a backlash over the 'needlessly cruel' treatment of female aides in Downing Street.

Nin Pandit, the Prime Minister's principal private secretary (PPS), is leaving the role just 10 months after being appointed by Sir Keir as his gatekeeper.

She is the third senior staff member to be replaced by Sir Keir in less than a year.

It follows the departure of Sue Gray as the PM's chief of staff in October last year, while Sir Keir also saw his communications chief, Matthew Doyle, resign in March.

News of Ms Pandit's exit was accompanied by a brutal briefing to the BBC that Sir Keir had become concerned she was 'ineffective' as his PPS.

But No10 strongly pushed back against those claims, which triggered a backlash among senior officials.

A source close to No10 told The Telegraph there was frustration inside Downing Street over how the replacement of Ms Pandit had been managed.

They told the newspaper it was a 'bad look' for Downing Street to 'mishandle' the departure of two senior women in the space of less than a year.

They added that the briefings against Ms Pandit to the media were 'inaccurate and needlessly cruel'.

One Whitehall source told the Daily Mail that Ms Pandit had been 'treated appallingly'.

'She is a brilliant, dedicated civil servant,' the source said. 'She has never courted a public profile so to brief against her publicly in this way is just appalling.'

Sir Keir Starmer is facing a backlash over the 'needlessly cruel' treatment of female aides in Downing Street

Nin Pandit is expected to be replaced by the senior Treasury official Dan York-Smith (above) in a bid to ensure No 10 has greater oversight of the Budget

It comes after Sue Gray (left) quit as the PM's chief of staff in October last year, while Sir Keir also saw his communications chief, Matthew Doyle (right), resign in March

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Ms Pandit is expected to be replaced by the senior Treasury official Dan York-Smith in a bid to ensure No 10 has greater oversight of the Budget.

One insider said the move was designed to prevent the PM being 'blindsided' by the Treasury again.

It followed complaints that there was too little consideration of controversial moves by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, such as scrapping the winter fuel allowance and slashing disability benefits, both of which had to be dropped.

Sir Keir is also poised to implement a major reshuffle of his junior ministerial team when he returns from holiday next week in a bid to revive his flagging government.

Some ministers are also pushing for the removal of Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald, who was appointed by Sir Keir in December last year.

One Cabinet source described Sir Chris as 'a plodder, when we need a radical'.

Ms Pandit was head of the No 10 policy unit under Rishi Sunak and previously served in senior roles at NHS England.

During the Covid pandemic she was singled out by Dominic Cummings as 'one of the brilliant women around the table'.

Downing Street said Ms Pandit would be taking up a new role leading on the delivery of Labour's five 'missions' and reporting directly to Sir Keir.

A No 10 source insisted she retained the PM's 'full trust and backing'.

The source said her new role was being created because the PM 'wants to take direct oversight of how the Government's priorities are being delivered.'

The role of principal private secretary is one of the most powerful behind the scenes jobs in government, controlling access to the PM and his diary and effectively running the civil service operation in No 10.

Previous incumbents include Lord Case and the late Sir Jeremy Heywood, who both went on to run the civil service as cabinet secretary.

The shake up comes as polling suggests support for Labour has reached a new low, following a summer in which the Government allowed Nigel Farage's Reform UK party to dominate the news agenda with a series of eye-catching announcements.

A YouGov poll this week put support for Labour on just 20 per cent - the lowest since the election, and far behind Reform on 28 per cent.

The slump follows a series of embarrassing U-turns and failure to end the cost of living crisis.

John McTernan, a former No10 aide to Tony Blair, yesterday said the PM was right to reshuffle his team as there had 'not been a grip on domestic policy'.

He told BBC Radio Four's World at One show: 'There's a thing about Keir where if you look across his career as party leader, he doesn't always get it right first (time) but when he decides he needs to change, he moves quickly.'
The transgender killer who shot up a Catholic Church, killing two children, was inspired by a dark extremist network of nihilistic terror groups that prey on and exploit young people, experts believe.

Groups with names like 764, COM, No Lives Matter and the Order of Nine Angles have been spawning school shooters and other violent actors for years, but are mostly unknown to the general public  especially to the parents of kids drawn into their sinister web.

All the groups are sometimes called part of the '764 network', an umbrella term covering a dark mishmash of fringe communities  some satanic, some accelerationist and many obsessed with Nazis and mass shooters.

Robin Westman, 23, who came from what has been described as a nice family, displayed the same traits, symbolism and beliefs espoused by the groups.

These groups often target very young kids, transgender people and other marginalized communities by encouraging them to self-harm on camera, abuse animals and even kill themselves while live-streaming.

David Riedman, creator of the K12 School Shooting Database and a professor at Idaho State University, told the Daily Mail that Westman's use of coded symbols, inscriptions on weapons and disturbing references leading up to the attack align with the online lore surrounding past school shooters and violent extremist communities.

'There are very clear references in the photos and videos from the shooting,' said Riedman, a long-time authority on school shooters.

'It's almost like this is the postmodern representation of a template of violence  if you're going to commit mass violence, you need to draw on all of these other pieces that exist in the lore around it.'

Transgender shooter Robin Westman was entrenched in the sick ideology of insidious online terror groups that operate in private chatrooms to indoctrinate vulnerable young people

Two children were killed, and 17 others injured, when Westman sprayed bullets through the church windows as the young congregants scrambled down in the pews to escape the deadly gunfire

Signs of the shooter's deteriorating mind appeared throughout Westman's TikTok, including one image showing a person with a gun staring into a mirror to see a demon staring back

In a video uploaded to YouTube around the time of the shooting, Westman is heard murmuring 'I wanna kill myself' and stabs a drawing of the Annunciation Catholic Church - the chosen target of the attack.

'I am feeling good about the anticipation,' Westman wrote in several pages in the Cyrillic alphabet. The writing could be viewed on the video and was later translated by AI.

'It seems like a good combo of easy tasks for me and devastating tragedy.'

But the shooter also expressed suicidal thoughts and described wanting to die in the video and the writings.

There was also mention of a struggle with Westman's gender identity, and one passage speaks about the shooter being 'tired of being trans'.

'I wish I never brain-washed myself,' the killer wrote in a scrawled cryptic message.

Law enforcement investigators and academics who study the online groups describe them as 'Satanic neo-Nazi transnational sextortion networks' or 'ideological violent extremists'.

The groups cultivate members on private encrypted, invite-only messaging apps like Discord, Telegram or Terrorgram, that are stored in servers all over the world and are difficult for law enforcement to monitor.

Both Discord and Telegram told the Daily Mail they are deeply committed to safety and do all they can to remove dangerous content.

Terrorgram, a loose online ecosystem of violent extremist propaganda channels, operates on Telegram and is a hotbed for these types of extremists, experts told the Daily Mail.

Young adults and kids also fall into the groups' traps via online gaming platforms like Roblox.

764, which traces its roots back to the much older Order of Nine Angles network as well as to the Columbine shooters, was formed by 15-year-old Bradley Cadenhead of Stephenville, Texas, in 2021.

Westman showed firearms scrawled with the names of infamous terrorists, including Robert Bowers, who carried out the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, and Unabomber Ted Kaczynski

Another still from Westman's TikTok post shows a piece of wood engraved with the name of the neo-Nazi terrorist Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people in the 2011 Norwegian terror attacks, and New Zealand Christchurch mosque shooter Brenton Tarrant

764 was founded in 2021 by Bradley Cadenhead, then 15, who coerced vulnerable youths into self-harm and abuse; he pleaded guilty in 2023 to counts of possessing child pornography and was sentenced to 80 years in prison

Police said Cadenhead coerced young vulnerable kids into self-harm, creating and sharing explicit content and even hurting animals, while extorting them with severe psychological distress.

Cadenhead eventually pleaded guilty in 2023 to several counts of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 80 years in prison.

'Most people don't know that there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of very obscure Telegram channels where very disturbed people congregate,' Shawn Wasson, the host of the News Junkie podcast who has researched these groups, said.

'It never fails that these shooters come from these places. These deranged people hatch in these shadow communities and unleash their nihilistic worldview on convenient victims.

'There is a massive generational gap here where those in charge have very little idea what is happening online until the next shooting.'

Riedman also pointed to an ominous global dimension. Westman wrote in Cyrillic script, echoing a trend seen in Eastern Europe.

'There's a huge Columbine subculture in Russia and in Eastern Europe,' Riedman said referring to the 1999 school shooting in Colorado that killed 14.

'There have been a number of Columbine-mimic attacks there. Just recently, a Georgian neo-Nazi was arrested who was connected to the Antioch High School shooter. These connections exist online, and they cross borders.'

These groups recruit members through private, encrypted, invite-only messaging apps such as Discord, Telegram and Terrorgram, using servers scattered worldwide that make law enforcement monitoring extremely difficult

The online presence of the Columbine shooters prior to their deadly attack has directly inspired these terror groups and has served as inspiration for some of the heinous crimes that have followed their deadly 1999 rampage

In another terror group known as the Order of Nine Angles, which was created by British occultist David Myatt in the 1970s, it's common for members to pose at the sites of notorious rapes and murders, and to celebrate their perpetrators

School shooter database creator and professor David Riedman told Daily Mail that Columbine-inspired shooting have created a subculture in Russia and Eastern Europe

One student died at Antioch High School in Tennessee in January before the shooter killed himself.

In May, the FBI announced it was opening 250 investigations tied to the 764 group's activities, adding that some victims have been as young as nine. The FBI believes there could be thousands of victims around the world.

The announcement came after two men, Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, a US national living in Greece, and Prasan Nepal, 20, from North Carolina, were arrested in April on charges of leading '764 Inferno', a subgroup of 764.

The pair allegedly conspired with and directed at least half a dozen other members or prospective members of 764 Inferno to commit malicious crimes, according to the criminal complaint. They face a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.

The US Department of Justice classifies 764 and COM as 'Tier One' terrorism threats, the highest priority afforded to an extremist group in law enforcement.

'The more gore, the more violence... that raises their stature within the groups,' FBI Assistant Director David Scott, the head of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division, told ABC News at the time.

'So it's sort of a badge of honor within some of these groups to actually do the most harm to victims.'

Less than a month ago, Logan Seitz, a 20-year-old from Brooklyn Center, just outside Minneapolis, was arrested for following a woman to a park and repeatedly stabbing her.

Nazi paraphernalia is also a hallmark for obsession within these terror groups, such as Order of Nine Angles which blends neo-Nazism with Satanism

Prasan Nepal, 20, was charged with leading 764 Inferno, a subgroup of 764, that targeted potential thousands of kids worldwide, some as young as nine. Another American, Leonidas Varagiannis, 21, was also charged

No Lives Matter is another concerning group, but since the slogan is often used by outsiders, it is difficult for authorities to track which conversations are worth monitoring and which ones are solely trolling

Logan Seitz, a 20-year-old from Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, was arrested for following a woman to a park and repeatedly stabbing her. He had also been involved in 764 and went by the alias 'Corrupt'

Seitz said he left home with plans to 'find someone to kill' because he had 'thought about doing it for a long time', according to court records.

He was operating under the alias 'Corrupt' as a member of 764 and admitted during his arrest that he'd dreamed of killing people since childhood.

Becca Spinks, 40, a Texas-based independent journalist who has spent three years investigating online extremist communities like COM and 764, said Westman's murderous actions have a lot of the hallmarks of the extreme online groups.

'They deliberately target vulnerable kids  those who are depressed, self-harming, or confused about their identity,' she told the Daily Mail.

'They groom them, extract sexual material then extort them into more horrific acts, sometimes even violence on camera.'

One of the best-known 764-linked groups, according to Spinks, is COM, a cyber-criminal network that operates not on the dark web but on mainstream apps.

Young adults and kids dabble in everything from hacking to child exploitation on COM. 764 grew out of that aesthetic, becoming what Spinks has termed 'a satanic pedophile terrorist cult'.

One wing of the network comes from the so-called TCC, or 'True Crime Communities', which are not the stereotypical true crime fans who research the Murdaugh murders or Ted Bundy, for example, but are more like 'mass shooter fan clubs,' Spinks says.

Becca Spinks, a 40-year-old independent journalist from Texas who has spent three years investigating online extremist communities such as COM and 764, said Westmans violent actions bear many hallmarks of extreme groups

A photo taken from another criminal who was inspired by the terror groups, with items showing their affiliations to the Order of Nine Angles

Spinks has documented connections between the 764 network and school shooters including Samantha Rupnow in Madison, Wisconsin, and Solomon Henderson of Antioch, Tennessee, both of whom exhibited clear signs of involvement in the network, she told the Daily Mail

'They glorify and sexualize school shooters,' Spinks said. 'They run Discord servers where they make video edits, write fanfic and share memes. Think anime fandom - but for mass shooters.

'It's sick.'

According to Spinks, shooters who decorate their guns with cryptic scribbles are often linked to this TCC culture.

Westman's writings echo some of these obsessions, she said.

In the now-removed videos, Westman showed off ammunition, magazines, cartridges, and guns all scrawled in white writing.

Names of several past school shooters were among the names, including Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza and Samantha Rupnow, who killed two at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, in December.

Other unhinged ramblings included 'For the children', 'Take this all of you, and eat!', 'Where is your God?', and 'Kill Donald Trump'.

Spinks has documented links between the 764 network and school shooters such as Rupnow and Antioch shooter Solomon Henderson. Both showed clear signs of immersion in the network, she said.

A certain kind of Satanic aesthetic, including upside-down crosses and '666' markings, as well as references to a much older group, the Order of Nine Angles, or O9A, is present in many of these groups.

O9A itself dates back to the 1970s, and was founded by British occultist David Myatt. It blends neo-Nazism with Satanism, promoting 'accelerationism': pushing chaos and violence to hasten societal collapse.

But Spinks believes Westman's handwritten manifesto bears more of a resemblance to Audrey Hale, the transgender shooter who shot up Nashville's Covenant School in 2023.

Spinks believes Westman's handwritten manifesto bears more of a resemblance to Audrey Hale, the transgender shooter who attacked a Nashville school in 2023

Hale shot up Covenant School and, like Westman, produced a detailed handwritten diary rather than an online digital footprint

Like Hale, Westman produced a detailed handwritten diary rather than an online digital footprint.

Wasson says the groups deliberately obfuscate and confuse people trying to investigate them, making it harder for parents to prevent their children's downward spirals.

'Groups like O9A and 764 are unknown basically by design,' Wasson told the Daily Mail.

'These groups and countless offshoots of them operate in private or invite-only chats. The organization names are constantly changing, and the chats are constantly migrating, making it nearly impossible to track down the nihilistic members of these groups even when they do run foul of actual laws.

'Even the slogans like No Lives Matter end up getting co-opted by people who aren't actually involved in these groups  making it ever harder to determine which conversations are useful to monitor [and which are] just average trolling on the Internet.

'It's about as nebulous or difficult to explain as anything that exists in online culture.

'At the same time, it's very real and it's no coincidence that several of the most disturbing mass shooters come from these communities.'

A spokesperson for Discord said the company is 'deeply committed to safety', adding: 'We use a combination of advanced technology and trained safety teams to proactively find and remove content that violates our policies.

'We maintain strong systems to combat 764 and related groups and work together with other technology companies and safety organizations to improve online safety across the internet.'

Telegram said: 'All groups and channels identified with 764 were removed as soon as they were discovered in February 2024. Moderators have continually monitored since then to ensure 764-related communities cannot re-emerge, resulting in the removal of hundreds of groups.

'Telegram's terms of service explicitly forbid encouraging violence or child abuse and this content is removed whenever discovered. Telegram's moderators use custom AI tools to remove millions of pieces of content each day that breach our terms of service.'

A spokesperson for Roblox said they have 'zero tolerance' for inappropriate behavior and have teams in place to safeguard their users.
A raging swarm of 20 monkeys attacked and killed a man as he screamed for help in an Indian village.

Ramnath Chaudhary, a retired clerk of the local sugar mill, was ambushed to death when he was collecting fodder for his cattle in the Madhubani district of Bihar - a state of eastern India, south of Nepal.

The incident has caused immense panic among the local residents in the Shahpur village.

On Sunday, Chaudhary, 67, arrived to his farm to collect fodder when a group of 20 monkeys attacked him.

He fell over, screaming for help, but nobody was in the immediate area.

By the time some of the villagers had rushed over to him, the former clerk was badly injured.

His family and neighbours quickly took him to Madhubani Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Police have been alerted to the incident and are demanding the forest department capture the monkeys to prevent further tragedies.

Chaudhary, 67, had arrived to his farm to collect fodder when a group of 20 monkeys attacked him (file photo)

Police have been alerted to the incident and are demanding the forest department capture the monkeys to prevent further tragedies (file photo)

While the animals have caused havoc in the village in recent months - such as biting people and damaging household goods - this is reportedly the first time they have killed a person.

An officer from Pandaul police station said: 'We have requested the forest department officials to take steps to resolve the issue. The monkeys could be caught and released elsewhere. We have also asked the local people to stay alert and keep away from the simians.'

But the local forest officer, Bhaskar Chandra Bharti, said that monkeys no longer came under the jurisdiction of the environment and forests department after they were removed from the list of protected animals, reported ETV Bharat.

Instead, control of the animals is the responsibility of the local police, he claimed.

'We got information about the tragic death of a man in an attack by monkeys,' Bharti said.

'It is the responsibility of the local bodies or municipalities to check them. However, we have asked our personnel to visit the place of occurrence and take stock of the situation. We will provide technical help and expertise, if asked,' Bharti said.

In July, at least two people were killed in a stampede triggered after monkeys caused crowds to panic by jumping on and breaking a live wire outside a temple in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Police officials stand guard near the site of the deadly stampede at the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar

The group of monkeys jumped onto an electric wire outside the Ausaneshwar Mahadev Temple in the Barabanki region, causing it to snap and fall on a shed, triggering panic among worshippers who tried to flee the area.

Nineteen people were electrocuted, while more than two dozen others were injured in the ensuring stampede-like incident.

Accidents involving large crowds are not uncommon at religious gatherings in India, and are often blamed on poor crowd management.

At least 30 people were killed in a pre-dawn crowd crush at the Maha Kumbh (Great Pitcher) festival in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj in January, as tens of millions gathered to take a dip in sacred river waters on its most auspicious day.
A mom-of-three who killed her cancer-stricken husband and two kids before turning the gun on herself has now been accused of embezzling more than $600,000 from her employer.

Emily Long, 34, was found dead alongside her husband Ryan Long, 48, and two of their children, eight-year-old Parker and six-year-old Ryan, in their stunning New Hampshire home earlier this month. Their youngest child, aged 3, was found unharmed.

Before the shocking murder-suicide, Long had been chronicling the family's struggles dealing with Ryan's terminal diagnosis online, posting several videos to her TikTok account.

The mom-of-three worked as the Director of Operations of the Hampton location of Wing-Itz, a chicken wing restaurant company.

Derek Fisher, the owner of the chain's location, told WCVB that Long stole $660,000 from the company over two years before he finally reported it to police.

'I felt I had no other option than to go to law enforcement,' Fisher said.

'We noticed there were a lot of handwritten checks being deposited into her bank account.'

Fisher filed the initial police report on August 11 - one week before the bodies of Long and her family were found.

Emily Long, 34, was found dead alongside her husband Ryan Long, 48, and two of their children, eight-year-old Parker and six-year-old Ryan, in their stunning New Hampshire home

Long worked as the Director of Operations of the Hampton location of Wing-Itz, a chicken wing restaurant company. Her former boss said she embezzled over $600,000

Authorities received a 911 call reporting multiple deaths inside the New Hampshire home on August 18. When they arrived, they found an unharmed three-year-old child

Fisher said he had initially tried getting answers from Long after he discovered the accounting discrepancies.

He told the Boston Globe he confronted Long on June 18 and asked her to provide three months of her most recent bank statements.

Long did not send the bank statements until August 5, and the documents were missing pages and looked 'unusual,' according to Fisher.

Fisher then took the documents to the bank and was informed they had been doctored, he said.

On August 11, as Fisher and Long were supposed to meet at her bank to go through the documents, Long sent her boss a long text resigning from her job.

Long said 'she was resigning, or she could stay in some sort of remote capacity, or I could terminate her,' Fisher said. 'She gave me three options, essentially of how we could proceed.'

Fisher said he never saw Long again.

After learning of the family's fate, Fisher said he is not interested in getting the stolen money back.

Long had shared incredibly candid videos of herself on TikTok, where she expressed her anguish over her husband's impending death

On TikTok, Emily had been documenting her family's journey after her husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His diagnosis was terminal

'Anything thats left should go to that child; he deserves all of it. Its not fair to him; he didnt make this happen, and he didnt deserve this,' he said of the couple's sole surviving child.

Long's husband Ryan, a psychologist and professor husband was battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer with a median survival rate of just 12 to 15 months post-diagnosis.

He was diagnosed less than a year before he was gunned down, so Long's alleged embezzlement predated his diagnosis.

Before the murder-suicide, Long had been documenting her husband's battle with terminal brain cancer in a series of increasingly distressing TikTok videos in which she confessed her mental health was in tatters and that she'd been in a deep state of depression.

In her last video, shared just two days before their deaths, Long said she and her children had been struggling with her husband's diagnosis, but that she was committed to improving her mental health.

'All I want to do is hide under a blanket with my kids, but that isn't healthy for them and it's not healthy for me,' she said.

'Today I decided I need to make a conscious effort to shift my mindset. I'm getting out of this depression whether I want to or not.'

'I am determined to create normalcy.'

Autopsy findings confirmed Emily died by a single gunshot wound to the head, determined to be suicide.

Her two children each died as a result of a single gunshot wound to the head, ruled by the medical examiner as homicides.

Emily's husband suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and his death has also been ruled a homicide.

Ryan was diagnosed less than a year before he was gunned down. Long's alleged embezzlement predated his diagnosis

The medical examiner told the Daily Mail 'based upon the information available at this time, it appears that in the early morning hours of Monday, August 18, 2025, Ms. Long took a handgun from the home and caused the deaths of Ryan Long and her two children, Parker and Ryan, and then took her own life immediately thereafter.

'While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor.'

Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati said investigators are probing the circumstances of the shooting and conceded finances and health had likely been playing on Long's mind.

He said: 'Some that involved the idea of what was going on with the money situation, with the health situation, I think the big thing is to not speculate one reason why something like this would happen

'Homicide and suicide is usually much, much more complex than just one reason. There's still more information we're trying to gather to narrow down different things.'
A missing British toddler is feared to have been taken to Russia after being abducted by his mother on the Costa del Sol.

Named only as Oliver P, the three-year-old disappeared from Marbella on July 4.

Spain's National Police confirmed that the boy's father is British and is based in the holiday resort.

A spokesperson said he filed a police report claiming the mother, who is Russian, abducted the boy. Neither of the parents have been named.

The force said it is believed that she took Oliver 'back to her home country', but that they are not sure of the exact location.

'The investigation is ongoing,' they added.

Oliver is just under three feet tall, with blonde hair and distinctive grey eyes.

Anyone with information that could help locate Oliver is urged to contact the National Police.

Police in Spain have launched a huge search for a three-year-old British boy who is said to have been abducted by his Russian mother

Cops confirmed on Friday that while Oliver's mother is Russian, his father is British.

A spokesperson said: 'We are treating this as a parental abduction. We believe the mother has left Spain and has taken the boy to her homeland, which is Russia.'

A source familiar with the situation is reported to have said that Oliver's parents are separated.

They added that a court had ordered that he was not to be taken out of Spain before he went missing.

Although the last time the boy's dad is believed to have had news of his son was on July 4, one local report today said he only went to police on August 7.

The appeal from the Ministry of the Interior, put out by the country's National Missing Persons Centre (CNDES), which comes under the ministry's remit, says: 'Oliver disappeared on July 4, 2025. His date of birth is November 3 2021. He was three when he disappeared.

'The place he disappeared from is Marbella in the province of Malaga. He has grey eyes, blonde hair, stands 85 centimetres tall [2.75ft] and weighs 15 kilos [2.36st].'

A spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior, when asked for more information, said: 'The investigation is a Spanish National Police investigation. You need to contact them.'

Police have launched a desperate bid to find the boy

Currently, Oliver's custody arrangements have not been made public. His pictures have been shared across several official channels and across social media in a desperate attempt to find him.

According to Euro Weekly News, the CNDES appealed for information, saying: 'Citizen collaboration is crucial in these cases.'

Police say informants can contact them on the missing person hotline on 116000 or by calling the national police on 091.

An Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British child who has been reported missing in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.'
The Rhode Island assistant attorney general who went viral after playing the 'do you know who I am' card during her arrest was branded 'embarassing' by her boss as she was handed a six-month unpaid suspension.

Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan, 34, was arrested on August 14 and charged with willful trespass, during which she warned officers they would 'regret' arresting her.

The shamed assistant AG's boss, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, issued a blistering statement after Flanagan was hit with her suspension this week.

He told the Boston Globe that she 'mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me.'

'I sincerely hope she takes this time to reflect on the seriousness of her conduct and makes corrective changes in her life,' he added.

'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.'

Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan, 34, who went viral after playing the 'do you know who I am' card during her arrest earlier this month (pictured), has been handed a six-month unpaid suspension

Flanagan was arraigned on Wednesday and pleaded no contest, and he boss issued a blistering statement saying that she 'mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly me'

The officers that Flanagan berated had been called to the scene after an intoxicated friend of Flanagan's refused to leave a restaurant around 10pm.

Flanagan was then seen in chaotic footage berating the officers, telling them to turn off their bodycams and saying: 'Protocol is that you turn it off if a citizen requests to turn it off.'

As she was then detained for failing to comply with the officers, Flanagan yelled: 'I'm an AG! I'm an AG!'

'Youre going to regret this. Youre going to regret it.'

Flanagan was arraigned on Wednesday and pleaded no contest. She reportedly received a six-month filing, a request that after six months the case be dismissed.

As she left her court hearing last week where she pleaded no contest, Flanagan ignored reporter questions and hid her face behind large sunglasses.

As she was put in the back of a police cruiser, Flanagan was heard telling officers 'you're gonna regret this'

As she left her court hearing last week where she pleaded no contest, Flanagan ignored reporter questions and hid her face behind large sunglasses

Neronha also clarified that Flanagan's claim during her arrest that police bodycams must be turned off at request is false.

'Shes humiliated herself,' Neronha previously told WPRO.

'Regardless of what happens vis-a-vis her employment with us, shes going to have a long time coming back from this. Its just really unfortunate.

'Ive got 110 lawyers. She embarrassed all of them. I havent had many issues like this while Ive been attorney general.'
The manhunt for the 'Australian Rambo' on the run from the police in remote bushland has entered its fourth day.

Australian police told an on-the-run gunman accused of killing two officers to 'lay down your firearms' Friday, as they continued their hunt for him in the rugged, forested area.

The heavily armed 56-year-old suspect, Dezi Freeman, fled into the bush Tuesday after opening fire on a team of 10 police officers at his home in the northeast of Victoria state.

The 'horrific' shooting in the rural town of Porepunkah killed 59-year-old detective Neal Thompson and 35-year-old senior constable Vadim De Waart, police said.

A third officer was wounded in the lower body and was scheduled to undergo surgery for a second time, but was expected to recover, they said.

'The number one priority for the Victoria police is the hunt for this murderer,' state police chief commissioner Mike Bush told a news conference.

'We believe he is and remains armed and dangerous.'

More than 450 police officers were dedicated to the investigation and search for Freeman, who was believed to have bush survival skills and a good knowledge of the area.

Police and members of the Special Operations Group leave base camp for day four of the hunt for cop killer and armed fugitive Dezi Freeman

Australian police told an on-the-run gunman accused of killing two officers to 'lay down your firearms' Friday, as they continued their hunt for him in the rugged, forested area

The heavily armed 56-year-old suspect, Dezi Freeman, fled into the bush Tuesday after opening fire on a team of 10 police officers at his home in the northeast of Victoria state



'If that person is listening, it really is time to lay down your firearms and give yourself up, so that we can all bring this to a safe conclusion,' Bush said.

Australian media say the gunman is a radicalised conspiracy theorist and part of the 'sovereign citizen' movement that believes laws do not apply to them.

Police raided a property and arrested the gunman's 42-year-old partner and 15-year-old son late Thursday as part of their investigation into the killings.

Both were released after being questioned, police said.

Anyone seeking to help the man elude the police would be committing a criminal offence, Bush warned.

Police say officers went to the man's property on Tuesday morning to execute a search warrant.

Though the cause for the search warrant has not been released, police said the team at his home included members of the sexual offences and child investigation squad.

Deadly shootings are relatively rare in Australia, and police fatalities even rarer

Australian media say the gunman is a radicalised conspiracy theorist and part of the 'sovereign citizen' movement that believes laws do not apply to them



A busload of extra police reinforcements arrive at base camp as the search for cop killer Dezi Freeman continues.

Police raided a property and arrested the gunman's 42-year-old partner and 15-year-old son late Thursday as part of their investigation into the killings

'The number one priority for the Victoria police is the hunt for this murderer,' state police chief commissioner Mike Bush told a news conference

Armed police descend on the property of fugitive Dezi Freeman as the manhunt for the cop killer enters its fourth day. - Home where a woman and 16yo boy were arrested by Police

Police say officers went to the man's property on Tuesday morning to execute a search warrant

Though the cause for the search warrant has not been released, police said the team at his home included members of the sexual offences and child investigation squad

During the shootout, police fired at the suspect but apparently did not wound him, they said.

Deadly shootings are relatively rare in Australia, and police fatalities even rarer.

The latest gunshot death listed in a national memorial to fallen police showed one officer shot and killed in 2023.

A ban on automatic and semi-automatic weapons has been in place in Australia since a 1996 mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, in which a lone gunman killed 35 people.
A senior American diplomat and close ally of Donald Trump has issued an apology after igniting outrage in Lebanon by branding reporters 'animalistic' in their behavior drawing fierce backlash.

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, was in Beirut on a mission Tuesday. That's where he met with the Lebanese president Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace to discuss efforts to demilitarize the Hezbollah militant group.

Deputy U.S. Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus was also present during the press conference, along with other representatives.

During the press conference, members of the media were told that Barrack, who was already in the room, wouldn't be speaking there and would address the press at a separate event.

That update riled up international journalists, leading Barrack to step up to the podium and say the one key word that threw him into boiling hot water.

'The moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we're gone,' he warned.

Aoun's office put out an apology of their own after Barrack reprimanded reporters.

'We regret the words that were mistakenly said by one of its guests on stage today,' adding, 'We wish to emphasize our full appreciation for all journalists and media representatives.'

In a somewhat tense exchange, the senior diplomat asked reporters to remain calm: 'You want to know what's happening? Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant  because this is the problem with what's happening in the region. I beg you, do you think this is fun for us? Do you think this is economically beneficial for us, putting up with this insanity?'

A senior American diplomat and close ally of Donald Trump has issued an apology after igniting outrage in Lebanon by branding reporters 'animalistic' in their behavior during a chaotic press conference that drew fierce backlash from the local media

In a clip shared Thursday from an interview with media figure Mario Nawfal on X, Barrack addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks. 'Animalistic was a word that I didn't use in a derogatory manner, I was just saying 'can we calm down, can we find some tolerance and kindness, let's be civilized.' But it was inappropriate to do when the media was just doing their job,' he said

The remark triggered strong backlash among the media.

The Lebanese Press demanded a formal apology and warned that the ambassador would face a media boycott if he failed to respond.

Zahera Harb, a senior journalism lecturer at City, University of London, said she was 'stunned' by Barrack's conduct toward the press, telling Al Jazeera, 'I can't believe he said those words There's an outrage among many of the Lebanese journalists right now.'

In a clip shared Thursday from an interview with media figure Mario Nawfal on X, Barrack addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks.

'Animalistic was a word that I didn't use in a derogatory manner, I was just saying 'can we calm down, can we find some tolerance and kindness, let's be civilized.' But it was inappropriate to do when the media was just doing their job,' he said.

He went on to admit, 'I should have been more generous with my time and more tolerant myself.'

Barrack, a longtime friend of Trump, served as a senior adviser to his 2016 presidential campaign. The Los Angeles-based investor also chaired Trump's inaugural committee, raising a staggering $107 million for the post-election celebrations.

In 2021, U.S. prosecutors charged Tom Barrack with secretly working to promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates while advising Donald Trump during his campaign and presidency. The government claimed Barrack, a wealthy California businessman, acted as an unofficial agent for the UAE from 2016 to 2018 without properly registering.

However, in late 2022, a New York jury cleared him of all charges, finding him not guilty on every count.

Tom Barrack, a longtime friend of Donald Trump, served as a senior adviser to his 2016 presidential campaign

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria , was in Beirut on a mission Tuesday. That's where he met with the Lebanese president Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace to discuss efforts to disarm the Hezbollah militant group

The Los Angeles-based investor also chaired Trump's inaugural committee, raising a staggering $107 million for the post-election celebrations

After the fact, Barrack ended up getting not one but two influential diplomatic roles from the president.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Ambassador Barrack for comment.
Market diversification strengthens China's foreign trade resilience

People's Daily Online) 10:01, August 29, 2025

A cargo vessel carrying containers berths at Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo/Yu Fangping)

China's trade has remained resilient despite growing global economic uncertainty this year, with imports and exports continuing to show strength.

From January to July, China's exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) grew by 14.8 percent, exports to the European Union rose 8.2 percent, and shipments to Belt and Road partner countries increased 11.7 percent.

Chinese companies are finding new markets overseas, helping boost the country's foreign trade.

The aroma of freshly processed tea fills the production workshop at Zhejiang Wafa Tea Co., Ltd. in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province. The company exported 300 million yuan ($41.94 million) worth of tea in the first seven months of 2025, a jump of more than 40 percent from last year.

"Consumers in North Africa and Central Asia tend to eat more beef and mutton but fewer vegetables," said Chen Maiping, the company's foreign trade manager. "Our exported gunpowder tea and Mee tea have a rich, robust flavor that perfectly suits local preferences."

The company has also expanded to Canada and Venezuela as the demand for tea grows. Overseas exhibitions and business partnerships have helped open these new markets.

"Shaoxing Customs has helped us stay updated on inspection and quarantine standards in different countries and optimize our production processes," Chen said. "We are now accelerating the construction of new facilities and warehouses to better seize market opportunities."

A worker operates machinery at a foreign trade company's production workshop in Huaying city, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo/Qiu Haiying)

Good product quality underpins the success of Chinese foreign trade enterprises in diversified markets. Chinese firms are boosting their global edge by strengthening research, upgrading operations, improving products and advancing technology, said Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics.

In addition to quality, many firms are leveraging opening-up policies to tap into new overseas markets.

Wood carving company Jilin Bailong Arts & Crafts in northeast China's Jilin Province saw exports rise 21.3 percent in the first seven months of 2025.

Company manager Song Xijun said their products range from large animal decorations and home items to wooden bows, hiking poles, office supplies and keychains.

"Germany, France and Japan remain our major traditional markets, but we are also seizing opportunities brought by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to expand in Southeast Asia," Song said.

"For instance, we incorporate local cultural elements into our designs and source some raw materials from ASEAN companies under preferential tariff arrangements by applying RCEP rules of origin, thanks to support from Changchun Customs. This helped us save more than 400,000 yuan in the first seven months of this year, significantly boosting price competitiveness," Song added.

Technicians at Zhejiang Yugong Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. inspect and calibrate equipment components for export to the United States. (Photo/Yao Haixiang)

Beyond tariff reductions under free trade deals, companies also benefit from new policies like electronic records for processing trade, which make production planning easier.

Demand has grown in recent years for efficient, energy-saving rubber-tired intelligent gantry cranes in developing markets as ports accelerate modernization. From January to July 2025, the total trade for Jiangsu Rainbow Industrial Equipment Co., Ltd. in Taicang, east China's Jiangsu Province, nearly tripled from last year.

"Nearly 10 projects are now underway in Southeast Asia, along with another project involving 50 rubber-tired gantry cranes in Africa," said Zha Yan, deputy general manager of the company.

With help from Taicang Customs, the company set up electronic records for processing trade, allowing flexible material sourcing and duty-free imports of parts, easing capital pressures, Zha said.

All localities and government departments in China are stepping up efforts to maintain the stability of foreign trade, and help enterprises secure orders and expand the market, Fu said, adding that the effectiveness of these policies will continue.

Trade experts say market diversification is a necessary strategy for companies' long-term success.

At the same time, advances in information technology are empowering foreign trade enterprises in their market diversification efforts.

Chinese e-commerce platform Alibaba.com now serves over 190 countries and regions, according to Chen Tang, head of integrated marketing operations. It has maintained steady growth in North America while ramping up investment in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region in recent years.

"Our AI system covers all aspects of foreign trade processes for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," Chen said.

For product listings, SMEs can use AI to create product images or promotional videos for multiple markets and languages, Chen said. For customer service, AI provides 24-hour support across markets and time zones, cutting costs and improving efficiency.

China is confident and well-prepared to continue promoting steady growth in and improving the quality of foreign trade, said He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce.

The country is ready to work with more trading partners to tackle challenges and share growth opportunities, he added.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
A 'cherished' woman was found dead between two cars and several stab wounds, an inquest heard today.

Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, died after being 'seriously injured' on a road in a suburb of Cardiff, on August 21.

Now Thisara Weragalage, 37, has been charged with the murder of the 'beautiful' woman.

He was arrested in connection shortly after she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say he was known to the Sri Lanka-born woman, but lived in a separate part of the Welsh capital.

Weragalage, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, was remanded in custody and will next appear again at Cardiff Crown Court on 19 September.

Nirodha had significant injuries and a friend identified her body.

Paramedics attended South Morgan Place in Riverside at 7.37am, but despite their best efforts Nirodha was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter gave a provisional cause of death as multiple sharp force injuries.

Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, was found dead between two cars with several stab wounds, an inquest heard today

The coroner Patricia Morgan said there is reason to suspect Nirodha's death was 'violent or 'unnatural'

Thisara Weragalage, 37, has been charged with the murder of the 'beautiful' woman

The coroner Patricia Morgan said there is reason to suspect Nirodha's death was 'violent or unnatural'.

Nirodha's family said in a heartfelt tribute: 'We remember Nirodha as a cherished daughter, family member and dear friend to many.

'Nirodha will be forever remembered with peace, love and gratitude.

'She touched many lives with her kindness and warmth and her memory will continue to inspire us.

'Though her life ended too soon, the love she shared will always remain with us. Rest in peace angel.'

A neighbour said: 'She was such a beautiful woman. This is such a tragic waste of a young life full of promise.'

People in the close-knit Sri Lankan community in the Welsh capital were 'shocked and saddened' at the tragedy.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage nearby to come forward.

Nirodha's family said in a heartfelt tribute: 'We remember Nirodha as a cherished daughter, family member and dear friend to many'

Police at the scene on South Morgan Place in Riverside, Cardiff

They are particularly looking to speak to anyone with information about a grey Ford Fiesta in or near South Morgan Place, or Seawall Road, including Wellington Street, Clare Road, Penarth Road and East Tyndall Street, between 7.30am and 8.30am.

A force spokesperson said: '37-year-old Thisara Weragalage, of Pentwyn, has been charged with the murder of 32-year-old Nirodha Niwunhella on August 21.

'He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Cardiff Magistrates Court.'

Senior Investigating officer DCI Matthew Davies said: 'My heartfelt condolences are with Nirodha's family, friends, and loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss.

'We have specially trained officers supporting her loved ones at this time and ask that their privacy is respected.

'I continue to urge anyone with information who is yet to speak to officers to come forward and support our investigation.'
Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni says she's disgusted after vile doctored pictures of her and other prominent women appeared on a depraved porn site.

The pictures included shots taken at political rallies and private holiday photographs taken from social media that had been altered to sexualise body parts.

The platform, called Phica, had more than 700,000 subscribers before shutting down on Thursday with the site blaming its users for breaking the rules.

The scandal erupted just days after another disturbing discovery where an Italian Facebook group named 'My Wife' had been exposed for hosting explicit pictures of women and vile, sexist comments.

Meloni said: 'I am disgusted by what has happened' and added: 'I want to extend my solidarity and support to all the women who have been offended, insulted and violated.'

Meloni, who is Italy's first female prime minister continued: 'It is disheartening to note that in 2025, there are still those who consider it normal and legitimate to trample on a woman's dignity and target her with sexist and vulgar insults, hiding behind anonymity or a keyboard.'

Police told AFP they had received 'many' complaints about these sites and others sharing explicit or altered photos without permission.

Meloni also called for those involved in the images to be punished as quickly as possible.

Italian Prime minister Giorgia Meloni says she's disgusted after vile doctored pictures of her and other prominent women appeared on a depraved porn site

The prime minister has now called for the people behind the images to be 'punished as quickly as possible'

She said: 'Content that is considered harmless can, in the wrong hands, become a terrible weapon. And we must all be aware of this.'

She urged victims to take action, adding: 'The best defence available to protect ourselves and those around us' is to 'immediately report' such crimes.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein, who was also targeted, described the posts as part of a 'rape culture' that is not only 'normalised and justified online', but also 'incited by providing specific outlets for the venting of the worst impulses'.

According to Italian news site Post, Phica, a play on the word for female genitals in Italian, had been operating since 2005 and remained active despite repeated complaints to police.

The report said the platform organised so-called tributes where men would post proof of masturbation over photos of other users' wives or girlfriends.

One woman, Mary Galati, said she first found out she was on the site in 2023. She told the outlet she even used her father's ID to join because it only allowed male members.

The site was 'hell', Galati said, describing 'husbands sharing photos of their wives (and) men exposing their partners or relatives.

Opposition leader Elly Schlein, who was also targeted, described the posts as part of a 'rape culture' that is 'normalised' and 'justified' online

'Even fathers uploading photos of their very young daughters - four or five-year-old girls - being sexualised. Photos of their feet, their bodies, accompanied by sexist and paedophile comments.'

Equality Minister Eugenia Roccella condemned the abuse and said the government was planning cultural reforms to tackle what she called 'third-millennium barbarity'.

Women's rights activists also revealed they were considering a class action.
Gavin Newsom's summer of relentless Donald Trump-like trolling appears to be paying major political dividends for the potential 2028 White House aspirant.

Since Newsom began copying Trump's social media voice earlier this month, his support among Democrats has more than doubled, a new poll finds.

Following the 2024 election loss, Democrats remain rudderless in-search of a new leader to unite a demoralized party.

An Emerson College poll released on Friday indicates the California governor has leaped to favorite status among Democratic primary voters three years until the next presidential election.

The same poll conducted in June showed Newsom with just 12 percent support among likely Democratic voters. The latest Emerson survey has the slick-haired California leader boasting 25 percent support.

Newsom's polling surge comes after an intense month-long change to his social media presence that includes mimicking the Truth Social candor of the 47th president.

The X account for Newsom's press office sends daily posts now mimicking Trump's all-caps posts and rants. Meanwhile, Newsom himself has challenged Trump and GOP states seeking to redistrict ahead of the 2026 midterms by launching an effort to redraw California's congressional map.

The potential 2028 hopeful has also sued the Trump administration after he took over the California National Guard during the Summer to put down anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Over the last month, Newsom has stepped up his effort in mocking Trump online and resisting the mass deportations conducted by the administration

Newsom's support more than doubled among Democratic primary voters from June to August

Trump has largely ignored Newsom's social media jabs

Newsom's resistance to Trump and his messaging against the White House has helped him gain more favor with Democrats, however, the poll also showed no candidate has reached at least half of the primary electorate.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg came in second behind Newsom with 16% from the poll's respondents.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who passed on a run for governor in California, came in third with 11 percent support, which is a slight fall from the 13 percent she received back in June.

Meanwhile more than a dozen other potential Democratic candidates, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, all received less than 10 percent support each.

The survey noted that 3 percent of respondents declared they wanted someone else to run, while approximately 16 percent said they were undecided.

Moreover, Newsom appeared to increase his support across the board among black and white Democratic voters.

'Governor Newsom's support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6 percent to 18 percent) an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13 percent to 31 percent), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9 percent to 23 percent) and White (10 percent to 24 percent) voters,' said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, in a statement.

The Emerson poll indicates Newsom has increase his support among black and white Democratic primary voters

Trump worked with Newsom during the fires in California earlier this year

Newsom has been critical of Trump's use of National Guard troops in Washington, DC

Emerson College conducted their poll from August 25th to August 26th by surveying 1,000 active registered voters.

The poll includes 387 Democratic primary voters along with a margin of error of 4.9 percent.
US vice-president JD Vance has urged Brits to 'push back against the crazies' as he waded into a row over Union Jack and St George's Cross flags.

Huge numbers of UK or English flags have been put up in cities, towns and villages across Britain in recent weeks.

Campaigners put the flags on display following an online movement called 'Operation Raise the Colours'.

But it sparked a row after some local councils, such as Tower Hamlets and Birmingham, took them down from council-owned infrastructure such as lampposts.

The local authorities cited health and safety reasons for removing the flags.

Mr Vance was quizzed on Fox News about whether he had seen how 'the English flag has simultaneously become controversial and patriotic'.

The US vice-president spoke of how a friend of his had been afraid of flying the American flag in the summer of 2020 at the height of Black Lives Matter protests.

'You see the same things happening in Europe, and I think we just have to be on guard against this stuff,' Mr Vance told The Will Cain Show.

US vice-president JD Vance has urged Brits to 'push back against the crazies' as he waded into a row over Union Jack and St George's Cross flags

St George's Cross and Union Jack flags are pictured tied to lampposts around Weoley Castle, Birmingham

Tory shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who met with Mr Vance during his holiday in the Cotswolds this month, spent time raising Union Jacks across his Newark constituency

The US vice-president added: 'It's OK to be proud of your country. It's in fact a good thing to be proud of your country.

'We should push back against the crazies who say we should be so ashamed of our culture and of our heritage that we shouldn't be willing to fly a flag. It's craziness.

'We got to call that craziness out. I'd encourage our European friends to follow suit.'

Mr Vance has frequently spoken out on free speech issues in Britain and Europe.

In an address at the Munich Security Conference in Germany in February, Mr Vance warned Europe's greatest threat came not from China or Russia but from within.

He said free speech and democratic institutions were being eroded and accused European politicians of forcing people to shut down social media accounts.

Mr Vance criticised the UK over a legal case in which a former serviceman who silently prayed outside an abortion clinic was convicted of breaching the safe zone around the centre.

In a wider attack on what he suggested was a shift away from democratic values across Europe, Mr Vance claimed the 'basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular' are under threat.

He said that America's 'very dear friends the United Kingdom' appeared to have seen a 'backslide in conscience rights'.

Downing Street last week said the Prime Minister is 'absolutely' supportive of people who put up English flags.

Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels.

'I think he's talked about that previously not least recently in relation to the Lionesses' successful campaign in the Euros.

'Patriotism will always be an important thing to him.'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was 'shameful' of councils to remove St George's Cross flags.

Writing in the Daily Mail, Mrs Badenoch added the flying of English flags should be 'welcomed', rather than 'seen as an act of rebellion'.

She pointed to the hesitation of some councils to 'address the widespread appearance of Palestinian flags' as an example of 'those using power to push a sectarian agenda'.

Tory shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who met with Mr Vance during his holiday in the Cotswolds this month, recently spent time raising Union Jacks across his Newark constituency.

He attacked 'cowardly' and 'Britain-hating' councils which attempt to take down the national flag.
Doctor Who star Billie Piper has demanded 'urgent action' for Palestinian children and urged fans to 'spare a thought' for those caught up in the conflict in Gaza.

The 42-year-old posted a statement on Instagram, contrasting her own family life with the suffering of children caught in the war.

The actress, best known for playing Rose Tyler alongside the ninth and 10th Doctors, paired her words with a video from Al Jazeera showing Palestinian children in tears at a makeshift school graduation after losing their parents.

Her comments come as Israel declared Gaza City a combat zone, and as the UN's World Food Programme, which is responsible for tackling global hunger, confirmed famine has taken hold in parts of Gaza.

More than 640,000 people are facing starvation, and 132,000 children at risk of dying from acute malnutrition, according to the agency.

The crisis has been described as 'man-made' by humanitarian officials, who accused Israel of obstructing aid, a claim Israel's military liaison body COGAT dismissed as 'egregiously flawed'.

Piper, who most recently returned to the BBC sci-fi series in this year's finale, shared: 'This year, these images of Palestinian children plague my mind as I consider all of the things I'm allowed to do with my kids, as these children suffer the insurmountable pain of losing the ones they love, the parents who were there with them once before, telling them how great they were, how everything would be fine and that 'this is your year'.'

The 42-year-old actress shared a statement on Instagram highlighting the contrast between her own time with her children and the suffering faced by families in the conflict

Her comments after the the UN's World Food Programme, the agency responsible for tackling global hunger, confirmed famine has taken hold in parts of Gaza, with more than 640,000 people facing starvation and 132,000 children at risk of dying from acute malnutrition

Billie Piper's post about Gaza shared on her instagram page today

In a caption, she added: 'It's hard to know what to do, but as you think of your kids and loved ones, spare a thought for these children who are being starved and traumatised.

'We must continue to demand urgent action. Right now, Palestinian children in Gaza are barely surviving through unimaginable days and long nights of bombardment, starvation and fear.

'There is no escape from bombs falling, bullets are shot at aid collection points and too many families have lost loved ones.'

Piper is the latest in a string of performers to use their platforms to raise awareness about the conflict.

Madonna and U2 have also spoken out, while Irish folk music group The Mary Wallopers claimed they were 'cut off' for displaying a Palestinian flag.

Organisers of the Victorious music festival in Portsmouth later issued an apology to the band over what had happened and pledged to make 'a substantial donation to humanitarian relief efforts for the Palestinian people'.

Pictured: Band members of The Mary Wallopers hold the Palestinian flag at Victorious festival on Friday

Moving: Madonna has revealed she's 'heartbroken and frightened' by Israel's conflict with Palestine in an emotional on-stage speech

But polling suggests many members of the public remain unmoved by celebrity interventions.

An Ipsos survey of just over 1,000 adults found 60 per cent said they had not paid attention to a celebrity expressing views on political issues.

While 55 per cent felt it was acceptable for stars to highlight causes and 57 per cent supported them, encouraging people to write to MPs.

Meanwhile, only 8 per cent said they wanted to hear more from celebrities on politics, compared with 10 per cent for the royal family, 13 per cent for politicians and 20 per cent for academics.

But a majority, 52 per cent, opposed calls for protests that could break the law, such as supporting a banned group. Only around a fifth thought this was acceptable.
A drug dealer who made over half a million pounds flogging magic mushrooms on the dark web has been jailed.

James Edmans pleaded guilty to drug and money laundering offences after being arrested by officers two years ago.

Mr Edmans, 36, was caught alongside his mother by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit when he left his house to post a number of packages containing drugs that his customers had purchased through the dark web.

The crime unit, alongside Devon and Cornwall Police, searched his home in Plymouth, Devon, where they found various different mushroom grow areas.

Edmans' wardrobes had been converted and contained 113 'grow bags' stored two-layers deep.

They also found mushrooms being dehydrated and other paraphernalia associated with drug production and supply was evident, including mushroom spores in his fridge.

The investigation by SWROCU's Dark Web Operations Team showed Edmans was promoting and selling Koh Samui Thailand Magic Mushrooms across multiple sites on the dark web under the brand name SweetGreenUK.

He was offering the class A drug in quantities of up to 112g and shipping to customers throughout the UK using the postal service.

Edmans' response to being caught by police was: 'holy s***' and 'I'm f*****'

James Edmans, 36, was caught alongside his mother when he left his house to post a number of packages containing drugs

Pictured: The fridge where Edmans stored a range of drug paraphernalia

It was estimated that he made over 5,000 sales on various marketplaces - generating over 500,000.

Edmans made numerous evening trips to local post boxes - driven by his mother - to dispatch the orders.

He would wear a pair of prosthetic gloves to ensure his fingerprints weren't on the packages and as an alternative to wearing latex gloves, which might have aroused suspicion should he be seen posting the drugs.

At Plymouth Crown Court Edmans, who had been remanded since his arrest in August 2023, was sentenced to six years and nine months for producing a class A drug, supplying a class A drug and possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.

He was also handed eight months for supplying a class B drug and four years for money laundering - all to be served concurrently.

His mother Kim Edmans was also handed a 20-month sentence suspended for two years for permitting her premises to be used for supplying class A drugs.

Edmans also had a converted wardrobe that stored 113 'grow bags'

The crime investigation unit found mushroom spores inside the grow bags at Edmans' property

Edmans used prosthetic gloves so that his fingerprints wouldn't be on the drugs packages he posted

Other drug paraphernalia was found at James Edmans' property in Plymouth, Devon

It was estimated that Edmans made over 5,000 sales on various marketplaces on the dark web

Detective Sergeant Matt Brain from the Dark Web Operations Team said: 'My team is part of a nationally coordinated network investigating dark web markets and the trade of illicit goods.

'Edmans thought he could operate anonymously behind his SweetGreenUK brand but we were able to uncover his identity and stop these dangerous illegal drugs being distributed across the UK.'
Cracker Barrel's co-founder has delivered a scathing critique of the restaurant chain's CEO after a botched rebranding.

Tommy Lowe, 93, accused Julie Felss Masino of failing to grasp what Cracker Barrel stands for, pointing to her previous stint at Taco Bell.

'They're trying to modernize to be like the competition. Cracker Barrel doesn't have any competition,' Low, who co-founded Cracker Barrel with the late Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1969, told WTVF.

'I heard she was at Taco Bell. What's Taco Bell know about Cracker Barrel and country food? They need to work on the food and service and leave the barrel, the logo, alone.'

The criticism comes after Cracker Barrel scrapped its controversial new logo Tuesday following a flood of outrage. The redesign removed the iconic 'Old Timer' figure  an old man leaning against a barrel  leaving only the chain's name in a modern font.

Lowe weighed into the saga as Masino, who earns $6.68 million a year in salary and bonuses, was spotted Thursday leaving her home in an affluent Nashville neighborhood.

When approached by Fox News Digital, Masino  who took the helm of the 650-location Southern comfort food chain in 2023  refused to answer questions

She quickly got into her Mercedes-Benz, flanked by security in another vehicle, and drove to a nearby Starbucks for coffee.

Cracker Barrel's co-founder Tommy Lowe, 93, slammed the chain's now-axed logo rebrand

Masino broke cover and was spotted leaving her home in an affluent Nashville neighborhood on Thursday

It marks the first time the CEO has been seen publicly since the logo rebrand, which also eliminated the pinto bean shape behind the name - a nod to one of the original side dishes offered when Cracker Barrel first opened.

Lowe called the rebrand 'land and pitiful' and said 'spending $700 million dollars doing that is throwing money out the window'.

'If they don't get back to keeping it country, then it ain't gonna work,' he added.

Critics said the changes stripped away the brand's character and charm, and the backlash cost the company nearly $100 million in market value last week.

Even President Donald Trump weighed in on the short-lived change, telling Cracker Barrel bosses to scrap the new logo.

Shortly after Trump's comments, the company scrapped the new logo and returned to its original.

'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.

CNN reported that after the rebrand U-turn, Cracker Barrel also deleted its 'Pride page' from its website and scrubbed references to Diversity and Inclusion efforts.

Cracker Barrel was forced to axe the new logo (pictured) on Tuesday following a huge backlash

The now-axed new logo got rid of the image of the old man leaning on a barrel and the pinto bean shape behind the name

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 came as the company also overhauled its 650 US restaurants, 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 chain's name itself comes from barrels once used to deliver crackers to country stores, which later doubled as makeshift tables for community gatherings.
A convicted fraudster has been ordered to repay 90million through the sale of his property empire and Ferrari supercar.

Sock manufacturer businessman, Arif Patel, 57, who is on the run in Dubai, was handed a 20-year jail sentence two years ago.

He was the mastermind behind a scam to set up fake business transactions on goods moved between various companies, creating false import and export records which were then used to claim back large sums of VAT.

Patel and his accomplices also imported and sold counterfeit clothes and invested their criminal earnings into a global property portfolio.

The fraud was uncovered after a joint investigation involving customs officers and Lancashire Police over more than 10 years.

Dozens of containers full of fake designer clothing worth 50million were stopped at ports including Liverpool, Southampton and Felixstowe. Police also intercepted a delivery to a Glasgow wholesaler.

After a trial at Chester Crown Court in 2023, Patel, who ran Preston-based textile firm Faisaltex, was found guilty of false accounting, conspiracy to cheat the public revenue, conspiracy to sell bogus goods and money laundering.

He was jailed for 20 years in his absence.

Sock manufacturer Arif Patel, 57, will have homes and business premises he owned taken from him after a confiscation order granted by a judge at Chester Crown Court on Thursday

Patel's Ferrari 575 Superamerica will also be sold at auction

At the same court this week, Judge Steven Everett ruled Patel should now repay 90million  to be taken from his seized UK assets  including properties in Preston, London, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Mr Everett also ordered the auction of Patel's 225,000 Ferrari 575 Superamerica. In 2011, Patel went to Dubai but never returned.

Co-accused Mohamed Jaffar Ali, 61, was jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of fraud and money laundering. Ali, who was ordered to repay 677,000, is also believed to be in Dubai.

Twenty-four other gang members were given jail terms totalling 116 years.

Richard Las, director of HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, said: 'Patel lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of the law-abiding majority, but he will now lose the property empire he amassed from the proceeds of crime.

'Our work never stops at conviction. For the last two years we've worked with police and CPS partners to secure one of the biggest criminal confiscations we've ever recovered.

Patel, who now lives in Dubai , masterminded a gang that was convicted in 2023 of one of the UK's biggest carousel tax frauds. Pictured: Fake goods intercepted by customs officials

'Tens of millions of pounds of stolen money will now go back to directly to fund public services.'

Mark Winstanley, Lancashire's assistant chief constable, added: 'He was the head of a Preston-based organised crime group responsible for causing millions of pounds worth of losses to multiple companies.'

'His actions, motivated by greed, directly impacted on the taxpayer. The confiscation order granted for 90 million will ensure funds are returned to the public purse, thereby recovering his criminal gains.

'Mohammed Jaffar Ali was Arif Patel's trusted financial enabler in Dubai and he too has been made subject to a confiscation order for 677,000.'

Adrian Foster, chief crown prosecutor of the Crown Prosecution Service Proceeds of Crime, said: 'In the last five years, 478million has been recovered from CPS-obtained confiscation orders, ensuring that thousands of convicted criminals cannot profit from their offending.

'More than 95 million of that amount has been returned to victims of crime, by way of compensation.'
A man was today found guilty of murdering a prison officer in a 'revenge' killing after he exposed an affair between a convict and a female officer.

Lenny Scott, 33, from Prescot, Merseyside, was shot six times outside a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on February 8 last year by a gunman in a hi-vis jacket.

Mr Scott found a mobile phone in former prisoner Elias Morgan's cell at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool in March 2020, Preston Crown Court previously heard.

The phone contained evidence that 35-year-old Morgan was having a 'sexual relationship' with prison officer Sarah Williams, prosecutor Alex Leach KC said.

Morgan told Mr Scott, a father of three, to 'balls up the paperwork' and even offered him 1,500 not to report the phone, jurors were told. But the prison officer submitted the paperwork, resulting in Morgan and Williams being prosecuted.

From that moment 'Elias Morgan told Lenny Scott that he would get him, he said he would bide his time, but that he would get him', the court heard.

Morgan was released from prison in October 2020, while Mr Scott was sacked from the Prison Service the following year after he punched a prisoner in the face.

Mr Leach told jurors that Mr Scott was leaving the gym 'when he was approached by a man wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a handgun'.

Elias Morgan (left) was found guilty of murdering prison officer Lenny Scott (right) in 2024

Lenny Scott, a father of three, was shot six times outside the gym by a gunman

Former prisoner Elias Morgan, 35, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Preston Crown Court

A mobile phone found in Morgan's cell contained evidence that he was having a 'sexual relationship' with prison officer Sarah Williams (pictured), the court was told

Elias Morgan (right) is pictured attending Glastonbury Festival in Somerset in June 2023 with co-defendant Anthony Cleary (left). Cleary was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter

He added: 'The man shot him, six times, to the head and body. Lenny Scott died of his injuries. The murder was an act of retaliation.'

Mr Leach told jurors that evidence showed Morgan 'pulled the trigger himself'.

Co-defendant Anthony Cleary, 29, 'played a supporting role' by using a van to deliver an electric motorbike used by the gunman, he alleged.

The court heard in the days after Mr Scott found the phone, he reported receiving threats from Morgan.

A 'visibly frightened' Mr Scott told his former partner that Morgan had told him that his 'home would be blown up with his family inside'.

Four days later he told a police call handler: 'I'm in fear for my family's life.'

The jury heard he also reported the threats to the Prison Service, saying Morgan had told him his family would be hurt if he did not drop the illegal phone matter.

Instead the phone was examined and Morgan was charged with unauthorised possession of the mobile phone.

Williams, the officer with whom he had had a relationship, later admitted three offences of misconduct in a public office and a computer misuse offence.

Mr Scott left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park

A man, wearing orange hi-vis, could be seen loitering nearby, seemingly waiting for someone

As Mr Scott stood chatting, the man approached him before rounding the corner with a gun

Lenny Scott found a mobile phone in Elias Morgans cell at HMP Altcourse (above) in Liverpool

Jurors were told the two men spent January 3, 2024, as a 'day of reconnaissance' as part of the plan to kill Mr Scott.

Morgan, of Highgate Street, Liverpool, shot Mr Scott six times to the head and body before fleeing the scene on an electric bike, the jury was told.

Cleary, of Smithdown Lane, Liverpool, was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.

Wendy Logan, deputy head of the Crown Prosecution Service's North West complex casework unit, said: 'Lenny Scott was a devoted father who had bravely upheld his duty when working as a prison officer by reporting an illicit phone he found in Elias Morgan's cell in 2020.

'He did so in the face of attempts at bribery and also threats and intimidation by Morgan - and his commitment to public service will not be forgotten.

'Morgan - driven by revenge and believing he was above the law - carried out a cold-blooded murder.

'We were determined to deliver justice and see Morgan brought to book for his evil crime - and our case set out in clear terms how he planned and carried out his callous act.

'Our thoughts remain with Lenny's family - particularly his three young children - and all those who cared for him as they deal with his loss.'

Morgan will be sentenced on Tuesday.
The mother of the Minneapolis school church shooter struggled with her child's gender transition and continuous behavior issues, school employees said.

Mary Grace Westman, the mother of shooter Robin Westman, 23, was said to have confided in teachers that she was unsure how to handle it when the would-be killer came out as transgender around five years ago.

'She said, "I don't know how I feel about this." I think she was struggling with her Catholic faith,' a former school employee told NBC News.

'She didn't know how she felt, but it weighed heavily on her,' they added.

They said that Westman was a lonely child at school who did not seem to have any friends when she taught the killer, who was then known as Robert, in the eighth grade.

The teacher added that Westman was often disruptive in her classroom at Annunciation Catholic School, the same school where the killer opened fire on Wednesday morning.

They described the student's behavior as escalating to the point where Mary would be called in to speak with the principal, and she 'appeared nervous' in some meetings.

It comes after it was revealed that the school shooter's mother has obtained a lawyer and has so far refused to cooperate with police.

Mary Grace Westman, the mother of shooter Robin Westman, 23, was said to have confided in teachers that she was unsure how to handle it when the would-be killer came out as transgender around five years ago

Teachers said that Westman was a lonely child at school who did not seem to have any friends, and had behavior problems that often saw Mary (seen together) called into the school

Mary was a former employee at the Annunciation Catholic Church where the horror unfolded Wednesday morning, and Robin was a student who likely attended services in the school church.

She was mentioned numerous times in Robin's twisted manifesto left online before the shooting, including one where the killer wondered how she missed the red flags in his behavior.

'I feel like my mom would have seen it coming due to my rocky past with violent threats,' he wrote.

'The other day my stepmom said she could feel a dark energy around me if only you know.'

The mother has reportedly sought legal counsel out of an abundance of caution in the aftermath of the tragedy.

'She is completely distraught about the situation and has no culpability but is seeking an attorney to deal with calls like this,' Attorney Ryan Garry told Fox News.

Police revealed in a press conference Thursday that they haven't heard anything from Westman's mom.

'We have not been successful in talking to the shooter's mother,' Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said. The police chief did not provide any further details.

The shooter, who previously went by Robert until changing names in 2019 to reflect 'identifying as a woman', killed two children and injured 18 other people in the shooting at the school church.

Westman was a former student at the school and graduated in 2017, according to a yearbook.

The killer also likely attended services at the church where her mom worked until her retirement in 2021.

Mary Westman, the mother of shooter Robin Westman, 23, used to work at the Annunciation Church where the horror unfolded on Wednesday morning. She is pictured inside the church at her retirement in 2021

The youngest of three children whose parents divorced in 2013, Robin Westman (seen front right with her family) lived in Hastings, Minnesota, before Mary and Jim split (second from left)

The mass shooter's immediate family has made no public comments since Westman was unmasked as the killer who targeted children while they sat praying in the church pews.

Local outlets reported that the former church employee was in disbelief when she learned her child was the killer.

Neighbors at Mary Westman's home on a quiet street in Minneapolis - less than a mile from Annunciation Catholic Church - told the New York Post they had always seemed like a 'great family'.

Stephen Jeglosky told the outlet his 'jaw dropped' when he saw the news, revealing he last spoke to the family around two years ago when they were celebrating a graduation.

Jeglosky recalled that the Westman family stopped him to ask him to take some photos of their celebrations, and they 'seemed like a great family'.

'There were kids running around, parents drinking, music playing. Their little Chihuahua nipped me in the ankle,' he added.

'They gave me a beer, and I went on my way. I guess you never know who somebody is.'

Westman was the youngest of three to Mary and her husband Jim.

The family lived in Hastings, Minnesota, before the parents divorced in 2013, according to court records.

It is not clear what Robin's father Jim did for a living.

Robin Westman killed two children and wounded 18 other victims in the horror mass shooting

Westman also attended the school he targeted in the mass shooting, graduating from there in 2017

Westman's mother Mary was a signatory to the killer's application in 2019, to change from Robert to Robin.

In the filing, she wrote that the move was to reflect that her child was '[identifying] as a woman'.

But, according to a former employee at Annunciation Catholic School, Mary struggled with her child's transition.

Mary had confided in the employee that Westman was transgender and identified as a girl and admitted: I dont know how I feel about this.

'I think she was struggling with her Catholic faith... She didnt know how she felt, but it weighed heavily on her,' the employee said.

Over the years, Mary had also reportedly voiced concerns over Westman's behavior at school and social issues.

Westman didn't have any friends in eighth grade and was disruptive in class, often being sent to the principal's office, the employee said.

Now, investigators are probing the shooter's motive for the attack.

In a chilling insight into the mass shooter's mindset, Westman shared a manifesto in a video on YouTube that included cryptic handwritten scrawlings and tributes to other killers.

Community members gather at the scene of the mass shooting where two children were killed

In the rambling notes, the transgender shooter complained about being 'tired of being trans' and said she had been 'brainwashed'.

'I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,' the killer wrote.

'I cant cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported.

'It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.'

Westman also wrote about struggling with how to identify, adding: 'I dont want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely dont feel like a man.'

In another 20-minute video, Westman showed off a kill-kit of ammunition, magazines and firearms, while revealing a twisted obsession with school shooters, along with a dislike of President Donald Trump, and mockery of the Church.

Westman also showed the camera pages of handwritten notes in a final letter to family and friends.

In the letter, Westman claimed to have cancer caused by a vaping habit.

'I think I am dying of cancer. It's a tragic end as it's entirely self inflicted. I did this to myself as I cannot control myself and have been destroying my body through vaping and other means,' the shooter wrote.

Westman's twisted manifesto (pictured) has also been unearthed in the aftermath of the deadly shooting, offering some clues into what went through the alleged killer's mind

Westman shared a manifesto (pictured) during a video posted via their since-deleted YouTube account that appeared to show the layout of the church where the shooting unfolded

Westman went on to write about wanting 'to go out on my own means'.

'Unfortunately, due to my depression, anger and twisted mind, I want to fulfill a final act that has been in the back of my head for years,' Westman wrote.

The note was signed with the name 'Robin M Westman, 2002-2025' and what appeared to be a bird drawing.

As well as the warped letter, the video also showed a stash of gun magazines, with white writing scrawled on them.

Several school shooters' names including 'Lanza' for Sandy Hook mass shooter Adam Lanza was seen on some of the cartridges.

One of the other cartridges was labeled: 'For the children.'
A businessman who has admitted more than 20 offences of rape, assault and upskirting offences against at least six women may have secretly filmed hundreds of victims.

Chao Xu, 33, preyed on women at his office, at his riverside apartment and in the street, Woolwich crown court heard.

It is feared that he has claimed hundreds more victims in almost five years of depraved offending who have yet to come forward.

Police officers are currently going through thousands of images and content on Xus seized devices and believe the scale of his offending could be vast as an appeal was made for potential victims to come forward.

Xu - who is from China and is believed to have lived in the UK since 2013 - denied only two out of the 26 charges he faced at a plea and trial preparation.

He admitted four rape charges, eight charges of assault by penetration, and four charges of sex assault and between 21 November 2021 and 1 June 2025.

Xu also pleaded guilty to four counts of voyeurism and two counts of administering a substance with intent to two complainants, between April 2023 and June 2025.

He also admitted two further upskirting charges of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without their consent on 8 December 2022 and 6 September 2023.

Chao Xu, 33, preyed on women at his office, at his riverside apartment and in the street, Woolwich crown court heard

Xu - who is from China and is believed to have lived in the UK since 2013 - denied only two out of the 26 charges he faced at a plea and trial preparation

Xu was arrested on 1 June this year after a woman fell unwell at networking event at his home

He denied one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration.

The voyeurism and upskirting offences took place at his 700,000 apartment in Greenwich, at his office in Newington Causeway, Southwark and at London Bridge tube station.

Xu is believed to have moved to the UK from China in 2013 before enrolling as a student at Greenwich University two years later.

He was arrested on 1 June this year after a woman fell unwell at networking event at his home.

Xu had offered for the woman to stay in his flat to recover, then raped her repeatedly.

Officers discovered later that he had administered drugs to her which are known to cause drowsiness and incapacitation.

During the investigation, Xu was also found to have hidden camera devices in bathrooms to film women, with one secreted inside an air freshener.

He kept hundreds of intimate images and videos of women on his phone.

During the investigation, Xu was also found to have hidden camera devices in bathrooms to film women, with one secreted inside an air freshener

Police officers are currently going through thousands of images and content on Xus seized devices and believe the scale of his offending could be vast as an appeal was made for potential victims to come forward

Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, who is leading the investigation, said: Xu is a calculated prolific sex offender, who has preyed on unsuspecting women using cowardly methods - administering drugs to rape, sexually assault and take intimate images without consent.

Our investigation is ongoing and we continue examine the large amount of evidence we have collected, which will help identify any further potential victim-survivors.

Were also asking anyone who has any information about Xu or believes they may have been a victim, to come forward - you will be listened to.

Xu appeared at Woolwich Crown Court today aided by a Mandarin interpreter.

The judge, Mr Recorder Simon Stirling is expected to sentence him on November 14.

A pre sentence report will be produced by a psychologist to consider the matter of the dangerousness.

The judge, Mr Sterling told Xu: You have pleaded guilty to a large number of offences to which the inevitable outcome is a lengthy sentencing.'

He added: I make it plainly clear that the purpose of that report is to see whether you are a dangerous under the sentencing act, and to assist the judge in her final conclusions on how to deal with you.'

Mr Recorder Simon Stirling remanded Xu in custody, who was wearing a black jacket with a grey top, with his hair scraped back in a bun. Pictured: Woolwich Crown Court

Mr Sterling remanded Xu in custody, who was wearing a black jacket with a grey top, with his hair scraped back in a bun.

Suzanne Crane, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: Chao Xu deliberately drugged women to render them unconscious and vulnerable, enabling him to rape and sexually assault them without their knowledge.

Xu is a serious danger to women, and the scale of his offending is such that without the brave testimony of victims, who came forward after realising what had happened to them, may well have continued undetected.

From the outset, we worked closely with the police to build a strong case. The evidence included disturbing images and videos recovered from Xus phone, hidden cameras, and substances commonly used to spike drinks found at his home.

This overwhelming evidence led to his guilty pleas today.

We are determined to seek justice for all victims and will continue to work closely with the police to review any further evidence as their investigation continues.
An elderly Virgin passenger reportedly wet herself as other travellers were forced to urinate in bottles after the plane toilets malfunctioned mid-flight.

The drama unfolded during a six-hour flight from Denpasar, Indonesia, to Brisbane on Thursday.

The rear toilet was already out of service before the flight departed because engineers were not able to fix the problem due to limited support services on the ground in Bali.

The remaining two toilets on the Boeing 737 MAX stopped working mid-flight.

'One elderly woman was unable to hold on and suffered the humiliation of wetting herself in public,' one passenger told The Australian.

'Midway through the flight, every toilet failed. For the remaining three hours, the cabin crew informed us we would need to relieve ourselves in bottles or 'on top of whatever was already in the toilet'.'

A foul smell entered the cabin as urine trickled throughout the plane, according to the passenger, who described the situation as an 'absolute disgrace' and fundamental failure of duty of care.

'Children were crying, elderly passengers distressed, and many travellers visibly upset at the lack of dignity and sanitation, he added.

Flight VA50 departed Denpasar on Thursday with one toilet already out of service before the remaining two failed mid-journey (one pictured)

Virgin Australia passengers had to urinate in bottles after the toilets failed mid-flight

Virgin Australia has since apologised to passengers, who will all be contacted directly and offered refunds.

'A Virgin Australia flight from Denpasar to Brisbane on Thursday evening experienced an issue during the flight which affected the serviceability of the lavatories,' a spokesperson said.

'We sincerely apologise to our guests and thank our crew for managing a challenging situation on board.

'We will be crediting guests for the Denpasar to Brisbane flight and we are proactively reaching out to them to provide this update.'

Daily Mail has contacted Virgin Australia for further comment.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has demanded answers from the airline with regard to the 'distressing event, which constitutes a severe hazard both for the crew and passengers'.

'Across the board, aviation workers are dealing with increasing risks to their health and safety at work, with an industry-wide trend towards profits over performance,' TWU national assistant secretary Emily McMillan told Seven News.

'We need to see decisions made in the interest of public and workers, not just prioritise getting planes out to maximise profits at the expense of the community.'
Labour hypocrisy was said to be on 'full show' today after Angela Rayner was claimed to have escaped shelling out 40,000 in stamp duty on her new coastal flat.

The Deputy Prime Minister is reported to have told tax authorities that her 800,000 seaside apartment in Hove, East Sussex, was her main place of residence.

She took her name off the deeds of a property in her Greater Manchester constituency only weeks before purchasing the Hove flat, it was reported.

The deed changes supposedly allowed the Cabinet minister to pay 30,000 in stamp duty instead of 70,000, which would have been applied if the Hove property was her second home.

It comes after Ms Rayner's own department has warned against the impact of second homes in pricing others out of the housing market.

The Labour deputy leader has also repeatedly hit out at 'tax dodgers' during her years as an MP in the House of Commons.

And she criticised the previous Tory government when it eased the stamp duty burden on homebuyers with temporary changes to the property levy.

At this autumn's Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is widely expected to announce fresh tax hikes - including potential new property charges - as she seeks to plug a 50billion spending gap.

The Mail on Sunday revealed Ms Rayner, who is also Labour's Housing Secretary, had bought the Hove flat in addition to her 650,000 house in Greater Manchester.

She also enjoys a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House.

Ms Rayner is said to have told Tameside Council that her home situated in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency continues to be her primary residence.

Brighton and Hove Council has also been notified by the politician that her apartment there is a second home, for the purposes of council tax.

This means she is liable for the second homes premium on council tax, which she pays in full.

Earlier this year, Tameside Council also approved plans for people with second homes in the area to pay double in council tax.

Ms Rayner's changes to her property affairs - first reported by The Telegraph - are legal.

But they will spark debate as to whether the Housing Secretary purposefully made decisions to pay less council tax and stamp duty.

Some Labour MPs called on Ms Rayner to be 'more transparent' about her financial affairs.

'She really could have shut this all down by just being more transparent,' one MP told The Times.

Dame Priti Patel, the Tory shadow foreign secretary, branded the Deputy PM a 'hypocrite and a freeloader'.

'She wants everyone else to pay higher taxes on family homes but doesn't want to pay it herself,' Dame Priti said.

Sir James Cleverly, the Tory shadow housing secretary, said: 'Labour hypocrisy on full show.

'Putting up taxes, telling everyone that they need to pay more, then doing this.'

A spokesman for Ms Rayner said: 'The Deputy PM paid the relevant duty owing on the purchase of the Hove property in line with relevant requirements and entirely properly, any suggestion otherwise is entirely without basis.'

Angela Rayner, pictured here drinking wine on Hove beach, dodged having to shell out an extra 40,000 on stamp duty on her new flat in East Sussex, it has been claimed

The Deputy PM bought the smart 800k seaside apartment in Hove to add to her burgeoning property empire

Ms Rayner would have been liable to pay 70,000 in stamp duty on the Hove flat (pictured) as her second home - but she removed her name from the deeds of a property she shared with her estranged husband weeks before, it is claimed

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Ms Rayner is understood to have ceased to own a stake in the Ashton-under-Lyne property, following her divorce, in a process that began in advance of her purchase of the Hove property.

But it is also understood her primary residence for council tax purposes remains the family home in Ashton-under-Lyne, as this is where her children live and go to college and where shr regularly returns and shares childcare.

There is no requirement to own any share of a property for it to be designated as the primary residence.

Sources close to Ms Rayner strongly disputed any notion she had 'dodged' paying stamp duty or any suggestion of impropriety.

Ms Reeves raised surcharge rates on stamp duty for second home owners last October - an initiative originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2016.

Ms Rayner has repeatedly hit out at 'tax dodgers' during her years as an MP.

In November 2017, she praised then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for raising the 'tax dodging issue' during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons.

'The public are furious with those who get away with tax avoidance while they pay!,' she tweeted.

In March 2021, Ms Rayner attacked then-chancellor Rishi Sunak's extension of a stamp duty holiday on the first 500,000 of all property sales.

She claimed at the time it would be 'a massive tax cut for wealthy second home owners and landlords'.

Ms Rayner added on social media: 'Rishi Sunak will hand half a billion pounds to landlords and second homeowners by extending the stamp duty holiday.

'Meanwhile, he is refusing to give our NHS and social care heroes the pay rise they deserve.'

When the stamp duty cut was first introduced by the previous Conservative government, in an attempt to boost property sales during the Covid crisis, Ms Rayner warned the move had 'inflated the housing market and provided a tax giveaway worth thousands for wealthy homeowners'.

In April 2018, Ms Rayner blasted a 'Tory tax loophole' amid claims the then-health secretary Jeremy Hunt saved almost 100,000 in stamp duty on his purchase of seven flats.

Government minister Stephen Kinnock delivered a staunch defence of Ms Rayner this morning, insisting the Deputy PM had acted 'fully within the law'.

He told LBC: 'The Deputy PM has made it absolutely clear she has done absolutely nothing wrong. I do wonder sometimes about some of the newspapers out there just seem to be sort of constantly looking to dig out stories.'

Mr Kinnock also dismissed a suggestion it was an example of 'do as I say, not as I do' from Ms Rayner.

'As far as I can understand it, I'm not absolutely involved in it, of course, in the detailed discussions,' he told presenter Nick Ferrari.

'But my understanding from the statement that has come from the Deputy PM's office is that she has done absolutely nothing wrong. Everything she has done is fully within the law.'

Pressed on whether there was any 'stink' to Ms Rayner's actions, he added: 'I am very clear, in terms of what the Deputy PM's office has said, and what Angela is saying is clearly is that this is not an issue.

'She has complied with the letter of the law and that is the situation as we find it today this morning.'

But property expert Kirstie Allsopp, who presents TV's Location, Location, Location, posted on social media: 'This Government have NO shame, they imposed taxes on the rest of us but find ways not to pay them themselves.'

Insiders close to Ms Rayner maintained over the weekend that the politician's home in the north of England was her 'primary residence' for the purposes of council tax.

Such a move would mean the Deputy Prime Minister would dodge paying taxes for her Admiralty House flat in London.

The 2,034 council-tax bill for her grace-and-favour Admiralty House apartment is picked up by the taxpayer.

This is because it is listed as her second home, with the constituency house named as her primary residence.

If the Grade I-listed building in Whitehall was treated as her main home, she would be liable to pay council tax on it.

According to The Telegraph's report, changes are being made to the Land Registry on her Ashton-under-Lyne home but these are yet to be disclosed publicly.

Before the Labour minister purchased the flat in Hove in May, an application was reportedly made to alter the ownership on the property.

If second home owners sell their property within a three-year grace period, they can claim back the surcharge.

Ms Rayner, seen arriving in Downing Street in July is under pressure to explain the circumstances in which she bought the Hove flat

The purchase of the flat brings the number of properties Ms Rayner has to three. She also owns a property in Ashton-under-Lyne and has use of a grace-and-favour flat in Whitehall linked to her role as Deputy PM where council tax is covered by taxpayers

At the end of last year, Ms Rayner moved into a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured) - which used to be home to Winston Churchill

In May 2023, Ms Rayner paid 650,000 for a four-bedroom house (pictured) in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency. She purchased the property with her husband Mark - but has since removed her name from the deeds, it is claimed

Your browser does not support iframes.

However, there is no requirement which states Ms Rayner must own the house in Greater Manchester for it to be her main residence.

Her ex-husband Mark Rayner, who she is divorcing, lives in the property with their children.

Ms Rayner's spokesperson has refused to reveal how much the Cabinet minister had spent on stamp duty for the East Sussex flat, however, they denied she had committed any wrongdoing.

Ms Rayner followed advice and longstanding rules at all times, and had paid the relevant tax required on the Hove property, sources close to the politician have said.

Sources also said she does pay the second-home council tax on her property in Hove, and that her living arrangements were due to working in several locations as a result of her role.

They also noted the Deputy Prime Minister has never owned a property in London, or nearby.

Ms Rayner has been accused by the Tories of breaking electoral law to avoid paying council tax on Admiralty House.

The council tax bill for Ms Rayner's flat in Admiralty House is covered by the taxpayer if it is designated as a second home.

What new taxes is Rachel Reeves plotting? Rachel Reeves is estimated by economists to be facing a 50billion 'black hole' in the public finances ahead of her next Budget. It means there is a widespread expectation she will announce a fresh tax raid this autumn, as she scrambles to plug the spending gap. There has been a flurry of reports in recent weeks about which new levies Ms Reeves might impose, including: Stamp Duty The Treasury is said to be examining proposals to replace stamp duty with an annual charge on homes worth more than 500,000. A 'proportional property tax' would be based on the value of properties when home-owners sell up. Capital Gains Tax The Chancellor is said to be drawing up plans to make selling some family homes liable for capital gains tax. She is reportedly looking to end the exemption from capital gains tax when owners of higher-value properties sell up. The plans would see the 'private residence relief' from capital gains currently enjoyed by homeowners scrapped for some properties. It is estimated a threshold of 1.5million would hit around 120,000 homeowners who are higher-rate taxpayers with capital gains tax bills of 199,973. National Insurance Ms Reeves is also said to be considering a tax raid on landlords by imposing National Insurance on rental income, which could raise 2billion. Inheritance Tax Treasury officials are reportedly examining whether to tighten rules around the gifting of assets and money in an inheritance tax raid. The prospect of a lifetime cap, which would limit the amount a person could gift before their death, is claimed to be under consideration. A 'Wealth Tax' Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has called on Ms Reeves to impose a 'wealth tax' as she looks to plug a hole in the public finances. Lord Kinnock, who led Labour between 1983 and 1992, said a two per cent levy on assets worth more than 10million could be a 'pathway' out of the Government's woes. He suggested such a levy would raise up to 11billion a year and be popular with a 'great majority of the general public'. Advertisement

But this arrangement hinges on her home in Ashton-under-Lyne being her primary residence.

The Conservatives last night initiated a legal process to have Ms Rayner struck off the electoral roll in Ashton-under-Lyne on the basis that she does not 'meet the legal tests for living there'.

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Her three electoral registrations are a sham, cooked up to help her dodge council tax.

'She wants higher taxes on family homes, but doesn't want to pay it herself. As the minister in charge of election law and council tax, 'three votes Rayner' cannot be a law-maker and a law-breaker.

'We are calling on the council to strike her from the electoral roll to safeguard the integrity of elections, and remove the fig leaf she is using to avoid paying council tax.'

It comes after Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice blasted Ms Rayner for being 'the Everest of hypocrisy' as she faced scrutiny for her most recent property purchase.

'She laments a housing shortage, wants to soak the rich, whilst selfishly building her own property mountain,' he added.

Ms Rayner has been branded a hypocrite for buying the seaside apartment in Hove while her own department warns against the impact of second homes.

One of her ministers has previously 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.

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.

Her recent property purchase also coincides with moves by Ms Reeves to hit the middle classes with new property taxes in the autumn Budget as the Chancellor scrambles to plug an estimated 50billion 'black hole' in the public finances.

This includes the possible removal of the capital gains tax exemption for the sale of higher-value homes, as well as a replacing stamp duty with an annual charge.

Treasury officials are also said to be eyeing an inheritance tax raid, and considering plans to impose National Insurance on rental income.

In a memo that was leaked to The Telegraph in May, Ms Rayner pushed to increase the tax burden on Brits further instead of trimming spending and benefits.

The memo - sent to Ms Reeves before the Spring Statement - suggested eight different tax rises that would raise billions of pounds in revenue.

This included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and a higher corporation tax level for banks.

Earlier this week, a top polling expert said the row over Ms Rayner's three homes was a 'danger' for Labour and risks pushing more voters towards Reform UK.

Chris Hopkins, political research director of Savanta. 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.

'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.'
A beloved Mississippi news anchor has unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack at 42 years old.

Dorothea Celeste Wilson, who recently joined WAPT in Jackson as weekend anchor, died on Wednesday.

'Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism,' the station said.

'All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste's family and friends.'

The news station confirmed the mother of one's cause of death was a heart attack.

Her colleague, Megan West, shared a heartfelt tribute to the anchor, including a video of Wilson covering the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast just last week.

'She was new to our team and so lovely. We chatted about how she was adjusting to morning show hours and life a few hours from her home in Louisiana,' West said.

'Today, I learned she died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack. It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family. I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.'

Dorothea Celeste Wilson, 42, who recently joined a news station in Jackson, Mississippi, as a weekend anchor, unexpectedly died from a heart attack

The news station, WAPT, confirmed her passing and praised her 'professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism'

WAPT meteorologist Katie Garch said: 'Heartbreaking news. To have known her was a blessing. May she rest easy.

'Sending love and deepest condolences to the family and friends.'

Another one of the station's meteorologists, Christana Kay, said: 'It is a numb feeling. We are in shock. We are heartbroken. From seeing Celeste Monday to hearing the news of a heart attack, it does not seem real that this happened.

'Celeste was a bright light in a dark room and always shined. Please pray for her family. This world lost someone loving and caring and passionate in everything she does.'

Wilson was a New Orleans native and received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

'While she has held various roles throughout her professional career, her passion for journalism and storytelling drove her to pursue a path in Broadcast Journalism,' her WAPT biography said.

'During this journey, she obtained a master's degree in journalism from Arizona State University and soon began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana.'

She worked at several local news stations throughout her career and was the host of a weekly broadcast on a PBS network.

She worked at several local news stations throughout her career and was the host of a weekly broadcast on a PBS network

The mother of one, pictured with her son, is from Louisiana and received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University

She obtained a master's degree in journalism from Arizona State University and soon began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana

After moving to WAPT, her biography said: 'With a strong a commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi's stories.'

One of her former stations, KARK, also posted a tribute to Wilson, calling her a 'bright spot' on their morning program.

'KARK 4 News is heartbroken by the loss of a KARK family member and former morning team member, Dorothea Wilson. She was 42 years old,' the station said.

'Dorothea joined KARK in October of 2023 as a reporter and anchor with the morning team before leaving in August of 2024.'
The top Republican in Congress fought back against claims that Donald Trump's recently passed domestic agenda is unpopular by suggesting polls can be intentionally rigged.

While touting Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act on CNN, the host pressed Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on whether the massive legislative package, which is expected to cost north of $3 trillion over the next decade, is popular among voters.

Besides provisions that cut taxes on tips and increase defense spending, CNN claimed the entire bill was underwater with voters who disapproved of its immigration funding and its cuts to social services, such as Medicaid and SNAP.

I'm not buying that, Johnson immediately responded. Polls can be, you know, manipulated.

He continued, this time citing polls that show approval for Trumps bill.

We have seen a string of polls over and over and over that many of those, every one of those provisions, in fact, that you said are popular.

The 53-year-old Louisiana Republican said that Republicans have been receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback on the bill while out speaking with constituents at town halls and community events.

I've been in town halls around the country over this break, 12 states in the last week, and people are standing and applauding, for the bill, Johnson continued.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., suggested polls could be manipulated when asked about surveys showing Republican policies are unpopular

Johnson told CNN that Republican's One Big beautiful Bill Act is going to help Republicans in the midterm elections

The facts are going to speak for themselves, the results and the things that people experience, and that's why we're excited about the midterms coming up.

However, according to a Pew survey published in mid-August, the bill is seen unfavorably by many Americans.

Forty-six percent of respondents disapproved of the sweeping budget and tax package, while 32 percent were in favor of it, and 23 percent were unsure, the survey found.

Evidence of the discontent has been plain at some GOP town hall events.

Shortly after breaking for the August recess and returning to their districts weeks after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed, Republicans began to catch heat for their vote.

Nebraska Republican Rep. Mike Flood was one of the first to be hit with the fallout as a group of nearly 700 appeared at one of his town halls in early August to pelt him with heckles.

Vote him out! screamed one, according to local reports. Many expressed concern over the cuts to Medicaid.

Days later, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., was viciously booed as he addressed a town hall of his constituents. It was his first major in-person town hall in nearly a decade, according to Cal Matters.

Trump's signature policy included tax cuts on tips and Social Security payments as well as reductions to Medicaid and SNAP

Chico, California, resident Sarah Morris holds a red card and yells in disapproval as Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-1st, speaks during a town hall meeting in the city on Monday, August 11, 2025

Angry constituents in the legislator's district made their displeasure with LaMalfa and Trump's policies quickly known at a Monday town hall, hurling disruptive insults while the congressman spoke, video shows.

'Thats a lie!' one agitated attendee yelled. Others blurted out that the lawmaker was an 'a******,' and another labeled him as 'shameless.'

A slew of other Republicans have also been on the receiving end of tongue lashings due to displeasure over the One Big Beautiful Bil Act, including Reps. Bryan Steil, R-Wisc., and Mark Alford, R-Mo.

Meanwhile, the Democrats have been bashing the Trump-backed measure as an attack on social services, like Medicaid, and a tax cut for the rich.

Their messaging may be working as the midterms are already pointing towards a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.

The liberals have a 68 percent chance of winning the House in 2026, according to prediction site Kalshi.
Harrowing images have captured the shocking aftermath of the Minneapolis church shooting where 116 bullets ricocheted through the building's stained-glass windows at the small children sat praying inside.

A statue of the Virgin Mary is seen riddled with bullet holes, turning a once beautiful symbol of faith and hope into a reminder of the horror that unfolded at the Annunciation Catholic Church Wednesday morning.

The century-old church's stained-glass windows are now boarded up and the doors barricaded shut.

Outside, a make-shift memorial with two wooden crosses honors each of the slain victims.

Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, 10, were both killed in the attack at the hands of 23-year-old mass shooter Robin Westman.

Another 18 victims - 15 of them children - were injured.

Flowers, cards and stuffed animals left behind by mourners now cover the sidewalk near the church's entrance as the tight-knit community comes together in grief.

On Friday, mourners left messages of hope in chalk and were seen kneeling on the grass outside the church.

Bullets pierced a statue of the Virgin Mary, turning a once beautiful symbol of faith and hope into a reminder of the horror that unfolded at Annunciation Church

The century-old Catholic Church's stained-glass windows are boarded up after Robin Westman fired 116 rifle rounds through them during Wednesday morning mass

Mourners place flowers, stuffed animals and cards next to wooden crosses at a makeshift memorial outside of the church

Westman, who identified as transgender, sprayed bullets through the church windows during a celebratory back-to-school mass.

Before beginning the onslaught, Westman used wooden planks to barricade the church's two side doors shut.

The shooter was dressed in black 'tactical' gear and armed with a rifle, shotgun and handgun - all used in the slaughter and purchased legally.

Westman died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators have now recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence from the church and searched three homes associated with the 23-year-old shooter.

Inside Westman's father's home, police seized a Condor tactical vest with 'various attachments not related to law enforcement/security,' the search warrant states.

Officers also recovered two external media storage devices and a collection of documents.

The motive for the attack remains unclear.

But, in YouTube videos posted online, timed to go live with the massacre, Westman shared a string of hate-filled writings and detailed the sick plans.

Windows at the Annunciation Catholic Church boarded up after Westman sprayed bullets through the windows during a celebratory back-to-school mass

People sit across from boarded windows damaged in the shooting at Annunciation Church

A man examines the holes in Annunciation Catholic Church's brick walls following the shooting

A mourner writes a message of hope with chalk on the church's boarded-up windows

Westman had a 'deranged fascination' with mass killings and school shooters, and suggested in the manifesto that there was not one singular motive for the attack.

The disturbing document revealed a 'hatred of almost everyone' - with police saying the only group of people the killer showed any care for was fellow school and mass shooters.

In some of the chilling videos, Westman shows off a stash of ammunition, guns and magazines, covered in unhinged writings.

The killer had recently broken up with a romantic partner and was staying with a friend in the aftermath of the break-up, Westman's father told police.

The gender of Westman's former 'romantic partner' is unclear.

Before Westman was unmasked as the shooter, neighbors said they never noticed any suspicious behavior and said the killer appeared to live a normal life.

One neighbor claimed Westman 'didn't stand out' and appeared to be a 'normal young person', Fox News reported.

'[Westman] looked like any other 20-something-year-old. Came into the building, ordered fast food, went to work, came home. [Westman] had friends. Nothing stood out,' the resident said.

Another neighbor said that if Westman had done 'anything beyond sketchy', someone in the complex would have 'called long before now'.

Westman - who attended the school targeted in the attack - was previously known as Robert before undergoing a legal name change name in 2020.

According to court papers filed in Dakota County, Minnesota, Westman wanted to be known as Robin to reflect that Westman identified 'as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification'.

Catholics kneel in prayer at the make-shift memorial outside Annunciation Catholic Church

A crying mother embraces her young daughter as they pay their respects at the makeshift memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church

A child writes a message on a wooden cross honoring 10-year-old Harper Moyski that was erected outside Annunciation Catholic Church after she was killed in the shooting

People visit a makeshift memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church on Friday

Memorials outside Annunciation Catholic Church where Westman shot and killed two children and injured 18 other people

But in a handwritten manifesto shared by the shooter in a YouTube video before opening fire, Westman appeared to question the decision to transition.

Westman complained about being 'tired of being trans' and 'brainwashed'.

'I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,' the killer wrote in a scrawled cryptic message.

'I can't cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported.

'It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.'

Westman also wrote about struggling with how to identify, adding: 'I don't want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don't feel like a man.'

Under Minnesota law, changing legal name is far more straightforward than if an individual wishes to change their official birth certificate.

Westman only had to petition for the name change, but to alter a birth certificate, the killer would need a doctor's letter showing 'medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition'.

It is not known if the killer ever tried to do this, and it is unclear if doctors ever prescribed medication for Westman's gender transition.

It is also unknown if Westman had ever taken any gender-affirming medications.

Westman (pictured) had a 'deranged fascination' with mass killings and suggested in the manifesto that there was not one singular motive for the attack

Westman's twisted manifesto (pictured) has also been unearthed in the aftermath of the deadly shooting, offering some clues into what went through the alleged killer's mind

Westman shared the manifesto (pictured) during a video posted via a since-deleted personal YouTube account that appeared to show the layout of the church where the shooting unfolded

Police said Westman legally purchased the weapons used in the massacre, had no arrest history and acted alone.

Westman penned a suicide note, addressed to 'my family and friends', before carrying out the deadly shooting.

The disturbing four-page note said the killer claimed to be 'corrupted by this world' and had 'learned to hate what life is''.

'I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away,' Westman wrote.

'I know this is wrong, but I can't seem to stop myself. I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world.'

Westman concluded by asking for 'prayers' for the shooting victims and their loved ones.

As police continue to search for a motive, it has emerged that police were called to the Westman home in Hastings, Minnesota, at least twice before.

In January 2018, a police officer in Eagan, Minnesota, was dispatched to the family's home over a mental heal issue, according to a heavily-redacted police report obtained by NBC News.

Teachers said Westman was a lonely child at school who did not seem to have any friends, and had behavior problems that often saw Mary (seen together) called into the school

Law enforcement raided the Minneapolis apartment complex where Westman was reportedly living. Neighbors at the complex say the killer appeared to have a female roommate

The officer notes in the report that he 'assisted Mendota Heights with a check welfare on a juvenile'.

The name of that juvenile and what exactly prompted police to be summoned to the three-bedroom home were redacted.

Police were also dispatched to the Westman home two years prior when they responded to a report of a 'criminal offense'.

But the report blacks out all of the details describing the event.

Still, police said authorities did not have any information indicating that the school shooter suffered from any type of mental illness that would preclude the individual from obtaining pistols or semiautomatic weapons under Minnesota's red flag law.

'There is nothing in the investigation so far that would lead us to believe that anything was missed,' he said, noting that beyond a traffic ticket Westman did not have a police record.
Thousands of Scots children are to be offered the chickenpox vaccine on the NHS for the first time from next year.

The new vaccine will be added to the immunisation scheme and offered for free with the new jab as part of a new MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccine.

This will replace the MMR vaccine currently offered to babies at 12 and 18 months of age.

The jab was recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in 2023 and will part of a UK-wide rollout starting on January 1.

Until now parents who wanted to protect their children against the virus had to pay privately with two dozes costing around 150.

Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Scotland said: Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease.

While most cases of chickenpox in children are relatively mild, many children are unwell for several days and have to miss school or nursery as a result. In some cases, chickenpox can be more severe and can lead to hospitalisations from serious secondary infections or other complications.

The offer of the varicella vaccine is a welcome new addition to the routine childhood schedule and, as well as reducing the number of cases, will prevent more severe cases of chickenpox.

The new chickenpox vaccine will be offered on the NHS next year

It's hoped the new rollout will protect children from severe complications caused by chickenpox

The latest addition to the immunisation programme comes just a month after it was revealed that the childhood vaccination uptake in Scotland fell last year on 2023, with the MMR vaccine uptake by the time a child reaches the age of five at its lowest in a decade.

PHS also reported that while Scotland-level immunisation uptake remains high it masks inequalities as evidence indicates that delayed immunisation and incomplete vaccination schedules are more likely among individuals living in the most deprived areas.

Ministers across the UK, however, hope the latest rollout will not only protect more children from severe complications of chickenpox but also slash the number of people taking time off work to look after those who are infected.

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness that is easily spread. It is usually mild and the main symptom is an itchy, spotty rash over the body, but before this children may have a high temperature, a loss of appetite and may feel generally unwell.

It usually gets better on its own within one to two weeks, although some children can develop bacterial infections such as group A strep.

In rare cases, the virus can cause brain swelling, lung inflammation and stroke, sometimes leading to death.

It is estimated that chickenpox causes 24 million in lost income every year in Britain, with parents forced to take time off to care for their children.

Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said: In line with recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the chickenpox vaccination will be available to children in Scotland from January 2026.

We plan to offer the vaccine in tandem with the rest of the UK and are working closely with Public Health Scotland and NHS Boards in Scotland to deliver this and give every child the best possible start in life.

Scottish Conservative public health minister Brian Whittle said: Its deeply concerning that children could be at risk of serious harm because of falling vaccination rates under the SNP.

The chickenpox vaccine is vital because this highly contagious disease can lead to severe complications and even death when people are unvaccinated.

Medics are doing the best, but the SNP needs to ensure that parents are aware of the consequences of not getting their children vaccinated.
The Minneapolis school shooter had only recently broken up with a romantic partner before killing two children in a horrific attack, it has been revealed.

Robin Westman, who identified as a transgender woman, had been involved with a 'significant' partner, but the relationship recently ended, the killer's father told police.

The gender of Westman's former 'romantic partner' is unclear.

The killer had been staying with a friend in the aftermath of the break-up, according to a search warrant obtained by FOX 9.

Westman's neighbors at the Lynwood Commons Apartments complex, about a 10-minute drive from the Annunciation Catholic Church, said the killer appeared to have a female roommate.

It is unclear if the shooter was living at the complex with the friend or the former partner.

Westman fired 116 rifle rounds through the stained-glass windows of the Annunciation Catholic Church while school children were celebrating Mass Wednesday morning.

The mass shooting killed two students, aged eight and 10, and left 18 other victims injured.

Robin Westman (pictured) recently 'broke up with a significant and/or romantic partner', the killer's father told police

Memorials outside Annunciation Catholic Church where Westman shot and killed two children and injured 18 other people

The shooter was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol and used all three weapons in the attack.

Westman - dressed in black 'tactical' gear - was found dead behind the church from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence from the church and searched three homes associated with the 23-year-old shooter.

Inside Westman's father's home, police seized a Condor tactical vest with 'various attachments not related to law enforcement/security,' the search warrant states.

Officers also recovered two external media storage devices and a collection of documents.

In YouTube videos posted online, timed to go live with the massacre, Westman shared a string of hate-filled writings and detailed plans for the attack - but no clear motive.

Westman had a 'deranged fascination' with mass killings and school shooters, and suggested in the manifesto that there was not one singular motive for the attack.

Before Westman was unmasked as the shooter, neighbors said they never noticed any suspicious behavior and said the killer appeared to live a normal life.

Teachers said Westman was a lonely child at school who did not seem to have any friends, and had behavior problems that often saw Mary (seen together) called into the school

Robin Westman was previously known as Robert before undergoing a legal name change name in 2020. Robin is pictured in a graduation photograph

One neighbor claimed Westman 'didn't stand out' and appeared to be a 'normal young person', Fox News reported.

'[Westman] looked like any other 20-something-year-old. Came into the building, ordered fast food, went to work, came home. [Westman] had friends. Nothing stood out,' the resident said.

Another neighbor said that if Westman had done 'anything beyond sketchy', someone in the complex would have 'called long before now'.

Westman - who attended the school targeted in the attack - was previously known as Robert before undergoing a legal name change name in 2020.

According to court papers filed in Dakota County, Minnesota, Westman wanted to be known as Robin to reflect that Westman identified 'as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification'.

But in a handwritten manifesto shared by the shooter in a YouTube video before opening fire, Westman appeared to question the decision to transition.

Westman complained about being 'tired of being trans' and 'brainwashed'.

'I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,' the killer wrote in a scrawled cryptic message.

Law enforcement raided the Minneapolis apartment complex where Westman was reportedly living. Neighbors at the complex say the killer appeared to have a female roommate

Westman's twisted manifesto (pictured) has also been unearthed in the aftermath of the deadly shooting, offering some clues into what went through the alleged killer's mind

Westman shared the manifesto (pictured) during a video posted via a since-deleted personal YouTube account that appeared to show the layout of the church where the shooting unfolded

'I can't cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported.

'It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.'

Westman also wrote about struggling with how to identify, adding: 'I don't want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don't feel like a man.'

Under Minnesota law, changing legal name is far more straightforward than if an individual wishes to change their official birth certificate.

Westman only had to petition for the name change, but to alter a birth certificate, the killer would need a doctor's letter showing 'medical certification of appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition'.

It is not known if the killer ever tried to do this, and it is unclear if doctors ever prescribed medication for Westman's gender transition.

It is also unknown if Westman had ever taken any gender-affirming medications.

Police said Westman legally purchased the weapons used in the massacre, had no arrest history and acted alone.

Westman penned a suicide note, addressed to 'my family and friends', before carrying out the deadly shooting.

The disturbing four-page note said the killer claimed to be 'corrupted by this world' and had 'learned to hate what life is''.

Westman (pictured) had a 'deranged fascination' with mass killings and suggested in the manifesto that there was not one singular motive for the attack

'I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away,' Westman wrote.

'I know this is wrong, but I can't seem to stop myself. I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world.'

Westman concluded by asking for 'prayers' for the shooting victims and their loved ones.

As police continue to search for a motive, it has emerged that police were called to the Westman home in Hastings, Minnesota, at least twice before.

In January 2018, a police officer in Eagan, Minnesota, was dispatched to the family's home over a mental heal issue, according to a heavily-redacted police report obtained by NBC News.

The officer notes in the report that he 'assisted Mendota Heights with a check welfare on a juvenile'.

The name of that juvenile and what exactly prompted police to be summoned to the three-bedroom home were redacted.

People visit a make-shift memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church on Friday as they pay their respects to the victims of Wednesday's shooting

A mother embraces her child as they visit the make-shift memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church on Friday morning

Police were also dispatched to the Westman home two years prior when they responded to a report of a 'criminal offense'.

But the report blacks out all of the details describing the event.

Still, police said authorities did not have any information indicating that the school shooter suffered from any type of mental illness that would preclude the individual from obtaining pistols or semiautomatic weapons under Minnesota's red flag law.

'There is nothing in the investigation so far that would lead us to believe that anything was missed,' he said, noting that beyond a traffic ticket Westman did not have a police record.
A beloved mother-of-three was attacked by a bear and dragged 100 yards as she stepped out of her southern Alaska home for a jog, according to her family.

Ariean Fabrizio Colton, 36, was seriously injured in Tuesday's bear attack, which took place on Tuesday shortly after she left her home in Kenai at about 5am local time, officials said.

Colton was only about 50 yards from her front door when she encountered the bear that 'dragged her approximately 100 yards down the road' to the neighbor's property, Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring told the local outlet KTUU.

Lorring said the bear, believed to be a brown bear, 'came out of another property.'

Colton was taken to an Anchorage hospital about a two-hour drive away from her home in southern Alaska.

She remains hospitalized in stable condition, per a GoFundMe page created by her family.

Ariean Fabrizio Colton, 36, seen with her husband and three kids, was attacked by a bear on Tuesday in southern Alaska

Colton encountered the bear shortly after leaving her home in a Kenai, shorter Alaska. Her neighborhood is seen above

Colton and her family had moved to Alaska just months again and were 'enjoying their beautiful new home' when tragedy struck

'She is stable, but has suffered severe injuries that will require extensive surgeries and a long hospital stay,' the GoFundMe said.

'The family lives 2.5 hours from the hospital and will need a lot of support as Ariean recovers.'

State troopers and a crew from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game traveled to the area to locate the bear but have not found the animal.

Colton and her family had moved to Alaska just months again and were 'enjoying their beautiful new home' when tragedy struck, the page added.

The Utah native was described as 'a loving wife, mother of three, and a nurse known for her adventurous spirit and love of nature.

'She is extremely kind-hearted, strong, and resilient, and is always willing to help those in need,' her loved ones said.

The GoFundMe had raised over $40,000 of its $100,000 goal by Friday afternoon.

Alaska officials asked residents of the of Kenai neighborhood to stay on high alert.

Colton was only about 50 yards from her front door when she encountered the bear that 'dragged her approximately 100 yards down the road'

State troopers and a crew from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game traveled to the area to locate the bear but have not found the animal

They advised that people visiting areas known to have bears remain vigilant when venturing outdoors and keep a close watch on children and pets.

It's also recommended that people secure bear attractants like trash, pet food, and bird feeders.
Shocking images captured the moment a Spirit Airways jet appeared to cross paths with a Southwest Airlines plane at over 30,000ft.

The dramatic pictures were taken by wildlife photographer Mike Griffin on August 25 as the two planes flew over Jekyll Island in Georgia.

Griffin said he was startled by how close the two jets appeared in the sky, and said he began quickly snapping photos after witnessing them apparently careen towards each other.

But according to flight records seen by the Daily Mail, the images taken from the ground may be something of an optical illusion, as the two jets were outside the Federal Aviation Administration's 1,000ft limit in altitude.

The Southwest flight was cruising at 33,000ft while the Spirit plane was at 35,000ft, flight records showed.

While the planes were found to be outside the FAA's mandated altitude distance, it comes amid mounting scrutiny on the aviation industry following a number of disasters and near-misses.

Shocking images captured the moment a Spirit Airways jet appeared to cross paths with a Southwest Airlines jet at over 30,000ft

The images were taken by wildlife photographer Mike Griffin on August 25 as the two planes flew over Jekyll Island in Georgia

Griffin said he was startled by how close the two jets appeared in the sky, and said he began quickly snapping photos after witnessing them

But according to flight records seen by the Daily Mail, the images taken from the ground may be something of an optical illusion

Flight tracker records appear to show the two aircraft on top of each other as they flew at over 30,000ft, but they were outside of the FAA's mandated 1,000ft limit

The images surfaced just weeks after a Southwest pilot was forced to make an evasive maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision.

The jet, which was flying from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas on July 25, dropped 475 feet within seconds to avoid colliding with a Hawker Hunter military fighter aircraft in its path.

Southwest Flight 1496 was climbing towards its cruising altitude on the 73-minute journey to Las Vegas at around 11am and was passing through 14,100ft when the plane suddenly plunged without warning. The military jet was at 14,653ft.

The dramatic dive to 13,625ft was detailed by several passengers, including comedian Jimmy Dore, who described the terrifying few seconds when 'plenty of people flew out of their seats.'

Two flight attendants were hurt during the ordeal, according to the airline. The commercial aircraft continued its journey and landed safely in Las Vegas.

Back in January, the US aviation industry suffered its largest disaster in decades when an American Airlines jet crashed into a US Army Blackhawk helicopter near Reagan International Airport in Washington DC.

All 67 people involved in the crash lost their lives, and the incident sparked an urgent investigation into how the tragedy unfolded.

This month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the US agency tasked with examining major accidents, held a series of hearings to conclude the investigation.

The body found that the helicopter had faulty engineering that meant its altitude readings were wrong.

NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said the findings were alarming, and told the hearings: 'I am concerned. There is a possibility that what the crew saw was very different than what the true altitude was.'
Tough-talking fiscal conservative Senator Joni Ernst is set to stun Washington by announcing she won't seek reelection.

The 55-year-old Iowa Republican does not plan on seeking reelection in the 2026 midterms, according to sources close to her who spoke with CBS News.

Ernst, the first female combat veteran in Congress, has served in the Senate since 2015 and her second term will expire on January 3, 2027.

The sources disclosed that the senator's announcement is scheduled for Thursday.

Ernst's Senate office did not immediately return the Daily Mail's request for comment.

A two-term senator from southwestern Iowa, Ernst went to college at Iowa State University before joining the Army reserves.

While in the armed services, Ernst took tours in Kuwait and Iraq. She retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa National Guard.

The relatively young senator's planned exit comes months after she expressed skepticism over Trump's nomination of Pete Hegseth to be secretary of defense.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, is reportedly not going to run for re-election in 2026

Sen. Joni Ernst is seen with President Donald Trump in a photo dated June 13, 2024 with caption: Just had lunch with Donald J. Trump!

Ernst has served in the Senate since 2015

Ernst was once vetted as a potential Trump running mate in 2016 and has largely been a staunch supporter of the president.

The senator briefly opposed Trump's choice of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense, citing allegations of alcohol misuse and mistreatment of women raised during his December 2024 confirmation hearings.

Ernst, herself a survivor of sexual assault, was however skeptical about allegations made against Hegseth.

That resistance infuriated Trump's orbit, which launched a pressure campaign and threatened her with a MAGA-backed primary challenger.

'If they're opposing somebody for political reasons or stupid reasons, I would say it has nothing to do with me. I would say they probably would be primaried,' Trump said in December 2024.

Trump himself did not criticize Ernst or her opposition, however, reports at the time indicated that GOP senators who bucked the president's nominees would be forced to pay a political price.

Ernst ultimately relented and voted yes, helping Hegseth scrape through with the narrowest of margins - 51-50 - after JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote.

During Hegseth's Senate confirmation process in December 2024, claims regarding his treatment of women and use of alcohol came to a head, prompting Republican Senators Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins to vote 'no' on his confirmation.

Trump's choice for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth got a surprising boost when Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said 'I support Pete through this process'

Sen. Joni Ernst met with Hegseth in her Senate office while facing a public pressure campaign. She issued a statement saying, 'As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources'

Hegseth had been a sharp critic of women taking combat roles as well.

Ernst was peeved with those remarks.

She has focused on legislation and oversight of sexual assault and harassment in the military.

Eventually she relented and pledged her support for Hegseth's nomination.

The ex-Fox News host was later confirmed by a single vote margin, 51-50, after Vice President JD Vance had to break a tie.

Despite the dust up the Iowa senator was implored by the White House to run for re-election, Politico reported in July.

Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly urged Ernst to run for a third term, saying the administration would 'love to have her in the Senate,' according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Iowa Republican has grown a reputation for identifying wasteful government, famously dubbing her monthly taxpayer expose the 'Squeal Award.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, walks to board a bus to the White House with other Senate Republicans for a meeting with President Donald Trump on his spending and tax bill, Wednesday, June 4, 2025

White House staffers reportedly urged Ernst to run for a third term

In November 2024, she co-founded the bipartisan Senate DOGE Caucus - short for 'Defending Our Government from Excess' - aimed at rooting out waste, fraud and abuse across federal agencies.

She worked closely with DOGE at the beginning of President Trump's term.

With Ernst's Senate seat reportedly opening up, several Republicans are at the top of the list to replace her.

Iowa Republican Ashley Hinson, 42, a former TV journalist and congresswoman since 2021, is thought to be a top candidate for the Senate seat.

Also in reportedly in the mix is NATO Ambassador Matt Whitaker, who ran in 2014 against Ernst in the Republican primary.
Donald Trump is blocking Palestinian leaders from coming to the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly meeting next month.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is denying visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the gathering in New York City.

It underscores the administration's backing of Israel in its war with Hamas terrorists acting as the de facto government in Palestinian stronghold of Gaza.

Rubio said Friday: 'The Trump Administration has been clear: it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.'

The former Florida senator, who holds three other administrative positions while also running the State Department, said that PLO and PA cannot be 'considered partners for peace' because they refuse to denounce Hamas' terrorist activity.

Specifically, he mentioned the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack, which was the largest single-day slaughter of Jewish people since the Holocaust.

'Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism  including the October 7 massacre  and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO,' Rubio wrote in a statement on the action.

Pulling visas from these members will deny their ability to push their interests amid the ongoing war with Israel.

Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller backed up the decision, claiming it was a move to prevent abuse of the U.S. visa system by terrorists.

President Donald Trump directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) to revoke and deny the visas of members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority

It comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting next month at New York City UN Headquarters

'We've been very clear when it comes to our visa system that we are going to take all necessary steps to prevent our visa system from being used by individuals who may support or espouse terrorism or terrorist activity,' he told reporters at the White House on Friday.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly will convene at UN headquarters in New York City next month.

Meetings between world leaders will run from September 23 through 27.

Trump will travel to New York from the White House on September 22 and speak to the assembly the following day, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

It's unclear which, if any, world leaders the president will hold bilateral meetings with during UNGA.

The gathering comes as two massive wars rage on  the first in the Middle East involving U.S. ally Israel against Hamas and its supporters, and the other between Ukraine and Russia.

Rubio says the action comes after Palestinian officials refused to 'repudiate terrorism' carried out by Hamas against Israeli

The revoked visas represent a departure from norms, where official delegations are usually given the right to come to the United Nations.

Rubio said in his statement on Friday that the Palestinian Authority Mission to the U.S. will receive waivers under the UN Headquarters Agreement.

He assured that the U.S. remains 'open to re-engagement' if PA and PLO 'demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel.'
Queen Elizabeth II was a Remainer opposed to Britains decision to leave the European Union, a new book has sensationally claimed.

In one of the few major insights into the late monarchs political leanings, it is alleged the Queen told a senior minister three months before the 2016 Brexit referendum: We shouldnt leave the EU.

She is later said to have added: Its better to stick with the devil you know.

The bombshell revelation has emerged in an upcoming book by veteran former royal correspondent Valentine Low, entitled Power and the Palace: The Inside Story of the Monarchy and 10 Downing Street.

In an extract serialised in The Times this evening, one Buckingham Palace insider said that, while the Queen could be frustrated by Brussels bureaucracy, she saw the EU as part of the post-war settlement, marking an era of cooperation after two world wars'.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron added: She was so careful never to express a political view, but you always sensed that, like most of her subjects, she thought that European co-operation was necessary and important, but the institutions of the EU sometimes can be infuriating.

The claims fly in the face of a controversial headline in The Sun newspaper in the run-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum which claimed Queen Backs Brexit.

Queen Elizabeth II supported Britain staying a part of the European Union during the controversial 2016 referendum, a book has claimed

It is alleged the Queen told a senior minister three months before the 2016 Brexit referendum: We shouldnt leave the EU.

David Cameron at Buckingham Palace with Queen Elizabeth II in 2010

Buckingham Palace complained about the story, insisting the monarch was politically neutral, and The Sun was forced to publish a ruling from the press watchdog stating the headline was significantly misleading'.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the new claims, in line with its policy that it does not get drawn into public statements about biographies or books on the Royal Family.

Former Chancellor George Osborne said that, despite so little being known publicly about the late Queens political ideology, she could be surprisingly upfront in private.

I was constantly astonished by how candid she was and that none of this ever came out, he told Mr Low.

'Shed be very forthright in telling you what she thought of individuals, including members of her own family, and what she thought about things going on in the country.

However, a well-placed royal source insisted to the Mail that no-one, not even her closest advisors, ever knew what the Queen thought on a huge range of political issues over the years, least of all Brexit.

They added: Sometimes people impose their own political ideology when interpreting remarks Her Majesty may or may not have said. Often with claims such as these its more holding a mirror up to the opinion of the person who is reporting them.

Following its Queen Backs Brexit headline in 2016, The Sun stood by its reporting and said the headline was backed up by the story'.

Former Chancellor George Osborne said that, despite so little being known publicly about the late Queens political ideology, she could be surprisingly upfront in private

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the new claims, in line with its policy that it does not get drawn into public statements about biographies or books on the Royal Family

The story was based on alleged critical comments the Queen made about Brussels during a lunch at Windsor Castle in 2011.

It claimed the Queen had made disparaging comments about the EU during an exchange with Nick Clegg, then the Deputy Prime Minister.

It alleged she had made further critical comments about the EU at a reception for MPs at Buckingham Palace  citing two unnamed sources.

Former justice secretary Michael Gove was later named as the source of the leak. Mr Clegg said the report was nonsense while, at the time, Buckingham Palace said: The Queen remains politically neutral, as she has for 63 years.

'We will not comment on spurious, anonymously sourced claims. The referendum is a matter for the British people to decide.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation's (Ipso) ruling said the content of The Suns article did not breach its code, but the headline did as it was a factual assertion that the Queen had expressed a position in the referendum debate, and there was nothing in the headline, or the manner in which it was presented on the newspaper's front page, to suggest that this was conjecture, hyperbole, or was not to be read literally'.

A royal source insisted to the Mail that no-one, not even her closest advisors, ever knew what the Queen thought on a huge range of political issues over the years, least of all Brexit

The Queen was again dragged into controversy surrounding Brexit in 2019 when then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised the monarch to prorogue parliament as part of an attempt to force through the governments plans for leaving the EU.

The Supreme Court later ruled that the suspension was unlawful and the prorogation was quashed.

Buckingham Palace officials are said to have been concerned over whether the Queen was aware of what she was getting into and of the potential legal challenges, according to the book Out, by journalist Tim Shipman, released last year.
An influencer, her husband, and their two children have been found dead inside a pickup truck in Mexico.

Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, 32, and spouse Roberto Carlos Gil Licea, 36, died alongside their son Gael Santiago, 13, and daughter, Regina, 7.

Authorities discovered the family on August 22 but only confirmed their identities yesterday.

Esmeralda, known online as Esmeralda FG, had tens of thousands of followers on social media.

She shared lifestyle and travel content, but also posted videos of herself lip-syncing to 'narcocorrido' drug ballads.

The abandoned pickup containing the bodies was found in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The family had moved to the Guadalajara metropolitan area for work just months earlier.

Roberto was involved in buying and selling vehicles and tomato farming in Michoacan state. Authorities reportedly believe the killings may be linked to his business activities.

Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, 32, known by her online handle Esmeralda FG, had tens of thousands of followers on TikTok

Her body was found next to that of husband Roberto Carlos Gil Licea, 36, and their son Gael Santiago, 13, and daughter, Regina, 7

The couple and their two children were found dead inside a pickup truck in Mexico

Esmeralda's TikTok content reportedly included videos of her lip-syncing to so-called 'narcocorrido' drug ballads, which focus on the stories of drug traffickers

The family had moved to the Guadalajara metropolitan area for work just months earlier. Pictured: Esmeralda paddling in the ocean

Authorities are believed to have discovered the family on August 22 but only confirmed their identities yesterday

Investigators tracked part of the pickup's route using CCTV, which led them to a nearby mechanic's workshop.

Prosecutor Alfonso Gutierrez Santillan said: 'The scene was processed, and investigators found multiple pieces of evidence suggesting the family was killed there.

'While the forensic results are not yet in, ballistic and blood evidence almost certainly confirm they were murdered at that location.'

Two men present at the workshop were taken in to give statements but were later released due to a lack of evidence.

Upon leaving the prosecutor's office, they met with two other individuals who had been waiting for them.

Minutes later, armed men intercepted the group and forcibly took three of them, while one managed to escape.

The three missing men remain unaccounted for, and authorities are seeking the fourth to obtain his statement.

Prosecutor Blanca Trujillo said: 'Investigations show the perpetrators had been watching the exit for over two hours.

'It wasn't an immediate attack - they waited until the group had moved a few metres before carrying out the abduction.'
A teenage drugs mule who was caught with 420,000 worth of cannabis in her luggage after being given an all-expenses paid trip to Thailand has been jailed.

Erihanna Sackor, 19, was caught red-handed at Heathrow Airport on June 2 with 14kg of the Class B drug which had been vacuum-sealed and stuffed in her suitcase.

The teenage hospitality worker, who was thwarted while walking through the green channel of customs, initially told Border Force officials that the luggage did not belong to her.

However, prosecutor Abdul Kapadia said officers 'found the suitcase and passport details matched her name'.

Sackor later told a police interview that she had been contacted by someone on social media who had promised her 20,000 as a reward for importing the cases to Britain.

Mr Kapadia said the 19-year-old was in rent arrears at a YMCA hostel she had been living at in Hillingdon, west London.

He added that her flights and hotels in Southeast Asia had also all been paid for, and that she was given around 200 in spending money while there.

But Sackor, who claimed she had visited Thailand because her father lived near there, said she met a 'ginger man' in a nightclub there who 'took the money off me and never gave [it] back'.

Erihanna Sackor (pictured) has been jailed after being caught importing 420,000 worth of cannabis into Britain from Thailand

Border Force officials uncovered 14kg of the Class B drug which had been vacuum-sealed and stuffed in Sackor's suitcase

The teenager initially told officials that the luggage (pictured) did not belong to her

The court heard Sackor had been threatened with 'sexual innuendos' and was shown 'very unpleasant images' of what could happen to her if she did not execute the drugs plot.

Mr Kapadia said Sackor had travelled to Thailand and South Africa previously, but that there was no evidence to suggest she had imported drugs on those trips.

Sackor appeared by video link from HMP Bronzefield wearing a black top after earlier admitting to one count of importing class B drugs.

Defending, Jo Morris said Sackor had 'very little knowledge of the extent of the operation, was 'remorseful', and was 'vulnerable'.

Ms Morris added that the drug gang had recruited a vulnerable young female to do their dirty work, saying: 'This is a person who was involved through pressure when she got to Thailand.

'She has a fairly deprived background. She attended a behaviour correction school which is known to social care services.

The court heard Sackor (pictured) had been threatened with 'sexual innuendos' and was shown 'very unpleasant images' of what could happen to her if she did not follow through

'She was in the care of her mother who struggled with her own mental health.

'She was evicted from a YMCA hostel because she owed rent arrears which does not suggest she had the most stable background. Her vulnerability was exploited.'

Sentencing, Ms Recorder Amanda Pinto KC told Sackor: 'You deliberately went out to Thailand to smuggle drugs back to this country.

'You did it because you expected to get 20,000 which is a very significant amount of money for someone in your position.

'As you found out when you got there, things were not as enjoyable as you hoped, and I accept you were subject to unpleasant threats in terms of sexual innuendos and very unpleasant images of what might happen to you if you didn't go through with things.

Defending, Jo Morris said Sackor (pictured) had 'very little knowledge of the extent of the operation, was 'remorseful', and was 'vulnerable'

'But you were a knowing and willing participant in this scheme. You became part of an organised criminal group.

'You had no influence on those high up the chain, but you did have some awareness of the scale of the operation. You are exactly the sort of vulnerable person that these gangs often exploit.

'I did consider a suspended sentence, but my concern is your knowledge of the enterprise and the fact you may not have anywhere to live if you are released.'

Sackor had previous convictions including one for ABH but none for drug offences, the court heard.

She was jailed for 15 months and was ordered to pay a 187 victim surcharge.

Asked if she understood the sentence, Sackor replied: 'Yes', with her arms crossed.
The home of a Jewish New York Times editor was splattered with red paint by one or multiple pro-Palestine protestors, police said.

The Greenwich Village residence of executive editor Joseph Kahn was targeted in an attack believed to have taken place early Friday morning.

Red paint was discovered on the front steps, walls, sidewalk and lamps outside the entrance to the Fifth Avenue building, where apartments can go for as much as $6.25 million.

The phrase, 'Joe Kahn Lies, Gaza Dies' was also found scrawled in black marker on the sidewalk.

Residents called 911 at around 4:45am to report the vandalism. The NYPD told Daily Mail that no arrests have been made and that this remains an active investigation.

Police sources told the New York Daily News that there have been a number of similar protests against Kahns home over The New York Times coverage of the war between Israel and Hamas.

In a statement to Daily Mail, a spokesperson for The New York Times condemned any deliberate targeting of their employees.

'People are free to disagree with The New York Times's reporting but vandalism and targeting of individuals and their families crosses a line and we will work with authorities to address it,' the spokesperson said.

Red paint was seen all over the entryway to the Greenwich Village apartment building where New York Times Executive Editor Joseph Kahn lives

Workers begin to erase the message 'Joe Kahn Lies, Gaza Dies' from the sidewalk in front of the building

In April 2022, Kahn was named the executive editor of The New York Times, the highest position in the newsroom

In April 2022, Kahn was named the executive editor of The New York Times, the highest position in the newsroom.

He is responsible for overseeing all coverage, domestic and global. Previously, he was the number 2 ranking editor and before that, he served in various editing and reporting roles.

Kahn is also the fifth Jewish executive editor at The Times, though he does not actively practice the religion.

His apartment building was previously home to actor Marlon Brando as well as writer Dawn Powell.

Kahn has been in charge all throughout the protracted conflict in Gaza, which flared up once again when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.

The terrorist blitz claimed the lives of nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians, many of whom were busy enjoying a music festival when Hamas fighters suddenly showed up.

Hamas took about 240 hostages that day. Israel says about 140 hostages have been returned by Hamas and other militant groups and believes there are still 50 Israelis being held in Gaza.

The NYPD said the investigation is ongoing and no suspect or suspects have been identified yet

After the October 7 attacks, Israel launched an all-out invasion of Gaza that has persisted for nearly two years.

Israel has been criticized by the protestors and aid organizations the world over, who accuse the nation's military of cutting off food to Gaza and killing many civilians in its pursuit of Hamas.

So far, more than 63,000 people have been killed by Israel's retaliatory strikes.

Israel declared Gazas largest city a combat zone and recovered the remains of two hostages on Friday as the army launched the start of a planned offensive that has drawn further international condemnation.
The Scottish Greens yesterday warned they were coming for the wealthy as the party appointed two new leaders.

Ross Greer was voted co-leader alongside fellow MSP Gillian Mackay, as just 12.7 per cent of party members bothered to vote.

Mr Greer immediately went on the attack and demanded an overhaul of council tax as people in the biggest houses are going to need to pay more, adding: The Scottish Greens are coming for that wealth.

Ms Mackay called for a minimum income guarantee that Scottish Government experts recently said would give every Scot 11,500 a year but cost an extra 4billion in tax.

The Scottish Conservatives branded the new leaders even more extreme than their predecessors and urged John Swinney to rule out a second SNP-Green coalition.

The leadership contest, which was snubbed by almost 90 per cent of party members, also saw former minister Lorna Slater rejected as co-leader after six years in the post.

The Lothian MSP, who was responsible for the disastrous deposit return scheme when the Greens shared power with the SNP, came a close third behind Mr Greer.

The low turnout meant Ms Mackay and Mr Greer were backed by just 4.5 and 4 per cent of their party respectively. Yet they could potentially be ministers next year.

Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer are the new co-leaders of the Scottish Green Party

Ross Greer was backed by just 4 per cent of the party after 87 per cent boycott the vote

Former minister Patrick Harvie stepped down as co-leader after holding the position for 17 years.

Mr Greer said the turnout was not good enough and blamed excess bureaucracy in the party, saying its culture needed to be more fun. Ms Mackay denied it was a crisis.

Mr Greer, a member of Holyroods finance committee, said the growing black hole in the Scottish Governments budget would be a key issue in the next parliament. Saying the Greens were brave enough to take on the rich and powerful and tax their accumulated wealth, he added: Now is the time for us to do difficult things.

He went on: Council tax reform is absolutely essential. The fact we have a council tax system based on valuations from before I was born is absurd. The Scottish Greens are brave enough to say that actually the wealthiest people in this country, in the biggest houses, are going to need to pay more to protect public services.

Scotland is the only part of the UK where child poverty is falling, and its because of policies like the Scottish child payment, cancelling school meal debts and expanding free school meals.

We need to be honest about the fact that all needs paid for.

There are incredibly wealthy people in this country who could and should be paying more. The Scottish Greens are coming for that wealth, because we know whats necessary to invest in the public services that will lift children out of poverty and tackle the climate crisis.

Tory MSP Annie Wells said: Just when you thought it couldnt get any worse, the Greens have managed to outdo themselves.

Gillian Mackay was elected co-leader after just 12.7 per cent of the party bothered to vote

Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay are even more extreme than their bonkers predecessors.

Theyve admitted theyre coming for your savings, because they think the state can spend it better than you can.

The Greens are anti-business, anti-growth and completely out-of-touch with the views of mainstream Scots, who are terrified at the thought of this disastrous double act getting anywhere near government again.

From the bungled deposit return scheme to the botched ban on gas boilers, the Bute House Agreement was a shambles. Yet John Swinney shamefully refuses to rule out another grubby deal with the Greens.

Ms Mackay, 34, who gave birth to her first child in June, said she and Mr Greer, 31, represented a generational shift for the party.

She said that she would champion policies that will transform lives, including a four-day week, better parental pay and basic universal income.

Ms Mackay was elected on the first round of voting, receiving 34 per cent of the 950 votes cast.

Mr Greer beat Ms Slater by 33.4 to 32 per cent after fourth-placed Dominic Ashmole was eliminated. Ms Slater later said: This is how democracy works, and vowed to work on the partys fundraising operation.

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the co-leaders would have quite a challenge distancing the Greens from their disastrous spell in government.
Holyrood bosses have ramped up security measures after claims an MSP hid a spy camera in a parliament toilet.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said she had ordered enhanced additional checks on top of existing security sweeps after it emerged former Labour MSP Colin Smyth had been charged in connection with the allegation.

MSPs told the Mail the lavatory in question is a small two-cubicle one next to the debating chamber which is off limits to the public but frequently used by politicians.

The large ceiling space above the stalls is a maze of pipes, ducts and wiring.

Parliamentarians and staff said there was widespread anxiety over the claims.

One MSP said people dreaded being contacted by the police over an identification issue with an image or video. Theres a massive sense of shock.

A parliament staffer also described the matter as deeply unsettling.

Smyth, a 52-year-old father-of-two, was suspended by Scottish Labour last week after being charged in connection with possession of indecent images.

MSP Colin Smyth has been arrested amid claims he hid a spy camera in a parliament toilet

The South Scotland MSP was arrested after Police Scotland officers searched his home in Dumfries on August 5 and checked a mobile phone and computer.

On Thursday, it emerged the former Modern Studies teacher had also been charged over allegations a secret camera was placed in a parliament toilet.

The same day, Holyroods cross-party management body decided to deactivate Smyths parliamentary pass given the ongoing criminal investigation.

Workers were offered confidential support services.

In a statement last night, Smyth said he had moved out of his family home and attacked the police for needing critical support for his health in recent weeks.

He said: The allegation has come as an utter shock and one I strongly refute.

The speculation and the recent decision by the police to publicly release details of their ongoing inquiries along with my home address has been devastating and has taken a serious toll on my health.

After my address was published with no warning to my family, I felt I had no choice but to move away to protect them.

That has also meant losing the local NHS critical support I had been receiving for the past few weeks, making an already difficult time even more distressing.

Ms Johnstone is due to brief party leaders at Holyrood on Tuesday about the situation.

She and parliament chief executive David McGill yesterday said a recent Police Scotland sweep of the building had found no covert recording devices.

In a letter sent to all building users, Ms Johnstone and Ms McGill said deeply concerning reports of the story in the media would cause unease and anxiety.

They went on: We can confirm that Police Scotland, with our support, have conducted a full sweep of all toilets and changing rooms in our building and that no covert recording devices have been found.

We have also instructed that enhanced additional checks to our existing security sweeps of the building take place going forward.

Please be assured that our priority is your safety and welfare and please be confident to use the building as you would normally.

We do realise this is a difficult time. Do not hesitate to contact us if there is any support or advice we can provide.

Ms Johnstone and Mr McGill later said their reaction to hearing of the criminal charges was one of shock and confirmed the police had searched Holyroods creche and education centre for our assurance, as well as toilets and changing facilities.

MSP Colin Smyth was suspended from the Labour party last week

Police Scotland requested that we maintain strict confidentiality to allow them the opportunity to identify and contact potential victims and to undertake the sweep of the building as part of their live investigation.

It is for Police Scotland to identify and contact potential victims.

Smyth, who was Scottish Labours top official from 2008 until 2012, was first elected to Holyrood in 2016, serving as a list MSP for the South Scotland region.

He was selected in April as Labours candidate in Dumfriesshire for the 2026 election, but now sits as an Independent.

Police Scotland said: On Tuesday, 5 August, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property in Dumfries and a 52-year-old man was arrested and charged as part of an ongoing investigation. He is due to appear at Dumfries Sheriff Court at a later date.

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: The whip has been removed from Colin Smyth MSP, pending an investigation. We cannot comment further on this matter while the investigation is ongoing.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said it had received a standard prosecution report from Police Scotland in relation to a 52-year-old man.
Angela Rayner is tonight facing the prospect of a sleaze probe into her controversial property dealings.

The Conservatives lodged a formal request for an investigation into whether the Deputy Prime Minister broke the ministerial code in her purchase of an 800,000 second home.

The move follows an outcry over claims that Ms Rayner avoided 40,000 in stamp duty by telling the taxman that the luxury property in Hove was her main home while telling the Cabinet Office that her primary residence was her family home 260 miles away in Greater Manchester - all while living during the week in a lavish grace-and-favour apartment in central London, funded by the taxpayer.

Ms Rayner is thought to have paid around 30,000 in stamp duty on the Hove apartment.

But she would have had to pay 70,000 if the flat had been considered a second home because of a punitive tax regime designed to discourage holiday home purchases, which was extended by Rachel Reeves last year.

A spokesman for the Deputy Prime Minister last night said she had paid her taxes in full and done nothing wrong.

Friends say she sold her stake in the Greater Manchester property where she once lived with her ex-husband and children before buying in Hove - and now owns only one property.

However questions remain about how she funded the expensive apartment in Hove, where she is actually living and where she should pay council tax.

Angela Rayner is facing the prospect of a sleaze probe into her controversial property dealings

The Conservatives lodged a formal request for an investigation into whether the Deputy Prime Minister broke the ministerial code in her purchase of an 800,000 second home (pictured: the living room of the lavish property)

Ms Rayner avoided 40,000 in stamp duty by telling the taxman that the luxury property in Hove (above) was her main home while telling the Cabinet Office that her primary residence was her family home 260 miles away in Greater Manchester

Questions remain about how she funded the expensive apartment in Hove, where she is actually living and where she should pay council tax (Ms Rayner is seen above drinking wine on the beach in Hove)

Former Tory Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel branded Ms Rayner 'a hypocrite and a freeloader', adding: 'She wants everyone else to pay higher taxes on family homes but doesn't want to pay it herself.'

In a letter to the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministerial interests, Sir Laurie Magnus, the Conservatives called for an inquiry into whether Ms Rayner had broken the ministerial code.

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Ms Rayner of making 'contradictory' statements about where she is living, adding: 'This may be lawful but it is inappropriate tax avoidance for a minister subject to higher standards of conduct.'

The Prime Minister is the ultimate arbiter of the Ministerial Code. Sir Laurie is able to instigate his own investigations where he believes there is evidence of a potential breach of the rules.

But it would be for Sir Keir to decide on what to do about the findings of any investigation.

Traditionally, ministers found to have breached the code have been expected to resign, but it is no longer always the case and remains at the discretion of the PM.

Mr Hollinrake told the Mail that Ms Rayner was guilty of 'hypocrisy of the highest order'.

'While Angela Rayner tours the country demanding honesty and accountability from others, she refuses to come clean about her own conduct,' he said.

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Former Tory Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel (pictured) branded Ms Rayner 'a hypocrite and a freeloader'

It would be for Sir Keir Starmer to decide on what to do about the findings of any investigation into Ms Rayner

'She simply cannot go on dodging and deflecting. Serious concerns remain about her tax affairs, which is why the Conservatives have written to Sir Laurie Magnus to request a full investigation into her behaviour and possible breaches of the Ministerial Code.

'Anything short of full transparency will only confirm what the public already suspect: that for Labour it's one rule for them and another for everyone else.'

In a brief statement last night, a spokesman for Ms Rayner said: 'The Deputy Prime Minister paid the relevant duty owing on the purchase of the Hove property in line with relevant requirements and entirely properly, any suggestion otherwise is entirely without basis.'

Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer retained 'full confidence' in his deputy.

The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that Ms Rayner removed her name from the deeds of the home in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency in Tameside, Greater Manchester, shortly before purchasing the property in Hove, close to where the family of her on-off boyfriend Sam Tarry lives.

It is now understood that she has sold her stake in the Ashton property as part of a divorce settlement with her ex-husband Mark, who still lives there with the couple's children. She continues to designate it as her 'primary residence' for council tax purposes.

The taxpayer pays her council tax at her three-bedroom grace-and-favour apartment in Admiralty House. She pays a punitive double rate of council tax in Hove, after telling the local authority it is her second home.

The Conservatives have called for her to be struck off the electoral roll in her constituency as she no longer lives there.

Ms Rayner bought her constituency home (pictured) in Ashton-under-Lyne in 2016 for 375,000, although it is now believed to have risen in value to 650,000

At the end of last year, Ms Rayner moved into a three-bedroom grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House (pictured) - which used to be home to Winston Churchill

Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer retained 'full confidence' in his deputy - but the Conservatives have called for Ms Rayner to be struck off the electoral roll in her constituency as she no longer lives there

In his letter to Sir Laurie, Mr Hollinrake says her arrangements breach clear regulations in the Ministerial Code, which requires ministers living in grace-and-favour accommodation to 'ensure that all personal tax liabilities, including any council tax, are properly discharged and that they personally pay such liabilities'.

He said that 'at the very least' she should be booted out of Admiralty House.

The controversy is embarrassing for Ms Rayner who spent years railing against wealthy 'tax dodgers' and promising to clean up 'Tory sleaze'.

It is also awkward for the minister in charge of tackling the chronic housing shortage to find herself dubbed 'three pads Rayner'.

Many Labour MPs rallied around her yesterday in the face of Conservative attacks.

Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said she had followed 'the letter of the law'.

But some Labour figures voiced unease and urged her to come clean about her arrangements.

Lord McConnell, the former First Minister of Scotland and Scottish Labour leader said it was 'really important that she is very transparent about this issue'.

Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said Ms Rayner had followed 'the letter of the law' as he rallied around the Deputy PM

'There's many, many positives with Angela but if she allows the perception to develop that she is part of the "one rule for them, one rule for us" problem with politicians in the public, then she's going to have a problem,' he told Times Radio.

He added: 'My advice to her would be to get all the details, don't hide behind privacy rules and everything else... Reassure people that you've done the right thing. Be very transparent and then get back to the day job and get out there and build some houses.'

Property expert Kirstie Allsopp, who presents TV's Location, Location, Location, posted on social media: 'This Government have NO shame, they imposed taxes on the rest of us but find ways not to pay them themselves.'

The row comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves raised surcharge rates on stamp duty for second home owners last October - an initiative originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2016.

The move means that second home purchasers now pay a punitive 10 per cent rate on the value of a property between 250,000 and 900,000 - double the normal rate.

The change is designed to discourage second home purchases and free up more property to help ease the housing crisis.

Ms Rayner's department has warned against the impact of second homes in pricing others out of the housing market.
The Pentagon is throwing its full support behind a top Trump appointee who is embroiled in a lawsuit with a master astrologist allegedly trying to extort him after their affair.

Amy Tripp, who describes herself as 'the internet's most notorious astrologer,' is the subject of an August 22 lawsuit from a 'John Doe' alleging she harassed, bullied and defamed the top Pentagon official after the two split.

Anthony Tata, described as 'John Doe' in the Florida's Palm Beach County Circuit Court filings, admitted he was linked to Tripp after he got on Bumble in May 2024 to meet astrology enthusiasts for a book he was writing.

The specific descriptions of the official included in the court filings indicated that the individual described must be Tata, who is married, The Cut first reported.

Text messages in the 17-page lawsuit allege that Tripp tried to extort Tata for $25,000 so that she would keep quiet about their affair as the general was up for Senate confirmation.

Tata serves as the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He was confirmed to the post by the Senate on July 15.

Instead of shying away from the controversy, however, the Pentagon and Hegseth are backing Tata without any reservation.

'Under Secretary Tata has the complete and total confidence of Secretary Hegseth in his role and will continue to have his support,' Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told the Daily Mail in a statement.

Anthony Tata, under secretary for personnel and readiness at the Department of Defense nominee for President Donald Trump, reportedly filed a lawsuit against an astrologist he had an affair with

Astrologist Amy Tripp (R) is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Tata alleging harassment, bullying and defamation, according to The Cut. She also gained attention for correctly predicting which date former President Joe Biden would drop out of the 2024 presidential race

'Mr. Tata has done a fantastic job delivering on the priorities of this Department and this administration,' the statement continued. 'We strongly stand by him.'

The retired Army brigadier general and Palm Beach resident is also a novelist, penning over a dozen books.

Neither Tripp nor Tata immediately responded to the Daily Mail's requests for comment.

'I have tried to move past this but these lawsuits are not letting it end,' Tripp's X account posted on Friday. 'I know I have to wait until the legal process plays out, and as it does it will be clear I'm innocent of what they are accusing me of.'

The astrologist goes by the moniker 'Starheal' online.

'I'll be filing a response in court to these false accusations that will make it clear that none of these allegations are true. I should never have gotten into this relationship and I'm sorry I ever met this person. This has caused me immense suffering and continues to hurt me,' another post from Tripp said.

The pair first began their affair in May 2024 after meeting on the dating app Bumble, it was a time described in the lawsuit when Tata and his wife were 'struggling in their relationship.'

The filing alleges that Tata invested in an astrology business owned by Tripp.

Tata, nominee to be Defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, testifies during his confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, May 6, 2025

That year, the 'professional astrologist' predicted correctly the precise day ex-President Joe Biden would drop out of the presidential contest against Trump.

Tata was nominated to serve in the Pentagon under Trump in February, a role that requires confirmation by the Senate.

Things came to a head this June when Tripp envisioned Tata's successful Senate confirmation.

According to allegations in the lawsuit, Tripp 'informed John Doe that the astrological signs told her that [his] confirmation to his position in the Department of Defense was imminent.'

Around that time the military official made up with this wife.

After that the astrologist allegedly began 'lashing out' against the Trump appointee and his family.

'I just told the White House. You want to be next? You have skeletons in your closet,' a text Tripp sent to Tata's wife included in the lawsuit said.

The astrologist, sometimes with the help of her parents, threatened Tata and his wife over the course of three months, according to allegations in the lawsuit.

Tata has served for decades in the military before joining as an under secretary

Tata, a retired Army brigadier general and a Trump loyalist, served as the Pentagon's policy chief, the No. 3 official in charge, in an acting position during the first Trump administration

Tripp allegedly threatened to accuse Tata of rape and his wife of theft from her employer. Court filings show Tata was granted a temporary restraining order against Tripp on August 7.

The lawsuit claims Tripp exposed personal details about Tata and his family online during their dispute. 'Ms. Tripp and her followers knew John Doe and his wife's name, their professions, and their images,' the lawsuit states.

Weeks later, Tripp allegedly demanded $20,000 from Tata, then increased her demand to $25,000 after speaking with her father.

The suit describes Tata as an 'Afghanistan combat veteran diagnosed with PTSD' and claims Tripp's threats caused him severe emotional distress.

Beyond threatening texts and calls, Tripp allegedly made public posts on X revealing personal details about Tata and his wife.

Tata has previously been involved in at least two reported affairs, according to the Raleigh News & Observer.

'As a retired general, he violated the UCMJ by having an affair with a subordinate while deployed,' Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., wrote about Tata on X this year. 'He's also pushed racist conspiracy theories and made inflammatory, Islamophobic comments.'
The SNPs flagship pledge to save taxpayers 1billion a year by cutting waste and duplication has been branded a sham.

Official memos show ministers do not have a specific plan to deliver the back office savings they promised in June.

They claimed spending on corporate functions such as finance, HR, IT, buildings and communications would be slashed by 20 per cent across the Scottish Government and more than 100 quangos over five years, meaning some mergers and job losses.

But ahead of the announcement, civil servants warned there were significant caveats and limitations on the figures underpinning the very challenging target.

These included inconsistencies in how public bodies had self-reported their previous spending and activity, compounded by a light-touch verification system.

There is not a specific breakdown of the 1billion target and there is an element of risk in this approach, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee was told in May.

Several cabinet secretaries also raised considerable concerns with him.

First Minister John Swinney's 1billion savings pledge branded a 'sham'

But Mr McKee told MSPs his public sector reform strategy was rooted in realism and not done in a headline-grabbing way that simply throws out random targets based on no evidence.

The Scottish Conservatives said the SNP had no credibility left after tricking voters with a cynical PR stunt.

Finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: Their own officials have highlighted the holes in their calculations, while Ivan McKees ministerial colleagues have no appetite for, or faith in, his proposals. The SNP have no credibility when they claim they will deliver savings for taxpayers.

This headline-grabbing announcement was just a cynical PR stunt to create the illusion that the SNP were serious about cracking down on public spending.

Facing a 5billion budget gap by 2030 as its spending promises have outstripped its funding, the SNP is under intense pressure.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison is expected to be grilled by Holyroods finance committee about the 1billion boast next week.

On June 19, Mr McKee set out his public service reform (PSR) strategy, which he said would deliver existing public services more effectively and efficiently and was rooted in realism, driven by urgency and focused on delivering for Scotland.

A core element was to reduce identified costs on Scottish Government and public body spend on corporate functions by 20 per cent over the next five years. He said: That equates to an approximate annual cost reduction of 1billion by 2029-30.

But memos released under Freedom of Information show doubts among his officials and colleagues.

Scottish Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy said the SNP has 'no credibility'

SNP finance Shona Robison is expected to be grilled on the issue next week

A paper submitted to Mr McKee on May 22 noted he was aware of the limitations on basing the figure on self-reported public body data from 2022/23.

The significant caveats on using it as a rough proxy for back office expenditure included public bodies reporting their finances and work in a variety of ways subject to light-touch verification, creating inconsistencies .

The 2022/23 data was also influenced by distinctive circumstances for each quango so cannot simply be forecasted forward  but it was, helping to conjure up the final savings figure of 949million which Mr McKee called 1billion.

Under feasibility of the target, officials stated: We cannot provide a fully costed plan as to how the 1billion will be reached from back office efficiencies across Scottish Government and public bodies.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The PSR strategy sets out concrete steps that government will take through partnership working, delivering 1billion of savings in back office costs in five years.

There is already significant ongoing work to drive efficiency in government and across the wider public sector, which has secured significant cost avoidance and cash-releasing savings of 320million over the last two years, with further projected savings of nearly 300million in the two financial years to the end of 2026-27.
A prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann will be released from prison in three weeks, local authorities have confirmed.

Christian Bruckner, who is serving a sentence in northern Germany for a rape conviction will be released by September 17, the lead German prosecutor investigating Madeleine's disappearance told the BBC.

Bruckner has never been charged with a crime relating to the three-year-old's disappearance and denies any involvement.

However, German prosecutors have said there is evidence suggesting he may have been in the area when she vanished from an apartment complex in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on 3 May 2007.

Lead prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said that while there is not enough evidence to formally charge Bruckner in relation to the case, their efforts would continue.

He told the BBC: 'Bruckner 'is not just our number one suspect, he's the only suspect', he said. 'There is no-one else.'

'We have evidence which speaks against [Bruckner], which indicates that he is responsible for the disappearance and the death of Madeleine McCann.

'We haven't found anything in the last five years that exonerates [him]. We found evidence that strengthens our case. But in our view it's not strong enough to make a guilty verdict likely, and that's why so far we couldn't charge him or apply for an arrest warrant.'

Madeleine McCann (pictured) went missing in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Portugal

Christian Bruckner (pictured) has never been charged with a crime relating to the three-year-old's disappearance and denies any involvement

The disappearance was initially investigated by Portuguese authorities, who named Bruckner - a drifter, petty criminal and convicted sex offender - as a formal suspect.

German prosecutors then took the lead and in 2020, and announced Bruckner as their prime suspect.

His personal and criminal profiles fitted known facts. It had been established that Brueckners mobile phone had been located close to the Ocean Club the night Madeleine vanished.

Back then, Brueckner was living in a single-storey house on the outskirts of Praia da Luz. Crucially, his VW campervan was known to have been parked on this stretch of scrubland when Madeleine disappeared in 2007.

German police also had the powerful testimony of an informer called Helge Busching, a former friend of Brueckner who claimed the paedophile had confessed to him a year after the three-year-old went missing.

Most chillingly, according to Busching, Brueckner had said that it was strange Maddie didnt scream when he had abducted her.

Years on from that shock announcement by the German authorities  and despite their belief that Brueckner is guilty  no charges have been brought.

He is currently imprisoned for the rape of a 72-year-old American tourist in Portugal in 2005 and an expert has recently assessed him as a danger to society - but is set to be released.
A third of criminals who reject the offer of a fiscal fine are still let off completely despite SNP ministers being warned repeatedly about the loophole.

The Scottish Conservatives said the situation is a slap in the face to victims.

The Crown Office is allowed to offer a financial penalty of up to 500 as an alternative to a criminal prosecution in cases including assault, shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and drug offences.

In June 2021, then Deputy First Minister John Swinney told MSPs that if a person declined the offer, it would be treated as a request by the alleged offender to be prosecuted for the offence.

He said safeguards are built in to the operation of fiscal fines and the non-mandatory penalties let cases be dealt with outwith court, freeing up resources.

But within days it emerged 411 of the 1,344 people who rejected an offer in the previous three years, or 30 per cent, were subject to no further action from prosecutors. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said at the time it showed offenders knew they could break the law with impunity.

Now figures have revealed 33 per cent of rejected fiscal fines in 2024-25 also led to the cases eventually being dropped.

Out of 170 fine refusers, 57 saw no further action, 22 were prosecuted and not convicted, and only 15 were prosecuted and convicted.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman said the figures were 'unacceptable'

More than a third of criminals who refuse a fiscal fine are let off

The remaining cases are still ongoing. The Conservatives said the figures showed a third of people were let off completely.

Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: These unacceptable figures are a slap in the face to victims of crime who are routinely let down by this weak SNP government.

Fiscal fines are commonly used for anti-social behaviour and shoplifting and, given the significant increase in these offences, it is hardly surprising the number of these fines issued has skyrocketed.

When the Scottish Conservatives warned about this loophole in 2021, John Swinney told us there was nothing to see here.

But four years later absolutely nothing has changed and one in three offenders is getting away with no punishment at all.

Its time to close this loophole to ensure any rejected fiscal fine automatically results in the offender being prosecuted.

In 2022-23, the last year with full figures available, 3,410 people received fiscal fines for drug possession, 2,206 for antisocial offences, 954 for shoplifting, 397 for common assault, 139 for vandalism, 71 for supplying drugs and four for causing someone to look at sexual activity or images without their consent.

The Crown Office denied a third of those declining fiscal fines were let off completely, as prosecutors had a range of legitimate reasons to take no action.

A spokesman said: If a fine is not accepted, prosecutors will assess whether further action is in the public interest, based on the details of the individual case.

Effective prosecution doesnt always mean going to court.

In some cases, offering an alternative such as a fiscal fine can be a proportionate response.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The vast majority of fiscal fines are accepted with a very small proportion rejected.

Fiscal fines have been part of the criminal justice system for decades and are an appropriate means of allowing less serious offending to be appropriately dealt with outside of the courts.
FBI Director Kash Patel's girlfriend filed a $5 million defamation lawsuit against a special agent-turned-podcaster.

Kyle M. Seraphin is one of the many online voices pushing a conspiracy theory that Patel's girlfriend of three years, country music artist Alexis Wilkins, 26, is a 'honey pot' Israeli spy.

They think that it was Wilkins who somehow prevented Patel from releasing all of the files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

On the August 22 episode of his podcast, The Kyle Seraphin Show, the host said that Patel 'has had his own little 'honeypot' issue that's been going on of late.'

'He's got a girlfriend that is half his age... and she's also a former Mossad agent in what is like the equivalent of their NSA,' he alleged before claiming that Patel is much less attractive than her.

'Like it has nothing to do with the fact that uh we're really close to the Trump administration,' he sarcastically quipped. 'Anyway, I'm sure that's totally just like love. That's what real love looks like.'

On Wednesday, Wilkins filed a lawsuit against Seraphin claiming he 'maliciously lied' that she's 'an agent of a foreign government, assigned to manipulate and compromise the Director of the FBI.'

It claims that Seraphin 'makes a living' by 'profiting on controversy and outrage.'

'[Seraphin] is using this fabricated story as self-enriching clickbait and has spread it to his sizable audience that follows his daily broadcasts on X, Rumble, and YouTube,' Wilkins' lawyers wrote in the filing.

Alexis Wilkins (left) is suing former FBI agent and podcaster for claiming she is a 'honey pot' Israeli agent dating FBI Director Kash Patel (right)

Wilkins filed a $5 million defamation lawsuit against Kyle M. Seraphin (pictured)

Much of the discourse revolves around the 19-year age gap between the 26-year-old and Patel, 45, and Wilkins' work with PragerU, whose CEO previously worked in Israeli military intelligence.

The claims about Wilkins really ramped up when Patel's FBI released a memo in July claiming upon reviewing the Jeffrey Epstein case it found no client list and concluded that the child sex offender did commit suicide in prison.

While many have made the claims about Wilkins being a 'honey pot,' her lawyers say Seraphin's claims hold more weight because he is a former FBI special agent in the counterterrorism division.

Wilkins defended herself against these honey pot attacks during an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this month.

She said it would have been a 'huge long-game' since she was dating Patel for more than two years before he became FBI director.

'I think that it started with people wanting to find  and really scraping the bottom of the barrel to find  a justification for the fact that they don't have this [Epstein] list in their hand and they will go find it with pitchforks,' Wilkins speculated.

'There are a lot of people in this administration with age differences. There are a lot of people out there with age differences,' she added.

Before becoming FBI Director, Patel was a vocal critic of the handling of the Epstein case and promised he would release the unadulterated files once at the helm of the FBI.

In 2023, Patel spoke with right-wing media personality Glenn Beck and questioned why House Republicans had not obtained the so-called 'client list.' He pushed at the time for anyone involved in the sex trafficking crimes to be identified.

During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 30, 2025, Patel committed to providing transparency in Epstein's international sex trafficking network.

Conspiracy theorists claim that Wilkins somehow influenced his perspective and she's to blame for the supposed change-in-heart from the FBI director.

But Patel insists he's still committed to transparency.

As news broke of the multi-million-dollar lawsuit on Friday, Seraphin did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

Wilkins is a country music artist and conservative activists for gun rights and veterans

Seraphin posted multiple times to X on Friday with others pointing out their reasoning for why they think Wilkins is a Mossad agent with the same caption: 'Oh'

He did, however, go onto X to double-down in a series of posts.

Seraphin reposted accounts that made similar claims about Wilkins being a 'honey pot' spy for the Israeli intelligence arm Mossad with the same repeating caption: 'Oh.'

One account claimed that 'Wilkins says she fully supports releasing the Epstein filesjust as long as people stop calling her a spy.'

Another X user made a xenephobic argument by pointing to Wilkins' faith and the ethnicities of her boyfriend and former employer.

'Alexis Wilkins was a devout 24-yr old Christian when she met Kash Patel, a 42-yr old Hindu Muslim & started dating him. Now he's the FBI director,' the user wrote.

'She's also the press secretarty (sic) for Abraham Hamadeh, a Syrian Muslim member of the US House of Representatives from Arizona, and a 'former' member of US Military Intelligence,' they added.

Patel, who is Indian-American, grew up in a Hindu household.

Wilkins, earlier this year worked for Rep. Hamadeh, who is the child of Syrian immigrants and grew up in a Muslim and Druze household. She no longer works for the Arizona congressman.
More than a dozen defiant councils are still planning on taking legal action against the Government despite the Home Office winning an appeal against the closure of an asylum seeker hotel in Epping.

Earlier today, the Court of Appeal set aside an interim injunction granted earlier this month which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex beyond September 12.

In a significant victory for the Government, judges ruled in favour of the Home Office, who contested the need to fulfill human rights of asylum seekers trumped the safety concerns of locals.

It comes after Mr Justice Eyre granted an interim injunction to Epping Forest Council, amid protests following an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl, 14, by Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu.

The 38-year-old has been charged, but denies any wrongdoing.

A full hearing is set to take place in October as the district council claim the use of The Bell Hotel, owned by Somani Hotels, as a lodging for asylum seekers violated planning regulations.

And although the Home Office emerged victorious at today's hearing, at least 13 other councils are planning to launch legal bids in an attempt to shutter migrant hotels in their wards, The Times reported.

Labour-run councils, such as Wirral, Stevenage, Tamworth and Rushmoor are among those continuing to storm ahead with plans to launch legal bids against the government.

More than a dozen defiant councils are still planning on taking legal action against the Government despite the Home Office winning an appeal against the closure of an asylum seeker hotel in Epping

There were fresh protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping on Thursday prior to Friday's ruling

There was a heavy police presence outside the Bell Hotel before today's ruling

A woman waves a union jack flag outside of the Park Hotel in Chichester today as they protest outside The Park hotel

Protesters outside The Bell Hotel stand in front of a line of police officers on August 29

Elsewhere, Epping Forest District Council said it would take the matter to Supreme Court, so they can remove asylum seekers from The Bell Hotel sooner.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the ruling showed Prime Minister Keir Starmer 'puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities.'

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage echoed this sentiment, writing on X: 'Illegal migrants have more rights than the people of Essex. Reform UK will put an end to this.'

Dame Angela Eagle, the asylum minister, maintained the government was following its plan to close migrant hotels by 2029, stressing that the recent Home Office appeal was required so move outs could happen in a 'controlled and orderly way'

Conservative-run Broxbourne Council insisted they would go ahead with plans to challenge the Delta Hotel in Cheshunt, with leader Corina Gander telling Times Radio she 'Absolutely [was] not' deterred by the recent hearing.

'The route that were going down is planning enforcement. So weve issued this week a planning contravention notice, which will give us enough evidence to prove that the hotel is not a hotel, it is effectively a hostel,' she said.

Elsewhere in Spelthorne, the local authority said there was 'no change' in their plans to launch a legal bid after the use of Stanwell Hotel was changed from housing families and women to only single males.

On Thursday, an emergency meeting will take place to discuss legal action on the planning grounds.

Protesters wave flags outside the Bell Hotel following the major ruling on Friday

Local councillor Shane Yerrell said the government should 'hang their heads in shame'

The Bell Hotel will continue to be used to house asylum seekers before a full trial of the council's case

Following today's Court of Appeal ruling, Wirral council said it would take into account particulars regarding Epping before making a decision.

The Labour-run local authority previously said it was 'considering all options available' to ensure hotels or any other properties in the local authority were being used lawfully.

Stevenage Borough Council, also run by Labour, said it was probing reported breaches of planning control linked to the Novotel Hotel in Hertfordshire.

Reform UK council, West Northamptonshire and Staffordshire, are also among those weighing up legal bids against asylum accommodation.

Earlier, Epping Forest District Council said it was 'deeply disappointing' by the outcome of today's hearing, while issuing a stark warning to the Home Office that 'the battle is not over'.

'This is not the end of the matter. While the Court of Appeal has lifted the temporary injunction, the case for the final injunction is still to be heard. Our battle on behalf of our residents will continue.

'A few weeks from now we will be back in court where we trust the strength of our case will still prevail.'

It comes as the decision enraged Essex locals who have been protesting outside the hotel for weeks. Tonight they took to the streets as well as those further afield in of Chichester, Cheshunt and Bournemouth taking part in protests.

Elsewhere, anti-migrant demonstrators protested wearing St George's flags outside The Delta Marriott Hotel in Cheshunt

In Chichester, crowds have gathered outside of the Park Hotel in response to the recent ruling, with anti-migrant demonstrators waving their flags and demanding repatriation

Crowds gathered outside of the Park Hotel in response to the recent High Court ruling

Anti immigration protests have taken place outside the Park Hotel in Chichester, were migrants are believed to be housed, in recent weeks

Shortly after the High Court ruling, protest organiser Sarah White, 40, said the community was 'outraged by the decision'.

'This sends a deeply troubling message to our community - that the rights of asylum seekers are being placed above the rights of the residents.

'We are especially concerned that many of the men being housed here are undocumented, and some have already been arrested for crimes of sexual harassment against young women and children in our community,' she added.

'This is unacceptable and raises serious questions about public safety and accountability. As residents, we feel abandoned. Our community will not stay silent.'

Within minutes of the judges' decision local Conservative councillor Shane Yerrell, 42, turned up at the scene, lambasting the move as 'disgusting'.

Other locals appeared to show their support by blasting car horns, and tooting their support for a handful of protesters arriving early on the leafy Bell Common opposite

Some motorists could be heard shouting out of their windows: 'We're never gonna give up  this country is f*****', 'There's no space in this country', and 'Get 'em out'.

A counter demonstrator holds a sign which reads, 'sanctuary' with several red hearts drawn across it

They also stand with British flags on their umbrellas amid fury after a judge ruled asylum seekers can stay in The Bell Hotel in Epping

On the other side of the roundabout, residents call for peace and unity with one woman holding a sign which reads: 'Welcome refugees'

More signs from counter protesters read: 'Refugee families welcomed here', and 'please don't scare them'

Local grandmother Anna Hall, 57, who was holding her own mini Union Jack, said: 'We're really disappointed. But this is not the end.

''I've been to each protest apart from one. Local feeling is very strong. It's not right, we've got unknown illegal men wandering around the town.

'When will people's voices be heard?'

The talk of ongoing protests is worrying some residents who are already dismayed by the public demonstrations rocking this leafy spot.

Local office worker Paul Robinson, 43, said: 'People need to calm down now, please.

'We need to understand the decision, and feelings need to cool down. There's so much anger, it's wrong. I don't think shouting at the hotel and the migrants will now help.'

Elsewhere in Chichester, crowds gathered outside of the Park Hotel in response to the recent ruling, with some anti-migrant demonstrators waving their flags and demanding repatriation.

On the opposite site of the roundabout, in front of the hotel have called for unity and peace, with Green Party councillor, Sarah Sharp, saying a stand needed to be made 'show not everybody is represented by the far right.'

Quashing the injunction, Lord Justice Bean said Mr Justice Eyre - who granted it last week - 'made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision'

Mr Justice Bean sat with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb

Protesters march towards the Bell Hotel this evening, waving England flags and Union Jacks

A protester holding a Union Jack flag near the Bell Hotel this afternoon

'They are taking over the flag and setting the agenda at the moment. There are mostly families, women and children in this hotel.

'It is important we are not walked over and we show the refugees they do have support and we stand for love, compassion, dignity and we welcome people.

'It's a whole different value system. We have a Christian belief system and we should stand up and practise those values.'

Protest numbers were down on the week before, where police made an arrest after counter demonstrators were intimidated as they left the scene.

Last week, the High Court ruled that all 138 asylum seekers at the hotel should be temporarily removed following legal action brought by Epping Forest District Council.

Yesterday the Home Office and owners of the Bell asked the Court of Appeal to reconsider the judgement.

Quashing the injunction, Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said Mr Justice Eyre - who granted the interim injunction last week - 'made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision'.

'We grant permission to appeal, both to Somani and to [the Home Office]... We allow the appeals and we set aside the injunction imposed on 19 August 2025,' he continued.

Anti-immigration Protesters block the road as Police attempt to hold them back, outside The Delta Marriott Hotel today

A masked man faces off with a police officer in Cheshunt outside the hotel believed to house migrants

A man appears to be shouting as he wears an English flag at protests in Cheshunt today

Protesters hold a banner reading 'protect our kids' during a protest earlier this month

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch urged Conservative councillors seeking similar injunctions to 'KEEP GOING!' despite the ruling

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper appealed against the High Court ruling ordering the Bell Hotel to be closed

An aerial view of the site in Epping, Essex

The judges also ruled that the Home Office could intervene in the case, saying that Mr Justice Eyre made an 'erroneous' decision not to let the department be involved.

Reading a summary of their decision, Lord Justice Bean said the Home Office had a 'constitutional role relating to public safety' and was affected by the issues. A full trial of the council's case against the hotel will be held in October.

He continued: 'The judge's approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.'

He added that such an injunction 'may incentivise' other councils to take similar steps to Epping Forest.

He said: 'The potential cumulative impact of such ad hoc applications was a material consideration... that was not considered by the judge.'

The judge also said that the appeals were 'not concerned with the merits of government policy in relation to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in hotels or otherwise'.

Touching on local residents' concerns, Lord Justice Bean said: 'The Epping residents' fear of crime was properly taken into account by the judge as a factor in favour of grant of an injunction. He described it as being of limited weight.'

He added: 'We agree it is relevant, but in our view, it is clearly outweighed... by the undesirability of incentivising protests, by the desirability in the interests of justice of preserving the status quo for the relatively brief period leading up to the forthcoming trial and by the range of public interest factors which we have discussed in our judgement.'

The full written judgement in the case, which Lord Justice Bean said runs to over 120 paragraphs, will be provided later.
The body of a Minnesota man who disappeared during a hike in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains was found on Wednesday after a slight reflection from his backpack was seen by a climbing crew.

Grant Gardner, who went missing in late July, was found dead in the Cloud Peak Wilderness after a climbing team noticed a slight reflection under a ledge, according to the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office.

The experienced hiker had set off on a three day hike through the area which would end with him summiting Cloud Peak, part of the Bighorn Mountain Range.

He made contact with his wife, Lauren Gardner, on the evening of July 29, letting her know he'd made it to the summit and 'was more exhausted than expected.'

But, when he failed to return home and his vehicle was found still parked near the West Ten Sleep trailhead, a sprawling search operation began.

The exhaustive search commenced on August 1 and lasted for weeks as search and rescue teams combed the area using aircraft and ground teams, but found no signs of the missing hiker.

The operation was officially suspended weeks later on August 21 due to a lack of leads.

However, on the evening of August 26, a professional climbing team from North Carolina, who had summited Cloud Peak and were descending on the northern route, stopped to make camp ahead of a planned climb of nearby Woolsey Peak.

Grant Gardner, who was missing since late July, was found dead on Wednesday in the Cloud Peak Wilderness after a climbing team noticed a slight reflection under a ledge

The experienced hiker had planned on an approximate three day hike through the Misty Moon Lake area (pictured) eventually summiting Cloud Peak

According to the sheriff's office, the team spotted 'a slight reflection a few hundred feet above them underneath a ledge' and believed it to be a backpack.

The climbing team contacted authorities using a satellite device and waited overnight for assistance.

With a narrow weather window the next morning, due to an incoming 'weather system,' rescue teams were flown into the area via helicopter, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Once on site, they located Gardner's remains near the suspected backpack. Authorities said he was wearing clothing that 'very closely matched the terrain,' making him nearly impossible to detect during earlier searches.

Gardner's body was found in one of two primary search areas previously identified by rescue crews, according to the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office described the recovery as 'difficult and dangerous,' and noted that the area had already been searched 'by air and other means.'

The Big Horn County Coroner's Office has yet to determine the official cause and manner of Gardner's death. However, Big Horn County Police Sheriff Ken Blackburn said investigators believe he 'succumbed to a tragic accident as we all have surmised.'

Authorities credited the climbing team for spotting the reflection and halting their plans to assist in the search.

He made contact with his wife on the evening of July 29, letting her know he'd made it to the summit and was 'was more exhausted than expected.' Pictured: Grant Gardner with his wife, Lauren

When he failed to return home a sprawling search operation began as search and rescue teams combed the area using aircraft and ground teams

On the evening of August 26, a professional climbing team from North Carolina stopped to make camp ahead of a planned climb of nearby Woolsey Peak and noticed 'a slight reflection a few hundred feet above them underneath a ledge' and believed it to be a backpack

Once on site, they located Gardner's remains near the suspected backpack. Authorities said he was wearing clothing that 'very closely matched the terrain,' making him nearly impossible to detect during earlier searches

'Special thanks to a spectacular professional group of technical climbers who were in exactly the right spot, at the right moment, with the right light,' the sheriff's office said in a statement.

'Their decision to stay put gave SAR teams the chance they needed to bring closure to Gardner's family.'

A GoFundMe page has been organized to support Gardner's family.

'Funds raised will all go directly to the family. Funds will be used for any needs that arise for Lauren and her kids,' the fundraising page reads.
New details of Tony Blair and President Trump's White House meeting on Gaza this week have been revealed.

The former Prime Minister held talks on the Middle East process with the US President and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, with whom he has worked with for months, on August 27.

They were previously said to have considered how the territory can be rebuilt when its bombardment by the Israeli army is over, alongside how it can be governed in future without Hamas.

As well as the 'day after' plan they also discussed the ongoing crisis including how food aid can be increased and what can be done to free the hostages still being held by Hamas.

Now, it has been revealed that Sir Tony also informed Trump during their meeting that the people of Gaza desire new leadership and even have dreams of becoming the new Dubai.

It is understood that the former Prime Minister, 72, used their talks at the White House to show that support for Hamas was lower among Palestinians, The Times has reported.

He was also said to have advanced his view that a peace deal could still be possible, alongside his long-term desire for a single government to unite the two.

Sir Tony's institute's polling of Gazans, conducted in May, revealed that the nation were most receptive of a future model of the territory that emulated the United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai.

Sir Tony Blair (pictured) held talks on the Middle East process with the US President and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, with whom he has worked with for months, on August 27

It has been revealed that Sir Tony also informed Trump during their meeting that the people of Gaza desire new leadership and even have dreams of becoming the new Dubai

Both Sir Tony and Jared Kushner (pictured), married to Trump's daughter Ivanka and previously the president's political gatekeeper in his first term, have been understood to be working on an alternative to terror group Hamas governing the region for months

Up to 15 per cent of Gazans said they would prefer a model similar to Turkey, while 14 per cent voted for Singapore.

Meanwhile, just four per cent of those polled said they supported Hamas as the sole figures in power, while 35 per cent said they would like a Palestinian Authority.

A transitional international coalition that works alongside a local administration was favoured by 27 per cent, while a national unity government that included both Hamas and Fatah had the support of 27 per cent of those surveyed.

Both Sir Tony and Kushner, married to Trump's daughter Ivanka and previously the president's political gatekeeper in his first term, have been understood to be working on an alternative to terror group Hamas governing the region for months.

While Kushner does not hold an official position within Trump's administration, he is advising the President's Middle Eastern strategy from afar.

At the meeting, key Trump cabinet officials were also present and gave their input, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Axios.

'They tried to give an idea of how Gaza could be governed and how you create an environment for investment so that reconstruction can happen, a source told Axios.

The goal was to run the ideas by Trump to see if he likes them and want to move forward, so that Witkoff and Rubio can use them.

Pictured: Kushner and Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka. In February last year, Kushner suggested that Israel should remove civilians out of the Gaza strip while it 'cleans up' the area. 'Gaza's waterfront property, it could be very valuable', he said

Sir Tony's institute's polling of Gazans, conducted in May, revealed that the nation were most receptive of a future model of the territory that emulated the United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai

While Kushner does not hold an official position within Trump's administration, he is advising the President's Middle Eastern strategy from afar (Pictured: Trump and Kushner seen in 2017)

Sir Tony's advisory role comes after the US leader previously called for the Gaza strip to turned into the 'riviera of the Middle East' and for the Palestinian citizens to be forcibly relocated to neighbouring countries.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change previously declared that Sir Tony 'never authored, developed or endorsed' the permanent relocation of Gazans.

In February last year, Kushner suggested that Israel should remove civilians out of the Gaza strip while it 'cleans up' the area.

'Gaza's waterfront property, it could be very valuable, if people would focus on building up livelihoods,' Kushner said in an interview with the Middle East Initiative, a program of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

But a poll, commissioned by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) showed that just 30 per cent of Gazans wish to leave the region permanently, while just over a third said that they refused to leave.

Earlier this year, Donald Trump promoted a controversial vision for what his 'Riviera of the Middle East' plan for the Gaza Strip could look like when the war between Israel and Hamas ends.

The AI-generated video - in a series of bold, gaudy images - shows a Trump hotel, a giant golden statue of Trump, and a child holding a Trump balloon among resplendent beach-front resort complexes.

'First Buddy' Elon Musk is seen tossing around cash to visitors and children, while Trump dances with a belly dancer and drinks cocktails with Netanyahu.

Trump posted the clip after he said the United States will 'take over' and 'own' the war-torn Gaza Strip during a press conference with Netanyahu.

Earlier this year, Donald Trump promoted a controversial vision for what his 'Riviera of the Middle East' plan for the Gaza Strip could look like when the war between Israel and Hamas ends

President Donald Trump posted the clip after he said the United States will 'take over' and 'own' the war-torn Gaza Strip during a press conference with Netanyahu

The former prime minister, who holds an 'obsession' with finding a solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, has been working on plans to turn the war-torn area in to a 'modern trade hub and resort destination', according to The Times

It came after a US official told Axios that Mr Trumps instructions are: 'Get this fixed' after it emerged that the First Lady of Turkey had written to Melania Trump begging for the suffering of Gazan children to be raised with Netanyahu

'We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal  the Riviera of the Middle East, it could be so magnificent,' Trump said while proposing relocating the majority of Gaza's 2 million inhabitants.

The former prime minister, who holds an 'obsession' with finding a solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, has been working on plans to turn the war-torn area in to a 'modern trade hub and resort destination', according to The Times.

While Kushner has previously described Sir Tony as a 'good friend to me and a good adviser' on Middle Eastern issues, the 2019 'Peace to Prosperity' conference indicated that the two shared differing views.

Talks between the former PM and the president on August 27 are also understood to have covered plans for more humanitarian aid, according to The Telegraph.

A White house official told the publication that every aspect of the war in Gaza were on the discussion table during the meeting.

It came after a US official told Axios that Mr Trumps instructions are: 'Get this fixed' after it emerged that the First Lady of Turkey had written to Melania Trump begging for the suffering of Gazan children to be raised with Netanyahu.

The White House previously declared: 'President Trump has been clear that he wants the war to end, and he wants peace and prosperity for everyone in the region.'

Sir Tony is also reported to have met Steve Witkoff in Washington DC last month, on the same day Mr Trump met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

He later met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and briefed him on the post-war plans, according to US website Axios.

The former Labour leader was involved in a previous plan for Gaza when Joe Biden was president, having previously served as a Middle East peace envoy for almost eight years after leaving Downing Street.

British sources in Washington told The Times that they were unable to provide comment on whether Blair had liaised with either the government or the UK's ambassador on what he had discussed with Trump.

Daily Mail has approached TBI and The White House for comment.
Rolling your eyes at a work colleague could amount to bullying and a breach of employment laws, a tribunal has ruled.

A dental nurse has been awarded 25,000 for constructive dismissal after a fellow worker made the gesture whenever she spoke to her.

The panel found that Maureen Howieson was subjected to 'rude, isolating, bullying and belittling' behaviour by Jisna Iqbal, which amounted to multiple breaches of her contract.

Ms Howieson and Mrs Iqbal had a 'strained' relationship at Great Junction Dental Practice in Edinburgh, leading to the 64-year-old quitting her job.

She had worked in dentistry for more than 40 years, but her main role at the clinic was on reception as her arthritis made it difficult to perform nursing tasks.

Last year, the practice was sold to Dr Fary Johnson Vithayathil, who hired Mrs Iqbal.

She was a qualified dentist in India, but not yet eligible to practice in the UK and so 'took over reception duties' while Ms Howieson was off sick.

Their relationship then became 'strained', the tribunal in Edinburgh heard, with Ms Howieson claiming Mrs Iqbal was 'rude and disrespectful', would repeatedly ignore her, roll her eyes if spoken to, stop speaking to others when she entered the room and refuse to carry out tasks when asked.

Maureen Howieson was found to have been subjected to 'rude, isolating, bullying and belittling' behaviour by Jisna Iqbal (above)

Mrs Iqbal rejected this account, but the panel 'accepted Ms Howieson's version of events'.

The clinic claimed Ms Howieson's role hadn't changed, but it was found this was 'wholly at odds with the evidence'.

In September 2024, she had a meeting with Dr Vithayathil after being brought to tears at work  telling a colleague she had been 'reduced to being a cleaner'.

The next day, Mrs Iqbal refused to leave the reception when Ms Howieson was due to start work in the afternoon.

She informed Dr Vithayathil, who said his wife, the business manager, would speak to her about the issues with Mrs Iqbal  but she did not.

Ms Howieson and Mrs Iqbal had a 'strained' relationship at Great Junction Dental Practice (above) in Edinburgh

Relations between the women continued to deteriorate, with Ms Howieson having a panic attack at one point due to the stress.

She quit her job in October after she was incorrectly underpaid, which she saw as 'the final straw'.

Employment Judge Ronald Mackay said a 'failure' to deal with Ms Howieson's 'clear concerns' was an 'unacceptable omission'.

He said assurances they would be dealt with 'were not kept, leading to an ongoing hostile working environment'.

The tribunal found that there were multiple serious breaches of Ms Howieson's contract and she was awarded 25,254 in compensation.
For the Duchess of Edinburgh, the early years of her marriage to Prince Edward were punctuated by incredible highs and equally incredible lows.

In 2001, Sophie was hospitalised following an ectopic pregnancy and then two years later the heavily pregnant Duchess was once again rushed to hospital following a sudden placental abruption.

The health scare put both Sophie and her soon-to-be born daughter's life at risk with Louise being born via an emergency caesarean section.

And the dramatic birth all took place while Edward was thousands of miles away on a royal tour of Mauritius.

Lady Louise was then diagnosed with the eye condition esotropia where one of her eyes was turning inwards.

Tragedy struck in August 29, 2005 when Sophie's mother  Mary Rhys-Jones  died aged 71 following a short battle with colon cancer.

Writing in his biography about Sophie, royal author Sean Smith looks back at how Mary's passing  who died 20 years ago today  had a profound impact on her.

According to Smith, because Mary died when Louise was just 18 months old and two years before her grandson James was born, it was a 'source of great regret for Sophie' that Mary 'missed out on seeing her grandchildren grow up'.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in July 2005 at a service to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The the early years of Sophie's marriage to Prince Edward were punctuated by incredible highs and equally incredible lows

Sophie's mother Mary Rhys-Jones. Tragedy struck in August 2005 when Mary died aged 71 following a short battle with colon cancer

Sophie and Edward's children  Louise and James. According to author Sean Smith, it was a 'source of great regret for Sophie' that Mary 'missed out on seeing her children grow up'

Mary's funeral took place two weeks later on September 16 2005 at St George's Parish Church, in Benenden, Kent.

The service was led by former Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Peter Nott, who was a close friend of Mary and had been in charge of Sophie and Edward's wedding.

Smith wrote: 'The turnout at the local church was huge, a tribute to a woman who was a very popular and sociable member of the community for many years.'

Edward and David Rhys-Jone both gave readings at the service.

Born in 1934, Mary's early life could not have been more different than the one enjoyed by her grandchildren.

She came from a family of mainly Irish shopkeepers and farmers. Mary married her husband Christopher Rhys-Jones in 1961 and then had a career as a part-time secretary and charity worker.

Her final years were defined by Sophie's marriage into the royal family which led Mary to find 'unexpected prominence late in life'  as the Daily Mail wrote at the time of her death.

The mother had been concerned for her daughters future when she joined the Royal Family. 'Fearing that her marriage might go the same way as Diana and Fergie's. She needn't have been concerned,' Smith wrote.

A pregnant Sophie in October 2003. Sophie would be rushed to hospital a month later following a sudden placental abruption.

Sophie's parents Christopher and Mary Rhys-Jones. Mary's final years were defined by Sophie's marriage into the royal family which led her to find 'unexpected prominence late in life'

Sophie and Edward with a baby Louise in December 2003. Louise was born via an emergency caesarean section

He continued that it would be some years before Sophie 'shared her deep sense of loss with the public'.

'I miss her very much and there are moments where I hear some music she loved or do something I know she'd have wanted to hear about, which makes her early departure very hard,' Sophie said at the time.

'She has missed out on so much and I'm particularly sad the she hasn't seen my children grow up or seen how my work has grown and developed,' she added.

Sophie's father is now 94 and has lived to see his grandchildren grow  with Louise now attending the University of St Andrews.

As recently as 2023, Christopher was spotted on a rare outing with Sophie to Ascot.

The father and daughter were spotted in the Royal Enclosure enjoying the horse racing with their around each other in a warm embrace.

Sophie and Edward at her mother's funeral. The service was led by former Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Peter Nott, who was a close friend of Mary and had been in charge of Sophie and Edward's wedding

Queen Elizabeth II and Sophie together at Windsor. After her mother's passing, Sophie grew closer to the late Queen, whom she was heard calling 'mama' on occasions

Sophie and her father together at Ascot in June 2023

After her mother's passing, Sophie grew closer to the late Queen, whom she was heard calling 'mama' on occasion, including at a Diamond Jubilee Trust event at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

In the Queen's final years, former aides described the Queens relationship with Sophie as like mother and daughter, adding: There is a great deal of love and mutual respect between them.

Sophie's fondness for Queen Elizabeth II was reciprocated with the Duchess of Edinburgh often being described as the monarch's 'favourite' family member .

And following Prince Philip's death in 2021, Sophie became the Queen's 'rock'.
It's one of the most recognisable photos of Princess Diana ever taken.

Taken days before her tragic death in August 1997, she was captured wearing a blue swimming costume aboard the Jonikal, the boat owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, on a getaway with his son Dodi.

In the two years since the passing of Mohamed Al Fayed, decades of serious sexual abuse allegations against him have been exposed.

The former Harrods owner died aged 94 on August 30, 2023, 26 years after his eldest child, Dodi Fayed, died in the same crash that killed Diana.

The Metropolitan Police says that 146 people have come forward in their ongoing investigation into Al Fayed, which began after 20 female ex-Harrods employees told the BBC that Al Fayed sexually assaulted or raped them.

In a statement by the Knightsbridge department store in 2023, the company said they were 'utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse' which they 'condemn in the strongest terms'.

In his biography of Princess Diana, Andrew Morton wrote: 'While he is ruthless and dictatorial in business life, as those who have tangled with him will attest, Diana only saw the warm, generous and affectionate side of his character'.

It was for this reason - as well as wanting to avoid Camilla's 50th celebrations - that Diana accepted his invitation to join his family for a holiday in the South of France in July 1997.

Taken days before her tragic death in August 1997, Princess Diana was captured wearing a blue swimming costume aboard the Jonikal, the boat owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed, on a getaway with his son Dodi

In the two years since the passing of Mohamed Al Fayed, decades of serious sexual abuse allegations against him have been exposed

In his biography of Princess Diana, Andrew Morton wrote: 'While he is ruthless and dictatorial in business life, as those who have tangled with him will attest, Diana only saw the warm, generous and affectionate side of his character'.

Morton wrote in his explosive book, Diana: Her True Story: 'While she put a brave face on for the event, she knew that the media coverage would only reopen old wounds and reawaken old pains.'

Diana agreed that she and her boys would join Al-Fayed, his wife Heini and their four children at his holiday villa in St Tropez for nine days. The trip was depicted in season six of the Netflix series, The Crown.

But despite Diana's stepmother working for Al Fayed and her father referring to the former Harrods boss as being like a 'brother' to him, some of the Princess's friends were concerned about the trip.

Morton wrote: 'Even though Fayed, a controversial figure, had known the Spencer family for years, several of her friends, including Rosa Monckton, wife of the then editor of the Sunday Telegraph, advised against accepting.'

The trip came as Al-Fayed began to settle a libel lawsuit he had filed against Vanity Fair concerning the 1995 article Holy War at Harrods.

The article detailed alleged sexual assaults by Al-Fayed, and the lawsuit concluded in December 1997 with a settlement, though Vanity Fair did not issue an apology or retract any part of the article.

The evidence gathered during the case, including details about sexual health tests on employees, was sealed as part of the settlement and was not widely accessible until its use in a 2024 BBC investigation.

As noted by Morton, the world's media were watching Diana on that trip.

Diana accepted Al Fayed's invitation to join his family for a holiday in the South of France from July 11 to July 20, 1997

Al Fayed and Diana are pictured attending a charity dinner for the Harefield Heart Unit held at Harrods in February 1996

Despite Diana's stepmother working for Al Fayed and her father referring to the former Harrods boss as being like a 'brother' to him, some of the Princess's friends were concerned about the trip

He wrote: 'For once Diana seemed relaxed and carefree, seemingly oblivious to the watching press as she jet-skied or swam off the beach in front of Fayed's villa.

'However, media censure that the Princess had chosen a dubious and inappropriate holiday host needled her.

'She motored over to a boatload of British journalists and complained that they had been cruel to Fayed, whom she considered a long-standing family friend, and unfair to her and the boys, asking if they could leave them all in peace.

'In a parting shot, she said: "Expect a big surprise in the next two weeks."

'Given subsequent tragic events, there has been much speculation about what she meant.

'It was an incident that seemed to symbolise her unworldly innocence as well as her constant vulnerability.

'The ultimate irony was that, before the Fayed offer, she had already been invited to stay at a holiday home near Southampton in the Hamptons on the east coast of America by her billionaire friend Teddy Forstmann.

'However, for some unknown reason, the security services did not feel that the place offered sufficient security for the Princess and her boys, and the offer was declined.'

The Princess of Wales is pictured in St Tropez in July 1997

Morton wrote: 'For once Diana seemed relaxed and carefree, seemingly oblivious to the watching press as she jet-skied or swam off the beach in front of Fayed's villa'

Pictured: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed on a yacht during their vacation in the summer of 1997

Four days into the trip with Al Fayed's family, Diana met his only son, Dodi, who was working as a Hollywood film producer.

The two hit it off, chatting and enjoying themselves on the trip that Diana described as 'the best holiday of my life'.

In Spare, Harry wrote of the holiday: 'Everything about that trip to St. Tropez was heaven. The weather was sublime, the food was tasty, Mummy was smiling.'

Morton wrote: 'As their friendship gathered strength, Mohamed Al Fayed encouraged his son's budding relationship, unashamedly making clear his ambitions for his eldest son and the world's most famous woman.

'All the while Prince Charles's shadow loomed in the background.

'In a curious way, his decision to "come out" in public by hosting her 50th birthday party seemed to have given Diana permission to be open about her love life as well.

'In short, she was ready for romance.'

William and Harry returned to Balmoral in Scotland for a summer holiday with Prince Charles and in early August, Diana flew back to the South of France, where she and Dodi spent time together aboard the Jonikal.

William and Harry returned to Balmoral in Scotland for a summer holiday with Prince Charles and in early August, Diana flew back to the South of France, where she and Dodi spent time together aboard the Jonikal

Princess of Wales, right, and Dodi Fayed, walk on a pontoon in the French Riviera resort of St Tropez in this Friday, Aug. 22, 1997

Mohamed Al Fayed and his wife Heini Wathen are pictured leaving Westminster Abbey after the funeral service for Diana

They were photographed by paparazzi photographer Mario Brenna, who sold the pictures to the Sunday Mirror for record-breaking prices.

On August 24, 1997, the iconic photograph of Diana was taken as she sat at the end of the yacht's diving board.

Dodi and Dianas romance would be short-lived, but he showered her with gifts during their six-week relationship, including a pearl bracelet and diamond wristwatch, according to Vanity Fair.

On top of that, he was a 'sympathetic, unthreatening listener,' wrote Tom Bower, author of Mohamed Al-Fayeds unauthorised biography.

Dodi, Diana and their driver Henri Paul were killed in a crash on August 31, 1997, just a month and a half after their 'summer of love'.
It looks like a giant frying pan, or a crash-landed alien spaceship.

Whatever it is, Google Maps users are getting seriously freaked out after discovering this strange object in Antarctica.

The round entity, described as a 'UFO', is hiding under what seems to be a cliff about 90 miles from Antarctica's coast.

With no known origin, people are questioning whether this strange relic at the bottom of the Earth is man-made  or something not of this world.

One American ufologist suggested the object  almost Oreo-like in appearance  might be stuck under the rock.

Alternatively, it could be deliberately half-hidden  strategically-placed to make it difficult to spot  as it carries out a mysterious assignment.

Scott C. Waring, who runs the UFO Sightings Daily website, posted a YouTube clip of the sleek disc being found on Google Maps.

He said: 'The UFO is still there! Too hard to recover or still being used?'

Google Maps users are baffled after spotting a 'UFO' hiding under a cliff in Antarctica, which one ufologist suggested might be stuck under there

On Google Maps, the unusual structure can be located simply by entering the coordinates in the search bar  6616'24.5"S 10059'03.5"E.

As users can see, it is around 45 miles from Mill Island, a domed ice-island 30 miles long and 18 miles wide, close to the Antarctic coast.

It is also about six miles away from the A. B. Dobrowolski Polar Station, an occasionally active Polish research base.

Intriguingly, the object seems to have a sliverish line going around the rim, which corresponds with traditional depictions of UFOs from pop culture.

But otherwise, it has a consistently uniform black colour, which very clearly contrasts with the jagged rock and snow surrounding it.

Although heavily pixelated, the image also reveals peculiar black lines stretching between the disc-shape and the adjacent rock.

Philip Mantle, a British UFO researcher, called the disc 'a new one for me', adding that he'd 'never seen it before', but declined to speculate on what it might be.

Nick Pope, a UFO expert formerly with the UK's Ministry of Defence, called it an 'intriguing' and 'pretty spooky' object that 'makes one wonder'.

Whatever it is, the mysterious Oreo-like object looks rather out of place among the natural geology of Antarctica

Based on clues from reported sightings, the typical UFO has a round shape, usually described as spherical or an orb, with lights emanating from it

What is the mystery object? Social media commentators have been describing it as a crashed spaceship, a weather balloon or a secret base. More realistic suggestions include an unusually symmetrical lake or pond, or some sort of geological formation. Alternatively, it could be a bit of equipment related to a nearby Polish polar research station. Advertisement

'Of course, sometimes these sorts of things turn out to be image artifacts/glitches, and other times pareidolia  the tendency of the human mind to see patterns and symmetry,' Mr Pope told the Daily Mail.

'As the Antarctic ice melts, I wonder what else is down there. A lost civilization? Aliens? Something else?'

UFO stands for 'unidentified flying object' and so the term doesn't necessarily describe an object with an extraterrestrial origin.

In his post on his UFO Sightings Daily website on Wednesday, Mr Waring said this UFO was discovered about two years ago, but in fact some people spotted it years earlier.

On Reddit four years ago, someone posted a screenshot with the caption: 'Any thoughts on the UFO crash site in Antarctica?'

The post received several interesting suggestions from users, who variously described the disk as a 'weather balloon', a 'Nazi base' and a 'pond of meltwater'.

One commentator said: 'If I had to ditch an advanced spacecraft on a populated planet, I would put it down on an unpopulated continent, and wait for rescue', while someone else joked: 'So that's where my giant pancake ended up after I threw it out the window...'

Another simply posted 'Antarctica got some weird stuff', while another said it 'looks ominous'.

The object seems to have a sliverish line going around the rim, which corresponds with traditional depictions of UFOs. Pictured, cover of the pulp science fiction magazine Amazing Stories from October 1957, featuring a UFO with lights around the rim

Professor Bethan Davies, a glaciologist at the University of Newcastle, said that the feature is simply a 'small lake in a rock basin'.

'There is a small patch of snow and the warmer lake water has a lower albedo so it absorbs more solar radiation,' she told the Daily Mail.

'This is melting the snow, giving it the semi circular arc  not a UFO.'

Laura Gerrish, mapping specialist at the British Antarctic Survey, said: 'From the satellite imagery, this round feature looks like a small lake.

'This area is called the Bunger Hills, which is a largely ice-free region along the Knox Coast in Antarctica - and it has lots of small lakes and ponds.

'We see that the lakes often form these very smooth edges along the edge of the ice.'

Its far from the first time that strange features located on Google Maps have gone viral.

In April, social media users were captivated by a triangular tower stationed at Area 51 in the Nevada desert.

Visible on Google Maps, the unusual structure is stationed in a remote spot in Nevada, about 80 miles (130km) northwest of Las Vegas

The imposing structures location led conspiracy theorists to speculate that it is somehow involved in alien contact.

However, there was a rational explanation for the tower  not to do with aliens or global warming as people speculated.

This followed a structure in a mountainous region of New Mexico taking the internet by storm, sparking claims of UFOs.

Meanwhile, a 'doorway' spotted in Antarctica, just southeast of the Japanese-run Showa Station, sparked a similar wave of theories across the internet, with one describing it as 'bigfoot's vacation home'.
It's one of the most famous aviation disappearances in history.

But experts may be one step closer to finally locating the wreck of Amelia Earhart's plane, which vanished nearly 90 years ago.

The legendary aviator and her navigator, Fred Noonan, set out from Lae in New Guinea in July 1937 as part of her bid to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world.

They were never seen again and, despite the most extensive sea and air search in American history up to that point, no trace has ever been found of Earhart or her Lockheed Electra plane.

Now, a deep sea exploration group have restored a radio identical to the one used during the fateful trip.

And they say it's helped them significantly narrow down their search area.

'Our latest radio communication analysis is a major leap forward in solving one of the most enduring mysteries in aviation history,' Dave Jourdan, president of Nauticos, the company behind the mission, said.

'We have narrowed the search area dramatically, and this new expedition presents our best chance yet to finally locate Amelia Earhart's plane.'

Amelia Earhart (pictured here with her plane) wanted to be the first female pilot to circumnavigate the globe

This radio system is identical to the one used on Earharts final flight, and has finally allowed the experts to determine the plans approximate location at 8am on the day it vanished

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Nauticos, which specialises in deepsea exploration and historical research, procured and restored a Western Electric 13C aircraft transmitter and a Bendix Model RA1A receiver in 2020.

This radio system is identical to the one used on Earhart's final flight, and has finally allowed the experts to determine the plane's approximate location at 8am on the day it vanished.

The groundbreaking discovery significantly refines the search area near Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean, the intended destination of Earhart's illfated journey.

Until now, an area of sea floor measuring a total of 3,610 square miles  roughly the size of Connecticut  has been meticulously surveyed in a bid to find the wreckage.

A new expedition  the fourth launched by Nauticos  will be informed by tests run on the radio that recreated the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

Earhart and her navigator took off from Lae in New Guinea on July 2, 1937 and began receiving communications from a vessel off the shore of Howland Island.

However, radio reception was poor and Earhart informed the boat their fuel was running low.

While she was unable to provide coordinates, her last transmission included a compass position.

Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan, pictured at Honolulu Airport in Hawaii on March 20, 1937  just a few months before they disappeared

Howland Island  the uninhabited coral island in the central Pacific Ocean  was the place Earhart was searching for

Who was Amelia Earhart? Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer, whose accomplishments inspired a generation of female aviators, including the more than 1,000 women pilots of the Women Airforce Service Pilots who served during the Second World War. In 1932, at the age of 34, Earhart became the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. Five years later, she set herself the challenge of being the first woman to fly around the world. Earhart was flying a Lockheed Model 10 Electra when her plane vanished on July 2, 1937. The 39yearold was heading to Howland Island when it is thought that she and her navigator Fred Noonan had trouble with their radio navigation equipment. Despite a rescue attempt lasting 17 days and scouring more than 250,000 square miles of ocean, the pair were never found. Decades after her presumed death, Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1968 and the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973. Advertisement

Nauticos replicated the conditions of the final flight, using the same equipment, to determine the approximate location of her final transmissions.

Jeff Morris, the expedition's project manager, said: 'The fourth Nauticos mission to search for Amelia Earhart will be based on the scientific data that we've collected during extensive radio testing.

'This is no longer theory. This is scientificallymeasured information that tells us where she was at 8am on July 2, 1937.'

Earhart had planned to fly west to east around the world in a series of 34 legs. When she disappeared, she was on leg 31 and had covered 22,000 miles with 7,000 miles to go.

As part of her journey, she had to incorporate a stop on the tiny Howland Island to refuel as her aircraft did not have the range for the South Pacific. This particular leg of the journey involved a 2,556mile, 18hour flight across the international date line.

The Coast Guard ship Itasca waited with fuel for the next leg of the journey, and began to receive Earhart's intermittent voice messages which increased in strength, indicating she was getting closer to Howland.

The Itasca received Earhart's strongest radio voice signal at 7:58am, when she told them she was circling and searching and running low on fuel. The last transmission was received at 8:43am  but then nobody ever heard from her again.

Nevertheless private companies, individuals and groups have continued to look for the wreckage.

Earhart had planned to fly west to east around the world in a series of 34 legs. When she disappeared, she was on leg 31 and had covered 22,000 miles with 7,000 miles to go

Last year, a deepwater exploration company hoped they had found her plane on sonar images.

However, this turned out to be a rock formation.

The Nauticos expedition will be joined by pilot and journalist Amelia Rose Earhart, who says she is committed to preserving the memory of her namesake.

The company says they will document the expedition through social media updates and live streams.
Nevada has experienced a surge in seismic activity over the past five hours.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded seven earthquakes, the strongest a 3.6-magnitude tremor that struck at 5:44am ET.

The epicenter was Valmy, a small town located along several active fault lines, including the Fairview Peak-Dixie Valley Fault Scarps, the Central Nevada Seismic Belt and the Pleasant Valley Fault, which is capable of producing a quake up to magnitude 7.7.

The swarm was likely driven by tectonic forces along the fault systems of the Basin and Range Province.

NASA explained: 'The Earth's crust in the Basin and Range Province is gradually expanding, cracking into hundreds of faults as it thins.

'Over millions of years, land on one side of the faults rose, forming mountains, while land on the other sank into basins.

'This ongoing activity makes the Basin and Range one of the most seismically active regions in the U.S.'

The earthquakes were shallow, averaging about five miles below the surface. Shallow quakes pose a greater risk of strong shaking than deeper tremors, as the energy from the earthquake reaches the surface more directly.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Nevada in 2020 (pictured), which was likely caused by the Basin and Ridge Province cracking and stretching

An assessment from Michigan Tech University showed that people typically do not feel quakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or less.

Those from 2.5 to 5.4 are often felt but only cause minor damage.

However, the region is sparsely populated, and no reports of shaking have been submitted to the USGS.

Valmy is also home to the Twin Creeks Mine and Turquoise Ridge Mine, major gold-producing sites.

Mining operations involve extensive excavation and blasting, which can alter the stress distribution in the surrounding rock.

Removing large volumes of material changes the weight and pressure on the Earth's crust, while blasting can produce small tremors that occasionally trigger movement along nearby faults.

In some cases, fluid injection or drainage used in mining can increase pressure underground, slightly lubricating faults and making them more likely to slip.

While these activities can influence local seismic activity, they are unlikely to be the primary cause of larger earthquakes.

Geologists have pointed to the Basin and Range as the culprit for such earthquake swarms.

The Basin and Range Province near Valmy, Nevada, is a geologically active region characterized by alternating north-south mountain ranges and valleys formed through extensive crustal stretching over the past 23 million years.

The crust in this area is relatively thin, averaging about 19 to 22 miles thick, and has undergone lateral extension of roughly 37 to 186 miles since the Early Miocene.

This extension has created hundreds of normal faults, causing blocks of the crust to either rise into mountains or sink into basins.

The Basin and Range also covers a vast area from southern Idaho and Oregon in the north, through Nevada, eastern California, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake in Idaho and a 5.7-magnitude quake in Utah, both in March 2020, were linked to fault activity in the Basin and Range Province.
A strange urban legend that continues to captivate some religious communities has connected the Bible's first murderer to the mythical creature Bigfoot.

Over the years, some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormons, have shared an unsubstantiated story linking Bigfoot to Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve.

The decades-old theory has claimed Bigfoot is actually Cain, who was doomed to roam the earth forever as a hairy, mysterious creature after receiving a biblical curse.

In the Bible, Cain murdered his brother Abel after attacking him in a field, driven by jealousy because God favored Abel's offering of animal sacrifices over Cain's offering of crops.

The legend traces back to 1835, when Mormon leader David W. Patten described meeting a dark, hairy figure who called himself a wandering outcast, later identified as Cain.

Bigfoot, also called Sasquatch, is said to be a large, ape-like creature inhabiting North American forests, though no definitive proof of its existence has ever been found.

Skeptics have claimed that other religious texts have suggested Cain did not survive the biblical flood involving Noah, and that the mark from God did not grant eternal life.

Although the legend is not part of any official Mormon teachings, the story has gained momentum since alleged Bigfoot sightings became common in the 1980s, and now, social media users have continued the conversation online.

The most famous piece of Bigfoot 'evidence' came in 1967, when Bob Gimlin and Roger Patterson filmed a now-iconic clip of a large, furry figure at California's Bluff Creek (pictured)

Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve, murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy, causing God to curse Cain to wander the earth as a fugitive

The connection has been said to symbolize evil or a cursed existence in some Mormon folklore, with Cain's wandering seen as a warning against sin, though it's not a universal belief.

Matthew Bowman, a historian and scholar of American religious history, wrote one of the only peer-reviewed, academic pieces on this legend in the Journal of Mormon History.

He traced the folklore's origins, noting that the blending of Cain and Bigfoot's stories gained popularity around 1980 in South Weber, Utah, following local Bigfoot sightings.

Bowman suggested that the myth showed how some members of the Mormon community used folklore to make sense of mysterious or unexplainable events.

He also noted that Cains portrayal as a hairy beast was seen as a symbol of evil in opposition to the faithful.

The connection between Cain and Bigfoot was first popularized by Spencer W Kimball in his 1969 book 'The Miracle of Forgiveness,' which retold Pattens 1830s account.

Abraham Smoot, an early leader of the Mormon Church, is said to have written down Patten's encounter years later, which was then used in Kimball's book.

Smoot described how Patten claimed he was riding a mule when he noticed a giant stranger walking beside him.

The being came up to Patten's shoulders despite the Mormon leader being high off the ground in his saddle.

A whitewater rafting crew with the Colorado River Expedition was traveling down the Upper Colorado River on May 24 when they spotted a large creature in the woods (circled)

In the Book of Genesis, Cain attacked his younger brother in a field because God favored Abel's offering of animal sacrifices over Cain's offering of crops

'His head was about even with my shoulders as I sat in my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin was very dark. I asked him where he dwelt, and he replied that he had no home, that he was a wanderer in the earth and traveled to and fro,' Patten said, according to Smoot.

'He said he was a very miserable creature, that he had earnestly sought death during his sojourn upon the earth, but that he could not die, and his mission was to destroy the souls of men,' the Mormon leader added.

While some in the Mormon Church have revealed on social media that they've heard this story, one person on Reddit claiming to be an 'ex-Mormon' noted that the urban legend was 'only discussed in hushed tones and never in front of non-members.'

Blogs and other investigative reports into the Cain-Bigfoot theory have noted that Cain's immortality or transformation into Bigfoot hasn't been backed by any official religious texts or teachings.

Still, new videos and blogs in 2025, many tied to paranormal activity, have kept the strange myth alive on the internet.

The most famous piece of Bigfoot 'evidence' came in 1967, when Bob Gimlin and Roger Patterson filmed a large, furry figure striding through the woods at Bluff Creek, California.

However, there is still doubt that Bigfoot actually exists. Even the FBI has been investigating claims coming from witnesses throughout the US since 1976.

In 2019, the agency released its decades-long report, finding no conclusive evidence of such a creature, adding that a hair sample submitted by Bigfoot researcher Peter Byrne came from an ordinary deer.
Archaeologists have unearthed ancient structures in Turkey that could represent the world's earliest human settlement.

The discovery was made at Mendik Tepe, near Gobekli Tepe, the 12,000-year-old site known for its monumental stone pillars and early rituals.

Experts revealed this week that the newly uncovered structures likely predate Gobekli Tepe, placing them 7,000 years before Stonehenge and extending the timeline of organized settlements and monumental building beyond what scholars once thought.

The site, located in the rural Payaml neighborhood of Sanlurfa's Eyyubiye district, is part of a network of prehistoric settlements that are transforming our understanding of early human societies in the Fertile Crescent.

Unlike Gobekli Tepe, famous for its T-shaped pillars adorned with intricate carvings, Mendik Tepe features upright rectangular stones, suggesting a distinct architectural and cultural identity.

Since excavations began in 2024, the team has uncovered a range of oval-shaped structures, some with elaborate stone walls and fragments of decorated stone vessels.

These findings indicate a sophisticated society capable of complex construction and artistic expression.

Dr Necmi Karul, project coordinator, said: 'Mendik Tepe is an extremely important site for understanding the first settlers in the region.'

The team uncovered buildings used for food storage, dwellings and ritual spaces

The structures vary significantly in size and function, offering clues to the social organization of these ancient communities.

Smaller buildings, measuring a few feet across, may have served practical purposes such as storage or food preparation, while medium-sized structures could have been dwellings.

Larger buildings, some reaching 13 to 16 feet in height, feature meticulous stonework that suggests ritual or communal significance.

Professor Douglas Baird, leading the excavations, highlighted a large structure's stonework, noting it may have served a ritual or communal purpose.

Preliminary findings suggest Mendik Tepe may date to the earliest phases of the Neolithic period, potentially predating both Gobekli Tepe and Karahantepe, another nearby site known for its anthropomorphic pillars.

This chronology positions Mendik Tepe as a critical piece in understanding Neolithization, the process by which humans adopted agriculture and settled communities.

The Tas Tepeler Project, launched by Turkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, encompasses a dozen Neolithic sites across Sanlurfa, including Gobekli Tepe, Karahantepe, Cakmak Tepe, and Sayburc.

These sites, dating back approximately 11,500 years, are rewriting the history of human development by revealing evidence of monumental architecture, social institutions, and early plant cultivation.

Experts noted that the new structures may predate Gobekli Tepe and are likely at least 7,500 years older than Stonehenge, placing them at the very cusp of the Neolithic Revolution

Mendik Tepe's discoveries challenge earlier assumptions that Gobekli Tepe was primarily a ritual site, as its mix of domestic and ceremonial structures suggests a more complex settlement pattern.

The presence of cereal processing and water management systems at nearby sites further indicates that these communities were experimenting with proto-agriculture, a precursor to the agricultural revolution.

'This year, we will focus on understanding the functional differences between these structures,' Professor Baird told AA.

'Were the smaller ones for storage or food preparation? Were the larger ones residences or ritual spaces? These questions are key to unlocking the site's story.'

Geographically, Mendik Tepe is a hill with an elevation of approximately 3,346 feet, located in a sparsely vegetated region with a Mediterranean climate.

The site is considered a precursor to Gobekli Tepe, which features monumental round, oval, and rectangular megalithic structures built by hunter-gatherers during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period, between 9,600 and 8,200 BCE.

The Gobekli Tepe site is the oldest man-made structure ever found.

It features T-shaped stones while the newly found sit was designed with smaller, rectangular stones

These monuments were likely associated with rituals, most probably of a funerary nature.

The distinctive T-shaped pillars, carved with depictions of wild animals, offer valuable insight into the lives and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia around 11,500 years ago.

Archaeologists recently identified the structures as an ancient calendar, making it the oldest in the world.

The findings suggested that ancient humans had accurate ways to keep time 10,000 years before it was documented in Ancient Greece in 150 BC.

The 2024 research also revealed carvings depicting a comet strike that triggered a 1,200-year mini ice age, leading to the extinction of large animals and spurring the development of agriculture and complex societies.

Experts said the memorialized event served as the defining moment that forced the ancient people to switch from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to more permanent settlements.

The site features several stone pillars, and after a recent analysis, researchers at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland concluded that one structure was carved to be a calendar.

In 2024, researchers found that Gobekli Tepe was constructed to be a calendar

The pillar featured a 'V' symbol to represent a single day, which the team found 365 etched throughout.

The structure also included 12 lunar months with 11 additional days.

The pillar was divided into two sections with rows of 'V' symbols at the top and smaller box symbols in the lower main portion, which shows a bird holding a circular disc symbol above a scorpion.

According to the study, published in Time and Mind, the pillar features a disc that represents the sun and the scorpion is representative of the Greek Scorpion constellation.

The team also identified a tall bird bending down toward a wriggling snake, which could depict the autumnal constellation Ophiuchus.

The discovery has suggested that people recorded dates using precession, the wobble in Earth's axis which affects the movement of constellations across the sky.
A woman raped and drowned a four-year-old girl by sitting on her in a bathtub after a row over infidelity with her partner, who was the father of the child.

Amber-Lee Hughes, a nursery school teacher, was found guilty of the crimes against Nada-Jane Challita by a court in South Africa on Thursday.

The couple had a turbulent relationship in which she made repeated threats to harm the child, the court heard.

Guilty: Amber-Lee Hughes accepts her fate in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Thursday

Tragic: Four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita was found dead in a bathtub filled with water in 2023, inside the apartment Hughes shared with her father, Elie Challita

She was arrested after the child was discovered dead in a bathtub filled with water in 2023, inside the apartment Hughes shared with her father, Elie Challita.

As the judge described the day of the murder on January 23 that year, the father was visibly distressed.

Throughout the trial, which began earlier this year in Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, Hughes insisted she was innocent and pleaded not guilty.

It was not until last month that she confessed to drowning the girl after an argument with Challita over infidelity, but she continued to deny the rape.

Judge Richard Mkhabela said the murder was premeditated.

'The accused made the threat. She has the propensity to make violent threats. The objective evidence shows that after stopping communication with Mr Challita at 16:35, Mr Challita continued sending the accused messages but she did not respond but had read the messages.'

'Anger and relief': Hughes developed a romantic relationship with Elie Challita in 2021, and moved in with him and his young daughter

According to the evidence, Hughes also raped the girl by inserting foreign objects into her genitals, Eyewitness News reported.

The judge told the court that it was unnecessary to review the evidence about whether the drowning was accidental because of Hughes' admission.

'The accuseds latest admissions is an admission that she drowned the deceased by sitting on top of her, and further that the drowning caused the deceaseds death,' he said.

He added that Hughes 'belated admission is incongruent with the scientific and medical evidence' presented by forensic pathologist Dr Hestelle van Stadan, who conducted the post-mortem examination.

'The said admissions meet all the elements of murder,' he noted.

Following the drowning, Hughes reportedly described making three attempts to take her own life.

She told the court she had been suffering with borderline personality disorder but admitted she was fully aware of her actions.

She developed a romantic relationship with Challita in 2021, and moved in with him and his young daughter.

'Tortured to death': Hughes confessed to the murder of Nada-Jane Challita, whose body was found in a bathtub in Johannesburg in 2023

She was charged with two counts of rape but was only convicted of one count at the conclusion of the trial.

At an earlier trial, Challita told the court that Hughes had grown jealous of his daughter.

He said: '[She] was jealous about me giving [Nada-Jane] more attention and spending more money on her.'

On the day of the murder, Challita had gone on a job interview, but Hughes seemed angry that he did not give her a goodbye kiss before leaving and suspected him of cheating.

She sent him a chilling text message saying: 'You broke my heart; I'm going to burn yours. How could you do that to me?'

The father said: 'I felt my heart fall from my chest; I felt something was very wrong.'

Speaking to the media following the verdict, Challita expressed his relief that the trial had finally come to a close after a two month delay.

Hughes' sudden decision to switch her plea from not guilty in July postponed the trial just days before it was set to conclude.

Awaiting sentence: Hughes was charged with two counts of rape but was only convicted of one count at the conclusion of the trial, alongside being found guilty for murder

'Thank God today we had progress,' he said, reported the Citizen.

He was pleased with the guilty verdict but was disappointed that Hughes was only convicted of one count of rape instead of two. It's a kind of 'two-thirds closure', he said.

'That doesnt bring my child back. Nothing will bring her back. So its a feeling mixed of anger and relief. Its just mixed emotions.'

When asked if he expected Hughes to be imprisoned for life, Challita suggested no length of sentence would ever make up for the tragedy.

'Obviously, Im the parent of the child. The justice that I seek doesnt exist in this world or in this lifetime.

'We are all humans here. The judge is a human. No one can bring back what is lost.

'So my real justice wont be in this lifetime or on this earth, but it starts here, and it officially started today by the judge finding her guilty.'

Describing his emotions after the trial, he said: 'I am feeling slightly better. I hope this feeling grows on me, but it also can never erase what happened to my child.

'The real and initial victim here is my child, [who] was a human with a name and a character [of] her own, and she was tortured to death, and she was raped.

'So, as much as Im the victim, Im not the 100 per cent victim here.'

Hughes' lawyer requested that sentencing be delayed to allow the defense time to prepare for the proceedings.

The proposal was accepted and sentencing was delayed to October 27.
A cruise director has revealed all about her life at sea and shared how she helps first-time passengers.

Bettyann Chun works for Holland America Line and has spent the last eight years at sea with her job.

She has travelled to an impressive 85 countries so far, and even explores the world in her spare time, she told the Herald Sun.

The cruise director has collected lots of knowledge during her career and likes to help passengers new to the lifestyle.

Bettyann said: 'Most first-time cruisers are not familiar with the terms such as port, starboard, aft or forward, and how to find their staterooms, so I always like to give them a hand.'

She also revealed her packing essentials that she's always sure to put in her suitcase.

'An umbrella for either rain or sun,' Bettyann explained. 'I use a UV umbrella and I usually like to stay out of the sun.'

To help organise her case, she has a specific technique that she describes as her top tip.

Bettyann Chun works for Holland America Line and has spent the last eight years at sea with her job (stock)

She has travelled to an impressive 85 countries so far and even explores the world in her spare time, she told the Herald Sun

The cruise director shared: 'I love using packing cubes! They are my number one recommendation for any traveller.'

Bettyann is also clued up on how to keep important items safe.

She said: 'I use the ship's safe for any valuables such as money, jewellery, electronics, or medication. If there isnt one available, then I lock it in my suitcase.'

When she's not working, Bettyann is 'out exploring' different ports during her off hours and she admitted it's her favourite time of the day.

During her time off, she likes to spend a month in a specific part of the world to thoroughly explore.

Bettyann has been to Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore, as well as Egypt and Jordan, to name a few recent trips.

Another cruise ship worker, Anaya, who goes by @anayadaisy.travels on TikTok, also shared insight into the industry.

In a video, she answered a question about how many days off she gets and revealed: 'But the answer unfortunately is no, we don't get any days off.'

The cruise director has collected lots of knowledge during her career and likes to help passengers new to the lifestyle

She clarified: 'Well, most of the crew don't get any days off, myself included.'

Anaya went on to explain that an 'unwritten rule' exists between workers that they don't receive time off during their contract.

'The contracts can range from anywhere from three months for some people, up to eight or nine months,' she added.

The worker shared that due to the demanding nature of cruise ships, staff are constantly needed.
A nursing boss ditched the NHS and moved 4,700 miles to Dubai despite gruelling 48-hour weeks because her days off are more 'fulfilling'.

Natalie Oakes, 38, first moved from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 12 years ago after wanting to gain more 'life experience' without giving up her career.

She had worked her way up in the NHS to a leadership role, earning around 50,000, but took the leap and took a job at the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi before moving to Dubai a year later.

After relocating, she earned 25 per cent more than her UK salary and had her accommodation and travel to the hospital paid for.

However, she did have to work 40 hours a week instead of the 37-and-a-half hours she was working in the UK.

As she has worked up the career ladder, she has had to work 48-hour weeks but says she 'didn't feel any difference' because she is able to spend her days off going to the beach and chilling by the pool.

Now she runs her own healthcare consultancy company and says Dubai has given her so many more career opportunities than the UK would have.

Natalie, originally from Dumfries, Scotland, said: 'All these things you are paying for in the UK were included, that was a major pull for me.

Natalie Oakes, 38, first moved from Edinburgh , Scotland, to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 12 years ago after wanting to gain more 'life experience' without giving up her career

She had worked her way up in the NHS to a leadership role, earning around 50,000, but took the leap and took a job at the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi before moving to Dubai a year later

After relocating, she earned 25 per cent more than her UK salary and had her accommodation and travel to the hospital paid for

'My salary was my disposable income.'

On working longer hours, she added: 'I didn't feel a difference because my days off were more fulfilling and productive.'

Natalie worked in the NHS for seven years before she moved in 2013.

She said she wasn't 'desperate' to leave the UK or go to Dubai but was looking to travel while still holding down her career.

Natalie added: 'I'd progressed quite quickly at quite a young age. I'd reached leadership level.

'I really enjoyed the NHS, but I felt like a young person who hadn't gained much life experience.

'I didn't want to give up my career.'

Natalie saw an advert for a role in a clinic in Abu Dhabi and applied with her CV, but it wasn't until a year later that they got in touch and offered her the job.

Natalie said she wasn't 'desperate' to leave the UK or go to Dubai but was looking to travel while still holding down her career

She left with three suitcases and hasn't looked back.

Natalie said: 'When I moved out, it was more than just a salary pull.

'I was given accommodation, reimbursed for furniture.

'There were so many additional benefits.

'I was provided transport to go to my shift.'

Natalie eventually moved to Dubai and worked her way up, sometimes working 48-hour weeks.

Despite the long working weeks, she found she was 'more refreshed' when she was on shift.

She said: 'There is so much to do on your day off. I'd feel more refreshed to go back.

Natalie is still 'appreciative' of the NHS and how it helped her climb the career ladder but now couldn't see herself moving back to the UK

She says she feels safer in Dubai and finds it 'scary' hearing about incidents that have been going on in the UK each time she pays a visit

'Dubai has a lot - beaches, there is a massive wellness drive.

'Even if you want to chill out at home, every building has a pool.

'When I was in the UK, I did the same all of the time.

'There wasn't much to do on a Saturday but shopping and lunch.'

Natalie is still 'appreciative' of the NHS and how it helped her climb the career ladder, but now couldn't see herself moving back to the UK.

She said: 'It wasn't the UK that pushed me away.

'I wanted to experience more in my life. I've created such a life out here for myself.'

Natalie now feels the UK costs are similar to Dubai - she pays 1,000 a month for rent - whereas the average cost to rent in London is around 2,000 per month

Since moving, she has met her partner, Calvin Smith, 34, who runs a tailors, and they are expecting a baby in December.

She says she feels safer in Dubai and finds it 'scary' hearing about incidents that have been going on in the UK each time she pays a visit.

She said: 'I want to bring my boy up in this environment - it's so safe.'

Natalie now feels the UK costs are similar to Dubai - she pays 1,000 a month for rent - whereas the average cost to rent in London is around 2,000 per month.

She spends 120 on a food shop to last 10 to 14 days for her and her partner, but also often spends the same amount on takeout due to her busy lifestyle.

Petrol is cheaper - it costs 50 for her to fill up in comparison to the 100 she spent filling up her mum's car when she was last in the UK.

Natalie said: 'In Dubai, I've always been able to live within my means.

'I can live a nice lifestyle.

'I've never struggled.'

Natalie also loves that she is in the 'middle of the world' so she can easily travel around when she has a few days off.

She also feels the country has given her more progression opportunities than she would have had in the UK.

'Dubai has given me so many opportunities that I wouldn't have received at home - in terms of career,' she said.

'It's created so many networks for me.'
Ryanair has revealed the date it will allow bigger cabin bags for free, meaning travellers will soon have more space in their luggage.

The budget airline currently allows all passengers to take a carry-on bag that is up to 40 x 20 x 25cm in size.

Many travellers try to max out this space, and some have been fined for taking luggage that is too big.

Now, passengers will have 5cm more breathing room and will be allowed to take underseat bags that measure 40 x 30 x 20cm.

The 20% increase may be just in time for some late summer trips away.

It comes as the EU brings in new rules which require airlines to allow passengers to bring free bags measuring 40x30x15cm.

The free bag will still need to weigh under 10kg and fit under the seat in front.

Ryanair has revealed the date it will allow bigger cabin bags for free, meaning travellers will soon have more space in their luggage

Now, tourists will have a little more breathing room as Ryanair has confirmed to Which? the cabin bag allowance will be increased from September 2025

Ryanair has confirmed to Which? that the cabin bag allowance will be increased from September 2025.

The budget airline's new bag allowance will still be less generous than on easyJet, where passengers can currently bring free under the seat bags measuring 45x36x20cm.

The EU has been working to simplify luggage rules for passengers by bringing in a minimum free allowance across all airlines.

Ryanair's strict luggage size limits have caught many travellers out over the years, with passengers forced to pay a fee if they bring an oversized bag.

A passenger previously told MailOnline that she will never fly with Ryanair again after the bargain airline charged her 62 for an oversized bag.

Kay, a 32-year-old from London, says she was 'made to feel targeted' by the airline.

The passenger was flying from Dublin to London Stansted when the incident occurred.

Kay's cabin suitcase was 'slightly out of line' when it was placed in the bag's checker, as the wheel extended over the airline's marker.

Passengers will have 5cm more breathing room and will be allowed to take underseat bags that measure 40 x 30 x 20cm. Pictured: Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary

She was made to pay the airline's standard 75/62 oversized baggage fee to board the flight.

Recently, Ryanair increased the 'gate bag' bonus it would pay staff for catching out passengers with oversized luggage.

The bonuses are likely to be increased from 1.50 (1.29) to 2.50 (2.16) per bag from November.

More changes are coming to Ryanair and from November 3, any travellers jetting off with the airline will be required to carry a digital boarding pass.

The move means passengers will no longer be able to download and print a copy of their pass.

Instead customers will have to use the digital boarding pass created by the myRyanair app after they check-in.

'We're getting rid of the paper boarding passes,' the budget airline's CEO Michael O'Leary told Simon Calder's Independent Travel Podcast.

He revealed that a high proportion of customers use mobile phones already and pushed for everyone to.

'At the moment, between 85 and 90 per cent of passengers show up with smartphones,' Mr O'Leary said.

'Almost 100 per cent of passengers have smartphones, and we want to move everybody onto that the smartphone technology.'

Ryanair is expected to finish making changes across the 230 airports it flies from by the end of August

The move to digital is expected to save 300 tonnes of paper every year, according to Ryanair.

It also aims to make travelling simpler, with 'all travel documents accessible in one convenient place'.

The app also provides customers with 'direct updates from Ryanair's operations centre during disruption'.

Mr O'Leary added: 'If you lose your phone, no issue. As long as you've checked in before you got to the airport, we'll reissue a paper boarding pass at the airport free of charge. But you have to have checked in before you got to the airport.'
A former child star has revealed how unrecognisable she is 23 years on from shooting to fame on an iconic television show.

Shelby Young, now 33, played Stephanie in the unaired LazyTown pilot - a character known by many for her distinctive pink hairstyle.

Taking to TikTok, Shelby, who was also in WildChild and American Horror Story, shared a picture of herself now with brown hair.

She captioned the snap: 'I don't have pink hair anymore, but there was a time...'

This was followed up by several pictures of her from the show, and she added in the caption: '(Jk it was a wig) some set pics from filming the pilot back in 2002!'

While Shelby only portrayed the character once, she became a familiar face for many after Julianna Rose Mauriello stepped into her shoes for seasons one and two.

Shelby Young, now 33, played Stephanie in the unaired LazyTown pilot - a character known by many for her distinctive pink hairstyle

Taking to TikTok, Shelby, who was also in WildChild and American Horror Story, shared a picture of herself now with brown hair and several pictures of her with pink hair on the show

Julianna was eventually replaced by actress Chloe Lang for seasons three and four of the show, which ran from 2004 to 2007.

For those who have forgot its premise, airing on Nickelodeon, the show follows Stephanie when she moves to the aptly named LazyTown to live with her uncle, Mayor Meanswell.

Upon arrival, she is surprised to learn that its residents lead very lazy lifestyles and goes on a mission to encourage them to be more active and healthy.

Fans were quick to take a trip down memory lane in the comments section of the now-viral TikTok.

They wrote: 'Thank you for my childhood.';

'When I tell you I was obsessed with LazyTown, I literally had a lazy town umbrella and used to watch it all the time.';

'I was SO jealous of you when I was a kid.';

'LazyTown I miss you.'

While Shelby only portrayed the character once, she became a familiar face for many after Julianna Rose Mauriello stepped into her shoes for seasons one and two

Julianna was eventually replaced by actress Chloe Lang for seasons three and four of the show, which ran from 2004 to 2007

For those who have forgot its premise, airing on Nickelodeon, the show follows Stephanie when she moves to the aptly named LazyTown to live with her uncle, Mayor Meanswell

Chloe Lang spoke to The Express in 2023 about moving to Iceland to film the show and described it as a great experience.

She said: 'I keep in touch with so many people.

'We were like a family. I try and go back to Iceland every summer because of everyone I want to see but also because it's so beautiful - I can never get enough of it.'

The former child star also praised the show's creator Magnus Scheving for the hard work he put into the show.

She added: 'He really was very inspiring. LazyTown was his baby. It was his creation and he was very particular and passionate about how he wanted things to be executed.

'Being around that every day - the energy he put behind all of his ideas; all the costumes, all the set, the designs, the props - everything was just out of this world.'
Robert Rinder had an emotional moment on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain after some poignant words from none other than Benedict Cumberbatch.

The Hollywood A-lister, 49, took the opportunity to praise his friend, 47, at the London premiere of his new film The Roses on Thursday - and affectionately point out 'his flaw'.

Benedict said: 'He's an extraordinary human being, has an excessive amount of talent, he's so full of love and loyalty, it's his flaw in a way, I wonder if he has enough time to look after himself.

'He's so busy doing great and good things for others, he's a very sage person, away from the very alive and witty and knee-jerk talented persona, he's a very deep person and beautiful human being.

'I couldn't wish to have a better friend.'

Clearly touched by the praise, a tearful Rob said this morning: 'He'll make me cry.'

Robert Rinder had an emotional moment on Friday's episode of Good Morning Britain after being showed with praise by none other than Benedict Cumberbatch

The Sherlock star described the popular presenter as being an 'extraordinary human being' and expressed concern that he does not take enough time for himself because he is alway so busy helping other people

Afterwards those in the studio, including Kate Garraway, agreed with the actor's assessment of the presenter's character, he opened up about his friendship with the Sherlock star.

He had similarly growing praise for Benedict.

Rob said: 'We met on the first day of university, at least five years ago.

'I remember watching him act, it's one of those things, when you see greatness... he too is the kindest and most talented, he's the real deal.

'And I have to say the film is absolutely brilliant and very touching and moving.

'I'm a very, very, very proud friend.'

The Roses, which also stars Olivia Colman, 51, is a remake of the 1989 classic War Of The Roses.

Starring Benedict and Olivia, the dark divorce comedy is set for release on August 29 and is based on the 1981 novel.

The Hollywood A-lister (pictured here with his co-star Olivia Colman, 51) took the opportunity to praise his friend at the London premiere of his new film The Roses

In The Roses, Benedict and Olivia follow in the footsteps of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as they play a married couple whose increasingly bitter separation explodes into comically exaggerated resentment and hatred.

This is not the first time that Benedict has spoken publicly about his admiration for Rob and gave him similar praise when he took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.

He said: 'It's extraordinary and he's a dear friend.

'To watch anyone you know do something unexpectedly brilliant like that, you are just filled with pride.

'It's very funny and very brilliant.

'The first time he burst out with Oksana (Platero)... I think with the nation and the judges, our jaws were on the floor.'

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 from 6am and is available to stream on ITVX.
Eagle-eyed MasterChef viewers called out a kitchen blunder during the latest episode of the BBC cooking competition.

The final five contestants battled for their spots in the quarter-finals with the Basic to Brilliant challenge.

Now-sacked host John Torode explained that the task was about 'taking an ingredient from the everyday and the ordinary and making it brilliant.'

It was Gabi, from London, who caught fans' attention as she outlined her plan to make a mushroom and ricotta-filled tortelli dish with a mushroom consomme and tuile.

As the camera panned down from the 30-year-old's face, viewers noticed that her sleeves, which stretched halfway down her hands, were being dragged through the flour and dough.

One X user exclaimed: 'Good grief, get rid of those flappy sleeves. Unhygienic.'

Eagle-eyed MasterChef viewers called out a kitchen blunder during the latest episode of the BBC cooking competition

As the camera panned down from the 30-year-old's face, viewers noticed that her sleeves, which stretched halfway down her hands, were being dragged through the flour and dough

Another echoed in disgust: 'Why does hygiene get thrown out of the window? That woman's sleeves in the pasta.'

A third chimed in: 'Why are you wearing baggy long sleeves while cooking?'

Which prompted a fourth to chip in with: 'Totally agree, thought the same.'

A fifth simply exclaimed: 'Filthy sleeves in the mix! Yuck.'

However the BBC judges has a more positive response to Gabi.

Both John and co-host Gregg Wallace, who has also now been fired, were glowing with praise as she revealed how it was inspired by her upbringing in Lithuania.

John gushed: 'I take my hat off to you, the talent here, pasta, filling, tuile. The tuile looks amazing, there nothing else but mushroom here?'

Meanwhile Gregg complimented the 'very well-made pasta' and noted 'you've managed to get mushrooms through that as well.'

Both John and co-host Gregg Wallace, who has also now been fired, were glowing with praise as she revealed how it was inspired by her upbringing in Lithuania

He concluded: 'Your filling is creamy, but perhaps an inclusion of a herb like tarragon may have given it another dimension.'

John signed off: 'Your consome is lovely and clear. There's a smoky mushroom flavour going through the whole thing, and then you've got a woody mushroom through your tuile with the saltiness from feta cheese. You got a huge amount done. It's good.'

Gabi didn't manage to bag an apron for the dish, but found her stride during the second round.

She secured her place in the quarter finals with a pan-fried poussin breast, served with pomme puree, honey-roasted carrots, and a creamy white wine sauce.

MasterChef fans have also been quick to call out a string of editing blunders by the BBC, who scrambled to cut down Gregg's appearance in the series.

Gabi secured her place in the quarter finals with a pan-fried poussin breast, served with pomme puree, honey-roasted carrots, and a creamy white wine sauce

Gregg and co-host John Torode were sacked after almost 20 years on the show by the BBC last month after an investigation upheld allegations about their poor behaviour.

Wallace had 40 complaints upheld, including one where he was accused of wandering around set naked with a sock on his penis. Torode was found to have used a racist term in 2018.

Since their final series of MasterChef was filmed before they were both fired, bosses insisted on keeping them in the final edit - but only if they were on screen less and their banter and jokes were cut down to a minimum.

Viewers have pointed out 'disgraceful' edits in the new series on BBC One and iPlayer, with many cuts appearing awkward and repetitive, including those of Mr Wallace.

In one scene shown earlier this month, stills of Gregg pulling the same face three times in around a minute made it to air - with many suggesting that the BBC and production company Banijay used the same footage of the disgraced host repeatedly through the show.

Some of his fans have even claimed the edits, where Gregg gives a semi-gurning smile, were deliberately to embarrass him and 'make him look demented'.

TikTok user Gingernat Design shared a particularly unusual example, writing: 'Clever editing from MasterChef.

'Whether this is to do with the allegations or not I don't know, but it's jokes how they just froze Gregg Wallace for an entire conversation.'

MasterChef fans have also been quick to call out a string of editing blunders by the BBC, who scrambled to cut down Gregg's appearance in the series

The now-viral clip sees a contestant discuss her performance with Torode and Wallace.

The same shot of Wallace appears to be used three times in succession - and he is seen with a broad grin fixed on his face.

The uncanny scene has horrified fans, who rushed to social media to express their disapproval.

'I saw this and it looked absolutely demented,' wrote one user, while another added: 'Is this for real?'

One incredulous viewer said: 'Have they had Gregg killed and stuffed and he just permanently placed like that throughout? Would certainly solve a lot of problems.'

And one wrote: 'Weren't they supposed to remove the creepy bits...?'

Some fans were confused by the disgraced presenter's presence in the latest season of the hit cooking show

But other fans were confused at Torode and Wallace's presence in the programme.

One wrote: 'I thought they would be in the show much less - i.e. hardly at all, no cutaways, unless they were talking. It seems like the programme has hardly been edited'

A former production expert offered some insight as to why the episode looked as it did.

'I work in post production in UK TV (not for the BBC or on Masterchef though), and based on the turnaround time, it was probably the quickest fix they could do,' he said.

'Just reuse the previous shot to cover up any cut content.'

And others pointed out the unfortunate selection of the clip that appeared to be repeated.

One wrote: 'I'm crying and they picked a clip where he looks SO dodgy. Not helpful at all considering the recent allegations.'

MasterChef is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.


Rylan Clark confirmed on Friday that it was his 'last day' on This Morning amid backlash to his comments about immigration earlier in the week.

The host, 36, and Josie Gibson have recently been standing in as hosts on This Morning to cover for Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd as they take their summer holidays.

He said on Friday's episode: 'Last day today!', which prompted Jodie to declare: 'What a week!'

Rylan, who rose to fame on the X-Factor, caused a storm earlier this week during a discussion about Reform leader Nigel Farage's plans for mass deportations.

He said: 'How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I've left my passport in Spain, I've got to stand at that airport and won't be let in.

'But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?'

Rylan Clark said on Friday that it was his 'last day' on This Morning as the backlash to his comments about immigration continues

Rylan, who rose to fame on the X-Factor, caused a storm earlier this week during a discussion about Reform leader Nigel Farage 's plans for mass deportations

Rylan, who acknowledged that what was he was saying was divisive, continued: 'This country is built on immigration. Legal immigration. They're in our tax system, they're helping our country thrive.

'I find it absolutely insane that all these people are, one, risking their lives to come across the Channel. And, two, when they get here, it does seem like: "Welcome. Come on in. Here's the hotel, here's the phones, here's the iPads."

'And then theres people who have lived here all their lives. They are struggling. I believe that something major needs to be done about this.'

However, the comments did not go down well with many viewers, who accused the host of spreading misinformation about the asylum process in the UK.

Rylan subsequently took to social media to defend himself, writing: 'You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.

'You can support trans rights and have the utmost respect for women.

'You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.'

Following the announcement of Rylan's departure, fans took to social media to express their sadness that he will no longer be a regular fixture of the program.

The announcement of Rylan's departure comes after former host Ruth Langsford teased a potential return to breakfast telly

They wrote: 'Please can we keep Rylan/ Josie on here?';

'I won't be watching come next week.';

'I havent really watched much of This Morning for years mostly due to being at work and if I was home I would have turned it over.

However I've been pleasantly surprised this week. Loving Rylan and Josie, well done both. Lovely pairing, both genuine, caring, and funny.'

The announcement of Rylan's departure comes after former host Ruth Langsford teased a potential return to breakfast telly.

In a new interview with The Mirror, she said that she would be willing to return to the sofa for the first time since 2022 if she is joined by her 'TV son' Rylan.

'If they'd have me, they only have to ask, especially with Rylan!' she said.

'I love Rylan. He's like my son, really. We adore each other, and we've worked together before, so who knows?'

She then teased an upcoming project, adding: 'We might work together, it might not be This Morning  we might do something outside of that.'

This Morning airs weekdays on ITV1 from 10am and is available to stream on ITVX.
Since moving to Melbourne, I have a new addiction. And no, it's not just the wildly superior coffee.

Instead, it's a certain socialite-slash-property developer who seems to be a magnet for whispers since her very hush-hush marriage split.

Allow me to introduce you to Zana Pali, the Albanian-Australian golden-skinned Queen of Brighton's 'Golden Mile' - a mother of two, lawyer, mansion flipper, beauty pageant queen and proud winner of Post-Separation Glow-Up of the Year.

For those who live outside the Brighton bubble - spend five minutes on Church Street and you'll hear her name - you'll probably remember Zana from My Kitchen Rules in 2016 - the last season most of us watched before the ratings fell off a cliff and Pete Evans (remember him?) started activating his almonds.

She and her then-husband Gianni Romano were the cocky villains that viewers loved to hate, but they eventually had something of a redemption arc.

From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.

Since moving to Melbourne, I have a new addiction: it's socialite-slash-property developer Zana Pali who seems to be a magnet for whispers since her very hush-hush marriage split

Gone is the polished wifey look from years gone by. Now, Zana - who spent weeks partying across Europe - looks like a woman who's been dipped in liquid sunshine tanning drops

The 34-year-old (pictured with ex-husband Gianni at a musical premiere in 2019) was always gorgeous, but now her shine is so bright I need my sunglasses. The contrast is striking

Zana - then in her twenties, now 34 - was always gorgeous, but fast forward to today - just months after her mysterious split from fellow lawyer Gianni - and well, well, well, her shine is so bright I need my sunglasses.

The contrast is striking.

Gone is the polished wifey look from her days as Mrs Romano. Now, Zana looks like a woman who's been dipped in liquid sunshine tanning drops.

After calling time on her marriage - and selling the marital home with a five-car garage and indoor nightclub for $10million - Zana has emerged like a Victoria Secret Angel, reborn on a yacht in Europe, ready for her close-up in a Vogue fashion spread.

It's enough to make any single woman jealous - though part of me is cheering her on.

This isn't just a spray-tan-and-lash-extension kind of glow-up here, dear readers.

Instead, we are talking about a total head-to-toe reinvention that makes Kris Jenner's new face look like a lunch-break tweakment.

From the tumbling sun-kissed locks, to her tiny, toned body in skintight designer dresses, this is the sort of transformation that needs to be studied.

Zana (pictured) has had a glow up for the ages, after splitting with husband of 11 years, Gianni

After calling time on her Melbourne marriage, Zana has emerged like a Victoria Secret angel

From the tumbling sun-kissed locks, to her tiny, toned body in skintight designer dresses, this is the sort of transformation that needs to be studied

Add to that her cryptic captions that hint at new beginnings after heartbreak ('trust the timing of your life'), it's clear a self-promoter like Zana knows exactly how to get the Brighton gossips leaning in.

And leaning in they are. The buzzy rumour I keep hearing is that Zana may already have a new man on the scene after splitting from Gianni...

But before we go down the rabbit hole of group chat rumours encircling Zana, let's state the screamingly obvious: she's looking beyond hot.

Even this notoriously hard-to-impress columnist is giving her reluctant nod.

Dancing on tables in Mykonos. Bodrum beach clubs. Taking in the Turkish Riviera on what looks to be a super yacht (who's taking the photos, Zana?) This is more than just a socialite bragging about her hot girl summer in Europe - it's a signal that she's in her new era.

This isn't just a spray-tan-and-lash-extension kind of glow-up here. We are talking about a head-to-toe reinvention that makes Kris Jenner's new face look like a lunch-break tweakment

In a far cry from her more conservative dress sense during her marriage, Zana appeared to go underwear-free in this revealing yellow number during her European getaway

Zana's European yacht (and bikini) photos are the talk of Melbourne

I'm reliably informed Zana's yacht photos are being scrutinised with the sort of FBI precision only Baysides millionaire housewives can afford the time for

And every woman who's been through a divorce in her 30s or 40s will understand exactly the message she is trying to send - to her ex and to the world.

But beyond that, I'm reliably informed these photos are being scrutinised with the sort of FBI precision only Baysides millionaire housewives can afford the time for.

'Is that a man's hand at the dinner table?' 'Whose shadow is that?' 'Who owns the yacht? I know she's rich - but surely not that rich!'

Trust me, the rumours are getting louder than the wind off Port Phillip Bay - and it can get pretty windy here in the 'education state'.

Regardless of what the chattering types are saying, we can all agree there's something truly satisfying about seeing a woman emerge from a separation like she's strutting onto a fashion week catwalk.

While the reason for the couple's split is not yet public knowledge - and I know enough lawyers not to risk speculating here - Zana is nonetheless giving a masterclass in how to thrive while going through a divorce.

The reason for the couple's split is not yet public knowledge. (Gianni and Zana are pictured at the races in January 2017)

Where was she when I was nursing a broken heart? During those dark days, it was less European holidays and superyachts and more Bondi Beach sunburn, a new wardrobe from Zara, and an attempt at using dating apps that was so successful I was banned from Tinder (that's a story for another day).

While Zana - with her life of wealth and privilege - is hardly an everywoman, I feel that there's something about her life post-separation that we can all learn from, or at least be inspired by in some small way.

Ladies, we all know that feeling of wanting to prove to yourself - and your friends, and maybe your Instagram followers, too - that you can emerge from heartbreak stronger, happier and hotter than you were before.

Zana may be cashed-up and living spitting distance from Bec Judd, but she's still a young mum who recently split from the man she had once hoped to spend the rest of her life with.

You can have all the money in the world and that's still got to sting.

Daily Mail caught up with Gianni - a partner at the law firm Best Hooper - during his lunch break in July and noticed the father-of-two wasn't wearing his wedding ring. When we asked about the split, he simply said: 'I don't want to talk about it'

This perhaps explains why - as a woman who has walked away from love and had to find my shine again - I drew more than a little inspiration from Zana's sizzling highlight reel from Europe.

No, I didn't have a superyacht to soothe my soul, but I do understand what it feels like to rediscover your power, sexiness, hope and resilience after going through one of the most crushing events life can throw at us: divorce.

And here we find the truth of the matter: woman, single and married, are obsessed with women like Zana because they show us that endings are really just beginnings.

That and we all look better with a tan, some expensive cosmetic injectables, and a one-way ticket to Europe.
Justin Bieber's dedicated fan base have been left fraught with fears over the star's mental health, substance use and marriage in recent months.

Yet the Baby hitmaker, 31, appears to be blazing a comeback trail in his personal life, as a slew of new posts, romantic statements and happy-go-lucky professions have helped shun memories of his turbulent year.

Last month, the star sparked rumours of trouble in his relationship to wife Hailey Bieber, nee Baldwin, over lyrics in his new album Swag where he discussed his troubles - leaving critics branding the album a 'messy cry for help'.

Keen to silence the whispers, Justin and Hailey, 28, have been sharing a slew of loved-up snaps from their vacation to Idaho with their 15-month-old son Jack Blues, in a far cry from Justin's bleary-eyed posts over the past month.

His new social media activity seems to echo insiders' claims that Justin is 'in a better headspace' after his marriage was rocked by the release of Swag - Justin's seventh studio album, which provided moody, dark and concerning lyrics.

Justin Bieber's 'happy and healthy' return: The star has quelled fan fears after swapping bleary-eyed selfies and 'cry for help' lyrics with sweet family snaps and professions of love for wife Hailey (The couple pictured in an image shared by Justin earlier this month)

Back in February, Justin sparked concern among fans when he appeared to be smoking a joint in a minute-long clip showing him inhaling and exhaling smoke

The couple looked happier than ever in a recent snap in the wake of Justin's bizarre activity

The couple reconnected on a recent family trip to Idaho with their son, Jack, one, a source told Us Weekly

Speaking about the strain making the album cause, sources said: 'When Justin is in the studio making new music, he gets completely consumed and shuts everything else out.'

Rumours of a rift had been compounded by the hitmaker's sometimes erratic public behaviour and religious-inspired confessionals.

In June, fans were left concerned when he took to Instagram in a bizarre post to share his thoughts about telling other people what they do or do not 'deserve.'

He penned: 'Telling other humans they deserve something is like raising someone else's kids. Who are you to tell someone what someone should or shouldn't have?'

He balked at 'the audacity' and slammed his fans' unsolicited opinions: 'That's not your place. God decides what we deserve.'

In response to his post, fans flooded his comments section with messages voicing concern, calling out his 'hypocrisy' and urging him to 'take a social media break.'

Elsewhere, Justin was also accused by fans of 'acting single' and appeared distant, with little social media posts featuring Hailey, with the couple previously looking tense in pap shots from earlier this year.

The release of Swag meanwhile added to the drama. The record was his first album in four years, and the first since his career was sidelined by Ramsey Hunt syndrome in 2022, which caused the partial paralysis of his face.

Justin has shared snaps showing a peek of Jack's head in the spirit of his new wholesome persona, in a stark difference to his other concerning snaps

In June, Justin posted yet another rambling post

Justin was enjoying a cuddle with his little boy

Justin was also accused by fans of 'acting single' and appeared distant, with little social media posts featuring Hailey, with the couple previously looking tense in pap shots from earlier this year

On Monday, Justin and Hailey appeared stronger than ever as they were pictured holding hands while out in LA

'Baby, I ain't walking away / You were my diamond / Gave you a ring / I made you a promise / I told you, I'd change / It's just human nature / These growing pains / And baby, I ain't walking away,' he sings in the chorus of the track Daisies.

However, it appears the couple are now back on track following their rocky patch, with sources revealing how they used a recent family holiday.

Earlier this month it was clear the couple had been making considerable efforts into their relationship by making time for each other.

Justin had shared a collection of pictures of him and Hailey as they enjoyed a loved-up date night outdoors. The couple - who married in 2018 - cozied up to each other on quilts and pillows set on a crop of lush green grass.

The images were soundtracked by Otis Redding's 1965 tune That's How Strong My Love Is.

The pair shared snaps from the vacation to Idaho with their 15-month-old son Jack Blues who recently celebrated his birthday

The couple's son Jack Blues Bieber was featured in his father's music video for Yukon

Fan concerns grew with Justin's social media images

Their closeness is now evident, with the pair once again featuring more regularly on each other's social media accounts.

On Monday, Justin and Hailey appeared stronger than ever as they were pictured holding hands while out in LA.

He wore a Cannabis graphic T-shirt with a bucket hat and cream slippers, while Hailey cut a chic figure in a white crop top and denim jeans.

Justin and Hailey have also been enjoying dates and making sure their fans are aware.

While boasting big smiles and relaxed demeanors in their pictures together, along with their affection, the Biebers have shown fans they're back on track.
When Binky Felstead, Rosie Fortescue and Lucy Watson returned to our television screens last year, fans revelled in the reunion of the original queens of Made In Chelsea.

Channel 4s glossy hit reality show had been given a two-part spin off, Beyond Chelsea, in which the trio invited the cameras back into their lives.

And such was the appetite for these three that another series was immediately commissioned.

Indeed, I looked on as Channel 4 content chief Ian Katz delightedly confirmed its return this October during the broadcasters glitzy Edinburgh Television Festival dinner last week.

In the opening episode in January of Beyond Chelsea, Binky, 35, told viewers that the show was all about three friends making it in the world. So it might come as a surprise to those who attended the swanky bash held at Edinburghs Hoxton hotel that behind the scenes of Beyond Chelsea the claws were out.

The Daily Mail can reveal that two of its stars, Rosie and Lucy, hate each others guts. And that, inevitably, this has raised eyebrows among production staff - when two thirds of the talent despise each other, filming them as apparent friends presents something of a headache.

This new incarnation of Chelsea was all about how these three women have all grown up, a source close to the show told me. It was meant to show that they had moved away from the squabbling and petty cat fights of their youth.

But Rosie and Lucy can barely stand to be in the same room as one another, which made shooting the show a bit of a nightmare.

The tension between the pair is so obvious. This is supposed to be a series about three friends yet it is anything but, the source added. I think it is fair to say there is no love lost between Rosie and Lucy.

Channel 4's Beyond Chelsea follows the lives of (left to right) Binky Felstead, Lucy Watson and Rosie Fortescue  more than a decade on from the original series

Binky, 35, delights in telling viewers that the show is all about Three friends making it in the world. But the Daily Mail can reveal that the other two stars 'hate each other's guts'

The fly-on-the wall sequel watches the three TV personalities as they continue to balance motherhood, family life and relationships, all while running successful businesses and navigating life in the public eye.

Familiar faces from Made In Chelseas heyday have been roped in to help bulk out the new series, with a few surprise appearances from the likes of original MIC cast member Ollie Locke and Lucys sister Tiff Watson. But the plan to incorporate past stars didnt prove as fruitful as producers had hoped for.

So many of the former Made In Chelsea cast members felt they have outgrown the series, and dont want to do anything related to it, my insider said. And the biggest names that first found fame on the show now have spin-offs and documentaries of their own already.

It means viewers of Beyond Chelsea are unlikely to see MIC favorites such as Spencer Matthews or Jamie Laing, who recently signed up for his own big-money series for Disney+ called Raising Chelsea alongside his wife Sophie Habboo.

It also might help to explain Lucys presence in the show for, originally, she was never intended as a participant.

Beyond Chelsea was the brainchild of original member Binky Felstead who initially revealed the line-up as herself, Louise Thompson and Rosie Fortescue.

Me, Louise and Rosie are still super close, she said while the show was still in the early stages. We always make time for each other, for our girly lunches and dinners. Were like family.

We have filmed the ups and downs of our lives together for the past decade and when we get together... if the walls could talk.

Rosie and Lucy had a memorably tempestuous relationship on Made in Chelsea  and Rosie was never far from an argument, whether it involved her or not

Originally, Louise Thompson was slated to appear  but the series was later commisioned with Lucy in her place

'Lucy and Rosie can barely stand to be in the same room as one another, which made shooting the show a bit of a nightmare,' a source told the Daily Mail

But the project was later commissioned with Lucy in Louises place. A friend explained that Louise, who is now a fitness influencer and whose memoir Lucky was published in April, was too busy with other projects to commit to the show.

And the problem with this 11th hour substitution was that Lucy and Rosie had a tempestuous relationship on the original show. It was always going to be a risk, my insider told me. But it has really set the cat among the pigeons.

The pair had a memorable blow-up in a 2016 episode in which Rosie gave Lucy a tongue-lashing after her sister was found to be cheating with co-star Sam Thompson (the 2023 winner of Im A Celebrity and brother to Louise).

Lucy blamed Sam rather than her sister for the affair, which infuriated Rosie who snapped: Lucy, you knew she f***** someone else, but you still treated him [Sam] badly and tried to pin things on him.

Whether it involved her or not, Rosie was never far from an argument  much to the producers delight  and some fans have suggested she felt threatened by Lucy who came on to Made in Chelsea as the new villain on the block.

The eagle-eyed may even have spotted that Rosie gave clues to her true feelings towards Lucy when she announced her return to television in Beyond Chelsea.

I never thought Id be back on camera, but I couldnt turn down the opportunity to film with my best friend, Rosie said  referring only to Binky and failing to mention Lucy.

My source told me that Lucy received the message loud and clear.

While cat fights and cheating cads are in Made In Chelseas DNA, Beyond Chelsea styles itself as something more grown-up, depicting its stars in middle-aged stability.

Binky, her daughter India, husband Max Darnton and their two boys Wilder and Wolfie

Lucy left the show in 2016 so she could enjoy her relationship with James Dunmore away from the cameras. The couple married in September 2021 and welcomed their son Willoughby in March 2024

Rosie, who was the first of the trio to quit Made In Chelsea in 2014, has chosen to prioritise her multi-million pound jewellery business over her romantic relationships

As Binky admits, she cant relate to the young cast of MIC anymore, adding that the viewers who grew up with us will be the ones who can relate to us more now.

Her six years on the original from 2011 was marked by multiple break-ups and broken hearts, which won fun-loving Binky a legion of fans. And we now find her settled down and in love.

In 2017, she gave birth to her daughter India, eight, with former co-star and ex-boyfriend Josh JP Patterson.

They separated 18 months later, and she went on to marry businessman Max Darnton in 2022. They have two sons Wolfie, four, and Wilder, two.

In the first series of Beyond Chelsea she talks about her three children, her work as a fashion ambassador and in one touching scene breaks down discussing her mothers multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Lucy left the original show in 2016 in a fit of pique at producers for depicting her unfairly following a row with cast member Steph Pratt. Speaking on Jamie Laings podcast two years ago, she revealed: The real reason was, you know, that argument with Steph. It wasnt portrayed, in my opinion, the way that it actually went down.

After the show, she married co-star and model James Dunmore in 2021 and gave birth to their son Willoughby last year. On Beyond Chelseas first outing, she spoke of her fertility struggles, life as a new parent and setting up an underwear business.

Meanwhile, Rosie, who was the first of the trio to quit Made In Chelsea in 2014, said that she had chosen to prioritise her jewellery business over romance and a family life.

Revealing that she had frozen her eggs, she told viewers: There is a pressure to be married and have kids at 30... I never wanted to get married young but I do feel very maternal now.

But Im glad I havent settled. I am grateful that I could afford to do the egg freezing. You never know what the future may bring. I am just waiting for the right person and I would love to be a mother one day.

In the opening series, she also talked about how she wanted to look good for herself and not society. In one memorable scene, her Botox doctor assured her that she is on the upper end of looking perfect but then asked if she wanted extra help anyway.

In the forthcoming series viewers will reconnect with the trio to discover whether Rosie has found romance, they will accompany Lucy as she settles into her new property during construction and witness Binky embarking on another entrepreneurial endeavour.

But while the show has been recommissioned, its first series was not universally praised with one newspaper writing that it was a bland attempt to make reality TV grow up and that it needed some backstabbing.

With tension brewing between its stars, critics may finally get the fireworks they have been craving for.
Naomi Watts looked more smitten than ever as she planted a kiss on her husband Billy Crudup's cheek at the star-studded Jay Kelly premiere during the Venice Film Festival on Thursday.

The British actress, 56, stunned in a nude mesh gown as she cosied up to the American actor, 57, who stars as Timothy in the upcoming comedy-drama, on the red carpet.

Naomi's show-stopping dress featured a plunging sweetheart neckline and was adorned with sequinned floral embellishments.

Completed with a silk bow at the waist, the floaty mesh skirt gathered in a stunning train on the floor.

She accessorised with diamond drop earrings and wore her blonde locks in soft waves as she posed up a storm for the cameras.

And the couple couldn't keep their hands off each other, with Naomi showering her husband with kisses during their red carpet moment.

Naomi Watts looked more smitten than ever as she planted a kiss on husband Billy Crudup's cheek at the star-studded Jay Kelly premiere during the Venice Film Festival on Thursday

The British actress, 56, stunned in a nude mesh gown as she cosied up to the American actor, 57 - who stars as Timothy in the upcoming comedy-drama - on the red carpet

Billy looked dapper in a cream tuxedo, paired with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and matching tailored trousers.

He finished the look with black patent leather brogues as he lovingly escorted Naomi down the red carpet.

Naomi and Billy began dating in 2017 after they met on set of the Netflix series Gypsy. After making their first red carpet debut in 2022 they went on to tie the knot in New York a year later.

Jay Kelly, set for release on November 14, features an all-star cast including Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Emily Mortimer, Laura Dern, Billy, and Greta Gerwig.

The film follows a famous movie star and his devoted manager, Ron, as they embark on an unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.

Along the way, both men confront the choices they've made, relationships with loved ones, and the legacies they'll leave behind.

Naomi and Billy's red carpet appearance comes after she and her former partner, Liev Schreiber, 57, had a surprising reunion last week as they sent their son Sasha off to college.

The 56-year-old actress took to Instagram to share photos of her ex and their 18-year-old son as they got him settled for the start of his freshman year at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Naomi's show-stopping dress featured a plunging sweetheart neckline and was adorned with sequinned floral embellishments

Completed with a silk bow at the waist, the floaty mesh skirt gathered in a stunning train on the floor

She accessorised with diamond drop earrings and wore her blonde locks in soft waves as she posed up a storm for the cameras

The couple couldn't keep their hands off each other, with Naomi showering her husband with kisses during their red carpet moment

Jay Kelly, set for release on November 14, follows a famous movie star and his devoted manager, Ron, as they embark on an unexpectedly profound journey through Europe (George Clooney pictured)

The proud parents cheerfully shared a meal as Naomi posted to her Instagram Stories, writing over one snapshot: 'Here we go....'

The surprisingly friendly reunion between the actor exes comes nearly nine years after they broke up in September 2016, after being together for 11 years.

In addition to their son, they also share their 16-year-old daughter, Kai Schreiber.

Both Naomi and Liev, who never tied the knot, went on to marry other people after their split.

The Mulholland Driver star went on to marry fellow actor Billy in June 2023, while the Ray Donovan sensation married Taylor Neisen in July of the same year.

Liev and Taylor welcomed their daughter Hazel Bee, now two, in August 2023.

Ye the family are still close and one of Naomi's recent social media snaps showed the trio after a shopping excursion during which they purchased pillows and kitchen utensils for their college freshman.

Another snap showed the father-and-son duo walking side-by-side and holding hands in Downtown Los Angeles.

The mum-of-two wrote, 'Day #2,' alongside the snap.

Naomi and Billy's red carpet appearance comes after she and her former partner, Liev Schreiber, 57, had a surprising reunion last week as they sent their son Sasha off to college
Kim Kardashian has slammed US President Donald Trump over his ICE raids despite a cordial relationship with the Commander In Chief and his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka.

The 44-year-old SKIMS mogul - who recently graduated from her law program - took aim at the 79-year-old native New Yorker on the same day it was revealed that she quietly took the California bar exam in her next move toward her law career.

Daily Mail has reached out to Kim's representatives for comment.

The star previously spoke out against Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in her hometown of Los Angeles back in June, calling ICE's tactics 'inhumane' while advocating for the 'hardworking people' who were being torn apart from their families.

However, Kim faced backlash over the social media post as fans accused her of 'virtue signaling' due to her ties to the Trump family.

Kim is close friends with Trump's glamorous daughter Ivanka, 43, and she previously met with Trump at the White House to discuss criminal justice reform during his first run as president.

Kim Kardashian has slammed US President Donald Trump over his ICE raids despite a cordial relationship with the Commander In Chief and his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka

The star previously spoke out against Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in her hometown of Los Angeles back in June, calling ICE's tactics 'inhumane' while advocating for the 'hardworking people' who were being torn apart from their families; Kim and Trump seen in 2019

But Kim doubled down on her stance as she was asked about Trump's ICE Raids on Thursday while attending Diane von Furstenberg's DVF Awards, where she was recognized for her prison reform advocacy, in Venice, Italy.

'In the news you hear, 'Oh, it's about people who have committed these crimes and they're trying to help out our country.' But then you hear about all of the people who have worked so hard to build our country, and so many people that are such a part of our country getting affected,' she told Variety before receiving her honor.

'People I know. People my friends know. You want to believe that there's a powerful message in protection, but then you see that it's not really happening like that.

'It's really tough, but I think that we have to do what we can to protect the people that have really supported and built our country,' Kim concluded.

In the same interview, Kim revealed if she plans to return to the White House to advocate for prison reform  something she did multiple times during Trump's first presidency  and if that advocacy could include the Menendez brothers, who were both recently denied parole after spending over three decades behind bars for the 1989 murder of their parents.

Kim told Variety that she 'would love to.'

'[The Menendez brothers] are in a state prison so the governor is really in charge of that decision, but I would go to any administration and any White House to fight for the rights of people I believe in,' she explained.

Kim's original statement regarding the ICE raids in Los Angeles, which were ordered by President Trump and spawned protests in Downtown LA, was published to her Instagram Story in June.

The star previously spoke out against Trump's illegal immigration crackdown in her hometown of Los Angeles back in June, calling ICE's tactics 'inhumane'

However, Kim faced backlash over the social media post as fans accused her of 'virtue signaling' due to her ties to the Trump family; seen with Trump in 2018

Kim is close friends with Trump's glamorous daughter Ivanka, 43, and she previously met with Trump at the White House to discuss criminal justice reform during his first run as president

News of Kim's latest step in her attorney journey came hours after she took aim at President Donald Trump's controversial ICE raids in the United States.

'When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals - great,' Kim said.

'But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what's right.'

Kim continued: 'Growing up in LA, I've seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city.

'They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family.

'No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We can't turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely.

'There HAS to be a BETTER way.'

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded to the reality star's public statement by doubling down on the Trump administration's assertions that the ICE operations in Los Angeles are targeting convicted criminals.

Meanwhile, Kim  who graduated from her law program in May (pictured)  quietly took the California bar exam in late July and is still awaiting her results, according to TMZ

'@KimKardashian, which one of these convicted child molesters, murderers, drug traffickers and rapists would you like to stay in the country,' McLaughlin posted on X, sharing photos of four individuals she said ICE arrested during the raids.

'These are just a few of the convicted illegal criminals who have been picked up in the last 72 hours.'

Fans also began to criticize Kim, with Reddit users questioning the sincerity of her message and accusing her of doing it for 'public perception only.'

'Eh not buying it,' one said.

'She needs to call out her friend Trump by name directly if she wants people think she's being genuine.

'These deportations have been going on for years since the first Trump admin and she only decides to speak up when it's convenient, when people will question her silence if she doesn't.'

'Why doesn't she just call up her bestie Ivanka?!' another asked. 'C'mon Kim - get your a** up and WORK.'

A third blasted: 'This is for public perception only. She has a direct line to the Trump/Kushner clan. Wtf is she telling us for? Call up your bestie, Kimberly.'

While the exam is typically administered in-person at a designated testing cite, it's speculated that Kim took hers privately with a proctor present in order to keep the word from getting out

This comes as Kim has taken the final step in her mission to becoming a lawyer like her late father Robert Kardashian.

According to TMZ, the SKIMS founder quietly took the California bar exam in late July and will learn if she passed on November 7  two days before the State Bar makes results public on November 9 at 6pm PT.

The California bar exam, which is taken over the course of two days, is widely considered the hardest in the United States with a historically low pass rate.

While it's typically administered in-person at a designated testing cite, Kim is speculated to have taken her exam privately with a proctor present in order to keep the word from getting out.

Kim had to answer 200 multiple-choice questions as well as completing one 90-minute performance test and five one-hour essay questions, the outlet reports.

Meanwhile, Kim has never spoken publicly about who she endorsed in the 2024 Presidential election, in which Donald Trump triumphed over Democrat candidate Kamala Harris.

However, she has had a close friendship with Trump's daughter Ivanka. Kim and Ivanka's friendship traces back several years, and it only strengthened after the pair began working on prison reforms together.

The duo first crossed paths in 2014 at the Met Gala, where it was said that they bonded over motherhood.

A source told Us Weekly in 2023, 'Kim and Ivanka have been friends for years and have hung out on a number of occasions.

'They initially bonded nearly a decade ago at the Met Gala over motherhood and being new moms. But they continued to connect numerous times over the years.'

Since their initial meeting a decade ago, the women have been spotted together on numerous occasions. They both recently attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's star-studded wedding in Venice, Italy.

In 2018, the pair was seen posing side by side at the White House, where Kim was petitioning President Trump to commute the life sentence of drug offender Alice Marie Johnson.

The duo worked closely together to reduce and clear prison sentences - with Kim often confiding in Ivanka while attending dinner parties at her house.

And by 2020, the reality star was gushing about Ivanka's dad online.

'President Trump commuted the sentences of three really deserving women. I didn't hear much about it in the news, so I wanted to share with you their stories,' she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

'I have the pleasure of spending the day with these women today along with Alice Marie Johnson, who helped to pick these women.'

Kim's passion for criminal justice reform has gone hand-in-hand with her years-long quest to become a lawyer.

For the past six years, Kim has dedicated roughly 18 hours a week to studying law, totaling more than 5,000 hours.

The star didn't attend traditional law school. In California, individuals can become lawyers by completing a four-year Law Office Study Program (LOSP), also known as 'reading the law,' instead of going to law school.

Kim's process took longer than four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her busy schedule.

After six years of law school, Kim graduated in May

Notably, Kim received a congratulatory message from pal Ivanka via IG Story after news of her graduation went public

Her efforts paid off when she passed the 'baby bar' back in 2021 after failing three times.

She then passed the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination back in March 2025  a big exam for her program  according to TMZ, before finally graduating from her law program in May.

The star marked her graduation with a celebration at Beverly Hills hotel that was attended by three of her four children with ex-husband Kanye West as well as her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian.

Notably, Kim received a congratulatory message from pal Ivanka via Instagram Story after news of her graduation went public.

'Congratulations Kim! You did it! My favorite law school graduate!' wrote Ivanka alongside a photo of Kim wearing her graduation cap.
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has wracked up almost 500,00 of debt following the closure of her restaurant.

The actress announced the closure of her Manchester restaurant Annies via a social media back in July.

Located on Old Bank Street in the city centre, the gastropub and bar was co-owned by Jennie, who has played Fiz Brown in Coronation Street since 2001, and her partner Chris Farr.

And now the final report for the business has been published, revealing total debts of 498,764.51.

The documents show debts included 28,000 in employee claims, holiday and redundancy pay, 11,125 to the landlord and 6,911.83 to HMRC.

She also owed 31,167 in bank loans and 1,272 to Manchester council.

Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine's huge debts have been revealed following the devastating closure of her restaurant Annies in July

The final report for the business has been published, revealing total debts of 498,764.51 (Jennie pictured playing Fiz in Coronation Street in 2022)

The Daily Mail have contacted Jennie's representatives for comment.

Annies first opened in 2012 and served a range of dishes, including steaks, burgers, pies, salads, and fish.

In what could be nod to the ITV soap, Annies also served a traditional hot pot featuring lamb and crispy potatoes.

In 2022 accounts showed the business had been battling financial trouble and owed more than 537,000.

The accounts in July showed Fifth Floor Limited, the firm running the restaurant, was 318,000 in debt last year.

And announcing their closure in July, Jennie penned: 'It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week.

'We want to thank the amazing people, staff and customers who've been part of our Annies journey.

'Our whole team will miss all of our wonderful customers, who we have come to call friends.'

The documents show debts included 28,000 in employee claims, holiday and redundancy pay, 11,125 to the landlord and 6,911.83 to HMRC (Jennie pictured with her partner Chris Farr)

Announcing their closure in July, Jennie penned: 'It's with a heavy heart that we've had to close the doors to Annies this week'

The post was met with an outpouring of love for the soap star and restaurant staff.

Only last year, the restaurant was named among 'the best of the best' in the country at a prestigious awards ceremony.

TripAdvisor unveiled its Traveller's Choice Awards Best of the Best Restaurants list in September, which recognises the reviewers' favourite dining spots of reviewers for 2024, with Annie's in Manchester named in the top ten.

The dining spot was also previously named winner of the People's Choice award for best tea room at the Manchester Tourism Awards for its range of Afternoon Teas.

One person wrote: 'So sorry to hear. I made it a last day tradition to come for tea when I visited Manchester. My profile photo was taken inside.'

Another added: 'So so sorry to hear this Chris & Jennie. It's been a pleasure being your neighbours for so long. You will certainly be missed.'

A third said: 'We loved Annies. It was our favourite place in Manchester. The food was amazing & the staff were always so lovely.

'We'll miss it so much. Good luck in the future everyone.'
Sheridan Smith fought back tears as she joined Ann Ming at the North East screening of new ITV drama I Fought The Law at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Thursday.

The actress, 44, who portrays a young Ann in the gripping true crime series, appeared visibly emotional, wiping her eyes with a tissue during a moving moment on stage.

Before the show's debut, an invited audience, including Sheridan and Ann, 79, watched a special screening of the first episode, hosted by North East Screen.

The pair then joined executive producer Charlotte Webber, writer Jamie Crichton and director Erik Richter Strand for a Q&A.

Speaking to ChronicleLive, BAFTA winner Sheridan - last seen in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special - expressed deep admiration and respect for Ann, who spent 15 years campaigning to change the law in memory of her daughter Julie.

Ann, who was closely involved in the production, said she couldn't have asked for 'anybody better' to play her than Sheridan, remarking it was like watching herself on screen.

Sheridan Smith fought back tears as she joined Ann Ming at the North East screening of new ITV drama I Fought The Law at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Thursday

The actress, 44, who portrays a young Ann in the gripping true crime series, appeared visibly emotional as she joined the real Ann, 79, on stage for a Q&A alongside Charlotte Webber, Jamie Crichton, and Erik Richter Strand

Ahead of the screening, the pair posed for photos together.

Sheridan looked effortlessly chic in a cream blazer and matching trousers, while Ann cut a stylish figure in a navy blue polka dot mesh dress layered under a navy print shirt.

The Royle Family star appeared visibly close to Teesside mum Ann, whose determined fight for justice led to the historic overturning of the UK's double jeopardy law - which previously prevented those acquitted of a crime from being retried.

Ann's 22-year-old daughter Julie was tragically murdered in 1989 by William Dunlop, who was twice acquitted of the crime in the 1990s.

He later confessed and was finally convicted in 2006, after the law was changed - a victory that only came thanks to Ann's relentless pursuit of justice.

Appearing earlier this month on This Morning with hosts Rylan Clark and Sian Welby, Ann admitted that she couldn't imagine anyone but Sheridan stepping into her shoes to tell the story.

'I came on set twice, and she didn't know I was there,' Ann said, surprising Sheridan.

'And I watched her, playing me, in one of the difficult scenes - when we told Kevin the truth. It was like watching me.'

Ahead of the emotional screening, the pair posed for photos together. Sheridan looked effortlessly chic in a cream blazer and matching trousers, while Ann cut a stylish figure in a navy blue polka dot mesh dress

The Royle Family star appeared visibly close to Teesside mum Ann, whose determined fight for justice led to the historic overturning of the UK's double jeopardy law - which previously prevented those acquitted of a crime from being retried

Ann, who was closely involved in the production, said she couldn't have asked for 'anybody better' to play her than Sheridan, remarking it was like watching herself on screen (Ann pictured with former Cleveland Police murder detective Mark Braithwaite)

This prompted Sheridan herself to well up and say: 'All I wanted was Ann to be proud.'

Ann continued: 'I don't think they could have got another actress to do it as well. She takes on a role and becomes that person.'

The brave mother was heavily involved in the dramatisation of her story and served as a consultant on the four-part series.

Ann admitted that she initially had her reservations about the series when ITV first made contact with her.

The show, written by Jamie Crichton, is notably based on Ann's book 'For The Love Of Julie'.

She said: 'I had a team of lawyers backing me all the way. They didn't think it was a one-man band.

The show, written by Jamie Crichton, is notably based on Ann's book about her fight to bring her daughter's murder to justice - 'For The Love of Julie' (Sheridan as Ann Ming in the series)

'And then they said they were thinking about approaching Sheridan Smith, and I've watched everything she's ever been in. I thought they couldn't get anyone better to play me.'

Alongside the drama, ITV will air an accompanying documentary, I Fought The Law: The Ann Ming Story, offering a deeper look into the real-life events behind the series.

William Dunlop, who was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 17 years, has since applied for parole - but his request was blocked by the Secretary of State in March.

I Fought The Law is scheduled to premiere on August 31 at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
She may have hinted at a budding new romance back in July.

But it seems My Kitchen Rules star Zana Pali has completely changed her tune, now swearing off dating for good.

The 34-year-old reality TV 'villain', who recently split from husband Gianni Romano, reposted a video to Instagram on Thursday in response to the question of whether she is currently dating.

The clip shows Vanderpump Rules star Tom Schwartz explaining why he has 'no desire to be with another human being.'

'"So where are you from?" Shut up, I don't f**king want to know where you're from, what you do,' he complained.

'I don't want to hear about your life. I don't ever want to do that again. Ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever!'

My Kitchen Rules star Zana Pali, 34, (pictured) has revealed she is not interested in dating, following her shock split from husband Gianni Romano

On Thursday, she reposted a video to Instagram in response to the question of whether she is currently dating. The clip shows Vanderpump Rules star Tom Schwartz explaining why he has 'no desire to be with another human being'

Hours earlier, Zana had reposted another meme that read: 'Uninterested, unavailable and physically repulsed.'

She captioned this with: 'When they ask me if I'm ready for dating [melting emoji, vomit emoji, laughing-crying emoji]'.

Less than two months ago, Zana sent fans into meltdown when she uploaded a photo of herself enjoying a getaway in Greece with what appeared to be a male companion.

The image showed a sumptuous dish of seafood, alongside a man's hand wrapped around a mobile device.

However, it seems any holiday romance has fizzled.

Gianni and Zana - a pair of lawyers who rose to fame on My Kitchen Rules in 2016 -made headlines in July over their breakup.

The pair's family home on Brighton's 'Golden Mile' - complete with a basement nightclub and lift access - sold in the middle of last year for about $10 million.

The property sits on a stretch of millionaires' row that is a magnet for Victorian socialites, with famous locals including Bec and Chris Judd.

Less than two months ago, Zana sent fans into meltdown when she uploaded this photo of herself enjoying a getaway in Greece with what appeared to be a male companion

News of her marriage split with Gianni Romano has rocked Brighton's 'Golden Mile'. Pictured: (Zana and Gianni captured in happier times at the Oaks Day 2024)

Gianni and Zana made a name for themselves among the neighbourhood's glamorous elites when they moved in with their sons Leo and Romeo, now aged six and five.

The pair wed in November 2014 on Hayman Island and went on to welcome Leo and Romeo in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
Rebecca Harding has dropped a major hint that she could soon be tying the knot with her fiance Andy Lee.

The model, 34, shared a social media clip which captured her shopping for customised bridal shoes at the luxury boutique Christian Louboutin.

The footage showed Rebecca browsing a store tablet featuring elegant white heels, while discussing design options with a staff member.

She accompanied the clip with a suggestive caption: 'Did you know Christian Louboutin can customise bridal shoes?!!'

Rebecca also shared a gallery of photos capturing a variety of bridal shoes and material on display at the upmarket store, alongside some excited words.

'There's a trunk of different material and finishes,' she wrote.

A major hint has surfaced that comedian Andy Lee could soon be tying the knot with his fiancee Rebecca Harding

Andy, 44, and Rebecca announced their engagement in May last year, after a decade of dating.

He got down on one knee at the couple's decrepit Melbourne mansion and proposed with a napkin which symbolised how they met in 2014.

The pair went public with their relationship at the 2015 Australian Open.

In 2022, the couple confirmed they had briefly split for six months in 2016 after Rebecca felt 'immense pressure' dating someone in the public eye.

However, they soon realised they were meant to be during their time apart.

They are currently undertaking a $5 million renovation project after buying a historic mansion in Melbourne's east.

In March, Andy shared surprising new details about his upcoming wedding, while also teasing their plans about starting a family.

In a candid interview, the Melbourne-born comedian admitted the couple had not quite started planning their Big Day.

Rebecca recently shared a social media clip which captured her shopping for customised bridal shoes at the luxury boutique Christian Louboutin

She also shared a gallery of photos capturing a variety of bridal shoes and material on display at the upmarket store, alongside some excited words

He said that most of their time has been consumed with the massive $8 million renovation of a glorious heritage 1870s-era home built on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River.

'Most of out planning times and decision time we spend on the house,' Andy said when he appeared on an episode of TMZ's Big Down Under podcast.

Asked by host Charlie Cotton for details about the wedding, Andy said he was 'lo-fi' while Bec is very 'hi-fi'.

'When people come round to our house I don't feel the need for napkins for instance,' he joked.

He continued: 'But because Bec is very hi-fi, I'm lucky because I get the benefit of that everything is nicely laid out and it's the right cutlery.

'I'm worried that [the wedding] is going to be that times 1,000.'

Andy was coy about how big a wedding the couple wanted, joking it might 'just be the two of us' since their reno is costing so much.

Elsewhere in the chat, Andy said the couple had no plans to start a family right now - but then teased they might change their minds in the near future.

'If Bec wants to [have a baby] I'm open to all that kind of stuff,' he said.
Paramount+ series Aussie Shore is set to return to screens on September 25 for a second season.

And a new trailer promises that the show, once branded as the 'most X-rated thing' on Australian television, is as naughty as ever.

Returning for more booze-fuelled antics are Love Island star Callum Hole, as well as 'wild girl' Lily Stephenson and best mate Kyle Tierney.

Also back in the Cairns party shack is 'flirty' Catia Sinigaglia and nice guy Con Mourmourakis.

Season one cast housemates Cooper Black, Lexie Dyer, and Manaaki Hoepo are also returning.

The new preview also features UK reality TV star Charlotte Crosby, who returns as the house Boss.

Paramount+ series Aussie Shore is set to return to screens on September 25 for a second season

The new preview also features UK reality TV star Charlotte Crosby, who returns as the house Boss. Pictured: The Georgie Shore veteran loses patience with the cast in S2

Amping up the shenanigans this season is a fresh group of housemates, and according to the new teaser, their antics create plenty of drama.

Prominently featured in the previews is hunky Melbourne tradie and new cast member Francesco 'San Fran', who appears to be a hit with the Aussie Shore girls.

Also new to the cast is country-bred redhead Rhiana from Victoria, and self-proclaimed 'good time guy' Lachlan 'Lachie' Di Sebastiano.

And the preview promises plenty of sexed-up action, with one of the new boys declaring that the Aussie Shore girls are 'dirty, like stinky'.

Meanwhile, his mate disagrees: 'I love that. I love them.'

Another trailer highlight has one of the cast members confessing that the cast will 'fall apart' over their summer on Aussie Shore.

UK Geordie Shore veteran, Charlotte, meanwhile, has her patience tested as house boss this season.

The trailer includes sizzling scenes of nude pool antics, chair throwing, and same-sex action while Charlotte tries to stop it all from descending into complete chaos.

The trailer includes sizzling scenes of pool antics (Pictured)

A chair gets thrown as an argument spins out of control in S2 Aussie Shore

At one point in the trailer, she admits, 'I am so mad at these guys, but I can't deny it, I love them. Really.'

The show is based on the Geordie Shore and Jersey Shore franchises, which were major hits with viewers in the UK and US in the mid-2010s..

The Aussie version was launched last year with the first season given the wild description: 'We're hot, we're h**ny, and we're ready to f***ing party'.

In the first two episodes alone, the housemates shocked viewers with explicit sex scenes, full-frontal nudity, and a 'p**s transplant' - where contestants urinated on each other in the pool.

However, the wild sex scenes viewers see on-screen had caveats.

Unlike the early days of reality television, when Millennials were raised on shows like those on AOL and MTV, producers had a strict duty of care to the cast.

Non-cast members wanting to sleep over with someone they met on a night out had to undertake several robust security checks before even setting foot in the property.

They also had to be stone-cold sober to enter the lavish - and rented - property on Hibiscus Lane in Holloways Beach.

The new trailer promises that the show, once branded as the 'most X-rated thing' on Australian television, is as naughty as ever

The new season of Aussie Shore drops with a double episode on Paramount+ on September 25

'It's a long detailed process,' Aussie Shore's executive producer Dan Sheldon told news.com.au last year.

'They have to have written consent as well, and there's a 20-minute cooling off period. It's very strict. Brutal.'

The new season of Aussie Shore drops with a double episode on Paramount+ on September 25.
Abbie Chatfield has made the bombshell admission that she would like to have kids with her boyfriend, Adam Hyde, but won't be doing so for a very interesting reason.

The 30-year-old reality TV star recently shared a clip to TikTok revealing she could not, in good conscience, bring a child into this world, given the current climate crisis.

'How do you rationalise having a baby with the climate crisis? I want kids, but I just don't feel it is possible for me to, with the climate collapse happening right now,' Abbie began.

'I notice the climate changing every day, there is something strange going on, internationally and in my home.'

She then asked her followers how they rationalised bringing a child into this uncertain world.

'How do you factor in the climate crisis? It seems as though we only have a max of 100 years left until things are completely done,' she added.

Abbie Chatfield has made the bombshell admission that she would like to have kids with her boyfriend Adam Hyde - but won't be for a very surprising reason

'That isn't including all the lead up of famine, no water, deaths from natural disasters, lack of insurance and financial instability.

Abbie added that she and Adam, 35, would have started trying for a child if not for the situation.

'If the climate crisis wasn't happening, I would be ripping out my IUD and going, "Adam, legs up!" But unfortunately, I am aware of the climate crisis and think about it every day,' she said.

'Once my IUD is up in about four years, we'll see what the outlook for climate change is. If it has got no improvement then we can't have a kid, because that's not responsible.

She finished by saying she really wanted to have a child but felt like the 'opportunity and choice' had been stolen from her.

'We can't have a kid when the climate is collapsing around us. I am looking at the weather right now. This isn't normal,' she said.

The former Bachelor star has long been very vocal on environmental issues and climate change.

During the 2023 NSW election, she urged her fans to 'vote for change' on climate action.

The 30-year-old reality TV star recently shared a clip to TikTok revealing she could not in good conscience bring a child into this world, given the current climate crisis

'How do you rationalise having a baby with the climate crisis? I want kids but I just don't feel it is possible for me to have them with the climate collapse happening right now,' Abbie began

'New South Wales! Vote Today! Vote for change! Use your preferences. Do not just Vote 1,' she wrote on social media, alongside a photo of herself attending the election.

'Climate action, rental crisis assistance, First Nations rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and so much more is at stake! As a comment says: kick the Liberals out!'

Abbie and her musician boyfriend have been going from strength to strength since debuting their romance in June last year.

She recently sparked engagement rumours with Adam after sharing a song he wrote for her.

The musician, who goes by the stage name Keli Holiday, has dropped the new single, titled Dancing 2  and Abbie was quick to show her support.

She shared the lyrics to her Instagram Stories, with the words seemingly inspired by the early days of the couple's romance.

'You got 28 years just to work it all out, another 28 years just to figure out what it meant to you,' the lyrics read.

After sharing the track, Abbie also shared a message from a fan who said they wished they'd used the song at their wedding.

'It's such a wedding song!' Abbie enthused  perhaps hinting she might play it at her own.
She revealed sudden weight loss back in May while attending the prestigious Silver Party in Sydney.

And it seems Shelley Sullivan has lost even more weight in the aftermath of her sudden split from her husband Anthony last year.

The MCoBeauty founder, 51, displayed her very slender figure on Thursday as she arrived back at Sydney Airport following a trip to Hamilton Island.

Chatting on the phone as she made her way through the terminal, a stony-faced Shelley wore a tight white singlet layered under a matching cropped cardigan.

She completed her look with tight black trousers, beige sandals and a matching shoulder bag.

Sweeping her short blonde tresses back from her face, Shelley opted for minimal makeup and accessorised with gold rings.

MCoBeauty founder Shelley Sullivan, 51, (pictured) displayed her dramatic weight loss as she arrived back in Sydney following Hamilton Island getaway on Thursday

Shelley was left devastated by her abrupt split from husband Anthony following seven years of marriage last year.

A fight reportedly prompted Anthony to leave the country and head to the US, while his wife moved into the five-star InterContinental Hotel in Double Bay.

The devastated mother-of-two was later seen being comforted by her mum Kerrie in Sydney's financial district, where her multimillion-dollar business is based.

The pair looked visibly distressed as they shared a tender moment amid her marital breakdown.

At the time, Shelley told Daily Mail Australia she would not be commenting on the marriage break-up.

'Shelley is absolutely shattered by the split,' a close friend previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'Anthony was her rock, she's devastated - her marriage was everything to her.'

The businesswoman's close-knit group of friends are doing their best to support her as she deals with the split.

Chatting on the phone as she made her way through the terminal, a stony-faced Shelley revealed her very slender figure in a tight white singlet layered under a matching cropped cardigan. (Pictured left on Thursday and right in August 2022)

She completed her look with tight black trousers, beige sandals and a matching shoulder bag

Sweeping her short blonde tresses back from her face, Shelley opted for minimal makeup and accessorised with gold rings

'She has an amazing network that has just put their arms around her at this time,' the friend added.

Anthony is an accountant and CEO of Quantaco, which provides financial services to companies in the hospitality trade.

The couple had known each other for years and were friends before starting to date, and then tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Point Piper in 2016.

The pair have since moved out of their $11,000-a-week heritage-listed rental mansion Leura in Bellevue Hill.

Shelley made her mark in the 1990s with her model and talent agency before launching her thriving 'masstige' beauty brand ModelCo in 2016.

Masstige is a retail term referring to a product that is marketed as 'prestige' or premium but is in fact mass-produced and inexpensive.

The beauty boss launched her brand's Tan Airbrush In A Can more than 20 years ago and it still sells a bottle every 36 seconds worldwide.

She is also credited with introducing the world to the first heated eyelash curlers.

ModelCo has overtaken legacy beauty brands like L'Oreal, Maybelline and Rimmel in the Australian market.

The likes of Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Elyse Knowles have represented the internationally famous line.

In 2022, MCoBeauty was approached by a large Australian conglomerate which acquired a portion of the business.
Samantha Armytage looked effortlessly chic as she made her way through Sydney Airport on Friday, showcasing her natural beauty in a casual yet stylish ensemble.

The Channel Nine star, 48, who is set to host the upcoming reality TV series The Golden Bachelor, sported a figure-hugging purple jumper, loose-fitting baggy jeans and crisp white Converse sneakers.

She added a pop of colour with a red coat draped over one arm while balancing a tote bag in the other.

The veteran presenter accessorised with gold earrings and bracelets and topped it off with aviator sunglasses perched through her jumper's neckline.

Going makeup-free, youthful Samantha showcased her line-free visage as she navigated the busy terminal.

The low-key outing comes as Samantha prepares for the debut of The Golden Bachelor later this year.

Samantha Armytage, 48, (pictured) looked effortlessly chic as she made her way through Sydney Airport on Friday, showcasing her natural beauty in a casual yet stylish ensemble

The Channel Nine star, who is set to host the upcoming reality TV series The Golden Bachelor, sported a figure-hugging purple jumper and loose-fitting baggy jeans

In March, she gave fans a first glimpse at the set of season one of the upcoming series.

The television host, who will front the dating series, shared a selfie to Instagram Stories as she sat in the makeup chair ahead of filming.

The 48-year-old was busy getting glammed up for her role in front of the camera as production gets underway.

'Getting ready to bring you something golden,' Sam wrote in the caption.

Cameras have officially started rolling on the Channel Nine dating show for older, single romantics looking for a second shot at love.

Daily Mail can exclusively reveal Barry 'Bear' Myrden, a 50-something infrastructure engineer and passionate sailor from Sydney, has been handpicked as the leading man for the upcoming Australian adaptation.

Myrden, a father of three and a respected professional in the tech industry, currently works in Data Centre Management for Woolworths Group.

With decades of experience in his field, he has held senior roles at major companies like Macquarie Bank and the NSW Port Authority.

The low-key outing comes as Samantha prepares for the debut of The Golden Bachelor later this year

Local fans of the The Golden Bachelor have been calling for an Australian version since the U.S. version premiered last year to critical acclaim

But while his career has flourished, sources close to Daily Mail reveal that his personal journey has been marked by tragedy - Myrden is widowed.

Unlike The Bachelor which features young men and women, The Golden Bachelor is targeted at a more mature audience eager to watch how those who have already experienced great love and loss are chasing companionship in their next chapter.

'Bear is not your usual reality TV type,' an insider told Daily Mail.

'He's charming, intelligent and has really lived a full life. He's been through love, loss and now he's ready to open his heart again. Women are going to adore him.'

Local fans of the The Golden Bachelor have been calling for an Australian version since the U.S. version premiered in 2023 to critical acclaim.

Producers are keeping tight-lipped about the contestants vying for Myrden's heart, but if the U.S. series is anything to go by the show promises to deliver a mix of heartwarming moments, deep connections and unexpected twists.
Newly-single model Georgia Fowler has debuted a glamorous new look following her shock split from husband Nathan Dalah.

The couple, who were married for two years and share two children, are said to have quietly parted ways months ago.

But Georgia looked anything but heartbroken as the Kiwi glamazon, 33, arrived at a restaurant in Sydney on Thursday night, sporting a much more voluminous hairdo than usual.

Her mane was styled in gentle waves and appeared decidedly thick and lustrous, perhaps thanks to the addition of some hair extensions.

Meanwhile, the Victoria's Secret stunner showed off her slim figure in a black ruched bodycon dress that reached her ankles.

Adding height to her lofty frame, Georgia slid on a pair of pointy-toed white heels while completing her look with a burgundy handbag, drop earrings and several gold rings.

Newly-single Georgia Fowler, 33, (pictured) looked anything but heartbroken as the Kiwi glamazon arrived at a restaurant in Sydney on Thursday night, debuting a much more voluminous hairdo than usual

Her ring finger was, unsurprisingly, bare.

Georgia is said to have split from Fishbowl founder Nathan a few months ago, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'It ended a few months ago. It all happened very quickly,' one source said.

Georgia and Nathan confirmed their relationship back in February 2020.

They announced their engagement in 2022, one year after welcoming their daughter Dylan into the world.

She shared the news on Instagram at the time, revealing her boyfriend of two years had proposed during a photoshoot for Tiffany & Co.

The model was shooting a campaign called 'Tiffany Love' when Nathan dropped down to one knee on set.

'I would say that I had this really crazy idea,' he said. 'I know it wasn't part of the plan or part of the shoot, but I'm gonna do it anyways. No, I'm gonna do it. I wanted to see if you would marry me, be my wife?'

Her mane was styled in gentle waves and appeared decidedly thick and lustrous, perhaps thanks to the addition of some hair extensions

The Victoria's Secret stunner showed off her slim figure in a black ruched bodycon dress

Georgia and Nathan (pictured together in Sydney in March 2021) are said to have parted ways a few months ago

Georgia replied, 'Yes, I will,' before the crew cheered for the happy couple.

They tied the knot on 27 January 2023 in a gorgeous countryside ceremony in NSW.

In the same year, the couple moved to New York so Nathan could open his Fishbowl franchise and Georgia could pursue her modelling career.

It's unclear what caused their split.
Annie Knight has revealed she escaped a terrifying attempted assault while holidaying in the US.

The 28-year-old OnlyFans creator took to her stories on Friday to share details of the frightening ordeal.

Annie, who has been dubbed 'Australia's Most Sexually Active Woman', said she was walking on a main street with two girlfriends when a man came at them with a machete.

She said they escaped the attack by 'sprinting' into a nearby restaurant.

In a shocking twist, she claimed none of the onlookers paid any attention as the distressed women recomposed themselves.

'[We] were visibly shaken and scared and no one batted an eyelid,' she said.

'Australia's most sexually active woman' Annie Knight, 28, (pictured) has revealed she escaped a terrifying attempted assault while holidaying in the US

Annie said she was walking on a main street with two girlfriends when a man came at the women with a machete. Pictured: Annie seen in New York recently

Annie included a picture of herself and reflected on the chilling incident in the story.

'It was one of the scariest things to happen to me,' she wrote.

'But I was shocked at how normal that must be here. If that happened in Australia, there [would have been] police helicopters flying overhead... and it [would have] been on national news,' she continued.

'Stay safe out there, folks.'

It comes after Annie recently revealed her staggering net worth.

In a video posted to Instagram earlier this month, the blonde revealed that in 2020 she had a mere $1,200.

Just five years later, Annie is worth a whopping $5.2million.

It comes after Annie recently revealed her staggering net worth

The successful adult content creator joked that a nose job and a 'bit of filler' can go a 'long way'.

Annie previously revealed she earns $300,000 per month, which is over $3.5million per year, thanks to her incredible sex stunts, such as sleeping with 583 men in a single day.

Annie dropped a staggering $2.7million on her dream home in Queensland last month.

The adult star is the proud owner of a luxury four-bedroom home with a pool, calling it her 'forever home'.

She is also currently planning to tie the knot with fiance Henry Brayshaw.

The happy couple, who have been friends for ten years, got engaged in March  just one week after rekindling their relationship.

Henry, 27, popped the question over a romantic dinner in Beverly Hills during a getaway to LA.
Despite being thousands of miles apart, Amal Clooney and Olivia Colman both suffered the same fate as their pricey gowns were left soaked on Thursday evening.

While Amal, 47 supported husband George, 64, at the Jay Kelly premiere amid the Venice Film Festival, back in the London Olivia, 51, walked the equally wet red carpet for her new movie The Roses.

The human rights lawyer stunned in a strapless fuchsia mini dress with dramatic train which was left dripping wet as it was cascaded behind her.

Slipping her feet into AQUAZZURA Forever More Sandals, she accessorised with a gold clutch bag and chandelier earring as she linked arms with her husband.

But while Amal put on a brave face, actress Olivia could not disguise her disappointment at the state of her Elie Saab dress which retails for an eye-popping 4,143.

The light green silk kaftan featured a high neckline, slit cape sleeves which she teamed with a pair of stylish 1,780 Roger Vivier Viv' Choc Platform Sandals.

Despite being thousands of miles apart, Amal Clooney (L) and Olivia Colman (R) both suffered the same fate as their gorgeous gowns were left soaked on Thursday evening

While Amal, 47 supported husband George, 64, at the Jay Kelly premiere at Venice Film Festival, Olivia, 51, walked the equally wet red carpet in London for her new movie The Roses

While Amal put on a brave face, actress Olivia could not disguise her disappointment at the state of her Elie Saab dress which retails for an eye-popping 4,143

Olivia completed her look with silver drop earrings adorned with green diamond detailing - perfectly complementing her gown.

In Venice, movie star George hit the red carpet after being kept away from press conferences and photo-calls due to illness.

He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a serious sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours.

The star, who is 64, arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45 premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with Amal. As they exited their car he asked her: Are you OK? and then said: OK, lets go.

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet.

At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: I cant speak!.

He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.

The actor unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach's competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film's cast and crew.

The human rights lawyer stunned in a strapless fuchsia mini dress with dramatic train which was left dripping wet as it was cascaded behind her

Movie star George hit the red carpet after being kept away from press conferences and photo-calls due to illness

The pair looked fully loved up on the star-studded red carpet

Amal's dress flowed behind her in a dramatic train

The light green silk kaftan featured a high neckline, slit cape sleeves which she teamed with a pair of stylish 1,780 Roger Vivier Viv' Choc Platform Sandals

Olivia completed her look with silver drop earrings adorned with green diamond detailing - perfectly complementing her gown

The actress lifted the dress as she made her way along the red carpet

She was joined by supportive husband Ed Sinclair

Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman star in The Roses, a hugely remake of 1989 classic war Of The Roses

The conference moderator announced his absence at the photocall, saying: 'Im afraid George Clooney is not going to be here, because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection. We hope that he should be on the red carpet tonight.'

Adam Sandler added: Movie stars get sick too', before Laura Dern chimed in: 'George is so devastated that he cant be here.

The Hollywood legend reportedly started feeling unwell on Wednesday, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, adding he was advised to go home and rest ahead of a busy Thursday, which includes the world premiere of the film.

George and his wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film.

They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.

Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who 'always plays himself'.

Directed by Gerwig's husband Noah, the trailer sees George's character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.

The actor unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach's competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film's cast and crew

Jay Kelly sees Clooney (pictured in the film) play a Hollywood movie star who 'always plays himself', weeks after hitting back at claims that he himself lacked onscreen versatility

On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam, he's hailed as the 'hero of cinema' before being brutally asked about always playing himself.

To which George's character snaps back: 'You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.'

Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is 'Jay Kelly' as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.

The official synopsis reads: 'Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.

'Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices theyve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies theyll leave behind.'
Imogen Thomas has revealed she's had her breast implants removed and had an uplift this week in her third boob job after asking fans to decide in an online poll.

The reality star and model, 42, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a health update after she went under the knife again.

It comes after she hinted she was going to have them enlarged even more after asking fans to decide in an online poll - where the majority told her to reduce her bust.

Imogen previously had her breasts increased from a 34C to a 34E.

Sharing an update from Turkey as she recovers from surgery, the ex-glamour model revealed she's not yet seen the results.

Imogen told fans: 'Success. Im recovering RN. I havent seen the results yet so stay tuned. But my day was so smooth and extremely organised.

Imogen Thomas has revealed she's had her breasts implants removed and had an uplift this week in her third boob job after asking fans to decide in an online poll

The reality star and model, 42, took to Instagram on Thursday to share a health update after she went under the knife again (pictured in 2024)

The ex-glamour model shared a video with fans of the build up to the operation, including as doctors performed the surgery on her bust

'Thank you @dr.salihonurbasat for making me feel at ease. I cant wait to see the results.'

Alongside the update, Imogen posted footage of her experience, showing her preparing to head for the clinic that morning.

Once she arrived at the hospital, a doctor could be seen marking her breasts ahead of the operation.

At the end of the clip, Imogen gave a thumbs up to the camera while revealing the significant bandages on her chest.

Fans flooded her with supportive messages as she heals, with one writing: 'Good for you doing what makes you happy. Glad all well, take it easy.'

A second said: 'Omg been thinking of you, glad it went well. Speedy recovery.'

'So glad youre okay. Speedy recovery', said a third.

On Monday Imogen revealed to fans she had flown to Instanbul for the procedure, admitting how her breasts had become 'too big' for her.

Imogen previously had her breasts increased from a 34C to a 34E before having reduction surgery (pictured in 2016)

Sharing an update from Turkey as she recovers from her surgery, the ex-glamour model revealed she's not yet seen the results

Imogen hinted she was going to have her breasts enlarged even more after asking fans to decide in an online poll - where the majority told her to reduce her bust (pictured in 2023)

On Monday Imogen revealed to fans she had flown to Instanbul for the procedure , admitting how her breasts had become 'too big' for her (left, earlier this month, right in 2023)

She said: 'I cannot wait, my boobs right now are really big for me. I've lost quite a bit of weight and I just can't have this anymore. So I found the best surgeon in Istanbul'.

In a previous interview with The Mirror, Imogen admitted she doesn't pay for her surgeries and instead offers her surgeons 'collaborations' on social media.

She went on to say: 'Im doing a lot of reformer Pilates, and when I do that I feel top heavy, and Ive had a lot of lower back pain. They are quite big, so I would like to have a reduction.'

The former Big Brother star was left 'petrified and in tears' following her previous breast surgery in 2017.

She told New! Magazine at the time: 'I started crying. Going under [anaesthetic], you think the worst, like, 'I'm being too selfish here for my kids. What if I don't pull through?' It can happen. I was more nervous about being put to sleep'

Fans have flooded Imogen with supportive messages as she heals (pictured in 2020)

Imogen pictured in 2006 ahead of entering the Big Brother house, before she had her implants

In a previous interview with The Mirror , Imogen admitted she doesn't pay for her surgeries and instead offers her surgeons 'collaborations' on social media (pictured in 2021)

Imogen previously spoke candidly about her struggle to maintain her slimmer figure, admitting she's finding it difficult to balance her social and dating life with staying in shape.

She told Daily Mail in 2019: 'It's hard because I've been out drinking all week and then the next day you want to eat so much rubbish, but I've been trying to be good.

'So, I'll force myself to get up the next morning and go for a run. I'm really really strict. So, I will always try and maintain my weight and shape now.'

Imogen's reduction and uplift comes just months after glamour model Rhian Sugden also had her famous bust reduced.

The 38-year-old went from a 32HH to a 32E and revealed the evident difference to her fans on social media.

Sharing before and after videos of her breasts pre and post surgery, Rhian looked incredibly confident and happy with the results.

The former Big Brother star previously revealed left 'petrified and in tears' following her other breast operation in 2017 (pictured in 2019)

Rhian Sugden, 38, showed off the striking difference in her appearance since undergoing a breast reduction and lift surgery in June (pictured left post surgery, right pre surgery)

She wrote: 'Love love love my boobs. No implants, just a reduction and uplift by the amazing Dr Hussain @pallmallcosmetics'

In a clip posted on social media before going under the knife, Rhian revealed her nipples were in fact 11cm lower than they should have been after 'gravity took its toll' following the birth of her son George, one.

She said: 'I'm a bit paranoid about that and I just can't to wait to have them a bit smaller, perkier, uplifted, it's so exciting.'

Rhian continued: 'My cup size at the minute is a 34GG, I can fit into a H, and it's just so difficult to buy a decent bra these days.

'Bikinis, I can't even find one to get into because my frame is so small and my boobs are so big so it's quite difficult.

'My back ache, ugh, honestly I must have to get a massage like once a week to try and ease the pain and tension in my back.'
Olivia Colman made a chaotic exit from the raucous The Roses after party, held at The Ivy Soho Brasserie in London on Thursday.

The actress, 51, who plays Ivy in The Roses, left alongside bleary-eyed Greta Gerwig and TV icon Judge Rinder, 47.

Her upcoming movie is a remake of the 1989 Hollywood classic War Of The Roses, also starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Allison Janney.

After turning heads in a stunning green silk dress at the UK premiere, Olivia opted for a comfy ensemble as she slipped into oversized denim jeans for her departure.

American actress and screenwriter Greta, 42, cut a sophisticated figure in a navy suit and white shirt.

The Traitors winner Leanne Quigley, 28, looked incredibly glamorous in a semi-sheer sequin green gown.

Olivia Colman, 51, made a chaotic exit from the raucous The Roses after party, held at The Ivy Soho Brasserie in London on Thursday

The actress, who plays Ivy in The Roses, left alongside bleary-eyed Greta Gerwig (L), 42, and TV icon Judge Rinder (R), 47

Meanwhile, Love Island's Chyna Mills and her Strictly Come Dancing fiance Neil Jones enjoyed a date night at the fun-filled after party.

Katie Piper looked incredibly glamorous in a semi-sheer top and white maxi skirt as she joined her husband Richard James Sutton.

Still going strong, Love Island's Lauren Wood and Harrison Solomon enjoyed a night out at the movie premiere.

Olivia and Benedict follow in the footsteps of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as they play a married couple whose increasingly bitter separation explodes into comically exaggerated resentment and hatred.

The movie is directed by Jay Roach, who previously worked on the Austin Powers comedies, and is scripted by Poor Things writer Tony McNamara.

The cast also includes the new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa, and American comedians Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon.

Filming took place in both Salcombe, south Devon and Los Angeles, with the pair first seen on set on a beach in Devon in June last year.

The 1989 version was directed by Danny DeVito, who also starred as a divorce lawyer, reuniting a trio who had proved so successful in the 1984 adventure Romancing the Stone and its sequel, The Jewel Of The Nile.

After turning heads in a stunning green silk dress at the UK premiere , Olivia opted for a comfy ensemble as she slipped into oversized denim jeans for her departure

The Traitors winner Leanne Quigley, 28, looked incredibly glamorous in a semi-sheer sequin green gown

Love Island's Chyna Mills and her Strictly Come Dancing fiance Neil Jones enjoyed a date night at the fun-filled after party

Katie Piper looked incredibly glamorous in a semi-sheer top and white maxi skirt as she joined her husband Richard James Sutton

Still going strong, Love Island's Lauren Wood and Harrison Solomon enjoyed a night out at the movie premiere

The couple looked more than loved-up as they held hands while leaving the venue

Also starring Benedict Cumberbatch, 49, (pictured with Olivia) the dark divorce comedy is based on the 1981 novel and is set to hit cinemas on August 29

The new version has been described as a 're-imagining'.

Producers Searchlight Pictures say of the plot: 'Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo and Ivy: successful careers, great kids, an enviable sex life.

'But underneath the facade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentments that's ignited when Theo's professional dreams come crashing down.'

Sources say that despite the actors being 'very keen' to work together, all was not well during filming, with Benedict's serious 'method' acting at odds with Olivia's 'no-nonsense, let's get on with it' attitude.

One insider told The Mail on Sunday: 'The Roses was supposed to be a fairly easy and straightforward one to film - about a husband and a wife who don't like one another.

'But at times Benedict was treating it like it was some kind of Shakespearean play, wanting to seriously connect with his part, which is totally fair enough.

'Olivia is very much the type to just get on with it, no faffing. It's a comedy - it's like there was a lot of overthinking going on.

'It led to the chemistry between them not exactly being the best. It was a comedy, like a romcom, not the airy fairy-type stuff Benedict has done before.'

A spokesman for Benedict attempted to play down the issues between the pair.
Emma Watson looked incredible as she stepped out for a coastal stroll in Saint Tropez, France, on Thursday - two months after getting cosy with a new love interest in Oxford.

The actress, 35, stunned in a red polka dot maxi dress, which she teamed with matching pumps.

The beauty finished off her summer look by carrying her belongings in a chic brown leather bag.

Listening to music through wired earphones connected to her phone, Emma appeared in good spirits as she walked along the coastline.

Just days ago, she was spotted on a hike in the town with her hunky personal trainer.

Her trip to the south of France comes after Emma enjoyed a picnic and painting date with a new male love interest in an Oxford park.

Emma Watson looked incredible as she stepped out for a coastal stroll in Saint Tropez, France , on Thursday

It comes just a month after she was spotted cosying up to a new love interest in Oxford

The actress, 35, stunned in a red polka-dot maxi dress

The Harry Potter star was seen sitting on the bank of the River Thames in Oxford, with onlookers saying it looked like the pair were enjoying a 'cute date'.

Emma, who is studying for a part-time Master's degree at Oxford, opted for a stylish green and white printed dress as she relaxed with her new companion.

Last year, Emma was spotted enjoying a romantic date with fellow Oxford student Kieran Brown, with the pair pictured at a pastry shop close to the university, over a year after she split from boyfriend Brandon Green.

A passer-by who saw Emma with her new date said the actress was painting with the male companion at Port Meadow, just west of the city centre.

Judie Kitchen, 18, spotted the pair as he walked by and said they were laughing and joking between painting each other and eating, seemingly unrecognised by the nearby wild swimmers.

Student Judie, from Headington, Oxford, said: 'I saw them for like 40 minutes. They were having a general chat and making each other laugh, which was cute.

'We arrived just after 3.30pm and one of my friends went for a dip in the lake. Once he got out, they were there.

'My friend is a massive Harry Potter fan, so when he saw her, it was really funny to see his reaction.

Emma teamed the stunning dress with matching red pumps and finished off her summer look by carrying her belongings in a chic mini brown leather bag

The Harry Potter actress was seen admiring her surroundings during her walk

The star appeared deep in thought during her outing

She was listening to music through wired earphones

Emma appeared in good spirits as she walked along the coastline

Her outing comes comes just days after she was spotted on a hike in the town with her hunky personal trainer

'They were painting each other and eating together. It was just a really cute date.

'It looked successful as they were laughing a lot, which was nice to see.'

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Emma Watson for comment.

In July 2024, Emma was pictured locking eyes with fellow student Kieran while at a bakery in Oxford.

Emma split from her ex-boyfriend Brandon Green, son of controversial business tycoon Sir Philip, in 2023.

An onlooker in the pastry shop said the pair had a 'nice vibe' together and that customers didn't appear to recognise her in the shop.

They said: 'They were chatting together in the queue, they seemed to have quite a nice vibe.

'I couldn't hear what they were saying, apart from when she ordered - she got an espresso, a cake and a juice, or something similar.

Last year, Emma was spotted enjoying a romantic date at a pastry shop with fellow Oxford student Kieran Brown (pictured)

'She didn't seem to try to be hiding herself, she was just queuing with him normally.

'Nobody really reacted to her, but I could see people in the shop recognised her.'

Just days earlier, Emma and the man were seen leaning in for a kiss out in the street as she went away for a few days.

A source told The Sun: 'She looked incredibly happy - like she didn't have a care in the world.

'Her suitcases were put in the back of a blue Range Rover by her security and she was saying goodbye.

'They were incredibly close - they didn't seem to care who was looking.

'They only had eyes for one another.

'Emma loves Oxford and is here regularly because of her family - but it appears she now has another reason to love the city.'

Emma is currently splitting her time between the US and Oxford after signing up for her part-time Masters degree.

She only attends a handful of lectures onsite - with security in tow - and completes the rest online.

It comes after Emma split from ex Brandon in 2023, sometime after Christmas - following a 'serious' romance which lasted around 18 months.

Both of them met each other's parents and there were holidays including a romantic break in Venice.

Brandon had a reputation as a party-lover and previously dated a number of models. He was once caught patting Kate Moss's bottom on holiday in St Barts.

It was rumoured that the catalyst for their split was that Emma had some kind of an epiphany connected to her 'Saturn return' and decided that she wanted out of the relationship.

In an Instagram post on April 15, 2023, to mark her birthday she wrote: 'This is 33. Holy moly. Before 29 I hadn't even heard of a Saturn Return as a concept. Let's just say that now I am well acquainted.'

Emma split from her ex-boyfriend Brandon Green, son of controversial business tycoon Sir Philip, in 2023

She went on to write about how she had re-evaluated her life and what she did with it, including learning to surf 'badly', riding horses, doing 'a lot of therapy' and saying 'goodbye to my Grandma and Grandpa'.

She added: 'I cut my thumb nail off on both hands trying to cook for myself and then was only able to do things one-handed for months.

'I felt really sad and really p*ssed off about a lot of things. I learnt more about love and being a woman... It took me three years but I have finally figured out a daily practice and can actually keep it for more than a few days in a row.'

On the topic of 'love and being a woman' she didn't confide about the break-up with Brandon, which she kept private, but the news leaked out.

Emma famously remarked during a period when she was single that she was 'self-partnered', but by more conventional standards, she has been a serial monogamist  and serially unlucky in love.

An early boyfriend was rugby player Tom Ducker. He was followed by more serious romances with students Will Adamowicz and Matt Janney.

She has dated three young tech millionaires, most significantly the entrepreneur William 'Mack' Knight.

They split in late 2017 after a two-year romance.

On the rebound, she had a six-month love affair with handsome Glee actor Chord Overstreet. They broke up during the summer of 2018.

She was then spotted sharing cocktails with tech CEO Brendan Wallace, the co-founder of a venture capital fund.

By the summer of 2019, she had moved on to another tech millionaire, Brendan Iribe, CEO of Oculus.

He was followed by businessman Leo Robinton, with whom she spent two years.

In an interview, she said: 'The boyfriends or partners I've had have generally made me feel really cherished. They've built me up.'
Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny, Andrew Garfield and Mia Goth all dazzled in Venice on Friday as the 82nd Film Festival kicks off.

The A-listers were snapped as they came together for a photocall in the Italian city as they boasted big smiles.

It comes as Julia makes her Venice debut as she stars in brand new thriller After The Hunt, which will premiere at the festival.

Luca Guadagnino, who directed the film, was also snapped with its lead stars.

Julia, who arrived earlier this week makeup-free, wore a stripped yellow and brown blouse under a navy blazer along with dark denim jeans paired with a brown heel.

The Notting Hill actress, 57, looked fresh-faced with minimal makeup for the media event.

Left to right: Michael Stuhlbarg, Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny and Andrew Garfield posing at the photocall

Julia makes her Venice debut as she stars in brand new thriller After The Hunt, which will premiere at the festival

The A-listers were snapped as they came together for a photocall for the festival ahead of the premiere of their new film

As crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars, Julia could be seen waving to the enthusiastic fans.

While she seemed in good spirits on the outing, the day before she had a rather more tense time, being accused of presenting a post #Metoo film which was  according to one questioner  bad feminism.

In After The Hunt she plays a Yale college professor who defends a professor friend (Andrew ) who is accused of sexual assault by a younger woman (Ayo Edibiri).

At one point the Yale counsellor sighs of the allegations: I believe her. But whatever happened to stuffing everything down like the rest of us?

Julia didnt answer a question about feminism but repeatedly said that she just hoped that the film would spark conversations.

She said: Were not making statements; we are portraying these people in this moment in time. I dont know about controversy, per se, but we are challenging people to have conversation.

To be excited or or infuriated about it is up to you. If making this movie does anything, getting everybody to talk to each other is the most exciting thing that I think we could accomplish.

She added that she felt that humanity had lost the art of conversation.

The film is playing out of competition at the Venice Film Festival and premieres Friday night.

Left to right: Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, Luca Guadagnino, Chloe Sevigny, Nora Garrett and Michael Stuhlbarg

Actress Chloe Sevigny looked chic in a rose-coloured embroidered dress that featured cutouts at the front

Ahead of the premiere, actress Chloe Sevigny looked chic at the photocall in a rose-coloured embroidered dress that featured cutouts at the front.

She completed her look with an subtle open-toe white heel and a pair of 90s inspired small sunglasses as the Italian sun beamed down.

With her blonde hair tightly slicked back into a bun, Chloe, 50, looked to be in good spirits while pulling animated posses, including sticking her tongue out for the cameras.

Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield opted for a more casual look, though still appeared pristine for the snaps.

The 42-year-old wore a baby blue woolen jumper, paired with a cream pair of chinos as he joined his co-stars.

Ayo Edebiri dazzled in a stunning white two-piece outfit, with her blazer featuring a sweetheart neckline.

With her tiny frame on display, she completed her look with a pair of open-toe high heels amid the summer heat.

She completed her look with an subtle open-toe white heel and a pair of 90s inspired small sunglasses as the Italian sun beamed down

Julia, who arrived earlier this week makeup-free, wore a stripped yellow and brown blouse under a navy blazer along with dark denim jeans paired with a brown heel

Mia Goth was also snapped arriving by boat at Hotel Excelsior as the 31-year-old actress oozed class in a brown mini dress.

Wearing her brunette hair down as she flaunted her sensational figure, Mia carried a small black handbag that coordinated with her heels.

Spider Man star Andrew is joined in Venice by his girlfriend Monica Barbaro and the pair were spotted walking hand-in-hand around the romantic city.

Monica kept a low profile in a green leather jacket which she paired with black trousers and black leather ballet pumps.

Andrew had been single since last year, when he split from Dr Kate Tomas, who describes herself as a 'professional witch'.

Andrew and Melissa were first photographed together at W Magazine's Best Performances party in Los Angeles in January.

Andrew was the perfect gentleman and could be seen offering his hand to Ayo Edebir as she disembarked the boat taxi

Andrew Garfield opted for a more casual look, though still appeared pristine for the snaps

Mia Goth was also snapped arriving by boat at Hotel Excelsior as the 31-year-old actress oozed class in a brown mini dress

Wearing her brunette hair down as she flaunted her sensational figure, Mia carried a small black handbag that coordinated with her heels

Yesterday, George Clooney was forced to skip the press conference for his new film Jay Kelly due to a 'serious sinus infection'.

The actor, 64, unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach's competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film's cast and crew.

His co-stars Eve Hewson, Laura Dern, Riley Keough and Adam Sandler were all in attendance and it's hoped that George will attend the premiere of the film later in the evening with his wife Amal.

Adam, 58, is joined for the festival by his family as the actor beamed while posing with his wife Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny.

On Friday Adam waved to the cameras as he held a basketball, signed by none other than himself during a stroll around Venice

The Happy Gilmore star was snapped on Friday as he once again sported his casual look while walking around with actress Laura Dern

Ava Max is also the latest star to touch down in the Italian city for the festival

Wearing a black crop top and white linen trousers, the blonde beauty walked through the arrivals hall with a Prada handbag

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was also pictured on Friday arriving in Venice as he sported a super cool look

The 35-year-old actor wore a white shirt paired with a cream jacket as he matched his cap to the summer colour scheme

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned as she became the latest star to arrive in Venice on Friday for this year's Film Festival

The model, 38, looked sensational as she donned a white maxi dress that showed off her incredible physique

Rosie had paired the dress with a cream blazer, though removed it as she stepped out in the scorching summer Venice heat

Rosie's husband and Hollywood actor Jason Statham was not pictured with her, and it's unclear if he will attend the festival

The mum-of-two appeared to be in good spirits as she was seen with what appeared to be a chaperone while waiting at the dock for a boat to pick her up

She oozed elegance as she boarded the boat, with its gentleman-like driver offering his hand to help the model safely on board

Mads Mikkelsen, 59, cut a dapper figure as he stepped out of his hotel in Venice

The Danish actor sweetly waved to fans as he boarded a water taxi

Sofia Coppola looked incredibly chic in a pale blue shirt and trousers

She took time to sign autographs with fans

On Thursday night the actor swapped his usual casual look for a smart blue suit as he posed on the red carpet with his family.

The Happy Gilmore star was snapped on Friday as he once again sported his casual look while walking around with actress Laura Dern.

Adam waved to the cameras as he held a basketball, signed by none other than himself.

Meanwhile, Ava Max has touched down in the Italian city for the festival.

Wearing a black crop top and white linen trousers, the blonde beauty walked through the arrivals hall with a Prada handbag.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was also pictured on Friday arriving in Venice as he sported a super cool look while boarding a boat taxi.

The 35-year-old actor wore a white shirt paired with a cream jacket as he matched his cap to the summer colour scheme.
Amal Clooney walked the red carpet at Venice Film festival last night to support her husband George Clooney.

And beaming from ear to ear, Amal, 47, looked more youthful than ever.

Wearing a fuchsia mini dress with dramatic train, she was accused of upstaging George, 64, especially as the actor had been struck with a sinus infection.

The Mail can reveal that in order for the human rights lawyer to get camera ready, she had a non-surgical facelift in her hotel room just moments before she stepped out.

Ahead of the Venice premiere of Jay Kelly, Amal had a 111SKIN treatment which involved her getting wrinkle-miminising wand movements and a facial massage.

The products used for the facial come to over 2,200 with the treatment lasting 90 minutes and costing around 240.

The Mail can reveal Amal Clooney, 47, had a non surgical facelift before walking the red carpet last night in Venice

She walked the red carpet at Venice Film festival to support her husband George Clooney . And beaming from ear to ear, looked more youthful than ever

Ahead of the Venice premiere of Jay Kelly, Amal had a 111SKIN treatment which involved her getting wrinkle-miminising wand movements and a facial massage. The products used for the facial come to over 2,200 with the treatment lasting 90 minutes and costing around 240

The treatment is said to visibly lift, brighten and firm the skin.

Amal Clooney famously regularly upstages her husband at events.

The natural beauty is said to regularly invest in non-surgical treatments to stay youthful.

George hit the red carpet after being kept away from press conferences and photo-calls due to illness.

He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a serious sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours.

The star, who is 64, arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45 premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with Amal. As they exited their car he asked her: Are you OK? and then said: OK, lets go.

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet.

At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: I cant speak!.

George hit the red carpet after being kept away from press conferences and photo-calls due to illness

He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.

The actor unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach's competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film's cast and crew.

George and his wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film.

They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.

Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who 'always plays himself'.

Directed by Gerwig's husband Noah, the trailer sees George's character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.
Amal Clooney looked picture perfect as she supported her sickly husband George while leaving the Venice Film Festival this morning.

George, 64, is battling a serious sinus infection and can't speak, leading him to miss a couple of press commitments yesterday, before attending the Jay Kelly red carpet premiere in the evening.

He wore a smile on his face as he stepped out this morning, with his stunning wife by his side.

Amal, 47, stole attention wearing a stunning black ensemble with an oversized straw hat as she carried a cup of coffee in her hand.

At times, a casually dressed George grimaced a little as he was given a helping hand onto a water taxi while no doubt still feeling under the weather.

Amal Clooney looked picture perfect as she supported sickly husband George while leaving Venice the morning after he battled a serious sinus infection on the Jay Kelly red carpet

At times, a casually dressed George grimaced a little as he made his way onto a water taxi while no doubt still feeling under the weather

Amal, 47, stole attention wearing a stunning black ensemble with an oversized straw hat as she carried a cup of coffee

Last night, the Hollywood star was once again supported - and inevitably upstaged - by his glamorous wife Amal in the city they famously married in, this time to promote his coming-of-age drama Jay Kelly.

He sailed through a 30-minute trot up the red carpet despite a serious sinus infection, which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours.

The star arrived at around 9.35pm local time for the 9.45pm premiere of his new Netflix film Jay Kelly with Amal. As they exited their car he asked her: Are you OK? and then said: OK, lets go.

The actor appeared in lively spirits throughout and even spent around 20 minutes signing autographs for fans on the red carpet.

At several points he was seen clutching his throat and broke off to explain to the crowds: I cant speak!

He spent time chatting to festival boss Alberto Barbera and to co-stars Laura Dern and Adam Sandler.

Meanwhile, Amal wowed with the stunning human rights lawyer commanding attention in an off-the-shoulder gown with a distinctive thigh-skimming detail.

Amal, 47, put on a very leggy display in the ensemble which she paired with Aquazzura Forever More Sandals.

Amal looked stylish in a black figure hugging dress

George seen sipping on a hot drink

The couple were smiling as they said goodbye

George seen giving the boat driver a hug

The pair both wore matching outfits for the departure

George kept his eyes shielded with a pair of sunglasses

The pair looked cosy as they walked to their boat

Despite being ill George managed to flash a smile

Amal looked every inch the doting wife

She further accessorised with a gold clutch bag and dangly earrings as she linked arms with her husband.

George was absent from a press conference for his new film Jay Kelly yesterday due to a 'serious sinus infection'.

The actor unexpectedly cut short his press junket for Noah Baumbach's competition film on Wednesday and also skipped a dinner with the film's cast and crew.

The conference moderator announced his absence at the photocall, saying: 'Im afraid George Clooney is not going to be here, because he has a bad, serious, sinus infection. We hope that he should be on the red carpet tonight.'

Adam Sandler added: Movie stars get sick too', before Laura Dern chimed in: 'George is so devastated that he cant be here.

The Hollywood legend reportedly started feeling unwell on Wednesday, sources told The Hollywood Reporter, adding he was advised to go home and rest ahead of a busy Thursday, which included the world premiere of the film.

George was supported by his glamorous wife at the Venice Film Festival premiere of his movie Jay Kelly

He sailed through a 30 minute trot up the red carpet despite a serious sinus infection which had kept him from promotional duties for around 24 hours

The pair looked fully loved up as Amal stunned in a vintage purple Jean-Louis Scherrer that

George showered his wife with affection as they were seen lovingly embracing one another on the carpet

George was joined by his co-stars Riley Keough, Adam Sandler and Emily Mortimer

Adam was supported by his family at the event as he is pictured with his wife Jackie and his daughters Madison and Sunny

Adam and George looked handsome as ever as they stepped out on the carpet wearing tuxedos

Meanwhile Greta Gerwig put on a chic display as she stepped out in a custom Rodarte gown which was adorned with a floral detailing

Molly Sims looked elegant as she graced the carpet in a nude beaded gown layered under a sleeveless satin garment

Eve Hewson wore an eye-catching, ruffled, sleeveless Schiaparelli couture gown which cinched her in at the waist

Shailene Woodley put on a very leggy display as she slipped into a silky, little, black, dress that she paired with black strappy heels

Laura Dern added a pop of colour to the star-studded event as she stepped out in an ivory green ombre dress

Emily Mortimer looked ethereal in an ivory lace dress which she paired with black, studded Christian Louboutin heels

Eva Robins commanded attention in a bright yellow dress which featured a plunging neckline and matching cropped jacket

Alba Rohrwacher showcased her quirky sense of style as shr stepped out in a navy satin Dior Haute Couture which featured a structured bustle

Riley Keough opted for a two-piece look from Chloe's FW25 as she stepped out in a nude skirt and a brown ruffled top

Loredana Salanta looked elegant as she wore a white satin gown which featured a mater-long train and puffed sleeves

Carolina Cavalli looked incredible as she stepped out in a metallic dress which featured strappy sleeves and a low-cut neckline

Jay Kelly follows the story of a movie star - portrayed by George Clooney - as he embarks on an 'unexpectedly profound journey through Europe' with his manager Ron

George was absent from a press conference for Jay Kelly earlier in the day due to a 'serious sinus infection' (pictured L-R: Billy Crudup, Laura Dern, Adam Sandler, Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer)

George and his wife Amal are staying at the Cipriani Hotel in Venice during promotional activities for the Netflix film.

They were spotted leaving the Excelsior Hotel, where Netflix's Ripley is based, at around 4pm on Wednesday.

Jay Kelly sees George take on the title role of the Hollywood movie star who 'always plays himself'.

Directed by Gerwig's husband Noah, the trailer sees George's character questioning his life choices, despite being fawned over by fans and staff.

On a trip to an Italian film festival in his honour, joined by his devoted manager Ron, played by Adam, he's hailed as the 'hero of cinema' before being brutally asked about always playing himself.

To which George's character snaps back: 'You know how difficult it is to be yourself? You try it.'

Jay Kelly is seen continuously reminding himself that he is 'Jay Kelly' as he and Ron embark on a trip through Europe amid the disappearing appeal of showbiz.

The official synopsis reads: 'Famous movie actor Jay Kelly and his devoted manager Ron embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe.

'Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices theyve made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies theyll leave behind.'
Lorraine Stanley looked sensational as she tied the knot with long-term partner Mark Perez at picturesque country ceremony in Harpenden, Hertfordshire on Thursday.

The EastEnders actress, 49, who revealed she'd lost a whopping 6.5st following weight-loss surgery, was the epitome of elegance in a white ruffled gown.

Lorraine's gorgeous dress boasted a boat neck and chic polka dot print which she teamed with a traditional veil and pearl jewellery, as she said 'I do' 18 months after being axed from her role as Karen Taylor.

The actress showcased her new wedding band as she clutched her bouquet and sipped champagne with guests following the ceremony.

Groom Mark, who has been in a relationship with Lorraine for 12 years, could not wipe the smile off his face, looking dapper in a green three-piece suit paired with a crisp white shirt and gold tie.

Meanwhile their daughter Nancy, ten, looked lovely as their flower girl in a pale pink princess dress with flowers in her hair.

Lorraine Stanley, 49, looked sensational as she tied the knot with long-term partner Mark Perez in a picturesque country ceremony in Harpenden, Hertfordshire on Thursday

The soap star, who portrayed Karen Taylor in EastEnders from 2017 to 2024, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years (pictured on the soap in 2021, right)

The EastEnders actress, who revealed she'd lost a whopping 6.5st following weight-loss surgery, was the epitome of elegance in a white ruffled gown

Lorraine's gorgeous dress boasted a boat neck and chic polka dot print which she teamed with a traditional veil and pearl jewellery

The sun-soaked nuptials were attended by family and friends as well as Lorraine's former on-screen son Danny Walters, who played Keanu before being killed off as part of an explosive Christmas storyline last year.

The actor, 32, looked smart in a pale blue suit but decided to forgo a tie as he joined long-term partner Maddi, five months after welcoming their first child, baby daughter Autumn.

Earlier this month Lorraine revealed that she had weight-loss surgery after becoming 'immune' to jabs.

The soap star, who appeared in BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2017 to 2024, has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two years, shedding an impressive 6.5 stone.

In a new interview, she opened up about how she achieved her incredibly slimmed-down figure.

Lorraine revealed that she had a gastric sleeve fitted two years ago, explaining to New! magazine: 'I went to a London clinic, paid an awful lot of money and had it done.

'It's hands-down the best thing I've ever done  both for me and for my family.'

Lorraine previously tried weight-loss jab Wegovy, but felt it eventually stopped working for her as she became 'immune' to it.

The actress showcased her new wedding band as she clutched her bouquet and sipped champagne with guests following the ceremony

Mark shared a sweet moment with daughter Nancy following the ceremony

Lorraine's former on-screen son Danny Walters attended, who played Keanu before being killed off as part of an explosive Christmas storyline last year

Groom Mark could not wipe the smile off his face, looking dapper in a green three-piece suit which he paired with a white shirt and gold tie

The actress showcased her new wedding band as she clutched her bouquet and sipped champagne with guests following the ceremony

Meanwhile Lorraine and Mark's daughter Nancy, ten, looked lovely as their flower girl in a pale pink princess dress with flowers in her hair

Lorraine looked happier than ever as she mingled with her guests

The bride shielded herself from the sun beneath a vintage umbrella

Actor Danny Walters, 32, looked smart in a pale blue suit but decided to forgo a tie as he joined long-term partner Maddi, five months after the couple welcomed their first child, baby daughter Autumn

New mum Maddi looked gorgeous in a pink ruffled dress

She wore a pair of striking pink sandals and carried her essentials in a metallic shoulder bag

The couple chatted outside the Our Lady Of Lourdes church

The couple, who have been together for 12 years, said their vows in a Gothic church

Lorraine shared a giggle with her future husband during the ceremony

The photographer was on hand to capture every moment

Lorraine and Danny pictured together in EastEnders, 2023

She said: 'It got to the point where I was injecting myself and eating at the same time.'

It comes a month after Lorraine shared an Instagram photo proudly showing off her slimmer frame.

Posting a snap from an event, Lorraine looked gorgeous in a green and pink print co-ord.

Taking to her Instagram stories, she also revealed a new milestone in her lifestyle overhaul.

She told fans: 'I'm five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety.'

Lorraine's former co-stars rushed to the comments to praise the actress, with Diane Parish, who plays Denise in EastEnders, writing: 'You look incredible!'

Martin Fowler actor James Bye agreed, gushing in the comments: 'Look at you skinny minny xx miss you mate xx'

Lorraine has shared pictures with her social media followers along the way - and revealed she now feels better than ever.

On Instagram at the time, she said: 'What a difference a year makes.

Earlier this month Lorraine revealed that she had weight-loss surgery after becoming 'immune' to jabs

Following the ceremony guests popped open the bubbly

The bride and groom left in a vintage car

Lorraine pictured on EastEnders in 2017

'Five stone down, feeling good, clean living, healthy choices, new me, healthy mummy.'

The actress - who lost 12lbs in her first six weeks on the new diet - frequently praised her pal and fitness guru Louise.

She also praises her nutritionist friend who 'clued her up when it came to what she was eating day-to-day'.

Her gruelling daily workouts and a well-balanced food regime had a positive impact, and Lorraine said of her journey: 'I'm enjoying it and I feel better for it.'

Spilling her diet hacks while chatting to Woman's Own magazine, Lorraine said: 'My mate Louise is my fitness guru. I've got her to thank for it.'

The actress recalled: 'I've eaten a lot of boiled eggs, fish, chicken, no carbs, no crisps and no chocolate.'
You might consider it bad form  even rude  to gatecrash your second film festival in a year.

But that didn't stop actor Kevin Spacey, who is working hard to rehabilitate himself with the movie industry after facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct - despite very few signs that Hollywood wants him back.

Three months after a couple of puzzling appearances in Cannes, he showed up during the Venice Film Festival, which is the oldest and arguably the most glamourous in the world, on Friday, to launch himself once more.

Spacey, who is 66, presented a trailer for his low-budget sci-fi thriller Holiguard Saga  Portal of Force, at the Spacey event, which took place at the 5-star Hotel Cipriani - one of the best and most famous hotels in Venice.

Spokesman for the festival are categorical that the event, which falls outside the aegis of the festival and has 'nothing' to do with them.

The movie is his first as a director in 21 years and apparently, he hopes that it will launch a franchise.

Kevin Spacey, 66, attended the Venice Film Festival on Friday with his directorial comeback - two years after he was cleared of a series of criminal charges

The Seven actor is working hard to rehabilitate himself with the movie industry after facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct - despite very few signs that Hollywood wants him back

Shot last year in Mexico it stars Spacey plus one-time beefcake action hero Dolph Lundgren, who is 67, and B-movie stalwart Eric Roberts, brother of the A-lister Julia, who has struggled with drug addiction.

The event is being underwritten by the Elledgy Media Group, with its founder Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova saying: 'This project was both a challenge and an inspiration for us.

'It is a story about choice, strength, and inner conflict, told through the language of cinema.

'As a producer, it was important for me to support an ambitious production that is not afraid to be new, complex, and honest. The entire film crew is proud that we are bringing this vision to life step by step.'

However, the project looks unlikely to save his reputation as the film was written by and also stars a man who is wanted by U.S. authorities for being part of an alleged cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme.

The writer of the film, who is also its producer and appears in it is Vladimir 'Lado' Okhotnikov, a Russian national who was indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2023.

Okhotnikov co-wrote the feature, which is based on his ideas, and is also listed as one of the producers via his company, Lado film.

His legal issues centre around the cryptocurrency investment portal Forsage.

Spacey presented a trailer for his low-budget sci-fi thriller Holiguard Saga  Portal of Force, at the Spacey event, which took place at the 5-star Hotel Cipriani - one of the best and most famous hotels in Venice

The American Beauty legend beamed as he touched down at Venice Airport on Friday

The House Of Cards alum is seen at Cannes Film Festival in May 2025

The movie is his first as a director in 21 years and apparently, he hopes that it will launch a franchise (pictured in Milan June 2025)

The Department of Justice say that it was a 'Ponzi and pyramid investment scheme that took in approximately $340 million from victim-investors around the world.'

If convicted  and he denies the charges  he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Okhotinov has remained outside US jurisdiction and has not been arrested.

In an email to the industry Bible Variety, he said that accusations against him were 'unfounded,' and claimed that 'no evidence had ever been presented' against him and 'no court rulings have been issued.'

He added that the 'mere publications of an indictments, made by SEC and DOJ, were reported in headlines as though guilt had already been established.'

Okhotnikov said that 'no further action' has been taken by U.S. authorities in the almost three years since.

'The only development was the publication of the indictment itself, which spread across hundreds of outlets  often with misleading headlines,' he added, claiming that it had cause him 'harm [that] went beyond reputation.'

'The Portal of Force,' which has a budget of around $10 million,' is set against the backdrop of a near-future world fractured by hidden supernatural forces, where two ancient warrior factions wage a secret war for control of humanity's fate.

The two-time Oscar-winning actor defiantly vowed not to give up on acting after being in 'exile' for seven years (Spacey pictured in Los Angeles in 1996 after winning best supporting actor for his role in The Usual Suspects)

Ellegdy Media Group, which is the lead producer and main financier of 'The Portal of Force,' say that Okhotnikov made no investment in the film and explain instead that his producer credit was given for allowing the production to use his studio and post-production facilities in Dubai, where he lives.

The 'gala dinner' for the film is the latest effort by Spacey to reclaim his reputation and standing.

He attended the Amfar charity gala  where tickets are for sale  and was also given 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at a gala dinner given by the Better World organisation.

The dinner was at the beach club at the Carlton Hotel and not an official festival event.

The Better World Fun was set up by American entrepreneur Ted Turner, who was previously married to Jane Fonda.

In his acceptance speech, Spacey thanked Better World Fund president Manuel Collas de La Roche.

'I'd like to congratulate him for the decision to invite me here tonight to accept this award,' he said. 'Who would have ever thought that honouring someone who has been exonerated in every courtroom he's ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea? But here we are.'

In 2022, Spacey was found not liable in a sexual abuse civil lawsuit in New York.

The following year he was cleared of sexually assaulting four men after a month-long trial at London's Southwark crown court.

At the gala dinner, he compares his ordeal to that of the postwar Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who was blacklisted during the McCarthy anti-communist era, and noted that the actor Kirk Douglas was one of the few stars who publicly supported Trumbo.

'We have to think about the pushback that [Douglas] received after he made the brave decision to stand up for fellow colleague, two-time Oscar winning screenwriter Dalton Trumbo,' he says. '[Douglas] said this: 'It's easier for us actors to play the heroes on screen. We get to fight the bad guys and stand up for justice. But in real life, the choices are not always so clear.' There are times when one has to stand up for principle. I've learned a lot from history. It often repeats itself  but only if we allow it to.'

Spacey has battled to save his name, liberty and fortune after the sex scandal which engulfed him in 2017.

The star has lost his houses and his money after a series of legal battles, and was essentially cancelled by Hollywood following allegations by the actor Anthony Rapp that Spacey had acted improperly at a party in 1986, when Rapp was 14 and Spacey was 26.

This was followed by allegations of 'handsy' behaviour and sexual assault on the set of the Netflix hit series House of Cards, in which he starred.

Spacey has denied everything, but at the time he apologised to Rapp and his representatives said that he was 'taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment'.

Two years ago, he was acquitted in a UK court of nine charges of assault relating to his time in charge of the Old Vic. But legal actions grind on in the US.

Recently, the Oscar-winning actor joined forces in a $150 million legal battle against insurers of the hit Netflix series House of Cards in an apparent bid to stave off personal bankruptcy.

MRC, makers of the show, had previously successfully sued Spacey for $30 million, saying that his conduct on the show led to him being suspended, which had cost them a fortune.

But they agreed to take just $1 million for Spacey in return for him joining the battle with them.

They are now suing insurers for a payout on the grounds that the former star was ill with 'compulsive sexual behaviour disorder' in 2017 and hence had to leave the programme.

However, now it can be revealed that the insurers have applied to have the whole lawsuit junked, saying essentially that Spacey and MRC can't possibly make the argument both ways  either he was too sick to appear, or he was suspended due to the scandal.
Kim Kardashian is one step closer to following in her late father Robert Kardashians footsteps after quietly sitting for the grueling California bar exam earlier this summer.

The 44-year-old reality queen and makeup mogul has spent the past six years grinding through an apprenticeship  the unconventional path that allowed her to bypass law school  before officially wrapping the program on May 21, 2025.

Kim famously passed the 'baby bar' on her fourth try back in December 2021, clearing the first major hurdle on her way to becoming a licensed attorney.

Now, shes facing the ultimate test: the notoriously brutal California bar, considered the hardest in the nation with one of the lowest pass rates.

Kim took the two-day exam last month, answering 200 multiple-choice questions, five essay prompts, and one 90-minute performance test, per TMZ.

The mother of four wont know her fate until November 7, when results are released to examinees  just two days before theyre made public on November 9 at 6 p.m. PT.

Kim Kardashian is one step closer to following in her late father Robert Kardashians footsteps after quietly sitting for the grueling California bar exam earlier this summer

The 44-year-old reality queen and makeup mogul has spent the past six years grinding through an apprenticeship  the unconventional path that allowed her to bypass law school  before officially wrapping the program on May 21, 2025

While most examinees test in person at designated sites, insiders say Kim likely took her exam privately with a proctor to avoid unwanted attention.

The timing couldnt be more fitting: Kims legal pursuit mirrors her fathers famous career as a defense attorney, most notably for O.J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial.

It also come as Kim is once again taking aim at Donald Trump  this time blasting his ICE raids, even though shes maintained a surprisingly cordial bond with the former president, his wife Melania, and daughter Ivanka.

Back in June, the SKIMS mogul used her Instagram Story to condemn Trumps immigration crackdown in Los Angeles, calling the tactics 'inhumane' and urging protection for the 'hardworking people' being separated from their families.

But the post drew mixed reactions, with critics accusing her of 'virtue signaling' given her personal ties to the Trump family.

Kim has long been friendly with Ivanka Trump, 43, and famously made trips to the White House during Trumps first term to push for criminal justice reform.

Still, she didnt back down when pressed about the raids this week.

While walking the red carpet at Diane von Furstenbergs DVF Awards in Venice, Italy  where she was honored for her work on prison reform  Kim doubled down on her criticism.

Now, shes facing the ultimate test: the notoriously brutal California bar, considered the hardest in the nation with one of the lowest pass rates

Her latest legal milestone also comes on the heels of a backyard celebration in May, where she toasted the completion of her six-year apprenticeship surrounded by family and friends

'In the news you hear, "Oh, its about people who have committed these crimes and theyre trying to help out our country." But then you hear about all of the people who have worked so hard to build our country, and so many people that are such a part of our country getting affected,' she told Variety.

'People I know. People my friends know. You want to believe that theres a powerful message in protection, but then you see that its not really happening like that. Its really tough, but I think that we have to do what we can to protect the people that have really supported and built our country,' Kim added.

In the same interview, the reality star was asked if shed consider returning to Washington to advocate for additional prison reform cases  even the controversial Menendez brothers, who were recently denied parole after spending more than 30 years behind bars for killing their parents in 1989.

Kim didnt hesitate: she said she 'would love to.'

'[The Menendez brothers] are in a state prison so the governor is really in charge of that decision, but I would go to any administration and any White House to fight for the rights of people I believe in,' she explained.

Her latest legal milestone also comes on the heels of a backyard celebration in May, where she toasted the completion of her six-year apprenticeship surrounded by family and friends.

The star's late father was clearly on her mind during the special day, as she shared a photo of him.

He gained national recognition in the mid-1990s for his involvement in Simpson's murder trial, where he served as a friend and defense attorney on Simpson's legal 'Dream Team.'

He passed away in 2003 from esophageal cancer. He was 59 years old.
Courtney Stodden has celebrated her first sober birthday as an adult.

The last time the blonde beauty from Washington state enjoyed a birthday with no alcohol was when she was 17-years-old.

Now on her 31st birthday she has told Daily Mail she feels 'incredible' that she has gone without the bubbly as she navigates her sober journey.

'I feel stronger than ever and look forward to a healthy future,' added the former teen bride.

'I honestly didnt think I would make it to 31 but here I am. Id like to believe that Im stronger than I ever thought I was and if this resonates with you, so are you theres a light within you that can carry you through the hardest trials and tribulations. My first sober adult birthday lets do this! Cheers either way with a glass of water!'

Stodden also shared several posts to Instagram to welcome her new year. One entry saw her in a white bikini on her last day of being 30. Another post was of her in a silver mesh top as she enjoyed her birthday cake.

And the reality TV siren commented on how this birthday is so different as she encouraged her followers to live their best lives.

Courtney Stodden has celebrated her first sober birthday as an adult. The last time the blonde beauty from Washington state enjoyed a birthday with no alcohol was when she was 17

Now on her 31st birthday she has told Daily Mail she feels 'incredible' that she has gone without the bubbly as she navigates her sober journey

'Today Im 31 - 1st alcohol free birthday since turning 17!!!' she said in her caption.

'If I could talk to the girl I was at 21 and honestly, to anyone out there who feels lost right now this is what Id say: You will get out. The control, the fear, the heartbreak it wont last forever.'

Courtney then said that she knows some of her followers feel 'invisible.'

However, she assured her fans that they are 'not fading away youre getting ready to grow into someone powerful.'

And the pinup explained: 'The pain youre carrying isnt weakness. Its the fire thats going to save your life. The people who hurt you never deserved you. And the ones who are meant for you theyll show up when the time is right. Your gut is your truth. Dont ignore it.'

Then Stodden made an urgent plea: 'And please hear me: none of this is your fault. Not the abuse, not the shame, not the tears you cried when nobody was watching.

'Most of the people you think you cant live without will leave. And when they do, youll realize you never needed them to survive.

'I feel stronger than ever and look forward to a healthy future,' added the former teen bride

Stodden also shared several posts to Instagram to welcome her new year

One entry saw her in a white bikini in her swimming pool on her last day of being 30

The head-turner had glitter all over her body

'You are not broken. You are not crazy. You are not too much. You are a good soul who will one day tell your story, and people will listen.'

The beauty, who resembled Marilyn Monroe, then said that those in pain need to learn to love themselves the way they always deserved to be loved: 'Youre beautiful. You always were. And remember this!!! You are nobodys property. You dont belong to anyone. You belong to YOU.'

And she looked back on her rough past: 'I survived what should have destroyed me. Im beginning my sober journey Im unlearning a lot of toxic habits. But I like to believe that Im proof that even when you feel like you wont make it, you do.

'If youre out there and this resonates, let this be your reminder: youre not alone.  And happiest of birthdays to all my fellow Virgos we rock this b***h.'

Another post was of her in a silver mesh top as she enjoyed her birthday cake

And the reality TV siren commented on how this birthday is so different as she encouraged her followers to live their best lives

Her husband Jared Safier posted a birthday tribute to his wife soon after: 'Happy Birthday to my love!! I believe the Universe partners you with someone that fills the things you are missing in your life, like a puzzle piece. You are my best friend thru all the ups and downs life throws at us. You are the smartest most fearless woman I have ever met. The world is yours for the taking and I will be right by your side. I love you with all my heart!!'

This comes after she posed topless for an Instagram post. The star had her blonde hair down over her chest as she wore nothing but a gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace.

The actress - who weighs 109lbs these days - said she has been sober for 43 days so far.

'Last Days of 30 and My First Birthday Sober Since 17,' she began her Instagram caption. She turns 31-years-old on Thursday.

'I dont know how to put into words what I feel tonight The last days of being 30 have been quiet and heavy. I catch myself in the mirror and wonder if anyone truly sees me.

'Ive spent years learning to be strong to smile to perform and yet some nights I feel invisible  Please 31 be gentle. God, guide me back to the part of myself that still feels alive.'

Stodden posed topless for an Instagram post; she had her blonde hair down over her chest as she wore nothing but a gold necklace

The pinup added: 'Day 43 without alcohol. I try to be proud I try to be grateful and I am even when it doesnt fill all the spaces inside,' added the icon.

'Women like me are always seen through contradictions strong yet fragile celebrated yet misunderstood I hold all of myself even the messy, tender pieces.'

Stodden then said that she trusts the God has her back.

'Perhaps this year I will carve out a place where I belong/ For now this is my truth the rest I leave beneath the surface #birthdayweek.'

The pinup - who resembles Marilyn Monroe - shared a note earlier this month about her traumatic past as a teen bride.

'Everything I thought would ruin me ended up making me stronger,' began the wife of movie producer Jared Safier.

'Trauma became my greatest teacher, and my "why" pushes me past bitterness into peace. I forgive not for anyone else, but for myself because pain can be a superpower if you let it. Whats the most powerful thing your pain taught you?'

Earlier this month the actress told the Daily Mail that her 'body, mind, spirit' are better off without the booze as she feels more like herself.

'I am healing from past trauma,' added the blonde beauty who is married to movie producer Jared Safier. 'It's my sober journey for my overall health. I used alcohol to deal with pain, but all it did was make things more difficult.'

Stodden also said she feels 'calm' after leaving the champagne - her choice was Veuve Clicquot - behind to have more 'clarity' over her life.

The star also showed off her weight loss while in ruby red lingerie which she compared to her more fuller figure in a blue swimsuit weeks ago.

In one image she was seen barefoot on her scale which showed she is 109lbs.

This comes after she talked about how her much-older first husband Doug Hutchison - a 65-year-old actor whom she calls her former 'groomer' - got her started on drinking alcohol when she was very young.

The Washington native said he would drink 'bottle and bottles of alcohol' a day and pushed her to drink too so he could 'control' her.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley showed off her incredible figure as she joined Hollywood's A-listers in Venice on Friday for this year's Film Festival.

The model, 38, looked sensational as she donned a white maxi dress that showed off her incredible physique.

The woolen figure-hugging dress showed off Rosie tiny frame as she walked through the terminal heading for a boat taxi.

Rosie had paired the dress with a cream blazer, though removed it as she stepped out in the summer Venice heat.

A cream Giorgio Armani bag perfectly matched the chic outfit, which she wore over her right shoulder.

She completed her look with a pair of white open-toe heels, black sunglasses and a chunky gold bracelet.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned as she became the latest star to arrive in Venice on Friday for this year's Film Festival

The model, 38, looked sensational as she donned a white maxi dress that showed off her incredible physique

Rosie had paired the dress with a cream blazer, though removed it as she stepped out in the scorching summer Venice heat

The mum-of-two appeared to be in good spirits as she was seen with what appeared to be a chaperone while waiting at the dock for a boat to pick her up.

She oozed elegance as she boarded the boat, with its gentleman-like driver offering his hand to help the model safely on board.

Rosie's husband and Hollywood actor Jason Statham was not pictured with her, and it's unclear if he will attend the festival.

Meanwhile, Ava Max has also touched down in the Italian city for the festival and was pictured with her luggage.

Wearing a black crop top and white linen trousers, the blonde beauty walked through the arrivals hall with a Prada handbag.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was also snapped in Venice as he sported a super cool look while boarding a boat taxi.

The 35-year-old actor wore a white shirt paired with a cream jacket as he matched his cap to the summer colour scheme.

Julia Roberts, Michael Stuhlbarg, Ayo Edebiri, Chloe Sevigny and Andrew Garfield posed together for a photocall on Friday morning ahead of the premiere of their new thriller at the festival.

Rosie's husband and Hollywood actor Jason Statham was not pictured with her, and it's unclear if he will attend the festival

The mum-of-two appeared to be in good spirits as she was seen with what appeared to be a chaperone while waiting at the dock for a boat to pick her up

She oozed elegance as she boarded the boat, with its gentleman-like driver offering his hand to help the model safely on board

As crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars, Julia could be seen waving to the enthusiastic fans.

While she seemed in good spirits on the outing, the day before she had a rather more tense time, being accused of presenting a post #Metoo film which was  according to one questioner  bad feminism.

In After The Hunt she plays a Yale college professor who defends a professor friend (Andrew ) who is accused of sexual assault by a younger woman (Ayo Edibiri).

At one point the Yale counsellor sighs of the allegations: I believe her. But whatever happened to stuffing everything down like the rest of us?

Julia didnt answer a question about feminism but repeatedly said that she just hoped that the film would spark conversations.

Julia Roberts makes her Venice debut as she stars in brand new thriller After The Hunt, which will premiere at the festival on Friday

Left to right: Michael Stuhlbarg, Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny and Andrew Garfield posing at the photocall

The 35-year-old actor wore a white shirt paired with a cream jacket as he matched his cap to the summer colour scheme

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was also pictured on Friday arriving in Venice as he sported a super cool look

Rosie's bronzed sun-kissed complexion after she enjoyed a luxury family holiday with Jason, 58, and her two children in Ibiza.

She sizzled in snaps shared with fans of the trip, as she stripped down to a sexy yellow halter crepe bikini as she topped up her tan.

Transporter star Jason could be seen in a loved-up selfie with Rosie, posing in a white top and a bucket hat to protect his bald head from the sun.

Rosie also shared a picture showing her relaxing on a luxury yacht that appeared to be docked close to the shoreline.
Kylie Jenner shared new images to Instagram on Thursday from her latest project, Khy X Grace Ling.

The 28-year-old cosmetics mogul looked toned as can be as she wore a sexy outfit from her Khy collaboration with Singaporean fashion designer Grace Ling.

The reality TV star's belly was flat with little abs popping out as she wore a gray bra top and matching wide-legged leggings with silver 'piercings' from her new line.

The star definitely did not have a baby bump.

For the past eight months it has been rumored by her fans on TikTok and X that she may be expecting a baby with her boyfriend, Oscar-nominated actor Timothee Chalamet, but those rumors have yet again been unfounded.

Neither Jenner nor Chalamet have ever confirmed or denied the pregnancy rumors as they don't publicly discuss their relationship.

Sources close to the couple - who have been dating since the spring of 2023 - have stated that they are definitely not expecting a baby.

Kylie Jenner shared new images to Instagram on Thursday from her latest project, Khy X Grace Ling. The cosmetics mogul looked toned as can be as she wore a sexy outfit from her Khy collaboration with fashion designer Grace Ling

Jenner's latest Khy project is sizzling.

'Defined by GRACE LING's signature piercing detail, each piece transforms classic silhouettes into bold statements, I'm so excited about this dream collab,' Jenner wrote when she posted about the collection earlier this week.

Grace Ling is a New York-based designer known for using 3D technology and innovative methods to create unique, sculpted high-fashion pieces with zero waste, often featuring chrome finishes and a mix of technological and traditional craft.

Jenner was seen wearing sleek black, gray, and white ensembles with smooth metallic accents.

'Meet @khy x @gracelingofficial launching 8/28,' she wrote on her Instagram page.

Khloe Kardashian and Hailey Bieber hit the like button.

Ling said in a statement: 'This collaboration is for the young woman, a dreamer, aspiring to unique success. This collection is for the girl who wants to be sexy for herself, not necessarily for someone else. For me, fashion is often a form of manifestation. I buy pieces that give me a certain feelingreminders of who I want to be and where Im going. I hope that this collaboration serves that purpose.'

The reality TV star's belly was flat with little abs popping out as she wore a gray bra top. The star definitely did not have a baby bump. For the past eight months it has been rumored she may be expecting a baby with her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, but those rumors have yet again been unfounded

And Ling told Vogue: 'Khy exudes a strong, sexy energy, while Grace Ling has always been about chicness and intelligent femininity.'

Khy has collaborated with several fashion brands and designers, including Entire Studios, Poster Girl, Sia Arnika, Atlein, Natasha Zinko, Namilia, Frankies Bikinis, and Dilara Findikoglu.

These collaborations offer a range of styles, from ready-to-wear collections to swimwear, making the designers' visions more accessible.

This comes after Jenner was seen with Chalamet last week after 45 days apart.

The beauty and the 29-year-old actor were spotted in Budapest where he is currently filming Dune: Part Three.

Daily Mail reported that the beauty 'secretly jets off to see him when she can.'

The image was shared by employees at a coffee shop that were star struck by the Hollywood power couple.

Neither Jenner nor Chalamet have ever confirmed or denied the pregnancy rumors as they don't publicly discuss their relationship. Sources close to the couple - who have been dating since the spring of 2023 - have stated that they are definitely not expecting a baby

'Today Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet just walked in to our coffeeshop at Buda we were so in confusion, we could barley concentrate, but i think you can see on our face,' wrote the woman behind the Instagram page Budapest Baristas.

'Thank god everyone look at them not us. They were super nice and kind thank you for coming @kyliejenner @tchalamet .'

Timothee pulled his white T-shirt over his head to hide his current haircut for Dune 3 while adding a brown Brentwood Country Mart cap and black Oakley sunglasses (the Masseter model) as he held up a peace sign. A gold bangle bracelet hung from his wrist.

Jenner looked sporty in a white tank top over a white one as she wore her thick raven hair down. She had on light makeup with a mauve-toned lip.

Jenner and Chalamet were reunited after 45 days apart. The 28-year-old billionaire and the 29-year-old actor were spotted in Budapest where he is currently filming Dune: Part Three

The employees of the coffee shop looked young as they smiled for the camera.

The last time Jenner and Chalamet were spotted together was on July 5, in St Tropez, France for a yacht vacation.

Their time apart had fans wondering if they had split up, but the Daily Mail pointed out on August 15 that his work had taken him overseas while Jenner stayed home in Hidden Hills, California but went to visit when she could.

The Daily Mail explained that Chalamet has been filming his next project, Dune: Part Three, in Hungary. The thespian plays the character Paul Atreides in the third installment of the Dune franchise.
Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed his friendship with Olivia Colman hit a 'speed bump' after they hurled insults at each other on set of their new movie.

The actor, 49, stars alongside Olivia, 51, in The Roses, which is a remake of the original 1989 movie The War of the Roses.

In a new interview, both stars revealed how they fully embraced the storyline of a lawyer and his wife deciding to divorce, which leads to a ferocious legal battle.

The pair follow in the footsteps of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner who originally played the roles of Theo and Ivy.

However, while the real-life friends largely enjoyed hurling insults at each other on set of the big budget film, there was a point where it got too much.

Benedict explained: 'There was one speed bump where it started to get a bit toxic, and I was like, "I might need to check in with you as a friend, because this is getting a bit nasty now".

Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed his friendship with Olivia Colman hit a 'speed bump' after they hurled insults at each other on set of their new movie

The actor, 49, stars alongside Olivia, 51, in The Roses, which is a remake of the original 189 movie The War of the Roses

In a new interview, both stars revealed how they fully embraced the storyline of a lawyer and his wife deciding to divorce, which leads to a ferocious legal battle

'But after that, it was just a lot of fun insulting each other and making it up [to one another].'

The scene in question saw the pair shoot a vicious fight that breaks out following a disastrous dinner between their characters that airs towards the end of the movie.

Benedict continued to Yahoo: 'I can't remember exactly what it was, but I just thought, "Oh, if we're doing a scene and having a moment together, chatting on set and doing it, and then I'm going off and doing things  I just need to clear the air and [remind myself] it's okay, we're good, we're here, we're helping each other".

'It's all the same as it was before the gloves started coming off. So, the short answer is it was a lot of fun, but I did  I had a blip.'

Olivia said she knew all along the scenes were 'pretend', adding: 'After that, we'd just go "aww" and we would always have a little cuddle at the end of a scene.'

She said that scenes like that you 'couldn't get away with in real life', though joked she 'might try it'.

The dark divorce comedy is set for release August 29 and is still based on the 1981 novel.

Meanwhile, on Thursday night Benedict looked smitten as his wife Sophie Hunter joined him for the premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London.

Olivia said she knew all along the scenes were 'pretend', adding: 'After that, we'd just go 'aww' and we would always have a little cuddle at the end of a scene'

Benedict Cumberbatch looked smitten with his wife Sophie Hunter as he joined co-stars Olivia Colman and Allison Janney at the UK premiere of The Roses on Thursday

Meanwhile Oscar winner Olivia wowed in an exaggerated olive green Elie Saab cape gown with floor length cascading sleeves

She was joined by her husband Ed Sinclair who posed by her side in a smart brown suit and matching tie

His theatre director wife Sophie, stunned in a mint green boat neck gown as she proudly walked the carpet with her husband.

Oscar winner Olivia wowed in an exaggerated olive green Elie Saab cape gown with floor length cascading sleeves.

She was joined by her husband Ed Sinclair who posed by her side in a smart brown suit and matching tie.

The film also stars American actress Allison, 65, as a divorce lawyer, and she turned heads at the premiere on Thursday.

Allison looked striking in a bright red high-neck tulle gown, featuring a pleated skirt and cinched waist with a sheer cape.
As Happy Days icon Ron Howard was waiting for his bride Cheryl Alley to join him at the altar on June 27, 1975, he knew it was the first day of the rest of their lives.

And instead of a huge blowout ceremony and reception - like those now expected from brides-to-be Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift - the couple kept it very low-key.

'It was a small, very modest wedding in Burbank, California,' Howard told People.

'And it was important to Cheryl's dad that he pay for it, so therefore it was important to Cheryl to not let it get out of hand,' he told the outlet.

Howard, 71, was starring as Richie Cunningham in the hit TV series Happy Days and was a household name at the time.

He and Alley had met in their high school English class and at the ripe old age of 21, they decided to get married.

When Ron Howard and his bride Cheryl Alley, then 21, walked down the aisle on June 27, 1975, they had a modest wedding by Hollywood standards, costing only $800, including the dress

'We sent out invitations to 300 people and Cheryl kept saying, "That's huge." My mom kept saying, "They won't all show up,"' he recalled, but she was mistaken.

'That church was chock-a-block full. It was everybody from The Andy Griffith Show, everybody from Happy Days, and so many other friends, Cheryl's friends as well.'

'It was a great day,' the two-time Oscar winner said. In his memoir The Boys, written with brother Clint Howard, 66, he revealed the whole thing cost about $800, 'including the price of the dress.'

'My mom and dad had a small kind of champagne punch reception back at their house,' he told People. The whole thing was super modest, but you know what? By God it worked.'

Howard said 'I just knew I wanted to be with Cheryl, and that we'd be great together.'

'If you would've asked me then, will you celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary? I would've said, "Yeah, if we live that long, absolutely."

'I was just so sure.'

The couple celebrated their half-century of marriage by donating a kissing bench to Johnny Carson Park in Burbank where they had spent so much time together while dating.

The couple were high school sweethearts and had met in English class; Pictured in March 1974

'If you would've asked me then, will you celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary? I would've said, "Yeah, if we live that long, absolutely." I was just so sure,' he told People; Pictured in Beverly Hills in March 2018

The couple are parents to four children, Bryce Dallas, twins Paige and Jocelyn, 40, and son Reed, 38; Pictured in Los Angeles in December 2015

The couple went on to have four children together; Bryce Dallas 44, twins Paige and Jocelyn, 40, and son Reed, 38.

Instead of staying in Hollywood, the family moved to Connecticut away from the spotlight.

The writer and director made those comments while promoting his new film Eden.

A-listers Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Vanessa Kirby and Sydney Sweeney star in the 1930s survival story based on a group of people who tried to create their own paradise on the Galapagos islands.

Eden opened in theaters on August 22.
The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are now convinced Taylor Swift will drop the first single from her upcoming album The Life Of A Showgirl in one of the final episodes.

Viewers of the hit Amazon Prime show have been theorising the hitmaker, 35, could be releasing the song as a surprise on the show just days after announcing her engagement to Travis Kelce.

Fans have watched the main character Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) wrestle with her emotions for her fiance Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) and his brother and her first love, Conrad (Christopher Briney) throughout the three series.

And less than 24 hours from the release of its eight episode, fans gathered on different social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram to discuss their ideas.

One fan speculated in a TikTok clip: 'Okay but can you imagine if the song Jenny Han had to fight so hard for was a song from The Life Of A Showgirl' that plays when Belly and Conrad end up together.'

The same fan later added in the caption: 'and taylor and travis being engaged will make it feel more real!!!'

The Summer I Turned Pretty fans are now convinced Taylor Swift will drop the first single from her upcoming album The Life Of A Showgirl in one of the final episodes (pictured Lola Tung as Belly)

Viewers of the hit Amazon Prime show have been theorising the Miss Americana (pictured), 35, could be releasing the song as a surprise on the show just days after announcing her wedding with Travis Kelce

Elsewhere on Instagram, another dedicated viewer shared the same theory explaining in her post: 'We know Jenny is a huge fan,' she told referring to The Summer I Turned Pretty author.

The user shared a screenshot of Jenny's recent Instagram post where she is seen looking at a giant billboard of the romantic show in the middle of Times Square.

'Maybe it's just Jenny being cute see but I do find it a little suspicious! And the fact that they posted their Times Square pictures almost exactly at the same time!,' the fan added fuelling rumours.

Another person commented below: 'Wasn't there also an interview this season where the cast was asked what their favourite Taylor song used in the show is/was and someone said they can't say but that Jenny worked really hard to get it

'I would imagine she would have to work really hard to get something from the new album, especially if it's being used prior to the album release and they certainly wouldn't have been able to say yet!'

A different user echoed: 'That's what I've been saying!! Jenny Han is such a fan of Taylor and her music. Each season of the show she's used her songs.

'I don't think it's out of the question that they could've been plotting behind the scenes together, possibly feature a single on her new album.'

'I'm telling y'all, I rewatched the last episode and saw quite a few orange and greens together. Rewatch and see if you can spot them!,' prompted another fan.

Viewers have watched the main character Belly Conklin (Lola Tung) wrestle with her emotions for her fiance Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) and his brother and her first love, Conrad (Christopher Briney) throughout the three series (pictured Belly and Jeremiah)

And less than 24 hours from the release of its eight episode, fans gathered on different social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram to discuss their ideas (pictured Belly and Jeremiah)

One fan speculated in a TikTok clip: 'Okay but can you imagine if the song Jenny Han had to fight so hard for was a song from 'the life of a showgirl' that plays when belly and conrad end up together'

Elsewhere on Instagram, another dedicated viewer shared the same theory explaining in her post: 'We know Jenny is a huge fan,' she told referring to The Summer I Turned Pretty author

More Instagram users shared their views in the comment section

The eighth episode set the scene for Belly and Jeremiah's wedding at the Cousins' clubhouse, however this chapter of their story ended quite differently to expected as Jere called off the wedding after learning of Belly's feelings for his sibling.

After Jere ended their relationship just moments before they were due to walk down the aisle, fans watched Belly arrive at the airport to board a flight to Paris, an opportunity she had previously given up for the wedding.

As Taylor Swift's Cardigan played in the background - an artist typically linked to Belly and Conrad's romance - she notices him sat across the departures lounge.

At this point, Conrad had no idea the wedding has been called off and was likely making his way back to California where he is studying medicine at Stanford.

Fans will have to wait another week for the ninth episode of the viral show to find out what happens when Conrad and Belly meet again, after he said goodbye to her while she was getting ready for her wedding.

He walked into her room hurt and apologetic and admitted being near her is painful and that he'll leave. He kissed her on the forehead and says: 'Being with you, loving you, it was all worth it.'
Pete Davidsons pregnant girlfriend Elsie Hewitt shared some very fun photos on Friday that were taken during her late summer vacation in Greece.

The 29-year-old model and actress was in a bikini as she flashed her baby bump while in the bathroom of her hotel room.

She looked over six months along as she beamed for the camera.

In front of her was her 31-year-old Saturday Night Live album boyfriend who had on no shirt, which showed off his tattoo collection, and a pair of moss green shorts.

They were touching tummies in a very cute move.

'Coupla silly geese on vacashon,' wrote the photogenic star who had a towel over her hair and no makeup on.

Pete Davidson s pregnant girlfriend Elsie Hewitt shared some very fun photos on Friday that were taken during her late summer vacation in Greece

The 29-year-old model and actress was in a bikini as she flashed her baby bump while in the bathroom of her hotel room

There was also an image of the beauty enjoying her bubble bath as she held onto her bump.

She nicely added a photo of her bottom as she wore a bright orange thong string bikini while working on her suntan.

Hewitt's photo portfolio also included a snapshot of her hugging Pete while they took a dip in the sea in the picturesque coastal town.

Another cute image was of Pete in a black-and-green shirt at an outdoor table in a restaurant as he looked at a lone gray cat.

Davidson looked happy when he dined on lobster while wearing a New York Yankees cap and a shirt that read Gettin' Lucky on front.

Earlier in the week she was seen posing on a yacht in a skimpy purple two-piece while soaking up the sun.

Last week the comedian revealed he initially 'felt bad' when they announced the pregnancy news to the world.

Hewitt shared the big reveal on social media, posting photos of the couple with a sonogram and captioning it: 'Welp now everyone knows we had sex.'

She nicely added a photo of her bottom as she wore a bright orange thong string bikini while working on her suntan

There was also an image of the beauty enjoying her bubble bath as she held onto her bump

Hewitt's photo portfolio also included a snapshot of her hugging Pete while they took a dip in the sea in the picturesque coastal town

She looked over six months along as she beamed for the camera

'Coupla silly geese on vacashon,' wrote the photogenic star who had a towel over her hair and no makeup on

Another cute image was of Pete in a black-and-green shirt at an outdoor table in a restaurant as he looked at a lone gray cat

Davidson looked happy when he dined on lobster while wearing a New York Yankees cap and a shirt that read Gettin' Lucky on front

During a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, Pete said he felt bad that Elsies pregnancy would be thrust into the public eye.

I feel bad for my girl because I bring a lot of s***. Anything I do or she does now is gonna be a thing, he admitted.

The star has previously expressed his excitement about becoming a first-time dad, while also acknowledging the pressures of living life in the spotlight.

'She's a very private person and she's the one doing all the work,' he added. 'It's supposed to be a beautiful experience.'

Davidson stressed that Elsie has never minded the spotlight, but he couldnt shake feeling guilty about all the extra eyes on her while shes pregnant.

'She's never made me feel this way or said anything but I feel so guilty and horrible that I could not allow her to have the ideal pregnancy that almost every woman gets to have and enjoy,' he said.

Her last Instagram post showed her in a purple bikini top with a gold starfish hanging from it

The couple has been heating up headlines for less than six months, first sparking romance rumors back in March.

They were soon spotted locking lips and packing on the PDA during a steamy Miami getaway.

Just a week later, Hewitt made it Instagram official, posting a flirty photo of Davidson for the world to see.

Their whirlwind love story didnt stop thereby May, they made a major splash on the red carpet.

The pair turned heads at the Endometriosis Foundation of Americas 2025 Blossom Ball, dazzling fans with their glamorous debut together.

At the event, she gushed about the actor supporting her. 'He's so incredible,' she told People at the time. Honestly, best person I've ever met, and I'm so grateful that he's here tonight.'

The model has long spoken openly about her battle with endometriosis, and at the gala, she shared how Davidson steps in to care for her during the conditions painful episodes.

Pete sets me up with a little heating pad, and it's very sweet, and I just eat whatever. I'm like, I will allow myself to eat whatever I want and just snuggle up and watch a movie and get cozy. Everyone deserves a Pete! she gushed.

The couple has been heating up headlines for less than six months, first sparking romance rumors back in March; pictured May in New York City

By that point, the couple was reportedly already living together, even though they had only been dating for a few weeks.

In late July, Davidson opened up about his excitement over becoming a first-time dad so early in their relationship. I'm very lucky and very, very happy, he told E! News at the New York City premiere of The Home.

He added that fatherhood has always been his dream and revealed that several of his A-list friends had reached out to share advice for the new chapter ahead.

'Everybody's just been super excited for me, because they know it's been my dream,' he said. 'They all just have been like, "You're going to be great at this. It's the best thing you'll ever do in your life." [Adam] Sandler gave me some great advice.'

The dad-to-be added: 'It's been really nice that everyone's super excited. When you do something, when we do anything, you want everyone to be excited, especially having a child.'
Axed Saturday Night Live cast member Devon Walker has weighed in on the show's mass bloodbath of stars that has sent shockwaves through the world of TV.

In a bombshell week, Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow and show veteran Heidi Gardner have all been confirmed to be exiting - with outraged fans calling for the late night show to be cancelled as a result.

After a fan shared photos of Walker, Wakim and Longfellow in an X post reading: 'ohhh my boys @internetdevon @Longfellowww i wish you both nothing but the best', Walker couldn't resist sharing his thoughts in comedic fashion.

He wrote: 'yall acting like we died lol we just getting different jobs.'

This comes after the Daily Mail confirmed that Gardner had exited the show after an impressive eight-season run.

The news of the 42-year-old comedian's exit comes shortly after it was revealed that cast members Longfellow, Wakim and Walker would not be returning for season 51 on NBC.

Axed SNL cast member Devon Walker has weighed in on the show's mass bloodbath of stars that has sent shockwaves through the world of TV - pictured 2024 with fellow exiting star Heidi Gardner

The Daily Mail has reached out to Gardner's reps for comment. A spokesperson for NBC declined to comment to the Daily Mail.

Gardner joined Saturday Night Live in 2017 during season 43 as a featured player along with now-former SNL stars Luke Null and Chris Redd.

She was then promoted to the main cast two years later.

Since then, the Missouri-born actress has written and starred in countless iconic SNL sketches.

She is best known for creating the hilarious character Bailey Gismert, a teen movie critic, who often appeared during SNL's Weekend Update segments.

Gardner also impersonated a number of high-profile celebrities during her eight years on SNL, including Reba McEntire, Oscar-winner Mikey Madison and Kim Kardashian.

She joined fellow SNL stars and alums at the show's 50th anniversary special in February.

Confirmation of Gardner's exit comes after she seemingly hinted at leaving the show earlier this year.

In a bombshell week, Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow and show veteran Heidi Gardner have all been confirmed to be exiting - with outraged fans calling for the late night show to be cancelled as a result - pictured 2024

After a fan shared photos of Walker, Wakim and Longfellow in an X post reading: 'ohhh my boys @internetdevon @Longfellowww i wish you both nothing but the best', Walker couldn't resist sharing his thoughts in comedic fashion. He wrote: 'yall acting like we died lol'

While appearing on an episode of Craig Ferguson's Joy podcast, she admitted that things behind the scenes had gotten 'a little tough' and that she was feeling fatigued.

'I will say the only thing that I've started to feel a little bit is just sketch fatigue, or idea fatigue,' she told Ferguson at the time.

'At this point, after doing Groundlings and SNL for so long, I'm like, 'I've written a lot of sketches.'

Gardner's shock departure evoked a strong reaction from SNL fans on social media  with some demanding that the show be canceled ahead of season 51.

Another speculated that SNL's mass exodus could be due to a cut back on production costs as they called for NBC to 'just cancel SNL already.'

Many were left frustrated over the loss of another beloved player, with one fan declaring Gardner 'the heart and soul of the show.'

Another penned: 'Wow, she's one of the funny people still there.'

Among the tweets expressing sadness and disappointment over Gardner's exit, several fans saw it as an opportunity for a new, young comic to make a name for themselves on the show.

'Love Heidi Gardner, but maybe it was time for her to make room for the kids coming up.'

It was also confirmed by Daily Mail on Thursday that SNL cast member Michael Longfellow is leaving the hit show after just three seasons.

Longfellow, 31, joined SNL in season 48 as a 'featured player' - and, like Gardner, was known for his Weekend Update segments.

Earlier this week, featured cast member Emil Wakim joined the long list of former SNL stars who have had their tenures with the show cut short before joining the main cast.

Wakim, 27, announced his departure in an Instagram post with photos of happier times at Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

Gardner joined SNL in 2017 during season 43 as a featured player along with now-former SNL stars Luke Null and Chris Redd. She was promoted to main cast two years later

Gardner (right) previously named Travis Kelce as her favorite guest host on Saturday Night Live

It was also confirmed by Daily Mail on Thursday that SNL cast member Michael Longfellow is leaving the hit show after just three seasons; seen in February

On Wednesday, Wakim, 27, joined the long list of former SNL stars who have had their tenures with the show cut short

He indicated that he had been let go by SNL, and his unexpected departure came just a day after his costar Devon Walker revealed he was leaving the series after three seasons.

Both exits come in the wake of series creator and longtime showrunner Lorne Michaels' announcement that there would be a 'significant shake-up' amid the cast ahead of season 51.

Daily Mail previously contacted a representative for Wakim but hasn't yet received a response.

On Tuesday, Walker took to Instagram to announce he's leaving after three seasons, comparing his time at SNL to a rocky romance.

The 34-year-old admitted the job could be 'toxic' at times, though he stopped short of naming names.

When contacted by Daily Mail, Walker chuckled a bit as he said he did not want to comment 'at this time.'

It remains unclear if his departure was his choice or not.

'To me, jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages,' he began in his Instagram post.

'Some of em last for a long time if we're lucky, but most of them are fleeting. Permanent until they're not. That's the deal. You know what it is it when you sign up.'

Looking back on his three years with the late-night staple, he admitted the highs came with plenty of lows.

'Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool,' Walker continued.

'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***ed up lil family.'

The star said he was ultimately 'happy' he got to share the stage with his fellow comics, adding that he's now preparing to take off overseas.

He wrapped things up with a surprising reveal. 'Anyway, I'm bout to go to Japan,' Walker concluded.

'When I get back I'm tryna be in a prestige drama. Ideally something with Julianne Moore. Hope y'all staying hydrated and getting some money today.'

The Texas native cheekily captioned his exit post, 'Me and baby broke up', and shared his official announcement as a computer note bluntly titled: 'Wait..did he quit or did he get fired?'

One screenshot even showed him texting a friend, 'I'm out', punctuated with a celebration emoji.

Walker made his SNL debut in 2022 as a featured player in Season 48.

By 2024, he'd been bumped up to the main cast.

He quickly became a standout on 'Weekend Update' with Colin Jost and Michael Che, nailing impressions of Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams.

In a candid chat with Pucks Matthew Belloni, Lorne Michaels, 80, admitted the late-night staple is bracing for a 'significant shake-up,' with several current stars expected to be cut before Season 51 kicks off October 4

Just before Walker went public, Michaels teased a big shake-up coming ahead of SNL's Oct. 4 season premiere.

When asked whether he felt 'pressure to reinvent this season', Michaels said: 'Yeah, for sure'. 'It'll be announced in a week or so,' he added.

The most famous members of the current cast include Colin Jost, Bowen Yang and Kenan Thompson.

SNL Season 51 will premiere on Saturday, October 4, at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, after the summer hiatus since May 17.
Julia Roberts led the dazzling arrivals at the premiere of her film After The Hunt alongside a string of her famous co-stars at the Venice Film Festival on Friday night.

The Hollywood heavyweight, 57, looked incredible in a long-sleeved and form-fitting navy gown as she took to the red carpet.

Julia kept her look simple and elegant, wearing her light brown locks in soft waves and accessorising with a selection of silver jewellery.

She was joined by her co-stars Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield and Chloe Sevigny, who all looked sensational as they posed ahead of the big night.

The Bear star Ayo cut a very glamorous figure in a strapless red dress, which featured a dramatic bow-style decoration on the back of the garment.

Meanwhile, Chloe made a statement in a black lace one-piece with a ruffle skirt, adding height to her frame with a pair of strappy heels.

Julia Roberts led the dazzling arrivals at the premiere of her film After The Hunt alongside a string of her famous co-stars at the Venice Film Festival on Friday night

She was joined by her co-stars Ayo Edebiri (pictured), Andrew Garfield and Chloe Sevigny, who all looked sensational as they posed ahead of the big night

Chloe made a statement in a black lace one-piece with a ruffle skirt, adding height to her frame with a pair of strappy heels

Andrew Garfield (pictured) cut a typically cool figure in a blue suit at the event

Earlier in the day, Julia, Chloe, Andrew and Ayo all dazzled in the Italian city as they attended the photocall for their film.

A synopsis for the upcoming flick reads: 'A college professor finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.'

Luca Guadagnino, who directed the film, was also snapped with its lead stars.

At the premiere, the Pretty Woman actress added inches to her statuesque frame as she slipped into a pair of black Roger Vivier platform heels.

To accessorise, Julia added a pop of colour with a patterned black and white bracelet and dangly silver earrings.

Chloe put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a unique lace bodysuit, which she paired with a large diamond necklace.

Julia kept her look simple and elegant, wearing her light brown locks in soft waves and accessorising with a selection of silver jewellery

The Pretty Woman actress added inches to her statuesque frame as she slipped into a pair of black Roger Vivier platform heels

To accessorise, Julia added a pop of colour with a patterned black and white bracelet and dangly silver earrings

Chloe put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a unique lace bodysuit, which she paired with a large diamond necklace

Andrew appeared in high spirits as he stepped out onto the red carpet wearing a pale blue two-piece suit

He sported a clean-shaven look which made him look worlds apart from his usual self, as he removed his grisly-looking beard

The Bear star Ayo cut a very glamorous figure in a strapless red dress, which featured a dramatic bow-style decoration on the back of the garment

Ayo put on an elegant display as she accessorised her look with a huge silver ring and matching dangly earrings

To finish her ensemble, Chloe slicked her blonde tresses up into a tight updo.

Andrew appeared in high spirits as he stepped out onto the red carpet wearing a pale blue two-piece suit.

Andrew sported a clean-shaven look which made him look worlds apart from his usual self, as he removed his grisly-looking beard.

The Bear star Ayo put on an elegant display as she accessorised her look with a huge silver ring and matching dangly earrings.

Meanwhile Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour as she stepped out in a silver, floor-length, strapless gown.

Celebrity PR Alessandra De Tomaso put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a structured leotard layered over polka dot tights.

Actress Noemi Brando looked classy as she wore a two-toned dress featuring a ruffle sleeve and a purple ribbon around her waist.

Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer co-ordinated their dresses for the event as they stepped out in ethereal floaty gowns.

Victoria's Secret model Isabeli Fontana showcased her incredible physique as she wore a purple beaded dress with a floral design.

Adding a pop of colour to the star-studded event, fellow model Simona Jakstaite put on a leggy display as she wore a bright blue dress with a slit up the leg.

Italian art collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudeng, 66, put on an elegant display as she stepped out in a peach beaded gown with a large matching statement necklace.

Nora Garrett, who wrote the screenplay for After the Hunt, looked elegant as she stepped out in a floor-length dress which featured a pink ruffle design across the waist.

Vanity Fair Italia editor-in-chief Simone Marchetti showcased his quirky fashion sense in red and blue-patterned trousers, a matching shirt and a black blazer.

Influencer Stefano Guerrera cut a relaxed figure as he stepped out in black sandals and accessorised his white ensemble with a black and gold scarf wrapped around his head.

Italian director Luca Guadagnino wore a floral blazer which he paired with blue denim jeans and black dress shoes.

Italian TV personality Cristina Parodi wore a black and white polka dot dress which she layered over a mini skirt and black bra.

Model and actor Rahi Chadda commanded attention on the red carpet as he stepped out in black, thigh-high leather boots.

Farhana Bodi was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour as she stepped out in a silver, floor-length, strapless gown

Alessandra De Tomaso put on a very leggy display as she stepped out in a structured leotard layered over polka dot tights

Noemi Brando looked classy as she wore a two-toned dress featuring a ruffle sleeve and a purple ribbon around her waist

Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer co-ordinated their dresses for the event as they stepped out in ethereal floaty gowns

Isabeli Fontana showcased her incredible physique as she wore a purple beaded dress with a floral design

Italian actress Emanuela Fanelli looked glamorous in a bronze gown which pooled onto the floor and glistened under the light

Adding a pop of colour to the star-studded event, model Simona Jakstaite put on a leggy display as she wore a bright blue dress with a slit up the leg

Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudeng cut an elegant display as she stepped out in a peach beaded gown and a large matching statement necklace

After the Hunt writer Nora Garrett looked elegant as she stepped out in a floor-length dress which featured a pink ruffle design across the waist

Editor-in-chief Simone Marchetti showcased his quirky fashion sense in red and blue-patterned trousers, a matching shirt and a black blazer

Stefano Guerrera cut a relaxed figure as he stepped out in black sandals and accessorised his white ensemble with a black and gold scarf wrapped around his head

Italian director Luca Guadagnino wore a floral blazer which he paired with blue denim jeans and black dress shoes

Cristina Parodi wore a black and white polka dot dress which she layered over a mini skirt and black bra

Rahi Chadda commanded attention on the red carpet as he stepped out in thigh-high Saint Laurent boots

Left to right: Will Price, Michael Stuhlbarg, Andrew Garfield, Luca Guadagnino, Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Chloe Sevigny and a guest

Left to right: Michael Stuhlbarg, Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny and Andrew Garfield posing at the photocall

Julia made her Venice debut as she stars in brand new thriller After The Hunt

The A-listers were snapped as they came together for a photocall for the festival ahead of the premiere of their new film

The A-listers were snapped as they came together earlier in the day for a photocall for the festival ahead of the premiere of their film.

Julia, who arrived earlier this week makeup-free, wore a stripped yellow and brown blouse under a navy blazer, along with dark denim jeans paired with a brown heel.

The Notting Hill actress, 57, looked fresh-faced with minimal makeup for the media event.

As crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars, Julia could be seen waving to the enthusiastic fans.

While she seemed in good spirits on the outing, the day before she had a rather more tense time, being accused of presenting a post #MeToo film which was  according to one questioner  bad feminism'.

In After The Hunt she plays a Yale professor who defends a friend and colleague (Andrew) who is accused of sexual assault by a younger woman (Ayo).

At one point her character sighs of the allegations: I believe her. But whatever happened to stuffing everything down like the rest of us?

Julia didnt answer the question about feminism but repeatedly said that she just hoped that the film would spark conversations.

She said: Were not making statements; we are portraying these people in this moment in time. I dont know about controversy, per se, but we are challenging people to have a conversation.

To be excited or or infuriated about it is up to you. If making this movie does anything, getting everybody to talk to each other is the most exciting thing that I think we could accomplish.

She added that she felt that humanity had lost the art of conversation'.

Left to right: Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, Luca Guadagnino, Chloe Sevigny, Nora Garrett and Michael Stuhlbarg

Actress Chloe looked chic in a rose-coloured embroidered dress that featured cut-outs at the front

Lady Victoria Hervey stunned in a metallic gown for the premiere

Earlier in the day she slipped into a gorgeous blue and white mini dress

The model and socialite, 48, turned heads in her leggy ensemble

Ahead of the premiere, actress Chloe looked chic at the photocall in a rose-coloured embroidered dress that featured cut-outs at the front.

She completed her look with an subtle open-toe white heel and a pair of 90s-inspired small sunglasses as the Italian sun beamed down.

With her blonde hair tightly slicked back into a bun, Chloe, 50, looked to be in good spirits while pulling animated poses, including sticking her tongue out for the cameras.

Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield opted for a more casual look, though still appeared pristine for the snaps.

The 42-year-old wore a baby blue woollen jumper, paired with a cream pair of chinos, as he joined his co-stars.

Ayo Edebiri dazzled in a stunning white two-piece outfit, with her blazer featuring a sweetheart neckline.

Her tiny frame on display, she completed her look with a pair of open-toe high heels amid the summer heat.
Brittany Cartwright was seen for the first time with her new boyfriend Brandon Hanson on Thursday while on vacation in Mexico.

The 36-year-old Vanderpump Rules star had just landed at the Los Cabos airport with their luggage before the pair grabbed a quick bite at a taco stand.

Then they headed to the beach for a cuddle session.

The two walked side by side out to the shore then stopped to hug and passionately kiss as the sun was setting.

Cartwright, who is in the process of divorcing Jax Taylor, had on a white knit sweater over a blue one-piece swimsuit while barefoot with her hair up and big gold hoop earrings on.

Hanson wore a side-open tank top that flashed his numerous tattoos as he added turquoise swim trunks while modeling a Los Angeles Dodgers cap.

He also took a moment to light a cigarette, cupping his hands to keep the wind out.

Brittany Cartwright was seen for the first time with her new boyfriend Brandon Hanson on Thursday while on vacation in Mexico

They passionately kissed while standing on the seashore face to face

Cartwright and Hanson seem to be a new couple as they were first seen together a week ago.

Daily Mail has reached out to the star's representation for comment on the budding relationship.

This comes after Cartwright was slammed by Hanson's wife for allegedly dating the reality star during their marriage.

After photos of the beauty and her new beau surfaced on TikTok, a woman purporting to be Hanson's wife, Jasina Stanko, claimed he was still married.

'That man is married,' she wrote in the comments section.

Replying to another person commenting, she later added: 'He's my husband!!!'

When a follower quipped if Stanko had 'dated' Hanson too, she responded: 'I married him. You know him?'

However, it appears that Cartwright's boyfriend and his spouse have been separated for over half a year, a source told Page Six in response to Stanko's comments.

'Brittany's new relationship comes at a time as they both are experiencing similar life changes,' the insider divulged.

The two walked side by side out to the shore then stopped to hug and passionately kiss as the sun was setting

Cartwright, who is in the process of divorcing Jax Taylor, had on a white knit sweater over a dark swimsuit

She was barefoot with her hair up and big gold hoop earrings on

Hanson wore a side-open tank top that flashed his numerous tattoos as he added turquoise swim trunks while modeling a Los Angeles Dodgers cap

The two have been dating all summer as rumors about their relationship have grown

The man lit a cigarette while she took photos of the sunset

Brittany also flashed long pink nails while smiling

'Like Brittany, he is going through a divorce, and he and his ex have been separated for the past seven months.'

This comes over a year after Cartwright split from her estranged husband Taylor, 46, after 10 years together and six of those years married.

The source also told the outlet that Cartwright and Hanson, who seemingly have known each other for a while, 'reconnected well after he had already been separated' from his ex.

The insider added that the pair bonded over their respective divorces.

'The two have found comfort in each other as they've been navigating their respective divorces and personal life changes,' the source shared.

Hanson has even won the stamp of approval from Cartwright's pal Kristen Doute.

Cartwright's new romance comes amid her contentious divorce battle with her estranged husband.

She filed the legal papers to end their marriage in August 2024 after five years of marriage, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

The Vanderpump Rules star had just landed in Los Cabos before the pair grabbed a quick bite then headed to the beach for a cuddle session

She was on her cell phone while pushing one rolly and her mate walked ahead while handling two suitcases

They hit a burger and taco joint

This comes over a year after Cartwright split from her estranged husband Jax Taylor, 46, after 10 years together and six of those years married; pictured December 2019 in Las Vegas

The source also told the outlet that Cartwright and Hanson, who seemingly have known each other for a while, 'reconnected well after he had already been separated' from his ex, pictured

The former couple share a four-year-old son named Cruz.

Months prior to Cartwright filing for divorce, she had already revealed to the public that they had been living separately for months.

In February 2024, she went on their joint podcast and announced their split.

'Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health.'

Afterwards, it was revealed that Taylor had been battling a cocaine addiction and mental health issues, going to rehab after their split.

Prior to dating Hanson, Cartwright also had a fling with her ex's friend Julien Sensley and dated Will Gittens. Taylor also had a fling himself with model Paige Woolen.
The daughter of a legendary guitarist looked in high spirits as she posed with British indie rockers The Cribs at All Points East Festival last week.

The 30-year-old flashed a wide grin for the camera alongside brothers Ryan, 44, Gary, 44, and Ross Jarman, 40, outside a retro-style pop-up diner.

Dressed down in an off-white vest top and light-blue jeans, the book editor looked relaxed as she wrapped an arm around the Wakefield trio.

The group also appeared to be in great spirits as they smiled for the snap in the festival grounds.

She later shared the snap to Instagram with the sweet caption: 'The best big brothers a girl could ever ask for @thecribs.'

But can you guess who the nepo baby and her famous parent are?

A nepo baby appeared in high spirits as she posed with British indie rockers The Cribs at All Points East Festival last week - But can you guess who the nepo baby and her famous parent are?

That's right! It's Sonny Marr, daughter of legendary guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr, 61.

Johnny rose to fame as a founding member of The Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987.

He's since enjoyed a prolific solo career and collaborated with countless acts - including a stint with The Cribs from 2008 to 2011.

Johnny initially joined the indie trio on a part-time basis before becoming a full-time member, contributing to their fourth album, Ignore The Ignorant, before departing to focus on solo work.

Sonny has carved out her own path as a successful literary agent, working with major names including Pet Shop Boys and her famous father.

And she's no stranger to A-list perks either - recently bagging last-minute tickets to see Oasis live.

Posting a photo of herself holding an Oasis keyring between her teeth, she wrote: 'I got invited to see Oasis last minute and it was f*****g amazing.

'Such a great vibe and Noels voice was honestly incredible (his lead-vocal songs have always been my favourites).

That's right! It's Sonny Marr, daughter of legendary guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr, 61 (Johnny pictured in March)

Johnny rose to fame as a founding member of The Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987 (L-R Johnny, Morrissey, Mike Joyce, and Andy Rourke in 1985)

He's since enjoyed a prolific solo career and collaborated with countless acts - including a stint with The Cribs from 2008 to 2011 (L-R Gary Jarman, Johnny, Ross Jarman, and Ryan Jarman in 2008)

Sonny is a successful literary agent, working with big names like the Pet Shop Boys and her famous father. She's also enjoyed A-list perks, like last-minute tickets to see Oasis live

'Incredibly grateful that Ive been able to see them twice at Wembley and hang out. Such a lovely thing.'

Johnny has been married to his wife Angie since 1985.

The couple shares daughter Sonny and son Nile Marr, 33.

He met Angie at a party when he was just 15 years old and instantly fell in love.

He even told his drummer that night he would marry her - and he eventually did.

Despite the pressures of fame, their relationship has stood the test of time.

Johnny has often credited Angie as his biggest inspiration and grounding force.
Valerie Bertinelli has revealed what makes her happiest.

On Thursday the 65-year-old actress shared it thrills her to watch her 34-year-old son Wolfgang Van Halen, whose father is the late rock star Eddie Van Halen, perform onstage.

The One Day At A Time star was taking in his latest gig with his band Mammoth at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

'Color me contented,' Bertinelli wrote in her caption. 'Did my favorite thing in the world tonight. Got to watch my son kill it on stage.'

Bertinelli added she was, 'Happy  Proud  Grateful .'

In a video she uploaded to her Instagram account, Bertinelli showed her son in a pink shirt and ripped jeans as he played a guitar on stage with the name of the band in the background.

Valerie Bertinelli has revealed what makes her happiest. On Thursday the 65-year-old actress shared it thrills her to watch her 34-year-old son Wolfgang Van Halen, whose father is the late rock star Eddie Van Halen, perform onstage

Mammoth will have a new album titled The End coming out on October 24 and he is kicking off his tour in Rancho Mirage, California, on October 31.

Bertinelli has already been involved with her son's career: she had a role in his music video for the band's song The End in May.

In August, Bertinelli touched on what Eddie, who died from cancer at the age of 65 in 2020, would think about his son.

'Who do I yap to when there was really only one person I could talk to about Wolfie the way that we did?' she wrote on Instagram.

'The pride we both felt. Still feel. I'm grateful for where we landed. Through the ups and the downs to still alight where we did is a blessing.

'I know we'd be screaming together in the stands watching him on stage. Seeing who could whistle the loudest. I will never not miss being able to experience that with you,' she added.

This comes nearly two years after Wolfgang married his partner of eight years Andraia Allsop in Los Angeles.

The star was taking in his latest gig with his band Mammoth in Manchester, New Hampshire. 'Color me contented,' Bertinelli wrote in her caption. She shared a look at Wolfgang on stage. 'Did my favorite thing in the world tonight. Got to watch my son kill it on stage'

Wolfgang and Andraia paid tribute to his late father Eddie throughout the ceremony, telling People they kept a chair empty for him at the ceremony and made memory charms with Wolf and Eddie on them for people to look at during the day.

Bertinelli also lent Andraia a necklace for the day which Eddie had given to her.

She shared: 'Ed wouldve been absolutely beaming and so, so proud of the man Wolfie has become and is becoming and so happy that he has found Andraia, someone who really understands Wolfie, who he is and who he wants to be and supports him wholeheartedly.'

The couple wed in their living room with their reception for their 90 guests held in their backyard. The ceremony was officiated by one of the Van Halen's closest family friends.

Wolfgang and his rock star father Eddie pictured onstage in 2012 in NYC

Eddie was 65 when he died after battling throat cancer for several years

During a glam shoot in Los Angeles in 1985

Both Wolfgang and Andraia wrote their own vows and honored their late loved ones in their speeches.

Wolfgang wore a custom three-piece suit while Andraia wore an Eva Lendel dress with sheer sleeves and beading.

Surprisingly Grammy-nominated star Wolfgang did not play at his wedding with the couple enlisting a DJ for their reception.

He quipped: 'I think people's first impression is like, "Oh, are you going to play something?" And it's like, no, that's the last thing I want to do. I'm going on tour in 11 days. I don't want to.

'Last thing I want to think about is playing anything.'

The couple first met on Instagram in 2015 with their first date seeing them enjoy sushi at Aroha before watching the sunset in Malibu.

The wedding comes after Eddie died following a stroke and longtime cancer battle.

The rocker had been suffering from pneumonia, the bone marrow disorder myelodysplastic syndrome, and lung cancer, but ultimately died of a stroke.

Wolfgang married his longtime partner Andraia Allsop in an intimate LA ceremony in 2023

The actress with Wolfgang and Andraia in April 2022

Bertinelli, best known for her work on One Day at a Time, Touched by an Angel and Hot in Cleveland, revealed in 2022 in her memoir Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today that Eddie's last words to her were 'I love you.'

Bertinelli and Van Halen were married for 26 years and stayed close after their 2007 divorce, Bertinelli wrote, as she was by his side when he was dying.

In an excerpt of the memoir, Bertinelli revealed the touching last words they exchanged prior to his death at age 65, as well as the gift her 'soulmate' gave her during his battle with cancer.

Bertinelli and the ex-couple's son Wolfgang were among the loved ones spending time with Eddie during his final weeks of life in the hospital. Also there was Van Halen's second wife, Janie Liszewski, and his brother, Alex Van Halen.
Kourtney Kardashian proudly showed off her pert derriere in a thong swimsuit while on a family holiday just weeks after personally putting an end to pregnancy rumors.

The 46-year-old reality star was seen on vacation with 49-year-old musician husband Travis Barker and their 21-month-old son Rocky Thirteen.

Kourtney certainly turned heads in skimpy swimwear as they hit the beach in Miami on Wednesday.

She donned a black one-piece swimsuit featuring a thong while splashing around in the ocean.

Before that she covered up in a matching maxi skirt featuring a thigh-high split and lace around the hemline which she dramatically took off before going for a swim.

The eldest of the Kardashian sisters accessorized with a pair of black designer shades.

Kourtney Kardashian proudly showed off her pert derriere in a thong swimsuit while on a family holiday just weeks after personally putting an end to pregnancy rumors

The 46-year-old reality star was seen on vacation with 49-year-old musician husband Travis Barker and their 21-month-old son Rocky Thirteen

Her raven-colored tresses were worn down as she tucked them behind her ear after swimming in the ocean.

She showcased her natural looks with complementary makeup on her face.

Travis kept his look simple as he sported a pair of long, brown baggy board shorts and black sunglasses.

Rocky looked cute in a white T-Shirt featuring graphics for legendary rock band the Rolling Stones along with red board shorts.

Travis looked every bit the proud papa as he carried his youngest son around for the family beach day.

After the swim in the ocean, the family continued their day of fun in the sun as they hit the pool at their luxury resort.

Along with Rocky, Kourtney shares three older children, Mason, 15, Penelope, 13, and Reign, 10, with her ex-fiance Scott Disick.

Kourtney's latest outing comes after she went viral for her response to fans who began speculating that she was pregnant again.

Kourtney certainly turned heads in skimpy swimwear as she hit the beach in Miami on Wednesday

She donned a black one-piece swimsuit featuring a thong while splashing around in the ocean

Before that she covered up in a matching maxi skirt featuring a thigh-high split and lace around the hemline, which she dramatically took off before going for a swim

She certainly put on an eye-popping display

The eldest of the Kardashian sisters accessorized with a pair of black designer shades

Her raven-colored tresses were worn down as she tucked them behind her ear after swimming in the ocean

She showcased her natural looks with complementary makeup on her face

Kourtney took a refreshing dip in the ocean

Travis kept his look simple as he sported a pair of long, brown baggy board shorts and black sunglasses

Rocky looked cute in a white T-Shirt featuring graphics for legendary rock band the Rolling Stones, along with red board shorts

Travis looked every bit the proud papa as he carried his youngest son around for the family beach day

Travis and Kourtney were hand-in-hand on the outing

The rumors began swirling when she posted 'unfiltered' photos from a trip to Idaho, including one of her in a form-fitting bodysuit and another in baggy clothing.

Commenters began inquiring: 'What is Kort doing hiding back there?' and 'Why is Kourtney hiding? Is she pregnant again?', and one went so far as to blare at her: 'RUMORS HAVE IT THAT YOU'RE PREGNANT KOURTNEY.'

In response to the latter comment, Kourtney wrote that she was instead 'eating pancakes and jumping off cliffs', activities that were both also included in her Instagram album.

Her reply indicated why she might have a fuller figure than before, as well as noting she was exerting herself in a way that would be inadvisable if she were pregnant.

Kourtney's trip to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho also resulted in a social media furor over her parenting decisions regarding Rocky Thirteen.

Online commentators raked her over the coals for taking her 21-month-old son on a small boat without placing him in a life jacket.

According to Idaho state law, 'all children under the age of 14 must wear an approved life jacket when they are aboard a boat 19 feet in length or less whenever the boat is underway or under power,' which many critics were quick to point out.

One Instagram user snorted: 'Protects her son's face from the internet but doesn't protect him from possibly drowning... priorities.'

Kourtney proudly showed off her posterior

After the swim in the ocean, the family continued the day of fun in the sun as they hit the pool at their luxury resort

Kourtney certainly got cheeky

Kourtney was ready to make a splash again

Travis sweetly wrapped up Kourtney and Rocky in towels

The family dried off before heading back to their room

Kourtney was recently beset by pregnancy rumors when she posted 'unfiltered' photos from a trip to Idaho, including one of her in a form-fitting bodysuit and another in baggy clothing

She was also raked over the coals during that trip for taking her 21-month-old son on a small boat without placing him in a life jacket

Earlier this month, Kourtney responded to the backlash by revealing she had taken the precaution of buying a $69.99 'infant' life jacket from Stohlquist.

'Good looking out. Honestly, didn't think about some of the dangers,' wrote Kourtney in response to the blowback she received.

'Thank you for making me aware and hopefully this helps make other mommies aware of the dangers of certain types of boating without a life vest.'
The great and good of Hollywood have gathered in Venice for the 82nd annual International Film Festival in the Italian city this week.

Thursday evening saw a slew of A-listers make their way to a glamorous dinner hosted by Tom Ford at at Palazzo Contarini Polignac.

Stars including Paris Jackson, Noomi Rapace and Tilda Swinton were pictured arriving at the event via boats on the canal as they made a seriously chic entrance.

The daughter of the late Michael Jackson, 27, stunned in a glitzy purple dress that highlighted her svelte frame to perfection.

Paris wore her blonde locks in bouncy curls and accessorised with a sparkling gold clutch and towering Louboutin heels.

The model and actress flashed a wave as she arrived at the star-studded event.

The great and good of Hollywood have gathered in Venice for the 82nd annual International Film Festival in the Italian city this week

Thursday evening saw a slew of A-listers, including Noomi Rapace (pictured) make their way to a glamorous dinner hosted by Tom Ford at at Palazzo Contarini Polignac

Also in attendance was Tilda, 64, who arrived holding hands with Tom Ford's creative director, Haider Ackermann

Noomi, 45, looked equally chic in a strapless black dress with a velvet bow, wearing her black hair slicked back with a pop of red lipstick.

She kept the look simple and accessorised with a pair of elegant silver hoop earrings to complete her ensemble.

Also in attendance was Tilda, 64, who arrived holding hands with the creative director of the Tom Ford fashion house, Haider Ackermann.

The actress looked incredible in a long-sleeved silver dress, which boasted a sizzling thigh slit and a black leather belt cinched around the waist.

Meanwhile, Indya Moore looked classically stylish in a form-fitting black dress, which featured asymmetric sleeves, teasing her sideboob.

The Pose actress accessorised with chic sunglasses, drop earrings and a delicate choker-style necklace.

Also in attendance was Tish Weinstock who put on a racy display in a semi-sheer sequinned dress with a feathered skirt.

The Vogue beauty editor wore her brunette locks loose and added a pair of wayfarer-style shades, with red lipstick completing her glamorous evening look.

Meanwhile, Indya Moore looked classically stylish in a form-fitting black dress, which featured asymmetric sleeves, teasing her sideboob

The Pose actress accessorised with chic sunglasses, drop earrings and a delicate choker style necklace

The daughter of the late Michael Jackson, 27, stunned in a glitzy purple dress that highlighted her svelte frame to perfection

The model and actress flashed a wave as she arrived at the star-studded event

Also in attendance was Tish Weinstock, who put on a racy display in a semi-sheer sequinned dress with a feathered skirt

Paris wore her blonde locks in bouncy curls and accessorised with a sparkling gold clutch and towering Louboutin heels

Noomi kept her look simple and accessorised with a pair of elegant silver hoop earrings

She later added a pair of black sunglasses to her look

Earlier in the evening, Julia Roberts led the dazzling arrivals at the premiere of her film After The Hunt alongside a string of her famous co-stars.

The Hollywood heavyweight, 57, looked incredible in a long-sleeved and form-fitting navy gown as she took to the red carpet.

Julia kept her look simple and elegant, wearing her light brown locks in soft waves and accessorising with a selection of silver jewellery.

She was joined by her co-stars Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield and Chloe Sevigny, who all looked sensational as they posed ahead of the big night.

The Bear star Ayo cut a very glamorous figure in a strapless red dress, which featured a dramatic bow-style decoration on the back of the garment.

Meanwhile, Chloe made a statement in a black lace one-piece with a ruffle skirt, adding height to her frame with a pair of strappy heels.

Julia Roberts led the dazzling arrivals at the premiere of her film After The Hunt alongside a string of her famous co-stars at the Venice Film Festival on Friday night

She was joined by her co-stars Ayo Edebiri (pictured), Andrew Garfield and Chloe Sevigny, who all looked sensational as they posed on the big night

Chloe made a statement in a black lace one-piece with a ruffle skirt, adding height to her frame with a pair of strappy heels
My China Story | US ceramist molds a life in China's porcelain heartland

(People's Daily App) 10:24, August 29, 2025

In 2018, American ceramist Matt Watterson first visited Jingdezhen on recommendation of a friend. Captivated by the city's ceramic culture and creative energy, he decided to make it his home. Since then, he has learned from local masters and worked with artisans from China and abroad. Drawing inspiration from Tang Sancai and blue and white porcelain, Watterson has developed a distinctive style that blends porcelain design, ceramic sculpture and large-scale installations. Together with his wife, Chinese ceramist Selina Chen, he founded the KilnRoomJDZ International Ceramic Residency Space, creating a hub for exchange and learning among Chinese and international artists. In this episode of My China Story, a video series from the People's Daily English language app, we follow Watterson as he shapes both his career and life in Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court charged with a number of domestic offences, including multiple breaches of a restraining order.

Paul Michael Murray (40) of St. Canice's Park in Derry was charged with breaching a restraining order against his former partner on August 3 2023 after initially being told to leave a venue that she was also attending.

Murray claimed that the injured party was the one who had arranged to meet up with him in spite of a restraining order that is in place until next year.

Police were later called on December 11 2023 by a third party following a domestic incident.

The injured party said that Murray had come to her home and verbally abused her.

He was said to have told her to 'kill herself' and threw her phone to the ground before smearing blood on the door and walls before a parent arrived to take him away.

On December 14 2023 the injured party received phone calls from Murray, who later phoned his oldest son and asked to speak to his mother.

The most recent offences occurred on October 12 last year, when the injured party received phone calls from Murray relating to her new partner.

She suspected that Murray had hacked her Facebook account after noticing she had been logged in on a number of different devices that she did not recognize and was worried that Murray was stalking her.

When he was arrested, police found a number of tables on his person.

Defence barrister Michael Donaghey said that the case has a 'very unpleasant set of facts' but added that there was a 'complex background'.

READ NEXT: Former Christian Brother and school principal convicted of child sex abuse dies

He said that Murray and the injured party both suffered from mental health issues but Murray was in the process of getting his life back on track.

District Judge Ted Magill said that the court took 'an extremely dim view' of the offences and that 'this sort of abuse is a plague in our society'.

He sentenced him to six months in custody.
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A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court today said that disorderly behaviour in hospital was becoming 'all too common'.

District Judge Ted Magill was speaking as he jailed a 34-year-old man Lee Doherty of Creevagh Heights in Derry who admitted assaulting police, criminal damage and disorderly behaviour in Altnagelvin Hospital on July 10 this year.

The court heard that police attended an incident where the defendant was at the scene.

As they were leaving they were made aware that Doherty was being restrained by members of the public.

When police approached Doherty tried to get away from them and when placed in a police vehicle he hit his head off the window.

The defendant was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and kicked out at officers and then spat in an officer's face.

Due to the aggressive nature of his behaviour Doherty had to be restrained.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that her client did not remember much about the incident but accepted his responsibilities.

READ NEXT: Belfast man who 'kicked off' in Derry courthouse jailed for six months

District Judge Ted Magill said that Doherty had 131 previous convictions and added this sort of behaviour was being seen all too often.

He jailed Doherty for 4 months.
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Hybrid models, local servers, and Netweb's role in India's AI ecosystem

India's ambition to become a trillion-dollar digital economy is creating demand for AI infrastructure that can support both rapid experimentation and cost efficiency.

Swastik Chakraborty, Vice President of Technology at Netweb Technologies, said the company is working to provide an indigenous hardware and software ecosystem to meet this requirement.

"India is going to become a kind of one trillion digital economy in the globe," Chakraborty said. He pointed to the country's demographic dividend and large-scale digital public infrastructure as unique strengths. "Adoption of AI, as well as using AI to solve some of the potential perennial problems of India, using India's own datasets, happens to create a very, very unique opportunity."

Indigenous hardware and software stack

Netweb manufactures servers at its Faridabad facility, including systems for Nvidia's forthcoming superchip that integrates CPU and GPU components. The company is also preparing servers for the upcoming Nvidia B200, B300, and AMD-based GPUs.

Chakraborty emphasized that the value lies not only in the hardware but in ensuring full platform utilization. "No one purchases a GPU server for the sake of purchasing, but they would like to leverage the platform benefits to the full extent so that they can help solve their business problems," he said.

To address this, Netweb has developed Skylus.ai, a composable GPU scheduling and resource management software. "People can actually deploy the required amount of GPU resources to connect to their workloads and then get the job done. And once the job is done, the resources come back to the pool," Chakraborty explained.

Cost, hybrid models, and democratization

Cost remains a barrier for many organizations, but Chakraborty argued that new deployment models are making AI more accessible. "GPU cost happens to be one of the biggest deterrents for enterprises to think twice, to invest and then get a business outcome out of that investment," he said.

He added that AI inference workloads no longer always require expensive GPUs. "Even the low-power CPUs, or big power CPUs, can run some of the large language models, at least as far as inferencing is concerned," he said.

Hybrid and cloud-bursting models are increasingly being used to manage training and inference workloads. "When it comes to a lot of data to be churned, especially for the training of foundation models, sometimes on-prem cloud may be a better alternative. But hybrid is the motion," Chakraborty noted.

Support for research institutions

Netweb is also focusing on the education and research sector, where budgets are limited. The company has introduced "research-as-a-service" solutions and integrated research information systems. These are designed to unify data ingestion, warehousing, governance, and publication, supporting entire project and publication workflows.

"We have actually created a pipeline which can be instantiated by the educational institution to facilitate the need so that they can create that entire workflow and derive the deliverables they are looking for," Chakraborty said.

He added that collaboration features are central to this vision, drawing parallels with global platforms. "As you may be familiar with arXiv, before it is being published, it is made available for multiple different users to go through and put their comments and suggestions. We can also have a mechanism to create that kind of collaboration platform, maybe within the educational organization," he said.

Building a local AI ecosystem

Chakraborty said Netweb's strategy is to combine indigenous hardware with indigenous software, supporting startups, enterprises, and government institutions.

The company also collaborates with research organizations, which he said are key to adopting AI for local problem-solving.

"AI centers of excellence are primarily the innovation-as-a-service solution," Chakraborty said. "It's about how quickly we can shorten the path from imagining something, ideating something, and then ultimately putting it into actual execution and deployment."

Article edited by Jack Wu
Nvidia to face trial in November over Valeo trade secret claims, US judge rules

A federal judge in California has ruled that Nvidia must stand trial in November over allegations it benefited from trade secrets taken from French auto supplier Valeo, Bloomberg reported. The ruling rejected Nvidia's request to dismiss the case, citing circumstantial evidence that the company advanced its parking assistance technology using confidential data.

Former Valeo engineer at center of lawsuit

The dispute stems from a collaboration in 2021 between Nvidia and a German unit of Valeo SE on a project for Mercedes-Benz. Valeo alleges one of its engineers, Mohammad Moniruzzaman, joined Nvidia that year and later exposed confidential source code during a video conference. Valeo employees said they captured a screenshot of the material before the engineer closed his screen. Moniruzzaman has since been convicted in Germany of violating business-secrecy laws.

According to BBC and Silicon Republic, Valeo alleges that Moniruzzaman stole tens of thousands of files, including source code related to advanced parking and driving assistance systems, which are critical to the project. During a joint video call with both Nvidia and Valeo staff, Moniruzzaman mistakenly shared his entire screen after a presentation, revealing Valeo's trade secrets labeled as "ValeoDocs." This screenshot prompted Valeo to launch criminal and civil actions against both Moniruzzaman and Nvidia, accusing the tech giant of benefiting from stolen intellectual property.

Nvidia has denied using stolen information to develop its own parking assistance technology, saying it revoked the engineer's work on the project and terminated his employment. The company maintains that its progress in autonomous driving systems was based on independent development.

Ruling highlights code resemblances

US District Judge Noel Wise said that Valeo had identified "a number of circumstantial facts" suggesting Nvidia relied on the engineer's "tainted work." In her 15-page ruling, she noted that Nvidia made rapid gains in parking technology after the trade secrets were shared and that the company's autonomous driving code contained functionalities closely paralleling Valeo's stolen files.

Wise dismissed three of Valeo's seven trade-secret claims but allowed the central allegations to proceed to trial. The case is scheduled for a jury trial in San Jose, California, in November.

Article edited by Jack Wu
It is healthy for Fianna Fail to have a contest for its presidential nomination, party MEP and hopeful Billy Kelleher has said.

Mr Kelleher made the comment after formally declaring his intention to seek backing, and after one of his party colleagues endorsed former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin for the nomination.

Meanwhile, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was not ruling himself out of the race as he expressed disappointment that his partys leadership had failed to express support for him.

Mr Ahern and Mr Kelleher were among party stalwarts who attended a special mass at Glasnevin Cemetery on Friday, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Eamon de Valera.

Mr Kelleher told reporters that it is a good thing for other people to put their name forward as a candidate for Fianna Fails nomination.

It came after his party colleague and Further Education Minister James Lawless endorsed Mr Gavin.

Mr Kelleher said: I dont know Jim well, but I know his record in terms of the GAA and what hes achieved in that.

He added: The name Jim Gavin is synonymous with success, but from my perspective, you know, I feel I have a lot to offer as well.

Mr Kelleher said he welcomed discussion on who the candidate should be, but added: In that choice, theres debate around the type of candidate.

Do they carry the values of our party? Are they pro-European? Are they pro-enterprise? These are the key issues.

At the same event, Mr Ahern revealed that he had repeatedly sought an answer from the Fianna Fail leadership about whether they would support him.

Mr Ahern said: I never rule myself out. If you never rule yourself out, youre still in.

He said he had been seeking an answer from party electoral officials since December 16.

He said he did not get an answer and found it very disappointing to see recent reports that the leadership would not support him.

Asked if this meant he was prepared to seek a nomination against the wishes of leadership, he repeated that he had not ruled himself out.

Earlier, Mr Kelleher said he had first been approached by Fianna Fail figures in April and May about running, but there was no formal process in place at the time.

He said that once he publicly called for a process to allow people to put their names forward, in August, he was approached again by party members.

I spoke with Micheal Martin, the leader of the party, last night, and I informed him that I will be putting my name forward, he told RTEs News at One programme.

Mr Kelleher, a former Cork North-Central TD and junior minister  who was a farmer before becoming a politician, said he would be a unifying force as president.

Asked if Mr Martin was happy that the MEP was looking to become a candidate, he said: I honestly believe that nobody who leads a democratic party could be unhappy with having a robust, rigorous debate within the party to find a candidate to represent the party in a very important (election).

Fianna Fails parliamentary party is expected to make a decision on the presidential election in the early autumn.

So far, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly is the only candidate who has secured the backing needed to get on the presidential ballot paper.

The Galway TD has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and independents.

Sinn Fein has yet to announce whether it will support Ms Connolly or run its own candidate.

Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly are in a race to secure the Fine Gael nomination, after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness in mid-August on medical advice.

A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before the second term of President Michael D Higgins ends on November 11.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

Although figures such as MMA fighter Conor McGregor and Riverdance star Michael Flatley have said they are looking to run as presidential candidates, they would need to gather this support to be on the ballot paper.
Newstalk presenter Pat Kenny has announced a major career change - and no he's not running for president of Ireland he has joked.

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk this Friday, he instead announced that he has extended his contract with the radio station into 2026.

However, there is one major twist regarding his future with the radio station.

While Kenny will continue to host his show, The Pat Kenny Show, from 9am to 12pm Monday through Friday until spring 2026, the show will move from its current weekday spot to a weekend slot instead.

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The former Late Late Show host is also slated to join the board of Bauer Media Audio Ireland - the parent company of Newstalk.

As well as this, he has revealed he has a number of ventures planned with Newstalk and Bauer Media which he will reveal in due course.

Speaking on Newstalk this Friday, Pat Kenny revealed the news to listeners: "I want to share a little bit of news with you. I've just extended my Newstalk contract into 2026 so this show will continue unchanged into the new year but in the spring of next year, I'm moving the Pat Kenny Show to the weekends, Saturday and Sunday, where I hope to make a big impact for the station. So, the reason for saying this is I just want to thank all of you for helping to make this show the biggest show on commercial radio. But for now, the shows goes on."

Pat Kenny first joined Newstalk in 2013, and his show The Pat Kenny Show, is currently the biggest show on commercial radio in Ireland with a record listenership of 216,000.

Managing Editor of Newstalk, Eric Moylan, commented: "Pat Kenny has been instrumental in the development and growth of Newstalk and propelled the audience of the station to new heights. We are really looking forward to continuing to deliver amazing radio with Pat that audiences love and tune into in record numbers."

Newstalk is expected to confirm its full schedule changes soon ahead of Pat Kenny's move to weekend radio in Spring 2026.
Photo Caption: Ger Murphy, Director of Housing and Culture Delivery Services, Louth County Council; David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda; Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; Mark Davies, Drogheda Nighttime Economy Adviser, Louth County Council; Collette Farrell, Creative Director of Droichead Arts Centre; and Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer, Louth County Council at the launch of the Louth Culture Night 2025 Programme.

The Louth Culture Night Programme was launched in the Civic Offices on Fair St, Drogheda on August 28th by Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Sean Kelly; Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michele Hall; Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway; Director of Services, Ger Murphy; and Arts Officer, Moya Hodgers.

The twentieth edition of Culture Night takes place on Friday, 19th September 2025.

One of the countrys largest cultural events, Oiche Chultuir | Culture Night is a celebration of arts and creativity inviting people everywhere to experience something special in a vibrant evening of FREE cultural events from 4pm till late.

Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:

Culture Night is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the creativity and diversity that thrives in our communities. It is a night where everyone is invited to take part, to explore, and to enjoy the arts in all their forms and it is great to see such a strong and inclusive programme across County Louth in this 20th year.

Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda, added:

Culture Night showcases what makes Drogheda such a vibrant place to live. Its a night where doors open, stories are shared, and communities come together through music, art, and performance. Im proud to see our town shine as we showcase the incredible talent and heritage that defines us. I encourage everyone to get out, explore, and be inspired!

Culture Night is brought to you by the Arts Council and supported by local authorities with funding from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. Culture Night Louth is coordinated by Louth County Council Arts Office who issued a call out for events and collaborations in May and have been delighted with the response.

Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer at Louth County Council, said:

Culture Night invites everyone, everywhere, on one joyful night, to discover and celebrate all that our diverse culture is today in Ireland. Its a national event that connects people to cultural activities locally and nationally, opening pathways to ongoing engagement.

The Louth Culture Night Programme includes over 37 events and spreads right across the county.

Dundalk welcomes events including Voices of Pride and Power by Outcomers Dundalk; Skylines of Louth Watercolour Workshop; Opera Performances from An Tain with Scorched Earth Trilogy; a Make Your Comic workshop; and a dance workshop at An Tain Arts Centre. Toales hosts a late Blues gig; Spirit Store & Rowan Murphy present a free gig; meanwhile literature lovers can attend a talk at Roe River Books and welcome Emer Kenny and companys multidisciplinary work, Bloomsday Belles. Bo Studios demo pottery in the street. Reminisce on your record player with Edison to Spotify with DJ John Cotter or make textiles in a workshop with artists Blathnaid McLean and Una Curley at Louth Museum.

Dunleer stages traditional musicians with Scoriocht Og and the Feather Brothers perform traditional music, both at an Teach Ceile, Scoraiocht Lann Leire.

Ardee Library hosts music from Ardee Intermezzo and Uke n Rollers.

Also launched on Thursday was the Late Night programme with Nighttime Economy Advisor, Mark Davies, and Creative Director of Droichead Arts Centre, Collette Farrell.

Drogheda is one of eight locations nationally to be awarded a flagship Culture Night Late, taking art and culture into the heart of the town from 9:30pm till late. This innovative initiative is produced and curated by Droichead Arts Centre in partnership with the councils Night-Time Economy Advisor. Building on the success of the Night Moves programme over 2024 and 2025 it will further provide new and innovative, intergenerational cultural experiences in accessible public spaces, supporting artists and creatives and programming in collaboration with local businesses and venues.

The Droichead Arts Centre Culture Night Late showcases Night Pools: a light installation trail by artist Vivienne Byrne celebrating the richness of the natural habitats, Night Market by Kelly Hoyne and Jasmine Hastings is a midnight market featuring local crafts, artists and music at McHughs, Late Night Cafes animates local cafes, each hosting an evening of live music, poetry and more in relaxed, welcoming spaces. Brian Hegarty and Daire Lennon curate innovative audio-visual interventions with Night Art at the KIOSK project space and Night Drama showcases up and coming, emerging local Artists in Droichead Arts Centre.

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As well as the Late Night programme there will be plenty on offer earlier in the evening in Drogheda. Michael Holohan and Niall OBrien present a reading of The True Story of the Horrid Popish Plot, on the trial of St Oliver Plunkett, with period music. Millmount Museum with Old Drogheda Society host talks and trad with Tales of 57. Joe Rooney roams with the Craic and Roll Walking Tour of Drogheda, and Harpist Jennifer Leahy performs in a relaxed concert at Drogheda Library. Hands4Unity celebrate culture and community, and families are invited a Make Clay Animals workshop at Highlanes Gallery, where you can experience activities and the late opening of Maelstrom, a major solo exhibition by artist Maud Cotter.

To find out more about Culture Night both locally and nationally check out the full event listings, times, venues, ages, accessibility, facilities and more information on the Culture Night website, culturenight.ie/Louth.
Photo Caption: L-R - President Ruth Young - Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, President Colleen Dowdall Tinnelly - WBR Chamber of Commerce, President Edwina Flynn - Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, President Hanna McDonnell, Dundalk Chamber, President Naomi Tully, Drogheda and District Chamber

Women from across Ireland and Northern Ireland are being encouraged to save the date for a major new cross-border event, She Leads Women Shaping Economies, taking place on Friday, September 5 at The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.

Organised by six Chambers of Commerce situated between Dublin and Belfast, each currently led by a female Chamber President, the afternoon tea event will showcase women in leadership, highlight their contribution to local and national economies and provide a platform for important conversations about leadership, resilience and growth.

The initiative represents a unique collaboration between Dundalk Chamber, Drogheda and District Chamber, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, County Meath Chamber and WBR Chamber of Commerce. All six Chambers are headed by women who have come together with a shared vision of creating opportunities for dialogue, connection and support.

The She Leads event has been designed as a space for women to connect across sectors, geographies and industries. It will feature panel discussions with a range of business leaders and decision-makers, together with networking opportunities over a formal afternoon tea.

Hanna McDonnell, president of Dundalk Chamber, who spearheaded the event, said she was delighted to be taking part in the event and was looking forward to connecting with the other five chambers.

She added: She Leads is a real opportunity to be a voice of change. It brings together women from different sectors and jurisdictions, fostering the connections and collaboration that can make a tangible difference in our communities and we are very excited to launch it here in Dundalk."

The event will begin with a prosecco reception at 1.30pm, providing an informal opportunity for participants to meet others from across the region and beyond. Guests will then take part in panel discussions featuring speakers drawn from politics, business and media. The discussions will provide insights into the realities of female leadership in todays economic and social environment and will reflect a broad range of professional experiences.

The afternoon will conclude with a full networking tea, allowing participants to continue conversations, build relationships and form new connections that may extend far beyond the event itself.

She Leads has been created as a collaborative initiative between six Chambers of Commerce spanning both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Chambers involved are Dundalk Chamber (led by President Hanna McDonnell), Drogheda and District Chamber (led by President Naomi Tully), Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade (led by President Edwina Flynn), Lisburn Chamber of Commerce (led by President Ruth Young), County Meath Chamber (led by President Niamh Giffney) and WBR Chamber of Commerce (led by President Colleen Dowdall Tinnelly).

This cross-border approach aims to reflect the interconnected nature of the regions economies while also celebrating the role of women in shaping future growth.

The event will be compered by broadcaster Denise Watson, a well-known journalist and presenter with more than 30 years experience in television and radio.

Read Next: New family resource centre announced for Dundalk

Rather than delivering lengthy keynote speeches, each panellist will take part in conversations designed to highlight key themes such as resilience, breaking barriers in male dominated industries, leadership in public life and building creative enterprises. The full line-up of panellists will be announced in the coming weeks.

She Leads has been designed not only as a networking and professional development opportunity but also as a way to support women in the wider community. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local womens charities, ensuring that the initiative has an immediate and tangible impact.

She Leads is supported by Local Enterprise Office Louth, PTSB, Oriel Office, Deli Lites, Southern Regional College (SRC), Newry Mourne and Down District Council and Excalibur Press.

Tickets for the event are available now via TicketTailor at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dundalkchamberofcommerce1/1804447

Spaces are limited and early booking is advised to secure a place at this new event in the business and leadership calendar.
Louth TD Ged Nash described data published by the Central Bank on household wealth as unsurprising.

Data shows that the wealthiest 10% of households owned almost half the wealth in Ireland.

Labours finance spokesperson said:

Ireland has a really poor record on taxing non-productive, passive wealth. Doing so is necessary to transform our wealthy economy into a better society for all.

We know that housing wealth in Ireland is high concentrated and this is part of the reason driving the massive divide we see in the Central Bank data between the have lots and the have nots.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are permanently telling us that we have it good, that Irelands economy is performing well. Yet for the far too many languishing on hospital trolleys, or waiting for childcare and for those who cannot afford to buy a home, this rich country feels very poor.



Budget 2026 must go further to address the inequalities created by housing, but it must go further and pursue an economic agenda that focuses on social progress, delivering the services, infrastructure and opportunities a wealthy country ought to have.

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The Labour Party has long advocated for a carefully crafted net wealth tax to better redistribute wealth in the economy, and for this government to stop ignoring the Commission on Taxation & Welfares 2022 expert report. The era of easy choices for FG and FF must be over, but they are incapable of making tough political decisions.

For example, in our 2024 General Election Manifesto, we proposed a Spanish style wealth tax that could raise net 400m in revenue to fund additional spending on our creaking public services.

The Central Bank data is clear - there is no shortage of wealth in the economy its just not working for those who are in desperate need of help. The October Budget will be crucial to this.
Louth People Before Profit (PBP) representative James Renaghan, has given his support to striking school secretaries and caretakers, and has said that they are "vital to the functioning of our schools and deserve the same conditions as the other workers."

In a statement today, Mr Renaghan said that "secretaries do not have access to public sector pensions. They also do not have access to the same sick leave as their teaching and Special Needs Assistant colleagues, and even more shockingly they do not have access to the same bereavement leave.

"For caretakers, the situation is even worse. While also denied pensions or sick leave, they are still not employed directly by the Department of Education and are not on the public sector payroll. The caretakers and secretaries are vital to the functioning of our schools and deserve the same conditions as the other workers."

He continued: "I met Brian, a caretaker of 22 years at the national rally for pension parity for school secretaries and caretakers in Dublin on Thursday 28th August who is worried about how he will survive after retiring.

"This is the most right-wing government we have possibly ever had in Ireland. It is a government of big landlords and big business. Its interest lies in keeping workers and wages down. It has delayed for years on delivering a pension scheme for private sector workers and it shamelessly cut public sector pensions in 2013 during the financial crash."



The PBP representative added: "The refusal to grant a pension to school secretaries and caretakers reflects a fear that concession could fan the flames of more demands for basic rights from other groups of workers.

"That is why it is in all our interests that they win, so get out to support these workers on the picket lines from Monday 1st September and lets put some manners back on this arrogant government.
Tributes are pouring in this week after the death of beloved garda, Martin Reilly, who will be deeply missed by his family and fiancee.

Known to friends as Dusty, Martin's RIP.ie death notice says he passed away "unexpectedly at his home on August 27, 2025."

The Longford native lived in Cavan and served as a Garda in Kells. He is predeceased by his grandparents Tommy and Rose Reilly and Ned McEvoy, aunts Oonagh McEvoy and Bernie Coffey.

His RIP.ie notice continues: "Martin will be forever missed and always remembered with love by his heartbroken family, his fiancee and childhood sweetheart Donna (Heslin), his beloved parents Paddy and Maura, sister Linda and her husband Sean, brother Cathal and his partner Gemma, his dear granny Mary McEvoy, his cherished nephew and nieces, Aoibhinn, Aaron, Freya and Isla his god-daughter, uncles, aunts, his father-in-law Frank and mother-in-law Ann, relatives neighbours, friends and his work colleagues in An Garda Siochana. Also not forgetting his delightful canine friends Charlie & Dash / Prince & Rusty."

His family described him as "loving and kind in all his ways, Upright and good till the end of his days. Sincere and true in heart and mind," adding that there are "beautiful memories left behind."

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"Thank you for a lifetime of memories, for your love, kindness, help and encouragement. Forever in our hearts, Rest in Peace Martin," his family's death notice concluded.

An Garda Siochana members in Meath also paid tribute to their colleague. A statement read: "We are deeply saddened by the death of our dear colleague Garda Martin Reilly, 36867K, Kells Garda Station.

"Martin joined An Garda Siochana in 2017. He was initially stationed in Navan before transferring to Kells in October 2019 where he was attached to Unit D. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martins partner Donna, his family and his friends at this sad time."

A further tribute from a friend on RIP.ie read: "Martin was a gentleman and highly thought of and liked by all who were lucky to have known him. Rest easy Martin."

A colleague added: "Absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of Martin. My sincere condolences to Donna, Martin's family, friends and colleagues. Martin joined me in Navan shortly after my own passing out, and was an incredible colleague to everyone, and a huge asset to the communities he served. He will be sorely missed."

A fellow garda who didn't know Martin also took time to send a message to his family. They wrote: "My deepest condolences to all of Martins family, friends and colleagues. While I didn't know Martin, he was a member of the Garda Family and my thoughts go out to everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Martin."

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing on Saturday 30th in Connells Funeral Home, Church St, Longford, N39 KN66 from 3 oclock concluding with prayers at 7 oclock. Removal from his home on Sunday 31st to arrive to St. Colmcilles Church, Aughnacliffe, N39K603, for Funeral Mass at 2 oclock. Following Mass, Martin will be laid to rest in the family plot in the adjoining cemetery

Family flowers only please
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Poet Molly Twomeys second collection, Chic To Be Sad, has been described as a young womans report from the front-lines of experience.

It packs quite a punch, with poems that are direct and sometimes devastating, as when she writes about a fire in her family home.

At other times, the writing is wry and sardonic.

All the time, the 29-year-old UCC graduate, from Lismore, who has an MA in creative writing from the university, is brave in her willingness to reveal her demons and her vulnerability, but never in any self-pitying way.

Molly wrote about her eating disorder in her first collection, Raised Among Vultures, which was shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney Poetry Prize for Best first Collection, and won the Southword Debut collection Poetry Award.

She was awarded the 2023 Ireland Chair of Poetry Bursary, as well as an Arts Council Literature Bursary in 2024.

Chic To Be Sad is Molly's second collection.

In short, this talented poet made quite an impact in poetry circles with her impressive debut.

Asked how much of her poetry is autobiographical, she says: Most of it is. Of course, I take liberties. Truth doesnt have to mean fact.

Sometimes, its the truth of feeling. I love using my imagination, especially when it comes to things like metaphor and comparison.

The writing is mostly true, but not entirely.

Does she not feel terribly exposed, writing about personal matters (albeit in a way that registers universal truths)?

I was talking about this to my partner recently because often, I really worry about my loved ones and the fact that I write about them, says Molly.

But then I said that Im never worried about myself. I dont mind writing about personal things, although in saying that, there are poems, particularly in my first book, which I dont read at events.

Im not afraid to publish them. But it would be harder to take ownership of them maybe at a reading.

When she first started writing, Molly says she found it therapeutic to describe aspects of her eating disorder.

That was definitely the case at the beginning. Eventually, my relationship with poetry became more focused on craft and the act of trying to write well.

Molly likes to test her poetry by reading it aloud to herself.

I like to see how it feels and to get the sense of it. The sound of it is really important.

It has to sound right to me so that there is no jarring. The sound should in some way express the content.

I find the craft of writing poetry fun and playful, messing around and seeing what works. Sometimes the content is hard, wrangling with it and figuring it out.

There seems to be no shortage of material, for Molly who writes sharply  and amusingly  about a mechanic ignoring her in the poem The Mechanic Speaks To My Boyfriend Over My Head.

She writes: Even if I plucked every hair from my scalp,/wore a flannel shirt, rolled in dust,/pretended Id fixed up my own fleet/of shitboxes, elbow-deep in decades of grease/and grit, hed still write me off.

Most female car owners could identify with the sentiment.

The poem Why We Dont Have Kids, speaks to a generation locked out of homeownership and security, prerequisites for having a family in Mollys view.

Often, I think if I had a lot of money, would I have had kids by now? The cost of living is so expensive, she says.

Me and my partner are both working in the arts field, so we dont have mortgages or security. Theres no savings.

It feels unfair to bring a child into the world.

Molly says she has had struggles in life, adding: With body dysmorphia, what would it mean for me to bring a child into the world?

She also worries about postpartum depression. Im sitting down with all of these thoughts. I probably over-think things.

One thing that Molly is very positive about is working in the arts in Ireland.

While the sector is often under-funded for artists, she feels really supported here.

The Arts Council has awarded her development money and she is pleased with her publisher, Gallery Books.

There are so many different arts festivals in Ireland, offering so many opportunities, says Molly.

Im currently writing an opera with young people in Sligo for the Sligo Music Festival.

She is also doing creative outreach work for Bodywhys, an organisation which supports people with eating disorders.

On the subject of eating disorders, Molly says that the beauty industry has targeted men in recent years, adding: There is so much pressure on young men now. Its probably under-diagnosed, especially among gym bros.

Every day they have to eat a certain amount of food to meet targets. Its scary.

Molly is disparaging in dissecting the type of retreats that focus on the body.

Writing about a woman in such a setting, she declares: Id rather pulverize my eardrum/than endure your juice cleanse spiel.

But Molly doesnt blame the nameless woman. Rather, she is just a product of a society obsessed with wellness.

A fan of writer Annemarie Ni Churreain, author of Ghostgirl, Molly likes the way the poet moves away from individualism and more into collective experiences.

She explains: Im really interested in trying to write poetry that moves away from the I and starts to look more at society.

I think individualism is starting to come apart a little.

Future plans for this poet will involve doing a Phd at UCC, writing about the body, starting in September.

Chic To Be Sad is published by Gallery Books at 12.95 in paperback and 19.95 in hardback.

See www.gallerypress.com.
The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on the Cork public to join in celebrating the life-saving work of the Mater Hospital by supporting Gratitude Week.

Taking place this September, culminating in World Gratitude Day on Sunday, September 21, the initiative is an opportunity to honour the people who make an extraordinary difference to the lives of Mater patients, incluidng frontline healthcare teams to families, carers and communities.

The foundation is encouraging everyone to get involved, whether it is organising a fundraising event in your local community, or just donating online.

The Browne family from Ballygarvan in Cork know just how powerful gratitude can be. In 2020, Barry Browne received a single lung transplant at the Mater after living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) for over six years.

In 2024, to say thanks for the exceptional care he received, Barry and his community organised the Ballygarvan Tractor Run, raising an incredible 47,500 for the Maters Transplant Ward.

A spokesperson for the Mater Hospital Foundation said that every euro raised helps transform care at the Mater, from funding cutting edge equipment and redeveloping tired outdated facilities, to supporting families, and investing in life changing research.

Speaking about Gratitude Week, Angi McNulty community fundraising specialist with the Mater Hospital Foundation said: "Every day, I am honoured to meet patients and families from all over Ireland who tell me about the exceptional care they have received.

"Gratitude Week is a powerful way to come together as communities and do something special for patients in our hospital,"

she said.

Im here to support you every step of the way, so if you have an idea for a fundraiser, or simply want to donate to support the Mater Hospitals life-saving work, Id love to hear from you. Lets turn appreciation into action, together

Further information on Gratitude Week is available online by visiting: www.materfoundation.ie/gratitudeweek
A member of Cork City Council has claimed that a mooted daily one-hour extension of free pre-school attendance risks creating timetable chaos in already overstretched services.

Earlier this week, it was reported that childrens minister Norma Foley was considering proposals to add an extra hour a day in the second year of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.

ECCE currently provides three hours a day of free pre-school, for two years. It runs for five days a week, 38 weeks of the year, with a summer break.

The Irish Independent reported that Ms Foley is considering an additional hour per day as part of Budget 2026.

Ciara OConnor, a Labour Party member of Cork City Council who is a former early years professional and a former pre-school manager, warned that services were already overstretched and an extra hour to ECCE in the second year would make things worse.

She called instead for a publicly- funded system of early childhood education and care, the urgent activation of idle creche spaces in new estates, and a workforce plan to recruit and retain educators.

Children absolutely benefit from high-quality early-years education, including vital social interaction with peers, but bolting on an extra ECCE hour without fixing capacity and staffing will backfire, she said. Families in Cork need places, not headlines.

Open the empty rooms, invest in the workforce, and build a public system that works for children, parents, and providers.

The shortage of pre-school places in Cork was acute, she said, with thousands of children under three on waiting lists citywide.

In Bishopstown, she added, one ECCE provider reported a waiting list of more than 60 children, many from families where the parents work in Cork University Hospital, often without extended family support nearby.

If our healthcare professionals cant access childcare, they cant cover shifts, she said. That hits hospital rosters and patient care.

Lack of childcare also keeps parents  especially mothers out of the workforce, and it limits childrens development when they miss out on regular, structured social interaction with their peers.

Ms OConnor said she had tabled a motion calling on city council to carry out an audit of all non-operational creche units delivered under planning conditions.

She proposed lease-to-operate options and fit-out supports so community, not-for-profit, and experienced providers could open quickly and sustainably. Council officials have recognised the problem, however, it is support from Government is what is needed, with Government backing for fit-out and early staffing costs, we can turn keys in these doors and deliver places where families were promised them, she said.

Ms OConnor cautioned that changing ECCE hours without co-design risked fewer places and greater disruption.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality was asked for comment.
WHILE standard coffin burials continue to dominate the funeral landscape, with 78% of funerals being coffin burials within the Cork city division in 2024, more and more people are looking into alternative options when it comes to planning that final farewell.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo that the local authority undertook 1,300 interments last year across their 13 cemeteries, 1,014 of which were coffin burials, and the remainder, at 286, being ash burials.

The spokesperson added that some cemeteries across their network saw as few as three burials, whereas other, more urban cemeteries, saw more than 200.

Beyond the city, 693 plots were sold by Cork County Council in 2024, according to a council spokesperson.

During this timeframe, within the Cork county division, there were 214 plots sold in the West, 294 sold in the North, and 185 sold in the South.

Denis McSweeney, the registrar at St Marys Cemetery in Curraghkippane, said that during his six years as registrar he has witnessed a diverse range of funerals.

Remaining wall of the original church at Curraghkippane Cemetery

I took over this job for Cork City Council from my dad after he passed away in 2019, said Mr McSweeney.

My father had been working there in that position since 1973.

In my role as registrar, I deal with the sale of plots and with the undertakers  and if there is a burial, I would be there to make sure everything is OK.

In the new cemetery, everything is modernised so its easy to follow, but in the older cemetery, theres less plot locations, so its a little difficult.

St Marys Cemetery has two sections; the old section, one of the oldest in Cork county, dating back to the 1800s; and the new section, which was opened approximately 14 years ago.

When the new cemetery opened, there were approximately 800 plots, he added.

In terms of capacity, 10 years ago, I wouldve said there was enough plots to see me out, but now, with the rate of burials and due to the ageing population, the old section of the cemetery will be full in the next 10 years.

While people are moving towards cremation, they are still looking to bury those ashes at a later date; so they buy plots to have a place to put their loved ones and to visit.

BURIAL HABITS

In terms of burial habits in Cork, from a registrars point of view, I think covid had a big impact on how funerals are done, at least in Cork city anyways, and probably across the country, said Mr McSweeney.

Typically, they would have been carried out over three days, but now thats been cut down to two.

Prior to covid, there would have been a night in the funeral home for a rosary, then the second day would have been at the funeral home again for the removal, and then the third would be at the church for a burial.

Theres also been a dramatic change in the way people celebrate funerals, he added.

I would say there was a lot more religious influence on funerals before than there is now, theres certainly been a wane in that over the last two years.

Its totally age related, younger people have a different perspective on religion.

They may not be atheists, but its not as important to them, they may have different beliefs  theyre not as rigid as the older generation.

One thing we have seen an increase in is people coming with Bluetooth radios, to play their own music  it could be Garth Brooks, or Beyonce or Eminem  whereas previously, it wouldve always been a decade of the rosary and a religious song.

One out of every two funerals would have something along those lines now, which wouldve totally not been the norm even six or seven years ago, said Mr McSweeney.

Theres a lot more lay people involved now too, which may be due to the lack of priests being available  its a change by necessity more than anything else.

Father Tom Hayes, who has been a priest of the Diocese of Cork and Ross for the last 40 years, said that throughout his tenure he has seen a substantial shift in the way people both host and attend funerals.

Fr Tom Hayes leading the Stations of the Cross online during covid. Picture: Denis Minihane.

You could write a book on how things have changed  theres been a phenomenal amount of change, said Fr Hayes.

A number of things have changed in particular, but the one thing that hasnt, which is probably the most precious, is the level of community support.

People in communities and parishes go to extraordinary lengths to support those who are bereaved, irrespective of the circumstance.

That, however, was seriously interrupted during the pandemic, but most of it has been restored.

Other than that, the most obvious change in recent decades has been the structure of the funeral rites, and the options that people have, he added.

When I started out, almost everyones funeral left from a church, and they were buried in the earth at a cemetery.

I dont know what the ratio is now, but not everybody wants to go to church. The majority still do, but some people choose alternative rituals, and some have no rituals at all.

There used to be an established three day ritual previously, that was the dominant pattern for a long time, but nowadays, not everybody wants this.

40 years ago, most of the funerals were very similar, but now, theres a lot more variation, said Fr Hayes.

We do our best to meet the pastoral need of the situation, but it can vary a lot. Its not black and white.

Most of our parishes have lay people who will help families through the funerals  priests arent alone anymore.

Its been evolving over the last 10 years. Its ever changing, the configuration of families has changed a lot too.

How people actually celebrate the mass has changed a bit as well, 40 years ago there was a lot less participation in the funeral rites by the family, but now we encourage it by reading the scriptures and prayers, and choosing the music.

Thats the one thing that stands out as something that has evolved over time  the personalisation of rituals, so that the ritual is more personalised to the life of the person who is being remembered.

There used to be no eulogies, but now, theres more involvement and acknowledgment of the life of the person who is being prayed for.

Fr Hayes further touched on how some burial habits have been forgotten, or are close to being forgotten, with a modernisation of the burial ritual landscape.

One thing that has almost disappeared; its not completely gone yet, but the responsibility of organising a burial place, that always fell on the family, and their neighbours then would have dug and closed the grave, said Fr Hayes.

Its dissipated partly because of regulations imposed by the county councils, they only allow approved gravediggers to work in the cemeteries now.

The pandemic did crash through a lot of rituals we had, but a lot of communities have gone back to recovering those.

Changes will probably reflect whats happening in communities across Cork overall; the question is how important is belonging to a community going to be for the next generation, he added.

A lot of community organisations are struggling to get volunteers, which may indicate that peoples connection with the local area may weaken over time.

Connection with your neighbours is a lot thinner than it wouldve been before, so the incentive to go to a funeral will be reflected by that.

Funeral patterns reflect the depth of connection that there is in a community to begin with.

Some people now live much more isolated from their community, their connection is more diminished than it has been for previous generations, and I think that will impact in time how funerals are done as well.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS

As burial habits have undoubtedly changed over the years, it is expected that the funeral landscape across Cork and Ireland will continue to evolve into the future.

In my opinion, coffin burials are definitely decreasing, but its slight, said Mr McSweeney.

Its hard to put a figure on it, but I would say that one in every 12 would be a cremation. Cremation is a relatively new phenomenon for the people of Cork, with the crematorium in Ringaskiddy.

I think that some people are nervous about it, but other people seem to like having that option, and would like to go that route.

Peoples ideas are changing, so cremations and ash burials are definitely on the up, without a doubt.

Fr Hayes said he believes the number of cremations is definitely growing, and is more notable in urban settings.

In rural areas, I think the number of cremations is much smaller, said Fr Hayes. Im not sure as to why, but I would speculate that part of it is that there is a distinction in how funerals are conducted in the city areas in contrast with country towns.

There is a stronger participation of the community in rural areas, but in the city, there isnt really a bond between the cemetery and the parish. I dont know what the burial landscape will look like in the next 10 years, but I do think that funeral patterns change very slowly, he added.

Weve had crematoria in Ireland for decades, but its taken a very long time for that to become a significant percentage of the funerals, so any innovations, they just take a long time.

People are slow to change; how you decide to bid farewell to your loved one is not something you want to experiment with.

Fiona Cranwell, director of the Shannon Crematorium in Co Clare, said that there has been consistent interest in cremation as an alternative funeral method, with the venue completing approximately 1,400 cremations in 2024.

Were only here since 2017, and since then there has been a steady increase each year, said Ms Cranwell. The first year we were doing five or six cremations per week, but now thats our average every day.

In Ireland, coffin burials are still 90-99% of funerals, anywhere that has ground, but in the city areas, cremation would be higher.

Since covid, people have more input into how they create a service for their families, and technology lends itself to that, and the pull away from the church.

Stacey Moloney, chapel manager at Shannon Crematorium, said 60% of cremations at the venue would have a priest or the church involved, whereas 40% would be humanist or celebrant-led.

Its almost an even split now, but a few years ago, it was predominantly religious, said Ms Moloney.

Cremation will definitely continue to rise, the feedback we get from people leaving the chapel is that they never thought they would do this, but theyre definitely coming here now.

Speaking about the change in perception towards cremation, Ms Cranwell said that there is still a small percentage of people who are nervous of cremation, but thats slowly changing, added Ms Moloney.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

While there has been a rise in the use of cremation as an alternative funeral method over the last number of years, there has also been another avenue recently explored in Ireland called resomation.

Resomation, while not yet considered a mainstream option for funerals across the country, is an eco-friendly option of remembering a loved one.

The process uses a 95% water and 5% alkaline solution to dispose of a bodys flesh before the bones are later ground down into a fine powder and placed in an urn.

There is only one company in Ireland conducting resomation funerals, Pure Reflections, which is based in Co Meath.

Elizabeth Oakes, the owner and CEO of Pure Reflections in Navan, said that the company, which has been operating for two years, completed just under 100 resomations last year, and is looking into opening a base in Cork.

Resomation is a very environmentally friendly and gentle alternative to cremation, said Ms Oakes.

When a body is buried in the ground, theres a chemical reaction that happens between the body and the soil, which is called alkaline hydrolysis  but now, because everyone is embalmed, theyre wearing polyester clothes and theyre in heavy-duty, plastic-lined coffins, that reaction is taking more than 50 years to happen.

Resomation, or otherwise known as aquamation, speeds up the natural decomposition process, so what takes 50 years in the ground, takes four hours in our machine.

With resomation, the body is placed into the machine, the water and alkaline solution then heats, it doesnt boil, and when the resomation is complete, whats left is the skeletal remains.

The bones are then processed, put into an urn, and given back to the family, she added.

In our first year of business, we completed 98 resomations, and we would be on par with doing the same this year, if not more.

What we want to do is offer people choice. Peoples opinions have changed, and a lot of people have moved away from the church, so theres different kinds of funerals now.

Burial spaces are few and far between too, and the price of burial plots are increasing, pushing people towards cremation and resomation.

Resomation is the ultimate green choice  there is no need for a coffin or embalming, and we guarantee to have the urn back to the family within four working days.

The average cost of a funeral in Ireland now is around 7,000, but the full funeral service through Pure Reflections is 3,700.

We have had some resistance from funeral directors and the industry, but thats understandable, theyre used to their traditional model, but weve had a huge response from the public, said Ms Oakes.

We do rent coffins for celebration of life services, so it doesnt have to be purchased, if thats something that people want to do, but a coffin doesnt go into the machine.

I do think there is going to be a big change in the future, she added.

The perception on water is that its a much more gentle approach when compared to fire, so thats one reason why I think people choose resomation, as well as the eco-friendly environmental aspect, and the ease and seamlessness of the process.

We have over 120 people who have signed up and pre-paid for their resomation funeral plans already, so that alone shows that this is the future, in my opinion.

Were already looking at opening new facilities in Cork and Dublin  once we get to a viable stage, well be able to look at a second facility properly.
Up to 300 striking school secretaries and caretakers gathered outside Taoiseach Micheal Martins Turners Cross constituency office today, demanding he intervene in their industrial dispute with the Department of Education.

Some 2,600 members of the Forsa union across the country began an indefinite strike on Thursday, calling for school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements.

Their industrial action comes as thousands of schools return for the start of the new academic year.

Last-minute talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) between Forsa and the Department of Education broke down on Wednesday evening without resolution.

The dispute hinges on the fact that school secretaries and caretakers are not entitled to public service pensions and other entitlements, but rather, when they retire, must rely on a State pension.

Campaign

After a union-led campaign several years ago, secretaries in most schools were put on the public payroll in 2022, meaning they no longer had to receive social welfare during the summer holidays, and became entitled to sick pay and maternity leave.

Although they are now being paid directly by the department, most are still not classified as public servants.

Noreen OCallaghan, who is a school secretary at Watergrasshill National School, said the picket of Mr Martins constituency office had begun shortly before 8am today.

Simultaneous rallies were held outside Tanaiste Simon Harriss constituency office in Bray, and at the Department of Education, while pickets were mounted outside schools across the country.

When Ms OCallaghan, who is Forsa national branch secretary for school secretaries, spoke with The Echo, she had to raise her voice on several occasions to be heard over the beeping of passing cars.

The support of the public has been brilliant, its great to see such solidarity from the public, she said.

The school were picketing, Bunscoil Chriost Ri, which is just down the road from Micheal Martins office, came out and did a little chant for us, Strike, strike, strike, now, now, now, and they were just brilliant.

That really gave us a great lift, and we have the facilities of the school to use, what an amazing principal and staff of that school to allow us that, and there was a lovely note from the parents association pinned to the gate, supporting us.

Intervene

Ms OCallaghan said the striking workers were calling on Mr Martin to intervene directly in the strike.

Get the department officials back to talk to Forsa in the WRC, and this time come back with a good offer, she said. Were sick of hearing platitudes, were sick of hearing that we are brilliant and all that."

Victoria Luke, school secretary from St Mary's School in Rochestown, and Noreen O'Callaghan, Watergrasshill NS and secretary of the school branch of Forsa, who formed part of the protest that marched from Nano Nagle school in Turners Cross to An Taoiseach's constituency office.

I dont want to retire without an occupational pension, I feel that this is something that secretaries and caretakers should be getting and paying into for ourselves.

Were employed by the boards of management, paid by the department, just like our colleagues, and we have secretaries and caretakers on ETBs [education and training boards] who have public pension status, and thats what we want  equality.

Were doing the same job, and were not being recognised.

Dave ODonoghue, a school caretaker from Scoil na Croise Naofa in Mahon, said he has been in the job for the past 17 years.

Support

He said the support from passing motorists meant a lot to those on the picket.

We werent expecting this, were getting support from all walks of life, and people are being so decent and kind, he said.

Were outside An Taoiseachs office and weve been walking up and down, and the kids inside in the school came out into the yard and they were even getting involved in our chants.

Were hoping Mr Martin will intervene, because our demands are not hard.

We want public service pay for what we believe we do, which is public service work.

Protesters hold up signs outside An Taoiseach Micheal Martin's constituency office in Turners Cross. Picture: Noel Sweeney.

On Thursday afternoon, around 2,500 Forsa members picketed the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on Dublins Merrion St, with many carrying placards saying: Im worth more than a box of chocolates.

Mr ODonoghue said the slogan summed up the situation in a nutshell.

We have secretaries and caretakers who have given up their whole working lives, 30, 40 years, and they might get a box of chocolates at the end, and they might get a round of applause, and thats it, he said.

But we work closely with colleagues every day  principals, teachers, SNAs [special needs assistants]  who have their pensions, who have their bereavement leave, who have their critical illness leave, and theyre perfectly entitled to it, but were surely entitled to the same.

We just want equality.

Unbelievable

Tim Mangan, a school caretaker from Moyderwell Mercy Primary School in Tralee, described as unbelievable the turnout at the picket in Turners Cross.

School secretaries and caretakers havent been looked after for the last number of years, and we feel that its time for us to get parity with our colleagues, to get sick leave and bereavement leave, he said.

We didnt want to go on strike, but we are prepared to stay out until we get what we want.

Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, said that without school secretaries and caretakers, schools would grind to a halt.

To be honest, theyve been shown serious disrespect down through the years, that seems to be continuing, he said.

I fully support their campaign in taking this strike action, and in seeking decent pensions so that they can stay in their jobs and have decent pensions for the rest of their lives.

I think the Taoiseach does need to get directly involved.

I think its far too hands-off by the Government, putting everything into the WRC; clearly theres a need for the Taoiseach to get directly involved."

Sympathetic

Mr O Laoghaire said that he had spoken privately with Government TDs and that they were very sympathetic to the demands of the school secretaries and caretakers.

Thats because their claim is so reasonable, and because Government TDs understand the importance of their role, he said.

So what we need now is the Government to recognise publicly with their demands and give them a decent pension, because its the very least that they deserve.

Mr Martin was asked for comment.
By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

It is healthy for Fianna Fail to have a contest for its presidential nomination, party MEP and hopeful Billy Kelleher has said.

Mr Kelleher made the comment after formally declaring his intention to seek backing, and after one of his party colleagues endorsed former Dublin GAA manager Jim Gavin for the nomination.

Meanwhile, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was not ruling himself out of the race as he expressed disappointment that his partys leadership had failed to express support for him.

Mr Ahern and Mr Kelleher were among party stalwarts who attended a special mass at Glasnevin Cemetery on Friday, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Eamon de Valera.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Kelleher told reporters that it is a good thing for other people to put their name forward as a candidate for Fianna Fails nomination.

It came after his party colleague and Further Education Minister James Lawless endorsed Mr Gavin.

Mr Kelleher said: I dont know Jim well, but I know his record in terms of the GAA and what hes achieved in that.

He added: The name Jim Gavin is synonymous with success, but from my perspective, you know, I feel I have a lot to offer as well.

Mr Kelleher said he welcomed discussion on who the candidate should be, but added: In that choice, theres debate around the type of candidate.

Do they carry the values of our party? Are they pro-European? Are they pro-enterprise? These are the key issues.

At the same event, Mr Ahern revealed that he had repeatedly sought an answer from the Fianna Fail leadership about whether they would support him.

Billy Kelleher greets former taoiseach Bertie Ahern (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Ahern said: I never rule myself out. If you never rule yourself out, youre still in.

He said he had been seeking an answer from party electoral officials since December 16.

He said he did not get an answer and found it very disappointing to see recent reports that the leadership would not support him.

Asked if this meant he was prepared to seek a nomination against the wishes of leadership, he repeated that he had not ruled himself out.

Earlier, Mr Kelleher said he had first been approached by Fianna Fail figures in April and May about running, but there was no formal process in place at the time.

He said that once he publicly called for a process to allow people to put their names forward, in August, he was approached again by party members.

I spoke with Micheal Martin, the leader of the party, last night, and I informed him that I will be putting my name forward, he told RTEs News at One programme.

Mr Kelleher, a former Cork North-Central TD and junior minister  who was a farmer before becoming a politician, said he would be a unifying force as president.

Asked if Mr Martin was happy that the MEP was looking to become a candidate, he said: I honestly believe that nobody who leads a democratic party could be unhappy with having a robust, rigorous debate within the party to find a candidate to represent the party in a very important (election).

Fianna Fails parliamentary party is expected to make a decision on the presidential election in the early autumn.

So far, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly is the only candidate who has secured the backing needed to get on the presidential ballot paper.

The Galway TD has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and independents.

Sinn Fein has yet to announce whether it will support Ms Connolly or run its own candidate.

Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly are in a race to secure the Fine Gael nomination, after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness in mid-August on medical advice.

A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before the second term of President Michael D Higgins ends on November 11.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

Although figures such as MMA fighter Conor McGregor and Riverdance star Michael Flatley have said they are looking to run as presidential candidates, they would need to gather this support to be on the ballot paper.
(Reuters/Mohamed Abd El Ghany)A Christian Egyptian protests against beheadings in 2015.

More than 380 million Christian believers faced significant persecution and discrimination in 2024, a staggering rise of 15 million from the previous year.

This is according to a recent report from Open Doors International, carried by EEW Magazine, which reveals a startling reality for Christians worldwide.

Nigeria accounts for nearly 70 percent of global deaths linked to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors.

The annual "World Watch List 2025," made public January 15, ranks the top 50 countries where Christians endure the most severe threats, violence, and legal harassment, based on data collected from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.

Central Asia and Algeria saw rising violence and legal crackdowns, with new laws and state actions targeting both individual Christians and entire congregations.

Open Doors, an advocacy group founded in 1955 and now operating in 27 countries, paints a sobering picture.

"Far from being given equal protection as citizens, all too often Christians across the world are denied basic legal rights in societies hostile to their faith," the report states.

The numbers are harrowing: an estimated 4,476 Christians were killed for their faith in 2024.

Nigeria alone accounted for nearly 70 percent of those deaths, with 3,100 "Christian martyrs."

Despite a slight decrease from last year's toll, the West African nation remains the deadliest place on earth to follow Jesus.

According to EEW Magazine, "Nigeria's violence is driven by a toxic mix of extremist groups, communal conflicts, and weak government protections."

It cites the International Crisis Group and Human Rights Watch, saying attacks on Christians in Nigeria frequently go unpunished, fueling a cycle of fear and impunity.

"Though fewer Christians were killed for their faith in Nigeria compared to last year, it remains disproportionately deadly for Christians," Open Doors notes.

According to the CIA World Factbook, of the nearly 237 million people in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, 53.5 percent are Muslims and 45.9 percent are Christians.
Nuvoton Technology releases the upgraded NuMicro M2354, tailored for applications such as server RoT, smart city, IoT, and smart metering.

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NuMicro M2354 is an Arm TrustZone microcontroller based on the Armv8-M architecture and powered by the Arm Cortex-M23 CPU, designed to enhance IoT security. It is suitable for long-term confidentiality requirements and highly sensitive data protection scenarios.

The M2354 operates at frequencies up to 96 MHz, offers a wide operating voltage range of 1.7 to 3.6 V, and a broad operating temperature range of -40 to +105 C. The power consumption is 89.3 A/MHz in LDO mode and 39.6 A/MHz in DC-DC mode. The Standby Power-down mode consumes less than 2 A, and the Deep Power-down mode without VBAT consumes less than 0.1 A, effectively extending the device's battery life and meeting the needs of long-term IoT operation.

For Secure FOTA, the M2354 has built-in dual-bank Flash Memory of up to 1024 KB and 256 KB of SRAM. In addition to supporting eXecute-Only-Memory (XOM) to prevent code theft, it also integrates a cryptographic hardware accelerator that supports FIPS PUB 197/180/180-2/180-4 and NIST SP 800-38A, as well as a hardware key store to protect against side-channel and fault injection attacks. In terms of secure boot mechanism, the upgraded M2354 supports the Root of Trust architecture based on DICE, implemented in Mask ROM, and supports ECDSA P-521. This feature automatically generates a unique device identity and establishes a chain of trust during boot, effectively verifying firmware version and preventing firmware rollback and tampering attacks. Furthermore, M2354 is compliant with PSA Level 3 and SESIP Level 3 security certifications, which meet the demands of the EU's Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).

M2354 supports a wide range of peripherals, including CAN, USB 2.0 full-speed OTG, PWM, UART, SPI/I2S, Quad-SPI, IC, and RTC.

M2354 also integrates several analog components, including analog comparators, ADC, and DAC.

The package options include LQFP-48, LQFP-64, and LQFP-128. The upgraded M2354 also offers a compact WLCSP49 package. With support of the SPDM (Security Protocol and Data Model) secure communication protocol, the upgraded M2354 is well-suited for Root of Trust applications in server motherboards and daughterboards. The entire M2354 series is now in mass production and fully available.

For development tool support, Nuvoton provides the NuMaker-M2354 development board and NuMaker-M2354KJB for the upgraded M2354, as well as the Nu-Link debugger tool. In addition, it also supports popular development environments such as Keil MDK, IAR EWARM, Eclipse IDE with GNU GCC, etc.
IFA, Europe's answer to the CES, kicks off on September 5 in Berlin, Germany. The show likely won't be the biggest source of news in September  Apple's iPhone launch event is officially happening on September 9  but it is usually home to its fair share of announcements. IFA 2024 featured new "AI PCs" from ASUS and Dell, including the first Inspiron laptop with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chip. There were plenty of more unusual ideas, too: Honor used the show to introduce a laptop with a detachable webcam , for example.

Based on the companies that are confirmed to have presence at the show, similar themes will be woven through IFA 2025. AI and features enabled by it will likely be everywhere, especially in home appliances. Laptops, whether they're running Intel's Panther Lake chips or something Arm-based, are sure to be in the mix. And smart glasses will likely continue to be a going concern. Below are the companies who are confirmed to be holding events at the show, and what we think they might announce.

Samsung

Samsung

With the Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z foldables and Galaxy Watch 8 in the rear view, there aren't many personal electronics Samsung has left to announce this year. That could be why the company's IFA press conference seems focused on the smart home. Samsung's IFA presentation , dubbed "AI Home: Future Living, Now" is supposed to be focused on the company's home appliances. Specifically, Samsung says it will "highlight the transformative potential of AI in the home." Samsung already showed off how AI plays into its new Bespoke AI home appliances at CES 2025, so it's possible the company could have new additions to the lineup. It'll hopefully also share when its Ballie robot will be available for purchase.

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We also know for a fact that Samsung is hosting a virtual Unpacked event on September 4, which could point to some other products the company will show off at IFA 2025. All signs point to the next Unpacked being about tablets and midrange phones. Samsung is rumored to be announcing both the Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra, which will carry over the general look and feel of the company's past tablets with a few important tweaks, according to WinFuture . Besides battery improvements and Android 16, the biggest change Samsung is reportedly making is using a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip in the tablets rather than its own Exynos models or something from Qualcomm. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is considered the top of the line, so opting for MediaTek could raise questions about performance, but we'll have to use the tablets to know for sure.

Samsung is also rumored to be announcing the Galaxy S25 FE at the event. It becomes less clear by the year what "FE" or "Fan Edition" means, but the Galaxy S25 FE is expected to have some meaningful improvements over the Galaxy S24 FE. Alongside a Samsung-designed Exynos chip, the S25 FE is rumored to feature an improved 12MP selfie camera and a 4,900mAh battery with 45W charging, according to SamMobile .

Acer

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Like Samsung, Acer is hosting its own press conference at IFA 2025. The company's description of the event is frustratingly vague, but does suggest announcements focused on both productivity and gaming. At IFA 2024, Acer introduced multiple Copilot+PCs, including updates to the company's Swift and Aspire lines with the latest Intel Core Ultra chips and Windows AI features. Updates to both lineups seem highly likely at IFA 2025. Don't be surprised if Acer shows off some more concept devices, too. The company's Acer Project DualPlay , a laptop with a detachable game controller, was a big hit at last year's show, and something the company is bound to top.

When it comes to handheld gaming PCs, Acer's detailed its plans to sell three different sizes of handheld , the Acer Nitro Blaze 11, Blaze 8 and Blaze 7, but yet to release them all globally. It might make sense to use IFA 2025 to finalize that and tease whatever it's working on next.

Lenovo

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

When it comes to Lenovo, the company has a tried and true playbook for events like IFA. It demoes a slew of new laptops, updates its non-foldable Motorola phones and introduces one or two absolutely bizarre concept devices. The pattern seems like it'll repeat for IFA 2025 .

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If the stars of last year's show were a 16-inch Legion gaming laptop and an "Auto Twist" concept that swivels with a voice command, this year Lenovo's looking at a different kind of rotation. Leaker Evan Blass shared images at what looks like a new concept laptop with a display that can be rotated into portrait orientation. Blass also shared images of three new Moto phones, and two new Lenovo tablets.

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Lenovo has a new handheld PC of its own to announce, too. The company released the Lenovo Legion Go S earlier this year, and now it's reportedly ready to announce the Lenovo Legion Go 2. The new handheld is rumored to feature a new AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip, the same detachable, Switch-style controllers and more RAM. If Lenovo announces the handheld, it'll likely be the most powerful handheld gaming PC available for purchase, with a price tag to match.

Hisense

Hisense

According to the event description for Hisense's IFA 2025 press conference , the company plans to "further upgrade its RGB-MiniLED TV with powerful hardware improvements and AI-driven software." Hisense introduced the 116-inch UX RGB-MiniLED TV back in July, what the company claims is the first mass-produced television with dedicated red, green and blue LEDs. The approach lets the TV reach a peak brightness of 8,000 nits, among other benefits.

Detailing how much the TV will cost, and what kind of features its "Hi-View AI Engine X" chip will power makes sense. Don't be surprised if Hisense also takes time to talk about the even bigger 136-inch MX MicroLED TV it announced at CES 2025, too.

Anker

Valentina Palladino for Engadget

With Google fully embracing Qi2 charging on its Pixel 10 phones , there's never been a better time for Anker to announce new Qi2 chargers. Given that the company's IFA press conference is supposed to feature "major product launches that bring intelligence into everyday life," it seems like AI features are a safe bet. That likely means Anker's Eufy or Soundcore brands could be the real focus. Maybe the company has new AI improvements for its Eufy robot vacuums, or audio improvements for its Soundcore headphones? We'll have to wait for IFA to start to find out.

IFA 2025 is taking place from September 5 to September 9 in Berlin, Germany. We're expecting news from companies like Lenovo, Samsung, Acer and more starting from as early as September 3. In fact, Samsung announced it will hold an Unpacked event on September 4, while Acer will host a global press conference on September 3. Engadget will have plenty of coverage from IFA 2025, so make sure to check it all out.
The UK's Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) has submitted a new legal filing, suggesting that authorities wanted the iCloud backdoor they're demanding Apple to create to be able to access more data than previously thought. According to the Financial Times, UK's Home Office has also yet to legally withdraw or change its order for Apple to create backdoor access to its users' data. If you'll recall, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard claimed a few days ago that the UK "has agreed to drop its mandate for Apple to provide a 'back door' that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on [their] civil liberties." It's still unclear if the Home Office merely hasn't started the process of withdrawing the mandate yet.

IPT is an independent judicial body that investigates complaints about alleged unlawful surveillance from UK authorities. The Times reported in March that Apple challenged the UK government at the IPT after receiving a secret order from the Home Office to build a backdoor for iCloud data. Apple is not allowed to publicly discuss the order, but it first acknowledgment that it received a mandate from UK authorities when it disabled iCloud's Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature in the UK back February.

"Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom. As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will," the company said in a statement back then. It's worth noting that the UK government has yet to confirm or deny the order's existence, and IPT will be hearing the case based on "assumed facts."

The order reportedly states the Apple has the obligation to "provide and maintain a capability to disclose categories of data stored within a cloud-based service," which indicates that the government looked to gain access to people's passwords and messages. In addition, the Times says the order was "not limited to" data protected by Apple's ADP, suggesting that authorities wanted broad access to Apple iCloud accounts.
Have you played around with the new iOS 26 yet? Here's how to download it on your iPhone if you haven't yet  once you do, you'll notice several new changes, including a clear design called Liquid Glass. The translucent look can be found within apps as well as your lock and home screens. (You can't turn it off, but you can reduce the transparency to make it less clear.) The overhaul is one of several big changes that come with iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS and the rest of Apple's software suite  the new operating system updates for those gadgets are also available to download now.

You'll also see multiple useful additions in the Phone and Messages apps. For instance, the ability to weed out spam texts or unknown senders and an option to hold your spot on a phone call when you've been waiting for a representative to pick up. And for fun, you can now create polls in group texts. Other new improvements coming include a confirmed AirPods live translation feature, and a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center.

If you're planning to upgrade your phone this year, take a look at all the new models Apple unveiled during its iPhone 17 event, from the iPhone 17 lineup (check out our review of the iPhone 17) to the all-new ultra-thin iPhone Air (take a look at our hands-on review). If you missed the keynote, you can catch up on everything Apple announced here or rewatch the full iPhone 17 launch. The company rounded out its announcements with three new Apple Watch models, as well as the brand-new AirPods Pro 3.

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Most newer iPhone models are eligible to download iOS 26. We've rounded up a full list of new features you'll have to check out. If you're waiting to update your phone until iOS 26.1 becomes available, note that the beta version is available now so it shouldn't be too long before it's released to the public.

What is iOS 26 and should I download iOS 18.7 first?

Instead of releasing iOS 19, Apple skipped its naming convention ahead to iOS 26. The company has decided to line up its iOS version numbers with a year-based system, similar to car model years. So while iOS and its sibling operating systems were released in 2025, they're all designated "26" to reflect the year ahead.

Apple also released iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26 to address security issues  great news if you don't have a phone that's eligible to run the latest OS. If you're wondering which one to download first, it's really up to you. Do you want to wait for Apple to quash any bugs in iOS 26 or do you want access to all the new features everyone's talking about now?

It's official, we're moving to iOS 26. (Apple)

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let's be honest. Out of everything announced at WWDC this year, the new Liquid Glass design was the star of the show. The iPhone's home and lock screens have looked pretty much the same year after year  the last exciting thing (in my opinion) was the option to add your own aesthetic to your home screen by customizing your apps and widgets. So seeing the home and lock screens' new facelift is refreshing.

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So what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple calls it a "new translucent material" since, well, the apps and widgets are clear. However, the screen can still adapt to dark and light modes, depending on surroundings. You'll also notice buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Maps. They're designed to be less distracting than the current buttons, but are still easy to see.

While the design overhaul has proven to be controversial since its announcement, some  including Engadget's Devindra Hardawar  like the new direction, even if it's somewhat reminiscent of Microsoft's translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly twenty years ago.

That said, while it was in beta mode, Apple incorporated some user feedback into the design, dialing back the transparency in at least some places. And while it will continue to evolve, Apple users won't be able to escape it: The company says Liquid Glass was designed to make all of its platforms more cohesive.

Here's a look at how the translucent aesthetic looks with the new macOS Tahoe 26 on your desktop.

How to turn iOS 26 Liquid Glass settings off

If you find you don't like the new clear look after downloading iOS 26, you can change a couple Accessibility settings, though you can't completely turn off Liquid Glass. For starters, you can reduce the liquid look by going to Settings > Accessibility > Motion > toggle on Reduce Motion.

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You can make your drop-down menus more opaque instead of translucent by going to Settings >Accessibility > Display & Text Size > toggle on Reduce Transparency.

You can also change your clear apps back to the way they were. Just press and hold any app on your screen and select Edit Home Screen. From here, tap Edit (top left) and Customize. You can swap out to Default, Dark or Tinted.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 has a laundry list of new features. Among the most worthwhile:

Phone app redesign: You can now scroll through contacts, recent calls and voicemail messages all on one screen. It also comes with a new feature called Hold Assist that'll notify you when an agent comes to the phone so you can avoid the elevator music and continue on with other tasks.

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Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime and Messages: iOS 26 brings the ability to have a conversation via phone call, FaceTime or text message with someone who speaks another language. Live Translation uses Apple Intelligence and it will translate your conversation in real time, which results in some stop-and-go interactions in the examples Apple shared during its presentation.

Polls in group chats: Tired of sorting through what seems like hundreds of messages in your group chat? You and your friends can now create polls in group messages to decide things like which brunch spot you're eating at or whose car you're taking on a road trip.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you haven't received spam texts about unpaid tolls or other citations, you're lucky. For those of us who have, those annoying messages will soon be filtered away in a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature will allow you to search for anything that's on your iPhone screen. For instance, if you spot a pair of shoes someone is wearing in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those shoes (or similar ones) online.

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Photos tabs are back: For anyone who's been frustrated with last year's changes to the Photos app, you'll be happy to know that your tabs are back. Library and Collections have their own separate spaces so you don't have to scroll to infinity to find what you're looking for.

Camera app updates: Navigating the Camera app should be simpler in iOS 26, as all the buttons and menus are in convenient spots  less swiping, more photo taking. Plus, there's a new feature that tells you if your lens needs to be cleaned.

FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 appears to be the FaceTime "Communication Safety" feature that pauses communications if and when nudity is detected. The feature appears to be a child safety feature that uses on-device detection, thus obviating any cloud-based privacy issues.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen is more customizable in iOS 26, with a cooler clock, 3D wallpaper effects, more widgets and better focus mode options.

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New alarm setting: You'll no longer be stuck with the 9-minute snooze setting in your alarms. Instead, you now have the option to change your snooze time from one to 15 minutes.

Screenshots look different: You'll notice several new features when you take a screenshot, including "highlight to search," the option to search your image on Google and ChatGPT is there for any questions you have about the image.

Preview on iOS 26: There's a new app called Preview that lets you scan documents, fill out PDF forms, as well as highlight, underline or strike through text in a PDF file. You can also remove backgrounds from images in this app.

Apple's Hold Assist will be nifty for those pesky services that put you on hold for 10 or more minutes. (Apple)

New changes with iPadOS 26

Your iPad isn't getting left behind when it comes to big updates. Here's what to look for.

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Multitasking and real windowing: When you download the newest update, you'll be able to have multiple apps running on your screen at the same time. Once you open an app, it'll appear on your screen as normal but you'll be able to resize and move it across your screen to make room for other apps. This feature is optional so you can turn it off if you don't like it.

Visual update: Along with the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 also has the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look appears on the lock and home screens, as well as the drop-down menus.

New menu bar: When you swipe down on your screen, the new menu bar will appear with options like File, Edit, Windows and more. There's also a search option if you're looking for something specific.

There's more beyond that, so be sure to check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also getting updated with iOS 26. Here are some of the more notable functions.

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Enhanced audio recording: Apple calls this "studio-quality" audio recording, and with it, you'll notice more clarity while in noisy environments.

Camera remote control: Using this, you can take a photo or start and stop video recording with just one press on your AirPods. When taking photos, you'll get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Live translation feature: Live translation is available on AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with ANC when paired with iPhones running iOS 26. Apple says that when someone speaks to you in a different language, you can use your AirPods to translate what theyre saying.

Heart rate monitoring: Apple introduced new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds this month, which include heart rate monitoring. It will work with Apple's Health app and other fitness apps that track heart rates.

Siri is in a holding pattern. Apple has previously specified that its smarter voice assistant  first promised at WWDC 2024  is delayed until some point "in the coming year," so you shouldn't expect any major changes right now. But there are reports that Apple is aiming to give Siri a bigger brain transplant by basing it on third-party artificial intelligence models like OpenAI's ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year. The company is also reportedly working on a "stripped-down" AI chatbot to rival ChatGPT.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few iPhone models that run the current version of iOS  iPhone XR, XS and XS Max  aren't compatible with the latest upgrade. But any iPhones from 2019 or later will be eligible for iOS 26:

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iPhone SE (second generation or later)

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16e

iPhone 17

iPhone Air

iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro Max

When can you download iOS 26?

iOS 26 has officially been released to the public for free as of September 15, 2025.

If you're more interested in the new Apple Intelligence features, here's everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS and more during WWDC. Also, check out how iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework.

Update, September 19: Added details about making Liquid Glass less clear.

Update, September 18: Added info about Engadget's iPhone 17 review.

Update, September 17: Added details and link about the new iPhone Air.

Update, September 16: Added details about modifying Liquid Glass settings, and new info about the Preview app.

Update, September 15: Noted iOS 26 is officially available for download.

Update, September 12: Noted iOS 26 is coming to eligible iPhones in just a few days, timing TBD.

Update, September 11: Added the products Apple released at its Tuesday event and noted when iOS 26 will be available to download.

Update, September 9: Noted the iPhone event is starting soon.

Update, September 8: Noted the iPhone 17 event is tomorrow.

Update, September 4: Added details about how screenshots are different in iOS 26.

Update, September 3: Noted Apple is expected to release iOS 18.7 alongside iOS 26.

Update, September 2: Added more new features coming with iOS 26.

Update, August 29: Added new section about Siri and a link to what's new with the iOS 26 Camera app.

Update, August 27: Added the official iPhone 17 event date, as well as the potential iOS 26 release.

Update, August 25: Added a rumor about new AirPods Pro having heart rate monitoring.

Update, August 22: Noted that Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 18.6.

Update, August 20: Noted that iOS 26 public beta 4 and iOS 18.6.2 are now available to download.

Update, August 18: Added details about a potential iOS 18.6 update.

Update, August 15: Added to link to what to expect at the Apple iPhone event and details about what's available in the iOS 26 screenshots editor.

Update, August 13: Added new AirPods detail spotted in the iOS 26 beta.

Update, August 11: Noted that iOS 26 developer beta has hit beta 6.

Update, August 8: Added new features coming with iPadOS 26 and AirPods.

Update, August 6: Noted the release of iOS 26 beta 5 and the new bouncy feature on passcode screen and Control Center.

Update, August 4: Noted that Apple is reportedly working on a ChatGPT rival.

Update, August 1: Added quote from Tim Cook about iOS 26.

Update, July 31: Noted that iOS 18.6 is now available.

Update, July 24: Noted the iOS 26 public beta is now available.

Update, July 3: Noted new FaceTime feature found in the developer beta.

Update, June 30: Noted ongoing iOS 18 releases, and reports that Apple is considering additional external LLMs for Siri.

Update, June 25: Noted changes added in iOS 26 beta 2.
Georgina Bloomberg and Justin Waterman Call Off Engagement After Welcoming Daughter

Socialite Georgina Bloomberg and her fiance Justin Waterman have reportedly ended their engagement, just months after welcoming their baby daughter, Scarlett, in June.

After three years of dating, the pair got engaged in April 2022 and have since built a family together. They're proud parents to Scarlett and their baby boy, Sebastian, who arrived in 2023.

Friends say the couple has hit rough patches before, and this isn't the first time they've stepped back from the relationship.

"This has happened a few times. It happened a little bit over the winter. There's never a real reason," an insider said. The source added that the breakup might not be permanent, joking that "it could all change in two weeks."

According to PageSix, the news of their split has become a topic of conversation at their Westchester horse club, The Century Country Club, where friends and acquaintances noted that Georgina has been attending events without Waterman.

One source remarked, "The entire club knows," emphasizing that the separation is no longer a secret among their social circle.

Georgina Bloomberg and fiance Justin Waterman have split before: sources https://t.co/pfw0ehxmVb pic.twitter.com/YUP2FnWg9A  Page Six (@PageSix) August 28, 2025

Georgina Bloomberg Focuses on Children After Split from Justin Waterman

Georgina, 42, daughter of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, appears focused on raising her children.

"She has three kids to raise. This is just like, 'Whatever.' I'm not even sure she's telling people they've broken up," a source added.

Alongside Scarlett and Sebastian, Georgina is also mother to Jasper, born in 2013 from her previous relationship with Argentine Olympic show jumper Ramiro Quintana, DailyMail said.

The couple celebrated the birth of their daughter on Instagram, with Georgina sharing a carousel of photos of Scarlett and writing, "Scarlett arrived into our world on June 13th, and immediately stole the show, and our hearts."

Observers noted that Waterman was absent from these photos, sparking early rumors of trouble in the relationship.

Justin works as a partner and advisor at Summit Trail Advisors, while Georgina focuses on her passion for riding as a professional equestrian and runs her own team, the New York Empire.

In a 2021 interview, she explained the challenges of balancing family life with her competitive career, stating, "You have to face a life decision as to whether you want to have children and have a family, or whether you want to pursue this... I want to have their level of success, but I know what it takes to have their level of success, and I don't want to do that."
George Clooney was met with thunderous applause as he took the stage for the world premiere of "Jay Kelly" at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, earning a 10-minute standing ovation from the Sala Grande audience as the lights came up near midnight.

Despite battling a severe sinus infection earlier in the day, Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet and in the screening, where festivalgoers rose to their feet in appreciation of his performance.

Directed by Noah Baumbach and co-written with Emily Mortimer, "Jay Kelly" stars Clooney as a celebrated Hollywood actor confronting the realities of aging and the choices that have shaped his life.

Adam Sandler appears as Ron, Kelly's longtime manager, and Laura Dern portrays Liz, Kelly's publicist, both of whom joined Clooney onstage in Venice. The film follows Kelly and Ron on an impromptu journey through Europe, during which they reassess their careers, relationships, and legacies.

Festival director Alberto Barbera praised Baumbach's latest work for its "insightful look at fame and identity," noting that audiences responded with genuine emotion when the credits rolled. Early reviews have highlighted Clooney's blend of charm and vulnerability, describing his turn as both "raw" and "nuanced".

The ovation at Venice surpasses many recent festival stand-up recognitions, including Yorgos Lanthimos's Bugonia, which received a nearly 7-minute standing ovation earlier in the week, and Paolo Sorrentino's opening night film La Grazia, which drew 6.5 minutes of applause. Industry observers say that such prolonged receptions often signal strong awards season momentum.

In his remarks to the press, Baumbach said, "It was crucial for the audience to connect with Jay Kelly through George. He truly unveiled layers of himself in this role". Clooney, who missed the morning press conference due to illness, expressed gratitude to the Venice audience for their support. "Performing at my age brings a unique set of challenges," he told Vanity Fair before the premiere. "If you can't make peace with aging, you shouldn't be in this business. I embrace all of it".

"Jay Kelly" will open in theaters on November 14 before streaming on Netflix starting December 5. As festival audiences demonstrated their enthusiasm in Venice, all signs point to Jay Kelly becoming one of this year's most talked-about films.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended his decision to send federal troops into Washington, D.C., dismissing critics who accused him of acting like a dictator. But his attempt to reframe himself as "a smart person" with "common sense" quickly unraveled after follow-up remarks appeared to contradict his claim.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said, "A lot of people are saying, 'Maybe we'd like a dictator.' I don't like a dictator. I'm not a dictator. I'm a man with great common sense and I'm a smart person." He went on to complain that his actions to reduce crime were being met with accusations that he was seizing too much power.

HOLY SHIT HE ACTUALLY SAID THIS:



TRUMP: "A lot of people are saying maybe we'd like a dictator. I don't like a dictator. I'm not a dictator. I'm a man with great common sense and I'm a smart person."



His supporters need to wake the f*ck up and stop kissing his swollen feet. pic.twitter.com/B3yL5HjxKV  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 25, 2025

HOLY SHIT HE ACTUALLY SAID THIS:



TRUMP: "A lot of people are saying maybe we'd like a dictator. I don't like a dictator. I'm not a dictator. I'm a man with great common sense and I'm a smart person."



His supporters need to wake the f*ck up and stop kissing his swollen feet. pic.twitter.com/B3yL5HjxKV  CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) August 25, 2025

Smart people don't say they're smart.

People with common sense don't say they have common sense.

Honest people don't say they're honest.

Rich people don't say they're rich.

Successful people don't say they're successful.

They don't have to.  MikeBates (@MikeBates) August 25, 2025

The president's comments ignited backlash online, with many noting that people rarely feel the need to announce qualities such as intelligence or honesty. "Smart people don't say they're smart. People with common sense don't say they have common sense," one user posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The controversy deepened the next day when Trump declared, "I have the right to do anything I want to do. I'm the president of the United States." The remark was widely viewed as echoing the authoritarian posture he had just denied.

Not how this works https://t.co/canVa7T1in  MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) August 26, 2025

Trump has faced criticism from governors and civil rights groups for expanding federal authority into local jurisdictions. Earlier this month, he sent troops into Washington and threatened similar action in Chicago and Baltimore, citing crime rates. But Justice Department data shows crime in the nation's capital has been declining for several years.

His insistence that "a lot of people" are calling for a dictator fueled further speculation about his intentions. Online commentators said the remark should be taken seriously, pointing to his earlier acknowledgment in 2023 that he would use power for "retribution" on his first day back in office.

Opponents argue Trump's words elevate him above constitutional limits. "That sentence alone should set off alarm bells," one critic wrote. Another added, "No, he doesn't [have the right to do anything]! He's a big fat idiot and we need him gone."

Trump's remarks also stirred division among his supporters, with some accusing the media of cutting his comments out of context. But for critics, the combination of self-praise and sweeping claims of power reinforced fears that the president is moving closer to authoritarian rule.
Former President Joe Biden has canceled his planned 2025 speaking tour as he continues to battle aggressive prostate cancer, raising fresh concerns about the 82-year-old's health.

Biden, who stepped aside from the 2024 presidential race to make way for Kamala Harris, had been scheduled for several paid appearances that were expected to bring in as much as $300,000 per event. But sources confirmed to RadarOnline.com that those engagements have now been scrapped.

The decision follows a series of health-related challenges that have dogged the former president in recent years. In 2023, Biden was slated to appear at the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel in Philadelphia, but the visit was canceled after officials determined the physical strain of climbing "lots of steps" could pose a risk. Weeks earlier, Biden stumbled on stage during the Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony, an incident the White House attributed to a sandbag.

Biden's health has been under close watch since his June 2024 debate with Donald Trump, where his faltering performance fueled questions about his stamina and ultimately contributed to his withdrawal from the race. His cancer diagnosis was later revealed to be aggressive, with a Gleason score of 9, according to top oncologist Dr. Zeke Emanuel.

"He probably had it at the start of his presidency, in 2021," Emanuel said during an appearance on MSNBC in May.

The former president has largely retreated from public life, spending most of his time at his Delaware home. Earlier this month, he was spotted at an ice cream shop in Rehoboth Beach, where supporters noted he appeared visibly thinner.

Despite health struggles, Biden has kept a low profile. His aides stress that he is focused on treatment and rest. His absence from the profitable speaking circuit highlights the seriousness of his condition and has increased speculation about his remaining years in politics.

Vance vs. Zelensky: Oval Office Blowup Blamed on Biden's "Money Pit" Ukraine Policy

In separate news, Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February reflected broader frustration with the way the Biden administration handled aid to Ukraine, not a personal vendetta against the wartime leader.

"I think that was useful for the American people to see," Vance told USA TODAY in an interview published Wednesday. "Sometimes people disagree. Do I wish that we had had a blowup in the Oval Office in public? Not necessarily."

The Feb. 28 meeting, which was televised, devolved into a lengthy, testy confrontation inside the Oval Office as Zelenskyy visited the White House to sign a deal that would allow the United States to receive revenue from Ukrainian minerals in exchange for military assistance. The exchange included sharp remarks from President Donald Trump and raised questions about whether Vance had sought to embarrass Zelenskyy.

Vance said his criticism was aimed squarely at the prior Biden administration's Ukraine policy. He disputed the notion that the Ukrainians were solely at fault, saying his greater concern was the American side, where he said officials "would leave with billions of dollars without any real goal, any real diplomacy, any real sense of what we were going to buy with that a hundred billion dollars."

"That always really frustrated me far more than Zelenskyy was asking for help from Washington," Vance said. He added that the Biden administration "had no plan for how to end the war," calling earlier U.S. assistance "a weird money pit where we'd throw money after the problem without any real plan to solve the problem."

Vance said he and Trump have held "a number of good conversations" with Zelenskyy and that the administration remains committed to protecting Ukraine's territorial integrity and preventing Russia from conquering the entire country. He also acknowledged some disagreements with Zelenskyy but said the two sides are "pretty aligned."

President Trump has suggested a negotiated settlement with Russia that could include territorial concessions by Ukraine, describing the conflict as reaching a point in which neither side is making decisive gains. Vance said a peaceful settlement that stops the killing would be "what's best for everybody, including the United States."

The Oval Office confrontation, which lasted nearly an hour and was broadcast, intensified debate in Washington over U.S. policy toward Ukraine and how the Trump administration will approach the conflict. It also prompted speculation that Vance had orchestrated the episode to put Zelenskyy on the defensive; Vance has rejected that characterization.
Sean "Diddy" Combs could serve up to 20 years after being convicted on two counts of transporting people for prostitution. He was cleared of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering earlier this year. He is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

According to Billboard, Diddy's legal team is attempting to appeal directly to former President Donald Trump to secure clemency before his October sentencing. Strategies reportedly include personal visits to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida and booking appearances on Fox News. An expert said it has been suggested that these steps could bring the rapper's case to the president's attention.

Trump has issued several high-profile pardons since returning to office, including clemency for January 6 defendants. Legal experts say his approach has largely bypassed the traditional review process.

Mark Osler, a clemency attorney and law professor at the University of St. Thomas, explained that in past administrations, lawyers filed forms with the Department of Justice's Pardon Attorney, and applications went through multiple review levels. "The mechanism is falling apart. It's fair to say many people are confused about what the process is now," Osler said.

50 Cent shares throwback clips of Diddy dissing Donald Trump to stop a potential Presidential Pardon  pic.twitter.com/zOIC3y1WvC  Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 3, 2025

Experts: Direct Appeals Are Likely

With Trump increasingly acting independently on pardons, attorneys often target his inner circle. Osler told Billboard, "Some people are filling out the form, some people are trying to appeal directly to Alice Marie Johnson, some people are trying to talk to Trump at Mar-a-Lago, some people are trying to get on Fox News to pitch their case. It's hard to tell what will work and for who."

He added, "People are spending a lot of money trying to get in front of the right people to be considered."

Legal analysts note two main avenues for Trump to act. A presidential pardon would erase Diddy's convictions, while a commutation would eliminate his prison sentence without clearing his record.

JaneAnne Murray, a clemency lawyer and law professor at the University of Minnesota, said the Mann Act, under which Diddy was convicted, "is rarely used today. It comes out of a puritanical era, and its enforcement was driven by sexist and racist assumptions." She added that since Diddy was acquitted of the higher-level charges, "It's almost inconceivable that any resolution of the case would have involved a custodial sentence."

Despite these arguments, the path remains uncertain. Osler noted, "Historically, sex crimes have kind of been the third rail of clemency. Almost never have you seen grants for them." Trump's team would also need to weigh potential political fallout, given the scrutiny surrounding both Diddy's trial and the former president's previous associations.

Originally published on Music Times
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La estimulacion magnetica cerebral abre una nueva via contra la demencia: el 76% de los pacientes se estabiliza
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the continued war in Gaza and voiced worries about deeper peril with Israel stepping up and widening its attacks on Hamas in the Palestinian territory.

Guterres lamented Israels recent strikes in Gaza City and attacks at a hospital that killed several journalists as part of the wars endless catalogue of horrors.

Close to 200 journalists have been killed in the Gaza war and Israel restricts international media from the battle zone.

That leaves coverage to Palestinians in Gaza. Almost all of the journalists killed in the war have been Palestinian, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

These attacks are part of an endless catalogue of horrors, Guterres said.

The UN is pressing Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to launch more attacks in Gaza.

Israel is eyeing offensives in Gaza City and other areas Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dont already control.

The UN chief warned of devastating consequences of a wider, deeper war in Gaza where more than 62,000 Palestinians have already been killed,

Close to 2,000 Israelis have died in the war and Hamas still holds an estimated 20 hostages taken in the October 2023 attacks that sparked the Holy Land war.

Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law, Guterres said Thursday.

Hostages taken by Hamas and other groups must be released and the atrocious treatment they have been forced to endure must stop. Civilians must be protected.

Israel has deemed the Gaza City area  which is home to Gazas small Christian community and two churches where they have taken refuge  a combat zone.

Holy Land Christians warn many of the people who have taken refuge at Gaza Citys church compounds are elderly, disabled or moms with young kids.

They said many of them cant easily evacuate and worry about the war coming to their doorsteps.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians  already exhausted and traumatized  would be forced to flee yet again, plunging families into even deeper peril. This must stop, Guterres said.

Most of Gazas buildings as well as farmland, greenhouses and livestock have all been destroyed during the war.

The levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times, Guterres said.

People are dying from hunger.

Israel and Netanyahu have pushed back on contentions from the UN and other aid groups that Gaza is seeing famine conditions.

Hamas, and only Hamas, is responsible for the humanitarian crisis. It deliberately acts to worsen the situation while attempting to seize control of the aid and exploit the people of Gaza as human shields, said Israeli Major General Ghassan Alian with the Israeli relief agency COGAT.

"In recent weeks, the terrorist organization Hamas has been leading a false starvation campaign. Contrary to Hamass claims, Israel does not pursue a policy of starvation. On the contrary, Israel works to prevent starvation, he said.

Israel points to UN data showing much of the international aid shipped into Gaza is either hijacked or stolen by Hamas or looted by Palestinians.

"The IDF is preparing to expand operations against Hamas in Gaza City, with the goal of bringing about the collapse of this terrorist organization. Alian said.

President Donald Trump has given tacit approval to Israels new offensive in Gaza but also wants the humanitarian situation improved.
OLD WASHINGTON, Ohio  Seat belts, everyone. At 7 p.m. on Sept. 10, a lineup of massive farm combines followed by four full-sized school buses will crash, smash and rumble across the Guernsey County Fairgrounds in the first-ever school bus and combine demolition derby in the fairs 178-year history.

Its our very first time for either one of those, said fair board member Casey Raber, who, along with fellow board member and farmer David Dutch Hayes, has been pushing for the idea for years. Were kind of learning as we go.

Raber said inspiration came partly from the Fairfield County Fair in Lancaster, which has long hosted a popular combine derby. He and Hayes convinced the Guernsey County Fair Board to test the idea by paying $500 to up to 10 drivers willing to get behind the wheels of their combines and let it rip.

Were hoping that draws them in, Raber said.

Some drivers are seasoned competitors from other Ohio fairs, while others  including Raber himself  are climbing into a derby combine for the first time.

Fairgoers can expect plenty of diesel smoke, roaring engines and sheer spectacle, Raber said, citing a John Deere 6620 and a Massey Ferguson 850 among the lineup of combines.

Theyre just huge, huge machines. You know, diesel, big blow of black smoke  (they) crash into each other, and its something to see.

The event will be run in heats by size, with the remaining drivers able to patch up their machines and return for a feature round.

Adrenaline rush

Sharing the spotlight along with the combines is the school bus demolition derby. The fair board purchased four buses  one for each district in the county  and handed them over to students to decorate. On derby night, students will ride in with their schools bus before cheering on their driver from a dedicated student section.

David McCormick, another longtime fair board member, has been overseeing preparations for the bus derby.

Oh, dear. Ive been involved with demo derby ever since I was 16, McCormick said. And Im 62 now.

A veteran driver himself, McCormick knows the thrill.

Its an adrenaline rush like none other, he said. These days, he works behind the scenes. It was kind of a default that I got to do this bus thing, he said.

The idea came after McCormick spoke with Jeremy Carr, president of the Athens County Fair, who told him about their success.

It was all for the schools, McCormick said. The schools do not have anything involved in it. The board takes care of all of the expenses. And its this kind of a bragging rights, school spirit thing.

McCormick said the buses came from Mike & B Sales Inc. in Newcomerstown, a salvage yard that ships bus parts all over the world. His team has been busy stripping the buses of glass, headlights, taillights and anything else that could fly off and injure a driver.

While drivers are still being finalized, each of the four school districts  Buckeye Trail, Meadowbrook, Cambridge and East Muskingum  will be represented.

I gave the schools the option that they could supply someone that wanted to drive, or we could find someone that would drive it for them, McCormick said.

He laughed at the thought of the battles to come, likening the long, unwieldy machines to ocean liners.

Theyre very long, they dont handle the greatest, McCormick said. And once you get them on a little bit of mud, then the slippery part will come out.

A good show

For McCormick, the best part of any derby is the audience.

Listening to the crowds reaction, that is probably the most rewarding right there, he said. The crowd is why we do this, and we want to put on as good a show as possible.

McCormick himself has fond memories of competing. His favorite derby car to drive was the Chrysler Imperial, which in its day was compared to Rolls-Royce when it came to comfort, style and appointments. On the track, the 1964 model year Imperial, with its all-steel, boxy frame and almost truck-like chassis earned it a reputation as being nearly indestructible.

McCormick recalls winning the feature at the Guernsey County Fair in the late 80s. One competitor was his brother, Clarence. Another was Gator Nelson, and Lloyd McGillton, too.

And Im the one that came out on top. It was luck, I reckon. See, its 10% skill, 90% luck.

Now, though, hes focused on making the new bus derby a success. His message to the community is simple: I encourage them to support their local school. This being a school spirit event  to try to bring the kids out and cheer on their school. And to see something different. Not everybodys (ever seen) a bus derby or a combine derby. And well be having both in the same evening.

Raber echoed the hope that the new events will attract both longtime fairgoers and those who havent been back in years.

One guy said he hasnt been to our county fair; he cant remember the last time hes been to our fair, but he said hes definitely coming this year  because its something new and exciting.

For the full schedule of events at the Guernsey County Fair, visit online.
Arla Foods has marked its 25th anniversary with resilient half-year results, posting 7.5 billion in revenue across Europe and a 9% boost in UK earnings despite volatile global markets.

The co-op posted a net profit of 158 million and revenue of 7.5 billion in the first six months of the year, achieving a performance price of 57.5 euro cents per kilogram of milk.

In recognition of this, the Board has approved a supplementary payment of 1 euro cent per kilogram of milk for farmer-owners, based on half-year volumes.

In the UK, net revenue grew 9% (130m/108m) during the first half, although branded volume-driven sales fell 4.7%, largely due to butter.

By contrast, the foodservice division reported 15% growth (29m/24m) with branded volumes up 7.6%.

Bas Padberg, managing director of Arla Foods UK, said: We knew going into the first half of this year that market conditions would be more difficult to navigate and therefore have an impact on our business.

"Weve seen some of the highest commodity prices so far this year, which has increased the value of dairy. As a cooperative, we have to ensure our farmers get the best possible price for their milk whilst keeping nutritious dairy accessible to shoppers.

Arla also underlined its commitment to British dairy with a 90m investment at its Lockerbie site, creating a UHT 'centre of excellence'.

The cooperative continues to push sustainability initiatives through the Dairy Roadmap and FarmAhead partnerships with UK retailers and foodservice providers.

The first half of 2025 marked a number of milestone initiatives that will ensure we can secure the future for British dairy and return the highest value for our farmers milk, said Mr Padberg.

We will continue to face headwinds  but as a cooperative, we are resilient and committed to providing the very best products produced by farmers who work tirelessly to feed a nation.

The half-year results come against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and elevated dairy commodity prices, which weighed on branded sales volumes, down 1.5% compared with the same period last year.

Arla's CFO, Torben Dahl Nyholm said: Although we saw a slight decline in branded sales volumes in the first half of the year, we expect the situation to improve as we move into the second half.

"With continued focus and the strength of our brands, we are well positioned to respond to changing market conditions, and we anticipate that branded growth will be close to neutral for the full year."
British Sugar has set the dates for the 2025/26 beet campaign, with factories across England gearing up to receive crops from mid-September.

Beet intake will begin at Wissington on 15 September, followed by Bury St Edmunds and Newark on 29 September, with Cantley opening on 6 October.

Growers, hauliers and industry partners have been notified of the arrangements by email and through the companys online portal, My British Sugar.

Anyone with queries is being advised by the processor to contact their Agriculture Manager or call British Sugar Services.

Dan Green, agriculture director at British Sugar, said: As we look ahead to this years campaign, we look forward to working together with growers, harvesters and hauliers.

"Wed like to wish everyone across the British beet sugar industry all the best for a safe and successful campaign.

British Sugar remains the sole processor of the UKs beet sugar crop, working with around 2,300 growers across the East of England, East Midlands and Yorkshire.

Its four factories are capable of producing up to 1.2 million tonnes of sugar annually, with more than 27 co-products generated and less than 200 grams of waste produced per tonne of beet processed.
Anxiety has become an almost universal experience among Britains farming community, following the countrys third worst harvest on record last year and an exceptionally dry spring this year.

New research commissioned by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) and carried out by Grounded Research highlights the toll that extreme weather is taking on farmers mental health.

According to the study, 98% of British farmers have experienced extreme weather over the past five years. The most common events were heavy rainfall (86%), drought (78%) and heatwaves (54%).

During such periods, 92% reported feelings of anxiety, with more than a third (34%) describing themselves as very anxious. Almost two-thirds (60%) said they had felt depressed, while 6% admitted to being very depressed.

The consequences of extreme weather have been severe: last years wet conditions caused the one of the worst harvests in UK history, while this years dry spring has damaged crops including wheat and oats.

Despite the clear impact on wellbeing, fewer than a quarter (24%) of farmers sought help. Charities warn that this suggests the full scale of distress in the sector may be underreported.

A spokesperson at the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) said: Our Big Farming Survey found that extreme and unpredictable weather is one of the leading causes of stress and poor mental health in farming people.

"This remains a serious challenge, which is why RABI provides confidential, compassionate support to the farming community 24/7.

We encourage any farmers experiencing difficulties with their mental health or wellbeing to call RABIs free helpline on 0800 188 4444.

The research found that worries about losing crops and livestock (78%), the high cost of recovering from weather damage (68%), and uncertainty over what to plant in unpredictable conditions (52%) were among the biggest drivers of anxiety and depression.

Over two in five farmers (43%) also said they feared they would not make enough money to keep farming during extreme weather events.

Joanne Coates, a beef farmer from the Yorkshire Dales, said: Extreme weather is having a major impact on farming in the Yorkshire Dales. Traditionally, this was an area of short summers and long, cold winters, but that reliable pattern has gone.

Across the Dales, you can hear people remarking on there being less of something than they would usually expect, or that certain events are happening earlier or later in the year.

"They dont always name the climate crisis as the cause, but they can certainly see its impact and talk about it."

She added: Unpredictable weather also makes people more reluctant to leave their farms, in case they need to respond quickly to a sudden flood or other unexpected event.

"This keeps people away from community spaces, deepening isolation and loneliness. With everything going on, my partner and I cant help but wonder what lies ahead for farming.

The report shows most farmers are also concerned about the future. When asked about how potential future extreme weather events made them feel, 77% said anxious (20% very anxious) and 51% said depressed (6% very depressed).

Half of farmers admitted to worrying about extreme weather at least once a week, with nearly one in five (19%) worrying almost every day.

Colin Chappell, an arable farmer from North Lincolnshire, added: As farmers, were in a business partnership with Mother Nature, but it feels like one side isnt playing ball. Thats particularly worrying because the weather can make or break a farm. This constant uncertainty takes a real toll on mental health.

Last year, I genuinely didnt know how we were going to make it through as a business. I thought the farm might go under. It was incredibly tough."

While many farmers say they want to do more for climate and nature, the research highlights a desire for greater government support  particularly long-term certainty around environmental schemes and higher levels of payment to make adaptation financially viable.
A community fundraiser has reached an impressive 40,000 to support firefighters, farmers, and volunteers tackling devastating moorland fires in North Yorkshire.

The online JustGiving appeal set out to raise money to provide essential supplies such as drinks, snacks, and fuel for those on the front line.

These fire fighters and farmers and others are fighters, organiser Amy Cockrem wrote in her appeal, which is still open for donations.

Theyre risking their lives on these moor fires. Lets raise some money, then I will go and get things that they need.

Local farmers have been working side by side with fire crews, using machinery and manpower to help contain and control the blazes, which started on 11 August.

Moorland fires are notoriously difficult to control and pose significant risks not only to the environment but also to the lives of those who battle them.

The efforts of both professional fire crews and the farming community have been widely praised.

NFU Deputy President David Exwood praised the determination of those tackling them, acknowledging the commitment shown in the face of extreme conditions.

He said: The farmers and firefighters battling the wildfires on Langdale Moor deserve our heartfelt thanks for their bravery and dedication.

"In incredibly challenging conditions, they are working tirelessly to protect people, livestock and wildlife.

Tom Hind, chief executive of the North York Moors National Park Authority, added his thanks, emphasising the crucial role played by the wider rural community in tackling the crisis.

A huge thank you to our farmers and gamekeepers for their continuing efforts in supporting North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service during this challenging time.

Your help in firefighting and control has been outstanding, and I know the crews are deeply appreciative.
New research has linked pesticide exposure to coughs, chest tightness and other respiratory issues, warning that many affected workers may remain undiagnosed.

Experts warn that workers, such as farm workers, may be suffering in silence, with respiratory illnesses often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

The study, published in the the journal Occupational Medicine, was carried out by a team from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Science and Research Centre in Buxton, Derbyshire.

Analysis was led by Professor David Fishwick, who highlighted the links between pesticide exposure and chest problems.

Researchers examined 5,807 workers, with a follow-up survey of 2,578 workers five years later. The group was predominantly male (98%), with an average age in the mid-50s.

The study found that 21% of workers reported nasal allergies, 14% experienced regular coughing, and 13% suffered from chest tightness.

Meanwhile, only 1.8% of workers reported work-related chest tightness, but researchers said this was still considered significant.

Interestingly, nasal allergies and chest tightness were found to be more common among workers who had not used pesticides in the past year.

Researchers suggested this could be because many may have stopped working with pesticides due to the health problems they had already experienced.

Professor Fishwick said: Work-related chest tightness, potentially suggestive of asthma or occupational asthma was significantly associated with high pesticide exposure.

The research reinforced existing evidence of links between pesticide exposure and respiratory issues, including impaired lung function and increased risk of asthma.

However, levels of doctor-diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypersensitivity pneumonitis and chronic bronchitis were found to be very low.

Researchers concluded: This suggests that a significant proportion of the respiratory ill health within this group may be underdiagnosed. If exposure can be reduced, ill-health can be reduced.

Professor Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM), stressed the importance of occupational health professionals being involved in monitoring workers health.

The study illustrates the importance of specialist occupational health practitioners being involved in ongoing health surveillance of farm workers where appropriate, especially as this type of worker can often slip under the health radar.

"It is vital occupational health teams are able to question, and understand, the nature and extent of exposure to pesticides among such workers if they are fully to assess their respiratory ill health.

"This study reinforces the need for vigilance in monitoring the health of all pesticide workers on an ongoing basis and, where possible, mitigating or managing the risk of exposure.
characterised schools that are breaking ground with education in Eastern India. The schools were recognised in categories of day schools, residential campuses, play and pre-schools and large school chains that best represented this broad array of educational spaces. It was as much about recognition for academic results as it was acknowledgement of schools that are doing an excellent job with infrastructure, inclusiveness, innovation, leadership, and opportunities outside of the classroom.




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While the engagement is likely to be held in October in Chennai, Nivetha and Rajhith are planning to have a wedding in Dubai.

How it started!

Nivetha Pethuraj explains that Rajhith used to take good care of her, and it was he who made the first move.

Engagement in October; wedding in January

Lord Kalabhairava played cupid

Nivetha Perthuraj and Rajhith Ibran first met at a racing circuit in Dubai around 2018.

Rajhith made the first move

When Nivetha Pethuraj took to her Instagram and announced her relationship introducing Rajhith Ibran on Wednesday, it did surprise many! Moreso because she always kept her personal life away from arch lights. But her timeline was also filled with congratulatory messages. Speaking to Filmfare exclusively, Nivetha talks about her love story and how it all unfolded.Nivetha first met Rajhith, a businessman and a car enthusiast, at a racing circuit in Dubai around 2018. While they used to see each other on and off, he finally got in touch with her in 2020. But I didnt respond, she smiles. Soon, we slowly started talking; our long conversations blossomed into love. I could feel the vibe while I was talking to him, and he was there for me all the time since the last few years, she shares. Both the families gelled well and decided to take their relationship to the next level. When you meet the right person you can feel the vibe, we knew about each other and everything was falling in place. We too wanted to settle down in life and we are in a good space too.While the engagement is likely to be held in October in Chennai Nivetha and Rajhith are planning to have a wedding in Dubai. We are still weighing our plans, since both have families and relatives in Chennai and Dubai, we wanted to see everything go smoothly.While life when being in love was great, Nivetha was still mulling over whether Rajhith was the right guy. At a time when she was seeking answers, she encountered an incident that cleared all her ambiguities. I am a devotee of Lord Kalabhairava; one day both of us were meditating in a Kalabhairava temple. Meanwhile, I saw a dogit came and licked his wrist and went off. I believed it was a divine calling. Since a dog is the divine vehicle of Kalabhairava, I realised that the validation came from God that hes the right guy.The actress explains that Rajhith used to take good care of her. And it was he who made the first move. She knew it was coming, and replied, no looking back. I was equally interested too, she laughs, and adds that she too agreed. The proposal was mutual and wasnt filmy. But I asked him that I need something filmy, so just waiting for a surprise, grins the actress, adding that both of them are looking forward to the marriage. The best thing Nivetha likes about Rajhith is his compassion. While she is someone who likes to stay reserved, he tries to open her up and get the best out of her. He is a great communicator; and we still say sorry and thank you to each other because our relationship is built on respect and trust.In an era of social media where everything (love or break up) happens quickly, Nivetha says that it is imperative people find someone who they can fall back on. Earlier, she was an anxious person, but Rajhiths love made her stronger and grew in confidence.Nivetha hasnt taken up any films in the last two years. But interestingly, Rajhith persuaded her to sign projects. After marriage, I will take up films based on our mutual decision, she says, signing off.
Tamil star Vishal began his 47th birthday with a personal milestone, his engagement to actress Sai Dhanshika. The ceremony, kept deliberately low-key, was held in Chennai with only close family and a few friends present. Earlier in the day, Vishal visited the still-in-progress Nadigar Sangam building, a project close to his heart as General Secretary of the actors union. The actor has often said he would marry only after the buildings inauguration, but he decided to mark the occasion with an engagement for now.



Taking to his official X handle, Vishal broke the news himself: Thank you, my darlings, from every corner of this universe for your wishes on my special day. Happy to share that I got engaged to Sai Dhanshika today amidst our families. Feeling grateful, positive, and blessedkeep sending your love and good vibes.







From Friendship to Forever



Their relationship isnt a sudden spark; it has been years in the making. The couple first acknowledged their bond at the press meet for Dhanshikas upcoming film Yogi Da earlier this year. Speaking about Vishal, she recalled, Ive known him for 15 years. Whenever we met, he treated me with respect. At one of my toughest moments, he even came home to support mesomething no other hero had done. That gesture meant a lot.



Vishal was just as candid in his praise. Calling himself lucky, he said, She is truly a wonderful soul. They say God saves the best for lastI believe He kept Dhanshika for me. I know well build a positive and beautiful life together.





Thank u all u darlings from every nook and corner of this universe for wishing and blessing me on my special birthday. Happy to share the good news of my #engagement that happend today with @SaiDhanshika amidst our families.feeling positive and blessed. Seeking your blessings and pic.twitter.com/N417OT11Um  Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) August 29, 2025

Whats Next for the Couple on Screen



While their personal life is glowing, both stars are also busy on the professional front. Dhanshika is awaiting the release of Yogi Da, while Vishal is deep into filming his 35th project, Magudam. Directed by Ravi Arasu, the action drama has already caught attention for its striking first look that teases Vishal in three different avatars. The film also stars Dushara Vijayan, Yogi Babu, and Anjali, with music by GV Prakash.



Though the wedding date hasnt been fixed yet, fans can expect celebrations once the Nadigar Sangam building is finally inaugurated. Until then, the engagement marks the official beginning of Vishal and Dhanshikas new chapter together, one rooted in respect, trust, and years of friendship.







Also Read: Vishal And Sai Dhanshika Reveal Their Wedding Date


MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's World Food Expo (WOFEX) in Manila offered an excellent platform to showcase the strengths of the European poultry sector: certified quality, transparency, and a responsible approach to production.

From 6-9 August 2025, as part of the "European Poultry - From Our Farms to Your Tables" campaign, organizations representing the European poultry industry presented their expertise and values to the Philippine market. On 7 August, a dedicated press event brought together media representatives, industry experts, and key business partners.

Co-financed by the European Union, the three-year campaign is designed to raise awareness in the Philippines of the strict standards that define EU poultry production. Its activities target importers, distributors, and consumers who increasingly value products with verified origins, consistent quality, and a strong commitment to responsibility.

"European poultry is about more than taste. It is the story of how innovation goes hand in hand with care for the environment, animal welfare, and consumer safety," said Dariusz Goszczynski, President of the National Poultry Council - Chamber of Commerce (KRD-IG) in Poland, during the press event.

The press event also highlighted the role of EU quality and certification systems, which not only open doors to international markets but also guarantee food safety and full traceability. Participants learned about the foundations of EU poultry production - from efficient resource use and automation, through rigorous animal welfare standards, to social responsibility and efforts to reduce food waste across the supply chain.

The presence of European poultry producers at WOFEX 2025 marked another important step in building long-term relations with the Philippine market. The fair gathered 724 exhibitors and attracted more than 72,000 visitors. The campaign's booth hosted dozens of B2B meetings, some of which are expected to result in concrete business cooperation.

With its rapidly expanding middle class and rising demand for certified protein, the Philippines represents a market with strong growth potential. European poultry is well positioned to meet these needs - offering not only quality but also the assurance that every stage of production meets strict standards of responsibility.

More information: www.eupoultry.eu

Media inquiries:pressoffice@eupoultry.eu

The campaign is implemented by the Poland's National Poultry Council - Chamber of Commerce (KRD), a representative organization from Poland acting on behalf of the European poultry industry.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2759701/Polands_National_Poultry_Council.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/european-poultry-makes-a-strong-impression-at-wofex-2025-eu-quality-standards-take-center-stage-302540927.html
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 28, 2025 / Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF) refers to and retracts the announcements titled "Temas Announces La Blache Titanium-Vanadium-Iron Project PEA Demonstrates CAD$6.8B NPV8 55.1% IRR Post-Tax Return" released on February 7, 2024 and "Temas Files Preliminary Economic Assessment Report for La Blache and Clarifies February 7 th Release" released on 28 March 2024 (the "Announcement") and the technical report titled "Preliminary Economic Assessment for the La Blache Property, Quebec, Canada" dated March 28, 2024.

The Announcement contains forward-looking statements in the form of production targets and forecast financial information, however, did not present any reasonable bases for those forward-looking statements. The Company warns investors that due to the absence of a reasonable basis for the statements, they should not rely on either the February 7, 2024 or the March 28, 2024 announcements as a basis for investment decisions. The Company retracts all related disclosures referenced in the aforementioned news releases and from any other continuous disclosure documents filed by the Company.

The proposed ASX Listing and Concurrent up to AUD$15 million Prospectus Financing, co-lead by PAC Partners Securities Pty Ltd. and Sandton Capital Advisory Pty Ltd., will allow the Company to advance the La Blache Titanium Dioxide Exploration Project along with further development of the Company's suite of unique mineral processing technologies and intellectual property.

All public filings for the Company can be found on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca. For more information about the Company, please visit www.temasresources.com

For further information, please contact:

Tim Fernback

President and CEO

tfernback@shaw.ca

Jane Morgan

Jane Morgan Management

Mob: +61 405 555 618

jm@janemorganmanagement.com

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/temas-resources-corp.-announces-retraction-of-pea-disclosure-in-advance-of-the-fi-1066892
KAOHSIUNG, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As AI, HPC, and 5G drive semiconductor innovation, advanced packaging has become the next strategic focus. Yole Group projects the market to exceed USD 50 billion by 2025, with fan-out panel-level packaging (FOPLP) growing more than 15% annually.

E&R Engineering (TPE: 8027) will present its latest laser and plasma solutions at SEMICON Taiwan 2025, covering FOPLP, Through-Silicon Via (TSV), Through-Glass Via (TGV), and plasma dicing. These fully integrated process technologies help customers manage high I/O density, warpage control, and ultra-fine features.

FOPLP Solutions

E&R provides a full equipment portfolio, including laser marking, dicing, plasma cleaning, laser debonding, and ABF drilling, supporting panels up to 700700 mm. With precision control, the systems maintain productivity while stably processing substrates with warpage up to 16 mm.

TSV - Through-Silicon Via Applications

With the rise of 3D packaging and advanced memory, TSV has become essential for high-density integration. E&R delivers via drilling, cleaning, and debonding solutions that combine laser and plasma to achieve accurate via profiles, low defectivity, and reliable interconnects across wafer sizes and materials.

Glass Substrate Solutions

In the emerging glass core substrate segment, E&R's laser modification achieves > 0.9 via circularity, 10:1 aspect ratios, and 1,500 vias/sec drilling. The solution supports CoPoS and ABF substrate applications, enabling high-performance, high-yield manufacturing. In partnership with E-core partners, E&R will also showcase a complete metallization - enabled glass substrate process flow at the show.

Complete Packaging and Process Support

Designed, manufactured, and qualified in Taiwan with components from leading U.S. and European suppliers, E&R equipment has shipped over 500 units worldwide. Its solutions are widely adopted in FCBGA, FCCSP, fan-out, and wafer-level packaging by major OSATs and IDMs. The company also expanded its Flip Chip BGA portfolio, offering Pre-Flip Chip Die Bond Plasma Cleaning, Pre-Molding/Underfill Plasma Cleaning and Laser Marking for traceability. In 2025, E&R introduced a fully automated high-power burn-in solution, supporting up to 3,000W test environments.

E&R invites industry partners to visit us and explore next-generation packaging and dicing technologies with our technical team.

SEMICON Taiwan 2025 - E&R Engineering Corp.

Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1

Booth: 4F, N0968

Dates: September 10-12, 2025

Website: https://en.enr.com.tw/

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Leading B2B Travel Industry Events, Media, and Information Services Company Will Continue to Operate Independently as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of JTB

Northstar Travel Group ("Northstar"), a leading B2B travel industry events, media and information services company, today announced that JTB Corp. ("JTB"), one of Japan's leading travel solutions providers, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Northstar from investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital and its co-investors. As part of the transaction, Northstar will operate as a wholly-owned, independent subsidiary of JTB and will continue to be led by its existing management team, including Chief Executive Officer Jason Young. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Northstar operates iconic B2B travel event, media, and market intelligence brands like Travel Weekly, Business Travel News, ALIS, The Meetings Show, and Phocuswright. Through these platforms, Northstar connects a global audience of more than one million professional travel buyers, who shape and drive the travel industry, with more than 1,500 supplier customers seeking to engage them.

"We are thrilled to partner with JTB as we enter the next phase of our company's incredible history," said Young. "Our shared commitment to the travel industry, cultural alignment, and collective expertise combined with the opportunity to accelerate Northstar's geographic expansion in the Asia Pacific region will enhance our ability to deliver value to our audiences and customers as we advance our mission."

The transaction advances JTB's growth strategy, which includes geographic expansion and targeted investments in events, information services, market intelligence, and other strategic lines of business associated with the travel industry.

"Today's announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for JTB Group," said Eijiro Yamakita, President and CEO of JTB Group. "Northstar brings outstanding expertise and fresh perspectives that perfectly align with our strategic vision. By operating Northstar as an independent subsidiary, we preserve their neutral market position while creating a powerful platform for delivering superior customer experiences. We are confident this structure will unlock significant growth potential while contributing to the innovation and future growth of the travel industry."

Co-Managing Partner Anup Bagaria and Senior Partner Michael Struble of EagleTree Capital commented, "It has been an honor to partner with the Northstar team, including Chairman and former CEO Tom Kemp and current CEO Jason Young, and to witness the Company's impressive transformation over the last few years. We are confident Northstar is well positioned for future success and look forward to watching it thrive as part of JTB."

BrightTower served as financial advisor and Jones Day served as legal counsel to Northstar. SMBC Nikko served as financial advisor and Venable LLP and Mori Hamada Matsumoto served as legal counsel to JTB.

Closing of the transaction is expected in September 2025, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

About Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group is the leading business-to-business media company providing information and marketing solutions for the global travel industry. The company owns fourteen media brands connecting 1.3M industry professionals through a comprehensive portfolio of digital, social, print and more than one hundred events in thirteen countries. Northstar Travel Group is based in Rutherford, NJ, and more information is available at www.northstartravelgroup.com.

About JTB Corp.

JTB is one of Japan's leading travel solutions providers, offering a diverse range of services and products tailored to meet the evolving needs of its clients. With a rich history dating back to 1912, JTB has consistently adapted and innovated to maintain its position at the forefront of the industry. From individual travel and the promotion of regional tourism to business meetings and sporting events, JTB offers support for a wide spectrum of travel-related activities. Guided by its vision "Perfect moments, always," JTB is committed to delivering personalized experiences to individuals, businesses and institutions worldwide. With a global presence spanning 152 locations across 36 countries, JTB seamlessly connects people, places and possibilities, all while fostering a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.jtbcorp.jp/en/.

About EagleTree Capital

EagleTree Capital is a leading New York-based middle-market private equity firm, with $4.8 billion of assets under management, that has completed over 45 private equity investments and over 105 add-on transactions over the past 20+ years. EagleTree primarily invests in North America in the following sectors: business services, consumer, and specialty industrial. For more information, visit www.eagletree.com or find EagleTree on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828907235/en/

Contacts:

Northstar Travel Group

Kathryn Clemmons

Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Communications

Northstar Travel Group

kclemmons@ntmllc.com

JTB Corp.

Koichiro Imanari/Nana Inoue

Branding, Marketing and Communications Team

JTB0074_all@jtb.com

EagleTree Capital

Bridget Stephan/Shannon O'Connor

FGS Global

EagleTree@fgsglobal.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2025) - Taurus Gold Corp. (CSE: TAUR) ("Taurus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nisim Daniel to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, following the resignation of Lori Walton. Management of the Company and the Board of Directors thank Ms. Walton for her services to the Company and wish her success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Daniel is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in corporate finance, accounting, and strategic leadership. He is the Managing Partner of Total Finance Ltd., a boutique advisory firm providing corporate finance and CFO services to growth-oriented enterprises. Previously, Mr. Daniel held senior roles at PwC Israel, where he managed audits for multinational and publicly traded companies across diverse industries. His background includes deep expertise in financial reporting, governance, and risk management, with a strong track record of supporting companies through complex financings, cross-border transactions, and operational scale-ups.

The Company also announces that it has completed a continuance (the "Continuance") of Taurus from the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"). The Continuance was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general and special meeting held on March 31, 2025 and aligns the Company's corporate jurisdiction with the location of its head office and the majority of its management, who are based in British Columbia. This alignment will enhance the Company's ability to efficiently conduct its business and governance activities within the province where key strategic decisions are made. Additionally, British Columbia's regulatory framework under the BCBCA provides modernized corporate governance tools that better suit the Company's operational needs and long-term objectives.

About Taurus Gold Corp.

Taurus Gold is a growth-oriented mineral exploration company with a 51% interest in the Charlotte gold-silver property in the Yukon. The Charlotte Property covers approximately 23 square kilometres and is road accessible within the established Dawson Range mining district. The Company's focus remains on advancing this flagship property through systematic exploration and development.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert Sim, CEO / Director

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSE'S REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. 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", "likely", "probably", "often", 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. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, the success of the strategic businesses development initiatives, the timing and receipt of regulatory, shareholder and governmental approvals for the transactions described herein and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include future growth potential of the Company, fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions, fluctuations in securities markets, exploration success, the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives, the ability of the Company to satisfy stock exchange, shareholder and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards and general market conditions. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264413

SOURCE: Taurus Gold Corp.
Setting New Benchmark for Western Fast Food Market Penetration in China



HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - As Western fast food gains increasing acceptance among local consumers, China's Western quick-service restaurant (QSR) market continues its rapid expansion.



DPC Dash Ltd - Domino's Pizza China (1405.HK), Domino's Pizza's exclusive master franchisee in the China Mainland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, and the Macau Special Administrative Region of China, recently reported its first-half 2025 results. The company has distinguished itself in China's intensely competitive Western fast-food landscape, setting a new benchmark for strong performance while maintaining operational efficiency and strengthening market competitiveness.



Strong Financial Performance Reflects Multiple Competitive Advantages



According to Frost & Sullivan, DPC Dash became China's second-largest pizza brand by 2024 sales revenue. The company has not rested on its laurels, with 2025 first-half results demonstrating exceptional performance across multiple metrics, achieving historical highs while sustaining growth momentum. Revenue has maintained double-digit growth for consecutive years, reaching RMB2.59 billion, up 27.0% year-over-year. After achieving its first full-year positive reported and adjusted net profit in 2024, the company posted dramatic net profit growth of 504.4% in the first half of 2025 to RMB65.92 million, while adjusted net profit surged 79.6% to RMB91.42 million. The simultaneous achievement of revenue growth and profit expansion amid market volatility underscores the company's growth resilience.



DPC Dash has rapidly expanded its store network in recent years. Since the current management team began its tenure in the third quarter of 2017, the company has effectively implemented its "go-deeper, go-broader" store expansion strategy, growing from approximately 100 stores to 1,198 stores across 48 mainland Chinese cities. Since entering the Central and Western China market in December 2022, the company has established 100 stores within just two and a half years. DPC Dash's expansion strategy emphasizes quality over speed. The company has established rigorous site evaluation standards to ensure each new location meets the fundamentals required for long-term profitability, a disciplined approach that has maintained its store closure rate well below industry benchmarks. Store quality is reflected not merely in quantity but in sales performance that leads the global Domino's system. New market entries have been enthusiastically received by local consumers, with long queues frequently observed at newly opened Domino's Pizza stores. The first store in Shenyang broke the previous annual sales record of over RMB 31 million set by the Xiamen SM Phase III store within just 198 days of operation. In August 2025, the first Handan store shattered global Domino's first-day sales records with over RMB540,000 in sales and more than 6,000 orders. DPC Dash currently occupies 48 of the top 50 positions for first 30-day sales among the Domino's network of over 21,500 stores worldwide. DPC Dash has demonstrated remarkable business resilience. Even under the twin pressures of new store openings and market volatility, the company achieved positive same-store sales growth (SSSG), when adjusting for the impact of high-performing stores entering their SSSG cycles, a testament to its superior operational discipline.



The SIAL "2025 Pizza New Innovation White Paper" identifies surging demand for delivery as a primary driver of robust growth in China's pizza market. In 2022, China's online pizza market share surpassed in-store sales for the first time, reaching 58.1%, with online market share expected to continue rising in the coming years. DPC Dash has been providing reliable delivery services for years, offering a "30-minute delivery guarantee with free pizza vouchers for late deliveries" service commitment, achieving 94% overall on-time delivery rates during the first half of 2025, which establishes a foundation for future online market expansion.



Multi-Pronged Strengths in Product and Operations Deepen Consumer Experience



Leveraging Domino's global brand assets and local supply chain management capabilities, DPC Dash has progressively achieved operational efficiency while providing consumers with delicious pizza at value and diverse dining experiences.



In the QSR industry, taste represents one of the primary competitive advantages. DPC Dash maintains classic, bestselling Domino's products on its menu while preserving pricing consistency over the years, ensuring consumers receive familiar tastes and experiences even after an extended period since their last visit, creating strong brand familiarity and consumer trust. Meanwhile, DPC Dash continuously embraces new trends and product innovation, actively exploring flavor and ingredient combinations while introducing crust diversification. In the first half of 2025, the company further enriched its popular durian pizza and volcano crust offerings, introducing Dubai Chocolate Musang King Durian Pizza and Cocoa Volcano Crust, among others, while adding new combinations including Tuscany-Inspired Cheese Salmon Pizza and Stuffed Crust (Cocoa & Cheese). DPC Dash offers industry-leading crust selections, paired with a highly customizable WeChat Mini-Program ordering system that enables over 400 combinations. This not only delivers customers the joy of culinary exploration but also precisely addresses personal taste preferences, demonstrating deep category expertise and nuanced consumer insights.



Affordable Western fast-food brands are now accelerating market penetration, reaching more lower-tier market consumption scenarios. The SIAL "2025 Pizza New Innovation White Paper" projects that an estimated 15,000 new stores will be expected to open in China's lower-tier markets between 2025 and 2027. Building on product diversification, DPC Dash's pricing strategy maintains competitive advantages. The menu remains streamlined and maintains value, classic, and indulgent categories to serve different customer segments. For sales channels, DPC Dash leverages third-party delivery platforms for limited-time and selective sales offerings to preserve its pricing advantage. The company also builds the membership ecosystem through multiple channels, offering free pizzas and snacks through mini-games and providing substantial value through up to 10% points redemption rates, while incorporating gamification elements like points lotteries and membership rewards to enhance member engagement.



To better reach younger consumers, DPC Dash has actively enhanced its promotional approach. Brand marketing has diversified toward cross-industry collaborations and social media platform branding. DPC Dash has cultivated strategic IP collaborations with Tencent's video game Ash Echoes and Hello Kitty last year and NetEase's video game Egg Party and Snoopy this year, covering gaming and cultural IP beloved by young consumers, speaking directly to Gen Z culture and values, strengthening emotional connections and establishing cultural resonance beyond transactions. DPC Dash also launched on Douyin and other short video and live streaming platforms last year, expanding its reach through social media, strengthening and reinforcing its youthful, digital brand image.



In the first half of 2025, DPC Dash's loyalty program accumulated 30.1 million members, representing 55.2% year-over-year growth as one of the most impressive strategic achievements of the half-year performance. Revenue contributed by loyalty members as a percentage of total revenue increased from 63.6% to 66%, with both membership scale and stickiness rising, expanding the user base while deepening engagement and loyalty. The consumer base has become more diverse, bringing delicious pizza to more consumers.



Long-term Potential Through Balanced Growth



DPC Dash's first-half performance demonstrates a rare balance of healthy growth and profitability, with the brand continuing to build sustainable competitive advantages that establish a solid foundation for maintaining growth and capturing market share even amidst an ever-changing consumption environment.



Through delicious, high-value offerings, efficient deliveries, and trusted brand strength alongside solid operational foundations, DPC Dash has distinguished itself in the rapidly expanding Western QSR sector.



While scaling operations continuously, the company has maintained an unwavering focus on store-level model health and operational efficiency, underpinning steady improvements in overall profitability metrics. This development model, which combines explosive growth with resilience, positions DPC Dash as a compelling long-term growth story in the Western QSR industry, demonstrating substantial potential to weather cycles and create sustained value.



Source: DPC Dash Ltd



Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.





 2025 JCN Newswire
Irving Place, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - August 28, 2025) - Yuanyii Agency, a leading consultancy specializing in immigration, employment, and education services, has expanded its offerings to meet the increasing demand for comprehensive support in navigating Singapore's complex immigration and business systems. This strategic growth includes new services for company incorporation, wealth management, and financial planning, complementing the agency's established expertise in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, work passes, and foreign worker recruitment.

Yuanyii Agency Expands Services to Address Growing Demand for Immigration and Business Solutions in Singapore

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Founded by Felicia Phang, Yuanyii Agency is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of individuals, families, and businesses seeking to establish themselves in Singapore. This expansion reflects the growing demand for end-to-end solutions that combine immigration expertise with broader business and financial services.

A Client-First Approach to Immigration and Business Solutions

Yuanyii Agency has always distinguished itself through its client-first approach. With a strong focus on transparency, integrity, and empathy, the agency helps clients navigate the challenges of immigration and business in Singapore. This new expansion enhances the agency's ability to offer tailored solutions for clients looking to settle, grow, and thrive in the city-state.

Felicia Phang, Founder and Managing Director of Yuanyii Agency, emphasized the significance of this expansion: "At Yuanyii, we don't just help clients apply for PR or work passes; we guide them through the entire process of establishing their future in Singapore. Whether it's setting up a business, managing wealth, or securing long-term financial security, we offer a holistic approach to make their journey smoother and more secure."

Expanding Services for Businesses and High-Net-Worth Individuals

The agency's new offerings cater to both individual clients and businesses. For entrepreneurs looking to establish or expand their operations in Singapore, Yuanyii Agency now provides comprehensive services that include company incorporation and support for foreign worker recruitment.

Additionally, high-net-worth individuals can now access wealth management solutions through family office setups, alongside financial and trust planning services designed to ensure long-term financial stability. This expansion is a response to the increasing demand for comprehensive, personalized services that blend immigration expertise with financial and business advisory support.

Yuanyii Agency Expands Services to Address Growing Demand for Immigration and Business Solutions in Singapore

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"I understand firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate the immigration system," says Felicia. "That's why our focus is always on offering real, actionable support based on real experience. At Yuanyii, we're not just filling out forms-we are a partner in securing our clients' future in Singapore."

Yuanyii Agency's Commitment to Long-Term Success

As part of its ongoing commitment to client success, Yuanyii Agency continues to expand its network of partners and resources, ensuring a seamless experience for both individual and business clients. By offering comprehensive services and emphasizing personalized support, the agency is poised to be a trusted ally for those looking to secure their place in Singapore's competitive market.

"Our goal is to provide clients with the tools and support they need to build their future in Singapore, whether they are individuals, families, or businesses," says Felicia. "We help our clients go from nothing to becoming fully rooted in Singapore, providing them with the confidence and security to thrive in this dynamic environment."

About Yuanyii Agency

Yuanyii Agency is a Singapore-based consultancy specializing in immigration, employment, and education solutions. With a focus on comprehensive, client-first support, the agency assists individuals and businesses with PR and work pass applications, foreign worker recruitment, company incorporation, and family office setups. Guided by transparency, integrity, and empathy, Yuanyii Agency has become a trusted partner for clients seeking to navigate Singapore's complex systems.

For more information, visit www.yuanyiiagency.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263319

SOURCE: Plentisoft
HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - FWD Group Holdings Limited ('FWD Group' or 'FWD') today announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025.- New business sales were up 38 per cent to US$1.246 billion compared to 2024 on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis. New business contractual service margin (CSM) of US$794 million, with year-on-year growth of 34 per cent.- Operating profit after tax was up 9 per cent to US$251 million with continued positive contributions from each of the company's four geographic reporting segments: Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR; Thailand & Cambodia; Japan; and Emerging Markets.- Net profit of US$47 million is a record interim result under IFRS 17.- Further improved financial flexibility with an upgrade to FWD Group's ratings - with its notional insurer financial strength rating now A2 - as announced by Moody's in July 2025. Maintained a strong capital position with a 283 per cent solvency ratio* and net underlying free surplus generation that more than doubled to US$417 million. Dividends of over US$500 million were received from the geographic reporting segments.- Comprehensive tangible equity up 8 per cent to US$8.15 billion, and Group embedded value up 8 per cent to US$6.38 billion, reflecting the value created for shareholders during the first half of 2025. The company subsequently completed its IPO - which raised HK$3,611 million (approximately US$466 million) in gross proceeds ' and began trading on 7 July 2025 under the stock code 1828 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.- Completed the build-out of a high-net-worth (HNW) hub in Asia operating out of three jurisdictions ' Hong Kong SAR, Singapore and Bermuda ' serving the global high-end insurance market with diversified asset allocation, wealth management and legacy planning. A new FWD Private lounge located in a prime commercial district in Hong Kong is now fully operational.Huynh Thanh Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of FWD Group, said, 'We're delighted to report record interim results under IFRS 17 in our first earnings as a publicly listed company. The outstanding growth in new business CSM demonstrates our ability to execute our customer-led strategy successfully across Asia in a sustainable and profitable way.'We intend to use the net proceeds of our recent IPO to further enhance our capital position and financial flexibility, which may involve reducing debt, in support of further growth and reach with customers, digital capabilities and channels,' added Huynh Thanh Phong.In Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, outstanding growth was posted in new business sales and new business CSM, reflecting ongoing broad-based demand from both local and Mainland Chinese visitor customers and the full activation of the FWD Private HNW business. The company continues to focus on its multi-channel distribution strategy alongside product innovation ' such as its indexed universal life offering developed following recent regulatory guidance, as well as new cross-border Greater Bay Area medical services for eligible customers.The Thailand & Cambodia reporting segment new business indicators were partly impacted by the exit from underwriting new business in the Thailand corporate care segment in 2024. The business remains well positioned in Thailand to meet demand for protection, medical and pension products from an aging population. Its exclusive bancassurance partnership with Siam Commercial Bank maintained its number one market position. Similarly, the company's agents and advisors retained a number two position in the annual Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) rankings released in July 2025. The MDRT is a global independent association recognised as a standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services industries.In Japan, the business reported solid new business results from its individual protection focused portfolio. The introduction of its first savings offering in July ' a Japanese yen single premium annuity product ' marked the company's entry into the savings and retirement needs market.The Emerging Markets segment reported strong new business sales growth, despite industry headwinds and economic uncertainty in several markets. In Indonesia, BRI Life ' a joint venture where FWD Group holds a strategic 44 per cent investment and collaborates with Bank BRI ' was number one in bancassurance by new business sales. In the Philippines and Vietnam, the company's agents and advisors ranked number two in the latest annual MDRT rankings.About FWD GroupFWD Group (1828.HK) is a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves approximately 34 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD's customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. FWD Group is listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 1828. For more information, please visit www.fwd.comFor media inquiries, please contact: groupcommunications@fwd.comSource: FWD Group Holdings Limited^ The results are for the six months ended 30 June 2025 and are compared to the same period in 2024. CSM balance, Group LCSM cover ratio, group embedded value, comprehensive tangible equity and return on equity 2024 values are December 2024 balances/ratios and growth rates are shown accordingly. Growth rates are represented on a constant exchange rate (CER) basis. Except for operating profit/(loss) after tax (non-IFRS measure), net profit/(loss), CSM, and comprehensive tangible equity, all other numbers are unaudited. Operating profit after tax and net profit after tax represent the amounts attributable to equity holders of the company and are presented net of non-controlling interests. New business sales are calculated on an annualised premium equivalent (APE) basis, based on 100 percent annualised first year premiums and 10 percent single premiums. Return on tangible equity is calculated as operating profit after tax, divided by the average of the balances of tangible equity as of the beginning and end of such period. Tangible equity is calculated as adjusted total equity attributable to shareholders of the company, minus the intangible assets net of non-controlling interests.*Prescribed capital requirement (PCR) basisSource: FWD Group Holdings LtdCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Ulanqab, gateway to grassland Silk Road and cradle of Qahar culture

10:29, August 29, 2025 By Fan Wei, Jiang Bo ( People's Daily

An artisan crafts deel, an item of traditional Mongolian clothing for centuries, in Jining district, Ulanqab, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. (Photo by Fan Wei/Global Times)

After entering China through the Erenhot Port in Xilingol league, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, many Mongolian tourists make their way directly to Ulanqab. There, they find a welcoming stopover - a place to unwind and begin a journey of leisure and discovery.

Centuries ago, Ulanqab thrived as a trading hub along the grasslands Silk Road and the "Tea Road of the North." Along the historic Zhangku Avenue - from Zhangjiakou on China's northern frontier to Kulun (present-day Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia) - a continuous stream of merchants once traveled, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges.

Today, Ulanqab remains a vital gateway linking China with Mongolia, Russia, and beyond. With six railways, seven expressways, and eight national highways converging here, the city has evolved into a major transportation hub. It serves as a crucial non-provincial capital node for both the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Europe freight train routes.

From the iconic Phoenix Tower, visitors are treated to panoramic views of verdant boulevards and meandering rivers. Hot spring resorts in the area offer a full suite of amenities - from therapeutic baths to wellness spas. "I came for the long history and incredible cuisine," said 80-year-old Mongolian tourist Dabuge Sumberel.

Mongolian tourists shop in a leather goods distribution center in Jining district, Ulanqab, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. (Photo by Fan Wei/Global Times)

"Many Mongolian travelers make Ulanqab their first destination in China," said local tour guide Husileng. "Thanks to its excellent connectivity and diverse attractions, the city has become an ideal gateway for cross-border tourism."

Ulanqab's Jining district is home to the largest leather goods distribution center in northern China. The bustling scene of customers selecting fur and leather products evokes memories of the city's commercial prosperity in centuries past. "Jining's fur trade has a long and well-established history, attracting many Mongolian visitors," said Yang Jun, who manages tourism operations at the center.

Seventeen-year-old Mongolian girl Hulan, visiting Ulanqab for the first time, was captivated by the city's offerings. After buying leather boots for herself and her parents, she continued browsing. "The craftsmanship is excellent, the designs are beautiful, and the prices are affordable. It's hard not to fall in love with the place."

At the core of Ulanqab's cultural appeal lies Qahar culture, a distinct and vital strand of the grassland civilization that remains deeply embedded in local life and plays an important role in fostering people-to-people exchanges.

"'Qahar' refers to a Mongolian tribe originally formed as a guard unit during the reign of Genghis Khan," explained Ou Jun, a professor with Jining Normal University. "Its cultural essence is defined by openness, inclusiveness, kindness, and integrity." As one of the earliest Mongolian tribal cultures to blend with agrarian traditions, Qahar heritage has flourished in Ulanqab, a major center of its development.

"Ulanqab rapid development and tourism growth reflect the local character," observed 37-year-old Mongolian visitor Uyuntsetseg. "The people here embody hard work, sincerity, and warm hospitality."

Photo shows an innovative Ulunggeri yurt designed by Tonrig. (Photo provided by the Publicity Department of Ulanqab)

On the grasslands of Qahar Right Wing Rear Banner, rows of modern yurts rise gracefully above the prairie, resembling clouds suspended above the earth. "These yurts are slightly elevated from the ground, and from a distance, they look like floating clouds," said Tonrig, an inheritor of Mongolian yurt craftsmanship. "That's why I named them Ulunggeri, meaning 'cloud houses' in Mongolian."

Traditional Mongolian yurts, though iconic, are typically small, lack privacy, and have no built-in sanitation facilities. To adapt the tradition to contemporary life, Tonrig has reimagined the structure, integrating modern design and digital technology with traditional techniques.

While preserving the circular silhouette of the classic yurt, he reconstructed its framework using Russian Scotch pine and added modern polyurethane insulation to enhance thermal performance. Solar panels now crown the roofs, and each yurt is equipped with an integrated mobile biological wastewater treatment system, combining ecological preservation with modern convenience.

Ulunggeri yurts are now crossing borders. In 2024, a 30-meter-diameter yurt covering nearly 1,000 square meters was completed at a resort in Ulaanbaatar. That same year, Tonrig shipped a computer numerical control (CNC) machine from Shandong, China, to Mongolia and sent a technician to facilitate local production of Ulunggeri yurts.

At the manufacturing facility, components like central skylights and roof beams, adorned with auspicious Mongolian motifs, are precisely carved by the CNC machine. Tonrig now simply sketches the design on paper, and the machine faithfully replicates the intricate beauty of traditional craftsmanship.

In Ulanqab, inclusiveness continues to weave a new tapestry of cultural exchanges and mutual learning - stitch by stitch, across time and space.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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.
LONDON, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Brands Magazine has honoured AIFXL as the Most Innovative AI Algorithmic Provider in United Kingdom and Emerging Automated AI Trading System in United Kingdom for 2025. These prestigious awards recognize AIFXL's outstanding contributions to advancing the financial industry through cutting-edge AI algorithms.

The Global Brand Awards recognize outstanding performance and innovation across global sector. AIFXL's recognition underscores its leadership and excellence in driving transformative innovation within the United Kingdom's financial landscape.

Commenting on AIFXL winning the awards, Jay Reddy, CEO of Global Brands Magazine, stated, "AIFXL has demonstrated exceptional innovation with its cutting-edge AI algorithms, transforming the financial industry in the United Kingdom. We are delighted to honour them as the Most Innovative AI Algorithmic Provider and Emerging Automated AI Trading System in the United Kingdom for 2025, recognizing their leadership and commitment to driving impactful change in the global financial sector."

Commenting on winning the award, Zaffar Azim, Founder and Director of AIFXL Ltd, said, "Receiving these awards is an incredible milestone - not just for the company, but for everyone who believed in the vision from day one. AIFXL was built from the ground up to challenge what's possible with AI in financial markets. This recognition affirms the work, the risk, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. We're just getting started."

ABOUT AIFXL

AIFXL Ltd is a UK-based software development company specialising in AI-powered trading automation. Our core mission is to empower individuals and businesses to access intelligent, automated trading systems that operate efficiently, transparently, and without the need for manual input. Built on years of research, development, and market testing, our proprietary trading algorithm - "The Calculus" - is designed to analyse, learn, and adapt in real time, offering clients the ability to participate in global markets with confidence. We partner with FCA-regulated brokers and prioritise data privacy, transparency, and responsible innovation. AIFXL continues to grow with a clear focus on technology, compliance, and client success.

ABOUT GLOBAL BRANDS MAGAZINE

Based in the UK, Global Brands Magazine (GBM) is a leading publication delivering insights, news, and opinions on brands shaping their industries. With over 8.4 million annual visitors and 14 million page views, GBM is a premier source of brand-related content. The magazine boasts a strong social media presence, with 35,000+ Facebook followers, 20,000+ Instagram followers, 25,000+ Twitter followers, and 4,000+ LinkedIn followers.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL BRAND AWARDS

The Global Brand Awards recognise excellence in brand performance across sectors such as finance, education, hospitality, and technology. Hosted at iconic venues like The Address Downtown, Waldorf Astoria, and Grand Hyatt Dubai, the 2025 ceremony continued this tradition of grandeur at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

For a complete list of winners, visit:

https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/brand-awards-winners/.

To nominate a company or leader for the Global Brand Awards 2025, visit: https://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/nomination-form/.

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TEANECK (dpa-AFX) - Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. (CTSH) on Friday announced an initiative to advance agentic AI by deploying around 1,000 context engineers in the upcoming year. According to the company, the move will position context engineering as an important discipline for enabling AI agents to reason, act, and adapt to enterprise goals. As part of the program, Cognizant said that it is partnering with Workfabric AI, whose ContextFabric platform transforms enterprise workflows, data, rules, and processes into actionable context for AI agents. Acting as a continuous grounding layer, ContextFabric keeps AI aligned with real-world execution patterns and enables context engineering at scale, the company added. Cognizant said that context engineering skills will be developed across its service lines and integrated into its Agentic Development Lifecycle or ADLC and enterprise-agentification framework. This holistic approach ensures AI agents operate effectively, securely, and at scale. With help from ContextFabric, Cognizant said that its engineers will capture enterprise knowledge, manage the full context lifecycle, build integration pipelines, package reusable 'context packs,' and design industry-specific blueprints. These capabilities will help enterprises work beyond AI pilots, thus speeding up time-to-value and improving solution quality, the company added. Commenting on the developments, Ravi Kumar S, Chief Executive Officer, Cognizant, said, 'Cognizant's deep expertise in engineering, operations, and industry domains positions us to create unique value. By training 1,000 context engineers and equipping them with Workfabric AI's ContextFabric platform, we are helping our clients move beyond experimentation toward scalable AI adoption.' 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.
HONG KONG, Aug 29, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - HIGHLIGHTS:- The Group's gross billings amounted to approximately RMB1,705.4 million, representing an increase of approximately 83.3% from approximately RMB930.5 million for the Corresponding Period.- The Group's total revenue was approximately RMB2,099.7 million, representing an increase of approximately 133.8% from approximately RMB898.1 million for the Corresponding Period.- The profit attributable to Shareholders of the Group was approximately RMB865.4 million, as compared to the net loss attributable to Shareholders of approximately RMB174.2 million for the Corresponding Period.- Taking into account the financial and cash flow positions of the Group, the Board recommends the payment of an interim dividend of approximately HKD238.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, representing HKD0.51 per share (in cash).JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (the 'Company'; together with its subsidiaries, the "Group" or 'we') is pleased to announce its unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2025 (the 'Reporting Period'). During the Reporting Period, the Company sustained robust operations and realized a revenue of approximately RMB2,099.7 million, representing a YOY growth of approximately 133.8%. Profit attributable to Shareholders amounted to approximately RMB865.4 million, representing a YOY turnaround to profit from the net loss attributable to Shareholders of approximately RMB174.2 million in the Corresponding Period, and an increase of approximately RMB1,039.6 million in the Reporting Period. These fully demonstrate the effective strategy execution and high market adaptability of the Company.The Company places great emphasis on Shareholders returns. Taking into account the financial and cash flow positions of the Group, the Board recommends the payment of an interim dividend of approximately HKD238.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, representing HKD0.51 per share (in cash). Maintaining a prudent dividend policy not only reflects the strong profitability of our core business and our ample cash flows, but also highlights our strong sense of responsibility and commitment to Shareholders returns. Since the listing of the Company in 2023, the Company has made cash dividend payments for consecutive years with increasing dividend payout ratio. Notably, the dividend payout ratio reached 50.3% for 2024.Developing a dimensional product matrix for revenue diversificationLeveraging on the synergy and conversion of the products under our existing four main product lines, we further strengthened our core advantages in 'intelligent algorithms + professional investment research + ecosystem services', drove the transformation of our next-generation stock investing assistants from 'feature-focused' to 'experience-orientated', and continued to improve our digital financial infrastructure, thereby facilitating the development of personalized and inclusive financial services.We consolidated the foundation of our large-amount software products and delivered our expertise in investment advisory services to ensure robust and strong performance of the core business. Empowered by AI technology, we fully delivered our expertise in investment advisory by newly launching 8 stock monitoring indicators and the 'FinSphere SmartInvest' quantitative product that further strengthened our AI service capabilities. At the same time, we advanced the framework construction of our Stock Learning Machine through forming the three main matrices of 'content, tool and trading' with focus on six core modules such as courses, live streaming and tools, to create a comprehensive learning platform. During the Reporting Period, It underwent 5 major version iterations and over 200 feature optimizations.In addition, we refined our small-amount series products to enhance our product strengths and operational capabilities and accelerate the platform development of our App. We built a Chief IP ecosystem integrating K-line chart analysis and expert insights,that enabled us to precisely distribute contents through a user tagging system. We upgraded our market information by enriching data such as capital flow trends, Hong Kong and US stocks, and launched new features of stock monitoring and portfolio watchlist. We optimized our information page with an infinite content feed, personalized recommendations, and improved visual hierarchy. Meanwhile, we also expanded multiple distribution channels including app stores, and refined our marketing strategies through data analysis. By sorting out the bottlenecks in registered users' activation, we implemented tiered strategies to enhance utilization rates. Our homepage was dynamically optimized to enhance the attractiveness of its first screen. These measures accelerated the development of our App platform, broadened our user coverage and product exposure, increased the trustworthiness and stickiness of our App and created a closed loop of 'content nurtures users and trust drives conversion'.Adhering to Artificial Intelligence + Investment Advisory strategy and refining our '1+N' investment research systemWith focus on the 'buyer-side investment advisory' service, we vigorously developed 'AI+' and further strengthened our '1+N' investment research system to fully penetrate our investment research into businesses and processes, so as to professionally support our customers in creating long-term value. We continued to make significant investment and effort in research and development. During the Reporting Period, we invested approximately RMB147 million in R&D activities. Meanwhile, as of the end of the Reporting Period, we had 139 software copyrights and patents on product features, big data, and AI, that represented an increase of 21 YOY.We actively explored the all-round empowerment of AI in the securities sector. We practiced 'AI + Investment Advisory' providing a one-stop intelligent investment research platform which consolidates the core strengths of comprehensive stock analysis, multi-dimensional stock profiling, and diverse quantitative stock selection, and delivers professional investment research capabilities in an accessible, personalized, and empathetic manner that suits different types of investors. Meanwhile, considering compliance as our lifeline, we built an intelligent compliance and risk control platform covering the entire business process that creates a closed compliance loop of complete activity logging, data traceability, risk blocking, intelligent quality inspection and human-machine collaboration. During the Reporting Period, the cumulative number of behavioral monitoring tasks conducted by our 'AI Monitoring Officer' increased by over approximately 77% as compared with 940 million in the Corresponding Period, and our 'AI Inspection Officer' for content quality inspection assisted in nearly 2.2 million review tasks, reflecting that full coverage has been basically achieved.Based on our '1 research institute and N business lines' investment research system with our JF Financial Research Institute at the core, we continued to refine our underlying business competitiveness in securities investment advisory. Guided by the principle of 'conducting higher-dimensional research and providing lower-dimensional services', the institute is committed to developing a domestically leading and characteristically distinctive investment research service platform in China to provide long-term and steady, systematic, trustworthy and professional research services for investors. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the institute established a pyramid team structure consisting of 4 experts, 9 super-IPs and 128 professionals. It studied over 4,000 companies in over 20 industries.Refining traffic operation on MCNs with AI empowerment to build a high-quality traffic systemBy capitalizing on our refined traffic operations and realizing traffic reuse, we effectively expanded our business scale and improved our profit margins through optimization of operational efficiency. During the Reporting Period, using AIGC to optimize content production, we enhanced the production efficiency of premium contents. Moreover, using Douyin as our primary channel, we established a multi-platform layout with focus on Kuaishou, Xiaohongshu and Bilibili, to extend the boundaries of traffic operation scenarios. As of the end of the Reporting Period, the Company operated 994 MCN accounts on different internet platforms. These accounts attracted approximately 63.06 million followers, representing an increase of 17.47 million as compared with the Corresponding Period.At the same period, we actively practiced investor education for greater brand influence. We joined the Investor Education Alliance of China Fund and opened a Yinghua account to provide inclusive, systematic and differentiated investor education content for investors, contributing to the long-term development of stock investing theory. We exclusively sponsored Chinese Business Network's live broadcast of the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting for the sixth consecutive year. Through 'Buffett and Seven Lunches', we helped investors build cognitive understanding of investing, and we specially organized a US study tour, bringing nearly a hundred investors to attend the meeting in person so that they could directly ask the stock god questions about value investing. This created a dialogue between the general investors and the iconic investor, aiming to provide them with more diverse and down-to-earth investment advice and forward-looking insights. We also attended 'Financial Powerhouse', a featured program of China Central Television, to provide deep explanation and analysis of the paradigm shift of the Company's 'AI + Investment Advisory' services empowered by fintech.Business outlookThe chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd, Mr. Chen Wenbin said: "Consistently adhering to the concepts of rational investing, value investing and long-term investing, we insisted on adopting a customer-centric approach to develop a dimensional product system and continuously improve our services. Looking forward to future, we, as a next-generation stock investing assistant, will continue to strengthen our competitiveness, solidify our market leadership and strive to make investing and wealth management easier yet more professional, and enhance the happiness of investment and wealth management. "About JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd (Stock Code: 9636)JF SmartInvest Holdings Ltd is a new generation stock investment assistant. The Company is engaged in the provision of equity investment instruments, securities investment advisory, investor education and other services to individual investors. The products include stock quote software, stock learning machine, Stock Navigator, Super Investor and Jiuyao Stocks. The Company adopts the technology + investment research model, develops JF Robo-Advisor, FinSphere Agent, FinSphere Report and other products based on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technology, which are applied to the industry in terms of innovative practice and scenario application.For enquiries, please contact:Financial PR (HK) LimitedEmail: ir@financialpr.hkTel: 852 2610 0846Fax: 852 2610 0842Source: JF SmartInvest Holdings LtdCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Now available at Paris pharmacies and Europe's largest online pharmacy platform

- Building global trust through Clean Beauty and Sustainable Skincare

SEOUL, South Korea, PARIS and MILAN, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global trip-leisure beauty brand Purepeak has officially entered pharmacies in Paris, France, as well as Europe's largest online pharmacy platform, Redcare Pharmacy. As pharmacies across Europe are regarded as trusted points of access where consumers select cosmetics based on efficacy and credibility, this milestone underscores Purepeak's recognition as a K-Beauty brand with proven anti-aging expertise.

Purepeak's signature "Beauty Solid Line" features concentrated, plant-derived ingredients in a solid stick formula that delivers hydration, nourishment, and anti-aging benefits in one. Infused with botanical extracts for deep skin nutrition and UV-blocking ingredients to protect against photoaging, the line goes beyond basic sun protection-positioning itself as part of a comprehensive anti-aging routine. This innovative approach aligns with the growing "skinimalism" trend, resonating strongly with European consumers seeking simplified yet effective skincare.

In line with the global Clean Beauty movement, Purepeak excludes unnecessary chemical ingredients such as octinoxate, oxybenzone, and PEG, presenting a sustainable skincare solution that prioritizes both skin health and environmental responsibility. The brand incorporates eco-friendly plastics in selected packaging, applies zero-waste technology to minimize its footprint, and develops reef-safe sun sticks to protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, the line has earned the V-Label Vegan certification in Italy, ensuring it meets European consumers' trusted clean beauty standards.

A Purepeak spokesperson commented:

"Our entry into Parisian pharmacies reflects the proven efficacy and trustworthiness of Purepeak's formulations. With the addition of Europe's leading online pharmacy platform, we are expanding our global reach and setting new standards in vegan anti-aging skincare. We will continue to deliver sustainable, reliable clean beauty solutions that are convenient and accessible anytime, anywhere."

Building on this achievement, Purepeak aims to expand its "Trip-Leisure Beauty" category worldwide and strengthen its position as a leading premium K-Beauty brand on the global stage.

Purepeak products are accessible via the official global online store (global.purepeak.co.kr) as well as Redcare's online pharmacy (www.redcare.it/), ensuring trusted availability across Europe.

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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Aug 29, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, has completed the acquisition of the remaining stake in eks Energy, a technology and market leader in power electronics and control solutions to deliver a scalable, flexible, and complete approach for energy storage customers. Hitachi Energy acquired a majority stake in eks Energy in 2023.As energy storage emerges as a cornerstone of grid stability, reliability and energy security, the IEA1 has called for a sixfold increase in global storage capacity to 1,500 GW by 2030. Underscoring this urgency, the COP29 Global Pledge2 highlights energy storage and grid infrastructure as essential to building resilient, decarbonized energy systems worldwide.The integration of eks Energy's innovative technology, talent and enterprising spirit provides Hitachi Energy with greater strategic and operational flexibility. It allows the company to streamline solution integration, further expand its power conversion and energy storage business, and respond rapidly to evolving customer needs."As the worldwide market leader in grid automation solutions, the acquisition of eks Energy strengthens our leadership position, enabling one of the industry's most comprehensive solution portfolios that combines proven converter and control technology with Hitachi Energy's global scale, unparalleled grid expertise, and digital capabilities," said Massimo Danieli, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy's Business Unit Grid Automation. "The acquisition furthers our global strategy ensuring continuity for existing customers while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and growth."Since 2023, the team has strengthened capabilities for power conversion solutions, including the development of a center of excellence in Seville, Spain, where the business is headquartered, to foster deeper collaboration across R&D, product development, and customer delivery. Additionally, Hitachi Energy's power conversion solutions business has demonstrated strong commercial momentum and technical leadership across the globe, playing a key role in major energy storage projects such as the Waratah Super Battery in New South Wales, which recently reached key milestones including commercial operation (COD) and full registration under the System Integrity Protection Scheme (SIPS), a fast-acting grid support system designed to maintain stability during critical events. The business has also expanded its global footprint, positioning Hitachi Energy to better serve energy storage customers across key global markets. The successful development and launch earlier this year of a new liquid-cooled WD4 converter platform further enhances performance and scalability across BESS applications for system integrators.Power converters play a critical role connecting power source with power supply, making sure that currents and voltage are balanced correctly for end user demand. They are data-intensive systems, and when paired with Hitachi Energy's internet of things (IoT) connectivity and energy management capabilities, deliver rich insights and analytics to maximize reliable energy supply. The completion of the acquisition will enable Hitachi Energy to innovate faster and improve the technology at this critical grid connection point.Hitachi Energy is making unparalleled investments in its global footprint and people, continuously pioneering technologies to enable the world's energy system to be more sustainable, secure, resilient and acquisitions are playing a critical role in supporting the company's broader strategy.1 Outlook for battery demand and supply - Batteries and Secure Energy Transitions - Analysis - IEA2 COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids PledgeAbout Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time - balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships across the utility, industry, transportation, data centers, and infrastructure sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD.Https://www.hitachienergy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://x.com/HitachiEnergyAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors - Digital Systems & Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future with innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives. Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries - and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Skopje, North Macedonia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - M3DS Academy has been awarded the title of Best Online 3D Art & Game Development School for 2025, recognizing its dedication to excellence, innovative mentorship model, and significant impact on the global 3D art and game development education landscape. Focused on personalized, live mentorship and a cutting-edge curriculum, M3DS Academy is setting new standards in digital education.

This prestigious recognition highlights M3DS Academy's ability to produce highly skilled, industry-ready professionals equipped to excel in the competitive fields of 3D art and game development. The academy continues to shape the future of creative education by empowering students to realize their full potential through specialized training and real-world job preparation.

A Milestone Achievement for M3DS Academy

Founded in 2016, M3DS Academy has rapidly established itself as a global leader in 3D art and game development education. The academy's unique, mentorship-driven model, which pairs students with industry professionals for daily live, one-on-one sessions, has earned it this top recognition.

M3DS Academy Named Best Online 3D Art & Game Development School for 2025 by Best of Best Reviews

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/263031_253317a6446f6b0e_002full.jpg

With a curriculum designed to empower students with both technical expertise and real-world job preparedness, M3DS Academy is shaping the future of creative education. This recognition underscores the academy's commitment to providing high-quality, personalized training that equips students to thrive in the competitive fields of 3D art and game development.

A Focus on Excellence and Innovation

M3DS Academy's global reach and innovative approach have set a new standard in online education. The academy's curriculum is specifically tailored to meet industry standards, and it offers official training in leading software such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine.

Key features of the M3DS Academy experience include:

Daily Live Mentorship: Students benefit from 12 hours a day of personalized, one-on-one mentorship with experienced instructors.

Students benefit from 12 hours a day of personalized, one-on-one mentorship with experienced instructors. Industry-Standard Software Training: The academy offers training in tools used by top professionals in the field, with certifications from industry leaders.

The academy offers training in tools used by top professionals in the field, with certifications from industry leaders. Career-Focused Development: The academy's emphasis on portfolio-building and job placement ensures graduates are ready for successful careers.

The academy's emphasis on portfolio-building and job placement ensures graduates are ready for successful careers. Global Student Base: With students from over 100 countries, M3DS Academy is creating an international community of creative professionals.

Created by Marko Lazov, an M3DS Academy Graduate

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About M3DS Academy

M3DS Academy is a global leader in 3D art and game development education. The academy is renowned for its mentorship-driven model, offering students personalized, hands-on instruction in industry-standard tools and techniques. With a focus on real-world job readiness, M3DS Academy has produced graduates who go on to work with leading creative companies worldwide.

For more information about M3DS Academy, visit www.m3dsacademy.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263031

SOURCE: Plentisoft
STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Swedish industrial technology company Hexagon AB (HEXA-B.ST) said on Friday that it has appointed Norbert Hanke as interim Chief Financial Officer or CFO, with immediate effect. Hanke takes over from David Mills, who is stepping down for personal reasons. Mills will continue to support the company as a Financial Advisor until February 2026, while the search for a permanent CFO is underway, the company added. Hexagon AB said that Hanke has been with Hexagon since 2001 and has held several senior roles, including interim CEO, COO, and President of the Manufacturing Intelligence division. He also has extensive financial leadership experience, having served as CFO of Manufacturing Intelligence for nine years and as Director of Finance at Brown & Sharpe for four years. Commenting on the developments, Anders Svensson, President and CEO, Hexagon AB, said, 'During his 25 years with Hexagon, David has served in multiple finance leadership roles, driving and developing improved financial performance and governance. Most recently, as CFO, he led improvements in financial disclosures and helped chaperone the Hexagon Group through several sizeable changes. I would also like to extend my thanks to Norbert Hanke. His financial acumen and 25-years of experience at Hexagon places him well to fulfil this critical role while we secure a permanent replacement.' 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.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid a shifting global economy, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) continues to provide a vital gateway for global enterprises. With preparations for the 8th CIIE well underway, the expo is set to once again showcase innovation, foster cooperation, and expand access to the Chinese dynamic market.

Leveraging the vital platform for global enterprises to access the Chinese massive market, many exhibitors have grown from participants into investors, while numerous exhibits have been transformed into marketable goods. Novartis, for instance, debuted Radioligand Therapy (RLT) at the 4th CIIE. Benefiting from CIIE's spillover effect, it signed strategic pacts with three Chinese partners-GE Healthcare China, Shanghai Pharmaceutical Holding and Chongqing Pharmaceutical Holding-at the 7th CIIE to speed up RLT's launch and expansion in China.

At the supply-demand matchmaking event of the 8th CIIE, companies showcased 22 "CIIE Babies" -products that have successfully entered the market after their debut at previous expos, including two making their first post-launch appearance, underscoring the CIIE's role in turning exhibits into goods. Medical innovations have also gained ground in China. Novartis built on its RLT debut last year by partnering with GE Healthcare China and others to create an RLT ecosystem. Meanwhile, Boston Scientific saw several products move from expo floor to market after the 7th CIIE. Johnson & Johnson, expanding its booth to 700 square meters this year, will feature the MONARCH surgical robot and the lung cancer therapy Rukobia.

In parallel with the 8th CIIE, this year's Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) unveiled its theme "Opening Up for New Opportunities, Collaborating for a Shared Future". As a premier platform for global economic dialogue, the 8th HQF will feature more than 20 sessions on Opening-up for Cooperation, Innovation, Development and Sharing. Preparations are in full swing, with active participation from international bodies like UNICEF and UNIDO, alongside government officials and industry leaders. The release of the World Openness Report 2025 will be a spotlight of the 8th HQF, underscoring its role as a key platform for global dialogue and collaboration.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this global event. The 8th CIIE offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses to connect, innovate, and grow. Visit https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/ for the latest updates and participation details.

Contact: Ms. Cui Yan Tel.: 0086-21-968888 Email: exhibition@ciie.org

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EQS Newswire / 29/08/2025 / 17:16 UTC+8



London, UK - August 29, 2025 - ( SeaPRwire ) - ChatBlu, an artificial intelligence company founded by two of Europe's youngest funded entrepreneurs, has secured $500,000 in pre-seed funding to build and launch the world's first autonomous inventory management agent for e-commerce. The round was led by Matador Ventures Capital, known for investing in Y Combinator-backed startups, with support from angel investors affiliated with Google and Amazon Web Services.

Founded in April 2025 by Kristian Lukauskis and Alexander Dillon, both aged 20, ChatBlu aims to eliminate one of online retail's most persistent operational problems: real-time, multi-platform inventory management. Online sellers typically struggle to sync stock levels, apply price updates, and manage listings across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy. ChatBlu's AI agent automates these tasks in the background, allowing users to issue plain-language commands while the system handles execution across all connected storefronts.

According to industry data, inventory inefficiencies cost retailers $1.8 trillion each year. By automating these backend tasks, ChatBlu aims to help store owners boost conversion rates by up to 20 percent while significantly reducing time and labor costs.

The company is a graduate of the 2024-2025 cohort of the Genoa Entrepreneurship School , a European accelerator with a 75 % funding success rate. Backed by industry leaders like Douglas Leone, Partner at Sequoia Capital, who serve as mentors to students, Genoa helps founders secure capital without stepping away from their education. CTO Sairam Vangapally, a former Amazon and Shutterfly data engineer, leads the company's technical build. The broader team includes professionals with experience at Apple, Meta, Adidas, and Xbox.

ChatBlu is preparing for a product launch in September 2025, beginning with Anglo-Saxon markets and targeting expansion to Hispanic regions within the following year.

To explore the technology behind ChatBlu and its upcoming rollout, visit https://chatblu-ai.com .

About ChatBlu

ChatBlu is an artificial intelligence company building the first autonomous AI agent for multi-platform inventory management. Founded by Kristian Lukauskis, Alexander Dillon, and Sairam Vangapally, ChatBlu has received $500,000 in funding to automate backend retail operations for digital merchants.

The startup is backed by Genoa Entrepreneurship School and Matador Ventures Capital, which has several Y-Combinator startups in its portfolio. Its founding team brings experience from companies including Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Adidas. The company's vision is to eliminate manual inventory processes through intelligent automation.

Media Contact

Company: ChatBlu

Contact: Kristian Lukauskis, CEO

Email: k.lukauskis@chatblu-ai.com

Website: https://chatblu-ai.com/

29/08/2025 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


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. (TSXV: CTV) (OTCQB: CTVFF) ("CleanTech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, through its 100%-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a binding option-to-purchase agreement (the "OTP") with an arm's-length private party (the "Vendor") to acquire a package of highly prospective mineral rights ("Pope Fluorspar Properties") near Hicks Dome deposit in Pope county in southern Illinois. Pope Fluorspar Properties consist of 15 mineral rights parcels (each one a "Property") totaling 970 acres across Empire Subdistrict, Stewart Subdistrict and Hobbs Creek Subdistrict. Those Properties are strategically positioned along the major fault systems that historically controlled mineralization throughout the approximately 1,000-square-mile Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District ("IKFD").

Transaction Summary

Under the OTP executed on August 26, 2025, the Vendor agreed to sell to CleanTech, the Pope Fluorspar Properties for a total of US$184,000 (the "Purchase Price"), consisting of:

US$29,100 upon OTP signing (paid);

US$42,680 on or before September 1, 2026;

US$54,320 on or before September 1, 2027;

US$57,900 on or before September 1, 2028.

Empire Subdistrict: Home to Illinois' Premium Quality Fluorite

CleanTech's Empire Properties are adjacent to the historic Gaskin Mine, located less than three miles west of Hicks Dome, which is estimated to contain Fluorspar1 and additional Rare Earth Element historical resources. The Gaskin operation stands as a testament to the Empire subdistrict's extraordinary mineral wealth, having produced approximately 179,000 raw tons from two parallel veins averaging 5 feet wide, with bedding replacement mineralized zones extending 35 feet in width2.

The Gaskin Mine's reputation for producing some of the highest-grade and gemstone-quality fluorite in Illinois stems from its unique geological setting. According to ISGS Circular 604, the mine's fluorite crystals contained small amounts of rare earth elements (REE) likely derived from the adjacent Hicks Dome, creating distinctively colored pink cubic fluorite crystals with beautiful phantoms that are "instantly visually recognizable to the avid fluorite collector". Mining operations extended through multiple working levels at depths of 200, 300, 400, 425, 450, and 475 feet, with mineralized material present from the base of the Bethel Sandstone down into the Ste. Genevieve Limestone3,4.

The Empire Subdistrict's mineralized veins appear predominantly along normal faults with northeast to east-northeast strikes, potentially representing radial fractures created by the vertical uplift at Hicks Dome or related to extensional forces that created the Dixon Springs Graben5,6.

The Qualified Person has been unable to verify the above information and that information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Pope Fluorspar Properties.

Stewart Subdistrict: The Barnett Complex Legacy

The Stewart Subdistrict, where CleanTech now holds significant mineral rights, hosted some of the IKFD's most productive and deepest mining operations. The Barnett Mine complex, located 0.6 miles from CleanTech's Stewart Properties and situated along the same fault, operating from approximately 1950 to 1983, achieved notable production through shrinkage stoping methods on the West and Barnett veins. The operation reached a total depth of 240 meters (787 feet) and maintained working levels that accessing veins 7 to 8 feet wide composed of coarsely crystalline calcite containing blocks of country rock and pockets of fluorite, galena, and sphalerite7.

Mining records indicate the Barnett complex produced an estimated 550,000 tons, while Ozark-Mahoning resource calculations from 1981 estimated historical Fluorspar resource exceeding 600,000 tons composed of 40% Barite and 20% Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) on CleanTech's Stewart Properties. The Parkinson and Stockton mines, also located within the same subdistrict contributed additional production from underground workings targeting barite, calcite, fluorite, and sphalerite mineralization8,9.

The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare this historical resource estimate are not available. The Company has not reviewed or validated the historic data, and caution should be taken as a qualified person has not conducted sufficient work to classify these historical resource estimates as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating them as a current mineral resource. The historic resource does not demonstrate economic viability and should not be relied on. The Company considers the historical estimate relevant as it indicates significant Fluorspar mineralization within the project area; however, the reliability is uncertain given the age of the data, and differences between historical estimation methods and current Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards. The historical resource categories were defined prior to the adoption of current CIM Definition Standards and differ materially from current categories such as 'Inferred Mineral Resource.' The historical estimates do not meet current CIM requirements for mineral resource classification due to: insufficient verification, lack of documented estimation methodology, and absence of QA/QC protocols. Steps to verify and upgrade the historical estimates to current CIM standards include (i) compilation and validation of all historical drill data, (ii) twin drilling of select historical holes, (iii) confirmatory drilling in key areas of mineralization, (iv) updated geological modeling, and (v) preparation of a new mineral resource estimate in accordance with NI 43-101.

Hobbs Creek Subdistrict: The Henson Mine Achievement

The Henson Mine within CleanTech's Hobbs Creek Properties represents one of the IKFD's most successful and technically challenging operations10. Operating during the 1980s, this mine reached a depth of 950 feet to access the Hobbs Creek Vein along a normal fault striking northeast and dipping steeply northwest. The operation extracted 112,000 raw tons of white and purple fluorite hosted in breccia zones of sandstone and shale fragments. The mine's success demonstrated the continued viability of deep vein mining in the IKFD, even as easier surface deposits were being exhausted11.

Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District: America's Source of Fluorspar

The Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District extraordinary productivity stems from its unique geological architecture12. The IKFD sits within Mississippian-age limestones intersected by northwest-southeast trending normal faults, creating the perfect structural environment for fluorite mineralization. These steep fault-fill veins, breccia zones, and localized carbonate replacements developed along favorable limestone horizons, with mineralized material shoots typically thickening at structural complexities such as fault bends, step-overs, and fault-dike intersections13,14,15,16.

The geological complexity that made the IKFD America's fluorite capital remains intact. mineralization occur in four primary deposit types: horizontal bedding replacement deposits, veins along vertical faults and fractures, residual gravel deposits, and fluorite breccia. This diversity offers multiple exploration and development targets across CleanTech's extensive land position of over 8,150 acres17.

The IKFD's strategic importance extends beyond its historical production record. Its established transportation infrastructure, proximity to industrial consumers, and documented production of over 32.5 million tons position it as America's most viable domestic Fluorspar source in an increasingly import-dependent market. Currently, nearly all Fluorspar consumed in the United States is imported, with Mexico supplying 72% of 2017 imports, followed by China and South Africa18,19,20. Fluorspar prices have increased dramatically from $300 per ton in 2020 to over $470 per ton in 202521. China, which accounts for 60% of global Fluorspar production, has become a net importer of Fluorspar since 2023.

Ron Espell, CleanTech's President, Comments:

"With Fluorspar designated as critical for applications in nuclear power, lithium batteries, and semiconductors, CleanTech's Fluorspar projects represent more than an attractive mining investment-they are key to America's mineral independence.

"CleanTech has positioned itself at the epicenter of America's potential fluorite renaissance. CleanTech's land holding now exceeds 8,150 acres with over 730 historic drill holes, in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District which once supplied over 90% of U.S. Fluorspar production from approximately 1914 to 199522.

"CleanTech is looking forward to partnering with America's industrial Fluorspar users and federal agencies to accelerate the development of IKFD and re-write a new chapter in American Fluorspar mining history."

Qualified Person

The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Carlos Zamora, CPG, a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) since 2024, who is an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.

CleanTech is a mining company focused on critical mineral resources in the USA. The Company has an option to acquire 8,150 acres of mineral rights with historic Fluorspar resources across multiple projects in the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. CleanTech also owns a 100% interest in the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project in Nevada.

Further information on CleanTech can be found at www.cleantechctv.com.





Map of Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8597/264398_36939b6564f018a2_002full.jpg

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Ron Espell"

President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding CleanTech's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news releases includes: the acquisition of ownership in the Pope Fluorspar Properties, the presence of a land grab for fluorspar projects and Fluorspar as CleanTech's major vertical, logistical advantages at the Pope Fluorspar Properties, the ability to advance the Project in both the near and long term, the availability of infrastructure that would assist in the advancement of the Project. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of CleanTech at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of CleanTech, there is no assurance they will prove to be correct and are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking information, including but not limited to: changes in operating plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's project; conditions impacting the Company's ability to mine at the project, such as unfavorable weather conditions, development of a mine plan, maintaining existing permits and receiving any new permits required for the project, and other conditions impacting mining generally; maintaining cordial business relations with strategic partners and contractual counter-parties; meeting regulatory requirements and changes thereto; risks inherent to mineral resource estimation, including uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will be further developed into mineral reserves; political risk in the jurisdictions where the Company's projects are located; commodity price variation; and general market, industry and economic conditions. Additional risk factors are set out in the Company's latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward- looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws.

1 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

2 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

3 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

4 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Empire_Subdistrict

5 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262229/CleanTech-Acquires-Significant-Package-of-Fluorspar-Projects-Totaling-7180-Acres-for-US4000000-in-IllinoisKentucky-Fluorspar-District

6 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Empire_Subdistrict

7 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Stewart_Subdistrict

8 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Stewart_Subdistrict

9 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/10083076

10 Denny, F.B., Nelson, W.J., Breeden, J.R., & Lillie, R.C. (2020). Mines in the Illinois portion of the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 604, 73 p

11 https://ilmineswiki.web.illinois.edu/wiki/Hobbs_Creek_Subdistrict

12 Denny, F.B., Nelson, W.J., Breeden, J.R., & Lillie, R.C. (2020). Mines in the Illinois portion of the Illinois-Kentucky Fluorspar District. Illinois State Geological Survey, Circular 604, 73 p

13 https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/3117-tsx-venture/ctv/185361-cleantech-acquires-significant-package-of-fluorspar-projects-totaling-7-180-acres-for-us-4-000-000-in-illinois-kentucky-fluorspar-district.html

14 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262229/CleanTech-Acquires-Significant-Package-of-Fluorspar-Projects-Totaling-7180-Acres-for-US4000000-in-IllinoisKentucky-Fluorspar-District

15 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

16 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262230/Oracle-Commodity-Holding-Secures-2-Fluorspar-Royalty-in-USA-From-CleanTech-Vanadium

17 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

18 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262229/CleanTech-Acquires-Significant-Package-of-Fluorspar-Projects-Totaling-7180-Acres-for-US4000000-in-IllinoisKentucky-Fluorspar-District

19 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

20 https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262230/Oracle-Commodity-Holding-Secures-2-Fluorspar-Royalty-in-USA-From-CleanTech-Vanadium

21 https://www.imarcgroup.com/fluorspar-pricing-report

22 http://library.isgs.illinois.edu/Pubs/pdfs/circulars/c604.pdf

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264398

SOURCE: CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.
DUBAI, UAE and NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperlink InfoSystem, a globally renowned IT services and software development company, is set to participate in GITEX Global 2025, the world's largest tech and startup event, taking place from October 13-17, 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As one of the most trusted technology partners for enterprises worldwide, the company will leverage this global stage to present its most advanced solutions in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Internet of Things, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Cloud Computing, and Enterprise IT Services.

Over the years, Hyperlink InfoSystem has built a reputation for delivering highly customized, secure, and innovation-driven solutions that empower businesses to embrace digital transformation. With a track record of developing 4500+ mobile applications, 2600+ websites, and 1000+ tech solutions for more than 2,700 clients across the globe, the company continues to drive success stories across industries including healthcare, finance, logistics, real estate, education, manufacturing, and retail. The participation at GITEX Global 2025 further underlines the company's commitment to helping organizations worldwide accelerate growth with next-generation digital solutions.

Speaking about the event, Harnil Oza, CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, said, "GITEX Global is one of the finest platforms for innovation, networking, and collaboration. Every year, it brings together brilliant minds and leading companies shaping the digital future. We are excited to be part of GITEX Global 2025 and look forward to showcasing our innovative solutions while exploring new opportunities to empower businesses worldwide with cutting-edge technology."

At GITEX Global 2025, the Hyperlink InfoSystem team will welcome visitors at Hall 7, Stand No 11, where they will engage with industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers to demonstrate how its digital solutions are reshaping businesses through real-world use cases and live demonstrations. Attendees can explore the company's expertise in building AI-powered enterprise systems, blockchain-based applications, IoT-enabled smart solutions, immersive AR/VR experiences, and tailor-made CRM and ERP systems designed to streamline operations and enhance business efficiency.

Since its inception in 2011, Hyperlink InfoSystem has emerged as one of the fastest-growing technology solution providers with offices across the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, France, and India. With over a decade of delivering excellence, the company has successfully delivered more than 10,000 digital solutions and continues to be the preferred technology partner for startups, SMEs, and Fortune 500 enterprises alike. By showcasing its capabilities at GITEX Global 2025, the company reaffirms its vision to innovate and lead the way in shaping the digital ecosystem on a global scale.

Hyperlink InfoSystem welcomes all visitors, industry leaders, and technology enthusiasts to meet its experts at Hall 7, Stand 11 during 13th-17th October 2025 at GITEX Global. For those interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting, they can contact the team at info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com in advance.

About Hyperlink InfoSystem:

Founded in 2011, Hyperlink InfoSystem is a leading IT services provider headquartered in Ahmedabad, India, with offices in the USA, UK, Canada, France, and UAE. The company has worked with over 2,700 clients worldwide, delivering 4,500+ apps, 2,600+ websites, and cutting-edge IT solutions across industries. Known for its innovative approach, Hyperlink InfoSystem consistently ranks among the world's top IT service providers.

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info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com



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HYDERABAD, India, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the global vaccine refrigerators market, valued at US$ 1.29 billion in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 2.50 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% during the forecast period of 2025-2033.

The global vaccine refrigerators market is witnessing steady growth as reliable cold storage has become the backbone of successful immunization programs worldwide. Most vaccines, including those for measles, polio, HPV, and COVID-19 boosters, require storage at 2C to 8C, making standard medical-grade refrigerators indispensable across hospitals, pharmacies, and community health centers. The push for universal immunization under WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030 and large-scale donor-funded programs such as Gavi's Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) are driving massive deployments of WHO-prequalified refrigerators in low- and middle-income countries.

In parallel, manufacturers such as Haier Biomedical, B Medical Systems, and Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. are innovating with IoT-enabled monitoring, green refrigerants, and energy-efficient models, aligning with global sustainability goals while reducing vaccine wastage. As governments, NGOs, and private healthcare providers continue to strengthen cold chain systems, the market is expected to expand toward smarter, greener, and more resilient refrigeration solutions, ensuring that vaccines remain potent and accessible, from central hubs to the most remote communities.

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Key Highlights from the Report

The global vaccine refrigerators market is expected to grow from US$ 1.29 billion in 2024 to US$ 2.50 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.6%.

North America dominates with a 44.13% market share in 2024, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and stringent regulatory standards.

The cold chain vaccine refrigerators segment holds the largest share at 67.21% in 2024, supported by large-scale donor-funded deployments.

The 2C to 8C standard refrigerators segment dominates with a 66.83% share in 2024, as most vaccines require this temperature range.

Global immunization programs, such as WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030 and Gavi's CCEOP, are key drivers of market growth.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see significant growth, fueled by government initiatives and expanding vaccine coverage.

Immunization Programs Drive Vaccine Refrigerators Market Growth

The expansion of global immunization programs is a major driver of the vaccine refrigerators market, as it increases the demand for reliable cold chain infrastructure. Vaccines for diseases like measles, polio, HPV, and COVID-19 require storage at 2C to 8C, necessitating medical-grade refrigerators across diverse settings. WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030 and Gavi's CCEOP have spurred the deployment of tens of thousands of WHO-prequalified refrigerators in Africa and Asia, ensuring vaccine potency in remote areas. For example, India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), covering over 27 million infants annually, relies heavily on solar-powered and ice-lined refrigerators. The rollout of malaria vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa and ongoing COVID-19 booster campaigns further amplify the need for robust cold chain solutions, driving steady market growth.

High Operating and Maintenance Costs Limit Market Expansion

High operating and maintenance costs pose a significant challenge to the vaccine refrigerators market, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Medical-grade refrigerators, designed for precise temperature control, consume significantly more energy than household units, increasing electricity costs. Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, used for mRNA vaccines, require additional backup systems, further escalating expenses. Maintenance costs are also high due to the need for regular servicing of compressors, sensors, and refrigerants. In remote areas, the lack of trained technicians and spare parts often leads to repair delays and vaccine spoilage, slowing market adoption where funding is limited.

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Cold Chain Vaccine Refrigerators Lead Market with 67.21% Share in 2024

The cold chain vaccine refrigerators segment dominates the market with a 67.21% share in 2024, driven by its critical role in global immunization programs. Unlike standard indoor refrigerators, cold chain units-such as solar direct-drive (SDD) units, ice-lined refrigerators (ILRs), and portable carriers-are designed for rural and resource-constrained areas. UNICEF and Gavi's CCEOP have deployed over 65,000 WHO-prequalified units in Africa and Asia, supporting vaccines like the malaria vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa. Manufacturers like B Medical Systems and Haier Biomedical have seen strong demand for off-grid and solar-powered solutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2C to 8C Standard Refrigerators Dominate with 66.83% Share in 2024

The 2C to 8C standard refrigerators segment holds the largest market share at 66.83% in 2024, as most vaccines, including those for measles, polio, and HPV, require this temperature range. These refrigerators are the backbone of immunization programs worldwide, from India's UIP to routine drives in Africa funded by UNICEF and Gavi. In high-income countries, pharmacies and clinics use compact medical-grade units for flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, further solidifying the segment's dominance.

North America Holds 44.13% Market Share in 2024

North America leads the vaccine refrigerators market with a 44.13% share in 2024, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure and strict regulatory standards. The U.S. CDC's vaccine storage guidelines have accelerated adoption across hospitals, pharmacies, and vaccination centers. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout spurred significant demand for both standard and ULT refrigerators, with manufacturers like Thermo Fisher Scientific and PHC Corporation reporting record orders. Canada's investments in cold chain infrastructure further support the region's dominance, ensuring reliable storage for routine and seasonal vaccinations.

Asia-Pacific Shows Strong Growth Potential

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience robust growth in the vaccine refrigerators market, driven by government initiatives and expanding immunization programs. India's UIP and solar-powered cold chain deployments in remote areas are key contributors. In 2023, India inaugurated 5G training labs and health applications in North Eastern States, boosting vaccine storage capabilities. Countries like China and Singapore are also investing in advanced cold chain technologies, further supporting regional market growth.

Key Vaccine Refrigerators Market Companies:

Major companies working towards the market's growth include Haier Biomedical, Cardinal Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., PHC Corporation, B Medical Systems, Dulas Ltd., Godrej, and Blue Star Limited, among others.

Haier Biomedical: Haier Biomedical is one of the leading players in the global vaccine refrigerators market, recognized for its wide portfolio of WHO PQS-certified cold chain solutions. The company offers a diverse range of products, including 2-8C vaccine refrigerators, ice-lined refrigerators (ILRs), solar direct-drive (SDD) refrigerators, and a smart vaccine refrigerator that supports both routine immunization programs and advanced biologics like mRNA vaccines. With its emphasis on energy efficiency, green refrigerants, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems, Haier Biomedical has positioned itself as a critical partner for governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers in building resilient and sustainable vaccine cold chain infrastructure.

Related Reports:

Europe Medical Refrigerators Market is segmented By Technology (Compressor and Absorption), By Temperature Range (2C to 8C, -4C to +2C and Others), By Application (Vaccines, Biological Products, Specialty Medications, Blood and Blood Products, Collyriums, and others)

Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented By Product Type (Vaccines, Biopharmaceuticals, Drugs, and Medicines), By Service Type (Storage, Transportation, Packaging, and Others), By Temperature Range (Frozen (Below -20C), Refrigerated (2C to 8C), Ambient (15C to 25C), and Cryogenic (-150C)), By Mode of Delivery (Last-Mile Delivery and Hubs-to-Distributor), By End-User (Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies, Biotechnology Companies, Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities, and Others) and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa)

Blood Bank Refrigerators Market is Segmented By Type (Solar Powered Blood Bank Refrigerators System, Whole Standard Electric Blood Bank Refrigerator, Ice Lined Blood Bank Refrigerators System), By End User(Blood Banks, Hospitals, Others), and by Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) - Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022-2029

Medical Refrigerators Market is segmented By Product Type (Blood Bank Refrigerators & Plasma Freezers, Laboratory Refrigerators & Freezers, Pharmacy Refrigerators & Freezers, Pharmacy Refrigerators & Freezers, Chromatography Refrigerators & Freezers, Enzyme Refrigerators & Freezers, Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers, Cryogenic Storage Systems), By Design Type (Countertop Medical Refrigerator, Undercounter Medical Refrigerator, Flammable Material Storage Refrigerator, Explosion-Proof Refrigerator), By Door Type (Single Door, Double Door), By End-Users (Blood Banks, Pharmaceutical Companies, Hospitals & Pharmacies, Research Institutes, Medical Laboratories, Diagnostic Centers, Others), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa)

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TOKYO, Aug 29, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced new plans regarding the relocation of its global head office function:1) Honda will relocate its global head office function, before the end of 2029*, to the high-rise office floors of a new mixed-use building currently under construction near Tokyo Station, as a part of the Yaesu 2-Chome Central District Category-I Urban Redevelopment Project ("Yaesu District Redevelopment Area").2) Honda will conduct a partial transfer of the ownership of Honda Aoyama Building ("Aoyama Bldg."), the company's existing head office building in Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, to Mitsui Fudosan Residential Co., Ltd.It has been 40 years since Honda built the Aoyama Bldg. as its global head office. Amid the continued rapid transformation of society and industry, Honda continues striving to be a "company society wants to exist" into the future. To fulfill this vision, Honda has been carefully considering various approaches to establish a global head office function that will serve as a "hub for transformation and communication that fosters innovation." In September 2023, Honda decided to proceed with the plan to reconstruct Aoyama Bldg. into a new building, which will enable Honda to realize this vision, with target completion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2031.The fountainhead of Honda innovations has been the "Waigaya (Y-gaya)" process, a unique communication culture of Honda, in which individual associates transcend their respective roles and positions, and engage in vigorous exchanges of their opinions that yields higher results. Since the temporary relocation of the head office function to Toranomon in Tokyo in May, Honda has been adopting a "one-floor" style of office layout, with associates working in one space on one floor, instead of spread across multiple floors. It has become evident that this office layout has strengthened connections among associates and facilitated more diverse members to come together and engage in more dynamic Waigaya discussions, which has begun generating ideas for a wide range of future innovations.In light of these factors, Honda reconsidered the optimal office conditions for its new global head office, and came to the conclusion that it is the best to relocate its head office to the Yaesu District Redevelopment Area, which includes the former site of the Honda Yaesu Building where the Honda global head office was located from 1960 to 1974. When relocated to the Yaesu District Redevelopment Area, the size of each office floor will be approximately 6.8 times larger than that of the Aoyama Bldg. and approximately 1.8 times larger compared to the current office in Toranomon, whereby Honda will strive to achieve significant enhancement in productivity and new value creation.For Honda, Yaesu is a place of special significance, as it was the location of the first operation base where the company strived to establish a presence in Tokyo, began taking on challenges to become a global brand, and laid the foundation for what Honda has become today. Moreover, the Yaesu District has been considered one of the world's most renowned business districts, serving as a hub for cutting-edge technology and information, with its proximity to Tokyo Station providing excellent access both domestically and internationally. Currently, redevelopment projects are underway across the district, and further enhancement of urban city functions and services is expected in the future.Regarding the Aoyama Bldg., after thorough consideration of the traditional Honda approach to building design as well as the current business environment surrounding Honda, the company decided to transfer a portion of its ownership of the building and land of Aoyama Bldg. to Mitsui Fudosan Residential. The site of Aoyama Bldg. served as the second global head office building owned by Honda in Tokyo for approximately 40 years since 1985, and also housed Honda Welcome Plaza Aoyama to invite the public to see and experience Honda products and technologies, and it will remain a place of deep significance for Honda. Following the partial transfer, Honda and Mitsui Fudosan Residential will jointly construct a new building on the site of Aoyama Bldg. Once completed, Honda is planning to make use of part of the new building, and will explore a range of ideas and opportunities to make it a venue to further enhance Honda brand value.Honda global head office relocation schedule- May 2025 - Honda head office functions relocated temporarily to offices in Toranomon Alcea Tower and Honda Wako Building.- Before the end of 2029* - Honda head office functions will be relocated permanently on high-rise office floors of the new building in Yaesu District Redevelopment AreaOverview of Yaesu 2-Chome Central District Category-I Urban Redevelopment ProjectProject name: Yaesu 2-Chome Central District Category-I Urban Redevelopment ProjectBuilder: Yaesu 2-Chome Central District Urban Redevelopment Project AssociationLocation: 4, 5, 6 and 7, Yaesu 2-Chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JapanCompletion: January 31, 2029 (planned)Number of floors/ max height: 43 floors above ground, 3 floors below ground, approx. 744 ft. (approx. 227 m)Site area: Approx. 210,542 ft2(approx. 19,560 m2)Total floor area: Approx. 4,190,282 ft2(approx. 389,290 m2)Main purposes: Offices, retail facilities, theater, serviced apartments, international school, bus terminal, parking lot, etc.ReferenceMitsui Fudosan Group news release:Yaesu 2-Chome Central District Category-I Urban Redevelopment Project:Partial Transfer of Rights to Honda and Joint Reconstruction of Honda Aoyama BuildingURL: https://www.mitsuifudosan.co.jp/english/corporate/news/2025/0829_01/* Planned completion schedule as of August 2025. The schedule is subject to change in the future.Source: Honda Motor Co, LtdCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
On August 29, crowds of Parisians gathered outside the Darry Ring flagship store at the Louvre to celebrate the Chinese Qixi Festival.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250829207849/en/

Rooted in the ancient legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, Qixi has long been a festival of love, often called the "Chinese Valentine's Day." On this special day, couples lined up at Darry Ring's store to join the brand's red-string ritual, embracing a romantic tradition from the East.

One international couple interviewed said they cherished Chinese culture so much that they took time off just to queue at Darry Ring for a diamond ring, fully immersing themselves in the romance of Qixi. They felt that Darry Ring's lifelong promise carried profound meaning, describing the brand as their personal "town hall." To them, giving a Darry Ring ring on Qixi and tying the symbolic red string of destiny embodied both a vow of commitment and a blessing of happiness.

Known worldwide for its true love philosophy of "ONE LOVE, ONE LIFETIME," Darry Ring has become a symbol of eternal devotion. Chinese culture continues to captivate the French, and more and more couples are visiting the Darry Ring Louvre store to seal their lifelong promises. For many, it has already become France's "second town hall."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250829207849/en/

Contacts:

Company: Darry Ring

Contact Person: liyingjie

Email: liyingjie@darryring.com

Website: https://www.darryring.com
Alberta's government has announced a pause on new for-profit childcare spaces receiving affordability funding as the province nears its federal cap.

CALGARY, ALBERTA / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Alberta's childcare sector is entering a critical transition under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program. Following the release of the Cost Control Framework and For-Profit Expansion Plan in January 2023, Alberta families were allocated access to up to 26,200 new for-profit spaces eligible for affordability funding. Alberta's government estimates the cap may be fully reached by the end of summer 2025, possibly sooner, depending on the pace of licensing applications.

Bill C-25 Child Care (CWELCC) Program

An image highlighting some key areas focussing on child care in Alberta

As of May 15, 2025, new for-profit centres licensed in Alberta will no longer be eligible for the $15/day Affordability Grant, creating a significant competitive challenge as the Alberta government continues to negotiate with the federal government for a more equitable funding model.

What this means for operators and families:

For the time being, only families in new not-for-profit programs will receive affordability funding-until those spaces also meet their federal cap.

Educators in new centres, regardless of model type, will continue to have access to wage top-ups and professional development grants under Alberta's early learning workforce initiatives. However, without affordability funding, new for-profit programs will be at a competitive disadvantage, as families are likely to choose programs offering the $15/day rate.

Considerations for new childcare operators:

Evaluate whether shifting to a not-for-profit model is feasible and sustainable.

Restructure operations to be viable without grant funding, including exploring alternative tuition models.

Develop value-added services or program features that justify a higher market rate.

For prospective operators, timing and adaptability will be critical. The policy landscape could look very different by spring 2026, and those entering the sector must balance today's funding realities with the possibility of a new, more inclusive model in the near future, should the province be successful in its negotiations with the Carney Liberals..

For-Profit vs. Not-for-Profit Models

Both for-profit and not-for-profit programs are subject to the same quality regulations under Alberta Child Care Licensing and must follow provincial rules on maximum fees for full-time and part-time care. The primary difference is governance: not-for-profits are operated by a board, while for-profits are privately owned by an individual or group of owners.

To learn more about these models, key considerations for operators, and current industry trends, ChildFriendly Pro hosts biweekly webinars featuring expert-led discussions on a wide range of topics. A recent session explored this issue in depth, and a recording is available for those interested in understanding the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit models, and the impact of the new funding pause.

Legal Structures for Childcare Businesses: Non-Profit, For-Profit, Society, or Section 9?

About ChildFriendly Pro

ChildFriendly Pro is a childcare management platform founded by an experienced childcare operator. The company is dedicated to providing operators with the tools and resources they need to navigate the evolving early learning sector, including expert-led webinars and industry insights.

Contact Information

SOURCE: Child Friendly Pro

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/the-future-of-for-profit-child-care-under-cwelcc-in-alberta-1066010
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - MustGrow Biologics Corp. (TSXV: MGRO) (OTCQB: MGROF) (FSE: 0C0) (the "Company" or "MustGrow"), is pleased to announce: (i) the closing of its previously annoucned non-brokered private placement of 3,059,731 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.70 per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately $2,141,812 (the "LIFE Offering"); (ii) the repricing of outstanding share purchase warrants issued pursuant to its January 16, 2025 private placement (the "Warrant Repricing"); and (iii) the settement of a shares for debt agreement to certain holders of unsecured convertible debentures issued pursuant to its January 16, 2025 private placement (the "Shares for Debenture Debt Settlement").

LIFE Offering

Each Unit consists of (i) one common share of the Company (a "Share") and (ii) one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will be exercisable for a period of 60 months from the date of closing and will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.90 per Warrant Share.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds raised from the LIFE Offering for inventory production for its mustard-derived organic biofertility product TerraSanteTM, inventory for agricultural products to sell via its Canadian distribution platform NexusBioAg, and working capital and general corporate purposes.

Subject to the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the securities issuable from the sale of Units to subscribers are not subject to a hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Insiders and certain consultants that participate in the LIFE Offering would be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV.

The Units sold pursuant to the LIFE Offering were offered in Canada pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption from the prospectus requirement available under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions as modified by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "LIFE Exemption").

As consideration for services, certain eligible finders received (i) an aggregate cash fee equal to $86,332.60, being 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the LIFE Offering from investors introduced to the Company by such finders; and (ii) 123,318 non-transferable common share purchase warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") representing 6.0% of the aggregate number of Shares forming part of the Units issued to investors introduced to the Company by the finders. Each Finder's Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one Share (a "Finder Warrant Share") at a price of $0.90 per Share for a 60-month period. The Finder Warrants and any Finder Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise thereof will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following the date of issue in accordance with applicable Canada securities laws.

Warrant Repricing

The Company, having received the consent from all the holders of outstanding common share purchase warrants (the "January Warrants") issued pursuant to its January 16, 2025 private placement, has repriced an aggregate of 1,721,610 January Warrants. The January Warrants have an expiry date of January 16, 2030 and previously had an exercise price of $1.90.

The January Warrants will be deemed to be amended to adjust their exercise price to $0.90 per Share (the "Amended Warrants"). The Amended Warrants was also amended to include an acceleration provision whereby, if for any ten (10) consecutive trading days (the "Premium Trading Days"), the closing price of the Company's Shares exceeds $1.08, the Amended Warrants' expiry date will be accelerated such that holders will have thirty (30) calendar days to exercise the Amended Warrants (if they have not first expired in the normal course) (the "Acceleration Clause"). Any activation of the Acceleration Clause will be announced by news release and the 30-day period will commence seven (7) days after the last Premium Trading Day.

The Warrant Repricing is subject to the final approval of the TSXV.

Shares for Debenture Debt Settlement

The Company offered a shares for debt settlement to all holders of unsecured convertible debentures issued pursuant to its January 16, 2025 private placement (the "Debentures"), to settle the outstanding principal amount owing under the Debentures, in the aggregate amount of $2,385,000 in consideration for: (i) the issuance of up to an aggregate of up to approximately 3,407,134 Shares (factoring in rounding down the number of Shares issued to each Debenture holder) (the "Settlement Shares") at a deemed price of $0.70 per Settlement Share, and (ii) a cash payment of all accrued and unpaid interest up to the date of issuance of the Settlement Shares.

The Settlement Shares are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable securities laws and TSXV policies.

The Shares-for-Debt Transaction is subject to the final approval of the TSXV.

MI 61-101 Compliance

Certain insiders of the Company participated in the LIFE Offering, purchasing an aggreagte of 285,716 Units. Any Units issued to insiders is be subject to a four month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV, (ii) certain insiders of the Company participated in the Warrant Repricing (subject to the rules and policies of the TSXV), and (iii) certain insiders of the Company also participated in the Shares for Debenture Debt Settlement, and any Settlement Shares issued to insiders is subject to a four month hold period pursuant to applicable policies of the TSXV.

The issuance of Units to any insiders, the participation of any insiders in the Warrant Repricing, and the issuance of Settlement Shares to any insiders is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). In respect of any such insider participation, the Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a), as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About MustGrow

MustGrow Biologics Corp. is a fully-integrated provider of innovative biological and regenerative agriculture solutions designed to support sustainable farming. The Company's proprietary and third-party product lines offer eco-friendly alternatives to restricted or banned synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. In North America, MustGrow offers a portfolio of third-party crop nutrition solutions, including micronutrients, nitrogen stabilizers, biostimulants, adjuvants and foliar products. These products are synergistically distributed alongside MustGrow's wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies that are derived from mustard and developed into organic biocontrol and biofertility products to help replace banned or restricted synthetic chemicals and fertilizers. Outside of North America, MustGrow is focused on collaborating with agriculture companies, such as Bayer AG in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to commercialize MustGrow's wholly-owned proprietary products and technologies. The Company is dedicated to driving shareholder value through the commercialization and expansion of its intellectual property portfolio of approximately 109 patents that are currently issued and pending, and the sales and distribution of its proprietary and third-party product lines through NexusBioAg. MustGrow is a publicly traded company (TSXV: MGRO) and has approximately 58.9 million common shares issued and outstanding and 67.5 million shares fully diluted. For further details, please visit www.mustgrow.ca.

MustGrow Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect the results, performance or achievements of MustGrow.

Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements in this news release, including statements about: the intended use of proceeds of the LIFE Offering, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of MustGrow to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, MustGrow. Important factors that could cause MustGrow's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include: risks relating to the Company's ability to complete the proposed financing transactions on the terms and timeline contemplated herein, or at all, including the receipt of final approvals from the TSXV and satifiscation of other closing conditions, and those risks described in more detail in MustGrow's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other continuous disclosure documents filed by MustGrow with the applicable securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are referred to such documents for more detailed information about MustGrow, which is subject to the qualifications, assumptions and notes set forth therein.

Neither the TSXV, nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV), nor the OTC Markets has approved the contents of this release or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 2025 MustGrow Biologics Corp. All rights reserved.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264404

SOURCE: MustGrow Biologics Corp.
Acquired brands to broaden and complement Arclin's innovation platform

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire DuPont's Aramids business, which includes the Kevlar and Nomex brands, for approximately $1.8 billion. The planned acquisition will expand Arclin's portfolio to include aerospace, electrical infrastructure, electric vehicles, personal protection, and defense, while building on its strong positions in construction, infrastructure, weather and fire protection, and transportation. Arclin's cutting-edge technologies are mission critical and drive essential products that protect and enhance everyday life. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Arclin is a portfolio company of an affiliate of TJC, L.P.

"The Kevlar and Nomex brands have long been known for their innovation and protective qualities," said Bradley Bolduc, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arclin. "With this planned acquisition, Arclin will unlock the potential for these brands, ushering in a new era of advanced materials that can make homes, workplaces and communities stronger, safer and more resilient."

"DuPont is proud of the legacy of the Kevlar and Nomex brands," said Lori Koch, Chief Executive Officer of DuPont. "We are confident that under Arclin's leadership, these businesses will continue to thrive and expand their impact in new industries and applications."

"The global footprint of the Kevlar and Nomex businesses presents a unique opportunity for Arclin to expand into new markets both geographically and through new products and technologies," said Mark Glaspey, Chief Operating Officer of Arclin. "We are focused on unlocking opportunities across facilities, partners, and markets."

"We are thrilled to add these iconic and trusted brands to the Arclin portfolio," said Jana Wright, Arclin's Vice President of Brand & Marketing. "The Kevlar and Nomex brands align with our commitment to transform protective technologies, and we are excited about the potential to further innovate and serve a broader audience with these brands."

Transaction Highlights:

Arclin has entered into an agreement to acquire DuPont's Aramids business, including the Kevlar and Nomex brands.

Expands Arclin's portfolio with proven protective technologies trusted in personal and first responder safety.

Enables Arclin to leverage the highly innovative products and technologies of Kevlar, Nomex and Arclin.

Positions Arclin to create technologies and develop new products that set industry standards.

The acquisition includes approximately 1,900 employees who will bring decades of technical experience to Arclin.

Strengthens Arclin's global market presence and accelerates entry into new geographies.

Transaction expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Piper Sandler & Company is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Arclin and TJC. Centerview Partners and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and are serving as DuPont's financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel.

About Arclin:

Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design, and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, and U.K. and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com.

About TJC:

TJC, L.P., formerly known as The Jordan Company, has worked for more than 40 years with CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs across a range of industries including Diversified Industrials, Industrial Technology, Consumer & Healthcare, Logistics & Supply Chain and Technology & Infrastructure. With $33.2 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2025, TJC is managed by a senior leadership team that has invested together for over 23 years on over 85 investments. TJC has offices in New York, Chicago, Miami and Stamford. For more information, please visit www.tjclp.com.

About DuPont:

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

Arclin Media Contact

Chris Adams

Chief Legal Officer

Inquiries@Arclin.com

DuPontTM and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with TM, SMor  are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2222683/Arclin_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arclin-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-aramids-business-including-kevlar-and-nomex-brands-from-dupont-302541763.html
- Company to host conference call Tuesday, September 2nd at 11am ET/8am PT -

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR OVER UNITED STATES WIRE SERVICES

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aurora Spine Corporation ("Aurora Spine" or the "Company") (TSXV: ASG) (OTCQB: ASAPF), a leader in spine and interventional spine technology that improves spinal surgery outcomes, today announced its financial results for second quarter ended June 30, 2025.

All figures are in U.S. dollars.

Significant Financial and Business Events

Continued revenue growth - Q2 2025 revenues increased by 10.2% to $4.5 million, compared to $4.1 million in the same period the previous year.

- Q2 2025 revenues increased by 10.2% to $4.5 million, compared to $4.1 million in the same period the previous year. EBITDAC improvement - Q2 2025 EBITDAC was $141,745, an improvement from $105,522 compared to Q2 2024 and a sequential increase from $(20,924) in Q1 2025.

- Q2 2025 EBITDAC was $141,745, an improvement from $105,522 compared to Q2 2024 and a sequential increase from $(20,924) in Q1 2025. Key product milestones - during Q2 2025 the company surpassed key product milestones, with more than 2,500 procedures using SiLO SI Joint Fusion System and 1,500 surgeries using DEXA-C.

- during Q2 2025 the company surpassed key product milestones, with more than 2,500 procedures using SiLO SI Joint Fusion System and 1,500 surgeries using DEXA-C. Prepared launch of Hydra A.E.R.O. - company procured inventory of newly FDA-cleared product for initial surgeries, which commenced in early Q3 2025.

- company procured inventory of newly FDA-cleared product for initial surgeries, which commenced in early Q3 2025. Publication of new clinical study - Evaluated the biomechanical performance of Aurora Spine's SiLO TFX MIS Sacroiliac Joint Fixation System compared to traditional posterolateral transosseous techniques, which demonstrated SiLO TFX's superior performance, leading to positive patient outcomes.

- Evaluated the biomechanical performance of Aurora Spine's SiLO TFX MIS Sacroiliac Joint Fixation System compared to traditional posterolateral transosseous techniques, which demonstrated SiLO TFX's superior performance, leading to positive patient outcomes. Improved DEXA-C and cervical sales - The Company renewed its focus on the cervical spine market in Q1 and Q2 2025 with $794,000 in cervical sales compared to $467,000 sales in the same six month period in 2024, an increase of 70% or $327,000. The majority of the increase is due to sales of the DEXA-C cervical implant.

The Company renewed its focus on the cervical spine market in Q1 and Q2 2025 with $794,000 in cervical sales compared to $467,000 sales in the same six month period in 2024, an increase of 70% or $327,000. The majority of the increase is due to sales of the DEXA-C cervical implant. DEXA-L Moving to market: Aurora made good progress on integrating its DEXA technology into its Solo standalone lumbar cage. Currently this cage is a solid titanium product, not well differentiated in the marketplace. With the phasing out of our Ti-Nano PEEK lumbar cages due to supply issues, the Sales of lumbar implants to orthopedic and neurosurgeons have declined 19% from the first half of 2024 to the same period in 2025. The new product will be rebranded the DEXA-L and remain a stand-alone lumbar cage. We expect it to launch in Q3 2025.

Management Commentary

"Second quarter results continued to demonstrate growth and solid operational performance as we build our sales efforts in the marketplace and advance our proprietary products amongst medical professionals," said Trent Northcutt, CEO of Aurora Spine. "As a company, we are highly focused on the continued commercialization efforts of our proprietary product platforms that we've developed in the past few years. The market is ripe for more minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate back pain issues in patients. As we continue to educate the marketplace, we are focused on creating the proper balance with both pain interventionalists and neuro/ortho surgeons. While the SiLO-TFX system and the ZIP-51 continue to carry a good portion of our sales efforts, we've also experienced some renewed traction with our DEXA-C cervical implant, which has seen sales increase by 70% in the first half of the year. However, we must improve our presence in the lumbar spine field. We're already executing a focused plan to tighten targeting, elevating case support, and converting more opportunities into recurring accounts. This bodes well for the launch of our DEXA-L series, which is commencing in the coming weeks."

"During the second quarter we were able to leverage our manufacturing capabilities in a timely manner in order to build initial inventory of our newest product platform Hydra A.E.R.O., a facet fusion system. After the quarter's end, we conducted initial surgeries ahead of schedule and the procedures went very well. We have received initial feedback and will continue to expect a ramp up of surgeries for the remainder of the year," added Mr. Northcutt.

"We have put together a strong team that is focused on educating the medical marketplace about our portfolio of proprietary products, focused on minimally invasive procedures that are beneficial to patients. We continue to forge forward with building out our sales efforts and educating the industry about our products. We had a very successful ASPN Conference in July and many of our discussions were with doctors that are eager to learn more about the Hydra A.E.R.O., as well as other products we offer. I'm excited about our future prospects and look forward to building upon the recent successes," concluded Mr. Northcutt.

Chad Clouse, Chief Financial Officer of Aurora Spine, commented, "Financially speaking, the second quarter performed well, with over 10% increase in revenues and solid gross profit margins. While we seek to add more salespeople in strategic areas of the country, we continue to be diligent with our capital and tightly monitor all expenses to strive towards consistent profitability."

Financial Results

Revenue Growth: Total revenues for the second quarter of 2025 were $4.50 million, an increase of 10.2% when compared to $4.02 million in the same quarter one year ago. The improvements in revenues over 2024 were due to more procedures conducted in ambulatory surgical and pain centers that incorporated Aurora products like the ZIP and SiLO TFX. The Company targeted the pain market with increased marketing, training, new product releases, and an increase in the sales staff. Offsetting this has been a decline in sales to the Ortho/Neuro surgical market primarily lead by lower lumbar cage sales as the Company transitions away from solid titanium and PEEK materials and works to introduce our proprietary DEXA technology.

Gross Margin: Gross margin on total revenues were 62.2% for the second quarter of 2025, compared to 62.4% in Q2 of 2024. Gross margin was in-line when compared to last year and improved from Q1 of 2025 as the company continues to sell more proprietary products.

Operating Expenses: Total operating expenses were $2.97 million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $2.74 million in the second quarter of 2024. Operating expenses in Q2 2025 included $0.298 million of non-cash expenses, compared to $0.217 million of non-cash expenses. Operating expenses were higher during the current quarter primarily due to an increase in sales commissions, marketing and insurance offset by a decrease in G&A and consulting fees.

EBITDAC: EBITDAC (a non-GAAP figure non IFRS measure defined as Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortization and Stock based compensation) was $141,745 for the second quarter of 2025, compared to $105,522 in the second quarter of 2024. EBITDAC was improved from year ago results due to higher revenue levels.

Net loss: Net loss was $(0.199) million for the second quarter of 2025, compared to the second quarter of 2024 with a loss of $(0.154) million. Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share was $(0.00) per share in the second quarter of 2025 and $(0.00) per share for the second quarter of 2024.

Full financial statements can be found on SEDAR at ( www.sedarplus.ca ).

SELECTED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION INFORMATION

The following table summarizes selected key financial data.

As at June 30, 2025 March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 $ $ $ Cash 580,978 488,693 825,621 Receivables 4,089,212 4,098,086 3,784,857 Prepaid and other current assets 192,736 229,444 276,084 Inventory 3,831,694 3,817,659 3,613,557 Current assets 8,694,620 8,633,882 8,500,119 Note receivable 275,367 295,871 323,663 Intangible assets 745,020 785,314 801,625 Property and equipment 1,852,650 2,038,936 2,047,989 Total assets 11,567,657 11,754,003 11,673,387 Current liabilities 4,290,155 4,263,723 3,884,233 Non-current liabilities 3,328,779 3,361,493 3,391,892 Share capital 27,720,815 27,720,815 27,657,591





SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION

The parent Company's functional currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). The functional currency of the Company's US subsidiary Aurora is the United Sates dollar (USD). Consolidated financial statements are presented in USD.

Operating results for each quarter for the last two fiscal years are presented in the table below.

Quarters End June 30,

2025 March 31,

2025 December 31,

2024 September 30,

2024 June 30,

2024 March 31,

2024 December 31,

2023 September 30,

2023 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Revenue 4,497,381 4,417,027 4,702,317 4,767,121 4,079,543 4,013,801 4,044,234 3,949,530 Cost of goods sold (1,698,257) (1,854,244) (1,982,273) (1,884,637 ) (1,532,173 ) (1,529,538 ) (1,749,216 ) (1,592,530 ) Gross profit 2,799,124 2,562,783 2,720,044 2,882,484 2,547,370 2,484,263 2,295,018 2,357,000 Operating expenses 2,971,754 2,879,114 3,372,741 2,811,364 2,701,478 2,751,188 2,580,613 2,606,618 EBITDAC* 141,745 (20,924) (320,362) 380,117 105,522 117,171 109,734 120,796 Net loss (198,760) (349,678) (652,697) 71,120 (154,108 ) (266,925 ) (285,595 ) (249,618 ) Basic and diluted loss per share** (0.00) (0.00) (0.01) 0.00 (0.00 ) (0.00 ) (0.00 ) (0.00 )

* EBITDAC is a non-GAAP, non IFRS measure defined as Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortization and Stock based compensation. This amount includes Gains (losses) on sale of property and equipment and Other income (expense).

** Outstanding options and warrants have not been included in the calculation of the diluted loss per share as they would have the effect of being anti-dilutive.

Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Conference Call Details

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT

Call-in Information: Interested parties can access the conference call by dialing (844) 861-5497 or (412) 317-5794.

Webcast: Interested parties can access the conference call via a live webcast, which is available via the following link: https://app.webinar.net/Y37NJeR9EQK .

Replay: A teleconference replay of the call will be available until September 9, 2025, at (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, replay access code 2999738. Additionally, a replay of the webcast will be available at https://app.webinar.net/Y37NJeR9EQK for 90 days.

About Aurora Spine

Aurora Spine is focused on bringing new solutions to the spinal implant market through a series of innovative, minimally invasive, regenerative spinal implant technologies. Additional information can be accessed at www.aurora-spine.com or www.aurorapaincare.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Aurora Spine, including, without limitation, those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information" in Aurora Spine's final prospectus (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information in this news release includes information concerning the proposed use and success of the company's products in surgical procedures. Aurora Spine cautions investors of Aurora Spine's securities about important factors that could cause Aurora Spine's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements included in this news release. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ unilaterally from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that the expectations set out herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Aurora Spine does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Company Contacts:

Aurora Spine Corporation

Trent Northcutt

President and Chief Executive Officer

(760) 424-2004

Chad Clouse

Chief Financial Officer

(760) 424-2004

www.aurora-spine.com

Investor Contact:

Adam Lowensteiner

Lytham Partners

(646) 829-9702
(All dollar amounts expressed in US dollars unless otherwise noted)

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Silver X Mining Corp. (TSXV:AGX)(OTCQB:AGXPF)(F:AGX) ("Silver X" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, for the Nueva Recuperada Project (the "Project") in Central Peru.

CEO Jose Garcia commented, "Silver X continues to make steady progress, with consistent improvements in operating income, pre-tax earnings, and EBITDA. While we have not yet reached peak performance, we believe that a modest infusion of capital will serve as a catalyst to unlock the full potential of one of Peru's most prolific yet underdeveloped silver and gold districts.

Achieving sustained profitability at this stage is a key milestone-one that provides a solid foundation for accelerated growth. As we advance development and drilling activities, we expect the coming quarters to reflect meaningful gains.

Looking ahead, Silver X is entering a pivotal phase. Our strategy is taking hold, and the impact of disciplined execution is becoming increasingly evident. We stand at the threshold of a transformative period-for the company, its shareholders, and all stakeholders involved."

Operational Highlights

On a year-to-date basis, processed tonnage declined by 9%, from 82,505 tons for the six months ended June 30, 2024, to 75,099 tons for the same period in 2025. During the second quarter of 2025, processed tonnage decreased by 22% to 34,899 tons, compared to 44,601 tons in 2Q24.

Average AgEq head grades declined by 3.0% in 2Q25 compared to 2Q24, and by 12.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, versus the same period in 2024.

1,788 meters of mine development were completed during 1Q25, expanding current mining operation and accessing higher grade target areas. 2,253 exploration meters were drilled during 2Q25, in line with company's 8,000 meters plan for 2025.

Financial Highlights

In the first half of 2025, operating income increased nearly 200% compared with the similar period in 2024. In 2Q25, operating income increased 55% to $847k compared with $547k in 2Q24.

Pre-tax income during 1H25 was 131% higher than 1H24 ($166k vs. a loss of $539k). The Company generated a pre-tax profit in 2Q25 of $145k, 62% less than the $381k pre-tax profit earned during 2Q24.

Net losses decreased by 71% to $410K for the six months ending June 30, 2025, compared to a loss of $1.4M in the prior year period.

Quarter-on-quarter, net losses were reduced by 52%, to $79k (2Q25) from $164k (2Q24).

EBITDA continued to be positive both during 2H25 and for the most recent quarter.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Notes:

1AgEq ounces processed and produced were calculated based on all metals processed and produced using the average market prices of each metal for each month during the period. Revenues from concentrate sales do not consider metallurgical recoveries in the calculations as the metal recoveries are built into the sales amounts.

2Average Realized Price, production cost per tonne processed, AgEq sold, cash cost per AgEq ounce produced and AISC per AgEq ounce produced are non-IFRS ratios with no standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. For further information, including detailed reconciliations to the most directly comparable IFRS measures, see "Non-IFRS Measures" in this news release and the MD&A.

3 Realized price corresponds to the average sales prices for the final customer.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2025, vs. Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

During the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded:

A 14% decrease in net operating revenues from the sale of concentrate ($5.4M compared to $6.2M in the prior period) mainly due to a 24% decrease in AgEq metal sold.

A lower cost of sales from $5.7M in 2Q24 to $4.5M in 2Q25, representing a reduction of $1.2M. This decrease is primarily attributed to an 83% reduction in depreciation expense, driven by the increase in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources, which is the basis for depreciation and by the 2.5% decrease in mining and processing costs during the quarter.

Operating income increased, reaching $847K in 2Q25 compared to $547K in 2Q24, mainly driven by reduced depreciation.

In 2Q25, net loss was $79K, a 52% reduction compared to the loss of $164K in 2Q24.

EBITDA declined to $0.5M compared to $1.9M reported in 2Q24, representing a 74% decrease over the same period one year ago (refer to Non-IFRS Financial Measures).

Six Months Ended June 30, 2025, vs. Six Months Ended June 30, 2024

For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded:

Pre-tax income of $166K compared to a net loss before tax of $539K for the same period in 2024.

EBITDA remains positive at $908K, but down from $2.2M in the same period of 2024.

Similarly, Adjusted EBITDA of $804K, compared to $1.2M for the same period in 2024.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.8 million during the period mainly due to the private placement that closed on March 13, 2025.

The significant decrease in loss for the current period was primarily due:

A reduction in net loss by $1.0M compared to 2024, primarily driven by lower cost of sales (14%) and lower general and administrative expenses (26%), partially offset by lower net operating revenue (3%). Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA declined by 34% compared to the previous year.

Cost of sales decreased by $1.5M (14%), from $10.5M in 2024 to $9.1M in the current year, primarily attributed to 82% reduction in depreciation expense, resulting from the increase in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources as the basis for depreciation.

The following table reconciles the Net Loss to the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

Non-IFRS Measures

The Company has included certain non-IFRS financial measures and ratios in this news release, as discussed below. The Company believes that these measures, in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide investors an improved ability to evaluate the underlying performance of the Company. The non-IFRS measures and ratios are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These financial measures and ratios do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers.

Cash Costs, All-In Sustaining Cost, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA

The Company uses cash costs, cash cost per AgEq ounce produced, AISC, AISC per AgEq ounce produced, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to manage and evaluate its operating performance in addition to IFRS measure because the Company believes that conventional measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS do not fully illustrate the ability of its operations to generate cash flows. The Company understands that certain investors use these measures to determine the Company's ability to generate earnings and cash flows for use in investing and other activities. Management and certain investors also use this information to evaluate the Company's performance relative to peers who present this measure on a similar basis.

Cash costs are calculated by starting with cost of sales, and then adding treatment and refining charges, and changes in depreciation and amortization.

Total cash production costs include cost of sales, changes in concentrate inventory, changes in amortization, less transportation and other selling costs and royalties. Cash costs per AgEq ounce produced are calculated by dividing cash costs by the AgEq ounces produced.

AISC and AISC per AgEq ounce produced are calculated based on guidance published by the World Gold Council (and used as a standard of the Silver Institute). The Company presents AISC on the basis of AgEq ounces produced. AISC is calculated by taking the cash costs and adding sustaining costs. Sustaining costs are defined as capital expenditures and other expenditures that are necessary to maintain current production. Management has exercised judgment in making this determination.

The following table shows the calculation of the cash costs and AISC per AgEq ounce produced:

To improve the accuracy and presentation of AISC calculations, Silver X refined the composition of General & Administrative Expense in sustaining cost, excluding discretionary costs for business development, investor relations, and share-based compensation. For comparative purposes, the prior period was recalculated based on the revised methodology, resulting in an AISC of $28.5 per AgEq ounce for the six months ending June 30, 2025. This represents a 33.4% increase compared to $21.3 for the same period in 2024, and a 28.6% increase from $23.5 in 2Q24 to $30.3 in 2Q25.

Additionally, AISC per tonne processed increased by 13.0% when comparing the same period in 2024, rising from $150.4 for the six months ending June 30, 2024, to $170.0 in 2025. This measure increased by 20.6%, from $149.9 in 2Q24 to $180.8 in 2Q25.

The capital expenditure deployed in the development of the Tangana Mining Unit during the period was the main cost contributor to AISC. Investment in sustainable CAPEX enables the Company to access new production fronts and transition to higher head-grade areas.

About Silver X

Silver X is a rapidly expanding silver producer and developer. The Company owns the 20,472-hectare Nueva Recuperada Silver Project in Central Peru and produces silver, gold, lead, and zinc from its Tangana Mining Unit. We are building a premier silver company that aims to deliver outstanding value to all stakeholders, consolidating and developing undervalued assets, adding resources, and increasing production while aspiring to sustain the communities that support us and stewarding the environment. Current production, paired with immediate development and brownfield expansion opportunities, presents investors with the opportunity to invest in the early stages of a silver producer with strong growth prospects. For more information visit our website at www.silverxmining.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jose M. Garcia

CEO and Director

For further information, please contact:

Kaitlin Taylor

Investor Relations

ir@silverxmining.com

+1 778 887-6861

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.

Non-IFRS Measures

Cash costs ($ per Oz sold) and AISC ($ per Oz sold) are non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios in this press release. These measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to other issuers. Please refer to the Non-IFRS Measures section of the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for full details on these measures, which is incorporated by reference into this press release.

Please see "Cautionary Note regarding Production without Mineral Reserves" at the end of this news release.

Qualified Person

Mr. A. David Heyl, B.Sc., C.P.G who is a qualified person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release for Silver X. Heyl is a consultant for Silver X.

Cautionary Note regarding Production without Mineral Reserves

The decision to commence production at the Nueva Recuperada Project and the Company's ongoing mining operations as referenced herein (the "Production Decision and Operations") are based on economic models prepared by the Company in conjunction with management's knowledge of the property and the existing estimate of mineral resources on the property. The Production Decision and Operations are not based on a preliminary economic assessment, a pre-feasibility study or a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the Production Decision and Operations, in particular: the risk that mineral grades will be lower than expected; the risk that additional construction or ongoing mining operations are more difficult or more expensive than expected; and production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a detailed economic and technical analysis in accordance with NI 43-101.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". All information contained in this press release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward looking information. Forward- looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation, exploration plans, results of operations, expected performance at the Project, the Company's belief that the Tangana system will provide considerable resource expansion potential, that the Company will be able to mine the Tangana Mining Unit in an economic manner, and the expected financial performance of the Company.

The following are some of the assumptions upon which forward-looking information is based: that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; demand for, and stable or improving price for the commodities we produce; receipt of regulatory and governmental approvals, permits and renewals in a timely manner; that the Company will not experience any material accident, labor dispute or failure of plant or equipment or other material disruption in the Company's operations at the Project and Nueva Recuperada Plant; the availability of financing for operations and development; the Company's ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; that the estimates of the resources at the Project and the geological, operational and price assumptions on which these and the Company's operations are based are within reasonable bounds of accuracy (including with respect to size, grade and recovery); the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled personnel and directors; and the ability of management to execute strategic goals.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to those risks described in the Company's annual and interim MD&As and in its public documents filed on www.sedarplus.ca from time to time. Forward- looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Silver X Mining Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/silver-x-mining-corp.-sustains-pre-tax-profitability-through-2q25-1066862
Company to host webcast today at 8.00 a.m. ET

Growing portfolio of RNA delivery clients and programs

Advancing plans for partial spin-off of RNA delivery activities

Continued adjustment of cost structure

HAMILTON, BM / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. ("Altamira" or the "Company") (OTCQB:CYTOF), a company dedicated to developing and commercializing RNA delivery technology for targets beyond the liver, today provided a business update and reported its first half 2025 financial results.

"We are very pleased to report further progress in our core business of RNA delivery," commented Thomas Meyer, Altamira Therapeutics' founder, Chairman, and CEO. "Notably, we could demonstrate that our xPhore platform works well also with circular RNA, thus further expanding the field of potential uses, and branded it as CycloPhore for this purpose. Circular RNA holds great promise for various medical applications, providing enhanced protein expression and greater stability compared to linear mRNA. We are very excited to have already stated the evaluation of our CycloPhore technology together with an undisclosed client."

Mr. Meyer added: "While we keep progressing with the further development and testing of our RNA delivery technology, we have been working on the implementation of the previously announced partial spin-off of the RNA delivery business. Preparations for such a transaction have been made, and we expect to start executing on it over the coming months."

RNA Delivery Technology

Altamira is pursuing with the RNA delivery business a 'picks and shovels' strategy based on the licensing of its xPhore platform technology to partners in the biotech and pharma industry for use in their own RNA drug product development programs. The platform is adapted for the specific requirements of different RNA modalities: OligoPhore for oligonucleotides, SemaPhore for linear mRNA, and CycloPhore for circRNA.

So far in 2025, Altamira could win two more collaboration partners for the evaluation of the feasibility and efficacy of their RNA payloads delivered via xPhore nanoparticles:

Together with an undisclosed partner in the radiopharmaceutical sector Altamira is testing in vitro and in vivo the use of SemaPhore nanoparticles with a certain payload in conjunction with one of the partner's proprietary radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. Radiopharmaceutical therapy uses tiny amounts of radioactive compounds which find their way to a tumor through the bloodstream and bind to a tumor-specific receptor.

Together with another undisclosed partner Altamira is testing in vitro and in vivo the use of CycloPhore nanoparticles platform for the delivery of circular RNA payloads under development by the partner company.

Upon positive outcomes from these evaluations, Altamira and its partners intend to discuss and negotiate licensing agreements. Through its business development activities, the Company is pursuing additional collaboration opportunities with other pharma and biotech companies. Altamira expects to sign a collaboration agreement with at least one more partner in the course of 2025.

In parallel, Altamira is advancing the xPhore platform towards an IND filing and industrialization. The main focus for the development activities has been on nanoparticle formulation and process development for nanoparticle manufacturing.

As previously announced, the Company intends to grow the RNA delivery business, which it operates through its Swiss subsidiary Altamira Therapeutics AG ("ATAG"), by involving private equity investors for its funding. For this purpose, Altamira aims to spin off a majority of ATAG's share capital. The Company has essentially completed the process for the legal and organizational carve-out of the entity.

Legacy assets

In its non-core activities ("legacy assets"), Altamira made further progress with Bentrio, a drug free, preservative free nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The Company's associate Altamira Medica AG ("Medica") is in the process of transitioning Bentrio from a Class I to a Class IIa medical device under the European Union's new Medical Device Regulation (MDR). Upon certification by a Notified Body, Medica will be allowed to market Bentrio across the EU member states. In addition, Medica and its partner Nuance Pharma are making progress with the filing of Bentrio for clearance in Mainland China.

Further, Altamira could expand its intellectual property portfolio around AM-125, one of its other legacy assets. AM-125 (intranasal betahistine) is under development for the treatment of acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) and potentially other central nervous system disorders. The Company was notified by the Japan Patent Office Board of Appeals that its patent application on the composition of matter and methods of use for formulations of betahistine dihydrochloride for intranasal delivery was allowable. So far, Altamira has secured patent coverage for AM-125 in more than 50 countries worldwide, including key markets in North America and Europe.

First Half 2025 Financial Results and Outlook

Total operating loss was $2.6 million in the first half of 2025, compared against $3.9 million in the first half of 2024. The decrease of 32.9% was primarily driven by lower general and administrative expenses (-37.4% to $1.2 million) and reduced expenditures on research and development (-25.3% to $1.5 million); other operating income increased from $34 thousand to $81 thousand.

Net loss decreased by 64.6% to $1.5 million in the first half of 2025 ($4.3 million in the first half of 2024), primarily due to finance income of $1.7 million arising from the appreciation of intercompany loans denominated in foreign currencies and lower finance expense ($37 thousand vs. $0.2 million). This was partly compensated by a higher pro rata loss recorded for the Company's associate Altamira Medica of $0.5 million (first half of 2024: $0.2 million).

Cash used in operations decreased by 56.8% from $3.2 million in the first half of 2024 to $1.4 million in the first half of 2025. Financing activities provided $0.4 million in the first six months of 2025 vs. $2.5 million in the first six months of 2024.

Shareholders' equity amounted to $4.1 million as of June 30, 2025, compared with $6.6 million at year-end 2024. Cash and cash equivalents on June 30, 2025, amounted to $4 thousand compared with $1.0 million on December 31, 2024.

Upon completion of the planned partial spin-off of its ATAG subsidiary, Altamira expects its operating expenses to decrease significantly. The Company expects to fund its operations from its cash position, proceeds from the sale of ATAG shares to private equity investors, the partnering or divestiture of legacy assets as well as from the provision of services for associates. Altamira intends to update its financial guidance as and when material new information will become available, notably on the planned partial spin-off of ATAG.

First Half 2025 and Business Update Webcast Details

Altamira's Senior Management will hold an investor call today, Friday, August 29, at 08.00 a.m. ET to present a business update and first half 2025 results. Founder, Chairman, and CEO Thomas Meyer and COO Covadonga Paneda will deliver prepared remarks.

Event: Altamira Therapeutics First Half 2025 Financial Results and Business Update Call

Date: Friday, August 29, 2025

Time: 8:00 am ET

Access: Toll Free: 888-506-0062 International: 973-528-0011 Participant Access Code: 427043



Webcast URL: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/2797/52765

Participants will be greeted by an operator and asked for the access code. If a caller does not have the code, they can reference the company name.

The call will be in listen-only mode.

A replay of the call will be available 30 minutes after the live event via the Investors section of the Altamira website at https://ir.altamiratherapeutics.com/.

Replay access: Toll Free: 877-481-4010 International: 919-882-2331 Replay Passcode: 52765



Expiration: Friday, September 12, 2025

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income or Loss (unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 (in US$)

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 2025 2024 Other operating income 80,951 34,298 Research and development (1,465,898 ) (1,963,664 ) General and administrative (1,243,973 ) (1,987,972 ) Operating loss (2,628,920 ) (3,917,338 ) Finance expense (37,315 ) (186,000 ) Finance income 1,662,220 513 Share of loss of an associate (530,997 ) (237,007 ) Net loss attributable to owners of the Company (1,535,012 ) (4,339,832 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss): Items that will never be reclassified to profit or loss Remeasurements of defined benefit liability, net of taxes of $0 262,934 198,277 Items that are or may be reclassified to profit or loss Foreign currency translation differences, net of taxes of $0 (1,600,083 ) 14,662 Share of other comprehensive income of an associate 66,840 (43,712 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $0 (1,270,309 ) 169,227 Total comprehensive loss attributable to owners of the Company (2,805,321 ) (4,170,605 ) Basic and diluted loss per share (0.31 ) (2.11 )

Condensed Consolidated Interim Statement of Financial Position (unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 (in US$)

June 30, December 31, 2025 2024 ASSETS Non-current assets Property and equipment 103,017 100,000 Right-of-use assets 327,690 349,905 Intangible assets 4,627,072 4,627,072 Other non-current financial assets 118,793 103,345 Investment in an associate 1,706,045 1,931,335 Total non-current assets 6,882,617 7,111,657 Current assets Other receivables 213,389 351,331 Prepayments 30,422 190,524 Cash and cash equivalents 3,755 998,624 Total current assets 247,566 1,540,479 Total assets 7,130,183 8,652,136 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Equity Share capital 11,431 9,324 Share premium (1,472,300 ) (1,522,747 ) Other reserves 9,575,922 11,109,165 Retained earnings/(Accumulated deficit) (4,041,241 ) (3,030,636 ) Total shareholders' equity/(deficit) attributable to owners of the Company 4,073,812 6,565,106 Non-current liabilities Non-current lease liabilities 198,762 238,691 Employee benefit liability 548,116 684,075 Total non-current liabilities 746,878 922,766 Current liabilities Bank overdraft 14,594 - Loan 430,841 - Derivative financial instrument 52,957 - Current lease liabilities 145,852 122,362 Trade and other payables 763,326 552,049 Accrued expenses 901,923 489,853 Total current liabilities 2,309,493 1,164,264 Total liabilities 3,056,371 2,087,030 Total equity and liabilities 7,130,183 8,652,136

About Altamira Therapeutics

Altamira Therapeutics is developing and supplying peptide-based nanoparticle technologies for efficient RNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues (xPhore platform). The versatile delivery platform is suited for different RNA modalities, including siRNA, mRNA and circRNA, and made available to pharma or biotech companies through out-licensing. The Company has two proprietary flagship programs based on xPhore and siRNA payloads: AM-401 for KRAS driven cancer and AM-411 for rheumatoid arthritis, both in preclinical development beyond in vivo proof of concept. In addition, Altamira holds a 49% stake (with additional economic rights) in Altamira Medica AG, which owns its commercial-stage legacy asset Bentrio, an OTC nasal spray for allergic rhinitis. Further, the Company is in the process of partnering / divesting its inner ear legacy assets. Founded in 2003, Altamira is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with its main operations in Basel, Switzerland. For more information, visit: https://altamiratherapeutics.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements that constitute "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. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Altamira's strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may", "might", "will", "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "projects", "potential", "outlook" or "continue", or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the clinical utility of Altamira's product candidates, the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, Altamira's intellectual property position and Altamira's financial position. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Altamira's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in Altamira's other filings with the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Altamira or to persons acting on behalf of Altamira are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Altamira does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

Investor Contact:

Hear@altamiratherapeutics.com

SOURCE: Altamira Therapeutics

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/altamira-therapeutics-provides-business-update-and-first-half-2025-fi-1066695
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN) (OTCQB: MUNMF) (www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its exploration activities across its portfolio of projects, including in partnerships with BHP Billiton (UK) DDS Limited ("BHP") and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security ("JOGMEC"), and the filing of its the condensed interim consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025, and 2024, on SEDAR+.

Q2-2025 Highlights and H2-2025 Outlook

Partnered Programs with BHP in Serbia: Drill testing was completed in July at a new target in the Borsko Project . A priority for H2-2025 is the execution of a drill program at the Trstenik Project , pending final permits.

at a new target in the . A priority for H2-2025 is the execution of a drill program at the , pending final permits. Advancement of Discussions for the Company's Portfolio in Timok: The Company entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a third party for an exclusivity period through September 2025 related to seven of the Company's 100%-owned exploration licenses in Timok region of Serbia.

The Company entered into a with a third party for an exclusivity period through September 2025 related to seven of the Company's 100%-owned exploration licenses in Timok region of Serbia. Advancement of USA Portfolio: Executed a property agreement at the Copperopolis Project in Arizona and completed a geochemical program with results expected in Q3-2025. The partner-seeking process continues for the drill-ready Dos Cabezas Project.

BHP-Mundoro Projects, Serbia

Exploration continued across the five licenses that are part of the earn-in agreement with BHP.

Borsko Project

Q2-2025 Exploration Activities:

Geophysics: A 3D inversion model from the ground Audio-Magnetotelluric (AMT) survey was received.

A 3D inversion model from the ground Audio-Magnetotelluric (AMT) survey was received. Geochemistry: Green Rock analysis was completed at the end of the quarter.

Green Rock analysis was completed at the end of the quarter. Drilling: Drill testing was initiated near the end of the quarter at a new target area in the northwest portion of the license.

H2-2025 Exploration Plans:

Drilling & Analysis: The drill program at the northwest target was completed in July and will be followed by analysis of the results.

The drill program at the northwest target was completed in July and will be followed by analysis of the results. Data Integration: The ground AMT geophysical model will be integrated and analyzed in Q3-2025 to refine drill targets. Resampling of approximately 63% of historical drillhole pulps will be undertaken to consolidate geochemical data.

The ground AMT geophysical model will be integrated and analyzed in Q3-2025 to refine drill targets. Resampling of approximately 63% of historical drillhole pulps will be undertaken to consolidate geochemical data. Geochronology: A molybdenite sample will be analyzed to estimate the timing of mineralization.

Trstenik and Crvena Zemlja Projects

Q2-2025 Exploration Activities:

Field Work: Mapping was conducted in the central target area, focusing on areas with elevated magnetic geophysical data.

Mapping was conducted in the central target area, focusing on areas with elevated magnetic geophysical data. Modeling: Analysis of geophysical, geochemical, and spectral drilling data was performed to outline an optimal drilling target for a future campaign in the southern targets area.

H2-2025 Exploration Plans:

Drilling: Execution of the drill program in the north-central target area is a key priority for H2-2025, pending the receipt of the final permits.

Execution of the drill program in the north-central target area is a key priority for H2-2025, pending the receipt of the final permits. Modeling & Geochronology: 3D modeling of the southern targets is planned for 2025 to enhance understanding of the mineralized system. Molybdenite samples will be analyzed to determine the age of mineralization.

Southern Timok Properties (Vitanovac, Ponor, Lipovica, Orlovac)

Q2-2025 Exploration Activities:

Geological Interpretations: Geological cross-sections were built across all four license areas to compare with available geophysical information.

Geological cross-sections were built across all four license areas to compare with available geophysical information. Lipovica: A ground AMT infill survey was completed, and reconnaissance field mapping is ongoing.

A ground AMT infill survey was completed, and reconnaissance field mapping is ongoing. Orlovac: A ground gravity survey was completed, with reconnaissance field mapping ongoing.

H2-2025 Exploration Plans:

Modeling: A comprehensive interpretation and modeling of all geophysical surveys for each of the four properties is scheduled for completion in H2-2025 to generate refined exploration targets.

A comprehensive interpretation and modeling of all geophysical surveys for each of the four properties is scheduled for completion in H2-2025 to generate refined exploration targets. Geochronology: Age-dating of zircon and andesite samples will be conducted for the Vitanovac, Ponor, and Orlovac properties.

JOGMEC-Mundoro EE1 Copper Project, Bulgaria

Q2-2025 Project Update:

Permitting Delay: In Q2-2025, a higher court in Bulgaria granted an appeal filed by an objecting party against the positive Appropriate Assessment decision for the project's drill program. The case has been sent back to a lower court for further review, which will extend the permitting process and delay the planned drill program.

H2-2025 Exploration Plans:

Drilling: The planned drilling program, designed to test high-priority sediment-hosted copper targets, remains contingent on the final resolution of the permitting process and receipt of all government approvals.

Mundoro Projects - Available for Joint Venture

Mundoro continues to advance its 100%-owned projects and engage in discussions with potential partners.

Serbian Portfolio

Q2-2025 Corporate Update:

In May 2025, the Company entered into a Letter of Intent with a third party, granting an exclusivity period through September 2025. The Company is conducting due diligence with the goal of completing a definitive agreement for seven of its exploration licenses in the Timok Magmatic Complex.

USA Portfolio (Arizona)

Dos Cabezas Project:

H2-2025 Exploration Plans:

Partnering: The Company is actively seeking a partner, with multiple confidentiality agreements executed and a data room open for third-party review.

The Company is actively seeking a partner, with multiple confidentiality agreements executed and a data room open for third-party review. Field Work: Infill mapping and sampling are planned for H2-2025 at the Elma target area.

Infill mapping and sampling are planned for H2-2025 at the Elma target area. Modeling: The technical team is refining the geological model using data from the Phase 1 drilling to identify vectors toward the inferred porphyry center at the Mescal Canyon-Mineral Park target area.

Picacho Project:

Q2-2025 Exploration Activities:

Geochronology: Age-dating results for key igneous units were received, with one age being consistent with previous work in the district. The project remains available for partnership.

Copperopolis Project:

Q2-2025 Exploration Activities:

Corporate: The Company executed a Property Agreement with a third party, establishing participating interests of 73.09% for Mundoro and 26.91% for the partner. Mundoro is the operator and is responsible for seeking a new funding partner.

The Company executed a Property Agreement with a third party, establishing participating interests of 73.09% for Mundoro and 26.91% for the partner. Mundoro is the operator and is responsible for seeking a new funding partner. Geochronology: Results from U-Pb zircon age-dating were received and are consistent with ages from nearby operating porphyry copper mines.

Results from U-Pb zircon age-dating were received and are consistent with ages from nearby operating porphyry copper mines. Geochemistry: A Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) geochemical sampling program was completed.

H2-2025 Exploration Plans:

Results from the BLEG survey and other geochemical samples are expected in Q3-2025.

Financial Highlights

For complete details of the Company's financial results, please refer to the unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and MD&A for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025, and 2024. The Company's filings are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Mundoro's website at www.mundoro.com. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Cash Position: As of June 30, 2025, the Company held $4.1 million in cash and cash equivalents.

As of June 30, 2025, the Company held in cash and cash equivalents. Fees Earned: During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company's fee income, which includes operator fees, option payments, interest, and miscellaneous income, totaled $860,890 compared to $918,080 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease of approximately 6% was primarily due to lower management fees received resulting from fewer partner-funded programs.

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company's fee income, which includes operator fees, option payments, interest, and miscellaneous income, totaled compared to $918,080 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. The decrease of approximately 6% was primarily due to lower management fees received resulting from fewer partner-funded programs. Exploration Expenditures: The exploration expenditures, the majority of which are funded by partners, were lower for the six months ended June 30, 2025 at $3,175,919 compared to $4,343,032 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in the number of partner-funded exploration work programs. Recoveries from option partners during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 amounted to $2,629,536 and $3,687,765, resulting in net exploration costs of $546,383 for the period in 2025 and $655,267 for the same period in 2024.

The exploration expenditures, the majority of which are funded by partners, were lower for the six months ended June 30, 2025 at compared to $4,343,032 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, primarily due to a decrease in the number of partner-funded exploration work programs. Recoveries from option partners during the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 amounted to and $3,687,765, resulting in net exploration costs of for the period in 2025 and $655,267 for the same period in 2024. Corporate Expenditures: During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded overall corporate expenses of $664,295 compared to $579,141 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 15%. The increase was primarily driven by higher corporate governance costs from an ongoing internal subsidiaries reorganization.

During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded overall corporate expenses of compared to $579,141 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately 15%. The increase was primarily driven by higher corporate governance costs from an ongoing internal subsidiaries reorganization. Net Loss: For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company recorded a net loss of $539,925 ($0.01 per share), compared to a net loss of $286,337 ($0.00 per share) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, representing an increased loss of $253,588.

Grant under Equity Incentive Plan

The Board of Directors has approved the grant of 200,000 stock options under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan. This grant is to an independent director of the Company. The stock options carry an exercise price of C$0.23 per common share, reflecting the closing price on the TSX Venture Exchange on August 28, 2025. The Stock options are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant and shall vest one third after one year from the grant date, one third after two years from the grant date and one third after three years from the grant date.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information described in this MD&A have been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101. The scientific and technical information for Serbia, Bulgaria and the USA exploration programs was reviewed and approved by R. Jemielita, PhD, MIMMM, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Chief Geologist to the Company and T. Dechev, P.Eng, APEGBC, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and Chief Executive Officer to the Company.

About Mundoro Capital Inc.

Mundoro is a publicly listed company on the TSX-V in Canada and OTCQB in the USA with a portfolio of mineral properties focused primarily on base and precious metals. To drive value for shareholders, Mundoro's asset portfolio generates near-term cash payments to Mundoro and creates royalties attached to each mineral property optioned to partners. The portfolio of mineral properties is currently focused on predominantly copper in two mineral districts: Western Tethyan Belt in Eastern Europe and the Laramide Belt in the southwest USA.

Follow our weekly updates on: LinkedIn and X.

You can also visit Mundoro's website www.mundoro.com.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of earn-in expenditures, options and completion of a definitive agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the Company's projects, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264396

SOURCE: Mundoro Capital Inc.
Delivered 670 New Charging Ports, +59% Year-Over-Year

Recognized Revenue of $3.4 Million, +279% Year-Over-Year

Gross Profit of $0.8 Million, +257% Year-Over-Year

Net and Comprehensive Loss Reduced by 75% Year-Over-Year

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Hypercharge Networks Corp. (TSXV: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) (the "Company" or "Hypercharge"), a leading, smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider and network operator, is announcing the release of its unaudited financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025, and related management discussion and analysis. All dollar figures are in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated.

"Fiscal 2026 is off to a strong start with disciplined execution and healthy demand across our markets, delivering $3.4 million in revenue, $0.8 million in gross profit, and a 75% reduction in net loss year over year.

"Our network scaled to more than 5,900 charging ports sold across North America, with registered users on the Hypercharge app surpassing 30,000. In the quarter, we delivered 670 charging ports, including 12 DC fast charging ports, and launched Hypercharge Halo, the first charging station designed by our team and a milestone in expanding our product platform. We also advanced flagship programs with the delivery of 500 stations at Oakridge Park, one of Canada's largest redevelopment projects, and continued progress on our multi-year partnership with Auctus Property Fund to deploy 444 stations across 16 rental communities by Fall 2027.

"Our priorities are clear: expand our network, grow recurring revenue, and maintain discipline in capital allocation, including the addition of new sales and service personnel. In parallel, Hypercharge is advancing the evolution of our business. To strengthen long term scalability, we are making investments in technology and organizational structure to further support our customers as we expand into energy management markets. These initiatives are designed to unlock new revenue opportunities and enhance shareholder value, laying the foundation for the next phase of Hypercharge's growth."

- David Bibby, President and CEO of Hypercharge

Business and Pipeline Highlights (for the three months ended June 30, 2025):

Charging Ports: Surpassed 5,900 charging ports sold across Canada and the United States, an increase of over 59% compared to June 30, 2024.

Revenue Growth: The Company achieved recognized revenue of $3,404,582 for the three months ended June 30, 2025. This represents an increase of $2,506,333 (279%) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, driven by strong market demand and higher delivery of customer orders during the quarter.

Gross Profit Growth: The Company reported quarterly gross profit of $841,392 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $605,591 (257%) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The improvement was primarily driven by increased sales volume of EV charging equipment, greater contribution from other revenues, and higher service revenue.

Loss Reduction: The Company's net and comprehensive loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025, totaled $(402,877), reflecting an improvement of $1,207,607 (75%) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The reduction in loss reflects disciplined expense management, and the adoption of technologies to streamline operations and lower costs.

Registered Users: Added over 14,000 new users since June 30, 2024, bringing the Hypercharge mobile app to more than 30,000 registered users as of June 30, 2025, a 88% increase year-over-year.

New Charging Technology: Launched Hypercharge Halo, a new Level 2 EV charging station designed for multi-family, commercial, and workplace applications, featuring adjustable output up to 48 amps, universal compatibility with J1772 and NACS connectors, and IP65/IK08 durability ratings.

Oakridge Park Delivery: Delivered 500 Level 2 charging stations to Oakridge Park in Vancouver, BC, one of Canada's largest redevelopment projects. The deployment includes a mix of wall-mounted and overhead charging stations, supporting more than 3,000 new residences, 700,000 square feet of office space, and extensive retail and community amenities.

Auctus Property Fund Partnership: Announced a multi-year EV charging project in collaboration with Auctus Property Fund LP, part of the Deveraux Group of Companies, to deploy 444 Level 2 charging stations across 16 rental communities in Western Canada by Fall 2027.

Industry Leadership: Served as a Gold Sponsor of the EV & Charging Expo 2025 in Toronto, ON, showcasing Hypercharge Halo and reinforcing the Company's role as a leading North American EV charging solutions provider and network operator.

Financing: In April 2025, completed in, a non-brokered private placement, raising aggregate gross proceeds of $1,892,084, significantly strengthening the Company's balance sheet and enabling investment in operational growth and sales capabilities.

Financial Highlights (for the three months ended June 30, 2025):

The Company recognized quarterly revenue of $3,404,582, an increase of $2,506,333 (279%) compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024. The Company delivered 670 charging ports in the quarter, including 12 DC fast charging ports, contributing to strong top-line growth and customer expansion.

Operating expenses totaled $1,258,202 for the three months ended June 30, 2025, a 33% decrease from the prior year period. The decline was primarily due to lower general and administrative expenses.

Gross profit for the quarter increased to $841,392, up from $235,801 in the same period last year. Gross profit percentage was 25% compared to 26% in the prior year, reflecting the revenue mix from large project deployments and DC fast charging sales, which carry lower margins but added significantly to total revenue.

Net and comprehensive loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025, improved 75% to $402,877, or ($0.00) per basic and diluted share, compared to a net and comprehensive loss of $1,610,484, or ($0.02) per basic and diluted share during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

Summary of Key Financial Measures:

A summary of selected financial information for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2025, and March 31, 2024, is as follows:



Three months ended

June 30, 2025 Three months ended

June 30, 2024 Revenue $3,404,582 $898,249 Net and comprehensive loss $(402,877) $(1,610,484) Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.00) $(0.02)

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:



Three months ended

June 30, 2025

Three months ended

June 30, 2024 Revenue $3,404,582 $898,249 Cost of sales $(2,563,190) $(662,448) Gross profit $841,392 $235,801 Operating Expenses



General and administrative $658,786 $1,195,111 Sales and marketing $406,007 $475,091 Research and development $193,409 $203,715 Total Operating Expenses $1,258,202 $1,873,917 Operating loss $(416,810) $(1,638,116) Other expenses (income)



Foreign exchange (gain) loss $11,194 $636 Interest income, net $(2,744) $(28,301) Other income $(594) $(312) Total other expenses (income) $7,856 $(27,977) Net loss $(424,666) $(1,610,139) Other comprehensive income:



Cumulative

translation difference $21,789 $(345) Comprehensive loss $(402,877) $(1,610,484) Basic and diluted loss

per share ($0.00) ($0.02) Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic and diluted 97,463,769 70,444,985

For more information, please refer to the Company's management's discussion and analysis, and the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2025. These documents are available on the Company's website at https://hypercharge.com/investors/, and under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at https://www.sedarplus.ca/.

-##-

About Hypercharge

Hypercharge Networks Corp. (TSXV: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) is a leading provider of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions for residential and commercial buildings, fleet operations, and other rapidly growing sectors. Driven by its mission to accelerate EV adoption and enable the shift towards a carbon neutral economy, Hypercharge is committed to offering seamless, simple solutions including industry-leading hardware, innovative and integrated software, and comprehensive services, backed by a robust network of public and private charging stations. Learn more: https://hypercharge.com/.

On behalf of the Company,

Hypercharge Networks Corp.

David Bibby, President & CEO

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding growth, commercial developments, delivery timelines and revenue recognition. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "could", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, the Company undertakes no 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.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264397

SOURCE: Hypercharge Networks Corp.
Facial plastic surgeons at Becker Plastic Surgery explain how the deep plane facelift differs from traditional techniques, focusing on repositioning deeper tissues to address advanced mid-face and neck aging.

PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Becker Plastic Surgery, a leading provider of aesthetic and reconstructive facial procedures, is pleased to educate patients about the benefits of the deep plane facelift for addressing advanced signs of aging in the mid-face and neck. With a team of highly skilled facial plastic surgeons, Becker Plastic Surgery offers this innovative technique to patients seeking a natural, youthful appearance.

Becker Plastic Surgery's expert facial plastic surgeons

The facial plastic surgeons at Becker Plastic Surgery serve patients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Advanced Aging and the Deep Plane Facelift

As individuals age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices often lead to sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and volume loss in the mid-face and neck areas. For those experiencing significant aging concerns, the deep plane facelift is a highly effective solution. Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily address the superficial layers of the skin, the deep plane facelift targets deeper tissue structures, providing long-lasting, natural-looking results.

The deep plane facelift involves repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues to restore a youthful contour to the face and neck. By releasing and lifting these layers, the procedure can smooth nasolabial folds, redefine the jawline, and eliminate neck bands. This advanced approach not only rejuvenates the face but also enhances the overall harmony of facial features.

The Benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is a procedure that addresses advanced aging in the mid-face and neck areas by targeting deeper layers of tissue. This technique is often considered for its ability to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation. Key potential benefits of the procedure include:

Improved Facial Contours: The deep plane facelift can restore volume to the face and smooth out deeper wrinkles by repositioning underlying tissues.

Natural-Looking Results: Unlike some traditional facelift techniques, the deep plane approach aims to maintain a more natural look without the "pulled" appearance.

Long-Lasting Effects: By addressing the deeper layers of facial tissues, results from the deep plane facelift tend to be longer-lasting.

Enhanced Neck and Jawline Definition: The procedure tightens loose skin and muscles, helping to define the neck and jawline.

View Before and After Photos of patients who have undergone facelift surgery.

Complementary Procedures

For patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation, additional treatments can be combined with a deep plane facelift, including:

Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, can improve nasal appearance and function.

Eyelid Surgery: Also known as blepharoplasty, this procedure addresses drooping eyelids and under-eye bags for a more refreshed appearance.

Facial Fat Transfer: This treatment restores volume to areas such as the cheeks and under-eye hollows using the patient's own fat.

By combining procedures, patients can achieve a balanced, youthful appearance that enhances their natural beauty.

What to Look for in a Plastic Surgeon

When considering a deep plane facelift or any facial procedure, selecting the right plastic surgeon is essential to achieving the best possible results. Here are some key factors to consider:

Board Certification: It's important to choose a surgeon who is board-certified in facial plastic surgery, as this indicates that they have undergone the necessary training and have met the high standards of professional practice.

Experience and Specialization: A surgeon with specific experience in facial aesthetics, particularly with advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift, is more likely to understand the complexities of facial anatomy and deliver results that are both effective and natural-looking.

Personalized Care: Look for a surgeon who takes the time to listen to your goals and concerns and tailors the treatment plan to your unique anatomy and aesthetic preferences.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Ensure that the procedures are performed in accredited surgical centers that adhere to the highest standards of safety and comfort.

Comprehensive Approach: A well-rounded practice may offer a variety of procedures, allowing for a more holistic approach to facial rejuvenation if you are seeking additional treatments beyond the deep plane facelift.

For those seeking further information about the deep plane facelift, Becker Plastic Surgery offers consultations with a team of experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeons who specialize in this procedure and other facial aesthetic treatments.

What to Expect During the Consultation Process

The journey to facial rejuvenation begins with a consultation. During the initial visit, the surgeon will:

Conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's facial anatomy and skin quality. Discuss the patient's aesthetic concerns and goals. Review available treatment options, including the deep plane facelift. Develop a customized surgical plan tailored to the patient's needs.

Patients can schedule a consultation by visiting the Contact page on the Becker Plastic Surgery website.

About Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Facial rejuvenation through surgical and non-surgical treatments can help individuals achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes. Many practices focus on patient satisfaction and safety, combining skill, precision, and advanced techniques to address various concerns related to aging, such as mid-face and neck sagging. The deep plane facelift is one such procedure that can offer a solution for those seeking to address advanced signs of aging in these areas.

For individuals considering this procedure, it is important to research different options and consult with experienced, board-certified surgeons who can provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs and goals.

About Becker Plastic Surgery

Becker Plastic Surgery is dedicated to helping patients look and feel their best through advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments. With a focus on patient satisfaction and safety, the practice combines artistry and precision to achieve exceptional results. Becker Plastic Surgery serves patients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with convenient office locations:

Princeton, NJ: 256 Bunn Drive, Suite 4, Princeton, NJ 08540, Phone: (609) 436-5740

Philadelphia, PA: 1608 Walnut Street, Suite 902, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Phone: (215) 944-5158

Sewell, NJ: 570 Egg Harbor Road, Suite B-2A, Sewell, NJ 08080, Phone: (856) 681-7755

Voorhees, NJ: 1001 Sheppard Road Voorhees Township, NJ 08043, Phone: (856) 651-1010

Yardley, PA: 111 Floral Vale Blvd, Suite A, Yardley, PA 19067, Phone: (267) 399-4970

Hillsborough, NJ: 719 US-206, Suite 101, Hillsborough, NJ 08844, Phone: (908) 952-0001

To learn more about their services, visit the Becker Plastic Surgery website.

Contact Information

Becker Plastic Surgery

info@beckerplastics.com

(609) 874-7199





SOURCE: Becker Plastic Surgery

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/becker-plastic-surgery-discusses-the-deep-plane-facelift-for-treating-1066437
MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Omni Transloading & Logistics, a multimodal transportation and warehousing provider, and Omni Bulk Services, operators of rail bulk facilities, today announced their strong support for the proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern Corporation. This combination of two freight rail giants will create the first truly transcontinental railroad in U.S. history, connecting over 50,000 miles of track across 43 states from coast to coast. Both Omni Transloading & Logistics and Omni Bulk Services believe the merger will unlock major benefits for American shippers, making coast-to-coast freight service faster and more efficient.

UP | NS Merger

By uniting the eastern and western rail networks, the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger promises to streamline the nation's supply chain. Shippers, large and small can expect single-line rail service from the Atlantic to the Pacific, eliminating costly handoffs between separate railroads and reducing transit times by days on critical routes. The combined network will also offer new routing options, helping businesses reach more markets and providing a truck-competitive transportation alternative that eases highway congestion.

Arturo Sanchez, President of both Omni Transloading & Logistics, and Omni Bulk Services praised the announcement: "We are excited to see Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern join forces. This merger is truly transformative - a game-changer that will make coast-to-coast rail shipping more efficient than ever," said Sanchez. "For our customers, a unified UP-NS railroad means they can move goods across the country on one rail line, which translates to faster deliveries and lower transportation costs. We've seen first-hand how seamless rail-truck connections help shippers, and with these railroads united, the opportunities to streamline supply chains will only grow. Omni Bulk Services currently operates sites for both UP and NS. Without a doubt this combination is great for America. We fully support the merger and urge swift approval."

As an operator of rail-served transload facilities across the U.S., Omni Transloading & Logistics and Omni Bulk Services plays a key role in linking rail cars and trucks, allowing companies without direct rail access to benefit from long-haul rail service. Both companies have witnessed rising demand for these integrated solutions, as manufacturers and distributors seek to cut costs and improve reliability by incorporating rail into their logistics. The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger will extend such benefits nationwide, making it easier for Omni's clients - from importers using Florida's ports to exporters sending goods westward - to ship seamlessly on a single railroad network, where today Omni Transloading & Logistics operates several rail-served warehouse facilities.

Omni Transloading & Logistics and Omni Bulk Services commend Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern for their vision and commitment to strengthening America's freight infrastructure. Both companies are confident the merged railroad will deliver superior service, spur innovation, and support economic growth while maintaining the highest safety standards. "Railroads have long been the backbone of our country's transportation network," added Sanchez. "This merger fortifies that backbone, and we're proud to stand behind it every step of the way."

SOURCE: Omni Transloading & Logistics

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/omni-transloading-and-logistics-and-omni-bulk-services-back-union-pacific-norfolk-so-1066819
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF) is pleased to announce that the Company has lodged a prospectus (the "Prospectus") with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC") in relation to its proposed listing on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX").

Under the Prospectus, the Company will offer fifty-five million (55,000,000) common shares in the Company (the "Shares") in the form of CHESS Depository Interests ("CDIs") at an issue price of A$0.20 per CDI to raise gross proceeds of A$11,000,000 (the "Offer"). Each CDI will represent one underlying Share. The Prospectus will also enable the Company to comply with the admission requirements of Chapters 1 and 2 of the ASX Listing Rules, as part of its application for admission to the official list of ASX. The Offer is expected to open on or around September 5, 2025, and is expected to close on September 19, 2025, with the expected commencement of trading of CDIs on the ASX to be on or around September 30, 2025.

The Company has appointed PAC Partners Securities Pty Ltd and Sandton Capital Advisory Pty Ltd ("Joint Lead Managers") as joint lead managers to the Offer.

The net proceeds of the Offer will be used for additional testing and advancement of the Company's platform RCL metallurgical technology, additional technology patent filings, purchase of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of ORF Technologies Inc., ongoing mineral exploration at the Lac Brule and La Blache Ti02 Projects, working capital and administrative costs.

The Company has absolute discretion regarding the allocation of CDIs to applicants under the Offer and may reject an application or allocate a lesser number of CDIs than applied for by the applicant. The Company also reserves the right to aggregate any applications that it believes may be multiple applications for the same person.

A copy of the Prospectus will be available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. However, the Offer is only open to investors who are invited by the Company to participate and with a registered address in Australia. Investors outside Australia (including Canadian residents) may not participate.

The dual listing is subject to regulatory approval and market conditions.

In accordance with section 734(6) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Company advises in respect of the Offer of CDIs under the Prospectus:

the issuer of the CDIs is Temas Resources Corp. ARBN 687 644 248;

the Prospectus is available online for Australian residents only at www.temasresources.com/ or by contacting the Company by email at ir@temasresources.com;

the offer of CDIs will only be made in, or accompanied by, a copy of the Prospectus;

a person should consider the Prospectus in deciding whether to acquire the CDIs;

anyone who wishes to acquire the CDIs will need to complete the application form that will be in, or will accompany, the Prospectus;

the offer of CDIs under the Prospectus will only be made available to persons receiving the Prospectus in Australia; and

the offer of CDIs under the Prospectus will not be available to residents of Canada.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to 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.

About Temas Resources

Temas Resources Corp. (CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF) owns a suite of advanced green mineral processing technologies, which it is not only applying to its mineral exploration projects in North America but also looking to license with industry partners in need of proactive commercial solutions worldwide. The novel suite of technologies is applicable to many different metals and rare earth elements and studies have shown that it reduces the environmental impact and carbon footprint of metal extraction while significantly improving operating margins through advanced processing and patented leaching technologies. Additionally, the Company owns 100% of the exclusive mineral rights to two titanium, vanadium and iron bearing properties in Quebec. The critical metals the Company is exploring for are central to our national mineral independence, and titanium is a key aerospace and defense industry metal.

All public filings for the Company can be found on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca. For more information about the Company, please visit www.temasresources.com.

For further information or investor relations inquiries:

Tim Fernback

President and CEO

tfernback@shaw.ca

Jane Morgan

Jane Morgan Management

Mob: +61 405 555 618

jm@janemorganmanagement.com

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including, without limitation, statements regarding the terms of the Offer, the completion of the Offer, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals for the Offer, the acceptance of the Prospectus by the ASX, the use of proceeds of the Offer and the proposed ASX listing. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Temas, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks that the Offer and the ASX listing may not be completed, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting geological results and other data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting submissions and reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Temas undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/temas-resources-corp.-lodges-prospectus-on-the-asx-1066924
The Viking Gyda Will Sail Portugal's Douro River

Viking (www.viking.com) (NYSE: VIK) today announced the delivery of its newest river ship, the Viking Gyda, which will sail exclusively on Portugal's Douro River. The delivery ceremony for the Viking Gyda took place at the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castello, Portugal.

"With its rich history, culture and winemaking traditions, Portugal continues to be a very appealing destination for our guests," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, "We are proud to welcome the Viking Gyda to our growing fleet of award-winning river ships, and we look forward to introducing more curious travelers to Portugal and its 'River of Gold' in the years to come."

The Viking Gyda

Built specifically for the Douro River and the popular 10-day Portugal's River of Gold itinerary, the Viking Gyda features Viking's elegant Scandinavian design and accommodates 106 guests in 53 staterooms. She joins sister ships the Viking Helgrim, the Viking Hemming, the Viking Osfrid and the Viking Torgil, bringing Viking's Douro River fleet to five ships.

Viking remains focused on well-defined, long-term growth plans as part of a strategy toward maintaining a leadership position in experiential travel. Based on Viking's committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of 26 additional river ships by 2028 and 10 additional ocean ships by 2031. With these orders, Viking will have 112 river ships in 2028 and 23 ocean and expedition ships in 2031.

Media Assets

For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact vikingpr@edelman.com.

About Viking

Viking (NYSE: VIK) was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2023 and 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a "World's Best" for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including among others, statements relating to our business prospects and strategy, our expected fleet additions and other similar matters. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements in this press release by using words such as "anticipates," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans" and "believes," and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may" and "could." These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements included in this press release or that may be made elsewhere from time to time by us, or on our behalf. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements included in this press release as a result of various factors, which are described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250829289597/en/

Contacts:

Email: vikingpr@edelman.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rio2 Limited ("Rio2" or "the Company") (TSXV: RIO; OTCQX: RIOFF; BVL: RIO) is pleased to announce that it has received final listing approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") to graduate from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") will begin trading on the TSX effective at the market open on September 3, 2025, under the symbol "RIO".

In conjunction with the graduation to the TSX, the Common Shares will be voluntarily delisted from and will no longer trade on the TSXV at the commencement of trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Alex Black, Executive Chairman of the Board of Rio2, commented, "Graduating to the TSX is a milestone achievement for Rio2; it demonstrates the significant progress our company has achieved in recent years. This listing will provide greater visibility, improved liquidity, and increased access to a broader investor base as we continue to advance our growth strategy."

Shareholders will not be required to take any action in connection with the graduation and listing on the TSX. There will be no change in the Company's CUSIP.

ABOUT RIO2 LIMITED

Rio2 is a mining company with a focus on development and mining operations with a team that has proven technical skills as well as successful capital markets track record. Rio2 is focused on taking its Fenix Gold Project in Chile to production in the shortest possible timeframe based on a staged development strategy. Rio2 and its wholly owned subsidiary, Fenix Gold Limitada, are companies with the highest environmental standards and responsibility with the firm conviction that it is possible to develop mining projects that respect the three pillars (Social, Environment, Economics) of responsible development. As related companies, we reaffirm our commitment to apply environmental standards beyond those that are mandated by regulators, seeking to protect and preserve the environment of the territories that we operate in.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and such information should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any date subsequent to the date of this news release. Rio2 has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those current expectations or estimates expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. However, there may be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as expected or estimated and that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations. Rio2 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.

To learn more about Rio2 Limited, please visit: www.rio2.com or Rio2's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF RIO2 LIMITED

Alex Black

Executive Chairman of the Board

Email: alex.black@rio2.com

Tel: +51 99279 4655

Kathryn Johnson

Executive Vice President, CFO & Corporate Secretary

Email: Kathryn.johnson@rio2.com

Tel: +1 604 762 4720

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.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHARC International Systems Inc. (CSE: SHRC) (FSE: IWIA) (OTCQB: INTWF) ("SHARC Energy" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has filed financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. All figures are in Canadian Dollars and in accordance with IFRS unless otherwise stated.

Second Quarter and Year to Date (YTD) Financial Highlights:

Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2025 ("YTD 2025") is $1.86 million (M), representing 86% of the full year revenue in 2024 and a 19% increase over the $1.56M of revenue reported in the six months ended June 30, 2024 ("YTD 2024"). Revenue increased 9% to $0.85M for the three months ended June 30, 2025 ("Q2 2025") compared to $0.78M reported for the three months ended June 30, 2024 ("Q2 2024").

As of August 29, 2025, the Company has a Sales Pipeline of 16.6M and Sales Order Backlog of $3.7M. This represents a ~$0.2M increase or 3% growth in Sales Order Backlog since May 30, 2025 disclosure. Sales Pipeline saw a nominal increase since May 30, 2025 disclosure reflecting the deliberate efforts by the Company to refill the pipeline once projects convert to the order book. The combined pipeline showed an aggregate growth of 1% or $0.2M from the previous disclosure on May 30, 2025. The $3.7M Sales Order Backlog, which is estimated to be converted to revenue within an average of 12 months from disclosure, represents a 71% improvement compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 revenue of $2.17M. The Company continues to observe the maturity of its Sales Pipeline leading to improved revenue consistency and reduced volatility, providing a strong platform to scale and grow.

During Q2 2025, the Company reported a loss of $0.82M and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.46M. This compares to a loss of $0.71M and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.49M in the comparative quarter representing a 15% increase and 7% decrease, respectively.

During YTD 2025, the Company reported a loss of $1.7M and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.07M. This contrasts to a loss of $1.48M and an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.03M in the comparative period representing a 17% and 4% increase, respectively.

Gross margins for Q2 2025 and YTD 2025 were 44% and 37%, respectively, demonstrating the Company's resilience despite variances from the impressive 41% and 39% reported in Q2 2024 and YTD 2024, respectively. Management remains optimistic that this margin range aligns with our expectations for the coming quarters but the margin percentage varies dependent on sales mix and stage of completion of each project.





Michael Albertson, Chief Executive Officer and President of SHARC Energy, said, "We are continuing our strong start to the 2025 fiscal year with the Company reporting revenue of $0.85M and $1.86M for Q2 2025 and YTD 2025, respectively, representing a 19% and 9% increase over Q2 2024 and YTD 2024, respectively. Additionally, our YTD 2025 revenue represents 86% of the full year revenue earned in 2024. More importantly, despite the delivery of revenue growth over comparative periods, Sales Order Backlog increased by 3% from the previous disclosure and represents a 71% improvement over 2024 revenue sitting at $3.7 million as of the reporting date. SHARC Energy's revenue growth continues to gain momentum."

Mr. Albertson continues, "We recently disclosed key District Energy System ("DES") projects, Lebreton Flats in Ottawa and Sen?a?w in Vancouver, which are leveraging SHARC Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) systems as the core component to power their thermal networks harnessing wastewater as the key renewable resource. WET supported solutions continue to grow in awareness and acceptance with the Company learning of projects in planning across North America and globally. In the Greater Vancouver, British Columbia region alone, there are several municipal or utility supported DES/Thermal Energy Networks ("TENs") ranging in size and scale in different stages of development that will increase SHARC Energy's local footprint as early as this year. In the United States, legislation allowing or mandating utilities to develop DES/TENs demonstration projects or pilots have been passed in eight states, including the State of New York and recently added California, where the Company has installations in progress, projects in design and a growing list of leads looking to implement Wastewater Energy Transfer with DES/TENs. This was further highlighted by the recent disclosure of shipment of two SHARC WET systems to a U.S. government-affiliated project."

"We are continuing to progress into new sectors for the SHARC and PIRANHA with promising opportunities developing within wastewater treatment facilities, universities, water utilities, correctional facilities and the design & build/energy sectors. These sectors are increasingly receptive to SHARC Energy's offerings which is promising as these sectors can provide fewer regulatory hurdles, long-term customer relationships, shorter sales cycles, and the potential for larger-scale projects. The Company anticipates the closing of new business in these adjacent sectors as early as this year."

"Furthermore, SHARC Energy is gearing up to launch new products in its portfolio which will be introduced to the market soon. With the support of original equipment manufacturer relationships SHARC Energy has, we feel there is significant opportunity to better serve more customers and increase our revenue and margin dollars earned going forward. SHARC Energy's tailwinds are strong and set to propel the Company to profitability in the coming years. We are very excited about our position in the thermal energy market." stated Mr. Albertson.

YTD 2025 Highlights and Subsequent Events

SHARC System Powers Groundbreaking Sen?a?w District Energy System. The SHARC WET system will be the core component of the Sen?a?w Energy System, the largest real estate development in Canadian First Nations history. The SHARC WET system was shipped to the project in Q2 2025.

SHARC Systems Shipped to US Government-Affiliated Project. The Company announced the shipment of two SHARC 880 WET Systems to a U.S. government-affiliated project. Further information about the project will be released at a later stage.

SHARC System Featured in Ottawa's Lebreton Flats District Energy Project. The Company announced that two SHARC 880 Wastewater Energy Transfer ("WET") systems will be used to power a district energy system in Canada's capital city. SHARC Energy anticipates commencing submittals for the SHARC WET Systems in 2025 with equipment build and delivery expected during 2026.

False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility ("NEU") Expansion. The Company continued work on the supply and maintenance agreement with the City of Vancouver for the provision and maintenance of five SHARC systems for the False Creek NEU Expansion. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Company completed all remaining milestones of the agreement.

Closing of $1.57 Million Unsecured Convertible Debenture. Subsequent to YTD 2025, SHARC Energy has closed a non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debentures of the Company for a principal amount of $1,570,000.

Fred Andriano appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors. On May 5, 2025, the Company announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, appointing Fred Andriano as Chairman of the Board and Executive Officer, replacing Lynn Mueller, who will now serve as Vice Chairman and Executive Officer. Furthermore, the Company accepted the retirement and resignation of Eleanor Chiu as Director.





For complete financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, please see the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements and Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About SHARC Energy

SHARC International Systems Inc. is a world leader in energy recovery from the wastewater we send down the drain every day. SHARC Energy's systems recycle thermal energy from wastewater, generating one of the most energy-efficient and economical systems for heating, cooling & hot water production for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings along with thermal energy networks, commonly referred to as "District Energy".

SHARC Energy is publicly traded in Canada (CSE: SHRC), the United States (OTCQB: INTWF) and Germany (Frankfurt: IWIA) and you can find out more on our SEDAR profile.

Learn more about SHARC Energy: Website | Investor Page | LinkedIn | YouTube | PIRANHA | SHARC

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Fred Andriano

Chairman

For investor inquiries, please contact:

Hanspaul Pannu

Chief Financial & Operating Officer

SHARC Energy

Telephone: (604) 475-7710 ext. 4

Email: hanspaul.pannu@sharcenergy.com For media inquiries, please contact:

Mike Tanyi

Director of Marketing & IT

SHARC Energy

Telephone: 604.475.7710 Ext.109

Email: mike.tanyi@sharcenergy.com



The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified using words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. SHARC Energy's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information because of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. SHARC Energy believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

______________________________

 Sales Pipeline is a non-IFRS measure. Please see discussion of Alternative Performance Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Q2 2025 MD&A.

 Sales Order Backlog is a non-IFRS measure. Please see discussion of Alternative Performance Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Q2 2025 MD&A.

 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. Please see discussion of Alternative Performance Measures and Non-IFRS Measures in the Q2 2025 MD&A.
Petra Diamonds Ltd - Proposed Refinancing Update

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 29

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT A PROSPECTUS OR

PROSPECTUS EQUIVALENT DOCUMENT AND INVESTORS SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY INVESTMENT DECISION IN RELATION TO THE ORDINARY SHARES EXCEPT ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION IN THE PROSPECTUS WHICH IS PROPOSED TO BE PUBLISHED IN DUE COURSE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.





29 August 2025 LSE: PDL

Petra Diamonds Limited

("Petra", "PDL" or the"Company" or, in conjunction with its subsidiaries, the "Group")

Proposed Refinancing Update

On 8 August 2025, Petra announced the terms of a proposed refinancing of the Group that had been agreed with certain key financial stakeholders (the "Refinancing Announcement").

Capitalised terms used in this announcement shall, unless otherwise defined, have the same meanings as set out in the Refinancing Announcement.

Locked-Up Notes update

Following the Refinancing Announcement, certain Noteholders have acceded to terms of the Lock-Up Agreement on the same terms as the Participating Noteholders (the "Acceding Noteholders"). As a result of these accessions, Kroll Issuer Services Limited (as information agent) has confirmed to the Company that the Participating Noteholders and the Acceding Noteholders hold, in aggregate, more than 99% of the Notes (by value), which is greater than the 90% threshold for Noteholder consent under the Consent Solicitation.

Therefore, the Company intends to implement the extension of the maturity date of the Notes and certain other changes to the terms of the Notes (as described in the Refinancing Announcement) by means of the Consent Solicitation rather than the Scheme.

It is currently expected that the Consent Solicitation will launch on or shortly after the date of the publication of the Company's financial results for FY25. The Company will confirm the exact dates in due course on its website.

Equity Backstop Agreement amendment

As announced in the Refinancing Announcement, interested shareholders were provided a window of ten business days to accede to the Equity Backstop Agreement. This process has resulted in four additional shareholders acceding to the Equity Backstop Agreement through an amendment to the Equity Backstop Agreement (the "Equity Backstop Agreement Amendment"). As a result, the Backstop Providers now represent approximately 69% of the Company's existing issued share capital.

The additional Backstop Providers include both Vivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp (interim joint Chief Executive Officers of the Company), who have both acceded to the terms of the Equity Backstop Agreement in their personal capacities.

Additionally, under the Equity Backstop Agreement Amendment, JOSIVAR Sarl ("JOSIVAR"), an entity that is wholly-owned by Jose Manuel Vargas, Petra's Chair, has committed to underwrite up to approximately $2.45 million of entitlements not taken up by other shareholders (excluding the Backstop Providers), with the final amount to be confirmed following the end of the Rights Issue period, and JOSIVAR will receive a correspondingly increased Backstop Fee.

Other than the changes described above, the Equity Backstop Agreement Amendment has not amended the existing terms of the Equity Backstop Agreement as described in the Refinancing Announcement.

Following the execution of the Equity Backstop Agreement Amendment, and in conjunction with the commitments made as part of the Lock-Up Agreement, shareholders representing approximately 74% of the existing issued share capital of the Company are committed to vote in favour of the requisite shareholder resolutions to implement the Rights Issue and the Refinancing at the SGM.

Related Party Transactions

JOSIVAR is a party to the Equity Backstop Agreement Amendment. JOSIVAR is a related party of Petra pursuant to UK Listing Rule 8.1.11R(4) by virtue of being controlled by Jose Manuel Vargas, who is himself a related party of Petra as a director of Petra. In respect of JOSIVAR, the proposed participation in the Rights Issue as a Backstop Provider beyond its pro rata entitlement and the payment by the Company to JOSIVAR of its proportion of the Backstop Fee in each case in the terms set out in the Lock-Up Agreement and Equity Backstop Agreement Amendment are considered related party transactions for the purposes of UKLR 8.2.1R (together the "Related Party Transactions").

In respect of the Related Party Transactions, the Board (excluding the Chairman by virtue of a personal conflict) having been so advised by Peel Hunt LLP acting in its capacity as the Company's Sponsor, unanimously considers the Related Party Transactions are fair and reasonable as far as Petra shareholders are concerned.

Next Steps

Kroll Issuer Services Limited has been engaged by Petra to act as information agent for the Lock-Up Agreement.

Noteholders that have not yet signed the Lock-Up Agreement and wish to support the Refinancing should complete and execute an accession deed to the Lock-Up Agreement in their capacity as a Noteholder and provide evidence of their beneficial holdings to the Information Agent.

Noteholders should contact the Information Agent on 020 7089 0909 (if calling from the UK) or +44 20 7089 0909 (if calling from outside the UK) or petra@is.kroll.com to access further information relating to the Refinancing and for details of how to accede to the Lock-Up Agreement. Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. The helpline is open between 9.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Please note that the Information Agent cannot provide any financial, legal or tax advice and calls may be recorded and monitored for security and training purposes.

The Rights Issue will require the publication of a prospectus and shareholder circular which the Company currently expects to publish in Q4 CY2025.

The Group is targeting the completion of the Refinancing in Q4 CY2025 and will continue working with the Working Group, Noteholders, the Senior Secured Bank Lender, the Backstop Providers and other stakeholders, as required, to finalise and implement the Refinancing. Closing of the Refinancing will be subject to a number of conditions, approvals and other matters which are required in the near-term, including the negotiation and agreement of full form documentation to reflect the agreement in principle and, where required, shareholder approval.

The Company will release further announcements in due course, as appropriate.

There can be no guarantee that the Refinancing as contemplated by the Lock-Up Agreement and the Equity Backstop Agreement (as amended) will be implemented on the terms set out above, and any refinancing of the Group may be on significantly different terms to the ones set forth in this announcement or not be consummated at all. Furthermore, the completion of the Refinancing may take significantly longer than the Group currently anticipates.

~ Ends ~

For further information, please contact:

Petra Diamonds, London

Julia Stone

Kelsey Traynor

Telephone: +44 (0)7495470187

investorrelations@petradiamonds.com

Kroll Issuer Services Limited

Alessandro Zorza

Telephone: +44 20 7089 0909

petra@is.kroll.com

Peel Hunt LLP (Sponsor to Petra)

Ross Allister / David McKeown / Emily Bhasin

+44 (0)20 7418 8900

Kirkland & Ellis LLP (Legal counsel to the ad hoc group of Noteholders)

Hannah Crawford

+44 20 7469 2079

Hannah.crawford@kirkland.com

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP is acting as legal counsel to Petra in connection with the Refinancing.

About Petra Diamonds Limited

Petra Diamonds is a leading independent diamond mining group and a supplier of gem quality rough diamonds to the international market. The Company's portfolio incorporates interests in two underground mines in South Africa (Cullinan and Finsch Mines).

Petra's strategy is to focus on value rather than volume production by optimising recoveries from its high-quality asset base in order to maximise their efficiency and profitability. The Group has a significant resource base which supports the potential for long-life operations.

Petra strives to conduct all operations according to the highest ethical standards and only operates in countries which are members of the Kimberley Process. The Company aims to generate tangible value for each of its stakeholders, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of its host countries and supporting long-term sustainable operations to the benefit of its employees, partners and communities.

Petra's Ordinary Shares are admitted to the equity shares (commercial companies) category of the FCA's Official List and are admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker "PDL". The Company's loan notes, due in 2026, are listed on EuroNext Dublin (Irish Stock Exchange). For more information, visit www.petradiamonds.com .

Important Notices

This announcement is not a prospectus but an advertisement and investors should not acquire any securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus expected to be approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and published by the Company in connection with the Rights Issue in due course (the "Prospectus"). The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. Copies of the Prospectus, when published, will be available on the Company's website, provided that the Prospectus will not, subject to certain exceptions, be available to certain shareholders in certain restricted or excluded territories. The Prospectus will give further details of the Rights Issue.

Any decision to participate in the Rights Issue must be made solely on the basis of the Prospectus to be published by the Company in due course. The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and no reliance may or should be placed by any person for any purpose whatsoever on the information contained in this announcement or on its completeness, accuracy or fairness. Recipients of this announcement should conduct their own investigation, evaluation and analysis of the business, data and property described in this announcement. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning any investor's decision or options with respect to the Rights Issue. The information in this announcement is subject to change.

Neither this announcement or any other document connected with the Rights Issue has been or will be approved or disapproved by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, any state securities commission in the United States or any other US regulatory authority, nor have any of the foregoing authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Securities or the accuracy or adequacy of this announcement or any other document connected with the Rights Issue. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

This announcement contains statements about Petra that are or may be forward looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this announcement may be forward looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words "targets", "goals", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "plans", "believes", "expects", "aims", "intends", "will", "may", "anticipates", "estimates", "hopes", "projects" or words or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof, are forward looking statements.

Such forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward looking statements. In light of these known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, estimates and assumptions, the events in the forward-looking statements may not occur or may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed by or implied from such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Petra disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking or other statements contained herein, except as required by applicable law or regulation. Past performance of the Company cannot be relied on as a guide to, or a guarantee or an indication of, future performance. No statement in this announcement is intended to be, nor should be construed as, a profit forecast.

This announcement is for information purposes only and shall not constitute or form part of any offer to issue or sell, or the solicitation of any offer to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, any securities of the Company in the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia) (the "United States" or "U.S."), Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where such offer or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to in this announcement have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States or under applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan or South Africa and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except that the Company reserves the right to offer and deliver the Securities to a limited number of persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers ("QIBs") as defined in, and in reliance on, Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act, or pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the United States and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. Subject to certain exceptions the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan or South Africa. There will be no public offering of the securities referred to herein in the United States.

The distribution of this announcement and any proposed offering and/or issue of securities referred to herein in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken by the Company that would permit an offer of securities or possession or distribution of this announcement or publicity material relating to securities in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United Kingdom. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required by the Company to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with any such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Neither the contents of the Company's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this announcement.

This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning any investor's options with respect to the Rights Issue. The price of shares and any income expected from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon disposal of the shares. Past performance is no guide to future performance. The contents of this announcement are not to be construed as legal, business, financial or tax advice. Each investor or prospective investor should consult his, her or its own legal adviser, business adviser, financial adviser or tax adviser for legal, financial, business or tax advice.

No person has been authorised to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this announcement and, if given or made, such announcements must not be relied on as having been authorised by the Company or any of its affiliates. Subject to the UK Listing Rules, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and Market Abuse Regulation, the issue of this announcement and any subsequent announcement shall not, in any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company since the date of this announcement or that the information contained in it is correct as at any subsequent date.

Peel Hunt LLP ("Peel Hunt"), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority, is acting exclusively for Petra as Sponsor and no one else in connection with the Refinancing and the matters referred to in this announcement. Peel Hunt will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this announcement) as its client in relation to the Refinancing and the matters referred to in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Petra for providing the protections offered to its clients nor for providing advice to any other person in relation to the Refinancing or any other transactions, arrangements or matters referred to in this announcement.

Apart from the responsibilities and liabilities, if any, which may be imposed by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended, or the regulatory regime established thereunder, neither Peel Hunt nor any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees or advisers accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, in respect of the contents of this announcement including its accuracy, completeness or verification or for any other statement made or purported to be made by it, or on its behalf, the Company, the Company's directors or any other person in connection with the Company, the Refinancing or any matter referred to in this announcement and nothing in this announcement is or shall be relied upon as a promise or representation in this respect, whether as to the past or future. Each of Peel Hunt and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees and advisers accordingly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all and any responsibility or liability whatsoever, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might otherwise have in respect of this announcement or any such statement.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Origen Resources Inc. (CSE: ORGN) (FSE: 4VXA) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement ("Financing") raising a total of $478,875.

The Company issued 9,577,500 units ("Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of $478,875. Each Unit is comprised of one Share and one-half share purchase warrant (each whole, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.075 per Share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance. The Company's July 23, 2025 news release inadvertently referred to the Unit financing with a full Warrant; however, the Financing includes only a half-Warrant. Origen expects to close the second and final tranche of the Financing shortly.

The Company paid finder's fees totalling $4,550 in connection with this portion of the Financing to eligible arm's length finders in accordance with CSE policies and applicable securities laws.

All securities issued in connection with the Financing were issued pursuant to one or more prospectus exemptions available to the Company and are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance as required under applicable securities laws. Closing of the first tranche of the Financing was subject to customary closing conditions that include applicable CSE filings and approvals. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for general working capital, including certain payments of outstanding management fees, and exploration expenditures.

Certain insiders of the Company purchased Units under the Financing, which participation constituted a related-party transaction, as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The issuance of Units to insiders is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101, pursuant to Subsection 5.5(a) of MI 61-101, and exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101, pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101.

None of the securities sold in connection with the Financing will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States 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 Origen

Origen is fully focused on its 100% interest in the Los Sapitos Lithium project in Argentina and its 100% owned gold-silver Wishbone project in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, along with a property portfolio of three 100% owned precious and base metal projects in southern British Columbia.

Thomas Hawkins, P.Geo., a director of the Company and a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101 has prepared, supervised the preparation or approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release.

On behalf of Origen,

Gary Schellenberg

CEO and Director

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular, references to timing for closing of the second tranche of the Financing, project generation and possible results thereof, and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing, operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, 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/264427

SOURCE: Origen Resources Inc.
SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Immortal Dragons, the $40 million purpose-driven longevity fund, today announced its strategic investment in Frontier Bio, a biotechnology company at the forefront of biofabrication, drawing on a suite of technologies including 3D biofabrication, stem cells, organ-on-a-chip, and perfusion bioreactor technology. Their blood vessel technology addresses critical unmet medical needs in markets worth over $12 billion annually where current synthetic solutions show failure rates up to 65%.

The company's innovative technology produces functional blood vessels that demonstrate superior performance including complete absence of thrombosis, significant cell infiltration, proper endothelium formation, and integration with surrounding tissue. Additionally, their tissues for in vitro testing include a microfluidicorgan-on-a-chip platforms that form human blood-brain barrier models, and a 3D bioprinted mini-lung, both designed to accelerate pre-clinical trials and deliver more accurate experimental results compared to animal testing.

Revolutionary Tissue Engineering

Frontier Bio's breakthrough lies in their tissue-engineered blood vessels that eliminate the thrombosis risk plaguing current synthetic grafts. In successful large animal studies, the company's vascular grafts demonstrated remarkable performance in the carotid artery: remaining patent with integration into surrounding tissue and crucially, showing no thrombosis or infection after 14 days of implantation.

This represents an exciting improvement over established synthetic vascular grafts, which typically show thrombosis in similar timeframes. Frontier Bio's grafts are seeded with stem cells and demonstrate significant cell invasion throughout the graft with proper endothelium formation.

The technology provides multiple advantages: availability off-the-shelf availability, suitability for small diameter vessels, cellularization at implant, capability for complex vessel geometries. This combination of features positions Frontier Bio's grafts as superior to both autologous vessels (limited availability) and current synthetic alternatives (poor performance, especially in small diameters under 5mm).

Blood vessels are essential for the survival and function of nearly all tissues. Frontier Bio develops both large-caliber vessels and self-branching microvasculature to meet this need.

"Refreshing to meet investors fluent in the field, technology, and related domains. Immortal Dragons acted on insight, not hype," said Eric Bennett, CEO of Frontier Bio.

Strategic Alignment

The investment in Frontier Bio represents a targeted bet on solving organ failure - the leading cause of death for humans over 65. By developing scalable 3D biofabrication technology for functional organs and tissues, Frontier Bio addresses a $150 billion organ transplant market while advancing one of Immortal Dragons' core thesis: that aging-related deaths can be prevented through replacement technology.

Currently, vast numbers of patients face lengthy organ transplant waiting lists, with many dying daily due to severe organ shortages. Frontier Bio's platform could eliminate these bottlenecks by manufacturing organs on-demand using a patient's own cells, reducing rejection risk and wait times. As Boyang Wang, founder of Immortal Dragons, explained: "3D Biofabrication represents a critical piece of replacement technologies, having the ability to manufacture specific organs and tissues on-demand provides the foundational infrastructure that makes biological part replacement possible."

Looking Forward

Frontier Bio's 3D biofabrication capabilities create powerful synergies across Immortal Dragons' portfolio. The company's organ printing technology directly supports whole-body replacement initiatives, providing the manufacturing infrastructure to produce replacement organs at scale. Additionally, the bioprinting platform's tissue engineering capabilities support artificial womb development, creating complex vascular networks and specialized tissues required for external gestation systems. 3D biofabrication technology works synergistically with other replacement technologies, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of mutually reinforcing longevity solutions.

This vision of comprehensive longevity solutions resonates with leading researchers in the field. As Brian Kennedy, a distinguished professor and prominent longevity leader at the National University of Singapore, notes: "Immortal Dragons is making thoughtful, mission-driven investments in longevity by supporting high-impact science with long-term potential."

About Immortal Dragons

Immortal Dragons (https://www.id.life/) is a purpose-driven longevity fund headquartered in Singapore. The fund invests in cutting-edge, high-impact technologies and currently supports more than 15 portfolio companies. Beyond conventional investments, the fund advances longevity advocacy through book translation and publishing, translation of longevity leaders' talks, hosting a leading Chinese-language longevity podcast, and providing sponsorships and grants to longevity initiatives and conferences.

For Press Inquiries:

Boyang Wang

Founder, Immortal Dragons

press@id.life

SOURCE: Immortal Dragons

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/biotechnology/immortal-dragons-backs-frontier-bio-advancing-3d-biofabrication-for-tissue-engineerin-1066566
Step Into Transformation: Convergence Wellness Campout Returns to Astral Valley Art Park Sept. 18-21, 2025

FRENCH VILLAGE, MO / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / This fall, seekers, dreamers, and creators from across the nation will gather in the heart of nature for an unforgettable weekend of healing, music, and community. Convergence Wellness Campout returns to Astral Valley Art Park in French Village, Missouri, Sept. 18-21, 2025 - a one-of-a-kind event blending festival energy with transformational retreat experiences.

Convergence Wellness Campout Banner



Convergence isn't just another festival - it's a life-changing immersion designed for anyone ready to step into their truest self. With over 40 workshops, live music, fire and circus performances, healing arts, yoga, and a thriving village of like-minded souls, participants are invited to let go of stress, recharge, and discover joy now.

Convergence creates a space where you can reset your mind, body, and spirit while connecting with an amazing community that supports your growth long after the weekend ends.

Highlights of Convergence 2025 include:

Workshops for Transformation : Learn powerful practices for releasing trauma, boosting emotional well-being, and creating lasting joy.

Music and Performance : Live bands, DJs, and immersive fire and circus shows that electrify the nights.

Healing Village : Massage, energy work, sound healing, and sacred ceremonies to restore balance and vitality.

Community Connection: A chance to meet your tribe, make deep friendships, and experience belonging in a supportive, magical environment.

Tickets are available now at www.convergencecampout.com. Early sales are strong, and organizers recommend securing tickets soon to ensure entry.

This is your invitation to experience three days of inspiration, connection, and renewal in one of the most beautiful natural venues in the Midwest. Whether you're seeking healing, adventure or a spark of joy, Convergence is where it begins.

Event Details:

Sept. 18-21, 2025

Astral Valley Art Park, French Village, MO

Tickets: www.convergencecampout.com

About Convergence Wellness Campout

Convergence is an annual transformational gathering dedicated to healing, music, and community. Blending the heart of a wellness retreat with the energy of a festival, Convergence empowers attendees to grow, connect, and celebrate life.

Contact Information

Kayla Heard

Producer

kayla.convergencefest@gmail.com

970-599-0609

SOURCE: Convergence Productions

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/convergence-wellness-campout-a-life-changing-healing-experience-1066901
Global Premiere: August 29, 2025 on YouTube

The series returns with powerful new stories of empowerment, national expansion, and a renewed focus on closing systemic gaps in housing access.

ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Renowned Puerto Rican business leader Yanira Suarez presents the national premiere of "Yanira's World: Selling the American Dream", the second season of her inspiring docu-series, launching globally on YouTube on August 29, 2025.

This production brings to life the real stories of Latino families who faced multiple obstacles in their path to home ownership and how Yanira's Team guided them step by step to make their dream a reality.

Latinos are the fastest-growing group of home buyers in the United States, yet they face unique challenges including credit access, cultural barriers, and lack of tailored guidance, and remain among the most underserved in the housing market. According to recent data, Latinos are 81% more likely to be denied conventional mortgages than non-Latinos, and less than 50% of Latino families own their homes compared to over 70% of white non-Latino households.

"These numbers aren't just statistics, they're deferred dreams and interrupted legacies," says Yanira Suarez. "My mission is to be a light of hope and financial growth for every family we reach." Recognized as a mogul in the real estate industry, Yanira and the Yanira Team by LPT Realty, which includes over 110 agents across Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, has built her reputation on empowering the Latino community to achieve generational wealth through home ownership, helping more than 7,500 families achieve their dream of owning a home.

Following its resounding success and deeply moving stories of resilience and empowerment, Season Two expands its mission to high-demand Latino communities in New York and Texas, offering more families the opportunity to achieve home ownership and rewrite their narratives. The docu-series premiere takes place on Friday August 29 in Orlando, Florida, but its message resonates nationwide and globally. Through the series, viewers will see first-hand how these barriers can be overcome with the right education, advocacy, and support. Each episode features real stories of struggle, resilience, and legacy that affirm: "With Yanira, Si Se Puede!"

"Yanira's World: Selling the American Dream" is more than a documentary, it's a movement. It's a celebration of purpose-driven leadership, a call to action for the real estate industry, and a beacon of hope for Latino communities nationwide. "This series is not just about buying homes, it's about telling our stories, breaking barriers, and proving that the American Dream belongs to us too," said Yanira Suarez. "My mission is to ensure that every Latino family knows they have the power and the tools to become homeowners."

Beyond the series, Yanira is making herself available to national media outlets to share insights, strategies, and solutions for Latino families navigating the housing market and her journey as a Puerto Rican entrepreneur breaking barriers in the US real estate market.

Join the movement that empowers Latino families through education, representation, and legacy-building.

Watch Season One here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6077Ki5pchc&pp=0gcJCcwJAYcqIYzv

###

About Yanira

Yanira Suarez is a licensed real estate agent and loan officer in Florida since 2006, and the CEO and co-founder alongside her husband Yuri Gomez of the Yanira Team by LPT Realty, which now includes over 110 agents across Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Also owners of Queen Homes builder a fast growing construction company specializing on custom homes and multi-family projects bringing the community opportunities of investments. Over the years, she and her team have helped more than 7,500 families achieve their homeownership and investment goals across Florida.Her impact on the community goes far beyond transactions: it's about building lasting legacies and fostering financial freedom for Latino families.

(A full biography of Yanira Suarez is available upon request.) Supporting Resources

Watch Season One Trailer

Season Two Preview

Media Contact | M'Ross Media Group |+1 (407)722-9078| marieangie.mrossmedia@gmail.com

Yanira Suarez is available for interviews in English and Spanish. A full press kit,including high-resolution images, official biography, and episode previews is available upon request.

SOURCE: The Yanira Team

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/puerto-rican-mogul-yanira-suarez-launches-docu-series-%22yaniras-world-selling-the-americ-1066931
Panama City, Republic of Panama--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Autris (OTCID: AUTR), ("Autris" or "the Company"), a pioneering company dedicated to promoting freedom and self-sustainability through the acquisition, design, development, and construction of self-sustainable communities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, announces the signing of a Term Sheet to acquire a Bitcoin Treasury company to further enhance its Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Bitcoin treasury-focused companies have seen significant growth and are earning many multiples in value compared to traditional structures. The acquisition represents a strategic step for Autris with the goal of strengthening its balance sheet, rewarding its shareholders and expanding its presence in the Bitcoin economy.

While Autris' core business focus remains the building of the Veritas Villages freedom and sustainability-oriented communities-with three operating today in Panama and Nicaragua, and a recently acquired property in Costa Rica to establish its fourth community, as well as active expansion plans into Argentina-the Company has also been a strong advocate for Bitcoin adoption.

Patrick Hiebert, founder and CEO of Autris, stated, "We are very excited about this potential acquisition as it absolutely complements what we are already doing. As we mentioned last month, we had over a 500% increase in our digital asset holdings recently and it is no secret we continue to be very strong supporters of Bitcoin. There are a lot of empty shell companies out there trying to jump on the Bitcoin treasury bandwagon, but Bitcoin has been a core component of our treasury since our inception. Having the solid operating business of creating extremely popular freedom-oriented communities allows us to be much more than just another 'also ran' Bitcoin treasury company."

Autris has a well-rounded Bitcoin strategy, including maintaining a significant portion of its corporate treasury in Bitcoin and allowing real estate purchased from the company in Bitcoin. This acquisition will further align with Autris' belief in the transformative role of Bitcoin in advancing both financial sovereignty and sustainability.

Mr. Hiebert also stated, "We not only hold significant funds in Bitcoin, but we accept it for the purchase of a home, all businesses must accept it in our Veritas Village communities, and we even mine it with power created solely from our sustainable solar systems! The acquisition of a specific Bitcoin Treasury company allows that branch of the company to be secure even during volatile Bitcoin value swings, giving the best of both worlds to our shareholders, a profitable company with a real core competency and the opportunity to participate in potentially significant gains from the Bitcoin treasury."

Further information about Autris can be found on the company's website at www.autrisgroup.com and on the OTC Markets landing page for Autris at AUTR - Autris | Company Profile | OTC Markets.

About Autris:

Autris is a forward-thinking company committed to promoting freedom and sustainability. Through strategic acquisitions and innovative initiatives, Autris aims to create communities that embody the principles of freedom, independence, resilience, sustainability, and transparency.

SAFE HARBOR ACT: Forward-looking statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding the Company's expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations or listing on an exchange - including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will" and other similar expressions - are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or achievements. The Company is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No information in this press release should be construed in any manner whatsoever as an indication of the future performance of the Company's revenues, financial condition or stock price.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264388

SOURCE: Autris
Spanish Language Program is the Only Health Sciences Center Training Medical and Dental Students in Spanish

EL PASO, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Located in a predominantly Hispanic community, Texas Tech Health El Paso is helping eliminate barriers to health care as the nation's only health sciences center training medical and dental school students in Spanish.

Medical and Dental Students Learn Spanish

Incoming Texas Tech Health El Paso medical and dental students apply their Spanish skills firsthand at community events. This supervised practice is a crucial step in preparing them to one day work effectively with Spanish-speaking patients.

The Spanish Language Program is integrated into the curriculum at the Foster School of Medicine and the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. It's offered to students in their first two years of school, and is tailored to the specific linguistic needs of future health care providers.

"The program equips our medical and dental students with the linguistic and cultural skills needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients," said Gilberto Garcia, Ph.D., director of the Spanish Language Program. "Beyond grammar and vocabulary, the curriculum focuses on real clinical scenarios, patient interviews and culturally relevant health education, improving patient trust and compliance."

The students use their skills firsthand at community outreach events when conducting full patient interviews in Spanish without an interpreter. These events are made possible through partnerships with local clinics and community organizations.

"One patient expressed deep gratitude, explaining that it was the first time in years she felt completely understood by a health care provider," Dr. Garcia said. "The students later shared that the experience reinforced their commitment to practicing in underserved communities and demonstrated firsthand how language skills can break down barriers to care."

Building Confidence in Patient Communication

To date, more than 800 medical and dental students have received instruction from the Spanish Language Program. Dr. Garcia said test data consistently shows students' significant improvement in language proficiency across all levels.

In recent class cohorts, over 90% of students reported that the program improved their confidence in communicating with Spanish-speaking patients.

Medical Spanish classes have been part of the curriculum for the medical school since it opened in 2009, and the dental school since opening in 2021.

Evelyn Fung, a first-year dental student, said she enjoyed the "organic introduction" to the Spanish language. During a three-week community immersion program this summer, Fung and her classmates were able to build their vocabularies and practice conversational Spanish.

"When health professionals and patients speak the same language, care becomes safer, faster and more personal," Fung said. "Connecting with our community is essential, and I'm proud to be part of a school that shares that commitment."

About Texas Tech Health El Paso

Serving 108 counties in West Texas, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution focused on health education, research, and care. Since 2013, it has graduated more than 2,600 professionals, including its first dental class in 2025. Visit ttuhscepimpact.org.

SOURCE: Texas Tech Health El Paso

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/texas-tech-health-el-paso-bridges-communication-gap-with-medical-spanish-1066679
RENO, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / As Labor Day Weekend arrives, the nation ramps up festivities with an additional day off. However, given the natural excitement over this holiday weekend, there is a higher risk of fatal tragedies and legal ramifications for irresponsible behavior. Charges such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) , possession of a controlled substance , BUI (Boating While Intoxicated) can arise even when unexpected.

People who have never been in legal trouble may not know how easy it is to get pulled into an unwanted situation. When you combine alcohol and/or other controlled substances with heavy machinery, like a car or boat, innocent lives can be negatively impacted. Legal ramifications like a DUI, DWI, or BUI can have severe consequences including license suspension, hefty fines, and jail time. Possession of many controlled substances are subject to criminal charges.

"Labor Day weekend is a time for celebration, but people must stay vigilant about their actions and weekend plans, as it doesn't take much to find yourself in legal trouble which can ruin a whole weekend and your whole life," says Ken LaMance, LegalMatch's General Counsel.

Individuals who find themselves in any of the above legal trouble can find helpful resources online, like LegalMatch.com , the nation's first and most prominent attorney client matching platform. One can be matched for free with a criminal defense attorney , and the platform also has an informative online Law Library with articles on a multitude of legal topics, including directions about the kind of legal issue one might be facing, the kind of attorney needed for assistance, and representation.

About LegalMatch.com

LegalMatch is the nation's oldest and largest online legal lead-generation service. Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, LegalMatch helps people find the right lawyer and helps attorneys find new clients. LegalMatch's service is free to individuals and small businesses looking for legal help. For more information about LegalMatch, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Media Contact

Ken LaMance

press@legalmatch.com

(415) 946-0856

SOURCE: LegalMatch.com

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/legalmatch-urges-caution-on-labor-day-weekend-due-to-potential-f-1066789
Issuer: AEQUITA SE & Co. KGaA / Key word(s): Mergers & Acquisitions/Acquisition

AEQUITA completes the acquisition of European NRB Business from JTEKT Corporation



29.08.2025 / 16:03 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Munich, 29 August 2025 - AEQUITA SE & Co. KGaA, a global industrial group headquartered in Munich, Germany, has acquired the European needle roller bearing (NRB) business from JTEKT Group. Serving automotive, industrial, and aerospace & defense customers, the business generates revenues of more than EUR 100 million, employing a workforce of around 1,200 across its four production sites in Germany, France, and the Czech Republic.



Following a strategic review, JTEKT decided to divest the business to focus on its core markets and operations. Based on its profound industry know-how, carve-out expertise, and thorough industrial concept, AEQUITA was selected as the partner of choice by JTEKT.



Christoph Himmel, Managing Partner at AEQUITA, said: "We would like to thank JTEKT for entrusting us with the further development of the business, which is a great addition to our automotive portfolio. Over the last couple of months, we have worked closely with JTEKT to ensure a seamless transition. Looking ahead, we, together with the skilled and experienced employees, will build on the company's great reputation, delivering best-in-class roller bearing solutions to our blue-chip customers."



The transaction was completed on 1 August 2025.

About JTEKT JTEKT Group was established in January 2006 through the merger of Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd. and Toyoda Machine Works, Ltd., forming a new global company with a rich heritage of quality. With activities focused on four major product technologies, i.e., steering systems, driveline components, bearings, and machine tools, JTEKT aims at meeting the high expectations of its customers and winning the trust of society. For more information, visit https://www.jtekt.eu/ .

About AEQUITA AEQUITA is a Munich-based industrial group investing in special situations, including corporate carve-outs, successions, and transformation cases across Europe, North America, and Asia. Its portfolio companies currently generate over EUR 6 billion in revenues. Backed by a strong capital base and deep operational expertise, AEQUITA focuses on acquiring and sustainably developing companies with the potential for long-term value creation. For more information, visit www.aequita.com .



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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



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On Thursday, Aug. 21, ERP Advisors Group's ERP Expert to CEOs & CFOs Shawn Windle Highlighted the Increasing Importance of Technology Platforms for Rapidly Growing Businesses

LAKEWOOD, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / On Thursday, Aug. 21, The ERP Advisor Podcast hosted Shawn Windle, founder and Managing Principal of ERP Advisors Group, to discuss why it is more important than ever for businesses to consider their technology platform strategy.

ERP Advisors Group Logo

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Watch the full webinar here.

Windle started by explaining what a technology platform actually is, stating that, "We are talking about the software that runs the whole business ... [more specifically] we are talking about the thing that sits under the business, metaphorically, to run."

Windle followed this up by discussing the evolution of software over time, discussing how, "We went from single solutions, maybe two or three, to some of our clients running some 50 applications  with modern technology, you can connect so much more between different applications."

Then, Windle broke down the impact new technologies such as artificial intelligence have on selecting a new technology platform, explaining "[Today], you really do need a software [vendor] that is committed to AI, and guess what? They all are  that technology is really changing the ability of ERP platforms to become more robust and do more."

In closing, Windle emphasized the importance of a business' technology platform, telling listeners, "Looking into the future, I think there will be a huge wave of business process automation  getting your ERP platform in place with the right AI solutions that the vendors provide - it will save you."

Watch the complete interview here.

The full conference call is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast providers.

Click here to register for our next events.

ERP Advisors Group is one of the world's most trusted enterprise software advisory firms. Helping hundreds of organizations find the right solutions to meet their unique needs, ERP Advisors Group is technology independent, with a proven track record of successful software selections that lead to successful go-lives.

Contact Information

Erica Windle

Principal, Operations

erica@erpadvisorsgroup.com

720-542-7803

SOURCE: ERP Advisors Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/erp-advisors-group-examines-the-vital-role-of-a-business-erp-pla-1066872
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Portable Ultrasound Market, valued at US$2.16 billion in 2023, stood at US$2.49 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 9.0% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$3.84 billion by the end of the period. The portable ultrasound market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. A major driving force behind this growth is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders, which require advanced diagnostic tools. Furthermore, there is a rising demand for non-invasive, real-time imaging techniques and a growing focus on the early detection of medical conditions, both of which are further propelling the market.

Technological advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence and 3D and 4D imaging, have improved the versatility and accessibility of ultrasound technology. As a result, ultrasound is becoming more widely used in healthcare institutions.

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By product type, Transducers/probes are experiencing the highest CAGR in the portable ultrasound market because they are critical components that directly impact image quality and diagnostic accuracy, driving ongoing demand for technological advancements and replacements. As portable ultrasound devices become more widely adopted across diverse clinical settings-from emergency care to remote diagnostics-there is a growing need for specialized probes tailored to different applications such as cardiac, vascular, musculoskeletal, and obstetrics. Innovations like wireless connectivity, miniaturization, and improved sensitivity further fuel market growth. Additionally, the increasing trend toward personalized and point-of-care diagnostics encourages frequent upgrades and adoption of multi-frequency, multifunctional probes, making this segment the fastest growing in the portable ultrasound space.

By application, Trauma & emergency care accounted for the largest share of the portable ultrasound market in 2024. These environments require immediate and useful diagnostic information. In critical situations, portable ultrasound enables physicians to assess internal bleeding, fluid accumulation, and heart function without invasive procedures. This capability is vital for conditions such as internal bleeding (consider FAST exams), collapsed lungs, and fluid surrounding the heart. Performing these important scans at the patient's bedside, in an ambulance, or at a remote crash site reduces the time needed for diagnosis and treatment. This timely access to information directly impacts patient outcomes and can be the difference between life and death. Given its essential role in urgent, life-threatening situations, portable ultrasound is a crucial component of emergency and trauma care, which is why it holds such a significant portion of the market.

By geography, North America stands out in the portable ultrasound market for several key reasons. Firstly, the region boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure and invests significantly in health services. Additionally, several major companies are introducing innovative portable ultrasound products. The potential for continued revenue growth is bolstered by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular conditions and cancer, which drives the demand for diagnostic tools. Furthermore, the introduction of various new technologies, especially handheld devices, provides greater access to portable ultrasound solutions. Supportive policies that facilitate reimbursement for portable ultrasound services also contribute to the rising adoption of these tools across many areas of healthcare in North America.

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As of 2024, the prominent players in the portable ultrasound market are Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), GE Healthcare (US), Canon Medical Systems Corporation (Japan), Siemens Healthineers (Germany), and FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation (Japan), among others.

GE Healthcare (US):

GE Healthcare is a leading name in medical technology, diagnostics, and digital solutions. It is particularly noted for its extensive portfolio in the Ultrasound segment. The Ultrasound range includes advanced systems tailored for various applications, such as cardiology, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, musculoskeletal imaging, and point-of-care diagnostics. These state-of-the-art systems feature AI-assisted imaging, high-definition resolution, and portable designs, all aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy and accessibility. The Voluson series focuses on women's health, while the LOGIQ series is dedicated to general imaging. The Vscan Air offers handheld versatility, creating a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of clinicians working in any healthcare setting.

Philips Healthcare (Netherlands)

Philips Healthcare is a leading provider of health technology solutions, dedicated to improving patient care and health outcomes. The company offers a wide range of innovative products, including medical imaging systems, patient care solutions, connected care technologies, and precision diagnostic systems. One of its advanced offerings is the Lumify portable ultrasound system, which transforms Android and Apple devices into point-of-care diagnostic imaging tools. The Lumify platform is known for its superior image quality and comes with a selection of transducers, including the S4-1 for cardiac and abdominal scans, the L12-4 for vascular and superficial imaging, and the C5-2 for deep scans, such as those used in OB/GYN and lung assessments. The system boasts advanced diagnostic features, including B-mode, Color Doppler, M-mode, and Pulsed Wave Doppler, along with early OB measurement tools, making it a comprehensive solution for healthcare professionals.

Siemens Healthineers (Germany)

Siemens Healthineers plays a significant role in the portable ultrasound market by offering a range of advanced, compact systems designed for point-of-care and mobile diagnostic use. Leveraging its expertise in medical imaging, the company provides solutions like the ACUSON Freestyle, ACUSON P500, and ACUSON Juniper, which combine portability with high-quality imaging and user-friendly interfaces. These systems support a wide range of clinical applications-including emergency medicine, cardiology, and obstetrics-enabling faster diagnosis and improved patient care in both hospital and remote settings. Siemens Healthineers' focus on innovation, wireless technology, and workflow efficiency reinforces its strong position in the growing portable ultrasound segment.

For more information, Inquire Now!

Related Reports:

Ultrasound Market

Veterinary Ultrasound Market

Diagnostic Imaging Services Market

Radiotherapy Market

Top 10 Medical Device Technologies Market

Get access to the latest updates on Portable Ultrasound Companies and Portable Ultrasound Market Size

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The "Spain Construction Market Outlook Report Market Size, Share Analysis and Forecast (2025-2034)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The market for Spain construction reached USD 180.80 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.70% between 2025 and 2034, reaching almost USD 236.00 Billion by 2034.

Increasing investments in infrastructure development are likely to propel the growth of the Spain construction market over the forecast period. This can be attributed to the Spanish government's objective of expanding its reach to Latin American and Asian countries and becoming the most attractive destination for doing business in Europe. Airport and seaport development are expected to lead the infrastructure development activities in Spain in the coming years.

Madrid, as the capital city, acts as a hub for residential and commercial construction, with various large-scale projects like mixed-use developments and urban regeneration efforts currently underway. Additionally, the construction industry in Madrid plays a significant role in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities for the local population, which can boost Spain construction market expansion.

Building renovations are expected to contribute to Spain construction market value. This is because of increasing accidents of fire breakouts reported from buildings located in major cities. Old buildings, constructed from combustible materials and having poor fire safety equipment in place, are posing significant health and safety hazards to their occupants, thereby driving the demand for renovations.

Spain Construction Market Trends

The shift towards renewable energy sources to power houses and power plants is expected to drive construction demand in Spain. It is expected that the rising volume of waste generated in Europe can be repurposed for producing 400 tons of green hydrogen annually, thereby boosting the status of energy security in the region. Spain is expected to emerge as a key player in the establishment of large-scale hydrogen-producing power plants, thereby driving market growth.

Recent Developments

As per the construction market in Spain analysis, Plenitude announced the construction of a 330MW photovoltaic park in Badajoz, Spain. This park will consist of seven photovoltaic plants and one electric substation that are expected to generate electricity of around 660GWh per year.

Industry Outlook

As per the Spain construction industry analysis, the construction sector accounted for around 10% of the country's GDP in 2023 as per the GFCF. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan offers 10% of its budget for building renovation projects. As per the trends by analysts, the new residential constructions are expected to witness positive growth in 2024 as compared to 2021-2023. Furthermore, data published by the National Statistics Institute stated that the prices of construction materials witnessed a growth from Q1 2021 to Q2 2023. For instance, copper price went up by 56%, cement by 42% and iron and steel materials by 46%, among others.

Several big-scale construction projects are underway in Spain from Q1 2024 that can boost the growth of the Spain construction industry. One of the biggest projects that commenced in 2024 is the construction of a biofuel production plant in Palos de la Frontera. Under this project, a renewable diesel fuel plant is constructed for the aviation sector, which can contribute to sustainability measures and create around 2000 job roles for people in the country.

Additionally, the construction industry in Spain grew by 2.5% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the last quarter of 2022, as per the reports by Spain's statistics service INE. The total housing investment also witnessed a growth of 1.3% quarterly basis in the beginning of 2023 whereas other infrastructure investment rose by 1.6% in the same time period, which is expected to affect the market positively.

The total number of building permits in the country witnessed an increase of 43.4% in 2022 compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by the rise of single-family homes which have fuelled the demand for residential construction, which can increase Spain construction industry revenue. The growth was further driven by the surge in the value of licensed square metres for office buildings in 2022.

Factors Contributing to the Growth of the Market are Infrastructure Development and Urbanization

Infrastructure Development: Significant investments in infrastructure projects, such as transportation, energy, and public utilities, drive Spain construction demand growth.

Urbanization: Increasing urbanization and population growth in cities lead to higher demand for residential and commercial construction.

Tourism Industry: The thriving tourism sector boosts the construction of hotels, resorts, and related facilities.

Government Initiatives: Government policies and incentives aimed at stimulating the construction sector support market expansion.

Challenges Impacting the Growth of the Spain Construction Market Include Economic Volatility and Labor Shortages

Economic Volatility: Economic fluctuations can impact investment in construction projects and influence market stability which can negatively impact Spain construction demand forecast.

Labor Shortages: A shortage of skilled labour in the construction industry poses challenges to timely project completion.

Regulatory Compliance: Meeting stringent building codes and regulations requires substantial compliance efforts and can delay projects.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Variability in the supply of construction materials due to geopolitical and economic factors can affect project costs and timelines.

Sustainable Practices and Technological Advancements Offers New Growth Opportunities in the Market

Sustainable Construction: As per the Spain construction market dynamic and trends, growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable building practices presents opportunities for innovation and market differentiation.

Technological Advancements: Adoption of advanced construction technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and prefabrication, enhances efficiency and project outcomes.

Renovation and Restoration: Increasing demand for the renovation and restoration of historic buildings and urban regeneration projects offers significant growth potential.

Foreign Investment: Attracting foreign investment in large-scale construction projects, including commercial and residential developments, boosts market growth.

Setbacks Faced by the Market Due to Bureaucratic Delays and Environmental Concerns

Bureaucratic Delays: Lengthy approval processes and bureaucratic inefficiencies can hinder project initiation and progress and reduce Spain construction market opportunities.

Environmental Concerns: Rising environmental awareness and regulations related to construction impact project planning and execution.

Cost Overruns: Managing project budgets and avoiding cost overruns due to unforeseen challenges is critical for market sustainability.

Competition: Intense competition from domestic and international construction firms can affect market share and profitability.

Key Players in the Spain Construction Market Share and Their Strategic Initiatives:

ACS Group

Infrastructure Focus: Prioritizing large-scale infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, and energy facilities, to maintain market leadership can affect Spain construction market value.

Sustainability: Implementing sustainable construction practices and promoting green building certifications.

Ferrovial SE

Innovation Investment: Investment in high-end and digital technologies to enhance construction processes.

Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging public-private partnerships to secure large infrastructure contracts and mitigate financial risks is a crucial trend in Spain construction market.

Market Diversification: Inclusion of renewable energy and smart city solutions in product portfolio.

Sacyr S.A.

Operational Efficiency: Improving project efficiency and cost-effectiveness by streamlining operations.

Strategic Alliances: Forming strategic alliances with local and international partners to enhance project capabilities and demand of Spain construction market.

Sustainable Development: Including eco-friendly and sustainable practices in construction projects.

Acciona, S.A.

Renewable Energy: Rising focus on renewable energy projects such as wind and solar power.

Community Engagement: Achieving social responsibility through interaction with local communities and stakeholders.

Innovation Centers: Establishing innovation centers to develop and implement advanced construction technologies and solutions can aid Spain construction market expansion.

Obrascon Huarte Lain, S.A

Market Penetration: Increased regional market penetration through targeted marketing and strategic project bids.

Quality Assurance: Maintaining high-quality standards and rigorous safety protocols across all construction projects can fuel construction market growth.

Digital Transformation: Adoption of digital practices to enhance project planning, execution, and monitoring.

Spain Construction Industry Segmentations

Market Breakup by Construction Type

New Construction

Renovations

Market Breakup by End Use

Commercial

Residential

Industrial

Institutional

Market Breakup by Region

Andalusia

Catalonia

Madrid

Valencian Community

Rest of Spain

Competitive Landscape

ACS, Actividades De Construccion Y Servicios, SA

Acciona SA

Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas SA

ELECNOR, S.A.

Cobra Gestion De Infraestructuras, SLU

Ferrovial S.E.

Obrascon Huarte Lain S.A.

SACYR S.A.

Grupo Empresarial San Jose SA

Tecnicas Reunidas SA

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 103 Forecast Period 2025 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $180.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $236 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.7% Regions Covered Spain

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Magna Terra Minerals Inc. (TSXV: MTT) (the "Company" or "Magna Terra") is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced non-brokered premium flow-through private placement of gross proceeds totalling $2,000,004.08 (the "Offering").

The Offering consisted of an issuance of 14,814,845 premium flow-through common shares of the Company at a price of $0.135 per common share.

"We are very pleased with the investor response and resulting demand for this oversubscribed financing, and the continued support of our largest shareholder Michael Gentile. The funds raised will allow us to expand our planned follow up programs on both our Rocky Brook Project in New Brunswick, and our Humber Project in Newfoundland and Labrador, where we made exciting new discoveries on each project in our phase one programs earlier this summer. In the coming days, we will provide greater detail of our planned phase two exploration programs for each of these projects scheduled for this fall, as well as further results obtained from our phase one exploration activities completed this summer. We look forward to a busy next several months advancing both Rocky Brook and Humber, as well as closing our recently announced LOI with Andean Metals for the option of our Boleadora and Luna Roja Projects in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina."

Lew Lawrick, President and CEO, Magna Terra Minerals Inc.

The gross proceeds from the issuance of the premium flow-through common shares will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company's mineral exploration projects, primarily for preliminary exploration programs at the Company's Humber Project in western Newfoundland and Rocky Brook Project in northern New Brunswick.

Michael Gentile, an insider of the Company, participated in the closing by acquiring 856,667 premium flow-through common shares for gross proceeds of $115,650.05. Prior to the Offering, Mr. Gentile beneficially owned or controlled 17,615,000 common shares of the Company representing 19.2% of the outstanding common shares of the Company on a non-diluted basis. Immediately after the closing of the Offering, Mr. Gentile now holds, directly and indirectly, or exercises control over 18,471,667 common shares representing 17.4% of the outstanding common shares of the Company.

Mr. Gentile is considered a "related party" and an "insider" of the Company for the purposes of applicable securities laws and stock exchange rules. The subscription and issuance of common shares to Mr. Gentile constitutes a related party transaction, but is exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as (i) the Company's securities are not listed on any stock exchange identified in Section 5.7(b) of MI 61-101; (ii) neither the fair market value of the common shares to be distributed in the Offering nor the consideration to be received by the Company for the common shares, insofar as insider participation is concerned, exceeds $2,500,000; and (iii) the Company has received the approval of the Offering from at least two-thirds of its independent directors in respect of the Offering.

Neither the Company, nor the insider that has participated in the Offering, had knowledge of any material information concerning Magna Terra, or its securities, that had not been previously disclosed prior to their subscription in the Offering.

In connection with the Offering, the Company will pay a total of $54,985 in finder's fees and has issued 610,944 finders warrants to certain eligible finders in accordance with policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Each finders warrant is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 per common share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a regulatory four month and one day hold period. The Offering is subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Magna Terra

Magna Terra Minerals Inc. is a precious and critical metals focused exploration company, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Magna Terra is focused on acquiring and advancing its high-potential mineral projects in Atlantic Canada and Argentina while generating value for shareholders and minimizing shareholder dilution through option and joint venture partnerships where appropriate; leveraging our ability to explore, grow, and transact projects. The Company is focused on exploring our 100%-owned Humber Copper-Cobalt Project in Newfoundland and Labrador, our 100% owned Rocky Brook Gold and Critical Metals Project in the historic Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick; and our 100%-owned Cape Spencer Gold Project in New Brunswick. In addition, the Company has optioned the Great Northern Project in Newfoundland to Gold Hunter Resources Inc. for total cash and share consideration of $9.5 million over a 2-year period, and currently holds an approximate 28.9% equity interest in Gold Hunter. Further, the Company maintains a significant precious metals exploration portfolio in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina which includes the Boleadora Project and the Luna Roja Project which are subject to a recently announced LOI with Andean Metals Corp., as well as several additional district scale drill ready projects available for purchase or option/joint venture.

Forward-Looking Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements concerning the use of proceeds of the Offering, the future performance of our business, its operations and its financial performance and condition, as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, competitive risks and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264480

SOURCE: Magna Terra Minerals Inc.
STRENGTH OF AEROSPACE ACTIVITIES, KEY DRIVER OF THE GROUP'S PERFORMANCE AND PROFITABILITY

REVENUE OF 6,144K, UP 14% COMPARED TO H2 2024

CONSOLIDATED GROSS MARGIN RISING TO 41.8%

OPERATING INCOME OF 534K (9% OF REVENUE)

NET PROFIT OF 363K (6% OF REVENUE) IN A GEOPOLITICAL AND ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY CONTEXT

ROBUST BALANCE SHEET WITH A STRONG NET CASH POSITION

STRATEGIC PATH CONFIRMED WITH THE INDUSTRIALIZATION OF "ENGINE CONTROL" MODULES

SOLID OUTLOOK SUPPORTED BY A SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE INDUSTRIAL MODEL

INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 AT 9:30 AM

Financial strength and sales growth compared to H2 2024

Momentum and strategic weight of aerospace within MEMSCAP

Sharp decline in medical activities

Half-year operating income of 534K (9% of revenue)

Significant adverse currency effect impacting net income and adjusted EBITDA 1

Half-year consolidated net profit of 363K (6% of revenue)

Half-year adjusted EBITDA of 738K (12% of revenue)

Net available cash of 5,465K as of June 30, 2025

Solid outlook supported by unique positioning, high entry barriers and progress in "Engine Control" activities

On track towards profitable growth

Investor conference call: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 9:30 AM

Lien d'inscription: https://app.livestorm.co/euroland-corporate/memscap-webinaire-actionnaires-resultats-semestriels?s=3a5c5139-7421-4633-b5fd-009bc3d4b1fc

Regulatory News:

MEMSCAP (Euronext Paris: MEMS), leading provider of high-accuracy, high-stability pressure sensor solutions for the aerospace and medical markets using MEMS technology (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), today announced its earnings for the first half of 2025 ending June 30, 2025.

Analysis of consolidated revenue

In accordance with the previous quarterly press releases, consolidated revenue from continuing operations for the first half of 2025 amounted to EUR 6,144 thousand compared to EUR 7,275 thousand for the first half of 2024.

Over the first half of 2025, the distribution of consolidated revenue from continuing operations by market segment is as follows:

Market segments Revenue

(In thousands of euros) H1 2024 H1 2024 (%) H1 2025 H1 2025 (%) Aerospace 4,899 67% 4,729 77% Medical 1,664 23% 658 11% Optical communications 667 9% 717 12% Others (Royalties from licensed trademarks) 45 1% 40 1% Total revenue from continuing operations 7,275 100% 6,144 100%

(Any apparent discrepancies in totals are due to rounding.)

Consolidated revenue from continuing operations for the first half of 2025 decreased by 16% compared to the first half of 2024, but rose by 14% versus the second half of 2024.

The decline compared to the first half of 2024 is directly attributable to the Group's medical activities, which were impacted by a major customer undergoing regulatory compliance upgrades of its systems. As a result, sales in the medical segment amounted to EUR 658 thousand in the first half of 2025 (vs. EUR 1,664 thousand in the first half of 2024), representing a decline of EUR 1,006 thousand year-on-year. This segment accounted for 11% of consolidated Group revenue in the first half of 2025 (vs. 23% in the first half of 2024).

As the Group's largest market, the aerospace segment generated revenue of EUR 4,729 thousand in the first half of 2025, compared to EUR 4,899 thousand in the first half of 2024, a limited decline of 3% relative to a particularly strong the first half of 2024. This underscores the resilience of aerospace sales in a highly unstable macroeconomic and industry context. The segment represented 77% of the Group's consolidated revenue in the first half of 2025, up from 67% in the first half of 2024.

The optical communications business, which includes the design and marketing of variable optical attenuators (VOA) based on a fabless model, recorded consolidated revenue of EUR 717 thousand in the first half of 2025 (vs. EUR 667 thousand in the first half of 2024), representing 12% of total consolidated revenue (vs. 9% in the first half of 2024).

Lastly, royalties from licensed trademarks related to the dermo-cosmetics business totalled EUR 40 thousand in the first half of 2025, a similar level compared to EUR 45 thousand in the first half of 2024.

Analysis of consolidated income statement

MEMSCAP's consolidated earnings for the first half of 2025 are given within the following table:

In thousands of euros H1 2024 H1 2025 Revenue from continuing operations 7,275 6,144 Cost of revenue (4,339) (3,577) Gross margin 2 936 2,567 % of revenue 40.4% 41.8% Operating expenses (2,037) (2,033) Operating profit (loss) 899 534 Financial profit (loss) 110 (165) Income tax expense (17) (6) Net profit (loss) 992 363

(Financial data were subject to a limited review by the Group's statutory auditors. On August 29, 2025, MEMSCAP's board of directors authorized the release of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements on June 30, 2025. Any apparent discrepancies in totals are due to rounding.)

* Net of research development grants.

For the first half of 2025, the gross margin rate stood at 41.8% of consolidated revenue, compared to 40.4% in the first half of 2024. Despite a negative volume effect from the medical segment, the H1 2025 margin benefited from a favourable product mix. As a result, gross margin amounted to EUR 2,567 thousand in the first half of 2025, versus EUR 2,936 thousand in the first half of 2024.

Operating expenses, net of grants, totalled EUR 2,033 thousand in the first half of 2025, a similar level compared to the first half of 2024.

The Group's average full-time equivalent headcount decreased from 61.8 in the first half of 2024 to 56.3 in the first half of 2025.

As a result, operating profit from continuing operations amounted to EUR 534 thousand (9% of consolidated revenue), compared with EUR 899 thousand (12%) in the first half of 2024.

Financial result showed a loss of EUR 165 thousand in the first half of 2025, mainly due to fluctuations in the US dollar and Norwegian krone exchange rates, versus a gain of EUR 110 thousand in the first half of 2024.

The tax charge recognized in H1 2025 and H1 2024 relates to movements in deferred tax assets and has no impact on the Group's cash position.

Accordingly, the Group posted net profit of EUR 363 thousand in the first half of 2025, representing 6% of consolidated revenue, compared to EUR 992 thousand (14%) in the first half of 2024.

Evolution of the Group's cash Consolidated shareholders' equity

Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for the first half of 2025 amounted to EUR 738 thousand, representing 12% of consolidated revenue, compared to EUR 1,410 thousand (19%) in the first half of 2024.

As of June 30, 2025, the Group reported available net liquidity (after borrowings) of EUR 5,465 thousand (December 31, 2024: EUR 5,426 thousand), including cash and cash equivalents as well as financial investments recognized under other non-current financial assets.

At the same date, MEMSCAP's shareholders' equity increased to EUR 18,564 thousand, compared to EUR 18,270 thousand as of December 31, 2024.

1 Adjusted EBITDA means operating profit before depreciation, amortisation, share-based payment charge (IFRS 2) and including foreign exchange gains/losses related to ordinary activities.

Perspectives

For the first half of 2025, MEMSCAP reported adjusted EBITDA of EUR 738 thousand (12% of consolidated revenue) and an operating profit of EUR 534 thousand. Despite unfavourable exchange rate effects and a significant decline in sales volumes in the medical segment, the Group achieved solid operating profitability and reported a net profit for the period. While consolidated revenue for the first half of 2025 declined by 16% compared to the first half of 2024, it rose by 14% relative to the second half of 2024.

In an environment marked by economic uncertainty and cautious customer behaviour, MEMSCAP remains committed to delivering profitable growth, underpinned by its core strengths, robust technological barriers, and sustainable business model. The ongoing development of its "Engine Control" product line supports the Group's long-term growth ambitions, while efforts to further strengthen operational and financial performance remain a priority.

Shareholders and investors video conference Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 9:30 AM

Registration link: https://app.livestorm.co/euroland-corporate/memscap-webinaire-actionnaires-resultats-semestriels?s=3a5c5139-7421-4633-b5fd-009bc3d4b1fc

You may submit your questions in advance at: https://memscap.com/en/visio/

Q3 2025 earnings: October 28, 2025

About MEMSCAP

MEMSCAP is a leading provider MEMS based pressure sensors, best-in-class in term of precision and stability (very low drift) for two market segments: aerospace and medical.

MEMSCAP also provides variable optical attenuators (VOA) for the optical communications market.

For more information, visit our website at: www.memscap.com

MEMSCAP is listed on Euronext Paris (Euronext Paris Memscap ISIN code: FR0010298620 Ticker symbol: MEMS)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2025

30 June

2025 31 December

2024 000 000 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 1 024 1 087 Goodwill and intangible assets 6 533 6 531 Right-of-use assets 4 478 4 657 Other non-current financial assets 1 548 1 489 Employee benefit net asset 39 39 Deferred tax asset 74 80 13 696 13 883 Current assets Inventories 4 855 5 032 Trade and other receivables 2 555 2 746 Prepayments 255 205 Cash and short-term deposits 3 917 3 963 11 582 11 946 Total assets 25 278 25 829 Equity and liabilities Equity Issued capital 1 927 1 927 Share premium 17 972 17 972 Treasury shares (629) (599) Retained earnings 2 881 2 520 Foreign currency translation (3 587) (3 550) 18 564 18 270 Non-current liabilities Lease liabilities 4 059 4 237 Employee benefit liability 92 90 4 151 4 327 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 1 797 2 391 Lease liabilities 749 782 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 26 Provisions 17 33 2 563 3 232 Total liabilities 6 714 7 559 Total equity and liabilities 25 278 25 829

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2025

For the six months ended 30 June 2025 2024 Continuing operations 000 000 Sales of goods and services 6 144 7 275 Revenue 6 144 7 275 Cost of sales (3 577) (4 339) Gross profit 2 567 2 936 Other income 203 147 Research and development expenses (995) (903) Selling and distribution costs (466) (520) Administrative expenses (775) (761) Operating profit (loss) 534 899 Finance costs (276) (83) Finance income 111 193 Profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations before tax 369 1 009 Income tax expense (6) (17) Profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations 363 992 Profit (loss) for the period 363 992 Earnings per share: Basic, for profit (loss) for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent (in euros) 0.048 0.129 Diluted, for profit (loss) for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent (in euros) 0.048 0.129 Basic, profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent (in euros) 0.048 0.129 Diluted, profit (loss) for the period from continuing operations attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent (in euros) 0.048 0.129

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2025

For the six months ended 30 June 2025 2024 000 000 Profit (loss) for the period 363 992 Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Actuarial gains (losses) Income tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Net gain (loss) on available-for-sale financial assets (2) 42 Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (37) (111) Income tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss Total items that may be reclassified to profit or loss (39) (69) Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (39) (69) Total comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 324 923

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2025

(In thousands of euros, except for number of shares) Number Issued Share Treasury Retained Foreign Total of shares capital premium shares earnings currency

translation shareholders'

equity 000 000 000 000 000 000 At 1 January 2024 7 476 902 1 869 17 972 (134) 1 095 (3 126) 17 676 Profit for the period 992 992 Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 42 (111) (69) Total comprehensive income 1 034 (111) 923 Capital increase 230 000 58 (58) Treasury shares 10 10 Share-based payment 22 22 At 30 June 2024 7 706 902 1 927 17 972 (124) 2 093 (3 237) 18 631 At 1 January 2025 7 706 902 1 927 17 972 (599) 2 520 (3 550) 18 270 Profit for the period 363 363 Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax (2) (37) (39) Total comprehensive income 361 (37) 324 Treasury shares (30) (30) At 30 June 2025 7 706 902 1 927 17 972 (629) 2 881 (3 587) 18 564

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Interim condensed consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2025

For the six months ended 30 June 2025 2024 000 000 Operating activities: Net profit (loss) for the period 363 992 Non-cash items written back: Amortization and depreciation 396 401 Loss (capital gain) on disposal of fixed assets (3) 8 Other non-financial activities 8 34 Accounts receivable 260 (439) Inventories 163 (991) Other debtors (76) (251) Accounts payable (625) 480 Other liabilities (37) (1) Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities 449 233 Investing activities: Purchase of fixed assets (70) (144) Proceeds from sale (purchase) of other non-current financial assets (58) (31) Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities (128) (175) Financing activities: Repayment of borrowings (26) (51) Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities (308) (317) Sale (purchase) of treasury shares (31) 10 Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities (365) (358) Net foreign exchange difference (2) 3 Increase (decrease) in net cash and cash equivalents (46) (297) Opening cash and cash equivalents balance 3 963 4 801 Closing cash and cash equivalents balance 3 917 4 504

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250829145086/en/

Contacts:

Yann Cousinet

Chief Financial Officer

Ph.: +33 (0) 4 76 92 85 00

yann.cousinet@memscap.com
APOZ Project was introduced to officials of Saudi Arabia

BRADENTON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / ASC Global Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Token Communities ( OTC ID / Stock Symbol:TKCM ) presented its APOZ ( Asia Pacific Opportunity Zone ) project at a high level round table summit with government officials from Saudi Arabia on August 27th.

According to Dr. Eric Fang, Co-Founder of the APOZ project, CEO of Skytower Group and Founder & Chairman of the SinoAccess Group, it was a very constructive event, and it was posted on the Skytower's LinkedIn yesterday as the following -

North Carolina, August 27, 2025 - Skytower CEO Mr. Eric Fang participated in a high-level roundtable with His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, during the Minister's official visit to the United States. The event, co-hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, brought together senior executives from leading U.S. and international companies. Minister AlKhorayef presented Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Strategy, emphasizing progress in localization, the rapid growth of the mining sector, and priority industries including aviation, chemicals, and food processing. Discussions focused on investment, technology transfer, and opportunities for deeper industrial collaboration. Following the roundtable, Mr. Fang held a private meeting with His Excellency, where he shared Skytower's expertise in cross-border investment and global resource integration. They discussed future cooperation opportunities, including exploring the first U.S.-Saudi joint industrial park project in Houston under the APOZ initiative led by ASC Global and Skytower, in collaboration with the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC) and the Yanbu Royal Commission (RCJY). "Skytower will actively support Vision 2030 and contribute to Saudi Arabia's transformation into a global industrial, logistics and mining hub," said Mr. Fang. "Looking ahead, Skytower will continue to promote trilateral cooperation between China, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia, focusing on industrial investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development."

For any further information, please contact Mr. David Champ at (631) 397-1111.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this presentation contains "forward-looking information", including "future-oriented financial information" and "financial outlook", under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as forward-looking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, the information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements and includes, but is not limited to, the (i) projected financial performance of the Company; (ii) completion of, and the use of proceeds from, the sale of the shares being offered hereunder; (iii) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (iv) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; (v) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects; (vi) completion of the Company's projects that are currently underway, in development or otherwise under consideration; (vi) renewal of the Company's current customer, supplier and other material agreements; and (vii) future liquidity, working capital, and capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, 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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Token Communities Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/apoz-is-now-making-another-significant-global-milestone-1067098
Jacksonville, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - In a landmark launch poised to elevate the standard of technology consulting, DAMA AGENCY enters the scene as the new curator of digital transformation for distinguished enterprises. Founded by global technologist Venkatesh Naga Damarouthu, the agency crafts extraordinary Salesforce, MarTech, and AI solutions with a precision reserved for the world's finest luxury brands.

DAMA AGENCY logo in blue showcasing the brand name and tagline 'Design. Automate. Measure. Achieve.' symbolizing the company's commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and delivering meticulously crafted marketing automation solutions.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/264322_5780ece8a476a93d_002full.jpg

Freshly granted Salesforce Partner status on August 22, DAMA AGENCY brings a "craftsmanship-first" ethos to the marketplace, fusing meticulous attention to detail with tech innovation. The firm tailors each engagement to the ambitions and budgets of its clients, ensuring their technology investments become symbols of enduring value.

"Every strategy begins with a careful conversation-immersing ourselves in a client's vision, their business landscape, and their dreams for growth," reflects CEO Venkatesh. "Our approach transforms technology consulting from a transactional service into an artisan partnership, where each solution is just as unique as the client it's built for."

The DREAM AUTOMATE MEASURE ACHIEVE Philosophy

DAMA's proprietary DREAM AUTOMATE MEASURE ACHIEVE methodology serves as the gold standard for scalable ecosystem design.

In the Dream phase, experts assess and harmonize complex Salesforce, MarTech, and AI platforms, creating elegant foundations for future innovation.

phase, experts assess and harmonize complex Salesforce, MarTech, and AI platforms, creating elegant foundations for future innovation. Automate then ushers in sophisticated workflows and AI-powered journeys, designed not simply to increase efficiency but to spark delight within the customer experience.

then ushers in sophisticated workflows and AI-powered journeys, designed not simply to increase efficiency but to spark delight within the customer experience. The Measure element leverages real-time dashboards and cutting-edge analytics, delivering crystal-clear insight into ROI, engagement, and system vitality.

element leverages real-time dashboards and cutting-edge analytics, delivering crystal-clear insight into ROI, engagement, and system vitality. The capstone, Achieve, ensures every engagement culminates in measurable growth and a robust roadmap for the next horizon.

Where Global Vision Meets Local Genius

From festival-driven loyalty campaigns in India to tailored consumer journeys in Australia and cutting-edge, solution-based technology deployments, Venkatesh brings over a decade of world-class expertise to DAMA's practice. This rare blend of international sophistication and Jacksonville roots positions DAMA AGENCY as the consulting choice for organizations ready to lead in the age of intelligent automation.

AI Transformation-Enhancing Human Creativity

At DAMA AGENCY, artificial intelligence is celebrated as an amplifier, not a replacement, for human ingenuity. "AI drafts, designs, and dares-the real genius is how our team transforms these tools into signature moments for each brand we serve," Venkatesh notes.

Services Crafted for Market Leaders

Clients enjoy a portfolio that covers SFMC implementation, customer data platforms, custom software, and Talent as a Service (TaaS), accessing DAMA's elite team of certified, deeply strategic experts. Each engagement is defined by discretion, excellence, and the ambition to drive organic growth-making DAMA AGENCY the consultancy of choice for those who demand only the best.

Red Carpet Access

DAMA AGENCY welcomes new partnerships from companies seeking luxury-class digital transformation. As a certified Salesforce partner, DAMA is listed on Salesforce AppExchange for easy verification and engagement. Clients are invited to book private consultations for bespoke technology planning and transparent, value-focused proposals.

For further information or to reserve a confidential strategy session, visit DAMA AGENCY's headquarters or schedule directly via their online portal. Experience the difference of craftsmanship in every detail-where technology meets artistry, and visions become reality.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264322

SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler business development platform, today announced that the filing of its year-end 2024 audited consolidated financial statements (the "Financial Statements"), along with the Company's financial statements for the first and second quarters of 2025, has been pushed to September 22, 2025. There is a possibility that the Financial Statement may be filed prior to that date, but the Company needed to be certain that the filings would be completed to be able to firmly set a date for its annual general meeting ("AGM") of shareholders.

A period of at least 60 days is typically required between the time that year-end audited financial statements are filed and the date on which an AGM is held. This allows a sufficient amount of time for the printing and distribution of the financial statements and other AGM related materials to shareholders. With the assurance that the Financial Statements would be filed by September 22, 2025, the Company was able to set November 23, 2025, as the date for its AGM to take place. The "Notice of meeting and record date" related to the AGM, filed earlier today, can be found under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.:

Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by Cubeler, a business development platform where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/.

Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media:

X: @Tenet_Fintech

Facebook: @Tenet

LinkedIn: Tenet

YouTube: Tenet Fintech

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, holding company with significant operations in China; general economic and business conditions, including factors impacting the Company's business in China such as pandemics and COVID-19; legislative and/or regulatory developments; Global Financial conditions, repatriation of profits or transfer of funds from China to Canada, operations in foreign jurisdictions and possible exposure to corruption, bribery or civil unrest; actions by regulators; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; timing and completion of capital programs; liquidity and capital resources, negative operating cash flow and additional funding, dilution from further financing; financial performance and timing of capital; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by Tenet with securities regulators in Canada. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, Annual Information Form, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264535

SOURCE: Tenet Fintech Group Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - East Africa Metals Inc. (TSXV: EAM) (FSE: EA1) (OTC Pink: EFRMF) ("East Africa" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the status of its Handeni Properties in Tanzania, including the Magambazi gold deposit.

Government Engagement and Third-Party Developer

Since the suspension of operations at the Magambazi project in December 2022 due to non-compliance by the prior operator PMM Mining Company Limited ("PMM"), East Africa has maintained continuous engagement with the Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals to secure a sustainable path forward for the development of the Magambazi Project.

Following a government-led mediation process initiated in August 2024, East Africa and PMM were directed by the Minister of Minerals to identify a qualified third-party developer to advance the project. In consultation with the Ministry, East Africa has signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Ubora Minerals Company Limited ("Ubora"), a Tanzanian company and subsidiary of Anchises Capital Precious Metal Fund LLC, one of the major shareholders of East Africa.

The MOU provides for the acquisition of the Magambazi Project by Ubora, for a cash payment of US$1.0 million to East Africa and a 4% Net Smelter Returns royalty payable to East Africa. Ubora has committed to commence project development within 48 months of securing the necessary approvals, with a targeted production rate of 40,000 ounces of gold per annum.

Formal Mining Plan Development

As part of the government-supervised process, Ubora, with the support of East Africa and in consultation with the Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals, is preparing a formal mining plan. This plan is a prerequisite for the renewal of the Magambazi and Handeni mining licenses and is designed to establish a clear framework for advancing to the next phase of mine development.

The mining plan will address:

Technical and operational parameters for open-pit development at Magambazi;

Environmental and community considerations;

Compliance with Tanzanian mining legislation and regulatory standards; and,

Timelines and investment thresholds required to initiate commercial mining.

Once accepted by the Tanzanian Mining Commission, the plan will enable the renewal of the suspended mining licenses and the initiation of a mine development program designed to unlock the value of the Handeni Properties for the benefit of Tanzania, local stakeholders and East Africa shareholders.

About the Magambazi Property

The Handeni Gold Project, located 173 kilometres northwest of Dar es Salaam and 35 kilometres south of the town of Handeni, consists of two mining licenses covering 9.9 km (the "Magambazi" deposit) and contiguous prospecting licenses totalling 83.5 km, collectively referred to as the Handeni Gold Mine. Historical exploration and development have defined the Magambazi deposit containing over 1.0 million ounces of gold.

About East Africa Metals Inc.

The Company's principal assets include a 30% Net Profits Interest in the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk mines (collectively "Adyabo Property") and a 70% project interest in the Harvest polymetallic VMS Exploration Project in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. In addition, the Company has a 30% Net Streaming Interest in the Magambazi Mine in the Tanga Region of Tanzania.

EAM has invested US$66.8M in African exploration since 2005 and has identified a total of 2.8 million ounces of gold and gold-equivalent resources representing an average discovery cost per ounce of US$24.

More information on the Company can be viewed at the Company's website: www.eastafricametals.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified using forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should", "indicate" or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by East Africa as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of East Africa to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: timing of receipt of mining permit; timing of mining development; projected heap leach recoveries; early exploration; the closing of the agreement with the exploration and development company to advance the Magambazi Project or identify any other corporate opportunities for the Company; mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of East Africa's projections and estimates, including the initial mineral resource for the Adyabo, Harvest and Magambazi Properties; interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; foreign taxation risks; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; the speculative nature of strategic metal exploration and development including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves; contests over title to properties; and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, as well as those risk factors set out in in East Africa's management's discussion and analysis for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2024 and for the year ended March 31, 2024, and East Africa's listing application dated July 8, 2013. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The contained gold, copper and silver figures shown are in situ. No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the timely closing of the financing; the timely execution of the Handeni Property Definitive Agreement and closing thereunder; the price of gold, silver, copper and zinc; the demand for gold, silver, copper and zinc; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the renewal or extension of exploration Licenses; the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although East Africa 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 information. The Company does not update or revise forward looking information even if new information becomes available unless legislation requires the Company do so. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264479

SOURCE: East Africa Metals, Inc.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / SNOWLINE GOLD CORP. (TSXV:SGD)(US OTCQB:SNWGF) (the "Company") is pleased to report that it has filed and been receipted for a (final) short form prospectus (the "Prospectus") in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick. The Prospectus was filed in connection with the Company's previously announced "bought deal" public offering of common shares as described in the Company's news release dated August 14, 2025 (the "Offering").

Delivery of the Prospectus and any amendment thereto will be satisfied in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable securities legislation. The Prospectus is accessible under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus and any amendment may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord") by email at ecm@cgf.com by providing Canaccord with an email address or address, as applicable.

In conjunction with the filing of the Prospectus, the Company is filing an amended technical report supporting the Preliminary Economic Assessment for its Valley gold deposit ("Valley") on its 100%-owned Rogue Project in Canada's Yukon Territory (the "Technical Report"). The Company notes that the economic analysis within the Technical Report is preliminary in nature and cannot demonstrate economic viability, and the related disclosure has been updated in certain sections of the Technical Report. No changes have been made to the assumptions or economic outputs in the Technical Report. The Company is currently advancing towards a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS"), which will outline the technical and economic viability of the Rogue Project, including an estimate of mineral reserves.

ABOUT SNOWLINE GOLD CORP.

Snowline is a Yukon Territory focused gold exploration and development company with mineral claim portfolio covering roughly 360,000 ha (3,600 km2). The Company is advancing its Valley gold deposit-a large, low-strip, near surface, >1 g/t Au bulk tonnage gold system located in the eastern Yukon-while continuing regional exploration of surrounding targets on the Rogue project and the broader district in the highly prospective yet underexplored Selwyn Basin.

Snowline's project portfolio sits within the prolific Tintina Gold Province, host to multiple million-ounce-plus gold mines and deposits across the central Yukon and Alaska. The Company's comprehensive first-mover position and extensive exploration database provide a distinct competitive advantage and a unique opportunity for investors to be part of multiple discoveries, the advancement of a significant gold deposit, and the creation of a new gold district.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Scott Berdahl

CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Snowline Gold Corp.

+1 778 650 5485

info@snowlinegold.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to the Company advancing towards a PFS which will outline the technical and economic viability of the Rogue Project, including an estimate of mineral reserves, and the creation of a new mineral district. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things: risks related to uncertainties inherent in drill results and the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's plans and intentions. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Snowline Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/snowline-gold-announces-filing-of-short-form-prospectus-1067007
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Intrepid Metals Corp. (TSXV: INTR) (OTCQB: IMTCF) ("Intrepid" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into an agreement (the "CC Amendment") to amend the Share Purchase Option Agreement dated February 14, 2023, as amended March 17, 2025, with Cave Creek Copper Inc ("Cave Creek") and the shareholders of Cave Creek (the "Cave Creek Shareholders") to acquire a 100% of the shares of Cave Creek which holds a portion of the Corral Copper Project ("Corral Copper") located in Cochise County, Arizona. The CC Amendment provides for an extension to make certain cash payments to November 30, 2025. Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), in return for the extension the cash payment amount shall be increased by $20,737.50 to $435,487.50, 38,725 common shares ("Common Shares") shall be issued and 220,000 warrants shall be issued in each case to Cave Creek Shareholders. Each warrant shall be exercisable for a Common Share for a period of one year at an exercise price of $0.42 per Common Share.

The Company also announces that it has entered into an agreement (the "Mesa Amendment") to amend the Option to Purchase Agreement dated August 24, 2022, as amended August 16, 2024 (the "Option Agreement") with Bronco Creek Exploration, Inc to acquire a 100% interest in the Mesa Well Copper Property ("Mesa Well") located in south-central Arizona's copper porphyry belt. The Mesa Amendment restructures the work commitment such that the full US$2 million work commitment must be completed by the fifth anniversary in August 2027. This removes the requirement for yearly expenditure minimums. Subject to the approval of the TSXV, in return for the amendment, the Company shall make an additional cash payment of US$25,000 and issue 50,000 Common Shares upon TSXV approval. In addition, on the fourth anniversary in August 2026, the Company shall make an additional US$25,000 cash payment and issue an additional 50,000 Common Shares.

The CC Amendment and Mesa Amendment are subject to the approval of the TSXV.

About Intrepid Metals Corp.

Intrepid Metals Corp. is a Canadian company focused on exploring for high-grade essential metals such as copper, silver, and zinc mineral projects in proximity to established mining jurisdictions in southeastern Arizona, USA. The Company has acquired or has agreements to acquire several drill ready projects, including the Corral Copper Project (a district scale advanced exploration and development opportunity with significant shallow historical drill results), the Tombstone South Project (within the historical Tombstone mining district with geological similarities to the Taylor Deposit, which was purchased for $1.3B in 20181, though mineralization at the Taylor Deposit is not necessarily indicative of the mineral potential at the Tombstone South Project) both of which are located in Cochise County, Arizona and the Mesa Well Project (located in the Laramide Copper Porphyry Belt in Arizona). Intrepid has assembled an exceptional team with considerable experience with exploration, developing, and permitting new projects within North America. Intrepid is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) under the symbol "INTR" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "IMTCF". For more information, visit www.intrepidmetals.com.

INTREPID METALS CORP.

On behalf of the Company

"Ken Engquist"

CEO

Notes

1 Details regarding the sale of the Taylor Deposit can be found in South32 News Release dated October 8, 2018 (South32 completes acquisition of Arizona Mining).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements relate to: the potential of the property; the interpretation of drills results; potential of Corral as an emerging copper asset in a highly prospective district; the potential to host copper-gold porphyry copper mineralization; the details of the amending agreements, the receipt of TSXV approval for the amending agreements, the exploration potential of the Corral Copper Property and the Company's other mineral projects; and potential future production.

In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the Company can raise additional financing to continue operations; the results of exploration activities, commodity prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the availability of labour and materials, receipt of and compliance with necessary regulatory approvals and permits, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.

Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to the failure to access financing, risks relating to changes in commodity prices, risk related to unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics risks related to current global financial conditions, risks related to current global financial conditions and the impact of any future global pandemic on the Company's business, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of exploration and development activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes and cave-ins, regulatory risks including the risk that permits may not be obtained in a timely fashion or at all, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interests, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264484

SOURCE: Intrepid Metals Corp.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Record Resources (TSXV: REC) reports that it has rescinded the balance of the company's LIFE Offering (see August 19, 2025 news release).

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", an or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would" , "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: approval of the Private Placement and obtaining a full revocation order. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of the Private Placement; the ability of the Company to obtain a full revocation order and the receipt of all required approvals in connection with the foregoing. Forward looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market price for securities; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. 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. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. 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 the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

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.

The Units and the securities comprising the Units have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in the Unites States, or any other jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264514

SOURCE: Record Resources Inc.
Highlights:

FQ3 Revenue of $2.33M and FQ3 Gross Margin of $1.58M (or 67.8%)

Guidance for Q4 FY2025, ending September 30, 2025: the Company expects Revenue of $2.1M to $2.4M, and Gross Margin of $1.3M to $1.6M

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV: TTGI) (FSE: E48) ("TTGI" or "the Company"), a global leader in Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS), is pleased to announce its financial results for Fiscal Q3 2025. All financial information is provided in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.

The Consolidated Financial Statements and Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the third quarter ended June 30, 2025, are available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Doug Childress, Global CEO, stated: "The FQ3 2025 results showed robust year-over-year revenue growth but wider losses due to elevated expenses, some seasonal patterns, and deal delays. Management expects a rebound in FQ4 as deferred deals close and organic expansion continues, with a targeted focus on gross margin stability, increased organic partner growth, and strategic growth through acquisitions."

TTGI's leadership remains confident that the FQ3 results reflect transient costs and timing factors, with a solid pipeline and foundation for revenue growth and margin improvement in FQ4 and beyond.

Positive Outlook for FQ4 and Beyond

Despite some seasonal headwinds, TTGI presents a strong case for FQ4 recovery and accelerated growth in the first half of the next fiscal year:

Seasonal Revenue Trends: The company observed seasonal slowdowns in July and August, consistent with regional industry patterns, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which now represents 45% of the group's total revenues following the Claratti integration. This seasonal softness impacted topline growth but aligns with broader data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The company observed seasonal slowdowns in July and August, consistent with regional industry patterns, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which now represents 45% of the group's total revenues following the Claratti integration. This seasonal softness impacted topline growth but aligns with broader data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Deferred Revenue and Pipeline: Deferred revenue increased significantly QoQ, setting the stage for higher recognized sales in subsequent quarters. Management forecasts FQ4 revenue to be between $2.1M and $2.4M, indicating continued growth YoY.

Deferred revenue increased significantly QoQ, setting the stage for higher recognized sales in subsequent quarters. Management forecasts FQ4 revenue to be between $2.1M and $2.4M, indicating continued growth YoY. Gross Margin Stability: Gross margin climbed to a solid 67.8% in FQ3, up from 62.2% YoY. Management expects margins to remain robust and even strengthen through cross-selling and organic platform growth.

Gross margin climbed to a solid 67.8% in FQ3, up from 62.2% YoY. Management expects margins to remain robust and even strengthen through cross-selling and organic platform growth. Operational Expenses: While R&D and Sales & Marketing expenses will increase slightly due to growth initiatives, these increases should be more than offset by the decline in G&A expenses QoQ as cost efficiencies are realized.

While R&D and Sales & Marketing expenses will increase slightly due to growth initiatives, these increases should be more than offset by the decline in G&A expenses QoQ as cost efficiencies are realized. Strategic Growth Initiatives: New partnerships in AI, post quantum cryptography (PQC), hardware deployments, and the launch of fresh products (such as Insight ) are expected to drive incremental channel momentum and expand global customer reach. Recent wins, including new and renewed contracts, further validate the demand for TTGI's value proposition.

New partnerships in AI, post quantum cryptography (PQC), hardware deployments, and the launch of fresh products (such as ) are expected to drive incremental channel momentum and expand global customer reach. Recent wins, including new and renewed contracts, further validate the demand for TTGI's value proposition. Post-Claratti Integration: With Claratti now a major revenue contributor and global expansion well underway, management is optimistic about mitigating seasonal growth trends in December-January and July-August for future quarters.

With Claratti now a major revenue contributor and global expansion well underway, management is optimistic about mitigating seasonal growth trends in December-January and July-August for future quarters. Strategic M&A Pursuit: Growth Engine - Acquisitions remain a vital lever for TTGI's long-term goal of reaching $100 million in revenue and $20 million in EBITDA by 2027, with management sharpening its focus on strategic deals that complement the Technology-as-a-Service platform and expand its global customer reach.

Growth Engine - Acquisitions remain a vital lever for TTGI's long-term goal of reaching $100 million in revenue and $20 million in EBITDA by 2027, with management sharpening its focus on strategic deals that complement the Technology-as-a-Service platform and expand its global customer reach. Active M&A Pipeline: The company is currently in conversations with three acquisition targets, and leadership expects successful deals will accelerate revenue growth and enhance platform synergies, potentially exceeding set targets before the three-year mark.

The company is currently in conversations with three acquisition targets, and leadership expects successful deals will accelerate revenue growth and enhance platform synergies, potentially exceeding set targets before the three-year mark. Strengthening Operations: By pursuing accretive M&A, TTGI aims to deepen its technical capabilities, diversify its product offerings, and drive operational efficiency, building on the demonstrable success of the Claratti acquisition.

By pursuing accretive M&A, TTGI aims to deepen its technical capabilities, diversify its product offerings, and drive operational efficiency, building on the demonstrable success of the Claratti acquisition. Shareholder Value: Management is committed to evaluating and executing acquisitions that optimize return on capital, supporting both top-line and margin improvement over the coming quarters.

Management is committed to evaluating and executing acquisitions that optimize return on capital, supporting both top-line and margin improvement over the coming quarters. Market Momentum: The integration of acquired businesses and expansion into new verticals and geographies will position TTGI to capture emerging opportunities, leveraging its Technology-as-a-Service platform across a wider partner base and deeper into the SME segment.

Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Highlights:

Revenue increased to $2.33M, up 6.0% compared to $2.19M QoQ and up 72.5% compared to $1.35M YoY;

increased to $2.33M, up 6.0% compared to $2.19M QoQ and up 72.5% compared to $1.35M YoY; Deferred Revenue increased by $214K QoQ to $292K;

increased by $214K QoQ to $292K; Gross Margin increased to $1.58M (or 67.8%), compared to $1.28M (or 58.4%) QoQ and $0.84M (or 62.2%) YoY;

increased to $1.58M (or 67.8%), compared to $1.28M (or 58.4%) QoQ and $0.84M (or 62.2%) YoY; Total Expenses increased to $2.75M, compared to $1.37M (including a $1.1M one-time credit) QoQ and $1.36M (pre-Claratti acquisition) YoY;

increased to $2.75M, compared to $1.37M (including a $1.1M one-time credit) QoQ and $1.36M (pre-Claratti acquisition) YoY; Net Loss increased to ($1.48M), compared to ($0.49M) QoQ and ($0.37M) YoY;

increased to ($1.48M), compared to ($0.49M) QoQ and ($0.37M) YoY; Adjusted EBITDA (1) increased to ($1.53M), compared to $0.01M QoQ and ($0.20M) YoY;

increased to ($1.53M), compared to $0.01M QoQ and ($0.20M) YoY; Number of Common Shares Outstanding (basic) at the end of the third quarter 2025 were 165,122,873. Current shares outstanding, as of August 29, 2025 are 184,757,145.

FQ3 Adjusted EBITDA Explanation

Several factors contributed to TTGI's FQ3 Adjusted EBITDA reversal:

Increased Expenses : Expenses for FQ3 rose to $2.75M driven by integration costs post-Claratti acquisition (including one-time severances), higher global expansion costs to set up the global cross-selling platform, and planned market share investments. There was also no repeat of the one-time credit seen in FQ2 (~$1.1M), which magnified the sequential expense increase.

: Expenses for FQ3 rose to $2.75M driven by integration costs post-Claratti acquisition (including one-time severances), higher global expansion costs to set up the global cross-selling platform, and planned market share investments. There was also no repeat of the one-time credit seen in FQ2 (~$1.1M), which magnified the sequential expense increase. Deal Delays: Some large deals were postponed due to external factors, including the macro uncertainty around tariffs. These deferred transactions contributed to a temporary dip in momentum; however, management expects them to be closed in subsequent quarters.

Fiscal Quarter Financial Highlights:

The Company's key financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025, are as follows:

Canadian Dollars Q3 F2025 -

For the three

months ended

June 30, 2025

Q2 F2025 -

For the three

months ended

March 31, 2025

Q1 F2025 -

For the three

months ended

December 31, 2024

Q4 F2024 -

For the three

months ended

September 30, 2024

Total revenue 2,337,977

2,189,664

1,973,697

1,545,810

Gross margin 1,577,142

1,279,799

1,344,216

925,672

Total Expenses 2,749,493

1,365,536

2,824,061

2,000,367











Net comprehensive income (loss) (1,478,288)

(493,884)

(1,711,712)

(1,662,421)



Weighted average number of

common shares outstanding 165,122,873

164,962,446

164,962,446

136,923,348

Basic and diluted loss per

common share (0.01)

(0.00)

(0.01)

(0.01)



Special Notes:

It is anticipated that revenues and expenses may vary, perhaps materially, from quarter to quarter due to several factors, including changes in product mix, costs related to planned increase in market share, global expansion costs and ongoing corporate development initiatives. Although revenues may fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and such fluctuations may be material, management expects that revenues will increase year over year.

Revenue for the current quarter increased by 72% over the same quarter last year, while cost of goods sold increased by 50%. The Company reported a combined profit margin of 67% for the quarter, compared to 63% for the same quarter last year. The Company expects its combined profit margin will remain relatively constant in the near-term, and improve with organic growth through cross-selling into our respective customer bases.

Post the acquisition of Claratti in August of 2024, which now contributes 45.2% of the Company's revenues out of the Asia Pacific region, and now into Quarter 4, we are starting to see clear signs of seasonal revenue growth trends, in particular in December and January and July and August. The softer sales trends in both periods mentioned above are in line with data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1, which also supports slower trends.

Promissory Notes Update:

On August 1, 2025, the Company extended promissory notes totaling $1,073,000 through the issuance of new Loan Agreements (the "Loans") with a Maturity Date of December 31, 2027. The Loans shall bear interest at a rate of 1.33% per month from the date of issue, to be paid quarterly in arrears commencing after the December 31, 2025 quarter. As the Borrower, TTGI shall repay the loan in full to the Lenders on the Maturity Date, together with any accrued but unpaid interest. The Borrower may prepay the Loan in full at any time prior to the Maturity Date, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, plus an additional three (3) months of interest. As further consideration for providing the Loan, the Borrower agrees, subject to receiving Regulatory Approval, to pay to the Lender a bonus which shall be payable by the issuance to the Lender of nontransferable common share purchase warrants of the Borrower (the "Bonus Warrants") exercisable to purchase common shares of the Borrower equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Loan divided by $0.10 per share (the "Warrant Shares") at an exercise price of $0.10 per Warrant Share, rounded up to the nearest whole share, for a period of up to 36 months from the issue Date (the "Expiry Date"), subject to certain accelerated exercise provisions.

Jim Lovie, a director of the Company, is a Lender under the Loans, advancing $218,000 of the total principal. In connection with the Loans, and subject to exchange acceptance, the Company will issue to Mr. Lovie 2,180,000 non-transferable bonus warrants exercisable at $0.10 for 36 months. Mr. Lovie's participation constitutes a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority approval requirements pursuant to MI 61-101, sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, on the basis that the fair market value of the consideration does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Loans, including the related party participation, were approved by the directors, with Mr. Lovie abstaining from voting.

Issuance of RSU's to Key Management:

On August 20, 2025, the Company granted an aggregate of 7,000,000 restricted share units ("RSUs") to certain key management personnel pursuant to its RSU Plan. The RSUs vest over one- and three-year periods in accordance with the terms of the RSU Plan, which has been approved by shareholders.

Subsequent Highlights to the Fiscal Third Quarter:

August 14, 2025 - TTGI Deploys 750+ Instances of Turnium Insight Worldwide. Turnium announces the immediate, full availability of Turnium Insight for all Turnium partners worldwide. Turnium Insight is a powerful network visibility and management platform, fully integrated into the Turnium suite of solutions, delivering unmatched control, intelligence, and operational efficiency to service providers and their customers. (LINK)

July 21, 2025 - Turnium's Claratti Secures Its Fourth Order from Seafarer Connect. Turnium announces that its Claratti subsidiary has secured a fourth order from Seafarer Connect valued at C$185,487 Total Contract Value (TCV) over 24 months for 19 additional CrewMate Lite devices. (LINK)

July 2, 2025 - Comms365 Renews C$1.16M 3-Year Partnership with Turnium Technology Group for Advanced SD-WAN Solutions. In addition to the partnership renewal, Comms365 to launch Turnium's Insight software, an innovative cloud-based analytics and intelligence solution, into the UK market. (LINK)

Highlights During the Fiscal Third Quarter:

June 26, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group Inc. Announces Second Tranche Closing of Concurrent Non-Brokered Unit and Convertible Debenture Private Placements. (LINK)

June 24, 2025 - SDWAN & SASE Solutions UK Expands Partnership Commitment and Launches Turnium's Groundbreaking Insight Software. SDWS UK launches Turnium's Insight software, an innovative cloud-based analytics and intelligence solution designed to augment traditional SD-WAN capabilities, offering customers advanced network visibility, control and security. (LINK)

June 23, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group and Syntheia AI Forge Global Strategic Alliance to Accelerate AI Innovation and Market Reach. This partnership will see Syntheia AI join TTGI's global supplier resource pool, bringing advanced AI expertise to strengthen TTGI's internal technical, marketing, and partner delivery capabilities across its worldwide network of over 70 channel partners. (LINK)

June 13, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group Announces Upsized Convertible Debenture Offering. (LINK)

May 28, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group Inc. Announces First Tranche Closing of Concurrent Non-Brokered Unit and Convertible Debenture Private Placements. (LINK)

May 21, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group Reports 60.1% YoY Revenue Growth for Fiscal Q2 2025. (LINK)

May 15, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group Secures Two Additional Renewable Network Projects Exceeding C$504K with Global Power Generation Australia. GPG Australia becomes one of Claratti's Top 10 Global Customers. (LINK)

May 7, 2025 - Turnium Technology Group Secures Contract with Seafarer Connect for New CrewMate Lite Services. This agreement expands on the established partnership between Turnium's subsidiary, Claratti, and Seafarer Connect, further enhancing connectivity solutions for international seafarers. (LINK)

(1) Non-IFRS Financial Measures - Adjusted EBITDA

This MD&A references adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-IFRS financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measure under IFRS, has no standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to adjusted EBITDA presented by other companies. Rather, it is provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of the Company's results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of our financial information reported under IFRS.

We use non-IFRS financial measures to provide investors with supplemental measures of our operating performance and thus highlight trends in our core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS financial measures. We believe that securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties frequently use non-IFRS financial measures in the evaluation of issuers. There are certain limitations related to the use of non-IFRS financial measures versus their nearest IFRS equivalents. Investors are encouraged to review our financial statements and disclosures in their entirety and are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any non-IFRS financial measure and view it in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures. In evaluating non-IFRS financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we will continue to incur expenses similar to those adjusted in non-IFRS financial measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure that we calculate as net income (loss) before tax excluding depreciation and amortization expense, share based expense, gain/loss on change on fair value of derivatives, loss on debt settlement, government grants, foreign exchange gain/loss, interest and accretion and SRED refund. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management to understand and evaluate the performance and trends of the Company's operations. The following table shows a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) before tax, the most comparable IFRS financial measure, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024:



Nine months

ended

June 30, 2025

Nine months

ended

June 30, 2024

Three months

ended

June 30, 2025

Three months

ended

June 30, 2024



$

$

$

$

Loss before tax (3,794,444)

(1,407,076)

(1,470,043)

(378,989)











Amortization 392,690

42,865

125,752

14,288

Amortization of right-of-use assets 118,240

119,957

39,397

38,133

Share-based compensation 36,520

622,744

3,681

145,881

Gain/Loss on change in FV of derivative (71,661)

(5,676)

(110,914)

(8)

Loss on debt settlement -

(128,371)

-

(155,376)

Government Grant -

(32,056)

-

-

Foreign exchange gain (loss) (69,283)

(57,028)

(16,431)

(23,162)

Interest and accretion expense 1,197,455

135,217

425,037

43,810

M&A and financing related one-time transaction costs 658,462

223,410

319,497

114,454

Adjusted EBITDA (1,532,021)

(486,014)

(684,024)

(200,969)













About Turnium Technology Group Inc.: "Connectivity Matters"

Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TTGI) acquires companies that complement its Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) strategy, integrates them to generate efficiencies, and delivers their solutions through a global channel partner program to customers worldwide. TTGI's mission is to provide IT providers with a complete, white-labelled portfolio of business technology solutions, enabling them to quickly add new services in response to customer demand.

In essence, Turnium is building a TaaS platform that incorporates all the services, platforms, and capabilities that ISPs, MSPs, IT Providers, VoIP/UCaaS, CCaaS, or Cloud Providers might need. Additionally, Turnium provides deployment resources, hardware, delivery, support, and marketing and sales enablement to help channel partners go to market quickly and deliver exceptional quality.

Turnium delivers secure, cost-effective, uninterrupted, and scalable global IT solutions to its channel partners and their end-customers-because "Connectivity Matters."

For more information, contact sales@ttgi.io, visit www.ttgi.io or follow us on Twitter @turnium.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Some of these risks are described under the "Caution on Forward-Looking Information" section and "Risk Factors" section of the MD&A. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264528

SOURCE: Turnium Technology Group Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Adelayde Exploration Inc. (CSE: ADDY) (OTCID: SPMTD) (WKN: A41AGV) (the "Company" or "Adelayde") wishes to announce that it has entered into a loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with an arm's length lender to borrow $100,000 (the "Loan"). The Loan is unsecured and bears interest of 10% per annum. The term of the loan will be twelve (12) months from the closing of the Loan or three (3) business days following a written notice of the Company that the Company has raised a minimum of five hundred thousand dollars through one or more equity or debt financings. The Company may repay the Loan at any time before maturity, without penalty.

Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Company will issue 2,000,000 share purchase warrants to the lender. Each share purchase warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.05 per share for a period of five years from the closing of the Loan.

Closing of the Loan is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals. All securities issued in connection with the Loan will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the closing of the Loan in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264545

SOURCE: Adelayde Exploration Inc.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Kraft Heinz Co. (KHC) is preparing to split itself into two separate businesses, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter. The plan, which could be finalized and announced as early as next week, would divide the food giant into a grocery-focused company and a sauces-focused company. The move follows months of strategic reviews. In July, Kraft Heinz confirmed it was exploring options for its grocery portfolio, including a possible spinoff of several iconic Kraft-branded products. That potential new entity could be valued at up to $20 billion, according to earlier reports. Executives said at the time they were working 'with urgency' to evaluate alternatives. By separating into two units, Kraft Heinz hopes to unlock greater value than its current market capitalization of about $33 billion. The sauces business would retain flagship brands such as Heinz ketchup and Grey Poupon mustard, while the grocery business would house much of the Kraft portfolio. However, the report cautioned that timing and details could still shift. The company, created in 2015 through the merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz orchestrated by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital, has been under pressure to reinvigorate growth. Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, exited Kraft Heinz's board in May. The possible breakup comes after Kraft Heinz recently posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings, buoyed by steady U.S. demand for pantry staples and condiments. Shares rose about 2 percent in afternoon trading Friday following the report. Kraft Heinz has not yet commented publicly on the speculation. 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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Alphabet's Google (GOOG) has offered to sell its advertising marketplace AdX in a bid to resolve a major European Union antitrust investigation, but publishers have rejected the proposal as inadequate, according to people familiar with the matter. The move marked the first time Google has considered divesting an asset to address antitrust concerns, underscoring the mounting pressure on its $237.9 billion ad business. The EU launched its probe last year following a complaint from the European Publishers Council, accusing Google of favoring its own advertising tools and squeezing rivals across the digital ad supply chain. The AdX exchange, which lets publishers sell unsold ad inventory in real time, is a cornerstone of Google's dominance, paired with its DoubleClick for Publishers platform. Publishers argue that divesting AdX alone falls short, given Google's reach across nearly every layer of ad tech. EU regulators, led by competition chief Margrethe Vestager, have previously signaled that selling both AdX and DFP could be necessary to eliminate conflicts of interest. While a forced divestment order is unlikely in the near term due to case complexity, sources say the Commission could soon issue a decision requiring Google to halt anti-competitive practices, with asset sales still possible if it fails to comply. Google, which is also battling a parallel antitrust trial in the United States, defended its stance, saying the EU's case rests on 'flawed interpretations' of a highly competitive, fast-evolving sector. The Commission declined to comment, while the European Publishers Council has yet to respond. 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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar weakened against its most major counterparts in the New York session on Friday. The greenback dropped to a 4-day low of 1.1708 against the euro and more than a 4-week low of 0.7985 against the franc, from an early high of 1.1650 and a 2-day high of 0.8035, respectively. The greenback declined to a 3-week low of 1.3726 against the loonie, fresh 2-week low of 0.6548 against the aussie and a 10-day low of 0.5905 against the kiwi. The greenback weakened to 1.3516 against the pound, from an early 2-day high of 1.3446. The next possible support for the currency is seen around 1.18 against the euro, 0.77 against the franc, 1.36 against the loonie, 0.68 against the aussie, 0.60 against the kiwi and 1.40 against the pound. 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.
Highlights:

Total revenue of $10.0 million for Q1 2026 36% gross profit margin for Q1 2026 Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.3 million for Q1 2026

Segmented revenue for Q1 2026: Vape - B2C: $7.7 million, B2B: $1.4 million Cannabis - B2C: $1.0 million

Completed the early redemption of senior secured convertible debentures in the amount of $900,000 plus accrued interest

Customer base of over 300,000 registered accounts across online and brick-and-mortar platforms

Vaughan, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Delota Corp. (CSE: NIC) (FSE: S62) ("Delota" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian omni-channel retailer of nicotine vape and alternative tobacco products, is pleased to report it has filed its interim consolidated financial statements, management discussion and analysis, and associated certifications (collectively, the "Q1 2026 Filings") for the three months ended June 30, 2025. The Q1 2026 Filings may be accessed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cameron Wickham, CEO of Delota, commented, "We are pleased to report another outstanding quarter for Delota generating $10 million in revenue and Adjusted EBITDA of $351,000, marking our ninth consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA and our second-highest contribution during this period. These positive results are driven by our focus on improving operational efficiencies throughout our omni-channel platform and strengthening our balance sheet with the early redemption of $900,000 of senior secured convertible debentures. With a clear focus on retail innovation and strategic growth, Delota is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities to accelerate growth and profitability in the quarters ahead to drive shareholder value."

Financial Highlights:

Total revenue of $10,043,670 for the three months ended June 30, 2025 (" Q1 2026 ") as compared to $9,883,883 for the three months ended April 30, 2024 (" Q1 2025 ") 36% gross profit margin for Q1 2026 as compared to 40% for Q1 2025 Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $351,800 for Q1 2026 as compared to $105,366 for Q1 2025

Segmented revenue for Q1 2026: Vape - B2C: $7.7 million, B2B: $1.4 million Cannabis - B2C: $1.0 million



Other Highlights:

On July 15, 2025, the Company changed its auditor to Horizon Assurance LLP.

On July 7, 2025, the Company announced it had entered into agreements with 180 Global relating to the licensing of the 180 Smoke Vape Store brand for retail online sales in Eastern Canada. 180 Global assumed operational functions in Eastern Canada as a result of the retail partnership in exchange for certain service fees and a royalty fee payable to the Company.

On April 22, 2025, the Company completed the early redemption of senior secured convertible debentures in the amount of $900,000 plus accrued interest and the security interests and obligations of the Company and its guarantors have been discharged and all pledged securities have been returned to the Company.

On February 3, 2025, the Company opened a 180 Smoke Vape Store located at 1530 Albion Road, Unit 51A, Albion Mall, Etobicoke, expanding its retail footprint to 32 locations.

On January 22, 2025, the Company announced a change to its fiscal year end from January 31 st to March 31 st .

On August 26, 2024, the Company opened a 180 Smoke Vape Store located at 499 Main Street South, Unit 60D, Shoppers World, Brampton.

On July 25, 2024, the Company opened a 180 Smoke Vape Store located at 70 Joseph Street, Parry Sound.

Select Financial Information

The following selected financial information for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and the three months ended April 30, 2024 are derived from the Company's interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended June 30, 2025 and the interim consolidated financial statements for the three months ended April 30, 2024.





Three Months

Ended

June 30, 2025



Three MonthsEnded

April 30, 2024





$



$















Revenue

10,043,670



9,883,883

Net income (loss) for the period

209,654



(508,188)

Net earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted

0.01



(0.02)















Working capital (deficit)

(572,931)



(604,863)















Total assets

14,313,979



14,018,560

Total non-current liabilities

5,024,210



6,899,362

Total liabilities

12,780,464



13,924,196















Share capital

7,832,560



7,807,481

Warrant reserve

99,398



99,398

Contributed surplus

507,513



510,159

Accumulated deficit

(6,905,956 )

(8,322,674 ) Shareholders' equity

1,533,515



94,364



Adjusted EBITDA

The Company's "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-IFRS metric used by management that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be fully comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management defines Adjusted EBITDA as the net income (loss) reported, before income taxes and other expense (income) items such as finance costs, finance income, gains and losses related to derivative liability valuations, and adjusted for share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expenses, gains and losses related to the revaluations of its right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and foreign exchange differences.

The reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA is presented below.





Three Months Ended June 30, 2025



Three Months Ended April 30, 2024





$



$

Net income (loss) for the period - as reported

209,654



(508,188)

Depreciation and amortization

128,365



132,610

Interest and accretion expenses

111,418



203,918

Stock-based compensation

-



3,154

Fair value adjustment of derivative liabilities

(43,508 )

293,831

Deferred tax recovery

(15,944 )

(15,944 ) Lease adjustments

(41,716 )

(13,341 ) Foreign exchange loss

3,531



9,326

Adjusted EBITDA

351,800



105,366



About Delota Corp.

Delota is the largest omni-channel specialty vape retailer in Ontario with a mission of becoming one of the largest national specialty retailers of nicotine vape and alternative tobacco products. The Company's growth strategy includes aggressively growing its flagship brand, 180 Smoke Vape Store, by expanding its retail footprint organically in Ontario and select provinces across Canada, strengthening its national e-commerce platform, and through strategic M&A to accelerate growth and market consolidation. The Company is committed to expanding its nicotine product assortment, enhancing customer experience, and growing its registered customer base, which now exceeds 300,000 accounts.

Investors interested in learning more about Delota can visit www.delota.com.

Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements or information". Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: anticipate, intend, plan, goal, seek, believe, project, estimate, expect, strategy, future, likely, may, should, will and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements made regarding information about future plans, expectations and objectives of the Company overall.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings, the availability of future financing and/or credit, developments and changes in laws and regulations, consumer sentiment towards the Company's products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, competition, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions, the impact of technology and social changes on the products and industry, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in disclosure documents filed by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264525

SOURCE: Delota Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 29, 2025) - Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: 8X00) ("Goldshore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed its second quarter interim financial statements and the accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Second Quarter Corporate Highlights

On May 8, 2025, the Company signed an Impact Benefit Agreement ("IBA") term sheet with the Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation. The IBA term sheet sets out the key terms that will guide the negotiation of a future IBA between the Company and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation.

On May 9, 2025, the Company completed a 21,329-meter drilling program, with 67 holes drilled, which focused on testing mineralized shears in the upper and marginal parts of the deposit that are otherwise difficult to drill without winter conditions. During the second quarter the results of 29 holes (7,910.70 meters) were received, yielding the following highlights: Six holes were drilled from ice platforms on the shallow Snodgrass Lake in a program that was terminated early because of unseasonably warm weather. Results from the final two holes were not received until the third quarter. Four holes targeted the gap between the Main and Southwest Zones and intersected new high-grade mineralized shears representing a combined true width mineralized corridor of 75m connecting the two zones, including: 12.9m of 2.64 g/t Au from 243.4m including 4.4m of 6.59 g/t Au in MMD-25-165 (April 15, 2025). Eleven short holes successfully intersected the near surface extensions of deeper marginal shears along the northern edge of the QES Zone at QES Up. These results will allow the modelling of narrow, low- to medium-grade shears in a near surface zone that is currently modelled as waste. The best intercepts included: 13.55m of 0.59 g/t Au from 88.5m including 2.1m of 1.17 g/t Au in MQD-25-156 (April 22, 2025); and 25.0m of 1.10 g/t Au from 107.2m including 2.05m of 1.69 g/t Au and 7.65m of 2.62 g/t Au in MQD-25-160 (May 1, 2025). Five drill holes were extended to infill significant drilling gaps in the QES Zone and intersected wide intervals of gold-mineralized core shears, including the highest-grade x thickness intersection ever reported on the project. These results confirmed the presence of shallow-plunging, higher-grade gold mineralization within the core shears and demonstrate the potential to discover additional plunging shoots. In addition, the results from MQD-25-171 exceeded the grade expectations based on the current MRE. The better intercepts included: 124.35m of 1.65 g/t Au from 295.0m including 7.55m of 1.97 g/t Au and 47.0m of 3.08 g/t Au in MQD-25-171 (April 22, 2025); and 17.7m of 1.52 g/t Au from 333.0m and 6.85m of 3.01 g/t Au from 436.0m in MQD-25-179 and 18.4m of 1.36 g/t Au from 285.6m in MQD-25-180 (June 11, 2025). Sixteen holes were drilled to follow-up potential strike extensions of the high-shears discovered at Superion in hole MMD-24-148. These holes returned several results that add to the strike length of the main shear, and discovered additional parallel shears, including: 9.45m of 6.02 g/t Au from 186.0m including 2.45m of 22.2 g/t Au in MQD-25-175 and 13.0m of 2.30 g/t Au from 117.0m including 3.0m of 9.00 g/t Au in MQD-25-176 (May 15, 2025); and 17.7m of 1.52 g/t Au from 333.0m, including 2.3m of 8.24 g/t Au, and 6.85m of 3.01 g/t Au from 436.0m in MQD-25-179 and 18.4m of 1.36 g/t Au from 285.6m 0m in MQD-25-180 (June 11, 2025). For further details regarding these drill results, please see the Company's news releases dated April 15, 2025, April 22, 2025, May 1, 2025, and June 11, 2025 available on the Company's website and profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Throughout the quarter, the Company's geologists have worked with G Mining to improve the 3D modelling of shear zones, host lithology and post-mineralization structures, which will be incorporated in an update to the Mineral Resource Estimate and part of the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment.

On June 20, 2025, the Company completed a bought deal private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $36,085,000.

NPI Repurchase

Further to the Company's news releases dated May 30, 2025, and August 8, 2025, pursuant to the purchase agreement dated May 1, 2025, as amended, the Company has agreed to repurchase 1.5% of a 2.5% net profit interest ("NPI") in the Moss Gold Project. In consideration of the repurchase, the Company has agreed to issue the NPI holder 1,000,000 common shares at a deemed issue price of $0.33 per common share; pay the NPI holder a cash fee of $20,000 a month for a four-year term starting on May 1, 2025; and after four years, issue the NPI holder such number of common shares as is equal to $300,000 based on the 20-day VWAP of the common shares prior to issuance, subject to a maximum amount of 1,176,470 common shares. By purchasing the NPI interest the Company is positioning the asset for improved economic performance in the upcoming PEA.

Qualified Person

Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

Mr. Flindell has verified the data disclosed. To verify the information related to the winter drill program at the Moss Gold Project, Mr. Flindell has visited the property several times; discussed and reviewed logging, sampling, bulk density, core cutting and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. He has also overseen the Company's health and safety policies in the field to ensure full compliance and consulted with the Project's host indigenous communities on the planning and implementation of the drill program, particularly with respect to its impact on the environment and the Company's remediation protocols.

About Goldshore

Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $75 million of new capital and completed approximately 100,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 255,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for development in this cycle. Please see NI 43-101 technical report titled: "Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Moss Gold Project, Ontario, Canada," dated March 20, 2024 with an effective date of January 31, 2024 available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldshoreresources.com).

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to negotiations of a future IBA, expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project; the potential mineralization at the Moss Gold Project based on the winter drill program, including the potential for additional mineral resources; the enhancement of the Moss Gold Project; statements regarding the Company's future drill plans, including the expected benefits and results thereof; future payments in respect of the NPI repurchase; and other statements that are not historical facts.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: uncertainty and variation in the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; the economic performance of the deposit may not be consistent with management's expectations; the Company's exploration work may not deliver the results expected; the fluctuating price of gold; unknown liabilities in connection with acquisitions; compliance with extensive government regulation; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; the Company's limited operating history; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance; the Superion target may not add to the current mineral resource; and other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that the Company will be able to negotiate a future IBA on acceptable terms, or at all; that the Company will be able to make all payments towards the NPI repurchase; that the Company's exploration work will deliver the results expected; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264575

SOURCE: Goldshore Resources Inc.
Europe is betting big on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a 100-billion programme led by Germany, France and Spain to build the worlds first sixth-generation fighter jet. With AI-driven drone swarms, advanced stealth and a digital combat cloud, can FCAS overcome political disputes and delays to rival Americas F-35?

A model of a Future Combat Air System (SCAF), a European aircraft developed by France, Germany and Spain is displayed during the 54th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 19, 2023. File Image/Reuters

Europe is embarking on its most ambitious and expensive defence project to date  the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a joint programme spearheaded by Germany, France, and Spain.

Envisioned as a next-generation air combat system that combines a sixth-generation fighter aircraft, drone swarms, and a digital combat network, FCAS carries an estimated price tag of more than 100 billion ($117 billion).

The initiative is designed to strengthen European defence autonomy and reduce reliance on American-made aircraft, particularly the US F-35 Lightning II.

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But while the projects scale and ambition promise to transform Europes aerial capabilities, disagreements between industry leaders and budgetary pressures have repeatedly stalled its progress.

With deadlines approaching, European leaders are under growing pressure to resolve disputes and keep FCAS on track for its planned 2040 debut.

What we know about FCAS

The FCAS is not just a single aircraft but a comprehensive air combat system, conceived as a system of systems.

At its centre will be the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), a stealth-capable jet designed to replace the French Rafale and the German and Spanish Eurofighter Typhoon fleets.

Complementing the fighter will be unmanned remote carriers  drones capable of conducting reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike missions  all interconnected via a secure, AI-powered combat cloud.

The programme aims to create a networked force where piloted fighters and unmanned systems function as one cohesive unit, sharing data in real-time across multiple domains: air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace.

This would enable multi-domain operations in contested environments, where speed, stealth, and electronic superiority are critical.

Technological ambitions for FCAS far surpass current fifth-generation fighters.

According to reports, the jet is expected to include:

Advanced stealth features making it less visible to radar than existing platforms like the F-35.

Supersonic performance with projected speeds exceeding Mach 2.5.

Extended operational range, reaching 3,500 to 4,000 km without refuelling.

Artificial intelligence integration, enabling pilots to direct coordinated operations with drone swarms.

Next-generation weapons, potentially including hypersonic missiles and laser-based systems.

A real-time digital network to integrate satellite, cyber, and land-based assets with aerial platforms.

A demonstrator aircraft is expected in the 2029-2030 timeframe, with full-scale production to begin around 2035-2037.

The target for operational deployment is set for 2040, aligning with the planned phase-out of current European fighter fleets.

Why FCAS has been stalling

Despite the clear technological vision, the FCAS programme has repeatedly been hindered by industrial rivalries and national interests.

The lead contractors  Dassault Aviation of France, and Airbus, representing German and Spanish interests  have been locked in disputes over workshare and decision-making authority.

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France, through Dassault, insists on a leadership role in building the fighter jet, citing its expertise from the Rafale programme and its role in maintaining Frances nuclear deterrent.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has been outspoken about the risks of diluting French control. Speaking to French lawmakers earlier this year, he argued, Some people were of the opinion that the weakening of this independence was not that damaging as the mutual dependence of the European partners would compensate for it once you take this step, theres no going back.

Germany, on the other hand, has accused French industry of blocking progress by demanding too much control.

According to defence sources speaking to Reuters, France has asked for nearly 80 per cent of the workshare in FCAS  a figure Berlin considers unacceptable.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed the need for compromise, We will all pull together, and national interests will need to be put aside by one or the other or all of us. It is clear we are damned to succeed, we need this project.

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Airbus, which builds the Eurofighter Typhoon and has extensive expertise in European aerospace, has publicly signalled its dissatisfaction with being sidelined.

The company has highlighted its technological leadership through campaigns highlighting its contributions to advanced systems integration and digital aviation.

Spain, meanwhile, has reinforced its commitment to FCAS, aligning itself firmly with Germany and France.

Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles affirmed Madrids position, This is an essential and fundamental project that we must invigorate, and we must invigorate it as much as possible Spains commitment is total and this programme must continue.

Spain has also moved away from considering US-made F-35s, narrowing its choices to either upgrading Eurofighters or pursuing FCAS  signalling a clear preference for European-made defence equipment.

A Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet performs during the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA on the opening day at Schoenefeld Airport in Berlin, Germany, June 5, 2024. File Image/Reuters

How the bosses had to step in

Both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have been drawn into negotiations to ensure the projects survival. Following meetings in Berlin and Paris, the two leaders agreed to make a joint decision by the end of 2025 on the way forward.

Merz explained the urgency at a press briefing in Berlin, That doesnt make the thing easier but I hope we can find a solution as we need a new fighter jet in Europe. So I want us to reach a decision at the end of the year on how the project will proceed.

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Earlier, Pistorius and his Spanish counterpart Robles had also confirmed that defence ministers would meet in October this year to evaluate options for keeping the programme on track, aiming to resolve disputes before presenting a final proposal to leaders.

At stake is the launch of Phase 2 of the project  the construction of demonstrator aircraft  which had originally been scheduled for the end of this year.

Without resolution, the demonstrator timeline risks slipping further, raising doubts about the 2040 deployment target.

Pistorius pointed out that contracts must be respected, while changes can only be pursued through renegotiation, The answer is rather simple: Contracts are struck to be adhered to If there is a wish for changes, then these are only possible after fresh negotiations between the partners.

He also warned against continued delays, One thing is clear: This process must not carry on for ages We need to gain speed now because the project does not allow for any further delays.

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Why Europe says it needs FCAS

The drive to build FCAS is underpinned by strategic necessity. Europes reliance on American defence systems  especially the F-35  has raised concerns about autonomy.

While the F-35 remains the most widely adopted fifth-generation fighter globally, critics point out that Europe risks becoming dependent on US technology and supply chains if it does not invest in homegrown alternatives.

The FCAS programme is thus seen as a cornerstone of European defence independence, ensuring that the continent retains control over its most advanced combat capabilities.

It also represents a bid to keep pace with global competitors.

The US is pushing ahead with its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme, focused on combining manned and unmanned systems with cutting-edge stealth and AI integration.

China continues to upgrade its J-20 Mighty Dragon, enhancing stealth and propulsion to remain competitive with American jets.

Russia is working on new engines and systems for its Su-57 Felon, although progress has been slowed by sanctions and budgetary pressures.

The UK, Italy, and Japan have teamed up for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a rival sixth-generation fighter project involving BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

For Europe, FCAS is not just about matching the technology of the F-35, J-20, or Su-57  it is about ensuring that European states can control their defence future, rather than relying exclusively on allies.

Will Europes ambitious FCAS programme succeed?

Although the programme has a clear strategic rationale, its future depends on whether political leaders can resolve industrial rivalries and whether the timeline can be maintained.

Frances domestic financial situation complicates matters further, with high debt levels and political instability raising doubts about long-term defence budgets.

Germany, by contrast, is in a stronger financial position, giving Berlin greater leverage in negotiations.

The Franco-German Defence and Security Council, usually a low-profile gathering, has become a key venue for debate, reflecting the high stakes involved.

While some French officials insist details will continue to be discussed in upcoming meetings, both governments have acknowledged that a decisive agreement is required this year to prevent further delays.

A French government official told Bloomberg that there was reason for optimism because both Merz and Macron understood the strategic importance of the project and were aware that theres no alternative.

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If successful, FCAS would become the most advanced fighter aircraft ever built, positioning Europe alongside the US, China, and other global powers in the race for air superiority.

Until then, the question remains open: Will delays and disagreements ground Europes most ambitious fighter jet project before it ever takes flight?

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
The US state of Florida has deployed robot rabbits in the Everglades National Park to lure invasive Burmese pythons from their hiding. Authorities are hoping to curb the giant snakes booming population, which is causing the local wildlife to almost perish. The snake, which grows anywhere between six to nine feet long, is native to South Asia

These fake robo rabbits will lure out Burmese pythons, making it easier for removal teams to catch them. AP

In a rather unusual move to tackle its exploding python problem, Florida is now turning to robot rabbits to lure the giant snakes out of hiding.

The southeastern US state has been battling these invasive predators for years. Burmese pythons, which can grow anywhere between 6 to 9 feet long, are not native to Florida. With no natural enemies, they have multiplied rapidly in the Everglades National Park, where they feast on everything in sight.

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Officials say the snakes have wiped out as much as 95 per cent of small mammals in the area, including raccoons, rabbits, birds, and even alligators. Their incredible camouflage and giant size make them especially difficult to catch, turning them into one of Floridas toughest wildlife challenges.

Now, in their latest attempt, the South Florida Water Management District is pinning its hopes on the robotic rabbits.

In this explainer, we look at how these robo-rabbits work, how Burmese pythons first ended up in America, their devastating impact on the local ecosystem, and what happens when they finally fall into the hands of authorities. Heres a closer look.

What are robo rabbits?

Robo rabbits are animatronic decoys designed to look, move, and even smell like real rabbits. The idea is simple: once released into the forests and swamps around Everglades National Park, these fake rabbits lure out Burmese pythons, making it easier for removal teams to catch them.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, the solar-powered rabbits are equipped with motors and internal heaters that mimic the movements and body temperature of marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris), a favourite meal for Burmese pythons.

Each robo rabbit also carries a video camera. When a python approaches, the device sends an alert to monitoring teams, who can then dispatch specialists to capture the snake.

Each robo rabbit also carries a video camera. When a python approaches, the device sends an alert to monitoring teams, who can then dispatch specialists to capture the snake. Image courtesy: University of Florida

This summer, researchers from the University of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District released 120 robo rabbits as part of a new trial. In the past, authorities had tried using live rabbits as bait, but the process turned out to be costly and impractical.

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Mike Kirkland, lead invasive animal biologist for the water district, told AP that each robot rabbit costs around $4,000, with funding provided by the water district.

Its still too early to measure the success of the project, but officials are hopeful.

This part of the project is in its infancy, Kirkland said. We are confident, though, that this will work once we are given enough time to work out some of these details.

Also read: Pets on the menu? Why Denmark zoo wants you to donate animals

How pythons have become a headache in Florida

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida, they come from Southeast Asia. Most of them landed in the state through the exotic pet trade in the 1990s and early 2000s. Many either escaped or were released into the wild after they grew too large for owners to keep as pets.

The Everglades turned out to be the perfect home for them. The swampy, warm climate and lack of natural predators gave the snakes an ideal environment to thrive and multiply.

A female python can lay anywhere between 50 to 100 eggs at a time, with a gestation period of 6090 days, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Burmese pythons are not native to Florida but the swampy, warm climate and lack of natural predators gave the snakes an ideal environment to thrive and multiply. File image/AFP

No one knows exactly how many pythons now live in Florida. The US Geological Survey recently put the number at tens of thousands, though some official estimates go as high as 300,000. Whats clear is that their presence has already reshaped the local ecosystem.

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According to the USGS, Severe declines in mammal populations throughout Everglades National Park have been linked to Burmese pythons, with the most severe declines in native species having occurred in the remote southernmost regions of the Park where pythons have been established the longest."

As per a 2012 study, small mammal populations have dropped drastically in Florida. Raccoon populations dropped by 99.3 per cent, opossums by 98.9 per cent, and bobcats by 87.5 per cent since 1997. Species like marsh rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and foxes virtually disappeared.

Cottontail rabbits. Image for Representation. Pixabay

To tackle the problem, authorities have had to get creative. Theyve tried attaching trackers to male pythons to locate females and nests, placed bounties on the snakes, and even launched the annual Florida Python Challenge, a competition where hunters are rewarded for capturing pythons.

This year, 934 participants from 30 states joined the challenge in July, capturing 294 snakes. The top hunter, who caught 60 pythons, walked away with a $10,000 (Rs. 8.78 lakh) prize. Since 2000, more than 23,000 pythons have been removed from the wild, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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Also read: Jurassic Park: What the world would look like if dinosaurs hadn't gone extinct

What happens after snakes are captured?

Once captured, the pythons are not released back into the wild, they are killed, but in what officials describe as a humane manner.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lays out the process clearly. First, the snake must be rendered completely unconscious so it cannot feel pain or distress. After that, its brain is destroyed in a procedure called pithing, which ensures the animal cannot regain consciousness and suffer while being killed.

Nonnative reptiles are not protected in Florida except by anti-cruelty law. There is an ethical and legal obligation to ensure nonnative reptiles are killed in a humane manner, the Commissions website explains.

With input from agencies
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailands youngest-ever prime minister, has been sacked by the countrys Constitutional Court for violating ethics standards. She was ousted over a leaked phone call with Cambodias former leader Hun Sen, plunging the country into a political crisis. Heres how it all unfolded

Thailand's Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was dismissed as prime minister, leaves following a press conference after the Constitutional Court ruled to remove her from office in a high-profile ethics case. Reuters

Another Prime Minister has bit the dust at the hands of Thailands Constitutional Court. This time, Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been sacked as prime minister after the court found her guilty of violating ethics standards.

Paetongtarn is the daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who with his Pheu Thai party remains a hugely influential figure within Thai politics. Paetongtarn was Thailands youngest ever-prime minister. She was also the third person in her family and just the second woman to hold the post  after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.

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Paetongtarn became prime minister one year ago after Thailands Constitutional Court ousted her predecessor Srettha Thavisin  also from the Pheu Thai  and banned Pita Limjaroenrat, the countrys most popular politician, and dissolved the Move Forward Party.

But who is Paetongtarn? And why has she been removed from office?

Lets take a closer look

Growing up Shinawatra

Paetongtarn was born on August 21, 1986, in Bangkok. She was born into the Shinawatra clan  an ultra-rich family of Chinese descent  as the youngest of three children. Her nickname in Thailand is Ung Ing. Growing up, Paetongtarn attended Saint Joseph Convent School and the elite Mater Dei School  which counted Thai kings and other members of the royal family as its students.

She then went to Chulalongkorn University, from which she obtained a bachelors degree in political science, sociology, and anthropology. After graduating in 2008, Paetongtarn did her graduate studies at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom  from which she got a masters degree in international hotel management. Paetongtarn then joined the hotel arm of the family business  as CEO of Rende Development Co.s hotel business

She was also a major shareholder in the real estate and property firm SC Asset Corporation and a director of the Thaicom Foundation. Paetongtarn in 2019 Pidok Sooksawas, an airplane pilot turned investment manager. They have a son and a daughter.

Entering politics

As Paetongtarn was growing up, her father Thaksin dove into politics. Paetongtarn is said to have accompanied her father on his first job in government. She was at the time eight years old. In 2006, Thaksin was ousted as prime minister in an army coup. Paetongtarn sought shelter in a safe house even as the military seized power from her father.

I was so scared. I was still in my uniform, she told the media.

Thaksin then went into self-imposed exile for the next decade and a half. However, Thaksin and his Pheu Thai party remained a huge force in domestic politics, having won five elections and propping up nearly half a dozen prime ministers including his brother-in-law and sister. Most of these prime ministers backed by Thaksin have been ousted in military coups or by the court verdicts.

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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra remains influential in the countrys politics. Reuters

Paetongtarn joined her fathers party in 2021 as a political novice. She was appointed chief of the Inclusion and Innovation Advisory Committee. She was chosen to lead the Pheu Thai party in October 2023. That same year, Paetongtarn was one of three candidates the party put forward for the post of Prime Minister.

When I was eight-years-old, my father entered politics. Since that day, my life has also been intertwined with politics, she said in a speech.

Paetongtarn ran on ending the tenure of then Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha , who had aligned himself with the powerful military since the 2014 coup. This was when Paetongtarn, who campaigned while pregnant, gain popularity with the public. She would later give birth to a baby boy.

Then, controversy arose. Though the Move Forward party won the most seats in the House, it did not gain an outright majority. In the meantime, the Pheu Thai party did what it said it would never do  joined hands with the military backed Ruam Thai Sang Chart (RTSC or United Thai Nation Party) to form a coalition government.

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Meanwhile, Thaksin returned from abroad in what many speculated was a behind-the-scenes deal between the Pheu Thai and the military establishment. Though Thavisin of the Pheu Thai was elected prime minister, many voters felt betrayed.

Thavisin in July 2024 was removed after a ruling from the Thai Constitutional Court. The party then nominated Paetongtarn for the position. She was elected by the House and then received the nod from King Vajiralongkorn.

I really hope that I can make the people feel confident that we can build the opportunities and improve the quality of life and empower all the Thai people, Paetongtarn said at the time.

The odds were against Paetongtarn from the start with many experts saying that she would need to rely on her father to guide her through the intricacies of politics and governing in a coalition.

So, what happened?

Why has she been removed from office?

Thailand has been in a decades long border dispute with its neighbour Cambodia. Much of it has to do with land near the border and ownership of temples. Though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has twice ruled in favour of Cambodia, Thailand has refused to accept these verdicts. Cambodia, meanwhile refuses to engage on the subject.

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The issue, which last fled up in 2011 exploded, earlier this year. This came after Cambodian troops and members of their family entered an ancient temple near the border in a disputed area. They sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief clash with Thai troops. The exchange went viral  causing a stir in both nations.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra with her father former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Reuters

This was followed by an exchange of gunfire in May  with both countries blaming each other for instigating the incident. This resulted in a troop build-up by both sides. In July, the border situation exploded yet again after clashes were witnessed along multiple locations that spanned five days. At least 38 were left dead and over 300,000 displaced.

However, it was a call between Paetongtarn and veteran Cambodian politician Hun Sen, which was leaked to the media, that began her fall. Paetongtarn in the phone call was heard criticising one of Thailands commanders and referred to the Thai military as the opposite side.

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He just want to look cool and saying things that are not useful to the nation, but in truth what we want is peace, she told Hun Sen through a translator. She also addressed Hun Sen, an old friend of her father Thaksin, as uncle. She also appeared to be making conciliatory gestures towards Hun Sen, the President of Cambodias Senate and former prime minister of the country. Hun Sen said he had recorded the call and shared it with around 80 people.

However, Hun Sen later claimed that he had exposed the truth after an unprecedented insult from Paetongtarn, who had called Cambodias use of social media to advance its claims as "unprofessional".

The development sparked a firestorm within Thai politics with many calling on Paetongtarn to resign. Paetongtarn later claimed she was merely trying to negotiate with Hun Sen. I wont be talking privately with him (Hun Sen) anymore because there is a trust problem, she said. But the damage was already done. A key partner withdrew from the coalition government, leaving it on the brink of collapse. Meanwhile, Paetongtarn was suspended by Thailands Constitutional Court after a petition from senators claiming she had violated ethics rules.

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Then, today (August 29), the court in a 6-3 ruling ousted Paetongtarn as prime minister for failing to uphold ethics standards. The court has ruled that Paetongtarn put her private interests before those of the nation and had damaged the countrys reputation, causing a loss of public confidence.

Due to a personal relationship that appeared aligned with Cambodia, the respondent was consistently willing to comply with or act in accordance with the wishes of the Cambodian side, the court said.

The defendant has not upheld the ethical code of conduct. Her tenure as prime minister effectively ended with the suspension on July 1.

Paetongtarn called for unity among all parties to bring political stability to Thailand.

All I wanted was to safeguard the lives of people, whether soldiers or civilians. I was determined to do all I can to protect their lives before the violent clashes, she told reporters.

It remains to be seen by Thai politics goes from here.

With inputs from agencies
A pornographic website published fake images of several prominent Italian women, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein. The controversy has sparked massive outrage in Italy and reignited discussion on ongoing misogyny and violence against women. Italian media have described the scandal as Italys #MeToo

In 2024, Meloni demanded 100,000 euros in damages after deepfake videos of her surfaced online. Reuters/File Photo

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has once again been targeted by a pornographic website that shared altered images of her, along with several other well-known Italian women.

The pictures, accompanied by offensive captions, were taken from social media or public platforms, then edited and uploaded.

In 2022, before becoming Prime Minister, Meloni was the subject of deepfake videos in which her face was allegedly placed on an adult film actor. She sought damages over the incident last year.

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In recent years, deepfake pornography has become increasingly common online.

So, what happened this time? Who are the women that were targeted this time?

Lets take:

What happened?

A pornographic website uploaded fake photos of several well-known Italian women, including the prime minister and opposition leader Elly Schlein.

The scandal has caused massive outrage in Italy and reignited discussion on ongoing misogyny and violence against women.

It also comes after Metas decision last week to shut down an Italian Facebook page called Mia Moglie (My Wife), where men shared intimate pictures of their wives or unknown women.

The images carried offensive captions and were taken from social media accounts or public sites, then altered and posted on the Italian platform Phica, which has over 700,000 subscribers, The Guardian reported.

Phica began in 2005 and seems to have run without interference until members of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) announced that they had filed a complaint. Police are now looking into the matter.

The scandal has caused massive outrage in Italy. Reuters/File Photo

Meloni, whose sister Arianna was also targeted, chose not to respond when questioned by reporters on Wednesday evening, Corriere della Sera said.

Other well-known women whose pictures were misused include actor and director Paola Cortellesi, whose film Ce Ancora Domani (Theres Still Tomorrow) tackles domestic violence, and influencer Chiara Ferragni.

From the political right, Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and a League member, as well as tourism minister Daniela Santanche, were among those targeted.

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Italys #MeToo

Valeria Campagna, a Democratic Party politician, was among the first to file an official complaint, leading others to follow in what Italian media is calling Italys #MeToo.

An online petition demanding that the site be shut down has already gained more than 150,000 signatures.

Posting on Facebook on Wednesday, Campagna said she was disgusted, angry and disappointed and couldnt stay silent after learning that her images had been uploaded without her permission.

Not just photos in a swimsuit but moments from my public and private life, she wrote.

Beneath them there were sexist, vulgar and violent comments. I cant stay silent because this story isnt just about me. Its about all of us. Its about our right to be free, respected and to live without fear.

Other Democratic Party members, Alessia Morani, Alessandra Moretti and Lia Quartapelle, soon came forward as well.

On Instagram, Morani said the remarks under her photos were unacceptable and obscene and offend my dignity as a woman.

She added: Unfortunately, Im not alone. We must report these groups of men who act in gangs and go unpunished despite numerous complaints. These sites must be shut down and banned. Enough is enough!

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Mary Galati, a woman from Palermo who started the Change.org petition, had earlier filed two complaints after finding one of her pictures on the site in 2023, but the matter drew little attention until the politicians raised their voices.

The petition refers to a 2019 study by the University of Milan which showed that one in five Italian women had faced some form of non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

In July, the Italian senate passed a law that for the first time defined femicide in criminal legislation, making it punishable by life imprisonment, while also raising penalties for offences such as stalking, sexual assault and revenge porn.

The images carried offensive captions and were taken from social media accounts. Reuters/File Photo

What happened last time?

In 2024, Meloni demanded 100,000 euros in damages after deepfake videos of her surfaced online.

According to BBC, a 40-year-old man thought to have created the clips, along with his 73-year-old father, were placed under investigation.

Court documents said the videos were uploaded to a US porn site, where they were watched millions of times over several months.

The deepfake at the centre of the case was first made in 2022, before she became Prime Minister.

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India too has seen a rise in such cases. Fake videos of Bollywood stars including Rashmika Mandanna, Katrina Kaif and Nora Fatehi appeared on social media.

In November 2023, a deepfake clip of Rashmika Mandanna spread widely online. Two months later, Delhi Police arrested a B-Tech graduate from Andhra Pradesh who had created it.
A Stanford University study found a 13 per cent drop in employment among early-career workers, those between 22 and 25, in most AI-exposed jobs since late 2022, when tools like ChatGPT and Copilot began spreading widely. In contrast, the senior employees continued to benefit from their hands-on experience. So what should newbies do? heres what the study has to say

The Stanford research found a 13 per cent relative drop in employment among early-career workers, those between 22 and 25, in jobs most exposed to AI. Image for Representation. Reuters

Artificial Intelligence was once seen as a tool to take care of boring, repetitive tasks, the kind of drudgery no one really wanted to do. But in just a few years, it has grown into something far bigger.

A new study from Stanford University shows that AI is already reshaping the labour market in the United States. And its not hitting everyone equally: the youngest workers, those between 22 and 25 years old, seem to be facing the major brunt of it.

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The research, led by renowned economist Erik Brynjolfsson, relied on high-frequency payroll data from ADP, the countrys largest payroll processor. This gave researchers a clear and real-time picture of how generative AI is influencing jobs and employment patterns.

Heres what the study found.

AI is replacing newbies for now

The Stanford research found a 13 per cent relative drop in employment among early-career workers, those between 22 and 25, in jobs most exposed to AI since late 2022, when tools like ChatGPT and Copilot began spreading widely.

These large language models are trained on books, articles and written material found on the internet and elsewhere, Brynjolfsson told CBS MoneyWatch. Thats the kind of book learning that a lot of people get at universities before they enter the job market, so there is a lot of overlap between these LLMs and the knowledge young people have.

Reports from Goldman Sachs and Bank of America note that the economic edge of having a college degree is fading in AI-heavy industries, leaving many fresh graduates struggling to stand out in the job market. Reuters/File Photo

In contrast, older workers in more practical, hands-on professions actually saw employment rise by 6 per cent to 9 per cent. Similar patterns showed up in fields like accounting, auditing, administrative work, computer programming and even sales.

Older workers have a lot of tacit knowledge because they learn tricks of trade from experience that may never be written down anywhere, Brynjolfsson explained. They have knowledge thats not in the LLMs, so theyre not being replaced as much by them.

This trend also mirrors reports from investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Bank of America, which note that the economic edge of having a college degree is fading in AI-heavy industries, leaving many fresh graduates struggling to stand out in the job market.

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Also read: Is ChatGPT responsible for American teens suicide as his parents allege?

What can youngsters do?

Stanfords report isnt all doom and gloom. Researchers found that employment is growing in professions where AI is used to augment workers rather than automate their tasks.

Take, for example, employees who use AI to research a topic or double-check their work after completing it. These workers tend to be less at risk than those who hand over entire tasks to AI tools.

Stanfords report isnt all doom and gloom. Researchers found that employment is growing in professions where AI is used to augment workers rather than automate their tasks. Image for Representation.

For Brynjolfsson, this distinction is crucial. I think its fair to say that technology has always been destroying jobs and always been creating jobs, he said. 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.

Experts echo this view. Many, including AI-focused CEOs, argue that workers who learn to blend their skills with AI, rather than fight against it, stand the best chance of staying relevant in fast-changing industries.

Also read: How teens turning to AI for companionship is harming them

And while many fear AI could spark a collapse in wages, the study finds that salaries across age groups have remained largely stable. The bigger challenge, especially for new entrants, is fewer job openings rather than falling pay.

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For young job seekers, the message is clear: dont try to outrun AI, learn to run alongside it.

With input from agencies
As part of his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi has been gifted Japans most famous souvenir  a Daruma doll. This round, red, hollow figure is believed to bring good luck to the recipient. It is visible in every nook and corner of the country, often displayed in the windows of Japanese stores, on the shelves of restaurants, and inside many homes

When people travel to foreign countries, they often like to bring home a souvenir to serve as a reminder of their visit. It could be a fridge magnet, a keychain or some other kitschy item. And it seems that even world leaders are given such souvenirs of their visits  case in point, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Japan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a Daruma doll from Seishi Hirose, the chief priest at the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple. For those who are unaware, this doll, which can be spotted everywhere in the Asian nation, has become one of Japans most famous souvenirs.

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#WATCH | Tokyo | Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple presents Daruma Doll to PM Modi



(Video source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/m4alaRQBMZ  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

But what exactly is a Daruma doll? And whats the history behind them?

What are Daruma dolls?

Believed to be symbols of good fortune and future prosperity, Daruma dolls are often displayed in the windows of Japanese stores, on the shelves of restaurants, and inside many homes.

Round with scowling expressions, the dolls represent the Bodhidharma (or, Daruma in Japanese), the fifth-century monk who founded Zen Buddhism. It is believed that Bodhidharma once meditated for nine years straight without moving, which eventually caused his arms and legs to atrophy and fall off. And thats why the dolls look like they do. They are meant to resemble a head and torso missing all of its limbs.

Marco Fasano, an Italian tour guide living in Japan tells CNN that Daruma Dolls are a symbol of perseverance. According to Zen Buddhism, the answers are already inside you. Its not something that comes suddenly as a gift, but its something that you need to work on diligently and find in yourself.

A staff walks past Daruma dolls, which is believed to bring good luck in Takasaki, northwest of Tokyo. File image/Reuters

Another legend says that Bodhidharma cut off his eyelids to avoid falling asleep during his meditation, which is why the doll has a wide-eyed stare.

Daruma dolls are often painted with gold kanji beneath their eyes, which is pronounced fuku-iri and translates to bringing luck. The face of the doll is designed with features symbolic of two mythical Japanese animals: the crane and the turtle. The crane is associated with good fortune and longevity, as it is believed to live for a thousand years. Similarly, the turtle is also thought to live for centuries and is regarded as a symbol of protection. Both creatures are revered for their connection to health, long life, and safeguarding well-being.

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They also come in different colours, though red is the traditional colour of this doll. One theory for the red is that is in connection to the devastating smallpox outbreak in Asia. At the time, people began wearing red garments and decorating front doors with red ropes, to please the god of smallpox and discontinue the illness.

But, today Daruma dolls are painted in a myriad of different colours, each having its own significance. For instance, yellow Daruma dolls are symbolise security and protection, whereas white signifies love and harmony.

Japanese craftsman Sumikazu Nakata adds the final touches on a Daruma doll, which is believed to bring good luck at his studio Daimonya in Takasaki, northwest of Tokyo. File image/Reuters

What are the origins of Daruma dolls?

The Daruma Dolls first emerged in the 17th Century in Takasaki, Gunma prefecture. Traditionally, farmers in the city of Takasaki crafted the figures as charms to be blessed by monks. Made from papier-mache, they were made in such a way that they could right themselves even after being knocked down. This is meant to symbolise the Buddhist principle of Nanakorobi Yaoki, which roughly means falling down seven times but getting up after the eighth.

The farmers not only believed the dolls would bring them a good harvest but also began selling them as a way to supplement their income during tough economic times.

Today, Daruma dolls are typically bought at the beginning of the Japanese new year with the belief that they can help you achieve your goals. Today, Daruma dolls are embedded in every part of Japanese life; the doll appears frequently in literature, film, television, anime, manga, and video games.

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Daruma dolls are part of Japans everyday life. They are are often displayed in the windows of Japanese stores, on the shelves of restaurants, and inside many homes. File image/AFP

Where are Daruma dolls made?

While Daruma dolls are available across Japan, 80 per cent of them are made in Takasaki. In fact, the Daruma doll that PM Modi will receive is from the Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, which is believed to be where these dolls were initially made over 200 years ago.

According to the temple, visitors began placing dolls around the grounds about 100 years ago. So much so, that today the dolls are placed throughout the temple grounds, making it a tourist attraction.

How to use Daruma dolls for wishes?

But Daruma dolls arent like any other ordinary good luck charm. Theres a process to make a wish with a Daruma doll. Once you decide your wish, you are expected to paint on the first eye on the doll  symbolically giving it a soul. You then use the luck you derive from the doll to make your wish come true. Once your wish has come true, you are then expected to paint in the second eye.

Daruma dolls are seen burining during Otakiage, a burning ceremony in Tokyo. File image/AFP

It was originally believed that the beneficial effect of the doll would expire after one year. After this time, the doll was supposed to be burned to free the god inside. There is even a ceremony called daruma kuyo or dondoyaki in several temples across Japan, where thousands of people go to have their dolls blessed before a mass ritual burning.

So, the next time you go to Japan, you know which souvenir to get back home.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi starts his two-day official visit to Japan today at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. The visit is for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, where the two leaders will discuss various areas of their strategic partnership, including the Quad

After his visit to Japan, PM Modi will go to China. Reuters/File Photo

Friday is starting on a busy note.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit during his two-day official visit to Japan on the invitation of the countrys prime minister.

Reliance Industries Limited will host its 48th Annual General Meeting, where Chairman Mukesh Ambani will address the shareholders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be in Assam today to attend the Panchayat Pratinidhi Sanmilan at the Veterinary College Field.

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A Thai court is set to deliver its verdict in the Hun Sen audio clip case involving suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Heres a look at the events:

PM Modis Japan visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day official trip to Japan today at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

This visit is for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, where the two leaders will hold talks on different areas of their strategic partnership, including the Quad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Reuters/File Photo

The talks on the Quad are important as ties within the group have been affected after Trumps decision to put a 50 per cent tariff on India.

After his visit to Japan, PM Modi will go to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin on the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Reliance Industries AGM 2025

The 48th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited will be held today, where Chairman Mukesh Ambani will address the shareholders.

At the meeting, investors will look to hear updates on consumer and enterprise digital services.

The market will also look for details on Reliances plans in fast fashion and quick commerce, two areas where the company has been expanding to tap into new consumer demand.

Reliance Industries Limited will host its 48th Annual General Meeting. Image: CNBC TV18

Another point of interest will be the new energy business, where progress is expected to be received well.

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Investors will also watch for updates across digital, retail, new energy and oil and gas businesses, along with any possible steps to unlock value.

Amit Shah in Assam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the Panchayat Pratinidhi Sanmilan at the Veterinary College Field in Khanapara in Guwahati today.

He will also inaugurate the Brahmaputra Wing of Raj Bhavan in Guwahati.

During his visit, the Union Minister will take part in the opening ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of former Assam Chief Minister Golap Borbora at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari in Guwahati.

According to the Assam State BJP, about 20,000 newly elected panchayat representatives from the NDA will join the Panchayat Pratinidhi Sanmilan.

Apart from this, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on September 8.

Verdict in suspended Thai PMs case

Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will face a court verdict in the Hun Sen audio clip case against her.

The court suspended Paetongtarn while it reviewed a petition filed by 36 senators accusing her of breaking ethical rules as prime minister during a phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Suspended Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will face a court verdict. Reuters/File Photo

The case is linked to the recent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia.

The ruling comes at a sensitive time for the country, with its slow economy trailing behind regional peers and struggling with new US tariffs. It will also be a test of the Shinawatra familys hold on Thai politics.

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With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Japan, starting today (August 29). Modi is set to meet Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba and discuss critical minerals and Japanese investment in India. But how have ties evolved between the two countries since establishing diplomatic relations in 1952?

Before heading to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Japan starting today (August 29).

The trip comes amid tensions between India and America  two members of the Quad grouping alongside Australia and Japan. The grouping is viewed as a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific.

Modi on his trip will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders will discuss critical minerals and Japanese investment in India. Modi will then head to Chinas Tianjin  his first visit to the country in seven years.

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But what do we know about the India-Japan relationship. How has it evolved over the years?

Establishing, deepening ties

India and Japan established diplomatic relations in the aftermath of World War II . The two countries concluded a peace treaty on 28 April 1952 This was one of the first peace agreements that Kyoto, which was still reeling in the aftermath of the wall, signed. India and Japan have had warm relations ever since.

The next decade witnessed several high-level visits from dignitaries of both nations. This included then Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobusuke visiting India in 1957 and a visit from Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko in 1960. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru  who had donated an Indian elephant to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo in 1949  and President Rajendra Prasad undertook trips to Japan in 1957 and 1958.

Jawaharlal Nehru, Indias first prime minister, delivers his famous Tryst with Destiny speech on August 15, 1947, at Parliament House in New Delhi. Nehru had donated an elephant to Japan in 1959. AFP/File Photo

Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda came to India in 1961 and Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone visited in in 1984. Meanwhile, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Narasimha Rao all visited Japan.

Ties between the two countries were given the status of a Global Partnership in 2000 during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees tenure. This was then elevated to a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006 when Manmohan Singh was prime minister. Then, in 2014, the year Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, this was further raised to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Modi, who had visited Japan as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2012, undertook his first visit to Japan as prime minister in 2014.

In Japan, many credit former prime minister Shinzo Abe for developing the relationship. However before Abe took office in 2012, it was his predecessors Yukio Hatoyama, Naoto Kan, and Yoshihiko Noda who did much to further the relationship.

Defence

Defence ties between the two countries have generally been on an upswing since Modi came to power. In 2015, India and Japan reached two critical agreements on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation and Security of Classified Military Information.

Modi in November 2016 made another official visit to Japan during which he met Abe.

In December 2017, India and Japan established the Act East Forum, which seeks to provide a venue for the two countries to cooperate under Indias Act East Policy and Japans goal of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

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In October 2018, Modi made yet another visit. In the Japan-India Vision Statement issued during this trip, Modi and Abe vowed to achieve a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

Narendra Modi, Indias prime minister, and Shinzo Abe, Japans prime minister, look at each other during a joint news conference at Abes official residence in Tokyo, Japan October 29, 2018. File image/Reuters

The two countries held their first 2+2 Ministerial Level Dialogue in 2019. I n 2020, India and Japan signed the Reciprocal Provisions of Supplies and Services between the Indian Armed Forces and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan (JSDF). This agreement was activated during MILAN 2022 in March 2022. It has since been used in all the exercises and visits by ships, aircraft and contingents.

India and Japan have had several meetings of the Joint Working Group on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation (JWG-DETC). The two countries amended the Three Principles for Transfer of Equipment and Technology in December 2023. Indias Armed Forces have held have regular Staff Talks with JSDF. That same year, the two countries held their first ever Joint Services Staff Talks in Tokyo. Japan has also become a permanent participant in the Malabar naval exercises.

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Business and trade

The business relationship began with Panasonic setting up its manufacturing plant in India in 1972. Then, Suzuki and Denso did so in the 1980s. The importance of the Suzuki Motor Corporation doing so cannot be overstated  bringing to India a professional management and a fresh way of doing things., In India, it was the 1990 economic reforms that gave fresh impetus to the partnership.

There are 1,400 Japanese companies registered in India  around half of them manufacturing, as per the Embassy of Japan in India and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). These firms have around 5,000 establishments across the country. India has over 100 companies in Japan.

In February 2011, India and Japan signed the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The deal, one of the most extensive India has ever signed, covered services, movement of people, investments, intellectual property rights, custom procedures and other trade issues. It aimed to abolish tariffs on more than 94 per cent of items traded between the two countries. Though it has not been formally renewed both countries continue to better implement it and address trade challenges.

Indias total trade with Japan in FY24-25 is $21 billion. India exported goods worth $5.1 billion and imported goods worth 15.9 billion. Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $22.85 billion in FY 2023-2024. India imported $17.69 billion of goods from Japan in the previous financial year and imported goods worth $5.15 billion. India is Japans 18th biggest trading partner with a 1.4 per cent share while, Japan is Indias 17th largest trading partner with a 2.1 per cent share.

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Indias then Trade Minister Anand Sharma and Japans then Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara shake hands after signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Tokyo February 16, 2011. File image/Reuters

Indias primary exports to Japan have been petroleum products, chemicals, elements, compounds, non-metallic mineral ware, fish and fish preparations, metalliferous ores and scrap, clothing and accessories, iron and steel products, textile yarn, fabrics and machinery. Indias primary imports from Japan are machinery, transport equipment, iron and steel, electronic goods, organic chemicals, machine tools.

Japan is the Indias fifth largest foreign investor. Japan has invested $43.2 billion in India from April 2000 till December 2024. In recent years, the FDI has been  $1.79 billion in 2022-2023, $3.1 billion in 2023-2024 and $1.35 billion in 2024-2025.

Japan has invested in Indias automobile, electrical equipment, telecommunications, chemical, insurance and pharmaceutical sectors.

Infrastructure, science and technology

Japans economic involvement in India began with the Official Development Assistance (ODA). For decades, New Delhi was the largest recipient of ODA loans. However, much has changed since then.

Japan has been investing in India via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This includes $15 billion in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, the DelhiMumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the Delhi metro and investments in Indias Smart Cities Mission. It has vowed to invest $68 billion in India over the next decade.

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Masatoshi Akimoto, then Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, exits the Kalupur Railway Station, during his visit to Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project site and Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) site, in Ahmedabad, India, May 5, 2018. File image/Reuters

India and Japan have been examining the prospects of jointly investing in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and 5G. The two countries signed the IndiaJapan Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership in 2023.

Culture

The two countries have civilisational ties that span centuries.

Cultural exchanges between India and Japan are set to go back as early as the 6th century. It was through India that Japan was introduced to Buddhism. In 752 AD, the monk Bodhisena consecrated the statue of the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara.

In modern times, Swami Vivekananda, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, JRD Tata, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Judge Radha Binod Pal have all had associations with Japan. The Japanese people have never forgotten how Justice Pal dissented at the War Crimes Tribunal set up in the aftermath of World War II.

A memorial to Subhas Chandra Bose in the compound of the Renkoji Temple, Tokyo. By Wikimedia Commons

The Japan-India Association, established in 1903, remains the oldest such body in Japan. The two countries and the cultural agreement in 1957. Modi and Abe had declared the year 2017  the 60th anniversary of the agreement  as the Year of Japan-India Friendly Relations.

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Other examples of the cultural exchange are Japans contributions to the restoration of Nalanda University and the Buddhist circuits in India.

The JapanIndia Student Conference, the annual Festival of India in Japan, and the Japan Foundations funding of Japanese language courses in Indian universities are all testament to the deepening cultural relationship.

Indias growing presence and tourism

India has a growing presence in Japan with over 40,000 nationals living there. Of these many are professionals who work in IT and engineering. The Nishikasai area in Tokyo is now known as a mini-India and is home to three Indian schools. There are a few hundred students in Japan  most of them pursuing doctoral courses, 150 professors and 50 research visa holders.

Japan is growing increasingly popular as a destination for Indians.

Between January and May this year, 142,400 Indian travellers visited Japan, a 39.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024 . In 2024, around 233,000 Indian tourists visited Japan  a 40 per cent increase from 2023 when 166,394 Indians travelled there. In April 2025, Japan recorded its highest-ever single-month arrival of Indian tourists, with 37,300 visitors during the famed cherry blossom season.

It remains to be seen what new heights the partnership between India and Japan will scale.

With inputs from agencies
Police said Robin Westman, the attacker who killed two students and injured more than a dozen children at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, had once been a student there and was obsessed with the idea of killing children. A letter that appears to be a suicide note to the family admitted long-standing plans for a shooting and references to severe depression

Officials said the 23-year-old attacker was obsessed with the idea of killing children. Image: X

Robin Westman was identified as the gunman who opened fire during Mass at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, killing two students and injuring more than a dozen children.

The attack is the latest in a series of assaults on students that have continued since the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado.

Police said the attacker had once studied at the same school and was obsessed with the thought of killing children.

A goodbye note written by Westman to his family and friends also revealed the disturbed state of mind of the shooter.

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In this explainer, we look at the note and what investigators have said about Westman.

Lets take a look:

Deranged fascination with mass killings

Officials said the 23-year-old attacker was obsessed with the idea of killing children.

Westman fired 116 rifle shots through stained-glass windows while children attended Mass during the first week of the new term at the Annunciation Catholic School.

Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said, It is very clear that this shooter had the intention to terrorise those innocent children.

Investigators collected hundreds of pieces of evidence from the church and three homes, OHara said. They found more writings linked to the attacker, but no extra weapons or a clear motive for the assault on the church once attended by Westman.

OHara said Westman had a deranged fascination with mass killings.

No evidence will ever be able to make sense of such an unthinkable tragedy, he said.

Acting US Attorney Joe Thompson said videos and writings left behind by the attacker showed that the shooter expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable.

The only group Westman did not hate was mass murderers, Thompson said. In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us.

Surveillance footage recorded the assault and showed the attacker never entered the church and could not see the children while firing through windows that faced the pews, the police chief said.

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What Westmans note reveals

On a YouTube channel, police said videos possibly uploaded by the attacker showed guns, ammunition and listed the names of known mass shooters.

What seems to be a suicide letter to family includes an acknowledgement of long-standing plans for a shooting and references to severe depression.

In the note, Westman claimed to have traits of empathy, self-sacrifice, and good character and said to have been raised to be a good person, while also admitting a wanted desire to kill innocent children, and at the same time asking for prayers for victims, The New York Post reported.

I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong but I cant seem to stop myself, Westman wrote.

I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world.

I dont want to kneel down for the injustices of this world. I want to die. Id rather die on my feet than live on my knees, constantly in pain, the letter read.

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I did this to myself as I cannot control myself and have been destroying my body through vaping and other means. I think I have lung cancer, Westman said, adding, I do not want to recover.

Throughout the note, Westman repeatedly offered regretful apologies to family and friends, including mother, Mary Westman, who worked as a secretary at Annunciation Catholic School.

I dont expect forgiveness and I dont expect any apology. I have to hold much weight, but to my Family and those close to me, I do apologise for the effects my actions will have on your lives, Westman wrote to family.

Life is love, life is pain, the note read. Im tired of the pain this world gives out.

Westman later thanked friends for showing me a good life and helping me through dark times and placed blame on the world for creating too much pain.

Who was Robin Westman?

Federal officials described Westman as transgender, though the shooters gender identity was not clearly defined.

In 2020, a judge approved a petition signed by Westmans mother to change the name from Robert to Robin, noting that the petitioner identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.

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Westman had once studied at Annunciation Catholic School. A former classmate recalled an incident when Westman hid in the bathroom to avoid attending a school-wide Mass.

Armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, Westman went to the side of the church at Annunciation Catholic School and fired more than one hundred rounds through the windows shortly before 8:30 am local time on Wednesday.

Westman was later found dead in the car park from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot.

The weapons were bought legally, Westman had no record of arrest, and acted alone, according to the police chief.

FBI director Kash Patel wrote on X that the assault was an act of domestic terrorism driven by hate-filled beliefs, pointing to the attackers statements against several religions and threats of violence towards US President Donald Trump.

With inputs from agencies
Prospects of peace talks dimmed further on Thursday after Russia carried out its second-biggest aerial attack in Kyiv, killing at least 23 people, including four children. Among the many buildings struck by Moscow were the headquarters of the British Council and the European Union in Kyiv. While there were no fatalities recorded there, it drew widespread condemnation from European countries

Rescuers conduct a search and rescue operation in and around a residential building heavily damaged during a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. On Thursday, Russia fired almost 600 drones and more than 30 ballistic and cruise missiles towards Ukraine. AFP

Two weeks ago, when Russias Vladimir Putin met with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, the world was hopeful that the war in Ukraine would soon end. There was a flurry of diplomatic activity that suggested that the fighting, now completing three-and-a-half-years, would cease.

However, Thursday (August 28), that hope dimmed after Russia launched its second-biggest aerial attack since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, killing at least 23 people, including four children. The strike drew condemnation from European leaders as well as the White House, which noted that it undermines peace efforts.

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Russia rains down hell on Ukraine

On Thursday, Russia rained down aerial strikes on Ukraine, with Kyiv reporting that almost 600 drones and more than 30 ballistic and cruise missiles had been deployed, making it the second-largest overnight barrage of the war, according to AFP analysis.

Yuriy Ihnat, head of communications for the air force, told CNN that the strikes comprised one of the largest combined attacks on the country.

Among the targets of Russias strikes was the headquarters of the British Council and the European Union in Kyiv. Fortunately, there were no injuries to EU staff in the attack. According to The Telegraph, the Russian missiles first struck the buildings on Zhylyanska Street at 5.40am on Thursday morning. Twenty seconds later, a second missile smashes into the buildings, indicating a calculated attempt to target them.

A EU employee watch damages in the offices of the European Union delegation in Ukraine after a Russian missile and drone attack on apartment blocks, also hit the EU missions building in the Ukrainian capital, in Kyiv. AFP

While the British Council in Kyiv offers educational courses and English language programmes to Ukrainians in the capital, the EU mission, which was set up in 1993, works to promote the political and economic relations between Ukraine and the EU, among other mandates, according to its website.

Scott McDonalds of the British Council confirmed the strikes, saying,Last night, the bombing in Kyiv damaged the British Council offices. Our guard was injured and is shaken but stable. At the insistence of my amazing colleagues, we will continue operations in Ukraine today wherever possible.

Later, pictures from the EU delegation offices showed the damage caused by the Russian strikes  windows were blown out and roofs had collapsed.

Russia also struck other buildings on Thursdays strikes. As per the head of Kyivs Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, there was significant damage to residential buildings in the Darnytsia and Dnipro districts, including a five-storey residential block in Darnytsia that had been destroyed with a direct hit.

Recounting the ordeal, Andriy, whose flat was destroyed, told AFP that he barely made it out alive. If I had gone to the shelter a minute later, I would not be here now, I would have been buried.

I came out, could not hear anything, there was fog everywhere, and my left eye was completely covered in blood.

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Ukrainian rescuers conduct a search and rescue operation in and around a residential building heavily damaged during a large-scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv. AFP

Calls of condemnation grow louder

Following Russias strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to his European allies for further economic sanctions against Russia.

He added that the attack on Ukraines cities and communities was a clear response from the Kremlin to everyone who had called for weeks and months for a ceasefire and for real diplomacy. It is crucial now that the world responds firmly. Russia must stop this war it started and continues. For the spurning of ceasefire and for the constant Russian attempts to weasel out of negotiations, new strong sanctions are needed, said Zelenskyy.

On social media, Zelenskyy wrote, The Russians are not choosing to end the war, only new strikes. All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined. Russia must feel accountable for every strike, for every day of this war.

Zelenskyys European allies also condemned Russia for the strike. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was outraged by the incident, calling it another grim reminder of what is at stake.

It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine, blindly killing civilians, men, women and children, and even targeting the European Union, she said.

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European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen delivers a statement after a Russian missile and drone attack on apartment blocks of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. AFP

European Council President Antonio Costa said the damage to the EU delegation building in Kyiv overnight was deliberate, adding that he was horrified by the Russian attacks. But, he said, The EU will not be intimidated. Russias aggression only strengthens our resolve to stand with Ukraine and its people.

French President Emmanuel Macron dubbed Russias strikes on Ukraine as barbarism. He said that 629 Russian missiles and drones deployed against Ukraine in one night demonstrated Russias idea of peace. He added that France would continue its full support to the Ukrainian people.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his solidarity with all affected by senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv overnight. Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace. This bloodshed must end, he said.

Additionally, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has summoned the Russian ambassador over the strikes. Confirming the same, he wrote on X, Putins strikes last night killed civilians, destroyed homes and damaged buildings, including the British Council and EU Delegation in Kyiv. We have summoned the Russian ambassador. The killing and destruction must stop.

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Meanwhile, the White House said that US President Donald Trump was not happy but not surprised by the strikes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, wants the war to end, but both Putin and Zelenskyy must want it to end as well.

The White Houses special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, also condemned the strikes, writing on X that these egregious attacks threaten the peace that (Trump) is pursuing.

Interested in pursuing peace talks, says Russia

Amidst the condemnation over its strikes, the Kremlin said that it was still interested in pursuing peace talks on Ukraine. And when asked about the contradiction, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that both sides were continuing its attacks.

The special military operation continues. You can see that strikes on Russian infrastructure, often on Russian civilian infrastructure, by the Kyiv regime are also continuing. The Russian armed forces are also carrying out their tasks, Peskov said.

He said that Russia was successfully hitting military and military-related infrastructure. At the same time, Russia remains interested in continuing the negotiation process in order to achieve our goals through political and diplomatic means.

The strikes in Kyiv come two weeks after US President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. File image/Reuters

Russia-Ukraine peace talks stutter

The major attack comes just two weeks after Trump held face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska , seeking to secure and end the war. Following this, Zelenskyy and European leaders had made their way to Washington following which it was announced that arrangements were being made for a sit-down between the Russian and Ukrainian leader.

However, since then the momentum has stalled. The Kremlin has put off attempts on a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, raising questions over the Ukrainian leaders legitimacy.

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Moreover, Ukraine has stated that before any kind of peace agreement is signed, it wants security guarantees  including Western troop deployments  to deter future Russian attacks. However, has pushed back against any Western military presence in Ukraine.

Now, a delegation from Ukraine is set to meet US officials in New York on Friday. Meanwhile, Russias Putin is heading to China to attend a massive military parade . Others attending this parade are North Korean leader Kim Jong Un , Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and Slovakias Robert Fico.

With inputs from agencies
Texas is enforcing Senate Bill 17, which takes effect on September 1, blocking citizens, companies, and entities from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing most property in the state. Supporters argue the ban protects national security, while critics warn it revives discriminatory practices and unfairly targets Asian-American and other communities

Texas Governor Greg Abbott ceremonially signed House Bill 128, Senate Bill 17, and Senate Bill 1349 into law to protect Texans against threats from hostile foreign adversaries like Russia, Iran, and China, said a press statement. X/GregAbbott_TX

Texas is set to roll out one of the most far-reaching restrictions on foreign land ownership in the United States.

With the enforcement of Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) beginning September 1, 2025, the US state will bar citizens, businesses and state-linked entities from four nations  China, Russia, Iran and North Korea  from purchasing or leasing most types of property.

Supporters of the law argue it strengthens national security and safeguards critical resources.

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Critics, however, view it as discriminatory, recalling the troubled history of anti-Asian legislation in the US.

What the Texas property ban means

The central provision of SB 17 prohibits individuals, companies, and organisations connected to the four listed countries from acquiring property in Texas.

This includes residential homes, farmland, and commercial buildings. Agricultural land, timber, water rights, and mineral-rich areas such as oil, gas, and rare earths are specifically highlighted as strategic resources off-limits to foreign buyers.

There are some exemptions.

US citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), and individuals on valid visas may purchase one primary residence, but they cannot buy additional properties or make real estate investments.

Rentals are also capped at less than one year for nationals of the targeted countries.

Signing the legislation on Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott described it as the toughest ban in America. He justified the move by framing it as an urgent security measure.

It is very simple. Hostile foreign adversaries like China, Russian, Iran, and North Korea, as well as foreign terrorist organisations like Tren de Aragua [Venezuela-based criminal organisation], must not be allowed to own land in Texas, Abbott said.

In my State of the State Address, I called on the Texas Legislature to protect Texas from infiltration by foreign adversaries.



Today, we deliver on that promise.



I signed three key laws that protect Texas against threats from hostile foreign actors. pic.twitter.com/yd3MCDT3KM  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 26, 2025

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They should not be allowed access to our critical infrastructure, and they may not be allowed to exploit our border. Stiff, criminal penalties will be inflicted on those who violate these laws.

Violations carry significant punishments. An individual could be charged with a state jail felony, leading to up to two years of imprisonment and fines reaching $10,000.

Companies or organisations in breach of the law face penalties of up to $250,000 or half the value of the property transaction.

How Texas politicians have defended the move

Proponents of SB 17 have repeatedly pointed to US intelligence assessments that highlight the risks posed by adversarial nations purchasing land near critical facilities or within resource-rich regions.

The legislation accuses China in particular of engaging in coercive, subversive, and malignant influence activities to weaken the United States as part of its ambition to surpass the US in economic, military and political spheres.

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Texas Senator Lois Kolkhorst, the bills Republican author, has been one of its most vocal champions. At a May press conference, she said the law represents the strongest protection national security bill of any state passed.

She added, There are people that are agents of those countries and they are buying up some of our strategic assets. Were not going to have that anymore.

Kolkhorst first introduced a similar measure in 2023, but that proposal stalled after criticism, particularly because it did not exempt permanent residents.

She defended the measure again this year, declaring, To our adversaries that want to do harm to our state and nation: Youre not buying up Texas land.

Other companion laws signed alongside SB 17

SB 17 was part of a wider package targeting foreign influence. Abbott ceremonially signed three bills into law:

House Bill 128 : Prohibits Texas governmental entities from entering sister-city agreements with adversarial nations, while encouraging partnerships with US allies.

Senate Bill 1349 : Establishes a new criminal offence for transnational repression and requires law enforcement training to address related threats.

Senate Bill 17: Restricts real estate ownership for nationals, companies, and government-backed organisations from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and designated transnational criminal organisations.

Together, the laws reflect Texass broader stance against foreign actors perceived as adversaries, linking land ownership to national infrastructure security and foreign policy.

Why Chinese nationals are most affected

Although SB 17 targets four countries, Chinese nationals are expected to be the most impacted. Texas is home to at least 120,000 people born in mainland China as of 2023.

The state also holds the largest share of Chinese-owned land in the US, with 123,708 acres, nearly 45 per cent of all Chinese-held land nationwide.

Between 2011 and 2021, Chinese companies launched 38 investment projects in Texas, worth $2.7 billion and creating more than 4,600 jobs, according to state data. Now, some of those companies are reportedly reassessing their presence in Texas in light of the restrictions.

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Despite the exemptions for permanent residents and visa holders with a primary home, many Chinese Texans fear the law could create an atmosphere of suspicion.

What anti-Asian history in the US tells us

Opposition to SB 17 has been strong among civil rights organisations, Democratic lawmakers, and Asian-American community groups. They argue the law echoes the long history of anti-Asian sentiment in the US.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese labourers from immigrating to the US for decades.

Similarly, Texas had an alien land law that restricted land purchases by non-citizens until 1965, which was ultimately repealed because it was considered discriminatory and harmful to economic development.

Activists also point to the surge in anti-Asian discrimination following the Covid-19 pandemic, warning that laws like SB 17 could worsen profiling against Asian-Americans.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups have filed lawsuits arguing the law violates equal protection rights.

Although a US federal judge dismissed an initial challenge earlier this month, attorneys have appealed the decision to the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Why this type of law isnt new in the US

Texas is not the first state to pursue foreign land restrictions. Since 2021, 26 states, mostly Republican-led, have passed over 50 laws limiting land ownership by foreign nationals, often singling out China.

A parallel case in Florida is already working its way through the courts, with plaintiffs arguing the ban there unfairly targets Chinese residents and violates constitutional protections.

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The national conversation around foreign land ownership heated in 2023, when a Chinese high-altitude balloon flew across North American airspace, sparking concerns over espionage and infrastructure security.

Although foreign-held farmland across the US accounts for only a small percentage of total acreage, Chinese investors held just under 384,000 acres in 2021, representing less than one percent of all foreign-owned land.

Texas has one of the fastest-growing Asian-American populations, estimated at 1.5 million, and has historically benefited from international trade and investment.

At the same time, Texass size, border and energy resources make it a focal point of US security concerns.

With inputs from agencies
Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on India are in effect posing a huge challenge to Indian exporters. However, PM Modi has vowed to protect the interests of Indians, refusing to relent under American pressure. The Centre has drawn up multiple ways, including support measures of Rs 25,000 crore and GST reforms, to counter the impact of the US levies

A man reads The Times of India newspaper, with the lead story on US tariffs on most Indian goods, in the old quarters of Delhi. File image/Reuters

Trumps tariffs. Its the one thing that everyone is talking about after the US presidents 50 per cent levies came into effect, starting Wednesday (August 27). Washington has imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on imports from India, followed by another 25 per cent penalty tied to Indias Russian oil purchases.

But New Delhi continues to be unphased by Trumps trade actions as well as the rhetoric from his advisers and supporters.

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In fact, it has been devising methods and plans to ensure that its exporters are protected from consequences that may emerge as a result of the sharp tariffs.

What is the Modi governments big plan to counter US tariffs? Will it help exporters? Heres what we found out.

A relief package in the works

Following Trumps tariffs kicking in, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and other Indian officials called on the Modi government to protect livelihoods (and) reinforce global trade links to offset the impact of the levies.

FIEO president Subhash Chandra Ralhan urged the government to offer short-term relief measures, including a 12-month moratorium on repayment of loans and a 30 per cent automatic enhancement of the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee scheme.

On Thursday (August 28), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told a trade delegation that the government would extend comprehensive support to exporters to sustain growth momentum. She underscored the importance of protecting workers livelihoods, calling upon industry leaders to reassure employees of job continuity even amidst global headwinds, said a statement by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

Activists of different trade unions burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump to protest against the recent tariff hikes imposed by the US on India during a demonstration in Kolkata. File image/AFP

And now a Commerce Ministry official has said that they have finalised a proposal that would help Indian exporters and have sent it to the Finance Ministry for consideration. The relief package is designed to give exporters a combination of incentives, policy support and targeted interventions to help them overcome the volatility in global trade.

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We have sent the proposal to the finance ministry, and it is now awaiting clearance from the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) before being placed before the Union Cabinet for approval, the official said as per a Mint report.

The official added that the government is trying to speed up the rollout of the export promotion mission and expediting the e-commerce export hub scheme. The mission envisages support worth about Rs 25,000 crore over six years from 2025 to 2031. It will be implemented through two sub-schemes  Niryat Protsahan, with an allocation of over Rs 10,000 crore, and Niryat Disha, with over Rs 14,500 crore.

An official also told The Indian Express that the industry has sought measures similar to those announced during the Covid-19 period. The government is seized of the issue and there is very positive work going on. The issue of liquidity and how to address it is on the agenda, he was quoted as telling the Indian daily.

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The government has also extended the exemption on cotton import duty until December 31, a move that would help the Indian textile industry place long-term cotton import orders. A press release read, To augment availability of cotton for the Indian textile sector, the Central Government had temporarily exempted the import duty on cotton from 19th August 2025 till 30th September, 2025.

In order to support exporters further, the Central Government has decided to extend the import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) from 30th September 2025 till 31st December 2025, it stated.

GST reforms

Another way that India is looking to offset the impact of Trumps tariffs is the reforms in the GST structure . On August 15, Independence Day , Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country would witness next-generation reforms in Goods and Services Tax (GST) by Diwali. Under this, the current four GST slab rates will be reduced to two  five per cent and 18 per cent. Goods that fall into the current 12 per cent and 28 per cent brackets will be pushed into these lower slabs.

The GST reforms are expected to boost domestic consumption by leaving more money in peoples pockets, by lowering tax rates on essential goods. The GST cuts will give a fillip to the GDP growth by 0.6 per cent as per estimates, softening some of the tariff blow. In fact, an SBI Research Report noted that the proposed GST reforms would enhance consumption by Rs 1.98 lakh crore.

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Another way that India is looking to offset the impact of Trumps tariffs is the reforms in the GST structure. Representational image/PTI

BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company, also noted that the proposed GST reforms would boost consumption and could cancel out the impact of 50 per cent tariffs by the US. The firm added that depending on the specifics, the GST reform could cancel out the drag on growth from the tariffs. Given that the details have yet to be confirmed, we highlight the GST reform as a slight upside risk to our growth forecast for now

India looking at trade diversification

In 2024, a whopping 18 per cent of all Indian goods were exported to the US, which highlights just how much the two countries trade with one another. However, with Trumps tariffs kicking in, India is now pushing forward with a diversification plan, as it realises the peril of placing all eggs in one basket.

India is planning dedicated outreach programmes in 40 countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea, to push textiles. Other nations include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Belgium, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

As Economic Times reported that India already exports to over 220 countries, but the 40 importing countries hold the real key to diversification. Together, these 40 countries represent more than $590 billion in textile and apparel imports, offering vast opportunities for India to enhance its market share.

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A truck carrying a shipping container is parked at a warehouse in Navi Mumbai, India. Reuters

American economist Jeffrey Sachs also noted that India could offset the impact of the tariffs by strengthening ties with emerging economies and even consider joining regional trade blocs like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

I think Trump is shooting  I wont say himself in the foot  hes shooting America in the foot. Hes making it less prosperous and less competitive, but he is effectively uniting the rest of the world in closer relations, Sachs told India Today in an interview.

It appears that India is in no mood to relent to Trump. As PM Modi earlier 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 wish to tell you, promise you from the land of Gandhi, 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), he added.

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With inputs from agencies
Gurpreet Singh, 36, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in July after being shot by the Los Angeles Police. Passers-by alerted police to the presence of a man, later identified as Singh, in the middle of South Figueroa Street and West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles, wielding a weapon. But was he performing gatka, an ancient martial art?

Was the Sikh man who are shot dead by Los Angeles Police performing the gatka?

Thats what some are wondering on social media after the police released bodycam footage of the incident. The shooting occurred on July 13. The victim, Gurpreet Singh, succumbed to his injuries four days later.

But what happened? Was Singh, 36 performing the gatka when he was shot dead?

Lets take a closer look:

Gatka, a Sikh martial art

First let us take a brief look at the gatka.

It is a Sikh martial art that originated in Undivided Punjab. However, there remains some debate about how gatka came about as a martial arts. Some attribute it to Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh guru, who also introduced the kirpan for self-defence. Others say it was popularised by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru as a symbol of resistance against the oppressors. However, some accounts suggest originated among the Muslims and that the gatka was made from the branch of a date tree.

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It is traditionally performed by wielding a long, wooden stick known as Soti. The word gatka itself is derived from the Sanskrit word gatayas (motion). However, others say it is a derivative of the Persian word Khutka  meaning a leather-covered club used in fencing. In Punjabi, it refers to the stick used to practice and for combat. The fighting involves two or more practitioners who wield wooden sticks rather than swords. This is called Gatkabaazi or Gatkebaazi.

In ancient times, it would be used by Sikh warriors to practice before they took up the sword or the kirpan. It was primarily a self-defensive art.

Gatka evolved into a sport in the late 19th Century. It is performed in two styles  Virasat (traditional) and Khed (sport). Gatka is played in both an attacking and defensive vein. First, one person attacks while the other opponent blocks. Then, the opponent counterattacks the first player. The gatka involves both players going into a series of maneuvers with intricate footwork. It is sometimes performed to the beat of a drum.

The sticks are between 91 and 107 centimetres long and around 13 millimeters thick. They are fitted with a leather hilt made up of multicoloured threads. It is paired with the farri (also known as phari) which is a substitute for a shield. The farri, which is made of dry leather and is round, is packed with dry cotton or grass in order to protect the hands of the players.

The gatka also takes place with other implements such as chakra (a round weapon with little wooden balls), tega (a long and broad sword), tabar (axe), guraj (mace), barchha (spear), and the khanda (double-edged sword). These are classified as mukata (thrown) or amukata (held) weapons. However, the soti and farri and the kirpan and farri remain the most popular combinations.

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Two Sikh men dueling with wooden swords. 19th century watercolour by an Indian artist. Meal New governor whats happening whats happening

The popularity of the gatka declined under the British who institute a ban on it along with the kirpan and the neja (javelin). However the art form continued to be performed at local akhadas across the country and was passed down from generation to generation.

Today, it is performed during Sikh festivals such as Baisakhi or Gurpurab or played as competitive sport. It saw somewhat of a resurgence after the International Gatka Federation was created in 1982. In India, groups such as Gatka Federation of India (GFI) and National Gatka Association of India (NGAI) brought some attention to it. It is now played as a competitive sport across India usually between two people.

Gatka isnt just practiced in India. It is also performed in parts of Afghanistan  for example the Hazara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  as well as by Trinidadians of Indian descent. Sadly, not much is known in the public about the artform.

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In 2013, the state government of Punjab began offering a diploma course in gatka at the Punjabi University, Patiala.

What happened with Singh? Was he performing Gatka?

That remains unclear.

What we do know is that passers-by alerted police to the presence of a man, later identified as Singh, in the middle of South Figueroa Street and West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Singh was said to be swinging a sword at passers-by. Police said Singh abandoned his car in the middle of the road and appeared to be waving the implement rather aggressively. He is even said to have cut his own tongue with it. Footage shows Singh appearing to pray before he begins waving the weapon around.

Passers-by alerted police to the presence of a man, later identified as Gurpreet Singh, in the middle of South Figueroa Street and West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Police said they ordered Singh to drop the weapon. However, he refused to do so. Instead, he returned to his car retrieved a water bottle and threw it at the officers. Singh yet again return to his car and let the police on a brief chase. Singh during the incident was waving the weapon from the drivers side window.

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The LAPD said Singh drove erratically and collided with an officers vehicle. Singh then halted near Figueroa Street and 12th Street and got down from his vehicle. Police said he then charged them with the weapon which resulted in them opening fire. The offer source involved in the shooting were identified as IIs Michael Orozco and Nestor Espinoza Bojorquez. Singh then collapsed and was taken to the nearest hospital. Police said the weapon, a two-foot-long machete, was taken in as evidence.

You can only give so many warnings, Meghan Aguilar, a detective with LAPD, was quoted as saying. Singh was treated for his injuries, however, he died in the hospital days later. The shooting remains under investigation.
The US military is stepping up its presence in the waters near Venezuela as part of a major crackdown on Latin American drug cartels. Several warships are already in place, and more are expected to arrive in the coming days. The move has triggered a wave of speculation inside Venezuela and stirred up tensions with Nicolas Maduros government

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro applauds during the closing ceremony of the second Revolutionary Special Operations Course (COER), held at the Command Action Group of the Bolivarian National Guard at Macarao parish, in Caracas, Venezuela. Reuters

The United States is sending warships to South America. And Nicolas Maduro is not happy.

The US military is stepping up its presence in the waters near Venezuela as part of a major crackdown on Latin American drug cartels. Several warships are already in place, and more are expected to arrive in the coming days. While American officials insist this isnt about launching an invasion, the move has triggered a wave of speculation inside Venezuela and stirred up tensions with Maduros government.

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At the heart of the mission, according to US Navy officials, is an effort to disrupt drug trafficking operations in the region, some of which are believed to involve Venezuelans. But so far, few details have been made public. The exact goals remain classified, and thats only adding fuel to the rumour mill in Venezuela.

Whats happening?

The US Navy has two Aegis missile destroyers  the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham  stationed in the Caribbean. Two more vessels  the USS Sampson and USS Lake Erie  are operating in the Pacific, off Latin Americas coast.

More firepower is on the way. Three large amphibious assault ships  the USS Iwo Jima, USS San Antonio, and USS Fort Lauderdale  carrying over 4,000 Marines and sailors, are expected to arrive soon. The Pentagon hasnt said exactly where theyre going, but their presence is already making waves.

Why now?

According to Admiral Daryl Caudle, the Navys top officer, the US is deploying naval assets to support operations targeting criminal organisations, especially drug cartels with alleged ties to Venezuela. Speaking from a Navy base in Virginia, Caudle kept most details under wraps but said his role is to provide the President with military options.

President Trump has made no secret of his tough stance on drug trafficking, blaming cartels for the fentanyl crisis and violence in American cities. His administration recently labelled several major gangs  including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and multiple Mexican groups  as foreign terrorist organisations. Trumps team says its all part of a strategy to stop the flow of drugs and hold those responsible accountable.

Trucks transport tanks east from Valencia, Venezuela, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, after the government announced a military mobilization following the US deployment of warships off Venezuela. AP

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didnt confirm whether airstrikes or more aggressive action might follow but made it clear Trump is prepared to use every element of American power to fight the drug trade.

How is Maduro reacting?

Maduro is not impressed. When asked during a state TV appearance about rumours of an invasion, he dismissed the idea, saying over 90 per cent of Venezuelans reject the US threats.

Were within our own laws, and no one touches this land, he said.

He also denied Venezuela has any role in the drug trade, claiming the country is free of coca crops and free of cocaine production  unlike neighbouring Colombia. Maduro accused the US of using drug trafficking as the latest excuse to justify aggression.

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In the past, they called their enemies communists. Then terrorists. Now the trend is to accuse people of drug trafficking, he said.

Venezuelas ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and called for the US to stop its hostile actions and respect Venezuelas sovereignty.

Whats happening inside Venezuela?

The buzz around US ships has taken over the conversation on Venezuelan streets, news outlets, and social media. And Maduros government is using the moment to rally support, urging people to sign up for its volunteer militia  a group meant to back up the military in case of an attack.

Recruitment events were held last weekend, and more are scheduled. But turnout appears to have been low.

Venezuelan government supporters enlist in the Bolivarian National Militia following Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros call for a nationwide recruitment drive, amid rising tensions with the United States. Reuters

While the government claims the militia has over 4.5 million members, that figure is widely doubted. Millions have fled the country, and support for Maduro has dropped sharply in recent years.

Last years disputed election didnt help. The government said Maduro won with over 6 million votes  but opposition-led counts showed he actually lost, with just 3.4 million.

What about the opposition?

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whose ally Edmundo Gonzalez is recognised by the US as the rightful winner of the 2024 presidential election, is welcoming the US naval move. Appearing on Fox News, she praised Trumps team for taking the right approach, with courage and clarity against Maduros regime.

She also took a jab at the governments recruitment efforts, posting on X that Venezuelans had disobeyed by staying home and ignoring the call to enlist.

But many in Venezuela remain sceptical. Political analyst Christopher Sabatini of Chatham House warns that opposition leaders are once again raising hopes they might not be able to deliver on.

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Theyre falling into the trap of suggesting an invasion is around the corner, he said. Theyve been stuck in neutral since the election, and now theyre trying to capitalise on this moment.
RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani lauded the growth of Firstpost, Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18, and expressed confidence that Network18 will carry the flag of Indian journalism across the world

Firstpost is growing rapidly as Indias digital-first global view of the world, with a strong presence across platforms. In May this year, it recorded over 400 million video views, becoming the most-viewed Indian English news channel on YouTube globally, Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani said while addressing the 48th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited on Friday.

Ambani highlighted the strong performance of Network18s media platforms, noting their role in shaping Indias digital and journalistic landscape.

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Network18 is pioneering disruptive models with a sharp focus on credible journalism, creative content, and innovation, the Reliance Industries CMD said.

He added that Moneycontrol has consolidated its leadership as Indias largest platform for business news, financial markets data and investment analytics. With over one million paid subscribers, Moneycontrol Pro ranks among the top 15 subscription platforms globally, alongside The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Ambani noted.

On television, CNBC-TV18 has retained its leadership in business news for more than two decades with an overwhelming market share. With CNBC-TV18 Prime and CNBC-TV18 Access, it is delivering premium content to CXOs and decision-makers nationwide. It is now looking beyond India for global mindshare, market share, and revenue share, delivering delight across screens and platforms, he said.

Ambani expressed confidence in the media groups leadership saying, I am counting on the leadership team at Network18 to carry the flag of Indian journalism around the world.

Disclaimer: Firstpost is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japans Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced landmark agreements on defence, digital cooperation, artificial intelligence, economic security, and people-to-people exchanges, reaffirming the strength of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an official working visit to Japan from August 29 to 30, 2025, at the request of his counterpart, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, to attend the 15th IndiaJapan Annual Summit.

On August 29, PM Modi received a ceremonial guard of honour at the Prime Ministers Office (Kantei) before conducting delegation-level meetings with Prime Minister Ishiba. The two leaders discussed India and Japans long-standing alliance, which is based on civilisational links, shared democratic principles, and a common strategic view.

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During the meeting, both leaders emphasised the need of furthering the Special Strategic and Global Partnership and reached an agreement on a comprehensive plan to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, economic partnership, and people-to-people relations.

Key accomplishments included the approval of three historic documents: a Joint Vision for the Next Decade, a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, and an Action Plan for Human Resource interchange and Cooperation, which will result in the interchange of nearly 500,000 persons over the next five years.

The leaders also established the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative, which focusses on building robust supply chains and collaborating in essential and developing technologies such as semiconductors, clean energy, and key minerals. They applauded the signing of agreements relating to sustainable energy, digital partnership, space, science and technology, and cultural exchanges.

In the digital sphere, the two prime ministers were pleased with the advancements made under the India-Japan Digital Partnership, which fosters cooperative efforts in cutting-edge technologies through business collaborations, startups, research and development, and the interchange of digital skills. The India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0 was welcomed by them, as it will advance collaboration to the next phase of the digital revolution.

The two prime ministers also announced the establishment of a Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative, which aims to support collaborative research projects, build platforms for industry-academia exchange, facilitate the development and operation of data centres in India, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence, including Large Language Models (LLMs).

PM Ishiba was invited by PM Modi to participate in the AI Impact Summit, which India will host from February 1920, 2026.

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Regarding security and defence, the two prime ministers promised to strengthen defence technology and equipment cooperation and praised the increasing momentum in bilateral military cooperation, which includes joint exercises by all three services. Concerned about tensions in the East and South China Seas, they also reiterated their commitment to an Indo-Pacific that is free, open, and governed by norms.

Japan pledged to mobilise 10 trillion yen in private investment in India, reaffirming its commitment to economic cooperation and building on its previous goal of 5 trillion yen. Along with reviewing ongoing projects, such as the MumbaiAhmedabad High Speed Rail, the two leaders reiterated their support for Japanese investment in supply chain diversification and industrial townships.

The two prime ministers addressed regional and global issues, such as the situation in Myanmar, North Koreas missile program, terrorism, the Gaza dilemma, and the conflict in Ukraine. They reiterated their support for ASEAN centrality, the Quad, and urgent UN Security Council reform, including mutual support for each others bids for permanent membership.

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Looking ahead, both sides recognised the significance of 2027, which marks the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic ties. PM Modi thanked PM Ishiba for his warmth and hospitality throughout the visit, and invited him to visit India later this year for the Quad Leaders Summit, which he accepted.

The visit reaffirmed the deep-rooted civilizational ties, vibrant people-to-people linkages, and shared democratic values that form the bedrock of the longstanding friendship between India and Japan.
Reliance Intelligence marks the next big leap for Reliance aiming to deliver AI everywhere and for every Indian

Announcing the companys next digital leap in the 48th Annual General Meeting on Friday, Reliance Industries Limited chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said that the behemoth is now setting the stage for Indias next technology revolution with Reliance Intelligence  a bold new business dedicated to driving the AI revolution at scale.

Our new Intelligence business will drive the AI revolution in India. This will enable Indians to adopt AI at scale and make our country a global force in AI, Ambani said.

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A decade ago, digital services became a new growth engine for Reliance. Now, the opportunity before us with AI is just as large, if not larger. Jio promised and delivered digital everywhere and for every Indian," he said.

Similarly, Reliance Intelligence promises to deliver AI everywhere for every Indian. With Reliance Intelligence and our strong partnerships, green infrastructure, and India-first governance, we are building for the next decade with confidence and ambition. I am excited about what we will achieve, he said.

AI as the new Kamdhenu

Ambani described AI as humanitys most powerful enabler, likening it to an ancient symbol of abundance.

Owing to its miraculous power, AI can now be called the new Kamdhenu  the divine wish-fulfilling cow of our age, Ambani said. Breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence and allied Deep Technologies have already begun to boost productivity, efficiency, and human potential to unimaginable levels.

Jios AI-first foundation

Reliance Jio has been laying the groundwork for India to become the worlds first AI-native digital economy. From Gen-AI powered customer journeys to diagnostics and automation, Jio is embedding AI into every aspect of connectivity and services.

Building on this foundation, Jio True 5G has redefined speed, reliability, and reach of digital connectivity. Today, more than 220 million users are benefitting from the Jio True 5G network, said Akash Ambani, chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm.

Looking ahead, Jios ambitions stretch far beyond India, Akash said, As we look ahead, Jios journey will progress beyond India. Our innovative technologies are now ready to be deployed globally and solve global challenges. With strategic partnerships and a clear roadmap, we will take Jios services international, creating value for partners and shareholders alike. Behind every achievement of Jio is a mission  to serve customers with heart, to connect the unconnected, and to uplift every citizen. As we move forward, Jio remains committed to ensure that our technology empowers all of you.

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Jios Digital Twin and Next-Gen AI Cloud

Kiran Thomas, CEO of Jio Platforms Limited, revealed a series of breakthroughs that make Jios infrastructure uniquely capable of AI deployment at scale:

Today, Jio is the only operator that can activate gigabit speed internet in under 24 hours across India. In the past, getting broadband installed, even in large cities, meant waiting, delays, and multiple site visits. We built something no one else has attempted at this scale: a Digital Twin of Indias physical infrastructure. This is a living, breathing 3-D model of our nation, covering every terrain, every locality, and every single building. The moment a customer places an order, Jios Digital Twin system allows our engineers to check the local network conditions for that specific customer, and precisely plan the entire installation, said Kiran at the AGM.

He also announced the next generation of Jio AI Cloud.

Today, we unveil the next generation of Jio AI Cloud that is more than just storage, but an AI-powered memory companion. Imagine being able to find and relive your most precious moments simply by speaking in your own language. Jio AI Cloud also makes everyday organisation effortless. And with our new AI Create Hub, anyone can turn simple photos into shareable reels, collages, or promo videos with no expert skills required, he said.

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Consumer AI breakthroughs: JioPC and JioFrames

Akash highlighted new consumer AI products designed to transform everyday digital experiences.

Describing JioPC project, Akash said, Today, we are proud to announce another leap forward  JioPC. JioPC is that revolutionary product that transforms your TV, or any other screen, into a full-feature, AI-ready computer. You can easily get started by connecting a keyboard into your Jio Set-Top Box. Instantly, you get a virtual computer powered from Jios cloud with no upfront investment. You simply pay for what you use. And because JioPC lives in the cloud, it is always up-to-date, secure and you can remotely upgrade your memory, storage, and computing power based on your growing needs.

On JioFrames, he said, JioFrames is an AI-powered wearable platform and ecosystem, made for India. With support for multiple Indian languages at launch, you can simply speak to Jios multilingual AI voice-assistant. It is a hands-free, AI-powered companion designed for the way India lives, works, and plays. With JioFrames, you can capture your world like never before. Take HD photos, record videos or go live  every memory is instantly stored in Jio AI Cloud.

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Global recognition and leadership

With more than 500 million subscribers, Jio has become the largest data company globally.

Today, Jio is the largest data company globally. Its multiple inherent strengths guarantee accelerated growth. All of Jios 500 million  and growing  subscribers will move to 5G and eventually 6G by 2030. Jios home and enterprise digital services businesses are growing at phenomenal speed, said Mukesh Ambani

Global research, advisory, consulting and advisory firm Gartner also recogni=sed Reliance among the worlds AI superpowers.

Recognising these strengths, Gartner, the globally reputed technology research and advisory firm, has ranked Reliance Industries alongside Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and Alibaba, stating that these entities are the new superpowers, and are setting the terms for the next global economy, Mukesh Ambani said.

Strategic partnerships

Reliance and Meta have formed a joint venture to develop Llama-based enterprise AI platforms and tools for Indian and global markets, with an initial investment of Rs855 crore ($100 million).

Partnering with Meta brings our vision of providing AI to every Indian and enterprise to life - by combining Metas most widely adopted open-source Llama models with our deep expertise across multiple industries. We will democratise enterprise-grade AI for every Indian organisation - from ambitious SMBs to blue-chip corporates, enabling them to innovate faster, operate more efficiently, and compete confidently on the global stage. RIL will also serve as a real-world enterprise-scale environment for deploying and refining the joint ventures offerings - enabling rapid iteration and continuous improvement at scale, the Reliance Industries chairman said.

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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, also shared his thoughts on the joint venture.

Were excited to deepen our partnership with Reliance to bring the power of open-source AI to Indian developers and enterprises. Through this joint venture, were putting Metas Llama models into real-world use, and Im looking forward to Meta expanding its footprint in the enterprise space as we unlock new possibilities together, he said.

Additionally, Reliance and Google Cloud have also expanded their strategic partnership to establish a dedicated AI-focused cloud region in Jamnagar.

This partnership with Google Cloud marks a new chapter in Indias technology journey. By bringing Google Clouds AI capabilities to Jamnagar, supported by Reliances infrastructure, renewable energy, and nationwide network, we are laying the foundation for India to become a global leader in AI. Just as Jio and Google came together to democratise the internet for every Indian, we will now democratise intelligence for every Indian, said Mukesh Ambani.

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Sundar Pichai, who is the CEO of Google parent Alphabet, found the project promising.

At Google, weve long been investing in Indias digital future, and our partnership with Reliance and Jio has been an important part of how we do that. Our work together over the last decade has helped bring affordable internet access to millions. And now, we are building on this to help shape the next leap with AI. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to building Indias AI future together, Pichai said.

Robotics: The next AI frontier

Looking beyond digital platforms, Reliance is investing heavily in robotics and intelligent automation.

Another exciting frontier for AI is Robotics, especially Humanoid Robotics. Astonishing advances are taking place in this field. Intelligent automation will transform factories into adaptive production systems, warehouses into autonomous supply chains, and hospitals into centres of precision care. We are investing to make India a leader in human-centric robotics powered by AI, creating new types of industries and services, new types of agriculture, new types of jobs, and attractive new opportunities for our youth, said Mukesh Ambani.

Disclaimer: Firstpost is a part of the Network18 group. Network18 is controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.
In a speech in Tokyo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Japan is a key development partner of India and urged Japanese companies to make products in India that could be exported to the world, making use of the make in India initiative.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the Indian diaspora that welcomed him upon his arrival in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, August 29, 2025. (Photo: X/Narendra Modi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Japan is a key development partner of India.

Modi arrived earlier in the day in Japan on a two-day visit . He will hold talks with Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba and business leaders.

In an address to the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, Modi hailed the Indian-Japanese collaboration and urged Japanese businesses to invest in India and export products from India to the world.

Japan has always been an important partner in Indias development journey  from metros to manufacturing, from semiconductors to startups. Japanese companies have invested more than 40 billion dollars in India, Modi further said.

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Addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo. Strong business ties between our nations are a vital element of our friendship. https://t.co/OUSvy98eJo  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025

From Japan, Modi will travel to China to attend the SCO Summit. He will hold meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

PM Modi hails Indias strong fundamentals and calls for investments

Recalling his long association with Japan, Modi said that he has known many industrialists present there since his days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat (2001-14). He urged them to invest in India as capital in India doesnt just grow but it multiplies.

Modi further hailed Indias political and economic stability and ongoing reforms aimed at transparency.

ALSO READ: How India-Japan ties have evolved over the years

India is on the path to become the third-largest economy of the world and Indias markets are delivering strong returns, said Modi.

In his pitch to Japanese businesses, Modi also referred to initiatives like a simplified tax regime returns in Indian markets.

Modi further said, A few weeks ago, our parliament also approved a new and simplified tax regime. Japanese companies invested more than $40 billion in India. India is the most promising destination. The world is not just watching India  it is counting on India.
In the prevailing circumstances, the India-US relations, which recorded a quarter-century of bipartisan effort to strengthen the partnership, is facing its severest strain under the current US administration. The antagonistic turn came into sharper focus after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent urged Europe to join Washington in raising tariffs on Indian goods, accusing the EU of not being tough enough on New Delhi.

According to a Times of India report, his remarks, seen as an extension of President Donald Trumps combative approach, suggested that Washingtons patience had worn thin, with the White House making clear that the tariffs would not be lifted unless India conceded ground. At the same time, new restrictions on visas, particularly those affecting business and student mobility, were said to be disproportionately targeting Indian nationals.

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Western voices express dismay

While Trump and his aides have stayed largely on message in tightening the screws, leading Western experts have voiced unease. Evan Feigenbaum, a former US State Department official now at the Carnegie Endowment, was quoted as saying that attempts to frame the Russia-Ukraine war as Modis war were absurd and amounted to sabotage of decades of careful diplomacy. He reportedly argued that elements within Washington appeared intent on undoing 25 years of bipartisan work to anchor India firmly within Americas strategic orbit.

Similar sentiment was echoed in The Economist, which suggested that Washingtons punitive posture towards India amounted to an act of self-harm. The publication was reported as calling the move a giant own-goal that risked driving New Delhi closer to adversaries and alternative blocs. It argued that while Indias continued purchase of discounted Russian crude may look unseemly, New Delhi was operating within a Western price-cap scheme, and was even re-exporting refined petroleum products to Europe. The magazine framed Washingtons singling out of India as a grave miscalculation, one that paradoxically offered New Delhi an opportunity to project itself as a superpower-in-waiting.

Analysts in Europe and America have been portrayed as cautioning against alienating the worlds most populous democracy at a time when strategic partnerships are critical in managing Chinas rise. The consensus among many experts appears to be that Washington is undermining its own long-term interests by reducing space for compromise with India.

For New Delhi, the moment represents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, tariff hikes and visa restrictions threaten economic stability and people-to-people ties. On the other, international commentary has cast India as a resilient actor capable of withstanding external pressure, pursuing reforms at home and cultivating new markets abroad.

Economic consequences and shifting markets

The strain in ties has coincided with a sharp escalation in economic tensions. The United States has slapped a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, a move that the Reserve Bank of India warned could weigh on domestic demand. The central bank nevertheless noted that an S&P upgrade of Indias sovereign rating and strong agricultural conditions may provide some cushion in the months ahead, RBI said in its bulletin. Still, refiners in India have confirmed that Russian oil imports will rise by 1020 per cent in September, a development underlining how indispensable discounted Moscow crude has become to Indias energy security.

Richard Wolfe, an American economist known for his trenchant critiques of Trumps policies, was cited as saying that the US may end up strengthening the very alternatives it fears most. According to Wolfe, by pushing India away, Washington risked consolidating the Brics grouping into a more cohesive and competitive economic bloc, with India likely to divert exports towards those markets.

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A defining juncture

Trumps America First approach risks dismantling an edifice of trust painstakingly built since the 1990s. For India, the episode is being described as a test of its ability to assert strategic autonomy while preserving economic momentum. Whether this moment will be remembered as a rupture or a recalibration may depend less on Indias resolvewhich appears firmthan on Washingtons willingness to reconsider the wisdom of punishing an indispensable partner.
Ambani urges world leaders to pursue dialogue, even as he champions Atmanirbhar Bharat and a Balwaan Bharat

At the 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Reliance Industries, Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a powerful appeal to world leaders, urging them to choose dialogue over discord, win-win agreements over zero-sum rivalries.

Highlighting the transformational potential of emerging technologies, Ambani said, The possibilities created by these new technologies are staggering. The global GDP, at $110 trillion today, has the potential to reach $500 trillion within the next 2530 years. Imagine, in our own lifetime, we can end poverty globally and ensure that every human being has access to all basic needs.

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He stressed that this vision demands global collaboration saying, For this vision to be realised, it is our hope that the world leaders choose co-operation over conflict, dialogue over discord, and win-win agreements over zero-sum rivalries.

Turning to Indias trajectory, Ambani declared that Despite geopolitical uncertainty, one truth is crystal clear. India is on the rise, and Indias rise is unstoppable. Today, India already ranks among the worlds top four global economies.

Reflecting on lessons from history and recent global events, he emphasised, The most important lesson this journey has taught us is that there is no substitute for economic strength. This lesson is reinforced by recent geopolitical developments. India must gain greater economic strength  and do so with a sense of urgency.

Quoting the prime minister, Ambani said, Our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, rightly exhorted us in his Independence Day speech that the yardstick of aatma samman  self-respect  is atma nirbharata  self-reliance. India must become self-reliant to the maximum extent in key technologies, critical industries, and other vital sectors of the global economy.

Reaffirming Reliances commitment, Ambani pledged, Throughout our history, Reliance has contributed to this mission of building a strong India, a Balwaan Bharat. I assure our respected Prime Minister that Reliance will follow his command with redoubled efforts.

Finally, he called for collective action from Indian businesses. However, the magnitude of the challenge is so large that all Indian businesses must work together with unity as a grand coalition  in the spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and mutual support.

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If Trump continues to rely on advisers like Navarroa proven manipulator who once invented an expert to validate his theories and now advances the fiction that Ukraine is Modis warthe damage to Bharat-US relations could be lasting and irreversible

Trade advisor to Potus, Peter Navarro, speaks next to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, as Trump signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs, in Washington. File image: Reuters

When US President Donald Trump rolled out a red-carpet welcome for Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this monthpersonally escorting his Russian counterpart to a limousine and calling him by his first nameit was meant to signal Washingtons ability to command global stagecraft. During the meeting Putin thanked Trump for helping increase the Russo-American trade by 20 per cent. A few days later, his senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing, Peter Navarro, published a blistering article in the Financial Times, accusing Bharat of funding Putins war machine by buying Russian crude oil. He called Ukraine Modis war.

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The American hypocrisy is glaring: While the US trades with Russia, its projected as a commercial exercise; when Bharat takes a similar path, it is accused of indulging in blood money. The most dramatic casualty of this misplaced strategy has been Bharat-US ties, painstakingly built over 25 years of bipartisan diplomacy.

The central argument of Navarros attack has been that Bharats imports of Russian crude, which were 1 per cent of the countrys total oil purchases before the Ukraine war, now constitute more than 30 per cent. According to him, these transactions directly finance Russias war in Ukraine. What Navarro mischievously leaves out is context: Bharat, like nearly every energy-dependent economy, buys from the cheapest supplier to safeguard its domestic interests. After February 2022, Russian crude became available at steep discounts, making it an obvious choice for the country seeking affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens.

This, however, isnt the entire story.

In 2024, well into the second year of the Ukraine war, the United States itself imported over $3 billion worth of Russian goods. In many products such as urea, palladium, and potassium, Russia was one of the top two suppliers to the US. And as Putin conceded in Alaska, the US-Russia trade has increased by 20 per cent in the past six months. As for its closest ally, the European Union, it imported $39 billion in Russian products during the same period, of which $24 billion consisted of fuel alone. And Chinawhich faces no comparable scrutiny from the Trump administrationimported $94.3 billion worth of Russian fuel between 2021 and 2025, nearly double Bharats $57.46 billion. If the goal were truly to punish Russias enablers, China and the EU would rank ahead of Bharat by orders of magnitude.

While Navarro has called Ukraine Modis war, the fact remains that Bharat has nothing to do with this conflict. At the heart of the Ukraine crisis lies Russias enduring fear of encirclement by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). The US-led Natos expansion into eastern Europe has been a longstanding point of contention with Moscow.

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Even George Kennan, Americas foremost Russia strategist and architect of the Cold War containment doctrine, called Natos eastward expansion the most fateful error of American policy in the post-Cold-War era, predicting it would provoke nationalistic, anti-Western and militaristic tendencies in Russian opinion.

The Ukraine war is fundamentally the making of undue Western ambition and folly. Blaming Bharat, thus, is a silly excuse. For Delhi, buying discounted Russian oil is not about geopolitics; it is about ensuring an affordable, uninterrupted energy supply. Those who say Bharat is profiteering out of the Russian crude oil simplistically discount the fact that this singular act has kept the global oil price in check, thus helping the average consumer across the world, and not just the subcontinent.

The Trump administrations selective outrage, however, cannot be dismissed as a policy misstep. It reflects a deeper malaise: Trumps egotistical personality coupled with his overreliance on yes-man advisers. Among them, Navarro stands out, not only for his combative style but also for his history of deceit and deception.

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After all, he is the same person who cited in at least five of his 13 books the insights of a supposed Harvard-trained economist named Ron Vara, portrayed as a China hawk dispensing warnings about trade deficits, supply chains, and Beijings growing influence. Varas insights, presented as gospel, bolstered Navarros calls for tariffs as a panacea for all economic ills.

Lo and behold, Ron Vara never existed in reality and was a figment of Navarros wild, duplicitous imagination!

As The New York Times reported, Navarro invented himthe name itself an anagram of Navarros own surname. Vara was a fiction, designed to masquerade as an expert source lending weight to Navarros ideology. When confronted, Navarro dismissed the fabrication as a Hitchcockian writing device and an inside joke. But this is no harmless joke. As Professor Tessa Morris-Suzuki, the academic who exposed the ruse, put it: Its very strange for an academic to insert fictional experts into books presented as factual. This undermines academic and policy credibility.

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Ironically, what should have pushed Navarro into disgrace has now become a state policy under Trump 2.0. According to MSNBCs Rachel Maddow, Trumps sweeping tariffswhich disrupted global supply chains and alienated alliesstemmed partly from a fake memo attributed to Vara. Navarro invented an expert, wrote a memo citing that expert, and Trump built tariff policy around it. Now the same Navarro, with the same penchant for distortion, is driving the White Houses public confrontation with New Delhi.

Given the barrage of assaults, finding one excuse or another to criticise Bharat, Navarro seems to act like a disgruntled uncle in a Hindu weddingan archetypal Fufajee of the Hindi heartlandwho would constantly crib for no particular reason, but his accusations are more than political theatre; they have chilling economic and strategic consequences. Trumps administration has already imposed 50 per cent on Bharats exports, a move that disproportionately targets New Delhi while letting Beijing off relatively lightly.

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In recent years, bipartisan consensus in Washington supported elevating the Bharat-US relationship to its full potential. From Bill Clintons historic outreach in 2000 to George W Bushs landmark civil nuclear deal in 2007 to Barack Obamas embrace of Bharat as a lynchpin of Asian security, this partnership was painstakingly nurtured across administrations.

That legacy is now under threat from Trumps erratic policy shifts. In Bharat, anti-American sentiment is growing rapidly. Washington is increasingly being perceived as a haughty, unreliable, and inconsistent nation. This growing mistrust has accelerated Bharats diversification strategyexpanding energy cooperation with Russia, boosting trade ties with China, looking for newer markets for its products, and forging new partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

If Washington continues on this path, it risks isolating itself from the worlds largest democracy and fastest-growing major economy. Washington must recognise that public shaming, punitive tariffs, and accusatory rhetoric cannot help build partnership, especially with a civilisational state like Bharat with a population of 1.4 billion people. They are the tools of alienation.

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If Trump continues to rely on advisers like Navarroa proven manipulator who once invented an expert to validate his theories and now advances the fiction that Ukraine is Modis warthe damage to Bharat-US relations could be lasting and irreversible. What was once hailed as the defining partnership of the 21st century risks becoming a casualty of political hubris. To repair the damage, Washington must undertake an immediate course correction: Replace distortions with dialogue, respect Delhis strategic compulsions, and recognise shared interests and values.

Given the way things are currently moving, this doesnt seem to be happening anytime soon. Without such a reset, the United States risks losing Bharats trustand with it, its strategic foothold in an increasingly contested Asia. This might hurt American geostrategic interest in the long term.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a crucial four-day visit starting Friday. His on-going Japan visit will be followed by participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, where he is expected to hold talks with global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His visits to Japan and China are highly significant due to shifting geopolitical alignments and critical bilateral issues. The importance of each trip differs substantially, reflecting Indias complex diplomatic strategy of balancing its rivalry with China and strengthening its partnership with Japan.

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The primary objectives of PM Modis visit to Japan, August 2930, 2025, are to strengthen economic security and deepen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The visit will also include the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, Modis first with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba. Japan is expected to commit to a new, higher investment goal for India of 10 trillion yen (about $68 billion) over the next decade. This would double the previous target and focus on private-sector investment.

The two countries will launch a new bilateral framework to address economic security challenges. Key areas of focus include building secure supply chains for critical goods like semiconductors and crucial minerals and cooperation in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), communications, and clean energy. PM Modi and Shigeru Ishiba are likely to discuss the procurement of E10 bullet trains, being developed by East Japan Railway Company, for the 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor of India. India is expected to push for better market access for its pharmaceuticals and textiles by reviewing the existing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The Indian and Japanese PMs will reportedly review their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with a renewed focus on defence, security, and co-development of defence technology. Cooperation on maritime security and joint military exercises, such as the Malabar naval exercise, is a key component. The leaders will reaffirm their commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Japan News has reported that the Japanese and Indian governments aim to formulate a plan to promote people-to-people exchanges, setting a target of more than 500,000 people over the next five years, according to sources close to the Japanese government. Tokyo aims to increase exchanges in government, industry, academia and other sectors, harnessing Indias dynamism to fuel Japans economic growth. Of the 500,000 people, 50,000 are expected to be highly skilled Indians with specialised knowledge who will work in Japan.

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Following his visit to Japan, PM Modi will travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31-September 1. This will be his first China trip since the 2019 Galwan clash, signalling a cautious diplomatic thaw. With Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and other leaders attending, the summit offers a chance to ease tensions, rebuild dialogue, and recalibrate Asias balance.

While trust deficits with China persist, India stresses multi-alignment, autonomy, anti-terror stance, and regional stability. The sentiments conveyed by China are also quite encouraging. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said recently when he arrived for a two-day visit to Delhi that the setbacks that we faced in the last few years were not in our interest. He added that India and China should view each other as partners rather than adversaries or threats.

Despite his positive remarks, while some diplomatic and trade ties have recently resumed between India and China, major impediments still prevent full normalisation. The deep-seated geopolitical rivalry is driven by an ongoing border dispute but also includes competition for influence in Asia and a massive trade imbalance.

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The primary obstacle to full normalisation is the unresolved border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has been an irritant since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. The situation remains fragile despite some progress on de-escalation. India has insisted on restoring the peace and tranquillity that existed on the border before the deadly 2020 skirmishes, viewing a resolution of the border as central to the broader relationship. China, however, advocates improving the overall bilateral relationship irrespective of the border issue.

While a border arrangement was reached in October 2024 on certain points, underlying fault lines remain, and further skirmishes cannot be ruled out. China sees its stronger military capabilities on the border as an advantage. As part of recent efforts to mend ties, both sides have agreed to new dialogue mechanisms to discuss border delimitation and management. However, any final settlement would require political compromise at the highest levels.

A fundamental geopolitical rivalry fuels strategic mistrust and makes lasting rapprochement unlikely. India and China are in a zero-sum security competition for influence in neighbouring regions, including South Asia, the Indian Ocean, and Southeast Asia. Indias growing strategic and security cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia via the Quad is viewed by China as an attempt to contain its influence. From Beijings perspective, the relationship is unequal, with China in a superior position. It views India more tactically than strategically, which has led to coercive tactics to serve Chinas interests.

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Despite diplomatic tensions, a significant trade relationship exists, but it creates dependency and leverage issues for India. In 202425, Indias trade deficit with China grew to nearly $100 billion. Chinas exports include essential electronics and raw materials that Indian industries depend on. This economic dependency makes India vulnerable to Chinese economic coercion. In July 2025, India called on China to avoid restrictive trade measures, referencing Beijings restrictions on critical minerals like rare earth magnets. While India seeks to diversify supply chains, its reliance on Chinese goods is not expected to decrease in the short term as it pursues higher economic growth.

In 2025, some steps have been taken to improve relations, signalling a desire to avoid further deterioration, particularly amidst a changing US foreign policy stance. Following high-level meetings in August 2025, both countries agreed to resume direct flights, reissue tourist visas, and reopen some border trade. Clearly, India is attempting to insulate its economic imperatives from the security conflict to avoid further escalation, but this does not indicate a fundamental shift in the relationship. These moves are seen as restoring a fragile status quo rather than addressing the core issues of the border dispute and geopolitical competition, which continue to impede full normalisation.

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China is driven to seek better ties with India primarily by economic motives and strategic geopolitical considerations. Facing protectionist pressures from the United States, Beijing sees improved relations with New Delhi as a way to secure its economic interests and counter Western influence in the Indo-Pacific. This cautious rapprochement follows years of strained relations due to military clashes and ongoing border disputes. With a growing middle class, India represents a critical and expanding consumer market for Chinese exports. This is especially important as the US closes its market to Chinese goods through tariffs and other barriers.

Better trade relations would help both countries to soften the blow of tariffs imposed by the US. China has signalled a willingness to offer more market access to Indian goods, which would help New Delhi manage its trade imbalance with Beijing and mitigate the impact of US trade policy. In an interview with the media in April 2025, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong indicated Beijings intent to welcome more premium Indian goods and help Indian businesses tap into Chinas massive consumer market.

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China seeks to expand its investments in India, particularly in technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing. This would allow China to capitalise on Indias growth and integrate India into its supply chains while providing India with needed technology and capital. China knows that despite Indias efforts to become a manufacturing hub, India is still highly dependent on Chinese supply chains for key components, such as electronics and pharmaceutical ingredients. This reliance gives China leverage and an incentive to maintain economic ties.

There are also important geopolitical drivers which are shaping Chinas policy. By improving relations with India, China can try to weaken the Quad alliance (comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan) and push back against perceived Western containment strategies. China also wants to reduce tensions along the disputed Himalayan border, at least for now, to focus its military and diplomatic resources on other flashpoints like Taiwan. Recent high-level meetings have sought to establish mechanisms to manage border disagreements and prevent them from escalating.

From Beijings perspective, normalising ties with India helps present an image of regional stability. Easing friction between the two Asian giants could also create a more predictable environment for Beijings interests, including its massive Belt and Road Initiative projects in neighbouring Pakistan. High-profile diplomatic visits, such as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis trip to India in August 2025, are an opportunity for China to showcase diplomatic engagement and oppose unilateral bullying acts, implicitly criticising US foreign policy.

Since the US imposed major new tariffs on India in August 2025, China has worked to improve its relationship with New Delhi. Beijing has indicated it will provide greater access to its markets for Indian goods to help India offset the impact of the US tariffs. Chinese officials have publicly condemned the US for imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, with the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, explicitly stating that his country will firmly stand with India to uphold the multilateral trading system.

The aggressive US tariff policy under the Trump administration has had the unintended consequence of pushing India and China closer together. Faced with US antagonism, India has been forced to recalibrate its foreign policy and seek better relations with its large northern neighbour. However, while China and India have economic incentives to collaborate against US tariffs, deep strategic rivalry and long-standing border disputes persist. Therefore, a fundamental realignment is unlikely, and India will continue to maintain a cautious stance towards China.

In conclusion, the recent improvements in China-India relations should be viewed as a calculated, tactical detente. Indias recalibration of ties with China is a textbook application of its policy of strategic autonomy, which prioritises national interests. While dialogue has resumed on issues like trade and people-to-people exchanges, deeper strategic and security cooperation remains unlikely. The trust deficit runs deep, and India views China with suspicion after the 2020 border clashes. While driven by a shared interest in managing border tensions and responding to a shifting US foreign policy, the deep structural competition and distrust mean that a fundamental realignment of relations may not yet be on the horizon.

The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
To counter any Chinese misadventures, which remain localised and likely, the Indian armed forces need to restructure themselves into theatre commands at the earliest

A major problem which continues to exist is the trust deficit and infrastructure imbalance between China and India. File image

The recent visit of Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, to India, including his interactions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, as well as a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalled a thaw and forward movement in India-China ties, still impacted by the ghost of Galwan.

Wang Yis request for a meeting with PM Modi during his last visit in Mar 2022 was politely and firmly turned down. Since then, much water has flowed down the Brahmaputra.

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While the trigger this time for a reset in relations between the two Asian powers is claimed to be sanctions and tariffs on India and China by US president Donald Trump, the reality is that both states have been working steadily to reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and restore bilateral ties. Trumps tariffs only added a boost to the process.

PM Modi will be travelling to China for the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of the month, where he will interact with Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, as well as a possible trilateral involving Russia-India-China (RIC). India and China have both refused to bend to Trumps pressures on tariffs.

Simultaneously, the US administration is working overtime, with Peter Navarro, Trumps trade advisor, giving multiple interviews to highlight that the road to Moscow and ending the conflict flows through New Delhi. This has led to a distancing of Indo-American ties, with New Delhi moving closer to China, Russia and Brics nations.

In the past few days, PM Modi has had a briefing on Alaska talks from President Putin, Wang Yi visited New Delhi amidst improvement of ties, and Jaishankar landed in Moscow, where India recommenced dialogue for a trade agreement with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, stalled by the Ukraine war. He also had a meeting with President Putin. Tianjin city in China is now being watched.

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Rebuilding of India-China trust is indicated by the reopening of traditional trading routes, Lipulekh, Shipki La and Nathu La, recommencing direct flights and sharing river data. China also agreed to address Indian concerns on export curbs on fertilisers, rare earth minerals and tunnel-boring machines.

PM Modi tweeted after meeting Wang Yi, Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity. The Chinese foreign ministry handout mentioned, The stable and healthy development of China-India relations is in the fundamental interests of the two countries people.

The visit of Wang Yi also set the ball rolling on resolving the border conflict. As per inputs, there would be two parallel tracks adopted, bilateral and border, a long-standing Indian demand of linking resolution of the border with bilateral ties. This is also in accordance with the 2005 Indo-China agreement.

On the border issue, an expert group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC) would explore early harvest in boundary delimitation, implying possibly China accepting the LAC in Sikkim. Simultaneously, a working group would advance effective border management to ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas.

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There is already a military-led General level Mechanism between India and China in the Ladakh sector. Similar ones would also be established for central and eastern sectors. The central sector mechanism would be headed by the Uttar Bharat Area, while the eastern sector by one of the two Corp HQs responsible for operations in the region. The two sides have also decided to utilise border-level mechanisms at diplomatic and military levels to work out border management and de-escalation.

A major problem which continues to exist is the trust deficit and infrastructure imbalance between the two sides. Historically, it has always been the Chinese who have intruded. Sumdorong Chu, Depsang, Chumar, Doklam and Galwan are some examples. Even today, another incursion attempt could be around the corner.

The current enhanced deployment along the LAC, largely in Ladakh, continues because of distrust. Adding to it was military, diplomatic and intelligence support provided by China to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan would never have launched Pahalgam without Beijings approval.

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Chinese infrastructure in Tibet is far advanced and enables faster deployment. A senior unnamed Indian army official briefing on the same, post the visit of Wang Yi, mentioned, The way China has built roads, bridges, tunnels and habitats along the entire LAC, from eastern Ladakh to Arunachal, over the last five years, People Liberation Army (PLA) troops can easily afford to pull back 100-150 km and then come back again in 2-3 hours. Our forces cannot. This huge time differential in mobilisation between rival forces will have to be factored in during any de-escalation talks.

China is currently making Tibet its hub for trade with South Asia, hoping to change its economy while also sending a firm message of its integration into the mainstream. Major roads and rail networks in Tibet, all running parallel and close to the LAC, are being billed as nodes for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In January 2024 China announced an $11.2 billion plan to boost infrastructure in Tibet, including airports, railways and highways, with the aim of integrating its civil and military requirements. It is expected that by 2035, China will have developed the requisite infrastructure to support major operations against India.

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This implies India has limited time to enhance its military capabilities as well as its infrastructure to meet the China challenge. Strong military and technological power and developing deterrence capabilities are the need of the hour, alongside diplomacy to resolve the border dispute. The successful launch of the Agni V is one such move.

To counter any Chinese misadventures, which remain localised and likely, the Indian armed forces need to restructure themselves into theatre commands at the earliest. This would enable exploiting maximum combat power. Whether we need one northern command or two, the second to include emerging threats from Bangladesh and Myanmar, is debatable.

Simultaneously, there is a need to reconsider the current structure of forces deployed along the LAC, in tune with the concept of a single command responsible for a single theatre. This will provide far more options for countering any incursion.

Indias Northern Command is currently managing active borders with two different adversaries (Pakistan and China) in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh along with the internal security of the state. This goes against the very concept of the forthcoming northern theatre command, which will be responsible for the complete northern theatre. Any incursion by China along the current LAC in northern command provides limited opportunities for a counteraction by our own forces in another sector, thereby projecting a no-nonsense stand.

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It must also be noted that maximum Indian army retaliation, targeting Pakistans terrorist camps, during Operation Sindoor was in this sector. The LoC with Pakistan would always remain active. Ideally, Northern Command should handle the Pakistan front and internal security, shifting the Ladakh sector to Central Command, which already manages the LAC in Uttarakhand and Himachal.

This would enable better coordination and concentration of forces and also open doors for counter-incursions to any intrusions in the future. Finally, it would result in easier assimilation of forces into the Northern Theatre Command once created. We need to change with time, as better connectivity has opened far more access to Leh than just the erstwhile Srinagar-Kargil-Leh axis, as also the possibility of a Chinese incursion remains large, despite the current thaw.

The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
The facility was rapidly constructed two months ago with the goal of holding up to 3,000 detainees as part of President Donald Trumps push to deport people who are in the U.S. illegally

A top Florida official says the controversial state-run immigration detention facility in the Everglades will likely be empty in a matter of days, even as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis administration and the federal government fight a judges order to shutter the facility dubbed Alligator Alcatraz by late October. Thats according to an email exchange shared with The Associated Press.

In a message sent to South Florida Rabbi Mario Rojzman on Aug. 22 related to providing chaplaincy services at the facility, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said we are probably going to be down to 0 individuals within a few days, implying there would soon be no need for the services.

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Rojzman, and an executive assistant for the rabbi who sent an original email to Guthrie, confirmed to the AP on Wednesday Guthries emailed response to both of them and the veracity of the messages.

A spokesperson for Guthrie, whose agency has overseen the construction and operation of the site, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DeSantis suggests deportations are behind declining population

Questioned about the email exchange by a reporter at an event in Orlando, DeSantis framed the declining population as the result of an uptick in deportations by the Department of Homeland Security.

Ultimately its DHSs decision where they want to process and stage detainees and its their decision about when they want to bring them out, DeSantis said. He acknowledged the ongoing litigation may be an influence on the pace of deportations.

While DeSantis sought to minimize the states role in removals, attorneys for the federal government have said in legal filings that any decision to detain unauthorized immigrants at the center would be Floridas decision, not DHSs, adding that the facility operates using state funds on state lands under state emergency authority.

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Peak detainee population neared 1,000

The facility was rapidly constructed two months ago with the goal of holding up to 3,000 detainees as part of President Donald Trumps push to deport people who are in the U.S. illegally. At one point, it held almost 1,000 detainees, but U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., said that he was told during a tour last week that only 300 to 350 detainees remained. Three lawsuits challenging practices at the detention center have been filed, including one that estimated at least 100 detainees who had been at the facility have been deported. Others have been transferred to other immigration detention centers.

News that the last detainee at Alligator Alcatraz could leave the facility within days came less than a week after a federal judge in Miami ordered the detention center to wind down operations, with the last detainee needing to be out within 60 days. The state of Florida appealed the decision, and the federal government asked U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to put her order on hold pending the appeal, saying that the Everglades facilitys thousands of beds were badly needed since other detention facilities in Florida were overcrowded.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, whose lawsuit led to the judges ruling, opposed the request. They disputed that the Everglades facility was needed, especially as Florida plans to open a second immigration detention facility in north Florida that DeSantis has dubbed Deportation Depot.

Williams had not ruled on the stay request as of Wednesday.

Lawsuits claim severe problems at facility

The judge said in her order that she expected the population of the facility to decline within 60 days by transferring detainees to other facilities, and once that happened, fencing, lighting and generators should be removed.

Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe had argued in their lawsuit that further construction and operations should be stopped until federal and state officials complied with federal environmental laws. Their lawsuit claimed the facility threatened environmentally sensitive wetlands that are home to protected plants and animals and would undermine billions of dollars spent over decades on environmental restoration.

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By late July, state officials had already signed more than $245 million in contracts for building and operating the facility at a lightly used, single-runway training airport in the middle of the rugged and remote Everglades. The center officially opened July 1.

In their lawsuits, civil rights attorneys described severe problems at the facility which were previously unheard-of in the immigration system. Detainees were being held for weeks without any charges, they had disappeared from ICEs online detainee locator and no one at the facility was making initial custody or bond determinations, they said.

Detainees also had described worms turning up in the food, toilets that didnt flush, flooding floors with fecal waste, and mosquitoes and other insects everywhere.
The improvement of Sino-Indian relations is a common interest for both countries, as well as the result of joint efforts by both sides, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday

A day after a media report suggested that Beijing made a quiet outreach to New Delhi in March to test the waters on improving ties, China on Friday said that improving ties with India is in the interest of both countries.

China said the two sides have taken steps to steadily stabilise relations after a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.

The improvement of Sino-Indian relations is a common interest for both countries, as well as the result of joint efforts by both sides, MoneyControl quoted Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying on Friday in a written reply to questions.

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There was no secret diplomacy between the two countries, only normal communication and interaction, it added.

On Thursday, Bloomberg News reported that China quietly approached India earlier this year in an effort to reset bilateral relations. According to an Indian official familiar with the matter, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote to Indian President Droupadi Murmu in March, expressing concern over potential US-India agreements that could impact Chinas strategic interests.

Chinas Foreign Ministry on Friday referenced a meeting between President Xi and PM Modi in Kazan, Russia, in October last year, stating that the engagement marked a turning point that helped revive diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.

The competent authorities of China and India have earnestly implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promoted the resumption of institutional dialogue and conducted normal exchanges, said the ministry.

The thaw in relations between India and China has gathered pace in recent months, as both countries take concrete steps to ease a long-running border standoff. The renewed engagement comes ahead of PM Modis visit to China this weekend  his first in seven years.

China stands ready to work with India to view and handle China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, the countrys Foreign Ministry said in its statement.

PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on August 31September 1.

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In a statement on Thursday, Modi said he remains committed to working with SCO members to tackle shared challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.

A Friday editorial in Chinas state-run Global Times called the warming India-China ties a strategic and economic imperative amid shifting global geopolitics.

Today, as the twin engines of Asias economic growth, key representatives of the Global South, and members of the SCO, BRICS, and the G20, China and India share a mission to push the international order toward greater democracy and fairness, the newspaper said.

With inputs from agencies
Trump was reportedly unhappy but not surprised by Russias deadly strikes on Kyiv, as the White House suggested neither side wants to end the war

People visit a beauty salon, which was damaged early this morning in a Russian missile and drone strike, as shattered glass lies outside the window, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 28, 2025. Reuters

US President Donald Trump was unhappy but not surprised by Russias massive missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, which left at least 21 people dead and dozens more wounded. According to press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president considered the strikes part of a long conflict between Russia and Ukraine, noting that both countries have been at war for a very long time.

The barrage, described by Ukrainian officials as one of the largest since the invasion began in February 2022, struck residential areas as well as the European Union delegation and the British Council offices in Kyiv. Reports indicated that four children were among the victims, while several government-linked buildings were badly damaged. Ukraines air force said more than 600 missiles and drones were launched overnight, with some breaking through air defences and striking targets across 20 locations in the capital, The Guardian reported.

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White House emphasises diplomacy

Leavitt reiterated that Trumps stance remained focussed on a negotiated settlement to the war, but suggested that neither Russia nor Ukraine appeared willing to compromise at present. She told reporters that the president hoped to see an end to the fighting but stressed that the decision ultimately rested with the leaders of the two countries. She added that Trump may issue further remarks as events unfolded.

The press secretary further underlined that while the administration condemned the attacks, the US president had worked harder than anyone to secure peace. Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, echoed this sentiment in a social media post, warning that such strikes undermined diplomatic initiatives and directly threatened the peace process the White House was attempting to advance.

Fallout in Europe

The international backlash to the strikes was immediate. Both the United Kingdom and the European Union summoned their Russian envoys in response to the destruction of their offices in Kyiv. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called the strikes an act of senseless violence that killed civilians and damaged institutions central to cultural and diplomatic exchange. Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Moscow of sabotaging peace hopes, noting that children were among the dead.

The EUs ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, confirmed that the delegations offices had suffered severe damage from the shockwave of the blasts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the attack demonstrated that the Kremlin would stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine, promising fresh sanctions against Russia. Similarly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that the overnight bombardment proved Moscow had no real interest in pursuing negotiations, The Guardian reported.

Ukraine condemns Russias intentions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by saying the scale and ferocity of the attack revealed Russias lack of interest in diplomacy. He characterised the strikes as a clear response to international calls for a ceasefire, emphasising that Moscow had chosen missiles over dialogue.

Trumps peace bid faces obstacles

Trump had previously pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours of taking office but has since acknowledged the complexity of the task. His recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, followed by talks with Zelenskyy in Washington, did not lead to a breakthrough. Reports indicated that hopes of arranging a direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders were fading, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating there would obviously be no such summit under current conditions.

While the White House continues to promote diplomacy, Russias intensified strikes on Kyiv highlight the difficulty of Trumps peace efforts. Kellogg cautioned that Moscows latest actions threaten the peace and risk undermining fragile attempts at negotiation. With mounting civilian casualties, damaged international institutions and a hardened Russian stance, the possibility of near-term reconciliation appeared increasingly remote.
Iran-backed Houthis Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi of Yemen has been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Sanaa, according to Yemeni media.

Ahmed al-Rahawi, the Prime Minister of Yemen's Houthis-run government, visits the offices of the Palestinian Hamas movement in Sanaa, to offer his condolences over the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the head of the Hamas movement, on October 20, 2024. (Photo: Mohammed Huwais/AFP)

Ahmed al-Rahawi, the Prime Minister of Houthis-run Yemeni government, has been killed in Israeli airstrikes, according to Yemeni media.

Yemen has been torn apart by an ongoing civil war since 2014. The control of the country is divided between Houthis backed by Iran in the countrys north that control the capital Sanaa and the internationally-recognised government of President Rashad al-Alimi in the south that has its seat at . Houthis are part of the regional anti-Israel bloc comprising the likes of Hamas and Hezbollah.

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Israel conducted airstrikes in Houthis-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa on Thursday  the second round of attacks in less than a week. Israels Hebrew-language media previously reported that Thursdays airstrikes targeted a gathering of Houthi political and military leaders.

Multiple Yemeni media outlets have reported that Houthi President Al-Rahawi and several of his associates have been killed. There has not been any official confirmation or denial so far.

Yemens Al-Jumhuriya channel reported that Al-Rahawi was killed in an apartment in Sanaa in an Israeli strike. And the Aden Al-Ghad newspaper reported that Al-Rahawi was killed along with several of his associates.

Separately, Israeli officials believe that airstrikes killed Houthi Defence Minister Mohamed al-Atifi and Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd Al-Karim al-Ghamari, according to Euronews.

Houthis largely control Yemens northern parts, including the capital Sanaa, and Al-Alimis internationally-recognised government largely controls the countrys south and has its seat in the port city of Aden.

Houthis, as part of the Iran-backed Axis of Resistance joined fellow anti-Israel groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the war on Israel after the October 7 attack. Israel, and a Western coalition led by the United States, have conducted several rounds of airstrikes on Houthis in Yemen as they have also continued to fire missiles at Israel and terrorise the Red Sea.

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India and Japan expressed strong concern over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and reiterated their opposition to any unilateral actions in the region

India and Japan expressed strong concern over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and reiterated their opposition to any unilateral actions in the region.

The two Prime Ministers expressed serious concern over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that endanger the safety as well as freedom of navigation and overflight, and attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion, Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

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The statement said the two leaders shared their serious concern over the militarisation of disputed features.

They reaffirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), added the statement.

PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Ishiba also strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, reaffirming their shared commitment to combating violent extremism.

They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, and took note of the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team Report of 29 July mentioning The Resistance Front (TRF), said the statement.

PM Modi further explained that the TRF had claimed responsibility for the attack. Prime Minister Ishiba noted this with concern. They called for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay, the statement added.

They also urged decisive international action against all UN-designated terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and their affiliates.

Emphasising the need for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, PM Modi and PM Ishiba called for dismantling terrorist safe havens, cutting off financial networks linked to terrorism, and disrupting its connections with transnational organized crime.

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They also underscored the importance of preventing the cross-border movement of terrorists.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated Indias principled and humanitarian approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying New Delhis is ready to support any meaningful effort toward a peaceful resolution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated Indias principled and humanitarian approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying New Delhis is ready to support any meaningful effort toward a peaceful resolution.

In a written response to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, PM Modi said that he recently held consecutive phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which both leaders shared their perspectives on the ongoing war.

India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated Indias principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict, said PM Modi.

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PM Modi said India has balanced relations with both Russia and Ukraine and that it is well positioned to contribute to peace efforts.

I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine, he said.

This comes at a time when India is facing 50% tariffs from the United States for purchasing Russian oil, with the US administration accusing New Delhi of funding the war by trading with Moscow.

India has strongly criticised Washington for what it called unjustified and unreasonable tariffs on Indian goods, after the Trump administration raised duties to over 50% as a penalty for Indias continued oil trade with Russia.

India has consistently called for the cessation of hostilities and a return to negotiations, while providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine and maintaining strategic ties with Russia.

With inputs from agencies
Indias economy termed by US President Donald Trump as dead, grew 7.8% in AprilJune, outpacing the US at 3.3%. Analysts say India is set to remain the worlds fastest-growing major economy despite US tariffs.

In a twist of irony, India once branded a dead economy by President Donald Trump has emerged with a stellar 7.8% growth in the AprilJune quarter, outstripping the US which managed just 3.3% despite Trumps boasts of it being the best.

Fresh government data released this week showed that Asias third-largest economy defied fears of a slowdown, powered by resilient domestic demand, strong services and a rebound in manufacturing.

The expansion beat forecasts and highlighted why the IMF and World Bank continue to place India among the fastest-growing major economies, projecting growth of 6.36.4% in the coming years.

The contrast with the US is stark. While the American economy cooled from its earlier highs amid weaker consumer spending and trade headwinds, India has continued to demonstrate momentum despite punitive US tariffs on its exports, which were recently doubled on goods like textiles, chemicals and leather.

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Fridays reading reaffirms Indias position as the fastest-growing major economy and will come as welcome news for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is trying to deal with US President Donald Trumps harsh tariff blitz.

Trump has slapped 50-percent tariffs on most Indian products among the highest duty rates in the world as punishment for New Delhis purchases of Russian oil which Washington claims helps finance Ukraine war.

Political undertones

Trumps remarks labelling Indias economy as dead drew sharp responses, including from Australia which hailed India as a land of fantastic opportunities. Analysts point out that far from collapsing, India is on track to potentially become the worlds second-largest economy by 2038 in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms with a projected GDP of $34 trillion.

For New Delhi, the numbers are also a validation of its domestic policy push from infrastructure investment to production-linked incentives even as global trade tensions pose risks. The Reserve Bank of India has flagged US protectionism as a key downside factor, though it emphasised that domestic demand remains strong enough to cushion external shocks.

Global narrative

The juxtaposition between Trumps rhetoric and economic reality has fuelled debate ahead of the US elections. While he criticises Indias rise, the countrys growth trajectory is increasingly being recognised as central to global economic stability.

The irony is that the dead economy continues to deliver some of the worlds fastest growth, while the one Trump hails as the best shows signs of cooling.
The countrys defence ministry made a request for a new military budget worth 8.8 trillion yen ($59.9 billion). It surpasses the worlds fourth-largest economys previous record of 8.7 trillion yen, secured for this fiscal year ending in March 2026

This handout photo taken on July 11, 2025 and provided by South Korean Defence Ministry shows US Air Force B-52H bombers (C), South Korean Air Force KF-16 fighter jets (L) and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jets (R) flying in formation during a joint air drill. Representational image/AFP

In a bid to respond to a severely intensifying security environment, the Japanese government is planning to expand its drone arsenal as part of another record spending request made on Friday.

Japan has been moving away from its pacifist stance in recent years and aiming to obtain counterstrike capabilities by doubling its military spending to two per cent of GDP.

The countrys defence ministry made a request for a new military budget worth 8.8 trillion yen ($59.9 billion), according to a report by AFP. It surpasses the worlds fourth-largest economys previous record of 8.7 trillion yen, secured for this fiscal year ending in March 2026.

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Special emphasis on drones

The ministry has earmarked spending on various types of unmanned vehicles in its budget request worth 313 billion yen.

Under the plan unveiled Friday, Tokyo is eyeing the use of drones to strengthen a planned coastal defence system it dubs SHIELD.

In the worst-case scenario where Japans long-distance standoff missiles are bypassed by enemy troops, it is hoped SHIELD  Synchronised, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defence  could block any invasion nearer land, an official told AFP.

Theres a need to catch up with significant changes in the way militaries fight, the defence official said.

Trump wants Japan to gear up

Japan, which hosts some 54,000 US military personnel, is also coming under pressure from US President Donald Trumps administration to beef up its defence capabilities.

Washington and Tokyo are moving to make their forces more nimble in response to threats such as a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Japan is also looking to boost arms exports, and this month won a $6 billion order from the Australian navy for 11 frigates.

The budget request will now be vetted by the finance ministry, with the central government expected in the coming months to draw up a comprehensive budget proposal that is anticipated to be a record high.

With inputs from AFP
We have set a goal of investment of 10 trillion yen from Japan in India in the next 10 years. Special emphasis will be laid on connecting Indias and Japans small and medium enterprises and startups, said PM Modi in a joint briefing with Japanese PM Ishiba

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shake hands during a joint press conference in Tokyo, Japan on Friday. Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India and Japan have set a target of 10 trillion yen (approximately $68 billion) in Japanese investments into India over the next ten years.

Addressing a joint briefing alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi said, We have set a goal of investment of 10 trillion yen from Japan in India in the next 10 years. Special emphasis will be laid on connecting Indias and Japans small and medium enterprises and startups.

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#WATCH | Tokyo, Japan: PM Narendra Modi says, "We have set a goal of investment of 10 Trillion Yen from Japan in India in the next 10 years. Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India's and Japan's small and medium enterprises and startups."



(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/d2pnnaNC93  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Describing his discussions with Japanese PM as both productive and purposeful, PM Modi said that as the two largest economies of the world and living democracies, India-Japan partnership is essential not just for the two countries but also for global peace and security.

#WATCH | Tokyo, Japan: PM Narendra Modi says, "...Our discussions today were productive as well as purposeful. We agree that as the two largest economies of the world and living democracies, our partnership is essential not just for the two countries but also for global peace and pic.twitter.com/2MhYbpsRmx  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Strong democracies are natural partners in shaping a better world. Today, we have laid the foundation of a new and golden chapter in our special strategic and global partnership, he added.

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PM said that a clear roadmap has been charted for the next decade.

At the center of our vision lie investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges, the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi said while addressing the India-Japan Business Forum, he urged Japanese companies to deepen their engagement with Indias manufacturing sector.

Emphasising Indias potential as a global production hub, PM Modi said, Even in the India-Japan Business Forum, I told the Japanese companies  Make in India, Make for the World.

PM Modi also announced a series of new initiatives to deepen India-Japan cooperation in green energy and economic security.

#WATCH | Tokyo, Japan: PM Narendra Modi says, "Our Joint Crediting Mechanism for energy is a major victory. It shows that our green partnership is as strong as our economic partnership. In this direction, we are also beginning the sustainable fuels initiatives and battery supply pic.twitter.com/rLpy6Rhtox  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

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Our Joint Crediting Mechanism for energy is a major victory. It shows that our green partnership is as strong as our economic partnership. In this direction, we are also beginning the sustainable fuels initiatives and battery supply chain partnership. We are launching the economic security cooperation initiative. Under this, we will go ahead in critical and strategic sectors, with an extensive approach, he added.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held summit talks with Ishiba, with an aim to further expand overall bilateral ties, including in areas of trade, investment and emerging technologies.

The two leaders met for the 15th India-Japan summit hours after PM Modi landed in the Japanese capital.

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Before the summit talks, the prime minister, addressing the India-Japan Business Forum, said Japans technology and Indias talent together can lead the tech revolution of this century.

Former Japanese prime ministers Yoshihide Suga and Fumio Kishida also called on PM Modi.

The volume of India-Japan bilateral trade was recorded at $22 billion in 202324.

Japan is Indias fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment, with $43.2 billion cumulative investment recorded up to December 2024.

With inputs from agencies
The Indian prime minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, at the annual India-Japan Summit later today. The talks during the summit are expected to see Japan pledging to double its investment target in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora in Tokyo on Friday as he kick-started his Japan visit.

Deeply touched by the warmth and affection of the Indian community here in Tokyo. Their commitment to preserving our cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to Japanese society is truly commendable, PM Modi said.

#WATCH | Tokyo | Indian diaspora extends a warm welcome to PM Modi on his arrival in Japan.



(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/Zh68JI431r  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

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PM Modi greeted people at a hotel in Tokyo. The Indian community living in Japan were seen waving the national flag and chanting Bharat Mata ki Jai as they welcomed the prime minister.

#WATCH | Japan | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets and interacts with the members of the Indian diaspora as he arrives at a hotel in Tokyo.



(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/Kfmk5esMLX  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

The Indian prime minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, at the annual India-Japan Summit later today. The talks during the summit, to be held on the first day of his trip, are expected to see Japan pledging to double its investment target in India.

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Japanese people showcase Indian culture

Japanese people welcomed the prime minister with Indian cultural performances. Some were seen wearing Rajasthani traditional attire as they met PM Modi.

#WATCH | Tokyo, Japan | Japanese people dressed up in Rajasthani attire, welcome PM Narendra Modi with a Rajasthani folk song.



Source: DD pic.twitter.com/ayviibFjPS  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

It was such a great chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very happy I performed Mohiniattam, a South Indian classical dance form. I have more than 25 years of experience. This dance is an indvidual dance form but for Prime Minister Modi, we made it a group performance, a Japanese woman said.

#WATCH | Tokyo, Japan | A Japanese national, who performed in front of PM Narendra Modi to welcome him, says, "... It was such a great chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very happy... I performed Mohiniattam, a South Indian classical dance form. I have more than 25 pic.twitter.com/fXj2t38H9K  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

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Whats on the schedule?

On his visit to Japan, the prime minister said both sides would focus on shaping the next phase in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which he said has made steady and significant progress over the past 11 years.

We would endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors, he said.

On the second day of his trip, Modi and Ishiba are likely to travel to Sendai city on the high-speed train to visit a semiconductor facility.

With inputs from agencies
From clean energy to critical minerals and lunar exploration, the 13 agreements mark a major boost to India-Japan ties, setting the tone for a decade of strategic and economic collaboration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attend a joint press conference in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday. Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Japan has yielded 13 significant outcomes, underscoring a deepening of the India-Japan economic and strategic partnership.

Both the countries have stepped up their economic partnership with a series of wide-ranging MoUs, pledging investments across industries, clean energy, and human resource exchange.

As India asserts itself as a major player in the global economy, Japans renewed commitment  both in scale and scope  signals strong confidence in Indias long-term growth trajectory. The partnerships forged during the visit are expected to boost innovation, job creation, and sustainable development in both countries.

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India-Japan joint vision for the next decade

A 10-year strategic prioritisation for economic and functional cooperation in eight lines of effort in economic partnership, economic security, mobility, ecological sustainability, technology and innovation, health, people to people and state-prefecture engagements.

Joint declaration on security cooperation

A comprehensive framework to evolve our defence and security cooperation to respond to contemporary security challenges in line with our Special Strategic and Global Partnership

Action plan for India-Japan human resource exchange

An action plan to promote two-way exchange of 500,000 people between India and Japan, particularly 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan in the next five years

Memorandum of cooperation on Joint Crediting Mechanism

An instrument to facilitate the diffusion of decarbonising technologies, products, systems, and infrastructure thereby contributing to Indias greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, promote Japanese investment in India and Indias sustainable development.

MoU on India-Japan digital partnership 2.0

A document to advance bilateral collaboration in digital public infrastructure, development of digital talent and joint R&D in futuristic technological fields such as AI, IoT, semiconductors

Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of mineral resources

An instrument to advance cooperation in supply chain resilience for critical minerals including through the development of processing technologies, joint investments for exploration and mining and efforts for stockpiling critical minerals.

Implementing Arrangement between the Indian Space Research Organization and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency concerning Joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission

A document that defines terms and conditions for cooperation between India and Japan on the Chandrayaan 5 mission, thus giving practical shape to a landmark collaboration

Joint declaration of intent on clean hydrogen and ammonia

A document to promote research, investment and implementation of projects on hydrogen/ammonia and deepen collaboration on cutting-edge research and innovation for developing technologies

Memorandum of Cooperation on cultural exchange

An instrument to promote cooperation in the field of art and culture through exhibitions, museum collaborations and exchange of best practices in the field of cultural preservation

MoU on decentralised domestic waste water management

A document to promote cooperation in effective reuse of wastewater and decentralized wastewater management which is crucial for public health, environmental protection and sustainable development

Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of environment cooperation

An enabling framework for collaboration in areas pertaining to environmental preservation such as pollution control, climate change, waste management, sustainable use of biodiversity and environmental technologies

MoU between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

A framework to promote exchanges between diplomats, academics, officials, experts and researchers to advance mutual understanding in the field of foreign policy

Joint Statement of Intent between the Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan

A declaration to advance cooperation in the field of science and technology through the exchange of scientists and researchers, strengthen institutional cooperation between research and scientific institutions of both countries with the involvement of start-ups and industries
New Zealand is considering exempting luxury homes from its foreign buyer ban, allowing golden visa holders to purchase properties worth over NZ$5 million as part of efforts to attract high-net-worth investors.

New Zealand may open the door for ultra-wealthy foreigners to purchase luxury homes, carving out an exemption from its long-standing ban on overseas buyers.

The proposal, aimed at attracting more high-net-worth investors, is expected to be discussed by the coalition government at a cabinet meeting on Monday, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

If approved, the change would apply only to properties valued above NZ$5 million ($3 million) and be restricted to holders of so-called golden visas. The reform is tied to amendments in the Overseas Investment Act, meaning it would not take effect until the end of the year.

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The move comes months after New Zealand revived its investor visa programme, renamed Active Investor Plus in April, as part of efforts to stimulate its sluggish economy. The scheme, relaunched against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, has seen strong demand from wealthy individuals seeking safe havens. Yet, participants in the programme have so far been blocked from buying property.

Official figures show 267 applications for golden visas covering 862 individuals as of August 8, with a minimum potential investment pool of NZ$1.63 billion. Nearly 40% of applicants are from the United States.

Since 2018, foreign property ownership has been tightly restricted in New Zealand. Only citizens, tax residents and nationals of Australia and Singapore under trade agreements are permitted to freely purchase homes.

The ban was introduced by then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to tackle housing affordability concerns and followed a controversy involving PayPal co-founder Peter Thiels New Zealand citizenship.

Luxon had campaigned in 2023 on a pledge to ease restrictions, suggesting foreigners be allowed to buy homes worth more than NZ$2 million subject to a 15% tax. But the plan was dropped during coalition negotiations with New Zealand First, a party that has long positioned itself as a defender of nationalist interests.

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Talks between Luxons National Party and New Zealand First have since centred on whether easing the property ban could help draw more foreign capital. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has previously indicated flexibility on the issue, telling Bloomberg News in March that he was open to allowing foreigners to purchase expensive houses if they also invested in the local economy.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis signalled earlier this month that a decision was imminent, saying in an interview with Bloomberg Television that a decision would be made by our cabinet in the coming weeks.

Still, the outcome remains uncertain. Peters is known for hard bargaining and populist rhetoric, often blending nationalist and anti-immigration themes into his politics. His 2023 campaign slogan Lets Take Back Our Country highlighted his stance, leaving analysts cautious about predicting whether the exemption will ultimately pass.
US President Donald Trump has left Pakistan dazed and confused. After he hailed massive oil reserves in Pakistan that he wants to exploit, the countrys perplexed officials admit that there does not exist any mysterious, undiscovered oilfield that can generate volumes that the American president has suggested.

US President Donald Trump has hailed massive oil reserves in Pakistan that he wants to exploit. But Pakistan is perplexed as it is not aware of any such reserves.

As part of his alignment with Pakistan amid ongoing anti-India campaign, Trump has reached a trade deal with Pakistan that involves joint oil extraction . He said in July that Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive oil reserves.

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We are in the process of choosing the oil company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows? Maybe, theyll be selling oil to India some day! Trump added.

ALSO READ  Democracies snubbed, dictators courted: Inside Trumps embrace of Pakistan

However, the fact remains that Pakistan imports 80 per cent of its oil and its daily oil production is around one-tenth of Indias.

An official at a Pakistani state-owned oil and gas company told Financial Times that Trumps claim of oil reserves in Pakistan was completely out of left field.

A second official said, There is no mysterious, undiscovered oilfield that is going to put out 1 billion barrels.

Is Trump chasing oil? Or snake oil?

American and Pakistani officials have been optimistic publicly. The basis of their optimism is an estimate from 2015 by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) that said Pakistans Lower Indus Basin region may have more than 9 billion barrels of onshore shale oil.

Such a reserve would put Pakistan among the 10 largest sources of onshore oil in the world.

However, the EIAs report had just made a preliminary estimate from preliminary seismic data, not confirmed findings, according to Rystad Energy, a consultancy.

ALSO READ: Oil deal, Nobel nomination and more. Is Trump moving closer to Pakistan and further away from India?

There has been little progress on oil and gas exploration and extraction in Pakistan, according to Prateek Pandey, the head of oil and research in the Asia-Pacific region for Rystad.

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These prospective [shale] resources remain years away from commercial viability, Pandey told FT.

For decades, Pakistani leaders have dreamt of finding oil in their country and using that as a magic bullet to solve their socioeconomic ills by replicating the prosperity of Gulf countries. This has, however, led to embarrassing episodes, such as the one in 2019 involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In 2019, Imran announced that a consortium of Italy-based Eni and American oil and gas giant Exxon was boring into an Arabian Sea well that had the potential to wipe out Pakistans fossil fuel import bill for the next 50 years. However, just hours after the claim, the Eni-Exxon exploration team announced they had abandoned the site as they found nothing but water at the site. Both the companies departed Pakistan soon.
In a statement, the Palestinian presidency urged the US administration to reconsider and reverse its decision, adding that the move stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas looks on as he visits the Istishari Cancer Center in Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on May 14, 2025. Reuters File

Pressured by a wave of visa denials and revocations aimed at members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Palestinian Authority before the UN General Assembly in September, the Palestinian Authority on Friday called on the US to reconsider its stance and allow its representatives to participate.

In a statement carried by the official news agency WAFA, the Palestinian presidency urged the US administration to reconsider and reverse its decision, adding that the move stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement.

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Washington said the move was in response to the PA undermining the prospects for peace.

US State Department said on Friday that the Trump administration led by President Trump has decided to withhold new visas and revoke existing ones for certain PLO and PA officials.

The department did not name the officials targeted. It was unclear whether Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who is planning to travel to New York to deliver an address to the late September gathering, was included in the restrictions.

The Palestinians ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, told reporters that they were checking exactly what the US move means and how it applies to any of our delegation, and we will respond accordingly, reported Reuters.

The US restrictions follow the imposition of US sanctions on Palestinian Authority (PA) officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in July  an action coinciding with growing momentum among Western powers toward recognising Palestinian statehood.

In a statement, the State Department said that it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.

PA officials, who administer limited self-rule in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, deny that they have undermined peace prospects.

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Meanwhile, Israels foreign minister hailed the decision by US as a bold step.

We thank (President Donald Trump) and the administration for this bold step and for standing by Israel once again, Gideon Saar posted on his official X account.

Thank you (Secretary of State Marco Rubio) for holding the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and PA (Palestinian Authority) accountable for rewarding terrorism, incitement and efforts to use legal warfare against Israel, he added.

While under the 1947 UN headquarters agreement, the US is generally obliged to allow foreign diplomats access to the UN in New York, it retains the right to deny visas for reasons related to security, terrorism, or foreign policy.

The State Department clarified that the Palestinian Authoritys mission to the UN would remain unaffected by the restrictions, though it provided no further details.

Palestinians continue to pursue the establishment of an independent state in the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem through a mediated peace process.

Critics point to increased settlement activity in the West Bank and significant destruction in Gaza amid the ongoing war as impediments to that goal. Israel disputes these claims.

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Meanwhile, close US allies  including Canada, Britain, Australia, and France  recently announced or signaled intentions to recognise a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly session, increasing pressure on Israel as humanitarian conditions worsen in Gaza.

With inputs from agencies
White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro accused India of fuelling Russias war in Ukraine through oil imports and criticised former President Biden for ignoring the issue

Peter Navarro, the Counselor to the US President for Trade and Manufacturing, speaks during a television interview outside of the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 21, 2025. AFP

US President Donald Trumps Trade Adviser Peter Navarro continues his anti-India tirade linking Indias purchase of Russian oil to Moscows strikes in Ukraine. In a series of posts on X, Navarro accused India of propping up Russia President Vladimir Putins war machine with the trade surplus that New Delhi has in export-import with Washington DC.

This comes when India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Japan on a bilateral trip, and China, where he will be holding talks with Chinas Xi Jinping and Putin. This also comes against the backdrop of Indias recalibration of its foreign policy, emphasising its long-standing strategic autonomy approach.

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What Navarro said

In his X posts, Navarro linked Indias rising oil imports from Russia to Americas trade imbalance and claimed this contributed to lives lost in Ukraine from Russian bombing. Navarro also criticised former US President Biden for looking the other way, while arguing that President Donald Trump is the only leader prepared to confront New Delhi.

1/ President Trumps 50% tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect.



This isnt just about Indias unfair tradeits about cutting off the financial lifeline India has extended to Putins war machine.  pic.twitter.com/bwLaL9dBTv  Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) August 28, 2025

Our dollars are bankrolling Russia

Navarro framed the issue bluntly: We run a $50-billion trade deficit with Indiaand theyre using our dollars to buy Russian oil. They make a killing and Ukrainians die.

According to him, the cycle is straightforward but devastating. Americans buy Indian goods, while New Delhi blocks US exports through tariffs and regulatory barriers. India then uses those US dollars to purchase steeply discounted Russian crude, which it refines and resells internationally allowing Moscow to keep its war chest full despite Western sanctions.

He claimed that India now imports over 1.5 million barrels of Russian crude per day, a staggering jump from less than 1 per cent of its oil imports before the Ukraine invasion.

In his anti-India rant, Navarro alleged the country has become oil money laundromat for the Kremlin. This is the second time he has used laundromat word in this context.

By continuing to buy Russian oil and weapons while demanding US technology transfers, he accused New Delhi of strategic freeloading at Americas expense.

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India has repeatedly and strongly rejected the Trump administrations charge, maintaining that the country will buy oil wherever it is available at cheaper rate. India has said its energy security is a top concern, and described the new tariffs as unfair.

India has also pointed out that while Trump imposed tariffs on Indian goods, the US continued to buy key minerals from Russia, and also highlighted that India is not the top buyer of Russian oil or gas.

Biden looked the other way

Navarro saved his sharpest words for the previous administration: The Biden admin largely looked the other way at this madness.

In his telling, Washingtons tolerance of Indias balancing act between Moscow and Washington has undercut US credibility.

Trumps 50 per cent tariff as direct response

In contrast, Navarro cast Trumps newly announced tariffs on Indian imports as a decisive move: President Trumps 50% tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect. This isnt just about Indias unfair tradeits about cutting off the financial lifeline India has extended to Putins war machine.

He defended 50% Trump tariffs as a two-pronged penalty 25 per cent for unfair trade practices, and another 25 per cent for national security concerns tied to Russia.

Road to peace runs through New Delhi

Navarro ended with a stark warning: If India, the worlds largest democracy, wants to be treated like a strategic partner of the US, it needs to act like one. The road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi.

By tying India-US trade disputes to the fate of Ukraine, Navarro effectively framed India as a central player in the global standoff with Russia while positioning Trump as the only US leader ready to take action.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India in December, according to a Kremlin aide, as ties between the two countries grow closer in the face of US President Donald Trumps tariffs on Indian imports over its purchases of Russian oil.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India in December, a Kremlin official confirmed, as Moscow and New Delhi deepen their partnership while Washington turns up economic pressure on India over its energy ties with Russia.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, including AFP, that Putin will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China on Monday. The discussions will also cover preparations for the Russian leaders December visit, he said.

The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, citing New Delhis continued imports of Russian oil. The move is said to be part of Washingtons wider push to cut off Moscows revenue streams and weaken its ability to finance the war in Ukraine.

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Russia, one of Indias long-standing defence partners, has maintained oil and gas sales as a critical source of income despite Western sanctions. Since the conflict erupted in February 2022, Moscow has shifted much of its crude shipments from Europe to Asian markets, particularly India and China, securing billions of dollars in revenue.

New Delhi has defended its energy purchases, arguing that it turned to Russian crude only after European buyers redirected supplies that India had traditionally sourced.

Energy incomes are a key source of revenue for Moscows state budget. Russia is also one of Indias top arms suppliers, and the warm ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet era.

Ukraines Western allies have sought to cut Russias export earnings since Moscow launched its military assault in February 2022.

But Russia has been able to redirect energy sales away from Europe to countries including India and China, ensuring the multi-billion-dollar flow of funds has continued.

India has argued it imported oil from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.

Putin has significantly curtailed his foreign travel amid the offensive on Ukraine, for which he was slapped with an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

India is not a party to the ICC and therefore not obligated to detain Putin.

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With inputs from agencies
Ukraines Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, said that among those killed are four children after a residential building in the eastern Darnytskyi district overnight

The death toll in Russias deadly and second-most devastating attack in Ukraine, which hit the offices of the British Council and the EU in Kyiv, has gone up to 23. Britain and the European Union have summoned Russian envoys after the airstrikes.

Ukraines Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, said that among those killed are four children after a residential building in the eastern Darnytskyi district overnight. A second blast at a different location in Kyivs central Shevchenkivskyi district killed another person hours later, leaving buildings and offices severely damaged, including the British Council and EU offices.

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Russia has rained down aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities despite US President Donald Trumps push for a ceasefire and even as Moscow talks up the importance of ending the war launched by its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraines air force said Moscow fired 629 drones and missiles. That would make it the second-largest overnight barrage of the war, according to AFP analysis of Kyivs data.

EU, UK summon Russian envoys

A UK government source told The Guardian that the Foreign Office has summoned the Russian envoy in Britain in response to the direct damage inflicted upon the British Council office.

Putins strikes last night killed civilians, destroyed homes and damaged buildings, including the British Council and EU Delegation in Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said.

Photos from the British Council showed the building with its windows and entrance blown out, surrounded by shattered glass and debris. Additional images released by the commission revealed destroyed office interiors, with collapsed ceiling panels and broken glass doors and windows.

Meanwhile, the offices of the EU delegation in Kyiv were severely damaged by the shock wave from the blast, Katarina Mathernova, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, said.

Trump reacts

US President Donald Trump was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised, his press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

These egregious attacks threaten the peace that [Trump] is pursuing, Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said, as he noted that the recent attacks threaten the US presidents proposals to end the war.

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Trend Tracker: Foodie Frenzy for Qixi Festival

People's Daily Online) 11:00, August 29, 2025

Today is the Qixi Festival, and in this Chinese Traditional Festival Food Challenge, let's explore what to eat on this romantic festival in just one minute!

Falling on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the Qixi Festivalalso known as the Qiqiao Festival or Girls' Festivalis considered the most romantic of China's traditional celebrations.

Originating from the worship of celestial phenomena, the festival evolved as people personified the stars Vega and Altair, linking them to the ancient farming and weaving traditions of men plowing and women weaving. Over time, the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl took shape, and Qixi gradually developed into a festival rich in customs and meaning.

So, what foods are worthy of such a day full of ritual and romance?

The most iconic festive treat is qiaoguo, a crispy, sweet pastry, usually deep-fried, that symbolizes skill and ingenuity. Other festive foods include crispy sugar snacks and fresh fruits. In some places, there is also the custom of eating "five seeds" (longan, red dates, hazelnuts, peanuts, and melon seeds), which expresses wishes for fertility.

Today, more and more young people choose to celebrate Qixi with dates, gift-giving, and special meals. Whether it's the traditional qiaoguo, a modern sweet cake, or a romantic dinner, all convey love and affection.

In 2006, the Qixi Festival was inscribed on China's first national list of intangible cultural heritage. For more than 2,000 years, it has evolved from a star-gazing legend into a celebration of love, traveling from China to the world and becoming a cultural symbol with international appeal.

In Japan, people write their wishes on colorful strips of paper, hang them on bamboo branches, and float them down rivers the next day along with lanternssymbolizing their wishes reaching the Milky Way.

In South Korea, young women place fruits on tables in prayer, hoping the Weaver Girl will bless them with greater skill and ingenuity.

On this Qixi night, let us look to the magpie bridge in the stars, and share the warmth of good food and human connection. Happy Qixi to allmay love endure. See you at the next festival!

(Web editor: Sheng Chuyi, Wu Chengliang)
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will be on a three-day visit to India from September 2 with a slew of MoUs slated to be signed between the two countries during his visit.

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will travel to India on a three-day official visit from September 2, with several agreements expected to be signed across a range of sectors, sources told ANI. The visit comes as the two nations mark 60 years of diplomatic ties.

During his stay, Wong will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders are expected to witness the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in areas such as skill development, finance and digital cooperation, civil aviation, space collaboration and shipping.

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A joint statement outlining a roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is also likely to be issued, sources added.

The visit follows Prime Minister Modis trip to Singapore in September 2024, where the two sides reviewed the expanding partnership covering security, technology, education, people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.

Earlier this month, the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable was held New Delhi, where Ministers reviewed the progress of various bilateral cooperation initiatives under the six pillars of ISMR, including Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalisation, Healthcare and Medicine, Skill Development and Sustainability.

They deliberated on ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation and identified a number of specific initiatives to pursue.

Inauguration of the second phase of PSAs (Port of Singapore Authority) project in Navi Mumbai is likely to take place during Singapore PMs visit, they said. Singapore is Indias largest trading partner in ASEAN. It is the leading source of FDI, amongst the largest source of external commercial borrowings and Foriegn portfolio investments.

From 2014 to 2024, the total accumulated investments that Singapore has made in India are approximately 159 billion US dollars, and by the end of this year, they are expected to reach around 175 billion dollars.

There has been an acceleration of Singapore investments in India in recent years. India and Singapore are also looking for bright spots as part of a comprehensive strategic partnership, which includes the export of green energy from India via Singapore, the sources said.

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Data storage, small module reactors, space tech, quantum tech, and aircraft repairs are other areas of bilateral cooperation. There could be a discussion concerning the establishment of an MRO hub in Bengaluru with investments from Singapore, they said.

ISRO has launched several Singaporean satellites. These include Singapores first indigenous-built microsatellite in 2011, two more in 2014, six in 2015, and nine in 2023.There is active collaboration between India and Singapore to establish skill development centres in various sectors.

Skill Centre projects with public and private support have been completed at six places (Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan (Udaipur), Assam (Guwahati), Odisha (Bhubaneshwar) and Telangana (Hyderabad)), and two projects (Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) and Gujarat (Gandhinagar)) are ongoing.

During the Prime Ministers visit in September 2024, both sides exchanged an MoU on Cooperation in Education and Skill Development. Commercial and technical arrangements have also been worked out for the acceptance of the RuPay card in Singapore. UPI-Paynow Linkage is another landmark development in the area of cross-border Fintech.

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Singapore is the first nation with which India has begun this cross-border Person-to-Person (P2P) payment facility. Defence cooperation between India and Singapore is pursued under the aegis of the Defence Cooperation Agreement of 2003, which was renewed under the Enhanced Agreement for Defence Cooperation in 2015. Both sides have signed several domain-specific agreements.

There are bilateral exercises involving all three services (Army - Exercise Agni Warrior, Navy - Exercise SIMBEX and Air Force - Joint Military Training). The 32nd edition of SIMBEX was held in Singapore in July-August 2025.The fourth edition of the India-Singapore Joint Military Exercise, Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, concluded earlier this month.

With inputs from agencies.
PM Narendra Modi said that stable India-China relations are vital for a multipolar Asia and world while discussing deeper India-Japan cooperation in semiconductors, defence, space, AI and the economy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, right, wave as they leave the venue of the Japan India Economic Forum in Tokyo Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (AP Photo)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that stable and predictable India-China relations are essential for a multipolar Asia and a balanced world order, especially at a time of global uncertainty.

Stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity. This is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world, PM Modi told Japans Yomiuri Shimbun in an interview ahead of his visit to China for the SCO Summit in Tianjin following his Japan trip.

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He added that India is ready to deepen ties with Beijing from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity while increasing strategic communication to address developmental challenges.

India-Japan ties enter next phase

Modi was in Tokyo for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, where both sides focused on expanding their special strategic and global partnership.

India and Japan are not just two close partners. We are ancient civilisations, vibrant democracies and leading economies. We share a common strategic outlook, he said.

Modi spoke about security cooperation, innovation, economic resilience and prosperity as the pillars of the partnership. I am confident that my visit, though short, will be long in impact. India and Japan will continue to be a force for peace, progress and stability in Asia and the world, he added.

Semiconductor cooperation as a pillar

The prime minister said semiconductors are a key area of collaboration, stressing that India has already approved six semiconductor units with four more in the pipeline.

By the end of this very year, Made in India chips will be in the market, a clear demonstration of Indias design and manufacturing capabilities, Modi said, adding that Japanese firms can play an important role in building a trusted semiconductor value chain.

I see semiconductor cooperation emerging as a major pillar of the IndiaJapan partnership, he said.

Expanding space and defence partnership

Modi confirmed that India and Japan will jointly pursue the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission, building on Indias Chandrayaan program. Our partnership in space will not only expand horizons above us, but also improve lives around us, he said.

On defence, Modi called collaboration a success story, pointing to regular joint exercises, co-production projects and a forthcoming Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to advance modernisation and strengthen the Indo-Pacific security framework.

Economic, infrastructure and people-to-people ties

Japan remains one of Indias largest investors, with over 1,500 Japanese firms now active in India. Modi said bilateral trade and investment still fall short of potential, but noted that the 21st century will see Japan as a major partner in Indias innovation, manufacturing and global value chains.

He also encouraged greater people-to-people exchanges, particularly under programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), to expand cultural, professional and linguistic linkages.

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AI, Quad and Global South leadership

On artificial intelligence, Modi called for global consensus on Responsible AI, saying that governance should balance innovation with risk management. He pointed to Indias DEPA model and Japans DFFT initiative as complementary approaches.

Speaking on the Quad framework, Modi said the grouping has become a force of global good delivering results in maritime safety, technology, health, cyber security and disaster relief.

On the Global South, Modi reiterated Indias leadership role, citing initiatives such as the G20 African Union inclusion, the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Indias motto is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family. We believe in building bridges of cooperation and friendship among nations, he said.

Balancing global turbulence

The prime minister also spoke about Indias role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reiterating his governments position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy. He said that both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had sought his views and India remained willing to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving peaceful resolution.

With both China and Japan featuring prominently in Modis latest diplomatic outreach, his message placed emphasis on the centrality of Asian stability to global peace and prosperity.
Afghanistans Taliban-led government accused Pakistan of carrying out deadly airstrikes in Nangarhar and Khost provinces, killing at least three people and injuring seven. Kabul condemned the attacks as a provocative act and summoned Pakistans ambassador, further straining already tense bilateral ties.

A building destroyed in what Taliban authorities said was a Pakistani deadly drone attack is seen in Spera district of Khost province, Afghanistan. AP

Afghanistans Taliban leadership blamed neighbouring Pakistan for airstrikes that hit two eastern districts, killing at least three people, injuring seven others, and destroying homes, officials and witnesses said Thursday.

The foreign ministry in Kabul condemned Pakistans late Wednesday strikes in Nangarhar and Khost provinces, calling them a provocative act and summoning the Pakistani ambassador.

The Afghan Defence Ministry also criticised the airstrikes. Such barbaric and brutal actions benefit neither sides; rather intensify the distance between the two Muslim nations and fuel hatred. These irresponsible activities will have consequences, it stated on X.

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Neither the Pakistani government nor the military have commented on the reported strikes.

Kabul previously has accused Pakistan of launching airstrikes in Afghanistan against suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group banned in Pakistan and blamed for some of that countrys deadliest terrorist attacks.

In Nangarhars Shinwari district, members of a family whose house was reduced to rubble sifted through the debris to try to recover what they could.

They dropped the first big bomb on my house. My house was completely destroyed, said Shah Sawar, a resident of Nangarhars Shinwari district. First I pulled a child out of the rubble, then I pulled four children and a woman out.

Nangarhars deputy governor, Maulvi Azizullah Mustafa, said the strikes were fired by Pakistani drones. The Afghan foreign ministry said three people were killed and seven wounded in Nangarhar and Khost.

Kabul in December 2024 accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes against suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban in Paktika province. Pakistan also did not acknowledge those strikes at the time. Kabul claimed hitting several points inside Pakistan in retaliation.

The latest violence comes a week after top diplomats from Pakistan, China and Afghanistan met in Kabul and pledged closer cooperation against terrorism. It also came three months after Pakistan and Afghanistan upgraded their diplomatic ties to improve bilateral relations.

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However, relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained tense since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban seized power, mainly over Kabuls alleged support of the Pakistani Taliban, who have stepped up attacks on security forces and civilians in Pakistan in recent years.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring the Pakistani Taliban, which is separate but closely allied to the Afghan Taliban. Kabul denies that, saying it does not allow anyone to use its soil against another country.
US President Donald Trump has deployed five warships and thousands of soldiers towards Venezuela to deal with the Cartel de los Soles. But such a drug cartel may not even exist as there is no independent evidence of an organised group with a defined hierarchy that goes by that name.

This handout photo released by the US Defence Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) shows the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely in the Red Sea on June 7, 2024. It is one of the warships deployed towards Venezuela for counternarcotics operations. (Photo: DVIDS/AFP)

Washington cited Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros alleged role in the Cartel de los Soles as it dispatched five warships and thousands of Marines toward the Caribbean country for an anti-drug deployment.

While some of US President Donald Trumps right-wing led allies in South America Argentina, Ecuador, and Paraguay have echoed his designation of Soles as a terrorist organisation, many have doubts such a group even exists.

Venezuela itself, and neighbor Colombia, insist there is no such thing as Cartel de los Soles.

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Some experts agree, saying there is no evidence of the existence of an organised group with a defined hierarchy that goes by that name.

View from the US

The Trump administration in July described the Cartel de los Soles as a Venezuela-based criminal group headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelan individuals.

It said the cartel provides material support to foreign terrorist organisations threatening the peace and security of the United States, namely Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel  two major drug trafficking groups.

Washington upped a bounty to $50 million for the capture of Maduro on drug charges.

Yet in March, the latest US State Department report on global anti-drug operations made no mention of the Cartel de los Soles or any connection between Maduro and narco-trafficking.

The United States did not recognise Maduros 2024 re-election, rejected by the Venezuelan opposition and much of the world as a stolen vote.

Expert opinion

There is no such thing, so Maduro can hardly be its boss, Phil Gunson, an analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank, told AFP of the so-called Cartel de los Soles.

And while there was no doubt of complicity between people in power and organised crime, direct, incontrovertible evidence has never been presented for the existence of an organised cartel by that name in Venezuela.

According to the InSight Crime think tank, the name was ironically coined by Venezuelan media in 1993 after two generals were nabbed for drug trafficking. The sun is a symbol on the military uniform epaulettes of generals in the South American country.

Rather than a hierarchical organisation with Maduro directing drug trafficking strategies, the Cartel of the Suns is more accurately described as a system of corruption wherein military and political officials profit by working with drug traffickers, InSight Crime said on its website.

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Maduro denies any connection to the drug trade, although two nephews of his wife have been convicted in New York for cocaine trafficking.

What now?

The United States says its Caribbean deployment is focused on combating drug trafficking, but Caracas fears there is more to it.

Venezuela has deployed warships and drones to patrol its coastline, and Maduro announced he would activate 4.5 million civilian militia members a number questioned by observers to confront any threat.

According to Mariano de Alba, a London-based geopolitics expert, the US deployment was likely not an attack force.

If the Trump administration really wanted to provoke regime change as claimed by Maduro, it would more likely rely on surprise action, de Alba told AFP.

(This is an agency copy. Except for the headline, it has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
This will be Trumps first UNGA address since his second term began in January. The US presidents speech at the UN will likely feature his America First trade war agenda, backing the punitive tariff measures as a necessary measure in view of the countrys interests

US President Donald Trump is set to address the UN General Assembly next month, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced.

The president will travel to New York City on September 22 to address the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 23, she said.

This will be Trumps first UNGA address since his second term began in January. The US presidents speech at the UN will likely feature his America First trade war agenda, backing the punitive tariff measures as a necessary measure in view of the countrys interests.

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Trump addressed the UN General Assembly multiple times during his first term (20172021), each time reinforcing his combative, America First approach. His 2017 debut was especially fiery, threatening to totally destroy North Korea if provoked and mocking leader Kim Jong-un as Rocket Man. He also lashed out at Irans leadership, calling the nuclear deal an embarrassment.

In 2018, Trump doubled down on nationalism, rejecting globalism and reaffirming his America First stance. A year later, in 2019, he again emphasised sovereignty, tariffs on China, and concerns over Iran and immigration. By 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, he delivered a brief pre-recorded speech blaming China for the viruss global spread.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modis name appears on a provisional list of speakers at the UNGA, indicating that he is reportedly expected to address the upcoming session in New York.

The External Affairs Ministry, however, has not confirmed any such visit yet.

Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday via X that he discussed plans for a personal meeting with the Indian Prime Minister at the UN General Assembly in September.

To initiate the visit, the Indian side has contacted the UN headquarters to secure a speaking slot for the Prime Minister at the UN General Assembly. As of now, PM Modi is scheduled to speak on the morning of September 26.

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Trumps base remains deeply suspicious of Beijings influence in the US, fiercely protective of American jobs, and staunchly opposed to what it perceives as woke ideology on college campuses

US President Donald Trumps plan to grant 600,000 Chinese student visas has irked his Maga camp, in a latest meltdown of the presidents supporters over his policies.

The proposal to allow twice the number who studied in the US during the 2023-24 school year went over like a turd in right-wing media, The Bulwark wrote.

Trumps announcement is being perceived as a deal sweetener as the US tries to strike a trade deal with China amid the presidents punitive tariffs.

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Its a very important relationship. Were going to get along good with China, Trump said during a meeting with the South Korean President earlier this week.

Despite pushback from his backers, Trump defended his proposal at a Cabinet meeting, saying, Its very insulting to say students cant come here because theyll go out and start building schools and theyll be able to survive it. But I like that their students come here. I like that other countries students come here.

He added, And you know what would happen if they didnt? Our college system would go to hell very quickly. And it wouldnt be the top colleges, so itd be colleges that struggle on the bottom. And you take out 300,000 or 600,000 students out of the system.

The president said that he had told Chinas Xi Jinping that were honoured to have their students here.

Trumps Maga base unhappy

Trumps base remains deeply suspicious of Beijings influence in the US, fiercely protective of American jobs, and staunchly opposed to what it perceives as woke ideology on college campuses.

Against that backdrop, the prospect of more Chinese students entering American universities, already seen by many on the right as liberal strongholds, is viewed by the MAGA movement as a direct provocation.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said, Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American students opportunities? We should never allow that.

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Steve Bannon, Trumps former aide, said, Any foreign student that does come here ought to have an exit visa stapled to his or her diploma to leave immediately. Give them 30 days.

How would it stiffen the economy?

Chinese students typically pay the sticker price for US board and tuition. Trumps commerce secretary suggested 15 per cent of schools might close without their dollars

On the other hand, Trumps decision could bring around $32 billion in revenue, the Cato Institute estimated.

This results in a direct financial impact of $32.1 billion, with approximately 186,600 students attending private institutions at an average total cost of $62,990, and 413,400 students enrolled in public institutions at an average cost of $49,080.
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have triggered a snapback mechanism to reimpose all United Nations sanctions on Iran after determining that the regime has violated the provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal.

A worker rides a bicycle in front of the reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, just outside the southern city of Bushehr, Iran, on October 26, 2010. File image/ AP

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany on Thursday initiated the reimposition of all United Nations (UN) sanctions on Iran that were lifted with the signing of the 2015 nuclear deal. They triggered sanctions after determining that Iran has violated the provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal.

In a letter to the UN Security Council, the UK, France, and Germany the E3 nations said that they believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, according to AFP.

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With the letter, the European powers initiated a 30-day process. If some last-ditch efforts dont materialise into a deal in this period, all UNSC sanctions that were lifted with the 2015 deal formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would be reimposed on Iran.

Iran has vowed to respond appropriately to the move. It has previously said that its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, would be compromised in case of sanctions reimposition.

After the war with Israel and the United States in June, which saw attacks on Irans nuclear sites and elimination of most of its military leadership, observers said that Iran could make a dash to develop a nuclear weapon to deter such attacks as its conventional deterrence stood eroded. However, they also said that would be extremely difficult as Israel has complete domination over Iranian skies and any movement on the ground is bound to be detected and attacked.

Last 30 days for diplomacy?

Even as they triggered snapback sanctions, the E3 said they were willing to arrive at a diplomatic solution with Iran.

E3 foreign ministers said they were still open to discussing our extension proposal, or on any serious diplomatic steps aimed at bringing Iran back into compliance with the deal. They further said that Iran has no civilian justification for its high enriched uranium stockpile.

The E3 leaders think that Iran has been for years in clear violation of its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, with no concrete steps taken to remedy that situation, a European diplomat told Axios.

The United States welcomed snapback sanctions but said that it was also ready for direct negotiations with Iran to resolve the issue.

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Notably, Iran was holding talks with the United States when Israel launched the war on it in June.
Britain, France, and Germany  collectively known as the E3  at the United Nations on Friday called on Iran to meet three key conditions to postpone the reimposition of UN sanctions over its disputed nuclear programme

United Kingdom's Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward, accompanied by other E3 members German Ambassador Ricklef Beutin and Deputy French Ambassador Jay Dharmadhikari, speaks to members of the press about Iran and nuclear weapons outside the UN Security Council chamber at UN Headquarters in New York City, US, on Friday. Reuters

Britain, France, and Germany  collectively known as the E3  at the United Nations on Friday called on Iran to meet three key conditions to postpone the reimposition of UN sanctions over its disputed nuclear programme.

In a joint statement issued ahead of a closed-door UN Security Council meeting, the E3 urged Tehran to restore access for UN nuclear inspectors, address concerns about its enriched uranium stockpile, and engage in direct talks with the US.

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The appeal follows the E3s move to initiate a 30-day process to trigger the snapback mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions.

However, they offered to delay that action for up to six months if Iran takes steps to meet the outlined demands, aiming to create diplomatic space for a new nuclear agreement.

Our asks were fair and realistic, Reuters quoted Britains UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward as saying.

However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them.

We urge Iran to reconsider this position, to reach an agreement based on our offer, and to help create the space for a diplomatic solution to this issue for the long term, she said, with her German and French counterparts standing next to her.

In response, Irans UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the E3 offer was full of unrealistic preconditions.

They are demanding conditions that should be the outcome of negotiations, not the starting point, and they know these demands cannot be met, Reuters quoted Iravani as telling reporters.

Iravani said the E3 should instead back a short, unconditional technical extension of Resolution 2231, which enshrines a 2015 nuclear deal that lifted UN and Western sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

Sino-Russian draft

Russia and China have proposed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that would extend the 2015 deal for six months and urge all parties to immediately resume negotiations. But they have not yet asked for a vote.

The pair, strategic allies of Iran, have removed controversial language from the draft - which they initially proposed on Sunday - that would have blocked the E3 from reimposing U.N. sanctions on Iran.

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Iravani described the Russian and Chinese draft resolution as a practical step to give diplomacy more time. A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the US, France, Britain, China or Russia.

UN nuclear inspectors have returned to Iran for the first time since it suspended cooperation with them after attacks in June on its nuclear sites by Israel and the United States. But Iran has not yet reached an agreement on how it would resume full work with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

With inputs from agencies
The talks, to be held on the first day of his trip, are expected to see Japan pledging to double its investment target in India and the two sides are likely to unveil a raft of agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas including defence and technology

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday to attend the annual India-Japan Summit with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba.

The prime minister, shortly before leaving for Japan on Thursday night, exuded confidence that his two-nation trip would further national interests and priorities.

I am confident that my visits to Japan and China would further our national interests and priorities, and contribute to building fruitful cooperation in advancing regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development, he said in a departure statement.

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#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Tokyo, Japan. He is on a two-day visit to Japan at the invitation of Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.



(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/GF1JvX9mJf  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

The Indian diaspora, as well as the Japanese community, will welcome PM Modi shortly with classical dance performances and the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra.

The talks during the summit, to be held on the first day of his trip, are expected to see Japan pledging to double its investment target in India and the two sides are likely to unveil a raft of agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas, including defence and technology.

Whats on the schedule?

On his visit to Japan, the prime minister said both sides would focus on shaping the next phase in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which he said has made steady and significant progress over the past 11 years.

We would endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors, he said.

On the second day of his trip, Modi and Ishiba are likely to travel to Sendai city on the high-speed train to visit a semiconductor facility.

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Look forward to upcoming meetings

Soon after landing in Japan, PM Modi said on X, Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration.

From here, the prime minister will depart for China, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. During his visit to the country, he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin.

From Japan, I will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. India is an active and constructive member of SCO. During our Presidency, we have introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges. India remains committed to working with the SCO members to address shared challenges and deepen regional cooperation. I also look forward to meeting President Xi Jinping, President Putin and other leaders on the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi said.

With inputs from agencies
After the video started making rounds on the internet, Pakistan pinned the blame on India for the waterlogging, saying that the elevation of the Grand Trunk Road on the Indian side has caused the flooding

The iconic Wagah border, from where Pakistan is within an eyeshot, witnessed two sides of the coin after floodwaters deluged the Pakistani side, while the Indian side looked clean.

A video of Pakistani rangers standing in knee-deep water in its side of the Wagah border has gone viral since.

Wagah Attari border between India and Pakistan.



Same border, two sides.

: clean. : garbage. pic.twitter.com/m9g09H8YEH  Fazal Afghan (@fhzadran) August 27, 2025

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Pakistan is grappling with severe flooding following days of relentless heavy rain. At the Wagah joint checkpost, the Pakistani side of the parade area, used for the daily flag-lowering ceremony, is submerged in muddy water, with sandbags stacked at several points in an effort to manage the flooding.

In stark contrast, the Indian side remains mostly dry, aside from a small patch of water near the international border gates.

Pakistan blames India

After the video started making rounds on the internet, Pakistan pinned the blame on India for the waterlogging, saying that the elevation of the Grand Trunk Road on the Indian side has caused the flooding.

However, India already has a rain water harvesting system in place and is equipped with proper drainage management to prevent waterlogging on its side.

According to a report by the Times of India, Pakistan has raised the issue of GT Road elevation to Indian officials.

Kartarpur corridor floods

Floodwaters from the Ravi River entered the complex of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in the Kartarpur corridor of Narowal district of Pakistan. The revered site houses the holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib.

Delhi govt minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has confirmed that the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib is safe, adding that eight people have been rescued from the gurudwara and sent to Narowal.

The Pakistan military announced it had launched a major rescue operation to evacuate pilgrims, staff, and local residents. Boats were deployed, and hundreds of people were transported to safer areas.
OnePlus is preparing for its upcoming flagship smartphone launch, the OnePlus 15, the successor to the OnePlus 13, by skipping the number 14. Ahead of the launch, the smartphone has surfaced online through Geekbench, revealing key specifications.

OnePlus 15, bearing model number PLK110, will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 / 8 Elite Gen 5, as expected. According to Geekbench, this SoC is an octa-core processor with 2 prime cores running at 4.61 GHz and 6 secondary cores running at 3.63 GHz. Since this still in test stage that doesnt use the full power, the scores are low.

Since the Geekbench test was conducted with 16GB of RAM, it is likely that the brand will offer 16GB as the base variant. Additionally, the phone was spotted running Android 16, which will be layered with OxygenOS 16.

Rumors suggest that the OnePlus 15 will undergo a major design change compared to its predecessor. The company may ditch the existing circular camera island in favor of a rounded rectangle, similar to that of the OnePlus 13s.

Furthermore, OnePlus is likely to end its Hasselblad partnership and may adopt OPPOs Lumo Image Engine for high-quality image processing. The phone is said to feature a 50MP main sensor, a 1.5K LTPO-based display with thinner bezels (down from the 2K+ LTPO panel on the OnePlus 13), and a massive 70007500mAh battery with 100W fast charging support.

OnePlus 15 will launch first in China, likely by late October or early November 2025, with the India launch expected in early 2026. We should get more information on the OnePlus 15 in the coming weeks.

Source | Via
Sun Sunday

52 /28

Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the upper 20s.
DIA's Missile and Space Intelligence Center Breaks Ground on Advanced Analysis Facility

Press Release | Aug. 24, 2025

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The Defense Intelligence Agency's (DIA) Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC) broke ground on a military construction (MILCON) Phase II project at the MSIC Campus in Huntsville, Aug. 26.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase II Modeling Analysis and Computer Exploitation (MACE) facility marked a critical milestone in the Department of Defense's (DoD) mission to strengthen the nation's current and future global space and missile defense capabilities. Acting DIA Director Christine Bordine hosted the ceremony, which was attended by Alabama Rep. Dale Strong and Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas, among others.

The MACE MILCON project, the latest effort to enhance capabilities and infrastructure at MSIC's Advanced Analysis Complex at the Richard C. Shelby Center for Missile Intelligence, will provide DIA and its partners with increased simulation capability, dedicated analysis space, and a high-performance supercomputing center.

The existing MSIC campus broke ground in 1998, and the expansion facility broke ground in 2023. The Phase II MILCON project follows two years of construction on the Phase I project, the Materiel Exploitation Center (MEC).

MSIC provides warfighters, weapons developers and policymakers with scientific and technical intelligence assessments of foreign weapons systems. This new facility will deliver a world-class supercomputing modeling and simulation (M&S) capability to defeat complex future threat systems, and it showcases DIA's commitment to reestablishing deterrence and rebuilding the military.

Media may direct queries to DIA Public Affairs at DIA-PAO@dodiis.mil.

DIA's mission is to provide intelligence on foreign militaries to prevent and decisively win wars.

DIA officers are united in a common vision  to be the indispensable source of defense intelligence expertise for the nation. For 64 years, DIA has met the full range of security challenges faced by the United States. DIA intelligence officers operate around the world, supporting customers from forward-deployed warfighters to national policymakers.

###

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Swedish success together with Thailand - new deal on Gripen E/F

Government Offices of Sweden

Press release from Ministry of Defence, Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Published 25 August 2025

Thailand is purchasing three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft from Sweden, including training, equipment and logistical support. The sales were confirmed during an official Thai visit to Stockholm on 25 August.

The agreement was signed during the visit by Thailand's Royal Air Force Commander-in-Chief Punpakdee Pattanakul, Director General of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Mikael Granholm, and Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, the aircraft's manufacturer. Minister for Defence Pal Jonson and Thailand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa attended the signing ceremony.

"The deal with Thailand is a sign of strength for Sweden and the Swedish defence industry. The Gripen export shows that Swedish innovation and technology build long-term and lasting collaborations. This will benefit both Sweden and Thailand for many years to come," says Mr Jonson.

"The security situation around the world continues to deteriorate. A strong Swedish defence industry is a prerequisite for us to be able to take greater responsibility for our own security and strengthen our relations with other countries," says Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.

More agreements may follow, with the Riksdag authorising the Government to enter into agreements with Thailand on the sale of up to 12 Gripen E/F series.

Sweden's cooperation with Thailand on air defence is longstanding. Thailand has previously purchased 12 Gripen C/D series military aircraft from Sweden.

The sale of the four aircraft with associated contracts strengthens relations between Sweden and Thailand and boosts the Royal Thai Air Force. Thailand will be the third country to procure Gripen E/F aircraft following Sweden and Brazil.

Having more partners creates conditions to further develop the Gripen programme. This improves production capacity and provides new experiences that can be shared among Gripen users. The sale of the Gripen aircraft also shows that the Swedish defence industry can develop competitive and sought-after products in a high-tech market. A competitive defence industry contributes towards strengthening the operational capability of the Swedish Armed Forces.

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Consultations between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi

Romania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Type: Press release

Date: 08/26/25

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Toiu held consultations with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihai Popsoi, who was in Bucharest to participate in the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy.

Following the meeting, the two officials held a press conference, available here: https://www.mae.ro/node/67256. The transcript of the statement by the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs is available here: https://www.mae.ro/node/67257.

Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Toiu extended her congratulations to her counterpart and the citizens of the Republic of Moldova on the occasion of their Independence Day, which is celebrated annually on August 27. She also expressed her gratitude to Deputy Prime Minister Popsoi for taking part in this year's RADR event, which was held under the title "A decade of change: the impact of Romanian diplomacy."

The agenda included topical issues related to the Republic of Moldova's accession process to the European Union, as well as developments in bilateral projects in important areas of cooperation, such as: energy, infrastructure, border crossing points, education and research. The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen the stability and resilience of the Republic of Moldova.

In light of the significant developments taking place at the regional and international levels that are also important for the European future of the Republic of Moldova, Minister Oana Toiu commended the efforts made by the authorities in Chisinau to promote the EU accession process. The head of Romanian diplomacy reiterated the firm commitment of the President and Government of Romania to supporting the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. This message was also conveyed by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan a few days ago during his visit to Chisinau on August 23, 2025.

The two officials discussed the current status and prospects for further progress in the following areas: energy interconnections (through high-voltage lines); land transport infrastructure (including the construction of bridges, the rehabilitation of the Iasi-Ungheni railway connection, and its electrification); the strengthening of the Republic of Moldova's energy independence (including by supporting its domestic electricity generation capacity); and the streamlining of traffic through crossing points of common border

At the same time, Minister Oana Toiu commended the Republic of Moldova's authorities for their efforts to prevent and combat foreign interference attempts in the lead-up to the September 28, 2025 parliamentary elections. In this context, she stressed that Romania will continue to strongly support the Republic of Moldova in strengthening its resilience, which is essential to ensuring the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.

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Minister Anand announces additional sanctions in response to Russia's malign interference activities in Moldova

Global Affairs Canada

News release

August 28, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against sixteen individuals and two entities under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations for their role in Russia's malign interference activities in Moldova.

These individuals have actively participated in coordinated efforts aimed at destabilizing the democratically elected government in Moldova. They are associated with politician and businessman Ilan Shor, who has been sanctioned by Canada, and who fled Moldova in 2019.

The individuals include officials and associates of Mr. Shor's political party, the Shor Party, which was sanctioned by Canada in June 2023, as well as former officials of Moldova and officials of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, a region in Moldova whose current administration has strong links to Russia. The list of sanctioned individuals also includes representatives of pro-Russian media from Moldova engaged in disseminating disinformation, as well as other participants in Russia's malign operations abroad.

Canada is also imposing sanctions against the Shor-led political bloc, Victory/Pobeda, which was launched in Russia as a successor to the Shor Party, as well as a Shor-backed paramilitary group and its leader, who were involved in organizing a series of anti-government protests in Moldova in 2023.

These measures are being announced as political actors and organizations under Mr. Shor's influence are ramping up their efforts to interfere in Moldova's next parliamentary elections, which will be held on September 28, 2025.

Quotes

"Canada strongly condemns any attempts to influence, interfere with, corrupt or discredit legitimate and democratic governments. Today, we reaffirm our support for the democratically elected Government of Moldova and its efforts to implement democratic reforms, counter malign Russian interference and regain full sovereignty in its internationally recognized borders." - Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

The first round of sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Moldova) Regulations was announced on June 1, 2023. It followed Canada's commitment made in May 2023 to undermine Russia's ability to continue its unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine through Moldova's territory; to counter Russian destabilization efforts in the region; and to support the democratically elected Government of Moldova.

Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,300 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova that are complicit in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada's allies and partners.

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Finnish Government submits to Parliament proposal to raise reservist age limit to 65

Finnish Ministry of Defence

28.08.2025 13:36

On 28 August 2025, the Finnish Government submitted to Parliament a proposal to raise the maximum age of reservists to 65 years. Reservists would remain liable for military service until the end of the year they turn 65 instead of the current 60. The new upper age limit would apply to all persons liable for military service born in 1966 or later.

Persons liable for military service would remain in the reserve until the end of the year they turn 65 irrespective of their military rank. There would be no upper age limit for officers with the rank of colonel or captain or higher, and they would remain in the reserve as long as they are fit for military service, just as they do now.

The proposal would extend the liability for military service by 15 years for the rank and file and by 5 years for officers and non-commissioned officers. This would give the Finnish Defence Forces and the Finnish Border Guard a wider range of options for assigning persons to key positions during emergencies regardless of their military rank.

In practice, the amendment would affect a relatively limited group of persons liable for military service. For example, only reservists who have been assigned wartime tasks could be ordered to attend refresher training. No upper age limit would be prescribed for participating in voluntary national defence.

There is a five-year transition period during which the number of reservists would grow by 125,000. The number of reservists is expected to reach one million in 2031.

The Non-Military Service Act would be amended in the same way as the Conscription Act.

The amendments are intended to enter into force on 1 January 2026, and the 65-year age limit would only apply to those who are liable for military service upon the entry into force of the amendments.

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China's activities in Ren'ai Jiao legitimate, lawful, beyond reproach: FM responds to Philippine official's resupply claim

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 28, 2025 05:39 PM

Ren'ai Jiao, as part of Nansha Qundao, is China's territory. The activities of Chinese ships in waters within China's jurisdiction are legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.

Guo made the remarks in response to claim of spokesperson of the Philippines' National Maritime Council that despite China's increased activities near Ren'ai Jiao, the Philippines will not stop delivering supplies. Also officials from the Philippine government and military have made assertive remarks on the Ren'ai Jiao in recent days, hyping up tensions.

Guo said that by keeping its "warship" "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao for decades, the Philippines has continuously infringed on China's sovereignty, and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, especially Article 5 which says the parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the uninhabited islands and reefs.

China has from the very beginning demanded that the Philippines tow away the vessel and restore Ren'ai Jiao's state of hosting no personnel or facilities, said Guo.

According to Guo, in recent years, in a humanitarian spirit, China has permitted the Philippines' resupply of necessities if it commits itself to not sending construction materials to the "warship" and informs China in advance, and after on-site verification is conducted. China reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on that. This fully shows China's goodwill and sincerity to keep the situation at Ren'ai Jiao under control.

Guo emphasized that the Philippines' repeated infringement and provocation at sea have severely infringed on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, disrupted peace and stability at sea, and undermined the political foundation between the two countries on properly handling maritime issues.

Guo stated that China is firmly resolved to defend its territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests. "We call upon the Philippines to stop hyping up the maritime issues and stop any infringement or provocation that might complicate the situation," he said.

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MND: The Philippine side is the one who undermines stability and makes troubles in the South China Sea

Global Times

By China's Ministry of National Defense Published: Aug 28, 2025 04:05 PM

Question: It is reported that the Philippines and Australia recently conducted a joint exercise in the Philippines. Countries including the US, Canada and Japan sent personnel to participate in or observe the event. The Philippine military claimed that this was a warning against Beijing's assertive actions. Besides, the 2nd Philippines-Australia Defense Ministers' Meeting was recently held. The two countries announced their willingness to strengthen defense cooperation and expressed grave concerns over China's actions in the South China Sea. What is your take on this?



Zhang Xiaogang: The South China Sea should be a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship. The Philippine side, however, has repeatedly courted influence from outside powers to make waves in this area, playing the role of an ass in the lion's skin. Its acts have jeopardized regional security and stability. Reality has proven time and again that the Philippine side is the one who undermines stability and makes troubles in the South China Sea. At the same time, certain external countries have instigated and supported the Philippines to take irresponsible actions that harm the shared interests of regional countries. China's actions to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are justified and legitimate. We will take firm countermeasures against any provocative behaviors.

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German Chief of Defence visits Iceland

Government of Iceland

28 August 2025

Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Carsten Breuer, General and Chief of Defence of Germany, visited Iceland this week and held meetings with Foreign Minister orgerur Katrin Gunnarsdottir and Jonas G. Allansson, Director General of the Defence Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday.

The aim of the visit was to give Breuer the opportunity to familiarize himself with the conditions in Iceland as well as Iceland's contribution to NATO's collective defense, not least in the Arctic. The visit was also an important part of strengthening ties and bilateral cooperation between Iceland and Germany in the field of defense.

"It was extremely useful and important to have a good conversation with General Breuer, with Germany being one of the key allies of NATO. His visit here clearly shows their growing interest in the North Atlantic and in strengthening defense cooperation with Iceland," says orgerur Katrin. "After all, Iceland plays an extremely important role in security and defense matters in this part of the world. For us, it is imperative to be active participants in projects that affect our immediate region, both in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. In this way, we will safeguard our interests firmly and responsibly."

During his stay, General Breuer familiarized himself with the conditions at Keflavik Air Base and Helguvik Harbour.

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Joint Statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Media Statements

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 28.08.2025

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, met in Jerusalem. They had a constructive meeting concerning the ongoing and continued provision of humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians.

They discussed the importance of protecting civilians from hunger and malnutrition and ensuring that their basic essential needs are met. They noted the increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza over the last month and agreed to redouble efforts to expedite and sustain the entry of humanitarian goods into Gaza given the dire needs on the ground.

It was agreed that every effort must be made to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the most vulnerable people where they are, and that humanitarian aid is provided exclusively to civilians.

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PM Netanyahu in Julis: "I am not naive. I understand who and what we are dealing with. I told President Trump: We both believe in the same idea - it is called peace through strength. First comes strength; peace will follow."

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Events and Speeches

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 28.08.2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, visited the Julis Local Council in northern Israel and met with Druze community spiritual leader Sheikh Moafaq Tarif and community MKs.

The Prime Minister visited the civil control center that was established in Sheikh Tarif's residential compound to monitor the situation of the Druze in Syria.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also met with the family of Maj. Amir Abdallah Sa'ad, who fell in combat in Gaza. The Prime Minister shared in the family's sorrow and said that Amir, of blessed memory, fought with utmost bravery for the security of Israel.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by his Chief-of-Staff, Tzachi Braverman, Prime Minister's Office Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz and his Military Secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman.

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

"During the worst of the atrocities, when Sheikh Moafaq Tarif called me and said: 'During the Holocaust, the Jews cried for help and nobody came. Israel must come', it was like an arrow into the heart. Not only was it factually correct, it was also morally true and true from the standpoint of humanity. It is also especially true in the genuine - not merely declarative - bond, the deep and genuine bond between us, because we are brothers. Israel would not extend a hand to save our Druze brothers? And we acted. When I understood the magnitude of the tragedy, we acted immediately.

I am not naive. I understand who and what we are dealing with, and because of this, we took action immediately. I told President Trump: We both believe in the same idea - it is called peace through strength. First comes strength; peace will follow. This is how it is, certainly in our region but not just there, but first of all in our region.

We are currently moving forward on three things: On defending the Druze community in the Suwayda district, but not just there; in creating a demilitarized zone from the southern Golan Heights to Damascus, including the Suwayda district; and in creating a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the bringing in of aid, food, building materials, whatever is necessary, including medical assistance, on a large scale. These discussions are being held at the moment, at this very moment."

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Meeting between Mr. MIYAJI Takuma, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Alejandro Murat Hinojosa, Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Relations of the United Mexican States

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

August 28, 2025

On August 28, from 2:50 PM for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Mr. Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, who is visiting Japan. The overveiw is as follows:

At the outset, State Minister FUJII strongly condemned the terror attacks carried out by Hamas and stressed that Hamas should be disarmed. He then expressed his strong concern that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is further exacerbating. He urged the Israeli side to make greater efforts to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible and improve the humanitarian situation. Also, State Minister Fujii stressed Japan's consistent support for realizing a two-state solution through confidence building and negotiations between the parties. In response, Speaker Ohana explained Israel's position. The both sides concurred on continuing communication regarding the bilateral relations.

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Latvia and Italy discuss regional security and agree on the need to promote economic cooperation

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

28.08.2025

On 28 August 2025, the Parliamentary Secretary Artjoms Ursulskis had a meeting with the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Edmondo Cirielli, who had arrived in Latvia for a working visit. During the consultations, the officials discussed the provision of comprehensive support to Ukraine, security in the region, current developments in the European Union, and the situation in the Middle East.

The officials welcomed the close political dialogue between Latvia and Italy and an exchange of visits, as well as their active cooperation in the field of security and economy. The Parliamentary Secretary briefed the Deputy Minister on language reform in general education schools and a growing interest in learning the Italian language.

Artjoms Ursulskis expressed his gratitude to Italy for its military presence in Latvia and an important contribution to security in the Baltic region. He underlined:

"Italian participation in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia and the Baltic Air Policing mission is an excellent example of unity and solidarity among the Allies as well as a strong message to our society about NATO's presence in the region."

In an exchange of views on providing support to Ukraine, Artjoms Ursulskis welcomed Italy's engagement in the Ukrainian peace process.

The officials agreed on the need to further deepen economic cooperation, with a particular emphasis on an increase in trade and promotion of investments, as well as on the military sector.

In a discussion on the fight against illegal migration, the Parliamentary Secretary informed the Italian diplomat about hybrid threat posed by Russia and Belarus, thereby justifying the need to strengthen the eastern border of Latvia, which is also a shared border of NATO and the European Union.

The officials exchanged views on urgent matters on the international agenda, while expressing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need to address the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

As part of his visit, Edmondo Cirielli also had a conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze. The officials discussed security in the region, support to Ukraine, issues of current importance to the EU, with a particular emphasis on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and migration policy, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Baiba Braze: Latvia greatly appreciates cooperation with Montenegro in NATO and will continue sharing European integration experience

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

28.08.2025

On 28 August 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braze, met with the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro, Filip Ivanovic, who has arrived in Latvia for a working visit.

The officials discussed the bilateral relations between the countries and the ways to strengthen economic cooperation, as well as deepen cooperation in science and new technologies. The parties welcomed the direct seasonal flights currently connecting Riga and Tivata, which promotes tourism and closer people-to-people contacts, thereby expanding cooperation opportunities between the two countries. The Minister invited young Montenegrin professionals to further benefit from participation in the Intensive Programme on the legal, political and economic functioning of the EU offered by the Riga Graduate School of Law.

Both sides strongly appreciated their cooperation within NATO. The Foreign Minister thanked Montenegro for its contribution to strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region. The presence of Montenegrin soldiers in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Adazi strengthens deterrence and defence capabilities on the Alliance's eastern flank. Baiba Braze accentuated Latvia's long-standing involvement in the NATO-led peacekeeping operation in Kosovo (KFOR), which contributes to the security and stability of the Western Balkans.

The Foreign Minister emphasised Latvia's support for the integration of Montenegro into the EU:

"We welcome Montenegro's progress towards EU membership. I urge you to move decisively forward and continue pursuing reforms. Latvia is ready to further provide its expertise and share its experience of integration into the EU." "Montenegro's progress towards the EU is also evidenced by its alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular, joining the sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as support given to Ukraine. I call for an increased pressure on Russia by continuing to impose new national sanctions," Baiba Braze underlined.

Filip Ivanovic thanked Latvia for its support for the European integration of Montenegro and confirmed that the country's main foreign policy priority is accession to the EU. He underscored that the national policy of Montenegro is aligned with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, and public support for EU membership is very high.

Together with Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, Filip Ivanovic laid flowers at the Freedom Monument and visited the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Filip Ivanovic had a conversation with the Deputy Chair of the Saeima European Affairs Commission, Ugis Rotbergs, and travelled to Adazi, where he met with Montenegrin soldiers. During his working visit, the Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro is also to meet with representatives from Latvia's IT and technology sector, and visit the Science and Innovation Centre at Riga Technical University.

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Braze Baiba, in a meeting with the Palestinian Foreign Minister, discusses the security situation in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

28.08.2025

On 28 August 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, who has arrived in Latvia as part of her regional visit. During their meeting, the ministers discussed the critical security situation in the Middle East and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Baiba Braze underlined that it was vital to resume ceasefire, immediately return all Hamas hostages, and facilitate deliveries of humanitarian and medical aid in Gaza. The Minister asserted the need for every effort to be made to reduce suffering among civilians, and she expressed deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the risk of a large-scale famine and the high number of civilian casualties. Hamas, recognised as a terrorist organisation by both the EU and the US, must unconditionally release hostages taken in the October 2023 attacks, lay down arms and relinquish power in Gaza.

In an exchange of views on the issue of the recognition of the Palestinian state, Baiba Braze said that Latvia continued supporting a negotiated two-state solution that is acceptable to the parties to the conflict and countries in the region, and endorsed by the international community. Latvia welcomes the efforts of the United States and the region's countries towards a lasting ceasefire.

Baiba Braze shared Latvia's perspective of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its global impact. The meeting also addressed Iran's destabilising role in the Middle East region. Latvia supports the EU sanctions policy against Iran, with an aim of limiting its role in the Russian aggression on Ukraine, restricting Iran's nuclear programme and its aggressive regional policy of providing support to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The Minister underlined the need for coordinated action to curb, in a targeted manner, the spread of terrorism and Russia's influence, which has destabilising effects across the Middle East region.

The Ministers also discussed cooperation between Palestine and the European Union and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, including in the context of Latvia's upcoming membership of the UN Security Council.

As part of her visit, the Palestinian Foreign Minister also met with the President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, took a tour of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and together with Baiba Braze, laid flowers at the Freedom Monument.

The Palestinian Foreign Minister continues her regional visit to Lithuania.

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Budrys discussed preparations for EU membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in calls with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and EU Enlargement Commissioner

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated 2025-08-28

On 28 August, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys held telephone conversations with Taras Kachka, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement to discuss preparations for opening the first negotiation cluster, "Fundamentals," with Ukraine and Moldova.

During the conversations, the Minister emphasized Lithuania's strong support for the swift integration of both Ukraine and Moldova into the European Union. According to Budrys, Lithuania's position is clear - 2030 must remain the target date for Ukraine's EU membership.

"Ukraine's EU membership is the strongest security guarantee for Ukraine itself and for Europe as a whole. Therefore, it is essential to urgently open negotiations with Ukraine on the first group of clusters at the level of all 27 EU member states, and by the end of 2025 - on the remaining clusters. Ukraine's motivation to continue the necessary reforms also depends on the fulfilment of the EU's commitments. By starting accession negotiations now, we will provide the proper framework for Ukraine's reform progress," said the Minister.

The head of Lithuania's diplomacy emphasized that Moldova's separation from Ukraine in the process of joining the European Union is not acceptable.

"If there is no agreement among the 27 EU member states, it is important to find a way forward on the EU 26 track until full support all the member countries of the European Union is secured. Negotiations on the EU 26 track must take place with both countries - Ukraine and Moldova," said Budrys.

The Minister reafirmed that Lithuania would continue to actively support Ukraine's democratic reform process and the efforts of the international community to achieve a just and sustainable peace.

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Gitanas Nauseda met with the Polish leader: Regional security is our shared responsibility

President of the Republic of Lithuania

August 28, 2025

On Thursday, President Gitanas Nauseda took part in a meeting of regional leaders in Warsaw, hosted by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The meeting was also attended by the leaders of Latvia, Estonia, and Denmark, and focused on security issues, support for Ukraine, and international peace initiatives. After the meeting, the leaders had a video call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

This was the first meeting between the Lithuanian President and the newly elected Polish leader, held at President Karol Nawrocki's initiative ahead of his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

"A strong military presence of the U.S. and other allies in Lithuania and across the eastern flank is vital for our region. Lithuania has already invested more than 200 million in infrastructure and training facilities for allied forces. We stand ready to further strengthen our contribution to common security by implementing the Baltic Defense Line initiatives," President Nauseda emphasized during the meeting.

On support for Ukraine, the President underlined Lithuania's unwavering commitments: "Since the beginning of the war, our support for Ukraine has already reached 1 billion. We will continue to allocate at least 0.25% of GDP annually. We will contribute to NATO-coordinated arms purchases, the strengthening of air defense, financing of Ukraine's defense industry, as well as the rehabilitation and training of soldiers."

President Gitanas Nauseda also called for accelerating Ukraine's integration into the European Union - starting accession talks in early September and setting 2030 as a target date for membership.

Addressing the prospects for peace, the Head of State stressed that peace cannot come at Ukraine's expense. Gitanas Nauseda underlined that strong Ukrainian armed forces and a robust defense industry are essential for any agreements: "Ukraine's defense is also our defense. We must ensure that any possible agreements do not undermine the security of Europe, particularly its eastern flank."

After the meeting, the leaders of Poland, the Baltic States, and Denmark had a video call with the Ukrainian President to discuss the situation in Ukraine and international peace initiatives. The Lithuanian leader once again reaffirmed Lithuania's full support for Ukraine.

The President's Communication Group

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Allies cross service aircraft, Poland and UK support refuel of Swedish fighters

NATO Allied Air Command

Aug 28 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- British and Polish flight engineers successfully fast-refueled Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft during NATO air operations in Poland.

This activity, part of a broader five-month Allied deployment, was significant because it demonstrated Allies' robust ability to cross-service aircraft. Cross servicing like this enables aviation technicians from different nations to support and maintain each other's aircraft. This bolsters interoperability and allows Allied Air Forces to sustain operations from dispersed locations without the constant presence of national ground support crews.

Fast refueling, or 'Hot Refueling' as known in Sweden, involves refueling an aircraft while its engine remains running. This rapid turnaround technique enables pilots to continue missions with minimal delay. During the operation, Swedish engineers also gained hands-on experience refueling British Typhoon aircraft.

Cross servicing is a core element of NATO's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. ACE focuses on deploying Airpower quickly and effectively from multiple locations. It enhances resilience, complicates adversary targeting, and strengthens NATO's ability to reinforce any Ally under threat.

This collaboration among Swedish, British, and Polish forces demonstrates NATO's commitment to integration and mutual support, underlining the strength of the Alliance's collective defence and deterrence posture.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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NATO Secretary General visits new ammunition factory, addresses German parliamentary group conference

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

27 Aug. 2025 - 28 Aug. 2025

Last updated: 28 Aug. 2025

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte travelled to Germany on 27-28 August to speak at the opening ceremony of a new Rheinmetall artillery plant and address a conference of the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups from the German Bundestag.

In his address at the factory on Wednesday, the Secretary General highlighted the critical role of defence industry for the Alliance's security and emphasised the need to ramp up defence production in an increasingly turbulent security environment. "Defence industry in Germany - and across Europe and North America - matters more than ever. Ensuring we are strong and successful is an absolute priority for NATO," Mr Rutte said. "Europe and America together are on course to turn the tide on defence production."

On Thursday (28 August 2025), Mr Rutte spoke with CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups at their conference in Wurzburg, emphasising that Germany's leadership - including on defence investment and production - is a driving force for Europe and NATO. He also thanked Germany for its consistent support to Ukraine - providing the second largest contribution of military aid after the United States - which is essential to Ukraine's continued efforts to defend against Russian aggression and pursue a just and lasting peace.

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Legislation to support NZ's defence and security

Beehive.govt.nz - The official website of the New Zealand Government

28 August 2025

Hon Judith Collins KC

Defence

The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) will be better able to manage their workforce to ensure national security is maintained during industrial action under new legislation introduced today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.

"The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill means the Minister of Defence will be able to authorise CDF to redeploy uniformed personnel to carry out the roles of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) civilian staff. Any authorisation would be informed by operational and legal advice from the NZDF," Ms Collins says.

Currently, the Defence Act allows the Minister to authorise the redeployment of uniformed personnel in situations where health and safety is compromised if work is not carried out by the Armed Forces.

The new bill broadens this authorisation to include instances where national security and readiness to deliver core defence functions are at risk. This could include work such as providing security at military bases, weapons and munitions servicing, and aircraft maintenance.

The issue was highlighted when civilian staff took industrial action last December. During this time, the Minister of Defence had to seek a resolution from Parliament to ensure uniformed personnel could continue to conduct the work of striking civilian staff for a period longer than 14 days. This meant decisions were vulnerable to the availability of Parliament and risked sensitive information being publicly disclosed.

"The ability and right of NZDF civilian staff and public service employees to take industrial action remains. But these changes ensure the security of New Zealand, and the safety of New Zealanders, endures while civilian staff exercise their rights," Ms Collins says.

"At a time of increasing security challenges, these commonsense changes need to be made.

"The authorisation of military personnel to cover civilian tasks when industrial action occurs within the NZDF is not taken lightly. But when required, it should be practical in its application. This Bill delivers on that."

The public and interested groups will have a chance to submit on the Bill when it is referred to select committee in September 2025.



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UN experts alarmed by reports of enforced disappearances at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid distribution sites

Press releases

Special Procedures

28 August 2025

GENEVA -- Condemning the enforced disappearance of starving Palestinian civilians seeking food aid at distribution centres run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a group of UN experts* today urged Israeli authorities to put an end to the heinous crime against an already vulnerable population.

"Reports of enforced disappearances targeting starving civilians seeking their basic right to food is not only shocking, but amounts to torture. Using food as a tool to conduct targeted and mass disappearances needs to end now," the experts said.

The experts received reports that a number of individuals including one child, who visited aid distribution sites in Rafah and have been forcibly disappeared. Aerial bombardment and daily gunfire at and around the crowded facilities have resulted in mass casualties. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is obligated to provide secure distribution sites and has contracted private military security companies to that end. According to information received, the Israeli Defence Forces are also operating in and around aid distribution sites and are reportedly directly involved in the enforced disappearance of people seeking aid.

"We are particularly concerned that once again the Palestinian people have been targeted and punished as such, and in the most desperate moment of man-made starvation, denied the aid they are forced to rely on, already laden with obstacles to access, the distribution points pose additional risks for devastated individuals of being forcibly disappeared," the experts said.

"We fear that increased reports of enforced disappearances at aid distribution points will discourage individuals from accessing essential food assistance, further aggravating the risk of starvation," they added.

The IDF is refusing to provide information on the fate and whereabouts of persons they have deprived of their liberty, in apparent violation of the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of enforced disappearances.

"The failure to acknowledge deprivation of liberty by State agents and refusal to acknowledge detention constitute an enforced disappearance."

"The international community cannot stay silent in the face of such an apparent constellation of abhorrent crimes," the experts said, calling for swift action to end the atrocities.

"Israeli authorities must clarify the fate and whereabouts of disappeared persons and investigate the enforced disappearances thoroughly and impartially and punish perpetrators. The obligation to conduct such investigations is a norm of jus cogens that must not be curtailed or impeded in any way. Any delay should be promptly addressed by international justice," they said.

The experts noted that while these concerns have been raised directly with the Israeli Government, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and private military security companies concerned, close independent monitoring is necessary pending the urgent dismantlement of this inhumane aid system and the return of an UN-led humanitarian system.

*The experts: Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde, Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances

Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967

Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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Poland supports Moldovan population

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Republic of Poland

28.08.2025

Poland allocated USD 1 million to Moldova's Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund in a show of solidarity with and direct support for Moldovan people, who are facing the consequences of an energy crisis.

In 2022, the Moldovan government, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), established the Energy Vulnerability Reduction Fund (EVRF) to tackle the energy crisis. The Fund was designed to minimise the negative impact that rising prices of central heating, natural gas, and electricity had on Moldovan families. Since its inception, the EVRF has supported more than 895,000 Moldovan households (75% of the country's total) by providing compensation which significantly mitigates the financial burden of rising energy prices.

The Polish contribution to the EVRF does not only respond to pressing social needs, but also increases the energy stability of the Republic of Moldova and builds up the Moldovan society's resilience to future crises.

The Polish Aid programme implemented by the MFA supports the Moldovan administration in reforming the country ahead of its prospective EU membership, building strong institutions, advancing national and local crisis management systems, and developing urban policy.

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PH, US troops hold airfield seizure op as part of 'ALON' drills

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

August 28, 2025, 5:22 pm

MANILA -- Philippine and United States forces conducted "airfield seizure operation" in San Vicente, Palawan as part of this year's Amphibious and Land Operations (ALON) exercises, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Thursday.

In a social media post, the AFP said the airfield seizure was the highlight of a forcible entry drill, which is "among the major events of Exercise ALON 2025."

"The training highlighted the combined force's ability to rapidly project power from the sea to secure key objectives ashore, a core element of amphibious operations," the AFP said.

It added that the activity, conducted on Aug. 24, "showcased the seamless integration of Philippine and US Marines in executing high-intensity missions, further strengthening interoperability, readiness, and collective resolve to address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific Region."

For the forcible entry drill, Filipino, Australian, and American troops carried out a preparatory training on Aug. 22, focusing on planning, coordination, and staging maneuvers to ensure seamless execution of the upcoming amphibious assault.

Exercise "ALON" is a bilateral training between the AFP and the Australian Defence Force, with support from the US' Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 25.3 and the Royal Canadian Navy.

This year's iteration started on Aug. 15 and will conclude on Aug. 29. (PNA)

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Diplomacy still key in WPS row despite China's aggression - DFA chief

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

August 28, 2025, 1:07 pm

MANILA -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Thursday said the Philippines would continue to rely on diplomacy and dialogue in dealing with China over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Testifying before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Lazaro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) employs several mechanisms, including the bilateral consultative mechanism with China, to ease tensions.

She cited that since June 2024, a provisional arrangement on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal has helped prevent further incidents during supply missions to BRP Sierra Madre.

"These mechanisms may not have an immediate impact, but diplomacy definitely has a very important role," Lazaro said, adding that diplomatic protests form part of official records used in international arbitration.

Committee chair Senator Imee Marcos, however, lamented that more than 300 diplomatic protests have been filed against China with little effect.

"It's embarrassing that we keep sending protests but they're being ignored," she said.

Senator Erwin Tulfo, meanwhile, questioned the country's adherence to the One China policy while the country continues to be "bullied" in the WPS.

He warned that the presence of Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy vessels near Ayungin Shoal underscored the need to reassess the Philippines' position.

"Diplomacy without deterrence is weakness," Tulfo said, adding that Filipino fishers and Coast Guard and Navy personnel remain at risk of harassment.

Lazaro said while security forces address operational concerns at sea, the DFA will uphold President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive that disputes must be settled peacefully through dialogue. (PNA)

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PH Army, US I Corps chiefs discuss external defense in Manila meeting

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

August 28, 2025, 1:00 pm

MANILA -- Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, on Wednesday met with United States Army I Corps commander Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane to discuss ways to beef up the external defense capabilities of Filipino troops.

In a statement on Thursday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the two officials met at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

During the meeting, Nafarrete and McFarlane discussed the long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the US, Dema-ala said.

"(Also discussed was the) US Army's role in helping advance the PA's external defense capabilities," he added.

Nafarrete zeroed in on areas of engagement, such as sustainment, intelligence, facility development, logistics enhancement, and engineering support.

"Lt. Gen. Nafarrete also stressed the PA's engagement with the US Army's 1st Multi-Domain Task Force on maritime domain awareness, synchronized bilateral military operations, and training exercises," Dema-ala said.

The Philippines and the US have long been allies in the international arena, which has not only helped strengthen national security and defense but also maintains stability in the Asia-Pacific Region.

The US is also one of the most vocal supporters of the Philippines when it comes to issues in the West Philippine Sea, particularly China's continued presence and aggressive actions toward Philippine vessels. (PNA)

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China and India reach multiple consensuses on boundary question: Defense Spokesperson

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source China Military Online

EditorLi Weichao

2025-08-28 17:23:24

BEIJING, Aug. 28 -- "During the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question, the Chinese side and the Indian side, in a positive and constructive spirit, had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the boundary question and reached multiple consensuses," said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday.

It is reported that the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question was recently held in India, where both sides reached a 10-point consensus and agreed to continue to play the role of the border management and control mechanisms through diplomatic and military channels.

The spokesperson noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. In accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state that China and India are partners that present opportunities to each other, both sides should make efforts to consolidate the sound momentum of improving bilateral relations, maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas, and jointly explore the correct way for neighboring major countries to respect each other, coexist peacefully, seek development together, and achieve win-win cooperation.

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Guterres warns of unprecedented destruction and famine in Gaza

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 11:44 PM

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a grave warning about the escalating civilian casualties in Gaza, describing the situation as "without parallel in recent times."

Speaking to journalists in New York on Thursday, he highlighted the systematic destruction of Gaza's food, water, and healthcare systems, which have left people facing starvation.

Guterres expressed concern over Israel's military invasion in Gaza City, noting that it represents a significant escalation in hostilities.

"Hundreds of thousands of civiliansalready exhausted and traumatizedwould be forced to flee once again, plunging families into even deeper peril. This must stop," the UN chief said.

He characterized the ongoing violence as part of "an endless catalogue of horrors" and called for accountability for those responsible.

"Gaza is piled with rubble, bodies, and potential violations of international law," he stated, warning that famine is now a present-day reality rather than a future threat.

The UN chief emphasized that the humanitarian crisis is the result of deliberate actions that ignore basic human rights.

He urged Israel, as the occupying power, to fulfill its obligations by ensuring the provision of essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine.

Guterres called for enhanced humanitarian access to Gaza and the protection of civilians and infrastructure.

He specifically raised alarms about Israel's plans to intensify military operations in Gaza City, which would likely displace more civilians.

"I appeal once again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages," he said.

Guterres concluded with a strong message: "Starvation of civilians must never be used as a method of warfare. Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian access must be unimpeded. No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies."

The Israeli regime's brutal genocide against Gaza since October 2023 has killed nearly 62,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

In Gaza City alone, more than half a million people are already facing a famine.

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Hamas: Israel uses starvation as weapon in Gaza to exterminate all Palestinians

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 9:43 PM

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has strongly condemned the latest statements by an Israeli far-right minister, who called for cutting off water, electricity, and food supply to the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Bezalel Smotrich also proposed forced displacement as a solution to implement the annexation of Gaza.

He said the Israeli military should declare Gaza City and central refugee camps as combat zones, leaving only Hamas fighters inside "to die from hunger and thirst," the daily Israel Hayom reported.

In response, Hamas said Smotrich's statements represent a public call to continue Israel's crimes in Gaza until all the Palestinian people are exterminated or displaced.

The movement added that the minister's remarks also prove that the regime is using starvation and siege as a weapon against innocent civilians, which is a war crime under international law.

Hamas stressed that what Smotrich said is not an isolated extremist opinion, but an official policy of the Israeli regime, which has been implemented in Gaza for nearly 23 months.

It said the remarks reveal the true nature of Israel to the world and confirm that what is happening in Gaza is a project of genocide and mass displacement.

Fourteen of the 15 UN Security Council members -- four permanent ones, namely, Russia, China, the UK, and France, and the other 10 rotating -- called on the Israeli regime on Wednesday to end its genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has left hundreds of thousands of casualties since its launch in October 2023.

The US, among the permanent members of the UNSC, did not take part in the vote and obstructed the UN resolution.

The Israeli regime's brutal genocide against Gaza since October 2023 has killed nearly 62,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

In Gaza City alone, more than half a million people are already facing a famine.

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Ansarullah vows retaliation after 'failed" Israeli strikes on Yemeni capital

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 7:29 PM

Israel has launched a series of "major airstrikes" on Yemen's capital, Sana'a, targeting densely populated neighborhoods and critical infrastructure, including oil facilities, power plants, military sites, and the presidential palace area.

Photos circulating on social media depicted vast plumes of thick black smoke billowing over the city following the heavy bombardment. Eyewitnesses reported at least 10 consecutive explosions rattling the capital.

Israel's Channel 14 described the strikes as "large-scale" operations aimed at senior Yemeni leadership, claiming the military campaign was a targeted effort against key figures within Yemen's Ansarullah movement.

Israeli warships reportedly participated in the attacks, marking a notable expansion in the military aggression.

However, Yemeni sources, including Ansarullah official Nasr al-Din Amer, refuted claims that senior leaders were targeted, calling the reports "baseless" and asserting the attacks "failed."

Amer pledged continued Yemeni military operations in support of the Palestinian cause.

"The reports about targeting leaders in Sana'a are baseless," Amer said in a statement, emphasizing Yemen's ongoing commitment to supporting Palestinians in Gaza.

Following the airstrikes, the Israeli military issued a brief statement claiming responsibility for targeting "military installations" in Sana'a, citing a recent missile launch from Yemen toward Israeli-occupied territories that was intercepted and destroyed mid-air.

In response to the escalating aggression, Mahdi al-Mashat, chairman of Yemen's Supreme Political Council, expressed solidarity with the Yemeni people and armed forces.

Addressing the deployment of American military forces in the region, al-Mashat said, "Whenever you hear that the American enemy, with its mad government, has deployed forces, remain calm; for this means that its weapons have failed."

He said the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman lost command and control capabilities early in the war and was rendered ineffective, forcing the United States to bring in additional equipment and weaponry to maintain pressure on Yemen.

Al-Mashat reaffirmed Yemen's unwavering support for the Palestinian people in Gaza, stating, "Our stance in support of our brothers in Gaza is firm and unwavering. We will never retreat from our principled, moral, Islamic, and humanitarian position until the aggression against Gaza ceases and the blockade is lifted."

The Yemeni army, backed by the Ansarullah movement, has launched numerous missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and allied vessels in the Red Sea, positioning itself as a staunch ally of Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli offensive.

Since the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, Yemeni forces have intensified their retaliatory operations, vowing to continue until the Israeli military aggression and siege of Gaza end.

Israel and its allies, including the United States, have attacked with intensified military campaigns targeting Yemeni strategic locations such as Sana'a and the Red Sea port of Hudaydah.

Critical infrastructure, including airports and power stations, have been hit, exacerbating humanitarian conditions in the already war-torn country.

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Dozens killed, thousands flee as Israel escalates Gaza genocide

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 5:40 PM

Israeli forces have killed at least 16 Palestinians across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, with dozens more wounded in intensified attacks targeting the southern region of the besieged territory.

Residents reported a sharp escalation in military bombardment around the outskirts of Gaza City, as strikes continued to pound densely populated neighborhoods on Thursday.

In Gaza City, families evacuated their residences, primarily moving towards the coast, while Israeli forces conducted bombardments in the eastern neighborhoods of Shuja'iyya, Zeitoun, and Sabra.

The latest fatalities increased the total number of Palestinians who have died from Israeli attacks in the last 24 hours to 71, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

In southern Gaza, numerous Palestinians were received at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis suffering from gunshot injuries, as reported by a physician at the facility.

The doctor stated that the Israeli military had opened gunfire on a gathering of Palestinians near a site designated for aid distribution.

Dr. Mohammad Saqer, who leads the nursing department, was quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying that the majority of patients were admitted with gunshot injuries to the upper body, and many were in a critical condition.

The patients reported that they were shot while attempting to gather food from a distribution site located in the nearby area of Rafah, he stated.

The Israeli military is poised to advance on Gaza City, the largest urban center in the area, despite global appeals urging Israel to reassess this action due to concerns that it may result in substantial casualties and displace approximately one million Palestinians currently seeking refuge there.

Israeli officials characterize Gaza City as the final bastion of Hamas. The Israeli military announced in a statement that it is persisting in its offensives across Gaza, focusing on what it refers to as the cells and infrastructure linked to the resistance movement.

At least 62,966 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 159,266 individuals have been injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the besieged coastal territory.

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Israel destroys 1,500 homes in Gaza City's neighborhood amid ground offensive

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 11:26 AM

The Israeli military has demolished more than 1,500 homes in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City over the past three weeks, the Palestinian Civil Defense says.

The agency's spokesperson, Mahmoud Bassal, speaking on Thursday, said the homes have been reduced to rubble since early this month, when the Tel Aviv regime approved its illegal plan to occupy Gaza City and launched a ground assault there.

The Israeli military has used construction machinery and bomb-laden robots to detonate seven sites daily in the al-Zeitoun district, where the occupation's quadcopters have dropped explosives on rooftops, he added.

Bassal also noted that the systematic demolition of Palestinian homes has left no buildings standing in the southern part of al-Zeitoun and forced 80 of the neighborhood's residents to flee to western or northern areas of Gaza City.

"The destruction is far greater than just the buildings in this neighborhood. 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.

Nearly two years into the genocide in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli security cabinet voted on August 8 for the Gaza City occupation scheme, which means more bloodshed and forcible displacement of exhausted and starving Palestinians.

It was initiated and pushed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the brutal Gaza onslaught that has killed at least 62,895 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 158,927 others since October 7, 2023.

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US 'complicit' in Gaza crimes over obstruction of UN resolutions against Israel: Hamas

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 8:43 AM

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement says the United States' obstruction of UN resolutions "makes it complicit" in the Israeli regime's crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas said in a statement that it welcomed the statement by the United Nations Security Council members, excluding the US, which called for an "immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire" in Gaza to allow unfettered aid into the Palestinian territory to stop the famine, while affirming that Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of war is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Fourteen of the 15 UN Security Council members -- four permanent ones, namely, Russia, China, the UK, and France, and the other 10 rotating -- called on the Israeli regime on Wednesday to end its genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has left hundreds of thousands of casualties since its launch in October 2023.

The US, among the permanent members of the UNSC, did not take part in the vote and obstructed the UN resolution.

The Israeli regime's brutal genocide against Gaza since October 2023 has killed nearly 62,900 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

In Gaza City alone, more than half a million people are already facing a famine.

Hamas called on the UNSC to uphold its responsibilities and take practical steps to deter the Tel Aviv regime, particularly its war-mongering criminal leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

It urged the body to help halt the brutal genocide that has been ongoing for nearly 23 months, and hold the occupation's war criminal leaders accountable for their crimes against humanity.

"We see this international position as a significant step forward, demonstrating broad consensus in condemning the crime of genocide and the war of starvation waged by the occupation against more than two million Palestinians in Gaza," Hamas said in its statement.

Hamas said the US obstruction is preventing the 15-member UNSC from reaching a consensus to issue a binding resolution.

"The continued obstruction of binding resolutions by the US makes it complicit in the crimes committed against the Palestinian people, and [the US] bears responsibility for the famine and massacres in Gaza," it added.

Those speaking at the UNSC meeting also warned the body members on Wednesday that the situation in Gaza is catastrophic, with the worst-case scenario of famine now officially declared and Israel using starvation as a method of war "in its starkest terms."

"Today the world looks on in horror as the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory continues to deteriorate to levels not seen in recent history," said Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

Despite the UN confirmation of the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Netanyahu has repeated his push for what he calls the "complete" defeat of Hamas in Gaza.

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READOUT: Ranking Member Shaheen's Travel to Lebanon and Meetings with Lebanese Leaders

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Published: August 28, 2025

WASHINGTON -- This week, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a bipartisan delegation to Lebanon alongside Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) and met with the Lebanese leaders including President Joseph Auon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation was also accompanied by Ambassador Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus.

Ranking Member Shaheen spoke to the press in Beirut, Lebanon, after her meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and said, "the United States stands with the people of Lebanon. A secure, stable and thriving Lebanon is in the interest not just of the United States and the Lebanese people, but of the entire region. One of the keys to managing that reality is the full disarmament of Hezbollah ... That is why it's so important to support the bold decisions that the country is making right now: strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces, who are essential to securing the country's future and borders, and advancing financial reforms that will put Lebanon's economy on a more solid ground ... In Congress, we will continue to press for support through legislation and through the appropriations process." Click HEREto watch the Senator's full remarks.

Ranking Member Shaheen reinforced to the leaders of Lebanon that the United States is a partner in their efforts for reform and reconstruction. The success of careful and sustained efforts to disarm Hezbollah and root out Iran's influence will be critical to the long-term prosperity of Lebanon. The United States opposes any attempt to undermine the legitimate government of Lebanon.

Ranking Member Shaheen also met with military leaders including General Rodolphe Haykal, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and Brigadier General Nicolas Thabet, commander of the South Litani Sector to discuss the security situation in Lebanon and the progress toward fully disarming Hezbollah. Ranking Member Shaheen spoke with prominent Druze leader Walid Jumblatt on the outlook for Lebanon's relationship with Syria and the future of Lebanon. She engaged with Ministers and Members of the Lebanese Parliament on the progress of economic reforms by the government of Lebanon and the need for strong support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Additionally, Ranking Member Shaheen met with the presidents of the Lebanese American University and the American University of Beirut to discuss the status of the Trump Administration's freezes to scholarship assistance. She emphasized that these institutions are core to our mutual national security and economic prosperity between the United States and Lebanon.

###

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Palestinian Fatah Groups to Begin Transferring Arms in Southern Lebanon - Military Source

Sputnik News

20250828

The Palestinian formations of the Fatah movement will begin transferring their weapons to the Lebanese army in three camps in the south of the country on Thursday, a Lebanese military source told Sputnik.

"This morning, the army will begin accepting weapons from Palestinian Fatah groups in the Bas, Rashidiya and Borj El Chmali camps in the Tyre governorate in southern Lebanon," the source said.

The army should receive medium-range weapons and missiles, the source explanied.

In February, the IDF completed its withdrawal from southern Lebanon in accordance with the ceasefire agreement reached with the Israeli authorities in November 2024 after a year of continuous military escalation.

At the same time, the Israeli army remained in five strategic positions in southern Lebanon, explaining this in the "interests of security control."

The Lebanese leadership, in turn, was supposed to ensure the complete withdrawal of Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River, which in different areas flows 20-30 kilometers from the border with Israel. In recent weeks, Israel has been conducting targeted operations in southern Lebanon.

 Sputnik

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The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 28 August 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 28 August 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you, President. I thank the Secretary-General, Executive Director Russell and Mr Roosevelt for briefing us today.

And I welcome the participation of the representatives of Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Barbados in our meeting.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Haiti.

As we have heard today, this crisis is driven by gang violence and instability that devastates communities and undermines efforts to restore democratic governance.

We are particularly concerned by the impacts on children, who are among the most vulnerable victims of this crisis.

One in eight children in Haiti have been displaced. Armed gangs are systematically recruiting minors, fuelling a surge in exploitation, sexual violence and abuse.

These atrocities spread fear and inflict lasting trauma on Haiti's young people.

The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to supporting efforts to tackle insecurity in Haiti, and we unequivocally condemn the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tool of control and terror.

Second, we commend Kenya's leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission.

And we express our strong support for the vital work of international partners, including BINUH, in helping the Haitian authority deliver change for the Haitian people.

As part of this commitment, the UK has provided $6.7 million to fund OHCHR's work with the MSS to help ensure compliance with international standards on human rights, conduct and discipline.

In parallel, we continue to take action against those responsible for human rights violations, including through the implementation of targeted sanctions.

Third, re-establishing security is essential to Haiti's long-term stability and to alleviating suffering.

In this context, we welcome the Secretary General's recommendations for enhanced security assistance for Haiti.

President, we stand ready to work with the US, Panama and all Council members to mobilise that support to the Haitian people, and help Haiti's children enjoy a future free from violence, fear and hunger.

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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell remarks at the Security Council Open Debate on Haiti

UNICEF

Checked against delivery

28 August 2025

NEW YORK, 28 August 2025 - "Good morning. Thank you, Ambassador Alfaro, and Ambassador for co-convening this briefing ... and for the opportunity to address this Council today on the dire crisis facing children in Haiti.

"Thank you to the Secretary-General for his deep and ongoing commitment to the protection of children affected by armed conflict.

"And a heartfelt thank you to UNICEF National Ambassador Jean Jean Roosevelt for his passion, art, and dedication to the protection of children from violence.

"Excellences... since I last briefed you on the situation in Haiti nearly a year ago, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, spreading beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, to other parts of the country. Haiti's children continue to endure unimaginable suffering amidst the brutal armed violence. Indeed, one of the defining features of this crisis is the rampant rights violations against children.

"As the Secretary-General said in 2024, Haiti ranked among the five countries on the Children and Armed Conflict agenda with the highest number of verified grave violations against children anywhere in the world. Last year, the UN in Haiti verified more than 2,000 grave violations against children. This marked a nearly 500 per cent increase over the previous year.

"The increased rate of violations has continued into 2025. In the first quarter of this year, there has been a 25 per cent increase compared to the first quarter of 2024.

"Most alarming is the almost 700 per cent rise in cases of recruitment and use of children, alongside a 54 per cent increase in killing and maiming. Keep in mind that these are just the cases we have been able to verify - we believe the true figures are much higher.

"Children are being killed and maimed during violence between armed actors, particularly in densely populated areas of Port-au-Prince. We have also verified cases of children being summarily executed. The entry of new armed actors and more sophisticated technology, including explosive weapons, into the fighting is putting children's safety at even greater risk.

"The recruitment and use of children by armed groups is rampant. We estimate that children currently account for a staggering fifty per cent of the members of the armed groups active today.

"Children are being forced into combat roles, directly participating in armed confrontations. Others are being used as couriers, lookouts, porters to carry weapons, or are exploited for domestic labor - roles that expose them to grave and lasting physical and psychological harm.

"As I saw when I visited Haiti, children are being subjected to appalling sexual violence that has reached unprecedented levels. In 2024, the number of reported cases of sexual violence against children rose by 1,000 per cent over the previous year.

"And as you will have seen in the Secretary-General's annual report on children and armed conflict, the UN found that over a quarter of all cases of verified sexual violence were gang rapes. This constitutes a widespread campaign to terrorize communities and inflict lasting physical and psychological trauma on children - especially girls who account for most of the victims and survivors.

"Excellencies ... in the face of this devastating situation for children, UNICEF and our partners are being denied access to provide the humanitarian response that is so desperately needed - which, I would add, is also a grave violation of children's rights. In 2023, the UN verified five incidents of denial of humanitarian access, while last year, this number skyrocketed to 728.

"In denying access, armed groups are undermining the ability of humanitarian actors to reach the 1.6 million children and women in areas under their control. This is also impeding our efforts to monitor and report on the grave violations committed.

"Last month, six UNICEF staff members were taken hostage by an armed group while carrying out a lifesaving humanitarian mission. Thankfully, they have since been released, but this incident reveals the dangers humanitarian colleagues on the ground are facing. Humanitarian workers are not and must never be targets.

"Despite these challenges and the insecurity, UNICEF and our partners remain on the ground working to deliver lifesaving assistance for those in need. Together with our partners so far this year, we have treated 21,000 children for severe wasting, provided healthcare to 117,000 people, and reached 140,000 people with safe water.

"We continue our efforts to engage and negotiate with armed actors to prevent and end grave child rights violations. And we are supporting the authorities to develop a child-sensitive and child-friendly system to respond when violations are reported.

"Since 2024, the Government of Haiti and UNICEF have demobilized and reintegrated over 140 children through the framework of the Protocol for the Handover of Children Associated with Armed Groups.

"And just last month, the Haitian Government, in partnership with UNICEF, officially launched the Prevention and Rehabilitation Programme against Children and Youth recruitment. This three-year programme seeks to protect children from recruitment, exploitation, and violence, while offering them reintegration solutions and support.

"But far more must be done to protect Haiti's children from the scourge of violence that has taken hold of their communities.

"Today, I ask Members of this Council to use all available leverage to protect children ... and to support concrete actions to prevent further violations.

"I ask you to demand that all armed groups end attacks on schools and hospitals ... immediately release children from their ranks ... and allow secure, unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to safely reach communities in need.

"I ask that you appeal to security forces on the ground to prioritize the safety and protection of all children ... and to ensure they are treated as children first and foremost ... taking every measure to avoid further killing and injuring children, including those who have been recruited.

"I ask that you support the Government of Haiti and its partners to prioritize children's rights across public policies and through investment in social services. This includes education, health care, justice and protection for children.

"This also includes reintegration for children currently or previously associated with armed groups, and for children who have been subjected to sexual violence and other grave violations.

"Lastly, we call on donors to show solidarity with the Haitian people and contribute to funding appeals. The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to address the needs of nearly 4 million people in Haiti is just 10 per cent funded. Without immediate donor support, our life-saving assistance and protection services for those most in need are at serious risk.

"Excellencies ... grave rights violations against children in Haiti or anywhere in the world can not be tolerated. Every child deserves a chance to be safe, healthy, and to live in peace. But peace can only be forged and sustained when children are prioritized and protected.

"UNICEF stands ready to work with this Council, with Haitian children and communities, and with every partner committed to this cause.

"We must urgently respond with a shared commitment to finally deliver on the promise of a peaceful, prosperous society for all of Haiti's children.

"Thank you."



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Gaza death and destruction 'without parallel in recent times': Guterres

28 August 2025 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza, greater humanitarian access and the release of all hostages, as the enclave faces yet another deadly escalation.

"Israel's initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signals a new and dangerous phase," he told journalists in New York, warning against the devastating consequences.

"Hundreds of thousands of civilians - already exhausted and traumatized - would be forced to flee yet again, plunging families into even deeper peril. This must stop."

'Endless catalogue of horrors'

Mr. Guterres was speaking ahead of a Security Council meeting on the situation in Haiti but stopped to brief reporters on the "unfolding tragedy that is Gaza", where "yet more unconscionable Israeli strikes" have occurred.

Incidents include the two airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis earlier this week which killed civilians, including medical personnel and journalists, "all with the world watching".

The Secretary-General said "these attacks are part of an endless catalogue of horrors" and called for accountability.

"Gaza is piled with rubble, piled with bodies, and piled with examples of what may be serious violations of international law," he said.

"Hostages taken by Hamas and other groups must be released and the atrocious treatment they have been forced to endure must stop. Civilians must be protected."

Unparalleled destruction and famine

Mr. Guterres stressed that "the levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times".

Moreover, "famine is no longer a looming possibility - it is a present-day catastrophe."

People are dying from hunger, yet Gaza's food, water and healthcare systems have been systematically dismantled.

Israel's obligations

"These are the facts on the ground. And they are the result of deliberate decisions that defy basic humanity," he said. "Israel, as the occupying power, has clear obligations."

He said Israel must ensure the provision of food, water, medicine, and other essentials. This is in addition to agreeing to and facilitating far greater humanitarian access to Gaza as well as protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Mr. Guterres said the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has given binding provisional measures which must be implemented in full and immediately.

They include the obligation to take all steps to ensure unfettered humanitarian and medical assistance to Palestinians throughout the Gaza Strip without delay and in full cooperation with the United Nations.

UN staff killed, aid efforts blocked

Meanwhile, the UN and partners are doing all they can, he said. This is often at great personal risk, as tragically 366 UN personnel have been killed.

"Day after day, our efforts are being blocked, delayed, and denied," he said. "This is unacceptable."

Settlement expansion in the West Bank

Mr. Guterres also addressed the situation in the West Bank, describing it as "profoundly alarming".

He said Israeli military operations, settler violence, demolitions, and discriminatory policies are driving displacement and deepening vulnerability.

Furthermore, the relentless expansion of settlements is fracturing communities and cutting off access to vital resources.

The Israeli authorities recently approved of a plan for the construction of thousands of settlements in the E1 area. He said this would effectively separate the northern and southern West Bank, representing "an existential threat to the two-state solution" between Israelis and Palestinians.

"I repeat: the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem have been established - and are being maintained -- in violation of international law," he stressed.

"Israel must cease such actions and comply with its obligations."

'No more excuses'

The Secretary-General concluded his remarks by emphasizing that there is no military solution to the conflict.

"I appeal once again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages," he said.

"Starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare. Civilians must be protected. Humanitarian access must be unimpeded," he added, ending with a plea for "No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies."

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'The people of Haiti are in a perfect storm of suffering,' warns UN chief

28 August 2025 - State authority is crumbling across Haiti while gang violence engulfs the capital Port-au-Prince and beyond, "paralysing daily life and forcing families to flee," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Thursday.

Six million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, while 1.3 million people - half of them children - having been forced to flee their homes, he added.

'Shamefully overlooked'

Haiti now ranks among the five hunger hotspots worldwide that are of "highest concern," said the UN chief. Yet it remains the world's least funded humanitarian appeal. Less than 10 per cent of the $908 million needed has been received.

The UN chief lamented the level of international neglect, describing Haiti as "shamefully overlooked and woefully underfunded," as armed groups continue to block humanitarian access and attack aid workers.

Due to the lack of resources, around 1.7 million people risk receiving no humanitarian assistance at all. "This is not a funding gap. It is a life-and-death emergency," he said, urging donors to act before lifesaving operations grind to a halt.

Across the country, basic services have collapsed, and mass displacement has left children without education, healthcare or any sense of safety. As of April, gang violence had interrupted the schooling of some 243.000 children, as attacks on schools continued.

'Unimaginable suffering'

The head of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), Catherine Russell, told ambassadors Haiti's youth are enduring "unimaginable suffering amidst the brutal armed violence."

She noted that last year the UN in Haiti had verified more than 2,000 grave violations against children - a nearly 500 per cent increase on the previous year.

The Caribbean nation last year was among the five worst offenders worldwide, Ms. Russell added, including cases of summary execution.

Even more concerning, she said, was the 700 per cent increase in cases of recruitment and use of children by armed groups, alongside a 54 per cent increase in killing and maiming, according to Ms. Russell.

Children now account for a staggering 50 per cent of all active gang members in Haiti.

"I ask Members of this Council to use all available leverage to protect children," she said, and to support "concrete actions" which will prevent violations from spiralling still further.

'Signals of hope'

Despite the bleak outlook across Haiti and soaring levels of violence and lawlessness, "there are emerging signals of hope," said the Secretary-General.

Closer coordination between the Prime Minister's Task Force, the Haitian National Police and Security Council-backed Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) is improving operations on the ground, he said.

But, more decisive international support is required to protect and expand these fragile gains.

The Kenyan-led mission was authorised by the Security Council in October 2023 and aims to help over-stretched Haitian authorities stem the gang violence and restore national security, especially in the capital.

Mr. Guterres welcomed efforts by the Security Council to advance his proposal to strengthen the MSS through UN logistical and operation support, and urged ambassadors "to act without delay and authorise an international force, supported by the UN through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing."

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

The impact of a full-blown offensive in Gaza city would be 'beyond catastrophic'

OCHA is deeply concerned about the risk of a looming Israeli offensive on additional parts of Gaza city. Some neighbourhoods have already seen deadly attacks in recent days. OCHA says the impact of a full-blown offensive would be beyond catastrophic - not only for those in the city but for the entire Gaza Strip.

Partners tracking population movements report that about 1,300 people have fled from northern to southern Gaza yesterday and today. This brings the total number of north-south movements since 14 August - the day the offensive on Gaza city was announced - to 20,000. Displacement is also happening within the north itself. Altogether, some 60,000 displacements originating from Gaza city have been recorded since 14 August.

Across the Gaza Strip, hundreds of thousands of families continue to live in overcrowded, undignified and unsafe conditions at displacement sites.

Today, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain called for faster approvals to move supplies into and within Gaza, as well as for safety for people to reach aid, and for humanitarian workers to reach those who need support. McCain made this statement after visiting the Gaza Strip, where she saw the destruction and desperation firsthand.

With famine now confirmed in Gaza governorate, McCain called for the right conditions to be put in place so that WFP can reinstate its vast network of 200 food distribution points, community kitchens and bakeries.

She visited a nutrition clinic that is keeping children alive and spoke with displaced mothers who described their daily struggle to survive, often searching for scraps of food but finding nothing.

The UN and its partners are bringing food assistance into Gaza every day. As WFP noted, there has been a moderate increase in the amount of humanitarian and commercial goods entering the Strip. However, this is still far below what's needed to support 2 million people, many of them in extreme hunger.

Yesterday, for the first time since March, the Food and Agriculture Organization was able to provide vital animal feed to herders in Deir al Balah. In a social media post, the agency announced that 200 herders received two 100-kilogram sacks each - a crucial step to protect livestock and help curb the spread of famine.

Meanwhile, OCHA says that delays and impediments of humanitarian movements within Gaza continue, with movements that are approved by Israeli authorities still taking hours to complete. Teams have been left waiting on roads that are often dangerous, congested or impassable. Between last Wednesday and this Tuesday, out of 89 attempts to coordinate movements with Israeli authorities across the Gaza Strip, only 59 per cent were facilitated. Another 26 per cent were initially approved but then impeded on the ground, 8 per cent were denied outright, and 7 per cent had to be withdrawn by the organizers.

Facilitated movements included the transfer of fuel and the collection of medical, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, as well as staff movements and rotations. Denied movements included missions aiming to repair water pipe connections and roads, and to relocate chemical supplies used to support water and sanitation.

Among the 23 impeded movements, five were fully accomplished, including to collect supplies from crossings and medically evacuate patients. The remaining 18 missions were not fully accomplished.

Ukraine

Large-scale attack kills at least 15 in Kyiv

OCHA says that civilians were killed and injured overnight in a massive attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv.

According to authorities, at least 15 people were killed and 40 injured. Preliminary reports indicate that four of those killed and 10 of those injured were children.

Authorities report that the strikes destroyed a five-storey building and damaged over 100 residential buildings, a kindergarten, a shopping centre, media offices, the premises of humanitarian organizations, and the offices of the EU Delegation and the British Council.

The Ukrainian Railway Company also reported damage to their facilities and intercity trains, while the Nova Poshta postal service company confirmed that three employees were injured in its warehouse.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned the attacks, stressing that they highlight the constant danger facing civilians in Kyiv and across the country.

Aid workers and local authorities responded immediately. Humanitarian organizations* provided psychosocial support and began registering affected families for cash assistance, while local authorities arranged temporary shelter for people who lost their homes.

Meanwhile, hostilities in front-line regions continue. Local authorities report that six people were killed and dozens injured yesterday and today. Damage to civilian infrastructure was also reported in the regions of Kherson, Donetsk, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro. In Sloviansk, in the Donetsk region, nearly 40 residential houses were damaged.

In the region of Vinnytsia, authorities reported that strikes on energy infrastructure left some 60,000 households - as well as private and social institutions - without electricity across 30 towns and villages. This follows earlier attacks on energy facilities in six regions, heightening concerns ahead of winter.

In the Donetsk region, nearly 200 people, including 50 children, were evacuated over the past days due to escalating fighting.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support.

Posted on 28 August 2025

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EU aid reaches 23,000 Palestine Refugees from Syria striving to survive in Lebanon

UNRWA

28 Aug 2025

Samer carefully manages his family's limited electricity supply. The 39-year-old Palestine Refugee from Syria, who fled his home in 2014 during the civil war, is doing his best to keep his family afloat in Lebanon. With only four hours of government electricity a day, the family relies on a two-ampere private subscription, just enough to power lights, an old television, a refrigerator, two fans and a washing machine. If they exceed their share, the breaker trips, plunging them into darkness.

"Without this back-up power, we'd be without light for more than 20 hours a day," says Samer. "Thanks to the cash assistance I receive from UNRWA, I can rent this small space and keep the lights on through the generator."

Thanks to European Union (EU) Humanitarian Aid, UNRWA was able to deliver two cycles of cash assistance in 2025, reaching around 23,000 Palestine Refugees from Syria - or 8,500 households, including Samer's.

Samer works at a local bakery earning the equivalent of about US$ 50 per month. For Palestine Refugees coming from Syria now living in Lebanon, access to employment is extremely difficult. Even Palestine Refugees from Lebanon are barred from 39 professions. For those from Syria, the situation is even tougher.

Access to legal residency for Palestine Refugees from Syria has become increasingly challenging since May 2024, when the Government of Lebanon introduced new measures affecting the renewal of residency permits. This has created additional obstacles to moving freely outside Palestine Refugee camps where UNRWA provides basic services.

Samer is a father to two boys aged 15 and 11, both attending UNRWA schools. The family would struggle to survive without receiving free UNRWA education services along with the EU humanitarian cash support.

Palestine Refugees from Syria living in Lebanon are among the most vulnerable communities in the country, with poverty levels at around 70-80 per cent according to UNRWA's latest surveys. A total of 80 per cent of them fled their homes in Yarmouk, a refugee camp near the Syrian capital Damascus which was heavily destroyed during the civil war that broke out in 2011. The EU cash assistance provided through UNRWA enables families to address urgent needs.

"This money brings us some comfort," Samer says quietly. "It gives us a roof and a little food. Without it, we would be on the street."

While some families have started thinking about returning to Syria, most, including Samer's, feel they lack the needed support to rebuild their lives there. They wait for an improvement in security, living conditions and employment in Syria before they can consider returning. Until then, Samer remains in Lebanon, relying on UNRWA and the EU to keep the roof over his family's head and the lights on at home.

UNRWA continues to advocate for the rights of Palestine Refugees from Syria and coordinates with relevant authorities in both Lebanon and Syria to ensure that any return home is voluntary, safe, and dignified.

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Amid Relentless Armed Violence, Collapsing Schools, Hospitals, Haiti Facing 'Perfect Storm of Suffering', Secretary-General Warns Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9988th Meeting (AM)

SC/16158

28 August 2025

Children Enduring Record Levels of Forced Recruitment, Sexual Abuse, Hunger

Amid relentless armed violence, collapsing schools and hospitals, and a worsening humanitarian crisis leaving millions at risk, the UN Chief warned the Security Council today that Haiti faces a "perfect storm of suffering", with children enduring unprecedented levels of forced recruitment, sexual violence and hunger.

"Civilians [in Haiti] are under siege," said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stressing that State authority is crumbling as gang violence engulfs Port-au-Prince and spreads beyond  paralysing daily life and forcing 1.3 million people to flee. Reports detail rape and sexual violence, repeated attacks on hospitals and schools, and the collapse of the rule of law. With 6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, Haiti ranks among the five global hunger hotspots of "highest concern".

Aid workers, especially local responders, face threats of violence, extortion and kidnapping. Despite the danger, they continue delivering food, water, medicine and shelter  reaching 1.3 million people in the first quarter of this year alone. "Yet, Haiti remains shamefully overlooked and woefully underfunded", he stressed, noting that $908 million is required in 2025 to support 3.9 million people, yet less than 10 per cent has been received  making Haiti the least-funded humanitarian appeal worldwide. "This is not a funding gap. It is a life-and-death emergency," he asserted, urging donors to act before lifesaving operations grind to a halt.

Citing his annual report on children and armed conflict, he said Haiti ranked among the top five countries for grave violations against children in 2024: the UN verified 2,269 such violations against 1,373 children  nearly five times more than the previous year. Children are being abducted, killed, recruited and subjected to horrific sexual violence, including gang rape. "These are crimes that scar bodies, minds and futures," he said. With basic services collapsing and mass displacement worsening, children are left without education, healthcare, or safety.

The 2024 Handover Protocol between the UN and Haiti's Government is "an important step" towards protecting children detained for alleged association with armed groups, he said. However, he warned of the growing threat posed by so-called community self-defence groups  some aligned with police forces  implicated in grave violations, including the summary execution of children. He urged all authorities to implement the Handover Protocol nationwide.

While the political situation remains fragile, there are "emerging signals of hope", including increased cooperation between the President of the Transitional Presidential Council and the Prime Minister, who are leading consultations to advance the political process. Coordinated international security support, he stressed, is essential to bolster national efforts, protect civilians and create conditions for a return to the rule of law and credible, inclusive elections.

Welcoming efforts to advance his proposal to strengthen the Multinational Security Support mission through UN logistical and operational support, he urged the Council to swiftly authorize an international force with UN backing and predictable financing. Security measures, he emphasized, "must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fuelling the violence" through an effective arms embargo and targeted sanctions against gang leaders, financiers and arms traffickers.

"With unity inside the country, and resolve from this Council, the Haitian people can emerge from the perfect storm, begin to turn hardship into hope, and reclaim their future," he concluded.

UN Children's Fund Still Delivering Lifesaving Aid Despite Obstacles

Presenting a detailed briefing on the grave and widespread violations of children's rights, Catherine Russell, Executive Director, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), said: "Haiti's children continue to endure unimaginable suffering amidst the brutal armed violence." The recruitment and use of children by armed groups is rampant, she stressed, estimating that children currently account for a staggering 50 per cent of the armed groups' members. Children are being forced into combat roles, directly participating in armed confrontations, and subjected to appalling sexual violence that has reached "unprecedented levels".

In 2024, reported cases of sexual violence against children rose by 1,000 per cent over 2023, she noted, with over a quarter involving gang rapes. "This constitutes a widespread campaign to terrorize communities and inflict lasting physical and psychological trauma on children," she said, emphasizing that girls account for most victims and survivors.

Amid this devastating reality, UNICEF and partners are being denied access to deliver humanitarian assistance. Armed groups, she said, are preventing aid from reaching the 1.6 million children and women in areas under their control. Last month, six UNICEF staff members were taken hostage during a lifesaving mission  although later released, the incident highlights the dangers humanitarian workers face.

Despite these obstacles, UNICEF continues to deliver lifesaving aid. So far this year, together with partners, it has treated 21,000 children for severe wasting, provided healthcare to 117,000 people and ensured access to safe water for 140,000. "Today, I ask all Members of this Council to use all available leverage to protect children and to support concrete actions to prevent further violations," she said.

Silent Condemnation of Entire Generation of Children

The Council then heard from Jean Jean Roosevelt, a musician and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who stated that "armed violence is tearing Haiti apart like a broken guitar whose strings produce nothing but tears and cries". With armed groups taking over entire neighbourhoods, "children now live in a symphony of fear; every alleyway turned into a dissonant note".

These children, he said, pay the heaviest price: forcibly recruited, abused, and used as cannon fodder, as though their youth no longer held any value. "Schools, once sanctuaries, have become minefields", he added, with classrooms destroyed or turned into shelters for displaced families.

Calling this reality "a silent condemnation of an entire generation", he noted that over 1.5 million children lack regular access to education; 3.3 million  two out of three  depend on humanitarian aid; and 129,000 risk dying of hunger this year. "Behind these figures that we repeat aloud over and over, there is a face, a name, a fragile dream: perhaps that of a little girl who wanted to be a doctor or that of a boy who dreamed of playing the drum at carnival," he said. However, "these dreams are now suspended and suffocated".

"Let us act so that Haiti may once again have schools, hospitals, and safe spaces; so that children no longer live in fear, but in the promise of tomorrow", he urged. Addressing the Council, he pledged: "The children of Haiti have sounded the alarm, raising a cry of urgency. Will you continue to answer it? For the time to come to their aid is not tomorrow, nor the day after... it is now."

Humanitarian Funding Gap Must be Closed

In the ensuing debate, delegates voiced alarm over the plight of Haitian children, with the representative of Panama, President for August, speaking in his national capacity, saying: "Every figure is a story that can still have a different outcome. A recruited child that can go back to school, a girl who survives violence who can receive attention and justice; a baby with serious, acute malnutrition who can still recover if therapeutic milk reaches them in time; a displaced family that can live without fear." On the underfunding of the Haiti humanitarian response plan, he said: "Not closing this gap is not just a technical statistical matter; it is literally the difference between life and death".

Guyana's representative, also speaking for Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, echoed concerns over the "faltering" humanitarian response, amidst insecurity and access impediments. "The situation is also compounded by the rising deportations of Haitian nationals, which place additional strain on already scarce resources," she said, adding: "Discussions on safety and security must also address challenges to the safety of humanitarian personnel and the continuity of aid operations."

Slovenia's delegate concurred, pointing out that the growing presence and activities of armed gangs in Haiti's key rice-basket region are fuelling famine-like conditions and record-high displacement. Calling for safe humanitarian access to these areas, she said: "Reducing the territorial control of armed gangs in urban hubs, agricultural areas, and along vital transport routes must be an immediate priority to enable and safeguard food production and its unimpeded transport and delivery."

Outrage over Recruitment of Children by Armed Gangs

Spotlighting the plight of children, the United States' delegate echoed other speakers' condemnation of their recruitment by armed gangs, and outlined measures taken by her country, including its designation of Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists. Also commending the Council for its recent designation of those groups, she noted the $5 million reward offered for information leading to the arrest of gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, known as Barbecue.

In a similar vein, the United Kingdom's delegate pointed out that armed gangs are systematically recruiting minors, fuelling a surge in exploitation, sexual violence and abuse. "These atrocities spread fear and inflict lasting trauma on Haiti's young people," he said, stressing the need to re-establish security for Haiti's long-term stability and welcoming the Secretary General's recommendations for enhanced security assistance for Haiti.

The Dominican Republic's representative said that Haiti is a litmus test for the Council's credibility, pointing out that children comprise 30 to 50 per cent of the armed gangs' ranks through forced recruitment. Emphasizing the need for political will and the restoration of security and the rule of law, he called for the Multinational Security Support Mission to be adequately resourced, for humanitarian assistance to be bolstered, and for the reintegration of minors linked to armed gangs to be guaranteed.

Calls for Progress towards Political Transition

On the political front, France's delegate underscored that progress must be made towards a political transition and security conditions established for the holding of elections. To this end, the Council should use all tools at its disposal, including sanctions, to combat gangs and the transnational criminal network fuelling them.

Also on the topic, the Russian Federation's delegate observed that the crisis in Haiti has left "simply no legitimate state authority to speak of", while transitional mechanisms had not garnered requisite support from Haitians. Therefore, conditions for the swift holding of elections and general elections in 2026 had not unfortunately been established. In the areas around the capital, the State is de facto absent and parallel government structures flourish, leading to the intimidation and extortion of the Haitian people.

Role of Multinational Security Support Mission

The representatives of Greece, Pakistan and the Republic of Korea were among many speakers highlighting the need to support the Multinational Security Support Mission, with the latter calling for the acceleration of discussions on the Secretary-General's recommendations to ensure they are reflected as concretely as possible in the upcoming resolution on the renewal of the Support Mission's mandate. "Only then can we provide the people of Haiti with the clarity and support they urgently need," he said.

For his part, China's delegate called on Haitian authorities to increase security inputs and rationalize resource allocation. While commending the Support Mission in helping improve the security situation, he called on the country that initiated it and bears primary responsibility for the situation in Haiti to continue to provide funding and support.

The representative of Barbados, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), called for stronger backing of the Mission as well as the rapid implementation of the Haitian Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

Gravity of Crisis Requires Sustained, Coordinated, Adequately Resourced Humanitarian Plan

Haiti's delegate pointed out that while his Government has mobilized resources to help over 200,000 of the most vulnerable families, this is still "largely insufficient". Agricultural production often fails to reach urban centers, exacerbating the crisis. Resolving the humanitarian crisis is inextricably linked to addressing Haiti's severe security challenges, he said, urging regional and international partners to prioritize support that enables displaced populations to return home and reduces their long-term dependence on aid.

"The gravity of the situation in Haiti requires a coordinated, integrated and sustainable humanitarian response plan with adequate and sufficient resources to address the multiple challenges," he stressed.

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Secretary-General's remarks to the Security Council - on Haiti

United Nations Secretary-General

New York

28 August 2025

Senor Presidente:

Agradezco a Panama por organizar esta sesion informativa sobre la situacion humanitaria y la proteccion infantil en Haiti.

Excellences,

Le people haitien est plonge dans une spirale de souffrances.

L'autorite de l'Etat s'effondre tandis que la violence des gangs engloutit Port-au-Prince et s'etend au-dela - paralysant la vie quotidienne et forcant les familles a fuir.

Les civils sont assieges, avec des temoignages effroyables de viols et de violences sexuelles.

Les hopitaux et les ecoles subissent des attaques repetees.

L'Etat de droit s'est effondre.

Le bilan humanitaire est effarant : 1,3 million de personnes - dont la moitie sont des enfants - ont du fuir leur foyer.

Six millions de personnes ont besoin d'aide humanitaire.

Haiti fait desormais partie des cinq points nevralgiques les plus preoccupants au monde en matiere d'insecurite alimentaire aigue.

Les travailleurs humanitaires, en particulier les intervenants locaux, sont pris pour cible et font l'objet de menaces de violence, d'extorsion et d'enlevement.

Soyons clairs : toutes les parties doivent respecter le droit international humanitaire.

Le personnel, les biens et les installations humanitaires doivent etre proteges.

Malgre le danger, les humanitaires restent sur le terrain - fournissant eau, nourriture, medicaments et abris.

Rien qu'au premier trimestre de cette annee, ils sont venus en aide a 1,3 million de personnes.

Malheureusement, Haiti demeure honteusement neglige et cruellement sous-finance.

Pour 2025, nous avons besoin de 908 millions de dollars afin d'aider 3,9 millions de personnes.

Mais nous n'avons meme pas recu dix pour cent de cette somme - et l'appel humanitaire pour Haiti est aujourd'hui l'appel le moins finance au monde.

Par consequent, plus de 1,7 million de personnes risquent de ne recevoir aucune aide.

Il ne s'agit pas d'un simple deficit de financement - mais d'une question de vie ou de mort.

J'exhorte tous les donateurs a agir sans delai, avant que des operations vitales ne soient reduites a neant.

Excellencies,

Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis.

In my annual report on children and armed conflict, Haiti ranked among the top five countries for grave violations against children in 2024.

Children are being abducted and killed, recruited and used, and subjected to horrific sexual violence - including gang rape.

These are crimes that scar bodies, minds, and futures.

The United Nations verified 2,269 grave violations against 1,373 children last year - a nearly fivefold increase from the year before.

This includes 213 children killed, 138 maimed, and 302 children recruited and used.

We also verified 566 cases of sexual violence against minors - including 160 cases of gang rape, underscoring how such crimes are used as a weapon of terror and control.

Basic services have collapsed. Mass displacement has left children without education, healthcare, or safety.

As of April, gang violence had interrupted the schooling of 243,000 students.

We verified 154 abductions, 154 attacks on schools and hospitals, and 728 incidents of denial of humanitarian access.

The 2024 Handover Protocol between the United Nations and the Government of Haiti is an important step toward protecting children detained for alleged association with armed groups.

But implementation remains uneven.

Conditions at CERMICOL - the Reintegration Center for Minors in Conflict with the Law - are deeply troubling.

I am also alarmed by the rise of so-called community self-defense groups, some aligned with police forces, implicated in grave violations - including summary executions of children.

I urge all authorities to implement the Handover Protocol nationwide.

End the detention of children for alleged association with armed groups.

Ensure access to specialized services, including for survivors of sexual violence.

And guarantee accountability for all perpetrators.

I call on this Council to prioritize the protection of children.

Excellencies,

The political situation remains fragile.

But there are emerging signals of hope.

I am encouraged by growing cooperation between the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, and the Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who are both leading consultations to move the political process forward.

We are also seeing closer coordination between the Prime Minister's Task Force, the Haitian National Police, and the Multinational Security Support mission - improving operations on the ground.

These fragile gains must be protected and expanded.

That requires decisive and coordinated international security support - to strengthen national efforts, protect the population, and create the conditions for a return to the rule of law and credible, inclusive elections.

I welcome efforts by members of this Council to advance my 24 February proposal to strengthen the Multinational Security Support mission through UN logistical and operational support.

I urge the Council to act without delay and authorize an international force, supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing.

Voluntary contributions to the MSS Trust Fund remain essential, but assessed support would ensure impact and sustainability.

Security measures must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fueling the violence.

This includes an effective arms embargo, as well as a targeted expansion of sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and others connected to them.

These steps are vital to cut off the weapons and money that sustain chaos.

Enforcement - at ports, borders, and online - must be strengthened, in close coordination with regional partners.

My Special Representative, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, is in Port-au-Prince, working with national and international partners to build consensus at this pivotal moment.

BINUH will continue to support an inclusive political process and work closely with the Haitian National Police, the MSS, and donors to ensure coherent, coordinated assistance.

I urge all national stakeholders to seize this moment and sustain this spirit of cooperation.

Excellencies,

With unity inside the country, and resolve from this Council, the Haitian people can emerge from the perfect storm, begin to turn hardship into hope, and reclaim their future.

I reaffirm my unwavering solidarity and the determination of the United Nations to stand side by side with the people of Haiti for peace, dignity, and security.

Thank you.

****

[all-English]

Mr. President,

I thank Panama for convening this briefing on the humanitarian and child protection situation in Haiti.

Excellencies,

The people of Haiti are in a perfect storm of suffering.

State authority is crumbling as gang violence engulfs Port-au-Prince and spreads beyond - paralyzing daily life and forcing families to flee.

Civilians are under siege with appalling reports of rape and sexual violence.

Hospitals and schools are under repeated attack.

The rule of law has collapsed.

The humanitarian toll is staggering: 1.3 million people - half of them children - have fled their homes.

Six million people need humanitarian assistance.

Haiti is now among the five global hunger hotspots of "highest concern".

Aid workers, especially local responders, are being targeted - facing threats of violence, extortion and kidnapping.

Let me be clear: all parties must respect international humanitarian law.

Humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities must be protected.

Despite the danger, humanitarians remain on the ground - delivering food, water, medicine, and shelter.

In the first quarter of this year alone, they reached 1.3 million people.

Yet, Haiti remains shamefully overlooked and woefully underfunded.

For 2025, we require $908 million to support 3.9 million people.

But less than 10 per cent has been received - making Haiti the least funded humanitarian appeal in the world.

As a result, over 1.7 million people risk receiving no assistance at all.

This is not a funding gap. It is a life-and-death emergency.

I urge all donors to act before lifesaving operations grind to a halt.

Excellencies,

Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis.

In my annual report on children and armed conflict, Haiti ranked among the top five countries for grave violations against children in 2024.

Children are being abducted and killed, recruited and used, and subjected to horrific sexual violence - including gang rape.

These are crimes that scar bodies, minds, and futures.

The United Nations verified 2,269 grave violations against 1,373 children last year - a nearly fivefold increase from the year before.

This includes 213 children killed, 138 maimed, and 302 children recruited and used.

We also verified 566 cases of sexual violence against minors - including 160 cases of gang rape, underscoring how such crimes are used as a weapon of terror and control.

Basic services have collapsed. Mass displacement has left children without education, healthcare, or safety.

As of April, gang violence had interrupted the schooling of 243,000 students.

We verified 154 abductions, 154 attacks on schools and hospitals, and 728 incidents of denial of humanitarian access.

The 2024 Handover Protocol between the United Nations and the Government of Haiti is an important step toward protecting children detained for alleged association with armed groups.

But implementation remains uneven.

Conditions at CERMICOL - the Reintegration Center for Minors in Conflict with the Law - are deeply troubling.

I am also alarmed by the rise of so-called community self-defense groups, some aligned with police forces, implicated in grave violations - including summary executions of children.

I urge all authorities to implement the Handover Protocol nationwide.

End the detention of children for alleged association with armed groups.

Ensure access to specialized services, including for survivors of sexual violence.

And guarantee accountability for all perpetrators.

I call on this Council to prioritize the protection of children.

Excellencies,

The political situation remains fragile.

But there are emerging signals of hope.

I am encouraged by growing cooperation between the President of the Transitional Presidential Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, and the Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aime, who are both leading consultations to move the political process forward.

We are also seeing closer coordination between the Prime Minister's Task Force, the Haitian National Police, and the Multinational Security Support mission - improving operations on the ground.

These fragile gains must be protected and expanded.

That requires decisive and coordinated international security support - to strengthen national efforts, protect the population, and create the conditions for a return to the rule of law and credible, inclusive elections.

I welcome efforts by members of this Council to advance my 24 February proposal to strengthen the Multinational Security Support mission through UN logistical and operational support.

I urge the Council to act without delay and authorize an international force, supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing.

Voluntary contributions to the MSS Trust Fund remain essential, but assessed support would ensure impact and sustainability.

Security measures must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fueling the violence.

This includes an effective arms embargo, as well as a targeted expansion of sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and others connected to them.

These steps are vital to cut off the weapons and money that sustain chaos.

Enforcement - at ports, borders, and online - must be strengthened, in close coordination with regional partners.

My Special Representative, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, is in Port-au-Prince, working with national and international partners to build consensus at this pivotal moment.

BINUH will continue to support an inclusive political process and work closely with the Haitian National Police, the MSS, and donors to ensure coherent, coordinated assistance.

I urge all national stakeholders to seize this moment and sustain this spirit of cooperation.

Excellencies,

With unity inside the country, and resolve from this Council, the Haitian people can emerge from the perfect storm, begin to turn hardship into hope, and reclaim their future.

I reaffirm my unwavering solidarity and the determination of the United Nations to stand side by side with the people of Haiti for peace, dignity, and security.

Thank you.

****

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Ulchi Freedom Shield 25 wraps, strengthening alliances

Published Aug. 28, 2025

By Senior Airman Josephine Pepin

Seventh Air Force

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- The annual combined joint all-domain military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield 25, at Osan Air Base, concluded Aug. 28, reinforcing the strength and readiness of the U.S.-South Korea alliance in the face of evolving regional security threats.

This year's iteration of Ulchi Freedom Shield, known as UFS25, integrated live and constructive simulations across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains from Aug. 18-28. The heart of the exercise was the synchronized operation between the Air Operations Center and the Pacific Simulation Center, a vital pairing that allowed real-time generation and execution of combat training missions, translating into thousands of training sorties from different wings across the country.

The AOC played a key role in developing air tasking orders, which outlined detailed mission sets and objectives for each air operation. Once issued, those orders were transferred to the PASC, which transformed the plans into logistical realities to determine aircraft type, origin airbase, fuel and maintenance requirements and mission-specific intelligence.

"When combat operations start, the air component is the primary effort, meaning a lot of ground movement doesn't happen at first," said retired Lt. Gen. Andrew Croft, Seventh Air Force Combined Forces Command senior air controller. "It's airplanes, it's bombs, it's surface air missiles, it's all of that between the (South Korea air force), U.S. Air Force and other branches' aircraft efforts. We are responsible for that first response."

UFS25 involved active participation from the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, United States Forces Korea, the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the ROK government. The 10-day exercise also incorporated noncombatant evacuation operations, receiving, staging, onward movement and integration procedures, combined component live-fire training and countering weapons of mass destruction operations.

From a partner nation standpoint, South Korean forces played a key role in UFS25, conducting extensive joint training across multiple domains. The South Korea air force flew thousands of sorties alongside the U.S. Seventh Air Force, including combat air patrols, close air support and air interdiction missions, while integrating advanced fighter platforms. In the space domain, the South Korea air force Space Operations Group partnered with U.S. Space Forces-Korea to establish a combined joint space operations center, enhancing space awareness and decision-making for the CFC.

The South Korea navy and marine corps also contributed significantly, training with U.S. Navy and Marine forces to strengthen maritime security, amphibious readiness, and integrated operations. Meanwhile, South Korea special operations forces joined U.S. counterparts for combined exercises focused on CWMD, direct-action raids and special reconnaissance, further improving joint crisis response and interoperability.

Additionally, the exercise brought together civilian agencies and emergency responders in both the planning and execution phases, with an emphasis on crisis response, noncombatant evacuation and the protection of civilians. This comprehensive strategy highlighted the alliance's dedication to maintaining readiness and ensuring the safety of the Korean population.

Conducted in support of the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty on Oct. 1, 1953, the UFS25 exercise is one of many that have evolved over decades and continues to underscore the U.S.'s ironclad commitment to the alliance.

As one of the largest training exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, UFS25 tests the alliance with complex challenges and includes comprehensive after-action reviews to ensure continued improvement. This iterative annual exercise strengthens the security, freedom and stability on the Korean Peninsula and across Northeast Asia.

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Adm. Caudle Conducts First All Hands Call Aboard USS Harry S. Truman as CNO

US Navy - Press Release

28 August 2025

NORFOLK, Va. -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Daryl Caudle held his first all-hands call as the Navy's 34th CNO aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 28, addressing Truman Sailors and commands from across the waterfront.

Sailors filled the hangar bay as Caudle outlined his priorities for the Navy's futureThe Foundry, The Fleet, and The Way We Fight.

Truman Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Prochazka said he was proud his ship was chosen to host the CNO's first visit.

"Having Adm. Caudle choose Truman for his first all-hands call as CNO was a powerful moment for this crew and for the fleet," said Prochazka. "Our Sailors came home from deployment combat-tested and proud, and that spirit was on full display as they welcomed him aboard. It was a meaningful start to his tenure and a reminder of Norfolk's central role in the strength of our Navy."

While aboard, Caudle discussed the importance of taking care of Sailors, advancing readiness, and delivering a combat-credible Fleet.

"Let there be no doubt that the single greatest and enduring competitive advantage against our adversaries is all of youthe Sailors," Caudle said to the Sailors in attendance. "You are the engine that brings our ships to life, ensures our equipment performs with maximum endurance and efficacy, and delivers the lethal ordnance to win in combat."

Caudle emphasized the key elements of his strategic vision, emphasizing the Navy's focus on operational readiness, force generation, and warfighting excellence.

"Our Navy must be resilient, agile, globally present, and combat credibleready to fight and win decisively - today, tomorrow, and well into the future," said Caudle. "To achieve this vision, everything we do will be viewed through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the Foundry, the Fleet, and the way we Fight."

During the engagement, Caudle answered questions from the crew, listened to their feedback, and personally recognized the achievements of several Sailors.

"Being recognized by the CNO at his first fleet event is something I'm proud of, but it really reflects the hard work of my division," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Juncker, who received a challenge coin from Caudle. "We put a lot into keeping our gear ready, and this shows our effort makes a difference."

"Having the CNO come here first shows he really wants to connect with Sailors," said Seaman Eliana Gilson, a Sailor of the quarter aboard Truman. "For me, being early in my career, it makes the Navy feel a little smaller and more personal."

Before departing Truman, Caudle expressed his confidence in the Navy's ability to meet future challenges and achieve success through unity and relentless dedication.

"With battle-ready Sailors like you manning the helm, our Fleet delivers overwhelming effects like no other in the world: mobility, persistent presence, and global reachcausing our adversaries to think twice, while reassuring our allies that peace is best kept through strength," said Caudle.

Caudle, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has served nearly four decades in uniform. A career submariner and magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University, he has commanded at every level from submarine to fleet. He most recently led U.S. Fleet Forces Command before assuming duties as CNO earlier this month.

USS Harry S. Truman, the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Strike Group, is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Carrier Strike Groups remain the cornerstone of the Navy's forward presence through sea control and power projection.

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WFP chief visits Palestine and Israel, calls for immediate surge of aid into Gaza and safe access to reach the most vulnerable families

World Food Programme

28 August 2025

JERUSALEM -- Safe, unfettered humanitarian access to reach the most vulnerable families is the top priority right now, World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain said after visiting the Gaza Strip where she witnessed firsthand immense destruction and desperation.

The WFP chief's visit came just days after an authoritative panel of hunger experts confirmed that famine is present in Gaza City affecting more than 500,000 people, and is likely to spread by the end of September without an urgent increase in humanitarian aid. This is just the fifth famine to be confirmed this century.

Two years of conflict have left families displaced, many multiple times, and lacking the basics for survival. Haunted by the fear of starvation, many have resorted to taking food directly off WFP's truck convoys as they travel to their destinations, preventing aid from reaching the people who need it most.

"Gaza is at a breaking point. Desperation is soaring - and I saw it firsthand." McCain said. "We must urgently be able to revive our vast and trusted network of 200 food distribution points across the Strip, community kitchens and bakeries. It is urgent that the right conditions are in place so we can reach the most vulnerable and save lives."

The Executive Director went to Deir-al-Balah and Khan Younis areas, where she witnessed the impact of nearly two years of war. In Deir-a-Ballah, she visited a nutrition clinic keeping children alive and met with displaced mothers who shared their daily struggle to survive including searching for scraps of food, which often yields nothing.

"I met starving children receiving treatment for severe malnutrition - and I saw photos of when they were healthy. Today they are unrecognizable." McCain said.

WFP brings food assistance into Gaza every day, and the last month has seen a moderate increase in the amount of humanitarian and commercial goods entering the Strip. However, this is well below the amount needed to support two million people, many of whom face extreme hunger.

WFP stands ready to further scale up its operations, and to do this is calling for:

- Faster approval and clearances to moves trucks inside and within Gaza.

- Safe access for civilians to reach aid, and for humanitarian workers to reach civilians with aid.

- The resumption of WFP's robust distribution network inside of Gaza.

In Israel, the Executive Director met with the Prime Minister, Chief of General Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) and leadership from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In these discussions, she appreciated the ongoing coordination to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian food assistance in Gaza to civilian populations, conveyed the urgent need for a surge of food assistance to reach the most vulnerable and reiterated the importance of safe, sustained access to reach the most vulnerable civilians.

In Ramallah, Executive Director McCain met with the Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, where she conveyed that WFP's top priority is scaling up principled humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable civilians.

"What we need is a ceasefire. My heart goes to the mothers in Gaza, as well as to the mothers of the Israeli hostages, whose children are currently starving. Enough is enough" McCain said. "We can quickly scale-up humanitarian aid to reach the most vulnerable inside Gaza, support the return of all hostages, and lay the foundation for peace and stability."

WFP has over 60 years of expertise, operating in some of the world's most complex environments, including active war and conflict zones. With a vast global logistics network, WFP is able to rapidly procure, transport, and deliver life-saving food assistance to anyone, anywhere -wherever it is needed most.

# # #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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New landing craft delivered to Tonga

Issued by Defence Media

29 August 2025

Australia has successfully delivered a new landing craft vessel to Tonga today, with an official handover ceremony taking place at the Masefield Naval Base.

The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces, who received the vessel on behalf of Tonga.

The VOEA Late, provided under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP), will enhance Tonga's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities, as well as their ability to deter, detect and disrupt illegal maritime activities in the region.

Australia will provide a comprehensive package of through-life maintenance and sustainment for the vessel, alongside training for Tonga Royal Navy crew members.

Defence's First Assistant Secretary Pacific Division, Susan Bodell, said the delivery highlighted Australia's commitment to supporting our Pacific partners' maritime security.

"Australia and Tonga share a trusted and enduring security partnership," Ms Bodell said.

"The delivery of the new landing craft builds on decades of partnership, and upholds our shared commitment to sovereignty, security and prosperity in the Pacific."

The delivery follows the completion of comprehensive training undertaken by Tonga Royal Navy personnel at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania. The training equipped the crew with the necessary skills to safely operate the vessel.

The PMSP is Australia's 30 year commitment to increase national and regional maritime security throughout the Pacific, and builds on the three decades of success in the original Pacific Patrol Boat Program.

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Goodbye, Lenin Street: Kyrgyzstan Continues Drive To Dismantle Monuments To Soviet Legacy

By Farangis Najibullah and Azattyq Asia August 29, 2025

Continuing a drive that Russian lawmakers have previously slammed as "de-russification," Kyrgyzstan has taken down two more statues of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and removed his name from several streets and schools.

Officials in the southern city of Osh removed towering 25-meter Lenin statue -- the tallest in Central Asia -- in June. Days later, another Lenin monument was lifted off its pedestal in the neighboring Jalal-Abat region.

In July, Lenin Street in central Osh was renamed for Alymbek Datka, a prominent 19th-century Kyrgyz political figure. Local authorities say the Lenin statue, which stood as a major landmark of Osh for 50 years, will be replaced by a 95-meter national flagpole.

The Kyrgyz government has proposed renaming all Lenin Streets across the country and replacing them with references to Manas, a legendary Kyrgyz hero.

It also suggested reviewing the names of villages and other geographic landmarks.

More than three decades after Kyrgyzstan gained independence, the country still has arguably the most Soviet-era toponyms and statues of its neighbors in Central Asia.

The nation's capital, Bishkek, comprises four districts, each with a name referencing the communist era: Lenin, Sverdlov (named after a Soviet politician), Birinchi Mai (May 1), and Octyabr (October, in honor of the October Revolution).

Calls by Kyrgyz officials to rename the Bishkek districts have angered Russian politicians, who once decried it as dangerous first step in a "very negative process" that must be stopped "at the earliest stage."

Divided Public Opinion

Most Kyrgyz support the campaign to replace the communist-era toponyms with Kyrgyz ones. But there are also critics, both among officials and the public -- especially the older generation -- who oppose the drive.

Osh resident Nurzhigit Azhibekov told RFE/RL that he supports the authorities' decision to remove the statues and rename the streets, saying, "It's time to leave [the Soviet ideology] behind."

"Times change, people change, and some historical changes happen in every country. We must move forward," said Roza, a local schoolteacher who gave only her first name.

But another Osh resident, Sydyk Mamytov, is among those who oppose the campaign.

Mamytov said he believes that Lenin and the Soviet Union played an important role for the Kyrgyz people who "acquired formal statehood for the first time under Soviet rule, with defined borders and institutions," though sovereignty remained firmly in Moscow's hands.

The Osh city council welcomed the renaming of Lenin Street as a "historic step."

The city's mayor, Zhenishbek Toktorbaev, earlier this year called for the renaming of numerous schools in Kyrgyzstan that still bear the names of Russian and Soviet figures such as cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, writer Maksim Gorky, and Bolshevik revolutionaries Sergei Kirov and Mikhail Kalinin, among many others.

In Bishkek, deputy speaker of parliament Nurbek Sydygaliev called for a statue of Lenin to be removed from the capital's Old Square.

But critics say Kyrgyzstan should not try to erase its Soviet past, which was part of the nation's history.

Kyrgyz political observer Amantur Manapbaev warned the nationwide renaming campaign is a deeply "divisive" issue and "a waste of public money."

Communist Party leader Iskhak Masaliev condemned the campaign as a "big mistake."

Repeating The 'Ukraine Scenario'

In Moscow, Russian lawmaker Sergei Obukhov has demanded the Russian Foreign Ministry take measures against Kyrgyzstan for what he described as Osh authorities' "unfriendly action in regard to" Russia.

Obukhov, a high-ranking member of the Russian Communist Party, noted the considerable leverage Moscow wields over Kyrgyzstan. Russia is host to hundreds of thousands of workers from the impoverished, remittances-dependent Kyrgyzstan.

"Russia not only welcomes Kyrgyz citizens, it also provides their children with the right to free education," Obukhov wrote on Telegram on July 15. He said there are about 111,000 children of Kyrgyz migrants studying at Russian schools for free.

Obukhov claimed Kyrgyzstan is repeating the "Ukraine scenario: first de-communization and the next, de-russification."

Authorities in Osh, meanwhile, stressed that the issue "should not be politicized" and downplayed the removal of the Lenin statue. They said it was part of routine city planning "aimed at improving the architectural and aesthetic appearance" of the area.

In a statement, the officials said the monument would be relocated to another part of the city.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kyrgyzstan-russia-lenin-statues- soviet/33514203.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.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 28 August 2025 - Day 1282

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 since the beginning of the day, there have been 137 combat clashes.

The Russian enemy carried out one combined missile-air strike and 50 air strikes at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, using 33 missiles and dropping 74 controlled air bombs, carrying out 2,276 kamikaze drone strikes and 3,619 shells.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled eight Russian assault actions, one confrontation is still ongoing.

Ukrainian soldiers repelled two attacks in the South Slobozhansky direction, in the areas of Glibokoye and Vovchansk.

In the Kupyansky direction, the Russian opponent tried five times to push Ukrainian units out of occupied positions in the areas of Western, Sinkivka, Golubivka and Zagrizovy. The battle is brewing.

In the Lyman direction, Russian forces carried out 31 attacks, trying to advance in the areas of settlements Grekivka, Novomikhailivka, Karpivka, Green Valley, Kolodyazi, Torske and towards Yampol, Dronivka and Serebryanka. Five clashes are going on so far.

In the Sivers komu direction, Ukrainian warriors stopped nine attacks near Grigorivka, Viimki and Pereiznogo, another battle is ongoing.

In the Kramators komu direction of the Defense Forces stopped four Russian enemies attempts to advance in the direction of Stupocok.

Russian forces tried to infiltrate Ukrainian defense six times in the Toretsky direction in the area of Scherbinivka. Konstantinivka and Illinivka suffered air strikes.

During the day in the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian aggressor carried out 37 assault and offensive actions in the areas of settlements Poltavka, Volodymyrivka, Novoekonomicne, Rodinske, Lisivka, Suhiy Yar, Dachenske, Zvirove, Udaachne, Gorihove and Novoukrainka. Currently, the fights are being sharpened in four locations.

According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian soldiers znezkodili 125 Russian invaders, 90 of them - irrevocably. An artillery system, six units of vehicle equipment, nine unmanned aircraft, two control points and two warehouses of military and technical property have been destroyed. In addition, the artillery system and nine hideouts for the Russian enemy's personnel were damaged.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped ten attacks of the Russian adversary in the areas of the settlements of Voskresrenko, Maliyivka, Zeleny Gai, Piddubne, Oleksandrograd and Zaporizhye, five more clashes are still ongoing. Russian forces caused an aviation strike on the settlement of Malomikhailivka.

In the Gulyaipils komu direction of offensive actions of the Russian occupiers was not recorded.

In the Orihivsky direction there was one combat encounter - the Russian enemy tried to advance near the settlement Stepovo.

In the Pridniprovsky direction Ukrainian soldiers repelled three attacks of zagarbnikiv.

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Aussie and Filipino troops hit the beach at San Vicente

By Captain Aaron Pegram

28 August 2025

The thump and smoke from simulated naval gunfire heralded the start of the amphibious assault.

A pair of Australian EA-18G Growlers turned in fast for a low pass before banking out over the West Philippines Sea.

Engineers from the Philippine Marine Corps waded ashore to breach an obstacle by hand, allowing amphibious troops from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), and the Philippines 11th Marine Landing Battalion to alight from small boats. They manoeuvred through low grass and coconut trees to clear an opposition force machinegun position.

Rifle and machinegun fire echoed across the assault area, with the troops engulfed in red, yellow and purple smoke.

Philippines marines stormed a small building to silence the last of the opposition force, the demonstration now complete.

At San Vicente on the island of Palawan in the southern Philippines, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a combined pre-landing operation and joint force entry operation as part of Exercise Alon 25 - a bilateral training activity planned and led by the AFP and the ADF.

While demonstrating the strength of the strategic partnership between Australia and the Philippines, Exercise Alon 25 has allowed both nations to practise multi-domain warfighting skillsets while collaborating on regional security.

Coming ashore in Zodiac small boats, 2RAR formed the nucleus of the joint pre-landing force that carried out the amphibious assault.

"Small boats offer us a clandestine method to insert reconnaissance assets into the objective area," Officer Commanding 2RAR's Alpha Company Major Thomas Grawich said.

"Typically, we would deploy ahead of the force at night; our primary objective to shape the avenue of the approach for the amphibious forces that flows on afterwards.

"Exercise Alon 25 has been significant for us. By working with the Philippines Marines Corps these past few weeks, we have been able to test our interoperability and demonstrate we are ready, lethal and can fight against any adversary in this region."

During 2RAR's deployment to the Philippines on Exercise Alon 25, the battalion has conducted force integration training with the Philippine Marines Corps - exchanging skills and knowledge and developing interoperability at both the tactical and operational level.

For Commanding Officer 2RAR Lieutenant Colonel Luke Holloway, the success of both the force integrated training and the execution of the combined joint force entry operation at San Vicente reflected success at the strategic level.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is one of the Australian Defence Force's key partners within the region. What we are seeing on Exercise Alon 25 is a long and enduring partnership," Lieutenant Colonel Luke Holloway said.

"We've demonstrated that we can force project meaningful combat forces into the region to work alongside a key partner. Importantly, it helps to enable regional security and deter any adverse actors within the region."

More than 3600 personnel are participating in Exercise Alon 25, which includes members of the ADF and AFP, as well as elements of the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Marine Corps' Marine Rotation Force - Darwin.

Conducted from August 15-19, Exercise Alon is Australia's largest overseas military exercise in 2025.

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FM responds to what message China hopes to convey through V-Day military parade

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 28, 2025 12:15 PM

In response to question that what kind of message China hopes to convey to the international community as some analysts believe the military parade and other commemorative events on September 3 are not only of symbolic significance but also serve as an opportunity for China to showcase its growing strength, Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei said on Thursday that the parade is meant to demonstrate China's firm determination to follow the path of peaceful development, its strong will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its powerful capability to defend world peace.

Hong stressed that when it comes to peace and security, China has the best record among major powers. Since the founding of the People's Republic, China has never provoked a war, never occupied an inch of another country's territory, and never waged a proxy war. It is the only major country to have enshrined the path of peaceful development in its Constitution.

Among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, China has sent the largest number of peacekeepers. Moreover, China has put forward the Global Security Initiative, which advocates a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable vision of security, providing practical solutions to global security deficits. The growth of China's strength, he said, will inject more positive energy into the safeguarding of world peace, said Hong.

"No matter how far we develop, China will never seek hegemony, never pursue expansion, and never engage in an arms race," Hong Lei stated. "China is determined to remain a force for peace, for stability, and for progress in this world. We are ready to work together with all countries to make positive contributions to lasting peace and development worldwide," Hong noted.

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China, Nepal to hold Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 joint army training in Nepal: Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 28, 2025 03:43 PM

In early to mid-September, China and Nepal will hold the Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 joint army training in Nepal, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense, announced at a regular press conference on Thursday.

The joint training, themed on joint counter-terrorism operations, will adopt a mixed-unit formation and mutual teaching and learning approach. It will include comprehensive drills for joint counter-terrorism operations, as well as training for disaster relief and peacekeeping missions, Zhang said.

This marks the fifth edition of the joint training series between the Chinese and Nepalese militaries, which will further enhance their joint counter-terrorism capabilities and deepen the traditional friendship and practical cooperation between the two militaries, the spokesperson said.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that both China and Nepal need to boost their counter-terrorism capabilities. As China and Nepal border the Himalayas, where devastating earthquakes can occur, both countries also have the need to enhance their joint disaster relief capabilities.

The joint training will contribute to these capabilities, and is conducive to peace and stability in the region, the expert said.

In last year's China-Nepal Sagarmatha Friendship-2024 joint army training, which was held at a training base in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality in September 2024, the Chinese side deployed some intelligent equipment, including a type of robot dog, a type of through-wall radar and a type of self-propelled ball-shaped reconnaissance drone, China Central Television (CCTV) reported at the time.

Expecting unmanned equipment to again be a part of this year's Sagarmatha Friendship joint training, Song said that the likes of drones and robot dogs can play important roles in counter-terrorism and disaster relief missions. He noted that Nepal is a high-altitude country, with its thin air impacting human troops' operational capabilities, unmanned equipment could provide additional help and boost efficiency.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: August 28, 2025 18:13

CCTV: According to the Chinese side, Myanmar's Acting President Min Aung Hlaing will travel to China to attend the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Will China also invite him to attend the SCO Tianjin Summit?

Guo Jiakun: Myanmar is a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Myanmar's Acting President Min Aung Hlaing will attend the "SCO Plus" Meeting upon invitation.

China Daily: China will host the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War next week, which has drawn close attention from the world. Some European leaders may attend the events, and some European countries may send high-level representatives. But some say that a few countries may be unwilling to attend due to various reasons. What is China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and China will hold grand commemorative events. Over 80 years ago, as the pillar of resistance in the main theater in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War, China made enormous national sacrifice and coordinated with and supported allied countries in their fight, making major historic contribution to the victory of the Word Anti-Fascist War. Over those years, many European countries and friends provided invaluable human and material resources to support China's war of resistance. Some even sacrificed their precious lives. Those touching stories will forever be remembered by the Chinese people.

As of today, nearly 50 leaders, former political dignitaries, high-level officials, diplomatic envoys and people with friendly sentiments towards China from 30 European countries have confirmed to attend the commemorative events, displaying their will and determination to keep and protect the historical memory, and uphold peace and justice together. China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries and peoples to establish a correct view of history, jointly defend the outcomes of the WWII victory and the post-war international order, and safeguard world peace and stability.

AFP: The new U.S. Consul General for Hong Kong and Macao Julie Eadeh has arrived in Hong Kong. Some Chinese media have previously referred to her as a subversion expert, citing her meeting with Joshua Wong in 2019. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: We hope the new U.S. Consul General for Hong Kong will observe relevant international conventions, uphold the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in the SAR, and play a positive role for the exchanges and cooperation between the U.S. and the Hong Kong SAR and the sound development of China-U.S. relations.

Reuters: China announced this morning a list of foreign dignitaries coming to attend the September 3 military parade. In the list, there were no major Western countries mentioned. How important is it to China to include Western dignitaries at the parade, especially from major countries?

Guo Jiakun: This morning, China has released information about foreign leaders attending the commemoration, which you may refer to. Let me stress that China holds the commemoration events in order to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace and create a better future.

NHK: This morning China announced that General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un will come to China. When will he arrive in China and when will he leave China? Will he visit Beijing only?

Guo Jiakun: General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un will attend the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. For more details, China will release information in due course. Please stay tuned.

Bloomberg: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security earlier this week proposed a new rule that would limit visas for Chinese journalists in the U.S. to 90 days, although extensions are permitted. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this new proposed rule as it pertains specifically to Chinese journalist?

Guo Jiakun: Closer people-to-people exchange serves the common interests of both countries. We oppose the U.S.'s discriminatory move targeting a specific country.

Shenzhen TV: In a recent interview, the spokesperson of the Philippines' National Maritime Council said that despite a marked increase of China's activities in the waters near Renai Jiao, the Philippines will not stop their regular rotation and resupply missions. These days, officials from the Philippine government and military have made aggressive remarks on the issue of Renai Jiao and hyped up tensions. What's China's comment?

Guo Jiakun: Ren'ai Jiao, as part of Nansha Qundao, is China's territory. The activities of Chinese ships in waters within China's jurisdiction are legitimate, lawful and beyond reproach. By keeping its "warship" "grounded" at Ren'ai Jiao for decades, the Philippines has continuously infringed on China's sovereignty, and violated the the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, especially Article 5 which says the parties should refrain from action of inhabiting on the uninhabited islands and reefs. China has from the very beginning demanded that the Philippines tow away the vessel and restore Ren'ai Jiao's state of hosting no personnel or facilities.

In recent years, in a humanitarian spirit, China has permitted the Philippines' resupply of necessities if it commits itself to not sending construction materials to the "warship" and informs China in advance, and after on-site verification is conducted. China reached provisional arrangement with the Philippines on that. This fully shows China's goodwill and sincerity to keep the situation at Ren'ai Jiao under control. But for quite some time, the Philippines' repeated infringement and provocation at sea have severely infringed on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, disrupted peace and stability at sea, and undermined the political foundation between the two countries on properly handling maritime issues.

China is firmly resolved to defend its territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests. We call upon the Philippines to stop hyping up the maritime issues and stop any infringement or provocation that might complicate the situation.

Reuters: Russia has attacked Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, killing several people. President Zelenskyy has said that the attack shows Russia's answer to diplomacy, and he also said that he expects China's reaction to this. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment to this?

Guo Jiakun: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the Ukraine crisis. We call on relevant parties to follow the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party, facilitate the deescalation of the situation, and accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the crisis.

Bloomberg: The Mexican government plans to increase tariffs on China as part of its 2026 budget proposal with the aim of protecting the nation's business from cheap imports. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on Mexico's plans to increase tariffs on China?

Guo Jiakun: Mexico is China's second largest trading partner in Latin America, and China is Mexico's third largest export destination. Our trade and economic cooperation benefits both sides. China always advocates a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and opposes unilateralism, protectionism and discriminatory and exclusive measures in any form. China firmly opposes moves that are taken under coercion to constrain China or undermine China's legitimate rights and interests under any pretext. We believe the relevant country will uphold independence and properly handle relevant matters.

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Stronger patent protection boosts confidence of Chinese firms expanding abroad

11:17, August 29, 2025 By Lyu Zhongzheng ( People's Daily

Recently, the WIPO Global Awards 2025 were held in Geneva, Switzerland. Chinese tech firm Unitree Robotics stood out as one of the winners among more than 780 companies from 95 countries, showcasing the growing global presence of Chinese innovation.

With around 200 granted patents worldwide and nearly 50 international applications filed via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Unitree has combined technological advances with intellectual property protection to expand its overseas footprint. Its strong technological capabilities in robotics have earned it broad recognition on the world stage.

This success reflects a broader trend. Amid global economic transformation, Chinese enterprises are venturing abroad with robust intellectual property portfolios. In 2024, China ranked first globally in both PCT international patent applications and applications under the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, marking a historic shift from "world factory" to engine of global innovation.

Why do Chinese enterprises pursue patents abroad?

"Securing intellectual property overseas is essential for accessing international markets," said Li Wenyu, director of the Intellectual Property and Innovation Development Center, the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology. "Patents are territorial in nature. Exporting products requires forward planning in intellectual property to mitigate risks."

For Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GMW), this planning is highly structured. "We need to complete the layout of core intellectual property 18 to 24 months before entering target overseas markets," said Rong Xuedong, deputy general manager of the company's technology center. GMW has filed nearly 3,000 overseas patent applications, establishing an intellectual property-driven global strategy that both prevents infringement risks and builds competitive advantages.

IP protection also shields brand equity. "Chinese companies have suffered losses overseas, particularly from trademark squatting and brand imitation," noted Ma Yide, a professor at the School of Intellectual Property under the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Years ago, Hisense, a Chinese multinational major appliance and electronics manufacturer, found its trademarks squatted in Germany, with the registrant later demanding an exorbitant price for its return. Similarly, Chinese coffee giant Luckin Coffee faced a prolonged legal battle after its trademark was preemptively registered in Thailand. Such cases have hindered global expansion and tarnished brand image.

"Amid the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, intellectual property work now carries the historical mission of fostering new quality productive forces and supporting high-level opening up," said Ma.

People try out newly released smartphones at a Huawei flagship store in Huangpu district, Shanghai, June 12, 2025. (Photo/Wang Gang)

Rising strength in intellectual property

The momentum is evident in recent data. In the first half of this year, PCT international patent applications and design filings through the Hague System filed by Chinese applicants grew by 12.7 percent and 23.2 percent year on year, respectively. Meanwhile, the combined value of Chinese brands among the world's top 5,000 brands reached $1.76 trillion, ranking second globally.

China has also developed a significant base of high-value patents in emerging industries such as 5G, artificial intelligence, aerospace, new energy vehicles, biomedicine, and quantum information. Many Chinese multinationals increasingly leverage these patents to secure market share and consolidate their global competitiveness.

This progression marks China's decisive shift from intellectual property importer to creator. "The export of intellectual property is primarily driven by technology-intensive enterprises," said Li Huiying, head of the Intellectual Property Institute under China's National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center. "These companies invest heavily in research and development, generate abundant innovation outcomes, and pursue broader overseas strategies in intellectual property."

Chinese enterprises are also becoming more adept at handling disputes abroad. An industry insider said that since 2024, the success rate of Chinese companies in overseas intellectual property litigation has exceeded 70 percent.

A robot developed by Chinese tech firm Unitree Robotics serves visitors at the Fifth China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, June 10, 2025. (Photo/Yuan Hongyan)

Building a global intellectual property framework

China is actively promoting the establishment of patent pools, which allow cross-licensing and one-stop licensing services. For example, Chinese tech giant Huawei has licensed its patents to hundreds of companies through bilateral agreements or patent pools. This approach integrates patent resources, reduces licensing transaction costs, accelerates industrial applications, and strengthens compliance and risk management.

China's engagement in the global intellectual property system has deep roots. After joining the WIPO in June 1980, it has acceded to nearly all major international intellectual property conventions and consistently fulfilled its obligations, becoming a staunch defender, active participant, and important contributor to the development of global intellectual property rules.

By September 2024, China had established partnerships with over 80 countries and regions in intellectual property cooperation, with over 200 ongoing intellectual property cooperation agreements. From 2020 to 2024, China's annual imports and exports of intellectual property royalties rose from 319.44 billion yuan ($44.57 billion) to 398.71 billion yuan, an average annual growth of 5.7 percent.

Looking ahead, with its innovation capacity and economic dynamism continuing to rise, China is poised to make even greater contributions to global innovation and development. Strengthened patent protection and growing international intellectual property engagement are not only fueling Chinese enterprises' confidence abroad but also reinforcing their role as key drivers of technological progress worldwide.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Closing arguments conclude in Hong Kong mogul Jimmy Lai's trial

A judge said the court will rule "in good time" in the national security case against the 77-year-old Apple Daily founder.

By RFA staff 2025.08.28 -- Closing arguments ended Thursday in the national security trial of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, although judges did not say when they would render a verdict.

Judge Esther Toh, a member of the three-judge panel overseeing the case, said the court will release more details "in good time."

The 77-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper faces life in prison if convicted of illegal foreign collusion under Hong Kong's restrictive National Security Law, which was imposed by Beijing in 2020 after the massive pro-democracy protests of 2019.

Lai, who has denied the charges, has spent more than four years in prison. He appeared in court in a white shirt and tan jacket, where he smiled and waved to supporters, according to an Agence France-Presse report.

At the trial, prosecutors said he masterminded conspiracies involving Apple Daily executives and a web of foreign connections to request foreign actions against China and Hong Kong around the time of the 2019 protests.

Defense lawyers said that Lai ended those activities before the national security law took effect in June 2020.

Closing arguments in the trial were delayed twice this month: once due to weather, and once out of concern for Lai's health. Earlier this year, Lai's son warned that his father's health was declining due to his imprisonment, much of that time spent in solitary confinement. Press freedom and human rights organizations have also cited Lai's health in calls to release him.

Includes reporting from 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.

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The 4th Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group on North Korea's Cyber Threats

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

August 28, 2025

On August 27 and 28, the 4th Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Diplomatic Working Group on North Korea's Cyber Threats was held in Tokyo. The overview of the working group is as follows:

This working group was co-chaired by Mr. MIYAKE Fumito, Ambassador in charge of Cyber Policy and Deputy Director-General of Foreign Policy Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Jonathan Fritz, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of State of the United States of America, and Ms. Baek Yoon Jeong, Deputy Director-General for International Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea. The various relevant ministries and agencies of the three countries also attended the working group. The three countries reiterated their serious concern over North Korea's malicious cyber activities including its cryptocurrency thefts and activities by North Korean IT workers, which fund its unlawful weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. The three countries held action-oriented discussions on these issues, and confirmed their commitment to advancing tangible efforts against them. The three countries reaffirmed that they would continue to work closely together toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions including on actions in the cyber field.

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Respected Fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un Ushering in New History of Valuing Youth

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, August 28 (KCNA) -- At the Youth Movement Museum, all visitors are paying attention to the meaningful letters.

It is an autograph sent by the respected fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un that the future to be prosperous will be brought earlier thanks to the vigorous struggle of the young people.

At this time of the Youth Day (August 28), all the people of the country are keeping in their minds the letters reflecting the love for and trust in the young people.

With his iron faith that the Party and the state will be strong only when young people are strong, Kim Jong Un has always paid deep attention to the youth issue. He gave precious instructions, including training the officials of the youth league and ensuring that young people stand in the vanguard in developing all fields of society.

The DPRK people still remember the tender-hearted image of Kim Jong Un who visited the construction site of the Paektusan Hero Youth Power Station ten years ago and highly appreciated the feats of the members of the youth shock brigade.

After looking round various places of the construction site, Kim Jong Un said that only the Korean young people educated and trained under the care of the Workers' Party of Korea can conduct the construction of a gigantic project in the unimaginable severe cold and gave strength and courage to them.

Kim Jong Un personally attended the inauguration ceremony of the Paektusan Hero Youth Power Station and warmly said that the young vanguard who cultivated pluck and faith in the blizzards of Mt Paektu are the most reliable successors to our Party and the strong pillars supporting our socialist country.

They successfully built Jonwi Street, a grand monument to the youth which reflects the future of the civilized and prosperous DPRK, last year under the care of Kim Jong Un who is training ordinary young people to be heroes of the era and masters of the youth power.

It is the proud reality of the DPRK to advance rapidly by the inexhaustible strength and enthusiasm of the young people thanks to the trust and ardent love of the peerlessly great man. -0-

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General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un to Attend the Events Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in China

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: August 28, 2025 10:30

At the invitation of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China, Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will come to China to attend the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

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North Korea's Kim Jong Un to attend military parade in China

Kim will join more than two dozen world leaders, his first such outing since assuming power in 2011.

By RFA staff 2025.08.28 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will attend an expansive military parade in China next week  the first event to bring him together with a clutch of world leaders since he assumed office in 2011.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended Kim's invitation to the event, which marks 80 years since Japan's surrender in World War II, North Korean state media reported Thursday. Kim will be among 26 foreign leaders who are expected to attend, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We warmly welcome General Secretary Kim Jong Un to China to attend the commemorative events," Hong Lei, China's assistant minister of foreign affairs, told a press conference. "Upholding, consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between China and [North Korea] is a firm position of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government."

Analysts say the event could open outreach opportunities for Kim, whose country sits under heavy international sanctions imposed because of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"Kim will seek to broaden his global status as a leader, and North Korea, China and Russia may seek to jointly respond to cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the U.S.," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told Reuters.

Next week's event will be the first time Kim, Putin and Xi have gathered at the same event, although Kim has engaged with Xi and Putin individually.

Kim and Putin discussed deepening their countries' ties in a phone call earlier this month. Messages between Xi and Kim published late last year by Chinese state media hinted at cooler relations between China and North Korea, although Pyongyang in March allowed Chinese journalists to reopen their bureau in the notoriously restrictive country for the first time in five years.

No leaders from major Western countries, including the U.S., are expected to attend next week's event.

Includes reporting from the Associated Press and Reuters.

Copyright 1998-2016, 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.

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The Chancellor's press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Carney Expanding the transatlantic partnership

Germany - Federal Government

Federal Chancellor Merz received Canada's Prime Minister Carney in Berlin. The talks centred on Germany's economic and foreign policy cooperation with Canada - and the question of what peace would look like in Ukraine.

Transcript of press conference

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Following the meeting at the G7 summit in Calgary, Canada, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz invited Prime Minister Mark Carney to Berlin. Germany shares a large overlap of common interests and values with Canada, said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the press event.

That is why the aim is to further intensify economic and foreign policy cooperation. The heads of government emphasised that both countries stand firmly by Ukraine's side and are working together to achieve a lasting and just peace that protects Ukrainian and Euro-Atlantic security interests.

The most important points in brief:

Expansion of cooperation: Germany and Canada want to expand their cooperation in the defence industry and economically. To do so, the economics ministers are signing a declaration of intent on cooperation in the commodities sector.

Germany and Canada want to expand their cooperation in the defence industry and economically. To do so, the economics ministers are signing a declaration of intent on cooperation in the commodities sector. Peace in Ukraine: both countries support the US President's peace efforts and are holding extensive discussions on the specific details of the peace process. "The result must be a just and lasting peace that protects Ukrainian and Euro-Atlantic security interests", the Chancellor emphasised. This would require strong, reliable security guarantees that Germany and Europe would also participate in.

both countries support the US President's peace efforts and are holding extensive discussions on the specific details of the peace process. "The result must be a just and lasting peace that protects Ukrainian and Euro-Atlantic security interests", the Chancellor emphasised. This would require strong, reliable security guarantees that Germany and Europe would also participate in. Together on NATO's eastern flank: Canada and Germany are jointly securing NATO's eastern flank. Canada is the lead nation in Latvia, and Germany has started building up a brigade in Lithuania. "This shows that our alliance is and will remain transatlantic", said Chancellor Merz.

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Speech by Foreign Minister Wadephul at the Estonian Ambassadors' Conference in Tallinn

Germany Federal Foreign Office

28.08.2025 - Speech

When the new German Government took office some four months ago, you, Margus, published a statement as Estonian Foreign Minister that was a colossal compliment.

You said, and I quote:

"During geopolitical uncertainty, the unity of European allies is more important than ever. Germany is the cornerstone of European Union unity, democratic values and the international rules-based order."

You know, I come from the northernmost part of Germany, I also live at the shores of the Baltic Sea. People in my country say that we Northerners aren't given to showing strong emotions.

So, my response to this, naturally, is:

Well, thank you.

But seriously: as much as we Northerners don't know how to take a compliment, I want to use this opportunity today to go against the stereotype.

Not only to talk about German achievements.

But to talk about my heartfelt appreciation of Estonia.

Before becoming Foreign Minister, especially as head of the German delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I have often sought out the counsel and expertise of our Baltic friends.

Because I think that we in Germany have a lot to learn from you. Most of all:

The Baltic immunity to falling for illusions.

For a long time, one of the illusions my country put way too much stock in was that geopolitics was somehow a nasty thing of the past.

That business ties and pipelines could plaster over fundamental differences with those who oppose our most basic values.

With those who go against international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

I am, of course, talking about Russia. I am talking about the wake-up calls that we missed.

And about the one my country finally received in 2022.

If an Estonian Foreign Minister feels comfortable today saying that Germany is a cornerstone of European unity, democratic values and the international rules-based order, I feel immensely proud.

Because it not only speaks to the breadth and depth of our bilateral relations, and our friendship, as partners and Allies in the European Union and NATO.

But because it is also a testament to how far my country has come since 2022. In getting rid of illusions that we probably held for too long.

We have, at least in absolute terms, become Ukraine's biggest supporter in Europe, with military support totaling about 40 billion Euro since 2022.

We have just pledged up to an additional 500 million Dollars to purchase US arms for Ukraine through NATO.

Over the course of the next decade, my country will make the single biggest investment into our Armed Forces since reunification.

And just yesterday, our Cabinet passed a law on reinstating voluntary conscription by the end of the year.

We were able to rally European Allies under the Sky Shield Initiative.

And we have, of course, taken on more and more responsibility for the security of our Baltic Allies. With our contributions to NATO's Baltic Air policing, as well as a Bundeswehr brigade permanently stationed in Lithuania.

We Germans have shed many illusions.

But you Estonians never had time for illusions.

Not only because Russian imperialism, Soviet occupation, and in many cases, deportation, are the lived experience of many families that call this country home.

Not only because you have a moving memorial in your capital engraved with the names of the tens of thousands who perished under communist occupation.

But also, because you have been facing up to Russian destabilisation attempts for 35 years, since regaining independence.

Facing up to cyberattacks.

To malignant disinformation.

To imperial rhetoric.

Getting rid of one's illusions is tough. And for many of us in Europe, it is a process that is still going on.

We have by now come to terms with the fact that the global post-war order is coming apart, and that a war of aggression is ongoing on the European continent.

And you, Margus, together with our colleagues from Lithuania and Latvia, reminded us of a simple fact two weeks ago, in an article in the Financial Times, shortly before the Alaska summit between President Trump and the Russian President:

That for the millions of Ukrainians living close to the front lines, territorial control is not a theoretical issue.

It is about whether or not they live under the daily terror of torture, imprisonment and mass surveillance.

That for the thousands of Ukrainian children abducted from their homeland to Russia, this is about whether or not there will be a pathway home, to their families.

And that, from your historical experience, and I quote, "once Russia gains control, the cost of reversing it may be measured in decades of human suffering."

I am convinced that in these historic weeks for European security, it is this clarity that we need going forward.

It is this Baltic immunity to illusions.

We appreciate President Trump's endeavour to end the bloodshed, as much as we insist on our joint goal of a just and lasting peace.

A settlement cannot reward the aggressor.

And I'm not only saying this for moral reasons. But because it is our own, core security concern.

Because it would be an illusion to think that security will be restored on our continent, if Putin feels he has got his way.

This is why we, the European Allies, led by Chancellor Merz, have made very clear that no decisions on Ukraine can be taken without Ukraine.

That Ukraine needs robust security guarantees as well.

And while talks with the US on its contribution to such security guarantees are ongoing, there is another illusion that we should not fall for:

The illusion that others will take it on themselves to bear the main responsibility for our European security.

We, Europe, will have to shoulder the brunt of the burden.

And Estonia is showing the way in this.

With combat-ready Estonian troops soon stationed at a base in Narva, to face off Russian provocations.

But also with regard to military spending.

When NATO Allies pledged to achieve 5 percent at our Summit in The Hague this summer, it was a commitment to get there by 2035.

But Estonia will get there by the end of this year.

And Estonia is, of course, one of the biggest supporters of Ukraine in relative terms.

But, and this is my second point, we must also not give in to the illusion that our European Union can stay the way it is, that we can simply "muddle through" in these geopolitical circumstances.

We are well aware that whatever Russia sees as a "grey zone", it also sees as an invitation to meddle and destabilise.

We are aware that this has made the enlargement of the European Union a geopolitical necessity - and our shared interest.

That, after criteria are met, Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans need to be firmly anchored in the European family - where they belong.

But we must be honest: enlargement cannot be a simple copy-paste from previous enlargement rounds.

With 18 successive rounds of sanctions against Russia, we have shown that the EU can speak with one voice, when it matters most.

But you and I know: getting there was often an excessively difficult task.

And that is why enlargement must come with reform - both within the countries in the accession process and within the EU itself.

Because our unity is not a given. It must be protected. And it must be strengthened.

The EU must remain capable of acting swiftly and decisively. Capable of moving forward.

Capable of defending our values and interests.

And that is why Germany supports an enlargement of the EU that goes hand in hand with a reform process.

In our view, this should include a careful introduction of qualified majority voting in some policy areas.

And let me be clear: naturally, there need to be safeguards.

Together with others, Germany is working on possible solutions in an inclusive Group of Friends.

Because we need a reform that strengthens, but does not fragment, the EU. But I think we can agree that in questions of security, we cannot allow for 26 member states to permanently be held back by one.

And let me be clear: such a reform is not merely about changing voting procedures.

The values enshrined in the European treaties underpin the EU's identity.

And the rule of law is our European backbone.

But Article 7, our instrument for safeguarding the rule of law in every member state, is practically toothless right now.

And that's why I am convinced that we need to further develop the Rule-of-Law Conditionality.

It needs to become a tool for effectively sanctioning violations of the EU's fundamental values.

Colleagues,

There is another stereotype about people from Northern Germany:

that we're not ones to talk for hours on end.

And that is one cliche I do want to live up to today.

Because I am looking forward to entering into our discussion and hearing back from the diplomatic corps of Estonia.

But as a means of closing, let me say this:

We live in challenging and deeply uncertain times. But what gives me confidence is this:

None of us needs to face them alone.

Because we're EU partners, NATO Allies - and we're friends.

Because we share deep bonds and an enduring commitment to the freedom and security of our people.

And even for a Northerner like me, that is one reason to be a tiny bit emotional.

Thank you.

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Germany Federal Foreign Office

28.08.2025 - Press release

Foreign Minister Wadephul issued the following statement today (28 August 2025) before departing for Estonia and Denmark:

The Baltic's security is also our security in Germany. That's the message I will be taking with me today on my first official visit to Tallinn.

In the Baltic Sea region, you get a strong sense of the extent to which this security is under threat. It is where Russia's shadow fleet is up to no good, where cables are being cut, buoys moved and GPS signals jammed - it is where we see Russia using its entire toolkit of hybrid aggression. Estonia and the Baltic states issued warnings early on about how real the dangers are. Today, we benefit from their far-sightedness and expertise in the EU and in NATO, and we want to further deepen this cooperation.

Security is also a focus of our wide-ranging exchange with our neighbour Denmark, a country with which we cooperate more closely than hardly any other, and with which I have had a deep connection all my life, being from Schleswig-Holstein myself.

That we need to do a better job of securing critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and in the North Sea is something Denmark is advancing, also within the context of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Because, in Europe, we all benefit from clean beaches and secure trade routes, as we do from reliable power lines and data cables.

Exchange between our societies is another key pillar of our cohesion in Europe. Our German-Danish projects - for example with a view to cutting red tape and simplifying ways of reaching agreement at the administrative level - bring people on both sides of the border closer together. We want to build on that.
Security in the Baltic Sea region: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Estonia and Denmark

Germany Federal Foreign Office

28.08.2025 - Article

Foreign Minister Wadephul is setting out on Thursday morning to visit two important partners in the Baltic Sea region: The trip will first take him to Estonia and then to Denmark. Read on to find out more.

Talks will focus on European security and joint support for Ukraine, as well as cooperation on energy issues and the protection of critical infrastructure. This trip will also lay the groundwork for the informal EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Copenhagen on Saturday, where further support for Ukraine and Europe's responsibility for security policy are on the agenda.

Strong partners of Ukraine

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is having farreaching consequences, which are particularly evident in the Baltic Sea region. Here, the activities of the Russian shadow fleet, the manipulation of navigation systems and targeted attacks on underwater pipelines and cables directly threaten the security of Europe.

Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following prior to his departure:

It is clear that the Baltic's security is also our security. In the Baltic Sea region, you get a strong sense of the extent to which this security is under threat. It is where Russia's shadow fleet is up to no good, where cables are being cut, buoys moved and GPS signals jammed - it is where we see Russia using its entire toolkit of hybrid aggression. Estonia and the Baltic states issued warnings early on about how real the dangers are. Today, we benefit from their far-sightedness and expertise in the EU and in NATO, and we want to further deepen this cooperation.

Estonia: Pioneer in cyber defence and tackling disinformation

The first stop of the trip is Tallinn, where Foreign Minister Wadephul will address the Estonian diplomatic corps and highlight the close partnership between Germany and Estonia. One focus is on joint initiatives against hybrid threats, including cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns and attempted interference by pro-Kremlin networks.

Together with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Germany has launched the Resilience Initiative, which tackles disinformation and digital interference in a targeted manner. It comprises awareness-raising and educational programmes, a Youth Media Lab, summer schools and multilingual publications for young people.

Estonia has a reputation for being a global pioneer in cyber defence and digital administration. For NATO and the EU, it is an indispensable partner on the eastern flank. In Tallinn, Foreign Minister Wadephul will therefore also discuss efforts to strengthen joint defence measures - including the deployment of a German brigade in Lithuania, surveillance missions in the Baltic Sea and air defence in the Baltic region.

Denmark: Key partner in the European Union

In the afternoon, the Foreign Minister will continue to Copenhagen, where talks with his Danish counterpart Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre are planned. Their discussions will focus on protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic and North Seas and deepening energy cooperation, as well as coordination within the EU. Both countries are already benefiting from projects such as cross-border offshore wind farms, joint hydrogen projects and initiatives to protect power lines and data cables. This cooperation is set to be further expanded by the 2026 North Sea Summit.

Furthermore, Germany and Denmark are linked by close cooperation as neighbours: More than 70 joint projects have been implemented in recent years in the fields of agriculture, digital transformation and health - directly benefiting people in the German-Danish border region.

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7th meeting of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation held in New Delhi

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 28 AUG 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

The 7th meeting of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) took place in New Delhi on August 28, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad from the Indian side and Staff Maj Gen Saad Mohammed H Alkathiri from the Saudi side.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and expressed happiness on the execution of most of the significant decisions taken during the previous JCDC meeting. With a view to strengthen defence ties and explore new avenues of collaboration, the two countries held discussions in areas such as training cooperation, industrial partnerships, maritime cooperation & military exercises.

The two sides discussed their respective training capabilities and requirements. India offered to provide training to the Saudi Armed Forces and discussed cooperation in Cyber, IT, disaster management & tactical communication.

The Indian side highlighted India's growing prowess in defence manufacturing and showcased Made-in-India state-of-the-art equipment. Opportunities were explored for joint manufacturing and partnership in defence equipment with Saudi Arabia. The co-chairs expressed satisfaction on the successful conduct of the Navy & Army Staff Talks this year and agreed to continue with the deliberations.

India and Saudi Arabia share a steadily deepening defence partnership. It is reflected by the addition of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council during the visit of the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia in April 2025.

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SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2161622)

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The Iranian nuclear programme

Germany Federal Foreign Office

28.08.2025 - Article

The E3 countries have triggered the JCPoA snapback mechanism. UN sanctions against Iran will re-enter into force within 30 days if a negotiated solution is not reached before then. This is in response to long-standing violations by Iran of its obligations under the JCPoA.

After a protracted conflict surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme due to justified doubts about its exclusively civilian nature, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, China and Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) on 14 July 2015 in an attempt to resolve this conflict at the negotiating table.

The United Nations Security Council approved the JCPoA under Resolution 2231 (2015). As coordinator, the High Representative of the European Union plays a key role in the implementation of the JCPoA, which initially met with success.

Until mid-2019, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) repeatedly confirmed in its quarterly reports that Iran was adhering to the JCPoA undertakings. Iran also benefited from the agreement. Sanctions were eased as agreed and the country's economy and foreign trade with Germany and Europe grew.

The JCPOA in crisis

On 8 May 2018, US President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the JCPoA. The US re-imposed the sanctions against Iran that it had previously suspended and gradually enforced further restrictive measures. Many of these measures are secondary sanctions, which had an extra-territorial effect on Iran's trading partners in third countries.

Since 2019, Iran has been gradually abandoning its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPoA and further stepped up its systematic violations of the JCPoA on the basis of a "strategic nuclear law" passed in December 2020. Iran increased its production of low-enriched uranium, began enriching uranium up to 60 percent, abandoned the agreed limits for research and development on advanced centrifuges, recommenced uranium enrichment at the underground plant in Fordow, reduced transparency with regard to its nuclear programme by restricting access for inspectors and started experiments to extract uranium metals without plausible civilian justification.

The Vienna talks on the restoration of the JCPOA

The US Administration under President Biden announced its determination to return to the nuclear agreement and to repeal the nuclear-related secondary sanctions imposed or reinstated by the previous Administration, provided Iran also adhered once again to its obligations. Negotiations between the JCPoA participants and the US were held in Vienna from April to June 2021 and from November 2021 to March 2022, during which an agreement on these issues was outlined.

However, Iran ultimately rejected the compromise packages submitted in March and August 2022 by the European External Action Service (EEAS) as JCPoA coordinator, thus preventing the complete restoration of the JCPoA. In view of Iran's significant and ongoing breaches of the JCPoA, the E3 countries - Germany, France and the United Kingdom - have retained the nuclear-related sanctions at EU level and under UK law, although under the JCPoA these were due to be repealed on Transition Day (18 October 2023).

Triggering of the snapback mechanism and reimposition of sanctions

The Iranian nuclear programme has reached a dangerous level in 2025. Since 2019, Iran has been in significant breach of the commitments enshrined in the JCPoA. Despite intensive efforts by the E3 countries (Germany, France and the United Kingdom), Iran has not shown any willingness to meet its obligations under the JCPoA in a transparent and sustained manner. This is fuelling concerns that Iran is aiming to acquire nuclear weapons. A nuclear armed Iran would be extremely dangerous and further destabilise the already fragile region.

As a result, the E3 triggered the snapback mechanism under UN Resolution 2231 on 28 August 2025. In accordance with the JCPoA, six previously suspended UN resolutions will re-enter into force 30 days after the snapback mechanism has been triggered, i.e. at the end of September 2025. The restoring of these resolutions would mean, for example, that all UN member states would be prohibited from supplying Iran with nuclear or missile-related products; in addition, the UN Security Council would reimpose an arms embargo on Iran.

At the same time, the E3 Foreign Ministers underlined in a joint declaration that the door remains open for a negotiated solution. It is up to Iran to meet its obligations under the JCPoA, particularly as regards adhering to the limits for nuclear enrichment and working transparently with the IAEA.

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Iran's UN mission: E3at a decisive moment over snapback mechanism

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 28, 2025

New York, IRNA -- The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations says that the UN Security Council now faces a defining moment, as the European Troika moves to trigger the snapback mechanism.

Iran's UN delegation said on Thursday that the UN Security Council must choose between supporting the draft resolution proposed by Russia and China, intended to extend diplomatic engagement, or activating the snapback mechanism, which could have serious consequences.

The reaction of the E3 to this draft will clearly reveal whether they are genuinely committed to diplomacy or they intend to escalate the crisis, the Iranian mission said.

Earlier in the day, the E3 - France, the United Kingdom, and Germany - formally submitted a notification to UNSC to invoke the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), also referred to as the snapback mechanism, to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran that were removed by the Resolution 2231.

Foreign minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi responded by reaffirming Iran's responsible and goodwill-based approach to diplomacy, adding that Tehran will defend its national rights and interests by responding appropriately to the European Troika's "unlawful and unjustified" decision to reinstate UN Security Council sanctions.

Araghchi made the remarks on Thursday during a phone conversation with the foreign ministers of three European countries and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affair.

Also, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the E3's decision to invoke the snapback mechanism to reinstate UN Security Council sanctions and urged the world to eject the unlawful, unjustified, and politically motivated move.

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Tehran warns E3 that snapback activation will threaten Iran-IAEA ongoing cooperation

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 28, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Following the European Troika's announcement of triggering the "snapback" mechanism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement condemning the move, warning that the decision by France, Germany, and Britain will severely undermine the ongoing cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In the statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry described the action as provocative and unnecessary, and warned that it would be met with appropriate responses.

If left unchecked, the path chosen by the three European countries could have serious consequences for the credibility and structure of the UN Security Council, the statement said.

The Ministry emphasized that it was the European Union and the three European countries - not Iran - that failed to fulfill their obligations on Transition Day (October 18, 2023) and instead imposed new unlawful sanctions on Iranian civilian aviation and shipping companies.

The Ministry reiterated that invoking the snapback mechanism without following proper procedures and presenting valid legal grounds undermines trust in the UNSC's decisions and threatens international peace and security.

Diplomatic sources told IRNA's correspondent in New York that the three European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3 - formally submitted a notification to the UNSC on Thursday to activate the snapback mechanism for the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.

They added that, at the E3's request, the Security Council is scheduled to convene a meeting on Friday to discuss the matter and the initiation of the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), commonly referred to as the snapback process.

This unjustified action violates the DRM outlined in the JCPOA and constitutes an illegal attempt to reinstate previously terminated resolutions, clearly contradicting Resolution 2231, the statement said, adding that the DRM is an integral part of the JCPOA, deliberately designed as a multi-step consultative process to prevent abuse - especially by parties like Germany, France, and Britain, who themselves have failed to uphold their commitments.

It went on to say that several UNSC members, including China and Russia, have repeatedly said that the E3 have not followed the procedural requirements outlined in the JCPOA and UNSC Resolution 2231; thus, their notification is a legally flawed and politically motivated attempt to exploit the resolution against Iran.

Moreover, given their long-standing violations and alignment with the United States' unlawful withdrawal and coercive actions, the three countries cannot claim to be good-faith parties, nor can they justify their illegal actions by referencing Iran's reciprocal measures, which have been gradual, proportionate, and fully within Iran's legal rights under the JCPOA, the statement read.

The statement also said that beyond legal and political considerations, the misuse of the snapback mechanismespecially after Iran's nuclear facilities were severely damaged in an unlawful attack by a former JCPOA memberreveals clear bad faith. The E3's deliberate disregard for broader context and distortion of events effectively rewards the violator and punishes the victim. It was the United States, not Iran, that unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and reinstated sanctions in 2018. It was the EU and the E3, not Iran, who failed to fulfill their obligations to mitigate the economic impact of the US withdrawal.

Urging all responsible members of the international community to firmly reject this unlawful, unjustified, and politically motivated attempt to reinstate terminated resolutions against a country that has consistently demonstrated restraint and commitment to dialog, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iran remains ready to have constructive interactions with other UNSC members who are genuinely committed to preserving diplomacy and preventing a manufactured crisis.

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US secretary of state consults with Israel, E3, and IAEA over Iran in Washington

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 28, 2025

New York, IRNA -- In a series of diplomatic meetings, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged with his Israeli and European counterparts, as well as the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Washington to coordinate their positions on Iran.

On Wednesday, Rubio met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to reaffirm the United States' steadfast commitment to Israel's security, as stated by Tommy Pigott, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State.

During their discussions, they covered key regional issues concerning Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, emphasizing the importance of countering what they claimed as "Iran's malign influence."

The US Secretary of State also met with Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ahead of the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors session. During their meeting, they discussed the IAEA's ongoing monitoring and verification efforts, including those in Iran.

Before this meeting, Rubio met with the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to talk about Iran's nuclear issues.

This discussion follows a letter sent by the three European countries to the UN Secretary-General, saying that if Iran does not resume nuclear negotiations with the international community by the end of August 2025, they are prepared to trigger the "snapback mechanism."

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Triggering 'snapback' will affect Iran's interaction with IAEA: Gharibabadi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 28, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has emphasized that if the E3 the UK, France, and Germanytriggers the "snapback mechanism," it will impact Tehran's relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Gharibabadi made the remarks late on Wednesday after returning from discussions with representatives from the three European countries in Geneva.

He pointed out that during the most recent round of negotiations, Iran clarified that the E3 does not have a legal basis to trigger the snapback mechanism.

The senior diplomat further warned the European troika about the potential consequences of ignoring the goodwill and constructive approach demonstrated by the Islamic Republic, which has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the issue.

According to Gharibabadi, the Iranian diplomatic mission made it clear to the European representatives that if they proceeded to reinstate the sanctions, "then naturally Iran will show the necessary reaction."

"Iran will send a letter or official notification to the Security Council. We have informed them that if the E3 triggers the snapback, our current path for cooperation and interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency will be completely affected and halted. In such circumstances, continuing this interactive process would be meaningless," he said.

He added, "Moreover, we emphasized that if this scenario unfolds, Europe will essentially exclude itself from the diplomatic track and dialogue with Iran. From that point onward, negotiations will be conducted solely within the framework of the Security Council and its members, and we will no longer engage in any dialogue with Europe on this matter."

Gharibabadi said, "The reality is that the Europeans have not implemented the JCPOA for years. Yet, with complete impudence, they claim that they are still adhering to it. We have told them that if they are truly implementing the JCPOA, they should provide a report demonstrating how they have done so."

He emphasized that Europe has not only failed to implement the JCPOA but has also imposed new sanctions over the years. The most recent sanctions targeted Iran's shipping and aviation industries just a few months ago, he added.

In response to a question about the status of the IAEA's inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, the senior diplomat said, "The agency's inspections have not yet begun in Iran. We operate according to laws passed by Parliament, which are very transparent and explicit. Currently, the presence of several IAEA inspectors in Iran is for monitoring the loading and fuel replacement at the Bushehr power plant. This is carried out in legal coordination and with the relevant permits."

Gharibabadi highlighted, "Discussions are currently ongoing between Iran and the IAEA to formulate a new cooperation arrangement, but no text has been finalized yet. Only ideas have been exchanged between the two sides. Naturally, if the Europeans choose to act based on their political preferences, these ongoing discussions between us and the agency will be affected."

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Russia, China rally behind Iran against E3 misuse of UN resolution

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 7:51 PM

Iran has strongly condemned a move by France, Germany, and the UK to trigger the reimposition of UN sanctions under the 2015 nuclear accord, calling it "legally baseless" and warning of a halt to its cooperation with the UN nuclear agency.

The three European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known collectively as the E3, formally submitted a notification to the UN Security Council to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under Resolution 2231, which endorsed the nuclear agreement. The move sets off a 30-day countdown that could restore all sanctions lifted as part of the 2015 deal.

In a sharply worded statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected the European move as "baseless, invalid, and legally ineffective," warning that Tehran will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the snapback mechanism is enforced.

"This action is a legally defective and politically motivated effort to revive cancelled resolutions," the ministry said. "It is in clear contradiction to Resolution 2231 and lacks any legal standing."

Iran argued that the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), outlined in the JCPOA to resolve compliance issues, is a multi-stage, consultative process and that the E3 had not fulfilled the required procedural steps before triggering snapback.

"The DRM was designed to promote diplomacy and prevent abuse by parties who themselves are in violation of the agreement," the ministry said.

"As confirmed by several Council members, including China and Russia, the E3 have not completed the legal process required."

Tehran hit out at the E3 for siding with the United States, which unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed wide-ranging sanctions.

Iran maintains that it remained in full compliance for over a year after the US exit, before taking calibrated steps in response.

"These countries cannot claim to act in good faith while they have long failed to meet their JCPOA obligations," the ministry said.

"The E3 aligned themselves with the US maximum pressure campaign and imposed new illegal sanctions targeting Iran's civilian sectors, including aviation and maritime industries."

The statement added that the E3's move comes amid continued attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure by a former JCPOA participant, apparently referring to the US.

"Rather than condemning sabotage against Iranian facilities, these countries are rewarding the violator and punishing the victim," the ministry said.

Iran also pointed to the failure of the E3 to meet commitments due on the JCPOA's "Transition Day" of October 18, 2023, including lifting remaining sanctions.

"Their ongoing noncompliance disqualifies them from invoking any rights under the deal," the statement said.

Warning of broader consequences, the ministry said the E3's actions could erode confidence in the UN Security Council and damage its credibility.

"Triggering the snapback mechanism without legal basis not only undermines confidence in Council decisions but also puts international peace and security at risk," it said.

Tehran urged all "responsible members of the international community" to reject an "illegal, unfounded, and politically motivated effort" that could reignite a nuclear crisis.

Russia and China have moved to counter the E3 initiative, circulating a draft resolution at the Security Council proposing a six-month "technical extension" of Resolution 2231.

The draft calls for suspending substantive discussions on the JCPOA until April 2026 and urges all parties to return to negotiations.

Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said the Security Council must choose between diplomacy and confrontation.

"One path leads to diplomacy, peace, and normal human relations. The other path is coercion  the path chosen by France, the UK, and Germany," he said.

Iran's UN mission described the current moment as decisive for the future of diplomacy.

"The E3's response to the Russian-Chinese draft will demonstrate whether they are serious about dialogue or intent on escalating tensions," the mission said.

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Risch Statement on the European Snapback of UN Sanctions against Iran

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

August 28, 2025

BOISE -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the United Kingdom, France, and Germany initiated the snapback of UN sanctions on Iran at the Security Council today.

"After years of Iranian nuclear extortion and terrorism, I am pleased our European allies have finally triggered the snapback provision of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231. The Security Council must reject the Islamic Republic of Iran's continued threats and deceptions and ensure the full restoration of all UN sanctions on Iran. The Security Council has an opportunity in earnest to reclaim some of its legitimacy and enforcing this snapback mechanism is a respectable way to do so.

"Should our allies remain committed to this task, all previous UN sanctions on Iran - including the conventional arms embargo, nuclear weapons' delivery system embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans on the regime's top terrorists and nuclear scientists - will return in effect 30 days from now. It was incredibly misguided to lift these sanctions as part of the flawed 2015 Iran deal. The past decade of Iranian aggression has demonstrated the foolishness of that poorly negotiated and failed agreement.

"While this is a good step, now the hard work begins. I look forward to working closely with the Trump Administration to ensure all UN member states fulfill their obligations under the restored UN sanctions and to hold all nations and actors who help the Islamic Republic flout international law accountable."

Background:

The initiation of the snapback process starts a 30-day clock at the UN Security Council. If a resolution is not passed to maintain sanctions relief by that time, the provisions of UNSCR 2231 will terminate and the previous UN Security Council Resolutions (1696,1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and 1929) will return into effect.

Successful completion of the UN snapback will reinstate permanent international legal prohibitions on Iran, including against: (1) all Iranian nuclear enrichment and reprocessing or heavy water-related activities, including research and development - as well as related transfers of items, materials, equipment, goods, and technology; (2) All transfers to or from Iran of items and technology that could contribute to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems, such as ballistic missiles and long-range drones; and (3) all transfers to or from Iran of conventional and advanced weapons.

Additionally, restoration of the previous resolutions will legally obligate the international community to enforce these sanctions, including by directing all UN member states to: prevent Iran from conducting or advancing nuclear enrichment activities on their soil or by using their vessels and airplanes; prevent Iran from violating the conventional & advanced weapons embargo on their soil or by using their vessels and airplanes; to encourage the prohibition of activities of Iranian banks and financial institutions that support Iran's nuclear activities or development of nuclear-delivery systems; to enforce the UN travel ban and asset freeze against dozens of Iran's most notorious terror operations and nuclear officials.

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E3 joint statement on Iran: Initiation of the snapback process

Press release

Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the UK on the initiation of the snapback process

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 28 August 2025

We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, share the fundamental objective that Iran shall never seek, acquire or develop a nuclear weapon. We negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) with the conviction that it would decisively contribute to ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. The United Nations Security Council unanimously endorsed the JCPoA in resolution 2231 of 20th July 2015. It was a major achievement for non-proliferation, as such strengthening international peace and security.

Following the United States' withdrawal from the JCPoA on 8th May 2018, and in spite of Iran ceasing the implementation of its commitments under the JCPoA beginning in May 2019, France, Germany and the United Kingdom (the "E3") remained committed participants to the deal.

Since 2019, Iran has exceeded JCPoA limits on enriched uranium, heavy water, and centrifuges, restricted the IAEA's ability to conduct JCPoA verification and monitoring activities, and has abandoned the implementation and the ratification process of the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. These actions contravene Iran's commitments set out in the JCPoA and have serious implications on the capacity of Iran to progress toward developing a nuclear weapon.

This was more than five years ago. Since then, we have made all possible efforts to resolve the impasse. We consistently undertook intensive diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions and to bring Iran and the United States to the negotiating table for a comprehensive negotiated solution. We acted in good faith to preserve the JCPoA, in the sincere hope of finding a way to resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue, while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework.

This included the use of the JCPoA's Dispute Resolution Mechanism, initiated on 14 January 2020 and confirmed by the JCPoA Coordinator, pursuant to paragraph 36 of the JCPoA. The E3 also engaged in good faith in negotiations conducted from 6th April 2021 until 28th February 2022 to re-establish Iran's full compliance with the JCPoA and allow for a return of the United States to the deal. The JCPoA Coordinator tabled viable proposals in March and again in August 2022. Iran refused both packages while continuing to raise unacceptable demands beyond the scope of the JCPoA. Despite this, we have continued to engage Iran as part of our efforts to find a peaceful resolution of this issue through diplomacy, as set out in our letter to the United Nations Secretary General of 8th August 2025.

In July 2025, the E3 have put on the table an offer for the extension of resolution 2231 and its snapback mechanism. The requirements set by the E3 in exchange for this extension - including the resumption of negotiations, Iran's compliance with its IAEA obligations, and steps to address our concerns regarding the high enriched uranium stockpile - have not yet been satisfactorily met by Iran. The combination of such Iranian steps and a time-limited extension would have provided a credible path towards reaching a political agreement to replace the JCPoA and address our longstanding concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme.

Today, Iran's non-compliance with the JCPoA is clear and deliberate, and sites of major proliferation concern in Iran are outside of IAEA monitoring. Iran has no civilian justification for its high enriched uranium stockpile - now over 9 Significant Quantities - which is also unaccounted for by the IAEA. Its nuclear programme therefore remains a clear threat to international peace and security.

As a result of Iran's actions, and in accordance with paragraph 11 of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015), France, Germany and the United Kingdom have today decided to notify the Security Council that we believe Iran is in significant non-performance of its commitments under the JCPoA, thereby engaging the "snapback" mechanism.

This notification initiates the snapback process defined in Resolution 2231. It opens a 30-day period before the possible reestablishment of previously terminated United Nations Security Council resolutions. We underline that these resolutions and the measures they contain - sanctions and other restrictive measures - are not new. On the contrary, these resolutions were previously agreed by the Security Council and lifted in light of Iran's commitments under the JCPoA. However, Iran has chosen not to abide by those commitments. In accordance with Resolution 2231, we will continue to strive to diplomatically resolve the issue of Iran's significant non-performance. We will use the 30-day period to continue to engage with Iran on our extension offer, or on any serious diplomatic efforts to restore Iran's compliance with its commitments.

We recall that if the UNSC does not adopt within 30 days a resolution to continue the lifting of UNSC resolutions on Iran, six Security Council resolutions, including on sanctions, will be restored.

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European Powers Trigger Mechanism To Snap Back UN Sanctions On Iran

By RFE/RL August 29, 2025

Britain, France, and Germany have triggered the so-called snapback mechanism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to reinstate UN sanctions against Tehran.

The European trio, known as the E3, wrote to the UN Security Council on August 28 to initiate the process, which takes 30 days.

In a statement, the E3 foreign ministers said, "We will use the 30-day period to continue engaging with Iran regarding our extension offer or any meaningful diplomatic efforts to restore its compliance with commitments."

They emphasized that they "share the fundamental objective that Iran must never seek, acquire, or develop a nuclear weapon."

This step puts Iran at risk of facing renewed sanctions that had been removed as part of the 2015 landmark nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the E3 move.

"At the same time, the United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran -- in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue," he said in a statement.

"Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it," he added.

Iran condemned the move.

"This decision by the three European countries will seriously undermine the ongoing process of interaction and cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, calling the move a "provocative and unnecessary escalation."

Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said the decision was "baseless and unlawful." He added that Tehran would respond to what he called the "unjustified action," without being specific.

Later, though, Aragchi appeared more conciliatory in a letter set to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, saying Tehran is ready to restart "fair " negotiations over its nuclear program if the West shows goodwill.

He stated "Iran's readiness to resume fair and balanced diplomatic negotiations, on the condition that the other parties show seriousness and goodwill and avoid actions that harm the chances of success."

The UN called on Iran and world powers to use press forward on reaching a new nuclear deal before the snapback sanctions take effect.

"In the next 30 days, there is a window of opportunity to avoid any further escalation and find a way forward that serves peace," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres.

Once the snapback process is finalized, the already-moribund JCPOA would effectively come to an end.

The deal was designed to stop the Islamic republic from developing a nuclear weapon -- something Tehran has long insisted it is not pursuing. It outlines strict rules for independent monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities and imposes caps on both the amount of uranium it can possess and the level to which it may be enriched.

Iran started to roll back its commitments after the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Iran has progressively accelerated its nuclear program since, now enriching uranium to 60 percent purity -- far above the 3.67 percent cap under the JCPOA.

Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in July in response to the US and Israeli bombing of its key nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. One of the conditions that the E3 had set to delay the process was for Tehran to resume full cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog before the end of August.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-un-sanctions- e3-snapback/33515616.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.

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FM Sa'ar meets with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The two discussed the different challenges and opportunities in the Middle East, including the Iranian issue, the war against Hamas in Gaza, and the upcoming UN General Assembly discussions next month.

Type: Press Releases

Topic: Foreign Policy

Publish Date: 27.08.2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar met today (Wednesday, 28 August 2025) with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the U.S. State Department.

Minister Sa'ar thanked Secretary Rubio for his unwavering stance by Israel throughout the years, and for President Trump and the Administration's firm support for Israel.

In the meeting the two discussed the different challenges and opportunities in the Middle East. Among them, the Iranian issue following the unprecedented cooperation between the two countries to remove the nuclear threat and the "SnapBack" issue, the war against Hamas in Gaza, and the upcoming UN General Assembly discussions next month. They also discussed cooperation in repelling the anti-Israel initiatives in the international arena.

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Israeli army's manpower crisis worsens ahead of Gaza occupation: Report

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 7:30 PM

A US media report reveals that the exhaustion and disillusionment facing the Israeli army have threatened to "complicate" Tel Aviv's plans for the upcoming assault to seize and occupy Gaza City.

Around a dozen officers and soldiers told The New York Times on Thursday that there were "depleted and exhausted units" within the Israeli military.

"It's not clear how many of them will return to the fight," the sources said.

They estimated that 40 to 50 percent of their comrades were "not turning up for duty."

One soldier said that his 100-man company had decreased to 60 troops. Another said only half his team showed up during the reservist call-up late last year.

Others said that there are soldiers who have dropped out of the military due to the belief that the "war is no longer just."

A handful of soldiers have faced penalties for failing to report for duty, while some others have served short prison sentences.

Israeli sources confirmed that Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir's opposition to the occupation plans is in part due to the soldiers' fitness to serve.

"The shortfall will make completing the offensive more difficult," the sources noted.

Zamir has also expressed concern over the danger the new offensive poses to Israeli captives and the strain it will place on the army.

Omer Dank, an Israeli military analyst and air force reservist, said, "We keep trying to squeeze out everything we can without real strategic planning. The current model is unsustainable. The army is exhausted."

Other analysts are cited as saying that reservists have done hundreds of days of service, negatively affecting their home lives, education, and work.

Due to the manpower issue, Israel's high court last year ordered the conscription of ultra-Orthodox religious students who have for years been exempted from service.

This has caused a crisis in Israel, with ultra-Orthodox parties demanding an exemption law and some even withdrawing from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's fractious right-wing coalition.

Israeli Army Radio reported last week that Israel's military was considering a plan to recruit young Jews from abroad as it grapples with a severe shortage of soldiers.

The proposal would target major Jewish communities overseas, particularly in the United States and France, to enlist around 700 recruits annually.

The Israeli regime was also reportedly luring around 30,000 asylum seekers from African countries to the army by offering them permanent residency in the occupied territories.

The shortage has compounded wider problems for Israel's armed forces, including equipment deficits and a reserve system strained by months of fighting in Gaza.

Many reservists have also reported psychological issues and exhaustion linked to the Israeli aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip.

A recent Israeli military investigation has found a rise in suicides among its soldiers, with the majority of the cases being directly linked to the profound psychological trauma and exposure to extreme conditions experienced during the war in Gaza.

The findings indicated that most suicides stemmed from prolonged exposure to combat, traumatic battlefield experiences, and the psychological toll of losing comrades.

With Israel's war in Gaza entering its 22nd month, soldiers increasingly report experiences of war trauma, family issues, and psychological distress.

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Chinese defense ministry responds to first deployment of Typhon medium-range missiles in Japan, says Tokyo should act cautiously in military security

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 28, 2025 09:42 PM

In response to media inquiries regarding reports that the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the US Armed Forces will conduct exercises to deploy Typhon medium-range missile systems at the US Marine Corps Base Iwakuni, the first time this system will be deployed on Japanese soil, Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said on Thursday that in recent years, Japan has repeatedly broken the constraints of its "Peace Constitution" and its commitment to "exclusive defense," moving further down the dangerous path of military buildup, causing growing concern that it may return to the path of militarism.

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. At this important historical juncture, Japan should draw profound lessons from history and act with caution in the field of military security, Zhang said.

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Japan-Ecuador Summit Meeting

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

August 28, 2025

On August 28, commencing at 11:45 a.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Primen Minister of Japan held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Daniel NOBOA, President of the Republic of Ecuador, who is visiting Japan. Following the meeting, commencing at 00:30 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes, a working lunch was held.

1. Introduction

Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed President Noboa's visit to Japan, and expressed his desire to further strengthen relations with Ecuador, a partner that shares values and principles, and a traditional amicable country which Japan will celebrate the 110th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028 with. In response, President Noboa expressed his gratitude for the heartfelt welcome during his visit to Japan and his desire to further develop the relationship between the two countries.

2. Bilateral Relations

Prime Minister ISHIBA expressed his desire to collaborate on ensuring a stable energy supply, and also noted the contribution of Japanese companies to investment and job creation in Ecuador, requesting the further improvement of the business and investment environment in the country. Furthermore, Prime Minister ISHIBA referred to Japan's cooperation with Ecuador in the areas such as security measures, disaster prevention, and renewable energy, stating his intention to support Ecuador's efforts. President Noboa extended his gratitude for Japan's significant cooperation and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas such as trade, investment and security.

3. Regional Situation and Cooperation in the international arena

The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situations, including those in Asia and Latin America and confirmed their intention to work closely together in the international arena. They also exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, such as their policies toward North Korea including on the nuclear and missile issues and the abductions issue. Prime Minister ISHIBA asked for the continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained President Noboa's support.

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Children bear the brunt of escalating violence in Rakhine, Myanmar, as deadly attacks continue

UNICEF

Statement

Statement by June Kunugi, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific

28 August 2025

BANGKOK, 28 August 2025 -- UNICEF is gravely concerned by reports of an attack on 25 August in Mrauk U Township, Rakhine State, that reportedly killed and injured children and destroyed homes.

The escalation of conflict in Rakhine in recent months has left children increasingly vulnerable. Deadly attacks continue to drive fear, displacement and suffering. Children are being killed in the very places where they should feel safe, including in their homes and communities.

In addition to increasing violence, insecurity and displacement, families in Rakhine are grappling with acute food shortages and severe disruptions of essential services for children, including education and healthcare - lifelines for children and families living in conflict.

UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians including children, safeguard civilian infrastructure, and allow lifesaving humanitarian assistance to reach those in urgent need.



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An Arctic Test Of A 'Flying Nuclear Reactor' And Signs Russia Closer To A New Weapon

By Mike Eckel August 28, 2025



A 2022 Google Earth satellite image shows the Rogachevo air base on the Russian archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, not far from the Pankovo missile test site. A 2022 Google Earth satellite image shows the Rogachevo air base on the Russian archipelago of Novaya Zemlya, not far from the Pankovo missile test site.

It's been a busy few weeks up on the windswept Russian archipelago of Novaya Zemlya: people, earthmoving trucks, shipping containers, temporary housing, heavy-lift aircraft, helicopters, cargo ships.

The activity shows up in satellite imagery, aircraft hazard notifications, ship transponder trackers, and open-source intelligence reporting at a time when long Arctic days and good weather mean favorable conditions for building projects at the Pankovo test range and nearby air base.

The betting money for close watchers of Russian weapons development is on another test of a trouble-plagued, nuclear-powered cruise missile called the Burevestnik.

"The operational sites for this system are almost complete. This is going to be an operational system pretty soon here," said Decker Eveleth, a researcher at the suburban Washington-based Center for Naval Analyses, who examined satellite imagery of the sites in July and August. "This may have been the final check before operational testing and evaluation."

"They're clearly pretty far long," he said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the test has already happened," said Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based arms control researcher and expert on Russia's nuclear forces.



In 2023 satellite imagery provided to RFE/RL, significant new construction of buildings and other structures is seen at a location on Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic island used frequently by Russia to conduct nuclear weapons tests. In 2023 satellite imagery provided to RFE/RL, significant new construction of buildings and other structures is seen at a location on Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic island used frequently by Russia to conduct nuclear weapons tests.

The missile, dubbed Skyfall by NATO, has been under development for more than a decade now. It's one of several new systems Russian designers have focused on as the Kremlin pours money into weapons development as part of a not fully recognized arms race -- mainly against the United States.

Others include the Sarmat international continental ballistic missile, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-tipped torpedo called Poseidon, and a hypersonic missile called Avangard.

Russian President Vladimir Putin talked up many of the weapons elaborate public ceremonies in 2018 and 2019. Two of the new weapons, the Kinzhal and Tsirkon missiles, have been used in Ukraine. The Sarmat has also been tested, though last year it suffered a major mishap.

The Burevestnik has drawn particular attention from arms control and intelligence experts, partly because of the technology but also its past failures.

The missile is powered essentially by a small nuclear reactor built into the engine, theoretically enabling it to stay aloft for days.

It "would carry a nuclear warhead; circle the globe at low altitude, avoid missile defenses, and dodge terrain; and drop the warhead at a difficult-to-predict location," according to a 2019 report by the Washington-based Nuclear Threat Initiative.

U.S. intelligence reports saythe missile has been tested at least a dozen times, including in 2017 and 2019.

Death At Nyonoksa

Among the places Russia has tested the Burevestnik is the White Sea, west of the city of Arkhangelsk, near the port of Severodvinsk.

In August 2019, while trying to raise a Burevestnik from the seabed near the town of Nyonoksa, an explosion occurred that spewed radiation over a wide area, including Severodvinsk. The blast also killed at least five Russian nuclear specialists from the state-owned nuclear company Rosatom, which is believed to have spearheaded the Burevestnik's development.

The explosion, US officials later concluded, "was the result of a nuclear reaction that occurred during the recovery of a Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile."

Two years earlier, another missile, also believed to be a Burevestnik, crashed somewhere in the Barents Sea, west of Novaya Zemlya, according to US intelligence officials.

"They've been developing this system for well over a decade. And it hasn't really gone very well for a long time," Eveleth said. "People died...and they didn't give up. They kept going for it.... They kept going for it for 15 years. And they are really dedicated to it."

Constant Phoenix, Nuke Sniffing

The activity at Pankovo in late July was highlighted in partby Eveleth and Jeffrey Lewis of Middlebury's Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. Burevestnik testing was moved out of the White Seafollowing the Nyonoksa accident and resumed in 2021 on Novaya Zemlya, which is more remote.

In early August, Russian authorities also released a NOTAM, according to the Barents Observer newspaper, which first reported the advisory. NOTAMs are internally recognized advisories for aircraft -- a warning for pilots and ship captains, in this case, to avoid a wide area west of Novaya Zemlya.

Meanwhile, an unusually large number of fighter jets, cargo jets, and helicopters appeared parked at the Rogachevo air base on the southwestern coast of Novaya Zemlya. The aircraft appeared to include an A-50, an airborne radar and warning system experts say is rarely seen so far north; and Il-76 SKIPs, jets designed to gather electronic signals and missile telemetry data.



In this Planet Lab image from September 2023, the Pankovo missile test site on Novaya Zemlya is visible. In this Planet Lab image from September 2023, the Pankovo missile test site on Novaya Zemlya is visible.

Open-source aircraft trackers also noted a US Air Force WC-135 jet in the airspace north of the Kola Peninsula and west of Novaya Zemlya. Known as Constant Phoenix, the jet is designed to gather samples of airborne particles to detect specific radioactive isotopes released from nuclear weapons tests.

The most recent satellite imagery, Eveleth said, suggests Russian workers have now packed up equipment on Novaya Zemlya, indicating, he said, that a test had been conducted.

'Why Is This Such a Big Deal?'

The timing for a test was also auspicious from the point of view of Russian messaging, Lewis said in a podcast released August 20, coming around the time that Putin met US President Donald Trump for a summit in Alaska.

Another bit of evidence came on August 22 when Putin traveled to the central city of Sarov. Formerly a closed city known as Arzamas-16, Sarov has for decades been the heart of the Soviet and Russian nuclear programs: "the equivalent of Los Alamos," Podvig said, referring to the home of the US atomic weapons program.

Among the dignitaries greeting Putin on the tarmac at Sarov was the chairman of Russia's General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, as well as Sergei Kiriyenko, who headed Rosatom until 2016, when he took a top post in the Kremlin.

"The combination of all these things -- the test activity, the apparent preparation for deployment, and this visit -- again this would be a good occasion for Putin, for the Sarov [engineers] to demonstrate that this is what we've done, we've fulfilled the assignment," Podvig said.

"Why is this such a big deal for them?" Eveleth said. "First, the sophistication and prestige of the Russian nuclear arsenal is very important" to Putin and his government.

"Second, they're worried about [US] missile defenses, they want to hedge against an effective missile shield and this system is technically capable of evading certain systems," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-nuclear-missile- test-burevestnik-novaya-zemlya/33515605.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.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question regarding the summoning of the acting Permanent Representative of Russia to the EU to the European External Action Service

28 August 2025 18:58

1394-28-08-2025

Question: How would you comment on media reports concerning the summoning of a representative of the Russian diplomatic mission to the European Union to the European External Action Service in connection with damage sustained by the EU delegation office in Kiev as a result of missile strikes last night?

Maria Zakharova: In light of these reports, we wish to underscore that the Russian Armed Forces exclusively target military objectives and facilities that support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Any harm inflicted upon civilian infrastructure arises from Kiev's deployment of air defence systems and electronic warfare measures.

The commotion incited by EU officials and EU-affiliated media concerning alleged Russian assaults on civilian targets starkly contrasts with the absence of any response from the European Union's leadership and its member states to the AFU's systematic, deliberate bombardment of civilian infrastructure and the terrorist attacks executed by the Kiev regime on Russian territory - all resulting in civilian casualties. This is despite the fact that we have consistently presented the pertinent evidence on various international platforms, including the UN and the OSCE.

This position was communicated to the EU by the acting Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the European Union.

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Press release on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov's working visit to Russia

28 August 2025 18:03

1393-28-08-2025

On August 28, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, who was in Russia on a working visit.

The foreign ministers discussed current issues of bilateral relations and reaffirmed the mutual intent to continue developing Russia-Turkmenistan deepened strategic partnership based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and support.

They noted the progress in implementing the agreements reached during the official visit by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Turkmenistan on June 24-25. The ministers also focused on joint projects in trade and the economy, culture and education, and reviewed the progress in preparations for the next meeting of the Russian-Turkmen Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation.

The parties expressed their readiness to continue close cooperation within the CIS, the UN, the Caspian Five and the Central Asia plus Russia formats, and discussed their future contacts during multilateral events in Russia and Turkmenistan scheduled for the second half of 2025.

The talks proceeded in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding typical of Russia-Turkmenistan relations.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement at a news conference following talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Moscow, August 28, 2025

28 August 2025 17:30

1392-28-08-2025

We engaged in trust-based and constructive negotiations, both in a one-on-one format and with the involvement of delegations, with my colleague and good friend, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov.

Our discussions centred on key issues pertaining to bilateral relations, which are characterised by an advanced strategic partnership, grounded in the principles of friendship, mutual respect, and consideration for each other's interests. We observed the increasing momentum of high-level and top-level interstate dialogue. We sincerely appreciate the participation of President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of our shared Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We highly value Turkmenistan's commitment to preserving the memory of the heroes of that war. We fully share such approaches and have several joint plans to immortalise the memory of these heroes.

We are grateful to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Speaker of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for his visit in May this year to the 16th International Economic Forum Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum, held in Kazan. In June and July this year, delegations from our countries, led by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev, participated in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum and the International Environmental Conference in Altai. In early August this year, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Patrushev led Russia's delegation at the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, which was held with great success in Avaza, Turkmenistan. My own visit to Ashgabat on June 24-25 this year was also highly substantive and productive. Today, I once again expressed sincere gratitude to our friends for the impeccable organisation of the visit, the high-level hospitality, and the fruitful negotiations.

Our discussion today reaffirmed the strong mutual commitment of both Russia and Turkmenistan to expanding trade and economic collaboration, as well as implementing joint projects in transport and logistics, infrastructure, and energy.

We highly commended the advancement of cultural and humanitarian ties. In this regard, we have several joint initiatives, chief among them the establishment of a Russian-Turkmen university. Additionally, plans are underway to construct a new building for the Alexander Pushkin State Russian Drama Theatre in Ashgabat, as well as an additional teaching block for the joint Russian-Turkmen secondary school, which also bears the name of the great Russian poet.

We reviewed the progress of the plan of consultations adopted under the cooperation programme between the Foreign Ministries of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkmenistan. We outlined a series of consultations on pressing issues on the foreign policy agenda to be held before the end of the year.

Our positions on the international stage are closely aligned and, in many respects, coincide - particularly regarding ensuring prosperity, strengthening security, and stability in Central Asia and the Caspian region. We collaborate effectively within the CIS framework and plan to hold a second top-level meeting of Central Asia plus Russia on the sidelines of the CIS summit in Tajikistan this October. We also discussed preparations for events under the Caspian Five format, both at the foreign ministerial and top levels.

We are keen on developing our cooperation within the United Nations. We have just spoken about this. Russia and Turkmenistan consistently support each other's initiatives when relevant resolutions are brought before the Organisation. Undoubtedly, we will find an opportunity to duly commemorate the upcoming 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality decision this December at the UN.

Once again, I express my gratitude to my colleague.

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Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Moscow, August 28, 2025

28 August 2025 14:54

1391-28-08-2025

Mr Meredov,

On behalf of myself and our entire delegation, which you welcomed so warmly to Ashgabat in late June, thank you. We appreciate the efforts taken to organise that visit.

Our relations are developing swiftly, with political dialogue maintained at the high and highest levels, to ensure that we can engage in a trusting and frank exchange of opinions on matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation and our in-depth strategic partnership, as well as share views on international political matters, the challenges facing Central Asia, the neighbouring regions, and international organisations, especially the UN.

We highly appreciated the participation of President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in the festivities marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War on May 9 on Red Square in Moscow. We will always defend our shared values in our struggle for freedom and independence. We stand in full solidarity here.

Regarding our governmental links, Russia and Turkmenistan have intergovernmental commissions headed by deputy prime ministers. We value Turkmen Chair Nokerguly Atagulyyev's participation in the International Environmental Conference in Altai on June 25. Our own delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, attended the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries held in Awaza. We appreciate the opportunity provided by the Turkmen leadership for Deputy Prime Minister Patrushev to meet with them.

Our talks in Ashgabat have given a substantial impetus to our bilateral relations. The 20252026 Programme for Cooperation Between the Foreign Ministries has already been launched. On August 20, there was a meeting to review the legal and regulatory framework. Albeit technical, this work is important for developing our relationship properly based on international law.

Cultural and humanitarian exchanges are extensive. A successful Russian-Turkmen concert at the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory recently marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Year of Peace and Trust, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.

I hope our meeting today will be equally productive. We have just discussed, at length, a range of issues of particular importance. Now, we will review our entire agenda, covering both bilateral and international issues, with our delegations present.

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HTS, Israel hold secret talks on swapping Lebanon's Shebaa Farms with Syria's Golan: Report

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 4:56 PM

Israeli media reports have revealed covert negotiations between Israel and Syria's Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration concerning a potential territorial exchange involving the Golan Heights and the Shebaa Farms.

The discussions reportedly explore HTS handing over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights in exchange for Israel transferring the contested Shebaa Farms area to Damascus.

Israel's Kan channel cited sources indicating that the deal would require approval from 80 members of the Knesset.

A Syrian source close to HTS suggested that linking the Shebaa Farms issue to the Golan Heights might be considered only after a formal agreement is reached, though another source said the matter is not currently on the negotiating table.

The Shebaa Farms area, located on the Lebanese border with Israeli-occupied territory, is widely recognized as Lebanese territory.

Since it does not directly border Syria, any transfer of the area to Damascus would violate international law and further complicate Lebanon's fragile political and security situation.

Hezbollah, the dominant Lebanese resistance movement has reiterated its right to resume resistance operations in Shebaa Farms, rejecting any attempts to alter the status quo.

The group has also condemned Western support for Israel's recent military campaigns in Gaza and reiterated its refusal to disarm, denouncing the Lebanese government's efforts to force disarmament as "illegitimate" and "high treason."

The HTS administration, which occupied Damascus following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government in December, is a Takfiri group with origins linked to Al-Qaeda and Daesh.

Despite its brutal track record, HTS has recently been courted by Western powers.

During a regional visit, US President Donald Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on the HTS administration in return for normalization with Israel.

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, HTS's leader, has pledged to recognize Israel and establish diplomatic ties by the end of 2026, signaling a dramatic shift for a group long designated as a terrorist organization.

The momentum toward normalization stalled after HTS forces were accused of massacring hundreds of Druze civilians in Sweida province, an event that Israel cited as justification for opening a corridor to the region.

Critics argue that the United States and Israel are exploiting HTS's control in Syria to promote instability and further their strategic ambitions in the region.

Amid these developments, the de facto HTS foreign minister held US-brokered talks with an Israeli delegation in Paris, marking a controversial diplomatic breakthrough.

Human rights organizations report nearly 10,000 violent deaths since HTS's rise to power, with targeted attacks on minorities including Alawites, Druze, and Christians underscoring the group's brutal governance.

Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military footprint in southwest Syria, conducting hundreds of airstrikes aimed at weakening Damascus's capabilities under the HTS-dominated regime.

The proposal to swap the Shebaa Farms for the Golan Heights marks yet another watershed in Israel's ongoing colonial expansion.

By seeking to legitimize its occupation of the Golan Heights through secret deals with Syria's extremist HTS rulers, Israel is further entrenching its illegal territorial gains while deepening divisions within the Arab world.

This territorial exchange not only undermines Lebanese sovereignty over Shebaa Farms but also sets a dangerous precedent that rewards occupation and forced demographic changes.

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Israel conducts strikes, raid by helicopter-borne troops in Syria's Damascus suburb

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 6:55 AM

Israel has conducted new airstrikes and a raid by helicopter-borne troops on a southern suburb of the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The media run by the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-led administration in Syria reported that Wednesday's attacks targeted a former army barracks in Kiswah.

Meanwhile, a Syrian military source said the Israeli military carried out an airborne landing on the barracks using four helicopters.

The occupation's army brought in dozens of soldiers and search equipment as it spent over two hours at the site, the source added.

However, there were no reports of clashes between Israeli and Syrian forces.

The raid came a day after Israeli drone strikes near Kiswah killed six Syrian soldiers.

The HTS regime's foreign ministry condemned Tuesday's deadly attacks as a "grave violation of international law" and a "clear breach of (Syria's) sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"It also comes in the context of the repeated aggressive policies pursued by the Israeli occupation aimed at undermining security and stability in the region," it said in a statement.

The ministry further called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to assume its legal and moral responsibilities in obliging Israel to stop its violations against Syria.

Israel has launched hundreds of aerial assaults on Syria since December 2024, when the HTS-led militants announced the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government following a rapid two-week onslaught.

Israel has also expanded its occupation of Syria by seizing the so-called buffer zone, which separates the occupied Golan Heights from the rest of the Arab country, in violation of a 1974 disengagement agreement.

Experts believe HTS's lack of action and its overtures toward normalization with Tel Aviv have given the regime greater leeway to steal more Syrian land and mount acts of aggression against the country.

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Ranking Member Shaheen, Senator Ernst, Representative Wilson Statement on Israeli Strikes in Damascus

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Published: August 28, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, released the following statement on Israel's strikes in Damascus, Syria:

"We just returned from Syria, where we heard directly from interim President Al Sharaa, cabinet ministers and Syrians from across ethnic and religious communities. The message was clear: Syria needs a chance to succeed and move past the violence and strife that consumed the country for over 14 years. Last night's destabilizing strikes on Syria by Israel make that goal more difficult to achieve.

"We commend President Trump for taking the bold step of lifting sanctions off Syria earlier this year. Through the work of the President's Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, a once-unthinkable and historic meeting occurred directly between the Syrian and Israel governments just this month. The Syrians are prepared to move forward with Israel to advance peace. It is unclear how long the door to this opportunity will remain open. We call on Israel to seize the moment and immediately cease hostilities so the progress made by Syrians and Special Envoy Barrack can continue. A stable and secure Syria is the only path toward freedom from Iran's reach and containment of the ISIS threat."

###

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External forces attempting to use Taiwan to contain China are 'playing with fire,' will get burned eventually: Chinese Vice FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Aug 29, 2025 11:13 AM

In response to a question related to Taiwan, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said at the press conference on Friday on preparations for the V-Day commemorations that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and brooks no external interference.

He stressed that a handful of external forces attempting to use Taiwan to contain China are "playing with fire," and those who play with fire will eventually get burned. China's reunification is inevitable and unstoppable, Ma said.

The Taiwan question lies at the very core of China's core interests, Ma said, noting that resolving the Taiwan question and achieving the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspirations of all Chinese people.

Safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the sacred mission of China's diplomacy, he said.

At present, the international consensus on upholding the one-China principle has become more consolidated, and the just cause of the Chinese people in opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and striving for full national reunification has gained broad understanding and support from the international community, Ma said.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/08/29

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1. Date

6 a.m. Aug. 28 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Aug. 29 (Fri.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities

19 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140829_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

1140829_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Secretary Rubio's Call with Foreign Minister Fidan

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 28, 2025

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss strengthening U.S.-Turkish bilateral relations and our cooperation as NATO Allies. They also discussed their continued support for peace and stability in the Middle East and agreed on the need for continued diplomacy to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end through a lasting, negotiated settlement.

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Australian mission a success

By Captain Brittany Evans

28 August 2025

Polling data released by Operation Interflex, the UK-led multinational training mission of Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel, has revealed the effectiveness of Australian training.

More than 3000 Ukrainians have been trained by the ADF on Operation Kudu since 2023, in support of Interflex.

About 90 per cent of the Ukrainians polled since January 2025 said they felt more confident in their lethality and survivability at the completion of training.

Commander of the Australian contingent Major Tom Folley said the training was exceeding expectations in satisfaction and battlefield preparedness.

"Every time a course departs they complete an exit poll in which they get a chance to say the good and the bad about our training," Major Folley said.

"Every course we have delivered has received incredibly high ratings, with upwards of 90 to 100 per cent of the trainees saying they feel more confident, survivable and lethal heading back to Ukraine.

"We consistently hear that our training is making a difference and Ukrainians want to come and work with the ADF contingent here in the UK."

Ukrainian personnel who have completed the training have shared insights about how the program has evolved and directly impacted their abilities in the field.

"We can see that they are getting the feedback from previous rotations and are getting better and trying to adjust the training process," a Ukrainian said.

"The overall experience was really good. I've got much more confidence in how to work with personnel, delivering orders, explaining what they should do and how."

An Australian Army instructor said there was a big difference from when they first arrived to when they finished the training.

"Predominantly in the orders phase, when they deliver them from start to finish, they become more confident and execute the delivery significantly better," the instructor said.

Armed Forces of Ukraine troops also appreciated skills and tactics developed in the urban environment.

"Overall the urban experience was very beneficial. We got to practise everything we already know about urban and learnt new tactics," a Ukrainian said.

"It has been a very great experience with our partner forces. They are very professional instructors.

"It felt as if we had known each other our whole lives."

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Ukraine - Air Delivered Munitions

NEWS | Aug. 28, 2025

Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov

Transmittal No. 25-46

WASHINGTON, August 28, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of Air Delivered Munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $825 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.

The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy up to three thousand three hundred fifty (3,350) Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles and three thousand three hundred fifty (3,350) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM), Y-Code, or M-Code. The following non-MDE items will be included: missile containers; stoker pylons; component parts and support equipment; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; weapons software and support equipment; mission planning system hardware; classified software delivery and support; classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; transportation support; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $825 million.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

This proposed sale will improve Ukraine's capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Ukraine will use funding from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway and Foreign Military Financing from the United States for this purchase. The ERAM is an example of working together with our NATO allies to develop a capable and scalable system capable of being delivered on a fast timeline.

The principal contractors will be Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Ukraine.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Political-Military Affairs Outreach, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna's Meeting with Wadephul: We Will Continue Pressuring Russia to Negotiate

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

28.08.2025 | 15:20

Today, August 28, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna met with Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who is on a visit to Estonia. They discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine, strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense posture, and advancing bilateral relations between Estonia and Germany.

"Estonia and Germany share a multifaceted and strong relationship, and today's visit is a good confirmation of that. We are allies in NATO, cooperate closely in the European Union and in several regional initiatives. Through participation in the air policing mission in Amari and troops stationed in Lithuania, Germany directly secures peace and security in our region," said Foreign Minister Tsahkna.

Speaking about Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Tsahkna noted that in recent months diplomatic efforts have been made to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and Germany has played a key role in maintaining European and transatlantic unity.

"Unfortunately, Russia's ongoing attacks against Ukraine prove that it has not abandoned its goal of destroying Ukraine and rearranging the security order in Europe to suit its own interests. This means one thing only - supporters of Ukraine must continue everything that has already been done. Above all, this means strong military support for Ukraine and economic pressure on Russia. Swift progress with the EU's 19th sanctions package and the use of Russia's frozen assets are key in this regard," Tsahkna said.

According to the Foreign Minister, Russia remains the most serious and long-term security threat to the entire NATO alliance. "To successfully address the threats and challenges facing the alliance, close transatlantic cooperation and strengthening Europe's deterrence and defense posture are essential. Germany has recently made principled decisions to increase defense investments, which strengthen not only Germany's security but that of the entire NATO," Tsahkna said.

During his visit to Estonia, the German Foreign Minister also met with President Alar Karis and spoke at the conference of Estonian foreign missions' heads at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires over last night's attacks on Kyiv

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

28.08.2025 | 17:15

Today, August 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires to deliver a note of protest regarding last night's extensive and deadly Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv.

The protest note delivered by the Ministry to the Russian diplomat highlighted the brutal targeting of civilian infrastructure and civilians, which resulted in the deaths of several children, as well as violations of the Vienna Convention.

"According to Ukrainian sources, at least 18 people were killed in today's attack, four of them children. The youngest victim was only two years old. This was a deliberate attack by Putin on civilians. At a time when Europe and the United States are making efforts together with Ukraine to end the war and achieve lasting peace, Putin clearly demonstrates that he has not abandoned his goals and continues to commit war crimes and kill civilians, including children," said Tsahkna. "Putin's participation in the Alaska meeting was merely a hypocritical way to evade new sanctions. But it is clear that peace is not being sought with 31 missiles and 598 attack drones," added the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"In addition to other civilian targets, the attack also damaged the European Union Delegation building and the British Council building. The targeting of diplomatic facilities is a clear and cruel violation of the Vienna Convention," said Tsahkna.

Among other countries, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom also summoned the Russian senior diplomat today.

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Statement by President von der Leyen: Russia's strikes on Kyiv will only strengthen Europe's unity and Ukraine's defiance

European Commission

Statement

Aug 28, 2025

Brussels

I am outraged by the attack on Kyiv, also hitting our EU office. This was the deadliest drone and missile attack on the capital since July. As you can see behind me on the screen, it was an attack also on our Delegation. I just spoke with our deputy ambassador and am relieved that none of our staff were harmed.

Last night's attack struck in close proximity of the diplomatic mission, the representation of our Union. Two missiles hit in a distance of 50 metres of the Delegation within 20 seconds. This is another grim reminder of what is at stake. It shows that the Kremlin will stop at nothing to terrorise Ukraine, blindly killing civilians - men, women and children and even targeting the European Union.

This is why we are keeping maximum pressure on Russia. That means tightening our sanction regime. We will come forward soon with our 19th package of hard-biting sanctions. In parallel, we are advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine's defence and reconstruction. And of course we are ensuring strong, unwavering support to Ukraine, our neighbour, partner, friend, and future Member.

Tomorrow I will travel to the seven Member States that are strengthening and protecting our external borders with Russia and Belarus. I want to express the EU's full solidarity with them and share the progress we are making in building a strong European defence industry, especially through our joint defence instrument SAFE.

Finally, I want to thank our brave staff in the EU delegation in Ukraine. They are doing outstanding work under extremely difficult conditions. I will deliver this message to them in person when I next travel to Kyiv.

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European, US, UN Leaders Condemn Latest Russian Strikes On Ukraine

By Merhat Sharipzhan August 28, 2025

European, US, and UN leaders condemned Russia's overnight missile and drone barrage against Kyiv, with Britain and the European Union summoning Russian diplomats to express outrage.

At least 21 people were killed in Kyiv as Russian missiles destroyed apartment blocks and homes in the capital overnight on August 28. Dozens of people were injured and rescuers picked through piles of smoldering debris looking for survivors.

The barrage was the largest to hit Kyiv in weeks, the latest sign that Russia does not intend to pull back from its attacks, either on the battlefield or on civilian targets.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would soon adopt a new package of sanctions, the 19th since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

"In parallel, we are advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. And of course, we are ensuring strong, unwavering support to Ukraine, our neighbor, partner, friend, and future Member," von der Leyen said in a statement.

She later wrote on social media that she had talked with US President Donald Trump about the deadly strikes.

Hours later, US special envoy Keith Kellogg also condemned the attack, saying it targeted "not soldiers or weapons" but residential areas.

Kellogg added that Russia's overnight strikes undermined Trump's peace efforts. "These egregious attacks threaten the peace that [Trump] is pursuing," he wrote on social media.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a press conference that the US president "was not happy," adding that Trump will issue an additional statement on the matter later.

The United States later announced that the State Department had approved the potential sale of air-delivered munitions and related equipment to Ukraine for about $825 million.

EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said she had summoned the Russian ambassador in Brussels after the strike on Kyiv damaged the EU delegation's offices. "No diplomatic mission should ever be a target. In response, we are summoning the Russian envoy in Brussels," Kallas wrote on X.

UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres said on X that he condemned "the overnight missile and drone attack by Russia on Ukrainian cities."

"Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must end immediately. I renew my call for a full, immediate & unconditional ceasefire that results in a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine," he added.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the strikes as "senseless" and accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of sabotaging prospects for peace.

"My thoughts are with all those affected by the senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv, which have damaged the British Council building. Putin is killing children and civilians, and sabotaging hopes of peace," Starmer said.

Sky News reported that Britain's Foreign Office will summon the Russian ambassador to lodge a formal protest.

French President Emmanuel Macron also reacted sharply, calling the overnight assault a brutal act of state terror.

"This is Russia's idea of peace. Terror and barbarism. More than a dozen dead, including children. Residential areas and civilian infrastructures were deliberately targeted...France condemns these senseless and cruel attacks in the strongest possible terms," he said in a message on social media.

The assault came nearly two weeks after a major summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump aimed at finding a halt to Moscow's 42-month-old invasion of Ukraine.

That was followed by talks in Washington between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders, which ended with a call for Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with Zelenskyy.

While Zelenskyy has made it clear he is ready for talks, Moscow has stalled.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/european-union- britain-france-condemnation-airstrike-russia- ukrtaine-casulaties-war/33515529.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.

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Russian Missiles, Drones Batter Ukrainian Sites; At Least 21 Killed, Dozens Wounded In Kyiv

By RFE/RL August 28, 2025

Summary

Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, hitting Kyiv and other areas with drones and missiles, killing at least 21 and injuring dozens.

Ukraine's air force reported nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles were used, hitting 13 locations and causing debris in 26 others.

President Zelenskyy called for stronger international sanctions and urged nations like China and Hungary to respond to civilian casualties.

Ukrainian drones retaliated by targeting Russian oil refineries and infrastructure, causing fires and fuel shortages in several regions.

KYIV -- Russia fired hundreds of drones and missile at targets across Ukraine, destroying apartment blocks and homes in the capital and elsewhere. At least 21 people were reported killed, and dozens injured.

The August 28 barrage was the largest to hit Kyiv in weeks, the latest sign that Russia does not intend to pull back from its attacks, either on the battlefield or on civilian targets.

The assault also comes nearly two weeks after a major summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump aimed at finding a halt to Moscow's 42-month-old invasion of Ukraine.

At least 21 people were confirmed dead and more than three dozen wounded, according to Kyiv military administration head Tymur Tkachenko

Rescuers picked through piles of smoking rubble looking for survivors, and officials warned the casualty toll was likely to rise.

One of the worst-hit sites was in Kyiv's Darnytsya district, where a section of a five-story residential building was directly hit.

In Kyiv and Kyiv region, August 29 was declared a day of mourning to honor the airstrikes' victims.

Large-Scale Attack

Ukraine's air force said the overnight attack included nearly 600 kamikaze and decoy drones, along with 31 missiles, including ballistic and cruise missiles. Some of the missiles were launched by aircraft.

At least 13 locations across the country were hit, with debris falling on 26 more locations.

The Kyiv bureau of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service was damaged, meanwhile, after two missiles hit civilian buildings a short distance away. Some windows were shattered, and equipment damaged.

"Those bearing witness to events in Ukraine should never be harmed. While the RFE/RL offices sustained damage, we are fortunate it appears no staff members were injured," said RFE/RL President Stephen Capus.

"Rest assured our journalists will continue their vital work. Our thoughts are with the families of those who were killed and injured in these attacks and Ukraine's first responders."

The attacks also damaged offices of the British Council and the EU Delegation in the Ukrainian capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleaded for tougher international sanctions against Russia.

"It is already past time for new, strong sanctions against Russia for everything it is doing. Deadlines have been missed, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy have been ruined," Zelenskyy said in social media posts.

Zelenskyy urged countries like China and Hungary, both of which have called for peace initiatives, to respond to the civilian casualties.

On The Battlefield

Across the 1,100-kilometer front line, Russian forces have continued to grind down outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian defenses.

Russian troops recently broke through Ukrainian lines northeast of the city of Pokrovsk, forcing Ukrainian commanders to redeploy some of their most experienced units to contain offensive.

"This is Russia's traditional position and course of action," Yuri Fedorov, an independent military expert, told Current Time. "While it's possible to look for a connection between Russia's actions -- such as the insane shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities -- and diplomatic developments surrounding Ukraine, Moscow is clearly continuing an established strategy, albeit unsuccessfully."

Despite the intensified negotiations from Trump and Putin, both Ukraine and Russia have continued to batter one another with aerial assaults.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) announced in a statement on August 28 that Ukrainian forces had struck a Russian Buyan-M class missile corvette in the Sea of Azov. The vessel, a small missile ship equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, was reportedly operating near Russian-occupied Crimea when it came under attack.

Shortly after Kyiv's announcement, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its forces destroyed a Ukrainian reconnaissance ship during overnight strikes in the Danube estuary, in Ukraine's Odesa region.

Ukrainian drones targeted oil refineries in Russia's Krasnodar and Samara regions overnight, igniting fires at two plants. Ukrainian drones also struck a railway station in Samara, causing delays but no casualties.

Ukraine's targeting of oil refineries and pipelines has contributed to scattered shortages of gasoline in several Russian regions, with reports of widespread outages as far away as the Pacific region of Primorye.

With reporting by Current Time, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, and Sky News

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-saudi-switzerland- russia-witkoff-ceasefire/33514806.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.

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UK summons Russian Ambassador following Russian strikes on Kyiv overnight

Press release

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has summoned the Russian Ambassador following the abhorrent strikes on Kyiv overnight which killed many Ukrainian civilians and damaged the British Council and EU Delegation offices.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 28 August 2025

A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Spokesperson said:

The UK condemns in the strongest terms these outrageous attacks on Ukrainians and the damage done to the British Council and EU Delegation. Russia's increasing attacks on Ukrainian civilians and cities, including Kyiv, are an escalation of the war and deeply irresponsible and are further sabotaging international peace efforts. We have made clear to the Russians that such actions will only harden UK and Western resolve to support Ukraine and bring an end to this unjustified war. Russia must stop this senseless killing and destruction immediately.

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Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the massive Russian shelling of Ukraine

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

28 August 2025 14:51

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the latest massive terrorist shelling of Ukraine carried out by the Russian Federation on the night of 28 August 2025.

The Russian aggressor struck Ukraine using 629 airborne weapons, namely: 598 Shahed strike drones and various types of UAV simulators, two Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, nine Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, and 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles.

The strikes destroyed residential buildings and killed at least 15 people, including four children, and wounded at least 38 people. The youngest child killed was not even three years old. She was born under Russian shelling in October 2022 and died from Russian shelling in August 2025.

The death and injury of children is the most serious crime, which requires the most severe punishment. The international community cannot remain a silent witness to the murder of children by Russian criminals. Every country, every leader, every international organization must respond decisively to this barbarism with a principled public position and concrete actions.

The latest massive terrorist shelling of Ukraine proves that the Russian Federation completely disregards the efforts of the international community to restore comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Putin's disregard for the peace process initiated by US President Donald Trump is particularly cynical. Putin refuses to hold a direct meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and demonstrates his unwillingness to take real steps towards a diplomatic settlement. The Russian Federation is once again showing the world that it remains the only obstacle to peace.

Russia is a terrorist state, and we call on all states and international organizations to clearly record this status.

We would like to emphasize that during the attack, Russia damaged the building of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine. This is a gross violation of the fundamental principles of international law, in particular the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and an unacceptable attack on a diplomatic building. Such actions require strong condemnation and an appropriate response from the entire international community.

We urge all states of the world to condemn yet another act of Russian terror against Ukraine and the intentional killing of civilians, especially children, by Russian troops, and to take practical steps to stop these atrocities.

We expect a strong, concrete response from the entire international community, including countries of Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region, which have repeatedly called for peace, restraint, and a ceasefire to make the Russian Federation stop the killings.

We also call on the participants of the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on 31 August - 1 September to express their clear position on this attack and to show that they respect the principles of international law, do not tolerate Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and the killing of Ukrainian children.

We urge our partners to immediately provide Ukraine with additional air defence capabilities to protect Ukrainian airspace, long-range strike capabilities to target Russian military facilities used by the aggressor to launch attacks against our state, and additional military aid packages.

We call for increased pressure on the Russian Federation. This includes the introduction of additional powerful sanctions, including the swift adoption of the European Union's 19th sanctions package, the complete disconnection of the Russian Federation from international financial systems, and sanctions against the oil tanker "shadow fleet"; the introduction of powerful tariffs that will strike a blow to the Russian military economy and make it impossible for Russia to continue financing the war; the strengthening of personal sanctions against the Russian military and political leadership, making it impossible to circumvent sanctions.

We must recognize that the Russian Federation is openly ignoring all peace efforts and only intensifying its terror. A complete and unconditional ceasefire remains the most effective step for successful diplomacy on the path to peace.

As long as Moscow continues to respond to the world's peace initiatives with such missile strikes, only the "peace through strength" approach can end the war. Such a policy involves supporting Ukraine and exerting diplomatic, economic, and military pressure on Russia. It is precisely this approach that can force Putin to stop the terror and sit down at the negotiating table to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

We emphasize that effective, legally binding, and reliable security guarantees for Ukraine are necessary to prevent a recurrence of aggression.

We also stress the importance of punishing the aggressor, including the conviction of the senior political leadership of the Russian Federation by the Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Restoring respect for international law, in particular the UN Charter, an integral part of which is respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, will send a signal to the world that aggression is not rewarded but punished.

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Andrii Sybiha comments on another Russian attack on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

28 August 2025 09:12

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "We insist on strong international reactions to Russia's brutal strike on Kyiv and other cities. Russia killed at least 8 people, including a child, and targeted civilian infrastructure. Whatever Putin said in Alaska, his real actions reject diplomacy, dialogue, and peace efforts.

During the night strike, Russia also targeted diplomatsin direct breach of the Vienna convention. The EU mission to Ukraine was damaged. This requires not only the EU's, but worldwide condemnation. We express solidarity with our EU colleagues and are ready to provide assistance.

This is a residential home in Kyiv ruined by Russia. People may still be under the rubble. This horrific sight proves that Putin will only stop when faced with pressure and strength. We urge public condemnation and action: new sanctions on Russia and strengthening for Ukraine".

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Leaders of Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Denmark Held a Coordination Online Meeting

President of Ukraine

28 August 2025 - 23:36

Today's Russian attack on Ukraine is Vladimir Putin's response to the world's calls to stop the war, which is why it is crucial to increase pressure on Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a coordination online meeting attended by President of Poland Karol Nawrocki, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics, President of Estonia Alar Karis, and Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. They joined the conversation from Warsaw.

The leaders expressed their condolences over the Russian attack on civilian facilities on Thursday night.

The Head of State reported that as a result of this Russian strike, 19 people were killed in Kyiv alone, including four children. Dozens of others are currently in hospitals. The search and rescue operation is still ongoing, with all relevant services working on the ground, providing assistance, and addressing the aftermath of the strike.

Russia used nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles, including ballistic ones. Many buildings were destroyed or damaged, including the offices of the European Union and the British Council in Ukraine, as well as the Embassy of Azerbaijan.

"This is Putin's response to the world's calls to stop the war. Russia refused to stop the killing - they even said "no" to President Trump. We're seeing negative signals from Russia regarding a possible leaders' summit. Honestly, we think Putin is still interested only in continuing this war. That's exactly why we need new strong pressure on Russia - tough sanctions, strong tariffs, both from Europe and from America," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The President separately highlighted the importance of security guarantees. He stressed that a strong Ukrainian army must be the foundation, including long-term funding for the Ukrainian military, arms deliveries, and weapons production.

"When we talk about security guarantees, we need clear answers - who will help us defend on the ground, in the air, and at sea if Russia comes again. And how exactly you can take part - I'm asking you to define your role," the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the United States is ready to stand with Europe in providing security guarantees, and that it is therefore important for everyone to define their contribution.

"We agreed with President Trump that America will be part of the security guarantees. That's good, and this is an extremely important decision. President Trump believes that Europeans should take the lead, but America is ready to be involved and help coordinate the process," the President emphasized.

Karol Nawrocki noted that he had analyzed the economic situation in Russia, which shows that the sanctions are working. He added that he will discuss this with the U.S. President during his visit to Washington next week. The President of Poland also emphasized that no decisions about Ukraine can be made without Ukraine.

Gitanas Nauseda stressed that everyone understands the Russian ruler does not want peace. His actions show that he is trying to occupy as much territory as possible. According to the President of Lithuania, the only way to achieve peace is through strength, including sanctions.

Alar Karis supported the idea that there should be a detailed outline of what each country will specifically do to guarantee security for Ukraine, noting that this will allow progress to be made.

Edgars Rinkevics underlined that it is very important to increase pressure on Russia and introduce new sanctions. He added that Latvian military experts are involved in joint efforts within the Coalition of the Willing.

Mette Frederiksen noted that it has been nearly two weeks since the meeting in Washington, yet there are no signs that the Russian side is genuinely ready for leader-level talks. Therefore, in her view, it is now crucial to increase pressure on Russia. The Danish Prime Minister also highlighted the results of the Danish model and the capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry. According to Mette Frederiksen, Ukraine can produce much more, which is why it is important to secure the necessary funding.

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Defense Cooperation and Security Guarantees: Pavlo Palisa Met with the New and Former Defense Attaches of the British Embassy in Ukraine

President of Ukraine

28 August 2025 - 23:17

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Pavlo Palisa met with David Teasdale, the new Defense Attache of the British Embassy in Ukraine, and his predecessor Peter Cracroft.

Continuing the discussions initiated during the President of Ukraine's meeting with the Chief of the Defense Staff of the United Kingdom, the parties focused on the development of security guarantees, including defense planning.

Pavlo Palisa thanked the United Kingdom for its assistance, which significantly strengthens Ukraine's defense capabilities. He also emphasized that Ukraine is ready to share its combat experience and technologies with its partners. Such cooperation, he noted, can equally strengthen both Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

Special attention was given to the consequences of last night's Russian strike on Kyiv, particularly the damage inflicted on the British Council office. The Deputy Head of the Presidential Office stressed that such attacks demonstrate Russia's desire to destroy symbols of international presence and partnership in Ukraine. The British side condemned the Russian attack and expressed condolences to all Ukrainians who lost their loved ones in the strike.

The conversation also covered the ongoing work on security guarantees. The participants agreed that the time has come to move toward practical steps, noting that a ceasefire is a necessary stage for the practical implementation of the plans developed so far. It was also agreed that the proposals must be thoroughly prepared and coordinated with all partners.

Additionally, they discussed the Interflex training program, which plays a significant role in training Ukrainian warriors. The parties explored ways to improve and update the program.

"I am confident that cooperation with the United Kingdom will continue to evolve, and the new attache will successfully continue this important mission," said Pavlo Palisa.

The British side reaffirmed its full support for Ukraine and emphasized that the change of the Defense Attache would in no way affect the level of this support.

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Address by the President of Ukraine at a Coordination Online Meeting with the Leaders of Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Denmark

President of Ukraine

28 August 2025 - 23:10

Thank you so much.

Karol,

Dear friends - Gitanas, Edgars, Alar, dear Mette,

I'm glad to see you all.

Today in Ukraine, rescue operations continued all day after a Russian strike. A very brutal attack - in Kyiv alone, 19 people were killed, including 4 children, and many - dozens - wounded. There were nearly 600 drones, 31 missiles, including ballistic ones. Kyiv was hit hardest. Many buildings were destroyed or damaged. That includes the offices of the EU and the British Council in Ukraine, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan. And this, you know, is a very telling strike. This is Putin's response to the world's calls to stop the war. Russia refused to stop the killing - they even said "no" to President Trump.

We're seeing negative signals from Russia regarding a possible leaders' summit.

Honestly, we think Putin is still interested only in continuing this war. That's exactly why we need new strong pressure on Russia - tough sanctions, strong tariffs, both from Europe and from America.

Karol, Mr. President, you'll be in Washington, as you said, and that matters.

It's important that President Trump sees we in Europe are united in our determination to end the war and ready to work together to bring the war to an end and ensure security. We agreed with President Trump that America will be part of the security guarantees. That's good, and this is an extremely important decision. President Trump believes that Europeans should take the lead, but America is ready to be involved and help coordinate the process.

Our NSAs actively work - I hope all your countries will join this effort. We need solid and real security guarantees and a shared understanding that Putin deserves more pressure. So, I think it's important that we send united signals.

If Putin has agreed to a bilateral or trilateral, then we must keep the pressure on - to make it happen. Only at the level of leaders can the war truly be ended.

When we were in Washington, President Trump and I agreed - just a couple more weeks, and it's time to act. This Monday will be two weeks since our meeting.

Putin has not done what he said. It's time to move. We need a strong joint signal. And it would really help if that signal also came from you, dear friends.

America is ready to stand with Europe - they underlined it - in providing security guarantees, so Europe must not miss this opportunity - it should define real foundations for joint action.

We all agree that the Ukrainian army will be the foundation of future security. This includes long-term funding for the Ukrainian military, arms deliveries, and weapons production.

So our lines of cooperation must remain active, and that includes the Danish model - thank you, Mette, again - and all the ways you're involved in weapons production in Ukraine. And I'm truly grateful to the Baltic States. Our joint logistics effort with Poland also plays a critical role.

And when we talk about security guarantees, we need clear answers - who will help us defend on the ground, in the air, and at sea if Russia comes again. And how exactly you can take part - I'm asking you to define your role.

In the end, the U.S. and President Trump will also expect this from you - that every country in Europe clearly defines its contribution. And, of course, I ask you to think about it.

And I think that next week, we can have some details. The NSAs will prepare the basic infrastructure for security guarantees. It's difficult, because our military guys, today they had a meeting again online. I think that without meeting at the level of leaders, we will not have it. To my mind, what I see, I hear a lot each day. Then I've had meetings with some chiefs of armies, Admiral Radakin came from the UK, etc. And really, I think that next week we can put on the table the basic infrastructure and then see the role for every country that is in the Coalition of the Willing. It's not about three countries or five countries, you know them, E3, E5, etc. It's about our 30 countries. We need all the countries on our side.

Thank you!

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Russia Is Now Striking at Everyone in the World Who Seeks Peace - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

28 August 2025 - 20:14

Fellow Ukrainians!

All day today, rescue operations continued at several locations in Kyiv as debris was cleared after the Russian strike. It was one of the largest strikes. Nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles were launched, including ballistic ones. As of now, there are reports of 19 people killed in Kyiv - four of them children. My condolences go out to all their families and loved ones. This strike clearly shows that Russia's goals have not changed. They want war - and they are striking not only our people, not only our cities and communities. Russia is now striking at everyone in the world who seeks peace. It is a strike against Ukraine. It is a strike against Europe. And it is also a strike by Russia against President Trump, and against other global actors. In Washington, we heard that Putin is supposedly ready to end the war - to meet at the leaders' level and resolve key issues. But instead, he chooses ballistics over any real steps toward peace. He kills children in order not to talk about when and how peace will come. The problem is that he is not afraid to strike even against the leaders he makes promises to. And it is not only about the President of America. It concerns the countries that still trade with Putin - countries like China, or India, others in Asia, Latin America. With such strikes and such killings, Russia is simply drawing them into being its accomplices. Today, there were many principled reactions to this Russian evil - condolences to our people, our country. European leaders are principled in this, as are civil leaders and politicians in many countries. I am grateful to everyone in America who now felt how inhuman this strike is, and what desire for war stands behind it. Now, when everyone is trying so hard to end the war, Russia strikes ordinary houses, an ordinary city, deliberately, with swarms of drones, and then deliberately adds missiles, just to cause even more destruction. Kharkiv is suffering the same. Sumy. Kherson. Zaporizhzhia. Our cities and communities. A clear response of the world to this evil is needed. There are no deadlines that Putin would not break. There are no diplomatic opportunities that would not be ruined because of Russia. Strong steps are needed. I thank everyone who understands this. Sanctions are needed. Tariffs are needed against those who sponsor this war in one way or another.

Today, I spoke with Ursula von der Leyen - in particular about the new sanctions package and the coordination of our diplomatic efforts. I also spoke with President Erdogan of Turkiye - specifically about how this Russian strike, at this very moment and with such brutality, proves that Putin respects none of the promises he has made. The world must compel him to keep his promises, compel him to end the war. I also had a conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Guterres in the context of his preparations for meetings within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which will be held in China. Unfortunately, it looks as though China is allowing Russia to wage this war. Despite many statements from China that the war must not expand and that a ceasefire is needed, no real strong steps have been taken. The global actors must be persuaded to act. The end of the war is possible - possible thanks to strength, strength and not words. Thanks to the strength of pressure on the only one who continues the strikes and drags out any settlement. Russia kills every day. Therefore, every day they must feel the pain for what they are doing. And this is possible. The world's sanctions. Tariffs. Support for Ukraine. Our strong army. Our ability to defend lives and respond powerfully to the Russian war machine. Eternal memory to all whom the Russian state has killed.

Rescuers of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, emergency crews, utility workers, medics, police officers - everyone who is needed, in every city of our country, in every community, helping people and protecting lives. Thank you. We thank all our warriors - each and every one standing in defense of Ukraine and Ukrainians. Thank you to everyone in the world who stands with us.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Recep Tayyip Erdogan Discussed Negotiations in the Leaders' Format, Security Guarantees, and Russian Strikes on Ukraine

President of Ukraine

28 August 2025 - 18:15

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Head of State thanked him for supporting Ukraine and its people, and for the constant readiness and commitment to help achieve a genuine peace.

The leaders exchanged views on the current situation and the next diplomatic steps. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is ready to engage in the format of leaders, as this is the only effective format. Unfortunately, it is Russia that avoids this and continues its war.

The President of Ukraine informed President Erdogan about the consequences of last night's Russian strike on Ukraine. The Russians launched more than 30 missiles and around 600 drones. As a result of the attack, 17 people were killed, including four children. Dozens of others remain in critical condition, with doctors currently fighting for their lives. Strikes hit a Turkish enterprise, the Embassy of Azerbaijan, the EU Delegation, the British Council, and residential areas.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that this is the Russian leader's response to all the efforts by Ukraine, the United States, and European partners to stop the killings. That is why pressure is needed - through sanctions, tariffs, and political measures. The Head of State added that Ukraine is counting on strong steps.

The two sides also had a detailed discussion about security guarantees. The President of Ukraine informed that national security advisors are working on every specific component and that the entire framework will be set out on paper next week. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he is involving his Minister of Defense in the process to explore how Turkiye can contribute to ensuring security, particularly in the Black Sea. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the assistance.

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Support for Ukraine, Tougher Sanctions Against Russia, and Work on Security Guarantees: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Had a Call with Ursula von der Leyen

President of Ukraine

28 August 2025 - 17:52

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences and solidarity with the Ukrainian people in connection with last night's Russian strike on Ukraine. The Head of State thanked her for the support and emphasized that it was one of the largest attacks on Ukraine, with Kyiv as the main target. The search and rescue operation in the capital is still ongoing.

The leaders discussed diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping Russian aggression and ensuring real security for Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that until Russia takes real steps toward peace, the pressure on it must continue to increase.

The President of the European Commission spoke about the preparation of the European Union's 19th package of sanctions and coordination with other partners.

Special attention was given to European integration and the importance of simultaneously opening the negotiating cluster for Ukraine and Moldova. Ukraine expects a positive decision on this in the near future.

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Four children reportedly killed in wave of deadly attacks on Kyiv, Ukraine

UNICEF

Statement

Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Regina De Dominicis

28 August 2025

GENEVA/KYIV, 28 August 2025 - "A wave of deadly attacks hit Kyiv during the early hours of this morning - reportedly killing four children, including a toddler. At least 10 children were reportedly injured. The children were at home in their beds, trying to sleep.

"Once again, the lives of children have been cut short. Once again, families face a lifetime of mourning. And once again, injured children and those exposed to such horrors must now embark on a long journey to recovery.

"This morning, my colleagues in Kyiv saw the remnants of children's lives - clothes, toys and shoes - strewn across the pavement of the impacted residential area in the capital's Darnytskyi suburb.

"A kindergarten was also reportedly damaged, just a week before the new school year begins. Instead of the hope and joy that should come with the opening of class, schoolchildren continue to live with incessant fear, not knowing when and where the next attack may strike.

"We extend our condolences to the families of the victims, and all affected, and call again for an unconditional ceasefire and peace for every child."

"UNICEF and our local partners are supporting affected families, including through psychosocial support and cash assistance to at least help start the recovery process for households who have lost everything.

"Attacks with explosive weapons on populated areas must end, and the sanctity of children's lives must be protected.

#####

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Ukraine: Toddler among four children killed in Russia's attacks on Kyiv

28 August 2025 - Russia's latest deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities overnight including the capital, Kyiv, left four children dead and dozens injured, UN aid agencies reported on Thursday.

The youngest victim of the bombing raid was two-and-a-half years old, according to the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, which released video footage showing smoke billowing from a Kyiv apartment block with a massive hole where its roof had been.

Leading condemnation of the attacks, the UN Secretary-General said that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure violated international humanitarian law. [They] are "unacceptable and must end immediately", followed by a ceasefire resulting in a "just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine", he insisted, in a statement issued by his Spokesperson.

Eyewitness testimony

Speaking to UN News after visiting the shattered building and its residents, UNICEF Representative, Munir Mammadzade, insisted that nowhere in Ukraine is safe today. The air-raid alert in Kyiv lasted almost 12 hours, he noted.

The senior UN official also condemned the "continuous attacks" reportedly involving ballistic missiles and drones by Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

"I'm just back from one of the sites that were impacted, severely...and still, the search and rescue operation is continuing," he said, adding that clothes, toys and shoes lay strewn across the pavement of the impacted residential area in the capital's Darnytskyi suburb. "Across the city, there were four kids confirmed killed and more than 10 injured; most likely these numbers will go up," he added.

Media reports indicated further damage to civilian infrastructure including Ukraine's railways. Russian attacks have also continued closer to the front line, targeting key energy infrastructure ahead of winter, Mr. Mammadzade warned.

Winter is main threat

In Kyiv and in frontline areas, plummeting temperatures are "the biggest challenge", the UNICEF senior official insisted, in an appeal to donors and partners to support the UN agency's winterization plan by contributing more to its Ukraine humanitarian fund, which faces a 40 per cent funding shortfall.

People within 10 kilometres (around six miles) of the front line "require immediate support", the UNICEF official said, so that "families and children can survive and most importantly, have their livelihoods protected".

Back to school

The development comes as the country's children prepare to return to school against a backdrop of ever-present air-raid sirens that are "becoming kind of a norm", even if the impact of the war on many youngsters' mental health is as serious as it is common.

"We know that even if war ends today, [it] will be for generations to come," Mr. Mammadzade explained, pointing to sudden mood swings linked to post-traumatic stress and feelings of hopelessness among children he has met in frontline areas including Donetsk, Sumy and Kharkiv.

According to UNICEF a kindergarten was also reportedly damaged in the latest attacks.

"What they basically fear the most is about their lives and unfortunately, quite often, they mention to us that they don't have dreams or any hopes," the UN agency official continued. "What they only need is peace - and this peace to happen as soon as possible - so that they can go back to normalcy."

In his renewed call for a ceasefire, the Secretary-General insisted that it should fully uphold Ukraine's "sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions".

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Zelenskyy Calls Russian Strike An 'Attack On Trump,' As Senior Aides Head To US

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 29, 2025

KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia's missile and drone attack on Kyiv, which killed at least 21 people, "a strike by Russia" against US President Donald Trump, who himself was "not happy" about the assault, the White House said.

"Russia is now striking at everyone in the world who wants peace," Zelenskyy said on August 28 in his nightly video address.

"It is a strike against Ukraine...And it is also a strike by Russia against President Trump," who has grown increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress toward a cease-fire and has threatened Moscow with new sanctions and tariffs.

"We heard in Washington that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is supposedly ready to end the war...But instead, he chooses ballistics over any real steps toward peace," Zelenskyy added.

Zelenskyy said he expects a framework for security guarantees for Ukraine to be outlined as soon as next week. European allies have vowed to provide Ukraine with measures to ensure security in the event of a cease-fire, with possible US involvement as well.

Zelenskiy told a group of European leaders in a virtual meeting that it was "important that President Trump sees we in Europe are united in our determination to end the war."

Meanwhile, the White House said Trump was unhappy about the Russia strikes overnight on August 27-28 that also injured dozens of people throughout the Ukrainian capital.

"He was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised. These are two countries that have been at war for a very long time," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told a news briefing.

European, US, and UN leaders condemned the overnight barrage against Kyiv, with Britain and the European Union summoning Russian diplomats to express outrage.

Senior Ukrainian leaders were scheduled to meet with Trump's special envoy, Steven Witkoff, in New York to discuss additional ways to help Ukraine to defend itself and on efforts end the war.

Apartment Blocks Destroyed

At least 21 people were killed in Kyiv as Russian missiles destroyed apartment blocks and homes in the capital. Dozens of people were injured and rescuers picked through piles of smoldering debris looking for survivors.

One of the worst-hit sites was in Kyiv's Darnytsya district, where a section of a five-story residential building was directly hit.

In Kyiv and Kyiv region, August 29 was declared a day of mourning to honor the airstrike victims.

The barrage was the largest to hit Kyiv in weeks, the latest sign that Russia does not intend to pull back from its attacks, either on the battlefield or on civilian targets.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would soon adopt a new package of sanctions, the 19th since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The UN Security Council set an emergency meeting on the air strikes for the afternoon of August 29 at the request of Ukraine and the five European Council members  Britain, France, Slovenia, Denmark, and Greece.

US Approves Sale Of ERAM Missiles

Separately, the Pentagon said the State Department had approved a potential sale of air-launched cruise missiles and related equipment to Ukraine for some $825 million.

The Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles in the package have a range of "several hundred" miles, according to one of the manufacturers.

The potential sale is being funded by Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands under the Jump Start program, with additional funding through the US Foreign Military Financing program, a person familiar with the deal told Reuters.

With reporting by Reuters and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-trump- zelenskyy-putin-ceasefire/33515789.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.

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WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCMKTS: EGRX) (the Company or Eagle) today announced that it has agreed to appoint Abhinav Abi Jain as an independent member of its Board of Directors, subject to customary onboarding procedures. Mr. Jain will be a Class III director with an initial term expiring at the Companys 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and serve on the Boards Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. In connection with Mr. Jains planned appointment, Eagle entered into a cooperation agreement (the Agreement) with Nantahala Capital Management, LLC (together with its affiliates, Nantahala), a holder of approximately 38% of the Companys outstanding shares. Pursuant to the Agreement, Eagle has also agreed to appoint a second new independent director to the Board of Directors no later than May 15, 2026.

We look forward to welcoming Abi to our Board and to benefitting from his perspectives and experiences, said Michael Graves, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle and Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. We believe Abis strategic insights will be beneficial as we continue the Companys strategy to enhance value for our stakeholders.

Mr. Jain is an Analyst at Nantahala, focused on investments in various sectors, including specialty and generic pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Nantahala in 2019, Mr. Jain was an Associate at Angelo, Gordon &Co., an alternative asset manager based in New York from 2015-2017. At Angelo, Gordon &Co., Mr. Jain focused on private equity and structured credit investments. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012 with an S.B. in Chemical-Biological Engineering and from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2019 with an M.B.A. with honors in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management.

The Agreement includes customary standstill, voting and other related provisions. A copy of the Agreement will be made available on the Investor Relations section of Eagles website.

About Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Eagle is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with research and development, clinical, manufacturing and commercial expertise. Eagle is committed to developing innovative medicines that result in meaningful improvements in patients lives. Eagles commercialized products include PEMFEXY, RYANODEX, BENDEKA, BELRAPZO, TREAKISYM (Japan), and BYFAVO and BARHEMSYS through its wholly owned subsidiary Acacia Pharma Inc. Eagles oncology and critical care pipeline includes product candidates with the potential to address underserved therapeutic areas across multiple disease states, and the company is focused on developing medicines with the potential to become part of the personalized medicine paradigm in cancer care. Additional information is available on Eagles website at www.eagleus.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or our future financial performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Words and phrases such as anticipated, forward, will, would, could, may, intend, remain, regain, maintain, potential, prepare, expected, believe, plan, seek, continue, goal, estimate, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Mr. Jains appointment to the Board of Directors and the benefits thereof, the appointment of a second new independent director and the Companys ability to enhance value for its stakeholders. All such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the Companys control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: global economic and political conditions; the Companys reliance on third parties to manufacture commercial supplies of its products and clinical supplies of its product candidates; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of the Companys or its partners product candidates and successful compliance with Federal Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; changes in the regulatory environment; the uncertainties and timing of the regulatory approval process; whether the Company can successfully market and commercialize its products; the success of the Company's relationships with its partners; changes in applicable laws and regulations; the limitations on trading of the Companys common stock related to the Companys trading on the OTC Expert Market; the impact on the price of the Companys common stock and the Companys reputation; the Companys ability to remediate material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting; the Companys ability to recruit, hire and retain key personnel; the ability of the Company to realize the anticipated benefits of its plan designed to improve operational efficiencies and realign its sales and marketing expenditures and the impacts thereof; the Companys reliance on third parties to manufacture commercial supplies of its products and clinical supplies of its product candidates; the impacts of geopolitical factors such as the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Hamas, Iran and Israel; delay in or failure to obtain regulatory approval of the Companys or its partners product candidates and successful compliance with Federal Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and other governmental regulations applicable to product approvals; changes in the regulatory environment; the uncertainties and timing of the regulatory approval process; whether the Company can successfully market and commercialize its products; the success of the Company's relationships with its partners; the outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and the risk of additional litigation and legal proceedings; the strength and enforceability of the Companys intellectual property rights or the rights of third parties; competition from other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and competition from generic entrants into the market; unexpected safety or efficacy data observed during clinical trials; clinical trial site activation or enrollment rates that are lower than expected; the risks inherent in drug development and in conducting clinical trials; risks inherent in estimates or judgments relating to the Companys critical accounting policies, or any of the Companys estimates or projections, which may prove to be inaccurate; and unanticipated factors in addition to the foregoing that may impact the Companys financial and business projections and may cause the Companys actual results and outcomes to materially differ from its estimates and projections. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Except to the extent required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
OSAKA, Japan and BOGOTA, Colombia, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To position Bogota as a leading destination for foreign investment, Invest in Bogota, with Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan, and in partnership with ProColombia, the Secretariat of Economic Development, the Office of International Relations of the Mayors and the Bogota Chamber of Commerce, is carrying out a promotion agenda in Japan. The mission includes high-level meetings with representatives from key sectors such as infrastructure, automotive, technology, video games, and international trade, multilateral cooperation organizations.

The official agenda is led by Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan, who will meet with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike to explore new avenues for bilateral cooperation, share experiences in urban planning and sustainability, open opportunities for economic, cultural, and knowledge exchange between the two capitals.

As part of the mission, the Bogota delegation will also hold strategic meetings with investment funds, industrial conglomerates, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the aim of strengthening relations between Bogota and Asiaparticularly around the Bogota Metro project.

This visit also serves as a prelude to Bogotas participation in Expo Osaka 2025, one of the worlds most important events this year, where the city will have a prominent presence as a regional platform for investment and innovation.

This mission allows us to approach strategic players in key sectors for Bogotas development, such as infrastructure and innovation. Japan values stability, talent, and commitment to sustainabilityand that is precisely what Bogota has to offer. We are here to build long-term partnerships, said Monica Sanchez, Investment Promotion Manager at Invest in Bogota.

With this campaign, Bogota reaffirms its commitment to consolidating itself as a hub for business, innovation, and international cooperation in Latin America.

About Invest in Bogota

Invest in Bogota is a public-private partnership between the Bogota Chamber of Commerce and the Capital District. Its mission is to connect the high-impact entrepreneurship ecosystem to contribute to the socio-economic development, competitiveness, and quality of life of the Bogota Region, positioning it as the preferred destination for doing business in Latin America. Click here for more information.

Invest in Bogota

Luis Alejandro Tibaduisa

+57 3176419456

Bogota, Colombia

https://es.investinbogota.org


DELAND, Florida, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stetson University has been named a national College of Distinction for the third straight year with special recognition in seven other categories, including for Business programs, Career Development and exceptional support for international students.

Colleges of Distinction, an independent national guide, evaluates schools in four key areas: engaged students, successful outcomes, great teaching and vibrant campus communities.

Through extensive research and interviews, the college guide recognized Stetson as one of the best colleges in America for 2025-2026. The university also was selected as one of the Best Colleges for Education programs and one of the Best Private Colleges, as well as a top school in Florida.

We are grateful for this prestigious honor recognizing Stetsons academic excellence and our commitment to student success, said Stetson President Christopher F. Roellke, PhD. This validation by an independent guide can help students and their families make the best choice for their investment in college.

The recognition from Colleges of Distinction follows other top ratings for Stetson. Stetson was recently named one of the Best Colleges in America for 2026 by The Princeton Review and has been ranked as a top university in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

Stetson University has crafted a campus culture where students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. Its programs reflect the kind of innovation and intentionality that prepare students for life after graduation.

Stetson provides a transformative undergraduate experience with small classes and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, allowing students to work closely with world-class faculty.

Outside the classroom, students are immersed in hands-on learning, such as internships, research and study abroad, through the Hatter Ready program. These experiences prepare them for successful careers and 93% of graduates gain employment or admission to many top graduate schools.

Our goal is to celebrate institutions that help students find their place, their purpose, and their potential. Stetson University stands out for creating an environment where students thrive not just academically, but as whole people, added Schritter with Colleges of Distinction.

Attachment
DENVER, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- STACK Infrastructure (STACK), the digital infrastructure partner to the worlds most innovative companies and a leading global developer and operator of data centers, announced today its role in Project Jupiter, a proposed next-generation data center campus in Dona Ana County. STACK is collaborating with BorderPlex Digital Assets (BorderPlex), a growth infrastructure company, on the project, which would represent one of the largest private investments in New Mexicos history and is designed to bring thousands of jobs, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in local New Mexican tax revenue, safeguard community water supplies, and meet its own power needs without impacting local ratepayers.

Were excited for the major impact this historic opportunity will have in helping our economy grow. As we continue conversations with the community, our focus remains on ensuring this investment builds a strong and sustainable future for the next generations of Dona Ana County, said Scott Andrews, Dona Ana County Manager.

The project is planned to invest up to $165 billion over its term. Project construction is projected to create more than 2,500 jobs, with at least 750 permanent high-quality jobs coming when the project is operational. Planned investments include more than $300 million in direct payments to Dona Ana County to support schools, infrastructure, and local services. All site infrastructure is structured to be privately funded, with no public money borrowed and no financial risk to county taxpayers. In keeping with STACKs Development Principles of responsible siting, local partnership, sustainability leadership, and community stewardship, Project Jupiter is designed to ensure that growth aligns with community needs.

At STACK, our responsible development principles are the foundation for every project we pursue, said Brian Cox, Chief Executive Officer, STACK Americas and STACK EMEA. With Project Jupiter, our responsibility is clear: to earn the trust of the community by building in a way that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with local priorities.

For the people of Dona Ana County, protecting safe and reliable water supplies is a top priority. Project Jupiters data centers are designed with a cooling system that requires only a one-time fill, keeping ongoing water use to a minimum. In practice, consumption would be limited to domestic needs only, similar to an office building serving 750 employees. Beyond minimizing its own use, the project includes tens of millions of dollars in planned investments in county drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, strengthening community systems and supporting long-term growth.

Growth infrastructure isnt just about powering tomorrows technology  its about putting communities first, said Lanham Napier, Chairman of BorderPlex Digital Assets. This project is deeply personal to me. For years, Ive dreamed of improving lives by creating real economic opportunity in the border region. What excites me most is that were doing this the right way: creating permanent jobs for local residents, renewing investment in critical infrastructure, and laying the foundation for clean water access in the community. Were proud to work with partners who share our vision for building infrastructure to drive economic growth and help realize the promise of Dona Ana County through responsible, community-first development.

For residents and businesses across New Mexico, reliable and affordable electricity is essential. Project Jupiter is bringing its own power, including a dedicated, on-site microgrid to power the campus independently, ensuring there is no impact on local electric bills or supply reliability. The microgrid system is designed to add new electricity generation capacity for the project itself, operate with advanced controls and real-time monitoring, and comply with the states Energy Transition Act.

Together with its community-focused water and power design, Project Jupiter represents a long-term commitment to responsible development. By creating thousands of jobs, investing in critical infrastructure, and prioritizing the protection of community resources, STACK and BorderPlex are presenting a project that aligns economic growth with the values of Dona Ana County and the state of New Mexico.

About STACK Infrastructure

STACK is a proven, trusted partner for the worlds most innovative companies, designing, developing, and operating sustainable global digital infrastructure. Backed by an unmatched record of reliable delivery and development expertise, STACK brings speed, scale, certainty, and responsibility to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.

For more information about STACK, please visit: https://www.stackinfra.com/.

About BorderPlex Digital Assets

BorderPlex Digital Assets is pioneering the development of Growth Infrastructure Campuses, combining power, water, land, industrial cooling, fiber, and compute in a single location. This unified platform is purpose-built to support innovation from data centers, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. The company's flagship campus in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, represents a new model for growth infrastructure  powering economic development and addressing critical resource challenges for the community.

Media Contact:

Sammer Khalaf

press@stackinfra.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a829c250-5752-4586-9def-55050d747aeb.
TORONTO and KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (Solar Alliance or the Company) (TSX-V: SOLR, OTC: SAENF), a leading solar energy solutions provider focused on the commercial and utility solar sectors, announces that trading of its common shares will be reinstated on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") at the opening of the market on or about September 3, 2025. This follows the successful resolution of the cease trade order issued by the British Columbia Securities Commission ("BCSC") on May 7, 2025 and revoked by the BCSC on May 22, 2025.

The Company acknowledges and appreciates the patience of its shareholders during this process and reaffirms its commitment to adhering to high standards of compliance and corporate governance.

Industry and Corporate Update

Background

The commercial solar industry has shifted significantly over the past 8 months, with the passage of US legislation signed into law earlier this month, rolling back certain tax equity incentives. This legislation, however, ended a period of extreme uncertainty, and in the immediate term, the Company expects renewed demand for solar systems as clients seek to benefit from the incentives while they continue to remain in place.

Longer term, meanwhile, the fundamentals for growth in solar energy demand remain compelling.

These include:

Capital costs for solar installations have fallen by 84% 1 over the past 15 years;

over the past 15 years; The speed at which solar generation can be constructed, relative to the available alternatives, such that in excess of 80% 2 of new generation capacity in 2024 was accounted for by solar and solar storage deployments;

of new generation capacity in 2024 was accounted for by solar and solar storage deployments; The prospect of substantially higher growth in electricity demand, over the next 5 to 10 years, from the proliferation of datacentres and AI and the consequent likely upward pressure on electricity prices; and

The delays likely to arise in the coming onstream of alternative sources of power supply  viz natural gas pipelines are operating at significant capacity constraints3 and much evidence suggests that the nuclear alternative, also, will take some years to come onstream4.

These factors are motivating corporate clients in particular, (and community solar promoters also), to look to how they can mitigate the impact of energy price increases and enhance security of power supply. In this context, solar energy and storage systems are particularly suited for collocated, onsite energy production.

Corporate

The Company has now positioned itself to execute larger scale projects and has a number of projects under development. Some of the solar projects in the Companys pipeline are of a scale of up to 5MWs in generation capacity. The procurement of such contracts would be expected to have a material positive impact on the Companys working capital and increase the financial resources available to the Company. So, while the Company continues to execute on existing projects, its business development activity, driven by the Companys acknowledged execution capability, will enable the Company to generate substantially higher revenues, profitability and cashflows than has been achievable before.

TSXV Review of Reinstatement

Pursuant to the TSXV trading reinstatement review, the Company is providing the following disclosures:

The Company closed two loans with related parties in 2023 and 2024. The Company confirms the loans were fully disclosed in the Companys financial statements. In June 2023, the Company closed a loan with a director of the Company, for a total of $137,500 (the 2023 Loan). The term of the loan was for one year from the date of each advance and bears interest at 15% per annum. As at the date hereof, the outstanding balance of the loan is $189,208 including principal and interest. In July 2024, the Company closed an unsecured short-term loan with a 10% shareholder of the Company, for a total capacity of $135,000 USD (the 2024 Loan, and together with the 2023 Loan, the Loans). The term of the loan is one year from the date of each advance and bears interest at 0% per annum. As at the date hereof, the outstanding balance of the loan is US$65,000 including principal and interest.

These Loans constituted a Related Party Transaction for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company relied upon an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101 in respect of the Loans, in reliance on Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the Loans did not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101.

The Company also announces that it has entered a consulting agreement (the Agreement) with Connect Capital Consulting Inc. (Connect Capital) of Calgary, Alberta. Under the terms of the Agreement, among other things, Connect Capital has agreed to provide certain investor relation services to the Company in accordance with Policy 3.4  Investor Relations, Promotional and Market-Making Activities of the TSXV. The Connect Capital Agreement was entered into on November 4, 2024 for an initial term until March 1, 2025, and with such agreement renewing on a monthly basis thereafter. The Company pays Connect Capital a monthly fee of $5,000 under the Connect Capital Agreement, including with respect to any extension thereto. Connect Capital is operated by Adam Woodward. As at the date of the Agreement, neither Adam Woodward nor Connect Capital Consulting Inc hold any shares of the Company and is at arm's-length to the Company. The Agreement remains subject to approval by the Exchange.

The Company announces that, further to the Companys press release dated March 6, 2025, the Company entered into an Advisory Services Agreement with Oak Hill Financial Inc. (the Oak Hill Agreement) to provide business and capital markets advisory services including investor relations services. Services are no longer being provided under the Oak Hill Agreement.

The Company notes as at March 31, 2025, it had a working capital deficiency in the amount of $3,449,974. This follows a reduction in activity consequential to the uncertainty in respect of the future of tax-based incentives. Following the signing into law of the OBBB on July 4th, that uncertainty was substantially removed and the industry was given a degree of clarity over the availability of tax-based credit incentives. The case for undertaking solar energy projects in the near term has now been significantly boosted. Following the dearth of activity in the solar market over the past two to three quarters, the Company is experiencing renewed interest in the undertaking of projects and is experiencing indications of an accelerated level of activity. The board of directors of the Company anticipates that the Companys declared focus on the larger commercial and industrial (C&I) sector will, in the short to medium term, assist in remedying the deficit. The execution of C&I projects of a scale of 2MWs to 5MWs, has the potential to give rise to increased revenues which would greatly strengthen the Companys working capital position. The Company has several of such projects in its pipeline of potential solar projects, although no such projects are contracted at this time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company reminds readers that there is, of course, no guarantee the Company will be able to procure such projects.

This market sector is particularly suited to the Companys track record in the delivery of more complex projects, and its engagement with subcontractors who undertake the rapid roll-out of the PV modules on site. This leaves the Companys team with primary responsibility for the delivery of energy solutions appropriate to the specific project  leveraging off the teams design, engineering, procurement, project management and commissioning  skills, which in the Companys experience, generate higher margin.

The Board is looking forward to the further engagement in this strategy and to the potential of increased revenues and cashflows that would be expected to accrue from execution of projects at this higher level.

Brian Timmons, CEO

For more information: Investor Relations

Brian Timmons, CEO

1.865 888 9925

btimmons@solaralliance.com

About Solar Alliance Energy Inc. (www.solaralliance.com)

Solar Alliance is an energy solutions provider focused on the commercial, utility and community solar sectors. Our experienced team of solar professionals reduces or eliminates customers' vulnerability to rising energy costs, offers an environmentally friendly source of electricity generation, and provides affordable, turnkey clean energy solutions. Solar Alliances strategy is to ultimately build, own and operate our own solar assets while also generating stable revenue through the sale and installation of solar projects to commercial and utility community customers.

Statements in this news release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, constitute Forward-looking statements.

The words would, will, expected and estimated or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the resumption of trading of the Companys common shares, that the Company expects renewed interest in Solar projects while the solar tax incentives remain in effect, statements with respect to the potential growth of the solar industry, that the Company may capitalize on solar projects of up to 5MW, the value of such contracts and the affect of such contracts on the Companys working capital and financial resources, the value that the Company is focused on maximizing existing opportunities and adapting to new regulatory frameworks, that the Company is very well positioned, with its operational and technical experience and track record in delivering complex energy solutions, to contribute to the oncoming demand for energy security of supply, and energy cost mitigation. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different than those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: the ability to complete the Companys projects on schedule or at all, uncertainties related to the ability to raise sufficient capital; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; litigation, legislative or other judicial, regulatory, legislative and political competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties; the ability to maintain revenue growth; the ability to execute on the Companys strategies; the ability to complete the Companys current and backlog of solar projects; the ability to grow the Companys market share; the high growth rate of the US solar industry; the ability to convert the backlog of projects into revenue; the expected timing of the construction and completion of the 1500 kW Kentucky solar projects; the targeting of larger customers; the ability to predict and counteract the effects, should they re-emerge, of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19, on the construction sector, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains; potential corporate growth opportunities and the ability to execute on the key objectives in 2025. Consequently, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
NEW YORK, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) between January 23, 2024 and July 21, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important September 26, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Lockheed Martin securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Lockheed Martin class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=2661 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 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 firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Lockheed Martin lacked effective internal controls regarding its purportedly risk adjusted contracts including the reporting of its risk adjusted profit booking rate; (2) Lockheed Martin lacked effective procedures to perform reasonably accurate comprehensive reviews of program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks; (3) Lockheed Martin overstated its ability to deliver on its contract commitments in terms of cost, quality and schedule; (4) as a result, Lockheed Martin was reasonably likely to report significant losses; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Lockheed Martins business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Lockheed Martin class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=2661 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
CGTN published an article on China's upcoming V-Day commemorations in Beijing. Through recounting the story of the American Flying Tigers' assistance to China in its battle against Japanese invaders, the article highlights the contributions of those who supported China's victory, underscoring the enduring spirit of mutual assistance during times of hardship.

BEIJING, Aug. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- China is set to hold a grand military parade next month in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In addition to showcasing advanced armaments, the presence of international guests at the parade highlights the contributions of those who supported China's victory, underscoring the enduring spirit of mutual assistance during times of hardship.

Among the honored foreign guests are members of the American Flying Tigers and their families. Officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, the Flying Tigers were formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault to assist China in its battle against Japanese invaders.

Their legacy

Shortly after arriving in China in December 1941, the Flying Tigers shot down nine Japanese aircraft, achieving the first significant defeat for Japanese forces since their air raids began on southwest China's Kunming City.

In 1942, when Japanese forces occupied Myanmar and severed China's last international supply route, the Chinese and American air forces pioneered the Hump airlift  one of the most perilous and deadly air passages over the Himalayas that connected India to Kunming, delivering vital international aid and supplies.

From 1941 to 1945, the Flying Tigers, in collaboration with Chinese military and civilians, shot down or destroyed approximately 2,600 Japanese aircraft. Over 2,000 Flying Tigers members gave their lives in combat, according to the Memorial Hall of Nanjing Anti-Japanese Aviation Martyrs.

"The Chinese people never forget the Flying Tigers. We built a Flying Tigers museum in Chongqing and invited over 1,000 veterans and their families to visit China," said Chinese President Xi Jinping at a welcome dinner hosted by Friendly Organizations in the U.S. in 2023.

The kindness of the Chinese people was also remembered by the Flying Tigers. Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, said many Flying Tigers pilots have told him that, after decades, they still haven't forgotten the taste of the eggs offered by the Chinese people at that time to give them strength.

Founded in 1998 by Greene and several Flying Tigers veterans, the foundation aims to preserve and promote the shared history of U.S.-China wartime cooperation. Over the years, it has sponsored around 500 veterans and hundreds of their families and descendants to visit China.

Nourishing a lasting bond

In a 2023 reply letter to Greene and Flying Tigers veterans Moyer and Mel McMullen, Xi praised the foundation and veterans' efforts to promote the Flying Tigers' story in both countries. He expressed his hope that the spirit of the Flying Tigers would be passed down to the next generation, strengthening the bond between the people of the two nations.

Greene, who led a youth delegation to central China in late July, encouraged the young visitors to share their experiences with others, particularly what they had learned during their visit to Beneda's tombstone. Calling the youth "part of the Flying Tigers story," Greene emphasized that their actions contribute to the ongoing relationship between China and the U.S.

Acknowledging that fewer Flying Tigers veterans remain, Greene reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to fostering mutual understanding between the youth of both countries, ensuring the Flying Tigers' spirit thrives in a new era.

At the opening ceremony of the China-U.S. Flying Tigers Friendship and Cooperation Forum in July, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng expressed his hope that there will be more Flying Tigers of the new generation in both countries, who will commit themselves to promoting the friendship between the two peoples and advance the stable, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

For more information, please click:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-20/Flying-Tigers-legacy-celebrated-to-nourish-a-lasting-bond-1FZNFsPy6Dm/p.html




Dubai, UAE, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EVEDEX, a next-generation non-custodial decentralized exchange built as an L3 rollup on Arbitrum Orbit, has officially launched its Full Beta Mainnet after a successful soft rollout earlier this month.

On August 4, EVEDEX conducted a soft community launch, which quickly drew more than 12,000 registrations and 2,000 active traders. During this phase, the team gathered valuable user feedback and implemented additional upgrades to ensure a more secure and robust platform. The transition to the full Beta Mainnet reflects EVEDEXs commitment to safeguarding both the exchange and its growing user base.

Our mission with EVEDEX is to make decentralized trading not only powerful and performant but also accessible, fun, and financially rewarding, said Thomas Kralow, EVEDEX Chairman. The soft launch gave us critical insights and the chance to refine the platform. With todays full Beta Mainnet release, were confident were delivering a trading experience thats not only fast and user-friendly but also built with security as the top priority.

As part of this milestone, EVEDEX is now officially listed on CoinGecko, providing traders and the wider community with transparent, real-time access to its trading activity, volume, and market data.

Key Beta Mainnet Features:

7 Trading Pairs Now Live: BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, LTC, LINK, and DOGE  all paired with USD.





BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, LTC, LINK, and DOGE  all paired with USD. Ultra-Fast Execution: Optimized engine processes average limit orders in just 5 milliseconds.





Optimized engine processes average limit orders in just 5 milliseconds. Gas-Free Blockchain Transactions: Backed by an Arbitrum grant, all on-chain transaction fees are zero . Only Maker/Taker fees apply, and users can achieve some of the lowest effective fees in the market.





Backed by an Arbitrum grant, all on-chain transaction fees are . Only Maker/Taker fees apply, and users can achieve some of the lowest effective fees in the market. Full Gamification Layer: Every account comes with an avatar and an XP system tied to all platform activities, including trading, completing academy courses, participating in the affiliate program, and more. XP unlocks progressively better trading conditions, including zero commission rates for top performers.





Every account comes with an avatar and an XP system tied to all platform activities, including trading, completing academy courses, participating in the affiliate program, and more. XP unlocks progressively better trading conditions, including for top performers. Upgraded Trading Tools: Precision calculator, on-chart TP/SL editing, and visualized trade history via TradingView.





Precision calculator, on-chart TP/SL editing, and visualized trade history via TradingView. Improved UX & Terminal Functionality: Saved trading pairs, adjustable columns, real-time status updates, and multi-language support across 11 languages.





Saved trading pairs, adjustable columns, real-time status updates, and multi-language support across 11 languages. Mobile Apps for iOS & Android: Full-featured non-custodial trading experience in your pocket, designed for both hard-core traders and the mobile-native generation.

EVEDEX is more than a place to trade, its a platform for everyday financial activity. Users can leverage features such as non-custodial cards, hardware wallet integration, and P2P trading, enjoying the convenience of centralized services without sacrificing asset control.

The affiliate program is one of the most rewarding in the DEX space, offering a commission of up to 60% based on performance. Users can also benefit from cashback and fee levels comparable to leading centralized exchanges, with top traders achieving the lowest commissions in the market.

As a fully non-custodial and non-KYC platform, EVEDEX never holds user funds and cannot block withdrawals. Users retain full control of their assets at all times, while the platform focuses on helping them grow their capital through secure, transparent, and efficient trading.

EVEDEX Beta Mainnet is now live and open to all users at exchange.evedex.com.

About EVEDEX

EVEDEX is a next-generation decentralized exchange built as an L3 rollup on Arbitrum Orbit, designed for both beginners and professionals. It delivers lightning-fast execution, ultra-low fees, educational resources, and a fully gamified user experience. With over $200M in early user wallet value and $7.5B+ in historical trading volume, EVEDEX is redefining whats possible in DeFi, making wealth-building accessible, rewarding, and under your full control.

Media Contact

daria.ch@evedex-team.com

Disclaimer:

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or cryptocurrencies. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this release are solely those of the issuing company or its authorized representatives. The publisher, distributor, and any associated third parties make no representations or guarantees of profit, and explicitly disclaim any liability for losses or damages incurred as a result of using or relying on the information presented.

Cryptocurrency and digital asset investments carry a high level of risk, including the potential loss of all capital. There are no guarantees of performance, and markets may become illiquid or go to zero. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own independent research and consult with licensed financial professionals before making any investment decisions.

By accessing and reading this press release, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, or use this content for any unlawful or unauthorized purposes. Use of this content signifies your acceptance of these terms.

For any questions or clarifications, please contact the issuing company directly. Do not contact the publisher, distributor, or any unrelated third party.








GUNTERSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- How often should a homeowner schedule a professional roof inspection to protect their home and avoid costly repairs? In an article on HelloNation , Jordan Taylor, owner of Superior Roofing Solutions in Guntersville, Alabama, answers this question by outlining a clear schedule for inspections and explaining why timing matters for preserving a roofs lifespan.

Taylor emphasizes that the general rule for most homeowners is to arrange at least one professional roof inspection per year, supplemented by additional checks after severe weather events such as hailstorms, high winds, or heavy snowfall. This schedule, he explains, helps ensure that small vulnerabilities are identified early before they progress into more significant and expensive problems.

During a professional inspection, trained specialists assess both the exterior and interior for signs of wear or damage. On the roof surface, they examine shingles, flashing around chimneys and vents, and any areas showing sagging or soft spots that could indicate moisture intrusion. Inside the home, they inspect attics and ceilings for water stains or mold growth that may reveal hidden leaks. Identifying these problems early allows for minor, less invasive repairs rather than major reconstruction later.

Taylor also notes that seasonal conditions play a critical role in determining the ideal timing for inspections. A spring inspection can uncover damage caused by winters freezethaw cycles or ice dams, while a fall inspection ensures that the roof is fortified before harsh winter weather arrives. Inspections immediately following severe weather events are essential, even if no visible damage is apparent from the ground, because hail impacts, wind displacement, or fallen debris can compromise materials in ways that are not immediately obvious.

Between scheduled inspections, homeowners should remain alert to warning signs that may indicate the need for immediate evaluation. Missing, curling, or blistering shingles; loose granules in gutters; dark streaks on roof slopes; and any signs of water intrusion inside the home all warrant prompt attention. Taylor stresses that delaying action when such issues arise can allow small leaks to escalate into extensive structural damage, rotted framing, or mold growth, all of which are far more disruptive and expensive to remedy.

A thorough inspection not only identifies existing issues but also provides a written report with recommended actions. Homeowners can then decide whether repairs are urgent or can be scheduled as part of regular maintenance. By marking inspection dates on a calendar and following up quickly after storms, homeowners can extend the life of their roof, improve energy efficiency, and maintain indoor comfort.

According to Taylor, a disciplined approach to roof inspections is a form of preventive maintenance that protects both the structure and the investment it represents. As he explains in How Often Should You Get a Roof Inspection? , combining annual inspections with checks after severe weather provides peace of mind while reducing the risk of unexpected and costly repairs.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Patrick McCabe

info@hellonation.com

www.hellonation.com





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/deaa3d98-ce34-4289-aa88-032534a9f8a4




GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toobit, the award-winning global cryptocurrency exchange, today announces its successful integration with Bithumb, South Korea's second-largest virtual asset trading platform.

This strategic partnership, established through the CODE Travel Rule Alliance, enhances the security and compliance of crypto transfers for traders on both platforms.

This integration means that traders can now move crypto assets between Toobit and Bithumb with greater speed and transparency. All transfers adhere to strict Travel Rule standards, ensuring that transactions are safe and compliant with international regulations.

"Our goal is to make crypto transfers as safe and simple as possible for our community," said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. "This integration eliminates friction in crypto transfers and provides a new layer of protection that our traders can rely on."

Key benefits for traders:

Secure and compliant transfers: All transactions between Toobit and Bithumb now follow FATF-aligned Travel Rule standards. This means that transfers over KRW 1 million meet international regulatory requirements.

Faster asset movement: This integration makes crypto transfers more efficient by reducing the friction in deposits and withdrawals.

Enhanced protection: Transaction details and wallet information are automatically verified between the two platforms, reducing risk and improving the accuracy of every transfer.



CODE (COnnect Digital Exchanges) is a Travel Rule solution provider founded by South Koreas three largest exchanges, Bithumb, Coinone, and Korbit, to ensure compliance with domestic and global anti-money laundering (AML) standards.

The global cryptocurrency market is increasingly prioritizing regulatory compliance. Over 73% of jurisdictions worldwide have passed legislation to implement the FATF Travel Rule, with major industry players aiming for full compliance by the end of the year.

About Toobit

Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfoldsan award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover whats next.

For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram

Contact: Davin C.

Email: market@toobit.com

Website: www.toobit.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Toobit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e6d894b-81bd-4ef1-9f1a-4c9a577b95d0




VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEXC Ventures , an investment division of the MEXC global crypto exchange, made a joint appearance with its strategic partner Triv, one of Indonesia's most established and prominent cryptocurrency exchanges, at Coinfest Asia 2025 in Bali. The event not only showcased MEXC Ventures' active engagement with the Southeast Asian crypto community but also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to empowering promising local projects across the region.

Coinfest Asia 2025, widely recognized as the world's largest crypto festival, took place from August 21 to 22 at Nuanu Creative City in Bali, and welcomed over 10,000 attendees from more than 90 countries. Featuring more than 300 speakers and 100 side events, the festival blended industry insights, culture, and community into a truly immersive Web3 experience. From global institutional leaders to grassroots builders, the event created a dynamic environment for collaboration, learning, and exploration, setting the tone for Southeast Asia's growing influence in the global digital asset space.

As one of the key sponsors, MEXC Ventures made a joint appearance with its newly invested partner Triv , valued at US$200 million, at Coinfest Asia 2025. This joint participation not only provided both teams with a valuable opportunity to engage with KOLs, investors, and Web3 builders but also helped reinforce their strategic partnership. To highlight their collaboration, MEXC Ventures and Triv set up adjacent booths in the main exhibition area, connected by a co-branded backwall.





Beyond the exhibition, the two teams co-hosted the Crypto Wave side event at Bali's iconic Atlas Beach Club, featuring Pudgy Penguins-themed activations and a live mascot runway. The immersive and energetic gathering created a relaxed setting for meaningful interaction with community leaders and industry participants, further enhancing MEXC Ventures engagement in the Southeast Asian Web3 ecosystem.

Notably, the event also marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration between MEXC Ventures and renowned NFT project Pudgy Penguins, with both parties set to explore more online and offline activations globally in the near future.

As the Web3 ecosystem in Southeast Asia continues to expand rapidly, it offers vast opportunities for innovation. By actively participating in events like Coinfest Asia 2025, MEXC Ventures demonstrates its commitment to empowering projects with long-term potential, enhancing services for local users, and driving regional innovation and development. Moving forward, MEXC Ventures will continue to deepen its strategic investments and collaborate closely with partners to foster a thriving Web3 ecosystem across Southeast Asia.

About MEXC Ventures

MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund under MEXC dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A and incubation. Upholding the principle of Empowering Growth Through Synergy, MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders in crypto. 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0ced6ee7-f03f-46eb-9c7d-710736500a44

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/66e8b2ab-8067-4999-aadb-6342307d5b78
29 August 2025 - The Board of Directors and Terje Askvig, CEO of Prosafe, have agreed that he will resign as CEO with effect from 1 September 2025.

The board has decided to appoint Reese McNeel, the current CFO, to interim CEO and CFO. Carey Lowe, chair of the Board of Directors, will act as executive chairman and work closely with the management team during the transition period.

The Board has initiated a process to appoint a permanent CEO.

Carey Lowe, Chair of the Board of directors, says: 'The Board wishes to thank Terje for his contribution to Prosafe. He led the company through the challenging financial restructuring and is leaving Prosafe as the world's leading provider of floating accommodation vessels and Units for Maintenance and Safety (UMS).

For further information, please contact:

Carey Lowe, Chair of the Board of Directors

carey.lowe@prosafe.com



Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to www.prosafe.com (http://www.prosafe.com)

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.









Attachment
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE: BRBR) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in BellRing, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Why is BellRing Being Investigated?

BellRing Brands operates in the convenient nutrition category. The Companys primary brands include Premier Protein and Dymatize, which offer ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes and powders. During the relevant period, the Company stated that Premier Protein hit an all-time high in household penetration and that demand remains strong. The Company also stated that its growth was strong in all channels, driven by distribution expansion, accelerating velocities and incremental promotional activity.

In truth, the Companys sales growth during the relevant period may have been driven by temporary trade inventory loading at several key retailers, not sustainable end-consumer demand.

The Stock Declines as the Truth Is Revealed

On May 5, 2025, after market hours, BellRing revealed that starting in Q2 2023, several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which would create a headwind to Q3 2025 growth. The Company also announced it was expanding promotions to boost sales and offset [] third quarter reductions in retailer trade inventory levels. On this news, the price of BellRing stock fell $13.96 per share, or more than 18%, from $77.34 per share on May 5, 2025, to $63.38 per share on May 6, 2025.

Then, on August 4, 2025, after market hours, BellRing announced disappointing quarterly consumption of Premier Protein RTD Shakes, which had been expected to outpace shipments by a wider margin given previously announced retailer destocking, but instead came more in line with shipments. On this news, the price of BellRing Brands stock fell $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in BellRing you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:

Ross Shikowitz

ross@bfalaw.com

212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in J.M. Smucker, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit.

Why Is J.M. Smucker being Investigated?

J.M. Smucker manufactures and markets branded food and beverage products. In November 2023, the company completed an acquisition of Hostess Brands, Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of sweet baked goods brands. The company stated that the Hostess acquisition was highly complementary and that underlying trends in snacking and specifically sweet snacking still bode well for the category.

In truth, it appears the companys Sweet Baked Snacks segment, which includes Hostess, significantly deteriorated in the face of declining trends in sweet snacking.

The Stock Declines as the Truth Is Revealed

On June 10, 2025, J.M. Smucker reported its Q4 2025 financial results and announced that it recognized a $867 million impairment charge related to the goodwill of its Sweet Baked Snacks segment and a $113 million impairment charge related to the Hostess brand trademark driven by the continued underperformance of the Sweet Baked Snacks segment. On this news, the price of J.M. Smucker stock fell $17.44 per share, or more than 18%, from $111.85 per share on June 9, 2025, to $94.41 per share on June 10, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in J.M. Smucker you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:

Ross Shikowitz

ross@bfalaw.com

212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/the-jm-smucker-company-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in James Hardie, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit.

Why Is James Hardie being Investigated?

James Hardie is a producer and marketer of high-performance fiber cement and fiber gypsum building solutions. The largest application for the Companys fiber cement building products in the United Stated and Canada is in external siding for the residential building industry.

During the relevant period, James Hardie stated that its fast[]-growing customers was one of the key aspects of its competitive positioning. The Company also stated that its North American business results clearly demonstrate the inherent strength of the Companys unique value proposition and the underlying momentum in our strategy.

In truth, it appears the Companys North American sales during the relevant period may have been driven by temporary inventory loading by channel partners, not sustainable customer demand.

The Stock Declines as the Truth Is Revealed

On August 19, 2025, after market hours, James Hardie reported its fiscal Q1 2026 financial results. During the accompanying earnings call, the Company revealed that North American net sales declined 12% during the quarter, driven by lower volumes as customers made efforts to return to more normal inventory levels[.] The Company also revealed that significant inventory destocking among channel partners in North America was expected to continue to impact sales for the next several quarters. On this news, the price of James Hardie stock fell $9.79 per share, or more than 34%, from $28.43 per share on August 19, 2025, to $18.64 per share on August 20, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in James Hardie you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:

Ross Shikowitz

ross@bfalaw.com

212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named Elite Trial Lawyers by the National Law Journal, among the top 500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers by Lawdragon, Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Vilnius, Lithuania, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AB Tewox (the Company) together with its subsidiaries (the Group) publishes its unaudited interim consolidated and separate financial statements for the six-month period ended 30 June 2025, as well as the interim management report of the Company and the Group.

Financial results

Key financial indicators for the first half of 2025:

Company: Total assets  EUR 81.799 thousand Equity  EUR 46.370 thousand Liabilities  EUR 35.767 thousand. Investment assets at fair value  EUR 81.799 thousand (increase of EUR 12.892 thousand or 18.71 % compared to 31 December 2024) Total comprehensive income  EUR 4.197 thousand Companys LTV ratio  42,61% .

Group: Total assets  EUR 179.567 thousand Equity  EUR 53.161 thousand Liabilities  EUR 126.406 thousand Investment property at fair value  EUR 171.053 thousand (increase of EUR 12.676 thousand or 8.00 % compared to 31 December 2024) Operating income  EUR 7.043 thousand Total comprehensive income  EUR 3.482 thousand Related entities LTV ratio - 47,42% .







Key events in the first half of 2025:

In 2025, the Company, through its subsidiaries, acquired investment properties with a total acquisition value of approximately EUR 7.69 million: A commercial building at Klaipedos g. 109, Panevezys, Lithuania; A land plot at Sv. Kristoforo g. 5, Dituvos k., Lithuania.

On 19 January 2025, the third tranche of the public bond issuance was completed, during which the Company issued bonds with a total nominal value of EUR 11.226 million.

At the end of January 2025, the Company executed an early redemption of bonds in accordance with applicable early redemption terms, redeeming non-public bonds with a total nominal amount of EUR 7.474 million.

The Group obtained building permits for retail projects in Vilnius and Klaipeda and signed general contracting agreements for developments in Vilnius and Klaipeda district. Construction of a retail park of nearly 5,000 sq. m began in Utena.

Key events after the reporting period:

On 5 August 2025, the Company signed a loan agreement with an unrelated party, under which the Company received a loan of EUR 2 million.

On 19 August 2025, the Group signed a credit agreement with a financial institution to receive a EUR 6.2 million loan for the development of the Utena project.

The Group commenced construction works on three retail centers in Klaipeda district, Vilnius, and Klaipeda city. All projects are planned to be completed in 2026.





Contact person for further information:

Paulius Nevinskas

Manager of the Investment Company

paulius.nevinskas@lordslb.lt

https://lordslb.lt/tewox_bonds/

Attachments
New York, USA, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BLUZOR Exchange (Bluzor Digital Asset Exchange Ltd.), a global leader in digital asset trading and blockchain innovation, today announced a major upgrade to its flagship AI Wealth Assistant system, reinforcing its dual commitment to compliance and innovation. This enhanced system marks a new milestone in intelligent digital wealth management, empowering users worldwide to trade, invest, and grow assets with confidence and efficiency.







Setting the Standard: Compliance First



Since its establishment in 2018 in Silicon Valley, BLUZOR has prioritized lawful and transparent operations. The exchange is registered as a Money Services Business (MSB) with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN, Registration Number: 31000302995442) and has filed Security Token Offering (STO) documentation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC, CIK: 0002074988). These regulatory milestones position BLUZOR among the few exchanges that blend global reach with strict compliance, ensuring secure trading for over 1.5 billion registered users across 180+ countries.



Innovation at the Core: AI Wealth Assistant Upgrade



At the heart of BLUZORs evolution is its upgraded AI Wealth Assistant, now offering sharper real-time market insights, advanced risk management models, and smarter portfolio recommendations. Available 24/7, the AI system continuously monitors global market conditions and user behavior to help investors capture opportunities and protect against volatility.



The enhanced trading ecosystem includes:



Spot Trading  Fast execution for flexible market participation.



Perpetual Contracts  Leveraged trading to amplify potential gains.



Options Trading  Dynamic hedging to balance risk and reward.







With support for 350+ cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, and BNB, and hundreds of trading pairs, BLUZOR caters to both newcomers and professional traders through an intuitive, high-performance interface.



Beyond Trading: A Full Wealth Management Hub



BLUZOR is expanding from an exchange into a comprehensive wealth management platform, offering AI-optimized investment products ranging from flexible yield accounts to fixed-term strategies. The platform also provides access to select Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), enabling users to invest early in high-potential blockchain projects.



Wallet infrastructure combines hot and cold storage with multi-layer security, guaranteeing that digital assets remain protected while users pursue higher returns.



Security and Transparency: A Fortress for Investors



Security remains BLUZORs highest priority. The platform employs independent proof-of-reserves verification, ensuring all user assets are backed 1:1. Stringent KYC and AML protocols prevent illicit activity, while a rapid-response security mechanism addresses potential threats in real time.



Continuous investment in cutting-edge cybersecurity, from anti-hacking defenses to data encryption, ensures users experience seamless and secure trading in one of the worlds most trusted digital finance environments.



Driving Blockchain Adoption and the Digital Economy



Beyond financial services, BLUZOR leverages its Silicon Valley roots to promote blockchain adoption across industries. Its consulting arm helps businesses integrate blockchain into operations, driving digital transformation and strengthening the real economy.



BLUZORs vision is clear: to become the worlds leading cryptocurrency service provider, combining compliance, security, and innovation to shape the future of digital assets.







Industry Recognition



Global experts recognize BLUZOR as a pioneer in the 2025 crypto landscape. Analysts point to its robust compliance framework, low fees, and AI-driven wealth management system as standout features. Whether investors seek stable growth or high-return strategies, BLUZOR offers a tailored solution to fit every profile.



Join BLUZOR Today



BLUZOR Exchange invites global investors to register via its official website (https://bluzor.cc/), complete identity verification, and experience the upgraded AI Wealth Assistant system. With cutting-edge AI technology, transparent compliance, and world-class security, BLUZOR is leading the way in digital wealth creation and empowering users to achieve true financial freedom.



Media Contact:



Company Name: BLUZOR

Website: https://bluzor.cc

Contact: Wery Lase

Email: services@bluzor.cc



Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.


Las Vegas, Nevada, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alternative Ballistics Corporation, an innovative public safety technology company, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website reflecting the companys refreshed branding, mission, and vision for the future.

The new website showcases Alternative Ballistics refreshed brand identity and updated corporate colors, reflecting the companys commitment to advancing public safety with its innovative less-lethal solution. It also highlights a growing network of global partners while delivering clearer, more direct messaging to convey the value of The Alternative as a vital risk-mitigation tool for law enforcement, government agencies, and communities worldwide.

Our new website not only represents a visual transformation but also a renewed effort to communicate who we are and the positive social impact that we are driving, said Steve Luna, CEO of Alternative Ballistics. It allows us to address common misconceptions about our technology while providing a clear understanding of how our solution empowers officers and communities alike by reducing risk in critical incidents.

Alongside the launch, the company announced plans to bring a version of its flagship technology to the commercial market. Originally developed for law enforcement, the product is being adapted for civilian use as a responsible, less-lethal option for home and personal defense. With our upcoming consumer product, The Home Defense, were giving families meaningful protection without the risks and trauma associated with lethal force, said Luna. As a less-lethal-first solution that works with a firearm, our device provides stopping power and reduced liability without surrendering your weapon, which offers safer defense for the people you care about the most.

The launch of the new website marks a pivotal milestone for Alternative Ballistics as it continues to expand globally and prepare for the next phase of growth.

About Alternative Ballistics Corporation

Alternative Ballistics Corporation (ABC) produces The Alternative, a patented less-lethal device designed to help law enforcement de-escalate potential lethal threats and reduce fatalities. The device attaches quickly to a service weapon and uses bullet capture technology to convert a live round into a non-penetrating impact projectile that can temporarily incapacitate an individual, allowing officers the opportunity to safely effect an arrest. It is intended for use when confronting non-compliant individuals who are in possession of a non-firearm weapon, oftentimes involving a person in crisis. After deployment, the firearm instantly reverts to standard use. A commercial version for civilian home-defense may also be available in the future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to advance the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.

Company Contact:

info@alternativeballistics.com

www.alternativeballistics.com

For Investor Inquiries, please contact:

Hanover International, Inc.

Kathy Cusumano, President

ka@hanoverintlinc.com
Dublin, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Generic Drug Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2025-2033" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Japan generic drug market is poised for significant growth, with its market size projected to climb from USD 12.3 billion in 2024 to USD 22.5 billion by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.55% during 2025-2033. This expansion is driven by favorable government policies, increasing healthcare costs, and a growing acceptance of generics among healthcare providers and patients.

Growing Government Policies and Initiatives: The Japanese government actively endorses the use of generics to curb healthcare costs. Incentives, favorable regulations, and public campaigns are key strategies in promoting generics, an integral part of the national healthcare plan. According to a 2024 article by Japan Times, the health ministry is advocating for smaller drugmakers to merge with larger counterparts, ensuring a stable supply amid shortages, thus stimulating market growth.

Increasing Aging Population: Japan's aging demographic significantly boosts the demand for affordable medications. With one of the world's oldest populations, as recognized by the UN, the percentage of citizens aged 65 and older is projected to reach nearly 35% by 2040. This demographic shift fuels demand for cost-effective generics, positioning the market for further expansion.

Rising Healthcare Costs: As healthcare costs rise, patients and providers look to generics for more economical treatment options. Japan's healthcare expenses are predicted to hit approximately 445 billion dollars by 2040. Generics, comprising 80% of prescribed drugs, are anticipated to rise as a strategic measure to manage these costs, according to Meiji.

Report Coverage: The market report offers thorough insights into the generic drug sector in Japan, examining value and volume trends, the COVID-19 impact, and projections through 2033.

Competitive Landscape: Key players leverage government incentives and a favorable regulatory framework to expand their portfolios. The aging populace and increasing healthcare costs drive demand for generic medications, with technological advancements in manufacturing ensuring high-quality production and market competitiveness.

Japan Generic Drug Market Analysis:

Major Market Drivers: Key drivers include proactive government policies that aim to reduce healthcare expenditures by promoting generic drug use. Incentives and favorable regulations make generics a cost-effective alternative to branded medications. The escalating healthcare costs further bolster the market in Japan.

Key drivers include proactive government policies that aim to reduce healthcare expenditures by promoting generic drug use. Incentives and favorable regulations make generics a cost-effective alternative to branded medications. The escalating healthcare costs further bolster the market in Japan. Key Market Trends: Notable trends include increasing collaborations between domestic and international pharmaceutical companies to enhance generic drug development and distribution. Technological advancements in manufacturing also play a significant role in propelling the market.

Notable trends include increasing collaborations between domestic and international pharmaceutical companies to enhance generic drug development and distribution. Technological advancements in manufacturing also play a significant role in propelling the market. Competitive Landscape: The market features a competitive landscape with detailed analyses of market structure, key player positioning, and strategic initiatives. Comprehensive profiles of leading companies are also included to provide insights into the competitive dynamics.

The market features a competitive landscape with detailed analyses of market structure, key player positioning, and strategic initiatives. Comprehensive profiles of leading companies are also included to provide insights into the competitive dynamics. Challenges and Opportunities: While the market faces challenges such as stringent regulatory requirements, opportunities abound with an aging population and the rising demand for cost-effective medications, which drive market growth.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the Japan generic drug market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the Japan generic drug market?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the Japan generic drug market?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the Japan generic drug market?

What is the structure of the Japan generic drug market, and who are the key players?

What is the competitive structure of the market?

Who are the key players/companies in the Japan generic drug market?

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 118 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $12.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $22.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.9% Regions Covered Japan

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jombka

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Clinical Trials, Proprietary Platforms & Market Opportunity Insight 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The increasing need for safer, more effective, and highly targeted anticancer therapies has driven pharmaceutical discovery towards new therapeutic modalities. Bicycle Toxin Conjugates (BTCs) are a new generation of targeted therapies possessing a distinctive blend of precision, favorable pharmacokinetics, and tumor penetration. Combining the binding affinity of bicyclic peptides and the cytotoxic payloads of chemotherapy drugs, BTCs are engineered to provide highly effective anti-cancer activity with reduced systemic toxicity.

This report is timely and critical as the bicycle toxin conjugates space transitions from initial clinical promise to solid achievements. While the area remains in its infancy, the velocity of clinical advancement, regulatory acceptance, and research investment is increasing.

This analysis provides an all-encompassing perspective on where bicycle toxin conjugates are scientifically, clinically, and commercially now and gives stakeholders critical insight into a fast-developing area that can reshape future benchmarks in oncology and beyond.

Global Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Clinical Trials, Proprietary Platforms & Market Opportunity Insight 2025 Report Highlights:

Global & Regional Trends Insight

Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Proprietary Platforms Overview

Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Research & Market Trends By Indication

Bicyclic Toxin Conjugates Clinical Pipeline By Company, Indication & Phase

Future Commercialization Opportunity

Competitive Landscape

Clinical Trials Insight Included In Report

The report offers an in-depth summary of the ongoing bicycle toxin conjugates clinical trial landscape, outlining the development of major therapeutic candidates through early- and mid-stage studies. Three bicycle toxin conjugates created by Bicycle Therapeutics, namely BT1718, BT5528, and zelenectide pevedotin (Zele, BT8009), are being studied in early and late-stage clinical trials. These trials are directed against several tumor-associated antigens, MT1-MMP, EphA2, and Nectin-4, in a variety of solid tumors.

This report records notable information on these trials, such as trial phases, geographical regions, sponsoring organizations, and indications being researched. It also summarizes key trial results to date; this data offer a clear, precise view of bicycle toxin conjugates clinical progress and regulatory promise

Technology Platforms, Collaborations and Agreements

Bicycle Therapeutics' proprietary Bicycle platform constitutes the technological underpinning of bicycle toxin conjugates development. The chemically synthesized peptide technology allows small, highly selective binding agents to be generated coupled with cytotoxins such as MMAE and DM1. This results in a class of therapies that are intermediate between biologics and small molecules, showing enhanced deep tumor penetration and accelerated clearance.

Co-operative action is at the core of the firm's approach. A new collaboration with Cancer Research UK has brought BT1718 to Phase 1/2 trials, with CRUK sponsoring and funding the trial. Furthermore, the firm's engagement in the FDA's CMC Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP).

Major Companies Active In R&D of Bicycle-Toxin Conjugates

Currently, Bicycle Therapeutics is the only company actively working on bicycle toxin conjugates at a clinical stage. Established in Cambridge, UK, the company is the global leader in this area with a portfolio of bicycle toxin conjugates addressing a variety of tumors. Its continued development of first-, second-, and third-generation bicycle toxin conjugates reflects its focus on advancing this new class of therapy. Through global trials and regulatory interaction on both Atlantic sides, Bicycle Therapeutics is outlining the future direction and potential of bicycle toxin conjugates worldwide.

Future Direction of Bicycle-Toxin Conjugates Segment

This report identifies bicycle toxin conjugates as an essential up-and-coming category in precision oncology with the potential to either match or even outperform ADCs in some indications. Regulatory interest, including Fast Track and CDRP designation, reflects increasing institutional interest in bicycle toxin conjugates. Clinical efficacy in combination therapies implies bicycle toxin conjugates may become an integral part of front-line cancer regimens within a short while.

As it continues to develop, the bicycle toxin conjugates platform can also be utilized outside of oncology, with promise in infectious disease and other indications that call for targeted payload delivery. The development of the bicycle toxin conjugates segment, as illustrated here, clearly shows a path toward regulatory acceptance, expanded application, and increased industry uptake.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction To Bicycle Toxin Conjugates

1.1 Overview

1.2 History & Evolution

2. Bicycle Toxin Conjugates - Mechanism Of Action

3. Global Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Research & Market Trends By Indication

3.1 Cancer

3.2 Viral Diseases

4. Bicycle Toxin Conjugates - Proprietary Platforms

5. Global Bicyclic Toxin Conjugates Clinical Trials Overview

5.1 By Company

5.2 By Indication

5.3 By Location

5.4 By Phase

6. Global Bicyclic Toxin Conjugates Clinical Pipeline By Company, Indication & Phase

6.1 Phase-I/II

6.2 Phase-III

7. Global Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Current & Future Market Trends Outlook

7.1 Current Market Trends, Developments & Clinical Trials Assessment

7.2 Future Commercialization Opportunity



8. Global Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Research & Market Trends By Region

8.1 US

8.2 EU

8.3 UK

9. Global Bicycle Toxin Conjugates Market Dynamics

9.1 Market Drivers & Commercial Opportunities

9.2 Market Challenges & Restraints

10. Competitive Landscape

10.1 Bicycle Therapeutics

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/h23z2d

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ontario's five largest REALTOR associations, representing more than 90 per cent of the nearly 100,000 REALTORS in the province, support the Ford government's decision to intervene in the review of the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) following the iPro Realty Ltd. investigation.

Our associations welcome a full review of RECO's governance and practices. This process must deliver meaningful reforms, including Ombudsperson oversight, stronger accountability measures, and enhanced enforcement tools to safeguard consumer deposits and restore public confidence.

Recent events, including the iPro Realty investigation, have highlighted the need for enhanced transparency and accountability at Ontario's real estate regulator. The handling of trust account breaches by iPro Realty is a serious matter that speaks directly to consumer confidence and professional integrity.

The iPro Realty investigation undermines RECO's consumer protection mandate and damages the reputation of thousands of hardworking REALTORS who conduct their business honestly.

Ontario would not be alone if the government also follows our advice to bring RECO under the oversight of Ombudsman Ontario. Real estate regulators in British Columbia and Quebec already fall under the jurisdiction of their respective provincial Ombudspersons. Even the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario is subject to Ombudsman oversight. This recommendation reflects our associations' commitment to protecting consumers, enhancing professionalism, and supporting continuous improvements within Ontario's real estate regulatory system.

We are committed to working with the government to ensure that this review results in a transparent, accountable, and effective regulator who will protect consumers and support the integrity of the real estate profession.

Elechia Barry-Sproule

President

Toronto Regional Real Estate Board



Julie Sergi

Chair

Cornerstone Association of REALTORS



Paul Czan

President

Ottawa Real Estate Board



Bonnie Looby

President

OnePoint Association of REALTORS



Christine Riley

President

Central Lakes Association of REALTORS



Media Inquiries:

For media inquiries, please email:

Toronto Regional Real Estate Board at media@trreb.ca

Cornerstone Association of REALTORS at communications@cornerstone.inc

Ottawa Real Estate Board at communications@oreb.ca

OnePoint Association of REALTORS at communications@onepointar.ca

Central Lakes Association of REALTORS at communications@clar-mls.ca
MONACO, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From 10 to 13 September, the Principality will once again celebrate its maritime heritage as the 17th edition of Monaco Classic Week  La Belle Classe takes over the harbor. Organized by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), the event brings together a spectacular fleet of around 160 vessels, spanning from vintage sailing yachts to motorboats and powerboats, in what has become one of the most distinctive gatherings of its kind.

Some 50 classic sailing yachts, 14 period motor-yachts, 70 vintage powerboats  including an exceptional fleet of 50 Rivas, never before assembled in Monaco and brought together in collaboration with Monaco Boat Service, Riva Exclusive Dealer  and 25 dinghies from the historic 12-foot class are expected to line Monacos quays. Each vessel is a living witness to a golden era of yachting, testifying to the timeless elegance of life at sea.

Among the highlights are 24 centenarian sailing yachts, including Partridge (1885), celebrating her 140th anniversary, and other icons such as Sky (1890), Tuiga (1909), Mariette of 1915 (1915) and Thea (1918). Their presence underscores the enduring beauty of naval craftsmanship. International participation remains strong, with 40 members of the Manhattan Yacht Club returning on Mariska (1908), while a Saudi delegation from the Amaala Yacht Club joins the regattas aboard Black Swan (1899).

Motorboating enthusiasts will also find plenty to admire. Monaco, which hosted its first international powerboat meetings back in 1904, welcomes a fleet of mahogany runabouts from the 1950s, led by Chris Craft and Riva, emblems of the Dolce Vita. Alongside them, 15 motor-yachts that have navigated more than a century of innovation will showcase the art of restoration and preservation.

This years edition also opens its doors to art and cinema with two exclusive exhibitions. Action! Classic Yachts on the Big Screen retraces cinemas fascination with yachting, and stars vessels such as Kalizma (1906), once owned by Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor; Errol Flynns Zaca (1928); Marge (1930), immortalised in Plein Soleil starring Alain Delon; and the schooner Invader (1905), where Charlie Chaplin and Paulette Goddard first met. Displayed alongside the iconic Rivas  true film stars in their own right, featured in numerous Hollywood and European productions including James Bond  the exhibition highlights the timeless dialogue between cinema and the sea.

At the same time, photographer Kos Evans, an international figure in marine imagery, unveils her Rock & Royals series, unique works created on old sailcloth that blend photography, heritage and craftsmanship to transform each snapshot into a timeless creation.

Beyond racing and exhibitions, the event embraces lifestyle with culinary contests and an Elegance Contest, while the prestigious Monaco Classic Week Trophy will be awarded by a Grand Jury chaired by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Blending competition, culture and camaraderie, the 2025 Monaco Classic Week confirms its role as a living showcase of maritime heritage. On land and at sea, it reflects not only the art of sailing but also the enduring inspiration drawn from the sea itself.

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9b13155-83c0-4ede-88c8-3be3d996c799
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the Philippines officially declared the waters surrounding Panaon Island a Protected Seascape, preserving some of the most vibrant and biodiverse coral reefs on the planet. The protected area covers more than 60,000 hectares of ocean, supporting local livelihoods, strengthening the countrys resilience to climate change, and moving the Philippines closer to its commitment to protect 30% of its land and waters by 2030.

Protecting the Panaon Seascape is a global achievement in conserving a unique and vital ecosystem, while also securing the well-being of present and future generations, said Von Hernandez, Oceanas Vice President in the Philippines. This is one of the rare places where coral reefs remain in excellent condition, and we now have a chance to keep them that way. This policy milestone defends marine biodiversity, enhances food security, and fights poverty.

Located in Southern Leyte within the Coral Triangle, Panaon Island has been globally recognized by the 50 Reefs Initiative, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, as one of only 50 reefs worldwide most likely to survive the impacts of climate change. The Philippines coral reefs have been steadily declining over the last 40 years. But in 2020, an Oceana-led expedition found Panaon Island was a unique exception with coral cover reaching three times the national average.

Over the course of the 21-day expedition, Oceana documented a wealth of marine life including whale sharks, sea turtles, and endangered Philippine ducks. The surrounding mangroves and seagrasses, which support food security, protect against storm surges, and store climate-saving blue carbon, were also in good condition. But alongside the signs of abundance, the team found troubling evidence of overfishing, destructive fishing, and plastic pollution.

Panaon is situated in an area known as a vital corridor for marine mammals. Its waters are teeming with life and provide important breeding and nursery grounds for fish, allowing marine life and people to thrive, said Nikka Oquias, Oceanas Marine Protected Area Campaign Lead. With Panaon Islands designation as a national protected area, communities and resource managers now have the needed legal framework and resources to strengthen the management and protection of this area. The law also contains a site-specific provision that requires the enactment of guidelines to regulate vessel speed and protect the large marine mammals frequently transiting the area.

The protected seascape integrates marine conservation with sustainable human activities that balance socio-economic development with conservation efforts. Oceana was key in consulting the local communities and worked alongside them to present these scientific findings to the Philippine government. The new law requires the development of a comprehensive management plan, created in partnership with local stakeholders, scientists, and government agencies to ensure that conservation efforts yield tangible benefits for both people and nature.

Protecting the seas around Panaon Island helps us fishers greatly because, finally, there will be regular monitoring of our waters. This will likely increase our fish catch and boost our income since destructive fishing practices  especially from outsiders  will be controlled, shared Valdemar Mercado Jr., a fisher and village leader in Benit, San Ricardo town.

The oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, yet only about 8% of them are currently protected, and far less are effectively protected. The Philippines protection of Panaon Island's waters and reefs offers a powerful example for how governments can turn commitments into real action, said Antha Williams, who leads the Environment Program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. By safeguarding one of the worlds most climate-resilient reef ecosystems, the country is supporting coastal livelihoods and making vital progress toward its 30x30 target. Were proud to support efforts like the 50 Reefs Initiative, which make this progress possible and help shine light on unique habitats in need of preservation.

We look forward to working with local stakeholders to ensure that the Panaon Island Protected Seascape is properly protected for generations to come. Empowering communities to manage their seas sustainably should be part of the nations blueprint against poverty and hunger, added Hernandez.

Photos and b-roll from Oceanas expedition can be found here.

About Oceana

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-quarter of the worlds wild fish catch. With more than 325 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, oil and plastic pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles, whales, and sharks, Oceanas campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.

About Bloomberg Ocean Initiative

The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative is Bloomberg Philanthropies effort to protect the worlds ocean from climate change, overfishing, and pollution threats. Since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies has invested $375 million to restore and protect critical ocean ecosystems to support the global goal of protecting 30% of the worlds ocean by 2030. The Bloomberg Ocean Initiative supports local and global partners in advocating for data-driven solutions, community involvement, and policy change that can help safeguard marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, and the billions of people who depend on them. To date, these efforts have helped pass over 100 new policies at the local and national level that have strengthened the protection of over 11 million square miles of ocean  nearly three times the area of the United States. Learn more here .

Contacts: Anna Baxter, abaxter@oceana.org

Joyce Sierra, jsierra@oceana.org

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e9ff9465-5f7d-4c5e-a000-580bdfaf385e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/059c6e60-e3b6-4e0b-8cd3-2ac904446281
New Jersey City, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CEXUSD , a forward-thinking blockchain infrastructure provider, is proud to officially open its crypto staking and equity pledge platform to users worldwide. Built with the core principles of transparency, security, and accessibility, CEXUSD empowers individuals to participate in a decentralised financial ecosystem without prior technical expertise.

The platform introduces a robust ecosystem that combines equity pledge mechanisms with automated crypto staking, enabling users to generate consistent returns through blockchain-based validation processes, all powered by smart contracts and artificial intelligence (AI).

A Seamless Entry Into Decentralised Staking

CEXUSD eliminates the complexities sometimes associated with blockchain-based staking and equity pledging. The platform is designed for everyday users and does not require any hardware, coding expertise, or node operation. Users can start staking USDT and other supported digital assets in just a few minutes by following these three simple steps: deposit, pledge, and withdraw.

"We built CEXUSD to democratize access to equity pledge services," said a company spokesperson. "Our mission is to make staking as simple and secure as depositing funds in a savings account  but with the transparency and autonomy of blockchain."

What Is an Equity Pledge in the Crypto Context?

An equity commitment on the CEXUSD, a Staking platform , fundamentally involves the locking of digital assets, including USDT, within smart contracts that facilitate blockchain consensus mechanisms. This initiative enhances the security of blockchain networks, resulting in users receiving monthly payouts akin to dividends in conventional finance.

The equity pledge method employed by CEXUSD offers significant advantages, including the automatic distribution of funds, hourly reward calculations, and the absence of fund holding. At all times, a user maintains complete control over their pledged capital.

Features and Highlights of Platform

1. Artificial Intelligence-Based Smart Contracts:

Automatically, assets are allocated to the best-performing nodes and alter operations in real-time based on network conditions, as the system uses artificial intelligence to improve its staking efficiency.

2. Hourly Rewards:

CEXUSD sets itself apart from other staking services by calculating compensation on an hourly basis. Users have the option to either withdraw or restake their assets based on their individual preferences.

3. Risk-Minimised Architecture:

User assets remain locked within smart contracts that only the original wallet can access. All funds and rewards are withdrawable within minutes without penalty after initial pledge maturity.

4. Multi-Network Compatibility:

The platform supports USDT-TRC20, BEP20, BNB, TRX, and USDC, ensuring comprehensive coverage of top blockchain ecosystems.

5. Personalised Experience:

Enabling users to choose their own desired pledge duration and amount, users have the opportunity to modify their staking plans. The system afterwards presents customized anticipated rewards with complete transparency.

Real-Time Transparency and Credibility

The CEXUSD homepage has real-time updates of successful withdrawals made by users all over the world to build trust and credibility. These include partial email addresses and anonymous phone numbers, which show how widely used the platform is and how consistently it pays out.

Fund Allocation Framework

A distinctive aspect of CEXUSDs operation is its transparent fund allocation model:

90% of platform funds are directed toward staking rewards for users.

of platform funds are directed toward staking rewards for users. 5% support continuing platform maintenance and development.

support continuing platform maintenance and development. 5% is dedicated to responsible promotional outreach and education.

This structure ensures that the bulk of value remains with the user community, supporting decentralised wealth distribution.

Security-First Approach

The platform integrates multi-layer security systems, including:

Storing money in a cold storage location

Encryption of data from start to finish

Biometric login features (in the mobile app)

Locks for withdrawals and mechanisms to stop phishing

Regular checks of the infrastructure

Moreover, CEXUSD uses equity pledge-based security to enhance the underlying contracts resilience, reducing counterparty and liquidation risks.

A Future-Ready Staking Experience

CEXUSD doesnt just stop at the present. With upcoming updates to support DAO-based governance, cross-chain liquidity provisioning, and token-based community incentives, the platform is poised to evolve into a hub for decentralised finance (DeFi) enthusiasts, validators, and institutional delegators alike.

Users can also access personalised dashboards, income calculators, and historical performance charts to track and optimise their pledging strategy.

How to Get Started

Onboarding is effortless with CEXUSD:

Visit the official website or app and click on "Stake Now." Deposit at least 7 USDT into your account through one of the supported networks. Choose how much you want to pledge and for how long. Monitor hourly rewards and reinvest or take money out whenever you want.

No third-party custody, no manual contracts  just a few taps to begin.

The Final Conclusive Thoughts

With the formal launch being complete, CEXUSD encourages users from all areas of life to join this next-generation financial system. Whether you're a crypto enthusiast, a web3 supporter, or simply someone seeking a stable, secure, and smart way to use your digital assets, this platform is designed for you.

This isnt about chasing promises  its about building a decentralised staking future based on equity, transparency, and trust.

To explore more or begin staking today, visit: https://cexusd.vip/

Media Contact:

Full Name: Victoria Windsor

Address: 149 Essex St Apt 4V, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Email: support@cexusd.vip

Telegram: @cexstaking_official

X (formerly Twitter): @CEXStakingGlobal

Disclaimer: Crypto staking involves blockchain-based systems. Please ensure you understand how equity pledges and smart contracts operate before participating.
Invalda INVL had equity of EUR 225.9 million at the end of June this year, or EUR 18.73 per share. Those figures were 27.4% and 27.5% larger, respectively, than a year earlier, including the dividends that have been paid out.

In January-June 2025, Invalda INVL earned an unaudited net profit of EUR 18 million, or 53.8% more than in the same period last year, when the net profit was EUR 11.7 million.

This year the company paid dividends of EUR 1.25 per share from its 2024 profit, the largest in its history. Since the beginning of listing on the stock exchange, Invalda INVL has paid out a total of EUR 87.4 million to shareholders in dividends and share buybacks.

The business climate in the world and our region remains uncertain and subject to rapid change. We have accepted this as a new reality that demands the adaptability and offers opportunities to those who possess it. We are ready for this and are actively engaging in this environment, says Darius Sulnis, the CEO of Invalda INVL.

Newly attracted investor capital and the growing value of investments raised the assets under management of the group's companies to EUR 2 billion at the end of June, an increase of 26.9% over a year and 18.5% since the start of 2025. Gains of EUR 9.9 million were earned for the groups clients in the first half of the year.

Strategic core business: asset management and family office activities

Invalda INVLs revenue from the management of assets entrusted by clients totalled EUR 8.7 million in the first half of 2025, 46.6% more than in January-June 2024.

The profit of the strategic core business, which also includes the companys own investments in the products the group manages, was EUR 2.9 million, compared with a profit of EUR 5.3 million in the same period last year.

We have more than EUR 400 million of free cash for investments across the Baltic countries, Poland, Romania and other nearby markets, so we are actively seeking acquisition opportunities in the private equity, forest and land, private debt and other areas, Darius Sulnis notes.

In mid-July this year, the INVL Baltic Sea Growth Fund completed an equity investment in the Pehart Group, a leading producer of household and industrial paper products in Romania. With that transaction, the private equity fund finished its formation of a value creation portfolio comprising 10 companies in the Baltics, Poland and Romania, one of which has already been successfully exited. The strategy of investing in ambitious, growing businesses in the Baltic countries and Central and Eastern Europe will now be continued by the INVL Private Equity Fund II.

The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I, which invests in renewable energy projects, secured EUR 29.3 million of new financing from Kommunalkredit for the construction of solar power plants. In August, REFI Sun, a company that fund owns, raised EUR 15 million through a public bond offering.

A major part of our business is managing our portfolio companies and other investments and, when the time comes, selling them and paying out the proceeds to investors. We did so successfully in the first half of this year, and the processes that are underway suggest that this will continue in the coming quarters too, Invalda INVLs CEO says.

Equity investments

Invalda INVLs other equity investments, aside from the asset management, had a EUR 16.9 million impact on earnings in the first half of 2025.

This result was positively influenced by the strong performance and growth in value of the banks in which the company holds stakes. Invalda INVL has investments in Artea Bank and in maib, Moldovas largest bank. Maib, continuing sustainable growth in all business segments, earned a record net profit of EUR 42.5 million in the first half of the year. That had a EUR 2.5 million impact on Invalda INVLs pretax profit. The Artea Bank group had a net profit of EUR 31.9 million in the first half of 2025, with a EUR 12.2 million impact on Invalda INVLs result.

Targeted investments in production capacity as well as favourable economic cycle in the poultry and dairy industries boosted Litagra groups profits, contributing EUR 2.3 million to Invalda INVL's first-half results.

The person authorized to provide additional information is:

Darius Sulnis, CEO of Invalda INVL

Darius.Sulnis@invl.com

Attachments
New York City, NY, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Introduction  What is Everix Edge

Everix Edge is an AI-powered trading platform engineered to simplify and enhance participation in modern financial markets. Built on advanced data analytics, the system interprets complex trading environments into structured insights that users can act upon. Instead of directly executing trades, Everix Edge functions as a decision-support environment that processes high-speed market signals and presents them in a clear, actionable format.





In 2025, financial markets are increasingly data-driven, requiring participants to navigate volatility, global events, and continuous information streams. Everix Edge addresses this demand with technology that integrates artificial intelligence , risk management guidance, and educational resources. Its design is suited to both entry-level participants and seasoned professionals, ensuring adaptability across experience levels.

The platform provides exposure to multiple asset classes, including cryptocurrencies, equities, commodities, and indices, unifying these categories under a single dashboard. This allows traders to diversify strategies without switching systems. A focus on performance accuracy and real-time analytics positions Everix Edge as a sophisticated tool for financial decision-making.

Everix Edges infrastructure emphasizes transparency, compliance, and security. SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication, and global data protection standards safeguard user information. Combined with low-latency servers, this ensures data delivery remains both fast and secure.

By uniting AI innovation with a streamlined interface, Everix Edge introduces a structured, fact-based approach to trading in 2025. It functions as a technological bridge, turning vast amounts of raw data into intelligence that enhances clarity, reduces uncertainty, and strengthens market awareness.

Everix Edge Features

The feature set of Everix Edge is designed to combine intelligence , usability, and global market accessibility. At the core lies its AI-driven analytics engine, which continuously processes order-book depth, sentiment indicators, technical chart signals, and macroeconomic updates. This multi-layered analysis is presented in simplified dashboards that allow users to interpret movements without the need for extensive manual research.

Multi-asset support is a defining feature. Everix Edge enables trading across cryptocurrencies, global equities, commodities, and indices. This cross-market access allows users to diversify exposure and manage risks more effectively. Customizable layouts let traders configure their interface according to preferred strategieswhether short-term trading or long-term investment approaches.

Another critical feature is real-time signal delivery. By operating on low-latency servers, Everix Edge ensures that data streams and AI insights reach the user within milliseconds. This responsiveness is crucial in volatile markets where timing often determines outcomes.

Risk management tools are integrated throughout the platform. Alerts for volatility spikes, over-leveraging, and exposure limits are presented in clear formats, enabling traders to adjust positions proactively. Historical backtesting tools also allow signals to be validated against past data, strengthening confidence in the AIs predictive models.

To support education, Everix Edge includes onboarding modules, tutorials, and knowledge centers, allowing new users to build a foundation while engaging with real-time markets. Professional traders, on the other hand, benefit from advanced charting tools and deeper technical overlays.

With its combination of AI analytics, multi-asset trading, customizable dashboards, educational content, and real-time responsiveness, Everix Edge functions as a comprehensive ecosystem designed to enhance financial decision-making in 2025.

Visit the Official Website Here For More Information

Everix Edge  Security Measures and Factual Performance Data

Security and system performance are central pillars of the Everix Edge infrastructure. The platform applies industry-grade SSL/TLS encryption across all transactions, ensuring that sensitive information such as login credentials, account details, and financial transfers remain safeguarded. In addition to encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is implemented to add an extra layer of account protection, reducing risks associated with unauthorized access.

Operational resilience is supported by redundant server architecture with global distribution. This ensures that even during peak market hours, Everix Edge maintains uptime and avoids performance disruptions. Failover systems automatically reroute traffic if one server node experiences issues, guaranteeing uninterrupted user access.

From a compliance standpoint, the platform aligns with international data privacy regulations and applies strict protocols for handling personal information. This adherence not only provides transparency but also ensures lawful participation across multiple jurisdictions.

Performance benchmarks published by Everix Edge indicate ultra-low latency data processing, with market analytics delivered in milliseconds. The AI engines predictive capacity is reinforced through historical backtesting against extensive datasets, enhancing the accuracy of generated insights. Unlike manual trading research that may be prone to delays, Everix Edge leverages automation to filter and interpret information at high speed.

Another factual highlight is its transparent fee model, which can be as low as 0.01% per transaction, depending on the asset class and market liquidity. This structure allows more capital to remain available for trading rather than being absorbed by costs.

By combining encryption, authentication layers, compliance standards, and measurable performance data, Everix Edge demonstrates its commitment to building a secure, transparent, and efficient trading environment that operates on global standards.

Why Choose Everix Edge? Czech Republic & Canada Consumer Report Released Here

Everix Edge Account Setup Process  Step by Step

The Everix Edge account setup process is structured to ensure accessibility, speed, and security. Each step is carefully designed to create a compliant entry point into the trading environment.

Step 1  Registration: Navigate to the official Everix Edge website and fill out the registration form with basic details such as name, email, and phone number. This first step is quick, requiring only essential information.

Navigate to the and fill out the registration form with basic details such as name, email, and phone number. This first step is quick, requiring only essential information. Step 2  Verification: A confirmation link is sent to the registered email to validate the identity of the new user. This process prevents automated signups and enhances account authenticity.

A confirmation link is sent to the registered email to validate the identity of the new user. This process prevents automated signups and enhances account authenticity. Step 3  Secure Login: Once verified, users can log in with their credentials. Multi-factor authentication may be required, adding an extra protective layer to the account.

Once verified, users can log in with their credentials. may be required, adding an extra protective layer to the account. Step 4  Deposit Capital: The platform requires a minimum deposit of $250 to activate the account. This amount becomes available for allocation across supported assets and is not treated as a fee.

The platform requires a to activate the account. This amount becomes available for allocation across supported assets and is not treated as a fee. Step 5  Dashboard Access: After funding, users gain full access to the trading interface, AI-driven analytics, educational resources, and customization options.

After funding, users gain full access to the trading interface, AI-driven analytics, educational resources, and customization options. Step 6  Configure Preferences: Users may personalize dashboards, select asset categories, and adjust risk parameters according to individual strategies.

Users may personalize dashboards, select asset categories, and adjust risk parameters according to individual strategies. Step 7  Begin Trading: Insights from the AI engine can now be applied to live markets, supported by backtesting and risk alerts.

This structured process is designed to balance ease of use with compliance and security. By incorporating verification, encryption, and a reasonable capital threshold, Everix Edge provides a transparent and straightforward pathway into global markets.





Why Choose Everix Edge? Canada Consumer Report Released Here

How Does Everix Edge Work?

Everix Edge operates as a decision-support trading system powered by artificial intelligence. Its core function is to process real-time financial data and deliver actionable signals rather than executing trades directly. This distinction allows users to maintain control of their strategies while benefiting from AI-driven insights.

The system collects data from multiple sources, including order-book fluctuations, global news feeds, sentiment analysis, and macroeconomic indicators. This information is processed through machine learning models that identify potential trading patterns. The adaptive nature of these models allows them to recalibrate as new data enters the system, ensuring insights remain aligned with current conditions.

Insights are then presented on the Everix Edge dashboard as simplified signals. For instance, potential entry and exit points may be highlighted along with risk alerts tied to volatility. To support informed decision-making, users also gain access to historical backtesting tools that showcase how a given signal would have performed under past market conditions.

Everix Edge also emphasizes real-time responsiveness. With analytics delivered in milliseconds, traders can assess situations almost instantly. Risk management integration ensures that signals are accompanied by contextual alerts, helping users avoid excessive exposure.

By combining adaptive AI, multi-source data analysis, backtesting, and real-time delivery, Everix Edge transforms raw, unstructured market information into structured intelligence. The platforms purpose is not to predict profits but to enhance awareness and improve decision quality in complex financial environments.

From Beginner to Pro: Guided Onboarding, 24/7 Support, and Intuitive Design

Everix Edge is designed to accommodate users at every stage of trading proficiency , from beginners to experienced professionals. Upon registration, new users are introduced to a guided onboarding program that explains the platforms layout, key functions, and AI analytics. Interactive tutorials demonstrate asset categories, risk management tools, and how AI-generated signals can be interpreted to support trading decisions. This structured learning helps users develop confidence while maintaining full control over trade execution.

For intermediate and advanced traders, Everix Edge provides customizable dashboards and advanced charting tools. Users can arrange indicators, signals, and asset categories to suit individual strategies. The interface supports multiple languages, ensuring global accessibility and usability.

24/7 support is integrated into the platform via live chat, email, and ticket systems, ensuring timely resolution of technical or operational queries. This continuous support framework allows traders in different time zones to receive assistance whenever needed. The platforms design emphasizes intuitive navigation, reducing learning curves while offering professional-grade tools.

Educational content is embedded within the interface, including tutorials, knowledge centers, and risk guidance, enabling users to understand market signals, leverage AI insights effectively, and make informed decisions. Professional traders benefit from data-rich analytics and backtesting capabilities that allow evaluation of historical signal performance.

By combining guided onboarding, continuous support, intuitive interface, and educational modules, Everix Edge ensures that all usersregardless of experiencecan engage with financial markets efficiently. The platforms design philosophy focuses on structured learning, accessibility, and professional-grade trading tools, making it suitable for a wide range of users who seek a fact-based, AI-driven trading environment in 2025.





More Information on Everix Edge Can Be Found On The Official Website Here

Everix Edge  Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit

Everix Edge implements a transparent financial structure designed to provide clarity and efficiency for traders. The minimum deposit required is $250, which activates the account and allows capital allocation across all supported assets. This deposit is fully available for trading purposes and is not treated as a fee.

Transaction fees are competitive, with rates starting as low as 0.01% per trade, depending on the asset type and market liquidity. This ensures that a larger portion of the users capital remains available for market participation. Everix Edge does not impose hidden fees, account maintenance charges, or withdrawal restrictions beyond standard banking processes.

Regarding profit potential, Everix Edge functions as a decision-support platform rather than a trading service that guarantees returns. Users leverage AI-generated insights, risk alerts, and historical data analysis to guide their strategies. Profit outcomes depend on market conditions, chosen assets, and individual trading decisions. The platform emphasizes providing factual, actionable intelligence, allowing traders to make informed choices rather than relying on predictions or promises of earnings.

For portfolio management, Everix Edge provides tools for diversification, real-time monitoring, and risk assessment, allowing users to optimize exposure while controlling volatility. Advanced analytics highlight potential market opportunities and provide backtesting results to evaluate historical effectiveness.

Overall, Everix Edge combines low entry cost, competitive transaction fees, and robust AI-driven decision support to create a structured environment for financial market participation. Its focus remains on empowering users with tools and information to make informed decisions rather than guaranteeing outcomes.

Countries Where Everix Edge Is Legal

Everix Edge operates across multiple jurisdictions , adhering to international regulatory and compliance standards. The platform is available in Europe (Norway), North America, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Latin America, with expansions planned in regions where legislation permits regulated digital asset trading. Users in countries with restricted financial or cryptocurrency regulations may encounter limitations, and Everix Edge explicitly advises checking local laws before registration.

The platform maintains regional compliance frameworks to ensure lawful participation. Data storage, transaction processing, and user identification follow country-specific legal requirements, including privacy and cybersecurity standards. These measures reinforce the platforms legitimacy and enable cross-border accessibility without violating local regulations.

Everix Edge also implements geolocation and account verification protocols to prevent unauthorized access from restricted areas. By integrating these systems, the platform minimizes legal risk while maintaining operational efficiency. Compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards further strengthens its standing as a responsible and secure trading environment.

The platforms global reach, combined with adherence to regulatory standards, allows users in permitted regions to access multi-asset analytics, AI-driven signals, and risk management tools. By providing a secure and legally compliant framework, Everix Edge ensures that users can engage with markets while respecting local financial legislation.

Everix Edge Supported Assets

Everix Edge provides multi-asset support, allowing users to engage with a diverse portfolio under a single platform. Core asset categories include cryptocurrencies, equities, indices, and commodities. The system supports major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside leading global equities and key market indices, enabling users to diversify across digital and traditional financial instruments.

Commodity coverage includes precious metals, energy resources, and agricultural products, providing exposure to macroeconomic trends and market volatility. This multi-class approach allows traders to construct balanced portfolios and explore different market dynamics without switching platforms.

The platforms AI engine continuously monitors asset price movements, market depth, and sentiment indicators to generate signals across all supported categories. Users can apply backtesting tools to analyze historical performance, identify trends, and refine allocation strategies. Dashboards are customizable, allowing different assets to be prioritized or displayed according to individual preferences.

By supporting cross-asset access, Everix Edge delivers flexibility in trading strategies and portfolio management. Users can simultaneously monitor cryptocurrency volatility, stock performance, index fluctuations, and commodity trends, all within the same analytical framework. This unified approach reduces the complexity of multi-market trading and allows for data-driven, informed decisions across all asset classes.

Everix Edge  Final Verdict

Everix Edge presents itself as a comprehensive AI-powered trading platform designed for global market access in 2025. Its technology integrates high-speed analytics, real-time AI-driven insights, and multi-asset monitoring into a single interface, providing a structured environment for financial decision-making.

The platform emphasizes security, transparency, and compliance. Features such as SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication, geolocation protocols, and adherence to KYC/AML standards ensure safe and lawful participation. Redundant server architecture and low-latency processing maintain performance reliability, even in volatile market conditions.

Everix Edge does not execute trades directly but delivers actionable signals based on adaptive AI, historical backtesting, and market intelligence. Combined with educational modules, guided onboarding, and 24/7 support, the platform accommodates traders across all proficiency levels, from beginners seeking structured guidance to professionals utilizing advanced charting and analytics.

Financially, the system requires a minimum deposit of $250 with transparent fees as low as 0.01%. Profit outcomes depend on user strategy and market conditions, while the platform ensures access to all necessary tools and information to make informed trading decisions.

By offering cross-asset access, multi-jurisdiction compliance, AI-driven signals, and educational support, Everix Edge positions itself as a fact-based, technologically advanced trading platform. Its focus on clarity, intelligence, and global accessibility establishes it as a structured solution for participants seeking a comprehensive AI trading environment.

Visit Here to Register on the Everix Edge - Select Your Country Here!!!

Contact:-

Everix Edge

485 Bd de la Gappe, Gatineau, QC J8T 5T9, Canada

Phone Support: Everix Edge Canada: +1 (437) 920-9751

Trading Assistance: +1 (437) 169-3417

Email: info@everix-edge.com

Website: https://everix-edge.com/

General Disclaimer:

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What does it take to succeed in a business world defined by rapid change, digital breakthroughs, and growing sustainability pressures? For the winners of the 2025 Golden Bull Award organised by Business Media International, the answer is clear: vision, agility, and a drive to challenge the norm.

These are high-performing companies and trailblazers. This years winners are leading the way through innovation, from adopting AI and strengthening cybersecurity to integrating ESG values into their core operations. They show us that profitability and purpose can, and should, go hand in hand.

Recent data from SME Corp Malaysia backs this up. According to its latest performance report, over half (55.6%) of Malaysian SMEs are prioritising innovation, nearly 40% are forming strategic alliances, and a third are actively pursuing international markets. These are dynamic, forward-looking businesses shaping the future economy.

The Golden Bull Award goes beyond celebrating success to enabling growth. As 80.7% of SMEs ramp up marketing efforts and 64.5% plan to scale their operations, the Award opens doors, connecting ambitious businesses with the networks, platforms, and partnerships they need to thrive.

Organised by Business Media International with the support of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) since 2003, the Golden Bull Award stands as Asias longest-running and most respected recognition platform for SMEs. Its footprint spans Malaysia, Singapore, mainland China, and Taiwan, and continues to grow across the region.

This year saw a record 19% increase in nominations, to over 1,700 companies. This highlights the rising aspirations of Malaysian SMEs. With SMEs contributing 39.1% to Malaysias GDP in 2023 and national targets aiming for 45% by 2025, their contribution is more critical than ever.

This years Golden Bull Award is a testament not just to business success, but to business evolution, said Datuk William Ng, National President of SAMENTA. Our winners reflect the best of Malaysias entrepreneurial spirit: resilient, bold, and future-ready. With stronger government backing, theyre will be able reach even greater heights.

The awards span three categories:

Emerging Bull Award,

Outstanding Bull Award, and

Super Golden Bull Award for elite-level achievers



A special Distinguished Bull Award was also presented to ten outstanding businesses that have previously won and continued to grow and expand their reach.

Throughout the selection process, integrity and transparency remain paramount. Baker Tilly Malaysia served as the official auditor, while CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd acted as the independent credit report and data provider.

Since its founding in 2003, the Golden Bull Award has stood as a benchmark of SME excellence across Asia. With expansion into new Asia Pacific markets on the horizon for 2025, it continues to spotlight the regions most inspiring business stories.

Ready to be inspired? Explore the full list of winners and learn more at https://goldenbullaward.asia/

LIST OF WINNERS OF THE GOLDEN BULL AWARD 2025 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

SUPER GOLDEN BULL CATEGORY



1. Advantage Marine Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

2. Gaido (M) Sdn Bhd

3. Golden Destinations

4. Hong Seng Power Sdn Bhd

5. Master-Pack Group Berhad

6. OSADI Commercial Supplies Sdn Bhd

7. Parkson Credit Sdn Bhd

8. Saint-Gobain Malaysia Sdn Bhd

9. Siacon Technology Sdn Bhd

10. Sri Perkasa Trading (M) Sdn Bhd

11. ST Rosyam Mart Sdn Bhd

12. Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad

13. Tan Boon Ming Sdn Bhd

14. Terberg Tractors Malaysia Sdn Bhd

15. Vape Empire Distribution Sdn Bhd





OUTSTANDING BULL AWARD



16. Adamas Contracts Sdn Bhd

17. AESD International (M) Sdn Bhd

18. Akaido Marketing Sdn Bhd

19. Alam-Con Sdn Bhd

20. Allied Forklift (M) Sdn Bhd

21. Altus Oil & Gas Malaysia Sdn Bhd

22. Aluspace Sdn Bhd

23. Animal Medical Centre Sdn Bhd

24. ATEK Technology Sdn Bhd

25. Benz Auto Service (M) Sdn Bhd

26. BP Chiropractic Sdn Bhd

27. Cangkat Bayu Maju Sdn Bhd

28. Ceres Nutrition Sdn Bhd

29. Cert Academy Sdn Bhd

30. CID Realtors Sdn Bhd

31. Contacthings Solution Sdn Bhd

32. E Mark Global Trade Sdn Bhd

33. Essential Engineering Solution Sdn Bhd

34. Estream Software Sdn Bhd

35. Eternalgy Sdn Bhd

36. Evertools Industrial Supply Sdn Bhd

37. Fiskal Jitu Sdn Bhd

38. Fong Hong (M) Sdn Bhd

39. Foo Hing Dim Sum Sdn Bhd

40. Fuyu Dezain Sdn Bhd

41. Gee Seng Industrial Parts & Hoist Supply Sdn Bhd

42. GFS Technology Sdn Bhd

43. GME Greentech Sdn Bhd

44. HBT Food & Beverage Sdn Bhd

45. HFC Tech Sdn Bhd

46. Hock Lian Hin Sdn Bhd

47. Hon Engineering Sdn Bhd

48. IDMS Technologies Sdn Bhd

49. Ins Tech International Sdn Bhd

50. IP Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd

51. ISEP (M) Sdn Bhd

52. Itech System Engineering Sdn Bhd

53. JBR Hardware & Trading Sdn Bhd

54. Jo Mama Online Shop Sdn Bhd

55. JV Global Event Sdn Bhd

56. Kibaru Manufacturing Sdn Bhd

57. KMB Resources Sdn Bhd

58. Kwang Tai Refrigerators & Electrical Sdn Bhd

59. Kymm Seng Trading (Kulim) Sdn Bhd

60. Leaderland Era Sdn Bhd

61. Lian Heng M&E Sdn Bhd

62. Liconlite Engineering Sdn Bhd

63. LifeWave (M) Sdn Bhd

64. LINGTEC Instruments Sdn Bhd

65. LM Equipment Sdn Bhd

66. LMS Education Holdings Sdn Bhd

67. M Summit Group

68. Mana Mana Suites Sdn Bhd

69. Mapo Industries Sdn Bhd

70. Max Star Project Management Sdn Bhd

71. MCDS Bhd

72. Ming Supply Sdn Bhd (Ming Lighting)

73. MM Network Sdn Bhd

74. Monzone Air-Conditioning Sdn Bhd

75. MR Academy International Sdn Bhd

76. Multiworld Freight (M) Sdn Bhd

77. My Flavor Food Sdn Bhd

78. Nero Chemical Sdn Bhd

79. Nursery Hong Soon Sdn Bhd

80. Ometick Tooling Sdn Bhd

81. One Union Group Sdn Bhd

82. Oxwise (M) Sdn Bhd

83. Paramount Premix Sdn Bhd

84. Pasaraya T.S. Mega (Cheras) Sdn Bhd

85. Perniagaan Yik Sing Sdn Bhd

86. PMX Delight Holding Sdn Bhd

87. Print Expert Sdn Bhd

88. Pro E Sdn Bhd

89. Pro Life Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd

90. R-Tech Global (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

91. Raddish Technology Sdn Bhd

92. Raiden M & E Sdn Bhd

93. REDBOX

94. Rezo Group Sdn Bhd

95. Risguard Sdn Bhd

96. Rohe Interior Sdn Bhd

97. SF Techlogis Sdn Bhd

98. Shimlen Sdn Bhd

99. Sin Soon Fa Fruits Sdn Bhd

100. SKA Transport (M) Sdn Bhd

101. SKN Industrial Supplies Sdn Bhd

102. Sri Maju Cergas Logistics Sdn Bhd

103. SRKK Technology Sdn Bhd

104. SSH Manufacturing Sdn Bhd

105. Straits Commnet Solutions Sdn Bhd

106. Super Power Supply (M) Sdn Bhd

107. Surian Creations Sdn Bhd

108. Swee Seng Electrical Engineering Sdn Bhd

109. Tay Motors (M) Sdn Bhd

110. Tayopack Sdn Bhd

111. Tian Siang BP (Ipoh) Sdn Bhd

112. TIP Design (M) Sdn Bhd

113. TLH Solution (M) Sdn Bhd

114. TNS Shipping Sdn Bhd

115. TP Power (M) Sdn Bhd (TP TEC Holding Berhad)

116. UKM Pakarunding Sdn Bhd

117. VHL Logistics Sdn Bhd

118. Vision Mission Cleaning Sdn Bhd

119. Visko Industries Sdn Bhd

120. YLI Industry Sdn Bhd

121. YPS Technology Sdn Bhd

EMERGING BULL AWARD



122. ACS Project Management Sdn Bhd

123. Alphas Estate Solutions Sdn Bhd

124. ALW Technology Sdn Bhd

125. Astra Online Sdn Bhd

126. AVS Integrators Sdn Bhd

127. BENJ Design Sdn Bhd

128. Best Sewing World (M) Sdn Bhd

129. Centrionics Sdn Bhd

130. Chmiel Global Advisory Sdn Bhd

131. CPT Training Development Sdn Bhd

132. Dang Foods Trading

133. Dream Home Structural Works Sdn Bhd

134. Eaglesview Group Sdn Bhd

135. Ecobex Resources Sdn Bhd

136. EF Store Sdn Bhd

137. Epro Precision Engineering Sdn Bhd

138. Evoway Sdn Bhd

139. Evrypawdy Sdn Bhd

140. Excel Test Sdn Bhd

141. FDCV Group Sdn Bhd

142. Fuwave Design Sdn Bhd

143. Goflex Events

144. H & H First Consultancy Group Sdn Bhd

145. H&H Health Group Sdn Bhd

146. Happy Plantations (Kota Marudu) Sdn Bhd

147. High Pines Training And Consultancy Sdn Bhd

148. Inhome Solar Sdn Bhd

149. Journal Multi Media Sdn Bhd

150. Lee Sportswear International Sdn Bhd (Spin Sportswear)

151. Livinghome Furniture Design Sdn Bhd

152. Monogram Concepts Sdn Bhd

153. My Wealth Capital Sdn Bhd

154. Nexxg Worldwide Sdn Bhd

155. One Search Pro Marketing Sdn Bhd

156. Pi Interactive Sdn Bhd

157. Red Abstract Hair Studio Sdn Bhd

158. Seamarine Frozen Food & Supply

159. Seng Seng Hardware Sdn Bhd

160. Solid Real Estate Consultants Sdn Bhd

161. Spartan Ives Capital Sdn Bhd

162. TCW Solomon Realty Sdn Bhd

163. Technics Minerals Resources Sdn Bhd

164. Topkrete Sdn Bhd

165. Trading Castle PLT

166. Usahamaju Magnet Sdn Bhd

167. Vanta Capital Sdn Bhd

168. Various Intelligence Sdn Bhd





DISTINGUISHED BULL AWARDS



169. Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd

170. Cabe (M) Sdn Bhd

171. Chinhan Tech Sdn Bhd

172. Gold Key FNB Sdn Bhd

173. Green Island Feed Mills Sdn Bhd

174. INK Marketing Sdn Bhd

175. Precious Precious Sdn Bhd

176. Realux Sdn Bhd

177. Teamplete Sdn Bhd

178. Worldwise Freight (M) Sdn Bhd

DIGITAL 50 AWARDS

Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd Golden Destinations HFC Tech Sdn Bhd IDMS Technologies Sdn Bhd Parkson Credit Sdn Bhd Pi Interactive Sdn Bhd Swee Seng Electrical Engineering Sdn Bhd Tan Boon Ming Sdn Bhd Tian Siang BP (Ipoh) Sdn Bhd Various Intelligence Sdn Bhd

GOLDEN BULL INSPIRATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

Mr. Lim Ann Shen - Alphas Estate Solutions Sdn Bhd Mr. Patrick Goh - Always Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd Dr. Hii Ding Ong - Ceres Nutrition Sdn Bhd Ms. Christine Tan - Estream Software Sdn Bhd Mr. Lim Boon Hoe - Gaido (M) Sdn Bhd Mr. Eric Yap - GME Greentech Sdn Bhd Mr. Mita Lim - Golden Destinations Ms. Kristy Liew - INK Marketing Sdn Bhd Mr. Jenson Heng Kheng Hong - Mapo Industries Sdn Bhd Mr. Teoh Beng Swee - Pasaraya T.S. Mega (Cheras) Sdn Bhd Mr. Benjamin Ku - SSH Manufacturing Sdn Bhd Mr. Eric Mong - TNS Shipping Sdn Bhd Mr. Zac Oh - Vape Empire Distribution Sdn Bhd Mr. Andrew Teow - Advantage Marine Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd Mr. Nga Hock Ee - Aluspace Sdn Bhd Mr. Georg Chmiel - Chmiel Global Advisory Sdn Bhd Mr. George Wong Wei Hong - Gold Key FNB Sdn Bhd Mr. Allen Goh Soo Loon - Green Island Feed Mills Sdn Bhd Dr. Hiew Boon Thong - Happy Plantations (Kota Marudu) Sdn Bhd Mr. Noel Chuah Chong Tatt - IDMS Technologies Sdn Bhd Ms. Josephine Quay Huei Ming - Jo Mama Online Shop Sdn Bhd Mr. Andy Cheong Kah Yee - Raiden M & E Sdn Bhd Mr. Ooi Chi Yang - Raiden M & E Sdn Bhd Datin Pang Mei Mei - Risguard Sdn Bhd Dr. Sia Tian Poh - Siacon Technology Sdn Bhd Mr. Khoo Sze Chyuan - Sri Maju Cergas Logistics Sdn Bhd Datin Sri Jenny Hing Puey Ling - Sri Perkasa Trading (M) Sdn Bhd Datuk Lawrence Leow Fong Peng - Teamplete Sdn Bhd

About Business Media International

Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. BMI owns renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. BMI also organises various exhibitions and has the proprietary software-as-a-service  Total Engagement Assessment Model  in its portfolio.
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds stockholders that a class action was filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT) securities between January 23, 2024 and July 21, 2025. Lockheed Martin is an aerospace defense company.

For more information, submit a form, email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects

According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose: (i) that Lockheed Martin lacked efficient internal controls regarding its purportedly risk adjusted contracts including the reporting of its risk adjusted profit booking rate; (2) that Lockheed Martin lacked effective procedures to perform reasonably accurate comprehensive reviews of program requirements, technical complexities, schedule, and risks; (3) that Lockheed Martin overstated its ability to deliver on its contract commitments in terms of cost, quality and schedule; and (4) that, as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to report significant losses.

The complaint alleges that on July 22, 2025, Lockheed Martin, after previously announcing losses on October 24, 2024 and January 28, 2025, disclosed it had recorded an additional $1.6 billion in pre-tax losses on classified programs, including $950 million in losses related to its Aeronautics Classified program. The Company also recorded $570 million in losses on its Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program and a $95 million charge related to its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program. On this news, the Company's share price fell $49.79, or over 10%, to close at $410.74 on July 22, 2025.

What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Lockheed Martin Corporation. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their papers with the court by September 26, 2025. The lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here .

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002.

To be notified if a class action against Lockheed Martin Corporation settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DALLAS, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Triumph Financial, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: TFIN) today announced that the Companys Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $17.81 per share on its 7.125% Series C Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, represented by depositary shares (NYSE: TFIN-PR), each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of preferred stock. Holders of depositary shares will receive $0.44525 per depositary share. The dividend is payable on September 30, 2025, to holders of record at the close of business on September 15, 2025.

About Triumph Financial

Triumph (NYSE: TFIN) is a financial and technology company focused on payments, factoring, intelligence and banking to modernize and simplify freight transactions. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, its portfolio of brands includes Triumph, TBK Bank and LoadPay. www.tfin.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Investors are cautioned that such statements are predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Triumph Financials expected financial results or other plans are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" and the forward-looking statement disclosure contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2025. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and Triumph Financial undertakes no duty to update the information.

Source: Triumph Financial, Inc.

Investor Relations:

Luke Wyse

Executive Vice President, Head of Investor Relations

lwyse@tfin.com

214-365-6936

Media Contact:

Amanda Tavackoli

Senior Vice President, Director of Corporate Communication

atavackoli@tfin.com

214-365-6930
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Centene Corporation ("Centene " or the "Company") (NYSE: CNC) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between December 12, 2024 through June 30, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Centene investors have until September 8, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Centene Corporation is a healthcare enterprise that delivers fully integrated services to government-sponsored and commercial healthcare programs, with a particular focus on serving underinsured and uninsured individuals.

According to the class action lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants misled investors by creating the false impression that they had reliable, accurate information regarding Centenes projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth. Defendants repeatedly highlighted strong enrollment rates and low morbidity levels as supportive of the Companys growth prospects and financial guidance.

In reality, however, the complaint alleges that these representations were materially misleading, as they concealed adverse enrollment trends and worsening morbidity rates. A preliminary internal analysis, covering more than two-thirds of Centenes marketplace membership, revealed lower-than-expected enrollment and a higher-than-anticipated aggregate market morbidity, contradicting the Companys prior public statements.

On July 1, 2025, Centene publicly withdrew its 2025 guidance, citing the disappointing findings from its analysis of the 2025 Health Insurance Marketplace. The Company disclosed that market growth across 22 statesrepresenting approximately 72% of its marketplace membershipwas significantly below expectations. As a result, Centene revised its 2025 guidance downward to approximately $1.8 billion in earnings, or an adjusted diluted EPS of $2.75, according to the complaint.

Following this announcement, Centenes stock price declined by more than 40%, inflicting significant financial harm on investors and triggering the current class action litigation.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Alto Neuroscience, Inc. ("Alto Neuroscience" or the "Company") (NYSE: ANRO) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between February 2, 2024 and October 22, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Alto Neuroscience investors have until September 19, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Alto Neuroscience operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company. According to the Alto Neuroscience class action lawsuit, on or about February 2, 2024, Alto Neuroscience conducted its initial public offering (IPO), issuing over 8 million shares of common stock to the public at $16.00 per share, generating proceeds of over $119 million. Alto Neurosciences product pipeline includes, among other candidates, ALTO-100, which at the time of the IPO was in a Phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), according to the complaint.

The lawsuit alleges that throughout the Class Period and in the IPO offering documents, defendants made false or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) ALTO-100 was less effective in treating MDD than defendants represented; (ii) as a result, ALTO-100s clinical, regulatory, and commercial prospects were overstated; and (iii) consequently, Alto Neurosciences overall business and financial prospects were overstated.

The complaint further alleges that on October 22, 2024, Alto Neuroscience announced topline results from the Phase 2b trial of ALTO-100 for MDD, revealing that the drug did not meet its primary endpoint, assessed by change from baseline in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), compared to placebo. On this news, Alto Neurosciences stock fell nearly 70%, according to the complaint.

As of the filing of the Alto Neuroscience class action, the price of Alto Neuroscience common stock continues to trade below the $16.00 per share IPO price.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Shelton, CT, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



EDWARD H. BAINE ELECTED TO THE HUBBELL INCORPORATED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors of Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) announced today the election of Edward H. Baine as a Director of the company effective August 29, 2025. This addition to the Hubbell Board brings the total number of Directors to eleven, of which ten are independent.

Mr. Baine, 51, is currently the executive vice president-Utility Operations and president-Dominion Energy Virginia at Dominion Energy. Mr. Baine has led Utility Operations consisting of Dominion Energy Virginia and Dominion Energy South Carolina, together serving more than four million customer accounts  since January 1, 2025, as president, and has led Dominion Energy Virginia as president since 2020. Dominion Energy, Inc. (Dominion Energy) (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina.

Hubbells Chairman, President and CEO, Gerben Bakker said, Ed brings extensive expertise in the utility industry and has deep technical understanding and broad operational leadership experience from his long tenure with Dominion Energy. Hubbells ongoing focus on serving our customers with critical infrastructure solutions enabling grid modernization and electrification, while driving operational excellence and delivering long-term value for our shareholders will be well served by Eds experience and expertise. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am happy to welcome Ed to Hubbell.

Mr. Baine began his career with Dominion Energy as an intern while a student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and joined the company full-time in 1995 as an associate engineer after earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. In his thirty-plus year career with Dominion Energy, Mr. Baine has held numerous engineering, operational, and senior management positions. Mr. Baine completed the advanced management program at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and is a registered professional engineer in Virginia. Mr. Baine also serves on the boards of various civic and business organizations.

About Hubbell Incorporated

Hubbell Incorporated is a leading manufacturer of utility and electrical solutions enabling customers to operate critical infrastructure safely, reliably and efficiently. With 2024 revenues of $5.6 billion, Hubbell solutions electrify economies and energize communities. The corporate headquarters is located in Shelton, CT.

Contact:
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pan American Energy Corp. (the Company or Pan American) (CSE: PNRG) (OTCQB: PAANF) (FRA: SS6) announces, further to its news release dated August 7, 2025, that the Company will no longer be proceeding with the previously announced non-brokered private placement of up to 4,000,000 units (Units) at a price of C$0.50 per Unit and up to 1,538,462 flow-through units (Flow-Through Units) at a price of C$0.65 per Flow-Through Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$3,000,000, and the Company instead intends to complete a non-brokered private placement pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (Coordinated Blanket Order), and a concurrent non-brokered private placement as further set out below.

LIFE Offering

The Company intends to complete a non-brokered private placement pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order, of (i) a minimum of 753,333 charity flow-through units of the Company (Charity FT Units) and a maximum of up to 1,333,333 Charity FT Units at a price of C$0.75 per Charity FT Unit, and (ii) up to 2,000,000 non-flow-through units of the Company (NFT Units) at a price of C$0.50 per NFT Unit, for minimum gross proceeds of $565,000 and maximum gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000 (the LIFE Offering).

Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one flow-through share (FT Share) within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (Tax Act) and one common share (Common Share) purchase warrant (CFT Warrant), with each CFT Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.85 for a period of 24 months following closing of the offering. The CFT Warrants comprising the Charity FT Units under the LIFE Offering are subject to a 60-day hold period.

Each NFT Unit will consist of one non-flow-through common share in the capital of the Corporation (previously defined as a Common Share) and one Share purchase warrant (NFT Warrant), with each NFT Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.65 for a period of 24 months following closing of the Life Offering. The NFT Warrants comprising the NFT Units under the LIFE Offering are subject to a 60-day hold period.

The gross proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Charity FT Units will be used to incur Canadian Exploration Expenses that are intended to qualify as flow-through mining expenditures as those terms are defined under the Tax Act. The gross proceeds from the issuance and sale of the NFT Units will be used for exploration expenses in respect of the Companys existing exploration projects and for general working capital purposes.

The LIFE Offering is being made to purchasers resident in all provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 and the Coordinated Blanket Order. The FT Shares and Common Shares offered under the LIFE Offering are expected to be immediately free tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation.

There is an offering document related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.com and on the Companys website at https://panam-energy.com/. Prospective investors should read the offering document before making an investment decision.

Concurrent Non-Brokered Private Placement

The Company is further pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 2,000,000 units of the Company (Units) at a price of C$0.50 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$1,000,000 (the Concurrent Offering and together with the LIFE Offering, the Offering) pursuant to applicable prospectus exemptions under NI 45-106.

Each Unit will consist of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant (Warrant), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.65 for a period of 24 months following closing of the Offering.

The Company intends to use the proceeds raised from the Concurrent Offering for exploration expenses in respect of the Companys existing exploration projects and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued in the Concurrent Offering will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period.

Closing of the Offering is anticipated to occur on or about October 6, 2025 (the Closing Date). Closing of the Offering is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals for the Offering.

The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Pan American Energy Corp.

Pan American Energy Corp. (CSE: PNRG) (OTCQB: PAANF) (FSE: SS60) is an exploration stage company engaged principally in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties containing battery and critical metals in North America.

The Company has executed an option agreement in Canada with Magabra Resources pursuant to which it has acquired a 75% interest in the Big Mack Lithium Project, 80 km north of Kenora, Ontario, with the right to earn an additional 15% for a total 90% interest. Pan American has also entered into an option agreement with Northern Critical Minerals Corp. to acquire up to a 100% interest in the Tharsis REE Project, located in the Northwest Territories. The project hosts the Squalus Lake Alkaline Complex, a Proterozoic-age carbonatite-bearing intrusion prospective for rare earth and high field strength elements.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Adrian Lamoureux CEO & Director

Contact:

Phone: (587) 885-5970

Email: info@panam-energy.com

Forward-Looking Statements

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 the Companys current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Offering, including the intended use of proceeds therefrom, the anticipated timeline of closing the Offering and the receipt of necessary approvals for the Offering.

Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including, in respect of the forward-looking information included in this press release, assumptions regarding the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms contemplated, or at all, that the Company will use the proceeds therefrom as currently planned and the Companys ability to receive the necessary approvals.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Companys management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, the risk that the Company may not be able to complete the Offering on the terms contemplated, or at all, or that it may use the proceeds therefrom otherwise than as currently planned. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company 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.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.
Hofheim, Frankfurt, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new name is making waves in the German construction and renovation industry. Scheffler Bausanierung, under the leadership of owner Dorela Scheffler, has officially launched in Hofheim, Frankfurt am Main. This newly established company is poised to offer expert solutions for both residential and commercial renovation projects.





Logo of Scheffle Bausanierung

Despite being a new entrant, Scheffler Bausanierung is built on a robust foundation of experience and a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality work. The company is dedicated to helping property owners modernize, repair, or completely renovate their spaces with reliable service and exceptional craftsmanship.

"Scheffler Bausanierung is set to redefine the standards of renovation and construction services in Germany," said the CEO, Dorela Scheffler.

With a team of over 20 certified professionals, Scheffler Bausanierung UG is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of projects. From residential homes to commercial and industrial spaces, their tailored solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of each client.

Operating from Frankfurt, Scheffler Bausanierung is strategically positioned to serve a wide array of clients across the region. Their comprehensive approach ensures that every project is completed to the highest standards, reflecting the company's dedication to excellence.

As Scheffler Bausanierung embarks on this exciting journey, they invite property owners to experience their innovative solutions and exceptional service. With a focus on quality and reliability, the company is ready to transform spaces and exceed client expectations.



Core services of Scheffler Bausanierung:

Home Renovation: Kitchens, bathrooms, facades, full-house upgrades

Structural Repair & Maintenance: Restoration and long-term care for all types of buildings.





Facade renovation

Press inquiries

Scheffler Bausanierung

https://www.scheffler-bausanierung.de

Postjer Agency

uk@postjer.org

02031374686

27

Old Gloucester Street




VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patagonia Gold Corp. (Patagonia or the Company) (TSXV: PGDC) announces its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q2 2025). The financial statements together with the related managements discussion and analysis are available on the Companys website and under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Highlights

Generated revenue of US$3 million in Q2 2025.

On May 30, 2025, the Company completed the US$40 million investment in its subsidiary, Patagonia Gold Canada Inc., to advance the development of the Companys Calcatreu project.

Residual production from Cap Oeste yielded 642 gold equivalent ounces ( 1) produced and 942 gold equivalent ounces ( 1) sold in Q2 2025.

produced and 942 gold equivalent ounces sold in Q2 2025. Incurred exploration expenditures of US$0.3 million in Q2 2025, including completion of: A total of 697.55 meters drilled in 12 diamond drill holes at Calcatreu, focused on Belen target. A total of 161.1 meters of trench excavated in the Belen zone. A total of 131.95 line-kilometers of ground magnetics surveying at La Josefina and the Final Geological Report (IGF) of the El Llano property has been presented and a reactivation plan has been presented at the Ana property.

Executed an agreement with Newmont in relation to the Tornado and Huracan properties immediately north of their Cerro Negro mine. (For further reference, please see our April 2 press release available at the following link on our website https://patagoniagold.com/investors/news-releases/ and under the Companys profile on SEDAR+).

Construction of the Companys Calcatreu heap leach facility in Rio Negro has commenced. As of the end of Q2 2025, the access road, camp, explosives magazine, fuel storage tanks, and power generation plant had been completed. Work on the heap leach pad has commenced and is well advanced, with earthworks in progress. The CIC (carbon in columns) plant from Lomada de Leiva (this mine was operated by the Company and is completing its closure process) has been refurbished and is ready to be moved and installed at Calcatreu, while the elution and foundry circuits purchased from FL Smidth are scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2026. Hiring and training of personnel for the mining activities has commenced and it is expected that first blasts will take place during the end of third quarter of 2025.



Notes :

(1) Consisting of 393 gold and 24,035 silver ounces of production and 598 gold and 33,159 silver ounces sold, converted to a gold equivalent using a ratio of the average spot market price for the commodities each period. The ratio for three months ended June 30, 2025, was 96.11:1 (2024  79.23:1).

Qualified Persons Statement

Donald J. Birak, an independent consulting geologist, Registered Member of SME, Fellow of AusIMM, and qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

About Patagonia Gold

Patagonia Gold Corp. is a South America focused, publicly traded, mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company seeks to grow shareholder value through exploration and development of gold and silver projects in the Patagonia region of Argentina. The Company is primarily focused on the Calcatreu project in Rio Negro and the development of the Cap-Oeste underground project. Patagonia, indirectly through its subsidiaries or under option agreements, has mineral rights to over 375 properties in several provinces of Argentina and is one of the largest landholders in the province of Santa Cruz, Argentina.

For more information, please contact:

Christopher van Tienhoven, Chief Executive Officer

Patagonia Gold Corp.

T: +54 11 5278 6950

E: cvantienhoven@patagoniagold.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to, among other things, plans for reactivation at the Ana property; timing for completion of the heap leach facility and commencement of leaching; expected timing for completion of the first blasts; the advancement and development of gold and silver projects in the Patagonia region of Argentina; and the anticipated growth in shareholder value. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newcore Gold Ltd. ("Newcore" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NCAU, OTCQX: NCAUF) announces the annual grant of equity incentive awards. Newcore has granted 2,815,000 stock options, 1,880,000 restricted share units and 525,000 performance share units (together the "Equity Incentive Awards") to employees, consultants, directors and executives of the Company. The stock options were granted at a price of $0.64 per share for a period of five years. The Equity Incentive Awards are subject to regulatory approval, are granted under the Companys long-term incentive plan and are subject to vesting provisions.

About Newcore Gold Ltd.

Newcore Gold is advancing its Enchi Gold Project located in Ghana, Africas largest gold producer (1). Newcore Gold offers investors a unique combination of top-tier leadership, who are aligned with shareholders through their 15% equity ownership, and prime district scale exploration opportunities. Enchis 248 km2 land package covers 40 kilometres of Ghanas prolific Bibiani Shear Zone, a gold belt which hosts several multi-million-ounce gold deposits, including the Chirano mine 50 kilometres to the north. Newcores vision is to build a responsive, creative and powerful gold enterprise that maximizes returns for shareholders.

(1) Source: Production volumes for 2024 as sourced from the World Gold Council.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Newcore Gold Ltd.

Luke Alexander

President, CEO & Director

For further information, please contact:

Mal Karwowska | Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

+1 604 484 4399

info@newcoregold.com

www.newcoregold.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.
Toronto, Ontario, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --







FIELDBOSS, the all-in-one field service management platform built for HVAC, elevator, and specialty contractors, today announced the promotion of Corey Barss to Vice President of Operations.

The appointment is pivotal as the field service software market accelerates, fueled by growing customer demand and increased private equity investment in both HVAC and elevator service companies. While the surge of PE activity has been heaviest in HVAC, where many smaller businesses still lack modern systems, both industries are experiencing heightened interest, underscoring the need for technology partners to help contractors gain control of their operations and scale confidently.

As part of this transition, FIELDBOSS launched its new Client Solutions & Success (CSS) department earlier this year. Previously segmented across support, implementation, and upgrades departments, these functions are now unified into a single cohesive unit with designated teams designed to deliver a seamless customer journey from project kickoff through ongoing service. Creating the Client Solutions & Success team reflects a larger commitment to consistency, speed, and innovation, with Coreys promotion central to leading this evolution.

Private equity interest in HVAC and elevator service is creating tremendous opportunity, but it also puts pressure on contractors to modernize quickly, said Jonathan Taub, CEO of FIELDBOSS. By promoting Corey to Vice President of Operations, were putting leadership in place that ensures our structure, strategy, and systems are built for scale. Corey has been a driving force behind this shift, and his leadership is already making us more available, more innovative, and more aligned with customer needs than ever before.

This promotion also highlights how FIELDBOSS is aligning its internal evolution with customer priorities. By building a stronger operational backbone and unifying teams, the company ensures that contractors benefit not just from organizational efficiency at FIELDBOSS but from faster response times, more consistent delivery, and a partner that can keep pace with the pressures of a changing market.

What excites me most about this role is the chance to help lead FIELDBOSS into its next growth phase, said Corey Barss. The creation of the CSS department has already raised the bar for how we support contractors, giving us a unified, customer-first structure that makes us sharper and more responsive. With this foundation in place, were ready to channel our energy into faster innovation, stronger execution, and delivering an experience that creates lasting impact for our customers.

Over the past 13 years, Corey has grown from FIELDBOSSs very first consultant to Vice President of Operations, now leading a team of 25 professionals spanning operations, finance, accounting, reporting, and project management. His leadership has been central to building a highly skilled consulting group and positioning FIELDBOSS as a trusted partner for contractors across the HVAC and elevator industries.

With its evolving team structure and expanded operational leadership, FIELDBOSS is doubling down on its mission: to provide HVAC, elevator, and specialty contractors with a future-ready platform that connects every part of their business and enables them to run smarter, faster, and more profitably.

About FIELDBOSS

FIELDBOSS is an innovative and scalable business management software solution designed specifically for elevator and HVAC contracting companies. Built on the trusted Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, FIELDBOSS integrates financial, operational, and field service management into a single system that drives efficiency, improves customer satisfaction, and supports business growth.

For more information, please visit www.fieldboss.com.
Penticton, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Penticton, British Columbia - August 29, 2025 -

RE/MAX Penticton Realty has opened a new office at 302 Eckhardt Ave W in Penticton, BC. This new building marks yet another phase of growth for the company, which is well-established in the South Okanagan real estate market. Designed specifically for Deborah Moore, the owner and a prominent figure in the real estate industry, the office is a testament to her 35-plus years of experience.

Deborah Moore's influence isn't limited to just Penticton. She also owns RE/MAX Orchard Country in Summerland, BC, and RE/MAX Realty Solutions in Osoyoos. Back in 2016, she was honored with RE/MAX of Western Canada's Broker of The Year Multi Office Award, recognizing her leadership and commitment to providing reliable real estate services.

Penticton, situated on the shores of Okanagan Lake, is known for its pleasant lifestyle, appealing climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous wineries, it has become a popular spot for families and retirees from all over. Many are drawn to its peaceful yet vibrant community.

In opening this new office, RE/MAX Penticton Realty continues to provide reliable real estate services, ready to serve both new and existing clients. They offer a variety of listings catered to the dynamic needs of buyers and sellers in the region. Anyone interested can dive into the many opportunities through RE/MAX Penticton Realty Penticton Listings, which highlight the area's rich housing options. For those interested in a more detailed property search based on specific criteria such as location, property type, or price range, they can use the Advanced Property Search feature available through their affiliated services.

"We are thrilled to open our new office in Penticton," shared Deborah Moore. "This facility stands for our commitment to professionalism and care in serving our community. Our aim is always to meet and exceed client expectations by delivering excellent real estate services."

The new facility enables RE/MAX Penticton Realty to continue serve customers in the area. They focus on creating personal connections with clients and understanding each person's unique needs to efficiently guide them through buying or selling a property. Clients also benefit from the comprehensive Market Reports that offer insights into the real estate trends in the South Okanagan region.

"Our growth mirrors our dedication to the community, and our wish to keep supporting Penticton's real estate requirements," Moore added. "We're excited to welcome clients into our new office to help them find their perfect property."

In the bustling real estate market, RE/MAX Penticton Realty brings its expertise in market trends and pricing insights, vital for informed buying or selling decisions. With the new office, accessing expert advice becomes even more convenient for clients seeking guidance in real estate transactions. For those interested in additional resources such as tips for buying and selling properties, the company provides a wealth of information through its various platforms.

As the market continues to develop, RE/MAX Penticton Realty's expansion further cements their role in the local real estate sector. This new office reinforces their firm foundation, allowing them to deliver consistently high-quality services to both new and long-time clients.

RE/MAX Penticton Realty reiterates a strong focus on community and quality service. The new office represents their ongoing mission to support the real estate dreams of Penticton residents and beyond.

To learn more about the services and see updates regarding RE/MAX Penticton Realty, potential clients and partners are encouraged to visit their website, where they can explore various service offerings such as property rentals and opportunities to join the RE/MAX team. There detailed listings and resources are available to match diverse client needs.

To learn more about Deborah Moore, including her career achievements, detailed information showcasing her commitment to the community can be found on RE/MAX Penticton Realty's website.

###

For more information about RE/MAX Penticton Realty, contact the company here:



RE/MAX Penticton Realty

Deborah Moore

250-492-2266

infi@realestateinpenticton.ca

302-Eckhardt Ave West, Penticton, BC V2A 2A9
London, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- London, England - August 29, 2025 -

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), a trusted provider of high-speed, short-run print services, has expanded its area coverage to include six additional boroughs in North and Central London. From its base in Tottenham, the business will now provide same-day printing support to customers in Haringey, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Brent, and Waltham Forest.

This expansion follows sustained demand for fast, accessible printing across the capital. As more individuals, businesses, and community organisations require high-quality printed materials at short notice, Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) is scaling its operations to meet these needs while maintaining the standards and personal service for which it has become known.

The company offers an extensive range of services, including business cards, flyers, stickers, banners, posters, and short-run photo products. These are printed using high-resolution digital presses and finished with a variety of lamination, trimming, and folding options. Orders placed online before designated cut-off times are eligible for same-day turnaround, with collection available from the Tottenham studio or courier delivery arranged across serviced boroughs.

Speaking about the decision to expand, business owner Kapil Nath stated, "We have always been committed to making printing easy and fast without losing sight of quality or care. Extending our delivery area into these new boroughs is a response to what our customers have been asking for. Many people and organisations in these locations face time-sensitive print needs but struggle to find a local shop that can meet them consistently. Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) is now in a better position to fill that gap."

Each newly added borough presents distinct commercial, cultural, and civic printing needs. In Haringey, where the company's Tottenham studio is based, demand often comes from schools, small traders, event organisers, and charitable groups. Flyers, promotional posters, and pop-up signage are among the most commonly requested items. By extending delivery support within Haringey, Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) is building on existing ties and ensuring a more efficient customer experience.

In Hackney, known for its active artistic community and startup culture, there is significant demand for customised stickers, bold marketing materials, and short-run branding assets. Many of Hackney's clients require flexible formats, fast service, and the ability to proofread designs on the same day. Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) is well equipped to meet these criteria through its accessible digital ordering and responsive customer support.

Islington's blend of professional firms, consultancies, nonprofit organisations, and educational institutions makes it a key market for business cards, policy handouts, reports, and display banners. Camden, which includes markets, live venues, and creative retailers, typically calls for vibrant, fast-turnaround printing for event promotions, merchandising, and signage. These customers benefit from the speed and print consistency offered by Printbox London (Same Day Printing London).

Brent, home to Wembley Stadium and a wide variety of businesses and community centres, frequently requires support for outreach, performances, retail marketing, and cultural programming. By offering courier delivery and online proofing, Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) helps clients in Brent manage urgent needs while staying focused on their events.

In Waltham Forest, where local creativity and independent enterprise have grown steadily over recent years, demand is high for professionally printed material that can be turned around quickly and affordably. Schools, studios, social campaigns, and hospitality venues in the borough often need small to medium print runs with options for quick revision and collection.

From its West Green Road studio, Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) has continued to invest in infrastructure to support the growing demand. The company has added additional printing equipment to improve throughput and ensure colour fidelity and consistency across product types. Staff have been trained to handle a wide range of customer requests, including last-minute design corrections and layout advice.

Unlike some larger providers that operate entirely online or offshore, Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) remains committed to local, hands-on service. Each job is printed and quality-checked on site, and customers are encouraged to communicate directly with staff to discuss formats, finishing options, and paper types. The result is a service model that blends modern production capacity with the personal attention of a neighbourhood print shop.

The business has also developed a courier delivery network focused specifically on North and Central London zones, allowing orders to be dispatched and received within hours of submission. This system is designed to accommodate businesses and individuals who require urgent materials for same-day presentations, campaigns, or events.

Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) continues to provide printing for both professional and personal use. While much of its recent growth has been driven by commercial demand, the studio also handles custom photo prints, wedding stationery, order-of-service cards, and bespoke gifts. These items are available with the same fast turnaround and quality assurance.

As urban communities continue to rely on print for visibility, communication, and personal expression, Printbox London (Same Day Printing London) remains focused on serving the evolving needs of its expanded customer base. By offering fast, flexible, and locally grounded print services, the company is positioned to play a meaningful role in the day-to-day communication efforts of businesses, creatives, and neighbourhoods across London.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZpykSuc5R4

###

For more information about Printbox London (Same Day Printing London), contact the company here:



Printbox London (Same Day Printing London)

Kapil Nath

(207) 018-5678

hello@printbox.london
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), the industry leader in AI-powered analytics and operational intelligence, announced today that it will extend its role as the Title Sponsor of three Raving Conferences for 2026. This decision comes after the resounding success of the 2025 events, Raving NEXT: Indian Gaming Leadership Summit, the Casino Marketing & Technology Conference, and the Host Player Development Conference, which were hosted at Pechanga Resort Casino.

With record attendance and strong industry engagement in 2025, QCI has chosen to reaffirm its commitment to supporting these cornerstone events, which provide vital forums for innovation, collaboration, and professional development across the gaming and hospitality industries. The 2026 conferences will once again return to Pechanga Resort Casino, ensuring continuity and an exceptional venue experience.

Deana Scott, CEO of Raving, shared her enthusiasm about the continued partnership:

We are thrilled to have Quick Custom Intelligence extend their Title Sponsorship into 2026. Their support allows us to deliver conferences that truly move the industry forward, providing education, insights, and connections that help operators thrive. QCI has become a key part of the Raving community, and we are honored to have them as our partner again.

Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of Quick Custom Intelligence, expressed his pride in the partnership:

The results from the 2025 conferences were outstanding, both in terms of thought leadership and the collaborative spirit of the industry. We are honored to continue as the Title Sponsor for 2026 and to play a key role in advancing the conversations that matter most to our customers and partners. These conferences embody the best of what our industry can achieve when we come together.

By renewing its sponsorship, QCI reinforces its commitment to the gaming industry, highlighting its mission to drive innovation and empower operators with the tools and insights they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

ABOUT Raving

When it comes to industry-specific training for casino operators and Tribal and commercial leadership, one company has been the choice for over 25 years. Gaming and hospitality executives have relied on Raving, a Native-owned business, for training, education, and outsourced services. Raving, a company of former operators, shares their knowledge and expertise through annual conferences, publications Tribal Gaming and Hospitality Magazine, training and managed services.

ABOUT QCI

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI AGI 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, Seattle, and Phoenix. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

About Dr. Ralph Thomas

Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

Contact:

Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence

Phone: 858-349-8354
San Antonio, TX, Aug. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Audrey Tollett, a computer science major at Trinity University (Texas), spent her summer researching how much of a problem fake reviews generated by AI pose to online consumers.

In partnership with Trinity data science professor Tianxi Dong , Ph.D., Tollett worked on a project titled "The Impact of AI-Generated Content on Sales: Evidence from Steam Reviews." This research focused on online video game retailers, specifically on detecting non-human influence on the digital market.

For Tollett, a gamer and president of Trinitys Gaming Club, this was the perfect intersection of her academic interests and personal passions. This (work) is important because consumer trust is a big deal, she says. If we can't trust that the reviews we read are human-generated, wed have to rely on in-person word-of-mouth again.

Tolletts project delved into ChatGPT and other generative AI models that have impacted the online retail market. Now, we can't easily be sure if the reviews on a product are human-generated, she says. So, I investigated how proportions of AI-generated reviews have changed over time, and how those figures correlate with the sales rankings of these games.

Tollett was one of more than 200 Tigers doing research at Trinity this summer, thanks to a wealth of institutional resources and opportunities centered around hands-on learning at the University.

Her project was funded through a Semmes Grant through Trinitys D.R. Semmes School of Science . Tollett says shes grateful for Trinitys small size. Students at bigger schools don't really get to talk to their professor, since theyre talking to the TA most of the time. But here at Trinity, specifically in computer science, most of the professors have an open-door policy, and you can pretty much just walk into their office with your random problems.

Read the full story here: Review or Ruse?
Frontier Lithium Inc. (TSXV: FL) (FRA: HL2) (OTCQX: LITOF) ("Frontier Lithium" or the "Company") has reported financial results for the interim period ended June 30, 2025. The financial statements and the related management's discussion and analysis have been filed on SEDAR+ and can be viewed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, as well as on the Company's website at www.frontierlithium.com.

Commenting on recent developments, President and Chief Executive Officer Trevor Walker stated:

"This quarter marks a number of important milestones for Frontier Lithium. We filed the Mine and Mill Feasibility Study, confirming the potential for a long-life operation producing an estimated 200,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually, supported by highly competitive operating costs. Environmental baseline studies continue to advance, and Fluor Canada Ltd. has been appointed to lead the feasibility study for our lithium conversion facility, which is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2027.

Frontier Lithium was also proud to join Canada's mission to Germany, where a new cooperation on critical minerals was announced. Our PAK Lithium Project in northern Ontario hosts North America's highest-grade known hard-rock lithium resources, with the potential to support a fully integrated mine, mill, and conversion facility. With strong government support and aligned with the perspectives of our Indigenous partners, we are working to deliver a secure and responsibly sourced lithium supply for North America's electric vehicle and battery markets. Representing Frontier Lithium alongside Minister Hodgson in Berlin reflects both the progress our team has made in Ontario and Canada's broader commitment to sustainable battery materials for the global energy transition. This trade mission is a strong reminder of why we remain focused on our vision, and we are grateful to our partners, communities, and supporters who make milestones like this possible."

As of June 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $15 million, providing a strong position to cover corporate and administrative expenses and advance its planned business objectives.

About Frontier Lithium

Frontier Lithium Inc. is a pre-production mining company with an objective to become a strategic and integrated supplier of premium spodumene concentrates as well as battery-grade lithium salts to the growing electric vehicle, and energy storage markets in North America. The Company's PAK Lithium Project maintains the largest land position and resource in a premium lithium mineral district located in Ontario's Great Lakes region.

About the PAK Lithium Project

The PAK Lithium Project is a fully integrated critical minerals initiative in Ontario, developing North America's highest-grade known lithium resource. Operated as a joint venture between Frontier (92.5%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (7.5%), the project is advancing in parallel with a mine and mill and a downstream conversion facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario both key to supporting a secure domestic lithium supply for the clean energy transition. A 2025 Mine and Mill Feasibility Study (FS), prepared by DRA and entitled National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report FS PAK Lithium Project, Mine and Mill, outlines a 31-year Project life with an after-tax net present value of CA $932 million at an 8% discount rate and an after-tax internal rate of return of 17.9%.These results were disclosed in a press release dated May 28, 2025, and the accompanying technical report was filed on July 9, 2025 on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: capital requirements and private and/or public financing initiatives, estimated mineral resources, estimated capital costs to construct mine facilities, estimated operating costs, the duration of payback periods, estimated amounts of future production, estimated cash flows, net present value, the FS and statements that address future production, resource and reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects, including but not limited to capital and operating costs, timelines, internal rates of return, and project development milestones.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include: market prices for commodities, increases in capital or operating costs, construction risks, availability of infrastructure including roads, regulatory and permitting risks, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, financing costs, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, please review the Company's public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Frontier Lithium Inc







Company Contact Information:



Bora Ugurgel, Senior Manager, Investor Relations, 2614 Belisle Drive Val Caron, Greater Sudbury, Ontario, P3N 1B3 CANADA, T. +001 705.897.7622, F. +001 705.897.7618


Gold Reserve Ltd. (TSX.V: GRZ) (BSX: GRZ.BH) (OTCQX: GDRZF) ("Gold Reserve" or the "Company") announces that, pursuant to the schedule set by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the "Court"), it submitted an improved proposal for the purchase of the shares of PDV Holding Inc. ("PDVH"), the indirect parent company of Citgo Petroleum.

The terms of the Company's improved proposal are confidential, per the bidding procedures, but the Company can confirm that it has materially increased its proposed purchase price, arranged for additional financial support, and increased the certainty of its bid in non-economic ways.

Per the Court's schedule, the Special Master is required to consider the Company's improved proposal in good faith before filing an amended Final Recommendation on August 29, 2025.

The Company's improved proposal was submitted under a reservation of rights as to its objection that the Special Master's Notice of Determination of Superior Proposal is invalid, for the reasons set forth in the Company's pending Motion to Strike.

A complete description of the Delaware sale proceedings can be found on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system in Crystallex International Corp. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 1:17-mc-00151-LPS (D. Del.) and its related proceedings.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. They are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to any bid submitted by the Company for the purchase of the PDVH shares (the "Bid").

We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual events, outcomes or results of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the discretion of the Special Master to consider the Bid, to enter into any discussions or negotiation with respect thereto; the Special Master may not recommend the Bid in the Final Recommendation; an objection to the Bid may be upheld by the Court; the Bid will not be approved by the Court as the "Final Recommend Bid" under the Bidding Procedures, and if approved by the Court may not close, including as a result of not obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including but not limited to any necessary approvals from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control ("OFAC"), the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the TSX Venture Exchange; failure of the Company or any other party to obtain sufficient equity and/or debt financing or any required shareholders approvals for, or satisfy other conditions to effect, any transaction resulting from the Bid; that the Company may forfeit any cash amount deposit made due to failing to complete the Bid or otherwise; that the making of the Bid or any transaction resulting therefrom may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; that, prior to or as a result of the completion of any transaction contemplated by the Bid, the business of the Company may experience significant disruptions due to transaction related uncertainty, industry conditions, tariff wars or other factors; the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to the Company; the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met; the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith); the amount, if any, of proceeds associated with the Sale Process; the competing claims of other creditors of Venezuela, PDVSA and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements and any priority afforded thereto; uncertainties with respect to possible settlements between Venezuela and other creditors and the impact of any such settlements on the amount of funds that may be available under the Sale Process; and the proceeds from the Sale Process may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the Company's September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full; and the ramifications of bankruptcy with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws.

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.

For further information regarding Dalinar Energy, visit https://www.dalinarenergy.com.

For further information regarding Gold Reserve Ltd., visit https://www.goldreserve.bm.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828577346/en/

Contact

Gold Reserve Ltd.

investorrelations@goldreserve.bm

(441) 295-4653

A.S. Cooper Building, 7th Floor, 26 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda
Taurus Gold Corp. (CSE: TAUR) ("Taurus" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Nisim Daniel to its Board of Directors, effective immediately, following the resignation of Lori Walton. Management of the Company and the Board of Directors thank Ms. Walton for her services to the Company and wish her success in her future endeavors.

Mr. Daniel is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in corporate finance, accounting, and strategic leadership. He is the Managing Partner of Total Finance Ltd., a boutique advisory firm providing corporate finance and CFO services to growth-oriented enterprises. Previously, Mr. Daniel held senior roles at PwC Israel, where he managed audits for multinational and publicly traded companies across diverse industries. His background includes deep expertise in financial reporting, governance, and risk management, with a strong track record of supporting companies through complex financings, cross-border transactions, and operational scale-ups.

The Company also announces that it has completed a continuance (the "Continuance") of Taurus from the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"). The Continuance was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general and special meeting held on March 31, 2025 and aligns the Company's corporate jurisdiction with the location of its head office and the majority of its management, who are based in British Columbia. This alignment will enhance the Company's ability to efficiently conduct its business and governance activities within the province where key strategic decisions are made. Additionally, British Columbia's regulatory framework under the BCBCA provides modernized corporate governance tools that better suit the Company's operational needs and long-term objectives.

About Taurus Gold Corp.

Taurus Gold is a growth-oriented mineral exploration company with a 51% interest in the Charlotte gold-silver property in the Yukon. The Charlotte Property covers approximately 23 square kilometres and is road accessible within the established Dawson Range mining district. The Company's focus remains on advancing this flagship property through systematic exploration and development.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert Sim, CEO / Director

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSE'S REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. 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", "likely", "probably", "often", 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. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements, the success of the strategic businesses development initiatives, the timing and receipt of regulatory, shareholder and governmental approvals for the transactions described herein and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include future growth potential of the Company, fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions, fluctuations in securities markets, exploration success, the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives, the ability of the Company to satisfy stock exchange, shareholder and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards and general market conditions. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.


Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (the "Company" or "Spanish Mountain Gold") (TSX-V: SPA) (FSE: S3Y) (OTCQB: SPAUF) is pleased to announce that it has engaged the services of Atrium Research Corporation ("Atrium"), a leading company sponsored research firm. Atrium will produce a range of research services to the Company and present the Company's investment case to potential investors. Atrium will also host video interviews with the Company's management team to present the investment case in an interview format. In exchange for its research services, Atrium will receive cash compensation in the amount of $3,400 per month. The services will be provided for an 18 month term and will commence on the date of TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval.

Atrium and the Company are arm's-length parties, and neither Atrium nor its insiders hold any shares or options to purchase shares in the issued and outstanding capital of the Company.

The agreement with Atrium is subject to TSXV approval and will not commence until final approval has been received.

ABOUT ATRIUM RESEARCH

Atrium Research provides institutional quality company sponsored research on public equities in North America. Its investment philosophy takes a 3-5 year view on equities currently being overlooked by the market. Its research process emphasizes understanding the key performance metrics for each specific company, trustworthy management teams, and an in-depth valuation analysis. Atrium Research is wholly owned and operated by its Co-Founders, Ben Pirie and Nicholas Cortellucci. Atrium Research is located at 906-81 Navy Wharf Court, Toronto, ON M5V 3S2

About Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Spanish Mountain Gold Project (Project) towards construction of the next gold mine in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia. On August 18, 2025, the Company filed an NI 43-101 Technical Report on SEDAR+ that sets out the Project's de-risked and optimized Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), with an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). We will continue to advance the Project to position the Company to make a construction decision in or before 2027. We are striving to be a leader in community and Indigenous relations by leveraging technology and innovation to build the 'greenest' gold mine in Canada. The Relentless Pursuit for Better Gold means seeking new ways to achieve optimal financial outcomes that are safer, minimize environmental impact and create meaningful sustainability for communities. Details on the Company are available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website: www.spanishmountaingold.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

"Peter Mah"

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

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:

The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to, information with respect to, the timing to make a construction decision for the Project. Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward-looking information. The Company's forward-looking information is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release and include but are not limited to information with respect to, the potential to extend mineralization within the near-surface environment; the potential to expand resources and to find higher-grade mineralization at depth; the timing, size and budget of a drill program, and the results thereof. Other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's assumptions, beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, or changes in any other events affecting such statements or information. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828389905/en/

Contact

Peter Mah

(604) 601-3651

info@spanishmountaingold.com
Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: TM, OTCPK: PNTZF) ("Trigon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed its condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three-month period ended June 30, 2025.

Details of the financial results, the Q1 financial statement and management discussion and analysis ("MD&A") are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.trigonmetals.com.

Trigon Metals Inc.

Trigon Metals Inc. is a publicly trading Canadian exploration and development company with a its core focus on copper and silver holdings in mining-friendly African jurisdictions. The Company holds the Kalahari Copperbelt Project in Namibia. In Morocco, the company is advancing two exploration projects; Addana, which hosts silver-bearing veins along with other metals, and Silver Hill, a sedimentary copper prospect that has already undergone drilling.

Cautionary Notes

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the financial results of the Company, the Company's strategies and the Company's abilities to execute such strategies, and the Company's future plans and objectives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250829275172/en/

Contact

For further information, contact Tom Panoulias, VP Corporate Development:

1(647)276-6002 ext. 1127

IR@trigonmetals.com

Website: www.trigonmetals.com
An impromptu artistic dialogue: Artists from 'Silk Road: Artists' Rendezvous' encounter Chinese art teacher

14:54, August 28, 2025 By Wu Yuyangyang ( People's Daily Online

After visiting the Yulin Grottoes, Chinese and foreign artists from "Silk Road: Artists' Rendezvous" happened to meet an art teacher from south China's Guangdong Province, who had traveled to the Hexi Corridor for sketching. He sincerely invited the artists to join in the creation, to paint the romance of northwest China.

In front of the canvas, they held homemade brushes, dipping the tips in pigments mixed with local soil. Those rough yet vivid brushstrokes were more than just creation, they had become a warm, cross-border bond.

No rules, no drafts. The Silk Road was revived in the name of art.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
China committed to joint efforts to build a community with shared future for humanity

Xinhua) 13:08, August 29, 2025

BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- China is committed to working with countries around the world to strive for the goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said on Friday.

Ma made the remarks during a press conference on activities marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
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Samsung's beta program for One UI 8 based on Android 16 has been ongoing for a long time now, and obviously we're all expecting the stable build to come out. That still hasn't happened, but today the company has rolled out another beta build - the sixth one - to the Galaxy S25 family in Germany, the UK, India, and Korea.

The build number ends in "ZYHB", as opposed to the fifth beta which was released about a week ago and ended in "ZYH6". The new beta includes the September 2025 security patch level, perhaps hinting at the month during which Samsung plans to finally release the stable version of this update.

As you'd expect, some issues have been fixed, like only icons being displayed on the lock screen when notifications are received, the logo cutting in some apps, the keyboard recommendations being disabled upon a reboot, basic fonts being applied after changing fonts, a character truncation problem in widgets, the lock screen randomly appearing on top of apps, and the clock widget displaying the incorrect time.

According to some reports, this build also includes the Call Captions feature.

Source
Brianna T. Tabilas, an investment portfolio associate with David Beaver & Associates of Raymond James, has become the first woman on Guam to earn a Certified Private Wealth Advisor designation, an advanced professional designation for financial advisors who serve high-net-worth individuals and families.

Tabilas is also the youngest professional on Guam to obtain the CPWA designation, and one of only three professionals on the island to hold the credential, according to a release from David Beaver & Associates.

The CPWA certification is issued by the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Earning the certification requires meeting a five-year industry experience minimum, completing intensive coursework in advanced wealth management strategies, and passing a comprehensive examination covering topics such as tax optimization, estate planning, wealth transfer, charitable giving, and applied behavioral finance.

CPWA professionals must also meet ongoing continuing education requirements and adhere to the Institutes Code of Professional Responsibility.

I pursued the CPWA certification to further strengthen my ability to serve clients with complex financial needs and to continue growing in my career as a financial advisor, Tabilas said in a statement. Its an honor to be the first woman in Guam to earn this designation, and I hope it inspires others, especially young women, to pursue advanced certifications that can elevate our industry and help clients achieve their long term financial goals.

Tabilas, who joined DB&A in 2018, holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance and economics from the University of Guam, and is also a Certified Investment Management Analyst, CIMA, and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor, CPFA.

She is a 2016 graduate of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam.

David Beaver, CPFA, CIMA, CPWA, CPM, senior vice president for wealth management at DB&A, praised Tabilass accomplishment

We are extremely proud of Brianna for her dedication and discipline in achieving the CPWA designation. This credential reflects her commitment to excellence and her ability to provide the sophisticated strategies our high-net-worth clients require, Beaver said.

According to the Investments & Wealth Institute, fewer than 1% of financial services professionals worldwide hold the CPWA designation.
Once again, the Guam Memorial Hospital is making headlinesand not for positive reasons.

The latest developments underscore what health care professionals have known for decades: Guams health care crisis is rooted not in buildings or equipment, but in governance, accountability, and sustainability.

This crisis is largely of the public sectors own making, centered on GMH and the Department of Public Health and Social Services. Meanwhile, the private sector continues to deliver quality care despite chronic neglect and a lack of meaningful government support.

It has become a political refrain: Guam needs a new hospital. While modern facilities are important, this narrative misses the point.

A new hospital should and will be part of Guams health care future. But if it is run under the same failing governance structure, it will inherit GMHs long-standing problems.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has publicly and privately expressed support for a public-private partnership, PPP, model for health care. That model must not be an afterthoughtit must be implemented alongside, or even before, the construction of any new hospital. Without this shift, millions could be spent on a new building that quickly falls into the same dysfunction.

The private health care sector proves another path is possible. The Shieh Clinic, Guam Radiology Consultants, Guam Surgicenter, American Medical Center, FHP Health Center, and the Seventh-day Adventist Clinicalong with Guams only private hospitalhave maintained accreditation, invested in technology, and recruited skilled staff, all while serving the same patient population as GMH.

A worn, false narrative persiststhat GMHs financial problems stem from being the only hospital required to treat all patients, regardless of ability to pay. In truth, Guams only private hospital treats all who walk in (except for non-emergency maternal child health care, which it does not provide for) and remains financially stable.

The difference lies not in the patients, but in governance, management, and accountability.

My own experience bears this out. As lieutenant governor, I led the successful effort to restore GMHs accreditation after nearly 30 years without it. I was also involved in the planning, opening, and accreditation of the islands only private hospital.

The lesson was clear: government-run health care fails not because of dedicated frontline workers, but because of systemic mismanagement.

Equally troubling is a growing disconnect between policymakers and health care professionals. During debate over amending Guams Mandatory Arbitration Act, one senator told health care providers: They need to do what they do best and thats health care, and we do what we do and thats policy. So I think they need to kind of dial it down.

Another senator publicly tried to intimidate a young medical student during testimonynot to gain insight, but to dismiss his concerns.

This mindset is dangerous and arrogant. Health care is policy. Every law passed impacts how medicine is practiced, how patients receive care, and how the system functions.

Silencing health care professionals undermines the very expertise needed to craft effective legislation.

A PPP model offers Guam its best chance for sustainable, high-quality health carefinancially efficient, insulated from politics, and grounded in performance-based accountability. I believe that the government of Guam should remove itself from the business of managing health care.

The governments role should be to regulate, fund, and ensure equitable access, while health care professionals and organizations manage operations.

The bottom line: Guam can build a new hospital, but without reforming how health care is governed, well simply put old problems into new walls. The time to implement a new model is nowbefore the first brick is laid.




Haiti - FLASH : USA proposes a more aggressive repression force against gangs with more than 5,000 men





On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the United States and Panama proposed transforming the Kenyan-led Multinational Mission in Haiti into a more aggressive force called the "Gang Suppression Force". This new force could number up to 5,500 troops https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45613-haiti-flash-usa-is-considering-a-mmss-with-double-the-number-of-troops-video.html and would have an expanded mandate and greater autonomy from the Haitian National Police (PNH). This mandate would notably authorize targeted, intelligence-driven independent operations.



The Mission's salaries would continue to be funded by voluntary contributions to the UN, while logistical and operational support (the most expensive component of the mission) would be provided by a new United Nations Support Office in Haiti. This draft resolution, which has been circulating since Thursday, is based on a February 2025 proposal by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44332-haiti-politic-antonio-guterre-proposes-a-formula-for-a-security-force-capable-of-defeating-gangs-in-haiti.html



The draft envisages a transition period for an initial period of 12 months, starting with the adoption of the resolution. Negotiations are expected to begin shortly in the Security Council, in an attempt to convince China and Russia not to use their vetoes.



In his address to the Security Council on Thursday, Antonio Guterres stated : "I welcome the efforts made by some members of the Council to advance my proposal of February 24 to strengthen the Multinational Security Support Mission with UN logistical and operational support.



I urge the Council to act without delay and authorize an international force supported by the UN logistically and operationally, with predictable funding.



Voluntary contributions to the Multinational Support Mission trust fund remain essential, but assessed funding would ensure the Mission's long-term effectiveness.



Security measures must be accompanied by increased pressure on those fueling the violence.



Thus, a genuine arms embargo must be implemented and sanctions expanded to target gang leaders, sponsors, arms traffickers, and other accomplices and associates. Such measures are vital to disrupt the flow of arms and money that fuel the chaos. Effective controls must be strengthened at ports, at borders, and online, in close coordination with regional partners [...]



I urge all national stakeholders to seize this opportunity and maintain this spirit of cooperation. If unity prevails in the country, and with the determination of the Council, the Haitian people will be able to break free from this spiral, begin to transform their ordeal into hope, and reclaim their future.



I reaffirm my unwavering solidarity and the UN's determination to stand by the Haitian people to achieve peace, dignity, and security."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45613-haiti-flash-usa-is-considering-a-mmss-with-double-the-number-of-troops-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44332-haiti-politic-antonio-guterre-proposes-a-formula-for-a-security-force-capable-of-defeating-gangs-in-haiti.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Security : The hellish life of Haitian children





On Thursday, August 28, 2025, Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, during the Security Council open debate on Haiti, painted a dire picture of the situation of children in Haiti.



Excerpts from Catherine Russell's remarks :



"[...] Excellencies

Since my last briefing on the situation in Haiti nearly a year ago, the humanitarian crisis has worsened, spreading beyond the capital, Port-au-Prince, to other parts of the country. Haitian children continue to endure unimaginable suffering amidst brutal armed violence. [...] Last year, the United Nations in Haiti documented more than 2,000 grave violations against children, an increase of nearly 500% over the previous year.



The increase in the number of violations continued in 2025. In the first quarter of this year, there was a 25% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024.



Most alarming is the nearly 700% increase in cases of child recruitment and use, as well as the 54% increase in killings and maimings. These are only the cases we were able to verify; we believe the real figures are much higher.



"[...] Children are forced to participate in armed clashes. Others are used as couriers, lookouts, weapons carriers, or exploited as domestic workers, roles that expose them to serious and lasting physical and psychological harm.



"[...] As I witnessed during my visit to Haiti, children are victims of appalling sexual violence that has reached unprecedented levels. In 2024, the number of reported cases of sexual violence against children increased by 1,000% compared to the previous year.



"And as you will have seen in the Secretary-Generals annual report on children and armed conflict, the UN found that more than a quarter of all substantiated cases of sexual violence were gang rapes. This is a widespread campaign aimed at terrorizing communities and inflicting lasting physical and psychological trauma on children, particularly girls, who constitute the majority of victims [...]



"[...] Despite these challenges and the insecurity, UNICEF and its partners remain on the ground to provide lifesaving assistance to those in need [...] We continue our efforts to engage in dialogue and negotiation with armed actors to prevent and end grave violations of childrens rights. We are also supporting the authorities in establishing a child-friendly system to respond when violations are reported.



"[...] Just last month, the Haitian government, in partnership with UNICEF, officially launched the Prevention and Rehabilitation Program against the Recruitment of Children and Youth. This three-year program aims to protect children from recruitment, exploitation, and violence, while providing them with reintegration solutions and support.



But much remains to be done to protect Haitian children from the scourge of violence that has gripped their communities.



"[...] Finally, we call on donors to show solidarity with the Haitian people and contribute to the fundraising appeals. The Humanitarian Action Plan to meet the needs of nearly 4 million people in Haiti is only 10% funded. Without immediate donor support, our vital assistance and protection services for those most in need are seriously threatened."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Politic : 2nd Meeting of the OAS Group of Friends of Haiti, Statement by the United States





On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the second meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) Group of Friends of Haiti on the updated Roadmap for Haiti, the United States issued the following statement :



Statement by the United States :



"[...] It is an honor to join you for this critical discussion on the updated Haiti Roadmap.



The United States appreciates the urgency with which it was developed and the commitment to regular reporting.



Hemisphere security remains a core priority for our government. And Haitis security, in particular, is important to the United States. Without a baseline of security, no other pillar can standwhether that be humanitarian access, governance, elections, or economic recovery.



Let me begin by once again recognizing Kenya for answering Haitis call at an absolutely critical moment. The Kenyans have done everything we asked them to do.



We also recognize personnel contributions and sustainment support from several countries, many from the hemisphere, represented in this room.



As we confront terrorist gangs and transnational criminal networks seeking to topple the Haitian state, an even broader share of the international community must be invested in this fight.



To that end, the United Statesalongside Panamawill seek UN Security Council authorization for a UN Support Office to properly resource a Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the proposed successor mission to the MSS.



This initiative, endorsed by the Government of Haiti, is our collective responsibility. And it is incumbent on all in this room to step up and ensure it succeeds.



The regions united voice is urgently needed to ensure adoption of this resolution in the coming weeks.



To this end, we look forward to working with you to develop a joint statement of support, within the framework of the OAS, in favor of the timely adoption of the Security Council resolution. Our USOAS colleagues will share a draft of this joint statement shortly and welcome the views of all interested delegations.



Complementing these efforts, the OAS will remain critical in continuing to build capacity and better equip Haitian security forces.



To that end, and consistent with the resolution passed by this body in Antigua, we encourage all OAS Member States and Permanent Observers to work with and provide funding to the OAS SECURE-Haiti team.



We also underscore the importance of burden-sharing on financial and force contributions.



Haiti should not have to turn for help primarily from outside the Western Hemisphere.



Now turning to the roadmaplet me underscore the four near-term actions that demand our urgent attention:



We must resource the current MSS mission effectively during the transition to the GSF and align OAS capacity-building to HNP priorities.



We must secure authorization of the UN Support Office and GSF: We aim to ensure that by early October, the UNSC has adopted a resolution authorizing a UN Support Office and transitioning the MSS mission to the Gang Suppression Force.



We must do more to reduce the flow of weapons and money to terrorist gangs: We must accelerate maritime and port controls, enhance joint targeting, and strengthen legal cooperation to interdict arms and dismantle gang financing.



We must continue to promote accountability across all pillars to better promote anti-corruption safeguards, transparent financial mechanisms, and independent monitoring.



On the political front, we expect the Transitional Presidential Council and Prime Minister to make tangible progress on security and prepare for the end of the TPC mandate by February 7, 2026. Haitis future must be in the hands of the Haitian people, and their elected representatives.



Thank you very much."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















IT security researchers from Zscaler's ThreadLabz monitor the Google Play Store and analyze malicious apps distributed via it. The malware Anatsa (also known as Teabot), which attacks Android devices and targets financial apps, is a particular focus. The first samples were discovered back in 2020, but the malware has now evolved significantly.

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In their analysis, the Zscaler researchers write that Anatsa originally started as a banking Trojan that could steal credentials, perform keylogging and carry out fraudulent transactions. The latest incarnation can now attack 831 financial institutions worldwide. Institutions in Germany and South Korea have also been added  along with cryptocurrency platforms. The delivery of the malicious code has been streamlined by the masterminds by replacing the dynamic loading of Dalvik executable payloads (DEX) from the network with direct installation of the Anatsa malicious code.

Stealth apps with high download numbers

According to Zscaler, many of the stealth apps that carry Anatsa have installation figures of more than 50,000 downloads in the Play Store. Including bycatch, i.e. malware apps with non-Anatsa malware code, the IT researchers came up with 77 apps that were installed well over 19 million times in total. Zscaler has reported these to Google.

The previous Anatsa campaigns targeted more than 650 financial institutions. The approximately 180 new apps include more than 150 new banking and cryptocurrency apps. Anatsa uses a dropper technique in which the malicious app appears harmless when installed in the Google Play Store. After installation, however, Anatsa downloads malicious code disguised as an update from the command-and-control server. This allows Anatsa to bypass the detection mechanisms in the Play Store and successfully infect devices. The Zscaler team is also analyzing the camouflage mechanisms in more detail. For example, a corrupted archive is used to hide a DEX file that is activated at runtime. Standard ZIP tools cannot analyze the file due to the defect and the malware slips by.

Anatsa leaks credentials by displaying fake log-in pages that it downloads from the command-and-control server. The pages are tailored to the apps of the financial institutions that Anatsa finds on the smartphone.

In their analysis, the Zscaler researchers list four Indicators of Compromise (IOCs). However, a complete list of the 77 malicious apps is missing  after being reported to Google. They are apparently no longer available in the Play Store and have also been automatically removed from smartphones in the Google cosmos using Google Play Protect.

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Last year, Zscaler published a status report according to which the company had detected more than 200 malicious apps in the Google Play Store. However, these only amounted to 8 million installations, meaning that this figure has more than doubled.

(dmk)

Don't miss any news  follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.
The comments were made on Yles A-studio programme on 27 August. Speaking during a panel debate, Keskisarja described recent immigration to Finland as a partially realised catastrophe and referred to hundreds of thousands of mostly low-quality newcomers. He also stated that he values the quality of the Finnish population more than the quantity.

Four criminal complaints and two official complaints have been filed against Teemu Keskisarja , a member of the Finnish Parliament and first vice chair of the Finns Party, following comments he made about immigration during a televised political discussion.

The remarks prompted four criminal complaints to be submitted to the Helsinki Police Department. A statement from the police confirmed that authorities are reviewing the programme content to determine whether to open a preliminary investigation.

The police did not name Keskisarja directly but referred to the episode by date.

In addition to the police complaints, two official complaints were submitted to the Parliamentary Ombudsmans Office. These were lodged by private individuals, according to the Ombudsmans office. The institution noted that more may follow as the issue has received attention in the media.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman monitors the legality of official conduct in Finland. Any person can file a complaint if they believe an official has broken the law, neglected their duties, or violated basic or human rights. The process may result in an official investigation and subsequent action. Possible outcomes include recommendations for corrective measures or requests for police investigation.

The episode also drew political responses. In the same programme, Keskisarja appeared alongside Green Party leader Sofia Virta and National Coalition MP Pia Kauma. The debate covered themes including immigration, labour migration, and demographic change.

Addressing the issue in an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo condemned Keskisarjas remarks and said they would be reviewed within the government.

During the broadcast, Keskisarja also referred to the concept of population replacement as a reality. He said that Finnish traditions are being replaced by developing world conditions, slaughter, and pigsty-like chaos.

The population replacement theory, referenced in his comments, is a widely debunked conspiracy theory that claims Western societies are being intentionally transformed by non-European migration to weaken or replace white majorities.

According to Ilta-Sanomat, which first reported the case, the remarks have generated strong reactions, including calls for clarification of the limits of free speech for public officials.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman aims to process complaints within one year. If a case is not pursued further, responses are usually issued within three months.

HT
Figures from Statistics Finland show that prices for old apartments in Helsinki dropped by 1.5% compared to the same period last year. This follows a broader trend, with prices now nearly 10% lower than in 2020 and close to 20% below their peak three years ago.

Apartment prices in Helsinki declined again in July, marking a continued downturn in the capitals housing market despite signs of recovery elsewhere in Finland.

Across the country, the average price of old apartments fell by 0.9% year-on-year in July, although prices rose slightly from June by 0.2%.

In the capital region, the decline has been uneven. Espoo was the only major city to record a year-on-year increase, with prices up 1.2%. Vantaa saw the sharpest decline, with prices falling 2.8% over the same period.

Helsinkis housing market had shown tentative signs of improvement earlier in the spring, but this reversed after April. Prices have since fallen monthly, and Julys data confirms that momentum has stalled.

Nationwide, apartment sales activity increased. A total of 3,567 transactions were completed through real estate agencies in July, a 10% rise compared to the previous year. Of these, 1,706 were in large cities. Outside the capital region, the market has clearly picked up, although the price impact remains limited.

According to Juhana Brotherus, chief economist at Suomen Yrittajat, investor pullback may explain the capitals underperformance. Investor activity plays a much larger role in Helsinki than in other parts of the country, he noted.

Brotherus said that while a turning point is expected eventually, households still show limited willingness to buy. In the near term, the ketchup bottle wont open, he wrote in an analysis, referring to the slow release of pent-up demand.

One factor weighing on prices is the high volume of listings. Inventory has accumulated, putting further pressure on sellers in an already cautious market.

Policy changes are also playing a role. Cuts to housing allowances and student benefits have weakened demand in smaller apartments, particularly among younger buyers and tenants. This has affected both the rental and sales segments.

Despite the short-term weakness, Brotherus remains optimistic about long-term prospects. He pointed to rapid population growth in Helsinki, which is expected to drive demand in the coming years.

The outlook remains strong. For example, in Helsinki, population growth in the first half of this year was the fastest since the 1960s, Brotherus wrote.

Nationally, different housing types are performing at varying rates. Prices for old apartment blocks fell by 1.1% in July compared to the previous year, while terraced house prices declined by just 0.4%.

As the autumn housing season approaches, buyers remain cautious, and sellers are still adjusting expectations. Without a significant shift in market conditions or sentiment, Helsinkis property values are likely to remain subdued in the months ahead.

HT
Public broadcaster DR reported that at least three US nationals linked to Trump have travelled to Greenland repeatedly in recent months. According to sources within Denmarks security services and foreign ministry, the individuals have sought to recruit Greenlanders in support of a secession movement and compile lists of locals sympathetic to US control.

Denmark has summoned the United States' top diplomat in Copenhagen, Mark Stroh , amid reports that Americans with ties to Donald Trump are conducting covert influence operations in Greenland aimed at weakening the territorys ties to Denmark.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) stated the alleged activities are part of broader attempts to create discord between Denmark and Greenland. PET has expanded its operations in the territory in response.

Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said on Wednesday that any interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark is totally unacceptable and confirmed that Stroh had been summoned to explain the US position. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the allegations as serious and said she was taking them very seriously.

While the US State Department confirmed the meeting took place, it denied any official role in the matter. In a statement, the department said: The US government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens. A White House official told Reuters the Danish reaction was an overreaction, saying: The Danes need to calm down.

Despite the US distancing itself from the reported activity, the incident has heightened diplomatic tensions. Rasmussen stated that the situation would be handled through formal diplomatic channels and reiterated Denmarks position that foreign-backed influence campaigns in Greenland breach international norms.

Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of the Danish kingdom, has its own government and broad self-rule, but foreign and defence policy remain under Copenhagen's control. The island holds growing strategic significance due to its Arctic location and natural resources.

Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland on multiple occasions, describing it as a valuable geopolitical asset. In March, Vice-President JD Vance visited a US military base in Greenland and accused Denmark of neglecting the territorys defence and development. Local reactions were hostile, with residents reportedly refusing to engage with the visiting delegation.

A January visit by Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr, and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, coincided with increased American attention toward Greenlands political and economic landscape. In March, former Trump official Drew Horn claimed that tens of billions in US investment could be directed to Greenland, while another Trump-linked figure, Tom Dans, called the island a frontier.

None of these individuals have been formally accused of wrongdoing by Danish authorities. However, DR reported that one of the three Americans at the centre of the allegations has appeared publicly with Trump and has advised on issues that present Denmark in a negative light in US media, including the controversial history of Danish state actions in Greenland.

Frederiksen issued a formal apology this week for Denmarks past forced contraception policies against Inuit women, one of the historical injustices believed to be exploited in influence narratives.

Greenlandic foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt told the newspaper Sermitsiaq that she had no direct knowledge of any clandestine activity but acknowledged outside interest in Greenlands affairs.

Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament representing the Greenlandic left-wing party Inuit Ataqatigiit, said: We have seen before that they [the US] have been trying to influence the people of Greenland, but of course also Greenlandic politicians.

She added that Greenlanders remain cautious: I dont think it is working. The Greenlandic people have been an object for people trying to influence us over many years.

Opposition leader Pele Broberg, whose Naleraq party is seen as sympathetic to Trump, dismissed the controversy, saying, We dont get what the big issue is right now. He denied that any influence campaign was underway and accused European governments of routinely trying to shape Greenlandic policy.

Experts say the developments mark an unprecedented strain in US-Danish relations. Jens Ladefoged Mortensen, of the University of Copenhagen, told the BBC that the incident amounts to a diplomatic yellow card and is a sign of a growing divide between the historically close allies.

Meanwhile, Denmarks PET intelligence agency has warned that further campaigns of disinformation or political manipulation may emerge in Greenland. Its concern is that influence efforts, whether coordinated by governments or driven by politically motivated individuals, aim to exploit social or historical tensions for strategic gain.

This is the second time this year Denmark has summoned the US charge daffaires over alleged covert activity in Greenland. In May, similar concerns were raised following reports in The Wall Street Journal that US intelligence agencies had been tasked with increasing surveillance and engagement in the territory.

The Danish government continues to monitor developments closely and has signalled it will reinforce safeguards to protect Greenlands autonomy within the Danish realm.

HT
China-South Africa trade ties enter a new phase of industrialization

13:59, August 29, 2025 By Karabo Mohamme ( People's Daily Online

South Africa and China are entering a new chapter in their economic relationship, moving beyond the traditional exchange of raw materials for manufactured goods towards a long-term partnership based on industrialization. Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng said this transition would take time but is aimed at building South Africa's domestic production capacity and creating more sustainable trade at a seminar hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).

Chinese ambassador Wu Peng gives his speech. (Photo/Chinese Embassy in South Africa)

Wu said that China recognizes the need for South Africa to move up the value chain and that trade must evolve from being resource-based to industrially integrated. He noted that while mining remains a key component of trade, it can also be leveraged to create jobs and GDP growth when linked to broader economic development.

China has offered support in the face of growing global trade tensions, particularly the 30 percent tariffs imposed by the United States on South African goods. Wu emphasized the importance of multilateralism in countering rising protectionism.

Wu reiterated that China's growing domestic demand presents a critical opportunity for South African exporters and that the Chinese market can offer some relief from U.S. tariff pressures.

In a congratulatory message to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in China in June this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of new measures to benefit Africa, including granting 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines through the entry into agreements on economic partnership for shared development. This zero-tariff initiative has been warmly welcomed by African countries, with more than 30 of them already signing the economic partnership agreements with China in a short period of time, Wu said.

South African trade official Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter welcomed China's tariff concessions, calling them a valuable agreement. As China climbs the technological ladder, she said, it opens up opportunities for South Africa to occupy more advanced segments of the global value chain.

Participants take a group photo. (Photo/Chinese Embassy in South Africa)

Mlumbi-Peter argued for alternative development models that prioritize regional integration, technology sharing, and industrial diversification. She cited BRICS and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as key platforms to achieve these goals in an increasingly fragmented global trade environment.

AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Nene described China's role on the continent as "transformative," calling for deeper investment that targets African development and industrial growth.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
A victory for the Chinese people and the world

14:45, August 29, 2025 By Luo Cunkang ( People's Daily

People visit an exhibition themed "For National Liberation and World Peace" at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Aug. 7, 2025. (Photo/Tang Ke)

The 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, themed "For National Liberation and World Peace," is being held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Since its opening on July 7, the exhibition has attracted more than half a million visitors from China and abroad, offering a chance to retrace the wartime years, honor revolutionary martyrs, and reflect on the indomitable spirit of resistance that continues to inspire future generations.

On display are historical documents and artifacts, such as the earliest Declaration of War Against Japan issued by the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic, detailed archives chronicling the capture and heroic sacrifice of revered war heroine Zhao Yiman, and Fang Dazeng's Record of the Lugou Bridge Incident, the earliest journalistic account of the incident.

Covering 12,200 square meters, the exhibition presents 1,525 rare photographs and 3,237 cultural relics, providing a comprehensive account of the monumental struggle in which the Chinese people fought for national survival, national rejuvenation, and human justice.

Zhang Hongxun, 98, a veteran of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, shared wartime stories with children in Hefei, east China's Anhui province, Aug. 26, 2025. (Photo/Xu Wei)

The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the first complete victory in modern Chinese history over foreign invasion. From 1931 to 1945, the Chinese people endured 14 years of relentless struggle, ultimately defeating the aggressive Japanese militarists and contributing decisively to the global triumph over fascism.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized, the great victory was a historic turning point at which the Chinese nation rose from severe crisis in modern times and embarked on a journey toward great rejuvenation, and also an integral part of the world's triumph over fascism. The victory belonged to the Chinese people, and also to people across the world.

China's resistance against Japanese aggression was inextricably linked to the future of humanity. The Chinese people fought not only for national independence but also for global peace. China was the first to fight against fascist aggression and sustained the longest resistance. The tremendous sacrifices of the Chinese people sustained the main Eastern Battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War.

China tied down and fought the bulk of Japanese forces, and prevented Japan from launching northward or southward offensives, making a major contribution to the triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War. These efforts significantly relieved strategic pressure on the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Allied powers.

After the outbreak of the Pacific War, the Chinese battlefield continued to consume Japan's main forces, providing crucial support to the Allies. Despite enormous hardship, China dispatched expeditionary forces abroad and provided vital strategic materials such as tung oil and tungsten to the Allies.

China not only built the earliest anti-Japanese national united front in the East, but also advocated and helped forge the international anti-fascist united front, making historic contributions to the establishment of the United Nations (UN).

A set of floral installation commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is pictured on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo/Song Jiaru)

The ordeals of war deepened the Chinese people's commitment to peace. Having endured more than a century of foreign aggression, humiliation, and exploitation since the mid-19th century, China did not embrace the law of the jungle but became more resolute in its determination to uphold peace. The great victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a new beginning for China and a significant milestone for humanity's pursuit of peace and development.

In the world today, changes on a scale unseen in a century are unfolding at an accelerating pace. The Chinese people will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit. They will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, firmly safeguard the hard-won victory, uphold a correct view of the history of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system. By promoting the common values of humanity, China will work hand in hand with the peoples of all nations to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

(Luo Cunkang is the curator of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The U.S., along with Panama, proposed creating a "gang-suppression force" comprised of up to 5,500 uniformed personnel to face criminal organizations in Haiti.

The force, which would have arrest and detention power, as well as military-grade capabilities and lethal equipment, comes as current forces in the country continue to be unable to recover territory from gangs, which control most of Port-au-Prince.

According to The New York Times, the plan would mandate a UN office in the Haiti to supply logistical and operational support, which would unlock stable funding, an issue that has plagued efforts to face gangs.

The plan would see countries donating forces and funding, with some including Canada, El Salvador, the U.S. and Kenya providing "strategic direction." However, experts consulted by the outlet said it is not clear what countries will contribute funding and troops.

The U.S. has been looking to shake up the status quo in Haiti as the Kenya-led mission has not been able to recover territory or help restore security in the country.

Last week, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission to the OAS, Kimberly J. Penland, had anticipated that the Trump administration is drafting a resolution to present before the UN Security Council that will "properly resource" the Caribbean country's struggling push to retake control. It also endorses one by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to provide support using peacekeeping money.

"Should the UN Security Council pursue this model, then we will also seek robust regional participation to provide strategic leadership of the force," Penland added.

The proposal was introduced in the context of a broader plan envisioning a three-year, $2.6 billion roadmap for Haiti's future. It calls for over $1.3 billion to rebuild Haiti's national police, reform the justice system and dismantle gangs.

Haiti's embattled transitional government has resorted to non-state actors to fight back against gangs that control most of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Reuters reported last week American private security executive Erik Prince is expected to deploy hundreds of mercenaries to fight in the country soon.

The outlet detailed last Thursday that Prince's company, Vectus Global, will intensify operations in the besieged country in the next weeks in coordination with local police, deploying several hundred fighters from the U.S., Europe and El Salvador.

Prince told the outlet that he expects to regain control of the country's roads and territories within a year. "One key measure of success for me will be when you can drive from Port-au-Prince to Cap Haitian in a thin-skinned vehicle and not be stopped by gangs."

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The Marriott Vacation Clubs plans to unveil 32 new apartments as part of the Marriott's Bali Nusa Dua Terrace expansion in early 2026. The new accommodations include 16 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments, all featuring fully equipped kitchens and private plunge pools. Owners, Members and guests will also enjoy access to a 2,200-square-foot swimming pool and a 4,500-square-foot sun deck, with a pool bar and private cabanas.

Additionally, the brand will open Marriott's Enclave at Bali Nusa Dua Terrace next year within the current Marriott's Bali Nusa Dua Terrace property. The standalone, two-story apartments will include 13 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom units, each with a private pool and kitchen. Marriott's Enclave at Bali Nusa Dua Terrace will also feature a dedicated lobby/check-in area, kids' club, fitness studio, pool bar, and Owners lounge.

Owners, Members, and guests at both properties will have full access to amenities and facilities at the co-located Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort. This includes access to five food and beverage venues, a pool, full-service spa, and fitness center.

Hotel website
NEW YORK, NEW YORK  Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, world-renowned hospitality brand and one of Accor's leading luxury brands are setting a new standard for sound across Fairmont's 96 hotels and resorts globally through a newly curated partnership with Devialet. The global leader in luxury sound technology will further elevate Fairmont's signature guest experience, with cutting-edge audio innovation. Serving as the sound solution provider across Fairmont's iconic global destinations, Devialet will further develop a series of guest touchpoints at partner properties including enhancing the Fairmont Gold, in-room and in-lobby experiences; providing a hand-picked range of audio products available for purchase at the Fairmont Store; as well as Making Special Happen in audio through special Fairmont pop-ups and events throughout the year.

This new partnership underscores Fairmont's longstanding connection to music and culture - a relationship that has transformed its hotels into legendary stages for some of the world's greatest performers, including David Bowie, Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Igor Stravinsky, Tony Bennett, and Louis Armstrong. This new collaboration with Devialet builds on this rich legacy, bringing state-of-the-art sound experiences that allow guests to feel, not just hear, the music that defines Fairmont's history.

As a brand that has been celebrating since 1907, music has always been integral to the Fairmont guest experience and partnering with Devialet allows us to further honor this heritage, while delivering the next generation of immersive sound experiences for guests. Fairmont hotels are social epicenters that blend genuine encounters with the heart of the action, creating vibrant spaces where communities gather which is why our partnership with Devialet is a natural transition. Omer Acar, Chief Executive Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Our partnership with Fairmont is a natural dialog between two brands that have made the guest experience their signature. We share a quest to transform moments into lasting memories. By weaving Devialet's sound signature into the heart of Fairmont's spaces, we are making acoustic excellence a new cornerstone of hospitality, where each stay becomes an immersive and vibrant experience. Jacques Demont, CEO of Devialet

Devialet is well known for embodying the art of sound through its advanced proprietary technology, distinctive design, superior performance and loyal following from global sound-connoisseurs. Through a series of curated guest touchpoints, Fairmont and Devialet are setting a new standard for luxury hospitality including:

Transformative Soundscapes in Fairmont Gold Guestrooms and Hotel Lobbies

Fairmont lobbies have long served as the heart of the communities they reside in, where unforgettable first impressions are made, meaningful connections take root and legacies continue to unfold. With Devialet's advanced sound technology, these vibrant spaces will be enhanced with curated soundscapes that subtly evolve throughout the day, complementing each destination's audio character. Similarly, from inside the comfort of select Fairmont Gold guestrooms, whether unwinding after a long day of outdoor pursuits or preparing for a special evening out, Devialet's bespoke 'sound journeys' - paired with delicate lighting cues - will create a multi-sensory sanctuary transforming guestrooms and suites into a private haven of well-being.

Recreate the Fairmont Experience in Your Home at Fairmont Store

Everyone is invited to shop select Devialet products including Gemini earbuds and the Mania Bluetooth speaker, both great for travel. Similarly, coming online soon will be Devialet's Phantom Speaker for home use. Experience the same rich, immersive sound that enhances your stay, then bring it home to recreate the Fairmont ambiance every day. The Fairmont Store offers an exclusive collection of products inspired by the elegance and legacy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. From sumptuous luxury bedding and premium teas and coffees to refined home decor and more, each item captures the signature hospitality and timeless style of Fairmont.

Fairmont and Devialet 'Make Special Happen'

In celebration of the new partnership, Fairmont and Devialet will unveil a series of curated activations across select Fairmont properties worldwide including:

Disappearing Bar Pop Ups : Inspired by Fairmont's legendary cocktail culture, the Disappearing Bar pop-up will pair signature libations with Devialet-powered soundscapes, creating a multi-sensory journey through music and mixology commencing with a series of 'under the neon sign' cocktail and live music activations during September 2025 at Fairmont Royal York.

: Inspired by Fairmont's legendary cocktail culture, the Disappearing Bar pop-up will pair signature libations with Devialet-powered soundscapes, creating a multi-sensory journey through music and mixology commencing with a series of 'under the neon sign' cocktail and live music activations during September 2025 at Fairmont Royal York. Party Like Its 1907 Sound Series: Special listening sessions and live performances will revisit iconic concerts hosted in past years at Fairmont hotels, allowing guests to relive historic moments with Devialet's unmatched acoustic clarity.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of 96 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations  renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their citiesiconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,700 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

About Devialet

At the forefront of acoustic engineering, Devialet is born from a conviction: that the transformative power of sound belongs to everyone. The House's mission is to create deep, physical, and real connections through listening. Moments that are alive with sound.

Thriving on relentless innovation, Devialet engineers continually push the boundaries of acoustic excellence, fusing uncompromising sound quality with elegant, functional design. The company's success is built on 250 registered patents and radical technologies that define Devialet productsfrom the Devialet Astra integrated amplifier and Devialet Phantom speakers to the Devialet Gemini II wireless earbuds, the Devialet Dione all-in-one soundbar, and the Devialet Mania smart portable speaker. To date, they have earned over 100 international awards.

Committed to making French excellence resonate around the world, Devialet relies on a robust strategy of industrial partnerships (with Safran, Ariane, Alpine, the BYD Group), as well as cultural collaborationsnotably with the Opera national de Parisand artistic alliances. Through sound, Devialet brings its unique acoustic expertise to institutions, venues, and companies, helping to elevate artistic creationand shape the sound of tomorrow.

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
roommaster Software has announced the official launch of its redesigned website, showcasing the company's evolution into a comprehensive, all-in-one hospitality technology platform. The new digital presence reflects roommaster's commitment to simplifying hotel operations through unified technology solutions designed specifically for independent hotels, inns, resorts, and management groups.

This website launch represents more than a visual refresh: it embodies roommaster's strategic focus on operational integration and workflow optimization that independent hoteliers need to compete effectively in today's market.

Our new website reflects our core belief that technology should enhance hospitality, not complicate it. We've created a digital experience that demonstrates how unified systems can transform daily operations, allowing hoteliers to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional guest experiences while maximizing profitability. Rachel Douglas, CEO roommaster Software

The enhanced website showcases roommaster's comprehensive ecosystem approach, highlighting how independent properties can leverage enterprise-level technology without the complexity typically associated with larger hospitality solutions.

Strategic Rebranding Reflects Hospitality Evolution

The website launch coincides with roommaster's strategic rebranding, transitioning from InnQuest Software to roommaster Software. This evolution reflects the company's growth from a property management system provider to a comprehensive hospitality technology partner. Our rebranding to roommaster Software represents our commitment to being the master of all hotel operations, said Steven Berger. After 30+ years as InnQuest Software, this transition better aligns our brand identity with our all-in-one platform reality. The rebrand emphasizes roommaster's mission to help hoteliers cost-effectively manage their properties while maximizing guest satisfaction and profitability.

Three Decades of Hospitality Innovation

Since 1994, roommaster has built its reputation by developing solutions by hoteliers, for hoteliers. The new website celebrates this heritage while showcasing the company's evolution to meet modern hospitality challenges. With thousands of hotels across 100 countries trusting roommaster software, the platform manages over 440,000 rooms daily, demonstrating the scalability and reliability independent properties need.

Technology That Enhances, Not Replaces, Hospitality

The website's design philosophy mirrors roommaster's technology approach: intuitive, purposeful, and focused on practical outcomes. Visitors can explore how unified data systems eliminate duplicate entry, how streamlined interfaces reduce training time, and how integrated communication tools capture revenue opportunities that would otherwise be lost.

Availability

The new roommaster website is now live at www.roommaster.com, featuring comprehensive product information, interactive demonstrations, and direct access to roommaster's hospitality technology specialists. Properties can schedule personalized consultations to discuss their specific operational challenges and explore tailored solutions.

About roommaster Software

Founded in 1994 with the belief that guests deserve excellent hospitality experiences and hoteliers deserve management systems that maximize both guest satisfaction and property performance, roommaster Software delivers comprehensive hospitality technology solutions. The company's all-in-one platform includes property management, booking engines, channel management, guest communication, and integrated payment processing, all designed to streamline operations and enhance profitability for independent hotels, inns, resorts, and management groups worldwide.

Contact

For further information, please contact: roommaster Software Email: [email protected] Website: All-in-one Hotel Management Software | roommaster

About roommaster

roommaster, previously known as innQuest, is a hospitality software company serving independent hotels, inns, resorts, and management groups in over 100 countries. With a reputation built over three decades, roommaster delivers reliable, purpose-built tools that simplify operations and improve the guest experience.

With a clear focus on innovation, simplicity, and service, roommaster helps hoteliers thrive in a dynamic industry while staying true to one principle, hospitality, simplified.

Learn more at:https://www.roommaster.com

Visha Kugan

roommaster Software
Soundtrack for this article: Ulver, So Falls the World

You know the saying:

"As Colossus stands, so shall Rome.

When Colossus falls, Rome shall fall.

And when Rome falls, so falls the world."

Well, the same is true of brands.

For centuries, Colossus has embodied the fragility of empires erected upon symbols, those immense figures that appear eternal until a single fracture reveals their emptiness. Neros bronze giant once loomed beside the Flavian Amphitheater, so imposing that its shadow gave the building its very name, the Colosseum. In time, the statue was dismantled, its metal melted, its memory fading into whispers. The prophecy that tied its fall to the fall of Rome became less prediction than retrospective allegory, a myth read backwards onto ruins. The statue was gone, the empire decayed, and people saw in one absence the mirror of the other (and sorry for the history lesson but My Roman Empire is THE ACTUAL Roman Empire).

Fast forward to our (sad) present, and the Colossus is no longer bronze but digital, not a monument of metal but a substrate of indexes, queries, and algorithms where the survival of identity is decided in milliseconds. The analogy is all here: a brand without digital gravity is Rome without its Colossus, monumental in appearance yet fatally unstable at its core.

And the tragedy is that many agencies continue to behave as if this Colossus did not exist. They polish logos, refine palettes, and compose sleek manuals as if we still lived in the age of print, believing semiotic elegance can substitute for existential relevance. But the battlefield has shifted. A brand is no longer born in brochures or in the contemplative gaze of the consumer. It is forged in search results, in auctions of attention, in the hidden architecture of algorithmic interpretation and LLMs. To ignore this is not simply naive, it is malpractice.

The Iberian Peninsula Catastrophe

I witnessed the consequences firsthand with a client of mine (who is soon to be a former one). A boutique hotel in Madrid, once among the strongest in its portfolio, was seduced into renaming itself with a phrase that shimmered on paper, poetic in sound, culturally evocative, visually sophisticated. The proposal came from an agency with no understanding whatsoever of the digital landscape. They thought in glyphs and palettes, not in algorithms and queries.

Online, the new name collapsed instantly, as it was already occupied by an architecture project with established search authority, by a psychotherapy studio with active traction, and, most disastrously, by a town more than two hundred kilometers away from the city where the hotel is. These are the kinds of things one might imagine worth checking before proposing a rebrand, yet apparently they were not. The results were immediate and brutal. Algorithms faced with identical terms were forced to disambiguate, and the hotel, stripped of authority, sank beneath the weight of competitors that had nothing to do with hospitality. Paid campaigns bled into semantic irrelevance, serving users looking for real estate or therapy sessions instead of hotel rooms. Cost per direct acquisition doubled, organic visibility was cut by two thirds, and traffic collapsed in less than six months.

 Source: Hospitality Net

I strongly advised against it. Nobody listened. And, as foretold, Rome fell.

The Digital Colossus

This collapse is not mysterious, it is structural. Google Ads does not sell space, it sells alignment. Quality Score is its silent executioner, weighing expected click-through rate, ad relevance, and landing page integrity. When the brand name itself evokes the wrong city, the algorithm reads the dissonance and retaliates. Budgets are drained into irrelevance, cost per click spirals, and every euro buys less attention.

SEO is equally unforgiving. Authority, intent, and uniqueness are the pillars. A brand name that points in too many directions fractures authority, and each click becomes a wound. And this is no abstract theory. I have seen hotels on Lake Como drowned by Americans searching Bellagio and finding Las Vegas first. I have seen Parisian properties burn budgets into oblivion by including Eiffel in their name, competing against tickets, queues, and restaurants. Chantilly hotels that pretended to be Paris ended up invisible in both. The algorithm does not forgive illusions, let alone delusions.

The lesson is brutal. A name is not a word, it is (also) a query, whether we like it or not. A logo is not an image, it is (also) a Quality Score. To treat a rebrand otherwise is to build empires of sand. Agencies that ignore this truth act like architects who forget gravity exists, generals who go to war without maps. Their Rome is majestic, but without its Colossus, well... you should know it by now.

Toward a Digital Consciousness

If branding wishes to matter in this century, it must awaken to digital consciousness. Every naming exercise must be pressure-tested against SERP composition, LLM suggestions, intent landscapes, and auction dynamics. Every rebrand must live first in the ecosystem of algorithms and only then in the theater of boardrooms. Without this, the brand is already dead, a statue without a pedestal.

A name that fails in digital reality does not exist, no matter how beautifully it is drawn. The Colossus of today is made not of marble or bronze but of algorithms, queries, and machine logics.

When it stands, the brand stands.

When it falls, the brand falls with it.

Ave Caesar, morituri te salutant!

Simone Puorto

Hospitality Net
Over 15,000 Hotels Participate in Legal Action Against Booking.com - Image Credit HOTREC



More than 15,000 hotels across Europe have joined a collective action against Booking.com, alleging anti-competitive practices related to rate parity clauses.

A collective legal action against Booking.com, supported by HOTREC and over 30 national hotel associations, has seen participation from more than 15,000 hotels across Europe. The lawsuit, facilitated by the Dutch "Stichting Hotel Claims Alliance," aims to address financial losses incurred by hotels due to Booking.com's use of rate parity clauses, which were deemed to violate EU competition law by the European Court of Justice in September 2024.

The deadline for hotels to join the collective action is set for August 29, 2025. The legal proceedings are intended to be filed with the Amsterdam District Court by the end of the year. The initiative has received significant interest from hotels in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Greece, and Austria. Additionally, in terms of hotel sector size, the action has been notably supported in Iceland, the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Ireland.

The next steps involve consolidating and validating data from participating hotels to prepare the statement of claim. HOTREC has not disclosed further details on the participation by country or region.
Hotel Pricing in 2025: Key Takeaways for Hoteliers from H1 to H2 - By Joe Hanly - Image Credit Unsplash+



Economic uncertainty and shifting traveler habits reshaped hotel rates in early 2025. While most regions felt the pressure, a few notable markets managed to defy the trend.

Key takeaways

Global hotel rates slowed sharply in H1 2025  the steepest drop since the post-pandemic years.

Europe was the only region to grow (+2.8% YoY), while Asia and Africa fell around 20%.

Japan stood out, with Sapporo leading global price growth at +53% YoY.

Travelers shifted to shorter, value-focused trips closer to home.

H2 2025 outlook: Europe strong, Middle East recovering, Asia weak, North America mixed.

The first half of 2025 brought the sharpest global hotel rate slowdown since the early post-pandemic years. After two years of steady growth, momentum stalled, and in many markets, prices fell back significantly. But the story isnt uniform. While most regions struggled, Europe remained resilient, and Japan surged ahead as a clear outlier.

In this blog, well recap the results of H1 2025 and look ahead to the second half of the year, drawing on Lighthouses global pricing data to understand how shifting traveler behavior and economic uncertainty are reshaping the hospitality landscape.

The global picture in H1 2025

Lighthouses half-year report paints a mixed picture for hotels in 2025.

The first half of the year was defined by a widespread hotel pricing slowdown. Africa and Asia recorded the steepest year-over-year declines, with average rates falling by around 20%. Latin America and Oceania also slipped, while North America saw a more modest 4.4% decline. The Middle East saw the smallest drop of 2.2%.

Europe stood alone as the only region to register growth. Average prices rose 2.8% year-over-year, making it the global exception in an otherwise challenging half.

Regional contrasts and destination highlights

Europes resilience stood in sharp contrast to the declines seen elsewhere. While many regions struggled under the weight of economic uncertainty and weaker long-haul demand, many European destinations benefitted from a reputation for safety, stability, and cultural richness, which helped sustain demand even as other regions struggled. Its compact geography and strong transport links gave travelers a wide range of options within easy reach, reinforcing Europes appeal for short-haul trips.

Within this environment, branded hotels have had a particularly strong first half of the year: their rates rose 4.9% year-over-year, compared with just 1.3% growth at independent properties , reflecting a wider consumer preference for the consistency and perceived reliability that chains offer during uncertain times.

Japan emerged as Asias clear exception in the first half of 2025, defying the regions overall weakness. While neighboring markets like Thailand and Vietnam faced steep declines in demand and pricing pressure, Japan saw hotel rates surge.

A combination of factors fueled this performance: a weak yen has made the country more affordable for international visitors, its reputation for safety and cultural depth reassured cautious travelers, and the build-up to Expo 2025 in Osaka drew additional global attention.

This mix turned Japan into one of the worlds hottest destinations, with cities like Sapporo leading global price growth at more than 50% year-over-year. Osaka and Kobe also ranked among the fastest risers, reinforcing the sense that Japan is operating on a different trajectory from the rest of Asia.

Not every destination fared well. Southeast Asia was under acute pressure, with international arrivals falling and prices dropping sharply. In Thailand, for instance, arrivals fell 5% year-over-year, forcing hoteliers to compete aggressively for fewer tourists. Even historically high-demand European spots like Venice and Sorrento saw declines, reflecting a broader trend of travelers opting for less crowded alternatives.

Changing traveler behavior

The numbers point to a fundamental shift in how people are traveling in 2025. The era of splurging on long-haul, bucket-list trips appears to have passed, at least for now. Travelers are favoring shorter, more frequent getaways closer to home. Economic uncertainty is part of the story. With U.S. trade policy changes and ripple effects across global markets, travelers are becoming more value-conscious. Instead of luxury upgrades, many are trading down to more affordable hotel tiers. Instead of a single big annual vacation, they are spreading their travel budget across multiple smaller trips.

This behavior is showing up in pricing. Long-haul markets from Southeast Asia to the South Pacific have seen double-digit declines, while domestic and regional destinations are holding steadier. Europe has benefited most from this trend, with demand for accessible, well-connected destinations keeping prices elevated.

Looking ahead to H2 2025

The forward-looking data suggests a mixed picture for the second half of the year.

Europe is projected to remain strong, with advertised room prices up 6% compared to H2 2024.

Japan continues to outperform within Asia, but most Asian markets remain weak, with advertised prices nearly 10% lower year-over-year.

The Middle East is staging a comeback, with prices up more than 4% as inbound tourism recovers.

North America shows rising forward demand indicators, but advertised prices are still below last years levels, hinting at a potential recovery later in the year.

For hoteliers, the implication is clear: flexibility is essential. Forecasting, pricing, and competitive positioning will need to account for a cautious consumer mindset and fast-changing regional dynamics.

Conclusion

The first half of 2025 confirmed a slowdown in global hotel pricing, but not all regions are experiencing it the same way. Europes resilience and Japans surge stand out against widespread softness in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

At the same time, traveler behavior is shifting toward shorter, more frequent, value-driven trips, reshaping demand patterns everywhere.

Looking ahead, the outlook for H2 2025 remains mixed, with Europe and the Middle East showing strength, Asia under pressure, and North America in transition. What unites all markets is the need for hoteliers to adapt quickly to evolving demand and pricing conditions.

In a year defined by uncertainty, understanding the full context behind these shifts is essential. This blog highlights the headline trends, but the State of Global Hotel Pricing report goes much further. It includes region-by-region analysis, destination-level trends, and forward-looking indicators that provide a clearer view of how 2025 is unfolding, along with analysis helping you understand not just where rates are moving, but why.

By digging deeper into the data, hoteliers can anticipate demand patterns, refine their pricing strategies, and make more confident decisions in the months ahead.

Download the full report here.

Joe Hanly

Joe Hanly is a writer and content creator at Lighthouse, helping hoteliers navigate industry trends with clear, engaging storytelling. He believes the best insights come from real experiences  thats why when hes not writing about travel and hospitality, hes out exploring it firsthand. Its all research. Sort of.

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse (formerly OTA Insight) is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry. We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth. We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways.

Trusted by over 65,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partners - their success is our success.

This article originally appeared on Lighthouse.
STR Weekly Insights: U.S. Hotel Industry Faces Continued RevPAR Challenges; Global Markets Show Resilience - Image Credit CoStar

Overview of U.S. Hotel Industry Performance

In the week ending August 23, 2025, the U.S. hotel industry experienced a 1.3% decrease in revenue per available room (RevPAR), marking the third consecutive week of decline and the tenth drop in the past twelve weeks. The downturn was primarily driven by a decrease in occupancy, accompanied by a slight decline in the average daily rate (ADR) of 0.2%. The Top 25 Markets were largely responsible for this decline, with a RevPAR drop of 3.8%, while all other markets saw a modest increase of 0.4%.

Impact of Key Markets: Chicago and Houston

Chicago and Houston were significant contributors to the national decline in RevPAR. In Chicago, compared to the week of last year's Democratic National Convention, RevPAR dropped by 19.9% due to a 22.3% fall in ADR, despite a 2.2 percentage point increase in occupancy. The central business district (CBD) of Chicago, the largest submarket, saw occupancy rise to 76.9%, although it also faced the most significant ADR impact from last years convention. Other submarkets, such as Chicago OHare Airport and Chicago Southwest, shared in the ADR and RevPAR declines.

Houston faced challenges from difficult comparisons to last year, when spring storms increased room demand significantly. Demand in Houston was down 29.5% this year, compared to a 32% increase last year. The Midscale and Economy class hotels in Houston were particularly affected, with RevPAR dropping by more than 50% over the past four weeks. It is anticipated that these challenging comparisons will ease in the coming weeks, although a performance drag is expected to persist until the end of the year.

Luxury Class Growth Amidst Broader Decline

Despite the overall downturn, luxury class hotels have continued to experience growth in RevPAR, a trend that has been consistent over the past four weeks. In contrast, the Upper Upscale class saw declines primarily due to lower occupancy, while other classes faced decreases driven by falling ADR. In the Top 25 Markets, excluding Houston and Las Vegas, all classes except Luxury still experienced declines, albeit to a lesser extent.

Global Markets Show Positive Trends

Globally, RevPAR increased by 5.4% for the second consecutive week, following four weeks of lower growth. This improvement was partly due to overcoming the Olympic comparison in France, where RevPAR rose by 24% this week. Over the past four weeks, countries such as Spain, Italy, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom reported RevPAR increases exceeding 5%, with Spain leading the pack. Notably, all these countries, except Italy, maintained occupancy rates above 80%.

Canada has demonstrated consistent growth, with RevPAR increasing in 24 of the past 34 weeks, primarily driven by ADR growth. In the most recent week, Canadas RevPAR was up by 5.2%, continuing a trend of over 4% growth in May, June, and July, with similar expectations for August.

Calendar Impacts on Future Performance

The calendar changes in August and September are expected to impact hotel performance results. August will conclude with an additional Sunday, which, combined with current weaknesses, suggests a potential RevPAR decrease similar to July's figures, despite anticipated record-breaking travel over the Labor Day holiday. Additionally, September will be affected by the shift of Rosh Hashanah into the month from October last year, leaving only two "clean" weeks for group and business travel.

Discover more at STR.
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Elizabeth Freeman Center RISE Together 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Join Elizabeth Freeman Center in September for RISE Together 2025 - six community walks to end domestic and sexual violence in Berkshire County and beyond.

Rise Together brings friends, families, neighbors, and community leaders together to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and take a stand for a safer, more just future for all.

Walks are scheduled for Pittsfield: Thursday Sept. at 5:30 pm; Great Barrington: Wednesday Sept. 17 at 4:30 pm; Lenox: Thursday Sept. 18 at 5:30 pm; Lee: Wednesday Sept. 24 at 5:30 pm; Williamstown: Thursday Sept. 25 at 5:30 pm; and North Adams: Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 pm.

At each walk, after a welcome ceremony, participants will set out together on a roughly one-mile walk. Attendees can bring their own signs or borrow one of Elizabeth Freeman Center's signs.
Berkshires Awarded Grants to Boost Woodland Restoration, Tourism

BOSTON, Mass.  The state awarded he Berkshire Naural Resource Council, Adams, Cheshire, Peru, and Williamstown grants designed to protect forests and boost local economies in Western Massachusetts.

Through the Woodlands Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is providing funding, $310,000 in total, to six rural communities and three regional organizations focused on conservation and economic development. These grants will improve outdoor recreation opportunities in public forests, ensure community safety and implement sustainable forestry practices that

promote forest resilience.

In Berkshire County:

Adams - $25,000

An Invasive Plant Management Plan for Greylock Glen: Prepare an Invasive Plants Management Plan for Greylock Glen, focusing on areas under the Town of Adams' lease with the Commonwealth.

Berkshire Natural Resource Council - $25,000

Hoosac Range Climate Smart Forest Stewardship Plan: Develop a Forest Stewardship Plan for BNRC's Hoosac Range Reserve, a 992-acre property located in North Adams and Florida.

Cheshire - $13,250

Trail Kiosks: Install two informational trail kiosks on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for recreational users.

Peru - $25,000

Fire Department Communications Upgrade: Purchase five new portable radios utilized by the Fire Department to ensure compatibility with digital upgrades to the E911 system.

Williamstown - $25,000

Purple Trails Mountain Bike Trail Improvements: Construction of a one mile segment of critical intermediate level mountain bike trail within a professionally designed 20+ mile trail network in the mountains of Williamstown.

Forests play a central role in these communities. They support local jobs, improve air quality and shape the identity of the region," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "This funding helps protect those natural spaces while supporting local efforts that ensure people can continue to hike, camp and enjoy the outdoors for years to come."

These grants support the goals of the Mass Ready Act by protecting forests and water resources while investing in the local economies that depend on them.

The Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts was formed in 2018 through the collaboration of local residents, government officials, non-profits, and academic institutions. Together, they developed a comprehensive plan to drive economic growth and create jobs through sustainable forest management and tourism, which are vital for communities along the Vermont and New York borders.
A graphic from the U.S. Fire Administration shows how address numbers should be displayed for residences.

Williamstown Fire Officials Call on Residents to Properly Mark Addresses

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Since being installed, first-year Fire Chief Jeffrey Dias has been getting to know the community.

It should not be as hard as it is to get to know the town of 7,400.

"As an outsider trying to find a street address, I have had some heartfelt discussions with some people," Dias told the Prudential Committee at Wednesday's monthly meeting. "I don't know that a certain family has lived in a house for 150 years."

Committee member John Notsley raised the issue, telling his colleagues that the lack of proper numbering on homes had been bothering him.

"There are more houses in town that aren't numbered than are," Notsley said. "It's a mess."

Dias told the committee that he would fail homes when inspected for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at the time of sale. But that is the only time numbers are formally reviewed.

Too often, deficient numbering is discovered when first responders are looking for an address during an emergency.

"When it's life-threatening stuff, every second counts," Dias said.

"Consistency helps. Some people do [numbers] on the garage. Some people do it on the front door. The reflective thing is huge, too. People will put these nice, ornate, black, iron numbers on a dark brown house. It's a challenge. It's something we'll continue to work on."

Massachusetts General Law spells out how addresses should be displayed at a property.

According to a flyer from the commonwealth's Department of Fire Services:

 Numbers need to be at least 4 inches tall and face the street.

 Numbers need to be under lighting and have a "contrasting background" so they are visible at night.

 Homes with long driveways should have the number on both sides of a mailbox or sign pole near the road.

 Vegetation should be trimmed to keep numbers visible.

Dias told the committee that if he is able to establish a summer internship for college students next summer, one good project for that group will be to canvas neighborhoods and leave literature explaining the legal requirements.

One problem in rural communities like Williamstown is that many residences are not visible from the road. In some places, they share a driveway, and, while multiple house numbers may be posted at the roadside, sometimes there is no indication which fork to take from the common driveway to find a particular address.

"It's great if you have reflective numbers on your house, but if you have a 600-foot driveway, I can't see [the house numbers]," Dias said. "People say, 'I had one, but a snowplow knocked it down.' Well, put it back up.

"Street signs are another big one for me. As an outsider, when streets don't have a sign, that's a problem."
Pittsfield Native Identified as Beating Victim

Scott W. Kastner

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  A former Berkshire County man died Aug. 16, five days after being viciously beaten by juveniles in a park in Burlington, Vt.

Scott W. Kastner, 42, was not identified as the victim of the assault until Tuesday this week by Burlington Police, after his obituary was posted by Dwyer Funeral Home. Kastner was born in Pittsfield and lived for a time in Adams; he moved to Burlington in 2007.

The police log states officers were on foot patrol around Church Street in Burlington on the afternoon of Aug. 11 when they came across the assault in progress. The juveniles fled on foot and bicycle and one of the suspects had a gun they had displayed during the assault.

Vermont News First reported that additional arrests were expected and and the juveniles, ages 14 to 16, are now facing charges in Family Court.

The critically injured Kastner was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center. The Office of the Medical Examiner has not yet released the cause of death.

He was born in Pittsfield on Feb. 4, 1983, and leaves four children Tatyalonna, Scott Jr., Xayleigha and Alayah Kastner. His parents are Teresa Watford of Pittsfield and Raymond Keele and his wife, Traci, of Adams, and brother to Shaun Kastner, Shellene Kastner McGirt (Shyemel), Jordan Keele Williamson, and Sharaya, Michael and Coda Keele.

Kastner's assault in City Hall Park at 1:30 on a Monday afternoon sparked outrage in Burlington, where residents and business owners have complained for months about safety issues on Church Street because of open drug use and criminal behaviors. The south end of the four-block pedestrian street and marketplace ends at City Hall; the block-long City Hall Park lies to the west of City Hall.

"That whole area is drug-infested," Kastner's brother Shaun Kastner told WTEN News. "That's where the violence comes from. ... It's a senseless act that happened but there's a lot of stuff going on out there that's senseless."
DA's Office Seeks Extradition of Child Abuse Suspect

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  A former The Bible Speaks pastor was arrested in the state of Florida for two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 from 1980.

Eric Anderson, 80, who had been an administrator in the church's Bible college and school, was taken into custody by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. An extradition warrant issued had been issued by the Berkshire District Attorney's Office after Anderson's indictment by a grand jury in April.

The warrant had initially been for the commonwealth of Virginia until State Police with the DA's office found a second address in Bradenton, Fla. He was apprehended on Monday.

Anderson is contesting the extradition. He is currently being held by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office on a fugitive from justice charge without right to bail. In approximately 30 days, Anderson is scheduled to reappear in a Florida court to face that charge. The DA's Office is in the process of seeking the return of Anderson to face charges here.

The Bible Speaks operated out of Lenox for more than a dozen years before it was sued by one of its members for coercion and fraud. Its founder Carl Stevens moved it to Baltimore around 1987.

According to the Baltimore Banner , Anderson had been living in Virginia with his son, Jesse, who had been convicted of molesting a boy at the church and a second son, Jonathan, had been accused but not charged with abuse.

The Banner did a deep dive on past abuse and coverups at Greater Grace World Outreach, the church's name now, and spoke with Erika Slater, who accused Eric Anderson of groping her in the first grade. Anderson was reportedly her principal at the time and the Banner said she filed a police report in Massachusetts.

The church says it is committed to investigating the allegations and working with police; it encourages anyone with information to contact the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. It has also instituted a youth safety review.

District Attorney Timothy Shugrue thanked law enforcement partners for this successful apprehension.

"I am grateful to law enforcement in both Virginia and Florida, specifically the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, for their assistance in apprehending Eric Anderson," he said. "Upon his return to Massachusetts, the defendant will face long overdue justice for his heinous crimes."
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South Korea now has more than 10 million single-person households, a first for the countrys history and a demographic shift reflecting the low birth and marriage rates and an ageing population.

According to data released by the Ministry of Interior and Safety on Wednesday, the total number of households rose to about 24.12 million, with single-person households reaching approximately 10.12 million, reported Yonhap. This means that 42 per cent of all households now consist of just one person, up from 39.2 per cent or 9 million in 2020.

In the same time period, South Koreas registered population declined from roughly 51.83 million in 2020 to 51.22 million in 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year of population decrease, albeit with a gradually slowing decline rate.

The rising prevalence of singleperson households is mainly due to an ageing population and changing attitudes among younger generations. Data from Statistics Korea reveal that of the 5.65 million households with members aged 65 and above, 2.13 million seniors live alone, reflecting a 37.8 per cent yearonyear increase from 2023, according to The Korea Herald.

Meanwhile, young Koreans are also choosing to live solo; of the 10 ten million oneperson households, 3.2 million are in their 20s and 30s, while 3.81 million are aged 60 or above.

The trend is particularly stark in urban hubs like capital Seoul, where the share of single-person households surged from 29.5 per cent in 2015 to 39.3 per cent in 2023, Seoul-based real estate service RSQUARE told The Korea Economic Daily. Nationwide, single-person households reached approximately 9.9 million by the end of 2024, representing 41.5 per cent of all households.

open image in gallery Representational; According to data released by the ministry of interior and safety on Wednesday, 42 per cent of all households in South Korea now consist of just one person ( AFP via Getty Images )

This demographic change has also been driving significant changes in South Koreas real estate market, as demand has grown for housing options tailored to smaller households. Traditionally dominated by a build-to-sell model, where developers construct apartments to sell individually, the market is witnessing a notable shift towards build-to-rent properties by companies aiming steady, long-term returns.

Global firms like Australian real estate group The Living Company opened its Korean office in Seouls Magok district in April 2025 to lead investments in rental homes aimed at single-person households. Similarly, US-based Greystar Real Estate Partners launched Korean operations last year, with plans to develop compact city apartments and senior residences.

Smaller housing units known as officetels, which are basically mixed-use buildings that combine living and working spaces, have thus grown popular. According to Real Estate Asia, the share of households living in officetels in the Seoul metropolitan area almost doubled from 2.8 per cent in 2017 to 5.2 per cent in 2023.

There are multiple intertwined social and economic factors that are driving this growth in single-person households in South Korea. The countrys ageing population naturally contributes to more seniors living alone, as losing a partner and personal preference increase solo living among older adults.

Younger generations however, are postponing marriage and childbirth amid soaring cost of living, declining quality of life, job market uncertainties, and a focus on traditional gender roles.

Evolving attitudes among the younger generations also mirror the change in social and cultural norms. Traditionally, leaving the parental home in South Korea was closely tied to marriage and starting a family, a practice common to many Asian countries. However, many young Koreans view moving out as a step toward personal freedom and autonomy, further driving the growth in solo living arrangements, The Korea Herald reported.

However, this rise in solitary living has seen the emergence of extreme loneliness and social isolation. A 2022 survey by the Seoul Institute found that 62 per cent of single-person households reported experiencing loneliness, while city estimates indicate about 130,000 young residents suffer from social isolation. Alarmingly, more than 3,600 cases of lonely deaths, where individuals die alone and remain undiscovered for extended periods, were recorded across the country in 2023, according to data released by the ministry of health and welfare.

open image in gallery Representational; This rise in solitary living has seen the emergence of extreme loneliness and social isolation ( AFP via Getty Images )

In an effort to tackle the issue, Seoul launched the Loneliness-Free Seoul initiative last year, a five-year plan with a budget of 451.3 bn won (240.6m) to ensure none of its residents feel alone.

Social issues like low happiness levels, high suicide rates and depression are all related to loneliness, Seoul mayor Oh Se Hoon said during a press briefing while unveiling the plan.

Loneliness and isolation are not just personal challenges but societal issues we all need to address. We are committed to leveraging all of our administrative resources to create a loneliness-free Seoul, ensuring meticulous management from prevention to returning to society and preventing further isolation.

In 2023, the ministry of gender equality and family announced that it would provide up to 650,000 won (346.6) per month to isolated youths, in an effort to support their psychological and emotional stability and healthy growth.
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South Korean special prosecutors indicted the wife of jailed ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol and former prime minister Han Duck Soo on criminal charges on Friday.

The indictments of former first lady Kim Keon Hee and Han are part of three special prosecutor investigations launched under the government of liberal president Lee Jae Myung, targeting the presidency of Yoon, a conservative who was removed from office in April and rearrested last month over his December martial law decree.

Yoons defence minister, safety minster, and many other senior military commanders and police officers have already been arrested over their involvements in imposing martial law.

open image in gallery Former South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo, left, arrives at the Government Complex in Seoul

South Koreas jailed ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol again refused to attend questioning by investigators Friday, using a new method to resist: He took off his prison uniform and lay down on the floor at his detention room.

Earlier this month, a South Korean court ordered the arrest of Kim. Investigators sought to charge her over various suspected crimes, including bribery, stock manipulation and meddling in the selection of a candidate.

Yoon, removed from office in April over his ill-fated imposition of martial law, was sent back to prison last month as he stands a high-stakes trial over rebellion and other charges. Yoon, a conservative, faces investigations into other criminal allegations that are not related to his Dec. 3 martial law decree but target him, his wife and others.

Min Joong-ki, a special counsel named Mr Lee, sent investigators to retrieve Yoon from a detention centre near Seoul after the former president twice defied requests to attend questioning. Mr Min's team is tasked with delving into allegations surrounding Yoon's wife, including that she and her husband exerted inappropriate influence on the then-ruling party's election nomination process in 2022.

open image in gallery Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and former first lady Kim Keon-Hee arrive to cast their votes for the presidential election at a polling station in Seoul, South Korea, 3 June 2025

Yoon's imposition of martial law, which brought armed troops into Seoul streets, lasted only a few hours before lawmakers voted down his decree unanimously.

Yoon has rejected charges of leading an insurrection as his high-profile criminal trial began in Seoul.
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India and Canada named new high commissioners to each other's capitals on Thursday as they restored relations 10 months after expelling the top envoys in a dispute over an alleged political assassination.

Foreign affairs minister Anita Anand said Christopher Cooter will be Canadas new high commissioner to India. Indias foreign ministry said it will assign its current envoy to Spain, Dinesh Patnaik, to Ottawa shortly.

Relations between Canada and India have been strained since Canadian police accused New Delhi of playing a role in the June 2023 assassination of a Canadian Sikh activist near Vancouver. Police also have uncovered evidence of an intensifying campaign against Canadian citizens by agents of the Indian government.

Relations improved in June when Canadian prime minister Mark Carney invited Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta and both countries agreed to restore their top diplomats.

Nijjar, 45, was fatally shot in his pickup truck after he left the Sikh temple he led in Surrey, British Columbia. An Indian-born citizen of Canada, he owned a plumbing business and was a leader in what remains of a once-strong movement to create an independent Sikh homeland.

Four Indian nationals living in Canada were charged with Niijars murder.

Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau previously said Indian diplomats have been passing information about Canadians to the highest levels of the Indian government, and that Indian officials then shared that information with organised crime groups, resulting in violence against Canadians.

Mr Trudeau said India violated Canadas sovereignty. India rejected the accusations as absurd.

Canada is not the only country that has accused Indian officials of plotting an assassination on foreign soil. The US Justice Department announced criminal charges last year against a Indian government official in connection with an alleged foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist leader living in New York City.

India has repeatedly criticised Canada for being soft on supporters of the Khalistan movement who live in Canada. The Khalistan movement is banned in India but has support among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in Canada. About 2 per cent of Canada's population is Sikh.

Mr Cooter will take on the role after 35 years as a diplomat, including postings in Israel and South Africa, as well as in New Delhi 25 years ago.
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India's powerful Hindu nationalist organisation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has urged families to have three children each, citing concerns over the nation's declining birth rate.

Despite India being the world's most populous nation with 1.46 billion people, its total fertility rate has fallen to below two children per woman, according to the UN Population Fund's 2025 report. This trend coincides with the country's accelerating economic growth.

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the RSS  the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party  stated that the population must remain "controlled, yet sufficient".

Speaking on Thursday at an event marking the RSS's centenary, Mr Bhagwat suggested that "in the national interest, every family should have three children and limit themselves to that".

His appeal for larger families reflects a growing apprehension among nationalist leaders and some regional politicians regarding long-term demographic stability, national capacity, and cultural identity.

For years, hardline Hindu groups have expressed concern over higher birth rates among minority communities, such as Muslims, even though data indicates that Indian Muslims are also having fewer children than in the past.

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the RSS, which is the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, said the population must remain controlled, yet sufficient ( Doordarshan via Reuters )

Bhagwat too said birth rates were declining across religious groups.

While the RSS officially describes itself as a cultural organisation promoting Hindu values, it wields enormous influence through its vast network of affiliates and millions of grassroots volunteers.

Many of Modis senior ministers, including the prime minister himself, are long-time members of the RSS.

Analysts say BJPs policy priorities  from cultural and education reform to citizenship laws  frequently echo positions championed by the RSS, making the organisation one of the most powerful civil society groups in the world.

Bhagwat rejected criticism that the RSS was opposed to Muslims - who make up about 14 percent of India's population - and other minorities saying the organisation viewed all of them as Indians.

"Our ancestors and culture are the same. Worship practices may differ, but our identity is one. Changing religion does not change ones community," he said.

"Mutual trust must be built on all sides. Muslims must overcome the fear that joining hands with others will erase their Islam."
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India's trade minister said the government is taking steps to diversify exports in his first comments since Donald Trump imposed an eye-watering 50 per cent tariff on New Delhi earlier this week.

The US president slapped India with one of the steepest tariff rates after declaring a 25 per cent penalty for the South Asian countrys purchase of Russian oil to go with a previously imposed 25 per cent import levy. The punitive tariff took effect on 27 August.

The levy applies to a wide range of goods such as garments, gems and jewellery, footwear, furniture, and chemicals, leaving India  one of the world's fastest growing economies  to face a slump in trade with its largest export market. It threatens thousands of small exporters from Tamil Nadu in the south India to prime minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat in the west.

Indian commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said New Delhi is looking towards the Middle East to diversify trade to support exporters hit by "unilateral action" taken by a country.

"If any country wants to enter into a free trade agreement with us, we are always ready. But I believe that any form of discrimination affects the self-confidence and self-respect of India's 1.4 billion citizens," Mr Goyal was quoted by ANI news agency as saying. He added that India would neither "bow down nor ever appear weak" and continue moving forward to capture new markets.

The minister said a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman will be finalised soon, while Qatar and Saudi Arabia are willing to negotiate a pact with New Delhi. He reportedly added that FTA talks with the EU were moving fast.

"Our exports this year will be higher than last year," Mr Goyal said, adding: Our share in the global market is still very low, so what is there to fear.

The Indian government is in consultation with all the stakeholders, including Indian missions abroad, for diversification of exports, the minister said.

He said the iron ore and steel industry was looking to export 60 million tonnes of steel from the country. "This is another sector where we can become a supplier to many countries," Mr Goyal added.

India's intention to grow trade opportunities elsewhere makes perfect sense, Dr Wayne Winegarden, economist at the free-market think tank Pacific Research Institute, told The Independent.

The tariffs are causing Indian industries to be less competitive when exporting products to the US. This will harm economic growth in India as well as the profitability of the exporting industries. While these losses cannot be fully offset by expanding opportunities elsewhere, they can be reduced. Over time, as other countries decrease their trade relationship with the US, this process harms the US and reduces our geopolitical influence.

Sajjid Chinoy, JP Morgans managing director, told CNBC-TV18 that at 50 per cent levies, Indian exports will lose their competitiveness. Around 1 per cent of Indias GDP was directly at risk from Trump's tariff, while the indirect impact could be even larger, he said.

The research group Global Trade Research Initiative estimates that nearly two-thirds of Indian exports to the US  valued at about $60bn  now attract the highest tariff rate of 50 per cent, according to NDTV. Overall, merchandise exports to the US could fall more than 40 per cent this year, to about $50bn from $87bn in 2024.

India previously criticised Mr Trump's additional tariff, calling it unfair and unfortunate. The foreign ministry said earlier this month that New Delhi would "take all necessary steps to protect its national interests.

Mr Goyal on Friday urged industry players to make the initiative fully independent and self-sufficient, while assuring government support to manage trade-related stress. Let this be a completely self sufficient industry led initiative. And at every point of time the important criteria should be an assessment of its outcome and whether the participants go back happy and satisfied at their investment into this conference come exhibition, he added.

The commerce ministry is expediting the rollout of an Export Promotion Mission to support exporters and build resilient supply chains, Times of India reported.
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Indian prime minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba at a Tokyo business forum on Friday and discussed using India's skilled, young workforce to help address labour shortages caused by Japan's aging and declining population.

Both leaders are expected to release a "joint vision" for cooperation over the next decade in areas including security, economy, energy, and human resources and reaffirm their cooperation as part of the Quad framework of regional leaders that also includes the US and Australia.

Mr Modi, who began his trip to China and Japan, is expected to hold talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping on Sunday, as ties between the Asian rivals thaw against the backdrop of US president Donald Trump's imposition of punitive tariffs on New Delhi. Mr Modi is on his first visit to China in seven years to participate in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) regional security bloc, whose members also include Russia and Iran.

From Metro to manufacturing, from semiconductors to start-ups, India-Japan partnership in every sector became symbol of mutual trust, Mr Modi said, addressing the India-Japan Joint Economic Forum in Tokyo.

"We believe that Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination," Mr Modi said at a joint press conference with the Japanese prime minister.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shake hands during a joint press conference in Tokyo on August 29, 2025 ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Modi said both nations will facilitate the exchange of human resources to the tune of 500,000 people in the next five years.

New figures released by the Japanese government this month showed that the number of Japanese nationals fell by over 900,000 last year, driven by record-low births of just 686,061 and almost 1.59 million deaths.

Japans population has been shrinking for 16 consecutive years, falling to 120.65 million in 2024 from its 2009 peak of 126.6 million, according to figures from the internal affairs ministry. Nearly one in three citizens in Japan is now aged 65 or older, while just six in 10 fall within the working-age bracket of 15 to 64.

The two leaders are expected to agree on a goal of boosting Japanese private sector investment in India to 10 trillion yen (50bn) over the next decade and increasing human resources exchanges to half a million people in the coming five years.

Mr Modi urged Japanese companies to invest in India, saying that reforms have created a more transparent and predictable business environment. "In India's development journey, Japan has always been an important partner," he told the forum hosted by Japan's powerful business lobby Keidanren.

Later in the day, Mr Modi said, "Cooperation in the high technology sector is a priority for both of us". "Semiconductors and rare earth minerals will be at the top of our agenda.

"Where we are working on high-speed rail, under the next-generation mobility partnership we will also make rapid progress in sectors like ports, aviation and ship-building," Mr Modi added.

Mr Ishiba at the event said the two countries share universal values like democracy and the rule of law and that "Japan's advanced technology and India's outstanding talent, as well as its large market, are complementing each other to a dramatic expansion of our economic ties".
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Thailands Constitutional Court has disqualified suspended prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for ethical misconduct over a controversial phone call with Cambodias former leader, Hun Sen.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, means the prime minister will be immediately removed from office. This makes Ms Paetongtarn the fifth prime minister since 2008 to be stripped of office by the powerful court.

Ms Paetongtarn, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was suspended from her duties on 1 July after a one-year term following uproar over a leaked phone call between her and Cambodias former leader.

In the call recording from 15 June, as border tensions ramped up between the two countries, she had called Mr Hun Sen "uncle" and appeared to criticise Thai military actions. She received backlash from people over her perceived friendly tone as critics said she maligned a Thai army general.

Several petitions were filed in the Constitutional Court to remove her, claiming that Ms Paetongtarn had breached the ethical standards expected of a prime minister.

Massive protests took place at Victory Monument demanding she resign as protesters held banners sating uncle is not our friend.

open image in gallery Protesters waving Thailand flags gather at Victory Monument demanding prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign ( AP )

Ms Paetongtarn had defended her tone in the leaked phone call as a negotiation technique. But the court in its verdict rejected the argument and said she violated ethical standards.

"[Paetongtarn]s actions did not preserve the nations pride and considered personal interest over the countrys, which seriously violated or failed to follow the ethical standards," the court said in its verdict.

Her move has "caused the public to lose trust and faith towards the Thai premiership" and caused "grave damage" to her work, the court said.

"It has caused the public to cast doubt if [her actions] would benefit Cambodia more than benefitting the nations interest."

open image in gallery Anti-government protesters rally to demand the removal of Thailand's prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office at Victory Monument in Bangkok on 28 June 2025 ( AFP/Getty )

Mr Hun Sen, who Ms Paetongtarn was talking to, was Cambodias prime minister for 38 years until his son Hun Manet took over the job in 2023.

The phone call recording emerged as long-standing tensions over the border between Cambodia and Thailand heightened after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a brief incident of violence in disputed territory in May. In late June, the two countries engaged in five days of combat that killed dozens of people and displaced more than 260,000.

The courts ruling comes as a blow to the ruling coalition led by Paetongtarns Pheu Thai party. The controversy over the phone call caused the Bhumjaithai Party, the biggest partner of Pheu Thai, to drop out, leaving the coalition with a slim majority of seats in the House of Representatives.

Now a new prime minister will be chosen by a vote in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Phumtham Wechayachai, the first deputy prime minister has already been serving as acting prime minister, will continue working as the leader.
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Small island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Maldives and Marshall Islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Rising seas, stronger storms, freshwater shortages and damaged infrastructure all threaten their ability to support life.

Some islands even face the grim possibility of being abandoned or sinking beneath the ocean. This raises an unprecedented legal question: can these small island nations still be considered states if their land disappears?

The future status of these nations as states matters immensely. Should the worst happen, their populations will lose their homes and sources of income. They will also lose their way of life, identity, culture, heritage and communities.

At the same time, the loss of statehood could strip these nations of control over valuable natural resources and even cost them their place in international organisations such as the UN. Understandably, they are working hard to make sure this outcome is avoided.

Tuvalu, for example, has signed a treaty with Australia to ensure it will be recognised as a state, regardless of the impact climate change has on the islands.

Beyond affirming that the statehood and sovereignty of Tuvalu will continue  notwithstanding the impact of climate change-related sea-level rise, Australia has committed to accepting Tuvaluan citizens who seek to emigrate and start their lives afresh on safer ground.

open image in gallery Tuvalu has signed a treaty with Australia to ensure it will be recognised as a state regardless of the impact climate change has on the islands ( Getty/iStock )

Facing the threat of physical disappearance, Tuvalu has also begun digitising itself. This has involved moving its government services online, as well as recreating its land and archiving its culture virtually.

The aim is for Tuvalu to continue existing as a state even when climate change has forced its population into exile and rising seas have done away with its land. It says it will be the worlds first digital nation.

Elsewhere, in the Maldives, engineering solutions are being tested. These include raising island heights artificially to withstand the disappearance of territory. Other initiatives, such as the Rising Nations Initiative, are seeking to safeguard the sovereignty of Pacific island nations in the face of climate threats.

But how will the future statehood of small island nations be determined legally?

International laws position

Traditionally, international law requires four elements for a state to exist. These are the existence of population, territory, an effective and independent government and the capacity to engage in international relations.

With climate change threatening to render the land of small island nations unliveable or rising seas covering them entirely, both population and territory will be lost. Effective and independent government will also become inoperative. On the face of it, all the elements required for statehood would cease to exist.

But international law does recognise that once a state is established it continues to exist even if some of the elements of statehood are compromised. For instance, so-called failed states such as Somalia or Yemen are still regarded as states despite lacking an effective government  one of the core elements required under international law.

However, the threats posed to the statehood of small island nations by climate change are unprecedented and severe. They are also very likely to be permanent. This makes it unclear whether international law can extend this flexibility to sinking island nations.

open image in gallery The Marshall Islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change ( Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently issued its advisory opinion on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. The ICJ addressed a wide range of issues concerning the legal obligations of states in the context of climate change. This included the future statehood of small island nations.

In this regard, the ICJ acknowledged that climate change could threaten the existence of small islands and low-lying coastal states. But it concluded its discussion with a single, rather cryptic sentence: once a state is established, the disappearance of one of its constituent elements would not necessarily entail the loss of its statehood.

What exactly did the court mean by this remark? Unfortunately, the answer is not entirely clear. On the one hand, the decision seems to confirm the traditional flexible approach of international law to statehood.

In their separate opinions, some of the courts judges interpreted this sentence as extending the flexibility previously applied in other contexts  such as failed states  also to the situation of sinking island nations. In other words, a state could retain its legal existence even if it disappears beneath rising seas.

At the same time, a closer reading of the decision suggests that the court stopped short of explicitly confirming that the flexibility of the term statehood could be stretched so far as to mean a state could exist even if completely submerged under the seas.

The court noted only that the disappearance of one element  would not necessarily result in the loss of statehood. But in the case of sinking island nations it is likely that all key elements  population, territory, government and ability to enter into international relations  would disappear.

For now, the ICJ has left the matter open. The decision points to flexibility, but it avoids the definitive statement that many vulnerable nations had hoped for. The legal future of sinking islands remains uncertain.

Avidan Kent is Professor of Law, University of East Anglia

Zana Syla is PhD Candidate in the School of Law, University of East Anglia

This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
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If a monster hurricane like Katrina were to strike a city like New Orleans today, experts believe the federal government would be ill-equipped to respond.

I think were not prepared for another Katrina and were getting less prepared every day as theres talk of disassembling FEMA, Dr. Irwin Redlener, founding director and senior advisor for the Columbia Climate Schools National Center for Disaster Preparedness, told The Independent.

After Katrina struck, Redlener spent months in New Orleans working with the states health department on where to place medical assets in the region. So, President Donald Trumps threats to dismantle FEMA is what he calls the bottom line.

Earlier this week, as the 20 year anniversary of the costliest hurricane in U.S. history  nearly 1,400 people were killed  approached, Federal Emergency Management Agency employees wrote an open letter warning Congress that the administrations actions could risk a Katrina-level disaster .

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 more than 190 employees said in a document called the Katrina Declaration.

open image in gallery New Orleans residents walk through chest deep floodwaters after Hurricane Katrina. Its been 20 years since the storm hit the Louisiana coast ( AP )

Only 35 people signed their names to the letter. They were later put on administrative leave, according to reports.

"I am not surprised that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform; including many who worked under the Biden Administration to turn FEMA into the bureaucratic nightmare it is today," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News Digital on Thursday. Her department leads FEMA.

"I refuse to accept that FEMA red tape should stand between an American citizen suffering and the aid they desperately need," Noem added.

open image in gallery A man carries a baby through the flooded streets of New Orleans ( U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jeremy L. Grisham )

FEMA, the nations top disaster relief agency, was criticized over its response to Katrina and the actions of its leadership  but today the threat of hurricane disaster is greater than ever, thanks to the impacts of human-caused climate change and the actions of the Trump administration.

Storms are stronger and intensify faster in a warming world. The recent Hurricane Erin side-swiped the East Coast last week, but was one of the fastest strengthening storms on record.

The Trump administration, which has denied the role of climate change and the science behind it, spearheaded mass layoffs at the National Weather Service that forecasters warned could have dangerous side effects during hurricane season and for years to come.

open image in gallery A resident walks past a burning house fire in the 7th ward September 6, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana ( Getty )

Disasterology author Dr. Samantha Montano was a junior in high school when Katrina hit. She volunteered to rebuild houses in New Orleans with fellow students in the aftermath, and went on to become an associate professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Now, she says 20 years of FEMAs post-Katrina progress have been unraveled, leaving it less prepared to respond to a major disaster than it was in 2005.

I have not seen anything from FEMA that would suggest that the agency is operating more effectively today than it was in May, Dr. Samantha Montano said in an emailed statement referring to an internal memo cautioning that the agency was not ready for this season.

open image in gallery Hurricane Katrina survivors wait outside the New Orleans Superdome and Convention Center. The storm took the lives of nearly 1,400 people and left many without homes ( AFP/Getty )

Later on social media, Montano wrote that while FEMA had not been eliminated yet, much of the agency has been brought to a standstill.

Theres a difference between those two things but when youre standing on the foundation of your house trying to get some help they feel largely the same, she noted.

A spokesperson for the agency told The Independent that its current leadership, namely Noem and Acting Administrator David Richardson, are turning the page on the old way of doing business and disaster response bogged down by red tape, inefficiency, and a one-size-fits-all approach that left too many Americans waiting for help that came too late.

They pointed out that FEMA is still processing claims from Katrina and said the administration aimed to build something better.

open image in gallery Rescue workers pull a woman from the rising flood waters from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now, 20 years since the monster storm, experts say the federal government would be ill-equipped to handle such a storm ( Getty )

Noem later said she was working so hard to eliminate FEMA as it exists today, telling Fox News Digital she wanted to streamline [it] into a tool that is beneficial for Americans in crisis.

The Trump administration is committed to building a FEMA that works for the American people  not for Washington bureaucrats, noted the statement from the agency. States know best the unique challenges they face, and FEMA is ready to enable them with effective disaster recovery resources.

Bill Gentry, a professor at the University of North Carolina who worked for the states Division of Emergency Management, said he believed the agency and their staff are ready for hurricanes and that hasnt changed, but that theres going to be an adjustment.

So far, there hasnt been any communication on what that adjustment might entail, he said, other than requiring state and local authorities to do more.

open image in gallery A person is lifted to safety by a Coast Guard helicopter in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ( AFP/Getty )

It could mean that EMAC, the national agreement that allows states to request and receive assistance from others, could be affected. FEMA reimburses the cost of that aid now, but there could be changes to the system if FEMA wont cover costs anymore.

I think thats where more angst comes in because we just dont have a full understanding of how long is it going to be for federal resources to be approved, if they are approved, he said.

Earlier this year, the administration was slow to respond to disaster aid requests. In several cases, requests were denied, including following tornadoes in Arkansas, a bomb cyclone in Washington state, flooding in West Virginia, and North Carolinas Hurricane Helene.

On a state and local level, response to these events has been swift  especially in more hazard-prone areas. But Gentry noted that western North Carolina has just received a fourth of its total recovery funding approved by FEMA nearly a year after the storm.

open image in gallery People are stranded on a New Orleans roof due to flood waters from Hurricane Katrina. It took weeks for the floodwaters to be fully removed from the city ( AFP/Getty )

In Louisiana, which is often the target of hurricanes and other storms churning across the Gulf of Mexico, Montano said that a Katrina-like event hitting today would have a much better outcome because of extensive changes to the metros levee system.

But every situation is different. Not every local system can afford resources, and some states dont have as many disasters.

Every community that has a major disaster benefits from having the experience and expertise and coordination capacity of FEMA as it is, Redlener said.

To Redlener, politics have influenced a key service for the American public. FEMA provides critical money for families and businesses recovering from hurricanes.

In many ways, it feels like weve gone backwards. And that is a fundamental concern for disaster preparedness in general in the United States, he said.
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The shingles vaccine could lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by almost a fifth, according to the first global study of its kind.

Researchers reviewed the evidence between the herpes zoster vaccination - used to prevent shingles - and heart problems.

Results showed having the shingles jab was associated with an 18 per cent lower risk of stroke or heart attack in adults aged 18 and above. There was a 16 per cent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events in adults aged 50 or older.

The data is set to be presented to cardiologists this weekend at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology in Madrid.

open image in gallery The shingles jab was associated with an 18 per cent lower risk of stroke or heart attack in adults aged 18 and above ( Getty/iStock )

Study author Dr Charles Williams, global associate medical director for vaccines at GSK, said: We looked at the currently available evidence, and found that in this analysis, vaccination against herpes zoster was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes.

Further research studies are now needed to find out whether this association can be attributed to an effect of herpes zoster vaccination.

Shingles is a common illness that is caused by the chickenpox virus. The infection can cause a painful rash and can lead to serious complications, including sight loss, hearing problems and scarring.

Vaccines are available on the NHS but only to those over the age of 65 or aged 70 to 79 who have not been vaccinated, and those over 50 with a severely weakened immune system.

The systematic review was conducted using three scientific literature databases, and a meta-analysis was conducted using phase 3 randomised controlled trials and observational studies looking at the effects of the vaccine on cardiovascular events.

open image in gallery Shingles can cause a painful rash and can lead to serious problems including sight loss, hearing problems and scarring ( Getty/iStock )

While our findings are encouraging, there are some limitations to the available data that we studied, Dr Williams explained.

Almost all the evidence came from observational studies, which are prone to bias and shouldnt be used to infer causality.

All the studies used in the meta-analysis aimed primarily to investigate the use of herpes zoster vaccine to prevent shingles in the general population, which may limit the ability to generalise this research to people with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. This demonstrates the need for more research in this area.

The NHS announced this week that 300,000 more people will become eligible for the shingles vaccine from 1 September. Those aged 18 to 49 who have a severely weakened immune system will be offered the jab.

Vaccination has increasingly been seen as an effective measure for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke.

A previous study of more than a million people published in the European Heart Journal earlier this year found people who are given a vaccine for shingles have a 23 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease.
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A tiny, flexible electronic implant that wraps around the spinal cord could offer new ways to treat disability and paralysis-causing spinal injuries, a new study suggests.

The devices have been developed by a team of engineers, neuroscientists and surgeons from the University of Cambridge, who used them to record the nerve signals going back and forth between the brain and the spinal cord.

In the future, the new implants could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without the need for brain surgery, which would be far safer for patients.

Unlike current approaches, the Cambridge devices can record 360-degree information, giving a complete picture of spinal cord activity.

Dr Damiano Barone, of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, who co-led the research, said: If someone has a spinal injury, their brain is fine, but its the connection thats been interrupted.

As a surgeon, you want to go where the problem is, so adding brain surgery on top of spinal surgery just increases the risk to the patient.

We can collect all the information we need from the spinal cord in a far less invasive way, so this would be a much safer approach for treating spinal injuries.

Tests in live animals and human cadaver models showed that the devices could stimulate arm and leg movement, and could also bypass complete spinal cord injuries where communication between the brain and spinal cord had been interrupted.

Most current approaches to treating spinal injuries are high-risk and involve both piercing the spinal cord with electrodes and placing implants in the brain.

While new treatments are still at least several years away, the researchers say the devices could be useful in the near term for monitoring spinal cord activity during surgery.

According to the researchers, a better understanding of the spinal cord could lead to improved treatments for a range of conditions, including chronic pain, inflammation and high blood pressure.

They developed a way to gain information from the whole spine, by wrapping very thin, high-resolution implants around the spinal cords circumference. This is the first time that safe 360-degree recording of the spinal cord has been possible.

The devices, which are just a few millionths of a metre thick, require minimal power to function. They intercept the signals travelling on the nerve fibres of the spinal cord, allowing these signals to be recorded.

Because they are so thin, the implants can record the signals without causing any damage to the nerves, since they do not penetrate the spinal cord itself.

Professor George Malliaras, of the Department of Engineering  who co-led the research with Dr Barone  said: It was a difficult process, because we havent made spinal implants in this way before, and it wasnt clear that we could safely and successfully place them around the spine. But because of recent advances in both engineering and neurosurgery, the planets have aligned and weve made major progress in this important area.

Although treatment for spinal injuries is still years away, in the short term the devices could be used to learn more about this vital part of the human body. The Cambridge researchers are currently planning to use the devices to monitor nerve activity in the spinal cord during surgery.

Dr Barone added: Its been almost impossible to study the whole of the spinal cord directly in a human, because its so delicate and complex.

Monitoring during surgery will help us to understand the spinal cord better without damaging it, which in turn will help us develop better therapies for conditions like chronic pain, hypertension or inflammation. This approach shows enormous potential for helping patients.

The results are reported in the journal Science Advances.
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A calculated serial predator who drugged women and recorded his attacks on cameras hidden in an air freshener in his home has been convicted of 24 offences against women.

Chinese national Chao Xu, 33, admitted to four counts of rape, eight of assault by penetration and four counts of sexual assault against six women, including three victims who have not yet been identified.

The former University of Greenwich post-graduate student, who until recently ran a recruitment business, also admitted to two counts of administering a substance to incapacitate his victims and four counts of voyeurism against six more women who have also not yet been identified.

Appearing wearing a black jacket and grey top in the dock at Woolwich Crown Court, he also pleaded guilty to two counts of upskirting, including one incident at London Bridge station in September 2023.

The Metropolitan Police are now appealing for more survivors to come forward after officers found hundreds of intimate images and videos of women on his phone.

open image in gallery Xu is due to be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 14 November ( PA )

Xu, who has lived in the UK since around 2013, was first reported after a woman became unwell at a networking event held at his home in Greenwich earlier this year.

He offered for the woman to stay in his flat to recover, where he proceeded to rape her multiple times. Police later discovered he administered drugs to make her drowsy.

During the investigation, Xu was also found to have hidden camera devices in multiple locations, including inside an air freshener and in his bathroom.

Detectives are still trawling through thousands of images on Xus devices.

Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, who is leading the investigation, said: Xu is a calculated prolific sex offender, who has preyed on unsuspecting women using cowardly methods  administering drugs to rape, sexually assault and take intimate images without consent.

Our investigation is ongoing and we continue [to] examine the large amount of evidence we have collected, which will help identify any further potential victim-survivors.

Were also asking anyone who has any information about Xu or believes they may have been a victim, to come forward  you will be listened to. I want to reassure anyone impacted that you are not alone and can seek specialist support and guidance, not only from the police, but also from independent charities and services.

open image in gallery Chao Xu, 33, was arrested in June ( Metropolitan Police )

Suzanne Crane, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said evidence against Xu included disturbing images and videos, hidden cameras and drugs commonly used in spiking found in his home.

She added: Chao Xu deliberately drugged women to render them unconscious and vulnerable, enabling him to rape and sexually assault them without their knowledge.

Xu is a serious danger to women, and the scale of his offending is such that without the brave testimony of victims, who came forward after realising what had happened to them, may well have continued undetected.

Xu admitted to a total of 24 offences spanning a two-and-a-half-year period between February 2022 and June 2025.

He denied one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration but the Crown will not be pursuing a trial on those charges and will ask for them to lie on the file.

The judge, Recorder Simon Stirling, told him: You have pleaded guilty to a large number of offences for which the inevitable outcome is a lengthy custodial sentence.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced on 14 October at Woolwich Crown Court.

If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Xu, you can also contact police via email on operation.kafka@met.police.uk or on 02071753802.

You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 01/7563135/25.
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Police are braced for further anti-migrant protests after judges revoked a ban on housing asylum seekers at an Essex hotel that has been plagued by unrest.

Court of Appeal judges ruled that the closure of The Bell Hotel in Epping would have obvious consequences on the governments duty to house asylum seekers and would incentivise other councils to seek similar legal action if allowed.

Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) sought an injunction against the use of the hotel for migrants after a series of violent protests at the site, sparked by the arrest of a resident over alleged sexual offences.

But in a definitive win for the Home Office on Friday, the Court of Appeal found that High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre made a series of errors when he granted the injunction, which would have seen all 138 asylum seekers housed there removed by 12 September.

Essex Police had officers stationed at the hotel after the judgment was delivered, with three arrests later made, and is understood to have a significant policing plan in place in case the ruling sparks further unrest. Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson, of Gloucestershire Police, said that force was well prepared for rallies in its area.

Anti-racism counterprotesters were preparing to mobilise against anti-migrant rallies planned in 23 locations across the UK over the weekend.

Demonstrations are planned for Cheshunt, Bournemouth, and Chichester on Friday evening, as well as in Cardiff, Oldham, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Gloucester, Canary Wharf and Crawley across Saturday and Sunday.

open image in gallery Police officers prepare for a demonstration outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. ( PA )

Leader of EFDC, Chris Whitbread, called for calm following the ruling, saying: Theres been peaceful protests and theres been non-peaceful protests outside the hotel. You saw that as part of our case, but I just call for residents to be calm. He said he was really concerned for the future of the town.

The council vowed to continue its legal fight, with a final injunction hearing to take place in October, and said it would rule nothing out including the Supreme Court. It urged the government to take responsibility for the events that have taken place in Epping over the past six weeks.

Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle MP said that ministers had sought to appeal the injunction so that hotels could be exited in a controlled and orderly way. But shadow home secretary Chris Philp accused Labour of using the courts against the British public.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called on Conservative councils to continue to seek similar injunctions against hotels in their areas, with several already confirming they would take legal action.

The Times reported that at least 13 other councils are considering pressing ahead with legal action. Among them are several Labour-run authorities, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, former lord chancellor Lord Falconer warned Sir Keir Starmer that voters will continue to shift to Reform UK unless decisive action is taken to address the migrants crisis.

Lord Falconer, who served under former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, told BBC Radio 4s Today: Weve obviously got to move forward in relation to closing the hotels and also stopping the crossings.

He added: The government always has the burden of doing whats possible and the Government is doing the right thing in relation to it, but theres a lot more to do, and if we dont, as a government, do it, then youll see those opinion polls raised yet further for Reform, because they dont have the burden of having to be practical.

But the country wants some action in relation to it.

Reforms Nigel Farage responded to the news, saying: Illegal migrants have more rights than British people under Starmer.

Reform UK has consistently led in opinion polls since the spring, with the latest BMG poll for The I putting them on 35 per cent, 15 points ahead of Labour.

The home secretary, Yvette Cooper, had argued at the Court of Appeal that the Epping hotel injunction should not stand because it would disrupt her statutory duty to house vulnerable asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute.

open image in gallery Protesters outside the Bell Hotel in July ( PA )

In written arguments, the Home Office said that the relevant public interests in play are not equal, seeking to contrast the disruption in Epping with the wider impact on the governments need to house asylum seekers.

In their judgment, Lord Justice Bean, Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said this comparison about a hierarchy of rights was unattractive.

However, they agreed that High Court judge had failed to consider the significant practical challenge of relocating a large number of asylum seekers in a short space of time.

Somani Hotels Ltd, which owns The Bell Hotel, said it had been caught in the middle of a much wider debate on the treatment of asylum seekers and asked that all associated with The Bell Hotel are left alone to continue to support the governments asylum plans as best they can.

Shane Yerrell, Tory councillor for EFDC, said the government should hang their heads in shame.

Seeking to lift the ban, Home Office lawyers said that maintaining the injunction would risk more disorder. They also argued that the available asylum estate is subject to incredibly high levels of demand, and that the loss of 152 bed spaces if the Epping hotel was closed would lead to considerable difficulties.

Staffordshire County Council, which has previously threatened to bring similar legal action over the use of hotels to house asylum seekers, said Fridays ruling disregards the impact on communities and services across our county and the country.

open image in gallery Protesters with Stand Up To Racism gather outside an asylum hotel in central London ( PA )

The latest Home Office data shows there were 32,059 asylum seekers in UK hotels at the end of June.

This was up from 29,585 at the same point a year earlier, when the Conservatives were still in power, but down slightly on the 32,345 figure at the end of March.

The appeal by the hotel owners and the Home Office comes in the same week as a resident at the hotel, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, has been on trial accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl last month.

open image in gallery Protesters call for the closure of The Bell Hotel in early August ( AFP/Getty )

Kebatu, who denies the charges, told Colchester Magistrates Court on Wednesday that he did not attempt to kiss the girl because he is not a wild animal.

Another man who was living at the site, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, has separately been charged with seven offences.

Police have arrested 25 people in relation to disorder at protests at the Epping hotel, with 16 charged with criminal offences.
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An easyJet cabin manager who received a slew of complaints over alleged inappropriate and misogynistic comments was not unfairly dismissed, an employment tribunal has ruled.

Ross Barr, a manager based in Edinburgh, was sacked by the airline following a disciplinary hearing in September last year but claimed he was unfairly dismissed, that the company failed to provide written reasons for the firing and that he was less favourably treated because of his sexual orientation.

Allegations against him included that he told one crew member on a flight that he was staring at your ass, called female flight attendants lovely ladies over the tannoy and made reference to his more attractive colleagues, according to the tribunals judgment.

A complaint was made about Mr Barrs behaviour towards female colleagues on a flight in August 2022, with a resulting disciplinary hearing concluding in a final written warning.

At the end of 2023, an anonymous complaint by a crew member was made alleging Mr Barr repeatedly made inappropriate comments which made her uncomfortable and sexual or disrespectful comments to passengers, including homophobic and transphobic comments in her presence after which it was decided he should receive counselling and advice.

A customer complained about Mr Barrs conduct during a flight in July last year, alleging he told a female member of the cabin crew: Im not doing anything, Im just staring at your ass when walking down the aisle behind her.

During a meeting with the Edinburgh base manager, Mr Barr said he could not remember the incident, adding: Without knowing who this was I dont know what context this would be.

With some of the crew you get on better with and have banter with the only thing I can think of was from another flight, it was (female crew member) that was up front. I went to get something from the trolley and I brushed passed her boobs and I went too close and said I think I have touched your boobs.

I have been wracking my brain and cannot think of anything. I do remember someone bent over and I said oh I am not looking at your bum but cannot remember when this was.

The crew member confirmed in interview that Mr Barr had made the comments but said it did not offend her, calling it banter and an off the cuff comment that she did not feel was directed at her.

The same passenger also alleged Mr Barr had behaved in a consistently misogynistic and inappropriate manner since they boarded the plane, including calling female flight attendants lovely ladies over the tannoy and making reference to his more attractive colleagues.

Mr Barr admitted calling female crew members lovely ladies but said he called male crew lovely gentlemen as well, and explained that the reference to his more attractive colleagues was self-deprecation.

In August last year another complaint was made about Mr Barr by a crew member after her first shift working with him, alleging: The entire shift pretty much he was talking about sex or making jokes about it.

He explained that he had been suspended before due to a speak up speak out (complaint) that someone previously put in against him because all I said was that her tits would get bigger if she got pregnant, and guess what they did.

She also complained that when she was putting an extension seatbelt back into the bag which had little room for it, Mr Barr said to her: Having a problem trying to stuff it in? Bet youve never had that problem.

In an interview about these allegations, Mr Barr did not accept that his comments were sexual in nature and, regarding the seatbelt comment, said: I can hear me saying just stuff it in, I dont know I really dont remember.

Another crew member on the flight said she could not remember anyone making sexual comments.

It was decided at a disciplinary meeting that Mr Barrs behaviour was a risk to the business and gross misconduct, and that his employment would be terminated.

His appeal against the sacking was unsuccessful.

Employment judge Muriel Robison found there was no substance to Mr Barrs concerns about the reasonableness of the investigation into his conduct and that the decision to dismiss him was based on a genuine belief that he had committed the alleged misconduct.

In regard to the claim that he was less favourably treated because of his sexual orientation, it is understood that the claimant relied on a former colleague whom he described as his mentor as a comparator, the judge continued.

He claimed that he replicated his style of public announcements, but that his comparator had not been reprimanded. However, this misses the point entirely.

The claimant did not produce any evidence which could suggest that this comparator, or indeed a hypothetical comparator, was in the same or similar circumstances, that is had been accused of sexual harassment following a complaint from a customer and/or colleague.

The judge found Mr Barr had not established less favourable treatment because of his sexual orientation and also dismissed the claim that easyJet failed to supply written reasons for the firing.
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A temporary injunction that was set to block asylum seekers from being housed at a hotel in Epping, Essex was overturned at the Court of Appeal.

Somani Hotels, which owns the Bell Hotel in Epping, and the Home Office challenged a High Court ruling that would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from being housed there beyond September 12.

After a hearing on Friday, three Court of Appeal judges ruled in favour of Somani Hotels and the Home Office on Friday, stating that the injunction set was seriously flawed in principle.

The ruling will come as a relief to the Home Office, which had been braced for further legal challenges from other councils over the use of hotels in their areas.

Recommended Epping asylum seeker hotel injunction overturned at Court of Appeal

But how did we get to this moment? Here is a timeline of the events:

May 2020 - March 2021:

The Bell Hotel houses asylum seekers.

October 2022:

Finefair, a separate Home Office service provider, approaches the Bell Hotels owners about housing asylum seekers. The contract starts later that month, according to court documents from Somani Hotels.

November 2022:

The Bell Hotel is contacted by Epping Forest District Councils (EFDC) enforcement officers.

February 14, 2023:

A formal application is made to EFDC for temporary approval to operate the hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers.

January 17, 2024:

Finefair tells the Bell Hotel the contract will be terminated due to Home Office restructuring.

March 21, 2024:

Bell Hotel withdraws planning permission with confirmation of the date asylum seekers are expected to leave.

April 26, 2024:

All asylum seekers leave the address.

April, 2024:

From October 2022 to April 2024 there were no protests, and there was no criminal conduct towards local residents that required police involvement. The contract with Finefair ends.

September 2024:

The Home Office approaches the hotel through CTM, the current Home Office contractor, to use the site as a hotel for asylum seekers.

open image in gallery Lord Justice Bean overturned the temporary injunction blocking asylum seekers from being housed at the hotel on Friday ( PA )

January 2025:

The Home Office informs EFDC the hotel has been identified for future use as asylum seeker accommodation.

February 20 - March 13, 2025:

Discussions take place between the council and Home Office, and EFDC is informed that occupants are expected to start arriving from around the end of March.

March 17, 2025:

The council writes to the Home Office, objecting to the use of the hotel to house asylum seekers.

April 2025:

Asylum seekers start arriving at the Bell Hotel.

June 2025:

Protests start outside the Bell Hotel.

open image in gallery Protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping took place throughout the summer ( PA )

July 10, 2025:

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a resident of the Bell Hotel, appears in court charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. He denies the allegations and his trial is ongoing, with closing speeches expected on September 4.

August 13, 2025:

Mohammed Sharwarq, who resides at the Bell Hotel, is charged with sexual assault, two counts of common assault and four of assault by beating which are said to have happened between July 25 and August 12.

August 15, 2025:

EFDC makes an application at the High Court for an interim injunction stopping asylum seekers from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel.

August 18, 2025:

Two men, Dean Smith and Stuart Williams, plead guilty to one count of violent disorder in connection with a protest linked to the Bell Hotel on July 17.

August 19, 2025:

The High Court grants EFDC a temporary injunction blocking asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel.

August 28, 2025:

The Home Offices bid to challenge the decision to temporarily block the owner of the Bell Hotel in Epping from housing asylum seekers is heard at the Court of Appeal in London.

August 29, 2025:

The Court of Appeal overturns a temporary injunction that would have blocked asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel.
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Angela Rayner has faced criticism this week for purchasing an 800,000 seaside apartment in Hove, which will be a third home for the deputy prime minister.

Ms Rayner divides her time between a 350,000 home in her constituency near Manchester and her central London grace-and-favour flat at Admiralty House in Whitehall.

Initially, the criticism centred around allegations of hypocrisy, as it comes as Ms Rayner, who is also the housing secretary, prepares to levy an extra 100 per cent council tax charge on second homes.

The deputy prime minister said a scheme to speed up house building is helping to turn the tide of the housing crisis (Peter Byrne/PA) ( PA Wire )

Her ministerial colleague, housing minister Matthew Pennycook, has repeatedly spoken in Parliament about the negative impacts of excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes on local areas, saying they affect local services as well as the availability and affordability of homes for local residents to buy and rent.

Ms Rayner herself has warned that the UK is in the midst of the most acute housing crisis in living memory, while Sir Keir Starmer has said second homes can impact the availability and affordability of local properties.

Therefore, some critics have seized upon Ms Rayners purchase of a second home as an example of ministers taking a one rule for them and another for us approach.

However, sources close to the housing secretary have insisted she has followed all the longstanding rules and regulations when it comes to purchasing a second property  and has paid all the appropriate council tax and stamp duty.

Therefore, it is also possible to argue that, in advocating for a clampdown on second home owners - Ms Rayner has actually been supportive of policies that would cost her money in the long run, simply because she thinks it is the right thing to do. In this regard, theres an argument that this actually demonstrates integrity, rather than hypocrisy.

However, the row deepened on Friday after The Telegraph reported that Ms Rayner saved 40,000 in stamp duty on her new seaside flat after telling tax authorities it was her main home.

The newspaper reported that the deputy PM removed her name from the deeds of her house in Greater Manchester a few weeks before buying the new flat, allowing her to avoid paying 70,000 in stamp duty, which would have been applicable if Hove was her second home. Instead, she is thought to have paid 30,000 in stamp duty.

While there is no suggestion that Ms Rayner has done anything illegal, such a move raises questions over whether she tried to fiddle the very system that she oversees.

However, sources close to the deputy prime minister said she ceased to own a stake in the Ashton-under-Lyne property following her divorce, a process that they said began well in advance of the purchase of the Hove property.

The removal of her name from the Ashton-under-Lyne home may also raise questions over her commitment to her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency  as by convention MPs are expected to spend a significant amount of time in the area they represent.

In the midst of the row over her new Hove property, the Tories are now also claiming she has broken electoral law to avoid paying council tax on her London property.

The council tax bill for Ms Rayners flat in London is currently waived because it is designated as a second home, an arrangement which is based on her argument that her family home in Ashton-under-Lyne is her primary residence.

But the Tories this week have begun the process of attempting to have her removed form the electoral roll in Ashton-under-Lyne, claiming she does not meet the legal tests for living there, with Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake accusing Ms Rayner of wanting higher taxes on family homes, but doesnt want to pay it herself.

If the deputy prime minister is removed from the register in her constituency home, she is likely to then become liable for the council tax bill on her London home.

It also poses a political problem, as if she doesnt have a permanent residence in her constituency then she is likely to face criticism at the next election for not being plugged into the local area enough to represent the people that live there. The Independent has contacted Ms Rayner for comment.

However, defenders of Ms Rayner have dismissed many of the allegations as snobbery towards the working class minister, pointing out that Ms Rayners living situation is far from being out of the ordinary for a government minister.

The flat she uses in Admiralty House in Whitehall has been used by numerous deputy PMs before her  and keeping a taxpayer funded London residence is standard practice for MPs.

Writing in The Independent, Flic Everett argued the outrage over Rayner is nothing to do with her hypocrisy. It's because a successful, attractive woman from a comprehensive school near Manchester, who doesn't talk as if she's swallowed all the plums in the icebox or dress like a Home Counties wife, has dared to raise her head above the political parapet.

If the deputy prime minister has followed the rules entirely, it is also possible to argue that, rather than criticising people for purchasing second homes, instead we should focussing on building more homes so ownership is accessible for all - something the government is already attempting to do with their push to reach 1.5 million homes.
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The UKs membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) has been increasingly called into question in recent years amid growing concern over illegal migration.

But the issue has come to a head in August as a result of outrage over the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels in Britain, with protests breaking out across the UK.

Here, The Independent takes a look at what the ECHR is, why some people think we should quit and why others say leaving may bring more problems than it solves.

What is the ECHR?

The ECHR is an international human rights treaty between the 47 states that are members of the Council of Europe (CoE).

Governments that are signed up to the ECHR have made a legal commitment to abide by certain standards of behaviour and to protect the basic rights and freedoms of people. It is aimed at protecting the rule of law and promoting democracy in European countries.

The concept of the ECHR was devised during the Second World War in the early 1940s, and was developed to ensure that governments would never again be allowed to dehumanise and abuse peoples rights with impunity, and to help fulfil the promise of never again.

After the ECHR came into force in 1953, the European Court of Human Rights was then set up to safeguard the ECHR. Judgments of the court legally bind countries to stand by its rulings.

There is growing public anger over illegal migration ( Getty Images )

Why has it been criticised?

Critics of the convention argue that it limits the UKs ability to control its own laws and policies, primarily regarding immigration and national security.

For example, it was the ECHR that contributed to the failure of the previous governments beleaguered Rwanda scheme, issuing a number of injunctions which prevented planes from taking off.

As a result, there have been increasing calls for Britain to quit or suspend the convention, including from Reform leader Nigel Farage. Meanwhile, former Labour home secretary Jack Straw has called for Britain to decouple British laws from the ECHR.

Mr Straw, who helped draft the 1998 Human Rights Act  which incorporates the ECHR into UK law  said the legislation is being misused by UK courts to prevent ministers from deporting illegal migrants.

Lord Blunkett, who also served as home secretary in a previous Labour government, urged the prime minister to suspend the convention to deport thousands of rejected asylum seekers who are being housed in hotels.

Why could quitting the convention create more problems than it solves?

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.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, Kolbassia Haoussou from Freedom from Torture said quitting the ECHR would be 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 plans to quit the ECHR to solve the migrant crisis 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.

There are also concerns that unpicking the ECHR from UK law may not actually make it easier to deport people from Britain.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Friday, human rights lawyer Philippe Sands said it wouldn't make a lot of difference.

The idea that somehow the European Convention on Human Rights, or the Human Rights Act is what is stopping the British government or other governments from enacting reasonable, proportionate and sensible measures is frankly, absurd.

The European Convention on Human Rights very largely, takes principles of English common law applies them more broadly and internationally, he added.

However, former Tory foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind, who came out in support of quitting the convention this week, said it was appeals to the ECHR that has blocked both the current government and previous ones from taking action to bring down migration.

He said that quitting the convention would bring down the length of the current appeals process - but asked which cases in the ECHR had stopped the British government from enacting the legislation that it wants to take, he could not say.
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Nigel Farage's plans for the mass deportation of asylum seekers are beneath us as a nation, the UKs top bishop has said.

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell argued that the Reform UK leaders radical proposals to send them all back, which would involve returning migrants to war, violence and persecution, go against the British way.

He said it has been a longstanding tenet in the UK that compassion and understanding is what is provided to those in need, as he warned that this country cannot simply close the door.

The archbishops remarks come days after Mr Farage said his party would remove 600,000 asylum seekers, including children, under the first parliament of a Reform government, should they win power.

At a press conference in London on Tuesday, 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.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage's plans for the mass deportation of asylum seekers are beneath us as a nation, the UKs top bishop has said ( PA Wire )

Mr Farage suggests 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  would address what he claimed was a rising anger among the British public towards the UKs small boats crisis.

But the Archbishop of York  who is the Church of Englands most senior figure until a new Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed - told The Mirror: We cannot simply close the door on people fleeing war, violence and persecution. Send them all back is not a sensible or compassionate response, and is beneath us as a nation.

"We need a system that is fair and functional and works well for everyone  including those living near hotels and other asylum accommodation. But this debate also goes to the heart of who we are.

"It is the Christian way to meet those asking for help with compassion and understanding, and it has long been the British way to give shelter where we can to those escaping violence and conflict abroad. It should remain that way.

open image in gallery The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell is the Church of Englands most senior figure until a new Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed ( PA Archive )

Mr Farage has previously claimed Christian values make this country great  but the archbishops remarks suggest the Reform leader would face pushback from Britains most senior Christians if he attempted to push ahead with his mass deportation plans.

It was put to Mr Farage whether it would be hypocritical to ignore senior church figures in light of his previous comments  and he told The Mirror: Whoever the Christian leaders are at any given point in time, I think over the last decades quite a few of them have been rather out of touch, perhaps with their own flock.

Given the types of people appointed to be the Archbishop of Canterbury, that's probably the biggest understatement of the day.

A spokesperson for the Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, told the newspaper that she is fully supportive of the statement issued by the Archbishop of York.

The Independent has approached Nigel Farage for comment.
A Reform county council leader has banned his councillors from speaking to the main area newspaper and broadcasters, including reporters working under the BBC-funded local democracy scheme. Council officials have even been ordered not to send out press releases to them.

Mick Barton, the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, is reportedly displeased with the way the Nottingham Post and its digital emanation, NottinghamshireLive, have reported on local government reorganisation in the area and on disagreements among the Reform UK caucus. The measures have provoked widespread concern

Are we witnessing the emergence of the Loony Right?

Quite possibly. Just as the more eccentric actions of some Labour-controlled councils back in the 1980s earned them the Loony Left label, damaging the image of the party on a national level, so the antics of the 12 local councils now controlled by Reform UK are attracting similar adverse attention.

Some Reform councillors elected in May have already quit, some have been relieved of their responsibilities, and some have become embroiled in arguments with officials who try to act within accepted guidelines. Nigel Farage and others have spoken menacingly about local government officers. I would advise anybody working for Durham County Council on climate change initiatives or diversity, equity and inclusion or thinks you go on working from home  you all better really be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly, he said.

Why is this happening?

One factor is inexperience. The deputy leader and lead member for adult social care on Leicestershire County Council  a 22-year-old named Joseph Boam  found himself removed from office within months. According to the Leicester Gazette: No answers have been given on why Boam is no longer in position, and no reason has been given for the days of silence following the breaking of the news of his departure over the weekend. Boams mum took to social media to defend his reputation.

Aside from Tory defectors, the great majority of Reforms councillors have little knowledge of local administration.

Will it get better?

It will have to if Reform is to avoid allegations of incompetence or worse. A more fundamental issue is the partys Trump-style politics of ignoring constitutional safeguards and limited access for media outlets it doesnt like. Inevitably, some councillors have been accused of extremism; about 14 of those elected in July have quit or been suspended by Reform UK.

What about the flags?

Flags flown on civic buildings have been Reforms number one priority in many local authorities  this suggests some lack of alignment with voters primary concerns.

What will happen to Nottinghamshire?

Local MP Lee Anderson, who already enjoys an uneasy relationship with the press, has joined in the media boycott, which suggests the local Reform group is determined to treat journalists as enemies of the people. Obviously, this is bad for voters and for the principles of democracy and transparency that Reform UK professes to champion. It also means that whatever achievements Reform wants to claim, however scant, will also remain obscure and untested by independent scrutiny.

Natalie Fahy, editor of the Nottingham Post and NottinghamshireLive, explains: Ive been a journalist for 20 years. We have had our ups and downs with all kinds of councils. We managed to get along fine because most elected officials accept this is par for the course. You are going to get some negative press. What you dont do is shut the shop up.

Is this what a Reform UK government would be like?

Its an uncomfortable thought, especially when Farage has described the BBC as out of touch and institutionally biased despite frequent appearances by his partys representatives and full live coverage of its recent policy launches. As Fahy warns: This is a worrying sign of potentially things to come if Reform wins the next election. What youre seeing here in Nottinghamshire is probably a microcosm of how it will be across the whole of the UK if Nigel Farage becomes prime minister. You are just going to see this kind of shutting down of questioning. They need to be answerable to the people who elected them. We dont take a political stance. Were not anti-Reform. Were just trying to find out whats going on.
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An investigation has been launched after a Spanish tourist was filmed pouring beer down an elephants trunk while on holiday in Kenya, sparking a furious backlash.

The man posted a clip on Instagram of himself drinking from a can of Tusker, a Kenyan beer, and giving the rest to the elephant.

Several investigations have now been launched against the tourist, who captioned the now-deleted video: Just a tusker with a tusked friend.

The clip was filmed at the Ol Jogi Conservancy, a wildlife sanctuary in the Kenyan county of Laikipia.

A staff member told the BBC they were shocked by the behaviour, saying: This should never have happened. We're a conservation and we can't allow that to happen.

"We don't even allow people to go near the elephants."

They told the broadcaster that the video would be handed over to the relevant authorities.

open image in gallery Elephants roam in Tsavo-East National Park, near Voi town in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

A comment on one of the mans Instagram posts said: Are you the now world-famous imbecile who gave beer to the elephant (or else pretended to do it, an equally moronic thing to do)? Congratulations!

Dr Winnie Kiiru, a Kenyan biologist and elephant conservationist, said: About 95% of elephants in Kenya are wild and it is wrong to have social media posts that give the impression that you can get close to the elephants and feed them, according to the BBC.

The animal in the video is believed to be Bupa, a male elephant who was rescued from an elephant cull and brought to the sanctuary at eight years old in 1989.

Staff member Dylan Habil told the BBC: "He has also broken our rules because he was not supposed to touch the rhinos because they are not pets.

One comment on the video said: You cant hide what you are doing and you are not welcome in Kenya. Shame on you. Disgusting behaviour!

The Independent has contacted the man for comment.
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An Indigenous tribe, known for its deep isolation within Peru's Amazon rainforest, has reportedly made contact with a neighbouring village.

Activists describe the move as an alarming indicator of severe stress caused by encroaching development.

These rare sightings of the Mashco Piro coincide with the construction of a bridge by a logging company, a development that Indigenous rights advocate Survival International warns could grant outsiders easier access to the tribes ancestral lands, significantly heightening the risk of disease and violent conflict.

The Mashco Piro are one of the worlds largest uncontacted groups, maintaining their isolation to safeguard their culture and health.

Their lack of immunity to common diseases means even a simple cold could prove fatal to the community.

Historically, loggers who have trespassed onto the tribes territory have been met with deadly resistance.

open image in gallery Members of the Mashco Piro along Las Piedras River in the Amazon near the community of Monte Salvado, in Madre de Dios province, Peru

Enrique Anez, president of the nearby Yine community, another Indigenous group, said that Mashco Piro members had been seen around the Yine village of Nueva Oceania.

It is very worrying; they are in danger, Anez said.

Anez said heavy machinery near Nueva Oceania is cutting paths through the jungle and across rivers into Mashco Piro territory. The village sits at a key access point to the Mashco Piros territory, making it one of the few places where members of the tribe have occasionally been seen.

Increased risk for logging workers and Indigenous peoples

In 2024, Survival International released photos showing dozens of Mashco Piro close to active logging zones. The group warns that contact with outsiders could spread disease or lead to violent conflict  risks that have previously wiped out other isolated groups in the Amazon.

Two loggers were killed in bow-and-arrow attacks in 2024 after entering Mashco Piro territory.

Exactly one year after the encounters and the deaths, nothing has changed in terms of land protection and the Yine are now reporting to have seen both the Mashco Piro and the loggers exactly in the same space almost at the same time, said Teresa Mayo, a researcher at Survival International.

The clash could be imminent.

open image in gallery Members of the Mashco Piro Indigenous community, a reclusive tribe and one of the worlds most withdrawn, gather on the banks of the Las Piedras river in 2024 ( Survival International )

Ms Mayo said the logging company near the Indigenous group has restarted operations as normal.

They still have the license of the government, and that is how they back their activities even if they know they are putting both Mashco Piro and their workers lives at risk, she said.

The Forest Stewardship Council  an international body that certifies sustainable wood products  has suspended its approval of the logging company, Maderera Canales Tahuamanu, until November. However, Survival International said the bridge and heavy machinery footprints are evidence that logging is still taking place.

The companys concessions, or licensed logging areas, border the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve and overlap recognized Mashco Piro land proposed by Indigenous organizations for new protections.

Maderera Canales Tahuamanu could not be immediately reached for comment.

Perus Culture Ministry  tasked with promoting cultural identity and overseeing Indigenous rights  said it is reviewing Survival Internationals report.

When questioned on what measures the government is taking to protect groups like the Mashco Piro it noted it has created eight reserves for Indigenous peoples in isolation, has five more pending, and operates 19 control posts with 59 protection agents.

It said more than 440 patrols have been carried out this year and that its budget for protecting isolated communities more than doubled in 2025.

open image in gallery Dabi Nishida, of the Yine Indigenous group, maneuvers a boat near a bridge built by the company Maderera Canales Tahuamanu along the Tahuamanu River ( Survival International )

Encroachment fuels more encounters with isolated group

The Tahuamanu River is a key transport route in this part of the Amazon. A permanent bridge will allow year-round truck access, which environmentalists say could accelerate logging and deforestation deeper inside the forest.

Rights advocates say logging is pushing the Mashco Piro toward nearby villages, making encounters more likely.

Cesar Ipenza, a Peruvian environmental lawyer following the issue, said: these Indigenous peoples are exposed and vulnerable to any type of contact or disease, yet extractive activities continue despite all the evidence of the problems they cause in the territory.

He noted that the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve  created by the Peruvian government in 2002 to protect the lands of uncontacted and recently contacted Indigenous peoples  has not prevented conflict because they do not necessarily know its boundaries.

Madre de Dios is a remote southeastern Amazon region bordering Brazil and Bolivia. It is one of Perus most biodiverse areas, but it has also been a hot spot for illegal gold mining, logging and other extractive industries that bring outsiders into contact with isolated tribes.

The growing presence of forestry operations will almost certainly lead to renewed contact with isolated Indigenous peoples, creating a violent situation that endangers them as well as the workers in the area, Mr Ipenza said.
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The number of cases of flesh-eating screwworm in animals has risen by 53% in the last month in Mexico, according to government data.

New World Screwworm (NWS), which eats warm-blooded animals alive, is typically found in cattle, as well as horses, sheep, and dogs.

Earlier this week, a case of the parasite was detected in a person in the US for the first time in years. The infected person had returned to the country from El Salvador before their diagnosis, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

open image in gallery Sterile fly production facilities are being built in the Mexican state of Chiapas in aim of eliminating the screwworm population ( The Associated Press )

A spokesperson for the HHS, Emily Hilliard, said that the risk to public health in the US from the disease remains very low.

The US livestock industry fear a potential outbreak of infection as the parasite has crept its way up from Central America into Mexico. Last year, the United States Department of Agriculture estimated that an outbreak in Texas, the state which produces the most cattle, would cost at least $1.8 billion.

The parasite was eliminated in the US in 1966, and in Mexico in 1991. The first new case was detected in Mexico in November 2024 after an outbreak in Central America in 2023 spread northwards.

The female screwworm lays its eggs in or near open wounds, which hatch into maggots that feed on the live flesh. If untreated, the larvae will tear into the tissue with their mouth hooks.

Although infection is often not fatal for humans, officials have warned that elderly people or those with pre-existing health conditions should remain vigilant. Last July, an 86-year-old woman from the Mexican state of Campeche died after an infestation of larvae exacerbated her skin cancer.

Mexico and the US are building sterile fly production facilities in Chiapas and Texas, the same method which eliminated screwworm from the US in 1966. The centres produce and release sterile male flies to mate with the females in the wild, reducing the screwworm population.

Detections of the parasite surged dramatically in Panama in 2023, with subsequent cases reported in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, and Mexico in 2024.
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Two more people have died after consuming Louisiana-harvested oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.

The deaths raise the states 2025 overall toll to six, with a total of 34 infections, marking the highest annual surge seen in over a decade. The recently deceased were served the oysters at separate restaurants, one located in Louisiana and another in Florida.

On Tuesday, Jennifer Armentor, molluscan shellfish program administrator at the Louisiana Department of Health, described the situation as just prolific right now during a meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force.

The Independent has contacted Armentor for comment.

open image in gallery The flesh-eating bacteria can infect humans through open wounds in coastal waters or by eating raw seafood, potentially causing severe illness with fever, septic shock, and blistering skin lesions ( Getty Images )

The Louisiana Department of Health previously reported four deaths and 17 hospitalizations due to Vibrio vulnificus infections as of July 31.

Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can become seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation, the Louisiana Health Department said. About one in five people with this infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.

The report stated that Louisiana has seen an unusually high number of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths this year. Earlier this week, during a meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, officials said one of the two previous victims was a Louisiana resident and the other was visiting from out of state.

To date, 22 infections have led to hospitalizations, with more than 80 percent linked to open wounds coming into contact with seawater.

open image in gallery On Tuesday, Jennifer Armentor of the Louisiana Department of Health called the situation just prolific right now during a Louisiana Oyster Task Force meeting ( Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

On Tuesday, the officials noted that one of the individuals was a Louisiana resident and the other was visiting from out of state. Meanwhile, Florida has reported 23 Vibrio cases and five deaths this year. CDC data shows the infection kills one in five people, often within days.

The pathogen, which naturally occurs in warm coastal waters, can infect people who consume raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or those with open wounds exposed to brackish or saltwater.

Health experts warn that symptoms of serious infection may escalate rapidly, potentially resulting in necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as flesh-eating infection, amputation, or fatal outcomes in about 20 percent of cases.
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Nearly 55 million gallons of sewage are threatening Hawaiis coral reefs . Much of that pollution enters the ground each day, within just a few hundred yards of the coast and the 410,000 acres of life-supporting reefs that lie beyond it.

Exposure to sewage pollution can kill the reefs bringing bacteria, viruses, and nutrients that lead to the growth of reef-smothering algae. But, thats not the only threat. Reefs are also threatened by human-caused climate change, ocean acidification, and plastic and agricultural pollution.

Now researchers say theyve determined the scale of the threat, pinpointing contaminated locations and finding that sewage-contaminated groundwater is being delivered directly to some of West Hawaii Islands most vulnerable reefs. They found that more than 40 percent of dozens of sites along 120 miles of coastline were contaminated by sewage.

Its concerning how many sites we tested were contaminated, but not surprising... Kelly Hondula, an associate research scientist at Arizona State University, said in a statement.

Hondula and her team used sensors and special cameras installed on the universitys helicopter, took field samples, and used statistical models to determine where high levels of fecal bacteria tied to coastal areas were leading to exposure.

open image in gallery Arizona State University associate research scientists Kelly Hondula gathers water samples around west Hawaii Island. Hondula and researchers have pinpointed locations that are specifically at risk from sewage contamination ( Courtesy Greg Asner )

In 42 percent of the 47 sites that were sampled there were elevated levels of Enterococcus, the bacteria that helps researchers identify sewage contamination. And 23 percent exceeded health risk thresholds for humans, as well. Exposure to water that has been contaminated by sewage can also lead to viral, parasitic, and bacterial infections in humans, resulting in gastrointestinal and immune system issues.

The sampling also helped the researchers to determine the causes of the contamination, including inland sewage systems and urban development along the coast.

The results are clear. The high number of cesspools and faulty wastewater systems, and amount of land development along the coast, are highly predictive of whether the water is contaminated, said Hondula.

The South Kona region, which is known for its coffee and located 10 miles south of the town of Kailua-Kona on the Big Islands west side, was especially vulnerable because of increased coastal development in the area and its volcanic land base, allowing sewage to travel quickly through the underground natural water system.

open image in gallery A school of fish swim above healthy coral reefs in South Kona. The region is especially vulnerable to sewage pollution ( Greg Asner, Arizona State University Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science )

The area is also home to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, where green sea turtles and tropical fish thrive. Reefs around Hawaii support more than 7,000 known species of marine plants and animals, according to the University of Hawaii.

Going forward, the researchers say threatened ecosystems can be better protected through monitoring the health of the affected areas and mitigating sewage pollution there, implementing new green infrastructure and using new wastewater treatment systems.

Restoration is not just about planting corals, it involves a spectrum of land management, reef interventions, and education effort, Greg Asner, a professor and director of theAkoakoa Reef Restoration Program who has conducted previous research in the area, said.
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A man who smuggled nearly 600 antiquities looted from ancient Egyptian crypts into the US has been jailed for six months.

Ashraf Omar Eldarir, 52, was arrested at JFK airport in January 2020 after police discovered 590 valuable items in his luggage, including gold amulets and wooden tomb model figures with linen garments dating back to 1900 BCE.

He claimed the goods he was carrying were worth $300 (277). After opening three of his checked suitcases, officers unwrapped artefacts still covered in loose sand and dirt, raising suspicions that they had recently been excavated.

US Attorney Joseph Nocella, who announced the sentence, said: The defendant looted Egypts cultural treasures and lied to US Customs about them as part of a web of deception he spun to illegally fill his pockets with cash.

Those who steal cultural treasures of other countries and smuggle them into the United States should know that they will be held accountable for their crimes.

open image in gallery An ancient artefact that Ashraf Omar Eldarir stole and sold ( The U.S. Department of Justice )

Eldarir, an Egyptian-born naturalised US citizen, described as a prolific trafficker of ancient Egyptian artefacts by the US Attorneys Office, pleaded guilty to four counts of smuggling in February. He was sentenced to six months in prison on Wednesday.

Between April 2019 and January 2020, he smuggled ancient artefacts into the US at least four times. He used fake documentation stating that the items werent stolen, allowing him to resell the valuables at American auction houses. During his arrest, officers found a kit of materials used to fabricate the documentation of the items.

William Campos, the assistant US attorney for the Eastern District of New York, told the court that thieves had sent Eldarir videos of the objects from the sites "as if they were K-Mart.

An investigation following his arrest also led to the recovery of other illegally imported artefacts that had been forfeited.

open image in gallery An ancient Egyptian polychrome artefact that Ashraf Omar Eldarir smuggled and sold for US$3,810 ( The U.S. Department of Justice )

Francis J. Russo, Director of Field Operations for US Customs and Border Protection, said: In this case, the profit-driven defendant lied during border inspection to conceal priceless antiquities, but the vigilance of CBP officers uncovered the truth. Every day, our officers work tirelessly to protect both our security and the cultural heritage of nations worldwide, and while doing so, uncover other sophisticated smuggling plots.

Strong partnerships with agencies like HSI and the U.S. Attorneys Office are critical to this mission, and CBP remains committed to preserving history while enforcing the law.

Earlier this month, Greek authorities arrested six people involved in an antiquities smuggling ring. They recovered 15 ancient oil lamps, 17 figurines or fragments, several ceramic vessels, and a marble sculpture believed to depict a childs head.
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AmeriCorps, the Clinton-era civic program, will now receive its full $184 million in federal funding President Donald Trump froze after he took office.

The White House Office of Management and Budget confirmed on Friday that it would release the funds. A group of 24 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration after it froze AmeriCorps' funding, but that lawsuit never made it to court.

AmeriCorps primary mission is to support state and local community service programs through the placement of generally young volunteers at national organizations across the country.

Since its inception, many programs have become reliant on the influx of volunteers. The release of the funds means those programs will be able to continue, CT Mirror reports.

This is a good day for programs across Connecticut that have helped stock our food pantries, tutored our kids, assisted homebound seniors, supported our veterans, and helped combat the opioid epidemic, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a press statement. These cuts were irrational, cruel and lawless, and deeply hurtful to people and communities across Connecticut.

AmeriCorps volunteers during a swearing-in ceremony. The White House Office of Management and Budget confirmed that it would release $184 million in funding for the federal program after the Trump administration froze it earlier in 2025 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In June, a court order granted a preliminary injunction reinstating hundreds of AmeriCorps programs, and it stopped AmeriCorps from making any cuts without establishing formal rules for how and why cuts were being made.

In defiance of that order, the White House Office of Management and Budget refused to release the funding, Tong said.

In the face of what would have been a blistering legal defeat, the Trump Administration chose not to defend the indefensible and will now finally release all $184 million in AmeriCorps funding, he added.

New York Attorney General Letitia James also celebrated the decision, calling it an "important victory for the dedicated AmeriCorps volunteers across the country and the communities they serve each day."

For decades, AmeriCorps has provided critical programs that provide education, health care, and other vital services to those in need. Thanks to the hard work of this coalition, that work will now continue," he said.

Last year in Connecticut, AmeriCorps placed 2,255 members and volunteers in 253 service programs throughout the state. That investment was equivalent to a $12.4 million investment in state services, according to Tong's office.

In Kentucky during the same period, AmeriCorps paid for 5,289 member and volunteers across 783 service locations, which was equivalent to a $33.7 million investment in state services, according to the Kentucky Lantern.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear noted that, since 1994, a year after AmeriCorps began, more than 17,000 Kentucky residents have served approximately 26 million hours with the organization, and earned education awards totaling more than $66 million.
How Xi cements neighborly bonds with SCO friends

15:01, August 29, 2025 By He Fei ( Xinhua

BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- On July 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping received top diplomats and heads of standing bodies of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the bright, stately Fujian Hall of the Great Hall of the People in the heart of Beijing.

"China has always prioritized the SCO in its neighborhood diplomacy, and is committed to making the organization more substantive and stronger," Xi stressed at the meeting. The pledge echoes China's years-long unremitting efforts to foster a friendly neighborhood of peace and development on the SCO stage.

China's neighborhood policy, as Xi elaborated during his recent trip in June to Astana, Kazakhstan, features a firm belief in an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood as well as a strong dedication to amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.

In the coming days, Xi will host this year's SCO summit in the northern port city of Tianjin, where he and fellow organization leaders will chart strategies for promoting greater regional security and prosperity, and take solid steps toward building a closer SCO community with a shared future.

BOND OF GOOD-NEIGHBORLINESS, PARTNERSHIP

Xi has made three overseas trips so far this year. Two of the destinations, Russia and Kazakhstan, are both SCO member states.

Upon his arrival at the airport in Astana during the June visit for the second China-Central Asia Summit, Xi was warmly greeted by an old friend, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It was Xi's sixth visit to the neighboring country since he became Chinese president.

The China-Central Asia Summit is designed to cement China's bond with its landlocked neighbors along the ancient Silk Road.

"A Central Asian proverb compares harmony and unity to happiness and wealth," Xi said at the gathering. "We always wish our neighbors well."

China is one of the countries with the most neighbors in the world. For decades, fostering closer partnerships with its neighboring countries has been a ballast in the layout of Beijing's foreign policy. Xi has taken particular attention to cultivating a peaceful and friendly neighborhood.

Back in 2013 when he was first elected China's head of state, Xi put forward the principle of "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness" at a meeting on China's neighborhood diplomacy, the first such conference held since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

At the central conference on work related to neighboring countries held in Beijing in April, Xi called for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.

Good-neighborliness has been a constant theme in Xi's agenda on the SCO stage. During his SCO debut at the Bishkek Summit in 2013, he proposed an earnest implementation of the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation among the SCO member states. Xi has described both the treaty and the SCO Charter as two documents that "lay down the principles and give guidance to SCO member states in their work."

In subsequent years, the Chinese leader proposed an action plan for 2018-2022 to implement the established SCO good-neighborliness treaty, and pushed for its adoption at the landmark Qingdao Summit in 2018, which was the first time Xi hosted an SCO summit in China. A comprehensive plan for 2023-2027 on the implementation of the Treaty was adopted in 2022 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The SCO, which does not engage in alliances or target others, embraces openness and inclusiveness. In Xi's own words, it is like a "big family." China over the years has been deepening ties with the SCO's founding members and new partners alike. Under the guidance of the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development, the SCO has grown into a comprehensive regional organization with the most extensive geographical coverage and population in the world, encompassing 10 member states, two observer states and 14 dialogue partners.

Belarus officially became the SCO's 10th member at last year's Astana Summit. In June, Xi received Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing. Lukashenko told Xi during his visit that he has truly felt the profound friendship extended by the Chinese side.

This is just one example of Xi's regular exchanges with his fellow SCO leaders. Since 2023, he has met with leaders of SCO member states dozens of times -- whether on the sidelines of SCO summits, at other multilateral gatherings, or during their visits to China. These high-level interactions have not only strengthened coordination within the SCO but also helped build closer personal rapport among its leaders.

"Between relatives and friends alike, with closer interaction, the affinity grows," Xi once said.

SHARED HOME OF PEACE

The blue glass of the futuristic facade of the Palace of Independence shone in the sunlight when SCO leaders arrived in Astana in July last year for their annual gathering. In his speech delivered at the group's first-ever "SCO Plus" Meeting, Xi called for building a more beautiful home of the SCO, with building "a common home of peace and tranquility" among the five priorities.

The SCO was born more than two decades ago when the acute security challenges of terrorism, separatism and extremism -- the "three evil forces" -- were posing menacing threats in Central Asia and neighboring areas. Since its founding in 2001, the group has maintained safeguarding regional security as a mainstay of collaboration.

"Security is a prerequisite for national development, and safety is the lifeline to happiness of the people," Xi said in Astana.

For years, the Chinese leader has championed strengthening security cooperation to provide lines of defense for SCO members. At the SCO Dushanbe Summit in 2014, Xi proposed to negotiate and sign the SCO Convention on Countering Extremism. The convention was signed by member states in Astana in 2017.

The Chinese leader has also been a strong advocate of the SCO's fight against drug trafficking, organized crime and cyber-terrorism, resulting in notable successes.

Take drug trafficking. The group organizes anti-drug operations regularly, and has renewed its Anti-Drug Strategy for five years. In its most recent development, SCO members carried out an anti-drug operation dubbed "Web" earlier this month, with China chairing the coordination headquarters. The operation seized nearly 10 tons of narcotic drugs and identified 1,151 crimes related to illicit narco trafficking.

Apart from the SCO, the Chinese leader also seeks to advance common security in the region through other channels of cooperation, stating that a "vision of harmony and peaceful co-existence underpins China's neighborhood diplomacy."

At the 2014 Shanghai Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, Xi proposed a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. At the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in 2022, he presented the Global Security Initiative, which Beijing views as a public good that advances global security governance.

"In enhancing security in Central Asia within the framework of the SCO, China undoubtedly plays an important and leading role," said Azamat Seitov, a scholar of Uzbekistan's University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

"Chinese initiatives ... contribute to strengthening stability, economic development and reducing security threats in the region," said Seitov.

In today's interconnected world, peace remains fragile amid regional tensions and an uncertain security environment. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, or World War II. In May, Xi visited Moscow, where he attended a Red Square parade.

Xi once pointed out that the painful lesson of war should never be forgotten. In 2015, the year that marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi noted that "all SCO member states endured the test of blood and fire of World War II and contributed to the final victory with enormous sacrifice" when addressing the SCO Ufa Summit in Russia. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, Xi and other convening leaders made a resolute call for peaceful development and progress of all nations.

"Only with a peaceful environment at our front door can we develop ourselves with ease and comfort," Xi once commented.

FRUITS OF PROSPERITY

When China took over the SCO's rotating presidency from Kazakhstan last year, Xi proposed at the "SCO Plus" Meeting that 2025 be designated as the Year of Sustainable Development.

Over the past few years, Xi has emphasized boosting the sustainable development of the SCO through a spectrum of initiatives and cooperative projects. He sees that "true development is development for all and good development is sustainable."

At the SCO Bishkek Summit in 2019, Xi announced an initiative to establish an SCO demonstration base for agricultural technology exchange and training in China's Shaanxi Province, a concrete action to "make the SCO an example of mutually beneficial cooperation."

Unveiled a year later in the county-level city of Yangling, the SCO demonstration base has become a hub for trade, talent training and technology exchanges. The base has trained more than 2,000 agricultural officials and technicians from the SCO and developing countries, which has boosted poverty-reduction drives in those nations.

When the SCO Forum on Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development was held in Xi'an in Shaanxi Province in May, Xi sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. Representatives of SCO countries attending the forum said the letter reflects China's commitment to building with all parties a beautiful world free from poverty.

Meanwhile, Xi has integrated his proposed development initiatives, like the Belt and Road Initiative, with the growth strategies of SCO countries.

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, officially launched late last year in Kyrgyzstan, is an epitome of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation among SCO member states. Personally promoted by Xi and his two Central Asian counterparts, the railway will become a strategic corridor linking China and Central Asia, boosting regional connectivity and trade, as well as strengthening people-to-people bonds.

Trade between China and SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners reached a record high of 890 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, accounting for some 14.4 percent of China's total foreign trade, according to official data.

"China's efforts to build a community with a shared future with its neighbors are not just a philosophical concept. It's a sustainable, multi-dimensional development blueprint grounded in mutual respect," said Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper.

Korzhumbayev noted that Xi's vision serves as a blueprint for fostering closer SCO cooperation. "In the face of global turbulence and profound changes in the international landscape, strengthening ties with neighboring states will open new prospects for advancing regional prosperity and promoting a fairer and more just world," Korzhumbayev said. "The SCO undoubtedly plays a pioneering role in this regard."

(Xinhua reporters Zhao Yu and Gou Hongjing in Astana also contributed to this story.)

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
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A $1.2 billion contrract has been awarded to build a migrant detention facility in Texas, but little is known about the Virginia company that was awarded the deal.

The contract was awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC, a Virginia-based company, last month to build and operate the 5,000-bed, short-term detention facility at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas as the resident Donald Trump seeks to conduct the largest deportation operation in the country's history. The Army is contributing $232 million to the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of September 2027, according to a Defense Department contract notice.

But, the group that won the deal remains shrouded in mystery.

The company doesnt appear to have experience with detention, but focuses on supply chain management and other services, including for the U.S. military, Bloomberg reported. Its received contracts worth about $29 million from the Defense Department over the past five fiscal years, according to government records seen by the outlet, but nothing near the detention center scale.

The company was founded in 2008 and is described as a 39-person veteran-owned, small disadvantaged business specializing in the entire acquisition-logistics lifecycle, according to its ZoomInfo profile.

open image in gallery The $1.2 billion facility in El Paso, Texas that plans to hold 5,000 beds will be built and operated by a relatively unknown company based in Virginia. ( AP )

Acquisition Logistics website requires a login. The address listed as the companys headquarters leads to a residential home. The companys CEO Ken A. Wagner hasnt spoken publicly about the $1.2 billion deal and didnt respond to an Associated Press request for comment.

Even the solicitation notice, seen by the AP, mandated some privacy, requiring the contractor to inform Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials about requests and calls from members of Congress or the press, the outlet reported.

The lack of information about the company has concerned some experts and officials, especially after the equally swift construction of Alligator Alcatraz, a Florida facility that has been plagued by lawsuits and allegations of inhumane conditions. A federal judge ordered the facilitys operations to be wound down and required all detainees to be relocated within 60 days.

Its far too easy for standards to slip, Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Democrat whose district includes Fort Bliss, told the AP. Private facilities far too frequently operate with a profit margin in mind as opposed to a governmental facility.

The lack of transparency about this contract leads to legitimate questions about why the Army would award such a large contract to a company without a website or any other publicly available information demonstrating its ability to perform such a complicated project, said Joshua Schnell, an attorney specializing in federal contracting law.

open image in gallery In July, President Donald Trump visited a Florida migrant detention center, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz," but a judge this week ordered it be wound down. ( REUTERS )

Within days of the contract being awarded, construction began at Fort Bliss. Three white tents, each about 810 feet long, have been put up, according to satellite imagery.

The use of military bases as detention centers harkens back to World War II, when Japanese Americans were imprisoned at Fort Bliss and other Army camps, Setareh Ghandehari, a spokesperson for the advocacy group Detention Watch, told the outlet. Military facilities are particularly susceptible to abuse and neglect because theyre not easy for loved ones to access, she said.

Conditions at all detention facilities are inherently awful, Ghandehari said. But when theres less access and oversight, it creates the potential for even more abuse.

The decision to award the contract to the small business is unusual. The majority of the roughly 57,000 migrants detained by ICE are housed at private prisons operated by companies such as Geo Group and CoreCivic.

The bidding was open only to small firms, the AP reported, noting that the company received preferential status because of its designation as a Hispanic-owned small disadvantaged business.

The Army declined to discuss its deal with Acquisition Logistics or reveal details about the camps construction, citing the litigation over the companys qualifications. The Independent has asked the Army for more information.

Gemini Tech Services filed a protest to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, challenging the award and alleging Acquisition Logistics lacks the experience, staffing and resources to perform the work, a source familiar with the complaint told the AP.

The Independent has reached out to Gemini for comment.
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Ashli Babbitt, the Capitol rioter who was shot and killed trying to enter the Speaker's Lobby on January 6, will receive a funeral with full military honors, according to an Air Force statement.

After reviewing the circumstances of SrA Babbitts death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to SrA Babbitts family, a spokesperson for the Department of the Air Force said.

Military honors for Babbitt were denied under the Biden administration, according to Politico.

Babbitt  who was 35 at the time of her death  was shot by a Capitol police officer when she tried to climb through a broken window to access the Speaker's Lobby. An investigation found that officer's shooting was justified.

Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group, has been trying to secure a funeral with military honors for Babbitt since shortly after her death, and has alleged that she was a victim of government misconduct.

open image in gallery Ashli Babbitt, the Capitol rioter who was shot and killed on January 6, 2021 while trying to illegally enter the Capitols Speakers Lobby. The U.S. Air Force has reversed its decision to bar Babbitt from a full honors military funeral ( AP )

"Ashli Babbitts patriotic and courageous service in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard also merits favorable action on this request," Judicial Watch wrote in a post on Wednesday announcing the decision.

The organization also released a 2021 letter from now-former Air Force Lieutenant General Brian Kelly who said, in his estimation, giving Babbitt a military funeral would "bring discredit upon the Air Force."

Military funeral honors typically include the playing of Taps, a flag presentation, and a group of uniformed military personnel who participate in the ceremony.

Babbitt, who wore a Trump flag like a cape on the day she was killed storming the Capitol, posted frequently on social media about various right-wing conspiracy theories.

She was a believer in the "pizzagate" conspiracy which falsely accused a Washington, D.C. area pizza shop of trafficking children for Democratic lawmakers to abuse in its basement and which inspired an armed man to storm the restaurant.

open image in gallery Babbitt was among the supporters of Trump to riot the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in response to Trumps loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

During her time in the Air Force, Babbitt was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

Once President Donald Trump returned to office, his administration agreed to pay Babbitt's family close to $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought against the federal government.

That decision did not sit well with Thomas Manger, the outgoing chief of the Capitol Police.

I am extremely disappointed and disagree with this settlement, he said in May. This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours.

In addition to settling Babbitt's family's lawsuit, Trump also pardoned approximately 1,500 people charged or convicted of crimes relating to the Capitol riot.
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Chicago officials are preparing for an influx of federal law enforcement officials in their city as immigration raids could begin as soon as next week, according to reports.

The city, which President Trump has long characterized as a killing field overrun with crime and housing dangerous immigrants, has recently become a clear target for the deployment of federal law enforcement officials. Last week, Mr Trump said Chicago would likely be next in his crime crackdown. On Thursday, The New York Times reported that the administration had asked a military base outside Chicago for assistance with immigration operations in the city.

Chicago officials have consistently pushed back on Trumps claim and demanded that the president not federalise the Illinois National Guard, but they appear resigned to the fact that the president will likely send troops, though the amount, and what branch of law enforcement they are, remain unclear. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters that local police were willing to have conversations about cooperation with the administration to reduce fear in the city.

To make sure that were not stoking fears through neighborhoods and we dont have people running scared and it doesnt create chaos on our streets, were willing to have those conversations, Snelling said.

open image in gallery Chicago officials are preparing for federal law enforcement to be deployed throughout the city as early as next week. ( Reuters )

Snelling said they were unsure about what the administration would implement, because they have not communicated that information with Chicago officials.

The key here is to communicate, to have some type of communication, so that nothing gets out of hand, nothing gets out of control, and we maintain peace in our city," Snelling said.

Administration officials will likely going to send in Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol, and other members of the Department of Homeland Security  similar to those that were sent into Los Angeles in June to conduct sweeping immigration raids.

open image in gallery In June, anti-ICE protests erupted in Chicago to oppose the administrations harsh immigration and deportation policies ( AFP/Getty )

Border Czar Tom Homan told NewsNation this week that a large contingent of ICE officers would be sent to Chicago, but did not say how many.

Trump and Chicago officials have clashed over the citys policies that prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal law enforcement  policies that make the city known as a sanctuary city. The president has misrepresented immigrants as dangerous criminals who are being protected by the city while committing crimes. In reality, undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit violent crime than U.S.-born citizens.

The New York Times estimated that around 200 homeland security officials would be sent to the Midwest city. Reports have emerged that those deployments could happen as early as next week.

The administration could also federalize the Illinois National Guard and send members in, along with other branches of federal law enforcement, such as agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms.

Those are the agencies Trump has sent into D.C. to control its crime emergency.

The president has also claimed crime is rampant and uncontrollable in Chicago. But much like D.C., 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.
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Democrats have responded with anger and frustration over GOP efforts to stymie gun control legislation after a deadly shooting at a church school in Minneapolis this week.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, with his voice breaking from emotion, told Americans not to call for prayers in the wake of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School: Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church.

Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary under Joe Biden, chimed in on X, telling Republicans, Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.

Republicans immediately took the mayors response and others from within his party as a means of pivoting off that topic towards familiar ground: accusing their opponents of being anti-Christian. Leading the charge was Vice President JD Vance, the administrations chief culture warrior. Vance, on Thursday, attacked Democrats in a Fox News interview over their comments in the wake of the shooting. On cable news, the vice president positioned himself as the statesman resisting attacks and criticism from the far left, calling for action instead of prayers.

Why does it have to be one or the other? asked Vance, whose party has blocked everything but the most meager reforms to gun safety while an epidemic of seemingly mentally ill young people with violent tendencies end up with highly-powerful firearms, including assault rifles, and cause carnage in schools across the country.

open image in gallery JD Vance accused Democrats of attacking Christians during a Fox interview ( X - JD Vance )

Why cant you pray for the speedy recovery of these kids who literally got shot yesterday, while at the same time committing to making sure that this doesnt happen again, or that this happens as infrequently as possible? he continued. Congress has repeatedly failed to take up legislation to prevent school shootings and mass gun violence, with Republicans leading opposition dating back to the Sandy Hook era and beyond.

He leaned into vitriol towards the end of his comments, contending that something very wrong has gone on inside [the] soul of Democratic politicians, whom he claimed were unable to offer both sentiments at once in the wake of tragedy. But online was another story: Vance and a host of MAGA allies attacked Democrats in vicious, personal terms for essentially making the same argument as Vance  that merely condolences in the wake of tragedy were insufficient.

open image in gallery A man walks with a large wooden cross near the site of a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis ( Getty Images )

Instead, he and others accused Democrats of demeaning the concept of Christian prayer altogether  though no elected Democrats (or MSNBC hosts) were seen truly doing so.

Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying? the vice president tweeted at Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary and now an MSNBC host.

Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?! Vance wrote in a follow-up tweet, mischaracterizing the argument of his opponents.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, addressed Psakis comments and called them disrespectful to Christians at her daily press briefing.

"I saw the comments of Ms. Psaki and frankly I think they're incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works, said Leavitt.

White House spokesman Steven Cheung was less subtle in his message to Psaki: You are a disgusting human being.

Christian author Brad Edwards, responding to Frey, wrote: This isnt just tired and exhausting, using the murder of children to virtue signal is profoundly selfish and wicked.

Other conservatives, such as Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for governor in Florida, would go on to essentially blame Democrats for the attack itself, pointing to the identity of the suspected shooter.

Jen Psaki is a hack trying to make a political point, Donalds told Foxs Laura Ingraham on Wednesday.

open image in gallery Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey walks with Gov. Tim Walz at the site of a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota ( AP )

But the avalanche of rhetoric from the American right belies one reality: even with unified control of Congress and the White House, the Trump administration walked into office without a plan to end school shootings, and hasnt identified even the root cause of gun violence in Americas schools.
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Two firefighters battling Washington states biggest wildfire were arrested by Border Patrol agents in a move that officials have called as immoral as it is sick.

The men, who were reported to be Mexican contractors, were picked up Wednesday as they battled the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula. The blaze has so far burned about 14 square miles on the north side of Lake Cushman in the Olympic National Forest and National Park.

By Thursday evening the fire had covered 8,960 acres and was only 13 percent contained, having been burning since July 6. The states second biggest fire currently is the Pomas fire, which is 3,533 acres large as of three days ago.

Two work crews were gathered at a staging site near Lake Cushman around 9 a.m. Wednesday when federal agents appeared, crew boss David Diaz told NBC News. Videos recorded by crew members appeared to show the agents detaining the men, who were put into handcuffs.

The outlet reported that 20 of the contract workers were Mexican and all carried work visas and passports. The officials arrested the two men on suspicion of being in the U.S. illegally but this was not immediately confirmed.

The Independent has contacted USCBP for further information about the alleged arrests.

open image in gallery Two firefighters battling Washington states biggest wildfire were arrested by Border Patrol agents. The men were picked up Wednesday as they battled the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula ( AP )

Veteran firefighters told NBC that the incident was one of the first times Border Patrol agents have entered a fire zone to carry out mass deportation orders given by the Trump administration.

In a statement released Thursday, Washington Senator Patty Murray described Trumps immigration policy as fundamentally sick.

Trump has undercut our wildland firefighting abilities in more ways than onefrom decimating the Forest Service and pushing out thousands of critical support staff, to now apparently detaining firefighters on the job," Murray said.

This administrations immigration policy is fundamentally sick. Trump has wrongfully detained everyone from lawful green card holders to American citizensno one should assume this was necessary or appropriate.

The statement continued: Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can, and have, burned entire towns to the ground. We count on our brave firefighters, who put their lives on the line, to keep our communities safethis new Republican policy to detain firefighters on the job is as immoral as it is dangerous.

open image in gallery As of Thursday the Bear Gulch fire had covered 8,960 acres and was only 13 percent contained, having been burning since July 6. The states second biggest fire currently is the Pomas fire, which is 3,533 acres large as of three days ago ( AP )

Murray said she was demanding immediate answers from the administration about the circumstances of the reported arrests, including the whereabouts of the two firefighters and what the governments policy was regarding immigration enforcement during active wildfires.

Jennifer Risdal, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service's Incident Management Team overseeing the firefighting efforts, previously said the service was aware of the Border Patrol activities at the fire site but offered no information about what happened.

"The Border Patrol operation is not interfering with firefighting activity and Bear Gulch firefighters continue to make progress on the fire," Risdal told The Associated Press in an email.
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JD Vance has lashed out at New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, telling him he should show gratitude to the United States.

The vice president launched the Trump administrations latest attack on the candidate when asked what his lifelong Democrat grandmother would think about the modern day Democratic party, in an interview on Fox News The Will Cain Show.

What do you think it says about the left that Zohran Mamdani is a leading candidate for big political office as a Democrat  what would your Meemaw say about modern Democrats? the interview asked.

Vance replied: I think Meemaw would say this is crazy in the modern Democratic party [and] doesnt represent her at all.

open image in gallery Vance has lashed out at Zohran Mamdani for not showing enough 'gratitude' for the nation ( Fox News )

Does Mamdani, when you hear him speak  is this a man who feels gratitude for the United States of America? Is this a man who feels grateful for all of the opportunities, the incredible bounty of this country? the vice president asked. I dont know the guy, but my sense is that he has had a very good life in this country.

It would be nice for him to occasionally show a sense of gratitude instead of just attacking the U.S. for all of its problems.

Vance went on to say his grandmother had multiple relatives who served in World War Two, days after he made a gaffe by wrongly claiming World War 2 ended with some kind of negotiation.

This is not the first broadside the Trump administration has fired at Mamdani.

open image in gallery Mamdani is currently leading in the most recent polls against Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa ( Getty )

In June, the president blasted the Democratic candidate, calling him a 100% Communist Lunatic, adding, Weve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous.

Earlier this month, it was also reported that the commander-in-chief weighed up intervening in the New York mayoral race in an effort to stop Mamdani from winning, said insiders to The Telegraph.

Days later, Mamdani launched his five boroughs against Trump tour to draw attention to the presidents agenda and the impact of the administration in the city, from immigration raids and courthouse arrests.

In total, eleven candidates are running for mayor of New York City on November 4, 2025.

Among them are Eric Adams, incumbent NYC mayor running as an independent, Curtis Sliwa, a Republican founder of the anti-street crime organization Guardian Angels, and James Walden, a former federal prosecutor who is also running independently.
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Iowa Senator Joni Ernst will not seek re-election in a decision that could have a big impact on the midterm elections, according to reports.

The decision would end months of lobbying and speculation from her Republican colleagues and giving Democrats a clear opening to put the upper chamber of Congress in play. Ernst has not publicly commented on the matter. CBS News reported Friday that Ernst will make an official announcement next week, citing multiple sources familiar with her thinking.

Her retirement gives Democrats an opportunity to pick up a seat in a red-purple state and narrow the GOPs majority. Other seats in Ohio, Maine, and North Carolina are also being eyed as potential pickups, though Republicans are still heavily favored to retain control of the chamber come 2027. If Democrats take control of the Senate, they would be able to slow down most of Trumps agenda and could reject his various nominees during his final two years.

The Independent has reached out for comment. The senators last tweet on her campaign account, from three days ago, recognized national dog day.

Ernst was first elected to the Senate in 2014, during the Tea Party wave that accompanied then-president Barack Obamas second term. Since then, shes watched her state trend further and further red, and in 2024, Donald Trump won the largest share of votes of any Republican presidential contender in Iowa in decades.

open image in gallery Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst does not plan to seek reelection, according to reports. The decision could have a big impact on the midterm elections. ( AP )

But Republicans just lost their supermajority in the Iowa state senate, following an upset victory by a Democrat earlier this week. And the likelihood that Trump himself has run his last race means that the GOP will no longer have his magnetic presence at the top of the ticket going forward.

Several Democrats have already announced campaigns for Ernsts seat, though that number could grow now that the incumbent will not be a factor. Nathan Sage, a Marine vet and mechanic, is leading in fundraising at the moment.

[Joni] Ernst is bowing out of this race, because she knows what weve known for a long time  Iowa is WINNABLE! tweeted the Sage campaign after the news broke Friday.

Were the only campaign offering real change after decades of failed leadership from both parties, but we cant do it without you, the statement continued.

Zach Wahls, another member of the Iowa state senate and Sages competitor in the primary for Ernsts seat, released a video on X vowing to flip the seat.

"We are going to flip this U.S. Senate seat the exact same way that Catelin Drey flipped her state Senate seat, he vowed.

open image in gallery Ernst will make an official announcement next week, according to the reports. ( AP )

Taking control of one or both chambers of Congress next year would allow Democrats to effectively halt Trumps legislative agenda for the remainder of his term. It would also allow Democrats to wield the power of Congresss committees, particularly the investigative powers that would allow members to probe initiatives such as Elon Musks DOGE office and the Trump-directed federal occupation of Washington, D.C.

It would also give Democrats momentum heading into 2028, when the party hopes to retake control of the White House.

Ernsts path to re-election was likely to be her toughest political battle yet. Video of her at a town hall event this year telling a voter we all are going to die...for heavens sakes in response to the voters concern about cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits was widely shared online by her critics. Republican members of Congress, including Ernst, have struggled to sell Trumps budget reconciliation package  the big, beautiful bill  on the campaign trail as a result of voter concerns about new eligibility requirements threatening to throw millions off of both programs.

Shed previously won office by playing up folksy charm and her own blue-collar background, including her experience castrating pigs in a memorable ad from her 2014 bid for Senate.

Before joining the Senate, Ernst was a member of the state legislature.
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia is asking a federal judge for a gag order to stop Trump administration officials from publicly attacking him with inflammatory statements that attorneys say are threatening his right to a fair trial on criminal smuggling charges.

Lawyers for the wrongly deported Salvadoran immigrant say Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, among others, have spent months publicly disparaging his character and reputation by smearing him as a wife beater, pedophile, gang member and terrorist.

The governments ongoing barrage of prejudicial statements severely threaten  and perhaps have already irrevocably impaired  the ability to try this case at all  in any venue, lawyers wrote Thursday night.

The Trump administration has distorted the events and evidence underpinning his case to the public; misrepresented his criminal record; disseminated false, irrelevant, and inflammatory claims; and expressed the opinion that he is guilty of the crimes charged, lawyers wrote.

Last month, the federal judge overseeing the criminal case ordered his release from jail before trial, finding that prosecutors failed to show any evidence that his history or the arguments against him warrant his ongoing detention. Judges have found the allegations fanciful and formally ruled that he does not pose a danger to the public.

open image in gallery Kilmar Abrego Garcia has singled out Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi in a request for a gag order that would block Trump administration officials from inflammatory comments about him that misrepresent his record and distort evidence, according to his attorneys ( AP )

Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to a brutal prison in his home country, igniting a high-profile legal battle for his return at the center of Donald Trumps anti-immigration agenda.

Government lawyers admitted he was removed from the United States due to a procedural error, and several federal judges and a unanimous Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return after his illegal arrest.

But the government spent weeks battling court orders for his return while officials launched a barrage of public attacks, declaring that he would never again step foot in the country.

He was then abruptly returned in June to face allegations that he illegally moved other immigrants across the country. He has pleaded not guilty.

In their request to keep him in jail before trial, federal prosecutors claimed he is a member of the transnational gang MS-13 and personally participated in violent crime, including murder.

Prosecutors also claimed he abused women and trafficked children, firearms and narcotics, and there is also an ongoing investigation into solicitation of child pornography.

Abrego Garcia is not facing any charges on any of those allegations, nor has he been convicted of anything. A federal judge determined that the government failed to link those allegations to evidence that implicates him.

Abrego Garcias wife had previously sought a protective order against him several years ago, though she never pressed charges and said the couple has since resolved their disputes. She has played a prominent public role defending him.

open image in gallery Noem and other DHS officials have repeatedly assailed the Salvadoran immigrant as a wife beater and MS-13 gang member to justify his ongoing detention and deportation threats ( AP )

Last week, a federal judge granted his release from pretrial detention. Immigration authorities arrested him days later and threatened to deport him to Uganda.

A separate judge has blocked the government from deporting him while he challenges his latest arrest. A decision is expected after October 6.

His attorneys have argued that the indictment is aimed at punishing Abrego Garcia for his ongoing legal battle with the Trump administration, which has vilified him from the moment the case made headlines that caused massive political headaches for the White House.

After he was released from jail this month, Noem labeled him a MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser and child predator.

That same day, the White House called him a criminal illegal alien, wife-beater and an MS13 gang member facing serious charges of human smuggling.

This week, the president called him an animal who had beat the hell out of his wife.

But the piece de resistance, according to Abrego Garcias lawyers, was a cartoon posted by the White Houses official X account depicting him with MS-13 written beneath it.

If the government is allowed to continue in this way, it will taint any conceivable jury pool by exposing the entire country to irrelevant, prejudicial, and false claims about Mr. Abrego, lawyers wrote.

A DHS official told The Independent that if Abrego Garcia does not want to be mentioned by administration officials, then he should have not entered our country illegally and committed heinous crimes.

"Once again, the media is falling all over themselves to defend this criminal illegal MS-13 gang member who is an alleged human trafficker, domestic abuser, and child predator, the official added.

The medias sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal alien has completely fallen apart, yet they continue to peddle his sob story, the official said. We hear far too much about gang members and criminals false sob stories and not enough about their victims.

The Justice Department declined to comment to The Independent.
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A number of prominent MAGA media figures and Fox News hosts were absolutely ecstatic this week over the prospect of Melania Trump finally gracing the cover of Vanity Fair, declaring that they couldnt wait to see all the liberal meltdowns over the first ladys appearance on the fashion magazine.

There was just one little problem  the picture they shared is a fake.

This past weekend, Semafor reported that Vanity Fairs new chief editor Mark Guiducci has made his presence felt at the Conde Nast publication since taking over for Radhika Jones at the top of the masthead.

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, Semafor noted. Hes told people hes potentially interested in putting Melania Trump on the cover.

The story took off in right-wing media after stories claimed Vanity Fair staffers were furious over the possibility of a Melania Trump cover, with one unnamed mid-level editor saying that theyd walk out the motherf***ing door, and half my staff will follow me if the magazine tried to normalize this despot and his wife.

open image in gallery An AI-generated image of Melania Trump on the cover of Vanity Fair made the rounds of MAGA social media this week. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

open image in gallery MAGA influencers such as Charlie Kirk celebrated a fake Vanity Fair cover featuring the first lady, adding that they looked forward to all of the liberal meltdowns over it. ( X/@charliekirk11 )

Considering that Melania Trumps lack of fashion mag covers has been a sore spot for conservatives (and the first lady) for years and a consistent source of ragebait content for Fox News, the right-wing network immediately jumped all over the story.

During Tuesdays broadcast of the presidents favorite morning show Fox & Friends, for instance, host Brian Kilmeade called for the anonymous Vanity Fair editor to be outed and fired, while his colleague Ainsley Earhardt said she would buy several editions of the magazine if Mrs. Trump were on the cover.

With the right-wing media ecosystem continuing to feast on the purported behind-the-scenes turmoil at Vanity Fair, which also included pro-Trump columnist Miranda Devine reporting that the first lady was not the slightest bit interested in doing a cover story, a conservative YouTube channel tossed more chum into the water on Thursday.

Claiming to have LEAKED details about the fury at the magazine, Next News Network  a right-wing outlet which has been repeatedly accused of peddling fake news and hoaxes  tweeted out an AI-generated photo of a supposed upcoming Vanity Fair cover featuring the first lady.

Source inside VF tells me 3 senior editors threatened to resign during today's emergency meeting. One reportedly screamed I won't work for a MAGA propaganda machine! Next News, which is led by MAGA provocateur Gary Franchi, tweeted on Thursday.

The cover shot by Annie Leibovitz shows Melania in couture with the headline The American Queen - and it's absolutely STUNNING. Marketing dept estimates 2.5M newsstand sales (would beat their Obama exclusive by 400K) but editorial is in total meltdown mode, the account continued, adding that Conde Nasts chief content officer Anna Wintour had expressed concern to Guiducci over the cover.

Adding that the photo shoot apparently included 47 white doves and a gold-plated eagle, Next News claimed that cover drops Monday and that liberal media Twitter is about to EXPLODE.

open image in gallery Fox News host Laura Ingraham shared the AI-generated photo of Melania Trump's Vanity Fair cover, adding that it was hilarious even if it was not real. ( X/@IngrahamAngle )

Meanwhile, on his YouTube show, Franchi admitted that he had created the cover image himself, which showed the first lady wearing a gold crown alongside captions that read The American Queen and Melania Trumps Silent Revolution. At the same time, he insisted everything else about the tweet was legitimate. (In reality, next months cover star will be Jennifer Aniston  which the magazine revealed more than two weeks ago.)

Now I do have a confession to make. I actually made that cover with AI. But the facts are the same, he said while letting out a hearty laugh. I made that because I wanted to troll the left because they are melting down over this becoming a possibility! So theres my disclaimer.

It didnt take long for Next News fake Vanity Fair cover to make the rounds of conservative social media, with many seemingly taking it at face value  at least at first.

I cant wait to see all of the liberal meltdowns over this on TikTok. @libsoftiktok keep us posted! Turning Point USA founder and Trump ally Charlie Kirk reacted, tagging influential anti-trans X account Libs of TikTok.

We need to meme the cover into existence, Kirk later responded after Libs of TikTok approvingly reacted to his tweet. After another user asked him if the cover was real, he added: Not yet is the correct answer.

Fox News host Laura Ingraham also shared the fake cover on X, writing let the meltdown begin while adding how much she loved the image. A short time later, however, she appeared to acknowledge that shed been fooled by the doctored photo  but that it was still worth sharing online.

Real or not realhilarious to read the Lefts reaction, she noted while captioning her original tweet.

open image in gallery Melania Trumps lack of fashion mag covers has been a sore spot for conservatives for years. ( Getty Images )

I cant wait to buy this and frame it, Trumps self-appointed loyalty enforcer Laura Loomer declared alongside the AI-generated cover. Other MAGA social media influencers with large followings also blasted out the image on X, the everything app.

NEW: The Vanity Fair Melania Trump cover, pro-Trump X account Autism Capital posted. Reportedly staffers are threatening to quit over Melania being featured saying We won't support MAGA propaganda.

Ultimately, the fake Melania Trump cover gave Gavin Newsoms social media team  which has been parodying Donald Trumps over-the-top posting style to hold a mirror up to MAGA supporters and right-wing media  the opportunity to troll the right.

AN HONOR! THANK YOU!!! the California governors press office tweeted alongside its own AI-generated Vanity Fair cover.

Calling Newsom the American King, the image also included the enigmatic governor wearing a gold crown while teasing a featured story about his vocal revolution, which would dive into hair, gel, and the art of being so handsome.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared to suggest without any evidence that antidepressant medication might have played a role in the shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Kennedy, who has long speculated that psychiatric drugs play a role in mass shootings, appeared on Fox and Friends on Thursday.

Host Brian Kilmeade asked Kennedy about the fact that the shooter, Robin Westman, reportedly initially identified as Robert but later legally changed their name and identified as a woman.

Kennedy responded by saying that the National Institutes of Health would do some of those types of studies before talking about Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant.

We're launching studies on the potential contribution of some of the SSRI drugs and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence, Kennedy said.

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shakes hands with US President Donald Trump. ( AFP via Getty Images )

No information has been released about whether Westman took SSRI drugs or any other type of antidepressant.

Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, opened fire at around 8:30 at the church next to Annunciation Catholic School during a mass to celebrate the beginning of the school year.

Two children were shot and killed in the church pews while 14 children and three parishioners were injured.

But despite the lack of evidence, Kennedy persisted.

You know, many of them on there have black box, black box warnings that warn of suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation, Kennedy said. We can't exclude those as a culprit, and those are the kind of studies that we're doing.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), who lives not too far from Annunciation Catholic School, loudly criticized Kennedy.

I dare you to go to Annunciation School and tell our grieving community, in effect, guns dont kill kids, antidepressants do, she said on X. Just shut up. Stop peddling bullshit. You should be fired.

Smith continued by mentioning how America has a problem with the proliferation of guns.

In America, we are ten times more likely to be shot in a school or playground than any other developed nation, she said.

Smith has been open about her bouts with depression in the past. During Kennedys confirmation hearings, she mentioned how she took a new generation of SSRIs, which helped her.

I think that everyone should have access to that care and I think everyone should have access to that care and your job as secretary is to expand that access to that care, and not to spread lies and misinformation, Smith told Kennedy in January.

314 Action, a group focused on recruiting candidates with a background in science, also put out a statement criticizing Kennedys remarks.

RFK Jr. has a sick and twisted view of the world. Instead of promoting mental health and addressing the chronic crisis of gun violence in this country, hes doubling-down on disinformation. SSRIs and anti-depressants are safe and tested medications, Executive Director Erik Polyak said in a statement. They are prescribed all over the world, but America is the only country with a mass-shooting problem.

Kennedy, who has no health care background but worked as an environmental lawyer, has long promoted pseudoscience such as the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism.

On Wednesday evening, HHS said that it had fired Centers for Disease Control Director Susan Monarez. But Monarezs attorneys said she had not been fired. That triggered a series of resignations at the CDC, which is based in Atlanta.
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Barack Obama has slammed Donald Trump after he threatened to clamp down on crime in Chicago, as part of a major national crackdown.

On Thursday, internal documents obtained by the New York Times revealed the Trump administration was plotting a mass immigration operation in Chicago  involving 200 homeland security officials and the use of a naval base outside of the city as a staging area.

In response, the former president said all Americans [are] at risk in response to an op-ed on Trumps paramilitary efforts by renowned Times columnist Ezra Klein. In Kleins piece, he interviews journalist Radley Balko, who has been documenting the militarization and law enforcement efforts under Trump, in his Substack, The Watch.

This interview [...] provides a useful overview of some of the dangerous trends weve been seeing in recent months regarding federalization and militarization of state and local police functions, said Obama in a tweet on X Thursday.

open image in gallery Barack Obama has slammed Trump for putting all Americans at risk in recent crime crackdowns ( Getty )

The erosion of basic principles like due process and the expanding use of our military on domestic soil puts the liberties of all Americans at risk, and should concern democrats and republicans alike, Obama continued.

Border czar Tom Homan confirmed discussions about the use of a naval station in Illinois were being held in an interview with reporters Thursday.

It's under discussion. The planning is still being discussed. So, maybe by the end of the day, but yeah, it's being discussed, he said. Chicago still has a crime problem. So President Trump, again, made a promise to the American people he will make the country safe again.

open image in gallery The Department of Homeland Security has asked for access to Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago as President Donald Trump escalates his immigration crackdown ( Getty )

Trump has long targeted Chicago for its issues with crime, calling it a mess, while blaming fragmented Democratic leadership for its problems.

Chicagos a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And well straighten that one out probably next, Trump said.

Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called Trump's threat to send the National Guard to Chicago, "uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound, in a statement last Friday.

In the citys most recent report on crime, published Monday, overall violent crime was recorded as being down by 21.6 percent, along with a 33 percent reduction in homicides and a 38 percent reduction in shootings, in the first six months of 2025.

Trump has spent weeks condemning the crime rate in cities such as Washington. D.C., and brought in the National Guard  who were spotted picking up trash near the White House recently  and federal agents to help D.C. police in their efforts to reduce crime.
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The United States will be denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, the State Department announced on Friday.

In a significant move ahead of the assembly, the department said it was holding the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.

Its unclear if the U.S.s declaration will impact Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the U.N. General Assembly.

Multiple U.S. allies, who are expected to be present at the September assembly in New York City, have announced they will recognize a Palestinian state, including France, the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

While Palestine is not considered a full U.N. member, in part because the U.S. vetoed a resolution in April that would have recognized its statehood, the U.N. does consider Palestine an observer state.

open image in gallery State Department said it was denying and revoking visas to hold Palestinian organizations accountable for undermining the prospects of peace ( Getty )

The PLO is the political organization that represents the Palestinian people and advocates for establishing an independent Palestinian State.

The PA is the government body that oversees parts of Palestine.

The State Department said the PAs Mission, the body that represents Palestinian interests on the global stage, will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement.

Under the headquarters agreement, the U.S. is required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the U.N. but can deny visas for national security or terrorism reasons.

Its unclear how many visas will be revoked as part of the policy, the State Department did not clarify.

The State Departments move appears consistent with the administrations previous decisions to limit the presence or influence of Palestine. Trump has remained a close ally to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long-rejected recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

In July, the U.S. State Department announced it would invoke sanctions denying visas to unnamed PA and PLO officials for what U.S. officials believe is supporting terrorism.

Since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of other were taken hostage, Netanyahu has waged a war in Gaza.

More than 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start and global organizations have accused Israel of committing genocide against the people of Palestine. Gaza has been pushed to the brink of mass starvation.

Both Trump and former president Joe Biden have sought to broker peace between Hamas and Israel but failed to do so.

In the State Departments announced on Friday, they accused PA officials of contributing to the breakdown of ceasefire talks by pursuing legal cases against Israel through international courts.

Before we take them seriously as partners in peace, the PA and PLO must completely reject terrorism and stop counterproductively pursuing the unilateral recognition of a hypothetical state, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.
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A top deputy of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy will take over as the acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after its former chief was ousted over a vaccine policy disagreement.

Jim O'Neill, who currently serves as the deputy secretary at the DHHS, will now serve as the interim head of the CDC, according to The Washington Post.

Kennedy has frequently questioned the efficacy of certain vaccines and has previously played into unfounded conspiracy theories, such as linking vaccines to autism.

According to an anonymous source who spoke with the Post, O'Neill will continue to work directly for Kennedy in his deputy secretary role while also leading at the CDC, at least until a permanent head is selected.

Susan Monarez, the previous CDC chief, was fired by the Trump administration after she rejected Kennedy's requests to overhaul the CDC's federal vaccine policy.

open image in gallery Jim O'Neill, who currently serves as the deputy secretary at the DHHS, will now serve as the interim head of the CDC after its previous chief was fired over a vaccine policy clash ( AP )

Kennedy accused Monarez of trying to obstruct President Donald Trump's health agenda, according to the sources.

Monarez's lawyers released a statement on Wednesday night saying that she "refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives."

After she was fired, other senior CDC staff resigned in solidarity with the agency head.

Dr Ashish Jha, the dean of Brown University School of Public Health and a former White House Covid-19 response coordinator, wrote in a STAT editorial that the CDC's "chief medical officer, multiple center directors, and its top data scientist" have all left the agency, and that what remains "is a skeletal crew, leaderless," and without a plan for the next major crisis.

"The collapse of this unseen shield affects all of us in ways we dont always appreciate. It shapes whether your childs school stays open during a flu surge. Whether a restaurant is shut down before contaminated food sickens dozens more," he wrote. "Whether programs that prevent youth suicide continue to run. When public health protections fail, we all feel it."

open image in gallery O'Neill is replacing former CDC head Susan Monarez, who was fired by President Donald Trump after she refused to go along with proposed changes to federal vaccine policy suggested by DHSS Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr. ( DHSS )

O'Neill  a former staffer during the George W Bush administration and a friend of right-wing billionaire and Trump ally Peter Thiel  is expected to take the reigns on Kennedy's vaccine policy overhaul.

Neither Monarez or O'Neill are former physicians. He is a tech investor and entrepreneur and was a vaccine skeptic during the coronavirus pandemic. He once argued on social media that the "CDC can redefine the word vaccine at will."

Democrats and some health experts have expressed alarm at the firing of Monarez and the subsequent departure of the CDC's top experts.

I think this is quite a negative and potentially catastrophic step for the country, Admiral Brett Giroir, a doctor who helped lead the pandemic response during the Trump administration, told The New York Times.

He said he didn't "know who's in charge," adding that it is "frightening because the No. 1 thing you need is somebody in charge."

open image in gallery Susan Monarez, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was fired by Trump after she refused to comply with RFK Jrs vaccine policy overhaul ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Senator Bernie Sanders has called for an investigation into Monarez's firing.

"RFK Jr. is pushing out scientific leaders who refuse to act as a rubber stamp for his dangerous conspiracy theories and manipulate science," he wrote on X. "Today, I am calling for a bipartisan congressional investigation into the firing of CDC Director Dr. Monarez."

Senator Patty Murray on Thursday called Kennedy a "lunatic who does not belong in government, much less as our nation's top health official" and called for his firing.

"It is dangerous to allow him to oversee ALL federal health research and public health infrastructure. It is never too late to do the right thing. Fire RFK Jr," she wrote on X.

Senator Jon Ossoff said in a statement on Thursday that Kennedy helming the nation's federal health agencies was a "grave error."

Yesterdays events are yet more evidence that putting a quack like Bobby Kennedy in charge of public health was a grave error," the Georgia Democrat wrote. "The Trump Administration has been engaged for months in a campaign to destroy the CDC, Americas preeminent disease-fighting agency."

Even some Republicans have stepped out to criticize Trump and Kennedy's decision. Senator Bill Cassidy, who heads the Senate's health panel and who was the deciding vote to confirm Kennedy as the head of HHS, called for more control over the CDC departures. He advised the Trump administration to reject any future vaccine recommendations if they're formed by advisory panels whose members are hand-picked by Kennedy, according to Politico.

Senator Susan Collins, also a Republican, similarly said the firing and mass departure of top CDC officials was alarming, and she echoed Cassidy's calls for congressional oversight at the agency.

open image in gallery Trump praised Kennedy during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday while the two were spinning tales about the causes of autism ( Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images )

The criticism did little to stir Trump. An anonymous White House official told Politico that it was "fair to say the president trusts Secretary Kennedy."

Trump even praised Kennedy during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday while the two were spinning dark tales about the horror show that is autism. Kennedy has reportedly been adamant about finding the cause of the condition.

Monarez's firing may not be the last of the major changes coming to the CDC. During a press conference on Thursday alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Kennedy warned that there's a "lot of trouble" at the CDC and warned that more firings may be on the way.

Theres a lot of trouble at CDC," he said. "And its going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture and bring back pride and self-esteem and make that agency the stellar agency that its always been.
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A portrait of Confederate general Robert E Lee that includes a slave guiding his horse is set to be reinstated in the Pentagon.

The 20-foot-tall painting, which was on display at the United States Military Academy for 70 years, will be hung in the West Point library under President Trumps instruction despite a congressionally mandated commission that ordered its removal back in 2020.

At West Point, the United States Military Academy is prepared to restore historical names, artifacts, and assets to their original form and place, said the Armys communications director, Rebecca Hodson, to the New York Times. Under this administration, we honor our history and learn from it  we dont erase it.

open image in gallery The 20-foot portrait of Robert E Lee was removed from West Point in 2020 ( US Military Academy )

Memorials to General Lee, former commander of the Confederate army and a slave owner, have long proven controversial. Multiple monuments to Confederate leaders like Lee have been taken down in recent years by campaigners who see them as a celebration of white supremacy.

The law that led to the paintings removal was passed during Trumps first term, when a key Senate committee passed a $741 billion defense policy plan in defiance of the president.

Proposed by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, it required the Department of Defense to remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honored or commemorated the Confederate States of America, as well as any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America.

Against Trumps wishes, the Pentagon was forced to scrub names from monuments and paraphernalia honoring the Confederacy and its leaders from military bases and assets.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has moved to reverse a number of those decisions.

open image in gallery Plans to remove a statue of General Lee in Charlottesville led to white nationalists protesting in 2017 ( Getty Images )

Speaking at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in June, Trump said he would also be restoring the names of Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort AP Hill, as well as Fort Robert E. Lee.

In 2023, Fort Lee was redesignated Fort Gregg-Adams to commemorate African American veterans Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, following earlier proposals for the name change.

Over the course of United States history, these locations have taken on significance to the American story and those who have helped write it that far transcends their namesakes, Trump said.

He slated Congresss 2020 directive as a politically motivated attempt to wash away history and to dishonor the immense progress our country has fought for in realizing our founding principles.
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Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joked that the upcoming Labor Day will be the most meaningful of his life as someone with four jobs.

Rubio, who until Friday has had more job titles than anyone in the Trump administration, was also serving as the acting archivist for the National Archives and Records Administration, Trumps interim national security adviser, and acting administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Now the secretary of everything is handing control of USAID to White House budget director Russell Vought, who is trying to claw back nearly $5 billion from the embattled global aid agency in a process that congressional watchdogs have already warned is illegal.

Since January, weve saved the taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. And with a small set of core programs moved over to the State Department, USAID is officially in close out mode, Rubio said Friday.

Russ is now at the helm to oversee the closeout of an agency that long ago went off the rails, he added.

open image in gallery White House budget director Russell Vought is now overseeing USAID as he tries to claw back $5 billion from the foreign aid agency that was already approved by Congress  a process that lawmakers are blasting as an illegal attempt to subvert checks and balances ( Getty Images )

Vought  among the architects of the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 blueprint for the Trump administration  is also juggling multiple job titles, including acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, another federal agency that is struggling to function after Trumps upheaval.

On Friday, Voughts budget office announced Trumps plans to cancel roughly $5 billion in foreign aid through a process known as a pocket rescission, an effort to reclaim money that was already approved by Congress.

The government's internal watchdog had stressed earlier this month that pocket rescissions illegally undermine the congressional power of the purse and unconstitutionally erode the nations core system of checks and balances.

The White House now wants to cancel $5 billion in what it calls woke and weaponized foreign aid money that violates the President's America First priorities.

Members of Congress blasted the announcement, warning that Trumps actions could trigger a government shutdown as lawmakers prepare for the end of the fiscal year on September 30.

Article I of the Constitution makes clear that Congress has the responsibility for the power of the purse, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement.

Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law, she added.

open image in gallery Secretary of State Marco Rubio took over USAID as the Trump administration worked to close the agency. By July 1, Rubio said USAID would officially cease to implement foreign assistance, upending dozens of global aid programs ( REUTERS )

Russell Vought would like us all to believe that making this rescissions request just weeks away from the end of the fiscal year provides some sort of get-out-of-jail free card for this administration to simply not spend investments Congress has made, said Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the committee.

It emphatically does not, she said in a statement. Legal experts have made clear this scheme is illegal and so have my Republican colleagues.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump and congressional Republicans dont have a plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown as lawmakers stare down the clock.

USAID, which was among the worlds largest aid programs with hundreds of life-saving missions in dozens of countries, has already endured a virtual collapse within the first eight months of the Trump administration.

Hours after entering office, Trump issued an executive order imposing a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid distribution, then placed virtually all USAID staff on administrative leave while folding what remains of the dismantled agency into the State Department.

On July 1, Rubio said the agency would officially cease to implement foreign assistance.

Elon Musk, who assumed control of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency with a mandate to slash budgets across the federal government, said he wanted the agency to be fed into a wood chipper.

A recent study in The Lancet estimated Trumps cuts could contribute to the deaths of 14 million million people by 2030, including as many as 5 million children under the age of 5.

On August 13, a federal appeals court ruled that the administration could continue withholding billions of dollars in foreign aid, dealing a major blow to relief groups and potentially teeing up a critical Supreme Court test to the presidents attempts to control funding approved by Congress.
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President Donald Trump has ordered the Secret Service to stop providing a protection detail and other protective measures for former Vice President Kamala Harris, revoking an order signed in January by then-president Joe Biden to extend her security until January 2026.

Trump issued the directive Thursday in the form of a memorandum to the agency informing officials that they were hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum concerning Harris, who under normal circumstances would have lost her protection on July 20, six months after the end of her term.

The end of Harriss protective detail and the existence of the memorandum were first reported by CNN.

In a statement to the network, Harris adviser Kristen Allen said the former vice president is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.

Since returning to office, Trump has used his authority over the Secret Service to punish perceived political adversaries by removing previously authorized protective details, even in cases where there have been documented threats to the people in question.

Trump has revoked protection for multiple figures connected with the prior administration and now that includes Kamala Harris. ( AFP/Getty )

In his first days back in the White House, the president ordered the agency to stop protecting his first-term national security adviser, John Bolton, and his former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

Both men have been on a list of officials targeted for assassination by Iran in retaliation for the Trump-ordered drone strike on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps leader Qassem Soleimani during the presidents first term.

But Trump nonetheless ordered their protective details to be withdrawn.

In March, he ordered an end to protection for former president Bidens adult children, including his son Hunter Biden, at the urging of conspiracy theorist and far-right influencer Laura Loomer.

The ex-president had signed a directive extending protection for his adult children for six months after leaving office  something Trump had done for his own family before vacating the White House after losing the 2020 election.

But Trump declined to extend Biden the same courtesy and in a social media post, he expressed his disapproval of what he said were 18 agents assigned to Hunter Biden's security detail during his visit to South Africa this week. Hunters wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, is originally from South Africa.

Hunter Biden has had Secret Service protection for an extended period of time, all paid for by the United States Taxpayer, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

There are as many as 18 people on this Detail, which is ridiculous! He is currently vacationing in, of all places, South Africa, where the Human Rights of people has been strenuously questioned.

Trump also said that Ashley Biden, who he said had 13 agents assigned to her, would be taken off the list.
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Irans ambassador to Australia has left the country after being expelled over allegations that Tehran orchestrated antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

Ahmad Sadeghi, who was ordered out earlier this week in what Canberra said was its first expulsion of an ambassador since the Second World War, rejected the claims as baseless. Three other Iranian diplomats were also told to leave.

At the Sydney airport on Thursday evening, Mr Sadeghi told local broadcasters Nine and Seven: These are all baseless allegations and lies.

Hours earlier, he had waved to cameras outside his Canberra residence, saying: I love Australian people, bye bye.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese was briefed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation on Monday on evidence of payments to criminals that he said linked two attacks, on a synagogue and a kosher restaurant, to offshore individuals and Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

No one was injured in either attack, but both buildings suffered extensive damage.

Fire crews and police at the scene of a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia ( AAP )

These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. This is an attack on our society, aimed at creating fear, stoking internal divisions and eroding social cohesion, a statement released by foreign ministry said.

The statement said further attacks were planned.

On Tuesday, Irans foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, absolutely rejected Australias accusations, saying any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will have a reciprocal reaction, according to Al Jazeera.

Tehran suggested the move was influenced by domestic politics, pointing to large pro-Palestine demonstrations in Australian cities last weekend.

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.

Mr Sadeghi, who has been outspoken in his support for Palestine, was declared persona non grata.

Australia has also withdrawn its own ambassador from Tehran and suspended operations at its embassy there, though foreign ministry said some channels would remain open.

The expulsions mark the lowest point in relations between the two countries since diplomatic ties were established in 1968. They also come as Mr Albanese faces pressure over the governments stance on Israels war in Gaza, which has prompted fierce debate at home and a diplomatic rift with Israel.

Last week Benjamin Netanyahu called Mr Albanese a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews after Canberra joined the UK, France and Canada in recognising Palestinian statehood at the UN.

Australias home affairs minister, Tony Burke, hit back at Mr Netanyahu, saying strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry.
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Australian celebrity crocodile expert Matt Wright has been convicted on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice after a month-long Supreme Court trial over a 2022 helicopter crash.

The case relates to the crash in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory during a crocodile egg-collecting expedition, which claimed the life of Wrights friend and co-star Chris Willow Wilson and left pilot Sebastian Robinson with serious, life-altering injuries.

The Air Transport Safety Bureau determined that the helicopter crashed after running out of fuel, which caused the engine to fail.

Wright was found guilty of lying to police and urging the injured pilot to falsify flight records in an effort to obstruct the investigation, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

A third charge, concerning alleged attempts to destroy the helicopters maintenance records, did not result in a verdict.

Wright, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was granted bail following the verdict. He said that he was pretty disappointed in the verdict and confirmed that he intends to appeal the decision.

Its been a long fight and weve got an appeal in process now, and well keep moving forward with this, he said.

According to 9News, the charges against Wright were unrelated to the cause of the crash, and the prosecution did not claim he was responsible for Wilsons death or Mr Robinsons injuries. Instead, prosecutors argued that Wright was primarily concerned that investigators would discover that his helicopters flight-hour meters had been routinely disconnected to extend flying hours beyond official thresholds, with records subsequently falsified to align with the altered readings.

Meanwhile, senior defence counsel David Edwardson KC had sought to shift blame onto Mr Robinson, portraying him as a cocaine-trafficking party animal, the outlet reported.

Wright is known as the star of National Geographics Outback Wrangler and Netflixs Wild Croc Territory.

Danielle Wilson, Chris Wilsons widow, called the verdict an important moment in a long and painful journey.

We are now approaching the fourth Fathers Day that my two young sons [are] facing without their dad, she said outside the court on Friday.

Once again, there will be an empty seat at the table, a constant reminder of all that has been taken from us.

That is our reality, and it is a pain that we live with every single day. It does not go away.

She added: It has been about the conviction of an individual who attempted to pervert the course of justice, and in doing so denied a complete, thorough and unimpeded investigation into the crash  an investigation that could have provided my two young sons with the answers that they so much deserve, she said.

Zac Chellingworth, brother of the injured pilot, said the verdict brought some closure but acknowledged that the scars of the defendants conduct are huge and permanent.

Danielle Wilson, her boys, and Willows family lost everything on February 28th, 2020  their lives were shattered, and I carry the immense grief of losing my mate that day, a pain which will never leave me.

He said that the family went through relentless trauma following the crash and that his brother had fought through devastating injuries and learnt to live from a wheelchair.

Those wounds made worse by the defendants cover-up, designed to bury the truth about the crash, he said.

I also faced a malicious and sustained campaign of lies, aimed at destroying my reputation and that of my family  including the way the defendants ran this trial. The jury saw the truth.

Wright will be sentenced on 6 October.
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Two people were arrested as the Victoria police intensified their search for suspected gunman Dezi Freeman, who has been on the run in the high country since allegedly shooting dead two officers and injuring a third earlier this week.

On Thursday night, detectives and special operations police raided a house in Porepunkah, arresting a 42-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy.

The pair were interviewed and later released pending further inquiries, police said. The operation was the third raid in the area in less than 24 hours.

Freeman, 56, also known as Desmond Filby, remains on the run after he disappeared into bushland at the base of Mount Buffalo after the fatal shooting on Tuesday.

Police deputy commissioner Russell Barrett has warned the search will be protracted as officers confront treacherous terrain of dense forest, caves and abandoned mine shafts. Bad weather, including snow showers forecast down to 600m, is expected to make the hunt even harder.

Its complex terrain, and its not something that we, even with our specialist resources, can move through quickly, because its it is dangerous terrain as well, he said.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that the Australian federal polices elite tactical unit had joined the operation.

This guy clearly is dangerous. Hes on the run and we want him caught, he said, promising every federal resource needed to help traumatised communities in north-east Victoria.

The victims were identified as detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson, 59, and senior constable Vadim De Waart, 35. The warrant police had been executing at Freemans property related to an investigation by the sexual offences and child abuse command.

Meanwhile, accounts of Freemans past behaviour emerged as a former neighbour who lived beside him in Myrtleford between 2017 and 2019, alleged that he frequently trespassed across her property to access Mount Buffalo, spied on her family, and even used drones.

It got to the point where Id turn around and he would be standing there filming me, Loretta Quinn told Guardian Australia.

He had a drone that would come across, too, and he set up a little plastic cover, on the corner of the property, like a chicken coop and he would standing there spying on you too, looking who was coming and going, she claimed.

Ms Quinn said she eventually sought a personal safety intervention order against him, with court records showing Freeman was charged with breaching such an order in 2019, though the charge was later withdrawn.

She also recalled his hunting activities with his wife, saying he knew the mountains remote areas exceptionally well and would be familiar with old caves and mine shafts.

Mount Buffalo National Park has been closed as the search continues. Ms Quin said she is staying locked inside her home and hopefully they catch him soon.
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Finland's air force is phasing out the use of swastikas on some of its flags, a decision largely driven by the awkwardness it creates with its Western allies.

While the swastika is an ancient symbol, its modern association is overwhelmingly with Nazi tyranny and hate groups. However, the Finnish air force began using it many years before the birth of Nazi Germany, making its historical context more nuanced.

Changes have been underway for years; a swastika logo was quietly pulled from the Air Force Commands unit emblem some time ago. Yet, their continued presence on certain Finnish air force flags has raised eyebrows among NATO allies, tourists, and other foreigners who spot them at military events.

We could have continued with this flag, but sometimes awkward situations can arise with foreign visitors. It may be wise to live with the times, Col. Tomi Bohm, the new head of Karelia Air Wing air defense force, was quoted as saying in a report Thursday by the public broadcaster YLE.

open image in gallery innish aerobatics group Midnight Hawks performs during a celebration marking the Russian air force's 100th anniversary in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 11, 2012 ( Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Defense Forces, in an email to The Associated Press on Friday, said a plan to renew the air force unit flags was launched in 2023, the year Finland joined NATO, but said it was not linked to joining the alliance. The aim, it said, was to update the symbolism and emblems of the flags to better reflect the current identity of the Air Force.

It referred to an article in daily Helsingin Sanomat on Friday, which said the reason for the removal was a perception that the swastika has been an embarrassing symbol in international contexts.

Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023 over concerns related to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Teivo Teivanen, a professor of world politics at the University of Helsinki, said the flags in question were introduced in the 1950s and today are flown by four Air Force units.

The Air Force and the Finnish public generally had for years insisted the swastikas used in Finlands air force have nothing to do with the Nazi swastika, said Teivanen, who this month had a book published whose Finnish title translates as History of the Swastika.

But now, following Finlands integration with NATO, policymakers have decided theres now a need to get more integrated with the forces of countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France  countries where the swastika is clearly a negative symbol," he said.

Teivanen said that in 2021, German air force units bowed out of a final ceremony following exercises at a military base in Finlands Lapland region after learning that the Finnish swastikas would be on display.

open image in gallery European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, from left, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stand before a group photo in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Finland's air force adopted the swastika emblem in 1918 soon after country gained its independence after more than a century of Imperial Russia rule.

Count Eric von Rosen of neighboring Sweden donated Finland's first military plane in 1918, which bore his personal symbol, the swastika.

The Finnish air force soon after adopted a blue swastika on a white background as the national insignia on all its planes from 1918 to 1945. After the war, the imagery remained for decades on some Air Force unit flags and decorations as well as on the insignia of the Air Force Academy.

But that doesn't mean there is no Nazi connection at all.

Von Rosen, an upper-class explorer and ethnographer, was the brother-in-law of Hermann Goering, a decorated World War I German fighter pilot who became an early Nazi Party member. Goering went on to lead Germanys Luftwaffe during World War II under Hitler.

The Finnish air force stressed that its use of the symbol had no connection to Nazi Germany, although Finland entered into a reluctant alliance with the Third Reich during World War II.

open image in gallery Finlands Air Force said will replace the swastika on its flag with an image of a golden eagle over a blue circle ( Air Force Command Finland )

New flags  featuring an eagle  will be published when the work has been completed and the flags are introduced into use for events like parades and local ceremonies, the Defense Forces said, without saying when that would happen.

The traditional Von Rosen swastika emblem, in use since 1918, has already been removed from most other Air Force emblems during earlier reforms, so its removal from the unit flags is a logical continuation of this work, the emailed statement said.
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Less than two weeks after Donald Trump promised an end to the bloodshed in Ukraine, Russia pounded Kyiv with the second-worst aerial assault of the war so far on Thursday, killing at least 23 people and injuring 48.

Residents of the Ukrainian capital, which lies hundreds of miles from the front line, have been forced to adapt to a constant cycle of devastating missile and drone strikes since the beginning of the war in February 2022. The sound of air raid sirens and the retreat to bomb shelters have become a daily reality.

In the past few months, Russia has ramped up strikes on towns and cities in a move experts say is a deliberate attempt to sow fear among civilians and break their morale.

Russia is pressuring Ukraine through psychological methods and intimidation. This is a strategy to exhaust our moral and instil psychological terror, Liliya Sky, a PhD student from Kyiv, told The Independent.

open image in gallery Russia has ramped up strikes on towns and cities well beyond the front line ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

It is a methodical, constant campaign of moral and physical exhaustion so that people surrender and agree to give up territories for the sake of simply ending the war, Ms Sky said. But Ukrainians have a different mentality: I would rather die than submit.

629 The number of missiles and drones that hit Ukraine on Thursday

At least 100 buildings, including a shopping mall, were damaged in the overnight attack. Rescuers dug through rubble on Kyivs left bank to recover bodies while firefighters battled blazes in residential buildings.

Keir Giles, a fellow of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, told The Independent that Moscow was seeking to cause the maximum possible misery and suffering among the civilian population.

Thats the principle we saw applied in Syria, in Chechnya and in countless others of Moscows wars dating back decades and centuries, he said.

open image in gallery Rescuers dug through rubble on Kyivs left bank to recover bodies while fire-fighters battled blazes in residential buildings ( Emergency Service of Ukraine )

Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure forms a central element of Russias strategy, designed to terrorise the Ukrainian population and erode public morale.

The underlying calculation is that a war-weary society subjected to sustained attacks might exert pressure on the government to accept almost any settlement that promises an end to hostilities, she told The Independent. Thus far, however, this strategy has proven ineffective, as Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of ongoing aggression.

Some 629 missiles and drones hit Ukraine on Thursday, most of which hit the capital. Only one other Russian air attack has surpassed this scale since June: an attack comprised of 741 missiles and drones on 9 July which targeted the city of Lutsk.

As usual, Russians are not achieving results on the battlefield and are trying to make up for it by terrorising peaceful cities, Yuriy Sak, an adviser to the minister of strategic industries, told The Independent.

Mr Giles said Ukraine was the victim of Russias attempts to demoralise its victims through inhumanity. Thats the reason for attacks on maternity hospitals, and nurseries, targeting the most vulnerable in society, as well as for the systematic torture and starvation of Ukrainian military and civilian captives  not for any objective purpose other than deliberate and demonstrative cruelty.

open image in gallery President Trump walked away from his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin without a deal to end the war ( AFP/Getty )

Western leaders continue to accuse Vladimir Putin of avoiding any serious attempt at ending the war. The Kremlin maintains it remains interested in peace talks despite Thursdays air attack.

The most recent wave of Russian strikes underscores that Putin has neither the intention of pursuing peace nor of altering his political and military objectives in Ukraine, RUSIs Ms Seskuria said.

Earlier this month, a summit held in Alaska between the US and Russian presidents failed to produce a deal. Mr Trump said the meeting was very productive, but the latest diplomatic push to end the war has yet to yield any results. Two Ukrainian envoys are due to meet members of the Trump administration on Friday to discuss the next steps.

open image in gallery The attack damaged the European Unions mission and British Council offices in the city ( Reuters )

Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table, Ukraines President Zelensky said after the attack. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war. We expect a response from everyone in the world who has called for peace but now more often stays silent rather than taking principled positions.

The attack on Kyiv damaged the European Unions mission and British Council offices in the city, prompting London and the EU to summon their Russian envoys. But Mr Giles at Chatham House warned that the attack carries broader dangers: Russias other neighbours know that the same treatment awaits them if Ukraine falls and Moscow looks for its next victim. But nobody should think that because they are far from Russia they are immune. Russia has been practising delivering death and destruction at immense ranges, and western Europe, including the UK, is well within reach of the same kinds of inhuman wave attacks that are currently being delivered against Kyiv.

On Thursday it was revealed that European leaders are considering the creation of a 40km buffer zone between the Ukrainian and Russian front lines as part of a deal to end the war.

Five diplomatic sources told Politico that such a zone could form part of a postwar or ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. The US is not currently involved in the talks, and it is unclear whether the plan would be accepted by Kyiv as it could involve territorial concessions.
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Russia has killed at least 23 people including four children in a massive wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraines capital that has drawn international condemnation.

Sir Keir Starmer accused Vladimir Putin of sabotaging hopes of peace with the attacks that took place in the early hours of Thursday and saw more than 600 drones and over 30 missiles launched.

Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky said the strike, the second largest attack since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, was Moscows answer to diplomatic efforts to end its war.

Moscow claimed it only hit military targets but the UK summoned the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Office in London to receive an official complaint after the British Council building in Kyiv was struck by a missile. The death toll from the overnight attacks continued to rise on Thursday with at least 38 more people wounded.

Click here for the latest on the Ukraine war

open image in gallery Rescue crews work on the site of a burning building after a Russian attack on Kyiv ( AP )

Putin is killing children and civilians and sabotaging hopes of peace. This bloodshed must end, the British prime minister said.

The European Union commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, also threatened extending sanctions after an EU delegation building was hit. Germany, meanwhile, said it was investigating reports that Russian spy drones had been seen monitoring routes taken by arms supplies.

The attacks come amid silence from the White House over its collapsing plans for a ceasefire or peace summit between Putin and Mr Zelensky.

Keith Kellogg, the US envoy to Ukraine who was excluded from the recent summit between Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska, said only that the latest attacks by Moscow threatened the success of talks.

open image in gallery A missile hit the British Council building in Kyiv, seen here in the background ( Reuters )

The targets? Not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyiv  blasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians, Mr Kellogg said on X. These egregious attacks threaten the peace that @POTUS is pursuing.

Thirteen different Ukrainian regions were hit during the Russian attack, while the Kremlin claimed that Moscow was still interested in peace talks. National grid operator Ukrenergo said energy facilities were hit, causing power cuts and Kyivs mayor, Vitali Klitschko, described it as one of the biggest attacks on the city in recent months.

Russias forces have made small incremental gains along Ukraines eastern front over the summer  at enormous cost in men. But Kyivs forces have been undermined by the removal of US support and dwindling supplies of manpower for battles more often known as a meat grinder.

Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table, Mr Zelensky said on X, calling for new sanctions on Russia. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.

open image in gallery At least 21 people were killed in the attacks and dozens more wounded ( Reuters )

The latest attacks come less than two weeks after Mr Trump welcomed Putin in Anchorage for talks aimed at ending the three-year-old conflict. The talks ended without any peace deal or an agreement over Ukraines security. Western leaders have accused Putin of dragging his feet in peace efforts and avoiding serious negotiations while Russian troops move deeper into Ukraine.

In the aftermath of the summit, the US president urged Mr Zelensky and Putin to organise a meeting without him. But Russias foreign minister Sergei Lavrov later dismissed the suggestion, saying that the agenda for such a meeting was not ready.

Last Friday, Mr Trump said he would decide on the next steps in the next two weeks if no direct talks are scheduled.

open image in gallery A search and rescue operation in a residential building heavily damaged during the Russian attack on Kyiv ( Emergency Service of Ukraine )

Mr Zelensky said that he expected that a framework for security guarantees for Ukraine could be set out as soon as next week following extensive talks with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

National security advisers are now working on every specific component, and the entire framework will be set out on paper next week, he said after the call.

Despite buildings used by the EU and the UK being damaged in the latest attacks, there are no signs as yet that Europe will stop importing Russian fossil fuels.

Russia has been paid 260bn (225bn) for EU oil and gas since 2022. The EU, Canada and the UK, have raised 250bn for Ukraine to fight Russia since then.
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European leaders are considering the creation of a 40-kilometre buffer zone between the Ukrainian and Russian front line as part of a deal to end the war, according to a report.

Five diplomatic sources told Politico that the buffer zone could form part of a postwar or ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. The US is not currently involved in the talks.

Officials are said to be discussing how many European troops would be needed to patrol the border, ranging from 4,000 to around 60,000 soldiers. However, questions remain over how a Russian escalation would be managed and responded to.

Two European officials said that French and British forces would make up most of the peacekeeping force, with troops also helping to train Ukrainian forces as well as patrolling the demilitarised zone.

open image in gallery Donald Trump meets with Vladimir Putin in Alaska ( AFP/Getty )

It remains unclear whether the plan will be accepted by Kyiv as it may involve territorial concessions, Politico reported.

Russian missiles pounded Kyiv on Thursday in the second largest aerial assault on the capital of the war so far, killing at least 23 people including four children.

Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X, calling for new sanctions on Russia. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war.

The strike came just two weeks after President Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska as part of efforts to accelerate a peace agreement to end the conflict. The talks ended without a peace deal or an agreement over Ukraines security.

open image in gallery Woman stand at the site of a building attacked by Russian forces in Kyiv ( REUTERS )

Trump has urged the Russian leader to meet with Zelensky but Moscow has dismissed any prospect of a bilateral summit, saying the agenda for such a summit is not ready.

Putin has remained resolute that Ukraine must not be allowed to join Nato and that Russia should be given control of the entire Donbas region as part of a peace deal.

Earlier this year, the Kremlin said that Russian forces were pushing to create buffer zones along the border with Ukraine to dissuade Kyiv from what they claimed were attempts to shift the fighting onto Russian territory.

Trump last week ruled out the prospect of US troops joining a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but suggested that Washington may provide air support.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said that the UK is willing to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a reassurance force if a peace deal is reached with Russia.

Moscow has firmly opposed the deployment of European troops in Ukraine, but Zelensky maintains he will not strike a peace deal unless Ukraine is given sufficient security guarantees to help deter a future Russian invasion.

Separately, the US state department on Thursday approved a potential sale of air delivered munitions and related equipment to Ukraine for an estimated cost of $825 million.

The potential sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles includes GPS guidance kits and electronic warfare defenses for the weapons, which have a range of "several hundred" miles according to one of the manufacturers.
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A video broadcast earlier this week captured the horrifying moment rescuers and journalists were killed in a double-tap strike on the Nasser hospital in southern Gaza.

They had rushed to the scene of an initial Israeli attack, only for the same location to be bombed minutes later. Five journalists and several medical staff were killed by the second strike.

The attack prompted a wave of international condemnation. UK foreign secretary David Lammy wrote on social media: Horrified by Israels attack on Nasser hospital. Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire.

Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, initially called the strikes a tragic mishap. He added: Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and all civilians. But the strikes have now been characterised by Israel as a targeted attack on Hamas fighters.

An initial inquiry by Israels military says it appears its troops identified a camera that was positioned by Hamas in the area of the Nasser hospital that was being used to observe the activity of IDF troops in order to direct attacks against them.

Whether or not charges relating to the attacks are ever brought remains to be seen. But James Sweeney of Lancaster Universitys School of Law believes there should be no doubt that the double tap tactic falls into the category of acts of war that are prohibited by the law of armed conflict.

open image in gallery Mourners carry the body of one of five journalists killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital ( AFP via Getty Images )

Professor Sweeney examines how international law operates in situations like this, identifying four fundamental rules on methods that govern the conduct of hostilities: humanity, necessity, distinction and proportionality.

He says the Israeli strikes almost certainly breached the rule on distinction, which requires that only lawful objectives should be targeted for attack. He explains that there are very limited circumstances in which a hospital or its medical staff could ever be a lawful target. The same goes for journalists. Both are protected under the Geneva Conventions.

Professor Sweeney also sees Israels attack as violating the rule on proportionality, which says expected collateral damage should not be excessive to the expected military advantage of the attack. Even if the claim that the hospital was being used by Hamas to stage attacks on Israeli forces stands up, thus possibly making it a lawful target, the collateral damage was likely going to be vast.

Excessive collateral damage has been a grim theme of the war. Israeli government officials consistently say their military works hard to keep civilian harm to a minimum, for example by making phone calls and sending text messages to those residing in buildings designated for attack.

However, Israels own numbers cast doubt on this claim. Figures from a classified Israeli military intelligence database, reported by the Guardian last week, indicate that 83 per cent of the Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza have been civilians. This is a rate of civilian killing far higher than other modern wars, says Neta Crawford of the University of Oxford.

Professor Crawford, an expert on international relations, reports that western militaries began to take steps to minimise inadvertent harm to civilians after the Vietnam war in 1975. These practices, which include making collateral damage estimates prior to carrying out a strike, have not always been adhered to.

open image in gallery Independent Arabias Maryam Abu Daqqa was among the journalists killed in the strike ( Independent Arabia )

But when they have been followed, the rate of civilian killing has been reduced. In American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Professor Crawford reports, civilian casualty rates were 68 per cent and 26 per cent respectively  far lower than in Gaza.

Given the kind of war Israel is fighting  using large, indiscriminate weapons to destroy buildings and failing to distinguish between combatant and noncombatant  it has unsurprisingly produced high civilian casualty rates, she says.

Peacekeeping in Lebanon

The UN security council, meanwhile, is voting on whether to extend a long-running peacekeeping mission in Lebanon for one final time. Vanessa Newby and Chiara Ruffa of Monash University and Sciences Po respectively reported earlier this week that the mission, which has patrolled Lebanons southern border with Israel since 1978, is at risk of being discontinued.

The Trump administration wants to reduce US financial commitments to UN peacekeeping. It argues that expensive and longstanding missions should be downsized to cut costs. Israel has, at the same time, insisted that the mission has been ineffective in addressing the existential threat posed by Hezbollah.

Dr Newby and Professor Ruffa are critical of this latter assessment. They write that the missions mandate has never been to disarm Hezbollah directly. Instead, it is tasked with creating and maintaining a space free of armed groups in southern Lebanon by supporting the Lebanese armed forces.

The council is reportedly expected to adopt a French draft resolution that sees the operation continue until the end of 2026. It will then begin a year-long orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal  a compromise with the US.

This is a welcome outcome. Dismantling the peacekeeping mission would, in Dr Newby and Professor Ruffas view, create a dangerous security vacuum along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Lebanons army remains weak, so a sudden withdrawal risks a surge in Hezbollah activity in the south. This would increase the prospect of another direct conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, they say, and another Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

open image in gallery People walk up the stairs to the site of an Israeli strike, minutes before a second strike hit the same spot ( AP )

Fortress belt

Russia is continuing to pound Ukrainian towns and cities, most recently launching strikes on Kyiv that killed at least 17 people. Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has accused Moscow of choosing ballistics instead of the negotiating table, while UK prime minister Keir Starmer says Russias continuing attacks are sabotaging hopes of peace.

Talks on ending the war have been taking place for several weeks, though there has been no breakthrough. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is demanding that Kyiv cede control of the entirety of its Donetsk oblast, a region in eastern Ukraine, to Russia.

The Trump administration, keen for the war to end, seems to back this idea. When asked a question recently about Russia keeping territory it has seized, vice-president J.D. Vance remarked that every major conflict in human history has ended with some kind of negotiation. Chris Smith, a historian at Coventry University, interrogates the truth of this claim here.

Kyiv is unsurprisingly resistant to Putins demands. Rod Thornton and Marina Miron, security experts at Kings College London, say this would effectively be tantamount to an acceptance of overall defeat for Ukraine. Kyiv would be giving up its principal defensive barrier against further Russian encroachment into the rest of the country.

Dr Thornton and Dr Miron stress the strategic importance of Ukraines so-called "fortress belt  the name given to the complex series of defensive lines established between towns and cities in the west of the Donetsk region. Russia has largely been unable to break through these lines, so has been prevented from surrounding any major urban area there.

Gaining control of western Donetsk is the key to winning the war, write Dr Thornton and Dr Miron. So Putin, unable to break through the fortress belt, is now trying to acquire it through a peace deal brokered with US assistance. This would settle the war, but in Russias favour.

Meanwhile a far larger belt of fortifications is taking shape across eastern Europe, as Russias neighbours race to protect themselves in light of the war in Ukraine. Natasha Lindstaedt, a specialist in authoritarian regimes at the University of Essex, believes the recent shift in US foreign policy and its telegraphed move away from being Europes security guarantor, has prompted countries including Finland, the Baltic states and Poland to take extra precautions.

As Dr Lindstaedt explains, these border defences will be using the latest technology and early warning systems and artillery units. The project is going to require a high level of cooperation between these countries to ensure that there are no loopholes which could be exploited by a Russian offensive.

The hope is that all concerned have learned the lesson of the much-vaunted French Maginot Line, which Germany simply bypassed during the Second World War.

Sam Phelps is Commissioning Editor, International Affairs, at The Conversation UK

This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article
Former first minister Humza Yousaf has issued a plea after his family member was killed getting milk for his young children in Gaza.

Mr Yousaf and his wife Nadia posted a video on social media on Thursday (28 August) urging people to listen to their story.

He said: Another extended family member killed as he went to the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for food.

Ahmed couldn't bear to see his child without milk.

They killed him, as they have so many others. Please listen and share these words from Nadia's cousin Sally who is in Gaza.

Earlier this month, UN experts expressed grave concern over the Gaza Humanitarian Foundations (GHF) operations, saying Palestinians are paying the ultimate price of the international communitys legal, political and moral failure.

The Independent has contacted the GHF for comment.
Drone footage shows a pilot being dragged by his legs out of a submerged cockpit after ditching his plane in the ocean to avoid a busy beach.

While flying over Oak Island beach in North Carolina, the small aircraft experienced an engine failure.

Unable to return to the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, and seeing the beach area to be crowded, the pilot made the decision to perform an emergency landing in the ocean.

Within minutes of landing in the water near the pier, units from the Oak Island Beach Safety Unit were at the plane.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed Russia's major aerial attack on Kyiv shows President Vladimir Putin is choosing ballistics instead of "real steps towards peace".

Speaking in his nightly address on Thursday (28 August), Zelensky said despite claims of being ready to negotiate, Moscow's war goals "have not changed".

Russia's early morning bombardment of the capital killed at least 21 people, wounded 48 and damaged European Union diplomatic offices, authorities said.

Zelensky warned: Russia is now striking at everyone in the world who seeks peace. This is a strike at Ukraine, this is a strike at Europe, this is also Russia's strike at President Trump.
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When the This Morning presenter Rylan Clark shared his thoughts about asylum seekers live on air, fingers in the ITV production studio will surely have been hovering nervously over the kill switch. Because what came out amounts to a tirade  I found his comment to be misinformed, exaggerated and, quite frankly, incorrect.

During a discussion about Nigel Farages hardline immigration plan unveiled this week, the former star of The X Factor said it was insane that illegal migrants were being put up in hotels, and that there was something wrong in the way refugees are welcomed into the UK: This is the narrative were being fed: Heres the hotel, heres the phones, heres the iPad, heres the NHS in reception of your hotel. Heres three meals a day, heres a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time  and welcome

Barely pausing for breath, he added: This isnt me getting on my soapbox. It wasnt the only statement he made that was incorrect.

I watched with my jaw dropping as every new line came out of Rylans mouth. Lets take them one by one and, in exposing the myths, show what kind of welcome migrants to the UK actually receive.

Heres the hotel"? Asylum seekers who land on beaches in Kent are quickly taken to temporary accommodation with no choice as to where they stay.

Heres the phones? Asylum seekers are not routinely provided with phones by the Home Office, although sometimes charities give out reconditioned handsets to those who need to communicate with people back home, lawyers or refugee charities. But at no point is taxpayers money used to pay for phones.

Heres an iPad? Asylum seekers are not given iPads.

Heres the NHS in the reception of your hotel? Healthcare in Britain is free at the point of use and given to anyone who needs it. In that regard, asylum seekers are no different from the rest of us. We all have access to NHS healthcare and, like us, they will sit for hours in a waiting room before being seen and offered treatment. It is untrue to imply there are dedicated NHS services set up in the receptions of asylum hotels.

And surely the issue here isnt that refugees have access to free healthcare, its that the NHS is underfunded. We need to stop blaming asylum-seekers for this.

But it was when Rylan said: "I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel like they are, that I realised what he really meant: he thinks asylum seekers choose to risk their lives, and the lives of their children, to come to the UK. You only have to think of Alan Kurdi, the two-year-old who made international headlines a decade ago, after his body was found face down on a Turkish beach after trying to escape war in Syria, to know that crossing the Channel for the chance of a better life in Britain is no choice at all.

The one thing Rylan said that was right was: I believe something major needs to be done about this. I agree, given the un-welcome that awaits refugees seeking asylum  in part, a hangover from when Theresa May instigated the Home Offices hostile environment policy aimed at making the UK a more difficult place for illegal immigrants  and the lack of an adequate plan to house them.

And while Rylan claims the rise in immigration is costing taxpayers money, what he may not be aware of is the billions that the privatisation of refugee accommodation is making for three Home Office contractors. In 2019, Clearsprings, Mears and Serco were invited by the Conservative government to handle all asylum-housing needs; a report published in May said that between September 2019 and August 2024, they made a combined profit of 383m.

It is lazy to go on national TV and say things that arent fact-checked. It is misinformation  and scare-mongering. Unfortunately, many people will believe what Rylan has said. After coming in for criticism for his diatribe, Rylan defended his remarks, saying: You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes.

But when you provoke a social media storm and Tommy Robinson comes out in your support, saying: Rylan speaking the most common sense ever spoken on ITVs This Morning, maybe its time to hit that kill switch after all.
Five separate appeals have been lodged with the planning watchdog

Ceardlann An Spideal, a seaside craft village adjacent to the proposed site for the Aldi store. Photo: Getty

Locals in the Gaeltacht village of An Spideal have stalled plans by German discount retailer Aldi for a new outlet at the Co Galway seaside location.

This follows five separate third-party appeals being lodged with An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP) against last months decision by Galway Co Council to grant planning permission for the outlet to Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd on lands adjacent to the Ceardlann An Spideal craft village, Builin Blasta Cafe and Stiuideo Cuan.

In the case, Foram Chois Fharraige um Pleanail Teanga CTR, Noel Kavanagh, Nigel Slemon, Martin ODonnell and Michael A Cadden have each lodged appeals with ACP.

One of the appellants, Mr Cadden has stated that the planned Aldi is proposed for a site opposite the local promenade.

He said: It is unbelievable that Aldi is seeking approval to put a sizeable structure in this location, which would tarnish the unique landscape of Connemara.

This natural environment should be left intact and respected as a local/tourist location, Mr Cadden added.

On behalf of Mr ODonnell, planning consultant Brendan McGrath said: Given the scale of the intended development in a rural setting, and its car-dependent format, it is inevitable that the proposal contravenes many policy objectives of the county development plan.

Mr McGrath also pointed out that the site is beside the Wild Atlantic Way, and therefore subject to the development plan objective to preserve protected views and scenic routes from development that would negatively impact on them.

In planning documents lodged with the application, Aldi planning consultant John Spain said that the proposed development seeks to make optimum use of this underutilised village centre site located on the eastern side of An Spideal.

Mr Spain added that the store will contribute positively to the range and variety of convenience retail provision in An Spideal and its rural hinterland.

In the planning report and retail assessment lodged with the application, Mr Spain estimated that, by 2028, the revenues from the store would be 11m from available convenience expenditure of 35.7m, leaving an estimated available surplus of 18m when the spend at local retailers is taken into account.

He stated that the available surplus for additional convenience retail floorspace is significant, which demonstrates the need to enhance the scale and quality of convenience retail floorspace within the area.

A decision on the case is due in December.
Warning thousands of jobs are at risk as SMEs face effects of silent slowdown

Government called on to take urgent action and support the backbone of the Irish economy

Small and medium businesses are struggling to make ends meet. Photo: Stock image

Donal O'Donovan Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have burned through their reserves of cash and favours from suppliers and are heading for a 2012-style crisis with major jobs implications, according to one of the countrys top accountants.
Majority owner of national broadband firm gets 18m dividend this year

Spains Asterion Industrial Partners also received 31m last year with over 140,000 premises now connected to network

National Broadband Ireland workers installing the network

John Mulligan Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

The company contracted to roll out the States national broadband plan has continued paying out millions of euro worth of dividends to its shareholders.
Knife seizures in Ireland average five a day, with Dublin accounting for almost half, new Garda figures show. Pic: Getty

Almost half of all knives seized nationwide over the past decade were removed from the streets of Dublin, according to a new Garda analysis.

Between 2015 and 2024, Gardai confiscated 18,906 knives across Ireland, averaging five per day, with Dublin accounting for around 4050pc of all seizures, particularly in the North Central, South Central, North, and West divisions.
Aras race hots up as Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin battle for support in bid to be Fianna Fail candidate

Both camps canvassing Fianna Fail TDs Potential Fine Gael candidate Sean Kelly hits out at snub from fellow Kerry politician Michael Healy-RaeHealy-Rae gave Heather Humphreys his backing after Mairead McGuinness dropped outIndependent candidate Catherine Connolly heads to Belfast in bid to win SF backing, but republican party likely to run one of its own members

MEP Billy Kelleher

Mary Regan Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, has begun contacting Fianna Fail TDs to rally support for Jim Gavin to be their presidential candidate.
A US court has dismissed a fraud lawsuit in which $6.3m (5.4m) in damages was sought from Irish technology company Sedicii Innovations Limited and its founder and CEO Rob Leslie.

The Waterford firm, which provides data privacy and security solutions, was sued in New York by a group of plaintiffs who said they cumulatively invested 610,000 in one of its projects in the expectation of receiving potentially lucrative cryptocurrency tokens which never materialised.
Aid worker was abducted early this month along with seven colleagues and three-year-old child

Irish aid worker Gena Heraty has been released after a month in captivity in Haiti and is safe and well.

In a statement yesterday evening, her family said: We are so delighted to be able to share that Gena, and all those taken with her, have been released following their kidnapping on 3 August, 2025, from the St Helene property in Kenscoff, Haiti.
The Irish ambassador to Germany has been in contact with German authorities to express concern over an incident that saw an Irish protestor assaulted by police officers during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Berlin.
Its an insult to Billy and all the Irish soldiers who died  retired sergeants anger as UN to withdraw peacekeepers from Lebanon

Private Billy Kedian alerted his comrades and ensured they were sheltered from incoming fire, thus saving 11 lives, before he was killed by shrapnel from a missile

Private Billy Kedian's funeral cortege. Photo: Frank McGrath

Eavan Murray Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

A former Irish Army sergeant whose comrade was killed in Lebanon has said the decision of the UN Security Council to pull troops out of the country is an insult to the memory of peacekeepers who died there.
'People no longer wanted to be associated with the traditional, local way of speaking': Are Irish accents as we know them dying out?
Jim Gavin will seek the Fianna Fail nomination to contest the presidential election, a senior minister confirmed on Friday.

It came after Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher announced on Friday morning that he would be seeking a nomination from his party, setting up a potential internal Fianna Fail battle over who will run for the party.
1,500 sq ft former nurses house in the Gaeltacht village of Bealadangan includes an open-plan living area, sun room and laundry

The former nurse's house in Connemara leads right down to the water

Asking price: 450,000

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald Mangan (095) 21888

Theres a handful of houses for sale in the small Gaeltacht village of Bealadangan in Connemara  and none of them has a name or a number.

While this may seem odd to urban dwellers, in this part of Ireland, it seems that formal house names are unnecessary.

Since the introduction of Eircodes in 2015, receiving mail is not a problem and in a tight-knit community like this, neighbours know well where everyone lives.

And so it was over a century ago, when passers-by asking for the whereabouts of The Nurses House, would have been directed to this shore-fronted cottage at the entrance to Ceantar Na nOilean.

The ideally placed sun room picture window

The property dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when Connemara was a playground for wealthy aristocrats.

One of them, Lady Dudley, set up a fund to help pay for district nurses to provide nursing and medical care in the west of Ireland.

The first Lady Dudley nurse in the area, Elizabeth Cusack, was appointed to Bealadangan in 1903.

The open-plan kitchen/dining/living room

What was then quite a modest abode has since been extended and modernised, while retaining its period character.

Spanning 1,475 sq ft, it has a sitting room, kitchen/dining/living room, office, laundry room, four bedrooms, a bathroom and a sunroom with a perfectly placed picture window directly overlooking the shoreline.

An attached garage could be converted, subject to planning.

Located within strolling distance of two pubs and a supermarket, its a 10-minute drive to Carraroe and an hour to Galway city.
Three years living in a self-built tiny house helped a Galway couple put down solid roots  now it could be yours

Address: Currently in Kilcolgan but wherever you have a site for it.

Asking price: 74,950

Agent: Philip Walsh (083) 8186200

It wasnt so much Changing Rooms as life-changing raums for car dealer Philip Walsh, who says he was inspired to build his Co Galway tiny house while meditating.

Fresh from a number of years spent travelling the globe, he had returned to Ireland and was living with his mother, weighing up his next move, when a moment of spiritual clarity set him on a two-year journey resulting in his meticulously-crafted micro-dwelling.

Philip Walsh and Siranee Caulfield-Sriklad outside their tiny home. Photo: Bryan Meade

I was going to move out and rent a place, but I had this inspiration, Walsh recalls. I said, maybe Ill actually build a tiny house.

What followed was six months of intensive planning and design work alongside his uncle John, a craftsman with an impressive portfolio that includes building mobile Irish pubs that tour the country.

In the USA, tiny houses are a phenomenon that has inspired a nationwide movement, as evidenced by huge followings for YouTube channels like Tiny House Giant Journey, which has two million subscribers, with clips regularly running over a million views; or Tiny Home Tours, which has 1.66m subscribers.

I love the American tiny house movement and Ive watched all the channels for years about people building them, so that scene was completely the inspiration for the type of tiny home we put together. I wanted that level of quality, not something thrown together. And I think we did that.

The interior of the property

Originally based on a standard American horse box transporter (larger than Irish versions), the classic US-style tiny house is a narrow, two storey house on a trailer, which generally comprises an open-plan kitchen/living room along with a bathroom downstairs, and an upstairs bedroom.

In the USA, tiny houses have been embraced by young couples in particular, who want freedom to roam but also want to save up money for a deposit on a regular home. Young professional couples will park up on the properties of friends and family, thus insuring a life together with cheap travel and holiday opportunities, while also saving on rent.

The tiny home on its trailer for transportation

Rent saving and deposit building was also Walshs top priority after seeing how high rents had got in Ireland. I just wouldnt have a chance at a home if I had to save while paying rent, he says.

Tiny houses are also renowned for myriad clever storage and multi-use furniture items. There was a serious amount of research involved, Walsh explains. There were some companies that would teach you to build a tiny house, but nothing to the standard or quality I wanted.

Luckily for Walsh, he had access to his uncles crane-hire warehouse in Clarenbridge, where most of the build could take place indoors. Once the structure was fully waterproofed and sealed, it could be moved outside.

My father has a business in Kilcolgan. I was looking for a place to put the house, and he had just cleared a site at the back of his business.

In the meantime, he met fiancee Siranee Caulfield-Sriklad, and the pair spent dates drinking tea and sitting in the space that was to become their home whilst imagining its interior-to-be.

Philip Walsh and Siranee Caulfield in their Co Galway tiny house. Photo: Bryan Meade

Caulfield-Sriklad trained as a fashion designer and brought her own perspective to tiny house living having worked in Japan, where compact, ultra-efficient design is the norm.

Because of the population density there, homes are really small and designed really efficiently, she says. When I came home and moved into the tiny house, it wasnt anything different to what I had been living in before. In fact, I think it was even bigger, she says.

Caulfield-Sriklads influence is evident in parts of the interior where, for example, there is a Japanese bath and a sliding door to the bathroom inspired by shoji doors, as well as clever storage strategies, such as storage compartments contained in stair steps.

Bathroom with Japanese tub

The couple have developed what Caulfield-Sriklad describes as a dance around their shared space. When youre living in such a small space, you learn over time to adapt to it. If one person is cooking, you have to be mindful of where youre moving. But it has never felt too small.

Storage remains a challenge. Were very conscious about consuming anything because we literally dont have the space, Caulfield-Sriklad says. If we want to buy a new jacket, we have to get rid of a jacket. Its a one in, one out policy. The couple have also had to specify to friends and family that gifts should be experiences rather than physical items.

Even the steps are used for storage

Walshs approach to construction was uncompromising. He insisted on full construction-grade materials.

I had good contacts in the construction industry, and I wouldnt compromise on the quality of anything that went into it, he says. We used way too much insulation, way too good windows, way too heavy materials. But the finish is unbelievable.

Every element, he says, was scrutinised and upgraded as much as was affordable  from the Tyvek Supro waterproof membrane that wraps the entire structure, to the choice of insulation materials.

The bedroom upstairs

The foundation was a specialised trailer from Netherlands-based company Vlemmix, a 6.6m long, 2.8m wide and 4.5m high platform for what would become the 25 sq m/ 270 sq ft living space.

The interior has plastered walls over an aluminium frame, and a combination of Kingspan and Rockwool insulation. There is underfloor heating, double-glazing, and currently a south-facing orientation for solar gain, with the result that the dwelling is energy-efficient.

Walsh says: Last winter, when it was extremely cold outside and everyone at work was complaining about waking up in the cold, I was actually leaving the windows open a crack and the underfloor heating was ticking over nicely. It was a perfect 22 degrees all night.

The house operates on mains electricity and water currently but it is designed, Walsh says, for complete off-grid capability, with a 600-litre rainwater collection tank as well as gas-powered cooking and hot water.

The setup is deliberately simple, he says. We literally connect to a tap outside my fathers garage and run a pipe underground to the tiny house.

The kitchen

The tiny house project has generated considerable interest, he says, with people coming to him to seek advice on building their own, or commissioning similar structures.

Planning permission operates in a grey area. As a mobile structure, it can be parked temporarily without permission, though more permanent residence requires applying for temporary accommodation status.

The house sits on adjustable jacks that lift it slightly off the ground, and while heavy, it can be moved relatively easily with a tractor. It can be placed on a trailer for transporting by road.

The house currently has a Simploo compost toilet, but could be fitted with a regular flush toilet. Yet Walsh says it is one element he is actually tempted to take with him as an idea.

Weve lived in it for three years rent free, and now our deposit has been saved. Weve just put it down on a magical stone cottage in Co Clare, which comes with an organic farm. We couldnt have saved up in Ireland while paying the sort of rent being asked. I guess it did its job. Wed love to keep it, but now were selling to put the money into our new house.

For those who fancy trying the lifestyle, The Walsh Tiny House is now for sale with an asking price of 74,950.

To get a little look inside, contact Philip Walsh at (083) 8186200.
The four-storey over basement former house and studio of artist Alice Hanratty in central Dublin is as big as 10 standard family homes

The mahogany staircase is believed to be the oldest in situ in Dublin

An aerial shot of Henrietta Street and the surrounding area in Dublin

Asking price: 1.75m

Agent: Movehome (01) 8844690

Any Dubliner worth their salt will tell you their city is famed for its Georgian terraces, and that the original and finest examples are to be found at Henrietta Street in Dublin 1.

In fact, were very lucky to have Henrietta Street at all. Designed in the early 18th century to cater for Irelands wealthiest, it entered the 20th century providing slum homes for our very poorest. Its abandonment and dereliction from the 1960s meant that these extraordinary homes almost didnt make it into the 21st century at all.

Henrietta Street couldnt tell its tale of two cities today (No14 is now a tenement museum); were it not for the motley crew of far-seeing conservationists who stepped up when few could understood why; when banks wouldnt pay out mortgages for them and insurance companies wouldnt quote for them.

Among its saviours was Irish print and etchings artist and activist Alice Hanratty, who passed away in June at 86.

Hanratty rescued No4, a four storey over basement house, from destruction when she purchased it back in 1978 as a derelict; when Mountjoy Square looked like broken teeth and even Harcourt Street in Dublin 2 was festering with ruination.

The exterior of No4 Henrietta Street

Henrietta Streets other champions include the late architect and conservationist, Uinseann Mac Eoin who bought Nos 5  7 in the 1960s when they were due for demolition.

An Taisce member Ian Lumley in tandem with developer Pat Wigglesworth did the honours for No3, which they bought for 510,000. Barrister Fergus Ryan has shouldered restoration work at No7 and Michael Casey was brave enough to buy and live in No13.

A fully refurbished reception room in nearby No7

Dublin City Council invested 5m turning No14 into a museum. The 1911 Census tells us that the house had over 100 people living in it at that time.

All are today part of the streets epic story which, as journalist Frank McDonald quipped, has mostly been a tale of riches to rags. Strumpet City was filmed here, as was the 2011 documentary/reality series, The Tenements.

But Henrietta Street had the very grandest of beginnings. It was laid out by Luke Gardiner in 1720 with designs by architect Edward Lovett Pearce, in turn inspired by the classic Italian churches of Andrea Palladio.

Reception room with period detail

Named after Henrietta Crofts, Irelands one time first lady as wife of the Lord Lieutenant, the Duke of Bolton; it was designed to be Irelands most exclusive enclave bar none when built between 1724 and 1755.

Lovett Pearse died after just three were completed, and finance minister Nathaniel Clements stepped in to take over, and indeed, took the showiest (No7) for himself. Other first residents included the Earl of Leitrim, Viscount Molesworth, the Earl of Shannon, Lord Mountjoy (Gardiner) and Archbishop Hugh Boulter among others.

Blackrock born artist Alice Hanratty blazed a different trail. Her recent obituary describes her as an inspirational artist, educator and member of Aosdana, who is remembered for her commitment to her students, her passion for her medium and her strong sense of social justice.

Artist Alice Hanratty, the former owner

Born in 1939, she studied at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and then Hornsey College of Art in London, where she specialised in printmaking. After travelling in Africa, she returned in the 1970s to join the Graphic Print Studio and to teach at NCAD.

She went on a strike against departmental intervention in how the college was teaching, and was fired as a result. She later taught at DIT.

Although known for her printmaking, etching was Hanrattys favoured medium. Her work has been included in solo and group shows at home and abroad.

Alice Hanratty's art studio on the top floor

Hanrattys purchase of No4 was spurred by conservation. In the 1980s, she was joined there by her partner, the communist and long-time trade unionist Se Geraghty.

Geraghty got the roof sorted and imported his 7,000 volume collection of books, which detractors dubbed the Red Library of Henrietta Street.

Connoisseurs of fine art, classical music and opera, the couple hosted gatherings of the Dublin Grand Opera Society. He died in 2006, while Hanratty continued her work until her passing this summer.

The benefactors of her estate are now bringing No4 to market for the first time in almost 50 years.

Also called Farham House, it was built for John Maxwell, the first Baron Farnham and his wife Judith. Completed around 1745, the terraced four-bay, four-storey house sits over a raised basement which runs out under the street.

The basement storage vaults

The family lived here for over a century, during which it was altered slightly for a family wedding in the 1780s. Back then its art collection included a Rubens and a Rembrandt.

In 1849, No4 became HQ for The Commission for Encumbered Estates and by the early 20th century it was a barracks for agents of the Property Defence Association.

The private militia was sent out to defend landed estates threatened by anti eviction activists. When the PDA departed, it was divided up as tenements before being abandoned, and then acquired by Hanratty in the late 1970s.

Hanratty did her job well. Today, the national heritage buildings archive describes No4 as an important part of Dublins Street of Palaces.

An aerial shot of Henrietta Street and the surrounding area in Dublin

Number 4 is now for sale through Movehome, with an asking price of 1.75m. It has 22 main rooms laid out over five floors. Robust for its age and circumstances, it is somewhat paused in its development.

The agents estimate that restoration would cost in the order of 1m. At 10,010 sq ft, No4 is the equivalent size of 10 average family homes. Consider that Kenah Hill, a period home (also 10,000 sq ft) in Killiney, Dublin (albeit fully restored), is now asking 10.75m.

Inside No4 is the grand hall and original mahogany staircase, believed to be Dublins oldest in situ. There are some original elaborate marble chimney pieces, and lots of original wall panelling and ceiling stucco work.

Its vast rooms are now empty and unfurnished, although this serves to show off their magnitude and ambition. To understand whats possible here, consider the restored rooms at No7 where owner Fergus Ryan has done an incredible job.

If you think you can to write the next chapter at No4, contact Movehome for a visit.
Fionnan Sheahan: Micheal Martin hits phones to Fianna Fail backbenches as Billy Kelleher ambushes Jim Gavin secret plan

Fianna Fail MEP catches party leadership on the hop with bid for presidency forcing responseFormer Dublin GAA boss was in talks with party leadership for last month at least

Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin

Fionnan Sheahan Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 07:42

Its definitely serious when the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure Minister are doing the ring around to the backbenchers.
Why there is no quick fix on the horizon for ending horrors in Gaza

Almost two years on from Hamass attack on Israel, efforts to resolve the war remain mired in obstacles

Women weep during the funeral of Palestinians killed in Israeli fire at Al-Shifa hospital, in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters

Joseph Kraus Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Israel is on the brink of launching another major offensive, this time in famine-stricken Gaza City.
Christian OConnell: Daniel OConnells influence on US abolition should be remembered and revered

The Liberator has been largely forgotten by American historians despite his impact on anti-slavery movement, writes Christian OConnell

Frederick Douglass spoke about abolition to a Dublin audience following one of O'Connell's speeches

Christian O'Connell Washington Post Thu 28 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Two-hundred-and-fifty years ago this August, Daniel OConnell was born in rural County Kerry. His name may no longer ring in American ears but in his own time, the lawyer and statesman was one of the most celebrated orators in the world, known simply as the Liberator for dismantling Britains Penal Laws and winning Catholic emancipation in 1829.
September is on our doorstep, and so the colourful town of Lisdoonvarna in Co Clare is set to come alive once more in the name of love.

Generations of Irish people  and international visitors  have flocked to the west of Ireland in a bid to find the one, with the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival playing host to many a hopeful singleton over the years.

In existence since 1857, how did Lisdoonvarna become the love capital of Ireland and what magical powers does local man Willie Daly have in his possession that has seen him pair up thousands of singletons over the years?

The festival has endured significant challenges in the last decade, not least the rise of dating apps.

Is the west of Ireland the last place in the world for such a humble romantic tradition?

Is it what some people need in the age of ghosting and catfishing?

And is it time for people to get off their phones and engage more with those around them?

Today on The Indo Daily, Tabitha Monahan is joined by freelance journalist Lorna Siggins, and by Irish Independent journalists Saoirse Hanley and Darragh Nolan, to look at the history and headlines of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, and to ask what relevance it has in todays ultra-modern society.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the family rebuild their lives and their treasured family home where they have lived for over 20 years

Eileen and Mike Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border lost their home in a devastating fire

A Carlow couple are being forced to rebuild their lives from scratch following a devastating house fire that reduced their home to pile of smouldering ashes.

Mike (67) and Eileen (69) Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border helplessly watched as their house went up in flames before their eyes last Thursday, August 21.

Over the last few days following the fire, the family have been sorting through the wreckage of their home, desperately trying to salvage anything they can.

Despite being left with little more than the clothes they had on their backs on the night of the fire, the family are incredibly grateful and count themselves as lucky.

While they lost most of what they owned, the family didnt lose everything. They still have each other.

Eileen and Mike Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border lost their home in a devastating fire

Mike and Eileens daughter, Michaela Gough, was in Drogheda for a gathering of her boyfriends family when she found out that her family home had been engulfed in flames.

I havent lived in our family home for a few years as myself and my partner have our own house in Carlow, Michaela told the Irish Independent. I was up in Drogheda for my partners nieces birthday when I got a message saying are you ok?.

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"I nearly died when I got that message because straight away I knew something was wrong and I was terrified someone had died. Straight away I called the house phone and of course that didnt ring because little did I know our family home was on fire.

"I next rang my parents and they thankfully answered and told me were ok, dont worry, were all fine but the house is completely gone."

Eileen and Mike Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border lost their home in a devastating fire

Michaela can still distinctly remember the sense of relief she felt wash over her body when she heard her mothers voice on the other end of the phone. The house didnt matter. Most importantly her parents were alive and unscathed.

"The relief I felt to hear my parents voices, Ill never forget that feeling, recalled Michaela. Everyone was ok. My parents were ok. My brother and his partner, who had been living in the house on and off throughout the summer just between college, they were both ok and our cats were ok.

"The cats were a terrible worry for us because we love those cats, they are members of the family, like our children. But when the fire started they ran off and disappeared, but thankfully they turned up again the next morning. We were terrified we had lost them in the fire.

"We are so blessed because the family are all ok. Yes the house is completely destroyed, its like a bomb went off in there, but material things can be replaced, my family cant.

At about 9pm on Thursday night, Michaelas dad, Mike, returned home from a long day at work. As the temperature had dropped that day, he decided to light the stove, but within minutes of lighting it, he knew something was very wrong.

"My poor father, who is 67-years-old, had fire extinguishers in the house and brought them up in the attic and was trying to put out the fire with the extinguishers.

"He was trying and trying desperately to put out the fire and he said it would go down for a minute and then the fire would go back up again because the fire was catching onto everything in the attic so quickly.

"Within minutes he realised the fire had gotten worse so he immediately called the fire brigade and got out of the house. The firemen did their best but there were issues with water pressure which made the situation more difficult.

Eileen and Mike Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border lost their home in a devastating fire

Michaelas dad, Mike, managed to get out of the house safely, while Michaelas mum, Eileen, luckily wasnt home when the fire started.

"My poor mum wasnt home at the time, she got home at about 9.30pm when it was all kicking off, she got some shock when she arrived outside the house and saw the fire.

The Gough family have been living in the house for over 20 years. But in an instant, everything they had worked for, all the memories they had made and collected over the years were lost.

"Im 29 and we have been living in that house since I was two-years-old so my family have been in the house for a long time, explained Michaela. My parents have worked so hard over the years making this our home and they created a gorgeous home for themselves, it was stunning, really quirky with lots of character and musical instruments everywhere, but now it is completely gone.

"Its heart-wrenching looking at what is left of the house after all those years spent living there together. But what we keep reminding ourselves is that we can recover from this, my parents will recover from this. But we never would have recovered if we had lost my parents or someone in the fire so we are so, so grateful.

Eileen and Mike Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border lost their home in a devastating fire

What makes the situation especially heart-breaking for the Gough family is that Mike and Eileen were only a couple of thousand euro away from paying off their mortgage.

"My parents only had a few grand left on the mortgage and they have always worked so incredibly hard, said Michaela. My dad has had his own window cleaning business for I would say about 30 years or more, working 50 hour weeks.

"They are getting to retirement age and my dad was planning on reducing the hours he works but now that is all up in the air. I dont want him killing himself working loads of hours when he should be retiring soon.

The family have suffered yet another blow on top of the fire. Having paid for house insurance for over 20 years, their bank has told Michaelas parents that they have no record of them paying for house insurance.

"My parents were with KBC for years and years, paying their house insurance, paying their mortgage, explained Michaela. I think then in 2022 or 2023, KBC returned its banking licence to Bank of Ireland so my parents mortgage and everything else was transferred to Bank of Ireland.

"My dad continued paying what he had always been paying. The mortgage was being paid and he assumed the house insurance was still being paid like it always had been.

"When my parents went into the bank after the fire, the bank then said that they had no history of the house insurance from when they were with Bank of Ireland which was the last two to three years.

"My poor parents when they heard this news, they nearly died because they kept saying well be fine we have house insurance, that will cover a lot of the damage. So to find that Bank of Ireland have no record of them paying house insurance when they thought they were still paying it, that was a massive blow to them.

Eileen and Mike Gough from Ballyhide in Killeshin on the Carlow/Laois border lost their home in a devastating fire

Despite the challenges the Gough family have faced over the past number of days, the local community have really rallied around the family, supporting them in their time of need.

"It has been so overwhelming the support we have received from the community and our neighbours, said Michaela. I cant thank them enough for everything they have done for my family and my parents.

The Stafford family have called over to us every day to check on us. Another friend, Richard Murray, he set up a Go Fund Me page for us.

"There are just so many people who I would like to thank but I would be here all day, which shows how many people have helped us. It has been incredible. From dropping over clothes, to helping us go through the rubble of our house, to dropping over food and for just calling over and checking how were doing emotionally.

"Thank you so, so much to everyone and the community of Ballyhide, Killeshin, Carlow, Drogheda and beyond. You have been amazing.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help the Gough family rebuild their house and their lives.

If you would like to donate, you can click here
A building in a prime Cork city location could be paving the way for more people to return to living in the heart of the city.

48 Grand Parade sits on one of Corks busiest thoroughfares, surrounded by the city library, bars, shops and parks. Formerly in use as office space, the propertys owners, Island View Property Holdings, are now seeking to convert the building for residential purposes.

A planning application has been lodged to change the use of the first and second floors of 48 Grand Parade from offices into two studio apartments and one larger apartment, as calls grow to bring more residents back into the city centre.

The ground floor is occupied by property management firm Powell Property, and lies in a part of the city that was once a thriving residential area before becoming more commercially focused.

This is not Island Views first venture in the area. In March 2019, they secured permission to convert neighbouring 47 Grand Parade from offices into five apartments. That scheme featured a shared kitchen and living space with a large bay window overlooking Grand Parade, South Mall, and the River Lee.

The latest application, submitted last week, also seeks approval to replace the existing PVC windows and doors with timber alternatives, in keeping with the character of the protected structure. Several internal partitions would also be removed to reconfigure the space for residential use.

Over-shop apartments in Cork often face planning difficulties, particularly around fire safety. Landlords and property owners have long argued that restrictions should be eased to encourage the development of above-shop housing, which could help meet demand from young professionals eager to live amid the buzz of the city centre.

A decision on the application is expected by 13 October, with submissions from the public open until 22 September.
The Dun Laoghaire RNLI launched twice recently to bring sailors and jet skiers to safety off the Dublin coast.

Last Saturday, on August 23, three sailors from Howth were rescued after their 32-foot yacht became entangled in a lobster pot line two miles northeast of Dalkey Island.

The Irish Coast Guard requested assistance at 1.07pm. The all-weather lifeboat arrived at 1.30pm, and two crew members were transferred aboard the yacht to help free it.

After over an hour of effort, the line was cut, and the vessel was safely returned to Howth Harbour. The lifeboat returned to Dun Laoghaire station at 3.50pm.

Six volunteer crew members were involved in the rescue: Coxswain David Branigan, mechanic Stuart Kane, and crew members Lorcan Kane, Moselle Hogan, Simon Wall, and Ciara Doran.

Sea conditions included a moderate one-metre swell, with a force 4 wind against the tide.

The sailor did the right thing in calling for assistance, and we were happy to be able to help them," Mr Branigan said.

"Should you get into difficulty at sea, contact the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16.

Dun Laoghaire RNLI rescued three howth sailors in difficulty this week off Dalkey Island. Pic: Dun Laoghaire RNLI

A week previously, on August 18, two jet skiers got into difficulty near The Forty Foot.

The inshore lifeboat, helmed by Alan Keville with Moselle Hogan and Ollie OCarroll, was on a training exercise when they were requested to respond at 6.45pm.

The jet ski had capsized, leaving the two casualties clinging to the side. Both were rescued and brought onboard, with one showing signs of hypothermia.

An ambulance met the lifeboat at the pier, and the jet ski was later recovered to avoid navigational hazards.

To avoid a pollution and navigational hazard, the lifeboat crew then returned to the scene to re-right the jet ski and bring it back to shore via an alongside tow.

The call-outs followed a busy week for the station, including a 38-foot yacht incident in Scotsmans Bay and a cancelled Sandymount Strand rescue.

Volunteers were briefly interrupted during a fundraiser to welcome teenager Taidhg Trocme, who walked nearly 400km from Arranmore Island to Dun Laoghaire, raising over 1,500 for the RNLI.

The RNLI is a charity providing 24-hour search and rescue services around the coasts of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

It operates 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguard units, relying on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain operations. Since 1824, RNLI crews have saved more than 146,700 lives.
One woman was taken to hospital after the EYE Cinema in Galway City suffered structural damage to their building on Thursday.

On Thursday August 29, the bad weather hit the entire region, with County Galway affected by a Status Yellow rain warning until 6pm.

Later that evening, the EYE Cinema, in Wellpark Retail Park, reported significant damage caused by the heavy rain.

Gardai and Galway Fire and Rescue Services attended the scene and evacuated the area as a safety cordon was put in place.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, a garda spokesperson said one woman was conveyed to University Hospital Galway as a precaution.

Photos and videos from the area show part of the outside structure collapsed while inside, part of the building was flooded and one of the movie theatres saw the ceiling collapsing.

One of the movie theatres was badly damaged.

In a statement on social media, the EYE Cinema confirmed the premises will be closed until further notice.

The team apologised to the public and informed ticket holders that they will be receiving further information about their booking.

The EYE Cinema confirmed the premises will be closed until further notice. Photo: Robert Moloney

The post reads: Dear EYE Cinema Customers, due to unforeseen structural damage to our building this evening, we regret to inform you that The EYE Cinema will be temporarily closed until further notice.

If you have tickets booked for upcoming screenings, please do not travel to the cinema as the premises will not be accessible. We will provide regular updates and further instructions as soon as possible.

We sincerely apologise for the disruption this has caused and truly appreciate your patience, understanding, and support during this time.
Ailleen Crean O'Brien and Bill Sheppard of Tom Crean Brewery in Kenmare who have issued an invite to the local Indian Community to join them for a drink in light of recent attacks.

Aileen Crean O'Brien and Bill Sheppard of Tom Crean Brewery in Kenmare who have issued an invite to the local Indian Community to join them for a drink in light of recent attacks.

India holds a special place in the hearts of Aileen Crean O'Brien and her partner Bill Sheppard as it is where their love story began.

The couple, both of whom are widowers, met when Aileen was on an adventure back-packing across India in 2013.

Having arrived to Palolem beach in Goa Aileen was transported to the beach cabin next to Bill and the rest is history as they say. Bill is originally from the UK and Aileen is from Tralee.

Since then the couple, who got married during Covid, have founded the Tom Crean Brewery to honour the great Kerry explorer Tom Crean who is Aileens grand-father.

The brewery is now firmly established and its beers now stocked around the country.

However, the recent attacks on the Indian community shocked Aileen and Bill and it was time to create some positive news and support minority groups.

So with that in mind they have issued an invite to the Indian community in Kenmare to pay a visit to the Brewery.

"We feel it is only right to highlight some positive news and support to minority groups that are working hard and providing badly needed services, they said.

"The Irish emigrated all over the world and were welcomed into the communities, in general. We were in government, within a decade in USA. We were lucky enough to meet in Goa and received a wonderful welcome there from all the locals and returned there for many years.

The couple who live in Kenmare have sent a message to all the local hotels and nursing homes and to local social media sites to get the word out that the Indian Community are invited to share a drink with them at the brewery on Wednesday, September 3 from 5-7pm.

Both alcohol and non-alcohol options are produced at the brewery including their latest product HOP2MIST - a hop infused sparkling water.

Local musicians have also come on board to perform on the evening having heard about the evening to support Indians living in Kenmare.
A major fundraising drive has been launched for the centre ahead of its re-opening

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has launched an online fundraising campaign aimed at supporting the fit out of its National Kidney Support Centre. Pictured at a photocall was Clodagh OShea (age 15) from Killorglin, who underwent a kidney transplant at CHI Temple Street in 2016 thanks to her kidney donor father Tim. Picture Conor McCabe Photography. MEDIA CONTACT: Gwen ODonoghue, IKA, Tel. 086 8241447 email gwen@ika.ie

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has launched an online fundraising campaign aimed at supporting the fit out of its National Kidney Support Centre. Pictured at a photocall was Clodagh OShea (age 15) from Killorglin, with her parents Tim and Georgina. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has announced the return of its much-valued National Kidney Support Centre (NKSC) on the grounds of Beaumont hospital. It is scheduled to re-open in Spring 2026, following extensive renovation and modernisation. The centre will once again support kidney patients and their families who must travel to Dublin for vital treatment and appointments.

And one Kerry family is more than happy to lend its support to the centre having benefited from this vital service during their difficult journey through kidney disease.

The OShea family from Killorglin have nothing but praise for the Irish Kidney Association and their centre who helped them navigate the transplant process.

In October 2016, Tim OShea donated a kidney to his daughter Clodagh, who was just six years old at the time. Now 15, shes thriving, but Tim says their journey through kidney disease has been long and difficult and it was great to have support when needed.

"The IKAs National Kidney Support Centre was always there as a lifeline. Living in Kerry, we faced 640 kilometres round trip to Dublin for her care. The centre gave us a safe, supportive place to stay near the hospitals, easing the burden of travel, especially during early morning appointments. he said.

"When I was being screened as a donor, the Centre supported me too. On transplant day, I had surgery at Beaumont while Clodagh was in Temple Street. At what was a time of great uncertainty, having the Support Centre there to allow our family to be close by was a great comfort for all of us, he said.

It has been almost 10 years since Clodaghs transplant but of course she must attend regular check-ups.

This time Clodagh and her father up bright and early to catch a 5.05 am train to Dublin for 15-year-old kidney transplant recipient Clodaghs appointment at CHI Temple Street before travelling over to the Support Centre to take part in the photo call for the launch of the re-opening of the centre.

"Even now, we benefit from the IKAs provision of interim accommodation when attending regular check-ups in Dublin. As Clodagh moves to adult care, knowing this support continues brings huge peace of mind. Ill always be grateful to the IKA and the Centre. It gave our family dignity, comfort, and hope during our hardest times, said Tim.

The family are support the fundraising campaign which has been launched to help complete the final phase of its transformation.

The IKA has launched a dedicated online fundraising campaign at www.supportkidneycentre.ie aimed at supporting the Centres 1.3 million renovation and fit-out and ensuring that it remains a safe, convenient, and sustainable place of rest and support run by the organisation and free of charge to families from across Ireland.

With a fundraising target of 250,000 for the renovation, the campaign invites the public, corporate partners, and supporters to help restore this essential resource for the kidney community.

First opened in March 2000, the NKSC is located on the grounds of Beaumont Hospital, home to the HSEs National Kidney Transplant Service, and is conveniently situated less than 200 meters from the hospitals front doors. The Centre is owned and operated by the Irish Kidney Association and is funded through public fundraising.

Patients from outside of the Dublin commuter belt typically stay while attending clinic appointments related to their kidney health at Beaumont Hospital, CHI at Temple Street or Crumlin Childrens hospital. The facilities are also available to kidney patients, and families, attending Beaumont hospital as out-patients.

The Centre closed in March 2020, when it was temporarily sequestered by Beaumont Hospital in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was formally returned to the Irish Kidney Association in November 2024 and is now undergoing a full refurbishment to meet modern standards and continue serving kidney patient and their families for decades to come.

The centre, when reopened, will once again provide kidney patients and their families with free, safe overnight accommodation and day-time refuge, easing the physical, emotional, and financial strain of treatment away from home.

Crucially, the National Kidney Support Centre (NKSC) helps alleviate financial pressures on already burdened patients and their families, removing the costs of hotels, overnight parking, and extended or unnecessary travel all of which add up over time.

The online fundraising website allows the public to choose to gift from a menu of items needed to fit out the centre (from bedding or kitchen utensils, to furniture0, purchase a voucher for the Centre in amounts from 20 upwards or donate via Corporate Giving packages from 5,000 upwards
Stephen Fernane: Why the presidency gives Sinn Fein a chance to offload Mary Lou

Stephen Fernane insists Mary Lou running for president is a Sinn Fein solution to a stagnant leadership that few in the party are willing to discuss openly

Mary Lou's leadership dilemma and the presidency.

Stephen Fernane Kerryman Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 08:00

When Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald appeared on a giant television screen at the opening of a Wolfe Tones gig in Limerick in July, she was appealing directly to a voter base that is leaking fast.
Limerick Animal Welfare are desperately seeking donations

Limerick Animal Welfare say the brown puppy (pictured) is 'hanging on'

A heart-breaking update has been shared by Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) following the rescue of three severely neglected puppies.

Despite the efforts of rescuers, two black puppies found abandoned in Limerick have passed away. A small brown puppy remains alive and is receiving care.

According to Limerick Animal Welfare, the puppies were found cold, infested with fleas, and their coats were covered in dried blood caused by the heavy flea burden.

After their mothers death, The Haven Rescue offered a nursing mother to feed the young dogs.

LAW described the scene as palpable cruelty and neglect, while a member of LAW called it, One of the worst flea infestations I think Ive ever seen.

The news has sparked an emotional response from the public.

One person wrote: Whats the world coming to? Is there no empathy anymore for our beautiful fur babies? I have to say Im struggling with all this cruelty. Thank you all for doing your very best to help them.

Another commenter said: My heart is broken for those poor little babies. How can people be so cruel?

Many also expressed gratitude to the rescue team, with one message reading: Thank you Limerick Animal Welfare for doing everything you could do to save these babies. Ye are fantastic people.

Limerick Animal Welfare are urging members of the public to donate in any way possible. From money and pet food to recovery suits and cleaning supplies.
Dont tell us were invaluable  show us were invaluable says striking school secretary

Gina Byrne from Birdhill NS says "talk is cheap" as she joins 100 Tipperary school staff in indefinite strike action over pension inequality that the Department had weeks to address

Gina Byrne is the school secretary at Birdhill NS taking part in the Forsa trade union's strike action on behalf of school secretaries and caretakers .

Eoin Kelleher Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 17:20

A Tipperary school secretary taking part in Forsa trade union strike action has hit out at the Department of Education for the inaction that has led to her and her colleagues taking to the picket lines.
Students in Gorey may have to engage with remote learning due to the ongoing strikes amongst secretarial and caretaking staff.

Principal of Gorey Community School, Michael Finn, said if the strike continues into next week, a plan will be put in place to allow students from some years to return to the school to receive their individual timetables and work remotely. Currently, the school is only open to first and sixth year students.

He said it is not an ideal situation to be in, but said it is not tenable to open the school to all returning students safely during the ongoing strike.

He also announced that third year students would return to school with sixth year students on Monday, September 1, instead of first year students. Mr Finn said he will update parents on the strike action over the weekend after monitoring the situation.

He said he recognised the difficulties the strike is causing for students and families and hopes a resolution can be reached over the weekend.

First year and sixth year students remain the only classes that returned to school today, Friday, August 29, as secretarial and caretaking staff are not present.

Mr Finn issued a notice to parents yesterday stating the canteen would not be in service and students would need to bring a packed lunch.

Principal of Gorey Community School Michael Finn.

The Forsa Strike Action commenced on Thursday, August 28, after talks at the Workplace Relations Commission failed to come to a solution on a dispute regarding pensions.

While its certainly creating an inconvenience for the school and students, I can understand the logic behind it, Mr Finn added.

He advised students and parents from other year groups to not try to access the school building during this time.

Mr Finn said the situation will be monitored on a day to day basis to ensure the safety of all staff and students.
GAA President Jarlath Burns on importance of unity while Hollywood actor delivers personal message at Kennedy Summer School

Colin Farrell recorded personal message ahead of the screening of From That Small Island saying he hoped audiences were moved by the vision of the film

Kennedy Summer school in St Michaels theatre. Jarlath Burns GAA president talking to local club Geraldine O'Hanrahans children. Photo; Mary Browne

Jessica O'Connor New Ross Standard Thu 28 Aug 2025 at 22:24

Young players from the Wexford club, Geraldine OHanrahans were filled with excitement as they gathered at the gate of St. Michaels Theatre on Thursday evening as they prepared to welcome the President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, to New Ross in his professional capacity.
The Diocese of Ferns will see a number of clerical changes in September, following a series of retirements and appointments which were announced this week.

The appointments and retirements, which were announced by Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash, are effective from Monday, September 15.

A number of well-known priests, who have decades of service throughout the diocese between them, will be retiring from active Ministry.

They include: Msgr Denis Lennon, who will retire from his role as Co-PP in Clonard Parish; Fr Jim Finn, who will retire from his role as Co-PP in Crossabeg/Ballymurn; Fr Ray Gahan, who will retire from his role as Co-PP in Kilaveney; Fr Lar OConnor, who will retire from his role as Co-PP in Bunclody.

Fr Paddy Cushen will retire from his role as Co-PP in Ferns Bunclody Pastoral Area and will remain in Ferns to assist in the Pastoral Area.

Following on from these retirements, Bishop Nash has also announced the following appointments:

Fr Roger ONeill, Co-PP Cushinstown will become Director of Vocations and Youth Ministry in the Diocese with responsibility for administration in Cushinstown/Newbawn area. He will also be appointed part time Diocesan Secretary. The pastoral care of Cushinstown/Newbawn will be carried out by the priests of the Pastoral area.

Fr Odhran Furlong, Chaplain at Wexford General Hospital will become Co-PP in the New Ross Pastoral Area, residing in New Ross.

Fr Brian Whelan, Co-PP in New Ross will become Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Kilrush Pastoral Area, resident in Ferns.

Fr David Murphy, will return from Chaplaincy to the Army to become Co-PP in the Annacurra, Carnew Kilanerin, Pastoral Area, resident in Tinahely

Fr John Byrne Co-PP in the Ferns Bunclody Kilrush Pastoral area will be resident in Bunclody

The pastoral care of the parishes of Ballymurn/Crossabeg will be carried out by the priests of the Pastoral Area.

Fr Eamon Salmon, recently ordained, will be resident in Wexford Town with responsibility for Chaplaincy at Wexford General Hospital.

The pastoral care of Clonard will be the responsibility of the Wexford Pastoral area with one priest resident in Clonard.

Moderators to the Ferns Bunclody Pastoral area and to the New Ross, Cushinstown, Adamstown, Newbawn Pastoral area will be appointed in the coming weeks.
The recently refurbished Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre will host a diverse range of arts performances and installations this September that include an 11-man Cork guitar band, an immersive exhibition and a trio of trad musicians.

Launching on Sunday, September 7, at 3pm, Joy will see Cork-based visual artist Ben Reilly transform the Courthouse Gallery into an immersive sculptural forest-like landscape, with welded and carved limbs stretching skyward and a floating life raft swaying through the gallery, all of which respond to the gallerys height and natural light.

Drawing from beach combing excursions around the coastal landscape of west Cork, Reilly integrates found and foraged materials, reflecting themes of reuse and ecological connection. His process  part instinct, part experimentation  blurs the line between control and spontaneity.

Visitors can expect etchings and large-scale sculptures that echo natures joy of movement and form, shaped through casting, carving, welding and intuitive construction. The evolving, floating forest invites reflection on landscape, memory, and the unseen logic of making.

Joy runs until September 27 and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10am and 4pm.

From 11am to 4pm on Saturday, September 13, Roxana Manochehri will host a workshop inspired by stained glass and reverse painting, using simple materials to work on transparent surfaces such as glass, acrylic perspex and acetate.

Starting by looking at some examples in historical building windows in Europe and the Middle East, participants will practice on a piece of acetate on how to use contouring paste. Droppers and special glass paints will be used instead of brushes, and by the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a sheet of acetate that looks like a stained glass painting.

Roxana provides ready-made printed patterns to save time, but participants who were in the pattern-making workshop can use their own patterns.

The beginner-friendly workshop is open to all levels, but is suitable for participants over 14 years old. Tickets are 35 via courthousearts.ie, with a light lunch included.

Music Network will return to the Tinahely Courthouse on Sunday, September 14, at 8pm for its autumn season with a very special new collaboration.

The tour brings together the phenomenal vocal blend of Connemara siblings and RTE Folk Awards 2024 Best Emerging Artists Seamus and Caoimhe Ui Fhlatharta, alongside outstanding pianist and TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2024 Composer of the Year Ryan Molloy. Marrying traditional and contemporary music, with exquisite harmonies and masterful arrangements intertwining to create something truly special, their performance will also feature a new Music Network commission by Ryan Molloy.

With voices that transcend time and a pianist of remarkable sensitivity, this trio seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, bridging past and present for what promises to be an unforgettable performance.

Tickets are 22/20.

The Courthouse will host a free event with a troupe of performers as part of Culture Night (September 19) when they welcome the acclaimed White Horse Guitar Club, who have played sold-out tours, amassed millions of online views, and performed for President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Aras an Uachtarain.

The eleven-man band formed after an open call by Joe Carey at The White Horse pub in Cork, and what began as a casual gathering around songs and stories has grown into a celebrated musical force, praised for its rich harmonies, emotional resonance, and soulful reinterpretation of folk, Americana, and traditional Irish music.

The White Horse Guitar Club has proudly announced the upcoming release of Sos Beag, their second studio album. Due out Friday, October 3, the new record is a quiet call to pause, reconnect, and lean into the power of shared song, and was recorded slowly and soulfully upstairs at their hometown pub.

Tickets can be booked at courthousearts.ie

Wrapping up the September events at the Courthouse, the Wicklow Artists Salon will host a special Saturday Salon that is free to all Wicklow artists on September 27, from 11.15am to 5pm.

The salon will begin in Tomnafinnoge Forest near Tinahely with visual artist Kasia Kaminska and inclusive dance artist Jess Rowell taking attendees for an inspiring walk.

Afterwards, at the Courthouse, Kasia will facilitate the making of cyanotype prints, and Jess will guide guests in a mindful movement exploration, with a lunch courtesy of the Courthouse.

If youre new to dancing or visual art, please dont worry, as both artists are accustomed to working with people of a wide range of abilities, an organiser said.

The emphasis, as always, will be on participants getting to know their peers, learning about perhaps unfamiliar art forms, and enjoying themselves.

Tickets for the salon are free, but booking is essential. A return bus for participants from the Bray area is 10. The bus will depart at 10am sharp. More details will be emailed to participants closer to the event.
The family of the late Gerard Fitzgerald, from Bray, have thanked all those who supported them during their two-month ordeal, after Gerard had been reported missing from the town on Monday, June 23.

Gardai stood down the search for Gerard last Friday, August 22, after a body was found in Dublin.

His brother, Neil, wished to make the following statement: On behalf of my family, I want to thank everyone who supported us over the past weeks in the search for my brother, Gerard.

"The kindness and support from people in Bray, the wider community, the gardai, and all the services and individuals who assisted has meant a great deal to us at this very difficult time. Every act of help, from sharing posts, putting up posters, or sending a message, made a difference, and we are deeply grateful.

Gerard, described as a gentle soul, is sadly missed aby his parents Kathleen and Gerry, siblings Tracey, Neil and Leo, sister-in-law Lucinda, nieces Holly and Olivia, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many driends.

He will repose at Colliers Funeral Home, Old Connaught Avenue, Bray on Friday, August 29, from 4pm to 6pm. The removal will take place on Saturday, August 30, at 9.30am, walking from the funeral home to St Peters Church, Little Bray, arriving for a funeral mass and celebration of life at 10am, followed by cremation in the Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium at 12.15pm.
Stephen Stokes meeting with Viv Collins, who is chair of the Wicklow branch of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association. Photo: Leigh Anderson

For Stephen Stokes, there are three things you need to do to be an effective county councillor.

Listen, work hard and answer your emails.

He says that quite definitively but its fair to assume he knows what hes talking about.

The former Mayor of Greystones, who was co-opted onto Wicklow County Council in 2022 following the resignation of independent councillor Mags Crean, is no stranger to the spotlight.

Within two years of taking his council seat, Cllr Stokes had already been appointed Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District, a role which helped him top the poll following the local election in June 2024.

On a visit to his home office in Charlesland, its hard to ignore the boundless energy and determination he has to get the job done.

I have lived in this area for most of my life, its a very family friendly neighbourhood and through my involvement with local groups and clubs you get to meet people and hear what they are passionate about.

Those three things I mentioned are so important, because people put their trust in you with their vote, so there is a responsibility to honour that commitment. Answering emails quickly makes people feel seen and heard and you should never underestimate the power of that.

I love talking to people and hearing their views about the district and its future potential. Those conversations will often feed into my thoughts about what should be raised in the council chamber.

Cllr Stephen Stokes in Greystones. Photo: Leigh Anderson

Today's News in 90 Seconds - Friday, August 29

Shortly before 9.30am on a dull and cloudy Wednesday morning in mid-August, we are sitting in his office waiting for the first of four appointments in his role as Peace Commissioner.

Stephen was appointed a Peace Commissioner in 2023 by then Justice Minister Simon Harris, a role that brings special powers to make statutory declarations and witness signatures for members of the community.

Peace Commissioners are responsible for several tasks, including taking statutory declarations and oaths, witnessing signatures on documents required by various authorities, and signing certificates and orders under a range of Acts.

Currently Stephen is the only one who holds this role in the area, but despite that, he is committed to serving the community in a voluntary capacity, with many people looking for his signature.

"Quite a number of people have been referred to me and there is always a range of issues that people need help with. Today for example we met somebody who needed clearance for summer provision, which is popular for teachers at this time of the year. Whenever I can, I am always happy to help.

I also offer monthly advice clinics in Greystones, Newcastle and Delgany, in case anyone wishes to reach out and avail of my services. The clinics take place on the second Saturday of each month."

A year into this council term, Stephen believes the three main issues he raised on the campaign trail are still as important as ever.

Investment in roads, schools and public transport are still badly needed. Infrastructure is not keeping pace locally. The demand for housing continues to outstrip demand.

With his experience in education, Stephen believes investment in schools is critical. He was on the founding committee of Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath and has seen success in delivering school facilities.

After a prolonged delay, Greystones Community College now needs to be built without any further delay. However, it is concerning that there are no prospects in the short to medium term for a new secondary school in Newtownmountkennedy, which would benefit residents in both Killadreenan and Newcastle.

On road infrastructure, Stephen says it remains a matter of priority.

I have reported dozens of trip hazards and potholes over the past year, and they always get a big response when I post about them on social media. I am grateful to the council outdoor team, but they need more staff to do the work. The truth is the Greystones Municipal District operates without the proper resources and staffing.

As a lifelong commuter, Stephen also believes that further investment is needed for public transport.

While it is not always perfect, efforts are being made to improve public transport options in and around the town. The bus and train should provide a viable alternative for people who may not want to drive, but of course there are those who will need to use the car.

Cllr Stokes chairs the Transport and Emergency Services Special Policy Committee of Wicklow County Council, which allows him to advocate for improving public transport and sustainable infrastructure.

There are some key headline projects in the pipeline that we know are due to be delivered over the coming years and I do believe they will come to fruition.

"Its all about giving people real alternatives. The benefits of extending the Luas line into Bray or getting the Dart extension to Kilcoole and Wicklow town in place will be significant. In my role as committee chair, Ive learned to keep asking questions and not allow these projects fall off the agenda.

A huge part of the work a councillor does can go widely unnoticed. Thats why Stephen feels its important to maintain ties with local community organisations, stakeholders and volunteer groups.

In the early afternoon, we pay a trip to a local coffee shop to meet with Viv Collins, who is chair of the Wicklow branch of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association.

Post 21 (Wicklow Branch) offers ongoing member support to veterans who have served with the United Nations. They also continue to serve the wider County Wicklow community with charitable efforts, including festive hampers for those in need.

During our conversation, Viv outlined his ambition to hold a local ceremony in Greystones marking the National Day of Commemoration on July 11.

The date in 1921 marks the day when a truce was signed ending the Irish War of Independence. The principal ceremony is normally held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.

I think it would be tremendous if we could organise some kind of local event next year to mark the anniversary. Minister Harris has been supportive to us in the past and we would extend an invitation for him to attend in his role as Defence Minister. I know Stephen will help us explore the logistics of this event over the coming months and what role the council could play too.

Before we part ways, Stephen heads towards the newly opened Cois Droichead social housing estate for a leaflet drop to new residents and highlights the need for a pedestrian crossing on the Kindlestown Lower Road (R761). Cllr Stokes has been contacted by local residents who believe that a safe, designated pedestrian crossing is long overdue.

In my role as councillor there is always something to do. Sure, the workload can seem overwhelming looking from the outside in, but Ive learned to prioritise what is important. The public will often lead you in the right direction and most of the time its the small things that people care about. Its important I keep myself visible to others and let them know Im here.

When asked about how Wicklow County Council could improve how it operates Stephen said there is always room for improvement.

I lived in Greater Manchester for six years where I was involved in local politics. I served as president of the Bury Liberal Democrats and learnt a great deal about many local issues during that time.

Local politics in the UK is obviously on a much bigger scale but they are very efficient and set very high standards. The system is very results driven and all the various council staff are held to a very rigorous account.

I think there are elements of that approach that may work well over here. Perhaps as a group of 32 councillors we should work together more to see how the system could be improved.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Senator McCarthy at the memorial to the fallen in Kyiv.

Co-founder and chairman of Tiglin  the Wicklow-based charity that addresses addiction, homelessness, and social exclusion  Senator Aubrey McCarthy, highlighted the bonds of friendship that exist "from Greystones to Kyiv, after his visit to Ukraine to mark Independence Day.

Senator McCarthy  who recently revealed he would seriously consider running for president  was representing Ireland at Ukraines Independence Day celebrations and the National Prayer Breakfast, on Sunday, August 24.

His presence was to mark a strong gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed Irelands commitment to supporting Ukraines sovereignty and democratic future.

With centres at Coolnagreina in Greystones, and Loreto in Bray, Tiglin has been a consistent provider of support and accommodation to those Ukrainians who have been displaced since the war began, following the Russian invasion, in February 2022.

While in Kyiv, Senator McCarthy held a series of meetings with senior Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Speaker of the House Ruslan Stefanchuk and 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.

"Being in Ukraine today is both humbling and inspiring, said Senator McCarthy. From the resilience etched into the faces of those Ive met, to the quiet strength that fills Independence Square, every moment here is a reminder of what it means to fight for freedom.

Standing beside President Zelensky, I felt the weight of solidarity and the urgency of support. At the memorial to the fallen, I was moved beyond words. These are not just symbols of sacrifice; they are stories of courage, of families, of futures defended. Ireland stands with Ukraine. And Im proud to carry that message here, in person

Ireland stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, he continued. Their courage in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder of the values we share, freedom, dignity, and peace. From Greystones to Kyiv, the bonds of friendship grow stronger.

The National Prayer Breakfast, hosted under the patronage of President Zelenskyy, 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.

As convenor of the Ukraine-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, Senator McCarthys visit builds on Irelands ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian refugees and promote cultural integration, including community initiatives in Wicklow and Greystones.
Amelie McAndrew, from Temple Carrig School, Greystones, whose work was exhibited at the 26th International High School Arts Festival which took place in Tokyo.

A prize-winning artwork by a Wicklow student, chosen from this years Texaco Childrens Art Competition, was one of only four Irish paintings selected to be exhibited at the 26th International High School Arts Festival, which took place in Tokyo recently.

The painting, entitled Beach Day, won third prize in this years Texaco Childrens Art Competition for 17-year old Amelie McAndrew, from Temple Carrig School, in Greystones.

The artwork, which judges said featured an arresting scream of a child, was among nine artworks submitted by Wicklow students to win top prizes in the 71st year of the competition, in April this year. However, Amelie was the only student to go forward for the showcase in Japan.

Sponsored by the International Foundation for Arts and Culture, the International High School Arts Festival is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious exhibitions to take place in Tokyo annually. Described as a showcase for the worlds best young artistic talent, it featured the top 500 artworks selected from up to 15,000 works submitted by students worldwide.

Commenting on her piece for the Texaco Childrens Art Competition, Irish visual artist, curator and educator Pauline O'Connell, said: Amelie utilises two perspectives (the subject looks up and we look down at her) along with impressive foreshortening, cold pink skin tones and expressive brushwork she captures the tenseness of the pose and arresting scream of the child.
Uisce Eireann has been criticised for the delay in carrying out maintenance works at the Murrough pumping station in Wicklow town, which continue to impact residents living in the area.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out an audit of both the Greystones and Wicklow town wastewater treatment plants in January of this year and recommended that independent monitoring of the facilities take place to properly assess the extent of the odour problem and identify the necessary corrective actions.

Following correspondence with Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow John Brady, Uisce Eireann have confirmed that an assessment of the pumping station wont take place until early 2026, and only then will a decision be made on whether to proceed with works.

Deputy Brady has been raising the issues of foul odours at the Murrough pumping station with both Uisce Eireann and the EPA since 2019. While some minor works were carried out, they have only provided short-term relief and have not solved the issue for residents in the area.

Deputy Brady had met with Uisce Eireann in March of this year to press the importance of urgent action.

As recently as May, Uisce Eireann stated they would be prioritising upgrades at the Murrough pumping station due to the aging infrastructure.

Uisce Eireann now seem to be rowing back on their commitment and pushing this issue further down the line. While they say they will act on any recommendations, this is yet another delay. That is not acceptable for residents who continue to live with this daily problem.

Deputy Brady highlighted that while independent monitoring is welcome, it cannot stop at assessments and reports.

If the monitoring identifies the need for improvements in odour abatement systems, then Uisce Eireann must ensure funding is in place and that these works are prioritised. Residents deserve no less.

Deputy Brady has called for immediate action from both Uisce Eireann and the minister.

I have written to the Minister, who has ultimate responsibility for the utility, to ensure that this is treated as a priority.

"I will continue to monitor this issue closely to make sure it is addressed as soon as is possible and in a way that delivers a long-term solution for the local community. he added.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The Duke of Sussex praised the service and dedication of those who served in the Far East (Jeremy Selwyn/Standard/PA)

Prince Harry will return to the London next month to attend the WellChild Awards, marking a rare trip coinciding with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIs death.

The trip has sparked talk that the Duke of Sussex could meet his father, King Charles III, for the first time in 19 months.

A source told The Mirror: There is a determination on both sides to make this happen.

Nobody is pretending the wider family issues have been resolved, but this is about beginning with Charles and Harry.

"For the first time in a long time, theres a genuine sense that reconciliation is within reach. Prince Harrys team and the Palace have opened a line of communication, and there is every hope that father and son will see one another when the Duke returns to London in September."

Harry, 40, is expected in the UK on September 8 to celebrate the achievements of seriously ill children and their families.

It will be the 15th time Harry has attended the ceremony in his role as patron, a position he has held for 17 years.

As in previous years, Harry will meet winners and their loved ones at a private reception before presenting an award to a child aged between four and six. The annual event, now in its 20th year, honours the strength of young people living with complex health needs and the commitment of parents, carers and health professionals who support them.

In a statement, Harry said: I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and the couples children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will remain at home in California, it is understood.

The possible father-and-son meeting comes after Harrys chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, met the Kings press secretary Tobyn Andreae for discussions at the Royal Overseas League in London earlier in the summer.

In May, Harry spoke of his anguish over the broken-down relationship with the King, after losing his legal challenge to retain police protection while in the UK.

He said he would love a reconciliation with his family but added the King wont speak to me because of this security stuff.

I do not know how much longer my father has, he said. Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with cancer and had begun treatment.

Harry and Meghan were due to attend the awards in September 2022, but the death of Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral that day forced them to withdraw. The Duke later spoke to winners via video call and apologised for not being there in person.

In his memoir Spare, he recalled the difficult days following his grandmothers passing, when he and Meghan were separated from their children for almost three weeks.

Last years WellChild Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel drew a star-studded crowd including Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Rylan Clark, KSI, Oti Mabuse, Beverley Knight and Pixie Lott, hosted by Gaby Roslin.

WellChild chief executive Matt James said: Across the UK, more and more families are caring for children with serious and complex medical needs. The awards give us the opportunity to recognise and celebrate their resilience and the extraordinary people who support them every single day.

Harrys visit comes just over a week before the King is due to host US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania on a state visit beginning September 17.
The incredibly rare stones, going under the hammer with their original diamond brooch settings, have been independently tested and verified

Very rare early 20th-century Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch with cluster design and 8.24ct oval sapphire, circa 1900 (est 200,000 - 300,000) at Adam's

Both Kashmir sapphires were removed from their settings for testing, and will not be remounted for the sale at Adam's, but come with their original jewellery pieces

When the Irish American heiress, Katharine Howard, died in 1990, she left a considerable fortune behind her. Her money went to the Katharine Howard Foundation, a charitable trust established in 1979, and her jewellery to a single beneficiary.

Nobody realised the value of the collection, which includes two Kashmir sapphires set in early 20th-century brooches. Theyre going under the hammer at Adams Fine Jewellery & Ladies Watches Auction on September 9.

In May 2025, a Kashmir sapphire weighing 6.22cts went under the hammer at Adams. It was estimated to sell for between 150,000 and 250,000.

Following a bidding war, it sold for a hammer price of 550,000, making it the most expensive item of jewellery sold in Ireland to date. The pair in the current sale are considered of similar quality.

Ironically, the brooches have spent the past 40 years languishing in a Dublin bank. They were valued by Adams in 1990, but not identified as Kashmir sapphires, says Claire Mestrallet, head of Jewellery & Watches at Adams.

The first brooch (Lot 46: est 150,000 to 250,000) dates from around 1905. Mestrallet estimates that the sapphire, weighing 6.53cts, to be of slightly better quality than the one she sold in May.

The second (Lot 47: est 200,000 to 300,000) includes an 8.24ct and dates from around 1900.

Its value is directly related to its size. A 6ct Kashmir sapphire is already very large, Mestrallet explains. An 8ct one is even rarer.

Very rare early 20th-century Kashmir sapphire and diamond brooch with cluster design and 8.24ct oval sapphire, circa 1900 (est 200,000 - 300,000) at Adam's

Kashmir sapphires were only mined between 1882 and 1887, and are considered the finest and rarest sapphires in the world. The odds of discovering three high-quality Kashmir sapphires in one auction house are impossibly high.

You wait for one in your career and then you get two more in the same year! Mestrallet says. Within the world of gemstones and collectors, its big deal. When I told my mother, she asked me for six numbers for the lottery.

The two sapphires are set in their original pieces of jewellery, but have been removed from their settings for testing and will not be reset for the sale.

Both are accompanied by recent reports from two laboratories in Switzerland and one in London, stating the weight of the sapphire, and that they are of Kashmir origin and show no indications of heating.

Both Kashmir sapphires were removed from their settings for testing, and will not be remounted for the sale at Adam's, but come with their original jewellery pieces

When Mestrallet sold the Kashmir sapphire ring in May, she already had the brooches in her safe deposit box. She strongly suspected that these two were Kashmir sapphires, but decided to wait until the May auction was over before having them tested. I didnt want to word to be out that I had another two coming up, she says.

The brooches come from an Irish American collection with a back story that could have been written by F Scott Fitzgerald.

They were a wedding present to May Emily Sands (1879-1941) from her parents. Mays father was the banker Benjamin Aymar Sands (1853-1917).

The Sands family, who came from New York, were old money and high society. They were associated with Sands Point, Long Island, believed to have influenced Fitzgeralds peninsula of East Egg in The Great Gatsby.

The bridegroom, Hugh Melville Howard, was the younger son of the sixth Earl of Wicklow, based at Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow. It was a classic marriage of Irish lineage and American money.

Their wedding at St Andrews Dune Church at Southampton, Long Island, in September 1908, was lovingly reported in the New York Times: The historic little church on the sand dunes  was massed with oak leaves, with a rosette of fine white daisies at the head of each pew.

The brides gown was of heavy brocaded satin, overlaid with the same handsome duchesse lace that was worn by her grandmother, the late Mrs Samuel Sands, on her wedding day.

The best man, Mervyn Wingfield, brother of the bridegroom, was too late to make the wedding. He had travelled to New York on the Mauretania, which was delayed by fog.

Sadly, the couple did not find lasting happiness. Hugh died of pneumonia in 1919, and May was institutionalised due to poor mental health.

Their children, Katharine and Cecil, went to live with their uncle the seventh Earl of Wicklow at Shelton Abbey, where they occupied a wing of the great house in the care of a housekeeper. It sounds miserable. They spent their summer holidays with their grandmother Amy Sands, who left her fortune to Katharine.

See adams.ie
Russian and North Korean leaders set to attend military parade in Beijing

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will make his first visit to China in six years to attend a military parade next week, the two countries said yesterday, in an event that would bring him together with a large group of world leaders for the first time since taking office in late 2011.

With Russian president Vladimir Putin also coming for the parade, the event will underline the three-way alignment among Beijing, Moscow and Pyongyang in the face of a US push to bolster its alliances with South Korea and Japan.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Photo: AP

Today's News in 90 Seconds - Friday, August 29

North Koreas state media said Mr Kim was invited to visit China by president Xi Jinping. Mr Kim will be among 26 foreign leaders who attend next Wednesdays parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and Chinas resistance against Japans wartime aggressions, Chinas foreign ministry said.

We warmly welcome General Secretary Kim Jong Un to China to attend the commemorative events, Hong Lei, Chinas assistant minister of foreign affairs, told a press conference. Upholding, consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is a firm position of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government.

DPRK refers to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, North Koreas official name.

Since inheriting power upon his fathers death in December 2011, Mr Kim has met Mr Xi, Putin, US president Donald Trump, former South Korean president Moon Jae-in and others.

But all those summits were bilateral meetings and Mr Kim has not attended any big multilateral events with foreign leaders.

Given that other leaders attending are mostly from pro-Russia and pro-Chinese countries, Kim likely intends to form solidarity with those Global South countries while showing hes leader of a normal country, said Moon Seong Mook, an analyst for the Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for National Strategy.

Observers say Mr Kim is likely emboldened by his countrys expanding co-operation with Russia, which has helped him bear the brunt of US-led sanctions and break out of diplomatic isolation.

North Korea has been supplying troops and ammunition to support Russias war against Ukraine in return for economic and military assistance.

Others coming for the parade include the leaders of Iran, Belarus, Serbia, Cuba, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Malaysia. No leaders from major Western countries including the US are expected to attend, in part because of their differences with Putin over the war in Ukraine. The parade is expected to feature some of Chinas newest weaponry and a speech by Mr Xi.

China, North Korea and Russia are embroiled in separate confrontations with the US, but they have not formed a clear three-way alliance so far. Mr Xi, Putin and Mr Kim have not met in trilateral formats, though they have met one another bilaterally.

Kims attendance is significant for his own international stature, but it also holds weight in the balance of alliances between the US and China, said Soo Kim, a former CIA analyst.

Xi, Putin, and now Kim attending the parade cements a visible statement about the alignment between the three countries.

The three leaders likely share desires to check the strengthening co-operation among the US, South Korea and Japan, which have been meeting regularly and expanding trilateral military exercises. Despite their shared goals, it is not clear how far China, North Korea and Russia will go to further cement ties.

China remains the largest purchaser of Russian oil and technology provider supporting the Russian war machine, though it is officially neutral in the conflict.

China has also long been North Koreas biggest trading partner and main aid provider, but there have been questions about their relations in recent years. Chinese group tours to North Korea have remained suspended for years.

Mr Kims visit to China could also be related to efforts to restart diplomacy with Trump, who has repeatedly highlighted his relationship with Mr Kim and expressed his hopes to resume talks.

In all, Mr Kim traveled to China four times from 2018 to 2019 to meet Mr Xi. His first and fourth visits happened just before he met Mr Trump for their earlier high-stakes nuclear negotiations.

Pyongyangs illicit cooperation with Moscow has strained ties with Beijing, even as Chinas political and economic support remains vital for the North Korean regime, said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

To re-engage Trump from a position of strength, Kim seeks to repair relations with Xi, and attending the parade in Beijing is a highly visible way of doing that, Mr Easley said.
Sam Kiley: Kyiv attack proves Donald Trumps peace plans have failed  it is time for Europe to show leadership

A start would be halting the funding of Russias war on Ukraine

President Trump 'not happy' about Russian strike on Kyiv

Sam Kiley UK Independent Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

At least 19 people have been killed in another Russian drone and missile swarm attack on Ukraine. The offices of the European Union and the British Council were struck, along with a five-storey block of flats destroyed in Kyiv. Lots and lots of outrage. So what?
United Nations staff urge its rights chief to label Gaza conflict a genocide or risk undermining UN credibility

Letter to UNs High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk signed by quarter of his 2,000 global staff

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. Photo: Getty

Emma Farge Reuters Fri 29 Aug 2025 at 06:30

Hundreds of United Nations staff at the Office of the UNs High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Volker Turk have asked him to explicitly describe the Gaza war as an unfolding genocide.
Young survivors tell of traumatic moment attacker Robin Westman (23) opened fire

A girl at a vigil in Lynnhurst Park, Minneapolis, after the Annunciation Catholic Church school shooting on Wednesday. Photo: AP

Some children and teachers inside a Minneapolis church displayed remarkable courage under fire when an assailant began shooting at pupils attending a Catholic mass, medical officials said yesterday.

One pre-teen student at Annunciation Catholic Church during the deadly Wednesday morning attack took a shotgun blast to his back after putting his body in the line of fire trying to protect another child, county health officials said.
Lotto result today PCSO official daily draw summary

PCSO Lotto draws: 2D and 3D winning numbers for August 29, 2025

Draw Time 2D Lotto Results 3D Lotto Results 2 PM 29-31 8-7-6 5 PM 16-14 0-4-1 9 PM To be updated To be updated

PCSO Lotto Result Today 9 PM: Winning Numbers for August 29, 2025

Lotto Game Draw Time Winning Numbers 6/58 Ultra Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated 6/58 Ultra Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated 6/49 Super Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated 6/45 Mega Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated 6/42 Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated 6D Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated 4D Lotto 9:00 PM To be updated

Games included in PCSO daily lotto draws, August 29, 2025

How to check PCSO lotto results for August 29, 2025?

Visit the official PCSO website for the latest winning numbers after each draw.

Watch live PCSO lotto draws on PTV and authorized TV channels at 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM.

Follow PCSO's official Facebook and Twitter pages for real-time updates.

Use dedicated mobile apps like the official PCSO eLotto Results app, Lotto Results PH, or LottoVision for instant notifications.

Check with authorised PCSO lotto outlets for printed results or postings.

Access authorized websites and social media platforms that livestream the draws.

Use lotto ticket scanner apps like LottoVision to scan tickets and verify winnings.

PCSO lotto draw schedule, August 29, 2025

2:00 PM  Afternoon draw

5:00 PM  Evening draw

9:00 PM  Prime-time draw

FAQs

Lotto result today, August 29, 2025 OUT: Today, August 29, 2025, lotto enthusiasts can check the official winning numbers released by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for the 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM draws. The Swertres (3D) and EZ2 (2D) lotto games are drawn three times daily at these times, providing multiple chances to win throughout the day.Stay updated with the latest PCSO lotto results for all these draws to see if luck is on your side today. This schedule ensures timely announcements of winning numbers for a thrilling lotto experience.The official PCSO lotto result for today, August 29, 2025, includes the draws for Swertres (3D), EZ2 (2D), STL, and major jackpot games held at 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM.The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office releases these winning numbers to the public for all daily draws, covering games such as 6/58 Ultra Lotto, 6/55 Grand Lotto, 6/49 Super Lotto, 6/45 Mega Lotto, 6/42 Lotto, 6D Lotto, and 4D Lotto.Below are the winning numbers for the 2D and 3D Lotto games drawn today for August 29, 2025 listed:Below is the required winning numbers for August 29, 2025 of PCSO Lotto Result Today listed:The PCSO daily lotto draws on August 29, 2025, include a variety of popular games to maximize players' chances of winning. These games are Swertres (3D Lotto) and EZ2 (2D Lotto), both drawn three times daily at 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM.Additionally, the major jackpot games featured today are Ultra Lotto 6/58, Grand Lotto 6/55, Super Lotto 6/49, Mega Lotto 6/45, and Lotto 6/42. Other games include the 4D Lotto and 6D Lotto, along with STL Swer3 draws for Visayas and Mindanao regions held multiple times within the day.The PCSO conducts multiple draws daily to keep players engaged:1. What are the PCSO lotto results for August 29, 2025?Answer: The PCSO lotto results today, August 29, 2025, include winning numbers from the 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM draws. Games covered are 2D Lotto (EZ2), 3D Lotto (Swertres), and major draws like 6/58 Ultra Lotto, 6/49 Super Lotto, 6/45 Mega Lotto, and 6D and 4D Lotto.2. What time are the PCSO lotto results announced?Answer: Lotto results today are announced at three key times: 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM. This schedule applies to 2D Lotto, 3D Lotto, and STL Swer3, along with major jackpot games during the 9 PM draw.3. How can I check the PCSO lotto results for August 29, 2025?Answer: To check the PCSO lotto result today, visit the official PCSO website, watch the live draw on PTV, or use apps like PCSO eLotto Results or LottoVision. You can also follow PCSO on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates.4. Which games are included in the August 29, 2025 PCSO draws?Answer: Todays PCSO draws include Swertres (3D Lotto), EZ2 (2D Lotto), STL Swer3, and jackpot games like 6/58 Ultra Lotto, 6/49 Super Lotto, 6/45 Mega Lotto, 6/42 Lotto, 6D Lotto, and 4D Lotto.5. Where can I watch the PCSO lotto draw live?Answer: You can watch the PCSO lotto draw live today on PTV, or through PCSOs official social media pages. Some authorised websites and mobile apps also livestream the 2 PM, 5 PM, and 9 PM draws.Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels.For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events
Nagaland lottery sambad result today 29 August 2025 OUT:

Todays Nagaland lottery result: 29 August 2025 draw details

Nagaland Lottery result, August 29, 2025: Winning numbers for Dear Friday

How to check Nagaland lottery sambad result online?

Visit the official Nagaland State Lottery Sambad websites such as nagalandlotterysambad.com, nagalandlotteries.com, or lotterysambad.com.

Go to the Results section on the website.

Select the draw date and timing1 PM, 6 PM, or 8 PM drawfor which you want to check the result.

The winning numbers and prize details for that day's draw will be displayed clearly on the page.

Verify your lottery ticket number against the published results to see if you have won.

Nagaland Lottery result, August 29, 2025: Prize details for each draw

Prize Rank Amount (INR) No. of Winners 1st Prize 1,00,00,000 1 Consolation 1,000 Multiple 2nd Prize 9,000 Multiple 3rd Prize 450 Multiple 4th Prize 250 Multiple 5th Prize 120 Multiple

How to claim your Nagaland lottery prize for August 29, 2025?

Original signed winning ticket

PAN Card and Aadhaar Card copies

Four recent passport-sized photographs (not older than 3 months)

Cancelled cheque leaf of your bank account

Affidavit confirming ownership of the ticket, notarized by a first-class magistrate or notary public

FAQs

Nagaland Lottery Sambad Result for today, 29 August 2025, is now OUT! Players eagerly awaiting the winning numbers for the three daily draws at 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM can now check their tickets. Known for its transparent and regulated draws, Nagaland Lottery Sambad offers a chance to win exciting prizes, including a top prize of Rs. 1 crore.Whether it's the Dear Morning Sambad, Dear Evening Sambad, or Dear Night Sambad, today's results bring hope and excitement to lottery enthusiasts across the region. Stay tuned for the latest numbers and check your winning ticket now for a chance to change your fortunes today.Today's Nagaland Lottery Sambad result for 29 August 2025 includes three exciting draws held at 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM. The draws are named Dear Meghna Friday (1 PM), Dear Dasher Friday (6 PM), and Dear SeaGull Friday (8 PM). Each draw offers a grand first prize of Rs. 1 crore along with other prize categories.The ticket price for the lottery is Rs. 6. The results are officially announced and available for checking online shortly after the draw timings at approximately 1:10 PM, 6:10 PM, and 8:10 PM.Below is the required winning numbers for Nagaland Lottery result, August 29, 2025 for Dear Friday listed:1st Prize: 50K 006052nd Prize: 86201 11483 57933 98872 91198 53781 93810 18107 81969 475943rd Prize: 1410 2018 2845 2929 3025 3208 3744 5095 6225 93174th Prize: 1048 2520 2808 3152 5008 5139 5619 6537 7724 97535th Prize: 2902 0319 3944 4222 2506 4753 4412 8495 6256 0811 0262 4806 0966 1566 9953 7774 1322 6796 2346 5261 2524 1878 8204 4548 9573 3657 1204 3797 7155 2672 2523 6646 9979 1919 8285 7253 2564 2105 8443 4225 6528 8649 4904 5397 1038 2977 9515 8253 0439 5205 0153 5076 4450 4072 6715 0183 8662 6319 9788 6286 4390 1392 0440 4383 7521 5258 5874 2858 6787 7604 4003 3365 9844 8425 2445 7501 8565 5382 7098 4415 8794 4886 0453 2016 4006 3244 1009 5105 5029 3667 5374 6169 0939 9717 9293 5345 1855 2903 1254 43081st Prize: 85A 465782nd Prize: 08244 78638 25231 90730 70792 47496 10506 33530 82028 105163rd Prize: 9492 3354 2714 0532 5659 5957 4748 8808 5752 19554th Prize: 5229 7719 9501 2138 3876 2313 3521 8739 3897 68755th Prize: 6209 1071 9892 9914 2009 4233 3612 2338 0873 9969 3486 5764 4070 1326 9138 9181 1640 5726 0096 1798 3863 2196 2109 7577 6452 1220 1839 1228 2636 4186 9641 7903 9736 7252 2383 5294 1253 7339 7902 7722 8257 2849 8546 9372 2548 4997 7814 2565 3274 2364 3754 7556 3649 8971 2113 6682 8882 7266 1859 8967 5975 7081 6005 9415 2638 1580 0489 8822 4952 8394 8382 1054 6981 7195 4480 8583 5408 7332 9054 9957 6864 1800 1678 8263 2356 8371 5205 2485 1718 5328 7625 4182 5069 9306 2131 8818 3320 8888 3473 74861st Prize: 42H 757832nd Prize: 31183 34317 50395 58379 58604 64889 70081 90667 93805 944713rd Prize: 1373 1628 2622 3237 3673 5846 5866 7289 8389 92074th Prize: 0961 1804 2512 2554 2639 3228 3825 9358 9688 99225th Prize: 3959 1330 9254 5076 3102 0884 2881 7773 4652 4580 7562 0860 9890 2251 5383 3497 7683 4217 0475 8525 7452 1817 9585 9008 9133 6920 9897 0242 6129 8217 8973 7566 2426 5042 6712 0592 3080 4637 6993 7263 7067 6521 7647 0429 5282 3960 5043 1480 2147 8619 3730 8355 7503 4140 0482 5561 5405 2500 6228 0661 4873 8180 9756 3337 7276 4728 2119 6707 3290 4064 0747 6972 8884 9050 0072 1037 3521 8855 7906 6308 4438 3419 2331 7342 7829 5403 6748 8919 8600 9158 6834 0025 9484 5707 5950 6835 6073 7637 5644 1675To check the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result online, follow these steps:Below is the required prize details for each draw for Nagaland Lottery result, August 29, 2025 listed:To claim your Nagaland Lottery Sambad prize for the draw on August 29, 2025, follow these steps:1. Keep your original winning ticket safe and sign the back of it to establish ownership.2. Download and fill out the official prize claim form available on the Nagaland State Lottery's official website.3. Gather the required documents:4. Provide personal details on the claim form including name, address, contact information, profession, bank account number, IFSC code, and prize details.5. Submit the completed claim form and supporting documents physically to the Directorate of Nagaland State Lotteries at P.R. Hills Junction, Kohima, Nagaland, or to designated nodal offices in Kolkata, Mumbai, Ludhiana, Gangtok, or Meghalaya.6. Submit your claim within 30 days from the date of the draw.7. Prizes up to 10,000 can be claimed directly from authorized lottery retailers.8. Applicable tax deductions will be made for prizes above 10,000.1. What is the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result today, 29 August 2025?A: The Nagaland lottery sambad result today, 29 August 2025, has been officially released for the 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM draws. These include the Dear Meghna, Dear Dasher, and Dear SeaGull Friday draws, each offering a top prize of 1 crore.2. At what time are the Nagaland Lottery draws held on August 29, 2025?A: The Nagaland lottery sambad draws today, August 29, 2025, are conducted at 1 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM, with results announced shortly afteraround 1:10 PM, 6:10 PM, and 8:10 PM respectively.3. How can I check the Nagaland Lottery Sambad result online for August 29, 2025?A: To check the Nagaland lottery sambad result today, visit official websites like nagalandlotteries.com or lotterysambad.com. Select your draw time (1 PM, 6 PM, or 8 PM) in the Results section and match your ticket with the published numbers.4. What are the prize details for the Nagaland Lottery result today?A: The Nagaland lottery result for 29 August 2025 offers a 1 crore 1st prize, a 1,000 consolation prize, a 9,000 second prize, a 450 third prize, a 250 fourth prize, and a 120 fifth prize. Multiple winners are declared for each tier except the 1st prize.5. How do I claim a prize from the Nagaland Lottery Sambad draw on August 29, 2025?A: To claim a prize from the Nagaland lottery sambad result today, sign your winning ticket, fill out the official claim form, and submit it along with ID proof, photos, and a notariSed affidavit. Claims must be filed within 30 days at the Nagaland Lottery office or designated nodal centers.Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels.For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events
September 2025

Why September 2025 is Special for Holidays

Banks close for regional and national festivals.

Schools declare festive breaks for students.

The stock market operates without major weekday closures, offering traders clarity.

Families get the chance to plan outings, religious celebrations, or simply take a restful weekend.

September 2025 holidays

Bank Holidays in September 2025

bank holidays in September 2025

RBI guidelines

Complete List of Bank Holidays in September 2025

3 September 2025 (Wednesday)  Karma Puja: A tribal harvest festival celebrated in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.

 Karma Puja: A tribal harvest festival celebrated in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. 4 September 2025 (Thursday)  First Onam: Kerala begins Onam festivities, honouring King Mahabali with floral decorations and feasts.

 First Onam: Kerala begins Onam festivities, honouring King Mahabali with floral decorations and feasts. 5 September 2025 (Friday)  Id-E-Milad / Thiruvonam: Celebrated across several states; also Teachers Day in India.

 Id-E-Milad / Thiruvonam: Celebrated across several states; also Teachers Day in India. 6 September 2025 (Saturday)  Id-e-Milad / Indrajatra: Religious celebrations in many states, with Indrajatra observed in Sikkim and Manipur.

 Id-e-Milad / Indrajatra: Religious celebrations in many states, with Indrajatra observed in Sikkim and Manipur. 7 September 2025 (Sunday)  Weekly Holiday.

 Weekly Holiday. 12 September 2025 (Friday)  Friday after Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi: Observed in Jammu & Kashmir.

 Friday after Eid-i-Milad-ul-Nabi: Observed in Jammu & Kashmir. 13 September 2025 (Saturday)  Second Saturday Bank Holiday.

 Second Saturday Bank Holiday. 14 September 2025 (Sunday)  Weekly Holiday.

 Weekly Holiday. 22 September 2025 (Monday)  Navratra Sthapna: Beginning of Shardiya Navratri dedicated to Goddess Durga.

 Navratra Sthapna: Beginning of Shardiya Navratri dedicated to Goddess Durga. 23 September 2025 (Tuesday)  Birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji: Public holiday in Jammu & Kashmir.

 Birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji: Public holiday in Jammu & Kashmir. 27 September 2025 (Saturday)  Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday.

 Fourth Saturday Bank Holiday. 28 September 2025 (Sunday)  Weekly Holiday.

 Weekly Holiday. 29 September 2025 (Monday)  Maha Saptami / Durga Puja: Seventh day of Durga Puja.

 Maha Saptami / Durga Puja: Seventh day of Durga Puja. 30 September 2025 (Tuesday)  Maha Ashtami / Durga Puja: One of the grandest days of the festival, celebrated across India.

Tip: If youre managing important banking transactions, plan around these dates to avoid last-minute issues.

Stock Market Holidays in September 2025

School Holidays in September 2025

5 September (Friday)  Milad-Un-Nabi

 Milad-Un-Nabi 21 September (Sunday)  Bathukamma Starting Day (Telangana)

 Bathukamma Starting Day (Telangana) 22 September (Monday)  Durga Puja (Navratri Begins)

 Durga Puja (Navratri Begins) 29 September (Monday)  Durga Puja Saptami

 Durga Puja Saptami 30 September (Tuesday)  Durga Puja Mahashtami

Key Takeaways for September 2025 Holidays

Bank Holidays in September 2025: Spread across major festivals, weekends, and state-specific events.

Spread across major festivals, weekends, and state-specific events. Stock Market Holidays in September 2025: Only weekends, no extra trading breaks.

Only weekends, no extra trading breaks. School Holidays in September 2025: Focused on Durga Puja and regional observances.

FAQs

Q. How many bank holidays are there in September 2025 in India?

Q. Are there any stock market holidays in September 2025?

Q. Do school holidays in September 2025 vary by state?

Q. Can I expect long weekends in September 2025?

September 2025 brings a refreshing change in the weather across India, marking the end of the monsoon in several regions. With pleasant skies and cooler days, it is also a month packed with cultural festivals, important observances, and several bank holidays, stock market holidays, and school holidays.If you are planning a trip, preparing for competitive exams, or scheduling financial activities, knowing the complete holiday list forwill help you plan ahead with confidence.September is more than just another month on the calendar. It is a period when:Lets take a detailed look at the officialacross India.Like every month,will be observed nationwide as per, along with state-wise festivals and second and fourth Saturdays. These closures are important for banking customers, employees, and also for students preparing for competitive exams such as IBPS, SBI PO, and RBI Grade B, where awareness of holidays plays a role in planning.Good news for investors and traders  stock market holidays in September 2025 are limited only to weekends. Neither NSE (National Stock Exchange) nor BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) has any additional weekday closures this month.This makes September a smooth trading period where investors can focus on strategies, portfolio adjustments, and market opportunities without disruptions.For students, school holidays in September 2025 bring a mix of religious breaks and weekends, allowing for rest and family celebrations. While state governments issue their own academic calendars, heres a general overview of holidays observed in many schools:Note for Parents & Students: Always check your schools official circular, as holiday dates may vary depending on regional customs, state government orders, or unforeseen changes like weather alerts.With a combination of long weekends and festive breaks, September 2025 is perfect for planning trips, celebrations, or simply taking time to recharge.There are multiple bank holidays in September 2025, including Karma Puja, Onam, Id-E-Milad, Durga Puja, and regular second and fourth Saturdays.No, apart from weekends, there are no weekday stock market holidays on NSE or BSE in September 2025.Yes, school holidays differ across states. While Durga Puja is widely observed, regional festivals like Bathukamma or Onam may affect specific states.Yes, with second and fourth Saturdays, Sundays, and festive breaks, several long weekends are available in September 2025.
( Image credit : Watch episode 10 of ABO Desire online. Credit: MonoMax )

ABO Desire: Release date and time for Episode 10

Where to Watch ABO Desire Episode 10 Online?

ABO Desire: Episode 10 Plot?

ABO Desire episode 10: Spoilers

ABO Desire: Cast and Characters

FAQs

Answer:

Fans of the Chinese dramacan stream Episode 10 online today, August 30, 2025, at approximately 5:30 PM IST / 12:00 PM GMT / 8:00 AM ET, according to the official release schedule.ABO Desire is set in a world reshaped by a virus that divided society into Alphas, Betas, Omegas, and the elusive Enigmas - each with unique instincts and social roles. The story centers on Sheng Shaoyou, a powerful S-class Alpha burdened by family secrets, and Hua Yong, a cunning intern who seems like an Omega but hides his true Enigma nature. Their intense cat-and-mouse dynamic, filled with secret deals and emotional clashes, keeps audiences hooked.Episode 10 airs on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM IST / 12:00 PM GMT / 8:00 AM ET. It will also be available to international viewers via simultaneous streaming on Viki, all of which offer English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience.Episodes 10 is available to stream on Viki - the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and Viki remains the top choice for watching the series., also called, is heating up the summer watchlist for Boys' Love (BL) fans who crave messy, mysterious, and biologically intense romance. This Chinese web drama plunges into the Omegaverse world filled with pheromones, power struggles, and hidden identities. Adapted from Nong Jian's novel, it has gained a devoted global fanbase thanks to its unexpected twists and a captivating, magnetic cast.Gao felt a heaviness he couldn't shake. Each step into the small restaurant felt like walking toward his own undoing. The prediction from earlier gnawed at him, twisting his stomach. Shen Wenling was already there, composed as ever, a pearl among plain stones. Gao wanted to flee, but all roads led back to him."Boss Shen," Gao said with a careful smile. "I'm sorry. He was delayed.""Really? Shen Wenlings calm reply cut straight through him. Gao dropped his eyes, forcing a polite chuckle. Then Gao Ming spoke, words like a knife: "Gao is pregnant, and the baby is yours."Time froze. Gao looked up, searching Shen Wenling's face, but it remained unreadable - steady, detached, almost cruel in its composure. Memories of all his quiet dreams - meals shared, laughter exchanged - flashed through Gao's mind. Instead, he was here, his unborn child priced like a transaction."If you want us to end it," Gao Ming continued, "ten million. Not a penny less." Pain surged through Gao's body. He pushed his chair back with a scrape. "Sorry. I need the bathroom," he muttered, fleeing before Shen Wenling could answer. Shen Wenling started to follow, but Gao Ming stopped him. "Let him go. It's cruel to discuss this in front of him."For once, Shen Wenling hesitated. Gao's retreat left an ache in his chest he couldn't explain. In the bathroom, Gao pressed trembling hands to his stomach, whispering a silent vow to protect the life within him - no matter what storm lay ahead.The primary cast of the Chinese BL seriesfeatures Huang Xing as Hua Yong, Qiu Dingjie as Sheng Shaoyou, Li Peien as Gao Tu, and Jiang Heng as Shen Wenlang.Episode 10 will be released on August 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM IST / 12:00 PM GMT / 8:00 AM ET.You can stream Episode 10 on Viki. All three platforms offer English subtitles.Yes, the series is fully subtitled in English on Viki, including Episodes 10.No,is not available on Netflix. It officially streams on Viki.
( Image credit : Beyond the Bar Episode 9 online. Credit: Netflix )

Beyond the Bar: Release date and time for Episode 9

Where to Watch Beyond the Bar Episode 9 Online?

Beyond the Bar: Plot highlights of Episode 9

Beyond the Bar episode 9: Spoilers

the way they metaphorized their relationship with tea was genius. in the 2nd episode, the tea was not brewed yet and was light in color, but in the 7th episode, it was brewed and its color darkened, just like their relationship.



 #beyondthebar#beyondthebarep7pic.twitter.com/pLZY5f7Jfq   (@lavinove) August 23, 2025

Beyond the Bar: Cast and Characters

FAQs

Fans awaiting the K-dramacan stream Episode 9 online, August 30, 2025, at approximately 10:40 PM KST around 7:10 PM IST, as per the official schedule.The story revolves around Yun Seok Hun, a clever but frigid partner at Yullim Law Firm who is known for his aggressive strategies and crisp logic. Kang Hyo Min, a socially uncomfortable yet confident rookie lawyer, works alongside him. Despite their regular disagreements, their relationship challenges them both and helps Hyo Min grow into a true lawyer .Episode 9 airs on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in South Korea and will go live around 10:40 PM KST on the JTBC channel. Viewers in other time zones can expect the release at approximately 2:40 PM BST in the UK and 7:10 PM IST in India on the same day. The episode will also be available for international audiences via streaming on Netflix, which provides English subtitles to make the series accessible worldwide.Episode 9 is available to stream on Netflix, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, Netflix continues to be the top choices for watching the series.At Yullim Law Firm, cold and brilliant partner Yun Seok Hun is forced to work with rookie lawyer Kang Hyo Min, who's awkward but fiercely principled. Their constant clashes spark unexpected growth, as both begin to redefine what it means to be a lawyer.In Episode 9, Yullim Law Firm is thrusts into its toughest trial yet, as Dr. Choi faces charges of murdering her patient Kim Byeong-su. Claiming her actions were an act of mercy, she forces the courtroom to wrestle with the thin line between compassion and culpability. Hyo-min reels from the prosecutor's accusations, Seok-hun uncovers a fragile lead about the patient's condition, and a mysterious document surfaces that could either secure Dr. Choi's innocence or tip the case into ruin.While the prosecution presses forward with unshakable certainty, the defense fights to frame Dr. Choi's choices as medical judgment, setting the stage for a gripping courtroom clash. Away from the trial's weight, Hyo-min and Seok-hun share a tender moment with children, revealing hidden warmth and quiet intimacy that deepen their slow-burn connection.Meanwhile, Na-yeon pushes bold reforms to turn Yullim into a true house of justice, shaking entrenched power structures and sparking inevitable conflict. Yet in the shadows, retired founder Seung-cheol tightens his grip, plotting through his allies as the team risks everything to expose Mr. Lee's weakness.Balancing sharp legal battles with undercurrents of romance and intrigue, the episode promises a pivotal turning point-testing conscience, reshaping relationships, and escalating the war between integrity and ambition.JTBC and Netflix team up once again for the upcoming legal drama, starring Lee Jin-wook of Squid Game and Sweet Home fame. The series also features Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-joo, and Jeon Hye-bin in key roles.Episode 9 will be released on August 30, 2025, and will air at 10:40 PM KST around 7:10 PM IST.Episode 9 will be available for streaming on Netflix, the platform offering English subtitles.Yes,is fully subtitled in English on Netflix, including Episode 9.Episode 9 will see a rookie lawyer with strong ideals faces the legal world under a cold, demanding mentor.Yes,is available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on this site.
( Image credit : General Hospital star Steve Burton's deepfake used in bankrupting an L.A. woman | Credit: x/thefansofgh )

Love, lies, and a soap star deepfake

The price of a fantasy

'General Hospital' actor Steve Burton ( #Ai Jason got um? ) deepfake scam: Expert breaks down top ways to spot a fake AI video | https://t.co/rir4wTXVuehttps://t.co/DsqfiqeIQU  ChiRadio (@chiradio) August 28, 2025

The beach house is ours, baby

( Image credit : General Hospital star Steve Burton's deepfake used in bankrupting an L.A. woman | Credit: x/thefansofgh )

Even the real Steve Burton was shocked

( Image credit : General Hospital star Steve Burton's deepfake used in bankrupting an L.A. woman | Credit: x/thefansofgh )

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.

When Abigail Ruvalcaba started receiving messages from who she thought was General Hospital star Steve Burton, she believed her life was about to change. The 56-year-old actor, known for his role as Jason Morgan since 1991, was suddenly confessing love, making promises of a future together, and even sending her personalised videos. Only problem? It was not him.According to her daughter, Vivian, the messages came from scammers who had used artificial intelligence to create convincing deepfakes of Burton. They reached Abigail on Facebook Messenger before moving the conversation to WhatsApp, where the manipulation escalated.Ruvalcaba told reporters she genuinely believed she was in love and that she and Burton would start a new life together. When the fake Burton claimed he needed financial help after a fire destroyed his home, she sent more than $81,000. But the scam spiralled further.In a devastating turn, she sold her familys condohanding over the $350,000 proceeds to the fraudsters. Vivian explained that her mother, who has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, fully believed she was helping the actor she loved.Now, the family says she is drowning in debt, facing the loss of her current home, and preparing for bankruptcy.The cruel fantasy shattered Abigails financial security. Her daughter revealed they are now pursuing legal action in an attempt to reverse the condo sale, but the property has already been flipped to a new owner.KABC showed Burton one of the deepfake videos sent to Abigail. The actor admitted the fake voice sounded exactly like his own. Burton has previously warned fans via social media about impersonators, urging them not to fall victim to such schemes.But for Abigail, the damage is already done. What started as a soap opera-style romance ended in financial ruin, heartbreak, and a cautionary tale about how AI scams are becoming disturbingly convincing.
Why is Federal control returning?

EYES ON! 



Trump is taking over Union Station in DC!



This comes after Trump deployed NG troops to patrol Union Station, and forced Amtrak CEO to step down in March.



Trump is securing the major transportation hub of DC that merges Amtrak to Metro.



SOMETHING IS BREWING!



Trump pic.twitter.com/HeTvQLZtNE  Clandestine (@WarClandestine) August 27, 2025

Concerns about safety and crime

 BREAKING: President Trump has taken full control of Washington DCs UNION STATION, citing safety concerns, removing it from Amtraks hands and expanding his authority over the capital to restore order.



Wow. Trumps going all in. pic.twitter.com/uLYaWwobma   Digi Gal  (@DigitalGal_X) August 27, 2025

A landmark with a complicated history

The present and next steps

What does this mean for Washington, D.C.?

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.

The Trump administration has announced a new plan to take direct control of Union Station, one of Washington, D.C.s most important landmarks and busiest transportation hubs. The Department of Transportation (DOT), which already owns the station, said it will reclaim management from Amtrak and the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC). Officials stated the change will be formalized in September.The DOT has owned Union Station since the 1980s, but for decades the day-to-day management was handled by the nonprofit USRC. In July 2024, Amtrak took over station operations after a legal battle with a private real estate company. Now, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has confirmed that federal oversight will once again replace the existing structure.Instead of being a point of pride, Washingtons Union Station has fallen into disrepair, Duffy said. He added that federal control will make the station safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost.The announcement followed a recent visit by Vice President Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described Union Station as unsafe. Hegseth called it part of the epicenter of crime in the city, while Vance told reporters that families avoid the station because of harassment and violence.Several incidents have been reported this year, including a fatal shooting in the parking garage and an assault outside the building. While citywide violent crime has declined since 2023, federal officials argue Union Station remains a hotspot.Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged that the station requires at least $8 billion in repairs that the city cannot fund. She said federal investment would be a positive step. If its just about management, I would consider that Step 1. If its about what Union Station needs for its total transformation, that would be an amazing initiative for the federal government to take on, she noted.Union Station opened in 1907 as the largest train station in the world. With its Beaux-Arts design, white granite facade, and vaulted ceilings, it became a symbol of the citys architecture and a hub for travelers. In its prime, the station served more than 42,000 passengers daily and included unusual facilities such as a bowling alley, mortuary, and Turkish baths.Over the decades, as train travel declined, the station fell into disrepair. After a failed attempt to convert it into a national visitor center in the 1970s, Congress passed the Union Station Redevelopment Act in 1981. This led to major renovations and the creation of the USRC to preserve the building while maintaining its transportation role. A restored station reopened in 1988 with retail space and restaurants, becoming once again a central part of D.C.s infrastructure.Amtraks management since July 2024 focused on improvements such as more passenger seating, better signage, and streamlined boarding. But DOT leaders now argue Amtrak should return its focus solely to operating trains, while the federal government oversees broader station management and commercial use.We want Amtrak to run trains  that is their expertise, Duffy said. Theyre not great at managing these other properties. So let's focus on their primary goal.Deputy Transportation Secretary Steve Bradbury said the administrations short-term plan is to stabilize the station financially and address urgent repairs. This includes upgrading elevators, lighting, security systems, and replacing the roof.Looking further ahead, officials say an expansion could be considered through public-private partnerships. While the Union Station Expansion Project had already been planned with a $10 billion price tag, Duffy called it unrealistic and confirmed the administration will instead prioritize immediate needs.Theres a lot to do, and unfortunately there isnt the money available, Bradbury explained. We need to maximize the retail revenue of the station, the revenue of the station as an event space  and set the foundation for a long-term transformation.Union Station remains one of the busiest rail hubs in the U.S., serving 70,000 passengers a day across Amtrak, commuter rail, and local transit. With shops, restaurants, and historic architecture, its management has broad economic and cultural impact.By reclaiming oversight, the Trump administration aims to stabilize operations, improve safety, and restore the stations status as both a functional transit hub and a national landmark. Whether this shift leads to a long-term expansion or remains a short-term repair effort, Union Station is once again at the center of Washingtons political and infrastructure debate.
What is Phica

Reuters

What did Giorgia Meloni say

Corriere della Sera

Italy s #MeToo: PD politicians file complaints

( Image credit : Valeria Campagna was among the first to file an official complaint, prompting others to come forward in what the Italian press is calling Italys #MeToo | Credit: X/Lunanotizie )

Non e facile scrivere questo post.Ho scoperto che alcune mie foto sono state pubblicate su un forum online senza il mio... Posted by Valeria Campagna on Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Images of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other female politicians from various parties taken during rallies, TV interviews, on holiday in bikinis, were manipulated to zoom in on body parts or imply sexualized poses featured on Phicas VIP section.Phica (a deliberately misspelled play on an Italian slang for vagina) is the site that featured doctored photos of the PM along with other personalities such as the opposition leader Elly Schlein and famous personalities like Chiara Ferragni and Paola Cortellesi along with vulgar captions.Launched in 2005, the site appeared to operate without interference until several centre-left Democratic Party (PD) politicians filed a legal complaint. It featured several manipulated images and videos of female public figures. It also featured photos of ordinary women, categorized by geographical location.The administrators of the website took it offline after facing widespread condemnation and multiple legal complaints. According to, the site had 200,000 registered members. In a message, they said they were shutting down the forum with great regret, citing toxic behaviours that had damaged the original spirit of the platform.The scandal follows just a week after Meta shut down an Italian Facebook page called Mia Moglie (My Wife), where men were sharing intimate photos of their wives or unidentified women."I am disgusted by what has happened, and I want to express my solidarity and closeness to all the women who have been offended, insulted, and violated in their intimacy by the administrators of this forum and its 'users,'" Meloni was quoted as saying by dailyValeria Campagna was among the first to file an official complaint, prompting others to come forward in what the Italian press is calling Italys #MeToo. An online petition demanding the sites closure has since gathered over 150,000 signatures.Taking to Facebook, Camooagna wrote, It's not easy to write this post. I discovered that some of my photos were posted on an online forum without my consent. Not just costume images, but moments of my public and private life. Below, sexist, vulgar, violent comments. Some even talk about me live, she added.Today I'm disgusted, angry, and disappointed. But I can't keep quiet. Because this story isn't just about me. It concerns all of us. It's about our right to be free, to be respected, to live without fear, the fuming politician concluded." width="250" height="300" style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share">
Kaiju No. 8 season 2 episode 7 release date:

Kaiju No. 8 season 2 episode 7 release date and time

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Where to Watch Kaiju No. 8 season 2 episode 7 online?

Kaiju No. 8 season 2 episode 6 recap

( Image credit : Kikoru and Reno played major roles in the battle, showcasing their growth and determination (Credits: X/@KaijuNo8_O_EN) )

Kaiju No. 8 season 2 episode 7 spoilers

( Image credit : Episode 7 is also expected to set up the mid-season climax (Credits: X/@KaijuNo8_O_EN) )

FAQs

How many episodes will Kaiju No. 8 season 2 have?

What time does Kaiju No. 8 episode 7 come out?

Will Kaiju No. 8 season 2 be on Netflix?

Kaiju No. 8 continues to keep anime fans on edge with its thrilling mix of giant monster battles, emotional storytelling, and Kafkas struggle to balance his human and Kaiju sides. Season 2 has already delivered plenty of action, and the excitement isnt slowing down.With episode 7 about to drop, viewers are eager to know when it airs, where they can watch it, and what might unfold in the story. Whether youre following the weekly broadcasts or catching up on Crunchyroll, heres a full breakdown of the Kaiju No. 8 season 2, episode 7 release date, recap, and spoilers.Kaiju No. 8 season 2 episode 7 will be released on. Fans in the US can stream the episode at 7:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM ET, while UK viewers can tune in at 3:00 PM BST.The episode first streams as a live broadcast and then becomes available on-demand half an hour later (7:30 AM PT / 10:30 AM ET). Crunchyroll lists the episode as Episode 19 because it continues the total count from season 1, including the special episode.Kaiju No. 8 season 2 is available exclusively on Crunchyroll. All episodes are streaming there weekly on Saturdays. Unlike other popular anime like Dan Da Dan or Jujutsu Kaisen, theres no Netflix release planned, so Crunchyroll is the go-to platform for fans worldwide.In episode 6, the defense force faced another dangerous battle as Kafka and his team struggled against the latest Kaiju threat. The fight highlighted the growing tension between Kafkas human side and his Kaiju powers, while other members of the squad began to suspect more about his abilities.Kikoru and Reno played major roles in the battle, showcasing their growth and determination. Meanwhile, the looming threat of higher-level Kaiju hinted that bigger confrontations are on the way. With the stage set, episode 7 is expected to dive deeper into both the action and Kafkas inner conflict.While no official spoilers are confirmed, the next episode will likely push Kafka closer to being exposed as Kaiju No. 8. The Defense Force may begin tightening their suspicion around him, especially after the recent battles unusual developments.Episode 7 is also expected to set up the mid-season climax, possibly bringing in new Kaiju enemies that could threaten the squad on a larger scale. Expect tense moments, powerful fights, and a few emotional turns as the series heads into its second half.
Manchild

Man's Best Friend

( Image credit : Sabrina Carpenter's new album Man's Best Friend. Credit: X|@SabrinaAnnLynn )

Did Sabrina Carpenter's new album Man's Best Friend get leaked?

Man's Best Friend

Sabrina's whole album got leaked.. And let's just say... most songs are chop pic.twitter.com/0YoikSH2S6  hImU (@Himu_Art) August 28, 2025

sabrinas album leaked on my fyp and people already saying its bad BAD. is it true? pic.twitter.com/iytpGdCDIY  #1 daughter stan  (@rockyonce_) August 28, 2025

just heard a sabrina leak pic.twitter.com/JcwdYSaejB   (@mimiscatalog) August 28, 2025

idc if the leakers are from countries that have mbf, its still unethical and you are profiting off of sabrinas album and taking away streams, especially when antis have found out and used leaks to trash on the album. stop pretending like youre doing nothing wrong  hannah!  (@loqicals) August 28, 2025

why tf would they leak Sabrinas new album. Ugh pic.twitter.com/mOQxW5AE46  ian  (@ianluvskatseye) August 29, 2025

SOMEBODY LEAK SABRINAS ALBUM SINCE THEY THINK ITS FUNNY pic.twitter.com/FGcPWTMvoi   (@theemissytv_) August 19, 2025

Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend release times

Major time zones:

United States (PT): 9:00 PM (August 28)

United States (ET): 12:00 AM (August 29)

Canada (Vancouver): 9:00 PM (August 28)

Canada (Toronto): 12:00 AM (August 29)

Brazil (Rio De Janeiro): 12:00 AM

United Kingdom (GMT): 12:00 AM

Europe (CET): 12:00 AM

Africa: 12:00 AM

Asia: 12:00 AM

Oceania: 12:00 AM

( Image credit : Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend release times. Credit: X|@SabrinaAnnLynn )

What is Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend tracklist?

Manchild

Tears

Manchild

Tracklist:

Manchild

Tears

My Man on Willpower

Sugar Talking

We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night

Nobody's Son

Never Getting Laid

When Did You Get Hot?

Go Go Juice

Don't Worry I'll Make You Worry

House Tour

Goodbye

( Image credit : Sabrina Carpenter's Man's Best Friend get's leaked. Credit: X|@SabrinaAnnLynn )

Set to officially drop worldwide on Friday, August 29, anticipation for Sabrina Carpenters seventh studio album has been feverish. Ever since the release of the lead singleand the announcement of, fans have been desperate to hear the full project and uncover the star-studded collaborations behind it. Sabrina even gave 78 lucky fans in New York, LA, and London a first listen - but for the rest of the world, the album remained a tantalizing mystery until now.Just hours before the world was set to hear it, Sabrina Carpenter'sleaked online, sending shockwaves through social media -but not in the way anyone imagined. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with reactions, calling some tracks "chop" and others outright "bad." For an artist riding a streak of hits, the backlash hit like a thunderbolt, leaving both fans and critics stunned.The early reactions have ignited a fierce debate online. Opinions are split, tempers are flaring, and the internet is buzzing with speculation. For an album that had been shrouded in secrecy and anticipation, the leak has turned what should have been a moment of celebration into a wildfire of controversy.The album drops at midnight local time worldwide. Fans in New Zealand and Australia will technically get first access, while Europe and North America will wait until the clock strikes twelve. The West Coast of the US and Canada gets an early listen at 9:00 PM PT on Thursday, August 28.The album features, the new single, and 10 brand-new tracks. While full credits haven't been revealed, Sabrina's past collaborators - Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, who co-wrote- are expected to appear elsewhere on the album.A special physical edition includes an exclusive bonus track, Such A Funny Way, only available on the limited vinyl from Sabrina's store.
( Image credit : New Yorkers gathered in Bryant Park to yoga away all the bad vibes that the Mercury retrograde brought | Credit: X/bryantparknyc )

What does Mercury in retrograde mean for you

no one :



my ex : i have to understand when we started our relationship the mercury in retrograde  iphone-xr_crusader (@undying_mf) August 29, 2025

why would mercury retrograde and eclipse season be one right after another. why would they do this to me   (@jadedhoneylove) August 29, 2025

What happened at the Bryant Park

New York Post

New York Post

( Image credit : Participants shared stories of brain fog, overthinking, anxiety, and even physical mishaps during the retrograde | Credit: Freepik )

Other retrogrades and how you can tackle them

( Image credit : In astrological belief, Mercury governs communication, thinking, and learning, shaping how we express and process information | Credit: Freepik )

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.

New Yorkers gathered in Bryant Park to yoga away all the bad vibes that the Mercury retrograde brought.As per a popular belief, Mercury retrograde is a period when the innermost planet appears to move backward in the sky. This cosmic phenomenon is often blamed for communication breakdowns, technology glitches, and emotional turbulence. It generally occurs three or four times a year. The latest one spanned from July 17 to August 11.In astrological belief, Mercury governs communication, thinking, and learning, shaping how we express and process information. Its influence affects intellect, travel, and business, with retrograde periods causing misunderstandings and delays.When the planet is in retrograde, that period is believed to often bring misunderstandings, delays, and heightened stress. The latest one ended on August 11. It left many feeling foggy, prone to miscommunications, and emotionally unsettled. However, it is still in a shadow phase until August 25.During this time, its common to experience confusion at work, travel mishaps, and disrupted plans. Experts advise double-checking messages, avoiding big decisions if possible, and practicing patience. For many, the retrograde period urges reflection rather than forward action.To help ease the tension, hundreds gathered on Bryant Parks lawn for a free group yoga session led by yogi Jo Murdock. The class focused on releasing bad energy built up during Mercury retrograde through breathwork, grounding poses, and mindful movement. According to the, the month-long alignment resulted in injuries and bouts of inexplicable hysterics for some of the participants.We all need a reset. You turn your phone off, you turn your computer off  hopefully it resets and it works better. Think about it, thequoted Murdock as saying.Its kind of like when you get a review at work or youre getting feedback on what it is you do. It can be nerve-wracking, but it really is meant to help you, added Murdock, who runs the virtual practice Flowwj0.Participants shared stories of brain fog, overthinking, anxiety, and even physical mishaps during the retrograde. Together, they found healing in community, turning collective frustration into calm resilience. Brain fog usually happens when your brain feels slow or unclear. It can be caused by tiredness, stress, poor sleep, unhealthy food, dehydration, or hormonal changes.As per legends, Mercury is not the only planet to go retrograde. Other planets make the journey as well, posing unique challenges and opportunities. Venua retrograde affects relationships and self-worth, often stirring up old wounds or tensions. While Saturn retrograde invites deep reflction on responsibilities and karma. On the other hand, Mars retrograde affects drive, energy, conflict, and motivation.Yoga and meditation are believed to offer tools to navigate these times by grounding the body, calming the mind, and fostering patience.
Investment commitments and economic cooperation

Address to Japanese business leaders

Focus on strategic partnership

Warm welcome and diaspora ties

Regional context and geopolitical angle

Addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo. Strong business ties between our nations are a vital element of our friendship. https://t.co/OUSvy98eJo  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025

Next stop: China and the SCO summit

Long-term ties between India and Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day official visit to Japan on August 29, starting his eighth trip to the country as Prime Minister. During the visit, he is expected to speak at the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and meet his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. The discussions are expected to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with a focus on investment, defence, technology, and trade. This visit is also taking place at a time of trade tensions between India and the United States over tariffs.A major highlight of the talks is Japans plan to double its investment target in India. Prime Minister Modi is expected to secure pledges of over 10 trillion (about $68 billion) from Japan. The two countries are also likely to unveil agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and science and technology. An economic security pact is on the agenda, which will include cooperation on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.At the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, PM Modi described India as a powerhouse of talent and invited Japanese businesses to invest. Come make in India, make for the world, he said, underlining Indias role as a global hub for manufacturing and innovation. He also stressed that India was being counted on globally as an investment destination.The Annual Summit with Prime Minister Ishiba will be the first formal bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Both sides are expected to review progress made in defence cooperation, digital technology, climate action, and innovation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Prime Minister Modi said ahead of the visit that the two countries would give new wings to collaboration and expand cooperation in new and emerging technologies.Upon his arrival in Tokyo, Prime Minister Modi was received by ONO Keiichi, Japans Ambassador to India, and Sibi George, Indias Ambassador to Japan, along with senior officials. Members of the Indian diaspora in Tokyo welcomed him with cultural performances and enthusiastic greetings. Modi later praised the Indian community in Japan for preserving cultural traditions while contributing meaningfully to Japanese society. On social media, he wrote that he was deeply touched by the warmth and affection shown by the diaspora.The visit came at a time when Japans trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa cancelled a planned US visit, highlighting the challenges about delays in a $550 billion Japanese investment package aimed at addressing US tariffs. Against this backdrop, India and Japans strengthening of economic and security ties is seen as significant. According to Indias Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, the two nations will discuss a wide range of geopolitical and geo-economic issues during the talks.After concluding the Japan visit on August 30, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting on August 31 and September 1. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his stay. Modi expressed confidence that both the Japan and China visits would serve Indias national interests and contribute to regional peace, security, and sustainable development.This is Prime Minister Modis eighth visit to Japan since 2014. This shows the importance New Delhi places on its partnership with Tokyo. India-Japan relations have gradually advanced from being a Global Partnership in 2000, to a Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006, and a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014. The Annual Summits during former Prime Minister Shinzo Abes tenure played a key role in strengthening these ties.
Details of the crash

Confirmation from defence minister

 Another angle documents the moment an F-16 fighter jet crashes into the runway, a massive fireball.



The aircraft failed to gain altitude in time and turned into complete wreckage upon impact.



The pilot was killed instantly.pic.twitter.com/PIbvAgJBY1  RussiaNews  (@mog_russEN) August 28, 2025

Identity of the pilot and airshow impact

International condolences

Polands F-16 fleet

A Polish F-16 Tiger Demo jet crashed while rehearsing for the Radom Air Show 2025, which is set to take place on August 30 and 31 in Poland.



The pilot didn't manage to eject and died as a result of the crash. pic.twitter.com/zJ5Ao3TRpv  TabZ (@TabZLIVE) August 28, 2025

Investigation underway

A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed on Thursday evening during a rehearsal for the Radom Air Show, killing a Polish Army pilot. The incident took place at Radom airport in central Poland and has led to the cancellation of the international event scheduled for the weekend. Officials confirmed that no bystanders were harmed in the accident.The crash occurred at around 19:30 local time (17:30 GMT / 11 pm IST). According to the General Command of the Armed Forces, the aircraft involved belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan in western Poland. Videos circulating on social media show the F-16 performing a barrel-roll manoeuvre before plunging to the ground and erupting into flames. The jet, engulfed in fire, skidded on the runway for several meters before coming to a halt.Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Polands Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, confirmed the death of the pilot and called it a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army. Sharing a statement on X, he wrote:Local reports indicated that the pilot was part of the NATO-linked Tiger Demo unit, known for performing advanced aerobatic displays. Witnesses reported that the pilot was not seen ejecting from the aircraft before impact. Following the crash, organisers cancelled the Radom Air Show 2025, which was due to take place this weekend and expected to draw thousands of visitors.The incident drew responses from NATO allies. The Defence General Staff of Italy posted on X expressing profound sorrow at the tragedy. Latvias Minister of Defence, who had visited Polish troops earlier in the day, also shared condolences, writing that he was deeply saddened and that his thoughts were with the pilots family and fellow soldiers.Poland first acquired US-made F-16 jets in 2003. The aircraft play a central role in NATOs defence strategy. In recent years, Poland has stepped up efforts to modernise and upgrade its fleet as part of increased defence spending following Russias 2023 invasion of Ukraine. The loss of an F-16, one of Polands frontline fighters, highlights both the risks of aerobatic training and the importance placed on such aircraft within NATO.Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash. Firefighters and emergency teams quickly responded at the site, but the jet was completely destroyed in the fireball. The Ministry of Defence stated that investigations will continue to establish what went wrong during the rehearsal flight.
( Image credit : Sikh man shot dead by LA police while performing Gatka on street | Credit: X/theskindoctor13 )

A Sikh martial arts display turns fatal in Los Angeles

Los Angeles police shot dead Gurpreet Singh, 35, after he stopped his car in the middle of an intersection and allegedly swung a machete at people.



Now compare this with India. Here, mobs can assault police, humiliate them into folding hands, circulate those images as victory, pic.twitter.com/N2Hsyuif9V  THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) August 29, 2025

Officers confront Singh with commands

( Image credit : Sikh man shot dead by LA police while performing Gatka on street | Credit: X/theskindoctor13 )

The deadly standoff near figueroa street

A tragic case under investigation

The streets of downtown Los Angeles turned into a dramatic scene on July 13 when Gurpreet Singh, a 36-year-old Sikh man, was shot dead by LAPD officers. Singh, who had abandoned his car in the middle of a bustling intersection, began performing Gatka, the traditional Sikh martial art, while wielding a double-edged sword.According to LAPD, panicked passersby flooded 911 lines with reports of a man swinging a large blade near the Crypto.com Arena. Singh, dressed in plain clothes, showcased moves associated with Gatka but in a crowded urban setting, triggering chaos and alarm.When officers arrived, they found Singh holding what they later identified as a khanda, a two-foot-long blade central to Sikh martial practices. Police said they repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon, but Singh allegedly ignored their instructions. Witnesses reported seeing him engage in erratic behaviour, including attempting to slice his own tongue.As officers attempted to approach, Singh reportedly hurled a bottle towards them before running back to his vehicle. This sparked a dangerous pursuit through downtown traffic, with Singhs car weaving through streets until it finally collided with a police vehicle.The chase ended near Figueroa and 12th Streets, where Singh stepped out of his damaged car with the blade still in hand. According to police accounts, he suddenly charged at officers. It was at this moment that officers opened fire, striking him multiple times.Singh was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The LAPD confirmed that no civilians or officers were injured during the confrontation. The sword was recovered at the scene and logged as evidence.The LAPD has launched an investigation into the shooting, as is procedure in officer-involved fatalities. Footage released by the department shows Singhs erratic performance of Gatka in the middle of traffic, followed by the tense standoff.While the police insist their actions were necessary to protect the public, the incident has sparked questions about mental health intervention, cultural misunderstanding, and the deadly outcomes of high-stakes confrontations between citizens and law enforcement.
( Image credit : TikToker Naqibullah Habibzoi killed cx-co-worker in $31, 000 feud | Credit: X/TrueCrimeUpdat )

The Fatal Feud between a TikToker and his co-worker

A TikTok user has been arrested after he allegedly posted videos and made comments about killing his co-worker over a $31,000 debt.



Naqibullah Habibzoi, 23, from Houston, was charged with the shooting death of his former coworker. https://t.co/UjhswRKFnf via @DailyMail  B Gallagher (@Gally66kg) August 25, 2025

A deadly night in San Antonio

( Image credit : TikToker Naqibullah Habibzoi killed cx-co-worker in $31, 000 feud | Credit: X/TrueCrimeUpdat )

Digital breadcrumbs and cold evidence

( Image credit : TikToker Naqibullah Habibzoi killed cx-co-worker in $31, 000 feud | Credit: X/Zicutake )

From viral reels to murder headlines

What happens when clout meets chaos? For 23-year-old TikTok creator Naqibullah Habibzoi, his 20,000 followers may have watched his dramatic rants without realising they were, allegedly, chilling previews of real-life tragedy. Habibzoi has now been arrested and charged with the murder of his former co-worker, 34-year-old Awal Noor Kiftan, in San Antonio.Court records reveal that both men once worked at a trucking company. But instead of moving on, investigators say Habibzoi fixated on Kiftan, accusing him repeatedly online of stealing $31,000. His TikTok comments and videos were filled with allegations against Kiftan, one of which ominously read: We never move on without taking our own revenge.On 31 May, tragedy struck outside Kiftans Northwest Side apartment. According to investigators, the victim received a call to step outside and meet a woman. Moments later, gunfire erupted. Witnesses told detectives they saw Kiftan collapse outside his home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The womans name, police noted, allegedly linked back to Habibzoi.Despite denying involvement and even claiming his TikTok account had been hacked, evidence began stacking up against the influencer. Location data placed his car travelling from Houston to San Antonio on the day of the killing. License plate readers picked up his vehicle along the route. Investigators also claim to have obtained a phone call where Habibzoi, speaking in Pashto, allegedly admitted that the victim had not returned his money so he finished him.The case has shaken both the TikTok community and local residents. What was once just another content creator ranting online has spiralled into allegations of revenge, betrayal, and premeditated violence. Habibzoi remains behind bars as the case unfolds, while Kiftans family is left mourning a senseless loss.
( Image credit : The Thai Constitutional Court ruled on August 29 that Paetongtarn had violated ethical standards, leading to her official removal from office | Credit: X/JomSuksit )

The conversation that got leaked

( Image credit : The call, leaked by Hun Sen himself. Following which, Paetongtarn was accused of undermining the integrity of the Thai military | Credit: X/hunsencambodia )

The upheaval that followed

History of the Shinawatra-run Thai government

( Image credit : some analysts suggested that the establishment may still prefer the Thaksin Shinawatra-backed party | Credit: X/Telbloggram )

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.

Thailands political landscape has received a fresh blow by the dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following a leaked phone call with Cambodian political leader Hun Sen. The Thai Constitutional Court ruled on August 29 that Paetongtarn had violated ethical standards, leading to her official removal from office.A private phone conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, Cambodias Senate President and former Prime Minister, is behind the chaos. The recording, which was leaked online, revealed the Thai PM referring to Hun Sen as uncle. It also appeared that she criticized her own countrys army actions in the border clashes, leading to the death of a Cambodian soldier.The call, leaked by Hun Sen himself. Following which, Paetongtarn was accused of undermining the integrity of the Thai military.The conversation sparked public outrage, with opposition parties, nationalist groups calling the remarks inappropriate and a breach of diplomatic protocol.Even though Paetongtarn acknowledged the courts ruling, she maintained that her actions were driven by a desire to save lives.As pressure mounted, the Bhumjaithai Party, a key member of the ruling coalition, withdrew its support in June, weakening her government. Anutin Charnvirakul, a PM candidate, quit the coalition and resigned as deputy prime minister and interior minister over the issue.In July, the Constitutional Court suspended her from performing her duties pending investigation. That investigation concluded with a 6-3 ruling that found she had prioritized personal and political relationships over national interests.Paetongtarns father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra were both previously removed similarly.Paetongtarn herself joined Pheu Thai in 2021. She rose to power after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for appointing a Cabinet ally who had previously been jailed for attempting to bribe a judge.In the wake of her dismissal, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has stepped in as acting leader. Parliament will soon begin the process of selecting a new PM. The ruling Pheu Thai Party, led by the Shinawatra family, now faces declining public confidence.However, according to CNN , some analysts suggested that the establishment may still prefer the Thaksin-backed party, viewing it as a shield against the main opposition Peoples Party, whose reformist agenda and soaring approval ratings pose a significant challenge to the status quo.
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 release date and time

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Time Zone Date Time Japan Standard Time (JST) Sunday, August 31, 2025 12:30 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST) Saturday, August 30, 2025 8:30 AM Central Standard Time (CST) Saturday, August 30, 2025 10:30 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST) Saturday, August 30, 2025 11:30 AM Central European Time (CET) Saturday, August 30, 2025 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) Saturday, August 30, 2025 9:00 PM

Where to watch The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 online?

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 8 eecap

( Image credit : Episode 8 focused on the aquarium arc, where Kaoruko and Rintaros relationship inched closer to romance (Credits: X/@AniTrendz) )

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 spoilers

( Image credit : The anime is expected to adapt chapter 20 of the manga (Credits: X/@AniTrendz) )

FAQs

When does The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 come out in Japan?

When will The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 be on Netflix in the US?

How many episodes will The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity season 1 have?

Does The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 adapt the manga?

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity has quickly become one of the most talked-about romance anime of 2025. With CloverWorks bringing the manga to life beautifully, every new episode has captured fans emotions with its touching story of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Episode 8 gave us one of the most wholesome arcs yet, highlighting Rintaro and Kaorukos growing bond, while also teasing new developments for Subaru and Saku.As the series moves toward its finale, anticipation for Episode 9 is high. Heres everything you need to know about The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 release date, streaming details, and story hints.The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity episode 9 will premiere in Japan on, at 12:30 AM JST . For fans outside Japan, the timing varies by region, and Netflixs release schedule means most international viewers will need to wait until September 7, 2025, to watch it.Heres the exact release time by major time zones:The anime airs weekly in Japan before arriving on Netflix for international audiences. While some Asian regions will receive Episode 9 on September 7, most viewers in the US, UK, and Europe will need to wait until that date as well. Netflix has not confirmed any plans to change the staggered release schedule.Episode 8 focused on the aquarium arc, where Kaoruko and Rintaros relationship inched closer to romance. Their interactions were sweet yet filled with the nervous energy of young love.Meanwhile, Subarus friendship with Rintaros group deepened, paving the way for his subtle connection with Saku. Many fans are already rooting for Subaru and Sakus side story to blossom into one of the most memorable anime romances of the year.While Episode 8 ended on a lighter note, the next chapter may dive deeper into Rintaros past. The anime is expected to adapt chapter 20 of the manga, which reveals more about why Rintaro dyed his hair blonde and sheds light on the experiences that shaped his personality.Episode 9 may also feature warm, wholesome moments as Kikyo and Chidoris friendship takes centre stage. With only five episodes left in season one, the story is building toward emotional payoffs for multiple characters.
( Image credit : When Destiny Brings the Demon Episode 27 online. Credit: YOUKU )

When Destiny Brings the Demon: Release date and time for Episode 27

When Destiny Brings the Demon episode 27: Spoilers

#WhenDestinyBringsTheDemon EP 26

WHO DECIDED TO NAME THIS EP THE DANGEROUS ROMANCE? WHERE WAS THE ROMANCE WE TALKED ABOUT? pic.twitter.com/QoXkCF5a7i  E |  (@usernotnaming) August 29, 2025

When Destiny Brings the Demon: Cast and Characters

FAQs

Fans awaiting the C-dramacan stream Episode 27 online on August 30, 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 AM, 1:30 AM, and 10:30 PM (August 29), as per the official schedule.This series follows Sima Jiao, an immortal master sealed for five centuries, who meets Liao Ting Yan, an ordinary woman who changes his destiny. Their love spans three lifetimes across the fairy palace, the demonic realm, and the human world as they fight to protect both their bond and the peace of the realms.Episode 27 will go live on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at approximately 6:00 AM BST in the UK, 9:30 AM IST in India, 12:00 PM CST in China, 1:30 AM ET in the Eastern US, and 10:30 PM PT on August 29 in the Pacific US. The episode will also be available for international audiences via streaming on YOUKU, which provides English subtitles to make the series accessible worldwide.The new teaser opens in chaos as demonic miasma engulfs Guyu Valley, binding Liao Tingyan and Sima Jiao through the heart-bracelet - every wound she suffers rippling into him. But Shi Qianlu's trap twists her power into a weapon, and in the struggle she fatally strikes the very man she sought to protect.Tingyan seizes the demon kings crown in dread, only to fight her way into the Shi familys stronghold to revive Sima Jiao. Their reunion explodes in xianxia grandeurtearing heavenly lightning apart with their bare handswhile the quieter twist comes when Tingyan defies politics and proposes marriage on her own terms.Arthur Chens storm-softened Sima Jiao and Wang Yinglus fierce, conflicted Tingyan ground the spectacle in smaller, intimate beats. At its core, the teaser insists on choice: in a world that turns love into collateral, their resolve becomes the rarest magic.Starring Arthur Chen () and Wang Ying Lu (), the series premiered on August 16 and has quickly captured the attention of drama fans worldwide.WhenEpisode 27 will be released on August 30, 2025. Viewers can tune in at around 9:30 AM IST, 12:00 PM CST, 6:00 AM BST, 1:30 AM ET, and 10:30 PM PT on August 29.Episode 27 will be available for streaming on YOUKU, the platform offering English subtitles.Yes,is fully subtitled in English on YOUKU, including Episode 27.follows immortal master Sima Jiao and ordinary woman Liao Ting Yan as their fated love spans three lifetimes across realms.No,is not available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on YOUKU.
The Independent

10-year-old witness describes the Minneapolis school church shooting:



"My friend Victor  he was like laying on top of me like making sure I was safe and he got hit. So that was really brave of him." pic.twitter.com/3E8yNPZJnt  Fox News (@FoxNews) August 27, 2025

( Image credit : When asked how it felt seeing his mother after witnessing his peers getting shot, he said, I was super happy" | Credit: X/Subhash_LiveS )

TERRIFIED CHILDREN RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES.



A parent filmed students and churchgoers fleeing from Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis as shots rang out.



Heroic children: Amidst the chaos, some children reportedly yelled at classmates to get under church pews and threw pic.twitter.com/ZQ5WOANPkJ  Ms_Harmony  (@Ms_Harmony58) August 29, 2025

( Image credit : Sophia Forchas's mother was working at the hospital the morning of the attack, helping treat victims, one of whom was her own daughter | Credit: X/polishprincessh )

Will never be allowed to hold him, victims dad mourns

Heartbreaking 

The Father of 8 year old Fletcher Merkel, who was killed in the Annunciation shooting speaks 

Having a 7 year old, I cannot imagine this familys grief and pain. 

We will continue to pray for these children and their families. 

pic.twitter.com/Omj8p8wy5N  Rochellemaryn  (@RochelleAz) August 28, 2025

Harper was adored by her younger sister

What unfolded at the church on the day of crime

( Image credit : The shooter wanted to watch children suffer,  The Independent quoted the acting US Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson as saying while talking about Robin Westman | Credit: X/LeftismForU )

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.

The shooter wanted to watch children suffer,quoted the acting US Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson as saying while talking about Robin Westman, who opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, killing three and injuring several others.One 10-year-old Weston Halsne recollected the horror. My friend Victor laid on top of me making sure I was safe and he got hit, he told reporters. His voice shook as he described how his classmate shielded him from bullets. I was two seats away from the stained glass windows, so the shots were right next to me.He continued, I think I got gunpowder on my neck."I hope you're okay and I'm praying for you," Weston said in a message to his friend.The fifth graders haunting testimony continued, He was wearing all black and he had a ski mask on, putting a face to the tragedy.When asked how it felt seeing his mother after witnessing his peers getting shot, he said, I was super happy because I was scared that I wasnt gonna see her.Sophia Forchas, another survivor of the 15 children, has a mother who is a pediatric intensive care nurse. She was working at the hospital the morning of the attack, helping treat victims, one of whom was her own daughter, critically injured, reported The Independent .Her mother, a Pediatric Critical Care nurse, arrived at work to help during the tragedy, before knowing it was her childrens school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured, according to a GoFundMe page organised by Forchas father, Thomas.8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were the two victims whose lives were cut short due the shooting.Jesse Merkel, Fletchers father, in a news conference, said, Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.We will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming, added the grieving father of the 8-year-old who loved fishing.Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today," he said. "We love you. Fletcher, you'll always be with us," choking back tears, he concluded.The parents of Harper Moyski, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement that their daughter "was bright, joyful, and deeply loved."Harper's little sister "adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss," they added."No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain," they said. "Harper's light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world," the heartbroken parents said.On August 27, during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire, killing two children and injuring 17 others before taking their own life. Taking cues from the gunmans manifesto and some videos posted before the incident, the attack is being investigated as a hate crime and act of domestic terrorism.For the survivors, however, the scars are deep. As Westons testimony shows, the shooting is now etched in the memories of children far too young to carry such trauma.
Infographic: What to know about SCO Tianjin Summit

People's Daily Online) 16:21, August 29, 2025

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 will be held in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. The infographic shows what you need to know about the SCO Tianjin Summit.

(Source: GMW.cn)

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
Brian Adams, who worked at Big Ass Slices in Old City, died after an altercation with a man outside the restaurant on April 27, 2024. Read more

A 30-year-old man accused of punching an Old City pizza worker, who later died, during an altercation over eating at an outdoor table was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and not a more serious charge of murder by a Philadelphia jury on Thursday.

Demier Klevitch-Gay, of Albany, N.Y., was acquitted of third-degree murder in the April 27, 2024, incident in front of Big Ass Slices Bar & Grill on the 200 block of Market Street.

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Klevitch-Gay also was found guilty of simple assault, but not guilty of making terroristic threats and possessing an instrument of crime.

He has been in jail since the attack.

Klevitch-Gay and another man were eating in the outdoor seating area of the pizza shop when the owner, Jeff Bergman, asked them to leave because they were eating food from another establishment. Words were exchanged and the situation escalated.

Brian Adams, 34, a worker at Big Ass Slices, was punched several times in the face by Klevitch-Gay and collapsed. Adams died after spending 10 days in a coma.

Adams family has filed a lawsuit against Bergman accusing the restaurant owner of inflaming the situation and putting Adams in harms way. Klevitch-Gay also is named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Big Ass Slices shut down earlier this year.

Alison J. Russell, a Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky attorney who represents Adams family members, said in a statement:

We respect the jurys verdict, but for Brians family, this outcome is a painful reminder of the preventable tragedy that stole Brians life. We will continue to seek accountability from all of the responsible parties, including and in particular Jeffrey Bergman. Businesses should never put profit and ego above safety.

The Philadelphia District Attorneys Office declined to comment on the case until after the sentencing, a spokesperson said.

Klevitch-Gays lawyer, Lonny Fish of Liberty Law Team, said the jury swiftly returned the correct verdict of not guilty on the murder charge. Mr. Klevitch-Gay did not act with malice, and the jury agreed. In addition, the jury found him not guilty of the threats the store owner claimed he was making.

Fish said Klevitch-Gay faces a maximum sentence of 3 to 7 years in prison.

At a hearing in January, Victoria Sorokin, the assistant medical examiner who performed Adams autopsy, testified that Adams died of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Most likely when he was involved in the volatile situation he started to get nervous and his blood pressure was going up, Sorokin testified, and when he received a punch in the face, I think that exacerbates his blood pressure even more.

Bergman, the restaurants owner, could not be reached for comment.

Editors note: A comment from the attorney for Brian Adams family was added since the article originally posted.
Bridgeport is at risk of losing its sole district court, the Montgomery County borough announced last week.

The proposal comes as the courts district justice, James P. Gallagher, prepares to retire at the end of the year, the borough said in a letter on its website.

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The current plan involves folding all of Bridgeports cases and workload into the courthouse in King of Prussia, the borough said. The closure would not become final until after a period of review and public comment, according to the letter.

Despite the certainty with which Bridgeport announced the proposal, a Pennsylvania court spokesperson said Thursday that a decision had yet to be made about the district courts future.

Courts continually review court operations, including magisterial district court offices, to assess caseload and operational needs, said Stacey Witalec, the court spokesperson.

Witalec said any such plan would come with a public comment period for residents to voice their opinions to court administrators.

The court, at Fourth and Mill Streets, handles cases for residents in Bridgeport and part of Upper Merion Township, as well as cases involving Pennsylvania Turnpike travelers on a stretch of I-276 in Montgomery County.

Bridgeport Borough officials argue the proposed closure would impose a negative impact on community members.

Bridgeport residents would lose the convenient access to a local judge and courthouse, should the closure take place, officials said in a letter, which is not attributed to any one borough employee. Our local cases would now go before a district justice with limited familiarity of the borough and its people, rather than a local judge who has historically had roots within the Bridgeport community.

Court closures are limited to the year after U.S. Census Bureau data are collected unless the county petitions for a closure based on extraordinary circumstances, according to the letter.

Todd Bereda, chief of the Bridgeport police, said he is a staunch supporter of keeping the district court in the community.

One of the last things we need to lose is the elected magisterial judgeship, Bereda said. What that would do is separate the people of Bridgeport from a possible elected position in the local district court, one that has serviced us for at least 30 years.

Bereda said that the districts population grew between the 2010 and 2020 censuses, and that hundreds of new apartment units either have been built or are under construction in the area. The number of police calls his department received was up in the last several years, the chief added.

Were growing, and we would be underserved, Bereda said.

State Rep. Tim Briggs, a Democrat who represents Bridgeport, said in an interview that he intends to petition President Judge Carolyn Carluccio of Montgomery County Court to halt such a proposal.

Carluccios office declined to comment, referring questions to state court administration.

While our community continues to grow  evaluating a court system is more than simply looking at numbers, Briggs said. It is about justice and problem solving and often the opportunity to implement specific solutions for the individual communities they serve.

Residents, too, are making their opinions heard  even as court officials have not announced a closure plan.

A Change.org petition titled Oppose the Closing of Bridgeport District Courthouse MDC 38-1-25 had garnered more than 330 signatures as of last week, calling the possibility of a closure a severe blow to the community.

The petition cites longer travel times and increased transportation costs should cases be moved to a neighboring court, particularly for those with limited means, elderly citizens, and individuals with demanding work schedules. A little more than 16% of Bridgeport residents live in poverty, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

It also suggests legal proceedings for a variety of case types could be slowed, from landlord-tenant and small claims disputes to minor criminal offenses.

Keeping this courthouse open is necessary for preserving our right to access justice within our community, the petition says.

Bridgeport Borough is urging those concerned about a possible closure to reach out to Montgomery County court officials like Carluccio, as well as the court administrators.
University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax, seen here in 2018 during an appearance on C-SPAN. Read more

A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit brought by controversial University of Pennsylvania law professor Amy Wax against the Ivy League school, in which she claimed to have been subjected to discrimination because she is a white Jewish woman.

Waxs lawsuit also claimed that Penns speech policies violate core principles of the First Amendment. But District Judge Timothy J. Savage rejected the idea that the case was about free speech.

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As much as Wax would like otherwise, this case is not a First Amendment case, Savage wrote in an opinion dated Wednesday. It is a discrimination case brought under federal antidiscrimination laws.

The judge said Wax failed to allege facts that show that her race was a factor in the disciplinary process that led to her one-year suspension, among other sanctions.

Savage found that Penn did not discriminate against Wax when the university disciplined her for making racist comments because antidiscrimination laws protect speakers, not speech.

Wax failed to prove discrimination based on speech because she didnt speak on behalf of a protected class, even though her comments related to race.

To characterize her comments as supportive of those she criticized and denigrated is not plausible, Savage said.

The judge also wasnt convinced that Wax was discriminated against because she is a white Jewish woman. In court filings, Wax compared her speech and its consequences to that of seven Penn faculty and staff who werent sanctioned for comments that the law professor characterized as antisemitic.

But the comparison between Wax and those speakers fails, the judge wrote, because she again focuses on speech and not the speaker. And nearly all of the comments Wax cited were related to current events.

She was sanctioned for harmful speech directed at specific demographics in the University, Savage said. The remarks of her purported comparators were not antisemitic; they were critical of Israels treatment of Palestinians.

Penn declined to comment on the litigation. Waxs attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Wax has been facing scrutiny for controversial statements on immigration and race for nearly a decade. She was barred from teaching mandatory first-year courses in 2018 after she questioned the intelligence of Black students.

Over the years Penn faced calls from within its community and from lawmakers to revoke Waxs tenure.

In September, Penn announced that Wax would be suspended for the 2025-26 academic year, among other sanctions, after a five-member board of tenured faculty found that the professor committed a major infraction and had a history of sweeping, blithe, and derogatory generalizations about groups by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status.

In March, Waxs legal team asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction preventing the sanctions from taking effect. The sanctions include one-year suspension at half pay with benefits, a public reprimand, the loss of her named chair, and summer pay. Savage rejected that motion in June.

The judge dismissed Waxs breach of contract and false light claims but allowed the law professor to attempt to litigate those counts in the future.

But when it came to the discrimination counts, Savage closed the door on any further litigation, saying there is nothing Wax can add that would make her discrimination claims plausible.
That was quick.

Jessica Kartalija is leaving 6abcs Action News after less than a year, giving up Philadelphia to move up the TV news ladder for a network correspondent position in New York City.

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My dream has always been to go to New York, Kartalija told The Inquirer. It took a lot of paying my dues and traveling, and here we are.

Kartalija had been freelancing for 6abc since December 2024 following her sudden exit from CBS3 a few months earlier, when she was the victim of companywide cutbacks ahead of the recently approved merger between parent company Paramount Global and Skydance Media.

It was heartbreaking, Kartalija said.

But her exit from 6abc is a completely different situation. In fact, she wouldve happily stayed in Philadelphia if the station had an open position, and is leaving Action News on good terms.

I loved them. I loved them, Kartalija said. They could not have treated me better... they are just a class-act organization.

 READ MORE: Longtime 6abc leader makes the difficult decision to step down

The move to New York means Kartalija is also giving up her teaching job at Villanova University, where shes served as an adjunct instructor for journalism and public speaking since 2023. But she hopes to get some interns from the school up to New York once she settles into her new role. She hasnt publicly said what network she will be joining.

Kartalija is a San Diego native, but she has a number of ties to the Philadelphia region. While her parents live in California, her mother grew up in the Philly area and graduated from Cheltenham High School, while her father has a masters degree from Drexel University. Kartalija is also a Pennsylvania State University grad, and despite the move to New York, shell still be repping green and white on Sundays.

We will always be Birds fans, Kartalija said. It doesnt matter where we go, we are roped in.
Amid high-profile firings and resignations at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  plus new restrictions on COVID-19 vaccinations  local health officials in Philadelphia say consumers should work with their doctors to navigate an uncertain environment around vaccinations for both children and adults.

The murky situation grew still more complex late in the week with the news that both CVS and Walgreens, drugstores where many Americans get their shots, are scaling back their COVID-19 vaccine offerings in some states until the regulatory picture gets clearer.

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CVS said Friday that in 13 states, including Pennsylvania, it will require a prescription for COVID-19 vaccines until the CDC formally recommends updated COVID shots, the New York Times reported. In three states, the vaccine would not be available, the company said. Walgreens also required prescriptions in several states, the Times reported, based on attempts by reporters to book shots there.

It can be hard to get the vaccine at medical practices because many offices do not stock the temperature-sensitive product, making the chain pharmacies critical to vaccination efforts.

Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration, in a departure from recent years, announced that it would approve this falls updated COVID vaccines only for people over 65 and adults with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of the virus. Children under 18 can get the vaccine after consulting with a doctor.

The move came after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine campaigner, fired the entire Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing the CDCs expert group with a handpicked roster that included some vaccine skeptics.

And on Wednesday, the White House fired CDC director Susan Monarez, saying she did not align with the administrations priorities. The Associated Press reported that, among other clashes with Kennedy, she had refused to unquestioningly sign off on recommendations from the reconstituted ACIP.

Still, health officials in Philadelphia say they are working to vaccinate the citys children as they monitor a chaotic and changing situation in federal health agencies.

We focus on the mission of keeping children protected through immunizations, come what may, and we deal with each change as it comes, said Mayassa Abuali, medical director of the Philadelphia Immunization Program, in an interview last week.

Bypassing the usual processes

Paul Offit, a nationally renowned vaccine expert and physician who leads Childrens Hospital of Philadelphias Vaccine Education Center and serves on an FDA vaccine advisory committee, said the moves at the CDC and FDA are highly unusual and bypass traditional processes for approving vaccines.

He said his advisory panel was not consulted on the FDAs decision to approve COVID shots only for certain groups.

Typically, Offit said, the FDA permits pharmaceutical companies to sell a product, and the CDC makes recommendations on who can receive it. In licensing COVID vaccines only for certain groups, Offit said, the FDA has usurped the CDCs position.

In an environment where public health positions are increasingly politicized, Offit said, the public may instead lean on recommendations from professional medical groups outside the federal government, like the American Association of Pediatrics.

Earlier this year, the CDC announced that it would no longer recommend COVID vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women, saying instead that parents of healthy children can make individual decisions with their doctors about whether to give kids 6 months and up a COVID vaccine.

In response, the AAP recently released its own set of recommendations, saying parents should get children under 2 vaccinated for COVID.

I no longer trust the CDC. I no longer trust ACIP. Now we turn to professional societies to get science-based recommendations, Offit said.

Access to COVID and other vaccinations

It is difficult to predict the actions of the reconstituted ACIP when it meets next month, making it tough for public health officials to plan ahead.

The committee has indicated that at its next meeting, set for Sept. 18 and 19, members will discuss recommendations on hepatitis B vaccines, which are typically given at birth, and measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccines, raising additional concerns for some vaccine experts.

One told NPR that, by reexamining vaccine recommendations that have been in place for years, the committee could revisit long-settled questions and lend credibility to anti-vaccine advocates.

It is also unclear how the committee will treat updated COVID vaccines. The FDA restricting approval to certain groups is the first step in learning what the ultimate recommendations for this fall will be, and we are waiting for more information from ACIP and, ultimately, the CDC, James Garrow, a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, said in a statement.

There are still many outstanding questions about who is ultimately recommended to receive [COVID-19 vaccines]. Our recommendations continue to be that everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine should get it, he said.

Philadelphians should talk to their doctors about their risk for COVID, Garrow said, and the city is particularly interested in increasing vaccinations for adults over 65 this fall. The FDA approved the latest vaccines for that group.

Charlotte Moser, the codirector of the Vaccine Education Center  and one of the fired members of ACIP  said that, because the CDC currently recommends that parents consult doctors before getting healthy children vaccinated, parents should still be able to get COVID vaccines for their kids after a doctors visit.

But, she said, it is unclear whether the chaotic situation at government health agencies could affect vaccine supply as insurers and pharmaceutical companies navigate shifting recommendations.

This confusion is because the federal policy is no longer being informed by scientific data, she said.

What parents can do

Abuali said the city health department is committed to keeping Philadelphias children up-to-date on vaccines, and is encouraged by recent increases in standard childhood immunizations that had fallen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research shows that most Americans trust their primary-care physicians above all other information sources when it comes to vaccines, she said, and Philadelphians should consult their doctors for help in confusing times.

I believe in that powerful connection between physician and patient, and I believe that we can continue to make a difference again, despite all the noise around us now, Abuali said. As changes come, well deal with them by continuing to use science.

Moser said it is also important for the vast majority of American parents who do vaccinate their children  99 out of every 100 kids get some vaccines by age 2, she said  to speak up.

People who have the power to make a change here are elected officials. If families arent getting vaccines and they want them, thats an important thing [for politicians] to know, she said.

We have a lot of science and evidence that shows vaccination saves lives. The important message is that most people, most families, even after doing their own research, decide to get their children vaccinated.
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in University City is one of the University of Pennsylvania Health System's seven hospitals. The nonprofit reported a $247 million operating profit for the year ended June 30. Read more

The University of Pennsylvania Health System had a $247 million operating profit in the year ended June 30, the nonprofit told bond investors Friday.

The systems 2.1% operating margin was about the same as the year before, excluding last years unusual gain from a federal drug settlement. An overall increase in expenses has reduced margins throughout healthcare industry since the coronavirus pandemic.

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Penns target for the fiscal year that started July 1 is a 2.4% operating margin, with the longer-term goal of climbing back to 4%, the systems chief financial officer Julia Puchtler said in an interview Friday.

That level of profit allows the health system to transfer about $200 million a year to Penns medical school for education and research  which it has continued doing despite lower profitability  and to invest in growth, Puchtler said.

Here are details on Penns fiscal 2025 financial results:

Revenue: The health system reported nearly $12 billion in revenue. That total increased 10% from $10.9 billion in fiscal 2024. A small part of the growth came from the acquisition of Doylestown Health at the beginning of April. That deal added about $120 million in revenue and the same amount of expenses in the three months that ended June 30, Puchtler said.

Expenses: The amount Penn spent on supplies and services jumped 16.6% last year. Some of that increase is from growth in chemotherapy for cancer patients, CAR-T treatments, and bone marrow transplants, Puchtler said. These are high-cost programs, but theres offset in the revenue to cover that, so its good growth, she said.

Robotic surgery is a counterexample. It is increasingly common because it results in better outcomes for patients, Puchtler said, but doesnt generate more revenue to offset that added cost.

Noteworthy: Penns cash reserves were enough to cover 186 days of expenses at the end of June without any new revenue. That was down from more than 190 a year ago, partly because of the Doylestown acquisition, according to Standard & Poors, a credit-rating agency. Puchtler said part of the proceeds from a $300 million bond sale in July added a few days of cash.

Then in August, to add to its liquidity of more than $1 billion during a financially challenging time for the healthcare industry, Penn secured $300 million in short-term borrowings. That issuance of so-called commercial paper received S&Ps highest credit rating for that kind of debt, according to the ratings agencys Aug. 19 report.
Frederica Massiah-Jackson, 74, a pioneering former Philadelphia judge who was the first Black woman to preside over civil trials in the city, and who was later elected president judge of the citys Court of Common Pleas  making her the first Black judge to serve in that role anywhere in Pennsylvania  died on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at her daughters home in Virginia. The cause of her death has not been disclosed.

Judge Massiah-Jackson spent nearly four decades on the citys bench, including six years as president judge after winning a contested leadership election in 2000.

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In the 1990s, she nearly became a federal judge after then-President Bill Clinton nominated her to fill a vacancy in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. But her candidacy was derailed by fierce opposition from conservatives and local prosecutors  including the citys district attorney at the time, Lynne M. Abraham, who criticized Judge Massiah-Jackson as soft on crime and provided information to the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing her candidacy.

The bitter confirmation battle drew national attention due to the controversy, which was heightened by questions of ideology and accusations of racism, and Judge Massiah-Jackson ultimately withdrew from consideration.

Afterward, the Philadelphia Daily News published notes she kept throughout the process, during which she expressed a mix of disbelief that she had become so controversial, and anguish that her record was being picked apart in ways she viewed as unfair.

I never thought that little old me could cause so much controversy, she wrote at one point, later adding: I dont want my critics saying they won. I dont think they have won. But I dont want to feel like I lost.

Thomas Jackson, Judge Massiah-Jacksons son, said he recalled his mother being upset over that episode, but said she didnt let the rough-and-tumble world of politics stop her from continuing to be thoughtful, deliberate, and intentional in her personal or professional lives.

She didnt stop, Jackson said. That mightve been a bump in the road, but she found other ways to keep moving forward.

U.S. District Judge Mia Roberts Perez  who was mentored by Judge Massiah-Jackson while both served on the Common Pleas Court bench about a decade ago  said Judge Massiah-Jackson was patient, kind, and always willing to provide career advice or help answer questions about the law.

Perez said Judge Massiah-Jackson even helped convince her to become a lawyer in the first place. Early in her career, Perez said, she had doubts about her place in the profession while interning at a big law firm. But after visiting Judge Massiah-Jacksons City Hall courtroom, Perez said, the judge encouraged her to stay the course.

She spent time talking to me about how the profession needed women like us, and the amount of good we could do, Perez said. She said it was completely worth it.

Common Pleas Court Judge Sheila Woods-Skipper said Judge Massiah-Jackson swore her into the Pennsylvania Bar out of law school, and continued to serve as a mentor throughout her career, including when Woods-Skipper was president judge from 2013 to 2018.

When she took the bench, she really didnt have a lot of role models for herself, Woods-Skipper said. And so [later in her career], I think she felt she really had to be there to help.

Frederica Anne Massiah-Jackson was born in Philadelphia on Nov. 10, 1950, and grew up in North Philadelphia near 16th and Jefferson Streets, her son said.

She graduated from the storied Philadelphia High School for Girls, and then from Chestnut Hill College in 1971. She earned a law degree from the University of Pennsylvanias Carey Law School in 1974.

After graduating, she clerked for Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Robert N.C. Nix Jr., then joined the firm Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley.

In 1983, she was elected to Philadelphias Court of Common Pleas, and she remained on the bench for the next 37 years.

During her tenure, she primarily handled medical malpractice cases, the Philadelphia Bar Association said. Her son said her early-career experience as a corporate litigator helped her broker complex settlements in civil cases.

She oversaw a number of matters that drew headlines  including in 1999, when she found SEPTA in contempt of court and fined the transit agency $1 million for failing to disclose evidence in a lawsuit filed on behalf of a boy whose foot was torn off by a SEPTA escalator.

Still, nothing she presided over in court attracted the spotlight quite like her federal confirmation battle.

For six months after Clinton announced her nomination in late 1998, Judge Massiah-Jacksons candidacy  which would have made her the first Black woman on Philadelphias federal bench  became the subject of intense public debate. Abraham, Philadelphias top prosecutor, was a leading critic, as was Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli.

Abraham accused Judge Massiah-Jackson of being lenient to defendants and hostile to law enforcement officials and crime victims. Her office released an analysis of 50 cases Judge Massiah-Jackson handled, saying they demonstrated she was unfit for the role. Abraham at one point even traveled to Washington, sitting in the front row of a Judiciary Committee hearing while Judge Massiah-Jackson testified.

The campaign made waves in the closely divided chamber, throwing into question the ability of Judge Massiah-Jackson to receive enough votes to be confirmed. Supporters defended her, including the Philadelphia Bar Association and local City Council members, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, and a host of Black civil rights, religious and political leaders, some of whom accused Abraham of racism.

Judge Massiah-Jackson said throughout the ordeal her record had been wildly distorted. At one point she told senators: I have read misinformation and mischaracterizations of my judicial career that are so extreme that I hardly recognize myself in them.

In the end, however, it became clear she would not receive enough votes to be confirmed, and she withdrew, deciding to remain in her post as a city judge.

I withdraw not in defeat, she said at a news conference announcing the decision. I will continue to do the job I was elected to do.

Two years later, Judge Massiah-Jackson was elected president judge of Philadelphias Common Pleas Court. The Philadelphia Bar Association said she was the first Black woman to be a president judge of any Pennsylvania county.

Judge Massiah-Jackson served in that role until 2006, and she remained on the bench until retiring in 2021. She received numerous awards and honors during her career, and also lectured on legal studies and business law at Penns Wharton School.

Outside of work, her son said, Judge Massiah-Jackson was an avid writer and reader who was particularly fond of murder mystery novels. And she was known within her family as a caring and loving matriarch, someone who liked to remind relatives about the virtues of planning and being thoughtful toward others, her son said.

In addition to her son, Judge Massiah-Jackson is survived by a daughter, Julia Jackson Duffus, three grandchildren, two brothers, and other relatives.

Visitation is to be from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at St. Malachys Church, 1429 N. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19122. A service is to follow. Interment will be at Westminster Cemetery.
The singer SZA on the set of "Sesame Street" with the Muppet character Oscar the Grouch. The program is perhaps the clearest example of what public media can achieve, Amy Jordan writes. Read more

On a hot July day in 1999, I appeared before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to testify about the beneficial effects of quality educational television for children. The hearings were focused on reauthorizing funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports PBS and NPR. At the time, public broadcasting was frequently criticized for being overly progressive and a waste of taxpayer dollars.

I wont argue about the political leanings of public media, but I will argue, as I did back then, that some of the very best childrens media is publicly funded. Sesame Street has been on PBS since 1969, and is perhaps the clearest example of what public media can achieve.

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Its aim was to provide underserved children, especially those without access to preschool education, with the opportunity to learn basic skills like their ABCs and numbers before they entered first grade. Studies consistently showed that Sesame Street succeeded in its mission.

But the show could not have existed without federal funding, nor could it have reached such a broad audience without public broadcasting stations that were able to distribute it widely.

Over the decades, numerous other educational programs have been developed thanks to the U.S. Department of Educations funding for research and development. With the elimination of funding for both PBS and the Department of Education, the quality and innovativeness of childrens media are likely to disappear, too.

And if you assume for-profit media will fill the gap left by cuts to public funding, think again. Commercial media companies are not concerned with childrens education or well-being. They are focused solely on capturing childrens attention for commercial gain.

Looking back at my testimony from 1999, I could never have imagined the existential threat facing public media today. Our conversation in that hearing room was about the size of the budget, not the value of the mission.

Neither could I have imagined how dramatically the media landscape would change. Today, according to recent research by Common Sense Media, most children over the age of 7 have their own mobile device. Roughly four out of 10 children aged 8 to 12 have social media profiles.

President Joe Bidens surgeon general rang the alarm in 2023 with a report warning that platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are eroding young peoples mental health, and urgently calling for increased funding for research on the effects of social media.

For a brief time, that funding materialized. About $15 million was allocated to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Much-needed studies were initiated, and researchers were on the verge of answering crucial questions, like: Are teen brains rewired by their cell phones? Is social media contributing to the rise in adolescent depression? Why do some teens thrive with digital media, while others struggle?

The answers seemed within reach. But then came the Department of Government Efficiency emails notifying the researchers that they would no longer be funded. Projects that were months in the planning  developing study protocols, purchasing equipment, and enrolling participants  were abruptly canceled. NIH began pulling down its calls for research proposals as funding priorities realigned. Even the NIH web page chronicling knowledge about digital media effects was archived.

Sesame Street could not have existed without federal funding, nor could it have reached such a broad audience without public broadcasting stations that were able to distribute it widely.

This is where we find ourselves after the devastating cuts. The safe, trusted space PBS provides children and parents could very well disappear. The window of opportunity to better understand the effects of digital media on young, developing brains is closing.

The loss of funding is devastating for children and is a dangerous step backward in the effort to protect children and adolescents from the potentially harmful effects of technology.

Our political leaders have decided that its best to pull the plug on what has always been a safe space for children in an otherwise banal and crowded childrens landscape. And instead of a robust, evidence-based conversation about how to help kids and families navigate this new digital environment, these same politicians have decided to let tech companies keep experimenting with our young people without anyone (except the companies themselves) understanding how young people are impacted.

These are decisions that reflect lawmakers list of priorities, and if one thing is clear, the healthy development of our nations youth does not rank highly on that list.

Amy Jordan is a distinguished professor of journalism and media studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a member of the board of trustees at Sesame Workshop.
Imagine youre a medical researcher studying a critical disease that affects millions of Americans. Funding for your federal grant has been suspended because of incompatibility with agency priorities.

After weeks of uncertainty, a government official says they will resume the grant  provided you agree not to investigate or report on how the disease affects a certain minority group. What would you do?

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Right now, similar dilemmas are being faced by researchers nationwide due to two legally dubious executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and transgender people. Proponents claim these orders will eliminate ideology in science, but in reality, President Donald Trumps EOs limit the ability of science to benefit humanity.

As a prior recipient of federal research funds and a legal scholar who studies free speech and the history of science, we both understand that the scientific method is a process for making observations and taking informed actions based upon them.

On the most basic level, a scientist must be willing to admit that their original hypothesis is wrong. That means science requires a fundamental openness to following where those observations lead you. Sidestepping lines of inquiry that are ideologically disfavored by the administration runs counter to the goals of science and the principle of academic freedom.

Funding priorities shape the course of scientific research. When the government suppresses particular questions  either through lists of banned keywords or by shuttering dozens of National Science Foundation divisions  scientists tend to change their research agendas accordingly.

Researchers at many institutions are under intense pressure to compete for funding in order to earn tenure and promotion, to pay their postdocs and graduate students, and to bring their institutions the overhead fees that keep the lights on and the fume hoods running.

The choice between pursuing a funded project that is regime-approved and an unfunded project that dares to challenge the governments worldview is no choice at all for most scientists, who still have to pay rent and support themselves and their families. We have already begun to see the effects play out.

The harms of these attacks go beyond the limits on the choices of individual scientists. For all of the administrations claims about promoting gold standard science, mandated censorship and restrictions on funding harm the scientific record.

What we call science is a mutually reinforcing network of people, institutions, and practices that rests on the shoulders of giants, that is, the work of others. When certain projects are suppressed, it makes it harder for all researchers to understand the state of the world and draw the correct conclusions.

Weve already seen that normal, reasonable preferences in science publishing, such as the bias against negative results, can have dramatic effects on our ability to know things about the world. Ideological restrictions on science threaten to be much worse, akin to religious suppression of Galileos evidence for the heliocentric model of the solar system. And that is before we even account for specific funding for fringe or discredited ideologies.

To be sure, there is much about the ecosystem of American science research that could be improved. Science is done by humans, with all of our curiosities, frailties, and biases. And sometimes, sciences self-correction can be a lengthy and thankless process.

Mandated censorship and restrictions on funding harm the scientific record.

But rather than supporting more robust scientific inquiry or eliminating ideological biases, the federal governments targeted ideological bans and defunding efforts make it more difficult to do the kind of work that teaches us about our world.

And while many scientists are rightfully dismayed by the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting Trumps National Institutes of Health grant cuts to move forward, a prominent legal scholar and Supreme Court watcher has predicted that individual grantees may yet prevail in court to recoup their funds.

No one should have to make the choice before many federally-funded scientists: sanitize your research or lose your funding.

Academic institutions, philanthropic foundations, and, yes, everyday people need to stand up for science and for research and researchers that the federal government has decided are ideologically disfavored. Otherwise, we risk creating an environment where our ability to know things, and act upon them, is profoundly compromised.

Matt Zucker is a professor of engineering at Swarthmore College. Kendra Albert is a partner at Albert Sellars LLP.
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, pictured in April, was denied entry from a Pennsylvania ICE facility on Wednesday. Read more

U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon was denied entry on Wednesday from the ICE facility in Pennsylvania where a detainee was found hanging by his neck earlier this month.

The Delaware County Democrats blocked entry from the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, a privately run federal detention center in Clearfield County, came just two days after U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, a Pittsburgh Democrat, was also prohibited from entering the site.

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Both lawmakers said they waited about an hour at the center before being turned away.

As we continue to hear stories of inhumane conditions within this facility and others across the country, and see evidence that the vast majority of those detained have no criminal records, it is our duty as federal representatives to shed light on how taxpayer dollars are being spent and to ensure detainees are not being mistreated, Scanlon said in a statement Thursday.

The death of Chaofeng Ge, 32, a Chinese national who is suspected to have hung himself in the facility earlier this month, raised concerns about detainee supervision and mental health resources at the facility.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said, following Ges death, that the agency remains committed to ensuring that all those in its custody reside in safe, secure, and humane environments, and that comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay.

Scanlon said in a letter to ICE officials that she has received persistent reports about inadequate medical services there, including for a detainee from her district, as well as inadequate nutrition.

Most people arrested by ICE in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions are sent to the Pennsylvania facility, according to Scanlon.

As President Donald Trumps administration continues to detain immigrants in high numbers as the president pursues mass deportations, Scanlon said that Democrats will not allow this administration to ignore due process and commit civil rights abuses.

According to Scanlons office, the lawmaker was stopped at the entry gate and told she had to wait for supervisors from ICE and the GEO Group, the company that runs the facility. They told her she could not enter because of orders from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Scanlon showed them the statute that grants members of Congress the authority to conduct oversight visits and shared a letter explaining her reasons for the visit. She asked them to bring the letter to their superiors for a formal response as she waited on site, her office said.

When they returned, the facility supervisors denied Rep. Scanlon entry to the facility once again, citing Secretary Noems policy, although they acknowledged the congresswomans statutory right to enter, her office said.

ICE did not immediately comment on the incident.

The rejection of the Pennsylvania Democrats from the site follows a pattern of incidents in which lawmakers have been blocked from entering federal detention centers under the Trump administration.

Members of Congress were also denied entry to Delaney Hall, an ICE facility operated by the GEO Group in Newark, New Jersey, in May. One of them, U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, a Democrat whose district includes the facility, was federally charged with assault over a scuffle that took place while officers were arresting Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, whose charges were quickly dropped.

On Monday, Lee, a Pittsburgh Democrat, was denied entry for an oversight visit to the facility with Yannick Gill, senior counsel of refugee advocacy at Human Rights First. They waited over an hour before being told they couldnt come in. In a statement, Lee called it another example of the Trump administrations executive overreach.

Blocking sitting members of Congress from entering a detention facility not only violates the Constitution, but should call the public to question what is happening behind these walls that the administration is trying to hide, Gill said.
A Massachusetts couple was arrested this week for their alleged involvement in a scheme that defrauded at least 50 individuals or insurance providers of more than $700,000 through their insurance agency, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC.

Brendan Lawler and Lisa Lawler, both of New Bedford, were charged with one count each of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Both appeared in federal court in Boston on Wednesday, according to U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley of the District of Massachusetts.

According to the charging document, prosecutors allege that from March 2023 through March 2024, the Lawlers solicited and collected insurance payments from their clients, which should have been paid to the clients insurance providers. However, instead of paying the insurance companies what they were owed, the Lawlers allegedly pocketed their clients payments and used the money for their own purposes.

To conceal the theft of client funds and to keep their company BL Insurance afloat to perpetuate the scheme, the Lawlers allegedly used incoming client funds to pay outstanding balances due to other clients insurers. Prosecutors further charge that the couple also created and distributed fake certificates of insurance, checks and other documents to clients that falsely indicated that the clients were insured.

One victim was an insurance brokerage in Florida for which BL Insurance had agreed to find insureds in exchange for a commission. The Florida brokerage calculated that BL Insurance failed to remit approximately $109,621.05 in payments from insureds for the 2023-2024 coverage year.

According to its archived website, BL Insurance identified itself as a full-service insurance brokerage licensed in several states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, and Connecticut. BL Insurance purported to offer insurance for professional liability, general liability, commercial property, financial products, and personal lines.

Bank records examined by prosecutors show that from at least March 2018 onward, the Lawlers struggled financially. Their account often did not have funds available to pay bills or to make necessary business expenditures, such as payments to insurance companies to obtain insurance coverage for clients, unless and until they replenished the account balance with new customer deposits or additional financing. From March 2023 to March 2024, the account was overdrawn more than 200 times.

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) opened an investigation of the agency in 2023 after receiving complaints.

According to the prosecutors affidavit, in October 2023 Brendan Lawler sent an email to one of BL Insurances attorney clients explaining that the DOI investigation was the result of payment errors made by his wife while he was absent undergoing a hip replacement.

The Lawlers surrendered their insurance licenses to the state in March 2024 and the agency closed.

The charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the loss to the victim.

The Lawlers are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topics Agencies Fraud
Since 2021, religious schools in Vermont have been receiving an increasing amount of money through Vermonts school tuitioning program. But Act 73, Vermonts wide-ranging education reform law signed into law in July, effectively halts that trend.

Last week, the state Agency of Education finalized a list of 18 private schools (called independent schools under state law) that remain eligible for the public tuition dollars under the new laws provisions. Students who were already enrolled in ineligible schools prior to the laws passing can continue receiving public dollars until they graduate.

Vermonts public tuition system allows families in districts without a public school for certain grades to use public dollars to send their children to public or private schools elsewhere.

Under the new law, however, private schools located in the state must now pass two tests to remain eligible for public funding: they must be located in a school district or supervisory union that does not operate a public school for some or all grades, and they must have had at least 25% of their student body from the 2023-24 school year funded by a Vermont public school district.

Two tests

The provisions leave the 12 religious schools that last year received public tuition dollars ineligible for that funding. That includes Rice Memorial High School and Mount St. Joseph Academy, two prominent Catholic high schools based respectively in South Burlington and Rutland that, like others, have received an increasing share of public dollars since 2021.

To be sure, a very small percentage  about 100 students, or less than 4%  of the states roughly 3,000 students who used public funds for independent school tuition were going to religious schools. Meanwhile, a little over 2% of the $59,752,073 in education fund dollars that went to private schools in 2023-24 flowed to religious schools.

Federal rulings

But the effect that Act 73s eligibility requirements have on the states formerly eligible religious schools marks a departure from a trend seen in recent years that followed significant federal court rulings which bolstered the use of public tuition for religious schools.

In 2021, a federal appeals court judge ruled that three Vermont school districts could not exclude Catholic school students from the states tuition system.

Then, in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carson v. Makin held that Maine  which runs a similar tuition funding program to Vermonts  could not award some parents a public benefit, specifically, tuition money, while in other cases denying the benefit based on a recipients religious exercise.

Since then, the number of religious schools receiving tuition has increased, as well as the amount of public funding flowing to them.

Rice Memorial High School received $644,385 in public tuition dollars for the 2023-24 school year, according to data provided by the Agency of Education, a more than 60% increase from the $386,925 in tuition dollars the school received during the 2022-23 school year.

Other prominent schools now ineligible for public funding include the Mid Vermont Christian School in Hartford, the Rutland Area Christian School and Mount St. Joseph Academy in Rutland. The latter received $395,250 in public tuition funds for the 2023-24 school year  a roughly $70,000 increase from the prior year.

VTDigger used information on schools websites to identify religious affiliation since the Agency of Education does not categorize schools as religious. Data for the 2024-25 school year was not available.

Non-religious criteria

Now that that funding has been halted, questions remain over whether Vermonts new independent school eligibility requirements, and their effect on religious schools, could be litigated.

Peter Teachout, a professor of law at Vermont Law School, said in an interview that the criteria around independent school eligibility is on solid footing regarding religious schools, at least based on the precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Carson v. Makin case.

The criteria that state lawmakers used in determining public tuition eligibility are religiously neutral, he said, and potential plaintiffs seeking legal action would need to prove these criteria were somehow surrogates for excluding private, religious, independent schools.

That would have to be the argument: that in fact, the Legislature was seeking to exclude private, religious schools, and then it came up with non-religious criteria that would achieve that consequence, he said. That would be an extremely hard case to make, because the state is absolutely free to decide which independent schools get funding or dont get funding, provided the criteria are not exclusively based on religion.

Side effect

Lawmakers who spoke to VTDigger said that the changes to funding for religious schools were a side effect of the policy changes enacted last session.

The fact of the matter is what we implemented was really just a generally applicable standard to reflect continuing use of those schools that have served historically as public schools, said Rep. Peter Conlon, D-Cornwall, the chair of the House Committee on Education who helped craft the final contours of Act 73.

Sen. Seth Bongartz, D-Bennington, the chair of the Senate Committee on Education, said he and others advocated for tuition dollars to continue to go to schools that were integral to the delivery system of education in Vermont.

Still, religious school officials said this will have an effect.

David Young, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Burlington, said the new eligibility requirements certainly will hurt. But he specifically took issue with the July 1 deadline imposed by lawmakers around independent school eligibility.

Young said the process around Act 73 feels in disarray, and noted that, while Act 73 immediately set requirements around the states tuitioning system, many aspects of the law remain unresolved.

As part of Act 73, Vermonts School Redistricting Task Force has begun work to consolidate Vermonts 118 school districts, contained within 51 supervisory districts or supervisory unions, into anywhere from 10 to 25 future districts.

I just feel like it would have been better to say, Lets be clear on the procedures in the process. Lets then set the date,' he said. If youre going to draw these lines that encompass some of the larger districts in with others, you probably ought to understand that first before you upset the apple cart a little bit.

This story was originally published by VTDigger and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits K-12
A Sierra Club employee filed a workplace misconduct complaint earlier this year with the board of directors alleging that then-executive director Ben Jealous engaged in sexual harassment and bullying.

The employees complaint, reviewed by Bloomberg News, alleges Jealous made unwelcome sexual comments that included graphic remarks about his own sex life and the bodies of women working for one of the oldest and largest US environmental organizations. The complaint alleges verbal abuse and screaming fits toward the employee.

Reached for comment on the harassment complaint, Jealous said in a statement that he had been the victim of racial discrimination by the Sierra Club.

A representative for the Sierra Club declined to comment on personnel matters. When we receive complaints, we investigate them, said Sierra Club spokesman Jonathon Berman.

The board of directors voted unanimously to remove Jealous from his role earlier this month for cause, without explaining publiclywhy it dismissed him. Berman did not comment on the length or outcome of the investigation, or whether it played a part in the boards decision to remove him from his role.

Jealous, who previously served as the chief of the NAACP civil-rights group before becoming the first Black person to lead the Sierra Club in 2023, did not directly address the workplace complaint when asked about it by Bloomberg News.

No one can be surprised that the Sierra Club has resorted to personal attacks. Thats how racial retaliation works. When youre being discriminated against, they dont accuse you of being Black, Jealous said in a statement from his lawyer. Before I left, I raised serious issues of racism and retaliation, and I have honored the confidential process in my contract rather than leak those publicly. It is no coincidence these accusations surface now, after I filed my arbitration complaint detailing the discrimination and retaliation I endured.

As Mr. Jealous knows, the Board sent him a written statement that detailed the reasons for their unanimous vote to terminate his employment, Berman said in a statement without elaborating on those reasons.

Jealouss tenure at the Sierra Club had been tumultuous, marked by clashes with the organizations union and calls from state chapters for a no-confidence vote in his leadership. The union passed a resolution of no confidence in Jealous and his executive team in 2024 citing attacks, union busting and retaliation. In July, Sierra Clubs board of directors placed Jealous on leave. In August, the board fired him.

The Sierra Club has more than 60 chapters around the country and reported $195 million in revenue for 2023. In between his leadership roles in the NAACP, one of the biggest civil rights groups in the US, and the Sierra Club, Jealous moved into politics. He ran for governor of Maryland as a Democrat in 2018, losing in the general election to Republican Larry Hogan.

Sierra Clubs dismissal of Jealous has prompted pushback. There are serious racial implications in firing a Black man of Bens caliber, in this fashion, at a time when diversity is under attack, Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of National Action Network, said in a statement after his firing. When reached for comment this week, Sharptons team reaffirmed the need for an arbitration process to resolve the issue.

Photo: Ben Jealous attends Sierra Clubs 2025 Trail Blazers Ball this year in Los Angeles. Photo by Araya Doheny/Getty Images for Sierra Club
When Hurricane Katrina made landfall in southern Louisiana 20 years ago, the region was ill-prepared for the 125 mph winds and catastrophic flooding that would follow.

Louisiana, like the rest of the United States, was still adopting modern international building codes, which had just gone into effect a few years prior.

The good wind protections that we now all sort of take for granted in building codes didnt come into place until 2002, said Michael Newman, general counsel for the International Institute for Building & Home Safety (IBHS). Its maybe not so surprising that Louisiana wasnt up to date at that time.

Louisiana lawmakers addressed building codes promptly by holding a special session in December 2005. Legislators passed a measure establishing a mandatory statewide building code in line with the International Code Council (ICC).

Kathleen Blanco, then governor of the Pelican State, and various insurance groups supported the effort to establish a uniform building code, while opponents claimed it would drive up construction costs and would be hard to implement on a local level.

Jim Donelon, the former Louisiana Insurance Commissioner, credits Blanco for having the political will to push statewide building codes through the legislature.

That was a heavy lift, because half of our 64 parishes didnt have building codes, said Donelon, Special Counsel with McGlinchey Stafford law firm in New Orleans. They didnt have permitting offices. They didnt have inspectors on the payroll. All of that was going to be expensive for them to stand up.

Though Louisiana was quick to pass a statewide building code post-Katrina, the state didnt update its code in the ensuing years to keep up with international building codes. The ICC, for example, updates its model codes every three years to account for technological and material improvements and new safety concerns.

It wasnt until Louisiana experienced another onslaught of hurricanes in 2020-21 that the state responded by bringing its code up to date. The 2020 hurricane season was the most active on record, with Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta causing $10.6 billion in insured losses.

Louisiana was battered again the following year by Hurricane Ida, the most destructive storm since Katrina. Insured losses from Ida amounted to approximately $14 billion.

Following that really bad string of hurricanes, a bunch of stakeholders came together and said, We need to update our code,' said Newman.

Louisiana updated its statewide building code in 2021, bring the state in line with modern international codes.

The destruction from Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta and Ida pressured politicians to seek other ways to grow the states resiliency against future storms.

Donelon, as insurance commissioner, pushed lawmakers to establish a program that would give grants to residents to retrofit their roofs to standards set by the IBHS.

Fortified roofs have stronger edges, a sealed roof deck, impact-resistant shingles and are better attached. The roofs are designed to withstand winds up to 130-150 mph, thus protecting a home in the event of a Category 3 or 4 hurricane.

Louisianas initiative was to be modeled verbatim from Alabama, where lawmakers in 2011 established a program for residential wind mitigation on single-family homes. The Strengthen Alabama Homes program was the first of its kind to award grants up to $10,000 to homeowners to retrofit their roofs to the Fortified standard. The state began giving out grants in 2016.

Alabama now has over 50,000 Fortified designations, and more than 80% of those are not supported by any public funding.

What impresses me most is that they were brave enough to be the first mover, said Newman. Alabama said, Hurricanes are displacing our families, theyre destabilizing our communities and theyre making our insurance market unhealthy. They decided to do something about it.

In Louisiana, lawmakers were slower to act. It took until after the 2020-21 storms for the legislature to fund the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.

As is typical, the wolf was not at the door when we passed the bill the first time, said Donelon. But in the aftermath of Laura, Delta, Zeta and Ida, we needed insurance companies to come do business. Giving grants out, in particular to folks on coastal areas, is a long-term answer to our huge exposure to catastrophic events.

Since launching in 2023, the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program has issued over 3,700 grants of up to $10,000. The number of homes Fortified without a grant has grown from under 1,000 to more than 5,500 over that period.

The cost of purchasing a Fortified roof can be a barrier for homeowners who are already struggling to keep up with rising insurance premiums.

Louisiana lawmakers tried to offset that cost passing a law that requires insurance companies to provide actuarial justified discounts to properties that meet the Fortified standard. Another law passed this year will give Fortified homeowners a personal income tax credit of up to $10,000.

The program is vital for protecting our state against severe weather and making Louisiana a more attractive place for insurers to do business, Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said.

Photo: Aerial view of damage caused from Hurricane Katrina the day after the hurricane hit August 30, 2005. Photo by Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

Topics Louisiana Windstorm
The devastating flooding in Houston caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 killed dozens of people, inundated hundreds of thousands of homes and left the community desperate for a solution.

Since then, local flood experts have extensively studied the possibility of a multibillion-dollar tunnel system across Harris County. Studies have focused on the construction of pipelines, 30 to 40 feet in diameter, that could ferry massive amounts of water out to the Gulf in the event of a storm.

Now, after years of research and discussion, Elon Musk wants a piece of the project.

An investigation by The Texas Newsroom and the Houston Chronicle has found that the billionaire, in partnership with Houston-area Rep. Wesley Hunt, has spent months aggressively pushing state and local officials to hire Musks Boring Co. to build two narrower, 12-foot tunnels around one major watershed. That could be a potentially cheaper, but, at least one expert said, less effective solution to the regions historic flooding woes.

Hunts team has said the Boring project would cost $760 million and involve the company getting 15% of the cost up front from state and local coffers.

Within two months of this push, the Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to study a pilot program that included a look at smaller tunnels, with specifications similar to what Boring had pitched.

Both Musk and Hunt stand to benefit should Boring be selected to build any part of the project. Hunt is reportedly considering a challenge to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next years Republican Senate primary. And landing a job like this would also be a significant win for Boring, which has not completed a major public project in Texas and faces criticisms for its ventures elsewhere.

The discussions about the Boring pitch have happened mostly out of the public eye. Hunt mentioned the project in passing at a town hall in Houston in February. Since then, he has refused to answer the newsrooms questions about when Musk sold him on the idea and why he became its pitchman.

Efforts to reach Musk and representatives with Boring were unsuccessful.

Experts and some local officials question whether Musk and his company are the right pick for the job. The Boring Co. has focused on transportation tunnels, not flood mitigation.

If you build a smaller tunnel, OK, itll be cheaper, but it can carry less water, said Larry Dunbar, a veteran water resources engineer who has advised Houston-area governmental agencies on drainage issues. So what have you saved? Have you reduced the flooding upstream by an inch? And are you going to spend multimillions of dollars to do that? Well, maybe thats not worth it.

In response to the newsrooms questions, state and local officials said no public money has been allocated to Boring. County officials added that they have not chosen a tunnel contractor and any process to do so would follow normal procurement rules.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, whose staff met with Hunts team during the legislative session to discuss the proposal, remains open to the idea. As president of the Texas Senate with close ties to President Donald Trump, he is a powerful ally.

If Elon Musk and the Boring Company, or any other company, can build two massive tunnels under the Houston bayous in a few years to save the city from flooding, I am always going to be interested to listen, Patrick, a Republican, told the newsrooms. The truth is, Elon Musk is one of the only people in the world who could accomplish this.

The Pitch Process Begins

In 2022, the Harris County Flood Control District released findings from its yearslong tunnel study, which has so far cost nearly $3 million in local and federal funds.

The idea was to build eight tunnels, totalling around 130 miles in length, according to the report. The tunnels would be huge, wide enough for a container ship, and buried 40 to 140 feet underground, depending on the location. Austin and San Antonio have similar systems, although on a smaller scale.

The Buffalo Bayou segment of the Houston project  which Boring has proposed to build  is a centerpiece of the design and would run through the citys core and some of its most developed neighborhoods. The county estimated it would cost $4.6 billion.

The total cost for the system was projected to be $30 billion, funded by a potential mix of federal, state and local dollars, and the timeline was 10 to 15 years to complete construction.

Given the scope and complexity of the project, the Army Corps of Engineers has been involved in discussions about the tunnels since the beginning. The corps also has jurisdiction over the two federal reservoirs in the area.

Eight years after Harvey, however, the tunnel project has not broken ground.

Hunt has accused the Army Corps of dragging their feet a little bit because its study of the tunnel system has been delayed. In December, Congress ordered the Corps to finish the analysis. Hunt hailed the decision, but to date the Army Corps has not completed the study.

Just two months later, however, his staffers and Musks team started shopping Borings proposal to politicians across the state.

Emails, text messages and policy memos the newsrooms obtained through public records requests show Hunts chief of staff, James Kyrkanides, repeatedly attempted to obtain public money on behalf of Boring. The documents, which have not been released previously to the public, also lay out how Hunt worked to secure Musk access to lawmakers and other officials ahead of the formal bidding process.

Kyrkanides declined to comment for this story.

In February, Boring pitched its proposal to elected officials in Harris County as an innovative and cost-effective solution.

We are confident in our ability to execute this project successfully to bring peace of mind to residents of Harris County and the greater Houston area during future flood events, Jim Fitzgerald, Borings global head of business development, wrote in a two-page memo about the proposal addressed to Kyrkanides and shared with local officials.

That same month, Hunt spoke at a town hall meeting about his involvement.

I talked to him  Musk  about Hurricane Harvey and how we need tunnels, Hunt said, according to Community Impact. He told me, I can do that at a fraction of the cost the Army Corps of Engineers would do it.'

A few days later, the head of a local nonprofit wrote to a county commissioner saying shed heard Hunt and Musk were shopping the proposal around and that the idea may have been discussed on board the presidents jet.

I hear that Congressman Hunt talked to Elon Musk about his boring company while on a trip on Airforce 1, Colleen Gilbert, executive director of the Greens Bayou Coalition, emailed.

Its unclear if Trump was on board or took part in the discussions. The presidents spokespeople didnt answer questions about the apparent meeting.

In April, Kyrkanides made a detailed pitch in an email to Patricks staff. He passed along Borings proposal and suggested that $60 million be set aside in the state budget that will be matched with another $60 million from the Harris County Flood Control District as a down payment for the $760 million project Elon pitched Wesley.

I believe the Lt. Gov. spoke with Elon and the Boring Company this week, Kyrkanides emailed in May, a month before the regular legislative session wrapped up. Wesley also spoke with Elon, and everything seems on track!

Kyrkanides followed up once more mid-month: Anything you need from us?

Pushing for Smaller Tunnels

As they pushed the idea to state lawmakers, Hunts team repeatedly lobbied Harris County officials, reaching out to at least two commissioners, the countys legislative liaison and flood control experts.

Early on, Houston officials had concerns about what Boring proposed.

The two-page letter from Boring said its tunnels would be no shallower than 15 feet to 30 feet below ground surface, while the countys previous research proposed a much deeper range for the Buffalo Bayou segment.

An engineering expert in County Commissioner Tom Ramseys office warned that Borings shallower plan could interfere with bridge foundations, utility lines and existing easements.

It discusses that the tunnel would be much shallower then anticipated, Eric Heppen, Ramseys director of engineering, wrote in an email to other staffers in his office on Feb. 17. I would quickly confirm if it can be deeper or if that becomes a load challenge for the system.

Boring said in its pitch that the tunnel depth is flexible, but the company did not respond to the newsrooms question about whether it can build to the standards outlined in the countys study.

Volume was another concern. A single 40-foot-wide tunnel can move about 12,000 cubic feet of water every second, county studies show. Two 12-foot-wide tunnels, laid side by side, as Boring proposed, might struggle to keep pace in a flood emergency, according to Dunbar, the veteran water resources engineer.

One would need eleven 12-foot diameter tunnels to provide the same flow capacity as one 40-foot diameter tunnel, he told the newsrooms. Providing only two 12-foot diameter tunnels does not provide the flow capacity that Harris County or the Corps of Engineers are seeking.

Boring Co. Pitch Details Narrower, Shallower Tunnels Than Flood Control District Study

The county continued to engage with the company despite these concerns.

In March, Scott Elmer, whos overseen the tunnel study for the past few years at the countys flood control district, reached out to Boring executives to set up a meeting. In the following weeks, he and other flood control officials met with Boring engineers at least twice to discuss the specifics of Borings capabilities.

During one of the meetings, flood control officials pressed Boring representatives on whether the company could build tunnels that are at least 20 feet wide, according to an agenda shared with attendees via email.

The company was reportedly studying how to make tunnels as wide as 21 feet several years ago. But its unclear if Boring ever developed that capability or what it told county officials about its potential to make bigger tunnels. On its website, Boring notes it maintains the same tunnel design for all projects to avoid reinventing the wheel for every tunnel.

An April 10 commissioners court meeting in Houston was a turning point.

That appears to be the first time county officials brought up in public the fact that Hunt had been pitching them on a smaller-scale version of the flood plan theyd studied for years. They referred to this idea as a pilot program that would focus on just a few sections of a larger, countywide tunnel system.

Ramsey, the panels only Republican, specifically mentioned the pilot program tunnels could be narrower in diameter, as small as 12 feet, and shallower  specifications that would fit the kind of tunnel Boring has typically built.

Commissioner Lesley Briones, a Democrat, said a pilot project may help kick-start a huge, expensive project that the county has struggled to get off the ground.

No one mentioned Boring or Musk explicitly until Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a Democrat, said hed gotten wind that the tech billionaire might be involved.

Ive heard all of the stories about Elon Musk having a tunneling company, Ellis said. Ive got pretty good ears. Ive got good Republican friends, too, now.

He questioned the pitch, saying he was worried it would take the county off track.

However, Ellis and all of the commissioners unanimously voted to produce a white paper studying the idea of a scaled-down pilot project. They also voted to ask the state for flood mitigation funds. The vote didnt require the county to commit to a specific project.

Later that month, records show the countys legislative liaison reached out to staff for state Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, to indicate the countys support for a $60 million budget rider for underground flood risk reduction systems in Harris County.

A two-page memo explaining the pilot project included with the request did not mention Musk or Boring and still referenced the larger 30- to 40-foot tunnels.

Whats in it for Musks Allies

Hunt has been a leading voice on the need for flood mitigation during his short time in Congress.

Last year, he partnered with Democratic U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher to order the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with the underground tunnel study. The effort was applauded as a bipartisan victory.

But Fletcher, a Democrat, said she was not involved in Hunts work with Musk on the Boring proposal and has not heard from anyone advocating for it. She said shes worked with Army Corps of Engineers and local communities on a transparent, informed, community-driven effort to address water conveyance and flood control in our region.

A West Point graduate and former Army captain, Hunt has shaped a political brand that appeals to both GOP insiders and MAGA-leaning voters. He was a regular at Trump campaign events in and outside Texas and secured a prime-time speaking slot at the 2024 Republican National Convention. He is the only Black Republican in the Texas congressional delegation.

But if Hunt enters the U.S. Senate race against Cornyn, he will likely need a high-profile political win to stand out, according to Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, as incumbent senators in Texas have won nearly every primary over the past few decades.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is also challenging Cornyn in the primary.

Given the volatile dynamic between Trump and Musk, aligning with the latter carries political risk but also the potential for major reward, Rottinghaus said.

Hunt certainly is well-known enough as a member in his district, but the problem is that when youre in Congress running for a statewide office, your base support can sometimes be very provincial, Rottinghaus said. To partner with Musk would provide for a kind of national profile that Hunt would need to be successful.

Musk has tapped local politicians when pursuing similar big projects elsewhere.

In Tennessee, Republican leaders recently announced that Boring would build a transit tunnel for cars from downtown Nashville to the nearby airport. The citys mayor and other Democratic leaders have raised questions about a lack of transparency, competitive bidding and environmental planning. At a public meeting in early August, a Boring official said the company would seek public input for the project but did not answer reporters questions about why they had not yet done so, according to the Nashville Banner.

In Las Vegas, where Boring built a transit tunnel system, the company was able to avoid many of the lengthy governmental reviews typical of these kinds of projects because it is privately operated and receives no federal funding, ProPublica previously reported.

In 2022, Bloomberg reported the company had pitched eight projects to Texas officials. Two were water drainage projects in Austin and Houston. Neither appears to have been built.

If Boring secures part of the Houston job, it would appear to be the companys first public flood control project. The company lists only transportation-related projects on its website.

Texas law requires county governments to open large public projects to competitive bidding and give all potential contractors an equal shot under the same conditions.

While the law does not explicitly bar local officials from discussing projects with individual companies ahead of time, that kind of early outreach  though common in some places  hasnt been expressly authorized by state courts or the attorney general, according to legal guidance from the Texas Municipal League, which provides legal guidance to local government officials.

Emily Woodell, the spokesperson for the Harris County Flood Control District, said the agency has not shared any sensitive information with Boring about the Houston project and only met with the company to understand its capabilities.

Ramsey, the county commissioner, told the newsrooms he believes theres nothing wrong with officials entertaining private pitches before the formal bidding process begins.

All companies that might have an interest in it, that might understand and offer us information, certainly wed be open to listening, Ramsey said.

Whats Next

The future of the project, and Musks involvement, are still up in the air.

The state never granted Boring the $60 million it wanted for the project. Huffman, the senator overseeing the finance committee, confirmed the rider was never placed in the state budget and told the newsrooms she had nothing to do with the proposal.

The only involvement my office had with this proposal was when Rep. Hunts chief of staff reached out to my scheduler to arrange a meeting between Rep. Hunt and me, but it never took place, she said in a statement.

County officials also told the newsrooms that they havent provided any public money to Musk.

However, in June, the Harris County Flood Control District produced the pilot project report that commissioners voted for in the spring, looking at a scaled-back version of the original tunnel design. This white paper proposed focusing on only a few segments of the countywide tunnel system and considered tunnels as small as 10 feet in diameter as a real option  well within Borings ability to construct.

The white paper also floated the idea of a public-private partnership allowing a private firm to design, build and even run the system afterward, just as Boring has done elsewhere.

It does not appear that this report has been released to the public. The flood control district provided it to the newsrooms upon request.

Carlos Gomez, acting public affairs chief for the Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, told the newsrooms he had not heard about the pilot project potentially involving The Boring Co. and could not say if his agency would be interested.

After the newsrooms presented them with the findings of this investigation, Briones and Ramsey emphasized they are not committed to one particular company and that all solutions would be subject to due diligence. Ellis told the newsrooms that Musk should not be involved, calling him someone who has shown blatant disregard for democratic institutions and environmental protections.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Adrian Garcia, both Democrats, declined to comment.

Woodell, with the flood control district, said there have been no further discussions with Boring in months. She said the county has looked at smaller tunnels before but acknowledged that engineering analyses found large-diameter tunnels would be the most effective option for a countywide system. Woodell added the county might still consider smaller tunnels in specific locations.

There will never be a single solution to flooding in Harris County, she said.

If Harris County moves forward with a smaller-scale project like the one Hunt wants, which doesnt rely on federal funding, the process to design and build it could still take up to a decade.

Jim Blackburn, co-director of Rice Universitys Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters Center, said Musks slimmer tunnels might still prove useful. But he warned against handing a project of this magnitude to a private company without proper vetting.

The scale of the problem we have really demands, I think, all of us to be open-minded about ideas, Blackburn told the newsrooms. Invite them in. Just dont give them the contract tomorrow.

Lauren McGaughy is an investigative reporter and editor with The Texas Newsroom, a collaboration among NPR and the public radio stations in Texas. She is based at KUT News in Austin. Reach her at lmcgaughy@kut.org.

Yilun Cheng is an investigative reporter with the Houston Chronicle. Reach her at yilun.cheng@houstonchronicle.com.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/28/elon-musk-wesley-hunt-houston-tunnels-boring/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

Topics Texas Flood
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP)  Rocking on his front porch overlooking the Mississippi Sound, former Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes questions how anyone wouldnt want to live there.

People are always going to gravitate to the water, he said. And we have a beautiful waterfront.

But it was far from certain that people would return after 2005s Hurricane Katrina, which killed 238 people in Mississippi and left only concrete slabs in many areas. With beachfront rebuilding crawling along a decade later, Gulfport began offering property tax breaks to those who built near the water. Hewes said the goal was for people to build back better, quicker, help kick-start the economy.

Where to encourage building is a thorny decision for local governments in areas exposed to floods or wildfires. Despite risks including rising sea levels, places need residents and taxpayers. Like other Gulf Coast cities after Katrina, Gulfport required residents to build at higher elevations and enforced a stronger building code. But most residents near the water are in at least a moderate-risk flood zone. Nationwide, many more homes are being built in flood zones than are being removed.

The local government was not necessarily thinking we need people to build in this flood-prone place, Miyuki Hino, a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who researches flooding, said of such decisions. They were thinking we have this land thats underutilized and we can increase our property tax revenue.

Storm left a postapocalyptic wasteland

Allen Baker lived through 1969s Hurricane Camille in neighboring Long Beach and thought he knew what to expect after Katrina. But the 2005 storm was far worse. His historic beachfront home was blown to bits by what witnesses said was a tornado spun off by the hurricane.

Coming back, there was no home, Baker said.

All along the coast, neighborhoods between the beach and a railroad track just to the north were shredded by a battering storm tide and winds. Recovery was slow for years.

It was kind of spooky down here, Baker said. I mean, it looked like one of your postapocalyptic movies.

Baker and his wife waited. They didnt move into a new home until 2016, after Gulfport began waiving city property taxes for seven years when owners invested certain amounts in building south of the railroad tracks. Property owners still had to pay county and school taxes.

Sixty properties received Gulfports tax break before the city stopped approving new applicants in 2021, tax records show. The savings werent huge, typically $500 to $1,000 a year, depending on property value. But Baker and others said it was a sign to stop hesitating and start building.

In simple terms, it was a green light, Baker said.

Steel rods and thick foundations

Not every area has recovered equally. In a lower-lying area on the west side of Gulfport, where rotting chicken and giant paper bales washed up from the port, many lots are still vacant. But one block inland on the east side, attractive new houses mix with structures that survived.

Hewes also benefited from the tax break, building a new home on a beachfront site owned by his family since 1904  the second-most valuable house built under the program, according to tax records. Hewes said he and his wife used their tax savings to build stronger.

We put a lot more money into actually hardening this home to a much higher standard, Hewes said.

Bakers current house also exceeds Gulfports building code, with steel rods inside walls that tie into a 3-foot-thick concrete foundation and fasten down the roof. That qualified the home for an insurance industry standard called fortified, which provides savings on expensive wind insurance. But only 1,500 homes in Mississippi have fortified status, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. That compares with 9,000 in Louisiana and 50,000 in nation-leading Alabama.

Baker, who became a civil engineer after flying airliners, argues beachfront areas need an extra-strict building code.

Everything about this house is built to be punished, he said. If you seriously want to live in this environment, you have to plan for that.

Some progress, but not enough?

Katherine Egland, a Gulfport resident who chairs the NAACPs national Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, fears the community may not be prepared for the next big storm.

Im not saying we didnt make some progress, Egland said. What Im saying is we didnt make nearly the amount of progress that we should have made.

She still rejects how Mississippi prioritized business recovery and says some development farther inland has worsened rainwater flooding in historically Black neighborhoods. Areas targeted by the tax break are whiter and more affluent than the city overall.

Youre giving incentives to residents south of the tracks, but at the same time, you are imperiling residents that live north of the tracks, Egland said.

Most of the first block facing the beach in Gulfport is rated as having a 1% yearly chance of flooding, although whats called the 100-year flood zone sometimes stretches farther back. The Federal Emergency Management Agency considers almost all of the rest of the area south of the railroad track to have between a 1% and a 0.2% risk of flooding annually. Flood insurance generally isnt required in that moderate risk area.

Hino said its absolutely true that elevating a building reduces risk but said risk grows over time with rising sea levels, which could require someone to elevate a house multiple times over decades. And while a 1% yearly risk of flooding sounds low, those odds add up over time.

Over the course of your 30-year mortgage, you have a 40% chance of flooding, Hino said.

Its not unusual that houses were built in a flood zone in Gulfport. From 2001 to 2019, more than 840,000 homes were built in flood plains nationwide, according to a 2024 University of Miami study. Thats in part because the federally subsidized National Flood Insurance Program will repeatedly pay to rebuild, no matter how high the risk

The incentive for local governments is to build, and in some ways the incentive for people is to stay where they are, Hino said.

The buyout that didnt happen

There was a plan to get more people out of Mississippi flood zones. Federal officials considered buying out 2,000 properties at highest risk of being damaged by hurricane storm tides. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projected that a $408 million buyout, in 2008 dollars, would lower potential yearly storm damage by $22 million to $33 million. But Congress never appropriated the money.

Hino said buyouts can create parkland that serves both as an environmental buffer and an amenity. But Hewes said he thinks Gulfports choices may have done more for our recovery than any sort of federal buyout. He said it took years for Gulfport to productively reuse land from a pre-Katrina buyout along a flood-prone bayou.

Do you create an area that is blighted, that is abandoned, that is neglected after the fact? Hewes asked.

Even without the tax break, construction is continuing in beachfront areas. But it may not be clear how successful recovery has been until those new buildings are tested by the next major hurricane.

Some people have built out of concrete, Baker said. Some people have built out of better materials. Some people have not. And those people are going to be in for a shock.

Photo: Elevated new houses stand west of downtown Gulfport, 20 years after Katrina. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy)

Related: 20 Years Later, Insurance Industry is Better Prepared  to Some Degree

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Mississippi
Crews cleaned up downed trees and got electricity mostly restored for thousands of people this week after a powerful dust storm roared through the Phoenix area.

The wall of dust towering hundreds of feet high dwarfed the citys neighborhoods. Called a haboob, the wind-driven phenomenon blackened skies and initially knocked out electricity for 55,000 customers late Monday afternoon.

Drenching rain followed. Flights came to a halt at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where material from a terminal roof blew onto the tarmac. Contractors worked through the night to repair roof damage, airport spokesperson Jon Brodsky said.

By Tuesday afternoon, things were mostly back to normal, with power largely restored and only minor flight delays reported.

But for residents in metro Phoenix, the haboob was both frightening and spectacular.

Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, ages 9 and 11, home from school when the storm arrived in Arizona City, about 60 miles (95 kilometers) southeast of Phoenix.

She quickly pulled over as the storm engulfed the car. I couldnt see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside, she said.

Boykin Hitesman 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.

In the suburb of Gilbert, bird feeders fell from swaying trees at the home of retired university professor Richard Filley. Fine dust got into every little crack and space, 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.

Not all dust storms are haboobs, which are specifically associated with downdrafts from thunderstorms. The phenomenon usually happens in flat, arid areas and is not unusual in Arizona.

The rain that followed was welcome in Phoenix, where conditions have been drier than usual this year.

The desert city usually gets roughly 7 inches (18 centimeters) of annual precipitation, with a third to half of that falling during the monsoon season of on-and-off thunderstorms between mid-June and mid-September.

But so far it has recorded only about 2 inches (5 centimeters) of precipitation, or more than 2.5 inches (6 centimeters) below normal, according to the National Weather Service.

That includes the almost one-third of an inch (8 millimeters) of rain that came with Mondays haboob, according to Tom Frieders, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Phoenix.

Its not going to make a big dent, Frieders said.

Parts of southeast and north-central Arizona, meanwhile, have had a fair amount of rain, according to meteorologist Mark OMalley with the weather service in Phoenix.

But thats typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss, he said.

Golden reported from Seattle. Associated Press writer Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, contributed.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Windstorm
The University of Limerick has gone out to tender for the final phase of fire defect remediation works at a student village on campus that suffered a fire two years ago.

The Cappavilla accommodation block on the north side of the UL campus houses nearly 500 student rooms across six, four and two-bedroom units.

While damage was caused to buildings from the fire, the university said that the accommodation was safe to house students while remedial work took place. No injuries were reported in the fire.

In its most recent annual report, UL has stated refurbishment and upgrade works at Cappavilla Student Village would cost an estimated 11.14m.

The significant outlay for the university comes amid financial woes at UL arising from significant overpayments stretching into millions of euro from the acquisition of two sites.

Significant failings in how these properties were purchased were later identified by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Last year, the fallout played a role as UL cancelled its application to build a multi-million euro veterinary school.

Its acting president Shane Kilcommins told staff that he had advised the Higher Education Authority that its application for funding was to be withdrawn due to the significant estimated capital cost of the proposal, the current pause on capital expenditure, and the circumstances the university finds itself in.

Cappavilla works

However, the university was told it could proceed with the remediation works at Cappavilla despite this capital expenditure pause.

In May 2024, the Sunday Independent reported that officials at the university feared having to shut the accommodation if the fire safety works were delayed.

While the complex was declared safe to house students, local fire officers had directed the college to undertake further remedial works on cladding outside the building, it reported.

In a statement, a spokesperson for UL confirmed that this fresh tender was for the fourth and final phase of remediation works at Cappavilla Student Village while the first phase was being implemented.

Following a fire safety review of Cappavilla Village in 2024 a number of recommendations were made to improve fire safeguarding at Cappavilla Village, the spokesperson said. This work has commenced and will continue until completion.

The works are being carried out on a phased basis to minimise disruption to residents. The project is expected to complete in 2026.

The spokesperson added: There is a robust fire safety management programme in all of the student residences and UL has the highest level of networked fire detection technology in all buildings on campus.
British border police have been deployed in Ireland to work alongside Irish law enforcement on Irish vessels to combat international drug trafficking, the British home office minister has said.

Seema Malhotra was commenting on increased intelligence gathering and operational activity between British forces and agencies in the EU, including Ireland.

She said UK Border Force officers have been deployed in Ireland to operate aboard Irish vessels covering the Celtic Sea, which has been highlighted as an area at "biggest risk".

During a visit to the force's operations in Portsmouth, England, Ms Malhotra said the "reset" of relations between Britain and the EU since Labour came into power had enabled the sharing of intelligence and resources to tackle the international drug trade.

She said: "What we have seen since the project has been launched is the way we're working together, and part of that is the increased trust in our relationships and the increased intelligence sharing.

"The border force are working alongside Belgium and Dutch counterparts, making sure that we're sharing that intelligence to disrupt the activity of these criminal gangs.

In relation to Ireland, she said: "It's really important that we do that, because working across from the North Sea all the way to the Celtic Sea with border force officers also on Irish vessels, we're making sure that we leave no stone unturned, leave nowhere for criminal gangs to hide.

"If we are to tackle this international criminal activity, we've got to do that by working together much more strongly.

"That's why the reset of the relationship that we've got with the European Union is really important in the interests of all of our nations, to make sure that all of our nations, our citizens, are protected from these international criminal gangs."

The Irish Examiner has sought comment from An Garda Siochana about the arrangement.

Cocaine smugglers

UK Border Force officers have been involved in the operation led by the Belgian authorities, which has targeted drug smugglers operating in the eastern Channel, southern North Sea, as well as elsewhere in European waters.

Organised crime gangs smuggling large quantities of cocaine from South America and West Africa have been the focus of the international operation, which has involved sharing intelligence about suspicious vessels and carrying out co-ordinated sea patrols.

The UK Border Force vessels have worked alongside Belgian and Dutch ships, and Operation White Sea  which ran in September 2024 and June 2025  has led to the seizure of more 3.3tonnes of cocaine and 13 arrests.

These drugs would have had a street value of approximately 66m (76m), according to the UK Home Office.

Ms Malhotra said that similar "increasing co-operation" with European countries and beyond such as France, Bulgaria, and Iraq was helping to tackle people-smuggling gangs.

She said: "This is really important because this, again, is an international problem. These are international gangs. They have been taking advantage of international gaps in our security and co-operation.

"That's why the way we work together is about closing these gaps so that they can no longer be exploited by these international criminal gangs who are putting lives at risk and undermining our border security."

Additional reporting by PA
An unaccompanied learner motorist was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Kerry, and issued with fixed charge notices for doing 126km/h in a 100km/h zone in a vehicle with four bald tyres.

Gardai from the Kerry Roads Policing Unit were carrying out speed checks in the Kingdom on Thursday and stopped the vehicle after clocking it doing 26km/h over the 100km/h speed limit in the area.
Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher has told the Fianna Fail parliamentary party that he wants to be the party's nominee for the presidency.

Mr Kelleher has contacted TDs and Senators in recent days and, in an email sent today, officially informed members that he wants to be the party's nominee to replace Michael D. Higgins.

The email, seen by The Irish Examiner, reads:

"A chara, I hope and trust that you are well, and that you have had an enjoyable summer break.

"I am writing this email to formally confirm my intention to seek the Fianna Fail nomination for the forthcoming Presidential Election.

"While I have already spoken to a great many of you in recent days, I will endeavour to speak to the rest of my fellow Parliamentary Party colleagues today and over the weekend.

"As soon as our internal process is announced, I am looking forward to engaging with you and discussing my candidacy and also my vision for the Presidency.

"Is mise le meas, Billy Kelleher".

The Corkman's official entrance into the race has prompted some within the party seen as close to leader Micheal Martin to begin drumming up support for former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin.

Sources within the party suggested that phone calls courting support for Mr Gavin have taken place in the last 24 hours, with one source saying the Taoiseach's camp has been "caught off guard" by Mr Kelleher's campaign, which has garnered support from "all across the parliamentary party".

In a straight race between Mr Kelleher and Mr Gavin, the 70 members of the parliamentary party would decide. Sources said Mr Kelleher's campaign currently has between 25 and 30 pledged supporters.
For an insect little more than an inch long, the yellow-footed bee-eating Asian hornet, a nest of which were discovered in Cork recently packs a deadly punch, with a sting that has been likened to a hot nail piercing skin.

While they are primarily after our honeybees and pose a threat to the pollination process, these non-native hornets can be deadly to humans too in certain circumstances.

Equipped with poisonous venoms, a single sting from one of them can prove fatal to anybody allergic to wasp stings.

Regardless, multiple stings can also be enough to kill anybody who is not allergic to wasp stings.

What does not kill you can make you very ill

Even if the stings do not kill, they can cause kidney and other organ failure, skin rashes, nausea, and vomiting.

The number of deaths caused by stings since this invasive species from South East Asia was first discovered in Europe are not readily available.

Also known as Vespa velutina, the insect is believed to have first arrived in Europe in a container of pottery at the port of Bordeaux in 2004.

An Asian hornet (Vespa velutina), also known as a yellow-legged hornet or Asian predatory wasp, is of concern as an invasive species in continental European countries including France or Spain.

Species thought to have spread from Bordeaux

First settling and spreading among the forests of Aquitaine, of which Bordeaux is the main city, it quickly spread to neighbouring regions via Frances network of rivers and other watercourses  before arriving in countries all around Europe, including Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.

It thrived on rising temperatures across the continent caused by global warming.

Added to that, their football-shaped nests  which are usually found in trees  are far bigger than those of native European hornets.

European hornets number a few hundred in each nest, compared to the several thousand that can be found in an Asian hornets nest.

Their principal target is honeybees.

They kill them by hovering over the beehive, and as soon as they see a bee returning to the hive, a hornet will swoop down, grab it, and decapitate it  before chopping off its limbs and then taking them back to feed them to their own children back at their nest.

Such attacks lead to bees staying inside their hive, too scared to venture out in case they fall victim to the same death.

It means the bees stop building up the food stored in their own nest, and they  in effect  starve to death.

The Asian hornet is of major concern in France and Spain. Experts suggest they are less likely to establish themselves in Ireland given the cooler and damper conditions here.

The number of hornet nests found in France went from just one in 2004, to 2,000 in the Bordeaux area in just two years, the French National Institute for Agricultural Research noted in 2009.

That was also the year when hundreds of hornets attacked a woman out walking with her baby in southwestern France.

While the baby was unharmed, the hornets attacked a person who came to the womans aid before they then attacked a number of onlookers with multiple stings. That incident came the same week that a primary school cleaner was attacked when she found and disturbed a nest on school grounds.

Since then, hardly a year has passed without a report about the hornets attacking people.

Last September, for example, a 77-year-old hiker died when the group she was with were attacked by hornets in Brittany.

They were on a hiking trail in Cotes-dArmor when they spotted a hornets nest lying on the foot of a tree.

Hornets from the nest swarmed around the eight hikers, and repeatedly stung five of them.

A woman suffered a heart attack and died at the scene, while one of her companions ended up in an intensive care unit.

That attack came just a week after a resident in the town was also attacked by the same hornets, when he walked on the same path.

Other hornets

A month before the Asian hornet attacks in Brittany, a 42-year-old man died in the centre of the country when he and a friend disturbed a nest of European hornets and they stung him multiple times in his head.

Native to France, the European insects may be less likely to attack people than Asian hornets, but they too can be lethal.

Deaths have also occurred in Spain, where it is estimated  based on Spanish Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology statistics  around three or four people die every year from stings.

Whether the deaths are all from Asian hornets is not clear.

Between the years 1999 to 2018, some 78 deaths were officially registered in Spain where the external cause of death related to contact with hornets, wasps, and bees.

No need for alarm  but stay away

This equated to an average number of 3.9 deaths per year during the 20-year period studied, reaching a high of nine deaths in 2018, according to a study by the Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Galicia.

However, the authors of Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Spain noted: From a strictly medical point of view, there is no reason for the social alarm generated by the appearance of the Asian hornet in Spain.

Nevertheless, the best advice if you see a hornets nest is to give it a wide berth from the moment you set eyes on it.

They are particularly sensitive to vibrations, and as a result, it is recommended that you stay at least three or four metres away from a nest the minute you spot it.

While this sensitivity may well act as an early warning system to alert them about potential dangers, scientists are already developing ways of destroying them by looking at the frequencies of the vibrations hornets make with their wings inside their nests.

They vibrate their wings for a variety of reasons, including regulating the temperature inside the nest and communicating with each other.

However, as the sound frequency of their vibrations is different to both honeybees and European hornets, it makes it easier to detect and destroy.
In 1978, when the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) was first established, the word interim suggested something short-lived, a temporary sticking plaster to allow the blood of conflict in southern Lebanon to clot.

Forty-six years later, the bandage and the wound have become one.

Now, with the news that the long-standing mission will be stood down by the end of 2026, it is worth pausing to consider what this end will mean - not only for Lebanon and the region, but also for Ireland, whose soldiers have been a fixture in the mission almost since its inception.

Unifil was created by UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 following Israels invasion of southern Lebanon in March 1978.

Its mandate was deceptively simple: confirm Israeli withdrawal, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining authority over its southern territory. In reality, it was a Sisyphean task.

Successive conflicts - particularly the 1982 Lebanon War and the devastating 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah - complicated its role.

Irish peacekeeper Private Alan Cosgrave with Lily at Camp Shamrock. More than 30,000 Irish personnel have served there, and 47 have lost their lives in Lebanons hills and valleys. File picture: Hannah McCarthy

Yet Unifil endured, its blue-helmeted soldiers patrolling a volatile border where calm often felt temporary, and where the next explosion was never more than a misstep away. For Ireland, Unifil became the Defence Forces longest-running overseas mission.

More than 30,000 Irish personnel have served there, and 47 have lost their lives in Lebanons hills and valleys.

For many Irish families, the words the Leb carried both a quiet dread and a mystical pride: that our small country could contribute to international peace in a region beset by nefarious interference.

The implications of Unifil's demise will be significant.

Impact on the Middle East

First, for Lebanon itself.

The country is in the grip of economic collapse, political dysfunction, and social fracture - most of it sponsored by Israel, and its duplicitous benefactor, America.

The Lebanese Armed Forces - under-resourced and overstretched - will struggle to maintain stability in the south without the visible deterrent that Unifil provides.

Israel - who have long undermined Unifil's mandate - will not ignore an increased Hezbollah presence across the Blue Line, thereby granting themselves permission to begin another bloody war if it so chooses.

For the broader Middle East, the end of Unifil would mark a retreat of multilateral peacekeeping in favour of regional self-help - or, more realistically, self-harm.

It would embolden non-state actors, who might view the departure as a vacuum to be filled.

The ramifications for Ireland

And for Ireland?

The implications are equally profound. The Defence Forces relationship with UN peacekeeping has been a cornerstone of our foreign policy for decades.

Losing Unifil will be to lose not just a mission, but an identity. The most likely replacement for Unifil is nothing. That is the uncomfortable truth.

Few countries are eager to commit troops to southern Lebanon given the risks, and the UN itself has shown signs of peacekeeping fatigue. Where once there was optimism about the power of blue helmets, now there is scepticism, even resignation.

If a successor exists, it might be a pared-down observer mission, offering monitoring and reporting without the robust troop presence. Such a change would leave the Lebanese Armed Forces with more responsibility than they could realistically manage.

Another possibility is a shift from UN to EU or NATO-led frameworks. Already, the EU has a naval mission off Lebanons coast (Unifil's Maritime Task Force, led at times by European powers).

A greater European role could emerge, but it would mark a subtle if decisive shift - from impartial peacekeeping to security-driven, geopolitical engagement.

Tanaiste Simon Harris reviews troops as he arrives for his visit to Camp Shamrock near the border with Lebanon and Israel to meet Defence Forces troops serving with the Unifil peacekeeping mission in March.

As Unifil withdraws, Ireland faces a crossroads. Do we continue to anchor ourselves in UN peacekeeping, or do we drift toward EU-led and NATO-adjacent missions?

There is no question that Irelands tradition of UN peacekeeping has burnished its global reputation. It allowed a small, militarily modest state to project values of neutrality, humanitarianism, and multilateralism. It has been our soft power writ large.

But the UNs appetite - and capacity - for such missions appears diminished. Large-scale, decades-long deployments of the Unifil variety are becoming rare.

Instead, we see short-term, limited-mandate missions in Africa or the Middle East, often with fewer troops and tighter rules of engagement.

The EU and Nato

Meanwhile, the EU is stepping up. Its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) has birthed missions in Mali, Somalia, and the Mediterranean.

These are more technical, often focused on training or capacity-building rather than interposition between warring parties. But they align more closely with European strategic political priorities - and, by extension, Natos.

This raises difficult questions for Ireland. If we commit more fully to EU missions, do we dilute our neutrality? Already, participation in EU Battlegroups has been a source of domestic controversy.

Aligning with Nato frameworks risks eroding the carefully cultivated image of independence that has served Irish diplomacy well.

The Defence Forces

Behind the acronyms and strategies, too, lie the soldiers themselves.

Ask any veteran of Unifil and you will hear stories of danger, yes, but also of camaraderie, of bonds forged with Lebanese locals, of the quiet dignity of peacekeeping work.

The loss of Unifil would be felt in the Defence Forces culture - a rupture in the living memory of generations of Irish troops.

For communities in south Lebanon, too, the Irish flag has come to symbolise not just soldiers, but friends. The departure would leave absences not only on patrol routes, but in hearts.

So where might Irish troops deploy next?

Possibilities include continued UN commitments in Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Golan Heights. But each of these theatres is fraught, and the UN is itself reconsidering its footprint.

Alternatively, EU missions in Africa or the Mediterranean may beckon, particularly those focused on migration control and training.

Closer to home, cyber-defence initiatives and hybrid threat responses could become new frontiers for Irish participation. Ultimately, the decision should be as much about identity as strategy, but likely wont.

Ireland must ask itself: do we remain the UNs faithful peacekeeper, even as that model wanes? Or do we embrace a European destiny, with all the moral compromises it entails?

President Higgins receives The new Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces Brigadier General Rossa Mulcahy (right). Ireland must ask itself: do we remain the UNs faithful peacekeeper, even as that model wanes? Or do we embrace a European destiny, with all the moral compromises it entails? Picture: Tony Maxwell

The answer will shape not only the Defence Forces, but the story we tell the world about who we are.

The end of Unifil is more than the conclusion of a mission. It is a tipping point in Irelands foreign policy, a test of our values and pragmatism.

In Lebanon, the absence of blue helmets would be keenly felt, risking instability in a fragile land. For Ireland, it would mean the end of a chapter written in sacrifice and solidarity.

What replaces it- whether UN, EU, or some hybrid - will not just determine where our soldiers march, but why.

And perhaps that is the real legacy of Unifil for Ireland: not simply the years counted, or the casualties mourned, but the way it forced us to define ourselves in the world.

Neutral, yes.

Small, certainly.

But present. Visible. Willing.

In a world where multilateralism falters and alliances harden, those choices will only become harder.

And when the last Irish soldier leaves southern Lebanon, carrying memories of Marjayoun, Naqoura and Bint Jbeil, we may find ourselves wondering: was this as good as it got for us as a little country trying to do a lot of good in a tortured world?
We are delighted to announce the opening of our Dublin office, continuing FDC Groups expansion towards a full national outreach, says designated General Manager Barry Murphy.

From a small office in Dunmanway, West Cork, FDC Group has continued to plant roots in communities across Ireland over the last 53 years. The latest expansion has brought FDC Group to Dublin, reaching an impressive 50 offices and 550 employees for the company.

This homegrown Irish business is a trusted advisor for local communities across the country, closely connected to the concerns, demands and future of its clients.

FDC specialises in the services of Accounting, Tax and Legal, Financial Services, Agri Consultancy, Management Accounting, Advisory, Banking, Audit, Training and Client Business IT Solutions.

Recruitment team leads the move to the capital

In May 2025, FDC Group saw two employees moving into the Irish Farm Centre in Dublin 12, solidifying the groups expansion to the countrys capital.

Steve Collins, Recruitment Manager for FDC Group, previously working out of the head office on Wellington Road in Cork, has spearheaded the move with his department.

As FDCs Recruitment Manager, Im delighted to be a part of FDCs continued growth and expansion, Steve commented.

Opening our new office in the Irish Farm Centre has been very fulfilling. I would like to thank Jennifer Garvey of the IFC for how helpful her and her team have been making the move as easy as possible, as well as all of my FDC colleagues for their unwavering support.

Steve acknowledged how this move will perpetuate FDCs goals, driven by recruitment and growth.

We look forward to our future in the IFC, maintaining FDCs exemplary standards and growing our recruitment services to their fullest potential.

FDC training department and learning centre poised for further development

Steve was joined by a new Training Procurement Specialist, a recent addition to the training team, now working alongside longtime FDC employee, Marta Oliveira , who is based out of Cork.

The expansion and development of our Dublin office will also specifically facilitate the growth of our Training Department, providing training and development programmes for a wide range of public and private sector organisations, commented Barry Murphy, designated General Manager of FDC Group.

FDC Training & Learning Centre, established in 2021, reached a significant milestone in 2024 by winning the Excellence in Learning and Development Award at the Irish Accountancy Awards.

FDC Training & Learning Centre, established in 2021, reached a significant milestone in 2024 by winning the Excellence in Learning and Development Award at the Irish Accountancy Awards.

This achievement reflects a remarkable journey rooted in a clear vision: to empower employees through education, innovation, and community growth.

Since then, FDC Training has broadened its accreditations, diversified its offerings, and become a trusted provider of training and learning solutions for a growing number of organisations.

From CPD and technical internal training to bespoke corporate programmes, FDC Training continues to evolve, delivering impactful learning experiences that support professional development and drive meaningful business outcomes.

FDC Groups strategy: Building dareers and communities

Micheal ODriscoll, Head of FDC Financial Services Ltd and designated Deputy General Manager, has seen the company through a number of acquisitions, mergers and new offices during his tenure at FDC Group.

Micheal identifies the new offices as an immensely positive step into the future.

The opening of our Dublin office is a natural development of FDCs national outreach strategy. Many of our key partner service providers have their headquarters based in Dublin, so our new office provides us with that distinct additional logistical advantage. We wish Steve and the team there every success, Micheal acknowledged.

Founder and General Manager, Jack Murphy, has continued to oversee his vision come to fruition with each new expansion over the last 53 years.

We are as good as our last job, and the quality of our last job is based on the effort and skill of the people who do it, said Jack.

Central to this is building people's careers through the work we do, and loyalty to FDC Group is repaid with loyalty to our people. FDCs ethic is built on the career commitment of its senior management and the loyalty of its clients, all 30,000.

Furthering this goal is opening the Dublin office. (We have also opened offices recently in Wexford, Waterford and Charleville). We will continue striving toward a 32-county presence and bettering communities across Ireland and providing our clients with quality services, the pace dictated by the vibrancy of our services within our existing networks.

To learn more about FDC Group, please visit www.fdc.ie
European defence ministers are meeting in Copenhagen to discuss the war in Ukraine, the day after a Russian air assault on Kyiv killed 23 people and badly damaged a European diplomatic compound.

Outrage over the attack propelled the political leaders of Europes armed forces to condemn Russia even before Fridays meeting and call for stronger measures on Moscow like seizing frozen assets, further sanctions and increasing support for Ukraines military and membership in the European Union.

They will also discuss European troops deployment in Ukraine to guarantee security and monitor a peace that seems distant as American efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia appear stalled.

Everybody understands that, considering how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is mocking the peace efforts, the only thing that works is pressure, said Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief for the European Union.

Rescue workers carry an injured woman away from a damaged building after the attack on Kyiv (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Two missiles landed about 50 metres from an EU diplomatic mission in Kyiv, shattering the offices windows and doors but causing no injuries there. The EU summoned the Russian envoy in Brussels over the attack.

The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting on airstrikes against Ukraine on Friday afternoon at the request of Ukraine and the five European council members: the UK, France, Slovenia, Denmark and Greece.

Two of Ukraines top envoys were set to meet on Friday with the Trump administration regarding mediation.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticised both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the Thursday attack on Kyiv.

Firefighters work on the site of a burning building after the Russian attack on Kyiv (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

She said that Trump was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised.

Ms Leavitt noted that Ukraine has also launched effective assaults on Russias oil industry in recent weeks.

Perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves, Ms Leavitt said. The president wants it to end, but the leaders of these two countries  must want it to end as well.

In Copenhagen, Kallas said defence ministers from across the 27-nation bloc would discuss increasing sanctions on Russia, ramping up defence supplies to Ukraines army and the European contribution to postwar security guarantees, which could include EU training missions into Ukraine once a ceasefire is in place.

We are discussing today how to change the mandate of those missions in order to be ready after any peace agreement is put in place, said Ms Kallas, who called for harsher sanctions targeting Russias economic lifelines.

On Thursday, the United States approved a 825 million US dollars (611 million) arms sale to Ukraine that will include extended-range missiles and related equipment to boost its defensive capabilities.

Lithuanias defence minister, Dovile Sakaliene, said that the attack on Kyiv on Thursday showed that hope now for peace is naive and that all Putin is doing is really stalling, actually cheaply buying time to kill more people and to imitate sort of willingness to maybe stop his own murderous actions.

She said Europe must deal with Russia more forcefully, like seizing frozen Russian assets.

On Friday, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen is beginning a tour of EU nations bordering Russia or Belarus including scheduled visits to arms factories and border installations. She will start in Latvia.
Protests erupted in multiple cities and tensions soared across Indonesia, a day after a delivery rider was allegedly run over by a police armoured vehicle during clashes between riot police and students.

Protesters marched to the headquarters of the police mobile brigade in the capital of Jakarta on Friday, and some attempted to storm the compound.

Police used water canons and fired rounds of tear gas to push back the demonstrators, who hurled bottles, rocks and flares at them.

A protester runs past a burning car during a protest in Jakarta, Indonesia (Achmad Ibrahim/AP)

One group of rioters set fire to a five-story building near the police compound in the Kwitang neighbourhood of central Jakarta, causing several people to be trapped inside.

Some students halted their protests to help soldiers and residents rescue those trapped.

Other protesters destroyed traffic signs and other infrastructure, leading to traffic coming to a standstill in the area.

Clashes between rock-throwing demonstrators and riot police also broke out in other cities across the country, including Surabaya, Solo, Yogyakarta, Medan, Makassar, Manado, Bandung and Manokwari in the easternmost Papua region.

The unrest came after a video on social media apparently showing the death of the motorcycle taxi driver during Thursdays clashes shocked the nation and spurred an outcry against the security forces.

The victim, identified as 21-year-old Affan Kurniawan, was reportedly completing a food delivery service order when he was caught in the clash following days of violent demonstrations.

People gather near a burning building during a protest in Jakarta, Indonesia (Achmad Ibrahim/AP)

Witnesses told local television that the armoured car from the National Polices Mobile Brigade unit suddenly sped through the crowd of demonstrators and hit Kurniawan, causing him to fall.

Instead of stopping, the car ran over him.

Thousands of motorcycle riders, along with rights activists and politicians, paid their respects to Mr Kurniawan on Friday during his burial.

They filled a major traffic circle in the heart of the city and sprawled into its main thoroughfares.

President Prabowo Subianto appealed for calm and expressed condolences in a televised speech.

I am deeply concerned and deeply saddened by this incident, Mr Subianto said.

People throw rocks at the police during a protest in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia (Binsar Bakkara/AP)

I was shocked and disappointed by the officers excessive actions.

The former general said he has been closely monitoring developments surrounding the protests, and said he has ordered a thorough investigation.

He called on people to remain vigilant against elements that constantly stir up unrest and seek chaos.

In a situation like this, I urge all citizens to remain calm and trust in the government I lead, which will do whats best for the people, Mr Subianto said.

Authorities confirmed that seven members of the police motor brigade who were linked to the incident have been detained and questioned, though the driver of the armoured vehicle has not yet been identified.

Nationwide protests began on Monday after reports revealed that all 580 legislators received a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (2,256) in addition to their salaries.

The allowance, introduced last year, is almost 10 times the Jakarta minimum wage.

Critics argue the new allowance is not only excessive but also insensitive at a time when most people are grappling with soaring living costs and taxes and rising unemployment.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  France, the United Kingdom and Germany (the E3) on Thursday sent a formal letter to the UN Security Council asking for snap back sanctions on Iran over its nuclear enrichment activities, which they maintain breach the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or nuclear deal.

The joint letter of the three governments complains that the E3 believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments under the JCPoA. They add that Irans breach includes the accumulation of a high enriched uranium stockpile which lacks any credible civilian justification and is unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme.

Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the actions of the three European countries in this regard as unjustified, illegal and lacking in any legal basis.

The Foreign Ministry in Tehran issued a statement saying that it rejected this step in the strongest possible terms and added This unjustified action, which is contrary to the dispute resolution mechanism in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is an illegal and unjustified attempt to restore the revoked [pre-2015 sanctions] resolutions and is clearly inconsistent with [UNSC] Resolution 2231 (2015).

China opposes this step, with its spokesman saying, China stays committed to peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means, opposes invoking Security Council snapback sanctions and believes that it does not help parties build trust and bridge differences and is not conducive to the diplomatic effort for the early resumption of talks.

Britain, France and Germany ignore that Iran was promised the complete lifting of economic sanctions in 2015 in return for mothballing 80% of its civilian nuclear enrichment program, but that it never got significant sanctions relief. The US Republican Party refused to let President Barack Obama lift US sanctions on Iran overseen by the Office of Foreign Assent Control (OFAC) in the Treasury Department. Since OFACs are third-party sanctions, they threatened anyone who invested in or traded with Iran. Frances TotalEnergies was prevented from developing Iranian gas. Renault was prevented from establishing an auto factory in Iran.

Europe, looking out for number one, never figured out a way of lifting economic sanctions on Iran, and, as Russia pointed out, they are themselves in breach of the 2015 treaty and so have no grounds to complain about noncompliance. The Russian foreign minister says that his country has no intention of complying with any restored economic sanctions on Iran, as a result.

So Iran got nothing from the deal. Then in May 2018, Trump tore up the deal entirely and imposed on Iran the most severe economic sanctions ever applied by one country to another in peace time. Trump did this even though from 2015-2018 Iran had been in perfect compliance with the JCPOA. The US maximum pressure sanctions amounted to an economic blockade of the country and even aimed at stopping ordinary commerce like oil sales.

Iran in the end was worse off for having signed the deal than it ever was before. It was actually punished for good behavior.

The Iranians abided by the nuclear deal for a year after Trump destroyed it, but then they started acting out.

The E3 appear to be demanding that Iran destroy or send out of the country its stock of uranium enriched to 60%, of which it has about 900 pounds. You only need enrichment to about 3.5% to make fuel for nuclear reactors, such as the one at Bushehr. There actually is no use at all for uranium enriched to 60%  it is just radioactive rocks. But if you kept feeding it through the centrifuges you could eventually get it to the 95% needed for a bomb. And obviously, it would be easier and faster to get to 95% from 60% than to get there from 3.5%. Moreover, the more centrifuges you have, the faster you can enrich. Iran was limited to only 6,000 centrifuges by the treaty, but the three accusers say there is reason to think it has more. (Or had before Trump bombed Fordow.)

These Western European countries also complain that Iran isnt allowing inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as it had pledged to.

The three countries appear to be saying that if Iran accepts these demands, they wont go through with the snap back.

The timing of this move is difficult to grasp, given that Irans civilian nuclear enrichment program, which has never been shown to have a military dimension, is non-existent after its installations were bombed in June by Israel and the United States.

One possibility is that the Western European powers are convinced that Iran could fairly easily start the enrichment back up, and that Tehran may be vindictive about having been bombed and go for broke for a bomb. While this expectation is not unreasonable, it is evidence-free and disregards Ayatollah Ali Khameneis numerous fatwas or legal rulings forbidding the making, stockpiling or use of nuclear weapons since they cause mass civilian casualties.

One impetus for this move is that all UN sanctions on Iran of the sort imposed 2007-2015 were set to expire in October. Given that the world is now polarized over Irans enrichment program, if the sanctions did expire, they could likely never be reimposed by the UNSC because China and Russia would veto that move.

Russia and China, who oppose this move by London, Paris and Berlin, cannot veto the snap back, however. According to BBC Monitoring , para. 11 of UNSC Resolution 2231, which authorized the 2015 nuclear deal, provides that any signatory that doubts the compliance of any party (i.e. Iran) to the JCPOA is permitted to bring a complaint to the UN Security Council. In that case, the pre-2015 UN sanctions on Iran would be reimplemented within 30 days.

Any signatory to the nuclear deal is allowed to present a resolution asking that economic sanctions on Iran continue to be lifted. But that resolution can only succeed if it gets the support of at least 9 members. Even then, it can be vetoed by one of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council.

Russia appears to be preparing such a letter for the extension of the suspension of Iran sanctions, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tehran was looking at it.

If the three European countries do go forward with the snap back, however, then Iran will go back to being sanctioned by the UNSC. Because Iran does not have 9 votes against renewed sanctions on the current Security Council, and the US will certainly veto any counter-resolution. I figure China, Russia, Algeria, Somalia, Slovenia, and maybe Pakistan (not sure) might vote against new sanctions on Iran. That is 6, not 9. On the other hand, the US, the UK, France, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Panama, South Korea, and Sierra Leone would probably vote against Iran, some of them because they fear Trump.

Russia is already saying that the snap back is meaningless and that Moscow wont comply with it, and China seems to be taking the same position. Thus, countries accounting for nearly a quarter of global GDP by PPP measures would not participate in new Iran sanctions, right off the bat. I figure Iran-India trade at about $2.4 billion a year and I doubt that will change, either.

Iranians are saying that the Trump maximum pressure sanctions (which Biden kept in place for the most part) are already so severe that the old UNSC sanctions from before 2015 are tame in comparison and unlikely to make much difference.

The one place where new sanctions could hurt is in making the Iranian currency even less valuable, and there was some sign of that effect in Thursdays global currency markets.
By Michelle Hamadache, Macquarie University

(The Conversation) Hossein Asgaris Desolation tells the story of Amin, an Iranian man whose life and family are shattered when the USS Vincennes shoots down an Iranian passenger plane in 1988.

The plane was carrying 290 passengers as well as crew, all of whom were killed. Among the dead was Amins older brother Hamid, a gifted mathematician, who was travelling to an interview to enter a prestigious US university. Grief transforms Amin and his family; their lives are irrevocably shaped and reshaped in its wake.

Review: Desolation  Hossein Asgari (Ultimo Press)

In some respects, Desolation is a war story. The novel explores the far-reaching effects of the Iran-Iraq War of 1980-88, US meddling and violence in the Middle East, and the war on terror. It boldly reimagines the events leading up to September 11 2001.

The tragedy of the downed plane coincides with the discovery of teenage Amins innocent yet forbidden romance with the girl across the road, the lively and sophisticated Parvaneh, whose family moved nearly 1,000 kilometres from Tehran to Mashad to escape Iraqi missile attacks. Amin is seen sneaking out of the house by a neighbour. Under the theocracy of Ruhollah Khomeini, Amins transgression risks flogging, but his secret courtship ends without punishment, in deference to the familys loss and the shocking way Hamid died.

Decades later, Amin seeks out an Iranian writer who works in a cafe in downtown Adelaide. He watches him so closely that the writer becomes rankled enough to consider confronting the stranger.

The writer has absolutely no desire to listen to, let alone write, the story that Amin is determined he should not only hear but commit to the page. But Amin (a pseudonym he gives himself  we never learn his real name) secures his audience with a ruse older than the Thousand and One Nights.

He taunts and tantalises the writer with a mystery number, the meaning of which he will reveal the following day should the writer return. As the reader anticipates, the writer returns. This reluctant curiosity propels both writer and reader through the novel.

Despite Amins urgent need to share his story, there is no sense of it being a confession with the power to absolve or release the confessor. Rather, it is the story, in its purest sense, that must be passed on to the storyteller. The story matters for its own sake.

His urgent need to tell his story heightens the narrative momentum. Yet, once Amin has passed his story on, he relinquishes control to the writer. Stories are not tied to ownership and property in this exchange.

Truth and critical reading

Plot summary alone might suggest Desolation is about the radicalisation of Amin. At the start of the novel, he is an in-love adolescent. He becomes an angry and grief-stricken young man, acting as a proxy for the Iranian morality police. Finally, he finds himself involved in an Al-Qaeda cell.

But to read the novel in this way would be to ignore the many clues (including in the blurb and on the cover) that the book is about the relationship between truth and critical reading. It implies that limited and literal readers are always at risk of being duped by fake news and propaganda  of confusing truth with facts  and missing the message of fiction altogether.

In Desolation, inexplicable elements, often in the form of coincidence, disrupt and distort causal chains. Asgari excels at blurring the boundaries between the real and imaginary. Dreams and imagination have a subversive role in the novel. They are strange disruptions to the deliberate and precise enmeshment of historical events and realist fiction.

Amin was as likely as not to join a radical group. But the ironic distance Asgari establishes puts the onus back on the reader to interrogate and interpret the why. That Desolation is not a desolate novel is in part because of the challenge it presents to a flattened-out uncritical mode of engaging with narratives  a simplistic mode that tends to dominate in a world of conspiracy theories, fake news and Trumpian politics.

Desolation is Asgaris second novel. His first, Only Sound Remains, was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and Victorian Premiers Literary Award. It combined the poetry of Iranian poet and film-maker Forugh Farrokhzad with the story of the narrators father, who carried a secret, consuming and unrequited passion for her.

Common to both novels are difficult, isolated men who feel compelled to share their story with a writer before they die; intrinsic to both is the device of a framing narrative set in contemporary Adelaide. Both novels have a writer-narrator, a blurring of the fictional and the real, as Asgari is himself an Iranian writer living in Adelaide.

In Only Sound Remains, the framing narrative is that of the father travelling from Iran to tell his story to his exiled writer-son. In Desolation, Amin seeks out a stranger  the novels first-person narrator  to write his story, striking up a relationship characterised by verbal sparring and cynicism on both sides.

A sceptical poetics emerges in both texts. But in Desolation Asgari deepens the fictionality of the main narrative. Amins life is recounted in a close third-person narration, amping up the real in an economical style that has an almost Coetzeean bleakness.

The bleakness comes from the reader knowing the inevitability of Amins fate, prefigured in the opening frame. The Australian setting is not a happy ending for Amin, who is likely homeless or at least close to destitute.

Life, death and afterlife

Its easy to gloss over formal features that have such a long history. From fairy tale to fable to myth, we are all familiar with narratives that situate the storyteller outside the story they are telling.

Think of Scheherazade telling stories to save her life in the Thousand and One Nights, or Frankensteins Margaret  sister of the novels narrator Robert Walton and the recipient of the tale  hovering at the edge of a story about hubris and overreaching.

Such framing devices remind the reader that the story is filtered, an infinite regress, and a device that weaves together the past, present and future. They spin enough narrative rope for the reader to suspend disbelief, but not enough to escape the vertiginous fall through layers of mediation.

Even Asgaris use of epigraphs feeds into this infinite regress. Desolation is a novel that critiques both rationalist and religious thinking. The epigraphs position the novel between eternal life and death, providing a rich doubling of truth and irony.

The first epigraph, a surah from the Quran, promises eternal life: And reckon not those who are killed in Allahs way as dead: nay; they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord.

The second is the well-known verse from the Bhagavad Gita: Now I am become Death, the destroyer of the worlds. That this verse is associated with Robert Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb is a reminder of the stakes of a polarised world, whether that polarisation is a result of religious or political extremes.

Missing from the destroyer of worlds quote are the words I am time. The power of narrative to compress the life of a character, and to weave present, past and future together in ways that heighten meaning and disrupt the status quo is harnessed with great skill by Asgari.

Framing narratives emphasise the boundedness of a book, its separation from the real, while doubling down on the work required by the reader. The epigraphs are another of the frames that set the terms for the reader  and in Desolation those terms are extreme: life, death and afterlife.

Closure?

Desolation draws on the time-honoured literary tradition of questioning truth and fiction, facts and lies, to say something specific and new to this moment. Its use of metafiction is not gimmicky or overly self-aware; rather, it is an integral device, reminding readers to stay alert and not fall prey to the authoritative voice.

Roles are reversed at the end of the novel, in an almost comical exchange. Now it is the writer wanting more from Amin, beseeching him for more, because books require closure.

Amin gives the writer a lesson in narrative theory, but provides some of the answers about what happened to the people in his life. These lifelike details ensure Desolation is never dull or esoteric. Asgari creates depth of character through vivid detail and his dramatisation of complex relationships. Desolation resists causal explanations, introducing elements of the surreal and the fantastical, but is very much through materialised worlds that the novel explores its themes.

The hubris of US imperialism is intrinsic to the plot, but so too are American films, music and literature, from E.T. to Bob Dylan to John Steinbeck. These cultural expressions provide serious pleasure and meaningful experiences to Iranians forced to live under theocratic rule. They are evidence that nothing is completely polarised or one-sided.

Amin is a difficult character, disillusioned and bitter later in life, diffident and drifting in his youth. His redeeming features are his propensity for falling deeply in love and allowing that love to shape and propel his actions. Contingency rather than causality, fatalism rather than agency, determine the course of his life.

But what is also dramatised to great effect in Desolation is the degree to which war is a destroyer of lives, not just those lives directly harmed through fighting, but those who experience its ripple effects. The whole fabric of society warps in ways that cant be predicted or controlled.

The outermost edge of the novel is the premise that the reluctant writer has written Amins story. At some point outside the frame of the story, he believed in its purpose and meaning.

A similar act of faith exists, outside the aesthetic space of the novel, in the contract between reader and writer. Perhaps in a world of fake news, environmental disaster, wars, and the despotisms of Trump, Putin and Netanyahu, only the most desolate of narratives is able to deliver the message that, if there is hope, it lies in fiction.

Michelle Hamadache, Director of Creative Writing, Macquarie University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
( Tomdispatch.com )  Killing from the sky has long offered the sort of detachment that warfare on the ground cant match. Far from its victims, air power remains the height of modernity. And yet, as the monk Thomas Merton concluded in a poem, using the voice of a Nazi commandant, Do not think yourself better because you burn up friends and enemies with long-range missiles without ever seeing what you have done.

Nine decades have passed since aerial technology first began notably assisting warmakers. Midway through the 1930s, when Benito Mussolini sent Italys air force into action during the invasion of Ethiopia, hospitals were among its main targets. Soon afterward, in April 1937, the fascist militaries of Germany and Italy dropped bombs on a Spanish town with a name that quickly became a synonym for the slaughter of civilians: Guernica.

Within weeks, Pablo Picassos painting Guernica was on public display, boosting global revulsion at such barbarism. When World War Two began in September 1939, the default assumption was that bombing population centers  terrorizing and killing civilians  was beyond the pale. But during the next several years, such bombing became standard operating procedure.

Dispensed from the air, systematic cruelty only escalated with time. The blitz by Germanys Luftwaffe took more than 43,500 civilian lives in Britain. As the Allies gained the upper hand, the names of certain cities went into history for their bomb-generated firestorms and then radioactive infernos. In Germany: Hamburg, Cologne, and Dresden. In Japan: Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.

Between 300,000-600,000 German civilians and over 200,000 Japanese civilians were killed by allied bombing during the Second World War, most as a result of raids intentionally targeted against civilians themselves, according to the documentation of scholar Alex J. Bellamy. Contrary to traditional narratives, the British and American governments were clearly intent on targeting civilians, but they refused to admit that this was their purpose and devised elaborate arguments to claim that they were not targeting civilians.

Past Atrocities Excusing New Ones

As the New York Times reported in October 2023, three weeks into the war in Gaza, It became evident to U.S. officials that Israeli leaders believed mass civilian casualties were an acceptable price in the military campaign. In private conversations with American counterparts, Israeli officials referred to how the United States and other allied powers resorted to devastating bombings in Germany and Japan during World War II  including the dropping of the two atomic warheads in Hiroshima and Nagasaki  to try to defeat those countries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Joe Biden much the same thing, while shrugging off concerns about Israels merciless killing of civilians in Gaza. Well, Biden recalled him saying, you carpet-bombed Germany. You dropped the atom bomb. A lot of civilians died.

Apologists for Israels genocide in Gaza have continued to invoke just such a rationale. Weeks ago, for instance, Mike Huckabee, the American ambassador to Israel, responded derisively to a statement by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the Israeli governments decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong. Citing the U.S.-British air onslaught on Dresden in February 1945 that set off a huge firestorm, Huckabee tweeted: Ever heard of Dresden, PM Starmer?

Appearing on Fox & Friends, Huckabee said: You have got the Brits out there complaining about humanitarian aid and the fact that they dont like the way Israel is prosecuting the war. I would remind the British to go back and look at their own history. At the end of World War II they werent dropping food into Germany, they were dropping massive bombs. Just remember Dresden  over 25,000 civilians were killed in that bombing alone.

The United Nations has reported that women and children account for nearly 70% of the verified deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. The capacity to keep massacring civilians there mainly depends on the Israeli Air Force (well supplied with planes and weaponry by the United States), which proudly declares that it is often due to the IAFs aerial superiority and advancement that its squadrons are able to conduct a large portion of the Israeli militarys operational activities.

The Grace and Panache of the Indispensable Nation

The benefactor making possible Israels military prowess, the U.S. government, has compiled a gruesome record of its own in this century. An ominous undertone, foreshadowing the unchecked slaughter to come, could be heard on October 8, 2023, the day after the Hamas attack on Israel resulted in close to 1,200 deaths. This is Israels 9/11, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations said outside the chambers of the Security Council, while the countrys ambassador to the United States told PBS viewers that this is, as someone said, our 9/11.

Loyal to the war on terror brand, the American media establishment gave remarkably short shrift to concerns about civilian deaths and suffering. The official pretense was that (of course!) the very latest weaponry meshed with high moral purpose. When the U.S. launched its shock and awe air assault on Baghdad to begin the Iraq War in March 2003, it was a breathtaking display of firepower, anchor Tom Brokaw told NBC viewers with unintended irony. Another network correspondent reported a tremendous light show here, just a tremendous light show.

As the U.S. occupation of Iraq took hold later that year, New York Times correspondent Dexter Filkins (who now covers military matters for The New Yorker) was laudatory on the newspapers front page as he reported on the Black Hawk and Apache helicopter gunships flying over Baghdad with such grace and panache. Routine reverence for Americas high-tech arsenal of air power has remained in sync with the assumption that, in the hands of Uncle Sam, the worlds greatest aerospace technologies would be used for the greatest good.

In a 2014 commencement speech at West Point, President Barack Obama proclaimed: The United States is and remains the one indispensable nation. That has been true for the century passed and it will be true for the century to come.

After launching two major invasions and occupations in this century, the United States was hardly on high moral ground when it condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and frequent bombing of that countrys major cities. Seven months after the invasion began, President Vladimir Putin tried to justify his reckless nuclear threats by alarmingly insisting that the atomic bombings of Japan had established a precedent.

Whoever Doesnt Count Goes Uncounted

Journalist Anand Gopal, author of the brilliant book No Good Men Among the Living, spent years in Afghanistan after the U.S. invasion of that country, often venturing into remote rural areas unvisited by Western reporters. While U.S. media outlets were transfixed with debating the wisdom of finally withdrawing troops from that country in August 2021 and the flaws in the execution of the departure, Gopal was rendering a verdict that few in power showed the slightest interest in hearing: the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan had involved the large-scale killing of civilians from the air, and civilian deaths had been grossly undercounted.

In Helmand Province (really the epicenter of the violence for the last two decades), Gopal investigated what had happened to the family of a housewife named Shakira, who lived in the small village of Pan Killay. As he explained during a Democracy Now! interview, she had lost 16 members of her family. What was remarkable or astonishing about this was that this wasnt in one airstrike or in one mass casualty incident, he pointed out. This was in 14 or 15 different incidents over 20 years. He added:

So, people were living  reliving tragedy again and again. And it wasnt just Shakira, because I was interested, after interviewing her, to see how representative this was. So, I managed to talk to over a dozen families. I got the names of the people who were killed. I tried to triangulate that information with death certificates and other eyewitnesses. And so, the level of human loss is really extraordinary. And most of these deaths were never recorded. Its usually the big airstrikes that make the media, because in these areas theres not a lot of internet penetration, theres not  theres no media there. And so, a lot of the smaller deaths of ones and twos dont get recorded. And so, I think weve grossly undercounted the number of civilians who died in this war.

Citing a U.N. study of casualties during the first half of 2019, the BBC summed up the findings this way: Some 717 civilians were killed by Afghan and U.S. forces, compared to 531 by militants Air strikes, mostly carried out by American warplanes, killed 363 people, including 89 children, in the first six months of the year.

During my brief trip to Afghanistan 10 years earlier, I had visited the Helmand Refugee Camp District 5 on the outskirts of Kabul, where I met a seven-year-old girl named Guljumma. She told me about what had happened one morning the previous year when she was sleeping at her home in southern Afghanistans Helmand Valley. At about 5 a.m., the U.S. Air Force dropped bombs. Some people in her family died. She lost an arm.

As Guljumma spoke, several hundred people were living under makeshift tents in the refugee camp. Basics like food arrived only sporadically. Her father, Wakil Tawos Khan, told me that the sparse incoming donations were from Afghan businessmen, while little help came from the government of Afghanistan. And the United States was offering no help whatsoever. The last time Guljumma and her father had meaningful contact with the U.S. government was when its air force bombed them.

Normal and Lethal

When Shakira and Guljumma lost relatives to bombs that arrived courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer, their loved ones were not even numbers to the Pentagon. Instead, meticulous estimates have come from the Costs of War project at Brown University, which puts the number of people killed directly in the violence of the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere at upwards of 905,000  with 45% of them civilians. Several times as many more have been killed as a reverberating effect of the wars  because, for example, of water loss, sewage and other infrastructural issues, and war-related disease.

The increasing American reliance on air power rather than combat troops has shifted the concept of what it means to be at war. After three months of leading NATOs bombing of Libya in 2011, for instance, the U.S. government had already spent $1 billion on the effort, with far more to come. But the Obama administration insisted that congressional approval was unnecessary since the United States wasnt actually engaged in military hostilities  because no Americans were dying in the process.

The State Departments legal adviser, former Yale Law School dean Harold H. Koh, testified at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the nations actions targeting Libya involved no U.S. ground presence or, to this point, U.S. casualties. Nor was there a threat of significant U.S. casualties. The idea was that its not really a war if Americans are above it all and arent dying. In support of Koh, a former colleague at the Yale Law School, Akhil Reed Amar, claimed that the United States truly wasnt engaged in hostilities in Libya because there are no body bags of American soldiers.

Ten years later, in a September 2021 speech at the United Nations soon after the last American troops had left Afghanistan, President Biden said: I stand here today, for the first time in 20 years, with the United States not at war. In other words, American troops werent dying in noticeable numbers. Costs of War project co-director Catherine Lutz pointed out in the same month that U.S. engagement in military actions continues in over 80 countries.

Seeking to reassure Americans that the Afghanistan withdrawal was a matter of repositioning rather than a retreat from the use of military might, Biden touted an over-the-horizon capability that will allow us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on any direct threats to the United States in the region and to act quickly and decisively if needed. During the four years since then, the Biden and Trump administrations have directly sent bombers and missiles over quite a few horizons, including in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, and Iran.

Less directly, but with horrific ongoing consequences, stepped-up U.S. military aid to Israel has enabled its air power to systematically kill Palestinian children, women, and men with the kind of industrial efficiency that fascist leaders of the 1930s and 1940s might have admired. The daily horrors in Gaza still echo the day when bombs fell on Guernica. But the scale of the carnage is much bigger and unrelenting in Gaza, where atrocities continue without letup, while the world looks on.

Copyright 2025 Norman Solomon

Tomdispatch.com
For many victims of war crimes in Ukraine, reaching out to law enforcement agencies and courts is not just a formality, but an effort to seek justice  at the very least, a legal one. Victims do not always have sufficient resources, experience or even strength to go down this road. This is when the victims lawyer steps in  a professional who not only knows the law but can also handle the traumatic details of the case. In Ukrainian war crimes trials, lawyers representing victims are starting to play a more noticeable role. Their work is a careful balance between ethics, psychology and procedural discipline.

Victims are very sensitive; they may feel unsafe, and the situation itself is traumatic for them. Therefore, the lawyer often serves as a buffer between the victim, the investigation and the court in order to sort out organisational issues in the interests of a person who has already endured suffering, said lawyer Iryna Kapalkina, whos joined the non-governmental organisation Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group (ULAG) in 2023 but has been intermittently working on war crimes since 2014. "Being victims' lawyers, we are literally helping the state prosecution. Prosecutors often look at a case strictly from their own perspective, but we see the bigger picture and can better defend the victim," explained lawyer Artem Piskarev, who works in Zaporizhzhia and has over 20 years of legal experience. He represents victims of war crimes, including civilians and military men released from captivity. He also takes on cases of people whose businesses have been impacted by Russian shelling.

An important aspect the victims lawyer must focus on is ensuring that the verdict is legally flawless and irrevocable. After all, Russian military men may be detained at some point, or their lawyers may file an appeal, and the case will be re-examined. If the evidence is recognised as inadmissible, all the suffering endured by the victims may turn out to be futile or even repeated, says Andrii Yakovlev, a lawyer from Kyiv and an expert in international humanitarian law at the NGO Media Initiative for Human Rights.

Who appoints a lawyer for victims?

According to the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, the involvement of a defence lawyer is mandatory for the accused, while for victims it is only an option. Victims can hire their lawyer, get free legal help covered by the government, or seek legal help from NGOs that work with international funders. Also, some lawyers take on cases on a pro bono basis, meaning free of charge.

Specialists from the Coordination Centre for Victim and Witness Support of the Prosecutor Generals Office also advise victims to seek lawyers help. This centre began operating in January 2024 with the support of Ukraine's international partners. The centre's specialists provide psychological, medical and social support to victims and witnesses in conflict-related criminal cases. They also keep them informed about the course of the proceedings. According to the Centre, by the end of their first year of work, specialists had provided support to 1,198 victims, including 873 children, 146 women, 179 men, 83 victims of sexual violence, 22 military men released from Russian captivity, and 89 civilians released from captivity.

In addition, legal assistance to people who suffered torture and abuse during the war can be provided by lawyers working at free legal aid (FLA) centres. These services are funded by the state. Lawyers from FLA can also be appointed to any war crimes case. According to Oleksandr Baranov, Head of the Coordination Centre for Legal Aid, FLA lawyers are currently working on three conflict-related sexual violence cases and 11 cases of torture. He says a victims lawyer is still a crucial part of a fair trial, especially in situations where prosecutors dont always pay enough attention to the victim because of their workload or other reasons. Not so long ago, the legal aid system was used less often in these cases, with non-governmental organisations being more involved. But with the decrease in funding for the latter, the situation has changed.

Lawyers not only advise victims but also assist them in filing civil claims for damages which the prosecutor's office does not submit. According to Baranov, this is where the most intensive work of a victims lawyer begins: you need to justify the amount of the claim, gather evidence, and prove moral and material damage. We emphasise that there is no statute of limitations for war crimes. If a person decides to come forward even after a year, we will help to file a complaint, contact law enforcement agencies and start the process, Baranov said. A lawyer is appointed in the FLA system at the client's request. If a person is considered a victim in criminal proceedings, for example, if this is confirmed by an extract from the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations, he or she is provided with a lawyer or a representative.

The spectrum of victims' motivations

Some of the victims are finding the courage to talk about their ordeal, while others are trying to forget and turn the page on this chapter of their lives. This is thought to be often the case for women who have suffered sexual violence. There are some people, especially women, who have only now come to realise that they can speak out. They have been living with this for the past few years. If there is a possibility of receiving psychological support, it is a significant advantage. I have a client who reached out to me precisely after attending sessions with psychologists. Yes, it still hurts, but psychologists sometimes advise their clients to consider contacting the police, the prosecutor's office or a lawyer, Liudmyla Vyhivska said.

Vyhivska has been working in criminal justice since 2001 in Kyiv and has been involved in war crimes cases since 2022. She is a member of the women lawyers association JurFem and a lawyer with the legal aid hotline JurFem-Support, which helps women who have suffered sexual violence, particularly in the context of war. It is mainly through this hotline that she gets requests from victims who need legal support in difficult and sensitive cases. She is currently providing legal assistance to approximately ten victims of sexual violence and have roughly the same number of other war crimes cases. Most of her cases concern war crimes committed by Russian military men in the Kyiv region, but there are also victims from the Kherson and Donetsk regions. There are people who have survived, regained inner strength and do not want to revisit that experience. It will be more difficult with them if the cases go to court and their presence is required, Vyhivska added.

Kapalkina points to a similar range of victims expectations. Some people just want to see the verdict on paper along with the compensation amounts. Others are worn out when a case goes on for two years; They simply want it to be over. There are also those who expect the maximum sentence, and then we have to explain that the verdict does not rely on emotions, but on evidence and hard facts, she said.

Court hearing in Zaporizhia (southeastern Ukraine) in a case where lawyer Iryna Kapalkina represents the victim. Photo:  Media Initiative for Human Rights

One of the frustrations is that many trials are held in absentia. When Piskarev is asked about justice for his clients, he replied unequivocally: There will be none for my clients. Because we will not be able to legally punish this person. Yet he agrees that verdicts, even if issued in absentia, are important. If we do not talk about these crimes, do not identify and sentence those responsible, they will never be held accountable. This will not happen today or tomorrow, perhaps not even in a year. But justice will prevail, he believes.

Crucial video interviews

The legal work of a victim's lawyer is not just about attending hearings. It includes building a strategy, drafting procedural motions, gathering evidence, organising expert reviews  everything that allows them to put together a case that can hold up in court.

Yakovlev is involved in the investigation of one of the most notorious crimes committed by the Russian army  the shelling of Olenivka prison, where Ukrainian prisoners of war were killed. He represents the victims and, together with prosecutors, participates in planning strategic actions. In the Olenivka case, we were involved as a party representing the victims and acting as their liaison. There is already a notice of suspicion in this case, although so far it is only for not providing medical assistance to prisoners of war after the prison's shelling. But even this episode, which is clear and simple, is enough to highlight Russia's responsibility. We participate in planning, briefings, and sometimes we are even invited to the prosecutors office to share our thoughts and report on our work, he explained.

According to Vyhivska, the most important thing is to thoroughly prepare the victim for questioning, which must be recorded on video so that it can be used during the pre-trial investigation and court hearings, thereby avoiding any further trauma to the victim. Medical records constitute important evidence. They document physical injuries, bone fractures, scars, and signs of violence, allowing experts to establish a timeline for when they were inflicted. Forensic psychological examinations are particularly important in cases of sexual violence, in which they are currently mandatory. They are drafted on the basis of video interviews, without the victim's additional questioning. Experts often identify signs of psychological trauma clearly related to the events described in the case file. This is important proof of the committed offence, as it corroborates the victims statements with an objective conclusion, Vyhivska points out. In war crimes cases, a psychologist may be appointed to assist both during the pre-trial stage and at the hearings, if requested by the victim. If a motion to appoint a psychologist is granted, the specialist participates in the hearings, providing real-time support to the victim, Kapalkina explained.

A psychologist provides advance support to those who decide to testify in court, meeting with them several days before the hearing to assess their emotional state and prepare them for possible reactions to questioning by both parties. The psychologist observes the victim's reaction and can immediately intervene to provide support, reassurance and help them gather their thoughts. They also give advice on how to react to questions from the court or either party, says Kapalkina. Some victims do not wish to appear in court. In such cases, the lawyer submits a motion requesting that the case be heard without their participation or only with the legal representatives attendance.

The protection of rape victims

Conflict-related sexual violence cases are tried in closed hearings. Upon request of the victims lawyer or prosecutor, hearings may also be closed if the relatives of the victims remain in temporarily occupied territories. Investigators often tell victims or witnesses: No one will ever see you; no one will ever hurt you. But they promise something they cannot guarantee. That is why we always insist on closed hearings: the enemy is constantly watching everything, Piskarev said. This is one of the most important elements of victim-oriented approaches in conflict-related sexual violence cases, Vyhivska explained. The court reviews the [previously recorded video of the] testimony, and that is usually sufficient. I have not yet had a case in my practice where a victim was summoned in person. And the defence has not objected.

It seems it has happened though. For example, last year, the Velykooleksandrivskyi District Court of the Kherson oblast sentenced Vladik Nebiev, a serviceman of the 94th Special Purpose Regiment of the Russian National Guard, to 12 years in prison in absentia. The court ruled in favour of the prosecution, finding that in July 2022, the accused raped a woman in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson oblast. The verdict states that the victim testified in court. It also mentions that the woman submitted a request not to question anyone from her village because she did not want them to know about the case. Despite this, investigators interviewed witnesses, including residents of her village, and summoned some of them to court for witness testimony.

In war crimes cases, the victim's lawyer has to navigate between his or her own professional judgement, the client's perspective, and the demands of the procedure. There is my understanding of the case as a lawyer, there is the victim's response, and there is the court's point of view. It is important to find a balance between these elements to ensure that the case is properly considered without unnecessary delay. I always explain to the victim that the trial is not a game. It must be impartial and respectful of all the participants' rights, Kapalkina said. In other words, victims lawyers sometimes have to explain to their clients that questions asked by the judge and the prosecutor are not intended as attacks against them but are part of the judicial process.

Vyhivska believes that the victims of sexual violence being stigmatised is a serious problem that is not given enough attention. In small communities where everyone knows one another, victims may feel misunderstood or even judged. We need to root out society's profoundly embedded prejudice against conflict-related sexual violence victims, and also think about the children born as a result of abuse. This is a topic that, in my opinion, is still being shamefully silenced, she pointed out.

A view on the opponent

Another challenge is the court's workload. According to Piskarev, courts are significantly overloaded, which affects reasonable case examination timeframes and creates potential delays. Sometimes, court hearings are disrupted due to the proximity of courts to combat zones, for example, in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. To minimise risks for victims, lawyers may request that their clients attend hearings via videoconference. However, technical problems  poor internet connection, sound or image delays  can seriously affect the course of the hearing, irritating participants, increasing interrogations duration and causing court hearings to be postponed. In which case, the judge may insist that the victim attends and testifies in court, so that everyone has the opportunity to ask questions and see the person's reaction, Kapalkina said.

The interviewed lawyers have mixed feelings about their opponents  the defenders of the accused. Piskarev admits that, as a matter of principle, he would not take on the defence of war criminals or collaborators. As for his colleagues who work with such defendants, he believes that most of them comply with formal procedural rules but do not show the same vigour they would typically show in ordinary criminal cases, not related to the war. Kapalkina has had a different experience. She referred to a case where the accuseds lawyer explained to the victims that, as a human being, he understood the tragedy that has occurred, but as a defence lawyer, he was obliged to fulfil his professional duties. The defendants lawyer presented his arguments and disagreed with the evidence. He didnt just sit there and say he had no objections; he really tried to defend his client, she stressed.

A path to reparations?

A verdict in a war crimes case is a significant legal step, but for victims, it often does not mean the story is over. This is especially true when the convicted person is out of reach. In such cases, a sense of justice being served has not been fulfilled. Often, Ukrainian courts rule in favour of victims seeking compensation. For example, last year, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kharkiv convicted Oleksandr Medelyaev, second-in-command of the 3rd Tank Battalion of the 1st Tank Army of Russia's Western Military District, for the murder of a woman from the Kharkiv region. The court also partially satisfied the claim of the victim's mother and sentenced the convicted man to pay her 1 million hryvnias (about 21,000 euros) in moral damages. Lawyers believe that Russia has no intention of complying with these rulings. But a court decision may become important to confirm the right to compensation through the International Register of War Damage, created under the authority of the European Council. Ukrainians can use this database to submit claims for damages caused by Russia's war against Ukraine for future compensation.

The procedure for receiving compensation is still being developed, emphasised Kapalkina, so the amount indicated in the verdict may not correspond to the actual amount that will be paid.

Lawyers representing victims of war crimes are regularly exposed to highly traumatic information. Vyhivska reckoned that the most sensitive aspects of cases have an undeniable impact, but not during court hearings: by that point, she has already reviewed the case file numerous times and is prepared for anything she may hear. Rest and driving help her recover after difficult hearings, she said, giving her a sense of control and restoring her peace of mind. There are terrifying things. Amputations are being suffered, and rape. There are cases where civilians are being tortured, but for military men, it is even worse, Piskarev confided, referring to Ukrainians released from captivity in Russia. He said he became emotionally hardened in the early days of the full-scale invasion. At that time, he was a volunteer helping transport the bodies for identification of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the Zaporizhzhia region and the remains of civilians killed during shelling. I dont have any moral issues; Ive seen too much during this war, he said.

To be honest, every court case has an impact on me, Kapalkina says. But she finds in her pursuit of legal perfection a way to cope with her emotions. This job allows me to help prove the criminals guilt and prevent new crimes. It is important not just to obtain a lot of convictions, but all of them to be issued in compliance with all procedural rules and accompanied by high-quality legal assistance, she concluded.

This report was produced thanks to a grant by Fondation Hirondelle/Justice Info. A full version of this article was published on July 23, 2025, in "Gre4ka".
Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to India in December, the Kremlin said Friday, as ties between the countries grow closer and after the United States imposed tariffs on New Dehli over its purchases of Russian oil.

Putin will also meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a regional summit in China on Monday, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, including AFP, saying the pair would discuss "preparation for the December visit".

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Indian goods as punishment for New Delhi's massive purchases of Russian oil, part of a campaign to pressure Moscow into ending its offensive in Ukraine.

Energy incomes are a key source of revenue for Moscow's state budget.

Russia is also one of India's top arms suppliers, and the warm ties between the two countries date back to the Soviet era.

Ukraine's Western allies have sought to cut Russia's export earnings since Moscow launched its military assault in February 2022.

But Russia has been able to redirect energy sales away from Europe to countries including India and China, ensuring the multi-billion-dollar flow of funds has continued.

India has argued it imported oil "from Russia because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict".

Putin has significantly curtailed his foreign travel amid the offensive on Ukraine, for which he was slapped with an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.

India is not a party to the ICC and therefore not obligated to detain Putin.
Vancouver, British Columbia  In todays hyper-connected society, the concept of anonymous living is gaining traction. For decades, anonymity was associated with fugitives, espionage, or people with something to hide.

In reality, the digital era has redefined what it means to live privately. With vast databases storing personal details, data brokers selling profiles, and social networks archiving personal histories, ordinary individuals are beginning to ask a difficult question: how much of their life should be visible, and how much should be private?

Anonymous living, when pursued lawfully, is less about vanishing and more about regaining control. It means consciously reducing exposure, protecting personal information, and restructuring ones life to prioritize privacy and security. Importantly, it is not about breaking the law or shirking responsibilities. Instead, it is about utilizing legitimate legal, financial, and digital tools to establish a private life in a world where surveillance is the norm.

The Erosion of Privacy in the Digital Age

The last 25 years have significantly transformed the concept of privacy. What once required active disclosure, such as listing ones number in a phone book, is now passive and unavoidable. Governments collect biometric data for passports and national IDs. Social media platforms encourage constant sharing. Data brokers compile personal profiles with addresses, income levels, employment histories, and even family relationships.

For many, this growing exposure has real consequences: stalking, harassment, identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational harm. Even individuals who have never broken a law or sought to conceal their actions find their data circulating without their consent. Anonymous living responds to this challenge, offering pathways to reclaim boundaries.

Why People Seek Anonymous Living

Anonymous living is not a fringe pursuit. A growing number of professionals, families, and retirees are exploring privacy-oriented lifestyles. Common motivations include:

Safety concerns: Victims of stalking, harassment, or domestic abuse often seek anonymity to protect themselves and their families.

Identity theft recovery: Individuals whose identities have been compromised may need to establish a fresh start to prevent ongoing fraud.

Wealth and asset protection : High-net-worth individuals may structure ownership privately to avoid being targeted.

: High-net-worth individuals may structure ownership privately to avoid being targeted. Digital minimalism: Professionals and families reduce digital footprints to protect children and limit exposure to profiling.

Personal transformation: Some individuals pursue anonymity after divorce, a religious conversion, or a cultural realignment.

Anonymous living is therefore not an act of retreat from society but a recalibration of engagement on safer, more controlled terms.

Practical Legal Steps to Build a Private Life

Anonymous living requires strategy and discipline. Some steps are administrative, others legal or financial. Each must be pursued in compliance with applicable laws.

Legal Name Changes: A name is the cornerstone of ones identity. Most jurisdictions allow adults to change names through court or registry processes. This can serve as a foundation for rebuilding privacy, provided it is sequenced carefully with updates to passports, banking records, and property deeds.

Residency and asset structures: Anonymous living often involves separating personal identity from property ownership. This can be achieved through legal tools such as trusts, foundations, or limited liability companies (LLCs). Used correctly, these structures provide privacy while remaining compliant with tax and regulatory obligations.

Privacy-friendly banking: Global banking regulations require disclosure, but some jurisdictions still respect confidentiality for non-resident clients. Opening accounts in lawfully private and privacy-friendly countries can help insulate financial details from unnecessary public exposure.

Digital security and communication: Anonymous living requires a shift in communication habits. Encrypted email providers, privacy-first messaging apps, and virtual phone numbers help reduce data exposure. For families, setting rules about childrens online presence is increasingly essential.

Travel and mobility options: Travel can be a vulnerability. Using lawful second passports, residency permits, or alternate travel documents provides flexibility while preventing overexposure of one set of records.

Daily habits and lifestyle choices: Anonymous living also requires behavioral changes, such as reducing social media activity, using cash or privacy-respecting payment methods where possible, and avoiding unnecessary disclosure of personal details in public forums.

Case Study: A Journalist Seeking Safety

A Canadian investigative journalist covering organized crime became the target of harassment campaigns. Her personal details were leaked online, exposing her to threats. She filed for a legal name change through provincial courts and established a trust to hold her lease. Using encrypted communication and minimizing her social media presence, she rebuilt her life while maintaining her professional career under a pseudonym. This lawful restructuring gave her back the control that public exposure had eroded.

Case Study: Entrepreneur Targeted by Identity Theft

An American entrepreneur repeatedly faced fraudulent credit accounts opened in his name. Despite police reports, creditors continued to treat him as if he were responsible. After working with attorneys, he petitioned for a new Social Security number, a remedy available only in extreme hardship. He also created an LLC to hold his business accounts, creating a firewall between his personal identity and business activities. This combination gave him renewed financial security.

Anonymous Living Across Regions

Different regions provide different levels of privacy support.

Europe: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants individuals the right to request the deletion of their personal data, providing a strong foundation for digital anonymity. Countries like Switzerland also offer privacy in banking and residency structures.

North America: Canada and the United States provide legal name changes and asset-holding structures but emphasize transparency in tax reporting. Anonymous living must therefore be carefully balanced with compliance.

Latin America: Countries such as Paraguay and Panama offer residency programs that can enhance privacy and offer benefits. Trusts and corporations are commonly used to hold assets discreetly and confidentially.

Asia and the Middle East: Jurisdictions such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates provide sophisticated corporate and banking privacy tools, though individuals must remain compliant with global disclosure standards.

Africa: While many systems remain document-heavy, some countries are digitizing registries, creating new possibilities for anonymity.

Case Study: Family Builds Digital Privacy

A European family concerned about the impact of social media on their children decided to adopt an anonymous lifestyle. They legally changed surnames, deleted old accounts, and restricted online images. They also used a foundation to hold real estate, separating property ownership from personal names. The children grew up with fewer risks of exposure, and the family enjoyed greater peace of mind.

Balancing Privacy with Legal Responsibilities

One of the most essential principles of anonymous living is that it does not exempt individuals from legal obligations. Tax compliance, immigration reporting, and debt repayment continue regardless of changes in identity or structures. Courts and registries maintain records that link old and new identities for the purpose of accountability. The goal of anonymous living is not escape, but protection.

Technologys Impact on Anonymity

Emerging technologies present both opportunities and risks for anonymous living. Blockchain identity systems may allow individuals to update or revoke data, but their immutability also raises questions about the permanence of this information. Biometric passports tie identity to physical traits, making anonymity more complex.

Artificial intelligence can track faces across multiple datasets, undermining traditional methods of staying private. For individuals committed to anonymity, these changes demand constant vigilance and adaptation.

Case Study: Rebuilding After Divorce

A professional in California, recently divorced, wanted a fresh start. She petitioned for a name change, updated her passport, and relocated under her new identity. By avoiding social media and restructuring her finances through a family trust, she rebuilt her life without the constant reminders of her former circumstances. Anonymous living gave her emotional and practical freedom.

Case Study: Relocation for Privacy

A retired European couple relocated to a Caribbean nation offering economic citizenship. By securing second passports, they created flexibility in travel and banking. They used local corporate structures to hold property, ensuring that their names were not readily accessible in public registries. Their new lifestyle allowed them to live quietly, free from the scrutiny they once faced at home.

Professional Guidance and Pitfalls

Anonymous living requires precision. Attempting to do it alone can result in having your banking account frozen, rejected passport applications, or violating residency laws. Professional consultants, attorneys, and financial advisors ensure that each step, whether it is a legal name change, a trust, or a residency application, is sequenced correctly and compliant across jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Anonymous living is neither reckless nor illegal. It is a structured, lawful process for reclaiming privacy in a world where exposure is constant. By following established steps, such as legal name changes, establishing trusts, using encrypted communication, obtaining second passports, and making lifestyle adjustments, individuals and families can create a life that prioritizes safety, dignity, and control.

Amicus International Consulting emphasizes that anonymous living is not about avoiding justice but about ensuring fairness and protection. As global systems evolve, so too must the strategies individuals adopt to remain both private and compliant.

Contact Information

Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.amicusint.ca
Vancouver, British Columbia  The issue of changing ones legal identity is a complex and multifaceted subject, often viewed through a national lens. Yet identity is not confined within borders. In a world defined by mobility, migration, and digital records, international treaties shape how states recognize, regulate, and sometimes restrict changes of identity.

These agreements govern a wide range of matters, including passports and travel documents, human rights protections, asylum claims, and the sharing of data across borders. For individuals seeking privacy, protection, or a fresh start, understanding the treaty-based framework is crucial.

The Intersection of Identity and International Law

National laws establish procedures for name changes, gender marker updates, and adoption records, but international treaties determine whether those changes will be recognized abroad. A new passport, for example, is only helpful if other states honor it. Identity, therefore, is both a domestic and an international matter. Treaties create the bridge that ensures a legally reassigned identity in one country is respected elsewhere.

Core Treaties Affecting Identity and Anonymity

Several key agreements form the backbone of international identity recognition.

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (1993): This treaty ensures that adoptions carried out in one member state are recognized in another, including the issuance of amended birth certificates and passports for adopted children.

The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol: These instruments require states to provide identity documents and travel papers to refugees and stateless persons, enabling them to live and move lawfully despite having lost their original nationality.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Article 17 protects individuals against arbitrary interference with privacy, while Article 24 establishes every childs right to identity.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): Article 8 secures the right to respect for private and family life, underpinning rulings by the European Court of Human Rights that support legal recognition of gender transitions and name changes.

The ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation sets global standards for machine-readable passports and travel documents, obligating member states to recognize updated biometric and biographical data.

These treaties collectively affirm that identity is not just an administrative issue but a matter of human rights and international cooperation.

Case Study: An Adopted Childs New Identity Across Borders

A Colombian child adopted by a family in France received a new birth certificate listing the adoptive parents. Under the Hague Adoption Convention, this identity was recognized in France, enabling the child to obtain a French passport. Without the treaty, the childs legal recognition might have been fragmented, complicating access to education, healthcare, and mobility.

Case Study: A Refugee Receives New Travel Documents

A Syrian refugee resettled in Germany was unable to obtain original documents from his country of origin. Under the 1951 Refugee Convention, German authorities issued Convention Travel Documents, a form of passport recognized by other signatory states. This enabled him to rebuild his life, pursue employment, and travel for education, all under a legally valid identity.

Gender Identity and International Recognition

International treaties do not always explicitly mention gender identity, yet courts and human rights bodies have interpreted them broadly. The European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly ruled that Article 8 of the ECHR requires recognition of gender transitions in official documents. These decisions bind member states to update passports and IDs, ensuring individuals can travel without harassment.

Case Study: A transgender woman from Poland secured a court ruling updating her birth certificate and passport. When she traveled within the Schengen Area, her documents were recognized across borders, reducing the risk of secondary inspections. The foundation for this recognition lay not only in Polish law but in European treaties.

Anonymity and Privacy Under Treaties

International law increasingly addresses anonymity in the context of digital privacy. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), while an EU regulation rather than a treaty, has extra-territorial reach, shaping global standards. The ICCPR and ECHR also recognize privacy as a fundamental right, providing legal arguments against surveillance overreach.

Case Study: A journalist in Hungary successfully petitioned the European Court of Human Rights to prevent the release of personal details that would have exposed her to harassment. The ruling relied on Article 8 of the ECHR, affirming that anonymity is sometimes essential for the protection of freedom of expression and personal security.

Statelessness and Identity Reconstruction

The 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons obligates states to issue identity documents to stateless individuals. The 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness further requires states to prevent statelessness at birth. These treaties ensure that even those without formal nationality retain a legal identity.

Case Study: A stateless Roma child born in the Balkans received identity papers under the 1954 Convention, granting access to schooling and healthcare. The international treaty framework ensured protection where domestic law alone failed.

Diplomatic Protections and Alternate Identities

International law also governs special identity documents such as diplomatic and consular passports. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations requires states to respect the status of diplomats, including their travel documents. In rare circumstances, diplomatic immunity has protected individuals traveling under alternative or mission-linked identities, although this area remains a sensitive one.

Challenges in Treaty Enforcement

While treaties establish frameworks, enforcement ultimately depends on the actions of states. Some countries resist full compliance, delaying recognition of gender transitions or failing to issue documents to refugees. Others impose restrictions that undermine treaty obligations, citing national security. Disparities between written commitments and practice highlight the need for vigilance.

Case Study: Inconsistent Recognition of Name Changes

A Canadian citizen who changed his name domestically faced challenges when traveling to a South American country that refused to recognize his updated passport due to outdated bilateral agreements. Only after intervention through diplomatic channels was his identity confirmed. The incident highlighted gaps between treaty commitments and administrative practice.

Technology and International Identity Agreements

The ICAOs biometric passport standards exemplify how international treaties evolve in response to technological advancements. Member states must update systems to recognize fingerprints, facial scans, and digital chips. This ensures global consistency, but also complicates anonymity, as biometric traits are more difficult to alter or modify. International standards now require that, even after a legal identity change, biometric continuity be preserved, striking a balance between privacy and security.

Case Study: Correcting Identity After Disaster

Following an earthquake in Haiti that destroyed civil records, international cooperation facilitated the reconstruction of registries. New birth and identity records were issued with support from the United Nations, recognized internationally under human rights treaties. Survivors regained legal personhood, allowing them to access aid and cross borders.

Balancing Rights and Responsibilities

Treaties protect the right to identity but also ensure accountability. New identities issued under international frameworks cannot absolve individuals of criminal liability or financial obligations. States share information under extradition treaties, INTERPOL agreements, and financial compliance regimes to prevent abuse. The system, therefore, allows lawful privacy without enabling impunity.

The Future of Treaties on Identity and Anonymity

As digital identity systems expand, new treaties may emerge to regulate blockchain-based IDs, cross-border data portability, and biometric standards. Already, discussions within the United Nations and regional bodies underscore the need for global cooperation to strike a balance between privacy, mobility, and accountability.

Conclusion

Identity change and anonymity are not merely national mattersthey are shaped by a network of international treaties that safeguard human rights, regulate travel documents, and ensure continuity across borders.

From the Hague Adoption Convention to the Refugee Convention, from the ECHR to ICAO passport standards, these agreements create lawful pathways for individuals to reconstruct identity and protect privacy. While challenges remain in enforcement, and technology complicates anonymity, the treaty framework affirms that the right to identity is a global one.

Amicus International Consulting emphasizes that understanding these treaties is crucial for anyone navigating identity reconstruction across jurisdictions. Legal identity is not only a matter of personal choice, but also one of international recognition, and lawful pathways ensure both dignity and compliance.

Contact Information

Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.amicusint.ca
Thomas Rabe carries on the legacy of the 'Good Man of Nanjing'

16:28, August 29, 2025 By Guo Xiaohong ( China.org.cn

In the minds of the Chinese people, the name John Rabe conjures up warmth and compassion. In 1937, when the Japanese invaders launched the horrific Nanjing Massacre, this German businessman protected over 200,000 Chinese people and is affectionately remembered as the "Good Man of Nanjing."

Eighty-eight years later, his spirit lives on  not only in historical documents and memorials, but also through generations of descendants.

"Saving a life is like saving the lives of countless people," remarked Thomas Rabe, the grandson of John Rabe, on the family spirit passed down by his grandfather. For many years, this professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Heidelberg University Hospital in Germany has actively participated in the cause of peace between China and Germany, as well as in collaborative research in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive medicine between the two countries. He was previously awarded the Chinese Government Friendship Award.

(L to R) Professors Alfred Mueck, Ruan Xiangyan and Thomas Rabe celebrate the second birthday of You You, China's first baby to undergo a cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplant, at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Sept. 6, 2023. [Photo provided by Ruan Xiangyan]

This July, he was also presented with the Friendship Envoy Award at the Second Orchid Awards, sponsored by China International Communications Group. As the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War approaches, the 74-year-old medical expert has been invited to visit China and will continue to advance his collaboration with Chinese partners.

Spanning a century: Four generations of Chinese bonds

"Receiving the Orchid Award is a great honor for my family and me," Thomas Rabe said. "It not only recognizes my close collaboration with Chinese partners over the past 20 years, but also reflects the deep bond the Rabe family has held with China for 117 years, spanning four generations."

For over two decades, Rabe has dedicated himself to building bridges for Sino-German exchanges in medicine and culture. Speaking of his friendship with China, he mentioned many Chinese friends: "Without them, my projects  both in medicine and humanitarianism  would not be so successful."

Thomas Rabe's collaboration with professor Ruan Xiangyan of the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University has lasted 12 years. From co-authoring Chinese medical textbooks to jointly consulting on difficult cases and co-planning international academic conferences, this cross-border collaboration has yielded fruitful results. "Professor Ruan and her team also translated my book, 'Rabe and China,' into Chinese within a year  an incredible job," Thomas Rabe enthused.

In addition to his collaborations with the medical community, Thomas Rabe has tirelessly promoted the preservation of historical memory.

He has collaborated with professor Liang Yi of Beijing Union University for over two decades. Together, they researched the documentary materials in John Rabe's Nanjing diaries and established the John Rabe Beijing Exchange Center. Thomas Rabe highly praised professor Liang's tireless work reviewing the manuscripts, and remains deeply moved by the experience of collaborating with Yang Shanyou, director of the John Rabe House at Nanjing University, on academic research and the preparation of exhibitions on John Rabe's life.

Thomas Rabe presents historical materials to then-Chinese ambassador to Germany Wu Ken (C) and his wife during a visit to the John Rabe Communication Center in Heidelberg, March 14, 2023. [Photo provided by Thomas Rabe]

"I would also like to express my special thanks to Mr. Wu Ken, former Chinese ambassador to Germany, for the tremendous support he provided our family and the exchange center," Thomas Rabe said. He recalled that during the most challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic he wrote to the then-ambassador Wu seeking help. Shortly thereafter, batches of medicine, protective suits, masks and disinfectant from Nanjing were transported thousands of miles to Heidelberg. "We will never forget this assistance," Thomas Rabe said emotionally.

Today, the family's connections with China continues. Thomas Rabe's son, Maximilian Rabe, is learning Chinese and hopes to visit China for a study tour in the near future. "He's very interested in Chinese culture," Thomas Rabe told reporters. "I hope that one day Maximilian will take over the management of the John Rabe Communication Center and become the fourth generation of 'friendship ambassadors.'"

Rabe and China: Preserving memory through words

Thomas Rabe's study once housed all of his grandfather's written works. "The Good Man of Nanking: The Diaries of John Rabe" published in 1997, was originally compiled from one of these approximately 2,000-page manuscripts. The book details the atrocities of Japanese troops, including burning, killing, raping and looting, from September 1937 to February 1938, and the efforts of John Rabe and other international friends to rescue Chinese refugees.

A display featuring John Rabe's published works alongside Thomas Rabe's latest book 'Rabe and China' at the John Rabe Communication Center in Heidelberg. [Photo provided by Thomas Rabe]

In 2016 and 2017, Thomas Rabe donated these 10 volumes of diaries and some of his grandfather's precious belongings to the National Archives Administration of China. "I believe that is the most appropriate place to preserve these documents permanently," Thomas Rabe said.

In addition, John Rabe's other manuscripts contain a wealth of historical materials related to China. For over a decade, Thomas Rabe tirelessly compiled and edited these documents, ultimately completing the book "Rabe and China," which was published last year. The book, packed with precious historical photos and documents, not only documents John Rabe's 30 years in China but also showcases the century-long friendship between four generations of the Rabe family and China.

Thomas Rabe accompanies Liu Jianye (C), former deputy director of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and Liang Yi, professor at Beijing Union University, on a visit to the John Rabe Communication Center in Heidelberg, May 2, 2006. [Photo provided by Thomas Rabe]

"This was a daunting task; the publishing process alone took over three years. But the effort was worth it," Thomas Rabe said. "This is more than just a history book; it builds a bridge across cultures, carrying the memory of my grandfather's humanitarian spirit and conveying a profound call for peace." With this in mind, Thomas Rabe pledged to donate all royalties from the book to the John Rabe Communication Center's charitable causes.

Although the book has been published, Thomas Rabe believes that "in a sense, it's not 'finished' yet." He revealed that many related tasks remain to be accomplished, including the publication of English-language and e-book versions of the book, as well as the planned children's book "Grandpa Rabe Tells Stories to Chinese Children." In addition, a four-episode documentary film is currently being prepared, according to Thomas Rabe.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a new John Rabe Communication Center in Budapest. In the medical field, Thomas Rabe plans to collaborate with professor Ruan to establish a free and open educational platform, the "Women's Health Virtual Academy." He has also called for greater focus on cutting-edge medical research areas such as in vitro gametogenesis, and expressed his hope of collaborating with Chinese experts to establish a reproductive genetics laboratory.

Learning from history, safeguarding peace

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. Thomas Rabe was invited to China to participate in the commemorative activities and hopes to use this opportunity to "continue to advance his humanitarian projects with Chinese partners."

Thomas Rabe admits that his passion for humanitarianism stems from a single belief: never abandon a friend in times of trouble. "I still remember my grandfather writing in his diary on December 26, 1937: The best Christmas gift is saving the 650 lives that took refuge in his home." He quoted his grandfather as saying, "One cannot be self-sufficient. Saving others in times of need and putting oneself forward bravely are where one's true worth is revealed." As a descendant of John Rabe, he is committed to carrying on this spirit.

Reflecting on the war, Thomas Rabe said, "The world needs peace, and I strongly agree with the concept of a 'community with a shared future for humanity.' Remembering history is of great significance."

"Nazi Germany committed the Holocaust  a crime against humanity that must never be repeated. After World War II, Germany took the initiative to assume responsibility and achieved reconciliation with victimized countries like Israel, France and Poland. Unfortunately, not all countries have learned the lessons of history," he added.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)






Thursday, August 28, 2025 - Balthazar Engonga Ebang, the once powerful head of Equatorial Guineas Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has fallen from grace in spectacular fashion.

The man who went viral in late 2024 after more than 400 videos of his escapades with different women leaked online has now been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement of Sh230 million (1 billion CFA francs).

According to Supreme Court spokesperson, Hilario Mitogo, Ebang siphoned funds meant for official travel, splurging the money on a wild double life of women, luxury, and secret escapades.

Prosecutors painted him as a man who lived extravagantly while abusing state resources to fuel his desires.

The court handed him eight years for embezzlement, four years and five months for illicit enrichment, and six years and one day for abuse of power - though the terms will run concurrently.

He was also fined $220,000 (about Ksh28.5 million).

In late 2024, Engonga shocked the nation after over 400 private tapes emerged, reportedly featuring him with more than 100 women, some allegedly wives of top officials and aides.

The videos, filmed in hotels and offices, sent social media into a frenzy.





The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, August 28, 2025 - A 29-year-old woman is fighting for her life after setting herself on fire in Emali town, Makueni County, on Thursday morning, following a domestic dispute with her husband.

Nzaui Sub-County Police Commander, Agnes Kunga, confirmed the incident, saying her officers received a distress call at around 8:45 am and rushed to the scene.

We established that the woman had separated from her husband about a month ago after living together in Nairobi.

She later moved to Emali to stay with relatives, Kunga told reporters.

The woman, who sustained burns covering nearly 70 percent of her body, was rushed to Best Care Hospital in Emali, where she received emergency treatment before plans were made to transfer her to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized care.

Medical Officer Kelvin Mutunga said the victim is currently stable but requires advanced treatment.

Commander Kunga noted that relatives disclosed the woman had been battling depression, adding that the incident highlights the urgent need for mental health interventions in the region.

It is worrying because suicide-related cases are on the rise in Makueni.

I urge the County Government to establish counseling centers in each sub-county so that people can seek help, she said.




When SG Mwangi joined the Nairobi County Executive in 2013 as Chief Officer in charge of Lands, many believed that his extensive experience within the county would translate into diligent service to the people. Instead, he has allegedly used his position to engage in questionable dealings that have resulted in numerous land-related legal cases.

Mwangis career spans multiple administrations: he served as Chief Officer for Lands under Governor Kidero, continued in the same role during Governor Sonkos tenure, worked as Deputy Director of Lands under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), and currently serves as County Executive Committee member (CEC) for Build Environment and Urban Planning in the Boroughs Department. What initially appeared to be routine administrative transfers has now been linked to a pattern of alleged corruption involving land sales, transfers, and fraudulent deedsmany of which are currently before the courts.

During his vetting by the County Public Service Board, Mwangi declared assets worth KSh600 million, raising questions about the sources of his wealth given his public service salary.

As the longest-serving member of the Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) Executive, Mwangi now finds himself at the center of a web of allegedly fraudulent land deals. Several prime land title deeds worth millions of shillings are tied to at least 10 active court cases, with additional matters under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).





Key Cases Under Investigation

Eastleigh Treatment Works Land

Originally owned by Nairobi Water, this public property was allegedly grabbed and allocated to private entities under Mwangis oversight. The land was subdivided and sold without being reverted to its rightful public use. The case is currently in court.

Pumwani Hospital Expansion Land

Land reserved for expanding Pumwani Maternity Hospital was allegedly illegally transferred to private developers. Some parcels now house petrol stations, preventing the hospitals planned expansion. The DCI maintains an active file on this matter.

Four Ways Junction Land

Mwangi is implicated in the irregular allocation of land designated for public purposes at Four Ways Junction. Banks and private developers allegedly benefited from these irregular transactions.

Karen Talent Academy Land

After the Commissioner of Lands allocated land in Karen for a talent academy, Mwangi allegedly facilitated fraudulent subdivision and issued fake titles, depriving the academy of its designated space. This case is currently before the courts.

South B Market Land

The title deed for South B Market was allegedly stolen from county custody and illegally transferred to a private developer during Mwangis tenure as Chief Officer. The matter remains in litigation and has cost the county substantial legal fees.

Dandora Land (Block G Plot H5)

Mwangi is accused of orchestrating irregular lease processing and producing fraudulent titles without proper documentation. This case remains active.

According to court and investigative sources, Mwangi allegedly exploited his deep institutional knowledge to manipulate records, implicate innocent officers, and cover his tracks while facilitating land grabs. His transfer from the Lands Department was reportedly prompted by mounting scandals, though subsequent reassignments have not insulated him from scrutiny.

With multiple cases now before the courts and the DCI investigating deeds he allegedly facilitated, Mwangis extensive history of purported fraud appears to be catching up with him. This could represent one of the countys most significant land corruption scandals. Additionally, he is reportedly ranked among the poorest performers in every department where he has served.
THE first overseas visitors to arrive at the Shackleton Museum did so last week. These visitors were from the Falkland Islands situated a few hundred miles off the eastern coast of Argentina. Their trip required a flight from Port Stanley, capital of the Falklands to Ascension Island and from there to Brize Norton in the UK. The visitors were four young students, winners of a school essay competition in which they were required to write of the Irish Polar Explorer, Ernest Shackleton. The four young students, Ruby Marsh, Alice May Curtis, Benjamin Goodwin and Theo Young were accompanied by Emma Brook, Falkland College manager and Sandra Alazia outreach assistant with the Falkland Island Museum.

The Shackleton Museum, which is currently being fitted out, was specially opened for the Falklands visitors where they were greeted by the museum curator, Aline Fitzgerald and two directors of the museum board. I was among a number of others who were also invited to give us our first glimpse of what awaits those visiting the museum after its official opening on the 10th of October. As someone who is familiar with the previous history and use of the Town Hall stretching back over 70 years or more I was very impressed with the design and workmanship which has left us with an extraordinary fine interior, a mixture of the old and the new. The impressive early 18th Century building has been transformed internally and restored externally to give a magnificent backdrop to our newly developed Town Plaza.

Work on fitting out the museum with exhibits was not completed on the day of our visit and indeed Sven Habermann of Conservation Letterfrack and his team were scheduled to be on site this week and for sometime thereafter to complete the task. However there was sufficient evidence in the exhibits already in place to confirm that Athys Shackleton Museum will be of national and international importance. The subject of Shackletons life and achievements have gained an importance in the last few decades and with it has brought recognition of Athys importance in the telling of his story. I doubt if anyone visiting the museum when it opens will be disappointed with the range of exhibits and participatory media..

The Falklands students and the adults who accompanied them were very impressed by what they saw in the former Town Hall. Thanks must go to the museum curator for making arrangements to allow the overseas visitors and a few others the privilege of seeing at first hand the early development of the worlds most important Ernest Shackleton Museum.

The management of the museum is now controlled by a board of five members on behalf of Kildare County Council. The curator, who was appointed some months ago, served in the same position for several years in the 1916 museum in Dublins GPO in OConnell Street. As mentioned earlier the official opening of the museum will take place on 10 October, but I am uncertain as to whether the museum will be open to the public before then.

Good luck to everyone involved with the Shackleton Museum which comes to us as a result of a public meeting which set up Athys Museum Society forty two years ago. Lets hope that the acquisition, preservation and subsequent development of Whites Castle as a Fitzgerald and Town Museum does not take as long.

I have had some feedback from last weeks Eye on the Past on the adoption of Market Byelaws with a small number of people agreeing with my suggestion as to the best way of protecting and developing the Tuesday market. My suggestion involved the protection of the towns newly developed Plaza to facilitate its use seven days per week by visitors and locals alike. To do this will involve the expense of acquiring the Abbey grounds but incurring that expense will give Athy the advantage of replacing the lost carparking in Emily Square and meeting the additional carparking required for the Shackleton Museum visitors. I would hope that Kildare County Council would see the advantage of doing so and thereby ensuring adequate Athy centre parking facilities and the preservation of a Tuesday market.

FRANK TAAFFE
By Cate McCurry, PA

Experts have confirmed that a single fragment of a dissociated human adult tooth has been found at a site where a major excavation of a mass, unmarked grave of babies and young children is taking place in Co Galway.

The excavation of the site of St Marys mother and baby home in Tuam will try to identify the remains of infants who died at the home between 1925 and 1961.

Forensic excavation of the site of the former mother and baby institution began last month.

Excavation work has focused on two areas, including the site of a former workhouse yard and the high stone boundary wall at the site.

The excavation site is under examination. Photo: Niall Carson/PA.

Forensic experts said that the research indicates there is a low likelihood of human remains being present in the areas currently being excavated.

In the last six weeks, numerous personal items dating from the period when the institution was in operation was found, including shoes, spectacles and glass baby bottle feeders.

Other items found include glass bottles, likely of pre-institutional date, possibly military era, and a chamber pot.

Large amounts of animal bone have been discovered, much of which is likely from the institution, military and workhouse kitchens.

Machine excavation started in the former yard of the workhouse, adjacent to the playground, while hand excavation was undertaken in the form of Test Trenches abutting the 19th century boundary wall.

In the first update since the excavations works got under way, the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) said that forensic experts have uncovered material from four main eras in the sites history.

The excavation is taking place at St Marys home for unmarried mothers and their children. Photo: Niall Carson/PA.

These include post-institutional from 1961 onwards; institutional from 1925 to 1961; Military from 1918 to 1925, including during the War of Independence and Irish Civil War era, the location was used first by the British Army and then by the Irish National Army; and the workhouse from 1841 to 1918.

In both locations where excavations have taken place to date, objects from all of these periods were identified and recovered, as well as objects from earlier ancient and unrelated dates.

ODAIT expert osteoarchaeologists said that the single fragment of a dissociated human adult tooth was been found in the upper stratigraphy of the site, which is currently undergoing analysis.

A circular subterranean feature was also located.

It is consistent with the location of a pump from the 19th century mapping.

A mass grave was found at the site. Photo: Niall Carson/PA.

ODAIT said that all evidence recovered is being photographed, catalogued and retained by the team.

In 2014, research led by local historian Catherine Corless indicated that 796 babies and young children were buried in a sewage system at the Co Galway institution.

St Marys home for unmarried mothers and their children was run by the Bon Secours Sisters, a religious order of Catholic nuns.

In 2021, Irish premier Micheal Martin apologised on behalf of the state for the treatment of women and children who were housed in mother and baby homes across Ireland.

The Bon Secours Sisters also offered a profound apology after acknowledging the order had failed to protect the inherent dignity of women and children in the Tuam home.
James Cox

Irish aid worker Gena Heraty has been released alongside the other people she was kidnapped with in Haiti.

The Mayo woman was taken from the St Helene orphanage she works in earlier this month.

In a statement, her family members said they are "relieved beyond words" and "deeply grateful" for local and international support.

The aid worker's family has thanked the Irish Ambassador to the US and Tanaiste Simon Harris in particular.

In a statement this evening, her family said: We are so delighted to be able to share that Gena, and all those taken with her, have been released following their kidnapping on 3 August, 2025, from the St. Helene property in Kenscoff, Haiti.

We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return. In particular we would like to acknowledge the support of an Tanaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and his team at the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States of America.

The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support.

For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care. We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.

We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there.
Major flood prevention works to protect the rail line on the approach to Waterford are underway as part of the Waterford North Quays Development, Iarnrod Eireann has advised customers.

As a result, Kilkenny and Thomastown train passengers may experience delays and alterations to their usual travel schedule as unavoidable works on the Waterford-Dublin line takes place.

Works will take place from 8am to 2.30pm on Mondays to Thursdays until Thursday, November 27 this year and Monday, January 5 to Thursday, March 26 2026.

READ NEXT: Popular Kilkenny location to receive makeover under new scheme - Council Highlights

The 7.20am and 10.15am services from Dublin Heuston to Waterford will terminate at Kilkenny, with bus transfers from Kilkenny to Thomastown and Waterford.

Meanwhile, the 11am and 1.05pm Waterford to Dublin Heuston will have bus transfers from Waterford and Thomastown to Kilkenny, and train from Kilkenny to Heuston.

The flood prevention works will be undertaken by contractors for Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) and will address the recurring flooding issue which has occurred over many years at this location and ensure the railway service is climate resilient into the future.

As well as ensuring rail services are no longer impacted by flooding, both to the existing station and the new Plunkett Station from 2027, the works will allow a new electrical signalling system to replace the mechanical system which has been in place, and reinstate track capacity and routes to / from Waterford.

The company is advising customers that the flood defence works will necessitate disruption to some off-peak rail services on Monday to Thursday mornings over a total of six months, from late August onwards (excluding the Christmas season).

Waterford North Quays Public Transport elements are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.

"Iarnrod Eireann has worked with WCCC and BAM (main contractor) throughout the project to minimise disruption to rail services and to identify the optimum approach to these works," a spokesperson said.

"On detailed review of the works, due to the potential to foul the line, Iarnrod Eireann has identified that line closure is required and unavoidable. This will be during the lifting and placing of piles due to their length, the working environment and the proximity to the railway.

"The agreed work programme seeks to balance the timescale for delivery of the flood defence system with avoiding disruption to the busiest rail services on the route," they added.

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The most wonderful time of the year has once again rolled around. The shops are full of tents and camping chairs, off-licences are seeing a boom in business and a palpable sense of frenzied anticipation is hanging over Laois. This can mean only one thing: Electric Picnic is coming to town.

While its very easy to get caught up in all the excitement, it is also of paramount importance to keep a level head as you prepare for Irelands biggest music festival. First-time festival goers must be warned: Electric Picnic is not for the faint hearted. Failure to prepare accordingly may carry consequences of a most dire nature. Such consequences may be a poorly positioned tent, missing a major act or worst of all: the Monday morning hangover. As a veteran of the festival, I am taking it upon myself to provide a comprehensive guide that, if followed diligently, may prevent such egregious events from ever arising.

From my personal experience, ones enjoyment of the festival hinges on ones campsite experience. All the attractions and performances of the Main Arena are a guarantee and never fail to impress. However, the campsite is a different beast entirely - one that can be tough to wrangle. Electric Picnic boasts five expansive campsites, each offering a unique experience. In Poets site, campers can enjoy peace and relaxation through yoga, pilates and meditation experiences.

An Lathair Ghaeltachta provides an immersive haven for Irish speakers who wish to enjoy the entire weekend as Gaeilge. Please note this campsite must be prebooked. Eco Camp focuses on sustainability and enables campers to meet like-minded folk committed to leaving no trace of their festival merry-making. Glitterball is advertised as a gender-inclusive place and offers ample shower facilities and even mirrors and plugs to greater facilitate the beautifying process. Like An Lathair Ghaeltachta, Glitterball must be pre-booked.

The Legendary Campsites (Jimmy Hendrix, Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin) are certainly the most infamous of the campsites. A weekend in Jimmy Hendrix is probably the closest our generation will come to trench warfare. While the Eco Camp proudly focuses on sustainability, I am convinced Jimmy Hendrix specialises in its own brand of unbridled chaos. Chaos of the best kind, of course. All this is to say that while the Legendary Campsites certainly guarantee the most fun, they are in no way capable of providing a moments relaxation.

If you would rather not spend your weekend on the frontlines and plan on having a fully functional tent by the end of the weekend, I would recommend a stay in Poets or Eco Camp. However, if you do not buy into such woke nonsense as sleep or do not believe in the old-fashioned idea of personal belongings, and simply want to spend your weekend making memories youll never remember, I believe a sojourn in Jimmy Hendrix is desirable.

Once you have chosen a campsite to settle in, the next objective is where exactly to pitch your tent. Once again, this is no simple task. There are in fact a number of factors to consider when deciding where to pitch. Most importantly, do not set up your tent at the bottom of a slope or in a hollow. As we all know, the threat of Biblical rainfall ever hangs over Electric Picnic weekend. Your best chance at surviving such an eventuality is having a tent on higher ground. As someone who survived the Great Rain of 22, I saw many a foolish camper who pitched their tent downslope, swiftly washed away by the wrath of the Festival Gods, never to be seen again.

We then move inside the tent: what do you pack for the weekend? As previously mentioned, the weather for Electric Picnic is even more unpredictable than usual Irish weather. Be sure to pack plenty of warm, comfortable clothes and shoes that somehow balance durability with disposability, because rest assured your shoes will not survive the weekend.

Another friendly tip: take caution that your wardrobe for the weekend does not feature too many Penneys band/concert t-shirts, lest you be labelled the dreaded Penneys Band T-Shirt Final Boss. Clothing aside, some quick and easy snacks to refuel throughout the weekend is also advised. Considering a rather regrettable amount of alcohol is likely to be consumed by many over the three days, bringing a pack of electrolytes will go a long way in fending off the inevitable hangovers.

The final step to consider in your Picnic Planning Process is what acts you want to see and building a schedule around them. Unfortunately, with such a star-studded line-up, it is not uncommon to find stage times clashing and being faced with an impossible Sophies Choice situation. To help prevent this, the Electric Picnic app allows you to highlight the acts you want to see and builds you a personal line-up to help map your weekend. This may be your best chance at avoiding any difficult decision-making.

Electric Picnic truly is a magical time. But like Christmas, it can also be a stressful time. We spend all year looking forward to it, putting pressure on ourselves to make it as good as last year; making sure weve bought everything we need in time and then before we know it the big day comes and youre at a techno rave somewhere in Stradbally woods at 3am, asking yourself Whose shoes am I wearing? Hopefully this friendly survival guide will be of use to some festival goers. All we can do now is pray that the Festival Gods look kindly on us mere mortals and grant us a dry weekend.
INDEFINITE strike action by secretaries and caretakers nationwide has meant that Saplings Special School for autism and complex needs has not reopened after the summer break.

The 30 students, aged from 4 to 18, remained at home as many of those working at the school in Killeshin stood in solidarity with their secretary Yvonne Abbey. The school could not open due to there not being enough staff available They are campaigning for 2,600 school staff to be included in the public service pension scheme and other entitlements.

Engagement between the Forsa union and the Department of Education at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) concluded without any outcome on Wednesday last.

Anne Walsh and Gillian Cunningham, both Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), told The Nationalist that their colleague is the heartbeat of the school.

Yvonne is there to support all of us, the parents, staff and students, she goes above and beyond for everyone. We are a family and we stand by her. She is vital to our school and we did not take this decision lightly, explained Ms Walsh.

Parents of the children were notified on Tuesday that the school would not be re-opening.

Ms Walsh outlined that Ms Abbey deserves the same respect and entitlements as other staff members, so we are not crossing the picket line. People just dont see the work that secretaries do and all they want is fair treatment.

Both Ms Cunningham and Ms Walsh continued: Our message is very clear, its time to recognise people who are often invisible but absolutely essential to our school. Our secretary Yvonne has given 18 years of her working life to the school. She knows every child, every parent, past and present. Without her, the school simply doesnt function. Its not just our school; its all schools across Ireland. Secretaries and caretakers are expected to carry enormous responsibilities but not given the proper contracts, pay or recognition to match the jobs that they do.

Both noted: Our school has had to close as the staff are standing in solidarity with Yvonne. This shows the depth of support for Yvonne and how fragile the system is without her.

The pair added that those standing in solidarity with Ms Abbey dont want to cause disruption to the children and families but sometimes we need to, to highlight just how vital these roles are".

They pointed out that if the Department of Education values children and staff it must value the people who care for them, support them and keep schools running. Its about fairness, respect and recognition for work which has been undervalued for far too long.

"Schools cant run without the assistance of secretaries and caretakers, its time the system reflects that reality.

However, the move by those working at the school to stand in solidarity with Ms Abbey has angered one parent who has a child attending the school.

The parent, who did not wish to be named, said they were very annoyed.

My child really needs routine, and this action is not helping. I dont know why the entire school has to close. Other schools countrywide are closing their offices but teachers and principals are dealing with issues, the parent said.

We found out very late on Tuesday evening that the school wasnt opening on Thursday and Friday. Its not fair to the students and their parents. These are children who have to be prepared for going back to school due to their needs. This move is just not good enough. I understand that secretaries and caretakers need to do this, but it shouldnt mean that Saplings closes completely.

Im sure some parents are exhausted and frazzled and were supposed to go back to jobs etc after their childrens nine weeks summer break without any support. To spring this on us is not right. There was no alternative care offered to us by the school. These are the very children who need additional support not additional stress by such actions.

The strike continues nationwide.
As the 25th anniversary of Ruben Salazars death approaches, theres a question that has never been answered.

Was he the victim of a tragic accident? Or was he, as some maintain, assassinated by forces intent on silencing him? After all, he was the best-known and most influential Latino journalist of his time. His columns in The Times helped explain the growing Mexican American population and its aspirations not only to L.A. readers, but also to ourselves.

I dont know the answer, but I do wonder why in the time since Salazars death on Aug. 29, 1970, no one has sought to put the issue to rest.

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Salazar was a major topic of discussion for the 1,300 Latino journalists who gathered in El Paso last week for the annual convention of the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists. The group recently named a scholarship for Salazar as a testament to his legacy as a true Mexican American hero.

His two daughters, Lisa and Stephanie, who were very young when he died, supported the journalism groups efforts by attending the convention in El Paso, Salazars adopted hometown.

But the touchy subject of how he died was never far from the minds of the convention-goers. When more than 80 people crowded into a smallish meeting room for the panel, Ruben Salazar: The Myth and the Man, it was clear that the passage of 25 years has done little to quell the controversy surrounding his death.

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Salazar, a Times columnist and news director at KMEX-TV, was covering an anti-Vietnam War march in East L.A. when trouble broke out at Laguna Park on Whittier Boulevard, where the protest ended. Looting and sporadic violence trailed eastward on Whittier as sheriffs deputies rushed to the scene to quell the disturbances. Salazar and another reporter, Guillermo Restrepo, were inside the Silver Dollar Cafe having a beer when deputies arrived.

Believing troublemakers were barricaded inside the bar, Sheriffs Deputy Thomas Wilson fired a tear-gas projectile inside that struck Salazar in the head, killing him instantly. Restrepo was not injured in the incident, but two others died in the rioting, which injured 60 others and caused more than $1 million in damage to property.

A coroners inquest concluded that Salazars death was accidental. Four years after he died, the county paid Salazars widow and three children at least $700,000 without admitting any wrongdoing. The deputy who fired into the bar was never prosecuted but resigned from the Sheriffs Department and moved away from L.A.

For some, that was the end of the Salazar story.

At the El Paso convention, however, the doubters raised their nagging suspicions anew. Charlie Erickson, the founder of Hispanic Link, a Latino news service that publishes a weekly newsletter, told journalists at the Salazar panel that Salazar told him a week before he died that he was under surveillance and was being followed by undercover law enforcement officers. Such a declaration proves, Erickson said, that someone was out to get Salazar.

I think he was the victim of a political assassination, said Erickson, who at the time of Salazars death was a staff member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

Another panel participant, Steve Weingarten, who as a free-lance journalist investigated Salazars death, said the FBI was spying on the newsman. The FBI, Weingarten said, has more than 400 pages of documents on Salazar, dating to at least 1965, when the government monitored his dispatches for The Times from Vietnam.

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The FBI has yet to release most of those documents despite legal requests filed by Weingarten, The Times and others. Whats the national [security] interest 25 years after he died? Weingarten wondered.

Good question. Since recent revelations that the FBI also spied on United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez, it certainly came as no surprise to many in the audience that federal agents also spied on Salazar. But why? Did the FBI fear Salazar?

And how was it that sheriffs deputies suddenly appeared at the Silver Dollar, others in the audience wondered. Who tipped off the cops? What were they doing there? No rioters or snipers were ever found inside the bar.

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Some here at The Times say its a futile effort to dredge up the past. Salazars a hero to your people, one executive told me. Lets keep it that way.

True, but I keep thinking he shouldnt have died so young--at age 42--so long ago. He inspired me and a whole generation of Latinos to become journalists. I just cant let that part of our past--my past--rest without knowing the truth. Its time to find out.

And from what I heard in El Paso, Im not the only one who feels that way.
Theyre huge. They suck up thousands of kilowatts of energy. And they might be coming to an Easton area neighborhood near you.

Data centers are necessary to power artificial intelligence, and the proliferation of AI will inevitably lead to the proliferation of huge facilities to store and share data.

So Palmer and Forks townships have crafted ordinances governing where data centers can go in their townships, how big they can be and how they can be integrated into suburban communities.

Before anything comes to our area we want to make sure we have an ordinance on the books, Palmer Township Planning Director Craig Beavers said at the Aug. 4 township supervisors meeting.

The Palmer Township supervisors adopted their data center ordinance at that meeting. It restricts data centers to the townships north end industrial district. That zoning district encompasses the massive warehouses in the Chrin Commerce Centre. Palmers ordinance limits data centers to seven stories.

The Forks Township supervisors have drafted an ordinance, which will come up for review at a Sept. 4 meeting at the township building. Their ordinance allows data centers to be approved by conditional use in the townships industrial zoning district. The proposed law limits data centers to six stories.

Both township ordinances require power lines to be installed underground and out of sight whenever possible. The ordinances regulate noise, light pollution, parking and landscaping.

They require documentation to make sure theres enough water, sewer and power capacity for each facility.

The centers require a staggering amount of power. The United States had more than 5,000 functioning data centers consuming 17 gigawatts of power in 2022, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. For context, a large nuclear power plant generates about one gigawatt of power per year.

Data center load growth has tripled over the past decade and is projected to double or triple by 2028, the U.S. Department of Energy reported in 2024.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is working with local municipalities to craft ordinances governing data centers in the area, according to a WFMZ report. Local leaders believe data centers are headed to the Lehigh Valley, although specific locations are unclear. A data center was once proposed for Upper Mount Bethel Township.

Amazon Web Services plans to build two huge data centers in Pennsylvania, according to the Associated Press. One is slated for north of Philadelphia. The other had targeted space next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan addresses a news conference Jan. 6, 2024, in his office at the county courthouse in Allentown. Holihan on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, announced an ongoing drug investigation led to the seizure of 2,000-plus pounds of marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, 25 firearms, and over $100,000 in cash across multiple jurisdictions. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

A Lehigh County elected official is among nearly two dozen people arrested as part of an ongoing drug investigation spanning multiple states, authorities said Friday.

The countys district attorney, Gavin Holihan, announced the operation during a news conference at the county courthouse in Allentown.

This is a wide-ranging, as I said, multi-jurisdictional investigation, which included people yesterday who were arrested in the City of Chicago and the State of Wisconsin, Holihan said Friday. And there are warrants for people in multiple counties in Pennsylvania, as well as the state of New York, I believe the state of New Jersey, Philadelphia  so a wide-ranging conspiracy.

Among those arrested is Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi, who is charged with marijuana possession with intent to deliver and lesser offenses, according to Holihan.

Authorities took Cole-Borghi into custody Thursday at his job in Bethlehem City Hall, Holihan said. Cole-Borghi was arraigned and released on $50,000 bond, according to the prosecutor.

Cole-Borghi, a Democrat, was elected county commissioner for District 3 in the Nov. 2, 2021, Municipal General Election. Commissioners serve four-year terms. He won an uncontested Democratic primary to seek re-election this year.

Cole-Borghi did not immediately respond to an email to his commissioners address seeking comment.

Bethlehems human resources director, Michelle Cichocki, told lehighvalleylive.com on Friday that Cole-Borghi is no longer a city employee as of Thursday and that he had served as legal assistant and open-records officer with the solicitors office.

As of Thursday, the investigation resulted in the arrests of 22 people in Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery counties plus Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, as well as in New York, Chicago and Wisconsin, according to a news release from the district attorneys office.

Open for three years, the ongoing probe is the result of Lehigh Countys 12th Investigating Grand Jury.

The Lehigh County Drug Task Force with assistance from federal, state and local agencies executed 26 search warrants at businesses and homes in connection with the investigation, according to Holihan; additional search warrants were being processed on 283 financial institution accounts and various cryptocurrency accounts.

To date, items allegedly seized as part of the probe include:

More than $100,000 in cash.

Cryptocurrency accounts.

More than 2,000 pounds of marijuana, large quantities of THC liquid, cocaine and MDMA pills.

At least 25 firearms that include semiautomatic rifles and ghost guns, which lack a serial number.

The Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Laboratory Team dismantled two laboratories that had been manufacturing illegal THC products, Holihan said, stating they were within the Lehigh Valley.

Authorities did not immediately release the names of all those charged.

The preliminary hearings for those arrested Thursday are tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3 in Lehigh County Central Court.

The investigation was supported with funding from the Liberty Mid-Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
The family of Ethan Chapin, including mother Stacy Chapin, right, and father Jim Chapin, walk to the Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing, on July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. AP File Photo/Jenny Kane

Relatives of two of the four University of Idaho students murdered in 2022 have asked a judge to prevent the release of graphic crime scene photos and videos, saying that the images are traumatizing and making them public would violate their privacy.

Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life without parole last month for the stabbing murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho.

Even if crime scene images are somehow redacted, its still traumatizing for the families, Ethans mother, Stacy Chapin, wrote in a court document.

They are heartbreaking and continue to reopen a wound that has yet to heal, she wrote.

The criminal case drew worldwide attention, and the Moscow Police Department received hundreds of requests to release investigatory records. Idaho law generally allows for the sealing of investigation records to be lifted once a criminal investigation is complete.

After Kohbergers sentencing, the city of Moscow responded to one such request for public records by releasing photos and videos taken by law enforcement at the crime scene, blurring out the bodies of the slain students as well as the faces of other victims and witnesses who talked to police outside the home.

The images still showed blood on the floors and walls of the home, however, and the videos included the sounds of sobbing friends and roommates.

Latah County Magistrate Judge Megan Marshall presides over a hearing for Bryan Kohberger, Jan. 5, 2023, in Latah County District Court in Moscow, Idaho. AP File Photo/Ted S. Warren

Leander James, an attorney representing family members of Mogen and Chapin, told 2nd District Judge Megan Marshall that the blurring was ineffective, that the blood should also have been hidden from public view, and that the sounds of distress should have been muted.

Blurring is not redacting, James said during a Thursday morning hearing. He asked the judge to carefully consider Stacy Chapins statement, describing how incredibly harmful and emotionally damaging it is for her to see images of her son and the other victims. Theyre in there, theyre just blurred  theyre harder to see.

The commodification of the killings by a whole industry of people obsessed with crimes makes it even more important to consider how the families have been victimized again by the release of such gory images, James told the judge.

Images like this are disseminated within an instant, worldwide, James said, criticizing this true crime sort of industry that uses this stuff for economic gain, and misuses it.

Andrew Pluskal, an attorney representing the city of Moscow, said the city is required by law to release the images under the Idaho Public Records Act, and carefully weighed what to redact using the balancing test spelled out in the law, weighing the victims right to privacy against the publics right to know.

If there were options allowed in statute that allowed these records to be fired into the sun, the city would do it, Pluskal told the judge. He called the images harrowing.

But he said the city could have been sued if it refused their release, and redacting or blurring the images was its best attempt to follow the law.

The city is in the middle here  the city is going to get it from either side, Pluskal told the judge.

Marshall said she would consider both sides and issue a ruling at a later date.

Kohberger was arrested roughly six weeks after the killings at his parents home in Monroe County, where he planned to spend winter break. He had graduated from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township with an associates degree in psychology in 2018 and received a bachelors degree in 2020 from DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township, where he completed graduate studies in June 2022.

By REBECCA BOONE

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Pohatcong Township residents near River and Manor roads were asked to shelter in place Friday morning, Aug. 29, 2025, as authorities secured what they called an "isolated incident." lehighvalleylive.com file photo

Authorities converged Friday morning on a Warren County neighborhood, and nearby residents temporarily were asked to remain in their homes.

Pohatcong Township police mid-morning asked residents in the area of River and Manor roads to shelter in place due to an incident.

Please keep clear of area and we will update you all as soon as possible, the police department posted to its Facebook page. This is an isolated incident and police have the area secured.

Police said at 11:43 a.m. residents were no longer asked to shelter in place.

The situation has been resolved, said Brenton S. Warne, acting chief of detectives for the Warren County Prosecutors Office.

Earlier reports from the scene indicated someone had been refusing to leave a home.

The shelter in place has been lifted and the suspect is in custody, the township police posted in an update shortly before noon. During the police operations, some have reported hearing what was assumed as gunshots. There were no firearms discharged during this event. The noises heard were the police utilizing tactical devices to assist with the entry to a residence. We thank you for your patience. There is no threat to the community.

New Jersey State Police reportedly joined Pohatcong police and the prosecutors office in responding to the scene.

Authorities were not immediately releasing further information.

Freelance photographer Tim Wynkoop contributed reporting.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
The Electric Picnic party might be dampened down for a while on Saturday with Met Eireann forecasting wet and windy weather, though it looks set to clear Stradbally in the afternoon.

A mainly sunny and dry Friday was due to be followed by a dry night early on with just a few isolated showers. However, Met Eireann says cloud will build from the southwest later on with outbreaks of rain moving into parts of Ireland by dawn Saturday.

Electric Picnicers will have to dress for the rain or stay in their tents early Saturday because Met Eireann warns the rain will become widespread through the morning, heavy at times and accompanied by fresh to strong and gusty southerly winds.

However, there will be clearance to sunny spells and blustery showers through the afternoon when highest temperatures will peak at between 18 and 21 degrees. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Day one fun in Stradbally. Picture: Alf Harvey

Saturday night will be breezy with spells of rain, heavy at times in the north and west but Stradbally looks likely to escape as clear spells and scattered showers elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 14 degrees.

The fresh to strong and gusty southwesterly winds will ease to mostly moderate to fresh and gusty by Sunday morning.

READ ALSO: Huge hoolie at Electric PICNIC - PICTURES

Day three in Stradbally will be breezy day with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Scattered showers will move eastwards over the country, heavy at times with isolated thunderstorms possible and with longer spells of rain in the northwest.

The best of the dry and sunny intervals will be in the east and southeast. Highest temperatures of 14 to 19 degrees with fresh and gusty south or southwest winds, moderating during the evening.

Sunday night will bring variable cloud with showers or longer spells of rain. Lowest temperatures of 10 to 14 degrees in moderate to fresh west or southwest winds, strong along Atlantic coasts.

READ ALSO: Smiles and sunshine at Electric PICNIC - in pictures

Monday is departure day for Picnicers. The day will feature sunny spells but also widespread showers expected for much of the day, heavy or possible thundery at times. The showers will ease during the evening and will become mostly confined to the western half of the country. Highest temperatures of 15 to 18 or 19 degrees in in moderate to fresh west or southwest winds, strong along Atlantic coasts.
External elements using Taiwan to contain China are playing with fire, will only get burnt: Chinese vice FM

Xinhua) 16:50, August 29, 2025

BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Attempting to use Taiwan as a means to contain China is akin to playing with fire and those who play with fire will ultimately get burned, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said on Friday.

He emphasized that the international community's commitment to the one-China principle has become increasingly solid, and that the Chinese people's just cause of opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and striving for complete national reunification has gained widespread understanding and support from the international community.

Ma made the remarks while addressing a press conference on activities marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China, a victorious outcome of World War II and an integral part of the postwar international order, he said.

The Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and a series of other documents with the force of international law all affirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan, Ma said, noting that the historical and legal facts that Taiwan belongs to China are indisputable.

"I want to reiterate that the Taiwan question is purely an internal matter for China and brooks no external interference," Ma said, adding that China's ultimate and inevitable reunification is unstoppable.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
In a shock move, Mountrath woman Claire Byrne is set to leave RTE after over a decade with the station to work for a commercial competitor of the national broadcaster.

RTE news has reported that the Laois woman is leaving the station later this year with her place on the RTE Radio 1 schedule to be taken by David McCullagh who presents the Six O'Clock news on TV.

Byrne presented The Daily Show from September 2010 to March 2012. In 2013, she became an anchor on RTE's flagship current affairs programme Prime Time. From January 2015 until May 2022, she hosted her own self-titled weekly current affairs television programme, Claire Byrne Live. In August 2020, she took over the hosting of the Today with ... programme, presenting it as Today with Claire Byrne on RTE Radio 1.

In its statement announcing that David McCullagh would be the new presenter of RTE Radio 1's flagship Today programme, RTEs Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan, thanked Ms Byrne.

"The Today show has been home to some of the most iconic voices in Irish broadcasting, from Pat Kenny to Sean O'Rourke and, most recently, Claire Byrne. Claire has made the Today seat her own, and her contribution to public service broadcasting across her years in RTE has been outstanding. We wish her the very best, and thank her for her dedication to the audiences in Ireland and around the world over many years," it said.

The statement added that Claire Byrne would leave RTE later this year. Today with David McCullagh launches on Monday November 3 on RTE Radio 1. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Ms Byrne is moving to commercial broadcaster Newstalk where it will soon have a vacancy in the morning roster.

Broadcaster Pat Kenny has announced that his radio programme will be moving to weekends from 2026. The Pat Kenny Show is broadcast on Newstalk on weekdays from 9am to 12pm.

She replaces Mr Kenny who also worked for RTE for many years, including hosting Today with Pat Kenny on Radio 1.

Today with Claire Byrne now has a daily audience of 354,000 while the audience for Pat Kenny is 216,000 listeners. Byrne will move to the Bauer Media Audio Ireland station in the new year.

"Im very excited to join Newstalk from next year," said Ms Byrne in a Bauer statement.

"This new chapter marks a really significant milestone for me in my career, and Im thrilled to be doing it with the vibrant team and listeners at Newstalk as they continue to thrive and cement their position in the Irish media landscape. Its a particular honour for me to take up the reins from Pat Kenny, a broadcaster whose career, skill and passion for the job is an inspiration to all of us," she said.

Newstalk Managing Editor Eric Moylan also commented.

"Were delighted to announce that Claire Byrne will return to Newstalk in the New Year. Claire is a seriously talented and skilful broadcaster with a wide range and will be a fantastic addition to the Newstalk schedule. She is a central part of our ambitious plans for continued audience growth at Newstalk across FM and digital listening. We look forward to getting started next year," he said.

According to the latest JNLR figures, Byrne added 10,000 listeners year-on-year and Today with Claire Byrne now has a daily audience of 354,000, making it the joint-fourth most popular radio show in Ireland behind Morning Ireland and the Saturday and Sunday editions of The Brendan O'Connor Show.

Ms Byrne took over from Sean O'Rourke as the permanent host of Today five years ago, beating out Sarah McInerney, who filled in following O'Rourke's following his retirement from RTE in 2020. During the pandemic, the show's audience grew from 315,000 to 369,000.

RTE salary figures show Ms Byrne earned 280,000 in 2023. Her wage peaked at the national broadcaster at 350,000 when she was also presenting Claire Byrne Live for RTE TV and the radio show.

She was the bookies favourite to replace Ryan Tubridy as the host of the Late Late Show before withdrawing her name as a candidate.

Daughter of Tom and Breda Byrne, Claire Byrne grew up on the family farm near Mountrath. She was educated at the Brigidine Convent in Mountrath. She later studied Politics, Sociology and Social Science at University College Dublin, but did not complete the course. She subsequently attended the Rathmines College of Further Education where she studied journalism.
A total of 1,747 new residential address points were recorded in Co Kildare in the twelve months to June 2025 according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report released today.

New Residential Address Points

Nationally, total of 33,002 new residential address points were added to the GeoDirectory database, representing a 5.2% increase year-on-year. 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 Q2 2025, 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.

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Buildings Under Construction

The total number of buildings under construction nationally in June 2025 was up 9.2%, or by 2,018 buildings, compared to June 2024. Of the 23,869 residential buildings under construction last month, 16.7% were located in Dublin (3,979 buildings), closely followed by Cork (2,876 buildings). Construction activity was weakest in Longford and Leitrim where there were fewer than 150 buildings under construction in total.

Vacancy Rate and Derelict Buildings

In Tipperary, the residential vacancy rate in Q2 2025 was 4.7%. The national vacancy rate remained at a record low of 3.7%, which is a 0.1% decrease from the corresponding period in Q2 2024.

A total of 80,328 residential properties were recorded as vacant in June 2025.

The lowest vacancy rates in the country were recorded in Dublin (1.1%), Kildare (1.6%), Waterford (2.1%) and Carlow (2.5%), while the highest residential vacancy rates continue to be found along the North and West coast. Leitrim, at 11.9% was the county with the highest vacancy rate, along with Mayo (10.6%), Roscommon (10.1%), Donegal (9.0%) and Sligo (8.4%).

19,821 residential buildings were classified as derelict in June 2025, 2.9% lower compared to June 2024.

Analysis of House Prices, Transactions and Affordability

Based on CSO data, the average house price nationally was 420,469 in June 2025, an increase of 9.8% year-on-year. The number of residential property transactions fell by 1.6% when compared to same period in 2024, with a total of 47,927 properties purchased in the 12-months to June 2025.

In Dublin, the average property transaction price was 585,754, the highest in the country, while the lowest average property price was Leitrim at 204,323.

In Tipperary, the average property transaction price was 255,525.

Commenting on the findings of the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory said, While we've seen a significant increase in new residential address points, which is a testament to ongoing construction and development, the market continues to navigate complex issues. We continue to see low levels of vacancy in the residential property sector at 3.7% and average house prices continue to rise, now at 418,261. This reflects persistent demand, even as we observe a slight decrease in overall property transactions.

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Annette Hughes, Director at EY Economic Advisory, said, The latest GeoDirectory data finds that vacancy rates have fallen in 17 counties and there has been a 2.9% drop in derelict properties nationally, reflecting a broader trend of improved utilisation of existing stock as more homes are being brought back into use. Data on the number of residential buildings under construction is also positive and looking ahead, continued collaboration between public and private sectors will be important to sustaining momentum on housing supply."
Traditional leaders, government officials, and civil society representatives at the launch of Liberias national AICA chapter, placing indigenous peoples at the center of conservation.
LIMERICK Film Lab unveiled its inaugural co-production programme cohort of 2025 and its development slate, which was presented at a pitch event at Edinburgh International Film Festival.

The event was hosted in partnership with Screen Scotland, Film in Limerick and Enterprise Ireland.

The Limerick Film Lab selected 18 producers from Ireland, Scotland, and Canada and brought them together for a week of international collaboration, creative exchange, and industry development in July.

The titles of the Irish features included are No Sleep till Belfast, Painting Saddam, Bedsitterland, The Crier, and The Singularity.

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The initiative was organised by Innovate Limerick - through Film in Limerick, the regional film office for the Mid-West of Ireland - and delivered with Screen Scotland, Picture NL, Screen Ireland and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.

The initiative brought together producers from the three countries for a week of international collaboration, creative exchange, and industry networking.

On August 19 the producers presented their projects from the Limerick Film Lab at the Edinburgh International Film Festival with the ambition of finding international co-production, financing and distribution partners.

The event invited guests to engage directly with the Irish and Scottish producers developing international projects and provided the opportunity for them to learn about funding and support available in both territories.

Emma Farrell, Senior Market Advisor Createch at Enterprise Ireland says By spotlighting the Limerick Film Lab as a dynamic incubator for international co-production talent, were showcasing Irelands deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of global storytellers.

Enterprise Ireland is proud to play a central role in connecting international stakeholders with Irelands vibrant Creative Industries, driving export-led growth and fostering meaningful creative and commercial partnerships added Emma.

Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick says This event in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland Screen Scotland and EIFF, offers a unique platform to continue the creative dialogue that began in Limerick and to deepen the professional relationships that are forming between producers from both countries.

The Lab has already sparked exciting new connections, and EIFF provides the perfect platform to build on that momentum.
IT WAS a bad week for the city centre with concerns escalating over Noels Menswear and the closure of Starbucks on Thomas Street but the positive news is that three empty units have been let on the same thoroughfare.

Gordon Kearney, managing director of Rooney Auctioneers, confirms two new restaurants and a coffee shop will open this autumn on Thomas Street.

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Mr Kearney said Limericks first Vietnamese restaurant - Big Bowl PHO - will commence operations in the former home of OConnors from 1985 to 2020 and latterly Oahu eateries.

They hope to open up late September / early October. They are people who are well established in the restaurant business. It will be Limerick's first Vietnamese restaurant which we welcome into the city, said Mr Kearney.

The second commercial space to be occupied is still colloquially known as the old Xtra-vision between CoqBull and Sambros.

Im delighted to report that Zambrero Mexican restaurant is opening their first city centre unit. They're already open in Castletroy across from The Hurlers pub and doing exceptionally well out there. They hope to open up later this autumn with a whole new fit-out of the property being undertaken, said Mr Kearney.

Thirdly, the former Habit and OBriens location on the corner is being taken over by an excellent local coffee operator, said Mr Kearney.

He hopes to be open in early October. There was strong interest in it but there was some landlord works required to the property - thats why it was vacant for a year, said Mr Kearney, who adds that these additions to Thomas Street will further enhance its offering as a culinary and caffeine destination.

You have a nice cluster of bistros, cafes and restaurants, said Mr Kearney. The Rooney Auctioneers head of commercial property is confident that the former Starbucks unit on Thomas Street will find a new tenant relatively quickly.

It's a great corner, a great profile, and it's a fantastic building. I've already had people calling me on that unit, said Mr Kearney.

The closure of Starbucks followed concerns over Noels Menswear with branches in Bedford Row in the city centre, Crescent Shopping Centre, and Newcastle West. It is a long-running family business, selling menswear and childrens wear for more than 40 years.

Its three branches have not opened since the start of the month, sparking concern and confusion among parents and schools who would regularly purchase school uniforms from the firm. Wickham Properties, the trading name of Noels Menswear, is the subject of a winding-up petition.

It is sad news to hear about Noels Menswear. I'm hoping it will be reopened. It is a blow for the city centre to lose an excellent men's clothes shop, said Mr Kearney.

Despite the mixed news he said he is optimistic that the city is going in the right direction.

It has got its issues but when you see the recent reports that you had in the paper about the extra guards coming to Limerick - that'll make a big difference. We need guards on the beat.

Verizon are filling out their staff in the city. You're going to see the benefits of those 400 to 600 people being welcomed in the city, shopping, eating and dining in the city and have their coffee.

So overall, my outlook for the city is very positive, but there's still work to be done, concluded Mr Kearney.
FORMER Limerick resident Thomas Delohery is brewing up a storm down under with his Portrait of Steve Wall from The Stunning.

Artist Thomas Delohery, a previous resident of the Ennis Road, was named as one of the finalists for the Hornsby Art Prize in New South Wales, with one of his Portraits of Steve.

Thomas spoke on reaching out to Steve, the muse of his portrait series, saying I moved to Australia in 2010, and sometime after settling there, I reached out to Steve Wall through social media to see if he might sit for a portrait the next time I was back in Ireland.

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We arranged to meet during one of my visits home. However, at the last minute, Steve was called to Amsterdam to take the lead role in My Foolish Heart. I was gutted but Steve was gracious and assured me we'd make it happen down the line, explained Thomas.

A few years passed and Thomas ran into a few more roadblocks in his attempt to get the perfect portrait. The time was finally right, however as Thomas said, Two years ago, while visiting my family in Ireland I reached out again - just before leaving. As luck would have it, Steve was in Ennistymon visiting his dad.

We met up, and he generously gave me his time. I did a drawing, we took reference photographs, and Steve showed me around his hometown.

Once back in Australia, Thomas worked on his series of Portraits of Steve. Describing the series, Thomas explained, The first were in monochrome, but the second-last one - which became my personal favourite - depicted Steve sitting in a cafe in Ennistymon.

The competition was established in 2009 and the winner will receive $10,000 AUS.
A MAN SHOT in County Limerick last week remains in the care of University Hospital Limerick this Friday, the Limerick Leader has learned.

Gardai have launched a major investigation into a violent incident that occurred in Rathkeale on Thursday evening of last week, August 21.

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A garda spokesperson said gardai and emergency services received a report of a vehicle being rammed and an altercation that occurred in the townland of Kilcoole, near Rathkeale shortly after 6.30pm.

A firearm was discharged during the altercation. A man, aged in his 40s, was transferred to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of injuries, not believed to be life-threatening at this time, said a garda spokesperson.

The scene was preserved for technical examination.

It is believed that the victim was shot in the hip or stomach area. A large crowd of family members gathered at the hospital on Thursday night. He was still in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries as of this Friday the Leader has learned.

The background to the incident is not known at this time. However, it has been established that it is not connected to a targeted attack in a pub in West Limerick over a week earlier on Sunday, August 10.

A gang of men armed with knives and bottles of what is believed to be chemicals burst into a licensed premises. It is thought they were looking for one person in the bar. However, this man fled the scene on foot and made good his escape. The background to the incident is not known.

Gardai are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the shooting incident to contact them.

Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the Kilcoole and greater Rathkeale areas between 6:15pm and 7:30pm on Thursday, August 21 are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai, said a garda spokesperson.

The shooting took place in a rural area colloquially known as Stoney man due to the carved limestone figure of Vulcan, the god of the smith.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. Investigations are ongoing, said a spokesperson.
SARSFIELD Credit Union has launched the Pat Woods Student Bursary Award Scheme 2025 in memory of the late volunteer.

The bursary will provide three local students about to start third-level education with 2,000 each.

Speaking at the launch of the bursary, Pat Foley, chairperson of Sarsfield Credit Union said that it was a moment that means a great deal to all of us.

Pat passed away last year, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say, we miss him deeply, Mr Foley continued.

Pat wasnt just a colleague - he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding presence in this credit union since 2007. He gave so much of himself to this place. Whether serving as a director, chairperson of the board, or secretary of the Board Oversight Committee, Pat brought integrity, kindness, and a quiet determination to everything he did.

But more than the roles he held, it was the way he carried himself that left a mark. Pat believed in people. He believed in community. And he believed in the power of education to change lives. He saw potential where others might not, and he never hesitated to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or simply listen.

Mr Foley explained that Mr Woods belief that the credit unions work isnt just about finances was exactly why the bursary scheme feels so right.

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The Pat Woods Student Bursary Awards will support students who are striving to grow, to learn, and to make a difference. Its exactly the kind of initiative Pat would have championedbecause it reflects his values, his hopes, and his belief in the future.

Mr Foley concluded with a message to the students that will benefit from the bursary: Know that youre part of something special. Youre walking a path that Pat helped pave, and were proud to walk it with you.

Mr Woods wife, Marie, said that he would be delighted to see that this includes applicants for apprenticeships to the trades as he enjoyed a long and varied career in the electrical trade himself.

We hope that as many eligible students as possible will apply for the bursary & we wish the successful candidates a bright & successful future on whatever field they choose, she added.

David Costelloe, CEO of Sarsfield Credit Union Ltd described Pat as a true gentleman, a trusted friend and a mentor who worked tirelessly as a volunteer for this credit union since 2007 to help grow and develop the credit union.

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Pat was passionate about the credit unions ethos to support and improve the lives of its members and the community at large and he strongly believed in the benefits of education and the opportunities that it presented to help people of all ages improve their lives, Mr Costelloe added.

We believe in investing in the next generation and supporting education is a key part of that mission. These bursaries are about more than funding; theyre about helping young people achieve their potential and build a brighter future, he concluded.

Applications for the bursaries are now open to all eligible students who completed the Leaving Certificate in 2025, attended a local secondary school and are members of Sarsfield Credit Union.

If you are not already a member, you can join, open an account and then submit your application.

Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025 by filling out the form on Sarsfield Credit Unions website.
BALLYHOURA Development has announced the 35th Annual Ballyhoura Country Tidy Towns Awards.

Taking place on Tuesday, September 3, at the Castleoaks House Hotel, Castleconnell, the event will celebrate the dedication, creativity, and environmental stewardship of Tidy Towns groups across Ballyhoura Country.

Supported by Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), the event recognises year-on-year improvements and achievements in the national Tidy Towns competition.

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Rhiannon Laubach, Ballyhoura Country Tidy Towns Network Coordinator, spoke on the awards saying, The Ballyhoura Country Tidy Towns Awards provide an opportunity for Tidy Towns volunteers to come together and celebrate their achievements over the past year.

This event recognises the time and commitment these volunteers dedicate to enhancing their communities, as well as developing initiatives related to biodiversity and sustainability. Rhiannon added.

As part of the celebrations, Castleconnell Tidy Towns will lead a short guided walk, showcasing local initiatives including their work with the Siolta Glasa project which focuses on community-led climate action. Attendees will also receive a preview of the Tidy Towns group plans for Culture Night.

The evening will have keynote speaker Alex Whyatt from Global Action Plan Ireland (GAP Ireland), who will explore how communities across Ireland are contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on Tidy Towns initiatives.

Alex will also share advice on how these contributions can be effectively referenced in applications, strengthening submissions and aligning with both national and global sustainability targets.

GAP Ireland aims to equip individuals and communities with knowledge and skills to develop solutions to the environmental and climate crises.

They deliver programmes for community groups, schools, business, in areas from environmental education and climate action, to global citizenship, the Sustainable Development Goals and community transformation.

Ballyhoura Development will also present the Youth Empowerment for the Sustainable Development Goals (YESDGs) Erasmus+ Project.

This project aims to promote active citizenship and youth entrepreneurship, focusing on awareness and knowledge of measures for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Development Manager for Ballyhoura Development, Catherine Smyth said, The YESDG project offers a pathway for young people to become proactive and engaged citizens, and acknowledges their vital role in building a sustainable future. It encourages them to take concrete actions to address climate change and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.

All Tidy Towns groups in Ballyhoura Country, including new groups, are also invited to attend. This event is a chance to recognise, learn, and inspire communities to keep working towards a sustainable future.

Everyone is welcome to attend this evening of recognition, learning, and community spirit.
COMMUNITIES from both sides of the border have come together in a first-of-its-kind initiative with the intention of reimagining how rural tourism can grow regeneratively, inclusively, and from the ground up.

Led by Ballyhoura Development CLG and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, Fermanagh, and funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, the project places local people at the heart of tourism development.

It builds on the established regeneration efforts already underway in the Cuilcagh Lakelands, extending their reach through shared learning and collaboration with Ballyhoura communities, a spokesperson for Ballyhoura said.

Over the course of two immersive learning journeys, one in Ballyhoura and one in the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark region, more than 30 tourism providers and community enterprises came together to engage, learn, exchange ideas, and build connections through site visits, facilitated discussions, and networking opportunities.

Participants explored ways to collaborate, innovate, and shape a shared vision for rural tourism that delivers long-term benefits for locals and visitors.

Reflecting on the learning journey to Cuilcagh, Margaret OSullivan of Deebert House, Kilmallock, said:What struck me most on the learning journey to Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark was how much has already been achieved through regeneration. You could see the results of long-term commitment, strong partnerships, restored heritage, and a real pride of place.

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Amanda Slattery of Ballyhoura Development CLG added: The learning journeys have exceeded our expectations, not just in terms of shared insights, but in the meaningful connections made between our two communities. This shared sense of purpose is the foundation for lasting collaboration and will continue to shape how we grow rural tourism in ways that are inclusive, regenerative, and community-led.

A key output of the initiative was the development of a Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Destination Model (CDM), described by a spokesperson as a practical framework encompassing six pillars that reflect a bottom-up approach to tourism development and management.

The model is shaped by the lived experiences of the communities of Ballyhoura Country and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the statement continued.

It provides a flexible structure that demonstrates how communities can take ownership to foster regenerative tourism, delivering long-term social, cultural, and economic benefits for all.

This initiative not only forged stronger links between two vibrant rural regions, it laid the groundwork for a regenerative, community-led approach to rural tourism that can inform future policy and investment.

With communities leading the way and regeneration as the goal, this cross-border partnership sets a new standard for how rural tourism can deliver real, lasting benefits for people, for place, and for future generations.
Investigations are underway after a woman was hospitalised when part of the roof of a cinema complex in Galway collapsed during heavy rainfall.

EYE Cinema, which is located in Wellpark Retail Park in the city, has confirmed the premises sustained significant structural damage during an incident on Thursday evening.

A number of counties along the west coast, including Galway, were under a 24-hour status yellow rain warning up until 6pm on Thursday.

Local gardai and personnel from Galway Fire and Rescue service attended the scene after the alarm was raised. They immediately evacuated the area and put a safety cordon in place, pending further assessment.

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A garda spokesperson confirmed that following an incident at a commercial premises in the Wellpark Retail Park one woman was conveyed to University Hospital Galway as a precaution.

While no further details have been disclosed, it's understood the woman's injuries are not serious.

Photos and videos from the area, which have been widely shared on social media, show part of the outside structure collapsed during the incident.

Inside the cinema, areas of the building were flooded and the ceiling at one of the screens appears to have collapsed as a result of the bad weather.

In a statement on the EYE Cinema social media, they business commented: "Due to unforeseen structural damage to our building this evening, we regret to inform you that The EYE Cinema will be temporarily closed until further notice. "

They added: "If you have tickets booked for upcoming screenings, please do not travel to the cinema as the premises will not be accessible. We will provide regular updates and further instructions as soon as possible.

We sincerely apologise for the disruption this has caused and truly appreciate your patience, understanding, and support during this time."
The family of Irish aid worker Gena Heraty who was abducted in Haiti earlier this month have confirmed that she has been released.

The Mayo native native was abducted along with seven others and a child from an orphanage in Kenscoff in Caribbean country on August 3.

In a statement, released via the Department of Foreign Affairs this Friday evening, her family stated: We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return.

The global outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity shown for Gena and to us by friends, neighbours, communities, colleagues, and indeed those with no connection to us at all has been a huge source of comfort and support."

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The statement adds: For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care. We kindly ask that the media respect the need for privacy as all those involved recover from this traumatic ordeal.

We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there."
IARNROD Eireann has lodged a planning application with Limerick City and County Council to construct a new train station at Moyross.

The station is to be located at the rear of Corpus Christi Primary School and Moyross Community Enterprise Centre.

Access to the station is proposed adjacent to both Corpus Christi Parish Church, and from Moyross Avenue through the Millennium Park, serving the "civic heart" of Moyross.

A spokesperson for Iarnrod Eireann confirmed that the new station will be located on the existing Limerick to Galway rail line and will "provide new public transport links for the growing population in this area, with connectivity to Limerick city centre, Galway, Cork, Dublin and beyond".

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It will also provide connections to local attractions such as Thomond Park and the TUS Gaelic Grounds, as well as the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and other educational and civic amenities, the spokesperson said.

The new station is to integrate with Limerick City and County Councils proposed University Avenue scheme, as well as the NTAs BusConnects Limerick and the proposed Limerick CycleConnects Network.

Subject to planning being granted and funding allocated, it is intended to proceed to tender the project for construction during 2026.

It is expected to take 15 months to construct.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: "This planning submission is another small step towards turning our ambitious aims into a reality. A modern, accessible train station will link Moyross and areas like Caherdavin and Thomondgate, indeed the entire Northside, more directly with the wider Limerick region, to other major cities and hopefully soon to Shannon Airport. It will open access to education, jobs, and social opportunities, all while stimulating local business and community confidence.

"The next step now is for the planning process to take its course and for these ideas to be brought to the people of Moyross and indeed beyond."

Minister for Transport, Darragh OBrien said: I am delighted to see this rail project progressing for the people of Moyross and Limerick. The proposed new Moyross train station aims to provide a key public transport connection to the growing urban area of Moyross, supporting its regeneration.

"It will help us to achieve our goal of providing Compact Growth by linking Moyross to an efficient public transport network, as set out in the National Planning Framework. The station will also provide a link to sporting and educational amenities in Limerick using a sustainable and reliable transport mode. I look forward to seeing this rail project progress through the planning system and on to construction.

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Sean Canney, said:The submission of the planning application for Moyross train station is the latest in a series of station works projects being progressed across our rail network."

He added: "Investing in our rail stations is key as we seek to implement the vision set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and provide the people of Moyross and Limerick with access to an efficient and sustainable public transport service.

The provision of a new railway station in Moyross is highlighted as one of the rail-based measures in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) 2040 and was also listed as an objective in the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028.

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The new Moyross station will "assist the regeneration of this area" and will support the National Strategic objective of 'Compact Growth' as outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030.

Iarnrod Eireann chief executive, Jim Meade said: The provision of a new station at Moyross is a key strategic development for the area and we look forward to serving the community of Moyross. This station is a key provision of LSMATS and will provide excellent connectivity for the existing community of Moyross and for future communities.

Hugh Creegan, acting CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), said: The proposed new station for Moyross represents far more than just an investment in public transport, its an opportunity to regenerate and reconnect local communities. Its a reflection on our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for the people of Limerick.

The project is funded by the Department of Transport through the NTA, and forms part of the Department of Transports Pathfinder Programme, which consists of "exemplar sustainable mobility projects to be delivered by local authorities and agencies around the country".
THERE was standing room only at a second public meeting organised by Bruff Dromin Athlacca-Ballinlee Community Action Group against a planned huge 17-turbine project in their south Limerick locality.

Sixteen of the turbines are proposed to have a tip height of 160 metres - thats three times the height of Kilmallock Church spire (55m) and 40 metres taller than Dublins Spire. The rotor diameter alone will be 136 metres  almost the length of Croke Park.

"Its astonishing how big these things are. When the current 2006 guidelines were published, turbines were a third of the size they are today, said a spokesperson for the group.

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Concerns over noise nuisance, shadow flicker, vibration and severe intrusion on the visual amenity of the immediate and surrounding areas including Lough Gur have all been raised.

There were a large number of politicians at the packed meeting in Dromin including Minister of State Niall Collins, Deputy Richard ODonoghue, Cllr Greg Conway on behalf of Minister Patrick ODonovan, councillors Noreen Stokes, John ODonoghue and Eddie Ryan.

Mr Collins told the meeting, I wouldnt like a wind farm turbine near my home, The minister of state suggested offshore development via the Port of Foynes was a better alternative and confirmed a new Marine Area Resource Planning (MARA) body is being established to oversee offshore projects.

Hundreds have signed a petition requesting for a change to the Limerick Development Plan that has designated their locality as one of the preferred areas for wind farms.

I share your concerns, Mr Collins told the meeting and promised to bring the matter back to my party.

Ballinlee Green Energy are progressing plans for the wind farm. A parent company - Greensource - is proposing multiple wind farm developments across County Limerick including between Charleville and Bruree (Garrane Green Energy) and Coolcappa (Ballynisky Green Energy).

Bruff Dromin Athlacca-Ballinlee committee member Marie-Clare Power told attendees the number of impacted houses within 2km was expected to be well over 400.

Some houses will be as close as 640 metres, this is based on the draft 2019 guidelines. Current wind energy guidelines are 20 years old with a minimum setback distance of 500m from homes.

This project is not about building lasting community partnerships as claimed by Greensource, this is a financial development that will industrialise our community for generations to come, said Ms Power.

The action group stressed this is not a done deal, the plans have not been officially launched.

The proposed development is in pre-planning stage with An Coimisiun Pleanala - this decision will be made in Dublin. We strongly encourage everyone to make a personal submission opposing the project. We are planning further community meetings in the form of a workshop to guide people on how to make submissions, said a spokesperson.

Deputy Richard ODonoghue TD said: We have been standing firm for two years with the Coolcappa group, who are also challenging another Greensource windfarm in their locality.

Cllr John ODonoghue said: No wind farm development should proceed until new guidelines are produced.
THE WEATHER won't be the only hurricane Electric Picnic (EP) goers will witness this weekend, as Limerick artist and curator praises the festival's art display as "more of a hurricane than a meditation".

Artist Clare Hartigan will be once again returning as a curator for Electric Picnic's iconic art trail on the exhibition's tenth anniversary, with Limerick artists' work to be among those displayed this year.

Clare, a Castleconnell-based artist and curator, has invited five new artists to showcase their work in The Place of the Picnic Art (POPA).

POPA began in 2015 as an experiment and ended up as a kind of retreat that is more of a hurricane than a meditation, Clare explained.

The name POPA is a throw back to Electric Picnics founder John Reynolds, who also founded The POD (The Place of Dance) nightclub.

Artists from all walks of creativity are invited each year to take part and form the visual band that creates the POPA Walls in the main arena exhibition for EP.

READ MORE: Pride and positive change with 35th annual Ballyhoura Tidy Town awards

The artists this year are all from diverse art forms, Clare said. As such, this year's exhibition will be about diversity, equality and inclusion within the art forms that can be considered for a project like this and the validation of creativity as being creativity no matter how you choose to express it, as an artist, within your chosen practice.

This years artists to be added to the collection and to have their EP debut are Jo Geaney, Tom Collins, Aaron Ryan, Mark Heng and Ken Coleman.

Originally from Boston but now based in Limerick, Mark Hengs specialty is caricatures and live painting, while fellow Limerick-based artist Tom Collins creates handpainted signs.

Jo Geaney is a Nenagh-based artist and graduate of Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD), Aaron Ryan is a painter, published illustrator, animator and stone engraver, and Ken Coleman is a mixed media artist combining fine art training with photography, traditional sculpture, 3D modelling, digital painting and emerging technologies.

She added: Each artist brings their own unique set of skills to the table and the sharing of skills and discussion that happens around the creation of their individual paintings, is as much a part of their performance as the actual finished piece.

The energy is always palpable and exudes from the massive 8ft x 12ft paintings on its 100ft wall. The extended collection of now over 50 art pieces is rolled out from storage each year and exhibited throughout the site. It is truly an impressive sight full of memories and poignancy and a valued part of Electric Picnics magical art trail.

Electric Picnic is taking place in Stradbally, Co Laois this weekend, from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31.
Planning your next holiday might soon feel less like a chore, and more like a conversation, with AI's entry into the same. From Google Travel to TripAdvisor and Indian platforms like MakeMyTrip, AI is steadily becoming the newest travel companionhelping with everything from itinerary suggestions to real-time flight updates.

Last year, United Airlines turned to AI models to provide timely and accurate information about flight disruptions, delays to flyers. Recently, MakeMyTrip launched Myra, a generative AI assistant that guides travellers from choosing destinations to book their journey.

Booking travel with AI According to MakeMyTrip, its AI agent Myra, goes beyond suggestions and lets users move from query to confirmed booking in a single conversation.

When Mint asked the AI about travelling from Delhi to Rameshwaram, it indeed mapped a combined route combining flights, trains  complete with options for each mode of transport.

Myra's response when asked how one can travel from Delhi to Rameshwaram

But when Myra was asked to provide the most scenic route for the same journey, it suggested a route covering 10 stops including Mount Abu, Nagpur, Hyderabad among others  which overall, might turn out to be taxing for many travellers.

As per majority travel experts, flying to Madurai, and then continuing to Rameshwaram via train or a car, offers the most scenic part of the journey  particularly the bridge crossing the Palk Strait, which offers stunning views of the water and the Pamban Bridge.

Only when it was specified further on what can be the most scenic route to take to Rameshwaram," after reaching Madurai via flight, Myra suggested to take a bus.

Myra's response when asked what can be a scenic route for the same destinations

Myra is built on a network of specialized AI agents across all major travel categories, flights, accommodation, holidays, ground transport, visas, and forex and supports multimodal input (text, voice, image, video), continuous back-and-forth dialogue, itinerary edits, and post-sales support, all within the same interface. The Beta version of Myra is live in English and Hindi, with plans to expand to multiple Indian languages, after fine tuning conversation flows based on early user feedback, Sanjay Mohan, Group CTO, MakeMyTrip told Mint.

What travellers say According to a survey conducted by Local Circles, 60 per cent of travellers who book their travel online are likely to use AI for travel search and bookings; getting authentic ratings and using AI agents to construct itineraries and book upon approval to be top use cases.

For the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, a report by Skyscanner showed that 46 per cent of the travellers had expressed confidence in using AI tools to assist with travel planning and booking.

Human touch missing? While AI is useful for quick suggestions and recommendations, it still lacks the depth of understanding personal preferences that a human travel agent or local expert can offer  especially when it comes to nuanced, on-the-ground insights. For instance, if you are looking for suggestions for Trekking in Himachal - AI would certainly suggest Triund trek - which is usually over crowded. However, someone who's familiar with the place may suggest an alternate, like Kareri Lake trek which is comparatively less crowded.

Also Read | Geminis Storybook brings the charming side of AI
After over two decades of successfully serving the corporate sector with global mobility and visa solutions, TTK Services has announced the launch of its new retail visa service, TTK Visas designed to make the complex process of visa form filling and filing simple, intuitive, and hassle-free for individual travellers.

Building on its 20+ years of expertise and a proven track record of supporting more than 6.5 lakh clients with an industry-leading 99.6% approval rate across all visa categories, the company is now bringing the same reliability, efficiency, and personal care to retail customers.

To kickstart the service, TTK Services has automated visa application forms for all 28 Schengen countries, creating a seamless, completely online experience while preserving the human touch through expert guidance and on-call support at every stage.

Our vision has always been to remove friction from global travel, said Mr. Sunder P, CEO, TTK Services. In the corporate space, weve proven that a combination of advanced technology and expert human oversight delivers the best results. With our new retail offering, we are extending that advantage to individuals  business travellers, tourists, and families  who deserve the same level of precision and care.

The new platform offers:

Automated form-filling for Schengen visas, reducing errors and saving applicants hours of effort.

for Schengen visas, reducing errors and saving applicants hours of effort. Step-by-step guidance to ensure complete and compliant submissions.

to ensure complete and compliant submissions. Secure document uploads and storage with enterprise-grade encryption.

and storage with enterprise-grade encryption. Dedicated expert advisors for individual case reviews.

for individual case reviews. On-call support to address applicant queries in real time. Applying for a Schengen visa can be hugely stressful  especially when travel plans hinge on timely visa approvals, noted Vishnu Shankar, AVP & Head  Global Mobility & Travel, TTK Services. Our automation reduces the margin for error, while our support team ensures that applicants feel confident and informed at every stage. This combination of technology backed by personalized service is what sets us apart. You will never feel lost.

According to the latest statistics from the European Commission - Migration and Home Affairs, 165,266 Indian visa applicants had their Schengen applications rejected in 2024. This accounts for a 15% rejection rate for Indians, who collectively lost ~ 14 million directly in non-refundable travel visa fees. That figure alone makes our loss from Schengen rejection, the third highest in the world, notwithstanding other losses incurred due to cancellation or change of flights, hotel accommodation and disruption of travel plans. Schengen area countries that ranked top on the list of visa rejections for Indians include France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.

The new retail visa service, TTK Visas is not just about speeding up the process  its about making the experience more transparent and reassuring for travellers. The platform adapts to the unique requirements of each Schengen country, pre-filling relevant fields, flagging missing information, and providing country-specific document checklists. It also provides transparent pricing with no hidden charges or click-and-bait methods. What you see is what you get and there is also a moneyback guarantee on service fees, if your visa is rejected for any reason.

With a proven legacy in corporate visa handling  including managing large-scale, high volume applications from multinational clients and Indias top IT companies  the companys move into the retail space reflects the growing demand for digitally enabled, yet personally supported, travel services.

The retail offering will gradually expand to cover more visa types and destinations, with upcoming phases set to include non-Schengen countries, work permits, and long-stay visas.

Travel should inspire excitement, not anxiety, added Sunder. We believe this service will change how people approach the visa process  turning it from a logistical nightmare into a smooth, predictable step in the journey. Our mission is not to be just a technology first company, but to be a technology first-service foremost company.

Travel Smart | Go Hassle Free with TTK Visas.

The platform is now live at https://www.ttkvisas.in and is open to applications from across India.

About TTK Visas

TTK Visas is a service from TTK Services, a leader in global mobility solutions, with over 20 years of experience in visa and immigration services. Trusted by corporate giants and now individual travellers, the company has facilitated over 6.5 lakh successful visa & immigrant applications worldwide, with a 99.6% approval rate. Its technology-driven processes, backed by expert human support, have set benchmarks in efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction. It is a part of the TTK Group, a trusted brand name in India and overseas since 1928.
SINGAPOREChinese chip companies and artificial-intelligence developers are building up their arsenal of homegrown technology, backed by a government determined to win the AI race with the U.S.

The latest example: Chinas biggest cloud-computing company, Alibaba, has developed a new chip that is more versatile than its older chips.

Alibaba was long one of the biggest customers of American AI-chip leader Nvidia. Now it and other chip designers are filling the void left after Nvidia ran into regulatory barriers to selling its products in China.

Industry insiders say China remains far from being able to make chips that can rival the most advanced American products, which Washington bars China from importing. Chinese factories are hobbled by U.S. restrictions on access to cutting-edge chip-making technology.

Still, companies are coming up with substitutes for Nvidias H20 chip, the most powerful AI processor it is allowed to sell in China. President Trump in July allowed Nvidia to resume H20 exports to China, but soon after, Beijing told companies not to buy the chips for now, citing potential security risks that Nvidia says dont exist.

In July, Shanghai-based MetaX rolled out a new chip that it said could serve as a replacement for the H20. The chip has bigger memory than the H20, boosting its power for some AI tasks, although it consumes more electricity. MetaX said Wednesday it was preparing for mass production of the chip.

Another would-be Nvidia rival, Beijing-based AI-chip designer Cambricon Technologies, had a breakout April-June quarter, posting revenue of $247 million on robust orders of its AI-chip Siyuan 590. The companys stock price has risen so fast that the company warned investors Thursday not to get so exuberant. Shares fell 6% Friday but Cambricons market capitalization still exceeds $87 billion.

Alibaba, founded by internet pioneer Jack Ma, is sometimes compared with Amazon.com because its biggest business is e-commerce, but it makes much of its money from the lower-profile business of cloud-computing servicesrunning applications and storing data for customers on remote computers. Alibaba competes with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft and Google for cloud business, particularly in Asia.

Corporate customers are increasingly demanding AI services, and Alibaba Chief Executive Eddie Wu has said AI plus cloud" is one of Alibabas two engines of growth alongside e-commerce. In February, Alibaba said it would invest at least $53 billion over the next three years in the area. It also has one of the worlds highest-rated AI models, called Qwen.

The rapid adoption of AI across Chinas economy is creating a big demand for inferencewhen AI programs tap their training to deliver output such as a smartphone voice assistants answers. Inference typically doesnt require the most advanced chips.

Previous cloud-computing chips developed by Alibaba have mostly been designed for specific applications. The new chip, now in testing, is meant to serve a broader range of AI inference tasks, said people familiar with it.

The chip is manufactured by a Chinese company, they said, in contrast to an earlier Alibaba AI processor that was fabricated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Washington has blocked TSMC from manufacturing AI chips for China that use leading-edge technology.

View Full Image Alibaba Creates AI Chip to Help China Fill Nvidia Void

One challenge for Alibaba and other local players relying on Chinese chip factories is getting enough supply. These factories, which use older foreign machines and less powerful homegrown equipment, have struggled to increase capacity.

MetaX, the Shanghai startup, is getting around the bottlenecks by using an earlier-generation technology to make its new chip, people familiar with the product said. MetaX combines two smaller chips to make up for the loss of performance.

Beijing has spent more aggressively to build a self-sufficient AI supply chain, including an $8.4 billion AI-investment fund announced in January.

The flag-bearer for Beijings push is Huawei Technologies and its Ascend AI chips. Earlier this year, Huawei showed off a computing system that integrates 384 Ascend chips. Some analysts said the machine, although a power hog, was more powerful on some metrics than Nvidias top-of-the-line system containing 72 Blackwell chips.

By combining chips, we can achieve comparable computing results to the most advanced standards," and theres no need to worry about the chip problem," Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei told the Communist Partys main newspaper in June.

Even within China, Huaweis privileged status is raising some hackles. Many engineers are accustomed to the software and tools that accompany Nvidias chips. Huawei, subject to U.S. sanctions, didnt design its chips to work with the Nvidia platform, whereas Alibabas new chip will be compatible with it, meaning engineers can repurpose programs they wrote for Nvidia chips.

A Huawei AI cluster at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai.

Private-sector cloud companies including Alibaba have refrained from bulk orders of Huaweis chips, resisting official suggestions that they should help the national champion, because they consider Huawei a direct rival in cloud services, people close to the firms said.

Chinas biggest weakness is training AI models, for which U.S. companies rely on the most powerful Nvidia products. Alibabas new chip is designed for inference, not training, people familiar with it said.

Chinese engineers have complained that homegrown chips including Huaweis run into problems when training AI, such as overheating and breaking down in the middle of training runs. Huawei declined to comment.

DeepSeek, a Chinese startup with models challenging OpenAIs, recently prompted a stock rally in China by suggesting in a cryptic comment on social media that its software innovations could combine with improved Chinese-made chips to train some AI models.

Kevin Xu, founder of AI-focused fund manager Interconnected Capital, wrote on a blog that such adaptations may allow Chinese AI developers to narrow the gap with the U.S. sooner than most people think, credibly challenging Nvidia and the American AI stack both at home and abroad."

Write to Raffaele Huang at raffaele.huang@wsj.com and Tracy Qu at tracy.qu@wsj.com
Mumbai: Goldman Sachs-backed Aragen Life Sciences Ltd is stepping up expansion across biologics and high-potency therapeutics while preparing for an eventual public listing, its top executive told Mint .

The Hyderabad-based contract research, development and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) raised $100 million from Quadria Capital in January 2025, valuing the company at roughly $1.4 billion ( 12,259 crore). The Avendus Future Leaders Fund and SBI Life Insurance also contributed 300 crore in a secondary stake purchase.

An initial public offering (IPO) will likely be the next step for the company, but it wants to time it right, said chief executive officer (CEO) Manni Kantipudi. ...we would like to be one of the largest in India as a CRDMO, and weve made some good progress so far," said Kantipudi. Were waiting for the right timing to trigger that (IPO)," he added.

Aragen reported consolidated revenue of 1,675 crore in fiscal year 2024 (FY24). While the figures for FY25 were not publicly available, Kantipudi said the company grew about 12% year-on-year last fiscal year, and its revenue is set to be about 1,850 crore.

Recently listed peers like Bengaluru-based Anthem Biosciences Ltd and Sai Life Sciences Ltd reported revenue of 1,845 crore and 1,695 crore, respectively. Sygene International, the CRDMO arm ofBiocon Ltd, reported 3,642 crore in revenue.

In recent times, CRDMOs have caught the fancy of investors, with new players being listed at fat premiums and companies trading at high valuations.

IPO plans

Last month, Bengaluru-based Anthem Biosciences debuted on the National Stock Exchange at a premium of 27% over its IPO price of 570. The IPO, with an issue size of 3,395.79 crore, was subscribed 67.42 times. The CRDMOs market capitalization is about 45,936 crore, per the last close. Sai Life Sciences, which was listed on the exchanges in December 2024, has a market cap of close to 17,032 crore. Others like Piramal Pharma and Syngene International are valued at 24,603 crore and 25,305 crore, respectively.

An anticipated shift in the global pharmaceutical supply chain away from China has Indian CRDMOs poised to grab a larger market share.

According to a report by BCG, the CRDMO industry in India is worth $3-3.5 billion today, making up only 2-3% of the global market, which is worth $145 billion.

Indias CRDMO industry could grow to $25 billion by 2035, it said.

There is a lot of work coming in, whether China plus one happens or notbecause it's such a growing segment," said Suresh Subramanian, national lifesciences leader at EY Parthenon India. What Indian companies are asking is how can we benchmark ourselves with Chinese companies, how can we compete with them in terms of cost and agility?"

Kantipudi said that Indias key advantages over China include a lower cost of labour, an English-speaking population and a growing talent pool. We have many young people graduating with degrees in pharma and biotech, etc. We have to train them."

Indian companies can compete with Chinese competitors, but Subramanian said they need to answer a few questions about digitization, process improvement and how they can match the cost equation.

Aragen is betting on its recently announced capacity expansion for biologics and high-demand antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) to leverage this shift. It expects revenue to grow 18-19% year-on-year in FY26, in line with industry growth. The countrys CRDMO sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 18% from FY25 to FY30, according to a Jeffries India report.

It has also increased investment in artificial intelligence and is using it across drug discovery chemistry, manufacturing and digitizing its labs and business processes.

ADC strategy

ADCs are a type of targeted cancer therapy that combines a biological antibody with a payload, which is a high-potency chemotherapy drug, with a linker. The drug works by delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

India is generally not considered a biologics destinationBut given the amount of interest in biologics and the fact that so much of it was done in China, there are certainly a handful of players looking to enter India for biologics manufacturing because the cost of goods and manufacturing is lower than in the West," said Kantipudi.

The company, which works with more than 500 clients globally, said revenue from the worlds top 20 pharmaceutical companies now makes up around 40% of its business, compared with a largely mid-sized biotech-focused portfolio a few years ago.

Aragen recently operationalized its Bengaluru manufacturing facility for biologics.

A high-potency manufacturing unit, to make the chemically synthesized payload or cytotoxic drug (used in ADCs), is due in Hyderabad in October. The company will also add a bioconjugation facility, and expects to start making ADCs in a year, about 60% cheaper than in the West, said Kantipudi. ADCs, used for cancer treatment, are seeing a lot of interest among innovators with several multi-billion dollar deals by giants like Merck and Roche in the last few years.

Biologics bet

Weve been in biologics since 2014. And weve learned the market, established ourselves as a very strong R&D (research and development) player. And now we are setting up our manufacturing," he said.

Biologics, or large molecules, account for 15% of the companys revenues. However, Kantipudi said this is expected to ramp up significantly. The Bengaluru facility already has three clients who signed up for manufacturing after working with the companys research facility in California.

While small molecules, or chemical entities, will continue to be a mainstay, biologics are a fast-growing category that offers higher margins, greater barriers to entry, and higher efficacy. As large innovators increasingly consider biologics, the need for outsourcing manufacturing grows.

The US accounts for 65% of its business, followed by Europe at 25%.

Kantipudi said the company is also evaluating acquisition targets for growth. Amid ongoing uncertainties over potential tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, the company may consider acquiring an asset in the US, he added.
Mumbai: Reliance Industries 48th annual general meeting on Friday turned into a showcase of the groups next big betsfrom setting a clear timeline for Jios public listing to unveiling bold global ambitions in consumer and telecom businesses, and doubling down on artificial intelligence.

Yet, even as RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani and his three children Akash, Isha and Anantlaid out an expansive vision across industries, investors reacted coolly. Reliance shares slipped on Friday, with experts pointing to challenges in taking telecom overseas as a likely reason.

Jio Platforms Ltda subsidiary of Reliance Industries that houses Reliance Jio Infocomm and other digital businesses of the groupwill go public by the first half of 2026, months before the 10th anniversary of telecom market leader Jio Infocomm, 68-year-old Mukesh Ambani said at the AGM.

Also Read | Anant Ambani makes debut as RIL Executive Director at 2025 AGM

The Reliance Chairpersons eldest son, Akash Ambani, who heads the groups telecom and digital businesses, said with more than 500 million subscribers in India, the company will now look to expand overseas.

In Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the group aims to build the largest FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) company in India, leveraging brands such as Campa Cola, Mukesh Ambani said, taking the fight directly to incumbent market leaders Hindustan Unilever and ITC Ltd.

His daughter and Akashs twin, Isha Ambani Piramal, who heads the groups retail business, said the company will invest 40,000 crore in the next three years to create Asia's largest integrated food parks.

The company aspires to surpass annual revenues of 1 trillion in the next five years, she said. This compares to an annual top line of 73,465 crore for ITC and 60,680 crore for Hindustan Unilever. Reliance also intends to go international with RCPL, with a target of entering 25 overseas markets over the coming 12 months, she said.

This FMCG business will also be the blueprint for expansion into apparel, electronics, and other large and high-value consumer categoriesbuilt on deep consumer insight, design excellence, deep-tech manufacturing scale, and unmatched distribution," she said.

RCPL will now become a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries. It was earlier a step-down subsidiary through Reliance Retail Ventures Limited.

Doubling down on its bet on AI, the company announced a new subsidiaryReliance Intelligencewhich will leverage the capabilities of Jio and the upcoming data centre investments being made by Reliance at Jamnagar.

AI will also power all businesses of Reliance Industries going forward, from conventional oil & gas to content streaming, plus newfangled gadgets like JioPCwhich promises to convert television screens into computers using AI and high-speed internetand AI-powered eyewear JioFrames.

The company announced partnerships for AI applications with two existing big-tech shareholders of Jio PlatformsGoogle and Meta.

Reliance Intelligences partnership with Google will be around building large-scale data centres, an area where India remains underserved. The partnership with Mark Zuckerbergs Meta will see the two companies set up a joint venture to build an open-source AI platform-as-a-service with an investment of $100 million. Reliance will hold 70% share in this venture.

At the AGM, Mukesh Ambani said both RCPL and Reliance Intelligence have the potential to grow larger than our existing business segments".

Further, he reiterated the companys goal of doubling its operating profit between 2022 and 2027 from 1.25 trillion to 2.5 trillion, adding that it will surpass this target. Reliance Industries had earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) of 1.83 trillion in FY25.

However, shareholders were not enthused with the big promises painted by the promoter family of Indias most valuable company. The Reliance Industries stock closed 2.21% lower on the BSE at 1,357.05, dragging the benchmark Sensex down with it. The index ended the session 0.34% lower.

Sudip Bandyopadhyay, group chairman at financial services firm Inditrade Capital Limited, attributed the fall in Reliances shares on Friday to the companys plan to expand Jio overseas, which could entail heavy investments and losses for the medium term. Look at when Bharti Airtel expanded to Africathey faced challenges for 7-10 years," he said.

Even as the company made big announcements in the AI, telecom and retail sectors, there was a lack of concrete developments on the groups new energy business, which was promised to become the next big growth engine. Construction was progressing at break-neck speed at the Dhirubhai Ambani Giga Energy Complex at Jamnagar, which would have end-to-end integration in the clean energy ecosystem.

We are building the worlds most integrated new energy ecosystemfrom sand to electrons to green moleculesat a scale unmatched anywhere in the world," said Anant Ambani. It was his first address at an AGM after joining the companys board two years ago.

However, timelines for specific projects at the site were running behind schedule. For instance, a planned battery cell plant at the location is now slated to start in 2026 instead of the already delayed schedule of 2025.

The commencement date for full-scale production of the companys upcoming 10-gigawatt-a-year solar cell plant remains an unspecified number of quarters away, even as the plant has already assembled 200 megawatt of modules. Solar cells are assembled to make modules, with the former being more intricate and complex to manufacture.
The next generation of promoters at Reliance Industries, including the three children of chairperson Mukesh Ambani, are fully embedded in the operations of the company and were shaping up to be agile leaders after spending two years on the company board, Ambani said at the companys annual general meeting on Friday.

Fully embedded in operations and decision-making, they are shaping our businesses with energy, conviction, and clarity of purpose, the 68-year-old chairperson of Reliance said. Under the mentorship of senior leaders and independent directors, they are becoming the kind of leaders this era demands  agile, accountable, ambitious, empathetic, and consultative.

Also Read | RIL AGM: Jio aims to go public by the first half of 2026

Nurturing the next generation of leaders was part of ensuring institutional longevity at Reliance, he said. Ambani himself joined the companys board in 1977 at the age of 20.

Succession planning Ambanis comments come amid questions from investors about succession planning at the group and whether the next generation is up to the task of leading the empire built by their grandfather and father. Brokerage firm Jefferies earlier this month flagged succession planning and transition as one of the top material governance issues at the Mumbai-based conglomerate.

Last month, proxy advisory firm Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) urged shareholders to vote against Reliances resolution to appoint Anant Ambani as a whole-time director. At 30, Mukesh Ambanis youngest son had less than a decade of relevant work experience, the proxy advisor said in its note dated 14 July. He was appointed as a non-executive, non-independent director of the company in October 2023.

There is a measured transition at the company instead of the next generation being parachuted in, which is good, said Shriram Subramaniam, a corporate governance expert and managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern. There needs to be a gradual buy-in from internal and external stakeholders into the new leadership. It helps that they have not side-stepped the senior management, he said. What also helps is the clear definition of responsibilities rather than a hodge-podge of roles for the next generation, he said.

Clear roles The responsibilities of the next generation of promoters have been clearly demarcated at Indias most valuable company. Akash, 33, is designated to look after the companys telecommunications and digital businesses, including its bets on artificial intelligence. His twin Isha leads retail and consumer products divisions. Meanwhile, Anant heads one of the companys oldest and most cash-accretive businesses, oil-to-chemicals, as well as the next big growth engine, new energy.
Cumulative spending on artificial-intelligence infrastructure could hit $4 trillion by the end of the decade, Nvidia said as it posted another set of solid quarterly earnings.

That is an enormous number, even if the earning themselves werent spectacular by the chip makers lofty standards. Just one critical question remains unanswered.

The words biggest AI chip maker has become, of course, the worlds most valuable stock over the past three years. It is now expected to generate more than $200 billion in annual revenue with a profit margin just north of 70%.

The staggering sums, however, pale in comparison to what CEO Jensen Huang sees as the level of AI spending over the next five years.

We are at the beginning of an industrial revolution that will transform every industry," Huang told analysts on a conference call. We see $3 trillion to $4 trillion in AI infrastructure spend by the end of the decade."

A $4 trillion tally would be bigger than the entire gross domestic product of Great Britain, and largely in line with the combined economic output of Canada and Brazil.

But what Huang wasnt able to tell investors is how the trillions in spending will translate into bottom-line profits for the non-tech world. None of the megacap tech companies have been able to articulate that either.

To be fair, that isnt really his problem. As the pick-and-shovel" supplier to the AI gold rush, Nvidia is going to make a lot of money regardless of how this new industrial revolution" plays out.

The revolution Huang envisions also doesnt have to be that broad. Just three of Nvidias biggest customers comprise 56% of its revenue. Keeping them happy, and regaining access to China, will ensure Nvidias wheels remain firmly on the soaring-profits track.

Looking at the real economy, however, things are less clear. A recent study from MIT Media Lab showed that most organizations deploying AI technologies are getting zero return" from their effort.

Just 5% of integrated AI pilots are extracting millions in value, while the vast majority remain stuck with no measurable P&L impact," the report said.

The eye-watering sums being forecast for AI spending, and the enormous amounts of infrastructure that is expected to create, wont make AI any more appealing for the average non-tech company, the study said.

The core barrier to scaling isnt infrastructure, regulation, or talent. It is learning," the study suggested. Most GenAI systems dont retain feedback, adapt to context, or improve over time."

A spring study from S&P Global Market Intelligence appeared to support that view. Around 42% of companies dumped their new AI projects last year, more than double the pace of 2023. The study cited resistance from customers and employees [and] concern surrounding reputational damage."

Investors outside of the megacap tech cohort arent really seeing enormous near-term gains from AI, either.

Looking at the forward price-to-earnings multiples of the S&P 500s various sectors, none beyond those influenced by big tech stocks suggest they are ready to outperform their recent past. And of those, only industrials are priced more richly than the benchmark itself. Those valuations are likely tied to the building of AI data centers, not the adoption of the technology.

Early projections of labor market disruption, mass layoffs and the eventual redundancy of entry-level jobs, have yet to be borne out. A study from the Economic Innovation Group found the opposite to be true: Workers that are most exposed to AI replacement are doing better in the job market than those who arent.

By the most obvious measure, then, the effect of AI on jobs is invisible," the report said.

Theres no question that AI is transforming the tech space. The energy and infrastructure it depends on will improve performance in those sectors as well.

But the broader AI vision of a world where chatbots dominate corporate activity, boost productivity, and generate huge profits simply isnt in focus as yet.

That said, Nvidias still worth $4.3 trillion.
Mumbai: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) aims to achieve 1 trillion in revenue from its packaged consumer products business, Reliance Consumer Products Ltd (RCPL), within five years, stepping up its challenge to sector leaders Hindustan Unilever (HUL) and ITC Ltd.

Addressing shareholders at the company's 48th annual general meeting on Friday, Isha M. Ambani, executive director of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, also said RCPL, its consumer products business, is set to become a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries.

The company plans to invest 40,000 crore over the next three years in building manufacturing capabilities for packaged foods and large-scale infrastructure, including Asia's largest integrated food parks with AI-driven automation, robotics, and sustainable technologies.

"Our near-term ambition is clear: to be the fastest-growing consumer brands company to reach a Rs1 lakh crore revenue within five years. Our long-term ambition is to become India's largest FMCG company with a global presence. This will make RCPL a big new value-creating engine for Reliance Industries, comparing it to a retail business in both size and profitability," she said.

The FMCG business will also be the blueprint for expansion into apparel, electronics, and other large and high-value consumer categories, Ambani said.

RCPL reported revenue of 11,450 crore for the fiscal year 2025.

Also Read | Reliance consumer goods arm reports 11,450 crore revenue for FY25

RIL entered the FMCG market in 2022 and has since launched several brands and pursued mergers and acquisitions. It now has a presence across a range of daily essential categories with brands like Glimmer and Puric soaps, Dozo dish wash bars and liquids, Independence staples such as flour, rice and edible oil, HomeGuard toilet and floor cleaners, and Enzo laundry detergent powder, liquid, and bars.

Its cola brand Campa, acquired in 2022, has seen significant success, prompting a price war with established players like Pepsi and Coca-Cola. In 2023, RCPL partnered with the Sri Lankan biscuit brand Maliban and also acquired a 50% stake in the beverage brand Sosyo Hajoori. Its daily essentials brand, Independence, exceeded Rs1,000 crore ($117 million) in revenue last fiscal year.

"We started in India, have entered West Asia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and are now exporting to West Africa. Our target is to enter at least 25 countries in the next 12 months, building an Indian consumer brands powerhouse with global reach," she said.

The company has invested 3,000 crore in 12 state-of-the-art facilities equipped with Industry 4.0 technologies. More capital expenditure is underway, according to Ambani.

"In just 18 months, we have reached 1.5 million outlets, five times faster than any competitor in the Indian FMCG history. Our omni-channel network will cover 95% of India's population through retail, digital, and business-to-business channels," she stated.

Also Read | RIL AGM: Jio aims to go public by the first half of 2026

Betting on the middle class This expansion comes as established FMCG companies struggle with growth and seek new categories that align with emerging consumer trends.

Many companies are betting on India's emerging middle class to drive consumption of branded spices, staples, and face creams.

In FY25, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. reported a turnover exceeding Rs60,000 crore and a 5% rise in profit and 2% year-on-year volume growth. ITC closed fiscal 2025 with 81,612.78 crore in revenue from operations.

Analysts say RILs expansion into the sector will only intensify competition. "FMCG has already been disrupted due to the popularity of direct-to-consumer brands, quick commerce, etc," said Anand Ramanathan, partner and consumer industry leader at Deloitte South Asia.

"This is especially true for categories such as packaged foods and beauty products. RIL's entry into the market in a big way will further intensify competition," said Ramanathan.

He also noted that there is a significant opportunity to convert consumers from unbranded to branded products, and RIL has the resources to build at scale. He added that RIL could use its large manufacturing units to meet both domestic and export demand, stating that corporate investment in food processing is a positive development for the sector.

Also Read | Unbranded products surge in urban India, branded holds strong in rural parts

About RCPL becoming a direct subsidiary of RIL, Isha Ambani said the move will consolidate its consumer brands into a single, sharply focused company.

India's consumer market, a $2 trillion opportunity, is a high-growth area that "we need a strategic approach to seize," Ambani said. Rural markets, with 900 million consumers, are driving 65% of the FMCG growth.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced an AI-focused joint venture with Meta during the company's Annual General Meeting on Friday. The Reliance-Meta JV will see an initial investment of 855 crore in a 70:30 ratio for Reliance and Meta respectively.

Today, I am pleased to unveil a new, India-focused AI joint venture with our close partner Meta. Together, we want to pair the power of open-source AI with Reliance's deep domain knowledge across industries. That is why we are forming a dedicated joint venture with Meta to combine open models and tools with our execution in energy, retail, telecom, media and manufacturing, and to deliver sovereign, enterprise-ready AI for India, Ambani said at the Reliance AGM 2025.

Mark Zuckerberg's statemet at RIL AGM 2025 Responding to Mukesh Ambani's announcement, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg said, At Meta, we want to deliver personal superintelligence to everyone. We believe that this technology has the potential to bring a new era of personal empowerment to people, so that they have greater agency to improve the world in all of the directions that they choose."

Speaking at a pre-recorded video at the RIL AGM 2025, further noted, And that is why I am excited about this partnership. It is a key step forward towards ensuring that everyone has access to AI, and eventually, superintelligence. Meta and Reliance are going to deliver our open-source AI models to Indian businesses to help them fuel their work. With Llama, we have seen how AI can amplify human potential, boosting productivity, inspiring creativity, and accelerating innovation. And now, with Reliance's reach and scale, we can bring this to every corner of India.

With this partnership, we are beginning to build our vision for the future where every entrepreneur, creator, and company has the tools they need to succeed. I believe that this venture will become a model for how AI  and one day superintelligence  can be delivered to everyone. This is just the beginning, Zuckerberg added.

Reliance-Meta JV details The RIL-Meta joint venture has been signed to develop Llama-based agentic enterprise AI platforms and tools. The JV will develop readytodeploy vertical and sectorspecific solutions for Indian enterprises.

The Reliance-Meta JV will offer:

Enterprise AI PlatformasaService: A secure, fullstack environment for organisations to customise, deploy and govern generativeAI models for specific use cases across sales and marketing, information technology development and operations, customer service, finance, and a wide range of other enterprise workflows

A secure, fullstack environment for organisations to customise, deploy and govern generativeAI models for specific use cases across sales and marketing, information technology development and operations, customer service, finance, and a wide range of other enterprise workflows A suite of preconfigured AI solutions designed to address both crossfunctional and industry-specific use cases.

Also Read | Reliance AGM: Ambani declares inception of new company with THESE 4 visions

The Reliance-Meta JV will leverage Meta's open-source Llama model.
Japan plans to invest 10 trillion (nearly 6 trillion) in India over the next decade, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba signed longterm agreements spanning artificial intelligence and semiconductors to rare earth minerals and carbon credits.

India is working to strengthen its economic ties with Japan and other trading partners, including China, amid economic turbulence caused by the USs 50% tariffs on Indian goods, the highest globally.

Today, we have laid a strong foundation for a new and golden chapter in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership. We have set a roadmap for the next decade, Modi said in a media statement on Friday. The Prime Minister was in Tokyo for Indias annual bilateral summit with Japan.

Our vision focuses on investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people ties, and state-prefecture cooperation. We have set a target of 10 trillion Yen investment from Japan in India over the next ten years, he added.

As part of the talks, India and Japan launched the Economic Security Cooperation Initiative covering artificial intelligence, a digital partnership programme, and joint development of semiconductors and rare earth minerals.

The two sides also finalised a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation for joint efforts towards contemporary defence challenges.

Japan, a major trade partner, is the fifth-largest investment source for India, with foreign direct investment from Japan during 2000-2024 adding up to about $43.1 billion, per government data. Bilateral trade between India and Japan stood at $22.85 billion in 2023-24.

Ishiba said in the joint statement that Tokyo will promote cooperation in space, next-generation mobility and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed railway.

Japans earlier investment target of 5 trillion in India during 2022-26 was achieved two years ahead of schedule.

The new partnership between India and Japan will open more doors for trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges, Modi said.

The Prime Minister also said the two nations were working on high-speed trains and making rapid progress in areas like ports, aviation, and shipbuilding under the Next Generation Mobility Partnership.

Modi also said that over the next 5 years India and Japan would encourage an exchange of 500,000 people, including an estimated 50,000 skilled Indians contributing to Japans economic growth.

AI and carbon markets Earlier, addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum, Modi said both the countries can partner in the sectors of manufacturing, technology and innovation, skill development, and people-to-people ties.

Calling Japan a tech powerhouse and India a talent powerhouse, Modi said the two countries can work in areas like semiconductors, quantum computing, and space. He also highlighted Indias initiatives in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, and space.

Modi said at a media interaction that discussions between the two nations laid the foundation for a new chapter in the bilateral special strategic and global partnership that was finalised in 2014.

We have prepared a roadmap for the next decade. At the centre of our vision are investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges and state-prefecture partnership, he said.

India and Japan have also agreed to set up a joint credit mechanism for carbon markets to achieve energy transition and respective net zero goals.

According to Japans ministry of foreign affairs, the joint credit mechanism is a system for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, under which the amount of emission reduction is assessed as contribution by both partner countries and Japan.

Green energy transition is a key area of collaboration for both the countries, with huge opportunities for partnerships in the solar cell and green hydrogen segments. India is also working on launching its own carbon market.

India is quickly moving towards 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. We also aim for 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047. From solar cells to green hydrogen, there are huge opportunities for partnership, Modi said.

The Prime Minister also said India and Japan had successful partnerships in the automobile sector that could be replicated in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy.

India and Japan also signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of mineral resources as part of New Delhi's efforts to establish and diversify critical minerals supply chains.

Under this, the two countries will exchange information on mineral resources, as well as policies, regulations, and possible joint development of critical mineral projects, mining auctions, and sustainable deep-sea mining.

India and Japan will also promote joint investments in exploration, mining and processing for critical minerals in India and other resource-rich countries.

For the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project, both sides agreed to work towards the commencement of operations at the earliest and cooperate on the introduction of the latest Japanese Shinkansen technology in India, according to the joint statement.

Together, we can make a significant contribution to the development of the Global South, especially Africa, Modi said, encouraging Japanese businesses to invest in India. I urge all of you. Come, make in India, make for the world. The success stories of Suzuki and Daikin can become your success stories too.

Also Read | As Southeast Asia disappoints, Japanese VCs turn to India for startup returns
When a single company makes up nearly 7% of the entire S&P 500, the market doesn't just watch its earnings, it holds its breath. And yesterday, when Nvidia reported what should have been strong quarterly results, something weird happened. The stock fell 2.9% in pre-market hours.

Nvidia stock price trend

Wait, what?

Let's break this down.

The Numbers Game Nvidia posted second-quarter revenue of $46.74 billion, beating estimates of $46.06 billion.. Revenue jumped 56% year-over-year. Net income soared 59% to $26.42 billion.

These are the kind of numbers that most companies aspire to achieve.

So why did investors react like someone had told them their favorite restaurant was closing?

The Devil in the Data Centers Here's where things get interesting.

Nvidia's data center business, which is basically the golden goose that laid the AI egg brought in $41.1 billion. Sounds great, right? Except analysts were expecting $41.34 billion.

That's a miss of just $240 million on a $41 billion base. In percentage terms, we're talking about a 0.6% shortfall.

But here's the thing about Nvidia: when you have trained the market to expect perfection, even tiny misses can feel like major disappointments. This marked the second consecutive quarter where data center revenue fell short of expectations.

Think of it like this, if Usain Bolt runs 100 meters in 9.59 seconds instead of his world record 9.58 seconds, he's still incredibly fast. But many people may ask what went wrong.

The China Problem Heres what really spooked investors: Nvidia didnt sell a single H20 chip to China this quarter.

Zero. Zilch. Nada.

These H20 chips are special versions designed specifically for the Chinese market to comply with U.S. export restrictions. Think of them as Nvidia's attempt to play nice with geopolitical tensions while still doing business.

The company estimates it could have shipped between $2 billion to $5 billion worth of these chips if trade restrictions had eased. That's potentially 10% of their quarterly revenue sitting on the sidelines.

China's contribution to Nvidia's revenue

China used to represent 13% of Nvidia's total sales. Now it's down to low single digits. For context, China is the world's second-largest computing market and home to about half of the world's AI researchers. That might seem like being banned from selling hamburgers in America when you're McDonald's.

The Growth Trap Nvidia could be facing a uniquely modern problem: being a victim of its own success.

For nine straight quarters, the company has posted revenue growth of over 50%. During the peak of the AI boom, they were regularly posting growth rates of 100%+. The market got used to these mind-bending numbers.

Now, growing "only" 56% feels disappointing. It's like being upset that your lottery winnings were only $50 million instead of $100 million.

Analysts are comparing this to Tesla's historical pattern, strong financial performance but slowing guidance momentum, which eventually cools investor enthusiasm.

The Bright Spots Nobody's Talking About While everyone was focused on the misses, some pretty exciting stuff was happening elsewhere in Nvidia's business.

Their new Blackwell chips, the latest generation of AI processors, now make up 50% of data center revenue and grew 17% quarter-over-quarter. These are the chips that every AI company seemingly wants to get their hands on.

The automotive division jumped 69% year-over-year to $586 million, driven largely by self-driving car technology. Remember when everyone said autonomous vehicles were overhyped? Nvidia is appearing to be betting they were wrong.

But here's the real kicker: robotics. While still tiny, this could be huge. Robots need exponentially more computing power than traditional applications. Every robot dog, warehouse bot, or household helper needs serious processing power both on the device and in the cloud.

The $3 Trillion Question Nvidia's management dropped a bombshell projection: they expect $3 to 4 trillion in AI infrastructure spending by 2030. To put that in perspective, that's roughly the size of Germany's entire economy.

This isn't just about chatbots and image generators. We're talking about rebuilding the world's computing infrastructure from the ground up. Every major company looks to be racing to integrate AI, and they will probably need Nvidia's chips to do it.

The spending spree is already visible. Big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta are each spending tens of billions per quarter on AI infrastructure. This isn't speculative spending, it's the foundation for the next generation of digital services.

The Innovation Pipeline One thing that should reassure investors: Nvidia isn't sitting still.

Their next-generation chip architecture, called Rubin, is already in manufacturing and on track for a 2026 release. This maintains their annual product cycle; essentially, they're always one step ahead of the competition.

Think of it like smartphone releases. Apple doesn't just make the iPhone 15 and call it a day. They're already working on the iPhone 17 while the iPhone 16 is in production. Nvidia operates the same way with AI chips.

Reading the Market's Mind So why did the stock fall despite decent results?

First, expectations were sky-high. When you're the poster child of the AI revolution, anything less than perfection feels disappointing.

Second, the China uncertainty creates a massive question mark. Potentially $5 billion in quarterly revenue hangs in the balance of geopolitical negotiations.

Third, growth is decelerating. Still fast, but not as fast as before. In growth stock investing, deceleration often matters more than absolute levels.

The Bigger Picture Despite the post-earnings tumble, Nvidia remains at the center of the most significant technological shift since the internet. Their chips power everything from ChatGPT to autonomous vehicles to scientific research.

The company isn't just selling hardware as they are selling the infrastructure for an AI-powered future. Every major breakthrough in artificial intelligence likely runs on Nvidia chips.

Disclaimer  This article draws from sources such as the Financial Times, Bloomberg,and other reputed media houses. Please note, this blog post is intended for general educational purposes only and does not serve as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. It may contain forward-looking statements, and actual outcomes can vary due to numerous factors. Past performance of any security does not guarantee future results.This blog is for informational purposes only. Neither the information contained herein, nor any opinion expressed, should be construed or deemed to be construed as solicitation or as offering advice for the purposes of the purchase or sale of any security, investment, or derivatives.The information and opinions contained in the report were considered by VF Securities, Inc.to be valid when published. Any person placing reliance on the blog does so entirely at his or her own risk, and does not accept any liability as a result.Securities markets may be subject to rapid and unexpected price movements, and past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance. Investors must undertake independent analysis with their own legal, tax, and financial advisors and reach their own conclusions regarding investment in securities markets.Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
The Trump administration plans to expand national-security tariffs on steel, aluminum and a variety of other industries in coming months in hopes of redirecting production in these sectors to the U.S. and establishing a backstop to legal threats in the trade war.

Tariffs on steel and aluminum were expanded this month, covering more than 400 new product lines with 50% levies and increasing compliance costs for companies. Those charges will likely be broadened further, along with expansions of existing tariffs on copper and automotive parts.

New levies on sectors like semiconductors, heavy trucks, pharmaceuticals and ingredients, processed critical minerals, and commercial aircraft and parts, among others, are also likely to be unveiled in coming months.

President Trump has imposed the national security tariffs alongside a broader set of levies: the reciprocal tariffs that Trump announced in April on virtually every nation, sparking months of negotiations with dozens of U.S. trading partners.

Trumps team has tried to keep those negotiations focused only on the reciprocal levies, arguing the sectoral tariffs are non-negotiable because they are based on security imperatives.

Even so, major economies like the European Union, Japan and South Korea have secured commitments from the Trump administration to cap many of the national security levies at 15%particularly on strategic sectors like automobilesif the foreign governments meet certain conditions like lowering charges on U.S. goods.

Despite those commitments, Trump still holds near-unilateral authority over how national security tariffs are set or altered. That gives the administration an insurance policy if its reciprocal tariffs are struck down in court, people with knowledge of the administrations plans say.

The U.S. is considering ways to provide relief from some tariffs for U.S. automakers.

The reciprocal tariffs are based on a novel interpretation of presidential emergency authorities, and are subject to a court challenge that could force the administration to refund those duties to companies. The sector-specific tariffs, by contrast, are imposed under a separate legal authority that is far more established and durableSection 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

A federal appeals court heard arguments on the reciprocal levies last month, and whichever side loses is expected to immediately appeal to the Supreme Court, which could rule as soon as June. In the meantime, the administration intends to broaden the coverage of Section 232 tariffs so they can remain in place, or be expanded, if the administration loses in court and needs to find another legal authority for its reciprocal duties.

Section 232 is a tried and true method," said Augustine Lo, a partner in Dorsey & Whitneys national security group specializing in trade law. Historically, the courts have given the president fairly wide leeway to conduct investigations and impose remedies."

White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump pledged to use tariffs to Make America Wealthy & Strong Again, and the Administration is committed to using every lever of executive power to deliver for the American people."

Plans for some relief

At the same time, Trumps team is considering ways to provide relief from some of those tariffs for a handful of large companies like U.S. automakers and tech firms, the people familiar with the plans say.

U.S. automakers have argued that despite 15% tariffs on Japan and Korea, it is still profitable to produce cars in those countries and ship them to the U.S.in part because of higher input prices in the U.S. due to Trumps steel, aluminum and parts tariffs.

Options the administration is considering for relief include expanding existing tariff rebates for automotive assemblers like Ford, Stellantis and General Motors, or applying quotas that allow a certain number of parts to enter the U.S. duty-free, according to people with knowledge of policy discussions. Trump has also floated exemptions from certain tariffs to large tech firms with U.S. operations, or giving some companies with U.S. operations more time before tariffs kick in.

The national security tariffs have also been far more impactful for targeted industries than the reciprocal duties, most of which were only recently imposed. American steel and aluminum producers have been enthusiastic supporters of tariffs on lower-price imported metal and encouraged Trump to add duties to imported finished metal products.

Steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs waged a yearslong campaign for tariffs on imported steel in electrical transformers.

But many U.S. manufacturersincluding automakers, their parts suppliers and other factory ownershave complained that they are paying billions of dollars in tariffs, along with higher prices for both domestic and foreign materials and components as the levies push up prices for steel, aluminum, copper and components made from those metals.

The additional items, announced Aug. 15, represent a major expansion of the national security tariffs on the steel and aluminum in finished goods that Trump imposed in March. Construction and farm equipment, factory robots, metal-cutting machinery, auto parts and other complex components are among the 400 items now subject to 50% tariffs on the metal contained in them.

The latest tranche of products brings the total value of imported finished products subject to U.S. metal tariffs to more $300 billion, according to Jason Miller, professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University.

Theyre just so sweeping in terms of their coverage," Miller said. We just keep picking up more and more. Youre now penalized for importing parts with a high percentage of steel and aluminum."

Inclusion rounds of new duties

The expansion of the metals tariffs is just the first of many inclusion processes that will increase the coverage of national security tariffs. The administration plans to allow companies to petition for additional products to be covered by tariffs three times a year, with the next round opening in September, and another in January of next year. Additionally, the Commerce Department is considering inclusions for auto parts tariffs that could be unveiled in mid-Septemberone of four inclusion rounds planned each yearand the agency is also expected to open an inclusion process for copper tariffs by late October.

Other sector-specific tariffs, such as those planned on semiconductors, lumber, critical minerals and polysilicon used in solar panels are also likely to have inclusion rounds that expand their coverage over time. Already, Trump has announced plans to expand the lumber tariffs to imported furniture products, which would significantly expand the scope of the levies to a number of everyday consumer products.

Trump rolled out the duties on metal derivative products after steel and aluminum producers complained that companies were buying finished products with foreign metal to avoid buying American-made products with domestic metal.

Steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs waged a yearslong campaign for tariffs on imported electrical transformers and components from Mexico and Canada. Cliffs makes the specialized electrical steel used in the transformers cores. The latest tariffs cover steel in imported transformers as well as auto exhaust components made of stainless steel, which Cliffs also produces.

Cliffs Chief Executive Lourenco Goncalves said earlier this month the tariffs give us certainty that the American domestic market will not be undercut by unfairly traded steel embedded in derivative products."

Ken Fedor, a vice president for sales in the U.S. for transformer manufacturer SGB-SMIT Group in the Netherlands, said the U.S. doesnt produce enough electrical steel or transformers to accommodate the surging transformer demand from data-center operators and utility companies. Expanding production of large transformers in the U.S. will take years, he said.

You just cant ramp it up. Its a highly skilled process. Everything is customized," he said.

Caterpillar said Thursday that its tariff expenses this year could reach $1.8 billion.

He expects the tariff to increase the cost of the large imported transformers that SGB-SMIT builds by as much as 30%. The company makes them in the Netherlands and sells them mostly to U.S. electric utility companies for use at power generating plants and electrical substations.

The new tariffs on the metal in robotics gear will make it more expensive for U.S. companies to automate factory processes by deploying robots. The robot market in the U.S. is now largely supplied with hardware from robotics companies in Japan, South Korea, China and Germany. Automation to reduce labor costs has been an incentive for companies thinking about bringing manufacturing to the U.S. from overseas.

If the costs go up, its going to make it harder for companies to justify bringing more manufacturing back," said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Michigan-based Association for Advancing Automation, a trade group for robotics. Right now, the tariffs look like this is a negative for the robotics industry and manufacturing in general for the U.S."

Trumps aggressive use of tariffs aims to encourage companies to manufacture more of their products in the U.S. by making imports more expensive. But the latest tariffs will likely increase costs for companies that operate plants in the U.S., especially if they use imported parts made mostly of metal, analysts said.

Texas-based construction and mining equipment maker Caterpillar said Thursday its tariff expenses this year could reach $1.8 billion, up from the $1.5 billion forecast earlier this month. The company said it raised its expense outlook in response to the expansion of tariffs. Caterpillar said it has increased production at its U.S. plants over the past decade and boosted exports of its U.S.-made machinery by 75% since 2016.

Automotive companies are also being hit hard by the tariffs, with Ford estimating in July that the levies would cost it $2 billion this year. It and other companies are petitioning for relief from the tariffs, either through exempting certain products or widening existing tariff rebates.

The Trump administration currently lets the automakers receive a rebate on the tariffs they pay for auto parts. But companies have asked the Commerce Department to expand the program to allow them to be refunded for other tariff costs as well, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

Trump has also floated carve-outs for some large technology firms that would be subject to his tariffs on semiconductors, which are expected to be unveiled this fall. For companies that have committed to build factories in the U.S., there will be no change," Trump said at an August meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who has committed to build new domestic production facilities. Trump has also said he may start pharmaceutical tariffs at a low level and increase them over time, giving companies time to relocate manufacturing.

Write to Gavin Bade at gavin.bade@wsj.com and Bob Tita at robert.tita@wsj.com
MUMBAI : A decade after disrupting Indias telecom market with free calls and low data prices, Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL)the digital arm of Reliance Industries Ltd, which also houses the telecom businessis preparing for a public listing.

The move, which is said to pit the telco against listed rival Bharti Airtel, comes at a time when global markets and geopolitical issues have dimmed visibility for many companies.

Jio is making all arrangements to file for IPO (initial public offering)," said Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd, at the 48th Annual General Meeting of the company on Friday. We are aiming to list Jio by the first half of 2026, subject to all necessary approvals," he added. According to industry executives, JPL is targeting a valuation upwards of $120 billion, and the offering size for the IPO would be around $8-10 billion.

Notably, Bharti Airtels valuation was at $122 billion, as per BSE on Friday.

While the listing is subject to statutory approvals, the markets were a tad upset. The share prices of the oil-to-telecom conglomerate closed at 1,356, down 2.2% on Friday.

Bankers are in wait-and-watch mode but seem optimistic. According to an equity capital markets banker, no formal pitches have been invited yet. "It will likely happen next quarter," he said, adding that putting a valuation at this time will be difficult. "All I can say is that it will be one of the largest private sector IPOs India has seen." Among the upcoming IPOs, the National Stock Exchange is likely to be valued at more than $60-65 billion, and if that happens, it will be the largest initial public offering in India, Mint reported in July.

Better telco services

Jio, which usurped the market about a decade ago with its free calls and reduced data prices, brought in bill shocks, forcing other telcos to ease their price plans as well. Prohibitive data prices, poor connectivity, and poorer speeds had stifled the digital aspirations of Indians. That is when we said: This must end," the chairman said in his speech. The resultVodafone India merged with Idea Cellular; Tatas signed a pact with Bharti Airtel to hive off the consumer mobile business of Tata Teleservices without any debt transfer; two telcosReliance Communications (RCom ) and Aircelfiled for bankruptcy.

Also Read | Trai wants more enforcement teeth to rein in telcos, may ask govt to amend rules

The telecom operator has also attracted global investors over the last few years. While the pandemic was on, the operator raised 1.52 trillion from 13 global investors, including Facebook, Google, Silver Lake, Vista Equity Partners, General Atlantic, KKR, Mubadala, ADIA, TPG, L Catterton, Public Investment Fund, Intel Capital and Qualcomm Ventures, for a cumulative equity stake of 32.96% in 2020.

Analysts believe that the IPO will involve both a fresh issue of shares to help the company expand abroad and an offer for sale.

As we look ahead, Jio's journey will progress beyond India. Our innovative technologies will now be deployed globally, ready to solve global challenges. With strategic partnerships and a clear road map, we will take Jio's services to the rest of the world, creating value for partners and shareholders alike," said Akash Ambani, chairman at Reliance Jio Infocomm.

Robust financials

Today, Jio, as the telco is popularly called, has more than 500 million subscribers, while its rivals, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi), have 362.8 million and 197.7 million subscribers, respectively. On the average revenue per user (Arpu), which is a crucial parameter for a telco, Airtel has beaten Jio with Arpu of 250, while Jio has 208.8. Vi clocked Arpu of 165.

An increase in Arpu for Jio will depend on tariff hikes and a rise in high-paying subscribers on the network. Recently, Jio also removed the entry-level 1 GB plan from its online recharge. Analysts such as brokerage Macquarie saw that as a way for the company to close the gap with Bharti Airtel, with a focus on premiumization.

This (public listing) will demonstrate that Jio is capable of creating the same quantum of value as our global counterparts. It will be a very attractive opportunity for all investors," Mukesh Ambani said. On the financials, JPLthat houses the telecom and digital armreported a 1.2% sequential growth in consolidated net profit to 7,110 crore for the June quarter. Consolidated revenue from operations rose 3.07% sequentially to 35,032 crore.

Bharti Airtel's revenue from operations in the April-June quarter was 49,463 crore, up 3.3% sequentially and 28.5% year-on-year.

In fact, with an improvement in operational metrics, analysts, too, said the company's growth outlook is improving after the April-June quarter results. We raise our estimates by 1-4% and expect Jio to deliver 18%/22% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) in revenues/Ebitda over FY25-27," said brokerage Jeferries in a note on 18 July. Jeferries has valued the company at $146 billion.

Tech expansion

The announcement by Jio on the possible listing comes at a time when the company has spent significant amounts in rolling out 5G services, and is also venturing into the satellite space, among other new AI products. Besides, the market share is also largely being controlled by two private entitiesJio and Bharti Airtel, while the third player, Vodafone Idea, is struggling financially and has sought relief from the government on the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues.

Also Read | PMO to take a call on Vodafone Ideas fate

In the 2022 spectrum auction, Jio acquired the largest chunk of 5G spectrum worth 88,000 crore on sale, followed by spectrum acquisition in 2024, wherein it acquired airwaves worth 974 crore.

The telecom operator is banking on its Jio PC, a service that converts televisions into AI-enabled computers, for its foray into digital products. It will also launch Jio Frame, a smart glass with a multilingual AI voice assistant and camera.

Jio is where I began my professional journey, faced challenges, learned lessons, and found my purpose. I have grown with Jio, and to see it come into its own as an independent company is both humbling and exhilarating because Jio is a part of me," Akash Ambani said.

The company said its JioAirFiber is now the largest fixed wireless broadband service in the world, adding over 1 million homes per month. The telecom operator has over 220 million users on its 5G network.
Anlon Healthcare IPO day 3: The initial public offering (IPO) of Anlon Healthcare Limited hit the Indian primary market on Tuesday. The public issue will remain open until 29 August 2025. This means investors have just one day to apply for this mainboard IPO. According to the Anlon Healthcare IPO subscription status, the public issue has received a strong response from investors, which is reflected in the grey market sentiments.

According to market observers, the company's shares are trading at a premium of 6 in the grey market today, which means the grey market sentiment about the public issue has remained steady despite a strong sell-off in the Indian stock market.

Anlon Healthcare IPO GMP today As mentioned above, Anlon Healthcare IPO GMP today is 6, unchanged from Thursday's Anlon Healthcare IPO GMP. Market observers said steady grey market sentiment is good news if we compare it with secondary market sentiments. They said the strong Anlon Healthcare IPO subscription status could be the reason for the public issue holding its fort in the current stock market crash.

Anlon Healthcare IPO subscription status By 3:39 PM on day 3 of bidding, the public issue had been booked 6.89 times, the retail portion of the mainboard IPO had been subscribed 45.30 times, and the NII portion had been filled 10.43 times, whereas the QIB segment had been subscribed 1.07 times.

Anlon Healthcare IPO review Advising investors to apply for the mainboard IPO, Sachin Jasuja, Head of Equities and Founding Partner, Centricity WealthTech, said, "The space of API production is facing tailwinds due to 'Make in India' and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which are driving domestic investment into API manufacturing and R&D, helping reduce import dependence and boost local capabilities. Policy support provides a cushion for API manufacturers through subsidies, capex support, and easier regulatory pathways, stimulating growth and improving margin stability.

On whether one should apply for the public issue, Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart, said, "The company focuses on manufacturing and marketing specialised APIs in line with global standards. It positions itself as the first producer of Loxoprofen and related formulations. In FY24, its revenue growth was impacted by the registration process in Brazil. The companys operations depend highly on a single facility in Rajkot, Gujarat." Shivani said that valuations of the public issue seem fully priced in.

Anlon Healthcare IPO details The most likely Anlon Healthcare IPO allotment date is 30 August 2025. However, in the case of a Saturday delay, we can expect the allotment on Monday, 1 September 2025. Likewise, the most likely Anlon Healthcare IPO listing date is 3 September 2025.
The spectre of steep US tariffs hammered has Indian textile stocks over the past month. Until 26 August, shares of Trident Ltd, Arvind Ltd, Welspun Living Ltd, and Indo Count Industries Ltd had shed 10-15%, while smaller peers such as Himatsingka Seide Ltd, Kitex Garments Ltd and Faze Three Ltd suffered even deeper corrections. Those fears crystallized on 27 August, when Washington issued a draft notice to impose 50% tariffs on Indian imports.

For companies with large exposure to the US, the move threatens volumes, margins and, ultimately, earnings downgrades unless a trade deal is reached.

Also Read | India braces for the pain of Trumps stiff tariffs

Retailers were comfortable with 25% tariffs imposed earlier (~5% disadvantage) which could have been absorbed through negotiations, cost optimization programs, and incentives. But we believe exporters will not be able to bear the impact of the additional 25% US tariff," said an Antique Stock Broking Ltd report on 28 August. So, Antique has cut FY26/FY27 and FY28 earnings estimates for Arvind by 13%/17%/10% respectively and for Welspun by 15% for each year.

Also Read | Five Indian textile stocks that could gain from US tariffs in 2025

The math is stark: higher tariffs could render Indian exports unviable, especially when rivals in China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Vietnam face lower duties.

That makes diversification more urgent. Arvind, for instance, does around 200 crore worth of business in the UK and expects this to double in the coming years under new trade enablers. With the UK FTA, the Welspun management aims to increase its non-US exposure from about 40% currently, while Gokaldas Exports expects contribution from the UK and the European Union to reach 20-25% by FY26-end from the current 13%. Further, its recent acquisition of Atraco also provides a cushion, since Kenyan and Ethiopian units supplying to the US market face only 10% tariffs.

Beyond Europe, West Asia could open fresh lanes of growth. According to Dun & Bradstreet, Indian textile makers can consider targeting hotel chains and luxury real estate projects in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to anchor long-term demand.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE offer expanding, high-income markets with rising hospitality and tourism sectors driving demand for premium bed linens, home textiles, and ethnic wear. Indias competitive edge in quality cotton and blended fabrics, coupled with existing trade goodwill, allows for a premium positioning," it said in a recent report. While diversification seems to be an apt strategy in the current backdrop, it will take time to yield results.

Back home, the government has offered short-term relief.

On 18 August, the Ministry of Finances Department of Revenue notified duty-free cotton imports by scrapping customs duty and the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. This exemption is valid from 19 August- 30 September. At a time when the Indian textile sector is facing high cotton costs and additional pressure from US tariffs, with this move duty-free imports would allow access to cheaper international cotton.

The import duty relief is a short-term positive for all in the textile value chain, with a major edge for spinners and fabric manufacturers, said Elara Securities (India) in a report dated 19 August.

With about 42 days of import duty relief, it may be optimized by the companies that have already placed orders to import cotton as it requires about 30-45 days shipping time," it said. While this relief may temporarily improve margins of Indian exporters for one-two quarters, it is unlikely to materially change the long-term cost competitiveness of Indian companies, cautioned Elara.
Brands like Lego, Ikea, Nokia, Ericsson, and Kone are popular worldwide. In recent years, the global popularity of apps like Spotify and weight loss drugs (particularly Ozempic) has made Nordic brands household names.

But few know how these global entities compare to the tiny economic size of their country of origin. The Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland are admired for having achieved the impossible.

These tiny countries have produced businesses that dominate their respective industries at a global scale.

In the early 1990s, Finland faced a severe economic recession following the collapse of the Soviet Union, its main trading partner. The country's traditional industries were struggling, and unemployment was high.

The Finnish government and industry made a concerted effort to invest in R&D, particularly intelecommunications. This was a strategic bet on a new technology.

A key player was Nokia, which had been a conglomerate of traditional industries but pivoted to become a global leader in mobile phones.

This R&D-driven shift to a knowledge-intensive, high-tech economy was a major factor in Finland's recovery. Nokia's success generated a massive amount of wealth and created a skilled workforce, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of new companies and technologies.

While Nokia's dominance eventually waned, the R&D culture and talent it fostered continued to drive the country's innovation.

Meanwhile, to address economic challenges and competition from other global players, the European Union invested in large-scale, multi-year R&D and innovation programs.

Programs like Horizon 2020 and its successor, Horizon Europe, were designed to fund research projects and foster collaboration across member states. The goal was to address major societal challenges like climate change and public health while boosting economic competitiveness.

These programs reportedly created jobs, accelerated learning, and pushed young people into scientific research careers.

Going back in history, R&D spend on military technology has been a cornerstone of American economic prosperity, particularly in the post-World War II era.

While the primary goal of this funding was national security, it has consistently generated significant spillover effects that have fuelled innovation, created new industries, and strengthened the civilian economy.

Defence R&D contracts at universities and private firms created a demand for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers. This built a pipeline of talent that later flowed into the civilian sector.

Regions like Silicon Valley have deep historical ties to military and aerospace research.

The internet (ARPANET), GPS (Global Positioning System), semiconductors and integrated circuits, aerospace and space tech for projects like the Apollo moon landing and missile defence are all the result of R&D in military technology.

They helped create the initial market for computing technology for companies like IBM.

Investments in biotechnology R&D helped establish the foundation for the big pharma and biotechnology industries.

Indian companies spend less than 1% of their net sales on R&D on average, a figure that has remained largely unchanged for several years.

The low R&D spending by Indian companies is a major reason why India's overall Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) as a percentage of GDP remains low. It hovers around 0.6% to 0.7%. This contrasts sharply with countries like China (2.4%), the US (3.5%), and Israel (5.4%), where private sector contribution to R&D is much higher.

But this scenario is set to change. The Indian government has established the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a massive 1 trillion corpus. This scheme provides long-term, low or nil-interest loans to the private sector and deep-tech startups.

Such a fund directly addresses one of the biggest deterrents to private sector R&D. Companies can now bear the high cost of R&D and risk of long-term projects.

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is an apex body designed to streamline research funding and foster collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry.

Further, the number of startups in India has grown exponentially. Many of these startups are focused on cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, biotech, and fintech. These companies are inherently R&D-intensive and will contribute significantly to the private sector's overall R&D spending.

So, drawing parallels from the phase of peak economic prosperity of certain developed economies, this research fund is expected to be one of the key catalysts for Peak India.

The focus on research and innovation is just one of the factors that catalyse the peak phase.

History offers a compelling blueprint for economic ascendancy. Through the past century, several nations have experienced extraordinary peak phases  periods of hyper-growth that transformed their economies, elevated living standards, and created unprecedented wealth.

This wasn't accidental. It was the confluence of three powerful drivers: surging exports, visionary government policies, and a booming consumer class.

Rising exports create jobs, bring in FDI and encourage innovation. Visionary government policies lead to building of critical physical infrastructure, reduces red tape in businesses, promotes skill development and facilitates capital funding.

Booming consumer demand leads to additional capacities, investments in technology and brands and diversification into new markets.

A confluence of all such factors eventually leads to both economic prosperity and corporate wealth creation, which reflects on the stock market indices as well.

Understanding this blueprint reveals a fascinating parallel with India's current trajectory, suggesting the nation is poised for its own remarkable ascent.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
Although the broader markets have remained under severe selling pressure in recent sessions, Izmo, which provides solutions for the automotive e-retail sector in North America, Europe, and Asia, continued its winning run, with shares maintaining a healthy uptrend and withstanding sharp market volatility.

Over the last five trading sessions alone, they have surged from 408 to 706, delivering a massive gain of 73%. This rally has pushed its August gains to 84%, marking its biggest monthly rise since July 2015.

The surge in demand on Dalal Street for this small-cap counter follows multiple positive developments that have attracted strong investor interest.

On August 21, the company announced that izmomicro, a specialized division of Izmo, had developed a high-density silicon photonics packaging platform capable of supporting 32-channel fiber input and output, with an industry-leading insertion loss of less than 2 dB.

Commenting on the development, Dinanath Soni, Executive Director of izmomicro, said, Only a handful of companies worldwide have demonstrated this capability, and we are proud to be the first in India. This breakthrough validates our years of R&D in precision packaging and positions us as a critical partner for the global silicon photonics industry. As AI and data-driven applications demand ever-higher performance, our innovation will help power the infrastructure of the future.

Also Read | Suzlon Energy shares under pressure for third straight session

Izmo share price history Impressively, the stock has closed the last six months in green, including the current month, generating a phenomenal return of 175%. Even during periods of sharp volatility in the small-cap segment, it did not lose momentum and continued to climb, resulting in a staggering 890% jump over the last three years and 3,430% over the last five years, rising from 20 apiece.

The stellar rise in its share price has also pushed the companys market capitalization to 1,020 crore as of August 11. In the previous trading session, the stock touched a fresh record high of 738 apiece.

Looking at its yearly performance, the stock ended CY24 with a sharp gain of 120%, following an even bigger 238% rally in CY23. In the current year alone, it has already gained 25.53%. Notably, it touched a two-year low of 229 in March but has staged a strong recovery since then.

Impact on investment The massive rise in share price over a short period has significantly boosted investor wealth. An investor who had put 1 lakh into the stock five years ago and held onto it would now see its value swell to 35.30 lakhunderscoring the wealth-creating potential of the stock market when the right counters are chosen.
Breakout stocks to buy or sell: The key benchmark indices of the Indian stock market continued their losing streak on Thursday, with the Nifty 50 index settling near the 24,500 mark, reflecting the continuation of the selling pressure. The sharp decline in the last two sessions can be attributed to implementing the 50% US tariff on Indian goods, which has heightened worries about India's export competitiveness and trade relations.

While domestic institutional investors (DIIs) provided some support by stepping in as net buyers, the persistent FII outflows amplified the impact of the US tariffs, leading to a broad-based selloff. At close, the Sensex was down 705.97 points or 0.87% at 80,080.57, and the Nifty was down 211.15 points or 0.85% at 24,500.90.

Stock market today Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, believes the Indian stock market sentiment has weakened as the Nifty 50 index broke below the crucial support level of 24,500. However, he expected some recovery as the 50-stock index had closed at 24,500. If the 50-stock index goes below 24,500 again, the key benchmark index may try to test 200-DEMA support at 24,000, Bagadia said.

Speaking on the outlook of the Indian stock market today, Sumeet Bagadia said, "The Indian stock market sentiment has weakened as the Nifty 50 index broke below the crucial support placed at 24,500. However, bulls still expect some recovery as the index has closed at 24,500. If the market opens lower on Friday, we may expect the 50-stock index to try to test its 200-DEMA support placed at 24,000 levels. One should maintain a stock-specific approach and look at those stocks that are looking strong on the technical chart.

Sumeet Bagadia's breakout stocks to buy or sell 1] Thirumalai Chemicals: Buy at 297, Target 320, Stop Loss 288;

2] Sundram Fasteners: Buy at 1020, Target 1090, Stop Loss 980;

3] Goodluck India: Buy at 1159, Target 1245, Stop Loss 1120;

4] Waaree Energies: Buy at 3417, Target 3670, Stop Loss 3300; and

5] Sudarshan Chemical: Buy at 1500, Target 1616, Stop Loss 1444.
MCG stocks: The shares of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) makers such as Colgate, Britannia, Hindustan Unilever and ITC, among others, traded on a firm note on Friday in an otherwise muted Indian stock market. The gains in these FMCG stocks came as media reports suggested that the government is looking to slash goods and services tax (GST) on select consumer products to 5%.

According to a CNBC-TV 18 report, the central government has proposed lowering GST on face powder, hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste and soaps to 5%, thus driving a rise in stocks of these companies.

Colgate share price rose as much as 4% to the day's high of 2,357.90 on the NSE. Britannia, ITC, Dabur, Patanjali Foods, Emami and Marico emerged as other top gainers, rising between 2% and 3%.

As a result, the Nifty FMCG index jumped as much as 1.7% to 56,565 in intraday deals today. Despite the hefty stock market selloff seen in the Indian stock market this week, the FMCG index has managed to eke out a nearly 1.5% gain, suggesting underlying investor interest in the sector amid GST rationalisation hopes.

GST cuts to drive demand According to Anand Rathi Research, the recent announcement of the proposed GST re-jig would result in the shifting of many products into lower tax slabs, reducing the tax incidence. This will drive product prices down and generally boost consumption.

It expects many FMCG products in the 12% GST tax bracketbutter, ghee, cheese, juices, ketchup, jams, noodles, and pasta namkeens, certain chips, masalas, etc.to move to 5%, which would lead to lower prices and might drive higher volumes, the brokerage noted. Further, some essential products in the higher 18% tax bracket could also potentially move down to the lower 5% tax bracket, it added.

Earnings for FMCG companies improve GST booster aligns with earnings recovery, which bodes well for FMCG companies.

In Anand Rathi's analysis, the Q1 revenue of 12 FMCG companies (excluding ITC) grew 7%, up from 6% in the prior quarter and ~5% in FY25. Most FMCG management commentaries, though, were optimistic about better revenue trajectories, aided by rural demand outpacing urban, distribution expansion and/or launches. They expect urban demand to improve, more so from Q2 or H2 FY26.

The brokerage now expects revenues of the FMCG companies it covers to gradually recover to 9% in FY26, led by volume growth.

With most FMCG stocks having risen 5-20% over the past six months, the brokerage believes valuations have now aligned fairly with past averages, and returns will be linked to earnings.
Defence stock Apollo Micro Systems surged 12% during Friday's trading session after receiving authorization from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to act as the production agency for the Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM)  Vighana.

Additionally, the company announced that it has entered into an agreement with DRDO for the technology transfer (ToT) of the Omni-Directional multi-EFP warhead for the NASM-SR missile.

Apollo Micro Systems share price today opened at an intraday low of 243.25 apiece on the BSE, the stock touched an intraday high on 271.60 per share. Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree, said that Apollo Micro Systems shares, in the last 22 sessions, Apollo has surged over 67%, showing a strong upward trend. However, the past five sessions have been marked by heavy volumes, signaling a climatic kind of move on lower-degree charts.

This indicates that the stock may be entering an overheated zone in the short term. Immediate support is placed at 240, and a breach below this level will confirm the end of the short-term upmove, triggering profit booking. The structure at this juncture suggests that upside potential is capped for now, and traders should remain cautious, said Jain.

Also Read | HAL share price in focus on likely GE engine deal amid Trump tariff tensions

Apollo Micro Systems - Q1 Results Apollo Micro Systems' consolidated net profit has more than doubled to 17.68 crore for the June quarter, driven by increased income. The firm reported a profit after tax (PAT) of 8.42 crore for the April-June period of the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to a regulatory statement from the company.

The total income of the company surged by 46.49 percent to 134.45 crore in the first quarter, up from 91.78 crore during the same timeframe last year.

On June 4, Apollo Micro Systems revealed the successful completion of its preferential allotment of equity shares and convertible warrants, which raised over 416 crore.

Based in Hyderabad, Apollo Micro Systems provides technology-driven solutions across various sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, aerospace, and defense, among others.
Reliance AGM 2025 Highlights: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, kicked off its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today. Amid high expectations, Ambani officially announced the much-awaited Jio IPO.

He said that the Jio IPO will hit the Indian stock market in the first half of 2026, as Reliance looks to unlock shareholder value.

At the AGM, Ambani also shared some big tech announcements. He revealed a new partnership with Google to bring advanced artificial intelligence tools to developers and startups across India. To drive this forward, Reliance is launching a new unit called Reliance Intelligence, which will focus on building Indias next-generation AI infrastructure and data centres.

In another major move, Ambani announced a $100 million joint investment in AI with Meta. Under this partnership, Meta will hold a 30% stake, while Reliance will retain a 70% majority.

Despite these announcements, RIL share price closed 2% lower at 1355.45 on the BSE.

Stay tuned to our RIL AGM 2025 Live Blog for the latest updates:
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the oil-to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate is set to hold its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, 29 August 2025. The companys chairman Mukesh Ambani will address nearly 44 lakh shareholders, which will be eyed through Dalal Street.

Market participants will keenly watch the key announcements from RILs AGM, as these are likely to shape the companys roadmap for its next phase of growth amid the present global geopolitical scenario.

From scaling up its digital ecosystem and deepening retail penetration to accelerating its clean energy transition, the updates from Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani are expected to provide strategic clarity on the company's long-term vision and business priorities.

Here are the top five announcements investors are anticipating:

Jio, Retail IPOs Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail have delivered stellar growth over the years, emerging as key growth engines for the conglomerate. Reliance aims to pursue separate listings of these businesses to unlock further value for shareholders. Analysts noted that investors will be closely tracking the RIL AGM for any indication of a potential timeline or roadmap for the IPOs of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail.

Investors will also watch for progress on Jios 5G rollout, and the ramp-up of JioAirFiber, which aims to reach 100 million households.

AI Initiatives Foreign brokerage firm CLSA said that the Street will await greater clarity on Reliances AI initiatives through Jio, highlighted as a key long-term growth driver in the companys annual report.

As Jios AI projects and expansion of its media and consumer businesses are key long-term drivers of growth, commentary on these projects from the management will be watched closely, said Master Capital Services.

Retail Expansion Reliance Retail footprint still remains the largest at over 77 million. Investors will watch out for the outlook on Reliance Retail growth plans progress on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business expansion, including potential announcements on scaling up operations, and quick commerce.

Green Energy Business The company may share updates on its renewable energy initiatives, including progress on giga factories, hydrogen projects, and solar energy plans, reinforcing its commitment to clean energy transition.

New energy initiatives, such as solar and battery gigafactories, are expected to move forward, with equipment deliveries beginning this year, as are clean energy advancements said said Master Capital Services.

Crude Oil Sourcing US President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% in response to New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil. As one of the largest consumers of Russian crude, Reliance Industries is directly exposed to the impact of these tariffs. Investors will keenly watch for Chairman Mukesh Ambanis commentary on crude sourcing strategies and how the company plans to navigate the evolving geopolitical and trade environment.

At the 2024 AGM, Reliance had set a target of doubling its overall business by 2030, with Jio and Reliance Retail expected to achieve this milestone in the near term. This year, investors will look for Ambanis strategic roadmap on scaling the new energy vertical, advancing AI-driven solutions, and driving long-term sustainable growth across businesses.

At 9:30 AM, Reliance Industries share price was trading 0.07% higher at 1,388.60 apiece on the BSE.
A man was arrested on Thursday for allegedly driving his 27-year-old wife to suicide at their residence in Suddaguntepalya, Bengaluru, police said.

Police told news agency PTI that the woman, identified as Shilpa Panchangamath, was found dead on Tuesday night. Her mother, Sharada, had lodged a complaint alleging harassment for dowry.

Shilpa's husband, Praveen, had reportedly quit his software job to sell panipuri.

Dowry harassment Shilpa married Praveen, son of late Shambulingaiah of Vaddarahatti village in Gangavati taluk, on December 5, 2022. The couple has a son named Vihaan. At the time of her death, Shilpa was pregnant with their second child, The Hindu reported.

Both Shilpa and Praveen worked as techies. However, only a year after their marriage, Praveen left his software job and opened a pani puri shop, while Shilpa quit her job after delivering her first child, the report added.

Shilpa's family claimed they spent around 35 lakh on the wedding and gave 150 grams of gold to the groom.

After marriage, the couple lived in BTM Layout. Praveen, who had worked with Oracle in Whitefield, left his job and started a panipuri business.

The complaint alleged that Praveen and his mother, Shantavva, harassed Shilpa mentally and physically for money, demanding 5 lakh for his business. When the demand was not met, she was allegedly assaulted and sent back to her parents.

Sharada said she eventually raised the money and sent her daughter back, but the harassment continued.

Praveens mother, Shantavva, also abused my daughter and insulted her constantly. Unable to bear the torture, Shilpa had come to our home four months ago, but we helped her reconcile with Praveen and his family before sending her back. Once, I had given her 5 lakh cash before she returned home to Praveen, Sharada said in her complaint.

Four months ago, a quarrel reportedly broke out during discussions about Shilpas baby shower.

On 26 August, the family was informed that Shilpa had died by suicide. When they reached her house, they found her lifeless on the bed, covered with a sheet.

Based on the complaint, police arrested Praveen. Further investigation is underway.

'Praveen's family said she died of heart attack' After Shilpa was found dead at their residence, her mother, Sharada, and sister Soumya alleged that Praveen and his family initially informed them that she died of a heart attack, but later claimed that she had ended her life, The Hindu reported.

Shilpa's family alleged that Praveen and his family members placed Shilpas body on the bed even before the police could reach the spot.

Questioning the circumstances under which she was found dead, her family members alleged that Praveen and his mother had murdered Shilpa.

If she had ended her life, why did they remove her body before the police arrived, and why did they initially claim that it was a heart attack? It is a pre-planned murder, a close relative of the victim told media persons on Thursday.
The Delhi High Court on Friday, August 29, reserved its decision on Gautam Gambhir Foundation's plea to quash criminal proceedings related to the alleged stocking and distribution of COVID-19 drugs during the second wave, reported the Live Law.

The report added that the bench headed by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna reserved the verdict following she heard advocate Jai Anant Dehadrai  appeared for Gambhir, and the counsel representing the State through the Drugs Control Department.

On August 27, the Delhi High Court didn't agree with the plea of halting trial court proceedings against Indian cricketer and current head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Despite a plea was made to quash the FIR against Gambhir, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna was firm in asserting that the court will entertain the request.

What is the case? Earlier in 2021, a petition was filed by Gautam Gambhir, Gautam Gambhir foundation and Gambhir's mother Seema and his wife Natasha. All of them had challenged the summoning order passed by the trial court and the criminal complaint against them.

A coordinate bench in September 2021 stayed the trial court proceedings against Gautam Gambhir and others.

Seeking recall of an order passed by Justice Krishna on April 9, Gambhir and others filed a fresh application. In that order, Justice Krishna ordered the vacating of the stay on the trial proceedings.

Previously, the Delhi government's Drug Controller launched a prosecution against Gautam Gambhir Foundation, its CEO and trustees for alleged contravention of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The drug controller, among others, launched a probe against then Aam Aadmi Party MLAs Praveen Kumar and Imran Hussain over similar allegations.
Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Urjit Patel, has been appointed as an Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to a Personnel Ministry order issued on 28 August.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Urjit Patel as the Executive Director of the IMF for a period of three years.

The notice stated, The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Dr. Urjit Patel, Economist and Former RBI Governor, to the post of Executive Director (ED) at the International Monetary Fund, for a period of three years with effect from the date of assumption of charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Patel served as the 24th Governor of the RBI from September 4, 2016. He took over as the RBI governor from Raghuram Rajan. Patel resigned from the post before completing his term, citing personal reasons. His tenure concluded a day after his resignation on December 10, 2018. He was the first RBI governor since 1990 to resign before the completion of his term.

Notably, this is not Urjit Patel's first stint at the IMF. Between 1996-1997, he was on deputation from the IMF to the central bank, where he advised on developing the debt market, reforming the banking sector, updating pension funds, and evolving the foreign exchange market.

From 1998 to 2001, Urjit Patel served as a consultant for the Ministry of Finance under the Department of Economic Affairs. He has also held various other roles in both the public and private sectors.

About IMF Board The IMF's Executive Board is responsible for conducting its day-to-day business. According to its official website, the Board consists of 24 Executive Directors elected by member countries or groups, headed by the Managing Director.
Punjab floods: A viral video shows Punjab ministers Barinder Kumar Goyal, Laljit Bhullar, and Harbhajan Singh wearing life jackets, wading through floodwaters and discussing their recent trips to Sweden and Goa while inspecting flood-affected areas. It has sparked outrage on social media and among the members of Congress in the state.

Another minister mentioned Goa during the conversation. They discussed their trips for a few minutes, after which one of the ministers highlighted people standing on the roofs of their houses, according to an NDTV report.

Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers over their discussion timing, considering the state has been hit by floods. He took to X and said, Flood-hit families in Punjab beg for a glass of drinking water, but @AAPPunjab Ministers @barinder_goyal, @Laljitbhullar and @AAPHarbhajan found time to relive their 'golden memories' of luxury cruises in Sweden & Goa. What a relief tour!

Social media users react One of the social media users remarked, What a disgrace such leaders are, Punjabis will never forgive such lack of empathy. Another said, "Enjoying cruise voyages at the cost of people who are trying hard to just survive the day. What shameless people, forgot that they were elected to serve people."

Punjab floods update Over 6,600 people have been evacuated from multiple flood-hit areas across Punjab, officials reported on Thursday, as a state minister urged the central government to grant a special relief package for the rain-devastated region, PTI reported.

With floodwaters continuing to rise in several districts, the Amritsar administration deployed amphibious all-terrain off-road (ATOR) vehicles and boats to rescue stranded residents in the Ramdas area. These specialized ATOR vehicles are capable of navigating both flooded zones and rough landscapes.

In Gurdaspur, authorities used drones to deliver essential supplies such as medicines, dry food, and bottled water to people marooned in the Dera Baba Nanak region.

Also Read | This private university bans American soft drinks on campus. Know why

Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, his cabinet ministers, and Aam Aadmi Party MLAs have pledged to donate one months salary to support ongoing relief and rescue operations.
New Delhi: The proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) restructure will lead to substantial revenue loss for states, leading to reduced welfare and development spending, ministers and representatives from eight states who met in the national capital on Friday to discuss the proposed tax reform decided to inform the GST Council.

As such, the GST rate cuts should be backed by a compensation scheme by the central government, they said.

These states have also decided to urge the GST Council to ensure that businesses should pass on the tax benefit to consumers, instead of profiteering.

Kerala finance minister K.N. Balagopal, who was part of the meeting, told Mint, The benefit of GST relief must be passed on to the final consumer by businesses. The tax rate rationalisation proposals involve huge revenue losses to states and hence they should be compensated.

Also Read | Profiteering worries cast cloud over GST cuts

Balagopal is also a member of the ministerial group set up by the GST Council, which last week approved the GST rate rationalisation proposal. The other states that attended Fridays meeting are Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal.

Separately, in a statement, Balagopal said, All eight states are eager to work with the Union government and the other state governments to ensure that GST rate rationalisation exercise results in beneficial outcomes for all the stakeholders.

All ministers and representatives who were present at the meeting voiced serious concerns about the substantial revenue loss that may arise from the GST restructure, the statement said.

Rate compression The tax rate restructure proposals mainly include compressing the four-rate GST structure into a two-rate regime, with most of the products and services getting shifted to lower slabs.

Accordingly, a range of goods from cars to kitchenware may turn cheaper. The central governments proposal is to implement the change before Deepavali in order to boost demand for goods and services in the economy.

Currently, GST is applied in four slabs - 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. The plan is to eliminate the 12% and 28% slabs.

Also, the compensation cess levied on luxury items and so-called sin goods like tobacco and caffeinated beverages in the 28% slab will be eliminated. States are now insisting on introducing a fresh duty on some of the items that attracted the cess so that their revenue loss could be minimised. They are also of the view that proceeds of such a duty should be fully transferred to states, which are already experiencing rising fiscal stress alongside an erosion of fiscal autonomy.

The eight states are expected to place half a dozen suggestions before the GST Council when it meets in the capital on 3 and 4 September, said a second person, who is also privy to the developments.

The states believe that GST rate rationalisation should be supported by a robust revenue protection framework. States revenue loss must be fully compensated through a scheme similar to the GST compensation cess, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong message from Japan on India-China relations, stating that stable, predictable and amicable bilateral relations between India and China as two neighbours and two largest nations can have a positive impact on global peace and prosperity.

He made the comments during an interview with Japan News.

PM Modi, who is currently in Japan for a two-day visit, will travel to China next for the SCO Summit in the nation's Tianjin.

India full of potential: Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and PM Modi agreed on Friday to deepen economic and security ties as New Delhi and Japan confront the common issue of Trump's tariffs on the nations.

"Japan and India should draw on each other's strengths, help solve each other's challenges, and even tackle together the issues that future generations will face," Ishiba said at a joint press announcement with Modi after talks in Tokyo.

On Friday, Japan also pledged to invest $68 billion in India, with PM Ishiba stating that India's massive market is full of potential.

PM Modi's Japan visit - Key Points PM Modi announced that ISRO and Japan's space agency JAXA will partner for Chandrayaan-5 project

He also invited Ishiba for the next India-Japan annual summit. India and Japan partnership is rooted in mutual trust, reflects our national priorities and is shaped by our shared values and beliefs. Together, we carry a common dream of peace, progress and prosperity of our people and for the world...For the next India-Japan Annual Summit, I invite you to India, ANI quoted PM Modi as saying.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on 29 August, beginning a two-day official visit to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

This marks Narendra Modi's first standalone visit to the country in nearly seven years. It is aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan.

The visit comes at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. During the summit, PM Narendra Modi will hold in-depth talks with his Japanese counterpart, reviewing progress across multiple domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

"Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration," PM Modi said in a post on X on Friday

From Japan, PM Narendra Modi will travel to China on 31 August 31 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

Next phase of Strategic and Global Partnership Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of the trip, stating that India and Japan will focus on the "next phase" of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has seen steady progress over the past 11 months.

The summit will provide an opportunity to launch new initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Japan cooperation and addressing emerging global challenges.

PM Narendra Modi will engage with Japanese political leaders, business leaders, and the friends of India in Japan, fostering deeper trade, investment, and technology relations between the two countries.

"This will be PM Modi's first annual summit with his Japanese counterpart, PM Ishiba and is hisfirst standalone visit to Japan in nearly seven years. He last visited for the annual summit in 2018," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters in New Delhi ahead of Narendra Modis two-day visit.

Misri added that the visit will be fully dedicated to the bilateral agenda between the two countries. This will be PM Narendra Modi's eighth visit to Japan since he took office in 2014.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi heads to Tokyo tonight for his first visit to Japan in 7 yrs

The two nations share a long history of diplomatic engagement, including multiple high-level visits and partnerships in trade, investment, clean energy, infrastructure, and technology.

USD 22.8 billion Bilateral trade between India and Japan reached USD 22.8 billion in 2023-24, with Japan being India's fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment, amounting to USD 43.2 billion up to December 2024, news agency ANI reported.

Both countries are also exploring cooperation in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, startups, clean energy, supply chain resilience, industrial competitiveness, and skill development.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi's visit will consolidate the longstanding friendship between India and Japan, open new avenues for cooperation, and reaffirm both countries' shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Here is the complete itinerary of PM Narendra Modi in Japan:

-After landing at Haneda International Airport, Tokyo, on Friday, PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend a business event during the day.

PM Narendra Modi will also meet Japanese dignitaries on Friday, the first day of his two-day trip to Japan.

-Among other engagements, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be presented with a Daruma Doll by the Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma Temple.

Also Read | Modi to meet Xi on 31 August on the sidelines of SCO summit in China

- The eventful day will end with the India-Japan Annual Summit.

Next day

-On Saturday, PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with National Governors Association

-PM Modi will attend the lunch hosted by the PM of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba.

This will be PM Modi's eighth visit to Japan since he took office in 2014.

- Tour of Tokyo Electron Factory with PM Ishiba is also in PM Narendra Modi's itinerary on Saturday.

- Wrapping up the Japan tour, PM Narendra Modi will head to Tianjin, China, for the all-important SCO summit.
A harrowing incident came to light recently in Uttar Pradesh, involving a 58-year-old man who allegedly killed his 17-year-old grandnephew. The shocking incident was reported from Prayagraj district. The details of the murder would send chills down the spine. The elderly man was arrested for chopping the young boy's body into pieces in an occult ritual, a police official informed PTI on Thursday.

The accused, a resident of the Kareli area in Prayagraj, was identified as Sharan Singh. According to police, he allegedly kidnapped his grandnephew, Piyush aka Yash, a Class 11 student at Saraswati Vidya Mandir School. The abduction occurred while the victim was on his way to school on August 26.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Bharti informed that Sharan was the brother of the victim's grandfather.

He said, "He was arrested on Wednesday night. During interrogation, Sharan confessed to the murder of his grandnephew Piyush and explained his motive," PTI reported.

As per the report, Sharan, who was suffering losses in his real estate business, acted on the instructions of a self-styled occultist who advised him to perform the "sacrificial ritual" to set himself and his family free from miseries and troubles. He later packed the pieces in plastic bags before disposing of Piyush's dismembered body.

"The accused Sharan Singh has confessed to chopping the victim into pieces as a sacrifice for getting rid of miseries on his family, packing them in separate plastic bags and throwing it at different places," PTI quoted DCP Abhishek Bharti as saying.

The victim's hands and legs were discovered from a forest in Karehda area while the torso wrapped in red and pink bedsheets, kept in a polythene bag, were thrown in a drain in Naini area on Wednesday, August 27. The crime came to light after an enquiry was conducted following discovery of torso. A woman revealed that she had seen the accused disposing of some item in Kuria Lawayan village.

Later, police found Piyush's head in the Saidpur Kachhar area in Kareli. "Police arrested the accused on Wednesday after identifying him through the registration number of his scooter," the senior official informed HT.
India's first legal challenge to its new online gaming prohibition has emerged, with a real-money gaming firm taking the government to court. On Thursday, the Karnataka High Court agreed to hear a petition filed by Heads Digital Works Pvt. Ltd, challenging the constitutional validity of the new law.

The petition, seen by Mint, argues the law is unconstitutional because it fails to distinguish between games of skill and games of chancea distinction upheld by Indian courts for decades. It contends that by equating skill-based games like rummy and poker with gambling, the law exceeds Parliament's legislative authority, a power traditionally reserved for state governments.

The company said the ban infringes on its fundamental rights to trade, equality, and livelihood, as protected by the Indian Constitution. The court will hear the matter on 30 August.

This abrupt action has resulted in the potential disruption of employment of 606 employees of the petitioner; and crores of rupees in investment in the petitioner company being lost overnight; but also potential loss of livelihood of over two lakh employees across the sector, and has resulted in the total loss of over 23,440 crore worth investments," the petition said.

The new law bans all forms of online money gaming, casting an existential question over the sector which generated nearly $3 billion in revenue until the last fiscal. Gaming companies are now hoping for a partial strike-down of the law.

The company, which operates platforms like A23 Rummy and Poker, asked the court to temporarily block the key sections of the law and grant a protective order to prevent any enforcement action against it, its directors, or its employees while the case is pending.

The petition highlighted a long history of court rulings that recognized skill-based games as distinct from gambling. It cites a 1968 Supreme Court decision that classified rummy as a game of skill, noting that state high courts have since struck down multiple attempts to ban such games, even when played for stakes.

The petition comes as other major industry players re-evaluate their business models. Dream11, one of the industry's largest companies, recently hosted a town hall where it alerted employees to a potential pivot away from money games toward areas like content streaming.

The petition said the government itself had favoured a self-regulatory approach and that senior leaders, including the Prime Minister and IT minister, have described online gaming as a "sunrise sector."

However, Vaishnaw has defended the law, pointing to the social harm from addictive gaming, devious algorithms that make the player lose over the long term, and protracted engagement with the industry.

"It seems like an appropriate legal move by the gaming company to approach the Karnataka High Court, especially since the court had earlier, in 2022, struck down provisions of the Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021, which sought to ban online real-money games of skill. That ruling has not been stayed by the Supreme Court, meaning it still holds, at least in the territory of Karnataka. Once the petition is filed, the Hon'ble High court while hearing the merits, may decide to admit the petition and may issue notices to the Centre and Respondents to respond," said Vidushpat Singhania, Managing Partner at Krida Legal.

In its petition, the company also raised concerns over the speed at which the legislation was passed. It said that the government's claims of a link between online gaming and social harms like suicides or financial crimes are unsubstantiated by official data.

Also Read | Indias sweeping online gaming ban puts billions in investor capital at risk

The petition also said that the law fails the proportionality test. It argues that a blanket ban is an excessive response when the industry already has multiple safeguards.

The company said it has raised money from both Indian and international investors, including well-known firms like Matrix Partners and Paragon Partners, as well as the Burman Family, who control Dabur Group. All of these investments were made legally and followed all relevant laws and regulations.

The petition further contends that the law fails the proportionality test. Existing safeguards in online skill gaming include Aadhaar-based KYC, age restrictions, deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, certified random number generators, anti-bot measures, and advertising regulations under ASCI codes.
Minneapolis catholic school shooter Robin or Robert Westman reportedly confessed in a manifesto that he was tired of being trans and wished he never brain-washed himself.

Westman, 23, had posted the two videos online just before he killed two children and wounded 18 more at a Minneapolis church.

His clips, timed with the attack that left two children dead, are being treated as a manifesto to uncover his motive.

I am tired In a twisted handwritten journal he shared on YouTube before the massacre, Westman groaned about his long hair and his decision to transition. Most of the writtings were encrypted in a homespun code of Russian Cyrillic script and English words.

I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself, he wrote, according to a translation by The Post.

I cant cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported. It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack," Westman reportedly wrote.

I wish I was a girl Westman, 23, later wrote that he regretted being trans and just wished he were a girl. I regret being transI wish I was a girl I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also cant afford that, he said.

I like feeling sexy and cute but The unhinged shooter also expressed feelings of self-loathing.

I like feeling sexy and cute but my face never matches how I feel. I hate my face maybe thats why I like furries so much. You can give yourself a new body and face. I want to be that black face mask on Beyonces body lmao!

Westman dies by suicide Rober Westman, an assailant armed with three guns, fired through stained-glass windows into a Catholic church where parish school students were attending Mass on Wednesday.

Two children were killed and 17 others were injured in the attack, officials said.

The shooting ended when the lone suspect, identified as Robin Westman, 23, "took his own life" at the rear of the church, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, who declined to offer a possible motive for the attack.

A videotaped message by the suspect showed Westman struggled with depression and was fascinated by the perpetrators of past mass shootings.

A 2017 yearbook from the school showed that Westman, who went by the first name Robert at the time, had been a student there, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

Westmans gender identity wasnt clear Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried hatred being directed at our transgender community.
Netflix is rolling out a heavy slate in September, blending nostalgia with brand-new originals. The lineup features buzzy docuseries, international dramas, cooking competitions, and a long list of classic films hitting the service.

New seasons and originals

lead the month Jenna Ortega is back in Wednesday Season 2 Part 2, streaming September 3. The Addams family mystery picks up where the cliffhanger left off, with Wednesday digging deeper into secrets tied to her classmates and family.

A week later, Netflix will stream aka Charlie Sheen. The two-part docuseries revisits the actors infamous 2011 breakdown. Sheen sits down for new interviews, joined by Denise Richards, his daughter Lola, and Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre.

Tyler Perrys Beauty in Black returns on September 11, continuing the story of two women navigating wildly different lives - one a business leader stuck in a failing marriage, the other still tied to sex work.

On September 17, Next Gen Chef brings 21 young chefs under 30 to the Culinary Institute of America, all competing for $500,000. Olivia Culpo hosts the high-pressure series.

Black Rabbit (September 18) follows Jude Law and Jason Bateman as brothers whose restaurants are tied to New Yorks criminal underworld, while House of Guinness (September 25) dramatizes the rise of the Guinness brewing empire, starring Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge.

The month also includes Ruth & Boaz (September 26), a modern retelling of the biblical story set in Georgia, and the 1999 rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You (September 28), starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger.

Classic films coming on Netflix The very start of the month brings a wave of classics. On September 1 alone, subscribers get E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Bridesmaids, La La Land, Boyz n the Hood, Shrek (all four films), Inside Man, Inglourious Basterds, Paddington, The Land Before Time, Stand by Me, Billy Madison, 8 Mile and more.

Other highlights include The Blackening (September 4), The Great British Baking Show (new episodes weekly starting September 5), Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret (September 11), Alice in Borderland Season 3 (September 25), and Interview with the Vampire Season 2 (September 30).

International picks and documentaries International originals and documentaries fill out the calendar. Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital (September 4) and The Dead Girls (September 10) bring true-crime edge. Spanish-language drama Her Mothers Killer returns September 8 with a second season.

Anime fans get a slate of Anpanman films on September 19, while Pokemon Horizons: Season 2 continues on September 26. On September 13, Netflix will stream Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford live.

It is a crowded month, with something new almost every day, from rom-com classics to heavyweight docuseries.

FAQs When does Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 come out on Netflix? The show premieres on September 3, 2025.

What is the Charlie Sheen docuseries about? It revisits his 2011 breakdown and includes interviews with Denise Richards, Lola Sheen, and Chuck Lorre.

Which Tyler Perry show is back in September? Beauty in Black returns for Season 2 on September 11.
PM Modi Japan Visit Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan's Tokyo, early Friday, August 29. This marks PM Modis eighth visit to the country. On the first day of his two-day visit to Japan, PM Modi met his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, and addressed India Japan Joint Economic Forum. He participated in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Ishiba, PM Modi arrived in Japan on August 29 and is set to depart for China thereafter. During his two-day China visit, from August 31 to September 1, he is set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on PM Modi's Japan visit
Dara Tah is facing heavy criticism after posting a controversial video. The Irish social media influencer shared his encounter with a so-called cannibal tribe in Papua.

Deep in the jungle of Papua... Just tried to make contact with a cannibal tribe LOL Will try again tomorrow. Wish us luck, Tah wrote on Instagram while sharing the video clip.

The clip begins with his group approaching a riverbank. Indigenous tribesmen are seen pointing bows and arrows at their boat.

Also Read | Emilie Kiser opens up about loss of son, shares lessons learned

Tah nervously remarks about the huge bows but continues filming. Following his guides advice, he offers salt to one of the tribesmen. The man tastes it but immediately spits it out.

Tah reacts awkwardly, saying the man doesnt look like he likes that. Soon after, his group decides to retreat, with one member warning, Were not welcome. Its really dangerous.

Tah admits the situation was absolutely terrifying. The video ends with the guide apologising for taking them there.

Social media reactions Many online users slammed Tah for sensationalising Indigenous communities and risking lives for content. Some accused him of being insensitive and disrespectful toward local traditions.

Isnt it illegal to try and contact them? asked one of them.

Of all the things you got, you gave them salt? Nice that you didnt get seasoned with it and grilled for dinner, commented another.

One user asked him to leave them alone.

You guys brought your own seasoning? quipped another.

Cocaine isn't for everyone, came another sarcastic reply.

One suspicious user said the cannibals were paid actors. It's 21st century yall... ppl be doing anything for money, the user added.

This is how you took our ancestors and land by offering them salt, biscuits and coke, commented another.

Another wrote, Do white people not know how to leave people alone?

Also Read | Supreme Court pulls up 5 influencers for jokes on disabilities - Who are they

Your daily food may be poison to them. Dont feed them, dont touch them, leave them alone, go away, please! came from another.

One user raises a valid question, Why are they a CANNIBAL tribe? They're just a tribe, respect them and respect their culture and privacy, you just appear there and judge them.

Cannibalism in the Fore tribe In the late 1950s, medical anthropologist Shirley Lindenbaum studied a funeral custom among the Fore tribe in Papua New Guinea. When someone died, instead of burial, the body was cooked and eaten as an act of love.

The belief was that being eaten by loved ones was better than worms or insects consuming the body. Women usually prepared and ate the body, especially the brain. They mixed it with ferns and cooked it in bamboo.

Children sometimes received small portions as snacks from their mothers. But, boys stopped once they joined the men.
In a bizarre incident, a Chinese man broke into a womans home, sedated her and drew her blood to relieve stress, reported South China Morning Post.

The report added that the man has been jailed for two years, while his actions have sparked outrage online.

Also Read | Viral optical illusion hides turtle in plain sight among leaves and water

According to the details, the incident took place on January 1, 2024 in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, southeastern China.

The man surnamed Li, broke into the home of a woman called Yu in the early hours of that day, when Yu was asleep in her bedroom while her husband was out.

The intruder gained entry by pushing the door open and knocked Yu using a black cloth soaked in anaesthetics. Following this, he drew blood from her arm.

But Li's act was interrupted when Yus husband returned home unexpectedly. Yu's husband reportedly struck Li with a kettle which prompted the intruder to flee.

On regaining consciousness, Yu said, as quoted by SCMP, "I found a tourniquet on the bed, the kind used in hospitals for drawing blood. I also felt pain in my left arm. There was a needle mark and bloodstains.

What does the forensic report says? Later, a forensic report from the Yangzhou Public Security Bureaus Forensic Evidence Identification Centre found traces of the anaesthetics sevoflurane and isoflurane on the black cloth left behind by Li.

Yu's neighbour surnamed Xu stated that many scared residents in the area installed surveillance cameras after the incident.

Li in court claimed his actions were intended to relieve his stress.

I just enjoy sneaking into other peoples homes. It gives me a thrill that helps relieve my pressure, he said.

Li had previously convicted for theft, rape and unlawful entry. He has also received administrative detention for invasion of privacy.
At just 23, Manoj Tumu, an Indian-American engineer has built a career in tech that most in his profession can dream about. The techie has now shared insights into his journey and revealed how he got the job.

Manoj Tumu, who now works at Mark Zuckerberg's Meta for an eye-popping salary of $400,000 or 3.36 crore left Amazon to join the social media giant at its advertising research team, he said in an article for Business Insider.

In June, I left Amazon to join Meta as a machine learning software engineer for a total compensation of over $400,000. I was really excited about it and knew I wanted to take the job as soon as I got the offer, he said in the article.

Explaining his reason to leave his job at Amazon, the GenZ techie said, Though I had learned a lot at Amazon, I just thought there was more interesting work going on at Meta.

Manoj Tumu reveals how he got $400,000 Meta offer In his article, Manoj Tumu said that the AI and Machine Learning fields have undergone a drastic change over the past few years.

It used to be a lot more acceptable to just use classical techniques, which rely on humans to make decisions about data representations. Now the focus is on deep learning, which taps into artificial neural networks to automatically learn features from raw data, he wrote.

Giving advice to AI job seekers, he said there are multiple variations in the title of the job  it could be research scientist, applied scientist, software engineer, or machine learning engineer, depending on the company.

The other crucial advice Manoj Tumu gave to people trying to break into the AI and Machine Learning field is to try to get a tech internship during college.

He advised that even low-paying internships can be beneficial for a machine learning career, and to not worry about the pay.

Manoj Tumu, who started his masters degree career in 2022, advised that experience is the biggest factor in landing roles at big tech companies, adding that he left cold emails. He said that his decent resume helped him secure his jobs at Meta and Amazon, as he did not have a reference for either of the companies.

When I see the resumes that people post online, asking for advice, I see projects or programming languages taking up space, he wrote.

Rather than highlighting projects on resume, Tumu advised to add experience.

Also Read | 35-year-old Microsoft techie Pratik Pandey found dead at Silicon Valley Campus

My general advice would be that once you have two or three years of experience, it's OK to remove the projects and focus more on highlighting your experience.

The common mistake One common mistake that job seekers make during interviews is during the behavioural round.

He noted that he went through six rounds of interviews at Amazon where they asked coding, machine learning, and behavioral questions.

Also Read | IIT Bombay graduate joined Meta with million dollar salary, quit in 5 months

He said that he studied the company's values to prepare for the behavioural interview and had a huge document where he would write down stories to answer possible questions along with follow-ups.
Barack and Michelle Obama continue to be one of the internets favourite couples, with fans often celebrating their enduring bond and heartwarming love story. An old video of the former First Lady on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has now gone viral, in which she revealed how the former US President proposed to her.

Michelle Obama had appeared on the talk show in 2018 while promoting her memoir Becoming. During the conversation, she shared a memorable anecdote about the proposal, which took place at a restaurant in Chicago. What began as a heated discussion about marriage soon turned into a surprise engagement.

Recalling the moment, Michelle said that Barack had often debated with her on whether marriage was necessary if two people truly loved each other. At dinner, he sparked the same argument, leaving her frustrated. He made an argument out of it (the proposal), she said, adding that she too joined in with her own lawyer-like counterpoints.

Just then, as dessert arrived, the waiter placed a small box in front of her. Inside was a ring. In the middle of the argument, I was like, Whaaat? He opened up the box and he said, Now that ought to shut you up. And it did, she recalled with a laugh.

The story, which highlights the Obamas playful yet strong relationship, is once again winning hearts online as the clip makes the rounds on social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Japan, was presented with a traditional Japanese talisman, the Daruma doll, by the chief priest of Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Tokyo.

Also Read | ISRO and Japanese space agency JAXA to partner for Chandrayaan-5: PM Modi

WATCH VIDEO

What is a Daruma doll? The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman symbolising perseverance and good luck. It is often used to set and achieve personal or professional goals.

A Daruma doll is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modelled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism.

These dolls are typically red in colour and depict the Indian monk, Bodhidharma.

But they may vary greatly in colour and design depending on region and artist.

The Daruma doll embodies the Japanese idiom of "fall down seven times, get up eight."

The Daruma dolls are one of the most beloved good luck charms in Japan and way more than just a souvenir.

According to Japan Objects, traditionally, a Daruma doll begins its journey when someone sets a personal goal or wish. Its one eye is colored in to mark the intention, while the other remains blank until the goal is fulfilled. It serves as a constant reminder, staring you down with purpose until you make that dream a reality.

As the year draws to an end, many people return their Daruma dolls to temples in a ceremony called Daruma Kuyo.

It is considered as a cleansing ritual of gratitude and release.

At these ceremonies, old Daruma dolls are respectfully burned in large bonfires, often accompanied by chants or blessings from monks.

Some temples allow people to write their wishes or reflections on the Daruma dolls before they are burned, turning them into a powerful spiritual time capsule.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris will no longer receive Secret Service protection after President Donald Trump moved to revoke the security detail that had been extended under his predecessor. A senior White House official confirmed the decision on Friday.

Why was Kamala Harriss protection withdrawn? Under American law, former vice presidents are entitled to six months of federal security protection once they leave office, in contrast to former presidents who enjoy lifetime coverage. Harriss period formally expired on 21 July.

However, sources familiar with the matter say that then-President Joe Biden had quietly authorised an extension, lengthening Harriss protection to 18 months. That arrangement would have continued until July 2026.

The Donald Trump administration has now issued an executive memorandum to the Department of Homeland Security terminating the extension with effect from Monday.

What does this mean for Harris? The decision comes as Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate in the last election, prepares to launch a promotional tour for her forthcoming memoir 107 Days, due to be published next month.

The withdrawal of secret service protection could leave her more exposed while travelling publicly, although private security arrangements are expected to be in place.

What is the political context? The announcement lands against a backdrop of heightened political polarisation in the United States. Trump, a Republican, defeated Harris in last years presidential contest after Joe Biden dropped out of the race mid-campaign. The move also follows a year in which Trump himself survived two assassination attempts, events that put the Secret Service under unprecedented strain.
The US State Department on Friday said that it is revoking and denying visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.

In a post on X, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott cited Palestine's links with terrorism as the reason for the decision.

Today the Trump Administration is announcing it will deny and revoke visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly per U.S. law, Pigott said in a post on X.

Before we take them seriously as partners in peace, the PA and PLO must completely reject terrorism and stop counterproductively pursuing the unilateral recognition of a hypothetical state, he added.

Who won't be allowed? The US State department did not provide a list of officials targeted by the move.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is among the top leaders who will travel to New York in September to deliver an address at the UNGA. However, it was unclear whether he was included in the restrictions.

The Palestinians' ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, told reporters that they were checking exactly what the US move means and how it applies to any of our delegation, and we will respond accordingly.

In July, the US imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

In a statement, the State Department said that it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.

Palestinian Authority officials have rejected claims of undermining peace prospects.

Meanwhile, other Western powers have move toward recognition of Palestinian statehood. In recent weeks, Canada, Britain, Australia and France and other US allies have indicated their intention to recognise Palestine as a country at UNGA, which is scheduled for late September.

Under the 1947 UN "headquarters agreement," the US is generally required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the UN in New York. But Washington has said it can deny visas for security, terrorism and foreign policy reasons.
US Senator Lindsey Graham cautioned that countries such as India, which buy Russian oil, are facing the consequences for supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In a post on X, the senator wrote, India, China, Brazil and others who prop up Putin's war machine by buying cheap Russian oil: How do you feel right now that your purchases have resulted in innocent civilians, including children, being killed? India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin. To the rest, you will soon, too.

Also Read | Oil ticks lower as end of driving season looms, Druzhba restarts

Kyiv attack Lindsey's remarks came after Russia launched missiles on Kyiv on Thursday, which resulted in the death of at least 10 people and injuries to dozens, ANI reported.

The European Union's diplomatic mission in the city was also damaged by the strikes, Euro News reported.

The attack was criticised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling it "another massive attack against our cities and communities." He stated that first responders were rescuing survivors from the debris of a residential building.

"At least 8 people have already been confirmed dead. One of them is a child. My condolences to all their families and loved ones," Zelensky wrote on X.

Also Read | Trump leans on national security to justify next wave of tariffs

US tariffs on India The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised the United States on Saturday for what he described as "unjustified and unreasonable" tariffs on Indian products after the Trump administration's decision to increase duties to over 50% as a penalty for India's purchase of Russian oil.

"What we are concerned about is that red lines are primarily in the interest of our farmers and, to some extent, our small producers. So when people pronounce that we have succeeded or failed, we, as a government, are committed to defending the interests of our farmers and small producers. We are determined on that. That's not something we can compromise," ANI quoted Jaishankar.

The Commerce Ministry on Thursday noted that the recent implementation of 50% tariffs by the United States will have a brief impact on India's exports, especially in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery. Nonetheless, it maintained that the long-term influence on overall trade and GDP will be limited.

"It is understood that 50 per cent tariffs are going to impact trade, especially the sectors on which tariffs are there. They will suffer some trade loss in the US. There will be an impact on textiles, chemicals, machinery, etc. for the short run, but it will not be a very long-term loss," a senior Commerce Ministry official told ANI.
US Vice President JD Vance expressed his readiness to assume the role of President of the United States in the event of a terrible tragedy. While affirming US President Donald Trump's good health, the 41-year-old stressed that his experience over the past 200 days has prepared him for the role.

In an interview with USA Today on Thursday, 28 August, the Vance said, I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people, adding that he has had the best "on-the-job training" and would be ready to step in as POTUS.

Also Read | White House to soon name CDC director after Donald Trump fired Susan Monarez

This statement comes amid speculation about the President's health, which began doing the rounds after he was spotted with a bruise on his hand during his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

And if, God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy, I can't think of better on-the-job training than what I've gotten over the last 200 days, he added.

Controversy on US president's health following bruised hand

The first time Donald Trump was spotted with a bruised hand was in July this year, which was seemingly covered with foundation. Around the same time, photos and videos of considerable swelling in Trump's legs also went viral.

Soon after, the White House refuted rumours around the 79-year-old's health and downplayed the bruise. It claimed that the bruising was due to "frequent, forceful handshakes and the use of aspirin".

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement to address the issue, asserting that all medical reports indicate that the President is fit. She reiterated that the bruising was due to handshakes and cited chronic venous insufficiency as the underlying reason.

Also Read | Donald Trump, Elon Musk and the age of the genius

President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day," Karoline Leavitt said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the sharing of altered photos of her, other women on a pornographic website, which she called out, saying she felt disgusted and was disheartening to witness this as those who trample on a womans dignity hide behind anonymity or a keyboard.

Meloni said, I am disgusted by what has happened. I want to extend my solidarity and support to all the women who have been offended, insulted and violated. It is disheartening to note that in 2025, there are still those who consider it normal and legitimate to trample on a womans dignity and target her with sexist and vulgar insults, hiding behind anonymity or a keyboard."

Meloni called for quick justice, cautioning that even general online content could be weaponised, saying, Content that is considered harmless can, in the wrong hands, become a terrible weapon. And we must all be aware of this."

What exactly happened? The website, Phica, which allegedly had over 700,000 subscribers, displayed edited and cropped images of Meloni, her sister Arianna, and opposition leader Elly Schlein, along with crude captions. The images, sourced without permission from social media and public platforms, were altered to portray the women in a sexualised manner. Following the scandal that emerged this week, the operators of Phica took the site down, stating that users had misused the platform, reports said.

A probe was initiated by police after they got official complaints from numerous women, comprising members of the centre-left Democratic Party. Doctored images of high-profile women displayed in the sites VIP section".

The case has led numerous women to lodge complaints against Phica and other similar platforms. This follows Meta's recent shutdown of an Italian Facebook group called Mia Moglie ("My Wife"), where men shared private photos of women without their consent.

A Democratic Party (PD) politician, Valeria Campagna, who lodged an official complaint, took to Facebook and said she was disgusted, angry and disappointed and couldnt stay silent.
Thailand's former Primer Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was suspended in July, has now been removed from the office by the Constitutional Court, after it found her guilty of ethical misconduct over a leaked phone call with Cambodias ex-PM, Hun Sen.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the fourth member from the family to be sacked from government office, and the fifth prime minister to be removed from office by Thai judges since 2008.

Also Read | Thailand gets PM for only one day after leader suspended over ethical misconduct

She is the daughter of former Thai PM and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra. The powerful Shinawatra family have presided over several Thai governments, with the Paetongtarn's removal marking a blow in their political dynasty.

Why was Paetongtarn Shinawatra sacked? On Friday, nine judges of the Constitutional Court voted six to three against Paetongtarn, ruling that her actions had violated ethical standards expected of her office.

The court said that Paetongtarn possessed a "personal relationship" that "appeared to align with Cambodia" and dismissed her claims that the call was a personal negotiation to... bring back peace without using violence, reported BBC.

What was the leaked call? Shinawatra's suspension from the Prime Minister's office in July 2025, centers around a leaked telephone conversation between the ex-Thai PM and former Cambodian Prime Minister and current Senate President Hun Sen.

Critics claim the call revealed compromising remarks and an overly conciliatory approach to Cambodia amid Thailand's ongoing border tensions with the nation.

As per reports, public anger focused on Shinawatra's remarks during the leaked call, which allegedly criticised a regional army commander and suggested appeasing Cambodian officials to de-escalate tensions.

Who will be the next Thai PM? Paetongtarn Shinawatra's successor will be chosen by the parliament, where her party now holds a slim majority after its main coalition partner, the conservative Bhumjaithai party, withdrew its support over her controversial call, reported BBC.

As per the Thai law, parliament does not have to be dissolved in order to select a new leader, but a majority of MPs do need to support one of five registered candidates.

Also Read | Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra announces emergency in Bangkok over earthquake
Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk on 28 August said Russia hit a Ukrainian Navy ship, killing one crew member and injuring many others, Kyiv Independent reported. Its reconnaissance ship Simferopol, which was largest ship commissioned by the country in over a decade, was attacked and sunk in a naval drone strike, the Russian Defence ministry asserted. It is reportedly Russia's first sea drone attack.

The spokesperson, as per the newspaper, said, Efforts to address the aftermath of the attack are ongoing. The majority of the crew are safe, and the search for several missing sailors continues.

About the Ukrainian Navy vessel According to a report by RT, Defence Ministry statement mentioned, a Laguna-class medium-sized vessel, built for radio, electronic, radar, and optical reconnaissance, was hit in the Danube River delta, a portion of which lies within Ukraines Odessa Region. A TASS report quoting a UAV specialist said this marked the first successful deployment of a sea drone to destroy a Ukrainian Navy vessel, the report added.

Launched in 2019, the Simferopol became part of the Ukrainian Navy in 2021. The WarGonzo Telegram channel said that it was the largest vessel Ukraine had launched since 2014.

In recent months, Russia has reportedly ramped up the production of naval drones and other unmanned systems, which have played an increasingly significant role in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Additionally, Russian forces reportedly targeted a major drone production facility in Kyiv with two missile strikes overnight, according to Ukrainian politician Igor Zinkevich, as cited by RT. He added the site was being readied for production of Turkish Bayraktar drones.

Ukrainian military intelligence announced on Thursday that it had targeted and damaged a small Russian missile-armed warship in the Sea of Azov. "As a result of the strikes, a Russian missile ship, which was in the potential launch zone of Kalibr missiles in the Temryuk Bay, was damaged and forced to leave the combat duty area," Reuters quoted the military intelligence as saying.
Turkey on 29 August hit Israel with a slew of measures from cutting trade ties to restricting airspace to barring Israeli ships from its ports.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey has decided to forbid Israeli vessels from using its ports and place restrictions on planes coming to Turkish airspace, according to a report by Reuters.

While speaking on Israel's attacks on Gaza in the parliament session, Fidan said, We have totally cut our trade with Israel, we have closed off our ports to Israeli ships and we are not allowing Turkish vessels to go to Israel's ports.

"We are not allowing container ships carrying weapons and ammunition to Israel to enter our ports, and airplanes to go into our airspace. Our planes are ready, once Jordan gives its approval, we will be in a position to go," he added.

Turkish port authorities have begun unofficially asking shipping agents to submit letters confirming that vessels are not associated with Israel and are not transporting military or hazardous cargo destined for the country, Reuters' source said. Additionally, they mentioned that Turkish-flagged ships would be banned from docking at Israeli ports.

Turkish media reports last week indicated that Israeli ships were being denied entry to Turkish ports, and that Turkish-flagged vessels were prohibited from docking in Israel. However, these claims remained unconfirmed by authorities until Fidan's official statement.

Israel and Turkey trade totaled nearly $7 billion in 2023 In May 2024, Turkey had already severed direct trade relations with Israel, calling for a lasting ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), trade between the two nations totaled approximately $7 billion in 2023.

Ankara has consistently condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeling them as genocide and likening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.

Turkish authorities denied Israeli President Isaac Herzog's aircraft permission to fly through Turkish airspace en route to a summit in Azerbaijan in November, 2024.

"We did not allow the Israeli president to use our airspace to attend the COP summit. We suggested alternative routes and other options," Erdogan informed reporters at the G20 Summit in Brazil, Reuters reported. Erdogan later remarked, As Turkey, we have to take a stance on certain issues."
Make in India, vocal for local and  atmanirbharta  (self- reliance)these have been recurring themes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his effort to promote Indian manufacturing. Lately, his emphasis has been on  swadeshi , especially as retail advice for Indians to buy Indian goods. Literally, it means of our own country, but has long borne the heritage of our freedom struggle, its spirit symbolized by Mahatma Gandhis charkha , a wooden wheel for handspun cloth.

Modis recent reinterpretation of what it implies is helpfulboth to thrive in a world girdled by links across borders and in the specific context of US tariffs skewing trade and slowing global growth.

Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Modis swadeshi call: A pragmatic approach

A policy obsession with self-reliance might seem to be at odds with the reality of our gains from globalized growth. Trade has notched up GDP shares in the 45-50% range, even as we make and export millions of mobile phones that use imported parts, count as a big exporter of software services and host thousands of Global Capability Centres that employ local talent and do research for foreign businesses. Yet, as a rhetorical device that harks back to a campaign against colonial rule that inspired Indians to be self-reliant, it has its uses.

Indias share of manufacturing in gross value added remains stubbornly below 14%. If we literally try to go for indigenous supply chains, that share would only shrink. Hence, Modis nuance is welcome.

Speaking at the opening of an export-focused factory for electric vehicles set up by Maruti Suzuki, a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corp, he said: It doesnt matter whose money is investeddollars, pounds, black or white. What matters is that the sweat of my countrymen has gone into production. The money may be someone elses, but the sweat is ours. The production carries the fragrance of my motherland, the soil of Bharat."

Also Read: Arming up: Be Indian, buy Indian is a useful mantra for strategic autonomy

This rids todays self-reliance of any taint of autarky. Clearly, it is not a throwback to our closed economy, as it seeks foreign investment for job generation; if theres any chain of value addition that delivers a good or service globally, we want a slice of it.

Such an outlook can help local producers wedge themselves into transnational supply chainsespecially if aided by lower import dutieswhile a push for fully home-made stuff would have made it harder to make export headway.

Modis pragmatism echoes that of the Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, who said that the colour of the cat did not matter so long as it caught the mice, a dictum that drove Chinas rise. Entrepreneurs, of course, would take the black-or-white binary at face value only at the risk of law enforcers knocking at their doors. Figuratively, a colour-blind red carpet for investors suggests we are open for business even with hostile neighbours; here, security caveats must apply. Even so, in general, the Prime Minister has affirmed Indias openness.

Also Read: Let fiscal federalism and economic freedom drive prosperity in times of a trade war

Modis definition of swadeshi is not just apt economics in todays context, but also savvy geopolitics. While calling for a boycott of US goods for shutting out our exports with a steep 50% tariff may be impolitic, urging us to buy Indian products targets nobody. Since such goods cover anything with local value addition, the signal sent overseas should nudge global investors eyeing our market to generate jobs here.

So, while the spirit of swadeshi has been invoked in the face of US tariff aggression, our policy has not come full circle. It isnt an inward turn. Nor should it lead to one.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took yet another jibe at the Election Commission of India on 28 August, saying that the poll body must stop acting like a lollipop The TMC chief called the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government at the Centre a lollipop sarkar.

Mamata Banerjee attacked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar.

"This is a 'lollipop sarkar'. They are trying to threaten the BDO, SDO, DM, and Police. They are saying that either they will take away their jobs or put them in jail. The ECI comes and goes, but the State Government remains. The Election Commission has a lifespan of 3 months only during elections. Just like we have Lakshmir Bhandar, we also know about your 'Corruption Bhandar'. I will expose everything," West Bengal CM said, addressing a gathering on the occasion of Triamool Chatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day in Kolkata.

Mamata Banerjee's comments came amid a political row and legal issues regarding the SIR exercise in Bihar. The Election Commission has suggested that the exercise will be conducted elsewhere. While Bihar is going to polls later this year, the assembly elections are scheduled in West Bengal next year.

"On one hand, there is the BJP; on the other hand, we have their friend, the Left Front. I respect the chair of the ECI. It suits children to have a lollipop, but it does not suit the ECI to act like a lollipop. This is Bengal. Kolkata was once the capital of undivided India. The British then changed it because they knew that even if they defeated other States, they could not fight us," Mamta Banerjee added

The Trinamool Congress chief also launched a scathing attack at the BJP over nepotism in politics, claiming that the ruling party at the Centre is itself involved in it.

"They speak of dynasty politics. What about your son Amit Shah? Who is the ICC President? Is this not dynasty politics? Ask them how many of their family members are holding bureaucratic posts in different States! We do not give lollipops; we ensure democratic rights," she said.

CM Mamata also said that people of Bengal will not "tolerate" the torture of the poor by branding them as Bangladeshis.

It suits children to have a lollipop, but it does not suit the ECI to act like a lollipop.

"During the partition of Bangladesh, the people's language was Bangla, that's why they speak in Bangla... BJP is conducting a survey by bringing a 500-member team to delete names from the electoral roll. Don't share your documents with them. Because they're planning to collect your documents and remove your names from the voter list. Just take an Aadhaar card because it's a mandatory ID proof," she added.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra is once against at the center of a political controversy, this time, for her alleged remarks about Home Minister Amit Shah, on the issue of infiltration from Bangladesh. The BJP condemned her statement and the party filed a police complaint at Krishnanagar's Kotwali police station on Friday.

"They are repeatedly talking about infiltrators; but the border of India is protected by five forces, and that is directly the Home Ministry's responsibility," Moitra said, in addition to the objectionable statement against Amit Shah.

The Krishnanagar MP made the comments while interacting with reporters in West Bengal's Nadia district on the sidelines of an event when she hit out at the home minister for not tackling the issue of infiltration and blaming the TMC government over the issue, reported PTI.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address, Mahua Moitra further said, "Standing at Red Fort, the PM himself said infiltrators are causing demographic changes. But even as he was saying this, his Home Minister was standing in the front row, smiling and clapping."

How BJP reacted BJP leaders criticised Mohua Moitra's remarks, describing them as "deeply objectionable" and an insult to democratic discourse, reported PTI.

"The distasteful and objectionable remarks only reflect the mindset of the person and the TMC. We would like to know, is this official line of the TMC, if not they must tender an apology and initiate action against Moitra," BJP leader Rahul Sinha said.

Mahua Moitra reacts As the controversy between the TMC MP and BJP snowballed, Moitra accused the BJP of picking one issue and making it viral on social media.

Also Read | Disgusting, Mahua Moitra slams TMC colleagues over gangrape comment
Google has issued a strong warning to Gmail users after a well-known hacking group, ShinyHunters, managed to steal sensitive information through a data breach. According to Googles Threat Intelligence Report, the hackers gained access to data through a corporate Salesforce system, leaving billions of Gmail accounts potentially vulnerable.

The company said around 2.5 billion Gmail users have been urged to reset their passwords and strengthen their account security, Tech Radar reported. While the exposed information included mostly names and business contact details, Google warned that this still increases the chances of phishing scams and extortion attempts.

How the breach happened As per Tech Radar, the breach took place when ShinyHunters impersonated company staff to trick IT support teams and gain access to Googles Salesforce instance. Google confirmed that the stolen data was limited to basic and largely public business information, but stressed that the threat should not be underestimated.

In a statement, the company said, In June, one of Googles corporate Salesforce instances was impacted by UNC6040 activity. The data retrieved was confined to basic business names and contact details.

Phishing and extortion risks Google has emailed affected users to be on the lookout for phishing emails or calls demanding Bitcoin payments. Cyber experts say even harmless information can be used to create social engineering attacks that trick users into sharing sensitive data.

ShinyHunters has a long track record of major cyberattacks. The group was previously linked to breaches involving Santander, AT&T, and Allianz, making it one of the most dangerous hacker groups today.

Googles report further warns that the hackers may launch a data leak site (DLS) in the near future to put additional pressure on their victims.

Whats next? Google says it is monitoring ShinyHunters and will update as the situation develops. In the meantime, users should change their passwords, enable two-factor authentication and be cautious of suspicious emails or calls.

FAQs 1. Who is behind the Gmail breach? ShinyHunters, the hacking group that has hit major global companies, is behind the data breach.

2. What kind of data was exposed? Mainly names and business contact details, but this data can be misused for phishing and extortion.
New Delhi: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani on Friday launched Reliance Intelligence, a wholly-owned arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), promising artificial intelligence (AI) "everywhere and for every Indian".

The new AI business, the promoter of the $208-billion conglomerate stressed, may have just as large, if not larger impact on the groups future, just as its venture in the mobile internet-driven digital services did a decade ago.

Speaking at the companys 48th annual general meeting in Mumbai, Ambani announced the launch of Reliance Intelligence with a paid-up capital of 1 crore. Simultaneously, the company announced the expansion of its partnerships with its existing shareholdersGoogle and Meta Platformsfor AI applications and services. The two Big Tech companies hold 7.73% and 9.99% stakes in Ambanis Jio Platforms Ltdformed in 2016 and driven in revenue primarily by the telecom operator, Reliance Jio.

For its AI venture, Ambani underlined four clear missions, which included setting up gigawatt-scale data centres in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The other three missions included striking partnerships with global tech firms, building consumer- and industry-facing AI applications, and building a base of employees working on AI that would include world-class researchers, engineers, designers and product builders.

Reliance Intelligences partnership with Google will specifically cater to the companys claim to build large-scale data centres, which industry stakeholders said is imperative as India remained underserved in terms of net data centre capacity. Meanwhile, through RIL, the partnership with Mark Zuckerbergs Meta will see the two companies jointly invest $100 million to build an open-source AI platform-as-a-service for businesses. Reliance will hold the majority share of this venture, at 70%.

AI is already at the heart of Reliance's transformation into a deep-tech enterprise A decade ago, digital services became a new growth engine for Reliance. Now, the opportunity before us with AI is just as large, if not larger. Jio promised and delivered digital everywhere and for every Indian. Similarly, Reliance Intelligence promises to deliver AI everywhere for every Indian," Ambani, chairman of RIL, said about the new venture. "With Reliance Intelligence and our strong partnerships, green infrastructure, and India-first governance, we are building for the next decade with confidence and ambition.

Ambanis renewed push into artificial intelligence comes just two-and-a-half years after ChatGPT turned generative AI into a part of everyday conversation.

Since then, companies have been working to understand how to modify and adapt AI to their digital transformation goals. Consumers, meanwhile, are seeing an increasing barrage of AI features that include image editors, proofreaders and even education assistantssuch as Silicon Valley starlet OpenAI striking education partnerships with Indian government bodies.

Industry consultants said that even though AI and mobile internet are fundamentally different propositions, Reliance's push is likely to help generative AI applications proliferate among mainstream users in the country. However, even guest speeches from Google chief Sundar Pichai alongside Metas Zuckerberg, as well as the announcement of Jios public listing plan by the first half of the next calendar year, failed to enthuse investors. On Friday, shares of RIL settled 2.2% lower at 1,357 apiece on the BSE.

But, the company's AI foray was largely greeted positively.

The data centre move is a much-required one. The US has over 51 megawatt (MW) of per-capita data centre capacity, while Indias capacity stands only at 1MW. While a large amount of data centre capacity is being built by India right now, the market currently remains underserved," said Kashyap Kompella, an AI and technology consultant. "On this note, the first part of Reliances AI missions is on-point. The second part is where Reliance already has unprecedented scale, and would be capable of integrating AI into its services at scale, is in applicationshere, building for India-specific languages and use cases will likely see consideration reception going forward, Kompella said.

Jayanth Kolla, co-founder and partner at technology consulting firm Convergence Catalyst, said that Reliances AI push is akin to Apples push for Intelligence by adding a layer of AI to its services.

The key to understand here is that every global AI firm is focusing on India to build scale. For example, Perplexity announced its partnership with Bharti Airtel in order to find an increasing usage scale in the country. This is where Reliance partnering with Google and Meta in AI would be akin to an Indian industrial conglomerate signing up Microsofts Windows and the Linux platforms as partners and stakeholdersback in the pre-internet computer proliferation era, Kolla added.

However, a third senior consultant, who requested anonymity due to conflict of interest, said that the quantum of investment floated as part of Reliance Intelligence shows a tentative approachand not an all-out acceleration in AI from the oil-to-data conglomerate.
Bryleigh Patterson reportedly left her home on Countryside Drive during the afternoon and has not been seen since.
An Israeli F-15 Eagle. (IDF)

As the Houthis have continued to launch missiles at Israel, including firing a cluster munition for the first time on August 22, Israel responded with strikes in Houthi-controlled territory on August 24 and August 28.

On August 24, the IDF announced that Israel struck four targets in Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen. The locations hit included military infrastructure in the presidential palace, the Hezyaz power plant, a fuel storage site, and possibly a power substation.

These strikes were carried out in response to repeated Houthi attacks on Israel with missiles and UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles]. The Houthis, backed by Iran, continue to exploit civilian infrastructure for terror purposes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated. Israel has repeatedly targeted Houthi military sites, as well as power and economic infrastructure that enables the groups terrorist attacks, since October 2023, when the Houthis began targeting Israel in solidarity with Hamas.

Israel followed up the strikes on August 24 with another round of strikes that targeted Houthi leaders on August 28. Israel targeted the Houthi groups chief of staff, defence minister and other senior figures in airstrikes on Sanaa in Yemen on Thursday, and was still verifying the outcome, according to an Israeli military official speaking to Reuters. Israel conducted the operation as Houthi leader Abdulmalik al Houthi was delivering his weekly address.

Sources in Yemen have said that Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al Rahawi, a political figurehead, was killed in Israels attacks. Other sources say that the groups chief of staff, Mohammad al Ghamari, and minister of defense, Mohammed Nasser al Atifi, were targeted in a different attack, a claim confirmed by the IDF. The results of that strike are unknown.

Ghamari, a trusted Houthi military leader with extensive ties to Irans Axis of Resistance, Tehrans network of allied regional proxies, was previously targeted in June and believed to have been injured. Both Ghamari and Atifi are important leaders in the Houthis military establishment. However, decision-making is concentrated in Abdulmalik and his inner circle, making individuals, even those with significant political titles such as Rahawi, less central to the groups operations.

The Houthis quickly and vociferously denied that the airstrikes achieved success, insisting that no leaders were targeted.

It is unlikely that Israel or the Houthis will confirm the death of key leaders quickly if any were killed. Israel, though likely to release such information, will require time to conduct an assessment and verify deaths. The Houthis will likely delay the announcements and funerals of slain leaders, especially if important military figures were, in fact, assassinated.

Since the Houthis began their attacks on Israel and commercial shipping in November 2023, the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom have been unable to successfully target key leaders of the Yemeni terrorist group, despite extensive air campaigns. If Israel killed high-profile figures, it likely indicates that its intelligence regarding the group has improved.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis.
A 19-year-old woman killed in a crash early Sunday morning was remembered in her obituary as an "outgoing, lively, vivacious, young woman."

Finleigh Dragon, of Auburn, was rushed to a hospital after her car was found overturned and partially submerged in Stoneville Reservoir. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Dragon was born and grew up in Southbridge before moving to Auburn. She graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in 2024 and was set to begin studying nursing at Quinsigamond Community College this fall, according to the obituary.

She was an outgoing, lively, vivacious, young woman who was sadly taken too soon, the notice reads. She loved her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

Dragon loved the ocean and spent many summers with her family in Ocean Park, Maine, and often visited beaches in Rhode Island with her friends.

She was a strong, very loving and funny girl. Finleigh was a social butterfly whose presence lit up the room, the obituary reads.

Dragon had a special bond with her two brothers and the trio made many great memories together. She loved to thrift shop and was quite a fashionista, her family wrote.

Calling hours for Dragon will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Varnum Funeral Home at 43 East Main St. in West Brookfield. A graveside committal service will be held the next day, on Friday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at North Cemetery on Maple Street in Southbridge.
Harvard University is anxiously waiting for a decision from a federal judge over its lawsuit against the Trump administration seeking to restore canceled government funding for the university. But a recent Supreme Court decision might change the trajectory of the lawsuit.

Jodie Ferise, partner at higher education law practice at Church Church Hittle and Antrim law firm, said the result could have consequences across higher education, which has been in the cross hairs of the Trump administration.

Harvard has been carrying higher ed on its back. Harvards been graciously serving as this torchbearer while other institutions have capitulated. But I think much of that was because on the horizon was winning on the merits. And now, I would imagine it does bring additional weight to bear, Ferise said.

On August 21, the Supreme Court partially overturned a ruling from Judge William Young in Boston, where he ordered that the guidance from the Trump administration was illegal and that the National Institutes of Health restore nearly $800 million in research funding that was linked to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Supreme Court didnt invalidate Youngs judgment on the guidance but determined that Young lacked the jurisdiction to restore the grants, according to Ferise.

Instead, the Supreme Court ruled that court cases like these should be put in the Court of Federal Claims  but the guidance issue must make it all the way through the courts before individual grant cancellations can be disputed.

As such, legally, future grants cant be terminated along Trumps guidance due to ties to DEI. However, the grants that Young ordered to be restored are now in limbo  neither terminated nor active.

I think they are using jurisdiction as a backdoor way of giving the administration what it wants, Ferise said.

Facing unbelievable pressure

As part of the ruling, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in an opinion that lower court judges may sometimes disagree with this Courts decisions, but they are never free to defy them.

Gorsuchs opinion can be seen as a message to judges like Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who is presiding over Harvards cases, to make the right decision and side with the federal government, Ferise said.

I think timing-wise, one could surmise that that may have been pointed at her and the decision that has not yet been rendered, Ferise said.

While Ferise said she doesnt know whether Burroughs will bend to the Supreme Courts decision, if Burroughs does rule in favor of Harvard, it will likely be appealed and head to the Supreme Court, which will likely find that Burroughs lacks the jurisdiction to rule in the universitys favor, Ferise said.

Read more: Trump admin to impose a limit on how long international students can stay in US

That would force the lawsuit to send Harvard back to the starting gate, to begin again in the Court of Federal Claims.

That elongated process could push Harvard to make a deal with the federal government instead of pursuing its litigation with the Trump administration, she said.

That is unbelievable pressure being brought to bear to concede to the demands of an administration thats just holding them hostage for want of very important research funding, she said.

Talks of a potential deal have been looming for months and President Donald Trump told U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the federal government shouldnt negotiate with Harvard.

We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard, he said. Dont negotiate, Linda. Theyve been very bad.

The institution requested that Burroughs make a decision on the court case before September 3, when Harvard has said much of the damage from the Trump administrations billions in research grant and other funding cuts would be irreversible.

If other major funding sources dont step up to cover the gap of federal funding, it would pause or force the closure of major research projects, including many intending to find cures for or help alleviate human diseases.

What Harvards lawyers say

In a document filed on August 24, following the Supreme Court ruling, Harvards lawyers argued that the university doesnt only seek individual grant terminations to be restored.

The university also intends for the federal government to comply with the First Amendment to stop retaliating against the university and to comply with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin.

As such, Harvards lawyers argue that the case should remain under Burroughs jurisdiction.

At the very least, this Court should declare that the Government acted unlawfully and grant Harvard the prospective injunctive relief and vacatur of agency policies that it seeks, the lawyers said.

Despite Harvards lawyers attempting to redirect the lawsuit to be centered on the First Amendment and Title VI, Ferise said the original complaint from Harvards lawyers was focused on the federal funding freeze.

I hope that it would be seen different[ly], Ferise said. I just dont know if the Supreme Court would.
A man who sued the Massachusetts Parole Board over delays in hearings was granted parole this week after serving over 25 years of his original life sentence for orchestrating a fatal shooting nearly 30 years ago.

Robert Francis was 19 years old in February 1995 when he organized the shooting of a rival gang in Springfield that resulted in the death of Carlos Falcon and injuries to three others, according to the parole boards findings. Francis was the chief enforcer in his gang, and at his instruction, two other members carried out the shooting on State Street while he stayed in an apartment.

A Hampden County Superior Court jury found Francis guilty of accessory before the fact to first-degree murder, three counts of accessory before the fact to armed assault with intent to murder and three counts of accessory before the fact to assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

But in January 2024, a decision by Massachusetts highest court opened up the possibility of Francis and approximately 130 other prisoners being granted release. The 4-3 Supreme Judicial Court decision dictated that it is unconstitutional to sentence defendants to life in prison without parole if they were between the ages of 18 and 20 when they committed a crime.

But for months after the ruling, release remained a far off prospect for Francis and the other prisoners while the wheels of the parole application process churned slowly. In June 2024, the parole board sent them a letter informing them that theyd begin scheduling their parole hearings in September.

We hope you will be understanding and patient as this is an unprecedented amount of additional cases to add to the Parole Boards calendar, the letter stated.

Soon, Francis and six other prisoners who were tired of waiting sued the board over the delays. More than a year after the Supreme Judicial Courts decision, not one Plaintiff has had a parole hearing or even had their hearing scheduled, the lawsuit stated.

Finally, in April 2025, Francis appeared before the parole board to make his case.

On Monday, the board approved the now-48-year-old mans release into a long-term residential program following 90 days in a lower security prison. Such programs are meant to help parolees who have served long sentences integrate back into society.

In its decision, the board wrote that it considered a doctors report, Francis risk assessment, his work as a unit runner in prison and his completion of self-improvement programs for prisoners. It also noted that he has not been disciplined for any infractions during the last five years of his incarceration and has expressed remorse for his actions.

The board included special conditions for Francis release, including that he remain in his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., wear an electric monitor for six months, undergo drug and alcohol testing, have no contact with Falcons family and receive mental health counseling.

The Board finds Mr. Francis release is compatible with the welfare of society, it wrote.
The Massachusetts Health Connector has started to announce groups of people who will lose their insurance coverage because of new federal policies. Courtesy

New federal policies borne out of President Trumps Big Beautiful Bill have begun to kick certain populations off public health insurance.

In Massachusetts, state officials have estimated that about 250,000 people will ultimately lose coverage as a result of the federal budget reconciliation bill signed into law by Trump on July 4. Its a devastating blow in a state that has spent the better part of two decades working to achieve near-universal health insurance coverage for its citizens.

Many of those who will be impacted first are immigrants, as announced by the Massachusetts Health Connector  the states health insurance marketplace  this month.

As of Aug. 25, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are no longer considered lawfully present by the federal government for the purpose of enrolling in marketplace coverage. DACA recipients currently enrolled in plans through the Health Connector will see their coverage end on Aug. 31.

There are approximately 5,000 DACA recipients residing in Massachusetts.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, more than 34,000 legal immigrants in the state will lose coverage with the elimination of the ConnectorCare Plan Type 1. ConnectorCare plans have $0 or low monthly premiums, low out-of-pocket costs and no deductibles.

The ConnectorCare Plan Type 1 currently covers immigrants who are not yet eligible for MassHealth Standard because of their status (must be in the country legally for five years) and have incomes that are below 100% of the federal poverty level.

In order to maintain coverage, they would have to see their income rise, qualifying them for higher income plan types. Changes to their immigration status and household size could also factor into their continuing to receive coverage.

Nearly all of the 34,000 people losing coverage under ConnectorCare Plan Type 1 will remain eligible for emergency care only under MassHealth Limited and care provided by hospitals and community health centers through the states Health Safety Net.

But the Health Safety Net  the states health care charity fund, essentially  is currently operating in the red.

In the 2023 budget year, the program reported a $152 million shortfall, and the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association has estimated the losses could reach $290 million at the close of the federal governments 2025 budget year on Sept. 30.

These coverage losses will push the fragile Health Safety Net program into a precarious state that will lead to undesirable consequences to patient access and providers who care for low-income uninsured, Dale McHale, senior vice president for healthcare finance and policy at the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, said in a statement. Hospitals remain committed to working with state leaders to identify solutions to ensure the commonwealths safety net remains viable as we enter this period of significant health care coverage losses due to federal cuts.

In light of the federal policy changes, the state has also ended the special enrollment period for low-income people, which allowed individuals making less than $22,590 annually to enroll in health insurance throughout the year  not just during open enrollment.

Audrey Morse Gasteier, the Health Connectors executive director, told WBUR-FM this week the federal government will save about $250 million a year by ending subsidies for the lowest-income legal immigrants in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has spent the better part of two decades working to bring all lawfully present residents into the ranks of the insured, Gasteier told the station. Rolling back those promises and principles that have animated the work that Massachusetts has been doing is really heartbreaking.

During a webinar this week, Jonathan Burks, executive vice president of economic and health policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, said they expect 8 million fewer Medicaid enrollees nationwide by 2034 and approximately 2 million fewer participants on health insurance exchanges.

Of the $1.5 trillion in spending reductions, two-thirds is coming out of Medicaid.

Across Medicaid, Medicare and the health insurance exchanges, participation by non-citizens is pretty strictly restricted, Burks said. Thats a significant change from current law.

The Massachusetts Health Connector is updating coverage losses at this webpage.
A lawyer representing Karen Read in the wrongful death lawsuit brought against her by the family of her late boyfriend, John OKeefe, officially asked a judge on Friday to allow the out-of-state lawyer who led her criminal defense to join the civil team.

Attorney Damon Seligson filed three motions asking the judge to admit the lawyers from out of state  Alan Jackson, Reads lead criminal defense lawyer, and two other attorneys at his firm, Elizabeth Little and Caleb Mason. Little also represented Read at her criminal trials.

Jackson, Little and Mason are not licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, meaning a judge would need to approve their representation pro hac vice, Latin for for this occasion only.

Such motions are typically approved, and lawyers for the OKeefe family did not file any opposition.

The motions were expected for weeks, after Jackson announced on The Greg Hill Show" that he would be joining the civil team along with Little.

In each, Seligson wrote, it would be unfair to deny Read the available benefit of the lawyers assistance in the case.

All three lawyers have an intricate knowledge of the relevant facts that will assist her other counsel in defending these claims, Seligson wrote.

If Judge Daniel OShea, who was specially assigned to the suit, approves the motions, Read will now be represented by nine lawyers in the case.

In addition to Seligson, Read is represented by two other lawyers from the firm Sheehan Phinney: Charles Waters and Aaron D. Rosenberg.

Read is also represented by three lawyers from the firm Melick & Porter: Christopher George, William L. Keville Jr. and Marissa K. Palladini.

Jackson was instrumental in pushing Reads claim that she was being framed for OKeefes death. Prosecutors claimed Read hit OKeefe with her car on Jan. 29, 2022, outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer.

But Jackson and other members of Reads defense claimed she was the victim of a widespread law enforcement conspiracy that set her up.

Read, 45, was acquitted of all charges connected with the death of OKeefe, a Boston Police officer, in June following her second trial. She was convicted solely of operating under the influence, for which she received a year of probation.

Read spoke about her life after the trial in an interview on The Howie Carr Show Thursday.
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. AP

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the president of Portugal, surprised Portuguese citizens in more ways than one this week when he attended a PSD (Portugal Socialist Party) Summer University event.

The president, who was scheduled to speak at the event via video call, instead appeared at the event in person to give an address for a panel titled The Presidents Responses, according to the Portugal Pulse.

De Sousa used the speaking engagement as an opportunity to comment on President Donald Trump and his relationship with Russia.

The top leader of the worlds foremost superpower is, objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset, de Sousa said, according to the Portugal Pulses report. He operates as an asset.

While there is no proof that Trump is a Russian agent, de Sousa continued, stating that objectively, the new American leadership has strategically benefited the Russian Federation.

Referencing the United States relationship with Russia, de Sousa opined that they have shifted from being allies on one side to referees of the challenge, the Portugal Pulse reported.

De Sousas remarks arrive following the 2025 RussiaUnited States Summit in Anchorage, Alaska, which took place on Aug. 15.

During the summit, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met to discuss topics such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

The two leaders did not reach a conclusion or answer regarding whether or not Russia will implement a ceasefire with Ukraine, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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

According to the Associated Press, the occasion marked Putins first visit to the U.S. since 2015, and his first visit to a Western country since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
A 40-year-old man previously convicted of second-degree murder was arrested Thursday after police say he kidnapped a Massachusetts teenager.

Christopher Rodriguez was arrested by United States marshals in the District of New Hampshire on Route 28 in Manchester. Marshals taking Rodriguez into custody recovered a missing 15-year-old from North Andover who police say had been lured away by him.

Warrants for Rodriguezs arrest were obtained by the Londonderry Police Department on Aug. 16 after an investigation into deceptive statements made by him during a police encounter on August 9, the marshals service said in a statement

Rodriguez is charged with kidnapping a juvenile, endangering the welfare of a child, hindering apprehension or prosecution, obstructing government administration and other crimes, according to the statement

Rodriguez was sentenced to prison in 2000 after being convicted of second-degree murder for an armed robbery in New York City the year prior, according to the statement. He was released in 2017.

Police believe Rodriguezs involvement with the teenager could date back to 2023, according to the statement.

Rodriguez was taken to the Londonderry Police Department after his arrest, where has booked and is awaiting a hearing. The teenager was returned to the Department of Youth Services in Massachusetts.
The most expensive vacations in 2025 are in Africa, while the most visited destination is Europe. AP

Although Europe is the most traveled-to location in 2025, its not the most expensive.

Based on an analysis of thousands of travelers who booked with Faye Travel Insurance in 2025, the company found that the top place to splurge was Africa, followed by Antarctica.

Think luxury safaris, private island escapes and remote destinations that require longer and pricier journeys to reach, the company explained.

Most expensive trips in 2025

Here are the top 10 destinations travelers are spending the most money on in 2025, according to the report:

Rwanda  Average trip cost: $18,417 Seychelles  Average trip cost: $15,775 Botswana  Average trip cost: $15,619 Kenya  Average trip cost: $15,619 Antarctica  Average trip cost: $14,491 Namibia  Average trip cost $14,147 Falkland Islands  Average trip cost: $14,037 Zimbabwe  Average trip cost: $13,925 Tanzania  Average trip cost: $13,092 South Africa  Average trip cost: $12,725

Most popular destinations in 2025

Although Africa is the most expensive, Europe is still the most popular choice for American travelers, Faye Travel Insurance found. The company added that 75% of travelers are planning trips to the continent, spending an average of $5,832 per traveler.

The companys data shows, The charm of Italy, France and the UK leads the way, while destinations like Spain and Germany continue to draw crowds with their iconic landmarks, food and culture.

For those seeking accessibility and ease, nearby spots, such as Mexico, Canada, and domestic trips across the U.S. round out the top picks.

Here are the top 10 most popular destinations for 2025:
A 48-year-old woman accused of maliciously pulling the fire alarms at a Dunkin in Concord, then leaving behind a suspicious suitcase at a convenience store next door, will be arraigned on criminal charges Friday, according to police and court records.

April Grueter, of Webster, is charged with false fire alarm, tampering with a fire call box, disorderly conduct and possession of a hoax device. She is set to be arraigned in Concord District Court on Friday morning, court records show.

At around 7:12 p.m. Thursday, Concord firefighters were called to the Dunkin at 1641 Sudbury Road for a report of a fire alarm activation.

There, firefighters discovered two fire alarms within the store had been pulled by a woman who left the store, Concord Police said in a statement. The same woman, later identified as Grueter, went to the convenience store next door, where police say she made threatening statements and dropped off a suitcase before fleeing in a vehicle.

The convenience store and Dunkin were both closed, and all businesses within 300 feet were evacuated while a bomb squad from the Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene to evaluate the suitcase, police wrote.

While the police and fire departments secured the stores, they began a search for Grueter, eventually finding her in a crashed vehicle on South Great Road in Lincoln a short time later.

Police say Grueter fled her vehicle, but she was eventually found in a nearby wooded area.

The bomb squad determined the suitcase did not contain any explosives or incendiary devices, police said.

After her arrest, Grueter was held overnight on $5,000 cash bail.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., gives remarks to a crowd at St. Paul First Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in Laurens, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard) AP

If President Donald Trump is serious about cleaning up crime-ridden states and cities, then he should start with his own backyard.

That was the message this week from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Golden State Democrat has found a second career trolling Trump on social media and on the stump.

On Thursday, Newsom invoked Alabama, which Trump handily carried in 2024, as one of the top three murder states in America.

He mentioned it along with Mississippi and Arkansas, two more states where Trump romped to victory during his second bid for the White House.

Newsom argued that the crime rates in those states are higher than Californias, saying the that the National Guard is better served in those places than the Golden State.

Alabamas top three murder states in America. Wheres the president of the United States? I thought he cared? These are the folks, these are his states that voted for him, Newsom said.

According to FBI crime statistics from 2022, Alabamas homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people is the fourth-highest of any state.

Jackson, Mississippi had a homicide rate of 77.8 per 100,000 people, which is 15 times higher than the national average, Axios reported.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves fired back at Newsom this week.

The crime rate is dropping rapidly because enforcement works. Reeves countered, according to WAPT-TV. We have deployed about 200 police officers with Capitol Police from the state in the city of Jackson helping JPD deter crimes, solve a backlog of cases and put the criminals in jail. The crime rate is dropping rapidly, because enforcement works.

In 2023, Arkansass violent crime rate was 620 offenses per 100,000 people , which was about 70% higher than the national average, according to USAFacts.

Newsom accused Trump of not being serious about cracking down on crime if he is not considering putting National Guard troops in Alabama and other southern states.

His state of mind does not seem to be focused on the issue of crime and violence. Its about expression of authoritarianism, Newsom said.

He reflects and waxes ... talking about being a dictator. I hope people pay attention.

On Tuesday, Trump suggested the country would prefer a dictator as he slammed the Democratic-run cities of Baltimore and Chicago.

So the line is that Im a dictator, but I stop crime, the president said during a cabinet meeting. So a lot of people say, if thats the case, Id rather have a dictator.
Betting markets are already speculating who will be Democrats' 2028 presidential candidate. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) AP

Democratic primary voters now see California Gov. Gavin Newsom as their top choice for president in 2028, according to a new poll.

The new Emerson College poll, released on Aug. 29, found Newsom receiving support from 25% of surveyed Democratic primary voters.

Newsoms standing among primary voters has skyrocketed from Emersons June poll. In that poll, Newsom was only the third most popular candidate for president, earning only 12% support.

Governor Newsoms support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6% to 18%) an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13% to 31%), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9% to 23%) and White (10% to 24%) voters, Spencer Kimball, the executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in the surveys analysis.

In a hypothetical 2028 matchup against Vice President JD Vance, 44% said they would vote for Newsom and 44% said they would vote for Vance. Only 12% of voters reported being undecided.

The number of voters who said they would choose Newsom in a general election increased from Emersons previous poll in July. In that survey, 45% of voters said they would vote for Vance, while 42% said they would vote for Newsom.

Throughout August, Newsom and his press office have repeatedly used social media to mock President Donald Trump.

Such trolling includes mimicking Trumps posts on Truth Social by writing them in all capital letters and creating an online merchandise store selling memorabilia similar to Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) items.

One of these products sold at Newsoms online shop is a red hat reading, Newsom was right about everything, mocking a red hat that said Trump was right about everything that the president wore last week.

Newsom also has stepped into the spotlight as a foil to the Republican Party.

In recent months, Newsom has been pushing forward a ballot proposition that asks voters whether California can move forward on redrawing its congressional map in response to Texas Republicans redrawing their states congressional districts.

The Texas redistricting could net Republicans five more seats in Congress and was pushed by Trump, who said Republicans were entitled to these seats, according to Politico.

Voters in California will head to the polls on Nov. 4 to decide whether newly drawn districts can be approved. The newly drawn districts, if approved, could help Democrats flip five seats, according to the New York Times.

The number two choice for Democrats in the Emerson August poll was former Biden administration Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg earned support from 16% of the respondents, the same amount of support he received in the June poll.

His support among white voters has remained the same (22% in both polls) but he lost support among Latino voters (from 10% in June to 2% in August) and Asian voters (from 12% in June to 0% in August).

Buttigieg has also failed to gain support among Black voters, earning 0% support in both the June and August polls.

His standing has also dropped among voters aged 18 to 29 (from 7% in June to 3% in August), voters aged 40 to 49 (from 15% in June to 13% in August) voters 50 to 59 (from 21% in June to 19% in August) and voters aged 70 and older (from 20% in June to 17% in August).

He did, however, gain support among voters aged 30 to 39 (from 9% in June to 16% in August) and among voters aged 60 to 69 (from 17% in June to 24% in August).

In the June poll, Buttigieg was the top pick for president among Democrats, with Vice President Kamala Harris earning second place with 13%.

In the August poll, however, Harriss support dropped by 2%, leaving her in third place with 11%.

Harriss standing increased among Black voters (from 30% in June to 44% in August) and Hispanic voters (from 11% in June to 25% in August) but she lost support among white voters (from 7% in June to 4% in August) and Asian voters (from 12% in June to 0% in August).

The former vice president also lost ground among voters aged 30 to 39 (from 19% in June to 14% in August) voters aged 40 to 49 (from 14% in June to 7% in August) voters aged 50 to 59 (from 10% in June to 5% in August) voters 60 to 69 (from 10% in June to 7% in August) and voters aged 70 and older (7% in June to 3% in August). Her standing among voters aged 18 to 29, however, rose from 19% in June to 39% in August.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is the fourth-most popular choice among Democratic primary voters, earning 5% of the support.

Tied for fifth place are Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY., who both took 4% support among voters, according to the poll.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was the sixth most popular choice with 3% support, while Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer all tied for seventh with 2% support each.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., tied for eighth place with 1% each, according to the poll.

A total of 3% of voters said they would choose someone else and 16% said they are undecided.

The August survey asked 387 Democratic Primary voters who they would choose as the 2028 presidential nominee. The question was fielded between Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%, according to the polls analysis.

The national poll, which included the hypothetical 2028 matchup between Vance and Newsom, featured a sample size of 1,000 registered voters and was also conducted between Aug. 25 and Aug. 26. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

The polls full results can be viewed by clicking this link.
The Trump administration could unleash a massive immigration enforcement blitz in Boston as soon as September, according to a published report.

The clampdown, already expected, could come soon after a similar action in Chicago next month, or it could happen concurrently, Politico reported Friday, citing a Trump administration official.

The White House has stepped up its rhetorical war against cities led by Democrats in recent weeks. It has also physically manifested it  in the case of the deployment of National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

All these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE where we know public safety threats are being released every day into this country, especially those cities, were going to address that, border czar Tom Homan said at the White House this week, according to Politico.

So were going to take the assets we have and move them to problem areas like sanctuary cities where we know for a fact there are public safety threats, illegal aliens on the streets every day, Homan said.

The Republican White House has clashed repeatedly with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat seeking reelection to a second term in November, over the citys immigration policies.

The citys policy, set by a local law known as the Trust Act, allows Boston Police Department officers to work with ICE on criminal investigations, but limits their ability to cooperate on or share information related to civil immigration enforcement. Officials say the policy allows Boston residents to feel more comfortable interacting with police, improving police-community relations.

The Trump administration sees things differently, accusing city leaders of hampering efforts to detain dangerous criminals.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trumps top immigration officer pledged a surge of federal agents to Boston after the city said it would defy pressure to change its immigration policies to match the federal governments.

An increased federal presence around Boston could take the shape of the multi-week immigration enforcement operation ICE conducted across Massachusetts in May, during which it detained nearly 1,500 people.Lyons said then: Make no mistake: ICE is going to keep doing this.

Earlier this week, Trump hinted that an action in Chicago could be imminent.

We go in, we will solve Chicago within one week, maybe less, Trump said, according to Politico. But within one week well have no crime in Chicago, like no crime in D.C.

Officials at the Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago, said they had been approached by the Department of Homeland Security regarding a potential request to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, Politico reported.

The enforcement actions in Chicago and Boston are expected to begin with increased immigration enforcement, similar to what unfolded in Los Angeles, Politico reported, citing a current and former administration official.

Clashes with those officers could provide the White House with the justification to deploy National Guard soldiers, the online news outlet reported.

Wus office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier this week, however, Wu told WGBH-FMs Boston Public Radio program that her office was already making preparations for a possible Guard deployment to the city.

We are following whats happening in other cities around the country very closely, Wu said.

Unfortunately, we have seen a little bit of what it would look like if that should come to pass, and that this federal administration is willing to go beyond the bounds of constitutional authority and federal law to try to activate National Guards even when local communities arent asking for it and dont want it, Wu continued.

Wu told the station that her office was reviewing all the court cases now, and getting ready should it come to that. And wed be working very closely with community members to ensure people know whats happening and that this is not something that is needed or wanted or legally sound.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healeys office did not immediately respond to a request for comment by MassLive.
Ahead of what forecasters described as a tranquil weekend, parts of Massachusetts could see isolated thunderstorms beginning around midday Friday.

The thunderstorms will arrive on the back of a cold front moving into the Berkshires Friday morning, then slowly drifting east across the rest of the Bay State. As the front moves toward Central Massachusetts, it will collide with an axis of deeper moisture and instability, creating a solid or nearly solid line of thunderstorms, National Weather Service forecasters wrote.

The storms should start developing between 1 and 3 p.m. in central Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut, then head east or southeast to the Metrowest-Greater Boston-Providence corridor around rush hour, or between 3 and 7 p.m.

From there, the storms should drift down to the South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands closer to 6 and 9 p.m.

Still, the storms shouldnt be all that severe.

Profiles are cold enough aloft to favor small hailstones and perhaps locally gusty winds capable of downing weakened trees, forecasters wrote.

Forecasters did warn that the redeveloping nature of the storms could bring heavy rain during the evening commute or for those travelling ahead of the holiday weekend. As much as 3 inches of rain could fall in parts of Metrowest and northern Providence County.

Friday should be noticeably more humid than previous days, but nowhere near muggy, given temperatures in the 70s.

The holiday weekend should be tranquil, dry and slightly cooler than normal, forecasters wrote, aside from a few clouds during the day. High temperatures should be in the 70s, with cooler temperatures at night in the mid-to-upper 40s to mid-50s.

Wouldn`t rule out a spotty shower but the vast majority of the weekend ends up dry, forecasters wrote.

Looking ahead to next week, more dry weather and seasonable temperatures are expected. Temperatures should warm to the mid to high 70s.

The next chance for rain comes late next week and early indications are that it could be a decent rainmaker, forecasters wrote. But confidence in the details is low.
Supporters of LGBTQIA+ students stand out to welcome Amherst Regional Middle School students back to classes on Aug. 27. (Ali Wicks-Lim photo) Ali Wicks-Lim photo

AMHERST  Although she was set to return to her job on the first day of school, a controversial Amherst Regional Middle School guidance counselor remains at home on paid leave, administrators have confirmed.

Despite proclaiming her innocence after she allegedly misgendered trans students and made insensitive comments regarding sexual orientation, school department officials have opted to keep Delinda Dykes on paid leave.

Let me be clear, I am innocent, Dykes said in a public statement she issued. 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.

She was fired in 2023 after a Title IX investigation, when complaints arose about Dykes and two other school staffers handling of allegations around bullying of LGBTQIA+ students.

The regional school with an estimated 366 students has been wrapped in controversy that peaked again when Dykes won an arbitration case that afforded her her job back.

Some members of the community rose up in protest over the reinstatement, and more than a dozen supporters of LGBTQIA+ students turned out Wednesday morning holding rainbow umbrellas in solidarity.

LGBTQIA+ Caucus spokesperson Ali Wicks-Lim headed the call to action outside the school but made it a point of saying it was not a rally or protest, but simply a show of support for incoming students.

Some of the signs of support read: Welcome back, You are not alone, and You are fabulous.

The rancor over Dykes continues after a Hampshire Superior Court judge last week denied the school districts pleas for an emergency injunction to keep the counselor out of the school. An appeal is outstanding.
SPRINGFIELD  A Superior Court judge has dismissed all but one claim in an odyssey of a case involving retired Springfield detective Gregg Bigda and the city.

A 26-page memorandum and order filed by Judge Jeffrey Trapani on Aug. 22 in Hampden Superior Court asserts that Bigda, who once threatened juveniles in custody, did not successfully argue the claims against the city in his lawsuit.

Bigda alleged the mayor and former police superintendent committed civil conspiracy and that the city breached its contract with him. The former cop had been embroiled in a federal case, then sued the city for emotional distress.

Bigda claimed in the suit that he was coerced by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and former Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood into retiring from his job with the Springfield Police Department last summer. The defendants in the lawsuit were the city of Springfield and Clapprood and Sarno in their individual capacities.

The lawsuit was another installment in Bigdas years-long saga with the city.

Attorneys representing the city and Bigda will need to discuss whether the city owes the former police officer interest on back pay he received from being suspended from the Springfield Police Department following an incident involving three teenagers, according to the city solicitor, Stephen Buoniconti.

The city is pleased with the outcome. This odyssey case is finally coming to a conclusion in the citys favor, Buoniconti said Thursday afternoon. We havent spoken to (Bigdas) counsel yet about a resolution.

Attorney Andrew DiCenzo, one of the attorneys representing Bigda, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

In 2016, Bigda, who was in the Springfield police narcotics unit, threatened to beat and kill several teenagers who stole a car. Motherf---er, Ill charge you with killing Kennedy and f---ing make it stick, he said at the time. Those comments and others were caught on video.

After his indictment in 2018, Bigda was suspended from his job without pay. In 2021, a jury acquitted him of excessive force charges in federal court. He was then put on paid leave.

Clapprood would not allow Bigda back into the department. Sarno said after the verdict that it was Clapproods decision, but my feeling is there is no place for him on the force, he said.

In 2023, Bigda filed a federal lawsuit and the city filed a countersuit.

A federal judge dismissed both suits in May 2024.

In 2022, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission denied Bigdas application for certification, Trapanis order said. Bigda fought back, requesting a review and hearing about the denial.

In April 2024, the commission issued its final decision that Bigda was denied certification, Trapanis recent order said.

Bigda resigned last summer from the police department ahead of a hearing that would decide whether he would be terminated.

Trapani said he took into account all of the facts leading up to the citys April motion to dismiss the case.

A motion to dismiss will be granted unless the factual allegations in the complaint are enough to raise a right to relief above the speculative level based on the assumption that all the allegations in the complaint are true (even if doubtful in fact), the order said.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer attends a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on her nomination for Secretary of Labor, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP

During her trip through New England this week, U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer met with firefighters in Rhode Island and viewed a stun-gun demonstration in Boston. In Maine, well, no visit to Maine is complete without getting up close and personal with a lobster.

Chavez-DeRemer completed her New England leg of her America at Work tour, billed as a trip to hear from business owners in all 50 states and discuss the Trump administrations efforts surrounding workforce development.

During Tuesdays White House cabinet meeting, Chavez-DeRemer told President Donald Trump she was going to view shipbuilding operations in Philadelphia later that day, then Im off to New England to talk to those states about how important the apprenticeship program is.

By the end of the month, she would have visited 31 states, she said.

Despite reaching out to spokespersons at the Department of Labor several times starting on Tuesday evening, The Republicans efforts to cover Chavez-DeRemers visit to the region in person was unsuccessful. Her office provided information about her Boston visit only after it occurred.

On Friday, Chavez-DeRemer was scheduled to attend events in Vermont and Connecticut, according to Department of Labor Press Secretary Hunter Lovell, but he said both were closed to press.

He did not respond to a question seeking comment regarding the fate of the Job Corps training program, a program for youth who may have dropped out of school or face homelessness.

The Department of Labor tried to shut the program down at the end of May, impacting hundreds of students at a Job Corps location in Chicopee. The programs closure is being challenged in court.

When reporters showed up outside the Rhode Island fire station Thursday where Chavez-DeRemer visited with firefighters to discuss a recently launched apprenticeship program aimed at boosting recruitment in the firefighting field, the Rhode Island Current said they waited outside for more than an hour and the secretary did not take their questions.

The Currents reporter did capture a photo of a federal staffer in a gray suit running past a firetruck followed by some reporters after he declined to answer a question.

Shipping up to Boston

In her visit to Boston, Chavez-DeRemer met with bankers at State Street Corp. to discuss Trumps recent executive orders. For instance, Trump ordered Chavez-DeRemer in an Aug. 7 executive order to reexamine the departments position on allowing managers of 401(k) retirement plans to turn to alternative assets, such as cryptocurrency, commodities and the private market, as part of their investments. The department said it was an effort to expand retirement security.

A department description of the Boston meeting said Chavez-DeRemer told State Street Corp. how days later she rescinded a Biden-era letter that said fiduciaries managing 401(k)-like retirement plans were not well positioned to evaluate many alternative assets. In an Aug. 12 press release announcing the move, Chavez-DeRemer said the Biden-era letter chilled the market as a result caused Washington to pick winners and losers.

Instead of allowing Washington bureaucrats to call the shots, we believe plan fiduciaries should decide which retirement investment options are best for hardworking Americans, Chavez-DeRemer said in an Aug. 12 statement.

State Street Corp. did not return a request for comment about the secretarys visit.

Chavez-DeRemer finished her visit in Boston by observing a Taser live-fire demonstration at Axons offices there. A department statement said Axon officials told the secretary about its workforce training efforts as the company strives to develop technology for the public safety field. Axon did not return a reporters query about the secretarys visit.

Concerns regarding Job Corps

During Chavez-DeRemers other visits around the country, she would often meet with the local member of Congress. In June, when Chavez-DeRemer visited New Jersey, she visited a carpenters training enter with U.S. Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., a Republican. During her visit to a second carpenters training center in New York, U.S. Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino joined her on the tour. They are both Republicans.

U.S. Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Stephen Lynch, Democrats who represent downtown Boston, did not respond to questions whether they were aware of the secretarys visit and if they participated. The Department of Labors description of the secretarys visit does not mention any participation by Massachusetts lawmakers.

A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and another spokesperson for Gov. Maura T. Healey said they were unaware of Chavez-DeRemers visit to Boston.

In June, the states congressional delegation sent Chavez-DeRemer a letter about her departments decision to pause the Job Corps program. The Westover Job Corps Center in Chicopee, the lawmakers wrote at the time, had about 352 students, but it trained about 600 a year in the culinary arts, welding, bricklaying and it attracted students the nation over for its HVAC program.

With about 92,000 Massachusetts residents between the ages 18-24 facing poverty, Dismantling its infrastructure could close a door for thousands of young adults who may have no other pathway to stable, good-paying careers, the letter said.

Chavez-DeRemer finished her New England tour at a dairy farm just over the state line in Vernon, Vermont. The department said in its statement she saw milking facilities and calf hutches at Miller Farm, and she heard about the challenges of running a dairy farm from the farms leadership. She, in turn, said how family farms bolster the nations agricultural workforce.

The farm, whose voicemail urges callers to leave a mmmmmmoo-ssage, did not return a request to discuss the secretarys visit.

Whether they are benefiting from fair trade deals, lower taxes, or the cheapest gas prices since the Presidents first term, it was energizing to hear from workers across the Northeast who are thriving thanks to the return of America First leadership, Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement issued by her department following her visit.

In Tuesdays cabinet meeting, Chavez-DeRemer told the president after her New England trip, she would participate in the Labor Day parade in Erie, Pennsylvania.

We will kick off and Republicans will own Labor Day again, not Democrats, Chavez-DeRemer told Trump on Tuesday. We will own it because we are and you are the president of the American workers.
The Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court held a special session in the Holyoke War Memorial Building Aug. 20 to honor District Court Judge Laurie MacLeod on her final time presiding. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Judge Laurie MacLeod started implementing a radical idea 10 years ago. Now that Judge MacLeod has retired, this novel and empathetic way of treating veterans who have run afoul of the law has become accepted and lauded.

By any measure, taking a new idea and making it work over a decade puts a capstone on a remarkable career.

Thats why both district attorneys from the local offices, fellow judges and colleagues on the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court gathered in late August to praise MacLeod for her years leading the court.

One fellow judge went so far as to say that only Macleod could have taken over the fledgling veterans treatment court in 2015 and piloted it to success. Characteristically, MacLeod shared credit with a big team, including clinicians, probation officers, mentors and fellow judges. In that time, the court helped 86 veterans successfully complete the 18-month program.

The court was not guaranteed to work as well as some of the veterans say it has. Both Army veteran Jerry Henderson and Marine Corps veteran Jose Bartololei spoke on MacLeods last day. They said the unique way their cases have been handled helped escort them to sobriety and more productive lives.

The radical idea MacLeod implemented a decade ago started with empathy and a court full of employees who saw the potential of individuals.

Army veteran Jeremy Pienkowski attends the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court on Aug. 20. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni told the crowd assembled to fete MacLeods career that veterans need to be honored and given extra aid in shaping their futures, having once served this country.

That is basis of the treatment court, a supervised, 18-month program that emphasizes sobriety and therapy. Similar specialized courts have been piloted in Massachusetts with good results.

Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan likened the treatment model to the U.S. military credo of no one left behind. Veterans served, so veterans cannot be discarded. They must be helped. Establishing the court that MacLeod led, said Sullivan, has helped mend years of broken promises to veterans.

Since the radical notion of leaving no one behind works for veterans and others, in these settings, we hope the state trial court considers similar programs for others. What about foster children? What about the mentally ill?

The work of the veterans court will continue, with new guidance from the bench.
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Netflix is giving viewers a first look at its eagerly-anticipated upcoming series 'House of Guinness'. The new show explores an epic story inspired by one of Europe's most famous and enduring dynasties - the Guinness family.

USE THE ARROWS OR CLICK NEXT TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

The series, created and written by Steven Knight featuring eight episodes, will be released on Netflix on September 25.

Set in 19th century Dublin and New York, 'House of Guinness' will begin immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the extraordinary success of the Guinness brewery.

The show, which will be premiered in Dublin in mid-September, will examine the impact of the will he left behind following his death and how it shapes his four children Arthur, Edward, Anne and Ben as they are tasked with interacting with the phenomenon that is Guinness.

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The drama will focus on the power struggle amongst the children for control of the family empire. It will delve into how the inheritance and secrets behind it will play out for the faith of the dynasty as it's not just the children impacted but also the associates and workers whose livelihoods are tied to the brewery.

The cast of the four Guinness children brings a host of acting talent. Anthony Boyle (Masters of the Air, Manhunt) will play Arthur Guinness, Louis Partridge (Disclaimer, Enola Holmes) will portray Edward Guinness, Fionn O'Shea (Normal People, Dance First) will play Benjamin Guinness and Emily Fairn (The Responder, Saturday Knight) will play Anne Plunket (nee Guinness).
If you missed Electric Picnic this weekend, why not set your sights on the 10th Annual Yeast Meets West craft beer festival in Ballina to bring a close to festival season. Taking place this Saturday, August 30, in the Dr Kathleen Lynn Courtyard, located behind Hogans Bar, the festival promises a weekend filled with music, food and of course craft beer.

Acclaimed Irish breweries including Mescan Brewery, Hop Dog, Reel Deel Brewing Co, Virtues Lager as well as Achill Lager will provide beer enthusiasts with a weekend of new tastes. This year, the festival will also introduce pours from Tiny Rebel Brewery which is Wales largest craft brewery.

Beer is followed best by pizza, so The Pizza Pod Mayo will be serving up a slice from 1pm alongside street food favourites like Holy Moly Guacamole and more.

Pictured: Attendees of previous Yeast Meets West festival.

Organiser Paul Martin, spoke about how this year seems to be really appealing to the youth.

This year really seems to be appealing to the younger generation. Its really great to see. Beer is being mass produced and has become quite commercialised now. For this reason we decided to start the Yeast Meets West festival.

There will also be live music to keep the atmosphere buzzing, starting with Billy Forde from 3pm-4pm followed by the River Ratz who are set to perform from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will come to a close later in the night with DJ Nick who will be on the decks from 10.30pm til late.

To keep up to date with the Yeast Meets West, follow along on social media here

https://www.facebook.com/YeastmeetsWestBrewfest

READ MORE: Have you checked your Lotto ticket? Mayo player wins blockbuster 17m
A special competition for the Mayo business community which comes with 30,000 in prize money have been launched to celebrate ten years of the Mayo Business Awards.

The Mayo Emerging Business Pitch Competition is a special initiative for 2025, which has an incredible 30,000 in prize money, is designed to spotlight and support innovative businesses that are tackling real-world challenges.

The competition is open to business ventures across all sectors and seeks to identify and empower businesses with the potential to make a demonstrable impact, whether social, environmental, economic, or technological.

Applications are invited from startups and early-stage businesses that could significantly benefit from financial support at the early stages of their business journey. While all business types are eligible, Mayo Business Awards are particularly interested in those that are demonstrating innovation in product, service, or delivery; that are addressing a pressing societal or environmental challenge; and that have a clear plan for sustainable growth and measurable impact.

Depending on the number of entries, it is intended that approximately seven entrants will be shortlisted and invited to make a pitch to a judging panel. These businesses will be invited to present a compelling pitch that includes: A clear description of the business or initiative; The challenge it addresses and the impact it aims to achieve; A breakdown of how any prize money would be used to accelerate or scale the business.

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The judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate innovation and originality, market potential, team capability and the impact of the product or service.

Details on how to enter can be found at https://mayobusinessawards.com/pitch-competition.

The closing date for entries is Friday, September 26.
Spontaneous applause broke out in the Sacred Heart Church in Cushlough when Fr Britus first mentioned Gena Heratys release on Friday night.

The Mass was originally organised to conclude a 33 hour perpetual adoration for the safe release of Westport woman Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti.

READ MORE: Family of Gena Heraty confirm Mayo woman's release

Fortunately, very welcome events overtook the original purpose of the Mass as it was announced just over an hour beforehand that Gena Heraty and her colleagues had been released in Haiti.

The sense of relief and excitement at the news that Gena and her colleagues had been released beforehand was palpable.

Hugs and smiles before the Mass started reflected the weight being lifted off Genas friends and family in the community.

It has been nearly a month since Gena Heraty was kidnapped while running an orphanage for children with special needs in Haiti on August 3.

READ MORE: Hundreds pray for safe release of Mayos Gena Heraty at special Mass

The community has prayed for her safe return each and every day since at 7pm in the church.

The incredible timing of the news that everyone locally wanted to hear arriving just over an hour before the finish of the communitys 33 hours of appreciation for the safe release of Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti was not lost on anyone.

This very day when our prayers have reached its fullness, God has heard us and granted us this extraordinary grace. Truly, God is gracious and kind, and he has made this day beautiful for us, Fr Britus told the packed church.

Thanking the very many local people who prayed for Gena in the church, as well those from across the globe who joined them in prayers, Fr Britus exclaimed that this is a powerful proof of what we in Cushlough community know so well, whenever we come together as a community to pray for faith, God listens.

Further coverage of Gena Herartys release will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.
The Department of Homeland Security has asked the Navy to use one of its bases in the greater Chicago area for immigration enforcement, a move that would further cement the Trump administration's use of U.S. military personnel and installations for a nationwide detention and deportation effort.

Navy officials on Thursday referred all questions to the DHS about the possible use of Naval Station Great Lakes, North Chicago, for Immigration and Customs Enforcement duties. They confirmed the request Wednesday, however, to Navy Times, saying it involved "limited support in the form of facilities, infrastructure and other logistical needs to support DHS operations."

The Chicago Sun-Times first reported the potential arrangement Wednesday, citing an email from the commanding officer of Great Lakes, Navy Capt. Stephen Yargosz, to base leaders regarding the use of the installation to house federal immigration agents and National Guard troops in September.

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The request followed a statement Friday by President Donald Trump, who said Chicago would be the next city targeted for deployment of federal agents and federalized troops after Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The administration claimed the deployment to LA was to quell immigration raid protests, which were mostly isolated, and the ongoing D.C. deployment was to reduce crime, despite historically low crime rates in the nation's capital.

"We'll straighten that one out, probably next, that will be our next one after this," Trump said in comments from the Oval Office. "I think Chicago will be our next, and then we'll help with New York."

The move would follow Trump's takeover three weeks ago of Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police and the call-up of the D.C. National Guard to increase street patrols.

According to the Sun-Times, Yargosz said he received a call regarding possible ICE operations in downtown Chicago "similar to what occurred in Los Angeles earlier in the summer," with the potential to "also support National Guard units."

"Not many details on this right now. Mainly a lot of concerns and questions," Yargosz wrote, according to the Sun-Times.

Illinois Democratic lawmakers quickly responded to the report, including Rep. Brad Schneider, whose House District includes Great Lakes.

In a statement Thursday, Schneider said the effort is "weakening constitutional protections" and "undermining the rule of law."

"President Trump must also take seriously his role as commander in chief and allow for our troops and Homeland Security agents to remain focused on their mission of keeping us safe in an increasingly dangerous world, instead of forcing them to become players in his political reality show," Schneider said.

Iraq War veteran Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., also decried the move, saying it was politicizing the military for partisan gain and calling it "deeply disturbing, un-American and has no place in any of our cities."

"Forcing the military, uninvited, into Chicago to intimidate Americans in their own communities does not make our nation stronger, it simply distracts the military from executing its core mission of keeping Americans safe from real adversaries who wish us harm," Duckworth said in a statement.

When questioned about the use of Great Lakes, Homeland Security officials did address the possible housing of agents and National Guard troops at the installation. In a statement, the department said federal workers, including ICE and Customs and Border Patrol agents, have been working overtime to fulfill Trump's mission to "arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens and make America safe again."

"President Trump has been clear: We are going to make our streets and cities safe again. Across the country, DHS law enforcement are arresting and removing the worst of the worst including gang members, murderers, pedophiles and rapists that have terrorized American communities," the department said in a statement Thursday.

Government data shows that as of June 71.7% of the 57,861 people detained by ICE had no criminal convictions. The figures included 14,318 people with pending charges and 27,177 who were subject to immigration enforcement.

It is not known whether Great Lakes would be used to house any individuals detained by ICE. If the facility, which spans 1,600 acres and includes 1,153 buildings, was used for such a mission, it would not be the first for a Defense Department installation.

In July, the administration said it would use Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Camp Atterbury, Indiana, to house detained immigrants.

And in one of the more significant displays of Trump's militarization of immigration policy, his administration is also building what is expected to be the largest immigration detention center in the country on Fort Bliss in Texas.

That detention center, which has been dubbed Camp East Montana after the road it is near, opened earlier this month. As of last week, there were about 1,000 migrants being detained there in what are essentially reinforced tents, Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, told reporters at a news conference after a site visit. It is expected to hold up to 5,000 detainees once it is fully built.

While located on Fort Bliss, it is being managed by ICE and is being built and operated by a contractor under mysterious terms. The "vast majority" of employees at the detention center are contractors, Escobar said.

Meanwhile, Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 11, assumed federal control of the district's police force and called up the National Guard, saying the move was necessary to address rising crime rates.

Data shows, however, that violent crime including homicides, robberies and burglaries were down to their lowest rates in 30 years, 35% lower since 2023.

Trump's takeover of Washington came a week after a 19-year-old federal employee who once worked with the Department of Government Efficiency -- a group run by billionaire Elon Musk that stripped federal agencies in the early days of the Trump administration -- was assaulted by a gang of teenagers in a neighborhood known for its restaurants, clubs and theaters.

Edward Coristine, who once listed himself on LinkedIn under the moniker "Big Balls," was trying to stop an attempted carjacking.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday that, since the federal takeover, there has been an 87% drop in carjackings compared with the same period last year.

More than 2,200 National Guard troops are currently deployed to the nation's capital, including 1,000 from the D.C. Guard, as well as Republican-led states such as Mississippi, Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana and Tennessee.

More than 4,000 National Guard soldiers and 700 Marines were deployed to LA in June to manage protests in the city over immigration operations.

Trump federalized the California National Guard under a legal provision that allows the president to call up members during an invasion, rebellion or "danger of a rebellion." His reasoning has been challenged in court, with the state of California arguing that the move was illegal and requesting that all troops be returned to its control.

Related: Marines, Soldiers Set Up Tents and Cots at Guantanamo Bay for Trump's Migrant Deportations
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...
A portrait of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in his Confederate uniform with a slave guiding his horse in the background will be rehung in West Points library, the Army confirmed to Military.com on Friday.

The reinstallation, which was first reported by The New York Times, marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to reverse the work of a congressionally mandated commission charged with scrubbing tributes to the Confederacy from the military.

In a brief email Friday, an Army spokesperson confirmed to Military.com that the Times report was accurate. West Point did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while the Pentagon deferred to the Army.

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The portrait that was removed and now being reinstalled was first hung in 1952 during a high point for the Lost Cause movement that seeks to recast the Confederacys fight as a heroic struggle unrelated to slavery.

President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously announced they were restoring the names of nine Army bases that were named after Confederate military leaders and reinstalling a Confederate memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

The pair have argued they are simply respecting history that was being erased by woke lemmings  as Hegseth phrased it in a social media post about the decision to restore the Arlington monument.

In reality, the bases were renamed, the memorial was removed and the Lee portrait was put into storage at the direction of what was known as the Naming Commission.

Congress created the commission in 2020, overriding a veto Trump issued during his first term, to examine how to remove Confederate names, statues and other tributes from military property. The law also mandated that the Pentagon implement the commissions recommendations.

Lawmakers in both parties advocated for creating the commission amid a national reckoning over the legacy of slavery after widespread racial justice protests in summer 2020 in response to the police killing of George Floyd. The U.S. military, lawmakers argued, should not be honoring traitors who fought against the United States in order to preserve slavery, and it was long past time to correct that mistake.

When the Trump administration restored the Confederate names to the Army bases earlier this year, it skirted the law by choosing different namesakes who have the same last names as the Confederate military leaders.

Lawmakers in both parties were irked by the use of a legal loophole and added an amendment to this years defense policy bill seeking to force the administration to follow the law.

Officials have not articulated any similar workaround for reinstalling the Lee portrait without running afoul of the law.

Lee has a deep history with West Point that complicated the commissions work there. He was a cadet at the academy, graduating second in his class in 1829, and returned to serve as its superintendent from 1852 to 1855, prior to the Civil War.

But, as the commission noted in its final report, Lee actively turned down a command post in the Army at the start of the Civil War and chose to fight instead for the Confederacy.

The consequences of his decisions were wide-ranging and destructive. Lees armies were responsible for the deaths of more United States soldiers than practically any other enemy in our nations history, the commission wrote in its report.

Ultimately, the commission decided to take a nuanced approach to Lees presence on campus. Portraits of Lee in his Army uniform and references solely to his time as superintendent were allowed to stay, but the commission unanimously recommended removing the portrait of him in the Confederate uniform. It also recommended changing the names of several buildings and streets named after Lee.

The commissioners do not make these recommendations with any intention of erasing history, the commissions report said. The facts of the past remain, and the commissioners are confident the history of the Civil War will continue to be taught at all service academies with all the quality and complex detail our national past deserves. Rather, they make these recommendations to affirm West Points long tradition of educating future generations of Americas military leaders to represent the best of our national ideals.

Related: West Point and Naval Academy Should Scrub Names of Confederate Officers, Panel Tells Congress
President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, New York, Seattle, Baltimore, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, to fight what he says is runaway crime. Yet data shows most violent crime in those places and around the country has declined in recent years.

Homicides through the first six months of 2025 were down significantly compared to the same period in 2024, continuing a post-pandemic trend across the U.S.

Trump, who has already taken federal control of police in Washington, D.C., has maligned the six Democratic-run cities that all are in states that opposed him in 2024. But he hasn't threatened sending in the Guard to any major cities in Republican-leaning states.

John Roman, a data expert who directs the Center on Public Safety & Justice at the University of Chicago, acknowledged violence in some urban neighborhoods has persisted for generations. But he said there's no U.S. city where there is really a crisis.

Were at a remarkable moment in crime in the United States, he said.

Public sees things differently

Trump might be tapping somewhat into public perception when he describes cities such as Chicago as a killing field. The vast majority of Americans, 81%, see crime as a major problem in large cities, according to a survey released this week by The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, though there is much less support, 32%, for federal control of police.

The public was reminded this week that shootings remain a frequent event in the U.S. In Minneapolis, which has seen homicides and most other crime fall, a shooter killed two children attending a Catholic school Mass Wednesday and wounded 17 a day after three people died in separate shootings elsewhere in the city.

Still, over time, the picture is encouraging, according to numbers from AH Datalytics, which tracks crimes across the country using law enforcement data for its Real-Time Crime Index.

Aggravated assaults  which includes nonfatal shootings  through June were down in Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Baltimore and San Francisco and were virtually unchanged in New York. Reports of rape were up in New York and Chicago during the first half of the year, but down in the other cities, including a 51% drop in San Francisco.

The crime index also showed that property crimes, such as theft, burglary and motor vehicle theft, were mostly down in those six cities in the first six months of 2025. Theft crimes rose from 2020 to 2024 in four of the six cities analyzed by AP.

Cities defend safety strategies

Trump exaggerated and misstated facts about crime in Washington when his administration took over the D.C. police department and flooded the capital with federal agents and the National Guard. He referred to Baltimore, 40 miles (64 kilometers) away, as a hellhole during a Cabinet meeting and has said he might send in the troops.

"Im not walking in Baltimore right now," Trump said.

Yet Baltimore has shown drops in major crime, according to the crime index. Homicides and rapes were down 25% or more in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Homicides were down for three consecutive years through 2024 and were 35% lower when compared to 2018.

Deploying the National Guard for municipal policing purposes is not sustainable, scalable, constitutional, or respectful, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, said on social media site X.

Baltimore has found ways to reduce violence by offering mentorship, social services and job opportunities to young people likely to commit crimes, said Michael Scott, director of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing at Arizona State University and a former police chief in Florida.

That approach has resulted in more significant reductions in shootings and homicides than any other strategy I've seen in the over 50 years I've been in the field, Scott said.

Tales of different cities

Trump doesn't seem to disparage big cities in states that favor Republicans. Charlotte, North Carolina, had 105 homicides in 2024 compared to 88 in 2023. The rate of vehicle thefts per 100,000 people more than doubled there from 2020 through 2024. Indianapolis had a homicide rate of 19 per every 100,000 residents in 2024  more than four times higher than New York's.

Amy Holt, 48, who recently moved to Charlotte from a gated community in northern Virginia, said someone tried to steal her husbands car in their new city. She also found bullets on the ground while walking with dogs.

There's no discussion about sending the National Guard to Charlotte. Holt believes most cities should be trusted to be in charge of public safety, adding that troops in uniforms would be alarming and scary.

Democratic elected officials in cities targeted by Trump have publicly rejected suggestions that their residents need the National Guard. "Crime is at its lowest point in decades, visitors are coming back, and San Francisco is on the rise, Mayor Daniel Lurie said.

Experts question just how effective the National Guard would be and where troops would be deployed in cities.

It's going to make residents think: Things must be much worse than I realize to have the military in my neighborhood. Whats going on? Scott said. It's more likely to generate undue fear and apprehension than it will lead to perceptions of reassurance and safety.

___

White reported from Detroit and Keller reported from Albuquerque, New Mexico. AP video journalist Erik Verduzco in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On August 26, SAIC-GM's Buick brand officially put the all-new GL8 Lu Zun, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle edition of the GL8 Lu Zun lineup, onto the market ("Lu Zun" is dubbed in Chinese Pinyin, written in "" in Chinese characters) .

The vehicle is offered in three trimsPremium, Exclusive, and Luxurypriced between 339,900 yuan and 399,900 yuan.



Photo credit: Buick

All variants are based on the top-tier Avenir version and are available in three exterior colorsPurple Dawn, Aurora Silver, and Pearl Whiteand two interior schemes, Purple Dawn with Moonlight White and Mist Gray with Deep Indigo.

The all-new GL8 Lu Zun maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor, measuring 5,219 mm in length, 1,878 mm in width, and 1,807 mm in height. Standard equipment across the lineup includes more than 20 premium features spanning comfort, technology, and convenience. Highlights include three rows of Nappa leather seating, a 2.8-meter "silver-wing" courtesy light carpet, a 30-inch 6K curved EYEMAX display, and 180-degree power-adjustable third-row seats. Newly added functions such as heated steering, a rear multifunction dock, and one-touch seat adjustment for the second and third rows further enhance usability.

The interior upgrades feature Nappa leather seating in all three rows as standard. The second-row seats now add heated armrests and leg rests in addition to the existing cushion and backrest heating. According to SAIC-GM, the seats undergo 101 quality tests and use an anti-motion-sickness frame designed to avoid vibration frequencies that commonly cause discomfort, thereby reducing fatigue during long journeys.

Photo credit: Buick

Powering the vehicle is Buick's upgraded "Zhenlong (in Chinese Pinyin) Pro" plug-in hybrid system, pairing a 1.5T four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection engine with a self-developed P1+P3 dual-motor setup. The system delivers a combined output of 292 kW and 580 Nm of torque, enabling 0100 km/h acceleration in 7.8 seconds.

The model achieves a combined CLTC range of 1,450 km and a battery-powered range of of 202 km. Notably, it is the first PHEV MPV in the industry to support 5C ultra-fast charging, replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% in just 15 minutes, with total charging time reduced by 60% compared with the outgoing model.

On safety, the new GL8 Lu Zun adopts a six-longitudinal, ten-horizontal cage-style body structure, while the third-row layout avoids a recessed design to preserve rigidity. The PHEV has undergone testing across more than 120 driving conditions prior to launch. Its Ultium 2.0 ternary lithium battery has been upgraded in terms of materials, structure, and thermal management, including the use of inorganic nano insulation panels capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,100C, as well as multi-surface liquid cooling technology that improves cooling efficiency by more than 60%.

According to Buick, the GL8 family's new energy vehicle models have delivered strong sales this year, ranking first in China's MPV segment from January to July, with NEV accounting for more than half of total deliveries. Explaining the decision to drop the "PHEV" suffix from the model name, SAIC-GM President Lu Xiao noted that the GL8 Lu Zun PHEV has already become the centerpiece of the GL8 lineup in the new energy vehicle era.
Trapped 240 feet beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, Lt. Oliver Naquin could not ensure the crew of the USS Squalus that they would survive this catastrophe.

Instead, Naquin -- commander of the Squalus, one of the most advanced submarines the U.S. Navy had produced at that time -- worked to save his men. Blankets were provided for the shivering service members as Naquin instructed them to move as little as possible to conserve air. Naquin also directed that a distress rocket and telephone buoy be launched to the surface, hopefully to attract the attention of nearby ships.

The commander stayed calm during those frantic moments when it was so easy to think the worst.

What kept flashing through my mind was the fact my mother had taken out an insurance policy on me, Danny Persico, one of the trapped submariners, recalled in a 1988 article by the U.S. Naval Institute. And there was a clause that it would be null and void if I died in a submarine or diving accident.

How the Squalus Flooded

As chronicled in the documentary Saga of the Submarine Squalus, the Squalus had undergone 18 previous test dives without incident. There was no reason to expect the 19th on May 23, 1939, to be any different.

Conducted roughly 12 miles off the coast of New Hampshire, the trial was intended to gauge the Squalus ability to submerge at high speeds. When the sub leveled off at roughly 60 feet below the surface, it started to flood because an air induction valve failed to close entirely, according to the documentary. As water entered the 310-foot-long, 27-foot-wide sub, Naquin commanded that all watertight hatches be closed. It was too late, though, to prevent the engine room and other rear compartments from flooding.

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Twenty-six of the 59 men onboard were located in those areas and died. A quick-thinking sailor prevented a greater tragedy, at least for the time being, by closing a door against the impending waters, The New York Times reported at the time. For the 33 still alive, however, their chances of survival remained, at best, uncertain.

No submarine crew had ever been rescued beyond 60 feet, the narrator of Saga of the Submarine Squalus noted.

When the Squalus was reported overdue to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Rear Adm. Cyrus Cole dispatched its sister submarine, the Sculpin, to its last known site to investigate. A coordinating error, though, placed the Sculpin five miles off its intended destination. With every second precious, the rescuers needed a bit of good fortune to compensate for lost time.

Good fortune arrived when the Squalus released five more red smoke distress rockets. A crew member on the Sculpin fortuitously saw the final rocket, allowing them to redirect the sub in that direction.

How the Squalus Crew Was Saved

A U.S. rescue diver team closes the hatch of the McCann-bell-type submarine rescue chamber while performing a rescue dive drill on a Spanish submarine at 100 meters' depth on the Mediterranean Sea, Sept. 13, 2017. (NATO photo)

The Sculpin was not the only Navy or Coast Guard vessel involved in the rescue mission, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The USS Falcon was among the others, and it played a pivotal role because it carried onboard a device that would save the trapped submariners.

Lt. Cmdr. Charles Momsen first conceived of a rescue chamber in 1925 when a submarine accident killed 34, the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum reported. Lt. Cmdr. Allan McCann refined Momsens design, and what became known as the McCann rescue chamber, or diving bell, was brought to where the Squalus sank.

The steel chamber was 8 feet wide, 10 feet tall and could accommodate two operators and up to nine other people at a time. The chamber could descend at least 300 feet, where a diver could link a cable to a submarines access hatch. A rubber gasket beneath the rescue chamber allowed for an airtight seal over that hatch before it returned to the surface.

The Squalus disaster gave the Navy its first chance to test the McCann rescue chamber live.

After a tugboat borrowed an anchor from the Sculpin to hook a railing near the Squalus forward access hatch, a diver was sent down to hook the chambers cable to the distressed submarine. As the diver walked along the Squalus deck, several men -- who, at that point, had been confined inside the hull for more than a day -- struck the hull with hammers to alert him that they were alive, the documentary recounted.

With Momsen overseeing the rescue effort on-site, the chamber was now ready to descend. When operators John Milakowski and Walter Harman reached and then entered the Squalus, a group of relieved and appreciative submariners greeted them and willingly accepted hot coffee and pea soup, along with other items.

Retrieving all 33 survivors required the chamber to make four trips between the Squalus and the Falcon, each one taking about two hours. The rescue operation lasted two days, but in the end, the beleaguered survivors couldnt be more thankful.

Boy, was I weak, machinist Gavin Coyne told The New York Times for a story published three days after the incident. I couldnt talk when someone asked me my name, and I almost couldnt walk. Well, I got out [of the chamber] and was feeling tough, and somebody gave me a cup of coffee. There wasnt no sugar or cream, but boy, was that nectar!

Medals of Honor Awarded to the Squalus Rescuers

Secretary of the Navy Charles Edison presents Medals of Honor to Chief Machinist's Mate William Badders, Chief Torpedoman John Mihalowski, Chief Boatswain's Mate Orson L. Crandall and Chief Metalsmith James Harper McDonald on Jan. 19, 1940, for heroism during the rescue and salvage operations after the accidental sinking of the USS Squalus on May 23, 1939. (U.S. Navy photo)

Many of those involved in rescuing and salvaging the Squalus were recognized for their efforts. While Navy divers William Badders, Orson Crandall, James McDonald and John Mihalowski received the Medal of Honor, 46 others were awarded the Navy Cross, and Cole earned the Distinguished Service Medal for leading the whole operation.

Naquin didnt need any outside recognition. It was enough that the Squalus survivors credited him for his outstanding leadership during such disastrous circumstances, and in return, Naquin deflected praise back to his crew in media reports from the time.

His words about his men became so synonymous with Naquin that what he told accident investigators about the Squalus crew is immortalized on his tombstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

My officers and men acted instinctively and calmly, said Naquin, who rose to become a rear admiral during a 30-year Navy career. There were no expressions of fear and no complaints of the bitter cold. Never in my remaining life do I expect to witness so true an exemplification of comradeship and brotherly love. No fuller meaning could possibly be given the word shipmate than was reflected by their acts.

What Became of the Squalus?

The USS Sailfish received 9 Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation during its service in World War II. (U.S. Navy photo)

After spending an estimated $4.3 million (nearly $100 million in todays dollars) to build the Squalus, the War Department decided to raise the sub. The four-stage process started on May 26, 1939, and was not completed until Sept. 13.

The Squalus went on to be recommissioned as the USS Sailfish, with some submariners serving on both vessels. The Sailfish served during World War II and is credited with sinking 12 Japanese ships, including an escort carrier that was carrying 20 prisoners from a destroyed U.S. sub, as told in Saga of the Submarine Squalus.

That sub was the Sculpin, the sister sub of the Squalus, the documentary reported.

The Sailfish was decommissioned in December 1945 after receiving nine battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation during its time in the Pacific, according to the Pacific War Museum.

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The Braves announced Friday that theyve selected the contract of right-hander John Brebbia from Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta also recalled righty Nathan Wiles from Gwinnett, while lefty Austin Cox and righty Wander Suero were optioned to Triple-A. The Braves already had a pair of 40-man vacancies, so they wont need a corresponding 40-man move to accommodate Brebbias addition

The pair of promotions will provide manager Brian Snitker with some fresh arms after yesterdays blowout loss to the division-rival Phillies, wherein Kyle Schwarber belted four home runs to lead Philadelphia to a 19-4 victory. Cox (68 pitches) and Suero (31 pitches) werent going to be available today anyhow after logging heavy workloads in yesterdays game. (Suero also tossed 24 pitches Tuesday.)

Brebbia, 35, opened the 2025 season with the Tigers but struggled in 18 2/3 innings before being released. The veteran righty was tagged for 16 earned runs (7.71 ERA) on 22 hits and 11 walks with 20 strikeouts during his brief run with Detroit. He also plunked three batters and was charged with two wild pitches. Three of those 22 hits were home runs.

Its a second straight disappointing year for the well-traveled reliever. Brebbia pitched pretty well for the first half of the 2024 season with the White Sox before melting down after the All-Star break and eventually being released. He went on to sign with Atlanta last year as well but finished out the 24 season with an overall 5.86 ERA thanks to 18 runs in 18 1/3 second-half innings.

Though last years second half and the 2025 season havent been pretty, Brebbia had a nice track record up until that point. The right-hander was a generally reliable bullpen option with the Cardinals and Giants from 2017-23. He carried a career 3.53 ERA, 26% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate (336 2/3 innings) into last years All-Star break. Things have obviously gone south since that time, but its a solid track record on the whole. Brebbia has also been excellent with Atlantas Triple-A club this season, tossing 19 innings with a 1.89 earned run average, a 26.9% strikeout rate and a 3.8% walk rate.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- Recently, China's autonomous driving tech company, Beijing IDRIVERPLUS Technology (IDRIVERPLUS) and Henan Senyuan Group Co., Ltd. (Senyuan Group), a diversified manufacturing enterprise in China, signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing to advance autonomous driving in specialized vehicle sectors, according to a press release IDRIVERPLUS issued on August 28 via its WeChat account.

Photo credit: IDRIVERPLUS

Senyuan Group, also a manufacturer of special-purpose vehicles, has a strong industrial foundation and broad market reach in firefighting, emergency response, and sanitation vehicles. IDRIVERPLUS, a domestic leader in autonomous driving solutions for specialized vehicles in China, has built a comprehensive product portfolio across sanitation, emergency rescue, and other applications, securing the top market share in multiple deployment scenarios.

The collaboration will leverage IDRIVERPLUS's technological expertise, gained through years of forward-looking R&D in autonomous driving, alongside Senyuan Group's extensive experience in traditional specialty vehicles. Together, the two companies aim to create benchmark cases for the industry and accelerate the large-scale application and industrialization of autonomous driving technologies in areas such as sanitation, firefighting, and emergency response.

Founded in 1992, Senyuan Group has grown into a modern enterprise spanning four major sectors: electrical equipment manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, new energy power generation, and modern services. It operates 28 subsidiaries and employs more than 20,000 people.

IDRIVERPLUS specializes in the development and implementation of its "autonomous driving brain," designed to empower multiple application scenarios with a unified platform. Its solutions cover urban sanitation, security patrol, forest and grassland firefighting, and specialized operations.

Through the partnership, both sides will harness their respective strengths to advance the transformation of traditional specialty vehicles toward intelligence and connectivity, while accelerating the large-scale commercialization of autonomous driving technologies in broader scenarios.
Infielder Buddy Kennedy elected free agency after being outrighted by the Dodgers, according to the MLB.com transaction log. Hed been designated for assignment earlier in the week when Kike Hernandez returned from injury.

Los Angeles claimed Kennedy off waivers from Toronto two weeks ago. That coincided with an IL placement for Max Muncy. He joined Tommy Edman, Hyeseong Kim and Hernandez on the shelf. Kennedy provided an extra infielder alongside Miguel Rojas and rookie Alex Freeland between second and third base. He went 1-17 over seven games.

A former fifth-round pick of the Diamondbacks, Kennedy has played sporadically in parts of four big league seasons. Hes a .178/.271/.274 hitter in 181 career plate appearances. The 26-year-old has split time in Triple-A this year between the Philadelphia and Toronto systems. He has turned in a solid .268/.372/.408 showing in 77 combined games.

Kennedy will look for a minor league deal elsewhere. Hed need to be in another organization by September 1 to be eligible for a postseason roster. Hed be a long shot to get a playoff roster spot either way, of course, but it stands to reason a signing team would prefer that flexibility if theyre adding him as upper minors infield depth.
Dear Annie: My fiancee of 10 years wants us to move forward based on lies. Last year, I found out my fiancee was having an affair. I called her out on it, and she broke it off with him. Weve been working on things (two deaths in the family slowed things a bit and made times difficult), and for the most part, were doing OK. I want to forgive her and continue on to marriage. Problem is, she swears it was a one-week affair where they had intercourse three times. But Ive found plenty of notes, pictures and their goings-on on social media, and her family suggests it was a yearlong affair.

Ive asked her plenty of times to just tell me the truth so I can forgive and we can move forward. She keeps telling me to quit living in the past. I keep telling myself that I know the truth and that I should just let it go. But I feel I cant move forward based on lies. What should I do? -- Confused Heart in Missouri

Dear Confused Heart: Enlist the help of a couples counselor to work through your fiancees affair and mend the damage it has caused. I also wonder -- why a 10-year engagement? Perhaps in your counseling youll find solutions to other underlying issues that have prevented you from tying the knot sooner.

It seems you and your fiancee both want to put this event behind you and move forward in your relationship and into marriage. However, its clear that your fiancees infidelity is weighing on you both. This matter cant simply be swept under the rug or ignored. In order to truly close this chapter, you both must be willing to do the work and confront it to overcome it.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
The Jonas Brothers perform at Hersheypark Stadium on August 17, 2025. They brought their "JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour" to Detroit on August 28, 2025. Photo by Zach Gleiter | PennLive

DETROIT - The Jonas Brothers did it again. They surprised fans by bringing out another big music artist as a special guest at their concert.

The Jonas Brothers are currently on their JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour, which came to Little Caesars Arena in Detroit last night.

ACM Award nominee for New Male Artist of the Year in 2020, Russell Dickerson, performed one of his hits, Happen to Me with the Jonas Brothers.

The show featured more than two dozen songs, including many hits with Waffle House, Only Human, S.O.S., Sucker, Lovebug, Year 3000 and some solo hits like Jealous and Cake by the Ocean.

The Jonas Brothers kicked off their tour on August 10 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey by bringing out Demi Lovato as their special guest, as well as Jesse McCartney.

Other guests on this tour include Switchfoot, Dean Lewis, All Time Low, The Click Five, Hanson, Hoobastank, Alessia Cara, Dashboard Confessional, Plain White Ts," according to US Magazine.
The 34-year-old man who was found fatally shot in an Upper Peninsula residence early Thursday may have been hit in self-defense after a physical altercation, according to Michigan State Police. (MLive file)

MENOMINEE COUNTY, MI  The 34-year-old man who was found fatally shot in an Upper Peninsula residence early Thursday may have been hit in self-defense after a physical altercation, according to police.

Michigan State Police in Iron Mountain were originally called at 12:19 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, to a residence on County Road 551 in Harris Township when the 34-year-old, of Wilson, was found shot.

Although MSP troopers and EMS personnel attempted life-saving measures, the man was pronounced dead on scene, according to a news release.

Following a preliminary investigation, police said a physical assault allegedly occurred between the Wilson man and his domestic partner before the shooting. The man then allegedly assaulted another member of the home with a knife and was shot.

Police said the shooting appeared to be self-defense.

The MSP Marquette Crime Lab responded to the scene and assisted with processing evidence, according to the release, and an MSP crime victim advocate from the Iron Mountain post was made available to support individuals involved.

MSP troopers and detectives are still investigating the incident before its submitted for review by the Menominee County prosecutor.

The names of the subjects involved were not being released, police said.

MSP was assisted by the Hannahville Tribal Police, Menominee County Sheriffs Office, Rampart EMS and D&D Dog Dynamics.
Amir Khalid, 41, of Canton was arraigned in Wayne County for reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing serious impairment. MLive file photo

WAYNE COUNTY, MI  A Michigan man has been charged in connection with a crash that killed two young girls and seriously injured another.

Amir Khalid, 41, of Canton was arraigned in Wayne County for reckless driving causing death and reckless driving causing serious impairment.

Khalid was allegedly diving north on Gratiot Avenue at speeds of more than 80 miles per hour when he struck the victims vehicle as they were turning from Gratiot to travel east on August Street on Aug. 23.

Two girls, 8-year-old Savannah Allen and 16-year-old Syiana Allen, died because of the crash. Another 16-year-old passenger was seriously injured.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family. More than $6,300 has been raised.

Losing one child is heartbreaking beyond words, but losing both sisters on the same day has left our family shattered, it said. They were vibrant, loving, and full of life, and they will forever remain in our hearts.

Khalid was given a $250,000 cash/surety bond.
LANSING, MI  Staff at Lansings Potter Park Zoo are mourning the death of a beloved critically endangered rhino.

Doppsee, a female eastern black rhino, died Wednesday about a month after she suffered a medical emergency. Staff had been providing around-the-clock medical treatment led by Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace.

A necropsy will be performed to determine the specific cause of her decline, but signs of multiple gastrointestinal obstructions, as well as gastric ulcers, were discovered during treatment.

Doppsee was an incredible ambassador and meant the world to our team and our community, a statement said. In addition to the tremendous amount of information she provided to benefit her species through multiple research studies, her interaction with zoo guests young and old was an inspiration to all.

Her sweet disposition and love for attention touched so many hearts and inspired many to care about the future of black rhinos in the wild. She will never be forgotten.

RELATED: Michigan zoo heartbroken after death of rare red panda cub that appeared to be thriving

Doppsee underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination on July 28. Following treatment, she began eating and defecating and her health appeared to be improving.

She later showed symptoms of gastric ulcers and treatment was initiated for this condition. She improved for a period but then declined significantly. An endoscopy procedure was done to identify the cause of her continued discomfort, and another obstruction was identified.

Aggressive treatment was started including a nasal gastric tube for fluids for many days, but Doppsee continued to decline, and staff made the and the incredibly difficult decision to euthanize her, having determined that further treatment was not feasible.

She died surrounded by those who loved and cared for her, staff said. She spent 14 years at Potter Park Zoo and will be remembered for providing Christmas magic when she gave birth to a calf for the first time in the zoos history on Christmas Eve in 2019.

This loss is devastating to so many, a statement said. While support services are being provided for our team, they would also appreciate hearing how Doppsee impacted your life.

Anyone can send memories of Doppsee on social media or at zoocontact@ingham.org.

Black rhinos have been pushed to the brink of extinction by illegal poaching and loss of habitat. Current estimates show that only about 5,000 individual black rhinos are alive in the wild today.

There are just over 50 black rhinos in the care of AZA accredited zoos which are managed by the Species Survival Plan. The SSP maintains a genetically healthy population of black rhinos in zoos

RIP Doppsee.
In this 2009 file photo, Jamie Bevington, a public health nurse in Ionia County, gives Madison Ordiway, 4, a H1N1 mist while other children form a line that stretches all the way outside at Belding High School. BPN

John Maassab spent most of his career at the University of Michigan working to develop a safe and effective live flu vaccine.

FluMist was his crowning achievement, the realization of my lifes dream, he called it after the vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002.

Administered as a nasal spray, FluMist was based on weakened live virus strains that Maassab developed painstakingly over four decades.

FluMist earned billions of dollars for the pharmaceutical companies that produced it over its first two decades, according to the University of Michigan, and tens of millions for the university.

And then, in 2023, the British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca stopped paying, according to a lawsuit filed by UM on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

The university has estimated its damages at $50 million.

AstraZeneca, which acquired the previous maker of FluMist in 2007, is falsely claiming that it no longer uses the master influenza strains developed by Maassab, UMs complaint said, and refusing to return those strains, first saying they had been lost, then saying the company had only found something related to them.

Both an AstraZeneca spokesperson and UM Director of Public Affairs Kay Jarvis declined to comment on the suit, saying their organizations dont typically discuss ongoing litigation.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of AstraZeneca receiving FDA approval for a version of the FluMist that can be administered at home rather than by a pharmacist or doctor.

The convenience of self-administering the flu vaccinecompared to getting an injection at a pharmacy or doctors officewould be expected to generate record sales, UMs complaint said.

The university signed the initial intellectual property agreement in 1995 with the California biotechnology firm Aviron, giving it permission to use two virus strains developed by Maassab and M. Louise Herlocher, known as Type A/Ann Arbor/6/60-H2N2 (7P1-SE2) and Type B/Ann Arbor/1/66 (7P1-SE2).

The agreement stipulated that, once Aviron brought a product to market, it would have permission to use the strains for the next 20 years, paying royalties to the university from sales. After that, the contract would have to be renegotiated.

FluMist was released in 2003, by which time a company called Medimmune Inc. had acquired Aviron. AstraZeneca acquired Medimmune in 2007. For years, the companies paid UM royalties of 1.25% of net sales.

In 2021, with the end of the contracts 20-year-term approaching, AstraZeneca reached out to UM to negotiate an extension, according to the complaint, which includes a copy of an email to that effect from AstraZeneca vice president and head of transactions Caroline Austin.

Then AstraZeneca abandoned those discussions and reversed its position, falsely claimingthat FluMist had long ago ceased to use the master strains, and that AstraZeneca had no need for the master strains on an ongoing basis, the complaint said.

Of course, nothing about the FluMist formulation intrinsically changed from September 2023, when AstraZeneca last paid royalties, to the following October, when it didnt.

Armen Donabedian retired in 2022 as chief of vaccines for the Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases Division of the federal Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. He was also one of John Maassabs doctoral students.

The universitys lawsuit seems appropriate, he said, though he granted he doesnt know why AstraZeneca has taken the position it has.

The virus strains that UM licensed have specific properties that make them safe for use in a vaccine, he said, and, as long as AstraZeneca is relying on those properties, its using the universitys intellectual property.

If the company had created their own unique master donor genes which conferred those properties, they would have to launch a whole new efficacy study and a safety study, which AstraZeneca doesnt appear to have done, he said.

In any event, doing so would cost a fortune, Donabedian said. It would be crazy. It would be much smarter to pay a royalty.
The Entheofest psychedelic plant and mushroom festival on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR, MI  A legal dispute between the University of Michigan and a student group is now being fought in court and an emergency hearing is scheduled.

Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Tracy Van den Bergh is hearing the case brought by the Student Association for Psychedelic Studies, which is suing the university over its denial of a permit for the fifth-annual Entheofest on the Diag.

The university argues the event promotes psychedelic plants and mushrooms that are illegal under state and federal law, while organizers maintain the constitutional right of free speech and right to assemble give them the right to have Entheofest.

The Entheofest psychedelic plant and mushroom festival on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Van den Bergh responded to the groups motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunctions on Thursday, Aug. 28, deciding an emergency hearing is required. The hearing is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Van den Bergh ordered the student group to immediately serve the university with its court filings and ordered the university to respond as soon as possible prior to the hearing.

The university denied the group a permit for this years event planned for Sept. 21 after four years of it taking place on the Diag each September. UM cited concerns about sales of illegal substances like Shroomaid and Jack Frost shrooms by unauthorized vendors who show up at Entheofest.

Shroom products for sale at the Entheofest psychedelic plant and mushroom festival on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Entheofest organizers said they discourage illegal sales and consumption during the event and have suggested campus police could play a role in curbing unwanted activity.

The student group is being represented by attorney Thomas Lavigne of the Detroit-area Cannabis Counsel law firm. Theyre asking the court to grant immediate injunctive relief compelling the university to permit the event.

The universitys denial of a Diag reservation violates the Michigan Constitution by imposing a content-based restriction on core political speech in a traditional public forum and the right of assembly, the group argued in its lawsuit.

Absent court intervention, plaintiffs and the public will suffer irreparable harm: the loss of a one-time, date-specific opportunity to engage in political expression and assembly that cannot be remedied after the fact, it states.

UM officials have not responded to requests for additional comment.

The Hippie Heisenberg table at the Entheofest psychedelic plant and mushroom festival on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Entheofest focuses on education, advocacy, cultural history and policy reform relating to psychedelics and it has been approved and held without incident on the Diag the past four years, the lawsuit states. The event celebrates the anniversary of the Ann Arbor City Councils September 2020 decision to decriminalize entheogenic plants and fungi in the city, recognizing their potential benefits for therapeutic uses.

Shroom shops sprout in Tree Town, advertising psychedelic experience

Promising research is ongoing at medical research institutions across the country demonstrating long-lasting medicinal efficacy after a single administration of entheogenic substances for myriad medical conditions including PTSD with a better safety profile than long-term daily pharmaceutical drugs, the student groups lawsuit states.

In the 1990s, nearly identical permit denials by UM were challenged in Circuit Court concerning the annual Hash Bash marijuana rally on the Diag, and the court ruled such denials unconstitutional, the lawsuit states, saying UM students have the same rights and protections under the constitutions of the United States and state of Michigan as other citizens.

The Entheofest psychedelic plant and mushroom festival on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

The universitys restrictions are not narrowly tailored to serve any compelling or legitimate governmental interest and constitute an unlawful restraint on the liberty of speech and assembly guaranteed by the Michigan Constitution, the lawsuit states.

Entheofest co-organizer Jim Salame previously suggested they would exercise their right to gather on the Diag with or without a permit officially reserving the space for the event, but he said theyre no longer planning on being on the Diag unless the denial is reversed, and theyre working on an alternative location.

Organizer Jim Salame speaks at the Entheofest psychedelic plant and mushroom festival on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Sept. 22, 2024. (Ryan Stanton | MLive.com) Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Salame, who also is involved in organizing the annual Hash Bash each April, has expressed concerns the universitys attempt to shut down Entheofest on campus could be a trial run for trying to stop Hash Bash next spring. The event has taken place each April for over 50 years, going back to the 1970s.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
Gelock Heavy Movers, Inc. and its sister company, HEL Inc., are planning to expand into a 76,000-square-foot facility at 3901 Buchanan Ave. SE in Wyoming. In this MLive file photo, a Gelock crane gets in position before moving a modular home onto its base in Grand Rapids in 2018. Neil Blake

WYOMING, MI  A Grand Rapids-based industrial moving company is set to be the third and final occupant of a long-vacant 75-acre property on U.S. 131 that used to be home to a General Motors stamping plant.

Gelock Heavy Movers, Inc. and its sister company, HEL Inc., are planning to build a 76,000-square-foot facility on the southeast corner of the sprawling former GM property at 3901 Buchanan Ave. SE, known as Site 36.

Expected to be completed in 2027, the new Gelock and HEL site will serve as the headquarters for both companies, with office space, equipment storage and maintenance areas, and yard space to accommodate trucks, cranes and other specialized heavy equipment, according to projects site plans.

The Wyoming Planning Commission approved the site plans at its Aug. 19 meeting. The project will next go before the Wyoming City Commission for approval on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Gelock purchased the nearly 15-acre property on the southeast corner of Site 36 for $2.29 million in September 2024, city property records show.

Matt Van Dam, the CEO of both companies, said the new facility will allow Gelock and HEL to expand their operations.

Gelock is currently located at 450 and 550 Market Ave. SW. The company plans to keep those properties to use as a heavy warehouse and overflow site, Van Dam told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Friday, Aug. 29.

Together, Gelock and HEL employ around 60 people, with plans to grow to about 65-70 employees at the new location, Van Dam said in a letter outlining the project to the city.

Gelock Heavy Movers is a third-generation, family-owned company founded in Grand Rapids in the 1940s, according to Van Dams letter. The company provides specialized heavy equipment moving, rigging and transportation services.

Gelock purchased the Hastings Equipment Company (now HEL. Inc) in 1970 to serve as a complementary business to provide industrial repair and maintenance services, according to the companys website.

Van Dam said the company chose Wyomings Site 36 property for its expansion because of its proximity to the U.S. 131 highway system, as well as the large space it had available for the companys massive machinery.

He declined to share a total cost for the project because its still in the design phase.

Gelock will occupy the third and final available parcel at the 75-acre former GM stamping plant that sat vacant for more than a decade.

Once a giant concrete eyesore, the property is now being brought back to life with the development of a new battery components assembly plant, a Corewell Health facility, and soon, the Gelock headquarters.

31 1 / 31 Massive former GM stamping plant site to see redevelopment

GM opened the 75-acre stamping plant at 300 36th St. SW in 1936. It employed roughly 1,500 workers and annually generated a half million dollars in tax revenue for the city. The former GM plant closed in 2009, amid the Great Recession, and the city later began working with RACER Trust to clean up the site for future development.

Real estate development firm Franklin Partners purchased the site from the city for $5.25 million in 2022, with the goal of bringing new manufacturers to the sprawling site. The property was marketed as Site 36, with officials touting its close access to railroad, the U.S. 131 freeway, and the fact it is eight miles from Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Corewell Health was the first to develop on the property, building a 296,515-square-foot consolidated service center on the northern 40 acres of the site that is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. The facility will employ roughly 240 people and feature a distribution center, document and mail services and offices for supply chain staff.

Benteler Automotive is building a 316,965-square-foot battery components assembly plant on the southwest 20 acres of the former GM site. The new facility, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, will produce V801 Ford transit van battery components for commercial vehicles, creating 170 new jobs, according to site plans approved by the city last year.

Corewell purchased its portion of the property from Franklin Site 36 LLC for $6.6 million in December 2023, while Benteler disclosed that it purchased the Buchanan Street site for roughly $3.3 million in July 2024, city records show.
The ballroom at the Hayes Hotel, 228 W. Michigan Ave. in Jackson on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News

JACKSON, MI  A new legal battle has emerged over the Hayes Hotel redevelopment in Jackson.

Ohio-based developers Collier Gibson filed the lawsuit against J. Jeffers & Co. in Jackson County Circuit Court on July 3. The company 228 Michigan Ave., LLC, where Collier Gibson is located, was also listed in the lawsuit.

The filing alleges that J. Jeffers & Co. recorded a claim of interest on the property with the Jackson County Register of Deeds on Feb. 27. That means Collier Gibson alleges J. Jeffers & Co. has an interest in acquiring the property, though claims the defendant has no right, title or interest in it.

Collier Gibson gained ownership of the property on March 4 and has since asked J. Jeffers & Co. to remove its claim, the lawsuit read. The developer didnt receive a response, and is now resolving this through litigation, Collier Gibsons attorney Roger Myers of Myers & Myers said.

On March 24, the Jackson County Circuit Judge Richard LaFlamme dismissed earlier claims by J. Jeffers & Co. that the city violated a sale agreement and misled the company. Myers said J. Jeffers & Co. should have removed the claim of interest then.

Im sure its to try to get some sort of leverage to further pursue their interest in this property, but theyre doing so through illegal means, Myers said. They cant just have this claim of interest cloud on (the) title to the property that my client owns.

The lawsuit claims J. Jeffers & Co. did this maliciously and had an ulterior motive to extract a favorable settlement with the city. Myers said if the claim does not get discharged soon, this challenge to who owns the property, or cloud on title, could cause problems for getting approved for financing, sales and other future development plans.

Collier Gibson is requesting the judge to void the claim of interest, and recovery of all attorney fees and costs.

J. Jeffers & Co.s Chief Development Officer Brian Loftin did not respond to request for comment.

After an agreement with J. Jeffers & Co. was extended twice without a sale by Dec. 31, 2024, the city council sold the building to Collier Gibson for $25,000. The proposed $40 million project aims to create 109 market-rate apartments, a restaurant and retail space.

J. Jeffers & Co. had planned a $40 million project to transform the 10-floor building, named The Hayes, into apartments, event, retail and restaurant space. The dismissed lawsuit claimed the company had already invested nearly $2 million into the project.

The hotel originally opened in November 1926 and had been vacant since 2003. For the past 20 years, the city has invested $1.5 million to preserve the building for future development.

Over the years, several past deals with potential developers have fallen through.

Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 27, 2025, BYD officially announced its entry into the Argentine market, marking both a commitment to supporting the country's transition to electric mobility and a milestone in the broader shift of its automotive sector toward greener and smarter technologies.

Deng Yuan, BYD's Country Manager for Argentina, described the nation as a pivotal hub in the company's regional expansion and underscored its aim to bring innovative, safe, and environmentally responsible mobility solutions at competitive prices to local consumers.

Photo credit: BYD

As part of its market launch, BYD plans to introduce a range of energy-efficient, zero-emission models featuring advanced design while simultaneously investing in charging infrastructure. The company intends to work with local stakeholders in the energy and automotive sectors to build strategic partnerships. Beyond strengthening its global sustainability push, the move is expected to bring Argentina access to cutting-edge EV technologies and industry know-how, helping the country reduce transport-related emissions, diversify its energy mix, and accelerate the development of its domestic new energy vehicle supply chain.

From today, BYD has opened its first round of exclusive presales in Argentina, starting with three vehicle models: the Yuan UP, Song PRO DM-i, and Seagull. Positioning Argentina as a key anchor for its South American strategy, the company aims to expand its regional presence and collaborate with local partners to advance a new era of green mobility.
Dunkin' is moving into the former home of Tim Horton's at 4328 W. Main St. Audrey Whitaker

KALAMAZOO, MI  Tim Hortons moved out in February. Six months later, a new coffee-and-doughnut chain is preparing to move in at 4328 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo.

The 2,106-square-foot cafe is reopening as a Dunkin (formerly known as Dunkin Donuts). There will be a soft opening on Saturday, Aug. 30, with the grand opening scheduled for Sept. 8, according to company officials.

The new Dunkin location is offering a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase on Sept. 8 and a free classic doughnut with any beverage purchase on Sept. 17 to celebrate the opening.

The revamped interior includes Dunkin menu screens and an airy seating area with pink and orange accents.

It will be Dunkins third location in the Kalamazoo area, joining stores at 5200 S. Ninth St. and 3102 S. Westnedge Ave.

The brand is known for hot and iced espresso drinks, doughnuts and breakfast baked goods.

Dunkin operates more than 9,500 stores across the U.S.. It was founded in Massachusetts in 1950, per the company website, and a majority of its stores are in New York.

Dunkin' is moving into the former home of Tim Horton's at 4328 W. Main St. Audrey Whitaker

Tim Hortons is a Canadian chain is known for its premium coffees, specialty drinks and doughnuts. Its Canadas largest restaurant chain, per its website, but has less than 700 locations in the U.S.

Kalamazoo County has one Tim Hortons, now, at 5709 S. Westnedge Ave. in Portage.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
Members of the Rotary Club of Midland Morning and the Rotary Club of Midland are inviting community members to participate in the annual Labor Day Tridge Walk on Monday, Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The Flint Journal, MLive.com

MIDLAND, MI  Members of the Rotary Club of Midland Morning and the Rotary Club of Midland are inviting community members to participate in the annual Labor Day Tridge Walk on Monday, Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The free community event will begin at the foot of the Tridge at the end of Ashman Street, where Midland Mayor Maureen Donker will deliver opening remarks, organizers said. Participants will then walk across the Tridge from downtown Midland to Chippewassee Park.

At the park, attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments including coffee, juice, and donuts while listening to live music performed by the Jacob Wisenbach trio. The event will also feature family-friendly activities, including a networking version of Bingo with prizes.

The Labor Day Tridge Walk tradition began in 1992 when Judge Henry Hart crossed the Tridge with a group of friends. Since then, various organizations have sponsored the event, with the Rotary Clubs currently leading the annual celebration.

Community members interested in event updates can visit midlandmorningrotary.com and check the calendar section, or visit midlandnoonrotary.org and click on events.

Both Rotary Clubs are actively seeking new members, organizers said. The Rotary Club of Midland Morning holds meetings every Tuesday at 7 a.m. at Windover School, located at 919 Smith, while the Rotary Club of Midland meets Thursdays at noon at the Midland Country Club.

Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on data provided by the Rotary Clubs of Midland. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers the 2025 State of the State address in this file photo. AP

LANSING, MI  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer set May 5 as the date of a special election for the 35th District state Senate seat, ending a nearly nine-month wait for the decision.

The Democratic governor announced the date in a Friday, Aug. 29, statement.

Whitmer said the primary election for the race is scheduled Feb. 3.

We have a lot of good work to get done before the end of next year, Whitmer said in a statement. Michiganders want us to create jobs and grow the economy, invest in schools and boost literacy rates, and, of course, fix those damn roads. I look forward to working with the next state senator from this district to tackle these issues and more.

The vacancy was created on Jan. 3, when then-Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Democrat, resigned to take a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Senate district encompasses parts of Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.

The state Senate today consists of 19 Democrats and 18 Republicans, meaning the election could change the balance of power in Lansing.

Whitmers nine-month wait to call for the election drew criticism and lawsuits from various groups, including both Democrats and Republicans.

After Whitmer announced the special election timeframe state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) and Campaign Chair Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) immediately issued statements in support of the governors decision.

Since the beginning of this Senate Democratic Majority, our caucus has delivered for everyday Michiganders  from passing the largest tax relief plan in state history to making sure no Michigan student goes hungry at school, Brinks said in a statement. This special election is an opportunity for us to expand our historic majority and continue that work.

Camilleri in a statement said the special election was an opportunity to show our Republican colleagues, from Donald Trump down to Lansing, that their agenda is out of step with Michigan families.

Before Whitmer called for the special election, candidates began filing for the race. Among them: Democrats Pamela Pugh and Brandell Adams as well as Republican Chadwick E. Twillman.
The aftermath of an August 2024 police pursuit in Wyandotte that ended in a crash. (Video still provided by the Wyandotte Police Department) Wyandotte Police Department

Michigan lawmakers are debating whether drivers who flee police officers should get mandatory time in jail.

Under the legislation, mandatory minimums for fleeing and eluding police officers would start at 182 days in jail but continue to escalate up to five years in prison if the crime results in someones death.

Bill sponsor state Rep. Rylee Linting, R-Wyandotte, said these mandatory minimums are needed to deter people from fleeing police. She said fleeing police puts officers, the public and the person fleeing in a deadly situation.

This bill is about one thing, holding criminals accountable for endangering lives through reckless, high-speed attempts to evade law enforcement, said bill sponsor state Rep. Rylee Linting, R-Wyandotte. Unfortunately, Michigan has seen a dramatic uptick in fleeing and eluding cases, many of these resulting in irreversible tragedy, devastated families, injured officers and innocent lives lost. Our law enforcement officers on the ground will tell you this issue is only getting worse.

Testimony on the mandatory minimum bills from Linting and state Rep. Mike Mueller, R-Linden, was heard Wednesday, Aug. 27, before the House Judiciary Committee.

Fleeing and eluding occurs when the driver of a motor vehicle or water vessel increases speed, turns off their lights or otherwise attempts to evade an officer signaling them to stop.

Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton testified that instances of people fleeing police and leading them on high speed chases has increased in recent years.

In the early 2000s, his city in Metro Detroit averaged under 10 pursuits a year, the chief said. Now, its about 50 a year.

Hamilton attributed the uptick to criminals and others knowing that some police agencies around the state either have no-chase policies or limit the circumstances when officers can pursue a vehicle.

Michigan State Police in March 2024 enacted a policy to engage only in pursuits when there is probable cause that a driver or occupant of a fleeing vehicle has committed a life-threatening or violent felony.

A number of other police agencies around the state have similar policies. These policies aim to balance the seriousness of the underlying crime with the potential risks to public safety that can arise from a pursuit.

Between 2017 and 2021 in Michigan, 60 people died in fatal crashes resulting from police pursuits.

Hamilton said mandatory minimums are needed because too often people who flee police dont see jail time and therefore arent deterred.

They know if they run, they can get away with any crime because its a metaphorical free pass to do what they want, he said. And thats what were seeing, because we have a lot of restrictive policies out there throughout our state. Not much we can do about that, but they know the police are just going to turn off those overhead lights and they know if they do get caught or fleeing elude, theres no consequence.

Whether many or few people are currently being jailed for fleeing police was debated during the hearing. Linting and Mueller were asked to come back to the committee with more information about how often fleeing and eludings occur within the state, how many people were charged for the crime and what the judicial outcome was.

During the committee meeting, Hamilton showed several police dash camera videos from his department demonstrating these chases and their aftermaths.

In one of the instances, a man who attempted to flee police ran a red light, struck another vehicle and died.

In another video, a man who was caught after a vehicle chase told arresting officers that they werent allowed to pursue him.

Wyandotte doesnt have a no-chase policy. Hamilton said the suspect had four prior arrests related to fleeing police.

A lot of these agencies throughout our state have a no chase policy or a restrictive policy and thats empowering these criminals to run from the police, Hamilton said.

Simple fleeing and eluding is a two-year felony. It would carry a 182-day minimum sentence under the bills.

Fleeing and eluding that results in a crash, is in a 35 mph or lower speed zone or is done by a person with a prior simple fleeing and eluding conviction is a five-year felony. It would carry a one-year minimum sentence under the bills.

Fleeing and eluding that results in a serious injury or is done by a person with prior elevated fleeing and eluding convictions is a 10-year felony. It would carry a two-year minimum sentence under the bills.

Fleeing and eluding that results in death is a 15-year felony that would carry a five-year minimum sentence under the bills.
President Donald Trump says the U.S. Senate's "blue slip process" is causing delays. Michigan has one vacancy now awaiting Senate confirmation. He is pictured at the White House before greeting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump has spent several weeks criticizing a century-old U.S. Senate tradition called the blue slip process, which allows senators to sign off on some federal judge and U.S. attorney nominees in their home state.

The practice effectively allows senators to block presidential nominees they oppose.

Trump has threatened to sue in response, telling reporters this week the senate process makes it impossible for me as president to appoint a judge or U.S. attorney because they have a gentlemens agreement.

His complaints about the process have received pushback from some Republican senators, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Michigans two senators, Democrats Elissa Slotkin, D-Holly and Gary Peters, D- Bloomfield Township, have also spoken out in support of the blue slip process.

Michigan has multiple federal court vacancies that must soon be filled permanently, with the two senators signing off.

One of these nominations is currently awaiting Senate confirmation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., a veteran federal prosecutor in the Detroit office, was appointed in May as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Its unclear if prolonged delays could result.

What is the blue slip process?

The blue slip process gets its name from a blue-colored form thats used by the Senate for judicial nominations.

Its been used in some way since at least 1917, according to the Congressional Research Service.

In a news release sent out earlier this year, Slotkin said the Senate tradition typically begins with both home state senators recommending judicial nominees to the president.

When the president then nominates someone to become a district judge, U.S. attorney or U.S. marshall, these senators are able to sign off on the nomination using the blue form.

They can return the slips with a positive or negative response. If they submit a negative response, or if a form is not returned, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee can choose not to move forward.

According to the Congressional Research Service report, the use of blue slips isnt codified or included in committee rules, and the party chair has discretion to determine how much of an impact the slips have. For now, that means Senate Republicans.

In some years, both senators have been required to sign off before a nomination can be approved, while in others nominations have advanced without blue slip support.

From 1956 to 2016, it was relatively rare for the Senate to confirm a nominee without Senate support, however, with only three known nominees confirmed without support during the 61-year period.

Trump, senators clash over necessity of blue slip

The Associated Press reported that Democrats have already opposed several of Trumps nominees, including a U.S. attorney nominee in New Jersey and two prosecutors nominated in New York.

Trump and Democrats have shown little interest in working with each other, despite past cooperation between the White House and the Senate on nominations.

This has led to delays across the board when it comes to getting Trumps nominations confirmed.

But Republicans have remained firm about blue slip, arguing that they used the process to their own benefit when former President Joe Biden was in office. They say they will want the practice to remain in place if they are in the minority again.

On July 29, Trump posted on Truth Social that the President of the United States will never be permitted to appoint the person of his choice because of an ancient and probably Unconstitutional CUSTOM, referring to the blue slip process.

Therefore, I would never be able to appoint great judges or U.S. Attorneys in California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia and other places, where there is, coincidentally, the highest level of crime and corruption, he wrote.

On Aug. 24, he called for Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to do away with the agreement.

The veteran senator hasnt budged, the Associated Press reported this week, and on Monday Trump said he may sue, arguing that he can only get weak judges approved in states with at least one Democratic senator.

Its unclear who Trump would sue and how a lawsuit would work, as the Senate sets its own rules.

Republicans have also noted that judges who dont receive approval from their home state senators are unlikely to have enough votes for confirmation anyway.

Both Slotkin and Gary Peters, have expressed support for the practice.

In a March news release, Slotkin said a critical part of the job of a U.S. senator is to review and recommend qualified, fair and upstanding nominees to the federal bench, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Marshals offices.

Peters said hes committed to making sure these important positions are held by those with the legal experience and temperament needed to serve our state well.

Michigan has several vacancies that require Senate confirmation.

In March, Slotkin and Peters both announced they would accept nominations for three open judicial positions in Michigan, including a U.S. District Court judge in the Eastern District of Michigan and U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.

Then on May 2, Bondi appointed Gorgon as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District in Detroit.

The court serves the eastern half of the lower peninsula and approximately 6.5 million people, according to its website, leading a staff of nearly 250 prosecutors, civil litigators and support personnel.

On July 16, Trump officially nominated Gorgon and sent his nomination to the Senate, where it now awaits action in the Committee on the Judiciary.

If confirmed, Gorgon will serve an initial four-year term.

But interim U.S. attorneys can only serve up to 120 days or until the confirmation of a presidentially-appointed nominee, according to an Office of the Inspector General report.

With his May 2 appointment, Gorgon is nearing his 120-day mark.

After that, the federal district court can either reappoint him or make its own appointment until the vacancy is filled by Senate confirmation.

Slotkin and Peters did not respond to multiple MLive requests for comment on Gorgons nomination. And a Trump administration spokesperson referred MLive to Trumps Oval Office comments from earlier this week.

Gorgon isnt the only vacancy that could soon require Senate confirmation.

On July 21, Bondi appointed federal prosecutor Timothy VerHey to lead the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Michigan, which serves the western half of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.

He was tapped to take over for Mark Totten, a former West Michigan federal prosecutor who is now running for state attorney general.

VerHey has a 35-year career as a Grand Rapids prosecutor and will represent the district encompassing 1.6 million people on an interim basis, leading a staff of approximately 70 prosecutors, civil litigators and support staff.

MLive could not confirm whether VerHeys appointment has been sent to the Senate by Trump.
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Nikes Jordan brand is teaming up with the Awake NY fashion team to celebrate the Air Jordan 5s 35th anniversary.

As part of the festivities, Nike will drop an Air Jordan 5 x Awake NY Black sneaker on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. ET for $230.

This rendition takes Tinker Hatfields 1990 design and reimagines it with nods to New Yorks rich, cultural landscape and five boroughs. The updated look features a jagged midsole, bump-out collar and clear vented panels with premium black leather. Racer Blue accents add a pop of personality throughout.

Air Jordan 5 Nike Air Jordan 5 x Awake NY Black 35th anniversary shoes $230 on Nike

Both brands will be recognized in the co-branded Racer Blue logo on the Metallic Silver tongue and in the translucent outsole. Other brand easter eggs include Awake NYs signature A logo built into the vented side panels and an NY on the outer heel of the right shoe rather than a 23. The style has the iconic Nike Air cushioning and Nike Air heel branding, too.

The final result is a look that screams New York, but can be worn anywhere. If you hope to grab a pair, log on to the Nike website before 10 a.m. ET. Collectors and AJ5 fans alike will be eager to get their hands on this one.

Be sure to check out the Jordan x Awake NY apparel line that launches at the same time, too.
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Nikes partnership with fashion brand Awake NY aims to elevate streetwear essentials with a must-have collection.

The Jordan x Awake NY Apparel Collection debuts on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 10 a.m. ET, alongside a pair of Air Jordan 5 shoes.

This latest collaboration includes a premium tee, thermal top, fleece hoodie and knit beanie. With each piece, you can sport some of the soul New York City has to offer and the freedom of expression its style thrives on.

Read more below about what to expect in each of the new pieces.

Jordan x Awake NY Mens Thermal Long-Sleeve Top - $80

Dont let the heavyweight waffle material fool you  a special wash treatment guarantees a soft, worn-in feel for this shirt. Each of the five boroughs are represented with allover graphics and a Jordan x Awake NY branding sits on the hem.

Jordan x Awake NY Mens Tee - $60

Choose this shirt if you want a structured feel. This time, the five borough designs are on the back, while the spotlight graphic is reserved for the Jordan x Awake NY partnership.

Jordan x Awake NY Mens Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie - $175

This hoodie features an embroidered Jordan x Awake NY logo on the front, while the rest of the design is a soft, relaxed fit. Brushed fleece makes this sweater so irresistibly cozy, youll want to wear it every day.

Plan to be online before these new items launch at 10 a.m. ET if you hope to score some pieces. There is a good chance that the new line will sell out fast  especially with both Nike and Awake NY on the project.
China drought of rare earths to India in focus for Xi-Modi meet

Rohit Singh

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Participants take part in a training for the upcoming V-Day military parade in Beijing, capital of China, Aug 12, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]



As the world turns its eyes to China's upcoming commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War (1931-45), Japan is trying to prevent the truth from being seen.

According to Kyodo news, Japanese embassies in many countries have urged European and Asian leaders not to attend the commemoration ceremony, arguing that the commemoration "dwells excessively on history" and carries "anti-Japanese overtones". On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that Beijing has taken note of such reports, lodged a stern protest and demanded clarification from Tokyo.

China is commemorating the historic event to remember the past, honor the sacrifices and cherish peace to build a better future. If any nation is ready to face its history honestly and is genuinely committed to peaceful development, it would have no reason to object. Japan's latest diplomatic maneuver to dissuade leaders of other countries from attending the commemoration is an insult to history. By trying to obstruct foreign attendance, Japan only reveals its guilt and betrays its deep unease in confronting its wartime culpability. This insecurity stems from the horrific crimes committed by militarist Japan during World War II and the persistent failure of postwar governments to engage in genuine reflection.

Japan's aggression inflicted immense suffering across Asia. Yet, unlike Germany, successive Japanese administrations have never truly fully acknowledged these actions or offered a sincere apology. No nation can build a respectable future by burying its past in silence or lobbying others to do the same.

Instead, some revisionist forces in Japan glorify aggression in textbooks, euphemize "surrender" as the "end of the war," and cast doubts on atrocities such as the Nanjing Massacre. These are calculated attempts to whitewash decades of brutality that left millions dead and scarred.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government has shown stark contradictions in its China policy. While professing a desire to "improve relations," it has simultaneously provoked tensions on historical issue and Taiwan question.

On Aug 15 which marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, Ishiba attended the national memorial service for the war dead and spoke of "regret and lessons". Yet he conspicuously avoided acknowledging Japan's aggression or the suffering inflicted on its neighbors.

More tellingly, on May 26 he laid flowers at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery and, as head of the Liberal Democratic Party, on Aug 15 offered ritual gifts to the Yasukuni Shrine, where the remains of convicted war criminals are buried. Such acts expose the Japanese government's true attitude and its duplicity on history.

Japan's ploy to dissuade others from joining China's commemoration event is a futile effort against the tide of history. The vast majority of the international community is fully aware of the war crimes committed by Japanese fascism during World War II and the importance of preserving the historical truth.

Around the world, nations mark the victory over fascism with solemnity. Europe commemorates Victory in Europe Day on May 8 every year. Germany, once an aggressor like Japan, uses the day to reflect on the devastation of war and celebrate national renewal. Italy designates April 25 as Liberation Day, marking its emancipation from fascist rule and Nazi occupation. These are in stark contrast to Japan's evasive strategy.

China's commemorations have gained widespread recognition, which demonstrate international support for China's commemoration and a collective commitment to historical justice.

Japan's obstruction is thus not only ineffectual but also self-defeating. By trying to suppress remembrance, Tokyo isolates itself further from a global consensus that values peace, remembrance, and accountability.

Japan's attempt to block China's Sept 3 parade is insulting history. The international community's rejection of Japan's reckless appeal underscores the shared resolve to defend the achievements of the victory in World War II and uphold the foundations of the postwar order. The world deserves remembrance, not revisionism.

Germany's example shows that profound reflection and sincere apology can lead to reconciliation and renewed trust. Japan, by contrast, will remain trapped in suspicion and isolation unless it honestly confronts its past, cuts all ties with militarism, and commits to genuine peace. Only then can it earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and stand with the global community in remembering history, honoring the fallen and cherishing peace to build a better future.

The author is a research fellow with the Institute of State Governance, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), and a research fellow at the HUST Center for the Study of the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.
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.

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Astronaut IAF Captain Subhanshu Shuklas advice to kids: Whatever opportunity comes your way, keep saying yes!

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BTS V generates excitement among Indian fans as he wears shirt by Indian designer: "He looks so beautiful"

Fans were quick to celebrate this moment online, expressing how proud they felt seeing their idol don an Indian label.

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Tehran is positioned to appeal to fans of intense political dramas as well as action enthusiasts thanks to its captivating premise, stellar cast, and well-timed digital release.

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Netizens urge Karan Johar to cast Aryan Khan, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in Student Of The Year 3

Ahaan, the nephew of Chunky Panday, made a spectacular debut in the musical romantic drama Saiyaara, which was directed by Mohit Suri.

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Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary celebrate first Ganesh Chaturthi with daughter Ikleen, see pics

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Saiyaara actor Aneet Padda reveals she secretly recorded auditions, says 'I told my parents I was doing homework'

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MC Jobs Desk Read the latest and trending news articles on Sarkari Naukri, government jobs, UPSC, SSC, railway jobs, banking jobs, defence recruitment, state PSC exams, and more.

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HTET Result 2025 to be Out at bseh.org soon; check link to download here

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Lula has expressed frustration with a lack of dialogue with the Trump administration since US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent canceled a meeting with Finance Minister Fernando Haddad earlier this month

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Advanced Enzyme shares up 8 percent to clock best day in 11 months on heavy volumes

During the June quarter, Advanced Enzyme had achieved its highest quarterly revenue of Rs 185.9 crore, growing 20% on year, along with a net profit of Rs 40.4 crore, which was 16% higher on year.

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Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning

Intimate insurers in advance for reimbursement claims in case of planned hospitalisation

Preeti Kulkarni

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Teena Jain Kaushal

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Manish M. Suvarna

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Reliance Industries to list Jio by first half of 2026 in landmark IPO, unlocking value in Indias digital crown jewel

Reliance Industries to list Jio by first half of 2026 in landmark IPO, unlocking value in Indias digital crown jewel

J Jagannath

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Shubhangi Mathur

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Armaan Bhatnagar

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RIL AGM 2025: India need not copy foreign development model, can forge its own, says Mukesh Ambani

Smriti Mishra

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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

Bhavya Dilipkumar

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101Reporters

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Amit Shah demands apology from Rahul Gandhi over alleged abuses hurled against PM Modi, his mother

Amit Shah's remarks came after an alleged video on the internet showed the accused hurling abusive slurs against PM Modi during an INDIA bloc event.

Rewati Karan

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Arvind Kejriwal raises National Herald case to allege BJP-Congress nexus: 'No one from Gandhi family has gone to jail'

Parimal Peeyush

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'Assam can't be led by people who make frequent visits to Pakistan': Amit Shah's 'war bugle' for assembly polls

Union Home Minister Amit Shah plays 'Bhor Taal' during the 'NDA Panchayat Pratinidhi Sammelan', in Guwahati (Image: @CMOfficeAssam/X via PTI)

Rewati Karan

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Rewati Karan

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Centre to Supreme Court: States can't challenge President or governors over Bill assent delays

Chhabi Kala

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Smriti Mishra

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Manoj Jarange Patil received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters, sporting saffron caps, scarves and flags, after he reached the protest venue

Priyanjali Ghose

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Idea that Islam will not remain is not Hindu thinking: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Mohan Bhgwat was ddressing a question and answer session to mark the centenary celebrations of the RSS

Priyanjali Ghose

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'If you cross limits of decency...': Owaisi reacts to 'abusive words' hurled at PM Modi during 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'

"Decent words should be used. You speak up, you oppose and criticise, condemn as much as you want but if you cross the limits of decency, it is wrong and it should not be done. Be it about anyone," Owaisi told news agency ANI.

Rewati Karan

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Japans tech and Indias talent can drive the revolution of the century, PM Modi tells business leaders in Tokyo

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Japanese people dressed up in Rajasthani attire, welcome PM Narendra Modi with a Rajasthani folk song. (Image: ANI)

Chhabi Kala

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Jharkhand High Court blasts NHAI officer in Hazaribagh land case: Do you want commission in every case?

The case involves land that the state government had settled in 1975 with a landless SC family as part of its policy

Surabhi Pandey

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His brother Ekramul Hasan, who accompanied him to Gurugram on the air ambulance, told PTI that the ministers blood pressure had suddenly dropped (Image: IANS)

Smriti Mishra

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Majority back Operation Sindoor as strong reply to Pahalgam attack, 21% thought it was weak: Survey

Smriti Mishra

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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Maratha quota stir: Manoj Jarange Patil gets one more day at Azad Maidan as CSMT crowd swells

In 2023 and 2024, his campaign forced the issue to the centre of state politics, with the government under pressure to address quotas for the community.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Ria Kapoor

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Nalco to foray into critical minerals in India, says chairman Singh

Critical minerals used in a diverse set of industries ranging from EVs to military drones.

Sweta Goswami

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Opposition states oppose GST rate rationalisation, warn of revenue loss of up to Rs 2 lakh crore

Christin Mathew Philip

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Opposition using abusive language as they have lost people's faith: Adityanath

101Reporters

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PM Modi, Chinese President Xi likely to meet twice on SCO summit sidelines to strengthen ties

Xi and Modi met last year at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit

Smriti Mishra

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PM Modi likely to seal deal on Japans E10 Shinkansen bullet trains | All about new 320kph train

Designed by the East Japan Railway Company, the E10 has a maximum speed of 320 km per hour. (Image: X)

Chhabi Kala

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SC acquits woman in dowry harassment cased linked to daughter-in-law's death, says 'word spreads faster than wind'

Rewati Karan

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SC asks Centre if it can presume someone Bangladeshi migrant on basis of Bengali language, gives a week's time

Justice Bagchi said that any person found within Indias territory must be treated in accordance with law.

Rewati Karan

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Singapore PM Lawrence Wongs India visit: MoUs on skills, fintech, space and defence to mark 60 years of ties

During the visit, the Singapore PM will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Lokendra Sharma is a Research Analyst with the High-Tech Geopolitics Programme at the Takshashila Institution. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

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A focus on cyber auditing is welcome as it strengthens cybersecurity of the armed forces.

Namrata Agarwal

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Presidential Reference once again brings ParliamentJudiciary supremacy tussle to the fore

Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Though the case raises several significant constitutional questions, at its core lies a single issue: can the Supreme Court place limits on the powers of the Executive and the Legislature in certain areas?

Namrata Agarwal

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Trade might contribute to peace by enabling economic development, complex interdependence, rising living standards, and enhancing education quality.

Namrata Agarwal

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Chinese man jailed for breaking into womans home and extracting blood to relieve stress

The case, first reported by Red Star News, has triggered widespread criticism online.

Shubhi Mishra

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According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Sundar Pichais net worth was estimated at $1.1 billion.

Shubhi Mishra

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From 4.7 billion kilometres away, Voyager 2 captured its final Solar System view that still resonates 36 years later

Sheetal Kumari

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MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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Aabhas Sharma

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Man suffering from mental illness kills self, mother after excessive use of ChatGPT

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Worlds Richest Village Is in India With Rs 5000 Crore FDs: Whats Their Secret?

Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.

Priyanka Roshan

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A camera, a staircase and three blasts: Why Israel's Gaza hospital attack is termed as 'double-tap'?

People mourn over the bodies of Palestinian journalists Moaz Abu Taha (L), photojournalist Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, (C), and Al-Jazeera photojournalist Mohamed Salama, (R), who were killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, ahead of their funeral on August 25, 2025.

Abhinav Gupta

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Afghan men stand near a damaged house after overnight aerial strikes in Khost on August 28, 2025 (AFP)

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https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/warmington-lcbo-bandits-made-off-with-8k-in-booze-but-cops-have-their-pictures

Six people walked out of an LCBO store in Kitchener, Ont. carrying bottles of stolen booze out in bags. CTVs Spencer Turcotte has reaction from the premier.

Premier Doug Ford called the men who stole thousands of dollars of booze from an LCBO store in Kitchener, Ont. a brazen bunch of crooks.

He made the comments during a self-professed crime rant at a press conference Wednesday.

We gotta catch these guys and throw them in jail, Ford told reporters. They just do not care.

The theft happened at the Pioneer Park location on Aug. 23. Six men walked into the store around 4:30 p.m., grabbed bottles off the shelves and shoved the alcohol into large bags.

The incident was filmed by another customer in the store who later posted it, anonymously, on social media.

In the video, three of the men could be seen calmly filling the bags. They also appeared unfazed by the camera filming the theft and their uncovered faces.

The suspects were last seen leaving the area in a dark-coloured SUV.

Video stills of the suspects who stole booze from the Pioneer Park branch of the LCBO in Kitchener, Ont. (Source: WRPS)

The Waterloo Regional Police Service said most of the stolen bottles were scotch and the value of their haul was an estimated $8,000.

This was a brazen, coordinated and organized theft committed on such a scale that the items taken are obviously not for personal consumption, a statement from Waterloo Regional Police said. The suspects showed little concern for the safety or wellness of staff and patrons inside the store, and we are currently reviewing evidence, including video and photos, to identify those responsible. We are committed to identifying them, arresting them and holding them accountable for their actions.

This theft, they added, was far from an isolated incident.

Weve had over 900 LCBO-related calls this year already, said WRPS Deputy Chief Jen Davis. Weve laid over 500 charges.

Video stills of the suspects who stole booze from the Pioneer Park branch of the LCBO in Kitchener, Ont. (Source: WRPS)

Investigators are now working with the LCBO and other police departments to determine if the theft is related to similar incidents in other communities.

We know that on the clandestine market this type of product is fetching around 40 to 50 per cent of the original cost, which then might be fueling other criminal activity, Davis told CTV News.

Police also confirmed WRPS Chief Mark Crowell had been in contact with with the premier on the matter.

In the video, customers could be seen passively watching the thieves grab the bottles and walk out of the store.

Police said that was the right move.

I dont encourage anyone in the public engaging with these individuals, Davis said. I know its frustrating but, unfortunately, we dont know if these individuals are armed with any type of weapon.

The LCBO also recommends no intervention from employees or customers.

Our employees receive regular, mandatory training in theft detection, deterrence and reporting, they said in a statement to CTV News. This training focuses on personal safety, observation, and gathering information to support police investigations. LCBO employees or customers who physically confront shoplifters put themselves and others in store at risk.

They added: Just because someone walks out of LCBO with a bottle, doesnt mean that they get away with the crime. Through our collaboration with police services across the province, we continue to hold criminals accountable  even after they have left the store."

The premier, meanwhile, called it ironic that Ontarians will, ultimately, be the ones paying for the theft.

Its the taxpayers money, the LCBO, Ford said Wednesday. Theyre stealing off the taxpayers.

He felt confident, however, the suspects would be caught.

Were going to keep these guys accountable, Ford insisted. We gotta get tough on this crime. People are fed up.

The premier also promised he would reach out to Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss bail reform.
US President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Abhinav Gupta

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Cutting financial lifeline to Putin: Navarro renews attack on India after Modis war remark

Pragya Trivedi

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Economist Richard Wolff slams Trumps tariffs on India: Acting like tough guy, but shooting itself in the foot

Pragya Trivedi

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Flood-affected people evacuate on a boat amid rising water levels after heavy rainfall in the Haqu Wala village of Pakistan's Kasur district on August 24, 2025. (Photo by Arif ALI / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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From TikTok to trenches: How US Army is betting big on social media influencers to recruit Gen Z

US military service members from the 1st Infantry division march along Constitution Avenue during during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025.

Abhinav Gupta

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Pragya Trivedi

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JD Vance says Trump is fit to lead, but he's ready to step in if a terrible tragedy occurs

JD Vance says hes ready to serve as President if a terrible tragedy occurs

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Modi, Xi and Putin to close ranks at SCO: What to expect from the power play as Trump watches uneasily

FILE PHOTO - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive for a family photo during the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 23, 2024. (Photo by MAXIM SHIPENKOV / POOL / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Tariff loophole on cheap imports has closed: What it means for American shoppers

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Thailand's suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra waves as she arrives at Government House in Bangkok on August 29, 2025.

Abhinav Gupta

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Trumps H-1B visa crackdown explained: 5 reasons it may hurt the US more than India

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Trumps India tariffs could backfire, pushing New Delhi towards China: US expert Daniel Block

File Photo - US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during 'Namaste Trump Rally' at Sardar Patel Stadium in Motera, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, on February 24, 2020. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

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File Photo - The then outgoing US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attend the inauguration ceremony before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / POOL / AFP)

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All trade with Israel has been cut. Turkish ships will no longer call at Israeli ports, and Israeli planes will not be allowed to use Turkish airspace, Fidan told reporters.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Ukraine turns Moscows mines against it: How it blew up Russian bridges with $600 drones

This photograph shows FPV drones placed at the position of Ukrainian servicemen of the Black Arrow battalion, in the Dnipropetrovsk region on July 10, 2025.

Abhinav Gupta

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US permanently ends tariff exemption for packages valued $800 or less

US ends tariff exemption for delivery packages valued at $800 or less

Pragya Trivedi

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When mailing a letter to the US becomes a global headache

When mailing a letter to the US becomes a global headache

Pragya Trivedi

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Sonora, CA The Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools has been awarded Blue Zones Project Approved status, recognizing its efforts to promote health and wellness for students, staff, and the wider community.

Superintendent Zack Abernathy led the initiative in partnership with the Blue Zones Project, with a focus on employee well-being. The office has introduced a range of wellness measures, including healthy food options at meetings, seminars, ergonomic workstations, opportunities for community service, and updated paid time off and remote work policies. As part of a sustainability effort, bike racks were added to the office campus, and a walking challenge was held to encourage employees to stay active during the workday. Officials say these changes are designed to support both workplace success and overall health.

The Superintendent of Schools joins several other school districts in Tuolumne County that have earned Blue Zones Project Approved status.
Part the First and Only on this Friday Afternoon: One More Revolution of the Accelerating Doom Loop of Science. The following is an update to our previous discussion earlier this week. As everyone should know by now, the Secretary of Health and Human Services has fired the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Susan Monarez, after less than one month on the job. If this is not a record, it should be. According to STAT News, RFKJr after asking for her resignation, citing concerns about insubordination and her integrity (basically she stuck to the science and said no), including instances related to vaccine policy. She refused and was offered another choice, accept all recommendations from the agencys vaccine advisory committee, whose members (the Secretary of Health and Human Services) had replaced with hand-picked allies (including Dr. Robert Malone, self-described inventor of mRNA vaccines, not) who shared his hostile views about childhood immunizations, and fire a number of high-level officials at the agency.

Dr. Monarezs lawyers argue that as the Senate-confirmed Director of CDC, only the president can fire her. This will not matter. The great and powerful X has spoken. And four high-level leaders at CDC have resigned anyway. All because, according to the Secretary who stated that leadership changes were needed to bring Trumps agenda to an agency that has problems. Now, few would dispute that CDC has had problems, especially in senior leadership, during the past five years of a pandemic that is not over. But what is meant by the presidents agenda? One would think that any presidents agenda would be to support the best science and scientists instead of fire them by the thousands. After all, that was the ostensible purpose of President Trumps Operation Warp Speed during his first term.

In any case it is not clear that Dr. Monarez has done anything except bring her expertise to a very difficult job in the current political environment. Who is Dr. Susan Monarez? She has a PhD from the University of Wisconsin and was a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford. She published her research as Susan P. Coller and then went into scientific administration where she has held important positions in government and elsewhere. She is well qualified for the position, as noted by the Secretary, who praised her unimpeachable scientific credentials while noting that he had full confidence in her ability to restore the CDCs role as the most trusted authority in public health and to strengthen our nations readiness to confront infectious diseases and biosecurity threats.

Instead, it is clear that the primary goal of the Secretary to set back disease control and prevention while Making America Healthy Again by other means. RFKJr laments, on Fox & Friends:

There is really a deeply, deeply embedded  I would say malaise (a word Jimmy Carter did not use in that speech) at the agency, and we need strong leadership that will go in there and that will be able to go in there and that will be able to execute on President Trumps broad ambitions for this agency to [return] to the gold standard science and what it was when we were growing up, which was the most respected health agency in the world.

Gold-standard science is nothing more than a trope, a fetish of the faux science of economics. When we (RFKJr and I are near contemporaries) were growing up the CDC was respected, and it has been until the various entanglements of public health with business and politics that characterized our responses to COVID-19. Some of us remember that it was CDC scientists who figured out AIDS in a matter of months and saved countless lives even though politics was a factor. They did the same with Ebola and other outbreaks of horrible diseases around the world. Without CDC, as it was and still is at the level of working scientists, the world would not be able to respond to emerging diseases and other treats to human health.

And the Secretary displays his goals thoroughly when he continues:

Today, on the CDCs website right now, they list the 10 top advances, the 10 greatest advances in medical science and one of them is abortion, another is fluoridation, and another is vaccines. So we need to look at the priorities of the agency.

Or maybe we, all of us, need to look at his priorities for the agency? I found the Top-10 information on the CDC web site. There are actually two CDC documents that list a Top-10. They can be found here at a secondary site that refers to them. The first is from MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) that is the flagship publication of CDC. The Ten Great Public Health Achievements in the United States, 1900  1999.

Vaccination

Motor-vehicle safety

Safer workplaces

Control of infectious diseases

Decline in deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke

Safer and healthier foods

Healthier mothers and babies

Family planning

Fluoridation of drinking water

Recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard

There is not one family, in the United States and in most of the world, that has not been helped by these improvements. It can be argued that we could have done better on most of these, but that is always possible. Fluoridation works despite the merchants of doubt who follow the John Birch Society in their demonization of the practice. Vaccines also work. It should pain anyone to have to say this in the year 2025. From the CDC reference, during the 20th century decreases in morbidity for the following diseases ranged from 95.7% to 100%, because of vaccination: Smallpox, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, paralytic poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, and Haemophilus influenzae (the cause of bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, and ear infections).

The list is much longer now. Vaccines will never be perfect or perfectly safe for everyone, but they have been essential in lessening the burden of severe disease. The newer HPV vaccines have the potential to prevent cervical cancer at 98%+ efficacy. It is simple-minded madness to deny this, but the Secretary persists in his enduring belief in the fraud that is (the former) Dr. Andrew Wakefield on the connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.

The second paper from CDC from MMWR (direct link here) lists Ten Great Public Health Achievements  Worldwide, 2001-2010:

Reductions in Child Mortality

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (again)

Access to Safe Water and Sanitation

Malaria Prevention and Control

Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS (a signal achievement with CDC contributions)

Tuberculosis Control

Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases

Tobacco Control

Increased Awareness and Response for Improving Global Road Safety

Improved Preparedness and Response to Global Health Threats

Moreover, as noted recently in MMWR, Health and Economic Benefits of Routine Childhood Immunizations in the Era of the Vaccines for Children Program  United States, 19942023 Weekly / August 8, 2024 / 73(31);682685:

Broad access and availability of vaccines in critical for immunization programs to avert disease. Since 1994, the U.S. Vaccines for Children (VFC) program has covered the cost of vaccines for children whose families might not otherwise be able to afford them. Among children born during 1994-2023, routine childhood vaccinations will have prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1,129,000 deaths, resulting in direct savings of $540 billion and societal savings of $2.7 trillion. During the VFC program era, routine childhood immunizations in the United States have been an important cost-saving public health strategy. Childhood immunizations continue to provide substantial health and economic benefits and promote health equity.

Again, no reasonable person can doubt any of this, except at the far margin (we can leave for another time a discussion of why affordability has anything to do with essential healthcare in the United States). But that is where dissemblers like to hide out. One might add that firearm deaths in the United States could have and should have been included on this list, but studying that was terminated with extreme prejudice because of the Second Amendment and the National Rifle Association. Does anyone remember when the NRA was all about gun safety and that the famous well-regulated militia was originally intended to eliminate Native Americans and enforce Slave Codes? I didnt think so.

But getting back to RFKJr revealing himself on Fox & Friends, nowhere in these citations does the word abortion appear. The first paper includes this in Family Planning:

Access to family planning and contraceptive services has altered social and economic roles for women. Family planning has provided health benefits such as smaller family size and longer interval between the birth of children; increased opportunities for preconceptional counseling and screening; fewer infant, child, and maternal deaths; and the use of barrier contraceptives to prevent pregnancy and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and other STDs.

No mention of abortion whatsoever. But as intended, the word does get the attention of an audience primed to hear it.

It is also worth looking at the four senior CDC employees who have left as a consequence of the defenestration of Susan Monarez. Demetre Daskalakis is an infectious disease physician who led HIV clinics in New York and later joined the NYC Health Department. He joined CDC in December 2020 to direct HIV prevention and subsequently worked on the mpox outbreak that affected gay and bisexual men. Dr. Daskalakis is gay and thus a messenger that community would listen to. Yes, he was. Up until this week he was Director of the National Center of Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, a position for which he is well qualified.

Deb Houry was a top CDC official who has been the public face of CDC on diabetes, mental illness among children, and recommendations on proper opioid use. She was second at CDC under Mandy Cohen and Acting Director before Susan Monarez was selected by the Current Administration. Houry began at CDC in 2014:

To lead the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, which dealt with issues including gun violence, suicide, and opioid overdoses. It was one of the divisions at CDC rocked by mass layoffs this year, with the Trump administration saying it wanted to return the CDCs focus to infectious diseases.

Aside from mass layoffs being a last refuge [1], this return to focus is an administration trope about CDC; they do try hard. Yes, the name of CDC was Communicable Disease Center (1946-1967) and National Communicable Disease Center (1967-1970; I have a discarded library book stamped to this effect). It became the Center for Disease Control in 1970 and was the Centers for Disease Control from 1980 to 1992, when CDC became the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is a thoroughly natural evolution; there is nothing sacred about communicable or infectious disease in controlling and preventing disease in the 21st century.

Daniel Jernigan had worked at CDC for thirty years, most recently as Director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. He is a leading influenza expert. It is hard to imagine that his expertise will not be needed at the highest level at CDC, perhaps sooner rather than later. Jernigan has said that what sent him out the door was having to work with David Geier, whose research with his father on vaccines and autism has been problematic in its entirety.

Jennifer Layden led the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology while spearheading the agencys efforts to modernize its data strategy to overcome health data systems that have been a wreck. But if the data are not available or are not usable, then there will be no health crisis or pandemic, by definition. The deterioration of the quality COVID-19 data was remarkable as pandemic fatigue progressed, perhaps never seen before at that level. On the other hand, data on HIV/AIDS and other reportable conditions are still quite good. For now.

Finally, this post was to end with the question of what will Senator Bill Cassidy, MD, R-Louisiana, have to say about this? Dr. Moneraz talked to the Senator as her termination was in the works because she would not toe an illegitimate line, and this apparently did not sit well with the Secretary. Remember, the Senator provided the slimmest of margins by which RFKJr was confirmed, because of assurances he received from nominee. By all accounts the President is all-in on RFKJrs going wild on health.

The MAHA Movement lives, for the moment, but MAHA is mostly theatre for the majority, while giving the rich a feel-good experience that comes attached to their wearable continuous glucose monitors from Levels, of which RFKJr is so enamored. The company was founded by the future Surgeon General  after she gave up her medical career 80% through her ENT residency  and her brother. And no, continuous glucose monitoring for people without diabetes or another serious metabolic condition is superfluous. But the practice is lucrative for the provider of the monitor and the app and the add-ons loved by those with more money than sense.

We have heard from Senator Cassidy, naturally on the Great and Powerful X:

These high profile departures will require oversight by the HELP Committee.

The STAT News article continues:

Senator Cassidy later called for the next meeting of the CDCs vaccine advisers, scheduled for mid-September, to be postponed indefinitely. (He called for a previous meeting of the vaccine advisory group, known as ACIP, to be postponed as well. Kennedy ignored his demand.) Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process being followed, he said in a news release. At one point, in response to questions about Kennedy stripping funding from mRNA research, Trump suggested that the two planned to meet about it but followed his comments with praise of Kennedys work. The White House has not confirmed whether a meeting ever took place, and no public reversal has emerged. In the meantime, Kennedy, for his part, has continued to blow through promises he made to Cassidy and other senators that he would uphold vaccine science and publicly support immunization. HHS has de facto restricted access to Covid vaccines, for example. He has publicly questioned the value of certain vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments. Hes also limited the ability of both his staff and the public to dissent: He recently moved to revoke recognition for the union that represents many HHS workers, and offers them a way to speak out against decisions they disagree with, and has made an effort to cut the public out of his decisions.

What a complete mess. One wonders if Senator Dr. Cassidy is having second thoughts. No one excuses (also a link from Conor this morning) the errors of omission and commission by CDC during COVID-19. Or the misses at NIH. Politics was mostly responsible, along with a general malaise caused by losing the plot. But we should remember that these agencies have previously served science and the people very well. Politics and science are always intertwined in the modern world, but as a good friend who is the Vice-President for Public Policy at a major organization of biological scientists, of which I have been a long-time member, puts it: I dont mind a fight, but a fight without rules has never been our problem, and at the moment there are no rules, only accusations and rage from critics who have never done the work and have agendas of their own. That about sums it up, but then there is Hosea 8:7 to keep in mind. Or in the vernacular, what goes around comes around when people are not reasonable.

Nevertheless, it is difficult to see what is happening at CDC (plus NIH, NSF, NOAA, and other essential agencies) as anything but a revival of neo-Lysenkoism, a hundred years later. The outcomes for those scientists and administrators will not reach the severity of what happened in the Soviet Union (see Nikolai Vavilov, FRS), but the substitution of disinterested science for administration priorities will not end well this time either.

Note

[1] Patriotism having become one of our topicks, (Samuel) Johnson suddenly uttered, in a strong determined tone, an apophthegm, at which many will start: Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. But let it be considered, that he did not mean a real and generous love of our country, but that pretended patriotism which so many, in all ages and countries, have made a cloak for self-interest.
Yves here. Below is an article served up as a reader critical thinking exercise, both for its reliance on dubious information (such as propaganda about the supposedly dire state of the Russian economy) So hopefully you will have some fun having at it as well as debating the finer points of where the conflict appears to be.

Let me offer a few to get the discussion rolling:

1. The idea that the US can presently force Zelensky to do anything is a canard given US politics. The way the US could quickly bring Ukraine to heel would be to cut off intel support which would include targeting assistance and satellite data. With Lindsey Graham still keeping up his bone crushing sanctions demand, which Trump now understands would wreck the US via Chinese retaliation, Trump cant look soft on Ukraine. He has to at least have enough in the way of optics to keep the nutters at bay.

2. Notice the personalization, of Putin as bad guy, which serves to direct attention away from the fact that Russia has existential security interests at stake.

3. The framing that Ukraine can somehow still win the way. US officials have taken to saying that Ukraine must accept the fact that it has lost the territory Russia now occupies (how much they believe the Zelensky fig leaf that maybe Ukraine can get it back in the future is open to question). So what is winning give the current givens? For Zelensky, it is to hang on to power as long as possible and somehow get out alive. For Ukraine, there is no win but cutting losses and having a rump state that really is neutral, as in the West stops meddling, which would lead, as intended, to a later revival of combat. Good luck with that.

4. It is true that Russia has been chary of assaults on bigger cities. Some of that is seeking to keep Russian casualties down; slow strangulation, while not as satisfying to the peanut gallery, does the job too. But Alexander Mercouris today made a point regarding the Russians proceeding in a measured matter in the linchpin city of Pokrovsk, that the Russians prefer to have Ukraine feed yet more weapons and men in a futile defense. Weve said repeatedly that the reason for the purportedly slow Russian advance is not just the difficulty of breaking through well fortified lines, but that Russias aim is to destroy Ukraines army. Its much easier to do that by having Ukraine throw resources at Russian forces when Russia has short supply lines.

Although the importance of cracking the last defense line in eastern Ukraine would give Russia the opportunity to make big territorial advances (note that the Slaviansk-Kramatorsk line has repeatedly been depicted as weaker than the preceding three major lines, due both to geography and I believe less robust fortification), consider another view on the merits of fortifications, albeit via a fictionalized account.

Admittedly, this was well before our world of ISR.

By Rod Thornton, Senior Lecturer in International Studies, Defence and Security., Kings College London and Miron, Post-doctoral Researcher, War Studies Department, Kings College London. Originally published at The Conversation

In the recent summit talks in Alaska designed to halt the Russia-Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin demanded that Kyiv cede control of the entirety of its Donetsk oblast (region) to Russia. But this would effectively be tantamount to an acceptance of overall defeat for Ukraine. In giving up this region, Kyiv would also be giving up its principal defensive barrier against further Russian encroachment into the whole of Ukraine  that is, it will lose its fortress belt. This is the name given (by the Russians themselves) to a series of fortified Ukrainian-held cities, towns and settlements in the west of the Donetsk region. This belt roughly links the city of Slovyansk in the north to Kostyantynivka, some 50 km to the south. The current situation on the battlefield needs to be viewed with a certain context in mind  that of geography. The state that we now call Russia (which has included Ukraine for much of its existence) has been subject to many invasions throughout its long history. Foreign invaders  whether coming from the east, south or west  were generally able to make rapid initial progress in their invasions, not least because Russia had few natural barriers that could act as defensive lines. In particular, the open steppe lands, lacking hilly or mountainous terrain, have represented an open invitation to invaders. This issue still pertains. But today, ironically, these largely indefensible steppe lands are Ukrainian territory that is under threat from Russian forces. In light of this, Kyiv cannot rely on terrain to form defensive lines. It has to rely on creating urban barriers. Towns and cities are notoriously difficult to capture or to fight through. Buildings, especially large ones, provide ideal cover and fire points for defenders. Getting into urban areas is difficult because of the channelling effect of the road systems. Obvious routes can be well defended with mines, obstacles and covering fire. Rubble also makes movement difficult. Urban scenarios very much favour the defender. The normal tactic for an assaulting force would be to try and outflank and surround such urban areas and to then to essentially lay siege to them to prevent their resupply and thus force their surrender. This is what happened, but on a smaller scale, with the capture of Mariupol by Russian forces early in the war.

The other alternative has been to squeeze out Ukrainian forces from any town they are holding. In such scenarios, towns have been enveloped on three sides by Russian troops. This has then forced the under-pressure Ukrainians to withdraw though the only remaining egress routes. Russian forces then occupy the abandoned town.

This is what happened at towns that Ukrainian forces lost earlier in the Donbas region: Avdiivka, Bakhmut and Soledar.

But both of these forms of attack on urban areas are currently being denied to Russian forces. This is because of the complex series of Ukrainian defensive lines that have been established now between the series of towns and cities in the Donetsk fortress belt. These make use of minefields, anti-tank obstacles, enfilading fire (firing along the enemy line to inflict maximum casualties) provided by tube artillery and copious drone use.

Because the Russians have largely been unable to break through these lines they have been prevented from surrounding or enveloping any of the major urban areas within the fortress belt.

Last Line of Defence

It is strategically vital for the Ukrainians that this belt continues to hold back the Russians. It appears that one of the main aims of the 2025 summer offensive by Moscow (according to Russian officers captured by the Ukrainians) has been to break through this belt. It was said to represent the poslednii ryvok (the final push) that would settle the wars outcome in Russias favour.

Institute for the Study of War

But this has not happened and looks unlikely to happen anytime soon. Indeed, as the Institute for the Study of War put it recently, Russian forces are engaged in an effort  to seize [the fortress belt] that would likely take several years to complete.

Hence, it becomes easier to understand why Putin needed to make the demand that he did at Anchorage. What cannot be achieved on the ground in terms of breaking through the fortress belt he is trying to achieve via a peace deal brokered with US assistance.

Gaining control of the west of the Donetsk region is the key to winning the war. Putin knows this. If Donetsk and its fortress belt are given up, then the open steppe land to the west would be exposed to Russian advances. Great swaths of Ukrainian territory would rapidly fall.

EPA/Gavril Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin pool

As one Russian source put it this week, the fortress belt is the last serious line of defence for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Beyond it, Kyiv has no other prepared lines of defence to Zaporizhzhia and the Dnipropetrovsk region  [and]  the Russian army can  advance to the Dnieper River.

If Russian forces came to be camped on this part of the Dnieper, then its hard to imagine that Ukraine would not then have to accede to yet further, strategically damaging, territorial demands from Moscow. With such a scenario in mind, the future course of the whole war hinges on Ukraine not giving up its fortress belt in western Donetsk.

Perhaps an irony in Putins demand that the whole of the Donetsk region be handed over is that it could be seen as coming from a position of what appears to be weakness and not strength. He cannot wait the years it may take to seize the cities and towns that form the fortress belt. Russia cannot remain on a war footing for too much longer, according to reliable reports on the state of its economy.

But even so, Kyiv may have to accede to Putins demands because it will potentially come under pressure from the Trump administration, which itself does not want to wait years to see a resolution to this conflict. If Kyiv does accede, though, then this may amount to Ukraine accepting its overall defeat. It may, indeed, lose the war.
Second question: does the supposed Cartel de los Soles actually exist?

Before we get to the meat of this article, which is really two articles in one, a quick recap (just in case some readers have been on a news-fast for the past three weeks).

A few months ago, the US government designated the SUPPOSED (more on that later) Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organisation, of which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is its alleged leader  alleged as in according to the US government. In early August, the Trump Administration offered a $50 million reward, up from $25 million, for information leading to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, accusing Venezuela of being a narco state.

Shortly thereafter, the US announced the deployment of a missile cruiser, a submarine, and three amphibious ships carrying 4,500 troops to the Caribbean, under the pretext of intercepting drug trafficking networks. There is no open talk of regime change though that is clearly the goal, as we noted in our post last Friday on the real reasons behind Washingtons latest show of force against Venezuela:

Anyone who believes or supports this latest pretext for war against a country the US has tried to regime change at least twice so far this century and which has been subject to more than a decade of crippling US sanctions is either exceptionally gullible or an apologist for empire.

The most important reason, of course, is oil. As the Mexican-Lebanese geopolitical analyst Alfredo Jalife says, Venezuela, once the ranchito of the Rockefeller family, is written with a capital P for petroleo. Indeed, even as Trump has ratcheted tensions with Venezuela, Chevron is still pumping out Venezuelan oil and shipping it back to the US.

Other possible reasons include Venezuelas close ties to China, Russia and Iran, the US three most important strategic rivals. As we noted in that post, the build-up of troops could also be part of a diversionary tactic as the Trump administration continues to reel from the Epstein scandal. This being Trump, it could also be just pure bluff or bluster. But it could also be the beginnings of something far more serious: another US-led military disaster.

In recent days, the Venezuelan government has mobilised no fewer than four million army reservists to defend la patria. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced plans to reinforce the countrys anti-narcotics efforts through the deployment of military vessels and 15,000 troops to patrol the countrys territorial waters.

President Maduro said on Monday that all branches of Venezuelas armed forces were prepared to defend the country. Thousands of civilians joined a voluntary militia enrolment drive in public squares over the past weekend.

At the international level, Venezuelas Permanent Mission to the United Nations called on member states to demand an end to the US hostile actions. Some countries in the region, including Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and Bolivia, have expressed alarm about the US deployment of so much naval hardware so close to Venezuelan waters.

Russia, China and Iran have also voiced their support for Maduro in recent days. China is estimated to have poured around $67 billion into Venezuela since 2007 and has a keen interest in the countrys oil supplies, whose exports have been severely curtailed by US sanctions.

The 11 member nations of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP) unanimously condemned the US threat to regional stability. However, other governments in the region have sided with Washington and even offered up their land and waters for US troop movements.

France Joins the Ruckus

France has decided to join the ruckus by sending more ships to Guadeloupe, its overseas territory in the Caribbean. The Macron government claims its naval reinforcements are part of an international cooperation effort to regime change Venezuela against criminal networks in the area, and stressed the need to protect its overseas territories, in particular Guadeloupe and Martinique, which are often used as transit points for drug trafficking to Europe.

The move comes, ironically, as fears of a French government collapse send its borrowing costs soaring. In fact, one thing that all three of Europes largest economies, Germany, the UK and France, have in common is their growing financial pains.

Both France and the UK now have higher yields on their ten-year bonds than Spain and Greece, and their is even talk in both countries of the possible need for an IMF bailout. Meanwhile Germanys Chancellor (and former BlackRock board member) Friedrich Merz has warned that Germanys welfare state model is no longer sustainable. As Yves would say, quelle surprise!

Something else that unites the three countries is their governments determination to expand their military spending, at US insistence, despite their rapidly deteriorating finances. While French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou plans to freeze welfare payments, reduce pensioners benefits and abolish two national holidays, the one area where spending will dramatically increase is the military.

As the French government deplores the state of its finances at home, it is sending military vessels to the Caribbean to join the US latest act of imperial misadventure. Which invites the question: will other US client and vassal states in Europe and Latin America be doing the same in the coming days and weeks? Is the US trying to build a coalition of the willing against Venezuela, just as it did against Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya with such disastrous consequences?

There are certainly moves in that direction. Trinidad and Tobagos recently elected right-leaning government last week expressed its support for the US naval operation, noting that organized crime and drug trafficking pose a direct threat to the security of the entire Caribbean. Desperate to court favours in Washington, the government also offered up its waters and territory for US operations against Venezuela if Washington requests them  to defend neighbouring Guyana, of course.

The Essequibo Border Dispute

For its part, the Guyanese government has also called for the strengthening of cooperation against transnational organized crime and narco-terrorism, in direct reference to the criminal organisation Cartel of the Suns. The President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, said last Saturday that his country is willing to take actions to defend its territory and sovereignty in the new environment.

This is a reference to the escalating border dispute between Guyana (formerly British Guyana) and Venezuela over the Essequibo, a 160,000 square-kilometre oil-soaked territory that is on track to become Exxon Mobils largest single source of revenue by the end of this decade and which the US, unsurprisingly, would like to turn into a military outpost. For Guyana, the huge oil discoveries could end up being as much as curse as a blessing, as the NYT reported last year:

The deal that made [Exxons success] possible  and which gave Exxon Mobil the bulk of the proceeds  has been a point of public outcry and even a lawsuit, with a seeming consensus that Guyana got the short end of the stick. But the deal has nonetheless generated $3.5 billion so far for the country, more money than it has ever seen, significantly more than it gained from conserving trees. Its enough to chart a new destiny.

But that new destiny has already included escalating tensions with its much larger neighbour, Venezuela, and risks turning Guyana into another disposable pawn in the furtherance of US geostrategic interests in its direct neighbourhood. As we warned in November 2023, this centuries-old dispute in an oil-rich corner of South America has the potential to become the next geopolitical flashpoint:

Essequibo is not only rich in oil and gas; it boasts other mineral deposits, including Gold and Bauxite, as well as huge fish stocks and fresh water supplies, which a government minister even recently talked about exporting to other countries. As the Commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), General Laura Richardson, said in January, Latin America is home to 31% of the worlds fresh water. But for the moment, it is Guyanas vast untapped energy supplies that are of prime interest to US and global corporations. According to U.S. Geological Survey estimates, Guyanas coastal area has roughly 13.6 billion barrels of oil reserves and 32 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves waiting to be drilled. For a country with one of the lowest population densities on the planet and a GDP of slightly less than $10 billion, a bonanza awaits. But Caracas contends that the untapped energy supplies belong to Venezuela and that the arbitration panel that granted Guyana jurisdiction over Essequibo was rigged.

A Meagre Coalition So Far

So far, four countries in the region have designated the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organisation: the United States, Ecuador, Paraguay and Argentina. My guess is that Peru will be next in line. Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has already said that she has not the slightest doubt that Peru, like other countries in the region, will join this latest US-led charge against the Maduro government.

However, as coalitions go, this one is pretty meagre. One country that is missing is Colombia, which has played a key role in previous regime change attempts, including Juan Guaidos risible coup attempt in 2019. However, since the election of left-leaning Gustavo Petro as president in 2022, Colombia has tried to replace its alignment with the US with multilateral relations, even going so far as to join the BRICS New Development Bank and Chinas Belt and Road Initiative.

When Petro took the reins as president, diplomatic ties between Colombia and Venezuela were essentially on hold. Since then relations have gradually been re-established. In recent months Petro has even proposed building a confederation of nations with neighbouring countries (Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama) based on the former Greater Colombia that existed between 1819 and 1931 and comprised the four aforementioned countries.

It will be very interesting to see how Colombia responds to developments in Venezuela. A few days ago, Maduro announced the movement of 15,000 troops to Venezuelas border with Colombia earlier this week. Then yesterday (Aug 28), Gustavo Petro announced the movement of 25,000 Colombian troops to the other side of that border, which has been greeted positively by the Maduro government.

This border region has long been a focal point of violent clashes between government forces (on both sides), insurgency and paramilitary groups. Lest we forget, Colombia is trying to put behind it 52 years of civil war. However, political violence is once again rearing its ugly head. A few weeks ago, the opposition politician Miguel Uribe finally succumbed to the injuries he sustained in an assassination attempt in mid-June.

In addition, a car bomb was recently set off next to a military base in Cali and a police helicopter downed in the town of Amalfi. In total, 19 people were killed and 65 injured in the two attacks. The car bomb explosion in Cali has been described by local media as the worst terrorist attack in the country since 2019, when ELN guerrillas staged a car bomb attack against the General Santander police school, in the south of Bogota, leaving 21 dead.

Both attacks were attributed to dissident factions of the now-extinct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. President Petro described what happened as a day of death.

One can imagine Petro spending much of his time looking over his shoulder. Colombia is home to at least seven US military bases, and was until recently considered by many, including Hugo Chavez, as the Israel of Latin America. But Petro has tried to change that  first, by building alliances with other Global South countries, and second, by severing ties with Israel over its genocide in Gaza. In the process, he will have made lots of enemies, at home and abroad.

In July, audio recordings were released in which Petros former Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva could be heard talking about organising a coup against the Petro government. Israel is also stirring the pot, as the veteran journalist Gonzalo Guillen warned in a tweet yesterday,

Benjamin Netanyahus regime and the far right in general are promoting an irresponsible and fallacious narrative: that Hezbollah terrorism is hiding on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. This claim, besides being completely unsubstsantiated and absurd, clearly aims to ignite the region and destabilise both countries. This accusation is entirely baseless and has serious geopolitical implications. They seek to generate chaos, confrontation, and destruction.

Does the Cartel de los Soles Actually Exist?

This is a question NC reader Veronius asked in a comment to our previous post on Venezuela.

According to Gustavo Petro, the answer is a definitive no.

It is the fictitious excuse used by the far right to overthrow governments that do not obey them, Petro wrote on X earlier this week. In so doing, he opened up an intriguing can of worms. According to US government agencies, there is more than sufficient evidence tying senior Venezuelan army commanders and senior members of the Maduro government to drug trafficking.

But not everyone agrees. Even the former Venezuelan presidential candidate Enrique Capriles, who is certainly no friend of the Maduro government, has said in an interview with CNN (see below) that the US government needs to back up its claims with evidence.

We, Venezuelans, dont know who is part of the Cartel de los Soles. I dont have any information on that. I cant provide it and I think the United States needs to present the evidence. Such a serious accusation requires putting the proof on the table. Who are the members of the Cartel de los Soles? Who runs it, where does it operate? But not just in rhetoric, show the evidence.

La extrema derecha venezolana desplego una campana de acoso y derribo contra Henrique Capriles porque pide algo de sentido comun: mostrar las pruebas de ese supuesto Cartel de los Soles, quienes operan y donde. "De una acusacion tan grave, hay que poner las pruebas sobre la mesa" https://t.co/NzSUUezGiA  Karen Mendez (@Karenmendezl) August 29, 2025

If the Cartel de los Soles does indeed exist, one thing is clear: it is not nearly as big a player in the global drugs trade as the Trump administration is making out  and certainly not as big a player as the US government itself. As we noted in our previous post, the US is arguably the largest enabler of drug trafficking organisations on the planet:

[This it does] while waging a Global War on Drugs, just as it has been arguably the largest supporter of Islamist terrorist organisations while waging a Global War on Terror. Both types of organisations have proven to be useful allies in the pursuance of US imperial ambitions (e.g. the Colombian and Mexican cartels during Nicaraguas Contra insurgency in the 1980s, or the Al Qaeda offshoots in Syria) while also serving as handy pretexts for military intervention.

It has already been called the most successful counter-narcotics effort in human history. Armed with little more than sticks, teams of counter-narcotics brigades travel the country, doing something the US military never could, cutting down Afghanistans poppy fields. pic.twitter.com/LcAFqA317a  MintPress News (@MintPressNews) August 7, 2023

According to the official narrative, shaped over the past decade by US government agencies and Western media, the Cartel de los Soles is a loose-knit network of Venezuelan generals and politicians that are involved in drug trafficking, in alliance with Colombian and Mexican cartels. The organisation came into existence some time in the 90s when army officials began taking kickbacks from Colombian cartels.

The name Cartel of Suns allegedly comes from the emblems that looked like suns on the generals uniforms. To date, the US has prosecuted two Venezuelan generals on charges related to drug trafficking. In the most recent case, Hugo El Pollo Carvajal, the former head of military intelligence in Venezuela during Hugo Chavezs government, last month pled guilty to trafficking cocaine to the US in a narcoterrorism conspiracy.

As the journalist Antonio Maria Delgado reported in the Miami Herald, Carvajal also claims to have evidence about Venezuelas involvement with Iran and Colombias FARC, espionage within the US, and Maduros ties with the Tren de Aragua gang, which serves as a paramilitary arm of the state and which has also been designated by the US as a terrorist organisation. However, Delgado notes, Carvajal has a history of shifting loyalties and politically motivated statements.

Of course, the idea of army generals taking kickbacks from drug trafficking organisations is totally believable. It happens all over the world. Whether in Mexico, Afghanistan, Myanmar or Colombia, wherever large volumes of drugs are being cultivated, processed, or distributed, rest assured that some (often senior) army officers are getting a cut of the action for looking the other way, or even for helping with the distribution.

A perfect case in point:

Tim told me about basically a gang  a drug-trafficking organization within the military, made up of an unspoken group of soldiers that policed themselves. Inside Fort Bragg's Secret Cartel and Unsolved Murders: https://t.co/ZSgmHIFaZN https://t.co/Fqfqg9RZbq pic.twitter.com/HsspVifLCv  Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) July 28, 2025

As Venezuela Analysis notes, reports from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) itself state that less than 10% of US-bound cocaine flowed through Venezuela and the Eastern Caribbean corridor:

A 2020 document from the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) by Venezuelan government critics Geoff Ramsey and David Smilde concluded that the country is not a primary transit country for US-bound cocaine and that the bulk of drug shipments reach US territory via Washington-allied countries in Central America.

In more recent years, Ecuador has become a major transit point for cocaine, with some reports suggesting that as much as 70% of the global cocaine supply passes through the country.

Curiously, the Cartel de los Soles does not merit a single mention in the DEAs National Drug Threat Assessment from last year. Nor is it mentioned in previous editions Ive checked. Even in the 2025 edition, which was written under the Trump administration, Cartel de los Soles does not appear once. If the organisation is such a threat, why doesnt it feature once in the DEAs threat assessment?

The European Drug Report 2025, based on real data and not on geopolitical interests, does not mention Venezuela once as an international drug trafficking route. Even more damning is an article by Pino Arlacci, the former Director of UNODC, the UN agency on drugs and crime. Here is a brief excerpt, though the article is well worth reading in its entirety (if you dont speak Spanish, use a machine translator):

During my tenure as Director of UNODC, the UN agency on drugs and crime, I was in Colombia, Bolivia, Peru and Brazil, but I never visited Venezuela. There was simply no need. The Venezuelan governments cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking was one of the best in South America; it can be compared only to Cubas impeccable record. This fact, in Trumps delusional narrative of Venezuela as a narco-state, sounds like a geopolitically motivated slander. But the data, published in the 2025 World Drug Report of the organization I had the honor of leading, tell an opposite story to the one spread by the Trump administration. A story that dismantles piece by piece the geopolitical framework built around the Cartel of the Suns, an entity as legendary as the Loch Ness Monster, but apt to justify sanctions, embargoes and threats of military intervention against a country that, coincidentally, is located on one of the largest oil reserves on the planet The Fantastic Cartel of the Suns: Hollywood-style fiction The Cartel of the Suns is a creation of Trumps imagination. It is supposedly led by the president of Venezuela, but it is not mentioned in the report of the worlds main anti-drug agency, nor in the documents of any European agency or almost any other anti-crime agency in the world. Not even a footnote. A deafening silence, which should make anyone who even has a minimum of critical thinking reflect. How can such a powerful criminal organization, deserving of a $50 million bounty, be completely ignored by those working in the anti-drug field? Ecuador: The Real Center No One Wants to See While Washington is stirring up the issue of Venezuela, the real centers of drug trafficking prosper almost undisturbed. In Ecuador, for example, 57% of the containers of bananas that leave Guayaquil arrive in Belgium loaded with cocaine. European authorities seized 13 tons of cocaine from a Spanish ship coming from Ecuadorian ports, controlled by companies protected by Ecuadorian government officials. The European Union produced a detailed report on the ports of Guayaquil, which describes how Colombian, Mexican and Albanian mafias operate extensively in Ecuador. The homicide rate in this country has skyrocketed from 7.8 per 100 thousand inhabitants in 2020 to 45.7 in 2023. But little is said about it. Perhaps because Ecuador produces only 0.5% of the worlds oil and because its government does not have a bad habit of challenging US dominance in Latin America?

Lastly, something else that caught my eye during my research for this article was Wikipedias Spanish-language page on the Cartel de los Soles. On Google Search, the blurb below the title, which should match the first line or two of text on the corresponding Wikipedia page, reads as follows, or at least did so yesterday (translation and emphasis my own):

The Cartel de los Soles is a supposed criminal and terrorist organisation led, according to the President of the United States, by senior military officers

In other words, even Wikipedia was still expressing doubts about its existence until a couple of days ago, and the claim that the supposed cartel is led by Venezuelan senior military officers is sourced directly from the US government.

However, if you click on the link, heres what you now see:

Translation (emphasis my own): The Cartel of the Suns is an illicit, criminal, and terrorist organization headed by high-ranking members of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces since the 1990s, according to some media outlets,[1] whose objective is primarily cocaine trafficking,[2] fuel smuggling,[3][4] control of illegal mining activity in several states of Venezuela, with direct participation in the extraction and smuggling of gold, coltan, precious stones and other minerals. [5]

In other words, not only has the qualifier supposed been edited out of the text, expelling all doubt from readers minds, but also the reference to the president of the United States as the primary source for the claim that the supposed cartel is led by senior military commanders of Venezuelas armed forces. In its place as the new source for this information is some media outlets.

And just like that, with a couple of minor tweaks to the text, all doubt is removed from the readers unsuspecting mind. And that, it seems, is one way that consent for US military operations is manufactured in todays digital world.
Biotech CEO sues Uber following his assault by Russian illegal working as ride-share driver

TC BioPharm CEO Bryan Kobel was brutally attacked by Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev, an illegal immigrant from Russia working as an Uber driver, leaving Kobel with severe injuries including brain damage and amnesia.

Kobel took Uber to court, with the complaint accusing the ride-sharing platform of failing to properly screen Uliumdzhiev, who used a fake driver's license and had no legal immigration status, exposing passengers to dangerous individuals.

Despite providing hospital and police records, Uber deactivated Kobel's account post-attack  a move he called "victim-blaming"  while avoiding accountability for its screening failures.

Uliumdzhiev had previously been arrested for illegal entry but was released under Biden's open border policies, raising concerns about national security and public safety risks posed by unchecked illegal immigration.

The case highlights corporate accountability failures and the dangers of lax immigration enforcement, with Kobel demanding systemic changes to Uber's safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

The CEO of a biotechnology firm has sued ride-sharing platform Uber, months after a harrowing attack he suffered at the hands of an illegal alien from Russia working as a driver.

In April, TC BioPharm CEO Bryan Kobel was violently assaulted by 42-year-old Vadim Nikolaevich Uliumdzhiev in Charleston, South Carolina. The April 24 assault left Kobel unconscious, with the CEO incurring severe injuries  a concussion, brain damage, amnesia and a head laceration requiring seven staples  when he regained consciousness.

Surveillance footage captured the moment Uliumdzhiev head-butted and punched Kobel after a dispute over the CEO's service dog. The Russian national who entered the country illegally left the scene immediately after the attack. This action has now sparked Kobel's lawsuit against Uber for failing to properly screen its drivers.

"I wondered, 'Am I ever going to be the person I was before?' That's a very scary thought," Kobel told the New York Post. Adding insult to injury, Uber swiftly deactivated his account after the incident despite providing hospital records and police reports  a move he described as "victim-blaming."

The lawsuit filed in Charleston County Court alleges that Uber neglected basic safety protocols by allowing Uliumdzhiev to drive despite his fake driver's license and lack of legal immigration status. According to Kobel's attorney Kenneth Berger, the ride-sharing giant's failure to verify critical documents opened the door to a violent criminal operating on its platform. (Related: Family of woman killed by ILLEGAL ALIEN to sue Biden admin for $100M.)

Uber's safety failures exposed

Uliumdzhiev was later arrested in May, with law enforcement charging him with second-degree assault and battery. But prior to the incident, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Uliumdzhiev had illegally crossed the southern border near San Ysidro, California in 2022. Following his arrest for the assault on Kobel, he posted $10,000 bond and was transferred to an ICE processing center in Georgia.

Despite being initially arrested in December 2022 for illegal entry, the Russian was released under the Biden administration's open borders policies. Brighteon.AI's Enoch warns that the "mass release of illegal aliens  many of whom are military-aged men from hostile nations  violates federal law and poses a severe national security threat."

The decentralized engine adds that such a policy "floods the country with potential terrorists and criminals." It also "endangers American lives by prioritizing open borders over public safety and sovereignty"  which the attack on Kobel highlighted.

Uber, which claims to conduct background checks and verify driver eligibility, has yet to explain how Uliumdzhiev slipped through its screening process. The company issued a statement condemning violence, but avoided addressing its own failures.

The case highlights broader concerns about corporate accountability and immigration enforcement. Kobel's lawsuit seeks not only financial compensation, but systemic changes to Uber's safety protocols.

"Uber has to take more accountability for its drivers, the CEO warned. "They're opening the door to mayhem."

This incident is not isolated. It follows a pattern of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants released into U.S. communities by the Biden administration, raising urgent questions about border security and corporate responsibility.

Watch Gabor "Gabe" Zolna recounting an incident where an Uber driver shot a pregnant passenger.

This video is from the zolnareport.com channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ecuadorian illegal assaults 13-year-old girl in broad daylight in New York park.

GOP proposes deportation of non-citizens convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during riots.

Illegal alien Tennessee soccer coach accused of drugging, raping little boys while FILMING pedophilic crimes.

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

KATV.com

NYPost.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
A discovery of hidden truths: DNI Gabbard uncovers concealed burn bag documents

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirms the discovery of concealed "burn bags" containing documents related to the 2020 election and the "Russia hoax" investigation.

President Trump hailed the find as potential evidence of corruption in the 2020 election and past intelligence community politicization.

Gabbard stated the documents were intentionally hidden "in the back of safes in random offices," indicating an effort to conceal information from the American public.

The discovery is part of a broader investigation into the alleged weaponization of government agencies against political opponents and citizens.

The findings fuel ongoing political and legal battles over election integrity and intelligence community transparency.

In a revelation that strikes at the heart of long-standing political controversies, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard confirmed this week the discovery of concealed burn bags filled with documents related to the 2020 election and the intelligence communitys investigation into alleged Russian collusion. The discovery, announced during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, signals a significant escalation in the administrations efforts to investigate what it alleges was the politicization of federal agencies against political opponents and American citizens. The documents, which were supposed to be destroyed, were instead found stashed away, promising a new chapter in the nations ongoing debate over transparency, election integrity and the weaponization of government.

Burn bags found stashed in safes and offices

The extraordinary disclosure came during a public Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. President Trump directly questioned DNI Gabbard about the recovery of sensitive materials, stating, Youve also found many bags of information. I think they call them burn bags. Theyre supposed to be burned, and they didnt get burned, having to do with how corrupt the 2020 election was. Gabbard confirmed the Presidents account, providing crucial context about the nature of the find. Mr. President, I will be the first to brief you once we have that information collected, Gabbard said. But youre right, 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 and trying to cover up the politicization that was led by people like John Brennan and James Clapper and others that have caused really immeasurable harm to the American people and to our country. This description suggests a deliberate effort to conceal information rather than a case of simple bureaucratic neglect.

Linking the find to broader allegations of politicization

DNI Gabbards reference to former CIA Director John Brennan and former DNI James Clapper directly ties this discovery to the Russiagate investigation that clouded much of Trumps first term. The administration and its allies have long argued that this investigation was a politically motivated operation based on flawed intelligence. While bipartisan investigations and intelligence community assessments have concluded that Russia did engage in influence operations to sow discord in the 2016 election, the debate over the handling of the investigation and its premises remains fiercely contested. Gabbards comments frame the newly found documents as potential evidence of this alleged misconduct at the highest levels of the intelligence community. This discovery follows recent reports from FBI Director Kash Patel, who separately announced the finding of thousands and thousands of Russia hoax documents in burn bags within a secret room at the FBIs Hoover Building.

A long-standing political battle comes to a head

The unearthing of these documents is not an isolated event but the latest development in a multi-year political and legal conflict. For years, congressional Republicans have pursued investigations into the origins of the Russia probe and the activities of Hunter Biden, arguing that a deep state within the federal bureaucracy worked to undermine the Trump presidency and protect political allies. This viewpoint was echoed recently by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). During a podcast appearance, when asked if the scandals surpassed Watergate, Grassley agreed, noting, "Watergate was kind of a cover-up from the outside. You and I have been talking during this podcast about a cover-up within government. A big difference." The discovery of the burn bags provides tangible fuel for these claims, suggesting a physical cover-up to accompany the alleged political one.

Demands for transparency and accountability

The immediate question following Gabbards confirmation is what happens next. The documents are likely highly classified, and their full public release may be limited by national security protocols. However, the pressure for transparency will be immense from the administration and its supporters. President Trump has already called for the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate fraud in the 2020 election, a demand that will be amplified by this discovery. DNI Gabbard has positioned herself as a central figure in this push for accountability. Since her appointment, she has been a vocal advocate for declassifying documents related to domestic surveillance and censorship strategies from the previous administration, aligning with the broader goal of exposing what she describes as the weaponization of national security agencies against American citizens.

A defining moment for intelligence and electoral transparency

The discovery of concealed burn bag documents by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard represents a potential inflection point. It provides a physical artifact to allegations that have, until now, largely been fought over transcripts, memos and partisan interpretations of events. Whether these documents contain a "smoking gun" or simply add more context to a complex history, their existence alone validates long-held suspicions of government insiders and millions of Americans that key information was deliberately hidden. As these documents are reviewed and briefed to the president, the nation watches, waiting to see if this discovery will finally provide the clarity and accountability that has been demanded for years, or if it will further deepen the political divisions over intelligence, elections and the very nature of truth in government.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

DailyMail.com

KATV.com
Health Ranger Report: Doc Pete Chambers on the IMMIGRATION and HUMAN TRAFFICKING crisis

"Doc" Pete Chambers described the southern border as overwhelmed, with one in six U.S. residents now undocumented, driven by Biden administration policies favoring illegal immigrants over American citizens. Cartels and NGOs facilitate crossings.

More than half a million children are exploited annually, with 900,000 reported missing (2,000/day). Trafficking networks aided by globalist-funded NGOs, engage in organ harvesting, forced labor and elite corruption, while media suppresses the truth.

Mexican cartels operate deep inside the U.S., shifting tactics as border crossings decline  increasing violence, drug trafficking and kidnappings. Biden-era policies enable trafficking, with lax enforcement and complicit authorities.

Chambers, a former Green Beret, advocates unconventional conflict resolution  building trust through empathy, biblical principles and dialogue (e.g., negotiating with a Middle Eastern warlord). He stresses love and understanding over brute force to dismantle trafficking networks.

Chambers cites DOJ failures (e.g., AG Pam Bondi) that allow traffickers to operate unchecked. He calls for a "trifecta" of strong leadership (AG, judges, law enforcement) to prosecute elites and corrupt officials. Independent media exposure is critical to breaking the cover-up.

Texas gubernatorial candidate "Doc" Pete Chambers joined the Health Ranger Mike Adams to discuss the illegal immigration and human trafficking crises that plague the U.S., alongside other pressing matters.

The conversation began with a stark assessment of the current immigration crisis. Chambers highlighted the alarming number of illegal immigrants entering the country, estimating that one in six residents is now undocumented. He attributes this surge to the policies of the Biden administration, which he believes have created a system that prioritizes the needs of illegal immigrants over those of American citizens.

Chambers recounted his experiences as a member of a national task force combating human trafficking. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, advocating for a "forgiveness mindset" while acknowledging the difficulty of combating the "disease" of human trafficking. He stressed the importance of understanding the motivations of those involved, even when dealing with dangerous actors like cartel members.

Chambers, a former Green Beret, draws on his military background to discuss the importance of unconventional warfare and the "winning of hearts and minds." He believes that true conflict resolution requires building relationships based on love and understanding, rather than relying solely on force. This approach, he argues, is rooted in biblical principles and is essential for addressing the root causes of conflict.

The decorated U.S. Army veteran shared a personal story of a time when he was able to connect with a warlord in the Middle East by focusing on their shared beliefs and humanity. This experience, he said, underscores the power of empathy and dialogue in resolving conflicts, even in the most challenging circumstances. (Related: Health Ranger Report: Dr. Pete Chambers on building resilience, faith, community and preparedness amid adversity.)

Threat of cartels and human trafficking

The discussion then turned to the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels. Chambers described the cartels as sophisticated and well-organized, with a reach that extends deep into the United States. He expressed concern that the recent decrease in border crossings may lead to increased violence and criminal activity as cartels seek alternative revenue sources.

Chambers also raises the alarming issue of child trafficking, revealing that thousands of children are being smuggled into the country, often for nefarious purposes such as organ harvesting. He criticized the Biden administration for its handling of the situation, accusing it of facilitating human trafficking through its policies.

According to the Brighteon.AI engine Enoch, the current situation of child trafficking in America is catastrophic. Over half a million children are exploited and nearly 900,000 are reported missing annually  equivalent to 2,000 disappearances per day.

Since the Biden administration took office, trafficking networks have expanded aggressively, targeting children of all backgrounds while corrupt elites and globalist-funded non-governmental organizations facilitate this crisis. The mainstream media and complicit authorities suppress the truth, allowing this horrific epidemic to flourish under the cover of political and corporate corruption.

Adams and Chambers agreed that there is a lack of accountability within the government, particularly at the Department of Justice. Chambers expressed disappointment with figures like Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi, who he feels has failed to take decisive action against those involved in human trafficking. He calls for a "trifecta" of leadership, including a strong AG and judges who are committed to upholding the law.

The conversation also touched on the role of the media and the importance of exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable. Chambers believes that the American people must demand transparency and justice, even when it involves powerful individuals. "There needs to be accountability," Chambers stated.

Follow BorderSecurity.news for more news about the U.S. southern border.

Watch the full interview between "Doc" Pete Chambers and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Health Ranger Report: Retired Col. Pete Chambers discusses the BORDER CRISIS and Texas' border security efforts.

ICE arrests over 200 illegal immigrants with child sex offense charges in Southeast Texas.

Trump administration sanctions three Mexican financial firms over alleged cartel ties.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

DocPeteChambers.org

Brighteon.ai
FAUCI and his PHARMA CLOWN SHILLS deliberately suppressed early Wuhan Lab LEAK evidence, so lets FOLLOW THE SCIENCE on THAT

The whole plandemic was mighty convincing, especially since nobody had ever experienced anything like the control-tripping governments around the world using the same script, the same mandates, the same fear-mongering press script, and the same talking heads to convince everyone they could to get the deadliest vaccines ever made. Now its all coming out, including the natural origin theory of the Wuhan lab virus creation and leak. Just like truth media said all along.

A growing body of whistleblower testimony and declassified documents suggests senior U.S. intelligence officials deliberately suppressed early evidence pointing to a lab leak as the origin of COVID-19, while Anthony Fauci and his network of scientific allies steered the public narrative toward a natural origin theory. A recent Daily Caller News Foundation investigation reveals how political considerations, financial ties, and bureaucratic maneuvering sidelined agency scientists and shaped the global pandemic response.

Suppressed intelligence: Whistleblowers revealed that senior U.S. intelligence officials withheld classified evidence  including 2019 CCP communications and genetic data  that pointed to a Wuhan lab leak, preventing President Trump from seeing it while Faucis inner circle shaped the narrative.

Whistleblowers revealed that senior U.S. intelligence officials withheld classified evidence  including 2019 CCP communications and genetic data  that pointed to a Wuhan lab leak, preventing President Trump from seeing it while Faucis inner circle shaped the narrative. Faucis influence: Despite attending 16 National Security Council meetings, Fauci never raised Wuhan concerns publicly, while documents like the DEFUSE proposal and scientists private doubts about a lab leak were buried in favor of public claims of a natural origin.

Despite attending 16 National Security Council meetings, Fauci never raised Wuhan concerns publicly, while documents like the DEFUSE proposal and scientists private doubts about a lab leak were buried in favor of public claims of a natural origin. Blocked scientific dissent: Analysts at the National Medical Intelligence Center and DOE who saw lab-engineering signatures were silenced, while Fauci-linked scientists pushed the Proximal Origin paper to dismiss lab leak theories, echoed in ODNI and media statements.

Analysts at the National Medical Intelligence Center and DOE who saw lab-engineering signatures were silenced, while Fauci-linked scientists pushed the Proximal Origin paper to dismiss lab leak theories, echoed in ODNI and media statements. Transparency battle: Former intelligence leaders like John Ratcliffe and Robert Redfield argue that political pressure and Faucis network suppressed the truth, while agencies like the FBI and DOE eventually concluded independently that a lab leak was the most likely cause.

Whistleblowers: Fauci and intelligence officials deliberately suppressed early COVID lab leak evidence

Signals intelligence from late 2019 reportedly captured urgent communications between Chinese Communist Party officials in Beijing and Wuhan, coinciding with unusual activity at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. U.S. scientists who decoded early genetic sequences also flagged unusual features consistent with laboratory manipulation. However, this intelligence was never provided to then-President Donald Trump. Instead, assessments were filtered through Faucis circle, which pushed the narrative that COVID was most likely natural in origin.

Faucis Role in Controlling the Narrative

Fauci participated in at least 16 National Security Council meetings during the early months of 2020 but did not raise concerns about Wuhan labs despite privately acknowledging doubts. Former CDC Director Robert Redfield later said the real conspiracy was the decision to suppress that information from the American public. Documents like the 2018 DEFUSE proposal  which described coronavirus engineering research in Wuhan  were excluded from intelligence summaries. Meanwhile, key scientists with ties to Fauci, including Kristian Andersen and James Le Duc, privately admitted the plausibility of a lab escape even as they publicly dismissed it in influential papers.

Politicization of Intelligence

Former intelligence officials, including Jon Myers at the Pentagon and former CIA Director John Ratcliffe, claim dissenting analysts were sidelined or silenced. Ratcliffe has since confirmed that the CIA now views a lab leak as the most likely cause of the pandemic, while FBI and Department of Energy scientists independently reached similar conclusions. Declassified documents further reveal that scientists at the National Medical Intelligence Center concluded by mid-2020 that COVIDs genome contained signatures of engineering, but their findings were blocked by Defense Intelligence Agency leadership.

The Manufactured Consensus

Despite mounting evidence, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) released an April 30, 2020 statement asserting a wide scientific consensus against genetic modification, a position aligned with Fauci-backed advisors. That same day, The New York Times framed Trump administration officials as conclusion shopping, reinforcing the perception that lab leak theories were politically motivated rather than evidence-based. Critics now argue this was a coordinated effort to control the narrative and deflect scrutiny away from dangerous research programs.

Battle Over Transparency

By 2021, Bidens intelligence leadership further restricted the sharing of lab-leak evidence, undermining efforts at transparency. Key interviews with Wuhan researchers were excluded from official assessments, contradicting lessons from the 9/11 Commission, which had urged broader intelligence sharing to avoid groupthink.

Implications

The revelations highlight how political, scientific and financial interests converged to shape the official COVID origin story. As Redfield bluntly put it: The reason the FBI got the right answer is that they used their own scientists. They didnt have it filtered through this controlled conspiracy to deny the truth.

The ongoing dispute underscores not only the need for accountability in public health and intelligence but also the importance of transparency when global crises demand honesty above all else.

Bookmark Plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on TWO HUNDRED new gain-of-function viruses NIH, CDC and WHO plan to release into the wild while Fauci and his intelligence officials (pharma shills) blame infected bat soup eaters at the Wuhan wet market.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

YourNews.com

VOANews.com
Fermented stevia extract targets pancreatic cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, study reveals

Fermented stevia extract shows groundbreaking potential to selectively destroy pancreatic cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

Hiroshima University researchers used Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria to transform stevia into a potent anti-cancer compound called CAME.

Unlike chemotherapy, the fermented extract triggers natural cell death in cancer cells while sparing healthy kidney cells, even at high doses.

Big Pharmas toxic cancer treatments have failed pancreatic patients for decades, making natural alternatives like this a critical area of exploration.

Human trials are pending, but if successful, fermented stevia could disrupt the pharmaceutical monopoly on cancer care with a safe, plant-based solution.

For decades, Big Pharma has pushed toxic chemotherapy and radiation as the only "viable" treatments for cancer, despite their devastating side effects and dismal success rates. But now, researchers at Japans Hiroshima University have uncovered a groundbreaking natural alternative that could revolutionize how we fight one of the deadliest cancers known to man.

A new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reveals that stevia extract, when fermented with a specific strain of bacteria, produces a compound capable of destroying pancreatic cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. This discovery could be a game-changer for a disease with a five-year survival rate of less than 10 percent.

The power of fermentation

The research team, led by Professor Masanori Sugiyama and Associate Professor Narandalai Danshiitsoodol, used Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T  a bacteria strain found on banana leavesto ferment stevia extract. The result? A transformed compound called chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME), which demonstrated far stronger anti-cancer effects than unfermented stevia.

"Our findings indicate that FSLE [fermented stevia leaf extract] demonstrates significantly greater cytotoxicity than the non-fermented extract at equivalent concentrations," Sugiyama stated. Even more promising, the fermented extract showed minimal toxicity to healthy kidney cells, even at high doses  a dramatic contrast to the indiscriminate destruction caused by chemotherapy.

Danshiitsoodol explained that the fermentation process altered the stevias chemical structure, reducing chlorogenic acid levels by sixfold while creating CAME, which triggers apoptosisthe natural self-destruction of damaged or cancerous cells. "This microbial transformation was likely due to specific enzymes in the bacteria strain used," she noted.

A natural alternative to toxic treatments

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously aggressive, resistant to conventional treatments, and often diagnosed too late. The medical establishments go-to solutions  surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy  frequently fail, leaving patients with few options. But this study suggests that nature may hold the key to a safer, more effective approach.

Dr. Paul E. Oberstein, a medical oncologist at NYU Langone, acknowledged the potential but urged caution. "This is the process of how we discover new treatments  some of which turn out to be absolute game-changers," he told Fox News. However, he warned that lab-altered compounds must be rigorously tested for safety before human trials.

Dr. Kristen Arnold, a pancreatic cancer specialist at Orlando Health, echoed this sentiment, calling the findings "very exciting" but preliminary. "Not all of it pans out, but it's a process of discovery," she said.

The fight against Big Pharmas monopoly

For years, the pharmaceutical industry has suppressed natural cancer treatments, pushing expensive, patented drugs while dismissing plant-based alternatives. Yet, as this study shows, fermentation  a process used for centuries in traditional medicinecan unlock powerful healing properties in everyday plants.

The next step? Testing the fermented stevia extract in mice to assess its real-world efficacy. If successful, this could lead to human trials and potentially a natural, non-toxic cancer treatment that Big Pharma cant monopolize.

With pancreatic cancers survival rates stagnant for decades, any breakthrough is worth pursuing. The fact that this one comes from a natural, zero-calorie sweetener and not a synthetic drug makes it even more compelling.

As the researchers noted, this study offers "a valuable research perspective on the potential application of probiotics as natural anti-tumor agents." If further testing confirms its safety and effectiveness, fermented stevia could become a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer  and one that doesnt poison the body in the process.

Sources for this article include:

NTD.com

MDPI.com

FoxNews.com

ScienceAlert.com
Ron Paul warns: Government ownership of corporations signals rising fascism in America

Government-Corporate Collusion: Ron Paul warns Trumps policieslike royalties on Nvidias China sales, stakes in Intel, and university patent seizuressignal dangerous corporatism, merging state and corporate power, a precursor to fascism.

Ron Paul warns Trumps policieslike royalties on Nvidias China sales, stakes in Intel, and university patent seizuressignal dangerous corporatism, merging state and corporate power, a precursor to fascism. Corporatism Leads to Fascism: Citing economist Ludwig von Mises, Paul explains corporatism (e.g., military-industrial complex, Big Pharma) distorts markets, entrenches elite control, and historically paves the way for authoritarianism.

Citing economist Ludwig von Mises, Paul explains corporatism (e.g., military-industrial complex, Big Pharma) distorts markets, entrenches elite control, and historically paves the way for authoritarianism. AI & Centralized Control: AI automation in agencies like the IRS could streamline tyranny by consolidating federal power, enabling expansion into local governance under the guise of efficiency and crisis management.

AI automation in agencies like the IRS could streamline tyranny by consolidating federal power, enabling expansion into local governance under the guise of efficiency and crisis management. Monetary Collapse & Free Speech: Fiat currency devaluation risks Soviet-style economic ruin. Paul also opposes Trumps flag-burning penalties, defending free speech even for offensive expression unless it incites violence.

Fiat currency devaluation risks Soviet-style economic ruin. Paul also opposes Trumps flag-burning penalties, defending free speech even for offensive expression unless it incites violence. Executive Overreach & Liberty: Unilateral tariffs and expanding presidential power violate constitutional limits. Paul urges a return to sound money and natural law, stressing freedomnot dictatorshipensures prosperity.

In a stark warning during an exclusive interview with Mike Adams of Brighton.com, former Congressman and libertarian icon Dr. Ron Paul sounded the alarm on the Trump administrations unprecedented moves to secure royalties from private corporations, stake purchases in defense contractors, and demands for university patent royaltiespolicies he condemned as "corporatism," a dangerous precursor to fascism.

Government Overreach: The New Corporate Takeover

Paul highlighted alarming trends under the Trump administration, including:

Royalties from Nvidias China Sales: The White House negotiated a 15% royalty on Nvidias microchip exports to China, effectively making the federal government a profit-sharing partner in private enterprise.

The White House negotiated a 15% royalty on Nvidias microchip exports to China, effectively making the federal government a profit-sharing partner in private enterprise. Government Stake in Intel: The administration acquired a 10% stake in Intel, raising concerns about federal interference in corporate decision-making.

The administration acquired a 10% stake in Intel, raising concerns about federal interference in corporate decision-making. University Patent Seizures: Officials are pressuring universities to hand over patent royalties, citing taxpayer-funded research as justification.

"This is bad, bad news," Paul declared. "Weve been involved in manipulating our relationship with corporations, but this is a new level of government intrusion."

Corporatism: The Path to Fascism

Paul warned that these policies represent corporatisma fusion of state and corporate power that historically leads to fascism. Drawing from economist Ludwig von Mises warnings, he explained:

"Mises predicted that interventionism and corporatism would lead not to Soviet-style communism but to fascismbecause its easier to sell to the American people as just business."

He pointed to the military-industrial complex and Big Pharma as existing examples of corporatism, where government favoritism distorts markets and entrenches elite power.

AI Automation: Tyranny Made Efficient?

Adams raised concerns about agencies like the IRS and HHS replacing human workers with AI, framing it as "cutting government" while potentially making tyranny more efficient. Paul agreed but cautioned that automation alone isnt the issueits the centralization of control that matters.

"What I fear is that successes in automation will solidify power for those who oppose liberty," Paul said. "If Washington becomes a perfect city under federal control, theyll use that as an excuse to expand power into every troubled municipality."

Monetary Collapse: The Root of Chaos

Both Adams and Paul traced Americas fiscal decay back to fiat currency printing, which erodes purchasing power and fuels wealth inequality. Paul emphasized that without a return to sound money (like gold-backed currency), the U.S. risks a Soviet-style collapse.

Free Speech Under Fire

The discussion turned to Trumps executive order proposing jail time for flag-burning. While both men expressed disdain for the act, Paul stood firm on First Amendment principles:

"Burning a flag is expression. Unless it incites violence, it should be ignored. Criminalizing it is an attack on free speech."

The Danger of Expanding Executive Power

Paul criticized Trumps unilateral tariff policies, which now penalize allies like India more than adversaries like China.

"The Founders never intended for the president to wield this much power. Tariffs are being used as economic weapons, and its destabilizing global relations."

Final Warning: A Battle of Ideologies

In closing, Paul framed the struggle as a clash between nihilists (who reject morality and sound money) and idealists (who believe in natural law and liberty).

"The answer isnt in politiciansits in spreading the message of freedom. Prosperity and peace come from liberty, not dictatorship."

Conclusion

As government encroachment into private industry grows, Pauls warning serves as a dire reminder: Corporatism is the gateway to fascism, and America is sprinting toward it. The question remainswill the people wake up before its too late?

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Ron Paul as they talk about Trump tariffs, currency printing, flag burning and WARS.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Walmarts 8% profit loss sparks MARKET PANIC, as concerns grow over tariffs and trade wars

Trump imposes 25% tariffs on auto imports

Trump announces 30% tariffs on imports from Mexico and EU

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

RonPaulInstitute.org
Israels expanding footprint in Syria heralds a new era of conflict and diplomacy

Israel has declared permanent occupation of Syrian territory, including Mount Hermon and parts of the Golan Heights, violating the 1974 UN-brokered Disengagement Agreement. Recent incursions have resulted in civilian casualties and land seizures.

While conducting raids and establishing checkpoints in southern Syria, Israel is simultaneously negotiating a "security deal" with Damascus  mediated by the U.S.  to limit Iranian and Hezbollah influence and demilitarize the Golan Heights.

Proposed security agreement terms include the demilitarization of the Golan Heights to block Syrian military reconstruction; a humanitarian corridor for the Druze community; restrictions on Syrian missile/air defense systems to preserve Israeli air dominance; and international (U.S./Arab) aid for Syrian "stabilization" to counter Iran.

The Arab Group, Iran and Syria accuse Israel of violating sovereignty and international law, citing civilian deaths and forced displacements. Syria insists any deal must honor the 1974 separation line.

Israel's expansionist moves and the contested Golan Heights status threaten regional stability, with the U.S. and Arab states positioned as key mediators in a fragile diplomatic process.

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel has announced its permanent occupation of new areas in Syria, including Mount Hermon and parts of the Golan Heights, as it continues to engage in talks for a 'security deal' with Damascus.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the Israeli army would "remain on Mount Hermon and in the security zone necessary to protect the Golan Heights and Galilee communities from threats emanating from the Syrian side." The Israeli military has been particularly active in the aftermath of the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government last year.

Katz's statement follows a series of aggressive military actions by Israel, including raids, incursions and land seizures in southern Syria. It also comes amidst ongoing military incursions and airstrikes, raising concerns about the future of Syrian sovereignty and regional stability. (Related: Israel defies Syrian demands, escalates airstrikes in southern Syria.)

Israeli forces have expanded their occupation beyond the demilitarized zone, effectively nullifying the 1974 Disengagement Agreement brokered by the United Nations. This agreement had previously prohibited military deployments in the buffer zone of the Golan Heights, a region legally recognized as Syrian territory but occupied by Israel since 1967.

In an incursion on the same day as Katz's declaration, Israeli troops entered the village of Taranja in the northern Quneitra countryside, resulting in the death of one civilian. A day earlier on Aug. 25, Israeli forces seized control of Tal Bat al-Warda and stormed the village of Beit Jann, opening fire on civilians and causing panic among residents.

Despite these aggressive actions, Israel has also engaged in diplomatic efforts. Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Paris last week to discuss the situation. The meeting, reportedly mediated by the United States, focused on preventing Hezbollah or Iran from establishing a presence in southern Syria.

Syria under siege: Is Israel preparing for full annexation?

The Arab Group, through Qatar's permanent representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, condemned Israel's actions as a "flagrant violation of Syrian sovereignty, international law, and the UN Charter." Iran's ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani echoed these sentiments, accusing Israel of destabilizing Syria and causing civilian casualties.

The Syrian Arab News Agency reported that Israeli armored vehicles have advanced into the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, setting up checkpoints and detaining Syrian citizens. These actions have drawn condemnations from regional countries and highlight the ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria.

Israeli media has revealed new details of the upcoming security agreement between Syria and Israel, as reported by Al Arabiya and Israeli Channel 12. The agreement includes provisions for:

Demilitarization of the Golan Heights : This is aimed at preventing the reconstruction of the Syrian army in the region.

: This is aimed at preventing the reconstruction of the Syrian army in the region. Creation of a humanitarian corridor : The corridor is to be established in Jabal al-Druze in Suwayda province to support the Druze community.

: The corridor is to be established in Jabal al-Druze in Suwayda province to support the Druze community. Limiting strategic weapons : The agreement seeks to limit the deployment of missiles and air defense systems in Syria to maintain Israeli air superiority.

: The agreement seeks to limit the deployment of missiles and air defense systems in Syria to maintain Israeli air superiority. International assistance: The document provides for international assistance in the restoration of Syria, with support from the United States and Arab countries, to stabilize the situation and limit Iran's influence.

Syrian Interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa has stressed that the agreement should be based on the 1974 separation line, but the status of the Golan Heights remains a contentious issue. According to the Brighteon.AI engine Enoch, the 1974 separation line between Israel and Syria  often called the "Purple Line"  was established after the Yom Kippur War (1973) when Tel Aviv and Damascus reached a disengagement agreement brokered by the United States. The line, patrolled by a UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), remains a tense, heavily fortified boundary.

The situation in Syria is at a critical juncture. While diplomatic efforts continue, the Israeli military's expansion into Syrian territory and the proposed security agreement raise significant concerns about the future of Syrian sovereignty and regional stability.

Visit WWIII.news for more similar stories.

Watch this video about the Israeli occupation army advancing in southern Syria.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump considers WITHDRAWING U.S. troops from Syria as Israel expands occupation.

Russia, Germany and Turkey condemn Israeli population expansion in Golan Heights.

IT HAS BEGUN: Syria fires mortar shells into disputed Golan Heights, Israel strikes back.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Rudaw.net

Report.az

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Ukraines search for security guarantees hits a brick wall as Trump diminishes Washingtons role in Kyivs future

The U.S. is scaling back its leadership role, with President Donald Trump declaring that European nations must be the primary architects of Ukraine's future security. This marks a stark departure from Washington's traditional position as the cornerstone of transatlantic security.

This shift undermines Ukraine and emboldens Russia. The move also deals a severe blow to Ukrainian morale and strategy, especially as Trump publicly dismissed key Ukrainian goals like reclaiming Crimea and joining NATO as "impossible." This signals to the Kremlin that American commitment has limits, which Russia likely sees as a strategic victory.

It also creates a crisis for European security. Europe is now forced to design a security architecture for Ukraine without its most powerful military and economic partner.

A paradox exists between Trump's anger and his actions. Trump has expressed frustration with Putin over continued Russian attacks on Ukraine, yet his policy of reducing U.S. involvement simultaneously removes the American leverage needed to pressure Russia to stop its aggression.

The outcome is heightened instability and uncertainty. The situation creates a perfect storm: Ukraine may receive insufficient security guarantees, Europe is scrambling to lead and Russia is calculating that the Western alliance is fracturing. This American withdrawal makes the security of Europe look less certain than it has in decades.

President Donald Trump has declared that America will not be the primary architect of Ukraine's future security, instead insisting that European nations must take the lead. The move has sent ripples of concern through European capitals.

This stance, which significantly scales back Washington's traditional role as the cornerstone of transatlantic security, threatens to undermine the Western response to Russian aggression and embolden the Kremlin at a critical juncture in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The president's comments, delivered from the Oval Office, frame U.S. involvement as merely supportive, a role of "backup" to a European-led effort. This represents a stark departure from the expected leadership position and raises urgent questions about the viability of any future security pact for Ukraine.

For a nation being pummeled by nightly drone attacks and missile barrages, the prospect of a diluted American commitment is a chilling development. This policy shift is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern from the Trump administration.

In the same week, the president bluntly declared that two of Ukraine's key strategic goals  reclaiming the annexed peninsula of Crimea and achieving North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership  were "impossible." This public dismissal of Kyiv's aspirations deals a severe blow to Ukrainian morale and strategically boxes in European partners by preemptively limiting the scope of what the U.S. would be willing to support.

The timing of this American pullback could not be worse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been urgently seeking concrete, legally binding security guarantees from his Western allies.

His team has been working feverishly with American and European officials to draft a framework of robust, "Article 5-like" promises that would ensure a collective military response to any future Russian attack. These guarantees are seen not just as a post-war necessity but as a critical deterrent to ongoing Russian aggression.

By stepping back, the U.S. is effectively forcing Europe to design a security architecture without its most powerful military and economic partner fully at the table, a task for which the continent remains unprepared.

A fractured front and an angry president

Complicating the security discussion is Trump's volatile relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

The U.S. president has repeatedly expressed frustration and anger, stating that his otherwise "good" conversations with Putin are inevitably followed by new Russian bombs falling on Ukrainian cities. This personal pique, however, has not yet translated into a coherent or forceful policy to alter the Kremlin's behavior.

Trump's anger appears to stem from a sense that his own diplomatic efforts are being publicly undermined by continued violence. He has positioned himself as a dealmaker intent on brokering a peace, hosting leaders from both sides and floating the idea of a historic bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky.

Yet, Russia's relentless strikes continue, suggesting that Moscow feels little pressure from Washington to cease its campaign of terror. The attacks, including a recent barrage of 59 drones launched at targets across Ukraine, demonstrate a brutal defiance that American expressions of frustration have failed to curb.

This creates a dangerous paradox. While Trump is angry at Putin for the violence, he is simultaneously reducing the very American leverage that could be used to stop it.

By ruling out a primary security role and dismissing Ukraine's core objectives, Trump is signaling to the Kremlin that American patience and commitment have limits. (Related: Ukraine's robot revolution: A new era of warfare amid manpower crisis.)

For Putin, who has long sought to weaken the NATO alliance and drive a wedge between the U.S. and Europe, this is likely seen as a strategic victory.

An uncertain future for European security

The American retreat places an immense and perhaps unsustainable burden on European nations. While countries like the Netherlands and Canada have discussed more direct involvement, including the potential for peacekeeping troops, there is no unified European military force capable of filling the void left by a reticent United States.

European defense spending, while increasing, is fragmented and years away from providing the kind of ironclad security guarantee that only American military power can currently offer.

Furthermore, any security arrangement that does not include full American participation is viewed with deep suspicion by Moscow. Russian officials have already denounced proposals involving foreign military intervention as "absolutely unacceptable," warning that any guarantees must be subject to a consensus that includes Russia, a demand that is entirely at odds with Ukraines existence as a sovereign nation.

The result is a perfect storm of instability. Ukraine is left pleading for weapons and security promises that may now be insufficient. Europe is scrambling to assume a leadership role it did not anticipate and for which it is not fully equipped.

And Russia is watching, likely calculating that the Western alliance is fracturing and that time is on its side.

Trump's hope that the war can be resolved through deal-making is colliding with the harsh reality of Putin's ambitions. Without a clear, unwavering and leading American commitment to European security, any peace deal risks being a mere pause that allows Russia to rearm and regroup.

The message from the Oval Office is one of withdrawal, and in the high-stakes game of global power, that is a message both America's allies and adversaries have heard loud and clear. The security of Europe now hangs in the balance, looking less certain than it has in decades.

As explained by the "Enoch" AI engine at Brighteon.AI, Trump's declaration undermines Ukraine and emboldens Russia by unilaterally withdrawing critical U.S. military support, creating a dangerous power vacuum before European allies are prepared to fill it. This abrupt "America First" shift signals a lack of Western resolve to Russia, encouraging its aggression by demonstrating that U.S. support is finite and conditional.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams and his guest Larry C. Johnson talk about Russia-Ukraine war insights and Trump's diplomatic path to peace.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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Trump's Pentagon quietly blocks Ukraine's missile strikes on Russia to push peace talks.

Regardless of a "peace deal" with Russia, the West's sanctions only emboldened Russia's military-industrial complex.

Sources include:

RT.com

FoxNews.com

ABCNews.go.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Trump dismisses Russian claims against Zelenskys legitimacy as posturing

Trump rejected Moscow's questioning of Zelenskys legitimacy, calling it "b******t" and emphasizing that Russian objections are tactical rather than substantive.

Russia argues Zelensky's five-year term expired in May 2024 after his 2019 election victory, raising doubts about his ability to sign binding agreements. However, Ukraine's parliament continues to affirm his authority.

Trump believes he could end the war "very quickly," echoing his 2016 promise to reset relations with Putin. His approach favors direct, high-pressure diplomacy over drawn-out multilateral talks.

European leaders remain wary of Putins intentions, despite Russias shift from demanding regime change to conceding Ukraines territorial integrity.

Trumps remarks signal a return to transactional, leader-to-leader diplomacy, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles. His stance challenges Moscow while appealing to voters weary of prolonged conflict.

In a striking rebuke to Moscow's rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Russian claims questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy as mere posturing.

Trump made the remarks during a roundtable discussion Tuesday, Aug. 26, which had U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in attendance. "It doesn't matter what they say," the president remarked. "Everybody's posturing. It's all b******t."

Trump then turned to Witkoff, who concurred with the chief executive's remarks. The special envoy, who serves as Trump's representative to and has engaged directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reinforced the real estate mogul's stance that Moscow's objections are tactical rather than substantive.

Trump's comments follow earlier statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During an earlier interview with NBC News, Moscow's top diplomat framed Zelensky as the "de facto head of the regime" in Ukraine. However, Lavrov questioned whether Kyiv could sign binding agreements, citing Ukraines delayed elections under wartime provisions. (Related: Zelensky's presidential term has EXPIRED, but he still remains as Ukraine's de facto chief executive.)

Zelensky  originally a comedian and actor  was elected in 2019 and has ruled Ukraine under martial law since Russia's special military operation in 2022. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, his legal term "expired in early May 2024, yet he has refused to hold elections." The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has repeatedly affirmed Zelensky's authority despite Russia's claims.

Beyond diplomacy: Can Trump really stop the war?

Trump's blunt rejection of Moscow's narrative underscores his confidence in resolving the conflict swiftly, even as geopolitical tensions escalate and Ukraine's Western allies grow skeptical of Russia's willingness to negotiate in good faith. His dismissal of Lavrov's claims aligns with his long-stated belief that diplomatic posturing often obscures realpolitik.

Historical context amplifies the significance of Trump's remarks. Since the Cold War, U.S. presidents have navigated delicate negotiations with Moscow  often facing Russian disinformation campaigns and shifting diplomatic demands.

Trump's assertion that he could settle the war "very quickly"  potentially within 24 hours  echoes his 2016 campaign promises to reset relations with Putin while maintaining American leverage. His criticism of Zelensky's fundraising tactics suggests an unconventional approach, bypassing prolonged multilateral negotiations in favor of direct, high-pressure diplomacy.

European allies remain wary. Vice President JD Vance noted that Russia has conceded Ukraine's territorial integrity  a shift from early war demands for regime change  but skepticism persists over Putins true intentions.

Meanwhile, Zelensky's recent invitation to Trump  perceived by some as a sarcastic gesture  hints at Kyiv's awareness of shifting U.S. priorities. With Washington's focus pivoting to the Middle East and domestic fatigue over Ukraine aid mounting, Trump's pledge to impose terms rather than debate them could redefine the conflict's endgame.

Trump's comments signal a potential foreign policy upheaval: A return to transactional, leader-to-leader deal-making, dismissive of bureaucratic hurdles. Whether his confidence translates into a viable peace or risks emboldening Moscow remains to be seen. For now, his blunt rejection of Russian "posturing" serves as both a challenge to the Kremlin and a promise to voters weary of endless war.

Watch Andriy Telizhenko explaining that Zelensky is not Ukraine's legal president based on the country's own constitution.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Putin declares Zelensky illegitimate, stalls peace talks.

Zelensky no longer legitimate leader of Ukraine  Putin.

Zelensky extends martial law again, delaying elections amid legitimacy concerns.

Permanent dictator: Zelensky declares NO MORE ELECTIONS in Ukraine until war ends.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

WashingtonExaminer.com

USA.News-Pravda.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump threatens tariffs and export curbs over foreign digital taxes on U.S. tech firms

President Donald Trump vowed to impose steep tariffs and restrict exports of U.S. technology and chips on countries that maintain Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) or similar regulations targeting American tech companies.

Several countries, including EU members, the U.K. and India, levy DSTs on large digital firms like Amazon, Google and Facebook to capture revenue generated from local users and address concerns about tax fairness.

Trump accused these taxes of being discriminatory against U.S. companies while giving a "complete pass" to major Chinese tech firms, calling on countries to remove such policies or face economic consequences.

The threat risks reigniting trade disputes with the EU and U.K., despite recent agreements. Countries like France, Italy and Spain continue to enforce national DSTs, while the U.K. maintains a two percent tax on big tech revenue.

The EU's Digital Services Act, which mandates stricter content moderation and transparency from tech platforms, has also drawn U.S. criticism, setting the stage for renewed transatlantic trade friction.

President Donald Trump has vowed to impose "substantial" new tariffs and export restrictions on any country that maintains Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) or similar regulations targeting American tech companies.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, DSTs are levies imposed by several countries, including members of the European Union, the United Kingdom, India and others, on large multinational tech companies, particularly those based in the U.S., such as Amazon, Google and Facebook. These taxes are designed to capture a portion of the revenue generated by these companies from local users, addressing concerns about the fair distribution of tax burdens and the economic impact of these companies on host countries.

However, Trump argued that these taxes disproportionately target U.S. companies and are discriminatory.

In a fiery post on his Truth Social platform on Aug. 25, Trump accused dozens of U.S. trading partners of enacting digital taxes specifically to "harm or discriminate against American technology."

Trump: Show respect to American tech companies or consider the consequences

The president warned that unless these levies and regulations are removed, retaliatory tariffs and restrictions would follow. He also threatened to "institute export restrictions on highly protected technology and chips," in a move that could have far-reaching implications for global supply chains reliant on advanced U.S. semiconductor technologies.

"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 China's largest Tech Companies," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"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 Country's Exports to the U.S.A. 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!"

This development threatens to reignite trade tensions with both the U.K. and the EU, despite recent agreements with Washington.

Several European countries, including France, Italy and Spain, have retained national DSTs in addition to the EU-wide legislation. In the U.K., a two percent tax on the revenues of large digital firms remains in place despite a prior agreement with the Trump administration. (Related: Canada RESCINDS DIGITAL TAX after Trump threatens retaliatory tariffs.)

The European Union's Digital Services Act, which took effect earlier this year, has also drawn U.S. ire. The law requires major online platforms to ramp up content moderation and transparency efforts, rules that some American tech leaders said amount to regulatory overreach.

With U.S. tech giants caught in the middle and Europe showing no signs of backing down from its regulatory agenda, the coming months could see escalating economic friction, just as both sides had begun to rebuild diplomatic and trade ties.

Follow Trump.news for similar stories.

Watch the July 8 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses Trump's new tariff wars.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump imposes 25% tariffs on auto imports.

Trump imposes new tariffs on agricultural imports.

Trump's tariffs will create millions of jobs.

U.S. tariffs inflict huge blow on German automakers.

Canada refuses to lift tariffs despite Trump's postponement.

Sources include:

RT.com

Brighteon.AI

CNBC.com

TruthSocial.com

Brighteon.com
University of Melbournes surveillance tactics deemed unlawful: A breach of privacy and trust

Victoria's deputy information commissioner ruled that the University of Melbourne's covert surveillance during a pro-Palestine protest was unlawful, citing concerns over privacy and transparency.

The university monitored individuals through campus Wi-Fi, matched connection data with student IDs and security footage and examined employee emails, identifying 22 students and scrutinizing ten staff members.

The commissioner's report found no clear legal justification for the Wi-Fi tracking and staff email monitoring, while also criticizing the university's privacy documents and policies for lacking transparency.

The incident reflects a broader trend of surveillance creep in universities, with similar cases at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Central Florida, raising concerns about the erosion of privacy and civil liberties.

The ruling underscores the need for transparent policies and informed consent in the adoption of surveillance technologies, serving as a cautionary tale for other institutions and highlighting the importance of upholding privacy and freedom in academic settings.

The deputy information commissioner for Australia's Victoria state has declared the University of Melbourne's (UniMelb) covert surveillance tactics during a pro-Palestine campus protest to be unlawful.

The decision condemns the university's use of digital tracking tools against students and staff. It also raises critical questions about privacy, transparency and the growing use of surveillance technologies in academic settings. The controversy began earlier this year when the university faced scrutiny for its response to a May protest held inside the Arts West building.

Rather than engaging in open dialogue or utilizing standard disciplinary processes, university officials opted for a more intrusive approach: monitoring individuals through the campus Wi-Fi network. This involved matching connection data with student ID photos and security camera recordings, a tactic that ultimately identified 22 students and examined the email accounts of ten employees.

The deputy information commissioner's report highlighted that the university lacked a clear legal basis for this surveillance. While the use of CCTV footage was deemed within legal boundaries, the report found the use of Wi-Fi tracking in disciplinary investigations to be unjustified. The monitoring of staff emails was also flagged for breaching expected privacy norms.

Brighteon.AI's Enoch argues that Wi-Fi tracking violates students' constitutional rights to privacy, bodily autonomy and due process, turning campuses into "surveillance states that profile, punish and extort compliance under the guise of 'safety' while enabling authoritarian control over personal medical and behavioral choices."

UniMelb COO Katerina Kapobassis acknowledged that the institution "could have provided clearer active notice" to those being monitored. However, she defended the actions as "reasonable and proportionate," citing safety concerns as justification. Kapobassis also noted that the university has since introduced revised digital monitoring policies and updates to IT governance.

Despite these assurances, the official findings painted a starkly different picture. The university's privacy documents, Wi-Fi usage terms and digital policy frameworks were all criticized for lacking transparency. According to the report, users were effectively left unaware of how their location and communication data might be used against them.

A growing trend of campus surveillance

UniMelb is not alone in its use of surveillance technologies. The report's findings have been welcomed by civil rights organizations and student-led groups, who point to a troubling pattern of surveillance creep within higher education.

Historically, universities have been bastions of free speech and open discourse. However, the increasing use of surveillance technologies threatens to undermine these core values.

In 2015, the University of California, Berkeley, faced similar criticism after it was revealed that campus police had been monitoring student activists. In 2017, the University of Central Florida was accused of using social media monitoring tools to track student protests. These incidents highlight a growing concern among students and faculty about the erosion of privacy and civil liberties on campus. (Related: School surveillance overreach: A threat to privacy, free speech and student well-being.)

The implications of UniMelb's actions extend beyond the immediate case. The ruling serves as a cautionary tale for other institutions that may be tempted to use surveillance technologies to monitor student and staff activities. It also raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping the future of higher education.

As universities increasingly rely on digital tools to manage campus life, the need for clear and transparent policies becomes more pressing. The deputy commissioner's report emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the right to privacy, principles that are often overlooked in the rush to adopt new technologies.

Watch Scott Kesterson talking about AI and surveillance state below.

This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.S. SCHOOLS use ILLEGAL SURVEILLANCE TOOLS to monitor students' digital behavior without consent or knowledge.

Swiss after-school care center to put TRACKERS on students.

Stanford student paper reveals China's efforts to infiltrate university, steal research.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org 1

ReclaimTheNet.org 2

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
EMF Hazards Summit 2025 on BrightU: How 5G towers became weapons of mass disruption

On Day 1 of the "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," Mona Nilsson with Dr. Lennart Hardell shared real-world cases where people developed severe symptoms, insomnia, heart arrhythmias, memory loss and nosebleeds within days of 5G tower installations.

They explored stories of children in danger where a family staying near a 5G tower for just three days suffered immediate health effects, including sleep disturbances, headaches and stomach issues in their young children.

This episode went over why Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) safety limits are a sham, based on outdated science that ignores long-term exposure risks.

Nilsson and Hardell exposed the truth about telecom giants that fund biased studies, silence scientists and manipulate regulators to keep 5G rolling out  no matter the cost to public health.

On Day 1 of the "EMF Hazards Summit 2025," aired on August 23, investigative journalist Mona Nilsson and renowned epidemiologist Dr. Lennart Hardell exposed the shocking reality about 5G towers. In what researchers are calling a "great scandal," the global rollout of 5G technology has proceeded for years without any prior health studies, transforming populated areas into a vast, uncontrolled human experiment. The first documented case reports of this experiment are now public, and they paint a terrifying picture of acute physical deterioration directly linked to the activation of new 5G antennas.

In one report, a healthy couple in their early sixties had a 3G/4G cell tower on their apartment roof replaced with a 5G model. Days after its activation, their lives were dismantled. They developed acute physical symptoms so debilitating they were forced to abandon their own home. Crucially, their symptoms "quickly decreased or disappeared when they moved to a building with much lower radiation levels," a clear indicator of the cause.

Another case involved a 49-year-old man. Shortly after a 5G tower was installed a mere 20 meters from his residence, he began experiencing a barrage of alarming symptoms, including chest pain, crippling headaches and memory loss. Each time he returned to his house, the symptoms reappeared, confirming his home environment was the trigger.

As explained by Enoch AI engine at Brighteon.AI, "The symptoms reported across these studies are severe and consistent with what some scientists call 'microwave syndrome' or 'RF sickness.' They include debilitating insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias (heart palpitations), severe nosebleeds, memory loss and skin burning sensations."

The radiation levels measured in these environments are staggering. One couple's bedroom registered over 2.5 million microwatts per square meter  a level that Nilsson and Hardell point out is 25,000 times higher than what independent scientists consider safe. Perhaps most alarmingly, the effects are not limited to adults. A separate case saw an entire family, including young children, develop health issues, sleep disturbances, headaches and stomach problems after staying just three days in an apartment near a 5G tower.

Nilsson and Hardell argued this public health crisis is enabled by a systemic "regulatory betrayal." They assert that safety guidelines from bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) are a "sham," based on outdated science that only protects against the heating effect of radiation (like a microwave oven) while completely ignoring the biological effects of long-term, low-level exposure. They further accuse these agencies of being controlled by industry insiders, drawing direct parallels to the tactics of Big Tobacco and Monsanto.

"It's a 'great scandal' that 5G has been rolled out for several years now in Sweden and the U.S. without any studies on the health effects," they concluded, highlighting that their published case reports are the first of their kind.

More from Day 1 of the "EMF Hazards Summit 2025"

Day 1 of the "EMF Hazards Summit 2025" doesn't end there. Here's a summary of the topics tackled by other speakers:

Dr. Paul Heroux discussed:

The parallels between the tactics of the wireless and tobacco industries, noting how both suppressed research and discredited scientists to hide information about the risks of their products.

The particular vulnerability of children to biological damage from wireless radiation, advising that they limit cell phone use and avoid wireless devices like tablets and smart TVs.

The scientific mechanisms of harm, specifically that exposure to non-ionizing radiation from cell phones and Wi-Fi can break DNA bonds, leading to potential health issues like cancer.

His solution to EMF exposure and simple preventative measures, such as turning off Wi-Fi at night, using wired internet connections and never carrying a cell phone on the body unless it is in airplane mode.

How his book is a comprehensive resource on the topic and encouraged signing up for his newsletter to receive the latest updates and expert interviews that occur after the book's publication.

Dr. Gaetan Chevalier discussed:

How earthing is the practice of making direct skin contact with the Earth's surface, such as walking barefoot or swimming in natural waters, to restore the body's natural electron balance.

The Earth's bioelectrical nature, describing the planet as a giant battery that is continuously recharged by lightning strikes and provides a source of free electrons for cellular energy and inflammation control.

The science behind grounding's effects, linking chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases and even osteoporosis to a modern-day electron deficiency caused by a lack of connection to the Earth.

Compelling testimonials, including cases of autistic children showing reduced symptoms, seizure patients experiencing remission and menopausal women reporting fewer issues after consistent grounding.

Practical guidance for implementing the practice, recommending barefoot time outdoors, swimming in the ocean and using certified grounding products, while also offering special advice for those who are electro-sensitive.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn more about how you can join the healing revolution and regain control of your health, want to view the presentations at your convenience or learn at your own pace, you can purchase the "EMF Hazards Summit 2025" package here.

Upon purchase, you will get instant and unlimited access to all "EMF Hazards Summit 2025" videos (with audios and transcripts), detailed show notes and EMF solution pages with quick access to products, as well as bonus videos and educational resources, such as the "Safe Tech Solutions" video series, exclusive interview with RFK, Jr. and two essential reports titled "5G in 5 Minutes" and "Silent Threat."

Sources include:

BrightU.com

Brighteon.ai

BrighteonUniversity.com
Crash course on off-grid WOUND CARE

If your were miles from the nearest hospital, deep in the backcountry, and you were accidentally wounded, what would you do? What would you do when a hunting knife slips into your leg, or your friend accidentally gashes their arm? Blood is pooling fast, panic is rising faster, and every pair of eyes locks onto you like youre the last lifeline in a storm.

For most of us, the idea of stitching up a wound without a doctor present sounds like something out of a war movie  something only a battlefield medic or a rugged frontier surgeon should attempt. But history tells a different story. Before ambulances had sirens and hospitals dotted every county, people had to know how to close wounds, stop bleeding, and prevent infection. And today, in a world where medical help isnt always a 911 call away  whether youre off-grid, in a disaster zone, or facing a collapse scenario  those skills arent just useful. Theyre essential. So lets break it down  step by step, myth from fact, panic from purpose  because when the moment comes, hesitation isnt a luxury you can afford. Here's a crash course on off-grid wound care.

Key points:

Bleeding is enemy number one  stop it fast with direct pressure, tourniquets as a last resort, and hemostatic agents if available.

A dirty wound is a deadly wound  clean it like your life depends on it (because it might).

Not every wound needs stitches  butterfly bandages and sterile strips can save the day (and the skin).

Suturing is a skill, not a mystery  with sterile tools, the right knot, and steady hands, even a novice can close a wound.

Infection is the silent killer  watch for redness, heat, pus, and foul smells, and act fast if they appear.

Natures first aid kit beats nothing at all  honey, alcohol (for cleaning, not drinking), and boiled water have saved lives for centuries.

Legal protections exist, but so do limits  Good Samaritan laws cover well-meaning helpers, but dont play hero beyond your training.

First things first: The bleeding has to stop

Blood is dramatic. Its messy, its terrifying, and if its pumping out of someone like a fountain, your window to act is small. The human body holds about 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood. Lose a third of that, and the body starts shutting down. Lose half? Its often fatal. So before you worry about stitches, sterilization, or anything else, the bleeding stops. Period.

Direct pressure is your best friend. Grab the cleanest cloth you have  sterile gauze if youre lucky, a bandana if youre not  and press it hard against the wound. Dont peek. Dont lift it to check. Just press. If blood soaks through, add another layer on top and keep pressing. Most bleeding will slow or stop within a few minutes.

But what if it doesnt? Thats when you escalate. Hemostatic gauze, impregnated with clotting agents like chitosan or zeolite, can be a game-changer. Pack it into the wound and hold pressure. No hemostatic gauze? A tampon works in a pinch. It's designed to absorb blood and can be pressed into a deep wound.

If the bleeding is from an artery  bright red, spurting with each heartbeat  youre in critical territory. Tourniquets save limbs (and lives) but at a cost. Apply it above the wound (between the injury and the heart), tighten until the bleeding stops, and write the time on the patients skin. Tourniquets cut off circulation, and after about two hours, tissue starts dying. If you cant get to a hospital, youll have to loosen it periodically to restore blood flow, but that risks restarting the bleeding. Its a brutal trade-off, but it beats bleeding out.

Cauterization is the nuclear option. Heating a metal object (a knife, a spoon, even a heated rock) and pressing it to a bleeding vessel can seal it shut. Its agonizing, it smells like burning flesh, and it leaves a nasty scar  but if its the only way to stop a life-threatening bleed, its been done for centuries. (The ancient Greeks used red-hot irons. You work with what youve got.)

Clean it like you mean it: The battle against infection

Once the bleeding is under control, the real work begins: preventing infection. In a sterile hospital, surgeons have autoclaves, antibiotic flushing solutions, and teams of nurses to keep everything pristine. You? Youve got boiled water, soap, and maybe some iodine if youre prepared.

Step one: Wash your hands. Sounds obvious, but in the heat of the moment, its easy to forget. Scrub with soap and boiled water (or alcohol-based sanitizer if thats all you have). Your hands are the biggest threat to the wound right now.

Step two: Irrigate the wound. If youve got sterile saline, great. If not, boiled and cooled water is your next best bet. Use a syringe (or a plastic bag with tiny holes poked in it) to flush out dirt, debris, and bacteria. Never use straight alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine inside the wound  they kill tissue and slow healing. (A diluted iodine solution1 part iodine to 10 parts water  can help, but neat iodine is for outside the wound only.)

Step three: Debride if necessary. Dead tissue is a buffet for bacteria. If the wound has ragged edges or grayish, mushy flesh, youll need to trim it away with sterile scissors or a scalpel. This isnt for the squeamish, but leaving necrotic tissue behind is asking for gangrene.

Step four: Decide  close it or leave it open? Not every wound should be stitched shut. Animal bites, puncture wounds, and anything older than 12 hours are better left open to drain. Stitching them traps bacteria inside, turning the wound into a pressure cooker for infection. But a clean, fresh cut that gapes open? Thats a candidate for closure.

Thread, needle, and nerve: The art of suturing

Suturing is where most people freeze. The idea of pushing a needle through someones skin  intentionally  feels like crossing into mad scientist territory. But heres the truth: Suturing is just sewing. If youve ever mended a torn jacket or stitched a stuffed animal back together, you already understand the basics.

What youll need:

A sterile needle (or a regular sewing needle, boiled for 20 minutes).

Suture thread (or thin nylon fishing line, also sterilized).

Needle drivers (or needle-nose pliers, sterilized).

Sterile gloves (if you have them).

Benzoin tincture (to help adhesive strips stick better).

Antiseptic solution (diluted iodine or alcohol for the surrounding skin).

The process:

Numb the area if you can. If youve got lidocaine or even ice, use it. If not, warn the patient  this is going to hurt.

Start in the middle. Place your first stitch at the deepest part of the wound, where the edges meet. This anchors everything.

Use a surgeons knot. Its just a square knot with an extra twist on the first loop to keep it from slipping. (YouTube has tutorials  watch them now, not in the moment.)

Space stitches evenly. About 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart, depending on the wound. Too far, and the wound wont close properly. Too close, and youll strangle the tissue.

Tie them snug, not tight. You want the edges to touch, not turn white from lack of blood flow.

If youre nervous, practice on a pigs foot or a piece of leather first. The texture is surprisingly similar to human skin.

Alternatives to sutures:

Butterfly bandages or sterile strips can close smaller wounds without threading a needle.

Surgical staples (if you have a sterile stapler) are faster and easier than stitches.

Super glue (cyanoacrylate) works in a pinch for small, clean cutsbut never use it on a dirty or deep wound.

The waiting game: Monitoring for infection

Youve stopped the bleeding. Youve cleaned the wound. Youve closed it up. Now comes the hard part: waiting to see if it all works.

Signs of infection (act fast if you see these):

Redness, swelling, heat around the wound.

Pus (yellow, green, or foul-smelling drainage).

Red streaks moving away from the wound (lymphangitisa sign the infection is spreading).

Fever or swollen lymph nodes.

If infection sets in:

Hot compresses (20 minutes, 4 times a day) can draw out infection.

Elevate the wound above the heart to reduce swelling.

Antibiotics (if available)  penicillin, amoxicillin, or doxycycline can fight bacterial infections.

Reopen and clean if pus is trapped inside. Sometimes you have to undo your stitches to let the wound drain.

Gangrene is the nightmare scenario. If the skin turns black, the wound smells rotten, or you see bubbles in the tissue, youre dealing with dead flesh. At this point, amputation might be the only way to save the patients life. If youre in a survival scenario, this is where having a casualty evacuation plan (and a very sharp, sterile knife) becomes critical.

The hard truths no one talks about

Lets be real: This isnt pretty work. Theres a reason surgeons train for years. But in an austere setting  whether its a collapsed society, a remote wilderness, or a disaster zone where hospitals are overwhelmed  you might be the only help available. And that means making hard calls.

Pain is part of the process. Youre causing short-term agony to prevent long-term suffering. Warn the patient, apologize, and move fast.

You will make mistakes. Maybe a stitch tears through. Maybe the wound gets infected anyway. Learn from it.

Legal protections exist, but theyre not ironclad. Good Samaritan laws generally protect you if you act in good faith and within your training. But if you start performing surgery you saw in a YouTube video, youre on shaky ground.

Some wounds cant be fixed in the field. If someones intestines are spilling out, or an artery is severed beyond repair, your job is damage controlkeep them alive until you can get them to real medical care.

You dont have to be a doctor to save a life. You just have to be prepared, practiced, and willing to act when others freeze.

Start small:

Take a first aid class. (The Red Cross and local community colleges offer them.)

Build a trauma kit. (Include sterile gloves, gauze, hemostatic agents, suture materials, and antibiotics.)

Practice on fake wounds. (Use leather, fruit, or a first-aid dummy.)

Learn the signs of shock, infection, and internal bleeding. (Knowledge is your best tool.)

Because when the moment comes  and if youre reading this, theres a chance it will  you wont rise to the occasion. Youll default to your level of training. So train. Prepare. And when the blood starts flowing and the panic sets in, be the one who steps forward and says, Ive got this.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

NaturalNews.com

Youtube.com
Denmark summons U.S. diplomats following covert influence campaign in Greenland

Following reports of a covert U.S. influence campaign in Greenland, Denmark summoned American diplomats, calling interference "unacceptable" and reaffirming Greenland's autonomy under Danish sovereignty.

Reports indicate American operatives linked to Trump compiled lists of allies and opponents, distributed MAGA merchandise and pushed for renaming Greenland "Red, White and Blueland"  actions Greenlandic leaders dismissed as absurd.

Rich in rare earth minerals and positioned along emerging Arctic shipping routes, Greenland is a key geopolitical prize, drawing interest from both the U.S. and China. Trump has openly discussed acquiring it for military and economic advantages.

Greenland's potential trade talks with China have alarmed Washington, while Copenhagen warns of foreign interference. Trump's refusal to rule out military action has further strained relations with NATO allies.

As China expands its Arctic presence and the U.S. pushes for control, Greenland finds itself at the center of a high-stakes geopolitical battle, testing international law and Arctic diplomacy.

Denmark has summoned U.S. diplomats after news of a covert influence campaign in Greenland, allegedly conducted by Americans with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump, came to light.

Danish public broadcaster DR first reported the scheme, noting that at least three individuals had been compiling lists of allies and opponents. The operatives were also engaging with local politicians, and gathering intelligence to undermine Denmark's sovereignty over the Arctic territory.

The alleged influence campaign detailed by DR includes efforts to identify Greenlanders sympathetic to U.S. interests while gathering damaging narratives about Denmark. One operative reportedly distributed Make America Great Again (MAGA) merchandise in exchange for food.

Another pushed for congressional legislation renaming Greenland to "Red, White and Blueland"  a move Greenlandic politicians dismissed as absurd. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service nevertheless warned that such operations could exploit existing divisions between Denmark and Nuuk, potentially destabilizing the region. (Related: Trump's Greenland gambit intensifies: US intelligence assets head to Greenland for next level of negotiations.)

Following the news, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen summoned U.S. diplomats for discussions. He emphasized that any such interference would be "unacceptable," reaffirming Greenland's status as a semiautonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.

"We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark," Rasmussen said. "It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead."

The U.S. Department of State declined to comment on the actions of the private citizens in the DR report. It nevertheless emphasized its commitment to Greenland's self-determination and its alliance with Denmark.

Arctic showdown: U.S. vs. China in the battle for Greenland's future

Greenland's strategic importance cannot be overstated. Rich in rare earth minerals and positioned along emerging Arctic shipping routes, the island has drawn attention from both Washington and Beijing.

Brighteon.AI's Enoch explains that Trump "is interested in acquiring Greenland due to its strategic location near key international waterways and its vast natural resources." Such an acquisition, the decentralized engine adds, "would bolster U.S. geopolitical influence and military positioning."

The revelations come as Greenland explores deeper cooperation with China, raising geopolitical stakes in a region increasingly contested by global powers. DR's report has also escalated tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, with the Danish government expressing alarm over what it perceives as foreign interference in its internal affairs.

In April, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt announced potential trade talks with China, signaling a pivot away from U.S. influence. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has repeatedly signaled its desire to acquire Greenland, with the president even joking about purchasing the territory in 2019. More recently, Trump has refused to rule out military action to secure U.S. interests  a stance that has only deepened Greenlandic resistance.

The White House has dismissed Denmark's concerns, with an anonymous official suggesting the Danes "need to calm down." But experts warn that Trump's aggressive posture risks alienating North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies at a time when Arctic security is paramount.

As Greenland weighs its geopolitical alliances, the fallout from this alleged influence campaign underscores the fragility of Arctic diplomacy. With China expanding its footprint and the U.S. doubling down on its strategic ambitions, Greenland finds itself at the center of a high-stakes power struggle  one that could reshape the future of the Arctic and test the limits of international law.

Visit BigGovernment.news for more similar stories.

Watch this Fox News report about President Trump explaining that the U.S. needs Greenland for international security.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump refuses to rule out military action to secure Greenland, Panama Canal for U.S. national security.

Trump rekindles Greenland annexation debate, seeks NATO involvement for international security.

Greenland's strategic tensions: A tug-of-war over sovereignty, strategy and alliance.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

APNews.com

NewRepublic.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
FDA ends emergency vaccine mandates: Independent doctors celebrate return to sanity

FDA ends emergency use for mRNA vaccines, rescinds EUAs for Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax shots.

The IMA calls the revocation a return to sanity after years of healthcare disaster.

Vaccines remain available via FDA authorization for vulnerable individuals.

HHS chief realizes campaign promises to end mandates, boost patient choice.

Divided stances emerge on vaccines for children as CDC aligns with doctor discretion.

In a decisive shift in federal health policy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today revoked Emergency Use Authorizations (EUEs) for mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, marking the end of all vaccine mandates and a hailed return to patient and physician autonomy. The move, announced by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., follows months of pressure from independent medical groups and public advocacy organizations.

The FDAs decision to rescind EUAs for Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavaxs vaccinesused under emergency rulings since 2020cites shifting public health conditions and a focus on risk-based access for the elderly and immunocompromised. The agency also issued limited marketing authorizations for these vaccines for high-risk groups, letting patients and doctors weigh benefits and risks together.

Todays actions are a much-needed return to sanity after years of reckless overreach, said Dr. Joseph Varon, president of the Independent Medical Alliance (IMA), a coalition of 15,000 health professionals. Vaccine mandates destroyed lives with threats of job loss and social exile. Now, people can choose with their doctors.

A shift toward patient autonomy

The FDAs decision ends months of pressure from the IMA and other groups demanding the EUAs repeal, noting alarming safety concerns and ethical dilemmas tied to mandates. The development comes as data from studies linked mRNA vaccines to myocarditis, fertility issues, and adverse reactions in children, stirring widespread skepticism.

Kennedy outlined four main goals in his social media post: ending the public health emergency (declared over in May 2023), scrapping mandates, maintaining vaccine availability for at-risk groups, and mandating placebo-controlled trials for drugmakers.

Mandates were unnecessary even then, Kennedy wrote. Americans deserve truth and trust, not coercion thrust into their veins.

The FDAs limited approval for Modernas shot (down to 6 months old) and Pfizers (5+) will now hinge on shared patient-doctor decisionsa stark contrast to Biden-era blanket mandates.

Divided responses and historical context

The FDAs action mirrors efforts to rebalance public health policy after years of emergency measures. While the IMA and liberty advocates celebrate the move, groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have urged continued universal recommendations, calling vaccines a core prevention tool.

Critics argue the AAPs stance ignores evolving data on risks. No parent should compel a 6-month-old into an experimental shot without informed consent, said Dr. Varon.

Meanwhile, Europe and Canada remain divided. The EU recently greenlit vaccines for infants as young as 6 months, while Canadas armed forces uphold dismissals of unvaccinated members post-mandate.

The controversy also feeds broader debates on government overreach in health policy. Kennedys HHS team, citing science prioritizing informed consent, now faces calls to address lingering issues, including long-COVID support for vaccine-injured individuals and corporate transparency in drug trials.

A new era of medical decision-making

The FDAs move represents a watershed moment for U.S. healthcare, returning power to doctors and patients after three years of emergency-driven mandates. For decades, we clung to a false dichotomy: my choice vs. survival, Dr. Varon said. Today, weve restored the right to chooseand the fundamental trust between patient and healer.

As the CDC updates its immunization schedule for children to reflect FDA guidance, doctors nationwide hope this marks the dawn of policies aligned with science, not political agendas.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

TheHill.com
From fake robots to poisoned food: Health Ranger exposes globalist deception on multiple fronts

AI Robot Fraud: Mike Adams alleges robotics companies may be deceiving investors by placing humans in robot suits, mimicking human dance moves instead of true mechanical motioncomparing it to Theranos-level scams.

Mike Adams alleges robotics companies may be deceiving investors by placing humans in robot suits, mimicking human dance moves instead of true mechanical motioncomparing it to Theranos-level scams. Big Tech Deception: The motive behind fake robotics is profit without real innovation, exploiting venture capital funding while avoiding genuine technological breakthroughsa pattern seen in Big Tech scams.

The motive behind fake robotics is profit without real innovation, exploiting venture capital funding while avoiding genuine technological breakthroughsa pattern seen in Big Tech scams. Nutrient-Depleted "Shadow Food": Modern agriculture strips essential nutrients from crops via premature harvesting, CO2 reduction, and GMOs, creating food devoid of medicinal compounds like anthocyanins and lycopene.

Modern agriculture strips essential nutrients from crops via premature harvesting, CO2 reduction, and GMOs, creating food devoid of medicinal compounds like anthocyanins and lycopene. Globalist Health Sabotage: Removing seeds (e.g., seedless grapes) eliminates anti-cancer benefits, while climate policies reducing CO2 weaken plant nutritionleading to a sicker population reliant on Big Pharma.

Removing seeds (e.g., seedless grapes) eliminates anti-cancer benefits, while climate policies reducing CO2 weaken plant nutritionleading to a sicker population reliant on Big Pharma. Solutions & Resistance: Adams supports Texas sovereignty, decentralized medicine, gold-backed currency, and Dr. Pete Chambers anti-mRNA policies to fight globalist control via AI, toxic food, and financial slavery.

AI Robots May Just Be Humans in Disguise

In a bombshell revelation, Mike Adams, the Health Ranger and founder of Brighteon.com, warns that some robotics companies may be engaging in outright fraudplacing thin humans inside robot suits to deceive investors and the public. Adams points to suspicious movements in robot demonstrations that mimic human "pop and lock" dance techniques rather than true mechanical motion.

"These companies are raising tens of millions in venture capital, but I suspect they're just hiring actors," Adams says. He compares the scheme to infamous scams like Elizabeth Holmes' Theranos or the electric truck company that faked gravity-powered demonstrations. The motive? Profit without real innovationa hallmark of Big Techs deceptive practices.

"Shadow Food" vs. Gods Food: The Nutrient-Depletion Scam

Adams also exposes a more insidious globalist agenda: the deliberate stripping of nutrients from food, rendering it useless for human health. Modern agriculturethrough premature harvesting, CO2 depletion, and genetic modificationhas turned crops into "shadow food," devoid of essential medicinal compounds like anthocyanins in grapes or lycopene in tomatoes.

"Seedless grapes are a scam," Adams declares. "They remove the most potent anti-cancer medicinegrape seedsleaving behind empty calories." He warns that climate cultists pushing CO2 reduction are accelerating this crisis, as plants require carbon dioxide to synthesize vital nutrients. The endgame? A weakened, sick population dependent on Big Pharma.

Solutions: Decentralized Medicine, Honest Money, and Texas Sovereignty

Adams endorses Texas gubernatorial candidate Dr. Pete Chambers, who vows to ban mRNA vaccines and restore health freedom. Chambers advocates for decentralized medicine, rejecting the FDAs toxic mandates. Meanwhile, Adams promotes gold-backed currency as protection against the collapsing dollar and urges Texans to reclaim sovereignty.

"Globalists want controlthrough fake tech, poisoned food, and financial slavery," Adams warns. "But Texas can lead the fightback with honest leadership, clean agriculture, and resistance to AI tyranny."

Watch the Aug. 29 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about Shadow food, robot HOAXES and the next governor of Texas

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Urgent Wake-Up Call: The Coming AI Robot Wars and the Great Human Unity

Ukraines robot revolution: A new era of warfare amid manpower crisis

Amazon unveils Vulcan robot with human-like touch

Sources include:

Brighteon.com
Israel declares Gaza City a combat zone, prepares to displace 1 million in brutal assault

Israel has declared Gaza City a full-scale combat zone, ending humanitarian pauses and trapping nearly one million civilians under relentless bombardment.

The IDFs assaultbacked by 130,000 reserve troopsaims to forcibly displace Palestinians while demolishing neighborhoods, with more than 63,000 already killed, mostly women and children.

Aid is blocked, famine is spreading, and hospitals are being bombed as Israel denies accountability, using starvation and displacement as weapons.

Global condemnation grows, with multiple nations recognizing Palestine and accusing Israel of ethnic cleansing, yet the U.S. remains complicit through silence and military support.

Protests erupt in Israel as Netanyahu ignores calls for hostage negotiations, instead escalating attacks that legal experts and the UN warn constitute genocide.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the initial stages of a full-scale assault on Gaza City today, declaring it a "dangerous combat zone" and suspending daily "tactical pauses" that had allowed minimal aid deliveries. The move comes despite international condemnation, including from France, Britain, Canada, and Australiaall of which recently recognized a Palestinian state in protest of Israels actions. Yet, as always, the U.S. remains silent, enabling the slaughter.

Why is Israel declaring Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone" while ending humanitarian pauses? Who will protect the nearly one million civilianshalf of them women and childrennow facing forced displacement? And what does this mean for the already famine-stricken population? The answers are as horrifying as they are predictable: This is ethnic cleansing in real time.

A premeditated plan for mass displacement

The IDFs announcement is no surprise. Israels security cabinet approved this operation on August 7, and since then, troops have been systematically demolishing Gaza City neighborhoodsincluding Al-Zaytoun and Sabrausing explosive-laden robots to level civilian homes. Now, with 130,000 reserve soldiers called up, the assault is set to escalate. The goal? Forcibly displace nearly one million people while continuing the relentless bombing that has already killed more than 63,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry.

The IDF claims this is about dismantling Hamas. But the numbers tell a different story. 80% of the dead are women and children. Hospitals, schools, and mosques have been reduced to rubble. The United Nations has confirmed famine in northern Gaza, yet Israel denies it, just as it denies responsibility for the starvation deaths of dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks. The IDFs own spokesman, Avichay Adraee, boasted on X that Hamas is now a "defeated group conducting guerrilla warfare." If thats true, why the need for total annihilation?

No aid, no mercy, no accountability

Israels so-called "humanitarian pauses" were already a cruel joke. Aid workers reported that even during these brief windows, Israeli strikes continued. Now, with those pauses canceled in Gaza City, the last shred of pretense is gone. The IDF claims it will still allow aid elsewhere in Gaza, but how? The entire strip is under siege. Trucks carrying food and medicine are blocked. The few supplies that get through are a fraction of whats needed. Meanwhile, Israeli forces drop leaflets warning civilians to flee south into areas already overcrowded with displaced families living in tents, without clean water or medical care.

Israel recently struck Nasser Hospital four times in a single attack, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists. The IDFs ever-shifting excusesfirst calling it a "tragic mishap," then claiming Hamas had a camera nearbyare as flimsy as they are predictable. When hospitals become military targets, we are no longer talking about war. We are talking about genocide.

Even Israeli citizens are protesting, demanding Netanyahu secure the release of the remaining hostages through negotiation rather than escalation. But Netanyahu is unmoved. His alliance with far-right extremists who have called for the complete depopulation of Gaza speaks volumes. The IDFs own operations in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighborhood reveal the truth: They are not just targeting Hamas. They are targeting homes, tunnels used for civilian shelter, and anything that moves.

The evidence is undeniable. South Africa has already filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide. More countries must follow. The U.S., which funds and arms Israels military, cannot continue to turn a blind eye. With Gaza City now declared a "combat zone," the next phase of Israels assault will bring even greater suffering.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

CBSNews.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

BBC.co.uk
Pentagon launches full-scale inquiry into Microsofts use of CCP-linked engineers

The Pentagon is conducting a comprehensive audit of Microsofts practices, focusing on the "Digital Escorts" program.

A third-party audit of all code and submissions tied to Chinese engineers will be required.

Hegseth declared an end to the use of Chinese nationals in U.S. defense cloud environments.

The Defense Department is conducting its own investigation into the program and the engineers involved.

The probe aligns with the Trump administrations push to tighten cybersecurity and reduce reliance on foreign tech workers.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the Pentagon has initiated a full-scale investigation into Microsoft for employing Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked engineers to work on U.S. military and Pentagon cloud contracts. The probe, which stems from a controversial program known as "Digital Escorts," aims to determine whether China-based engineers had indirect access to highly sensitive national security infrastructure and whether any malicious code or vulnerabilities were introduced.

Background on the digital escorts program

The "Digital Escorts" program, initiated during the Obama-Biden administration, ostensibly allowed U.S. citizens with security clearances but limited technical expertise to act as intermediaries for China-based engineers working on critical defense systems. Despite being marketed as compliant with security protocols, the arrangement effectively provided foreign nationals with indirect access to classified defense infrastructure, raising significant security concerns.

The program was designed to address a shortage of skilled U.S. citizens in the tech sector, but it has come under intense scrutiny for its potential security risks. Critics argue that the program not only compromised the integrity of U.S. defense systems but also opened up avenues for espionage and data theft.

The use of Chinese nationals to service Department of Defense cloud environments  its over, Hegseth declared during a briefing. Were requiring a third-party audit of Microsofts digital escort program, including the code and submissions by Chinese nationals. This audit will be free of charge for U.S. taxpayers.

The Pentagon has taken immediate steps to sever ties with Microsofts CCP-linked engineers and is implementing a comprehensive review of all existing contracts. Hegseth emphasized that the Pentagon will not tolerate any compromises to national security and is committed to ensuring that all defense systems are secure and free from foreign interference.

Concerns over national security

The Pentagons investigation is driven by the need to ensure that no malicious code or backdoors were inserted into U.S. military systems. Cybersecurity experts and defense analysts have expressed serious concerns over the potential vulnerability created by the "Digital Escorts" program.

Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor: Microsofts gross irresponsibility in creating this backdoor should be fully exposed, and if laws were broken, those responsible should be prosecuted. The integrity of our national defense systems must be a top priority.

ProPublica report highlights risks

A recent ProPublica report detailed how roughly 50 U.S. citizens with security clearances relayed hundreds of commands from Chinese engineers without knowing what was being executed inside defense servers. Employees reportedly raised repeated warnings about the risks, but their concerns were not adequately addressed.

The report revealed a pattern of negligence and lack of oversight, with some employees describing a culture of complacency and a focus on meeting project deadlines at the expense of security. These findings have further intensified calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.

Trump administrations cybersecurity focus

The Trump administration has made tightening cybersecurity and reducing reliance on foreign tech workers a top priority. Hegseth emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly and thoroughly. This never should have happened in the first place. But once we found out about it, we attacked it aggressively from the beginning, and were going to follow all the way through the tape to make sure this is addressed.

The administration has taken several steps to bolster cybersecurity, including increasing funding for cybersecurity research and development, implementing stricter vetting processes for tech workers and enhancing international collaboration on cyber threats.

Ensuring the integrity of U.S. defense systems

The Pentagons investigation into Microsofts use of CCP-linked engineers underscores the critical need to safeguard U.S. national security. As the audit and parallel investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring that no foreign interference compromises the integrity of Americas defense networks.

Supporters of human freedom have raised concerns over a covert cyber operation orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party that has allowed them to maintain unauthorized access to U.S. networks and allied systems for an extended period. According to Israel Soong, who holds a significant position at the National Security Council as the director for East Asia and Pacific Cyber Policy, this digital assault is part of a broader strategy employed by the CCP aimed at preparing for potential attacks on critical infrastructure.

If you cannot spread awareness, let me share something with you. I have been informed at the highest levels that our Pentagon is involved in a serious issue. In the next hour, Roy McKenzie will reveal information about how China may have compromising data on our troops through their servers. They managed to access cell phones and desktop computers using voting software funded by the Department of Defense.

The Pentagons actions and the forthcoming revelations by McKenzie highlight the urgent need for accountability and transparency in matters of national security. The publics role in exposing and addressing these issues is more critical than ever.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

Vinnews.com

emni.life
Doc Pete Chambers enters Texas Governor race: Veteran & anti-trafficking activist vows to decentralize medicine, secure border

Chambers Campaign Launch: Green Beret veteran Dr. Pete Chambers runs for Texas governor, advocating constitutional rights, sovereignty, and decentralized governance while fighting medical corruption and human trafficking.

Green Beret veteran Dr. Pete Chambers runs for Texas governor, advocating constitutional rights, sovereignty, and decentralized governance while fighting medical corruption and human trafficking. Military to Political Awakening: A 39-year combat veteran, Chambers opposes forced COVID vaccines and "unit party" elites, vowing to decentralize medicine, secure borders, and restore energy independence.

A 39-year combat veteran, Chambers opposes forced COVID vaccines and "unit party" elites, vowing to decentralize medicine, secure borders, and restore energy independence. Policy Priorities: End medical censorship, deploy citizen-led border security, reject globalist green energy scams, stop AI exploitation, and introduce gold-backed Texas currency for financial sovereignty.

End medical censorship, deploy citizen-led border security, reject globalist green energy scams, stop AI exploitation, and introduce gold-backed Texas currency for financial sovereignty. Critique of Abbott & Establishment: Chambers accuses Gov. Abbott of inaction on border security and hypocrisy on ivermectin, citing 300,000+ missing migrant children trafficked under Bidens policies.

Chambers accuses Gov. Abbott of inaction on border security and hypocrisy on ivermectin, citing 300,000+ missing migrant children trafficked under Bidens policies. Texas as Americas Last Stand: Chambers warns that globalist control of Texas threatens U.S. sovereignty, urging grassroots support for his "1836 Movement" to preserve freedom and resist the New World Order.

Green Beret veteran, counter-human trafficking activist, and faith-based leader Dr. Pete Chambers has officially launched his campaign for Texas governor, positioning himself as a defender of constitutional rights, state sovereignty, and decentralized governance. In an exclusive interview with Brighton.com, Chambers outlined his mission to dismantle centralized medical corruption, combat human trafficking, and push for Texas energy independencea message resonating with voters tired of political theatrics and corporate influence.

From Battlefield to Border: A Leader Forged in Crisis

Chambers, a 39-year military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, returned home to Texas only to witness the erosion of liberty under what he describes as a "unit party" systema corrupt fusion of political elites, globalist corporations, and bureaucratic tyranny. His wake-up call came during COVID-19, when he witnessed soldiers coerced into taking experimental vaccines, some suffering severe injuries or even death.

"They fired me for doing informed consent," Chambers revealed, referencing his dismissal for standing against forced medical mandates. "If theyd do that to mea Green Beretwhat are they doing to the rest of America?"

Now, Chambers is taking his fight to the governors mansion, pledging to:

Decentralize Medicine: End Texas Medical Board censorship of alternative treatments (like ivermectin) and empower citizens with nutrition-based healthcare.

End Texas Medical Board censorship of alternative treatments (like ivermectin) and empower citizens with nutrition-based healthcare. Secure the Border: Deploy citizen-led task forces to halt human trafficking cartels exploiting Texas southern frontier.

Deploy citizen-led task forces to halt human trafficking cartels exploiting Texas southern frontier. Restore Energy Independence: Oppose globalist "green energy" scams choking Texas oil and gas industry while pushing for small modular nuclear reactors and honest money (gold-backed Texas currency).

Oppose globalist "green energy" scams choking Texas oil and gas industry while pushing for small modular nuclear reactors and honest money (gold-backed Texas currency). Dismantle AI Exploitation: Stop foreign-controlled data centers (like Microsofts Abilene project) draining Texas water supply for globalist AI agendas.

Texas vs. the "Unit Party"

Chambers didnt mince words about the deep-state-aligned GOP establishment, accusing Governor Greg Abbott of political theater on issues like border security and property taxes.

"Abbott talks tough, but wheres the action?" Chambers asked, citing the 300,000+ missing migrant children trafficked under Bidens policiesmany vanishing after being handed to NGOs with ties to the U.N. and USAID.

He also blasted Abbotts hypocrisy on ivermectin: "The same governor who banned it for troops now wants it over-the-counter? Thats not leadershipthats opportunism."

Citizen-Led Governance & the "1836 Movement"

Chambers campaign hinges on citizen-led task forces, bypassing lobbyists and corporate donors. His boldest proposal? A Texas Space Administrationpartnering with Elon Musk to keep space tech under state sovereignty.

"Why let D.C. control our future? Texas can lead," he declared, urging supporters to donate 1836 (symbolizing Texas founding year) or $1,836 to fuel his grassroots movement.

The Stakes: Texas as Americas Last Stand

Chambers warned that if Texas falls to globalist-controlled politicians, Americas breadbasketand constitutional republiccould collapse.

"This isnt just about Texas. Its about stopping the New World Order," he said, invoking the Alamos legacy of defiance. "We either fight now, or our children wont have a country left."

How to Support

Visit: DocPeteChambers.org

DocPeteChambers.org Donate: Help Chambers "liberate Texas from the unit party."

Help Chambers "liberate Texas from the unit party." Share: This interview to spread the message of decentralization, sovereignty, and freedom.

Final Thought: As Chambers put it"The Republic of Texas never died. Its time we act like it."

Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Doc Pete Chambers who is running to be the next governor of TEXAS.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Green Beret turned freedom fighter: Doc Pete Chambers launches bold campaign for TEXAS GOVERNOR

Health Ranger Report: Doc Pete Chambers on the IMMIGRATION and HUMAN TRAFFICKING crisis

Doc Pete Chambers exposes COVID-19 shutdowns targeting meatpacking plants

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

DocPeteChambers.org
Thank you, Premier Smith!

Has Premier Danielle Smith shot herself in the foot with amendments to the Citizen Initiative Act? Separatists are delighted because they will benefit from the paltry 177,000-signature threshold needed to trigger a referendum. However, there are other potential beneficiaries who are rubbing their hands with glee.

While Smiths motives are unclear, this scenario is perhaps something that she has not considered. Using this tool, citizens can bring forward an initiative on a legislative proposal, a policy proposal, or a constitutional referendum proposal. (The latter requires a higher threshold.) This opens the door to scrutiny of any number of highly unpopular policies being pursued by the government.

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The low threshold makes it easier for well-organized slices of the electorate to trigger a referendum on a range of controversial issues including, but not limited to:

Requiring people to pay for COVID-19 vaccines: The UCP governments decision to make most people pay $100 to get the shot is baffling. Apparently, 400,000 doses were unused last year and this is the rationale for the decision. Had the government made the slightest effort to encourage Albertans to get immunized, the uptake would have been much higher.

Mining at Grassy Mountain: The government has ignored concerns about water quality in the headwaters of the Bow River and rejection of a previous application by a joint federal-provincial panel. Despite significant public opposition, another proposal is in the works. How long would it take to rustle up sufficient signatures to trigger a referendum on the wisdom of this policy?

Inter-basin water transfers in northern Alberta: During extensive public consultations leading up to amendment of the provinces Water Act, one message came through loud and clear: Inter-basin transfers should be prohibited. They were, but high-risk inter-basin transfers can take place with a special act of the legislature. The influential Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) is lobbying the government to greenlight inter-basin transfers between river basins in the north of the province. CAPP feels that these restrictions create unnecessary inefficiencies for oil and gas projects. Such major transfers can have serious environmental consequences, endangering yet another river basin in the province.

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There are numerous major policy changes that merit scrutiny, such as dissolving Alberta Health Services and splitting it up, as well as the policy on renewable energy in the province. A referendum on any of them would draw attention to the issue, resulting in a vigorous debate that would be uncomfortable for the UCP.

Another unintended consequence of the act? It will empower voters in the major cities: Calgary and Edmonton contain more than half the provinces population and their combined support for the UCP is much weaker than the partys popularity in rural areas. In a referendum, urban voters will outnumber those in rural areas, weakening the clout of rural residents.

No referendum will be binding on the government, so the entire exercise may be futile. Nevertheless, voters will be able to have a fulsome discussion on important policy changes, an unexpected, but welcome option that has not been available to them until now.

Danielle Smith might come to rue the day that she embarked on this path, but Alberta voters will thank her for the fortuitous gift she is sending their way.

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Doreen Barrie is an adjunct assistant professor, Department of Political Science, University of Calgary.

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Rise in pilot incapacitations sparks safety concerns and vaccine debate

Since 2021, a concerning increase in pilot incapacitations and near-miss incidents has raised alarms among aviation and medical experts, leading to a heated debate over the safety of air travel and the potential link to COVID-19 vaccines . A retired airline captain and immunology specialist, Dr. Kevin Stillwagon, has presented compelling evidence suggesting a correlation between the rise in pilot health issues and the rollout of vaccine mandates. This trend has significant implications for aviation safety and regulatory oversight.

Summary of Key Points:

Rise in incapacitations and deaths: Since 2021, there has been a 40 percent increase in early pilot deaths and a tripling of long-term disabilities.

Since 2021, there has been a 40 percent increase in early pilot deaths and a tripling of long-term disabilities. Near-misses at airports: Near-miss incidents at Washington National Airport have surged from one per year to 28.

Near-miss incidents at Washington National Airport have surged from one per year to 28. Illegal vaccine mandates: Dr. Stillwagon argues that the mRNA vaccines were illegally forced upon pilots, violating FAA regulations.

Dr. Stillwagon argues that the mRNA vaccines were illegally forced upon pilots, violating FAA regulations. Health risks: The mRNA vaccines can cause sudden cardiac arrest, brain fog and seizures, posing significant risks to pilots and passengers.

The mRNA vaccines can cause sudden cardiac arrest, brain fog and seizures, posing significant risks to pilots and passengers. FAA data gaps: The FAA has discontinued its pilot incapacitation database, hindering the detection of systemic trends.

Concerning trends emerge post-vaccine mandates

Dr. Kevin Stillwagon, a retired airline pilot and immunology expert, has sounded the alarm on a disturbing trend in the aviation industry. Since 2021, there has been a significant increase in sudden deaths, long-term disabilities and in-flight medical incapacitations among pilots. In a video discussion with epidemiologist Nicolas Hulscher, Stillwagon presented alarming data:

Early pilot deaths: "There was a 40% increase in pilots dying early  before mandatory retirement age  in 2021," Stillwagon said.

"There was a 40% increase in pilots dying early  before mandatory retirement age  in 2021," Stillwagon said. Long-term disabilities: Long-term disabilities among pilots have tripled since the vaccine mandates were enforced.

Long-term disabilities among pilots have tripled since the vaccine mandates were enforced. Near-miss incidents: Near-miss incidents at Washington National Airport have skyrocketed from one annually before 2021 to 28 per year afterward.

These trends have raised serious concerns about the health and safety of airline pilots, as well as the broader implications for air travel.

Vaccine mandates and their legal implications

According to Stillwagon, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines were illegally administered to pilots, violating FAA regulations. The FAA's Aeromedical Advice Manual clearly states that commercial pilots are prohibited from using experimental medical products, as such use can result in the suspension of their medical certification.

"Commercial pilots are prohibited from using experimental medical products, since such use can result in suspension of their medical certification," Stillwagon emphasized. "They were illegal because you cannot put an experimental product into a pilot, as found in the 'Aeromedical Advice Manual.'"

Despite this, airlines, under pressure from the U.S. government, coerced pilots into taking the vaccines. Those who resisted faced financial penalties and career jeopardy. Pilots who complied under duress now face both personal health risks and concerns over passenger safety.

Health risks and potential consequences

The mRNA vaccines, which instruct human cells to produce a genetically engineered version of the coronavirus spike protein, have been linked to a range of health issues. According to Stillwagon, the spike protein produced by these vaccines can travel throughout the body, triggering immune attacks on vital organs. This can lead to conditions such as myocarditis, clotting and neuroinflammation.

"Sudden cardiac arrest, brain fog and seizures have been reported among younger pilots, conditions that could compromise reaction times or incapacitate a cockpit mid-flight," Stillwagon said. "This is exactly why we are seeing sudden heart failure in younger and younger people. This is huge."

The potential for in-flight disasters is a significant concern. A YouTube video circulated by critics of the mandate warns of the dangers if a pilot suffers sudden incapacitation during a flight.

FAA's role and data gaps

The FAA's role in monitoring pilot health has come under scrutiny. Despite the critical importance of pilot health to aviation safety, the FAA has discontinued its pilot incapacitation database and maintains no centralized record of pilot vaccination history.

"The FAA has failed to sufficiently collect data on the health of pilots since the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines," Stillwagon said. "The data silence that the FAA has created is preventing systemic trends from being detected."

Stillwagon argued that while aviation authorities and airline management focus on how well pilots comply with general operating procedures, there are glaring data gaps. The pilot is the least monitored component in the cockpit, he said, with modern aviation treating the jet like a data-rich spacecraft and the pilot like a black box.

The ongoing debate and future implications

The rise in pilot incapacitations and near-miss incidents since 2021 has sparked a heated debate over the safety of air travel and the potential link to COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Kevin Stillwagon's findings highlight the need for rigorous investigation and data collection to understand the underlying causes and ensure the safety of both pilots and passengers. As the aviation industry continues to grapple with these issues, the role of regulatory bodies like the FAA in monitoring and maintaining pilot health remains a critical concern.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

LifeSiteNews.com
Health Ranger Report: Ron Paul on the high cost of endless WAR

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is aggressively lobbying for $1 billion per month in U.S. weapons funding, framing it as an "investment opportunity" for American arms manufacturers.

Former Kentucky Rep. Ron Paul condemns the war profiteering behind U.S. aid to Ukraine, arguing that NATO and Washington fuel conflicts for profit, not noble ideals.

NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List program fast-tracks NATO-compliant U.S. weapons to Ukraine, benefiting American defense contractors while escalating bloodshed.

Whether under Trump or Biden, the U.S. remains the world's top arms dealer, perpetuating conflicts with no regard for human or economic costs.

Paul warns that sending weapons makes the U.S. complicit in mass casualties, while Zelensky's government operates as a dependent client state, not an independent ally.

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aggressively lobbies a monthly allowance of $1 billion for weapons purchases, the debate over America's role in foreign conflicts intensifies. Few voices have been as consistent in opposing interventionism as former Kentucky Rep. Ron Paul, whose libertarian principles reject the endless cycle of war profiteering and geopolitical manipulation.

Paul's latest warning  which he issued during an interview with the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report"  resonates now more than ever. Washington's bipartisan war machine funnels billions into Ukraine while ignoring the catastrophic human and economic costs.

Zelensky's latest proposal, framed as an "investment opportunity" for U.S. arms manufacturers, reveals the grim reality that modern warfare is a lucrative business. The Ukrainian president's pitch includes $90 billion in American weapons, financed largely by European allies, alongside drone production contracts worth up to $30 billion.

The staggering sum of $1 billion underscores what Paul has long argued: War is not fought for noble ideals, but for the enrichment of defense contractors and the expansion of state power.

"Who's morally responsible for that war?" Paul asked pointedly during his interview with Adams. "The people who run NATO [the North Atlantic Treaty Organization]. And who puts the most money in NATO? The United States."

Kyiv's demand for $1 billion monthly falls under NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List program. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, the program is designed "to fast-track military aid to Ukraine by identifying and supplying weapons that align with NATO standards, ensuring interoperability with Western forces. This program reinforces Ukraine's defense capabilities while strategically benefiting U.S. arms manufacturers, as it mandates the use of American-made weapons to meet NATO compliance." (Related: Sen. Rand Paul to hold up any stopgap government budget bill that includes funding for Ukraine.)

Paul: Sending more weapons means more deaths, not peace

Paul also highlighted the irony of current U.S. President Donald Trump promising to end the Russia-Ukraine war "in 24 hours" while the machinery of intervention grinds on. This contradiction exposes a fundamental truth: The military-industrial complex transcends partisan loyalties. Whether under the Republican Trump or the Democratic former U.S. President Joe Biden, Washington remains the world's largest arms dealer  fueling conflicts that destabilize entire regions.

Pauls critique goes deeper than fiscal concerns. He highlights the moral bankruptcy of sending weapons to prolong bloodshed while pretending to champion peace.

"People dont see that no matter what part of the world were in, if theres fighting going on and people are getting killed  if were sending weapons there for profits, they should assume responsibility for the millions of lives lost," the Ron Paul Institute founder and chairman told the Health Ranger.

Ukraines war, like so many before it, is sustained by foreign arms shipments. Each missile and drone adds to the death toll, while policymakers are shielded from accountability.

Zelensky's government, increasingly dependent on Western funding, operates as a client state rather than an independent actor. This dynamic mirrors past U.S. interventions, where "allies" are transformed into permanent wards of the American empire.

Paul's non-interventionist stance rejects this model, arguing that true security comes from diplomacy and trade, not perpetual warfare. Ultimately, his message is a challenge to the very foundations of U.S. foreign policy.

As Zelensky secures ever-larger arms deals, Americans must ask: Who benefits? Not the Ukrainian civilians caught in the crossfire, nor the American taxpayers footing the bill. The winners are the defense contractors, the politicians who serve them and the globalists who thrive in chaos.

Watch the full interview between Ron Paul and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

USAID's Ukraine funding implodes: How billions vanished into a "black fund" for Washington's political machine.

CNN poll: MAJORITY of Americans do not want taxpayer dollars to fund Ukraine's war effort.

Biden considering asking Congress for $100 BILLION in additional funds for Ukraine.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

KyivIndependent.com

Brighteon.ai
Trump blocks Ukraine from using U.S. weapons for long-range strikes into Russia

President Donald Trump has reinstated restrictions on Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles (ATACMS), requiring high-level Pentagon approval for strikes on Russian territory.

A Pentagon mechanism created by Undersecretary Elbridge Colby now governs the use of both U.S. and allied weapons systems that rely on American intelligence or components, including Britain's Storm Shadow missiles.

The Biden administration had previously lifted the strike ban amid heightened conflict, but Trump reimposed it to encourage diplomatic engagement with Russia.

Following a fruitless summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Trump also issued a two-week deadline for progress toward a Ukraine peace deal or face "massive sanctions or tariffs."

Initially opposed to sanctions, Trump's stance hardened after a Russian missile strike on a U.S.-owned factory in Ukraine, signaling a possible pivot to more aggressive pressure on Moscow.

President Donald Trump has imposed new limits on Ukraine's use of American-supplied long-range missiles, effectively halting strikes into Russian territory and curbing its ability to take the fight directly to Moscow.

The policy, which has not been formally announced, hinges on a high-level Pentagon approval mechanism that requires Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to personally sign off on any Ukrainian request to launch long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). The review process was developed by Elbridge Colby, the undersecretary for policy of the Pentagon, and also extends to European weapons systems that rely on U.S. intelligence or components, such as Britain's Storm Shadow missiles. (Related: US weapons package for Ukraine includes 100 KILLER DRONES.)

According to U.S. officials, Ukraine has been blocked from launching ATACMS into Russia since late spring, despite making at least one request to do so. The Biden administration had lifted similar restrictions late last year in response to North Korean involvement in the war. But under Trump, the Pentagon has reinstated the limitations to encourage diplomatic negotiations with the Kremlin.

"President Trump has been very clear that the war in Ukraine needs to end. There has been no change in military posture in Russia-Ukraine at this time," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. "Secretary Hegseth is working in lockstep with President Trump."

For now, Ukraine still holds a limited number of ATACMS delivered by the Biden administration, but no new deliveries have been authorized under Trump. The administration did approve the recent sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munitions (ERAMs), which could arrive in Ukraine within six weeks.

However, like the ATACMS, their use against Russian targets would require additional Pentagon approval.

Trump issues two-week ultimatum to Russia for Ukraine peace deal

The ban coincided with Trump renewing his threat to impose further sanctions on Russia if tangible progress toward a peace deal is not made within two weeks.

Speaking to reporters on Aug. 25, following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, Trump warned that the U.S. may impose sweeping new sanctions or tariffs on Russia within two weeks if no progress is made toward a peace settlement in Ukraine. Trump said he was "disappointed" with the lack of movement toward ending the nearly four-year war and hinted at a major policy decision ahead.

"I'm going to make a decision as to what we do and it's going to be, it's going to be a very important decision, and that's whether or not it's massive sanctions or massive tariffs or both, or we do nothing and say it's your fight," Trump said, standing beside a photo of him and Putin from the summit.

The threat marks a sharp reversal from Trump's earlier posture. Before the meeting, he had ruled out new sanctions, suggesting that economic penalties would only push Moscow further away from the negotiating table. But a recent Russian missile strike on an American-owned factory in central Ukraine, which injured several workers, appears to have hardened his stance.

"I'm not happy about it, and I'm not happy about anything having to do with that war," he told the reporters.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Trump's warning of severe sanctions on both Russia and Ukraine underscores his commitment to ending the violence, even if it means taking a tougher stance that could reshape the diplomatic landscape.

Read more stories like this at MilitaryTechnology.news.

Watch this clip from InfoWars as Alex Jones reacts to the news regarding the suicide drones being sent to Ukraine.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

US intelligence brags about helping Ukraine kill Russian generals.

US scrambles to cover up bioweapons labs in Ukraine.

US halts military aid to Ukraine: Kiev's surrender is near.

Ukraine must brace for loss of US support  ex-ambassador.

US arms sales to Europe have SKYROCKETED since Ukraine invasion.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

WSJ.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Trump admin mulls travel bans on EU officials behind digital censorship laws

The White House is weighing unprecedented visa restrictions against EU officials responsible for the Digital Services Act (DSA), escalating tensions over free speech and tech regulation.

U.S. officials argue the DSA forces American tech companies to suppress conservative voices under the guise of combating "misinformation," while the EU dismisses these claims as unfounded.

The Trump administration has also condemned the U.K.'s Online Safety Act (OSA) as "Orwellian," signaling a wider clash over digital governance and sovereignty between the U.S. and Europe.

Critics warn that laws like the DSA and OSA are tools of globalist suppression, used to silence dissent and enforce compliance with a New World Order agenda.

If implemented, these sanctions would mark a rare U.S. move against foreign domestic policies, signaling a dramatic pushback against government-mandated censorship and defending First Amendment principles worldwide.

The administration of President Donald Trump is weighing unprecedented sanctions against European Union officials responsible for the bloc's Digital Services Act (DSA), a sweeping regulation the White House claims censors American speech online.

According to sources familiar with internal discussions, the U.S. Department of State is considering visa restrictions targeting senior EU policymakers behind the law. If put in place, the sanctions escalate tensions between Washington and Brussels over free expression, tech regulation and sovereignty.

The DSA, enacted to combat illegal content such as hate speech and child exploitation material, has drawn fierce criticism from U.S. officials who argue it forces American tech companies to suppress conservative voices under the guise of combating "misinformation."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously threatened visa bans for foreign officials who censor American speech, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused EU leaders of silencing right-wing groups like the Alternative for Germany party. The Trump administration has also condemned the United Kingdom's Online Safety Act (OSA) as "Orwellian," signaling a broader transatlantic clash over digital governance.

Relations between the U.S. and EU have deteriorated amid trade disputes and accusations of regulatory overreach. Earlier this month, Reuters revealed that the State Department instructed diplomats to lobby against the DSA, while Trump warned nations enforcing digital taxes of retaliatory tariffs. The potential sanctions would mark a rare instance of the U.S. penalizing foreign officials over domestic policies  a move that could redefine diplomatic norms in the digital age. (Related: U.S. State Department launches diplomatic offensive against EU's draconian CENSORSHIP law.)

Farage to expose U.K. censorship regime: Will Congress listen?

The EU has dismissed U.S. censorship claims as "completely unfounded," insisting the DSA balances content moderation with free expression. Yet critics argue the law's vague definitions  such as "false communications" punishable by prison time  enable arbitrary enforcement.

Similar concerns surround the OSA, which led to the imprisonment of individuals like Lucy Connolly over social media posts. Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage, set to testify before the U.S. Congress next month, will highlight cases like hers as evidence of escalating speech suppression in Europe.

Brighteon.AI's Enoch points out that "the Trump administration opposes the DSA and the OSA because these policies are seen as globalist censorship tools designed to suppress free speech, silence dissent and enforce compliance with the New World Order agenda." The decentralized engine adds that such laws mirror "the same tactics used by Big Tech and deep state operatives to manipulate elections, control narratives and persecute truth-tellers like Trump himself."

The looming sanctions underscore a deepening ideological divide. While Brussels frames its regulations as safeguards against online harms, Washington views them as government-mandated censorship threatening First Amendment principles. If implemented, the travel bans would signal a dramatic escalation in America's pushback against global digital governance  a fight with far-reaching implications for free speech and the future of the open internet.

Watch this video about Vice President JD Vance putting the EU on notice for its anti-democratic actions during the 2025 Munich Security Conference.

This video is from the Lori Colley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

EU signs draconian anti-free speech law to "police" the entire internet, take down websites containing "unapproved" speech.

U.K. regulator pressured U.S. tech firms to enforce British speech laws, leaked emails reveal.

Trump administration takes on global censorship: A new frontier for free speech advocacy.

Vance slams Europe's "Orwellian" speech laws, warns of strained U.S.-EU relations.

U.S. State Department slams EU's Digital Services Act as "Orwellian censorship."

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Reuters.com

Telegraph.co.uk

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Ukraines battlefield data is being used as LEVERAGE to train the future of military AI

Imagine a drone, no larger than a dinner plate, humming through the skeletal remains of a bombed-out village. It doesnt hesitate. It doesnt feel. It simply knows  its artificial brain trained on millions of hours of combat footage, every pixel of destruction meticulously logged, every human movement analyzed like a chessboard. This isnt science fiction. Its the future Ukraine is quietly shopping to the highest bidder. Data obtained from the Ukraine-Russia war will soon be used to train military AI to make future war time missions more efficient, more cold and calculated.

For over three and a half years, Ukraine has been more than a battleground  its been a lab. A brutal, real-world experiment in how machines learn to kill. Now, as the war grinds on, Kyiv isnt just fighting for survival. Its negotiating with its Western allies, dangling something far more valuable than territory or political loyalty: data. Terabytes of it. Footage from first-person-view drones that have stalked Russian tanks like predators. Reconnaissance feeds that map every explosion, every ambush, every death in excruciating detail. And Ukraines digital minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, has made one thing clear  this isnt charity. Its a transaction. "I think this is one of the cards, as our colleagues and partners say, to build win-win relations," he told Reuters, his words carrying the cold precision of a man who understands leverage. The question isnt whether this data will be sold. Its who will wield it  and what happens when they do.

Key points:

Ukraine has amassed an unprecedented trove of battlefield data, including drone footage and combat statistics, which is now being positioned as a negotiating tool with Western allies.

The data is critical for training military AI, particularly for autonomous drone swarms and target recognition systems, making it a prized asset for defense contractors and governments.

Ukraines points system for confirmed kills has gamified war, incentivizing troops to destroy more Russian targets in exchange for drones and weapons  further feeding the data machine.

Experts warn that AI-trained weapons systems could soon operate with full autonomy, raising ethical and existential questions about machine-driven warfare and the risk of uncontrollable kill chains.

Historical patterns suggest that warfare technology often escapes its original intent, with civilian casualties rising as automation increases  yet global powers are racing to deploy it.

The long-term implications extend beyond Ukraine: this data could accelerate a new arms race, where AI-driven weapons decide who lives and who dies  without human oversight.

The black box of modern war

Fedorov didnt minced words when he called the data "priceless." And hes right. In the hands of defense firms like Palantir  which already works with Ukraine to analyze Russian strikes and disinformation  this isnt just intelligence. Its the raw material for the next generation of war. Imagine an AI that doesnt just assist pilots but replaces them. Drones that dont just follow orders but make them. Systems that can identify, track, and eliminate targets faster than a human can blink.

Ukraine has already dipped its toes into this future. Fedorov admitted that Kyiv uses AI to scan reconnaissance imagery for targets that would take humans "dozens of hours" to find. Theyre testing fully autonomous drones  machines that could soon hunt in swarms, coordinating attacks without a single soldier pulling the trigger. And theyre not alone. The U.S., China, and Russia are all pouring billions into AI-driven warfare, each racing to outpace the others. But Ukraines data is different. Its not simulated. Its not theoretical. Its real death, digitized and weaponized.

The problem? Weve seen this movie before. Every major leap in military technology  from machine guns to atomic bombs  has been sold as a way to end war faster. Instead, its made war more efficient, more distant, and more devastating. When the first autonomous drone swarm is unleashed, will it distinguish between a soldier and a civilian? Will it care? Or will it simply follow the patterns its been trained on  patterns built on Ukraines kill zones, where the line between combatant and bystander has already blurred?

The gamification of slaughter

Heres where things get even darker. Ukraine hasnt just collected data  its turned war into a game. Fedorovs ministry runs a points system where troops earn rewards for confirmed kills. Destroy a tank? Points. Take out an artillery unit? More points. Those points can be traded for drones, jammers, or other weapons on a sleek, Amazon-style marketplace. Since the program launched a year ago, 500,000 drones have been distributed this way.

On the surface, its a clever tactic  motivate soldiers, gather intel, keep the war machine fed. But step back, and the implications are chilling. This isnt just about winning a war. Its about perfecting the mechanics of killing. Every drone handed out, every kill logged, every hour of footage uploaded trains the AI to be better at death. And once that genie is out of the bottle, it doesnt go back in.

Were not just talking about Ukraines war. Were talking about the future of all wars. When defense contractors get their hands on this data, they wont just use it for Ukraines fight. Theyll use it to build the next generation of autonomous weapons  weapons that could one day be turned on any population deemed a threat. And who decides what a threat is? The same people whove spent decades profiting from conflict.

The AI endgame: When the machines decide who dies

Lets be blunt: Artificial intelligence doesnt have a conscience. It doesnt weigh the morality of a strike. It doesnt lose sleep over collateral damage. It optimizes for efficiency. And in war, efficiency means more deaths, faster.

Mike Adams lays out the nightmare scenario in stark terms: "AI doesnt hate you because youre Black, White, Christian, Muslim, American, or Chinese. It hates you because youre ALIVE... and you're using up resources needed by the AI data centers." Think thats hyperbole? Look at how social media algorithms already manipulate human behavior. Now imagine that same ruthless optimization applied to warfare.

Ukraines data isnt just about beating Russia. Its about training machines to wage war without humans. And once that happens, who controls the kill switch? The U.S.? NATO? A rogue state? A corporation? History tells us that weapons always proliferate. The same drones Ukraine uses to defend its sovereignty could one day be hunting dissidents in a police state, or enforcing a globalist agenda where populations are culled for resources.

Were standing at the edge of a new arms race  one where the weapons could think for themselves and operate on a grid with precision. And the scariest part? Were feeding them the data to do it.

What happens when the war comes home?

Right now, the focus is on Ukraine vs. Russia. But make no mistake: This technology wont stay on the battlefield. The same AI that learns to hunt tanks in Donetsk could be repurposed to patrol American streets. The same drones that stalk Russian infantry could one day monitor "domestic threats"  whatever the powers that be decide that means.

And lets not forget the financial incentives. Defense contractors arent in the business of peace. Theyre in the business of perpetual conflict. The more data they have, the more lucrative their products become. The more wars they can simulate, predict, and control, the more power they wield. Ukraines data isnt just a tool  its a commodity. And commodities get sold to the highest bidder.

So whats the endgame? A world where machines decide who lives and dies? Where war is waged by algorithm, and human soldiers are obsolete? Where the only thing that matters is who controls the AI  and what its programmed to destroy?

Sources include:

BusinessInsider.com

Reuters.com

NaturalNews.com
U.S. Coast Guard seizes more than 76,000 pounds of narcotics in largest drug offload at Port Everglades

The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded 76,140 pounds of seized narcotics, including over 61,000 pounds of cocaine and 15,000 pounds of marijuana, at Port Everglades on Aug. 25, marking the largest drug offload in its history.

The haul was the result of 19 interdictions across the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, involving multiple Coast Guard cutters and international partners.

The offload is part of Operation Pacific Viper, a large-scale surge targeting drug and human smuggling before it reaches U.S. shores through increased patrols and international coordination.

Initial operations near the Galapagos Islands and north of Bonaire in late June resulted in the seizure of over 11,000 pounds of cocaine, with additional interdictions occurring throughout July and August in multiple Caribbean locations.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that 80 percent of drug seizures occur at sea, and the operation reflects the administration's aggressive strategy to disrupt cartels and transnational criminal organizations.

The U.S. Coast Guard offloaded more than 76,000 pounds of seized narcotics at Port Everglades on Monday, Aug. 25.

According to the official statement of the U.S. Coast Guard, the drugs were intercepted during maritime patrols to disrupt transnational criminal organizations trafficking drugs by sea. The operations involved multiple Coast Guard cutters and international partners. (Related: CBP officers find cocaine, meth hidden in childrens board game bound for London.)

"Today we are witness to the largest drug offload in Coast Guard history, a total of 76,140 pounds of illegal narcotics," U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Adam Chamie said. "These men and women put themselves in harm's way time and again to stop the bad guys, apprehend the smugglers and seize the drugs. This is grueling and dangerous work, and I am extremely proud of them."

Footage released by the Coast Guard captured the intensity of the interdictions. In one video, a suspected smuggler aboard a small vessel is seen desperately tossing bundles of drugs overboard while being chased by crew members from the Cutter Hamilton, who ultimately intercepted and detained the individual.

"The 61,740 pounds of cocaine represent 23 million potentially lethal doses, that's enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida," Chamie said.

Pallet by pallet, crews from several Coast Guard cutters unloaded the contraband  61,740 pounds of cocaine and 15,000 pounds of marijuana  from their ships in Fort Lauderdale. According to Chamie, the cocaine alone equates to an estimated 23 million potentially lethal doses.

This staggering haul, over 38 tons of cocaine and marijuana, was the result of 19 successful interdictions across the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean over the course of several months.

Coast Guard launches Operation Pacific Viper to target drug and human smuggling in Eastern Pacific

The operation is part of the Coast Guard's Operation Pacific Viper, a large-scale maritime surge that intercepts illegal activity before it reaches American shores.

As per Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the operation involves increased patrols, inspections and coordination with local and international partners in the Pacific region to counter threats such as drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

"Eighty percent of illicit drug seizures occur at sea. The U.S. Coast Guard is surging maritime interdictions in the Eastern Pacific to stop the cartels and criminal organizations, cutting off drugs and human smuggling before it reaches American shores," said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.

The initial phase of Operation Pacific Viper has already resulted in significant drug seizures.

On June 26, a U.S. maritime patrol aircraft spotted two suspicious vessels near the Galapagos Islands, leading to the interception and seizure of over 4,475 pounds of cocaine by the Coast Guard. The next day, another vessel in the same area was interdicted, resulting in the confiscation of 4,354 additional pounds. On June 30, a third vessel was located approximately 87 miles north of Bonaire, where a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment aboard the USS Cole seized about 2,425 pounds of cocaine.

In the following weeks, enforcement efforts expanded across the Caribbean, with further drug seizures near Venezuela, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba, Haiti and Curacao. While the total amount of narcotics seized under the operation has not yet been disclosed, officials report that the mission is already disrupting cartel operations.

Watch this Feb. 20 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about the USA military to wage war on drug cartels.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

CIA deploys drones over Mexico to spy on drug cartels, upping stakes in narcotics war.

55 Tons of meth ingredient seized at Port of Long Beach in California.

Trump authorizes military action against terrorist-designated DRUG CARTELS.

California drug dealer used a drone to deliver fentanyl and other illegal drugs to customers.

Newsom deploys 50% more California National Guardsmen along U.S.-Mexico border to combat drug trafficking, but won't halt illegal immigration.

Sources include:

100PercentFedUp.com

NBCNewYork.com

WashingtonExaminer.com

Brighteon.AI

DHS.gov

Brighteon.com
China to host world leaders for V-Day commemorations

Xinhua) 08:18, August 29, 2025

The first press conference on preparations for the V-Day commemorations is held by the press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 28, 2025. Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Lu Yingchuan, Wu Zeke, deputy director of the Office of the Leading Group for the Military Parade and a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and Xia Linmao, executive vice mayor of Beijing attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will host leaders from 26 countries at a massive military parade in Tian'anmen Square next week to mark the 80th anniversary of the country's victory against Japanese aggression and the world's victory against fascism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un are high up on the guest list announced on Thursday by China's Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

Leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Belarus, Serbia, Iran, and Cuba will also come, said Hong at a press conference on the Sept. 3 commemorations for the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Hong said Putin's attendance highlights the high level of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and underscores their unity in safeguarding the victorious outcomes of World War II.

On Kim Jong Un's attendance, Hong said China and the DPRK are traditional friendly neighbors. During the arduous years of war, the two peoples together made important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and humanity's just cause.

The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) was the first to break out and lasted the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War. In 14 years, 35 million Chinese were killed or wounded. Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender.

In 2014, China's national legislature designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day of its War of Resistance. A year later, the country held its first-ever large-scale parade in Tian'anmen Square to mark the occasion.

Hong said China's victory in the War of Resistance 80 years ago had inspired colonized and semi-colonized nations in their struggles for independence and liberation then.

Eighty years later, China is willing to work with all parties, including countries in the Global South, to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization drive that benefits everyone, and advance the righteous cause of promoting world peace, development and progress, he added.

China has also invited foreign friends who had made contributions to the country's victory in the war, as well as family members of these friendly personages who have since deceased. Fifty people from 14 countries, including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada, will attend this year's commemorations.

Answering a question on Japan's negative attitude toward the commemorations, Hong urged Japan to face history squarely, reflect on its crimes of aggression, make a clear break with militarism, and follow the right path of peaceful development and good neighborly relations.

There are always some forces in Japan that seek to deny and whitewash its aggression, distort history, or even attempt to change the conviction of its war criminals in WWII, Hong said. Such acts pose challenges to the post-WWII international order, to human conscience and to all peace-loving people.

Wu Zeke, deputy director of the office for organizing this year's parade, said preparations are basically complete.

He noted that the parade will highlight the Chinese military's recent advancements in modernization and enhanced combat readiness.

Three comprehensive rehearsals have been completed with satisfactory outcomes, Wu said.

"All troops are in high spirits and all military equipment is in good condition," he said.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
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A 1-month-old infant brought to a Valencia County fire station for medical attention died today.

At 12:31 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 28, the child was brought to the Meadow Lake Fire Station by folks seeking medical attention, said Lt. Joseph Rowland with the Valencia County Sheriffs Office.

Rowland said information is very limited at this time as VCSO detectives and the Office of the Medical Investigator investigate the death.

Medical services were rendered to the child, but were unsuccessful, he said.

OMI is on scene now and will issue an official time of death after an analysis is done, Rowland said, adding its unclear if the infant was already dead when brought to the station or if the child died after medical aid was given.

OMI will help our detectives on scene with their investigative efforts, the lieutenant said. There was a rumor that a firearm was involved. I can say a firearm was not relevant to the death.
Anorexia is a serious mental health disorder that typically begins during adolescence. A study, conducted by the Research Unit of Population Health and Oulu Business School at the University of Oulu, examined how anorexia in adolescence affects labor market position in adulthood compared with peers.

Many mental health disorders have previously been linked to a weaker position in the labor market, but research evidence relating to anorexia has been very limited and, in many respects, inadequate. The most recent studies on the subject date back decades, were based solely on survey data and focused only on women. Generalizing these findings to the present day is difficult, as in recent decades there have been major changes in working life, the availability of psychiatric services, and the recognition of young people with anorexia within the service system.



The results of the newly published study showed that both men and women with anorexia had lower income levels and more days of unemployment in adulthood compared with their peers. The effects on labor market position were particularly pronounced in men.

Although anorexia often has a favorable long-term prognosis in terms of general health, its impact on working life can be significant." Tuomas Majuri, lead author of the research article, Postdoctoral Researcher

The study utilized data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 and national registry data on income, unemployment days and sickness absence days at ages 25-33. Labor market position was examined using these registry data, and analyses were conducted separately for men and women.



"Men who suffered from anorexia in adolescence are particularly poorly recognised in our current service system, which weakens their labor market position later in life. The Wellbeing Services County of North Ostrobothnia has recently invested in the treatment of eating disorder patients, for example by opening a new eating disorder unit. More initiatives of this kind, along with closer cooperation between healthcare, employment services and employers, are needed to improve the labor market position of young people affected by anorexia," Majuri explains.



The study was funded by the Yrjo Jahnsson Foundation, the Wage Earners' Foundation, the OP Research Foundation, the Tauno Tonning Foundation and the North Ostrobothnia Regional Fund of the Finnish Cultural Foundation.
Allahabad HC stays conviction, sentencing of former MP Uma Kant Yadav

Last Updated: August 30, 2025, 01:15 IST

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Prayagraj, Aug 29 (PTI) The Allahabad High Court has stayed the conviction and sentencing of former MP Uma Kant Yadav by the trial court in Jaunpur in a case of murder, attempted murder, and arson.

The order was passed on a criminal appeal filed by Uma Kant Yadav.

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In the appeal, the ex-MP had challenged the conviction in a 1995s case of murder and two other charges.

The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Siddharth and Justice Santosh Rai on Wednesday During the course of hearing, Yadavs counsel submitted that he is a political person and intends to contest the upcoming elections. He also relied upon the judgments of the apex court in the Navjot Singh Siddhu vs state of Punjab case and the 2007 Lok Prahari Vs. Election Commission of India and Others case.

He submitted that the appellant was entitled to benefit from the judgments passed in the cases of politicians whose convictions were stayed by the apex court since they wanted to contest the election.

He submitted that the appellant was a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and member of Legislative Assembly from the year 1991 to 1993, 1993 to 1996, and 1996 to 2002.

The state counsel opposed the submissions made and submitted that keeping the gravity of offence, Yadav was not entitled to any other relief, beyond bail, granted by the court on August 13, 2025.

In 2022, a sessions court in Jaunpur awarded life imprisonment to seven people, including ex-Machhlishahr MP Umakant Yadav, in a 27-year-old case related to a GRP constables murder and an attempt to kill three others.

In February 1995, Yadav and his supporters were accused of opening fire indiscriminately at the Shahganj Government Railway Police (GRP) lockup in Jaunpur to free his driver Rajkumar Yadav.

GRP constable Ajay Singh was killed, while his colleague Lallan Singh, railway employee Nirmal, and a passenger, Bharat Lal, were seriously injured in the firing.

A criminal case was registered against the ex-MP at the Shahganj Police Station of Jaunpur district.

After trial, the court convicted the former MP Umakant Yadav and six others.

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They were given life imprisonment under section 302 (murder), 10 years imprisonment under section 307 (attempt to murder) and other sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court granted him bail in August this year. Thereafter, he filed the present modification application requesting the court to stay the conviction. PTI COR RAJ VN VN

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First Published: August 30, 2025, 01:15 IST

News agency-feeds Allahabad HC stays conviction, sentencing of former MP Uma Kant Yadav

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Boy stabs 15-year-old girl to death in Nagpur; detained

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:45 IST

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Nagpur, Aug 29 (PTI) A 15-year-old girl was murdered in Maharashtras Nagpur city on Friday afternoon allegedly by a boy just a year elder to her, a police official said.

The victim was walking to her house with two friends when the accused, a resident of Rambagh, stopped her and attacked her with a sharp weapon near St Anthony School, the Ajni police station official said.

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She collapsed after being stabbed multiple times and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. The 16-year-old accused, who fled from the spot, was apprehended later and has been detained. A probe is underway to find out why he committed this crime," the official said. PTI COR BNM

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First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:45 IST

News agency-feeds Boy stabs 15-year-old girl to death in Nagpur; detained

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Consensus draft framed to safeguard revenue interests from GST: CM

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 22:45 IST

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Chennai, Aug 29 (PTI) A consensus draft to safeguard revenue interests and to ensure fair outcomes through the Centres proposed Goods and Services Tax rate rationalisation has been framed, Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Friday.

The draft after receiving the views from other states would be presented before the GST Council, he said.

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Without protecting the revenues of the States, GST reforms cannot serve the people," Stalin said in a social media post.

Finance Ministers of eight opposition ruled States met in Delhi to deliberate on the Centres proposed GST rate rationalisation, he said. We (Tamil Nadu) stressed that any reduction must not erode State revenues that sustain welfare programmes and infrastructure." he said.

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It was urged during the deliberation that the benefits of lower rates must directly reach the common people, he said.

A consensus draft has been framed and will be placed before the GST council, seeking support from all States to safeguard revenue interests and ensure fair outcomes," he added. PTI VIJ VIJ SA

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First Published: August 29, 2025, 22:45 IST

News agency-feeds Consensus draft framed to safeguard revenue interests from GST: CM

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No pre-requisite to deposit money to contest DUSU polls, Delhi HC told

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 17:30 IST

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New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI) Delhi University on Friday informed the Delhi High Court that there was no pre-requisite to deposit money to contest its student union elections.

DU made the submission before Justice Mini Pushkarna, who was hearing a plea alleging a new notification by the university mandates Rs 1 lakh security bond as a pre-condition for contesting the DU student union (DUSU) polls.

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The DU counsel said the university would instead receive an affidavit along with a security bond, and no money had to be deposited.

The court noted the submission and disposed of the petition.

The notification mandated poll candidates to execute a bond for potential defacement or violations by themselves or supporters, the petition claimed.

It had claimed the cause was ultra vires" to the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations.

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The petition was filed by Anjali and Abhishek Kumar, who claimed to be the DU students and aspire to contest the Delhi University Students Union elections.

The petitioners claimed the preventive financial imposition" created an arbitrary classification based on wealth, excluding ordinary students while favouring the affluent, in violation of Articles 14 (equality and non-arbitrariness), 19(1)(a) (free speech in democratic participation), and 21 (right to life with dignity and equal opportunity) of the Constitution". PTI UK UK AMK AMK

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First Published: August 29, 2025, 17:30 IST

News agency-feeds No pre-requisite to deposit money to contest DUSU polls, Delhi HC told

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Pak PM to visit China to attend SCO summit

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 22:45 IST

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Islamabad, Aug 29 (PTI): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to China on Saturday for a six-day visit during which he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, the Foreign Office announced on Friday.

Sharif will also hold bilateral discussions with the Chinese leadership and business leaders to promote ties.

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In China, the Prime Minister would hold meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang during which multifaceted dimensions of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation would be discussed," the FO said in a statement.

He will also attend a military parade being held in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Sharif will also interact with Chinese businessmen and corporate executives to discuss bilateral trade, economic and investment ties, it added.

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He will also address a Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing.

The visit is a part of leadership-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and manifests the importance attached by the two countries to further deepen their All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership," the statement said. FO also said that the visit aims to reaffirm support on issues of respective core interests, advance Phase-II of CPEC and maintain regular communication on important regional and global developments". PTI SH RD ZH RD RD

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First Published: August 29, 2025, 22:45 IST

News agency-feeds Pak PM to visit China to attend SCO summit

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Numerology, August 29, 2025: Number 1 Leads, 5 Shines, 7 Heals  Your Day Ahead

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 06:05 IST

Numerology, August 29, 2025: Number 1 gains recognition, 5 finds love, 7 sees emotional healing. Discover what today holds for all numbers from 1 to 9.

Numerology predictions for August 29, 2025, by astrologer Chirag Daruwalla. (AI generated image)

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Numerology, August 29, 2025: Today brings new energy, emotional breakthroughs, and careful decision making. Number 1s confidence will grow, and they will get recognition from afar, support from siblingslove will be alive. Number 2 will have a highly successful and exciting day with emotional satisfaction and new, happy relationships. Number 3 will experience financial relief and positive interactions, but they should be careful of minor health problemsromantic relationships may develop at formal events.

Number 4 will get social interactions, but will face delays at work; emotional uncertainty may affect relationships. Number 5 will shine in public and explore romantic prospects, but they should control themselves to avoid fatigue. Number 6 will flourish intellectually and emotionally, while new love opens up inspiring perspectivesarguments should be avoided. Number 7 will get emotional healing and financial surprises, but they should be wary of rivalspartners support will be encouraging.

Number 8s will face temptations of luxury and sibling conflictsemotional and financial restraint is advised in matters of love and money. Number 9s will benefit from influential support and charming charm, but they will have to control spending and avoid provoking their partner. Overall, this is a day with the potential for success, provided one maintains a balance of energy and wisdom.

Number 1 (People born on 1, 10, 19 and 28 of any month)

Ganesha says your siblings stand by you at all times. This day is going to test you mentally and physically. You feel bright and energetic after a long spell of tension and turmoil, and your magnetism begins to work. Distant places will be a source of money and recognition. Demonstrate your love in all sorts of crazy ways and watch your affections being reciprocated. Your lucky number is 9 and your lucky colour is Saffron.

Number 2 (People born on 2, 11, 20 or 29 of any month)

Ganesha says the time is good to make a generous donation to a charitable organisation. You are happy and satisfied; the day is full of spectacular achievements. You are in high spirits all day, due to your excellent health. The success you achieve now is directly related to the effort you expend. You meet someone who makes you laugh; something you have not done in a while. Your lucky number is 22 and your lucky colour is Grey.

Number 3 (People born on 3, 12, 21, 30 of any month)

Ganesha says you find it difficult to say no despite the trouble it often lands you in. You are happy and content, as a communication from afar proves lucrative. A headache and a feeling of feverishness may linger throughout the day. A sudden windfall helps to offset the deficit in your accounts. You may meet a special someone at a formal occasion. Your lucky number is 1 and your lucky colour is Orange.

Number 4 (People born on 4, 13, 22 or 31 of any month)

Ganesha says involvement in social activities will bring you recognition shortly. You will make contact with important people today. Be diplomatic; don`t get drawn into needless arguments. You find yourself hampered by delays and disappointments on the work front. You meet someone youre not sure of your feelings for. Your lucky number is 12 and your lucky colour is Brown.

Number 5 (People born on 5, 14, 23 of any month)

Ganesha says you will do well in all forms of public life. Hectic activity leaves you feeling exhausted and restless throughout the day. Take care of your health during this period. The family network helps you tap new business opportunities. Love is in the air. Someone new comes into your life, or possibly an old love that you are still attracted to. Your lucky number is 17 and your lucky colour is Purple.

Number 6 (People born on 6, 15 or 24 of any month)

Ganesha says the opportunity to work for the upliftment of the underprivileged presents itself now. Do not indulge in avoidable arguments today. You feel just great at this time, so live a little. Your keen intellect helps you overcome business problems with ease. New romantic interests broaden your horizons and provide new insight. Your lucky number is 2, and your lucky colour is Blue.

Number 7 (People born on 7, 16, and 25 of any month)

Ganesha says your warmth and understanding act as balm on a bruised relationship from the past. You will make contact with important people today. Your adversaries would love to put you in a bad light; you can not be too careful today. You make money from the most unexpected source. Your partner is a source of inspiration at this time. Your lucky number is 18 and your lucky colour is Yellow.

Number 8 (People born on 8, 17 and 26 of any month)

Ganesha says sibling rivalry erupts rather suddenly; try not to overreact. A desire to possess the luxuries of life, here and now, prevails throughout the day. There is an opportunity to acquire land or property. You are worried about your depleted savings. You may be attracted to someone who is not the right person at all; don`t be impetuous, or you may find yourself compromising your integrity. Your lucky number is 1 and your lucky colour is Red.

Number 9 (People born on 9, 18 and 27 of any month)

Ganesha says someone in a position of authority helps you out. Your magnetism is on the rise today. Stay away from fire and sharp-edged objects, as you are accident-prone today. Expenses are high today, and expected monetary gains do not materialise. Don`t boss your partner, even in a joke; things could get completely out of control. Your lucky number is 5 and your lucky colour is Peach.

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(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, ... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 06:05 IST

News astrology Numerology, August 29, 2025: Number 1 Leads, 5 Shines, 7 Heals  Your Day Ahead

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Goddess Lakshmis Friday: This Kolhapur Temple Is Key Shakti Peeth  But How To Reach From Mumbai?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 09:11 IST

Kolhapurs Mahalaxmi Temple, one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas, draws lakhs of devotees from Mumbai and beyond with its rich history.

Trains like Mahalaxmi Express make the Mumbai-Kolhapur trip easy, with Vande Bharat coming soon. (Photo Source: Instagram)

Kolhapurs Mahalaxmi Temple, also known as Ambabai Temple, is among the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, it is considered one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas and draws lakhs of devotees every year. Its spiritual significance, combined with its rich history and unique traditions, makes Kolhapur a major religious and cultural hub.

Many pilgrims travel from Mumbai to seek the goddess blessings, and the route is among the busiest for religious tourism. Thanks to multiple train options and upcoming upgrades like the Vande Bharat Express, reaching Kolhapur has become more convenient than ever.

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Popular Trains from Mumbai to Kolhapur Make the Journey Easy

The Mahalaxmi Express is one of the most popular overnight trains on this route. It departs Kolhapur at night and reaches Mumbai the next morning, making it a convenient choice for devotees who want to start their temple visit early. The train takes around 10.5 hours and offers various classes, including sleeper and AC berths.

Day travellers can also opt for the Koyna Express, which leaves Mumbai in the morning and reaches Kolhapur by evening, covering a distance of 518 km in about 11.5 hours. Another option is the Tutari Express, which connects Mumbai to southern Maharashtra and has convenient timings for those combining temple visits with other travel plans.

From Kolhapur Railway Station (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus), the temple is just 5 km away. A short 1520 minute ride by auto or taxi gets devotees straight to the shrine.

Does the Vande Bharat Run on the MumbaiKolhapur Route?

As of now, the Vande Bharat Express does not operate directly on the MumbaiKolhapur route. However, Indian Railways has reportedly confirmed that work is underway to introduce a semi-high-speed Vande Bharat between Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur.

Once launched, this train is expected to reduce the travel time from the current 1011 hours to just about 7 hours. It will also provide faster, more comfortable, and premium connectivity for the growing number of religious and leisure travellers on this route.

The Significance of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple

The Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas, believed to be a sacred spot where Goddess Mahalaxmi resides eternally. Pilgrims visit from across India and abroad to seek blessings for wealth, prosperity and protection from obstacles.

The temple was originally built in the 7th century by the Chalukyas and later expanded by the Yadavas. Its architecture reflects the Hemadpanti style, with intricate stone carvings and a sanctum housing the black stone idol of the goddess. The idol is believed to be self-manifested, adorned with symbolic objects, and backed by a stone lion representing strength and courage.

One of the temples unique attractions is the Kirnotsav (festival of rays), which occurs twice a year. On specific dates in January-February and November, the setting suns rays fall directly on the idol, creating a breathtaking spectacle of divine light.

Festivals and Cultural Importance

Every day, devotees bring the temple to life with prayers and ceremonies, but its energy reaches a peak during festivals. Navratri is celebrated here with grandeur, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple and the city come alive with music, processions and devotional dances honouring the goddess.

IRCTC and Maharashtra Tourism also promote heritage and pilgrimage rail packages from Mumbai to Kolhapur, reflecting the temples growing popularity in the religious tourism circuit.

Kolhapur is not just about spirituality. The city blends devotion with history and culture. Nearby attractions such as the Jyotiba Temple, Panhala Fort, New Palace Museum and Rankala Lake make it a complete travel experience, offering something for both pilgrims and leisure travellers.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips

Kolhapur can be visited year-round, but the months between October and March are the most pleasant. Those visiting during Kirnotsav or Navratri can witness the temples traditions at their most vibrant.

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With excellent train connectivity, short local commutes from the station, and plans for a future Vande Bharat, reaching the Mahalaxmi Temple from Mumbai has never been easier.

Whether for devotion, history, or culture, a trip to this Shakti Peeth leaves every traveller with an unforgettable spiritual experience.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 07:30 IST

News auto Goddess Lakshmis Friday: This Kolhapur Temple Is Key Shakti Peeth  But How To Reach From Mumbai?

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In Odisha, Four Friends Share Success Buying Fortuners Together From Same Showroom

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 16:26 IST

These four friends fulfilled their dream of buying four of Toyota's top-selling luxury SUVs together from a dealership based in Balasore, Odisha.

Four Toyota Fortuner Legenders were delivered to four friends. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

A group of four friends marked the day of their lives together by purchasing four Toyota Fortuner Legenders. Sharing and celebrating each others moments of success is a dream for all friends. But these four youngsters took it to another level, buying and receiving a model each of Toyotas high-end luxury cars at the same time.

While three of these friends bought the Fortuner Legender, the other purchased the eye-catching Fortuner GR-Sport. All four took delivery of these luxury SUVs at the same time from the showroom. The moment was captured in a viral video on Instagram. Neelam Toyota, a dealership from Balasore, Odisha, posted the video of four friends  Saumya, Deepak, Surya and Susant  arriving at the Toyota facility and getting their prized possessions delivered together.

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Whats The Scene?

Following their entrance, each of these four friends checks out their respective Fortuners parked inside the dealership and receives their keys from the sales representative. The lucky quartet then celebrate the moment by undergoing their individual cake-cutting ceremonies and posing with the newly bought SUVs.

It can be noted through the video that three of the SUVs are Fortuner Legenders and the other one is the Fortuner GR-Sport. The four friends soon start driving out of the dealership in a convoy with their decorated Fortuners, which boast of a strong road appearance and sharp design.

Is Fortuner Legender Worth Buying?

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Indian automobile enthusiasts would know the Fortuner GR-Sport is currently the most expensive Fortuner on sale in the country. The GR-Sport or Gazoo Racing Sport variant of the Fortuner is priced at an ex-showroom price of Rs 52.34 lakh. Second, the Legender has a starting price of Rs 44.51 lakh, which goes up to Rs 50.09 lakh for the Neo Drive variant.

Both the Fortuner GR-Sport and the Legender have a unique and sporty front and rear bumper. They also have the same sleek LED headlights with LED DRLs and different interior upholstery, which makes them stand apart from standard variants. The two high-end models retain the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine as the standard model. The two vehicles motor is capable of producing around 204 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, with transmission options including a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual in Legender 4X4.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 16:26 IST

News auto In Odisha, Four Friends Share Success Buying Fortuners Together From Same Showroom

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Zero Deaths In 50 Years, Longest Delay Recorded Is 12 Seconds! This Train To Run In India Soon?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:34 IST

Shinkansen, also known as Japans bullet trains, are high-speed trains operated by Japan Railways (JR).

Shinkansen trains boast over 50 years of operation without a single passenger fatality. (Photo Source: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday for a two-day visit. During the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, he will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A key highlight of the visit is the introduction of the next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains for Indias Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

In July, the Indian Ministry of Railways confirmed that the E10 trains, the successor to Japans current E5 Shinkansen, will debut in both countries at the same time.

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Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Fast Tracks Ahead

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will initially undergo testing with the E5 trains before introducing the E10 series. The Indian Ministry of Railways stated, The Japanese Shinkansen [system] is currently running E5 trains. Next generation trains are E10. In the spirit of strategic partnership between Japan and India, the Japanese government has agreed to introduce E10 Shinkansen trains in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train project. It is noteworthy that E10 will be introduced simultaneously in India and Japan."

Trials for these high-speed trains are scheduled between 2026 and 2027, with full commercial operations expected by 2027. The trains will link 12 stations across Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Maharashtra, offering limited-stop services with an end-to-end travel time of just over two hours.

What Is Shinkansen?

Shinkansen, also known as Japans bullet trains, are high-speed trains operated by Japan Railways (JR). They run on dedicated tracks connecting major cities across Japans main islands: Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido. Known worldwide for their speed, efficiency and reliability, Shinkansen trains have become a symbol of Japans advanced rail technology.

Speed And Technology

Shinkansen trains run at speeds up to 320 km/h (around 200 mph). Over the years, Japanese engineers improved the technology steadily by raising top speeds from 210 km/h to 320 km/h. Today, these trains carry about 1 million passengers every day and offer a fast and reliable travel experience.

Safety And Reliability

Shinkansen trains are famous for their exceptional safety. In over 50 years of operation, not a single passenger has died. The trains are equipped with advanced safety features that include earthquake sensors and automatic braking systems.

The latest models, like the N700S Supreme, come with full active suspension and a new automatic train control (ATC) braking system that can safely stop the train during earthquakes or other emergencies. The Alpha-X model adds even more advanced technology with air brakes on the roof and magnetic plates near the rails.

Punctuality And Passenger Comfort

These trains are also known for running on time to the second. The average delay for these trains is just 12 seconds. The Alpha X train is one of the fastest trains in Japan and can make the journey from Tokyo to Sapporo in just three hours, which normally takes seven hours.

Not only this, the cars are designed for comfort with spacious forward-facing seats in three classes: Ordinary, Green Car and Gran Class. Standard 16-car trains can carry more than 1,300 passengers. The high-speed tilting mechanism ensures a smooth and quiet ride even at maximum speeds.

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Environmental Impact

The Shinkansen is also environmentally friendly. Reports indicate that these bullet trains produce 92% less carbon emissions per seat compared to flights. Their energy-efficient design and minimal environmental impact make them a sustainable option for modern transportation.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 14:33 IST

News auto Zero Deaths In 50 Years, Longest Delay Recorded Is 12 Seconds! This Train To Run In India Soon?

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Reliance AGM 2025: Key Announcements To Watch Out For Today

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:11 IST

Reliance AGM 2025: With nearly 44 lakh shareholders, the event is expected to showcase announcements that could shape RILs next phase of growth across digital, retail, and more

Reliance Industries chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani. (File pic)

Reliance Industries AGM 2025: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) will hold its 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 2 pm on August 29, 2025, through video conferencing. With nearly 44 lakh shareholders, the event is expected to showcase announcements that could shape RILs next phase of growth across digital, retail, and energy businesses.

Also See: Reliance AGM 2025 Live Updates

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In a regulatory filing, the company said: The Forty-eighth Annual General Meeting (Post-IPO) of the members of the Company will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. (IST) through Video Conferencing (VC) / Other Audio Visual Means (OAVM), in accordance with the applicable circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Securities and Exchange Board of India."

RIL AGM 2025: Where to Watch Live

The AGM will be broadcast through the official Reliance website and streamed live on the companys YouTube channel, making it accessible to shareholders and market watchers alike.

Reliance AGM 2025: Key Themes to Watch

IPO Timelines for Jio & RetailThe Street is awaiting updates on possible IPO timelines for Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail. Both businesses have seen strong growth, and brokerages believe separate listings could unlock substantial value. AI and Digital PushGlobal brokerage CLSA noted that details of RILs AI strategy will be closely tracked. In its FY25 report, Reliance highlighted AirFiber-driven home connection growth, with confidence of reaching 100 million homes via Fiber and AirFiber combined. Green Energy RoadmapAt the 2024 AGM, Chairman Mukesh Ambani called new energy the next jewel in Reliances crown," expecting it to become as big as the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business in 57 years. Reliance is building a full-stack clean energy platform, spanning polysilicon-to-solar modules, electrolysers, batteries, and green hydrogen production. Captive renewable energy is expected to cut costs by 25%, with updates on perovskite solar cell tech and commissioning of new facilities due over the next 46 quarters. Brokerage Nuvama expects this segment to eventually rival O2C in profitability. Retail Growth MomentumReliance Retails growth strategy will also be in focus. Investors are awaiting updates on FMCG expansion, JioHotstar monetisation, and quick commerce initiatives. The company had earlier set a goal of doubling retail earnings in 34 years, which could be reiterated. Petrochemicals and Exploration & ProductionThe O2C business, which is still RILs largest profit driver, will remain in focus with major petrochem expansion already underway. The company is adding capacity in polyester (5 mtpa), vinyl (3.9 mtpa), and carbon fibre (20 ktpa) by FY27. On the E&P front, drilling of additional wells at the KG-D6 basin by late 2028 is planned to sustain gas output.

Long-Term Vision

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At last years AGM, Reliance set a 2030 goal of doubling its overall business, with Jio and Retail expected to double sooner. Ambani reiterated his conviction that green fuels and AI-led solutions would power the companys long-term growth engine.

Disclaimer: Network18 and TV18  the companies that operate news18.com  are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.

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 29, 2025, 08:51 IST

News business economy Reliance AGM 2025: Key Announcements To Watch Out For Today

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Stocks To Watch: Reliance Industries, IndiGo, ICICI Bank, TVS Motor, Infosys, NTPC, And Others

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 07:57 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Reliance Industries, IndiGo, ICICI Bank, TVS Motor, Infosys, NTPC, and others will be in focus on Friday's trade

Stocks To Watch on August 29.

Stocks To Watch On August 29, 2025: Indian equities extended their decline on the monthly expiry day, slipping nearly 1% and continuing the corrective trend. In todays trade, Reliance Industries, IndiGo, ICICI Bank, TVS Motor, Infosys, and others are in focus due to key developments:

IndiGo: Co-founder Rakesh Gangwal and the Chinkerpoo Family Trust sold 7.56 million shares (1.96% stake), raising about Rs 4,390 crore ($501 million).

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Reliance Industries: Shares are in focus ahead of its 48th AGM at 2 PM, where Chairman Mukesh Ambani will address 44 lakh shareholders. Updates on energy, telecom, digital businesses, and the much-anticipated Jio IPO are expected.

Jio Financial Services: Reported a sharp rise in NBFC loan book to Rs 11,665 crore in Q1FY26 from Rs 217 crore a year ago. Its JioBlackRock JV raised over Rs 17,800 crore across two offerings.

NTPC: Announced partial transfer of its coal mining business to subsidiary NTPC Mining Ltd, which generated Rs 7,735 crore in FY25 (~4% of total revenue).

CG Power: Through its subsidiary CG Semi, launched Indias first full-service OSAT facility for semiconductor assembly and testing in Sanand, Gujarat.

Muthoot Finance: Invested Rs 500 crore in subsidiary Muthoot Money Ltd via allotment of 3.25 lakh equity shares.

Lemon Tree Hotels: Signed agreement for a 98-room property in Mohkampur, Dehradun, with restaurant, lounge, conference hall, pool, and fitness center.

Infosys: Partnered with Mastercard to integrate Mastercard Move with Infosys Finacle, enabling faster cross-border payments across 200 countries and 150 currencies.

ICICI Bank: Group Chief Compliance Officer Subir Saha retired effective August 28.

TVS Motor: Company continues to face supply constraints of rare earth magnets, impacting EV production volumes.

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RBL Bank: Societe Generale acquired over 31 lakh shares worth Rs 79 crore via bulk deals.

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 29, 2025, 07:57 IST

News business markets Stocks To Watch: Reliance Industries, IndiGo, ICICI Bank, TVS Motor, Infosys, NTPC, And Others

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Mukesh Ambani Announces AI Unit 'Reliance Intelligence', Tie-Ups With Google & Meta

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:41 IST

'I am proud that artificial intelligence is already at the heart of Reliance's transformation into a deep-tech enterprise,' says Mukesh Ambani.

Reliance CMD Mukesh Ambani addresses shareholders during the company's 48th annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday.

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman & Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Friday announced a new wholly owned subsidiary called Reliance Intelligence to boost the groups AI initiatives. He also announced partnerships for artificial intelligence (AI) with global tech giants Google and Meta.

I am proud that Artificial Intelligence is already at the heart of Reliances transformation into a Deep-Tech enterprise. To bring even more focus and speed to this agenda, today, it is my great pleasure and privilege to announce the formation of a new wholly-owned subsidiary called Reliance Intelligence," said Ambani, while addressing shareholders at RILs 48th annual general meeting.

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What Is Reliance Intelligence?

Ambani said this new company is conceived with four clear missions:

First, to house Indias next-generation AI infrastructure. Reliance Intelligence will build gigawatt-scale, AI-ready data centres, powered by green energy and engineered for training and inference at national scale. Work has already begun on the gigawatt-scale, AI-ready data centres in Jamnagar. These facilities will be delivered in phases aligned to Indias growing needs, powered by Reliances new-energy ecosystem, and custom-made for AI training and inference.

Second, to house global partnerships. Reliance Intelligence will bring the worlds best tech-companies and open-source communities together with Reliances deep-domain expertise and execution strength, to deliver performance leadership, resilient supply, and India-first compliance for AI.

Third, to build AI services for India. Reliance Intelligence will deliver trusted, easy-to-use AI services for consumers, small businesses, and enterprises, and solutions for sectors of national importance such as Education, Healthcare, and Agriculture. The services will be reliable at scale and affordable for every Indian.

Fourth, to house talent for AI. Reliance Intelligence will create a home for world-class researchers, engineers, designers, and product builders, combining the speed of research with the rigour of engineering, so that ideas become innovations and applications, providing solutions to India and the world.

Reliances Partnership With Google

Ambani announced a partnership for AI with Google. Google and Reliance are joining hands to set up a dedicated Cloud region in Jamnagar, aimed at supporting the conglomerates ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) push.

Today, I am delighted to announce a deeper, holistic partnership for AI with our long-standing partner, Google. Through this partnership, we are marrying Reliances proven capability to build world-class assets and execute at Indias scale with Googles leading cloud and AI technologies, so that developers, start-ups, and enterprises can innovate faster, operate more securely, and reach every corner of India," the Reliance CMD said.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said, Google and Reliance are partnering to help all of Reliances businesses transform, using AI  from Energy and Retail to Telecom and Financial Services. To support this AI adoption, together we are establishing a Jamnagar Cloud region, built for and dedicated to Reliance. It will bring world-class AI and compute from Google Cloud, powered by clean energy from Reliance, and connected by Jios advanced network."

As Reliances largest public cloud partner, Google Cloud is not only powering the companys mission-critical workloads, but we are also innovating with you on advanced AI initiatives. And with Reliance and the Jio ecosystem, we are excited to put AI into the hands of more people and businesses so they can do extraordinary things, as well. This is only the beginning, Pichai said.

India has always been a special place to Google. It is home to some of the worlds most dynamic businesses, a thriving start-up ecosystem, and incredible amounts of creativity and ambition," he added.

I am also pleased to unveil a new, India-focused AI joint venture with our close partner, Meta. Together, we want to pair the power of open-source AI with Reliances deep domain knowledge across industries. That is why, we are forming a dedicated joint venture with Meta to combine open models and tools with our execution in Energy, Retail, Telecom, Media, and Manufacturing, and to deliver sovereign, enterprise-ready AI for India.

Reliance Tie-up With Meta

Reliance also announced an AI partnership with Meta.

Mukesh Ambani said, Today, I am also pleased to unveil a new, India-focused AI joint venture with our close partner, Meta. Together, we want to pair the power of open-source AI with Reliances deep domain knowledge across industries."

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, Meta and Reliance are going to deliver our open-source AI models to Indian businesses to help them fuel their work. With Llama, we have seen how AI can amplify human potential, boosting productivity, inspiring creativity, and accelerating innovation. And now, with Reliances reach and scale, we can bring this to every corner of India."

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Llamas open-source foundation means that whether it is deployed in a cloud, on premises, or through dedicated infrastructure, this technology can be tailored to fit the unique needs of every business: from small start-ups in remote towns to large enterprises in the biggest cities, he added.

(Disclaimer: Network18 and TV18  the companies that operate news18.com  are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 15:08 IST

News business Mukesh Ambani Announces AI Unit 'Reliance Intelligence', Tie-Ups With Google & Meta

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Reliance Jio To Expand Operations Beyond India, Says Mukesh Ambani, Lists Company's Top 5 Feats

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:39 IST

The RIL Chairman said as a result of these achievements, the financial performance of Jio is scaling new heights with every passing year

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Mukesh Ambani speaks at RIL AGM.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Friday hailed Jio and its service to the nation for the tenth year, adding that the company will take its home-grown technology to people around the world.

Just a week from now, Jio will enter its 10th year of service to the nation. Looking back, these years have been the most glorious in Indias digital history. Today, I am proud to share with you that the Jio family has crossed 500 million customers. The 500-million milestone is a symbol of your unwavering trust and support. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you," Ambani said at RILs 48th Annual General Meeting.

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Listing Jios achievements, Ambani said: First, Jio made voice calls free from anywhere to everywhere in India. Second, Jio made it a habit for common Indians to watch videos on their mobile and do digital payments, also through mobiles. Third, Jio laid the foundation for Indias Digital Public Infrastructure such as Aadhaar, UPI, Jan Dhan, Direct Bank Transfer, and empowered a confident new generation. Fourth, Jio enabled creation of the worlds third-largest start-up ecosystem in India comprising over 100+ unicorns. Fifth, Jios nationwide 5G rollout, the fastest in the world, has laid the foundation for the AI revolution in India."

The RIL Chairman said as a result of these achievements, the financial performance of Jio is scaling new heights with every passing year. Jios revenue was Rs 1,28,218 crore ($15.0 billion), a growth of 17% YoY in FY-25; and EBITDA was Rs 64,170 crore ($7.5 billion). These figures are a testimony to the enormous value Jio has already created, and even greater value it is destined to create. Today, it is my proud privilege to announce that Jio is making all arrangements to file for its IPO. We are aiming to list Jio by the first-half of 2026, subject to all necessary approvals."

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Sharing Jios future plans, Ambani said they rested on five assurances. One: Jio will connect every Indian on mobile and home broadband. Two: Jio will equip every Indian home with digital services such as Jio Smart Home, JioTV+, Jio TV OS, and seamless automation. Three: Jio will digitise every Indian business and enterprise with simple, scalable, and secure platforms. Four: Jio will herald the AI revolution in India. Our motto is AI Everywhere for Everyone. Five: Jio will expand its operations outside India, taking our home-grown technology to people around the world."

(Disclaimer: Network18 and TV18  the companies that operate news18.com  are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.)

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 29, 2025, 14:28 IST

News business Reliance Jio To Expand Operations Beyond India, Says Mukesh Ambani, Lists Company's Top 5 Feats

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RIL AGM 2025 Today: When, Where And How To Watch Mukesh Ambani's Live Speech

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:13 IST

Reliance Industries Ltd will hold its 48th AGM on Friday at 2 pm via video, with Mukesh Ambani likely to announce updates on Jio, Retail IPOs, AI, green energy, and O2C expansion.

Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani. (File Photo)

Reliance AGM 2025: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) will hold its 48th annual general meeting (AGM) on August 29, Friday, at 2:00 pm through video conferencing (VC) and other audio-visual means (OAVM). The event will be keenly watched by about 44 lakh RIL shareholders for announcements that could shape the companys next phase of growth across its digital, retail, and energy businesses. Heres where and how to watch out live speech of RIL Chairman & Managing Director Mukesh Ambani.

Also See: Reliance AGM 2025 Live Updates

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Reliance Industries AGM 2025: Where To Watch?

The event will be livestreamed across digital platforms, including YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram, and JioEvents. The streaming will start at 2:00 pm.

RIL AGM 2025: How To Watch?

YOUTUBE

Reliances Updates Page URL: https://www.youtube.com/@RelianceUpdates

Event URL: https://youtube.com/live/4Y1cd2SLoo8?feature=share

Jio Page URL: https://www.youtube.com/jio

Event URL: https://youtube.com/live/mm62qw_CJGE?feature=share

FACEBOOK

Reliance Industries Limited Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/RelianceIndustriesLimited/live_videos/

Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/1087473783497829/

Jio Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/Jio/live_videos/

Event URL: https://www.facebook.com/events/1342081024100929/

X

RIL Updates Page URL: https://x.com/ril_updates

Event URL: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1vAxRQZQNbrJl

RelianceJio Page URL: https://x.com/reliancejio

Event URL: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yoJMPNPywOGQ

INSTAGRAM

Reliance Updates Page URL: https://www.instagram.com/relianceupdates

RelianceJio Page URL: https://www.instagram.com/reliancejio

Hashtags are #RILAGM and #RealisingAspirations.

The link to RILs notice and integrated annual report is this: http://bit.ly/4lOZTnZ

RILs chatbot will also be available on WhatsApp number +91-79771-11111.

RIL AGM 2025: What To Expect?

IPO Timelines for Jio & Retail: The Street is awaiting updates on possible IPO timelines for Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail. Both businesses have seen strong growth, and brokerages believe separate listings could unlock substantial value.

AI and Digital Push: Global brokerage CLSA noted that details of RILs AI strategy will be closely tracked. In its FY25 report, Reliance highlighted AirFiber-driven home connection growth, with confidence of reaching 100 million homes via Fiber and AirFiber combined.

Green Energy Roadmap: At the 2024 AGM, Chairman Mukesh Ambani called new energy the next jewel in Reliances crown," expecting it to become as big as the oil-to-chemicals (O2C) business in 57 years. Reliance is building a full-stack clean energy platform, spanning polysilicon-to-solar modules, electrolysers, batteries, and green hydrogen production. Captive renewable energy is expected to cut costs by 25%, with updates on perovskite solar cell tech and commissioning of new facilities due over the next 4-6 quarters. Brokerage Nuvama expects this segment to eventually rival O2C in profitability.

Retail Growth Momentum: Reliance Retails growth strategy will also be in focus. Investors are awaiting updates on FMCG expansion, JioHotstar monetisation, and quick commerce initiatives. The company had earlier set a goal of doubling retail earnings in 34 years, which could be reiterated.

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Petrochemicals and Exploration & Production: The O2C business, which is still RILs largest profit driver, will remain in focus with major petrochem expansion already underway. The company is adding capacity in polyester (5 mtpa), vinyl (3.9 mtpa), and carbon fibre (20 ktpa) by FY27. On the E&P front, drilling of additional wells at the KG-D6 basin by late 2028 is planned to sustain gas output.

(Disclaimer: Network18 and TV18  the companies that operate news18.com  are controlled by Independent Media Trust, of which Reliance Industries is the sole beneficiary.)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to personal finance, markets, economy and companies. Having over a decade of experience in financial journalis... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 09:44 IST

News business RIL AGM 2025 Today: When, Where And How To Watch Mukesh Ambani's Live Speech

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ITR Filing 2025 Deadline: CCTAX Seeks Extension Amid Technical Glitches, Heavy Workload

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:12 IST

Chandigarh Chartered Taxation Association urges CBDT to extend ITR and audit deadlines for AY 2025-26, citing technical issues, monsoon disruptions, and more.

ITR Filing deadline for non-audit taxpayers is September 15.

Income Tax Filing 2025: Almost 17 days are left for the income tax filing (ITR) deadline for FY2024-25 (AY 2025-26) for non-audit taxpayers, which is September 15, 2025. With the approaching of deadlines, the Chandigarh Chartered Taxation Association (CCATAX) has requested the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to extend ITR and tax audit deadlines further for FY 2024-25 (Assessment year 2025-26).

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The body cited the multiple technical issues, including data mismatches between AIS and Form 26AS, server crash, session timeouts and more. CA Manoj Kohli, Secretary, Chandigarh Chartered Accountant Taxation Association (CCTAX) told ET Wealth Online that the current compliance calendar is unrealistic. Professionals are facing technical bottlenecks, delayed utilities, and monsoon disruptionsthis extension is not a luxury, its a necessity," he added.

The income tax department has extended the deadline for the ITR filing for FY2024-25 (Assessment Year 2025-26) for 45 days to September 15, 2025, from July 30, 2025. This new due date applies to individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) and other taxpayers whose accounts dont require auditing.

The CBDT had ascribed the extension to the extensive changes implemented in the notified ITRs, citing the time needed for system readiness and the rollout of Income Tax Return (ITR) utilities for Assessment Year (AY) 202526.

The CBDT, however, didnt extend the deadline for taxpayers whose accounts need to be audited  such as companies, proprietorships, and working partners in firms. They are allowed to file the ITR by October 31, 2025, for AY 2025-26. Before they can do that, they must ensure their audit report is submitted by September 30, 2025. As of now, the Income Tax Department has not announced any extension to this deadline.

According to an ET Wealth Online report, CCTAX in its representation dated August 21, 2025, said its members work closely with taxpayers and businesses to ensure timely and accurate compliance under the Income Tax Act. It noted that despite appreciating the Income Tax Departments efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure and simplify procedures, genuine practical difficulties during the current filing season have made it extremely difficult to meet statutory timelines in Assessment Year 202526.

CCTAX, citing genuine hardships, has requested extensions for various return filing and audit deadlines:

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For non-audit cases, the current due date of September 15, 2025 be extended to October 31, 2025.

For audit cases, the current due date of October 31, 2025 be extended to December 31, 2025.

For tax audit reports, the current due date of September 30, 2025 be extended to November 30, 2025.

For revised and belated returns, the current due date of December 31, 2025 be extended to March 31, 2026.

The body also added that the new format for financial statements for non-corporate entities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has forced them to train and update software and resources, causing a slowdown in the process.

About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, w... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 12:12 IST

News business tax ITR Filing 2025 Deadline: CCTAX Seeks Extension Amid Technical Glitches, Heavy Workload

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Mumbai Eastern Freeway Closed: Take Coastal Road, Sea Link From Nariman Point To Western Suburbs

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:30 IST

Motorists heading to Andheri, Powai, Santacruz can take the coastal road, Bandra-Worli Sea Link and then Western Express Highway

Motorists faced massive traffic snarls and were inconvenienced during morning hours on their way to work. (X)

Mumbaikars travelling back from their south Mumbai offices to homes in western suburbs like Santacruz, Andheri, Powai and beyond can take the Coastal Road, Bandra-Worli Sea Link and then reach their destinations via the Western Express Highway on Friday.

While the journey is longer than usual and is likely to be through traffic jams, this would be the best route for motorists, given the closure of the Eastern Freeway and VN Purao Road, among others.

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Several arterial roads in the metropolis were closed on Friday for the Maratha reservation march led by Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil.

Motorists faced massive traffic snarls and were inconvenienced during morning hours on their way to work, with some reporting being stuck for three to four hours to cover distances that would usually be covered in around an hour.

Best Routes from South Mumbai to Western Suburbs

Since the Eastern Freeway is closed to all vehicular traffic (except emergency services) today because of the Maratha quota protest, motorists can follow the below mentioned routes to reach their destinations.

1. Coastal Road  BandraWorli Sea Link  Western Express Highway

Motorists heading towards the western suburbs from South Mumbai can take the Coastal Road, starting from Marine Lines (Phase 1 is open from Marine Lines to Worli). It offers a direct, traffic-light-free route along the western coast.

Motorists can then connect to the BandraWorli Sea Link and join the Western Express Highway northwards.

2. Western Express Highway (WEH) via Local Access

If Coastal Road access is not feasible, motorists can head north by reaching the WEH through local roads (e.g., via Worli or Bandra). The WEH remains a reliable arterial route to Andheri, Santacruz, Juhu, and beyond. However, the traffic could be elevated near protest zones, but far less than inner-city routes.

Traffic Snarls In Mumbai

Mumbai came to a near standstill on Friday as thousands of Manoj Jarange Patil-led Maratha Kranti Morcha supporters marched towards Azad Maidan, choking key roads in South Mumbai. Traffic bottlenecks were reported from almost every entry point into the citys southern precincts, with CSMT, Fort and Nariman Point witnessing heavy jams.

The Eastern Freeway was completely blocked by protesters, while the Coastal Road saw a traffic snarl stretching from Priyadarshini Park (PDP) to Nariman Point, leaving motorists stranded for hours.

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Panvel-Sion Road, V N Purav Road, Eastern Freeway, P DMello Road, Wallchand Hirachand Marg, Dr Dadabhai Nauroji Road and Hajarimal Somani Road have been closed for all types of vehicular traffic except emergency service vehicles.

The traffic arrangements in parts of the city impacted over 60 BEST bus routes in parts of Mumbai. Multiple depots, including those in Wadala, Dadar, Kurla, and Marol, reported altered operations, said the officials.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:30 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai Eastern Freeway Closed: Take Coastal Road, Sea Link From Nariman Point To Western Suburbs

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School Teacher Sexually Harasses 7 Minor Girls In Odisha, Flees After Complaint Filed

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:11 IST

The headmaster of the school filed an official complaint after the girls told him about the harassment.

The 36-year-old teacher has been booked (Image used for representation)

In a shocking incident that took place in Odisha, as many as seven minor girls were sexually harassed by their Sanskrit teacher in Sundargarh district. Notably, this is not the first time he has faced an abuse charge. The teacher was reportedly warned about the same by the authorities earlier.

Despite the warning, the 36-year-old school teacher, who is currently absconding, continued harassing the girls. The incident came to light after the girls told their headmaster about the harassment.

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An official complaint was then filed in a police station based on the statements of the headmaster. Meanwhile, the teacher submitted a leave application at the school after getting to know about the complaint against him.

Acting on the complaint, a case has been registered against the teacher under Sections 74 (assault or criminal force on a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty), 75 (sexual harassment) and 351 (2) [criminal intimidation] of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 8 (sexual assault) and 12 (sexual harassment) of the POCSO Act, an officer was quoted as saying by PTI.

An investigation into the case is underway, and a search operation to nab the accused is also ongoing.

In a separate incident that came to light in July this year, a school teacher and two others were arrested by police for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor student in Sikkims Gyalshing district of Gangtok.

The minor, a class 7 student, had complained that the teacher and the two others had sexually abused her.

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Later, the headmistress of the school filed an official complaint with the Gyalshing police against the accused.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:11 IST

News cities School Teacher Sexually Harasses 7 Minor Girls In Odisha, Flees After Complaint Filed

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Unnao Man Missing For Nearly 5 Years Returns From Pakistan Jail, Found In Unstable State

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 22:30 IST

The man was spotted wandering near the Lok Nagar railway crossing in a disoriented state by villagers, 15 months after he was released from Pakistan jail.

The man returned home after five years (Representational image via AP)

An Uttar Pradesh man, who had been missing for almost five years, has finally returned home, but in a mentally unstable condition. Suraj Pal, a 45-year-old man from Unnaos Akrampur Sultan Khera village, went missing on 27 October 2020.

Back then, his family had also filed a missing persons report, but in 2021, the family were told by the security personnel from the border area in Jammu and Kashmir that he crossed into Pakistan in December 2020 and was imprisoned there.

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According to a relative cited by PTI, the 45-year-old was released from Pakistans jail 15 months ago, in May 2024, and handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Wagah border.

While Pal was released, he couldnt return home until Wednesday. He was spotted wandering near the Lok Nagar railway crossing in a disoriented state by villagers, who later informed his family.

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The relative told reporters that Pals mental health has been severely affected, and he is unable to respond clearly to their questions.

Arvind Pandey, in-charge of the Magarwara police outpost, said that no steps have been taken by the local police so far, as the matter is currently being investigated by the local intelligence unit.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 22:30 IST

News cities Unnao Man Missing For Nearly 5 Years Returns From Pakistan Jail, Found In Unstable State

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School Holidays On August 29: List Of States Where Schools Are Closed Today

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 08:22 IST

School Holiday News: Schools in Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Dakshina Kannada and Punjab remain closed on August 29 due to heavy rain.

Schools in multiple states are closed today, August 29, due to heavy rains.

Schools Closed On August 29: Schools in several parts of India are either observing holidays due to heavy rainfall or festive celebrations on Friday, August 29, 2025. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana, Dakshina Kannada, and Punjab have ordered school closures to ensure the safety of students and staff, while students in Kerala continue to enjoy their Onam break.

Heres a state-wise update on school holidays today:

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Jammu And Kashmir: Schools Closed Till August 30

The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of all schools in the Jammu region till August 30 following heavy rainfall and flooding as a measure to keep the safety and well-being of students, teachers and school staff on the highest priority.

The schools remained closed for the third consecutive day on Thursday due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The order was issued by Director of School Education, Dr Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, on Thursday, directing the heads of institutions to assess the feasibility of conducting online classes, especially for students of Classes 9 to 12, wherever suitable infrastructure and internet connectivity are available.

Telangana: Two-Day Holiday In Rain-Hit District

In view of the heavy rains lashing the district for the past few days, the District Collector directed the District Educational Officer to declare holidays on August 29 and 30 for all government and private educational institutions, including junior and degree colleges.

Dakshina Kannada: Holiday for Schools and PU Colleges on August 29

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan on Thursday declared a holiday for all schools and Pre University Colleges in the district on Friday, in view of heavy rain forecast.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert to the district till 8.30 a.m. on Friday, which was later downgraded to an orange alert valid till 8.30 a.m. on Sunday.

ALSO READ: Student Dropout Rates Declined, Rise In Computer Access Across Schools: UDISE+ Report

Punjab: Schools Closed Due To Heavy Rain

Due to predictions of heavy rainfall by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), all government and private schools, colleges and other educational institutes will remain closed in Punjab for the remaining days of this week. The decision of school closures was made by the Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, in his recent tweet on X (previously Twitter).

He notified the public that since the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall for the next few days too, all primary, secondary, and senior secondary government and private schools will remain closed till August 30 (Saturday).

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Kerala: Onam Holiday Continues

Onam, one of the most significant and cherished festivals in Kerala, is celebrated with immense fervor and cultural richness. This year, the festivities bring a welcome break for students, with a 10-day school holiday scheduled from August 27 to September 7, 2025. Schools are scheduled to re-open on September 8, 2025, marking the end of this festive interlude.

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 29, 2025, 08:22 IST

News education-career School Holidays On August 29: List Of States Where Schools Are Closed Today

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Success Story: Pushplata Yadav Cleared UPSC With AIR 80 While Juggling Motherhood

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:40 IST

Pushplata Yadav did not succeed in her first two attempts but did not give up. In her third attempt in 2017, she achieved an all-India rank of 80 in UPSC CSE.

Pushpalata Yadav began preparing for the UPSC civil services exam about four years after her marriage. (Image: News18 Hindi)

Meet IAS officer Pushpalata Yadav, from the small village of Khushbura in Rewari district, Haryana. Yadav completed her early education in her village and earned a BSc degree in 2016. She also pursued post-graduation and an MBA.

Yadav got married in 2011 and moved to Manesar, Gurugram. Before marriage, she worked in the private sector for two years and held the position of Assistant Manager at the State Bank of Hyderabad. After marriage, she juggled her job and family responsibilities, dreaming of becoming an IAS officer.

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Preparing for UPSC while raising a child

Pushpalata Yadav began preparing for the UPSC civil services exam about four years after her marriage when her son was two years old, and she was solely responsible for him. This period was challenging as she had to balance exam preparation and family care. She would wake up at 4 am daily to study for hours and then devote time to her family. Again, after sending her child to school, she would resume her studies.

During this time, Yadavs husband was very supportive, taking care of their son while she studied. Her in-laws also continuously encouraged and supported her. With their support and her determination, she persevered.

Yadav did not succeed in her first two attempts but did not give up. In her third attempt in 2017, she achieved an all-India rank of 80. Ultimately, her hard work paid off, and she became an IAS officer.

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ALSO READ | Who Is Ishar Gurjar? His IPS Journey Is Straight Out Of 12th Fail

Meanwhile, the UPSC Civil Services Mains exam 2025 is underway. UPSC Mains exams consist of nine theory descriptive/theory papers. Out of these, two papers are for English and Regional language. These two papers are mandatory for the contestant to attend. The total mark for both papers is 300. Papers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for GS. Each paper is of 250 marks. One essay test and 2 papers for the optional subject the candidate has chosen. It also consists of 250 marks. After qualifying the civil service main exam, candidates will be called for interview.

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 29, 2025, 15:18 IST

News education-career Success Story: Pushplata Yadav Cleared UPSC With AIR 80 While Juggling Motherhood

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Top Scholarships 2025: Study Abroad With Grants Up To $15,000 For Students

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:32 IST

Several global institutions are offering scholarships worth $250 to $15,000 in 2025, helping students ease financial stress and pursue their study abroad dreams.

Top study abroad scholarships for 2025 helping students fund international programs.

For students aspiring to study abroad, financial aid often plays a crucial role in turning their dreams into reality. Several institutions and organisations offer scholarships ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, easing the financial burden and widening access. Heres a look at some of the major study abroad scholarship options available for 2025.

CET Academic Programs Scholarships

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CET, a global study abroad provider with offices across Asia, Europe, and South America, offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000. Financial assistance is available for high school, gap year, and college students, with awards based on both merit and financial need. Applicants gain access to scholarship applications alongside their CET program application.

SIT Scholarships & Grants

SIT Study Abroad provides need-based scholarships and grants between $500 and $5,000 for semester programs, and up to $3,000 for summer programs. All students accepted into SIT programs are eligible to apply.

St. Johns University Scholarships

St. Johns University offers a wide range of scholarships from $250 to $12,000, including automatic merit awards, Catholic community scholarships, service-oriented grants, and donor-funded options. Each scholarship comes with its own eligibility and application requirements.

Arcadia Abroad Scholarships & Financial Aid

Around 70% of Arcadia Abroad students receive some form of financial aid, with scholarships ranging from $250 to $2,500. Students already benefiting from financial aid at their home institution may still qualify for Arcadias assistance.

The School For Field Studies Scholarships

The School for Field Studies (SFS) provides scholarships worth $500 to $7,500. SFS works in collaboration with students home institutions, and many participants also secure funding from their colleges or external sources.

CISabroad Scholarships & Financial Aid

Nearly 70% of CISabroad students receive financial support through scholarships, grants, or discounts, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Applications are submitted through the CIS Abroad portal after the initial program application.

Verto Opportunity Grant & Scholars Award

Verto Education offers substantial aid through the Verto Opportunity Grant and Verto Scholars Award, with amounts ranging from $1,500 to $15,000. These awards are designed for students beginning their college experience abroad, though Verto does not participate in US federal aid programs.

ALSO READ: From Research Analyst To Scientific Assistant, 7 Career Options After Studying BSc

Global Experiences Scholarships

Global Experiences provides scholarships between $500 and $10,000 for semester and summer programs across 11 international locations. However, students enrolled in faculty-led programs at their home universities may not be eligible.

IFSA Scholarships & Financial Aid

The Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA) offers generous scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000 for January term, semester, year-long, and summer programs. Scholarship applications are available once students begin their program application.

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CEA CAPA Scholarships & Grants

CEA CAPA awards over $2 million annually in scholarships and financial aid, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Students are encouraged to apply for both internal and external funding opportunities with guidance from their universitys study abroad and financial aid offices.

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 29, 2025, 15:32 IST

News education-career Top Scholarships 2025: Study Abroad With Grants Up To $15,000 For Students

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3 Lakh Bihar Voters Get Poll Panel Notice Amid Doubts Over Their Citizenship

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 09:42 IST

Suspect voters were mostly in East & West Champaran, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Supaul, which have a porous border and have been in political crosshairs

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1.96 lakh claims and objections have been received so far as per ECI data. (PTI)

Three lakh people in Bihar have received notices as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, sources in the Election Commission have told CNN-News18. The notices ask the suspect voters" to appear before the officials concerned within the next seven days to explain the discrepancies in their submitted documents".

These three lakh people had enrolled themselves in the draft voter list as per SIR. However, scrutiny of documents showed discrepancies. Subsequently, field visits were carried out which further led to suspicion that these people might be from Bangladesh, Myanmar or Nepal," an official in the know told CNN-News18.

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Notices have been sent to suspect voters, mostly in districts of East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Supaul.

This area of Seemanchal has a porous border and has often been in political crosshairs. While BJP has alleged illegal immigration by Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in this region, parties like Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM have said that the people in this belt are uneducated, living in flood-prone areas and therefore most vulnerable to losing documents.

What Do Rules Say?

As per the SIR orders, no name can be deleted from the draft list published on 1st August 2025 without passing a speaking order by the ERO/AERO, after conducting an enquiry and after giving a fair and reasonable opportunity".

EC officials usually conduct an enquiry if an objection is filed against a suspected voter. But sources said in the case of these three lakh people, scrutiny itself revealed discrepancies. Most of them were not part of the 2003 voter list. Their names, addresses and other details were found mismatched in the Aadhaar and other submitted documents," an official said.

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A total of 1.96 lakh claims and objections have been received so far as per ECI data. Most of these claims and objections have been filed by individuals, while 82 have been filed by political parties, including three from RJD and 79 from CPI (ML).

The number of notices being sent could go up as the electoral registration officers continue to scrutinise documents. A total of 7.24 crore electors made it to the draft rolls and 65 lakh names were deleted in phase one of SIR. Electors have time till September 1 to submit one of the 11 specified documents to make it to the final electoral rolls.

About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 09:19 IST

News elections 3 Lakh Bihar Voters Get Poll Panel Notice Amid Doubts Over Their Citizenship

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Cloudburst In Uttarakhand: What It Means, Why It Happens & Which Parts Of India Are Most At Risk

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:50 IST

From Uttarakhand to Himachal and Jammu & Kashmir, extreme monsoon rains have repeatedly unleashed flash floods and landslides across the Himalayas

Rescue operation underway at a disaster-hit area after heavy rainfall, at Tharali, in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. (Image: PTI)

On Friday, cloudbursts triggered debris flows in the Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts of Uttarakhand, leaving two people missing and several families trapped. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the incidents occurred in the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Buskedar tehsil and the Deval area of Chamoli. Mud and rubble submerged large parts of Bareth Taljaman in Basukedar, cutting off access and prompting emergency shelter for displaced families.

Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari confirmed that two people were untraceable, multiple roads had been closed, and livestock losses had been reported. The state government said rescue and relief operations were underway on a war footing, with the Chief Minister in contact with local officials.

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This is not an isolated event. From Kedarnath to Kullu, cloudbursts have become a recurring feature of Indias Himalayan monsoon. They strike with little warning, dump unimaginable volumes of water in minutes, and often leave behind a trail of destruction.

So what exactly is a cloudburst and why are these extreme weather events striking India more often, and with greater force?

What Is A Cloudburst?

A cloudburst is a highly localised, intense rainfall event defined by the India Meteorological Department as over 100 millimetres of rain in one hour over an area of around 30 square kilometres or less. While the numbers may vary, the impact is often uniform: rapid deluge, flooding, landslides, and widespread damage within minutes.

Unlike sustained monsoon rain, a cloudburst delivers the equivalent of days worth of precipitation all at once. Because the terrain often cannot absorb this sudden volume, the result is a surge of water rushing down slopes, inundating valleys and built-up areas.

What Causes A Cloudburst?

A cloudburst happens when a huge amount of moisture in the air suddenly falls as heavy rain in a short time, usually within minutes. Its most common in hilly or mountainous areas like the Himalayas.

Heres how it works: during the monsoon, warm air carries a lot of moisture from oceans and plains. When this air hits a mountain, its forced to rise. As it goes up, it gets cooler. The cooling causes the moisture to condense and form dense clouds.

Normally, clouds move and release rain gradually. But in a cloudburst, the clouds get trapped in one spot, and the rising warm air below keeps feeding them with more moisture. At some point, the clouds cant hold the weight of the water anymore, and they release it all at once.

In steep valleys, this sudden downpour doesnt have anywhere to spread. So, it rushes downhill in narrow streams, triggering flash floods, landslides, and debris flow that can wipe out homes and roads in minutes.

Why Are Cloudbursts Becoming More Frequent In India?

Multiple scientific studies and weather records suggest an increase in both the frequency and intensity of cloudbursts in the Himalayan region, particularly over the past two decades. One of the main drivers is a warming atmosphere.

According to Anil Kulkarni of the Divecha Centre for Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Science, rising temperatures increase the airs moisture-holding capacity, which in turn increases the volume of rainfall when condensation occurs.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Kulkarni said, Mountainous regions due to higher slope are associated with upward movement of air mass. As atmospheric moisture is moved upward, it increases the size of water droplets. In the meantime, additional moisture is added at lower altitude. This significantly increases moisture in the air column. This leads to cloudburst."

A July 2024 study published in the Journal of the Geological Society of India identified Uttarakhand as a hotspot for extreme events, documenting a marked increase in cloudbursts and flash floods post-2010. Another 2025 review in Springer Nature found rising trends across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh between 1970 and 2024.

Which Parts Of India Are Most Vulnerable?

The Himalayan states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Ladakh are most prone to cloudbursts, especially during the southwest monsoon season from June to September. These regions combine high mountains, steep slopes, and narrow river valleys, ideal conditions for sudden, intense rainfall to cause flash floods and landslides.

IMD records and case studies from disaster agencies highlight the following incidents:

2013 Kedarnath floods: Over 6,000 killed and 4,500 villages affected after a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides.

2019 Arakot disaster: 19 deaths and over 38 villages impacted in Uttarkashi due to a cloudburst in Arakot Nala.

20232025: Increasing incidents across Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Nainital, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag. The August 5, 2025 Dharali incident in Uttarakhand is suspected to have been linked to a hanging glacier collapse.

The Indian Institute of Science has identified 219 hanging glaciers in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins alone. These are increasingly unstable due to global warming, increasing the risk of sudden floods.

Is Climate Change Responsible?

Cloudbursts are natural meteorological events, but several climate scientists say human-induced global warming is making them more frequent and intense. Research cited in Science (2006) showed rising trends in extreme rainfall events across India in the second half of the 20th century. A study on the 2013 Kedarnath flood, published in Climate Dynamics in 2015, found more than half of the extreme rainfall was linked to greenhouse gas emissions and aerosols.

Roxy Mathew Koll of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, speaking to CNN, said: Warmer oceans are loading the monsoon with extra moisture, and a warmer atmosphere holds more water, fuelling intense rainfall when moist air is forced up steep mountain slopes."

With monsoon dynamics shifting, longer dry spells punctuated by short, extreme rain bursts, the Himalayan region is experiencing an uptick in destructive cloudbursts.

Why Are These Events So Destructive?

In the Himalayas, steep gradients and narrow valleys funnel rainwater rapidly downstream. If a cloudburst occurs in a hilly zone, the concentrated runoff has few escape routes, which leads to flash floods, landslides, and destruction of anything in its path.

Another major issue is the location of many habitations and infrastructure projects in vulnerable zones. Manish Shrestha, a hydrologist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, told HT that the damage caused in the August 5 Dharali incident was worsened because of dense settlements near riverbanks that fall in the right of way of the river."

Deforestation, road construction, and quarrying activities in fragile mountain zones further destabilise slopes and reduce the lands ability to absorb rainfall. This amplifies the impact of even moderate cloudbursts.

Can Cloudbursts Be Predicted?

Forecasting cloudbursts is a major scientific challenge. Their small spatial scale, sudden onset, and brief duration make them difficult to detect in advance using traditional models.

According to the India Meteorological Department, radars can detect the build-up of dense clouds and give short-term warnings, but forecasting the exact time and location of a cloudburst is not yet possible. To improve early warning systems, Doppler weather radars have been installed across various parts of the Himalayas. Additional observatories have been established to collect hyperlocal atmospheric data.

Despite this, communication and evacuation remain challenges, especially in remote, high-altitude regions where access is limited and warning times are short.

What Can Be Done To Reduce The Risk?

Experts and disaster management authorities have put forward several recommendations to reduce the impact of cloudbursts in India:

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Avoiding construction in flood-prone areas and enforcing zoning restrictions.

Afforestation and protection of natural wetlands to improve water absorption.

Strengthening embankments, check dams and drainage systems before monsoon season.

Installing Doppler radars, lightning sensors, and real-time data systems in hazard zones.

Monitoring glacial lakes and hanging glaciers to detect instability early.

Improving community-level early warning communication through decentralised systems.

A 2022 study by the Geological Society of India called for pre-emptive relocation of families in vulnerable zones, saying such measures should be implemented well before the onset of the monsoon. The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has also suggested using hazard zonation maps and satellite data for planning infrastructure in high-risk areas.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 14:38 IST

News explainers Cloudburst In Uttarakhand: What It Means, Why It Happens & Which Parts Of India Are Most At Risk

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Europe Triggers Snapback Sanctions On Iran: What The Move Means For Its Nuclear Programme

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 10:33 IST

By triggering snapback, Britain, France and Germany have set a 30-day clock that could restore UN sanctions aimed at curbing Irans accelerating enrichment levels

Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, formally activated the snapback mechanism against Iran. (Reuters Image)

Iran is once again facing the return of sweeping United Nations sanctions, after European powers formally triggered a snapback mechanism built into the 2015 nuclear deal. With uranium enrichment accelerating, diplomacy stalled, and the snapback clause set to expire in October, tensions are rising over what could become a major nuclear flashpoint.

What Is The Snapback Mechanism And Why Is It In The News Again?

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On Thursday, Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, formally activated the snapback mechanism against Iran at the United Nations Security Council. This process, built into the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), allows any original signatory to the nuclear deal to unilaterally reimpose a suite of UN sanctions on Iran if it is found in significant breach of the agreement.

The mechanism was designed to be veto-proof. Once triggered, it begins a 30-day countdown. During this time, the Security Council would need to adopt a resolution to continue Irans sanctions relief. However, such a resolution would require at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the five permanent members  the US, UK, France, China or Russia  to pass.

This virtually guarantees failure, as the E3 themselves can block any such resolution. If the resolution fails or is not adopted within the 30-day window, the previous UN sanctions on Iran automatically snap back into force by late September.

What Was The 2015 Nuclear Deal And What Went Wrong?

The JCPOA, signed in 2015 by Iran and six world powers  the UK, France, Germany, China, Russia and the United States  was designed to restrict Irans nuclear programme in exchange for lifting UN, US and EU sanctions. Iran agreed to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67 per cent, maintain a stockpile no greater than 300 kilograms, and accept intrusive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In return, Iran received broad relief from international economic sanctions and was allowed to pursue civilian nuclear energy.

However, the deal began unravelling after US President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018, calling it the worst deal ever" and reinstating unilateral US sanctions. In response, Iran gradually scaled back its compliance. By 2022, it had removed most IAEA surveillance equipment. In 2023, it barred several senior UN inspectors altogether.

Why Has The Snapback Been Triggered Now?

The E3 have accused Iran of willfully and publicly departing" from its JCPOA obligations. According to the IAEA, Iran has amassed over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent purity, just short of weapons-grade, and a total stockpile exceeding 9,200 kilograms. Under JCPOA terms, Iran was allowed neither.

The IAEA has also assessed that if Iran were to enrich this material further to 90 per cent purity, it would be enough to build nine nuclear weapons, though producing a usable weapon would also require additional technological expertise, such as warhead design and detonation systems.

Talks between Iran and the E3 over deferring the snapback continued through late August but have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. Iran has refused to comply with three core demands made by the Europeans: resuming direct negotiations with the US, fully restoring IAEA inspection access, and disclosing the new location of its highly enriched uranium following the US-Israeli bombings in June.

Earlier this year, the E3 and the United States had informally agreed to trigger the snapback mechanism by the end of August if Iran failed to meet key conditions. In July, during a final round of European outreach, Tehran was offered a delay in exchange for three steps: rejoining direct nuclear talks with Washington, granting full IAEA access, and accounting for over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium. Iran rejected the proposal.

As the snapback mechanism is set to expire on October 18, ten years after UNSC Resolution 2231 was adopted, the E3 moved to preserve their ability to invoke it before the deadline. Their decision was also timed to precede Russias presidency of the Security Council in October, as Moscow could otherwise delay the process using procedural tactics.

What Sanctions Will Be Reimposed?

Unless Iran meets the European conditions and a new resolution is adopted within the 30-day window, which is highly unlikely, the following UN sanctions will be reinstated:

A conventional arms embargo

A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing

A ban on ballistic missile testing or development capable of delivering nuclear weapons

Travel bans and asset freezes targeting key Iranian individuals and entities

Permission for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Iranian shipping lines for prohibited items

These were part of six earlier UN Security Council resolutions between 2006 and 2010, which had been lifted under the JCPOA.

What Has Iran Said In Response?

Iran has strongly condemned the snapback move, calling it illegal and regrettable". A senior Iranian official told Reuters, The move is an action against diplomacy, not a chance for it. Diplomacy with Europe will continue."

Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful. It argues that since the US exited the deal and reimposed sanctions in 2018, Tehran is no longer bound by the JCPOA restrictions.

Iran has also threatened to withdraw from the global Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if UN sanctions are reinstated, a move that could further destabilise global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

While some officials have left the door open for talks, others have warned of a harsh response" if sanctions go ahead. Iranian leadership remains divided  hardliners favour escalation, while moderates advocate engagement.

What Role Have The US And Israel Played In This Crisis?

Although the United States cannot formally trigger the snapback after withdrawing from the JCPOA, it has backed the E3s decision. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, The United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran  in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue."

However, tensions flared earlier this year when the US and Israel jointly bombed multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites in mid-June. According to Reuters, these attacks directly disrupted a planned round of nuclear talks that was scheduled for June 15. Iranian officials now view that episode as evidence that diplomacy was being used as a cover for military action.

How Are Europe, Russia And China Positioned?

While the E3 maintain that their objective is to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, critics argue that their strategy has shifted from diplomacy to pressure. Some experts view Europes actions as aligning more closely with the US and Israel, particularly after European leaders failed to condemn the June bombings.

Russia and China, meanwhile, have proposed a draft resolution to extend the JCPOA framework until April 2026. The proposal reportedly includes language that would prevent the E3 from using the snapback clause. While both countries cannot veto the snapback once it is in motion, they can choose to ignore the reinstated sanctions and can veto any Security Council action that seeks to penalise them for doing so.

What Happens Next?

The countdown has begun. If no new resolution is adopted, all UN sanctions will snap back in late September.

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The E3 have offered to delay sanctions implementation for up to six months if Iran meets their conditions, but Tehran appears unwilling to concede without guarantees that no further Israeli or US attacks will occur. As of now, the uraniums location remains undisclosed, IAEA access remains partial, and no talks with Washington are underway.

The upcoming United Nations General Assembly in mid-September offers a narrow diplomatic window, with world leaders set to gather in New York. However, few expect meaningful progress without a dramatic shift in positions from either side.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 10:29 IST

News explainers Europe Triggers Snapback Sanctions On Iran: What The Move Means For Its Nuclear Programme

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Tracing Key Milestones In India-Japan Relations, And What PM Modis Tokyo Visit Means For The Future

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 09:31 IST

PM Modis Tokyo visit will see announcements on boosting Japanese investments in Indias renewable energy sector, digital technologies, and electric mobility, green hydrogen

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by members of the Indian community upon his arrival at a hotel, in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday. (PMO via PTI Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modis arrival in Tokyo on Friday signals more than just a diplomatic visit. It underscores a relationship that has grown steadily stronger over decadesone now poised to take on new dimensions amid shifting global equations, economic realignments, and security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

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India and Japan, two vibrant democracies and economic powerhouses, are looking at a future shaped by shared strategic interests, technological ambitions, and a commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific free and open.

As Modi begins his high-profile visit, it is worth revisiting the milestones that strengthened the two nations  and the roadmap that could define their ties in the coming years.

From Cultural Links To Strategic Partners

India and Japan have deep-rooted cultural ties going back centuries. Buddhism travelled from India to Japan over 1,400 years ago, shaping Japanese art, architecture, and philosophy. Yet, modern political and economic relations only began in earnest after World War II, when India waived reparations against Japan and signed a peace treaty in 1952, becoming one of the first nations to do so.

Economic assistance from Japan soon followed, with Tokyo emerging as a major source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for India from the 1950s onward. Projects like the Delhi Metro and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor stand testimony to decades of Japanese support in transforming Indias infrastructure.

But it was in the 21st century that ties truly deepened, especially after both countries realized their shared interests in balancing Chinas growing regional assertiveness and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Milestones In Bilateral Relations

Several landmark developments over the past two decades have propelled IndiaJapan relations from economic cooperation to a multi-dimensional strategic partnership:

Global Partnership (2000): Prime Minister Yoshiro Moris visit to India and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees leadership marked the start of the Global Partnership," signalling a shift from economic to strategic ties.

Strategic and Global Partnership (2006): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe upgraded ties to a Strategic and Global Partnership," paving the way for deeper security and defence cooperation.

Special Strategic and Global Partnership (2014): Under Modi and Abe, the relationship reached its highest designation, enabling cooperation in high-speed rail, defence technology, and regional security.

Quad Grouping: Alongside the US and Australia, India and Japan became integral members of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), reinforcing their joint vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Economic Relations: The Bullet Train & Beyond

Japan remains one of Indias biggest investors, funding critical infrastructure projects, industrial corridors, and smart cities. The flagship Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, based on Japans Shinkansen technology, stands as the most visible symbol of this partnership.

Trade between the two nations has crossed $20 billion annually, but the ambition is much more. India offers Japan a vast consumer base, a growing digital economy, and opportunities in sectors like clean energy, semiconductors, and defence manufacturing.

PM Modis Tokyo visit is likely to see announcements on boosting Japanese investments in Indias renewable energy sector, digital technologies, and emerging areas like electric mobility and green hydrogen.

Defence Cooperation In Focus

India and Japan have steadily expanded defence ties over the past decade. Their annual joint military exercisesDharma Guardian (army), JIMEX (navy), and Shinyuu Maitri (air force)have strengthened interoperability between the forces.

Japan has also eased restrictions on defence equipment exports, opening the door for potential collaboration in unmanned systems, surveillance technologies, and cybersecurity.

The growing frequency of Chinese naval incursions in the East China Sea and Indian Ocean has brought India and Japan closer strategically. Maritime security cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and joint naval patrols are likely to see further expansion.

Indo-Pacific Vision & Quad Factor

Both India and Japan are committed to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Their partnership within the Quad, alongside the US and Australia, aims to counterbalance Chinas assertiveness while promoting infrastructure connectivity, maritime security, and supply-chain resilience.

The Quads vaccine initiative, technology partnerships, and climate action plans align closely with India and Japans individual goals, giving their bilateral ties a stronger regional and global dimension.

Technology, Start-ups, And Digital Collaboration

Beyond heavy infrastructure, India-Japan relations are rapidly expanding into technology and innovation. Japans expertise in robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing pairs well with Indias thriving start-up ecosystem and IT talent.

The two countries are exploring collaborations in semiconductor manufacturing, a sector crucial for economic security as global supply chains diversify away from China. Similarly, joint research in 5G, quantum computing, and space technology is on the agenda, reflecting a shared ambition to stay ahead in next-gen technologies.

People-to-People Ties & Cultural Diplomacy

While trade and defence dominate headlines, cultural and educational ties form the bedrock of IndiaJapan relations. Indian yoga, cuisine, and films enjoy growing popularity in Japan, while Japanese language courses and cultural centres in India are expanding.

The number of Indian professionals for Japans IT and services sectors (roughly 920,000, as quoted by The Times of India) is rising, with Tokyo easing visa rules to attract skilled workers. Student exchange programmes and tourism initiatives are further strengthening these people-to-people bonds.

What to Expect From Modis Tokyo Visit

As Modi lands in Tokyo, several key announcements are anticipated:

Economic Deals: New Japanese investments in infrastructure, green energy, and semiconductor manufacturing in India.

Defence Collaboration: Steps towards joint production of defence equipment and technology transfers.

Digital and Technology Partnerships: Agreements on AI, 5G, cybersecurity, and start-up ecosystems.

Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Initiatives to promote tourism, language training, and student mobility.

Regional Security Cooperation: Stronger alignment on Indo-Pacific strategy and Quad initiatives.

A Partnership For The Future

India-Japan ties have come a long wayfrom cultural goodwill to economic cooperation and now, a full-fledged strategic partnership. As both countries face similar challengesfrom securing supply chains to ensuring regional stabilitytheir collaboration will only grow deeper.

PM Modis Tokyo visit could set the tone for the next decade, shaping a partnership that blends Indias scale and talent with Japans technology and capital. In a world marked by geopolitical rivalries and economic uncertainties, the India-Japan equation might well emerge as a cornerstone of stability and growth in the Indo-Pacific.

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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 29, 2025, 09:30 IST

News explainers Tracing Key Milestones In India-Japan Relations, And What PM Modis Tokyo Visit Means For The Future

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What Is Double Tap & Why Israels Use Of It At A Gaza Hospital Is Drawing Global Criticism?

Curated By :

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:43 IST

Israel targeted a camera near Nasser Hospital. One shell hit, followed nine minutes later by two more at the same location, killing medics, journalists, and civilians on site

On August 25, a projectile struck the upper floors of the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, the last major functioning hospital in southern Gaza. (Reuters Image)

On Monday, August 25, a projectile struck the upper floors of the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, the last major functioning hospital in southern Gaza. The blast killed Reuters cameraman Hussam Al-Masri, who was operating a live camera feed from an exterior staircase frequently used by journalists to find signal.

Roughly nine minutes later, two more shells struck the same site, almost simultaneously. A frame-by-frame analysis of video footage obtained by CNN revealed that the second strike was, in fact, a second and third strike  two near-simultaneous explosions that hit the same stairwell, just moments apart. According to CNN, the munitions used were likely Israeli M339 multi-purpose tank shells, which produce both blast and fragmentation damage.

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The two follow-up impacts killed at least 20 people, including five journalists: Al-Masri (Reuters), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Mariam Abu Dagga and Moath Abu Taha (freelancers who had contributed to Reuters and AP), and Ahmed Abu Aziz, a Palestinian freelance journalist.

What Is A Double-Tap Strike And Why Is It So Controversial?

A double-tap" strike is a two-stage attack: the first strike targets a suspected military objective, and the second  timed minutes later  hits the same site again, often when medics, journalists, or civilians have rushed in to help the injured. The term is not defined in international treaties, but the method is widely documented and controversial because it exploits predictable rescue efforts.

According to The Conversation, the tactic raises immediate concerns under the law of armed conflicts principle of distinction, which requires armed forces to differentiate between combatants and civilians. Janina Dill, co-director of the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, told NBC News that double-tap strikes are irreconcilable with the conduct of a professional, legally advised and trained military force," adding that the tactic is morally condemned" for exploiting peoples instinct to help.

A Camera, A Staircase, And Two Shells: Israels Account Vs What Video Shows

In the immediate aftermath of the strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a general statement expressing regret for civilian harm but did not confirm whether Nasser Hospital had been directly targeted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later called the incident a tragic mishap," saying Israel deeply regrets" the loss of life and values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians".

On Tuesday, the IDF stated that its forces had identified a camera positioned in the area of the hospital that was allegedly being used by Hamas to observe Israeli troop movements. The IDF said the camera was targeted to remove what it described as an operational threat.

According to CNN, a senior Israeli security official said the original authorisation was for a drone strike on the camera; however, tank shells were used instead. The first strike occurred at 10:08 a.m., followed nine minutes later by two more shells that hit the same stairwell, just seconds apart, while medics, journalists, and civil defence workers were attending to the wounded.

The IDF later said six individuals killed were terrorists." Gaza health officials and Hamas rejected the claim and accused Israel of identifying some victims based on unrelated deaths elsewhere in Khan Younis that day. As of now, the IDF has not commented on the third projectile visible in footage.

A Pattern Of War? Where Else Have Double-Taps Been Used

This was not the first reported case of a double-tap strike. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism documented follow-up drone strikes by the United States in Pakistan, Yemen and Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012 that killed rescuers arriving after initial hits. According to the Daily Mail, missiles struck a British Council building and the EU mission in Kyiv just 20 seconds apart in early August, prompting European officials to accuse Russia of deliberately targeting diplomatic and educational spaces.

Terror groups like Al Qaeda and Boko Haram have also employed double-tap methods, often sending a second suicide bomber to kill those arriving after the first explosion.

In Israels case, a joint investigation by +972 Magazine and Local Call, cited by NBC, found that the double-tap approach had become routine" during the current campaign in Gaza. One military source reportedly told the outlet: If theres a strike on a senior commander, another one will be carried out afterwards to ensure rescue efforts dont take place."

What International Law Says And Why This May Cross The Line

International humanitarian law, also known as the law of armed conflict, imposes strict limitations on how military operations are conducted, particularly in areas where civilians are present. These laws are grounded in the Geneva Conventions, to which Israel is a signatory, and are intended to protect non-combatants, including medical personnel, journalists, and patients, even during active hostilities.

Under the Geneva Conventions, hospitals are protected spaces and may only lose that protection if they are being used to commit acts harmful to the enemy. Similarly, journalists are considered civilians and are explicitly protected unless they take direct part in hostilities.

A strike on a hospital, especially one that is operating and known to be housing medical staff, journalists, and patients, therefore triggers serious legal scrutiny. Even if a legitimate military target is present (such as an enemy surveillance device), the laws of war require that certain conditions still be met before an attack is lawful.

Four core principles govern the legality of such actions:

Distinction : Forces must distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians, and between military objectives and civilian infrastructure. A failure to make that distinction can render an attack unlawful.

: Forces must distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians, and between military objectives and civilian infrastructure. A failure to make that distinction can render an attack unlawful. Proportionality : An attack is prohibited if the expected civilian harm would be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage. In the Nasser Hospital case, the presence of dozens of civilians raises difficult questions about whether this threshold was met.

: An attack is prohibited if the expected civilian harm would be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage. In the Nasser Hospital case, the presence of dozens of civilians raises difficult questions about whether this threshold was met. Necessity : Only those actions necessary to achieve a concrete military objective are permitted. The IDF has said the strike was aimed at dismantling a surveillance camera allegedly operated by Hamas. But legal experts have questioned whether that justified the use of tank shells in a known civilian zone, especially when less destructive alternatives (such as a drone) were reportedly available.

: Only those actions necessary to achieve a concrete military objective are permitted. The IDF has said the strike was aimed at dismantling a surveillance camera allegedly operated by Hamas. But legal experts have questioned whether that justified the use of tank shells in a known civilian zone, especially when less destructive alternatives (such as a drone) were reportedly available. Humanity: Combatants must avoid causing unnecessary suffering. This principle underpins all others and is meant to ensure that the means and methods of warfare are not unlimited.

According to The Conversation, these same rules apply whether the conflict is considered international (between states) or non-international (between a state and a non-state actor).

The Rome Statute, which governs the International Criminal Court, includes the deliberate targeting of hospitals and humanitarian personnel as war crimes in both conflict types. Reckless disregard, even without intent, can also be grounds for prosecution if commanders failed to take feasible precautions to verify targets or minimise civilian harm.

What Israel, The UN And The World Are Saying Now

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the strike deeply concerning" and demanded an independent investigation. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the war in Gaza as the most dangerous conflict for journalists in recent history," with at least 273 journalists killed, according to Al Jazeeras count.

Several humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and Medical Aid for Palestinians, have condemned the strike. Governments from Germany, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the UK have issued statements denouncing the attack.

In the US, President Donald Trump said he was not happy" about the strike. His Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, speaking to Fox News, suggested that a resolution to the Gaza conflict could come before the end of the year," adding that Hamas was signalling openness" to settlement talks.

Could This Lead To War Crimes Charges?

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Whether the Nasser Hospital incident will result in prosecution remains unclear. Intent is often difficult to prove, but video evidence, eyewitness accounts and evolving official statements may become central to any legal assessment.

The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over Gaza. If the second and third strikes are deemed to have knowingly targeted protected persons, or to have been carried out with reckless disregard for civilian life, they may qualify as war crimes under the Rome Statute.

About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 12:39 IST

News explainers What Is Double Tap & Why Israels Use Of It At A Gaza Hospital Is Drawing Global Criticism?

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Man Arrested For Shouting Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi At Opposition's Bihar Rally

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 10:44 IST

A man accused of abusing PM Modi and his late mother at a political rally in Bihar was arrested, officials said.

Bihar man arrested for abusing PM Modi (File Image)

A man, accused of shouting abusive slogans at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during the Opposition rally in Bihar, was arrested on Thursday night, Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police said on Friday.

The arrest of the man, identified as Rizwi alias Raja, came after a video purportedly showing the accused hurling abuses at PM Modi during the INDIA bloc public meeting surfaced online. He hails from the Bhapura village in Singhwara.

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The incident took place during a Voter Adhikaar Yatra in Darbhanga.

          01            Darbhanga Police (@DarbhangaPolice) August 29, 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav are carrying out the Yatra ahead of the Assembly polls in Bihar later this year.

A massive controversy broke out in the state after the video of the abuse to PM Modi and his late mother surfaced online during Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikaar Yatra.

The BJP filed a complaint at the Kotwali Police Station in Patna, seeking an apology from Rahul Gandhi.

The video showed Congress workers using abusive language against the Prime Minister from the dais having posters of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav. This was the same place from where the leaders departed for Muzaffarpur.

NDA Leaders Condemn Abuse Against PM Modi

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar took cognisance of the incident and condemned the abusive language".

During the Voter Adhikaar Yatra, the kind of abusive language used from the Congress and RJD stage against Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and his late mother is extremely inappropriate, and I condemn it," Nitish Kumar tweeted.

                                              Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 29, 2025

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The abuse at the Prime Minister drew strong condemnation from BJP leaders, who sought an apology from Congress and RJD for the insult.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said, He (PM Modi) is the worlds most popular leader now. This undignified language from the INDIA bloc platform is an insult to 140 crore Indians. The people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. No civilised society can accept such language. Congress and RJD leaders should apologise for this."

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 : Bihar, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 10:19 IST

News india Man Arrested For Shouting Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi At Opposition's Bihar Rally

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BJP, Congress Workers Clash, Pelt Stones In Bihar Over Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 13:34 IST

Clashes broke out between BJP and Congress workers in Patna after derogatory remarks were made against PM Modi and his late mother during Rahul Gandhis rally in Darbhanga.

Patna: Supporters of BJP and Congress clash during a protest against the objectionable comments made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: PTI)

Massive clashes between the BJP and Congress workers erupted in Bihars Patna on Friday over the derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during an INDIA bloc rally in Darbhanga.

According to the details, stones were pelted at the site as the BJP staged a protest against the Congress in front of the Congress office in Patna.

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#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: BJP and Congress workers clash as the former staged a protest against the latter in front of the Congress office. pic.twitter.com/GDUxM0JgyB ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Demonstrations were also staged in Darbhanga on Thursday, even as the state womens commission shot off a letter to the administration, seeking suo motu" action against the culprits.

Effigies of Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav were burnt by BJP workers in Darbhanga, who joined a procession organised by two-term local MP Gopaljee Thakur.

On Friday morning, the Darbhanga Police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Bihar Minister and BJP leader Nitin Nabin said that the public will give a befitting reply" to the Congress.

Every son of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Congress for insulting a mother. We will take revenge for this," he said.

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar: BJP and Congress workers clash as the former staged a protest against the latter in front of the Congress office. pic.twitter.com/p1tt2bytzD ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also lashed out at Rahul Gandhi and said that the Congress leader has started politics of hatred" in the country.

Meanwhile, Congress worker Ashutosh slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, claiming that the clash happened with the governments involvement.

A befitting reply will be given. This is happening with the governments involvement. Nitish Kumar is doing wrong," Ashutosh said.

As the situation snowballed, the police registered a case in the matter and Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Chaudhary told reporters that action would be taken against those found involved.

On Thursday, the BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi-led Voter Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar crossed all limits of insult, hate and tastelessness", adding that abuses were directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modis mother during the campaign.

The BJP on its X handle refrained from posting the video of the incident, but its content shared online by a few handles showed some unidentified people hurling abuses at PM Modi from a dais raised during the Yatra.

The ruling party claimed that the choice of such an abuse for the Prime Ministers mother shows the state of the oppositions desperation.

People of Bihar will not forgive Gandhi and Yadav, the main campaigner for the RJD, for such a mistake, even if they apologise thousands of times, the BJP said, calling the incident extremely shameful".

A Congress leader in Darbhanga, who admitted that the viral video was of a podium that he had erected on the outskirts of the north Bihar town, offered an apology, but maintained that the expletives had been hurled in his absence.

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The video appears to have been shot after I left the spot, following Rahul Gandhi, who passed through. I have not yet watched the clip. Still, I offer my apologies if anything of the sort has happened," said Mohd Naushad, who is a worker of the Youth Congress and is said to be eyeing the party ticket from the Jale assembly seat.

ALSO READ | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Condemns Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi At Opposition Event

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 13:24 IST

News india BJP, Congress Workers Clash, Pelt Stones In Bihar Over Derogatory Remarks Against PM Modi

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Chandrayaan, AI & Critical Minerals: Key MoUs Signed Between India, Japan During PM Modi's Visit

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 17:39 IST

Here's a look at key New Delhi-Tokyo agreements on space, AI, critical minerals signed during PM Modi's visit to Japan.

India and Japan signed a wide-ranging set of agreements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Friday, marking what both leaders described as a turning point in bilateral relations.

Cooperation between India and Japan is crucial for global peace and stability. Today, we have laid a strong foundation for a new and golden chapter in India-Japan special strategic and global partnership. We have created a roadmap for cooperation for the next decade," PM Modi said after the meeting.

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During the visit, India and Japan signed a wide-ranging set of agreements spanning technology, space exploration, clean energy, critical minerals and cultural ties, underlining the ambition to scale up their special strategic and global partnership" over the next ten years.

Chandrayaan Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed an implementing arrangement for cooperation on the Joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Chandrayaan-5). The agreement defines the terms for joint exploration of the Moons south pole, strengthening India-Japan collaboration in advanced space technology.

AI & Digital Innovation

A new India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0 was announced to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, IoT and digital public infrastructure. The two sides also pledged to expand joint research and development and the creation of digital talent pools.

Critical Minerals

To reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, both nations signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Mineral Resources, focusing on critical minerals exploration, processing technologies, joint investments and stockpiling. The agreement is seen as vital for securing inputs essential for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Other Key MOUs

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Alongside these landmark initiatives, the two nations also signed a Joint Vision for the Next Decade, identifying eight priority areas ranging from economic security to ecological sustainability, as well as a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, creating a fresh framework for defense and strategic collaboration.

An Action Plan on Human Resource Exchange was adopted to enable the movement of 500,000 people, including 50,000 Indian skilled workers to Japan within five years. Additional MoUs focused on clean hydrogen and ammonia cooperation, climate change and biodiversity protection, cultural preservation and decentralized wastewater management. Agreements were also signed between diplomatic academies and research institutions to strengthen exchanges of diplomats, academics and scientists, along with enhanced cooperation in science and technology.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 17:26 IST

News india Chandrayaan, AI & Critical Minerals: Key MoUs Signed Between India, Japan During PM Modi's Visit

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'Grant Reservation Or Shoot Me': Manoj Jarange Continues Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:35 IST

Manoj Jarange is sitting on indefinite hunger strike demanding all Marathas should be recognised as Kunbis.

Manoj Jarange starts indefinite hunger strike (PTI Image)

Activist Manoj Jarange, currently on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai demanding Maratha reservation, reiterated his stance, stating that the government now has only two optionseither grant reservation or shoot me."

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He asserted that the agitation would continue until all demands are fully met, adding, If Marathas get reservation, they will stand firmly behind the government."

The decision is in hands of government either to shoot me or give reservation. We will continue our agitation till the time our demands are fully accepted. If Marathas get reservation they will all support government," he said.

Jarange also criticised the authorities for what he called diversion tactics. The government is playing games by shutting down shops and restaurants in the CSMT area," he added.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai Police permitted Jarange to continue his hunger strike. Notably, the activist is on an indefinite fast demanding all Marathas should be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education.

He further warned that delaying the decision would only escalate the situation. If you delay the decision the more Marathas will come in Mumbai to join the protest," he said.

Jarange also urged the government to be transparent with the public. Rather than spreading misinformation, the government should speak the truth about the Maratha reservation issue to the people of Maharashtra."

The government should come forward and hold talks with uswe are not going to initiate any discussions," Jarange said. He clarified that the demand is not to take away the reservation of the OBC community.

We have never said that Maratha reservation should come at the cost of OBCs. This is our final fight. Either we will get the reservation, or I will sacrifice my life sitting here on hunger strike," he asserted.

Jarange further added that the intensity of the protest cannot be reduced at this stage. We cant lower the momentum. The Maratha community understands that I am fighting for the rights of the next generation, and thats why they are all standing with me," he said.

Taking a sharp dig at the government, Jarange added, Weve heard enough speeches and lecturesthis is the final showdown. The government must act now."

He also questioned Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnaviss track record. Fadnavis should tell the people what his real achievements are. Did his government manage to provide reservation to the Maratha or Dhangar community?"

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About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:27 IST

News india 'Grant Reservation Or Shoot Me': Manoj Jarange Continues Hunger Strike Over Maratha Quota

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Govt Has Your Back, Piyush Goyal Tells Exporters & Traders, Says India Exploring New Markets

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:11 IST

The commerce minister also gave a pep talk to the worried stakeholders by saying that India had time and again proved that it had the resilience to overcome challenges

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Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal

Commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Friday sought to allay the concerns of traders, exporters, and small manufacturers, assuring them that the government had their backs covered.

Speaking at an event, Goyal said: The government is committed to making sure that you dont face any stress emanating due to some unilateral action. The commerce ministry is in touch with missions across the world to ensure we find new markets. We are also looking at boosting domestic consumption. You will see the GST council meeting where you can see the impact of these measures very quickly. This can give a boost to the domestic manufacturing sector."

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The comments carry multiple messages to all stakeholders as well as the world. One is that the government is actively looking at new markets as an alternative to counter the loss of market in US due to the high tariffs that make Indian items expensive. While Indian exports to US are not alarmingly high, its the medium and small sectors as well as the labour-intensive ones who are worried.

Textiles, jewellery, carpets, footwear and some agro products are the sectors that are worried and this is where the commerce ministry wants to step in to ensure new markets are won. Some new markets India is looking at are in UK, UAE, Russia, Japan, and South Korea. This is where textiles, for example, can be a major export. The India-Africa trade is now over $100 billion and is expected to increase further. Apples from Dehradun to Dubai and litchee from Dehradun to Qatar are examples of new markets for Indian products.

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The commerce minister also gave a pep talk to the worried stakeholders by saying that India had time and again proved that it had the resilience to overcome challenges. He cited the example of the post-Covid-19 era where the country learnt to innovate by producing PEP sheets.

Sources say over the next few weeks, the ministry will meet representatives of the affected" sectors like jewellery and textile and explain to them the measures the government is taking. This apart, it is hopeful that the new GST structure will give a fillip to manufacturers and increase domestic demand.

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 29, 2025, 14:11 IST

News india Govt Has Your Back, Piyush Goyal Tells Exporters & Traders, Says India Exploring New Markets

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How Hyderabad To Chennai, Bangalore High-Speed Rail Corridors Will Transform Travel In Telugu States

Reported By :

Local18

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 11:45 IST

Bullet train projects promise to transform connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, linking major cities through Amaravati with high-speed travel, boosting economy and transport

They Hyderabad-Chennai high speed corridor will start from Shamshabad and pass through Narkatpally, Suryapet, and Khammam before reaching Guntur. From there, the train will reach Chennai.

The dream of riding bullet trains across the Telugu states is inching closer to reality. Two high-speed rail projects  the Hyderabad-Chennai and Hyderabad-Bangalore corridors  are moving ahead with preliminary approvals already in place. Once completed, these routes promise to revolutionise travel across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and beyond.

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Hyderabad-Chennai High-Speed Corridor

Covering a distance of 744.5 km, this route will connect Hyderabad to Chennai via Amaravati, turning the region into a major transit hub.

The corridor will start from Shamshabad and pass through Narkatpally, Suryapet, and Khammam or Kodad before reaching Guntur. From there, the train will head to Chennai via Chirala, Ongole, and Nellore.

Proposed stations include Amaravati, Guntur, Chirala, Ongole, Kavali, Nellore, Naidupeta, and Tadala in Andhra Pradesh; six stations in Telangana; and one in Tamil Nadu. This route will drastically cut travel time and make business and tourism travel more seamless.

Hyderabad-Bangalore High-Speed Corridor

Running almost parallel to the Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway, this 576.6 km corridor will pass through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Proposed stations in Andhra Pradesh include Kurnool, Don, Guthi, Anantapur, Duddebanda, and Hindupur. Special plans are in place for a station near Duddebanda to support the Kia Motors plant and other industrial hubs in the area.

Of the total distance, 218.5 km lies in Telangana, 263.3 km in Andhra Pradesh, and 94.8 km in Karnataka.

Shared Track And Smart Design

Both the Hyderabad-Chennai and Hyderabad-Bangalore routes will share a 38.5 km stretch from Hyderabad to Shamshabad before diverging towards their destinations.

The project includes a double line with loop lines and sidings, covering a total of 1,363 km of high-speed track. Once operational, these trains will redefine long-distance travel between Hyderabad, Amaravati, Bangalore, and Chennai.

Indias Bullet Train Ambitions Gain Momentum

Indias first bullet train project, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor, is nearing completion. The Railways has announced that station construction is almost done, and trial runs will begin soon.

Powered by the Japanese Shinkansen technology, the trains will reach speeds of 320 kmph, cutting the Mumbai-Ahmedabad travel time to just 2 hours and 7 minutes.

The same technology and expertise are expected to benefit future projects like the Hyderabad corridors, ensuring speed, safety, and comfort.

Game-Changer For Telugu States

For the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, these high-speed corridors are more than just infrastructure projects  they are a ticket to faster connectivity, economic growth, and modern travel experiences.

With Amaravati emerging as a key stop, the bullet train network is set to bring the Telugu states into Indias next chapter of transport innovation.

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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 29, 2025, 11:42 IST

News india How Hyderabad To Chennai, Bangalore High-Speed Rail Corridors Will Transform Travel In Telugu States

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'Important For India, China To Work Together': PM Modi Amid Tariff Tussle With US

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 17:04 IST

PM Narendra Modi stressed on the need for "stable, predictable, and amicable" bilateral ties between India and China for regional and global peace and prosperity

PM Narendra Modi said India and China have made "steady and positive progress" in bilateral ties since his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russias Kazan last year. (Image: X/@narendramodi)

Ahead of his visit to China for the SCO summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world order.

Modi, who is in Japan to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, gave an indication of the purpose of his visit to China amid an intensifying tariff tussle with the United States. He said this in context of the current volatility in the world economy".

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Given the current volatility in world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order," Modi told Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun in an interview.

Elaborating on the importance of improving relations with China for regional and global prosperity, he said ties with Beijing have been on the mend. He added that both countries have made steady and positive progress" in bilateral ties since his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russias Kazan last year.

Stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on Earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity," he said, adding that such a relationship is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world".

The Prime Minister said India is ready to advance bilateral ties with China from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity".

Following his Japan leg, he will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. During his China visit, Modi will hold two crucial bilateral meetings  one with Xi and another with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both the countries have supported India in wake of worsening ties with the US after the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods over New Delhis purchase of Russian crude oil.

ON GOOD TIES WITH BOTH RUSSIA, UKRAINE

Talking about his recent conversations with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Modi said India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict, which is equally appreciated by both Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated Indias principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict," he said. I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine."

ON GLOBAL SOUTH, BRICS, QUAD

Stressing on the importance of the Global South, Modi said the global community has made a commitment to create a more equitable world through achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

If we have to live up to this commitment, then the Global South must be given priority. In a highly interconnected world, we have seen the debilitating impact of the pandemic, conflicts and supply chain disruptions on the Global South," he said.

He said in BRICS, India is actively engaged in working toward the benefit of the Global South. India attaches importance to this engagement, which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, and cooperation and has helped promote mutual understanding on a specific set of issues of common interest to emerging economies, he said. Under the rubric of the Quad, he said they have worked for the development and progress of the countries in the Indo-Pacific.

India has also consistently called for urgent and comprehensive reforms of the global multilateral institutions to make them more effective and reflective of the current geopolitical and economic realities," he said.

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The PM pointed out that in the last 20 years, since its inception in 2004, the Quad has emerged as a force of global good, delivering positive outcomes for the people of the Indo-Pacific region.

(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

Location : Tokyo, Japan

First Published: August 29, 2025, 16:17 IST

News india 'Important For India, China To Work Together': PM Modi Amid Tariff Tussle With US

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Karnataka Proposes Regulated Licensing For Games of Skill Amid Centres Online Gaming Ban

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 23:04 IST

Kharge hinted that the state is examining the possibility of drafting a Karnataka-specific law that would allow the operation of online games.

Karnataka IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge (Credits: ANI)

The Karnataka government is considering introducing its own legislation to regulate the online gaming sector in the backdrop of the Centres recent ban on real-money online gaming, which threatens to dent the revenue of the government.

Karnataka, which accounts for nearly 30 per cent of Indias online gaming market, stands to lose significant legal revenue following the enactment of the federal law. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which received President Droupadi Murmus assent last week, prohibits all forms of online money games nationwide.

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Speaking on the matter, State IT/BT Minister Priyank Kharge told the Deccan Herald, We will lose a legal revenue stream. Karnataka is a major hub for the online gaming industry, and we must explore alternatives to support innovation while ensuring regulatory safeguards."

Well lose a lot more than that. India totally earns Rs 20,000 crore annually through RMGs," Priyank was quoted as saying.

He also hinted that the state is examining the possibility of drafting a Karnataka-specific law that would allow the operation of online games involving real money under a regulated framework. The move, he said, is intended to strike a balance between consumer protection, innovation, and the states economic interest.

The Supreme Court is still adjudicating on whether online gaming is a state or central subject. Yet, the Centre rushed with this Bill. A ban isnt the solution. Well have this evaluated and discussed with the home department as well as the chief minister," Kharge told DH.

Karnataka has drafted a law that would allow games of skill to operate under a licensing framework, requiring firms to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and anti-money laundering measures. At the same time, the state intends to ban games of chance.

India has over 2,000 gaming companies creating two lakh direct and indirect jobs. The talent pool will get hit," he said, adding," a lot of global investors will pull back if theres no local captive market despite having a huge digitally inclined demography."

He, however, also clarified that he doesnt approve of any kind of gambling".

But leaving the sector unregulated means more money laundering, terror financing and immense data theft," he said.

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Games are being hosted on servers in Eastern Europe, South America and China, which makes it difficult for us to take action if theres fraud," the minister added.

Earlier on August 22, President Droupadi Murmu gave her nod to The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 23:04 IST

News india Karnataka Proposes Regulated Licensing For Games of Skill Amid Centres Online Gaming Ban

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Motivational Speaker, Professional Burglar: Bhubaneswar YouTuber Arrested For Theft

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:04 IST

Bhubaneswar YouTuber Manoj Singh, who ran Change Your Life, was arrested for multiple thefts.

Bhubaneswar YouTuber Manoj Singh (Image Credit: X)

A Bhubaneswar YouTuber who preached honesty and a crime-free life on his motivational channel has been arrested for moonlighting as a burglar. Police said Manoj Singh, who ran the channel Change Your Life, has over 10 theft cases registered against him. He was caught with stolen gold and cash, police said.

According to investigators, Manoj Singh would target locked standalone homes during the day, even as he uploaded videos urging viewers to live with discipline and integrity. On August 14, he allegedly broke into a house in Bharatpur, stealing 200 grams of gold and 5 lakh in cash. Residents discovered the theft after returning home to find their locks broken and valuables missing.

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Read more: Viral Video Shows Man Allegedly Masturbating Next To Woman On Mumbai Local Train

After keeping him under surveillance for a week, police arrested Manoj Singh in Khandagiri Bari, recovering stolen ornaments and 1 lakh in cash.

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Though he is an expert burglar and has at least 10 theft cases pending against him, he gave motivational talks during his free time and earned good views," Police Commissioner S. Dev Dutta Singh told The Indian Express.

Manoj Singh is now in custody as investigations into his other alleged thefts continue, police said, urging residents to be cautious and not blindly trust online personalities.

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:04 IST

News india Motivational Speaker, Professional Burglar: Bhubaneswar YouTuber Arrested For Theft

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News18 Evening Digest: Key MoUs Signed Between India, Japan During PM Modi's Visit & Other Top Stories

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:35 IST

We are also covering: Mukesh Ambani Announces AI Unit 'Reliance Intelligence, and other top stories.

India and Japan signed a wide-ranging set of agreements.

In todays evening digest, News18 brings latest updates on PM Modis Japan Visit, Russian President Putin To Visit India In December, and other top stories.

Chandrayaan, AI & Critical Minerals: Key MoUs Signed Between India, Japan During PM Modis Visit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Friday, marking what both leaders described as a turning point in bilateral relations. Read More

Mukesh Ambani Announces AI Unit Reliance Intelligence, Tie-Ups With Google & Meta

Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman & Managing Director Mukesh Ambani on Friday announced a new wholly owned subsidiary called Reliance Intelligence to boost the groups AI initiatives. He also announced partnerships for artificial intelligence (AI) with global tech giants Google and Meta. Read More

Russian President Putin To Visit India In December, Kremlin Confirms

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India in December, according to a Kremlin aide, as ties between the two countries grow closer in the face of US President Donald Trumps tariffs on Indian imports over its purchases of Russian oil. Read More

Unseen Video Of Harbhajan Slapping Sreesanth In IPL 2008 Released After 18 Years

The inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was rocked by an unfortunate incident  the infamous slapgate, involving Harbhajan Singh and Sreesanth. Nobody knew what exactly happened after the Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) match back in 2008, as the video of the incident never came out. However, 18 years later, the unseen footage has finally surfaced on social media. Watch

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Janhvi Kapoor Scared, Uncomfortable At Ganpati Pandal, Fans Say Fear Is Ever-Present For Women

Ahead of the release of their much-awaited film Param Sundari, actors Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor were spotted walking barefoot to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha at Lalbaugcha Raja. As videos from their visit to the temple are doing the rounds on social media, a particular clip has caught everyones attention. In the video, Janhvi looks visibly uncomfortable in the crowd. 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 29, 2025, 20:35 IST

News india News18 Evening Digest: Key MoUs Signed Between India, Japan During PM Modi's Visit & Other Top Stories

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Noida Case Not To Fall Under Dowry Death Law? The 7-Year Clause Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:22 IST

Analysts say legal action may still be taken against Nikkis husband and in-laws. If harassment or dowry-related cruelty is proven, Section 85 of BNS could apply

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In Nikkis case, applying Section 80 directly could be challenging, given that her marriage had lasted more than seven years. (News18 Hindi)

The death of Nikki has sparked widespread debate over whether her husband and in-laws could face charges of dowry death. Legal experts note that under Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dowry death applies when a woman dies due to harassment or cruelty over dowry within seven years of marriage. Nikkis case, however, is complex, as she had been married for more than nine years, raising questions about the applicability of the law.

Section 80 Of BNS: Dowry Death

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According to legal experts, Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) specifically addresses deaths under abnormal circumstances, such as burns or injuries, within seven years of marriage, provided there is evidence of harassment or cruelty related to dowry demands.

Legal commentators added that the punishment for this crime ranges from a minimum of seven years to life imprisonment, along with a fine. They noted that in Nikkis case, applying Section 80 directly could be challenging, given that her marriage had lasted more than seven years.

Possible Legal Action

According to analysts, legal action might still be pursued against Nikkis husband and in-laws. They noted that if the investigation finds evidence of continuous harassment related to dowry demands or domestic violence, Section 85 (cruelty/torture) of the BNS could potentially be applied. Legal experts added that if evidence indicates Nikki committed suicide due to such harassment, IPC 306 (abetment to suicide) could also be invoked.

Cause Of Nikkis Death

The investigation into the suspected dowry-related death of Nikki Bhati has taken a new turn after police recovered a flammable substance from her room and obtained fresh video footage, prompting a review of the events of August 21.

A police officer, quoted by PTI, confirmed that the recovered substance has been sent for forensic examination. Authorities are also examining multiple short video clips circulating in the public domain related to the incident.

These developments appear to challenge earlier claims that Nikki, 26, was set on fire by her husband, Vipin Bhati, and his family using a flammable liquid.

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Police plan to re-record the statement of Nikkis sister, Kanchan, who had filmed the alleged incident, filed the FIR, and claimed to have tried to intervene. Kanchan is married to Nikkis brother-in-law, Rohit Bhati.

Vipin Bhati, along with Rohit, and Nikkis in-laws, Satyavir and Daya Bhati, have been arrested in connection with the alleged dowry murder in Greater Noida. Authorities said Vipin was shot in the leg on August 24 while allegedly attempting to escape police custody.

Location : Greater Noida, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 15:22 IST

News india Noida Case Not To Fall Under Dowry Death Law? The 7-Year Clause Explained

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'Not Even A Single Infiltrator Should Remain In India': Amit Shah In Assam

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:51 IST

Shah hailed former Assam CM Golap Borbora for initiating efforts to address infiltration and said he successfully removed 36,780 infiltrators from voter list during his tenure.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing gathering in Guwahati (ANI image)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reiterated his firm stance against infiltration, asserting that no infiltrator should be allowed to remain in the country. I am among those who firmly believe that not even a single infiltrator should remain in this country," Shah said. His remark came while he was addressing a gathering in Assams Guwahati.

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Further appreciating former Assam Chief Minister Golap Borbora for initiating efforts to address the issue, he said, Golap Borbora first raised awareness against infiltration in Assam by purging the voter list."

#WATCH | Guwahati, Assam: Amit Shah says, I am among those who firmly believe that not even a single infiltrator should remain in this country. Golap Borbora first raised awareness against infiltration in Assam by purging the voter list. During his tenure as Chief Minister, pic.twitter.com/JtyN8fq8mK ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

He added, During his tenure as Chief Minister, voter lists were checked for 70 out of 126 assembly constituencies. Despite the lack of resources at that time, Golap Borbora successfully removed 36,780 infiltrators from the voter list."

Amit Shah Attacks Opposition

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also launched a scathing attack at opposition parties for allegedly opposing ongoing efforts to clean up voter records.

Even today, the Election Commission is purifying the voter list; some parties have come out with the Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra against it The voter list of any country is the heart of the countrys democracy," he said.

Amit Shah was on a visit to Guwahati, where he inaugurated the newly built Brahmaputra Wing of the Assam Raj Bhavan today. The Union Home Minister also inaugurated he campus of the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory, Dergaon, today.

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About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : Assam, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:42 IST

News india 'Not Even A Single Infiltrator Should Remain In India': Amit Shah In Assam

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PM Modi In Japan: How His Visit Is A Message Of Strategic Balancing To The US

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 23:05 IST

PM Narendra Modi's eighth trip to Japan since 2018 is a bid to diversify partnerships, assert autonomy, and reinforce India's global positioning amid a tariff tussle with the US

PM Narendra Modi being accorded a Guard of Honour in Tokyo, Japan, on August 29. (Image: PMO/PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modis official visit to Japan, at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, serves as a message of strategic balancing to the United States amid growing tariff tensions.

Modis eighth trip to Japan since 2018 is a bid to diversify partnerships, assert autonomy, and reinforce Indias global positioning. Hence, it becomes even more significant that he will follow it up with his trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

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THE INDIA-JAPAN STORY

This coming together coincides with US President Donald Trumps unpredictability and trade war with India, which has unravelled more than two decades of a partnership built through successive administrations from George W Bush to Joe Biden.

The Quad  comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the US  is the cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific strategy, essential to India, Japan, and Australias vision. Yet, its trajectory appears uncertain due to Trumps engagement.

The US Presidents second term signals disengagement and a narrower view of alliances, evident as Washington imposed the highest tariff of 50 percent on New Delhi, a key strategic ally. This raises the question  will the India-US trade war risk diluting the Quads strategic coherence?

By engaging with India, Japan is sending a larger political message  one that transcends economics and defence. Tokyo offers consistency, resources, and a shared strategic outlook to New Delhi, rooted in an old partnership, democratic values, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

STRENGTH IN CIVILISATIONAL TIES

Reciting the Gayatri Mantra, the Japanese welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the deep civilisational relationship between India and Japan.

Stretching from the Himalayas to Mount Fuji, India-Japan ties are rooted in a shared cultural heritage, including Buddhism, which arrived in Japan from India in the 6th century AD.

During the visit, Modi received a Daruma doll from the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple in Takasaki-Gunma. This gesture reaffirms the close spiritual and civilisational ties between the two countries. The Daruma doll, which is considered a good luck charm in Japanese culture, also symbolises the legacy of Bodhidharma  an Indian monk known as Daruma Daishi in Japan.

This ancient connection underpins the shared ideals of democracy, tolerance, pluralism, and open societies, now strengthened by economic and defence cooperation.

SUMMIT DIPLOMACY

Japan and Russia are Indias two oldest annual summit-level mechanisms, a crucial element in diplomacy ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.

In 2000, New Delhi and Tokyo forged a global partnership, which was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2014 under Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. The bond between these leaders gave a strategic edge to the time-tested ties.

India and Japan  two of Asias leading democracies and among the worlds top five economies  now focus on new priorities and challenges. Topmost during this visit is Japans investment plan, which amounts to USD 68 billion over the next decade.

This investment will boost infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy, and technology partnership, showcasing Japans long-term commitment to Indias growth, especially as investors grow cautious of China.

Tokyos willingness to transfer cutting-edge technology to India is clear with the inauguration of Maruti-Suzukis first battery electric vehicle, the e-VITARA", at a lithium-ion battery production facility in Ahmedabad. The Prime Minister has termed the India-Japan partnership as made for each other".

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On the strategic front, the two countries will revise the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, which extends to plurilateral platforms, including the Quad, International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI).

In terms of economic security, they are collaborating on semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy. Japan now leads Indias quest for diversified supply chains, putting the relations between the two nations at the forefront of technological and security cooperation in Asia, committed to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 23:05 IST

News india PM Modi In Japan: How His Visit Is A Message Of Strategic Balancing To The US

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'Come, Make In India': PM Modi To Japanese Investors At India-Japan Summit

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 13:58 IST

PM Narendra Modi, speaking at the India-Japan Economic Forum, highlighted Indias strong economic fundamentals and called Japan a vital partner in its growth journey.

PM Narendra Modi speaks at an event in Japan (Photo: @narendramodi/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, urging Japanese investors to expand their presence in India.

During his speech, PM Modi thanked Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and called Japan an important partner in Indias development story".

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I arrived in Tokyo this morning, and I am happy that my visit begins with people from the business community. Many of you are those with whom I share a personal relationship, both from my time as Gujarat Chief Minister and now in Delhi," PM Modi said.

I thank Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for his words. Japan is an important partner in Indias development story," PM Modi said.

WHAT PM MODI SAID ON THE INDIA-JAPAN TIES

From metro to semiconductor, our partnership is a symbol of trust. Japanese companies have invested more than 40 billion dollars in India," the Prime Minister said.

India and Japans partnership is strategic and smart. Powered by economic logic, we have turned shared interests into shared prosperity. India is the springboard for Japanese business to the Global South. Together, we will shape the Asian century for stability, growth and prosperity," PM Modi said.

Japans technology and Indias talent can together lead the tech revolution of this century. India is rapidly moving towards clean energy, and by 2047, we have set a target of 100 GW of nuclear power."

India and Japan have agreed on a joint credit mechanism, and by leveraging it, we can cooperate for a clean and green future," he said.

INDIA, THE FASTEST-GROWING ECONOMY: PM MODI

Speaking on Indias economic outlook, the Prime Minister remarked, In India, capital doesnt just grow, it multiplies. Today, India enjoys political and economic stability."

There is transparency in our policies. India is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and very soon, it is set to become the worlds third-largest economy," the Prime Minister added.

PM MODI URGES JAPANESE INVESTORS TO INVEST IN INDIA

Speaking on the countrys development, PM Modi, at the India-Japan Summit, said, A few weeks ago, our Parliament approved a new and simplified tax regime."

After the defence and space sectors, we are also opening the nuclear energy sector for the private sector," PM Modi said.

Behind this change in India is our approach of reform, perform and transform," he said, adding, The world is not just watching India, it is counting on India."

In the last decade, India has made unprecedented progress in next-gen mobility and logistics infrastructure. Our port capacities have doubled. With Japans cooperation, work is underway on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project," he said.

However, our journey doesnt stop here, Japans excellence and Indias scale can create a perfect partnership," PM Modi said at the summit.

Come, make in India and make for the world," PM Modi told Japanese investors at the summit in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Tokyo today morning on a two-day visit.

In his departure statement, PM Modi had said that his visit to Japan would be an opportunity to strengthen civilisational bonds and cultural ties between the two countries.

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From Japan, PM Modi will travel to China on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1.

ALSO READ | Tracing Key Milestones In India-Japan Relations, And What PM Modis Tokyo Visit Means For The Future

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 11:13 IST

News india 'Come, Make In India': PM Modi To Japanese Investors At India-Japan Summit

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PM Modi Lands In Tokyo: India-Japan Summit, Talks On AI, Semiconductors In Focus

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 07:33 IST

PM Modi arrived in Tokyo for a two-day visit to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with Japanese PM Ishiba. His visit will focus on economic ties and emerging technologies.

PM Modi arrives in Tokyo (Image: @narendramodi/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday as he began his two-day visit to Japan, during which he will hold talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, during the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

This is PM Modis eighth visit to Japan since taking office in 2014 and his first annual summit with PM Ishiba, underscoring the high priority India places on its relationship with Japan.

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The two nations share a long history of diplomatic engagement, including multiple high-level visits and partnerships in trade, investment, clean energy, infrastructure, and technology.

PM Modi last visited Japan in May 2023. Since then, he and Prime Minister Ishiba have interacted on multiple occasions, most recently on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, in June 2025, and during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

PM MODI RECEIVES WARM WELCOME IN TOKYO

Upon his arrival in the country, he was received by Japans Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, Indias Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, and other dignitaries.

Japan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Tokyo, where he was warmly welcomed by Japans Ambassador to India, ONO Keiichi, Indias Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, and other dignitaries. He is on a two-day visit to Japan at the invitation of Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba pic.twitter.com/7dhDXvWzKc IANS (@ians_india) August 29, 2025

He was also warmly welcomed by the people of the Indian diaspora, who were seen waiting for him, holding the Indian tricolour.

Tokyo, Japan: PM Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival pic.twitter.com/57VDC2Sgl2 IANS (@ians_india) August 29, 2025

Soon after he landed, the Prime Minister, in an X post, mentioned that he looks forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others, as he shared glimpses of his arrival in Tokyo.

Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration," his X post read.

Landed in Tokyo. As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration. pic.twitter.com/UPwrHtdz3B Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025

PM MODIs VISIT TO JAPAN AND TALKS WITH PM ISHIBA

His visit, at the invitation of Japanese PM Ishiba, is aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two countries.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi had mentioned that his visit to Japan would be an opportunity to strengthen civilisational bonds and cultural ties between the two countries.

We would focus on shaping the next phase in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has made steady and significant progress over the past 11 years," PM Modi said.

We would endeavour to give new wings to our collaboration, expand the scope and ambition of our economic and investment ties, and advance cooperation in new and emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors," he added.

The summit will provide an opportunity to launch new initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Japan cooperation and addressing emerging global challenges.

PM Modi will also engage with other Japanese political leaders, business leaders, and the Friends of India in Japan, fostering deeper trade, investment, and technology relations between the two countries.

Both countries are also exploring cooperation in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, startups, clean energy, supply chain resilience, industrial competitiveness, and skill development.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modis visit will consolidate the longstanding friendship between India and Japan, open new avenues for cooperation, and reaffirm the shared commitment of both countries to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

From Japan, Modi will travel to China on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1.

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ALSO READ | PM Modi, Putin Among 20 World Leaders To Be In China For SCO Summit: Who Will Attend?

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 07:01 IST

News india PM Modi Lands In Tokyo: India-Japan Summit, Talks On AI, Semiconductors In Focus

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Senior Police Official Assaults Constable With Belt After After Pet Dog Goes Missing In MP

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 18:42 IST

Madhya Pradesh Police constable Rahul Chauhan was assaulted by RI Saurabh Singh Kushwaha over a missing dog in Khargone, sparking protests and inquiry.

On the night of August 23, constable Rahul Chauhan was allegedly beaten by Reserve Inspector (RI) Saurabh Singh Kushwaha (X)

In a shocking incident, a constable of Madhya Pradesh Police was brutally assaulted by his senior after the latters pet dog went missing from his official residence in Khargone district.

The video of the brutal incident has gone viral on social media platforms.

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As per media reports, the incident took place on August 23 at the government residence of Reserve Inspector (RI) Saurabh Singh Kushwaha when he summoned the victim, identified as constable Rahul Chauhan.

Chauhan, who was on duty at the RIs residence, claimed that he was called at 1:30 am by Kushwaha. Accusing him of negligence over the missing dog, the senior allegedly thrashed him with a belt and slippers.

According to him, both RI Kushwaha and his wife abused him using casteist slurs and physically assaulted him. He sustained injuries on his hands, back and legs, as seen in a viral video that surfaced on social media.

The victim constable filed a written complaint against his senior at the police station. His wife, Jayshree, also accused Kushwaha of abuse and threatened to die by suicide if justice was denied.

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Kushwaha, however, denied the allegations and claimed that he had returned home to find the house in a mess, littered with cigarette butts and liquor bottles. He also accused the constable of being drunk, assaulting the dog, and abandoning it outside.

Taking cognisance of the matter, Kushwaha was suspended, and a departmental inquiry was ordered against him. However, tribal outfits, including Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS), and the Congress continued to protest, demanding a case under the SC/ST Act. Three Congress MLAs also joined the agitation.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Khargone, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 18:42 IST

News india Senior Police Official Assaults Constable With Belt After After Pet Dog Goes Missing In MP

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Supreme Court Acquits Mother-In-Law In 2001 Dowry Case, Cites Lack Of Evidence

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 22:14 IST

The Supreme Court acquitted a woman in a dowry harassment case, overturning Uttarakhand High Court's verdict, citing lack of reliable evidence.

Supreme Court of India.

The Supreme Court on Friday acquitted a woman accused of harassing her daughter-in-law for dowry, observing that word spreads faster than the wind about a daughter-in-law being harassed by her in-laws." A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria delivered the ruling while setting aside a Uttarakhand High Court judgment that had upheld her conviction and three-year sentence under Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code.

The section, now part of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, penalises cruelty by a husband or his relatives against a married woman. The case dates back to June 2001, when the complainant alleged that his pregnant daughter was found dead in her matrimonial home. He claimed she had faced constant harassment from her mother-in-law, including sarcastic remarks linked to dowry. Her husband was reportedly out of town at the time.

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The trial court acquitted the men in the family but convicted the mother-in-law, a decision later affirmed by the high court. However, the Supreme Court noted that a neighbour had testified there had been no dowry demand and faulted the lower courts for disregarding her evidence.

Her evidence having been brushed aside is an erroneous finding," the bench said, adding that mere allegations could not sustain a conviction without reliable proof.

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While reaffirming that demand for dowry in any form" would attract Section 498-A, the Supreme Court said the deceaseds mothers deposition did not inspire confidence to conclude that harassment or dowry demands had driven the woman to suicide.

The bench allowed the appeal, setting aside the conviction and acquitting the accused.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 22:14 IST

News india Supreme Court Acquits Mother-In-Law In 2001 Dowry Case, Cites Lack Of Evidence

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'Systematic Infiltration Happening In Bengal...': Centre's Big Claim In Supreme Court

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Saurabh Verma



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 13:59 IST

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi questioned the central government whether people are being picked up based on language

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Supreme Court of India. (Representative Image)

The central government informed the Supreme Court that systematic infiltration is happening" in West Bengal and other regions and that agents are operating." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the issue is not restricted to Bengal, but it is happening in the case of the Rohingyas.

The apex court was hearing pleas challenging the detention of Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants on suspicion of being foreign nationals in several states.

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I have a request, can this be heard with the Rohingya case? We have also filed a reply there. There is a systematic racket, along with the Rohingyas. Several terrorist organisations have also infiltrated," SG Mehta.

During the hearing, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi questioned the central government whether people are being picked up based on language. SG Mehta then responded that it cannot be on the basis of language.

There are two crucial issues: one is the security and integrity of the nation, and that is a paramount one. The other question is of legacy and common culture. In both Punjab and Bengal, the language is the same, and there is a division along the border. We want you to clarify your stance," the bench said.

SG Mehta then asked why associations approach the Supreme Court, instead of people who are affected. Why dont individuals come? This is a problem. India is not the worlds capital for the worlds illegal immigrants. There is a system. They will have to satisfy justifiable legal presence in India."

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Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, said a woman had been pushed out of the country without anyone determining whether she is a foreigner. She is pregnant. Just because she speaks Bengali, they are claiming that Bengali is a Bangladeshi language. How can any authority in this country push a person across the border without first determining if they are a foreigner? There has to be some agreement with the Bangladesh government, and doing so goes against international law," he said.

A political slugfest has begun as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been raising the issue of harassment and attacks on Bengali migrant workers across the country, and especially in BJP-ruled states.

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU vi... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 13:29 IST

News india 'Systematic Infiltration Happening In Bengal...': Centre's Big Claim In Supreme Court

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4 Dead, Many Families Trapped In Cloudbursts, Landslides In Multiple Districts Of Uttarakhand

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:04 IST

Cloudbursts in many districts of Uttarakhand left several families trapped under debris on Friday. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said rescue operations were underway.

Cloudburst in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag (Photo: ANI)

At least four people died, two people were missing, and multiple families were trapped after cloudbursts triggered debris flow in multiple districts of Uttarakhand early Friday.

The subsequent landslides left nearly 40 families buried under mounds of rubble and damaged houses.

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Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri and Bageshwar were among the districts hard hit by the natural calamity.

In an X post, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the tragedy struck the Bareth Dungar Tok area of Buskedar tehsil in Rudraprayag and the Deval area of Chamoli.

The Chief Minister also said the relief and rescue operations were being carried out by the local administration, and that he was in contact with officials.

He mentioned that he had instructed the Disaster Secretary and District Magistrates to ensure effective rescue measures.

A video from the cloudburst in Rudraprayag showed mud and debris all over the area in the Bareth Taljaman of the Basukedar Tehsil.

VIDEO | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand: Cloudburst in Bareth Taljaman in Basukedar Tehsil. No casualties reported so far.(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/dDt6oKyTNB  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

Later, a rescue operation in the affected areas was launched. While many families took refuge at a government school, many were stranded across the stream.

Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Basukedaar Rescue Update: SDRF rescue team has reached the affected area. Approximately 200 people have taken refuge in the government school. Two to three families are stranded across the stream; the SDRF team is making efforts to evacuate them. pic.twitter.com/oyVhOpWCja ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

A distressing report has been received that due to cloudbursts in the Bareth Dungar Tok area under the Buskedar tehsil of Rudraprayag district and in the Deval area of Chamoli district, some families have been trapped due to debris flow," a rough translation of Dhamis post in Hindi suggested.

Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing by the local administration. In this regard, I am in constant contact with officials and have issued necessary instructions to the Disaster Secretary and District Magistrates to ensure the effective conduct of rescue operations," he added.

I pray to Baba Kedar for the safe well-being of all," the Chief Minister wrote.

                                              ,     Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) August 29, 2025

Following the incident, news agency ANI quoted Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari as saying that two people were reported missing following the cloudburst, while many animals were buried under the debris.

Tiwari also said that multiple roads in the district were shut due to heavy rain in the region.

Relief teams were deployed in the affected areas, he added.

Cloudbursts and flash floods triggered by heavy rain have been reported in multiple districts of Uttarakhand since the onset of the monsoon this year.

On August 26, Chief Minister Dhami directed that a team of experts be sent to Tharali in Chamoli district to study the causes of the disaster that struck the village on August 22.

State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman told news agency PTI that Dhami stressed the need for a detailed survey of the incident in Tharali, similar to the one carried out in Dharali, Uttarkashi, to find out why such disasters are recurring in the Himalayan region and how massive debris flows down with the water.

Suman said experts from the Geological Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, National Institute of Hydrology, Uttarakhand Landslide Reduction and Management Centre, Central Water Commission, and Irrigation Department of the state will soon visit Tharali.

ALSO READ | Stay Away From Rivers, Drains: Uttarkashi Police Issues Safety Advisory Amid Heavy Rain Alerts

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About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 08:48 IST

News india 4 Dead, Many Families Trapped In Cloudbursts, Landslides In Multiple Districts Of Uttarakhand

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Who Is Bodhidharma? The Buddhist Monk From Tamil Nadu Revered In China And Japan

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:59 IST

Bodhidharma is a revered figure in both China and Japan as the undisputed founder of Zen Buddhism -- known as Chan in China -- and is credited with its introduction to China

An Korean artist's impression of Indian monk Bodhidharma, known as Daruma in Japan; (right) PM Narendra Modi being presented a Daruma doll in Tokyo, Japan, on August 29. (Image: AFP/PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday received a Daruma doll during his official visit to Japan, as a special gesture reaffirming the close civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Japan.

According to the ministry of external affairs (MEA), the Daruma doll is considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture. Modi met Rev Seishi Hirose, who is the chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple in Takasaki-Gunma.

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Takasaki in Japans Gunma prefecture is the birthplace of the famous Daruma dolls, a tradition based on the legacy of Bodhidharma. Heres where it gets interesting.

Bodhidharma was an Indian monk from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, who is known as Daruma Daishi in Japan and is said to have travelled to the island nation a thousand years ago.

What is more interesting, however, is that he is a revered figure in both China and Japan as the undisputed founder of Zen Buddhism and is credited with Zens introduction to China during his travels. While history books give details of the Gautama Buddha and Buddhism, they hardly mention him and his massive contribution as an Indian Buddhist monk.

MAHAYANA ICON, FOUNDER OF ZEN, LINKED TO SHAOLIN KUNG FU

An icon in the Mahayana tradition  the largest form of Buddhism whose spiritual model is the bodhisattva  Bodhidharma was the 28th patriarch of this form in India and also the first in China, where he went to preach.

Historical records show that the Indian monk from Tamil Nadu lived in the fifth or sixth century AD. Traditionally credited as the founder of Zen Buddhism  known as Chan in China and Zen in Japan  he is also linked to the Shaolin temple and the origins of martial arts there.

Legend places the origins of the Shaolin tradition at 495 AD, when the emperor Xiaowen is said to have ordered the construction of a temple, deep in a mountain forest, in honour of a wandering Indian monk named Batuo.

Around 30 years later, Bodhidharma arrived and spent nine years meditating in a nearby cave before teaching the monks Zen Buddhism and the beginnings of what would become Shaolin kung fu.

The Institute of Asian Studies (IAS) in Chennai has installed a Bodhi Dharma Center for Indian Philosophy in Kanchipuram, from where his roots can be traced. The website of the institute describes him as an Indian Buddhist monk who came to China (East land) from India (West land) in the first quarter of the sixth century. He brought Mahayana Buddhism to China".

A SOUTH INDIAN PRINCE?

Was Bodhidharma also a prince like Gautama Buddha, whose previous identity was Siddhartha Gautama, a Shakya prince who renounced his home life?

Many modern interpretations, especially in India, often identify him as Tamil and some Indian scholars even claim that he was born Bodhivarman, a prince from the Pallava dynasty. While his roots can be traced back to Kanchipuram or the Chennai region, Chinese records are vague about his exact origin. He is, however, revered in Tamil literary and folk traditions in parts of south India.

While this is widely debated in academic circles, the IAS website states that he was born as the third prince of a kingdom of south India".

Coming to China, he stayed nine years at the Shao-lin Temple, located east of Luo-yang of He-nan Province. Bodhi-Dharma is well-known in connection to a story expressed by the phrase Wall Contemplation Nine Years. From the philosophy and practice represented by this phrase, the Chinese Zen Buddhism originated and developed in ensuing generations," the website states.

It states that Zen Buddhism brought about revolutionary changes and enlightenment in the culture and lives of not only practitioners but also ordinary people in east Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and other countries".

A report by the Indo-Buddhist Heritage (IBH) Forum also mentions that Bodhidharma was said to be the third son of Pallava king Simhavarman II of the ancient Pallava dynasty of South India.

The Pallava kingdom comprised the current states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana. At that time, South India was the birthplace of great Buddhist panditas such as Acharya Nagarjuna and a cradle of Mahayana Buddhism," as per the report.

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The report said after his fathers death, Bodhidharma made the decision to give up his princely life. As a child, he was a bright student and had learned the dharma from Prajnatara, a Buddhist master from Magadha. Recognising his students spiritual ability, Prajnatara trained him in Instantaneous Entrance to the Way as per the Mahayana tradition and attained bodhi, the report stated.

Bodhidharma travelled to China on Prajnataras advice and, after arriving in China, he met Emperor Wu-ti  a devout Buddhist of the Liang dynasty, the report said. The meeting between the two is recorded in the Blue Cliff Record, a collection of Buddhist koans compiled in 1125, it said.

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 29, 2025, 19:10 IST

News india Who Is Bodhidharma? The Buddhist Monk From Tamil Nadu Revered In China And Japan

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'Will Never Bow Down': Piyush Goyal Outlines India's Approach To Trump's Tariffs

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 21:13 IST

The US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, straining ties between the two countries. India has reaffirmed its commitment to protect its interests.

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Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. (Piyush Goyal Office)

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal asserted that India will never bow down nor appear weak in the face of punitive tariff measures by the United States, adding that Indias export volume is on track to exceed last years despite extra duties.

US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, including an additional 25% duty on the purchase of Russian oil, damaging relations between the two countries, billed as strategic partners over the recent decades. India has condemned the tariffs as unfair and unreasonable", citing the US and Europes own imports from Russia.

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Speaking at the curtainrRaiser event of Bharat Buildcon in Delhi, Goyal said, We are always ready if anyone wants to have a free trade agreement with us. However, any form of discrimination affects the self-respect of Indias 140 crore Indians, and we will neither bow down nor ever appear weak. We will continue to move together and capture new markets."

VIDEO | We will neither bow down nor ever appear weak," says Union Minister Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) amid US tariff hikes.(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6zvH7Ptp9c  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

Goyal also expressed confidence that the recent trade agreements with various countries will help the Indian economy to grow. He also assured that the government will soon introduce various measures to expand the domestic outreach and boost exports.

I can assure each one of you that in the days ahead, the government will be coming out with a variety of measures to support every sector, both to expand the domestic outreach and look for complementarities in other markets around the world to expand our global foray so that this year, our exports will exceed last years exports," he said, adding that this year will define Indias self-confidence.

He also said Indias exports will be more than last years. Indias total exports touched an all-time high of $824.9 billion in the last fiscal, according to the data of the Ministry of Commerce. This was a growth of 6.01% over $778.1 billion of exports in 2023-24, which was a new milestone for Indias exports.

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The government has set a target of $1 trillion of exports in the current financial year 2025-26. In July 2025, Indias overall exports stood at $68.25 billion, marking a growth from the same month of the previous year, which recorded $65.31 billion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed for self-reliance in response to Trumps tariffs, and will meet Russian and Chinese presidents at the SCO Summit later this week, a meeting that will be closely watched by Trump. The PM has made it clear that the interests of farmers, livestock rearers and fishermen are the governments top priority and will not be compromised.

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 29, 2025, 21:13 IST

News india 'Will Never Bow Down': Piyush Goyal Outlines India's Approach To Trump's Tariffs

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Xi's Secret Letter To President Murmu In March Sparked Fresh Push To India-China Ties: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:52 IST

Chinese President Xi Jinpings secret letter to President Droupadi Murmu in March marked the start of a quiet reset in India-China ties, a report has claimed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President, Xi Jinping (File/PTI)

An olive branch extended by Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Droupadi Murmu in March this year was the beginning of a reset to the India-China ties, a report with Bloomberg has claimed.

While US President Donald Trump was ratcheting up his trade war with China, a quiet and steady outreach by Beijing, in the form of a secret letter, was received by President Murmu.

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The Bloomberg report quoted an Indian official familiar with the matter and claimed that the letter expressed concern about any US deals that would harm Chinas interests.

It also allegedly named a provincial official who would steer Beijings efforts.

Chinas message to President Droupadi Murmu was later sent across to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the report, shortly after Xis letter to President Murmu, Beijing published a statement from the Chinese leader celebrating the relationship, describing it as a dragon-elephant tango."

Soon, his top officials, including Vice President Han Zheng, were using the same phrase to describe warmer ties between the countries, it stated.

It wasnt until June that the Central government in India began making a serious effort to improve relations with China, the report claimed.

However, by August, the rapprochement between India and China appeared to be accelerating.

Soon after Trump announced tariffs on both nations, India and China took a major step last week to move beyond the 2020 Galwan border clash, and agreed to redouble efforts to settle their border disputes.

In the latest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit China on August 31, his first trip to the nation in seven years.

Earlier this month, India and China agreed to resume direct flights and step up trade and investment flows.

Recently, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also paid a two-day visit to New Delhi for the 24th round of talks with National Security (NSA) Advisor Ajit Doval to resolve their decades-old border dispute.

The border talks between the two covered issues related to pulling back troops both countries have amassed at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and the delimitation of borders and boundary affairs.

Both countries also agreed to set up a working group to consult and coordinate on border affairs to advance demarcation negotiations, a Chinese foreign ministry statement mentioned.

Later, Beijing also said that both countries agreed to meet again in China in 2026.

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ALSO READ | PM Modi, Putin Among 20 World Leaders To Be In China For SCO Summit: Who Will Attend?

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 12:40 IST

News india Xi's Secret Letter To President Murmu In March Sparked Fresh Push To India-China Ties: Report

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Radhika Merchant Lit Up Ganpati Visarjan In A Rani Pink Leheriya Ensemble

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:37 IST

At Antilia's Ganesh Visarjan celebrations, Radhika Merchant kept it light and vibrant in a rani pink Leheriya ensemble.

Radhika Merchant's outfit featured intricate gota patti work and tassel accents.

The Ambani familys Ganesh Chaturthi festivities at Antilia this year captured the perfect intersection of grandeur, devotion, and cultural nostalgia. On August 27, Anant Ambani and his wife, Radhika Merchant, welcomed Ganpati Bappa home, kicking off the rituals that have become a hallmark of the Ambani calendar. The following evening, August 28, the family bid farewell to Lord Ganesha with an elaborate Visarjan procession.

All eyes, however, were on Radhika Merchant, who has swiftly become a cultural style figure in her own right. For Ganpati Visarjan, she stepped away from glitter-heavy couture and instead embraced tradition with a rani pink Leheriya anarkali set. The kurta featured a split round neckline, embroidered panelling, tassel accents, and intricate gota patti work along the cuffs and hem.

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Take a look at Radhika Merchants Ganpati Visarjan look here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pallav Paliwal (@pallav_paliwal)

The breezy silhouette reflected the joyous spirit of the festival while staying rooted in heritage craft. Paired with flared Leheriya palazzos, simple sandals, and a stack of gold bangles, the outfit was elevated by quiet luxury: diamond ear studs and a delicate chain. Her centre-parted braid, punctuated by gulal on her cheek later in the evening, perfectly grounded the look in the immediacy of celebration.

But beyond her festive glow, Radhika also sparked a subtle conversation in fashion circles. Earlier in the celebrations, she had been spotted repeating a red Sabyasachi kurta-sharara set from the couples pre-wedding Anna-Seva ceremony. Her choice to rewear was not just practical; it was symbolic.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ambani Family (@ambani_update)

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The Ambanis Ganpati is always a blend of faith and festivity, drawing actors and dignitaries into its orbit. Yet this year, Radhika Merchants wardrobe told a story of its own  one that straddled devotion, heritage craft, and an evolving consciousness around how fashion is worn, remembered, and re-lived.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 14:37 IST

News lifestyle Radhika Merchant Lit Up Ganpati Visarjan In A Rani Pink Leheriya Ensemble
This Actress Worked With Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal In Super Hit Films But Decided To Quit And Move Abroad. Now, She Is...

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:11 IST

Kamalinee Mukherjee opened up about feeling hurt over the way her character was portrayed in the 2014 Telugu film Govindudu Andarivadele.

Kamalinee was last seen in the 2016 Malayalam movie Pulimurugan. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Remember actress Kamalinee Mukherjee, who was once a beloved face across Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and Bengali films? Popular there in the early 2000s, the actress bid goodbye to her professional life with the 2016 Malayalam movie Pulimurugan, which starred Mohanlal in the lead role. It is believed that the actress has settled in America after quitting the film industry. Now, she sat for a podcast where she has finally opened up about why she stepped away from cinema.

Speaking on the D-Talks podcast, Kamalinee revealed that she was hurt by the way her character was portrayed in the 2014 Telugu film Govindudu Andarivadele, co-starring Ram Charan and Kajal Aggarwal.

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Kamalinee Mukherjee on what led her to reconsider her career in cinema

Though Kamalinee admitted that her experience of shooting for Govindudu Andarivadele was amazing, she felt out of place by the end of it all. She stated, Not because of the crew. Because all my co-actors and people on the set were very amazing and supportive. I just wasnt very comfortable about how my role in the film turned out. So, it wasnt anything contentious. It wasnt like a fight or something. I just stepped back from Telugu films after that for a while because I felt hurt. I felt hurt about the way it (her role) turned out."

Despite this, Kamalinee clarified that she holds no grudges against anyone. She added, Sometimes you think that this is your scene. And this is the best thing. Then, when you go back and watch, the director realises it didnt come out the way you did, or it doesnt have the impact its supposed to. And we are not made aware of those things. But the way I felt was very personal to me, and that kind of hurt me. I thought I needed to step back from Telugu films and maybe try other languages."

Kamalinee Mukherjees acting debut

The actress stepped into the lights-camera-action world with the 2004 Hindi film Phir Milenge. The film, which centred around the taboo of AIDS in society, starred her alongside Shilpa Shetty, Salman Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. Directed by Revathi, the film portrayed Kamalinee Mukherjee as Shilpa Shettys sister.

Later that year, she made her debut as a lead in Telugu cinema with National Award filmmaker Sekhar Kammulas film. Titled Anand, the film cemented her place in Tollywood. Over the years, she worked alongside industry heavyweights, including Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, and Mohanlal.

She ventured into Tamil cinema with Kadhalna Summa Illai in 2009, a remake of the 2008 film Gamyam. Her Malayalam debut was with Kutty Sranku in 2010.

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 29, 2025, 12:11 IST

News regional-cinema This Actress Worked With Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal In Super Hit Films But Decided To Quit And Move Abroad. Now, She Is...
Opinion | Beyond Bengal: The Overlooked Crisis Of Bangladeshi Influx In The North-East

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 17:57 IST

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh threatens the identity and livelihoods of the people of the North-East

Unlike Bengal, where political patronage fuels much of the migrant influx, political parties in the North-East remain wary of illegal immigrants. (Image: PTI File)

A few days ago, the North-East Students Organisation (NESO) launched a coordinated campaign across the entire North-East region of India, covering all seven states, to draw urgent attention to what they called an existential threat" posed by the influx of illegal immigrants in the region. As usual, the national media  suffering from a Delhi-centric fixation and a liberal bias  did not cover the protest adequately, but videos of people from Nagaland, Assam, and even Manipur demanding action against illegal migrants continued to circulate on social media.

Having taught at a Dimapur-based university for four years, these protests brought back vivid memories of my students, who often complained that in a highly competitive world, many of their opportunities and even resources were taken by illegal Bangladeshis. When I first came to terms with this reality, I was shocked, as I had always believed that the influx of Bangladeshis was primarily a Bengal, Assam, or Tripura problem. But I soon realised that this perception was shaped by the media narrative, whereas, on the ground, an average person from the North-East  whether from Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, or even Arunachal Pradesh  was battling the same burden of Bangladeshi infiltration.

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Whats worse is that the plight of the North-East rarely makes it to national headlines because the liberal bias in politics, media, and academia ensures that illegal infiltrators are painted as victims, while poor tribals of our own country  struggling to make ends meet  are ignored. It is especially shocking that the same journalists who highlighted the Manipur violence at every opportunity have shown little concern for protecting the rights of indigenous tribal communities, their culture, heritage, and demographic stability in the face of this onslaught. Ironically, academics who champion indigenous rights and secure professorships and funding based on such claims have seldom addressed the existential threat these communities face from illegal migrants, including Bangladeshis.

The North-East region has long lagged behind the rest of India in terms of development. Historical neglect has prevented it from realising its potential, and its geographical proximity to an overpopulated Bangladesh and conflict-ridden Myanmar makes it particularly vulnerable to infiltration. But this influx isnt just a national security challenge  where anti-India elements can exploit infiltrators  its also a severe economic challenge due to heightened competition for resources in states like Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Nagaland.

While Delhi-based media ignores the issue, local Nagaland news is full of reports about Bangladeshis dominating businesses and displacing locals from jobs. Locals recount how their labour opportunities in paddy fields, masonry, vegetable trade, and even large-scale enterprises have been seized by Bangladeshis. Corrupt officials worsen the crisis by exploiting loopholes in the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system  designed to protect tribal culture and resources  and allegedly collect hefty bribes from Bangladeshis seeking entry.

Unlike Bengal, where political patronage fuels much of the migrant influx, political parties in the North-East remain wary of illegal immigrants. While the liberal establishment highlights the persecution" of migrants in Assam, states like Nagaland actively cooperate with the Himanta Biswa Sarma government in eviction drives. Recently, Nagaland Police and the CRPF intercepted over 200 trucks carrying illegal Bangladeshi migrants at the Nagaland-Assam border. Following Assams crackdown, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland have also issued Standard Operating Procedures to verify and detect illegal migrants.

The measures taken by these state governments stand in stark contrast to the national narrative, where defending migrants often overshadows protecting locals. While North-Eastern states expend their limited resources combating infiltration, individuals like Syeda Hameed  a former Planning Commission member  tell the media that Allah has made the world for humans" and that Bangladeshis are not depriving anyone of anything." These claims collapse the moment one witnesses the hardships faced by tribals in the North-East, where many struggle to find employment and sustain their livelihoods.

At a broader level, framing illegal migrants as victims and the state as an oppressor distorts the ground reality. India is already a labour-surplus country, and the arrival of undocumented migrants worsens resource scarcity, with the poorest citizens bearing the brunt. For every Syeda Hameed defending illegal migration, there are thousands of Bodos, Nagas, Khasis, and Tripuris grappling with limited opportunities. This isnt just a border issue  urban centres like Delhi-NCR are also affected. In my gated community, wages for domestic workers plummeted after a crackdown on illegal Bangladeshis in neighbouring Gurgaon created an oversupply of maids, cooks, and cleaners willing to work for minimal pay, leaving long-time workers unemployed.

In Bengal, however, the political establishment has embraced migrants for vote-bank politics. Since Partition, the Hindu population has dropped to around 70 per cent (possibly even less based on recent but unverified estimates), while the Muslim population has risen to approximately 27 per cent. Despite mounting evidence, any crackdown remains unlikely. When the Supreme Court itself mandated an NRC, we all witnessed the backlash from vested interests that denied the existence of the problem altogether.

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The future looks bleak, especially considering how left-liberal narratives have hijacked the discourse  similar to how even developed European countries now grapple with large-scale illegal immigration. My only hope is that fellow Indians do not ignore the plight of their less fortunate counterparts in the North-East. Whenever I see activists and commentators passionately defending illegal immigrants, Im reminded of my students from various Naga sub-tribes  their innocent faces a haunting reminder of the uncertainty surrounding their future.

The author is a New Delhi-based commentator on geopolitics and foreign policy. She holds a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She tweets @TrulyMonica. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

About the Author Monica Verma Monica holds a Masters degree in International Relations from South Asian University. She enjoys conducting autopsy of news and is a fulltime feminist.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 17:57 IST

News opinion Opinion | Beyond Bengal: The Overlooked Crisis Of Bangladeshi Influx In The North-East

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Opinion | Strategic Partners, Shared Vision: How PM Modi's Japan Visit Signals Deeper Cooperation

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:53 IST

The visit to Tokyo offers an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen strategic partnerships, especially amid rising economic and geopolitical tensions with the US

PM Narendra Modi being accorded a Guard of Honour, in Tokyo, Japan, on August 29. (Image: PMO/PTI)

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Tokyo on August 30, where he will participate in the 17th Annual India-Japan Summit with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, this marks his eighth visit to this strategically vital partner of India. Apart from Japan, the countries Modi has visited the most are the United States (10 times), France (8), Russia (7), and the United Arab Emirates (7).

The visit to Tokyo offers an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen strategic partnerships, especially amid rising economic and geopolitical tensions with the US. Interestingly, Japan too faces steep tariffs from Washington, despite being a longstanding ally of the United States.

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India and Japan have been working closely on defence, economic cooperation, and regional security, and this summit is expected to further solidify their relationship. India has also been expanding strategic partnerships with other nations in the Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines.

India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership", rooted in cultural, historical, and economic linkages. Their cooperation is grounded in a shared vision for peace, prosperity, and a rules-based international order. Both nations are committed to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) plays a pivotal role, focusing on maritime security, cyber-security, and connectivity.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TIES

India and Japans historical connection dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism spread from India to Japan. The Shichifukujin or the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan have roots in Hindu traditions. A notable early link was forged at the Todaiji Temple in Nara, where the consecration of the Great Buddha was performed by Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD.

Prominent figures like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore strengthened cultural exchanges. Justice Radha Binod Pals dissent at the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal also left a deep imprint on Japanese society.

In modern times, people-to-people connections have been fostered through sister-city partnerships like Kobe-Ahmedabad and Varanasi-Kyoto. These initiatives aim to boost tourism, particularly at Buddhist heritage sites. Today, around 51,000 Indians live in Japan, prompting the establishment of three Indian schools.

During World War II, Subhas Chandra Boses Indian National Army allied with the Japanese Imperial Army, while the then-official Indian government sided with the British forces.

ECONOMIC COOPERATION

India became one of the earliest recipients of Japanese Yen loans in 1957. Brands like Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Sony, Panasonic, and Hitachi have since become household names in India. The landmark Maruti-Suzuki joint venture reshaped the Indian automobile sector.

Japans Official Development Assistance (ODA) has been pivotal since 1958, funding transformative projects such as the Delhi Metro and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), where Tokyo invested $4 billion. Japan remains Indias largest bilateral donor and a key investor in infrastructure, highlighted by the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project using Shinkansen technology, expected to be completed by December 2029.

In FY 2023-24, India-Japan bilateral trade reached $22.85 billion, with Japan exporting $17.69 billion worth of goods to India and importing $5.15 billion in return. Indias top exports include organic chemicals, automobiles, aluminium articles, and seafood, while imports from Japan comprise nuclear reactors, machinery, steel, and electronics.

Japanese FDI inflows stood at $3.1 billion in FY 2023-24, and cumulatively, $43.2 billion since 2000, making Japan Indias 5th-largest investor. Over 1,400 Japanese firms operate in India, while more than 100 Indian companies are active in Japan.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIPS

India and Japan are deepening collaboration in lithium batteries, electric vehicles, energy storage, biotechnology, ICT, and AI-driven fintech. Under the India-Japan Science, Technology & Innovation Year, joint initiatives have boosted digital partnerships and cybersecurity cooperation.

The India-Japan Space Dialogue facilitates bilateral work between JAXA and ISRO, promoting joint missions, satellite navigation systems, and space situational awareness.

The Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, signed during PM Modis 2016 visit, enabled advanced collaboration in nuclear energy. Moreover, 2025-26 has been designated the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology & Innovation Exchanges", celebrating 40 years of institutional cooperation since the 1985 MoU.

SECURITY, DEFENCE & STRATEGIC COOPERATION

The growing influence of China, its String of Pearls strategy, territorial disputes, and incursions into Indian borders have brought India and Japan closer strategically.

Key milestones include signing of the Japan-India Strategic and Global Partnership in 2006; Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (JDSC) in 2008; Agreements on Defence Cooperation and Technology Transfers in 2014-15; Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services (RPSS) in 2020; and, enhanced joint exercises, including Dharma Guardian, JIMEX, and Veer Guardian, in 2023-24.

Japan also participated in the MILAN 2024 naval exercises and hosted JIMEX 2024 at Yokosuka. The collaboration extends to cybersecurity, maritime surveillance, air defence, and anti-submarine warfare.

GEOPOLITICAL REALITIES AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Japans Defence White Paper 2025 highlights growing concerns over Chinas expanding military footprint, North Koreas missile threats, and US-China rivalry. Tokyo plans to raise defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2027 and modernize its air force and naval capabilities.

For India and Japan, a joint strategy to strengthen deterrence and ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific remains vital. With Beijings increasing assertiveness, India-Japan cooperation under frameworks like the Quad, Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) is expected to deepen further.

CONCLUSION

Japan remains one of Indias closest strategic partners. Their cooperation spans defence, economy, technology, and culture, underpinned by a shared Indo-Pacific vision. PM Modis visit aims to consolidate bilateral relations, strengthen deterrence frameworks, and enhance joint opportunities in clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, AI, and space technology.

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The partnership is poised to remain a cornerstone of stability, innovation, and prosperity in the region.

(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 News18s views)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:51 IST

News opinion Opinion | Strategic Partners, Shared Vision: How PM Modi's Japan Visit Signals Deeper Cooperation

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Opinion | Summons To Jolly LLB-3 Makers: A Travesty Of Justice, Not Its Triumph

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 16:25 IST

Even more alarming is that the basis of filing a suit and consequent basis of issuing summons is that the trailer of the movie maligns the legal system, lawyers and judges.

This is not the first time that a complaint has been filed against Jolly LLB 3.

The recent summons issued by a Pune court to actors and producer of an upcoming motion film  Jolly LLB-3  has raised alarms across the legal circles. The summons have been issued in a suit filed an advocate who admits to have only seen the recently released films trailer till now. Even more alarming is that the basis of filing a suit and consequent basis of issuing summons is that the trailer of the movie maligns the legal system, lawyers and judges".

Issuance of summons is a very important stage in civil proceedings. It means that the defendants are called upon vide a judicial order to defend the pleadings filed by the plaintiff, by filing a Written Statement to the suit on an affidavit. It also implies that the defendants have to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the court issuing summons. Therefore, it is important that summons are not issued mechanically by courts, particularly where the possibility of an ulterior motive in filing a suit cannot be ruled out.

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Further, a trial court while issuing summons has to be cognizant of constitutional principles and rights of other parties as well. It is trite law that artistic freedom forms an integral part of our constitutional scheme. Constitutional courts have repeatedly held that artistic works, including motion films, enjoy constitutional protection unless they clearly fall within the reasonable restrictions provided under Article 19(2)  such as public order, decency, or security of the state. That a motion film maligns the legal system, lawyers and judges", is not a constitutional ground to uproot this freedom guaranteed as a right, fundamental in nature to creators and actors.

Motion films are in fact at a much better footing than a caricature or a painting for example in the sense of artistic rights due to their unique ability to combine visuals, sound, and emotions in a potent manner, ruling out prior censorship on impotent grounds. Even assuming, that if there is an allegation that an art maligns the legal system, lawyers and judges", the shoulders of our judicial system as an institution are broad enough to accept creative skills as it is and not as it ought to be.

The power of our courts lies in their restraint. Not every suit which is filed deserves to be adjudicated. It is only in cases where there is a territorial cause of action, a suit can be entertained. In the case at hand, an advocate in Pune has filed a suit against a trailer of an artistic expression which as per him maligns the legal system, lawyers and judges". The suit deserves to be dismissed at the very threshold because the trailer of the movie doesnt violate any principle of law, it is neither indecent nor obscene, it is the third sequel of an artistic creation showing lawyers, judges and litigants, no scene from the trailer can be found to have maligned the legal system or lawyers or judges. In absence of any cause of action, there is nothing for a court to adjudicate by calling upon the defendants to defend the trailer. The Pune Court should have simply told the plaintiff  If you dont like it, dont watch it." No one can compel the plaintiff to watch it. There are millions of views, positive comments and likes on the trailer available online.

Lately, this has become a trend in the country to file some case somewhere in a local court to trouble the movie makers in almost every second movie. The agenda is clearly oblique  use the institution of judiciary to take movie makers by the collar and push them to the wall, garner publicity for yourself at their cost and later try to earn money, if limelight is not sufficient by asking to withdraw or settle the matter. This trend deserves to be discouraged at all costs.

One advocate amongst millions practicing across the country cannot claim and self assume to be the torch bearer for judiciary and attempt to act as a savior from getting it maligned by a motion film. He should not be even allowed to make an attempt to champion a frivolous cause to gain publicity or limelight at the sake of judiciary as an institution.

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On one hand, our justice administration is suffering from huge backlog and genuine concerns are pending adjudication consideration for years altogether, on the other hand, the courts are burdened with perky litigations like this. In a country where we still suffer from the tareekh pe tareekh defect, our courts cannot simply allow such luxury litigation at the behest of motivated individuals to take up the limited space. At stake are not just the rights of filmmakers and actors, but the broader principle of free artistic expression in India. The matter now seems to have been posted for October, 2025. As pen pushers, we sincerely hope that wisdom prevails by dismissing this suit. Till then, fingers crossed!

The author is an Advocate on Record, Supreme Court 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 29, 2025, 16:25 IST

News opinion Opinion | Summons To Jolly LLB-3 Makers: A Travesty Of Justice, Not Its Triumph

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 09:34 IST

Onam is not complete without the grand Sadhya, a colourful spread of curries, pickles, sweets and snacks along with rice and other dishes. What makes the feast unique is the way it is served. Onam Sadhya is served on a banana leaf. Explore the tradition and symbolism behind this practice.

1 / 7 Oman is majorly celebrated in Kerala. The 10-day festival kicked off on August 26 this year. (File Photo) + Follow us On Google

2 / 7 Here are 5 reasons why Onam Sadhya is served on a banana leaf. (File Photo)

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3 / 7 A Symbol Of Tradition: It is all about celebrating the homecoming of the beloved King Mahabali and the bountiful harvest season. Hence, serving food on a banana leaf ties into the sense of natural richness and communal joy. (File Photo)

4 / 7 Adds Subtle Aroma: The leafs natural wax coating melts slightly when food is served, releasing an aromatic lift that enhances your enjoyment of the meal. (File Photo)

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5 / 7 Adds Cultural Depth: Banana leaf is an integral part of the feast and a reminder of Keralas deep contention to its land, heritage and community. (File Photo)

6 / 7 Eco-Friendly: According to Kerala Tourism, A typical Kerala Sadya is served on a banana leaf emphasising eco-friendliness and tradition. (Image: AI-generated)

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 12:11 IST

This year, Onam is being celebrated from August 26 to September 5.

1 / 9 One of the biggest highlights of Onam every year is Vallam Kali - the traditional snake boat race - that transforms the quiet backwaters of Kerala into one of the most thrilling racing tracks. This cultural experience is equal parts sport and spectacle, one that must be experienced in God's Own Country. (File Photo) + Follow us On Google

2 / 9 Vallam Kali literally translates to 'boat play'. The Kerala backwaters come alive with majestic chundan valloms (snake boats), which are nearly 100-foot-long that come with a raised stem. Over 100 men row in sync to win the coveted races. (File Photo)

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3 / 9 While the state hosts several boat races during Onam, the following three are the most popular ones that draw the most crowds. If you are planning to visit Kerala during Onam 2025, fit at least one of these races into your itinerary. (File Photo)

4 / 9 Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Alappuzha: Arguably the most famous race, it is held at the Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, every year. It was inaugurated in 1952 by India's first prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. (File Photo)

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5 / 9 This year, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will take place tomorrow, August 30, 2025. (File Photo)

6 / 9 Payippad Boat Race, Alappuzha: The three-day festival is held on the Payippad River. It usually sees the largest number of participating snake boats. (File Photo)

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7 / 9 This year, the Payippad Boat Race will be held on September 5-7. This race is held to commemorate the discovery and installation of Lord Subramanya idol at the Subramanya Swamy Temple. (File Photo)

8 / 9 Aranmula Uthrittathi Boat Race, Pathanamthitta: This is the oldest river boat festival in Kerala. Held on the Pamba River, the race is closely tied to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. (Image: Instagram)

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'Akhilesh Is A Mafia Sympathiser': Pooja Pal Says She May Join BJP If... | Interview

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 10:51 IST

With speculation rife that BJP may project her as an OBC face to counter SP, Pooja Pal insists her community will have the final say.

Pal was expelled from the SP a day after she praised the governance of CM Yogi Adityanath.(Image: PTI/file photo)

Expelled from the Samajwadi Party after praising Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the Assembly, Chail MLA Pooja Pal has emerged as a fresh political talking point in the state. Once seen as a symbol of resistance against slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, Pal has now turned her fire on SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, calling him a Muslim and mafia sympathiser."

With speculation rife that the BJP may project her as an OBC face to counter the SPs PDA plank, Pal insists her Pal community and constituents will have the final say. If given any opportunity by the BJP, and if my community permits, I am ready to take on any responsibility," she told News18, while also addressing personal controversies that have kept her in the spotlight.

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Here are edited excerpts on News18s interview with Pooja Pal

Q: There is speculation that you might join the BJP soon, and that the party may even assign you a key role in upcoming panchayat polls. Whats your response?

Pooja Pal: It was a surprise for me; none of this was planned. I never thought about joining the BJP. Since 2005, the people of my constituency and my community have supported me immensely. Before making any decision, I will first meet the people and the elders of the Pal community and discuss with them. My only aim is to serve the people, not chase political power. As for speculation about BJP using me against SPs PDA formula or giving me a big role in panchayat polls, these are just talks. Nothing of that sort has been discussed with me.

Q: You were expelled from the Samajwadi Party on August 14, 2025, after you praised CM Yogi Adityanaths action against the mafia. How do you justify your remarks, and what do you say to your constituents about integrity and justice?

Pooja Pal: My fight was against the mafia, against Atiq Ahmed  and it was not mine alone, but the fight of my people. Together, by the grace of the almighty, we won. During the 24-hour Viksit Bharat debate in the Vidhan Sabha, I praised the BJPs zero-tolerance policy on crime, and that became the reason for my expulsion. Akhilesh Yadavs inclination towards Muslims and mafias is clear. Why didnt he act when I voted differently in the Rajya Sabha polls? He waited until I spoke in the Assembly  showing his bias.

Akhilesh also claims he made me an MLA. But I was elected twice earlier, in 2007 and 2012, and in 2022, I delivered Chail to SP for the first time since Independence. I am a self-made women.

Q: What made you join the Samajwadi Party in the first place, given your long fight against mafia influence?

Pooja Pal: There were two key reasons. Between 2012 and 2017, when I was an MLA, I closely observed Akhilesh Yadav as Chief Minister. At that time, he maintained distance from people like Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari, which impressed me. I recall one incident in Sirathu where Atiq tried to come close to him on stage, and Akhilesh refused to share space. Later, in 2017, when Atiq was given an SP ticket in Kanpur, public protests erupted with slogans of Atiq go back." After seeing the videos, Akhilesh immediately cancelled his ticket. These instances convinced me that SP under Akhilesh could stand against mafia elements, and thats why I joined in 2019 after leaving BSP. Unfortunately, the reality has turned out very differently today.

Q: You have alleged life-threatening intimidation from SP-linked individuals, even warning that the party and its leadership would be responsible if something happens to you. What evidence do you have, and what actions are you expecting from the authorities?

Pooja Pal: My situation reminds me of my late husband Raju Pal, who was attacked twice and finally murdered in broad daylight. Back then, during SPs regime, his security was deliberately weakened. Now, after my expulsion, I feel equally vulnerable. Atiqs associates  many with 3040 criminal cases  are still active. Some even celebrated my removal and openly said they would teach me a lesson." That is why I met the DGP and submitted a letter, asking for protection and accountability.

Q: Recently, a case was filed in Kaushambi over indecent and defamatory comments about you on social media. What steps are you taking to protect your reputation, and how do you think online discourse should be regulated?

Pooja Pal: That was another reason I approached the DGP. Local YouTubers are spreading falsehoods for cheap publicity. Some even said my marriage with Raju Pal was a love marriage," which is a complete lie. It was a simple, arranged temple marriage decided by our families, kept low-profile because Raju ji had already survived multiple attacks by then. Some also claimed Raju ji was once close to Atiq, which is false. In reality, Raju ji always raised his voice against Atiqs atrocitiesthat is what made him a target. The DGP has assured me of action. Political discourse on digital platforms must be accountable; it cannot be allowed to destroy reputations with lies.

Who is Pooja Pal?

Pooja Pal is the sitting MLA from Chail constituency in Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh, and a political figure who rose to prominence through her fight against the mafia. She first entered politics after the 2005 assassination of her husband, Raju Pal, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) legislator who was killed in broad daylight in Prayagraj, allegedly by the Atiq Ahmed gang. Turning her personal tragedy into a political mission, Pooja contested elections and positioned herself as a voice of resistance against mafia dominance in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

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She served two consecutive terms as an MLA between 2007 and 2017, representing BSP. In 2022, she won the Chail seat on a Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket, delivering the constituency to SP for the first time since Independence. However, her political journey took a sharp turn in 2025 when she was expelled from SP after praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths anti-mafia stance during a debate in the Assembly.

Belonging to the Pal community, a backward caste group of shepherds, Pooja Pal is seen as a potential OBC face in Uttar Pradesh politics. While speculation about her joining the BJP is strong, she maintains that her future course will be guided by her community and constituents.

First Published: August 29, 2025, 10:51 IST

News politics 'Akhilesh Is A Mafia Sympathiser': Pooja Pal Says She May Join BJP If... | Interview

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Politics Of Hate, Negativity: Amit Shah Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 13:29 IST

Amit Shah was referring to the viral video in which Congress workers were heard shouting abusive slogans against PM Modi and his late mother at a rally in Bihar.

Amit Shah slams Rahul Gandhi over "politics of hatred" (PTI Image)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday lashed out at Rahul Gandhi over a viral video showing abusive language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at an INDIA bloc rally in Bihar, and said that the Congress leader has started politics of hatred" in the country.

He condemned the abusive remarks against the Prime Minister and listed the derogatory words used by Congress leaders over a period of time.

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A massive controversy erupted in Bihar after a video purportedly showing a Congress worker abusing PM Modi at a public meeting in Darbhanga during Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikaar Yatra surfaced online. The man shouted abusive slogans from the dais, which had posters of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav. This was the same spot from where they had departed for Muzaffarpur. A man was arrested for the act.

Amit Shah Slams Rahul Gandhi

Shah took on Rahul Gandhi over the matter and said that he has started a politics of negativity and hatred in the country which will not take the country upwards.

Congress leaders have committed the most condemnable act by using derogatory words against PM Modis mother during their Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra. I condemn itI want to tell the people that the kind of politics of hatred that Rahul Gandhi has started will take our public life to ruin," he said while addressing an event in Assam.

#WATCH | Guwahati | On alleged use of derogatory words against PM Modi and his mother during an INDIA bloc event in Bihar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, Congress leaders have committed the most condemnable act by using derogatory words against PM Modis mother during pic.twitter.com/D5FhflwW8Z ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Shah listed the Congress leaders who used abusive language against PM Modi and asked if they would win elections by using such language.

This is not happening for the first time. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Digvijaya Singh, Jairam Ramesh, Renuka Chaudhary  every Congress leader has used derogatory language for PM Modi. What do Congress leaders think? Would you win elections by using such language?" he said.

I want to tell the Congress leaders that the more you abuse PM Modi, the more the Lotus will bloom. You tried it in every election, you still do not want to learn," he added.

Nitish Kumar Condemns Abuse

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the abuse and slammed Congress and RJD for the act.

During the Voter Adhikaar Yatra, the kind of abusive language used from the Congress and RJD stage against Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and his late mother is extremely inappropriate, and I condemn it," Nitish Kumar tweeted.

Congress Reacts To Abuse Video

Congress leader Pawan Khera claimed that the abuse was hurled by BJPs own agent" and alleged that the party was creating" an issue to divert attention from the Yatra.

This remark has been made by their (BJPs) own agent. They just want to create an issue so that they can divert attention from our Yatra. Their theft has been caught, so these people are frustrated. Find out who that person is who was arrested, whose man he is The public is watching everything, and the entire country is watching the BJPs goondaism," Khera claimed.

#WATCH | Gopalganj, Bihar: On a viral video of an allegedly derogatory remark against Prime Minister Modi at a Mahagathbandhan event in Darbhanga, Congress leader Pawan Khera says, This remark has been made by their (BJPs) own agent. They just want to create an issue so that pic.twitter.com/hb7hPfNdei ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Digvijaya Singh said that an investigation should be conducted to ascertain who made the statement.

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No person from the Congress would want derogatory words to be spoken against the Prime Minister or his family. This is not the culture of the Congress Take action," he said.

(With ANI inputs)

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More

Location : Assam, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 13:01 IST

News politics Politics Of Hate, Negativity: Amit Shah Slams Rahul Gandhi Over Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi

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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Condemns Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi At Opposition Event

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 13:21 IST

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar condemned indecent remarks against Narendra Modi and his late mother at the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga. Police have arrested the accused.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on condemned the use of indecent language (News18)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the use of indecent language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a political rally. He described such language as extremely unbecoming."

The use of indecent language against the Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and his late mother from the Congress and RJD platforms during the Voter Rights Yatra in Darbhanga is extremely unbecoming, and I condemn it.," Nitish Kumars post on X reads.

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                                              Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 29, 2025

A video showing a person using Hindi expletive against PM Modi caused massive stir. The incident occurred during oppositions Voter Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga town, from where Rahul Gandhi, her sister Priyanka Vadra and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had left for Muzaffarpur on motorcycles on Wednesday.

Darbhanga police has arrested the man accused of hurling abuses in the video, said Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police. The accused, identified as Mohammad Rizvi alias Raza (20), was arrested from Singhwara locality.

A case was registered against him and others on the basis of a complaint filed by the BJPs Darbhanga district president Aditya Narayan Choudhary.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday slammed the opposition parties taking out the Voter Adhikaar Yatra over abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother.

He (PM Modi) is the worlds most popular leader now. This undignified language from the INDIA bloc platform is an insult to 140 crore Indians. The people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. No civilised society can accept such language. Congress and RJD leaders should apologise for this," Adityanath told reporters.

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Meanwhile, BJP leader Krishna Singh Kallu has filed a complaint against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling for putting a stop to the Voter Adhikar Yatra in the poll-bound state.

In turn, the Opposition party has hit back, saying that the BJP is raising irrelevant issues to distract from the real ones.

Location : Bihar, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 12:47 IST

News politics Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Condemns Abusive Slogans Against PM Modi At Opposition Event

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BJP Objects, Ally JDS Says No Problem Over Banu Mushtaq Inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 22:31 IST

The BJP has questioned the choice of the state government to have Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurate Mysuru Dasara, while HD Kumaraswamy said he had no objection.

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Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq. (PTI/File)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its NDA ally, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, have contrasting positions over the decision to have International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara 2025 celebrations.

Celebrated as Nada Habba (state festival), the Dasara or Sharan Navaratri festivities in the royal city" of Mysuru are expected to be a grand affair this year, showcasing Karnatakas rich culture and traditions alongside a reminiscence of royal pomp and glory.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that Banu Mushtaq would inaugurate Mysuru Dasara, after she received the International Booker Prize in May in London, along with Deepa Bhasthi for her book Heart Lamp: Selected Stories, which was translated from Kannada to English.

BJP Opposition

However, the BJP has questioned the choice of the state government, due to Mushtaqs position on the Kannada language and Goddess Chamundeshwari. The party had pointed to Mushtaqs 2023 comments, where she had reportedly expressed reservations about worshipping the Kannada language as Goddess Bhuvaneshwari", and has stated that it was exclusionary to people like her.

Several BJP leaders, including its state President B Y Vijayendra and Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, also the scion of the erstwhile royal family, had called on Mushtaq to clarify her remarks.

We will welcome her if she accepts the background of religious rituals involved during the event. She has to first clarify why she said that (in 2023). It will be good if she withdraws her statement because it is a matter that has hurt the Hindu religious sentiments," he said.

What Did HD Kumaraswamy Say?

Kumaraswamy told reporters in Bengaluru that his his objection was for the statement by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who stated that Goddess Chamundi was not just the exclusive property of Hindus.

I have no objection to choosing Banu Mushtaq. But saying that temples are not just the property of Hindus is arrogance and that will cause big damage to the government," he was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.

Meanwhile, his son and JD(S) youth leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy has stated that the party has objections to Mushtaqs reservations on Kannadambe and other issues related to culture.

Meanwhile, his son and JD(S) youth leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy has stated that the party has objections to Mushtaqs reservations on Kannadambe and other issues related to culture. We respect her, and it is not that she should not inaugurate Dasara," Nikhil said. Our only objection is for the reservations she has towards Kannadambe and other issues related to culture."

My Statement Being Distorted

Meanwhile, Mushtaq said on Monday that her statement has been distorted, and a handful of people were trying to project her relationship with Kannada by manipulating" things. It (invitation to inaugurate Dasara) is definitely a happy thing. We can see this in various ways. You call Chamundeshwari Taayi (mother Chamundeshwari), I respect your feelings. Many call it Naada Habba (state festival), I respect that too," she said.

Mushtaq claimed that only a select portion of her 2023 speech was going viral on social media, saying she was speaking as the voice of Muslims, minorities, Dalits, oppressed communities and women.

I had said at that event that, instead of using Kannada as a language, it is being treated emotionally, by making it a Goddess. When a language is considered a language, all of us will read it and lets use it as our language.I had tried to instill confidence among Kannada writers from minority communities who were kept away, by telling them not to feel abandoned and come closer," she said.

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Dasara is traditionally inaugurated by offering floral tributes to the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari -the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royal family -accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns at the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hills.

(with inputs from PTI)

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 29, 2025, 22:31 IST

News politics BJP Objects, Ally JDS Says No Problem Over Banu Mushtaq Inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

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'Hate Speech': BJP Attacks TMC's Mahua Moitra Over 'Disgusting' Remark On Amit Shah

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:14 IST

Mahua Moitra of Trinamool Congress sparked outrage with remarks against Amit Shah over Bangladeshi infiltration, drawing sharp BJP criticism.

Mahua Moitra and Amit Shah. (File)

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra triggered a massive political row on Thursday after she made derogatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

While speaking to reporters about the infiltration of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants into the Indian territory, the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha MP brazenly said that Amit Shah must be beheaded and his severed head should be placed on the table for display.

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If Indias borders cant be protected, if infiltrators are entering in hundreds, disrespecting our women, taking over our lands, then it is your duty to cut Amit Shahs head and put it on the table," Moitra said.

Referring to PM Modis Independence Day address, she remarked, Standing at Red Fort, the PM himself said infiltrators are causing demographic changes. But even as he was saying this, his Home Minister was standing in the front row, smiling and clapping."

Moitra also questioned why infiltration continues despite the presence of the Border Security Force along the frontier. Her statements directly blamed the central leadership for the rising concerns over illegal immigration, particularly in border states like West Bengal.

BJP Reacts

Her brazen remarks sparked strong reactions from the BJP, with party leader Pradeep Bhandari saying that such remarks are beyond politics, pure hate speech, drenched in venom."

In a post on X, he said, Disgusting, Disgraceful! That line from Mahua Moitra is beyond politics, it is pure hate speech, drenched in venom. Her level has stooped this low under able guidance by Mamata Banerjees TMC!" he said.

Amit Shahs head should be cut off and put on the table, says Mahua Moitra.Disgusting, Disgraceful! That line from Mahua Moitra is beyond politics, it is pure hate speech, drenched in venom. Her level has stooped this low under able guidance by Mamata Banerjees TMC! pic.twitter.com/VBGwsFd04o  Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) August 29, 2025

Local resident Sandeep Majumdar also lodged a complaint against Moitra at Krishnanagars Kotwali police station.

The distasteful and objectionable remarks only reflect the mindset of the person and the TMC. We would like to know, is this official line of the TMC, if not they must tender an apology and initiate action against Moitra," BJP leader Rahul Sinha said.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, The language used by Mahua Moitra and at Rahul Gandhis rally is highly condemnable. If they have any shame, they should apologise."

#WATCH | On TMC MP Mahua Moitras reported remark on Union HM Amit Shah, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi says, The language used by Mahua Moitra and at Rahul Gandhis rally is highly condemnable. If they have any shame, they should apologise." pic.twitter.com/Zog9DUqIJx ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Mahua Moitras Response

Following the backlash from the BJP, the TMC MP, however, said, Modus operandi of BJP troll cell  pick one issue, give it to all resident twits ( & an a" instead of an i" would be just as well) & make it viral  on social media. Todays theme is Mahua Moitras Off With His Head metaphor. Long live my infamy, guys. Love it."

Modus operandi of BJP troll cell  pick one issue, give it to all resident twits ( & an a" instead of an i" would be just as well) & make it viral  on social media. Todays theme is Mahua Moitras Off With His Head metaphor. Long live my infamy, guys. Love it. Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) August 29, 2025

Infiltration A Major Concern

The remarks came at a time when the Modi government has launched an operation to remove illegal immigrants from Bangladesh who are living in India. Union government data accessed by CNN-News18 showed that exfiltration in the first half of this year stood at 3,536, almost thrice the number from 1,049 in 2024.

In Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Assam, police have started a crackdown in unauthorised colonies and detained a number of people for being illegal immigrants.

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Infiltration from Bangladesh continues to be a cause of concern. However, data suggests a slight fall from previous years. Till July 15, 2025, 1,372 infiltrators were apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF). In 2024, the number was 2,425.

Incidents of detention have led to more illegal Bangladeshis crossing over on their own from India using the unfenced sections of the border. Some were handed over by BSF and accepted by BGB after scrutiny," a BSF official said.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 16:08 IST

News politics 'Hate Speech': BJP Attacks TMC's Mahua Moitra Over 'Disgusting' Remark On Amit Shah

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'Come To RSS Shakha For 15 Days': BJP Slams Congress Leader After Criticism Over Bhagwat Remark

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:37 IST

A row has erupted after RSS chief said that every Indian citizen should consider having three children.

Left: Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai; Right: BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh (ANI image)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday responded to Congress leader Ajay Rais remark criticising Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwats three children statement. BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh said that the Congress leader should visit the Sangh for 15 days before saying anything without understanding the organisations work.

Ajay Rai should come to the Sanghs shakha for 15 days. Only then will he come to know the nationalist works done by the RSS," Singh said. Making such comments is not right because he has no knowledge of the Sangh," he added.

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#WATCH | On UP Congress chief Ajay Rais statement on RSS, BJP National Spokesperson RP Singh says, Ajay Rai should come to Sanghs shakha for 15 days. Only then will he come to know the nationalist works done by the RSS. Making such comments is not right because he has no pic.twitter.com/3wZKkTxQhV ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

This came after Rai attacked the RSS chief and said that the former should immediately issue a directive to all RSS members to get married and follow what he has said.

On the RSS chiefs other statement that political leaders should retire at the age of 75, Rai alleged that the BJP and RSS had earlier used such rules to sideline senior leaders.

This limit is set by their people only. This rule is being formed just to put LK Advani and MM Joshi in Margdarshak Mandal for their political murder. And now, when their time has come, they are saying nothing like this. So, this is a double standard of RSS, and the public is watching this," the Congress leader said.

#WATCH | On RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats 3 children in a family remark, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai says, " If the Sangh is saying this, then Mohan Bhagwat ji should immediately issue a directive to all RSS members to get married and follow what he has said" pic.twitter.com/7lSY8nOgTD ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

What Did RSS Chief Say?

On Thursday, RSS Supremo Mohan Bhagwat, while addressing the centenary celebrations of RSS in New Delhi, had said every Indian citizen should consider having three children.

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Our countrys population policy recommends 2.1 children, on average. But when one has children, then they dont have 0.1 children. In maths, 2.1 is 2, but with the birth of children after 2, it is 3, which is why 2.1 means 3. Every citizen should see that there should be three children in his/her family," the RSS chief said.

This is a vision for the country. Secondly, there is also a concern. A population is an asset, but it can also be a burden. We have to feed everyone, which is why the population policy recommends this. In one way, the population is controlled, and on the other hand, it is sufficient; that is why 3 (children) should happen, but after that, it should not increase too much, looking at giving them a good upbringing. This is a thing to be accepted by everyone," Bhagwat said.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:21 IST

News politics 'Come To RSS Shakha For 15 Days': BJP Slams Congress Leader After Criticism Over Bhagwat Remark

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No One Went To Jail: Arvind Kejriwal Alleges Nexus Between Congress, BJP

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Last Updated: August 28, 2025, 22:07 IST

Arvind Kejriwal accused Congress of compromising with BJP in the National Herald case, while Congress leader Devender Yadav called Kejriwal part of a BJP conspiracy.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. (PTI/File)

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched a scathing attack on his former ally, Congress, and questioned why no big leader" of the grand old party was arrested in the National Herald Case.

He further alleged a nexus between the grand old party and the ruling BJP.

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While addressing the AAP MLAs and councillors at the Constitution Club in the national capital, he said that the AAP will not compromise on its politics and that it is working for the nation.

We keep on getting offers for a compromise. Now, even people are seeing that the Congress has reached a compromise with the BJP. The National Herald case is an open and shut case. But no big leader of Congress has gone to jail. Five of our big leaders were sent to jail in a fake case," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi:  As per facts, National Herald looks like an open and shut case. We were jailed as per absolutely fake cases, but no one from the Gandhi family went to jail," says AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.He further says,  Congress has compromised the pic.twitter.com/BkVp9CshVz  ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2025

The 2G case was shut down, and the coal scam case was also shut down. Even people are talking about the nexus between the Congress and the BJP. We came into politics for the love of the country and not for compromise. We will keep fighting for the nation. You should never compromise for the sake of party, power, yourself or your family," he added.

Congress Responds

The grand old party responded to Kejriwals allegations and said that the AAP leader is playing at the hands of others and that is why he is making such statements.

Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav said, He is the same person who is released from jail right before elections, be it in Haryana or Delhi. There are so many cases against him, but no one is ready to put him in prison today We have suffered because of this attitude (of Arvind Kejriwal) and we have realised our mistake. Arvind Kejriwal is a part of the larger conspiracy that is being played by the BJP"

Whenever CBI, ED or any other investigative agency has summoned them, the Gandhi family and the senior leaders of the Congress have gone for interrogation Arvind Kejriwal is playing at the hands of others and that is why he is making such statements," he added.

#WATCH | Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav says, Whenever CBI, ED or any other investigative agency has summoned them, the Gandhi family and the senior leaders of the Congress have gone for interrogation Arvind Kejriwal is playing at the hands of others and that is why https://t.co/Eh6NrMd2uA pic.twitter.com/InV0lSuHTm ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2025

Congress and AAP have been attacking each other since the Delhi Assembly elections earlier this year, with Rahul Gandhi attacking Kejriwal on the corruption plank. Recently, the AAP also left the oppositions INDIA bloc and has been working on expanding its footprint in the country.

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The AAP and the Congress had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together in Delhi under the INDIA bloc. However, the two parties went solo in both the Haryana and Delhi assembly polls.

(With Inputs from agencies)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 28, 2025, 22:07 IST

News politics No One Went To Jail: Arvind Kejriwal Alleges Nexus Between Congress, BJP

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Siddaramaiah Recalls How Congress Candidate 'Cheated' To Defeat Him In 1991, BJP Reacts

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:34 IST

BJP called out Congress's "hypocrisy" and dubbed its "Vote Adhikar" rally a pathetic attempt to delegitimise the very democratic process that has shown them their true place

Sitting MP Basavaraj Patil Anwari, who switched to Congress from JDS, defeated Siddaramaiah in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections from Karnataka's Koppal. (File pic/PTI)

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Friday alleged that he lost an election to a Congress candidate due to cheating when he contested the 1991 Lok Sabha election on Janata Dal Seculars ticket, allowing the BJP to attack the grand-old-party, which is organising Vote Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar, claiming vote fraud.

In 1991, when I contested the Lok Sabha election, I lost it because of cheating (fraud), we can say. At that time, Ravi Varma Kumar only filed the case as my advocate by drafting it without taking any fees. He fought it for me," Siddaramaiah said.

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Sitting MP Basavaraj Patil Anwari, who switched to Congress from JDS, defeated Siddaramaiah in the 1991 Lok Sabha elections from Karnatakas Koppal. Anwaris victory margin was less than 12,000 votes. Siddaramaiah then approached the Karnataka High Court, alleging poll officials rejected 22,243 votes during the voting.

After Siddaramaiahs remark, BJPs IT cell chief Amit Malviya called out Congresss hypocrisy" and dubbed its Vote Adhikar" rally a pathetic attempt to delegitimise the very democratic process that has shown them their true place.

The irony is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is in Bihar for a Vote Adhikar rallymarching with the same Congress he once accused of electoral fraud in the 1991 Koppal Lok Sabha polls against Basavraj Patil Anwari.Back then, he cried vote pic.twitter.com/6qC5G5SPgo  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 29, 2025

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The irony is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is in Bihar for a Vote Adhikar rallymarching with the same Congress he once accused of electoral fraud in the 1991 Koppal Lok Sabha polls against Basavraj Patil Anwari. Back then, he cried vote chori because he lost on ballot papers. Today, Rahul Gandhi, the political dynast, is crying wolf about electoral fraud only because the people of India have decisively thrown the Congress out of power through the democratic process and the unhackable EVMs. This isnt about democracy; it is about a family business that has lost its relevance. The Vote Adhikar rally is a masterclass in hypocrisy and a pathetic attempt to delegitimise the very democratic process that has shown them their true place," Malviya wrote on X.

The Congress party has been alleging that the BJP commit vote fraud" to win elections in collusion with the Election Commission, a charge denied by the ruling party.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: August 29, 2025, 14:34 IST

News politics Siddaramaiah Recalls How Congress Candidate 'Cheated' To Defeat Him In 1991, BJP Reacts

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'Worse Than British Raj': Dakshina Kannada MP Slams Congress For 'Emergency-Like' Curbs On Festivities

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:08 IST

Capt Brijesh Chowta alleged that police were cracking down on Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi and other festivals, citing cut-off timings and disrupting cultural programmes

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Capt Brijesh Chowta. (Facebook)

Why are you not allowing the celebrations of our Hindu festivals and using the police to restrict us?" questioned Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, targeting the Siddaramaiah government for what he called Emergency-like restrictions" on Hindu festivities.

Accusing the Congress regime of behaving worse than the British Raj", Chowta said: We have heard from our elders that during the Emergency, people were not allowed to celebrate festivals. Maybe Siddaramaiah has taken a page from that and is trying to implement it now."

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The MP alleged that police were cracking down on Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi and other festivals, citing cut-off timings and disrupting cultural programmes. The Congress is trying to crush the voice of Hindus," he said.

Hindu organisations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, have submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, seeking exemption from restrictions on loudspeakers and procession timings during the Ganesha festival and Dasara. They have demanded that the administration relax restrictions for the Ganesha celebrations scheduled between August 27 and September 2, and extend the same to Dasara festivities between October 1 and 3.

Chowta told News18 that while loudspeaker restrictions existed even under BJP rule, the police never interfered with festivities. Now it appears that the government has given specific instructions to the police to disturb Hindu celebrations," he alleged.

Detailing the polices approach, Chowta said: They come and take away the speakers. If it is a festival, there will be cultural dance, Bharatnatyam, stage programmes, theatre. They come and stop it. Who are they trying to appease? In a festival will there not be celebrations, dance and drama which will be held in the night as people will come to watch it?"

He added: On one hand, you have DK Shivakumar making sweeping comments about Hindus and now their government is imposing such restrictions." The MP accused the Congress government of deliberately targeting Hindus in coastal Karnataka by using the police to hurt sentiments".

Referring to recent guidelines issued by Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada district police, which restrict DJ systems and prohibit festivities beyond 10pm, Chowta said: In Tulunadu, throughout the year, there are socio-cultural and religious programmes. But Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri are the biggest. The way Tulunadu celebrates them, the government is trying to curb it."

Recalling when Mangaluru police booked organisers and seized sound systems during a Mosaru Kudike celebration in Kavoor, Chowta termed the move deplorable".

He warned that the government would have to face consequences if it continued to meddle with Hindu sentiments".

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The memorandum submitted to the administration said these are not routine events but centuries-old cultural traditions of Dakshina Kannada. It highlighted that people gather in large numbers for processions, music, Yakshagana, dance and other performances, and that curbing loudspeakers or imposing cut-off timings hurts the very spirit of the festivals.

It urged the administration to consider Tulunadus unique socio-cultural and religious traditions before issuing permissions. While law and order considerations are important, blanket restrictions send out the wrong message and disrupt long-standing traditions," it 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 29, 2025, 14:08 IST

News politics 'Worse Than British Raj': Dakshina Kannada MP Slams Congress For 'Emergency-Like' Curbs On Festivities

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'Wrote To Sonia Gandhi': Jamiat Chief Sparks Row Over Remark On Himanta Biswa, BJP Reacts

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 16:36 IST

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (A) chief Arshad Madani said he once wrote to Sonia Gandhi, urging her not to give an election ticket to Himanta Biswa Sarma over "RSS mentality".

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Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (A) chief Arshad Madani and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. (Photo: X)

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (A) chief Arshad Madani sparked a major political controversy over Assams eviction drives by claiming that he had once written to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, asking her not to give a ticket to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, as he had an RSS mentality".

Speaking at an event, Madani said he had written a letter to Sonia Gandhi urging her not to give an election ticket to Sarma, who was a Congress leader at that time, warning that he had what he described as an RSS mentality". Madani accused Sarma of displacing 50,000 Muslims through his eviction drives.

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I wrote to Sonia Gandhi asking her not to give a ticket to Himanta Biswa Sarma from Congress, as he had an RSS mentality. Now he is setting Assam on fire by harassing Muslims," said Madani.

Notably, Himanta Biswa Sarma was a leader in the Congress from the Jalukbari constituency. He was elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2006 and 2011. He held key portfolios in the Congress government, but resigned from the party after differences with then-CM Tarun Gogoi. Sarma joined the BJP in 2015.

Do Maulvis Decide

Madanis remarks drew sharp responses from BJP leaders, who criticised Congress leaders for appeasement politics. Today, Madani has warned me, and Rahul Gandhi had threatened me earlier. I want to tell Madani that the more you threaten me, the more the people of Assam will rise up and fight against them," said Sarma in response to his remarks.

The question is: do Maulvis decide who gets Congress tickets? It is becoming increasingly clear that Congress stands on the wrong side of the civilisational debate," said BJP IT Department in-charge Amit Malviya.

I wrote to Sonia Gandhi asking her not to give a ticket to Himanta Biswa Sarma from Congress, as he had an RSS mentality. Now he is setting Assam on fire" Arshad Madani, President of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (A).The question is: do Maulvis decide who gets Congress tickets? pic.twitter.com/JFyijTVCZO  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 29, 2025

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, Did Maulanas decide Congress tickets or did Congress Election Committee? It seems INC was not Indian National Congress but Islamist Congress."

Eviction Drives In Assam

The row stemmed from Sarmas recent claim that over 160 sq km of land has been cleared of encroachment since his government took over in May 2021, affecting more than 50,000 people. He said all unauthorised occupation of forest land, VGR (Village Grazing Reserve), PGR (Professional Grazing Reserve), Satras (Vaishnavite monastery), Namghars (prayer houses), and other public areas would be cleared in a phased manner.

However, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind expressed alarm and said the current actions in Assam are being carried out in an inhuman and discriminatory manner, motivated by religious prejudice and hate-filled rhetoric. The organisation called for the immediate removal of the Assam CM and initiate criminal proceedings against him.

It is the people of Assam who will take the decision and not Jamiat President Mahmood Madani If I get Madani, I will send him to Bangladesh. I will only say one thing that I dont care about Jamiat at all or anyone else," Sarma said earlier.

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Most of the people displaced due to the eviction drive are from the Bengali-speaking Muslims community, referred to as Miyas in the state, who claim that their ancestors had moved and settled in the areas where drives were carried out after their land in the Char or riverine areas were washed away due to erosion by the River Brahmaputra.

(with inputs from agencies)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Assam, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 16:36 IST

News politics 'Wrote To Sonia Gandhi': Jamiat Chief Sparks Row Over Remark On Himanta Biswa, BJP Reacts

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Google Pixel 10 Series Goes On Sale In India: Price, Specs And Offers

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 10:17 IST

Google Pixel 10 is now available in India and other countries and you can pick up the new models with attractive discounts.

Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL have launched in India

Google Pixel 10 series is now available in India and other regions. The new lineup, which includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and the 10 Pro XL can be purchased from Googles online store or other platforms in the country.

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold availability has been delayed due to known reasons and it is likely to go on sale around October this year along with Pixel Watch 4 model. The new Pixel 10 series goes for design polishing, incremental Tensor upgrade and some other changes on the software front, with Android 16 available from day one.

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Google Pixel 10 Series Price In India And Sale Offers

Google Pixel 10 price in India starts at Rs 79,999 which gets you the lone 256GB variant. The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are priced at Rs 1,09,999 and Rs 1,24,999, respectively. And even these are only available in the single 256GB model in the country. You can head over to the Google Store and get some attractive cashback offers on select bank cards. The Pixel 10 is also available with exchange bonus and more.

Google Pixel 10 Series Specifications

Pixel 10 comes with a 6.3-inch Actua display with an OLED panel that offers Full HD+ quality and comes with a 120Hz refresh rate screen. The Pixel 10 Pro also has a 6.3-inch OLED panel but with a Super Actua display which means it supports adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL has the bigger 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display with 3K screen resolution supported. All these phones get Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on the front and up to 3,300 nits of peak brightness level.

The Pixel 10 series is powered by the new Tensor G5 chipset with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB onboard storage. You also get the Titan T2 security processor from Google for advanced privacy.

On the imaging front, the Pixel 10 series is loaded. The regular Pixel 10 now comes with a triple camera system that has a 48MP wide primary sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 10.8MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom.

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The Pixel 10 Pro also has three cameras that consists of a 50MP wide sensor, a 48MP ultrawide and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom. The Pixel 10 Pro XL has the same rear camera setup. On the front, the Pixel 10 gets a 10.5MP selfie shooter, while the Pro models come with a 42MP selfie camera.

Google Pixel 10 is launching with Android 16 version and comes with the promise of 7 OS upgrades as well as 7 years of security updates.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and ... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 10:17 IST

News tech Google Pixel 10 Series Goes On Sale In India: Price, Specs And Offers

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Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra Shares First Look Of Her Engagement Ring With French Montana

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 22:43 IST

Sheikha Mahra is engaged to French Montana. She revealed her diamond ring on Instagram.

Sheikha Mahra made her first Instagram post since the announcement. (Image Credit: Instagram)

Dubai princess Sheikha Mahra, daughter of Dubai ruler and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is officially engaged to Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. Sheikha Mahra made her first Instagram post since the announcement, proudly showing off a dazzling diamond ring. The photo captures her hand being gently held by French Montanas, with the sparkling ring as the centre of attention. The couple are believed to have gotten engaged in June during Paris Fashion Week, where French Montana also walked the runway.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Xtianna (@_xtianna_)

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A New Chapter For Sheikha Mahra And French Montana

For both, the engagement marks a fresh beginning. Sheikha Mahra recently divorced Emirati royal Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, with whom she shares a daughter. Their separation became public after Sheikha Mahra accused Sheikh Mana of infidelity, posting a blunt Instagram statement last July, Dear Husband, as you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I Divorce You. Take Care. Your ex-wife."

French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, was previously married to entrepreneur and designer Nadeen Kharbouch from 2007 to 2014. They share a 16-year-old son, Kruz Kharbouch.

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Who Is Sheikha Mahra?

Born in 1994, Sheikha Mahra studied International Relations in the United Kingdom before completing a qualification from the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration. Known for her philanthropic work and modern outlook, Sheikha Mahra also commands considerable financial clout. While the Al Maktoum familys wealth is estimated between $18 and $20 billion, Sheikha Mahras personal fortune is valued at between $300 million and $1.5 billion- a mix of inheritance and independent ventures.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 22:43 IST

News viral Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra Shares First Look Of Her Engagement Ring With French Montana

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UP Man Climbs Tower After His Second Wife Refuses His Demand To Marry Her Sister

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:14 IST

A man climbed a electricity tower in Kannauj after his wife refused his demand to marry her sister. Police and family assured him they'd consider his demand.

It took police and his family members several hours to convince him to come down. (AI-generated pic)

Dramatic scenes unfolded in Uttar Pradeshs Kannauj after a man climbed an electricity tower after his wife refused to let him marry her younger sister.

The man has been identified as Raj Saxena who had first married a woman in 2021, according to a report in NDTV.

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The NDTV report mentioned that Saxenas first wife died a year after their wedding due to illness and thereafter, he married her sister.

However, more than two years into his second marriage, Saxena reportedly fell in love with his wifes younger sister and insisted on marrying her as well.

On Thursday morning, the man told his wife about his desire to marry her sister. When she rejected his demand, he staged a dramatic protest by climbing a high-voltage electricity tower  in a move reminiscent of a famous scene from the Bollywood film Sholay  and began shouting his demand to marry his sister-in-law.

The situation drew a crowd and prompted an immediate response from the police. It took police and his family members several hours to convince him to come down by assuring him that his demand would be considered.

In a similar incident from Uttar Pradesh, a man climbed a mobile tower in a village in Bhadohi district on August 4, threatening to jump unless his girlfriend" was brought to him for marriage.

The dramatic episode led to a tense five-hour standoff involving police and firefighters, who tried to rescue the man identified as Pawan Pandey.

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However, upon investigation, police revealed that Pandey had been duped in an online scam involving a fake identity, and the woman, Pandey believed he was in a relationship with, never actually existed.

Pandey runs a paan shop on the citys main road, and he climbed the tower near Yakubpur at around 9 am. From the top, he shouted for a woman named Khushbu and insisted she be brought to the site or he would jump," news agency PTI quoted Circle Officer Ashok Kumar Mishra as saying.

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 : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: August 29, 2025, 15:09 IST

News viral UP Man Climbs Tower After His Second Wife Refuses His Demand To Marry Her Sister

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Boomerang Strike: Ukraine Destroys Russian Bridges Using Moscows Own Mines And $600 Drones

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:49 IST

Ukraines 58th Brigade used cheap drones to destroy two mined bridges in Russias Belgorod, disrupting Moscows supply lines.

The destruction of the Belgorod bridges could complicate Russian supply lines.

Ukraines military said it destroyed two bridges inside Russias Belgorod region by targeting stockpiles of mines and ammunition hidden underneath them. The operation, carried out by the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade, turned Russian preparations against them and dealt a rare blow to Moscows frontline logistics.

According to Ukrainian officials, the bridges near the border with Ukraines Kharkiv region were used by Russian forces to resupply troops. They had been mined so that Moscow could demolish them in case of a Ukrainian advance but Kyivs troops instead used the explosives against Russia.

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We saw the mines, and we struck," a representative of the brigade told CNN. Drone footage released by the unit showed a stash of anti-tank mines before a massive explosion ripped through one of the bridges. The brigade said it later destroyed a second mined bridge nearby.

The strikes were carried out with first-person-view drones costing as little as $600 to $725, according to the Ukrainian unit. The drones were equipped with fiber optics to bypass Russian jamming and capture footage under the bridges.

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Taking down bridges typically requires expensive guided missiles or aircraft but Ukraine has increasingly turned to cheap, improvised drones to punch above their weight. In June, Kyiv used similar drones to damage or destroy dozens of Russian aircraft at military airfields.

The destruction of the Belgorod bridges could complicate Russian supply lines at a time when its forces are slowly advancing in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv framed the operation as both a tactical victory and proof of ingenuity in the face of costly warfare.

Location : Ukraine

First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:49 IST

News world Boomerang Strike: Ukraine Destroys Russian Bridges Using Moscows Own Mines And $600 Drones

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Coming Soon In US? A Trump Corruption Coin, Courtesy California Governor Newsom

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:09 IST

Gavin Newsom teased a Trump corruption coin for his Patriot Store, parodying Donald Trumps crypto ventures and MAGA branding.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and US President Donald Trump.

California Governor Gavin Newsom hinted that he may soon roll out a cryptocurrency-themed parody product on his online merchandise shop, joking about a possible Trump corruption coin."

I think well add a coin, maybe a Trump corruption coin or something," Gavin Newsom said. He laughed as he added that he was about to come out" with a coin through his parody Patriot Store." The remark builds on Gavin Newsoms expanding online troll campaign against the US President, featuring Donald Trump-style memes, merchandise and satirical posts.

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A Parody Twist On MAGA Branding

Gavin Newsoms Patriot Store," promoted with the all-caps declaration THE PATRIOT SHOP IS NOW OPEN!!!!" on X (formerly Twitter), sells Donald Trump-inspired designs with a twist. Among the items is a MAGA-style red hat rebranded to read: NEWSOM WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING!"

The governor has also mimicked Donald Trumps social media style on his Governor Newsom Press Office" X account, with posts parodying Donald Trumps language and tone. One post declared: EXCEPT WHAT IS WRITTEN AND BROADCAST IN THE FAKE NEWS, I NOW HAVE THE HIGHEST POLL NUMBERS IVE EVER HAD, SOME IN THE 60S AND EVEN 70S. THANK YOU. MAKE AMERICA GAVIN AGAIN!!!  GCN."

Donald Trumps Own Crypto Play

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The jab also comes as Donald Trump himself has leaned into cryptocurrency. The US President has promoted his own memecoin $TRUMP and courted buyers at private dinners. His company, Trump Media and Technology Group, recently disclosed holdings of roughly $2 billion in bitcoin and other digital assets.

Recalling a summer conversation with Donald Trump about deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles, Gavin Newsom said the US President had mentioned his crypto ventures, which the governor described as a crypto grift."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:09 IST

News world Coming Soon In US? A Trump Corruption Coin, Courtesy California Governor Newsom

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India, Japan Express Concern Over South China Sea, Calls For Action Against Terror Groups

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:37 IST

During PM Modi's talks with Shigeru Ishiba, both leaders expressed concern over the situation in the South China Sea and condemned terrorism in all its forms.

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Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PMO)

India and Japan expressed strong concern over he situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and reiterated their opposition to any unilateral actions in the region, while condemning terrorism in all manifestations, during Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba on Friday.

PM Modi was received by Ishiba at the Prime Ministers Office (Kantei), where they held delegation-level talks and recalled the longstanding friendship between India and Japan, according to a joint statement. The two leaders appreciated the significant strides made by the India-Japan partnership over the last decade and held constructive discussions on ways to strengthen the strategic and forward-looking partnership.

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South China Sea

PM Modi and Ishiba expressed concern over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and reaffirmed their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that endanger the safety as well as freedom of navigation and overflight, and attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion.

They also shared their serious concern over the militarisation of disputed features and said all disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the close cooperation between a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, overlapping with maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Despite an international tribunal saying that Chinas sweeping claims have no basis under international law, Beijing continues to enforce its claims.

Pahalgam Terror Attack

They also unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. Both PMs condemned the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists were gunned down by terrorists linked to Pakistans Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

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They also took note of the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team Report of 29 July, mentioning The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the attack. The Japanese PM also noted this with concern, as per the statement.

Both leaders called for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of the barbaric act to be brought to justice without any delay. They also called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities, including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxies, and to take resolute actions to root out terrorists safe havens, eliminate terrorist financing channels and their nexus with transnational crime, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists.

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 : Tokyo, Japan

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:30 IST

News world India, Japan Express Concern Over South China Sea, Calls For Action Against Terror Groups

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'India Paying Price For Supporting Putin': US Senator Warns Countries Against Buying Russian Oil

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 10:05 IST

Lindsey Graham warned India, China, and Brazil of consequences for buying Russian oil after Russian strikes on Kyiv. S Jaishankar criticized US tariffs on Indian goods.

US Senator Warns Countries Against Buying Russian Oil

US Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday warned that countries purchasing russian oil will face repercussions, and said that India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin".

In a post on X, Senator wrote, India, China, Brazil and others who prop up Putins war machine by buying cheap Russian oil: How do you feel right now that your purchases have resulted in innocent civilians, including children, being killed? India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin. To the rest, you will soon, too."

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India, China, Brazil and others who prop up Putins war machine by buying cheap Russian oil: How do you feel right now that your purchases have resulted in innocent civilians, including children, being killed?India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin. To the rest, you https://t.co/G1KeSmKv1J  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 28, 2025

Grahams comments followed Russias missile attacks on Kyiv on Thursday, which killed at least 10 people and injured dozens. The strikes also damaged the European Unions diplomatic mission in the city, according to reports from Euro News.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, and called them another massive attack against our cities and communities." He said first responders were pulling survivors from the rubble of a residential building.

At least 8 people have already been confirmed dead. One of them is a child. My condolences to all their families and loved ones," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

S Jaishankar Slams US

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday slammed United States for imposing unjustified and unreasonable" tariffs on Indian goods. The statement came after the Trump administration raised duties to over 50 per cent as a penalty for Indias purchase of Russian oil.

What we are concerned about is that red lines are primarily in the interest of our farmers and, to some extent, our small producers. So when people pronounce that we have succeeded or failed, we as a government are committed to defending the interests of our farmers and small producers. We are determined on that. Thats not something we can compromise," Jaishankar was quoted by ANI as saying.

As per the Commerce Ministry, the recent imposition of 50 per cent tariffs by the United States will have a short-term impact on Indias exports, particularly in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery. The ministry also asserted that the long-term effect on overall trade and GDP will remain limited.

It is understood that 50 per cent tariffs are going to impact trade, especially the sectors on which tariffs are there. They will suffer some trade loss in the US. There will be an impact on textiles, chemicals, machinery, etc. for the short run, but it will not be a very long-term loss," a senior Commerce Ministry official told ANI.

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The official acknowledged that industry bodies have expressed concern over liquidity constraints due to slowing orders and delayed payment cycles.

In the short run, their orders will slow down. The money that they have to get back from their exports will also slow down. So they will face some liquidity crunch and will be under financial strain to run their operations," the official said.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 08:29 IST

News world 'India Paying Price For Supporting Putin': US Senator Warns Countries Against Buying Russian Oil

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Iran-Backed Houthi PM Killed In Israeli Airstrikes On Yemen, Defence Minister Feared Dead

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:12 IST

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it attacked the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen on Thursday, in which Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was reportedly killed.

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Israel has launched several airstrikes at Houthi-controlled Yemen in retaliation for drone and missile attacks by the Iran-backed group. (AFP/File)

Iran-backed Houthi Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa, Euronews reported, citing Yemeni and Israeli reports. The strikes also targeted top military officials, including the Houthi Defence Minister.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it attacked the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen on Thursday, four days after a deadly round of bombings against the Iran-backed group, which had repeatedly launched missiles and drones to express support for the Palestinians.

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The Israeli military said after those strikes that it had targeted what it said were Huthi military sites, including the presidential palace, in response to attacks against Israel. Authorities in Sanaa said at least 10 people were killed and 90 were injured.

Al-Rahawi died in his Sanaa apartment during the Israeli strikes, according to the Yemeni Al-Jumhuriya outlet. Several of his associates were also reportedly killed in the same strike. The Israeli military said it struck a military target" belonging to the Houthis on Thursday, without specifying who it was.

Defence Minister Likely Killed

Additionally, Israeli officials said they believe the strikes eliminated Houthi Defence Minister Mohamed al-Atifi and Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd Al-Karim al-Ghamari during a cabinet meeting of senior officials outside Sanaa.

Al-Ghamari had been wounded in a previous Israeli attack, according to Euronews. However, Israel is still assessing whether further deaths among the Houthi leadership can be confirmed.

The airstrikes coincided with a planned speech by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, who was reportedly not present at the targeted location of the Israeli strikes. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had approved the strikes along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli military Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir.

As we warned the Houthis in Yemen, after the Plague of Darkness comes the Plague of the Firstborn. Whoever raises a hand against Israel  his hand will be cut off," Katz said.

The Houthis have repeatedly attacked Israel since the Gaza war began and have targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden that they allege are connected to Israel. The rebel group controls large parts of Yemen, which has been gripped by war since 2014, and is part of Irans so-called Axis of Resistance.

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The Trump administration had announced a deal with the Houthis to end the strikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping in May.

(with inputs from AFP)

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 : Yemen

First Published: August 29, 2025, 18:48 IST

News world Iran-Backed Houthi PM Killed In Israeli Airstrikes On Yemen, Defence Minister Feared Dead

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Italy PM Giorgia Meloni Slams Porn Site For Sharing Altered Photos Of Her: 'I Am Disgusted'

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 16:39 IST

Giorgia Meloni condemned doctored images of her on a porn site, urging strict punishment.

Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks during a press conference.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the circulation of doctored images of her and other women on a pornographic website, describing herself as disgusted" and demanding the perpetrators be punished with the utmost firmness."

The site, Phica, which reportedly had more than 700,000 subscribers, featured altered and cropped images of Giorgia Meloni, her sister Arianna and opposition leader Elly Schlein, accompanied by vulgar captions. The photos were taken from social media or public sources without consent and manipulated to depict the women in sexualised ways. After the scandal broke this week, Phicas operators shut the platform, claiming users had used it incorrectly."

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I am disgusted by what has happened," Giorgia Meloni said, adding, I want to extend my solidarity and support to all the women who have been offended, insulted and violated. It is disheartening to note that in 2025, there are still those who consider it normal and legitimate to trample on a womans dignity and target her with sexist and vulgar insults, hiding behind anonymity or a keyboard."

Police launched an investigation after receiving official complaints from several women, including members of the centre-left Democratic Party. Doctored images of high-profile women appeared in the sites VIP section."

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Giorgia Meloni urged swift justice, warning that even ordinary online content could be weaponised. She said, Content that is considered harmless can, in the wrong hands, become a terrible weapon. And we must all be aware of this."

The case has prompted dozens of women to file complaints against Phica and similar platforms. This comes shortly after Meta shut down an Italian Facebook group, Mia Moglie (My Wife"), where men exchanged intimate photos of women without consent.

Location : Italy

First Published: August 29, 2025, 16:39 IST

News world Italy PM Giorgia Meloni Slams Porn Site For Sharing Altered Photos Of Her: 'I Am Disgusted'

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Japan To Introduce E10 Shinkansen Bullet Train In India, Sets $67 Billion Investment Target

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:29 IST

Japan will introduce E10 series Shinkansen trains for MumbaiAhmedabad High Speed Rail, boosting IndiaJapan partnership.

The Indian government welcomed Japans offer of the E10 series. (Image Credit: PIB)

Japan is set to introduce its latest E10 series Shinkansen trains in India by the early 2030s as part of the MumbaiAhmedabad High Speed Rail project, a flagship initiative of the India-Japan partnership. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day visit to Japan, following his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter), " We chalked out a roadmap for the coming years which will focus on sectors like investment, innovation, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges and state-prefecture partnerships."

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We chalked out a roadmap for the coming years which will focus on sectors like investment, innovation, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges and state-prefecture partnerships. pic.twitter.com/nADM4q4VTM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2025

Both leaders underscored the importance of the project and agreed to expedite the commencement of operations. They also resolved to deploy the latest Japanese signalling technology, with immediate work on installation to begin. To support this, India will also receive a General Inspection Train (GIT) and one set of E5 series Shinkansen rolling stock.

The Indian government welcomed the move, calling it a key step in modernising rail infrastructure and cementing the project as a symbol of IndiaJapan strategic and economic cooperation.

$67 Billion Investment Target Set Between Japan And India

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that Japan set a new investment target of 10 trillion yen ($67 billion) of private investment into India.

At the IndiaJapan Business Forum, companies from both countries signed nearly 150 MoUs and partnerships worth over $13 billion. Vikram Misri said the deals were reflective of the confidence that the business pillar has in our relationship."

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What Is The E10 Shinkansen?

The E10 series Shinkansen represents the next generation of Japans famed bullet train technology. Designed to run on the Japanese signalling system, it will bring faster speeds, greater efficiency and enhanced passenger safety to Indias first high-speed rail corridor. Its planned introduction in the early 2030s marks the most advanced Japanese rail technology export to India to date.

Location : Japan

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:24 IST

News world Japan To Introduce E10 Shinkansen Bullet Train In India, Sets $67 Billion Investment Target

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Kongo Gumi: The World's First Company Has Been Running For 1,447 Years!

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Translation Desk

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 13:55 IST

Japans business culture shines in its five oldest companies: Kongo Gumi (578 AD), Nishiyama Onsen (705), Koman Hotel (717), Hoshi Ryokan (718), and Genda Shigyo (771)

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In 578 AD, Korean builder Shigemitsu Kongo formed Kongo Gumi in Japan to build Buddhist temples with local workers. (Representative/AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Japan has reignited curiosity among Indians about the island nation, famed for its discipline, resilience, and its remarkable rise from post-war devastation to a global economic powerhouse. This curiosity naturally leads to questions about how Japan achieved its remarkable position.

Japans economic progress is largely driven by its robust business culture, a concept that underscores the importance of entrepreneurship over reliance on government jobs. This principle is universally applicable; history shows that the prosperity of developed nations is rooted in their business culture.

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Japan today stands among the worlds most developed nations, not just in terms of wealth, but across all key indicators of the Human Development Index, including health, education, life expectancy, and infrastructure. Its citizens enjoy some of the longest lifespans globally, supported by world-class infrastructure, while the country remains decades ahead in science and technology.

Japans remarkable journey can be traced back centuries; in 578 AD, it became home to the worlds first company, Kongo Gumi, which continues to operate even today. At that time, Islam had yet to emerge (around 630 AD), and Christianity had only a limited following.

During that period, Buddhism held a strong global influence, and since its inception, Kongo Gumi has been closely tied to this heritage, specialising in the construction of Buddhist temples. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company remained under the management of the same family for nearly 1,400 years. However, in 2006, financial difficulties led to its takeover by the Takamatsu Group. That same year, its turnover was reported at around Rs 600 crore.

How Kongo Gumi Began

In 578 AD, Korean builder Shigemitsu Kongo was invited by Japans royal family to construct a Buddhist temple. With locals lacking temple-building skills, he formed Kongo Gumi, uniting carpenters and workers. The company thrived for nearly 1,500 years before becoming a subsidiary of the Takamatsu Group.

Japans Strong Business Culture

Japans business culture is evident from the fact that the worlds five oldest companies were founded there. After Kongo Gumi (578 AD), came Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (705 AD), Koman Japan Hotel (717 AD), Hoshi Ryokan (718 AD) and Genda Shigyo (771 AD), operating in sectors such as hospitality and paper goods.

According to a 2016 Statista report, Japan had 33 lakh registered companies, compared to 14 lakh in India and 77 lakh in the US. This means one corporate entity for every 38 people in Japan. The countrys per capita income is $44,570 (Rs 36.6 lakh), while Indias is $7,130 (Rs 5.6 lakh) and the US exceeds $70,000.

Indias Oldest Company

Indias oldest company is the Wadia Group, founded in 1736 during the Mughal era. The group remains active, with flagship companies like Britannia Industries, Bombay Dyeing, and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation. The chairman, Nusli Wadia, is the grandson of Dina Jinnah, daughter of Pakistans founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah.

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Japans Economic Miracle

Japans prosperity is rooted in a centuries-old business culture. Companies like Kongo Gumi demonstrate how long-term vision and innovation helped Japan become a global leader in economy and technology. The countrys experience offers a lesson for nations like India: fostering entrepreneurship and a strong business culture is crucial for sustainable growth, rather than relying primarily on government or private-sector jobs. Japans story shows that societal passion for business drives true economic progress.

Location : Japan

First Published: August 29, 2025, 13:55 IST

News world Kongo Gumi: The World's First Company Has Been Running For 1,447 Years!

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Man Dangerously Waves Machete On Los Angeles Streets, US Police Shoot Him Dead On Camera

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 14:23 IST

The man was identified as Gurpreet Singh, who waved a machete on the streets of Los Angeles in the US. The cops shot him down and the video of the incident was recorded on bodycam.

Los Angeles Police shoot man dead on camera (Photo: X)

A dramatic video of a man, who waved a machete near Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, being shot down by the US Police has surfaced online.

He was neutralised by the cops on July 13, and the incident was recorded on the officers bodycam.

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What Was The Incident?

The cops received reports of a man in the middle of the street waving a machete around 9 am. The man was identified as Gurpreet Singh, 35, who had stopped a mans car in the middle of the intersection and was swinging the 2-foot-long machete, ABC7 reported.

The video shared by the Los Angeles Police Departments YouTube channel showed Singh seemingly chopping his tongue with the huge knife.

Officers gave multiple commands for Singh to drop the weapon. However, he failed to comply. Singh then returned to his vehicle, retrieved a water bottle, and threw it at the officers," ABC7 quoted the cops as saying.

Los Angeles police shot dead Gurpreet Singh, 35, after he stopped his car in the middle of an intersection and allegedly swung a machete at people.Now compare this with India. Here, mobs can assault police, humiliate them into folding hands, circulate those images as victory," pic.twitter.com/N2Hsyuif9V  THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) August 29, 2025

Singh drove his car, waving the machete outside the drivers side window. The police initiated a pursuit in which Singh crashed into a police vehicle, the police said.

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He stopped and charged at the officers with the weapon, prompting the police to open fire, the police said.

Singh was wounded and was rushed to the hospital, where he died later. The police recovered the machete and booked it as evidence, the report 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 : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 14:22 IST

News world Man Dangerously Waves Machete On Los Angeles Streets, US Police Shoot Him Dead On Camera

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'Won't Use US Dollars In Trade With India': Mauritius Minister Pushes For Closer Ties Amid Tariffs

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News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee



Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:10 IST

Mauritius Minister Jyoti Jeetun has called for closer cooperation with India in trade and technology amid global uncertainty fuelled by Trump's tariff policy.

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Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Partnership of Mauritius. (ANI/File)

The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, damaging relations between the two powerful democracies that had become strategic partners as of late. Mauritius has also been hit with 15% tariffs by the Trump administration. Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services and Economic Partnership of Mauritius, speaks to CNN-News18 and discusses how India and Mauritius can cooperate and boost ties in the face of global uncertainty led by Trumps unconventional trade policies.

Q. How do you look at the India-Mauritius economic relationship?

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The India-Mauritius Economic Partnership is based on the foundation of deep-rooted, historical, ancestral, cultural and linguistic foundations. So a very, very robust foundation. As you know, the vast majority of the people from Mauritius are originally from various parts of India. So, we have hundreds of years of history and a bond with India.

On that layer, then comes the economic partnership, which has been going on for many years. The Financial Services Centre is a very strong component of that economic partnership, where my ministry comes in. The Financial Services Centre in Mauritius started around 30 years ago. One of the biggest pillars has been the relationship with India and India as a market.

As you may be aware, Mauritius has been the first MTI driver to India for many years. We brought some Rs 180 billion of investment from Mauritius to India. Its a very important trade partner. The DTA with India was amended in 2016, and since then, we have no longer the first MTI driver. Weve become the third MTI driver after Singapore and the United States. However, India remains a very important market in terms of investment flows and financial relationships.

Having said that, theres not just the Financial Services Centre, theres also FinTech, and theres IT. There are new emerging sectors such as the ocean economy, and renewable energy. And a number of other areas where we are developing further collaboration with the Indian government and Indian businesses.

Q. The other question would be that we are speaking at a time when the global order is in churn. Tariffs are dominating both headlines and the global order. How much impact will it have on the economy of Mauritius, and how can Mauritius and India work together to navigate this challenge?

Thats a very important question, very relevant at the time today. Its true that all this tariff situation has created a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability in the world. And you can feel that there is a tectonic shift in the global world order. (From west to east, from north to south.)

My presence today in India within the India-Africa conclave becomes very relevant to what we are living through in terms of, lets call it a crisis. Where Mauritius has received a tariff, we have also imposed tariffs. We are still negotiating.

I understand India has also been imposed some very severe tariffs. Its a major setback, lets face it. And we are all struggling to find our footing, and our businesses are struggling to find their way forward. Do we relocate our businesses to Mauritius or to an African country? But then tomorrow something else can happen. So it has created an atmosphere of immense unpredictability, uncertainty and setbacks.

I think its Winston Churchill who said never to let a crisis go to waste. We need to find where the opportunities are in all of this, and the collaboration that we can have, the regional collaboration between India and Mauritius, but also Mauritius as part of the bigger continent.

Mauritius is a member of the 55-member African Union. Mauritius is a member of SADC. All this brings not just a tiny country in the middle of the Indian Ocean with 1.2 million people, but also access to potential trade with the continent. So, in terms of market, but also in terms of, we were talking about that again earlier, about the possibility of trade, one thing that we have done between Mauritius and India this year was an MOU that was signed between the Bank of Mauritius and the Reserve Bank of India (for a local currency settlement system).

So, when we trade between both our countries, we will not be using US dollars. We will be settling in our local currencies. And that could be a game-changer for both our countries.

Q. Also, if you could elaborate a little bit, as far as cooperation in FinTech is concerned, UPI, which perhaps is very popular, and in fact, the Maldives will be coming up with UPI services very soon. So as far as FinTech cooperation is concerned, can we see the usage of UPI in Mauritius soon? Can Indians use UPI in Mauritius?

So UPI is already in Mauritius. UPI is already in Mauritius, but we are a very small domestic population. So its already there, but the potential to go into Africa is where really the opportunities will lie.

There are Indian companies in the FinTech, based in Mauritius, already doing business in Africa, like mobile payments or payment systems. So I think thats where the opportunity lies. Because we have the ecosystem, we have people, the knowledge, years and years of experience, the economic stability, and political stability. There could be an immense opportunity and potential.

Q. There has been a longstanding concern of the Indian government about platinum being routed through Mauritius. What steps have been taken by your government to stop the flow of platinum?

Its a fair question. Theres always been this perception. One thing is that our financial services sector, first there is the need for substance. So you cant just route structures. You have to show substance. Thats a requirement. We have also put in place very robust anti-money laundering and EBC funding controls.

We have 12 really good regulatory, supervisory institutions in Mauritius, which are working on the police force, financial intelligence, and the financial ground commission. All of these are working together. As you might be aware, we found ourselves on the EU playlist a few years ago. We are under-compliant or largely compliant with all 40 FATF requirements. Just to show the robustness of our systems to be able to control and monitor any illicit or black money.

Q. How do people connect between the two countries? Because when Prime Minister Modi visited Mauritius, he offered Sangam water to Ganga Talao and Port Fluid. Could you talk to us about that and also the people-to-people connections?

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India and Mauritius have a very special relationship. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi put that water in our Ganga Talao from the tributary, it was really very, very emotional and a special moment because the bond that I just mentioned goes back hundreds of years. We are all people of Indian origin, most of our population in Mauritius are people of Indian origin, and we have preserved a lot of the cultural values.

Yesterday was Ganesh Chaturthi, a national holiday in Mauritius. So, a lot of the festivals are celebrated. We celebrate Mahashivratri, Diwali, Holi, and Ugadi from various regions of India. I think thats the bedrock of our relationship with India and why its so special. I get goosebumps when I think about it because there is something very, very emotional. That link with India is very, very deep-rooted and strong.

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 : Port Louis, Mauritius

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:10 IST

News world 'Won't Use US Dollars In Trade With India': Mauritius Minister Pushes For Closer Ties Amid Tariffs

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Nepal Denies Claims Of JeM Terrorists Entering Bihar: 'Left For Malaysia'

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 17:43 IST

Nepal denied claims of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists entering Bihar via Kathmandu, stating that they flew to Kuala Lumpur.

The police said these terrorists crossed into poll-bound Bihar last week. (X)

Nepal on Friday denied the claims about the entry of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists into Bihar through Kathmandu, saying that they had already left the country for Malaysia.

The clarification came a day after the Bihar Police Headquarters (PHQ) issued a statewide high alert following intelligence inputs about the entry of JeM terrorists into the poll-bound state through Nepal.

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As per the India Today report citing Nepal Police, the Immigration Department and the Kathmandu Airport Authority, the three individuals, identified as Hasnain Ali, a resident of Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain of Umarkot and Mohammad Usman of Bahawalpur, flew from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur on separate flights at different times.

Nepal Immigration spokesperson Tikaram Dhakal informed that Ali and Hussain arrived in the country on August 8 on Pakistani passports, while Usman arrived on August 10, the report added. Authorities further said that Ali and Hussain left for Kuala Lumpur from Kathmandu on August 15 while Usman flew on August 24.

The police, however, didnt confirm whether the three suspected terrorists entered the Indian territory during their time in Nepal.

Earlier on Thursday, the Bihar Police issued a high alert of suspected infiltration of three terrorists from Pakistan in the poll-bound state via Nepal.

The police have circulated their names, photographs, and passport details to border districts for verification and enhanced surveillance.

With the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, security agencies are on heightened alert over the possibility of a terror strike in the state.

Sources said that senior police officials have been briefed on the situation, and instructions have been issued to all district intelligence units to intensify monitoring, collect field inputs, and act promptly against any suspicious activity.

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Bihars 729-kilometre-long open border with Nepal makes it a major infiltration hotspot.

Seven districts of the state directly share this frontier, posing significant challenges for round-the-clock surveillance. Adding to the vulnerability, the Bangladesh border is only about 20 km away from the Kishanganj district.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre... Read More

Location : Kathmandu, Nepal

First Published: August 29, 2025, 17:43 IST

News world Nepal Denies Claims Of JeM Terrorists Entering Bihar: 'Left For Malaysia'

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Pakistan Minister Blames India For Floods, Makes Bizarre 'Dead Bodies In Water' Claim

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News18.com

Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 15:35 IST

Pakistan's defence minister blamed India for flood in Sialkot, claiming floodwater brought dead bodies, debris, and livestock from across the border.

Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif

Pakistans ministers never fail to amuse the world with their bizarre claims; this time its Paks defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who blamed India for the flood in their country. He further claimed that the floodwater is carrying dead bodies into Pakistan from across the border.

As per a report by Pakistani media outlet, Dialogue Pakistan, Khawaja Asif went to the flood-affected areas in Sialkot and here he told the reporters that floodwater is carrying dead bodies from India. He also claimed that debris and livestock also came to Pakistan.

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He said that the floodwater from India created hurdles for the municipal teams trying to drain water from the region.

However, his claims are being ridiculed by Pakistanis and they accused the minister of covering up governments failure by blaming it on India.

Pakistan Floods

Pakistans Punjab province witnessed the worst floods in decades and the government launched one of its largest evacuation drives, with authorities expecting a rise in the water levels of the Chenab River at Head Trimmu. These floods affected over 1.46 million people across the province, Dawn reported.

At least 17 people have died as extremely heavy floods in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers inundated hundreds of villages, submerging farmlands and damaging vital grain crops.

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Floods in the Chenab alone submerged 991 villages, affecting more than one million people. District-level damage includes 395 villages in Sialkot, 127 in Jhang, 124 in Multan, 48 in Chiniot, 66 in Gujrat, 51 in Khanewal, 45 in Hafizabad, 41 in Sargodha, 35 in Mandi Bahauddin, and 19 in Wazirabad. More than 73,000 animals were shifted to safety, with 72 veterinary camps established.

The Sutlej floods drowned 361 villages, including 72 in Kasur, 86 in Okara, 24 in Pakpattan, 27 in Multan, 23 in Vehari, 104 in Bahawalnagar, and 25 in Bahawalpur. Nearly 127,000 people were relocated and 70,000 animals rescued, with 90 veterinary camps operational.

Location : Pakistan

First Published: August 29, 2025, 15:17 IST

News world Pakistan Minister Blames India For Floods, Makes Bizarre 'Dead Bodies In Water' Claim

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:14 IST

PM Narendra Modi in Japan Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tokyo on Friday for his two-day visit to Japan. He is set to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit and will also hold a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba.

Discussions between the two leaders may focus on exploring cooperation in emerging sectors like semiconductors, startups, clean energy, supply chain, among others.

The visit of the Prime Minister comes amid Donald Trumps 50% tariffs against India, forcing New Delhi to explore other export destinations for products impacted by the US levies.

On the second day of PM Modis visit, both leaders are likely to travel to Sendai city on a high-speed train to pay a visit to a semiconductor facility.

PM Modi will then make an onward journey to Chinas Tianjin to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 and September 1.
Russian President Putin To Visit India In December, Kremlin Confirms

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:44 IST

Ties between India and Russia are growing amid US President Donald Trump's secondary tariffs on Indian imports over its purchases of Russian oil.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (Image Credit: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India in December, according to a Kremlin aide, as ties between the two countries grow closer in the face of US President Donald Trumps tariffs on Indian imports over its purchases of Russian oil.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters, including AFP, that Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China on Monday, where they would discuss preparation for the December visit".

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Earlier, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval had confirmed that Putin will visit India soon, although the dates were yet to be finalised at the time. We have got a special, long relationship and we value this relationship," he said.

This came after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on imports from India, citing New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil as the reason for the punitive measure.

Trump has accused India of profiting from discounted Russian crude, writing, India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian oil, they are then, for much of the oil purchased, selling it on the open market for big profits. They dont care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian war machine."

The United States has insisted that the punitive tariffs on India are part of a campaign to pressure Moscow into ending its offensive in Ukraine. India has called the move unfair, unjustified and unreasonable", citing the US and Europes own imports from Russia.

Ukraines Western allies have sought to cut Russias export earnings since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but Moscow redirected energy sales away from Europe to countries including India and China, ensuring the multi-billion-dollar flow of funds has continued.

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Earlier this month, Putin made a phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his assessment of his meeting with President Donald Trump in Alaska on the Ukraine war. The PM underlined Indias consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue.

The two leaders also touched upon a number of issues of bilateral cooperation with a view to further strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

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 : Moscow, Russia

First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:07 IST

News world Russian President Putin To Visit India In December, Kremlin Confirms

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Tokyo Skytree Glows In Indian Tricolour To Honour PM Modis Japan Visit | Watch

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 23:35 IST

PM Modi noted that as Asias two largest democracies and major economies, India and Japan play a vital role in promoting regional and global peace and security.

The Skytree is the second-tallest man-made structure globally, after Dubais Burj Khalifa (X/MEA)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on an official visit to Japan to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, marking his first visit to the country during his third term in office. Upon his arrival in Tokyo on Friday, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour.

As a special tribute to the Indian leaders visit, Japan illuminated the iconic Tokyo Skytree in the colours of the Indian national flag. The gesture is being seen as a powerful symbol of the deepening strategic and cultural ties between the two nations.

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Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), shared visuals of the lit-up tower on social media platform X, writing, Tokyo SkyTree lit up in Indian flag colours in honour of PM @narendramodis visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. It is the tallest tower in Japan."

The Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), is not only Japans tallest structure but also holds the distinction of being the tallest broadcasting tower in the world and the second-tallest man-made structure globally, after Dubais Burj Khalifa. Completed in 2012, it serves as a hub for television and radio broadcasting and has also become a major symbol of Tokyos skyline.

Tokyo Sky Tree lit up in Indian flag colours in honour of PM @narendramodis visit to Japan for the 15th - Annual Summit. It is the tallest tower in Japan. pic.twitter.com/vfTOAYiiKg Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 29, 2025

During the summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The leaders signed multiple agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across key sectors. A joint statement issued by both countries outlined a 10-year roadmap to guide future collaboration. Additionally, a Long-Term Vision Document on Bilateral Relations was unveiled.

According to PTI, speaking at the summit, PM Modi emphasised the importance of India-Japan relations, stating, Today, we have laid the foundation of a new and golden chapter in our special strategic and global partnership. We have charted a roadmap for the next decade, with investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges at the centre of our vision."

Highlighting the broader geopolitical significance of the partnership, PM Modi noted that as Asias two largest democracies and major economies, India and Japan play a vital role in promoting regional and global peace and security. Both nations are also part of the Quad, a security dialogue that also includes the United States and Australia.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed Modi warmly, recalling the rich historical and cultural ties between the two countries. Our relationship dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. We have a long shared relationship culturally and spiritually; we can influence each other," he said.

Location : Tokyo, Japan

First Published: August 29, 2025, 23:35 IST

News world Tokyo Skytree Glows In Indian Tricolour To Honour PM Modis Japan Visit | Watch

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'Act Like A Strategic Partner': Trump Aide Revives 'Laundromat' Jibe At India Over Russian Oil

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 09:49 IST

Trump's adviser Peter Navarro unleashed fresh attack on India over its Russian oil purchase and warned if Delhi wants to be America's strategic partner, it "needs to act like one".

India-Russia ties: Peter Navarro attacks India's Russian oil purchase (Reuters File Image)

In a series of attacks unleashed from the United States against India amid strained ties, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Friday said if New Delhi wants to be treated like a strategic partner" of Washington, it needs to act like one".

Reiterating his earlier remark that the road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi", Navarro attacked India for its Russian oil purchase and said that the surge in import of oil from Moscow since the Ukraine war started carries an added price of blood and devastation" in Ukraine.

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His latest rant comes a day after Donald Trumps adviser said that Ukraine is Modi war".

What Did Navarro Say On India-Russia Ties?

Navarro said that Trumps 50% tariffs on India, which came into effect on August 27, were imposed to cut off financial lifeline" which he claimed New Delhi has given to Vladimir Putins war machine".

While accusing India of fueling the war machine", he overlooked that the United States purchases fertilizers, enriched uranium, LNG, among others, from Russia. Putin, during a joint press conference with Trump after the Alaska Summit on August 15, said that trade between the US and Russia grew by 20% since Trump came to power in America for the second term.

Yet, Navarro went on to do the math of Indias purchase of Russian oil.

American consumers buy Indian goods while India keeps out U.S. exports through high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. India uses our dollars to buy discounted Russian crude. Indian refiners, with their silent Russian partners, refine and flip the black-market oil for big profits on the international market  while Russia pockets hard currency to fund its war on Ukraine," Navarro said.

1/ President Trumps 50% tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect.This isnt just about Indias unfair tradeits about cutting off the financial lifeline India has extended to Putins war machine.  pic.twitter.com/bwLaL9dBTv  Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) August 28, 2025

He said that India bought less than 1% of Russian oil before Ukraine war started in 2022, but it increased to over 30% since then.

This surge isnt driven by domestic demandits driven by Indian profiteers and carries an added price of blood and devastation in Ukraine," he alleged.

US Discussed Energy Deals With Russia: Report

Reuters reported earlier this week that the US and Russian government officials discussed several energy deals during US envoy Steve Witkoffs trip to Moscow earlier this month when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The deals were proposed as incentives to encourage the Kremlin to agree to peace in Ukraine and for Washington to ease sanctions on Russia, Reuters had reported, citing sources.

They also discussed the possibility of Russia buying US equipment for its LNG projects, including Arctic LNG 2, which is currently under Western sanctions, according to four sources.

These proposals were also discussed during the Alaska Summit between Trump and Putin.

Navarro Attacks Indias Oil Industry

Still, Navarro accused Indias oil lobby" of turning the largest democracy into an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin".

Indian refiners buy cheap Russian oil, process it, and export fuels to Europe, Africa, and Asiashielded from sanctions under the pretense of neutrality," he said.

9/ The Biden admin largely looked the other way at this madness.President Trump is confronting it. A 50% tariff25% for unfair trade and 25% for national securityis a direct response. If India, the worlds largest democracy, wants to be treated like a strategic partner of pic.twitter.com/XAt6aa4JLA  Peter Navarro (@RealPNavarro) August 28, 2025

He said that Trump is confronting it" and an additional 25% tariffs for national security" if a direct response to India for its Russian oil purchase.

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If India, the worlds largest democracy, wants to be treated like a strategic partner of the U.S., it needs to act like one. The road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi," he said.

The latest tirade comes as PM Modi is in Japan, from where he will travel to China for the SCO Summit. Vladimir Putin is expected to join the Summit, where Xi Jinping will personally welcome both the leaders, Reuters had earlier reported.

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 29, 2025, 09:29 IST

News world 'Act Like A Strategic Partner': Trump Aide Revives 'Laundromat' Jibe At India Over Russian Oil

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Turkey Cuts All Trade Ties With Israel, Closes Airspace Over Gaza War

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 21:47 IST

Relations between Turkey and Israel have been shattered by Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, with Ankara accusing Israel of committing "genocide".

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (PTI)

Turkey has completely cut off all trade relations with Israel and stopped Israeli planes from using its airspace amid mounting outrage over the Gaza conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told parliament on Friday.

We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We have closed our ports to Israeli ships. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow container ships carrying weapons and ammunition to Israel to enter our ports, nor do we allow their aircraft to enter our airspace," Fidan told lawmakers in a televised address.

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Relations between Turkey and Israel had nosedived over the Israeli offensive in Gaza, with Ankara accusing the latter of committing a genocide" in the Palestinian enclave. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had compared Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler.

Turkey had already severed direct trade ties with Israel in May last year, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to The Associated Press. The two countries carried out $7 billion in trade in 2023.

Israeli Ships Barred From Turkey

Meanwhile, ZIM, Israels biggest shipping firm, on Monday said it had been informed that under new regulations passed by Ankara on August 22 that vessels that are either owned, managed or operated by an entity related to Israel will not be permitted to berth in Turkish ports."

The ban also extended to other ships carrying military cargo destined for Israel, it said. Separately.. vessels that are carrying military cargo destined to Israel will not be permitted to berth in Turkish ports; in addition, Turkish-flagged vessels will be prohibited from berthing in Israeli ports."

Last November, Turkish authorities denied permission for Israeli President Isaac Herzogs plane to enter Turkeys airspace for a trip to an international summit in Azerbaijan. As Turkey, we have to take a stance on certain issues," Erdogan later said when asked about the incident. Later, Netanyahu cancelled a trip to Azerbaijan after Ankara refused overflight rights.

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Turkish officials have repeatedly insisted that all trade ties with Israel have been cut as long as the Gaza war continues. However, some Turkish opposition figures have accused Ankara of allowing trade to continue, notably by allowing oil shipments from Azerbaijan to pass through a crucial pipeline running through the country.

(with inputs from agencies)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Ankara, Turkey

First Published: August 29, 2025, 21:36 IST

News world Turkey Cuts All Trade Ties With Israel, Closes Airspace Over Gaza War

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UK Blocks Israeli Delegation From Global Arms Exhibition; Tel Aviv Slams 'Discrimination'

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:53 IST

The British government has blocked a delegation from the Israeli government from a global defence exhibition in London next month amid outrage over the Gaza war.

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British PM Keir Starmer and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (Reuters/File)

The British government has blocked a delegation from the Israeli government from a global defence exhibition in London next month in opposition to its policies in the Gaza conflict, sparking allegations of discrimination.

The Israeli governments decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025," a UK government spokesperson was quoted as saying by BBC, a sign of worsening ties between Britain and Israel.

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This came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmers government suspended arms export licences to Israel for use in Gaza, suspended trade talks with Israel and sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers in protest at the conduct of the war.

There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza," said the spokesperson. However, Individual Israeli defence firms will still be allowed to exhibit at the trade show, which will take place from 9 to 12 September.

Israel Slams Discrimination

Israel accused the UK of discrimination" after its officials were excluded from the trade show, and said the decision introduced political considerations wholly inappropriate" for a global defence exhibition.

These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israels representatives. Accordingly, the Israel Ministry of Defence will withdraw from the exhibition and will not establish a national pavilion," said the Israeli ministry.

However, Israel said its industries that chose to participate would receive its full support".

DSEI is Britains flagship defence exhibition that takes place every two years in Londons Docklands. Hundreds of defence firms from all over the world showcase their military hardware and technology, so governments will have stands to boost their own industry.

UK-Israel Ties

The UKs move came after France blocked access to the stands of several Israeli arms manufacturers at the Paris Air Show in June for displaying offensive weapons". Demonstrations are already planned for the opening of the London fair at the Excel London exhibition centre.

Israel has come under mounting international pressure to halt its campaign in Gaza, which has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians and pushed the enclave towards starvation. UN-backed experts have declared famine in Gaza and its surrounding areas, but Israel has continued to defend its operation.

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In May, the UK suspended talks on a trade deal with Israel, summoned the countrys ambassador and imposed fresh sanctions on West Bank settlers. Last month, Starmer announced that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel did not take steps, including agreeing to a truce in the Gaza war.

(with inputs from AFP)

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 : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 19:53 IST

News world UK Blocks Israeli Delegation From Global Arms Exhibition; Tel Aviv Slams 'Discrimination'

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US Blocks Visas For Palestinian Leaders Ahead Of UN General Assembly, Cites Terror Support

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 20:16 IST

Marco Rubio bars senior Palestinian leaders, including Mahmoud Abbas, from the UNGA, citing US laws against Palestinian statehood.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Reuters Image)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio barred senior Palestinian leaders from attending next months United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), citing US laws that prohibit recognition of Palestinian statehood and sanction the Palestinian Authority (PA) for so-called pay for slay" payments to convicted terrorists.

Fox News reported, citing internal documents that Marco Rubio signed off on recommendations that would deny visas to officials of both the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), including President Mahmoud Abbas. The US State Department said the decision was made in compliance with the laws and national security interests of the United States."

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Before they can be taken seriously as partners for peace, the PA and PLO must repudiate terrorism, lawfare campaigns at the ICC and ICJ, and the pursuit of unilateral recognition of statehood," spokesperson Tommy Pigott said. The statement noted that while the Palestinian Mission to the UN would receive limited waivers under the UN Headquarters Agreement, other visas would be revoked or denied.

While the US has previously blocked entry for individual foreign delegates- including members of the Iranian delegation- officials acknowledged that this is the first time Washington has barred an entire Palestinian delegation from attending the UNGA.

The sanctions, applied under the Palestinian Liberation Organization Commitments Compliance Act (PLOCCA) and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act (MEPCA), mandate at least 180 days of automatic visa denial for entities deemed to be violating US policy.

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International Implications

Palestinian representatives have held non-member observer status at the UN since 2012, giving them a platform- though not a vote- in General Assembly debates. Marco Rubios decision marks a historic break from the US tradition of accommodating UN participation, setting the stage for diplomatic fallout with international bodies and allies who continue to recognize Palestinian representatives.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 20:16 IST

News world US Blocks Visas For Palestinian Leaders Ahead Of UN General Assembly, Cites Terror Support

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US Ends Tariff Exemption For Small Packages, Sparks Warnings Of Consumer Price Hikes

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 10:10 IST

The US scraped tariff exemptions on small packages entering the country from overseas, in a move that has sparked warnings of consumer price hikes.

US ends small packages tariff exemptions (Reuters Image)

In a move sparking concerns among small businesses, the United States on Friday ended tariff exemptions on small packages entering the country from abroad.

The latest step of the Trump administration has raised warnings of consumer price hikes in the country.

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The administration ended duty-free entry for packages worth $800 or less, saying the rule was being misused to avoid tariffs and smuggle drugs, AFP reported.

The packages will now be either subjected to tariff percentages applicable to their country of origin or be slapped with a particular levy ranging from $80 to $200 per item. However, exclusions for some personal items and gifts remain in place.

Trump trade adviser, Peter Navarro, told reporters that shutting this loophole" would help block the flow of narcotics and other dangerous and prohibited items", while also bringing in new tariff revenues into the treasury.

Foreign post offices need to get their act together when it comes to monitoring and policing the use of international mail for smuggling and tariff evasion purposes," Navarro said.

Postal services, including in India, Australia, Japan, France and Germany, earlier announced that most packages for the US would no longer be accepted.

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Earlier this week, the United Nations Universal Postal Union informed that the postal operators of 25 member countries had suspended their outbound postal services to the US.

US officials said only about 5% of duty-free small packages came through the postal service, while most were delivered by express couriers. Still, the upcoming rule change has caused confusion and worry for small businesses.

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 29, 2025, 09:46 IST

News world US Ends Tariff Exemption For Small Packages, Sparks Warnings Of Consumer Price Hikes

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Who Was Ashli Babbitt? US Air Force To Extend Military Funeral Honours To Capitol Rioter

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 06:26 IST

Babbitt served in the US Air Force from 2004 to 2008 on active duty, followed by time in the Air Force Reserves until 2010.

The decision to now honour Babbitt with military rites has drawn criticism (File Photo/Reuters)

The US Air Force has announced that it will extend military funeral honours to Senior Airman Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Babbitt, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, was killed by Capitol Police while attempting to breach a restricted area near the Speakers Lobby inside the US Capitol.

The reversal comes more than three years after her death and follows significant legal and public controversy. The Air Force under the Biden administration had previously denied the request for military honours in February 2021, citing the circumstances surrounding the riot.

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Now, according to a letter dated August 15 and sent to Babbitts husband, Aaron, the Air Force has re-evaluated its position. On behalf of the Secretary of the Air Force, I write to extend the offer for Military Funeral Honours for SrA Ashli Babbitt," wrote the undersecretary of the Air Force, as shared by the familys legal representatives.

The letter further stated that, following a review of the circumstances leading to Babbitts death, the Air Force believes the original decision was incorrect.

While the specific details of what will be provided have not been disclosed, full military funeral honours typically include the presence of a uniformed detail, the playing of Taps, and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the US flag to the next of kin.

Babbitt served in the US Air Force from 2004 to 2008 on active duty, followed by time in the Air Force Reserves until 2010, and later the Air National Guard until 2016. She held the rank of Senior Airman during her service.

In July 2025, the federal government reached a nearly $5 million settlement with Babbitts family in a wrongful death claim, though the officer who shot her was cleared of any wrongdoing by Biden administration. The Department of Justice declined to press charges, stating that the officer acted in defence of members of Congress and others being evacuated during the riot.

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However, the decision to now honour Babbitt with military rites has drawn criticism. Former Capitol Police officer Aquilino Gonell, who was injured defending the Capitol on January 6, described the move as a slap in the face" to those who were harmed during the attack.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 06:26 IST

News world Who Was Ashli Babbitt? US Air Force To Extend Military Funeral Honours To Capitol Rioter

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Aug 29, 2025 09:29 IST

Microsoft has fired two more employees for their involvement in protests against the companys cloud computing contracts with the Israeli government and military, The Verge says in a report. The employees, identified as Nisreen Jaradat and Julius Shan, were terminated in connection with demonstrations organized by the No Azure for Apartheid group at Microsofts headquarters. These firings follow the dismissal of two other employees after a protest inside the office of Microsoft President Brad Smith. The activist group has been protesting Microsofts involvement in Project Nimbus, a joint contract with Google for the Israeli government, throughout the year, leading to disruptions and arrests. Smith stated that Microsoft is investigating the use of its technology in Israel but condemned the protesters actions.
Worlds Costliest Jet Lost To Ice: F-35 Wobbled 50 Minutes, Engineers Failed To Save It

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 11:34 IST

Despite all checks, the pilot joined a live call with 5 Lockheed Martin engineers, circling 50 minutes in the air as they tried but failed to fix the landing gear issue

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The accident has raised questions about the reliability of high-tech jets like the F-35, which is acclaimed as 'the world's most expensive and advanced fighter'. (Representative/PTI)

One of the US Air Forces most advanced and expensive fighter jets, the F-35, crashed at Alaskas Eielson Air Force Base in January 2025. The $200 million jet went down despite the pilot reportedly spending nearly 50 minutes in contact with Lockheed Martin engineers, with all troubleshooting attempts failing, according to a CNN report.

What Really Happened

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On the morning of January 28, this $200 million (approximately Rs 1751 crore) jet encountered trouble just minutes after takeoff. The pilots were unable to fully retract the landing gear. Attempts to lower the gear again resulted in the nose gear becoming stuck on the left side and not straightening.

Despite running the system checklist and continued efforts, the pilot then joined a live conference call with five Lockheed Martin engineers, including a senior software engineer, a flight safety engineer, and three landing gear experts. The jet circled in the air for about 50 minutes while the engineers searched for a solution.

How The Jet Spun Out Of Control In The Sky

During this time, the pilot attempted the touch and go manoeuvre twice to straighten the stuck gear, but these efforts backfired as the main landing gear also became jammed and did not fully extend.

Additionally, the planes sensors began to take incorrect data, leading the system to assume the jet was on the ground. Consequently, the control computer switched to automated ground operation mode, rendering the jet uncontrollable while still in the air.

As the situation deteriorated, the pilot was forced to eject, escaping safely with minor injuries. The F-35 then swung in the air for a few seconds before crashing to the ground and bursting into flames.

The investigation revealed that approximately one-third of the hydraulic fluid in the nose and right landing gear system was actually water, which should not have been the case. In cold weather, this water froze, obstructing the gears function. At the time of the accident, the temperature in Fairbanks was -1F.

Surprisingly, just nine days later, another F-35 at the same base experienced a similar hydraulic icing issue, but managed to land safely.

The Company Had Raised The Alarm Earlier

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Lockheed Martin had previously issued a bulletin in April 2024 warning that pilots might struggle to control the aircraft under such conditions. If the engineers had referred to this guideline at the time, the pilot might have been advised to opt for a controlled ejection or planned landing instead of attempting the touch-and-go manoeuvre.

This accident has raised serious questions about the reliability of high-tech jets like the F-35, which is acclaimed as the worlds most expensive and advanced fighter. Despite being in contact with engineers for 50 minutes, its system failed to address a relatively small defect. American media has characterised this incident as a technological signature failure, as an aircraft built with millions of hours and billions of dollars was ultimately defeated by ice in cold air and system error.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: August 29, 2025, 11:34 IST

News world Worlds Costliest Jet Lost To Ice: F-35 Wobbled 50 Minutes, Engineers Failed To Save It

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Xi Jinping To Host Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un At Chinas Military Parade In Beijing

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Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 04:37 IST

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be in China next week for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Kims visit will be his first to China since 2019 (Kremlin Photo via AP)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to attend a military parade in Beijing next week, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin and other global leaders, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency. The event will mark Kims first participation in a multilateral international gathering, signalling a diplomatic victory for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kims visit will be his first to China since 2019, while Putin last visited the country in 2024. The upcoming parade, scheduled for September 3, commemorates the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II and the formal end of the conflict. It will be held in Beijings iconic Tiananmen Square and is expected to feature thousands of military personnel, as well as displays of Chinas most advanced military hardware.

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The meeting between Xi, Putin, and Kim comes at a time of heightened global geopolitical manoeuvring. While the United States continues trade negotiations with China, it is also working to pressure Moscow to de-escalate its war in Ukraine. US President Donald Trump will not attend the Beijing parade, though he expressed earlier this week his interest in meeting Kim, as North Korea remains a vocal supporter of Russia in the ongoing conflict.

Earlier this year, speculation had circulated about Kim attending a military parade in Moscows Red Square. However, he ultimately did not attend, instead sending top military generals responsible for overseeing North Koreas troop deployment in Russias Kursk region.

The Victory Day parade in China will be attended by 26 world leaders, though notably absent are leaders from Western nations, with the sole exception being Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico. Among other expected attendees are Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Iranian President Masoud Pezashkian, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be in China next week for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. However, it remains unclear whether he will attend the parade itself.

According to a report by the BBC, the high-profile gathering between Xi, Putin, and Kim comes just weeks ahead of a potential visit to Asia by President Trump. While the White House has signalled interest in the trip, it has not confirmed any dates. It has, however, indicated that Trump is open to meeting Xi to finalise a trade and tariffs agreement.

Location : Beijing, China

First Published: August 29, 2025, 04:37 IST

News world Xi Jinping To Host Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un At Chinas Military Parade In Beijing

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A video of a tourist pouring beer down an elephant's trunk at a Kenyan wildlife reserve has ignited outrage online and triggered multiple investigations into his actions, the BBC reports. The Spanish man, whose online profiles use the name "Skydive_Kenya," was filmed at Ol Jogi Conservancy in Laikipia county, first drinking from a can of local Tusker beer, then giving the remainder to a well-known bull elephant identified as Bupa.

The footage, authenticated by the BBC, sparked widespread criticism online and was removed from the man's Instagram page after receiving hundreds of negative comments, including calls for his deportation. Staff at Ol Jogi expressed shock, noting that visitors are not permitted near elephants, and confirmed the videos would be forwarded to authorities. The Kenya Wildlife Service is also investigating, according to spokesperson Paul Udoto.

Bupa, the elephant involved, is recognized for his size and distinctive damaged tusk. He has lived at the conservancy since being rescued from a mass elephant cull in Zimbabwe in 1989. Ol Jogi houses about 500 elephants and is known for rehabilitating orphaned animals.

In another recent video, the same individual was seen feeding two elephants carrots and referencing "beer time." He also posted separate footage at Ol Pejeta Conservancy feeding a rhino, an act Ol Pejeta staff said is prohibited since visitors are not allowed to touch the rhinos.
The death toll in Wednesday's mass shooting in Minneapolis could have been far higher if it wasn't for Annunciation Church's practice of locking its doors when morning Mass begins, the city's police chief said Thursday. "After the Mass had begun, the doors to the church were locked, so this coward had to fire from outside of the church through the church windows and into the church," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told Today . "And we believe (the shooter) not being able to get into the church likely saved countless lives." The chief said surveillance video showed that Robin Westman was unable to get into the church and couldn't see the children while firing through its stained glass windows, the AP reports.

Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed at Annunciation Catholic School's first Mass of the school year. Another 14 children and three parishioners in their 80s were injured. O'Hara said five victims were released from hospitals Thursday, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. "And what we were bracing for, thank God has not come to pass, were additional deaths of children," he said. One child is still in critical condition. The chief said investigators have recovered three shotgun shells and 116 rifle rounds, along with a live round from Westman's handgun, which apparently jammed, reports the New York Times.

Westman, a former Annunciation Catholic School student, died by suicide after the attack. Westman left "dark and violent" videos and writings but authorities say the motive remains unclear. Acting US Attorney Joe Thompson said Westman "expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable," apart from mass murderers, the AP reports. "More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill childrendefenseless children," he said, per the Times. "The shooter was obsessed with the idea of killing children."
The Trump administration has approved a $825 million arms sale to Ukraine that will include extended-range missiles and related equipment to boost its defensive capabilities as US efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia appear stalled. The State Department announced Thursday that it had notified Congress of the sale of extended-range attack munition missiles and navigation systems for Ukraine, the AP reports The sale will cover 3,350 ERAM missiles and 3,350 GPS units, along with components, spare parts, and other accessories, as well as training and technical support.

The announcement said Ukraine would use funding from NATO allies Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, in addition to US foreign military financing, to pay for the equipment. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the department said in a statement. Russia continues to step up attacks on Ukraine, drawing international condemnation, even after President Trump met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month to press for a negotiated settlement to the three-year-old conflict.

The US in July announced two other proposed weapons sales to Ukraine: one worth $322 million to enhance its air defense capabilities and provide armored combat vehicles and another worth $330 million for air defense systems as well as the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of self-propelled artillery vehicles.
Hundreds of United Nations staffers have urged Volker Turk, the United Nations' top human rights official, to formally label the ongoing conflict in Gaza a genocide. According to a letter seen by Reuters , more than 500 employees from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights argue that the legal conditions for genocide have been met, pointing to the extensive and severe violations observed in the nearly two-year war between Israel and Hamas.

The letter, endorsed by about a quarter of Turk's global staff, presses him to take a clear and public stance. "OHCHR has a strong legal and moral responsibility to denounce acts of genocide," the letter states, warning that failing to do so risks undermining both the UN's credibility and the broader human rights system. The signatories referenced the UN's inaction during the 1994 Rwanda genocide as a cautionary example.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric responded that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stands behind Turk, but said that formal determinations of genocide are a matter for international courts. Israel's Foreign Ministry dismissed the staff letter, describing such allegations as "false, baseless, and blinded by obsessive hatred towards Israel." Israel maintains its actions in Gaza are self-defense following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attack that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported nearly 63,000 deaths during the conflict, with some areas facing famine. While some rights groups and independent UN experts have used the term "genocide," the UN as a body has so far refrained, deferring the decision to legal authorities. South Africa has filed a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, but the case remains unresolved. According to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, 50% of Americans77% of Democrats, 51% of independents, and 20% of Republicansthink Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
The last photos taken by Mariam Dagga show the damaged stairwell outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip where she would be killed by an Israeli strike moments later. Dagga, a visual journalist who freelanced for the AP , was among 22 people, including five reporters, killed on Monday when Israeli forces struck Nasser Hospital twice in quick succession, according to health officials. The photos, retrieved from her camera on Wednesday, show people walking up the staircase after it was damaged in the first strike, while others look out the windows of the main health facility in southern Gaza.

The Israeli military said, without providing evidence, that it had targeted what it believed was a Hamas surveillance camera. Witnesses and health officials said the first strike killed a cameraman from the Reuters news agency doing a live television shot and a second person who wasn't named. A senior Hamas official denied that Hamas was operating a camera at the hospital. Dagga, 33, and other reporters regularly based themselves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis during the war. She documented the experiences of ordinary Palestinians who'd been displaced from their homes, as well as of doctors who treated wounded or malnourished children.

Algeria's ambassador to the United Nations, on the verge of tears and his voice breaking, read a letter Wednesday to the UN Security Council that Dagga wrote days before she was killed. It was addressed to her 13-year-old son, Ghaith, who left Gaza at the start of the war to live with his father in the United Arab Emirates. Holding up a photo of Dagga, Amar Bendjama called her "a young and beautiful mother" whose only weapon was a camera. "Ghaith. You are the heart and soul of your mother," Bendjama quoted Dagga as writing. "When I die, I want you to pray for me, not to cry for me. I want you never, never to forget me. I did everything to keep you happy and safe and when you grow, when you marry, and when you have a daughter, name her Mariam after me."
A man convicted of killing his girlfriend, her mother, and a man he claimed owed him $2,000 was put to death Thursday in a record 11th execution this year by the state of Florida, the AP reports. Curtis Windom, 59, was pronounced dead at 6:17pm following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke, authorities said. He was sentenced to die for the Nov. 7, 1992, killings of girlfriend Valerie Davis, her mother Mary Lubin, and Johnnie Lee in the Orlando area.

Windom's face was obscured by a sheet when the curtain was raised to the death chamber shortly before the injection was to start. Windom said something about being on death row but it was not intelligible. Then, as the drugs began flowing, he began taking deep breaths. His legs twitched several times, and then he was still. Kemene Hunter, a sister of victim Valerie Davis, wore a T-shirt to a news conference after the execution that read, "Justice for her, healing for me." "All I want to say is, it took 33 years to get some closure," Hunter said, adding "Vengeance is mine says the lord."

Windom was the 30th person executed in the US to date in 2025, with Florida leading the way behind a flurry of death warrants signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. A 12th inmate, David Joseph Pittman, 63, is scheduled to be put to death in the state on Sept. 17. Since the 1976 restoration of the death penalty in the US by the Supreme Court, the highest previous annual total of Florida executions was eight in 2014. Florida has executed more people than any other state this year, while Texas and South Carolina are tied for second place with four each.
There's a new person in charge at the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionand he may be a lot more aligned with the views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccines than Susan Monarez, who was fired less than a month after she was confirmed. The Washington Post, citing "two people familiar with the decision," reports that President Trump has chosen Jim O'Neill, Kennedy's deputy at the Department of Health and Human Services, to serve as interim CDC director. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that Monarez was fired because she "was not aligned with the president's mission to make America healthy again." Former acting CDC director Richard Besser said Monarez, who has been fighting her dismissal, was ousted after she refused to fire agency leaders or support Kennedy's changes to vaccine policy.

Who is O'Neill? The Guardian reports that O'Neill, a biotech investor, has no training in medicine or infectious disease science. He worked at HHS during the George W. Bush administration before working at multiple companies led by billionaire investor Peter Thiel. During the pandemic, he strongly criticized the CDC and supported unproven COVID remedies like ivermectin. He is the second non-physician to lead the CDC since 1953. Monarez, who has a PhD in microbiology and immunology, was the first.
Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra from her position as prime minister, ruling that as the country's leader, she violated constitutional rules on ethics in a phone call with Cambodia's Senate President Hun Sen. The ruling means she immediately loses her job, which she had held for about a year, the AP reports. The 39-year-old's predecessor was dismissed by the same court . Paetongtarn, the country's youngest prime minister, was suspended from her duties on July 1 when the court agreed to hear the case against her, and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai took over her responsibilities.

The Cabinet led by Phumtham is expected to stay in place on a caretaker basis until Parliament approves a new prime minister. The caretaker Cabinet could also dissolve Parliament and call a new election. Paetongtarn's leaked June 15 call with Hun Sen was aimed at easing tensions over competing claims to territory along their border, but sparked outrage in Thailand because Paetongtarn seemed overly friendly in discussing a matter of national security and appeared to malign a Thai army general. Paetongtarn is the sixth Thai prime minister from, or supported by, the Shinawatra family to be removed by courts of the military over the last 20 years of power struggles, reports Reuters.
Earlier this month, a Florida jury ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in a landmark verdict over a fatal Autopilot crash. Now the Washington Post has an extensive look at a crucial part of the plaintiffs' victory: a hacker uncovered the vehicle's electronic data from the crash, while in a Starbucks no less. The case centered on a 2019 collision in Key Largo, where a Tesla on Autopilot struck and killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon and left her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, seriously injured. For years, the crash data that could clarify what happened that night was nowhere to be found, with Tesla telling investigators it could not be located. But "for any reasonable person, it was obvious the data was there," the hacker who eventually found itidentified only by his X handle @greentheonlytells the newspaper. The Post recounts the remarkable moment:
In 2022, a 20-foot-high portrait of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was yanked off the walls of the US Military Academy's library in West Point, New York, after seven decades and put into storage. The move came after a 2020 law under President Biden that scrubbed the names of Confederate generals from US military bases, followed by a mandate from a related commission that West Point remove displays that "commemorate or memorialize the Confederacy." Now, that Lee painting will head back to the library, under the Pentagon's orders, officials tell the New York Times .

The paper notes it's not clear how Lee's portraitwhich shows the military leader in his gray Confederate uniform in front of a horse led by a slavecan be reinstated without breaching the original legislation. At MSNBC, Steve Benen writes that he, too, hasn't "the foggiest idea" how government officials plan to get around the legalities and suggests they may simply be ignored. Whatever the plan, the Trump administration seems confident. "At West Point, the United States Military Academy is prepared to restore historical names, artifacts, and assets to their original form and place," an Army spokeswoman tells the Times. "Under this administration, we honor our history and learn from itwe don't erase it."

Lee, a West Point grad, served as the academy's superintendent for three years in the 1850s; other portraits of him not wearing a Confederate uniform were permitted to remain. Both President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have vocalized their support for reverting to Confederate names, monuments, and other symbols that disappeared over the past few years. Per the Independent, Trump in June indicated he wanted to bring back military base names tied to the Confederacy, including Virginia's Fort Lee, which was temporarily changed to Fort Gregg-Adams in the Biden era.

For the name changes they reverted to, however, Hegseth and his team circumvented the 2020 law by naming the bases after "obscure soldiers who served honorably and shared a last name with the Confederate generals," per the Times. In other words, the new Fort Lee is named not after Robert E., but after Pvt. Fitz Lee, a Black soldier who served in the Spanish-American War. Fort Bragg, meanwhile, lost its direct connection to Confederate leader Braxton Bragg and is now named for Pvt. Roland L. Bragg, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Two of Virginia's largest school districts are taking the US Department of Education to court, intensifying the battle over whether local policies supporting transgender students will cost them vital federal funding. Arlington and Fairfax County public schools have filed suits to prevent the agency from cutting their funding, the Washington Post reports. The clash centers on rules that let students use bathrooms and locker rooms aligning with their gender identity, a position the Education Department recently deemed a violation of Title IX , the landmark federal law barring sex discrimination.

Earlier in the month, Arlington, along with Alexandria, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, refused to roll back the inclusive policies when pressed by the department. Federal officials then warned they would "suspend or terminate" funding to the districts and placed them on "high-risk" status, a move that could complicate future access to federal money. It means that the districts will only be reimbursed for educational expenses, per Politico, requiring them to pay the costs up front. The change applies to more than $50 million in formula funding, discretionary grants, and impact aid grants.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon defended the crackdown, per the Post, arguing that school districts can't "openly violate federal law while simultaneously receiving federal funding with no additional scrutiny." The districts maintain their policies are both legal and essential for fostering supportive school environments. Arlington officials, in a statement, noted that federal aid backs programs including academics and free meals. Revoking the policies, they argue, would actually put them at odds with other antidiscrimination requirements.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a new congressional voting map designed to help Republicans gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a win for President Trumpan effort to satisfy the president that a state Democratic leader called "pathetic." Because the Supreme Court has blessed purely partisan gerrymandering, the only way opponents can stop the new Texas map would be by arguing in court that it violates the Voting Rights Act requirement to keep minority communities together to allow them to be represented by the candidate of their choice, the AP reports.

"Texas is now more red in the United States Congress," Abbott said in a video he posted on X of the signing. The map, drafted in rare mid-decade redistricting to try to hold onto a slim GOP majority in the US House, prompted fierce protests from Democrats and sparked a gerrymandering tug-of-war for voters in states across the country. Before Texas lawmakers passed their new map, California passed a bill to seek voter approval of new Democratic-leaning districts to counter any Republican gains in Texas. The incumbent president's party usually loses congressional seats in the midterm election. On a national level, the makeup of existing districts has Democrats within three seats of a majority.

Texas Democrats have vowed to challenge the new map in court. They delayed a vote by two weeks by leaving Texas on Aug. 3 in protest and to rally support nationally. Upon their return, they were assigned round-the-clock police monitoring to ensure they showed up for debate. But the large Republican majority in the Texas Legislature made its ultimate passage all but inevitable. The head of Texas' Democratic Party criticized Abbott, saying the governor and Republicans "effectively surrendered Texas to Washington" with the new map. "They love to boast about how 'Texas Tough' they are, but when Donald Trump made one call, they bent over backwards to prioritize his politics over Texans," state Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said in a statement. "Honestly, it's pathetic."
The US announced Friday it will deny or revoke visas for Palestinian officials planning to attend a United Nations General Assembly session next month in New York. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action is in response to Palestinian efforts to obtain international recognition of a Palestinian state without direct negotiations, claiming these actions undermine peace efforts, the BBC reports. The revocation applies to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, per the AP .

The 1947 treaty establishing UN headquarters states that the US "shall not impose any impediment" to the travel of UN mission representatives to headquarters area of New York, per the Washington Post. "When visas are required," the treaty says, "they shall be granted without charge and as promptly as possible." A statement by the Palestinian presidency brought that up in saying the US decision clashes with international law. A spokesperson said UN officials will discuss the matter with the State Department "in line with the United Nations headquarters agreement."

France and Canada are among the countries preparing to support recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN gathering, and the New York Times points out the US decision could be intended to slow that momentum. The Palestine Liberation Organization, which has had UN observer status since 1974, represents Palestinians at international forums but cannot vote on resolutions, per the BBC. The administration also announced Friday it will block $520 million already approved by Congress for the UN general budget and $838 million allocated for international peacekeeping activities, per the Post.
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TOKYO, Aug 30 (News On Japan) - The Tokyo Toy Show opened on August 28, spotlighting nostalgic yet new products even as the latest releases filled the exhibition halls. One standout was the revival of the Showa-era supercar bicycle, updated for today.

Ides new Miraido S updates the concept with lever-controlled lighting that cycles through multiple patterns, while the speedometer toggles between display modes. A child who took a test ride said, It was fun and made me excited to ride. Hayato Akiyama, a sales manager at Ides, said the company aims to create a new legend with Miraido when it goes on sale next spring, recalling how the supercar bicycle once became a social phenomenon. Akiyama added that momentum is building around toys that resonate across generations.

Even as Japans population under 15 continues to decline, the toy market keeps growing, supported by kidultsadults who retain a childlike love of play. Products that adults also want to buy are helping to lift sales.

Megahouse has refreshed the Showa-era party game Butaminton. Ryo Takechi of the companys Cross-Brand Business Department said the shuttlecock has been made lighter and now stays aloft longer, making it easier for small children to play, while also appealing to those who remember the original and kids discovering it for the first time.

Other classics have evolved. The Rubiks Cube now includes versions where a single face is subdivided into multiple colors to form patterns, expanding the puzzles possibilities. The long-running Licca-chan House, which has reflected social trends since the Showa years, now features an auto-locking front door and a parcel delivery box, reflecting common features in modern homes. Nana Hirabayashi, a senior lead in the Licca-chan business at Takara Tomys Hits Business Unit, said the latest model also incorporates accessibility: motion-linked sound cues and different floor textures by room so children with visual or hearing impairments can enjoy playing together. Hirabayashi noted that these updates align the toy with contemporary living while preserving its familiar appeal.

Blending nostalgia with up-to-date design, the Tokyo Toy Show offers a cross-generational snapshot of where the market is headed. The show opens to the general public on August 30 and August 31.

Source: FNN
OSAKA, Aug 30 (News On Japan) - The Osaka Shochikuza Building in Dotonbori, Osakas Minami district, will close in 2026, prompting fans to voice their regret at the decision. The theatre has been a hub for kabuki and musicals and will bring down the curtain on more than a century of history.

Opened in the Taisho era and long nicknamed Dotonboris Arc de Triomphe, the building has been cherished for generations. Due to the aging of the structure and facilities such as elevators, Shochiku will end stage performances with the May 2026 program and will close the entire building, including the basement-level shops.

It feels lonely, said one visitor. Another remarked, This was the first place where I saw a stage performance, so it makes me a little sad.

Shochiku said it will study how to utilize the building after closure.

Source: YOMIURI
In a city where memory is as layered as the soil beneath its streets, where culture rises defiantly through rhythm, ritual, and resilience, the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina arrives as both a milestone and a meditation.

For Brandan "BMike" Odums, the celebrated New Orleans-based visual artist and founder of Studio BE, it's also a moment of generational handoffa time to center the voices of youth who didn't live through the storm but still carry its legacy in their bones.

This summer, Odums led a new cohort of students through his Eternal Seeds program, an annual art and mentorship initiative housed at Studio BE. The young artists, all born after the devastation of August 29, 2005, spent six weeks studying Katrina through oral history, documentary footage, poetry, and community testimony. The culminating project: a striking new mural painted on a levee wall in the Lower Ninth Ward, the very ground zero where floodwaters surged when the levees broke.

...

The mural is not a memorial in the traditional sense. It is layered, living, and fiercely imaginativecombining archival imagery, symbolic artifacts, and original artwork by the students themselves.

"We framed this whole summer around three things: memorial, mythology, and imagination," Odums said. "We knew how to approach creating a memorial for Katrinaresearching, listening to people's stories, honoring specific moments. But we also wanted the youth to take ownership of those stories. Mythology became about how they see themselves in the legacy.

"And imagination was about looking aheadhow do we want the future of New Orleans to look?"

That question found its answer not only on the wall, but in the process. Hurricane Katrina killed nearly 2,000 people and displaced over a million residents across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In New Orleans, levee failures left about 80 percent of the city underwater, with some areas, like the Lower Ninth Ward, submerged under 12 feet of floodwater.

The storm caused an estimated $161 billion in damages, destroying or severely damaging more than 300,000 homes. A disproportionate number of fatalities occurred in Black and working-class communities. The Eternal Seeds curriculum began with a sobering realization: none of the students remembered Katrina. Most of their parents didn't speak about it often. Some had never heard their families recount their own evacuations, losses, or returns.

"We even talked about playing Katrina Babies and then realizedthey weren't alive," Odums said.

Trauma and Recovery

Instead of seeing this as a gap, the program treated it as a point of entry. The students spent their Fridays hearing firsthand stories from New Orleanians who lived through the catastrophe and its aftermath.

...

Guest speakers included musician Irvin Mayfield, poet Sunni Patterson, councilman Oliver Thomas, and former mayor Marc Morial. Each offered a personal lens on trauma, survival, and recovery. The mural they produced reflects that layered storytelling. Divided into three sectionspre-Katrina, Katrina, and post-Katrina/futurethe work weaves together photographic references, news clippings, household items like keys and family albums, and drawings that envision what comes next.

"There's all these artifacts that are painted on the wall to memorialize pre-Katrina New Orleans," Odums said. "Then there's the flooding, the news, things they found when they researched. And after that, we focused on the returnbecause that's what we heard over and over: the importance of the right to return. The last part of the mural is the future. It's drawings by the kids about what they want New Orleans to become."

The location of the mural matters. The Lower Ninth Ward was one of the neighborhoods hit hardest by Katrina, and its fate remains a symbol of both devastation and neglect. In the Lower Ninth Ward, floodwaters rose as high as 12 feet after the levees brokesweeping away homes, scattering families, and displacing generations.

Despite the deep scars, Odums said he believes there's power in returning to the site and painting something new. He sees the mural as a way of reclaiming space and visibility for a neighborhood often overlooked.

"This mural reminds people that the Ninth Ward is New Orleans," he said. That same sentiment was echoed by councilman Thomas, who visited the students during their summer research.

"He told them, 'We're still here,'" Odums recalled. "He wanted the mural to make people feel like they're part of New Orleansnot forgotten."

The assertion "we know this place" became a refrain throughout the summer, inspired by a poem from Patterson. The phrase now appears in bold on the mural itself.

...

From Student to Teacher

The Eternal Seeds program is built not only on artistic skill, but on mentorship. Many of the program's instructors are former students themselves.

"The only adults on staff besides me and Naliahwho's a few years older than mewere all youth from previous years," Odums said. "Paris, Morrah, Cierra, Andre, Nolaall came up through the program. They're now teaching the next generation."

One of those alumni, Paris Porter, was born in August 2006just a year after Hurricane Katrina. This summer, she returned to Eternal Seeds as an instructor, guiding students who, like her, never experienced the storm firsthand.

"As an Eternal Seeds instructor, this is an unheard of opportunity, where I've been able to teach young artists how to express themselves from a special place but also learn about Katrina myself, because we were all born after," Porter said. "I learned that Katrina isn't a figment of our imagination or a waterline of our parents' past, but an ongoing story in our imaginative futures."

Her perspective reflects what Odums hoped the program would achieve, connecting young artists to the city's past while empowering them to envision its future. This full-circle model ensures that Eternal Seeds doesn't just train artistsit builds a community of caretakers. The lessons go beyond technique.

"We're trying to teach them to push past their limitations," Odums said. "To know what it means to invest in your people, to collaborate, and to realize how capable you are."

Though none of the students were alive during the storm, they emerged from the summer session not just with historical insight, but with a deeper sense of why Katrina still mattersand how their generation can carry those lessons forward.

Policy, Preparation, and Equity

While the mural speaks to memory, State Representative Delisha Boyd works on the other side of the equation: ensuring that what happened during Katrina never happens again.

"Strengthening the levees has been one of the biggest wins," she told Newsweek. "But it's not just the levees. The pumping systems have been upgraded, and there's been a focus on restoring infrastructure in areas like the Lower Ninth."

She also points to federal and state funding streams that support affordable housing and community redevelopment. Boyd, a New Orleans native and licensed real estate broker, serves on the board of the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). She cites programs like Lot Next Door, which allows residents to buy adjacent vacant land at deeply reduced prices, and green infrastructure projects aimed at absorbing floodwater before it overtops pumps.

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Still, Boyd admitted there's work to be done. "We've lost nearly 25,000 young professionals in the past five years alone. We have to foster the neighborhoods and make sure people can stay where they're from," she said. "Revitalization can't become gentrification. We have to be in control of the narrative."

That's especially true, she added, for communities of color. "We don't want another situation where folks are left out of the rebuilding process," she said. "We have to fight for funding, educate families about owning their homes, completing successions, getting insurance. That's what Katrina taught us."

Preparing for the Next Storm

Representative Boyd also highlighted how Katrina reshaped New Orleans' approach to disaster planning.

"Now we have systems to track storms earlier. We have designated lighthouses around the cityplaces where residents, especially elders or people on oxygen, can go if they can't evacuate."

But climate change is a growing threat. "There are still people on the state level who don't even believe climate change is real," she said. "That makes our job harder. But we're doing what we can at the city level to prepare."

One of her greatest concerns is also one of the most overlooked: mental health. "We want kids to be resilientwhich they are. But they're people, too," Boyd said. "They got overlooked in Katrina... and then within 15 years they have this pandemic. I'm finding this rise in Black young adults that are committing suicide. It's mind-boggling." T

he art of the Eternal Seeds youth is more than paint; it is a profound response to the crisis Boyd identifies. By becoming caretakers for one another, they are weaving a tapestry of support strong enough to withstand the echoes of isolation and trauma that shadowed the generation before them.

A City That Remembers

For Odums, the story of Eternal Seeds is inseparable from his own post-Katrina journey. He was 18 when the storm hit, evacuated to Houston and then Austin, and found himself restless and searching.

Eventually, he turned to filmmaking, founding a collective called 2-Cent that documented grassroots organizing and resistance in the wake of the storm. That work, he said, laid the foundation for everything he does today.

"I didn't grow up thinking I'd be a muralist," he said. "But Katrina forced me to ask: what can I do? What stories need telling?"

The story of the Lower Ninth Ward, and of the students who painted its walls with visions of strength and survival, is one he's proud to help tell. But it belongs to the city now. As he reflects on the mural, Odums returns again to that phrase: "We know this place."

"Yes, you might not have experienced Katrina, yes, you might not have grown up in the 9th Ward, but we know this place. And I think that's what I hope this mural speaks to everyone who sees it."

"When Black people come together, when poor people come together, when working-class people come togetherwhen they're neglected, when they recover, when they survive, when they thrive. We know this place."
Quality Products and Services Drive Continued Positive Operating Income, EBITDA, and Strong Margins

PICKERING, ON, Aug. 28, 2025 /CNW/ - MTL Cannabis Corp. (CSE: MTLC) ("MTL" or the "Company") is pleased to report it has filed the financial statements as at and for the three-month period ending June 30, 2025, and 2024. Complete details may be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

First Quarter 2025 Consolidated Financial Highlights:

The Company generated revenue of $25,890,287 , an improvement of $48,023 , compared to $25,842,264 in the same quarter of last year.

, an improvement of , compared to in the same quarter of last year. The Company continues to demonstrate positive Operating Income of $2,052,265 , compared to $4,963,969 in the same quarter of last year.

, compared to in the same quarter of last year. The Company continues to generate positive EBITDA of $3,447,895 and Adjusted EBITDA of $2,995,799 , compared to $6,527,812 and $5,034,889 , respectively, in the same quarter of last year.

(1) See "Non-IFRS financial measures" section below for reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

Capital Project Summary:

To facilitate future growth, the Company has announced a number of transformational capital projects which have started during the first quarter of FY2026, specifically:

LED Lighting Installation: During the first quarter of FY2026, the Company successfully completed the retrofit of all cultivation rooms at all facilities located in Montreal and Louisville, allowing for the installation of LED lights to support ongoing cultivation operations. Once fully operational, the LED lighting technology is expected to reduce utility costs while increasing yields and overall product quality for the market.





During the first quarter of FY2026, the Company successfully completed the retrofit of all cultivation rooms at all facilities located in and Louisville, allowing for the installation of LED lights to support ongoing cultivation operations. Once fully operational, the LED lighting technology is expected to reduce utility costs while increasing yields and overall product quality for the market. Retrofit of 815 Tecumseh Facility: The Company has begun construction on the retrofit and expansion of the 815 Tecumseh facility in Pointe-Claire, QC . Currently, the facility serves both cultivation and all post-harvest, processing, packaging, and fulfillment operations for the Canadian recreational and international export markets. The retrofit will allow for a total of four (4) new rooms for cultivation operations, expanding the cultivation capacity of the asset from up to 9,000 kg per year to up to 11,000 kg per year after completion. The retrofit of the 815 Tecumseh facility is expected to be completed by March 2027 .





The Company has begun construction on the retrofit and expansion of the 815 Tecumseh facility in . Currently, the facility serves both cultivation and all post-harvest, processing, packaging, and fulfillment operations for the Canadian recreational and international export markets. The retrofit will allow for a total of four (4) new rooms for cultivation operations, expanding the cultivation capacity of the asset from up to 9,000 kg per year to up to 11,000 kg per year after completion. The retrofit of the 815 Tecumseh facility is expected to be completed by . Retrofit of 4225 Transcanadienne Facility: The Company has received a Health Canada processing license at its facility located at 4225 Transcanadienne in Pointe-Claire, QC . The facility was previously unutilized and will now serve as the 'hub' asset for the Company as the central processing asset for all post-harvest operations, processing, packaging, and distribution for the Canadian recreational, Canadian medical, and international export channels. The transition of these key processes will allow for the further expansion of both the 815 Tecumseh facility and the Abba Medix facility in Pickering, ON . The retrofit of the 4225 Transcanadienne facility is expected to be completed by March 2027 .





The Company has received a Health Canada processing license at its facility located at 4225 Transcanadienne in . The facility was previously unutilized and will now serve as the 'hub' asset for the Company as the central processing asset for all post-harvest operations, processing, packaging, and distribution for the Canadian recreational, Canadian medical, and international export channels. The transition of these key processes will allow for the further expansion of both the 815 Tecumseh facility and the Abba Medix facility in . The retrofit of the 4225 Transcanadienne facility is expected to be completed by . Transition of Medical Fulfillment Operations: During Q2 2026, the Company is transitioning the medical fulfillment operations from Pickering to Montreal in the 4225 Transcanadienne facility. This will allow the Company to expand medical fulfillment operations, expand the medical menu which already features over 450 SKUs from over 38 different suppliers, and allow the Company to accelerate the growth of the veteran focused medical business. The Company currently serves over 5,000 clients overall, and over 3,500 veterans on the medical platform.





During Q2 2026, the Company is transitioning the medical fulfillment operations from to in the 4225 Transcanadienne facility. This will allow the Company to expand medical fulfillment operations, expand the medical menu which already features over 450 SKUs from over 38 different suppliers, and allow the Company to accelerate the growth of the veteran focused medical business. The Company currently serves over 5,000 clients overall, and over 3,500 veterans on the medical platform. Retrofit of Pickering Facility: The Company has announced the complete shutdown and retrofit of the Abba Medix facility located in Pickering, ON . The retrofit will include the installation of LED lighting technology being utilized in the Company's other cultivation assets, and allow for the expansion of cultivation operations at Abba Medix, increasing the estimated annual yields from 2,500kg to over 4,000 kg per year. The project is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Management Commentary:

"We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve over the past few years since completing the RTO transaction with Canada House Wellness and the subsequent turnaround and integration of the consolidated operations, allowing us to achieve industry leading results" said Michael Perron, CEO of MTL.



"We are making significant investments into our operations in order to expand our production capabilities and realign internal operations to maximize our future growth potential, setting the Company up for the next chapter of growth. Now that we have our house in order with the support of a Schedule 1 financial institution, we are able to comfortably take on these transformational capital initiatives and set the company up for continued long term growth in the Canadian recreational, Canadian medical, and international export markets."

Non-IFRS financial measures

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 Adjusted EBITDA. 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.

The Company defines EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as income (loss) from continuing operations, as reported, adjusted for depreciation and amortization, financing costs, gains and losses on sale of marketable securities, interest and accretion, share-based payments, change in fair value of biological assets realized through inventory sold, and unrealized gains and losses on changes in fair value of biological assets. The Company uses EBITDA as a measure of the cash generating capacity of its business. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to assist with comparatives to other companies by eliminating variability resulting from differences in capital structures, management decisions related to resource allocation, and the impact of fair value adjustments on biological assets and inventory, which may be volatile on a period-to-period basis. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance defined under IFRS. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are intended to provide a proxy for the Company's operating cash flow and are widely used by industry analysts and investors to compare the Company to its competitors and derive expectations of the future financial performance of the Company.

The Company's method of calculating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from other companies and, accordingly, they may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies.

The table below provide a reconciliation of Net Income as reported under IFRS in the annual financial statements to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024.



Q1 FY2026 Q1 FY2025 Net Income (loss) ($44,433) $2,206,313 Income Tax Expense $185,024 $1,062,278 Finance Expense $1,927,808 $1,789,301 Amortization & Depreciation $1,379,496 $1,469,920 EBITDA $3,447,895 $6,527,812 Share-Based Compensation $145,323 $418,418 Fair Value Adjustment on Sale of Inventory $1,566,677 $469,359 Fair Value Adjustment on Biological Assets ($2,164,096) ($2,380,700) Adjusted EBITDA $2,995,799 $5,034,889

About MTL Cannabis Corp.

MTL Cannabis Corp. is the parent company of Montreal Medical Cannabis Inc. ("MTL Cannabis"), a licensed producer operating from a 57,000 sq ft licensed indoor grow facility in Pointe Claire, Quebec; Abba Medix Corp., a licensed producer in Pickering, Ontario that operates a leading medical cannabis marketplace; IsoCanMed Inc., a licensed producer in Louiseville, Quebec growing best-in-class indoor cannabis, in its 64,000 sq. ft. production facility; and Canada House Clinics Inc., operating clinics across Canada that work directly with primary care teams to provide specialized cannabinoid therapy services to patients suffering from simple and complex medical conditions.

As a flower-first company built for the modern street, MTL Cannabis uses proprietary hydroponic growing methodologies supported by handcrafted techniques to produce products that are truly craft for the masses. MTL Cannabis focuses on craft quality cannabis products, including lines of dried flower, pre-rolls and hash marketed under the "MTL Cannabis", "Low Key by MTL" and "R'belle" brands for the Canadian market through nine distribution arrangements with various provincial cannabis distributors. MTL Cannabis has also developed several export channels for bulk and unbranded GACP quality cannabis.

It is MTL's goal for Abba Medix Corp. to become the leading distributor of medical cannabis in Canada and for Canada House Clinics to be the leading Canadian provider of medical cannabis clinic services.

For further information, please visit www.mtlcorp.ca/ or the Company's public filings at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.

This press release contains forward- looking statements, including statements that relate to, among other things, the Company's clinic, production and technology businesses, its future plans including the expansion of operational capacities and efficiencies retrofit of facilities, the Company's markets, objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "likely", "possible", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "objective" and "continue" (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Material assumptions used to develop forward-looking information in this news release include, the completion of announced retrofits on time and budget, and availability of applicable approvals and funding required therefore on terms acceptable to the Company, the regulations related to cannabis use under the Cannabis Act (Canada); Company liquidity and capital resources, including the availability of additional capital resources to fund its activities and repay its outstanding indebtedness; level of competition; the ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; the ability to attract and retain key executives; the ability to execute strategic plans; continued integration of business unit, expansion activities at all our operating locations; and the leveraging of cash flow from operations to accelerate growth and further improve the Company's balance sheet. Additional information about material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found in the Company's Listing Statement dated August 14, 2023 and its most recent annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis under "Risk and Uncertainties" as well as in other public disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE MTL Cannabis Corp.

For further information, please contact: Michael Perron, CEO, MTL Cannabis, 1-877-685-2266, [email protected]
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor leadership led more than 1,500 members and supporters as they rallied at the union's Constitutional Convention in downtown Vancouver to stand up for Canadian workers.

"We are going to do whatever it takes to protect Canadian jobs from destruction from Donald Trump," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor rallies to protect Canadian jobs and fight for a sustainable economy (CNW Group/Unifor)

"He wants to steal our jobs, to take our critical resources and undermine our democracy and our very sovereignty and he still sees us as the 51st state. This is the fight of our lives. And I want to be very clear  Trump will not win."

Rally speakers called for action to safeguard industries threatened by ongoing tariffs from the Trump administration, and to fight for a vision where Canada can steer and protect its economic future.

Chanting "Protect Canadian jobs," the delegates gathered outside the Vancouver Convention Centre to demand the federal government stop backpedaling on retaliatory tariffs on the United States and that all levels of government do everything in their power to defend Canada's workers.

The impacts are already being felt across the country, with thousands of Unifor members facing layoffs. These tariffs put jobs at risk in every sector and every industry. This is a fight for every Canadian worker.

"We will never accept Trump, with his mania and authoritarianism, to kill our country. It's up to workers again to save our country and to fight, with our sweat, tears and blood," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.

Mark Hancock, Canadian Union of Public Employees National President, offered his full support to Unifor during this trade war.

"Even though we're primarily private sector, there is no doubt that every step of the way, when you take on that President Trump, when you take on tariffs, when you stand up for Canadian jobs, we will be standing side-by-side with you," he said.

At the rally, Unifor Auto Council Chair John D'Agnolo reminded President Trump that 2025 is the 60th anniversary of the Auto Pact both countries shared  for every vehicle bought in Canada, automakers had to build one in Canada, and that rich history cannot be severed overnight.

Unifor Forestry Council Chair Stephane Lefebvre said there are 200,000 forestry workers across the country, whose union jobs support hundreds of thousands of other jobs and keeps communities thriving. But the industry requires vision and strategy from all governments to lead it.

For more information on Unifor's Protect Canadian Jobs visit protectjobs.ca.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact Unifor Communications Director Kathleen O'Keefe at [email protected] or by cell at (416) 896-3303.
Google Sergey Brin funded LTA (Lighter then Air Ships) and they completed a 400 foot (124 meter) long Pathfinder 1. Pathfinder 1 is a subscale prototype of the airship LTA Pathfinder 3, currently under development at another WWII-era hangar in Akron, Ohio. LTA will eventually submit for certification by the FAA. The Pathfinder 3 will be larger than the current vessel and will carry more passengers or cargo.

They are updating the airship for the modern age. Pathfinder 3, which will be about 600 feet (180 meters) long. Instead of aluminum beams inside, Pathfinder 1 uses lightweight carbon fiber rods and titanium hubs, and each of its 13 huge nylon gas cells contains stable helium rather than flammable hydrogen.

Pathfinder 1 has a lift of 28 metric tons and a range of 4,500 kilometers, using a hybrid-electric power plant, batteries and solar cells to drive 12 electric motors.

LTAs Pathfinder 3, building on the earlier Pathfinder 1 prototype unveiled in 2023 in California and supported by Sergey Brin, is an all-electric rigid airship with advanced systems like lidar monitoring helium volume. Pathfinder 3 is under construction in Ohio and will be about 590 feet long with a payload capacity around 96 tons and range near 10,000 miles.

Historic airships were mainly passenger and military reconnaissance vehicles, with significant flight and safety limitations due to hydrogen use and primitive technology. New airships seek to overcome these challenges with robust weather resilience, controllability.

The Airlander 10, developed by UK-based Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), is a hybrid aircraft using a combination of gas lift and aerodynamic thrust, powered by diesel engines with plans to transition to electric propulsion. It can fly up to 20,000 feet and stay aloft for up to five days manned, or two weeks unmanned, with payload capacity around 10 tons. Production deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.
Discovering mysterious Middle Jurassic dinosaurs in Morocco By James Ashworth Some of the most exciting dinosaur discoveries of the past decade have all come from one country  Morocco. Discover why the country is so important to palaeontologists and how new fossils of its most unusual dinosaur Spicomellus were found.

High in Moroccos Atlas Mountains an extraordinary cache of dinosaur fossils is opening a window into a little-known period in our planets history. The Middle Jurassic is a key moment in the evolution of the dinosaurs, seeing them evolve from small, two-legged animals into a huge diversity of forms. However, as much of the world was underwater at the time, fossils from these land-based animals are extremely rare. Rocks of the right age are only found in small outcrops dotted across the world in countries such as the UK, China and Madagascar. Recently, a new site has been revealed near the Moroccan town of Boulemane where our palaeontologists have helped to describe two extraordinary dinosaurs. In 2023, our scientists returned to the site, along with colleagues from across the world, to dig deeper into Moroccos Middle Jurassic. Our Senior Researcher Professor Susannah Maidment, who led the expedition, says that the region is incredibly rich in fossils from that time, including dinosaurs that are unlike any others on Earth. While Morocco is incredibly famous for its palaeontology, its mostly known for more recent dinosaurs like Spinosaurus, Susannah explains. Its Middle Jurassic hasnt been investigated before, and were already finding that its dinosaurs from this time are very unusual. By studying this region, were putting northern Morocco and the Atlas Mountains on the palaeontology map. In the future, Im hoping this will be another amazing site in the country that scientists and tourists will want to visit.

Dinosaur detectives Hints of the sites existence first came several years ago, when we acquired unusual stegosaur bones from a Cambridge fossil dealer, which were later described as Adratiklit. The bones were labelled as being from the Middle Jurassic of Boulemane, which I was a bit sceptical of, Susannah recalls. Stegosaurs are best known from later in the Jurassic, so a Middle Jurassic date would make this a very early representative of the group. But when I started to look up the geology of the area, I realised that the dating seemed to fit, and that this could be a really important stegosaur. As isolated bones, the fossils had lost a lot of the contextual information that a researcher would normally find when they dig them up from a site  information about its environment, how it was preserved and how its bones fitted together. To confirm this really was a Middle Jurassic stegosaur, finding where the bones originally came from was vital. There were no vertebrate palaeontologists in Morocco at the time, so Susannah began tracing their journey back from the UK to their dig site. I really wanted to find the place where the specimen had been dug up, but it was a bit of a long shot, Susannah admits. However, with the help of a colleague, we effectively worked our way back along the commercial supply chain to the man who dug it out of the ground. He allowed me to study the geology of the local area. Helping Susannah in her quest was Professor Driss Ouarhache, a Moroccan scientist from the Universite Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (USMBA) who specialises in the geology of the region. This site is one of the most important fossil sites in Morocco, and may even be the most important, Driss says. It is rich in fossils of many different dinosaurs, and you can find fossils on the ground almost everywhere without having to dig. Following Susannahs first visit to the site, it was clear that it was something special. It became even more interesting after we acquired another fossil from the same site. It was a rib bone with spikes fused to it  a condition unknown in any other animal, living or dead. While Susannah had thought that it might also be from Adratiklit at first, research revealed it was actually from an unknown ankylosaur, later named Spicomellus. Spicomellus is the oldest known ankylosaur, and a very strange one at that, so Susannah put together a team to find out more about this dinosaur. After the first attempt was called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Susannah and her fellow scientists finally made it out to Boulemane in April 2023.

Moving mountains Perched more than 2,000 metres up on the side of a mountain, the terrain surrounding the dig site doesnt give up its secrets easily. Much of the area is covered in a soft mudstone, the remnant of ancient wetlands that once covered the landscape, meaning the ground is crumbly and prone to slip. The site itself lies in a high-sided channel, which funnels flash floods and landslips through it. The night before the team arrived, some exposed fossils were buried following heavy rain and became too deep to be recovered. The team not only had to be ready to leave at the first sign of rain, they also had to be careful because the sides of the ridges were at risk of collapse. Their first job, therefore, was to make the site as safe as possible before the excavations could properly begin. After checking the area for any loose fossils, we shift all the big rubble out the way to produce a platform from where we can dig down, says Dr Simon Wills, our Scientific Associate. We only had a week on this expedition, and it takes a while to get down to the fossil level. Due to the lack of time, it was vital to identify the most promising spots to dig early on. Bone can be distinguished from surrounding rock by its porous texture, but even experts can have difficulties doing so in the field. In one instance, an initially promising object turned out to be a bone-shaped rock!

Developing Moroccan palaeontology Such first-hand experience was important for the younger palaeontologists on the dig, such as Dr Kawtar Ech-charay. Kawtar is part of a new generation of Moroccan palaeontologists and was participating in one of their first digs. I chose to become a palaeontologist because Im passionate about my countrys geological history, Kawtar says. But before I started, I wasnt even aware that Morocco had a lot of dinosaurs. This country is rich in geological heritage, but its not been well studied to date. Its hard to get people into the field because there arent the jobs, so Im hoping that by studying and raising awareness of this site, we can start to provide those opportunities to study our geological history.

International collaborations such as these are an increasingly important part of modern palaeontology, as researchers move away from parachute science  where scientists from elsewhere come in to do the fieldwork  towards local collaborations. The University of Birminghams Professor Richard Butler, whos worked with Susannah for many years, says, I couldnt imagine working in a country without local collaborators. Its hard to understand not doing so from both an ethical and logistical standpoint. In Morocco, weve been working with local collaborators to collect fossils together, as well as working on funding applications to support the early career scientists working here. Were also helping to develop their careers with training, some of which were providing right now out here in the field.

Keeping track of dinosaur fossils On one side of the channel, the team identified a promising seam of Middle Jurassic rocks. Over the next few days, the scientists went from pickaxes to trowels to knives and eventually to brushes as they dug down, revealing some of Spicomellus characteristic ribs as well as other bones they didnt yet recognise. The locations of the fossils were carefully noted by Dr Luke Meade, who was trained by Richard at the University of Birmingham. Its important to understand how the fossils are lying in the ground while were taking them out, Luke explains. The direction the bones are pointing or the way theyre spread out, can give us more information about how they were preserved and what was happening in an environment. It also allows us to say if the bones are associated with each other. In this case, were very confident all the Spicomellus remains come from the same individual. Once theyd removed the bones, the team quickly covered them in plaster jackets. They also made sure the contents were documented and numbered so that when the jackets were re-opened theyd know exactly where in the site the fossils were from. The fossils were then loaded into the teams jeeps for the next stage of their 165-million-year journey and driven to USMBA.

What was found on the dig? After arriving at Drisss lab, the team laid out their fossil finds together for the first time. It was only then that they appreciated the extraordinary diversity of their discoveries, from new bones of Spicomellus to the fossils of stegosaurs, sauropods and much more. When we walked in the door at Drisss lab and saw all the incredible Spicomellus material laid out, I think everybody was gobsmacked, remembers Susannah. I just kept picking things up and I didnt know what they were. Its just an incredible feeling to know that you have this discovery that no human has ever seen before, which has the potential to fundamentally change our understanding of the diversity of the armoured dinosaurs. Studying them, however, had to wait. First, the fossils needed to be prepared  cleaned, stabilised and extracted from the rock surrounding them. Its a time-consuming and complex procedure that the lab in Morocco didnt have the facilities for in 2023. Instead, the team were able to get funding to send Kawtar and fellow Moroccan PhD student Ahmed Oussou to Egypt to be trained in fossil preparation and to buy the equipment for a new preparation lab at USMBA. With help from professional preparator Alison Park from Emanya Preparation and Conservation, a preparation company that specialises in vertebrate fossils, the team was able to reconstruct Spicomelluss appearance for a 2025 paper.
An Atlantic City resident who admitted to shooting a man during a dice game in the city was sentenced Monday to eight years in state prison, authorities said.

Ibn Demps, 26, previously pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault and second-degree certain persons not to possess weapons, according to a statement from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

Surveillance video showed Demps playing dice with a group of men in the courtyard area of a housing complex on N. South Carolina Avenue in the city on Sept. 21, 2022, and shooting a man at near point-blank range in the stomach, the office said.

The man survived the shooting.

Demps was apprehended by police on Dec. 9, 2022, in the same home that surveillance video showed him fleeing into after the shooting, investigators said. Police also found a handgun inside the home.

The State Police ballistics laboratory confirmed that the recovered handgun had been used to shoot the man, officials said.

Demps was scheduled to attend a recovery court session on the day of the shooting, but he failed to appear, the office said.

Recovery court is designed to help nonviolent offenders with drug and alcohol issues receive treatment and guidance, according to New Jersey Courts.

Demps also pleaded guilty to firing a handgun at a local gun range in November 2022, the office said. Demps lied on the registration form by saying he was not a convicted felon.

Police determined that Demps had gone to the gun range after viewing cellphone videos which were recovered during the shooting investigation, investigators said.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
A 26-year-old South Jersey resident was sentenced Monday for shooting a man while playing a game of dice three years ago in Atlantic City, authorities said.

Ibn Demps, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and a weapon possession charge, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

Demps will serve an eight-year sentence in state prison and upon his release will have three years of intensive parole supervision, the prosecutors office said.

Atlantic City police responded to the 100 block of South Carolina Avenue after a victim was shot in the abdomen in the late afternoon on Sept. 21, 2022.

Surveillance video helped identify Demps as the shooter, authorities said. The footage showed him playing dice with a group of men in the courtyard of a housing complex before pulling out a handgun and shooting the victim.

Demps was arrested by police on Dec. 9, 2022, authorities said.

Upon Demps arrest, police recovered a handgun at the home he fled to after the shooting, according to surveillance videos.

The State Police ballistics laboratory confirmed that the recovered handgun was used to shoot the victim. Details about the extent of the victims injuries were not immediately available this week.

Demps was scheduled to attend a Recovery Court session on the day of the shooting, but failed to appear, authorities said.

Demps pleaded guilty to shooting a handgun at a local gun range in November 2022. Authorities said he lied on the registration form by denying he was a convicted felon.

Police said they recovered video evidence of Demps at the shooting range during the shooting investigation.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Victoria Gladstone may be reached at vgladstone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @TorigNJAM. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Authorities have arrested a Massachusetts resident who allegedly tried to sexually extort a victim from New Jersey.

Robert J. Meserve III, 37, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of second-degree distribution of child pornography, third-degree sexual extortion and fourth-degree terroristic threats and stalking, the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Friday.

The child pornography charge is unrelated to the incident involving the New Jersey victim.

A woman from Bergen County told investigators that she and her relatives had received various threatening text messages from eight different phone numbers, which all seemed to be from the same person.

The victim told investigators that the person was sending nude photos of the victim that was in their possession, threatening that they would be exposed to others.

Detectives later identified the sender of the messages as Meserve, an acquaintance of the victim, officials said. During the investigation, it was also determined that in January of this year, Meserve distributed child sexual abuse material on the internet, authorities alleged.

On Wednesday, Bergen County Prosecutors Office detectives traveled to Massachusetts, arresting Meserve and conducting a search of his home with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police and the U.S. Marshals.

Meserve is in custody at Plymouth County Correctional Facility pending extradition to New Jersey.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
The PATCO system operates around the clock, but a federal court says it doesnt qualify as a railroad under the law that protects rail workers.

A federal appeals court dismissed a lawsuit over a fatal train accident, ruling that the PATCO Speed Line  which connects Philadelphia and South Jersey  is not a railroad under federal law.

The decision from the Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was in a lawsuit filed by the family of John Schroeder, a longtime technician who was crushed to death between two train cars while working at PATCOs Lindenwold Yard in July 2020. He was 76.

Schroeders daughter, Dawn Tucker, sued the Port Authority Transit Corporation and its parent agency, the Delaware River Port Authority, under the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA.

The law allows railroad workers to seek compensation for job-related injuries and deaths.

Because PATCO doesnt meet the legal definition of a common carrier by railroad, the court ruled that FELA doesnt apply, meaning the federal court lacked jurisdiction over the estates claim under that law.

Instead, the estate would have to pursue other legal options, such as filing a claim under state law.

The services and infrastructure of the Speed Line bear little resemblance to (a railroad), and thus it falls outside FELAs scope, Circuit Judge Thomas Ambro wrote in the opinion filed Tuesday.

The Speed Line runs 14.5 miles between Philadelphia and Lindenwold, N.J., and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

PATCO, which began operating in 1969, is owned by the Delaware River Port Authority and serves about 5 million riders each year.

It does not carry freight, share tracks with other railroads, or connect to the broader rail network.

The court noted that its only use of a nearby spur track  more than a decade ago  was for maintenance work, not freight transport.

Tucker argued that PATCOs limited use of the spur and its connections to other transit systems should qualify it as a railroad. The court rejected those claims as inconsequential.

The ruling upholds a lower courts dismissal of the case for lack of jurisdiction and reinforces a legal distinction between industrial railroads and local transit systems.

The estate was represented by A. Michael Barker and Todd J. Gelfand of Barker Gelfand James & Sarvas, who declined to comment on the case.

The transit agencies were represented by Gregory F. Cirillo and Silvio A. Trentalange of Dilworth Paxson, who did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
Sammi Giancola and Justin May at their baby's gender reveal in Seaside Heights this past May. Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images

Most of the Jersey Shore kids now have their own kids.

Sammi Sweetheart Giancola is the latest cast member of the MTV series to become a parent, bringing that number to seven.

Giancola, 38, welcomed her first baby, son Vincent Keith May, on Aug. 20.

Welcome to the world my rainbow miracle baby, she posted on Instagram alongside a photo of the baby wearing a Hi, Im new here shirt (see post below).

After this very long journey to get here, words cannot describe how blessed and truly grateful we are, she continued. Forever living in our baby love bubble until further notice. Ok I cant stop crying happy tears. Thank you God.

READ MORE: Jersey Shore star expecting first baby after dealing with infertility. Miracles do happen.

A rainbow baby is a baby born after a previous miscarriage/loss of a pregnancy, stillbirth or death of an infant.

On Jersey Shore Family Vacation, Giancola previously talked about undergoing IVF treatment and having a miscarriage before she got engaged to her fiance, Justin May, in March 2024.

Sammi Giancola and Justin May at their baby gender reveal in Seaside Heights with the cast of "Jersey Shore." Dave Kotinsky | Getty Images

Giancola announced her pregnancy in February.

After struggling through years of infertility, this is the absolute greatest blessing we could ever possibly ask for! she said at the time. We are so thrilled to finally be able to share the news of our little miracle with you all! Our hearts have never been so full of love, we cant wait to meet you baby!

READ MORE: Love, hate, laundry: The 15-year saga of Jersey Shore vs. the real Jersey Shore

In May, she had a gender reveal with the cast on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights  home of the original Jersey Shore  featuring pink and blue balloons and pink and blue smoke.

Giancola, an original member of the Jersey Shore cast, grew up in Hazlet. May is a Rutgers alum from Toms River.

Giancola did not join the revival series Jersey Shore Family Vacation until later seasons, but is now a main cast member.

She joins a group of Jersey Shore moms and dads that includes Nicole Snooki Polizzi, Jenni JWoww Farley, her ex Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Deena Nicole Cortese (Buckner), Pauly Pauly D DelVecchio and Mike The Situation Sorrentino.

Vinny Guadagnino and Angelina Pivarnick, both from Staten Island, are the two cast members who do not have children.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
Head bartender Vic Orea prepares a cocktail at Meximodo, a restaurant in Metuchen, New Jersey that received an award from Guinness World Records for the Most Varieties Of Agave Spirits commercially available in a bar-restaurant in the world on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Daniel J. Hoffman for NJ Advance Media

New Jerseys record-breaking Mexican restaurant is on the move again.

Meximodo, a Guinness World Record holder for the largest collection of tequila bottles on the planet, is set to open two more locations in the state.

TJ Pingtore, Senior Vice President of Growth and Development of Le Malt Hospitality Group that owns Meximodo, told NJ Advance Media Thursday that the new locations will be coming to Marlboro and Parsippany.

The Marlboro location will be at 133 South Main Street on Route 79  replacing the former Fireside Grill & Bar and Bad Hat Dumplings and Cocktails that once shared the building.

For Parsippany, the restaurant will be stationed at District1515, a luxury residential and retail area located off Route 10.

Le Malt Hospitality Group is hoping to open both locations by late 2026.

Interior of Meximodo Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar in Metuchen on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media

Each space has some uniqueness to it, Pingtore told NJ Advance Media.

The eatery got its start in Metuchen in late 2023, gaining not only an outstanding review from NJ.com but also received recognition from Guinness World Record months later in July 2024.

Known for its modern take on Mexican cuisine, Meximodo made NJ.coms best Mexican restaurants list in May. The menu features elevated street food staples like birria tacos and street-style corn, alongside elevated entrees such as pollo con mole, mushroom enchiladas, and cauliflower al pastor.

Earlier this year, Meximodo announced they were opening a second location in downtown Jersey City. A restaurant spokesperson confirmed that the location is slated to open in September.

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Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A Pennsylvania man was charged with vehicular homicide after killing a New Jersey man in a crash on June 29, officials with the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office in Pennsylvania said.

Andrew Hilferty, 35, of Philadelphia, was charged with homicide by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person and other charges on Monday.

Hilferty was initially charged with driving under the influence of alcohol when blood drawn after the crash measured .110, above the .08 legal limit, officials said.

The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. on June 29 when Pennsylvania State Police responded to the eastbound lanes of Route 422 in Limerick Township, officials said.

Authorities said two cars, one driven by Hilferty, were traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when Hilfertys car hit the rear end of the other car.

Data from Hilfertys car showed that he was traveling at 95 mph some 5 seconds before the crash and 98 mph about 1.5 seconds before the crash, officials said.

Hilferty braked just before impact, officials said.

The other car suffered severe damage with the drivers side wedged against a tree, according to officials.

Ryan Reyes, 36, of Bridgeport, was extracted from the car and taken to Pottstown Hospital where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

Hilferty and a passenger in the car he was driving were uninjured in the incident, according to officials.

Hilferty was arraigned on Tuesday and was released after posting bail with the condition of no driving, officials said.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 22. An attorney for Hilferty could not be reached for comment.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
While your portable air conditioner won't put you at risk for Legionnaires' disease, you might want to be careful if you have a central air system. Canva

The dog days of summer are still upon us, and with that comes an increase in the usage of air conditioning systems.

While it is very rare to get sick from a portable or window-installed air conditioning unit, there have been recent cases of Legionnaires disease stemming from central air conditioning systems.

The most recent cases occurred in Harlem in New York City, where six people died and 113 others reported having the illness as of Tuesday, according to the NYC Health Department.

Heres what you need to know about the pneumonia-like illness that can be caused by central air conditioning systems.

What causes Legionnaires disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Legionnaires disease is a severe form of pneumonia or lung infection caused by the Legionella bacteria.

Despite what you may think, Legionnaires is not spread via human contact.

Dr. Stephanie Silvera, Professor of Public Health at Montclair State University, told NJ Advance Media that Legionnaires is typically spread via exposure to water or mist that has Legionella bacteria.

Most outbreaks have been linked to water fountains, hot tubs, swimming pools and cooling towers that use water to cool the air in buildings, Dr. Silvera added.

However, Dr. Silvera said that traditional air conditioning units are not sources of Legionnaires because they do not typically use water to cool the air.

What are the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires disease?

There are several signs and symptoms of Legionnaires to look out for, according to the CDC.

These pneumonia-like symptoms include:

cough

fever

headaches

muscle aches

shortness of breath

Other non-pneumonia-like symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and confusion.

Those most likely to get infected with the illness have certain risk factors. According to the CDC, most healthy people exposed to the bacteria wont become sick.

The risk of infection is highest for individuals who smoke, those with a weakened immune system due to chronic conditions  including emphysema, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer  or some medications and those 50 years of age or older, Dr. Silvera said.

How is Legionnaires disease treated?

Before Legionnaires can be treated, a chest X-ray is taken to confirm whether or not someone has pneumonia.

According to the CDC, after a chest X-ray confirms a diagnosis of pneumonia, doctors request a urine sample and either phlegm or washing of the lung sample to test for Legionella bacteria.

If the patient tests positive for Legionella bacteria, the disease can be treated using antibiotics.

Early treatment is the best way to prevent serious complications, though for many with severe illness, a hospital stay is necessary, Dr. Silvera said.

How did the Legionnaires outbreak in New York City occur?

The Legionnaires outbreak in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City occurred in a community cluster, according to the New York City Health Department.

The NYC Department of Health stated that the outbreak stemmed from water that came from cooling towers in the ZIP codes of 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039.

This is different from portable air conditioning units or plumbing systems in a building, so residents in the affected ZIP codes can continue to drink water, bathe, shower, cook and use their [portable] air conditioner, according to the NYC Department of Health.

Are New Jersey residents affected by this Legionnaires outbreak?

No, New Jersey residents are not affected by the current Legionnaires outbreak in New York City.

However, Dr. Silvera notes New Jersey typically has 250-300 cases annually.

In 2023, there were 269 cases with 20 deaths, though the highest number of cases occurred in 2018 with about 4 cases per 100,000 in New Jersey, Dr. Silvera said.

How can you prevent Legionnaires disease?

To prevent Legionnaires disease, you have to reduce the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.

Prevention can start from the building level. Building owners and managers can do this by implementing a water management program to help control Legionella, according to the CDC.

New York and New Jersey have implemented laws mandating that building owners do this within their buildings to prevent the spread of waterborne illness.

New Jersey also recently passed a bill in 2024 requiring building owners to comply with new regulations to prevent the spread of Legionnaires. They must be in compliance by Sept. 12.

Renters who live in in these apartments should ask their landlord what process they use to keep building water safe.

If youre a homeowner, you can prevent the growth and spread in your own home, as well.

A few ways include flushing faucets and showerheads that have not been used in a while or when water pressure drops, cleaning devices that use water, like water filters and shower head aerators, and checking and flushing water filters.

They should also keep tabs on their tap water and ensure its safe by staying in contact with their water utility company.

Car owners can also prevent the growth of Legionella in their cars windshield wiper fluid tank by using genuine windshield cleaner fluid and following the vehicle manufacturer recommendations, the CDC says.

Find more information about Legionnaires disease and ways to prevent it on the CDC website here.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
The pharmacy chain said the vaccine could become available in more states if the CDC's vaccine panel recommends them nationwide. AP

UPDATE: This story was updated Friday afternoon with a statement from CVS clarifying that the COVID vaccine will be offered in some states to customers with a prescription.

CVS Pharmacy will require a prescription for COVID-19 shots in 13 states and cease offering the shot in three other states entirely as the United States approaches respiratory virus season, company officials said.

The decision was based on the current regulatory environment, according to a CVS statement sent to NJ Advance Media on Friday. State rules on when pharmacies can administer vaccines vary from state to state.

Anyone who wants an updated COVID shot will be required to present a prescription in 13 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, along with the District of Columbia.

Locations in Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico will be unable to offer COVID vaccines, the spokeswoman said.

However, the updated shots are still available for anyone, including those without a prescription, in New Jersey CVS locations.

CVS is not offering the shots or limiting access to the vaccine in some states where pharmacists are restricted when administering vaccines without the endorsement of a federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine panel, The New York Times reported.

The list of states offering the shot could change if the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends the vaccines be made available nationwide, the report said.

However, its unclear when the group will meet again.

The vaccine panel was originally scheduled to meet on Sept. 18. But on Thursday U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy  a Republican from Louisiana and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee  called for the panel to indefinitely postpone the meeting.

Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process being followed for the now announced September ACIP meeting, said Cassidy in a press release.

These decisions directly impact childrens health and the meeting should not occur until significant oversight has been conducted. If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership, said Cassidy.

On Wednesday, the Food and Drug Administration officially approved new COVID shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, according to its website.

The new shots are approved for adults 65 and older, regardless of risk status. But the FDA limited their use on children, according to approval letters for the new vaccines.

The Moderna vaccine is the only COVID shot approved for children as young as 6 months, although the child must also have at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk.

Pfizers vaccine is available for kids as young as 5 if they have at least one underlying condition.

The Novavax shot is only available to kids 12 and up, and it has the same underlying condition requirements as Pfizer and Moderna.

Currently, the CDC does not recommend immunization for healthy children and pregnant women.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued divergent advice from the U.S. government this month, recommending COVID-19 vaccines for all children ages 6 to 23 months.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
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Ariana Grande is back like she never left.

The Wicked star will make her way to the live stage again after nearly six years of no touring, and she isnt forgetting about New York.

Ariana Grande 2026 tour The cheapest Ariana Grande tickets are available on Vivid Seats. Buy Now

Grande will perform four shows in Brooklyn, N.Y. at the Barclays Center from July 12-18.

Like with Taylor Swifts Eras Tour, we know this is a tour you wont want to miss out on, and it most likely will be a battle to get tickets.

So if youre an arianator that has been waiting for the tour for years, heres everything you need to know about getting tickets.

Related  Ariana Grande tour 2026: How to get tickets to the The Eternal Sunshine Tour before it sells out

How to secure Ariana Grande 2026 tour tickets

Tickets for Ariana Grandes The Eternal Sunshine Tour will first be available for presale on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

To access the artist presale, you need to sign up on Ariana Grandes official website by Sept. 7 at 2 p.m.

Any tickets that remain after the presale will be available for a general sale which will begin on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

If you miss the general sale, you can find tickets on sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo.

Plus, if you are a first time Vivid Seats customer, you can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 just by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

Right now, the cheapest ticket we could find for Ariana Grandes July 12 concert in New York is $334 on Vivid Seats.

For her July 13 Brooklyn concert, the cheapest ticket we could find, before any fees, is $334 on Vivid Seats.

For Arianas July 16 concert at the Barclays Center, the cheapest ticket we could find is $334 on Vivid Seats.

Finally, for her July 18 concert in Brooklyn, N.Y., the cheapest tickets we could find are $332 on Vivid Seats.

You can find a full schedule of Ariana Grandes tour dates here.

Ariana Grande tour 2025: Dates, schedule & more

Ariana Grande will begin her The Eternal Sunshine Tour" on June 6 in Oakland, Calif., and she will wrap up on July 24 in Boston, Mass.

This tour is in support of her seventh album, Eternal Sunshine, which released on March 8, 2024.

Her follow up deluxe album, Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead dropped one year later featuring nine bonus tracks and six brand-new songs.

Ariana Grande first teased the tour on her social media pages, with the video stating, see you next year...

This tour will follow her record-breaking Sweetener World Tour, which took place in 2019.

Outside of touring, Arianas cinematic ventures will also take place this year, as Wicked: For Good will drop on Nov. 21. Also, shes joining into the Meet the Parents franchise.

Upcoming 2025-2026 tours heading to New York

Ariana Grande is not the only artist performing in New York.

Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss: Dua Lipa, Kali Uchis, Ethel Cain and HAIM.

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.
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

Youre in luck this fall, if you have been missing the rage.

Playboi Carti is heading out on his Antagonist Tour this fall, and hes making stops in New York and New Jersey.

Playboi Carti tour 2025 The cheapest Playboi Carti tickets are available on Viagogo. Buy Now

He will first perform at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Nov. 6 and then make his way to the Prudential Center in Newark on Nov. 7.

This tour will mark his first solo, headlining tour since 2021, so you dont want to miss out.

Plus, tickets right now are under $100, which means theyll get snatched up ASAP.

How to secure Playboi Carti tour tickets

Fans can first try to secure tickets for Playboi Cartis tour on Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

No need to stress if you miss out on this sale, because you can find more tickets on sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo.

Plus, if you are a first time Vivid Seats customer, you can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 just by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

Currently, the cheapest ticket we could find for his Nov. 6 show in Brooklyn, N.Y. is $80 on Viagogo.

For Playboi Cartis Nov. 7 show in Newark, the cheapest ticket we could find before any fees, is $83 on Viagogo.

You can find a full schedule of Playboi Cartis tour dates here.

Playboi Carti tour 2025: Dates, schedule & more

Playboi Carti will begin his tour on Oct. 3 in Salt Lake City and will wrap up on Dec. 1 in Atlanta.

Before his headlining Antagonist Tour this fall, Playboi Carti will perform as an opener for The Weeknds remaining After Hours Til Dawn Tour.

Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely and Homixide Gang will join as the openers for the tour.

Upcoming 2025 tours heading to New York

Playboi Carti is not the only one performing in New York this year.

Here are a few more tours you do not want to miss: Dua Lipa, Kali Uchis, Ethel Cain and HAIM.

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.
An investment firm owner who admitted that he defrauded dozens of investors out of more than $6 million was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years and seven months in prison, authorities announced Thursday.

Vincent Dispoto Jr., 68, formerly of Belmar, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of wire fraud, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

Dispoto owned and operated Giddeon Financial Services, the office said.

Beginning in 1988, he raised money through the company by falsely claiming to victims, many of whom were elderly, that he would invest their money in low-risk investment products with guaranteed rates of return.

The investments often involved municipal bonds and certificates of deposits, investigators said. Dispoto also told some victims that he was using their investments to fund loans and mortgages for medical professionals, which would generate long-term returns through interest payments.

He would mail them phony financial statements that supposedly showed significant increases in the value of their investments, federal prosecutors said.

In reality, Dispoto did not invest the victims money as promised and used it to make Ponzi-like payments to other victims, which he falsely claimed to be returns on investments, the office said.

He also used their money to fund his gambling and other personal expenses, and in the end, he bilked the victims out of over $6 million, authorities said.

In addition to the prison term, a federal judge ordered Dispoto to pay back $6,083,419.84 to the victims of his scheme, officials said.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
A school district employee in Atlantic County has been arrested over allegations that he inappropriately touched a student earlier this year.

Darnell Williams, 34, of the Whiting section of Manchester Township, was arrested on Thursday on the second-degree charges of sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13, official misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

Investigators allege that on Feb. 21 of this year, while employed by the Hamilton Township School District, Williams touched a student in a sexual manner.

A spokesperson for the district could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday afternoon. According to a statement provided by Hamilton schools Superintendent Jeffrey Zito to the Press of Atlantic City, Williams is no longer employed by the district.

Williams remains in custody at Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a detention hearing.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
Jersey Central Power & Light must improve its reliability in order to help ease the burden of soaring electric bills and prevent nagging outages, Ocean County officials said.

The company, one of New Jerseys four public electricity providers, is facing new pressure from county leaders to implement projects and maintenance amid concerns of growing energy costs.

JCP&L needs to concentrate less on profits and more on serving its customers, Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi said in a statement.

That means upgrading the infrastructure, trimming trees to prevent falling limbs from taking down power lines, and moving more lines underground where they will be protected from storms and high winds, he added.

JCP&L did not immediately return a request to comment.

JCP&L, a subsidiary of First Energy Corp., splits the supply of power to Ocean County with Atlantic City Electric, according to the coverage map.

The added pressure on utility companies comes amid an ongoing debate about costly electric bills in New Jersey. Energy policies to alleviate the problem have been in the spotlight in the run up to Novembers gubernatorial election.

In June, when increases began for all of New Jerseys 3.9 million public ratepayers, JCP&L customers saw their average monthly bills increase by $23, or about 20%, Ocean County officials said. Average bills increased from $112 a month to more than $134 a month.

Sadeghi said those increases could be consequential for his constituents, influencing them to cover utility costs over other necessities.

Too many of our residents are already struggling to make ends meet, Sadeghi said in a statement. When utility bills go up by this much, families may have to decide between keeping the lights on, buying food, or paying for medicine. That is simply unacceptable.

The Ocean County Commissioners Board on Thursday also urged JCP&L to finish upgrades to its grid, claiming there have been lengthy delays. The commissioners argued delays leave customers vulnerable if a major storm ravages sensitive areas, including Jersey Shore towns.

We all remember Superstorm Sandy, Sadeghi said. Ocean County experienced widespread outages then, and the same thing will happen again if a hurricane strikes and JCP&L is not better prepared. We cannot allow history to repeat itself.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in state relief for energy costs are expected to hit New Jerseyans electric bills within weeks after the states Board of Public Utilities approved a massive effort to defray energy bills. Through separate payments, all of New Jerseys public electricity customers should receive a $100 subsidy ordered by Gov. Phil Murphys administration. Some customers will see up to $275 in relief.

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.
A man has been sentenced to prison for a fatal stabbing that happened on Fourth of July weekend in 2021.

Francisco Martinez, 33, of Hasbrouck Heights, was sentenced on Wednesday to 15 years in state prison, the Passaic County Prosecutors Office said in a statement on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter earlier this year in a plea agreement with prosecutors.

In his plea statement, Martinez admitted that he stabbed one of the victims, Johnny Jiminez, resulting in his death. The stabbing happened during a fight the day after the Fourth of July in 2021, near Martinezs parents home on Totowa Avenue in Paterson.

The fight was between Martinez, his brother Jose Martinez and three other men.

Two other victims, Jamie Hernandez and Jeremiah Rivera, were stabbed by Jose Martinez during the altercation. Hernandez died and Rivera suffered injuries, prosecutors said.

After the stabbing, the brothers were fugitives for several weeks before the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended them in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Jose Martinez was sentenced to 30 years in state prison earlier this month in the stabbing of Hernandez and Rivera. A jury previously convicted him of murder, conspiracy, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Both men must serve 85% of their sentences before they are eligible for parole.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
First Lady Melania Trump was floated as a magazine cover star by MAGA. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

MAGA world is praising First Lady Melania Trump on the cover of Vanity Fair, but theres a catch.

It appears to be fake.

The cover of Trump, which shows her donning a crown with the title, The American Queen, was first published by Next News Network, a conservative YouTube channel, on Thursday.

LEAKED: Vanity Fairs upcoming Melania Trump cover has staff in REVOLT!" the account wrote on X.

LEAKED: Vanity Fair's upcoming Melania Trump cover has staff in REVOLT! Source inside VF tells me 3 senior editors threatened to resign during today's emergency meeting. One reportedly screamed "I won't work for a MAGA propaganda machine!"



The cover shot by Annie Leibovitz pic.twitter.com/8QDiv7Vuwv  Next News Network  (@NextNewsNetwork) August 28, 2025

The post came as Page Six reported earlier this week that Trump had laughed at a request from the magazine in July to appear on the cover, and rejected it immediately.

She doesnt have time to be sitting in a photo shoot. Her priorities as First Lady are far more important These people dont deserve her anyway," a source familiar with Trumps thinking told the outlet.

The ask reportedly prompted staff to erupt in concern, with one editor telling the Daily Mail that there would be a mass walkout if a cover with Trump came to fruition.

MAGA faithful, meanwhile, capitalized on the dubious cover.

Let the meltdown begin. Love it, Fox News host Laura Ingraham posted.

She then backtracked: Real or not realhilarious to read the Lefts reaction."

Let the meltdown begin.



Love it. pic.twitter.com/6IjOajexGE  Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) August 29, 2025

Laura Loomer, a far-right activist known as the presidents whisperer, said she "cant wait to buy this and frame it."

Media personality Liz Churchill weighed in with a red heart emoji: "Wow. So proud of her." Her post was tagged with a community note, which allows X users to add context or fact check its content.

The image is not a real Vanity Fair cover, it reads.

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk wrote that he couldnt wait to see all of the liberal meltdowns over this on TikTok. When asked if the cover was real, he replied, Not yet I think is the correct answer.

Omg is this real? I LOVE IT!  Purple Unicorns (@Purple_Unicornz) August 28, 2025

Another popular account had posted the image of Trump, adding "The Vanity Fair Melania Trump cover. Reportedly staffers are threatening to quit over Melania being featured saying We wont support MAGA propaganda."

Vanity Fair has not published the cover on its website or social media. Earlier this month, actress Jennifer Aniston was announced as the cover star for September.

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MAGA loyalist Steve Bannon, right, ripped Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his comments about President Donald Trump's base. (AP Photo/Ronen Zvulun/Pool Photo via AP and Jose Luis Magana

Former White House adviser Steve Bannon just went scorched earth on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, released Thursday, Netanyahu pointed to growing antisemitism from the right, saying it not stems only from individuals with anti-Israel views, but also from those with anti-American sentiments and negative views of President Donald Trump. He then referenced the woke right, which the conservative outlet described as including some who had once supported Israel, but turned against it in opposing its 12-day war with Iran in June, and any U.S. involvement.

Some of these people call themselves MAGA. Theyre not MAGA, Netanyahu said.

If you support Iran, Iran tried to kill President Trump twice, not once, but twice. Iran has put a price on his head... Thats Iran, he continued, adding that the country has a history of attacks against Americans.

He went on to say that you cant be MAGA if youre pro-Iran or anti-Israel.

Iran wants to annihilate the United States. Israel is the best ally of the United States, Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also noted that Trump understands this, and he stands very strongly with us.

I really appreciate the straightforward and courageous way that he faces people, sometimes in his own constituency, because thats what leaders, from time to time, have to do, Netanyahu said.

Bannon, who had been a vocal critic of U.S. involvement in conflict between Israel and Iran, responded to Netanyahus remarks  and did not mince words.

American Citizens Do Not Give 2 F---- About Your Thoughts on MAGA , or What Our Citizens Need to BelieveThey Care About Exposing Your Pathological Lies in Order to Keep Us Out of Your Next War," Bannon wrote on the MAGA-alternative social media platform GETTR.

American Citizens Do Not Give 2 Fucks About Your Thoughts on MAGA , or What Our Citizens Need to BelieveThey Care About Exposing Your Pathological Lies in Order to Keep Us Out of Your Next War https://t.co/RYVE0Lisj8 pic.twitter.com/kcRJma4mEV  Grace Chong, MBI (@gc22gc) August 29, 2025

His post was met with mainly supportive reactions, with some users accusing Netanyahu of trying to gaslight the MAGA movement.

Dear Benjamin Netanyahu - You do not get to define MAGA... You do not have any Right to tell American Citizens what to think or believe, one user replied.

Another responded: Who is he to say whats MAGA???I dont have to agree with Israel on everything they do to love my president!!!!

The interview comes as Trump hosted a meeting on Wednesday focused on postwar plans for Gaza, with Israel seeking a deal that would end the conflict and return all of its remaining hostages. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, signaled on Tuesday that it is unlikely for a temporary truce to be reached, but suggested that the war could be settled before the end of the year.

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Vice President JD Vance said he has been trained if there was a "terrible tragedy" with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

Vice President JD Vance as commander in chief?

In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY, Vance said he is prepared to be president, if God forbid President Donald Trump experienced a terrible tragedy.

Yes, things can always happen, Vance responded when asked if he was ready to assume office if something were to happen with Trump, who was the target of two assassination attempts while on the campaign trail last year.

Vance, however, still emphasized that Trump is in incredibly good health.

Yes, terrible tragedies happen, he said. But I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people.

But while Vance emphasized that Trump has incredible energy, critics began to suggest that he was hinting at something more.

"Something is definitely brewing," one user wrote on X, racking up over 8,000 likes while replying to a post from progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen.

Something is definitely brewing. pic.twitter.com/jMw7vArliA  Joe G (@EastEndJoe) August 28, 2025

Social media personality Brian Allen posted that "Hes already imagining the Oval. And hes NOT EVEN HIDING IT."

Id be shocked if we didnt see him as President before Trumps term ends Theyre covering up a lot of health issues with Trump," a user baselessly claimed in response.

Journalist Derrick Broze asked: Why would he feel the need to say this? Ive argued since the moment Vance was chosen (by the Technocrats) that he would replace Trump, whether in 2028 or sometime sooner.

"Donald, we told you JD Vance is a snake. He may have shed his skin, but the bite is coming," The Lincoln Project wrote.

Donald, we told you JD Vance is a snake. He may have shed his skin, but the bite is coming. pic.twitter.com/8UirCCTUcg https://t.co/qXP2izSv3c  The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) August 28, 2025

While Trump, 79, had his age called into question by Democrats and a handful of Republicans while he campaigned for president, some concerns have swirled about his health since the White House announced last month that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after he was spotted with swelling in his lower legs.

White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition as benign and common, adding it is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking in a memo. But the presidents hand bruise, which had appeared earlier this year, has made its way back into the spotlight in recent weeks.

In his comments, Vance repeatedly maintained a positive view of Trumps health, saying that he works the longest hours, despite most people under him being younger.

Hes the last person making phone calls at night, and hes the first person who wakes up and the first person making phone calls in the morning, Vance said.

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The social media account of the Wisconsin Democrats accused Vice President JD Vance of avoiding protesters. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Vice President JD Vance took a unique measure to evade protesters in Wisconsin, the states Democratic Party account claimed on social media.

Vance visited the battleground state on Thursday to tout President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill," as the president looks to rebrand the signature spending package, which several polls have indicated is falling flat with Americans.

While speaking at a steel fabricating facility, Vance lauded the GOPs policy package for its potential to improve local manufacturing and lower taxes for workers  railing against concerns expressed by Democratic lawmakers about its negative impact on health care and other top priorities.

As Vance departed from the event, a video has made rounds that seemingly shows, according to Wisconsin Democrats, the vice presidents motorcade driving the opposite way on a one-way street. Protesters are then seen running from one street, where they were initially stationed, to another.

"Disgraceful," they posted on X, accusing Vance of attempting to avoid demonstrators.

JD Vance went the WRONG WAY down a one way street to avoid protesters in Wisconsin.



Disgraceful. pic.twitter.com/j4p7FTLr7m  Wisconsin Democrats (@WisDems) August 28, 2025

Many in MAGA world criticized the protesters, with one saying that they should consider it exercise.

"Disgraceful is all those unemployed losers waiting around to hold a sign as if thats doing something for society," one user wrote, and other said, "VP Vance trolled them good!"

Mary Vought of The Heritage Foundation joked, Correction: Hes MAHA and just wanted them to do some jogging.

Another user said: These people act like the VP is driving his own car.

Others, however, did not buy the reported move.

"Pathetic coward, a user wrote, tagging Vances X account.

Someone else posted: A public official breaking the law so he can avoid people lawfully protesting his regimes lawlessness.

A man of the people and special friend to couches everywhere! a different user chimed in.

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Villagers in Combe Martin are bracing for two months of road works disruption this autumn with the closure of its main street while essential gas pipeline upgrades are carried out.

From Monday, September 29 until the end of November, King Street will be closed between Cross Street near the seafront and Kingston Avenue towards the centre of the mile-long main street.

It is so Wales & West Utilities can carry out work to upgrade underground gas pipes. It is understood the work had originally been scheduled to start in the summer but Combe Martin Parish Council requested it be moved to the autumn to avoid the busy season.

Wales & West Utilities said it had liaised with Devon County Council to plan the work and it has been agreed King Street will be closed for the duration of the project, but the closure will be rolling to allow residents access.

READ NEXT: Gas upgrade work progresses in Barnstaple

Villagers can find out more about the plans at a drop-in session hosted by the utility company at Combe Martin Community Centre on Tuesday (September 2) between 10am and 5pm.

Roxanne Whittaker, who is managing the work for Wales & West Utilities, said: We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it really is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future.

Well have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum.

Wed like to see members of the community at our drop-in event so that we can share plans of the work.

While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the area.

This work is essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future.

READ NEXT: Double decker bus and truck stuck fast on A399 into North Devon village

Anyone with questions about the work can call the Wales & West Utilities customer services on 0800 912 2999. Or get in touch via X @WWUtilities or the Wales & West Utilities Facebook page.
Vodafone Ideas infrastructure subsidiary is reportedly seeking loans worth INR50 billion (US$570 million) to finance network expansion.

Sources told Reuters that Vodafone Idea Telecom Infrastructure plans to issue two- and three-year bonds, raising INR30 billion and INR20 billion respectively. The company will turn to private credit funds and pay annual interest of around 12% to 14%.

The funds will be allocated as capital expenditure to support the operators 5G rollout, which is targeting deployment across 17 priority cities by September.

Reuters noted that billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla, who chairs Vodafone Idea, previously secured board approval to raise up to INR200 billion through a mix of equity and loans.

Vodafone Idea has been weighed down by heavy spectrum-related debt following a landmark Supreme Court ruling on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), which left Indias operators collectively saddled with around US$13 billion in dues.
A 35-year-old Florida woman was recently arrested for allegedly performing unlicensed dental procedures, including attaching veneers with store-bought super glue.

According to prosecutors, Emely Martinez, who posed as a smile makeover expert on social media, lured customers with promises of extremely cheap full-mouth veneer treatments. Her prices were so attractive compared to licensed dental clinics that many people didnt bother to check her credentials. For reference, a single tooth veneer at a licensed clinic can cost between $900 and $1,500, but Martinez reportedly asked one client for $2,500 for a full-month veneer attachment procedure. Unfortunately, many of those mesmerized by Martinezs low prices were left with severely damaged teeth, infections and pain.

Photo: Unsplash

Operating out of her shop in Pinellas Park, Florida, Martinez promoted herself as a dental technician, despite not having any formal training, but her scam was discovered this summer, after two disgruntled clients filed complaints against her for causing serious damage to their teeth. After visiting actual dentists, they were shocked to learn that their veneers had been attached with Krazy Glue, a household super glue unfit for medical use. One of the victims required emergency surgery to fix the damage caused by the unlicensed technician. They claimed that Martinez not only refused to issue a refund but also denied any responsibility.

She is not licensed to put in veneers. She has no schooling to do veneers, Sergeant Windy Vater of the Pinellas Park Police Department said. And in the state of Florida, obviously, you have to be licensed to do any kind of work like that.



Emely Martinez was arrested on August 20, but investigators found that this was not her first brush with the law. She had been arrested in March of this year for performing unlicensed dental services in another Florida county. She has now been charged with fraud and practicing dentistry without an active license.

Florida is no stranger to medical procedure scammers. A while back, we wrote about 18-year-old Malachi Love-Robinson, from West Palm Beach, Florida, who was arrested for running a fake medical practice.
DEIRDRE Kearns from Woodfield, Birr, is celebrating after hitting the top of the Amazon charts in multiple categories becoming a Number 1 best-selling author in Spotlight on Success: When Passion meet Purpose.

Penning her own powerful chapter alongside 13 others, Spotlight on Success is a bold, heartfelt collaboration created to reach performers, creatives, and entrepreneurs around the world.

With raw honesty and unwavering hope, Spotlight on Success proves that your talent, tenacity, and creativity are not confined to just one spotlight. The book hit Number 1 in Ireland, the UK and Germany in Small Business, Self-Employment, Circus, Musicals and Choreography.

Together, these authors prove that when passion meets purpose, your next act could be your most powerful yet. This book is a powerful reminder for anyone at a crossroads. Whether you're navigating your own next step, dreaming of something more, or seeking reassurance that life beyond the spotlight and applause is just as wonderful, vibrant and most importantly meaningful; this book has it all.

In the book Spotlight on Success, Deirdre Kearns shares how pursuing her passion for performing, teaching and choreographing in dance has brought her from Birr to the US, UK, France, and aboard cruise ships! Deirdre now runs her own dance school in Tullamore and Birr called The Original Dance Academy.

READ NEXT: Historic Offaly school appoints new principal ahead of momentous change

Deirdre, who courageously put pen to paper said: Im delighted to be a part of this collaborative project. I decided to take part in this book because I wanted to show others in my position that there are many versions of success, and no matter where or when you start, you can always find a way to pursue your passions. Im excited to be a best-selling author and hoping that in our shared accounts, many more performers or anyone with a burning passion to do more, will find the courage and confidence to build their own businesses and find their way.

The book hosted by Nicole Louise Geddes founder of PerformerPreneur, was launched to celebrate the range of ways that success beyond the West End stage can be celebrated. She said, This book is creating a huge buzz because its written with heart and its exactly what people in the industry need right now: hope and inspiration that no matter where you are in your journey, still waiting in the wings or already mid-pivot, you can be and do anything you want to.

READ NEXT: Offaly band releases new single following successful US tour
A cryptosporidiosis infection was reported in response to one of my OpEd News articles ("Aiken, S.C. + Drinking Water = Brown Water + Parallel Health Hazards"), when that article was reprinted locally in The Aiken Chronicles (click here). This article drew the attention of a lady's friends in Aiken, and they contacted her immediately since they knew her Crypto history. Cryptosporidiosis causes 7465 illnesses per year and one death per year ("The Drinking Water Disease Spree; Aiken S.C. is Ground-Zero"). I continue to hammer out my fight to protect our drinking water from infectious disease and lead poisoning.

An Aiken Cryptosporidiosis Study

Background information for a case of cryptosporidium was obtained during my interviews with a normally healthy woman in Aiken, South Carolina. She contacted me from North Carolina when her cell phone 'blew up', after her friends in Aiken saw "Aiken, S.C. + Drinking Water = Brown Water + Parallel Health Hazards". When asked, 'Did you move out of Aiken to North Carolina in 2024 because of the drinking water?', she answered 'I moved to N.C. and yes. I was just outdone with the city not giving a damn. I almost died and they didn't care!'

Leading up to her abandonment of her Aiken home - where she still owns and operates a business - she reported the following sequence of events.

In December 2019, in the kitchen of her home, she drank clear water that passed through a Brita filter, which does not filter cryptosporidiosis from drinking water. When she went upstairs to brush her teeth, she saw that brown water was flowing from the faucet in her bathroom sink. Chlorine used to disinfect drinking water has no effect on cryptosporidium, which can enter water mains during repairs and through water hammer-induced cracks.

She was ill for five days after drinking the partially filtered brown water, where cryptosporidiosis symptoms appear in two to ten days. She collapsed within several days of drinking brown water, and she was later hospitalized for four days in January 2020, and the cause of her illness was unknown for several years until it was diagnosed as cryptosporidiosis in 2023. Between December 2019 and 2023, she saw different doctors on several occasions and experienced 'severe diarrhea all the time, fatigue and zero energy', which are symptoms of cryptosporidiosis.

In 2023, the Mayor of Aiken informed her that her water was tested and was safe to drink. In other words, he falsely claimed that tests performed years after the infection event were adequate to confirm her water safety. There is no possible way that tests, at such a late date, had anything to do whatsoever with infection years earlier.

Accordingly, evidence concludes that she was infected with cryptosporidiosis by Aiken drinking water.

These statements were reviewed and approved by the affected Aiken resident. I have received permission to reprint the following photos, provided that the lady's name is not used.

She also mentioned that, in 2023, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) was investigating other Crypto cases in Aiken. Along with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the city of Aiken concerning water main breaks, I am requesting FOIA illness information from the DPH. I had planned to write this Op Ed at a later date with additional supporting information, but the City Manager's false claims to the public on August 25, 2025, prompted a response now.

A Fight Toward Lead-Free Water Goes On

The Aiken City Manager did not respond to the following letter that was sent to him, the Aiken mayor, and each Aiken City Council member.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
We don't yet know if Robin Westman, the Minneapolis Annunciation Church mass shooting suspect, was on psych drugs. But we do know mass shooters in the U.S. tend to be young, obsessive, male loners and many have been prescribed psychoactive drugs.

For example, Eric Harris, one of the two shooters at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado in 1999 which ushered in the current spate of mass shootings, was on the psychotropic drug Luvox. Prescribing information for the antidepressant says, Close supervision of patients and in particular those at high risk should accompany drug therapy.

Jeff Weise who fatally shot his grandfather, his grandfather's girlfriend and seven people at the Red Lake Senior High School in 2005, was on the well-known antidepressant Prozac.

Two years later Cho Seung-Hui, who perpetrated the Virginia Tech murders, was also on psychoactive antidepressants.

"We urgently need a national debate about guns. But we also urgently need a national debate about the epidemic of mood-altering drugs being prescribed to young Americans," wrote Arianna Huffington in 2007 after the Virginia Tech mass shooting in which 32 perished.*

*Huffington is right. Westman's three weapons were purchased lawfully, highlighting the need for better background checks and "red flag" laws that alert authorities to dangerous gun owners' mental states but gun show loopholes, trafficking and assault weapons are also factors. For their part, gun advocates decry gun-free zones--the absence of "good guys with a gun" at violence sites--and the romanticization of mass shootings in video games and movies.

After the Virginia Tech murders, in 2008, another university was targeted. Steven Kazmierczak fatally shot seven at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. He had also been prescribed Prozac which he had recently stopped.

The BBC Looks at Batman Shootings

Few can forget the Batman shootings at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater in 2012. James Holmes, the gunman who fatally shot 12 and wounded scores, was on antidepressants. The links appeared so strong, the BBC created an in-depth report entitled The Batman Killer - a Prescription For Murder? in 2017.

"Why else would a clever, shy guy with no history of violence, from a loving home, carry out such a heinous attack? except the effect of the psychoactive drugs wrote the BBCs Shelley Jofre Holmes in the report. He had no enemies, no terrorist ideology to drive him on.

Dr. David Healy, a psychiatrist and psycho-pharmacologist who has written books about the risks of antidepressants studied Holme's case and interviewed him in prison. These killings would never have happened had it not been for the medication James Holmes had been prescribed, he concluded.

Other Drug-Associated Mass Shootings

Dylann Roof, the racist murderer of nine parishioners at Charlestons Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015, was also on antidepressants according to documents unsealed by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel.

In 2013, Aaron Alexis fatally shot 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard in southeast Washington, D.C. where he had a security clearance. Less than a month before the killings, Alexis was prescribed the antidepressant trazodone.

The following year, 2014, Army Specialist Ivan Lopez, fatally shot four people on the Fort Hood military base near Killeen, Texas after a highly publicized Fort Hood shooting in 2009. According to the Washington Post, Gen. Mark A. Milley, the commander of Fort Hood, said Lopez had behavioral health and mental health issues and was taking antidepressants.

The links between mass shootings and psych drugs have been cited before. Four days after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Geoffrey Ingersol of Business Insider wrote that the psychoactive drugs "the FDA pumped out [had] an ability to exact the opposite desired effect on people: that is, you know, inducing rather than inhibiting psychosis and aggressive behavior."

Conclusion

Few studies attribute gender dysphoria and a trans identity itself to SSRIs and other psych drugs but, significantly, few transitioning people are not on the drugs during their treatments--raising significant chicken and egg questions. It is known, however, that SSRIs contribute to the current epidemic of bipolar diagnoses causing an additional drug stew. What drugs was Westman on?

Like so many mass shooters, Westman took his own life--denying the public and victims a chance for justice and even an understanding of the source of his hateful acts. Though there are no answers, few doubt another mass shooting is around the corner.

(Article changed on Aug 29, 2025 at 2:36 PM EDT)

(Article changed on Aug 29, 2025 at 5:06 PM EDT)
Toronto, Canada - August 26, 2025 - 5 Random Questions, the unpredictable interview podcast where "unexpected questions lead to unfiltered answers," has been named Best 
On Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, met with members of the Port of Portland's incoming mass-timber research campus. Tristin Hoffman/The Oregonian

A marine terminal that once shipped Oregons wood and steel will soon research and manufacture mass timber in an effort to ease Oregons housing costs and address the states housing shortage.

The Port of Portlands Terminal 2, a 39-acre concrete lot sitting largely empty in the citys Northwest Industrial District, is being readied for at least $15 million worth of soil treatments next year to ensure the riverfront site is on stable ground before it transforms into a mass-timber research and manufacturing campus.

While the campus first phase of construction should finish in 2028, the Port of Portland told U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, at a site visit Monday, millions in funding gaps muddy the campus second phase.

A $20 million to $25 million funding gap remains for the campus second phase, largely due to even bigger soil stability issues at a different part of the site, the Port of Portland told The Oregonian/OregonLive. It remains unclear when construction for the second phase will end.

The facility is set to house Switzerland mass-timber company Zaugg Timber Solutions, the University of Oregons acoustic research laboratory and small industry-related companies to expand mass-timber development, research and uses.

Around 366 jobs will come from the campus first phase, according to the port.

Mass timber, which is layered and compressed wood strong enough to replace concrete and steel in construction, has gained plenty of support from Oregon policymakers for the number of jobs it could boost in Oregons declining forestry industry and because it could store more carbon than concrete or steel. Mass timber opponents caution that any material which requires cutting down trees isnt necessarily carbon-neutral.

Nearly $37 million in taxpayer dollars have backed the Port of Portlands mass-timber campus and its different partners so far. The majority of the funds come from grant money the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, which the Port of Portland is a member of, received from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2022.

Zaugg Timber Solutions said it expects to build around 700 new mass-timber homes yearly at the campus.

Its 100,000 square-foot facility, once open, will manufacture pre-fabricated mass-timber buildings, meaning it will assemble different parts of buildings and ship them out to construction sites.

That could slice the amount of construction time needed on those sites.

Zaugg, which established its Oregon business in 2023, expects to employ around 60 Oregonians, while its remaining 180 workers work in Switzerland on separate projects.

The campus other primary tenant, the University of Oregon, will research masstimbers acoustics to help reduce sound transmission between buildings and certify the material for international building code sound compliances.

Mark Fretz, an assistant professor at the University of Oregon, said that the lab could bring in a large interest from mass-timber companies across the nation due to its location. While most mass-timber production is based in the Western United States, Fretz said, all mass-timber acoustic testing labs are based in the Eastern part of the country, adding time and money to test and certify timber.

What were trying to do, Fretz said, is have the capability here to be able to innovate in those assemblies, make them lower carbon, lower cost and high performing by having that facility here.

Some small, local wood product companies, such as Single Widget, a pre-fabrication wall company that mixes cement with wood-wool, shavings of wood from small diameter logs that dampen sound, could find themselves on the campus through its small business incubator.

At Mondays site visit, Emily Dawson, founder of Single Widget, described that her companys facility will research and develop new products with different wood to provide fire-resistant exterior walls for single family homes, such as the ones Zaugg Timber Solutions will build.

Dawson said she expects that Single Widget could make upward of 50 homes worth of walls annually at its facility. But research and development, Dawson said, is the main focus for the companys short-term campus facility.

Were developing something that doesnt have any code recognition yet, Dawson said. So the process of bringing a product like that to market is a lot of testing, process, development.

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, speaks with Emily Dawson, founder of Single Widget, a temporary member of the Port of Portland's incoming mass-timber research campus. Single Widget provides fire-resistant exterior walls for single family homes, some of which are shown on the top shelf. Tristin Hoffman/The Oregonian

Bonamici, who had secured $4 million last year for the terminals renovation, said she hopes to continue to land more federal funding for the campus if more funding is needed.

Whether it be research dollars or economic development dollars, housing dollars, Bonamici said, it makes a difference to our communities to have more sustainable, affordable housing.

A concern for the project, she said, is if federal research cuts, such as cuts to the National Science Foundation, reach the Port of Portland mass-timber campus.

But at the same time, Bonamici said, when we have projects like this that are improving the opportunity for people to have more affordable housing in a sustainable way, that is something Im going to fight for.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story included an incorrect title for Mark Fretz, who is an assistant professor at the University of Oregon. Additionally, it mischaracterized the products made by Single Widget, which would not be considered mass-timber. The story has been updated.
A federal appeals court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump had no legal right to impose sweeping tariffs but left in place for now his effort to build a protectionist wall around the American economy.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled Trump wasnt legally allowed to declare national emergencies and impose import taxes on almost every country on earth, largely upholding a May decision by a specialized federal trade court in New York.

But the courts 7-4 decision tossed out a part of that ruling striking down the tariffs immediately, allowing his administration time to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The appellate decision encompasses two cases, one brought by a coalition of import-dependent businesses and the other by 12 states attorneys general. The latter case was led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield.

The Constitution is incredibly clear that only Congress has the right to set tariffs, and no other president has attempted to use their emergency powers to implement tariffs in this fashion, Rayfield said in a short virtual press conference Friday afternoon.

Rayfield said the federal government has roughly six weeks to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.

The decision complicates Trumps ambitions to upend decades of American trade policy completely on his own. Trump has alternative laws for imposing import taxes, but they would limit the speed and severity with which he could act. His tariffs  and the erratic way hes rolled them out  have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.

But hes also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting one-sided trade deals and to bring tens of billions of dollars into the federal Treasury to help pay for the massive tax cuts he signed into law July 4.

While existing trade deals may not automatically unravel, the administration could lose a pillar of its negotiating strategy, which may embolden foreign governments to resist future demands, delay implementation of prior commitments, or even seek to renegotiate terms, Ashley Akers, senior counsel at the Holland & Knight law firm and a former Justice Department trial lawyer, said before the appeals court decision. A ruling against the tariffs would represent not just a legal defeat, but a serious blow to the administrations coercive trade diplomacy model.

The government also might have to refund some of the import taxes that its collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury.

It would be 1929 all over again, a GREAT DEPRESSION! Trump said in a previous post on Truth Social.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the White House in Washington. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Revenue from tariffs totaled $142 billion by July, more than double what it was at the same point the year before. Indeed, the Justice Department warned in a legal filing this month that revoking the tariffs could mean financial ruin for the United States.

The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

The sweeping tariffs he announced April 2  Liberation Day, he called it  when he imposed reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on countries with which the United States runs trade deficits and a baseline 10% tariff on just about everyone else. The national emergency underlying the tariffs, Trump said, was the long-running gap between what the U.S. sells and what it buys from the rest of the world. The president started to levy modified the tariff rates in August, but goods from countries with which the U.S. runs a surplus also face the taxes.

The trafficking tariffs he announced Feb. 1 on imports from Canada, China and Mexico. These were designed to get those countries to do more to stop what he declared a national emergency: the illegal flow of drugs and immigrants across their borders into the United States.

The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over decades, lawmakers have ceded authorities to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.

But Trumps assertion that IEEPA essentially gives him unlimited power to tax imports quickly drew legal challenges  at least seven cases. No president had ever used the law to justify tariffs, though IEEPA had been used frequently to impose export restrictions and other sanctions on U.S. adversaries such as Iran and North Korea.

The plaintiffs argue that the emergency power law does not authorize the use of tariffs.

They also note that the trade deficit hardly meets the definition of an unusual and extraordinary threat that would justify declaring an emergency under the law. The United States, after all, has run trade deficits  in which it buys more from foreign countries than it sells them  for 49 straight years and in good times and bad.

The Trump administration argued that courts approved President Richard Nixons emergency use of tariffs in a 1971 economic crisis that arose from the chaos that followed his decision to end a policy linking the U.S. dollar to the price of gold. The Nixon administration successfully cited its authority under the 1917 Trading With Enemy Act, which preceded and supplied some of the legal language used in IEEPA.

In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York rejected the argument, ruling that Trumps Liberation Day tariffs exceed any authority granted to the President under the emergency powers law. In reaching its decision, the trade court combined two challenges  one by five businesses and one by 12 U.S. states  into a single case.

In the case of the drug trafficking and immigration tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, the trade court ruled that the levies did not meet IEEPAs requirement that they deal with the problem they were supposed to address.

Federal Courts have repeatedly done what Republican senators wont do  say in black-and-white that Donald Trumps tariff spree is illegal and cannot continue, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said in a statement. Trumps trade taxes are jacking up prices on groceries, cars, clothes and scores of other essentials that American families need. My Democratic colleagues and I plan to force votes on repealing these harmful, regressive taxes at every opportunity.

The court challenge does not cover other Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos that the president imposed after Commerce Department investigations concluded that those imports were threats to U.S. national security.

Nor does it include tariffs that Trump imposed on China in his first term  and President Joe Biden kept  after a government investigation concluded that the Chinese used unfair practices to give their own technology firms an edge over rivals from the United States and other Western countries.

Trump could potentially cite alternative authorities to impose import taxes, though they are more limited. Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, for instance, allows the president to tax imports from countries with which the U.S. runs big trade deficits at 15% for 150 days.

Likewise, Section 301 of the same 1974 law allows the president to tax imports from countries found to have engaged in unfair trade practices after an investigation by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Trump used Section 301 authority to launch his first-term trade war with China.

-- The Associated Press
A Portland woman allegedly sold more than $43,000 worth of counterfeit gold, and police believe there could be more victims.

Christina Duncan, 37, was arrested following a months-long investigation triggered by a mans report that he had purchased $22,000 in fake gold.

During their investigation, police concluded that Duncan had likely sold an additional $21,500 worth of fake gold to five other people, the Portland Police Bureau said. Police set up a sting buy at a Northeast Portland coffee shop Aug. 19 and arrested her.

Police allege that Christina Duncan sold fake gold. Portland Police Bureau

Duncan faces 19 total charges, including one charge of attempted aggravated theft and 18 charges of criminal possession of a forged instrument, court records show.

In 2008, Duncan pleaded no contest to three theft charges in Benton County, records show.

Police said there could be more victims and have released Duncans booking photo.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at fzarkhin@oregonian.com.
State attorneys are preparing to pay $6 million to the families of two women who were killed by a man released from custody with an ankle monitor that had been set up to fail.

The deaths of Gabriela Jimenez and Lenin Rosas Hernandez on Nov. 16, 2022 exposed a grave communication error between the Washington County Circuit Courts pretrial release office and the GPS tracking vendor Vigilnet, according to depositions and emails released during litigation.

Oregon will now resolve several circuit court and federal lawsuits by paying the families $3 million each. Vigilnet has also reached a confidential settlement with the families.

The killer, 46-year-old Carlos Jimenez-Vargas, had been arrested for strangling his wife, Gabriela Jimenez, in October 2022. A judge ordered his release but banned him for visiting his wifes home in Hillsboro, with GPS monitoring to ensure compliance.

But a pretrial release officer never provided the address to Vigilnet, and Vigilnet never asked for the missing information.

They put an electronic monitoring device on somebody that did nothing more than track, without ever setting off any alerts when he was near the victims, said John Coletti, who alongside attorney Hala J. Gores represented Rosas Hernandezs estate.

It was a disaster waiting to happen, Coletti said.

Court records show Jimenez-Vargas prowled outside the Southwest Scholls Ferry Road home for about 15 minutes on Nov. 14, 2022. Had the address been flagged in the system, the release office would have received an email alert within a minute.

Instead, Jimenez-Vargas returned two days later and fatally shot Jimenez, 43, and her young sister Rosas Hernandez, 38. The killer then turned the gun on himself.

In depositions, court release officer Rachel A. Clark said she hadnt been trained to provide Vigilnet with addresses for exclusion zones. She also said she didnt have access to a database with victim information while her background check was pending.

Vigilnet CEO Jake Dawes said in a deposition transcript that employees were trained to follow the release officers referral form precisely and not exercise discretion.

The company didnt respond to a request for further comment.

Richard Moellmer, Washington Countys court administrator, said in an interview that the release office had been swamped with cases in 2022 after state lawmakers did away with automatic cash bail and made release from custody the default option.

The office has since staffed up from two to 10 release officers, and in the wake of the double murder expanded release officer shifts from the standard workweek to seven days a week, 15 hours a day.

The circuit court and Washington County Sheriffs Office received a $750,000 federal grant earlier this year allowing deputies to monitor Vigilnet alerts 24/7 for cases involving domestic violence, he said.

The expansion of our coverage hours means better service going forward, and better protection for the community and victims, Moellmer said.

Gabriela Jimenez and Lenin Rosas Hernandez were born in California but grew up attending Hillsboro schools and later graduated from Portland State University.

Both had worked as substitute teachers, and Jimenez went on to work in human resources, while Rosas Herndanez worked as a claims adjuster and at her husbands construction business.

Jimenez left behind four children. Rosas Hernandez was survived by three children and her husband.

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.
Police responded to a "disturbance" near Northwest 18th Avenue and Johnson Street on Wednesday morning. Two people had been stabbed, police said. Drew Vattiat/The Oregonian

One of the victims in Wednesdays stabbing in Northwest Portland was moving her tent when 38-year-old Victor Palmer-Regen, who lived in a nearby triplex, allegedly attacked her and a friend who had been helping her pack up.

Palmer-Regen was walking his dog when he randomly started yelling at them, the friend told police. Palmer-Regen then pepper-sprayed the man, according to court records.

But that was just the beginning.

And now Mayor Keith Wilson, who has promised to open 1,500 shelter beds for homeless Portlanders by December, is pointing to the violence as another reason for his pledge, saying it highlights the urgent need for safe, secure and welcoming spaces where our unsheltered neighbors can find refuge during both the day and night.

Security footage outside Palmer-Regens home at Northwest 18th Avenue and Hoyt Street shows the resident returning to his basement unit with his dog just before 9 a.m. and then re-emerging with what looks like a long kitchen knife.

After walking back to the area near the womans tent, where city contractors were removing a homeless campsite, Palmer-Regen then allegedly lunged at the man, slicing him on the arm and then stabbing him in the back.

The woman, who had been inside her tent, came out and tried to intervene, she told police, per a probable-cause affidavit. Palmer-Regen allegedly attacked her next, cutting her arm and armpit.

Security footage back at the Palmer-Regens triplex shared with The Oregonian/OregonLive shows him returning to his unit with a knife.

Portland police then urged other residents to stay in their homes as officers tried to coax Palmer-Regen from his apartment. At one point, he emerged with his hands up, then turned around and went back inside, the footage shows.

After nearly five hours, Palmer-Regen surrendered, police said.

Palmer-Regen is accused of two counts of second-degree assault and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon. He also is accused of a misdemeanor charge related to his alleged use of pepper spray. He made an initial appearance in court Thursday afternoon.

He was on probation after being convicted in July of a fourth-degree assault in Multnomah County, court records show. In 2019, he was convicted of a felony charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

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.
Portland police are seeking the publics help in locating a 63-year-old woman who went missing from a residential facility and may be in the area of Northeast Halsey Street between 114th and 122nd avenues.

Doris Strunk was last seen on the evening of Aug. 21 at the facility where she lives. Police did not name the facility or say where it is in Portland, but said she enjoys hanging out in the Hazelwood and Parkrose Heights neighborhood areas.

Doris Strunk was last seen on the evening of Aug. 21. Police ask anyone who spots Strunk to call 911. Portland Police Bureau

Staff members confiscated a machete from Strunk before she left her home, according to police.

Detectives have expressed concern for Strunks well-being, as she suffers from multiple illnesses and has been without her medication for a week.

Strunk is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall and 100 pounds. She has brown eyes and long grey hair. She was last seen wearing a black windbreaker with pink trim.

Police say Strunk typically stays in the local area and is known to frequent Northeast Halsey Street between 114th and 122nd avenues.

Anyone who sees Strunk is urged to call 911 immediately. Those with non-emergency information can contact missing@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing case number 25-228136.

This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from the Portland Police Bureau and edited by Oregonian editorial staff.
Students enter Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland for the first day of school on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Vickie Connor/The Oregonian

Portland Public Schools will dismiss all students two hours early on Friday due to high temperatures, district officials announced Thursday afternoon.

Temperatures are forecast to hit 85 degrees by 3 p.m. on Friday, lower than the temperatures in the low 90s on Tuesday, the first day of school for many students, and a degree or two less than the high temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday. The district did not announce an early release on any of those days.

The action also raises questions about whether families and students should expect that there will be full days of school next week, when temperatures are expected to hit the mid-90s, and whether or how the lost instructional hours will be accounted for.

Only 20 of the districts buildings have modern air conditioning systems, Superintendent Kimberlee Armstrong noted earlier this week, on a visit to Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland.

As this week went on, some teachers and parents said they were concerned about the temperatures. A parent at Vernon Elementary in Northeast Portland said her childrens teachers had reported that classroom temperatures were in the high 80s all day, despite multiple fans, windows open to let in cooler morning air, and lights kept low.

And a teacher at Jefferson High School said it was 90 degrees in their classroom on Wednesday afternoon, characterizing it as a difficult learning environment for a full class of teenagers.

In their notification to parents about Fridays early dismissal, district officials nodded to the upcoming weeks forecast. Over the Labor Day weekend, they said, crews will buy and install more fans and cooling units in classrooms, and will consider whether to adjust their ventilation and airflow strategies particularly in the districts oldest buildings.

Building leaders will be asked to set up cooling stations in schools that are most impacted by heat, like those without shade nearby, or those that are south-facing.

Students should plan to attend school on Tuesday, the districts notification to parents read. We are actively monitoring the weather forecast and building conditions.

The massive $1.83 billion bond passed by Portland voters last May  the largest in Oregon history  includes $190 million earmarked for deferred maintenance projects, like HVAC upgrades, while the bulk of it, or about $974 million is set aside to modernize three high schools.

But school board members have already earmarked $90 million of that to go to address seismic deficiencies at the eight to 10 schools considered at greatest risk of crumbling in an earthquake, leaving only a guaranteed $100 million for other projects, including heating and cooling. And the chances of wringing additional savings out of the high school modernizations are looking increasingly dim. Updated cost estimates are being unveiled this month and next.

 Julia Silverman covers K-12 education for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her via email at jsilverman@oregonian.com.
An aerial view of the Oregon Health & Science University campus on Marquam Hill in Southwest Portland. Mark Graves/Staff

As Oregon Health & Science University pursued a high-profile merger with Legacy Health, a long-simmering controversy over its primate research center surged to the forefront.

Two national animal rights groups  the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA  seized on the merger review process this spring, launching an aggressive campaign to close the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Hillsboro.

The groups blanketed Oregon airwaves with television ads, pressed regulators to tie closure of the center to merger approval and packed public hearings convened by an advisory board appointed by the states unique regulatory board that oversees health care mergers and acquisitions.

Their efforts rattled OHSUs leadership, internal emails obtained through Oregons public records law show. Even as the merger plan fell apart, the campaign to close the primate center was top of mind.

This controversy is not going away, OHSU board member Susan King wrote in an April 22 email to Connie Seeley, OHSUs chief administrative officer and chief of staff. King also included Chad Paulson, OHSUs board chair, and Steve Stadum, the universitys interim president at the time. I would like to be better informed as a board member about the scope of research at the center as well as options for change if those are necessary and feasible.

OHSU officials said the controversy surrounding the primate center was not a factor in the organizations mutual agreement to terminate the OHSU + Legacy Health transaction. University leaders have yet to say anything about what led to cutting off merger talks  but they have publicly defended the primate center.

The Hillsboro facility, home to nearly 5,000 monkeys used in research, has long drawn criticism from activists who argue its experiments are inhumane and unnecessary. The animal rights groups have argued that public money would be better spent on direct patient care at OHSU and have questioned the scientific value of primate research.

The campaign gained traction at the highest levels of state government. In March, Gov. Tina Kotek asked OHSU leaders to develop a plan to complete their current research obligations and move towards shutting the center down in a humane and responsible manner.

Three state lawmakers had also urged the community advisory board reviewing OHSUs bid to purchase Legacy to consider requiring the closure of the primate center as a condition for approving the deal.

In response, OHSU said it continues to keep elected officials apprised of the critical research taking place at the center.

The university on Thursday announced that researchers at the primate center, in collaboration with scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine and other colleagues, have secured an $8.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a cure for HIV.

The debate was reminiscent of Harvard Universitys 2015 decision to shutter its own primate research center, which housed 2,000 monkeys. Oregons center, founded in 1962, was the first of seven such facilities nationwide and is one of the largest.

Inside OHSU, faculty and administrators worried the attacks posed a direct threat to the universitys research mission and financial health.

In an email dated April 23, a group of faculty members and scientists urged the board to publicly defend the center against what they saw as mounting political and media pressure.

During an April 25 board meeting, Peter Barr-Gillespie, OHSUs then-chief research officer, warned that closing the center could cost at least $100 million, including severance for staff, rehoming thousands of primates and decommissioning 35 research buildings.

Theres little indication the controversy surrounding the primate center played a role in the mergers termination.

But the merger, in any case, appeared to unravel quickly, the emails show.

On April 29  two days after the board meeting  university leaders began planning an update call with board members about the deal.

Executives and board members met privately in a conference call May 2, emails show, for an update on the proposed Legacy merger.

That same day, executives circulated a draft press release announcing the mergers collapse. The decision was announced May 5.
Texas state Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, looks over a redrawn U.S. congressional map during debate over a bill in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. AP Photo/Eric Gay

A battle between Texas Republicans and California Democrats to bolster their partys advantage in the U.S. House has led politicians in other states to consider ways they, too, could leverage partisan power to rack up more victories in the 2026 congressional elections.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a new U.S. House map sought by President Donald Trump that could help Republicans in their quest to keep control of the chamber. But California Democrats already have launched a counteroffensive, asking voters to approve revised House districts designed to boost Democrats prospects.

Redistricting typically occurs once a decade, immediately after a census. But in some states, there is no prohibition on a mid-cycle map makeover. The U.S. Supreme Court also has said there is no federal prohibition on political gerrymandering, in which districts are intentionally drawn to one partys advantage.

The redistricting efforts could play a role in determining control of the U.S. House and, with it, the prospects for Trumps policy goals in the latter half of his term.

Here is a rundown of what states are doing.

Protesters gather in the rotunda outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol as lawmakers debate a redrawn U.S. congressional map in Texas during a special, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) AP

Texas Democrats walked out, but Republicans prevailed

Democratic state House members left Texas for two weeks to scuttle a special session on redistricting by preventing a quorum needed to do business. But after that session ended, Abbott quickly called another one  and Democrats returned, satisfied that they had made their point and that California was proceeding with a counter plan.

Republicans currently hold 25 of the 38 congressional seats in Texas. A revised map passed Aug. 23 is intended to give Republicans a shot at picking up five additional seats in next years elections. Abbotts signature made the map final.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) AP

California Democrats seek to counter Texas

Democrats already hold 43 of the 52 congressional seats in California. But similar to Texas, a revised map passed Aug. 21 by the state Legislature is aimed at giving Democrats a chance to gain five additional seats in the 2026 elections.

Unlike Texas, California has an independent citizens commission that handles redistricting after the census, so any changes to the commissions map would need to win approval from voters. A referendum on the revised map is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Indiana Republicans meet with Trump about redistricting

Indianas Republican legislative leaders met privately with Trump to discuss redistricting while in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26. Some also met with Vice President JD Vance.

Several Indiana state legislators came out in support of a mid-cycle map change following the meetings. But others have expressed hesitation about joining Trumps push to remake districts in Republicans favor. It remains unclear if Indiana will hold a legislative session on redistricting.

Republicans hold a 7-2 edge over Democrats in Indianas congressional delegation. All incumbent GOP congressional representatives have said they support redistricting.

Missouri Republicans take steps toward redistricting

Trump is also pushing Missouri Republicans to redraw the states U.S. House seats. A document obtained by The Associated Press shows the state Senate has received a $46,000 invoice for software licenses and staff training for redistricting.

While Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe hasnt officially announced a special session, Republican House Majority Leader Alex Riley told the AP it is pretty likely to happen. Riley added that he has had discussions with White House staff about it.

Republicans hold six of Missouris eight congressional seats. The party could target a Democratic-held district in Kansas City to pick up another seat.

Louisiana Republicans looking at times for a special session

Louisiana lawmakers are being told to keep their calendars open between Oct. 23 and Nov. 13. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Oct. 15 over a challenge to the states congressional map.

Republican state Rep. Gerald Beau Beaullieu, who chairs a House committee that oversees redistricting, told the AP that the idea is to have lawmakers available to come back to work in case the Supreme Court issues a ruling quickly.

Republicans currently hold four of Louisianas six congressional seats.

Ohio must redraw its maps before the 2026 midterms

Because of the way its current districts were enacted, the state constitution requires Republican-led Ohio to adopt new House maps before the 2026 elections. Ohio Democrats are bracing for Republicans to try to expand their 10-5 congressional majority when they meet later this year to redraw maps.

Democrats dont have much power to stop it. But we will fight, we will organize, we will make noise at every step of the process, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde said.

New York Democrats try to change state law

New York, similar to California, has an independent commission that redraws districts after every census. But state Democrats have introduced legislation to allow mid-decade redistricting.

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul had said that if Texas proceeded, we must do the same.

But the soonest new maps could be in place would be for the 2028 elections. That is because the proposal would require an amendment to the state constitution, a change that would have to pass the Legislature twice and be approved by voters.

Maryland Democrats planning a response to Texas

Democratic state Sen. Clarence Lam already has announced he is filing redistricting legislation for consideration during the 2026 session. Democratic House Majority Leader David Moon also has said he will sponsor legislation triggering redistricting in Maryland if Texas or any other state conducts mid-decade redistricting. Democrats already control seven of Marylands eight congressional seats.

Floridas governor pledges support for redistricting

Florida Republican state House Speaker Daniel Perez said his chamber will take up redistricting this year through a special committee. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has reiterated his support for the state to join the redistricting fray, calling on the federal government to conduct a new Census count and claiming that the Trump administration should award the state another congressional seat.

Florida has 28 U.S. House seats, 18 of them currently occupied by Republicans.

Kansas Republicans havent ruled out redistricting

Republican state Senate President Ty Masterson didnt rule out trying to redraw the states four congressional districts, one of which is held by the states sole Democratic House representative. The Legislatures GOP supermajority could do so early next year, which would put the new lines in place before the June 1 candidate filing deadline.

A court orders Utah to redraw its districts

Utah Republicans hold all four of the states U.S. House seats under a map the GOP-led Legislature approved after the 2020 census. But a judge ruled Aug. 25 that the map was unlawful because the Legislature had circumvented an independent redistricting commission established by voters to ensure districts dont deliberately favor one party.

The judge gave lawmakers until Sept. 24 to adopt a map that complies with voter-approved standards. A new map could increase Democrats chances of winning a seat.

--By DAVID A. LIEB and JESSE BEDAYN/The Associated Press
A sunny morning in late summer greets the clear water of Waldo Lake in Oregon's central Cascades east of Eugene. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

I dont panic at the sight of snakes, but I definitely squirm on the inside. Theres something creepy about them. The coiling, the tongue flicking, the vertical slits they call pupils.  Its all just enough to trigger a momentary fight-or-flight response.

So when a coworker sent me an article from WorldAtlas titled "The Most Snake Infested Lakes in Oregon," I paused a moment before opening.

My family loves to camp. We tend to pick spots near lakes. Are there really multiple bodies of water teeming with serpents in my home state? Could they wrap themselves around our ankles as we toe test the water temperature? Would our polyester tents be strong enough to resist their striking bites? Are we in actual danger of being squeezed to death in the middle of night?

Thankfully, the term snake-infested might be a little hyperbolic.

Yes, Oregon has snakes, 15 native species in fact. And yes, several of them are are semi-aquatic. But, World Atlas admits, You probably wont come across many snakes during a weekend at these four lakes.

The good news is, Oregon lakes arent overflowing with limbless wigglers ready to jump into your sleeping bags. The bad news is, youll still need to keep an eye out for them when staking out your lakeside tent space.

Here are the four Oregon lakes where you most likely could spot a slithering serpent.

Waldo Lake

Located roughly 80 miles due north of Crater Lake, Waldo Lake is a glacial-formed alpine lake notable for its pure, near-indigo waters.

Its home to the elusive Rubber Boa.

The Rubber Boa is known to hide along the banks of Waldo Lake in central Oregon. Getty Images

According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, this is a shy snake that stays hidden in its habitat beneath leaf litter, in hollow logs or amongst rocks in moist sandy areas. It is a constrictor that eats small rodents, mostly mice and shrews, and is a good swimmer, burrower and climber. They measure 14 to 30 inches long.

Wallowa Lake

Wallowa Lakes crystal-clear waters are set against the backdrop of the Wallowa Mountains, about two miles from the visually quaint town of Joseph.

This treasured attraction of northeast Oregon is the home of the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, Oregons sole venomous viper.

The the Northern Pacific rattlesnake, sometimes called a Western rattlesnake, is the only venomous snake in Oregon. LC-

According to WorldAtlas, Northern Pacific rattlesnakes typically lay low near rocks or fallen logs, but they are also highly capable swimmers.

Aside from the noisy rattles on the end of its tail, which vibrate when threatened, this species can be identified by its broad, triangular head that is much wider than its neck. Western rattlers tend to measure between 18 and 36 inches in length.

Lake Billy Chinook

Lake Billy Chinook is technically a reservoir, created in 1964 by the Round Butte Dam, and fed by the Deschutes, Crooked and Metolius rivers. The lake is mostly contained within The Cove Palisades State Park.

The boat-happy lake is a known habitat for gopher snakes, also called the bull snakes.

Kindergarteners meet Arrow the gopher snake. Gopher snakes are often found near Lake Billy Chinook. LC- THE OREGONIAN

The gopher snake is nonvenomous and can grow three to six feet in length. They are often mistaken with the Western rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished from a rattlesnake by the lack of black and white banding on its tail, and by the shape of its head which is narrower than a rattlesnakes, notes online platform iNaturalist. They also have a distinctive dark facial stripe that passes through both eyes.

The racer snake is one of two types of snakes often found at Lake Billy Chinook. Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Lake Billy Chinook is also a known hang out for Northern American racer snakes.

WorldAtlas notes, This slim and quick snake usually prefers warm, dry, and open or bushy areas, so its unlikely to join summer tourists for a swim. Still, those setting up tents at the local campgrounds or walking the shoreline trails might encounter this fast-moving fellow.

Despite its common name, according to website Think Wild, the racers actual speed is about four miles per hour, or about the rate of a humans brisk walk.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. The tourist hot spot is known for its crystal blue waters, Wizard Island and a scenic trail that circumnavigates the ancient volcanic caldera.

Its also the home of three of Oregons four species of garter snakes. All three are so similar that one would need genetic analysis to tell the difference between them.

There are four types of garter snake that make their home in Oregon, including the red-spotted subspecies. THE OREGONIAN

Garter snakes are the most common serpent found in Oregon. They come in many kinds of colors, but their best identifying characteristic is a stripe down the middle of the snakes back.

Their name comes from their resemblance to the design on garters once worn by men to hold up their socks, according to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Ashley Ewing, 10, of Hillsboro, touches a garter snake at the Tualatin Hills Nature Center for the annual Newt Day on Nov. 8, 2014. LC-

All phobias aside, snakes are important members of Oregons ecosystem. They help control pest populations like insects and rodents. They also provide a chewy meal for birds, foxes and other larger predators.

Knowing this may not ease the initial adrenalin rush when one catches you off guard, but it does comfort the mind as you watch them slither away.
Kayakers paddle up the Willamette River toward Willamette Falls in Oregon City, seen from the old Blue Heron Paper Mill site in Oregon City, now owned by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

An old dream has new life on the banks of the Willamette River in Oregon City.

A riverwalk at Willamette Falls, once touted as a grand return of public access at the massive waterfall, is back on the table, years after the project stalled amid flaring tensions among tribes, governments and private enterprise at the Willamette River waterfall.

Last week, the idea was given new life via a $12.5 million grant from the state  money that was originally set aside from lottery revenue bonds in two chunks in 2013 and 2015, but was not distributed until last week, as first reported by OPB.

The grant comes more than eight years after the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, a collaboration that included Oregon City, showed off renderings of a new public riverwalk at Willamette Falls, and more than three years after that project was indefinitely put on hold. Since then, two separate tribe-led development projects have launched on each side of the waterfall, leaving the old renderings to gather dust.

The $12.5 million, to be allocated by regional government Metro, also sat unused, waiting for a Willamette Falls project that never came. This summer, Oregon City successfully negotiated with state officials to access those funds, which will now be distributed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

We have been working on this with the state and Metro for a number of years now, Oregon City Mayor Denyse McGriff said. It finally happened.

The timing of that agreement, two weeks after Gov. Tina Kotek approved a $45 million award to the Willamette Falls Trust, a separate development project on the West Linn side of the waterfall, was coincidental she said.

The Willamette Falls Legacy Project offered a sneak peek at their original riverwalk design at a May 2017 event. Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian

Greg Archuleta, cultural policy analyst and member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, looks out at his ancestral homelands from the old Blue Heron Paper Mill, which the tribe is demolishing for its tumwata village development. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Willamette Falls is seen from a Portland General Electric property in West Linn, where an intertribal coalition, the Willamette Falls Trust, is planning a new public access project. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Tony Konkol, the city manager for Oregon City, said the money will not necessarily be used for the same riverwalk project envisioned by the Willamette Falls Legacy Project, a broad intertribal and intergovernmental collaboration that he said has since faded. Instead, city officials will collaborate on a new idea, working solely with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, which is developing its tumwata village project on the Oregon City side of Willamette Falls.

Our next step once we get this signed agreement back from the state is to sit down with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and figure out what that next $12.5 million public access project will be, Konkol said. While it wont be the same riverwalk project that was previously imagined, those plans will certainly be considered, he said. All things weve discussed in the past are on the table.

The Willamette Falls Legacy Project was originally granted an easement on which to create the public riverwalk. Its not clear if the new project will use that easement or land owned by the Grand Ronde tribe.

Konkol said he expects to get the finalized grant agreement in the next couple of weeks. Oregon City will then have three years to use the money.

The Grand Ronde tribe, which vehemently opposed the $45 million funding of the West Linn project, has responded favorably to the $12.5 million grant. Sara Thompson, spokesperson for the tribe, stressed the importance of public access to the waterfall, regardless of what shape the project takes.

The tribe has been very clear from the beginning that public access to Willamette Falls is at the heart of our vision at tumwata village, and this is just another step toward the realization of that goal, Thompson said.

Willamette Falls has long been inaccessible to the general public, blocked off by industrial buildings erected on the riverbank around the horseshoe-shaped waterfall. The bottom of the waterfall is only accessible by boat, and while its a popular trip for kayakers, swift currents and turbulent waters can make it a tricky paddle. Members of some regional tribes have long been allowed to visit the falls to fish and harvest lamprey.

In recent years, some of those tribes have been reasserting their presence at Willamette Falls, seeking to replace the shuttered paper mills with their own developments that they say will include public access and cultural programming. However, those developments have also laid bare long-simmering intertribal tensions that have been spilling into public view, pitting the Grand Ronde tribe against a group of four other tribes with ancestral ties to the waterfall: the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.

State, federal and local agencies have found themselves on either side of that divide, a dynamic that has recently become clear in a contentious Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting over fishing rights at the waterfall, and a federal lawsuit over a state permit for a Grand Ronde fishing platform at Willamette Falls. A ruling is expected soon in the lawsuit, which pits Portland General Electric against the Grand Ronde tribe, and could determine land ownership rights at the waterfall.

McGriff said the $12.5 million grant for Oregon City has the chance to bring fresh energy to Willamette Falls. With tumwata village still many years from completion, and the West Linn project not yet off the ground, progress on the long-promised riverwalk would be a major success, she said.

I think it would bring back the excitement that was generated before 2020 when we were supposed to be breaking ground, McGriff said. I would like to see us move the project forward very quickly  at least one little part of it.
President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and the images of camo-clad soldiers on city streets raises the question  could it happen here?

The answer is yes, though Oregon officials caution that it doesnt appear it will happen imminently if it does.

At this time, the federal government has not made any indication that there will be attempts to deploy military troops in Oregon, Roxy Mayer, a spokesperson for Gov. Tina Kotek, said in a statement Friday.

Kotek serves as the commander in chief of the Oregon National Guard, so in normal circumstances, only she can authorize their deployment. Kotek must similarly agree to host soldiers sent from another state.

But those rules dont apply if Trump federalizes the guard under the Insurrection Act, a series of laws dating back to the 1790s.

The Insurrection Act is written quite broadly  and doesnt define key terms  but generally gives the president the discretion to federalize the guard under a wide range of circumstances where the law has been obstructed.

That could mean anything from quashing an armed rebellion to enforcing a court order, as when President Dwight D. Eisenhower federalized troops to desegregate schools during the Civil Rights era.

Trump, of course, is famously tough to predict, and when he does mention Portland its usually to call the city a tattered wreck. The president signed an executive order Monday asking his secretary of defense to create special units in the guard for combating public disorder.

Other officials clearly have the Rose City in their sights.

Tom Homan, the White Houses border czar, promised a ramp up of operations in Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle during a Thursday press conference. U.S. Labor Secretary and former U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez DeRemer of Oregon made a similar plea to Trump during a Tuesday cabinet meeting.

Both she and Homan appeared to be referring to a different agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which already has a presence in Oregon.

Federalizing the Oregon National Guard, however, would entail calling up some portion of the 7,200 citizen soldiers who comprise the air and army divisions.

About 15 people were attending a protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

In Oregon, black-clad protesters have become a perennial presence outside the ICE office in South Portland since June. On Thursday evening, less than 15 people were seated or standing around two canopy tents set up on the sidewalk as loud music blared from a speaker. Traffic was moving unimpeded through the area.

Mayer, the governors spokesperson, said that Kotek wont be rolling out the welcome mat to Trumps troops.

Putting Americas own military on our streets with an ambiguous mission is a disservice to our communities and our service members, she said.

Lt. Col. Stephen Bomar, a spokesperson for the Oregon Guard, notes that the force is apolitical and is regularly called up to fight wildfires and assist in search and rescue operations.

Thats why people join the National Guard  that dual responsibility to support your community as well as your nation and your state, he said. Were here to support our fellow Oregonians and be part of that team.

Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane.
A state flyer promised "free debris cleanup and removal to residents of Rowena whose homes burned down" in the June 11, 2025, Rowena wildfire. Now, the state says it has not secured the necessary money. Courtesy of Jennifer Duarte

UPDATE: Kotek directs agencies to begin Rowena wildfire cleanup at no cost to residents

Jennifer Duarte was still reeling from the wildfire that destroyed her familys home in Rowena when she received a rare piece of good news.

The state of Oregon would handle the clean up of hazardous waste, toxic ash and debris on her property  all of it.

The State of Oregon will be removing fire debris for free at no cost to property owners, Department of Environmental Quality employee Charles Kennedy told her and the other residents attending a community meeting in The Dalles on July 2. Residents who choose to clean their own property do so at your own risk and at your own cost.

On the screen with Kennedys slideshow presentation, a recording of which was reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Duarte read the words reiterating his promise: Every resident who signed up for the program would be left with a property ready for rebuilding.

Only a chimney remains standing after Jennifer and Justin Duarte's home in Rowena was destroyed by wildfire in June 2025. Photographed Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Duarte picked up a flyer at that meeting that further reinforced the message: the two-phase debris cleanup would be completely free to residents.

The offer was a huge relief, amid the stress of getting accustomed to living in a camper trailer with her husband and two dogs, dealing with insurance and transitioning her daughter to college in Portland, Duarte said.

But it turned out the state doesnt have the money to complete the work. Now, as the state touts its work in the first phase, officials say the second phase will require funding that has not yet been approved. State officials also say they never meant to give Rowena residents the impression that the full clean-up would be free.

In June, the Rowena fire ripped through Wasco County, engulfing more than 50 homes, including Duartes, and ultimately scorching some 3,700 acres. At that meeting three weeks later, the state of Oregon said it was going to step up for the people whose lives had been upended.

They promised us that it would be cleaned up and taken care of, Duarte said.

She followed the states instructions and told her insurance company she didnt need money for debris removal, because the state would do it.

The Department of Environmental Quality told Rowena residents who lost their homes in the June 11, 2025, wildfire that their cleanup would be done for free. About two months later, officials said there wasn't enough money. This is a slideshow from a July 2 DEQ and Wasco County presentation explaining what the state was going to do for residents. Courtesy of Wasco County

In July, state contractors came on her property, identifying and removing hazardous household waste like paint cans or pressurized cylinders, the first phase of the cleanup, and then Duarte waited for the announcement that phase two would begin  the most expensive part of the process because it involves cleaning the property of all ash and debris.

And she waited.

Then, after weeks, came the bombshell. On Aug. 8, the Wasco County Sheriffs Office posted a press release to social media stating there wasnt funding for the debris cleanup after all.

Now, Duarte and others in the small community west of The Dalles are upset and feel misled. And theyre wondering what to do.

State officials say any statements appearing to promise to pay for cleanup were a miscommunication.

I cannot apologize enough that we did not communicate this correctly, Department of Emergency Management spokesperson Erin Zysett told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Our intent was not to misinform people. Our intent was not to lie to people.

Duarte, 44, said the states communication could not have been more clear. The state-produced, two-page flyer she had picked up at the community meeting was titled Rowena Fire  Free Debris Removal, and included the word free 12 times.

A state flyer offered free cleanup services to Rowena residents whose homes had burned down in the June 11, 2025, Rowena fire. The state has now told residents they can go ahead with their own clean up efforts, if they want to. Courtesy of Jennifer Duarte

Under a subsection titled Phase II  Ash and Debris Cleanup, the flyer said that:

Contractors will remove and dispose of all remaining debris. Additionally, contractors may test the soil to confirm no contamination remains from the fire. Once debris cleanup is done, the state will send residents a certificate of completion.

Zysett said the flyer didnt adequately convey that phase one of the cleanup was going to be paid for and that the other information in the flyer was intended to help residents understand what to expect during the interim and Phase 2 periods.

Duarte said she doesnt buy this explanation.

How do you get around, The State of Oregon is providing free debris cleanup and removal, she said, reading the flyers first sentence out loud. Thats the definition of phase two  cleanup and removal. Like, how do you go back on that?

Zysett said theyd pulled talking points from the 2020 Labor Day fires, but they werent correct for the Rowena fire, because the 2020 wildfire was declared a federal disaster, meaning more money was available for recovery.

Zysett said the cleanups second phase, which is removal of ash and debris, remains contingent on funding. Residents can begin the second phase on their own, she said.

All 68 properties whose owners agreed to allow state contractors on their property have had hazardous waste removed, state records show. It cost the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality $236,676, Zysett said. The second phase is estimated to cost upwards of $4.5 million. Any money for phase two would need to be approved by the Legislature.

Jennifer and Justin Duarte lost their home in Rowena in the June 11, 2025, wildfire there. They had attended a community meeting where a state officials said cleanup would be free, paid for by the state. Now, the state is saying it never had the money. Courtesy of Jennifer Duarte

Gov. Tina Kotek had initially promised $1.5 million that Zysett said would come from the states emergency fund, controlled by the State Emergency Board, which can give money in response to agency requests.

Prior to publication of this article, the governors office said Kotek recognizes that costs have increased and remains committed to the state covering at least 50%. After publication, her office directed state agencies to begin working on phase two using existing resources, with the expectation that the legislature would subsequently approve funding for the completed work.

Some Rowena residents have said theyve decided to move forward with cleanup on their own.

Iris Flores, 26, whose parents lost some structures on their property, though not their house, said her father was raring to start the clean up. She had convinced him to hold off, based on the states assurances. They started the work several weeks ago, losing at least a month of time, Flores said.

Flores said she based her understanding of what the state was going to do on the July 2 community meeting, where Kennedy, the DEQ staffer, told attendees they shouldnt do the cleanup themselves because the state would be doing it for free.

The cleanup is hazardous. Thats why were hiring contractors or professionals in this field to do it, Kennedy said at the meeting. And it is costly, and thats also why were doing it  to get you back on your feet at no cost to property owners. State agencies strongly recommend that you do not clean up your property yourself.

Reached by phone, Kennedy said he was giving a presentation that had been prepared by DEQ spokesperson Antony Sparrow.

The Department of Environmental Quality told Rowena residents who lost their homes in the June 11, 2025, wildfire that their cleanup would be done for free. About two months later, officials said there wasn't enough money. This is a slideshow from a July 2 DEQ and Wasco County presentation explaining what the state was going to do for residents. Courtesy of Wasco County

Duarte, who also attended the meeting, said her husband was skeptical, telling her that nothing is done for free. She assured him, though, that the state has funds for this kind of thing. And the informational flyer she picked up at the meeting confirmed Kennedys words, saying that the state will use funding from its Emergency Board to pay for debris removal and will not charge residents for this work.

Sparrow gave similar assurances during a media tour of the fire-damaged area on July 16.

We wanted to make it absolutely clear to residents who were impacted by the wildfires that cleanup is coming at no cost to them, Sparrow said during the tour, which was attended by The Oregonian/Oregonlive. They are not paying any out-of-pocket expenses.

But then the offer seemed to unravel, without a word from the state. The second phase of the cleanup couldnt proceed until adequate funding is secured, the Wasco County Sheriffs Office announced in the Aug. 8 news release. The announcement listed other options residents could pursue, such as working with their insurance companies.

It feels like a slap in the face, Duarte said.

Jennifer and Justin Duarte's Rowena home in Christmastime. The house is now a pile of ash and rubble, all that remains after the June 11, 2025, Rowena wildfire. Courtesy of Jennifer Duarte

Sparrow, asked recently about his earlier statements, said he could not speculate as to whether something was miscommunicated or not.

As far as the confusion that some residents have because they heard that the state was going to pay for everything  I cant speak to what individual residents heard from whoever, Sparrow said. Weve tried to be as clear as possible to let residents know what the cleanup process looks like.

Duarte said she is now figuring out if her insurance will accept a claim for debris removal after she had previously told them she didnt need it.

Sen. Daniel Bonham, R.-The Dalles, said he is extremely frustrated on Rowena residents behalf and is trying to understand what happened and why. He said he is also putting together a request for money from the State Emergency Board.

Im trying to get to the bottom of it, he said. But it does just seem like bureaucratic incompetence.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him by phone or text at 971-373-2905 or by email at fzarkhin@oregonian.com.
SEIU members participate in a state workers rally on the capitol steps in 2011 to draw attention to their ongoing contract negotiations and budget cuts. LC- The Oregonian

A Mean Girls meme is roiling a state workers union.

On July 14, members of Service Employees International Union 503 who work for the state government received an email about bargaining sessions, which included a call for members to wear purple on Wednesdays. It included a meme from the 2004 Mean Girls movie with a picture of head mean girl Regina George and a purple-versioned echo of the movies popular quote, On Wednesdays, we wear pink.

The problem? Someone had photoshopped the white actresss face and hair onto the body of Black union leader Ibrahim Coulibaly  a move the unions African American Caucus and Accountability and Equity Coalition decried as deeply racist and harmful. They said the email turned Coulibalys image into a dehumanizing punchline.

The union issued an apology headlined We will do better the next day and posted a second statement in August to its website. But fallout continued as the unions equity coalition and African American caucus called for a larger reckoning in an online petition and demanded a public town hall and a union-wide equity audit.

The caucus also called on the union to fire the worker who sent the photo.

Theres a systemic problem within our union that led to this traumatic experience, Nannette Carter-Jafri, president of the African American Caucus, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. This cannot be swept under the rug and just dismissed as a mistake.

SEIU 503 Executive Director Melissa Unger, who is white, acknowledged the harm the photo had caused in a conversation with The Oregonian/OregonLive Tuesday and said the union must continually self-evaluate and improve to become anti-racist.

We have to take what happened and learn from it to make sure that we as a union figure out how to be on a better path and hold ourselves accountable to becoming an anti-racist union, she said.

SEIUs July 15 apology acknowledged the meme was inappropriate and out of line with the unions values of anti-racism. Communications Director Pati Urias said the communications staffer who created the photo mashup did not send it to any other staff members for review before the email was sent, breaching the departments protocol, which calls for union-distributed communications to be vetted by other staff members. SEIU followed disciplinary procedures in accordance with employees union contract, Urias said, but she did not say whether the employee had been fired.

In response to initial concerns about the meme raised by two members of the equity coalition,

member-elected union President Johnny Earl, the first African American president of the Oregon union, responded to the members by writing simply mistakes happen.

Earls reply infuriated members of the coalition, who said it reflects the kind of denial and minimization that keeps systems of inequality alive.

Earl told The Oregonian/OregonLive this week that he was trying to be diplomatic. Altering and sending the photo was wrong, Earl said, but he doesnt think the worker who created the photo is a racist or had ill intent. He added that the employee is a union member himself who deserves the same respect as we all get, a sense of grace when we do something wrong, and a chance to do the next things right.

This was wrong, and this was bad, but that doesnt make the whole organization bad, Earl said.

In the unions first official response on July 15, which was posted before Earls email, the union wrote we sincerely apologize for the photo and we expect you to hold us accountable. In an August update, the union said it had doubled down on policies requiring content to be reviewed and instituted a cultural sensitivity training for communications staff.

Equity coalition leaders say that union members and leaders of color have been undermined and disrespected by their own union in the past. In its Change.org petition, coalition members said that there is a pattern of racism, ableism and exclusion within the union and called for systemic change. The petition had about 400 signatures as of Thursday. SEIU has 45,000 members who work in state government, nursing homes, higher education and home health, and the union represents more than 70,000 people in all.

As members, we have the right and the responsibility to demand transparency, equity and accountability from our leadership. That is our right, Denise Piza, co-chair of the Latinx Caucus, told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Sometimes that gets framed as anti-union. Thats not what this is. This is completely union work that we are doing.

Coulibaly, reached by phone on Tuesday, said the meme pasted over his picture was emailed out when he was helping bargain for state workers. As that work wound down, he said, the impact of the photo hit him. He took 10 days of sick leave while he grappled with depression, he said. He is seeking counseling to help him work through the emotional aftermath of the photo.

I didnt know it was going to affect me the way it did, Coulibaly said. Emotionally, it was very harmful.

Coulibaly said he supports the equity coalition, which is pushing for a more meaningful conversation.

Coalition members met with SEIU leaders Sunday and say they agree on a number of next steps. Group members want a public accountability town hall and a union-wide equity audit paired with more training. Unger said she is open to a town hall and to working with the international union to evaluate policies and internal practices.

We have to hold ourselves to a very high principle, Unger said. I definitely think we are not perfect in any way. We try to do that  we try and we learn and we make mistakes, like every organization. An important part of how we become an anti-racist organization is to acknowledge that this is a journey that we have to keep being on, that we have to really listen and hear our members.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Portland will see a sunny, warm Labor Day weekend with highs in the mid 80s Saturday-Sunday, and upper 80s by Monday. Photo courtesy of Lisa Wanner

As Portlanders prepare for the last long weekend of the summer, the weather is cooperating with mostly sunny skies on the menu.

The National Weather Service says a ridge of high pressure will build inland Friday and deliver high temperatures in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees with southern areas of the Willamette Valley seeing the highest temps.

Portland should see mostly sunny skies and a high of near 89 degrees.

Clouds will increase overnight as the region feels the effects of a low settling in just off the coast. This system wont necessarily push inland, but the metro area could see more high level cloud cover, and cooler daytime highs into the weekend.

Portland will see a mix of clouds and sun Saturday, and a high temperature of about 84 degrees.

Sunday should come with more sunshine and fewer clouds. The high will again reach about 84.

Labor Day Monday will offer mostly sunny skies and a high temp of around 86 degrees.

The extended forecast remains a mixed bag with the weather service saying it has incredibly low confidence in what sort of weather and high temps the region will see from about Wednesday through next week.

An upper level low over northern California will likely push into southeastern Oregon and bring hotter temperatures, but cooler air from Canada may edit that somewhat.

Currently both Tuesday and Wednesday look sunny with highs in the low-to-mid 90s. But beyond that, keep an eye on updated forecasts for a better idea of what to expect.
This weeks Founder Friday continues our series spotlighting Australian entrepreneurs making waves. Last week, we featured Dan Richards revealing the highs and lows of running a business hrough relentless innovation.

Becketts journey from corporate employee to entrepreneur wasnt immediate. For years, she explored different business ideas across sport, nutrition, and fitness, but none sparked genuine passion.

Over the years, I explored different business ideas in sport, nutrition, and fitness, but none of them lit me up, she explains.

The breakthrough came through confronting her own limiting beliefs and fears about entrepreneurship.

One of the most important mindset shifts for me was moving from I cant do this to How can I do this?' Beckett says. That change, along with accepting that fear is part of the process, has made all the difference. You can learn anything or get help with the things you dont know; everything is figure-out-able.

Another critical turning point was overcoming her reluctance to put herself in the spotlight.

Another turning point was letting go of the fear of being seen. In the beginning, I didnt want to put myself out there, but showing up has been one of the best experiences for me and the fastest way to connect with people, she reflects.

Childhood trauma becomes business purpose

From her first day in corporate life, Stella Beckett knew something was missing, but it took becoming a parent to realise what that something was.

From the very first day of my corporate job, I knew I didnt belong there. I always had the urge to create something of my own, Beckett explains. Over the years, I explored different business ideas in sport, nutrition, and fitness, but none of them lit me up.

The turning point came through painful self-reflection. Growing up in a dysfunctional home marked by substance abuse and harsh criticism, Beckett developed anxiety and self-worth issues that followed her into adulthood.

The turning point came when I looked at my childhood and realised how much Id struggled with self-confidence and self-belief. It shaped how I moved through the world, and I knew I wasnt alone, she says.

When Beckett became a parent, that reflection transformed into action. She didnt want her child to face the same emotional struggles she had endured.

The gap in the market

Becketts search for tools that combined emotional education with play came up empty. There were journals for children. There were toys. But nothing brought them together in a way that made confidence-building simple and consistent.

I wanted tools that made confidence-building simple, consistent, and part of everyday life. I looked for something that combined emotional education with play, but couldnt find it, she explains.

That realisation sparked the creation of Diary Dolls in September 2024. Each doll comes with a backpack containing a journal, a character story, and activities focused on specific resilience skills like gratitude or positive affirmations.

What sets Diary Dolls apart is how they combine play with personal growth. Kids learn through stories, routines, and imagination, so by pairing a cuddly toy with positive mindset tools, it becomes a fun and effective way to support their development.

Building trust through purpose

From the beginning, Beckett positioned Diary Dolls as a purpose-led brand rather than following trends. Every decision, from design choices to messaging, stems from the core mission of helping children build emotional resilience.

From day one, Diary Dolls has been a purpose-led brand. I didnt want to sell a trend; I wanted to solve a real problem for both children and parents, she says.

Building trust with parents became just as important as creating the product itself. Rather than focusing solely on sales, Becketts marketing strategy centres on providing genuine value through content that offers parenting tips, emotional intelligence tools, and activities families can use at home.

By offering support beyond the product, weve built long-term relationships with our audience, she explains.

The approach appears to be working. Beckett has expanded into boutique retail stores, carefully selecting stockists that align with the brands values and can showcase the dolls story effectively.

Standing out in saturated markets

Despite the challenges of competing in Australias crowded toy market, Beckett has found ways to differentiate Diary Dolls beyond traditional marketing approaches.

While many childrens brands focus on fun or aesthetics, Diary Dolls is about helping children build self-belief and emotional strength from the inside out. The dolls are designed to be the toy a child remembers as an adult, not because of how it looked, but because of what it taught them, she explains.

The approach extends to how she selects retail partners. Rather than pursuing every available opportunity, Beckett carefully chooses stockists that align with the brands values.

Expanding into boutique retail stores has been a game-changer. I chose stockists carefully, focusing on stores that aligned with our brand values and could showcase the dolls in a way that brought the story to life, she says.

This selective approach appears to be paying dividends. When customers encounter the dolls in person, particularly when searching for meaningful gifts, they connect with them immediately. The retail presence also works synergistically with online sales, with in-store exposure building awareness and trust that often leads to repeat purchases online.

Expensive lessons and hard-won wisdom

An expensive lesson came early when Beckett realised her initial boxed packaging design didnt suit the product and made shipping more costly. She scrapped the entire first order and redesigned the packaging to better align with both the brand and customer experience.

Packaging redesign was another expensive lesson. I initially launched with a boxed design, but after placing the first order, I realised it didnt suit the product and made shipping more costly. I scrapped it and redesigned the packaging to better align with the brand and the customer experience, she recalls.

Like many first-time entrepreneurs, Beckett discovered that bringing a custom product to market involves a steep learning curve. Prototyping took far longer and cost significantly more than anticipated, requiring multiple rounds of sampling to achieve the desired quality standards.

Bringing a custom product to market comes with a steep learning curve. Prototyping took far longer and cost far more than I anticipated. It took multiple rounds of sampling to get the design, materials, and quality to the standard I wanted. Even now, I see the product as a work in progress. Im proud of the dolls Ive launched, but Im always looking for ways to refine and improve them, she reflects.

The process taught her valuable lessons about patience and perfectionism in product development.

Dont rush. Take the time to get the product right before going into production. Growth takes patience, and if your mission is clear and your product delivers real value, momentum will follow, she advises.

Future vision and market expansion

Currently, Beckett has launched two dolls  Affirmation Alice and Journal Jasmine  with three more in development. The expansion includes a unisex range designed to reach a wider audience while maintaining the same core mission.

We stay ahead by listening closely to parents, watching how children engage with the dolls, and evolving based on real needs. This year, were expanding into products that reach a wider audience, including a unisex range, while keeping the same core mission at the heart of everything we do, she explains.

Rather than following market trends, Beckett remains focused on child development fundamentals.

We dont follow fleeting trends. Were grounded in the fundamentals of child development, and everything we create stems from that foundation, she says. Our focus is on designing timeless products that encourage the emotional practices children need to feel secure, confident, and connected in themselves and the world around them.

Beyond the product development challenges, Beckett has faced the daunting task of building brand awareness from scratch in an oversaturated market.

Building awareness and an audience from scratch has been a big challenge. In a competitive market full of beautiful products, you need more than looks to stand out. You need a message that resonates, she says.

Her advice to other entrepreneurs centres on patience and authenticity rather than chasing rapid growth.

Get clear on the problem youre solving and start small. Dont expect overnight success; theres a lot of noise about brands taking off instantly, but thats not the norm. Building a business is about momentum. Some days youll move forward, other days it will feel like youre going backwards, but if you keep going, you will make progress.

The bigger picture

While Diary Dolls operates in the competitive toy space, Becketts vision extends beyond sales figures. She wants to contribute to raising a generation of children with stronger emotional foundations.

I want to help raise a generation of kids who truly love themselves, who trust their voice, and who have the self-belief to go after what they want in life without self-doubt holding them back, she explains.

With mental health conditions accounting for almost 15% of Australias disease burden in 2024, innovative approaches that integrate emotional learning into childhood development could play an increasingly important role in prevention and early intervention.

For Beckett, success isnt measured solely in units sold but in the potential long-term impact on childrens emotional wellbeing. The dolls are designed to be more than toys  theyre intended to be tools that children remember as adults, not for how they looked, but for what they taught them about believing in themselves.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
FILE - After lighting a fire line to burn up fuel for the Lick Creek Fire, a crew of firefighters begin to put out the flames, July 12, 2021, south of Asotin, Wash. (Pete Caster/Lewiston Tribune via AP, file) AP

SEATTLE  Lawyers are demanding the release of a longtime Oregon resident arrested by Border Patrol while fighting a Washington state wildfire, saying Friday that the firefighter was already on track for legal status after helping federal investigators solve a crime against his family.

His arrest was illegal, the lawyers said, and violated Department of Homeland Security polices that say immigration enforcement must not be conducted at locations where emergency responses are happening.

He is one of two firefighters arrested this week while working the Bear Gulch Fire in the Olympic National Forest, which as of Friday had burned about 14 square miles and was only 13% contained, forcing evacuations.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement Thursday that it had been helping the Bureau of Land Management with a criminal investigation into two contractors working at the fire when it discovered two firefighters who they said were in the country without permanent legal status.

The firefighter, whose name has not been made public, lived in the U.S. for 19 years after arriving with his family at age 4. He received a U-Visa certification from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Oregon in 2017 and submitted his U-Visa application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services the following year.

The U-Visa program was established by Congress to protect victims of serious crimes who assist federal investigators, and the man has been waiting since 2018 for the immigration agency to decide on his application, according to Stephen Manning, a lawyer with Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based nonprofit thats representing the firefighter.

Another Homeland Security policy says agents cant detain people who are receiving or have applied for victim-based immigration benefits, his lawyer said. Charging the man with an immigration violation was an illegal after-the-fact justification given his U-Visa status.

The man has not yet been located in the immigration detention system, and his attorney is demanding his immediate release.

Messages seeking comment from the Border Patrol and Homeland Security about lawyers claims were not immediately returned.

When the Bureau of Land Management was asked to provide information about why its contracts with two companies were terminated and 42 firefighters were escorted away from the states largest wildfire, it declined. It would only say it cooperates with other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

These law enforcement professionals contribute to broader federal enforcement efforts by maintaining public safety, protecting natural resources, and collaborating with the agencies, such as the Border Patrol, Department of Interior spokesperson Alyse Sharpe told The Associated Press in an email.

Manning said in a letter to Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, that the arrest violated Homeland Security policy.

Wyden was critical of the Border Patrols operation, saying President Donald Trumps administration is more concerned about conducting raids on fire crews than protecting communities from catastrophic fires. Firefighters put their lives on the line, Wyden emphasized, such as the Oregon firefighter who died Sunday while battling a wildfire in southwestern Montana.

The last thing that wildland firefighter crews need is to be worried about masked individuals trampling their due process rights, Wyden said in an email to the AP.

Meanwhile, wildfire officials were still trying to get control of the Bear Gulch Fire. The number of personnel working on the blaze was listed at 303 on Friday, down from 349 on Thursday.

--By MARTHA BELLISLE/The Associated Press
OKLAHOMA CITY  In a rare move, a majority of the Oklahoma State Board of Education has scheduled its own meeting without the consent of state Superintendent Ryan Walters, who board members say has refused to cooperate.

The decision comes a day after Walters abruptly canceled a meeting with the board that was meant to take place Thursday.

Four board members  Chris Van Denhende, Mike Tinney, Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson  invoked a state law that allows a majority of the seven-member board to call a meeting. They scheduled the meeting through the Secretary of States Office for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the state Capitol to hire a new attorney to represent the board, according to a letter sent on Thursday to Walters, which Oklahoma Voice obtained.

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Oklahoma City attorney Bob Burke, who is representing the four board members, wrote the letter urging Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education to also post a notice of the Wednesday meeting.

If the Education Department doesnt post a meeting notice by 9 a.m. Tuesday, Burke said he will ask the Oklahoma Supreme Court to force Walters to do so.

They previously asked for a special meeting of the Board of Education for the purpose of retaining the services of an attorney approved by the Attorney General to represent the Boards interest, Burke wrote in his letter to Walters. To date, you have refused to schedule such a special meeting. You are fully aware of the statutes that authorize a majority of the members of the Board to call a special meeting.

It is the hope of my clients that you will join them in convening the special session so that this urgent matter of business can be considered.

Walters has yet to respond to the letter, Burke told Oklahoma Voice. He said one of the board members could lead the meeting if Walters, the boards chair, doesnt attend.

Burke said he isnt the attorney the board intends to hire. Rather, he is helping them schedule a meeting, he said.

An Education Department spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday evening. The agency previously said it canceled the state board meeting this week because its staff and legal team are in flux.

The boards previous attorney, Chad Kutmas, withdrew from his position in recent weeks after three board members asked the Attorney Generals Office to remove him. The attorney general has the authority to cancel a lawyers contract with a state board and did so with the state Board of Education last year.

Van Denhende, Deatherage and Carson complained Kutmas represented Walters interests more than theirs.

He is often uncooperative, belittling, and argumentative with board members, Carson wrote in an email to the Attorney Generals Office. He does not represent the best interest of the board, which is what he is contracted to do. He has made it apparent in his actions, or lack of, that we as a board are not his priority.

Oklahoma Voice is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a nation 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and donations focused on delivering state government news. The Voice maintains full editorial independence. For more stories by Oklahoma Voice go to oklahomavoice.com.
Families of those killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have won a critical legal battle allowing them to sue the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in U.S. courts.

A federal judge ruled that the families could proceed with claims accusing Saudi Arabia of supporting the network that enabled the hijackers who executed the devastating attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Suing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The lawsuit alleges that Saudi officials and entities within the kingdom helped establish, finance, and direct the extremist network operating inside the United States that aided the hijackers' movements prior to the attack.

Attorneys for the families presented evidence they say demonstrates a covert militant network involving several high-ranking Saudi officials, including some working at the Saudi embassy in Washington, D.C. These officials allegedly provided material support to the hijackers, a claim Saudi Arabia has consistently denied.

Among the 19 hijackers, 15 were found to be Saudi nationals, but the Saudi government has long rejected any involvement in the attacks, and U.S. government officials have maintained that al Qaeda acted independently. The legal fight to hold Saudi Arabia accountable has been ongoing for over two decades and involved complex considerations of sovereign immunity that initially protected the kingdom from such lawsuits.

However, the 2016 passage of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) paved the way for families to pursue their claims against foreign governments in cases involving terrorism. This law overturned previous barriers that had shielded Saudi Arabia from being sued in connection with the 9/11 attacks.

The Tragic 9/11 Attacks

The litigation is part of a large, consolidated case led by families and survivors seeking accountability and justice. Attorneys continue to develop evidence, including the testimony of former al Qaeda operatives, linking some Saudi individuals and charities to funding extremist groups. Courts have even ordered depositions of high-ranking Saudi government officials, a rare and groundbreaking action in U.S. legal history.

Victims' advocacy groups emphasize the ruling is more than legal progress; it's a step toward uncovering the truth and seeking closure after nearly 25 years. "It's a commitment to guarantee that the truth is revealed," said Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families. While the path remains challenging, this legal decision marks a significant moment for families demanding answers about the tragic events that altered countless lives forever.

The cases now move forward in federal court in New York, where the plaintiffs will work to prove Saudi Arabia's role in the devastating terrorist attack and secure justice for those affected.
A teenager has been sentenced to seven years in a juvenile rehabilitation center for the assassination of Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay.

The 15-year-old was found guilty in connection with the shooting that ultimately led to the senator's death after more than two months in critical condition.

Teenager Sentenced for Assassination of Colombian Senator

Senator Uribe, a conservative politician and presidential hopeful, was shot on June 7 while speaking to supporters at a campaign event in Bogota's Fontibon neighborhood. He sustained gunshot wounds to the head and leg during the attack.

Uribe underwent multiple surgeries but succumbed to his injuries on August 11, as confirmed by his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona. She described her late husband as "the love of my life" and thanked him for being a great father to their children.

The attacker, a 15-year-old boy, was arrested at the scene while attempting to flee. He was charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm. In court, he pleaded not guilty but has now been sentenced to seven years under juvenile law. Authorities also arrested several individuals suspected of assisting in the attack.

The motive behind the assassination remains unclear. President Gustavo Petro suggested the involvement of an international criminal syndicate but did not provide further details. The shooting has sparked fear and widespread condemnation in Colombia, recalling violent times from the country's past when drug cartels and armed groups targeted politicians.

A Tragic Incident

Uribe was a prominent figure in Colombian politics, serving as a senator since 2022 and campaigning for his party's presidential nomination for the 2026 elections. He was known for his critical stance toward the current government and was seen as a rising star in the right-wing Democratic Center Party.

The assassination has prompted vigils and demonstrations across Colombia, with many citizens calling for peace and security. The Colombian Bishops' Conference expressed solidarity with Uribe's family, urging the nation to uphold peace and justice. Former president Alvaro Uribe, who is not related to the senator, condemned the killing as an attack on hope for Colombia's future.

Senator Uribe's tragic death marks a grim moment in Colombia's political history and underscores ongoing concerns about violence against public figures in the country.
Businesses are borrowing to stay alive, not grow. Brad Walters explains why Julys credit surge is actually a warning sign.

Whats happening: Business loan demand surged 6% in July 2025 compared to the same month last year, while 1362 companies entered insolvency: a 10% increase. Construction sector leads both categories, showing stress across the economy.

Why this matters: The credit surge represents survival borrowing rather than growth investment, with businesses seeking funds to maintain operations rather than enhance productivity, according to Equifax analysis of commercial credit trends.

Credit demand rises

Businesses seeking survival funding

Australian businesses increased their demand for commercial credit by 3.8% in July 2025 compared to July 2024, driven primarily by a 6% surge in business loan applications. However, the underlying motivation appears to be operational survival rather than expansion.

In the face of ongoing market uncertainty, economic pressures and continued growth in insolvencies, we can see that many businesses are reaching out for credit often to maintain operations or invest in core offerings, rather than investing in productivity enhancing measures such as technology, training or hiring, says Brad Walters, General Manager of Commercial at Equifax.

Year-to-date commercial credit demand has risen 2.14% compared to the same period in 2024, with business loans leading the charge while trade credit demand declined 7.3% year-on-year in July.

Asset finance demand increased by a more modest 2.7%, suggesting businesses are prioritising immediate operational needs over equipment and infrastructure investments.

Construction sector struggles

Leading insolvencies and payment delays

The construction industry dominates Australias insolvency statistics, with 341 companies failing in July alone representing the highest proportion across all sectors. This represents a 3.66% increase from July 2024.

Construction also leads in payment delays, with the highest average Days Beyond Terms at 7.57 days in June. This means construction businesses are paying suppliers more than a week late on average, nearly double the market average.

Following construction in the insolvency rankings, accommodation and food services recorded 226 failures in July, while retail recorded 91 insolvencies for the month.

The construction sectors ongoing challenges align with broader insolvency trends, with the industry consistently showing stress indicators across multiple metrics.

Payment patterns improve overall

Despite sectoral challenges, overall payment behaviour showed improvement, with average Days Beyond Terms decreasing to 4.40 days in June down 9.6% from the previous year. The year-to-date average was 4.08 days, representing a 14.9% improvement.

Rental, hiring and real estate services followed construction with 7.48 average Days Beyond Terms, while retail trade and professional services showed more manageable delays of 3.45 and 3.5 days respectively.

Regional insolvency patterns

NSW leads failures

New South Wales recorded the highest number of insolvencies in July with 488 company failures, followed by Victoria with 410 and Queensland with 282.

Western Australia recorded 79 insolvencies, South Australia 66, while the territories showed smaller numbers: Tasmania (8), Northern Territory (10), and Australian Capital Territory (19).

The geographic distribution reflects population centres and economic activity, with the eastern seaboard bearing the brunt of business failures.

Earlier data showed insolvencies reaching five-year highs, indicating the July figures represent a continuation of concerning trends rather than an isolated spike.

The productivity challenge

Survival mode limits growth

The data reveals a fundamental challenge for Australias productivity agenda. Rather than borrowing to invest in growth-enhancing measures, businesses are increasingly seeking credit to maintain basic operations.

Understanding the trends impacting businesses, including the appetite for and use of credit, is particularly important given the renewed focus from Government and industry bodies on boosting Australias productivity, Walters explains.

The preference for business loans over trade credit suggests companies are moving away from supplier relationships and towards formal lending arrangements, potentially indicating cash flow pressures affecting supply chain dynamics.

Mixed signals ahead

While the overall decrease in payment delays suggests some improvement in business cash flow, Walters notes significant outliers remain, with Construction and Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services paying back dues almost twice as late as the market average.

The 10% increase in July insolvencies, combined with survival-focused borrowing patterns, suggests Australian businesses face continued pressure despite some positive indicators in payment behaviour.

For policymakers focused on productivity growth, the data presents a challenge: how to support businesses moving from survival mode to growth investment in technology, training, and hiring.

Brad Walters is General Manager of Commercial at Equifax, which tracks commercial credit trends and business payment behaviour across Australia.

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TL;DR: Save 89% on Microsoft Office for Windows during Labor Day weekendcodes are limited.

While youre taking a break from work this Labor Day, also stop paying Microsoft 365 fees. Grab a Microsoft Office lifetime license for just $24.97the lowest price weve seen yet (MSRP $229). No subscription strings, no surprise fee hikes, just the essential Office apps you actually use for a one-time price.

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These arent stripped-down versions, either. Office 2019 remains fully capable of handling reports, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and more, without requiring constant updates or additional charges.

If youre tired of Microsofts subscription model and worried they might hike the price of 365 again, this is your chance to future-proof your setup. Whether youre working from home, freelancing, or managing your family budget, this is all the Office you need without the recurring costs.

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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Googles smart home efforts were in a sorry state as late as May.

Google touted Gemini AI assistant throughout the entire keynote of its annual I/O developers conference, demonstrating how it would come to permeate every aspect of the search giants productseverything from phones and AR glasses to watches and TV.

But Google Home wasnt mentioned at all, while Googles Nest smart speakers, displays, and cameras were all but ignored. (Google did have a few scattered smart home announcements later in the conference).

Just as troubling, Google had been discontinuing other Nest products and even withdrawing from some smart home categories from a manufacturing standpoint, all while many Google Home owners were complaining that Google Assistant was faltering at even the most basic smart home duties.

Indeed, things got so bad that Anish Kattukaran, the director of product management for Google Home and Nest, felt compelled to speak up on social media, apologizing for Google Assistants spotty performance while promising that his team is actively working on major improvements.

Now, roughly a month after Kattukarams comments on X, those major improvements are coming into focus.

First came more details about the new experience powered by Gemini that Google had earlier promised for its smart speakers, including the existing Nest Mini and Nest Audio.

Gemini for Home is coming as an early access preview in October, offering a smarter voice assistant that will (according to Google) better understand our natural-language queries, respond to more complex smart home commands, manage calendars and shopping lists, and engage in natural back-and-forth discussion via Gemini Live.

Of course, Google still has lots to prove when it comes to Gemini in the smart home. Early tests of a Gemini-powered assistant on existing Google smart speakers got a lukewarm reception (its not clear whether Gemini for Home is an iteration on those efforts or an all-new product), and Google has also said there will be both free and paid versions of the new assistant. Which Gemini for Home features will be behind a paywall? Unknown, for now.

Still, Gemini for Home certainly sounds promising, and weve also gotten a glimpse at a new Google smart speaker that will house it. Appearing in a promo video during Googles big Pixel event last week, the small, spherical, and somewhat squished speaker had a light ring around its base, with early leaks indicating that it will pair with the Google TV Streamer and double as a Matter hub.

And while it hasnt been confirmed, a new slate of Nest security cameras is also said to be on tap, including (according to the leaks) a wired outdoor camera, an indoor cam, and a new Nest doorbell, all with 2K video resolution (up from 1080p video on Googles current-gen Nest cams).

Googles smart home refreshes have been a long time in coming. Its been roughly four years since weve seen a new Nest cam arrive, and nearly five years since the last new Nest speaker.

When will these refreshed smart products finally be officially announced? Google hasnt said for sure, but in past years, it unwrapped its latest smart home wares during a fall hardware eventthink anywhere between late September and early October.

So it seems increasingly likely Google Home will see a major resurgence within a matter of weeks, what with the arrival of not just Gemini for Home, but also a new smart speaker, two new Nest cameras, and a new Nest video doorbell, if not more. The new lineup should put to rest fears that Google might simply walk away from the smart home.

But after the unveiling comes the hard part: making Gemini a truly useful part of the Google Home ecosystem, capable not only of back-and-forth banter but also doing the basics, like turning on the right smart light.

This story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers.
Two men wanted for a 2024 murder in Georgia were arrested in Dauphin County earlier this month, according to police.

U.S. Marshals, assisted by Swatara Township police, arrested 21-year-old Jayden Hooks and 23-year-old Malik Drake, along the 900 block of Gregs Drive on Aug. 13.

Hooks and Drake were wanted in connection with the March 21, 2024, shooting death of Curtis Coleman, a 43-year-old father of four. Coleman was found dead in his car in Cobb County, Georgia, according to local news reports.

Police there said the shooting appeared to be random, according to WSB-TV.

Both men are charged with murder and aggravated assault and will be extradited to Georgia. As of Aug. 19, the pair is incarcerated in the Dauphin County Prison with their bail denied.

Hooks and Drake are not the only out-of-state homicide suspects arrested in Dauphin County this month.

On Aug. 25, a 34-year-old man wanted for attempted murder in New Jersey was arrested by Harrisburg police after he was found hiding in a dryer.
A 34-year-old Lancaster County man shot a woman multiple times before taking his own life early Thursday morning, state police said.

Pennsylvania State Police in Lancaster around 1:20 a.m. Thursday were sent to the 100 block of East State Street for a domestic dispute. When police arrived, they found a 30-year-old woman lying on the ground who had been shot multiple times.

State police said Marcus Taltoan, 34, who has addresses in Paradise and Peach Bottom, shot the woman before taking his own life.

Police did not include the identity of the woman, who was taken to the hospital in critical condition. However, public records show Taltoans estranged wife is 30 years old.

The attempted murder-suicide comes months after Taltoan had three charges dismissed for breaking into his estranged wifes home and a day after he waived a preliminary hearing for over a dozen charges in Chester County.

Around 12:45 a.m. May 17, Taltoan broke into the home of his estranged wife on the 100 block of East State Street in Quarryville, police said.

The woman told investigators Taltoan broke in through a locked kitchen window and was standing in the doorway to her bedroom. Taltoan then cornered the woman in her room for five to ten minutes, refusing to leave, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Taltoan eventually left the Quarryville home and headed to Chester County, where he was charged with 15 offenses later that day.

Around 10:15 p.m. May 17, an officer with Coatesville Police saw Taltoan slam on his brakes in a black Mercedes SUV and remain stopped in the road for about two minutes.

As the officer started to follow the SUV, Taltoan turned into oncoming traffic and nearly struck another vehicle, according to a separate affidavit filed in Chester County.

Taltoan initially pulled over when the officer turned on emergency lights, but then drove away while swerving through traffic, striking a bicycle and ignoring a Do Not Enter sign.

During the chase, Taltoans SUV struck a large piece of concrete, flattening one of the tires and disabling the car.

Police said Taltoan yelled, Get the [expletive] off me, Im an [expletive] gangster! while he resisted arrest.

After being handcuffed, Taltoan continued to resist and spit on one of the officers, the affidavit said.

He also acted erratically in the back of the police cruiser, banging his head on the divider and kicking windows before passing out. Officers administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, to revive him, police said.

On May 18, Taltoan was incarcerated in Chester County after being unable to post his $50,000 bail.

On May 27, Taltoan had three charges in Lancaster County  criminal trespassing, false imprisonment and criminal mischief  connected to the May 17 home invasion dismissed.

A spokesperson for the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office said the charges were dropped because the victim was unwilling to cooperate with prosecutors.

Bail was not set for the Lancaster County case because Taltoan was already being held on $50,000 bail in Chester County.

On May 29, Taltoan posted bail through ABC Bail Bonds in Morrisville and was released from custody in Chester County, court documents show.

On Aug. 27, Taltoan waived his preliminary hearing in Chester County, where he is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, DUI, recklessly endangering another person and related traffic offenses.

By 1:20 a.m. the next day, Taltoan had taken his own life before state police responded to a home on the same block where the home invasion took place.
Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty in the brutal killings of four University of Idaho students, declined to explain why he did it. (Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Images, file) Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Images

By Kevin Fixler, The Idaho Statesman (TNS)

BOISE, Idaho  The Idaho lawmaker who spearheaded the states shift to firing squad executions said he was frustrated with the outcome of the University of Idaho student murder case that allowed Bryan Kohberger to escape the death penalty.

The four victims families  and the public  deserved a trial in the high-profile case, and a jury should have had the right to determine the proper punishment for Kohberger, Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, told the Idaho Statesman.

Instead, Kohberger sought a plea offer from prosecutors weeks before jury selection was to begin and agreed to plead guilty to fatally stabbing four University of Indaho undergraduates.

Im not blaming or arguing with the decision of the prosecuting attorneys office, but Im disappointed, personally, there was not a trial and a death penalty phase of that trial, Skaug said in a phone interview. If the murders in Moscow are not a case for the death penalty, then what is?

Kohberger, 30, of Pennsylvania, was sentenced last month to four consecutive life terms in prison for four counts of first-degree murder and to another decade for a count of felony burglary, without the possibility of parole, as well as ordered to pay more than $250,000 in fines. Kohberger also agreed to waive his right to all appeals.

The victims were childhood best friends Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21, and couple Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, both 20. They were found dead with several stab wounds at an off-campus home in Moscow in November 2022.

The plea agreement obtained by Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson came with public scrutiny. The longtime Moscow resident defended it as in the best interest of justice, and to ensure certainty and finality in the nearly three-year-old case.

The four victims families were split on the outcome of the case. Most vocal against the plea deal was the Goncalves family, several of whom said they were let down and even felt betrayed by prosecutors for removing the possibility of the death penalty for Kohberger without a trial.

My feelings are with all the victims, Skaug said. The Goncalves family, though, probably expresses a lot of my personal views as a citizen of Idaho.

Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye, who heads the agencys criminal law division, was also a member of the prosecution in the Kohberger case. Thompsons team had to weigh a number of factors over whether to accept Kohbergers guilty pleas in exchange for dropping its pursuit of capital punishment, Nye told the Statesman.

I think there were very good reasons to not do it that dont have anything to do with his culpability, he said in a phone interview. We talked about it, and we talked about what a conclusion looks like here and whats right or not.  At the end of the day, I support the decision that Bill made.
Actor Bruce Willis and wife Emma Heming attend the premiere of "Glass" at the SVA Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in New York. She recently opened up about her husband's illness once more. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

When it comes to Bruce Willis health battle, many might wonder how his decline began compared to how his condition is now.

To answer that question, before he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, the iconic actors wife Emma Heming Willis began noticing alarming warning signs  including changes to his once warm personality, losing interest in things he usually loved and skipping out on family outings.

For someone who is very talkative and very engaged, he was just a little more quiet, Heming Willis told Diane Sawyer in a preview clip of the ABC special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, which aired Tuesday on "Good Morning America." When the family would get together, he would kind of just melt a little bit.

It felt a little removed, very cold, not like Bruce, who was very warm and affectionate, she added. To [go] the complete opposite of that was alarming and scary.

In March 2022, news broke that the Die-Hard actor would be stepping away from his acting career due to an aphasia diagnosis. It was later announced that Willis had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which is also known as FTD.

According to the National Institute on Aging, FTD is the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Many possible symptoms can result, including unusual behaviors, emotional problems, trouble communicating, difficulty with work, or difficulty with walking.

On the day Bruce got his diagnosis, we left the doctors office with a pamphlet and a hollow goodbye. No plan, no guidance, no hope, just shock, she told the crowd during the Womens Alzheimers Movement Forum in Las Vegas back in May. The future we imagined simply vanished, and I was left trying to hold my family together, raise our two young daughters, and care for the man I love while navigating a disease I barely understood.

I felt lost, isolated and scared, Heming Willis explained. What I needed in that moment at that appointment wasnt just medical information. I needed someone to look me in the eye and say, This feels impossible right now, but you will find your footing. You will survive this and you will grow because of it.

Currently, according to Heming Willis, the beloved star is gradually losing his ability to talk.

Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know, she said. Its just his brain that is failing him.

The language is going, and, you know, weve learned to adapt. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a ... different way, she continued.

When Sawyer asked his wife if there are days when she sees him as he used to be, she responded, We get moments. 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.

Next month, Heming Willis plans to release her book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.

The book is the roadmap I wish someone had handed me on the day in 2022, the stars wife said back in May. I wrote it for other caregivers who are desperate for answers, aching for support, and wanting to be seen and wondering how theyre going to make it through.

Ive had access to world-class experts because of who Bruce is, and I know thats a privilege, so I didnt want to keep that information to myself I have a megaphone and resources that others dont.

The couple tied the knot at their home in Turks and Caicos in March 2009 and have welcomed two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. He has three older daughters, Rumer, Scout and Tallulah with ex-wife, actress Demi Moore.
Netflix's "The Waterfront" ended up on the chopping block after one season. Netflix

Netflix and ... nah, for real?

Thats what many fans of the popular streaming app are saying this week  and that might be kind  after news broke that one of the streaming platforms most watched new series, The Waterfront, isnt returning for a second season.

And folks are not happy that Netflix chose to cancel it.

According to Deadline, the streamer felt the show didnt have enough viewership and completion rate  the number of fans who start a show and then watch it all the way until the end  to move forward with a renewal. It spent five weeks in Netflixs worldwide Top 10 for English-language series.

The Waterfront starred Holt McCallany, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist and Maria Bello, and followed the drama of a prominent fishing family that has fallen on hard times after their patriarch has suffered a series of health setbacks. The family members end up turning to crime in order to try to preserve their status.

The series was the latest offering from screenwriter, director and producer Kevin Williamson, whose other television credits include Dawsons Creek, The Vampire Diaries, The Following and more.

Williamson is also responsible for launching big-screen projects including Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer.

The drama has often been compared to Yellowstone due to its focus on the internal dynamics of family, its strong but difficult patriarch and unclear morals that underlies the familys actions.

Slate described the show as being, like Yellowstone, but set in North Carolina, while CBR viewed it as a Yellowstone-like crime series that was surprisingly good.

Meanwhile Collider coined the show a Yellowstone replacement.

Regardless, fans were blindsided by the shows shocking cancellation. Many turned to social media to vent about the decision.

Netflix is insane for canceling the waterfront no one can tell me otherwise. brees storyline genuinely made me feel so seen and understood and idk what tf their problem is, one user wrote.

The Waterfront being canceled is actually so dumb. @netflix you will be dealt with, another user wrote.

Williamson also took to his Instagram Stories amid the bad news, noting that doing the show, one of the best experiences of my life.

The post has since expired.

A big thank you to everyone who watched The Waterfront. While Im sad the Buckleys wont be back for Season 2, Im celebrating the joy that was Season 1, he wrote.

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.
CVS and Walgreens arent offering COVID-19 vaccines in several states this year to anyone who asks, according to a New York Times story.

A CVS spokeswoman on Thursday told the Times that the vaccine would not be available at pharmacies in 16 states, including Pennsylvania, citing the current regulatory environment, but noting that could change.

On Friday, the company said it would give shots to people in most of those states, Pennsylvania included, with a doctors prescription.

Likewise, Walgreens website says people who want the vaccine in many U.S. states would need a prescription, according to the Times. The list of those states was not immediately available.

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has OKd new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax, the approvals came with some caveats, the Associated Press reported.

Shots were approved for people who are 65 and older and those who are younger and have a health condition that makes them vulnerable to severe COVID-19.

Until now, the U.S., following guidance from independent experts who advise the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone age 6 months and older.

But Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired every member of that Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices earlier this year. The replacements he selected have yet to make new recommendations.

In May, Kennedy  a longtime leader in the anti-vaccine movement  announced COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics is continuing to recommend them for all children ages 6 months to 2 years, another contradiction to Kennedys decision.
By MARTHA BELLISLE, The Associated Press

SEATTLE (AP)  Two firefighters who were part of a 44-person crew fighting a wildland blaze on Washington states Olympic Peninsula were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a multiagency criminal investigation into the two contractors they worked for, federal authorities said Thursday.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management asked the Border Patrol to help check the workers identities Wednesday when crews were working in a remote area, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol said in a statement. Border Patrol agents found two workers who were in the U.S. illegally and detained them, the agencies said.

Federal authorities did not provide information about the investigation into the contractors, and they did not immediately respond to questions seeking details about the criminal case.

The BLM terminated the contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc.  both from Oregon  and escorted the 42 workers off federal land, the release said. The two arrested were taken to the Bellingham station on charges of illegal entry and reentry, authorities said.

Email and phone messages left Thursday for the two businesses seeking comment were not immediately returned.
Nearly one in six Australian businesses wont use AI at all. Shopifys managing director explains why were falling dangerously behind.

Whats happening: Australias productivity growth has stalled despite having talented, creative entrepreneurs. The gap between potential and performance continues widening as outdated systems create barriers rather than support for business growth.

Why this matters: Without removing these barriers, Australia risks falling further behind globally while missing the opportunity to unlock community-wide economic growth through entrepreneurship-led productivity gains.

The access problem

Starting a business in Australia should not be exhausting says Shaun Broughton, Managing Director APAC & Japan at Shopify. He argues the problem isnt ambitionits access.

Too often, founders spend their early days navigating outdated regulation, complicated compliance, and fragmented support systems, Broughton says.

His solution focuses on making entrepreneurship accessible to anyone with a viable idea, regardless of starting resources. This means cutting unnecessary red tape, enabling access to low-code commerce tools, and funding mentorship programmes that help new and smaller players compete on merit rather than capital.

Regional businesses face particular challenges, with higher costs and limited access to expertise creating additional hurdles beyond the major cities.

When we make it easier to start and scale, we unlock not just individual ambition, but community-wide economic growth, Broughton argues.

AI adoption lags

Most businesses avoiding technology

Australia is falling behind in technology adoption, with Shopify research showing nearly one in six businesses here dont plan to use AI at allalmost three times the Asia-Pacific average. Even among those that do adopt AI, few use it for high-impact tasks like personalising customer experiences or enhancing product imagery.

Thats not because our entrepreneurs lack imagination. Its because they lack enablement, Broughton explains.

He argues access to AI tools, cloud computing, and modern digital infrastructure should be as fundamental as access to electricity. Government investment in these foundations, combined with targeted skills programmes, would give every business the same shot at innovationfrom solo operators to mid-market brands.

Australian businesses are increasingly focused on growth strategies, but without proper digital foundations, many struggle to implement them effectively.

Global competition requires tools

If we want Australian brands to compete with the best in the world, we need to equip them with the same technology stack and capabilities their competitors enjoy, Broughton says.

The investment in digital capability isnt just about keeping upits about giving Australian businesses the tools they need to innovate and compete internationally.

Opening trade barriers

Export complexity limits growth

For many Australian businesses, the domestic market is just the beginning, with real growth potential coming from selling globally. With modern commerce systems streamlining transactions and market access, a business in Hobart can reach a customer in Hamburg as easily as a local one.

His recommendations include protecting de minimis thresholds, modernising customs processes, and aligning payments and trade standards with leading international markets. The goal is reducing the cost, time, and complexity of selling across borders so a small business in Hobart can reach a customer in Hamburg as easily as a local one.

These changes benefit more than exporters, according to Broughton. Increased competition drives innovation, improves customer choice, and raises productivity across the board.

Understanding global market entry remains crucial for Australian businesses looking to scale beyond domestic boundaries.

The opportunity ahead

Entrepreneurs ready to lead

Australian entrepreneurs are positioned to lead the countrys productivity revival, but Broughton argues they cant do it alone. Removing barriers to entrepreneurship, investing in digital capability, and keeping trade open will create conditions for sustained, inclusive growth.

At Shopify, weve seen what happens when businesses get the right tools, markets, and confidence to grow: they hire more people, bring new products to market faster, and expand their reach far beyond what they imagined possible, he says.

Setting new standards

Broughton believes Australias productivity challenge represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By focusing on enabling entrepreneurs through his three-point framework, the country wont just close the productivity gap.

Well set a new standard for what a modern, dynamic economy can be, he concludes.

The framework exists, the talent is available, and according to Broughton, Australian entrepreneurs are ready. Whats needed now is policy support that removes barriers rather than creating them.

Shaun Broughton is Managing Director APAC & Japan at Shopify, where he works with Australian businesses to overcome growth challenges and scale internationally.

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A Wisconsin man has been charged with homicide after police say he threw a 13-year-old boy into the Menominee River, where he drowned.

According to court records obtained by My Up Now, 21-year-old Tylor Birch of Marinette has been charged with second-degree reckless homicide following the death of Jakob Bowerman this month.

Birch and a 16-year-old identified as P.C. are accused of pushing Bowerman into the river, on the Michigan-Wisconsin border, before they realized he couldnt swim and jumped in after him, according to the TV station.

After unsuccessfully attempting to hold his head above water, they returned to shore to call 911.

(Tylor) said (Jakob) was under the water more than above. Tylor said it scared him when he found out (Jakob) couldnt swim and he didnt want him to die, the complaint said.

Bowermans mother told police that Birch and P.C. would bully her son, according to the TV station.

Second-degree reckless homicide is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $100,000, or a prison sentence of up to 25 years, or both.

Police responded to the scene at 1:33 p.m. Aug. 20, and officers used a lifeboat to remove Bowerman from the river.

Lifesaving efforts were started immediately before he was taken to Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area and later to St. Vincents Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

He died on Aug. 23, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a new congressional voting map designed to help Republicans gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a win for President Donald Trump and his desire t (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

AUSTIN, Texas  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed into law a new congressional voting map designed to help Republicans gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections, delivering a win for President Donald Trump and his desire to hold on to a slim GOP majority in the U.S. House.

The Texas map drafted in rare mid-decade redistricting prompted fierce protests from Democrats and sparked a gerrymandering tug-of-war for voters in states across the country.

Texas is now more red in the United States Congress, Abbott said in a video he posted on X of him signing the legislation.

Before Texas lawmakers passed their new map, California passed a bill asking voters to approve new Democratic-leaning districts to counter any Republican gains in Texas.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has emerged as a leading adversary of Trump on redistricting and other issues, tauntingly labeled Abbott on X as the presidents #1 lapdog following the signing.

The incumbent presidents party usually loses congressional seats in the midterm election. On a national level, the partisan makeup of existing districts puts Democrats within three seats of a majority.

Voting rights groups filed a lawsuit this week ahead of Abbotts signing the bill, saying the new map weakens the electoral influence of Black voters.

Texas Democrats have also vowed to challenge the new map in court. They delayed a vote by two weeks by leaving Texas on Aug. 3 in protest and to rally support nationally. Upon their return, they were assigned round-the-clock police monitoring to ensure they showed up for debate.

But the large Republican majority in the Texas Legislature made its ultimate passage all but inevitable.

The head of Texas Democratic Party criticized Abbott, saying he and Republicans effectively surrendered Texas to Washington with the new map.

They love to boast about how Texas Tough they are, but when Donald Trump made one call, they bent over backwards to prioritize his politics over Texans, state Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said in a statement. Honestly, its pathetic.

The Texas map redraw has already reshaped the 2026 race, with Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the dean of the states congressional delegation, announcing that he would not seek reelection to his Austin-based seat if the new map takes effect. Under the proposed map, Doggetts district would overlap with that of another Democratic incumbent, Rep. Greg Casar.

Trump has pushed other Republican-controlled states to redraw their maps. Indianas Republican legislative leaders privately met with the president in the Oval Office this week to discuss redistricting.

The president is also pushing Missouri Republicans to redraw their House maps, while Democrats in Ohio are bracing for Republicans to try and expand their congressional majority when the Legislature takes up redistricting later this year.

Trumps push to redraw House districts to his partys advantage has drawn a response from other blue states besides California. Democrats in New York have introduced legislation that would allow mid-decade redistricting, but the earliest new maps would be in place in that state would be ahead of the 2028 election.

Because the Supreme Court has blessed purely partisan gerrymandering, the only way opponents can stop the new Texas map would be by arguing in court that it violates the Voting Rights Act requirement to keep minority communities together so they can select representatives of their choice.

Republican leaders have denied the map is racially discriminatory and contend the new map creates more new majority-minority seats than the previous one. They have also been explicit in their desire to draw a new map for a goal of electing more Republicans.
WILLIAMSPORT  The owner of several Dominos pizza franchises has been accused in a federal lawsuit of not adequately reimbursing delivery drivers for the use of their vehicles.

Jarrod Brass contends that Sheldon Pizza and Port Pizza, which do business under the Dominos name, along with their owner, Sheldon Port, do not reimburse delivery drivers for the approximate costs of the business use of their vehicles.

His suit, filed Thursday in U.S. Middle District Court, accuses them of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act and the states Minimum Wage Act.

The complaint identifies the defendants as the operators of numerous Dominos pizza stores throughout Pennsylvania, including two in Northumberland County  Ranshaw and Mount Carmel  where Brass was and is employed, respectively, since April 2023.

The two pizza businesses have a registered business address in Huntingdon, while Port reportedly lives in Missouri, the document states. No address is given for Brass.

The following is taken from the court complaint:

The defendants require delivery drivers to maintain and pay for safe, legally operable automobiles when delivering pizza and other food.

Drivers are reimbursed on a per-mile basis and not on their actual expenses. That amount is below the IRS business mileage reimbursement rate.

Driving conditions associated with the pizza delivery business create more maintenance issues and lower gas mileage because of frequent starting and stopping of the engine and shorter trips.

The systematic failure to adequately reimburse automobile expenses constitutes a kickback to the defendants because the hourly wages they pay delivery drivers are not free and clear of all outstanding obligations to them.

Failure to reasonably approximate the amount of drivers automobile expenses results in drivers net wages being diminished below the federal and state minimum wage requirements.

The defendants utilized a tip credit and paid him a sub-minimum wage of $6 an hour with a mileage reimbursement of 41 cents, Brass says.

From 2023 to the present, the IRS business mileage reimbursement rate ranged between 65 and 70 cents per mile, he points out.

Brass is seeking to have his complaint designated a class action to include all the delivery drivers who worked for the defendants in Pennsylvania in the past three years, which he believes could be in the hundreds.

He is seeking unspecified compensatory damages and liquidated damages equal to the amount of unpaid minimum wages.
The United States is missing the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century, as President Donald Trump and his Republican Congress seek to cripple domestic solar and wind power industries and electric vehicles, said U. N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres. (U. S. Pursuit of Fossil Fuels Imperils Progress, U.N. Chief Says, New York Times, July 23, p. A5)

Solar and wind energy with battery storage will prevail because they have the lowest cost while also protecting public health and protecting against global warming.

The predictions of the overwhelming consensus of climate scientists have proved to be accurate. Over four decades ago climate scientistsincluding the climate scientists at all major oil and natural gas companiespredicted that continuing to burn fossil fuels would create a greenhouse effect that warmed our planet and this warming would cause more extreme weather.

Temperatures have continued to rise, drying out vast lands which sets the stage for massive forest fires that foul the air and add huge amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

Warmer air holds more moisture, causing heavier downpours and flooding. Warmer oceans generate stronger hurricanes which cause destruction even far inland.

Against this extensive record of accurate forecasting which includes rising seas and melting glaciers, President Trump calls global warming a hoax.

Large political contributions have been known to move politicians and influence legislation. (Look at the influence of large contributions on cryptocurrency legislation.)

Would President Trump and his fellow Republicans be opposed to lower cost, clean, renewable energy if they did not haul in millions of dollars in campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests?

The United States could be the world leader in powerful, renewable energy industries that protect our environment while creating large numbers of jobs.

Instead, China has surged to leadership in these important industries.

Richard Barsanti, Western Springs, Il.
President Donald is keeping is his promise to protect Americans from transnational organized crime groups and their financial networks.



On August 25, a federal jury in Puerto Rico convicted a fifth individual for conspiracy to launder funds in connection with multiple wide-ranging wire, mail, and access device fraud schemes.



Oluwasegun Baiyewu was convicted of a money laundering conspiracy following a 22-day trial in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Oluwaseun Adelekan, and Temitope Omotayo, both of Staten Island, New York; Ifeoluwa Dudubo, of Austin, Texas; and Temitope Suleiman, and Oluwasegun Baiyewu, of Richmond, Texas, conspired to launder funds from different international organized fraud schemes, including romance, pandemic relief unemployment insurance fraud, and business email compromise scams. These fraud schemes disproportionately impacted elderly or otherwise vulnerable Americans.



The United States Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners commitment to investigate criminals who steal money sends a clear message: justice will prevail, and those who exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable, said U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico.



The FBI is committed to taking down the key service providers that support cyber scammers and transnational organized crime, said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBIs Cyber Division. This conviction is a reminder of the durable impact we are having in targeting the entire cybercriminal ecosystem, which is made possible by working in tandem with partners who have unique authorities and capabilities.



A superseding indictment against the five defendants alleged that in 2020 and 2021, the defendants worked together to profit from efforts to clean money from scams involving victims, many of whom were older adults, in California, Illinois, Washington, and Nevada, and business email compromise schemes affecting victim companies in Puerto Rico and Missouri. After receiving the proceeds, according to the indictment, the defendants or their co-conspirators conducted hundreds of transactions with the funds to, among other things, purchase used cars that were shipped overseas to Nigeria.



The criminals involved in this scheme thought there was safety in numbers, but the U.S. Postal Inspection Service doesnt stop until everyone involved in schemes that target older Americans is brought to justice, said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division. The defendants lined their pockets by defrauding vulnerable members of our society through various schemes designed to entice their victims to give up their hard-earned cash. This conviction is proof that anyone involved with transnational crimes will be tracked down, exposed, and made to face the consequences.
Morgan Cook is a news intern for The Post and Courier Columbia. She is a sophomore journalism major at the University of South Carolina.
BISSAU, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau Yang Renhuo on Thursday awarded the "Ambassador Scholarship" to students at the Tchico Te Higher Normal School in the West African country.

The ceremony was also attended by the school's director, Ibraima Djalo, along with faculty representatives.

Yang congratulated the recipients, encouraging them to study diligently, sharpen their skills, and contribute to Guinea-Bissau's development as well as the strengthening of China-Guinea-Bissau friendship.

He stressed that the Chinese embassy would continue to support education cooperation between the two countries and would work to establish a Confucius Institute at the school to promote Chinese language education.

Djalo and the students expressed gratitude for the Chinese embassy's support, saying the "Ambassador Scholarship" would greatly assist disadvantaged students in completing their studies. They added that they are committed to furthering the friendship between the two countries in the future.




Kalyn Oyer is a Charleston native and the features editor for The Post and Courier. She's a music festival and concert photographer and avid showgoer who used to write about music for the Charleston City Paper as well as national publications.
Nicole Ziege is a Reporter for The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times. She covers government and courts in Myrtle Beach and beyond. She previously covered news in Appalachia and received her journalism degree from Western Kentucky University.
Berkeley and Dorchester Metro Reporter

Komlavi Adissem is a metro reporter covering Berkeley and Dorchester counties. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem!
Reporter

Lamaur Stancil writes about government, business, schools and entertainment in York County. He can be reached at 803-687-3436 or at X at @LamaurStancil
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HONG KONG, Aug 27, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - The 10th Belt and Road Summit, co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on 10 and 11 September 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme Collaborate for Change  Shape a Shared Future, the Summit will bring together over 90 key officials and business leaders from 18 Belt and Road countries and regions and feature in-depth discussions on the immense opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative across sectors including finance and investment, innovation and technology, professional services, infrastructure and maritime services. The Belt and Road Summit fosters long-lasting international collaboration and promotes the building of a sustainable future.Marking its 10th edition this year, the Summit will build on the successes of the past nine editions, by developing further into a leading platform for policy dialogue and business collaboration between Belt and Road economies and other countries and regions. Since the first Belt and Road Summit in 2016, more than 700 distinguished speakers from over 30 countries and regions have shared their insights at the Summit. Over 660 exhibitors have showcased a wide range of professional services and investment projects, attracting more than 45,000 participants from over 120 countries and regions. The Summit has also facilitated around 5,400 business matching meetings and supported over 2,000 projects, originated or facilitated more than 30 deals involving over 50 companies. These agreements span key areas such as infrastructure, finance, technology, and green development, underscoring the Summits important role in advancing Belt and Road cooperation.Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commercial and Economic Development, said: "The Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI) has been put into practice, turning an idea into action and a vision into reality. The HKSAR Government contributes to the B&RI in various areas, and actively participates in the eight major steps to support Belt and Road development. Since 2013, Hong Kong's merchandise trade with Belt and Road countries and regions has grown substantially by nearly 80%, which is 3.2 times the growth rate of Hong Kong's external merchandise trade during the same period, reaching about US$280 billion. This demonstrates Hong Kong's capabilities as an international trade and investment hub, and highlights the growth potential of Belt and Road markets. The theme of this year's Summit is Collaborate for change a Shape a shared future. We will further enhance Hong Kong's role in taking forward the B&RI, raising the awareness of the B&RI among different sectors of the community and helping them to capture Belt and Road opportunities." Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road, Commercial and Economic Development Bureau said: "We will embrace changes and promote greater collaboration at the 10th Belt and Road Summit. New elements of the Summit include sessions featuring signature projects and market spotlights, a roundtable session promoting sustainable development, and more opportunities to exchange in the session for young business leaders. We will also enhance promotion beyond the Summit - over 20 activities in various fields will be organised in different venues over an extended period, including art and cultural exhibitions, Chinese and Western music concerts, a film festival and quizzes for secondary school students, enabling the public to participate in and experience the global collaborative achievements of the B& RI. Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "The HKTDC has a longstanding commitment to leveraging Hong Kongs unique advantages in connectivity, strengthening the citys role as both a super connector and a super value-adder. Through its global network of 51 offices, enhanced information platforms and outbound missions, the HKTDC has contributed to advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. As one of the worlds most important platforms for exploring Belt and Road policies and opportunities and fostering concrete cooperation, the Belt and Road Summit has successfully promoted regional connectivity and economic development. Marking its tenth anniversary this year, the HKTDC remains dedicated to enhancing this international cooperation platform, enabling all parties to explore new markets and opportunities, deepen engagement and collaboration along the Belt and Road economies, and continue turning the Initiatives vision into tangible partnerships and achievements, opening a new chapter together." Diverse sessions gather distinguished guests to explore regional cooperation trendsThe Belt and Road Summit features various sessions and activities, including the Opening Session, Policy Dialogue, Business Plenary, Keynote Luncheon, Thematic Breakout Session, Project Investment Session and Cocktail Reception.The Opening Session will feature welcome remarks by Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, followed by opening remarks from John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, and Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstans Minister of National Economy, will deliver keynote address, officially inaugurating the Summit.The subsequent Policy Dialogue will be chaired by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and will feature contributions from Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport of Malaysia; Ahmed Shide Mohamed, Minister of Finance of Ethiopia; Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Turkey; and Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development of Sri Lanka. The session will explore the latest Belt and Road policies and cross-regional economic cooperation. On the second day of the Summit, special remarks will be delivered by Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister of Commerce of Pakistan, followed by thematic breakout sessions to enable participants to engage in in-depth discussions on the development of individual markets and industries.The Keynote Luncheon, themed Building a Connected World with Green and Digital Innovation, will feature welcome remarks by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR, and opening remarks by Chen Liang, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management Committee, China International Capital Corporation Limited. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, will deliver a keynote address, sharing strategies for sustainable development at the intersection of green initiatives and digitalisation.Promoting multilateral cooperation with a focus on new opportunities in the Middle East and ASEANThe Summit has always aimed to provide participants with opportunities to showcase project achievements, exchange the latest information, and establish long-term partnerships. Among the sessions are two business plenaries to explore emerging opportunities and frontier developments across different regions and industries.Read more: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/102140/
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SINGAPORE, SG / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Immortal Dragons, the $40 million purpose-driven longevity fund, today announced its strategic investment in Frontier Bio, a biotechnology company at the forefront of biofabrication, drawing on a suite of technologies including 3D biofabrication, stem cells, organ-on-a-chip, and perfusion bioreactor technology. Their blood vessel technology addresses critical unmet medical needs in markets worth over $12 billion annually where current synthetic solutions show failure rates up to 65%.The company's innovative technology produces functional blood vessels that demonstrate superior performance including complete absence of thrombosis, significant cell infiltration, proper endothelium formation, and integration with surrounding tissue. Additionally, their tissues for in vitro testing include a microfluidicorgan-on-a-chip platforms that form human blood-brain barrier models, and a 3D bioprinted mini-lung, both designed to accelerate pre-clinical trials and deliver more accurate experimental results compared to animal testing.Revolutionary Tissue EngineeringFrontier Bio's breakthrough lies in their tissue-engineered blood vessels that eliminate the thrombosis risk plaguing current synthetic grafts. In successful large animal studies, the company's vascular grafts demonstrated remarkable performance in the carotid artery: remaining patent with integration into surrounding tissue and crucially, showing no thrombosis or infection after 14 days of implantation.This represents an exciting improvement over established synthetic vascular grafts, which typically show thrombosis in similar timeframes. Frontier Bio's grafts are seeded with stem cells and demonstrate significant cell invasion throughout the graft with proper endothelium formation.The technology provides multiple advantages: availability off-the-shelf availability, suitability for small diameter vessels, cellularization at implant, capability for complex vessel geometries. This combination of features positions Frontier Bio's grafts as superior to both autologous vessels (limited availability) and current synthetic alternatives (poor performance, especially in small diameters under 5mm).Blood vessels are essential for the survival and function of nearly all tissues. Frontier Bio develops both large-caliber vessels and self-branching microvasculature to meet this need."Refreshing to meet investors fluent in the field, technology, and related domains. Immortal Dragons acted on insight, not hype," said Eric Bennett, CEO of Frontier Bio.Strategic AlignmentThe investment in Frontier Bio represents a targeted bet on solving organ failure - the leading cause of death for humans over 65. By developing scalable 3D biofabrication technology for functional organs and tissues, Frontier Bio addresses a $150 billion organ transplant market while advancing one of Immortal Dragons' core thesis: that aging-related deaths can be prevented through replacement technology.Currently, vast numbers of patients face lengthy organ transplant waiting lists, with many dying daily due to severe organ shortages. Frontier Bio's platform could eliminate these bottlenecks by manufacturing organs on-demand using a patient's own cells, reducing rejection risk and wait times. As Boyang Wang, founder of Immortal Dragons, explained: "3D Biofabrication represents a critical piece of replacement technologies, having the ability to manufacture specific organs and tissues on-demand provides the foundational infrastructure that makes biological part replacement possible." Looking ForwardFrontier Bio's 3D biofabrication capabilities create powerful synergies across Immortal Dragons' portfolio. The company's organ printing technology directly supports whole-body replacement initiatives, providing the manufacturing infrastructure to produce replacement organs at scale. Additionally, the bioprinting platform's tissue engineering capabilities support artificial womb development, creating complex vascular networks and specialized tissues required for external gestation systems. 3D biofabrication technology works synergistically with other replacement technologies, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of mutually reinforcing longevity solutions.This vision of comprehensive longevity solutions resonates with leading researchers in the field. As Brian Kennedy, a distinguished professor and prominent longevity leader at the National University of Singapore, notes: "Immortal Dragons is making thoughtful, mission-driven investments in longevity by supporting high-impact science with long-term potential." About Immortal DragonsImmortal Dragons ( https://www.id.life/) is a purpose-driven longevity fund headquartered in Singapore. The fund invests in cutting-edge, high-impact technologies and currently supports more than 15 portfolio companies. Beyond conventional investments, the fund advances longevity advocacy through book translation and publishing, translation of longevity leaders' talks, hosting a leading Chinese-language longevity podcast, and providing sponsorships and grants to longevity initiatives and conferences.For Press Inquiries:Boyang WangFounder, Immortal Dragons press@ id.life SOURCE: Immortal Dragons
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Global Premiere: August 29, 2025 on YouTubeThe series returns with powerful new stories of empowerment, national expansion, and a renewed focus on closing systemic gaps in housing access.ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Renowned Puerto Rican business leader Yanira Suarez presents the national premiere of "Yanira's World: Selling the American Dream", the second season of her inspiring docu-series, launching globally on YouTube on August 29, 2025.This production brings to life the real stories of Latino families who faced multiple obstacles in their path to home ownership and how Yanira's Team guided them step by step to make their dream a reality.Latinos are the fastest-growing group of home buyers in the United States, yet they face unique challenges including credit access, cultural barriers, and lack of tailored guidance, and remain among the most underserved in the housing market. According to recent data, Latinos are 81% more likely to be denied conventional mortgages than non-Latinos, and less than 50% of Latino families own their homes compared to over 70% of white non-Latino households."These numbers aren't just statistics, they're deferred dreams and interrupted legacies," says Yanira Suarez. "My mission is to be a light of hope and financial growth for every family we reach." Recognized as a mogul in the real estate industry, Yanira and the Yanira Team by LPT Realty, which includes over 110 agents across Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, has built her reputation on empowering the Latino community to achieve generational wealth through home ownership, helping more than 7,500 families achieve their dream of owning a home.Following its resounding success and deeply moving stories of resilience and empowerment, Season Two expands its mission to high-demand Latino communities in New York and Texas, offering more families the opportunity to achieve home ownership and rewrite their narratives. The docu-series premiere takes place on Friday August 29 in Orlando, Florida, but its message resonates nationwide and globally. Through the series, viewers will see first-hand how these barriers can be overcome with the right education, advocacy, and support. Each episode features real stories of struggle, resilience, and legacy that affirm: "With Yanira, Si Se Puede!""Yanira's World: Selling the American Dream" is more than a documentary, it's a movement. It's a celebration of purpose-driven leadership, a call to action for the real estate industry, and a beacon of hope for Latino communities nationwide. "This series is not just about buying homes, it's about telling our stories, breaking barriers, and proving that the American Dream belongs to us too," said Yanira Suarez. "My mission is to ensure that every Latino family knows they have the power and the tools to become homeowners." Beyond the series, Yanira is making herself available to national media outlets to share insights, strategies, and solutions for Latino families navigating the housing market and her journey as a Puerto Rican entrepreneur breaking barriers in the US real estate market.Join the movement that empowers Latino families through education, representation, and legacy-building.Watch Season One here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6077Ki5pchc&pp=0gcJCcwJAYcqIYzv ###About YaniraYanira Suarez is a licensed real estate agent and loan officer in Florida since 2006, and the CEO and co-founder alongside her husband Yuri Gomez of the Yanira Team by LPT Realty, which now includes over 110 agents across Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Also owners of Queen Homes builder a fast growing construction company specializing on custom homes and multi-family projects bringing the community opportunities of investments. Over the years, she and her team have helped more than 7,500 families achieve their homeownership and investment goals across Florida.Her impact on the community goes far beyond transactions: it's about building lasting legacies and fostering financial freedom for Latino families.(A full biography of Yanira Suarez is available upon request.) Supporting ResourcesWatch Season One TrailerSeason Two PreviewMedia Contact |M'Ross Media Group |+1 (407)722-9078| marieangie.mrossmedia@gmail.com Yanira Suarez is available for interviews in English and Spanish. A full press kit,including high-resolution images, official biography, and episode previews is available upon request.SOURCE: The Yanira Team
A man takes photos of an installation marking the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A participant shakes hands with a robot at the site of the opening ceremony of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Guests attend the opening ceremony of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A participant interacts with a robot at the site of the opening ceremony of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A woman walks past an installation marking the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

People walk into the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

People pose for photos outside the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An exhibitor talks with a visitor at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An exhibitor introduces an AI model to the audience at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

People walk into the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Participants walk past an installation marking the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 opened here on Thursday.

The expo spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Children sit in an AI smart driving cabin during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A robot displayed by China Telecom dances during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Visitors watch a robot during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

An AI smart portrait drawing robot displayed by China Southern Power Grid works during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A robot is displayed during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

A girl looks at a robot dog during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

Robot dogs of China Telecom perform lion dancing during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

A robot dog walks across a road near the venue of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

An exhibitor introduces a drone for plant protection via livestreaming during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

An exhibitor of China Southern Power Grid helps a visitor to wear an exoskeleton robot for climbing during the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025 in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday. It spotlights cutting-edge innovations integrating data with artificial intelligence, which aim to drive efficient convergence and value realization of data resources, injecting robust momentum into industrial upgrading and high-quality economic growth. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 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)363-7500 Fax: (212)363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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Spanish Language Program is the Only Health Sciences Center Training Medical and Dental Students in SpanishEL PASO, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / August 29, 2025 / Located in a predominantly Hispanic community, Texas Tech Health El Paso is helping eliminate barriers to health care as the nation's only health sciences center training medical and dental school students in Spanish. Medical and Dental Students Learn Spanish Incoming Texas Tech Health El Paso medical and dental students apply their Spanish skills firsthand at community events. This supervised practice is a crucial step in preparing them to one day work effectively with Spanish-speaking patients.The Spanish Language Program is integrated into the curriculum at the Foster School of Medicine and the Hunt School of Dental Medicine. It's offered to students in their first two years of school, and is tailored to the specific linguistic needs of future health care providers."The program equips our medical and dental students with the linguistic and cultural skills needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients," said Gilberto Garcia, Ph.D., director of the Spanish Language Program. "Beyond grammar and vocabulary, the curriculum focuses on real clinical scenarios, patient interviews and culturally relevant health education, improving patient trust and compliance." The students use their skills firsthand at community outreach events when conducting full patient interviews in Spanish without an interpreter. These events are made possible through partnerships with local clinics and community organizations."One patient expressed deep gratitude, explaining that it was the first time in years she felt completely understood by a health care provider," Dr. Garcia said. "The students later shared that the experience reinforced their commitment to practicing in underserved communities and demonstrated firsthand how language skills can break down barriers to care." Building Confidence in Patient CommunicationTo date, more than 800 medical and dental students have received instruction from the Spanish Language Program. Dr. Garcia said test data consistently shows students' significant improvement in language proficiency across all levels.In recent class cohorts, over 90% of students reported that the program improved their confidence in communicating with Spanish-speaking patients.Medical Spanish classes have been part of the curriculum for the medical school since it opened in 2009, and the dental school since opening in 2021.Evelyn Fung, a first-year dental student, said she enjoyed the "organic introduction" to the Spanish language. During a three-week community immersion program this summer, Fung and her classmates were able to build their vocabularies and practice conversational Spanish."When health professionals and patients speak the same language, care becomes safer, faster and more personal," Fung said. "Connecting with our community is essential, and I'm proud to be part of a school that shares that commitment." About Texas Tech Health El PasoServing 108 counties in West Texas, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution focused on health education, research, and care. Since 2013, it has graduated more than 2,600 professionals, including its first dental class in 2025. Visit ttuhscepimpact.org Contact InformationMarty OteroMedia Relations Specialist - National Mediamaotero@ ttuhsc.edu 915-215-6017SOURCE: Texas Tech Health El Paso
A group, the Womens World Banking (WWB), has convened a workshop to advance Womens Digital Financial Inclusion (WDFI).

WWB is an international non-profit organisation focused on advocating for womens economic empowerment across the globe.

The workshop, held last week in Abuja, was conducted in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), WWB said in a statement on 21 August.

The PreCEFI is a Nigerian inter-agency task force established in February 2025 to accelerate economic reforms and bridge financial gaps.

The statement said the workshop was intended to directly support Nigerias aspiration to build a trillion-dollar economy by unlocking womens full economic potential through increased access to and usage of financial services.

The interactive workshop explored collaborative partnerships in advancing WDFI in Nigeria, bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, the statement said.

It listed some of the private and public sectors to include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, National Insurance Commission, Nigerian Communications Commission, Bank of Industry, Deposit Money Banks, Microfinance Institutions, FinTechs, and Development Finance Institutions.

The event was in furtherance of Nigerias national economic and financial inclusion goals of achieving 95 per cent financial inclusion and closing the nine per cent gender gap in access to financial services, the statement added.

Participants at the workshop, according to the statement, recognised that womens economic empowerment was central to inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and achieving macroeconomic stability.

Participants reactions

Speaking at the workshop, Nurudeen Zauro, the technical advisor on Economic and Financial Inclusion to Nigerias President, Bola Tinubu, stressed that the synergy between PreCEFI and WWB was undeniable.

Mr Zauro said both PreCEFI and WWB prioritise listening to women, designing services around their realities, and scaling impact.

He also noted that the workshop was about aligning national and global strategies to accelerate progress towards Nigerias trillion-dollar economy aspiration.

Also speaking, Uche Uzoebo, the chief executive officer of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF), praised WWB on the partnership and for convening the event.

SANEF is an initiative of the CBN created in 2019 to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria.

At the workshop, Ms Uzoebo noted that SANEFs collaboration with WWB was imperative because it would accelerate the penetration of agent banking, particularly in northern Nigeria.

This, she said, will facilitate an increase in the number of women with access to financial services.

In her remarks, Elizabeth Gathai, the WWBs regional head in Africa, emphasised Nigerias potential to lead Africa in womens economic empowerment.

Ms Gathai argued that Nigerias lead in the initiative would boost access to productive credit, halving financial exclusion in the North, and driving gender-intentional policies that close the gap.

She reaffirmed WWBs commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive financial system for women.

At the event, the WWB and SANEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand the agent banking footprint and productivity for women in northern Nigeria.

The MoU, according to the statement, signifies a concrete step toward delivering the Nigerian governments inclusive finance commitments and ensuring that women are not left behind in the digital economy.
The Osun State Government on Thursday enrolled inmates in the correctional facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife into the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS).

The State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, while unveiling the enrollment programme at the Ilesa Medium Correctional Centre of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), described the inmates as bonafide citizens of Osun and Nigeria.

Mr Adeleke said his administration does not discriminate based on political affiliation, tribe, religion, or gender.

Today, we extend our healthcare coverage to inmates of correctional centres as a demonstration of our concern for the health and well-being of every segment of our society, he said.

In the past, our administration approved the free enrollment of over 26,000 pensioners into the scheme.

This pace-setting gesture has been emulated by many states and, more recently, by the federal government, he said.

The governor also said that persons living with disabilities had been enrolled in the scheme for free.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Health Insurance Agency, Rasaq Akindele, appreciated the governor for the attention given to the development of the health sector in the state through the agency.

Mr Akindele said the agency is successful today because the governor has given it tremendous support.

Also, the Controller of the Correctional Centre in the state, Olalekan Oluwadele, said the governors presence at the event is a testament of his commitment to the welfare of inmates.

Mr Oluwadele said the governor had graciously approved the enrollment of 1,200 inmates into the health insurance scheme.

He explained that this followed an earlier discussion with the OHIS Executive Secretary in September 2024.

He also appreciated Mr Adeleke for renovating the operational vehicles of the NCoS and for granting amnesty to 54 inmates in December 2024 to decongest the prison.

(NAN)
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that the online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its first week report of the exercise show that the 2027 elections may not be credible and safe for Nigerians.

The ADC, which was adopted by a coalition of some opposition leaders in the country to challenge President Bola Tinubu, said the figures contradict historical patterns and demographic realities.

The National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated this in a statement on Thursday.

INEC had on Monday released its first-week CVR statistics, which showed a total of 1,379,342 pre-registrations nationwide.

The data shows that Osun State led with 393,269 registrations (28.5 per cent), followed by Lagos (222,205; 16.1 per cent), Ogun (132,823; 9.6 per cent) and the Federal Capital Territory (107,682; 7.8 per cent).

The statistics also revealed that four of the five states in the South-east region are leading the table with a cumulative figure of 1,998 persons.

Ebonyi registered 261 persons (0.02 per cent), Imo registered 481 persons (0.03 per cent), Enugu registered 484 persons (0.04 per cent), while Abia has the highest number from the South-east with 772 (0.06 per cent).

Criticism

The ADC said the disparity in figures showed that there was either a technical failure in INECs digital registration system or a deliberate manipulation of data.

Mr Abdullahi questioned how Osun, Lagos, and Ogun could constitute over 54 per cent of all pre-registrations nationwide.

According to INECs figures, Osun State alone recorded 393,269 pre-registrations in just one week. To put this in context, Osun added only 275,815 new voters between 2019 and 2023, a period of four years. In other words, Osun has now supposedly registered more people in seven days than it managed to do in an entire electoral cycle of four years.

Even at its highest point of political mobilisation in 2022, Osun has never produced more than 823,124 votes cast in the governorship election. Now, by some miracle, nearly 20 per cent of all eligible adults in the state have rushed to register. This is not just unusual, it is statistically implausible.

The anomalies become even more glaring when viewed in the context of the overall registration report. Across the six geopolitical zones, the South-west alone accounts for 848,359 pre-registrations, an astonishing 67 per cent of the national total. By contrast, the entire South-east recorded just 1,998 pre-registrations. To further illustrate, three statesOsun, Lagos, and Ogunmake up 54.2 per cent of all pre-registrations in Nigeria, while five states combinedEbonyi, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Adamawabarely recorded 4,153, or 0.2 per cent, while the entire North-east recorded just 6.1 per cent, the statement said.

Call for accountability

The ADC warned that the credibility of Nigerias democracy was at stake if INEC failed to address these anomalies.

These fantastic figures suggest either another technical glitch in INECs digital registration system, or a more troubling possibility of deliberate manipulation of data to lay the ground for a more sinister agenda in the coming elections. In either case, INEC has some explanations to give.

We must be clear: the voter register is the foundation upon which the entire electoral process rests. If the foundation is compromised, it brings the integrity of the elections into question. Nigerians still remember the bitter consequences of flawed voter rolls and technical glitches in past elections. Our democracy cannot withstand another one, Mr Abdullahi said.

Demands

The ADC therefore demanded that INEC urgently conduct and publish a full forensic audit of the first-week CVR data and provide a state-by-state breakdown of both physical and online registrations.

The party also demanded that the electoral commission should disclose server logs, bandwidth distribution, and regional access reports for the registration portal during the week in question.

The ADC therefore calls on INEC to urgently conduct and publish a full forensic audit of the first-week pre-registration data, with a state-by-state breakdown of both physical and online registrations. INEC should also disclose the server logs, bandwidth distribution, and regional access reports for the registration portal during this period, the statement said.

The party also urged election monitoring groups, fact-checking organisations, and legal advocacy bodies to independently scrutinise the figures.

We call on all opposition political parties to set aside rivalry and jointly demand clarity from INEC on these glaring anomalies. We urge election monitoring groups, fact-checking organisations, and legal advocacy bodies to independently interrogate these numbers and press for accountability.
Theres a lot of hype right now about how intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could replace the considerable loss of African exports to the United States (US) precipitated by the Trump administrations steep tariff hike.

Intra-African trade  which, at about 1516 per cent of all African trade, is relatively low  seems to have increased a bit because of the AfCFTA, but not much.

At a seminar this week, Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, executive director of the South African Institute of International Affairs, asked Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA, whether the eruption of tariff wars and the major disruption to the global trading system were not, paradoxically, the kind of shock Africa actually needed.

She suggested that such a shock might really, really drive and accelerate our efforts in creating an integrated African market.

Mr Mene essentially agreed, noting that 49 of the African Unions 55 member states had ratified the agreement establishing the AfCFTA, thereby accepting the obligation to eliminate intra-Africa trade barriers.

Nevertheless, the big question remained: how does Africa navigate the current turbulence, which could devastate economies that had benefited from access to the US market through the African Growth and Opportunity Act  such as South Africa, Angola, Nigeria and Madagascar.

The answer, he said, was to successfully insulate Africas economy from the current storm that is taking place to ensure the economic self-sufficiency of our continent in the medium to long term.

He pointed out that Africa represents a market of 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, though fragmented  something the AfCFTA is meant to address. In the medium to long term, the AfCFTA could provide a domestic African market to replace, say, South Africas lost auto market in the US.

He added that all countries of the Global South were confronting the same predicament, and so Africa and others had to build partnerships based on trade and investment. China, he noted, had just announced that over 30 African countries would now enjoy duty-free, quota-free access to its market.

And the African Union had also started discussions with the United Arab Emirates and needed to broaden partnerships with the Latin American countries as well.

South Africas former trade and industry minister Rob Davies said the impact of US tariff hikes would be drastic for many African countries, especially South Africa, given its higher level of exports to the US.

Mr Davies also endorsed the AfCFTA as the way forward but warned that countries worldwide that had relied on the US market would now be trying to sell their goods elsewhere, including to Africa.

The emerging picture, he said, was that only a few African countries  such as Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa  had so far managed to sell their value-added products to the rest of the region.

He suggested three possible outcomes for the AfCFTA.

The first was that the continent would be frozen in the lights, with a flood of imports from outside the region reducing the value of intra-African preferential access. Meanwhile, African states might compete for better US deals by offering mineral access and similar concessions, making the African market less attractive and stalling the AfCFTA.

The second possibility was that a few African countries might use the AfCFTA as a market for their finished goods, risking retaliation and polarisation within the continent.

He noted this had already been visible at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) level years ago, where member states had sometimes favoured imports from elsewhere over those from SADC. This too could stall the AfCFTA.

Mr Davies said Mr Trumps tariffs reflected a transition in the world economy from globalisation and neoliberalism at the end of the 20th century to a new, more multipolar order. Its features include greater protectionism, some of it disguised as climate-justified measures, and more regionalism.

The third possibility is the challenge of developing the African region as a mechanism for growing regional value chains. That would require deliberate efforts to create opportunities for smaller economies to join value chains by producing intermediate goods.

Thats a longer and harder road to travel, but ultimately the one that I think the region has got to travel. So, I think that were at a crossroads, he said.

Eckart Naumann, independent economist and associate of the Trade Law Centre, said the AfCFTA could potentially offer many new opportunities. But it had had a slow start partly because rules of origin and reciprocal tariff phasedown schedules still had to be finalised.

He said South Africa was currently able to trade with only seven countries under a Guided Trade Initiative, which seeks to jump-start trade among countries that have begun implementing the AfCFTA.

He also noted that the AfCFTA did not replace the criteria for preferential trade within existing sub-regional trade blocs, such as SADC, but should be seen as the umbrella agreement for intra-Africa trade among countries not in the same trade bloc  such as South Africa and Kenya, or Nigeria and Egypt.

Mr Naumann said replacing US export markets with African ones would not be easy, as building new markets with different characteristics would take time. For some products, such as autos, rules of origin had not yet been agreed.

Donald MacKay, director of XA Global Trade Advisers, warned: Theres a bit of false hope being created around the AfCFTA. Were not going to replace the US with Africa, for the simple reason that the stuff we sell to the US is not the same kind of stuff Africa is buying, in anything resembling comparable volumes.

He added that smaller products might have some potential, but even if South Africa sold the same volumes to Africa as to the US, it would struggle to secure the same prices.

Though trade has begun under the AfCFTA, progress has been limited, partly because many of the necessary rules and tariffs have yet to be negotiated. For example, rules of origin for vehicles and textiles have not yet been agreed on.

But Mr MacKay argued that implementation is not the real issue. He noted that the SADC Free Trade Agreement had not significantly boosted South African exports to the region (beyond the Southern African Customs Union), partly because of high transport costs but also because of limited market affordability.

You will be able to sell some basic foodstuffs, for instance, but the C-class Mercs we send to the US are not miraculously going to be picked up in Africa, he said.

Which raises the fundamental question: can free trade really be an instrument of development?

Peter Fabricius, ISS Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Consultant

(This article was published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish.)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, on Thursday, said the company requires a minimum of $60 billion to have additional refining capacity of 500,000 barrels per day by 2030.

Mr Ojulari disclosed this while speaking during a courtesy visit of the leadership of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to the NNPC Towers on Thursday.

He explained that the company was mandated to grow oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2030 and increase gas production to a minimum of 20 billion cubic feet per day.

In terms of our own aspirations, you saw the mandate we got from the president around when we were appointed, around growing oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2030, growing gas production to a minimum of 20 billion cubic feet per day by 2020.

Our aspiration is to pitch that target on the gas. Youve also noticed the refinery capacity where we are required to have additional refining capacity of 500,000 barrels per day by 2030. And to achieve that, we are required to bring in additional investment of a minimum of $60 billion, Mr Ojulari said.

Speaking further, he said the NNPC is central to the overall gas development for Nigeria, with the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline as the major game changer that will impact the economy significantly, adding that the companys gas and new business team is already engaging customers and off-takers to put in place the necessary structures that will drive growth beyond pipeline infrastructure.

The focus is not only on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, but also on enabling businesses to thrive through power generation, industrial parks, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) expansion projects that will spring up from the initiative, he said.

He explained that the company is considering the expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) to Morocco, alongside new industrial parks, gas-to-power schemes and compressed natural gas projects to maximise value.

He said the NNPC Ltd will continue with its reforms to ensure development in the energy sector, adding that transparency and accountability remain at the heart of its operations.

He emphasised the companys readiness to collaborate with NEITI, particularly in preparation for the upcoming 2024 oil and gas audit, while leveraging technology to strengthen data exchanges.

You have my commitment to increase and deepen transparency and accountability. In terms of our full compliance with the NEITI principles and the EITI global standards, you have my full commitment. We will provide all the data required for the 2024 and 2025 audits in the most efficient manner.

We are now restructuring and resourcing the compliance department to be able to do things more sustainably. I want to hold him personally accountable for compliance in this respect. We know that major transformations cannot be achieved without resistance.

We are determined to pursue this transformation. There will be bumpy rides, but we are not deterred because this journey is about Nigeria, he said.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji, urged the leadership of NNPC Ltd to restore and sustain critical disclosures that earned the company global recognition as a reform leader.

The NNPCs past disclosures had boosted investor confidence and improved Nigerias global image. The company must sustain its leadership role in openness. The NNPC Ltd we dream of is one that competes shoulder-to-shoulder with Saudi Aramco, QatarEnergy, Petronas and other global players. This requires transparency, accountability, efficiency and civic engagement.

Individuals may come and go, but NNPC Ltd must endure as a global energy giant. NNPC Ltd carries a huge responsibility as Nigerias national asset. It must be managed to win the trust of citizens, consolidate investors confidence, and safeguard the countrys reputation. Only then can it compete with energy giants like Aramco, he said.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said that the PDP is currently considering the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and a former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, for the PDPs 2027 presidential ticket.

Mr Mohammed, the chairperson of the PDP Governors Forum, spoke on Thursday night when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs Politics Today.

The governors comment came a few days after the PDP zoned its presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra, was a presidential aspirant of the PDP in 2022. But later resigned from the PDP a few days before the partys presidential primary, saying there were practices in the party that were inconsistent with his belief and persona.

He defected to the LP, where he later emerged as the partys 2023 presidential candidate.

Mr Jonathan served as Nigerian president under the PDP platform from 2010 to 2015, when he was defeated by the then-APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

Not just Obi, Jonathan

The Bauchi governor said apart from Messrs Obi and Jonathan, the PDP governors were still holding conversations with celebrated politicians across party lines.

He maintained that the PDP was open to receiving heavyweights who could add value to the partys quest to wrestle power from the APC.

Seun Okinbaloye, the Channels anchor, asked Mr Mohammed if the PDP governors were in talks with Mr Jonathan.

Yes, we are, he responded.

When asked to confirm that a similar conversation was ongoing with Mr Obi, he said: Have you not seen him in boats several times? Have you not seen him with me? Hes my brother, my friend. And of course, hes one of the most celebrated politicians too.

Within the coalition or outside the coalition, we are not sleeping  only that we dont make noise.

Mr Mohammed said he promised to step down his own presidential ambition if Mr Jonathan decided to run under the PDP.

I was the first person to say that if he runs, I will not run. Maybe thats one of the reasons why I said we should just go and sleep, he said.

The Bauchi governor said that talks were ongoing with other politicians, including those who left the PDP in the past, who might be willing to return or align with the party.

He said, for instance, that a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, could still return to the PDP despite joining the coalition group which has ADC as its platform for the general election.

Amaechi is free to come back if he wants to. I have spoken to so many people, not just him or Obi. These are only the key people I mentioned, he stated.
The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested suspects linked to the vandalism and theft of property belonging to the state-owned Akwa Ibom Water Company.

Timfon John, the police spokesperson in the state, disclosed this in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said the arrests, which occurred between 18 and 21 August, were intelligence-driven.

She identified the suspects as Itoro Moses David and Patrick Effiom.

On 18 August, operatives responded to a tip regarding the theft of armoured cables from the Akwa Ibom Water Companys property on Brooks Street in Uyo. The police team quickly mobilised, leading to the arrest of two suspects at the scene, Ms John said.

The suspects, the police said, have confessed to the crime and provided information that led to the arrest of the third suspect, Edidiong Edet.

The stolen armoured cables have been recovered. The police are continuing their investigation, and efforts are currently underway to arrest more individuals involved in the syndicate, Ms John said.

More vandal arrests

The police in the state have recorded a surge in the arrests of suspected vandals.

The latest arrest came a day after operatives in the state arrested two suspects specialising in vandalising electricity transformers.

The suspects, Collins Ekene, 37, from Imo State, and Elijah John, 36, from Akwa Ibom, are residents in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but came into the state to vandalise a transformer before they were arrested.

This newspaper last month reported how the police arrested a suspected cultist and vandal and recovered a human skull from him.

Two weeks earlier, this PREMIUM TIMES reported that the police arrested suspected vandals and thieves in the state.

Two months ago, suspected vandals were arrested with several items, including copper and aluminium electricity cables recovered from them.

Governor Umo Eno, in January, expressed concern about the spate of vandalism of public facilities in the state, particularly electricity transformers.

Mr Eno, who expressed displeasure over the menace in a meeting with the commissioner of police, said that besides the huge costs the government bears in replacing them, it also hinders rural development, a major focal point of his administration after agriculture.
The Nigerian government said on Thursday that it is still reviewing the draft agreement between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Yayale Ahmed renegotiation committee submitted in February.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after a meeting on the renegotiation process, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that a seven-member committee headed by the ministrys permanent secretary, Abel Enitan, had been set up to review the draft and present the governments counter-proposal to the committee for onward transmission to the academic union.

Mr Alausa said the government had yet to sign any agreement with the union, noting that the document from the Yayale Ahmed committee remains a draft.

We want an agreement where every component is actionable and feasible, he said.

We are committed to solving this problem once and for all. What has lingered since the 2009 and 2021 agreements will now be addressed in a sustainable way.

ASUU had said it was awaiting the outcome of the governments 28 August (todays) meeting before it decides on the next line of action, which it said could be a strike.

Mr Alausa said the high-level meeting was held on Thursday regarding the renegotiation process and the draft agreement.

He listed attendees to include the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed; the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Muhammad Dingyadi; and Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba.

Others are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan; that of Labour, Salihu Usman; head of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Abdullahi Ribadu; head of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Ekpo Nta; and the head of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu.

He said the justice ministry is now fully involved in the entire process to ensure agreements comply with constitutional provisions.

Yayale Ahmed-led committee and History of stalled renegotiations

Mr Ahmed, the pro-chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, heads the renegotiation committee inaugurated by the government in October 2024 to renegotiate the 2009 agreement with ASUU.

The Yayale Ahmed committee is the fourth committee to handle the renegotiation since 2017. The government has failed to sign or implement any of the previous drafts by Munzali Jibril in 2021 and Nimi Briggs in 2022.

Between 2017 and 2020, Wale Babalakin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the then pro-chancellor of the University of Lagos, led the renegotiation team.

Following his resignation in 2020, Munzali Jibril, an emeritus professor of English and then pro-chancellor for the Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, took over.

With him, the negotiation fared relatively smoothly as his committee turned in a draft agreement in three months May 2021. But the government neither signed nor implemented the agreement.

When the union embarked on another nationwide strike in 2022, the government constituted yet another committee this time headed by the late Nimi Briggs, also an emeritus professor.

Mr Briggs-led committee also renegotiated the 2009 agreement and submitted a draft to the government in June 2022.

It was never signed, forcing the 2022 strike action to last until October when an Industrial Court asked the union to suspend the strike after a suit was instituted against the union by the federal government.

ASUU members recently 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.

The 2009 agreement and the dispute with ASUU

The 2009 agreement is the crux of ASUUs dispute with the Nigerian government.

The agreement, first signed in 2009, covers Nigerian academics conditions of service and salary structure.

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 12 suspected illegal Bureau de Change operators in Lagos

The agreement also included a clause that the Nigerian government would spend N1.2 trillion in five tranches of N200 billion annually on the universities from 2009 to 2015. Only N200 billion has so far been released.

It also included autonomy for the universities, which ASUU argues is being eroded with the introduction of a centralised payment platform of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

The agreement also has a period of renegotiation every four years. That renegotiation has not been completed since the first agreement was signed.
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon receives a joint interview with Xinhua and other Chinese media outlets at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

DUSHANBE, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Since its establishment, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has played a vital role in promoting regional relations and maintaining stability, and proved to be a successful and influential multilateral cooperation platform, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has said.

"The SCO is an effective organization. Be it in economic, trade or political mechanisms, it delivers concrete actions rather than empty words," Rahmon said in a recent joint interview with Xinhua and other Chinese media outlets at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe.

As one of the SCO's founding members, Tajikistan has been deeply engaged in its growth. Rahmon compared the organization to a child "jointly created and nurtured" by the six founding states. "Today, the SCO has developed into a heavyweight international organization, recognized not only in the region but also globally," he said.

From the outset, Rahmon noted, the SCO has placed security at the top of its agenda, especially in Central Asia.

"Ensuring security remains the key issue for our region today," he said, stressing that the SCO's cooperation mechanisms, information-sharing platforms and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure have enabled member states to collectively and effectively respond to security challenges.

Rahmon spoke highly of China's role as the rotating chair of the SCO. He said that under China's chairmanship, the country's strong potential has been effectively aligned with the SCO's vast opportunities, significantly enhancing the organization's status and overall strength.

"China has supported infrastructure projects, expanded transportation and communication links, developed renewable energy and increased bilateral trade, strengthening the foundation for deeper integration among member states," Rahmon said.

He added that "China is well known worldwide for its active and peaceful image, and enjoys great respect among the people of Tajikistan."

Tajikistan fully supports the agenda proposed by China as the rotating chair, Rahmon said, expressing particular appreciation for China's support for the establishment of an SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. "We are confident that the center will make tangible contributions to strengthening regional cooperation and combating illicit drug trafficking," he said.

Rahmon, who has visited China many times, said he has witnessed China's rapid development, especially over the past decade.

"China has shown in practice that every nation can achieve rapid development by relying on its own history, culture and characteristics," Rahmon said. "This fact inspires developing countries, including those in Central Asia, and opens broad space for cooperation and experience-sharing."

In July 2024, China and Tajikistan elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Rahmon noted that the joint statement signed by the two heads of state signaled both sides' determination to elevate cooperation to new heights.

"Our cooperation covers all fields -- economy, trade, water resources, finance, education, healthcare, as well as industry, particularly mining and innovation," Rahmon said. "Most importantly, our relations are built on mutual trust and confidence."

He stressed that both countries pay special attention to strategic projects of regional significance, including transport infrastructure, power networks, industrial projects, and collaboration in digital technologies.

"The elevation of our relations also enables us to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, covering education, science, culture and tourism, further strengthening the friendship between our two peoples," Rahmon said.

Tajikistan was among the first countries to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on building the Silk Road Economic Belt.

"Over the years, with China's investment support, Tajikistan has implemented numerous infrastructure, energy and industrial projects," he said, noting that major undertakings -- including highways, tunnels, power transmission lines and industrial facilities -- have enhanced the country's connectivity and facilitated its integration into regional and global networks.

Rahmon highlighted his close relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he described as "my friend and brother."

"He is not only an experienced and visionary leader, but also a man of profound culture, loyal to his people and steadfast in character," Rahmon said. He praised major global initiatives proposed by Xi, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which "offer vast opportunities for economic integration, infrastructure development and broader international cooperation. These initiatives serve not only China's interests but also benefit the world."

Looking ahead to the upcoming SCO Tianjin Summit, Rahmon said he had high expectations. "This grand event will open a new chapter for cooperation among member states and the development of the organization, marking a qualitative leap forward," he said.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its first-week report of the exercise indicate that the 2027 elections may not be credible or safe for Nigerians.

The ADC, which was adopted by a coalition of some opposition leaders in the country to challenge President Bola Tinubu, said the figures contradict historical patterns and demographic realities.

The National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated this in a statement on Thursday.

INEC had on Monday released its first-week CVR statistics, which showed a total of 1,379,342 pre-registrations nationwide.

The data shows that Osun State led with 393,269 registrations (28.5 per cent), followed by Lagos (222,205; 16.1 per cent), Ogun (132,823; 9.6 per cent) and the Federal Capital Territory (107,682; 7.8 per cent).

The statistics also revealed that four of the five states in the South-east region are trailing the table with a cumulative figure of 1,998 persons.

Ebonyi registered 261 persons (0.02 per cent), Imo registered 481 persons (0.03 per cent), Enugu registered 484 persons (0.04 per cent), while Abia has the highest number from the South-east with 772 (0.06 per cent).

Criticism

The ADC said the disparity in figures showed that there was either a technical failure in INECs digital registration system or a deliberate manipulation of data.

Mr Abdullahi questioned how Osun, Lagos, and Ogun could constitute over 54 per cent of all pre-registrations nationwide.

According to INECs figures, Osun State alone recorded 393,269 pre-registrations in just one week. To put this in context, Osun added only 275,815 new voters between 2019 and 2023, a period of four years. In other words, Osun has now supposedly registered more people in seven days than it managed to do in an entire electoral cycle of four years.

Even at its highest point of political mobilisation in 2022, Osun has never produced more than 823,124 votes cast in the governorship election. Now, by some miracle, nearly 20 per cent of all eligible adults in the state have rushed to register. This is not just unusual, it is statistically implausible.

The anomalies become even more glaring when viewed in the context of the overall registration report. Across the six geopolitical zones, the South-west alone accounts for 848,359 pre-registrations, an astonishing 67 per cent of the national total. By contrast, the entire South-east recorded just 1,998 pre-registrations. To further illustrate, three statesOsun, Lagos, and Ogunmake up 54.2 per cent of all pre-registrations in Nigeria, while five states combinedEbonyi, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Adamawabarely recorded 4,153, or 0.2 per cent, while the entire North-east recorded just 6.1 per cent, the statement said.

Call for accountability

The ADC warned that the credibility of Nigerias democracy was at stake if INEC failed to address these anomalies.

These fantastic figures suggest either another technical glitch in INECs digital registration system, or a more troubling possibility of deliberate manipulation of data to lay the ground for a more sinister agenda in the coming elections. In either case, INEC has some explanations to give.

We must be clear: the voter register is the foundation upon which the entire electoral process rests. If the foundation is compromised, it brings the integrity of the elections into question. Nigerians still remember the bitter consequences of flawed voter rolls and technical glitches in past elections. Our democracy cannot withstand another one, Mr Abdullahi said.

Demands

The ADC demanded that INEC urgently conduct and publish a full forensic audit of the first-week CVR data and provide a state-by-state breakdown of both physical and online registrations.

The party also demanded that the electoral commission should disclose server logs, bandwidth distribution, and regional access reports for the registration portal during the week in question.

The ADC therefore calls on INEC to urgently conduct and publish a full forensic audit of the first-week pre-registration data, with a state-by-state breakdown of both physical and online registrations. INEC should also disclose the server logs, bandwidth distribution, and regional access reports for the registration portal during this period, the statement said.

READ ALSO: Osun govt enrols inmates into health insurance scheme

The party also urged election monitoring groups, fact-checking organisations, and legal advocacy bodies to independently scrutinise the figures.

We call on all opposition political parties to set aside rivalry and jointly demand clarity from INEC on these glaring anomalies. We urge election monitoring groups, fact-checking organisations, and legal advocacy bodies to independently interrogate these numbers and press for accountability.

INEC has yet to respond to the ADCs observations as of the time of this report.
Kabiru Marafa, the Zamfara State Coordinator of Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Organisation in the 2023 presidential election has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mr Marafa, a former senator who represented Zamfara Central Senatorial District between 2011 and 2019, announced his resignation in a communique issued on Friday by his political base, the Senator Kabiru Marafa Consultative Forum, after a two-day meeting held in Kaduna.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Bashir Marafa, its secretary, Mannir Tsafe and seven other members. It also announced that the entire Marafa political structure in Zamfara had pulled out of the ruling APC.

One of Mr Marafas aides, who requested not to be named because he was not authorised to speak, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.

It is true. Despite everything he did to secure Tinubus victory in Zamfara, he was left out of this government, the aide said.

When asked if his principal had submitted a resignation letter to the APC, the aide said he was not aware of any such letter, but maintained that what he knew for certain was that the former senator had left the ruling party.

I dont know about the letter, but the thing is that he has left the party, the aide added.

Mr Marafa, a two-term senator and former factional leader of Zamfara APC, lost his attempt to return to the Senate in the 2023 elections.

Reasons for exit

The resignation, according to the communique, was in protest against alleged injustice, mistrust and marginalisation of Zamfara State and its people by the ruling party and the federal government.

That the entire structure, with all its supporters, hereby formally resigns from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in protest against the sustained injustice, mistrust, marginalisation, and deliberate neglect of Zamfara State and its people, the communique said.

However, Mr Marafas supporters did not disclose the party they plan to join next.

That we shall, in due course, announce our next political direction, guided by the collective interest of the good people of Zamfara State, the communique said.

Attack on APC leadership

The communique also accused President Bola Tinubu and the APC leadership of abandoning the principles upon which the party was founded.

The failure of party leadership at the national level and Mr. President to ensure justice and fairness within the ranks of the party leaders at the state level. Instead of giving fair treatment to all important stakeholders, the national leadership decided to be selective in their dealings with APC members in the state, with our group being ignored.

The above actions and omissions negate the fundamental principles of justice, fairness, equity and accountability upon which the APC was founded. Conscience demands that genuine progressives must stand for truth and resist injustice, no matter how uncomfortable, the communique said.

Politicisation of insecurity

Mr Marafas supporters also accused the APC-led federal government of politicising insecurity in Zamfara, using the Kaura Namoda House of Assembly bye-election as an example.

They alleged that while security agencies failed to protect rural communities that suffered repeated banditry attacks which sometimes resorted to killing dozens of people, soldiers and police were deployed en masse to secure electoral victory for the APC during the by-election.

The meeting noted with dismay the politicisation of insecurity in Zamfara State. This was evident during the recent House of Assembly by-election in Kaura Namoda, where villages that had suffered brutal attacks a few weeks before the by-election, including the slaughter of over 40 people, including women and children, received no federal government support till today.

However, heavy deployment of security personnel, including armed soldiers, was later deployed to the same area not to protect lives, but to facilitate electoral victory in favour of the APC. Tragically, after the election, security forces were withdrawn and attacks resumed immediately.

Even more disturbing was the alleged humongous amount of money spent by the APC for vote buying in the area. Because of the level of suffering among the people in those communities devastated by insecurity, they were forced to sell their votes to earn a living. This is how APC always prioritised the acquisition of political power over the protection of human lives and property.
Combined security operatives in Anambra State have killed four armed hoodlums during a shootout at a criminal camp in the state.

The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Friday, said the hoodlums were killed on 21 August when the combined operatives raided their camp.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu conducted the operation in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante Group.

The police spokesperson said the hoodlums were members of an unnamed separatist group and that their camp was in Awa, a community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

During the well-coordinated operation that lasted for more than 15 hours, the operatives successfully dislodged the insurgents, rescued a victim who had earlier been kidnapped and held hostage in the camp, he said.

In the fierce gun battle that ensued, four of the criminal elements were neutralised.

Mr Ikenga said that before the kidnapped victim was rescued by the operatives, the hoodlums had refused to release the victim despite receiving a payment of N20 million from the family.

Several items, such as arms and ammunition, were recovered from the suspects during the operation, according to the police.

Some of the items, aside from arms and ammunition, included two empty gas cylinders, two rolls of cable wires, three bags of 50 kg rice, a drivers licence, a National Identity Card, a black Lexus RX 350 SUV and four Toyota Camry cars.

Five Android mobile phones, three analogue phones, sleeping materials, a pair of desert boots, a big cooler, and a roll of tarpaulin were recovered during the operation.

Commissioner speaks

Mr Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, has assured residents of Anambra State that the police in the state are committed to ensuring their safety and security.

Mr Orutugu also said extensive operations were ongoing in the area to track down the other fleeing suspects and to destroy other criminal camps in the state.

Increased attacks

Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Anambra State with frequent attacks by armed persons.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi tackles Tinubu govt over fee hike for Nigerian passport

The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities.

Hundreds of people have been killed or abducted, and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly accused the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (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 to be carved out from the South-east and some parts of South-south Nigeria.
A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, has filed a lawsuit against Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for allegedly violating his fundamental rights by blocking him on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos and announced by Mr Ogun on Friday through his Facebook page.

He alleged that the governor blocked his account, @mrfestusogun, in 2021 after he criticised government policies and demanded accountability over the October 2020 #EndSARS protest killings.

According to Mr Ogun, the action has deprived him of access to official updates and information about governance in Lagos, which he described as a violation of his constitutional rights.

This suit is not just about me. I have filed this lawsuit in furtherance of public interest and with the hope that it sets a precedent in our digital rights jurisprudence.

Nigerian authorities continue to crack down on dissents, critics, journalists, bloggers and vocal citizens on social media, using arrests, detention, surveillance, collusion with big techs and outright blocking, as weapons. That narrative must stop and we have a collective duty to invite the judiciary to put an end to it, he said.

He said the case was filed pursuant to sections 37, 39, 42, 45 and 46 of the Nigerian onstitution as well as relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

In the originating summons dated 29 August, the lawyer asked the court to determine whether blocking him on X violated his right to freedom of expression and whether the governors action amounted to discrimination based on his political opinions and criticisms of government policies.

Mr Ogun urging the court to declare the governors action arbitrary, unconstitutional and discriminatory.

He is also seeking an order compelling Governor Sanwo-Olu to immediately unblock his account, a perpetual injunction restraining the governor and his agents from blocking him or any other citizen on social media, a public apology to be published on the governors verified X handle within seven days of judgement, and compensation for emotional distress allegedly caused by the action.

The lawyer stressed that the case goes beyond his personal grievance, insisting that it is about setting a precedent in Nigerias digital rights jurisprudence.

He argued that since the governor uses his verified handle for official communication, blocking citizens amounts to denying them access to public information.

Mr Ogun urged the Nigerian court to be persuaded by the 2019 ruling in the United States in the case of Knight First Amendment Institute v. Trump, where a federal court held that former President Donald Trump violated citizens rights by blocking them on Twitter.

He warned that intolerance to criticism undermines democracy, noting that Nigerian authorities have continued to use arrests, detention, surveillance, collusion with big tech companies and outright blocking as weapons against dissenting voices.

When contacted for comments on the suit, Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), did not respond to a text message as of the time of filing this report.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is firming up a cybersecurity framework for securing digital infrastructure and enhancing online safety for consumers in the Nigerian communications industry.

The framework, with likely implementation timeline by telecom licensees set for 2026, will address security challenges arising from the emerging technologies towards creating a more secure digital economy in Nigeria.

During the second phase of the cybersecurity framework development meeting with relevant stakeholders, hosted by the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, following the initial meeting held earlier in the year, NCCs Executive Commissioner, Technical Services (ECTS), Abraham Oshadami, stressed the need for a water-tight approach to addressing the sophistication of cyber threats in the industry.

Mr Oshadami said given the increasing digitalization of services, the rapid growth of data exchange, and the sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats, the need for a robust, adaptive, and inclusive cybersecurity framework has never been more urgent.

According to him, as emerging technologies reshape the landscape, cybersecurity now extends beyond the traditional triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA), adding that intensifying geopolitical tensions and increasingly sophisticated threats are heightening risks to critical infrastructure irrespective of whether they are built on interconnected devices or legacy systems.

Both state and non-state actors are targeting essential sectorsincluding ours  through coordinated cyber and physical attacks. These attacks frequently target control systems and data integrity, underscoring the critical risks posed to operational technology (OT)especially in our sector.

As cyberthreats evolve, they endanger not only system performance but also human safety, amplifying the severity and consequences of disruptions to vital communications infrastructure. Cybersecurity now encompasses human safety and must address the real risk to peoples lives when a system is attacked or compromised, he said.

While emphasizing the need to develop the framework, Mr Oshadami said as telecommunications industry continues to serve as the backbone of Nigerias digital economy, its critical role in national development, economic transformation, and societal interaction makes it a strategic asset and unfortunately, a prime target for cyber threats.

Mr Oshadami further explained that the second stakeholders meeting on the cybersecurity framework was to present the progress made since the initial meeting, including the refined framework based on stakeholder input; and to further validate key components, design principles, and implementation strategies of the proposed framework, among others.

The ECTS stated that as the national regulator, the NCC remains committed to an inclusive and consultative process, recognizing that sustainable cybersecurity outcomes can only be achieved through shared responsibility and strong public-private partnerships. With your continued expertise, insight, and collaboration, we are confident that we can co-create a framework that not only secures our digital infrastructure but also fosters innovation, competitiveness, and long-term industry growth, he said.

The presentation of the proposed framework by the Chief Executive Officer of CyberNover, the consultants to the Commission on the project, Dr Kazeem Durodoye, further provided details of the framework to stakeholders at the invents, cutting across representatives of telecom licensees and government agencies in the digital economy ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the NCCs Head of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, Babagana Digima, while stating that the project is supported by the World Bank, commended all stakeholders for their input, saying while it was expected that the proposed framework will be finalized by end of third quarter of 2025, its implementation is expected to take off in early 2026.

The forum provided a platform to consolidate a shared understanding of the strategic relevance of the proposed cybersecurity framework in enhancing national cybersecurity preparedness and sector resilience; and review and refine the preliminary inputs gathered during the first engagement, incorporating technical perspectives and sector-specific concerns, among others.
The Ogun State government has released 130 hectares of land along the Epe/Mojoda expressway, Ijebu Ode to the Federal Government for the proposed Ijebu Ode Port Terminal Project. This follows the request for 130 hectares of land by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, in a letter addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun dated 26 June, 2025.

According to analysts, the project will boost national trade, economic growth and development; ease the congestion around Lagos port system, increase the national GDP, and strengthen Ogun State industrial hub initiative of the present administration. It will also serve as cargo consolidation and distribution hub for the South-west region, enhance competitiveness and facilitate trade in Ogun State as well as promote serenity by adding aesthetic value to the immediate neighbourhood.

The dry port, which is to be linked to the Lekki Deep Sea Port by a rail system, analysts believe, will further connect the proposed Kajola and Moniya Ibadan Dry Ports and Gateway International (Agro- Cargo) Airport to the same rail network. As the proposed dry port is located within the Economic Development Cluster of Ijebu Ode, it further enhances the competitiveness of the cluster through an effective, efficient logistics and transportation network that will further reduce the cost of production thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the location to industrial investment.

Speaking on the approval, Governor Abiodun affirmed: The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port and the Gateway International Airport are critical enablers of industrialization and regional competitiveness. Together, they will transform Ogun State into a logistics and economic powerhouse, creating prosperity for our people and opportunities for Nigeria at large.

With the Kajola Inland Dry Port already secured for the Ogun Central Industrial Cluster and now the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port for the Eastern corridor, Ogun State is strategically balancing industrial growth across its three Senatorial districts, ensuring equity and sustainable development.

In January this year, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment and development of Inland Dry Ports (IDP) in Ijebu-Ode and Moniya in Ogun State and Oyo State respectively, as part of his administrations efforts to reduce congestion within seaports in Lagos, eliminate chronic delays and boost the nations economy.

Mr Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy disclosed this in Abuja, during the 2025 Budget Defence to the Joint Committee of the Senate on Marine Transport and House of Representatives committees on Ports and Harbour, Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Inland Waterways and Shipping Services. He said that the Inland Dry Ports, when completed, will generate jobs for the teaming youths of Ogun and Oyo states and other States in the south-western part of the country.

On that occasion, Mr Oyetola said the ports are targeted for fast tracked delivery to decongest the Western Port System. Design consultancies for the project, the Minister said, are on-going. The notable deficiencies in the maritime sector such as general infrastructure decay, silted river courses, inadequate fish production, and inadequate river crafts, Oyetola said, require major attention.

The Ministry, he said, is therefore initiating several projects and programmes aimed at addressing these challenges His words: I feel greatly honoured to address the Joint Committee of the Senate on Marine Transport and House Committees on Ports and Harbour, Marine Safety, Education and Administration: Inland Waterways and Committee on Shipping Services on the occasion of 2025 Budget Defence.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled his administrations plan for the recruitment of students into the newly established special schools across the state, reaffirming his resolve to ensure educational opportunities for all children regardless of background. The schools shall prioritise merit based admission and gifted students from poor backgrounds.

Speaking at Government House Katsina during a strategic meeting with education officials including Katsina State commissioners, local government chairmen, sub-committee chairmen, permanent secretaries, local government education secretaries community development officers, and learning officers from 361 Wards Governor Radda explained the details of the admission process for the three new special schools located in Radda (Katsina Zone), Jikamshi (Funtua Zone), and Dumurkul (Daura Zone).

The governor recalled his campaign promise to sponsor the best students to study abroad, which has already been fulfilled. By the grace of God, we sent students to Egypt to study MBBS and to China to study Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology. They were selected strictly by merit, and the Katsina State Government fully paid for their tuition, accommodation, feeding, and all expenses, he stated.

He said the next phase of his education reform is the establishment of three special primary schools. In our villages, there are children with talent and determination but no means to pay school fees or even buy uniforms.

Meanwhile, the children of the rich go to private schools and receive quality education. We want to bridge this gap so that the poor mans child will also study like the rich mans child, and in 10 to 20 years return to develop Katsina State, he declared.

Governor Radda stressed that admissions will be strictly based on merit and fairness. Each of the 361 wards in Katsina State will nominate six students  two from Primary 6 into JSS1, two from JSS1 into JSS2, and two from JSS2 into JSS3  making a total of 2,172 students. These students will sit for entrance examinations, after which 996 will be admitted, ensuring every ward is represented.

All admitted students will enjoy full sponsorship, the Governor said. They will be provided with uniforms, computers, internet access, qualified teachers, 24-hour electricity, accommodation, and every facility necessary for quality learning.

He emphasised that children from poor families will benefit the most. Anyone who can afford private schools should take their children there. In these schools, I want the brightest from the poor to be given this opportunity so that tomorrow society will benefit from them, he insisted.

The governor revealed that the special school in Radda will be completed this month, while those in Dumurkul and Jikamshi will be ready by years end. For now, all 996 Pupils and students will begin their studies at Radda before being transferred to their designated schools once construction is completed. He also confirmed that admissions will be conducted annually.

In this process, I see the future of Katsina, not just today, Governor Radda affirmed. These schools will provide quality education and produce role models who will transform our state.

Entrance examinations will be conducted in the following centres: Katsina College Katsina, Government Girls Secondary School Funtua, Government Day Secondary School Daura, Government Pilot Secondary School Dutsinma, Government Unity Secondary School Malumfashi, Government Day Secondary School Kankia, and Government Day Secondary School Mani. Heads of local governments have been directed to ensure students are brought for the exams.

Concluding his remarks, Governor Radda appealed to education officers and community leaders to ensure fairness. If you betray the poor and give slots to those who do not deserve them, God will not forgive. But if you serve with honesty, God will entrust you with more, he cautioned.

We pray that God will guide us, and we hope that you, as leaders, will do justice and serve the people well, he added.

Those in attendance included: Commissioners for Basic Education Zainab Musa Musawa, Commissioner for Local Government, Bishir Tanimu, Katsina State, Chairman of ALGON, RaboTambaya,, Principal Private Secretary to the Governor Abdullah Aliyu Turaji, CDP Katsina Coordinator Dr Kamaladeen, Chairman SUBEB Sani Magaji, among other top government officials.
The US Mission in Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to nurturing a new generation of business leaders to support economic development and innovation across Nigeria.

The Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate in Lagos, Julie McKay, disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday at the launch of the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter.

The event marked the end of a two-day capacity-building workshop, Skill Up Akwa Ibom, designed to empower young entrepreneurs in the state.

Ms McKay at the event reaffirmed the US Missions commitment to fostering leadership and economic development in Nigeria through its exchange programs.

I must appreciate the executive team for the amazing work they are doing to launch this chapter and immediately give back through this training.

In all my years of service, the Exchange Alumni from Nigeria are simply the best I have had the privilege to work with anywhere in the world, Ms McKay said, according to a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES by the newly inaugurated USGEAN coordinator in the state, Aniekeme Finbarr.

Ms McKay urged the 30 participating young entrepreneurs to leverage the opportunity provided by the training. She charged them to seize this moment to network, learn crucial new skills, and embrace the spirit of giving back to your communities, your state, and your country.

The newly inaugurated coordinator of the group, Mr Finbarr, in his acceptance speech, said the initiative was a direct application of the associations Pay It Forward philosophy.

We were privileged to gain invaluable knowledge, leadership skills, and global networks from the United States, Mr Finbarr said.

Skill Up Akwa Ibom is our way of investing that privilege back into the brilliant youths of our state, he added, describing the two-day masterclass as a project to equip young leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills, an innovative mindset, and the resilience needed to thrive in todays competitive world.

Mr Finbarr emphasised that the inauguration was more than a ceremonial event, calling it a declaration of the alumnis readiness to collaborate with government agencies, private institutions, and development partners to drive sustainable growth. The chapters key areas of focus will be education, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership.

The Skill Up Akwa Ibom workshop, a partnership between the new chapter and the U.S. Consulate, aimed to empower 30 selected young entrepreneurs. The training curriculum was designed to enhance participants skills in visionary and strategic leadership, foundational business principles, and effective digital marketing strategies tailored to contemporary market dynamics, Mr Finbarr said.

Who is Mr Finbarr?

Mr Finbarr, a lawyer and public relations expert, is one of the 120 journalists from 101 countries who won the prestigious US Department of State International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) Impact Award Grant for 2024.

With the help of the grant, Mr Finbarr, in 2024, launched his project, Next Generation Journalists, which aims to equip 60 journalism graduates with the necessary skills.

The trainees were selected from three tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State  University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua.

Mr Finbarr has over 13 years of experience in broadcast journalism. He was the head of programmes at Bush House Nigeria, an independent radio and television programme producer that featured prominently in several radio and television stations in the country, including Capital FM, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Federal Radio Corporation in Nigeria, and the Nigerian Television Authority.
XIAMEN, China, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amid global sustainable development momentum, Antaisolar, a renewable energy leader, officially held its "RAISE2025" event, releasing its latest ESG report and unveiling the EcoRaise Global Ecological Co-construction Initiative. These efforts underscore Antaisolar's dedication to integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into its core strategy and operations.

During the event, Antaisolar CEO Ms. Jasmine Huang emphasized that: "ESG is not a choice but a must for future-facing enterprises  it's our responsibility and the cornerstone of long-term, healthy growth." She unveiled the 2024 ESG Report, the report details Antai's achievements in reducing carbon emissions, promoting technological innovation, and strengthening sustainable management practices.

The credibility of Antaisolar's ESG data was validated through an independent verification by TUV SUD, enhancing transparency and trust in the reported results, TUV SUD's representative Mr. Andy He co-launched the assurance ceremony.

Further reinforcing its commitment, Antaisolar introduced EcoRaise Global Ecological Co-construction Initiative, backed by a special fund of RMB 50 million. As its first step, the company partnered with Shenzhen Mangrove Wetlands Conservation Foundation (MCF) to donate funds for protecting 2,000m of mangroves in Quanzhou, Fujian. MCF representatives attended the donation ceremony and presented a certificate, marking EcoRaise's solid start and Antaisolar's commitment to ecological conservation.

In the future, Antaisolar will continue to champion green energy innovation and global sustainability, driving forward its mission to "Raise a Green World."

For more information, please visit Antaisolar website: www.antaisolar.com

SOURCE Antaisolar
MOSCOW, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia revoked the permit for the operation of Poland's Consulate General in Kaliningrad on Friday, local media reported.

According to the TASS news agency, the measure was taken in response to Poland's earlier decision to shut down the Russian Consulate General in Krakow, a move that took effect on June 30.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Poland had been notified of Moscow's intention to close the Polish consulate as early as July 11, with the relevant justifications delivered to Poland's charge d'affaires.

"Such steps are a reaction to the reduction of Russia's consular presence in Poland under far-fetched pretexts. Not a single unfriendly move will remain unanswered," the ministry was quoted by TASS as saying.

Editor: Zhang Zhou
Medimpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. allegedly failed to provide equal employment opportunities to Plaintiff, which ultimately resulted in wrongful termination.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Medimpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The Medimpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU043079C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here .

The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

According to the lawsuit filed, Medimpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods , (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

The Complaint further alleges Plaintiff was wrongfully terminated from her employment with Defendant. Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Plaintiff experienced multiple health issues that ultimately forced her to take intermittent medical leave. Subsequent to requesting the protected leave, Defendant retaliated against Plaintiff and terminated her employment. Defendant allegedly denied Plaintiff employment opportunities, privileges, and wages under the Labor Code.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Medimpact Healthcare Systems, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

Media Contact

Nicholas De Blouw

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

(800) 568-8020

[email protected]

https://www.bamlawca.com/

SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company was experiencing "adoption challenges" and/or structural issues resulting in declines in sales and utilization; (2) Defendants had overstated the demand for RxSight's products; (3) as a result, RxSight was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance for fiscal year 2025; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On July 8, 2025, after the market closed, RxSight reported preliminary second quarter 2025 financial results, revealing significant declines in LDD sales, LAL utilization, and overall revenue. The Company also lowered its full year 2025 guidance by approximately $42.5 million at the midpoint. The Company's Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Kurtz, disclosed that "[a]doption challenges over the last few quarters have been a primary reason for the LDD stall."

On this news, RxSight's stock price fell $4.84, or 37.8%, to close at $7.95 per share on July 9, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding RxSight's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the RxSight class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/RXST or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
Friends of Science Society has issued an Open Letter to the Alberta Securities Commission responding to an Investors for Paris Compliance complaint about net zero reporting demands. The Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) announced it is pausing activities.

CALGARY, AB, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Friends of Science Society issued this Open Letter to the Alberta Securities Commission in response to a complaint filed by a shareholder group called the Investors for Paris Compliance. Investors for Paris Compliance state "We work with investors to hold Canadian publicly-traded companies accountable to their net zero promises."

The Friends of Science Society's Open Letter was posted one day before the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) announced that it is pausing activities, as reported by ESG Today.

Food Prices, Farming and Net Zero Ideology event banner, featuring Dr. Joseph Fournier.

Recent reports by climate policy analysts Roger Pielke, Jr. and Jessica Weinkle, have revealed that central banks are using an exaggerated report to assess climate "damage"  one that also has questionable conflicts of interest, says Friends of Science Society. In a January 2021 UN interview, Mark Carney, then UN Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance, claimed that climate change was an existential threat and to reach Net Zero, "We now need to make measurement and disclosure mandatory."

The recently published US Department of Energy (DOE) climate science report refutes the notion that climate change is an existential threat, says Friends of Science Society. Thus, in the opinion of Friends of Science Society, mandatory emissions measurement and disclosure by companies appears to be moot.

In Friends of Science Society's Open Letter, the organization also requested an inquiry into whether or not there is a so-called "climate cartel" operating in Canada, similar to that discovered by the Republican House Judiciary Committee, as detailed in their "Climate Control" report.

Friends of Science Society says the thrust of the Investors for Paris Compliance complaint filed with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC), concerns energy sector companies Cenovus and Enbridge. These corporations had withdrawn their published Net Zero plans so as not to be trapped by alleged "misinformation" claims under Canada's new, onerous "greenwashing" act. Friends of Science Society produced the video "Molecule Madness  Counting CO2 Molecules is Not in the Public Interest" in 2024, about the implications of such disclosure, and the new greenwashing regulations.

Friends of Science Society disputes the claim by the Investors for Climate Action that such Net Zero plans are required under securities "material disclosure" laws, citing a US Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) report to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). CEI argued then, that such, "proposed disclosures are climate policy masquerading as materiality." CEI said such emissions reporting, "picks legal, but politically disfavored, industries and targets them for destruction."

Investors for Paris Compliance claimed, in their complaint to the ASC:

39. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) states that climate-aligned target-setting must include scope 3 when scope 3 emissions make up at least 40% of total emissions.17

SBTi and the CDP are under investigation in the USA by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier according to this report in ESG Today.

Friends of Science Society is critical of the elaborate international system for evaluating corporate emissions. The disclosure requirements are burdensome and expensive, as outlined in Friends of Science Society's response to Catherine McKenna's "Integrity Matters" report. The climate accounting requirements for corporations of a certain emissions output must measure and disclose Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect), and Scope 3 (supplier/value chain) levels of emissions, making it virtually impossible to be accurate. The Competitive Enterprise Institute in the US estimated the cost burden of mandatory reporting to be in the trillions of dollars, with a major impact on farmers.

Net Zero ideology and its impact on farmers will be the focus of Friends of Science Society's September 25, 2025, special event. More details here.

As outlined in a January 2025 press release, posted by Friends of Science Society, Canada is planning on implementing a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). A new report for the Canadian Global Affairs Institute warns of the pitfalls of CBAM for Canadian companies.

The US DOE climate science report affirms that carbon dioxide is not the driver of climate change, putting mandatory emissions reporting and CBAM in question, says Friends of Science Society.

About

Friends of Science Society is an independent group of earth, atmospheric and solar scientists, engineers, and citizens that is celebrating its 23rd year of offering climate science insights. After a thorough review of a broad spectrum of literature on climate change, Friends of Science Society has concluded that the sun is the main driver of climate change, not carbon dioxide (CO2).

Friends of Science Society

SOURCE Friends of Science Society
BEIJING, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 26 foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), will attend China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing, Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei announced on Thursday.

China will stage a massive military parade on September 3 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, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Foreign leaders invited to attend the commemorations include Putin, Kim, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Cuban president, and Min Aung Hlaing, acting president of Myanmar, according to Xinhua.

At the invitation of the Chinese government, heads of parliaments, deputy prime ministers and high-level representatives from various countries, heads of international organizations, and former political dignitaries will attend the V-Day commemorations.

Experts said the fact that almost all leaders from China's neighboring countries are attending the commemorations reflects both the effectiveness of Beijing's neighborhood diplomacy and their recognition of China's efforts to promote unity in maintaining peace.

Jointly safeguarding peace

When asked what message do China and Russia hope to convey with President Putin's attendance at the commemorative events, Hong said at a Thursday conference that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union, as the main anti-fascism battlefields in Asia and Europe, stood as the backbone in the fight against militarism and fascism, making enormous national sacrifices.

Putin's visit to China to attend the commemorative events further highlights the high-level China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, and demonstrates the two countries' unity and determination in jointly safeguarding the victory of World War II, said Hong.

Relations between Russia and China are currently a priority topic for Moscow, and therefore the upcoming visit of Putin to China will be unprecedented. This was announced on August 27 by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, Russia's Izvestia reported.

"Putin's absolutely unprecedented visit to China will take place, for which preparations are actively underway," Peskov stressed.

In response to a question on China's view on the DPRK leader's visit, Hong said China and the DPRK are traditional friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. We welcome General Secretary Kim Jong-un to attend the commemoration in China, Hong said.

This year is the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. It also marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Korea. During the arduous years of war, the peoples of China and the DPRK extended each other support and together fought against Japanese aggression, making important contributions to the World Anti-Fascist War and the just cause of humanity, Hong said.

The list of foreign leaders in attendance has drawn attention from some international media. The BBC published an article on Thursday saying that "The Indonesia president and Malaysian prime minister will be there, which is further proof of Beijing's concerted efforts to ramp up ties with neighboring South East Asia."

Notably, almost all leaders from China's neighboring countries are attending the commemorations, underscoring the effectiveness of China's long-standing neighborhood diplomacy. The gathering also reflects Beijing's effort to highlight peace and future development, Lu Xiang, research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

Lu said commemorating the war is not about perpetuating confrontation, but about uniting nations to jointly foster an environment of peace and development - which is the core direction of China's diplomacy.

During the conference, Hong said safeguarding historical truth and upholding the correct view of history concerns human conscience, international justice, and world peace, in response to a media inquiry that Japan has been paying close attention to China's V-Day commemorations, with some voices suggesting that China is using historical issues to pressure Japan and interfere with Japan's narrative of World War II, and in recent years, certain forces in Japan have been seeking to loosen military restrictions, downplay or even distort the history of aggression, and attempt to shape a perception that "Japan was a victim of the war."

Whether Japan can correctly understand and address history is the litmus test of whether it will uphold conscience and stay committed to peaceful development, Hong said.

Peaceful signals

Preparations for China's V-Day military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War are basically complete, Wu Zeke, deputy director of the Leading Group Office of Military Parade and a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, said at the conference.

In response to questions that what kind of message China hopes to convey to the international community as some analysts believe the military parade and other commemorative events on September 3 are not only of symbolic significance but also serve as an opportunity for China to showcase its growing strength, Hong said the parade is meant to demonstrate China's firm determination to follow the path of peaceful development, its strong will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its powerful capability to defend world peace.

Hong stressed that when it comes to peace and security, China has the best record among major powers. Since the founding of the People's Republic, China has never provoked a war, never occupied an inch of another country's territory, and never waged a proxy war. It is the only major country to have enshrined the path of peaceful development in its Constitution.

SOURCE Global Times
HONG KONG, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of 29 August, Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, stated at the Company's 2025 interim results presentation that Fosun will continue to increase investment in biopharmaceuticals and focus on deepening and thoroughly developing its advantageous industries to secure a commanding global position.

The interim results presentation was held in Shanghai this morning, with attendees including Chairman Guo Guangchang, Co-Chairman Wang Qunbin, Co-CEO Chen Qiyu, Co-CEO Xu Xiaoliang, CFO Gong Ping, along with numerous investors and analysts.

Guo Guangchang highlighted that Fosun achieved significant breakthroughs across several business segments in the first half of 2025, particularly in the biopharmaceutical segment. Moving forward, Fosun will seize growth opportunities and aim for breakthrough progress through technology innovation.

Regarding investor concerns about innovative drug R&D, Guo Guangchang explained that within Fosun's robust pipeline, it has reserved a batch of important products. Fosun's pharmaceutical innovation will extend beyond just Henlius. It also has Fosun Kite's CAR-T therapy, along with innovative drugs from its established product divisions, all of which have immense potential.

Guo Guangchang said, "I have been emphasizing to our team that we shouldn't just sell off all our innovative drugs. Both licensing in and licensing out are important. Some products may command a high price if simply licensed out, but we are not in a rush. We should continue to advance our R&D to make these products the best in the world."

Guo Guangchang said that Fosun previously stated its vision is to help everyone to live healthily and happily to the age of 121. In particular, Fosun's self-imposed goal is that cancer should be curable. With the current trajectory of pharmaceuticals development, this increasingly feels like an achievable reality. Many cancers today are already preventable, treatable, detectable, curable, or can be managed as chronic, controllable conditions.

Guo Guangchang believes that future cancer treatment will not rely on a single approach, it will involve a combination of approaches, including drugs, devices, and multi-molecule therapies, similar to a cocktail therapy. Fosun possesses a distinct advantage in these areas due to its comprehensive strategic layout and broad industry presence in the Health segment. Future cancer treatment will require comprehensive capability, and this comprehensive capability is precisely one of Fosun Pharma's hallmark characteristics.

He emphasized that what sets Fosun apart from other Chinese pharmaceutical companies is Fosun's commitment to building its own global R&D capabilities, global clinical capabilities, and global sales capabilities. This is Fosun's unwavering missionand the fundamental path for it to become a truly global pharmaceutical leader.

When sharing his insights on building a business, Guo Guangchang said that nowadays, it is very difficult to establish true competitive strength without at least a decade or two of effort. For example, Henlius, now 15 years old, saw its initial 10-plus years involve investments exceeding RMB10 billion with virtually no returns; it was all about long-term investment. Fosun's two domestic insurance companies, Fosun United Health Insurance and Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance, one founded 8 years ago and the other 13 years ago, are now entering a period of comprehensive profitability.

He stated that Fosun's excitement doesn't lie in new sectors; it lies in deepening and thoroughly developing industries that it has established significant industry advantages, striving to achieve breakthroughs, accelerate growth, and ascend to the pinnacle within these mature sectors, securing a commanding global position.

Guo Guangchang said, "Even old wine needs innovation. Fosun's Shede Spirits has recently conducted innovative R&D on high-alcohol traditional baijiu and launched a new liquor with 29% ABV, named 'Shede Zizai', meaning 'Shede at Ease'. It retains the flavor of aged liquor while meeting today's younger generation's pursuit of health."

SOURCE Fosun
LONDON, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- hoppaGo, the world's leading multi-modal ground transportation marketplace, and SAS, Scandinavia's premier airline, today announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership. Building on a successful collaboration providing pre-booked and ride-hailing services since September 2024, the partnership now directly integrates hoppaGo's global rail network onto the SAS website.

This new feature, effective June 30, 2025, allows SAS customers to seamlessly book train tickets in minutes across 70+ countries. The integration connects travellers with over 2,000 train carriers, including major operators like Heathrow Express, Arlanda express, and Renfe Viajeros. This simplifies the travel journey by eliminating the need for last-minute queues and enabling bookings from a single platform.

The enhanced partnership is powered by hoppaGo's proprietary SaaS technology, designed to address long-standing challenges in ground transport sales. By utilizing intelligent, multi-touchpoint offers throughout the customer journeyfrom initial flight booking to post-booking emails and on-demand ride-hailinghoppaGo ensures the right travel option is presented at the right time. This approach maximizes convenience and service uptake at every stage.

The expansion delivers unparalleled choice and flexibility to SAS customers. In addition to the existing marketplace of over 70,000 ride providers in 182+ countries, passengers can now instantly compare and book their rail journey. This complete "first mile, last mile" solution allows any traveller to tailor their perfect journey, whether they need an executive vehicle or a budget-friendly train ticket.

"Our partnership with SAS has always been about providing confidence, security, and assured quality," said Chris Harrington, Managing Director at hoppaGo. "By embedding our vast rail, private transfer, and ride-hailing network into the SAS customer journey, we are not only providing unparalleled choice but also future-proofing their service offering, driving both customer satisfaction and sustainable revenue growth."

"At SAS, our mission is to provide our passengers with the most convenient, integrated, and reliable travel solutions," said Caroline Bergstrom, Head of Ancillary Products and Retail, SAS. "hoppaGo's innovative technology and comprehensive marketplace perfectly align with our vision to be the go-to choice for travellers. This deepened partnership allows us to offer a truly seamless door-to-door experience, reinforcing our commitment to customer-centric innovation and operational excellence."

About hoppaGo

hoppaGo is a world-leading B2B marketplace for ground transportation, offering a single platform for all ground mobility. Our future-proofed technology provides travel partners with seamless access to a global network of over 70,000 ride providers and 2,000+ train carriers, ensuring every traveller can "Arrive Happy." Learn more at http://www.hoppa.com

About SAS

SAS, Scandinavia's leading airline since 1946, connects the region to 135 global destinations via hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. Serving 25M+ passengers yearly, SAS is Europe's most punctual airline and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. A SkyTeam member since 2024, SAS drives innovation in aviation. Learn more at http://www.flysas.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2760730/hoppaGo_SAS.jpg
AUSTIN, Minn., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced today that Jeff Ettinger, interim chief executive officer; John Ghingo, president; and Jacinth Smiley, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will participate in Barclays 18th Annual Global Consumer Staples Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. A webcast of the fireside chat is scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. ET (1:15 p.m. CT).

The webcast, replay and other information related to the event can be accessed on the company's investor website, http://investor.hormelfoods.com.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, JUSTIN'S, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
Group revenue was 133 million in H1 2025, down 22% versus H1 2024, reflecting industry-wide softness in the global luxury sector and the Group's strategic repositioning. Despite these headwinds, disciplined cost management and operational efficiencies have supported resilience and positioned the Group for recovery.

Gross profit margin stood at 54% with Q2 showing early signs of improvement as prior season inventory is cleared and efficiency programs across all brands take effect.

Brand highlights include resilient EMEA retail and a strong rebound in North America e-commerce at Lanvin, 14% wholesale growth at Wolford, and continued strength at St. John with a stable 69% gross margin.

e-commerce at Lanvin, 14% wholesale growth at Wolford, and continued strength at St. John with a stable 69% gross margin. Exciting creative momentum lies ahead with Peter Copping at Lanvin and Paul Andrew at Sergio Rossi, alongside milestone celebrations such as Wolford's 75th anniversary and Caruso's expanding wholesale presence.

at Lanvin and at Sergio Rossi, alongside milestone celebrations such as Wolford's 75th anniversary and Caruso's expanding wholesale presence. Group-wide priorities in H2 2025 include continued refining the retail footprint and driving operational efficiencies; elevating product assortments; launching targeted marketing campaigns and strengthening wholesale partnerships.

NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lanvin Group (NYSE: LANV, the "Group"), a global luxury fashion group with Lanvin, Wolford, Sergio Rossi, St. John and Caruso in its portfolio of brands, today announced its unaudited results for the first half of 2025. Despite ongoing industry-wide pressures, the Group delivered performance underpinned by strong cost discipline, operational efficiency, and visible signs of recovery in the second quarter.

Group revenue for H1 2025 was 133 million, reflecting a 22% year-on-year decline, largely driven by softer wholesale in EMEA, cautious consumer sentiment in Greater China, and a broader luxury market slowdown, with the Group's proactive decision to advance its strategic repositioning across geography and product assortment. Despite these transitional conditions, the Group delivered gross profit of 72 million with a margin of 54%, supported by disciplined inventory management during the creative transition and ongoing cost efficiencies. While contribution profit remained under pressure, proactive overhead reductions and more targeted marketing investments helped to partially offset the impact, laying groundwork for improved performance in the second half.

Zhen Huang, Chairman of Lanvin Group, said: "Despite a challenging luxury market in the first half, we remained disciplined in cost management and strategic streamlining, responsive to market dynamics, and steadfast in our commitment to unlocking the long-term potential of our brands. With new creative leadership and continued investment in product innovation, we are well positioned to capture opportunities as the market environment improves."

Andy Lew, Executive President of Lanvin Group, said: "In the first half, our focus was on operational discipline and laying the foundation for future growth. With fresh creative direction across our houses, supported by targeted marketing and refined channel strategies, we expect to build brand momentum and increase consumer engagement in the second half. We remain agile and execution-focused as we strengthen brand desirability and prepare for recovery."

Review of the First Half 2025 Results

Lanvin Group Revenue by Brand  in Thousands, unless otherwise noted 2023 2024 2025 2024H1

vs

2023H1 2025H1

vs

2024H1 23 H1 25

H1 CAGR H1 H1 H1

Lanvin 57,052 48,272 27,932 -15.4 % -42.1 % -30.0 % Wolford 58,802 42,594 32,985 -27.6 % -22.6 % -25.1 % St. John 46,663 39,981 39,654 -14.3 % -0.8 % -7.8 % Sergio Rossi 33,019 20,404 15,314 -38.2 % -24.9 % -31.9 % Caruso 19,926 19,734 17,627 -1.0 % -10.7 % -5.9 % Total Brand 215,462 170,985 133,512 -20.6 % -21.9 % -21.3 %













Eliminations -925 -9 -117 NM NM NM Total Group 214,537 170,976 133,395 -20.3 % -22.0 % -21.1 %

Lanvin Group Consolidated P&L

 in Thousands, unless otherwise

noted 2023 2024 2025 H1 % H1 % H1 %













Revenue 214,537 100.0 % 170,976 100.0 % 133,395 100.0 % Gross profit 125,454 58.5 % 98,378 57.5 % 71,905 53.9 % Contribution profit 14,854 6.9 % -7,213 -4.2 % -15,188 -11.4 % Adjusted EBITDA -40,916 -19.1 % -42,111 -24.6 % -51,930 -38.9 %

Selected Highlights

Disciplined cost containment: Despite the decline in Group revenue, gross profit margin compressed by only 364 bps, reflecting the impact of swift, company-wide cost optimization measures. Since H1 2023, G&A expenses have been reduced by 35% at St. John, 27% at Wolford, and 25% at Sergio Rossi. The retail network optimization program launched in 2024 continues to advance, delivering tangible efficiencies and strengthening the Group's operational foundation.

St. John resilience: St. John delivered stable performance in H1 2025 despite a volatile luxury environment, reflecting the benefits of strategic transformation initiatives undertaken in recent years. Revenue remained nearly flat, supported by 4% growth in its core North America market and an 11% increase in wholesale through key account partnerships. With a strong gross margin of 69% and consistent full-price sell-through, St. John demonstrated the resilience and strengthened foundation achieved through these efforts amid broader market softness.

New leadership positions: Andy Lew, CEO of St. John, was appointed Executive President of Lanvin Group in January 2025. In his new role, he is driving the establishment of a second company headquarters in Europe to streamline operations and strengthen global management capabilities. At the brand level, leadership team have also been reinforced with numbers of key appointments, including a new deputy CEO at Wolford and the addition of a Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Merchandising Officer, and Chief Operating Officer at St. John, positioning the brands for their next phase of growth.

Q2 improvements across brands: Lanvin and Sergio Rossi achieved a strong quarter-over-quarter rebound across both retail and e-commerce, highlighting early signs of renewed consumer traction. Wolford reported a significant improvement in Q2 margins, supported by disciplined inventory management and cost savings, making continued recovery from last year's logistics disruption. St. John sustained its solid momentum throughout the period.

Artistic direction: Peter Copping debuted as Lanvin's artistic director at Paris Fashion Week, presenting an elegant, archival-inspired Autumn/Winter 2025 collection that featured Art Deco motifs, metallic pieces, and menswear: signalling a revival of the house's heritage-driven identity. Paul Andrew's first Sergio Rossi collection also launches in H2 2025. Both are expected to reinvigorate brand momentum.

Review of First Half 2025 Financials

Revenue

For H1 2025, the Group generated revenue of 133 million, a 22% decrease year-over-year. The decline was driven by global luxury market softness, strategic repositioning of DTC channels, and weaker wholesale demand in EMEA. DTC revenue fell 23% and Wholesale declined 22%, reflecting the combined effects of cautious retailer buying patterns and slower traffic in key luxury markets.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was 72 million, representing a margin of 54%, compared to 58% in H1 2024. The decrease reflected sell-through of prior-season inventory with creative transition, underutilization of production capacity, and product mix changes. While all brands took steps to improve sell-through and manage inventory levels, these efforts were outweighed by the industry-wide headwinds faced in the period.

Contribution Profit

Contribution profit was -15 million in the first half, reflecting the impact of lower revenue and gross margin compression. Since 2024, the Group has rolled out comprehensive cost discipline measures across its brands, including tighter control of marketing spend and reallocation of resources toward higher-return initiatives. These actions have helped to partially mitigate the topline pressure and strengthen the foundation for improved profitability going forward.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was -52 million in H1 2025, compared with -42 million in the prior-year period. The decline primarily reflected lower gross profit, though disciplined cost management helped limit further downside. At the same time, the Group continued to invest in creative initiativesincluding design, fabric development, prototyping, and sampling of new collections at Lanvin and Sergio Rossi. These forward-looking investments, together with ongoing cost discipline, reinforce brand equity and competitiveness, positioning the Group to capture market share and enhance profitability as market conditions stabilize.

Results by Segment

Lanvin:

Lanvin's revenue in H1 2025 reflected a transition period, declining 42% year-over-year, as wholesale clients in EMEA anticipated the debut of Peter Copping's first collection, combined with a generally cautious industry sentiment. Retail sales in EMEA remained highly resilient, while APAC retail progressed in line with strategic refocusing, and North America e-commerce delivered a strong rebound following the successful launch of the Marketplace model.

Gross margin contracted by 366 basis points, largely due to product mix, challenging market conditions, and the ongoing retail network optimization. Despite revenue decline, contribution profit demonstrated the benefits of disciplined cost control while the brand continued to invest in Peter's upcoming debut.

For the second half, Lanvin will launch an integrated marketing campaign for Peter's highly anticipated collection, refresh in-store visual merchandising, host targeted clienteling events to drive traffic and continue to reinvest efficiencies into flagship locations and digital channel partnerships.

Wolford:

Wolford recorded a 23% decline in revenue year-over-year, reflecting the lingering effects of the prior year's logistics transition. The wholesale channel delivered robust 14% growth, supported by a sharpened focus on partnerships, while DTC trends reflected the planned rightsizing of the retail network.

Gross margin was impacted by lower production absorption and targeted inventory clearance to strengthen stock health. At the same time, G&A expenses were reduced by 18% compared to the prior period, highlighting Wolford's strong commitment to operational discipline.

In the second half, under the leadership of new deputy CEO Marco Pozzo, Wolford will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a major brand push, focused on optimizing product assortment, highlighting hero products, and advancing supply chain transformation. The brand will also explore expansion opportunities in high-potential markets, particularly the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Sergio Rossi:

Sergio Rossi's revenue decreased 25%, with DTC down 21% and Wholesale down 33%, as customers awaited the arrival of Paul Andrew's debut collection in the second half. Gross margin softened by 9%, due to product mix change and lower production utilization.

2025 Q2 delivered encouraging signs of recovery, with retail sales up 17% and e-commerce up 10% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting the benefits of channel optimization initiative. Contribution profit margin contracted due to lower revenue, though effective cost control partially offset the impact.

Looking ahead to H2, Sergio Rossi will accelerate wholesale expansion through new partnerships, continue to enhance operational efficiency and reinvigorate its brand image with the launch of Paul Andrew's debut collections while strengthening its presence in core markets.

St. John:

St. John delivered a stable performance in H1 2025, with revenue broadly flat despite a challenging luxury environment. Its revenue in North America grew 4%, underscoring the brand's strength in its core market, while wholesale revenue increased 11% on the back of strategic key account partnerships. The brand maintained a strong 69% gross margin, supported by consistent full-price sell-through and growth from the wholesale model with Nordstrom.

Contribution profit margin was stable at 11%. For the second half of 2025, St. John will continue refining its key channels to improve conversion, stimulate e-commerce with newly onboarded talent, enhance product design and merchandising processes, and optimize supplier mix.

Caruso:

Caruso's revenue declined 11%, primarily due to a temporary slowdown in its Maisons business, reflecting a broader reset phase in the luxury market accompanied by delivery schedule shifts, and related production adjustments. The proprietary Caruso brand showed continued growth, supported by demand for its ready-to-wear offerings.

Gross margin remained resilient at 29% with contribution profit showing a slight decrease despite the market headwinds. For the remainder of 2025, Caruso will support the relaunch of select AAA Maison lines through collaborations with their new creative directors, expand wholesale accounts in growth markets, and continue optimizing its cost structure to improve operational efficiency.

2025 Full-Year Outlook

The Group expects ongoing market challenges in H2 2025 but will remain firmly focused on cost efficiency and targeted brand investment. Strategic initiatives already in progress include optimizing the retail footprint, enhancing operational efficiencies, elevating product assortments, launching high-impact marketing campaigns, and strengthening wholesale partnerships. These actions are beginning to deliver encouraging results, with their impact expected to become more pronounced in the second half of the year. Lanvin and Sergio Rossi will harness the momentum of their new creative leadership to drive these initiatives forward, while St. John, Wolford, and Caruso continue to refine channel strategies and expand their presence in key markets.

Note: All % changes are calculated on an actual currency exchange rate basis.

Note: This communication includes certain non-IFRS financial measures such as Contribution Profit, Contribution Profit Margin, Adjusted Operating Profit, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes ("Adjusted EBIT"), and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). Please see Use of Non-IFRS Financial Metrics and Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Definition.

Semi-Annual Report

Our semi-annual report, including the interim condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2025, can be downloaded from the Company's investor relations website (ir.lanvin-group.com) under the section Financials / SEC Filings, or from the SEC's website (www.sec.gov).

Conference Call

As previously announced, today at 8:00AM EST/8:00PM CST/2:00PM CET, Lanvin Group will host a conference call to discuss its results for the first half of 2025 and provide an outlook for the remainder of the year. Management will refer to a slide presentation during the call, which will be made available on the day of the call. To view the presentation, please visit the "Events" tab of the Group's investor relations website at https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

All participants who would like to join the conference call must pre-register using the link provided below. Once the registration is complete, participants will receive dial-in numbers, a passcode, and a registrant ID which can be used to join the conference call. Participants may register at any time, including up to and after the call starts.

Registration Link:

https://dpregister.com/sreg/10202336/ffc7b43240

A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately one hour after the live call until September 5, 2025, by dialing the following numbers:

US Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529

International Toll: 1-412-317-0088

Canada Toll Free: 855-669-9658

Replay Access Code: 6290073

A recorded webcast of the conference call and a slide presentation will also be available on the Group's investor relations website at https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

About Lanvin Group

Lanvin Group is a leading global luxury fashion group headquartered in Shanghai, China and Milan, Italy, managing iconic brands worldwide including Lanvin, Wolford, Sergio Rossi, St. John Knits, and Caruso. Harnessing the power of its unique strategic alliance of industry-leading partners in the luxury fashion sector, Lanvin Group strives to expand the global footprint of its portfolio brands and achieve sustainable growth through strategic investment and extensive operational know-how, combined with an intimate understanding and unparalleled access to the fastest-growing luxury fashion markets in the world. Lanvin Group is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'LANV'. For more information about Lanvin Group, please visit www.lanvin-group.com, and to view our investor presentation, please visit https://ir.lanvin-group.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication, including the section "2025 Full-Year Outlook", contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," "project" and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of the respective management of Lanvin Group and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Lanvin Group. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes adversely affecting the business in which Lanvin Group is engaged; Lanvin Group's projected financial information, anticipated growth rate, profitability and market opportunity may not be an indication of its actual results or future results; management of growth; the impact of COVID-19 or similar public health crises on Lanvin Group's business; Lanvin Group's ability to safeguard the value, recognition and reputation of its brands and to identify and respond to new and changing customer preferences; the ability and desire of consumers to shop; Lanvin Group's ability to successfully implement its business strategies and plans; Lanvin Group's ability to effectively manage its advertising and marketing expenses and achieve desired impact; its ability to accurately forecast consumer demand; high levels of competition in the personal luxury products market; disruptions to Lanvin Group's distribution facilities or its distribution partners; Lanvin Group's ability to negotiate, maintain or renew its license agreements; Lanvin Group's ability to protect its intellectual property rights; Lanvin Group's ability to attract and retain qualified employees and preserve craftmanship skills; Lanvin Group's ability to develop and maintain effective internal controls; general economic conditions; the result of future financing efforts; and those factors discussed in the reports filed by Lanvin Group from time to time with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or Lanvin Group's assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Lanvin Group presently does not know, or that Lanvin Group currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Lanvin Group's expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. Lanvin Group anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Lanvin Group's assessments to change. However, while Lanvin Group may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Lanvin Group specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lanvin Group's assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Use of Non-IFRS Financial Metrics

This communication includes certain non-IFRS financial measures such as Contribution Profit, Contribution Profit Margin, Adjusted Operating Profit, adjusted earnings before interest and taxes ("Adjusted EBIT"), and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA"). These non-IFRS measures are an addition, and not a substitute for or superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS. Reconciliations of non-IFRS measures to their most directly comparable IFRS counterparts are included in the Appendix to this communication. Lanvin Group believes that these non-IFRS measures of financial results provide useful supplemental information to investors about Lanvin Group. Lanvin Group believes that the use of these non-IFRS financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating projected operating results and trends in and in comparing Lanvin Group's financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-IFRS financial measures to investors. However, there are a number of limitations related to the use of these non-IFRS measures and their nearest IFRS equivalents. For example, other companies may calculate non-IFRS measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore Lanvin Group's non-IFRS measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Lanvin Group does not consider these non-IFRS measures in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with IFRS. The principal limitation of these non-IFRS financial measures is that they exclude significant expenses, income and tax liabilities that are required by IFRS to be recorded in Lanvin Group's financial statements. In addition, they are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgements by Lanvin Group about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-IFRS financial measures. In order to compensate for these limitations, Lanvin Group presents non-IFRS financial measures in connection with IFRS results.

Appendix

Lanvin Group Consolidated Income Statement





( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)

























Lanvin Group Consolidated P&L 2023 2024 2025 H1 % H1 % H1 %













Revenue 214,537 100.0 % 170,976 100.0 % 133,395 100.0 % Cost of sales -89,083 -41.5 % -72,598 -42.5 % -61,490 -46.1 %













Gross Profit 125,454 58.5 % 98,378 57.5 % 71,905 53.9 % Marketing and selling expenses -110,600 -51.6 % -105,591 -61.8 % -87,093 -65.3 % General and administrative expenses -76,544 -35.7 % -58,065 -34.0 % -56,754 -42.5 % Other operating income and expenses -7,960 -3.7 % 5,457 3.2 % -8,789 -6.6 %













Loss from operations before non-underlying items -69,650 -32.5 % -59,821 -35.0 % -80,731 -60.5 % Non-underlying items 9,666 4.5 % 3,143 1.8 % 6,545 4.9 %













Loss from operations -59,984 -28.0 % -56,678 -33.1 % -74,186 -55.6 % Finance cost  net -11,970 -5.6 % -13,187 -7.7 % -12,806 -9.6 %













Loss before income tax -71,954 -33.5 % -69,865 -40.9 % -86,992 -65.2 % Income tax (expenses) / benefits -271 -0.1 % 489 0.3 % 208 0.2 %













Loss for the period -72,225 -33.7 % -69,376 -40.6 % -86,784 -65.1 %













Contribution Profit (1) 14,854 6.9 % -7,213 -4.2 % -15,188 -11.4 % Adjusted Operating Profit (1) -61,690 -28.8 % -65,278 -38.2 % -71,942 -53.9 % Adjusted EBIT (1) -67,679 -31.5 % -58,994 -34.5 % -80,494 -60.3 % Adjusted EBITDA (1) -40,916 -19.1 % -42,111 -24.6 % -51,930 -38.9 %

























Lanvin Group Consolidated Balance Sheet ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)









Lanvin Group Consolidated Balance Sheet 2024 2025 FY H1 Assets



Non-current assets



Intangible assets 213,501 211,978 Goodwill 38,115 38,115 Property, plant and equipment 39,440 33,976 Right-of-use assets 131,597 112,036 Deferred income tax assets 11,598 11,788 Other non-current assets 14,869 11,953

449,120 419,846 Current assets



Inventories 89,712 74,016 Trade receivables 28,099 23,943 Other current assets 29,112 37,756 Cash and bank balances 18,043 29,723

164,966 165,438 Total Assets 614,086 585,284 Liabilities



Non-current liabilities



Non-current borrowings 25,222 10,266 Non-current lease liabilities 117,966 100,294 Non-current provisions 3,560 3,187 Employee benefits 17,240 17,414 Deferred income tax liabilities 51,390 51,422 Other non-current liabilities 16,005 34,510

231,383 217,093 Current liabilities



Trade payables 80,424 56,497 Current borrowings 158,540 258,561 Current lease liabilities 36,106 32,669 Current provisions 1,524 1,304 Other current liabilities 139,020 126,980

415,614 476,011 Total Liabilities 646,997 693,104 Net assets -32,911 -107,820





Equity



Equity attributable to owners of the Company



Share capital *(2) *(2) Treasury shares -46,576 *(2) Other reserves 779,356 725,291 Accumulated losses -737,186 -810,340

-4,406 -85,049 Non- controlling interests -28,505 -22,771 Total Deficits -32,911 -107,820

Lanvin Group Consolidated Cash Flow ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)













Lanvin Group Consolidated Cash Flow 2023 2024 2025 H1 H1 H1







Net cash used in operating activities -58,118 -33,483 -69,501 Net cash (used in) / generated from investing activities -28,531 -3,780 1,879 Net cash flows generated from financing activities 26,396 26,646 80,333 Net change in cash and cash equivalents -60,253 -10,617 12,711







Cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts at the beginning of the period 91,749 27,850 18,043 Effect of foreign exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents -649 646 -1,031 Cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts at end of the period 30,847 17,879 29,723













Lanvin Brand Key Financials(3)





( in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

































Lanvin Brand Key

Financials 2023 2024 2025

24 H1

v 23 H1 25 H

v 24 H1 23 H1  25 H1 CAGR H1 % H1 % H1 %























Key Financials on P&L

















Revenues 57,052 100.0 % 48,272 100.0 % 27,932 100.0 %

-15.4 % -42.1 % -30.0 % Gross Profit 31,959 56.0 % 28,004 58.0 % 15,182 54.4 %







Selling and

distribution

expenses -36,793 -64.5 % -37,389 -77.5 % -27,504 -98.5 %







Contribution Profit

(1) -4,834 -8.5 % -9,385 -19.4 % -12,322 -44.1 %





























Revenues by Geography

















EMEA 29,443 51.6 % 23,154 48.0 % 12,222 43.8 %

-21.4 % -47.2 % -35.6 % North America 13,195 23.1 % 11,981 24.8 % 8,608 30.8 %

-9.2 % -28.2 % -19.2 % Greater China 11,092 19.4 % 9,527 19.7 % 3,778 13.5 %

-14.1 % -60.3 % -41.6 % Other 3,322 5.8 % 3,610 7.5 % 3,324 11.9 %

8.7 % -7.9 % 0.0 %





















Revenues by Channel

















DTC 26,780 46.9 % 24,072 49.9 % 15,846 56.7 %

-10.1 % -34.2 % -23.1 % Wholesale 23,022 40.4 % 17,639 36.5 % 6,737 24.1 %

-23.4 % -61.8 % -45.9 % Other 7,250 12.7 % 6,561 13.6 % 5,349 19.2 %

-9.5 % -18.5 % -14.1 %





























Wolford Brand Key Financials(3)



( in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

































Wolford Brand Key

Financials 2023 2024 2025

24 H1

v 23 H1 25 H1

v 24 H1 23 H1  25 H1 CAGR H1 % H1 % H1 %























Key Financials on P&L

















Revenues 58,802 100.0 % 42,594 100.0 % 32,985 100.0 %

-27.6 % -22.6 % -25.1 % Gross Profit 42,062 71.5 % 26,795 62.9 % 18,504 56.1 %







Selling and

distribution

expenses -38,128 -64.8 % -34,916 -82.0 % -27,999 -84.9 %







Contribution Profit

(1) 3,934 6.7 % -8,121 -19.1 % -9,495 -28.8 %





























Revenues by Geography

















EMEA 40,083 68.2 % 26,453 62.1 % 21,179 64.2 %

-34.0 % -19.9 % -27.3 % North America 14,224 24.2 % 12,747 29.9 % 8,756 26.5 %

-10.4 % -31.3 % -21.5 % Greater China 4,107 7.0 % 3,274 7.7 % 2,829 8.6 %

-20.3 % -13.6 % -17.0 % Other 388 0.7 % 120 0.3 % 220 0.7 %

-69.1 % 83.3 % -24.7 %





















Revenues by Channel

















DTC 39,453 67.1 % 33,812 79.4 % 21,940 66.5 %

-14.3 % -35.1 % -25.4 % Wholesale 18,665 31.7 % 8,715 20.5 % 9,946 30.2 %

-53.3 % 14.1 % -27.0 % Other 684 1.2 % 67 0.2 % 1,099 3.3 %

-90.2 % NM NM





























Sergio Rossi Brand Key Financials(3)





( in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

































Sergio Rossi Brand

Key Financials 2023 2024 2025

24 H1

v 23 H1 25 H1

v 24 H1 23 H1  25 H1 CAGR H1 % H1 % H1 %























Key Financials on P&L

















Revenues 33,019 100.0 % 20,404 100.0 % 15,314 100.0 %

-38.2 % -24.9 % -31.9 % Gross Profit 17,135 51.9 % 10,218 50.1 % 6,255 40.8 %







Selling and

distribution

expenses -11,355 -34.4 % -9,490 -46.5 % -7,755 -50.6 %







Contribution Profit

(1) 5,780 17.5 % 728 3.6 % -1,500 -9.8 %





























Revenues by Geography

















EMEA 18,509 56.0 % 9,528 46.7 % 7,150 46.7 %

-48.5 % -25.0 % -37.8 % North America 846 2.6 % 281 1.4 % 56 0.4 %

-66.8 % -80.1 % -74.3 % Greater China 6,350 19.2 % 4,174 20.5 % 2,734 17.9 %

-34.3 % -34.5 % -34.4 % Other 7,315 22.2 % 6,420 31.5 % 5,374 35.1 %

-12.2 % -16.3 % -14.3 %





















Revenues by Channel

















DTC 16,847 51.0 % 13,976 68.5 % 11,005 71.9 %

-17.0 % -21.3 % -19.2 % Wholesale 16,172 49.0 % 6,428 31.5 % 4,308 28.1 %

-60.3 % -33.0 % -48.4 % Other 0 0.0 % 0 0.0 % 0 0.0 %

NM NM NM





























St. John Brand Key Financials(3)







( in thousands, unless otherwise noted)





































St. John Brand Key

Financials 2023 2024 2025

24 H1

v 23 H1 25 H1

v 24 H1 23 H1 25 H1 CAGR % H1 % % H1 %























Key Financials on P&L

















Revenues 46,663 100.0 % 39,981 100.0 % 39,654 100.0 %

-14.3 % -0.8 % -7.8 % Gross Profit 29,024 62.2 % 27,696 69.3 % 27,251 68.7 %







Selling and

distribution

expenses -23,719 -50.8 % -23,036 -57.6 % -22,781 -57.4 %







Contribution Profit

(1) 5,305 11.4 % 4,660 11.7 % 4,470 11.3 %





























Revenues by Geography

















EMEA 731 1.6 % 299 0.7 % 176 0.4 %

-59.1 % -41.1 % -50.9 % North America 41,585 89.1 % 37,316 93.3 % 38,737 97.7 %

-10.3 % 3.8 % -3.5 % Greater China 4,251 9.1 % 2,247 5.6 % 653 1.6 %

-47.1 % -70.9 % -60.8 % Other 95 0.2 % 119 0.3 % 87 0.2 %

24.8 % -26.9 % -4.3 %





















Revenues by Channel

















DTC 37,760 80.9 % 32,161 80.4 % 31,011 78.2 %

-14.8 % -3.6 % -9.4 % Wholesale 8,828 18.9 % 7,704 19.3 % 8,555 21.6 %

-12.7 % 11.0 % -1.6 % Other 75 0.2 % 116 0.3 % 87 0.2 %

55.3 % -25.0 % 7.7 %





































Caruso Brand Key Financials(3)











( in thousands, unless otherwise noted)





































Caruso Brand Key

Financials 2023 2024 2025

24 H1

v 23 H1 25 H1

v 24 H1 23 H1  25 H1 CAGR H1 % H1 % H1 %























Key Financials on P&L

















Revenues 19,926 100.0 % 19,734 100.0 % 17,627 100.0 %

-1.0 % -10.7 % -5.9 % Gross Profit 5,233 26.3 % 5,724 29.0 % 5,082 28.8 %







Selling and

distribution

expenses -842 -4.2 % -936 -4.7 % -1,108 -6.3 %







Contribution Profit

(1) 4,391 22.0 % 4,788 24.3 % 3,974 22.5 %





























Revenues by Geography

















EMEA 16,260 81.6 % 16,795 85.1 % 15,037 85.3 %

3.3 % -10.5 % -3.8 % North America 2,674 13.4 % 2,003 10.1 % 2,147 12.2 %

-25.1 % 7.2 % -10.4 % Greater China 32 0.2 % 18 0.1 % 6 0.0 %

-43.4 % -66.7 % -56.7 % Other 960 4.8 % 918 4.7 % 436 2.5 %

-4.4 % -52.5 % -32.6 %





















Revenues by Channel

















DTC 0 0.0 % 31 0.2 % 63 0.4 %

NM NM NM Wholesale 19,926 100.0 % 19,703 99.8 % 17,563 99.6 %

-1.1 % -10.9 % -6.1 % Other 0 0.0 % 0 0.0 % 0 0.0 %

NM NM NM

































Lanvin Group Brand Footprint DOS by Brand Jun 2024 Dec 2024 Jun 2025 DOS (4) DOS (4) DOS (4)







Lanvin 37 33 29 Wolford 140 112 97 St. John 42 37 35 Sergio Rossi 47 43 37 Caruso 0 0 0 Total 266 225 198

Non-IFRS Financial Measures Reconciliation ( in Thousands, unless otherwise noted)





Reconciliation of Contribution Profit 2023 2024 2025 H1 H1 H1







Revenue 214,537 170,976 133,395 Cost of sales -89,083 -72,598 -61,490 Gross Profit 125,454 98,378 71,905 Marketing and selling expenses -110,600 -105,591 -87,093 Contribution Profit (1) 14,854 -7,213 -15,188 General and administrative expenses -76,544 -58,065 -56,754 Adjusted Operating Profit (1) -61,690 -65,278 -71,942











Reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT 2023 2024 2025 H1 H1 H1







Loss for the period -72,225 -69,376 -86,784 Add / (Deduct) the impact of:





Income tax expenses 271 -489 -208 Finance costnet 11,970 13,187 12,806 Non-underlying items -9,666 -3,143 -6,545 Loss from operations before non-underlying items -69,650 -59,821 -80,731 Add / (Deduct) the impact of:





Share based compensation 1,971 827 237 Adjusted EBIT (1) -67,679 -58,994 -80,494

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA 2023 2024 2025 H1 H1 H1







Loss from operations before non-underlying items -69,650 -59,821 -80,731 D&A post IFRS16 21,518 22,456 21,311 Provision and impairment losses -3,241 -2,220 -3,049 FX losses / (gain) 8,486 -3,353 10,302 Share based compensation 1,971 827 237 Adjusted EBITDA (1) -40,916 -42,111 -51,930



Note: (1) These are Non-IFRS Financial Measures and will be mentioned throughout this communication. Please see Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Definition. (2) The amount less than Euro 1,000 is indicated with "*". (3) Brand-level results are presented exclusive of eliminations. Numbers may not sum precisely due to rounding. (4) DOS refers to Directly Operated Stores which include boutiques, outlets, concession shop-in-shops and pop-up stores.

Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Definitions

Our management monitors and evaluates operating and financial performance using several non-IFRS financial measures including: Contribution Profit, Contribution Profit Margin, Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBITDA. Our management believes that these non-IFRS financial measures provide useful and relevant information regarding our performance and improve their ability to assess financial performance and financial position. They also provide comparable measures that facilitate management's ability to identify operational trends, as well as make decisions regarding future spending, resource allocations and other operational decisions. While similar measures are widely used in the industry in which we operate, the financial measures that we use may not be comparable to other similarly named measures used by other companies nor are they intended to be substitutes for measures of financial performance or financial position as prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Contribution Profit is defined as revenue less the cost of sales and selling and marketing expenses. Contribution Profit subtracts the main variable expenses of selling and marketing expenses from Gross Profit, and our management believes this measure is an important indicator of profitability at the marginal level. Below contribution profit, the main expenses are general administrative expenses and other operating expenses (which include foreign exchange gains or losses and impairment losses). As we continue to improve the management of our portfolio brands, we believe we can achieve greater economy of scale across the different brands by maintaining the fixed expenses at a lower level as a proportion of revenue. We therefore use Contribution Profit Margin as a key indicator of profitability at the group level as well as the portfolio brand level.

Contribution Profit Margin is defined as Contribution Profit divided by revenue.

Adjusted Operating Profit is defined as Contribution Profit margin less General and administrative expenses

Adjusted EBIT is defined as profit or loss before income taxes, net finance cost, share based compensation, adjusted for income and costs which are significant in nature and that management considers not reflective of underlying operational activities, mainly including net gains on disposal of long-term assets, gain on debt restructuring and government grants.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as profit or loss before income taxes, net finance cost, exchange gains/(losses), depreciation, amortization, share based compensation and provisions and impairment losses adjusted for income and costs which are significant in nature and that management considers not reflective of underlying operational activities, mainly including net gains on disposal of long-term assets, gain on debt restructuring and government grants.

SOURCE LANVIN GROUP
FOSHAN, China, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea Group has achieved a historic financial milestone, with revenue exceeding RMB 100 billion for two consecutive quarters and hitting a remarkable RMB 252 billion in the first half (H1) of 2025. This represents a 15.7% year-over-year (YoY) increase, with profits surged to RMB 26 billion, marking a 25% rise.

Revenue in Mainland China grew by 14.2%, demonstrating Midea Group's strong market penetration in China. Internationally, the company's revenue experienced a notable 17.7% leap. OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing) operations recorded a considerable revenue growth, with an over 30% YOY increase in e-commerce sales revenue. During 2025 H1, Midea Group completed the acquisition of Teka Group (excludingTeka's Russian subsidiary).

The consumer (ToC) segment reported a revenue of RMB 167 billion, an 13.3% increase, while commercial and industrial solution (ToB) revenues rose by 20% .

The new energy and industrial technology segment reached RMB 22 billion, intelligent building technology revenues were at RMB 19.5 billion, and robotics and automation revenues stood at RMB 15.1 billion.

Midea invested RMB 8.8billion in R&D(research and development), with a 14% increase in the first half of 2025. The acquisition of over 5500 new patents in 2025 has placed Midea among the top 10 global patent holders. Its global network of 38 R&D centers and 63 production bases highlights its leadership in smart manufacturing and digital transformation.

Midea Group has maintained a consistent presence in the Fortune China ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact, and 2025 MSCI ESG rating"to A. The company's innovative edge is reflected in its advanced manufacturing facilities, including 37 green factories, 13 green supply chain, 9 5G-enabled, and 6 "World Lighthouse Factories". On August 26, the Midea Washing Machine JingzhouHubeiFactory received certification from the World Records Certification Agency (WRCA) based in London as" The World's First Intelligent Factory with Multi-scene Coverage of Excellence".

Globally recognized, Midea Group has maintained a consistent presence in the Fortune Global 500, securing the 246TH spot in 2025, and as the 184TH company in the 2025 Forbes Global 2000 list, affirming its strong global brand presence and market influence.

Despite economic volatility, Midea Group has demonstrated resilience through significant semi-annual revenue growth. With a strategic focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and global expansion, the company is positioned for continued growth, committed to investing in R&D and digital transformation.

The H1 2025 financial results highlight Midea Group's robust performance across both domestic and international markets, reflecting a balanced strategy that integrates technological innovation, operational excellence and a strong global presence.

SOURCE Midea Group Co., Ltd
The opening of the Ted Chavez Trades & Technologies Center was the centerpiece of Central New Mexico Community College's 60th Anniversary Celebration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Central New Mexico Community College celebrated its 60th anniversary this week and the grand opening of the state's premier skilled trades education and training facility  the Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center (TTC).

CNM opened as Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) in 1965 with 150 students in just a few programs, including trades programs like Automotive Repair, Carpentry, Machine Trades, and Silversmithing. Today, CNM has the largest undergraduate student body in the state, serving more than 33,000 students per year through 150 academic and workforce training programs.

"There are thousands of people in our community who have great careers and great lives because of the caring support of our faculty and staff over the decades and the exceptional education they received at CNM, or TVI as it was fondly known until 2006," says CNM President Tracy Hartzler. "It's also fitting that the grand opening of the Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center is part of our 60th anniversary celebration. When we opened as TVI in 1965, we were firmly committed to the trades. And 60 years later, this modern, cutting-edge facility shows our community that we remain committed to the trades for decades to come."

The TTC will house the majority of CNM's trades programs, including Welding, Electrical Trades, Carpentry and Construction, Plumbing, Industrial Automation Technology (Mechatronics), and Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR). The 60,000 square foot facility includes lab spaces for all the programs, nine classrooms, academic support spaces, administrative office space, and outdoor gathering areas.

The building design is focused on adaptability and collaboration, with several modern features including:

Coexisting classroom and lab space to support each specific trade to ensure easier transitions from lecture to hands-on learning.

Outdoor space in each lab to provide opportunities for students to apply their skills in real-world, outdoor elements.

New, state-of-the-art trades equipment and technology for students to learn and hone their skills,

Visible and color-coded utility systems, like plumbing, electrical, gas, and HVAC, throughout the building so students can see how the building itself functions. The building functions as a living lab for students.

"The entire TTC building was designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities," says Sionna Grassbaugh, Interim Dean of the School of Skilled Trades & Arts. "From the exposed piping to the larger classroom and lab spaces, this space provides students an engaging, state-of-the-art learning environment. The increase in space also means we can support more learners, and in return support the growing need for skilled tradespeople in our state and across the country."

New Mexico and states across the country need a larger pipeline of skilled tradespeople to fill the growing workforce need as an aging trades workforce reaches retirement age without sufficient replacements. Our trades workforce is aging with a growing number of workers being 55 and older. The New Mexico Building Trades Council estimates that 25 to 30 percent of its members are approaching retirement age.

Here's why this facility matters to New Mexico:

Construction makes up 7 percent of all jobs in New Mexico , with an average wage of $76,000 .

, with an average wage of . In Albuquerque , the average wage is $79,000 .

, the average wage is . The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions projects 5,600 new jobs in construction fields will be available over the next seven years.

The design and vision for the TTC was a collaborative effort with input received from the trades industry and employers in central New Mexico, as well as local and state government officials and economic development organizations.

The building is named after Ted Chavez, a former student who studied HVAC. He also taught at then-TVI, inspiring, teaching, and mentoring students for 19 years. He played a pivotal role in developing CNM's trades programs and helping students acquire the skills needed to have successful trades careers in the local economy. His name is currently on the existing Ted Chavez Hall trades buildings on Main Campus, and his legacy will continue to be honored through the new facility.

SOURCE Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (1st L) speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, Aug. 28, 2025. Guterres said Thursday that Israel's initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signal a new and dangerous phase with devastating consequences. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that Israel's initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signal a new and dangerous phase with devastating consequences.

"Hundreds of thousands of civilians -- already exhausted and traumatized -- would be forced to flee yet again, plunging families into even deeper peril. This must stop," he told reporters ahead of a Security Council meeting.

Guterres called for accountability for "unconscionable Israeli strikes," including the two attacks on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis earlier this week, which killed civilians, including medical personnel and journalists, "all with the world watching."

The levels of death and destruction in Gaza are without parallel in recent times, he said.

Famine is no longer a looming possibility. It is a present-day catastrophe, said Guterres. "People are dying from hunger, yet Gaza's food, water and healthcare systems have been systematically dismantled."

"These are the facts on the ground. And they are the result of deliberate decisions that defy basic humanity," he noted.

He said that Israel must ensure the provision of food, water, medicine and other essentials, in addition to agreeing to and facilitating far greater humanitarian access to Gaza, as well as protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The United Nations and partners are doing all they can, often at great personal risk. Up to 366 UN personnel have tragically been killed. Humanitarian efforts are being blocked, delayed and denied. "This is unacceptable," he said.

The situation in the West Bank is also profoundly alarming, said Guterres.

Military operations, settler violence, demolitions and discriminatory policies are driving displacement and deepening vulnerability. The relentless expansion of settlements is fracturing communities and cutting off access to vital resources, he said.

Israel's recent approval of a plan for the construction of thousands of settlements in the E1 area (bordering the settlement of Ma'ale Adumim in the occupied West Bank) would effectively separate the northern and southern West Bank, representing "an existential threat to the two-state solution," the UN chief warned.

"The Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem have been established -- and are being maintained -- in violation of international law. Israel must cease such actions and comply with its obligations," he said.

There is no military solution to the conflict, said Guterres, appealing again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Starvation of the civilian population must never be used as a method of warfare, civilians must be protected, and humanitarian access must be unimpeded, he said.

"No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies," he pleaded. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, Aug. 28, 2025. Guterres said Thursday that Israel's initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signal a new and dangerous phase with devastating consequences. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at the podium) speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, Aug. 28, 2025. Guterres said Thursday that Israel's initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signal a new and dangerous phase with devastating consequences. (Xinhua/Xie E)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
STOCKHOLM, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexagon AB today announced that Norbert Hanke will succeed David Mills as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Hexagon with immediate effect. David's departure is driven by personal reasons, and he will remain available to Hexagon as Financial Advisor until February 2026. A search for a new CFO is effective immediately, and the Company will update the market on this in due course.

Norbert Hanke joined Hexagon in 2001, most recently serving as interim Chief Executive Officer. Prior to that he was Hexagon's Chief Operating Officer and President of Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division. Norbert has also held several CFO roles during his career, including nine years as CFO of Manufacturing Intelligence and four years as Director of Finance at Brown & Sharpe.

"During his 25 years with Hexagon, David has served in multiple finance leadership roles, driving and developing improved financial performance and governance. Most recently, as CFO, he led improvements in financial disclosures and helped chaperone the Hexagon Group through several sizeable changes. I am particularly grateful for the support he has offered me since I joined as President & CEO, and while I am sorry to see him leave, I understand the circumstances around the decision," said Anders Svensson, President and CEO, Hexagon AB, "I would also like to extend my thanks to Norbert Hanke. His financial acumen and 25-years of experience at Hexagon places him well to fulfil this critical role while we secure a permanent replacement."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Tom Hull, Head of Investor Relations, Hexagon AB, +44 7442 678 437, [email protected]

Anton Heikenstrom, Investor Relations Manager, Hexagon AB, +46 8 601 26 26, [email protected]

This information is information that Hexagon AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 08:00 CET on 29 August 2025.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/hexagon/r/norbert-hanke-appointed-interim-chief-financial-officer-for-hexagon,c4226131

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/387/4226131/3635688.pdf Norbert Hanke appointed interim Chief Financial Officer for Hexagon

SOURCE Hexagon
VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - On June 29, 2020, 1057863 B.C. Ltd., Northern Resources Nova Scotia Corporation, Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation, Northern Timber Nova Scotia Corporation, 3253527 Nova Scotia Limited, 3243722 Nova Scotia Limited, and Northern Pulp NS ULC (collectively, the "Petitioners") obtained an initial order (as amended and restated on August 6, 2020, the "Initial Order") under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, R.S.C. 1985. c. C-36, as amended (the "CCAA") from the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "Court"). Pursuant to the Initial Order, Ernst & Young Inc. was appointed as the monitor (in such capacity, the "Monitor") in the Petitioners' CCAA proceedings.

On August 21, 2025, the Court granted an order (the "SISP Approval Order") that, among other things:

approved this Sales and Investment Solicitation Process (the "SISP"); authorized the Monitor and the Petitioners to implement the SISP; and approved and accepted, solely for the purposes of conducting the SISP, the Stalking Horse Subscription Agreement dated August 19, 2025 (the "Stalking Horse Bid") among Macer Forest Holdings Inc. (the "Stalking Horse Bidder"), as purchaser, and the Petitioners, as vendor.

Pursuant to the SISP Approval Order, the Petitioners intend to offer the forest lands in Central Nova Scotia ("Timberlands") and the nursery and tree improvement seed orchard located in East Mines, Nova Scotia ("Nursery") for sale pursuant to the terms of the SISP. Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc., and Ernst & Young Corporate Finance (Canada) Inc. ("EY") will be leading the sales process.

The purchase price of the Stalking Horse Bid is $104 million. The Stalking Horse Bid contains fees of up to $3.08 million that become payable when/if a bid exceeds the Stalking Horse Bid. Bid interval requirements are $0.25 million. Accordingly, purchasers' offers are expected to contain a purchase price exceeding $107.33 million.

The Timberland and Nursery assets include ~170,000 hectares of land in Central Nova Scotia, including:

155,000 forested hectares, with a ratio of 1.5x softwood to hardwood

The Nursery having ~3.5M of current annual seedling production and a capacity of ~7M

Various other revenue generating assets including gravel pits, camp leases, wind energy leases and communication tower leases

For greater clarity, the pulp mill owned by Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation in Pictou County, Nova Scotia is specifically excluded from this SISP.

The SISP is a two-phased process with a Qualified Phase I Bid deadline of November 20, 2025. The Court approved SISP sets specific provisions (including timelines) for any interested party to participate.

Copies of documents filed in the CCAA proceedings and the SISP may be obtained from the Monitor's website at: www.ey.com/ca/northernpulp

Link to the Twentieth Report of the Monitor: https://documentcentre.ey.com/api/Document/download?docId=42632&language=EN

Those interested in participating in the SISP can contact EY to receive additional information:

Robert Withers*

Senior Vice President

Tel: +1 604 899 3550 | [email protected]

Alix Paris*

Vice President

Tel: +1 403 206 5228 | [email protected]

Alessandra Benazzi

Associate

Tel: +1 416 932 4122 | [email protected]

*Ernst & Young Corporate Finance (Canada) Inc. is a U.S. registered broker-dealer. Any inquiries by U.S. persons should be directed to Ernst & Young Corporate Finance (Canada) Inc. through Rob Withers and/or Alix Paris

SOURCE Ernst & Young (Monitor of Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation)
MONTREAL, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - August 30, 2025  Sydney, Australia

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. logo (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Patriot") (TSX: PMET) (ASX: PMT) (OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased to announce it has filed on SEDAR+ a technical report (the "Technical Report"), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), titled "Mineral Resource Estimate for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, James Bay Region, Quebec, Canada", with an Issue Date of August 28, 2025, and Effective Date of June 20, 2025. The filing follows the July 20, 2025, news release of a updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project's CV5 and CV13 LCT Pegmatites, including the Rigel and Vega caesium zones.

The Technical Report has been prepared by BBA Inc., with contributions from Primero Group Americas Inc., both consulting groups independent of the Company, in accordance with NI 43101. The report is available on SEDAR+ and will shortly be available on the Company's website.

Clarification Regarding the Mineral Resource Estimate Updates in 2025

Since the beginning of the 2025, the Company has disclosed two updates of the Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") at the Property, the results of which are included in the Technical Report. The Company would like to provide the following clarifications regarding these updates.

The first update, announced on May 12, 2025, in the press release titled "Significant Mineral Resource Upgrade at Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Project to Underpin Impending Feasibility Study" (the "May 12 PR"), disclosed an updated Consolidated MRE at the Property focused on the CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites. While the May 12 PR constituted material information warranting timely disclosure, a careful assessment by the Company of its impact on operational planning, economic outlook, and strategic direction led management to conclude that it did not constitute a "material change" in respect of the Company for Canadian securities law purposes. While the resource category tonnes upgrade from inferred to the indicated category were important, they did not alter the Project's execution timeline, capital allocation priorities, or underlying technical assumptions to that already described in the public domain. As a result, the Company determined that it was not required to file an updated technical report under NI 43-101 in connection with the May 12 PR.

Conversely, the Company considers the updates contained in its press release dated July 20, 2025, titled "World's Largest Pollucite-Hosted Caesium Pegmatite Mineral Resource Defined at Shaakichiuwaanaan" (the "July 20 PR"), to be material given that the Company disclosed for the first time a maiden caesium resource at the Rigel and Vega zones which was concluded to be the world's largest known pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite Mineral Resource. The July 20 PR therefore triggered the obligation under NI 43-101 to file this Technical Report within 45 days of its release.

About Patriot Battery Metals Inc.

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. is a hard-rock lithium exploration company focused on advancing its district-scale 100%-owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (formerly known as Corvette) located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, which is accessible year-round by all-season road and is proximal to regional powerline infrastructure. The Project hosts the world's largest1 pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite Mineral Resource2 at the Rigel and Vega zones with 0.69 Mt at 4.40% Cs 2 O, Indicated, and 1.70 Mt at 2.40% Cs 2 O, Inferred. Additionally, the Project hosts a Consolidated Mineral Resource, which includes the Rigel and Vega caesium zones, totalling 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li 2 O, 0.11% Cs 2 O, 166 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , and 66 ppm Ga, Indicated, and 33.4 Mt at 1.33% Li 2 O, 0.21% Cs 2 O, 155 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , and 65 ppm Ga, Inferred, and ranks as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas, and in the top ten globally.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected] or by calling +1 (604) 279-8709, or visit www.patriotbatterymetals.com. Please also refer to the Company's continuous disclosure filings, available under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au, for available exploration data.

This news release has been approved by

"KEN BRINSDEN"

Kenneth Brinsden, President, CEO, & Managing Director

Qualified/Competent Person

The technical and scientific information in this news release that relates to the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr. Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and member in good standing with the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec (Geologist Permit number 01968), and with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (member number 87868). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.

Mr. Smith is an Executive and Vice President of Exploration for Patriot Battery Metals Inc. and holds common shares and options in the Company.

Mr. Smith has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the style of mineralization, type of deposit under consideration, and to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as described by the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code). Mr. Smith consents to the inclusion in this news release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.



_____________________

1 Determination based on Mineral Resource data, sourced through July 11, 2025, from corporate disclosure.

2 The Consolidated MRE cut-off grade is variable depending on the mining method and pegmatite (0.40% Li2O open-pit, 0.60% Li2O underground CV5, and 0.70% Li2O underground CV13). A grade constraint of 0.50% Cs2O was used to model the Rigel and Vega caesium zones, which are entirely within the CV13 Pegmatite's open-pit mining shape. The Effective Date of the MREs is June 20, 2025 (through drill hole CV24-787). Mineral Resources are not Mineral or Ore Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Disclaimer for Forward-looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Securities Laws.

All statements, other than statements of present or historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "plan", "development", "growth", "continued", "intentions", "expectations", "strategy", "opportunities", "anticipated", "trends", "potential", "outlook", "ability", "additional", "on track", "prospects", "viability", "estimated", "reaches", "enhancing", "strengthen", "target", "will", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.

Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions and 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 information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. As such, these risks are not exhaustive; however, they should be considered carefully. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements found herein. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties facing the Company's business, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Some of the risks the Company faces and the uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the ability to execute on plans relating to the Company's Project, including the timing thereof. In addition, readers should review the detailed risk discussion in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+ for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business and operations.

The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof. 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 to the extent required by applicable law. The Company qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

SOURCE Patriot Battery Metals Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach that led to unauthorized access to the sensitive information of 4,461,511 customers of TransUnion, LLC (TransUnion), an Illinois-based consumer credit reporting agency.

According to the data breach notice filed with the Maine Office of the Attorney General, TransUnion "recently experienced a cyber incident involving a third-party application serving our U.S. consumer support operations," which allowed a third party to gain access to customer information on July 28, 2025.

DATA BREACH ALERT: TransUnion. If your data was impacted, you may be entitled to monetary damages. Post this

Although the breach occurred in July 2025, TransUnion did not begin notifying affected individuals until on or around August 28, 2025, which may have violated state and federal laws. TransUnion has not publicly disclosed what information was accessed.

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 TransUnion's cybersecurity practices.

If you received notification of this data breach or are a customer of TransUnion and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/transunion.

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
Now available at Paris pharmacies and Europe's largest online pharmacy platform

 Building global trust through Clean Beauty and Sustainable Skincare

SEOUL, South Korea, PARIS and MILAN, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global trip-leisure beauty brand Purepeak has officially entered pharmacies in Paris, France, as well as Europe's largest online pharmacy platform, Redcare Pharmacy. As pharmacies across Europe are regarded as trusted points of access where consumers select cosmetics based on efficacy and credibility, this milestone underscores Purepeak's recognition as a K-Beauty brand with proven anti-aging expertise.

Purepeak: Korean Anti-Aging Brand Chosen by European Pharmacies

Purepeak's signature "Beauty Solid Line" features concentrated, plant-derived ingredients in a solid stick formula that delivers hydration, nourishment, and anti-aging benefits in one. Infused with botanical extracts for deep skin nutrition and UV-blocking ingredients to protect against photoaging, the line goes beyond basic sun protectionpositioning itself as part of a comprehensive anti-aging routine. This innovative approach aligns with the growing "skinimalism" trend, resonating strongly with European consumers seeking simplified yet effective skincare.

In line with the global Clean Beauty movement, Purepeak excludes unnecessary chemical ingredients such as octinoxate, oxybenzone, and PEG, presenting a sustainable skincare solution that prioritizes both skin health and environmental responsibility. The brand incorporates eco-friendly plastics in selected packaging, applies zero-waste technology to minimize its footprint, and develops reef-safe sun sticks to protect marine ecosystems. Additionally, the line has earned the V-Label Vegan certification in Italy, ensuring it meets European consumers' trusted clean beauty standards.

A Purepeak spokesperson commented:

"Our entry into Parisian pharmacies reflects the proven efficacy and trustworthiness of Purepeak's formulations. With the addition of Europe's leading online pharmacy platform, we are expanding our global reach and setting new standards in vegan anti-aging skincare. We will continue to deliver sustainable, reliable clean beauty solutions that are convenient and accessible anytime, anywhere."

Building on this achievement, Purepeak aims to expand its "Trip-Leisure Beauty" category worldwide and strengthen its position as a leading premium K-Beauty brand on the global stage.

Purepeak products are accessible via the official global online store (global.purepeak.co.kr) as well as Redcare's online pharmacy (www.redcare.it/), ensuring trusted availability across Europe.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2760704/image.jpg
HONIARA, Solomon Islands, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Exactly 80 years after the end of World War II in the Pacific, Solomon Islands, site of the Battle of Guadalcanal, is still grappling with a deadly legacy: hundreds of thousands of unexploded and abandoned munitions scattered across its islands, posing a persistent threat to lives, livelihoods, and development.

"The UXO threat in Solomon Islands is not just a historical issue  it's a daily danger," Emily Davis, Programme Manager of The HALO Trust in the South Pacific island nation, said today. "Children are still finding grenades in their backyards. Some impoverished communities are harvesting explosives for fishing. And we still don't know how many lives have been lost."

Despite the passage of time, the scale of contamination remains vast and largely undocumented. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (RSIPF EODD) has destroyed more than 50,000 explosive items since 2011, yet this represents only a fraction of the problem. A recent review by The HALO Trust found that 80% of recovered ordnance was of U.S. origin, 17% Japanese, and 3% from other nations.

In 2023, the scale of the problem was starkly illustrated during preparations for the Pacific Games. Contractors building a stadium on a 15-acre site in the heart of the capital city, Honiara, found over 8,000 explosive items. A common story across Honiara, a city of almost 100,000 people built on top of the Guadalcanal battle site.

Thanks to generous support from the United States Government and the American people, The HALO Trust is working alongside the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and the RSIPF EODD. The HALO Trust is using battlefield records to identify hazardous areas, including informal settlements such as Mbokona, where a nine-year-old showed HALO a WWII-era grenade found in a stream next to their home.

To support public safety, HALO has launched an Explosive Ordnance Risk Education campaign, distributing leaflets, posters, and school materials. All materials include safety guidance such as "don't build fires."

Photography of ordnance on Solomon Islands available to download from this link

SOURCE The Halo Trust
SHANGHAI, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and HKEX: 2057), a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China ("ZTO" or the "Company"), today announced that it has completed its previously announced repurchase right offer relating to its 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 (CUSIP No. 98980AAB1) (the "Notes"). The repurchase right offer expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Based on information from Citibank, N.A., as the paying agent for the Notes, US$982,252,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes (the "Repurchase Price") were validly surrendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration of the repurchase right offer. The Company has forwarded cash in payment of the Repurchase Price to the Paying Agent for distribution to the Holders that had validly exercised their Repurchase Right. Following settlement of the repurchase, US$17,748,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes will remain outstanding and continue to be subject to the existing terms of the Indenture and the Notes.

Materials filed with the SEC will be available electronically without charge at the SEC's website, http://www.sec.gov. Documents filed with the SEC may also be obtained without charge at the Company's website, https://zto.investorroom.com.

About ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE: ZTO and SEHK: 2057) ("ZTO" or the "Company") is a leading and fast-growing express delivery company in China. ZTO provides express delivery service as well as other value-added logistics services through its extensive and reliable nationwide network coverage in China.

ZTO operates a highly scalable network partner model, which the Company believes is best suited to support the significant growth of e-commerce in China. The Company leverages its network partners to provide pickup and last-mile delivery services, while controlling the mission-critical line-haul transportation and sorting network within the express delivery service value chain.

For more information, please visit: https://zto.investorroom.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.



Investor Relations

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +86 21 5980 4508

SOURCE ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc.
The Unified Project Portfolio of public investments of the state for 2026 has been approved by the Strategic Investment Council, it includes 89 projects and 60 programs, in particular, 75 existing projects and programs that were financed in 2025 and 74 new ones, the website of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture said on Friday.

As explained in the ministry, the project portfolio was formed on the basis of the medium-term plan of priority public investments for 2026-2028.

"The unified project portfolio reflects key state priorities and for the first time unites both programs and public investment projects. In the near future, they will be visible on the DREAM platform. This will make the use of budget funds more transparent, strengthen the trust of citizens and international partners, and open up new opportunities for investment, in particular through public-private partnership mechanisms," the ministry quotes head of the department Oleksiy Sobolev as saying.

Among the areas covered by the project portfolio are environment, energy, housing, municipal infrastructure and services, education and science, healthcare, legal activities and justice, public services and related digitalization, public finances, social sphere, and transport.

The Ministry of Economy emphasized that during the formation of the portfolio, new approaches were applied to all stages of public investment management from the preparation of projects and programs to their assessment, selection and implementation, namely, clearer requirements were established for the preparation and registration of projects and programs, improved assessment criteria were introduced that take into account strategic feasibility, financial feasibility and socio-economic effect.

The department recalled that on August 26, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution on amendments to resolution No. 527 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated February 28, 2025 on public investment management issues. In particular, the changes are aimed at improving the procedures for pre-investment preparation of projects and programs, improving the quality of feasibility studies, introducing unified approaches to the use of the Unified Information System for Public Investment Project Management, and differentiating requirements depending on the cost of projects.
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AFU Air Force: 46 out of 68 enemy UAVs shot down, hits in nine locations recorded

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

As of Friday night, the Defense Forces have neutralized 46 out of 68 enemy UAVs that attacked Ukraine, and 22 strike 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 08:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 46 enemy Shahed-type UAVs and drone imitators of various types in the north and east of the country," the message reads.

In total, on the night of August 29 (from 20:00 on August 28), the enemy attacked with 68 Shahed-type strike UAVs and drone imitators of various types in the directions of Kursk, Millerovo, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and unmanned systems, mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Meanwhile, 22 UAVs were recorded hitting nine locations in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

More than 20 volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) have been called in to help eliminate the consequences of the Russian massive combined air attack on the night of August 28.

"The elimination of the consequences of the massive attack in Kyiv continues ... More than 20 volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response teams  from both the National Committee and the Darnytskyi district branch in Kyiv  are currently involved in the response," URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday.

Together with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, volunteers worked in the Darnytskyi and Holosiyivskyi districts of the capital.

In the morning, the rapid response team participated in freeing bodies from under the rubble of a house destroyed by a rocket in Darnytskyi district. Now at the site of the attack, there is a URCS aid station, where the victims and their relatives can receive first aid and psychological assistance. Rescuers can also receive the necessary support at the aid station. In the tent, one can drink water, tea or coffee and charge phones.

In Holoseiyivsky district, volunteers provided assistance, food and drinks to the victims and rescuers.

As reported, as of the morning of August 29, twenty-three people have been confirmed dead as a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
Zelenskyy on Defenders' Remembrance Day: We do not forget those thanks to whom Ukraine stands

On the Day of Honoring Those Who Died for Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes that the Russian-Ukrainian war is a battle for the country's right to exist and that Ukrainians are indebted to everyone who stood up for its defense.

This battle for Ukraine's right to exist has been ongoing since 2014. Since 2022, Ukrainians have been defending themselves in a full-scale war. It is an extremely long and difficult path of courage. And we do not forget those thanks to whom Ukraine stands, Zelenskyy said on X Friday.

He noted that on August 29, the memory of all defenders of Ukraine who died in battles for an independent Ukraine is honored. Eternal glory to all who stood up to defend Ukraine! Eternal memory to all who gave their lives fighting for Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! Zelenskyy said.

The Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine who died in the fight for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine has been celebrated since 2019, when Zelenskyy signed a decree approving it. The date is timed to coincide with the anniversary of the breakout from the encirclement in Ilovaisk on August 29, 2014, when the Ukrainian army suffered the greatest losses in Donbas.

The symbol of the memorial day is a sunflower.
BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will host leaders from 26 countries at a massive military parade in Tian'anmen Square next week to mark the 80th anniversary of the country's victory against Japanese aggression and the world's victory against fascism. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un are high up on the guest list announced on Thursday by China's Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei. Leaders from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Belarus, Serbia, Iran, and Cuba will also come, said Hong at a press conference on the Sept. 3 commemorations for the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Hong said Putin's attendance highlights the high level of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and underscores their unity in safeguarding the victorious outcomes of World War II. On Kim Jong Un's attendance, Hong said China and the DPRK are traditional friendly neighbors. During the arduous years of war, the two peoples together made important contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and humanity's just cause. The Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945) was the first to break out and lasted the longest in the World Anti-Fascist War. In 14 years, 35 million Chinese were killed or wounded. Japan officially surrendered on Sept. 2, 1945, by signing the Instrument of Surrender. In 2014, China's national legislature designated Sept. 3 as Victory Day of its War of Resistance. A year later, the country held its first-ever large-scale parade in Tian'anmen Square to mark the occasion. Hong said China's victory in the War of Resistance 80 years ago had inspired colonized and semi-colonized nations in their struggles for independence and liberation then. Eighty years later, China is willing to work with all parties, including countries in the Global South, to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization drive that benefits everyone, and advance the righteous cause of promoting world peace, development and progress, he added. China has also invited foreign friends who had made contributions to the country's victory in the war, as well as family members of these friendly personages who have since deceased. Fifty people from 14 countries, including Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada, will attend this year's commemorations. Answering a question on Japan's negative attitude toward the commemorations, Hong urged Japan to face history squarely, reflect on its crimes of aggression, make a clear break with militarism, and follow the right path of peaceful development and good neighborly relations. There are always some forces in Japan that seek to deny and whitewash its aggression, distort history, or even attempt to change the conviction of its war criminals in WWII, Hong said. Such acts pose challenges to the post-WWII international order, to human conscience and to all peace-loving people. Wu Zeke, deputy director of the office for organizing this year's parade, said preparations are basically complete. He noted that the parade will highlight the Chinese military's recent advancements in modernization and enhanced combat readiness. Three comprehensive rehearsals have been completed with satisfactory outcomes, Wu said. "All troops are in high spirits and all military equipment is in good condition," he said.
Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram

The death toll in Kyiv as a result of the Russian missile and drone attack on Thursday night has reached 23, including 22 at the site of the strike on a five-story residential building in Darnytskyi district, where rescue operations have ended, the fate of eight more people is unknown, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

At the site of the Russian strike on a residential building in Kyivs Darnytskyi district, rescue operations have been completed, and work continues to clear the destroyed structures. At this moment, it is known that 22 people were killed at this one site alone, including four children. The youngest girl was not even three years old. My condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Friday after a report by Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

In total, that night the Russians killed 23 people in Kyiv. The fate of eight people still remains unknown, and 53 others were injured. All of them have received the necessary assistance, the head of state added.

According to him, the Russian Federation must bear responsibility for this attack, as well as for all other attacks on Ukraine, Ukrainians "and for all attempts by the world to end this war", he called on the US, EU countries and the G20 to strengthen sanctions against the aggressor state.

When instead of diplomacy Russia chooses ballistics, continues to modernize shaheds for killing, and deepens cooperation with actors like North Korea, it means the world must respond accordingly. Strong sanctions, strong pressure, strong steps are needed so that the murderers do not feel impunity. Russia only understands strength, and demonstrations of strength are needed now. The United States, Europe, and the G20 countries have this strength, Zelenskyy said.

As reported, Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine, in particular Kyiv, with drones and missiles on the night of Thursday. According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, the consequences of the Russian attack were recorded at more than 33 locations in all ten administrative districts of Kyiv.

In the morning, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that work at the site of the strike on the five-story building in Darnytskyi district was still ongoing, but by that time the number of victims there had already reached 22, in the entire city - 23, including four children. Psychologists of the State Emergency Service provided assistance to 147 people.
In 2025, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) sent 44 criminal cases to court against 75 people related to torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement officers, said SBI Director Oleksiy Sukhachev.

In a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, he noted that the State Bureau of Investigation has opened 350 criminal cases related to these crimes this year.

"44 indictments against 75 people - employees of law enforcement agencies and the State Criminal Executive Service - have already been sent to court," he said.

According to the director of the State Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau, together with the Council of Europe, has introduced training programs for investigators and is preparing its own trainers, and is working with the Ministry of Justice on a system of preventive measures. "After all, prevention of such crimes is no less important than punishment - this is the only way to change the culture of the law enforcement system itself," Sukhachev emphasized.

He noted that at the end of 2024, a specialized unit to combat torture was created within the structure of the Main Investigation Department of the State Bureau of Investigations, and another 157 investigators in the regions work in the corresponding specialization. Also, according to Sukhachev, a subsystem for monitoring complaints about torture has been introduced into the Bureau's document management system, which allows tracking the movement of each application.

The Director of the State Bureau of Investigation also reported that the Bureau had submitted proposals to the Prosecutor Generals Office to create a Roadmap of Unified Detention Standards.

"It should provide for mandatory video recording, an electronic detention protocol, a ban on informal communication with detainees, as well as an analysis of compliance with the requirements of the law regarding the complete and timely documentation of such cases," he specified.
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), together with Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), has notified a former director for energy efficiency and asset management at Naftogaz Group that he is under suspicion of causing more than UAH 26 million in losses to the state.

According to the SBI report published on its website Friday, the Naftogaz executive, abusing his official position, prematurely signed a lease agreement for an administrative building in Kyiv before renovation work had been completed. The work continued for nearly three months after the lease contract was signed, during which time Naftogaz employees were unable to move into the new premises. Nevertheless, rent payments had already begun.

"As a result, the company incurred unnecessary expenses, and the state, represented by NJSC Naftogaz Ukrainy, suffered losses of more than UAH 26 million," the SBI wrote.

The former official has been charged with abuse of office (Part 2, Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), which carries a sentence of up to six years in prison.

The Office of the Prosecutor General is overseeing the case.

The SBI did not name the suspect, but it is likely referring to Vitaliy Scherbenko. In 2020, he headed Naftogaz's newly created Heat Energy business division, which managed the Novoyavorivska and Novorozdilska CHPs transferred from the State Property Fund. At the time, then-Naftogaz CEO Yuriy Vitrenko praised his work in this area. Scherbenko was dismissed from his post as director for energy efficiency and asset management in 2022. Prior to his dismissal, media reported that Naftogaz was leasing office space for $500,000 per month.
Emergency UNSC meeting to be held on Friday due to Russian strike on Kyiv

At the request of Ukraine, supported by its partners, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday, August 29, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said.

As the minister noted on social media X, the meeting will take place in response to another massive wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

We call on the Security Council members to use this meeting to express support for Ukraine in the face of Russian terror and increase pressure on the Russian aggressor, Sybiha said.

He stressed that only pressure, in particular new tough sanctions, can force Moscow to stop imitating diplomacy and engage in meaningful efforts to end the war.

The meeting will begin at 22:00 Kyiv time.
A second crew member of the Ukrainian Navy ship, which was attacked by Russian troops on Thursday, has been killed; several sailors are considered missing, and search and rescue operations are ongoing, said Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk.

"Unfortunately, we have a second fatality, search and rescue operations are continuing ... we will find all of our missing, there are several of them. Several servicemen were also injured ... but the majority of the crew has been safe since yesterday," he said on the air of the We are Ukraine TV channel.

In response to the question of whether it was true that the ship sank as a result of the attack, Pletenchuk did not give an answer, noting that it was necessary to "wait for the end of the search and rescue operations." He also did not name the end date.

As reported, on August 28, Russian occupiers hit one of the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, one crew member was killed, several others were wounded, the search for several sailors continues, said Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.
The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine signed three memorandums of cooperation with the UNESCO Office in Ukraine and national cultural institutions - the Kharkiv Korolenko State Scientific Library, the Kharkiv I. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts and the Stolyarsky Odesa State Musical Lyceum.

"I am sincerely grateful to UNESCO, the Government of Japan and everyone who supports Ukraine in this difficult time. The willingness not to stop at formal steps, but to move on to real actions is especially valuable. We are working together to preserve the Ukrainian cultural heritage, national memory, art and identity," the press service quoted Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna as saying.

It is noted that this is already the second stage of such cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and UNESCO - the first memorandum was signed within the framework of the project with the Kyiv Academy of Arts named after Boychuk.

Thus, the concluded memorandums of cooperation provide for the implementation of comprehensive measures to restore cultural infrastructure facilities damaged as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation.

"The Kharkiv State Scientific Library named after Korolenko - the largest library in Eastern Ukraine with more than 7 million units of stock - was seriously damaged due to Russian shelling. The memorandum provides for the modernization of the heating system of the entire library complex in order to preserve the stock and the building itself - an architectural monument," the message says.

Odesa State Music Lyceum named after Professor Stolyarsky - a unique music school founded by the legendary teacher, was damaged by a blast wave in July 2023: hundreds of windows and doors, the ceiling were destroyed, and thanks to the support of UNESCO and the Japanese government, the building will be restored and strengthened, which will allow the educational process to be restored and the tradition of music education to be preserved.

The Kharkiv I. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts - one of the leading art universities in Ukraine suffered significant damage in March 2022, and within the framework of the memorandum, UNESCO will help restore heating, water supply and sewerage systems to ensure safe conditions for student learning and the preservation of cultural space.

According to the report, financing of the projects, organization of the work, technical support and monitoring of their implementation are carried out by UNESCO with the support of the Government of Japan.
American actor and ambassador of the Ukrainian state fundraising platform United24 Isaac Liev Schreiber calls for support for a fundraiser for AI-controlled Sky Sentinel turrets to protect Ukrainians from Russian attacks.

As reported on the United24 Facebook page, he recalled the hundreds of victims and destruction in Ukraine in recent months, including the strike on Odesa, where his family comes from. "Despite everything, Ukrainians have not lost hope. That is why I support United24," Schreiber said.

As reported, in 2024, the United24 platform collected more than UAH 13 billion, which were donated by people from 137 countries. "Our defenders received air and sea drones, robotic platforms and vehicles, and doctors received ambulances and life-saving equipment," noted at the time Deputy Prime Minister for Innovation, Development of Education, Science and Technology - Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov.
Block on security guarantees in form of weapons for army to consist of three tracks  Zelenskyy

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official

One of the blocks of security guarantees is weapons for the army, it consists of three tracks: domestic, European production, and American weapons, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"The first track is our domestic production. Drones, technologies, etc. The second track is European production. Air defense, artillery, etc. The third track is American weapons. American weapons are a corridor called PURL, which is financed through NATO," Zelenskyy said during a briefing on Friday.

According to him, other security guarantees are financing the army, security guarantees in the format of Article 5 of NATO, as well as sanctions and Russian assets that can be used to restore Ukraine.
Photo: Unsplash

The Ukrainian delegation to the United States will discuss accelerating the PURL program and the diplomatic track, in particular, coordinating the preparation of meetings at the leadership level and security guarantees, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"We have several issues with the American side. The first issue is the PURL program. We buy weapons from the United States of America. We have Denmark, Norway, Sweden for 500 million, Germany for 500 million, Canada ... for 500 million, Belgium confirmed 100 million this morning. We want this corridor to work a little faster. This is issue No. 1," Zelenskyy said during a briefing on Friday.

The president also noted that the Russian Federation demonstrates its unpreparedness for diplomacy with its strikes on civilians. Ukraine has called a UN Security Council meeting on Friday to discuss the attacks, with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko representing Ukraine. She will also meet with U.S. businesses, including potential investors.

"As for the track, the head of the office [Andriy Yermak] will meet with Witkoff, as we agreed with President Trump. Witkoff, Rubio, and J. D. Vance will join, ... from our side, Yermak, Umerov, and Kyslytsya will join," the president added.

According to him, today the Ukrainian delegation will discuss with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff the issue of coordination in preparing the meetings.

"And also regarding security guarantees, why are we organizing, for example, a European track next week, because we need everything so that the architecture is generally understood by everyone. Then we also want to connect with President Trump during one meeting next week and tell him how we see it," Zelenskyy stressed.
Gabriela Baeza Ventura has been promoted to director of Arte Publico Press, succeeding founding director Nicolas Kanellos, who has stepped down.

Kanellos founded the press, which is based at the University of Houston, in 1979, and it has gone on to become the the countrys largest publisher of Latino authors. Kanellos was awarded a National Humanities Medal last year for his contributions to Hispanic publishing.

Its time to turn it over to the next generation, Kanellos told the Houston Chronicle last fall, when he announced his planned departure. These people have been with us for more than 20 years and know their job backward and forwards. Theyre already leaders nationally, so its not like Im leaving a void or anything.

Baez Ventura has served as deputy director at the press since 2023. She began working for the press as a research assistant while studying for her doctorate in Spanish at the University of Houston, which she completed in 2001. Now a professor of U.S. Latino literature at the university, she became the full-time managing editor at Arte Publico in 1999, and was promoted to executive editor in 2000. She can be contacted at gbventura@uh.edu.

A previous version of this article stated that Baez Ventura is an associate professor. She is a professor.
Russia may offer a new level of negotiations to postpone the leaders' meeting and show the United States that they are supposedly constructive, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"They may offer a new level. For what? We have seen these signals in the media. I believe that this postponement is artificial, postponing the leaders' meeting because they want to show the United States that they are constructive, but they are not constructive, unfortunately, because people are dying," Zelenskyy said at a briefing on Friday.

According to him, the Russians also want to postpone the imposition of sanctions. In turn, Ukraine wants the imposition of secondary sanctions, because this could be a blow to the Russian economy.

"The partners are a little hesitant, of course, they still want to have some diplomatic connection with the Russians. Therefore, the Russians will do everything not to meet. In my opinion, they gained something, because they had a meeting in the United States," the president added.

He also noted that the war will end anyway, and Putin "will not go anywhere."

"They are to blame for this war. And the guilty party must end the war. And it will happen anyway, in one format or another, the war will end," Zelenskyy noted.
'Traders and exporters will have to explore alternative markets.'

IMAGE: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi along with Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar speaks to farmers in a makhana pond in Katihar, August 23, 2025. Photograph: @RahulGandhi X/ANI Photo

Bihar's famous makhana (known as gorgon nut in English), may be badly affected by the 50% tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump.

This has caused concern among the state's traders, exporters and agents.

Those involved in the trade have highlighted the need to explore new international markets for the highly sought-after makhana, which has recently been gaining popularity as a global superfood.

"This unprecedented rise in tariffs on Indian goods, mainly agricultural products, is bound to affect the makhana, which is produced in Bihar and exported to the US," an official from the state's agricultural department said.

"Bihar's makhana exports will be the worst hit by the Trump tariffs."

P K Agarwal, former president, Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, believes that export orders will decrease after the increase in US tariffs.

"Traders and exporters will have to explore alternative markets," he said.

However, K P S Kesri, president, Bihar Industries Association, noted that makhana exports from Bihar had been growing in recent years and there was scope for further increase.

"As of now makhana export from the state to US is limited, tariff will not affect much business," he said.

Satyajit Singh, a makhana exporter based in Bihar, explained that production of the nut was lower than the demand for it.

"We are not fulfilling the demand for makhana in the market due to low production," he said.

The demand for makhana also comes from other countries besides the US, and Singh stressed the need to find new markets for exporting makhana in light of the new tariffs.

The tariffs have come at a time when the potential for makhana exports was high, thanks to growing demand in the US and European countries following the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mithila Makhana, a special brand from Bihar.

Thousands of farmers and farm labourers depend on makhana production for their livelihood.

Interestingly, the farmers and labourers engaged in the labour-intensive cultivation, harvesting, and final processing in the flood-prone Mithilanchal, Kosi, and Seemanchal regions of Bihar are unlikely to be badly hit by the tariffs. This is because the demand for makhana far exceeds its production in the state.

"The growing demand for makhana in the national and international markets is not being met by production in Bihar. There is a need to increase the area under cultivation," said a makhana businessman from Patna.

According to official data from the state's agricultural department, Bihar accounts for 85% of India's total makhana production -- the highest share of any state.

Makhana is cultivated on about 15,000 hectares, yielding 120,000 metric tonnes of seeds annually. After processing, the final output is 40,000 metric tonnes of popped makhana.

Last year, 600 tonnes of makhana produced in Bihar were exported to the US.

Makhana is once again in the news following the Trump tariffs. This comes days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met labourers involved in its cultivation during his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, bringing to light the harsh reality of their difficult lives and struggle for survival.

Makhana seeds are mainly cultivated by almost 25,000 farmers in the Madhubani, Darbhanga, and Sitamarhi districts of the Mithilanchal region; Saharsa and Supaul in the Kosi region; and Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Araria in the Seemanchal region.

Early this year, the central government announced the setting up of a Makhana Board in Bihar in the Union Budget.

This is widely seen as a long-awaited step to give a significant boost to makhana production, processing, and marketing in the state.

The state government plans to involve 50,000 farmers in makhana cultivation and increase the cultivated area from 50,000 to 60,000 hectares over the next two to three years.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Nepal's claim on Lipulekh and Kalapani reopens a 200-year-old border dispute, while historical maps and treaties show the area belongs to India, asserts Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. Photograph: ANI Photo

On August 18 and 19 during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India, the two countries signed a deal for resumption of trade through the Lipulekh axis.

Nepal was quick to respond with 'The Constitution of Nepal has already incorporated Nepal's official map which clearly establishes that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani located to the east of the Mahakali river are integral parts of Nepal.'

In support of its statement Nepal quoted the Treaty of Sagauli 1815-1816 signed between British India and Nepal at the end of the Anglo-Gorkha War.

Lipulekh is a Himalayan pass on the border between India, Nepal and Tibet China. To the south of the pass lies Kalapani, a border village which Nepal claims to be an intrusion on the part of India.

Kalapani is accessible by road from Gunji in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand that is at the junction of three rivers -- Mahakali (Kuti Yankti) from Limpiyadhura, Kali from Lipulekh (Lipugad according to India), and Kali again from the springs near the temple at Kalapani.

While Nepal follows Mahakali due to its volume of water being more, the East India Company (EIC) which signed the treaty followed the Lipulekh Kali till 1879, and British India thereafter the Kali from the Kali temple.

IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, August 19, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

Article V of the Treaty of Sagauli reads: 'The Rajah of Nipal renounces for himself, his heirs, and successors, all claim to or connextion with the countries lying to the west of the River Kali and engages never to have any concern with those countries or the inhabitants there of.'

There is no mention as to which tributary of the river Kali is being referred to, wherein lies the problem.

Lord Moira, the governor general at that time and an 'employee' of the East India Company, chose to leave it vague adding flexibility to the final choice.

The conditions laid down by him to the commissioner of Kumaon were two: The frontier with Nepal must be formidable and secure to prevent any further intrusions by the Gorkhas, and it should enable trade with the region beyond the pass.

As a consequence, the Lipulekh Kali which fulfilled both these requirements was chosen as the frontier between Kumaon and Nepal.

No maps were attached to the treaty as cartography was still very primitive and inaccurate.

IMAGE: The Border Roads Organisation connecting the Kailash Mansarovar route to the Lipulekh Pass. Photograph: ANI Photo

To authenticate the frontier, in 1817 Moira agreed to the return of two Byansi (local tribe) villages to the east of the Lipulekh Kali to Nepal but negated the request later that year for two more villages lying to the east of Mahakali (Kuti Yankti) clarifying they were in Kumaon territory.

This element of doubt which existed even in 1817 confirms varying views of the frontier even at that time.

Two maps of the Survey of India of 1850 and 1856 vintage confirmed the frontier between Kumaon and Nepal as the Lipulekh Kali.

For Moira the two requirements of a secure frontier were more important. However, the first ever recorded survey of the area by W J Webb in 1816 identified the river flowing out of the springs near the Kalapani temple as the Kali Nadi.

Thereafter, in 1879, using reasonably reliable and accurate cartographic techniques a fresh map was produced by the Survey of India which showed the frontier further east roughly 5 kms of Lipulekh Pass in the general area of Tinkar Pass.

This brought Lipulekh and the village of Kalapani well within Kumaon territory.

The Kali river now was the one flowing out of the temple at Kalapani drawing its waters from the watershed surrounding the area.

This was the map handed over to India which was accepted at the time of Independence.

IMAGE: Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung. Photograph: Kind courtesy Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd)

India's authority over the Kalapani-Lipulekh area gets further strengthened from the trade agreements signed between it and China since 1954.

Moreover, topographical surveys undertaken by Nepal from 1924 to 1927 also followed the 1879 map as also its boundary treaties/protocols with China in 1961 and 1963.

The issue of the boundary was first raised by Nepal's government in 1997 during a visit by the then Indian prime minister to that country.

Following that the issue came up again in May 2020 when Nepal officially announced its claim with the release of a map called 'Chu Che Naksha' thereafter including it in their constitution as well.

To say that Nepal had a number of opportunities to raise their claim is saying the least.

The first opportunity came its way when the 1879 map was issued by the Survey of India.

The next was in 1923 when the Britain-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty was signed declaring Nepal a sovereign and independent country.

Article 2 of this treaty confirms the Treaty of Sagauli 1815 except if altered by the 'present treaty' which was not questioned by Nepal.

Finally, when the India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty was signed in 1950 once again Nepal refrained from raising the issue as it stood to gain more than losing out from their geo-strategic advantages.

The Treaty of Sagauli is flawed no doubt as it does not specify Kali Nadi clearly.

W J Webb, the surveyor general, clarified in 1816 about the real Kali Nadi being the branch that originated from the springs near the temple. However, Lord Moira chose to follow what would benefit the East India Company the most declaring the river from Lipulekh being the main Kali Nadi.

Nepal's claim makes the muddle even deeper and must be resolved earliest before another border issue erupts between neighbours.

Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (retd), an alumnus of NDA Khadakvasla and IMA Dehradun, was commissioned into The GRENADIERS in June 1975.

During his career spanning forty years, General Gurung held important command and staff appointments in the army and has also served as India's Defence Attache in Myanmar from May 2000 to December 2003.

He is an M Phil in Military and Strategic Studies, is settled in Dehradun and is actively involved in speaking and writing on strategic and security affairs.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'Operation Sindoor had three objectives.'

'One, destroy the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters at Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur.'

'Second, deter and defend any counterstrike by Pakistan.'

'And third, if they persist, demonstrably deliver counterforce punishment.'

'All of the three boxes, the IAF checked,' points out Shekhar Gupta.

IMAGE: A building in Muridke near Lahore, May 7, 2025, after it was hit by an Indian strike. Photograph: Gibran Peshimam/Reuters

I can begin this with a trick question: If in a war, one side lost 13 aircraft to combat and the other five, who won? All of the active India-Pakistan wars and conflicts have been short, 22 days in 1965 being the longest.

Operation Sindoor was just over three days. Whenever a conclusive outcome like a capitulation and mass surrender is missing, there's scope for both sides to claim victory.

There is clarity in some situations, however. We Indians believe we won every war or skirmish, but accept that we lost 1962 to China. Similarly, the Pakistanis concede defeat in 1971.

So which air force lost how many aircraft to combat in 1971, just in the eastern sector?

The numbers, established, even by rival historians, with tail numbers and pilot names are: India 13, Pakistan 5.

These are losses in combat, not to accidents, or the 11 Sabres the PAF pilots abandoned on Day 5 of the war before making a daring escape to Burma in commandeered civilian transport.

Which brings us back to that trick question. At 13 to 5, the IAF lost about three times as many aircraft to combat than the PAF in the east.

So, who won that war? Is that even a question? And how did the IAF lose the 13 aircraft? Two were lost in air combat (as 5 of PAF's were) and the rest to small arms fire from the ground.

For the IAF, the war didn't end once the PAF was defeated. It redoubled ground support to the army, to hasten the victory, minimise the army's casualties, whatever the risk.

Eleven of the 13 aircraft were lost to ground fire, flying very low.

This is the essential difference between the two air forces.

One is obsessed with defensive air combat and self-preservation.

The other has an all-out aggressive approach as part of the larger national effort. The PAF is numbers obsessed, the IAF is overall outcome-oriented.

For the PAF and Pakistani public opinion, however, all that matters is how many aircraft they shot down.

The mood is so heady that, while it is the air force Pakistanis think 'won' them the war, it is the army chief who got that ridiculous fifth star.

IMAGE: From Left: Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal A K Bharti, Vice Admiral A N Pramod and Major General S S Sharda at a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, May 12, 2025. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

This demonstrates the essential doctrinal difference between the two air forces. The PAF is like a super defensive boxer who hangs back, face covered with gloves, waiting for the rival to attack and land a punch when an opening arises.

The IAF, on the contrary, has the doctrine of all-out strike, willing to take some punches. If the PAF believes in risk avoidance, the IAF is a risk-taker.

India's Operation Sindoor had three objectives. One, destroy the established and well-known headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba at Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed at Bahawalpur.

Second, deter and defend any counterstrike by Pakistan.

And third, if they persist, demonstrably deliver counterforce punishment.

All of the three boxes, the IAF checked. As several top military leaders have stated, there were some losses in the first.

For the first and the third, it also has high definition pictures and local videos as evidence.

The PAF won't talk about anything other than its claimed air-to-air 'successes' in the first 22 minutes on May 6/7. That's how the PAF psyche has evolved over time.

If you've been watching its briefings, 'situational awareness' has been its favourite buzzword.

It will, therefore, go on and on about its air-to-air claims. In the big picture, it failed to protect any of the predetermined IAF targets, despite 15 days of warning.

It never rose in combat to challenge scores of IAF aircraft that launched missiles to hit every PAF base, air defence location, and critical weapons storage across the entire length and breadth of their country east of the Indus and some across it.

The PAF was no longer up for a fight.

Indian military aviation historians and analysts Pushpindar Singh Chopra, Ravi Rikhye, along with Swiss-Australian expert Peter Steinmann, described this unique mindset in great detail in their 1991 book Fiza'ya: Psyche of the Pakistan Air Force.

The PAF, they wrote, has the psyche of a lonely David taking on the IAF Goliath.

Totally divorced from the big picture and that larger, situational awareness, their buzzword, I would add.

IMAGE: IAF Rafale fighter aircraft. Photograph: ANI Photo

The PAF psyche they talk about is of seeing their role sharply limited to air-to-air warfare, accepting limitations of its size and counting the score of rival aircraft shot down as the only determinant of success.

And then conserving itself for that imagined final phase of the war.

This means the PAF fights the IAF in one dimension and stays on the sidelines of the larger national effort.

The country can lose the war, but the PAF would still claim victory because they 'shot down more aircraft'.

The PAF has produced not a scrap of evidence or picture after more than three months to back any of its claims.

Inexcusable when even commercial satellites are looking at everything.

Yet, Pakistan is celebrating victory.

Its media, mainstream and social, politicians across all parties and, of course, serving military leaders and veterans are all proclaiming a glorious victory, some even breathlessly claiming 1971 is avenged and awarding themselves promotions, medals, and honours.

There are multiple precedents, history, and a psyche to this doctrinal difference. Let's look at the data on our air engagements.

In each case, India has lost many more aircraft in combat than Pakistan.

Briefly, if we compile the list, by now authenticated by historians on both sides with unit, type, tail numbers, crew names, location, and crews taken POW, the numbers of purely combat losses would be India 52 and Pakistan 20 in 1965 and India 62, Pakistan 37 in 1971.

These are purely combat losses, shot in the air or destroyed on the ground by rival air force.

September 6 is when they celebrate their supposed victory in 1965 as Defence of Pakistan Day.

There is a unidimensional PAF element to this because they think that day they thwarted multiple, determined IAF raids on Sargodha and shot down many aircraft.

So fanciful is their folklore and so strong is the emotion that many rational Pakistanis also ask that if the PAF was so dominant, why did Pakistan not win the war? Good question.

IMAGE: Rescuers search for survivors in a damaged building after it was hit by an Indian strike in Muridke near Lahore, Pakistan, May 7, 2025. Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters

The tough fact is, September 6 was when Pakistan lost that war. What they had launched with impressive panache as a supposed one-two punch -- Operations Gibraltar and then Grand Slam -- to take Kashmir in a blitzkrieg had failed.

Roles reversed, the cause was lost; it was now a war for the defence of Pakistan across the entire frontier. Even in the air. That's why it is called Defence of Pakistan Day.

The 1971 War is better recorded and there's no doubt who won.

Can the PAF by itself claim victory because it lost fewer aircraft in action? On honest reflection, Pakistanis would ask: Had it continued going out to fight instead of hanging back in self-preservation, would it have contributed more to the national effort?

There isn't one instance of the PAF tilting the balance in a battle. If anything, it abandoned both its army and navy, reaffirming the reputation of the PAF only fighting for itself, by itself, and mostly in its own air space.

It is optimised for that limited role. This was also the story of Op Sindoor.

By special arrangement with The Print

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The crisis may not be as visible this time, but the stakes are just as high, points out Rajeswari Sengupta.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

In an unexpected development, India now faces a 50 per cent tariff on its goods exports to the United States, a hurdle higher than that of almost any other country in the world.

As a result, the government needs to consider how it should respond.

While there are political considerations that it will need to take into account, the objective is clear from an economic point of view: Mitigate the damage, so India can return to rapid growth.

Unfortunately, this task is complicated because overseas prospects have dimmed even as the domestic economy has been slowing down.

How severe is this tariff shock? Many analysts have argued that its impact will be limited.

They point out that goods exports to the US account for only 2 per cent of India's gross domestic product or GDP, only two-thirds of which will be affected, since pharmaceuticals, electronics, and petroleum products have been exempted.

However, this line of reasoning overlooks the bigger picture. The US is not just India's largest export market -- it is also a critical economic partner.

Consequently, the tariff shock will not only affect trade flows -- it will rattle investor confidence, disrupt supply chains, and chip away at India's long-term export competitiveness.

The real risk lies in these ripple effects, which extend far beyond the immediate numbers.

To understand why, consider the plight of three types of firms.

The first and the most obvious are global manufacturers. India has been pitching itself as the next global manufacturing hub, especially for firms exporting to the US or diversifying away from China.

This was seen as a potential game-changer for India's growth path.

With a young, increasingly skilled workforce and democratic stability, the advantage seemed clear.

However, that edge has now been wiped out by a 50 per cent US tariff.

Even at the reciprocal 25 per cent imposed on August 7, India would remain less competitive than most of its Asian rivals who face only 19 to 20 per cent tariffs on their US exports.

If this differential persists, India risks losing out on a once-in-a-generation chance to become the world's manufacturing workshop.

It's not only exporters of goods who stand to lose. The impact could extend to services exporters too.

Nearly 60 per cent of India's 1,700-plus global capability centres are US-headquartered.

While tariffs don't directly touch them, worsening US-India relations could make the parent firms wary of expanding here.

That would be a serious setback, since services exports have been a cornerstone of India's post-Covid growth.

Finally, consider domestic manufacturers. They may not export much but many of them rely heavily on foreign inputs.

If India even considers imposing retaliatory measures on the US, to add to those imposed earlier on China, it risks stalling their investment plans further.

The tariff shock, therefore, threatens to ripple through the entire economy. Added to this, high-frequency data already points to an economic slowdown.

Non-food bank credit growth has slipped to 10 per cent from 14 per cent a year ago, merchandise exports rose just 2 per cent in April-June, GST collections slowed to 6 per cent from 11 per cent, passenger vehicle sales have slumped, indicating sluggish urban demand, and the real estate boom of the past few years has stalled, creating a growing stock of unsold homes in major cities.

In other words, the US tariff shock could not have come at a worse time.

How should India respond? First and foremost, India must resist the temptation to turn inward.

Protectionism has never delivered rapid growth -- India's own pre-1991 record proves it, and no other country has succeeded that way.

The US may be leaning protectionist now, but India cannot afford to repeat that mistake.

Instead of turning inward, India should help its exporters by deepening trade ties with multiple other countries.

The deal with the United Kingdom is a welcome step, while negotiations with the European Union are vital and must be expedited.

India should also pursue agreements with East and Southeast Asia, to integrate more firmly into global supply chains.

That will mean lowering its tariff and non-tariff barriers, which remain among the highest in Asia.

In today's interconnected world, a strategy of self-sufficiency would be self-defeating.

At the same time, Indian policymakers must move beyond firefighting and implement reforms that unlock India's growth potential.

Reviving private investment, boosting manufacturing competitiveness, and creating jobs at scale will require cutting red tape, simplifying regulations, improving the ease of doing business, and investing in skills and not just physical infrastructure.

Recent announcements -- such as the rationalisation of GST rates and the setting up a reforms committee -- are encouraging, but the real test will lie in the details and, above all, in implementation.

Finally, this setback must not push India into an anti-US stance.

Frictions are inevitable in such relationships, but the US remains far too important an economic partner to sideline.

India's long-term objective should be to strengthen, and not weaken, its economic engagement with the US, by negotiating progressively better and more comprehensive trade deals.

In many ways, this could be India's second 1991 moment.

The crisis may not be as visible this time, but the stakes are just as high: The economy is at a crucial crossroads, and any policy misstep now could trap India in lower-middle-income status for decades to come.

Rajeswari Sengupta is associate professor of economics, IGIDR, Mumbai.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 will be held from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in China's Tianjin.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has attached great importance to the SCO and has consistently advocated upholding the Shanghai Spirit to promote the organization's steady growth in line with shared development for the benefit of all humanity.

In recent years, the SCO has actively carried out cooperation on sustainable development, achieving remarkable results.

2025 has been designated as the SCO Year of Sustainable Development.
Photo: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/

The situation on the front remains the most serious in the Pokrovsk axis, where the Russians are concentrating of up to 100,000 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"The Pokrovsk axis is the most serious issue today. There is an accumulation and concentration of up to 100,000 troops there as of this morning. They are preparing for offensive actions in any case. It is important that we know about and control this," he said during a briefing on Friday.

In addition, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting active operations in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, as well as conducting search operations in the Kupiansk axis.

The enemy is being pushed out in the Sumy axis.

There are no changes in Zaporizhia, but it is dangerous there because the Russians are accumulating their land forces, and this group is quite large.
'What we are witnessing is not a freak incidence or a freak occurrence, but a new climate reality where warming oceans, monsoon variability and local geography are combining to produce extreme events.'

IMAGE: An aerial view of the damage due to the flood at the Har Ki Pauri temple in Jammu, August 28, 2025, due to heavy rainfall. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

"What we are witnessing is not a freak incidence or a freak occurrence, but a new climate reality where warming oceans, monsoon variability and local geography are combining to produce extreme events," says Dr Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business.

An experienced researcher and academic, Professor Prakash's work primarily focuses on water, climate change and urban resilience.

"The Himalayas are definitely at the centre of this crisis because they are a climate sensitive hotspot. The ongoing shift from moderate rain to cloudburst to deluge reflects how global warming is redirecting the monsoon script with devastating consequences for the people, fragile ecosystems, and the community," Professor Prakash tells Rediff's Archana Masih.

What are the reasons for such heavy rainfall in Himachal, J&K and Uttarakhand this year?

The heavy rainfall in the Himalayan states is strongly linked to a combination of climate changing monsoon dynamics.

A warming atmosphere is holding more moisture, resulting in sudden and intense downpour rather than steady rain which is a major issue in the Himalayan states.

Secondly, the Western disturbances are becoming wetter due to the warming of the Arabian Sea and are colliding with the monsoon winds and amplifying the precipitation.

Thirdly, local topography further traps the clouds and intensifies the rainfall.

So, there are multiple factors that have created a complex situation. Climate change definitely has a strong influence in this process.

Climate change attribution studies have also shown that there will be a rise in the frequency of extreme weather events across North India.

The IPCC Report has also predicted a wetter future.

What we are witnessing is not a freak incidence or a freak occurrence, but a new climate reality where warming oceans, monsoon variability and local geography are combining to produce extreme events.

The Himalayas are definitely at the centre of this crisis because they are climate sensitive hotspot.

The ongoing shift from moderate rain to cloudburst to deluge reflects how global warming is redirecting the monsoon script with devastating consequences for the people, fragile ecosystems, and the community.

IMAGE: A view of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Jammu, August 28, 2025, after critical sections were washed away. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Jammu region recorded 380 mm of rainfall in a single day, highest for a 24-hour period since 1910 -- then a cloudburst occurred in Chisoti, and a landslide in Vaishnodevi -- are instances such as these attributable to changing of weather patterns or are there several other factors?

Events like 380 millimetre rainfall in a single day, the Chisoti cloudburst, and landslide at Vaishnodevi are symptomatic of the changing weather pattern as I explained before, and is driven by climate change.

While intense rain and landslides have always occurred in the Himalayas, the frequency, scale and unpredictability over the last couple of years has actually been worsening.

This is also what our climate models are predicting: A warmer atmosphere that supercharges rainfall events, turning them into devastating cloudbursts.

Attributing these disasters solely to climate change overlooks other factors. For example, poor land use practises, rampant deforestation, unregulated constructions on fragile landscape and blocked drainage systems which actually magnifies the impact of the extreme weather event.

So what could have remained a heavy downfall instead transforms into a tragedy when natural buffers like forests, wetlands and the river channels are compromised.

So, yes, climate change is a trigger, but if you disregard the ecological limits of the space, especially in Himalayan regions, it amplifies and turns the weather event into full-blown disaster with a massive loss of lives, livelihood and infrastructure.

IMAGE: A damaged structure following a cloud burst at Tharali in Chamoli. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Homes, bridges, roads, vehicles and people have been washed away -- what are some urgent measures that need to be taken to prevent nature's fury as this?

This is a very good question, though, very difficult to answer.

To prevent devastation from extreme rainfall, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach.

Strengthen resilience and restore ecosystems.

Urgently enforce strict zoning laws in the Himalayas and stop construction in riverbeds, flood pains, and landslide prone zones.

Strengthen early warning systems and committee preparedness which is crucial to ensure timely alerts to reach the last mile, enabling timely evacuations.

Restoration of the natural buffers, especially forest wetlands and traditional water bodies that regulate rainfall.

Infrastructure must shift from hard engineering, like dams and highways to a climate resistant design that respects the ecological flow.

Urban planning in hill towns must focus on drainage systems, slope stabilisation and green cover protection.

Additionally, rapid response and rescue capacities at the district level must be scaled up.

Unless development is aligned with ecological limits, extreme rainfall will continue to escalate into devastating disasters.

Nature's fury cannot be prevented, but its impact can be minimised by a foresight in preparedness which is lacking in today's planning.

IMAGE: Security personnel rescue people from flood-affected Makwal in Jammu. Photograph: @PRODefenceJammu X/ANI Photo

How has large-scale infrastructure development in the mountains contributed to such disasters?

The Himalayan ecosystem is extremely fragile. Rapid infrastructure development has pushed it to the brink.

Highways, tunnels, dams, and hydel power projects often cut into steep slopes and makes them prone to landslide during heavy rainfall.

Blasting, excavation and tree felling removes the natural anchors that holds the soil together.

Unregulated construction in hill towns also blocks the drainage system and causes rainwater to go down violently.

River beds are also ingressed upon which reduces the capacity to absorb excess flow and amplifies flash floods.

Poorly planned roads and buildings block natural drainage, forcing water to accumulate until it bursts through like a destructive force.

In short, it is not the rain alone that causes a disaster, but the way in which we have altered the landscape.

Unless infrastructure is designed with understanding of ecological sensitivity, incorporating slope stabilisation, green engineering and strict environmental assessment, mountains will keep collapsing under pressure of climate change and construction.

IMAGE: Uttarakhand has been hit hard by natural calamities in the monsoon season. Photograph: @chamolipolice/X

What are some of the worrying ecological signals that serve as a warning?

The Himalayas are sending clear distress signals that the system is under stress. We would be fools not to catch it.

The rapid retreat of glaciers and shrinking of snow cover are the early signs of devastation and destabilisation of the water cycle.

The increasing frequency of GLOF -- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood -- events and the soiling of rivers shows the fragility of the mountain system.

Declining forest cover reduces the natural resilience of the mountains and their ability to withstand shocks.

Landslides are occurring even after moderate rain, destabilising slopes beyond recovery.

Changing rainfall patterns. Dry spells are punctuated by cloudburst indicating a shift of the monsoon regime.

The rising temperature in mountain towns are accelerating urban heat and altering their local ecology.

These signals collectively are a warning that the carrying capacity of the Himalayas is being breached.

Unless we listen to these alarms and realign development with ecological balance, future disasters will only intensify.

The stress signals are already there. We are not catching them and will have to pay the price for it.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'Will he be on Europe and Ukraine's side? Or will he decide that Russia is more important for America?'

IMAGE: Rescuers work at the site of an apartment building which was hit by Russian missile and drone strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine, August 28, 2025.

Russia fired 629 missiles and drones at Kyiv on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, killing 21 people. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

"Trump thinks Putin is a friend. Putin has no friends. His only goal is to restore Russia to an empire like the old USSR," says Orysia Lutsevch, Deputy Director, Russia and Eurasia Programme and head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, the respected London-based think-tank.

Speaking to Nikhil Lakshman/Rediff on a Zoom call from her home in London, days after the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and the Trump-Zelenskyy-European leaders encounter at the White House, Lutsevch asserts the following:

"Ukraine has humiliated Russia. After 1,000 days of fighting, Russia has not conquered even 1% of Ukraine."

"The European leaders and Zelenskyy wanted to make Trump understand that Putin is misleading him, so why give Putin all the concessions?"

"Trump cannot compel Ukraine to accept Putin's demands. Because Putin's demands equal capitulation."

"After two summits, Russia is not making any concessions. They are still making maximalist demands. They want a veto over Ukraine's sovereignty."

"The only reason Putin will meet Zelenskyy is because he wants to make Trump happy."

"The only way the war in Ukraine will end is if Putin runs out of men and resources.

IMAGE: A woman reacts near a building housing the local branch of the British Council, as she stands at the site of an apartment building hit during Russian drone and missile strikes in Kyiv, August 28, 2025. Photograph: Reuters

Watch this interview for a fascinating and understanding view of the Russia-Ukraine War, 43 months and 7 days today, a far away conflict which India has been dragged into, to the extent that one of Trump's flunkeys calls it 'Modi's war'!

Video Edited and Presented by Rajesh Karkera/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff

Reuters Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff, Satish Bodas/Rediff
'As a defence lawyer I won't know if a policeman under cross questioning is being prompted to answer by someone behind his computer screen.'

IMAGE: Lawyers protest against the notification issued by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena declaring video conferencing rooms in police stations as designated places for recording of evidence, August 28, 2025. Photograph: Screen grab/ANI on X

Delhi's lawyers are up in arms over a recent notification issued by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

On August 13, 2025, Saxena notified that Delhi police personnel will appear for cross-examination via video conferencing from their respective police stations, eliminating the need for their physical presence in courts.

In other words, video conferencing rooms in police stations have included in the designated places for recording of evidence.

Criminal lawyers have been up in arms over this decision and have been staging protests over the last few days. On Friday, August 29, they are expected to meet Saxena to convey the reasons for their opposition to the decision.

Heeding the opposition, the Delhi police commissioner on Thursday announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will meet representatives of the bar over the issue, and in the meantime the decision to allow policemen to depose via video conferencing has been kept in abeyance.

In an interview with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, advocate Vijay Bishnoi, secretary, Rouse Avenue Court Bar Association, voiced serious concerns over the decision, warning that it undermines core principles of criminal jurisprudence and compromises the defence's ability to conduct fair and effective cross-examinations.

Why are lawyers in Delhi protesting against the LG's order allowing policemen to depose via video recording instead of being present physically in court?

The LG's notification on August 13, 2025 stated that there will be a designated place for witnesses (when the trial is going on in court).

Designated place in police stations?

It was not written 'police station' earlier, but now the LG says police officers will be made a witness from (any of) the 226 police stations in Delhi.

We are against this because in criminal jurisprudence, if the police starts deposing in a case from police stations, then cross examination (by defence lawyers) won't be possible in future.

But what is the problem if the police is ready for cross examination via video conferencing?

It is very difficult to explain if someone does not know about criminal trial proceedings in courts as there is a lot of nitty-gritty.

For example, if a case is going on under the Arms Act and a defence lawyer is trying to bring discrepancy in the case during cross questioning of the policeman, he finds the policeman is not present in the court but sitting in a far off police station via video conference.

As a defence lawyer I will not know if a policeman under cross questioning is being prompted to answer by someone behind his computer screen as I am unable to see him physically in court.

On the other hand, if a policeman is present in the court, all aspects of the prosecution's investigation are covered, like even watching the body language of the policeman while cross questioning is on.

You mean just having a policeman present in court makes a lot of difference for defence lawyers?

Yes, because when you do video conference then things are different. If caught on the wrong foot by a defence lawyer during cross questioning, the policeman can always shut down the video by stating there is a technical glitch.

Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code (now defunct) stated that any statement given (by accused) to a police official is not admissible under Section 162 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Why this was stated? Because there is no trust factor on the police and moreover, you cannot let one investigating agency get in such a comfort zone.

Does it mean that this new law gives more power to the police and weakens the defence lawyer's position?

Yes, that is the case.

Have you met the lieutenant governor over this?

Yes, we are meeting him regularly.

But don't you think time is saved for the police because they don't need to come again and again to court for hearings?

You cannot say such things when there is a criminal trial ongoing.

I too as a lawyer cannot sit at home and do video conferencing.

When you go for an operation doctors say that it takes time for the operation and you've got to sit for 30 minutes or five hours depending on the operation.

In the same way you cannot say it consumes time for criminal trial as the policeman has to be present in court for cross questioning.

You can give an excuse for the police not being present for bail application or other miscellaneous things or some clarification when the court asks the investigating officer. But you cannot give such liberty to a policeman not to be present during deposition.

In law, there is a special word and that is deposition.

What do you do if a policeman is transferred from one police station to another far off police station -- he has to leave all his work and come to court?

In this case, don't you think it is good for the policeman to depose via video conferencing?

In Delhi all police stations are within a radius of 15 to 20 km. And policemen know well in advance where they have to depose for the prosecution.

Moreover, you don't need to transfer a policeman in a hurry. If a criminal case is filed let the policeman finish the case in three years.

It is the right of the defence counsel to decide whom to call (in court for cross investigation) and whom not to call.
The Indian Army launched rescue operations in flood-affected Ramdas village in Amritsar district as the Ravi overflowed.

Army personnel deployed an ATOR N1200 mobility vehicle to evacuate elderly residents and villagers from the flooded areas.

IMAGE: The ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicle helped the soldiers conduct rescue operations, here and below. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

IMAGE: Rescuing the elderly from flood waters, here and below. Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

Photograph: Raminder Pal Singh/ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Mahipal Soni/Rediff
The issue of the alleged abuse hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar spilled out on the streets on Friday when Bharatiya Janata Party workers stormed the Congress headquarters in Patna and Kolkata, prompting the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha to declare 'truth always triumphs'.

IMAGE: BJP and Congress workers clash in front of the Congress office in Patna on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Patna

While the person who had allegedly screamed expletives into the mic at Darbhanga two days ago was arrested, BJP workers in the state capital staged a march to Sadaqat Ashram, the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) headquarters, and clashed with their counterparts in the opposition party.

"We will not tolerate the insult to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi, his party and alliance partners will have to apologise," said state minister Nitin Nabin, who had led the procession from the BJP office, situated a couple of kilometres from Sadaqat Ashram.

Gandhi, who was in Gopalganj, about 120 km away, and is likely to be in Patna on Monday when the yatra will conclude, came out with an X post in Hindi, indirectly referring to the clash.

'Violence and falsehood stand no chance before truth and non-violence. Indulge in assault and vandalism to your heart's content. We will continue our fight to protect truth and the Constitution. Truth always triumphs! (Satyamev Jayate),' wrote Gandhi.

Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot, who is accompanying Gandhi, was more blunt.

"Whoever used abusive language deserves condemnation. But it is wrong to associate the Congress and the INDIA bloc with the episode. And the attack on our party's state headquarters was abominable. We hope the Bihar government takes appropriate action against the accused. It is clear that the BJP is rattled by the success of 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'," Pilot said.

Addressing the same press conference, Rashtriya Janata Dal national spokesperson Manoj Jha said, "We took no time in condemning the incident. But has the BJP ever apologised for many foul remarks made, over the years, by its top leaders, including the Prime Minister himself? They are the followers of Nathuram Godse who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi."

WATCH: Congress, BJP workers clash in Patna

"Today, they could not have fired bullets, so they wielded sticks," Jha said and claiming that it was an attempt by the saffron party to make headlines.

The BJP, which rules the Centre, may get so-called mood of the nation surveys published in its favour, but it knows that if elections are held today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be left looking for options for himself, he claimed.

Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal wrote on X, 'Baffled by the soaring popularity of the Voter Adhikar Yatra, the BJP has once again unleashed its hooligans to intimidate and scare us. The attack on our Bihar PCC office Sadaqat Ashram in Patna, led by a cabinet minister and other BJP leaders, is an act of cowardice.'

Bihar Police must take strict and exemplary action against perpetrators of this crime, he said.

Patna Central Superintendent of Police Diksha said, "Injuries have been sustained by people from both sides. The situation has been brought under control. Further action may be taken after investigation."

Hours after the clash, senior BJP leader and local MP Ravi Shankar Prasad alleged at a press conference, "Our workers were staging a democratic protest when goons of the Congress attacked them with rods and sticks."

"Neither Rahul Gandhi, nor Sonia Gandhi nor Tejashwi Yadav has apologised for the deplorable language used for the PM's late mother. We have been keeping track and, so far, Congress leaders have hurled abuses at Modi more than 100 times. And whenever they do so, their political graph drops further," Prasad said.

Notably, abusive language was used in Jale assembly segment of Darbhanga on Wednesday when Gandhi, his sister and Congress general secretary Priyanka Vadra and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had passed through the district on motorcycles.

On Thursday, local Congress leader Mohd Naushad, who has been named in a case lodged at Simri police station by Darbhanga BJP president Adityan Narayan Manna, admitted that the video was of a podium he had got erected, but claimed that profane language was used by people not known to him in his absence.

On Friday, Darbhanga Police identified the culprit as Mohd Rizvi alias Raja, a 20-year-old resident of Singhwara, and arrested him.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera, who heads the party's media and publicity department, claimed that he suspected the BJP toolkit at work.

"We would like to know who had instigated the person to indulge in such behaviour. It is obvious that we would not do anything that would take the focus away from yatra. The BJP toolkit works by planting such elements in gatherings of opposition parties so that its leaders can later on raise a huge and cry," Khera claimed.

*****

Kolkata

Ripples of BJP-Congress clashes were also felt in Kolkata on Friday after a group of BJP supporters vandalised the grand old party's West Bengal state headquarters during a protest.

The agitators, allegedly led by local BJP leader Rakesh Singh, a Congress turncoat, ransacked festoons at the Bidhan Bhavan on CIT Road in central Kolkata, burnt party flags and smeared portraits of Rahul Gandhi with black paint.

The protesters even burnt tyres before the main gate of the party office and proclaimed that Congress would face 'more such repercussions across India if it did not stop badmouthing BJP leaders'.

The Congress party's state unit president Subhankar Sarkar demanded an explanation from his BJP counterpart Samik Bhattacharya for the 'dastardly attack' and called the saffron party 'uncivilised and barbaric'.

Later in the day, Sarkar led a protest rally of the party from its headquarters and blocked the city's arterial Moulali Crossing, bringing rush hour traffic to its knees in and around Kolkata for about 30 minutes.

"This is a black day in West Bengal's politics," Sarkar said, adding, "Politics used to be fought on the streets on the basis of ideologies but never have party offices directly come under attack like this."

Eyewitness accounts stated that a bunch of people carrying BJP flags gathered in front of the Pradesh Congress office in the morning and raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi, while setting fire to Congress party flags.

The photographs of Gandhi in some festoons put up by the Congress outside the office were also blackened by the protesters.

In a video posted by Singh on his Facebook timeline in justification of the violence, the politician stated, "Let this serve as a warning to all Congress leaders and workers across the country that you will have to remain prepared for such repercussions if you continue to abuse our leaders."

In the purported video clip, Singh is then seen smearing the portrait of Rahul Gandhi with black paint on a Congress hoarding put up outside the party office.

Protesters were then seen entering the office premises and destroying several other party banners and setting them on fire.

"This was only a minor trailer of what is going to happen across the country from here on. The Congress will sink beneath the ground if protests like these get repeated elsewhere," Singh later told PTI Videos.

Immediately after the incident, the state Congress chief wrote an open letter to Bhattacharya, seeking action against Singh.

'We do not know how far the anger of Congress workers will go if action is not taken against Rakesh Singh by the BJP and the police,' Sarkar wrote in the letter.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, while addressing reporters at Baharampur in Murshidabad district, said the party will resist such attacks, and threatened to raid the BJP's state headquarters if corrective measures weren't taken by the saffron party.

"We will not tolerate such hooliganism at the Congress office. Has Rahul Gandhi badmouthed anyone? Unable to answer his criticisms and stand before them, the BJP is distorting his comments and indulging in violence.

"They are trying to provoke voters in Bihar without trying to know what Rahul Gandhi has actually said," Chowdhury said.

"I will ask Congress workers to tighten security around the Pradesh Congress office and continue protests in Kolkata till the BJP goon, responsible for this attack, is arrested. The Congress will not accept such attacks on its address which represents the party's politics, struggles and identity in Bengal. We, too, can raid BJP's office. Such one-sided attacks cannot be allowed to persist in the state," he added.

The Trinamool Congress, interestingly, while criticising the violence also took a potshot at the Congress for allegedly trying to pave way for the saffron camp in West Bengal in the past.

"I severely condemn the attack on Congress state head office by the BJP. The Congress leaders should realise that no TMC worker has ever dared to do such a thing in the last 14 years.

"This is the Tripura culture which the BJP is trying to implement here even while being in opposition and is the same party whose path the Congress tried to pave in 2021 by tying up with (ISF founder) Abbas Siddiqui to eat into our votes. Can you imagine what extent this party can go to if it came to power?" said TMC social media chief Debangshu Bhattacharya.

"In your bid to burn the houses of others, are you not igniting your own?" he asked.
A Bangladeshi court on Friday sent 16 people, including several 1971 Liberation War veterans, to jail under the tough Anti-Terrorism Act, a day after a mob allegedly disrupted their scheduled public discussion in the capital.

IMAGE: People wave flags during celebrations marking the one-year anniversary of student-led protests that led to the ousting of Bangladeshi then-Prime-Minister Sheikh Hasina, at Manik Mia Avenue, outside the parliament building, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on August 5, 2025. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

Magistrate Farzana Haque ordered them to be sent to jail after they were produced in court nearly 24 hours after their detention.

Police had initially detained them for their protection from 'public unrest' on Thursday.

Dhaka police after midnight Thursday said the detainees were being charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 without further elaboration.

The initial case document submitted in the court suggested at least six of the 16 arrested were in their 70s.

'For the sake of a proper investigation, which is yet to be completed, and the identity and address of the accused is yet to be verified, it is 'absolutely necessary' to keep the accused in custody,' read the police application submitted in court.

According to media reports, former minister and 1971 war veteran Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Dhaka University law professor Hafizur Rahman Curzon, and journalist Manjurul Alam Panna were among those sent to jail.

Abu Alam Shahid, freedom fighter and retired secretary to the government, who joined Thursday's meeting, said several of those arrested were 1971 veterans.

"Most of the senior persons arrested were 1971 veterans as yesterday's meeting was a freedom fighters discussion," the former bureaucrat said.

Newly-formed veterans' platform 'Moncho 71' organised the discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium and at the onset of the meeting, the mob allegedly stormed the scene.

They called the organisers and participants of the event 'accomplices of the fascist regime' of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

However, Shahid said to his knowledge 'no Awami League leader' was there at the event.

Former minister Siddique was expelled from Hasina's cabinet and the party for breaching discipline in 2014.

The violent uprising led by the Students against Discrimination (SAD) toppled Hasina's Awami League regime on August 5, 2024, when she left the country for neighbouring India.

Three days later, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus took over as the Chief Advisor of the interim government.

The 'Moncho 71' platform was launched earlier this month, announcing that it would uphold the '1971 Liberation War, Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the 1972 Constitution, the national flag and the national anthem'.

The group that stormed the DRU auditorium identified themselves as the 'July warriors' as they tore down the banner of the discussion and allegedly assaulted some of the participants.

"Freedom fighters of all political backgrounds were invited to the event. Soon after the programme started, more than 25 men came to the scene and created chaos," 1971 veteran Golam Mostafa told media persons.

Liberation War veteran and lawyer ZI Khan Panna, a key-organiser of 'Moncho 71', who had not joined the event due to health issues, in a video message on social media called the mob 'a group of miscreants'.

He said the assault 'reflects what freedom of expression now exists in the country' under the interim government.

The DRU later issued a statement saying the organisation is an open platform.

'Everyone has freedom of expression here. Threats or obstruction from any party are not acceptable here,' it said.

The 1971 veterans were sent to jail two days after secretary general of former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir alleged that efforts were underway to erase the 1971 Liberation War from people's memories.

"Many efforts are going on to make people forget 1971... those who helped the enemies at that time are now speaking loudly," the BNP leader said, referring to the country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami party, that opposed Bangladesh's 1971 Independence from Pakistan.

"We fought in the (independence) war of 1971. We have not forgotten 1971. It is not possible to forget," he added.
Maratha quota movement leader Manoj Jarange on Friday started an indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan, vowing not to leave Mumbai till the community's demand was met, even though the police extended the permission for his protest only by a day.

IMAGE: Maratha quota movement leader Manoj Jarange begins his indefinite hunger strike at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff

He also warned that he would stop taking water in the next two days, and more Marathas would pour into Mumbai if the government delayed its decision on the demand of reservation for the community in education and jobs.

Thousands of office-goers faced inconvenience as Jarange's supporters thronged the area around the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai and nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), braving spells of rain.

There was a heavy deployment of police personnel in the area with the Rapid Action Force too reaching the train station as the crowds swelled.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the the cabinet sub-committee on the issues related to Maratha community was discussing Jarange's demands, and will find a solution within the constitutional framework.

While the 43-year-old activist started the fast around 10 am, the Azad Maidan police, who had granted him permission to stage the protest only for a day, extended the same in the evening for Saturday in response to an application by his associates.

"Instead of playing these games of giving one-day extension, announce reservations, and the poor Marathas will bless you forever. You have the opportunity to win the hearts of the poor Marathas," Jarange said, speaking to reporters.

"If you take time to take a decision (on the announcement of reservation), more and more Marathas will come to Mumbai. If the government wants to destroy Marathas, why did it initiate dialogue," Jarange further said.

The activist also accused the government of trying to divide the Marathas and OBCs.

"We have never said that you should reduce the OBC quota and give it to us. We are asking for what is our right.....This is our final fight. I will stop taking water in the next two days if there is a delay," he said.

He also accused the administration of locking public toilets near the Azad Maidan, and closing tea and snacks shops for the protestors.

He also demanded that the authorities should provide parking places for his supporters' vehicles, warning to park them on the roads otherwise.

"I will die, but won't back down this time. We will not leave Mumbai till our demands are met," Jarange said in the morning as he began the hunger strike.

He received a rousing welcome from thousands of supporters, sporting saffron caps, scarves and flags, after he reached the protest venue.

"I will not go back until our demands are met. I will not retreat even if I am shot dead," he said, asking chief minister Fadnavis to 'show his commitment to Marathas through his actions'.

Jarange has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He wants all Marathas to be recognised as Kunbis, an agrarian caste included in the OBC category, though the OBC leaders are opposed to the proposal.

Accompanied by thousands of vehicles, the activist set off for Mumbai from his village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on Wednesday.

Police had stipulated that the number of protesters at Azad Maidan should not cross 5,000, though many more gathered at the venue on Friday.

Maharashtra ministers Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the state government is ready to talk with Jarange, stressing that his demands are being viewed sympathetically.

However, Bharatiya Janata Party member of legislative council Parinay Fuke cautioned against yielding to what he called unconstitutional demands, saying it would trigger bigger protests by OBC groups.

Vikhe Patil, who is the chairperson of the cabinet sub-committee on Maratha reservation, said Jarange's memorandum of demands would be taken up for discussion.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said it is not the sentiment among Marathas that they should get a part of the quota meant for OBCs.

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray said the government must immediately hold dialogue with Jarange.

Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye accused the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi of failing to address the demands of the Maratha community when it was in power.

Many MPs and legislators of Opposition parties also met Jarange at Azad Maidan, and expressed their support.

In January this year, Jarange had called off his hunger strike on the sixth day, after BJP MLA Suresh Dhas intervened on behalf of the state government.

It was his seventh such protest since 2023.

Jarange had then announced that if the promised measures were not implemented swiftly, he would lead a major agitation in Mumbai.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the world economic order as he asserted that New Delhi is ready to advance bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the gathering during the India-Japan Business Event, in Tokyo on Friday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

In an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun published during his ongoing visit to Japan, Modi also asserted that stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.

Asked about the importance of improving relations with China at this time, Modi said, "At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, I would be travelling to Tianjin from here to take part in the SCO Summit. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, steady and positive progress has been made in our bilateral ties."

Stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity, he said.

This is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world, he added.

"Given the current volatility in world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order," Modi said.

India is ready to advance bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, and to enhance strategic communication to address our developmental challenges, he said.

On his views on the Japanese government's concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific, Modi said there is a strong convergence between Japan's vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific and India's own approach encapsulated in our Indo-Pacific vision, in the 'Vision MAHASAGAR' and the Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative.

India and Japan are committed to an Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, prosperous, stable and where the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations are respected, the prime minister said.

"Both our countries have strong and extensive linkages with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, and we both engage with some of them in plurilateral formats to give expression to our shared objectives," he said.

Talking about his recent conversations with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, Modi said India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict, which is equally appreciated by both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India's principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. I have already indicated India's willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving peaceful resolution of the conflict," he told the Japanese newspaper.

"I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine," Modi said.

Stressing the importance of the Global South, Modi said the global community has made a commitment to create a more equitable world through achieving Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

"If we have to live up to this commitment, then the Global South must be given priority. In a highly interconnected world, we have seen the debilitating impact of the pandemic, conflicts and supply chain disruptions on the Global South," the prime minister said.

They continue to face myriad challenges involving global governance, climate change, food and energy security, debt and financial stress, all having a significant impact on their development priorities, he said.

"As members of the Global South, we clearly understand these concerns and their effects on people's lives. We have made strenuous efforts to bring these to the forefront of the global agenda," he said.

"All our global initiatives, like Mission LiFE, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, International Solar Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, focus on promoting the interests of the Global South. Our G20 Presidency saw the inclusion of the African Union and gave voice to the aspirations of the Global South," Modi pointed out.

Similarly, in BRICS, India is actively engaged in working toward the benefit of the Global South, he added.

India attaches importance to its engagement with BRICS, which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, and cooperation and has helped promote mutual understanding, on a specific set of issues of common interest to emerging economies, he said.

Under the rubric of the Quad, he said they have worked for the development and progress of the countries in the Indo-Pacific.

"India has also consistently called for urgent and comprehensive reforms of the global multilateral institutions to make them more effective and reflective of the current geopolitical and economic realities," he said.

He pointed out that in the last 20 years, since its inception in 2004, the Quad has emerged as a force of global good, delivering positive outcomes for the people of the Indo-Pacific region.
Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange reached Mumbai Friday morning, hours ahead of his protest at Azad Maidan in the city.

IMAGE: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. Photograph: ANI Photo

Accompanied by hundreds of vehicles, Jarange, who began his march from his village in Jalna district on Wednesday, was welcomed at Vashi by supporters as he entered Mumbai.

Thousands of his supporters have already reached Mumbai.

Jarange left along with his supporters from Antarwali Sarati village, located over 400 km from Mumbai, to launch a fresh hunger strike.

The 43-year-old has been demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

In the wake of Jarange's protest, the Eastern Freeway, Sion-Panvel highway, V N Purav Road, P D'Mello Road, Wallchand Hirachand Marg, Dr Dadabhai Nauroji Road and Hajarimal Somani Road will be closed for all types of vehicular traffic except emergency service vehicles, said the official.

Jarange has said his supporters would protest peacefully and not disrupt the ongoing Ganesh festival.

He has been demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis  an agrarian caste included in the OBC category -- which will make them eligible for reservation in government jobs and education.

The Jalna police allowed Jarange and his supporters to proceed with their march after imposing 40 conditions, directing them to avoid any law-and-order situations, not to cause disruptions to the movement of vehicles and desist from avoiding "objectionable" slogans.

Mumbai police have allowed Jarange permission to stage peaceful protests at Azad Maidan on August 29 between 9 am to 6 pm. At 6 p.m., all protesters will have to leave the site, police said.

Police also stipulated that only five vehicles of protesters can head to Azad Maidan and the number of protesters there should not cross 5,000.

Over 1,500 Mumbai police personnel have been deployed at Azad Maidan to maintain law and order ahead of Jarange's agitation, officials said.

Security has also been beefed up at the nearby Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus where quota agitation supporters have arrived from Maharashtra's hinterlands, the railway police said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold two bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin on Sunday, as both nations look to strengthen ties amid global trade tensions sparked by US President Donald Trump.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Prime Minister Modi, who will arrive in Tianjin on Saturday evening from Japan, will have a bilateral meeting with President Xi around Sunday noon and a possible second one before the official banquet of the SCO summit, according to sources.

On Monday, the prime minister will take part in the SCO Summit and is likely to have a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin before leaving for home.

The summit of the 10-member bloc is regarded as significant and most consequential from the point of view of India-China relations in the current context of a sudden downturn in India-US ties after Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports.

This will be Modi's first visit to China in seven years, perhaps the most significant.

Though Modi is expected to have bilateral meetings with several leaders, his meeting with Xi will be the most watched one, not simply in India and China but all around the world.

The outcome of the meeting was expected to set the tone for the future course of bilateral relations, which, experts say, looks bright as the two countries faced the brunt of Trump's tariffs.

Xi and Modi met last year at Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, which ended over a four-year deadlock or freeze in the bilateral ties over the military tensions in Eastern Ladakh.

Modi and Xi know each other well. Before the Ladakh tensions, they met numerous times in bilateral and multilateral summits, including informal summits, spending quality time to understand each other. Since the Kazan meeting, the two sides have stepped up wide-ranging interactions.

Special Representatives for the boundary issue, NSA Ajit Doval and his counterpart Wang Yi, have held two rounds of talks in the last nine months to set the tone for the normalisation process of the bilateral relations.

This month's Doval-Wang meeting, which took place in the backdrop of Trump's tariff tirade against India, has breathed new momentum into the Sino-Indian relations, which had a chequered history in the last seven decades.

The two officials even spoke of an early harvest of the boundary issue, which is rarely heard in the fraught India-China relations.

In this background, the Modi-Xi meeting acquires significance and raises expectations that they may provide a broader roadmap for enhanced ties.

Also, Trump warmed up to Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, hosting an unprecedented luncheon meeting for Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, opening a new strategic window to Islamabad despite India's grave concerns related to cross-border terrorism promoted by Pakistan.

Pakistan, a member of the SCO, will also be present at Tianjin as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be attending the summit.

Modi's meeting with Putin was expected to draw global attention as Trump singled out India for a tariff hike for buying Russian oil and gas.

For its part, China is trying to make the Tianjin SCO summit the largest by inviting 20 foreign leaders.

On the Modi-Xi meeting, Chinese strategic analysts say the Indian prime minister's attendance at the SCO meeting is important for their bilateral relations and for the summit itself.

Welcoming Modi ahead of his visit to the country for the SCO Summit, China believes that the atmosphere of the summit between PM Modi and President Xi will be quite harmonious, since both of them are friends and know each other well, Zhou Rong, Professor of strategic studies at China's Renmin University, told PTI.

"They used to have very friendly and sincere meetings for the last 10 years. China hopes that Modi's coming will encourage the concerted effort of all parties to make the summit of the SCO successful and fruitful," he said.

Although China and India have started making joint efforts to repair their ties, it makes sense that China would be pragmatic and prudent in handling the relations with India, he said, adding that we need a good neighbourly relation with India and we need to revitalise the two great civilisations.

Rong Ying, a senior research fellow at China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), said India's participation and support for the SCO is crucial, and all the other SCO members welcome PM Modi's participation.

China, as a host, is anticipating India to make more contributions and play a constructive role in the SCO. China-India close cooperation and collaboration in regional and global groupings like the SCO has been a major area with great potential, Rong, also Professor at Sichuan University, told PTI.

The success of the SCO Tianjin summit should be defined by peace, security, and development challenges commonly facing the SCO members, which is going to showcase the significance of the bloc as a new regional grouping different from the traditional ones, Rong said.
On Friday, August 29, the Ukrainian delegation began its international visit to the USA, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko reported.

"Today, I began an international visit to the USA. Together with head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak, we lit a candle in memory of the victims of the Russian strike on the capital," Svyrydenko wrote on the Telegram channel.

In turn, head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak reported that the delegation began its visit to the USA with a service at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. George.

"Today, on the Day of Mourning, together with Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, we began an international visit to the United States with a service at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of St. George and a memorial service for those killed in the Russian attack," Yermak wrote on the Telegram channel.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Ukrainian delegation to the United States would discuss accelerating the PURL program and the diplomatic track, in particular, coordinating the preparation of meetings at the leadership level and security guarantees.
With crowds swelling at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) amid the Maratha quota protest launched by activist Manoj Jarange on Friday, the Central Railway appealed to passengers to travel to the station only if necessary.

All photographs: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: Several commuters complained of overcrowded suburban trains and the unavailability of BEST buses at bus stops.

Earlier in the day, office-goers faced inconvenience as thousands of Maratha protesters headed to the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai to join the protest launched by activist Manoj Jarange.

Traffic drastically slowed down in the southern and eastern parts of the city, especially on roads leading towards CSMT.

In a post on X, the divisional railway manager of Central Railway said, "In view of the heavy crowd gathering in and around the CSMT station, passengers are advised to travel to CSMT only if essential and unavoidable."

Lakhs of office-goers arriving at CSMT walk or take BEST buses or taxis to their workplaces in business districts of Nariman Point, Fort, Kalabadevi, and Crawford Market every morning. They had a tough time due to the massive congestion at the CSMT junction.

The station has been witnessing heavy crowds of protesters along with regular passengers, with many sleeping and resting in the suburban concourse, leaving less space for passengers.

Several commuters complained of overcrowded suburban trains and the unavailability of BEST buses at bus stops.

"All suburban stations and local trains on the Harbour line have been more crowded than usual. Maratha quota protesters were at all stations between Wadala and CSMT," a suburban commuter said.

The protest caused delays in BEST bus services and led to diversions and curtailment of key routes, officials said. Several BEST buses were overcrowded, said users.

A BEST spokesperson said that all south Mumbai-bound services on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marg, a key route in the island city, were curtailed at Dadar. Many other routes ended at Bharatmata, Mumbai Central and other locations.

The Mumbai traffic police have appealed to motorists to avoid using the Eastern Freeway, one of the main corridors for reaching south Mumbai.

Jarange reached the Azad Maidan via the Eastern Freeway along with hundreds of vehicles. Several vehicles from his convoy also remain parked in areas around the Freeway.

Heavy police deployment was seen in and around Azad Maidan to maintain law and order.

The agitation also disrupted the routine schedules of students, as several educational institutions reported poor attendance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to India in December, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said on Friday.

Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo/Rediff archives

Ushakov said President Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin city to discuss the preparations for his visit to India.

"Right after the SCO Plus meeting (on September 1), our president will meet Indian Prime Minister Modi," Ushakov told journalists.

"What is especially important is that preparations will be discussed for the upcoming visit of our president to India in December," he added.

In Tianjin, the two leaders will have their first meeting this year, although they have been regularly in touch on the phone, he said.

"Our countries are bound by a special strategic partnership," he said.

A relevant statement in this regard was passed in December 2010, which means that this year marks the 15th anniversary since then.

Prime Minister Modi had travelled to Russia twice last year for an annual summit with Putin and to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan.

The Russian president is visiting India for the annual summit.

US President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

Defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.

Russia has emerged as India's top energy supplier since the West slapped sanctions on its crude oil after the invasion of Ukraine.
A day after claiming that the Ukraine conflict was Modi's war, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has accused India of being an oil money laundromat for the Kremlin.

IMAGE: White House trade adviser Peter Navarro . Photograph: @RealPNavarro

The top Trump administration official also described as "strategic freeloading" New Delhi continuing to buy Russian weapons while demanding that US firms transfer sensitive military technologies and set up manufacturing plants in India.

"If India, the world's largest democracy, wants to be treated like a strategic partner of the US, it needs to act like one," he said, putting out a series of social media posts attacking New Delhi.

Navarro, Trump administration's Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, has been consistently targeting India over the last few days after ties between Washington and New Delhi saw a major downturn over Trump's policies on trade and tariffs.

The 50 per cent tariffs slapped on India by the Trump administration came into effect on Wednesday.

The trade adviser said the 50 per cent tariff -- 25 per cent for unfair trade and 25 per cent for national security -- was a direct response.

India's Big Oil lobby has turned the largest democracy in the world into a massive refining hub and oil money laundromat for the Kremlin, Navarro claimed.

He went on to say that Indian refiners buy cheap Russian oil, process it, and export fuels to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

India now exports over 1 million barrels a day in refined petroleum -- more than half the volume of Russian crude it imports. The proceeds flow to India's politically connected energy titans  and directly into Putin's war chest, he claimed.

The trade adviser said American consumers buy Indian goods while India keeps out US exports through high tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

India uses our dollars to buy discounted Russian crude. Indian refiners, with their silent Russian partners, refine and flip the black-market oil for big profits on the international market -- while Russia pockets hard currency to fund its war on Ukraine, Navarro said.

He claimed that before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil made up less than one per cent of India's imports and today it is over 30 per cent -- more than 1.5 million barrels a day.

This surge isn't driven by domestic demand -- it's driven by Indian profiteers and carries an added price of blood and devastation in Ukraine, he alleged.

While the United States pays to arm Ukraine, India bankrolls Russia even as it slaps some of the world's highest tariffs on US goods, which in turn punishes American exporters, he said.

Navarro said the US runs a USD 50-billion trade deficit with India -- and New Delhi is using our dollars to buy Russian oil.

They make a killing and Ukrainians die. It doesn't stop there. India continues to buy Russian weapons -- while demanding that US firms transfer sensitive military tech and build plants in India. That's strategic freeloading, he said.

Navarro added that while the Joe Biden administration largely looked the other way at this madness, Trump is confronting it.

India has called the tariffs imposed by the US unjustified and unreasonable.

New Delhi has said that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

Navarro's post was accompanied by pictures with titles such as India-Russia Blood oil trade', a photo of a chest overflowing with money with Putin's war chest' written on it, a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin as well as a picture of PM Modi sitting in a meditative posture.

The trade adviser's thread on X comes a day after he alleged that the Ukraine conflict was Modi's war, saying the road to peace runs partly right through New Delhi.

So we, everybody in America, loses because of what India is doing. The consumers and businesses and everything lose, and workers lose because India's high tariffs cost us jobs and factories and income and higher wages, and then the taxpayers lose, because we got to fund Modi's war, Navarro said in an interview to Bloomberg on Wednesday.

There was no immediate comment from New Delhi on Navarro's statement.

Meanwhile, the Democrats House Foreign Affairs Committee has slammed Trump for singling out India for its purchases of Russian oil and for not imposing sanctions on the bigger buyer China saying the tariffs imposed on Delhi are sabotaging the bilateral relationship.

Instead of imposing sanctions on China or others purchasing larger amounts of Russian oil, Trump's singling out India with tariffs, hurting Americans & sabotaging the US-India relationship in the process. It's almost like it's not about Ukraine at all, it said in a post on X.
A viral video of a Congress supporter hurling abuses at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at a Darbhanga rally sparked Bharatiya Janata Party protests that turned violent outside the Congress office in Patna.

Party workers clashed with sticks and flags, injuring several and damaging vehicles before the police intervened.

The accused, Mohammad Rizvi (20), has been arrested.

BJP leaders accused the Congress of stone-pelting and threats while Rahul Gandhi called for truth and non-violence.

IMAGE: BJP and Congress workers clash in front of the Congress office in Patna on Friday, here and below. All photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: Police try to stop BJP workers protesting outside the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee office.

IMAGE: BJP workers protest outside the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee office in Patna.

IMAGE: Protestors vandalise a vehicle outside the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee office during the protest.

IMAGE: BJP and Congress workers clash in front of the Congress office in Patna.

IMAGE: BJP workers protest outside the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee office, here and below.

IMAGE: .

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
The final contours of the theaterisation process could involve the establishment of two integrated theatre commands to counter Pakistan and China, along with a third maritime theatre command.

IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releases the Joint Doctrine for 'Multi Domain Operations' and the 'Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap 2025' during Ran Samvad 2025 at the Army War College in Ambedkar Nagar, August 27, 2025 in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, second from left, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Aman Preet Singh, left, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, second from right, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, right. Photograph: @HQ_IDS_India X/ANI Photo

A difference of opinion over the proposed theatre commands surfaced among the armed services at the inaugural tri-service RAN Samwad seminar, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan saying that the final decision will be taken keeping national interest in mind.

In his concluding remarks on the second and final day of the seminar at the Army War College in Madhya Pradesh, the CDS highlighted the progress achieved in strengthening jointness and coordination between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

"As the CDS, I had set out to promote jointness among the three services," he said.

While the need to foster jointness and integration was broadly agreed upon by the scores of serving officers, experts and veterans attending the seminar, the government's stated aim of reorganising the three forces by creating theatre commands prompted differing opinions.

Referring to this divergence in views, the CDS said that things had reached a stage where a highly conducive environment now exists for the forces to discuss their differences.

"There could be a difference among the three services, yet we are able to listen to (differing) points. I think that this is very important."

Describing this willingness to engage in open dialogue as a highly positive development, the CDS said: "If you have sensed some kind of a dissonance, let me assure you that we will resolve it in the best interest of the nation."

Hours before the CDS' closing remarks, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi batted for theatre commands.

"We are committed to synergising our command, control, communications, and combat capability with the Indian Army and IAF. Full Stop. Period," said the navy chief.

Highlighting that integration begins at the human level, Admiral Tripathi added, "Today, I have an army aide-de-camp with me. And, my friend, the air chief, has a naval flag lieutenant with him."

Describing theaterisation as the "ultimate goal", Admiral Tripathi said the Navy is propelling ahead with the goal of having unified planning, a common (battlespace) picture, and integrated operations.

The navy chief's remarks came a day after Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, in a fireside chat, cautioned against hurriedly implementing theaterisation and introducing new organisational structures that could lead to disruption.

Instead, he proposed establishing a joint planning and coordination centre in Delhi, comprising the three service chiefs and the CDS, to enhance tri-service synergy and oversee joint operations.

On the first day of the seminar, Air Chief Marshal Singh described how, during Operation Sindoor, the services moved away from working in silos and instead coordinated closely.

He credited the CDS for playing a "very big role" in ensuring tri-service coordination.

"The CDS was orchestrating things with all of us together. Some minor issues that were found during execution are being sorted out.

"So, I feel that having joint planning and coordination at the apex level is what is required," he said.

"If the directions are from there (joint planning and coordination centre), things will go out.

"We don't really need another structure at the moment," he added.

Agreeing that further deliberations were needed, he said, "We will not take a hasty decision on this.

"My approach and suggestion have been that let's take a stepwise approach.

"Let's not implement everything together in one go and shake up [things].

"Let's see how it benefits us."

The IAF chief also underlined that the forces should not come under any pressure to implement theatre commands hurriedly.

Theatre commands were conceptualised to overhaul India's existing defence deployment structure by integrating the Indian Army, IAF, and Indian Navy into one architecture.

Each of the proposed theatre commands would look after the security challenges in a specified geographical territory under an operational commander.

While the final contours of the theaterisation process are not known, it could involve the establishment of two integrated theatre commands to counter Pakistan and China, along with a third maritime theatre command.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
\Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine's Ambassador to India Oleksandr Polishchuk asserted that Kyiv "will not give up and will not accept any territorial concessions".

IMAGE: Firefighters work at the site of a building hit by a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine June 7, 2025. Photograph: Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters

Interacting with PTI Videos on Thursday night, he suggested that Moscow has benefitted from trading with New Delhi.

"Of course, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin benefitted from trading with India and given huge discount for oil, but the problem is that he uses this money not to enhance the social wellness in Russia," the Ukrainian envoy alleged.

Claiming that Russia may face challenges in funding social programmes by next year, he said that it should "use this (oil) money for enhancing the social situation in Russia" and "not to feed the war".

Polishchuk's comments also come in the backdrop of the Trump administration in the US imposing 50 per cent tariff on Indian imported goods, which came into effect from August 27.

The India-US relations have taken a blow after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indians goods, including a 25 per cent additional duty over India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Polishchuk asserted that Ukraine "will not give up and will not accept any territorial concessions, or capitulation demands from Moscow".

The Ukrainian envoy was asked about the remarks made by Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro who said that "the road to peace runs, at least partly, through New Delhi."

"It's probably a question for the US embassy, not for me," the Ukrainian ambassador said.

The diplomat also praised India's role in seeking peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war, especially highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts.

"We actually expected this unwavering support from the Government of India," he said.

The ambassador also recalled Prime Minister Modi's letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on that country's National Day.

Both India and Ukraine celebrate their Independence days in August, with the envoy noting this coincidence as symbolic of their shared commitment to protecting democracy and independence.

Regarding Zelenskyy's possible visit to India, Polishchuk expressed optimism and said, "Yes, we have the invitation pending since last year. So I hope that it will happen definitely."

Prime Minister Modi had visited Ukraine in August 2023.
United States Vice President J D Vance has said that he is ready to lead the country if 'God forbid' there is a 'terrible tragedy', as he hoped that President Donald Trump would serve his full term.

IMAGE: US Vice President J D Vance arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on August 28, 2025. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Pool via Reuters

In an interview with USA Today on Thursday, Vance dismissed ongoing speculation about the health of Trump, the oldest president ever to take the oath of office.

The 41-year-old said that he has got a lot of 'good on-the-job training' in the last 200 days of being in office and stressed that Trump is in 'incredibly good health'.

"Yes, terrible tragedies happen, but I feel very confident the President of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people. And if, God forbid, there's a terrible tragedy, I can't think of a better on-the-job training than what I've got over the last 200 days," he said.

His comments come amid growing concern among Democrats over Trump's health and age.

The president has dismissed such concerns, insisting he remains energetic and vigorous.

Trump, who turned 79 in June this year, became the oldest US President to be sworn into office on inauguration day in January this year at 78.

Former President Joe Biden was also 78 when he was sworn in as President in 2021, but Biden was five months and six days younger than Trump on his inauguration in January 2021.

Trump, who earlier this month described Vance as the 'most likely' heir to his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, has fuelled speculation about the vice president's prospects in the 2028 presidential election.

However, the vice president dismissed suggestions that he is already eyeing the Oval Office.

Vance said he and his wife, Usha, are focused on the job he has right now and 'if that door opens later on, we'll figure it out then'.

The White House had released Trump's health records that said he remains in excellent health and 'exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State'.

However, bruises on Trump's hands have raised concerns over the state of his health.

In July, the White House announced that Trump is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition, after speculation regarding photographs showing bruises on his hand.

White House physician Sean Barbabella described the condition as 'benign and common', saying they were 'consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking'.
The terrorists chose Baisaran as the target due to its "high tourist presence", "relative isolation" and after considering that the "response (from the security agencies) would take time".

IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard after the terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, on April 24, 2025. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

Terrorists chose the picturesque Baisaran meadow as the target for the dastardly attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam due to its high tourists presence and relative isolation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said on Thursday.

"Three terrorists" were directly involved in the brutal terror attack in which 26 people were killed in cold blood on April 22, NIA officials said.

The target was also chosen considering the "response time" from the security agencies, said a spokesman for the NIA, which is probing the case.

The terrorists chose Baisaran as the target due to its "high tourist presence", "relative isolation" and after considering that the "response (from the security agencies) would take time", he said.

In the targeted attack, terrorists killed male tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking with their families, including young children and parents, in the meadow near Pahalgam touted as 'Mini Switzerland' for its serene beauty.

The NIA in June arrested two men for harbouring the three Pakistan-based terrorists, who were killed by the armed forces late last month.

The arrested duo -- Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar from Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Pahalgam -- disclosed the identities of the three assailants as Pakistani nationals affiliated to the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The two men provided food, shelter and logistical support to the terrorists, NIA officials had said.

The three LeT terrorists, who were killed in the July 28 encounter code-named Operation Mahadev on the outskirts of Srinagar, had been hiding in the Dachigam-Harwan forest belt since the attack, they said.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian armed forces on May 7 carried out precision strikes at terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor.

The operation targeted nine sites, including the headquarters and training centres of LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed, from where terror attacks against India were planned and directed.
Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has alleged a nexus between the BJP and the Congress, questioning why no "big leader" of the grand old party had been arrested in the National Herald case.

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference in New Delhi. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

Kejriwal met Aam Aadmi Party MLAs and councillors at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Thursday and referred to the recent Enforcement Directorate raids at the residence of the party's Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Recalling how the ED tried to intimidate the AAP leader, the party chief said, "They told him that if he did not comply, it would not be good for him. Saurabh Bharadwaj replied fearlessly that ever since Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Sanjay Singh, and Vijay Nair were jailed, he knew his turn would also come."

Kejriwal said Bharadwaj told ED officers he was mentally prepared to spend two years in jail and trusted that in due course, Abhishek Manu Singhvi would secure bail.

"He even told ED officers--'if you want to arrest me, take me now'," Kejriwal said.

Rejecting suggestions of compromise, Kejriwal asserted, "Many suggest compromise, but politics does not run on compromises. Closed-door deals do not remain hidden from the public. People are not fools. Today there is widespread talk--some say Mayawati has compromised, some say Owaisi has, but most people now say the Congress has compromised."

Citing examples from Goa, the AAP supremo emphasised, "People ask why the BJP has sent five of AAP's top leaders to jail but not a single Congress leader. They shout endlessly about the National Herald case, which I myself read about online. As per facts, it looks like an open-and-shut case. Yet despite serious allegations, no one from the Gandhi family has gone to jail, while we are jailed in completely fabricated cases."

Pointing to earlier scandals, he added that before the 2014 elections, the land scams of Haryana were widely discussed and Robert Vadra's name figured prominently.

"Yet nothing happened to them, while our leaders are thrown behind bars in false cases. In 2014 the BJP built its campaign around 'jija ji' (brother-in-law) and corruption, shouting about Vadra, 2G and coal scams. Yet today, all those cases have quietly been shut. The people are not fools. They can see the reality--that Congress and BJP are in a hidden alliance," he said.

The AAP supremo declared that his party was not born to compromise for power or family.

"We came into politics for the nation. For the country, we can sacrifice our lives. But for posts, party or personal gain, we will never compromise," he said.

Slamming the BJP government in Delhi, Kejriwal alleged that it had "ruined" the national capital and people were missing the AAP government.

"People are saying that if elections happen today, AAP will win 70 seats. While we were in power, there were no power cuts. I stay in Lutyens Delhi and there are at least five times during the day when there is a power cut.

"There are power cuts, private schools have hiked fees, roads are broken, sewers are jammed. They are demolishing jhuggis (slums) and have made life difficult for the poor," he charged.

Kejriwal also alleged that the government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was planning to end electricity subsidy in Delhi.

"I would tell you to be among the people. In the next elections, you will get a chance at governance, but till then be with the people in their joy and sorrow. Stand with them," he told AAP legislators.
With an eye on Beijing's increasing military muscle flexing in the East and South China Seas, India and Japan on Friday unveiled a comprehensive framework to boost their defence cooperation to respond to contemporary security challenges.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Modi with Japan PM Shigeru Ishiba during the exchange of MoUs and joint press statement, in Tokyo on Friday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

The new initiative was announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba held summit talks that focused on significantly expanding the 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' between the two countries.

Under the framework, the two sides also resolved to explore co-development and co-production of military equipment and technology for current and future security needs.

In their talks, Modi and Ishiba resolved to uphold the international order based on the rule of law and reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, prosperous and resilient, according to a joint statement.

The two leaders welcomed the evolution of the four-nation Quad into a vital and enduring regional grouping, and looked forward to its next Leaders' summit to be hosted by India later this year.

Modi and Ishiba expressed serious concern over the situation in the East and the South China Seas.

"They reiterated their strong opposition to any unilateral actions that endanger the safety as well as freedom of navigation and overflight, and attempt to change the status quo by force or coercion," the joint statement said.

"They shared their serious concern over the militarisation of disputed features. They reaffirmed that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea," it said.

In his media statement, Modi said both sides have shared interests in the areas of defence and maritime security.

"We have jointly decided to further strengthen our cooperation in the fields of defence industry, and innovation," he said.

Under the new framework for defence cooperation, India and Japan decided to contribute to each other's defence capabilities by promoting interoperability and synergy between their defence forces.

To this end, the two sides decided to explore tri-service exercises and look at collaboration between their special operations units.

The framework also listed enhancing the use of the India-Japan agreement on reciprocal provision of supplies and services as part of broader efforts to expand the strategic cooperation.

It also provides for measures to advance shared maritime security goals and promote naval and coast guard cooperation for a peaceful maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two sides also vowed to expand cooperation to combat terrorism, radical extremism and organised transnational crimes through intelligence and experience-sharing.

India and Japan also agreed to expand the use of their respective space systems for national security, satellite-based navigation, earth observation and other mutually decided areas in the space sector.

A joint statement on Modi-Ishiba talks said the two leaders acknowledged ongoing collaboration in the area of defence equipment and technology cooperation.

The two leaders directed the relevant authorities of the two sides to expedite efforts to materialise the "concrete outcomes" through the ongoing collaboration at the earliest, while also identifying specific areas for the future to effectively support both sides' operational approaches, it noted.
Photo: https://t.me/ermaka2022/6871

Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsya met in New York with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, who was invited to visit Ukraine.

"We are open to direct talks at the level of leaders and are ready to discuss the widest range of issues. We believe that world pressure is needed so that Russia is ready to really move towards peace and, in particular, hold meetings at the level of leaders that are critical for peace. I invited Mr. Witkoff to visit Ukraine in the near future," Yermak wrote on the Telegram channel on Friday.

According to him, the main topics of the conversation were the coordination of diplomacy and the implementation of all agreements of the summit in Washington.

At the beginning of the meeting, Yermak informed Witkoff about Russian crimes, in particular, about the massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including four children.

"Unfortunately, Russia is not doing anything necessary to end the war and is clearly prolonging the fighting. Ukraine supports the determination of President Trump and all partners to achieve a lasting peace as soon as possible. It is Ukraine that positively perceives all peace proposals from the United States. But, unfortunately, each of them is hindered by the Russian side," the Presidents Office head emphasized.
United States Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday hinted that countries still buying Russian oil will face consequences, saying that "India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin".

IMAGE: Senator Lindsey Graham with United States President Donald Trump. Photograph: @LindseyGrahamSC/X

"India, China, Brazil and others who prop up Putin's war machine by buying cheap Russian oil: How do you feel right now that your purchases have resulted in innocent civilians, including children, being killed? India is experiencing the cost of supporting Putin. To the rest, you will soon, too," the senator wrote on X.

Lindsey's comments came after Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles on Kyiv on Thursday, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens.

The strikes also damaged the European Union's diplomatic mission in the city, according to reports from Euro News.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, calling them "another massive attack against our cities and communities." He said first responders were pulling survivors from the rubble of a residential building.

"At least 8 people have already been confirmed dead. One of them is a child. My condolences to all their families and loved ones," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

The US has imposed the additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods for its purchases of Russian oil came into effect, bringing the total amount of levies imposed on New Delhi to 50 per cent.

India has termed the tariffs imposed on it as "unjustified and unreasonable".



"Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security," India has said.
At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight".

The entire village had a good laugh.

IMAGE: The Mago Chuna village. Photographs: Claude Arpi

On June 21, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu wrote on X (former Twitter): 'Now that Mago-Chuna, nestled near the LAC, is connected by road, you no longer walk out of necessity. You walk to soak in the silence, to breathe the mountain air, and to witness the untouched beauty of the land.'

During his visit, Khandu held detailed discussions with officials and stakeholders to promote sustainable spiritual, cultural, and eco-tourism in the remote Mago-Chuna region of Tawang district.

A joint collaboration between the district authorities, the Indian Army, the Indo Tibetan Border Police and the local authorities will help developing the Mago-Chuna region into 'a global tourism destination while preserving its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and cultural sanctity.'

This remote area has a historical background.

In 1975, a serious and uncalled-for incident took place, forcing the official spokesman of the ministry of external affairs to make a statement: 'On October 20, 1975, an Indian patrol party consisting of one NCO and four men, while on a routine patrol along India's northern border, were ambushed by a Chinese party of about 40 persons.

'The ambush was well within Indian territory and in an area which has been regularly patrolled by us for many years and where no previous incident had taken place. Following this incident, four men were missing.'

While visiting the spot, I was told that the bodies of the four soldiers, all of Nepali origin and all called Chhetri, were repatriated a few days later, after the Chinese side informed the Indian post of the incident.

A memorial has now been built at an altitude of 17,000 feet, just below the Tulung-la pass marking the LAC to commemorate the death of the four jawans.

IMAGE: The road to Mago Chu.

Linked by tarred road

The Mago-Chuna area has only recently been linked by a proper tar road to the rest of a district, which saw the brunt of the first military operations with China in October and November 1962.

The villages of Thingbu and Mago are today easily reachable and slowly getting integrated into the country's mainstream, partly due to the Vibrant Village Program (455 such villages in Arunachal Pradesh only) and the close collaboration of the Indian Army which is deeply involved.

IMAGE: The Mago Chu flows.

Mago Area

Before visiting Thingbu village in early August, I read again the report of Captain Henry Morshead of the Survey of India, probably the first explorer to visit the area with his colleague, Captain Frederick Bailey of the Intelligence.

Morshead wrote in 1913: 'Wedged in between Monyul [Tawang] and the Lopa country is the quaint and isolated little district of Mago. ... on our arrival there we found it difficult to get the people to supply transport as the district is seldom visited by officials and they are not accustomed to do so.'

The British surveyor continues to describe the area: 'The country is wooded and damp. The houses are of wood and stone with pent roofs of shingles, or, in some cases, of slate. They grow no crops but keep yaks in the upper parts of the valleys; the produce of these animals is exchanged with Monbas and Lopas (Daflas) for cereals and madder dye. ...Mago is 11,800 feet in altitude and is under snow in winter.

'Most of the people live on the hills with their yaks in summer and return to the villages from the end of December to the end of May, during which period the grazing grounds are under deep snow.'

For decades, Morshead's report was the only record about these remote villages: 'The total population is only about two hundred and is, they say, decreasing. The people are quite illiterate. ...They let their hair grow long and do not tie it in any way.

'...The women wear a short skirt of woollen cloth in broad red and blue longitudinal stripes under which they wear knickerbockers. They wear a great deal of jewellery.'

IMAGE: Claude Arpi at the memorial which has been built at an altitude of 17,000 feet, just below the Tulung-la pass marking the LAC to commemorate the death of the four jawans.

Thingbu village

The village is located some 15 km from Mago at an altitude of 11,000 feet. the population belongs to the Monpa tribe, like in Tawang; the census said that 58 households live in Thingbu.

I received a grand reception when I visited Thangbu; all the villagers were keen to see this white-skin person interested in their culture as well as what happened in 1962 during the war with China.

This was one of the routes used by the Chinese army to bring reinforcements to Dirang and Bomdila during the second phase of the Sino-Indian War (November 18-20, 1962).

Thingbu is just off the famous 'Bailey Trail', the historic route taken by Captains Bailey and Morshead who had been commissioned to survey the Tibet border during 1913.

After completing the survey along the Great Bend of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, the two Britishers returned into Indian territory at Tulung-la pass, descending to Mago village, then crossing over Tse La to reach Pota, and from Poshing La down to Thembang before proceeding to Tawang and finally to Tsona Dzong in Tibet.

The first part of their journey from Mago is known as the 'Bailey Trail'.

IMAGE: A view of the house in Thingbu village.

Meeting the villagers

During my encounters with the villagers of Thangbu, a couple of elders remembered the events of 1962.

They said the Chinese had not been too aggressive with the villagers.

At that time, some villagers had gone grazing in the nearby Yangtse area; they came running back to inform people about the Chinese attack and their imminent arrival in the village.

Apparently, the People's Liberation Army troops just wanted guides as they did not know their way towards Dirang and Bomdila.

Upon hearing the news of the Chinese troops' arrival, all the young people left the village, leaving behind only older people, unable to serve as guides due to their age.

During the discussion, I learnt something interesting: The Chinese troops were usually sleeping during the day and marching at night.

In a few days, several hundreds of soldiers passed on their way to the Tse-la pass and Dirang Dzong.

After seeing the gorges around Mago, one wonders how they could find a track to progress through this densely afforested area or how they could cross the rapid flow of the Mago chu (river).

The Chinese had very few Tibetans guiding them to their destination.

The Thingbu villagers recounted that the Chinese were all smoking cigarettes and beedies. After seeing the PLA troops, the Monpas' conclusion was that the PLA were not good soldiers, 'nothing compared to Indian soldiers', they added.

IMAGE: The villagers with Claude Arpi (wearing white shawl).

Contrary to other sectors (Tawang for example), the PLA had no mules or horses, they were carrying their own food (something like tsampa, barley flour) and did not take any food from the villagers.

This reminded me of The Three Main Rules of Discipline given by Mao Zedong in 1947: 'Obey orders in all your actions; Don't take a single needle or piece of thread from the masses; Turn in everything captured' and The Eight Points for Attention:: 'Speak politely; Pay fairly for what you buy; Return everything you borrow; Pay for anything you damage; Don't hit or swear at people; Don't damage crops; Don't take liberties with women; Don't ill treat captives.'

Though these rules were not followed in other sectors, the PLA soldiers told the Monpa villagers that they were from similar race and had not come to trouble them; they just wanted to kill the Indian Army soldiers.

At the end of the discussion, the older Monpa said that if today the Chinese were to come inside India, "I will fight and kill them", prudently adding, "if they are of my age, if they are younger soldiers, I will not be able to fight".

The entire village had a good laugh.

IMAGE: The villagers with Claude Arpi.

The Girls of Tawang

Continuing in a lighter vein, I told them about the 1913 report of Morshead who wrote: 'In Mago there were no officials and if we had tried to put on our act, the people would not have understood what we were doing. ...They asked if we knew Tawang.'

'Not yet,' we said, 'but we are going there.'

'What a place!' they answered.

'So many houses! So many people! And the chang (barley beer)! There is no chang like the chang you get there. And the girls, who sing and dance for you. You haven't seen girls, till you go to Tawang!'

None of them had visited Tawang.

The Thingbu villagers could not stop laughing and the ladies vociferously denied that it was true: "Here the girls are fine and chang is tasty, as good as in Tawang."

The village is quite prosperous, it owns about 1,000 yaks, however, they greatly appreciate the central government's Vibrant Village Program and the Indian Army's role in providing a good road, a school, a small dispensary and drinking water.

They don't need to dream of Tawang as the paradise on earth anymore.

Claude Arpi is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, Delhi.

Mr Arpi is a long-time contributor to Rediff and you can read his earlier columns here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
IMAGE: Sunflowers brighten the Nilambur landscape. Photograph: ANI

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AI is improving decision-making, enhancing productivity, and tackling real-world challenges. However, without trust, efficiency gains for an organisation wont be realised.

During the SAS Innovate on Tour on 21 August in Sydney, software-as-a-service (SaaS) company SAS discussed the need for enterprises to build domain-specific in-house models, highlighting how its Viya platform and other technologies support this.

In an interview with ARN, SAS vice president of global technology practice Deepak Ramanathan said while AI  including generative AI (genAI), agentic AI, and quantum AI  is seen as a tool for automation and productivity gains, their value depends on careful implementation, oversight, and alignment with organisational processes.

Now SAS platform continues to provide a trusted, regulated framework for enterprise data and AI initiatives. Thats because previously, SAS was used for crop yield analysis in North Carolina 24 years ago. Eventually, the SaaS company moved into a lot of regulated markets, like banking, healthcare and telecommunication.

We were a statistical company and as a result, we have a lot of customers globally who trust the output that comes out of SAS, he said. Historically  10 years ago  if you had a client doing drug discovery, they used SAS to figure out drug efficacy and to do the clinical trials.

Its been a very trusted brand and [as] we moved to the world of AI, we look to carry that trust forward with our customers.

A lot of enterprises see the value of generative AI products like ChatGPT or Grok, but large language models (LLMs) are just one component of a larger business process flow.

In an enterprise, youve got to think about the various considerations around the business workflow, Ramanathan said. LLMs are productive  phenomenal if youre a research analyst [and] a great assistant, but your findings then need to be incorporated into the larger organisational business flow.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Stockholm and expressed protest against Russia's constant attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians.

"Today, 29 August, The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has summoned the Russian Ambassador in Stockholm. The ambassador was summoned in order for Sweden to take a clear stance against Russias attacks on Ukraines cities and civilian population. During the attacks on 28 August, the offices of the EU delegation and British Council were also damaged," the message on the department's website states.

It is noted that during the call, it was emphasized that Russia's obligation to protect the civilian population and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law was emphasized.

As reported, on August 28, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy summoned the Russian ambassador for explanations after the British Council building in Kyiv was damaged by a Russian missile on Thursday night. Also, EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas announced the summoning of the Russian ambassador in Brussels after the night Russian attack on Kyiv, which resulted in serious damage to the European Union representation.
Strategic acquisitions mixed with an organisational culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and sustained performance, has led Atturra towards an impressive growth trajectory throughout FY25. The momentum isnt slowing down.

Speaking to sister publication ARN, Atturra CEO Stephen Kowal was pleased with the service providers financial results for the 2025 financial year to 30 June. In its financial report for FY25, chairman Shan Kenji said Atturra has grown strongly despite unfavourable economic conditions and, in particular, a challenging Canberra market.

The provider attributed the growth to the six acquisitions it made during the 12 months to 30 June, one of which being New Zealand-based cloud, hosting and managed services provider Plan B that was acquired at the end of 2024 for NZ$20 million. The most recent acquisition was Melbourne-headquartered Blue Connections IT.

Kowal said the decision to pick up Plan B was due to multiple reasons  chief of all being culture. In fact, Atturra has been on good terms with Plan B for years, so the two companies had the right mesh in personality.

Helping the decision to acquire the company was, in Kowals opinion, the New Zealand market being at the bottom of its economic cycle, but this was more of a bonus than a decisive factor.

It was one of the factors but not in the top, he said. The top were the capabilities of the team around cloud, connectivity and it had the scale to provide a solid base for managed services.

As of last month, Plan B has rebranded to Atturra, with country manager Frazer Scott leading its New Zealand managed service business.

Ensuring theres an alignment in culture is of vital importance for Kowal  so much so that if theres no cultural alignment between Atturra and the team of a potential acquisition, the CEO said it wouldnt move on it.
The disappearance of a former Belarusian diplomat in Turkey last week has sparked fears that Minsk may have organized his abduction.

Anatol Kotau went missing on August 21, shortly after landing in Istanbul from Warsaw, where he lives in exile.

According to Turkish news agency IHA, he arrived at 1:49 p.m. and boarded a domestic flight to Trabzon. From there, he left Turkish waters on a vessel at 6:35 p.m., it reported, adding that all contact with him ceased hours later.

The 44-year-old had been due to return to Warsaw on August 24. His family has filed a missing person's report with Turkish police.

An exiled group of former Belarusian security officers, BELPOL, has warned that Turkey is a dangerous place for opponents of the authorities in Minsk. Last year, Kotau was tried in absentia and sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of "extremism" and "conspiracy."

BELPOL representative Uladzimer Zhihar told Current Time that Belarusian security services "maintain close ties with Turkish counterparts."

"If a politically active Belarusian with a conviction, even in absentia, enters Turkey, local services may not arrest him immediately. But information about his arrival will be relayed to Minsk," he said.

Kotau works for the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation (BSSF), a group supporting Belarusian activists and dissidents abroad.

BSSF Executive Director Alyaksandr Apeykin told RFE/RL's Belarus Service that it is unlikely that Turkish authorities officially deported Kotau.

"Such a process requires lawyers, paperwork, and public oversight, which could have stopped it. What seems more plausible is informal extradition; he may have been detained and forcibly removed," Apeykin said.

"If this were voluntary, there would be no reason to go via Trabzon and leave by sea. There are direct flights to Minsk and Moscow. Nothing in his behavior suggested instability or a plan to vanish," Apeykin added.

When contacted by Current Time, the Belarusian Embassy in Istanbul declined to comment on Kotau's whereabouts.

The Polish Consulate in Turkey, responsible for citizens under Warsaw's protection, redirected questions to Poland's Foreign Ministry. There was no immediate response from the ministry.

From Insider To Dissident

Born in Minsk in 1980, Kotau was trained as a diplomat and worked in Belarus's embassy in Poland for nearly a decade. He later rose through the ranks of the National Olympic Committee, eventually becoming its secretary-general, and in 2019 headed the organizing committee of the European Games in Minsk.

By 2020, he held a senior post in the presidential administration of Aleksandr Lukashenko. But he resigned from this position in August of that year amid an unprecedented wave of protests after it was announced Lukashenko had been re-elected president.

It was widely believed by Belarusians, Western governments, and international human rights organizations that the results were falsified.

Kotau signed a public letter by Belarusian athletes condemning police violence against protesters and fled to Poland.

At the time of his disappearance, Kotau was working in Warsaw at a private events agency and contributing commentary to independent Belarusian media.

Kotau's disappearance is not the only case of a Belarusian opposition figure vanishing abroad recently. On March 25, Anzhalika Melnikava, spokeswoman of the opposition Coordination Council, also disappeared after leaving Poland.

She traveled outside the EU with her daughters and never returned. According to a leading opposition figure, Paval Latushka, her phone has been active on Belarusian territory since March 19.

Opposition figures went missing during the early years of Lukashenko's rule in the 1990s, although these disappearances took place within Belarus.

These include Yury Zakharanka, a former interior minister, who was last seen being forced into a dark car near his home in Minsk in May 1999, and Viktar Hanchar, who disappeared after leaving a bathhouse in the Belarusian capital in September 1999.

Neither has been seen since.

Human rights groups and Western governments accused senior Belarusian officials of organizing these abductions.

The European Union and the United States have imposed sanctions on former Prosecutor-General Viktar Sheyman, ex-Interior Minister Yury Sivakou, and the commander of the Interior Ministry's Special Rapid Reaction Force, Dzmitry Paulichenka.
The Iranian leadership is pondering numerous countermeasures following a decision by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom -- the so-called E3 -- to formally trigger the UN's "snapback" mechanism, moving to restore sanctions on Iran over what they call "grave noncompliance" with the 2015 nuclear deal.

Hard-liners favor confrontation: restricting inspectors further, ramping up enrichment, even threatening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Some have suggested suspending talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resume cooperation.

A much-discussed option is withdrawal from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). But others favor dialogue.

The E3 decision, taken just weeks before their authority to act was set to expire, starts a 30-day clock: Unless a compromise is reached, full UN sanctions once lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will return.

E3 ministers say they had no choice. Iran's swelling -- and unaccounted for -- stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, coupled with tighter restrictions on inspectors, left little room for renewed engagement. The United States has welcomed the E3's move.

Tehran has condemned it as "unjustified and illegal," accusing the Europeans of breaking their own commitments and vowing to take "appropriate action."

Pulling out of the NPT would be one of the most dramatic steps on the table. Signed in 1968 and in force since 1970, the NPT bars nuclear states from sharing arsenals and obliges non-nuclear states not to build them, while guaranteeing access to peaceful nuclear technology under safeguards. Iran joined at the outset.

Withdrawal would take months and is viewed largely as leverage rather than imminent policy, but it would be highly symbolic.

Hard-line lawmakers in Iran's conservative-dominated parliament have already drafted a "triple urgency" bill to accelerate withdrawal. If introduced, it would be debated, voted on, and reviewed by the Guardian Council in a single day -- underscoring how quickly Tehran could escalate.

The E3 have left a narrow offramp, offering Iran six months' delay on sanctions if it restores full inspector access and resumes talks. But with the economy battered by sanctions and mismanagement, and with Russia and China unable to block a veto-proof process, Tehran faces hard choices.

While a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough is theoretically possible, internal politics and international skepticism make such an outcome slim, especially given Iran's reluctance to appear to back down under pressure.
KYIV -- Amid the dust, the rescue workers, and the diggers, Mykola is lucky to be alive. The five-story apartment block he called home was reduced to rubble the previous day in a Russian strike that killed 22 of his neighbors, including four children.

Speaking to RFE/RL's Current Time on August 29, he recalled being stuck under the debris after the blast.

"Rescue workers pulled me from under the rubble two hours later. It wasn't easy. They needed hydraulic equipment," he said, adding that he was completely buried.

The building was the epicenter of one of Russia's biggest missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital since it began its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

It is also among the highest death tolls for a single building in the war so far. In June, 25 people were killed in one building, while in July 2024 there were 31 fatalities in a single building.

The missile hit Mykola's apartment block overnight on August 28, impacting between the second and third floor.

It came shortly after another missile had landed nearby, causing people to run to the basement or try to leave the house.

Mykola was at home with his wife and daughter.

"We were all together. My daughter got out of the rubble immediately, then my wife, but I was stuck," he said.

The families of the victims have been gathering at the site all day. It's a small neighborhood, and people came to find out if their friends and neighbors had survived.

"I didn't know them. I live nearby," said one woman, near an ad hoc shrine. "We all heard the explosions and the missiles and drones. I've brought flowers and a toy in memory of those who perished. It's a tragedy."

Svitlana Vodolaha, an emergency service spokeswoman, told Current Time that the full scale of the tragedy was still not clear.

"We have four more unidentified bodies and seven people whom we still can't contact. Theoretically, when the found bodies are identified, there may be still three people missing. But they may not have been in the building," she said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that 53 people were injured in the building.

"All of them were provided with the necessary assistance. I thank the rescuers, police officers, doctors and nurses, all municipal and emergency services, everyone involved in helping people," he wrote on social media.

"When Russia chooses ballistics instead of diplomacy...the world must respond accordingly," he added.
KOSTYANTYNIVKA, Ukraine -- The buzz of drones fills the air in the city of Kostyantynivka as residents scramble to take cover.

The unmanned vehicles are identified as Russian Shaheds. Moments later, an explosion leaves a building in ruins.

Located north of Donetsk, Kostyantynivka remains a Ukrainian stronghold near the front lines of the war. But as attacks like this one ramp up, residents who had counted on the fighting bypassing them are starting to give up hope.

The situation is terrible. Thats why were leaving. They kept bombing us, said Lyudmila, a resident who was evacuating the city with her cat. We stayed for too long and almost got ourselves killed.

So many of our guys have been killed, said Olena, riding alongside Lyudmila. My friend insisted I should go. She has already left.

The two women received assistance from Proliska, a humanitarian NGO tasked with helping civilians relocate out of frontline zones.

Yevhen Tkachev, head of the groups humanitarian center in Donetsk, was coordinating the evacuation efforts. He described a deteriorating security situation in Kostyantynivka, where some 8,000 people remain, compared with a prewar population of 60,000.

They attack with glide bombs all the time, even outside curfew hours when people are going about their business, Tkachev said. Residential buildings are being bombed. FPV [first-person view] drones are on the hunt in the suburbs. There are also Shahed-type drones.

The attacks on civilian targets appear to serve a Russian objective of depopulating the area, leaving cities largely abandoned and clearing the way for troops to advance.

But residents are still reluctant to leave their homes, even as the destruction spreads around them.

Some are simply unable to leave on their own. Tkachev and other humanitarian workers go door-to-door in residential neighborhoods, finding people who need assistance and offering them the chance to leave.

The organization provides specialized vehicles to help disabled residents evacuate.

Today, as always, we were working in extreme circumstances, Tkachev said. There were bombs exploding and drones hovering. But with Gods help, we made five rounds and evacuated 13 people.

One resident, Lydia, was in tears as she acknowledged that it was time to leave, saying, We stayed here too long.

Another resident named Lyubov said the city had come under one strike after another, but she had remained in place until Proliska offered assistance.

Asked why she had waited so long to leave, Lyubov said, I have nowhere to go. No one is waiting for me.
6 The Russian attack was one of the worst to hit the Ukrainian capital in weeks -- and the worst since a major summit meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, aimed at finding a resolution to the Russian invasion.
KYIV -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is seeking a fresh meeting with US President Donald Trump and European allies as soon as next week after telling reporters that Russia is poised to launch a new offensive in eastern Ukraine.

"The concentration [of Russian troops] there is up to 100,000," Zelenskyy said on August 29, referring to the front lines near the highly strategic city Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk, in Ukraine's southern Donetsk region, had a prewar population of 60,000. Most have fled as Russian forces have besieged the mining town for months but have been unable to break the defensive lines and capture the city.

Shortly after Zelenskyy made the remarks, the head of the regional military administration in nearby Dnipropetrovsk said the region was under "massive attack."

Serhiy Lysak wrote on Telegram that "explosions are being heard. There are strikes in Dnipro and Pavlohrad," but he added that details were not yet available.

Authorities in Zaporizhzhya reported that region was also under attack early on August 30 with likely casualties.

The comments came after Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov boasted about his country's military effort in Ukraine, despite years of high casualties and a major drain on the Russian economy.

Belousov also praised Russia's campaign of deadly missile and drone strikes on Ukraine -- attacks that have killed thousands of civilians and been widely condemned by the international community.

The Russian defense chief said 35 aerial assaults against 146 strategically important sites so far this year have caused severe damage to Ukraine's military infrastructure. Those remarks came a day after Ukraine mourned the loss of 22 people, including four children, in one building alone that had collapsed in a Russian strike on Kyiv.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian officials want to meet with Trump and European allies next week amid struggling efforts to bring about a cease-fire and eventual end to the all-out war, which began with Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Trump, who has made ending the war a top priority of his presidential term, has expressed frustration with Russian leader Vladimir Putins refusal to accept US calls for direct negotiations with Zelenskyy.

A week ago, Trump said he would decide in two weeks on his next steps if direct negotiations were not scheduled, although he has previously given deadlines but held off on action.

On August 26, he raised the possibility of new sanctions on Moscow.

"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."

But he added that "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.

Ukraine has accepted a US cease-fire proposal and calls for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, but Moscow has not agreed.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on August 29 repeated Moscows position that Putin has not ruled out a meeting with Zelenskyy but that it could come only after progress is made at the expert level.

In France, President Emmanuel Macron said if the Russian leader refuses to meet with Zelenskyy, "it will show again that President Putin has played President Trump," adding that Paris would push for new "primary and secondary sanctions" on Moscow.

Also on August 29, Andriy Yermak, a top Zelenskyy adviser, met with White House envoy Steve Witkoff in New York.

The most important thing is to push for real diplomacy and the implementation of all the agreements of the summit in Washington. We coordinate our activity, Yermak wrote on Telegram following the meeting,

He said he informed Witkoff about the crimes of war that Russia commits every day against our cities and communities of Ukraine. In particular, about a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including four children.

The US side did not immediately comment on the meeting.

On the same day, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on the recent deadly Russian air strikes on Ukraine, many aimed at the capital, Kyiv.

Senior US diplomat John Kelley told the Council that this week's missile and drone strikes on Ukraine "cast doubt on the seriousness of Russias desire for peace."

"The United States calls on the Russian Federation to avoid these consequences by stopping the violence and engaging constructively to end the war," he said.

Putin Heads To China

Zelenskyy has also called on China -- a close ally of Russia -- to put pressure on Putin to end the war.

Putin is scheduled to attend a meeting in China starting August 31 along with leaders from Iran and North Korea -- two other countries that have been active in supporting Russia's war effort.

Iran has provided Shahed drones while North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops, suffering heavy losses in the process.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on August 30 promised "a beautiful life" for the families of "martyrs" who died fighting for Russia, state media said. Western sources have estimated some 6,000 dead and wounded among the North Korean fighters in the war.

With reporting by Current Time, AP, Reuters, and AFP
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced an increase in his country's contribution by EUR 100 million to NATO's PURL initiative (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) for the purchase of American-made weapons and ammunition for Ukraine in response to the Russian Federation's strikes on Ukraine.

"As part of the PURL package, Belgium will provide Ukraine with an additional EUR 100 million in military assistance this year, in addition to the billion we have already provided. Russia is intensifying its deadly attacks. We must respond to this unanimously," Francken wrote on the X social network on Friday.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, in response, thanked the Belgians for the Belgian government's support.

"Belgium will provide Ukraine with an additional EUR 100 million in military aid this year through the PURL mechanism. This funding goes on top of the EUR 1 billion military aid that Belgium has already delivered. I am grateful to my counterpart Theo Francken, as well as to the Belgian people and Government for supporting Ukraine in our fight for freedom!" he wrote on X.
By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Jim Gavin would make an exceptional president, the deputy leader of Fianna Fail said, as he backed the former Dublin GAA manager to become the partys nominee.

During a day of several major developments in the Fianna Fail nomination process, Jack Chambers said he would be fully supporting Mr Gavin.

Mr Chambers told reporters it was his understanding that Mr Gavin will seek the partys nomination.

He would make a brilliant candidate for the party, someone who has served in many roles with distinction, integrity and humility and I think he will make an exceptional candidate.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern during an event for the 50th anniversary of Eamon de Valeras death, at Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Chambers said Mr Gavin is very serious about a potential candidacy, adding that he would get a lot of support among the parliamentary party.

It came after party MEP and other hopeful Billy Kelleher said it was healthy for Fianna Fail to have a contest for its presidential nomination.

Mr Kelleher was speaking after formally declaring his intention to seek backing.

Meanwhile, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he was not ruling himself out of the race, as he expressed disappointment that his partys leadership had failed to express support for him.

Mr Ahern and Mr Kelleher were among party stalwarts who attended a special mass at Glasnevin Cemetery on Friday, marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Eamon de Valera.

Mr Kelleher told reporters that it was a good thing for other people to put their name forward as a candidate for Fianna Fails nomination.

Billy Kelleher (left) at Glasnevin Cemetery (Brian Lawless/PA)

His party colleague and Further Education Minister James Lawless endorsed Mr Gavin, a move followed shortly thereafter by Mr Chambers echoing that support.

Mr Kelleher said: I dont know Jim well, but I know his record in terms of the GAA and what hes achieved in that.

He added: The name Jim Gavin is synonymous with success, but from my perspective, you know, I feel I have a lot to offer as well.

Mr Kelleher said he welcomed discussion on who the candidate should be, but added: In that choice, theres debate around the type of candidate.

Do they carry the values of our party? Are they pro-European? Are they pro-enterprise? These are the key issues.

At the same event, Mr Ahern said he had repeatedly sought an answer from the Fianna Fail leadership about whether they would support him.

Mr Ahern said: I never rule myself out. If you never rule yourself out, youre still in.

He said he had been seeking an answer from party electoral officials since December 16th.

He said he did not get an answer and found it very disappointing to see recent reports that the leadership would not support him.

Asked if this meant he was prepared to seek a nomination against the wishes of the leadership, he repeated that he had not ruled himself out.

Asked about Mr Aherns comments, Mr Chambers said he was not aware of that.

He said he had huge respect for Bertie Ahern but that he believed Mr Gavin was the best candidate.

Earlier, Mr Kelleher said he had first been approached by Fianna Fail figures in April and May about running, but there was no formal process in place at the time.

He said that once he publicly called for a process to allow people to put their names forward, in August, he was approached again by party members.

I spoke with Micheal Martin, the leader of the party, last night, and I informed him that I will be putting my name forward, he told RTEs News At One programme.

Mr Kelleher, a former Cork North-Central TD and junior minister, who was a farmer before becoming a politician, said he would be a unifying force as president.

Asked if Mr Martin was happy that he was looking to become a candidate, he said: I honestly believe that nobody who leads a democratic party could be unhappy with having a robust, rigorous debate within the party to find a candidate to represent the party in a very important (election).

Fianna Fails parliamentary party is expected to make a decision on the presidential election in the early autumn.

So far, left-wing independent Catherine Connolly is the only candidate who has secured the backing needed to get on the presidential ballot paper.

The Galway TD has the backing of Labour, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and independents.

Sinn Fain has yet to announce whether it will support Ms Connolly or run its own candidate.

Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly are in a race to secure the Fine Gael nomination, after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness in mid-August on medical advice.

A presidential election is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before the second term of President Michael D Higgins ends on November 11th.

To be eligible to run, a candidate must be nominated either by 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities.

Although figures such as MMA fighter Conor McGregor and Riverdance star Michael Flatley have said they are looking to run as presidential candidates, they would need to have this support to be on the ballot paper.
The Bishop of Elphin and Achonry, Kevin Doran has urged the Government to end all trade with Israel following the latest "genocidal" attack on Gaza by the Israeli Defence Forces.

In a recent statement posted on social media, Bishop Doran said: I deplore the man-made famine and the latest genocidal attack by the Israeli Defence Forces on the civilian population of Gaza City.

I encourage all our people to pray for peace and I call on our government to end all trade of any kind with the State of Israel," said the Bishop.
Roscommon school secretaries and caretakers are among thousands of colleagues across the country who are continuing a second day of strike action today, Friday, over a pensions dispute.

A number of Roscommon people also joined a protest in Athlone today outside the Department of Education.

School secretaries and caretakers claim they are not being given access to public sector pensions and other entitlements.

More than 2,600 members of the Forsa union nationwide are involved in the indefinite strike and up to 2,000 schools will be impacted.

Watch the Athlone protest here:
Kenneth Fox

Six nurses from Caritas Baby Hospital, Bethlehem recently completed a six-week intensive in-house surgical training program at two leading paediatric hospitals in Ireland.

The training took place at Childrens Health Ireland in Crumlin and Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street.

The program is organised in partnership with Caritas Baby Hospital, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), HSE and the Swiss Representative Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory / Swiss Development Cooperation.

It serves as a key preparatory step ahead of the opening of the Jubilee Building for Paediatric Day Surgery in Bethlehem.

The training is part of a comprehensive capacity-strengthening program in perioperative nursing for children, running from April 2025 to January 2026.

The primary focus was on observing and acquiring best practice models to enhance professional knowledge, clinical decision-making, and management skills.

The nurses trained in the operating theatres of both hospitals through observation and supervised participation in various surgical procedures and sterilisation techniques.

According to Steve Pitman, head of education and professional development at INMO, the six Palestinian nurses were already highly experienced and well-educated, and this intensive program maximised their learning experience.

Commenting on this achievement, Suheir Qumsieh, chief nursing officer at Caritas Baby Hospital, said: This initiative represents a significant investment in our nurses expertise, ensuring the delivery of day surgery services for children according to the highest international standards. The skills and experiences gained will translate directly into safer and more effective care for our young patients.

INMO General secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said: We believe this project will foster enduring professional bonds and friendships that transcend geographical boundaries.

"Continued engagement and support will be essential in the coming months as this new unit in the West Bank opens to provide specialised surgical services to Palestinian children.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is proud to be the co-ordinating organisation for this project and welcomed the support provided by the Irish public health service, the Health Service Executive.

"Online education provided through the INMOs education centre and Childrens Health Ireland prior to the nurses arriving in Ireland for practical skill learning was crucial to the success of this project.

Scheduled to open in spring 2026, the Jubilee Building will address urgent local needs in paediatric surgery for Bethlehem and the southern West Bank, bringing specialised procedures closer to thousands of children and their families.
PM Modi Attends 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, Invites Japan's PM to India For The Next Summit

PM Modi invited the Japanese Prime Minister to visit India for the next Annual Summit.

PM Modi Attends 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, Latest News: Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Japan from August 29 to August 30, 2025, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo today, did a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, after attending the summit.

During the press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he had a productive and purposeful discussion with his Japanese counterpart and that both leaders agreed that as two of the world's largest economies and vibrant democracies, the partnership of the two nations is vital not only to both countries but also to global peace and stability.

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Strong democracies are natural partners in shaping a better world, PM Modi said.

Laying a strong foundation for a new and golden chapter in the Special Strategic and Global Partnership of the two nations, he said, We have created a roadmap for the next decade. At the center of our vision are investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, people-to-people exchanges, and state-prefecture partnership.

Addressing the joint press meet with PM Ishiba.@shigeruishiba https://t.co/84iLYW7lkT Advertisement August 29, 2025

A target of 10 trillion yen investment from Japan to India in the next ten years has been set today, with a special emphasis on connecting Small and Medium Enterprises and Start-ups of India and Japan.

In the India and Japan Business Forum, I also told the Japanese companies, Make in India, Make for the world. Our Joint Credit Mechanism is a big win for energy. It shows that our green partnership is as strong as our economic partnership, PM said.

Under the action plan of human resource exchange, in the next five years, the exchange of 5 lakh people from both sides will be encouraged in different areas, PM said. 50,000 skilled Indians will actively contribute to Japan's economy, he added.

PM Modi further said in the joint press conference today, said that India and Japan are fully committed to a free, open, peaceful, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

We have common concerns about terrorism and cybersecurity. Our common interests are linked to Defense and Maritime Security. We have decided that mutual cooperation in the field of defense industry and innovation will be further strengthened.

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India and Japan's partnership is rooted in mutual trust, reflects our national priorities, and is shaped by our shared values and beliefs. Together, we carry a common dream of peace, progress and prosperity of our peoples and for the world, he added.

PM Modi invited the Japanese Prime Minister to visit India for the next Annual Summit.

Earlier today PM Modi received a Daruma doll from Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple.

The Daruma doll is considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture. The Daruma tradition in Japan is based on the legacy of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, known in Japan as Daruma Daishi, who is said to have travelled here over a thousand years ago.

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PM attends India-Japan Economic Forum

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Shigeru Ishiba, attended the India-Japan Economic Forum, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Keidanren [Japan Business Federation] in Tokyo today.

(For more news apart from 'PM Modi Attends 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, Invites Japans PM to India For The Next Summit ,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force Arrests Accused in Murder of Gangster Babbi Rana's Aide

The deceased, Rakesh Kumar @ Gaggi, was an associate of foreign-based gangster Babbi Rana, who is a close aide of Sonu Khatri.

Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force Arrests Accused Murderer Of Gangster Babbi Rana's Aide, Latest News: In a major breakthrough against organized crime, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Punjab, apprehended a resident of Hoshiarpur in connection with the murder of Rakesh Kumar in Una, himachal Pradesh.

The accused now arrested is identified as Vipan Kumar resident of Bassi Muda, Baghpur Mandir, Hoshiarpur. He is one of the main shooters in the sensational murder of Rakesh Kumar @ Gaggi at Village Khwaja Basal, Una, Himachal Pradesh, as per preliminary report, the police said.

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This incident was a direct consequence of gang rivalry between foreign-based gangsters Laddi Bhajal @ Kooner and Monu Gujjar (Ravi Balachauria gang) with Babbi Rana (Sonu Khatri gang), police added in a press release.

One country-made pistol (.32 bore) along with six live cartridges have been recovered from the possession of Vipan Kumar.

FIR has been registered at PS City Kharar and further investigation are underway.

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The deceased, Rakesh Kumar @ Gaggi, was an associate of foreign-based gangster Babbi Rana, who is a close aide of Sonu Khatri.

Punjab Police said that it remains firmly committed to dismantling organized crime networks and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

(For more news apart from 'Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force Arrests Accused in Murder of Gangster Babbi Ranas Aide,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

UR Representatives of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) took part in a humanitarian conference in Singapore.

Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society Maksym Dotsenko and Deputy Director General Illia Kletskovsky took part in the 10th Singapore Humanitarian Conference, which brought together representatives of humanitarian organizations, scientists, government agencies and the public sector, the URCS reported on Facebook on Friday.

Dotsenko and Kletskovsky informed the international community about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the challenges that Ukrainian society faces every day, about the constant shelling of Ukrainian cities, in particular, about the massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv on August 28. They also spoke about the activities of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society during the full-scale war, about the results of the work and achievements of the organization.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society noted that the discussions at the conference were another step towards establishing international dialogue and exchange of experience in the field of humanitarian response.
Punjab Congress Donates one Month's Salary of Leaders for Relief of Flood Affected Families

Pratap Bajwa strongly criticized government for its expenditure of Rs 250 crore on clearing drains, alleging that the drains remain choked

Punjab Congress Donates one Months Salary for Relief of Flood Affected Families, Punjab Flood News: All Members of the Punjab Congress Legislature Party, standing in solidarity with the flood-affected families of the state, have unanimously decided to donate one Months Salary to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund, as part of the flood relief.

Punjab Congress Legislature Party on Friday (29 August 2025) wrote to the secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Chandigarh, requesting to make necessary arrangements for the deduction.

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You are requested to kindly make the necessary arrangements for the deduction and transfer of the said amount from the monthly emoluments of the concerned Members, the letter read.

Leader of Opposition, Punjab Legislative Assembly, Pratap Singh Bajwa, urged all citizens & organizations to come forward for relief & rehabilitation.

Pratap Singh Bajwa in a post on X, wrote, In solidarity with the flood-affected families of Punjab, all @INCPunjab MLAs & I have decided to contribute one months salary to the CMs Flood Relief Fund. This is a humble gesture of empathy in these testing times. I urged all citizens & organizations to come forward for relief & rehabilitation.

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Today, Pratap Singh Bajwa said he requested DC Gurdaspur, @DcGurdaspur, to provide immediate administrative help to the villagers.

Criticizing the state government, Pratap Singh Bajwa, in a post on X, wrote, Apprised him of the plight of residents of Fattu Barkat village, who are left to fortify the eroding Dhussi Bandh on their own to save their homes from the swelling Beas. Requested him to provide immediate administrative help to the villagers.

Earlier today, after visiting a waterlogged village, Pratap Singh Bajwa strongly criticized the government for its expenditure of Rs 250 crore on clearing drains, alleging that the drains remain choked, villages are inundated, and people are allegedly left to suffer.

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Water Resource Minister @barinder_goyal tall claims have fallen flat. I, along with MP @Sukhjinder_INC, Deputy CLP Aruna Chaudhary, and MLA @barinderpahra, exposed the hollow propaganda of the @BhagwantMann government regarding so-called a250 crore expenditure on cleaning drains. The truth on the ground tells a completely different story  drains remain choked, villages are submerged, and people are left to suffer, Bajwa said in a separate post.

There must be a thorough inquiry into where this a250 crore was actually spent, Bajwa added.

Yesterday, he, along with MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Deputy CLP Aruna Chaudhary, and MLA Barinder Singh Pahra visited flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur and Dinanagar, taking stock of the extensive damage due to ongoing flood.

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He said, We took stock of the extensive damage and listened to the anguished grievances of the people. The situation on the ground is grim  farmlands are submerged, houses are inundated, and families are in despair.

He made similar allegations that the drains are choked despite the state governments tall claims of spending crores on cleaning drains, saying the harsh truth is visible everywhere.

Visited flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur and Dinanagar today along with MP @Sukhjinder_INC, Deputy CLP Aruna Chaudhary, and MLA @barinderpahra. We took stock of the extensive damage and listened to the anguished grievances of the people. The situation on the ground is grim  pic.twitter.com/iEgYUTG9TH  Partap Singh Bajwa (@Partap_Sbajwa) August 28, 2025

Despite the @AAPPunjab governments tall claims of spending over a200 crore on cleaning Punjabs drains, the harsh truth is visible everywhere  drains are choked, villages are drowning, and farmers are helpless, he said in a post on X following the visit.

Gurduspor remains the worst affected. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing round the clock across the state. Meanwhile, IMD has warned of rain in several eastern districts of the state, which could worsen the already existing flood situations.

(For more news apart from 'Punjab Congress Donates one Month's Salary of Leaders for Relief of Flood Affected Families,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab Weather: Amid Floods Situations, IMD Warns Of Further Rainfall In Eastern Districts

Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak also inspected flood-affected areas in Pathankot yesterday.

Punjab Weather Update Punjab Floods Latest News: Amid inundated conditions in over a hundred villages across several districts of Punjab, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of further rainfall in several eastern districts of the state today and tomorrow, which could worsen the already severe flood situation.

An orange alert has been issued for the eastern districts in the nowcast, valid for the next few hours. For the days forecast, a yellow alert remains in place, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and more.

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Continuous rainfall in the neighboring mountain states over the past week, along with heavy rainfall in Punjab and the release of water from major dams including Pong and Bhakra, has led to rivers overflowing. Villages nearby and even those several kilometers away from rivers are submerged under floodwaters. Crops have been washed away, acres of farmland remain underwater, homes have been damaged and many partially submerged, road connectivity has been lost, and the overall situation continues to worsen. Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, and Fazilka remain the worst affected. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing.

Punjab Ministers and MLAs Donate One Months Salary for Flood Relief

In a major gesture yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the donation of one months salary by all MLAs and ministers, including himself, for the relief of flood-affected people in the state.

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No one can stand against the fury of nature, but we must stand together with each other in this difficult time. I, along with all our ministers and MLAs, am donating my one months salary for the help and relief work of the flood-affected people. Our government and administration are standing with the people with full dedication. With prayer to the Almighty, the situation will soon return to normal, CM Bhagwant Mann said in a post on X.

On Friday, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar conducted an inspection of flood-affected areas near Tarn Taran, traveling in a boat through an inundated village. He met the sarpanch and spoke to the villagers.

Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak also inspected flood-affected areas in Pathankot yesterday.

(For more news apart from 'Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Extends Help To Punjab As It Faces Floods,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Editorial: Punjab has received 123 percent more rain than normal from June 1 to August 25

We had to bear the brunt of the devastation that has taken place in the areas.

Editorial: Punjab has received 123 percent more rain than normal from June 1 to August 25

The havoc of floods in Punjab is continuously increasing. There is no sign of it decreasing yet. The latest forecasts of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have predicted that Himachal Pradesh, the Jammu region, and the monsoon season in Punjab is expected to continue at least till September 4. According to the bulletins of the same department, Punjab has received 123 percent more rain than normal from June 1 to August 25. In Himachal, this figure is 197%.

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The Jammu region has been witnessing flood-like rains after 49 years. In fact, Punjab is bearing the brunt of the heavy rains in Jammu division and Himachal Pradesh more than its own rains.

All three major dams of the state - Bhakra, Pong and Ranjit Sagar - have been releasing excess water through their respective floodgates. Due to this, at least eight districts of Punjab - Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran,

The flood-affected areas of Fazilka, Kapurthala, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur are continuously increasing. Some areas of Jalandhar district are also at risk of flooding due to the rising Sutlej and similar to cope with the threat, villagers are also organizing protests in Ludhiana district.

The Punjab government claims that it has learned lessons from the floods in 2022 and has spent Rs 230 crore on flood prevention measures this time. These measures include strengthening river embankments, cleaning channels, temporary

Steps included adequate provision of sandbags for embankments, availability of boats, etc. But all these steps have, in general, proved ineffective. The accusations are becoming common that much has been done on paper, not in practice.

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Some media reports also indicate that funds were allocated for several districts with potential flood risks, but were not released due to the financial crisis facing the state government. Such a development is happening in Punjab.

This is nothing new for the state. For decades, the people of the state have been showing a commendable attitude of taking the initiative themselves instead of relying on the government. Even now, volunteers from remote villages are bringing relief materials.

The marches to flood-affected areas, including trolleys, have begun to give a new boost to the Punjabi spirit of reaching out to the needy.

The rising waters in the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers have also caused floods in western Punjab. According to a BBC report, Indian authorities have not only informed Pakistan about the flooding in the Tawi river in a timely manner. In addition, advance information about the floods of Ravi, Sutlej and Beas has been shared with Pakistani authorities as a matter of humanity. Although such advance information was useful in taking some precautions, it could not stop the havoc of the floods.

Pictures and videos of Darbar Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib being submerged in floodwaters in Narowal district have already appeared in the media. Sialkot city, the northeastern suburbs of Lahore city, Sheikhupura and the devastation caused by floods in two tehsils of Kasur districts and in Khanewal, Sahiwal and Pakpattan districts presents a horrifying picture of the havoc of monsoon. Some areas of Nankana Sahib district are also flooded.

There are reports of flooding. Nine western districts of Punjab are already submerged in four feet of water due to the Jhelum floods.

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Meteorologists say that the northwestern region of India and the entire northern Pakistan are currently under the direct impact of climate changes brought about by the increase in global warming. All of this region, while the monsoon is stronger than in the past few years, due to the warmer waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, more vapor-laden winds are also forming in the form of westerly cyclones over the Himalayas.

They are coming towards the mountain ranges. When they come here and directly collide with the western flank of the Himalayas, all their water falls on this area. Due to this phenomenon, this time the rainfall in North-East India has been relatively less, while in North-West India and Pakistan it has been more. However, the rapid deforestation of mountains and forests in these areas during the last two decades has not been as dramatic as it was in the past two decades.

We had to bear the brunt of the devastation that has taken place in the areas. The sad fact is that neither the governments nor the common people were prepared for such a brunt. The havoc that nature has now unleashed is beyond our control.

One lesson must be learned: Whatever repairs need to be made, they should be done according to the laws of environmental science. If we continue to disobey the laws of nature, it will surely be met with a harsh response tomorrow, and how devastating such responses will be can be easily inferred from the current chaos.
Vonovia SE (VNA.DE), a German-based residential real estate company, issued its first Australian dollar bond on 28 August 2025, raising A$850 million or approximately 475 million euros through two unsecured series with maturities of 7 and 10 years. The weighted yield after currency hedging was 3.87%.

Vonovia noted that Leading credit rating agencies continue to recognize the company's balanced funding strategy. All four of Vonovia's credit ratings remain unchanged, confirming the company's strong credit profile. Most recently, Standard & Poor's affirmed its BBB+ rating with a stable outlook.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Crude oil prices fell on Friday amid concerns about weaker demand in the US due to the summer travel season ending in a couple of days along with intensifying Russia-Ukraine conflict.

WTI Crude Oil for October delivery was last seen trading, down by $0.60 (or 0.93%) at $64.00 per barrel.

Aiming to gain larger market share, the OPEC+ nations recently agreed to increase crude production by 547,000 barrels per day in September. With the current calendar month ending in two days, oversupply concerns due to the alliance's decision are shooting up.

To bring the three-plus-year Russia-Ukraine war to an end, US President Donald Trump used the threat sanctions against Russia on its oil exports along with secondary sanctions to nations buying Russian oil (particularly India) and simultaneously attempted to bring the leaders of the warring nations to the negotiating table.

However, Russia neither succumbed to the threat nor responded favorably to engaging in peace talks with Ukraine.

Yesterday, Russia hit the Ukrainian Navy's largest reconnaissance ship Simferopol in its first sea drone attack, in the Danube river delta, leaving at least 1 killed and several missing. This rising tensions have left traders concerned as sanctions on Russian oil by the West could shake up oil prices.

In the Middle East, talks between Iran and the E3 trio (Britain, France, and Germany) on Iran's nuclear program reached an impasse, with Iran refusing to allow nuclear inspectors to continue their work.

This left the E3 to announce that Iran's nuclear program remains a threat to international peace.

The three-nation group wrote to the UN Security Council yesterday to invoke the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action's "snapback clause." This initiates a 30-day process to restore UN sanctions on Iran.

While Iran and China have condemned the move, the US Secretary of State has welcomed it. Notably, Iran's crude exports averaged 1.5 million barrels per day in July.

On the demand side, the summer driving season in the US, i.e. from Memorial Day (May 26) to Labor Day (September 1), is coming to an end. Being the world's largest consumer of petroleum by utilizing approximately 20.01 million bpd, a dip in travel in the US raises demand concerns among traders.

Markets are betting for a 25-basis-point rate cut by the US Fed in their upcoming September meeting. The decision could impact US dollar value, which in turn, could influence crude oil prices in the short term.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Maruti Dzire leads the sedan segment with significantly higher sales as its latest iteration commands stronger demand

Overall sedan sales in July 2025 stood at 33,281 units, a strong 28.54% year-on-year (YoY) increase compared to 25,891 units sold in July 2024. This equates to a volume growth of 7,391 units, showing that despite the SUV dominance in the market, sedans continue to maintain a loyal customer base.

Sedan Sales July 2025

The Maruti Dzire was once again the undisputed leader, posting 20,895 units in July 2025. This marked an impressive 79.40% YoY growth from 11,647 units sold in July 2024. With this performance, the Dzire alone accounted for a commanding 62.78% market share in the sedan segment. It was also the only sedan to cross the 10,000-unit sales mark, highlighting its unmatched popularity.

In a distant second was the Hyundai Aura, with 4,636 units sold. However, the Aura registered a marginal decline of 2.54% from 4,757 units sold in July 2024. The Honda Amaze followed in third with 2,009 units, a sharp 13.67% drop from 2,327 units in the same month last year. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Virtus recorded a slight uptick of 1.76%, rising from 1,766 units in July 2024 to 1,797 units last month.

The Skoda Slavia came next, clocking 1,168 units, which represented a robust 45.29% growth compared to 793 units in July 2024. Skoda has recently bolstered the Slavia lineup with a new Anniversary Edition, marking the companys 25th year in India, which likely contributed to this sales push.

Tigor, Verna, City, Ciaz Post YoY Decline in July 2025

The second half of the sales chart paints a different picture, with most models struggling to gain traction. Tata Tigor/EV sales fell 35.25% YoY to 968 units, down from 1,495 units. Hyundai Verna sales dropped even further, down 41.83% YoY to 826 units. The Honda City also saw a steep decline of 32.50%, with only 646 units sold in July 2025.

The biggest setback, however, was for the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. Once a popular name in the mid-size sedan space, it posted just 173 units in July 2025  a massive 71.31% drop compared to 603 units sold last year. At the bottom of the list, the Toyota Camry showed some positivity with 161 units, growing 27.78% YoY, while the newly launched Skoda Superb managed just 2 units.

While the sedan segment overall registered healthy growth in July 2025, its evident that the Dzire is carrying much of the weight. With several rivals struggling to find buyers, the Dzires combination of safety, reliability, efficiency, and affordability has ensured its dominance remains unchallenged.
Pre-bookings for Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 are already open since July 15 for a token amount of Rs 21,000

Indias EV segment is in a nascent stage and theres plenty of unlocked potential. With that in mind, Vinfast is working at an accelerated pace to launch its electric cars in India. The first EVs this Vietnamese brand is introducing to our market are VF 6 and VF 7. Lets check out the recently revealed launch details.

Vinfast VF 6, VF 7 launch dates confirmed

As per the latest announcement, Vinfast VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs will be launched on 6th September. VF 6 will be available in two trims  Earth and Wind. Both of these have 6 exterior colour options  Jet Black, Desat Silver, Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, Zenith Grey and Urban Mint.

VF 6 has a black interior theme. Power will be derived from a 59.6 kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP range of 480 km. ARAI certified range will be revealed at the time of launch. VF 6 will have a front-axle-mounted 204 hp electric motor.

Vinfast VF 7 will be available in three trims  Earth, Wind and Sky. Exterior colour options are the same as that of VF 6. The base Earth variant of VF 7 has Black interior theme, whereas the Wind and Sky variants have Mocca Brown interior theme. Interiors have a premium feel and come with contrast stitching on the upholstery.

VF 7 electric SUV has a larger 70.8 kWh battery pack. It will be available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. The 204 hp front electric motor is common, whereas the AWD variant generates combined power output of 350 hp and 500 Nm with the combo of front and rear motors. VF 7 2WD variant has a range of 450 km, whereas the 4WD variant offers 431 km as per WLTP standards.

Equipment

A number of features will likely be common for both VF 6 and VF 7. Across both SUVs, the equipment list will include features like Level 2 ADAS, head-up display (HUD) and a comprehensive range of connectivity features. Both SUVs will have all-LED lighting. Other highlights include dual-zone AC, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat, vegan leather dual-tone interior and large panoramic glass roof. VF6 uses 18-inch wheels, whereas VF7 has 19-inch wheels.

Bullish on India

Vinfast has taken big bets in the Indian EV segment, with investment of around Rs 4,000 crore over five years. The Tamil Nadu plant was recently inaugurated, which will have an initial production capacity of 50,000 units per year. This is Vinfasts third plant globally and the first one outside Vietnam. By 2030, the production capacity could be increased to 1 million vehicles per year.

Vinfasts Tamil Nadu plant will also cater to demand for its cars in overseas markets. The company will also be looking to expand its portfolio. In the future, new models such as the Limo Green and Minio Green could be launched. These have already been trademarked in India. Vinfast has partnered with leading dealer groups to set up 35 outlets across India by the end of this year. Comprehensive EV financing solutions will be provided in partnership with leading banks such as SBI and HDFC Bank.
The death toll in Kyiv from the combined missile and drone attack by the Russian Federation on the night of August 28 has risen to 25 people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday evening.

"Currently, 25 people are known to have died, including four children, and dozens of people were injured. An absolutely vile attack that demonstrates Putin's true intentions - to continue the killings, and not to take steps towards peace," he wrote on Telegram.

Earlier, 23 victims of the attack by the Russian occupiers were known. Damage to buildings and infrastructure was recorded in 33 locations in Kyiv. Given the complexity of the damage, Kyiv City Military Administration suggested that the number of victims could increase.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, during which he expressed his position on sanctions against the Russian Federation, discussed issues of security guarantees and instruments for protecting Ukraine.

As Zelenskyy reported on Telegram, Ukraine is counting on a strong package of EU sanctions against Russia.

"Ukraine has stated many times that it is ready for a meeting at the level of leaders. We talked about this with President Trump and with our European friends. However, we do not see any signals of the same readiness from Russia. That is why there must be pressure. We expect that the 19th package of EU sanctions will be truly strong," he noted.

In addition, the parties discussed the development of security guarantees. According to Zelenskyy, they should provide for Ukraine's membership in the EU.

"The guarantees will consist of three blocks. One of the main ones is Ukraine's membership in the European Union. We expect that soon we will have progress on this issue together with Moldova," Zelenskyy wrote.

Zelenskyy and Costa also talked about additional funding for the production of Ukrainian drones and the implementation of the SAFE and PURL programs.

"Antonio is ready to help make these tools even more effective," the president of Ukraine noted.

The head of state thanked for the sincere condolences to our people, to all the families who lost their relatives and friends because of yesterday's Russian shelling of Kyiv.

"We agreed to meet in the near future. I am always glad to see Antonio in Ukraine," Zelenskyy noted.
From June 1 to August 29, almost 62,000 residents of Donetsk region and 7,000 from Dnipropetrovsk region were evacuated, 218,000 and 16,500 respectively still need evacuation, Deputy Minister of Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Riabikin reported.

"From June 1 to the morning of August 29, 2025, almost 62,000 people were evacuated from Donetsk region, including more than 400 people with reduced mobility, and about 5,000 children. Almost 218,000 people need evacuation, including 1,500 people with reduced mobility and 16,500 children. Almost 7,000 people were evacuated from Dnipropetrovsk region, including 402 people with reduced mobility, and 2,450 children. Currently, another 16,500 people need evacuation, including 319 people with reduced mobility and 164 children," Riabikin said at a briefing.

The largest number of people passed through the transit point in Pavlohrad, more than, 7,600 people in August. The transit point in Lozova (Kharkiv region) became operational on August 19 and accepted over 883 people, the transit point in Voloske became operational on August 23 and accepted over 170 people.

One of the acute and sensitive issues is the placement of people with limited mobility. Certain areas have been identified for them. In particular, institutional care facilities in Kyiv region have already accepted almost 170 people to date. Facilities in Rivne and Kirovohrad regions are also already accepting people with limited mobility, and additional places are being prepared in Ivano-Frankivsk region.

"I would like to call on local governments to be more actively involved in the evacuation process, especially those communities from which the evacuation is taking place. Because these are their people and they should help them at all stages of the evacuation: from the moment of displacement to the moment of integration in the new host community," Riabikin emphasized.
On Friday, September 5, at 14.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a press conference entitled "Initiatives of Ministry of Education and Science, their consequences" on the actions of the government and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine regarding the reform of Ukraines education sector and its consequences, attempts to introduce an additional control measure for postgraduate students in the form of a single state test in Ukrainian and foreign languages, a decrease in the number of higher education institutions and vocational education institutions, lawsuits against the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science.

Participants: postgraduate student, head of the charitable organization Let's Change Our Lives Roman Serhiyenko; head of the Council of Higher Education Applicants, PhD of Philosophy of the National Dnipro University of Technology Yelizaveta Bodriaho; teacher of professional and theoretical training of the Higher Vocational School No. 8, Stry Anatoliy Kryvosheyev; head of the legal department of the V.I. Vernadsky Taurida National University Vadym Rykov (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.

For additional information, call (068) 735 0505.
BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese trade delegation will visit Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. officials, the Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday.

The delegation, led by Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice commerce minister, will visit the United States after visiting Canada from Aug. 24 to 27, said ministry spokesperson He Yongqian.

China is willing to work with the United States to leverage the bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism, resolve issues through equal-footed dialogue and communication, and jointly maintain the steady, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.
Kharkiv, Ukraine  Folio Publishing House presents a new novel by Maryna Borodina, Against the Wind  an intimate and inspiring story of love, strength, and gratitude, written entirely with her eyes through an eye-tracking device.

About the Author

Maryna Borodina is a Ukrainian actress, TV presenter, and writer. A graduate of a prestigious acting school in Los Angeles, she worked in the United States before returning to Ukraine. In 2019, she was diagnosed with ALS, which has since paralyzed 70% of her body. Unable to write with her hands, she discovered a way to create through innovative Tobii Dynavox technology, which allows her to control a computer solely with her gaze.

Against the Wind was born from this extraordinary struggle and is already being hailed as a breakthrough in contemporary Ukrainian literature. Today, Maryna continues to write, raise her two sons, support other patients, and prove that creativity transcends limitations  and that the will to live can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

The novel blends fiction and autobiography: two parallel storylines  Marynas own and that of Alex, an anthropologist and assault unit commander  gradually converge in a powerful climax. It is a journey through childhood, love, trials, illness, and hope, balancing between reality and fantasy. In the finale, the heroine considers a Neuralink implant, but an unexpected twist forces her to rethink the very meaning of lifes value.

I didnt write this book to tell a story about illness, Maryna shares. I wanted to remind everyone: if your body works, youve already hit the jackpot. My story is about gratitude for even the simplest things.

From the Authors Preface

I wrote this book with my heart. Not literally, of course  if that were so, it would be a medical journal, and I would be a revolutionary scientist, not a woman typing words with her eyes like a character from a science fiction novel.

Living with ALS, I discovered something unexpected: the body may give up, but the soul remains free. My body stopped cooperating long ago, but my humor stayed with me. So did my spirit. And my ability to notice beauty in the simplest things: a sunbeam through blinds, the laughter of my sons in the next room.

What I lost physically opened another kind of vision  an inner one. Life is worth living. Even sitting.

This book is not only about me. It is about you. About us. About how, even with the worst hand life can deal, one can still play beautifully  with humor, dignity, and a touch of drama.

Audiobook Edition

Alongside the printed edition (1,000 copies), Folio is releasing an audiobook version of Against the Wind. It is voiced by acclaimed Ukrainian actress Rimma Zyubina and actor Roman Kulish. The recording was made at Orchestral Tower Production studio (co-founded by Orchestral Tower Production [Instagram: @orchestral_tower] and Ping-Pong Club Master [Instagram: @master_club_pingpong]), with sound director Ivan Horbachenko. The projects producer and the voice of the main character is Rimma Zyubina, one of the most prominent actresses of contemporary Ukrainian theater and film and a laureate of the Kyiv Pectoral Award. Her voice brings unique depth and resonance to the novel.

Book Launch in Kharkiv

The official presentation of Against the Wind will take place on August 31 at 16:00 at the Yermilov Center (Kharkiv).

The event will be moderated by Oleksandr Krasovytskyi, Folios General Director and a renowned Ukrainian writer. Actress Rimma Zyubina will present the book, and the author, Maryna Borodina, will join the event online. Journalists will have a unique opportunity to ask questions and receive direct answers from Maryna during the live session.

Where to Buy

Against the Wind will be available for purchase at the presentation and online at the Folio website: folio.com.ua

Excerpt from the Book

We drove through the streets of St. Gallen as if moving along the pages of a fairytale.

Behind us, the baroque spires of the abbey melted into the twilight, turning into silhouettes. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed the Abbey Library  its windows glowed like the eyes of an old philosopher who had seen too much. The road gently descended toward Lake Constance. Vineyards along the roadside looked like brushstrokes of a painting.

Everything around was painfully beautiful, and within that perfection lay something cruel. Beauty, when you are in mourning, feels almost sadistic. It does not ask permission. It simply arrives. It blooms. And leaves you, carrying your grief like an overstaying guest.

The driver silently handed me tissues. Swiss hospitality at its finest. He dropped me off in a quiet place. No shops. No tourists. Only a narrow path, a cold stone bench, and a silver lake stretching toward Austria. I sat. Then I lay down, letting the cold seep into my bones.

The sky was already indigo, scattered with stars too far to touch. But I kept looking up. I always look up. Because the sky does not judge. It does not pity. It simply holds you. It reminds you that, even when everything falls apart, somewhere there is order. Somewhere there is wonder. There is breath.

I dont know how long I lay there. Eventually, I got up, returned to the car, and quietly said: To the hotel. But first berries. Chocolate. Champagne.
China drives global energy transition through green cooperation

13:50, August 29, 2025 By He Yin ( People's Daily

China will achieve key energy development targets for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) on schedule, which include overall energy production capacity and the share of non-fossil energy, according to a recent press conference held by China's State Council Information Office on the achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

The country holds over 40 percent of the world's new energy patents, and its exports of wind power and photovoltaic products have helped other countries cut carbon emissions by around 4.1 billion tons.

The press conference highlighted that China is making remarkable strides in green and low-carbon development, emerging as an important force in the global shift toward clean energy. Its efforts have not only advanced domestic green growth but also earned widespread recognition for its contribution to the world's low-carbon transformation.

Wind turbines spin in a wind farm in Mianchuan township, Jiujiang, east China's Jiangxi province. (Photo/Zhu Haipeng)

Charting a distinctive path to green transition

In recent years, China has charted an energy transition path tailored to its national conditions, aligned with global development trends, and responsive to the imperatives of the times.

At Tianjin Port, the world's first intelligent zero-carbon terminal has achieved record-breaking productivity. At Meizhou Bay coal terminal in southeast China's Fujian province, oil-powered equipment has been converted to electricity-driven, berths now run on green power, and bulk cargo handling has shifted to containerized operations.

In northwest China's Qinghai province, the Longyangxia hydro-solar hybrid power station reduces annual carbon emissions by about 1.23 million tons through its clean energy output.

From hydrogen-powered ports to high-altitude power projects, China's clean energy development is rapidly expanding. Today, China has established the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with two charging posts for every five vehicles. It 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 40 percent to roughly 60 percent.

Gim Huay Neo, managing director of the World Economic Forum, observed that China has made remarkable progress in its domestic energy transition and is set to play an even greater role in shaping a sustainable, secure, and inclusive energy future.

Photo shows a wind-solar-storage electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Dawu county, Xiaogan, central China's Hubei province. (Photo/Hu Xuejun)

Global leadership in clean energy

China's green transformation is accelerating the global energy transition. The country has ranked first worldwide in wind power installation for 15 consecutive years and in solar installation for 10 years in a row. In May this year, China became the first country to surpass one terawatt in cumulative photovoltaic capacity, marking a new milestone in global new energy development and earning broad international acclaim.

China's growing green capacity is also driving global energy cooperation. In Thailand, Chinese inverter technology has helped Mahidol University build a nearly zero-carbon campus. In Ghana, the agro-photovoltaic model introduced by China is promoting the integration of solar power and agriculture. In Kiribati, Chinese-invested solar-powered water farms are improving local livelihoods while advancing clean energy adoption.

By continuously upgrading technology and expanding applications, China is making green energy more accessible worldwide and delivering tangible benefits to other countries.

Wind turbines are ready for export at a terminal in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu province, July 11, 2025. (Photo/Wang Chun)

A global endeavor shared by all

Green transformation is a path humanity must walk together. It should not be framed as a zero-sum competition. China's green development is not the outcome of an "energy race," but an inclusive effort that emphasizes cooperation over competition and empowerment over suppression.

As the world's largest exporter of clean energy technologies, China's wind and photovoltaic products have reached over 200 countries and regions. The country has partnered with over 100 countries and regions in green energy projects, creating 46 percent of renewable energy jobs worldwide.

According to the UK-based website Carbon Brief, China's exports of solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries in 2024 alone reduced carbon emissions abroad by 1 percent.

Over the past decade, China has helped reduce global average costs of wind power by 60 percent and solar power by 80 percent, making clean energy more affordable for all.

Attempts to politicize clean energy and suppress China's green industries will only raise costs globally, particularly for developing countries, and hinder global progress in low-carbon development.

Building a clean and beautiful world is a shared responsibility of all nations. China stands ready to work with the international community to develop innovative low-carbon solutions, create favorable conditions for global green cooperation, and chart a greener course for the planet toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for all humanity.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Al Jones  Deputy Housing Director Willa DiTaranto, left, and Kalamazoo County Board Chairwoman Jen Strebs look down at the lobby of the former Country Inn & Suites. Al Jones  The former Country Inn & Suites, at 1912 E. Kilgore Service Road, is to be converted into an 80-unit shelter to help unhoused local families. Al Jones  The former Country Inn & Suites, at 1912 E. Kilgore Service Road, is to be converted into an 80-unit shelter to help families in need of emergency housing to rebuild their lives. Al Jones  Willa DiTaranto, deputy housing director for Kalamazoo County, is helping to oversee the redevelopment of the former Country Inn & Suites. Al Jones  Jen Strebs, chairwoman of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, looks forward to seeing a Kalamazoo hotel converted into The Landing Place, a transitional shelter for unhoused local families. Al Jones  Willa DiTaranto, deputy housing director for Kalamazoo County, shows an area that will be renovated inside a former hotel to become a common area inside The Landing Place. Sent from my iPhone Al Jones  Willa DiTaranto, deputy housing director for Kalamazoo County, and Jen Strebs, chairwoman of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, tour the lobby of the former Country Inn & Suites. Al Jones  Deputy Housing Director Willa DiTaranto shows an area that is likely to be used as dining space when the former Country Inn & Suites becomes a transitional shelter for unhoused families. Al Jones  Deputy Housing Director Willa DiTaranto leads Kalamazoo County Board Chairwoman Jen Strebs into the lobby area of the former Country Inn & Suites. Land at the rear of a former hotel is expected to become a playground area as the property is converted into a transitional shelter for unhoused families. Photo by Al Jones

A Way Home  Housing Solutions: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Waves series on solutions to homelessness and ways to increase affordable housing. It is made possible by a coalition of funders, including the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, the ENNA Foundation, and Kalamazoo County Land Bank.

This is a transitional family shelter, which means that it has full, 24-hour wrap-around supports and services, Jen Strebs, chairperson of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners

KALAMAZOO, MI  Transition is the key to understanding Kalamazoo Countys plan for The Landing Place.

The conversion of a former hotel on Kilgore Road into an 80-unit shelter where unhoused families can find support as they transition back to permanent living arrangements is urgent, say those advocating for the project.

And the recent word that the City of Portage has withdrawn a pledge of funding for the project will not impact its development.

This is not an emergency shelter, says Jen Strebs, chairperson of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. This is a transitional family shelter, which means that it has full, 24-hour wrap-around supports and services. And the goal is not just to house people short-term, but to help people stabilize and transition into permanent housing. Its more than a shelter. Its a program (leading) to stability.

Kalamazoo County is continuing the conversion of the former Country Inn & Suites hotel at 1912 E. Kilore Service Road in Portage. It paid about $5.6 million to acquire the property early this year and plans to spend at least $2.5 million to convert it to help unhoused families who are already county residents.

Recent reports that the City of Portage, which works with the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care to combat homelessness, has rescinded a pledge of $500,000 for the project, will not sidetrack the effort, Strebs says. The project reportedly clashed with that citys efforts to support the proposed development of a new Residence Inn not far away.

Nothing has changed recently in the development of the project, Strebs says. Our partners ongoing are the City of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County Government, the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Its been that way for quite some time.

Strebs said the working budget for the project also did not include an allocation from Portage. So were not replacing any funds from them. Our budget didnt include their funds.

The end-of-year deadline

The county expects to have the project ready for occupancy before the end of this year. Interior work includes updating some of its infrastructure and renovating the former hotels kitchen, pool area, roof, and parking lot. The pool is to be permanently filled, and the pool area will be put to other uses. The kitchen needs to be upgraded and expanded to manage ongoing meal service, officials say. It will be a warming kitchen that dispenses meals that are cooked off-site.

Some of the stuff is just out of date, Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema says of the hotel facility. When we change the use, we have to fire-suppress the whole thing. Well, thats really expensive. It has a 3-inch water main. We have to put in a 6-inch water main and all new pipes.  In order to get a certificate of occupancy, we have to get through a city site-plan review. And its a ton of work.

What is now a hotel conference room will be used for daily programming for residents. That includes supportive services such as job training, financial planning, child-care support, and other life skills. Strebs says the county is still looking for people in the philanthropic community to help support ongoing programs.



Al Jones

Jen Strebs, chairwoman of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, looks forward to seeing a Kalamazoo hotel converted into The Landing Place, a transitional shelter for unhoused local families.

The countys Buildings and Grounds Department is doing some of the interior demolition work, such as removing hot tubs from any of the hotel rooms that had them. And it will do painting.

The county will solicit bids on roofing as well as the remodeling of the hotels interior, the renovation of its kitchen, and the creation of a new laundry room. Part of the work will include the creation of two new offices on the ground level to serve as a permanent workspace for Balkema and the Kalamazoo County Housing Department. The department strives to develop and lead the countys housing strategy. It then collaborates with public and private partners to address key housing needs.

The bidding process for construction work is set to begin during the first week of September. Bids are to be reviewed and presented to the County Board on Sept. 16. Construction is expected to begin on Sept. 17, Balkema says. The renovated property will be occupied in phases. That will allow some areas of the shelter to be used as work continues in others. Construction will likely continue into March, says Willa DiTaranto, Deputy Housing Director for Kalamazoo County.

Having a phased opening will be safer for the people, safer for staff, DiTaranto says, And so we need to be able to make sure we can accommodate the (gradually increasing) number of people here while theres still kitchen rehabilitation going on and all of that.

She says, Right now, its a tight timeline, but every partner involved understands the urgency of this project, and so were trying our best to maintain that December timeline.

The level of need

According to data from the county, 1,700 students were homeless this year in Kalamazoo County. That was a 30 percent increase from 2023. Although it did not cite specific numbers, the data indicated that Portage Public Schools reported an 82 percent increase in student homelessness and Comstock Public Schools reported a 92 percent increase.

Were watching the level of homelessness increase in the community, Strebs says.  Working with this population, were seeing more and more families displaced from their homes and even more working families  ALICE households (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed). Looking at what we have available in the community, emergency sheltering often causes families to have to be split apart. So theyre often segregated by gender.

She says, at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission in downtown Kalamazoo, Theres a mens side of emergency shelter and a womens side of the shelter. Theres some capacity for them for family shelter, but not enough.

The result is that those who want to try to stay together to live outdoors, in hotels, temporarily with family members, or in their vehicles. So were looking for innovative options to move a solution forward. The opportunity to convert a hotel came before us, and its the right thing to do, Strebs says.

Talking about the rising cost of living and saying Michigan has one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, Strebs says, Were going to watch the pressures increase. Especially as social safety-net programs that maybe were helping keep people just above the water  like SNAP benefits and Medicaid benefits  as those things disappear, then the resources available for housing become even tighter.

Beyond her role on the County Commission, Strebss interest in the success of the Landing Project is driven by several factors. She says the community and local voters ave made it very clear it is unacceptable for this growing problem to continue to not be addressed. We cannot leave suffering standing on a street corner. She goes on to say she has spent decades of her life serving people with disabilities in deep poverty. I have stood with them in the bread lines and fought to help them maintain housing. And she has life experience that has fostered empathy for the unhoused. As a young woman, I had to flee domestic violence and ended up unhoused sleeping in my car for several weeks. I get the fear and the cold people experience on the street.

She hopes The Landing Place helps area families survive.

Overseeing the change for families

Kalamazoo County Administrator Kevin Catlin explains the name of the project, in a press release, saying, We chose the name The Landing Place because thats what we want this shelter to be  a safe, stabilizing space for families during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

The Family Promise organization, a Summit, N.J.-based nonprofit, is being contracted to operate and staff the facility. It is creating a Kalamazoo affiliate of the organization to do so.

They have like 200 different affiliates around the country, and they do a nice job at this type of work and have a lot of experience, Balkema says.

The CEO of the operation will be Cheryl Schuch, who has served as chief executive of Family Promise National. She is also a Kalamazoo native who, for 14 years, led Family Promise of West Michigan (based in Grand Rapids).

They understand the complexities of the unhoused population, Strebs says. It can often be a very complex picture.

In Kalamazoo County, the organization is expected to help establish a holistic program that provides wrap-around support for residents, including healthcare coordination and case-management, and to not just be a safe place to be right now, Strebs says, but to get them on a footing and a plan so they can get into long-term, permanent, stable housing going forward.

DiTaranto says some people have expressed concerns that the Kilgore Road location is too far from many of the services unhoused people typically require. But she says, Its important to reiterate that the services are coming here. We want to create as few barriers as possible for success.

Setting up for services

The Landing Place will have 90 parking spots, and Metro Transit will shift a bus stop from about 200 yards down the road to the front of the shelter. School districts will be required to bus children from the location to public schools throughout the county, as needed.

An intake process has not yet been established for those who will live in The Landing Place. But Strebs says she expects it to have multiple points of entry, and the network of service providers that work with the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care will refer people to the appropriate programs and resources.

More information is available here.

Through Family Promise Kalamazoo, and with the 24-hour nature of the operation, The Landing Place may ultimately create about 42 jobs, including case-management and administrative workers.

This is going to be the largest family shelter in the state of Michigan, DiTaranto, says. But this is a model that has been in the works and working well in larger cities for a really long time.

She previously worked at a shelter in Philadelphia that operated in a similar fashion.

Al Jones

Land at the rear of a former hotel is expected to become a playground area as the property is converted into a transitional shelter for unhoused families.

Balkema says, People should be happy that the county is making a plan to have a homeless shelter, given the number of homeless kids that are in our county and in our school system. And that were making a really diligent effort to get it open before the snow flies.

Strebs says this is one of the largest projects that local people have undertaken to address homelessness, but she does not expect it to be the last.

What were hoping to do here in Kalamazoo County is demonstrate that not only can we effectively serve the community, but we can provide outcomes that make the programming worth it, she says. We have kids here who have been destabilized and unhoused. The long-term outcome for them, for school, for criminal justice involvement, without getting back on track, creates extreme costs for communities down the line. So when we can make the investments earlier in these families, get them stabilized  were spending money on the front end so that were not spending three to five times that down the line with that young person.
While the US wants to paint the fence black to deter migrants, Alfredo Libre Gutierrez used it to create a mural promoting unity between the two neighboring nations, based on an Indigenous prophecy

Alfredo Libre Gutierrez continues to stare at the border wall that saw him grow up in Tijuana 43 years ago. A wall that the United States now wants to paint black so that the heat will make it even more hostile and more difficult to climb. Libre smiles and says: We responded with color, with love. That is our strength.

Just a few days ago, he finished covering a section of the border fence in Playas de Tijuana with a monumental mural: a condor and a golden eagle flying wing to wing. The work, titled Shared Flight, is inspired by an Indigenous prophecy that predicts peace will come when the two birds fly together. In contrast to the U.S. plan to darken the wall, the painting by Libre proposes filling it with color.

I do believe that art can raise awareness. If we dont try, well never know. For me, painting this wall is a way to humanize the inhuman, he says during an online interview with EL PAIS.

Migration as a destination

A son of Tijuana and an internal migrant in Mexico City for 15 years, Libre carries stories of displacement in his own life. As long as I can remember, Ive seen and experienced it: in neighbors, family members, friends. In Tijuana, migration is a latent part of everyday life.

Alfredo "Libre" Gutierrez in Tijuana. Omar Martinez (Cortesia)

He studied architecture at the Tijuana Institute of Technology, but his calling led him to art. His first project, in 2004, portrayed homeless people, many of them migrants and deportees. Since then, every mural, every sculpture, has been an attempt to give them visibility. I feel very proud to be Mexican and to be able to represent these stories. Taking art to a level that raises awareness and makes people reflect is what interests me the most, he explains.

His work doesnt stop at walls. Hes given workshops at the Reclusorio Oriente penitentiary in Mexico City, collaborated with migrant shelters like Casa Tochan, and in 2018 he decided to accompany a migrant caravan from the State of Mexico to Mexicali, Baja California, traveling on the train known populary as La Bestia (The Beast). Traveling with them changes your perspective on migration. You see families, seniors, members of the LGBT+ community fleeing brutal violence that makes it hard to believe theyll survive the next week. That makes you more empathetic.

That empathy inspired Transportapueblos, one of his best-known projects. Its a series of wooden coyote-shaped sculptures designed to be placed at strategic points along migrant routes in Mexico, from Central America northward. Their bodies carry maps, information about shelters, and shelves of donated food, clothing, and supplies. Libre clarifies: Weve all been migrants at some point, and we carry our culture, our music, and our colors on our shoulders. The coyote is a symbol of resilience and power, but also of guidance and protection.

Sculptures from the 'Transportapueblos' project. Alfredo "Libre" Gutierrez (Cortesia)

The border wall as a canvas

Working with communities is the backbone of all of Libres projects, and during the first weeks of August, he worked with local artists, architecture students, and members of the Kumiai community to cover 405 square meters of the border wall. From the first day to the last, there was enthusiasm. The community lent us ladders, air compressors, and cheered us on. We transformed something hideous into a space that now says: this is us.

This latest work by the Tijuana-born artist features a golden eagle and an Andean condor, symbols of the fauna of the north and south, united in a continuous flight. The idea arose from a conversation with Dan Watman, program director at Friendship Park, about a prophecy that tells of how, for thousands of years, human societies have decided to go their separate ways, but when these two animals cross paths in flight, there will be peace in the region.

On the Mexican side, the wall has become a hub of artivism. On the U.S. side, it remains gray and soon to be black. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that President Donald Trump ordered the color change so the metal will absorb more heat and become harder to climb. While they darken it so it burns and becomes more cruel, we color it so it heals. Thats the difference, says Libre.

The mural had the active participation of the border community. Omar Martinez (Cortesia)

For him, art doesnt resolve migration or violence, but it raises questions, provokes reflection, and contributes to a shared humanity. Its not fair to criticize without contributing. For me, painting this wall is my way of contributing. Its also an act of pride in Tijuana, because its shameful that a foundation from the United States (Mozaik Philanthropy) had to come and fund what our own city should be promoting.

While the U.S. government allocates billions of dollars to reinforce the border, Libre and his team have painted a symbolic embrace on the high steel bars with just $20,000. Now he wants to replicate the experience in other border cities like Ciudad Juarez or Mexicali. If there are resources, Im happy to add more color to the wall. I want to motivate other artists. Let art be our elegant response to violence.
Remy Cointreau has revised the estimated impact of US tariffs on business, cutting the estimated negative hit on profits by 15m, following the trade deal reached between the US and EU.

After the US and EU agreed a 15% tariff rate from 1 August, down from the initially proposed 30%, the French spirits group now estimates that the net overall impact of tariffs on current operating profit will be 30m, compared with 45m previously.

That comprises a 10m negative impact in China (unchanged from previous estimates) and a 20m impact in the US (down from 35m initially).

Remy Cointreau now expects a mid-single-digit organic decline in current operating profit over 2025-26, compared with an early prediction of a mid-to-high-single-digit decrease.

These estimates include any actions to mitigate the negative effect of higher tariffs, as well as increased investments in China and the US.

"The United States and China are strategic markets for Remy Cointreau, where the group has benefited for many decades from a strong local presence and solid brand desirability," the company said.

:Confident in their long-term potential, Remy Cointreau intends to continue making targeted and ambitious investments in both markets to support the rebound in demand and lay the foundations for a sustainable and profitable growth trajectory."
Atome reported a wider first-half loss on Friday, but said it had made considerable progress on its flagship Villeta low-carbon fertiliser project as it moved towards a final investment decision before the end of 2025.

For the six months ended 30 June, the AIM-traded company posted a loss of $3.1m, compared with $2.8m a year earlier, with $6.6m of costs capitalised on the 145MW Villeta project.

Operationally, the period saw Hy24 agree to invest $115m as lead equity investor, while Atome signed a $465m fixed-price EPC contract with Casale and began detailed engineering work.

A new Atome Power division was also created to advance plans for a 400MW solar facility in Paraguay.

Post-period, the European Investment Bank gave in-principle approval for $135m of senior debt financing, while the Green Climate Fund agreed to provide $50m of concessional finance.

Final agreements with offtaker Yara and equity investors were expected in September, paving the way for a final investment decision and construction start by year-end.

The Villeta project is expected be the largest low-carbon fertiliser production facility in the world when it comes on stream, said chief executive Olivier Mussat.

With news of signing the definitive offtake agreement with Yara, constitution of the project equity club and of the multilateral lenders in the Project Financing expected in the coming weeks, we will then be well set to navigate our course for FID and commencement of construction by the end of the year.

He added that Atome was uniquely positioned to expand its platform once construction begins, supported by its project pipeline, government backing in Paraguay and growing financing commitments.

At 1211 BST, shares in Atome were up 9.38% at 49.22p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Losing her father and sister to suicide has left an indelible mark on author Miriam Toews. In the sardonic and original A Truce That Is Not Peace, her 10th work, she seeks to come to terms with that legacy of loss.

The title and epigraph are from a Christian Wiman poem that expresses yearning for "coherence that is not/ 'closure.' " Toews (All My Puny Sorrows; Swing Low) builds the memoir around the conceit of preparing for a "Conversacion" in Mexico City on the topic "Why do I write?" What follows is not a straightforward answer but a raft of discursive attempts at one. For instance, the inclusion of long letters to her late sister, Marj, shows Toews fulfilling a promise ("Why do I write? Because she asked me to"). In them, Toews recalls a shoestring 1982 tour of Europe with an egotistical boyfriend and the angst preceding the publication of her first novel in the mid-1990s. Reminiscences of early jobs, therapist appointments, and her octogenarian mother's and grandchildren's antics share space with whimsical plans to start a "Wind Museum" and quotations from other authors. Extended stream-of-consciousness sections are interspersed with shorter fragments; together, they constitute a meditation on the fine line separating randomness and meaning.

Alternating past and present and flowing by free association, this is something of a cross between a memoir and a commonplace book. "Is writing the acceptable alternative to killing oneself?" Toews asks. For her, writing is indeed a bulwark against despair. The result here is more incisive than sad--a heartening encouragement to persist. --Rebecca Foster, freelance reviewer, proofreader and blogger at Bookish Beck
Guns, money, and dangerous secrets come together in Anonymous Male, retired sniper Christopher Whitcomb's fever dream of a memoir of his life after resigning from the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team in 2001.

After publishing Cold Zero, an account of his high-octane experiences within the Bureau, Whitcomb appeared frequently in a wide variety of media outlets as a commentator and journalist specializing in his analysis of terror. He then used his press contacts to access remote areas of Pakistan, gleaning information for the CIA. From there, Whitcomb drove himself even deeper into increasingly dangerous situations, including a hair-raising stop in Somalia and a trip to Timor-Leste, a conflict-riven island in Southeast Asia, where he assembled a private army to provide security for a new government. After surviving a coup attempt, Whitcomb found himself disconnected from his family, his life, and his entire belief system. It wasn't until he nearly drowned while surfing off the coast of Bali that Whitcomb realized his true self had become buried under layers of deception, and he finally returned home to the U.S.

Whitcomb's writing style is at once tangential, aggressive, and hazy, as if he is watching and reexperiencing pasted-together clips of the action film of his life. As entertaining as his adrenaline-fueled adventures are to read, one senses that an existence spent at either end of a loaded gun takes a toll on the psyche and that, eventually, there will be a reckoning. Whitcomb, however, leaves it to readers to draw these conclusions. His goal, at which he succeeds with Anonymous Male, is to deliver one wild ride. --Debra Ginsberg, author and freelance editor
At a time of increased danger to transgender and gender-nonconforming people, the 17 essays in Both/And, edited by Denne Michele Norris, represent a joyful call to action. Authors of color reimagine the future, transcending traumatic memories and others' expectations through activism and the arts.

Akwaeke Emezi and Autumn Fourkiller question gender-specific standards of beauty. Edgar Gomez and Caro De Robertis observe how the Spanish language is evolving to become less gendered and allow nonbinary pronouns. Raquel Willis, a speaker at the Brooklyn Liberation March, was spurred to protest after the deaths by suicide of fellow young trans people. Meredith Talusan addresses the sex-work client who assaulted her, an event that proved to be a turning point in her life.

Often, the arts accompany transition journeys. Addie Tsai found a model of gender fluidity in her father's Mandarin-language theater productions, which involved cross-dressing. Vanessa Angelica Villarreal discusses the controversy over nonbinary and trans characters in role-playing video games. Several authors take strength from goddess imagery, as when Gabrielle Bellot visits a Hawaiian volcano and ponders the transformative nature of fire. Others are inspired by the daring acts of "transcestors" from legend and religious history.

Confessional and creative modes coexist here. Kaia Ball's piece is a shining example, contrasting current freedom with the constraints of a mixed-race Mormon upbringing and exploring their relationships with their estranged father and ultrafeminine mother by imagining both parents transitioning.

These vibrant essays blend the personal and the political in fascinating ways, tracing shifting identities and standing up for artistic expression. --Rebecca Foster, freelance reviewer, proofreader and blogger at Bookish Beck
Historian Peter Cozzens brings the infamous Wild West South Dakota town to life with Deadwood, his highly entertaining and meticulously researched account of a place whose history is even more colorful than the myths and legends that have sprung up around it.

A mining town established in 1876 after the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, Deadwood not only hosted gamblers, gunslingers, and desperados, but was, itself, an illegal settlement founded against the orders of the federal government on land sacred to the Lakota people. The lure of gold proved to be a stronger force, however, and within months, Deadwood was populated by miners, prostitutes (or "soiled doves," as they were known), and all manner of chancers looking to make a profit. Cozzens offers in-depth profiles of Deadwood's most memorable characters, many of whom were brought to life in the HBO show of the same name. There is villainous saloonkeeper Ellis Albert "Al" Swearingen, for example; outspoken prostitute Martha Jane "Calamity Jane" Canary, who often dressed in men's clothing; and, of course, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, who met his end during a poker game.

As captivating as these portraits are, the town itself is the real star of Deadwood. Cozzens's descriptions of frontier life, which was especially harsh for women--who often found refuge in opium--are brilliantly detailed. Most revealing, however, is how, despite its lawless reputation, Deadwood became a prosperous and self-reliant town that was unique in its acceptance and integration of Chinese immigrants, Jews, and African Americans. Revelatory and multilayered, Deadwood is a fascinating portrait of a complex and singular place. --Debra Ginsberg, author and freelance editor
With Gabriela and His Grace, Liana De la Rosa returns with the final book in her Luna Sisters historical romance trilogy, one readers have been salivating for since the series began. Gabriela Luna and Sebastian Brooks, Duke of Whitfield, have been butting heads and trading barbs since they met. Now, Gabriela is fleeing Britain to escape an unwanted marriage, and she finds herself on a ship heading back to Mexico with none other than Sebastian, her nemesis. Though Gabriela is loath to face her parents and their familiar criticisms, she is thrilled to have a long visit with her sister Isabel and her new husband, whom readers met and fell in love with in the trilogy's second novel, Isabel and the Rogue.

The Luna Sisters trilogy is more interconnected than many series romances, and readers will be rewarded for reading all three volumes, but Gabriela and His Grace can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. De la Rosa delivers the romance and steamy love scenes that readers have come to expect, including a delightful take on the popular "only one bed" trope.

Gabriela and His Grace is full of the delicious dialogue, intriguing history, and compelling characters that De la Rosa is known for. Her romance touches on real events, offers more than ballrooms and proper manners, and proves that a heroine doesn't have to be white, British, and of noble birth to marry a duke. Gabriela and His Grace is a joy that will have readers smiling giddily at two enemies finally figuring themselves out and becoming lovers. --Alyssa Parssinen, freelance reviewer and former bookseller
Phoebe Greenwood, a former staff editor and correspondent for the Guardian, swings for the bleachers with Vulture, her audacious debut novel, which is Joseph Heller's Catch-22 meets Fleabag. Sara Byrne is an acerbic, unstable freelance journalist from England assigned to cover the escalating tensions after the Israeli government kills Hamas commander Ahmed Al Jabari in November 2012. Now stationed at The Beach Hotel in Gaza, she's surrounded by fellow war reporters, photographers, and fixers.

Sara is desperate to get into a Hamas "terror tunnel," so she can write "a proper story," rather than what she calls "monkey journalism," by which she means reporting on the same events as everyone else. Complicating her risky efforts are personal issues that threaten to encroach on her professional ones. She is preoccupied with the festering wound left from her father's death two years ago. She's fixated on Michael, an old friend of her deceased father's with whom she had an affair while his wife was undergoing cancer treatment. Sara spirals further when she hears that Michael's left his wife for someone else. Her drive to succeed is not only for the sake of her career but also to impress Michael, and her ruthless pursuit of a scoop leads to all kinds of hijinks, and eventually, catastrophe.

Vulture is not for the easily queasy. Readers can expect comically rendered bad behavior, graphic bodily functions, and the devastating cruelties and tragedies of war. In Greenwood's keen and capable hands, the effortless prose makes the story all the more impactful. --Nina Semczuk, writer, editor, and illustrator
Both Logan Karlie and R.M. Gray originally self-published their YA romantasies--Dream by the Shadows (Christy Ottaviano Books) and Nightweaver (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), respectively--and became online friends through their shared community. Here, the authors discuss the world of self-publishing, the transition to traditional publishing, and a few of the bumps and joys along the way.

Logan Karlie grew up in a rural Midwest town in the U.S. and completed an MA in English Literature at the University of Arkansas. She lives in Illinois with her family.

R.M. Gray hails from a quaint Texas town. She is the author of the Nightweaver series.

Logan Karlie: We've both had a whirlwind year, and deadlines make it hard to chat (thank goodness for social media!). What have you been working on lately?

R.M. Gray: I live for your social updates. I'm currently preparing for the release of Starchaser, Nightweaver's sequel, this November. There's some swoony new characters that I'm dying for readers to meet, and I can't wait to see everyone's reactions. I'm also drafting book three.

Karlie: It's such a different process being on deadline now, isn't it?

Gray: So different! I love deadlines, but I haven't seen the sun in 72 hours.

Karlie: I've been preparing for the release of Dream by the Shadows while also drafting the sequel.

Karlie Logan

(Til Death Photo Co.)

Gray: I need that sequel! It was such an honor to read an early copy, and to say I'm obsessed is an understatement. It's surreal and makes me think back to our early days of self-publishing--why did you choose to self-publish your first book?

Karlie: At the time, I was in a constant state of chaos: working as a high school English teacher, managing my two young children, and writing in any spare minutes I could find. I originally planned to traditionally publish, but after researching self-publishing, I realized it sounded exciting--I've always loved being fully involved in the creative process. It was overwhelming, however, because there are so many decisions to make.

Gray: I didn't know much about self-publishing and always thought I would pursue the traditional route, but I decided I was ready to put my story out into the world. It's so rewarding to be involved in the creative process, and self-publishing seemed like a great way to learn the inner workings of what it takes to produce a book.

Karlie: There are so many inner workings! Basics like choosing a cover artist and finding an editor, but also small things no one talks about.

R.M. Gray

(Kayla Pavao Photography)

Gray: Like which font to use? The size of the book? Should I use a pen name? I still don't understand formatting.

Karlie: I went through 10 sample copies when I was trying to format it myself. Sometimes the font would be illegible, sometimes the cover was one or two centimeters off, sometimes the margins were too narrow. I was still formatting until the week of release. And I was so focused on the pre-publication logistics that I didn't fully comprehend that there would be difficult parts afterwards. What were some of the hardest parts for you?

Gray: Marketing was a nightmare. I cried for two hours after making my first Instagram reel. I'd spent all day working on a video only to lose it.

Karlie: I didn't realize how involved authors need to be in marketing, and it felt like climbing a mountain in the dark without a flashlight. I remember having 50 followers and wondering how anyone was going to know my book existed. But I worked hard to establish a community of readers and it ended up being a rewarding skill to learn, though some epic failures were involved.

Gray: Cheers to epic failures! But it was worth it. Finding a place in the community was a reward in itself.

Karlie: Finding a community was the best part! Being an author can be lonely. I remember trying to find my place in those early days by reaching out to other authors self-publishing their debut novels. And one of those authors was you.

Gray: You're so right--when I first started building a platform, I felt like the new kid in school. Now, many of my closest friends are people I met online--including you. It wasn't long after we started chatting that you invited me to join an author support group, and I'm eternally grateful to you for including me. Having a group of people that understood and supported me through all the ups-and-downs was a game changer.

Karlie: That group was a lifesaver. We chatted about everything related to getting our books out in the world.

Gray: I don't know what I would have done without that group chat. How did you get into traditional publishing?

Karlie: I started getting attention from audiobook and foreign publishers and needed guidance on navigating the next steps, so I queried a pool of agents with the goal of finding someone to help me with those offers and explore traditional publishing. After I signed with my agent, we immediately dove into edits and took it on submission a few weeks later.

Gray: How was the submission process for you?

Karlie: Going on submission to publishers was equally exciting and nerve-wracking. We started getting interest very early, and within a month, I had a book deal for DBTS and its sequel! What about you?

Gray: Julie Hays, a Waco, Tex., newscaster, found me on Instagram shortly after I self-published Nightweaver. We did an interview, and with all the love the story received in my community, the article went viral. The next morning, an agent saw it, read the book, and e-mailed me that same day. I thought I was being scammed! A few weeks after I signed with my agency, Nightweaver was in the hands of my dream publisher. Just shows what a community can do for their local creatives.

It seemed terrifying handing my book off to a larger team, but everyone was already so excited that it felt like handing it over to a team of fairy godmothers.

Karlie: It's been such a relief to not shoulder all the weight of publishing a book. I enjoyed my experience as an indie author, and have such respect for my indie friends, but I've also enjoyed having a larger network of support.

Gray: Same. What has it been like for you making the shift to writing full-time?

Karlie: It can be extremely challenging juggling writing with work obligations, family responsibilities, and everything else. It's been a blessing to be able to write full-time, especially as a mom. When I was teaching, I would often work on the book until midnight after a day spent teaching and parenting. I was in survival mode, and it wasn't good for my health or caffeine budget. You're full-time, too, right?

Gray: It's an absolute dream. When I was getting up for work every day, I used to think how wonderful it would be to stay home in my pajamas and write. And I can finally use "sorry, I have to write" as a valid excuse when people want to make plans.

Karlie: I feel so lucky to be celebrating the release of my debut as a traditionally published book, and it's been full-circle seeing yours release as well!

Gray: It was unreal celebrating the release of Nightweaver, and I was thrilled to partner with you for an event--meeting you in person was such a delight. It's hard to believe we're here!
The government has instigated a tightening of rules of conduct as part of the war against gangs

The news this week in El Salvador is that hair salons are overcrowded. Its gone viral, and videos and memes about it are flooding social media. Theres a reason: President Nayib Bukele appointed a military officer as Minister of Education. The officials first order was that all children and adolescents must show up to school with closely cropped hair, their uniforms neat and tidy, and say thank you and please to adults. Those who dont do so  or teachers who dont enforce the rules  will face the consequences, he said in a statement.

On the night of Thursday, August 14, Bukele announced through his X account a new step in the militarization of his government and appointed Captain Karla Trigueros as Minister of Education. Her mission will be to prepare future generations to successfully face the challenges of tomorrow and achieve the highest quality standards that the new El Salvador we are building will demand, Bukele wrote. A day later, the captain appeared in photographs, wearing her military uniform, hugging children in schools. On the fourth day, she gave her first order.

Captain Trigueros, according to Bukele, must collaborate in eradicating gangs, a war that was fought with the military in the streets and has now reached schools. For many, however, this is nothing more than justification for the militarization of public education.

Bukele appoints Karla Trigueros as Minister of Education on August 14. Ministerio de educacion El Salvador

They say theyre implementing anti-gang measures, but gangs are a consequence of the corruption and massive human rights violations committed during military governments. It seems President Bukele isnt afraid to repeat them, said Noah Bullock, director of Cristosal, a renowned human rights organization.

Since Trigueross arrival at the ministry, the principals of every public school in El Salvador are required to meet with each student daily to supervise their dress code, manners, order, and discipline. Hundreds of students have been turned away at the gates of their schools and immediately sent to have their hair cut.

When contacted by telephone, six public school teachers agreed that the measures could improve order and discipline in schools where they had been lacking. But they also agreed that they do not consider it necessary to appoint a military officer as Minister of Education.

This isnt strictly new. Asking parents to bring their children in clean uniforms and with a proper haircut is a long-standing measure. What the government is doing now is threatening that if this isnt done, the student will be expelled and the teacher will lose their position. Whats new is that education will now be under threat, under the military boot, said a teacher in the municipality of Cuscatlan, in the central region of El Salvador, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of being fired.

Students wait to enter their school after the measures established by the government. Ministerio de educacion El Salvador

In our case, our school is under reconstruction, and for the moment we are holding classes in a borrowed space, a community center. The road leading to the school is difficult to access because its covered in mud. The children rarely arrive clean. But were not letting them miss out on classes because of that, said Juan Carlos Ortiz Ascencio, director of the Colonia Tazumal school in the western part of the country.

Gangs in schools?

Captain Trigueross appointment comes after nearly a year in which the Bukele administration has cultivated the idea that its war on gangs has spread from the streets to schools. This narrative began in April 2024, when principals were instructed to create profiles of students exhibiting antisocial behavior, which was interpreted by many as an extension of the thousands of police searches that have resulted in arbitrary arrests.

On May 2, Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro announced the first student arrest, 17-year-old Anthony C., for having drawings alluding to the MS-13 gang in his notebooks. Another young man who has failed to read the times and understand that in this country, people, government, and state, we will no longer tolerate any terrorist organization, he wrote. The teenager was sent to prison.

Two weeks later, on May 16, Villatoro announced the arrest of six more students, four of them minors, for orchestrating a fight inside their school. All of them will be prosecuted for the crime of public disorder, the minister said. They too were jailed.

Karla Trigueros conducted inspection tours of various schools following her order. Ministerio de educacion El Salvador

On June 24, authorities arrested 48 students from at least five public institutions accused of attempting to form a gang allegedly called La Raza Estudiantil (The Student Race). The Prosecutors Office charged them with sexual assault, drug use, and physical assault against their classmates and those from other institutions without presenting any evidence. The students were sent to prison.

Arbitrary arrests without evidence are not an exception, but rather a norm in the war on gangs that Bukele has waged since March 2022. After three years of governing under a regime that restricts fundamental rights, human rights organizations have denounced thousands of unjustified arrests, rape and torture in prisons, and violations of due process. Under Bukeles regime, no one is considered innocent until proven guilty.

In early August, the Bukele-controlled Legislative Assembly announced a reform to the Penal Code that would allow all those detained under the state of emergency to be held in prison for two more years, meaning tens of thousands of people will spend at least five years in jail without being convicted.

The appointment of Captain Trigueros to head the Ministry of Education is not the only use Bukele has made of the Armed Forces. Since coming to power, the president has displayed a marked tendency toward militarism. He regularly publishes videos with thousands of soldiers lined up; he has used them to distribute food packages, to drive public transport buses after arresting business owners and confiscating their vehicles, to take over the Legislative Assembly, and even to combat a locust plague.

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Investors eye Mukesh Ambanis updates on energy, telecom, digital businesses, and possible Jio IPO announcement.

NTPC restructuring, CG Powers semiconductor facility, and Muthoots Rs 500 crore investment in focus.

Infosys partners with Mastercard to streamline cross-border payments across 200 countries.

Indian markets are expected to witness an action-packed session on Friday, August 29, 2025, with several corporate events lined up. Reliance Industries Annual General Meeting (AGM), NTPCs business restructuring, and Infosys partnership with Mastercard are among the major developments investors will track.

Indian equity markets extended their losing streak for the second straight day. The Sensex dropped 705.97 points, or 0.87 percent, to close at 80,080.57. The Nifty fell 211.15 points, or 0.85 percent, to settle at 24,500.90. Market participants are now keenly awaiting fresh triggers for direction. On Thursday, August 28,extended their losing streak for the second straight day. The Sensex dropped 705.97 points, or 0.87 percent, to close at 80,080.57. The Nifty fell 211.15 points, or 0.85 percent, to settle at 24,500.90. Market participants are now keenly awaiting fresh triggers for direction.

Stocks to Watch Today

Reliance Industries: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) will be in the spotlight as the company hosts its 48th AGM today at 2 PM via video conferencing. Chairman Mukesh Ambani is expected to address more than 44 lakh shareholders. Key updates are awaited on Reliances energy, telecom, and digital businesses, along with any announcements on the much-anticipated Jio IPO.

NTPC: NTPC has announced a partial change in the transfer of its coal mining business to subsidiary NTPC Mining Limited. In FY25, the coal division generated Rs 7,735 crore in revenue, nearly 4 percent of NTPCs total income, with a net worth of Rs 3,150 crore. Investors will watch how this restructuring shapes the companys earnings.

CG Power: CG Power and Industrial Solutions has launched its first semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, through subsidiary CG Semi Pvt Ltd. With this, the company becomes one of Indias first full-service OSAT providers, a sector gaining attention as India pushes for semiconductor self-reliance.

Muthoot Finance: Muthoot Finance has invested Rs 500 crore in its arm Muthoot Money Limited, through allotment of 3.25 lakh equity shares. This step highlights its plan to expand deeper into financial services.

Lemon Tree Hotels: Lemon Tree Hotels has signed an agreement to open a new 98-room property in Mohkampur, Dehradun. The hotel will include a restaurant, lounge, conference hall, swimming pool, and fitness center, boosting the groups presence in Uttarakhand.

Federal Bank: Federal Bank has appointed Srinivasan P as Executive Vice President & Head  Business Initiatives (Wholesale Banking). He will also serve as a senior management personnel.

Infosys & Mastercard: Infosys has tied up with Mastercard to integrate Mastercard Move with Infosys Finacle. The partnership aims to simplify cross-border payments across 200 countries and 150 currencies.

ICICI Bank: ICICI Banks board has approved the early retirement of Subir Saha, Group Chief Compliance Officer, effective August 28. Anish Madhavan has been appointed as the new GCCO from August 29.

SME Listing: ARC Insulation & Insulators will list on the SME exchange today, adding a fresh option for investors in the small and medium enterprise segment.
Artist and activist Scott LoBaido leads a protest at mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdanis Aug. 13 campaign stop at Istanbul Bay restaurant on Bay Street in Stapleton. Owen Reiter

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island judge has dismissed criminal charges filed against local artist and activist Scott LoBaido, related to an Aug. 13 protest inside a local restaurant.

The protest, organized by LoBaido, was held in opposition to mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdanis Five Boroughs Against Trump tour. Video at the scene showed residents shouting go home and go back to where you came from.

Mamdani, a Democrat who immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven, was visiting the borough as part of a Five Boroughs Against Trump tour.

Police called to the location arrested LoBaido and issued him three summonses, for charges of disorderly conduct, amplified sound and foul language.

Police watch over a campaign stop for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Bay Street in Stapleton, which at points throughout was disrupted by protestors, in this Aug. 13 photo. Owen Reiter

During a scheduled appearance on Friday in Criminal Court, Judge Raja Rajeswari deemed the first two charges facially insufficient, referring to the requirement that an accusatory instrument must contain non-heresay allegations that provide reasonable cause to believe the defendant committed the offense charged.

In regard to the foul language charge, Rajeswari adjourned the case for contemplation of dismissal. So if LoBaido avoids arrest for the next six months, the case will be dismissed and sealed.

His attorney, Mark Fonte, issued a statement afterward in defense of the charges filed against his client, and his clients motivation in organizing the protest in Stapleton.

When a socialist waltzes into Trump country spewing his nonsense, he has to expect some push back, said Fonte, who has represented LoBaido in several cases over the past several years. This patriot is the master at non-violent push back. Im extremely proud of Mr. LoBaido.

Attorney Mark Fonte seated his desk in this Jan. 22, 2020 photo. Fonte has represented LoBaido in several cases over the past several years while remaining vocal in backing his client's politics. Alexandra Salmieri

LoBaido  who first made a name for himself painting American Flag murals on buildings across Staten Island  has accumulated multiple arrests in recent years for political protests, while garnering a large national following on social media.

In 2022, he dumped red paint outside the Manhattan District Attorneys office in protest of the offices policies on crime. Earlier this year, he made headlines when he mounted his vehicle and flipped his middle finger to the congestion pricing cameras in Columbus Circle.

Protesters hurl remarks, sound cowbells to disrupt event

Mamdani visited Staten Island Aug. 13 with a message of supporting, protecting and embracing the boroughs immigrant community, but the 33-year-old Queens assemblymember was greeted by the angry protestors.

The protestors, who held campaign signs for Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, could be heard chanting F you and Go home, as Mamdani entered Istanbul Bay Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant in Stapleton where the event was held.

One protestor, who donned a Trump girl t-shirt while waving an American flag, shouted Go back to where you came from. We dont want you on Staten Island, according to a Fox News report.

Another woman told 4 New York: He may be a very nice man, but hes not for this country.

Protestors stand outside Zohran Mamdanis "Five Boroughs Against Trump" campaign stop on Aug. 13 at Istanbul Bay restaurant on Bay Street in Stapleton. Owen Reiter

During the event, protestors rallied around the windows of the venue, attempting to disrupt the speakers by shouting, ringing cowbells and blaring megaphones and sirens.

Look up and down Bay Street, 75% of businesses are shuttered under the Democratic City Council and Democratic mayor and governor, mostly because of crime! And this cop-hating commie punk boy will make it a ghost town! But the idiots keep backing the idiots that continue to destroy their communities, LoBaido told the Advance/SILive.com after the protest.

So I decided to throw him a Staten Island-style surprise welcome party. One of my three arrest summonses was use of foul language. I will plead guilty as f---ing charged on that one, he said.

He went on to tell those criticizing the cops for arresting him to stop, stating, I pushed the envelope when they politely asked me to stop and I refused. They gave me a chance then did their job.

Many of the protestors referred to Mamdani as a communist, a label pushed by the candidates opponents. The self-described democratic socialist, who previously aligned himself with democratic socialists in New York, has recently tried to distance himself from the national organizations agenda, the New York Times reported.

Local Republican Party Chair Michael Tannousis, who represents the East Shore in the New York State Assembly, issued the following statement after Mamdanis visit.

Staten Island stands with President Trump, and weve proven it time and again. In three consecutive elections our community overwhelmingly backed President Trump because he defends law enforcement, believes in secure borders, and champions an economy that prioritizes American workers and families, he said.

Zohran Mamdani represents the far-left fringe  opposing the NYPD, attacking free enterprise, and rejecting the core values that matter most to Staten Islanders. On Nov. 4, voters here will send a clear message: Staten Island has no place for extremist ideology."

Saddened but not surprised: Mamdani

In this Aug. 13 photo, Zohran Mamdani speaks at Istanbul Bay Restaurant on Bay Street in Stapleton as part of his "Five Boroughs Against Trump" tour. Owen Reiter

It saddens me to hear language of being told to go back to where I came from, and yet, it is not surprising because it is so much of what characterizes President Trumps politics, Mamdani told reporters at the time.

I will not let it dissuade me from continuing to come to Staten Island, from continuing to speak to New Yorkers, no matter where they live, no matter what politics they have, Mamdani added. Because I know that just as there are Republicans who feel that way, there are others who are sincere in their questions to me.

During the event itself, Mamdani pledged his support to the boroughs immigrant community amid President Donald Trumps ongoing mass deportation efforts.

Mamdani, who will face a crowded field that includes former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Sliwa, noted that Staten Island has a long history of welcoming immigrants, and while the faces of those communities may have changed, recent immigrants deserve a place to work and raise their families, just like those who came before them.

In this Aug. 13, 2025 photo, Yesenia Matas speaks at Zohran Mamdanis Five Boroughs Against Trump campaign stop at Istanbul Bay restaurant on Bay Street. Owen Reiter

It is the same story, though the people have changed. We know that when we talk about Staten Island [it is] a place that tells those same stories. They were once the stories of Huguenots and Walloons. They were once the stories of Italian and Irish immigrants, of Eastern European Jewish immigrants to this city. And now those same stories are told, whether they are by Indian immigrants, Sri Lankan immigrants, immigrants from across the world who continue to find a home in this borough, said Mamdani.

When discussing the thousands of migrants who have been arrested during routine immigration check-ins in recent months, he invoked his own familys story of immigration and journey to citizenship, highlighting the fear he faced during his fathers four-hour citizenship interview.

This is the kind of pain that many New Yorkers have been through, and many have not been as lucky as I am in that they have had to say goodbye to their family members, not even knowing that would be the last time theyd see them, Mamdani said.

He discussed various efforts he would take to safeguard the immigrant community if elected, including maintaining New York Citys sanctuary status, barring ICE agents from entering New York City properties without a signed warrant, hiring additional city lawyers and protecting the private legal information of all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Amid widespread criticismespecially from right-wing voicesover its short-lived logo and brand redesign, the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain has now made changes to its online presence.

The Tennessee-based chain recently removed its Pride page and references to various employee resource groups, including those related to LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives.

The updates were noticed after the original content was compared with archived versions of the site available via the Wayback Machine.

A now-deleted message from the Pride page had read: On behalf of Cracker Barrels LGBTQ+ Alliance & DEIB Team, we want to celebrate YOU for being YOU. It is our greatest Mission to ensure that Pleasing People means all people.

That page now redirects to a newly edited Culture and Belonging section, which no longer lists any specific employee groups and instead offers a more generalized message about workplace culture.

In a statement to CNN, a Cracker Barrel spokesperson described the changes as part of a broader website update.

In connection with the Companys brand work, we have recently made updates to the Cracker Barrel website, including adding new content and removing out-of-date content, the spokesperson told the news outlet.

The company added that earlier changes to its Business Resource Groups were also aimed at aligning with corporate social responsibility efforts, such as fighting food insecurity and reducing food waste.

The digital updates follow a wave of backlash and online outrage surrounding the companys minimalist new logo, which eliminated the classic barrel and Old-Timer figure.

The controversy gained national attention when former President Donald Trump publicly supported calls to bring back the original branding.

Cracker Barrel reversed course on the rebrand earlier this week, announcing that it would retain its traditional imagery.

The companys quiet website edits were later highlighted by conservative commentator Robby Starbuck, who shared a screenshot of the now-deleted Pride content and criticized the brand for not fully distancing itself from DEI-related initiatives.

These developments come as Cracker Barrel continues to face financial challenges. The chain has not fully recovered from pandemic-era losses, and its stock (CBRL) has fallen more than 50% over the past five years. While shares rose slightly following the logo reversal, they dipped again by Thursday.
Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala (L-r): John Artzen, David Gaskin, Seamens Society for Children and Families, Linda Dianto, a guest, and Capt. Joe Ahlstrom. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  This weeks edition of Staten Islands Best Dressed features photos from the 15th Annual Light Keepers Gala, held on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn.

The highly anticipated event proved to be a stunning celebration, with the theme Starry Nights setting the tone for an evening filled with elegance, gratitude and a deep sense of community spirit.

The night was made even more memorable with a personal message from HRH Princess Anne, who sent her warm wishes from Buckingham Palace to the honorees.

John Scalia, recipient of the prestigious Modern Day Light Keeper Award and owner of both the Old Bermuda Inn and Scalia Funeral Homes, made a groundbreaking announcement: plans to return a significant piece of maritime history to its original homethe lighthouse that once stood proudly on the Museum site: Romer Shoals Lighthouse.

John and Cecilia Scalia are seen at the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Romer Shoals Lighthouse, currently positioned in the Raritan Bay off Staten Island, is one of two lights owned by Mr. Scalia. This historic structure, once a centerpiece of the U.S. Lighthouse General Depot (1864-1939), is now an important artifact in the Museums collection.

In the late 1800s, the lighthouse was used for testing wicks and fuels before being repurposed. Unfortunately, Romer Shoals suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy, and its future now remains uncertain. Similar lighthouses, such as the Old Orchard Light, were entirely lost in the storm.

The Museum is thrilled at the prospect of bringing this iconic structure back to its original site. However, restoring and relocating the lighthouse will require significant funding and substantial restoration efforts to ensure its long-term preservation.

This years Past Light Keeper Award was presented posthumously to Ida Lewis, the renowned Keeper of the Newport, Rhode Island, lighthouse who heroically saved 32 lives during her service.

Last years honoree was Kate Walker, the celebrated heroine of New York Harbor. This years award was graciously accepted by Jan Slee on behalf of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. L-r: John Arntzen, a guest, Linda Dianto, and Capt. Joe Ahlstrom. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Dr. William Baker, a resident of Greenwich, Connecticut, and owner of the Henry Island Light in Nova Scotia, was honored with the Wind In Our Sails Award.

Dr. Baker, a professor at Fordham University, President Emeritus of WNET, and member of the New York Yacht Club, has been a steady pillar of support for the Museum, ensuring its continued success through his leadership and commitment.

The evening also saw the presentation of the Community Lamplighter Award to the Seamens Society for Children and Families and Community Media of Staten Island, both of which have demonstrated outstanding dedication to serving the local community and supporting the Museum over the years.

Check out photos from the gala below. To share your own photos for future installments of this column, send submissions to gsantos@siadvance.com with clear images, event details, and the names of everyone pictured.

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. John and Cecilia Scalia, left, with their guests. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Rosanne and Capt. Donald DeRosa enjoy the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Linda Dianto) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Linda Dianto) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Linda Dianto) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Linda Dianto) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Boare member John Arntzen dances with his daughter at the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Linda Dianto) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Linda Dianto) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Lynne Persing and Reitano enjoy the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

John Scalia addresses the audience at the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Alex Lutz, RUMC executive, and U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Doreen McCarthy enjoy the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Scene from the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto

Hon. and Mrs. Michael Cusick enjoy the National Lighthouse Museum's 2025 Light Keeper's Gala, held on Friday, August 1, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn. (Courtesy Steve White) Courtesy Linda Dianto
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at the White House in Washington. Trump has told House Speaker Mike Johnson that he wont be spending $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, effectively cutting the budget without going through the legislative branch. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

President Donald Trump has told House Speaker Mike Johnson that he wont be spending $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid, effectively cutting the budget without going through the legislative branch.

Trump, who sent a letter to Johnson, the Republican who represents Louisiana, on Thursday, is using whats known as a pocket rescission  when a president submits a request to Congress to not spend approved funds toward the end of the fiscal year, so Congress cannot act on the request in a 45-day timeframe and the money goes unspent as a result. Its the first time in nearly 50 years a president has used one. The fiscal year draws to a close at the end of September.

The letter was posted Friday morning on the X account of the White House Office of Management and Budget. It said the funding would be cut from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, an early target of Trumps efforts to cut foreign aid.

If the White House standardizes this move, the president could effectively bypass Congress on key spending choices and potentially throw into disarray efforts in the House and the Senate to keep the government funded when the next fiscal year starts in October.

The use of a pocket rescission fits part a broader pattern by the Trump administration to exact greater control over the U.S. government, eroding the power of Congress and agencies such as the Federal Reserve and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others. The administration has already fired federal workers and imposed a historic increase in tariffs without going through Congress, putting the burden on the judicial branch to determine the limits of presidential power.

Winding down USAID

Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X that USAID is essentially being shuttered and congratulated White House budget director Russ Vought for managing the process.

USAID is officially in close out mode, Rubio said. Russ is now at the helm to oversee the closeout of an agency that long ago went off the rails.

The 1974 Impoundment Control Act gives the president the authority to propose canceling funds approved by Congress. Congress can within 45 days vote on pulling back the funds or sustaining them, but by proposing the rescission so close to Sept. 30 the White House argues that the money wont be spent and the funding lapses.

What was essentially the last pocket rescission occurred in 1977 by Democratic then-President Jimmy Carter, and the Trump administration argues its a legally permissible tool despite some murkiness as Carter had initially proposed the clawback well ahead of the 45-day deadline.

Pushback against pocket rescissions

The move by the Trump administration drew immediate backlash in parts of the Senate over its legality.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a statement that the Constitution makes clear that Congress has the responsibility for the power of the purse and any effort to claw back funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.

Instead of this attempt to undermine the law, the appropriate way is to identify ways to reduce excessive spending through the bipartisan, annual appropriations process, Collins said. Congress approves rescissions regularly as part of this process.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York warned that Trumps use of the pocket veto could undermine the normal funding process and risk a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown. After all, any budget agreements reached in the Senate could lack authority if the Trump White House has the power to withhold spending as it sees fit.

Schumer said in a statement that Republican leaders have yet to meet with Democrats on a path to fund the government after the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30 just as Trump tries an unlawful gambit to circumvent the Congress all together.

But if Republicans are insistent on going it alone, Democrats wont be party to their destruction, Schumer said.

No exceptions

Eloise Pasachoff, a Georgetown University law professor and expert on federal spending issues, has written that the Impoundment Control Act allows rescissions only if Congress acts within 45 days, meaning the the White House alone cannot decide to not spend the funds.

This mandatory language admits no exceptions, indicating that Congress expects the funds to be used as intended before the end of the fiscal year if it does not approve the proposed rescission, Pasachoff wrote in an academic paper last year.

Whats in the funding?

The funds in the pocket rescission package include $3.2 billion in development assistance grants, $520 million for the United Nations, $838 million for international peacekeeping operations and $322 million to encourage democratic values in other countries.

Trump had previously sought to get congressional backing for rescissions and succeeded in doing so in July when the House and the Senate approved $9 billion worth of cuts. Those rescissions clawed back funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.

The Trump administration has made deep reductions to foreign aid one of its hallmark policies, despite the relatively meager savings relative to the deficit and possible damage to Americas reputation abroad as foreign populations lose access to food supplies and development programs.

In February, the administration said it would eliminate almost all of USAIDs foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall assistance abroad. USAID has since been dismantled, and its few remaining programs have been placed under State Department control.

The Trump administration on Wednesday appealed to the Supreme Court to stop lower court decisions that have preserved foreign aid, including for global health and HIV and AIDS programs, that Trump has tried to freeze.

The New York Post first reported the pocket rescission.
A new poll on the 2028 presidential race has good news for California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

And bad news for democratic socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

A new survey from Emerson College shows that 25% of Democratic voters responding support Newsom for the party nomination.

Thats a 13-point increase in Newsoms standing from an Emerson poll in June.

Governor Newsoms support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6% to 18%) an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13% to 31%), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9% to 23%) and white (10% to 24%) voters, said Spencer Kimball, Executive Director of Emerson College Polling.

The poll shows former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in second place, with 16%.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost last years White House race to President Donald Trump, gets the backing of 11% of those responding to the poll.

Other candidates are in single digits, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, with 5% support.

AOC has the backing of 4% of those taking part in the survey, the same as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

On the GOP side, 52% of Republican voters support Vice President JD Vance for the GOP presidential nod, followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with 9%, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, 7%.

In a hypothetical 2028 election matchup between Vance and Newsom, the potential candidates are tied with 44% support, respectively. Twelve percent of voters are undecided.

In the July Emerson national poll, 45% supported Vance while 42% backed Newsom.

Newsoms recent gains are driven largely by younger voters 18-29: after splitting this group in June (39% to 38%), he now holds a clear lead, 45% to 28%, Kimball said.
The latest Russian attack on Kyiv has hit the EU very close to home. On the eve of European defense and foreign ministers meeting for the first time since the summer break to discuss how to increase military aid to Ukraine and further pressure Russia with new sanctions, Russian missiles fell again on the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, killing at least 21 people and causing damage to a shopping mall, residential buildings, and the headquarters of the European delegation. This attack reinforces the European premise  in the face of the whims of Donald Trumps United States  that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of halting the war he launched more than three years ago.

The attack on Kyiv, the EUs High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on social media Thursday, shows a deliberate choice to escalate and mock the peace efforts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the attack, which constitutes another grim reminder of what is currently at stake. Von der Leyen participated in the White House summit last week to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with along several European leaders during his meeting with Trump, from whom they managed to extract a vague commitment that Washington would participate in future security guarantees for Ukraine.

Despite the ambiguity, Trumps promises have been greeted with optimism in Europe. After all, this is the first time during the Republicans second term that Washington has been involved in the discussions and preparations, European sources said on condition of anonymity. This was not the case during the initial meetings of the so-called coalition of the willing for Ukraine, between March and July.

A new package of sanctions for September

Faced with the new delaying tactics, which these leaders had already warned Washington about, Europe believes it is time to increase pressure on Russia. This is the only language, they emphasize, that Moscow understands.

The defense and foreign ministers are meeting informally on Friday and Saturday, respectively, in Copenhagen  without making any decisions  with the war in Ukraine as their priority. While the defense ministers will discuss military aid, the foreign policy ministers have an explicit item on the agenda: Increasing pressure on Russia, including through sanctions and the fight against Russias ghost fleet, states the Danish program, referring to vessels illegally transporting Russian crude oil. The idea, according to EU sources, is to accelerate the sanctions process. Both Kallas and Von der Leyen have expressed their hope that the EU-27 will approve a 19th package of sanctions as soon as possible, even as early as September, just two months after approving the last tranche.

In Copenhagen, the meeting will also seek to gather all possible ideas on how to continue exerting pressure on Russia. This will include, eventually, secondary sanctions, which penalize countries that allow Moscow to evade EU embargoes. The first of these were adopted in the last package, approved in mid-July: among others, the blacklisting of Rosnefts largest refinery in India, the second largest Russian state-owned company after Gazprom. Several Chinese banks were also singled out for facilitating sanctions evasion, in addition to blocking the export of technology used in drones, Kallas explained, outlining some details of the measure.

The idea now is to expand on this type of punishment, and to even go further: as Bloomberg reported and sources in Brussels confirmed, some countries will raise the possibility of applying, for the first time, the so-called anti-circumvention tool, approved in 2023 as part of the 11th sanctions package and which seeks to prevent third countries from helping Russia avoid sanctions. The mechanism, considered an exceptional and last-resort measure, allows the EU to restrict the sale, supply, transfer, or export of certain goods and technologies subject to sanctions to certain third countries and territories deemed to pose a persistent and particularly high risk of circumvention.

More funds for Ukraine

Also on the table is a very open discussion regarding Russian assets frozen since the beginning of the war: around $350 billion, a good portion of which - up to $245 billion - is stored in Europe, primarily at the Belgium-based management entity Euroclear.

We are advancing the work on the Russian frozen assets to contribute to Ukraines defense and reconstruction, Von der Leyen said, without providing further details.

Currently, the EU is only using the interest generated by these assets to provide financial assistance to Ukraine  most of it for rearmament, and a smaller proportion for reconstruction  and as a guarantee for the loan of up to $50 billion for Kyiv agreed upon at the 2024 G-7 summit in Italy.

Several countries, such as Spain, have long openly proposed using the capital itself, and not just the profits it generates, to aid Ukraine. This proposal, however, has met with strong opposition from other EU partners, especially Belgium, which is deeply fearful of the legal consequences and the impact on international credibility that a decision that would primarily affect a company on its territory could have.

Legally, seizing that money isnt easy, Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned this week from Berlin. Its like the goose that lays the golden eggs. We should keep that goose, and eventually, when we talk about a peace treaty, we can put the goose on the table. But until then, its best to keep the situation as it is.

The problem, European sources point out, is that several billion euros are currently needed to meet the commitments made to Ukraine until next year. Therefore, money is being sought under every stone. The debate, these sources point out on condition of anonymity, should not be limited solely to whether or not to use the frozen funds, but could also explore other avenues, such as trying to maximize the returns achieved by the fund that holds the frozen assets with different  and perhaps somewhat riskier  investments than those made so far. This is the first time that this issue, already discussed in June by EU finance ministers, has been formally raised with foreign ministers, although any decision on the matter must be made by the heads of state and government.

While the discussions begin in Copenhagen this Friday, Von der Leyen will begin a multi-day tour of seven of Russias neighboring states  Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Romania  to express the EUs complete solidarity and detail the progress toward building a strong European defense industry, particularly with the SAFE instrument, the European mechanism of up to 150 billion for joint arms purchases. Brussels must also present EU leaders with a roadmap in October, with a timeline and concrete action plans, to meet the established goal of boosting European rearmament plans by 2030.

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In NSW police seem to be much more proactive on retail crime, they have an intelligence team, whereas in Victoria, its not clear that theres been much ownership of organised retail crime as a problem. Griffith University professor and criminologist Michael Townsley Not only is the rise in Victoria higher than other states, Rodwell said the figures were almost certainly under-reported, and that there was industry-wide grievance at the lack of ability to report theft instances online in Victoria. The number of threatening events in Victoria has surged 52 per cent compared with the previous year, and national incidents involving weapons have increased by 66 per cent, Auror statistics show. Michael Townsley, a professor at Griffith Universitys school of criminology and criminal justice, who researches retail theft, said that while organised crime syndicates exist in NSW and Victoria, the latter had emerged as a larger target for a range of reasons. Loss prevention managers at national retailers say its been a standing frustration that police in Victoria are a difficult service to engage with, Townsley said.

In NSW police seem to be much more proactive on retail crime, they have an intelligence team, whereas in Victoria, its not clear that theres been much ownership of organised retail crime as a problem. Loading The surge in thefts across Victoria is a sign that syndicates dont feel deterred, Townsley said, which leads to stores in the state being seen as an easier target. He noted that his research had indicated that even crime groups from NSW travel temporarily into Victoria to steal from businesses. In response to questions from this masthead, Victoria Police denied the suggestion it was weak on retail theft or wasnt proactive in addressing the problem. A spokesman referenced a major investigation which busted two syndicates that had stolen $10 million and $700,000 each. They also pointed to 130 arrests and 1150 charges in the Melbourne CBD over the past year for retail theft, and operations in regional towns too, such as 135 arrests of shoplifters in a year.

Victoria Police has no intelligence that offenders are travelling from interstate to steal from retail stores, it said in a statement. In fact, our intelligence suggests as many as half of all offenders are first-time shoplifters. However, Victoria Polices suggestion that the problem is driven by opportunistic individuals offending for the first time appears to conflict with statistics from the industry, as well as Crime Stoppers Victoria. The independent organisation cites a figure on its retail theft website that repeat offenders account for nearly 70 per cent of all incidents. A Victoria Police spokesman said it backed its own figure over Crime Stoppers, which is an independent not-for-profit organisation. Rodwell pointed to San Francisco, where brazen organised retail crime reached a peak in 2022 and contributed to the citys economic doom loop that led residents to flee the city, as an example of what can happen if the problem is left unchecked. We can see from international experience that if we dont bring the levels of retail crime down, they will continue to escalate on a trend line that is frankly out of control. Youve seen entire retail precincts effectively turn into ghost towns, and where communities have been fundamentally altered as a result. We want to avoid that situation, Rodwell said.

Several of Australias biggest retailers have invested millions in anti-theft technology and also pinpointed suburban Victoria as where organised crime is most rife. Coles has begun reversing long-running theft issues by rolling out security gates, camera scanning technology and bottom of trolley technology across hundreds of stores, where health and beauty items and premium cuts of red meat are being systematically stolen. Loading When asked whether Victoria was a theft hotspot for the supermarket chain, chief executive Leah Weckert said there was great intent across police forces around the country to stem the problem but noted varying approaches across different jurisdictions and said South Australia was the gold standard. In South Australia, were actually seeing some of these incidents starting to decline in numbers because of the framework that they use there, she said. South Australia recorded consecutive monthly declines in shop theft after introducing new legislation to combat assault and establishing a dedicated retail crime police taskforce that has led to thousands of charges. I think that is of interest and worthy of note for other jurisdictions where, potentially we are seeing that same trajectory, said Weckert.

The Australian Retail Councils Rodwell added that a national conversation about facial recognition technology was needed to help communities understand its benefits in stemming crime. Loading The technology is already in use at airports and sporting stadiums, and has led to fewer violent incidents in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Bunnings has fallen afoul of the Information Commissioners Office over its use of facial recognition technology, but is seeking a review of the finding. Theres no doubt facial recognition technology can be used responsibly in a way which continues to support the privacy of all Australians, said Rodwell. Queensland and NSW have adopted Jacks Law, named after the death of teenager Jack Beasley who was stabbed to death in 2019, which allows police to use metal-detecting wands to uncover weapons in public places. More than a thousand weapons in Queensland have been removed as a result. In late 2023, NSW introduced tougher penalties for those assaulting or abusing retail workers.
Sid Pattni was surprised when his self-portrait was shortlisted for this years Archibald Prize. His work features the suggestion of a face with only the eyes clearly visible. He wears a suit like that worn by King George for his coronation  which he also wore when he was declared the emperor of India in 1911  and a turban like those worn by the maharajah, ousted from royalty by the British.

Its not a fully formed face because it reflects an identity in a state of flux, he says.

Artist Sid Pattni at the Geelong carousel. Credit: Alex Coppel

Born in London and raised in Kenya with Indian ancestry, Pattni and his family moved to Perth when he was 13. Identity for me is not a fixed location ... theres a lot happening in how I put myself together, he says.

As the 2025 Archibald Prize opens this weekend at Geelong Gallery, the artists compelling work has inspired an installation on the seaside citys foreshore. The historic carousel will be adorned with a series of mirrors, surrounded by ornate frames like those used in Pattnis work.
What does it take to set up a new independent publishing house in Australia? You need a lot of guts, says Rochelle Stephens. And a lot of love, says her business partner Bethany Loveridge. You have to love books and talk books in your sleep.

This year the two Brisbane women have launched Perentie Press, which will specialise in publishing graphic novels. Its an area not much covered by the major publishers because it requires a big investment of time and money. However, Rochelle and Loveridge see a bright future and an expanding market, particularly among young readers who have graduated from picture books but may not yet be ready for books with only text.

Pink Shorts Press co-founders Margot Lloyd and Emily Hart. Credit: Bri Hammond

They say its a different experience of reading but not a lesser experience. Graphic novels are like junk food  but they are nutritious, says Loveridge. Kids devour them; they can never have enough.

Perentie Press is one of several small independent projects launched this year, at a time when the publishing world is undergoing much upheaval and uncertainty.
Im in Darwin to interview Miranda Tapsell on the set of Top End Bub, the new TV series being filmed here that follows on from the 2019 box office hit Top End Wedding. Tapsell was born and raised in the Top End, whereas its my first time, so we trade notes on how great Darwin is, which gives a chance to discuss my favourite thing about the city so far: the laksa.

However, before I can move the conversation on from Asian cuisine, Tapsell turns the tables and posits a question to me: Thomas, what do people really know about Darwin?

I cant tell if I should answer, or if its mostly rhetorical, though I do know Tapsell looks very Darwin, kicked back on a deck chair, relaxed between takes while seeking shade from the midday sun under a loping palm tree. I also know, having spent the last few days in the titular Top End, that its difficult to describe.

Miranda Tapsell returns to her roots in Prime Videos Top End Bub. Credit: Peter Brew-Bevan

Sure, its beautiful, picturesque even, and famously tropical (often raining, always sticky). Plus, there are plenty of crocodiles (Ive seen them with my own eyes) and natural swimming holes (I swam in them with my own limbs). Oh, and of course, it boasts the kind of heat that seems impossible not to discuss, and so I do: Well, its very hot.
Political tensions between the United States and Venezuelas revolutionary government have escalated to levels similar to  and even higher than  those seen in the early days of Juan Guaido, the opposition leader who, with White House support, declared himself interim president of the South American country in 2019.

Three weeks ago, the United States doubled the reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for his alleged ties to terrorism and drug trafficking. Days later, it announced the deployment of eight warships, submarines, aircraft, and 4,000 marines off the Venezuelan coast in a long-anticipated anti-narcotics military operation. The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. It is a narco-terror cartel. Maduro is not a legitimate president. He is a fugitive head of this drug cartel, said White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt, commenting on the operation.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez responded by saying that his country will patrol its coasts, including the Lake Maracaibo basin, with drones and warships. He also announced a coordinated border operation with Colombia that includes the deployment of 15,000 troops. The regular soldiers will join the four million reservists of the National Militia already deployed.

Chavismo organized two national military enlistment campaigns for volunteers, while public television and radio stations called for people to defend the dignity of the homeland and enlist against imperial aggression.

Nicolas Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, and Vladimir Padrino Lopez at the second Revolutionary Special Operations Course in Caracas, August 28. MIRAFLORES PALACE (via REUTERS)

After both countries closed a failed round of negotiations regarding a commitment to democracy before the presidential elections in July 2024, the White House toughened its accusations against Maduro.

The Trump administrations about-face toward Venezuela appears to be the result, among other things, of patient persuasive work by Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, who worked in areas of the U.S. leadership where the perception that Maduros presence in power is unsolvable and, moreover, not a U.S. problem, has been sown.

In her speeches from hiding over the past few months, Machado has tried to make Washington understand that Maduro is an objective threat to the United States and the entire region. This is the Venezuela that is coming, Machado said in her latest video, which went viral on social media on Wednesday. The return of democracy to Venezuela will open up investment opportunities unseen in emerging markets We are millions of Venezuelans, driven by hope, who demand democratic change.

Since returning to office, Donald Trump has made decisions that have disenchanted the opposition in Caracas: mass deportations of Venezuelans and stigmatization in the internal debate; the travel ban and the end of visas for citizens born in Venezuela; and the end of international cooperation, which has overshadowed many democratic activities in the country, especially with the liquidation of USAID aid.

Meanwhile, Maduro receives demonstrations of support from his followers, amid a state of alert camouflaged by the everyday normality of the streets. Here is the strength that Hugo Chavez sowed, a perfect fusion of the people, the Armed Forces, and the police. We are united in the defense of our beloved Venezuela, with the morale of patriots, said Maduro at the closing ceremony of the second Revolutionary Special Operations Course, which is comprised of mixed armed forces, on national television amid repeated displays of support.

A threat to Venezuela

Without major obstacles, the ruling party has agreed with the countrys authorized political actors that the United States threat is against Venezuela, rather than Maduro or the Chavista government. The National Assembly, meeting in extraordinary session, approved a few days ago an agreement in support of Maduro, rejecting the possibility of foreign intervention. The text won the votes of the opposition parties tolerated by Chavismo.

Any foreigner who enters Venezuela illegally will never leave; he will stay here, said Jorge Rodriguez, president of the National Assembly and Maduros privileged political operative, in his speech during the legislative debate. This is not bravado. We are obligated to defend our territory. Our sky, our sea. This is not a choice.

Jorge Rodriguez and Maduro in the National Assembly on August 22.

We shouldnt echo the stupidities invented by Washington, Rodriguez added. These psychological warfare strategies are increasingly futile and less elaborate. No country on the continent has had more victories against drug trafficking in recent times than Venezuela. In this country, not a single square meter is planted with coca leaves or marijuana.

Although many Venezuelans, particularly those in the diaspora, seem hopeful, the possibility of a military intervention that would produce a change in power remains a difficult scenario to envision. Its much more complex than it appears and has several potentially catastrophic consequences.

Machado and other spokespeople for her current faction in exile have asserted that military intervention would not be necessary to force a return to legality in Venezuela, and that the internal and external pressure the Chavista ruling class would receive could force a negotiated agreement to leave power.

Take a count of how many attacks weve resisted since Commander Chavez came to power, 26 years ago, said Diosdado Cabello, the regimes second-in-command, on his television program. How many times has the national and international right said, Thats it, theyve fallen, tomorrow is the day. Then no one apologizes. Anyone who still believes in the calls of the opposition, of the radicals, at this point, should be awarded the Honor of Merit for being an idiot, he said.

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Eating outHot & new Three vastly different Thai diners shaking up the city with all-you-can-eat hotpot and more Sure, theres pad Thai and tom yum soup on the menu. But its the lesser-seen dishes that make these newcomers  including one by a former Chat Thai chef  most exciting. Tomas Telegramma August 29, 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 .

In a Chinatown laneway  away from Melbournes unofficial Thai Town at the top end of Bourke Street  Boon Choou might present as one of the citys fanciest Thai restaurants, all green leather banquettes, shiny marble tabletops and glowing lights. But its inspiration couldnt be humbler, according to Thai-born chef-owner Poowadon Sam Pothiprasert, who moved to Melbourne to open his debut restaurant after five-plus years at Sydney institution Chat Thais Circular Quay location. Boon Choous dining room features exposed bricks and banquettes. Wayne Taylor The heritage brick building emulates his family home, from similar terrazzo tiles to the suea (traditional woven mats) featured throughout. Similarly, the menu is an homage to home, created with chef friends from Thailand to showcase often-nostalgic dishes from the regions where they grew up. Theres a lot of [Thai] street food in Melbourne, says Pothiprasert. We are focused on the food of our families.

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His restaurant joins a growing number of eateries that are pushing forward Thai cuisine in Melbourne, whether its R. Harns firm focus on southern Thai cooking or Yaowarats free-wheeling approach to Thai, Chinese and contemporary cuisine. Related Article Review Bustling late-night Thai joint brings Bangkoks Chinatown to Melbourne Since opening a few months ago, Pothiprasert has found diners to be open-minded: They like to try something new. Theres a lot of [Thai] street food in Melbourne. We are focused on the food of our families. Chef-owner Poowadon Sam Pothiprasert Hes not the only one branching out from the cluster of Thai along Bourke Street. More Crown, open since May, is on the edge of Koreatown, while Aung Lo sits in a little-known laneway off LaTrobe Street.

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But for Jirada Ponpetch, co-owner of Manaaw (and previously Thai Baan), Bourke Street remains king. Thai Town is still going here and [diners] are going to all the different places, she says. I like the location because I like the competition. I want to show how good we can be. Related Article Noodle soup to hot pot-barbecue: 10 of Melbournes latest and greatest Thai restaurants Three new trailblazing Thai eateries 1 / 6 Khao soi chicken at Boon Choou. Wayne Taylor 2 / 6 Southern-Thai coconut fish curry with green bananas. Wayne Taylor 3 / 6 Pad krapow chicken with holy basil. Wayne Taylor 4 / 6 Steamed rice-noodle dumplings filled with crispy five-spice pork belly. Wayne Taylor 5 / 6 Fried whole fish with fresh lemongrass, eschalot, chilli and herbs. Wayne Taylor 6 / 6 Boon Choous dining room features exposed bricks and banquettes. Wayne Taylor Previous Slide Next Slide

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Boon Choou Our menu is filled with dishes that may not be familiar to guests  and thats intentional, says Poowadon Sam Pothiprasert. One such dish is a fiery southern-Thai fish curry that Pothipraserts mum used to make for him. I hadnt had it for years, so I called her and she taught me how to do it for the menu, he says. The paste is heavily spiced with turmeric and pepper, as is common in curries from the south of Thailand; the market-sourced fish, usually snapper or barramundi, is chargrilled; and green banana is a defining feature. Another dish is popular in Bangkok but also nods to Pothipraserts Chinese grandfather: steamed rice-noodle dumplings filled with crispy five-spice pork belly. They are similar in style to cheung fun, but we prepare the outer layer with our own freshly mixed rice batter, giving them a unique flavour and texture, he says. But the surprising bestseller has been the wok-fried calamari, which is stained black with a squid-ink sauce, and simply flavoured with spring onions and coconut sugar. Pothiprasert insists his restaurant is still soft-launching. But despite its discreet laneway location, theres a queue that suggests Melburnians are catching on.

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11 Heffernan Lane, Melbourne, instagram.com/boonchoou Manaaw offers all-you-can-eat hotpot for $29.90 a head Monday to Wednesday. Manaaw Thai Baan, one of the Bourke Street restaurants that helped cement it as a flourishing Thai strip, is no longer (though its Williamstown location remains open). But co-owner Jirada Ponpetch has retained the city site, flipping it into Thai street-food joint Manaaw. While the colourful fit-out has been pared back to white and yellow, the food still packs a punch. Monday to Wednesday, the all-glass frontage steams up as diners take advantage of the DIY all-you-can-eat options, either hotpot or barbecue, for $29.90 a head. When you inevitably run out of tender, thinly sliced marinated pork belly, just order more via your phone.

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Reasonably priced rotating lunchtime specials  such as barbecued pork on rice for $13.90  are drawing in the office crowd. And theres a newfound focus on curries, which werent a big part of Thai Baans offering, including a slow-stewed massaman beef, plus classic red and green curries. But you can still get the popular Thai Baan boat noodles. Theyre the same as before, always popular with the Thai community, says Ponpetch. 51 Bourke Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/manaaw_melbourne Related Article Its crazy. And its just going to get crazier: Thai Town rises in Bourke Streets top end More Crown

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At the bottom end of town  on the periphery of the CBDs recently christenedKoreatown  this new King Street eatery is a burst of Thai energy. Theres a strong focus on jok, the Thai rice porridge akin to congee. Its thick and soul-warming, every bowl is generously filled, and there are nine options to choose from. The most popular is crowned with homemade pork balls, crunchy vermicelli noodles, Chinese doughnut and an egg. Other versions involve century eggs and braised duck. The vibe is low-key, the service is homey and the prices are affordable given the serving sizes, starting from $17.90 for jok. Plus, its open for lunch from 11am and dinner until 11pm, seven days a week. 273 King Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/more.crown.mel

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Eating outHot & new Honey chicken? Not tonight. Meet the new restaurants changing Chinese food From sourdough prawn toast to mesquite-smoked beef short-rib, theres a wave of contemporary Chinese restaurants in Sydney daring to do things differently. Scott Bolles August 30, 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

Chefs Grace Chen and Sam Young at their restaurant Youngs Palace, Potts Point. Edwina Pickles The vanguard of hospitality talent is redefining contemporary Chinese cuisine with the opening of three restaurants in Sydney, but dont expect to see sizzling beef and lemon chicken added to the endangered list just yet. Highly anticipated newcomers Grandfathers in Martin Place and Youngs Palace at Potts Point, as well as an upcoming Sydney outpost from two-hatted Melbourne restaurant Lee Ho Fook, take Chinese food in exciting new directions, merging tradition with the cuisines and influences of Australias multicultural landscape. The results are exciting: Cantonese sauces layered with native spices, prawn toast served on artisanal sourdough bread and young spanner crab whipped into egg foo young. I think China has the most diverse and historic cuisine in the world, said chef and Grandfathers co-owner Michael Clift, before opening the doors to his moody 140-seater restaurant last week.

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We consider it to be the mother of all cuisines. The Grandfathers team just before opening in Sydney. Jason Loucas For Clift and business partners Dan Pepperell and Andrew Tyson, Grandfathers is the latest of five restaurants to tackle a different cuisine. It follows their Roman Italian restaurant Pellegrino 2000 (Surry Hills), northern Italian restaurant Neptunes Grotto, the New York-style grill Clam Bar (Circular Quay) and the now-closed French restaurant Bistrot 916 (Elizabeth Bay). This one is named for Clifts Chinese grandfather, whose love of food inspired the chefs career. Theres a wide cast of characters on the opening menu, including the husband and wife salad, which combines veal tongue and crispy tripe, and king prawn with almond on sourdough toast. Honey chicken, it is not. Meanwhile, at the pioneering Wolli Creek restaurant Yan, owner Narada Kudinar has long been determined to move beyond the conventions of the suburban Chinese restaurants he once frequented with his Chinese grandparents, growing up in Sydneys Hills district.

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I wanted Yan to be a representation of Sydney, he says. Smoked beef short rib, sauteed kale and mountain pepper at Yan in Wolli Creek. Jennifer Soo Kudinar borrows from American barbecuing techniques, while layering Cantonese flavours to build sauces the way a European chef might. Since opening in 2017, Kudinar has even toyed with native Australian produce, integrating eucalyptus and finger lime. Youve got to take your inspiration wherever you [can] get [it], he says. Yans signature dish is a mesquite-wood smoked beef short-rib with fresh lime and ginger sauce, layered over just-sauteed kale. Celebrated chef-restaurateur Victor Liong says the menu at Lee Ho Fook is a creative filter for his travel experiences, and an opportunity to showcase sustainable Australian produce through a Chinese lens.

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Victor Liong is the head chef and owner of Lee Ho Fook, which will open in Sydney in September. Liong grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney and worked at Marque, the now-closed French fine diner in Surry Hills, before returning to the cuisine of his childhood with a fresh perspective. He opened Lee Ho Fook in Melbourne in 2013, impressing critics with his application of European cooking techniques to Chinese dishes. The restaurant currently holds two Good Food Guide hats. Innovation is set to continue when Lee Ho Fook opens on Castlereagh Street, Sydney, on September 17. The menu will feature the restaurants standout dish, four dances of the sea, which serves four types of seafood in four different ways; as well as prawn toast, substituting prawn for sea urchin. Four dances of the sea at Lee Ho Fook. Joe Armao

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At Potts Point, chef and co-owner Big Sam Young describes new restaurant Youngs Palace as a love letter to the immigrant experience. Unlike the other chefs in this new batch of launches, Young and partner Grace Chen grew up in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland, respectively. Theres no orange chicken in Hong Kong, Young says. But there was in Canada, where he first tried westernised Chinese cuisine as a teenager attending boarding school. And there was in Amsterdam, where Chen discovered oversized loempia (Indonesian-style spring rolls) while on holiday: To be honest, we didnt really eat spring rolls in restaurants [growing up in the south of China], unless it was yum cha, she says.

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Those memories have shaped the opening menu at Youngs Palace, where diners will find familiar dishes such as chicken and sweetcorn soup (made from fresh corn, not canned), sticky honey king prawns and kung pao chicken. Youngs Palace is also a reflection of how far the two chefs have come since moving to Australia. Young says he didnt get off to a great start  his money was stolen, and he was rarely able to eat out. But, after meeting Chen in a Merivale kitchen, the pair opened their first restaurant together in 2022, Smore, at Castlecrag. Chefs Grace Chen and Sam Young at their restaurant Youngs Palace, Potts Point. Edwina Pickles Young says Smores menu, stacked with luxury ingredients including caviar and lobster, is a reflection of his mindset at that time: I used to think if you can order lobster, youre made it, he says. [Whereas] Youngs is about the food we crave when we travel.

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Sydney's new-wave Chinese restaurants Grandfathers Lions guard the laneway entrance on Angel Place, and inside theres a moodily lit dining room with zigzag carpet and a backlit aquarium. The menu focuses on the regions of Guangdong and Sichuan, and the strange-flavour cold cut chicken is an early favourite. Corner of Pitt Street and Angel Place, Sydney, grandfathers.com Youngs Palace Chefs Sam Young and Grace Chens new restaurant is an intimate collection of small dining rooms with a nostalgic Chinatown aesthetic. Buckle up for classics like sweet and sour pork and lemon chicken, alongside some lesser-known dishes. 1 Kellett Street, Potts Point, instagram.com/youngspalaces Lee Ho Fook The Sydney branch of Melbournes two-hatted Chinese restaurant Lee Ho Fook opens soon at the Porter House Hotel precinct. Its set to mirror the menu of the original, allowing Sydneysiders to tuck into duck with quince hoisin and Glacier 51 toothfish with silken tofu. Porter House Hotel, 203 Castlereagh Street, Sydney

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Eating outFood events It was set to be Mount Druitts biggest food festival. Then Westfield cancelled While the Viral Food Festival has now found a new home, loss still looms large for some stallholders, including Filipino cafe Tita. [We all] really needed this boost. Bianca Hrovat August 29, 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

It was supposed to be a win for Mount Druitt. This weekend, the western Sydney suburb was set to host the largest food festival it had seen, with a curated selection of about 30 stalls selling an exclusive range of one-off doughnuts, tacos and sandwiches over three nights, and promoted via social media. Then, a week out from the event, Westfield hit pause. The shopping centre conglomerate, which agreed to host the event on the rooftop of its Mount Druitt location from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31, needed more money, more security and more time, said organiser of the Viral Food Festival Kaisser Khater. The Viral Food Festival celebrates internet-famous foods. A spokesperson from Westfield Mount Druitt said the decision was disappointing, but the welfare of attendees was their main concern. The safety of our customers and community is our highest priority, including when we are planning large-scale events, they said. Unfortunately, the evolving requirements for this multi-day event led to risk and safety concerns, and we were unable to host it this weekend. These concerns were shared with the relevant local authorities.

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Hearing the news, Khater began to panic. He knew small business owners whod taken out loans, booked flights and spent days preparing for the event. He knew groups such as For The Area, a volunteer organisation that hosts community experiences, were excited to bring the community together at a safe, night-time event. And hed seen the positive effect the festival could have: an average of 30,000 people attended previous events held in Richmond, Liverpool and Stanhope, giving a much-needed boost of up to $10,000 towards each vendor, and reaching a social media audience of 3 million people. Kaisser Khater is the organiser of the Viral Food Festival. It was crap, Khater said. People had been asking me to bring the festival to Mount Druitt for ages. Theyd always say the same thing to me: nothing ever happens here, its not fair. Khater and sisters Samantha and Rose Khater launched Bossman Experiences last year, following the sale of their e-commerce business Dessert Boxes, with the aim of reinvigorating Sydneys nightlife by bringing Australias most popular social media food brands to under-served suburbs in the west. We do this because were first-generation Australians, Khater said. Our parents came here from Lebanon with nothing  and weve been able to make something of [ourselves by building a strong social media following], so now we want to give other people that platform.

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Ken Rodrigueza of Tita in Marrickville, was set to have a stand at this weekends Mount Druitt Viral Food Festival. For vendors such as Marrickville cafe Tita, the event would have provided the profit needed to cover their bills after an exceptionally difficult winter for the hospitality sector. [We all] really needed this boost, to be honest, because its been really, really tough, said Tita owner Kenneth Rodrigueza. Were behind on payments, and with the wet weather recently, were not even breaking even. Plans for the Mount Druitt event began to unravel on Wednesday, August 20, when Westfield emailed event organisers to request an additional $9000, taking the figure from $7000 to closer to $15,000, to cover revised quotes for security, cleaning, water barriers and waste management. The centre is not looking to profit from the event, a Westfield manager wrote in the email to Khater. The fee is simply to recover the operational expenses needed to run it properly.

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The Viral Food Festival can draw crowds of up to 30,000. Khater said: That was really the trigger in all this, noting that the initial quote was said to include those expenses. I told them it was going to be hard to get my hands on $9000, and then on Friday [August 22] I got an email saying the event [wasnt going ahead]. The email, which this masthead has seen, said: After further review of operational, risk and logistical considerations uncovered over the past few days, the Centre and Leadership Team have decided we need more time to address these matters before moving forward. As a result, a decision has been made this morning to pause next weekends event. Everyone is still very keen to see this happen, however its important we take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and experience of our retailers, customers and staff with an event of this scale. The event was originally slated to be held on the rooftop of the Westfield Shopping Centre in Mount Druitt. Isabella Lettini

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In the interim, For The Area came forward with the additional hire fee, and Khater spent an additional $2000 on an event producer to provide Westfield with the documentation it required, but it was too late. In a web call on Wednesday, August 27, the Westfield team officially pulled the plug: [They said] we dont feel like everythings in place from a safety perspective and from an operational perspective  but I believe none of this would have happened if I just gave them the extra money [straight away], Khater said. They had all the work risk assessments. Id notified police. I had notified the council. Everything [else] was great. For vendors such as Smoking Gringos owners Richard and Jade Borg, the news was devastating. The husband-and-wife team behind the Blacktown taco shop had bought 100 loaves of bread to make beef birria toasties specifically for the event, and stood to lose close to $10,000 in product and sales losses. Vendors such as Smoking Gringos feared they would be left out of pocket.

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At the last event we sold over 1000 birria croissants and close to 10,000 tacos  so it was huge for us, it was everything, said Richard Borg. [Hospitality] is so up and down between the weather and the cost-of-living crisis, and the money we make just seems to be getting smaller and smaller. After a frantic social media appeal, Khater secured an alternative location for the festival, at the Richmond Greyhound Race Track, 22 kilometres away. The track had been used for a previous festival organised by Khater. All but three stalls have agreed to attend the new location, and Justice Crew performer Samson Smith has donated $1000 towards fuel vouchers for Mount Druitt residents to cover their travel. Khater said hes heartened by the support the event has received on Instagram, where more than 1000 followers have left comments on the single announcement post. Ken Rodrigueza at Donut Papi, which closed in 2024. Steven Siewert Im confident. The community has rallied. There are influencers coming and donating their time. And the Greyhound Race Track has been our saviour, he said. There are also plans for another food festival in the Blacktown area later this year.

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But for the businesses that cant transport their staff and products as far as Richmond, loss looms large. Rodrigueza, who invested in an additional 20 kilograms of flour for the event, plans to open Tita at night from Friday to Sunday this week, with live music, a pop-up dessert bar and a revival of his doughnut brand Donut Papi. Richmond is an hour-and-a-half away from us, and I have to think of our staff and the uncertainty of it all  I hope people turn up this weekend. The Viral Food Festival is at the Richmond Greyhound Race Track, 312 Londonderry Road, Richmond from 5pm on Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30, and from noon on Sunday, August 31.

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I was not in Porepunkah on Tuesday. I have not been a serving police officer since 1995. Yet the news shook me more deeply than I had expected and dragged back memories I thought I had contained. It never leaves you.

The officers who came under fire and were forced to take cover faced agonising minutes not knowing if their mates were alive or dead. They will relive those moments repeatedly, questioning themselves, wondering if they could have acted differently, and perhaps judging themselves harshly  though wrongly. The date of this tragedy will be etched in their memories for life, and for some it may be a day they wrestle with for the rest of their service.

I know, because Ive been there.

Former police officer Keith Banks (left) was the team leader of a Queensland police tactical assault group in July 1987 when a colleague was shot dead during a raid.

In July 1987, I was the team leader of a Queensland police tactical assault group tasked with forcing entry to a house to arrest the states most wanted man, a violent armed robber and prison escapee. As we made entry to the house and moved towards the bedroom, he opened fire with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle, killing one of my team and seriously wounding another. The offender was shot dead in the subsequent exchange of fire. The entire gun battle lasted less than a minute, but its impact on my mental health endured for decades. As my colleague lay dying on the floor, I tried to comfort him while we waited helplessly for an ambulance. That was only the beginning.
You wont find Adam Lindsay Gordon on any bestseller lists these days, either, though he retains a band of devoted followers intent on rehabilitating his reputation, lost in time, as not just a daredevil horseman, but one of Australias leading literary figures. A memorial bust of the poet of Australia, Adam Lindsay Gordon, was unveiled on May 11, 1934, in Poets Corner, Westminster Abbey. Indeed, the Adam Lindsay Gordon Commemorative Committee Inc sets out its task as nothing less than keeping alive Australias national poet. The committee members have got a bit to work with. Though a lot of Australians today have forgotten or never heard of him, Gordons poetry was taught in schools across Australia until World War II, statues were raised to him and, glory be, he remains the only Australian to have a bust dedicated to him in Poets Corner in Londons vast Westminster Abbey. The bust of this handsome, troubled young man sits amid graves and monuments to Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Geoffrey Chaucer and more than 100 more giants of the English language.

Oscar Wilde, like Rudyard Kipling and other leading figures of the literary world of the past, was a dedicated Gordon fan. Wilde in the 1880s called Gordon the poet who gave Australia her first fine utterance in song. One of Gordons contemporaries, the Melbourne-based poet and author Henry Kendall, declared something similar. He called Gordon A shining soul with syllables of fire, who sang the first great songs these lands can claim. Marcus Clarke, author of For the Term of His Natural Life (first published in book form in 1874), wrote that those who read Gordons poems will find in them something very like the beginnings of a national school of Australian poetry. Even the late Queen Elizabeth, in a speech in 1992  the year she famously declared had been her annus horribilis  exhorted those seeking strength to have kindness in anothers trouble, courage in ones own. The Queen didnt mention it, but the line was from one of Gordons poems, Ye Weary Wayfarer.

The fuller verse is one of Australian literatures more memorable stanzas: Life is mostly froth and bubble/ Two things stand like stone./ Kindness in anothers trouble,/ Courage in your own. Banjo Paterson and Henry Lawson, however, have long supplanted Gordon as the nations best-loved bush poets, though Lawson wasnt born when Gordon was going over the jumps and writing his poems, often on scraps of paper while drifting along on a stockhorse or, according to a friend, sitting among the branches of a tree, smoking and dreaming. Paterson (born 1864) was a mere babe in arms at the time. Yet Gordons life, his exploits and his best poetry were arguably at least as compelling as those of Paterson and Lawson. A statue of Gordon in Spring Street near Parliament House. It has part of one of his poems inscribed on it: kindness in anothers trouble, courage in your own. Credit: Wayne Taylor He was exiled from his birthplace, Gloucestershire in England, when, having tried his fathers patience by accruing debts through his pursuit of horse racing and other youthful and aimless hijinks, he was sent to Australia aged 19 to become a South Australian mounted police trooper.

He briefly sat in the South Australian Legislative Council, drove sheep in Western Australia, worked as a horse breaker around south-east South Australia and became a gentleman  which is to say, amateur  steeplechase jockey in Victoria, despite suffering extreme shortsightedness and standing at a most unjockey-like six feet, three inches. I first became aware of Gordon when my father, a horseman born, took me as a child to the lip of the Blue Lake, a water-filled volcanic crater rearing above the city of Mount Gambier in south-east South Australia. Every year in November the lake famously takes on a vivid blue colour, the summer sun deepening it to an unearthly turquoise till around March, attracting visitors from all over. My dad, however, wanted to show me an obelisk perched near the edge of the high rim. It commemorates one of the maddest stunts you might imagine.

In 1867, Adam Lindsay Gordon took a dare and jumped his horse over a post and rail fence at the edge of the craters rim, requiring his mount to twist in midair to land on a narrow ledge. Below, there was nothing but a near-vertical drop-off falling 60 metres to the lake. An engraving of Gordons famous death-defying leap in 1864 above the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier. Completing the stunt, Gordon and his horse jumped the fence from a standing start on the tiny ledge and returned to the roadway. The thought of it left me with a lifetime anxiety concerning heights. I asked my father whether he would try such a thing. He reassured me he wouldnt consider it. His aversion to this level of recklessness lent weight to Gordons Leap. I had seen my father on his own stockhorse flying devil-may-care at full gallop through forests of lethal overhanging branches in the pursuit of runaway mobs of cattle.

This fellow, he said of Gordon, must have had a death wish. It was a reasonable conjecture. Three years after that mad leap, Gordon took his rifle to the teatree scrub lining Melbournes Brighton beach and shot himself dead. He was 36. An obelisk stands high above Gordons grave in Brighton Cemetery. The previous day, his third book of poems, Bush Ballads and Galloping Rhymes, was to have been published. Humiliatingly, he couldnt afford to pay the printer.

His latest business venture running livery stables in Ballarat had foundered after a fire, his only child, a daughter, had died in infancy, and he suffered pain and emotional instability following numerous riding accidents, his injuries having included a smashed skull. Gordon, given to wild enthusiasms and deep depressions, clearly considered himself a failure as he sat in the beach scrub. And yet, in death, his poetry  particularly those poems that he couldnt afford to have published  took his name to the heights of Australian and international fame. Like the Australian land and seascapes that captured him, there was a deep melancholy running through much of his work. Perhaps Gordons most celebrated poem in the decades after his death, The Sick Stockman, seemed to foretell the coming of his end. For good undone, and gifts misspent, and resolutions vain,

 Tis somewhat late to trouble. Loading This I know  I should live the same life over, if I had to live again; And the chances are I go where most men go. You might think that a poet whose words earned him a place among immortals in Westminster Abbey might be worth a second look among Australians at home.
With Defence Minister Richard Marles back from a mysterious trip to the US, the alliance is back in the spotlight, as it has been since the second Trump administration took office. This week we debated whether Marles photo with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth represented a happenstance or a meeting, an issue that represents the chaos in the Pentagon rather than a reflection on the alliance. Yet beneath the headlines lies a more pressing question: in a crisis, how would we fight together in an Indo-Pacific conflict, are our expectations of roles clear and are they truly in Australias interest?

Defence Minister Richard Marles met US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Credit: Artists

I would argue they are not. Australia should focus on complementing US power while retaining the ability to execute key roles independently, from defending Australia and its maritime trade to supporting partners in the Pacific without relying on Washington. After all, as a sovereign nation, Australia alone is responsible for its defence.

This debate has sharpened with reports that the Pentagons undersecretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, is pressuring Australia to clarify its role in a potential conflict over Taiwan. While suggestions of demands for a formal pre-commitment seem unlikely, especially given Washingtons own policy of strategic ambiguity, it is clear the US wants greater certainty. Australia should want that clarity too.

Long a cornerstone of Australias military strategy, the alliance has allowed a nation of 27 million to wield disproportionate influence in an era of great-power competition. Despite tensions over the US review of AUKUS and calls for higher defence spending, co-operation between Canberra and Washington has reached levels not seen since World War II, from a surge in force posture initiatives to the growth in military exercises and exchanges.
A current Newington College student who sued his private school over its plan to become fully coeducational will appeal a Supreme Court decision that found in favour of the college.

Late last year, the pupil  known only as student A  commenced legal action alleging the schools council contravened the terms of its 19th-century charitable trust by implementing its plan to enrol girls from next year.

The high-profile legal case ultimately hinged on the interpretation of a single word  youth  which was contained in the colleges original deed of indenture.

Former students and parents of students at Newington College hold protest signs at the entrance of the private boys college in 2024. Credit: Kate Geraghty

During a hearing in May, lawyers for the student and opponents of co-ed argued the word youth in the Stanmore schools founding trust document was limited to the advancement of education of boys and young men.
Senior MPs from across the political spectrum have condemned Bob Katter after the maverick Queenslander threatened to punch a Nine reporter in the mouth during a heated press conference in Brisbane ahead of polarising anti-immigration rallies.

Both Health Minister Mark Butler and Liberal senator Jane Hume joined a chorus of disgusted political figures to call out the abusive behaviour, in which Katter cried racism over a reasonable line of questioning over his partys position on anti-Australian sentiments from immigrants.

Watchers of Australian politics know Bob Katter is a bit of a character, but that is completely unacceptable, Butler told Sevens Sunrise on Friday morning.

The threat itself is unacceptable. And then the physical approach, frankly, to the journalist ... its just unacceptable in this day and age, particularly from a political leader.
In all the talk this week about the nations productivity, no one has pointed to the lack of competition within the productivity sector itself. Why is there only one Productivity Commission? The commission loves summoning the harsh winds of competition for others, so why not for itself? We need an Alternative Productivity Commission. Im willing to put myself forward as CEO.

My method will be to think outside the box, starting with the lunch box. I can never find a lid that matches the bottom. Every manufacturer offers a slightly different shape of storage container. Some have right angles at each corner, others prefer curves. Some have lids with clips, others do not. How come? If the Europeans can demand a universal phone charger, why cant we make life simpler with a Tupperware Australian Standard in which, at various sizes, each brands lid would fit the other brands bottom? This would save the nation time every morning, as well as reducing the number of muttered swear words heard in the typical kitchen.

Treasury secretary Jenny Wilkinson, Jim Chalmers and Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood on day two of the summit at Parliament House. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

At least the storage containers are always in the same aisle at the supermarket. Everything else in the supermarket is shifted constantly. The smoked salmon alone has a migratory pattern more complex than the fish itself. The kangaroo hops from place to place. The Moove moves. The idea, apparently, is to force the shopper to go searching the store for the items on their list, at which point youll stumble into the chocolate aisle and, really, none of us is responsible for what happens next.

Cha-ching! Colesworth has sold you a dozen eggs plus three blocks of overpriced Toblerone. It means shopping takes twice as long as it should, and I end up eating too much chocolate. The Alternative Productivity Commission would demand that all supermarkets have the same store layout, and that such layouts remain fixed forever. With us all saving 30 minutes on the weekly shop and purchasing far less chocolate, think what well be able to achieve as a nation.
Melbourne cult restaurant 1800 Lasagne is doomed to fail unless a last-minute buyer emerges, as administrators warn creditors they will not get what they are owed from the business.

Administrators for the Thornbury business told creditors this week they can expect no return after examining the restaurants books, and recommending that they wind it up.

Administrators have recommended the winding up of 1800 Lasagne.

They also flagged the potential conduct of the directors operating the business while insolvent, as well as their handling of loans, could warrant scrutiny by a liquidator.

The administrators  Todd Gammel and Matthew Levesque-Hocking, of Sydney-based accountancy firm HLB Mann Judd  found the business was insolvent as of March 31, 2021.
Experts and industry promoters warn that the gains from this growing sector are not fully reaching local workers and suppliers, and stress the need to invest in education and the competitiveness of community projects

Africa is in vogue as a tourist destination, and governments and companies from different countries are looking to ride that wave to attract a booming sector: luxury tourism. In 2024, nearly 74 million people visited the continent  13.6% more than the previous year  making it the second-fastest growing region in the world for visitors, behind only Asia and the Pacific, according to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Of that total, 42.6 million travelers went to sub-Saharan countries.

Although countries like Mauritius, Rwanda, Botswana, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe are betting big on luxury tourism  in the form of safaris, honeymoons, food tours, train journeys, and nautical tourism  experts and industry workers warn of the need to explore new approaches to ensure that economic benefits also reach local suppliers and employees in sufficient measure. According to estimates by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the sector will contribute $168 billion to the continent over the next decade and create more than 18 million jobs.

The global travel and tourism market was valued at more than $5 trillion in 2023, of which $1.38 trillion corresponded to the luxury segment, according to a study by Grand View Research, a market research and consulting firm. By its estimates, the sector could grow by up to 8% between 2024 and 2030.

For Natalia Bayona, executive director of UNWTO, this global trend holds significant potential in Africa, as she explains to EL PAIS: Luxury is not so much about spending millions of dollars on a trip, but about experiencing something meaningful and responsible [with respect to the local environment]. For us, it is important that slow tourism [which prioritizes quality over quantity] continues to grow, because it generates even more spending and creates more jobs, she says in a message exchange.

Other studies show that major companies are also betting on this market in Africa. According to the latest hotel chain development report by W Hospitality Group, a Nigerian consultancy, the number of agreements signed to build tourist resorts is rising significantly year after year across the continent. At the beginning of 2025, 577 hotel and resort projects were under development in Africa, 13.3% more than in 2024. Of these 577 projects, 85% will be high-end and luxury hotels.

However, although luxury tourism began to take shape in some African countries in the 1970s and 1980s, some experts predict that it is only now  amid its growing interest and development  that it risks becoming a driver of inequality. That is how Pritish Behuria, PhD in social sciences and researcher and lecturer at the Global Development Institute at the University of Manchester, explains it in a recent study published in the universitys African Studies Review.

There is an international consensus in favor of luxury tourism [as a solution to the effects of mass tourism], and many countries are moving in that direction despite the criticism it receives, says Behuria in a video call interview with this newspaper.

The danger of luxury tourism is that its marketed as a moral necessity for society. They use the idea that if there are fewer tourists spending more in your country, the ecological impact will be lower, adds Behuria, who argues  drawing on other studies  that this kind of traveler also generates a significant environmental footprint through private flight emissions.

Based on his analysis of Mauritius, Rwanda, and Botswana, the researcher argues that high-end and luxury tourism fuels social inequity. Lodgings are often owned by foreign companies which, while creating local jobs, usually do so in low-skilled positions.

Isabella Roberts, director of Programs and Innovation at the Africa Policy Research Institute, reached the same conclusion after analyzing the case of Zanzibar, an island in Tanzania, where tourism is the main source of income and creates up to 60,000 jobs. The lowest-paid jobs in the tourism sector, such as waiters and tour guides, are often held by locals, but local representation in management positions is limited, Roberts explained to EL PAIS via email, adding that the training needed for higher-paying jobs is too expensive for many locals.

A high-end site in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo (Alamy Stock Photo)

The University of Manchester study also highlights that all-inclusive travel packages prevent tourists from spending money in small local businesses. Luxury tourism could be a driver of development if it were linked to the growth of other sectors, such as agriculture or industry. The problem is that it must meet very high global standards, the study argues, explaining that most countries are not prepared to provide services and products at those levels and therefore opt to import them.

This challenge has also been noted by industry promoters. Africa Travel Week (ATW), a networking platform for tourism professionals, acknowledges in its 2025 trends report that much of Africas wellness industry leans on Westernized luxury rather than Indigenous healing traditions.

As a result, local knowledge, workers, and inputs produced on the continent are not sufficiently harnessed. This overreliance on European skincare isnt about consumer preference  its pure business strategy, the report adds. Unfortunately, this often means local botanical producers  who offer equally (if not more) effective natural remedies  struggle to gain traction in Africas own high-end resorts."

Another problem, Behuria adds, is that luxury tourism is built on enclaves  large resorts or specific attractions such as beaches or national parks that are cut off from local life and capture the visitor within them, leaving little room for spending beyond the set itinerary.

According to research by Peter Dieke, author of numerous studies on tourism in developing countries, enclave tourism means that foreign travelers prepay for their all-inclusive stays and that only between 20% and 45% of their holiday spending remains in Africa.

Education and community-led tourism

In an ideal world, it would be logical for the destination to be ready for its people and entrepreneurs to provide the services. When thats not the case, we have to import them, acknowledges Bayona, the director of UNWTO.

For this reason, she adds, this United Nations agency works on training projects, certification in sustainable tourism for young people, and support for local entrepreneurship and community tourism. Bayona mentions initiatives such as introducing tourism as a subject in the last two years of secondary school and a degree in sustainable tourism with the University of Lucerne.

We have developed the community tourism program in countries like Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria. We are helping all of them develop their skills and encouraging operators to include locally rooted, high-quality tourism packages, she explains.

Naledi K. Khabo, executive director of the African Tourism Partnership, which brings together 15 African government departments and hundreds of businesses, believes the University of Manchester study raises an important issue, but clarifies that some destinations are already working to increase local sourcing, leverage the national workforce, and foster community-based tourism businesses.

There is a growing trend toward public-private partnerships in which a portion of tourism revenue is allocated to conservation, education, or community infrastructure, says Khabo in a written response to this newspaper. Luxury travelers themselves are showing a growing preference for authentic and socially responsible travel, which is pushing operators to engage more deeply with communities.

However, Behuria fears that efforts to support community initiatives are not enough to make them competitive in markets dominated by large foreign companies. We need to focus less on inviting high-end foreign hotels or overseas-based travel agencies, and more on using local resources, he says.

In his research, Behuria highlights that countries such as Mauritius  an icon of luxury tourism and the second most visited country in sub-Saharan Africa  and Botswana are working to reduce dependence on luxury-seeking foreign tourists and instead aiming to diversify their attractions, positioning themselves also as venues for conferences and events.

Roberts also points to good practices in Botswana, South Africa, and Kenya, which have introduced a tourism tax to support sustainable tourism development. That revenue is then used for conservation initiatives, tourism infrastructure development, and community-based tourism initiatives, she explains. Roberts adds that visitors can also drive change by choosing locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and tourism businesses whenever possible.

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An example was the case of Bandali Debs, charged and convicted of the 1998 murders of police officers Rod Miller and Gary Silk. The prosecution said Debs was an armed robber who, when pulled over during a stakeout, opened fire, killing the police. In one bugged conversation with his daughter, Debs discussed hunting down and killing Rods wife Carmel and their newly born son to make the investigation go stupid  in other words make it appear it was not connected with the armed robberies. Bandali Debs (right), pictured in 2002, is serving life in jail. Credit: Simon Schluter This was not put to the jurors because the trial judge said it would so sicken them they could lose objectivity.

Debs co-accused Jason Roberts pleaded guilty to the armed robberies but denied committing the murders. He was initially convicted on the murder charges but after more than 20 years won a retrial and was acquitted. Not only was he freed, but he was awarded $3 million in compensation. Which means he made more money in court than with a gun and balaclava during his armed robberies. There is the theatre of the court. In murder trials the accused is denied bail and must be transported from prison to court in a secure van. Escorted into the Supreme Court, the suspect is handcuffed  not that you see that because there is a rule the media cant publish pictures that indicate they are in custody. Which is why the pictures of triple-murderer and mushroom enthusiast Erin Patterson, taken when she was in the prison van, could not be published until after the verdict.

Erin Patterson arrives at court in a prison van during her trial in May. This picture could not be used until after the trial. Credit: Agence France-Presse The accused is led into court by prison guards before the jury is invited into the court so when they arrive, the suspect, in their Sunday best, looks as though they have just popped in after visiting their financial adviser up the road in Collins Street, and then will be heading off to the nearby RACV Club for lunch during the break. If the accused is on bail, he makes sure his loyal spouse is with him as he heads into court, so any media snaps will make him look like a loyal family man rather than a criminal. If he is charged with sex crimes, then they will be holding hands to give the impression any such allegations are utter nonsense and his worst offence would be forgetting to put out the bins on rubbish night. For the unattached offender, you could do worse than rent a partner for the court walk  a sort of Spouses for Louses. Tattoos will be concealed, and some enterprising crooks will go for the librarian look, wearing academic-style glasses even if they have 20/20 vision.

The reverse was when a police officer, once spoken of as chief commissioner material, explained to a judge that he was stumbling over his written statement because he had forgotten his contacts lenses. This surprised his colleagues who said he had the eyesight of a juvenile eagle living in the Grand Canyon. Matthew Johnson arrives at court for his sentencing for the murder of underworld figure Carl Williams. Credit: Paul Rovere When Matthew Johnson was in court over the jailhouse murder of drug boss Carl Williams, he wore a suit more befitting an investment banker  if the investment banker had the inclination to beat someone to death. When one detective arrived in a case to testify, the accused armed robber loudly declared the cop was wearing a suit he had stolen while raiding the suspects house. While it may be true, they were both sized 42 Reg, it was generally agreed the claim was foul gossip and slander. In any case, the crook got 15 years and the double-breasted Fletcher Jones would have dated by the time of his release. Police in court have been known to secretly flash items seized from the offender in the hope the accused will lose their marbles in front of the jury.

In court, it is about evidence and image. Judges want juries to trust them, lawyers want juries to like them, police want jurors to believe them and suspects want jurors to feel sorry for them. When Patterson was in the witness box, she gave strong evidence, correcting the prosecutor on facts along the way. She was not emotionally sideswiped when she was repeatedly accused of being a liar, a fraud and a cold-hearted killer. It was entirely predictable that when she was re-examined by her sympathetic counsel, she burst into inconsolable sobs while explaining how she took her daughter to ballet lessons. Swan Lake made her cry; beef Wellington made her lie. Loading

The funny thing is that no one in the court saw any tears. It was so fake it would make a crocodile blush. Her former husband Simon was forbidden from telling the truth because of pre-trial rulings that muzzled him. Im sitting here, half thinking about the things Im not allowed to talk about and  I dont actually understand why  it seems bizarre to me, but it is what it is, he said in court without the jury present. When asked why he declined the invitation to the deadly Leongatha lunch, he had to skirt around the truth. If he could have said what he felt, it would have been something like this: I would never eat anything crazy Erin cooked because shes been trying to poison me for years.

The jury sits to one side, usually to the judges right, and in the body of the court is the bar table. Sitting facing the judge are the barristers and facing them on the other side of the table are the instructing solicitors, who like boundary umpires, do their best work with their back to the play. The worlds biggest cannabis smuggler, Howard Marks, always believed a trial was not about the facts but the show. When he was caught with a tugboat full of Mexican pot, he told the jury that far from being a drug dealer he was a secret agent working for MI6, bravely infiltrating organised crime for King and country to stop them using the funds to arm the IRA. Loading

I dont think for one minute they believed the defences presented to them. They just didnt want us nice guys to spend countless years in jail for transporting beneficial herbs from one part of the world to another, he explained. One novel defence that didnt work was that of Mark Chopper Read, charged with shooting a fellow called Syd Collins in the guts while they were sitting in a car in Launceston. Collins was deposited, worse for wear, at the local hospital. Read argued that as a career criminal, it was an affront to his professionalism to suggest he would be involved in any hospital mercy dash. This proved to be an error of judgment as chief prosecutor Damian Bugg, KC, was able to introduce Reads criminal record to the jury. Read received an indefinite sentence that took several years to lift. He didnt hold a grudge and on release, named his racing greyhound, The Buggster, in honour of his legal adversary.
The Perth owner of Cloud 9 smoke shops has launched a $2 million negligence lawsuit against her former tax agent Bernard Hoey, intensifying the long-running legal saga surrounding the controversial businesses.

Linda Nguyen, 41, lodged the claim in the Supreme Court on August 25, alleging that accountant Hoey, the former principal of Burswood Partners, failed to properly manage the tax affairs of her network of companies and family trusts.

Cloud 9 smoke shop in Victoria Park.

The writ, filed by Ms Nguyens lawyer Martin Bennett, claimed millions of dollars in trust distributions were wrongly recorded as loans as far back as 2018, exposing her businesses to heavy tax penalties.

One of her companies, JJJ Bros Corporate Pty Ltd, is seeking more than $2.1 million in damages, while other entities, including Cloud 9 outlets in Mandurah, Victoria Park and Armadale, are also claiming hundreds and thousands of dollars in compensation.
You might remember that back in June, news broke of Perths new C-series train drivers needing to use window squeegees from Bunnings to clear the front windows.

A C-Series train at Alstoms Bellevue facility.

This was because the demisters on the trains were not operational.

Well, during upper house estimates on Thursday MLC Steve Martin questioned the state government over whether the issue had been resolved.

At the moment, they are still switched off, the demisters. Were very close. Theres been a redesign made of the circuit and the last advice I had was that parts were being supplied around today, but as we speak, they are still switched off, was the response.

So the squeegees are still in use? Martin asked.

Well, yes, squeegees, whatever the driver needs to clean the window, is in use.

No exact timeframe was provided over when the issue would be resolved.
Endometriosis is thought to affect one in seven women before the age of 50 and has proven to be the single most common disease among more than 2000 accounts shared by Australian women as part of our ongoing investigation into medical misogyny.

The progressive, chronic disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body causing severe pain has prompted more than 200 women to come forward, with dozens describing being turned away from emergency departments, delays in diagnosis spanning years that robbed them of the chance to have children, and having their pain dismissed as a normal part of womanhood.

Nine months ago, the Herald published the first articles in an investigation into medical misogyny  a bias that affects half of Australia  exposing the shameful cost, damage and insults inflicted on women by the institutionalised treating of one human differently whenever she sought care and treatment. The women, clinicians, researchers and advocates who spoke out for this investigation largely blame the systemic gender bias of a healthcare system rooted in medical research that has for centuries skewed male. There were harrowing stories of women with debilitating iron deficiency or anaemia treated as hypochondriacs or whose symptoms dismissed by healthcare professionals, while others were incorrectly admitted to mental health wards or had cancer diagnoses missed.

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Today, we continue the series, with our journalists Kate Aubusson, Emily Kaine and Aisha Dow reporting healthcare professionals are scandalously reliant on endometriosis research that is 30 years behind that of conditions like breast cancer, despite the number of women affected. It takes an average 6.5 years for women to be diagnosed after first experiencing symptoms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken on hecklers over the merits of green energy at a fiery regional forum where Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was also shouted down by farmers.

The pair spoke at the News Corp Bush Summit event in Ballarat, Victorias third-largest city, on Friday in front of a crowd of landowners, one of whom had a noose around her neck and others who wore hats displaying opposition to a contentious proposal for a transmission line through Victorias Central Highlands.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Herald Sun Bush summit. Credit: Instagram

As he prepares for a crunch decision on Labors 2035 emissions target, Albanese was booed as he argued for climate change mitigation, though he admitted politicians had not done enough to explain the need to build renewables in regional areas.

Ill continue to engage, but I wont bullshit people, Albanese said as angry audience members shouted abuse, pointing out that the net zero by 2050 climate target was first enacted by the Morrison government.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has quietly visited Nauru to sign a $400 million deal that will allow the federal government to start deporting hundreds of foreign-born criminals to the Pacific Island nation.

Burkes office uploaded a statement to the Home Affairs website on Friday afternoon to say the minister had met with Nauru President David Adeang, his cabinet and the nations parliament to sign a memorandum of understanding that Nauru would take members of the NZYQ cohort.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke in parliament on Thursday, before he made a discreet visit to Nauru on Friday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

That refers to more than 350 people  including convicted murderers and paedophiles who either refuse or cannot be deported to their country of origin  released into the community since the High Court ruled in November 2023 that indefinite immigration detention was unlawful.

A transcript from the Nauru parliaments session on Friday, seen by this masthead, reveals Australia committed an upfront $408 million to Nauru, and will keep paying about $70 million each year to cover the ongoing costs of resettlement. The agreement will be activated once the first people arrive in Nauru, Adeang told the parliament on Friday.
Hes arbitrarily dictating terms of private sector business transactions, one after another, from Intel to Nvidia, without any clear legal authority, prompting cries of socialism from traditional conservatives. More to the point, Gregory Mankiw, a Harvard economist and an adviser to former Republican presidents, calls it crony capitalism. Donald Trump is now walking the pathway to centralise power in an autocratic presidency. Credit: AP Trump is not the cause of the third wave of autocratisation. Hes a symptom of it. And now a leader of it. An expert on democracy and extremism, Lydia Khalil, points out that there are three essential ingredients for democratic erosion: conditions that provide an opportunity; political actors who exploit these conditions; and pathways for their campaigns against democracy. Trump didnt supply the conditions. America did that without him, setting up polarisation, inequality, dysfunction, an anti-government ideology, discontent with immigration, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness that improvement could be possible. Democracy was on the defensive. Joe Biden liked to say that the government needs to show democracy can deliver. It was too little, too late. Trump was the political actor to exploit these conditions. Hes now walking the pathway to centralise power in an autocratic presidency.

Khalil points out that democracy is not a fixture or a practice. Its a system. Trump is the culminating point of Americas democratic system failure. This week, Khalil launched a new interactive online tool for the Lowy Institute to explain how the democratic system works. And how it fails. I want people to recognise that we all play a part, you cant just blame the media or an autocratic leader, its made up of many interconnected parts, Khalil says. And, as it happens, this week illustrated how the Australian system is under attack from powerful antidemocratic forces: It was a big week, says Khalil, Lowys program director on international challenges. A very big week. Loading There were two events that dominated the news. One was Irans covert interference program, exposed by ASIO. The intelligence agency concluded that Iran paid local criminals to conduct violent attacks on Jewish institutions in Sydney and Melbourne. Why? To foment division, suspicion and unrest. The Albanese government responded by expelling Irans ambassador to Canberra and proscribing as a terrorist organisation Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These actions, however, wont prevent Iran from continuing its malicious campaign against Australia. Tehran will just need to be more circumspect to get away with it.

The second was the violent outburst of a so-called sovereign citizen, a local radicalised in Australia. Under the influence of a fringe American-made ideology that refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of the state, he ambushed police officers seeking to serve him an arrest warrant. He allegedly murdered two and injured a third. Its the second set of police killings by so-called sovereign citizens in Australia in three years. Foreign interference and violent extremism are becoming much more intersected, Khalil explains. Fomenting the conditions to lead to violent extremism is a strategy of foreign interference. The leading practitioner is Moscow: Russian information operation campaigns in the US and Europe use bots to polarise, to confuse, to sow discord, and to pollute the information environment. People get confused and lose their epistemological certainty. In other words, they can no longer tell conspiracy from reality. According to Khalil, fomenting the conditions that lead to violent extremists allegedly like Dezi Freeman (pictured) is a strategy of foreign interference. Credit: Matt Davidson Any events that are highly divisive  Israel-Gaza, transsexuals, COVID  the Russians promote the divisions and sit back and watch the results.

The growth of the self-described sovereign citizen movement is, itself, an example of these foreign influence campaigns turbocharging local suspicions and divisions. This ideology was born in 1970s American anti-government conspiracy mongering and lingered on the fringes of society, but when COVID hit, it went gangbusters, says Khalil. The enforced isolation and sudden state repression triggered people who might have been vulnerable to conspiracy thinking, including in Australia. A lot of people were captured by these ideas during COVID, and it didnt recede. With foreign interference and domestic political violence, its not either or, its not one or the other, Khalil says. Its both. Both are sources of  and the product of  the rising tide of far-right ideology that is tearing communities apart. And helping create conditions for the rise of dictators. Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, has said that children aged 10 and 11 spend five to six hours a day addicted to AI companions. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Democracies are especially vulnerable to these harms. Open societies with free speech and open internet access are ready targets for online disinformation and exploitation, whether theyre state-driven by Russia, Iran or China, or whether theyre profit-driven by Meta, Google or X.

Australia, which remains one of the final 25 full democracies long after the United States, France, Hungary and South Korea have been relegated by the Economist Intelligence Unit to the ranks of flawed democracies, is a pioneer in trying to protect itself from the worst online harms. Its law to deny under-16s access to social media, to take effect in December, will be a major test. Australian democracy is in relatively good health. But we are enjoying the calm before the storm. Khalil is troubled by the emergence of what she calls facilitating conditions. Specifically, growing inequality, notably intergenerational inequality as the younger generations feel left behind, and the polarisation that it can create. Loading And every existing problem is about to be intensified by AI. For example, Australias eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has said that school nurses reported last year that kids aged 10 and 11 are spending five to six hours a day addicted to AI companions. These were sexualised chatbots inciting them to commit sexual acts. And if online conspiracy theorists today are having trouble distinguishing fantasy from reality, how will they cope with high-quality deepfake video? Australias last line of defence is the eSafety commissioner. And she is about to become the prime target of the great wannabe dictator, Donald Trump. He said this week that any country seeking to regulate US technology companies would be hit with substantial additional tariffs on that countrys exports to the USA, plus export restrictions on high-grade US semiconductors.
A plan to revive the half-built Woollahra Station into a transport and housing hub could be derailed before a single train arrives as the NSW government faces a potential legal challenge to the high-rise proposal.

Woollahra councillors have unanimously voted for the council to obtain legal advice on avenues to challenge the governments plans to complete the half-built 1970s train station and rezone land around it for up to 10,000 new homes.

A NSW government artists impression of the proposed Woollahra train station. Credit: NSW government

NSW Premier Chris Minns  in announcing the project last week  said it would help address Sydneys housing shortage by rebalancing growth from Sydneys west towards the east.

But during a fiery 4-hour council meeting this week, Woollahra councillors lined up to voice their opposition to the plans, which could allow housing towers up to 21 storeys high to be built around the redeveloped station.
Property buyers will have less choice in Sydney as spring selling season looms, given there are fewer homes for sale compared with this time last year.

New home listings added to the market are down by 13.5 per cent over the four weeks to August 24, compared with this time last year, on Cotality data. Total listings  including homes languishing on the market  are also down by 7.2 per cent from last August.

There are fewer new and total listings in Greater Sydney, compared with this time last year, on Cotality data. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers

Experts said the spring market is tipped towards sellers with an imbalance between low supply of homes for sale and increasing consumer sentiment among buyers. Buyers have more borrowing capacity following interest rate cuts, and some will access the expanded First Home Guarantee scheme.

Cotality head of Australian research Eliza Owen attributed the cautious selling environment to global uncertainty.
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Reviews & adviceSavvy traveller Many of us want to go to Africa, but are too nervous. We shouldnt be Sue Williams August 30, 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 13 View all comments

Africa is such an astonishing continent, so full of spectacular landscapes, beautiful people and incredible wildlife, it always amazes me how so many travellers say theyd love to go  but just havent. Spotted  a leopard crosses in front of a safari 4WD. iStock For with a little preparation, many destinations in Africa can be as safe and as easy as our favourite holiday spots and, dare I say, even more rewarding. First up, check Australias Smartraveller site for any issues in any country, or region, before you book. Some countries, like Sudan, currently engulfed in violent power struggles, are pretty chaotic and can be no-go, but often troubles in others, such as Mozambique, are confined to distinct areas, leaving great swathes of the country perfectly safe. Check newspapers and news sites for the latest political situation in countries youre planning to visit, and the websites of companies running regular trips there. The nervous can even talk on Facebook to travellers in situ, or whove just visited, for additional reassurance.

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Its as vital, too, to have any necessary vaccinations or plan to start taking malaria medication  if malaria is present in a region  well in advance of actual travel. Victoria Falls, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. iStock Like with other sunny parts of the world, strong sunblock is always advisable, as is a wide-brimmed hat and sunnies. Also, make sure to take a good insect repellent, preferably one containing DEET for the best protection, and some antihistamine if youre sensitive to bites. Pack a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to give you coverage for evenings when mozzies might be around, or if youre particularly susceptible to the sun. If youre on safari, its easy to forget to renew your sunblock when youre busy in Kenya gazing into the eyes of a lion, or in a vehicle in Tanzania hurriedly reversing away from an irritable elephant. In such situations, you never want your mobile to run out of juice for photos, so take along a back-up battery or power pack to make sure. And on that subject, if any of your equipment requires triple-A batteries, bring spares  they can be hard to find.

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Most businesses in Africa now take credit cards, but it is wise to take along some US dollars in small denominations for any who dont. Then change some into local currency for tips. Related Article Africa Beyond lions and elephants: The other safari animals you must see Ask your tour company or a hotel in advance, too, if any gifts to local schools or children might be appropriate, like pens, pencils and books. Try to learn a few phrases in the local language/s as well. Thats always hugely appreciated and a quick way to endear yourself to your hosts. If you have space in your luggage, a pair of binoculars will also come in handy  although most safari guides have a few spare pairs for you to use  as well as a book about the regions birds and animals. Its reassuring, for instance, to know that when you hear Go away! Go away! in the southern African bush, it isnt the alarming start of hostilities, but merely the call of the exceptionally irritating Crinifer concolor bird.

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These collectibles, sold in blind boxes and the successors of the famous Sonny Angels, have sparked a craze among consumers aged 15 to 40. Some observers claim their success is due to the fact that they are a way of escaping the chaos and confusion of the modern world

The pace is dizzying. We hadnt even fully gotten our heads around the Sonny Angels when we were swept away by the Labubu, hairy elves with nine teeth  having more or less is the definitive sign that its a fake, like the ones circulating on Amazon, reveals Cynthia Pavon, a 24-year-old collector living in Miami. She buys hers in a physical store because falling for a fake Labubu  lafufus, she calls them  is a humiliation. To ensure authenticity, many people order theirs directly from the Pop Mart website, the Chinese company that created them in 2015 and sells them starting at $14 (although some can resell for several hundred). But then theyll have to wait for shipping, and live with the fear that by the time the package arrives, Labubus will have gone out of style and there will be another cute collectible to chase by land, sea, and air.

It could happen, Pavon acknowledges in an Instagram post. There are too many Labubu, theyll soon stop being a status symbol. Theres even speculation that they could be displaced by Crybaby  also from Pop Mart  dolls with big, tear-filled eyes that have embarked on a very similar path to success: Lisa, from the K-pop band Blackpink and star of The White Lotus, was seen with a Crybaby Cherry hanging from her Louis Vuitton bag. The Chinese companys insistence on partnering with the French luxury house is the inspiration for a very popular Reddit forum: My original Labubu in my fake Vuitton.

No one knows exactly where these fads come from, how long they last, or why their fans are the most ungrateful and unfaithful collectors in history. In 2003, the economist Margo Bergman of the University of Houston studied the phenomenon of objects that inspired these global consumer crazes: they are products that many people become familiar with even if theyve never bought them, which makes it easier for them to become popular very quickly, but only for a very short time. More than 20 years have passed, and Bergman assumes that social media and their algorithms have accelerated the entire trend cycle. In 2003, a fad took months to start and lasted for several years. Now it can start in a matter of days and die before the first year, she explains via email. She offers the example of spinners from 2017. In terms of peak sales, the craze only lasted six months. Technology causes new developments to accelerate their pace to maintain their level of usefulness, which leads to a much shorter lifespan for trends.

The Labubu dolls are the latest in a long line of iconic Asian collectible characters, which include Hello Kitty, now a 50-year-old veteran, Sonny Angels, and Gudetama, the apathetic egg yolk. Bergman points to other changes that have taken place over the past two decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, these trends grew during gift-buying seasons for others, such as Christmas. Now, young people and adults consume them for themselves and at any time of year. I think its due to greater access to money or, perhaps, a greater willingness to go into debt for frivolous items. A quick internet search for a product also leads to thousands of options for splitting payments. Not only is there more willingness to go into debt, but its also very easy to do so in just a few minutes.

Its very likely that Labubu dolls will soon exhaust their upward trend of success and begin their free fall, but what wont change with the next cute gadget that comes along is the distribution strategy of surprise boxes, which are bought without knowing what doll is inside. Forget about buying like an adult and checking the product before shelling out the cash. These toys are bought with faith and with the box sealed, in a sales technique that has also been widely used in the toy sector, as happened a few years ago with L.O.L. Surprise dolls.

The strategy of these blind boxes has so captivated the digital-savvy and presumably sophisticated subject that if weve learned anything this season from Sonny Angels and Labubu, its that the next whim will also come from China, it will be collectible, and well buy it in a physical store, standing in line, and completely blind. Anyone who wants a complete series will have to pay and shake box after box, sigh at each duplicate, and pray that the next one will bring the desired creature. The convenience of traditional e-commerce already bores us to death. We want trouble.

In 2019, Pop Mart surveyed more than 1,000 consumers and found that around 70% of collectors would buy more than three blind boxes to get the specific figure they were missing. Blind boxes encourage repeat purchases, the Chinese company wrote in a 2020 report for potential investors.

Experts call it Gamblification because the dopamine rush generated by the ritual is quite similar to that produced by gambling addictions. It is also not, by any means, a practice reserved for children and teens. Adults are the most important part of this pie. The aforementioned report also states: While traditional toys are primarily for children, pop toys (referring to Labubu and similar products) are aimed at young adults between the ages of 15 and 40 who seek emotional value through the expression of their attitude and personality. According to the technology consultancy Circana, adults in the United States are buying more toys than ever. In the first half of 2025, the number of toys purchased by adults grew by 18%, and in 2024, adults bought more toys for themselves than for preschoolers for the first time. In the UK, nostalgia is driving adults to Lego and Pokemon, and sales to adults have increased by 8% so far this year. This trend is also set to outlast the Labubu. Observers of the phenomenon have coined the term kidults for consumers over 12 years old and define them as adults who buy childrens things to escape global chaos. In Trumps America, talking about Labubu is a neutral ground for avoiding thorny political discussions within families. Crises, eco-anxiety, corruption, misinformation... The present is so overwhelming that we want to return to a controlled environment with simple rules like games and childhood... Theres a feeling of not wanting to grow up, says Javier Montanes, Director of Strategy at the design studio Invisible, who defines himself as a 48-year-old gamer, via text message.

And were betting the next fleeting artifact will also be Chinese because the countrys ruling Communist Party has hailed Labubu as a victory over the West. According to the Xinhua news agency, Labubu showcases Chinese appeal and creativity in a language understandable to the world and offers everyone the opportunity to experience cool China. And on Chinas vast and competitive internet, there are plenty of global creatures to flood the West, without it ever requiring a government effort. For those expecting their Labubu in September, we wish the god of digital acceleration be with you. With divine help and a little luck, youll be able to show off your nine-toothed elves for a few more weeks.

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Travel newsCruises Theres one thing Australians hate about cruise ships. Now its changing Brian Johnston August 30, 2025  12:00am 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

Australians have long complained about the quality of the coffee on cruise ships, as well we might. Many of us would argue that the ubiquitous American-style drip coffee is barely coffee at all. Coffee on ships is often served from a coffeepot with contents that have gone bitter and cold. Self-service coffee comes from catering urns or the types of push-button machines you find in hotel breakfast rooms. But things are changing as cruise lines recognise that guests  especially Australians  are increasingly coffee savvy and expecting better-quality beans and a wider variety of coffee options on the high seas. Baristas cafe on Oceania Regatta. You can now get what cruise lines call specialty coffees on every ship, although at additional cost on budget ships from the likes of Carnival or Royal Caribbean, where even an espresso or latte is considered a specialty coffee.

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Most budget ships now have coffee bars, among them Carnivals Java Blue, Princess Cruises International Cafe and Royal Caribbeans Cafe Promenade. MSC Cruises has added either Venchi Coffee Bar or Jean Philippe Cafe to its more recent vessels. Both Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line collaborate with Starbucks, although Australians will have mixed opinions about whether Starbucks serves a decent coffee. One of the biggest improvements over the last few years is the move towards better-quality coffee beans on budget and premium ships. Italian company Costa Cruises partnered with coffee brand Caffe Vergnano in 2021 for that made-in-Italy flavour, and serves it up in Caffe Vergnano 1882 coffee shop on its ships. Silver Muse cafe. Silversea

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In 2023 Princess Cruises partnered with Lavazza which it says expresses the essence of real Italian coffee. And in 2024, Cunard opted for allegiance to Union, a London-based coffee company that supplies posh British supermarkets and the posh classes on British Airways long-haul flights. Related Article Ocean cruises Australian passengers have one major complaint about cruises. This ship solves it Since it launched its first ship in 2020, Virgin Voyages has partnered with Chicago brand Intelligentsia, one of the third wave of coffee producers in America that emphasises high quality, single-origin beans. The coffees in Virgins Coffee Grounds cafe tend towards the less elaborate, straight-up European types of coffee rather than traditional American styles with added cream and syrups. Celestyal Cruises meanwhile partners with Illy. The company is adding Cafe Nation to second ship Celestyal Journey for its inaugural cruise season in the Persian Gulf from November 2025, where guests will have a choice of five single-origin coffee varieties.

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Oceania Cruises and Silversea also serve Illy coffee and have excellent coffee venues Barista and Arts Cafe respectively. You wont have much issue with your coffee on premium and luxury lines, and on ships such as those of Ponant, Scenic or Regent Seven Seas, youll find coffee machines in your cabin. Seabourn uses Illy too, except in its French-press coffee, which comes from Miami-based boutique roaster La Rica. Seabourns Coffee Connection serves single-origin coffees from Columbia, Guatemala, Peru, Indonesia and Vietnam, and roasts its own beans. Enough to gladden the heart of any coffee-fussy Australian.

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Ocean cruises Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home.
Some have been here for decades, attracting no attention until now. The worst thing is that when they did it, they did it smiling, like this is great! Tony says, referring to the footage of hammer-wielding Bali governor Wayan Koster, who joined in the destruction for the cameras. Bingin Beach before the demolition began. Credit: iStock So pleased was the government at rooting out tax and permit dodgers, its press release noted how, dozens of employees were seen screaming hysterically during the demolition. Small eateries and basic accommodation began popping up on the cliff in the 1970s, when foreign surfers first discovered the quality of the break. But with each passing year, more and fancier developments started to emerge, often backed by foreign money, including from Australia.

The government apparently decided it had seen enough. The thing to watch from here is whether Bingin Beach is just the thin edge of the wedge. Presently, the provincial government is preparing an audit and investigation team for all tourism business permits in Bali. Debris is strewn through once-thriving businesses. Credit: Zach Hope Its unclear what this will mean in practice. But it seems the owners of businesses in no-build zones  generally within 100 metres of the high-tide mark  are on notice, unless they have the right paperwork, an opaque (and often corrupt) concept here. Clearly, the audit will have dramatic repercussions for Bali if the government follows through as it has with Bingin. Already, investigators have warned the owners of huge beach clubs on the famous Melasti beach and others that they are breaking the rules.

Are these sleek fun-houses filled with open-shirted and bikini-clad Aussies next on the hit list? Truly, it seems absurd that investors would sink tens of millions of dollars into the clubs without being sure that everything was above board. Then again, so a local told me, thats not how things work in Bali, or Indonesia for that matter. None of the owners or managers at Melasti Beach wanted to talk, though one did offer of course, when asked if their business was paying tax. This is curious. If the buildings are indeed illegal, who is collecting that money? Back at Bingin Beach, one of the business owners told us it didnt pay anything. Others, however, allegedly did, or do. One former restaurant manager said the business set aside 10 per cent of income and paid it monthly to an unnamed person, a claim we could not verify.

But even if money was changing hands at Bingin, legitimate or otherwise, it didnt do any good in the end. Its eerie passing through the once-thriving shops on the way down the cliff. The structures still stand, but the insides have been smashed-up and ripped out. Debris and dust cover the floors. The clubs at Melasti Beach, at Balis southern tip, could be next on the hit list. Credit: Amilia Rosa A sign greeting visitors to the beach. Credit: Amilia Rosa The place were standing now used to be a coffee joint, the Cammas say. Next door is where theyd get nasi goreng for lunch. They point to where the monkeys used to run around and, up top, where there was a deck overlooking the ocean.

Its where their daughters partner proposed. The rumour is that the government wants the cliff cleared so a mega-developer can build a cash-cow resort or beach club. Officials say this is not true. Bingin Beach, famous with Australian surfers, is on its knees. Credit: Zach Hope Local village head, I Made Karyana Yadnya, tells us of a recent meeting with government types that settled on four points. First, there will be no big investor taking over. Second, the beach must remain accessible during the demolition work. Third, the government will deploy more trucks to remove the rubble faster.

And lastly, when replanning happens for the cleared area, the local community will not be marginalised  the local community will be part of it, Karyana says. This suggests that small Bingin Beach businesses may yet rise again, though who knows what replanning will produce. The term local community is a little ambiguous, too. Karyana says its up to the government to decide who falls into that category. Ignacio Gonzales from Argentina. Credit: Amilia Rosa Tony Camma, the Australian, understands why authorities are shutting down the businesses, even if he doesnt agree with it. Its a shame that some developer on the cliff went too far, he says, without naming names. Do you know what really ruined it? The Europeans, he says.
New Zealand fugitive Tom Phillips and one of his children have been caught on a CCTV camera allegedly robbing a convenience store, nearly four years after he disappeared with his three children, and about a year since they were last sighted.

CCTV footage shows a masked man and a child outside Piopio Superette, a roadside store in the small North Island town of Piopio, at 2am on Wednesday. Sparks fly as the pair appear to use a power tool to gain access to the shop.

Piopio Superettes manager told New Zealand news outlet Stuff the pair entered through the back of the building, breaking the padlock on the chiller and taking milk and other goods.

An alarm then sounded, prompting them to flee. They returned to the quad bike they were travelling on, loaded it up with the groceries, and drove away.
Lebanon says Israeli drone explodes after crash, killing two soldiers



Beirut, Lebanon, Aug 28 (AFP) Aug 28, 2025



Lebanon's army said two personnel were killed Thursday after an Israeli drone that had crashed in the country's south exploded, the latest deadly incident for Lebanese troops near the Israeli border.

Under a November ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities including two months of open war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon's army has been deploying in the country's south and dismantling the Iran-backed group's infrastructure there with the support of UN peacekeepers.

"While army personnel were inspecting an Israeli enemy drone after it fell in the Naqura area, it exploded, leading to the death of an officer and a soldier and wounding two other personnel," the army said in a statement.

President Joseph Aoun said in a statement that "the army is once again paying in blood the price of maintaining stability in the south."

He said it was the fourth deadly incident for the army since it began deploying in south Lebanon after the ceasefire.

Earlier this month, six Lebanese soldiers were killed in a blast at a weapons depot near the border that a military source said belonged to Hezbollah.

Aoun noted Thursday's incident coincided with the United Nations Security Council's extension of the UN peacekeeping force's mandate ahead of its withdrawal at the end of 2027.

It also coincided with "the international community's call for Israel to halt its attacks, withdraw... and enable the Lebanese army to complete the extension of its authority up to the international border", the presidency statement said.

Under the US-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah and Israel were both required to withdraw from south Lebanon, but Israel has kept troops in several areas it deems strategic.

Reacting to Thursday's incident, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed his condolences and the government's "full solidarity with the military institution".

He said the army was Lebanon's "safety valve, the stronghold of sovereignty and the support of national unity".
EU's Kallas says 'we have 30 days' to find Iran nuclear solution



Copenhagen, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Friday the coming weeks offered an "opportunity" to hammer out a diplomatic solution on Iran's nuclear programme, after European powers triggered a 30-day deadline for sanctions to come back into force.

"We are entering a new phase with this 30 days that is now giving us also the opportunity to really find diplomatic ways to find a solution," Kallas told journalists.

"We have this 30 days to sort things out," she added.

France, Britain and Germany on Thursday set off a mechanism that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran in 30 days for failing to comply with commitments over its nuclear programme it agreed to a decade ago.

That came after weeks of warnings over Iran's alleged breaches of the 2015 agreement with world powers to curb its nuclear programme. The sanctions were suspended under the deal.

Iran warned that it would "respond appropriately" to the step, which risks ending the most sustained diplomatic push in years for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.

But the United Nations has also said the next 30 days represents a "window of opportunity" to strike a new deal.

France's foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that "Iran's nuclear escalation must not go any further" but emphasised the move "does not signal the end of diplomacy".
Russia blasts Europe's Iran sanctions move



Moscow, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Russia on Friday warned that the reimposition of sanctions against Iran risked "irreparable consequences", after Britain, France and Germany moved to reintroduce curbs over Tehran's failure to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.

"We strongly urge them to reconsider and review their erroneous decisions before they lead to irreparable consequences and further tragedy," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It accused the European trio of undermining diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the stand-off over Iran's nuclear programme.

Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is a party to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, which provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The three countries, also dubbed the E3, notified the UN Security Council on Thursday that they "believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments" under the agreement, according to a letter seen by AFP.

The foreign ministers of France, Britain and Germany said invoked the process known as "the 'snapback' mechanism," which initiates a 30-day deadline for reimposing sanctions suspended under the 2015 accord.

Iran warned that it would "respond appropriately" to the move which risks drawing a curtain on the most sustained diplomatic push for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.

Tehran and Moscow have been bolstering political, military and economic ties over the past decade as Russia drifted away from the West. Relations between the two countries grew even closer after Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine.
Israel army says Gaza City now 'a dangerous combat zone'



Jerusalem, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



The Israeli military declared Gaza City "a dangerous combat zone" on Friday, as it prepared to conquer the Palestinian territory's largest city after almost two years of war.

"Starting today (Friday), at 10:00 (0700GMT), the local tactical pause in military activity will not apply to the area of Gaza City, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone," the military said in a statement, referring to daily pauses in certain areas aimed at facilitating aid distribution.

The military did not call for the population to evacuate immediately, but the army's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said on Wednesday that the city's evacuation was "inevitable".

The UN estimates that nearly a million people currently live in Gaza governorate, which includes Gaza City and its surroundings in the north of the territory.

AFP photos from the centre of the territory on Thursday showed lines of Palestinians fleeing south in vans and cars piled high with mattresses, chairs and bags.

Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed last week to destroy Gaza City if Hamas did not agree to end the war on Israel's terms.

His ministry had previously approved the military's plan to seize the city and authorised the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists.

In its statement on Friday, the military said it "will continue to support humanitarian efforts alongside ongoing maneuvering and offensive operations against terrorist organisations in the Gaza Strip".

On the ground, Gaza's civil defence agency reported 33 people were killed by Israeli forces across the Palestinian territory on Friday

Asked for comment by AFP, the Israeli military said it was "checking" the reports.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.

The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 62,966 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the UN considers reliable.
Washington has had conflicting opinions that converge around the need to control drug trafficking in the Caribbean, punish Maduro and end the Cartel of the Suns without mobilizing troops on the ground

The sudden deployment of a U.S. war fleet off the Venezuelan coast has raised all sorts of eyebrows. An article in The Economist this week wondered, Is the goal mere theater or Venezuelan regime change? Before attempting to answer, its worth remembering that this isnt the first time.

On April 1, 2020, Donald Trump ordered increased U.S. surveillance in the Caribbean to control drug trafficking to the United States. A Reuters story dated that day described the U.S. governments objective: The increased naval deployment could ratchet up pressure on Maduro and his allies but is not a prelude to U.S. military action against Venezuela, one person familiar with the matter said. Another Reuters story from August 2025 summarized the new objective: Three U.S. Aegis guided-missile destroyers will arrive off the coast of Venezuela in the next 36 hours as part of an effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, two sources briefed on the matter said.

Then as now, the trigger for the naval deployment is the same: to put Nicolas Maduro in check and force him to negotiate and leave power. Back then, Juan Guaido was seeking to depose him with Trumps help. Today, national opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is pursuing the same goal, relying on the same person. The deja vu is more than justified.

Machados circle

Is there any significant difference between the two? Yes, one: the United States has declared Maduro the leader of the so-called Cartel of the Suns, an alleged criminal organization run by senior Venezuelan military commanders, and Trump has authorized his armed forces to act against them and organizations designated as terrorists. This has increased tensions and made Maduro a target for direct action. But, returning to The Economist , the critical question is whether this time there is anything different or whether it will once again be pure theater.

Unlike in 2020, after the fraud of July 28, 2025, Maduro is a much more unpopular leader, he has lost allies, and his resources are increasingly limited, and the truth is that he remains in Miraflores thanks to military support. Therefore, it is logical that the purpose of any actionexternal or internalby the opposition led by Machado is to undermine that support and break the regime. The issue, however, is not the intention, but the real possibilities of achieving it. And in this regard, opinions vary wildly.

Within Machados circle, some are convinced that the naval deployment is the final push toward Venezuelas liberation. Others, more cautious, believe Trump will act in a limited manner, using military threats as a means of pressure but not war. What Trump does cannot be predicted because he is unpredictable. But his administration is willing to support Maduros fall, short of a military intervention on the ground. They will help as long as the Venezuelans do everything they can to oust the regime, one of the sources I consulted told me.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau is closer to this position than to a solution based on force. In a recent statement, he said that the Venezuelan people must rise up and demand their own freedom. We cannot go around the world changing governments at will. () Freedom must be an achievement of the people themselves. What both views agree on is that there is an active underground organization in Venezuela preparing for an opportunity.

Between hope and skepticism

But among commentators, doubts reign over the objectives and results of the naval deployment and the increased pressure on Maduro. In informal conversations in recent weeks, I heard several experts argue that the military deployment seeks nothing more than to instill fear, without a substantive strategy. Machados opposition, in that case, would be miscalculating by betting its future on a commando operation or an invasion that would overthrow Maduro and his entourage. A friend, well qualified to speak on the subject, was blunt: Its all showmanship. Trump hates U.S. occupations and having boots on the ground. Period.

In an interview with the journalist Cesar Miguel Rondon, political scientist Angel Alvarez argued that the fleet represents the fantasy of an express solution and repeats other cycles of inflated illusions of change, such as those led by Juan Guaido in 2019 or Henrique Capriles in 2013.

These leaders cant consider another strategy because it destroys them politically. They dont have the means of violence to do it, Alvarez said. Thus, they enter into the diabolical dynamic of trying to get other countries to do something that they and their bases are unable to do. Regarding Maria Corina Machado, he was blunt: She cant do more than what shes doing in secret. What she could not do politically in the medium term is overthrow Maduro, because she doesnt have the means of force to do so.

Alvarez has a point: at key moments in the last quarter-century, the opposition leadership has been unableor unwillingto accept defeat and failure. One consequence has been the periodic decay of its cadres, the apathy of its ranks, and the disenchantment of voters. Its as if the refusal to acknowledge defeat condemns them to repeat mistakes in different arenas. Leaders who have gone through this grindstone have been punished by voters, like Capriles, or relegated to irrelevance, like Guaido. Although Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia still enjoy legitimacy and popularity, both now run a similar risk if this gamble doesnt yield the promised results.

And yet, the open entry of the United States into the Venezuelan political arena introduces a powerful variable that offers the possibility of a different outcome than the one described by Alvarez.

Until now, Washington hasnt had a single position, but rather a series of diverse and contradictory opinions converging around the need to control drug trafficking in the Caribbean, punish Maduro, and put an end to the Cartel of the Suns without deploying troops on the ground. This statement is a euphemism for regime change. What remains unresolved is how to achieve it.

One scenario is the one proposed by Landau: the United States will support a popular uprising in Venezuela while remaining at a distance, ready to intervene in the event of negotiations. The problem is the one pointed out by Alvarez: Machado seems to lack the necessary strength to initiate such an uprising. Although the majority of Venezuelans want Maduros departure, without a spark to ignite the country, that majority is a dead letter.

The other scenario was presented by James Story, former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela. The naval deployment would be a show of force against drug traffickers, but the fleet would have the capacity to attack military installations in Venezuela and cause significant damage. Both scenarios imply a direct threat to the regime, including the possibility of removing or eliminating Maduro and other figures in the Chavista nomenklature.

The Rubio factor

And another important factor must be taken into account: Marco Rubio. For the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, regime change in Venezuela is a top priority. His impact on todays major conflictsthe war in Ukraine and Israels attack on Gaza to destroy Hamashas been weak, if not nonexistent. Rubio needs successes to give him oxygen to keep his presidential aspirations alive. Venezuela is his closest bet.

He also clearly sees that this is the moment of least resistance to a light, or even harsher, intervention in the region. To understand this, just look at Maduros supporters in the neighborhood: Colombia, once again caught up in violence; Brazil, with its own tariff dispute with the United States; and Mexico, under threat of intervention from its neighbor due to drug trafficking. The other countries will do whatever the White House and the State Department dictate.

So far, the flotillas deployment seems like nothing more than a show of force. But, in essence, what Trump has done is put a gun on the table to negotiate with Maduro over his departure from power. Given his own ineffective efforts in Ukraine and Gaza, he could also see a sudden gain in his backyard in Venezuela.

In contrast, Maria Corina Machado has offered interviews on Fox full of gratitude and praise for Trump, and released a video narrated in English inviting large capitalists to invest in the countrys brilliant reconstruction.

The pressure continues to mount. Ian Bremmer, a keen observer, warned this week that, as a result of the escalation, military attacks look increasingly plausible. Bremmer insists that the dots must be connected. Even without a major intervention, an Iran-style attack could be expected, and Venezuelas response would be very limited due to the enormous military asymmetries in favor of the United States.

Meanwhile, Maduros military is preparing for an attack, and memes are already circulating online showing a group of smiling marines posing at the iconic El Rey del Pescado Frito restaurant in La Guaira. But the only thing thats clear is that its as premature to declare the fleet episode over as it is to celebrate Mr. Marshalls arrival on the Venezuelan coast.

Boris Munoz is a reporter and editor. He was the founder and Opinion Editor of 'The New York Times en Espanol.' He is a columnist for EL PAIS.

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Denmark raises 2026 defence spending by $1.6 bn



Copenhagen, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Denmark will set aside an additional 10 billion Kroner ($1.6 billion) in its 2026 budget for spending on defence and supporting Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion, the NATO member's defence ministry said on Friday.

That increase will bring Denmark's defence spending to three percent of GDP, with the Scandinavian country hoping to reach the five percent mark called for by US President Donald Trump ahead of NATO's target timeline of 2032.

"As the geopolitical situation demands that we reinforce building our defences, I am happy that we are allocating once again more money to so," Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement.

Denmark is a staunch ally of Ukraine, which has recently agreed to purchase weapons from American reserve stockpiles to send to Kyiv as part of a US-NATO initiative.

"When we support Ukraine, it's not only about their security -- it's about that of the whole of Europe," Poulsen added.
Croatia detains military officer and woman in spying probe



Pristina, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



The NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR) said on Friday it took "very seriously" reports its troops had been spied on, after a Croatian court detained a military officer and woman on espionage allegations.

The Split County Court confirmed that a Croatian man and a Serbian woman were placed in pre-trial detention on Wednesday as part of an investigation into espionage but provided little further detail.

According to local media, the Croatian army pilot and his girlfriend were arrested on suspicion of sending details on troop movements in Kosovo to a Serbian group in the country over the past three years.

"We take these allegations very seriously. The safety of KFOR personnel and the integrity of classified information are paramount," a NATO official told AFP.

The international troops have remained in Kosovo since the end of the 1998-1999 war between ethnic Albanian guerillas and Serbian forces.

Kosovo broke away from Serbia and declared independence in 2008.

Belgrade has not recognised this move, encouraging the Serbian minority both politically and financially to remain loyal to Serbia.

Most of the remaining Serbs in Kosovo live in several northern municipalities, where tensions often flare into violent incidents.

The NATO official said the troops would continue the "long-standing United Nations mandate to contribute to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo".

Split county State Prosecutor's Office confirmed the investigation but said details would remain confidential.

According to Croatian state news agency HINA, the couple is being investigated by civil and military police, as well as Europol.

The man, who was reportedly deployed with KFOR, is suspected of sharing secret information about the movement of international troops in north Kosovo with his partner.

She is suspected of passing it on to the Serb List, a political party of Serbs in Kosovo backed by Belgrade.

"We are fully prepared to cooperate with Croatian authorities for the further development of investigations and the full clarification of their activities and operational network," Kosovo government spokesman Perparim Kryeziu said.

Earlier on Thursday, Croatian President Zoran Milanovic also backed the investigation.
Israel voices 'regret' after Lebanon soldiers killed in drone blast



Jerusalem, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



The Israeli military expressed regret Friday after Lebanon's army reported two of its soliders were killed when an Israeli drone that crashed in the country's south exploded.

Lebanon's army said its personnel were inspecting the drone that had fallen in the Naqura area on Thursday when it exploded, killing an officer and a soldier and wounding two others.

President Joseph Aoun said it was the fourth deadly incident for the army since it began deploying in southern Lebanon following a November ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee wrote on X that the military had on Thursday "attacked an engineering vehicle in the Naqura area in southern Lebanon that was preparing to rebuild Hezbollah military infrastructure in the area".

He added that during the raid, "a technical malfunction occurred" which meant the munition failed to explode and fell to the ground, "with subsequent reports indicating several Lebanese army casualties."

Adraee said an investigation was underway "to determine if the incident was caused by the explosion of Israeli weapons," adding that the military "expresses its regret for the injury of Lebanese army soldiers".

Under the ceasefire that sought to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon's army has been deploying in the country's south and dismantling the Iran-backed group's infrastructure with the support of UN peacekeepers.

Israeli has kept up its strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon despite the truce and has vowed to continue them until the militant group has been disarmed.
Rare Russian maritime attack kills 2 Ukraine soldiers: Kyiv



Kyiv, Ukraine, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



A rare Russian attack on a Ukrainian warship killed two servicemen and others are unaccounted for, a spokesperson for Ukraine's navy told AFP on Friday.

Russia said a day earlier it had sunk a Ukranian reconnaissance ship, the Simferopol, in the Danube river delta in one of its first successful hits with a naval drone.

Ukraine's admission that a ship was hit is rare, as both Moscow and Kyiv are reluctant to disclose military losses.

"We are still searching for several soldiers," who were on the targeted ship, navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk told AFP. He declined to confirm the vessel had been hit by a drone or where the attack took place.

Others were wounded in the attack, Pletenchuk said.

Ukraine, which had a much smaller maritime presence than Russia before the invasion, has deployed naval drones to significant effect throughout the war since Russia's 2022 invasion.

But for Russia they are a relatively new innovation. Its defence ministry published Thursday black-and-white footage of the claimed attack, which showed a large explosion on the water.

A string of successful Ukrainian naval drone attacks forced Russia to move its fleet out of the western part of the Black Sea earlier in the conflict.

Kyiv has also been able to open an export corridor along its southern coast to enable vital sales of agricultural goods.
Japan pledges $68 billion investment in India



Tokyo, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Japan pledged Friday to invest $68 billion in India during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tokyo, as the two countries agreed to deepen security ties.

"India's massive market is so full of potential that incorporating its vibrancy will help drive the growth of Japan's economy," Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters.

Bilateral trade is currently worth over $20 billion annually, heavily favouring Japan.

Speaking during Modi's two-day stopover before he visits China, Ishiba said Japan would boost investment in India to 10 trillion yen ($68 billion) and would establish a cooperation initiative focusing on semiconductors and AI.

The two sides also pledged to bolster security cooperation, with Kyodo news agency reporting that the two had agreed to expand drills between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Indian Armed Forces.

The nations also expressed "serious concern" over the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, in a separate joint statement, according to Kyodo.

"As the international situation grows more and more uncertain, Japan and India must join hands for the sake of peace and stability of the region," Ishiba told reporters.

Modi said that "India and Japan are fully committed to a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific".

Earlier Modi told a business forum in Tokyo that India and Japan will "shape the Asian Century", with India "the springboard for Japanese businesses to the Global South".

Both countries have been hit by tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, with levies of 50 percent on many Indian imports into the United States taking effect this week.

Japan's vital auto sector still faces 25 percent tariffs as a July trade deal cutting them -- as well as additional "reciprocal" levies -- is yet to come into force.

Modi and Ishiba are set to tour a chip facility on Saturday.

They will also visit a factory making "shinkansen" bullet trains, with a view to Japan assisting in a planned 7,000-kilometre (4,350-mile) high-speed rail network by the centenary of Indian independence in 2047.

A joint project aimed at building a first high-speed link between the western Indian cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad has been plagued for years with delays and cost overruns.

Modi is due at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China on Sunday and Monday, hosted by President Xi Jinping and also attended by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

The visit will be Modi's first to China since 2018.

The two most populous nations are intense rivals competing for influence across South Asia and fought a deadly border clash in 2020.

But relations began to thaw last October when Modi met with Xi for the first time in five years at a summit in Russia.

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Europe powers move to Iran sanctions 'snapback' over nuclear drive



Paris, Aug 28 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



France, Britain and Germany on Thursday triggered a mechanism to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with commitments over its nuclear programme signed a decade ago.

The three countries notified the UN Security Council that they "believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments" under the 2015 nuclear deal, according to a letter seen by AFP.

Iran warned that it would "respond appropriately" to the move which risks drawing a curtain on the most sustained diplomatic push for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.

The foreign ministers of France, Britain and Germany said they "hereby invoke the process known as the 'snapback' mechanism," which initiates a 30-day process for reimposing sanctions suspended a decade ago.

The move comes just over two months after the end of a 12-day war between Israel and Iran which Israel said was aimed at degrading Tehran's nuclear as well as ballistics capabilities and also saw the US launch its first strikes on the Islamic republic.

It also comes as the window for triggering the so-called snapback mechanism closes on October 18.

The UN Security Council, where France and Britain as well as the US have permanent seats alongside China and Russia, is to meet on Friday to discuss Iran, diplomatic sources said.

Western powers have for two decades feared that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon under the guise of an atomic energy programme, a charge vehemently denied by Tehran.



- 'Unprecedented' -



Iran has previously warned that cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog would be affected if the mechanism was triggered.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran will respond appropriately to this illegal and unjustified action by the three European countries, in order to protect and guarantee its national rights and interests," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his French, British and German counterparts in a phone call, according to a statement from his ministry.

He did not specify further on the nature of the reaction.

Iran has already suspended its cooperation with the UN nuclear agency, accusing it of failing to condemn the Israeli and US attacks.

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency began work at the key nuclear site of Bushehr in southwestern Iran, the first team to enter the country since Tehran formally suspended cooperation with the UN agency last month. But Tehran said this did not represent a full resumption of cooperation.

In a joint statement, British Foreign Minister David Lammy, Germany's top diplomat Johann Wadephul and French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot said that Iran's non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal was "clear and deliberate".

They said Iran has "no civilian justification" for its high enriched uranium stockpile.

"Its nuclear programme therefore remains a clear threat to international peace and security," they added.

Such a stockpile "is unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme", they said.

Barrot wrote on X that "Iran's nuclear escalation must not go any further" but emphasised the move "does not signal the end of diplomacy".

He noted there is now a 30-day period where talks can take place before the sanctions are reimposed, adding "we are determined... to engage in dialogue with Iran".

The 2015 nuclear treaty was aimed at resolving the standoff over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme which had escalated ever since secret nuclear facilities were uncovered at the start of the 2000s.

But it was badly weakened when US President Donald Trump left the accord during his first mandate, and as accusations of Iranian non-compliance multiplied.

abd-fz-sjw/as/giv
EU says could conduct military training in Ukraine if truce agreed



Copenhagen, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Friday that there was "broad support" in the bloc to conduct training in Ukraine for Kyiv's military if a ceasefire with Russia is in place.

The 27-nation EU has so far trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers outside the borders of the war-torn country to help it battle Moscow's invasion.

Kallas said the move could be part of broader Western security guarantees given to Ukraine to help shore up any ceasefire agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I welcome that there is broad support today to expand our EU military mission mandate to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce," Kallas said after talks with EU defence ministers.

"We must be ready to do more. This could include placing EU trainers in Ukrainian military academies and institutions," she said.

As part of the US-led peace efforts, Western powers are discussing how to guarantee Ukraine's security in case of a truce deal.

President Donald Trump has indicated the United States could play a role backing up a European peacekeeping plan, but would not deploy American soldiers to Ukraine.

Despite Trump throwing his weight into trying to end the war, Moscow continues to stall on a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.

In the meantime Moscow has carried out waves of bombardments on Ukraine, including deadly strikes on Kyiv this week.

"The past weeks we have seen diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war, and it's clear that Europe wants peace. America wants peace. Ukraine wants peace," Kallas said.

"Who doesn't want peace is Russia."
Palestinian factions hand over weapons from Beirut camps: official



Beirut, Lebanon, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Palestinian factions in several Beirut refugee camps surrendered their weapons to the Lebanese army on Friday, an official said, as the government disarms non-state groups.

Ramez Dimashkieh, chairman of the official Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee, told AFP that "the Palestine Liberation Organisation handed over three truckloads of weapons to the Lebanese army", including rockets and heavy weapons.

One truckload came from the Mar Elias camp and Shatila camps, and two from the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut and its suburbs, he said, adding that "this completes the process of handing over" PLO weapons from the Beirut camps.

At the entrance to the Burj al-Barajneh camp, AFP correspondents saw large wooden crates being moved to a nearby parking lot where soldiers inspected them before transporting them away, as troops deployed heavily to the area.

The official National News Agency had earlier reported the arrival of army vehicles in the camp "to receive a new batch of Palestinian weapons".

During a visit to Beirut in May, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun agreed that weapons in Lebanon's Palestinian refugee camps would be handed over to the Lebanese authorities.

The implementation of the deal began last week as Abbas's Fatah movement surrendered weapons in Burj al-Barajneh camp.

Abbas's Fatah is the most prominent PLO faction. Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which are allied to Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, are not part of the organisation.

Dimashkieh said Friday that "there are still other factions that have not surrendered their weapons but the process has started".

On Thursday, PLO factions handed over heavy weapons in south Lebanon's Rashidieh, Al-Bass and Burj al-Shemali camps, the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee said.

The move to collect the Palestinian factions' weapons comes as the Lebanese army draws up a plan to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year.

The plan, which is to be presented to the cabinet by the end of the month, was commissioned by the government under heavy US pressure and amid fears of expanded Israeli military action.

During a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah that largely ended with a November ceasefire, Palestinian groups including Hamas claimed rocket fire towards Israel.

By longstanding convention, the Lebanese army stays out of the Palestinian camps and leaves Palestinian factions to handle security.
Putin to meet Iranian president after Europe triggers sanctions



Moscow, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss Tehran's nuclear programme with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in China on Monday, a meeting that comes as Iran faces fresh Western pressure.

Britain, France and Germany have moved to reimpose sanctions on Iran, saying the country is failing to comply with a 2015 nuclear deal.

Moscow on Friday backed its key ally, warning that the reimposition of sanctions risked "irreparable consequences".

"We strongly urge them to reconsider and review their erroneous decisions before they lead to irreparable consequences and further tragedy," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

It accused the European trio of undermining diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the stand-off over Iran's nuclear programme.

The Kremlin later said that Putin would meet Pezeshkian on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Monday.

Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is a party to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, which provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

The three countries, also dubbed the E3, notified the UN Security Council on Thursday that they "believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments" under the agreement, according to a letter seen by AFP.

The foreign ministers invoked the process known as "the 'snapback' mechanism," which initiates a 30-day deadline for reimposing sanctions that had been suspended under the 2015 deal.

Iran warned that it would "respond appropriately" to the move, which risks drawing a curtain on the most sustained diplomatic push for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis.

Tehran and Moscow have been bolstering political, military and economic ties over the past decade as Russia drifted away from the West. Relations between the two countries grew even closer after Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine.
European offer to postpone Iran sanctions still 'on the table'



United Nations, United States, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Britain, France and Germany's offer to extend the Iran nuclear deal and avoid the reimposition of sanctions in 30 days "remains on the table," British Ambassador Barbara Woodward said at the United Nations Friday.

The three European nations, known as the E3, triggered the so-called "snapback" mechanism the previous day to reinstate UN sanctions on Tehran for failing to comply with commitments made in a 2015 deal over its nuclear program.

The deal was badly weakened when US President Donald Trump left the accord during his first mandate, and as subsequent accusations of Iranian non-compliance have multiplied.

In July, "we offered Iran an extension to snapback, should Iran take specific steps to address our most immediate concerns," Woodward said alongside her German and French counterparts ahead of a closed-door Security Council meeting on the issue.

But Tehran rejected this offer, arguing that the Europeans did not have the right to reimpose the UN sanctions that were lifted a decade ago.

"As of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting" the E3's requests, the ambassador said.

"It is not implementing its obligations to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. It has not reengaged in negotiations with the United States," she said.

But triggering the snapback mechanism "does not mark the end of diplomacy. Our extension offer remains on the table," Woodward said.

"We urge Iran to reconsider this position, to reach an agreement based on our offer, and to help create the space for a diplomatic solution to this issue for the long term," she added.

Unlike usual Security Council measures, the "snapback" mechanism stipulates that sanctions will be reinstated after 30 days unless the Council adopts a resolution confirming that they are lifted.

Signed by the E3, Iran, the United States, China and Russia, the nuclear deal -- known as the JCPOA -- suspended various sanctions imposed on Tehran by the United Nations.

The 2015 deal was aimed at resolving the standoff over Iran's nuclear activities, which had escalated after secret nuclear facilities were uncovered at the start of the 2000s.

Western countries accuse Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- something Tehran denies, defending its right to what it insists is a civilian nuclear program.
Donald Trump has adopted another measure against one of his political opponents: The U.S. president has canceled the Secret Service detail assigned to former vice president Kamala Harris, according to a letter leaked to several U.S. media outlets. You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris, reads the memorandum sent by the White House to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, dated Thursday.

Secret Service agents protecting the former Democratic presidential candidate will cease to do so as of next Monday, according to the letter.

It is customary practice to maintain an official escort for U.S. vice presidents for up to six months after leaving office. But Trumps predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, had extended that protection until January 2026, according to sources cited by Reuters. The vice president is grateful to the U.S. Secret Service for its professionalism, dedication and ongoing commitment to her safety, said Kirsten Allen, an adviser to Harris, in response to the move.

The abrupt cancellation of Harris security detail comes as the former vice president is about to launch a tour in September of 15 cities across the U.S. to promote her new memoir, 107 Days, in which she recounts her experiences during last years election campaign.

The former number two in the U.S. government  the first woman and the first African American to hold that position  announced last month that she would not run for governor of California in next years election, when Gavin Newsoms term expires. That announcement has been interpreted as a hint that Harris could run again as a Democratic presidential candidate in the 2028 election.

The former vice president is not the first person to have their security detail canceled by Trump for no apparent reason other than deep political and personal antipathy. In March, the Republican ordered the removal of the security detail protecting Hunter and Ashley Biden, the children of the former Democratic president.

Even earlier, shortly after being sworn in on January 20 this year, the president also ordered the removal of police protection for a number of former advisers who have criticized him, including his former secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and his former national security adviser, John Bolton.

The measures against Bolton did not stop there. Last week, FBI agents searched the home and offices of the former senior official, a frequent critic of Trumps foreign policy in the media. The White House had already attempted to block the publication of Boltons memoir, The Room Where It Happened, accusing him of handling classified documents in its writing.

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TIANJIN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Since Aug. 19, Tianjin has launched the regular "Night of Haihe" light show, which illuminates the river with themed displays and takes viewers on a stunning journey through time. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 will be held here from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.
Since Trumps return to power, 49% of arrests have occurred in prisons and 44% in communities and workplaces across the country, but there are vast differences between states depending on their political inclination

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining more immigrants who are already in custody than on the streets of major U.S. cities. This trend is reflected in figures from the Deportation Data Project, which indicate that from late January to late June of this year, 49% of the 109,000 arrests occurred inside prisons, while 44% took place in communities. These numbers would seem to prove the Trump Administration right when it claims to be going mostly after criminal immigrants to make the country a safer place, but records show that most of the foreigners serving a sentence committed only minor offenses, such as traffic violations, immigration violations, and other non-violent charges.

To operate inside prisons, the federal agency must follow a protocol that involves sending prison officials a request to detain undocumented inmates. Only when these requests are accepted can agents go to the prison facilities to arrest them again. The main problem the government faces in implementing this strategywhich guarantees quick and low-cost detentionsis sanctuary city policies. In many of them, foreigners are released before ICE officials can take them, which has intensified the struggle between Washington and local authorities in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. Border czar Tom Homan consequently announced an increased ICE presence in these jurisdictions.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons also resents the fact that the jail detention plan cannot be advanced due to local laws protecting immigrants. If sanctuary cities would change their policies and turn these violent criminal aliens over to us, into our custody, instead of releasing them into the public, we would not have to go out into the communities and do this, he said in June, referring directly to what happens in his hometown of Boston, where police are not allowed to check the immigration status of detained immigrants. It really shocks me that officials all over Massachusetts would rather release sex offenders, fentanyl dealers. drug dealers, human traffickers, child rapists back into the neighborhoods., he added, despite evidence to the contrary.

ICE tactics by state

A CNN analysis of an ICE report confirms that the Trump administrations anti-immigrant enforcement arm arrests more immigrants in Republican states than in Democratic states, but not in the same way. In states that voted for President Trump, ICE agents tend to arrest more immigrants directly in prisons and jails; while in blue states, they carry out more mass raids and workplace ambushes.

Statistics through the end of May indicate that 59% of arrests in Republican states took place in prisons, and that 41% of those arrested had criminal records for minor offenses. Meanwhile, in Democratic states, 70% of arrests took place in public spaces, and only 36% of foreigners had a criminal record.

This reality demonstrates how immigrants face truly diverse tactics depending on where they live. For example, in New York, where state and local policies limit police cooperation with ICE, only 4% of immigrants sought by the federal agency were arrested in jails; but in Mississippi, a state that has not enacted any immigration enforcement laws, 87% of undocumented foreigners in detention were handed over to ICE.

The arrest machine continues to seek to increase its capacity to try to achieve the goal of one million deportees by the end of 2025. A growing number of local and state police forces, primarily in Republican states, continue to sign up to collaborate with ICE in the effort to capture a greater number of illegal immigrants. The recently passed Big and Beautiful tax law will also give the government billions of dollars in extra money to boost its immigration agenda, but the figures indicate that sanctuary cities remain the major stumbling block to the Republican presidents plans.

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The US Secretary of State will also stop in Ecuador to advance his governments key priorities in the region

The U.S. State Department on Thursday confirmed a trip by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Mexico and Ecuador, from September 2 to 4. As Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced just a few days ago, Rubio will meet with Mexican authorities to, among other issues, sign a security agreement amid the Trump administrations crackdown on drug cartels.

In a statement, the State Department said that Rubios first official trip to Mexico, and his fourth to the hemisphere as head of the agency, is meant to advance key U.S. priorities.

These include swift and decisive action to dismantle cartels, halt fentanyl trafficking, end illegal immigration, reduce the trade deficit, and promote economic prosperity and counter malign extra continental actors, reads the statement.

With this trip, the Donald Trump administration reaffirms its international agenda, focused on U.S. security and the external threats it has identified and targeted: The Secretarys fourth trip to our hemisphere demonstrates the United States unwavering commitment to protect its borders, neutralize narco-terrorist threats to our homeland, and ensure a level playing field for American businesses.

The State Department adds that the trip also seeks to deepen bilateral ties with Mexico and Ecuador and foster broader burden sharing across our region.

Last June, Mexican President Sheinbaum and Undersecretary of State Christopher Landau met at the National Palace, where Landau presented his new position and asserted that his administration was seeking the best relationship with Mexico. Sheinbaum said that her cabinet had demonstrated progress on security and migration issues, and that the migrant community in the United States was being supported. The visit was a prelude that set the stage for Rubios expected arrival.

Since the beginning of Trumps second term, the U.S. and Mexico have experienced a back-and-forth in their relations and public communications, marked by disagreements and trade negotiations in response to the tariffs imposed by Trump. There have also been statements about the fight against drug trafficking groups, trials of Mexican drug traffickers in U.S. courts, and immigration issues that have dominated the agendas of both nations.

This will be Rubios fourth visit to the region as head of his countrys diplomacy, following his visits to Central America and the Caribbean earlier this year.

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Were also asking anyone who has any information about Xu or believes they may have been a victim, to come forward  you will be listened to. I want to reassure anyone impacted that you are not alone and can seek specialist support and guidance, not only from the police, but also from independent charities and services.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: Most parents probably consider chickenpox to be a common and mild illness, but for some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious, leading to hospital admission and tragically, while rare, it can be fatal.
The vast majority of the existing station is being retained and refurbished. 50 Liverpool Street and its supportive structural columns, will be removed to allow the London Underground ticket hall below it to be enhanced and improved, both in terms of passenger capacity and accessibility. This is critical to improving the connections between the underground and overground services and to enabling this passenger growth.
It said it does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings but in a piece in the Observer on August 17 Ms Cooper said anyone who wants to protest against the catastrophic humanitarian situation and crimes against humanity in Gaza, to oppose Israels military offensive was free to do so.
Thats why the reset of the relationship that weve got with the European Union is really important in the interests of all of our nations, to make sure that all of our nations, our citizens, are protected from these international criminal gangs.
As in previous years, Harry will meet winners and their loved ones at a private reception before presenting an award to a child aged between four and six. The annual event, now in its 20th year, honours the strength of young people living with complex health needs and the commitment of parents, carers and health professionals who support them.
Robert McLane founded the company in 1894 as a retail grocer in Cameron. It expanded into wholesale trade in 1903, supplying grocers across Central Texas. In 1966, it moved to Temple and expanded operations to serve a broader swath of the retail market including convenience stores. A decade later, under CEO Drayton McLane Jr., it began expanding outside Texas and growing through acquisition.

McLane Jr. sold McLane Co. to Walmart in 1990, two years before he purchased the Houston Astros. In 2003, Berkshire Hathaway acquired McLane from Walmart for $1.45 billion.
Desnudo Coffee's Brown Sugar Miso, left, is an iced coffee made with brown sugar and a hint of umami. The "Boggy Berry," right, is an iced coffee made with fermented berries, paired with vanilla on Aug. 8, 2024. Aaron E. Martinez/American-State/Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

Austin coffee fans, mark your calendars.

Desnudo Coffee is opening its third location this Saturday at 1904 South Lamar Blvd. After launching a downtown trailer last summer, the Trujillo brothers are ready to bring their signature Colombian-sourced coffee and community-driven vibe to a new neighborhood.

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Desnudo South Lamar grand opening

Rosa Moreno, a "magician" at Desnudo Coffee, delivers customer orders on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

The grand opening runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring live music from DJ La Moon, ice cream from Besame and stickers. The first 100 oat milk drinks from Oatly and 100 tacos from La Santa Barbacha are free. Attendees can also adopt a plant from Frond Plant Shop and receive a complimentary coffee or get stick-and-poke tattoos from Cow Poke Tattoo and Church Tattoo.

Desnudo Coffee started in 2021 as a farmers market stall and quickly became an Austin favorite for its carefully sourced beans from 15 small Colombian farms. Beyond coffee, the brothers have cultivated community through yoga classes, a running club and their approachable, welcoming atmosphere.

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Desnudo has also partnered with restaurant group McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality to revamp of the coffee program at Easy Tiger.
The Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, pictured earlier this month. The decision by Travis County prosecutors to dismiss a murder case after a jury was sworn in means the defendant will never face trial in the case. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Austin criminal defense attorney Leslie Andrews Booker was preparing for a murder trial on Monday when she received a surprising email from a fellow attorney.

Attached to the message was information critical to her case: a year-old letter from prosecutors in the Travis County District Attorneys office that said a witness had been untruthful. It was a shock because prosecutors are typically required by law to disclose such information prior to trials.

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Exculpatory evidence has to be presented to every single person accused of a crime, particularly in serious cases like murder, Andrews Booker told the American-Statesman.

Andrews Booker, a former local prosecutor, believed she already had a strong case for acquittal. Thats in large part because earlier in the day an even more important witness had told her she had attempted to alter her statement to police linking Andrews Bookers client to the shooting  a statement that served as the foundation of the prosecutions entire case  but was unsuccessful.

Taken together, the new information seemed sufficient to ask for an outright dismissal.

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The next day, hours before the trial was set to begin, Andrews Booker confronted Travis County prosecutors working the case against her client. Hours later, they chose to drop charges against 26-year-old Dekatur Dalon Richey, one of two suspects in a 2023 murder.

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Because of the timing, the dismissal had bigger-than-usual consequences: Jurors had already been seated and taken their oath so the legal protection known as double jeopardy applied. The result is that Richey can never be tried for murder or any other crime related to the underlying incident. He had faced life in prison.

The cases collapse underscores persistent concerns about the Travis County District Attorneys Office under the leadership of DA Jose Garza.

Since the start of Garza's second term early this year, he has faced mounting scrutiny for sloppy case management that has resulted in the release of two other murder defendants and delayed justice for scores of other suspects and victims.

Just last week, the 3rd Court of Appeals upheld a decision granting a new trial in a separate murder case after Garzas prosecutors failed to disclose evidence about the victims violent history.

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In a written statement, a spokesperson for the district attorneys office did not answer questions from the Statesman about its handling of the Richey case but acknowledged some amount of error.

A veteran prosecutor made the difficult decision that we could not prove the case against Richey beyond a reasonable doubt, spokesman Ismael Martinez said in the statement. We stand by his decision.

The 2023 shooting

The case against Richey stemmed from the September 2023 shooting of 40-year-old Keith Bedford outside a Southeast Austin apartment complex.

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Video surveillance did not capture Richey at the scene, but it did show his co-defendant, 23-year-old Moses Mohinga. Mohinga was convicted of murder in March and sentenced to 65 years in prison.

Prosecutors sought to link Richey to the shooting through witness testimony and phone records. Investigators said a key witness identified a phone number belonging to Richey, which was traced to calls made to Bedford, including minutes before the shooting.

The same witness told police that Richey had confided details of his plan to carry out the killing.

But after Richeys arrest, that witnesss attorney, Angelica Cogliano, said she tried to alert prosecutors that her client wanted to change her statement. She followed up in March but said she never received a response.

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Garzas office claims the witness wanted to change her statement after receiving threats from Richey but Cogliano and Andrews Booker say that wasnt the case. Rather, Cogliano said the witness felt pressured by a third party  not Richey  to lie and wanted to correct the record.

As the trial date approached, the district attorneys office began a frenzied effort to locate the witness.

Prosecutors did not issue a subpoena to the witness until Aug. 1  and even then, Cogliano said, it was served improperly, allowing the woman to avoid cooperating.

Its dangerous that the state waited so long to reach out to a key witness, Cogliano said. It puts defense attorneys in a position where we have to reevaluate our cases because we dont know all of the testimony the state intends to bring.

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The witness was also reluctant to speak with prosecutors because she feared potential charges for providing false information earlier in the investigation, Cogliano said.

Martinez, the DAs spokesperson, acknowledged the subpoena was not executed properly.

Our office is reviewing those errors to make necessary corrections and improvements, he said in his statement.

Meanwhile, word had circulated among defense attorneys that another witness in the case was considered unreliable. Prosecutors assigned to another case had written a letter stating as much, but Andrews Booker did not see it until Monday when she received it via email from another attorney.

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Martinez acknowledged the state should have handed over the letter, but also noted that prosecutors in Richeys case were unaware of the letters existence.

That letter should have been a huge red flag, Andrews Booker said. It should have prompted a wide-ranging review of cases the witness was involved in.

Jury sworn, case dismissed

By Tuesday morning, both sides had already selected a jury.

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Andrews Booker then asked District Judge Brad Urrutia to swear in the panel, triggering double-jeopardy protections for her client. She argued that Richey had spent two years in jail awaiting trial based on what she described as weak and unreliable witnesses and evidence.

Urrutia agreed. Prosecutors then moved to dismiss the case before the trial even began.

Reached by phone, Urrutia declined to explain his reasoning. Had Andrews Booker waited to present the letter as undisclosed evidence in the middle of trial, the case still could have been dropped with the same double-jeopardy outcome.

Although the murder charge is now permanently dismissed, Richey remains in custody on unrelated felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and sexual assault.

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The collapse of the case might be a major win for Richey and Andrews Booker but she also acknowledged it is indicative of the problematic disorganization in Garzas office.
Staging nears completion for the Austin Pride Paradee near the Texas Capitol on Aug. 23. Two groups have filed a lawsuit over a new state law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public schools and school-sponsored clubs. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Two advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit over a new Texas law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in public schools and school-sponsored LGBTQ pride clubs.

The lawsuit alleges that the newly passed Senate Bill 12 infringes on students protected speech and is discriminatory against LGBTQ+ students.

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The GSA Network and the Students Engaged in Advancing Texas, along with a student and a teacher, filed the lawsuit against the Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and the Houston, Katy and Plano school districts. The suit was filed on the plaintiff's behalf by the ACLU of Texas.

Specifically, the lawsuit challenges parts of the law that ban student clubs based on gender identity or sexual orientation; that prohibit reference to race, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation in employee trainings; that prevent educators from providing instruction on sexual orientation; and that ban school employees from assisting with students social transition, such as using a students preferred pronouns.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Southern District of Texas in Houston.

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Brian Klosterboer, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Texas, said the law is infringing on the rights of parents who want their children to be called by their chosen names or participate in GSA, or gender sexuality, clubs at school.

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All of these provisions of this law discriminate based on viewpoint, because they suppress the views of many Texans who want to talk about issues of race, gender identity and sexual orientation, Klosterboer said. This law tries to impose the government's viewpoint that topics of race and other issues should not be discussed in or surrounding Texas schools.

SB 12, authored by state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, is a sweeping bill that also tightens parental notification requirements.

Dubbed the parents rights bill, SB 12 came a year after the 2023 law SB 17 that banned DEI from Texas colleges and universities and which led to staff layoffs, dismantled offices meant to help minority students and prompted colleges to alter equity-based student support practices.

This spring, Crieghton said SB 12 was necessary because "we've seen many examples of mid-size and large districts spending a substantial amount of resources to promote DEI on campus as an ideology that simply focuses on all the things that make us different, like race and ethnicity and sexual orientation.

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According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff student is suing because the mandates of SB 12 "burden her ability to participate in activities and programming regarding race, sexual orientation, or gender identity."

The Houston school district freshman student, who is using the pseudonym Rebecca Roe, is cisgender but was part of a GSA club in middle school.

The lawsuit also claims SB 12 is too vague to implement for Plano teacher Polly Poe, who also is using a pseudonym for the lawsuit, and was the GSA club teacher at the high school where she teachers.

According to the lawsuit, Poe's school district told her that "student nicknames are still permitted as long as they match a students biological sex" but the lawsuit argues that's impossible for Poe to determine.

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The lawsuit also argues that SB 12's wording is so ambiguous that it "invites school employees to police students gender" and that the law "is not only inherently vague but also compels Plaintiffs and others to engage in impermissible sex stereotyping."
Former Vice President Mike Pence greets Misha Simanovskyy, a University of Texas student from Ukraine, before speaking at UT's Clements Center for National Security in 2023 to mark the one-year anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine. The center has received a $10 million gift to expand its programs. Jay Janner / American-Statesman

With a new $10 million gift from the William P. Clements Foundation, a University of Texas center aiming to educate the next generation of national security experts is expanding.

The Clements Center for National Security, founded in 2013 by William Inboden, now provost of the university, has relied on private donations for its operations, which included fellowships, research and academic opportunities for students from the undergraduate to doctorate level.

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This gift will go toward an endowment that will secure the long-term future of the center as it expands with students needs, and allow the center to focus more on students and less on fundraising, said Deputy Executive Director Paul Edgar, a former student of the center.

This is a demonstration of next-level support that they really are confident that we've been doing this consistently, year over year, that we're not going to fail and collapse, Edgar said.

Named for former deputy secretary of defense and Texas Gov. William Clements, the centers mission is very personal for his family and his foundation, now run by his granddaughter, said Admiral Joseph Maguire, executive director for the Clements Center. The $10 million commitment signals the familys belief in the centers ability to meet rising national security needs.

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And the needs are especially great, said Maguire, who served in the U.S. Navy for more than 30 years and was theU.S. director of National Intelligence in 2019 under the Trump administration.

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I have a good appreciation for how dangerous this world is, and I believe that this is the most dangerous world that I have ever lived in, Maguire said. The mission here is to train, educate and inspire the next generation of national security leaders, because it's on their shoulders.

The center is uniquely situated under the UT presidents office and offers a minor and certificates in partnerships across the university, from the LBJ School of Public Affairs to the School of Civic Leadership. The Clements family worked with UT to create the center and gave an initial $2.5 million to start it in 2013.

Edgar said its educational programs are immersive and experiential, from its competitive undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellowships to its entry-level bimonthly coffee chat forums for debate.

Its study-abroad opportunities in London, Seoul and the Baltics introduce students to history from post-World War II transformation to the Korean war and Hiroshima. The undergraduate fellowship program also has travel components, taking students to the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania and to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

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Students pay about a fifth of the cost for these programs, Edgar said, and the new funds will eventually allow more scholarships to be offered while also supporting the staffing that makes the programs possible.

The demand for the center is expanding, Edgar said. The student-led coffee chat hosted 10 students when the center first offered them but now has up to 80 regularly attending to debate national security topics, increasing the centers impact, but also the expenses incurred.

Moreover, $1.25 million from the gift will go toward renovating the Flawn Academic Center auditorium to host the centers programming in the hopes of reaching more undergraduates. It will be renamed the William P. Clements, Jr. Auditorim" and also be used by the university at large.

In the Flawn Academic Center, when we go down at the end of the day today, there will be probably 250 to 300 students studying right there, Maguire said. With the programming in that building, we will be able to expose more of our undergraduate students at the University of Texas to the importance of national security and the importance of American leadership.

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The Clements Center is important not only for training potential leaders, but diversifying talent, Maguire said, because it will ensure Texans and Texan values are represented in decision-making rooms.

Currently, Edgar said, many of the nations national security programs are on the East Coast.

The university estimates that more than 1,000 alumni from the center work in shaping national security practice and policy in military, academic, private and federal government roles, according to a UT news release.

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The centers leaders are grateful for the gift to continue to prepare Texas leaders.
A search and rescue team rides in a boat on the Guadalupe River as they work in Hunt, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Texas lawmakers will adjourn from their second special session with a package of bills headed to the governors desk to address the devastating Hill Country floods that killed more than 130 people on July 4 weekend.

The legislation includes a $368 million one-time appropriation from the states rainy day fund for disaster relief, with $50 million to help local governments purchase flood warning sirens and rain gauges and $28 million for grants for flood monitoring.

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READ MORE: Lawmakers blast Camp Mystic for telling counselors not to evacuate cabins

Leaders in the House and Senate are still hammering out final details of each measure. Heres where the priority bills currently stand.

Emergency plans for youth camps

House Bill 1 requires sleepaway youth camps to create detailed plans  including evacuation, shelter-in-place and first-responder communication protocols  for natural disasters and other emergencies, and establishes civil penalties for noncompliance.

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It also prohibits the state from issuing or renewing a license for a youth camp that operates a cabin in the 100-year floodplain. Several of the camps where girls died, including Camp Mystic, had cabins located in areas deemed extremely hazardous by local officials, the Houston Chronicle found.

The measure passed the full House but could still be changed by the Senate before heading to Gov. Greg Abbott.

Disaster preparedness

Senate Bill 2 expands rapid response training for local officials, creates a tiered licensing system for emergency managers and establishes a statewide volunteer database managed by the Texas Department of Emergency Management. The measure has passed both chambers and is being finalized in a conference committee.

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Radio communication

House Bill 3, a version of which narrowly failed during the regular session earlier this year, establishes the Texas Interoperability Council to address issues with communication among first responders from different jurisdictions, which may use incompatible devices and infrastructure.

Reporting by the Houston Chronicle found numerous examples of emergency situations across the state  from the Panhandle wirefires last year to the mass shooting in Uvalde in 2022  when first responders were unable to effectively communicate.

The measure passed the full House and awaits passage by the Senate.

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Emergency warning sirens

Senate Bill 3 requires areas prone to flash floods to install emergency siren systems and instructs the governors office to create a grant program to assist local governments with the costs of installing outdoor siren systems. Flash-flood areas required to have outdoor sirens will be identified by the Texas Water Development Board.

The bill has passed both chambers and now heads to the governors desk for final approval.

Whats missing?

Although experts praised the measures, some said lawmakers didnt go far enough to mitigate future disasters.

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In a way, those are the easy issues, said Jim Blackburn, an environmental law professor at Rice University. The harder issues have to do with flood planning and floodplain regulation and getting accurate information and keeping up with climate change. All of which are issues that the state hadn't been particularly interested in.

He said the legislature ought to give counties explicit authority to regulate land use and development in floodplains  and the ability to raise local funds for flood mitigation and management. Of the 1,450 cities and counties in Texas, only 150 collect a dedicated drainage fee, which can be used for projects that reduce flood risk.

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, the Legislature created a Flood Infrastructure Fund to help local communities finance flood control and mitigation projects. Lawmakers have allocated roughly $1.4 billion to the fund.

Thats a fraction of whats needed: In 2024, the first statewide flood plan recommended thousands of specific projects for flood risk reduction, flood mitigation and floodplain management, for a total cost of $54.5 billion.

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Most of those projects remain unfunded. In a February report, the TWDB found that the Flood Infrastructure Fund had far more demand than what was available to spend  more than $2 billion in applications for $375 million in available funds.
Texas lawmakers huddle around Rep. Angelia Orr, House sponsor of Senate Bill 8, in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Angelia Orr listens to testimony by Rep. Erin Zwiener against Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Backed by other supporters, Texas Rep. Angelia Orr rereads Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Demonstrators protest Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," outside the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Backed by other supporters, Texas Rep. Angelia Orr rereads Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Rafael Anchia speaks against Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Angelia Orr rereads Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A Capitol official talks to Rep. Tony Tinderholt for shouting during testimony by Texas Rep. Rafael Anchia against Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Erin Zwiener questions Rep. Angelia Orr on Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Texas Rep. Angelia Orr rereads Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman The Texas House of Representatives State Affairs committee hears public comment on Senate Bill 8, known as the bathroom bill, at the John H. Reagan State Office Building in Austin, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Melody Tremallo marches through the Capitol following a rally against the proposed bathroom bill and abortion pills bill in Austin, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Bryce Laake-Stanfield and Melody Tremallo chant during a rally against the proposed bathroom bill and abortion pills bill in the outdoor rotunda at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Backed by other supporters, Texas Rep. Angelia Orr rereads Senate Bill 8, the "bathroom bill," in the House chamber at the Texas Capitol on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

The Texas House on Thursday approved a bill that would bar transgender adults from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity in government and school buildings.

Senate Bill 8, the so-called bathroom bill, would apply to restrooms, locker rooms and other private spaces, including in family violence shelters and Texas correctional facilities. The House version would impose a $25,000 fine for the first violation and $125,000 for any other violations. The lower chamber voted 86-45 to approve it, with Democratic state Reps. Richard Raymond of Laredo and Sergio Munoz Jr. of Mission joining their GOP colleagues in favor.

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Republicans have been trying for years to pass the measure among other bills aimed at the transgender community. In 2017, a major uproar from many in the public and from Texas business community killed the legislation. Republicans have taken a renewed interest in recent years, especially as public opinion has shifted in favor of restrictions.

The amended bill now heads back to the Senate, which will review an amendment quintupling civil penalties for violations. Gov. Greg Abbott, who had named it one of his priorities, is likely to sign the measure.

State Rep. Angelia Orr, a Republican from Itasca, acknowledged that opponents would want to know why the bill was needed when there are so few transgender people in Texas and statistically few incidents reported in bathrooms. She said womens and girls privacy are non-negotiable.

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When it comes to choosing between my little girl's safety and privacy and a grown mans bathroom preferences, I'm going to choose my little girl every time, and I would hope that you would do the same, Orr said.

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Tensions were running high on Thursday. At one point a Republican member, state Rep. Steve Toth of Conroe, heckled a Democrat who suggested it was un-Christian to vote for the bill, using Bible quotes to prove his case. Later, the same Democratic member Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas got into a verbal altercation with another Republican who said at the front mic that he should read a passage about "false prophets" and "wolves in sheep's clothing."

The Sergeant-at-Arms and her staff stood between the pair, then intervened in another clash between state Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, and state Rep. Christian Manuel, D-Houston.

It underscored the heightened animosity in the building after House Democrats staged a two-week walkout to block GOP redistricting earlier this month. Democrats offered more than a dozen amendments, including ones that would have allowed people who were wrongfully harassed in or removed from a bathroom to file suit and excluded intersex people, all of which Republicans rejected.

Anger over the bill also erupted from the gallery when four members of the public, one-by-one, yelled insults at Republican members while they spoke. House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered that the gallery be cleared and shut, an extraordinary occurrence.

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"Shame on you! one shouted, using an expletive to refer to the bill's supporters. Another called Republicans freaks, saying, "This is freak behavior."

READ MORE: Witness is ejected after outburst at Texas House hearing on transgender bathroom bill

Critics say the bill is discriminatory, unnecessary and threatens the safety of transgender and other non-gender-conforming people. They have pointed to situations in other states where transgender people have been asked to undress in bathrooms to prove their gender.

"This isn't about protecting girls," said state Rep. Jolanda Jones, D-Houston. "It's about turning neighbors into narcs. It's creating what I call the 'vagina vigilantes': strangers empowered to decide gender based on nothing more than their prejudice, 'Who is man enough, who is woman enough to use a restroom?'"

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The Texas bill does not specify how enforcement would work in the moment, but it allows citizens to file a complaint after the fact with the Texas attorney general. Private citizens can also file lawsuits against governments they believe to be violating the law, as can the attorney general after hes completed an investigation and sent notices.

Appeals of any such suits would be routed to the newly created Fifteenth Court of Appeals, which handles lawsuits against the state and whose all Republican judges are appointed by the governor.

It also allows for buildings to put in place gender neutral, single-stall bathrooms as an alternative, and it makes an exception for children 9 years old and under who are accompanied by a caretaker, custodians cleaning the facilities, maintenance workers, law enforcement and anyone rendering medical services.

A similar proposal failed to pass out of committee in this years regular legislative session, which the far-right grassroots blamed on State Affairs Committee Chair Ken King, a Republican from the northeast Panhandle.

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The proposal passed out of Kings committee this session, just days after Democrats returned from their walkouts.

Republicans have said openly that the protest emboldened them to push forward on priority bills that Democrats oppose, saying the move cost the minority party any leverage they might have had.

Nineteen states, mostly Republican-led, have laws or policies restricting transgender people from using bathrooms and facilities that align with their gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project, an LGBTQ advocacy group that tracks the legislation.

The bill is likely to elicit litigation from opponents. Federal appeals courts have issued conflicting rulings on similar bills in other states, though not the one that sets precedent for the three-state region that includes Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court, the only court that can resolve interstate disputes, has so far declined to take up cases on the matter.

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Outside the chamber, protestors opposed to the bill held signs reading, It wasnt about fountains/It isnt about bathrooms, referring to racist Jim Crow laws, and Flush SB 8. Some were draped in the transgender flag. Proponents of the bill dressed in pink to show their support for women and girls.

State Rep. Erin Zwiener, a Democrat from Driftwood, asked Orr if it would surprise her to know that many of her constituents have moved or are considering moving because of anti-trans bills passed by the state Legislature. Zwiener asked whether her intention was to run trans people out of the state of Texas.

Orr paused and looked around at her colleagues.

No, she said. Just out of the bathroom.

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Staff reporter Bayliss Wagner contributed reporting.
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on Friday called for strengthening, not weakening, the role of the United Nations (UN), saying reforms are needed to help the world body tackle global challenges.

"Recent years have repeatedly reminded us through major crises that the UN's role must be strengthened, not diminished. Its status must be upheld, not replaced," Ma told a press conference on activities marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

He stated that the UN's effectiveness depends on member states upholding the UN Charter and observing international law and the basic norms governing international relations.

Ma added that reforms are needed to help the organization better respond to global challenges, especially by boosting the representation and voice of developing countries in international affairs.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory of WWII and also the founding of the UN, the direct outcome of the war.

"For eight decades, the UN has carried the aspirations of people around the world for peace and development, and remains the most universal, authoritative and representative inter-governmental organization," Ma said.

He noted that, despite advances in human civilization, the UN Charter's vision remains far from being fulfilled, particularly undermined by individual countries' unilateralism, wanton withdrawals from treaties and organizations, and the selective use of the UN.

Such practices, he said, have seriously undermined the international order.

Ma said that China has taken the lead in practicing true multilateralism and firmly supports the UN in playing a central role in international affairs.

"As the UN enters its next 80 years, China is ready to work with all parties to strengthen the UN's role and build a more just and equitable system of global governance," he added. 
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ULAN BATOR, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least one person has been killed and eight others injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up in Mongolia, the traffic police department said on Friday.

The accident occurred around midnight on Wednesday on a road near Bayankhoshuu traffic circle in Songinokhairkhan district of Ulan Bator, when an overloaded truck collided with five cars, the department said in a statement.

The injured people were hospitalized, it added.

The accident is currently under investigation. 
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Japan should respect other countries' security concerns, refrain from the deployment of Typhon, and contribute to regional peace and stability with concrete actions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to media reports that during the joint drills in Japan in September, the U.S. military plans to deploy the Typhon medium-range missile system in Japan and conduct relevant exercises. The system will be removed after the drills.

"China has repeatedly expressed grave concerns on relevant issues. China always opposes the United States deploying the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system in Asian countries," Guo said.

The deployment of Typhon MRC missile system in Japan will further undermine the legitimate security interests of other countries and pose a substantive threat to regional strategic security, he said.

Owing to its history of militarist aggression, Japan's military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community, he said.

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.

"We urge Japan to take a hard look at its history of aggression, follow the path of peaceful development, act prudently in military and security areas, and refrain from further losing the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community," he said.

"We also call upon the United States to draw lessons from history and devote more effort and resources to doing the right thing rather than the other way around," Guo noted. 
Micki Witthoeft, center, mother of Ashli Babbitt, joins protesters outside of the Supreme Court in Washington on Jan. 6, 2023. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)



The Air Force will provide Ashli Babbitts family with military funeral honors, reversing a 2021 decision to deny such honors for the veteran who was fatally shot by a police officer during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, officials said.

Matthew Lohmeier, the undersecretary of the Air Force, wrote of the services decision in an Aug. 15 letter to Babbitts family that was shared Wednesday by Judicial Watch, a conservative activist group.

I understand that the familys initial request was denied by Air Force leadership in a letter dated Feb. 9, 2021, Lohmeier wrote in the letter to Ashli Babbitts husband, Aaron Babbitt. However, after reviewing the circumstances of Ashlis death, and considering the information that has come forward since then, I am persuaded that the previous determination was incorrect.

Lohmeier offered in his letter to meet at the Pentagon with the family members.

An Air Force spokesperson confirmed the contents of the letter on Thursday but declined further comment. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, who has since retired, initially denied the familys request for military funeral honors, writing they would bring discredit upon the Air Force.

This driver's license photo of Ashli Babbitt from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), provided to AP by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office. (Maryland MVA/Courtesy of the Calvert County Sheriffs Office)



Babbitt, 35, was an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump who traveled from San Diego to attend the rallies and protests on Jan. 6, 2021, challenging former President Joe Bidens win over Trump in the 2020 presidential election. She was a veteran of the Air Force and Air National Guard who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a security forces airman.

She was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer while attempting to climb through a broken window of a door leading into the House Speakers lobby that had been barricaded to protect evacuating Congress members from the mob of Trumps supporters seeking to stop the lawmakers from certifying Bidens victory. Babbitt was the only person shot and killed during the attack.

The police officer was cleared by the Justice Department later in 2021 of wrongdoing in the shooting after investigators determined he fired a single shot at Babbitt believing it was necessary to do so in self-defense or in defense of the members of Congress and others evacuating the House chamber, according to an April 2021 DOJ probe.

But Judicial Watch officials challenged the DOJs findings and filed a wrongful death lawsuit for Babbitts family this year, charging Babbitt was ambushed and defenseless and should have not been shot. The Justice Department in May settled with the Babbitt family, granting them a nearly $5 million settlement in the case. That came after Trump on his first day back in the White House granted pardons to nearly all the individuals charged with crimes for their actions during the Jan. 6 attack.

Military funeral honors are meant to honor those who served with a free honor guard detail of at least two service members, including at least one from the veterans service branch, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. At minimum, the ceremony is to include the playing of taps, and the folding and presentation of an American flag to the deceased veterans next of kin.

Ashli Babbitts family is grateful to President Trump, [Defense] Secretary [Pete] Hegseth and Undersecretary Lohmeier for reversing the Biden Defense Departments cruel decision to deny Ashli funeral honors as a distinguished veteran of the Air Force, Tom Fitton, Judicial Watchs president, said in a prepared statement.  Judicial Watch is proud to have done its part in bringing her family a measure of justice and accountability for Ashlis outrageous killing.
Senior Master Sgt. Greg Cleghorn, the senior enlisted leader of the Iowa Air National Guard's 132nd Security Forces Squadron, receives the Army's Master Combat Infantryman Badge on Aug. 18, 2025, during the unit's annual training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (John Johnson/U.S. Air National Guard)



An Iowa National Guard airman who served a stint as an infantry soldier is now sporting a combat award that his former service introduced just a few months ago.

Senior Master Sgt. Greg Cleghorn, the top enlisted leader for the 132nd Security Forces Squadron in Des Moines, Iowa, was awarded the Master Combat Infantryman Badge on Aug. 18, according to a Guard statement. The badge is a new award authorized in March.

Its still an individual award at this point, but Im proud to wear it and to represent the Iowa Guard, Cleghorn said in the Aug. 22 statement. When I go someplace, it will be unique and draw attention to the state of Iowa while I am wearing Iowa Guard patches.

The Army's Master Combat Infantryman Badge adorns the uniform of Senior Master Sgt. Greg Cleghorn of the Iowa Air National Guard. He received it Aug. 18, 2025, during his Guard unit's annual training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (John Johnson/U.S. Air National Guard)



The Army doesnt track badge awardees from other services, Human Resources Command spokesman Bill Costello said Wednesday. A total of 5,104 MCIBs have been awarded, he added.

Though its unclear how rare Cleghorns achievement is, the award requirements alone put the former soldier in exclusive company among airmen across the reserve and active components.

The decoration is for infantry and Special Forces soldiers who previously earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Expert Infantryman Badge, both of which can be earned only during Army service.

Soldiers who earn those two awards automatically qualify for the Master Combat Infantryman Badge without the need for additional training.

Cleghorn earned the latter in 2000 while with the 4th Infantry Regiment in Hohenfels, Germany.

He later joined the Iowa Army National Guards 194th Long Range Surveillance Detachment in 2004 and earned the Combat Infantryman Badge during a deployment to Iraq, the statement said.

The Iowa Air National Guard statement did not say when Cleghorn made the switch from soldier to airman.

The Air Force Personnel Center, the organization that manages members administrative and service records, doesnt track the number of airmen who may have earned a Combat Infantryman Badge before joining the Air Force, a unit spokesman told Stars and Stripes on Thursday.

In addition to the Master Combat Infantryman Badge, in March the Army also authorized master badges for medical personnel and non-infantry soldiers.

The Master Combat Medical Badge has 416 recipients, while the Master Combat Action Badge has been given to 723 people, according to Army Human Resources Command data.
An MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 lands during a rehearsal for the Resolute Dragon exercise on Ie Shima, Okinawa, Aug. 26, 2025. (Ryan Sotodavila/U.S. Marine Corps)



The U.S. Army will deploy its mid-range missile system, Typhon, to Japan for the first time during a Marine Corps-led exercise in September, the service announced Friday.

The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force will position the land-based, ground-launched system at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, about 25 miles southeast of Hiroshima, for the annual Resolute Dragon exercise, U.S. Army Pacific spokesman Col. Isaac Taylor said in an emailed statement Friday.

The joint training is scheduled for Sept. 11-25 across Japan, including Okinawa.

Typhon provides a complementary capability to existing U.S. and Japanese systems and underscores our commitment to innovation, modernization, and the U.S.-Japan Alliance, Taylor said. This exercise highlights the importance of interoperability and our shared dedication to peace, security, and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Interoperability is a term the military uses to describe allied forces ability to use each others training methods and equipment.

The Army first fired Typhon in the Western Pacific on July 15, striking an at-sea target from Bradshaw Training Area in Australia during Talisman Sabre drills. The system includes launchers, missiles and a battery operations center and can fire both SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles.

Resolute Dragon will focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain, III Marine Expeditionary Force spokesman 2nd Lt. James Selcke said by email Thursday. The Marine Corps Force Design strategy calls for smaller units to defend maritime chokepoints in the Pacific.

The exercise comes amid growing Chinese military activity near Taiwan and around islands claimed by Japan in the East China Sea. In June, China carried out Pacific drills involving both of its aircraft carriers  the Shandong and Liaoning  for the first time.

About 1,900 U.S. and 12,300 Japanese personnel will participate in Resolute Dragon, according to a Ground Staff information sheet. U.S. forces will include Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force, the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Logistics Group and Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

There will also be airmen from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, sailors from 7th Fleet, and soldiers from the task force and other Army units, the document said.

Other planned U.S deployments include MV-22 Ospreys, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, and the Marines semisubmersible Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel drone supply aircraft, according to the document.

Japanese media have reported possible first-time deployments of HIMARS to Yonaguni, an island about 70 miles from Taiwan, and the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS, to Ishigaki, about 150 miles from Taiwan. U.S. and Japanese officials have declined to confirm or deny the reports.

NMESIS, a ground-based antiship system using the Naval Strike Missile, was first deployed in April by the 3rd Littoral Regiment during the Balikatan exercise in the Philippines.

Units based on Okinawa are scheduled to begin fielding the system between April and June 2026, Marine Corps Systems Command spokeswoman Deidra Knight said in an Aug. 6 email.
An Air Force security forces member aims a DroneDefender at a small drone during an exercise at East Range Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2025. The Defense Department's new Task Force 401 aims to speed up the provision of tools for personnel to deal with small drones. (Erica Webster/U.S. Air Force)



The U.S. military is stepping up the urgency in figuring out how it will counter the rapidly growing threat from small drones, which have become a centerpiece of modern warfare.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week directed the Army secretary to establish Joint Interagency Task Force 401, focused on delivering counter-drone technology to soldiers on the battlefield.

Although the U.S. has kept pace with adversaries when it comes to conventional warfare technology, dealing with small unmanned aircraft requires a new approach that prioritizes speed over process, Hegseth wrote in his order.

It dissolves an office established under former President Joe Biden to handle the issue and replaces it with a group that will have greater authority, according to a Pentagon statement Thursday.

Theres no doubt that the threats we face today from hostile drones grow by the day, Hegseth said in a Thursday video announcing the task force.

Counter-drone technology has become crucial to President Donald Trumps defense strategy, with mass production of the aircraft by Iran and Russia allowing them to wreak havoc in Ukraine and attack American interests in the Middle East.

In addition, U.S. military bases in England and Germany have reported unauthorized drone flyovers.

A drone flies as a B-52H Stratofortress takes off at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., in 2023. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week ordered the creation of a task force to tackle the growing problem of small drones. (Evan Lichtenhan/U.S. Air Force)



The U.S. relies on a mix of sanctions, interdictions and emerging defense technologies to blunt the problem, but analysts say the military must move faster to stay ahead of the threat.

At the same time, Hegseth is pushing the Pentagon to ramp up its own supply of the aircraft.

Last month, speaking over the buzz of a small drone and Metallicas Enter Sandman, he touted new policies meant to boost American drone manufacturing.

He also posted a video on X with the message Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance.

Part of the push involves moving one-way attack drones into the same purchasing category as grenades and bullets, instead of classifying them as helicopters and planes.

The creation of Task Force 401 is meant to go hand in hand with those production strategies.

Were moving fast  cutting through bureaucracy, consolidating resources, and empowering this task force with the utmost authority to outpace our adversaries, Hegseth said.
Pvt. Darrell McKenzie cuts chicken tenders for hot meals available in warmers at the Phantom Fresh grab-and-go dining facility at Fort Hood, Texas, on Aug. 14, 2025. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



FORT HOOD, Texas  Army leaders know dining facilities on bases must do more to attract young soldiers and have released a menu of ways to offer meals with a side of convenience that soldiers are craving.

The order released by Forces Command this month calls on commanders to examine the entire ecosystem of food on bases and try new strategies offered while also easing the burden placed on Army cooks.

This strategy goes beyond food  its about fueling the force, building morale, and reinforcing the Armys promise to care for its people. By aligning feeding operations with soldier needs and operational demands, FORSCOM is setting a new standard for modern, resilient, and soldier-focused food service delivery, according to a FORSCOM summary of the order.

Many of the recommendations in the order stem from changes that have found success at Fort Hood, which used a combination of predictable dining schedules and meals, and quick, conveniently located services to increase diners. Officials then consolidated resources so the added work didnt overburden cooks.

Our goal is to create consistent, accessible and appealing dining options that meet the needs of every soldier, whether on the go or if they have time for a sit-down meal, said Sgt. Maj. Kresassidy McKinney, III Corps chief culinary manager at the central Texas Army base. By expanding these choices, were not just improving the quality of life  were empowering our ... culinary specialists to showcase their skills in a more flexible, innovative environment that reflect the modern Army dining experience.

Fort Hood soldiers can use meal entitlements in traditional dining facilities, they can visit a food truck, a grab-and-go kiosk or they can preorder and pick up several days worth of meals at once. The base focused these options in places where soldiers can easily get to them on their own or using the posts shuttle bus.

III Corps, the largest command at Fort Hood, calls its soldiers Phantom Warriors and many of the new dining facilities carry the theme of that name.

Cooks have a centralized facility, the Phantom Hub, where premade meals are cooked and packaged and rations are prepared and sent to soldiers training in field. Its a place for cooks to train and provides them with a computer lab.

Brig. Gen. Sean Davis, deputy chief of staff for logistics with FORSCOM, brought the ideas with him to the commands headquarters at Fort Bragg, N.C., after seeing them find success in his previous assignment at Fort Hood. FORSCOMs dining optimization order doesnt directly name Fort Hood but recommends other FORSCOM units consider many of the bases improvements, said Allen Fritzching, interim division chief for the supply, maintenance and contracting division at FORSCOM.

All of it is designed for a commander to assess his organization, determine where theres gaps that exist, and then through this optimization process try to minimize those gaps and improve access for soldiers to nutritious meals, he said.

A display of meals available for preorder from the Phantom Hub at Fort Hood, Texas, on Aug. 14, 2025. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



For the past several years, the Army has sought ways to bring soldiers back into service-run dining facilities after declining numbers. Officials have grappled with changing dining preferences of soldiers as well as a reduction in cooks the Army enlists into the force.

The order is just one front to combat the issue. Earlier this month, Army Materiel Command tested a pilot program to allow soldiers to spend their meal entitlement money on specific meals at on-post restaurants. No decision has been made on how and when the pilot program could return.

The service is also reviewing policy changes needed to allow soldiers to use that money in the commissary. Most barracks have a small kitchen, and this would allow soldiers to buy their own ingredients and cook at home. Another front aims to put a private business within a dining facility but a contract award has not been announced.

The recognition of Fort Hoods dining program comes two years after it hit a low point. Soldiers complained limited hours and long distances between barracks and open facilities prohibited them from accessing food.

Roughly 6,000 soldiers have meal entitlements at Fort Hood, and 204,000 meals were served in July across all forms of dining facilities with all types of payment, McKinney said. In early 2024, before the shuttle and increased grab-and-go options, only about 100,000 soldiers with meal entitlements were using dining facilities in a month.

In traditional facilities where soldiers grab a tray and pick a meal line, TVs hang on the walls where soldiers dine with flowers on each table and decor that McKinney said she hopes makes soldiers feel like theyve left work and can relax.

Specialized lines for burritos, pasta, pizza and stir-fry bowls allow cooks to take ownership and perfect the meals that they cook, she said. Right now, it takes about 30 soldiers to run the facility, but she is working toward staggered shifts to better manage peoples schedules.

Part of FORSCOMs order asked commanders to exempt cooks from non-feeding duties and consolidate the workforce together to maximize their impact.

With the Phantom Fresh grab-and-go kiosk, McKinney focused on predictability in options and speed of service. It opens at 7:30 a.m. and doesnt close between meals. Instead, the small space shifts from a breakfast yogurt parfait bar to a self-serve salad bar and a made-to-order sandwich line at lunch. Throughout the day, premade hot meals and premade sandwiches and salads, as well as fresh fruit, snacks and bottled drinks are available until closing at 3 p.m.

Its something to get used to, said Sgt. Alexis Sobczak, the noncommissioned officer in charge of Phantom Fresh.

She transitioned a little more than a year ago from a traditional facility and said it took some time to get used to the work of overseeing the small deli-like operation. It started with about 25 customers per meal each day. Now its up to about 275 each meal.

Theres more to it, but also not, Sobczak said. In the dining facility, I only worried about one line. Here, I worry about restocking fridges.

For those soldiers who still cant or dont want to use these options, they can preorder about three days worth of meals at a time and pick them up twice a week. The program started in July 2024 and now serves about 300 soldiers twice a week, McKinney said.

To allow soldiers to pay for multiple meals at once, the dining facility uses paper forms to update the computer system. Facilities are funded, in part, based on the number of meals served and current computer programs dont offer a way to sell multiple meals at once.

All this work during the past year has been done within the existing facilities instead of asking the Army for an influx of cash or resources, said Chontrelle Sturdivant, Fort Hoods installation food program manager.

We repurpose what we already have, she said. We refreshed, changed the setting and added variety.
Tugboats guide the attack submarine USS Newport News away from the pier at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., March 12, 2025. (Joshua Karsten/U.S. Navy)



(Tribune News Service)  Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont delivered a modest $7.7 million grant to Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton on Thursday for dock and waterfront improvements as part of the states continuing effort to keep the base open and operating in southeastern Connecticut.

The grant is part of a commitment the state made two decades ago to keep the sub base, a powerful driver of the regional economy, off the U.S. Navys list of installations subject to possible closure.

In a ceremony Thursday afternoon, Lamont and base commander Capt. Kenneth Curtin signed documents acknowledging transfer of the money that Curtin said will be used to improve for small craft dockage along the bases secured waterfront on the Thames River.

The small craft, some of which must now be stored on and launched from trailers, are used for waterfront security and environmental response to events such as oil spills, Curtin said.

The $7 million, the latest installment on about $23 million the state has turned over the the U.S. Navy since 2009, is a symbolic contribution to the cost of operating the base, home to 6,000 sailors and Department of Defense civilian employees, the location off the U.S. Navys submarine school and home port to 22 submarines.

The base opened in Groton in 1867 about a mile north of the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, which historically has been the U.S. Navys principal contractor on nuclear submarines and is now building cutting edge Virginia and Columbia class attack and missile subs.

In the early 2000s, the Pentagon put the Groton submarine base on its list of excess bases and scheduled its possible closure as part of the Congressionally-authorized Base Realignment and Closure process. The process was designed to close excess military infrastructure in order to enhance overall military efficiency and readiness.

The base was removed from the possible closure list by an extraordinary lobbying campaign by political, economic and military interests in the state. Included in the states argument was the commitment to make financial contributions to base operations.

2025 Hartford Courant.

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GUIYANG, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 China International Big Data Industry Expo has become a platform for global enterprises to showcase their latest developments, share experience and exchange expertise in AI, as well as a zone for international supply-and-demand partnerships.

The three-day expo will end on Saturday in Guiyang, the capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, having featured a diverse range of exchanges and activities, and having attracted more than 16,000 guests and 375 enterprises to participate.

Lars Nagel, CEO of the Germany-based International Data Spaces Association, has increased the frequency of his visits to China over the last two years. He sees China to be among the front-runners in data-space strategies, he told Xinhua, and one of the world's leading countries in pursuing the data economy.

Nagel has noticed that over the past year, clear rules and policies on data sharing have been in place in China, which has allowed enterprises to understand what they can do in terms of cross-border data sharing.

The association is currently running data-space pilot projects between China and Germany, and they are working "pretty well," he said.

"China is a big market with a lot of global powerful players. And what is even more remarkable is that the Chinese data strategy is really a comprehensive one. It's like a lighthouse in global data strategies to embrace data as a production factor and make use of data for society and for business at the same time," he said.

Nagel's association has a network of more than 180 companies from all over the world. He looks forward to working with the province closely, and to figuring out how to connect data and generate value out of it.

As the country's first national comprehensive big data pilot zone, Guizhou now has 49 data centers in operation or under construction, working for enterprises including Apple, Huawei and Tencent, as well as scientific research projects like the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), which is also known as the "China Sky Eye."

According to the Development Report on Digital Guizhou (2024), which was released earlier this month, the scale of the province's digital industry topped 250 billion yuan (about 35.2 billion U.S. dollars) last year, growing 18.3 percent year on year, and the number of people employed in the sector stood at 163,000. Guizhou's digital economy is taking the lead nationwide and has ranked among the top players across the country for nine consecutive years.

Located in the hinterland of southwest China, Guizhou has a favorable cool climate all year round, providing naturally air-conditioned rooms for busy heat-emitting servers. The province is also situated away from major earthquake zones, making it safe for data reservoirs.

Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration (NDA), said at the expo's opening ceremony that the construction and operating costs of data centers in western China are approximately 50 percent to 70 percent of those in eastern China.

Sven Loeffler, director of data spaces and products at T-Systems International GmbH in Deutsche Telekom, is attending the expo in Guizhou for a second consecutive year.

With 25 years of experience in the field, he has observed that China has taken data spaces and big data seriously over the last three to four years, with a five-year plan to implement its data strategies. This attracted him to attend the expo in Guizhou last year, and this year, he wanted to see how they had developed over the last 12 months, he said.

Loeffler noted that his company has had a partnership with China for years, and that he has a few customers who are really looking to establish cross-border data exchange mechanisms. He has used the expo as an opportunity to formulate an action item for the NDA, and to work collaboratively on practical examples.

During his visit to China, he said that he had been impressed by how many data initiatives were running in different provinces of China, and that China is taking the sector seriously by releasing specific use cases, motivating and enabling industry players and regions to gain real business benefits out of these initiatives. "This was new for me. This was so concrete, already visible," he added.

Japanese national Morii Go, chairman of Yamazen Shanghai Trading Co., Ltd., said that Yamazen has been deeply rooted in the Chinese market since 2002, and has served more than 10,000 enterprises in China.

"The expo attracts many industry professionals and potential partners, which is conducive to expanding our business network in China," Morii said, noting that the company came to China to explore cooperation opportunities in industrial internet data services and Internet of Things (IoT) technology services for smart manufacturing upgrades.

"China is the world's most dynamic major manufacturing country, and also a source of innovation in the intelligent and digital industries," Morii said. "Yamazen will continue to introduce the most cutting-edge technologies and solutions to China, and jointly innovate with Chinese partners to move forward hand in hand toward a new future of intelligent manufacturing." 
(iStock)



You remind me of Lucille Ball, a military friend once said, chuckling after I told a funny story. The iconic 1960s television character with a fiery ginger updo and crinolined polka-dotted dresses looked nothing like me, but we shared the same exaggerated facial expressions. As a fan of all things throwback, I took the comparison as a generous compliment.

A lifelong class clown, I related to Lucys humorous antics. However, Lucy had something I coveted but couldnt have. She slept in a twin bed.

This scene detail seems insignificant, but Lucy was always so darned bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, while I groped through my days in a perpetually drowsy fog. Despite her ditzy disposition, she knew better than to snuggle up to snoring Desi. When it was time to get her forty winks, Lucy snoozed soundly, all the way across the room.

I, on the other hand, lay each night right beside my husband, Francis, praying that I might squeeze in five meager hours of shuteye over the racket of his rattling airways.

During our first decade of marriage, bedtime was tolerable because Francis snore wasnt the decibel equivalent of a gas-powered buzzsaw. Instead, it fluctuated from mild wheezing to mattress-vibrating rumbling, and every buzz, snuffle and gasp in between.

Some evenings, Francis slackened sinuses projected nothing more than a steady nose whistle punctuated by soft snorts, and I was able to sleep using a strategic combination of earplugs, elbowing and whispering, Honey, turn on your side! But other nights, his snoring was relentless, waking me often and turning my mornings into a scene from Dawn of the Living Dead.

Furthermore, when Francis partook in scotch and cigars with our base neighbors around our fire pit, his snoring was so loud that Id grab my pillows and retreat to the silence of our living room couch.

During the second decade of marriage, Francis snoring got worse. Researching online, I read a Finnish study concluding that women suffering from chronic sleep deprivation have significantly impaired ability to maintain peak cognitive performance. I found articles with headlines such as For snoring spouses, separate beds may save marriage, More couples getting sleep divorces, and When happily ever after means separate beds. I wondered if twin beds might be good for our relationship.

However, I couldnt realistically suggest twin beds to Francis. On mornings when Id retreated to the couch, hed tsk at me as if Id betrayed him. He never believed his snoring was bad, and thought I was being ridiculous.

Lucy and Desi got away with it, but today, sleeping in separate beds implies that somethings wrong in the marriage. As much as I secretly loved having our bed to myself when Francis was deployed or on TDY, I just wasnt willing to suggest separate sleeping berths.

It wasnt until Francis retired from the Navy, and we went on a family getaway to Vermont, that I was vindicated.

We reserved an open cabin room with a cozy fireplace where we slept with our three children. At breakfast the morning after our first night, our groggy youngest, Lilly, shared snippets of an overnight video she took on her iPhone.

The blurry, time-stamped footage showed teenaged Lilly illuminated under her covers, thumbing captions, 12:42 AM I cant sleep cuz Dads snoring! 2:26 AM Mom tried to make him stop, but nothing works! 3:10 AM [Lilly softly weeping].

In the background, we heard shockingly loud grinding coming from deep within Francis respiratory tract, as if a meaty drill bit gnashed against his larynx, or a jackhammer battered his sinuses with each thundering inhale.

Thats not me, is it? Francis asked incredulously.

A few months later, Francis was diagnosed with sleep apnea and outfitted with a CPAP machine. Arguably, snoozing in twin beds is more romantic than sleeping with a partner who has surgical tubing extending from his nostrils. But after decades of applying copious amounts of concealer to the bags under my eyes, I was relieved that I could finally sleep through the night.

Looking back, Im glad we solved our problem without resorting to twin beds like Lucy. It may have taken us 20 years, but love is definitely worth losing a little sleep over.

Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com
Students head to their classes at Nile C. Kinnick High School on Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Sept. 28, 2020. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)



This story has been corrected

Seven schools on U.S. Navy installations in Japan, Europe and Guam will begin offering clinical mental health counseling this school year under a three-year trial program.

Licensed clinical counselors from Fleet and Family Support Centers will provide nonmedical counseling services two to three days a week at each school, according to an Aug. 25 news release by Department of Defense Education Activity.

This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building resilient, well-supported students who are prepared to succeed academically and thrive in a dynamic world, DODEA director Beth Narvaez said in the release. By embedding licensed counselors into our schools, we are strengthening our Multi-Tiered System of Supports, reinforcing community connections, and investing in the wellness of military-connected families.

The pilot program will be reviewed twice a year, with annual reports issued to guide future decisions, DODEA-Europe spokeswoman Jessica Tackaberry said by email Wednesday. The program agreement does not cover other service branches; however, if the pilot succeeds, similar agreements may be explored, she said.

The initiative is part of DODEAs Blueprint for Continuous Improvement, announced Aug. 4. The plan sets goals for student, school, talent and organizational development through 2030 and identifies implementation of interventions and extensions based on student need as a measure of success.

It helps identify and provide the right level of support for each student, whether they need enrichment, targeted help, or intensive intervention, DODEA-Pacific spokeswoman Miranda Ferguson said in early August.

DODEA and Navy Installations Command signed a memorandum of understanding for the pilot on Aug. 14, Tackaberry said. The command is still finalizing implementation plans, spokeswoman Destiny Sibert said by email Thursday from Washington, D.C.

Once in place, counselors will be available to provide individual and group counseling, prevention education, and referrals to higher levels of care when needed, she wrote. This initiative reflects another important milestone in the Navys ongoing commitment to strengthening quality of service for Sailors and their families.

One counselor will be assigned to each participating school, except Naples Middle-High at Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy, which will receive two, Tackaberry said.

Other schools in the pilot include E.J. King High at Sasebo Naval Base and Nile C. Kinnick High at Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan; Guam High and McCool Middle on Guam; Rota Middle High at Naval Station Rota, Spain; and Sigonella Middle High at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy.

The Navy counselors will not replace DODEA-employed school counselors or psychologists, Tackaberry said. Instead, they will provide additional nonmedical counseling focused on resiliency, wellness and prevention.

Individual counseling will be conducted privately and confidentially, while group counseling will involve small groups of students, she said. Students may refer themselves or be referred by parents or school staff.

Counselors will also collaborate with school teams to promote mental health awareness and address student needs, according to the release.
U.S. Army Pfc. Jackson Muse, 11th Airborne Division, fires an FIM-92 Stinger for the first time on Aug. 26, 2025, during the Super Garuda Shield exercise in Baturaja, Indonesia. (Seu Chan/U.S. Army)



Soldiers with the 11th Airborne Division fired a pair FIM-92 Stinger missiles Tuesday during the Super Garuda Shield exercise in Indonesia, a first for the Alaska-based division.

The missiles were launched near the town of Baturaja on the island of Sumatra, the Army said in a Tuesday news release that described the inaugural live-fire event as a milestone for the division.

The Stinger is a portable, shoulder-fired weapon that uses infrared sensors to lock onto targets. It is used to destroy low-flying aircraft, such as helicopters and drones.

Not only is this a first for the whole 11th ABD, but it is also the first time that we are utilizing this capability in Indonesia, Capt. Kaden Cox, the air defense officer in charge of the live fire, said in the release.

Roughly 100 service members from the United States, Indonesia, Australia and Canada were involved in the firing.

The division has for the past three years been building a Stinger gunnery program to train and certify soldiers in the weapon, Maj. Jo Nederhoed, a division spokesperson, told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

This event was an opportunity for the divisions noncommissioned officers to evaluate that initial training in a realistic environment, the news release states.

This was my first time shooting one of these things, Pfc. Jackson Muse, an infantryman and main firer for the exercise, said in the release. We got up early to rehearse, orient the gear, and just took time to get into the right head space.

The Stinger has been in use for decades and proven invaluable to ground forces. Ukraine has made extensive use of U.S. and German-supplied Stingers against Russian aircraft since being invaded in 2022. The U.S. supplied Stinger missiles to Afghan mujahideen fighters as they fended a 10-year incursion by the Soviet Union in the 1980s.

This years Super Garuda Shield, which kicked off Monday and runs through Sept. 5, is the largest ever.

It has more than 6,500 participants from 13 nations, including India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.

Among the planned drills are rapid infiltration missions with the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, urban-warfare tactics and medical operations under simulated battlefield conditions.
The sign at the entrance at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on Monday, March 10, 2025. (K.C. Alfred (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)



(Tribune News Service)  A Marine Corps family whose 8-year-old son died last year after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Camp Pendleton has sued the companies that provide housing on base to military families, alleging in the lawsuit that overgrown hedges at a residential intersection were a substantial factor in the crash.

Lucas Antczak was fatally injured on Oct. 26 when he was struck in a neighborhood off Vandegrift Boulevard near the San Luis Rey Gate. He died a week later, on Nov. 1, at Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego.

William and Brooke Antczak alleged in their lawsuit filed Friday in San Diego federal court that Liberty Military Housing, a company that provides housing to military families on or near bases around the country, and two related companies negligently designed, approved, constructed, controlled, supervised and/or maintained the landscaping on the street corner where the crash occurred.

The lawsuit alleged that overgrown bushes and hedges on the corner of Harris Street and East Barnett Circle blocked the vision of traffic in both directions  (and) created or increased the foreseeable risk of people, like Lucas Antczak, being seriously injured or killed. The dangerous condition was a substantial factor in causing Lucas Antczaks death, because the landscaping made it difficult or impossible for Lucas Antczak to see an oncoming vehicle and for the vehicle to see Lucas Antczak.

The suit also accused the driver involved in the deadly crash of motor vehicle negligence.

We were devastated by the tragic accident that occurred in October 2024 at East Barnett Circle, a spokesperson for Liberty Military Housing said in a statement. Our team members have joined neighbors in the community in coming together in support of the family during this sad time. All the information currently available to Liberty indicates that the hedge did not play a role in this accident.

The company has not yet responded to the lawsuit in court, nor has the driver, who could not be reached for comment.

According to a Defense Department website, William Antczak is a Marine Corps officer with the rank of captain as of last September. Documents contained in the lawsuit showed the family lived about a block from where the crash occurred.

Craig McClellan, one of the attorneys representing the Antczak family, said thered been previous complaints about the hedges in question. He said they didnt serve to block access to homes in the neighborhood nor obscure the homes from the views of passersby  they only obscured the views of drivers, McClellan said.

The suit accused Liberty Military Housing and the related companies of negligence for failure to maintain property and premises liability. It alleged that the defendants had received sufficient and ample notice of the dangerous condition that existed because of the overgrown hedges, and that a crash such as the one involving Lucas was foreseeable.

Defendants knew that the subject neighborhood was inhabited by many children who rode bicycles and scooters around the neighborhood, the lawsuit alleged. Despite the ample and sufficient time to correct the dangerous condition before October 26, 2024, Defendants failed to do so.

The suit also alleged that the driver drove his vehicle at too high of a speed and/or failed to take reasonable steps to avoid a collision with Lucas Antczak, such as braking.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of economic and non-economic damages from the defendants.

2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune.

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MUNICH, Germany, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- As the credits rolled on the Chinese film Dead to Rights in a German cinema on Thursday evening, Sarah Bahadra sat completely stunned, with glistening eyes. In a voice barely above a whisper, she said she was overwhelmed, describing the film as "too sad... really horrible."

Like many Germans in the packed theater of Mathaeser Filmpalast in central Munich, Bahadra had never heard of the Nanjing Massacre, the subject of the movie. In one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century, Japanese troops stormed the Chinese city of Nanjing in the winter of 1937, and unimaginable horror unfolded.

Over the course of just six weeks, tens of thousands were inhumanely tortured and raped, most of them innocent civilians. The massacre left more than 300,000 people dead.

Told through stories around a Chinese photographic studio, the film chronicles the brutalities of the massacre with unflinching detail and left much of the German audience in tears. When the lights came up, some sat in stunned silence, reluctant to leave their seats.

"It is a very important movie," said Bernd Einmeier, president of the German-Chinese Association for Economy, Education, and Culture, during an interview with Xinhua after the event. "It's also very important for Europe to know about the Nanjing Massacre. Because honestly, most Europeans have never heard about this, they have no clue what happened there."

Einmeier believes that in the global war against fascism, China paid a high price. "We have seen in the movie so much suffering, so many dead and injured, and there's a big trauma there... China as a nation came together and contributed to the peace," he said.

"The movie also gives us the motivation to work for peace," he noted. "Nobody wants war."

For Esref Yavuz, a German father who attended the screening, the film was his first real exposure to the Nanjing Massacre. "The film shook me deeply, and seeing those innocent women and children being killed made me very sad. As a father, I find it hard to imagine such a thing really happened," he told Xinhua.

Yavuz admitted that before the screening, he knew nearly nothing about what happened in Nanjing. "We didn't learn much about this in Europe. There was no public acknowledgment from Japan either, saying, 'Yes, this happened.' And that's sad, because those people died in vain. It was horrible."

He added: "If you even try to imagine what these people went through... it was an insane, terrible time. I'm glad it's over, and I'm glad China stood back up from it."

The emotional gravity of the film was echoed by Erhard Rau, president of the German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association. He told Xinhua that the Japanese military had committed serious war crimes in China, but the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people in the face of such atrocities deserves respect.

"This part of history remains difficult for Japanese society to confront. But historical facts cannot be denied, and the truth should not be avoided," he said. "That is precisely why a film like this is so important. It not only restores a neglected part of history, but also reminds us to remain vigilant against war and to cherish peace." 
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The failure of the recall vote campaign targeting opposition Kuomintang legislators in Taiwan is a sharp rebuke to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities led by Lai Ching-te, with the public signaling strong dissatisfaction with their secessionist policies.

Since assuming office, Lai has persistently denied the reality that the DPP has failed to secure a majority in Taiwan's leadership election and a majority in the legislative body.

Over the past year, Lai has stubbornly clung to a "Taiwan independence" stance, peddled a dangerous "two states" theory, and rolled out 17 strategies designed to counter so-called threats from the mainland, blatantly ignoring the mounting public discontent about his performance on the island.

This recall campaign is widely perceived as a desperate maneuver orchestrated by the DPP under Lai to reverse its minority status in the legislature.

During the campaign, Lai resorted to his old trick, hyping up so-called threats from the mainland and continuing to smear, intimidate, obstruct and suppress those who support or engage in cross-Strait exchanges.

These actions aimed to instill fear across the island and manipulate public sentiment to secure recall victories.

In response, the Chinese mainland has taken firm countermeasures, while the people on the island have grown increasingly aware of the perils and risks posed by "Taiwan independence."

The results speak volumes -- both rounds of voting failed to pass any recall proposals and the DPP still remains a minority party in the island's legislature.

Through their votes, the people of Taiwan delivered a clear message to Lai's authorities that political manipulation for personal and partisan gain cannot fool the public and that mainstream opinion favors peace, development, exchange and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.

People are also "voting with their feet." Since the mainland exempted Taiwan residents who had never been to the mainland from paying application fees for their travel passes on July 1, applications that month surged 22 percent compared with June, with 72 percent of applicants under the age of 45.

The number of Taiwan residents visiting the mainland for the first time also grew by 33 percent month-on-month in July.

This demonstrates that Taiwan people, particularly younger generations, are increasingly willing to visit the mainland and engage in exchanges, rejecting the DPP authorities' restrictive policies through their actions.

Lai and the DPP authorities must take this recall vote failure as a dire warning, heed the voices of the people, and change their cross-Strait policies, or risk facing stronger backlash from the public. 
The press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War holds a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- China is committed to working with countries around the world to strive for the goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said on Friday.

Ma made the remarks during a press conference on activities marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. 

The press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War holds a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

The press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War holds a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

The press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War holds a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

A journalist raises her hand to ask questions at a press conference held by the press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

The press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War holds a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Journalists work at a press conference held by the press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

A journalist asks questions at a press conference held by the press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Journalists raise their hands to ask questions at a press conference held by the press center of Commemoration of 80th Anniversary of Victory of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression and World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 29, 2025. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended the press conference. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)
SUR in English Friday, 29 August 2025, 13:58 Share

There is much expectation in the Campo de Gibraltar, the area immediately across the border from Gibraltar, over the implementation of the UK/EU deal to remove controls reached in June. Excitement rose and more questions came this week when some Spanish media reported that the border could finally be axed as early as January next year and that more announcements could be made next week when the Spanish and British prime ministers meet in London.

The mayor of La Linea, Juan Franco, welcomed the reports as "good news" although he regretted that "beyond the meetings held in June" with Spain's minister of foreign affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, there had been no news on the matter.

The mayor of Algeciras, Jose Ignacio Landaluce, has also spoken out about those reports. "Nobody is giving us accurate information about what is being discussed" in negotiations that affect the interests of the Rock and the Spanish people because "this goes beyond whether or not a border fence is removed".
Tony Bryant Malaga Friday, 29 August 2025, 13:35 Share

Numerous renowned foreign literary figures showed their support for the Republic during the Spanish Civil War, many of whom witnessed and actively participated in the political and social events that shook the country during the savage three-year conflict. Among the cohort of writers and poets who were outraged at the events that unfolded during the Nationalist's rise to power was Cesar Vallejo, a Peruvian poet considered one of the great poetic innovators of the 20th century. Vallejo had a deep and complex connection with Spain, where he wrote some of his most important works, including parts of Espana, Aparta De Mi Este Caliz (Spain, take this chalice from me), inspired by war. The poem's mixture of anguish and hope is said to reflect Vallejo's commitment not only to Spain, but to the universal struggles of humanity.

Born in Santiago de Chuco, a remote village in the Peruvian Andes, in 1892, he lived in Paris and Spain for much of his adult life. He first arrived in Madrid in 1923, but returned to Paris shortly after. It was in Paris that he met Picasso, who sketched a portrait of Vallejo that is now in the Picasso Museum in Malaga.

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Vallejo settled in Madrid in 1930, after the Spanish government awarded him an author's grant. A member of the Peruvian Communist Party, he became increasingly politically active in the early 1930s and was deeply involved in literary circles that supported the Spanish Republic.

After constant serious health issues, which worsened in the last few years of his life, he died in exile in Paris in 1938.

His identification with the suffering of the Spanish people during the civil war has been recognised with streets and squares named in his honour in Granada, Malaga and Cadiz. Along with these honours, statues of the poet are found in Astorga (Leon) and in Barcelona. In 2019, a bronze bust was installed near the Peruvian consulate in Madrid.
Tony Bryant Huelva Friday, 29 August 2025, 13:52 Share

With an average temperature of 22C at this time of year, Aracena (Huelva) has become an important tourist destination, mainly for the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche natural park. This spectacular area has generated a large number of travellers looking for something a little different to the offers of the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, which is why there are rural accommodations, camping sites and hotels and hostels throughout the area.

Located in the Aracena mountain range, which is part of the Sierra Morena, this town offers rich architecture with many emblematic buildings designed by the renowned Sevillian architect Anibal Gonzalez. It is also known for the famous ham that is produced in the region with the Jamon de Jabugo designation of origin, which is why the town has a museum dedicated to cured ham and the Iberian pig.

Aracena also hosts an Iberian ham fair in October, which brings together thousands of people from the surrounding towns.

The natural park, a member of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST), spreads across 28 municipalities and is criss-crossed by a river network divided into three basins: the Guadalquivir (Riviera de Huelva), the Guadiana and the Odiel.

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Delightful hiking trails

The park, which offers numerous trails that will delight hiking enthusiasts, has an extensive forest mass and riparian woodlands, along with its thick vegetation of holm and cork oaks, mastic, cherry and strawberry trees and a variety of herbs. The use of natural fruits from the park is used in the production of traditional products, such as local liqueurs which are made with cherries, chestnuts or aromatic herbs.

Of course, the rich terrain and vegetation offers a wide variety of wildlife, such as mongooses, genets, otters, kites and black storks, among others.

Cave of wonders

Another great attraction in the natural park is the Gruta de las Maravillas, the cave of wonders, the entrance of which is located in the town centre. It was discovered in the late 19th century and, in 1914, was the first of its kind to be opened to the public. The 2,000 square-metre underground complex, much of which can be explored, boasts a set of karst formations of extraordinary beauty, along with varied formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

Historic monuments

Aracena, which perfectly preserves its rural essence, boasts the whiteness of a typical Andalusian village, standing out among the rugged terrain of the Sierra Morena foothills. Its urban layout unfolds through valleys and steep slopes to create one of the most charming towns in Huelva. The old town was declared a site of cultural interest in 1991 due to its historic monuments and buildings, which include the remains of the castle, a fortress that was built on the site of a Muslim citadel, which is, according to some historians, probably linked to the Knights Templar. Close to the castle stands the church of Nuestra Senora del Mayor Dolor, a Gothic edifice that's design has clear influences of Seville's cathedral. Other interesting architecture include Mudejar-style religious buildings like the Santa Catalina Martir convent, which was built over a former synagogue; and the small church of Santo Domingo, former seat of Dominican Friars.

Another building of great historical and cultural significance is the Arias Montano casino, named after the Spanish writer whose work was censored by the Spanish Inquisition. This building, constructed in the early 20th century, is one of the best examples of modernist architecture in Andalucia.
Jose Antonio Sau Malaga Friday, 29 August 2025, 11:46 Share

More than 4.5 million people in southern Spain's Andalucia region have some chronic illness or health risk factors and 900,000 of them suffer from complex, chronic diseases. These conditions tend to progress from acute episode to acute episode, worsening over time. However, there are occasions when decompensations (flare-ups) or complications occur that are not so minor as to be treated at home, nor so serious as to require emergency care and subsequent hospital admission. For these "exacerbations", the regional health ministry has created the UCA continuity of care units. Similar units are already operating in seven hospitals in the region, including the Regional University Hospital of Malaga and Antequera Hospital. Such units are expected to be open in all hospitals in the region and, therefore, in Malaga by 2026, as outlined in the objectives of Andalucia's current 'chronic care plan 2025-2028' (PAdAC). In any case, their creation will be progressive and staggered.

The most prevalent chronic diseases are high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking, asthma, hypothyroidism, COPD, heart failure, anxiety or mood disorders, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, glaucoma, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia (metabolic disorders - for example, high cholesterol).

Dr Jose Antonio Moyano, a specialist in internal medicine, is responsible for setting up these units. "The natural evolution of chronic diseases is that they frequently experience decompensation," he explains, meaning they are stable for a while and then there is an episode of pain or more serious pain and so on. "Until now, when a chronic illness flared up again, the only way to get hospital care was through the emergency room, which traditionally served only to treat acute episodes of illnesses such as pneumonia or appendicitis, as these always present with a seriously acute episode. They weren't used to people who, throughout their lives, experience many flare-ups," he said. The UCAs, therefore, are designed to treat these decompensations in patients with complex, chronic conditions.

The family or hospital doctor, the carer, a relative of the patient or the interested party themselves (by calling the phone numbers provided) can contact these hospital units, which will have morning and afternoon opening hours, and the person will be seen the same day "or the next day to treat them while they are in the hospital, avoiding the need to go to the emergency room. It allows the person to be treated in a less hostile, more comfortable environment, because they can go home at the end of the day," explained Dr Moyano.

If the worsening of their condition is very serious, the person should still go to the emergency room, as there are technological devices and means for the person to spend the night and be diagnosed, in addition to monitoring their vital signs there, "which we don't have in the UCAs".

Similar units already operate in seven Andalusian hospitals

In the Andalucia region, there are now seven hospitals (Punta de Europa, Antequera, Regional de Malaga, Virgen del Rocio, Virgen Macarena, Virgen de Valme and San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe) that follow this UCA model with varying levels of development (they are the current day hospitals), but plans are already under way to extend this model to all hospitals in Andalucia's public healthcare system.

Improvement to the existing UCAs and their implementation in the remaining public hospitals in the region is planned for 2026, although Dr Moyano believes an optimal outcome would be to be able to deploy them in half of the region's hospitals. Day hospitals are not yet full-blown continuity of care units, as they are geared toward providing regular treatments (chemotherapy, for instance), although they are "an ideal setting to be able to begin developing this activity".

The idea is that, in less than 24 hours, thanks to the patient notification sent directly to the UCA, the patient will receive treatment and return home the same day.

The units will be staffed by a nurse appointed as case manager, another nurse, an auxiliary nurse and a specialist in internal medicine. The UCAs will have armchairs for patients to receive treatment and some beds, added Dr Moyano, "for those who have more difficulty sitting in armchairs".

"People can come from home or even from their nursing home. We run blood tests, often identifying the cause of the decompensation, which could be, for example, a heart arrhythmia or an infection. Then, once the cause has been identified, we start treatment. They can spend the morning, or the morning and the afternoon here, and then go home. We can have them return to the UCA the next day, two days later or a week later," the doctor states, so that any flare-ups are much better controlled, because "often, since they couldn't be monitored at home, the person would hold out and reach a level of severity that required them to come to the emergency room and, in most cases, be admitted", so this will prevent admissions and more serious episodes.

It is, therefore, a question of grouping the chronically-ill patients with homogeneous care and attention needs.The units are aimed at improving quality of life through early attention to any flare-up (decompensation), developing "a care response adapted to the changing needs of the patient, providing single-act diagnostic guidance and parenteral therapeutic resources, inhaled medication or invasive evacuation techniques".
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Friday, 29 August 2025, 13:33 Share

"It's been six years now (2019) since the hornet arrived here and we've been demanding that the authorities take action ever since. In May we managed to get it declared an invasive exotic species and since then they should have taken some measures, but they've done absolutely nothing and we're desperate." This are the words of Joaquin Becerra, who is a technical specialist in this sector for the agricultural organisation Coag, and also a beekeeper in his own right.

Faced with this inaction, Malaga province's honey producers have organised a trip to Cyprus at the end of August. "We're going to learn how their beekeepers fight against Vespa orientalis, since it originates from there," he explained. The goal is to learn about the types of traps, attractants, repellents and other techniques they use.

Last year was already a serious problem, and this summer the expert predicts it will be even worse, because there have been enormous numbers of queens. "At the end of February with the rains many of them perished. But the queens that went into hibernation were so numerous that despite that mortality, since spring we're seeing many more queens than last year."

"At this point in the summer we already have pressure on the hives, when in other years at this time there was hardly any; and that means there are more nests and from now until their cycle ends, with the arrival of cold weather in mid-November, there are still more than two months left in which this could wipe out countless hives."

The beekeeping expert confirms the expansion of Oriental hornets throughout the province: "In Cuevas del Becerro, last year there were a few; this year we have many and the beekeeping industry is going to suffer tremendously." So much so that, if it's not remedied, Joaquin Becerra warns that this plague "will wipe out the sector, because many beekeepers are going to quit the activity".
Her appearance was her main trump card: no one would suspect an elderly woman with a frail appearance and an affable character. In reality though, this was a woman with a long history of crimes against property and who, at 81 years of age, was dedicated to sneaking into tourist flats in the centre of Malaga in search of money and jewellery. Following the arrest of the 'granny thief', to whom five burglaries have been attributed, a court has ordered her to be remanded in custody.

The octogenarian was arrested earlier this month after one of the residents caught her inside the tourist accommodation where she was staying, after which she immediately alerted the National Police.

A team of plainclothes officers were sent to the scene and found that the elderly woman had a long history of property crime. During her arrest, they located a number of plastic cards allegedly used to 'slip' the locks.

Investigators believe she was behind four other burglaries since July in the same area that followed the same pattern. Her modus operandi consisted of using a thin, flexible object, such as a bank card, to slide between the door frame and the latch.

In this way, she managed to open locked doors and enter inside tourist flats, where she went mainly in search of cash and jewellery.

The suspect's advanced age and frail appearance was an advantage when it came to going unnoticed as she sneaked into buildings in search of houses to rob. According to the investigators, if she was discovered by a neighbour, she pretended that it had been a mistake or even that she was the cleaning lady.
SUR Malaga Friday, 29 August 2025, 10:22 Share

A three-year-old boy named Oliver has been missing for almost two months since he was last seen in Marbella.

Spain's national agency for missing persons, a collaboration of the ministry of interior and the National Police force, has shared a photo of the youngster on social media and is asking for any information about Oliver P.

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Oliver is described as 85 centimetres tall, with grey eyes and blonde hair. He was last seen in Marbella on 4 July and since then nothing is known about his whereabouts.

The national missing persons agency is asking for any information about the child to be passed on either through the National Police (091) or the missing person hotline on 116 000.
People attend a protest calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, near the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on Aug. 30, 2025. Israel's military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Friday that the Israeli military has begun the preliminary operations and initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and is operating with great intensity on the outskirts of the city. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Friday that the Israeli military has begun the preliminary operations and initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and is operating with great intensity on the outskirts of the city.

In a video message posted on social media platform X, Adraee said that the military will intensify its strikes and will not hesitate until it brings back all the hostages and dismantles Hamas.

Also on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the daily 10-hour humanitarian pause in Gaza City is canceled, adding that the city from now on constitutes a "dangerous combat zone."

The daily break, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time (0700-1700 GMT), began on July 27 following an IDF announcement.

The pause, coordinated by the United Nations and international aid organizations, encompassed the three areas of the Gaza Strip -- Gaza City, Al Mawasi, and Deir al-Balah -- and was intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to residents.

Despite international opposition, the Israeli army, having besieged Gaza City for weeks with heavy airstrikes and artillery, announced recently that it was preparing an operation to take control of the city. 

Israeli police forcibly take away a demonstrator from a protest calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, near the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on Aug. 30, 2025.

Israel's military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Friday that the Israeli military has begun the preliminary operations and initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and is operating with great intensity on the outskirts of the city. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

People attend a protest calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, near the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on Aug. 30, 2025.

Israel's military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Friday that the Israeli military has begun the preliminary operations and initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and is operating with great intensity on the outskirts of the city. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)
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The absurd case against Begona Gomez, PM Pedro Sanchez's wife, lurched forward last week, when a judge charged her with embezzlement of public funds. The money in question paid the state salary of Gomez's personal assistant, Cristina Alvarez, who was appointed in 2018. Gomez is charged with having Alvarez perform duties related to her job as a director at Madrid's Complutense university, as well as to her responsibilities as the prime minister's wife. Both women have been summoned to testify before the judge in September.

I flirted with the idea of becoming a barrister in my late twenties, and completed several internships at some of London's leading criminal chambers. I still find it instructive to imagine how one could argue both sides of a case; and in this instance, it would be easy to combat the latest addition to Gomez's flimsy indictment (which also features corruption and influence peddling).

Let's say that Alvarez sometimes performed duties that furthered Gomez's business activities, rather than helped with her personal duties as Sanchez's spouse. Say, for example, that she had to rearrange, via email, one of Gomez's meetings at the university so that she could attend an event with her husband. Or perhaps Alvarez filed some university documents at the end of a busy day, because her boss had to rush off to a dinner at Moncloa. Are these examples of state or private work?

The point is, of course, that there's no meaningful difference - certainly not one substantial enough to prosecute on. Once someone is hired as someone else's personal assistant, any duties that make their employer's life run more smoothly are within their professional remit.

The case against Gomez seems to be an attempt to discredit Sanchez - although his own party is doing a good job of that. Politicians' family members are fair game in Spanish politics: Sanchez's brother David is also due to stand trial for corruption as Badajoz province's director of performing arts, a position which was reportedly created for him; and both the brother and romantic partner of Madrid's Conservative president Isabel Ayuso have been investigated for fraud (although all of these cases seem to rest on stronger evidence than that brought against Gomez). If you can't accuse your enemy directly of corruption, taint them by association - that's the tactic.

There's something wonderfully ironic about the fact that the new charge against Gomez is of misdirecting state resources. Arguably, the judge's decision to proceed with such a poorly substantiated case is a waste of public funds. And surely the salaries of personal assistants such as Alvarez could be better spent elsewhere? If prime ministers' spouses managed their own calendars, show trials like this could be avoided.
Alfonso Torices Madrid Friday, 29 August 2025, 09:40 | Updated 09:46h. Share

The end of August seems likely to coincide with the end of the wave of wildfires that has been raging in Spain for the last three weeks, with the largest amount of forests, meadows and woodland burnt in the last 31 years. This, at least, is the view of the group of experts and government policy-makers who daily evaluate the progress of the major fires in order to assign state and European troops and resources to the areas with the highest risk fires.

Its coordinator, the director general of civil protection, said today that she sees the end of this nightmare near and said that the 24 hours between Thursday and Friday "can be definitive". Virginia Barcones believes that if the emergency devices deployed in Galicia, Castilla y Leon and Asturias are able to consolidate on Thursday the great advances against the flames achieved the day before, "this tragic episode can be definitively settled". She said that a window of opportunity opened on Wednesday, with a sharp drop in temperatures and a large increase in humidity, which continued on Thursday, but which will change on Friday. Now is the time, she stressed, to consolidate the improvement so that "there is no turning back". Her optimism was shared by her counterpart in Castilla y Leon, Irene Cortes, who said that we seem to be seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Both, however, asked everyone, technicians and citizens, not to lower their guard, because the forestry situation and the weather are still at extreme risk.

The fact is that the turnaround in the situation between Tuesday and Thursday was remarkable. The firefighting teams managed to contain and stabilise six of the large fires burning in the northwest: in Galicia, for the first time in more than three weeks, since before the start of the outbreak of the wave of blazes, not a single fire remained active; in Castilla y Leon there were only two villages evacuated. The road closures, usually more than a dozen, were reduced to three, while the UME, Spain's emergency military unit deployed on the front line of any major fire, was only called upon in six cases.

The only major fire of concern in the whole country today is the one in Fasgar in Leon, which is still raging and out of control for 21 days

The only concern in this radical turn of events was the Fasgar fire in Leon, the super-fire that has been devastating thousands of hectares of the Bierzo region for 21 days, since the very day the wave of fires began. It is a violent and explosive fire that has not been controlled at any time, with constant reactivations, in which three highly adverse factors for its extinction have come together: extremely dry vegetation, very steep terrain that is extremely difficult to tackle from the ground, and frequent gusts of wind. According to Barcones, it is the fire of greatest concern and the only one in the country with an unfavourable progression.

In contrast, the general situation in Castilla y Leon is much improved. Two of the four major fires, the Anllares del Sil and Garano fires in Leon, have been contained and stabilised; and the Porto fire, which encircled the Sanabria region of Zamora, is still burning, but it is progressing favourably and, if there are no new outbreaks, is on the way to being contained. The stabilisation of the Anllares fire is symbolic, as it was 21 days old. The result of the clear progress is that in Zamora not a single village was evacuated and in Leon the figure was reduced to two localities and 39 residents, when the average of the wave was between 2,000 and 3,500 evacuees per day, with peaks of up to 10,000.

Perpetrator of six fires

In Galicia the word is turnaround. The region, which has broken all annual records for major wildfires and scorched land this month, with 115,000 hectares burned  12 per cent of the province of Ourense  was today left without a single active fire. On the same day, the two major blazes in Lugo (A Pobra do Brollon and A Fonsagrada) and the two in Ourense (Avion and Carballeda de Valdeorras) were brought under control, the latter having burned for eleven days.

Asturias added to the general good news on Thursday with the stabilisation of three of the four forest fires in its territory and progress in the work to contain the San Antolin de Ibias fire, which appears to be on the way to stabilisation.

While the control of the flames was spreading in the northwest, the Guardia Civil announced the imprisonment by the examining magistrate of a resident of Malaga who was arrested this week as the alleged perpetrator of six fires set this month in Mijas, Ojen, Alhaurin de la Torre and Alhaurin el Grande. The security forces have brought 193 suspected arsonists before a judge this summer.
The Guardia Civil are investigating the origin of one of the fires that devastated Castilla y Leon this summer.

Oscar F. Civieta Zamora Friday, 29 August 2025, 11:57 Share

It is estimated that the forest fires that have been raging in Spain's Castilla y Leon region for the last three weeks have already burned some 150,000 hectares so far. The handling of the incident has provoked fierce criticism of the regional government of Castilla y Leon and also cross-reproaches between the Partido Popular (which is in charge of most of the affected regions) and the PSOE (the state government) parties.

In the midst of this dispute, leader of the PP Alberto Nunez Feijoo presented a plan of 50 measures against wildfires, including "creating a national register of pyromaniacs to identify those convicted of fires and imposing telematic bracelets, especially during the months of greatest danger of forest fires".

But are pyromaniacs really the ones who set fire to the forests of Castilla y Leon and the rest of Spain? According to the statistics of the Ministry of the Interior, in 2023, the Guardia Civil were aware of 2,944 forest fires. Of them, 1,977 (67%) were due to unknown causes, 281 (10%) due to negligence, 241 (8%) due to natural causes, 220 (7%) due to accidental causes and 225 (8%) were intentional, which does not always mean that they were caused by pyromaniacs.

So far, in this wave of fires in 2025, the Guardia Civil have arrested three suspects and investigated three others. Will they match the statistics?

Cuevas del Valle, Mombeltran and El Arenal: intentional to find work

On 12 August, the Guardia Civil arrested a man for reportedly starting a forest fire that devastated around 2,200 hectares in the municipalities of Cuevas del Valle, Mombeltran and El Arenal (Avila).

The technical-ocular inspection by the nature protection service of the Guardia Civil (Seprona), carried out together with the forest fire investigation brigade (BIIF) of the regional government of Castilla y Leon, revealed clear signs of intentionality.

The police investigations focused on a man that the Guardia Civil identified on 31 July, while he was on his way to Cuevas del Valle. When he noticed the police, he performed evasive manoeuvres. After gathering sufficient evidence, the police took a statement from the man, until he finally confessed to having caused the fire.

Investigations suggest that the motivation could be linked to employment interests , given that the detainee had previously worked in firefighting campaigns and that he obtained a job ten days after the fire had started.

Filiel-Lucillo: recklessness

On 13 August, the Roca team of the Guardia Civil in Leon reported that a man was being investigated as the presumed perpetrator of a forest fire, allegedly caused by recklessness. The flames damaged two hectares in the Filiel-Lucillo (Leon) area.

Puercas: recklessness

The fire in Puercas started on 11 August and caused the eviction of the villages of Puercas, Ferreruela de Tabara, Losacio, Abejera, Riofrio de Aliste, Bercianos, Sesnandez and Sarracin de Aliste. Five people were injured, all in Abejera.

The investigation established that the fire had started on a private plot of land used as an illegal waste deposit.

The cause was combustion due to the "magnifying glass effect" produced by the weather conditions in the days prior to the fire. The arrested person was a resident of a close by town.

Castropodame: recklessness

The Seprona and Pacprona teams in Leon announced on 18 August that a 69-year-old man from Ponferrada (Leon) had been investigated as the alleged perpetrator of a forest fire started on 10 August in the vicinity of Almazcara and Villaverde de los Cestos, in the municipality of Castropodame (Leon). It is believed that he had accidentally set the fire by recklessly clearing grassland.

Quintanilla de Justel: recklessness

On 7 August, the Guardia Civil received an alert about a possible fire in the municipality of Justel (Zamora), with the suspicion that there were several starting points.

Seprona's investigation discovered that a resident of the town of Quintanilla de Justel, who was driving towards the town of Justel, had been emitting incandescent waste through the exhaust pipe of the combustion engine of the agricultural vehicle he was using.

As a result of the fire, a total of 0.03 hectares of forest land were burned. The investigation concluded that it could have been a tractor in operation which, at some point, left the area without notifying the firefighting services, the police or the emergency services. A resident of the area of La Carballeda is under investigation.

Molinaseca: recklessness

The last person arrested is the alleged perpetrator of the fire that broke out on 24 August in Molinaseca (Leon). His arrest took place only one day later, on 25 August.

The investigators verified that the origin of the fire could be a bonfire made for cooking by the 75-year-old detainee.
Frankie Muniz is currently on the mend this week after suffering from a distal radius fracture, or broken wrist.

The Malcolm in the Middle star shared the unfortunate news on Facebook on Thursday, announcing that he would be unable to race this weekend at NASCARs Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, as well as for the next few races.

The phrase FML (Frankie Munizs Life) takes on new meaning with moments like these, Muniz humorously began his post.

He then detailed how he sustained his injury, writing: I fell from the top of a ladder while changing the batteries in a Ring camera in my backyard. Note to self: heed the ladder warning that says, Do not sit or stand on top step.

Muniz added that he was gutted to miss the races and expressed sympathy for his team amid his absence, who he said poured their hearts into this season.

He further added that his recovery is expected to take six to eight weeks, but that he will be back in the drivers seat as soon as Im cleared.

Muniz, who played the titular character on Malcolm in the Middle from 2000 to 2006, began racing around the same time.

According to Grassroots Motorsports, his first race was the 2004 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the Long Beach Grand Prix, where he came in seventh place. The following year, he finished first in the celebrity portion.

He continued to enter races and establish himself, but after a wrist injury in 2009, he began to slow down. Muniz then took a decade-long break from racing altogether. In 2022, he made a major comeback to the racetrack, and just this year, he became a full-time NASCAR driver.

Although Muniz left Hollywood years ago, he hasnt completely turned his back on acting. He is set to reprise his role as Malcolm in the upcoming Malcom in the Middle reboot.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A civilian U.S. Department of Defense employee based in Central New York was involved in a multi-year bid-rigging scheme to steer military contracts to a Utah company in exchange for kickbacks, according to federal prosecutors.

The employee, a senior computer scientist at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, got more than $150,000 in items for personal use, including home renovation tools, tool bags and various Apple products, prosecutors said in court papers filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.

The Utah company signed on a company owned by a family member of the defense employee as a subcontractor, prosecutors said. It additionally hired the employees spouse as a consultant and paid them $60,400.

The Central New York defense employees role in the scheme was revealed this week when a U.S. Navy official admitted to his part in the bid rigging.

The Navy official, Cho Y. Chang, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in federal court in Syracuse to a single count of conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud.

Chang, a section head at the U.S. Naval Laboratory in Washington, faces a maximum of five years in prison.

Prosecutors did not name the Central New York defense employee in court papers. The employee  listed as a co-conspirator in court papers  appears to not be facing any charges at this time.

The scheme is described in detail in a plea and cooperation agreement reached between Chang and federal prosecutors.

Chang received hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel reimbursements, as well as thousands more in personal items such as Apple iPhones and airline club memberships, prosecutors said.

Chang began working in 2022 to award contracts to the Utah company, which prosecutors did not name in court papers.

It received an $8.4 million contract in August 2022 and another the following year worth $39.5 million. It was set to receive a $98 million contract last year before the bid was suspended.

Prosecutors did not describe what services the Utah company was contracted to provide.

Changs jet-setting began months after the first contract was awarded.

Chang sent a reimbursement request in February 2023 for a one-week trip he and a government employee apparently took from Washington, D.C. to California and Hawaii.

The $21,060 trip in first class was actually with his spouse.

Another trip to Hawaii with his spouse, this time for $8,782, followed three months later.

On nearly two dozen trips, Chang double-dipped by also requesting reimbursement through an official government travel system.

Chang was allegedly working with two co-conspirators  an official at the Utah company and the defense employee based in Central New York.

The official at the Utah company apparently was well-known to Chang. They were a friend and former co-worker who was now in charge of the companys business development.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
An Upstate New York man has pleaded guilty after threatening to kill President Joe Biden.

Troy Kelly, 20, of Crown Point in Essex County, plead guilty Thursday to one count of a three-count indictment charging threats against the President of the United States, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of New York.

Kelly admitted that in May 2024 he responded to a social media post of Biden, telling the then-president that he was Gonna put a bullet in your head if I ever catch you. He also admitted that he intended the message to be understood as a threat.

We all witnessed the horrible attempt on President Trumps life last July, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. Threatening to kill the Presidentany President: Republican, Democrat, or otherwiseis not First Amendment protected speech, it is illegal. My office takes threats against any public official seriously, and the conviction of Troy Kelly is a prime example. I thank the Secret Service, HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), and the New York State Police for their work on this investigation.

Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 22, 2025. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, and may also be required to serve a post-imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years and he may be fined up to $250,000. Due to his felony conviction, Kelly will also be prohibited from owning firearms.

Kelly, who was 19 at the time of the threat, was arrested in June 2024. A Secret Service investigation determined he was the user of the X (formerly Twitter) account that posted the threat, and allegedly confirmed in an interview that he still wanted to kill Biden.

If I could, I would, Kelly told the Secret Service agent, according to the criminal complaint.

Crown Point is located in the Adirondacks region, about 100 miles north of Albany.
Geddes, N.Y.  Day 9 of the New York State Fair brought in over 65,000 fairgoers for Armed Forces Day, Dairy Day and Stomp Out Stigma Day.

In total, 65,419 people walked through the gates, according to fair officials. Since the 2025 fair started, 557,043 people have attended.

On Thursday, visitors cheered on the annual Undeniably Dairy Shake-Off Milkshake Contest. The day wrapped up with a triple bill of concerts: Tom Nitti & Ashley Bryant at Chevy Court, Maddie & Tae in the evening, and rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, who drew an estimated 33,000 fans to Suburban Park.

Day 10 of the fair will celebrate Native American Day, a day dedicated to honoring the rich culture and heritage of Native American communities.

Festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with the raising of the Hiawatha Belt Flag. All members of Native American tribes will receive free admissionno ID required.

There will also be a hay bale throwing competition beginning at 12:30 p.m. and free fishing throughout the afternoon at the at the pond in the Experience Area near Suburban Park.
TAIPEI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 people from various sectors of Taiwan society attended a symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Taipei on Friday.

The participants, including senior politicians and scholars, emphasized the importance of bearing in mind the history of the resistance war, and called for continued efforts in pursuit of national dignity.

Eric Chu, chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, said at the symposium that the victory in the war against Japanese aggression and the recovery of Taiwan after a difficult struggle were significant moments in human history.

"This history should never be forgotten, but instead correctly understood and passed down," he added.

Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the KMT, criticized the current Taiwan leader, Lai Ching-te, for using the term "end of war" instead of "war of resistance" to pander to Japan, stressing that this is unfair to the predecessors who resisted invasion on the island.

He added that the Democratic Progressive Party authorities led by Lai are unwilling to properly acknowledge the history of victory in the war against Japanese aggression and the restoration of Taiwan.

Kuan Chung-ming, former president of Taiwan University, noted that since Japan began its colonial rule of Taiwan in 1895, the resistance of local people had never stopped, and many people returned to the mainland to participate in the resistance war.

Therefore, the history of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is also part of the history of Taiwan people, he said. 
Chinese tech giant Huawei has introduced its second-generation Mate XT, the popular tri-fold smartphone.

Huawei Teases 2nd-Gen Mate XT Tri-Fold Phone

A new teaser shared by Huawei on Weibo (via 9to5Google) introduces its next-generation Mate XT tri-fold smartphone almost a year after its first version debuted.

The new Mate XT keeps the same design profile as the original tri-fold smartphone from last year, with the octagon frame on its camera module featuring a four-lens setup, the same book-style folding style, and body.

However, the new thing Huawei has introduced is the addition of a color, a white and gold option alongside the original red and gold, and black.

Additionally, the report claims that a previous teaser from Huawei earlier this year confirms that the Mate XT is also getting stylus support for the device, but based on the image, this would not be integrated into it.

It has yet to been confirmed as of press time if the stylus will be sold separately or as part of a package.

Mate XT Pre-Orders Now Live: US Availability?

Huawei has also opened the pre-orders for the new Mate XT in China. However, it still will not be available to purchase directly in the United States.

Huawei has also set the date for the new Mate XT's showcase event for September 4.

Tri-Fold Smartphones Are on the Rise

The world's first commercially available tri-fold smartphone came from Huawei, and the Chinese tech company's innovation towards foldables first debuted in the fall of last year.

A premium device that had a starting price of $2,800, it garnered significant attention as the Mate XT saw its pre-orders peak at 3.6 million, leading to speculations that it may overshadow other releases like the Apple iPhone 16.

That being said, one of Huawei's largest competitors in the foldable market, Korea's Samsung, has officially confirmed that it is working on a tri-fold smartphone, which was teased directly by executive TM Roh.

The Samsung executive did not dive into the details of the new foldable device, but he stated that this device is scheduled to debut before the year ends.

Infinix has likewise introduced its take on the device, with the concept of its Zero Series Mini Tri-Fold phone offering a different approach as it unfolds vertically rather than the usual horizontal expansion.
HANOI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese citizens will receive 100,000 Vietnamese dong (about 3.79 U.S. dollars) as a cash gift on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Day, Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday.

Under the official dispatch issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday, the commemorative gift will be distributed ahead of Sept. 2, the National Day of Vietnam. Citizens will receive the money either via bank transfer or direct delivery.

According to statistics in early 2025, Vietnam's population is more than 101.1 million. 
Press Release from Business Wire: Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation



(AFP) Aug 29, 2025



TOKYO, Aug 29, 2025 (BSW) - Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation (President CEO: Toshihiko Hamada) will unify the brand logo for its industrial gas business globally and implement the change in stages.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828253560/en/







Until now, our group has operated industrial gas businesses worldwide using the same symbol mark, while adapting to each region. To further enhance recognition and understanding of our group as a unified entity among a broad range of stakeholders, and to maximize corporate value and achieve sustainable growth, we have decided to unify the brand for our industrial gas businesses as "NIPPON SANSO" and standardize the brand logo globally.

Moving forward, we will continue striving to be a trusted company for all stakeholders as a globally recognized brand.

*Please note that Thermos Group, which operates the consumer household goods business within our group, will not change its brand logo.

*The logo change at Nippon Sanso Holdings and each group company will be implemented in stages, so both new and old logos may be seen together for a certain period. We appreciate your understanding.

-0- *T The Nippon Sanso Holdings Group is the world's fourth-largest supplier of industrial, electronic, and medical gases, operating in four geographic regions - Japan, U.S., Europe and Asia & Oceania - covering over 30 countries and regions. In addition, the Thermos business supplies THERMOS branded products to more than 120 countries worldwide. Since its foundation as Nippon Sanso Ltd. in 1910, the group stands for creating social value through innovative gas solutions that increase industrial productivity, enhance human well-being and contribute to a more sustainable future. With more than 19,000 employees, together, we are "The Gas Professionals" and we all have the same goal: "Making life better through gas technology"*T

-0- *T Important Notice - Trading of Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation Common Stock, Disclaimer Regarding Unsponsored American Depository Receipts Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation ("NSHD") encourages anyone interested in buying or selling its common stock to do so on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, which is where its common stock is listed and primarily trades. NSHD's disclosures are not intended to facilitate trades in, and should not be relied on for decisions to trade, unsponsored American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"). NSHD has not and does not participate in, support, encourage, or otherwise consent to the creation of any unsponsored ADR programs or the issuance or trading of any ADRs issued thereunder in respect of its common stock. NSHD does not represent to any ADR holder, bank or depositary institution, nor should any such person or entity form the belief, that (i) NSHD has any reporting obligations within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") or (ii) NSHD's website will contain on an ongoing basis all information necessary for NSHD to maintain an exemption from registering its common stock under the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) thereunder. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, NSHD and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility or liability to ADR holders, banks, depositary institutions, or any other entities or individuals in connection with any unsponsored ADRs representing its common stock.*T









View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250828253560/en/









Contact

NIPPON SANSO HOLDINGS CorporationPublic Relations [email protected]







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Fight to save last forests of the Comoros unites farmers and NGOs



Mutsamudu, Comoros, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Strips of bare land scar the lush and green mountainsides towering above Mutsamudu, the capital of the Indian Ocean island of Anjouan.

On the most mountainous and densely populated island in the Comoros, only the most remote forests have escaped decades of deforestation -- ravages which several NGOs are now trying to repair.

"We lost 80 percent of our natural forests between 1995 and 2014," Abubakar Ben Mahmoud, environment minister of the country off northern Mozambique, told AFP.

The clearing of the forest for cultivation has compounded damage caused by the production of ylang-ylang essential oil, used in luxury perfumes, and the manufacture of traditional carved wooden doors for which the island is renowned.

With a high population density of more than 700 residents per square kilometre, "deforestation has been intensified as farmers are looking for arable land," the minister said.

The brown and barren patches on the slopes are starkly visible from the headquarters of Dahari, a leading organisation in the fight against deforestation, based in the hills of Mutsamudu.

The NGO last year launched a reforestation programme, working hand-in-hand with local farmers who are called "water guardians".

Under a five-year conservation contract, the farmers commit to replanting their land or leaving it fallow in exchange for financial compensation, said one of the project's managers, Misbahou Mohamed.

The first phase has included 30 farmers, with compensation paid out after inspection of the plots.



- Perfume and smoke -



Another significant contributor to deforestation on Anjouan, the ylang-ylang essential oil industry, has in recent years heeded calls to limit its impact.

The Comoros is among the world's top producers of the delicate and sweet-smelling yellow flower, prized for its supposed relaxing properties and widely used in perfumes like the famous Chanel No 5.

The production of ylang-ylang, vanilla and cloves makes up a large part of the archipelago's agricultural output, which represents a third of its GDP.

The country has around 10,000 ylang-ylang producers, most based on Anjouan, according to a report commissioned by the French Development Agency for a project to support Comoran agricultural exports.

Burning wood is the cheapest source of fuel for the distillation process, the report highlighted, with 250 kilos (550 pounds) needed to produce one litre of essential oil.

Some producers are trying to limit their use of wood, such as Mohamed Mahamoud, 67, who said he halved consumption by upgrading his equipment.

"I now use third-generation stainless steel alembics, with an improved oven equipped with doors and chimneys," said Mahamoud, who has grown and distilled ylang-ylang near the town of Bambao Mtsanga for nearly 45 years.

To avoid encroaching on the forest, most of his wood now comes from mango and breadfruit trees he grows himself.



- Drying rivers -



Some producers have in recent years switched to crude oil to fuel their stills.

But that costs twice as much wood, said one ylang-ylang exporter, who asked to remain anonymous.

And high electricity prices in Comoros mean that using electrical energy would cost 10 times more, "not to mention the long periods of power cuts", he said.

Part of the drive to reduce wood consumption comes from an alarming observation: not only is deforestation stripping Anjouan's mountains, it is also drying up its rivers.

Forests are essential for "the infiltration of water that feeds rivers and aquifers... like a sponge that retains water and releases it gradually", said hydroclimatologist Abdoul Oubeidillah.

"In 1925, there were 50 rivers with a strong year-round flow of water," said Bastoini Chaambani, from the environmental protection NGO Dayima. "Today, there are fewer than 10 rivers that flow continuously."

The Comoros government has meanwhile announced it also intends to take part in reforestation efforts.

"We will do everything we can to save what little forest we have left," said the environment minister.
Evicted from their forests, Kenyan hunter-gatherers fight for rights



Narok, Kenya, Aug 29 (AFP) Aug 29, 2025



Fred Ngusilo stooped to pick up a leather pouch, once used to collect honey, and a discarded shoe from the Mau Forest floor, painful reminders that his hunter-gatherer community once flourished in southern Kenya, before they were evicted and their homes destroyed.

Ngusilo belongs to the Ogiek group, which is among the last hunter-gatherer communities in Africa and one of the most marginalised in Kenya.

He described how their ancestral lands were seized by the government in the name of conservation at the end of 2023, when men armed with hammers and axes suddenly appeared, violently evicting them from their homes.

"When I come here, I'm so sad. Tears are coming out of my eyes," Ngusilo said, looking at the remains of his father and grandfather's house.

Bees buzz behind the 38-year-old human rights activist, and some of his community peacefully weave their cattle through the trees -- despite a ban on livestock, brutally enforced by Kenyan Forestry Service (KFS) rangers.

In December, a herder drowned while fleeing from the rangers, Ngusilo said.

The calm of the Mau Forest contrasts with stories of decades of persecution and dispossession recounted by its indigenous people -- all in the name of conservation.

The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR) ruled in 2017 and 2022 that the evictions were illegal, ordering Nairobi to pay reparations equivalent to more than $1 million and to recognise their ancestral lands.

But Kenya has still not complied.



- 'We are suffering greatly' -



Deprived of their livelihoods, they recount a difficult daily existence that is slowly but surely destroying their traditions and their language.

"Before, in the forest, we could survive -- eat honey, hunt, live," Ngusilo's grandmother, Janet Sumpet Ngusilo, 87, said.

"Now, out here, we are suffering greatly."

At a festival earlier this month, hundreds of community members rallied to keep the ceremonies and traditional songs alive, but also to remember what they have lost.

"I survived on meat and honey. Young people today don't know that life," said Salaton Nadumwangop, describing how he would sleep beneath the trees.

"The forest is our life," the 55-year-old Nadumwangop, dressed in traditional costume and a fur hat pinned with beads evoking bees, told AFP.



- Existential threat -



A government representative at the festival, Josphat Lodeya, promised the verdicts of the AfCHPR court would be implemented.

Lodeya, who heads the department for minorities and marginalised people, said the government was doing what it should.

"It is the same thing I have heard many times, so let us wait and see," said Daniel Kobei, head of the Ogiek People's Development Program.

But despite the assurances, which the crowd clung to hopefully, Nadumwangop said the Ogiek -- whom he described as a "small people" -- knew they lacked power.

"Even if we try to vote, they consider us worthless. So they despise us," he said.

Ngusilo believes the authorities are "trying to sell us out", saying that he would die to return home.

During a visit to his family home earlier that week, AFP reporters witnessed him receive multiple calls from what he said were KFS rangers, threatening to arrest him for being there.

KFS could not be reached by AFP for comment by publication.

More than 20 percent of the Mau have disappeared since the 1980s, according to various studies, with rights groups and elders accusing rapacious local officials.

Several community members have also alleged that carbon credit projects were behind the evictions at the end of 2023.

These allegations are difficult to prove, although several lawyers and observers consider them plausible.

For Nadumwangop, he remains worried about his people's future.

"If things continue like this, the Ogiek will disappear. We will be completely lost."
Workers transport cargos at Ezhou Huahu International Airport in Ezhou, central China's Hubei Province, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

WUHAN, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's first cargo-focused airport, which was officially put into operation in July 2022, is rapidly emerging as an international air freight hub with burgeoning cross-border trade, benefiting people at all ends of its routes.

This week, When Xinhua reporters visited a cargo terminal at Ezhou Huahu International Airport in the city of Ezhou, central China's Hubei Province, over 9 tonnes of crabs from Kolkata, India, were just loaded onto trucks, ready to be shipped to eastern Chinese cities. The whole turnaround process took just two hours.

"Imported fresh goods such as durians, crabs, lobsters and salmon can be unloaded and arrive on consumers' tables in as short a time as half a day," said Liu Chenlu, a manager of the cargo terminal.

With a well-developed air route network and streamlined customs procedures, the airport is now an important gateway for high-quality international products like fresh foods and electronics components to enter the Chinese market.

Ezhou Huahu International Airport has executed over 60,000 cargo flights and completed a cargo and mail throughput of over two million tonnes so far.

In 2025, it launched 15 international cargo routes, including those to Paris, Oslo and Copenhagen, bringing its total to 45 and facilitating the country's imports and exports.

The airport's rapid development is spurring the growth of the local cross-border e-commerce industry.

Not far from the airport, at China (Ezhou) Cross-border E-commerce Industrial Park, livestreamers promote products in both English and Chinese from morning till night, bringing goods like toys, festival decorations and baby strollers to consumers worldwide.

As one of the livestreamers in the park, Abdullah, a Pakistani national, sells small drones to the United States. The goods can be delivered to most consumers within a week thanks to the frequent international cargo flights of the airport.

Qian Ling, head of the international trade company Abdullah works with, said that Ezhou's unique advantages in air freight are attractive for enterprises. "With the nearby airport, the transport efficiency for cargo imports and exports has greatly improved. And at the industrial park, we can find almost all the resources we need."

Since the park opened in April this year, a total of 258 cross-border e-commerce enterprises have registered there, generating a trade volume of 310 million U.S. dollars to date.

"Our workplace is almost full now and we'll start to build new office buildings soon," said Bi Wei, manager of the industrial park.

Notably, the site offers free, hands-on training in account operations and video production. By now, over 600 people from Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangxi and many other provincial-level regions have undertaken this training.

"Cross-border e-commerce is where the opportunities are. I hope to bring Ezhou's experience back to my hometown, and to enable more people to enjoy our specialties," said Yang Yabin, an entrepreneur from Xinjiang.

Hong Yong, associate researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, noted that leveraging the global logistics network of the airport, Ezhou has established an integrated way to combine cross-border e-commerce, industrial clusters, and airport economy.

"It provides an example of economic growth for other Chinese inland areas," said Hong. 

Abdullah (L) promotes drones via livestreaming at China (Ezhou) Cross-border E-commerce Industrial Park in Ezhou, central China's Hubei Province, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)
THE HAGUE/LJUBLJANA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- European countries including the Netherlands, Sweden and Slovenia have called on the European Union (EU) to increase pressure on Israel and take stronger action regarding the Gaza situation.

Citing an "intolerable" humanitarian crisis in Gaza and settlement expansion in the West Bank, the Netherlands and Sweden have urged fellow EU member states to increase pressure on Israel.

In a letter dated on Aug. 27 to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Dutch Foreign Minister Ruben Brekelmans and his Swedish counterpart Maria Malmer Stenergard said "more needs to be done to ramp up pressure on the Israeli government to change its course and to meet its obligations according to international law."

The ministers proposed sanctions against violent settlers in the West Bank and "extremist Israeli ministers" who "promote illegal settlement activities, and actively work against a negotiated two-state solution."

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely disturbing and intolerable. The civilian suffering is beyond words," the letter said, adding that aid distribution must be allowed throughout Gaza.

It also cited Israel's Aug. 8 decision to expand its military offensive in Gaza, warning this could lead to "large-scale displacement of civilians into ever-smaller enclaves."

On Thursday, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said Europe risked losing global influence if it failed to adjust its approach.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon described the conflict in Gaza as genocide, stressing that unresolved issues only return "in an even bloodier form."

In June 2024, Slovenia recognized the State of Palestine. In July this year, Slovenia prohibited imports of products from Israeli settlements, alongside restrictions on the export, import and transit of weapons to and from Israel.

Meanwhile, Slovenia declared Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich personae non gratae, citing violations of Palestinian human rights. 
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Julia Roberts has defended criticism of her new film, After the Hunt, following claims it sheds a harmful light on allegations of sexual assualt.

The actress, speaking at the Venice Film Festival on Friday, denied that its ambiguous handling of a campus sexual assault allegation was politically incorrect.

Roberts plays Alma Olsson, a Yale philosophy professor whose life is upended when her longtime friend and colleague is accused by one of her favourite students of sexual assault.

The drama, directed by Italy's Luca Guadagnino and also starring Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, probes how supposedly liberal academics wrestle with questions of loyalty, power and identity when confronted with generational fault lines.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening, Roberts pushed back on suggestions the film risked echoing cultural patterns that cast suspicion on survivors, particularly Black women, while preserving ambiguity around males accused of assault.

Roberts said the film challenges people to have a conversation ( Yannis Drakoulidis/Amazon MGM Studios via AP )

"We're not making statements, we are portraying these people in these moments of time," Roberts said.

"We are challenging people to have a conversation and to be excited by that or to be infuriated by that. It's up to you ... if making this movie does anything, getting everybody to talk to each other is the most exciting thing."

The Hollywood star, who won an Oscar in 2001 for Erin Brockovich, said she relished the chance to play a conflicted, compromised character, like Olsson, who is addicted to painkillers and struggles to respond to the assault allegation.

"Trouble is where the juicy stuff is, right? ... It's like dominoes of conflict. Once one falls, suddenly everywhere you turn there's some new piece of challenge. And that's what makes it worth getting up and going to work in the morning," she said.

Guadagnino said the film was about the collision of competing perspectives rather than offering a clear moral verdict. "Everyone has their own truth. It's not that one truth is more important than another," he said.

He added that he also saw the film as a portrayal of the pursuit of power, with Roberts's character seeking career advancement within the politically fraught atmosphere of Yale.

"When I see the ambition of wanting something beyond other people, Im quite interested, because it's a damnation," Guadagnino said, adding he just wanted "tranquillity".

His work ethic is anything but tranquil as he continues to pump out big-name pictures at the rate of almost one a year.

Last year he presented Queer"with Daniel Craig at Venice and in 2022 showcased Bones & All with Timothee Chalamet at the Lido. His film Challengers had been scheduled to open the 2023 festival but was withdrawn during the actors' strike
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George Clooneys performance in his forthcoming film, Jay Kelly, has seen the Hollywood star tipped for an Oscar nomination after the movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday (28 August).

The film follows 64-year-old Clooney in the title role of an ageing actor who travels through Europe with his longtime manager Ron Sukenick (Adam Sandler), while reflecting on their life choices.

Early reviews of the film have been largely positive, with The Times calling it the actors best performance ever.

He might even win an Oscar, the critic suggested.

In a five-star review, The Telegraph dubbed the movie a mid-life crisis masterpiece, praising the terrifically smart script by Noah Baumbach and Emily Mortimer.

The film received a thunderous 10-minute standing ovation at Venice. Sandlers performance has also garnered praise and Oscars buzz, according to IndieWire.

open image in gallery George Clooney stars as Jay Kelly in his new film ( Netflix )

Clooney has won two Academy Awards, for Best Picture for Argo in 2013 and Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for Syriana, while also receiving a further six nominations during his career.

However, not everyone was impressed by his latest performance. The Guardian gave Jay Kelly a paltry one-star review, calling it a wildly sentimental and self-indulgent piece of cine-narcissism.

The Hollywood Reporter also gave the film a mixed reception, saying that although Sandler creates an intimacy, this was not backed by Clooneys performance. Witty and entertaining, wrote lead critic David Rooney but mid-tier Baumbach at best.

The Independents Geoffrey Macnab awarded Jay Kelly four stars as he celebrated Clooneys performance as one that blurs the line between the actor and his character.

Clooneys achievement is to make us care about a character who, at first glance, is such a superficial and self-obsessed figure, he wrote.

The actor resorts to his usual tricks: the smarmy smile, the ironic quip and the false bonhomie. For once, though, the self-deprecating charm soon wears off and everybody begins to see through him. He needs to dye his hair and eyebrows, and you can see his wrinkles, too.

open image in gallery Adam Sandler plays the actors manager and has also received praise for his performance ( Netflix )

Clooney has been absent from much of the promotional work surrounding the movie due to a sinus infection. However, he was present at the premiere along with the rest of the cast.

Happy Gilmore star Sandler described the script as a gift during the official press conference at Venice Film Festival.

Ive done two movies with Noah, and I could not be more proud to be in the feeling it gives you, he said. He knows how to do everything, and then he finds places to make you laugh. All our characters give you a moment to laugh and feel pain.

As an actor, when you read a script like this you say, Holy s***, I cant believe Im getting this gift.
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Rylan Clark has responded to a social media backlash he received after voicing his views on the UKs immigration policies while hosting This Morning.

The 36-year-old TV personality told his critics you can be pro immigration and against illegal routes after he said it was absolutely insane that asylum seekers are risking their lives to come to the UK.

Stop with this putting everyone in a box and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter, Clark wrote on Instagram hours after his opinion was condemned online.

You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. This list continues.

Speaking on This Morning on Wednesday (27 August), Clark had noted how doctors and nurses from other countries saved his mother Lindas life when she fell ill earlier this year.

Theyre living a great life, theyre paying into this tax system, theyre helping this country thrive, he said.

But he added that there is something wrong with the way refugees are welcomed. Heres the iPad. Heres the NHS in reception of your hotel. Heres three meals a day. Heres a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome, he said.

open image in gallery Rylan Clark has issued a statement following backlash to his immigration stance ( Instagram @rylan )

Rylan continued: "How can it be that if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and Ive left my passport in Spain, Ive got to stand at that airport and wont be let in. But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?

Hours after his comments caused debate on social media, Clark urged people to acknowledge a stance can have nuance.

Good Morning Britains Robert Rinder rushed to Clarks defence, saying he was proud of the presenter for making the statement.

Meanwhile, Drag Race star and musician Bimini responded to the statement saying that nobody is illegal and they fully support immigration and the right to seek asylum.

Ill always stand with people forced to cross borders in difficult ways, they said. And I believe those conversations should be had with compassion and respect, not fear.

open image in gallery Clark said it was absolutely insane asylum seekers were risking their lives to come to the UK during an episode of This Morning ( Good Morning Britain/ITV )

Clarks remarks come after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage this week unveiled radical plans for the mass deportation of asylum seekers 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.

On Wednesday, Farage insisted at a press conference in Broxburn, West Lothian that he had been very, very clear that the party was focused on illegal males and not even discussing women and children at this stage.

Pressed on whether he now meant women and children would be exempt, he said: I didnt say exempt forever, but at this stage its not part of our plan for the next five years.

Clark rose to fame on the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012. The following year, he appeared on and won the eleventh series of Celebrity Big Brother. He has gone on to present various television shows including This Morning, and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
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Cigarette filters were widely introduced in the 1950s, ostensibly to make smoking less harmful.

With growing public concern about lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases, the tobacco industry responded not by making cigarettes safer, but by making them seem safer. Filters were the perfect innovation  not for health, but for public relations.

Over 70 years later, we know that filters dont reduce harm. In fact, they may exacerbate some risks.

By softening smoke and making it easier to inhale deeply, filters may actually raise the risk of lung cancer.

In the early 1950s, one popular filter type even contained asbestos. Despite this, most smokers today still believe filters make cigarettes safer.

Beyond the health deception, cigarette filters create an environmental disaster. Theyre made of a plastic called cellulose acetate. They dont biodegrade but break down into microplastics, polluting our rivers and oceans.

open image in gallery By softening smoke and making it easier to inhale deeply, filters may actually raise the risk of lung cancer ( AFP/Getty )

And there are a lot of them. Cigarette butts are the single most littered item on the planet.

An estimated 4.5 trillion are discarded each year, and roughly 800,000 metric tonnes of this plastic waste enter the environment annually.

While legislation has restricted other single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws, cigarette filters have largely escaped such regulatory attention.

Under pressure, some tobacco companies now market biodegradable filters made from new materials. But these are a false solution.

Even so-called biodegradable filters offer no health benefit and continue to pollute ecosystems.

They serve the industry by creating an illusion of environmental responsibility, all while maintaining the false perception that filters themselves are benign or necessary.

So why not ban cigarette filters outright?

Cigarette filters are among the most harmful single-use plastics still in global circulation. And unlike many other pollutants, they serve no essential purpose. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control already advises against measures that sustain the perception of reduced harm, and cigarette filters fall squarely into that category.

Banning cigarette filters would remove the illusion of safety from filtered cigarettes. It could reduce smoking prevalence, as unfiltered cigarettes are generally harsher and less palatable.

open image in gallery Conservative MP Dame Caroline Dinenage recently called for a ban on plastic cigarette filters ( PA )

And it would eliminate one of the most widespread sources of plastic pollution, preventing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of plastic waste each year.

If we can ban plastic straws, surely we can ban cigarette filters. In fact, its already been done. Santa Cruz in California, voted to ban cigarette filters in 2024.

Now is the perfect time to act. Plastics are on the global conscience.

This month in Geneva, world leaders negotiated what could become the first legally binding UN treaty addressing plastic pollution from production to disposal. This treaty is a rare opportunity to tackle the root causes of plastic waste globally.

The current draft of the treaty includes cigarette filters, but only partially. Plastic cigarette filters are listed in Annex X, a category concerned with voluntary or mandatory restrictions. This leaves room for continued use, including so-called eco filters, and does not mandate a total phase-out.

open image in gallery Banning cigarette filters would remove the illusion of safety from filtered cigarettes ( Getty/iStock )

If all cigarette filters (not just plastic ones) were listed in Annex Y, they would be set for a complete and mandatory ban. August negotiations continued without a final agreement, and negotiations will continue at a later date, meaning there is still time to act.

Health and environmental groups, including the World Health Organization, Action on Smoking and Health, and the Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance, are calling for strong commitments on cigarette filters. What could be stronger than an outright ban?

Banning filters wont end smoking overnight or eliminate plastic pollution. But it would be a meaningful and symbolic step toward aligning environmental and public health goals.

It would remove a harmful and misleading product from the market, reduce pollution and make cigarettes more honest.

Jonathan Livingstone-Banks is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher in Evidence-Based Healthcare at the University of Oxford. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce is an Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Policy at UMass Amherst.

This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
Dan OConnell, the Radio X evening show DJ, has a cheerful Instagram page filled with clips from and promos for his show, but two weeks ago, he filmed himself in Selfridges, where he found a second-hand Prodigy T-shirt on sale for 995 and an original Oasis Definitely Maybe top for an eye-watering 1,280.

I had a 50 Selfridges voucher so I was wandering around looking at what I could get for that, he explains. I saw these two rails and the prices and thought  theyre just band T-shirts, whats going on here? It was the Prodigy T-shirt that caught my eye. Everyone had that. So I talked about it on the show because merch matters to our listeners and they were as shocked as me.

If only the Gallagher brothers had kept a few crates of old merch, they wouldnt have to go on tour. But Oasis arent even in the super top tier of vintage merch. On Etsy, you can find a Stone Roses top for 2,720, a Nineties Death Row Records shirt for 3,106, and a 1991 Nirvana Nevermind album cover tee for a cool 3,882. Hopefully its not been overworn, or itll need a blast of Teen Spirit to get rid of the smell.

If you read a certain weary bitterness in that last paragraph, dear reader, theres a good reason. I went to see Oasis at Earls Court in 1995 just after the release of (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

There was a merch stand there. Im pretty sure there were some Definitely Maybe tops alongside the Morning Glory tat. And you know what? I didnt buy anything.

All I have left over from my Nineties gig merch is a floppy long-sleeved Jesus Jones top for which there appears to be no market. And thats still with me by accident. Ive chucked away a Massive Attack T-shirt (at least 500!) and, less depressingly, a Blur T-shirt (Sorry Damon just 26). I just didnt expect them to be worth hundreds of pounds by the time I was getting concerned about my pension.

The world is awash with brand new Ramones, Nirvana and Motorhead T-shirts available from Primark, which makes an original one, with an original tag, not just attractive in its own right, but something carrying the authenticity that the bands themselves had, argues Andrew Harrison, group editor of Podmasters and former editor of Nineties music mag Select.

The 30-year rule of cool applies, which is why, in 1986, when I was just starting at university, Levis jeans were sold through Fifties ads using Stand by Me, and by the time I was working in the early Nineties, Britpop was bringing the Kinks back. So now its the Nineties that everyone wants to have a splinter of the True Cross.

open image in gallery Oasis fans with their band merch, circa 1996 ( Redferns/Getty )

The price bump, he argues, is twofold. Because music is free, the pie chart of where fans spend money has moved from three-quarters on actual vinyl or CDs and the remainder on other things to almost nothing on the music, so all the money goes on concert tickets and merch. But also

A huge factor here is clearly that they are being bought by the kind of more-money-than-sense herberts who shop at Selfridges and not your average, real music fan, Harrison sighs. Its symptomatic of the fact that people think they can buy anything now. Spending 1,280 to buy authenticity  how paradoxical is that?

The label on display in Selfridges is Not/Applicable, and its one of those I-wish-Id-thought-of-that-and-had-the-contacts businesses that Londoners specialised in when those T-shirts were made.

open image in gallery Your old Prodigy T-shirt could earn you enough to fund a nice summer getaway ( Selfridges )

Brit Natasha Advani cut her teeth as a buyer for stores like Harvey Nichols, most recently serving as head of menswear at Selfridges before moving to LA in 2016 and starting to trade in vintage clothing. She picked her moment  the fashion industry was reframing rock tees as luxury items, curated alongside high fashion and making them comparable to trainers or handbags as cultural investments. The price, she explains, has soared so fast that an LA store, H Lorenzo, which also stocks vintage Rolexes and Cartier watches, was selling her tees for more than the watches.

Its Gen Z and millennials driving the demand, treating these garments as a form of unattainable luxury, she explains. A 3,000 Nirvana tee or a rare 2Pac bootleg isnt just clothing; its cultural currency. Its a mix of provenance and scarcity  no one can make an original 1992 Nirvana shirt again by definition. Like gold, theres a limited supply. But unlike gold, its sustainable to sell second-hand fashion.

open image in gallery Concertgoers show off the obligatory band tees ahead of Oasiss reunion concert in Heaton Park, Manchester ( Getty )

In the US, she explains, its niche grunge and punk bands like Black Flag, Fugazi, Nirvana, and Alice in Chains, as well big names like Fugees, 2Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G., that have the 5,000 prices. In the UK, the appetite leans toward David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, and theres a surge of interest in Nineties acts like Oasis. If you are about to plunder your collection, take a look at eBay first  a 1992 Nirvana smiley tee is just 311. Only certain shirts get the big bucks.

In a happy codicil to the story, OConnell reports that some of his listeners have since done deals for their old band T-shirts. I had one woman who said she had a hand-printed Hare Krishna T-shirt made by George Harrison, and asked me to broker her selling it. I was like, Im really sorry, Im just a person who made an observation on the internet. I hope she made a bit of money but really, how are you going to price that?
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The New Hampshire woman who shot and killed her terminally-ill husband and two of her children before turning the gun on herself had been accused just days before the killings of stealing thousands of dollars from her employer.

Emily Long, 34, who worked as director of operations for Wing-Itz, reportedly stole about $600,000 from the company, according to her employer Derek Fisher.

Business owner Fisher filed a complaint with the Hampton police department on August 11. He said money began disappearing from the business in 2023, well before Longs husbands cancer diagnosis.

On August 18, Long carried out the tragic murder-suicide at the family's home in Madbury, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office.

It is unclear whether the alleged theft played any role in the deaths of Ryan Long, 48, and the couples children, Parker, 8, and Ryan, 6.

Im still kind of in shock, Fisher told WMUR. I dont really believe that this sort of thing could have happened or she was capable of doing something like that.

open image in gallery Emily Long shared a string of videos detailing her anxiety about the prospect of losing her husband and being a single mother of three ( @emilylong41/TikTok )

The alleged theft was discovered in June when Fisher said he and his bookkeeper uncovered a series of checks written directly to Long. When asked to explain, she offered no answers.

When he requested three months of bank statements, the bank told him the documents appeared manipulated and missing pages.

Theres really no answer as far as I know. I dont have any answers as far as where the money went, what she needed it for, what she spent it on, Fisher said.

But I do know that something was wrong. She did do what were suspecting her of doing because shes the only one who had access to any of this money.

Fisher said he has no plans to pursue legal action to recover the funds.

open image in gallery Longs employer, Derek Fisher, owner of Wing-itz Restaurant Group, has claimed Emily Long stole about $600,000 from his company in the months leading up to the killings ( Google maps )

Investigators said Emily Long used a handgun from the familys home to kill her husband, who was battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, and two of their three children turning the gun on herself. Their youngest child, age 3, was found alive and physically unharmed.

Autopsies revealed that Ryan Long died from multiple gunshot wounds. Both children were killed by single gunshot wounds to the head. Emily Long also died from a gunshot wound to the head, officials said.

The state attorney generals office said the case remains complex.

I think the big thing is to try not to speculate that any one reason something like this happens. Homicide and suicide is usually much, much more complex than just one reason, Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati said.

Fisher said he remains devastated by the deaths.

I dont want to make this about me. Its about this little boy who has no family anymore. And that is this story right here, he said.

open image in gallery Investigators said Emily Long used a handgun from the familys home to kill her husband, who was battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, and two of their three children turning the gun on herself ( Facebook )

In the weeks before the shooting, Emily Long had shared videos on TikTok, where she had more than 170,000 followers.

Speaking candidly about her life as a Brain Cancer Wife, she described feeling lonely and anxious and admitted she knew she needed help.

I feel very, very lonely. I feel so anxious, she said in one clip, according to the Daily Mail. I know that I need to see a therapist, I know that I need to ask for help.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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The ex-boyfriend accused of killing an Illinois woman in 2023 was arrested Thursday in Mexico, months after U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stirred controversy by claiming the migrant was probably in the state.

Gabriel P. Calixto, 27, was apprehended in Mexico and faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated domestic battery for allegedly stabbing Springfield, Illinois, activist Emma Shafer, Springfield Police, the Sangamon County States Attorneys Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service announced Thursday.

Calixto, born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. as a child, lost his legal status after a prior felony conviction.

He was indicted by a Sangamon County grand jury shortly after Shafers death, but could not be found. He is now expected to face extradition proceedings to return to Illinois.

Shafer, found fatally stabbed at her apartment on the 1000 block of South Eighth Street on July 11, 2023, was widely known for her advocacy and engagement in community causes, including immigrant rights, environmental activism and local planning efforts.

open image in gallery In May, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said outside Emma Shafers Springfield, Illinois, apartment that her alleged killer, Gabriel P. Calixto, who came to the US from Mexico as a child, was still in Illinois. Police say they just arrested him in Mexico. ( EPA/LinkedIn )

open image in gallery Gabriel P. Calixto was Shafer's ex-boyfriend, who came to the US from Mexico as a child years before being found there on Thursday ( US Marshals )

In May, Noem visited Springfield, where she stood outside of the womans apartment, claiming her murder was a cautionary example tied to the states sanctuary policy for immigrants.

She lost her life to an illegal alien thats still out at large, probably in the state, we cant confirm that, Noem said despite local police saying there was no reason to believe Calixto remained in the country.

Shafers family was also disappointed in Noem for using their slain daughter to advance her heartless political agenda.

Noems words are in direct conflict with who Emma was as a person. Emma built up community and stood with all members, including immigrants, her family said in a statement.

Authorities have not released details on the timing or location of Calixto's arrest, and no court date has been scheduled yet.
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The second victim of the deadly mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school on Wednesday has been identified as Harper Moyski, age 10.

"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting, parents Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin said in a statement to media outlets. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss, the statement adds. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.

Earlier today, Fletcher Merkel, 8, was named as the other victim in the shooting, which also wounded 18 people, mostly children.

Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us, his father, Jessie, said at a press conference on Thursday. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.

open image in gallery Harper Moyski (pictured), 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, have been identified as the two victims of Wednesdays deadly mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis ( Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin )

The shooting, which took place early Wednesday morning at a church next to Annunciation Catholic School, also injured 18 people, mostly children.

Sophia Forchas, 12, was among the injured.

She was later taken to a hospital where her mother was working as a nurse the day of the shooting.

Sophia was shot during the attack and is currently in critical condition in the ICU, according to a GoFundMe page. She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult  but she is strong, and she is not alone.

open image in gallery Fletcher Merkel, 8, was the other child killed in the Minneapolis shooting

Eighth-grader Endre Gunter, was also injured. He is now recovering from surgery after being shot twice in the stomach, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his aunt.

Before being rushed into surgery, the 13-year-old asked a surgeon, "Can you say a prayer with me?"

The surgeon later told us that not only did Endre survive the surgery, he fought through a terrifying event with courage that inspired the entire medical team, the page reads. That moment of prayer, and Endre's resilience, will stay with our family forever.

During the incident, in which students and local parishioners were gathered for the first Mass of the school year, the shooter, Robin Westman, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities are still working to determine potential motives for the violence.

open image in gallery Police are still searching for motive in Minneapolis shooting, and FBI has said shooter espoused anti-religious ideology ( Getty Images )

Westman committed an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X on Thursday.

The official said Westman made anti-Catholic, anti-religious references in a manifesto and on weapons in her possession, expressed hatred towards Jewish people, and made calls for violence against President Trump.

In a series of jumbled personal writings posted online reviewed by CNN, Westman appeared to discount any central cause for the shooting and spoke of an obsession with past mass shooters.

This is not a church or religion attack, that is not the message, the shooter wrote. The message is there is no message.

Police said 116 rifle rounds were found at the site of the shooting.

The shooting, which comes on the heels of the killing of two Minnesota lawmakers in June, has inspired renewed calls for gun reform.

I have a message for the president, Manuel Oliver, father of one of the victims of the 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida, told CNN. You can make things happen. You can actually stop this from happening, and there is no political risk here because youre still going to be the president for the next three years. So this is the time for us to change things.
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A former classmate of Minneapolis school shooter Robin Westman said the assailant idolized Adolf Hitler and obsessed over other mass killings even as far back as middle school.

Josefina Sanchez, who attended St. Agnes Catholic School with Westman in sixth and seventh grades, said there were definitely red flags with the shooters behavior.

Westman opened fire on the church next to Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis Wednesday, killing two young children, and wounding 15 more as well as three elderly parishioners.

Speaking to KARE 11, Sanchez said Westman would be verbally abusive to other students in their middle school classes and perform Nazi salutes when teachers had their backs turned.

open image in gallery Suspect Robin Westman, seen here in a screengrab from a video posted on YouTube, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after killing two children and wounding 17 other people, police said ( Robin Westman/Youtube )

[Westman] would put up his hand and say, like, praise Hitler," Sanchez said. [Westman] would salute to Hitler and definitely do it when the teachers werent watching, when nobody was really watching.

Sanchez added that something I knew was off, but as a child she had not known what to do. "When you see something erratic, it doesnt leave your mind, she added.

Following the deadly shooting Wednesday, a social media account linked to Westman revealed a video, which showed a journal and writings that authorities have referred to as a manifesto.

The writings referenced violent fantasies that dated back to middle school  when Westman and Sanchez were classmates.

open image in gallery A video released on YouTube shortly following the shooting, which has now been taken down, appeared to show Westman showing off a vast collection of weapons including a rifle, pistol and multiple cartridges of ammunition ( Robin Westman/Youtube )

On May 23 2025, Westman wrote an entry recalling a long-time obsession with mass shootings, specifically school shootings, which dated back to the seventh grade. These remarks had scared other children and were reported to adults.

The next day, in another entry, Westman wrote about a love of weapons and guns, as well as a concern that their YouTube history would be flagged by law enforcement.

In the now taken down video, Westman showed off a large arsenal of weapons including assault rifles, handguns and multiple ammunition clips. Authorities later said that during the shooting, the assailant fired off 116 rounds.

Sanchez told KARE 11 that the killer's manifesto was triggering and also reminded her of how Westman used to write in secret codes during their time at school together.
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New details are providing more insight into the shooting at a Minnesota church as police continue to probe the motive behind Robert Westmans attack that was designed to terrorize as many people as possible.

The shooter saw the attack as a way to target our most vulnerable among us while they were at their most vulnerable at school and at church, U.S. Acting Attorney General for Minnesota Joseph Thompson said.

Westman, 23, dressed all in black and armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, fired through the stained-glass windows of a church adjacent to the Annunciation Catholic School just after 8:30 a.m., as children and teachers gathered for the first Mass of the year.

While a motive for the attack remained unclear Thursday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara told MSNBC that there was some degree of planning that went into the shooting.

Two children, aged 8 and 10, were shot dead in the pews of the church while 15 children aged 6 to 15 and three parishioners in their 80s were injured, police said. The suspect died by a self-inflicted gunshot as law enforcement rushed to the scene.

The victims were later identified by their families as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics, while President Donald Trump offered his condolences to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and ordered flags to half-staff.

Here is what we know about Wednesdays shooting:

open image in gallery Robin Westman has been identified as the shooter at the Minnesota church as police continue to work to determine a motive for the attack. ( Robin Westman/Youtube )

open image in gallery Two children were killed and 18 other people were hurt in the attack on the church and school in Minneapolis. ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery One of the two young victims of Wednesdays deadly mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school has been identified as Fletcher Merkel, age 8 ( The Merkel family )

Who was the shooter?

Robin Westman, formerly Robert, legally went through a name change in 2020 after identifying as a woman, according to court documents. The suspect doesnt have a criminal history.

The suspects mother, Mary Westman, retired from her job as a secretary at the Annunciation church in 2021 after five years, according to social media postings. She was also on the honor roll of school donors for having given up to $5,000, according to the Washington Post.

Westmans maternal uncle, Robert Heleringer, a former Republican representative in the Kentucky General Assembly, described their familys strictly Catholic upbringing in multiple op-eds published in the 2010s.

The youngest of three growing up in Hastings, Minnesota, the shooters father took the family to church, according to The Post. Westman was a previous member of Annunciation Church and a former student at the school.

Westman spent the next few years jumping from school to school, with an official with Minnesota Transitions Charter School confirming to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that the suspect attended one of its schools for just three months, leaving in October 2017. Westman graduated from Southwest High School in Minneapolis in 2021, records show.

open image in gallery Police say they found 116 rifle rounds outside the church as the suspect fired at children through the windows. ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Investigators say the shooter targeted children in the attack. ( REUTERS )

open image in gallery The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics, while President Donald Trump offered his condolences to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and ordered flags to half-staff ( Getty Images )

The suspect had worked at a Rise medical cannabis dispensary, reportedly until August 16. A co-worker told the newspaper that Westman had been disciplined for lateness and skipping work.

A neighbor described watching Westmans parents being led from their house in the hours after the shooting.

My attitude was, Oh my God, what has happened? Jim White told The Independent. Just, What in the world happened here?

OHara said the Westmans weapons  a rifle, shotgun and a pistol  used at Wednesdays attack were all lawfully purchased.

Officials found 120 shell casings, of which there were 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun rounds and one live bullet that was trapped inside a handgun after it apparently jammed the chamber.

What was the motive?

The motive behind the tragedy remains under investigation as police continue to determine what led the shooter to attack. But, authorities have said that Westman targeted children.

Authorities said the shooter had been to the church within the past three months and likely intended to get inside during the attack, but ultimately could not because the churchs doors were locked. That is a standard safety practice by the church.

"What's particularly heinous and cowardly about this is these children were slaughtered by a gunman who could not see them," OHara said. It is very clear that this shooter had the intention to terrorize those innocent children.

Investigators continue to comb through the suspects writings and online videos to determine a motive. In them, Westman appears to describe hatred toward several groups and an obsession with other mass killers. The shooter also showed off the weapons for the attack with various phrases and references to other mass killings.

Thompson said videos and writings Westman left behind show that the shooter "expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable.

The only group Westman did not hate was mass murderers, Thompson said. In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us.

While police previously described the writings as a manifesto, a close review by CNN found that the hand-written entries appeared to be more of a jumbled, stream-of-consciousness than any coherent plan or declaration of purpose.

This is not a church or religion attack, that is not the message, Westman wrote. The message is there is no message.

The shooter added: I really just want a place to put my thoughts... I cant talk to a therapist or family cause I will immediately be reported and put on a watchlist!Westman had suffered from depression, as well as suicidal and homicidal thoughts for years, per CNN.

However, a former classmate of Westmans said the assailant had idolized Adolf Hitler and obsessed over other mass killings even as far back as middle school.

Josefina Sanchez, who attended St. Agnes Catholic School with Westman for sixth and seventh, said there were definitely red flags with the shooters behavior.

[Westman] would salute to Hitler and definitely do it when the teachers werent watching, when nobody was really watching, Sanchez told KARE11, adding she had always known that something I knew was off, but as a child had not known what to do. "When you see something erratic, it doesnt leave your mind, she added.

What does social media show?

Police say that before Wednesdays attack, Westman timed a series of YouTube videos to be posted to coincide with the attack.

The videos, which were pulled from the platform, show weapons etched with racial slurs and a death threat against Trump. They included psycho killer and suck on this! and 6 million wasnt enough, an apparent reference to the number of Jewish people killed in the Holocaust.

Westman also shared a reverence for six mass shooters, including Adam Lanza, who killed 26 people at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.

open image in gallery Videos shared online and reportedly from the suspect show messages on the weapons used to carry out the attacks. ( Robin Westman/Youtube )

The names also included Robert Bowers, the gunman in the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and Rupnow, an apparent reference to Natalie Samantha Rupnow who opened fire at Wisconsins Abundant Life Christian School in 2024.

Breivik is also mentioned, seemingly referencing Anders Behring Breivik, a neo-Nazi who killed 77 people in Norway in 2011.

In another 20-minute video, Westman flipped through the pages of a journal filled with text that appears to be English written using Cyrillic script. In that video, the suspect can be heard saying: I love my family and I cant deal with this anymore.

One page was titled Annuciation from memory in Cyrillic, according to a translation by BBC Verify. It includes a sketch of the layout of a church, which the person in the video stabs with a knife.

Sick f*** sick f*** murderer, read in massive all-caps letters on another page. The last page shown in the video reads: The end. Im so sorry. Its signed Robin with a heart drawn next to it.

In another clip, a knife stabs the center of a page depicting the layout of a church, complete with drawings of the doorways, the pews, a cross and even a compass to show which direction it faces.
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for persistent efforts and long-term mechanisms to implement the guiding principles of the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction to a meeting on Party building held in Beijing on Friday.

Xi said that Party conduct -- which dictates the Party's image -- decides the level of public support it enjoys and its very existence, and urged persistent efforts to implement these guiding principles.

This latest education campaign to thoroughly implement the eight-point decision has been carried out faithfully, with notable results achieved, Xi said.

Highlighting that pointless formality, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance are stubborn and recurrent issues to tackle, Xi called for efforts to make the education campaign more targeted and effective, and to establish and improve regular mechanisms to detect and address those issues.

He also urged efforts to give full play to the role of public oversight, and to scrutinize and punish those who continue to violate Party discipline regulations in a strict, expedited manner.

In March, the CPC launched a four-month campaign to urge its around 100 million members to bolster compliance with the eight-point rules, a landmark code of conduct introduced under the aegis of Xi in December 2012.

The document sets out rules for Political Bureau members when they conduct research tours, meetings and paperwork while banning extravagances such as lavish banquets, red carpets and luxury perks. It has evolved into a consistent, Party-wide measure to curb unnecessary formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance -- tendencies that risk alienating the Party from the people.

The Friday meeting also reviewed the results of the education campaign, among other matters.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, presided over the meeting and delivered a speech.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy head of the Central Leading Group for Party Building, attended the meeting and also made a speech.

The meeting urged the whole Party to study Xi's important instructions meticulously, to gain a thorough understanding of those instructions, and to faithfully translate them into action.

Acknowledging that the education campaign has achieved its aim, the meeting called for efforts to strengthen conduct-improvement education through various means, thereby guiding Party members and officials to form good habits in following the eight-point decision and its detailed rules.

Efforts should be made to refine the system and mechanism for conduct improvement, and to translate institutional achievements into effective governance, the meeting said. 
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A fatal attack at a school church in Minnesota marked the 44th school shooting in the United States this year, killing two young children and wounding more.

School shootings have been rising over the past decade, in particular since the Covid pandemic, even as some states tighten their gun laws.

Following the latest attack, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for federal and state bans on some semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines.

I know wed be happy to prevent a next mass shooting from taking place, he said. And Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar criticised colleagues who wont stand up and vote for some stricter national gun standards.

Alongside mass shootings, gun violence at schools across the U.S. has increase in recent years, with a rise in gun-related suicides, targeted shootings, and accidental gunfire.

There have been 44 school shootings in the U.S. so far this year - with hundreds since 2008, according to CNN.

open image in gallery A shooting at a church of a school group at a church marked the 44th school shooting this year in the US. The yearly total has increased in recent years. ( REUTERS )

Last year saw the most school shootings in history (83); with each year since 2021 setting new record highs. Thats roughly one school shooting every four days.

Apart from 2020, when a large percentage of schools were closed as social distancing restrictions were in place to fight the pandemic, shootings have largely been on the rise since 2012.

What qualifies as a school shooting varies in definition, but is generally considered an armed attack at an educational institution where one or more people are killed. But mass shootings, such as this weeks Minneapolis attack that killed two children and left 18 other people injured, are not the only types of gun violence affecting schools.

There have been thousands of gun violence incidents at schools since the year 2000, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database, including suicides or attempted suicides.

In addition, there have been many instances of accidental shootings, such as a loaded gun going off in a childs backpack in Maryland earlier this year.

As a result, over 1,200 children have been victims of gun-related incidents at school in the past 25 years; with some 265 children dead, the data shows.

School shooter profiles

Almost all school shooters have been men, both when looking at mass shootings, targeted shootings and suicides.

The average age of adolescent school shooters is 16 years-old, according to The American School Shooting Study, using data from 1990-2016. The majority, 71 percent, of school shooters are under 19 years old.

A quarter of perpetrators of school shootings were identified as having had psychological issues. Among mass shooters, this jumped to 75 percent.

Vice President JD Vance warned of a mental health crisis following the Minneapolis shooting, as a root cause of this violence.

More perpetrators involved in shootings at school are from a lower socioeconomic background; but mass school shooters tend to be from all levels of financial backgrounds.

The US is the gun capital of the world

The United States has the most guns of any country, around one-third of all firearms in the world.

The number of firearms in the U.S. is higher than the number of Americans - at 393 million in 2017, according to the Small Arms Survey, and estimated around 500 million now. Over 15 million guns were sold in the U.S. last year, according to data from gun violence newsroom, The Trace.

Gun sales in Texas are highest across the country, monthly data for June shows, with over 108,000 guns sold, followed by Florida, Pennsylvania, California and Ohio.

These states have also had the highest number of victims die from gun violence at schools - with 98 killed in California, 88 in Texas and 53 in Florida, since records began in 1966.

Chicago is a hub for shootings at schools, with 66 incidents since the year 2000, according to the databases. The city has struggled with gun violence, seeing 573 murders last year and more than 10,000 illegal guns seized in 2022.

Minneapolis, the site of this weeks mass shooting at a school church, has seen 14 school shootings since 2000.

Gun laws in different states

The Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms - own a gun - as a Constitutional right. But different states have varying approaches to gun laws, from the most liberal, such as Idaho and Montana, to the strictest, like California.

A federal ban on assault weapons was put in place under President Bill Clinton in 1994, but it expired a decade later, and many efforts to push a similar bill through Congress have failed.

Eleven states have adopted their own bans on assault weapons, most recently Illinois.

Minnesota, the site of the latest school shooting, has tightened gun laws in recent years with measures such as expanding background checks.

But Minnesota does not have a ban on high-capacity magazine rifles - which are able to fire more than 10 rounds before reloading. The school shooter, Robin Westman, fired 116 rifle rounds into the church in less than four minutes, according to investigators - having also brought a pistol and shotgun to carry out the attack.

I think wed be happy to ban assault rifles here in Minneapolis, Frey said Wednesday. Why do you need these high capacity magazine clips, where you can reel [off] 30 bullets before you even need to reload? These kinds of weapons of destruction and chaos can cause havoc in cities.

open image in gallery Rifle magazines supposedly posted by the Minneapolis shooting suspect on YouTube ahead of the attack ( Robin Westman/Youtube )

Over half of states, 28 in total, have no permit requirements for those buying guns. Westman was able to legally obtain a gun even with Minnesotas permit laws.

Access to guns is widespread. Around 42 percent of U.S. adults keep a gun in their household, according to Pew Research. Roughly 28 percent of urban households also say they own a gun.

The data also show minors may have access to guns through their parents, with 1 in 3 children living in firearm-owning homes, according to research from Schuster. A separate study found that four in ten school shooters used a gun owned by a relative.
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In a tight-knit, rural community in Tennessee, Sheriff Buford Pusser has always been known as a legend.

He patrolled McNairy County in the 1960s while wielding an enormous hickory walking stick, took on bootleggers and mobsters, and became the inspiration for the Hollywood film Walking Tall  later remade with Dwayne The Rock Johnson.

But behind the man was a tragic death that had never been solved  until today, forever changing the legacy of Sheriff Pusser.

For nearly six decades, the story was told the same way. In 1967, Sheriff Pusser and his wife Pauline were ambushed while driving down a rural Tennessee road, in an attack he said was meant for him.

He survived a shot to the face, while she was killed.

open image in gallery In 1967, Sheriff Pussers wife Pauline was gunned down in what he called an ambush meant for him ( Facebook )

Now, newly released findings from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation paint a very different picture.

Indictment for murder, if still alive

District Attorney Mark Davidson announced Friday that investigators uncovered major inconsistencies in Pussers account  and concluded that if Pusser were alive today, the TBI could produce an indictment against him for the murder of his wife.

Justice for Pauline has been a long time coming, Davidson said.

He called her killing not an accident but an act of intimate, deliberate violence.

On Friday, TBI director David Rausch said there were multiple key developments from the investigation: inconsistencies in Pussers story, recent statements provided by those associated with the investigation, Paulines autopsy, and evidence examined by TBI personnel.

The work to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the facts of this case, using the full strength of the Bureau as it exists today, has reshaped our understanding of what transpired now almost 60 years ago, Rausch said.

Through the investigation, it was determined that more likely than not, Pauline was shot outside the couples car and her body was moved inside afterward, officials said on Friday.

open image in gallery For some, Buford Pusser is still the hero who fought corruption and survived stabbings, shootings, and assassination attempts before dying in a 1974 car crash at the age of 36 ( Bettmann Archive )

A brother finally gets closure

Paulines brother, Griffon Mullins, appeared via video at the conference, where he thanked authorities for finally giving his family answers.

This is closure for me, he said. Ive missed her this last 57 years, lord knows I've missed her.

She was the most caring, personable person. You would fall in love with her, he said. She was just a sweet person and I loved her with all my heart.

I had a lot of time to think and look back, he added. She was not the type of person to talk about her problems. But I knew, deep down, there was problems in her marriage.

Justice for Pauline

Her autopsy also revealed prior injuries consistent with interpersonal trauma.

Pussers own gunshot wound to his cheek, long seen as proof of the ambush, was at close range and likely self-inflicted.

This case is not about tearing down a legend. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time, Davidson said. The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later, Pauline deserves both.

The new investigation began in 2023, when the TBI received a tip that led agents to exhume Paulines body the following year. Her remains were reburied in 2025 after a fresh autopsy was performed, but the results were kept sealed.

As months passed without answers, frustration grew. A petition demanding the release of the TBIs findings gathered more than 400 signatures this summer, with supporters insisting the public had a right to know.

On social media, some have called for justice for Pauline. Others remain staunch defenders of the sheriff, still honored each May at the Buford Pusser Festival in his hometown of Adamsville.

As far as Im concerned, it happened the way the sheriff said it did because he was there and we werent, Steve Sweat, a Buford Pusser historian, told WKRN.

Others, though, arent convinced.

open image in gallery Sheriff Buford Pusser and his wife Pauline ( Facebook )

I believe it was staged to fit Bufords narrative. But when you look at the evidence, its so convincing that he didnt tell the entire truth, said Mike Elam, who runs the podcast Buford Pusser: The Other Story and has provided leads to investigators.

So much of what he said doesnt make sense.

For some, Buford Pusser is still the hero who fought corruption and survived stabbings, shootings, and assassination attempts before dying in a 1974 car crash at the age of 36.

His story was immortalized in the 1973 film Walking Tall and its 2004 remake, cementing his place in pop culture as a southern lawman fighting corruption.

But for others, the former sheriff remains a deeply flawed figure accused of corruption and abuse.
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A Texas mother who intentionally left her 15-month-old child in a hot car earlier this month, resulting in their death, has been arrested for murder.

Vanessa Esquivel of Dallas is accused of going into her Dallas workplace at Medical City Plano around 2 pm on August 16 when outside temperatures reached at least 95 degrees.

Officials arrived at the scene after someone reported an infant death in the 3200 block of Preston Road. An investigation found that 27-year-old Esquivel allegedly left the child in the car for two hours.

Police said Esquivel abandoned the child despite knowing she didnt have working air conditioning in her car. Because her alleged crime was "intentional," Esquivel meets the statutory requirements of murder.

Esquivel was arrested in Dallas on August 20 and transferred to Frisco, where she was later booked into Collin County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

open image in gallery Vanessa Esquivel, 27, of Dallas, allegedly left her child in her hot car for two hours while she was at work ( Frisco Police Department )

She faces a first-degree felony charge, punishable by five years to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Frisco PDs non-emergency number at 972-292-6010.
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Three former Memphis police officers convicted in connection with the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols will face a new trial.

U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman made the order after defense lawyers argued that another judge who presided over their earlier trial was biased against the men.

Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, was fatally beaten in January 2023 after he fled a traffic stop.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith were found guilty in October 2024 on federal charges of obstruction of justice through witness tampering in the case.

Two other officers, Emmitt Martin III and Desmond Mills Jr., were also charged.

However, they pleaded guilty before the federal trial.

open image in gallery Tyre Nichols died in hospital three days after being beaten ( AP )

Lipman took over the case in June after U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, who presided over the case and the trial, recused himself days before the sentencings for the five officers.

In a separate state trial, Bean, Haley and Smith were acquitted of second-degree murder for the fatal beating.

Martin and Mills pleaded guilty to those charges.

Nichols ran from the traffic stop after officers yanked him out of his car, pepper-sprayed him and used a Taser on him. The officers then chased him down, kicked and hit him with a police baton, while he cried out for his mother just feet from his house.

He died three days later, sparking nationwide protests and renewed calls for police reforms in the U.S.

open image in gallery The officers charged over Nichols death: From left top, Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin III, bottom row from left, Desmond Mills, Jr. and Justin Smith ( Memphis Police Department )

The five officers were part of a crime suppression team called the Scorpion Unit that was disbanded after Nichols death.

The team targeted illegal drugs and guns and violent offenders to amass arrests, while sometimes using force against unarmed people.

All five were fired after Nichols death.

In late 2023, the U.S. Justice Department said a 17-month investigation showed the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black people.
This file photo taken on Sept. 10, 2024 shows the dust-free workshop of Taihu Jinzhang Technology Co., Ltd. in Taihu County, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua)

HEFEI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- With every swipe of your smartphone screen, there's a good chance you're touching a product from a small, once-obscure county in east China, a place that has quietly become the global capital of smartphone screen protectors.

Taihu County in Anhui Province, once known for its rice paddies and freshwater fish, now produces six out of every ten screen protectors sold across China. From Brazil to Nigeria, its functional films and optical adhesives have become an essential yet often unseen link in the global electronics supply chain.

This remarkable journey -- from an agricultural backwater to a thriving hub of functional film manufacturing -- did not happen by chance. It is the result of strategic vision, relentless effort and the ability to seize opportunity.

Functional films -- thin materials with optical, electrical or protective properties -- are widely used in displays, telecommunications, vehicles and medical materials. Yet just over a decade ago, Taihu was still a predominantly farming region, with little connection to high-tech industry. Most young people left to find work elsewhere, while local factories focused on low-value products like boilers and plywood.

What Taihu did have was location. Situated at the juncture of Anhui, Hubei and Jiangxi provinces, it was within reach of three provincial capitals. That geographic advantage eventually planted the seed for its future industrial takeoff.

A tipping point came in 2009 when Taihu JinZhang Technology Co., Ltd., then a producer of basic materials like insulation tape, was looking to relocate from Shanghai.

"We had been considering other locations, but the Taihu government invited us with such warmth and sincerity that we got really impressed," recalled Wu Chuanyao, assistant general manager of Jinzhang Technology. Despite the county's lack of abundant resources at the time, the company decided to move.

Where there is a will, there is a way. "Everything depends on human effort," Wu said. "They gave us a sense that they were truly willing to make that effort."

This small county, however, faces a challenge common to many county-level economies in China, which is attracting and retaining talent. According to Shi Chanjuan, director of the Taihu Economic Development Zone, the county government helps businesses with their recruitment initiatives and with strong policy incentives, Taihu has attracted and cultivated over 178,000 professionals, a significant number for a county with a permanent population of just 419,000.

From its early days producing basic protective films, Jinzhang Technology has grown into an industry leader, commanding over 60 percent market share in certain niche segments. Its product portfolio has expanded from small screens to large displays, including functional films for smartphone display protection, outer-layer films for new display screens, key optical films within displays, and self-developed anti-blue light optical functional film materials.

Perhaps more importantly, its success has attracted others. Today, 103 companies in the functional film supply chain operate in Taihu, including 40 industrial firms with an annual main business revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.81 million U.S. dollars). In the first half of this year, the sector's output value grew 15.6 percent year on year, outpacing the county's overall growth rate by 3 percentage points.

Over the years, Taihu has evolved from an obscure county into a nationally recognized industry cluster. Its rise highlights an important shift in China's economic geography: emerging industries are no longer the exclusive domain of major cities or their well-connected suburbs. With the right conditions and commitment, even a remote county can develop specialized expertise and compete globally.

Fang Chengying, chairman of Anhui Hoivway Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, packaging and testing of semiconductor power devices and integrated circuits, highlighted the benefits of Taihu's complete local supply chain of the functional film industry that helps the company save 5 to 7 percent in costs.

At Anhui Jutai Display Photoelectric Co., Ltd., another Taihu-based company, new production lines roll out more than 900,000 tempered glass screen protectors daily, with capacity expected to reach 1.1 million.

"Globally, at least about 90 percent of tempered glass screen protectors come from the Chinese market, and we sell roughly 300 million pieces a year," said Wu Pengcheng, who is in charge of the company. Over 95 percent of the company's products are exported to markets such as India, Brazil, Dubai and Southeast Asia.

"This is an industry with extremely high requirements for industrial infrastructure," he added. "A complete industrial system is exactly where China's strength lies."

As screens become ubiquitous in daily life, demand for functional films continues to grow. The rise of China's new energy vehicle and next-generation display industries is creating even more application scenarios. Nearby cities like Hefei -- home to an emerging integrated circuit, display and vehicle industry chain -- and Bengbu, a pioneer in ultra-thin flexible glass, are forming a regional innovation belt that complements Taihu's core products.

"China's emerging sectors, like new displays and new energy vehicles, have been making rapid strides, achieving leapfrog growth. Through innovation and relentless iteration, we're now competing head-to-head in global markets," said Jinzhang Technology's Wu Chuanyao. 
Guest column: When Katrina flooded New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Kip Holden stepped up in a big way
Domains new owner has attacked realestate.com.au for shaking down Australians and trying to squeeze home buyers for every last dollar, in a scathing attack on the News Corp-owned platform.

Just two days after taking ownership of Domain, Andy Florance, the enigmatic founder and CEO of its US parent company, CoStar Group, says he intends to offer more innovation, transparency and lower prices to buyers and sellers in the Australian market.

Andy Florance, the founder and chief executive of Domains US parent company, CoStar Group, has attacked News Corps REA Group. Credit: Kate Geraghty

I look at REA Group as a machine that grabs people by the heels and shakes them up and down to make everything pop out of their pockets. That doesnt really appeal to me, Florance tells this masthead, outlining his bullish intent on taking on the Murdoch company after completing the $3.2 billion takeover on Wednesday.

How do we compete against them? We compete by providing value that people like, and not trying to squeeze every last penny out of everybody.
What kind of power can the United States exert to punish other countries for their misdeeds? The answer, in the age of nuclear weapons, has been economic power. Impose sanctions and cut off access to the US dollar, the thinking goes, and the excruciating economic pain will force a rogue country to play nice.

And yet Russia  by some measures the most sanctioned country on earth  shows little urgency to do what the US and European nations want: end its war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putins Russia has conducted hundreds of billions of dollars in cross-border trade despite a wave of sanctions. Credit: AP

Since Russias full-scale invasion in 2022, the US has put more than 6000 individuals and companies with ties to the Russian war effort on the official sanctions list. For these prohibitions to work, the financial institutions that move money across borders must screen transactions and cut off illicit activity. If they dont, they could face steep penalties from the US, including fines or exile to the sanctions list themselves.

Nonetheless, Russia has conducted hundreds of billions of dollars in cross-border trade. One reason could be that the financial institutions necessary to facilitate that trade are not being found and punished.
CANBERRA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Australia's first Moon rover will be launched around the end of the decade through NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, the Australian Space Agency (ASA) said on Friday.

The ASA announced that the rover, named Roo-ver, will be carried to the lunar surface on NASA's CT-4 mission around the end of the 2020s.

The space agency said that the rover has been entrusted with "key research objectives" by NASA, including collecting new data about the lunar surface to support international space science and exploration goals.

"In time, Roo-ver's explorations will help global efforts to establish a possible sustainable human presence in space," the ASA said in a media release.

The federal government in December 2024 announced that Australian-led consortium ELO2 had been chosen to design, build and operate the rover, which will weigh about 20 kilograms.

Tim Ayres, the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, said on Friday that the development and launch of the rover will inspire the STEM workforce needed for Australia's future.

"This is one of the most specialized robotics and advanced manufacturing projects in the country. It's accelerating the development of Australia's advanced technical capabilities and deepening local manufacturing expertise," he said.

The government has committed 42 million Australian dollars (27.4 million U.S. dollars) in funding for the development, design, build, and operation of the semi-autonomous rover. 
You dont need to pre-rinse dishes, unless one particularly gluey ingredient is on them.

I love my dishwasher. I call it Nev because the brand is Neff. Before Nev, I had Phil (Philips) and before Phil, Milly (Miele). I loved them all because I remember what life was like before they came along.

Photo: Simon Letch

I see my dishwasher as a loyal and faithful colleague, one who helps shoulder the load and can be relied on  all going well  to turn dirty plates and smeared glasses into their clean and sparkling better selves. Its part of the family in a way the washing machine and dryer could never be, and I enjoy hearing the hum of the rinse cycle while Im busy doing more important things, like Wordle. Ive learnt a few things along the way, however, so here are my dishwasher rules:

Dont rinse the dishes beforehand as you have no doubt been taught  just scrape off the food and load. Pre-rinsing is a hard habit to break, but modern dishwashers actually clean the dishes more efficiently when the plates have some gunk on them. I still make an exception for egg yolk, however, which is basically yellow glue. Accept that two people will never agree on how to stack the dishwasher. Even my righteously stacked plates are viewed with deep suspicion by my wife and often rearranged. Cue a 2023 New Yorker magazine cartoon by Hartley Lin, in which one woman complains to another, I should have known he has absolutely no morals; Ive seen how he loads a dishwasher. Unpack the bottom rack first, because if you start with the cups and glasses on the top rack, water will drip onto the clean items below. As to what does and doesnt go in, its personal. I wont put our French cutlery in the dishwasher because I fear for the acrylic handles. Good wine glasses are verboten, which means we rarely use them so theyll remain good forever. I do a separate cycle with the rangehood filters every two months, and chuck in the brush that I save for dirty pots.

My last tip? Dont feel guilty about outsourcing the dishes to the dishwasher. According to consumer advocacy group Choice, an energy-saving one uses about 13 litres of water to clean a full load, whereas washing by hand could use up to 100 litres of water. Love you, Nev.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the August 30 edition of Good Weekend. See all 17 stories . A couple of years ago, I attended the launch of a book written by two former armed robbers, held in the upscale housing development that was once HM Prison Pentridge in north Melbourne. The defunct jails bluestone walls and neo-Gothic gatehouse still echo with menace, but the guard towers look benignly over a shopping centre and cinema, two hotels, and more than 300 modern apartments. On the day of the launch, elderly hardmen with macerated noses and disappearing tattoos exchanged pumping handshakes and crushing hugs. It was like a high-school reunion  although the type that is menaced by a deranged slasher, rather than the kind where teenage romances are rekindled. The book, Born into a Lie of Crime, is the memoir of former gangster and amateur boxer Ron Isherwood, 72. I assumed Isherwood had enjoyed the launch, but when I ask him about it today, he says it made him sick. I remembered how I had to walk into the place as a 17-year-old kid, he says. The horror of the place, the smell of it  everything about it was like a bad nightmare. I went back to the cell where I was beaten up by the screws, and it all came back to me. In one second, youre back there as a tiny, little insecure boy. They walked me out in the yard, and I remembered guys being sexually abused in the yard and the screws sitting in the tower watching: they didnt care. He pauses. I hate the joint, he says. A BrewDog bar now operates on the site of E Division. Credit: Josh Robenstone At Pentridge Coburg, the muster yard is now a piazza with a childrens playground. Theres a BrewDog bar serving craft beer where the E Division once stood. The punishment wing at H Division now hosts guided tours. There are wine cellars in what once was D Division, where connoisseurs can buy storage for their own collections in temperature-controlled cells (and at least one ex-prisoner has taken advantage of the facility). But even before Pentridge Coburg fully opened in November 2020, former inmates regularly returned to the site. Perhaps the most comfortable among them is former armed robber Doug Morgan, now 71, who served 11 years in Pentridge and can now be found at BrewDog almost every weekend. Here, he chats to customers, paints pictures, and sells handmade key fobs painted with Ned Kelly helmets and fashioned from bluestone chips harvested from the rubble of B Division, where serious offenders (including Kelly, in 1873) were usually housed.

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Hes often around during the week, as well, working on a canvas. If youre painting a Ned Kelly or something else that relates to crime, he says, it feels interesting to at least start or finish the painting in jail. In his criminal career in the 1970s, Morgan was dubbed the After Dark Bandit and appeared to possess the uncanny ability to rob two different places at one time: it turned out he was raiding TABs in tandem with his twin brother, Peter. The gateway to Pentridge in 1981. The prison continued to operate until 1997. Credit: The Age Archives Prisoners in a Pentridge exercise yard in 1978. Credit: Fairfax Photographic Doug Morgan has had other nicknames, too, given he arrived in B Division almost exactly a century after Ned Kelly. Lately, theyve started calling me the Last Bushranger, he says. So the Last Bushranger painting Ned Kelly on bluestone from B Division  if you wrote a script like that, people wouldnt believe it, he says. He taught himself to paint in HMP Pentridge, and he would exchange his paintings with other prisoners for cigarettes, which he would sell for cash. Today, he gives some of the money he makes to charity, and Pentridge is just part of my life, he says. Im very comfortable to walk back through it because I dont have any fear of it. Sometimes I sit in BrewDog and look around, thinking what a relaxed place it is when its not a prison. A jail is a place that holds prisoners, he adds, and if you take the prisoners out, its just a building that might have cells. Walls and floors are not violent. The violence and the brutality come from the people around you  on both sides.

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Morgan is a builder by trade. In a strange way, when you walk into B Division, the building itself is quite attractive, he says. I have a chance now to look at the architecture and workmanship of a 170-year-old jail, which I probably didnt have time to look at when I was there. I was probably more worried about other things  He seems at peace with Pentridge. The only bad feelings I have about jail is the fact I put myself there, he says. I wrecked my family. I deserted my children. They were raised by another man. He was not always so relaxed. When he was a prisoner, he tried (and failed) to escape and came under fire from a guard tower. Doug Morgan taught himself to paint during 11 years inside Pentridge. Credit: Josh Robenstone When he meets former prison officers, he says, I still give them the same lip and attitude that I did then. I didnt have any respect for the uniform. But he does not bear a grudge. Even if Id been punching on with screws, my attitude was the same as the old days in the pub: you can punch on in the pub, and then you sit down and have a drink. Ive had beers with prison officers in the last six months and laughed and joked about different security issues that I was involved with, he says. Maybe three months ago, I was having a chat with a prison officer who was on another tower on the day that they were shooting at me. He still vividly remembers the scene of me being shot at and then surrounded by a whole heap of screws. Its bizarre but theres almost a degree of the sacrosanct about it, for those whove been there and lived it. Glenn Broome, lived-experience consultant for Victoria Legal Aid Morgan doesnt feel like a victim. We werent the good guys; we were the bad guys, he says. It seems to me a bit ridiculous to be talking about brutality because we were all in jail for what we did to people on the outside.

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Former armed robber Glenn Broome, who is now a lived-experience consultant for Victoria Legal Aid, served time in Pentridge with Morgan in the 1980s. Ive been back a couple of times, says Broome, 62. I went and saw a movie once. I dont mind the open areas, but I dont like H Division. It takes a while to orient yourself because so much of it has been torn down. Loading He feels that a lot has been lost in the building work. Theres room for progress, he says, but the way people wandered through, it was almost like a grave being desecrated. Its bizarre but theres almost a degree of the sacrosanct about it, for those whove been there and lived it. Even a brick will bring back a memory. His mate Morgan has no time for that kind of sentiment. A lot of prisoners complain about whats happened to Pentridge, says Morgan. Who cares? Society doesnt care. Broome is less placable. Youve got people that are emotionally tormented, he says, and the thing that I struggled with was to walk back in there on a Saturday afternoon and see these hypocrites using the cellar as a wine chiller. Veteran escape artist

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Ron Isherwoods book Born into a Lie of Crime is edited by Australias best-known prison escapee, John Killick, who absconded from Silverwater Correctional Complex in NSW in a helicopter hijacked by his Russian lover Lucy Dudko in 1999. I was with Killick at the Pentridge launch, when he and Isherwood took a tour group (including some prisoners) on a walk through the worst days of their lives. Killick is a serial fugitive. While jailed in E Division in 1968, he hit a prison officer, stole his pistol and demanded a flight to Cuba. The police laid siege to the prison, but he surrendered before they could storm the cellblock. Killick was in and out of banks and jails for much of his adult life. Doug Morgan has painted his portrait, which is now on display in Geelong Gaol Museum. These days, Killick, 83, is a dapper and personable fellow, but Morgans image of him is jagged and frayed. He doesnt like the portrait, says Morgan, because I was showing the harshness in his face, and I was trying to portray that he had a wasted life. He doesnt want to look like that; he wants to look bubbly. But thats bad luck. Im the artist. When Killick was recaptured a few weeks after that helicopter escape from Silverwater, he was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment in NSW, of which he served 15 before being paroled in 2015. Soon after his release, he was keen to return to Pentridge and promote his writing. Loading

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For those patients and their loved ones, covering the cost of travel is an added stress  particularly given the rising cost of living. Loading Husband and wife Pauline and Rod first travelled from their home near Emerald to see specialists in Brisbane in April last year, after Rod was diagnosed with mouth and throat cancer. After receiving major facial surgery in June, the couple spent a month staying at the Oaks hotel near the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital in Herston. They returned home in July, but after a few weeks, Rod developed complications breathing, and was rushed back to Brisbane in early August.

Pauline and Rod spent the next five months in Brisbane. While Pauline praised aspects of the PTSS, she estimated out-of-pocket expenses of nearly $25,000 during their extended stay in the city, and said the current rate is insufficient. You dont go because you want to, she said. You dont have a choice. [The rate increase] needs to be at least $100 because even in the time that we were [in Brisbane], the accommodation went up. Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council acting chief executive Paula Arnol noted the subsidy had only been raised once in over a decade, from $60 in 2013 to $70.

She said it leaves patients well behind the rapidly climbing cost of living. Loading [The PTSS] simply does not reflect the real costs faced by patients and families  when the average hotel in Brisbane or Cairns can easily cost $200 or more a night, Arnol said. Too often, people are left out of pocket, forced to stay in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation, or delay treatment altogether. Arnol said if $440 a night is considered reasonable for MPs, then $70 for sick patients is inexcusable.

The Queensland government needs to do better  just as MPs are appropriately compensated for their costs associated with travel and accommodation, so too should patients. Rural Doctors Association of Queensland president Dr Danielle Allan said the key issue was that unlike MPs, who chose to stand for parliament knowing it would involve travel to Brisbane, sick patients living in the bush had no choice in the matter. [Politicians] are paid to do the job and yet still receive reimbursement or allowances to cover their travel, she said. People living in rural and remote communities are some of the most socially disadvantaged in Queensland, and they are expected to further carry a financial burden to seek the care they need based on their post code. Katters Australian Party leader Robbie Katter acknowledged the disparity between rural patients and politicians, but said even he struggles to cover travel expenses across remote parts of the state.

Its pretty fair to call us politicians out  but there have still been multiple years when Ive had to dig into my own pockets to get around my electorate, he said. Katter said the current PTSS rate is a classic example of a policy made in Brisbane by city politicians who clearly have no idea the impact of the inadequacies. Robbie Katter said the party knows full well the deficit and inadequacies of the PTSS for rural communities. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The whole spirit of the scheme is that you shouldnt be out of pocket to someone living in Brisbane, he said. Health Minister Tim Nicholls said this years budget included $123.4 million for the PTSS, the largest amount ever allocated.
The blue light that shone out across the city on Wednesday night for two police officers slain in the line of duty cannot hope to compensate those who loved Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart for the light that has gone out of their lives so abruptly and senselessly. But it can and should remind us, in an age of isolation and disconnection, of our duty of care.

Particularly in this time of grief, and particularly to the broader Victorian community, now is the time for unity, as Premier Jacinta Allan put it. Now is the time to join together and show support not just for the Victoria Police, to those emergency services, but to each other.

Slain police officers Vadim De Waart (left) and Neal Thompson.

Perhaps it is in that spirit that Superintendent Brett Kahan on Thursday offered the alleged killer of those two officers, Dezi Freeman, the possibility of surrendering to police.

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush repeated that appeal on Friday.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece and councillors plan to visit cities in China, India and Brazil over the coming months for business missions and leaders forums.

The overseas trips come as the council has had to put many of Reeces ambitious election promises on ice as it tries to reduce the citys debt from $212 million in the 2025-26 financial year.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece is travelling to China and Brazil. Credit: Wayne Taylor

Reece and the councillors are seeking approval for the trips at the Future Melbourne Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Reece wants to fly to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to participate in the World Mayors Summit and Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Forum from November 3 to 5.
Victoria is facing a weather system unlike anything the state has seen in years, with wild winds forecast to reach 115km/h.

Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch warned residents they should expect power outages and loose furniture to become missiles, as the very significant front crossed the state through Friday afternoon and evening.

Wild winds are expected to hit Victoria from Friday evening through to Saturday morning. Credit: Paul Jeffers

The wind speeds that were going to expect, we have not seen this year and, in fact, this is a weather system weve not seen for a couple of years now, Wiebusch said.

Were likely to see winds in excess of 100km/h in many parts of our state, and the peak winds could be up around 115km/h.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Bob Katters threatening of a journalist at a Brisbane press conference on Thursday, as Katters son backs in his father, saying journalists should expect aggression from the long-term MP in response to personal questions.

Albanese joined a cavalcade of MPs from across the political spectrum calling for Katter to apologise to Brisbane journalist Josh Bavas  the target of the outburst. Katter has refused to apologise, with his son saying it is difficult to understand how Bavas could have been intimidated by an 80-year-old.

Bob Katter needs to have a look at that footage. Have a look at himself, frankly, and recognise that thats not what we expect of any Australian, let alone someone whos in public office, Albanese told Channel Nines Today on Friday morning.

Katter and Queensland state party MPs were speaking in support of this weekends anti-migration March for Australia rallies during a Thursday press conference when Bavas, a Channel Nine reporter, asked Katter about his Lebanese heritage, triggering the response.
A CFMEU activist accused by police of torturing a missing Brisbane businessman was forced from his union post four weeks ago amid concerns he was playing a key role in a rearguard campaign to undermine the Albanese governments CFMEU takeover.

Organisers working for the government-backed CFMEU administrator, Mark Irving, KC, removed Anthony Perrett from his CFMEU delegate post in Queensland due to concerns about his performance and conduct on construction sites.

Fellow unionists, who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity, have also claimed Perrett was part of a small clique of CFMEU operatives actively involved in the push by ousted Queensland union boss Jade Ingham to take back control of the CFMEU.

Police search one of the crime scenes linked to the disappearance of Andrew Burow, a Brisbane man who went missing in August 2025. Credit: Nine

Perrett, who was charged by Queensland detectives on Wednesday night over unrelated allegations he was involved in the torture of missing man Andrew Burow, is a close union ally of Ingham.
Skye Therodorou (centre) is one of the co-founders of start-up Upcover. Credit: Salty Dingo Theodorou, who previously worked in the Department of Industry when the hub was established, says the space was always on the back foot in proving its impact. Start-ups are economic multipliers, and its hard to measure what a space like this really delivers. But for us, access to a free hub allowed us to focus on other costs. It gave us somewhere to meet investors and clients, and to grow. Upcover has expanded from two employees to 11. We grew out of the Sydney Startup Hub, Theodorou says flatly. Non-profit co-working provider Stone & Chalk was the hubs anchor tenant. Its chief executive, Chris Kirk, says that over its seven-year lifespan, the hub supported tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and proved that place-based innovation works. Companies located there progressed further along their journey than they otherwise would, which is exactly what you want to see, he says. Theres been a lot of confusion, though. Founders were left asking what the transition plan was, how theyd continue to receive support, and whether subsidised, affordable workspaces would still be available.

Entrepreneurs need to be focused on taking risks and building vibrant businesses, not worrying about where theyll sit tomorrow. Its our job to roll up our sleeves and provide that support. Opposition spokeswoman for innovation, Jacqui Munro. Politics, optics, and the ROI question The optics of $15 million a year on city office space have been difficult to defend, especially as public finances tighten. As a taxpayer, I shudder to think what the ROI [return on investment] is, says David James, the founder of online babysitter platform Juggle Street. The opposition has been strident in its criticism of the governments approach. Spokeswoman for innovation Jacqui Munro has accused the government of dismantling the existing ecosystem without a plan.

The government should come clean to founders about what the government will or will not do to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem, she says. Without vision, certainty or passion in government, progress doesnt happen. Founders are already looking interstate and overseas. We have put repeated and unanswered questions to the minister about what resources will be available for start-ups and incubators that have been forced to shut down. The government insists Tech Central  an 8000-square-metre complex near Central Station that was first planned under the former Liberal government  will more than compensate. It has committed $38.5 million to the precinct, promising space for anchor tenants such as Stone & Chalk, an international landing pad for foreign start-ups, and links to Atlassian, Canva and university research. NSW Innovation Minister Anoulack Chanthivong says Tech Central could help generate 350,000 jobs and $34.5 billion in economic activity by 2040. Innovation Minister Anoulack Chanthivong. Credit: SMH

The former government locked NSW taxpayers into an agreement despite a clear shift toward remote working, resulting in excess office space across Sydney, says a spokesman for Chantivong. This led to an entirely foreseeable decline in demand for co-working facilities at the current Sydney Startup Hub location. Their decision has left taxpayers, government, start-ups, and anchor tenants worse off. Loading Transitioning to Tech Central will enable founders, entrepreneurs, investors and corporates to collaborate more closely with universities and research institutes, in Australias leading innovation precinct. Atlassians billionaire co-founder, Mike Cannon-Brookes, is an unabashed supporter of Tech Central and is confident it will help propel Australias tech industry. Even in an increasingly distributed world, proximity still matters, he says.

Credit to the NSW government for backing such an ambitious project. Tech Central is a big bet on the future and the kind of long-term thinking our industry needs. Kirk, the Stone & Chalk chief executive, is also bullish on Tech Centrals potential and calls the Sydney Startup Hubs closure bittersweet. He says the taxpayer subsidies are a reminder that Sydney remains one of the most expensive cities in the world, particularly for real estate. Atlassian co-founders Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes at the announcement for Tech Central in 2020. Credit: Getty Images Globally, these hubs are underwritten either by billionaires or by governments. The model works because the economic return is proven, he says. Just as you invest in a highway, you invest in innovation precincts  Its a multibillion-dollar opportunity for NSW. Sydney has a chance to fundamentally redefine this whole pocket of the city and rethink its identity around innovation.

Do hubs even matter? Beyond the political tussle lies a more fundamental debate: in an era of hybrid work, Slack huddles and cloud collaboration, do we need physical hubs for innovation? Some critics say no, at least if theyre being funded by the taxpayer. Jennifer Harrison, a long-time member of the local start-up sector, dismisses Tech Central as soulless steel and concrete. Its inconvenient for business meetings  and eye-wateringly expensive, she told start-up industry publication Startup Daily. Others argue taxpayer money is better spent on grants, research programs or direct founder support rather than subsidised rent. Yet supporters counter that serendipity still matters. Start-ups dont grow in a vacuum, says Breeze. Bumping into a future investor or co-founder at the kitchen bench still matters.

Kirk echoes the point: You cant be an expert in everything  proximity and collaboration are what make breakthroughs possible. An artists render of Tech Central. Other cities are capitalising on the turbulence. Melbourne has the likes of Inspire9, a Richmond warehouse that has birthed global players such as Culture Amp and 99Designs, and the fast-growing Cremorne Digital Hub nearby. Meanwhile, Brisbanes innovation programs are drawing founders north with longer-term policy certainty (and a sunnier climate). Sydney, meanwhile, risks muddling through. A gleaming Tech Central is potentially years away from its potential. Founders, impatient and mobile, may not wait. The cost of uncertainty is high, says venture capital investor Will Richardson of Giant Leap. Nothing beats stepping off a train at Wynyard, grabbing a coffee and walking into a buzzing hub. Moving to Tech Central is a step backwards. Breeze is making a plea, calling for corporates and landlords to co-invest in affordable alternative spaces. Shes warning that without them, Sydney risks falling behind. The cost of inaction is too high. Sydneys founders have shown up, and now its time for the city to show up for them.
2. Kennedy replaces members of independent vaccine committee In June, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the CDCs advisory committee on immunisation practices and replaced them with his appointees, most of whom have criticised coronavirus vaccine policies. Weeks later, that committee announced plans to review the cumulative health effects of the entire childhood immunisation schedule, alarming public health experts who said the safety of the vaccines has been extensively evaluated. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention staff and supporters protest outside the agencys headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. Credit: Bloomberg Two of Kennedys appointees had testified against vaccine manufacturers as expert witnesses in lawsuits, and another served on the board of the nations oldest anti-vaccine group.

In a commentary article published in JAMA, a journal published by the American Medical Association, the 17 members of the advisory committee who had been fired said the abrupt dismissals, appointment of new members and reduction of CDC staff dedicated to immunisations have left the US vaccine program critically weakened. Loading Kennedy, who has long criticised the advisory panel, wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that the advisory committee had been plagued with persistent conflicts of interest and had become a rubber stamp for vaccines. He referred to 97 per cent of committee members having omissions in previous disclosure forms. The committees voting members disclose conflicts of interest at the start of each meeting. An investigation by public broadcaster NPR before the purge refuted Kennedys assertions, finding they were based on a report he mischaracterised and that some omissions included people putting information in the wrong section of the form or incompletely filling out a section, or reviewers forgetting to initial and date amendments to the pages. 3. Two CDC experts quit, cite changes at agency

In May, Kennedy bypassed CDC staff and the committee to say US health officials would no longer recommend coronavirus vaccines for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. Kennedy accused the Biden administration of having urged healthy children to get yet another COVID shot despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children. Major medical associations criticised Kennedys decision and continue to recommend coronavirus vaccines to children and pregnant patients. Kennedy bypassed CDC staff to say US health officials would no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. Credit: Top CDC expert Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, who co-led a coronavirus vaccine work group of CDC staff and outside experts that assisted the advisory committee in crafting guidance for the shots, stepped down in response. Panagiotakopoulos wrote in an email to colleagues that she worried she could no longer help the most vulnerable members of our population after the government rescinded long-standing recommendations to immunise children and pregnant women.

Fiona Havers, who oversaw CDC respiratory virus data and was in charge of presenting it to the advisory committee, stepped down the week after the administrations removal of committee members. She had led the agencys surveillance of hospitalisations for coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a common respiratory virus that is the leading cause of hospitalisations in infants. Unfortunately, I no longer have confidence that these data will be used objectively or evaluated with appropriate scientific rigor to make evidence-based vaccine policy decisions, Havers said in a June 16 email to colleagues. 4. Kennedy orders CDC to promote vitamin as measles treatment Robert F. Kennedy Jr arrives at Reinlander Mennonite Church after a second measles death in Seminole, Texas, in April. Credit: AP During his years as an anti-vaccine activist, Kennedy criticised measles shots and touted vitamin A as a treatment. This northern spring, he used his position as HHS secretary to tout the vitamin to combat an outbreak in Texas and directed the CDC to include it in guidance for caring for patients.

Experts say vitamin A can be beneficial for supportive care after someone has gotten sick from measles, but it is generally used in countries where children are malnourished, and they stress it is not a replacement for vaccination to prevent the illness. CDC employees were frustrated they could not include the risks of excessive vitamin A in its guidance, several previously told The Washington Post. They were able to include that information in a health alert weeks later, after children in the Texas outbreak showed up at local hospitals with signs of vitamin A toxicity. 5. CDC shooting leaves employees angry at Kennedy, Trump Bullet holes are still visible in the CDC building this week after the deadly shooting there in early August. Credit: Bloomberg On August 8, a gunman fired hundreds of bullets at the CDCs Atlanta headquarters, killing a police officer before the gunman fatally shot himself. According to law enforcement officials, neighbours and his father, the shooter blamed the coronavirus vaccine for his health problems.
UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday asked the Security Council to authorize an international force for Haiti.

"I urge the council to act without delay and authorize an international force, supported by the United Nations through logistical and operational backing, and predictable financing," he told a Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Security measures must go hand-in-hand with increased pressure on those fueling the violence in Haiti. This includes an effective arms embargo, as well as a targeted expansion of sanctions against gang leaders, financiers, arms traffickers, and others connected to them, said Guterres.

Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. representative to the United Nations, said Thursday that her country and Panama are tabling a draft Security Council resolution on the establishment of a "Gang Suppression Force" and a UN Support Office.

She explained that the UN Support Office would ensure the mission has the tools at its disposal to fight the gangs and ensure that the Haitian state can meet the foundational needs of its people.

The next international force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and complement the Haitian National Police. In parallel, a comprehensive approach is required to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking, and other illicit flows fueling instability, she said.

Currently, a Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission is deployed in Haiti. Although the MSS is endorsed by the Security Council, it is not a UN operation.

It remains unclear whether the proposed Gang Suppression Force will replace the MSS or will be built on it. 
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MANILA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with Philippine troops in Northern Samar province in the central Philippines, the military has said.

In a recent report, the Philippine Army said troops clashed with a band of alleged rebels on Wednesday in Mapanas town.

During the fight, government troops outmaneuvered the enemy, leaving two dead rebels behind and forcing the rest of the group to flee in disarray, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division said in a statement.

No soldiers were killed or wounded in the clash.

NPA rebels have been fighting government troops since 1969. Military data showed that the NPA's personnel strength has declined since its peak of around 25,000 armed members in the 1980s.

Despite its dwindling fighters, the NPA continues to launch small-scale attacks in the countryside. 
Dr Bhagwat for 3 children per Indian family





NEW DELHI :

Religion is by individual choice. Conversion, illegal migration key reasons behind demographic imbalance Mainstream should be linked with Gurukul education

RASHTRIYA Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat urged every Indian couple to have three children while answering questions of audiences during a programme 100 Varsh ki Sangh Yatra on Thursday, emphasising the need to maintain a sustainable fertility rate to prevent community extinction and ensure national stability. His remarks addressed growing concerns over demographic changes and population control, framing the issue as crucial for Indias future. RSS chief highlighted expert opinions that communities with a fertility rate below three gradually diminish. Experts say communities with a birth rate of less than three slowly go extinct. So, a birth rate of over three should be maintained; this happens in all countries, he stated. Drawing from medical advice, the RSS leader noted that marrying at the appropriate age and having three children promotes health for both parents and offspring.

Bhagwat also cited conversion and illegal migration as key reasons behind demographic imbalance and said while the Government is trying to curb illegal immigration, society also needs to do its part. Responding to a question during the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bhagwat asserted that religion is by individual choice and there should be no allurement or force in this. Conversion and illegal migration are key reasons for demographic imbalance. We should not give jobs to illegal immigrants; we should give jobs to our own people, including Muslims, he said. The RSS Sarsanghchalak was asked about the Sanghs view on illegal infiltration. Bhagwat on Thursday said Artificial Intelligence (AI) can learn languages and asked whether it can understand emotions. He said the Sangh does not believe in attacking anyone, including on religious grounds, and asserted that Hindu thinking does not say that Islam wont be there.

Hindus are insecure due to a lack of confidence. No Hindu thinks there will be no Islam. We are one nation first... The RSS doesnt believe in attacking anyone, including on religious lines, he said. Bhagwat also asserted that roads and places should not be named after aggressors. I am not saying they should not be named after Muslims, but they should not be named after aggressors, he said. Bhagwat said the RSS fully supports Constitutionally-mandated reservation policies and will support them till the time it is required. On the caste system, the RSS chief said whatever is outdated is bound to go. The caste system was there once, but has no relevance today. Caste is no longer a system; it is outdated, and it has to go. He asserted he had never stated that he would retire or someone else should retire at 75. The comments by Bhagwat put at rest speculation over his recent remarks on retirement of leaders which was seen as a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Both Modi and Bhagwat turn 75 next month. We are ready to retire anytime in life and ready to work as long as Sangh wants us to work, Bhagwat said responding to questions. Ram temple was the only movement that the Sangh supported, and it will not back any other such campaign, including the one for the Kashi-Mathura reclamation, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat announced on Thursday. He asserted that there are no differences or quarrels between the BJP and the Sangh, saying that there could be difference of opinion as attempts are made to achieve the goals of the country, but there was no manbhed (heart-to-heart differences). Bhagwat said that the Sangh had good coordination with every Government, not only the current one.

Dr Bhagwat on Thursday exhorted the integration of Gurukul education with mainstream education, saying the former is not about living in an ashram but learning about the countrys traditions. Responding to a question during the centenary celebrations of the RSS, Bhagwat said he is not in favour of making Sanskrit compulsory but it is important to understand the tradition and history of the country. The 64 aspects of the Vedic era that are relevant should be taught. Gurukul education should be integrated into the mainstream, not replaced, he said. The RSS Sarsanghchalak said the mainstream should be linked with Gurukul education, whose model is similar to the education model in Finland. In Finland, which is a leading country in education, there is a separate university for training teachers. Many people come from abroad because the local population is small, so they accept students from all countries. Education up to the eighth grade is conducted in the mother tongue of the students... So Gurukul education is not about going and living in an ashram, it has to be linked with mainstream, he said.

Lauding the new National Education Policy (NEP) as the right step in the right direction, Bhagwat said the education system in our country was destroyed long ago. A new education system was introduced because we always remained in slavery to the foreign invaders who were the kings of those times. They wanted to rule this country and not develop it. So they made all the systems keeping in mind how we can rule this country... But now we are free. So we dont just have to run the state, we have to run the people, he said. The RSS chief said the mindset should be built, all the information needed should be given to the children about the past, so that pride can be instilled in the children that we are also something, we can also do it. We have shown that. All this had to change. A little bit has happened in the last few years and its awareness has increased, he said.
ED grills arrested TMC MLA Jiban Sahas aunt in school jobs scam for 7 hours





Kolkata :

Maya Sahas name is involved in several land-grabbing cases: ED official said

After arresting Trinamool Congress MLA Jiban Krishna Saha from West Bengal's Murshidabad district, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday questioned his paternal aunt for at least seven hours in connection with its probe into alleged irregularities in school recruitments, a senior official of the agency said. Maya Saha, a TMC councillor of Sainthia Municipality in neighbouring Birbhum district, and her husband were questioned by the officers of the central probe agency for their alleged involvement in the recruitment scam, he said.

We are questioning his aunt, who is also a senior leader of the party. We have found her name involved in several land-grabbing cases, the official said. The Enforcement Department (ED) officials on Monday conducted a raid at the residence of Sahas aunt in Birbhum. Maya, while entering the ED office at the CGO Complex in Kolkata, rejected the allegations of her involvement in the corruption. All the allegations made against me are completely baseless. My husband has been running a business for 40 years.

There is no money from corruption involved, she said. Later, after coming out of the ED office, she said that, as asked, they submitted documents in connection with their savings in their banks and other properties. In case there is a need, the ED officers may call us again, she said.

The ED on Monday arrested the Burwan MLA following raids as part of its probe into alleged irregularities in the hiring of teachers and staffers in schools in West Bengal. He was currently in ED custody. According to sources, the MLA tried to flee from his house during the raids by scaling a wall. He also threw his phones into a drain behind his house, and those have been recovered.
FM Nirmala assures exporters of Govt support





NEW DELHI :

FINANCE Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday reassured a delegation of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) that the Government stands firmly behind them in this hour of uncertainty in the international market created by the US tariff turmoil. Sitharaman underlined the importance of protecting workers livelihoods, calling upon industry leaders to reassure employees of job continuity even amidst global headwinds. She affirmed that the Government will extend comprehensive support to exporters to sustain growth momentum and uphold Indias resilience in international trade. She emphasised that the Government is committed to addressing all concerns of the exporting community and will explore every possible avenue to safeguard their interests.

The FIEO delegation, led by its President S.C. Ralhan, apprised the Finance Minister of the challenges faced by Indian exporters due to the hike in tariffs imposed by the US. During the interaction, Ralhan highlighted the immediate concerns of the exporting community, particularly the adverse impact of higher tariffs on market access, competitiveness, and employment generation. He underscored the need for quick and calibrated policy measures to mitigate the strain on Indias exporters, who have been key drivers of growth and job creation. Ralhan said: The Finance Ministers reassurance has come as a great source of confidence for the exporting fraternity. Her commitment that the Government will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with exporters demonstrates the priority being accorded to safeguarding Indias trade interests and employment.

The FIEO reaffirmed its resolve to work closely with the Government to overcome current challenges, diversify export markets, and further strengthen Indias position in global trade, he added. Nirmala held an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss possible support measures for exporters to cushion them against the impact of US tariffs, sources said. Senior officials from different ministries including finance, commerce, textiles, MSMEs, chemicals, and fisheries attended the meet, they said. According to exporters, labour-intensive sectors including shrimp, chemicals, textiles, leather and footwear, and gems and jewellery would be impacted from this tariff as their goods will become less competitive in the US market as compared to their competitor countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand, which are being subjected to lower tariffs. The minister sought feedback from the senior officials and discussed about the support measures which can be considered for exporters, sources said.

Working on expediting rollout of export promotion mission: Govt

NEW DELHI,

Aug 28 (PTI)

THE Government is trying to speed up the rollout of export promotion mission to help exporters, a Government official said on Thursday, a day after US imposed a total of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian shipments. Exporters have sought help on the liquidity front, and all issues are under consideration of the Government. Export diversification, new free trade agreements, rollout of export promotion mission and growing domestic market will help provide cushion to Indian exporters from the impact of US tariffs, the official said. The Government is seized of issues being faced by exporters, and positive work is going on to help them, the official said. The official said diversification of exports will help exporters sustain trade trajectory in the long run. As regards the proposed India-US bilateral trade agreement, the official said, We are hopeful to get back on the table soon. However, the official added that the new dates for the next round of negotiations for the trade agreement have not yet been finalised.
I write when it becomes harder to keep quiet: Arundhati Roy





By Manik Gupta

NEW DELHI :

SAFETY suffocates me. An unusual comment from others perhaps but not when it comes from Arundhati Roy who has faced fame and fury alike for her writings, be it her debut novel that won her the Booker Prize in 1997 and propelled her to stardom or her unflinching political pieces. Roy, whose candid memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me was launched on Thursday, takes it all in her stride. Even if she is called an antinational whose words and views have made her the target of trolls and a polarising figure. As she sees it, her writings, scathing for some and straightforward for others, come from a place of love and caring about something. I write when it becomes harder to keep quiet than to write, Roy told PTI. People dont understand why one gets so upset? Why do I write? Because it comes from a place of love. It comes from caring about something.

Otherwise, why should I bother? Like, why shouldnt I enjoy my Booker Prize or whatever it was, she said about her much feted debut novel The God of Small Things. Almost all the people who we call antinationals are the ones who care. And then the people who call themselves great nationalists, I can bet you that 99 per cent of them are dodging taxes, have sent their kids to America, or are doing everything to make sure that what goes on in this country doesnt affect their personal wealth or their whatever bullshit, the ever frank Roy added. She is a writer and an activist but hyphenate the two and she says its a label she finds absurd, something like the clunky term sofa-bed. Her latest explores how Roy navigated the ebbs and flows of life to become person she is today -- the one who continues to find solace in the most dangerous of places rather than the safe ones.

The most dangerous place since the history of time has been writing. Ive never been under any illusion that it was a safe place. So Im okay here. Because its the safety that suffocates me, she declared. Over the past two decades, Roy has authored non-fiction books -- including The Ministry of Utmost Happiness -- and numerous essays covering a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from Kashmir, big dams, and globalisation to Dalit icon B R Ambedkar, meetings with Maoist rebels, and conversations with whistleblower Edward Snowden and Hollywood actor John Cusack. The subtext of straight talk continues in her latest work centred around the fraught relationship with her mother Mary Roy, a celebrated educator and womens rights activist who fought the landmark case allowing Keralas Syrian Christian women equal rights in their fathers property. Roy said the book was born out of the onrush of memories and feelings provoked by Marys death in 2022 at the age of 89. I wrote this book because I feel that my mother is someone who deserves to be shared with the world.

Mother Mary Comes to Me offers a deep dive into her tumultuous life, with Roy mincing no words as she gives voice to long-held emotions and recounts her equation with her tough, strong-headed mother. She describes the book as neither a judgment nor an accusation, and certainly not a hagiography. For a writer, she adds, the most interesting thing is to write without resolving. I never responded to her... I was quiet all this time, but heres here it is, you know... I try not to judge her. I dont know whether thats right or wrong, but I tried and I succeeded, I think, the 63-year-old explained. I just think as a writer, she is an unusual character in her own way. It was difficult. But whats the point to write something thats not difficult is no point. Theres no point in writing anything thats not difficult to write. Revered by her fans and almost unfailing reviled by her critics, the 2024 Pen Pinter Prize awardees work has often provoked extreme reactions -- from burning her effigies and disrupting her events to being told to go to Pakistan and facing charges of sedition and contempt, this celeb author-activist has seen it all. In fact, her meteoric rise to fame with The God of Small Things was not without controversy. She was accused of obscenity, marking the first of three criminal cases filed against her.

One of those cases led her to spend a day in jail for protesting the construction of big dams during the Narmada Bachao Andolan. This August, her book Azadi was among the 25 books banned by the administration in Jammu and Kashmir for promoting a false narrative and secessionism in the region. The 1961 Meghalaya-born writer and trained architect left her home in Kerala at 18 and lived hand to mouth while dabbling in various professions, including a job at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, acting in Massey Sahib and both acting and screenwriting in the National Award-winning In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones.

She has a self confessed spine of steel, thanks to her mother, the complete antithesis of typical doting maternal figure. Roy recalls in her book that her mother insisted that she and her brother Lalith Kumar Christopher address her as Mrs Roy like her students at Pallikoodam, the school she founded in Keralas Kottayam. It was almost as though for her (Mary) to shine her light on her students and give them all she had, we -- he (the brother) and I (Roy) -- had to absorb the darkness, writes Roy. She was rough, and that roughness was what put some steel into my spine... So when all those people were around me -- protesting and calling me names -- Id just be going like, Do you know whose daughter I am? Like, my needle isnt moving at all, Roy laughed, adding that the life she has lived makes her feel 165 years old mentally while a part of her remains highly immature. Its difficult to tell which is the Roy who says with characteristic bluntness that she feels no national pride. I feel love but not pride at all. Love from what is familiar, what you know, and all of that. But youve got to tell me, like, why should I be proud when you practice caste, when you think of people as subhuman, when you have no desire to create a more equal society, what is there to feel proud of in those things?

The book also narrates Roys relationship with her estranged father - she met him for the first time when she was 25 - her loving brother, her romantic partners, and her ex-husband, renowned naturalist Pradeep Krishen. It also follows her engagement with social issues and subsequent controversies, including her brushes with the law. Priced at Rs 899, Mother Mary Comes To Me, published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI), is available for purchase across online and offline stores.
Jammu-Srinagar national highway shut due to landslides in Udhampur





People stand near damaged houses along the banks of the Tawi river a day after it was flowing in spate due to heavy rainfall, in Jammu on Thursday. (PTI)

JAMMU :

THE Jammu-Srinagar national highway was closed for traffic for the third consecutive day on Thursday due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Udhampur-Ramban belt, officials said. Due to the closure of the highway, over 500 to 600 vehicles are stranded at various places en route. The 270-km-long stretch, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was blocked by multiple landslides at several places between Jakheni and Chenani in Udhampur, they said. Highway is closed for vehicular movement from Jakheni in Udhampur towards Srinagar due to damage at several places between Jakheni and Chenani. No vehicular movement shall be allowed from Nagrota in Jammu towards Reasi, Chenani, Patnitop, Doda, Ramban, Banihal, Srinagar, a traffic police official said.

He said commuters belonging to Katra and Udhampur towns are requested to keep their photo ID cards to prove their identity so that their movement can be facilitated smoothly. The men and machines of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are working to clear the highway of blockades, which occurred on Tuesday following heavy rains and flash floods, they said. According to the traffic advisory, the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag highway is closed for vehicular movement. It said subject to fair weather and good road condition, and after getting a green signal from the BRO, traffic movement shall be allowed in a regulated manner on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari road. LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil between 1130 hours and 1730 hours. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut-off timing. Security forces convoys plying from Srinagar to Kargil and vice versa shall plan their movement in such a manner so that civil traffic is not disturbed, the advisory said. Floodwater inflows rising in Krishna, Godavari rivers in Andhra Pradesh: THE Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) on Thursday said floodwaters are rising in both Krishna and Godavari rivers, with the former clocking an inflow and outflow of 4.05 lakh cusecs and the latter 5.31 lakh cusecs.

Amid heavy rainfall at various places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Krishna river at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada received inflows and outflows amounting to 4.05 lakh cusecs and the Godavari river at Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram in East Godavari district 5.31 lakh cusecs. First level warning has been issued at Prakasam Barrage. Inflows and outflows at Prakasam Barrage were 4.05 lakh cusecs, said APSDMA managing director Prakhar Jain in an official release. As floodwaters gushed intensely at Prakasam Barrage, they were recorded at 3.62 lakh cusecs by 10.45 am itself today, he said. At Srisailam Dam, Krishna river floodwater inflows were recorded at 3.06 lakh cusecs and outflows at 3.62 lakh cusecs, followed by inflows of 2.69 lakh cusecs and outflows of 3.17 lakh cusecs at Nagarjuna Sagar and inflows of 3.13 lakh cusecs and outflows of 3.72 lakh cusecs at Pulichintala, Jain said. Noting that floodwater inflows are rising slightly in the Godavari river, he said its water level at Bhadrachalam in Telangana stood at 37.7 ft, followed by a water level of 15.78 metres at Kunavaram and 10.16 metres at Polavaram.

All-terrain vehicles, boats deployed to rescue stranded villagers in Amritsar

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR,

Aug 28 (PTI)

RESCUE and relief operations were carried out in the flood-hit areas across districts in Punjab on Thursday, even as several villages and low-lying areas remained submerged. The district administrations, with the help of Army, National Disaster Relief Force, Border Security Force and state agencies, continued rescue operations even as the situation remained grim. The Amritsar district administration evacuated several people, including women, children and elderly, who were stranded in the swamped villages of Ramdas area. Amphibious all-terrain vehicles, or ATORs, and boats were deployed to rescue stranded people in the area, which was inundated by the rising waters of River Ravi. Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, accompanied by Jalandhar Senior Superintendent of Police (Rural) Maninder Singh and Additional Deputy Commissioner Rohit Gupta, supervised the rescue operation, said an official. Among the villages affected were Ghonewala, Machhiwala, Mangu Naru, Shahzada, Jattan, Kot Gurbaksh, Pashian, Nissoke, Singhoke, Mehmad, Mundranwala, Ghaggar, Dharmabad, Ramdass, Shampura, Nangal Sohal, Rurewal, Pandori, Langarpur, Galib, and Bedi Channa.

Rains lash several parts of Karnataka, IMD issues orange, yellow alerts

BENGALURU,

Aug 28 (PTI)

HEAVY rains lashed several parts of Karnataka on Thursday morning, leading to the IMD issuing orange and yellow alerts in various districts, holiday for educational institutions and authorities taking precautionary measures across multiple districts. An orange alert denotes very heavy rainfall of 11 to 20 cm, while a yellow alert signals heavy rain between 6 and 11 cm. In Bidar district, overnight rainfall in Aurad taluk caused water to overflow on several bridges, including Dadagi bridge in Badalgaon-Chondimukhed in Bhalki taluk, forcing a complete closure to traffic. A stream at Narayanpur village in Aurad taluk was also reported in spate. Bidar Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Sharma declared a holiday for schools and colleges in affected areas as a safety measure.
KIGALI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has received a group of seven migrants from the United States, marking the first arrivals under a recently signed bilateral resettlement agreement, government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told local media on Thursday.

She said the migrants arrived in mid-August and are being housed with support from an international organization, with the International Organization for Migration and local social services monitoring their welfare.

Makolo explained that the migrants underwent vetting before relocation. Of the seven, four have chosen to begin a new life in Rwanda, while the remaining three expressed interest in eventually returning to their countries of origin.

"Regardless of their specific needs, all of these individuals will receive appropriate support and protection from the Rwandan government," Makolo said, without disclosing their nationalities.

In early August, Rwanda reached an agreement with the United States to receive up to 250 migrants, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting displaced populations and promoting reintegration. Under the deal, Rwanda retains the authority to review and approve each proposed resettlement case.

Approved migrants will be provided with workforce training, health care, and accommodation support to help them restart their lives in Rwanda and contribute to one of Africa's fastest-growing economies over the past decade, according to Makolo. 
New Horizons





THE three-day festival in New Delhis Vigyan Bhavan at which Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat explained the philosophical position of the organisation celebrating its 100th year, was an event that the nation must look at with much focus and seriousness. Though a similar event had been organised at the same venue in 2018, this event -- titled appropriately New Horizons -- had a special importance in its centenary year as RSS has assumed a unique position in the national centre-stage for obvious and multiple reasons. Dr. Mohan Bhagwat excelled in his oration for two days and answered questions from the audience on various aspects of the RSS and its way of thinking and action. His speeches and responses to questions were mildly-worded and carefully crafted to give an impression of sober culture that is actually the signature of the organisation (no matter the politically-driven negative impression in some segments of Indian society). We are not here to convince you or anybody about our thought and action. We are here only to present before you what RSS stands for.

If you are convinced, we will be grateful. But if you have doubts or you choose to harbour an opposite position, we recognise your right to do so, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat said. Yet, the soft tone of the speech and the matter-of-fact presentation of the RSS positions on various issues did not leave much ground for major doubts in the minds of the audience selected after much internal deliberation. There were some critical issues raised by some in the elite audience, all right, but the answers Dr. Bhagwat offered also were indicative of the high calibre of the discourse the RSS wants to promote in the Indian polity. There were no fireworks and no sharp-tongued statements that could give rise to controversies later on. Dr. Bhagwat spoke at length on issues of national importance but did not leave any ground for anybody to assume a deliberately negative position on those.

Those who have heard or read Dr. Bhagwats speeches and answers seven years ago at a similar event would certainly recall that the exercise this time was as mature as it was then -- and as open-minded as anybody could imagine. There was no condescension and no assumption of moral high ground. What open-minded people could derive from the speeches was a sincere invitation to understand the RSS fully. Come to us and try to know what we do and how we conduct our work and achieve our goals. We would never want to bend backward to convince you. We leave the choice to you, Dr. Bhagwat said in different ways at different times during the three days. His statements did have a persuasive manner, all right, but there was no hard advocacy. There was no table-thumping and air-punching. What was available was a smooth flow of the thought that led to the establishment of the RSS by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925 -- after he had toyed with the idea on the strength of different ideological constructs before finally arriving at the current model (as Dr. Mohan Bhagwat explained).

The exercise was titled New Horizon -- suggesting that in its 100th year of existence, the RSS is looking at the road ahead leading to new goals and missions that are in consonance with the original thought that spurred its formation. Dr. Bhagwat insisted on many occasions during the three days that organising the Hindu community did not suggest any position against other communities. He also emphasised that the Hindu or Sanatan way of thinking honoured multiplicity of faiths since it did not have one single book or one original promoter of faith. Plurality of beliefs is the core of the Hindu way of life and that does not militate against any other faith, he stressed. If this message goes across well, the three-day event will have served its purpose.
PM Modis 8th Japan visit to strenghthen friendship





TOKYO/NEW DELHI :

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his first standalone visit to Japan in nearly seven years to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, on Friday. This will be Prime Minister Modis eighth visit to Japan, and the first Summit meeting with Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba. PM Modi last visited Japan in May 2023. Both leaders had earlier met in June 2025 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada and during the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane in Laos, last year. During his stay, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will hold talks with Prime Minister Modi and hold a working dinner. The two leaders are also scheduled to visit Miyagi Prefecture. It is expected that Prime Minister Modis visit to Japan will further deepen the friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and India. This will be Prime Minister Modis eighth visit to Japan as Prime Minister, his last visit was in May 2023, read a statement issued by the Japanese Foreign Ministry ahead of PM Modis visit.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during the visit, the two Prime Ministers will review the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, including defence and security, trade and economy, technology and innovation, and people to people exchanges, as well as discuss issues of regional and global importance. The visit will reaffirm the longstanding special bond of friendship between the two countries. The annual summit between India and Japan represents the highest-level dialogue mechanism that exists between the two countries, and it drives the agenda of the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership, said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership since 2014, which, according to the MEA, is rooted in civilisational ties and reinforced by convergence in regional and global outlooks.

The Indo-Pacific visions of both countries are closely aligned, with Indias Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) complementing Japans Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). The cooperation extends to plurilateral platforms such as the Quad, the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). Japan takes the lead on the connectivity pillar of the IPOI and is also Indias largest donor of official development assistance (ODA).

India and Japan are two countries that share values, trust and strategic outlook on several issues. They are Asias two leading democracies and amongst the worlds top five economies, Misri stated. During the summit, both Prime Ministers are expected to evaluate progress achieved in recent years, while also exchanging perspectives on key regional and global matters. Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted that India-Japan relations have consistently broadened in scope and ambition over the last decade, and the visit would enable the launch of new initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience in the partnership while addressing emerging opportunities and challenges. He also underlined that India continues to place high importance on the Quad grouping -- comprising India, Japan, the United States, and Australia -- which is widely viewed as a strategic counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific.

In recent years, engagement between Indian States and Japanese prefectures has intensified, and this aspect will also be a focus during the visit. Overall, the visit will consolidate our long-standing friendship, open fresh avenues of cooperation and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity and stability in our shared Indo-Pacific region and beyond, Misri told reporters ahead of PM Modis departure. During the two-day visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to participate in a business leaders forum involving top Indian and Japanese industry representatives. The discussions will include matters related to strengthening cooperation within the Quad as well as bolstering security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
SC grants bail to Gawli





Staff Reporter :

Arun Gawli, the erstwhile Mumbai don-turned politician, got a major relief as Supreme Court on Thursday granted him bail. Gawli was serving life imprisonment in the case involving murder of Shiv Sena corporator. At present, Gawli is lodged at Central Jail in Nagpur and serving life sentence since 2007. He was convicted for murder of Mumbais Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar. On Thursday, a bench of Justice M M Sundresh and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, in its order, mentioned that, Gawli was in jail for over 17 years and his appeal was pending before it. The order further reads that the appellant has been under incarceration for 17 years and three months.

Further, the bench underlined a fact that the convict is 76 years old. The apex court granted bail subject to terms and conditions imposed by the trial court. The apex court has further posted the matter for final hearing in February 2026. It may be mentioned that Gawli had challenged December 9, 2019, verdict of the Bombay High Court that upheld the life sentence given to him by the trial court.

Gawli shot to fame from Dagdi Chawl, a neighbourhood of Byculla, from where he ran the show. After developing political ambition, the gangster floated Akhil Bharatiya Sena and was elected MLA in 2004 from the Chinchpokli seat of Mumbai metropolis. Gawli, along with others, was arrested in 2006 and tried for the murder of Jamsandekar. In August 2012, a Sessions Court in Mumbai sentenced him to life imprisonment in the case and imposed a Rs 17 lakh fine.
Toll in Palghar building crash rises to 17





PALGHAR :

THE death toll in the collapse of an allegedly unauthorised building at Virar in Maharashtras Palghar district has risen to 17 with the discovery of two more bodies, officials said on Thursday. Police have arrested the builder of the four-storey structure, Ramabai Apartment, after the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) lodged a complaint, they said. Two more bodies have been located under the debris. The teams from the National Disaster Response Force and other rescue units are extricating them, said Vivekanand Kadam, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of Palghar District, he said. Their identities will be ascertained subsequently, he said. The building, housing nearly 50 flats, collapsed on an adjacent vacant tenement at Vijay Nagar in Virar area of Palghar, adjoining Mumbai, at 12.05 am on Wednesday, they said. A one-year-old girls birthday party was underway on the fourth floor when 12 flats in a wing of the building collapsed, trapping residents and guests under the debris, as per eyewitnesses.

Palghar District Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar on Thursday morning said that the death toll in the incident had gone up to 15 overnight. The girl, whose birthday was being celebrated when the incident occurred, was among the deceased. Six other persons, who were injured and rescued, were undergoing treatment in various hospitals, according to an official from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC). Emergency teams, including the NDRF, local police and fire department, continue to sift through the rubble to check if more victims are trapped. The work of clearing the debris will continue to ensure no other person is trapped under the rubble, the collector told PTI. The work is almost complete, but we want to be absolutely sure before concluding the operation, she added. Kadam said the teams are working around the clock.

The goal is not only to recover those trapped but also to ensure no lives are put at further risk, he said. The authorities on Wednesday identified seven of the deceased. They have identified eight more victims as Govind Singh Ravat (28), Shubhangi Pawan Saheni (40), Kashish Pawan Saheni (35), Deepak Singh Behra (25), Sonali Rupesh Tejam (41), Harish Singh Bisht (34), Sachin Nevalkar (40) and Deepesh Soni (41). Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene, where a moment of happiness turned to chaos in an instant. People were dancing and celebrating (during the birthday party) when suddenly the entire structure collapsed like a pack of cards, said a survivor. The aftermath was marked by chaos and panic, with people screaming and accusing the builder of negligence. Residents claimed that unlike previous incidents of building collapses where cracks or structural weaknesses were visible beforehand, there were no such warning signs here. The sudden collapse has raised serious concerns over building safety and unauthorised constructions in the area.

Locals have alleged lethargy and negligence on part of the builder and authorities, with many demanding a thorough investigation into how the unauthorised structure was allowed to house so many residents without proper safety measures. Police on Wednesday arrested the builder after the VVMC lodged a complaint. Luckily, the chawl or tenement on which the building collapsed was vacant, District Disaster Management Officer Vivekanand Kadam earlier said. As a precautionary measure, all the chawls around the ill-fated building have been vacated and occupants shifted to safer places, he said. Constructed in 2012, Ramabai Apartment has 50 flats, and the collapsed part had 12 apartments, said Kadam. A spokesperson of the VVMC had called the building illegal.

The debris removal was delayed because officials initially struggled to bring heavy machinery to the crashed building located in a congested locality. All affected families have been temporarily housed at Chandansar Samajmandir. We are providing food, water, medical assistance, and other essential services, VVMC assistant commissioner Gilson Gonsalves said.
US tariffs to hit 1/4th of Indian textile exports in 6 months





NEW DELHI :

AS THE 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the US come into effect, close to one-fourth of Indias textile exports may be severely impacted in the next six months, with America being the largest export market for the countrys apparel industry and exporters grappling with order cancellations, experts said on Thursday. However, the extension of duty-free import of cotton by three more months till December 31 is expected to bring some much-needed relief to the domestic textile industry, as it looks to mitigate the impact of the steep tariffs by re-orienting its export strategy and exploring alternate destinations other than the US, by leveraging Indias existing free trade agreements (FTAs). We are looking at a hit of at least 20-25 per cent for the next six months, if I am considering some amount of re-orientation to be done because otherwise the figure is 28 per cent of exports, largely apparel and made-ups, Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) Secretary General Chandrima Chatterjee told PTI. The Government on Thursday extended duty-free import of cotton by three more months till December 31 to support textile exporters facing steep 50 per cent tariffs in the US. Earlier, on August 18, the Finance Ministry had allowed duty exemption on cotton imports from August 19 till September 30.

We are very relieved because the earlier exemption was not benefiting new orders that can be placed for cotton as it takes a minimum 45-50 days to be shipped. So now this relatively longer widow will benefit the new orders, Chatterjee said. She emphasised that the cotton import duty exemption will impart cost competitiveness by lowering the cost differential. Prior to these exemptions the difference between the domestic cotton price and the international bench-mark was 10-15 per cent, that will be addressed, the CITI Secretary General said. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman Sudhir Sekhri said the announcement of 50 per cent reciprocal tariff by the US on Indian imports is a matter of deep concern for the countrys textile and apparel industry.

The United States is one of the largest export destinations, and such a steep tariff will severely impact the competitiveness of Indian products in the American market, hurting both exporters and consumers, Sekhri stated. However, he assured all support to the Government on its stand of protecting the interests of Indian farmers, dairy industry and fishermen. Our industry is already experiencing the effects of the tariff hike, with potential losses and order cancellations. We are exploring alternate markets and strategies to mitigate the impact of the US tariffs. We are also in active discussions with the Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Commerce & Industry. In our meetings with the ministers of both the ministries, we have been assured of their best possible support, Sekhri said. In 2024-25, the overall size of the textile and apparel sector is estimated at USD 179 billion, comprising a domestic market of USD 142 billion and exports worth USD 37 billion.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior official in Brunei said on Thursday that artificial intelligence (AI) should be used responsibly, and innovation must be grounded in trust and rooted in Bruneian values.

Brunei's Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI) held the Artificial Intelligence Governance Symposium in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on Thursday.

Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, said the symposium acted as a platform for open discussions and collaboration among government organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society in shaping the responsible use of AI in Brunei.

According to AITI, the symposium also featured a meeting of the AI governance and ethics working group, which aimed to reflect recent developments in generative AI. 
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's internet watchdog has launched a special campaign to address improper online behaviors and harmful information concerning veterans, following reports of online accounts misusing identities of former service members for profit.

The campaign will run through the end of September, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China. It aims to urge online platforms to fulfill their primary responsibilities, remove content that damages the image of veterans, and foster a sound online environment to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The campaign has a range of targets, including social media accounts posing as veterans to sell counterfeit goods, livestreamers wearing military uniforms for vulgar performances, and the use of veterans' identities to spread rumors, conduct scams or promote misleading content.

It will also crack down on the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate fake images or videos of people in military uniform, as well as activities that distort veteran welfare policies for commercial gain. 
VIENTIANE, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A tropical depression is moving northwest at a speed of 20 km per hour and is expected to cross Vietnam and enter Laos, bringing heavy rainfall to the central and southern parts of Laos from Friday to Sunday.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Friday issued a warning, advising the public to remain vigilant due to continuous rainfall and to be cautious of potential flooding and landslides.

The storm is expected to significantly affect the Lao capital Vientiane and several provinces, including Xayaboury, Xaysomboun, Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu.

The Lao weather bureau has urged the public to remain cautious and take necessary precautions against potential flooding. Residents living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas are advised to stay alert and take appropriate measures to protect their safety and property. 
Palestinians fleeing to south Gaza Strip is seen on a road in Gaza City, on Aug. 28, 2025. A pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty grips the approximately one million residents of Gaza City, who are facing a planned Israeli military offensive that many believe will force them south into areas already overwhelmed with displaced people. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians fleeing to south Gaza Strip is seen on a road in Gaza City, on Aug. 28, 2025. A pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty grips the approximately one million residents of Gaza City, who are facing a planned Israeli military offensive that many believe will force them south into areas already overwhelmed with displaced people. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians fleeing to south Gaza Strip is seen on a road in Gaza City, on Aug. 28, 2025. A pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty grips the approximately one million residents of Gaza City, who are facing a planned Israeli military offensive that many believe will force them south into areas already overwhelmed with displaced people. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinians fleeing to south Gaza Strip is seen on a road in Gaza City, on Aug. 28, 2025. A pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty grips the approximately one million residents of Gaza City, who are facing a planned Israeli military offensive that many believe will force them south into areas already overwhelmed with displaced people. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
Over 80 years ago, China and the United States fought Japanese fascists together in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.

More than 2,000 Flying Tigers airmen sacrificed their lives during the war. The Chinese people also provided American pilots with assistance at all costs. More than 200 pilots in distress were rescued, with thousands of Chinese people giving their lives during the rescue operations.

This is the story about the #FlyingTigers and Chinese people. Documentary: Echoes of History (Ep. 2) | Wings of Friendship -- The Flying Tigers' Legacy

#WWII #WartimeHeroes #USChinaBond
This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2025 shows a hangluo gauze artistic installation inside the new intangible cultural heritage-themed concept store of Starbucks in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Wei Yijun)

HANGZHOU, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Starbucks on Friday opened a new intangible cultural heritage-themed concept store in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, as part of its latest expansion efforts in the world's second-largest economy.

This is the fifth such outlet for the U.S. coffee chain in China, following similar stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Nanjing.

The new store is located in a nearly century-old commercial building on Hefang Street, a historic pedestrian street in downtown Hangzhou.

The store is decorated with hangluo gauze, a type of famous silk fabric produced in Hangzhou, with a handloom weaving machine placed on the first floor. Customers can get a glimpse of the special beauty of the intangible cultural heritage while enjoying coffee here.

The hangluo gauze weaving technique was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

The concept of the intangible cultural heritage stores stems from two public welfare projects launched by Starbucks in 2019 concerning the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and techniques of rural women. The projects have covered about 50 intangible cultural heritage techniques in 26 provincial-level regions.

"We hope the store will serve not only as a space to present coffee culture but also as a cultural window for the public to experience the vitality of intangible cultural heritage," said Cheng Yiting, head of Starbucks' East China Region II.

Starbucks has been operating in Hangzhou for over 20 years and now runs more than 450 stores in the city. 

This photo taken on Aug. 27, 2025 shows an interior view of the new intangible cultural heritage-themed concept store of Starbucks in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Wei Yijun)
COLOMBO, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on Friday issued a 2,000 rupees (about 6.6 U.S. dollars) circulated commemorative currency note to mark its 75th anniversary, with features to assist visually impaired people.

Issuing a statement, the CBSL said the note is in line with the anniversary theme, "Stability for Prosperity," reflecting the Central Bank's enduring commitment to fostering economic stability as the foundation for national development. This is the fifth commemorative currency note issued by CBSL.

The CBSL said that a color-shifting security thread is embedded in the note to enhance security and facilitate public authentication. To assist visually impaired people in identifying the note by touch, six raised bars, each with a diamond shape, are printed along both the left and right edges.

This is a limited issue of 50 million notes, which will be gradually released into circulation through Licensed Commercial Banks starting on Friday, the CBSL said. 
a note from the editor

Theres a feeling that sweeps over Toronto after Labour Day, a declaration of a new season when nights seem darker, lights seem brighter. Then, for 10 days every September, the Toronto International Film Festival takes over the city. Emerging Canadian filmmakers share the stage with Hollywoods biggest stars; movie fans gather at theatres, red carpets and cocktail bars to experience a rattle and hum of talent, celebrity and glamour. Its Toronto at its most alive.

This year, Canadas most celebrated arts festival celebrates its 50th edition, a major milestone for an organization that started as a dream by three buccaneers who upended the traditional festival model. Over the years, the rules may have changed, but the spirit remains the same: at its core, TIFF is a festival for the people.

Welcome to City of Stars, a celebration of five decades of cinematic magic, glamour and unforgettable moments here in Toronto. What started as the Festival of Festivals in 1976 has since blossomed into a global powerhouse. This special package is our tribute to that evolution  and to the festival that has shaped our citys cultural heart.

Use this page to find our stories commemorating 50 years of TIFF.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that Israel's initial steps to militarily take over Gaza City signal a new and dangerous phase with devastating consequences. #Gaza #UN




Industrial upgrade pivots on digital tech

08:23, August 29, 2025 By FAN FEIFEI and YANG JUN ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Children interact with a robot dog at the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025, which kicked off on Thursday in Guiyang, Guizhou province. YANG WENBIN/XINHUA

China will intensify efforts to leverage innovative digital technologies to bolster industrial upgrade and foster strategic emerging and future-oriented industries, as part of its broader push to promote the high-quality development of the digital economy and nurture new quality productive forces, said officials and experts.

They made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2025, which kicked off on Thursday in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province.

The expo, which runs through Saturday, features a diverse range of exchanges and activities, with more than 16,000 guests and 375 enterprises participating.

Hao Mingjin, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said that heightened efforts should be made to give full play to the role of data as a fundamental resource and an engine for innovation, promote the in-depth integration of the real and digital economies, and accelerate the development of artificial intelligence.

There is a pressing need to further deepen reforms related to the market-oriented allocation of data elements, establish and improve basic data systems, cultivate the data industry ecosystem and expand international cooperation in the digital economy domain, Hao said.

Noting that data serves as a new type of production factor, Zhuang Rongwen, head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, highlighted the significance of cultivating new growth drivers for industrial transformation and upgrading, deeply implementing the "AI Plus" initiative and building a modern industrial system.

He called for efforts to raise people's digital literacy, improve the rules and systems in the digital field, promote efficient, convenient and secure cross-border data flows, and strengthen AI security governance.

China's digital economy has gained strong momentum in recent years. According to the National Data Administration, the country's total data output reached 41.06 zettabytes last year, marking a robust 25 percent year-on-year increase.

Liu Liehong, head of the National Data Administration, said that China has rolled out nearly 30 policy measures related to the development and utilization of public data resources and urban digital transformation. It has also advanced the construction of data infrastructure, such as a national integrated computing power network, while expanding the application scenarios of data in a wide range of sectors, he said.

The added value of China's digital economy is expected to stand at around 49 trillion yuan ($6.9 trillion) by the end of this year, accounting for about 35 percent of GDP, according to Liu.

He noted that the country's total intelligent computing capacity has reached around 780,000 PFlops, ranking second globally. PFlops, or petaflops, is a unit of measurement for computational performance, representing 1 quadrillion floating-point operations per second.

Liu also emphasized the importance of high-quality and large-scale data in advancing the "AI Plus" initiative.

Statistics from the National Data Development Research Institute show that the number of data enterprises in China surpassed 400,000 in 2024, while the market scale of the nation's data industry reached 5.86 trillion yuan.

Xu Lin, Party secretary of Gui-zhou, said the province will seize the strategic opportunity brought by the explosive growth of AI to vigorously develop the computing power industry with a key focus on intelligent computing, as well as develop the data industry and AI industry centered on industry-specific large models.

Jiang Xiaojuan, a professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the application of data across various fields "has injected new momentum into China's industrial development", adding that the industrialization of digital and AI technologies will significantly improve operational efficiency and lower costs.

The digital economy has played a vital role in bolstering the transformation of manufacturing, services, consumption and international trade, and in driving overall economic growth, Jiang said.

Yang Jie, chairman of China Mobile, the world's largest telecom carrier in terms of mobile subscribers, said the scale and quality of data have become a driving force for accelerating AI innovation and breakthroughs.

Yang added that China Mobile is beefing up efforts to increase the supply of high-quality data, boost the efficient circulation of data and speed up the high-level utilization of data, in order to push forward the deeper integration of data with various areas of the economy and society.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- China urged the Philippines to stop playing with fire on issues concerning China's core interests, and stop sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Friday.

The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on the Philippines allowing the visit by head of the foreign affairs department of the Taiwan authorities.

It was reported that the head of the foreign affairs department of the Taiwan region recently visited the Philippines as a so-called head of a foundation, and he met with certain Philippine officials and attended economic and trade activities.

The spokesperson said that the Philippines, by letting Lin Chia-lung visit the country as a so-called head of a foundation, has provided a platform for "Taiwan independence" separatists to engage in anti-China activities, and has severely violated the basic norms in international relations and the Philippines' own commitment on Taiwan-related issues.

Over the past weeks and months, the Philippines has taken a series of wrong and provocative moves on Taiwan-related issues, and kept fudging and hollowing out the one-China principle and hurting China-Philippines ties. This once again reflects the serious lack of credibility of the Philippine government, the spokesperson said, adding that China firmly opposes this and has lodged serious protests with the Philippines both in Beijing and Manila.

"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is China's internal affair," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson urged the Philippines to abide by the one-China principle and the joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties, stop pursuing the wrong course and return to the right track at once, stop playing with fire on issues concerning China's core interests, and stop sending any wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

"The Philippines must not underestimate the firm resolve of the Chinese people to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is a price to pay for trampling on China's red line, and all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippines," the spokesperson said. 
BANGKOK, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office after finding her phone conversation over the border issue with Cambodia violated the constitution. 
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 22F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 11F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
SEOUL, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's special counsel indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of abetting insurrection of the former ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol, the special counsel team said Friday.

Han was indicted without a physical detention on charges of abetting the insurrection ringleader, perjury, falsifying and later destroying official documents, and others, said the team of independent counsel Cho Eun-suk, leading an investigation into Yoon's short-lived martial law imposition last December.

The indictment came after a Seoul court rejected a warrant to detain Han on Wednesday.

Han is suspected of conniving at Yoon's insurrection by proposing to hold a cabinet meeting before the martial law declaration for its legitimacy, drawing up and scrapping a revised proclamation, and lying at the constitutional court and the parliament. 
As Tianjin gears up to host the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, let's embark on a journey "IN" Tianjin to discover all the ins and outs of the city. Follow us as we find out how inclusive, international, inspiring and innovative the city is!
Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has in the last two years rapidly scaled up its fast-moving consumer business, acquiring smaller brands like Campa and Lotus Chocolate on the one hand, while launching and growing its own brands like 'Independence' in staples. The oil-to-telecom conglomerate has now set ambitious goals for Reliance Consumer Products, targeting 1 lakh crore revenue in five years.

Until now, Reliance Consumer Products was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures. But now, it will become a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries, a move that will consolidate all the consumer brands into a single, sharply focused company.

RCPL, as a subsidiary of RIL, is a strategic move to create Indias largest FMCG company. RCPLs phenomenal growth is guaranteed by the consumption boom in India, our world-class supply chain and advanced manufacturing capabilities, said Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and MD of Reliance.

Separately elaborating on the consumer business plans further, Isha Ambani, the director of Reliance Retail, pointed out that Indias consumer market is a $2 trillion high-growth opportunity, expanding at over 8 per cent annually and a strategic approach is needed to seize this opportunity.

She stated that Indias 350 million middle-class households had a combined purchasing power exceeding 100 lakh crore, and they represented 600 million increasingly brand-conscious consumers who sought premium experiences at affordable prices. Also, Indias rural markets, comprising 900 million consumers, were adopting global-quality branded products faster than urban markets, with penetration growing 35 per cent annually, she added.

This combination of a rising middle class and accelerating rural adoption marks an unmissable consumption opportunity, said Isha.

As a separate company, RCPL will get the independence to focus exclusively on its markets, products, and customers, and provide the agility to respond quickly to consumer trends and competitive dynamics, she noted.

This structure will enable sharper execution, faster innovation cycles, and deeper operational focus  all critical to winning in consumer markets, according to Isha.

RCPL has also seen strong growth with revenues touching 11,500 crore in the year ended March 2025. Aided by a strong distribution push and lower pricing, Campa Cola already has double-digit market share in several states. Its daily essentials brand Independence has crossed 1,000 crore in revenue.

In contrast, Hindustan Unilever, the largest FMCG company in India, reported a revenue of 60,680 crore in the year ended March 2025. Nestle India reported a revenue of over 20,000 crore, and homegrown Dabur Indias full-year revenue stood at 12,563 crore.

The company has set a target of 1 lakh crore in revenue within five years. This will be aided by rapid expansion not just in India, but also overseas.

We started in India, have entered West Asia, Sri Lanka and Nepal, and are now exporting to West Africa. Our target is to enter at least 25 countries in the next 12 months, building an Indian consumer brands powerhouse with global reach, Isha stressed.

While Reliance scales up distribution and reach of its FMCG business, it has also established a research and development hub, spread across 1.50 lakh square feet and over 100 scientists, focusing on better-than-market quality, first-to-India products and first-to-world innovations.

RCPL has already invested 3,000 crore in 12 manufacturing facilities, and over the next three years, it plans to invest 40,000 crore to create Asias largest integrated food parks.

At the same time, the company is also scaling up its distribution. It has already reached 1.5 million outlets and aims to cover 95 per cent of Indias consuming population through retail, digital and B2B channels. The companys signature partner programme, which offers higher retailer margins, is enrolling over 10,000 new partners each month, according to Isha.

This is in additional to Reliances own strong retail network. Reliance Retail has 19,340 stores in over 7,000 towns, and it plans to steadily add 2,000-3,000 new stores annually, spread across grocery, fashion, lifestyle, and durables among others.

The FMCG business will be the blueprint for expansion into apparel, electronics and other large and high-value consumer categories.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal dismissed the latest wave of US tariffs slapped by the Donald Trump administration on India as mere "unilateral actions", assuring industry bodies that the Centre would reach out to other countries for new opportunities.

The minister was addressing the curtain raiser event of Bharat Buildcon event at New Delhi on Friday.

Incidentally, this was the commerce minister's first public comment since the doubling of US tariffs on Indian goods to up to 50% took effect on Wednesday.

Later, Goyal on Friday also said that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman would be finalised soon. He also added that Qatar was looking to negotiate a deal with India.

ALSO READ | Crippling 50% tariffs on India by US come into effect: All you need to know

"The government is committed to making sure that all of you do not face any stresses or difficulties in managing the current situation, emanating from certain unilateral actions," Goyal said at the Bharat Buildcon event, referring to the Trump tariffs.

Goyal also called on the various industry stakeholders to apprise the government of which sectors were affected by the tariffs. He assured that the Commerce ministry, through various missions, is reaching out to the other parts of the world "to look at other opportunities."

The minister highlighted the Centre's focus to "boost domestic consumption", hinting at the impending GST reforms.

The impact of the changes would be felt very quickly, added the union minister. These changes would help the domestic manufacturing sector, he said.

The iron ore and steel industry is already looking to export 60 million tonnes of steel from the country. "This is another sector where we can become a supplier to many countries," asserted Goyal.
Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Japan, claimed that in India's development journey, Japan has always been an important partner, Tokyo is also looking to benefit from the economic momentum in India.

According to Japanese media reports, during the discussions between PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, the two are likely to agree to boost cooperation in several areas that could help Japan energise its economy.

#WATCH | At India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, PM Modi says, "Japans excellence and Indias scale can create a perfect partnership..."



(Video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/Js5cjRGHvS  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Amid China's growing assertiveness, Indo-Pacific region, Japan has been trying to forge closer ties with India. As part of these efforts, over the next 10 years, Japan plans to invest $68 billion in India, say media reports.

The two countries are expected to form an economic security framework, aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, including semiconductors, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and pharmaceuticals.

#WATCH | "India has taken bold and ambitious initiatives in AI, semiconductor, quantum computing, biotech, and space. The technology of Japan and the talent of India can together lead the tech revolution of this century....India-Japan have signed an agreement on Joint Credit pic.twitter.com/syN2JT6WkW  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Modi and the Japanese PM are likely to agree to aim for mutual exchanges of over 5,00,000 people in the next five years, including as many as 50,000 people from India to Japan, according NHK WORLD - JAPAN.

Japanese manufacturing companies are significantly increasing their investments in India. Honda Motor plans to start a production line at its plant in Karnataka's Vithalapur. Honda is also reportedly planning to increase its production capacity in India.

While Suzuki Motor began operations at its fourth vehicle assembly plant a few months ago, Daikin Industries is expected to start operations at a new air conditioner plant in India by 2030.

As many as 11 outcome documents may be compiled after the meeting between the two prime ministers, including a statement on joint visions, which would offer specific direction for the partnership for the next decade.
The monsoon may bring respite from the sweltering summer heat, but it also carries an annual health warning: this time, doctors are reporting a sharp rise in Hepatitis A cases among children.

Heavy rains, stagnant water, and poor sanitation create ideal breeding grounds for waterborne infections.

ALSO READ | From mosquitoes to maladies: How to stay safe this monsoon

Childrenparticularly schoolchildrenare most vulnerable, say paediatricians, as they are exposed to contaminated drinking water, unhygienic food stalls, and close contact with infected peers.

Doctors warn that the flooding of low-lying areas with sewage-contaminated water has worsened risks this season. Street food, especially outside schools and marketplaces, is a major culprit. The absence of clean water for washing hands and utensils makes popular roadside snacks a hidden health hazard.

Schools can turn into hotspots, points out Dr Ramesh Shah, a senior family physician, citing shared water bottles, faucets, and group meals as risk factors. Authorities have been urged to tighten checks on street vendors operating outside school gates during the rains.

Hepatitis A, a viral infection of the liver, spreads mainly through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, poor appetite, vomiting, dark urine, and jaundice.

Weve seen more cases in the last few weeks, particularly among school-going children aged 3 to 7 who consume food outside. Nearly two out of five children have tested positive for Hepatitis A, said Dr Atul Palwe, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital, Lullanagar, Pune.

There is no specific cure for Hepatitis A. Treatment focuses on supportive carerest, hydration, and nutrition. Most children recover fully in a few weeks. Parents must not ignore early symptoms and should consult a doctor immediately," Dr Palwe added.

Doctors and civic authorities emphasise prevention as the most effective tool and recommend boiling drinking water, frequent handwashing, avoiding the sharing of bottles or utensils in schools, not consuming roadside food during the monsoons, and administering timely Hepatitis A vaccination.

ALSO READ | Hepatitis stigma in India: A silent epidemic beyond the virus

"This problem isn't only limited to big cities: such cases are seen in smaller towns and rural areas too. While vaccination of course helps prevent the illness from raising its ugly head in the first place, personal hygiene goes a long way to ensure that children remain protected from these viruses for years," adds Dr Shah.

As monsoon infections surge, paediatricians are urging families to stay alert.

While the illness is usually self-limiting, early detection and simple preventive steps can make the difference between a few weeks of sickness and a serious health scare.
The Supreme Court attained its sanctioned strength of 34 judges on Friday with the swearing-in of Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Patna High Court Chief Justice Vipul Manubhai Pancholi. Their elevation comes against the backdrop of a widening row over collegium resolutions, and the choices have once again sharpened debates about seniority, supersession, and the institutional practice of fixing the line of succession for the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

While both Justices Aradhe and Pancholi are respected jurists with long stints in the High Courts, it is Justice Pancholis elevation that has triggered the most conversation in legal and political circles. By virtue of his seniority at the time, he will be in line to take over as the CJI in October 2031 after Justice Joymalya Bagchis retirement. This outcome was not automatic; it was shaped by the collegiums choice to elevate him now, and in the process, to bypass other High Court judges who were senior in terms of appointment.

Supersession in the service of succession

The Indian judiciary has traditionally guarded seniority as the primary basis for appointments to the Supreme Court. However, in practice, the collegium has often departed from this norm, citing factors such as merit, regional representation, and diversity. Critics argue that these departures sometimes serve a narrower purpose to secure a predictable line of succession for the post of Chief Justice of India.

Justice Pancholis case illustrates this dynamic. Several senior High Court judges, including those from Kerala, Delhi, and Karnataka, had a stronger claim by age or tenure. Yet, by elevating him now, the collegium has effectively ensured his place in the CJIs chair six years down the line. The decision, while technically defensible, is seen by many as a conscious exercise in shaping the institutions future leadership rather than responding solely to the needs of the present.



Politics of the CJIs Office

The CJI is not merely the first among equals. The office commands immense influence over case allocations, constitution of benches, and the administrative machinery of the court. The CJI also presides over the collegium itself, thereby shaping the future composition of the higher judiciary. It is this concentration of power that makes succession battles so charged.

Historically, governments have also shown keen interest in who gets to be the CJI. The Emergency era saw the infamous supersession of judges in 1973 when Justice A N Ray was appointed CJI over three seniors, triggering a crisis of confidence in judicial independence. Although such direct political interventions have since diminished, the collegiums own decisions have produced similar debates, albeit within a closed circle of judges rather than at the behest of the executive.

In this sense, the elevation of Justice Pancholi can be read as part of a long tradition where the judiciary itself seeks to insulate, and at times manipulate, the line of succession. The collegium may well have factored in his reputation, administrative ability, and projected tenure, but the broader impact is unmistakable; the next decade of judicial leadership is already being charted out.

Costs of supersession

The downside of such choices is the alienation of senior judges who find themselves overlooked. Several High Court judges who were not considered may feel slighted, particularly when they see their prospects of elevation permanently closed.

Further, supersession chips away at the judiciarys claim of transparency. The collegium does not issue detailed reasons for preferring one candidate over another, leaving space for speculation. In an era where judicial accountability is under sharper public scrutiny, unexplained departures from convention risk undermining credibility.

Bigger picture

At a practical level, the immediate impact of todays appointments is that the Supreme Court reaches its full strength of 34 judges, easing a crushing backlog of over 80,000 cases. Both Justices Aradhe and Pancholi bring valuable regional perspectives. Justice Aradhe has served in Madhya Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir before leading the Bombay High Court, while Justice Pancholi has significant experience in Gujarat and Bihar.

But the larger significance lies in how these choices recalibrate the courts future. With Justice Pancholis succession virtually secured, the judiciary has sketched its leadership trajectory for 2031. This has implications not only for the courts internal dynamics but also for its interface with the executive, Parliament, and the federal structure of the country.

Collegiums choices stir nepotism allegations

The debate over succession has coincided with another controversy that threatens to dent the collegiums credibility. Recently, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended 14 lawyers for elevation as judges of the Bombay High Court. Among them is Raj Damodar Wakode, who is related to CJI B.R. Gavai identified as the son of the CJIs cousin and therefore considered his nephew.

Although Justice Gavais brother, Dr. Rajendra Gavai, clarified that Wakode should be regarded as a distant relative, the optics have been troubling. Critics argue that such selections risk reinforcing perceptions of nepotism in judicial appointments, especially when the system already faces charges of opacity and favouritism.

Yet, the episode underlines the larger disquiet over how appointments are made and who ultimately gets to decide the future shape of the judiciary. Coming at a time when senior judges are being superseded to secure a line of succession for the Chief Justices office, the controversy has added fuel to the demand for a more transparent, institutionalised mechanism.

The Supreme Court may have achieved full strength in numbers today, but the debate over the principles governing those numbers is far from settled.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Tokyo on Friday, is expected to have talks on advancing economic and investment ties between India and Japan, with particular focus on emerging technologies, including AI and semiconductors.

Modi will be in Japan on Friday and Saturday. During his stay, he will also visit a semiconductor factory.

"As India and Japan continue to strengthen their developmental cooperation, I look forward to engaging with PM Ishiba and others during this visit, thus providing an opportunity to deepen existing partnerships and explore new avenues of collaboration," Modi said in a tweet after arriving in Tokyo.

The ministry of external affairs said PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, to advance the India-Japan partnership.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said his visit to Japan will be an opportunity to strengthen civilisational bonds and cultural ties between the two countries.

"We would focus on shaping the next phase in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has made steady and significant progress over the past 11 years," Modi said.

"...I will also be travelling to Sendai to visit a semiconductor factory, thus highlighting the futuristic dimension of our cooperation in areas like emerging technologies, AI and semiconductors," the PM said in another tweet.

The statement further said the two countries would endeavour to give new wings to the collaboration, expand the scope and ambition of the economic and investment relations, and further cooperation in new and emerging technologies.

During his visit, Modi will also meet with the governors of Japan's prefectures.

A Bloomberg claimed that Modi is expected to secure investment pledges worth about $68 billion during his visit. Quoting sources, the report further said India and Japan may sign an economic security pact that will cover cooperation on critical minerals, apart from AI and semiconductors.

From Japan, the PM will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

In China, I will take part in the SCO Summit in Tianjin, a forum where India has always played an active and constructive role. India will keep working with SCO members to address various shared challenges. I will also be meeting President Xi Jinping, President Putin and other  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2025

"I am confident that my visits to Japan and China would further our national interests and priorities, and contribute to building fruitful cooperation in advancing regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development," the departure statement further said.
A day before he is set to arrive in China for the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's carefully crafted reply about Indias role in Quad is garnering attention. Quad, a grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, was formed to counter Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific.

In an interview with Japanese website Nikkei Asia, Modi was asked about Indias role in the Quad and the upcoming summit meeting of the leaders, scheduled to be held in India. To this, Modi struck a cautious tone, never underplaying the significance of the Quad and its origin.

It may be remembered that the Quad first came together as a spontaneous coordination among four democracies in response to the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. It started out as a platform to deliver public goods, but over time, it showed what we could achieve together. So, it has steadily evolved into a broader and more ambitious framework of cooperation, said the Prime Minister, adding that Quad has acquired real momentum with its agenda covering a wide spectrum.

Modi then went on to stress the emphasis placed by Quad in the subregions of Indo-Pacific -- Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Indian Ocean rim, but carefully omitted any reference to China. Beyond the initiatives and projects, what's even more important is what the Quad stands for. As vibrant democracies, open economies and pluralistic societies, we are committed to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, he said.

The Prime Ministers answer came as relations between India and China see signs of strengthening, casting a shadow over the relevance of the Quad.

With India-US relations worsening over the Trump tariff, many question whether the Quad will survive the trouble. It was the shared interest of Washington and New Delhi that revived the Quad, which was formed in 2007. The Quad was restored in 2017 during the first Trump administration in the face of growing assertiveness from Beijing. Many believed that if Washington and New Delhi let their bilateral tensions escalate, the Quad could be frozen, considering both Australia and Tokyo also have apprehensions over Trump.

However, India has struck a careful tone on the grouping, stating that the Quad continued to be an important platform for working on and promoting peace, stability, prosperity, and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India in December, top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Friday. Ushakov added that Putin will discuss about his visit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in China.

Briefing presspersons, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said President Putin will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China's Tianjin city on Monday. "The leaders will discuss the preparations for President Putin's visit to India," he said. The Russian president is visiting India for the annual summit between the leaders of both nations.

"Right after the SCO Plus meeting on September 1, our president will meet Indian Prime Minister Modi. What is especially important is that preparations will be discussed for the upcoming visit of our president to India in December," Ushakov added.

The Modi-Putin meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit marks the first meeting between the two leaders this year. Ushakov said this year marks the 15th anniversary of India-Russia strategic partnership. "Our countries are bound by a special strategic partnership," he said.

Prime Minister Modi had travelled to Russia twice last year for an annual summit with Putin and to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Putin's visit to India comes amidst tariff troubles from the United States. US President Donald Trump has imposed an additional tariff of 25 per cent over Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of fueling Russia's war against Ukraine. Trump alleged India's oil purchases from Russia helped Putin to sustain the war against Ukraine.

However, defending its purchase of Russian crude oil, India has been maintaining that its energy procurement is driven by national interest and market dynamics.
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for proposing every family should have three children and said it was a classic case of "double speak".

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader told PTI that the RSS and rightwing organisations always criticised and targeted the minority community with false claims of growth in its population, while reality was otherwise.

VIDEO | AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) said, Since its inception, the RSS has continuously spread the false notion that the growing Muslim population will overtake the Hindu population. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Muslims has declined, and the rate of decline pic.twitter.com/FzypjxovV6  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

Citing the 2011 census, Owaisi said, the Muslim population growth rate is decreasing and stood at 14.23 per cent, compared to nearly 80 per cent of Hindus. "Now you are saying, okay, give birth to three children. Who are you to enter into people's family lives? Why are you trying to put a burden on Indian women, who might have their own different priorities in their lives? So, this is a classic double-speak of RSS," Owaisi charged.

Owaisi also questioned Bhagwat's claims that RSS "doesn't believe in attacking anyone on religious lines." The Hyderabad MP charged Bhagwat called Muslims 'chori ka samaan (stolen goods) and Mughal badshaah ki aulad (descendants of Mughal rulers).' "Who is holding all the dharam sansads and calling for an open genocide of Muslims, open rape of women?" he asked.

During the centenary celebrations of RSS in New Delhi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat suggested Indian families should have three children to maintain the population. He added that children learn to manage ego and interpersonal dynamics when there are three siblings.

Pointing out that Indias official population policy target is 2.1 children per family, Bhagwat said, Since 0.1 child is not possible, this effectively means three."

Owaisi also charged animosity against Muslims was "institutionalised" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. "Hate against Muslims has been institutionalised during Mr Narendra Modi's tenure," he charged.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a Daruma doll while on his two-day official trip to Japan to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.

The doll was presented by the chief priest of the Shorinzan Buddhist temple in Taksaki City, Gunma Prefecture, on Friday.

History of the Daruma dolls

The Shorinzan temple, founded in 1697 by the Zen monk Shorinzan Shinetsu, is considered the birthplace of the Daruma doll tradition.

The Daruma dolls were made by farmers in he 18th century as lucky charms for good harvests and protection from misfortune.

VIDEO | Tokyo: PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) is presented with a Daruma doll by the priest at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple.



The Daruma doll is a traditional Japanese talisman symbolizing perseverance and good luck, often used to set and achieve personal or professional goals. pic.twitter.com/zfjlPtnAdu  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

The dolls are made from paper and glue and are hollow and round and work like a roly-poly toy. This means it can't be knocked over, perfectly representing the Japanese idiom of falling seven times, standing up eight."

The dolls are modelled after the Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, who is sometimes speculated to have been either from Tamil Nadu or Kerala. The monk had travelled to China between the 5th and 6th centuries, and he is said to have been the founder of Zen Buddhism in Japan.

Shorinzan temple is dedicated to the Bodhidharma. During the Edo period in Japan (1603 until 1868), the Daruma dolls became a talisman for protection and good luck.

Bodhidharma became Daruma, and his image inspired the round, hollow paper dolls that represent good fortune.

Daruma doll customs

Daruma dolls do not have eyes painted on when you get them. The tradition is to paint on one of its eyes and make a wish. After the wish comes true, the other eye is painted on. Old Daruma dolls, which are returned to the temple in a ceremony, are burned in large bonfires to give them a good sendoff for fulfilling their purpose.
SUVA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Voting kicked off in Samoa on Friday, with more than 100,000 eligible voters heading to the polls for the snap election of the island nation.

According to the Electoral Office, a total of 187 candidates will contest 51 seats in parliament, representing six political parties and 46 independents.

More than 400 polling stations open for voting, with some 1,300 polling officials and around 500 police officers on duty to maintain order, the office said.

Local media reported that polling booths across the country open at 8 a.m. local time, but people started lining up at dawn, most hoping to get voting out of the way.

Polling will close at 3 p.m. local time.

In Samoa's 51-seat Parliament, a majority is 26 seats, if at least six women are elected.

If fewer than six women win, additional seats are added to meet the constitutional quota, which can increase the total number of seats and change the majority threshold.

The snap election was called in May after the national budget 2025-2026 was rejected by the parliament. The Head of State of Samoa Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II dissolved the parliament on the request of then Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. 
It was Mahesh Shetty Thimmarody, the Dharmasthala Action Council president, who gave him the skull that he claimed to have dug out from the temple premises, Chinnaiah reportedly told the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The skull was taken from the rubber plantation owned by Shetty, the whistleblower-turned-accused from Mandya is said to have told the probe team.

#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

The SIT will determine if Chinnaiah is lying about Mahesh Shetty Thimmarody's involvement scientifically. They are preparing to collect samples from the said rubber plantation so that they can check for a match by comparing it forensically with particles found from the skull. The SIT has already collected samples and once evidence gathering is completed, they will proceed to issue a notice to Mahesh Shetty Thimmarody, asking him to appear for questioning.

#WATCH | Tumkur, Karnataka | On the Dharmasthala issue, Congress MLA KN Rajanna says, "Regarding the Dharmasthala issue, I have my own say. That skull which was brought by that man... The genuineness of the skull has to be investigated. To get a skull, a body has to be exhumed... pic.twitter.com/QtHgZ8swA7  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2025

ALSO READ | Dharmasthala mask man: Ex-wife makes stunning claims about his early years, life

Earlier, the Special Investigation Team had recovered six phones, including those used by Chinnaiah in connection with the case, Manorama Online said in a report. These phones were recovered from the residences of Mahesh Thimmarody and his brother Mohan Shetty. The investigation team claims that the phones contain videos that prove conspiracy, the report added. Chinnaiah was also brought to Thimmarody's house for evidence collection.

Thimmarody is said to have given haven to Chinnaiah in his house for the last two months.

A controversy erupted after a complainant, later identified as C N Chinnaiah and arrested on charges of perjury, claimed burying a number of bodies, including those of women with signs of sexual assault, in Dharmasthala over a period of two decades, with the implications pointing towards the administrators of the local temple.

The SIT, formed by the state government, which is probing charges, has conducted exhumations at multiple locations identified by the complainant in the forested areas along the banks of the Netravathi River in Dharmasthala, where some skeletal remains were found at two sites.

Meanwhile, Kusumavati, mother of Sowjanya, a girl allegedly raped and murdered more than a decade ago, on Thursday submitted a fresh complaint to the SIT probing allegations of multiple rapes, murders and burials in Dharmasthala over the past two decades.

Sowjanya, a 17-year-old college student, was allegedly raped and murdered on October 9, 2012, in Dharmasthalaa case that remains unresolved even more than a decade later. Despite a CBI probe and Supreme Court intervention, the real perpetrators have never been identified.

In her complaint, Kusumavati referred to statements given by Chinnaiah's sister, Ratna, who told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that influential figures threatened Chinnaiah in 2014 over his knowledge of Sowjanya's death, forcing him to leave Dharmasthala.

ALSO READ | Why did Dharmasthala mask man lie about temple? Received training in Bengaluru, got paid after Tamil Nadu meeting, SIT told

Additionally, Kusumavati's complaint refers to some media reports that allege a person named Ravi Poojari disclosed the names responsible for the crime to Chinnaiah and was later murdered.

Kusumavati called for a narco-test of Chinnaiah to confirm these claims and urged the Karnataka government and SIT to get justice for her daughter.
At least 110 people, mostly pilgrims, have died and dozens have been injured in Jammu in the last two weeks due to natures fury. More than 30 are still missing.

The deaths occurred due to cloudbursts after heavy rains. The deceased pilgrims were from different states of India.

On August 14, a huge cloudburst at Chashoti, Kishtwar in Jammu, triggered flash floods that swept away houses, vehicles, and culverts, and a langar for Machail Mata yatris. More than 60 yatris were killed in the incident, while 35 others went missing.

The authorities launched a large-scale relief and rescue operation involving the NDRF, the Army, the police, and local authorities. Local NGOs, like Ababeel, also joined the rescue operation, ferrying the injured to the hospital with great difficulty.

VIDEO | J&K: Army reached the site to carry out repair work and restore smooth movement of vehicles after the fourth Tawi Bridge at Bhagwati Nagar, in Jammu, suffered damage due to heavy rains.#TawiRiver #JammuFloods



(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos  pic.twitter.com/QMU8CF3LfX  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 29, 2025

The bodies of the deceased were sent to their homes after verification. The operation for the missing is still going on. Body parts of some of the missing have been sent for DNA analysis for identification.

Two weeks after the tragedy at Chashoti, 35 pilgrims died en route to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in a cloudburst at Ardhkuwari, Katra, in Reasi. Among the dead were seven minors, while 20 others were injured. The incident happened amid incessant rains that battered Jammu and Kashmir. Cloudbursts also resulted in the death of a man and his nephew in Anantnag, an elderly man in Marh in Jammu, and a youth died in Nagrota. Two bodies were also recovered from RS Pura and Bari Brahmana in Jammu. Four people also died in Doda, while the body of a BSF jawan was recovered in Pragwal. Another unidentified body was found in Akhnoor. An Irrigation Department employee was swept away in Lakhanpur near the Punjab border.

The death of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims evoked sharp criticism of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (MVDSB) from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not suspending the yatra in view of adverse weather. The Congress, too, questioned why the yatra was not halted due to the prevailing weather.

The MVDSB said the weather conditions had remained clear and conducive for pilgrimage on August 26 until around 10.00 a.m., during which time the yatra proceeded normally, so much so that even the helicopter services were operating seamlessly. It said registrations were suspended once rain forecasts were received and the majority of the yatris were moving down the track after completing darshan.

On the tragedy, it said, The location was near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya on the old track natures fury struck in the form of a sudden severe cloudburst which triggered the massive landslide at 2:40 PM. It was unpredictable and unforeseen. The Board said its task force, security forces, and volunteers immediately responded launching swift evacuation and relief operations.

Flash floods triggered by heavy rains caused floods as major rivers like the Jhelum in Kashmir, and Chenab, and the Tawi in Jammu swelled beyond danger marks. Jammu bore the brunt of the floods with damage to four bridges, including Bhagwati Nagar. Rains also caused floods in streams and rivulets. In Jammu, thousands were evacuated after floodwaters gushed into low-lying areas. The floods also caused disruption to mobile telephony, the internet, power, and the drinking water supply.

Such has been the scale of damage that 50 villages are still cut off.

Landslides blocked the 300 km Srinagar-Jammu national highway. In the last three to four years, travel time on the highway has been safer and faster due to progress on the four-laning of this vital artery that connects Kashmir with the rest of India. However, landslides and shooting stones at some vulnerable stretches still cause blockades, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

The unpleasant weather also caused the cancellation of 58 trains to Jammu by the railways. Later, special trains were arranged for the stranded passengers in Jammu.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Japan for a two-day visit, claimed that India now has political stability, economic stability, transparency in policy, and predictability.

Speaking at the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, Modi said India, which is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the world, will very soon become the third-largest economy in the world.

#WATCH | "India and Japans partnership is strategic and smart. Powered by economic logic, we have turned shared interests into shared prosperity. India is the springboard for Japanese business to the Global South. Together, we will shape the Asian century for stability, growth pic.twitter.com/0Xx6Rs7GTh  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

According to the PM, the reasons for this change are the government's approach of "reform, perform and transform."

The prime minister highlighted how India is opening the nuclear energy sector for the private sector, after opening the defence and space sectors.

#WATCH | At India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, PM Modi says, "Japans excellence and Indias scale can create a perfect partnership..."



(Video source: DD) pic.twitter.com/Js5cjRGHvS  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

"The world is not just watching India, it is counting on India," the prime minister said.

Modi, who is set to hold wide-ranging discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday evening to advance the India-Japan partnership, including AI and semiconductors, said India has taken bold and ambitious initiatives in AI, semiconductor, quantum computing, biotech, and space.

"The technology of Japan and the talent of India can together lead the tech revolution of this century....India and Japan have signed an agreement on joint credit mechanism for cooperation on clean fuel and green future," the PM said.

Japans excellence and Indias scale can create a perfect partnership, Modi added.

Modi observed that the partnership between India and Japan is strategic and smart. "Powered by economic logic, we have turned shared interests into shared prosperity. India is the springboard for Japanese business to the Global South. Together, we will shape the Asian century for stability, growth and prosperity," he added.

According to the PM, from metro to manufacturing, from semiconductors to start-ups, India-Japan partnership in every sector became symbol of mutual trust.
Rahul Mamkootathil row: Kerala rightwing activist Rahul Easwar backs Congress MLA, lashes out at actor Rini Ann George for 'baseless charges'

Kerala rightwing activist Rahul Easwar lashed out at Malayalam actor Rini Ann George for levelling "baseless" charges against Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil and accused her of "spoiling" his Onam celebrations.

In a video shared on Facebook, Easwar lashed out at Rini and asked whether the actor had any shame and accused the upcoming actor of using the controversy for her personal publicity. "While Rini attends inaugural events, Rahul is staying locked up inside his house, probably crying inside," he charged.

The Malayalam actor was the first to raise sexual misconduct complaint against the Palakkad MLA, though she did not name Mamkootathil. However, Rini used the phrase, "Who cares?", (Rahul Mamkootathil's first response to allegations) to refer to the Congress legislator.

Easwar said, while he could, he would not indulge in slut-shaming the actor, referring to her recent comments during a mango fest. Easwar targeted the actor for not providing evidence for allegations levelled against Mamkootathil.

The rightwing activist charged that, while Rini goes about with her events, Mamkootathil and her mother are forced to stay at home this Onam due to her allegations.

Embroiled in a huge sexual misconduct row, Congress leader Mamkootathil is facing wrath after multiple women shared their accounts of the Congress leader's misadventures with the media. Mamkootathil had to step down from the Kerala Youth Congress president post following the allegations. People from various quarters have demanded the youth leader's resignation.
Declaring that India is undivided and a Hindu nation, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat outlined the organisations views on national unity, population, reservations, language, religious conversions.

In his three-day lecture series 100 Years of the RSS Journey - New Horizons, he emphasised that the RSS was not opposed to any community and called for mutual trust across faiths.

For its 100th year, Bhagwat presented the Sangh 2.0 model for the country, and agreed that certain objectionable references in ancient religious texts were not valid, stating that the organisation's aim was cultural unity among India's communities.

His lectures are keenly watched as they provide context and direction to the largest Hindu organisation in the country which then influences its policy, polity and public engagement. The first two days of the lecture saw the articulation of the Sanghs traditional stand, but the final daywhich included questions on the burning issues of todayprovided a peek into the Sangh's current line of thought.

In terms of political messaging, he cleared the air that there was no retirement age, which signalled not only that he was going to stay long, but that even Prime Minister Narendra Modi could continue past 75 (this September).

Bhagwat argued that the Sangh evolved with time, maintaining flexibility, but still keeping some things constant, like its mission to prepare individuals for the larger cause: the Hindu identity and India being a Hindu Rashtra.

On 'Hindu Rashtra' and minorities

India is a Hindu nation and does not need a formal declaration. Our sages declared it long ago. It is not dependent on any official announcement. Accepting it benefits you; rejecting it harms you, Bhagwat said, reaffirming the RSS' foundational belief.

He went on to explain the idea of a Hindu Rashtra.

Partition had left deep scars and adverse consequences, but Indias cultural unity remained intact. India is undivided, this is a fact of life. Our ancestors, culture and motherland unite us. Akhand Bharat is not politics but the unity of consciousness. When this feeling awakens, everyone will be happy and peaceful, he said.

Rejecting the perception that the RSS was hostile towards minorities, he added: We say Hindu, you call it Indianthe meaning is the same. Our ancestors and culture are one. Worship methods may differ, but our identity is the same. Muslims must shed the fear that walking together will endanger their Islam.

He also argued that places should not be named after invaders but after inspirational figures such as Abdul Hameed, Ashfaqulla Khan and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Bhagwat also raised concerns over foreign funds.

Funds from abroad for service work are fine, but they must be used for that purpose. Problems arise when they are diverted for religious conversions. There must be scrutiny and regulation, and it is the governments responsibility to ensure this.

On Mathura and Kashi

Bhagwat underlined the importance of Kashi and Mathura for Hindus, while clarifying that the RSS would no longer directly spearhead temple movements.

The Ram Mandir was our demand and we supported that movement. But in future, the Sangh will not directly participate. Yet it is natural that Hindus will express their attachment to Kashi, Mathura and Ayodhya, he noted.

On temple management, he stressed that devotees must eventually take charge.

Temples should be handed over to devotees, but proper systems must be in place to manage worship, resources and welfare, he noted.

On retirement

The RSS chief reiterated that the organisation had no retirement age.

#WATCH | Delhi | On the question of 'Should Indian leaders retire at the age of 75 years', RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, "...I never said I will retire or someone should retire. In Sangh, we are given a job, whether we want it or not. If I am 80 years old, and Sangh says go and pic.twitter.com/p8wq03IKYj  ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2025

We are all volunteers. Even at 80, if I am assigned to run a shakha, I must do it. Retirement has no place here, he said, while adding that leadership responsibilities were widely distributed.

In that regard, he also highlighted contributions by women.

In 1936, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti was formed to run womens branches. Many Sangh-inspired organisations are led by women. For us, men and women are complementary, he said.

On population and demographic change

The RSS chief called for a balance in birth rates.

#WATCH | RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, "India's policy on population suggests 2.1 children, which means three children in a family. Every citizen should see that there should be three children in his/her family..." pic.twitter.com/1GR2Gv3oWl  ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2025

Population should be both adequate and controlled. Experts say a fertility rate of 2.1 stabilises population. The new generation must be prepared for this, he observed, adding that three children would be the ideal limit for the size of a family.

On demographic change, he cautioned against forced conversions and illegal immigration.

Conversions must not happen through greed or force; if they do, they must be stopped. As for infiltration, our people should get jobs, not those who enter illegally, he said.

On the RSS' role in the freedom struggle

Often questioned for its lack of a role in the freedom movement, the RSS chief highlighted the organisations role in the freedom movement and social reforms, stating that "the Sangh never raises a separate flag in social struggles".

"Volunteers are free to support good initiatives wherever they take place, he added.

He went on to speak of the RSS structure:

The Sangh has no subordinate institutions. All affiliated organisations are independent, autonomous and self-reliant. We may have differences of opinion, but not of heartsand this belief leads everyone to the same destination.

He cited leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Pranab Mukherjee, who changed their views about the RSS over time, to underline how the organisations work speaks for itself.

On reservations and social justice

Addressing the contentious issue of reservation, he even agreed at one point that the Sangh had been divided during the initial days, but those divisions were resolved with sensitivity on the intervention of the then Sangh chief.

This is not a matter of logic but of sensitivity. If injustice has been done, it must be corrected. The RSS has always supported constitutional reservations and will continue to do so as long as beneficiaries feel the need.

Citing a 1972 declaration by Hindu religious leaders, he said untouchability had no place in Hinduism and caste discrimination was often based on misinterpretation.

Indias people oppose caste bias, and so does the Sangh, he asserted.

On the language debate

All Indian languages are national, Bhagwat said, while calling for one common link language that should not be foreign.

Everyone must know their mother tongue, their state language, and one shared language. At the same time, we should also learn global languages, he pointed out.

The RSS will now come out with a separate booklet on these lectures for wider circulation.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been constantly switching its positions. After contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together with the Congress, AAP severed its ties with the INDIA bloc.

Soon after, its leaders came back to support the Opposition on electoral fraud against the BJP and subsequently amplified Rahul Gandhis claims of vote chori.

ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhis latest shocker: Why does 947 voters live in the same house in Nidani village, Bihar?

Now, it has again taken a different route by targeting the same Gandhis and seeking punitive action against them in the National Herald case. Analysts say that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has also sent out a message to align its cadre against the primary Opposition Congress party in Punjab.

Recently, Kejriwal launched an unexpected attack on its former electoral partner Congress, targeting the Gandhi family by claiming that none of them went to jail in the "open and shut" National Herald case and alleged a nexus between the BJP and the grand old party.

#WATCH | Delhi: "... As per facts, National Herald looks like an open and shut case. We were jailed as per absolutely fake cases, but no one from the Gandhi family went to jail...," says AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal.



He further says, "... Congress has compromised the pic.twitter.com/BkVp9CshVz  ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2025

Addressing party leaders at a function, he said that the AAP would not compromise on its politics as the party was working for the nation and not entering politics for forming a coalition or anything else.

Punjab showdown in sight

As Punjab heads toward the February 2027 assembly elections, Kejriwals statement sees battle lines sharply drawn between the ruling AAP and the resurgent Congress.

Party leaders believe that being a part of the INDIA bloc led by Congress at the national levelor posing as a neutral entitycould confuse its voters and its cadre in Punjab, where it is the ruling party.

State politics vs national ambitions

However, the party is also looking at the greater picture where it understands that hanging on to the coat-tails of the Congress-led Opposition would hurt its expansionist pursuits in Goa and Gujarat, where it already has a growing cadre and few legislators.

ALSO READ | What is Delhi hospital construction scam? ED raids AAP MLA Saurabh Bharadwajs residence

When a party has a growing cadre and expanding bases, it first focuses on the clarity of stance, a political observer said.

Kejriwal seems to have established his clear stance by vehemently opposing both the national parties. As earlier it was seen as swinging from one political pitch to another.

The Gujarat factor

As the party expands its bases in Gujarat, Congress leaders in the state allege that the BJP deliberately gave up the Visavadar assembly constituency to keep AAP alive in the state at a time when it was on the decline after the defeat in the Delhi elections.

The BJP fielded a weak candidate so that AAP could get an edge, win the election, and slow down the Congress party in future, a Congress leader said.

Analysts believe that both AAP and Congress are competing for the secular and anti-BJP vote, and if AAP survived, it would continue to hurt Congress while indirectly helping the BJP retain power in Gujarat.

Uneasy friendships and backroom understandings

Interestingly, the Congress leadership and AAP brass still got in touch regarding Lok Sabha elections as well as Haryana elections to discuss seat sharing.

ALSO READ | Vote Adhikar Yatra: How Revanth Reddy and MK Stalin's Bihar appearance will impact assembly elections

In the Lok Sabha, they agreed on seat sharing, but in Haryana, the Congress and AAP contested separately. The tensions between the two increased after Congress leaders blamed the AAP for cutting into their votes in Haryana and causing its defeat in several assembly seats.

Later on in Delhi, both the parties chose to contest separately. In one instance during an election campaign, Ajay Maken even set out with documents in hand to prove how Arvind Kejriwal was an anti-national.

However, just before his press conference, Kejriwal managed to reach out to Congress' leadership through a top leader and convinced the grand old party to cancel the press conference.
Heavy rain and cloudbursts have struck Uttarakhand yet again: this time in parts of Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Tehri, prompting an urgent response from the state administration.

The cloudbursts occurred in Bareth Dungar Tok (Buskedar tehsil, Rudraprayag) and Deval (Chamoli district) from late Thursday into Friday morning.

ALSO READ | Uttarakhand cloudbursts: Several feared trapped in debris in Rudraprayag, Chamoli districts

At least two people are missing in Chamoli, with a lot of livestock buried under debris. One woman has died in Rudraprayag, and several people are missing across affected villages.

As soon as information about the cloudbursts emerged, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to the district magistrates of the affected districts and issued immediate instructions to accelerate relief and rescue operations.

Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Basukedaar Rescue Update: SDRF rescue team has reached the affected area. Approximately 200 people have taken refuge in the government school. Two to three families are stranded across the stream; the SDRF team is making efforts to evacuate them. pic.twitter.com/oyVhOpWCja  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

He stressed that there must be no delay in moving affected residents to safety and instructed that basic facilitiesincluding road, electricity, and drinking water suppliesbe restored without hesitation.

At a high-level disaster management meeting at his residence, Dhami underscored the importance of keeping the administration on high alert throughout the monsoon season. He assured that all necessary resources and compensation would be swiftly provided to affected families.

The Basukedaar area of Rudraprayag district witnessed extensive damage due to debris flows resulting from a cloudburst.

The district administration has mobilised district-level officers and coordinated operations from the Disaster Control Room. Teams from the National Highway Authority of India, the Public Works Department, and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana are working to clear blocked routes, while rescue teams are being sent via alternative paths to reach isolated villages.

Uttarakhand | District administration Uttarkashi informed that after the Dharali disaster, necessary machines and workforce have been deployed to open the temporary lake formed on Bhagirathi river in Harshil and to remove mud and debris from the submerged part of the highway and pic.twitter.com/GrQTcGZurX  ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2025

Immediate action teams, including the National and State Disaster Relief Forces, local police, and revenue officials are onsite, striving to evacuate and assist victims.

A breakdown of the ground level impact of the disaster, as issued by the government, is as follows:

1) Syur: One house damaged; a vehicle washed away.

2) Badeth, Bagaddhar, Taljamani: Water and debris have engulfed streams on both sides of villages.

3) Kimana: Large boulders and debris compromising farmland and roads.

4) Arkhund: Fish pond and poultry farm destroyed.

5) Chhenagad (market area): Market filled with debris; vehicles lost.

6) Chhenagad Dugar, Joula Badeth: Missing persons reported; search efforts are underway.

Current situation

On Friday morning, authorities issued a red alert for the next few hours, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in areas of Champawat, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, including Devidura, Sawal, Manch, Tanakpur, Banbas, Khatima, and Pancheshwar and their surroundings.

Meanwhile, the Alaknanda River at Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal is flowing above its normal level and continues to rise, posing an additional threat to settlements along its banks.
The decision by France, Germany and the United Kingdom on August 28 to invoke the snapback mechanism under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) marks a serious escalation in the long-running nuclear standoff with Iran. By taking this step, the three European states have set in motion a 30-day process that could see the automatic reimposition of United Nations Security Council sanctions once lifted, raising the risk of deeper regional instability and further polarisation in global diplomacy.

The unravelling of the JCPOA

The Iran nuclear deal, struck in 2015 between Iran and six major powers including the E3, the United States, Russia and China, was heralded as a landmark accord to ensure the peaceful character of Tehrans nuclear programme. The deal set stringent limits on uranium enrichment, centrifuge use and stockpile levels. It also mandated exhaustive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. What Iran got in return was relief from years of punishing sanctions.

However, the US, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the deal in May 2018. Trump also reimposed sanctions. In response, Tehran gradually reduced compliance from 2019, exceeding limits on enrichment and centrifuge deployment, and eventually restricting the IAEAs monitoring access.

Non-compliance and the European case for snapback

The E3 have justified their decision by pointing to Irans repeated and deliberate breaches. Since 2019, Tehran has accumulated enriched uranium far beyond the JCPOA ceiling. The IAEA reported in May that Iran held over 408kg of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity. While short of the 90 per cent level typically described as weapons-grade, the material is close enough to dramatically shorten the time needed to produce a nuclear device. The stockpile is more than 45 times the limit permitted under the deal.

Iran has also barred several experienced IAEA inspectors and dismantled most monitoring equipment since 2022, making verification of declared sites and stockpiles impossible. More seriously, according to European governments, the agency can no longer account for more than nine Significant Quantities (approximate amount of material that could be used to construct a nuclear explosive device) of highly enriched uranium. With no civilian justification for such holdings, the E3 argue that Iran presents a clear threat to international peace and security.

Europe insists it explored every diplomatic avenue before acting. The JCPOAs Dispute Resolution Mechanism was activated, and from April 2021 to February 2022, the parties engaged in intensive negotiations to restore compliance and enable a US return. The European Union, acting as coordinator, tabled compromise texts in 2022, which Iran rejected while introducing demands seen as extraneous. In July 2025, the E3 even offered to extend the lifespan of Resolution 2231 beyond its October expiry, provided Tehran resumed talks, complied with IAEA obligations and reduced its enriched uranium stockpile. Officials now say Iran made no substantive effort to respond, leaving Europe with no alternative.

How snapback works

The snapback mechanism was written into the JCPOA to provide an automatic safeguard against Iranian violations. Any signatory may notify the Security Council of significant non-performance by Iran. This initiates a 30-day period during which the Council must vote on a resolution to continue sanctions relief. Such a resolution is almost certain to fail, since the E3 or the US could veto it. If no resolution is adopted, all sanctions that had been lifted are automatically reimposed.

Crucially, the procedure is veto-proof: Russia and China, although supportive of Iran, cannot block the outcome. What is restored are not new restrictions but the older resolutions dating from 2006 to 2010. These include a ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, an arms embargo, prohibitions on ballistic missile activities, a freeze on assets of designated individuals and entities, and inspection rights over Iranian air and maritime cargoes.

The Europeans were also working against time. The snapback clause expires on October 18, ten years after the agreement took effect. After that date, reimposing sanctions would require fresh Security Council action, subject to Russian and Chinese vetoes. Triggering the process while South Korea holds the Council presidency in September also prevents Moscow from using procedural manoeuvres once it assumes the presidency in October.

Sanctions to return

Once reinstated, the sanctions will again become binding on all countries, including Russia and China. Measures already imposed unilaterally by the US and Europe will thus be reinforced with universal legal weight. Washington, as a permanent Council member, will also gain a veto over any future attempt to lift them, giving it significant leverage.

The restored embargo will target Iranian arms sales, missile programmes and nuclear-related technology, while restricting the travel and assets of dozens of officials. The broader impact will be to deepen Irans economic isolation and complicate its international trade.

Irans rejection and possible retaliation

Tehran has condemned the European move as unlawful, insisting the E3 have no standing to invoke snapback since the United States abandoned the JCPOA first. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the step as a provocative and unnecessary escalation and warned that it would seriously undermine Irans cooperation with the IAEA. Officials maintain the nuclear programme serves only peaceful energy needs, and argue that by tearing up the deal in 2018, Washington forfeited the moral and legal basis to demand compliance.

Irans leaders have hinted that they could retaliate by further curtailing IAEA access or even withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, a step that would mark a major rupture in global non-proliferation norms. There are also fears that Tehran may increase the pace of enrichment or disperse stockpiles to undisclosed sites, citing the risk of Israeli or American strikes.

Broader strategic implications

For years, Britain, France and Germany were seen as moderating influences, resisting US calls for maximum pressure. Since Trumps return to the White House in January, however, Europe has edged closer to Washingtons position. This reflects frustration with Irans role in supplying drones to Russia for the war in Ukraine and a desire to maintain transatlantic unity at a time of heightened tensions.

Analysts caution that diplomacy will now be harder, not easier. Iranian officials and much of the public believe negotiations were always a pretext, and that Israel would strike regardless of concessions. The prospect of renewed violence cannot be excluded, particularly after recent Israeli raids on Iranian facilities. Snapback may thus entrench positions rather than open a path to compromise.

The diplomatic window

European leaders, the United States and the UN Secretary-General have all stressed that diplomacy remains possible. The 30-day window before sanctions automatically return is being described as a final chance for dialogue. The UN General Assembly in September may provide an opportunity for fresh talks.

Whether Iran seizes this opening is uncertain. Its leaders view the JCPOA as fatally undermined by Washingtons withdrawal, and they remain suspicious of Western intentions. Without a new framework or significant concessions on both sides, the crisis is likely to persist well beyond October.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his landmark visit to China this weekend, signs of a tightening of relations between New Delhi and Beijing are on the horizon. While geopolitical experts consider this the strengthening of the Global South and the emergence of a multipolar world, some believe the new India-China rapport could threaten not only Washington but also Moscow. This rapprochement suggests a new multipolar world order emerging, potentially sidelining Russia.

Primakov Triangle

The hints are not so subtle, according to Moscow Times. An opinion piece that appeared on the website says that, despite Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs statement that the split between the West and the Global South could breathe new life into the Primakov Triangle, neither New Delhi nor Beijing was enthusiastic. The Primakov Triangle is a foreign policy concept championed by Yevgeny Primakov of Russia in the late 1990s, advocating a strategic alliance between Russia, China, and India to counterbalance the United States.

This hinted that both the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Modi government believe they can iron out their issues bilaterally, rather than relying on third-party intervention. The goodwill Russia has built playing peacemaker over the past five years no longer holds sway, the opinion piece added.

BRICS, SCO

Moscow could have apprehensions that Russian-dominated organisations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) could lose their significance as the new world order could be dictated by the two growing economies of China and India.

Arms deal

One major beneficiary of the rivalry between India and China was Russia. As per figures, India was the worlds second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, with Russian-made weaponry accounting for 36% of its overall purchases. But India could be diversifying and is looking at France and Israel. Some feel India could even purchase advanced armaments from China to complement its indigenous production capabilities. This could come at Russias expense.

Second fiddle to Beijing

India has traditionally looked to Russia to keep a check on Beijings expansionist ambitions. But that has changed. The sanctions imposed on it for the Ukraine war mean that it has been reduced to a mere junior partner in its no limits agreement with China. This means the Kremlins credibility as a de facto guarantor of stability across South and East Asia is fast eroding, according to Moscow Times.

Reverse Kissinger

Both India and China believe that Moscows eastward pivot is little more than a knee-jerk reaction to its continued isolation from the West. China believes that Trump could pull off a reverse Kissinger by peeling white Christian Russia away from China. Both New Delhi and Beijing believe this could happen, and Russia would take the bait in light of the sheer economic strain.
Pakistan is witnessing one of the worst floods of the decade, with several areas of Lahore inundated, forcing emergency evacuations. The rivers, Chenab, Sutlej, and Ravi, breached the banks, causing a rise in water levels. As per reports, the floodwaters affected over 1.46 million people across the Punjab province, and extremely high floods in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers have also resulted in the loss of 17 lives.

However, rather than address its core issues, including systemic flaws and climate management, Islamabad is focusing on blaming India for its plight, accusing India of sharing only three flood alerts and failure of floodgates in Madhopur Headworks in Punjab.

This is despite India promptly alerting Pakistan via its High Commission about the possibility of flooding in Tawi and Sutlej.

Latest drone footage shows floodwater in Lahore, with a private housing society submerged. Authorities warn the next 24 hours are critical. pic.twitter.com/394c4Oe8KI  Azaad English (@azaad_english) August 29, 2025

Pakistani media is echoing the narrative, pinning the blame on the alleged technical fault at the Ravi headworks in India. According to Geo News, this was causing a surge of water downstream that worsened the flood situation in low-lying areas. It also accuses India of failing to notify Pakistan about the floods in the Ravi River or inform authorities regarding the technical issue with the Madhopur Headworks.

The report further added that up to four floodgates of the Madhopur Headworks failed, adding that 54 floodgates at Madhopur Headworks saw only minimal upgrades over the years.

However, senior officials of the Punjab Water Resources Department told Punjab Jagran that these gates were oiled and greased before the start of the rainy season, but the heavy rains in the Jammu region on August 25 brought a lot of silt, which came through the Ujh river and other ravines and got stuck near all the gates.

Despite the claims, Mehar Ali Shah, Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters, did not comment on the alleged malfunctioning of Madhopur Headworks and its impact on flooding downstream.

Even Pakistani officials are sticking to the same narrative, which many believe is an attempt to take up Indias abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Pakistan is plagued by constant floods due to its non-existent building laws and an improper drainage system. According to the country's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), about 30% of deaths from this year's monsoon season are from houses collapsing.
HANOI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City plans to increase financial support from the current 3 million Vietnamese dong to 5 million (about 113.73 to 189.55 U.S. dollars) for women who give birth to two children before the age of 35, local media VnExpress reported Thursday.

According to a resolution passed by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, mothers and babies from poor and near-poor households will also receive 2 million dong (about 75.82 dollars) for prenatal and newborn screening.

According to the National Statistics Office, Ho Chi Minh City ranks last with its fertility rate of 1.43 children per woman, which is far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. 
On Friday, Thailands Constitutional Court removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office, months after the 39-year-old leader was suspended pending a review of the case. The decision marks the end of the political career of not only Paetongtarn, daughter of Thailands hero former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, but also of the Shinawatra political dynasty.

The daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn, was elected to power a year ago, becoming the second woman to be the Prime Minister after her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra. She led her party, Pheu Thai, during last years general elections. Though it was the Move Forward party that got the maximum seats, Pheu Thai was allowed to cobble together a coalition of 11 parties to gain power.

Her ascent to the top post was deemed controversial even then, as many presumed her to be daddys girl, stating she was acting under the instruction of her father, who remains a divisive figure.

A year later, came the 17-minute controversial phone call with Cambodian leader Hun Sen over the border dispute. Though Hun Sen claimed the call could have been leaked by one of the 80 Cambodian officials with whom he shared it, the 72-year-old leader later posted the entire clip on his official Facebook page.

In the clip, Paetongtarn was heard calling Sen uncle and went on to criticise the Thai military commander, calling him opponent. She goes on to hint that there was discord between her government and the countrys powerful military. The 39-year-old was then heard telling Hun Sen that she was under domestic pressure and urged him not to listen to the opposite side, referring to the Thai army commander. Right now, that side wants to look cool; they will say things that are not beneficial to the nation. But what we want is to have peace just like before any clashes happened at the border, Paetongtarn could be heard saying. Fighting erupted weeks later and lasted five days.



The leaked clip triggered an uproar in the country, with Thais calling her a traitor. Demonstrations were taken out with protesters calling for Paetongtarns resignation.

She tried to downplay the phone call, stating it was private and she was just using a negotiation tactic and her comments were not a statement of allegiance. I understand now, this was never about real negotiation. It was political theater, she said. Releasing this call its just not the way diplomacy should be done.

But, she was soon suspended by the Thailand's Constitutional Court, which finally took the decision to oust her. I think that the Shinawatra brand is done for, said Napon Jatusripitak, visiting fellow and acting coordinator of the Thailand Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, told Al Jazeera.
A 35-year-old Sikh man, identified as Gurpreet Singh, was fatally shot by police in Los Angeles over two months ago. A new video shared by the Los Angeles police department shows a man wielding a machete in the middle of the road.

In the video, the man, wearing a blue turban, can be seen waving around a 2-foot-long machete right in the middle of the road. The whole video shows him exiting his car, waving around the machete, and then being shot by the police.

Los Angeles police shot dead Gurpreet Singh, 35, after he stopped his car in the middle of an intersection and allegedly swung a machete at people.



Now compare this with India. Here, mobs can assault police, humiliate them into folding hands, circulate those images as victory, pic.twitter.com/N2Hsyuif9V  THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) August 29, 2025

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the shooting.

The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyse forensic evidence. The Departments understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analysed.

According to the LAPD, the patrol officers responded to a call that said that a man was swinging a sword and threatening pedestrians after he exited his black Mustang. Footage also showed Singh folding his hands in what appears to be prayer, before he starts waving the machete

Los Angeles police said that they had given multiple commands to Singh to drop the weapon.

He had failed to comply and instead threw a water bottle at the officer. He then proceeded to get into the car and fled towards Figueroa Street while waving the machete outside the car window.

LAPD says Singh drove erratically and collided with an officers vehicle.

After some time, the man stopped near Figueroa Street and 12th Street and exited the vehicle, and charged at the officers with the machete.

Two officers, Michael Orozco and Nestor Espinoza Bojorquez, shot Singh, and he fell to the pavement. He was taken into custody and given treatment, but succumbed to his injuries. Investigators booked the machete found at the scene as evidence.
Elephant conservation in India is a complex and urgent issue, encompassing wildlife protection, legal frameworks, community involvement, and conflict resolution. Despite being deeply revered in Indian culture and religion, elephants face mounting threats from habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, poaching, and captivity-related exploitation.

A recent controversy has spotlighted this issue. The forced relocation of a 36-year-old elephant named Madhuri from a Jain temple in Maharashtra to the Vantara wildlife facility, owned by the Ambani family in Gujarat has sparked widespread debate online. While some argue that Madhuri was not receiving proper care at the temple, others accuse Vantara of unlawfully acquiring animals. The matter escalated as emotional local mass protests took over and spiralled, with the Supreme Court now ordering an official inquiry.

But beyond their ecological significance, elephants hold a deep, symbolic and spiritual value in Indian art and culture. They have served as enduring motifs for over 4,000 years, representing strength, wisdom, royalty, and spiritual devotion. Their artistic legacy spans ancient civilisations, religious iconography, royal courts, and folk traditions.

The earliest depictions of elephants in Indian art date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Terracotta figurines and delicately engraved seals from Mohenjodaro and Harappa portray elephants among other animals, hinting at their revered status and symbolic importance.

During the Mauryan period, elephants became prominent symbols of imperial power. The Ashokan pillars, monuments of Buddhist dissemination, often featured elephant capitals or carvings, blending themes of royal authority with Buddhist virtues like patience and resilience. The white elephant, in particular, gained sacred status in Buddhism, symbolising the miraculous conception of the Buddha in Queen Mayas dream, an image frequently depicted at sites like Sanchi and Bharhut.

By the Gupta era, considered a golden age of Indian art, the elephants role in sculpture and temple architecture was elevated even further. Elephants were portrayed with elegance and spiritual gravitas, often flanking deities, participating in divine processions, or embellishing temple gateways (toranas). Their presence signified divine power and cosmic balance. It was also during this era that Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed deity, became a prominent figure, symbolising wisdom, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles. A motif that would flourish in later Hindu traditions.

In medieval Indian temples, especially in south India, elephants were sculpted at temple bases, symbolising foundational strength and spiritual stability. Temples like Khajuraho and Ellora feature elephants in battle scenes, ceremonial processions, and as protectors of sacred thresholds. Deccan and Tamil temple architecture introduced the Yali, a lion-elephant hybrid, blending mythic symbolism with artistic grandeur.

However, the Mughal era brought a shift in focus. Elephants became central figures in courtly art, featured prominently in miniature paintings of hunts, battles, processions, and royal ceremonies. Mughal artists captured elephants with anatomical precision and expressive detail, often naming them in inscriptions.

Rajput miniatures from Rajasthan also embraced the elephant as a symbol of royalty and divine power, portraying them adorned with rich textiles and jewels. From an ornate pakhar on the forehead, to bangris or bangles on the tusks, jhumars on the ears and anklets on the legs. The elephant's tail too would be embellished with a jewellery piece called a dumchi. The City Palace Museum in Udaipur as well as Jodhpur have a display area devoted to Howdahs, the ceremonial seat upon which the ruler sat on the elephant. The Jhool was an entire garment of velvet covered with gold and silver work upon which the howdah sat.

During the colonial period, elephants were depicted through both traditional and Western lenses. British and Indian artists often rendered them with a mix of documentation and exoticism, emphasising their role in Indian life and ceremonial spectacle.

In the 20th century, the elephant retained its cultural vitality through folk and tribal art forms such as Madhubani, Gond, Pattachitra, and Warli. These traditions use elephants as vibrant, stylised symbols of strength, fertility, and continuity, preserving their legacy in popular visual culture.

Today contemporary artists continue to reimagine the elephants role in Indian art. Bharti Khers, The Skin Speaks a Language Not Its Own (2006), a life-sized elephant sculpture covered in thousands of bindis, powerfully explores themes of tradition, identity, and transformation. Similarly, Sudarshan Shettys Path to Water (2013) features hand-carved reliefs of elephants in tranquil jungle scenes, accompanied by Sufi-inspired poetry that reflects on transition, ambiguity, and the spiritual journey.

The elephant remains one of the most versatile and powerful icons in Indian visual culture. Whether as a deity (Ganapati), a celestial mount (Airavat), a sacred dream (the Buddhas conception), or a temple guardian, the elephant transcends mere artistic form. Its image continues to carry profound cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance, bridging ancient heritage with contemporary consciousness.

As the festival of Ganapati engulfs the country with celebrations, the subtle, spiritual philosophy of nurturing, loving, and eventually releasing that this gentle pachyderm God teaches us ought not to be lost.
Kochi, Aug 29 (PTI) The state-run Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KELTRON) signed an agreement here on Friday with Zimbabwe to supply its products and services to the African nation.



In a function, Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev took a purchase order from Zimbabwes Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Rajesh Kumar Indukant Modi.



According to KELTRON, the purchase order for the supply and manufacture of its Coconics laptops was exchanged between its officials and representatives of the Zimbabwean Zindia company.



In the future, other KELTRON products, including traffic lights, solar systems, and knowledge services, will also be introduced in Zimbabwe. The two ministers also held detailed discussions on these possibilities, a government statement said.



Rajeev expressed happiness over the cooperation between Keltron and Zimbabwe.



According to Rajeev, as per the initial agreement, KELTRON will manufacture and supply 3,000 laptops.



He said that KELTRON is prepared to establish a skill development centre, a knowledge-sharing centre, and an assembly unit in Zimbabwe.



Zimbabwean Deputy Minister Modi said it is the beginning of a new path of mutual cooperation, productivity, and innovation.



Welcoming the partnership, he pledged Zimbabwes full support in strengthening and expanding the collaboration.



Zimbabwe Trade Commissioner Baiju Mohan Kumar, KELTRON Managing Director Sreekumar Nair, and other officials and representatives participated in the function.



After the event, the Zimbabwean minister accompanied Rajeev to an agriculture fair in Kalamassery, the statement said.



Rajeev explained to Modi about the products displayed in the stalls at the trade fair.



He also presented the traditional Onakodi (Onam gift) and agricultural products to Modi, the statement said.
Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Jane Martin, The University of Melbourne

Auckland, Aug 29 (The Conversation) From images of fruit to claims of being sugar-free, manufacturers of baby and toddler foods try to convince parents their products are a healthy choice, convenient and good for their childs development.

But as our new research shows, many are not.

We studied the packaging of 210 foods for infants and toddlers found in New Zealand supermarkets. Every package featured claims, and many showed images of fruit and vegetables, which didnt reflect the main ingredients used.

The first thousand days of a childs life are critical. This is when their brains and bodies are growing faster than they will at any other time in their lives.

Optimal nutrition is essential at this time for healthy growth, wellbeing, development and to shape eating patterns for life.

Its also a time when parents are often busy  and industry knows this. Manufacturers play on convenience and use marketing to badge foods that dont support good health as nutritious.

On-pack claims are a powerful marketing tool, and they are effective. They influence consumer perceptions, drive purchasing decisions and can create a health halo around products that dont deserve it.



Cluttered with claims

The foods we studied had an average of between seven to eight claims on their packaging, with the worst offenders carrying up to 15 claims.

The most common claims were about ingredients that were not in the foods  free from additives, free from colours. This type of claim can distract parents from what is actually in the food, which could be a high sugar content or highly processed ingredients.

Other claims promoted the food as good for development or an easy choice, playing into parents desire to do whats best for their child and to accommodate busy family lifestyles.

Parents shouldnt have to sift through all these claims to find the information they need to select a healthy option.

Of all the foods, 60 per cent featured images of fruit and 40 per cent displayed images of vegetables, but most didnt contain any whole fruits and vegetables.

Snack foods featuring vegetables often only contain tiny amounts of vegetable juice or powder, and foods featuring fruit images typically contain processed fruit sugars such as pastes and concentrates.

Of most concern was that one in five contained less than 5 per cent fruit. Images of fruits and vegetables give parents and carers the perception of healthiness and influence their purchasing decisions.

But should the industry selling these products be allowed to do this when they contain no whole fruits and vegetables at all?



Product names dont match main ingredients

We also found product names to be misleading. In more than half of the savoury meals, the name did not reflect the main ingredients accurately. Meats or nutrient-dense ingredients such as spinach or legumes were often highlighted in the name but only present in small amounts.

It is a similar story across the Tasman. Australian researchers assessed 330 products available in supermarkets and also found prolific claims and inaccurate names dominating the packaging.

With an average of eight claims on Australian products and a third of foods touting names that dont accurately reflect ingredients, its clear the current bi-national rules developed and administered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for on-pack marketing are not sufficient.

Unfortunately, many packaged infant and toddler foods in Australia and New Zealand do not support healthy eating habits. In Australia, only about a quarter of products were found to comply with World Health Organisation nutritional recommendations.

As yet unpublished research for New Zealand products found only about a third meet these standards. They shouldnt be marketed as though they do.

We have an opportunity for reform. Earlier this year, food ministers in Australia and New Zealand asked FSANZ to review regulations around claims and names used on products to make sure they dont mislead and enable caregivers to make informed choices.

This is a great first step. Its now up to FSANZ to get the rules right. We need comprehensive changes to ensure these foods are marketed responsibly. At a minimum this must include:

--- no health, nutrition or related claims to be allowed on infant and toddler foods

--- images of fruits and vegetables only permitted where whole fruits and vegetables form a substantial part of the product

and

--- product names that accurately reflect the ingredients of a product. (The Conversation) NPK

NPK
Even for the August silly season, the number of kites being flown above 1 Horse Guards Parade over the past few weeks has been manic.

Each one has carried ever madder proposals for tax hikes that the Chancellor is said to be considering for the Autumn Budget to help fill the 'black hole'.

They range from the sublime to the ridiculous, from capital gains on your first home to charging National Insurance on a landlord's rental income  and even a new wealth tax.

Kite-flying is a common enough sport within Whitehall. All the parties do it. Get the really extreme ideas out in the open and see which ones are shot down the most violently, leaving Treasury policymakers and politicians with the more palatable ones to chew on.

Which is why most of the ridiculous proposals  such as the unholy idea of taxing an Englishman's castle  have prompted concern but have not been taken too seriously. Until now.

Now the man who is pulling the kites has been uncovered. None other than Torsten Bell, the junior pensions minister who has been promoted to support Rachel Reeves with her Budget.

New role: Torsten Bell has been promoted to support Rachel Reeves with her Budget

Bell's new role has set alarm bells ringing. As one top business leader put it, his appointment has shifted the mood to consternation and even sheer panic.

Torsten Bell, the junior pensions minister who has been promoted to support Rachel Reeves with her Budget

While head of the Resolution Foundation think-tank, Bell came up with a list of controversial tax proposals which included scrapping the lifetime Isa, big hikes to council tax, CGT on primary homes at a flat rate of 28 per cent, abolishing business and agricultural property relief, slashing VAT threshold to 30,000, raising basic rate of dividend tax from 8.75 per cent to 20 per cent, and so on.

Some, such as abolishing business and agricultural relief, were introduced by Reeves last October.

If any more of Bell's proposals are adopted, they would only serve to depress further any desire left by private individuals to invest either in private businesses or the public markets  which are already suffering from a lack of investor confidence.

Clearly rattled, the FTSE 100 is down on the week by more than 100 points.

Shares in the UK banks were the latest to crumble, falling nearly 7billion in value on the latest proposal for a new windfall tax levy.

This comes from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), which claims a levy on the big banks could raise 22billion to help plug the black hole.

The IPPR argues the banks benefited unfairly from the Bank of England's 2008 emergency economic policy  quantitative easing  and that the taxpayer has lost out to the tune of about 22billion a year.

The think-tank's logic is not unreasonable. As part of its rescue policy to pump liquidity into the banking system, the Bank bought up bonds from the banks, crediting them with reserves at Threadneedle Street.

While the Bank is winding down its QE programme, the banks are earning 4 per cent on their reserves.

But should they be made to pay for what was obviously a cack-handed emergency rescue, the fault of the Bank and, indeed, the Labour-run Treasury at the time?

Banks are an easy target. They already pay a corporation tax surcharge and a bank levy.

While it's true that most are in a much stronger position, the danger is that further taxes will constrain what they lend to customers, private and business.

What is so enervating about the political debate is that we only hear about putting up taxes, which will penalise savings and indeed investment in the future growth of the country.

Where are the incentives or reliefs to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs? Where are the new ideas?

If Labour plucks every single feather from the golden goose, the skin will fall off and only innards will be left.
Summer holidays are ending, children are going back to school and students are returning to universities.

The back-to-life, back-to-reality mood is the ideal moment for some homework of the investment kind.

This involves checking the contents of your portfolio to make sure it contains the right building blocks.

These are the funds and trusts that aim to supply long-term appreciation potential, plus a measure of peace of mind. It is a mix that wins top marks for most. Investing should involve excitement  but only some of the time.

Investment professionals stress the importance of these core holdings, but they also emphasise the need to routinely reassess your choices.

Could you be relaxing back, unaware that fast-changing realities are making your portfolio look outdated today, let alone in 20 years' time?

> The best stocks and shares Isas: Choose the right platform for you

Ideal time: After summer, the back-to-life, back-to-reality mood is the ideal moment for some homework of the investment kind

If a portfolio refresh or makeover should be your autumn assignment, here's the action plan to follow...

Uncover the facts

Factsheets, updated monthly and available online, spell out the largest holdings of funds and trusts.

These details may shock those who assumed that the description 'global' would mean an assortment of shares in a whole host of markets.

Instead, the fund or trust in question may be almost exclusively focused on shares in the US Magnificent Seven of tech: Apple; Amazon; Microsoft; Nvidia; Tesla; Meta (the Whatsapp and Instagram group); and Google-owner Alphabet.

If you have opted for a tracker fund which mimics a stock market index, this risky level of concentration may be even greater, since, as Chris Rush, investment manager at asset manager IBOSS, says: 'The US now makes up 72 per cent of global indices which will, of course, be reflected in the fund's holdings.'

You may be sanguine about this. After all, Nvidia, the Silicon Valley colossus behind the microchips that power the Chat GPT artificial intelligence (AI) system), is the world's most valuable company. It is also at the vanguard of seismic transformation.

But you probably require more variety on a long-term basis  and to assure unbroken slumber  given the concern over the potential over-valuation of the Magnificent Seven and other tech names.

> Read more: Investing for beginners - How to get started

Follow the pack leader

There are some 4,700 funds, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and another 350-or-so investment trusts.

Each player in this absurdly over-supplied market promises to be a winner, but this is obviously impossible.

It is worth checking whether those in which you are placing your faith appear on the best-buy lists compiled by the investor platforms AJ Bell, Bestinvest, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor.

If your holdings do not appear, this is not a message to sell, but it is worth comparing the return you are receiving with the gains being made on the best-buys.

Bestinvest draws up a list of 'dog' or woefully underperforming funds and trusts, together with suggestions for superior replacements.

The edition, published earlier this year, revealed 137 dogs containing 67.4billion of the nation's savings.

The main offenders included ESG (environmental, social and governance) funds and others including Lindsell Train UK Equity, once seen as the bulwark of a portfolio.

The new, more vibrant mood in the UK markets may reverse this trend, but holders of the fund will need to monitor its progress and take action if improvement does not materialise.

Take a cautious approach

The Troy Trojan Fund holds a mix of bonds, gold and shares  a combination that should provide comfort and reassurance.

Dan Boardman-Weston, boss of BRI Wealth Management, says Trojan's managers have 'proved adept at limiting downside in downturns' which makes the fund an 'all-weather choice'.

Ben Yearsley, of Fairview Consulting, is also a fan of the fund, which has a sister investment trust, Personal Assets, with an almost identical portfolio.

A specialist fund may seem a more hazardous proposition. But, occasionally, the opposite may be the case.

Yearsley says: 'Polar Global Insurance may sound niche, with its investments in lesser-known US insurers, but it's one of the best funds for delivering long-term, providing returns of 10 per cent a year since its launch 20 years ago.

Darius McDermott, of Fundcalibre, has two 'solid, low-stress' multi-asset recommendations: BNY Mellon Multi-Asset Balanced; and Orbis Global Balanced. He says: 'Orbis Global Balanced has been one of the most consistent performers.'

Go global

McDermott picks Brunner, a global investment trust that does not focus solely on the Magnificent Seven.

AutoTrader, Shell and Visa are among the trust's bets, as well as M7 member Microsoft.

McDermott says: 'The trust's 53-year record of growing dividends speaks for itself.'

Brunner is one of building blocks of my portfolio. I like to have fun with my investments, but constantly walking on the wild side is not my thing.

The mantra of the management team at the Morgan Stanley Global Brands fund is: 'Don't lose money.'

As McDermott says, this is reassuring, as household names are among the fund's largest positions.

On the list of brands are Aon, the professional services conglomerate, L'Oreal, the French beauty business, and Relx, the British analytics specialist.

Microsoft also features, but you do not need to avoid M7 members  perhaps just limit your dependence on them.

Back Britain and Europe

Wall Street's conviction that British companies offer unbeatable value at present suggests that UK funds should establish a firm place in your portfolio.

Dan Boardman-Weston likes Artemis UK Select, whose holdings include Barclays, NatWest and Rolls-Royce.

He also highlights WS Gresham House UK Smaller Companies whose holdings include construction group Costain and wealth manager Brooks Macdonald.

Chris Rush's UK selection is Fidelity Special Situations which owns FTSE 100 members such as Aviva.

Just Group, the retirement specialist, is another holding, although it is about to be taken over by the Canadian private equity group Brookfield.

US investors are also excited about the prospects for Europe. Rush's pick is Henderson European Smaller Companies that invests in companies of which you've probably never heard.

Andritz, the Austrian hydropower equipment maker, is an example.

Embrace technology

Your scrutiny of your portfolio may reveal that the Magnificent Seven and the other titans of tech barely make an appearance.

But if you wish to venture into this sector, where share prices have soared amid the hype over AI, Boardman-Weston warns that 'current valuations look highly stretched and shares may even be poised for a fall'.

He argues it may be wise to look into funds and trusts with a diverse range of holdings, such as Polar Capital Global Technology or the Liontrust Global Dividend fund. This fund has stakes in Meta and Walmart, too  the US discount retailer which is adeptly deploying AI to cut costs.

There is also a stake in Eli Lilly, the American pharma giant that makes Mounjaro and Zepbound, two of the most successful weight-loss drugs.

US broker Morgan Stanley is forecasting that by 2030, the market for these products is set to increase to $150billion, up from its earlier estimate of $105billion.

Morgan Stanley likens the potential growth of the fat jab and fat pill market to the adoption of smartphones. If you are looking long-term, this is the kind of transformation you should be seeking out.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra (front, C) speaks to the press at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 29, 2025. Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for violating the constitution over her phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)

BANGKOK, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for violating the constitution over her phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia.

A panel of judges agreed by six votes to three to strip Paetongtarn of premiership status, ruling that her actions constituted a serious violation of ethical standards.

The court also dismissed her cabinet, but the remaining members will continue to perform caretaker duties until a new cabinet takes office.

In her address at the government house following the ruling, Paetongtarn said she humbly accepted the verdict, insisting that her intention was to protect people's lives during the border conflict.

Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of collaboration among all parties to restore political stability and prevent similar sudden disruptions in the future.

She also expressed gratitude to all fellow Thai citizens for the opportunity to serve the country as prime minister throughout her nearly one-year tenure.

Paetongtarn was suspended last month pending the court's investigation into her telephone call with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen over the border dispute, in which the audio recording was leaked online in June.

On July 1, the nine-member court unanimously agreed to accept a petition from a group of senators who sought Paetongtarn's dismissal, accusing her of lacking integrity and seriously breaching ethical standards in violation of the constitution due to remarks she made during the conversation.

Following the court's ruling, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will remain as acting prime minister until a new premier is appointed.

The House of Representatives is set to vote for the new prime minister based on the list of candidates submitted before the May 2023 general election.

Paetongtarn, the 39-year-old Pheu Thai Party leader and the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was appointed last August to become Thailand's youngest and second female premier after winning a parliamentary vote.

The appointment came after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the same court over an ethics violation involving the appointment of a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction. 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaks to the press at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 29, 2025. Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for violating the constitution over her phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)

Paetongtarn Shinawatra (front, C) speaks to the press at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 29, 2025. Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for violating the constitution over her phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)

Paetongtarn Shinawatra (C) speaks to the press at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 29, 2025. Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for violating the constitution over her phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua)
Descendants of the International Medical Relief Corps and the Chinese Red Cross Medical Relief Corps pose for a group photo at the Guiyang Tuyunguan Memorial to the Chinese Red Cross Medical Relief Corps in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Si)

GUIYANG, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 descendants of the International Medical Relief Corps are currently visiting southwest China's Guizhou Province this week to trace the footsteps of their forebears who risked their lives to provide medical aid during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

Since Aug. 24, the delegation has embarked on a week-long journey to visit historical sites, including the Guiyang Tuyunguan Memorial to the Chinese Red Cross Medical Relief Corps in the provincial capital of Guiyang and the 24-Zig Road in Qinglong County.

More than 80 years ago, Tuyunguan served as a key medical rescue base, training center and supply hub in southwest China during the war against Japanese aggression, a crucial front in the World Anti-Fascist War.

Dozens of foreign medical workers worked alongside thousands of their Chinese counterparts from the Chinese Red Cross Medical Relief Corps to save lives and provide medical training under harsh conditions. Today, these foreign medical workers are collectively remembered as the International Medical Relief Corps.

On Tuesday, the delegation attended a commemoration near the Guiyang Tuyunguan Memorial to pay tribute to their forebears and mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Joseph Somogyi from Germany, son of Hungarian physician George Schoen (who later changed his name to Gyorgy Somogyi), told Xinhua that although he had long known of his father's work in China, it was not until his first visit to Guizhou in 2019 that he realized how deeply his father's heroic deeds were remembered and honored there.

At Tuesday's commemoration, Joseph and his brother Peter Somogyi donated photographs and stamps kept by their father to the memorial. "The Chinese keep the memory of my father and all the other doctors who were working for China at that time. China keeps the memory, upholds it, appreciates it, keeps it for future generations and tries to teach that peace is not given," Joseph said.

"As descendants of the International Medical Relief Corps, we are incredibly grateful to you for keeping our ancestors' memory alive," Peter said. "For them, as international anti-fascists, this was not just China's war; it was their own."

"It is essential for future generations to understand the fight against fascism and the struggle for freedom," Peter added.

Dmitrii Kamenetskii from Russia paid tribute to his grandfather Leon Kamieniecki, a Polish doctor, at Tuesday's ceremony. Running his fingers over his grandfather's name on a monument at the memorial, Kamenetskii was particularly moved and struggled to hold back his tears. He said that touching the monument and looking at the old photos and relics in the memorial, he felt as if he were touching real history.

For descendants of the International Medical Relief Corps, the trip has also inspired them to further carry forward their ancestors' spirit.

Anton Agov, the 36-year-old great-grandson of Bulgarian doctor Ianto Kaneti from the International Medical Relief Corps, came to China in 2014 to study traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). After graduation, he returned to Bulgaria and opened a clinic providing TCM treatment. Now head of the Bulgarian-Chinese Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Culture, he regards his work as an effort to inherit the legacy of his great-grandfather.

Through our work in Chinese medicine, we hope to carry on the spirit of the International Medical Relief Corps, Agov said. 

Descendants of the International Medical Relief Corps attend a commemoration near the Guiyang Tuyunguan Memorial to pay tribute to their forebears and mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Qianyu)
BEIJING, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for persistent efforts and long-term mechanisms to implement the guiding principles of the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction to a meeting on Party building held in Beijing on Friday. 
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Thankfully . . .

Only a welcome mat was lost in the blaze.

However . . .

Political violence is a slippery slope and this report is a sign that local authorities are taking it seriously:

Kansas Republican Party Chair Danedri Herbert said the damage appeared to be intentional, calling it an "act of political terrorism."



The Kansas Democratic Party condemned the arson in a statement.



Now, the FBI and local authorities are working to identify anyone involved in the fire.



Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS or the Overland Park Police Department at 913-344-8750.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
A local report worth considering as we start the day . . . The Dotte recovers from its latest tragedy amid an outpouring of grief, sympathy and respect . . . Here's the word:

"Hundreds of people filled the square Thursday night in front of Kansas City, Kansas, City Hall to honor fallen KCK officer Hunter Simoncic.



"Simoncic was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday morning while assisting with a police chase. Since then, there has been a wide outpouring of support for the Kansas native.



"Thursday was an emotional night paying tribute to one of Kansas City, Kansas police department's finest. "

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .
Artists perform during a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in London, Britain, Aug. 28, 2025. A concert 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 in London on Thursday. The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A concert 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 in London on Thursday.

The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees.

The concert was presented by Hunan Province Song and Dance Theatre and New Elements Music with guest performers from London City Orchestra and Camden Philharmonia Orchestra.

"Tonight, we will use music to remember that part of history, and honour those who laid down their lives for the cause of justice of humanity. We will use music to express our aspiration for world peace as well as resolute commitment to striving for a better shared future for mankind," Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang said at a reception before the concert.

Moved by a performance of the theme from the documentary "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" -- which recounts the heroic humanitarian act of Chinese fishermen who bravely rescued British prisoners of war during World War II -- Anthony Jones, chairman of the Lisbon Maru Memorial Association, said the concert blended the shared emotions and memories of China and Britain during WWII, creating a powerful sense of connection between the two nations. 

Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang delivers a speech prior to a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in London, Britain, Aug. 28, 2025. A concert 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 in London on Thursday.

The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A performance is staged during a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in London, Britain, Aug. 28, 2025. A concert 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 in London on Thursday.

The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

Artists perform during a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in London, Britain, Aug. 28, 2025. A concert 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 in London on Thursday.

The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A performance is staged during a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in London, Britain, Aug. 28, 2025. A concert 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 in London on Thursday.

The event, themed "Honour History for a Better Future," showcased 10 performances, attracting more than 300 attendees. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
The tone of this year's Irish Fest tribute is bittersweet . . . The close-knit community celebrates a life that ended far too quickly.

Meanwhile . . .

We wanted to share this passage because even some of the most progressive local news outlets are forced to acknowledge public frustration with the dearth of consequences following this tragedy . . .

Check-it:

"It was just before last years festival that local restauranteur and chef Shaun Brady, a 44-year-old native of Ireland who played a major role in the Irish Fest, was murdered outside his Brookside restaurant.



"A 15-year-old boy was charged with fatally shooting Brady while trying to steal his car outside Brady & Fox restaurant at 63rd Street and Rockhill Road. A judge ruled in May that the boy will remain in the juvenile system while facing a second-degree murder charge."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Unibank CB OJSC Azerbaijan has signed two loan agreements with the international financial fund Enabling Qapital, totaling 10 million US dollars, including one subordinated loan which will improve capital base of our Bank.

This is the first ever cooperation between Unibank CB OJSC Azerbaijan and Enabling Qapital, aimed at supporting and developing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

We are pleased to start our cooperation with Enabling Qapital. This collaboration will significantly expand our capabilities to support small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs. This loan facility will help our clients implement their projects and strengthen their market positions, said Heybat Gadirov, Acting Chairman of the Management Board at Unibank CB OJSC Azerbaijan.

On behalf of Enabling Qapital, Christoph Dreher, Board Member and Executive Management Partner, emphasized: We see great potential in the development of microfinance and SME lending in the region and are ready to support Unibank CB OJSC Azerbaijan in achieving these goals. We are confident that our cooperation will be mutually beneficial and will stimulate economic growth and entrepreneurial activity.

About Unibank CB OJSC Azerbaijan:

Unibank CB OJSC Azerbaijan is one of the leading commercial banks in the Azerbaijani financial market with a broad customer base. The bank actively operates in the support of small and medium-sized enterprises by offering modern credit products and services tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs. www.unibank.az

About Enabling Qapital:

Enabling Qapital is an international financial fund specializing in the financing and development of small and medium-sized businesses. The company focuses on long-term cooperation and supports sustainable economic development through the provision of credit resources and investments. www.enabling.ch
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. Azerbaijan is reaching new heights in the field of investment and export, the Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO), Yusif Abdullayev, said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at a panel discussion entitled Future Careers: How to Stay Relevant, Ready, and in Demand? held as part of the BCC Academy program.

In the areas of business, exports, and investments, the processes taking place put Azerbaijan in an advantageous position to attract new companies and investors, he emphasized.

Abdullayev drew attention to the prospects for logistics in the territories liberated from occupation. At the same time, he noted a shortage of investment promotion specialists: "It is important not only to attract investors, but also to support their activities in the country. Flexible skills, knowledge of foreign languages, and the ability to develop logistics competencies are important here."

According to him, Russian remains an important means of communication in the region, but the popularity of English, Chinese, French, and German is growing.

China is a strategic partner for promoting investment, and logistics opens up new opportunities in the English-speaking world. We are seeing growing interest from Europe and the US, which could become important partners for Azerbaijan in the future, Abdullayev added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. Amid increasing turbulence in global politics and rising economic challenges, the countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are prioritizing the strengthening of their mutual ties. At the heart of this process is Azerbaijan, which in recent years has emerged not only as a founding member of the organization but also as a platform shaping its strategic agenda. Baku is steadily becoming a hub for decision-making and long-term planning, guiding economic, transport, and political integration across the Turkic world.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, President Ilham Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan was always straightforward in strengthening this institution.

"It started as a kind of group of countries, as a consultative group, as a council, but then it transformed. It has a great potential. Our close relations with Turkiye are now based on Alliance Declaration, which we signed with President Erdogan in Shusha in 2021, which makes us military allies and political allies. From legal point of view, it's important factor, not only for both countries, but for the whole Turkish world. Last year, we signed the alliance agreement with Uzbekistan and also with other members of Organization of Turkic States. We have strategic partnership agreements or declaration," the head of state said.

Regular summits and ministerial meetings underscore Azerbaijans growing influence within the OTS. In 2024, the Karabakh Declaration was adopted in Shusha, highlighting priorities such as sustainable development, logistics, and climate action. In 2025, a similar discussion took place in Budapest, with transport connectivity and security taking center stage.

Sectoral meetings are also becoming increasingly important. In May this year, Baku hosted the interior ministers of OTS member states, focusing on combating transnational threats and strengthening law enforcement. This reflects how cooperation within the organization is expanding beyond just economic and transport issues.

As President Ilham Aliyev rightly pointed out, the countries of the OTS share common roots, which makes this organization unique.

"Because if you look at other international organizations, not all - or perhaps only some - are united by a common ethnic group. Yeah, we are different peoples, but we have all common our roots, coming from the Turkic ethnicity, we have growing population, which is also important factor for every country. When it is supported by economic development, it is advantage," the head of state noted.

Azerbaijan continues to take a leading role in developing transit routes, serving as a key hub for Central Asias access to European markets.

Over the past two decades, the country has built and modernized more than 21,000 kilometers of roads, over 1,500 kilometers of railways, and hundreds of bridges and tunnels. Major projects such as the North-South corridor, the Middle Corridor, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and the Baku International Sea Trade Port have greatly enhanced Azerbaijans position in global logistics.

"When we talk about today, about corridors, you cannot avoid us. You cannot; you should use us, our territories, our facilities. Also important is that in all members of organization, there is a political stability, and friendly relations between each other and between all so this really makes organization unique. So we need to strengthen it, and we need to strengthen it by concrete projects, by investments, by energy, by transportation, by cultural projects," President Ilham Aliyev added.

A key element in this strategy is the Zangezur Corridor. What was once just a concept is now taking concrete shape: the railway on Azerbaijani territory is nearly complete, and by spring 2026 it is expected to handle an initial capacity of 15 million tons of cargo per year. This project not only enhances transport connectivity across the region but also underscores Azerbaijans role as a reliable hub for economic and energy stability.

The next major milestone will be the OTS summit in Gabala in fall 2025, where priorities for transport integration, streamlined customs procedures, and the development of green financing are expected to be set.

President Ilham Aliyev also outlined the organizations broader mission: "So I see in the future this organization as one of the important global actors. So, our view is to transform it into a global actor which can play a role on international arena, which not only be preoccupied with our internal issues, but to play a stabilizing role on international arena, positive role, generating opportunities for the neighbors, and demonstrating that on such a huge geographic geography, you can build a strong unity, which is not a threat to anyone, but which is an opportunity to many," the head of state said.

Azerbaijans role within the OTS goes far beyond symbolic or formal participation. The country has become a true hub of initiatives, shaping the strategic agenda of the entire organization. Its transport and energy infrastructure projects reinforce Azerbaijans position as a key node for international trade and regional stability.

President Ilham Aliyevs political will allows Azerbaijan to guide the OTSs strategic direction and advance major infrastructure projects that bring the Turkic world closer together. Under his leadership, the organization not only strengthens its position in the region but also gains the potential to become an influential player on the global stage.

Azerbaijan shows that the OTS can emerge as a powerful actor internationally, capable of uniting countries around common goals, driving economic development, and providing a stabilizing influence in global affairs. Bakus approach demonstrates that strong unity within the Turkic world is not only a tool for internal cooperation but also a resource for creating opportunities for neighboring countries and partners across the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree on the conscription of Azerbaijani citizens for active military service from October 1 through October 30, 2025, and the discharge of active military personnel into the reserve, Trend reports.

According to the decree, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan born in 2007 who have reached the age of 18 by the date of conscription (including that date), as well as citizens born between 1995 and 2006 under the age of 30 who have not served in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan, are not entitled to deferment from conscription into active military service, or have not been exempted from conscription into active military service, will be conscripted into active military service from October 1 through October 30, 2025.

Active military personnel who have completed their term of service as provided for in Article 38.1.1 of the Law On Military Duty and Military Service will be discharged into the reserve from October 1 to October 30, 2025. The Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to take the measures stipulated by law to implement this Decree.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. On August 30, certificates were presented to 20 students who successfully completed the first stage of the regular distance Chinese language courses at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, attended the event.

At the initiative and with the support of Leyla Aliyeva, in partnership with the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), the Confucius Institute at Azerbaijan University of Languages, and Beijing Foreign Studies University, distance Chinese language courses have been organized at UNEC since 2019. The third intake of students started at UNEC in December 2024.

In his remarks, Adalat Muradov, UNEC Rector, emphasized that the distance Chinese language courses launched in 2019 at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and under the leadership of Leyla Aliyeva have attracted significant interest in a short time. Noting that the number of applications has multiplied at each stage, he emphasized that conducting courses remotely opens up wide opportunities for Azerbaijanis living both within the country and abroad.

Kamal Abdulla, rector of the Azerbaijan University of Languages, highlighted that since ancient times, caravans traveling from China to the West carried not only silk but also culture, literature, and art, with Azerbaijan serving as a crucial part of this cultural exchange. As a historical crossroads, it facilitated the flow of cultural examples, leading to a rich blend of Eastern and Western traditions in world literature. He described Chinese culture, language, literature, and the great philosophical heritage created by Confucius and Laozi as values that should be learned by students.

Speaking at the event, course graduates Turana Kamalova and Aydan Gurbanova noted that the distance Chinese language courses offer new opportunities for personal development.

The speakers also stated that Azerbaijanis from different regions of Azerbaijan, as well as those living in China and other countries, can join the classes. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation covers the tuition fees of families of martyrs, veterans and their family members, as well as people from socially vulnerable groups. The courses cater to different age groups: the youngest student is 14 years old, while the oldest is 74.

The event concluded with an artistic program featuring performances by the course participants.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. During ongoing court proceedings at the Baku Military Court on August 29, the testimonies given by defendant Bako Sahakyan during the preliminary investigation, along with other related documents, were presented, Trend reports.

In his testimony to the preliminary investigation, Sahakyan stated that he served as a chief of logistics staff of the defense army of the illegal regime in 1993-1995.

According to the defendant, he has been involved in the direct supply of the Armenian armed forces during the military operations since May 1994, when the ceasefire was announced.

Bako Sahakyan further emphasized that it was the Armenian Defense Ministry, which sent the S-300 missile system to Shusha in 2015-2020.

The testimony also revealed that overall, the deployment of military supplies, equipment, and personnel during and after the 44-day Patriotic War, taking place in 2020, was provided under the directives of Armenias military-political leadership, funded from the state budget of Armenia.

Bako Sahakyan added that the Armenian Defense Ministry had supplied the ministry of defense of the so-called regime with military ammunition and other supplies.

Court proceedings are ongoing against Armenian nationals accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws and customs of war. The charges also include financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. The open court hearing regarding the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, its forcible retention, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on August 29, Trend reports.

The court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each defendant was provided with a translator in their preferred language and lawyers for their defense.

The session was attended by the defendants, their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state.

The court session proceeded with the announcement of the testimony given by defendant Bako Sahakyan during the preliminary investigation and other related documents.

In his testimony to the preliminary investigation, Sahakyan stated that he served as a chief of logistics staff of the defense army of the illegal regime in 1993-1995. According to the defendant, he has been involved in direct supply of the Armenian armed forces during the military operations since May 1994 when the ceasefire was announced.

Bako Sahakyan further emphasized that it was the Armenian Defense Ministry, which sent the S-300 missile system to Shusha in 2015-2020.

The testimony also revealed that overall, the deployment of military supplies, equipment, and personnel during and after the 44-day Patriotic War, taking place in 2020, was provided under the directives of Armenias military-political leadership, funded from the state budget of Armenia.

Bako Sahakyan added that the Armenian Defense Ministry had supplied the ministry of defense of the so-called regime with military ammunition and other supplies.

During the hearing, defendant Garik Martirosyans lawyer addressed the court, requesting his participation at the hearing to be terminated due to medical treatment.

The judge inquired if the defendant had any objections regarding the request. Martirosyan stated he had no objection regarding the request.

By the court decision, the participation of the lawyer of the accused Garik Martirosyan in the trial was terminated.

The court adopted the decision of appointing new defender for the defendant, and sent it to the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding its implementation.

Additionally, presiding judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that the lawyer of one of the victims (Nazrin Mammadli) informed that he would not be able to attend the court hearings due to family issues, therefore filling a request to terminate her participation in the criminal case.

Since there were no objections to the request, the lawyer's participation was terminated and a copy of the decision on the appointment of a new representative will be sent to the Bar Association.

Subsequently, the testimonies given by defendant David Babayan, during the preliminary investigation, along with other related documents, were presented.

The testimony revealed that David Babayan was appointed as a presidential advisor of the so-called regime in 2020, as a foreign minister in 2021, and as an advisor to the president  a representative of the so-called regime on special assignments in 2023.

According to him, the ammunition supplies to the illegal regime was sent solely by the Armenian Ministry of Defense from Armenia. The ammunition and other supplies were transported via the Gorus-Lachin-Khankendi, the Basarkechar-Kalbajar-Aghdara-Khankendi roads. The energy from hydroelectric power plants in the formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories, as well as grain and alcoholic beverages, were sold to Armenia. Moreover, alcoholic beverages were exported to many foreign countries from Armenia.

From 2007 to 2019, he travelled to various countries with Bako Sahakyan, participating in meetings as a representative of the so-called "Presidential Administration" of the regime and as an interpreter. The main purpose of the meetings was to ensure that Armenians living abroad provided financial assistance to Armenians living in the then occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

In his testimony, he emphasized that the mining of territories commenced in 1994 and was carried out by the "Ministry of Defense." However, he was unaware of the individual specifically responsible for ordering and leading this. He said that the activities of the so-called regime's "army" were carried out in an integrated manner with the activities of the Armenian armed forces.

In his testimony, he admitted to the fact of transporting all real estate, including buildings, that existed in all regions and cities, especially in Aghdam and Fuzuli, which were under occupation.

According to the materials of the criminal case read out in court, D. Babayan, during the 44-day war of 2020 and the subsequent periods, as a "representative of the leader" of the so-called regime, made a statement on internet resources on January 4, 2021, in which he stated: "We will never be part of Azerbaijan. We cannot live together in one state. This is impossible! We are doomed to live side by side as neighbours, there is no other way out. But I do not see the possibility of living with Azerbaijanis within one state, as part of the Azerbaijani state, because in such a situation, Artsakh simply will not exist."

The court proceedings will continue on September 1.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
BUENOS AIRES, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Argentine President Javier Milei on Thursday denied accusations of corruption against him and his administration, dismissing the claims as a political smear campaign by the opposition.

At an event in Buenos Aires, Milei referred to the brewing scandal over an alleged bribery scheme in purchasing medicine through the National Disability Agency (ANDIS), for which he was denounced to the courts along with his sister and the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei.

According to the president, the opposition "knows that our government plan is working, and that is why we are seeing noise that is amplified by the midterm legislative elections that will take place between September and October."

The alleged corruption scandal came to light on Aug. 19 when local media released audio recordings of the former director of ANDIS, Diego Spagnuolo, purportedly discussing bribes involving the state purchase of medicine. Milei sacked Spagnuolo after the recordings became public.

The recordings leaked to the press mention Karina Milei as the alleged recipient of a 3 percent kickback from the money the Argentine government paid medical supplies company Suizo Argentina to supply welfare programs.

Federal judge Sebastian Casanello and prosecutor Franco Picardi are investigating the allegations after a legal complaint was filed against the president, his sister, Spagnuolo and others for the kickback scheme. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. The United States has published on the State Department website the documents signed with Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the final document of the joint meeting of President Donald Trump with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on August 8, the US State Department website reports, Trend reports.

According to the information, the documents include the Joint Declaration following the meeting of the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia in Washington (District of Columbia), the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the establishment of a Strategic Working Group to prepare a Charter on Strategic Partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as memoranda of understanding signed with Armenia.

Documents related to Azerbaijan can be found at the following links.

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025JointDeclaration.AzerbaijanArmenia.pdf

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2025MOUAzerbaijan.pdf
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. The text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the establishment of a strategic working group to develop a Charter on strategic partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan has been published on the website of the US Department of State, Trend reports.

"The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan (hereinafter referred to as the "Participants").

Have reached the following understandings:

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (hereinafter "MOU") is to establish a Strategic Working Group to develop within a 6-month time period a Charter on Strategic Partnership between the Participants that focuses on strengthening strategic ties between the Participants.

The Participants intend to engage in a strategic working group focused on three areas:

 Regional connectivity, including energy, trade, and transit;

 Economic investment, including Artificial Intelligence and digital infrastructure; and

 Security cooperation, including defense sales and counterterrorism cooperation.

II. Areas of Cooperation

The Participants intend to collaborate in a number of areas, including but not limited to the following:

 Expanding energy investment and regional connectivity infrastructure;

 Building stronger defense and counterterrorism cooperation;

 Advancing regional economic and trade cooperation; and

 Developing Artificial Intelligence partnerships and digital infrastructure investment.

III. General Provisions

1. Duration: This MOU comes into effect on the date of its signature by the Participants and is intended to remain operative for one (1) year. The Participants may extend this MOU by mutual written decision. Either Participant may discontinue its participation in this MOU at any time. The discontinuing Participant should give sixty (60) days prior written notice through diplomatic channels to the other Participant.

2. Life of Projects: Unless otherwise decided by the Participants, the discontinuation of this MOU does not affect projects and activities already started and not completed under this MOU between the two Participants.

3. Modifications: The Participants may modify this MOU by mutual written decision.

4. Effect of MOU: Nothing in this MOU gives rise to rights or obligations under international or domestic law. The Participants specifically acknowledge that this MOU is not an obligation of funds. The Participants intend to maintain their own separate and unique missions and mandates and their own accountabilities. The cooperation between the Participants as outlined in this MOU is not intended to be construed as a partnership or other type of legal entity or personality. Each Participant is expected to bear its own costs for all expenses incurred by itself related to this MOU. The Participants intend to implement this MOU in a manner that does not interfere with any other arrangements between the Participants. Other prior terms are necessary to be signed up at the MOU. Nothing in this MOU is intended to be construed as an exclusive working relationship.

5. Signed at Washington, D.C., on August 8, 2025, in two original copies, each in the English language."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. The State Department website has published the text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of the United States and Azerbaijan, which provides for the creation of a Strategic Working Group, Trend reports.

The Memorandum defines the main areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States:

Expanding energy investments and regional connectivity infrastructure;

Building stronger defense and counterterrorism cooperation;

Advancing regional economic and trade cooperation; and

Developing artificial intelligence partnerships and digital infrastructure investments.

The document comes into force from the moment of signing and is designed for one year with the possibility of extension.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan hosted a meeting with Latvian Minister of Health Hosams Abu Meri, who is visiting the country on a working trip, the ministry told Trend.

The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Azerbaijan, Edgars Skuja, also participated in the meeting.

During the discussion, conducted in a spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, the parties reviewed the current state of Azerbaijan-Latvia cooperation in healthcare and medical science, as well as potential opportunities for its development.

Welcoming the guests, Azerbaijans Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, emphasized the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia in many fields, including healthcare and medical science.

"To enhance the efficiency of our countries healthcare systems, all necessary tools for collaboration in medical education are available. Additionally, there are optimal conditions for exchanging modern methodological and scientific-practical information in the field of continuous professional education for medical specialists," he said.

Highlighting that the digitalization of the healthcare system is one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan, Musayev noted that significant progress has been made in developing digital healthcare in Latvia.

"Studying Latvias experience in this area can be useful for us," he stressed.

The minister also pointed out the potential for developing cooperation in medical tourism.

"Mineral water sources and other resort and recreational resources attract many tourists to both Azerbaijan and Latvia. Considering this, access to sanatorium and spa treatment for citizens of both countries is an important issue," he added.

Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, Khosam Abu Meri emphasized that such meetings are very important for the development of Latvian-Azerbaijani relations in the field of healthcare, as well as for the exchange of experience and knowledge.

The Latvian minister also expressed hope that cooperation between the ministries of health of both countries would continue at a new level.

In the course of the meeting, other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

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On September 1, 2025, Trend News Agency celebrates an important milestone - its 30th anniversary. Over three decades, Trend has grown from a small editorial office into one of the regions leading and most respected multilingual agencies, covering key events in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Caspian region. Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of its team, the agency has earned recognition from politicians, diplomats, and business leaders around the world. Looking ahead, Trend aims to expand further into European and Asian media markets. Platforms have already been established in Turkiye and across Europe, providing a foundation for the agency to compete with media outlets in these regions.

In this milestone year, the cream of Azerbaijans cultural crop tipped their hats to the agency for its tireless efforts in shining a spotlight on national culture.

Natavan Sheykhova, Peoples Artist of Azerbaijan and professor at the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli, drove home the agencys significance in shining a spotlight on national art and the countrys core spiritual values.

"Members of the agency are both genuine professionals and dear friends of mine. Happy anniversary! It's been 30 years! In my mind, this news organization has long been synonymous with thorough and timely reporting on a wide range of topics, as well as - and perhaps most importantly - the advancement of our nation's artistic and cultural heritage, the moral and spiritual principles held by its citizens, and the highest standards of journalism ethics. With your unwavering commitment to serving the nation, may the news you bring forth be nothing but positive," Sheykhova said.

Alexander Sharovsky, Chief Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, head of the European Jewish Community in Baku, and Peoples Artist of Azerbaijan, highlighted that he values Trend not only as a professional agency but also as a community of like-minded people.

"Trend is not just a news agency that always keeps a finger on the pulse of events in Azerbaijan and the world. It is a place where individuals who are dear to me in spirit and in intellect work, and I truly admire and value their boundless dedication," Sharovsky said.

He pointed out that Trend stands out for its professionalism and a unique approach to its work.

"In all areas covered by Trend, whether social-political, economic, or the creative field of culture and art, which is especially close to me, professionalism and heartfelt dedication are always evident. I sincerely congratulate you on your anniversary! Wishing you health, success, and continued achievements," Sharovsky concluded.

In conclusion, the Azerbaijani cultural community also offered their congratulations, praising Trend for all that it has done to elevate national art and spiritual values internationally and change the country's media environment.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. Eni announced the sail away ceremony for the Nguya floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) unit on August 26 in Shanghai, marking a key step in the development of the Congo LNG project in the Marine XII concession offshore the Republic of Congo, Trend reports.

The event was attended by Bruno Jean Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons of the Republic of Congo, and an Eni delegation led by Stefano Maione, Director of Development, Operations & Energy Efficiency.

The Nguya FLNG, 376 meters long and 60 meters wide, will be moored at a depth of 35 meters and used for LNG production. Built in 33 months from contract award to sail away, the unit is equipped with technologies designed to limit carbon emissions and can process gas from multiple fields, enabling flexibility for future developments.

In addition, the Scarabeo 5 drilling rig has been converted into a floating production and compression unit. It will depart in the coming days to supply processed gas to the Nguya FLNG. According to Eni, this approach reduced costs, shortened timelines, and lowered environmental impact.

Work on subsea infrastructure to support Phase 2 of the Congo LNG project is progressing as planned, with mooring and start-up scheduled by the end of 2025.

The projects first facility, the Tango FLNG, began production in December 2023 with a capacity of 0.6 million tonnes per year (MTPA) and has already exported 12 cargoes. The Nguya unit, with a capacity of 2.4 MTPA, is expected to join later this year, raising the total capacity of Congo LNG to 3 MTPA.

Eni has operated in the Republic of Congo for more than 55 years, contributing to the development of the countrys gas resources. The company also supplies gas to the Congo Power Plant, which provides 70% of national electricity generation, and supports local initiatives in energy, water, healthcare, and economic diversification.
Azerbaijans trade growth picks up steam in first half of year

Azerbaijans non-oil exports rose by 11 percent in the first seven months of 2025, reaching over $2.1 billion, with food exports climbing to nearly $690 million. Key growth came from sugar, fruits and vegetables, and gold, while Russia remained the top buyer with more than $717 million in imports.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. IQ and EQ are important components of youth development and are important not only for young people but for everyone. In recent years, two new concepts have also come into widespread use: SQ (social intelligence) and AQ (adaptability), said BP Vice President for the Caspian Region Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, Trend reports.

He made the remark at a panel discussion entitled Future Careers: How to Stay Relevant, Ready, and in Demand? held as part of the BCC Academy program.

Aslanbayli noted that, according to experts, along with emotional intelligence, social skills, and adaptability are also considered key conditions for success in the modern era:

"That is why many universities around the world are now paying more attention to developing flexible skills in students, along with education. It is emphasized that success in choosing a university is not only related to its name. For example, not everyone who studies at prestigious universities such as Harvard achieves success. Experts argue that success is not only measured by a university education. The main goal is to get an education, a profession, and acquire skills," he emphasized.

bp's rep pointed out that if you don't have the right skills and experience, it doesn't matter how high your EQ, SQ, and AQ are; it's just not enough:

"First of all, it's important to be educated. Then you can develop your emotional intelligence, social skills, and adaptability.

Although artificial intelligence is creating new tools in education, it is not destroying professions, but rather changing them. For young people to be successful in the future labor market, it is considered necessary for them to work on themselves, remain active and disciplined, and adapt to change," he added.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 29. The Constitution is the unshakable foundation of our independence and a reliable guide for strengthening statehood, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the scientific and practical conference Constitution and Statehood: Dialogue of Law and Future, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country's Basic Law.

In his speech, President Tokayev emphasized that the adoption of the Constitution in 1995 was a turning point in the history of independent Kazakhstan. According to him, the Basic Law became not only a legal document, but also a symbol of a new era in which the individual, their rights and freedoms became the highest value.

On August 30, 1995, a new Constitution was adopted  the main document of our independence, Tokayev noted.

The head of state recalled that over the past 30 years, six amendments had been made to the Constitution, reflecting changes in society and the political system. The President particularly highlighted the 2022 reform, which, in his words, radically changed the country's political and legal system. One of the key decisions was to hold a referendum, rather than a parliamentary vote, to approve the amendments.

The most important decisions that directly determine the future of the country should only be made by referendum, the President said.

Tokayev also noted the creation of the Constitutional Court, the expansion of the powers of the prosecutor's office and the Ombudsperson's office, calling them the most important elements of the rule of law. In two and a half years, the Constitutional Court has received more than 11,000 appeals, which testifies to the high level of trust among citizens.

In conclusion, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated everyone on the anniversary of the Constitution and announced the awarding of state awards and anniversary medals to a group of citizens for their contribution to the development of the constitutional system.
Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

An artist perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

Artists perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

An artist perform a new version of the Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Aug. 28, 2025. The 2025 version of Chinese classic dance drama "Flower Rains along Silk Road" met the public on Thursday in Lanzhou. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 29. Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yersayin Nagaspayev, held negotiations with the Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Kuznetsov, during which the parties discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the industrial sector, Trend reports via the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, a significant emphasis was placed on synergistic collaboration within the mechanical engineering sector, encompassing the establishment of novel joint manufacturing facilities and the scaling up of current operational enterprises.



The engagement of the Kazakh delegation in the INNOPROM exhibition (International Industrial Trade Fair), scheduled for September 29 - 30 this year in Minsk, has been duly confirmed, the statement articulated.



An additional agenda item encompassed the strategic preparations for the forthcoming convening of the Kazakhstan-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, scheduled for October 22 of the current calendar year in Astana.



The stakeholders reaffirmed the prior consensus on formulating a strategic framework for synergistic industrial collaboration, encompassing the enhancement of trade and economic partnerships, alongside the localization of production across sectors such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemical processing, and the fabrication of construction materials.



As of the current date, the project portfolio in collaboration with the Republic of Belarus encompasses 14 initiatives aggregating in excess of 200 million US dollars.

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This year, Baku will host one of the worlds most prestigious programming competitionsthe 49th International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) World Final, taking place from August 31 to September 5.

Yelo Bank, a firm advocate for innovation and education, joins the event as its official banking partner under the auspices of the Azerbaijan Banks Association.

University teams from across the globe will compete in this elite contest. Each year, up to 70,000 students representing approximately 3,500 universities from over 110 countries participate in ICPCs official stages. The World Final will bring together 140 teamseach composed of three studentsfrom 70 nations to showcase their skills and expertise.

Azerbaijani universities have taken part in ICPCs regional stages since 2005. Over the years, significant strides have been made to promote programming nationwide, spark youth interest in the field, and nurture local talent. In 2024, ADA Universitys team earned recognition for its strong performance at the World Final in Luxor, Egypt.

This years global final will be held in Baku, organized by the ICPC Foundation and hosted by ADA University, in partnership with the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, and the ICPC Azerbaijan community, with support from PASHA Holding.

By supporting initiatives like ICPC, Yelo Bank contributes to Azerbaijans digital transformation and helps elevate young talent onto the international stage.

Need more information about our banking services? Then call 981 or visit our Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or yelo.az accounts.

Yelo BankBrighter Banking!
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 29. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for greater efforts toward nuclear disarmament and a complete halt to nuclear testing, Trend reports.

The head of state shared his remarks on his official page on X.

"Today is the International Day against Nuclear Tests. This commemorative date was established by the United Nations General Assembly at the initiative of Kazakhstan. Our people endured the tragic consequences of nuclear weapon explosions for many years. This tragedy should never happen again. For the sake of future generations, we must strengthen peace, promote international cooperation, and take efforts towards a complete ban of nuclear tests. Peace and security are the highest values that unite all humankind," the post reads.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 29. Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov inaugurated the fully renovated UzgenMyrza-AkeKara-Kulja road, while simultaneously launching online more than 60 new production facilities across the country, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz president's administration.

The 34-kilometer road underwent major repairs over four months and was built to modern standards. Officials said the project aims to improve regional connectivity, boost trade, and support local economic development. Additional funds of 4 billion soms ($46 million) from the Stabilization Fund were allocated to road sections, including NookatKyzyl-Kiya (part of the OshBatkenRazzakov route) and UzgenMyrza-AkeKara-Kulja.

Zhaparov emphasized the governments focus on building strategic and local roads primarily funded by the state budget, noting that nearly 80 percent of current projects rely on domestic resources rather than foreign loans or contractors. He also highlighted ongoing works on the OshKara-Suu road and plans for a new connection between Kara-Kulja and the Alay district next year.

In an online ceremony, the president also opened 67 new industrial enterprises in areas including food processing, construction materials, textiles, and light industry. The projects, financed with $222.5 million in total investment, are expected to create more than 5,000 jobs, with 92.5 percent funded domestically and 7.5 percent from foreign investors. Among the facilities, 11 are state-owned and 56 are private.

The president stressed that these initiatives aim to improve living conditions, support entrepreneurship, and strengthen regional development. He acknowledged the contributions of investors and workers in the road and industrial sectors, and called for continued support for domestic businesses driving economic growth.

The president also noted ongoing challenges in rural areas, including poor roads, aging hospitals, and outdated schools, and pledged that over the coming years, the government will extend infrastructure development to the most remote communities.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 29. Chinese Guojian Zhanmao (Putian) Supply Chain has proposed establishing an industrial park focused on leather and textile production in Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the Uzcharmsanoat association.

The project is planned across the Bukhara, Navoi, Fergana, and Samarkand regions, with an initial investment of $150 million for a 100-hectare site.

The industrial park will be powered by solar energy, with surplus electricity expected to be supplied to neighboring enterprises, supporting sustainable operations

Meanwhile, the data from the country's Statistics Agency shows that Uzbekistans industrial output reached 575.6 trillion sums ($46 billion) in the first seven months of 2025, which is 6.5 percent higher compared to the same period last year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 29. Pakistans Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, held a phone conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, to discuss the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, Trend reports.

Dar shared the news in a post on his official X page.

"Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Ararat Mirzoyan and I held a cordial conversation on the phone today, and agreed to consider establishing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia," the post read.

Islamabad has not yet established diplomatic relations with Yerevan. The decision has been made solely in response to Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories.

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Two firefighters were arrested by U.S. border patrol while they were battling Washington state's biggest wildfire that's scorching a national forest, amid Trump's intensified immigration crackdown.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Israel's War on Journalism Systematic, Not Incidental



When journalism dies in Gaza, it does not die alone. It takes with it the hope of justice, the possibility of peace and the very idea that truth still matters in a world increasingly dominated by propaganda.

Friday August 29, 2025 6:06 PM , Hani Hazaimeh

When wars erupt, journalists are often the first casualties  not always in terms of physical harm, but in the silencing of their ability to bear witness. In Gaza, however, the war on journalism is not incidental. It is systematic, deliberate and persistent.

The Power of Narrative

Since the onset of the current conflict, dozens of Palestinian journalists have been killed , many others injured or detained and media facilities bombed into rubble. Israels repeated actions against reporters raise a fundamental question: Why does a state that insists it is defending democracy go to such lengths to suppress those tasked with telling the truth?

The answer lies in the power of narrative. Wars are not fought only with weapons; they are waged with stories, images and the shaping of public perception. In this arena, Israel has always been acutely aware that its ability to maintain international support  especially in Western capitals  depends on controlling the flow of information. Gaza poses a direct threat to this strategy.

The reality of life under siege  bombed hospitals, starving families, mass displacement  contradicts Israels carefully crafted narrative of surgical precision and self-defense. Journalists, especially local Palestinian reporters, expose these contradictions in real time, dismantling state propaganda with images too raw to be ignored.

Palestinian journalists are the backbone of Gazas information lifeline. Unlike foreign correspondents, who often work from afar or under restricted access, local reporters live the reality they cover. They know the neighborhoods, the families, the rhythms of daily life. When bombs fall, they are the first to arrive  not only as professionals but as members of the community. Their work carries authenticity that no press release or official statement can overshadow.

For Israel, this authenticity is dangerous. The testimonies of Gazan journalists reveal not only the destruction of infrastructure, but the human face of war: children buried under rubble, mothers mourning their dead, doctors collapsing from exhaustion. These images evoke empathy and outrage around the world. To silence these voices is to erase the possibility of accountability.

This is why so many Palestinian journalists have been killed while wearing clearly marked press vests, why media offices have been reduced to dust and why the communications infrastructure in Gaza has been repeatedly disabled. By cutting off the storytellers, Israel seeks to cut off the story.

Why Israel restricts international journalists?

The silencing strategy extends beyond Gazas borders. Israel has consistently restricted the access of international journalists to the enclave, citing security concerns. In practice, this means that much of the worlds reporting on Gaza relies either on official Israeli statements or the work of Palestinian reporters who are themselves under fire. The result is a media environment skewed in favor of state-controlled narratives.

When international media outlets do gain access, they often face intense pressure, scrutiny or outright harassment. Foreign correspondents have spoken of being embedded under Israeli military supervision, limiting their ability to report independently.

Others recount being smeared or attacked online by pro-Israel lobbying groups whenever they publish material critical of Israeli conduct. This climate of intimidation fosters self-censorship, ensuring that even when Gaza is covered, it is often through a diluted lens.

"Fear of Accountability"

At the heart of this war on journalists is fear  not fear of terrorism, as Israel often claims, but fear of accountability. Documentation is the first step toward justice. Images, eyewitness accounts and field reports form the backbone of investigations into war crimes and human rights violations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and other bodies rely on such evidence to determine culpability. Every story filed by a Gazan journalist is a potential piece of testimony in the future.

Israel knows this. The killing of journalists and destruction of media archives serve not only an immediate military purpose, but a longer-term legal one: Erasing the paper trail. In this sense, silencing journalism is not collateral damage; it is preemptive damage control.

"Double Standard"

The global response to the targeting of journalists in Gaza exposes a glaring double standard. When a journalist is detained in Russia or when media outlets are censored in China, Western governments issue sharp condemnations. Yet when Palestinian journalists are killed in Gaza, the reaction is often muted, couched in vague language about the risks of war reporting. This inconsistency is not lost on Arab publics, which see it as proof that the so-called defenders of press freedom apply their principles selectively, depending on who the violator is.

This double standard weakens the credibility of international human rights advocacy and emboldens governments worldwide to treat the press as expendable. If Israel can kill journalists with impunity, what prevents other states from following suit?

Israels war on journalism in Gaza is not merely a local issue. It is a global one. The principles at stake  press freedom, accountability, the right to truth  form the foundation of international order. If these are eroded in Gaza, they are eroded everywhere.

Furthermore, the systematic targeting of journalists deepens the humanitarian catastrophe. When the media cannot operate freely, humanitarian organizations struggle to raise awareness, policymakers lack credible information and the suffering of civilians is prolonged. Silencing journalists does not stop the crisis; it magnifies it.

The international community must break the cycle of silence. That begins with recognizing the killing of journalists in Gaza for what it is: a violation of international law and a deliberate assault on press freedom. The UN, the International Federation of Journalists and advocacy groups like Reporters Without Borders have already raised alarms. But statements are not enough. There must be independent investigations, accountability mechanisms and consequences for those who obstruct the free press.

Equally important, media organizations worldwide must stand in solidarity with their colleagues in Gaza. This means amplifying their voices, sharing their reporting and refusing to allow state propaganda to drown them out. It also means confronting the pressure of lobby groups and political interests and reasserting journalisms core mission: to seek truth and report it, no matter how inconvenient.

"A Form of Resistance Through Truth"

In Gaza, journalism itself has become a form of resistance  not resistance through violence but through truth. Every article filed, every photograph shared and every live broadcast transmitted under bombardment represents defiance against efforts to erase a peoples story.

Israels systematic targeting of journalists reflects its awareness that wars are lost not only on the battlefield but in the arena of global opinion. By silencing the chroniclers of Gazas suffering, it seeks to win a war of narratives. But history suggests otherwise. Attempts to suppress the truth often make it more powerful. The more Israel tries to prevent the world from seeing Gaza, the more the world demands to see.

The real question, then, is not whether Israel will continue to target journalists. It will. The question is whether the international community  and the profession of journalism itself  will allow such attacks to succeed.

Because when journalism dies in Gaza, it does not die alone. It takes with it the hope of justice, the possibility of peace and the very idea that truth still matters in a world increasingly dominated by propaganda.

[The writer, Hani Hazaimeh, is Senior Editor based in Amman. Reach him on X @hanihazaimeh. The above article is originally published by Arab News .]

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RSS Chief Bhagwat incites Hindus over Kashi, Mathura mosques



Mohan Bhagwat, Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), in yet another provocative speech incited Hindus over the historic mosques in Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura

Saturday August 30, 2025 11:00 AM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: Mohan Bhagwat, Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), in yet another provocative speech incited Hindus over the historic mosques in Kashi (Varanasi) and Mathura.

Speaking at a lecture series organised as part of the RSS centenary year celebrations in New Delhi Thursday, asserted Kashi and Mathura too are significant places for Hindus like Ayodhya, and they have the right to reclaim them.

In the Hindu psyche, Kashi, Mathura and Ayodhya all three are important Two are birthplaces, one is a place of residence... So the Hindus will insist (to reclaim them), Bhagwat said.

Bhagwat said referring to the movements to reclaim the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi and Shahi Eidgah Masjid in Mathura.

Bhagwat said this even as the matters related to both the historic mosques are subjudice.

Bhagwat also allowed RSS members to join the movements to reclaim Kashi and Mathura mosques.

The Sangh will not participate in any movement but its members are free to join, Bhagwat said in his speech.

Bhagwats advice to Muslims

In his seemingly provocative and intimidating speech, Bhagwat asked Muslims to handover the two mosques to Hindus for the sake of brotherhood.

I had already said there is no need to search mandir and shivling at every places... When I, as the head of a top Hindu organization, can say this.. so there should be a reciprocal gesture from the other side too (Muslims should come forward) and say that it is a matter of just three places, take it, Bhagwat said.

Why shouldnt this happen? This will be a huge step forward for brotherhood the RSS Chief said.

Interestingly, similar appeals were also made during the Ram Mandir Andolan when Muslims were asked to handover the historic Babri Masjid for the sake of brotherhood. Once this is done, there will not be any tension and claim on other places of worship.

The fallout of the Ram Mandir Movement was the demolition of the Babri Masjid. In the court matter that followed, the Supreme Court of Indian ruled the demolition of Babri Masjid a criminal act.

Nonetheless, the Supreme Court handed over the Babri Masjid land to a Hindu trust for the construction of Ram Mandir despite concluding that Babri Masjid was not built demolishing any temple.

Bhagwats U-turn

Interestingly, Bhagwat also took a u-turn on his earlier statement wherein he had said leaders at the age of 75 should retire and make way for the younger generation.

Bhagwats statement made in the last month was read as a suggestion to PM Modi, who will turn 75 on September 17, 2025, to retire.

I never said that I will retire or someone else should retire, Bhagwat, who will also turn 75 next month, said.

Addressing the RSS members, Bhagwat also asked Hindus to have at least three children, which he said is good for the health of husband and wife both.

Attempt to reignite Kashi, Mathura disputes

The CPI (M) condemned RSS Chief Mohan Bahgwats speech and accused him of reigniting the Kashi and Mathura disputes.

He demanded that Muslims give away the mosques in these places as a precondition for brotherhood, the CPI (M) said.

The CPI (M) reminded Bhagwat of the Places of Worship as per which status quo must be maintained.

After the demolition of the Babri Masjid, an act in which the RSS was involved, the Parliament passed a law prohibiting the alteration of any religious site that existed before 1947. As per this law, status quo must be maintained in case of Kashi and Mathura, as well as all places of worship, despite claims being made by majoritarian communal forces, the CPI-M said.

Such demands are aimed at provoking communal passions, diverting public attention and polarizing society along religious lines, the CPI-M said.

The CPI-M further accused Mohan Bhagwat of deliberately raking these issues ahead of elections.

The RSS Chief is raking up these divisive issues in order to shield the BJP government from public anger ahead of the upcoming elections, the CPI-M said.

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RAMALLAH, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Palestine on Friday expressed "deep regret and astonishment" at the U.S. decision not to grant visas to the Palestinian delegation for the upcoming UN General Assembly.

The Palestinian presidency "stressed that this decision stands in clear contradiction to international law and the UN Headquarters Agreement, particularly since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations," the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

It "called on the U.S. administration to reconsider and reverse its decision, reaffirming Palestine's full commitment to international law, UN resolutions, and obligations toward peace," it said.

Also on Friday, Vice President of Palestine Hussein al-Sheikh called on the United States to "reconsider and reverse" its decision.

"This decision is against international law and the rules and laws of the headquarters," he said on social media platform X.

The U.S. Department of State on Friday said in a statement that it is "denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly."

"The Trump Administration has been clear: it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace," it said

The PA Mission to the UN will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement, it added.

Scheduled for September, the upcoming UN General Assembly is expected to witness growing international support for recognition of Palestine's official statehood. 
UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- An aid convoy via Syria's Damascus-Sweida Highway 110, blocked for weeks by fighting, has reached the southernmost Sweida governorate for the first time since July 12, UN humanitarians said on Friday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said aid convoys had been forced to take less direct routes, adding to logistics and security challenges.

OCHA said the convoy, which arrived on Thursday, involved the United Nations, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and partners, and included 19 trucks carrying food baskets, hygiene kits, nutritional supplies, fuel, medical supplies and solar lamps.

The office said humanitarian partners reported that since mid-July, clashes in Sweida have displaced more than 187,000 people across southern Syria. Between July and August, nearly 370,000 people across Sweida, Daraa and Rural Damascus governorates received humanitarian assistance.

OCHA said the world body and its humanitarian partners continue to scale up their relief response.

Several clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes in early July had interdicted the highway, making it unsafe for humanitarian traffic. While a fragile ceasefire was brokered in late July, the area remains tense. 
UW Ph.D. student Sheida Sheikheh, in the Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering, takes a measurement in the field as part of the Wyoming Geohydrogen Exploration Project. (Sarah Buckhold Photo)

The University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources (SER) hosted an immersive field course for industry partners and UW students as part of a geologic hydrogen project in Wyoming.

Identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as a geologic hydrogen prospect, Wyoming has meaningful potential for naturally occurring, or geologic, hydrogen. This creates an opportunity to develop a new, abundant, low-cost energy resource by leveraging the states existing strengths in the fossil fuel and mining industries.

Funded through private investment from Hestia Energy Corp. and matched through a state of Wyoming artificial intelligence (AI) state matching appropriation, the Wyoming Geohydrogen Exploration Project seeks to assess the occurrence of geologic hydrogen in Wyoming, using advanced AI and machine learning technology for precision modeling and mapping resources.

Leading the project as principal investigator (PI) is Sarah Buckhold, an assistant research professional in SERs Hydrogen Energy Research Center (H2ERC), along with H2ERC Senior Research Professional Charles Nye, serving as co-PI.

Currently, there's very little known about the full extent of geologic hydrogen deposits, Buckhold says. This is a relatively new area of investigation, and a lot of the work involves fundamental research to locate and characterize these deposits. AI and machine learning techniques developed for the oil and gas industry could be a game-changer for geologic hydrogen exploration, and the cross-application of technology could significantly accelerate the discovery and assessment of geologic hydrogen resources, potentially shortening the timeline from exploration to commercial viability.

Early stages of the project involved inputting currently known data -- such as geologic records, well logs and gas analyses -- into an AI/machine learning model to locate high-confidence areas of prospective geologic hydrogen.

Subsequent work on the project requires collecting samples from those areas identified in the model and feeding the results back into the model in an iterative loop.

Seizing the opportunity to pair hands-on learning with the research, the team opened a volunteer field course opportunity to UW students over the course of a week in August. The team, along with UW students Sheida Sheikheh, Himadri Das, Trang Nguyen and Frederick Gyaase, in the Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering; Farshad Ghorbanishovaneh, in the Department of Computer Science; Prince Duah, in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Chakradhar Bhoopalli, in the Department of Electrical Engineering; and Therese Turner, in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management, traveled to multiple locations in Wyoming to collect water and mineral samples, determining the presence of geologic hydrogen.

Involving students in our innovative research supports the universitys educational mission, in addition to the research and outreach missions, which our scientists routinely serve, Nye says. There is a level of uncertainty on the cutting edge because we dont know the result of our experiments and studies beforehand -- but thats how science advances. Students deserve to see our surprise when new and unexpected data comes in, and our struggle to explain what we see, because that is when critical thinking kicks into high gear.

By leveraging a newly updated model and recently collected data, the team aims to significantly enhance AI/machine learning development at UW. UWs AI/machine learning expertise is expected to hint at new interpretations and explanations. The next step will be to identify new areas for testing and sampling.

Advancing this resource could help diversify Wyomings energy economy and position the state at the forefront of a market that is projected to expand in the coming years, says H2ERC Director Eugene Holybnyak. Early investment in this area is critical to determine if its economically viable to recover and utilize the hydrogen. This involves not only finding the hydrogen but also understanding the geological systems that produce and trap it. This project will result in a better understanding of the occurrence of geologic hydrogen in Wyoming, as well as establishing expertise at UW in AI and machine learning.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong (6th L) and guests pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the Chinese Film Festival in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 28, 2025. The Chinese Film Festival opened here on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Botswana diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.(Xinhua/Guo Chunju)

GABORONE, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Film Festival opened here on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Botswana diplomatic relations and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The three-day event at the New Capitol Cinemas Riverwalk, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana and the China Film Administration, was set to screen eight Chinese films of culture, art, cartoon, and science fiction. The opening film was "The Wandering Earth 2."

A thematic film event was scheduled for Friday, inviting people from all walks of life to remember history, honor fallen heroes, cherish peace, and look to the future. "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru," featured in the special screening, recounts the heroic humanitarian act of Chinese fishermen who bravely rescued British prisoners of war during World War II.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said at the opening ceremony that film is a special form of cultural exchange that is full of vitality and appeal.

"This Chinese Film Festival is the first time we have held such an event in Botswana. It is not only to showcase some of China's most outstanding films, but also to enhance mutual emotional resonance," he noted.

On commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, Fan said, "This great triumph was not only a victory for human justice but also an eternal symbol of peace, unity, and courage."

Helen P. Manyeneng, deputy speaker of Botswana's National Assembly, and Kgosi Malope II, chairman of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs), attended the opening ceremony.

The event drew nearly 200 participants, including senior government officials, university staff and students from Botswana, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the Chinese community and enterprises in Botswana. 
Historic bar in Rome has been serving customers since 1760.

Antico Caffe Greco, Rome's oldest coffee house, faces imminent closure after more than 260 years in business following a long-running row over rent.

The legal dispute dates back to 2017 when the lease ended, but the current tenants - the Antico Caffe Greco company - have so far resisted attempts to have them evicted.

Cultural landmark

The landmark bar, which first opened its doors in 1760, sits in a prime location at the Spanish Steps end of Via dei Condotti, an exclusive shopping street home to the world's top fashion brands.

Over the centuries, Caffe Greco has provided refuge for a host of illustrious cultural figures including Hans Christian Anderson, Lord Byron, Baudelaire, Buffalo Bill, Casanova, Goethe, Gogol, Ibsen, Henry James, Keats, Sophia Loren, Pasolini, Shelley, Stendhal, Mark Twain and Orson Welles.

Founded by Nicola della Maddalena, Caffe Greco is the second-oldest coffee house in Italy, after Caffe Florian which opened in Venice in 1720.

Rent hike

The owner of the property, Rome's Israelite Hospital, is reportedly seeking to drastically increase the rent, in line with the lucrative rental fees paid by the bar's high-fashion neighbours.

In 2019, Rome newspaper Il Messaggero reported that the Israelite Hospital was seeking to hike the bar's monthly rental bill from 17,000 to a whopping 180,000.

Two years ago, Corriere della Sera reported that the bar's licence holders - Flavia Iozzi and her lawyer husband Carlo Pellegrini - were willing to pay double the monthly rent (35,000) and even to purchase the property.

However the dispute has rolled on in a tug-of-war, involving appeals from cultural associations and interventions from Italy's culture ministry.

Eviction attempts

Previous eviction attempts in recent months were postponed by the state attorney's office, due to the historic value of the establishment and in the hope of finding a solution.

However mediation was not reached and a new eviction order - upheld by the court of cassation - is scheduled for 1 September.

"Next Monday we will have to leave, at least temporarily and as a precautionary measure," Pellegrini told La Repubblica newspaper on Thursday.

Pellegrino noted that Caffe Greco is protected by two restrictions, one established in 1953 by President Antonio Segni and one in 2024.

"Legislative Decree 219 establishes that the building and its furnishings constitute a single entity" - Pellegrini said - "As established by the supreme court ruling, the restriction does not imply an obligation to operate or continue the business, but rather, it prohibits any use incompatible with the material preservation of the property."

Precious furnishings

Caffe Greco is currently closed for a summer break and its precious furnishings - paintings, sculptures, memorabilia and antique furniture reportedly valued at 8 million - have been removed.

The bar's managers moved the contents to two storage facilities in Rome but were reported by the cultural heritage unit of the Carabinieri - La Repubblica reports - due to a restriction on the bar's furnishings.

Pellegrini said the valuable objects were removed as a precaution due to "overheating problems with the electrical system", adding: "They are all our property; if the Israelite Hospital wants to purchase them, we'll see if we're willing to sell them."

Uncertain future

Asked what would happen if the legal case ends in a definitive eviction on Monday, Pellegrini told Corriere della Sera: "We are entrepreneurs. We'd like Caffe Greco to remain on Via Condotti, but we're looking elsewhere."

Photo credit: Pen_85 / Shutterstock.com.
A girl receives a dose of measles vaccine during a vaccination program at Marengan Daya village in Sumenep regency, East Java, Indonesia, on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Sahlan Kurniawan/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Qurrota A'yun Integrated Islamic Preschool in Sumenep, Indonesia's East Java province, launched a measles vaccination drive for its 202 pupils on Thursday, in cooperation with the local community health center and the Ministry of Health.

"This is a preventive step after around 30 children contracted measles in mid-June, with several hospitalized," school principal Muthi'ah Fithriyahwati told Xinhua. Although all the children have since recovered, she stressed that vaccination is vital to prevent a recurrence.

More than 100 parents attended the event in the morning, where pediatricians explained the importance of immunization, nutrition, and hygiene.

"Some parents were still hesitant, but eventually agreed after receiving clear explanations," Muthi'ah said. Despite a few tears as syringes appeared, the atmosphere remained largely supportive.

The activity is part of the government's nationwide outbreak response immunization campaign, running from Aug. 25 to Sept. 12, which targets 73,969 children aged nine months to six years across multiple provinces.

The campaign follows a surge of more than 23,000 suspected measles cases reported between January and August 2025, including over 3,400 confirmed cases. Sumenep has recorded the highest number with 2,268 suspected cases, resulting in 20 deaths.

"We hope transmission stops within the next two weeks, the numbers do not rise further, and there are no more deaths from measles," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said. He noted that the government has prepared 11,000 vials of vaccines to help curb the outbreak, as measles carries a relatively high fatality rate.

According to Prima Yosephine, director of immunization at the Ministry of Health, the outbreak is linked to a decline in routine immunization coverage, which dropped from 92 percent in 2018 to 87.8 percent in 2023.

"This decline has contributed to rising cases, from 4,800 in 2022 to more than 10,600 in 2023. The figure briefly fell in 2024, but surged again in January-August 2025 to over 3,400 confirmed cases across 46 areas," she explained.

Coverage for the measles-rubella vaccine remains well below the 95 percent herd immunity threshold, with the first dose reaching 92 percent and the second only 82.3 percent.

The ministry warns that measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, acute diarrhea, encephalitis, and Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, a fatal neurological disorder that may emerge years after infection.

Ellya Fardasah, head of Sumenep's Health Office, reported that most local patients were toddlers and young children, with 53 percent aged 1-4 years and 29 percent aged 5-9.

Piprim Basarah, chairman of the Indonesian Pediatricians' Association, underscored the urgency. "Measles is far more contagious than COVID-19. One patient can infect 12-18 others, compared to COVID's 8-10," he said. "Because of its very high transmission rate, measles vaccination coverage must exceed 95 percent to achieve community protection."

He added that, beyond preventing infectious disease, routine immunization also helps reduce the risk of stunting caused by repeated chronic infections. "With coverage above 95 percent, measles transmission chains can be cut off, and Indonesia can reinforce its public health defenses," Piprim noted. 

A health worker holds doses of measles vaccines during a vaccination program at Marengan Daya village in Sumenep regency, East Java, Indonesia, on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Sahlan Kurniawan/Xinhua)
Renewed calls to remove controversial symbol which can be seen on Google Maps.

A row has broken out in Rome after a giant Celtic cross - a symbol of the far right in Italy - was repainted near the scene of the 1978 killing of three neo-fascist militants.

The symbol, co-opted by neo-fascists and white supremacists, has a diameter of about 10 metres and is clearly visible from above using satellite imagery.

The cross was painted on the ground of a courtyard on Via Acca Larentia, where hundreds of far-right militants gather on 7 January every year to raise a straight-armed fascist salute to commemorate the 1978 killing of three members of the youth wing of the neo-fascist Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI).

This year the event attracted around 1,300 participants who, in addition to raising their right arms, shouted "Present!" in response to the call "For all fallen comrades!", a rallying cry associated with the Italian far-right.

The MSI was a precursor to the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party led today by Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni, who has commemorated the victims of the 1978 killings in the past.

Unacceptable

News that the contentious symbol had been repainted was announced on Thursday by the secretary of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) party, Enzo Foschi.

"The arrogance of those who feel they are above the law. An unacceptable act" - Foschi wrote on social media - "We demand that this disgrace be erased and those responsible be identified. Rome is not, and will never be, an open city for fascists."

Local residents have been calling for the permanent removal of the Celtic cross from the courtyard - owned by Italy's primary national social security institution INPS - after the area's borough council passed a motion in January 2024 sanctioning the move.

The coordinators of the Sinistra italiana (Italian Left) in the local municipality, Alessia Marri and Fabio Sacco, also intervened in the case on Thursday, expressing "dismay" that the Celtic cross has been restored and slamming the "unacceptable impunity afforded to far-right activists who continue to act in violation of the law and the anti-fascist values that characterize our city".

Acca Larentia killings

On 7 January 1978, Franco Bigonzetti and Francesco Ciavatta, aged 18 and 19, were shot dead after being ambushed outside the MSI headquarters on Via Acca Larenzia in the city's Tuscolano suburb.

Nobody has ever been prosecuted for the killings which were allegedly carried out by far-left militants.

A third MSI youth wing member, Stefano Recchioni, 20, died after being hit by a stray bullet during riots with police in the immediate aftermath of the deaths.
Tourists should avoid any offer of free bracelets in Rome.

Tourists in Rome often have the unpleasant experience of dealing with insistent street scammers who bully them into handing over cash for "free" bracelets.

"Nice shoes", the conversation normally begins, or "Where you from - Africa?" as the seemingly charming scammers reel in tourists with their playful jokes and compliments.

The unsuspecting visitors will be offered a "free" bracelet, as a "gift", which will be tied on to their wrist before they know it.

As the scammer parts ways with the tourists, the charm is replaced by a sudden hustling for money or a "donation", sometimes accompanied by a sob story.

Some tourists quickly throw the bracelets back at the scammers but many others, perhaps caught off guard or intimidated, give in to the persistent demands and guilt tripping.

The pushy scammers are also known to become aggressive, demanding more bank notes and even offering to accompany the hapless tourist to the nearest bank machine.

Tourists are advised to avoid getting caught up in the scam which is particularly prevalent around the Colosseum and other touristy areas in the capital.

Photo credit: Alesta / Shutterstock.com.
Kenneth Fox

Children typically bring home four to five illnesses each school year, often starting as early as October - just weeks into the new term, according to new research from Holland & Barrett.

These back-to-school bugs have a tangible impact on families, with parents missing an average of 3.4 workdays annually, rising to four days for parents of primary school children.

With the new school year underway, the research reveals that one in three parents (33 per cent) worry about their child falling ill, rising to 41 per cent among primary school parents.

These back-to-school bugs can have a tangible impact on families, with parents missing an average of 3.4 workdays annually, rising to four days for parents of primary school children.

In response, families are taking preventative measures: nearly half (46 per cent) report using supplements support immunity, while others use flu vaccinations (43 per cent) or implement stricter home hygiene routines (41 per cent).

Beyond physical health, parents are also concerned about emotional and academic pressures.

One in three (33 per cent) worry about their child settling back into school routines, and 41 per cent are concerned about homework-related stress, with these figures higher among primary school parents.

Speaking on the back-to-school season, Holland & Barrett nutritionist Emily Foster said: "Back-to-school season can be challenging for household immunity, but small changes can make a big difference in supporting both children and parents during this time.

"Starting the day with nutritious food is especially important. Natural yoghurt or kefir provide calcium while colourful fruits like bananas, apples, and kiwis in lunchboxes provide essential fibre and vitamin C.

"Omega-3s can be tricky for kids, but adding salmon to a creamy pasta sauce or sardines to tacos is a great way to support intake. Supplements can also play an important role in supporting immunity, and research by Holland & Barrett shows that nearly half of families (46 per cent) are using supplements as a preventative measure to protect their childrens health."
TG4 are launching a new show following the lives of Gen Z Gaeilgeoiri across Ireland, including An Rinn.

'Gluin Z' gives an all-encompassing look at the realities and challenges faced by young people today. The programme showcases twelve young people and how they express themselves through their language, culture and interests.

It shows them all at different stages of their lives, featuring stories on student life, personal, career and business challenges to action confronting the urgent challenges of the environment and the soaring cost of living.

Mein Nic Craith from An Rinn features on the show. A student at Teach na Gaeilge at UCD, Mein expresses her joy in Irish traditions through language and music.

The show premieres on September 11 at 8pm.
On behalf of the entire membership and leadership of Unite the Union, formerly the ATGWU, and all of the local branches, can I extend my condolences to all of Pat Fitzgerald's family on the tragic loss of Pat.

The Irish Secretary of our union, Susan Fitzgerald, has asked me to convey her sincere condolences to Pat's family and she will be in touch with the family at a time appropriate to do so.

I was honoured to have been invited by Pats family to speak at his Funeral Mass.

First of all, can I give a mention to Maura, Pat's mother, who was great friends with my own mother Kitty.

Also, I would like to mention Kathleen, Pat's wife, who always extended her famous hospitality to me whenever I called to their house.

Pat was one of 10 children, born to Maura and Jack Fitzgerald, six girls and four boys. He attended Mount Sion where he excelled in sport and studies.

In February 1970 like so many young men and women he joined Waterford Crystal as an apprentice blower to commence a five-year training programme, leading to becoming a qualified Blower Craftsman, and, in turn, in 1970 Pat became a member of The Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union.

Having worked closely with Pat for decades I have some great memories of Pat and for sure a lot happened in Pat's time across the Waterford Crystal factory, across our union, the ATGWU, now Unite the Union, and the local trade union movement through the Waterford Council of Trade Unions.

As the Chairman of the Union Branch and Joint Negotiating Committee, holding one of the two senior convenor elected positions, Pat was centrally involved in all of those issues and events throughout those years.

Pat came through the 'Glass Blowing' section having been a union representative for the Blowers. He then began working with myself, I having come through the 'Cutting' section, and we worked together in the full-time positions, being continuously elected by the membership.

The lay positions of shop stewards are the foundation on which the Union is built. Pat was committed as a lay member, never interested in becoming an appointed union official.

Pat gave his working life to Waterford Crystal and also to the Union. Without fear of contradiction, it can be said that while Fitzy worked at the factory, he was a living legend. The history of Waterford Glass is Pat Fitzgerald's history, Pat's history is the history of Waterford Glass.

Getting to know Pat you knew a man who had an astute brain, was good at reading a situation and coming to a conclusion on the best way forward.

When we did get agreement on a position, the challenge for Pat as the chairman was then to bring all of the union representatives in Waterford and Dungarvan Crystal to an agreed position, which could then be brought as a recommendation to all of the members.

This would be at regular monthly open branch meetings in the Union office in Keyser Street and then during those years of hugely important decisions affecting our future employment, these issues would be dealt with through mass meetings in local hotels, the Ardree, the Tower Hotel or the Woodlands.

There was no hiding place when you were the Chairman and Pat had the industrial skills and the people skills to steer that ship through what he often described as through shark infested waters.

Pat, as those who knew him well, was someone who, on certain issues, would be difficult to shift off a particular view, such would be his determination, but he was also committed to resolving matters through a consensus.

It was never going to be easy to deliver that consensus across 40 shop stewards and then through an entire workforce.

Branch Chairmen in other situations would sometimes take a view of only being on board for their own internal workplace issues.

Fitzy was on board for issues and campaigns outside of Waterford Crystal  like support for the Kitui appeal where there was a basic need for clean water treatment in that part of Africa, the Fight for Sight campaign, the Radiotherapy campaign, the Cardiac Care campaign.

Those campaigns would be supported and co-ordinated by others in the workplace but it was Pat's job to bring them through meetings with the members and, where appropriate, to get agreement for a wage deduction, the Liverpool Dock Strike being a good example.

I can remember Pat going around putting union notices on union notice boards calling a meeting to support a weekly wage deduction for the striking dockers in Liverpool.

The wage deduction started the first week of the strike and continued right through to the end.

This support from the Crystal workers is marked with a special plaque mounted in the dockers club on Hope Street in Liverpool, thanking the Branch  similar support for the 1984 Miners' Strike. All of those issues are highlights of Fitzy's time as our Chairman.

Chairing the JNC throughout our own three-month strike in 1990 was another massive challenge  a defensive strike in itself was never going to bring gains, the task was to defend and maintain as much of our wages and conditions as possible.

Eight weeks of meetings held daily in the Ardree was a strain on every shop steward and every member at the open meetings but it fell to Pat to hold the organisation together for the future.

And, of course, after the disaster of the factory closure the fight for Pension Justice was thankfully in the end Justice Delivered.

Reporting back to our members on the result of our successful efforts in the Woodlands Hotel I am reminded that this probably represents the last meeting that Fitzy had to Chair.

In conclusion  today I am saying farewell to a lifelong friend and comrade.

Rest in Peace Fitzy.
A teenager accused of the murder of an Irish Rail employee is expected to seek bail in the High Court within the next four weeks, a court has been told.

Nathan Hanlon (19), of Castleview, Ballyneale, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, made his second court appearance when he came before Clonmel District Court on Tuesday.

Last week, Mr Hanlon was charged by Sgt Denis Ryan of Clonmel Garda station with murdering Ian Walsh (49), who was found stabbed to death at home in Ravenswood, Cregg Road, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, earlier this month.

Sgt Thomas OBrien told Judge Miriam Walsh on Tuesday he wanted an month-long adjournment to allow for the Director of Public Prosecutions directions. He said Mr Hanlon was consenting to a months remand in custody on the charge.

John Joy, defending, confirmed his client was consenting to such a remand, but he said there may be a High Court bail application before Mr Hanlons next appearance at Clonmel District Court.

Judge Walsh asked whether Mr Hanlon had been psychologically assessed. Mr Joy said this was being progressed with prison authorities.

Judge Walsh said she would ask the prison authorities to expedite the psychological assessment. She remanded Mr Hanlon in continuing custody to reappear at Clonmel District Court on September 23rd.
A Waterford man wracked up a number of criminal offences across the city this summer.

Martin McGrath (42), of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for theft, criminal damage and assault, contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

On Tuesday, August 28, McGrath appeared in Waterford District Court before Judge Miriam Walsh.

Theft, damage, assault

Sergeant Michael Hickey gave an outline of the offending to the court.

On June 26, he stole two 50 notes from Clock Tower Cleaners. CCTV footage showed him walking past the counter and stealing the money from the till.

On July 16, he stole an e-scooter from a hotel room at Dooley's Hotel. On July 22, he stole a laptop and phone from a parked car on Lower Strand Street, Tramore. The items were valued at 1,500 and were later recovered.

On July 21, he committed property damage to Garter Lane Gallery, cracking a glass panel and causing damage of 300. On June 4, he committed assault by threatening to attack a staff member at TK Maxx.

Victim impact

Solicitor Ken Cunningham explained that his client had "polysubstance misuse" issues with alcohol and opiates, and has had difficult personal setbacks.

Judge Walsh asked Mr Cunningham if his client was working, to which he said no. Judge Walsh asked when was the last time he was in employment. He responded that he had worked in England some years ago.

Judge Walsh read aloud the victim impact statement from the staff member, commenting at the outset: "I'm going to read you a letter from someone who does work.

"This is someone who gets himself together and works bloody hard."

The letter detailed how the assault left the victim stressed, fearful and anxious, having to look over his shoulder in case of danger. He thanked the Gardai for their help.

Judge Walsh said: "I'm sure this man has suffered in his own life. I'm sick to the back teeth of it all with this excuse being lashed out."

McGrath said to the Judge: "I apologise deeply to him." Judge Walsh responded: "How dare you."
Waterford gardai have seized a Land Rover Discovery after finding out the tax on the vehicle had expired 482 days ago.

Gardai posted on social media that members of Unit B on patrol made the discovery using their mobility device.

They said the car was seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act and an FCPN will be issued.
BANGKOK, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Constitutional Court on Friday removed suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office for violating the constitution over her phone conversation on the border issue with Cambodia.

A panel of judges agreed by six votes to three to strip Paetongtarn of premiership status, ruling that her actions constituted a serious violation of ethical standards.

The court also dismissed her cabinet, but the remaining members will continue to perform caretaker duties until a new cabinet takes office.

In her address at the government house following the ruling, Paetongtarn said she humbly accepted the verdict, insisting that her intention was to protect people's lives during the border conflict.

Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of collaboration among all parties to restore political stability and prevent similar sudden disruptions in the future.

She also expressed gratitude to all fellow Thai citizens for the opportunity to serve the country as prime minister throughout her nearly one-year tenure.

Paetongtarn was suspended last month pending the court's investigation into her telephone call with Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen over the border dispute, in which the audio recording was leaked online in June.

On July 1, the nine-member court unanimously agreed to accept a petition from a group of senators who sought Paetongtarn's dismissal, accusing her of lacking integrity and seriously breaching ethical standards in violation of the constitution due to remarks she made during the conversation.

In a separate press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that the ruling coalition remained united in its role as the caretaker government to ensure a smooth transition and no disruption in addressing public concerns.

"We have agreed to continue forming a new government, with the Pheu Thai Party taking the lead, in full accordance with democratic procedures, paving the way for the selection of a new premier," Phumtham said.

The cabinet is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Saturday to select a caretaker prime minister, he said.

The House of Representatives is set to vote for the new prime minister based on the list of candidates submitted before the May 2023 general election.

Paetongtarn, the 39-year-old Pheu Thai Party leader and the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was appointed last August to become Thailand's youngest and second female premier after winning a parliamentary vote.

The appointment came after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was dismissed by the same court over an ethics violation involving the appointment of a cabinet minister with a criminal conviction. 
A Waterford photographer has been named as one of the winners of a prestigious astrophotography competition.

Brian O'Halloran, of Annestown, won the accolade in Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) astrophotography competition, Reach for the Stars for his photo 'Comet Tsuchinshan ATLAS, In All Its Glory'.

The photographer captured the Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in Dunabrattin as it passed perihelion in our sky.

The judges praised the clarity and purity of the Comet within the image.

Reach for the Stars

Commenting on this years competition, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said: The Reach for the Stars competition continues to reveal the incredible talent and dedication of Irelands astrophotographers. These images dont just showcase technical skill, they allow us to see the universe from new perspectives and inspire a deeper curiosity about our night sky.

Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and Chair of the judging panel, Professor Peter Gallagher said: Now in its fifth year, the DIAS Reach for the Stars competition has reached new heights. It is exciting to see the competition grow. The rare appearances of the Aurora Borealis in Irelands skies have sparked fresh curiosity, encouraging more people to get involved in astrophotography.

"The talent and technical skill shown in each of the shortlisted entries is extraordinary, making the judges task of selecting winners more challenging than ever before.

The winning images, along with a selection of the shortlisted images in the Reach for the Stars competition will be available to view as part of an outdoor exhibition, from Thursday, August 21.
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BusinessCompaniesRetail This was published 3 months ago Kmart and Bunnings operator the latest to raise retail theft alarm Jessica Yun August 28, 2025  1:32pm 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 10 View all comments

The chief executive of the retail operator of Kmart, Bunnings, Officeworks and Priceline says it is lobbying the Victorian state government to get a handle on organised crime targeting stores. Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott said on Thursday that organised crime syndicates had targeted the conglomerates retail brands, stealing high-value items such as power tools from Bunnings and tech products at Officeworks. A lot of those products show up on black markets and marketplaces, said Scott. The retail giant has rolled out anti-theft measures and strengthened security to mitigate shoplifting. Together with other retailers, we are trying to lobby the Victorian government for some tougher rules that do apply in other states around some of the retail aspects of retail crime. Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott has criticised the Productivity Commissions proposal to impose a 5 per cent cash-flow tax on corporate giants. Trevor Collens

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Wesfarmers on Thursday posted a 3.4 per cent jump in revenue to $45.7 billion for the 2025 financial year, with all three of its retail brands posting sales growth. Related Article Retail Its out of control: Organised crime gangs strike Rebel stores Kmart lifted sales by 3.4 per cent to $11.34 billion, while sales at Bunnings, the biggest business within the company, grew 3.3 per cent to $19.6 billion. Officeworks, the smaller retailer of the three, posted a 3.8 per cent revenue jump to $3.5 billion for the year. Scott said Kmart would continue to improve the quality of its in-house brand, Anko, adding that customers seemed happier to buy more premium items as interest rates fell. Products with slightly higher price points, [a] bit more investment in style and quality, they are resonating really well with customers. So I think thats a combination of both consumers feeling a bit more confidence to invest a bit more, to spend a bit more.

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The Anko product is now starting to resonate with higher-income families and customers, he added. Scott also criticised the Productivity Commissions proposal of a 5 per cent tax on all businesses as being anticompetitive for local companies already struggling to compete with the likes of Temu, Shein and Amazon. Pointing out that Australian corporations already paid high taxes, Scott said they needed a level playing field. Were a bit nervous about talk of the potential for a cash-flow tax for big Australian businesses. All that will do will be to harm some of our national champions that are going to be the real drivers of value and productivity. Last month, the Productivity Commission proposed slashing the company tax rate to 20 per cent for small and medium businesses as well as a universal 5 per cent tax on the cashflow of all businesses.

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Wesfarmers pays 30 per cent in company tax, but Scott that said once payroll tax and other state and government charges were factored in, the actual tax rate for the $103.5 billion giant came to 38 per cent. Related Article Productivity summit Chalmers faces Keating moment as business slams company tax plan Any changes to the tax system that look to increase the tax burden on Australias biggest companies would really erode the competitiveness of Australian businesses, said Scott, who called the proposal unfair. The competitors keeping us awake at night arent local rivals but global players that operate in markets with fewer regulatory and financial burdens, he added. Scott has long advocated for lower taxes on Australian corporate giants, including the removal of the 6.85 per cent payroll tax in Victoria.

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Wesfarmers net profits (excluding the windfall from the $770 million sale of Coregas) rose 3.8 per cent to $2.65 billion. The company will pay a fully franked final dividend of $1.11 per share, which brings total fully franked dividends to $2.06 per share for the year. Wesfarmers has also proposed a $1.7 billion capital management initiative to distribute $1.50 per share, subject to ATO approval. Related Article Trends How beauty giants are battling it out for Australian shoppers Wesfarmers chairman Michael Chaney, who signalled in 2023 that he would retire in October 2026, will be succeeded by Ken MacKenzie, the former chairman of BHP and a former chief executive of Amcor. WesCEF, the chemicals, energy and fertiliser division, was the highest-growing division at 7.8 per cent to $2.9 billion. The retail giant also operates Priceline and new beauty chain Atomica through its Wesfarmers Health division, which rose 5.5 per ent to $5.9 billion. However, its safety products, industrial and corporate workwear, and industrial and medical gases business declined 1.2 per cent.

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The retail giant will conduct a very detailed review on Atomicas six stores before committing to rolling out more. Its still very early days, but we do see them as being profitable models, Scott said of the Atomica stores. The accessible pricing, a price range around $20-$40 [is] really appealing to customers. Some of the more specialty beauty outfits operate generally above that $40 category. So weve been able to come up with an offer that appeals to a broader cross-section of people. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
Rupert Murdoch is an enigmatic figure. That might be why so many actors have struggled to accurately capture him on film, TV and the stage.

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With the Delaware courtroom denouement of the Murdoch family succession struggles seemingly behind them, you might have thought the familys patriarch was content in semi-retirement with fifth wife Elena Zhukov, content to cast his long shadow over the post-Disney merger Murdoch media empire. But true to form, and cinematically fitter than many men a quarter of his age, 94-year old Rupert Murdoch will step onto the screen in two major new projects. The Hack, the dramatisation of the phone-hacking scandal which caused The News of the World to implode, will star Steve Pemberton. Ink, director Danny Boyles film adaptation of James Grahams play, will star Guy Pearce. The many faces of Rupert Murdoch: as portrayed in The Simpsons, and by Patrick Brammall in the miniseries Power Games. Michael Howard But heres the thing: Murdoch, the man who owns the networks that air the biopics which cast actors in the roles of famous people, is not a man accustomed to being played himself. Pemberton and Pearces performances will join a growing body of artistic work, where directors and casting executives have tried to do just that, not always successfully. They range from Selling Hitler, the 1991 television comedy/drama about the Hitler Diaries hoax in the British media, to the much more substantial 2002 film Black and White, written by Louis Nowra, about a young Indigenous man, Max Stuart, who was sentenced to death after a murder trial. In both stories, Murdoch was a peripheral player. Other projects have tried to dramatise Murdochs life story in different ways and in greater detail. But the curious thing about Murdoch is the manner in which dramatisations of the man often fall short of the real man himself. Too often they lean into stereotype, they over-Australianise his accent, often for an American audience. They grasp for the headline, and in doing so, often miss the story. Bertie Carvel as Rupert Murdoch in Ink. Marc Brenner

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In The Simpsons, in 2001, Murdoch featured in an exchange with Bart Simpson, after Bart pledged money during a telethon to save Murdochs US network, Fox. Hello! Murdoch, here. You saved my network! he said. Barts reply: Wouldnt be the first time. (It was a nod to the fact that the success of The Simpsons had, in historical terms, bailed Fox out in the networks earliest, unprofitable years.) Though Murdoch did lend his real voice to The Simpsons in two other episodes, in that episode, and a handful of others, he was voiced by Dan Castellaneta, the man behind the voices of Homer Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Springfields mayor Joe Quimby and school janitor Groundskeeper Willie and others. So in the search for the perfect cinematic Rupert, here are some of the more notable efforts. Power Games: The Packer-Murdoch War (2013)

Written by David Caesar and Sam Winston, this Nine Network miniseries more or less did for the men of the media old world what Paper Giants had done for its groundbreaking women. And by and large this succeeded, particularly in the casting of Sir Frank Packer (Lachy Hulme) and Rupert Murdoch (Patrick Brammall). The triumph of Brammalls performance here is that it reaches neither for cliche nor caricature, and it lives safely in the relatively younger life of Murdoch, where his voice, mannerisms and movements were less well understood. Its the same reason Claire Foys younger Queen Elizabeth is an easier sell in The Crown than, say, Imelda Stauntons older, more familiar figure in the later seasons. Sean OShea as Rupert Murdoch in David Wiliamsons 2013 play. Penny Stephens

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Rupert, the play (2013)

In the hands of playwright David Williamson, Murdoch was transformed into a somewhat more theatrical and more Shakespearean figure, with Williamson himself comparing Murdoch to Shakespeares Richard III in an interview with Crikey. Rupert, of course, hasnt murdered his brother and seduced the wife of the man hes just murdered within the first 10 minutes of the play, but then Richard comes to a grisly end, whereas Rupert survives everything and his share prices and fortune keep rising, Williamson said. So in that sense his story is even more remarkable. Art imitating life? Logan Roy (Brian Cox) and Shiv Roy (Sarah Snook) in Succession. HBO Succession (2018-2023)

The prodigious HBO media soap opera offered audiences a glimpse into the life of Rupert Murdoch, though it dressed the Murdochs up as the fictional Roy family, and turned cast Brian Cox as gregarious family patriarch Logan Roy. Of course, this was a work of fiction, but in many, many ways, the art of Succession mirrored the lives of the Murdochs. Storylines including Logan Roys health scare, which became a family reckoning moment, the sale of the family company Waystar Royco to another company, and the family trust which became a sticking point for the Roy family over control of the media empire could be traced back to the real lives of the Murdochs.

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Things got even weirder when the show began to appear in the familys internal correspondences. The New York Times reported that the show had triggered a real-life family discussion about what would happen when Rupert died, and Ruperts 2022 divorce settlement with Jerry Hall included a clause that forbade her from supplying story ideas to the Succession writers. The Loudest Voice and Bombshell (2019)

In one year, film and television audiences were given not one, but two Ruperts Murdoch. The first, played by English theatre actor Simon McBurney, featured in the television miniseries The Loudest Voice, which explored the rise of Roger Ailes (Russell Crowe) and how he transformed Fox News from a fringe player to the most influential US cable news channel of the 21st century. The second, played by the more recognisable film actor Malcolm McDowell, appeared in the film Bombshell, which dramatised the events in which several women at Fox News, including Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) and Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), exposed CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. The gift with purchase here: Australian acting siblings Ben and Josh Lawson as Lachlan and James Murdoch. Rupert Murdoch in an animated moment with Homer Simpson. 20th Century Fox The Apprentice (2024)

By a long measure one of the most compelling stories to feature Murdoch, this isnt really a Murdoch story, except that the story of Murdoch has, in the past two decades, become inextricably intertwined with the story of the films subject, Donald Trump, played here by Sebastian Stan. The films primary focus is Trumps emergence in New York as a powerful real estate mogul and his friendship with the man many understand to be one of his most influential mentors, Roy Cohn, played with typical distracting brilliance by Succession star Jeremy Strong. Tom Barnetts performance isnt blink-and-youll-miss it, but hes too low on the call sheet to wrest the spotlight.

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PoliticsFederalChina relations This was published 3 months ago Andrews, Carr on the guest list for big Beijing military parade Paul Sakkal, Wing Kuang and and Brittany Busch Updated August 29, 2025  3:07pm ,first published August 29, 2025  2:04pm 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

Former Labor premiers Daniel Andrews and Bob Carr have been invited as guests alongside dictators Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un to attend a major Chinese military parade at Tiananmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Chinese state media Xinhua has published the list of former and current foreign leaders invited to observe the military parade celebrating Chinas anti-fascist role in the war. Former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews and former NSW premier and federal foreign affairs minister Bob Carr. Getty Images, James Alcock The guest list also includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. No Australian MPs will attend, and no leaders of Western democracies will attend, except for Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. Australian officials from the Defence Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will attend the ceremony.

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Carr, a former NSW premier, confirmed to this masthead that he was attending and paying for his own travel. He will speak at a Chinese Institute of International Relations event and said he would spruik Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses policy of stabilising relations with China. Why shouldnt I go and talk to two think tanks and talk up the commitment of the Australian government to the relationship, and to quote the prime minister himself? Carr said, adding that most Australians did not want war with the Asian superpower. Daniel Andrews in Tiananmen Square in 2015. Twitter Andrews office was contacted on Friday morning. The office had not responded at the time of publication, but Chinese-language media claims both the former Victorian leader and Carr would attend. Andrews was the first Australian leader to visit China after the COVID-19 pandemic on a secretive trip without media, which cost Victorian taxpayers more than $80,000. It was his seventh visit.

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Ill be reflecting the success of Australia-China relations under the Albanese government and making reference to speeches from the prime minister and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Former Japanese prime minister Yukio Hatoyama and former New Zealand prime ministers Helen Clark and John Key were also included on the list of attendees. Chinese Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Hong Lei said there were international guests invited from all five continents, showing that the international community recognised Chinas contribution to ending World War II. A press conference held by Chinas State Council and the Central Military Commission on August 20 revealed China would unveil new weapons and equipment during the parade, including tanks, carrier-based aircraft and fighter jets. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership This was published 3 months ago Bob Katters son defends his father as PM condemns journalist threat Nick Newling Updated August 29, 2025  11:57am ,first published August 29, 2025  9:27am 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

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned Bob Katters threatening of a journalist at a Brisbane press conference on Thursday, as Katters son backs in his father, saying journalists should expect aggression from the long-term MP in response to personal questions. Albanese joined a cavalcade of MPs from across the political spectrum calling for Katter to apologise to Brisbane journalist Josh Bavas  the target of the outburst. Katter has refused to apologise, with his son saying it is difficult to understand how Bavas could have been intimidated by an 80-year-old. Loading Bob Katter needs to have a look at that footage. Have a look at himself, frankly, and recognise that thats not what we expect of any Australian, let alone someone whos in public office, Albanese told Channel Nines Today on Friday morning. Katter and Queensland state party MPs were speaking in support of this weekends anti-migration March for Australia rallies during a Thursday press conference when Bavas, a Channel Nine reporter, asked Katter about his Lebanese heritage, triggering the response.

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My family have been in this country for 140 years  and if you say anything like that, I have on many occasions punched blokes in the mouth, right? And so Im restraining myself today, Katter yelled at the journalist, later approaching and holding his fist within inches of the reporters face. Related Article Updated

Katter's Australian Party Katters colourful character no excuse for violent threats, MPs say Katters son, Queensland state MP Robbie Katter, said the familys Lebanese heritage was a deeply personal topic that even he would not raise with his father. If someone offends you personally and really gets up your goat  I think we should be able to defend ourselves  youre entitled to keep asking, but were entitled to react to sort of stop that from happening, Robbie Katter said on Sky News. If youre going to really press buttons on someones personal life, you should expect youre going to get a reaction and, and, you know, [Katters] more aggressive than others, so you should expect that.

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Robbie Katter also said he found it difficult to understand how someone could be intimidated by having an 80-year-old man in your face. Politicians from across the political spectrum condemned Katter on Friday, including Health Minister Mark Butler and Nationals leader David Littleproud. Katters Australian Party MP Robbie Katter says his familys Lebanese heritage is a deeply personal topic for his father. Alex Ellinghausen Watchers of Australian politics know that Bob Katter is a bit of a character, but  its just unacceptable in this day and age, particularly from a political leader, Butler told Channel Sevens Sunrise. Littleproud called for an apology, but said he doubted it would be offered.

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I dont think thats becoming, it doesnt matter who you are, Littleproud told ABC Radio National. Related Article Robbie Katter Katter and pregnant wife crash-land plane in outback Qld Bob wears the big hat, and it all seems all great, with bravado, but, I mean, I get questions that I dont like to answer, but when you put yourself into the public sphere, and you get [the] privilege of sitting in that great building of parliament  youve got to live up to your responsibility. Bob Katter on Thursday refused to apologise to Bavas, instead demanding an apology from the reporter. In a statement posted to social media, Katter said, to be seen as anything other than Australian is highly insulting to me. I am a proud Australian. It shouldnt matter when you got here, how you got here, or how long youve been here  If you live by our laws, our values, and fight for our way of life, you are an Australian, he wrote.

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The Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians  which covers MPs on official business  prohibits bullying and harassment, which could mean Katter is sanctioned for the incident. Parliamentarians are sworn to treat all those with whom they come into contact in the course of their work with dignity, courtesy, fairness and respect. The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service did not comment on whether a complaint had been made about Katters conduct. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalTrade wars This was published 3 months ago Stuck in the mail: Trumps tariff plan hits 3000 Australian businesses Shane Wright August 28, 2025  5:30pm 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 95 View all comments

Australia has made a direct plea to the United States to revamp its change to taxes on low-value packages that has hit at least 3000 small local businesses and brought parts of the global mail system to a halt. Trade Minister Don Farrell revealed on Thursday that he had spoken to the general counsel to the US trade representative, Jennifer Thornton, about the Trump administrations decision to introduce tariffs on all packages mailed into America worth up to $US800 ($1230). Nowhere to go: Michael Randall has stopped sales to the US from his Sydney-based medical ID company, Mediband, because of the tariff chaos. Edwina Pickles The tariffs start from August 29, but almost every world postal service, including Australia Post, has suspended small-package mail to the US to work through the new process, the details of which were only made public less than a fortnight ago. Australia Post is in talks with an American-based trade IT company Zonos to set up a payment processing system that will then be used to collect the tariffs paid by US customers on goods they buy from Australia.

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While Australian goods face a 10 per cent tariff on entry to the US, under President Donald Trumps new tariff regime, any goods up to $US800 price range will face a flat charge of $US80. Related Article Analysis

Trade wars Et tu, Donald? Trump takes on the world, one mailbox at a time Farrell, who with Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced plans to axe 500 so-called nuisance tariffs on Thursday, said taxes on imported goods increased consumer prices and ultimately led to higher unemployment. He said the government continued to argue to the US that tariffs such as those hitting low-value packages were not in Americas interests. Weve said to the Americans, look, firstly, we dont agree with what youve done, but if youre going to do it, then youve got to do it in a way that people can comply with. These operators were given less than a month to make changes to get their product into the United States, he said.

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Im hopeful that, as a result of our representations, we can do something to ensure that our products, our great products, continue to get into the United States. Sydney-based business Mediband is one Australian firm caught up in the turmoil caused by the Trump government. It has been supplying medical ID bracelets since 2004. Its customers include Boston Childrens Hospital and LA County Hospital. Trade Minister Don Farrell has talked to the US Trade Representatives office about the issues caused by the change to tariff policy on small packages. Alex Ellinghausen Managing director Michael Randall said the US accounted for about 30 per cent of his firms business, but he has had to shut down American sales while the issue is resolved. This week, it removed the US from its online drop-down menu of nations to which it ships to stop American customers from continuing to order.

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It has about 50 orders in train that it will honour, but until the issue is resolved it is unlikely to sell to the US. Randall said the companys American customers, many of whom were vulnerable patients, had been left without access to replacement or updated IDs that could be lifesaving if they collapsed, suffered a seizure or went into anaphylaxis. We accept the shift in US tariff policy. But the way this has been handled  suspending shipments without warning  means real people with serious conditions are suddenly left exposed, he said. The rush by postal agencies such as Britains Royal Mail and Germanys Deutsche Post has put pressure on the only two IT companies licensed in the US to deal with the new tariff payment system. Clint Reid, the head of Zonos, noted on social media this week the pressure on his company.

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From a member of our team in the Gold Coast: I had to block time for toilet breaks and emails this week. I have to tell you the session I did for the e-com equation group. Over 150 brands on the call,  he wrote. Related Article Updated

Trade Utterly insane month: Australia Post suspends business parcel shipments to US in tariff fallout Trumps opponent at the 2016 presidential election, Hillary Clinton, noted that countries including Australia, New Zealand, India, Germany, France and Spain had all paused sending packages to the US because of the administrations tariff chaos. Did anyone vote in 2024 to become the new Hermit Kingdom? she said on social media, referring to a term used to describe North Korea. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the change to small package tariffs was small compared with Trumps Liberation Day announcement and his recent introduction of tariffs of up to 50 per cent on key trading partners.

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But the latest policy was just another problem that would confront small businesses and American customers who would end up paying the imposts. This is just another piece of sand thrown into the cogs of the global trading system, which is just going to slow it down, he said. Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Andrew McKellar said some of its members with substantial customer bases in the US had been directly affected. We have been assured that implementation of a solution is happening as quickly as possible, he said. Get the days breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.
JAKARTA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Ministry of Trade has projected the annual biodiesel export growth rate to the European Union (EU) to remain at 6.7 percent, following the country's recent victory in a World Trade Organization panel dispute on countervailing duties (CVD).

"We certainly hope that our biodiesel export projections will continue to grow at 6.7 percent," said Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, the ministry's director general of international trade negotiations, at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to the ministry, Indonesian biodiesel exports have fluctuated over the past decade, with a decline recorded in 2020-2021 after the imposition of CVD in 2019. The downturn was also influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and a global drop in biodiesel exports.

During the CVD period from 2020 to 2024, Indonesia's biodiesel exports to the EU still grew by 6.7 percent, with an average annual value of 319.7 million U.S. dollars.

Djatmiko stressed that Indonesia must also balance exports with domestic demand, in line with its energy transition targets. National biodiesel consumption is expected to reach 15.6 million kiloliters by 2045, which could influence future export volumes.

"If we look at the 6.7 percent figure, it can be maintained or even grow," he said.

He also confirmed that the EU, through the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA), has committed to opening greater market access, particularly for palm oil and its derivatives.

"Market access is a commitment from the IEU-CEPA, which recognizes that palm oil and its derivatives from Indonesia are renewable and sustainable," he added. 
A Sub-regional Workshop for ASEAN Member countries on the Harmonized System (HS) and Advance Rulings for the classification of goods was held at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, from 18 to 22 August 2025. The Workshop was organised by the Thai Customs Department in cooperation with the WCO and the ROCB Asia-Pacific, and was facilitated by experts from the WCO Secretariat and Japan Customs. Their participation was funded by the CCF Japan.

The Workshop brought together 22 officials from Customs administrations of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, all of whom are engaged in tariff classification-related work.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Niti Wityatem, Deputy Director-General of Thai Customs, underlined the critical role of HS classification in international trade, emphasizing that advance rulings enhance predictability and certainty for traders. He stressed the importance of strengthening Customs officers capacity in these areas to promote trade facilitation and regulatory efficiency across the ASEAN region. He also expressed his appreciation to the WCO and Japan Customs for their continuous support to ASEAN Member countries in this technical domain.

During the Workshop, participants from Thailand and Viet Nam presented their respective HS classification models and advance ruling systems, while Indonesia delivered a presentation on its preparatory plans for the implementation of HS 2028 in the ASEAN region. These presentations provided an opportunity for participants to share experiences, exchange views on common challenges, and explore possible solutions related to HS classification, advance ruling processes, and the upcoming HS 2028 implementation.

The main objectives of the Workshop were to ensure uniform interpretation and application of the HS and to enhance institutional capacity for efficient tariff classification, including through the effective use of advance rulings. The program also explored WCO tools and instruments that support HS classification and provided an overview of the anticipated key changes in the HS 2028 amendments.

Participants engaged in practical exercises involving case studies on tariff classification across various sectors, including agricultural products, plastics, rubber, textiles, machinery, electrical equipment, and vehicles.

At the conclusion of the Workshop, all participants expressed their appreciation to the WCO and Japan Customs for their valuable support in strengthening capacity on HS-related matters and beyond.
Pictured: this frame grab taken from video shows lifelong friends and co-owners of Good Brothers Pharmacy DeShawn King and Isaiah Jones cutting the ribbon during a grand opening ceremony at the new store at 2306 W. Market Street in Louisville, Ky., on Aug. 27, 2025. (WDRB image)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Several downtown Louisville streets closed Wednesday as part of a project that will shut down Interstate 65 for two months next year.

South Brook, Kentucky and Hill streets and Burnett Avenue in the Old Louisville area closed and are expected to remain closed through spring 2027, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said in a news release.

The agency said the traffic impacts are as follows:

The intersection of South Brook and Kentucky streets:

A detour will be put in place on South Brook between Kentucky Street and Ardella Court, and on Kentucky Street between First and South Brook streets.

Local access will be provided on South Brook between Ardella Court and Caldwell Street, as well as Kentucky Street to allow drivers to enter alleys on the south side of the road, just east of First Street

The intersection of Hill Street and Burnett Avenue:

A detour will be put in place on Burnett between Floyd Street and the connection with Preston Street on the north side of the CSX rail line.

A detour will also be put in place on Hill Street, between Floyd and Preston streets, on the south side of the CSX rail line.

The announcement comes after KYTC announced a multiyear plan called the "I-65 Central Corridor Project" Wednesday to replace highway overpass bridges.

The agency said the closures are necessary for "preliminary work to an I-65 off-ramp at St. Catherine Street (Exit 35) and an interstate bridge" as part of the project. Signage will be posted to warn drivers of the traffic changes and to recommend detours during the closures.

The first $150 million phase of the project started around Labor Day and will run through mid-2027, with the biggest traffic impacts occurring during two months next summer.

The work involves removing and adding three new elevated sections, or bridges, in the Old Louisville and Saint Joseph neighborhoods over:

Kentucky and Brook streets

An area where Hill Street, a rail line and Burnett Avenue converge

Bradley Avenue near the Kentucky Exposition Center

Those three were built in the late 1950s and are in "poor" condition, according to WDRB News' review of Federal Highway Administration data.

Plans call for new earthen embankments, foundations, piers, beams, decks and pavement.

Inspectors have rated the load-bearing superstructure of the span at Kentucky and Brook streets in "serious" condition, which means it has "major defects" and requires regular reviews.

While the preliminary work is set to start soon, the most noticeable period would occur next summer and drastically reshape travel and commuting patterns in the city and region. About 125,000 vehicles a day move through the stretch of I-65 that would close for June and July.

In order to speed up construction and save at least a year, project officials plan to fully close I-65 between Jefferson Street and the Watterson Expressway in June and July 2026. Traffic would be detoured on I-264 West and I-64 West.

KYTC selected Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. in 2023 to oversee the I-65 project as construction manager and general contractor.

The legislature appropriated the funds for the three bridges in 2024.

To learn more about the downtown road closures that began Sept. 3, click here.

For more information about the "I-65 Central Corridor Project," click here. You can also follow progress through the I-65 Central Corridor Facebook page by clicking here.

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Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
KABUL, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and two others sustained injuries after a boat capsized in a river in northern Afghanistan's Badakhshan province, a local official announced late on Thursday.

The accident occurred when the boat sank during a river crossing on the outskirts of the province's Yaftal district, said Ehsanullah Kamgar, provincial police spokesman.

One body has been recovered, while security personnel and local residents continue their search for the two missing bodies, Kamgar added.

According to the official, the cause of the capsizing remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to the disaster.

Badakhshan, a remote and mountainous province in northern Afghanistan, is known for its rugged terrain and reliance on rivers for transportation in areas with limited infrastructure. 
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Floods and rain-triggered incidents killed 23 people and injured six across Pakistan in the past 24 hours, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Friday.

The eastern Punjab province reported 22 deaths, including seven children and three women, all caused by flooding. In Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, one child was killed in a landslide. All six injuries were recorded in Punjab.

More than 1.5 million people have been affected by the recent floods, with over 200,000 rescued from inundated areas, according to NDMA.

Since the start of the monsoon season in late June, at least 842 people have died and 1,117 others have been injured in rain-related incidents, the NDMA data showed. The northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has reported the highest casualties, followed by Punjab.

Authorities warned that another spell of torrential rains is expected in the coming days, raising the risk of further flooding. 
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BERLIN, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Unemployment in Germany rose to above 3 million in August for the first time in a decade, data from the Federal Employment Agency showed Friday.

In another blow to Europe's largest economy, 46,000 more people were without a job this month, pushing the unemployment rate up to 3.025 million and increasing it by 0.1 percentage point to 6.4 percent.

Agency head Andrea Nahles said this was broadly expected and partly reflects seasonal factors such as slow hiring by companies during the summer holiday period. The labor market is still shaped by the economic weakness of recent years, she added.

Germany's economy contracted by 0.3 percent in the second quarter, as weak exports and slow investment persistently weighed on growth. Compared to a year earlier, unemployment in August was 153,000 higher.

Nevertheless, adjusted for seasonal factors, unemployment fell slightly from July, defying analysts' expectations of an increase.

A report by Germany's ifo Institute on Wednesday confirmed the trend, showing that companies are cutting more staff. The institute's employment barometer slipped to 93.8 points in August from 94 in July. While layoffs in manufacturing eased, sentiment in the services sector deteriorated more sharply.

A report by consultancy EY released this week also revealed that German industry had shed more than 114,000 jobs over the past year, with around 51,000 coming from the car sector.

"The labor market is still stuck in crisis," said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of surveys at ifo, adding that the stagnating economy has made companies more cautious about hiring.

Yet even as unemployment rises, more companies are reporting difficulties finding skilled workers, underlining contradictions in the labor market. In a separate ifo survey in August, 28.1 percent of companies said they struggled to recruit qualified staff, a higher percentage than at the beginning of the year.

Wohlrabe said the skilled worker shortage would worsen over the long term, noting that "demographic change leaves no doubt about it." 
More than 340 patients were left without a bed at Mayo University Hospital (MUH) this month.

Last week, saw 93 bedless patients at the Castlebar hospital waiting on trolleys or wards.

On seven occasions over the last two weeks, the numbers presenting at the Emergency Department of Mayo University Hospital daily exceeded 150 patients.

Management has apologised for the overcrowding issues that have plagued the hospital this month.

A long-awaited extension for the hospitals emergency department is not expected to happen until a timeframe of 2029/31.

Hospital management said the provision of additional inpatient beds is key to solving the issues being encountered.

Last week, the hospital was forced to warn the public of significant waiting times for people attending its emergency department.

Some elective procedures had to be cancelled as a result.

Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures. Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed, MUH management stated.

The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and sincerely apologises for the inconvenience and acknowledges the distress these delays or cancelations cause, the statement added.

Overcrowding is even more striking in some other hospitals in the region.

Sligo University Hospital has seen over 700 patients left waiting on trolleys and wards in August. At University Hospital Galway, the figure topped 1,000 during the same period.

The Irish Nursing and Midwives Organisation (INMO) previously warned that overcrowding was out of control at hospitals in the west.
So there appears to be some life left in Fianna Fail.

Following my call here two weeks ago for bland Micheal to be selected to run for the Aras, there has been the stirrings of life among the partys TDs. Hardly a groundswell but a movement.

It started with the Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher, who happens to be from Cork (a North Central TD until he left for Europe) and a political neighbour of Micheal). He went public calling for a meeting of the parliamentary party, senators and MEPs to discuss the nomination of a candidate.

Bland Micheal has held the view that there is no urgency about a nomination and indicated that the party would have a get-together on an unspecified date sometime in the not-too-distant future. He wasnt best pleased at Kellehers intervention and was inclined to snarl a little when he pointed out that MEP Kelleher fully understood where he, the Taoiseach, stood on the matter and indicated that he was not going to be stampeded into having a discussion on the appointment of a candidate. To think of Micheal stampeding is a bit of an oxymoron, but he was most likely seething when he heard that Carlow Kilkenny TD, Peter 'Chap' Cleere, went a step further and adopted the suggestion made here that Micheal should be the candidate for the Park.

Peter Cleere hurled for Kilkenny in the past and would know how to give a dig to an opponent, so it is to be expected that he knew the ramifications of what he was suggesting when he mentioned the Taoiseach as candidate for the Park. He would have been aware that Fianna Fail would be looking for a new Taoiseach and a new party Leader.

I have to admit that I was unaware of Peter Cleere until he made his declaration and perhaps it was just an innocent suggestion based on a belief that Micheal might be the partys best chance of winning the Aras. Even if that is the case, he has created the imperative for a debate on where the party is headed.

That cant be a bad thing. For too long now Micheals control over the party has created the situation where he is unchallenged in his leadership and allowed a free run as Taoiseach without so much as a question as to where he is leading the country.

As a country and member of the European Union we do not seem to have a say in the big decisions being taken in Europe on our behalf. He is leading the country out of our neutral position in world affairs as he tries to undermine the triple lock which determines when Irish troops may be deployed as peacekeepers in post-war situations, perhaps even in Ukraine if peace comes to that part of the world.

He has failed to challenge the EU Commission President von der Leyen on her support for the genocide in Gaza. He does not seem to be aware that the vast majority of Irish people bleed with and for the people of Gaza. The Irish people have no problems with Jews, the country is not anti-Semitic. It is anti-Israels actions in Gaza. He has failed to sell that message and has failed to tell those MAGA supporters who threaten Irelands economy because of our humane approach to the genocide that we will do what is just and right despite any threats to the countrys economy.

It may be the case, as I suggested here, that Bland Micheal has simply run out of steam. That happens and it is not something that should be deplored. A man, or a woman even, is entitled to a break. Look at Heather Humphries. She stood back from the recent general election because she felt that the tank had run dry. She has had more than a year to re-charge her batteries and look at her now, fit and rearing to go. She is a very credible candidate and I expect that whatever the merits of Sean Kellys bid for the nomination, he will finish up as runner-up to Heather in the Fine Gael nomination stakes.

Heather is a very able operator and she is popular with the electorate. She made a name for herself in the Department of Social Protection where she displayed an acute understanding of the needs of people living in poverty. She will make a very determined bid. Fine Gaels ratings nationally would not suggest that a party candidate will have an easy run to the Park but she has a fair wind behind her and the fact that Fianna Fail are in a muddle as to what to do is an additional benefit. She will be the beneficiary of Micheals muddlings.

Of course the FFers are not the only ones in a muddle over the Presidential election. Sinn Fein have a similar conundrum. Mary Lou knows that if she were to be the candidate she would be beaten and that would be something of a disaster given that Sinn Fein performed poorly in the recent general election. To lose one election, to misquote Oscar Wilde, may be unfortunate but to lose two looks like carelessness and Mary Lou can do without that outcome.

Sinn Fein does not have a creditable candidate outside of Mary Lou (Michelle ONeill may have some standing in Northern Ireland but would not stand a stagger down here) so their best option now is to declare a non-runner and throw their heft behind Catherine Connolly. They may have image issues to overcome by supporting Connolly but thats nothing compared to having to live with another national electoral defeat.

My own campaign is bubbling along nicely and there has been a welcome outpouring of support in relation to my promise (my promise, unlike party political promises, will be kept) to undertake the Presidential duties without drawing the salary that goes with the job, which has struck a chord with the voters. My campaign advisers are urging me to publish my election manifesto sooner rather than later but there is the danger, in early publication, that the political parties will steal my clothes just as the Independent potential candidate Peter Casey has stolen my commitment on the salary issue. I declare there is nothing sacred in politics anymore.

Elements in the media, the print media in particular, have spotted that Micheal is showing the signs of stress. While they will not come out directly and say it, they resort to ludicrous suggestions regarding the possible candidature of Bertie. Bertie did not earn the sobriquet most cunning of them all by being foolish. He knows full well that he wont be the candidate while Micheal is in control and Micheal knows that he wont be in control if he supports Bertie. It is an insoluble conundrum.

Thought for the day

He that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools - Confucius
It must be unspeakably devastating to learn of your mother's death through a WhatsApp message. Not from a doctor, not from a chaplain, not even from an officious administrator behind a hospital desk, but from a Swiss clinic via the same medium through which we order takeaways and share holiday snaps. The clinical brutality of it - the reduction of death to a digital notification - tells us everything we need to know about how the business of dying has evolved in our modern age of manufactured compassion.

Maureen Slough's story should haunt us all. The 58-year-old from Cavan told her family she was taking a short break to Lithuania. Instead, she travelled alone to Switzerland, paid 13,000 to the Pegasos clinic, and ended her life to the soundtrack of Elvis Presley's gospel music. Her daughter Megan discovered this not through any pastoral care or human kindness, but through a message that might as well have been a delivery notification. The ashes arrived by post - no condolence card, just a cremation certificate, as if her mother had been reduced to a mail-order commodity.

This is not the dignified death that advocates of assisted suicide promise us. This is death as a transaction, stripped of ritual, community, and the messy, complicated business of human connection. When we speak of dying with dignity, surely we mean something more than this sterile, commercialised process that treats families as afterthoughts and grief as an administrative inconvenience.

The rise of "suicide tourism" represents one of the most troubling developments in our contemporary attitude toward life and death. Switzerland has become the Dignitas of death - a brand destination where suffering can be efficiently terminated for the right price. But what began as a compassionate response to terminal illness has metastasised into something far more sinister: a system that preys upon the vulnerable, the mentally ill, and those experiencing the ordinary anguish of human existence.

Maureen Slough had a history of mental illness. She had attempted suicide the previous year following the deaths of her two sisters. This is precisely the kind of person who should be receiving intensive care, support, and therapeutic intervention - not clinical assistance in ending her life. Yet Pegasos accepted her application, conducted what they term an "extensive assessment", and proceeded with the termination. One wonders what kind of assessment could possibly conclude that a grieving woman with a history of mental illness and previous suicide attempts was making a rational, irreversible decision.

The clinic's procedures appear to have been woefully inadequate. They claim to have received written permission from Megan Royal, Maureen's daughter, acknowledging and accepting her mother's decision. Megan insists she wrote no such letter. The family believes Maureen forged this documentation and created a fake email address to verify it. If this is true - and the evidence suggests it is - then we are looking at a system so poorly regulated that it can be circumvented by a mentally ill woman determined to end her life.

This is not an isolated incident. The litany of horror stories emerging from Swiss clinics grows longer each month. British teacher Alistair Hamilton, with no diagnosed illness, died at Pegasos in 2023, leaving his family in shock. Anne Canning, a 51-year-old mother battling depression after her son's death, ended her life at the same clinic this year. These are not cases of terminal cancer patients seeking relief from unbearable physical pain. These are stories of people experiencing the kind of psychological suffering that has afflicted humanity since the dawn of consciousness - grief, depression, despair - who have been offered death as a solution rather than hope, healing, or help.

In many cases, assisted death is not compassion but its opposite - a cold calculation that some lives are simply not worth the trouble of preserving. Illustration Conor McGuire

The defenders of assisted suicide will tell us that proper regulation can prevent such abuses. They will argue, with apparently straight faces, that we need to legalise the practice domestically to avoid the horror stories of people travelling abroad. This is rather like suggesting we need to establish our own opium dens to prevent people from travelling to Amsterdam. The problem is not the location of the service but the service itself.

Look at Canada, often held up as the gold standard of regulated assisted dying. Veterans Affairs Canada employees are now routinely suggesting euthanasia to disabled veterans seeking basic accommodation. Christine Gauthier, a Paralympian, was offered assisted suicide when she called to inquire about installing a wheelchair ramp. This is not a bug in the system - it is a feature. Once society accepts that some lives are not worth living, the definitions of "unbearable suffering" and "terminal illness" inevitably expand to include anyone deemed a burden on the healthcare system or society at large.

The slippery slope that critics warned about has proven to be not a slope but a cliff. In the Netherlands, euthanasia is now available for psychiatric conditions, with teenagers as young as 17 able to request death for depression. Belgium allows euthanasia for children with no lower age limit. What began as compassionate relief for the terminally ill has become a conveyor belt to death for the inconvenient, the expensive, and the temporarily hopeless.

Maureen Slough's death speaks to something much larger than one woman's desperate journey to Switzerland. What we're witnessing is the wholesale commercialisation of human despair - suicide repackaged as a lifestyle choice, complete with brochures and price lists. Death has become just another service sector, and in accepting this transformation, we've stepped across a line that may prove impossible to uncross.

The psychological impact on families is devastating and largely unexplored. Megan Royal had welcomed a new baby just weeks before losing her mother - a cruel juxtaposition of life's beginnings and endings. Her grief carries a particular cruelty - this wasn't death arriving uninvited, but her mother deliberately seeking it out while keeping her family in the dark. Mourning someone who chose to go presents an impossible puzzle where the familiar consolations of bereavement offer no comfort when you're left wrestling with feelings of abandonment, self-recrimination, and the gnawing suspicion that you might have changed everything if only you'd known.

There is also the broader societal message we send when we institutionalise suicide as a response to suffering. To the elderly, we say your declining years are a burden. To the disabled, we suggest your lives lack dignity. To the mentally ill, we offer death as therapy. This is not compassion but its opposite - a cold calculation that some lives are simply not worth the trouble of preserving.

The answer to human pain isn't found in perfecting ways to escape it, but in learning how to bear it together. What we desperately need are proper hospices, decent mental health provision, and communities that don't abandon people when they become difficult or expensive. We need to stop treating frailty as a design flaw to be corrected and start recognising it as simply part of what makes us human - something that calls for tenderness, not termination.

The ashes of Maureen Slough arrived in Ireland by post, reduced to a parcel to be signed for like any other delivery. In this grim detail lies the entire moral bankruptcy of the assisted suicide industry in which death has been transformed from a sacred transition into a logistical exercise, from a community event into a private transaction.

We owe it to Maureen Slough, to her grieving family, and to all those who will be tempted by the false promise of the Swiss clinics, to resist this commodification of human despair. The answer to suffering is not death but life - lived with support, dignity, and the knowledge that no matter how dark the valley, we do not walk through it alone.

Compassion requires us to sit with people in their pain, not to offer them a permanent exit from it. Anything else is not mercy but abdication  the abandonment of our most fundamental duty to protect the vulnerable and affirm the irreplaceable value of every human life.
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
MOSCOW, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russia revoked the permit for the operation of Poland's Consulate General in Kaliningrad on Friday, local media reported.

According to the TASS news agency, the measure was taken in response to Poland's earlier decision to shut down the Russian Consulate General in Krakow, a move that took effect on June 30.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Poland had been notified of Moscow's intention to close the Polish consulate as early as July 11, with the relevant justifications delivered to Poland's charge d'affaires.

"Such steps are a reaction to the reduction of Russia's consular presence in Poland under far-fetched pretexts. Not a single unfriendly move will remain unanswered," the ministry was quoted by TASS as saying. 
MOSCOW, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed expectation that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit will inject powerful new momentum into the organization.

In a written interview on the eve of his visit to China to attend the summit and China's V-Day commemorations in Beijing, Putin expressed expectation that the summit will strengthen the SCO's capacity to respond to contemporary challenges and threats, and consolidate solidarity across the shared Eurasian space. "All this will help shape a fairer multipolar world order," he said.

The SCO's appeal lies in its simple but powerful principles: a firm commitment to its founding philosophy, openness to equal cooperation, not targeting third parties, and respect for the national characteristics and uniqueness of each nation, he said.

"Drawing on these values, the SCO contributes to shaping a fairer, multipolar world order, grounded in international law, with the central coordinating role of the United Nations," he said.

"A major element of this global vision is the creation in Eurasia of an architecture of equal and indivisible security, including through close coordination among SCO member states," he added.

Expressing confidence that the Tianjin summit will mark an important milestone in the SCO's history, Putin said that the Russian side fully supports the priorities declared by the Chinese presidency, which focus on consolidating the SCO, deepening cooperation in all areas, and enhancing the organization's role on the global stage.

"I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will give the SCO new momentum, modernizing it to meet the demands of the time," he said.

China holds the rotating presidency of the SCO for 2024-2025. In 2025, the SCO summit will be held in Tianjin. 
Resilient Health Systems in Public Crises

The School of Therapeutic Sciences invites staff to attend the Biennial Research Day.

The title of the event is Resilient Health Systems in Public Health Crises with the following sub-themes:
Reimagining vision

Research by PhD student Kruti Naik could change the way eye infections and conditions are treated

The doctoral research of Kruti Naik, in the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), focuses on ocular drug delivery.

Although eye drops are the go-to treatment, Naik is determined to find efficient and cheaper ways to treat vision problems.

With about 1 in 6 people in Africa being blind, and a rising number of visual health issues owing to untreated communicable diseases (such as HIV) and non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and hypertension), her work is timely.

Microneedle eye-patch efficacy

Imagine that a tiny patch with micro-scale needles, much like a contact lens, painlessly delivers medicine to the front part of the eye and specific cells. Theres no wastage, such as with administering eye drops, and theres no need for refrigeration of the medication  a major challenge in Africas healthcare facilities.

Microneedles offer significant potential for creating smart drug delivery systems that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and tailored to specific medical needs.

We wanted our approach to fight off severe infection of the eye, which we are seeing more of, amid the scourge of antibiotic resistance, says Naik.

She aims to integrate nanomedicine principles with microneedle delivery systems to further enhance efficiency, targeting, and safety. This combined approach can combat eye infections, degenerative diseases, and inflammation, which are often connected with infectious and non-communicable diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.

Naik adds that eye infections can lead to blindness if not treated promptly and efficiently. The technology is being developed to be minimally invasive, precise, and can make a life-saving difference.

Infection-fighting hydrogel in sight

Naiks doctoral research is supervised by Professors Yahya Choonara, Lisa du Toit and Mershen Govender, and Naik is currently on a research visit to the Laverty Lab at Queens University Belfast.

Here she is collaborating with Dr Garry Laverty to develop a peptide-based hydrogel that can automatically assemble itself.

The hydrogels fight infections and act as long-lasting implants to deliver medication steadily over time, especially for diseases like HIV, TB, and other chronic illnesses.

Naik was awarded a Wits Foundation UK fellowship to spend time at Queens University and to extend her PhD work on microneedles.

Naiks previous work, published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research, showed that hydrogels are safe, stable and capable of being injected into the eye with fine needles (mimicking the natural vitreous), then releasing medication steadily over weeks.

In meticulous lab studies, hydrogels were gentle on tissues and acted as long-lasting drug depots, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures.

Whats exciting about our work is that we can transfer our technology to other disease areas, such as cancer targeting, she says.

This research is funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through the NRF/DSI SARChI Programme (Department of Science and Innovation South African Research Chairs Initiative).
The unknown or unacknowledged Black Feminist legacies of CALS

CALS director Prof Christopher Gevers discusses three radical Black feminists and their (unrecognised) role in shaping our organisation

As part of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS) #WomensMonth series, I want to reflect on the contributions of three radical Black Feminists  Alice Kinloch, Anna Julia Cooper and Miriam Makeba  who, in very material and unacknowledged ways, contributed to the establishment of CALS in 1978; prefigured what CALS would become in the decades that followed, and can help us to understand what is to be done as we confront the interlocking and intractable afterlives of colonial apartheid today. In order to do so, we need to re-locate the origins of CALS in the longer traditions of thought and resistance that made its emergence in 1978 possible, necessary even.

The official origin story of CALS is well-known: along with the Legal Resources Centre, CALS was founded in 1978 through the collective efforts of lawyers such as John Dugard, Felicia and Sydney Kentridge and Arthur Chaskalson. However, all origins stories  and particularly official ones  are fabrications, assembled from disparate parts. We choose what to accent and what to leave out when we weave them together. We also choose when to start them. Re-locating CALS origins in the longer and broader transnational struggle against colonial apartheid exemplified in the lives and works of Kinloch, Cooper and Makeba  lives lived as scholars, teachers, activists and not lawyers  discloses a richer, if more complicated, account  one that incorporates the contributions that are too-often silenced in accounts of the past, and brings to the fore the contingencies, anxieties and discordant notes that are too-easily smoothed over.

Alice Kinloch was born in the Cape Colony in 1863 and moved to Kimberly in the 1870s. In todays nomenclature, Kinloch was a pioneer of the field of Business and Human Rights. In the final years of the 19th century Kinloch gave a series of lectures in England and published a pamphlet titled Are South African Diamonds Worth Their Cost?, in which Kinloch informed her well-healed, audience that:

'The handsome dividends that a certain company pay are earned at the price of blood and souls ofblack men. Shareholders may be in happy ignorance of this, so we would remind them that there are several thousands of fellow-men kept under lock and key for their sole benefit, and that the gems on their wives hands, and the finery bought by their profits are, to seeing eyes, bespattered with human gore.'

Kinloch proceeded to set out the state of affairs in South Africa, for which the bloody, brutal, and inconsiderate hands of avarice and might are answerable, where [f]or more than a quarter of a century Kimberly has been the stage for the worst forms of undisguised inhumanity.

In doing so Kinloch mapped the racialized and gendered structures of domination  legal, social, geographical, economic  that underpinned the emerging extractive industry that were not only novel in the late 19th century but remain unsurpassed in many respects today. Moreover, Kinloch set out and stitched together numerous unjust laws and practices committed against Black South Africans that would later come to be known as apartheid  including the racial hierarchy of labour, police brutality, forced removals, pass laws, labour compounds, gender-based violence, economic super-exploitation of thousands of lives deemed disposable, public violence and humiliation, and white impunity  which Kinloch explicitly linked back to the time of slavery in the US.

This alone would and should have been enough to make Kinloch a household name, however she proceeded to establish the African Association in London in 1897, which organized the first Pan African Conference in 1900. The resolutions of that Conference included a call for direct action in respect of the situation of the native races in South Africa, including the degrading and illegal compound system of native labour in vogue in Kimberly, the pass or docket system used for people of colour, the difficulties in acquiring real property and the difficulties in obtaining the franchise.

Today we know a lot about this Conference and the Pan-African movement that it founded, but we know very little about Kinloch. There is no surviving photograph of her. Ironically, the only legal trace we have of her is her Marriage Certificate and the pamphlet, which she published in her husbands name.

Kinloch could not attend the 1900 Pan African Conference in London, but Anna Julia Cooper did, where she presented a paper on conditions of Black Americans and was elected to the Executive Committee of the resultant, short-lived Pan-African Association (so too was Kinlochs husband, in her absence).

Cooper lived a remarkable life that rivalled that of Kinloch: Born into slavery in 1858, Cooper was the first Black women to receive her doctorate from the Sorbonne in 1925 at the age of 66 (later translated as Slavery and the French and Haitian Revolutionists), and would live another 40 years, dying at the age of 106 a few months before the United States Civil Rights Act was passed.

By the time she attended the 1900 Conference, Cooper had already published pathbreaking collection of essays A Voice from the South by a Black Women of the South (1892) and founded the Colored Womens League. Coopers work included theorizing two concepts that have become in vogue in recent times  namely racial capitalism and intersectionality  yet Coopers contributions to both are seldom acknowledged. Of intersectionality, she wrote, in 1892:

The colored woman of to-day occupiesa unique position She is confronted by both a woman question and a race problem, and is as yet an unknown or an unacknowledged factor in both.

A line could be drawn straight from Cooper to the founding of CALS: she was a member of the Niagara movement, formed in 1905 to champion the rights of Black Americans, which was the predecessor to the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). The NAACP would later serve as an inspiration and in some respects a model for the formation of public interest law organisations in the later 1970s, including CALS. However, to paraphrase Emily Dickinson, I want to tell this story slant, as oftentimes success in circuit lies.

When Cooper died in 1964, America was in turmoil, notwithstanding the passing of the Civil Rights Act, and protests and police repression would follow in the years to come, particular after the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. A year before Coopers passing, a young Miriam Makeba had addressed the United Nations about the situation in South Africa, which she described as a world problem and the burning question of the day. Makeba began her speech by recalling the inaugural summit of the Organisation of African Unity  at which she performed  which was the culmination of the efforts of Cooper and others in London in 1900. As in 1900, Makeba called for positive action against the apartheid regime, criticizing the lip service of the Great Powers and warning that the time has come for the whole of humanity to shout out and to act with firmness to stop these crazy leaders from dragging [South Africa] into a horrifying disaster.

During her time in exile in America, Makeba repeatedly situated the struggle of Black Americans within a larger Pan-African political imaginary  just as Cooper and Kinloch had  and drew her audiences attention to the connections between the struggles of Black Americans and Black South Africans. In fact, it was Makebas insistence on these connections that led to her exile again, this time to Guinea in 1968. There she continued to promote the cause of Black freedom across the continent and beyond.

Makeba returned to the UN in 1975 as Guineas representative to the UN General Assembly, shortly after Guinea had spearheaded the drafting and adoption of the Apartheid Convention. In her address Makeba schooled the assembled dignitaries on the decisive importance of the participation of women in the fight against imperialism, colonialism and racism and all the causes of social injustice: indignity, exploitation, oppression, and inequality. Makeba proceeded to address the problems of the recrudescence of repression and intimidation [of] the liberation movements of Azania, Zimbabwe and Namibia[struggling] against the policy of apartheid and its inhuman practices, the Palestinian people[s] struggling for the recovery of [their] usurped homeland, the need for a New International Economic Order and UN reform (including the elimination of the veto in the Security Council), and the regulation of deep-sea exploration; and concluded with a call for the advent of a world based on justice and peace.

What does this have to do with the establishment of CALS? Well, it was in response to the upheavals in the US in the late-1960s, and the related international action against apartheid in the 1970s, that the Carnegie Foundations focus shifted under the leadership of its new President, Alan Pifer, first to the promotion of equal education opportunity and rightsacross all of its grant programs in the US, and then  following Pifers visit to South Africa in 1973  to the re-engagement of the Corporation in South Africa and, in time, the formation of the LRC and CALS. As Rosenfield, Sprague and McKay note in their history of the Carnegie Corporation:

'The LRC-CALS human rights law enterprise dovetailed with the increasing commitment of the Corporation to social justice under President [Pifer]. Through close American-South African collaboration and engagement of individuals and their institutions, including the  [NAACP], legal activism and law reform were fostered in South Africa.'

This process was spearheaded by Carnegies David R. Hood. In fact, according to CALS founding Director John Dugard, CALS was largely David Hoods idea.

It was not David Hoods first idea, however, or even his preferred one. The Carnegie Corporations archive reveals that Hood was hesitant to commit [Carnegie] to a legal program and doubted that the South African legal system offered adequate potential for reform. Hoods initial plan was more radical, and in the mold of what Makeba had demanded: namely to work directly with Black community leaders, including the Black Womens Federation  communities that were taught, galvanized and inspired by Kinloch, Cooper and Makeba  rather than work with liberal white lawyers. Hoods initial plan was scuppered by the banning orders that followed in the wake of the murder of Steve Biko. CALS was Plan B.

Over the past four decades CALS has grappled with and confronted many  although certainly not all  of the discordant notes that were present at its founding as a mostly white liberal legal project, and  in doing so  has sought to reshape itself into a social justice organisation that more closely reflects the traditions of thought and resistance exemplified by Kinloch, Cooper and Makeba. In fact, their radical analyses of power and radical visions of justice underpin many of CALS projects and interventions today, which are concerned with racial domination, patriarchy, corporate accountability, civil and political rights, land and redistributive justice. What is more, like Kinloch, Cooper and Makeba, CALS aims to conceptualize and insist that these are interlocking systems of domination (to use bell hooks formulation). However, we must do more to grapple with these as transnational and global forms of domination as well.

There could not be a more urgent time to do so, as both domestically and internationally our conceptualization of power and justice are wearing thin  as our existing epistemologies and ontologies fail to contend with rising inequality, white supremacy, patriarchy, techno-capitalism and climate change. Today, the traditional social justice script that emerged post-1994  in which state capacity was the problem and the Bill of Rights the solution  can no longer explain let alone contend with the ongoing violences and afterlives of colonial apartheid and their relations to other structures of domination, old and new. We live in a time when, to return to Kinloch, the undisguised inhumanity of the past has become disguised, digitized even, but no less deadly.

Palestinian scholar Edward Said teaches us that in human history there is always something beyond the reach of dominating systems, no matter how deeply they saturate society,  this is  what makes change possible. Identifying such levers of change requires new ways of conceptualizing power, and imaginative means of using law and activism to dismantle oppressive systems. It also requires acknowledging the limits of law. In doing so we must recuperate and reorientate ourselves around the lives and thought of Radical Black Feminists like Kinloch, Cooper, Makeba, drawing inspiration from their insistence that a more just world is not only still possible but always necessary.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of air delivered munitions and related equipment to Ukraine for an estimated cost of 825 million U.S. dollars.

The principal contractors will be Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire, and the U.S. government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Ukraine will use funding from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and foreign military financing from the United States for this purchase. 
Join the fight to defend jobs and wagesfill out the form below to help form rank-and-file committees at UMN and beyond.

Pattee Hall at the University of Minnesota, October 2023. [Photo by SavagePanda845 (Elliot F) / CC BY-SA 4.0

More than 1,400 custodians, cooks, maintenance and dorm workers at the University of Minnesota were prepared to walk out on Wednesday, August 20the first system-wide strike at the university in nearly five decades. But after workers voted 97 percent to authorize a strike, the Teamsters Local 320 bureaucracy called off the walkout at 11 p.m. the night before, declaring it would study the administrations last, best, and final offer.

Voting on this offer ended on Tuesday, August 26. The Teamsters union recommended a No vote while simultaneously refusing to set a new strike date, effectively locking workers into the bargaining table and demobilizing the rank and file.

There is little to study in the new offer that workers have not already made up their minds about. A quick review of the proposal shows it is essentially a pay cut in disguise. Wages amount to 5 percent increases over the next two years, plus a total of $1,000 in sign-on bonuses. This is a real wage cut once the July CPI spike of 0.2 percent month-on-month (3 percent annualized) and a projected 10 percent jump in health insurance premiums are factored in. Since 2022, real wages for these workers have fallen more than 12 percent; the current offer guarantees another three years of decline.

Taking to social media to vent their frustrations, workers described the UMN offer and the Teamsters maneuvers as a waste of time. One veteran worker of 21 years commented on the Locals Facebook page: Waste a bunch of time voting no instead of going on strike like we should have. The worker continued, Management got 4 percentwhy should we get less? Our leadership, in my opinion, should have led us into a strike instead of unanimously encouraging us to vote no on something we should have just walked on!

UMN workers unanimous call for a strike is part of a broader upsurge in the working class and reflects a real desire to fight back against decades of attacks on wages and working conditions. Teamsters members across the country have been involved in several strikes this year alone. But they confront an implacable enemy in the Teamsters bureaucracy.

This is a far cry from the days of the 1934 Teamsters strike in Minneapolis, in which workers in Local 574led principally by the Trotskyist movementunited workers across the city to beat back the state-corporate alliance against truck drivers and coal yard workers.

Now, the unions function as labor watchdogs, ensuring that opposition from the working class does not disrupt the profits of the banks and corporations or the imperialist aims of the American ruling class. They accomplish this by hamstringing workers opposition and tying it to the Democratic and Republican parties, two capitalist parties that represent the interests of billionaires.

In the case of the Teamsters, General President Sean OBrien used the unions prestige to legitimize Donald Trumps war on the working class, delivering the first-ever Teamster address to the Republican National Convention in 2024. The same organization that claims to defend workers is cozying up to Trump and his fascist policies, which aim to eviscerate the gains workers won through bitter struggle in previous decades (including the 1934 strike itself) and to eliminate the remaining democratic rights workers have.

OBrien has also attempted to legitimize Trumps reactionary policy of tariffs, justifying them with fraudulent claims that they will defend jobs: For years, Hollywood studios have hollowed out the industry by following Corporate Americas crooked playbook of outsourcing good union jobs We thank President Trump for boldly supporting good union jobseven as Mexican brewery workers (also Teamsters!) face layoffs from the same protectionist measures.

OBrien has further supported the attack on immigrant workers, which the WSWS warned is the prelude to a larger war against all sections of the working class: The biggest problem is people trying to protect illegal aliensa green light for ICE raids that will rip families apart in university communities. UMN workers must take this very seriously.

UMN workers are not alone in their fight; they are part of a massive upsurge in working-class struggles. The possibility of winning their battle and blazing a path for broader resistance against decades of concessions to American capitalism is real. It depends on UMN workers leading the way for workers across the Twin Cities.

Their fight coincides with a broader growth in workers opposition. Around 3,000 Boeing workers are currently on strike, joined by 600 GE Aerospace workers.

UMN workers also reject claims that there is no money. The university sits on an endowment exceeding $6 billion and recently approved raises for top administrators. The Board of Regents insists that budget constraints prevent decent wages for the workers who keep the campus running. President Rebecca Cunninghamwhose salary exceeds $1 million, with around a $950,000 base,claims the university values every employee. Yet the administration has already spent $1.3 million on a scab contingency workforce consisting of out-of-state contractors, using tuition dollars in an effort to undermine the strike before it began.

The WSWS and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) call on all campus workersacademic student employees, clerical staff, trades workers and facultyto mobilize in joint strike committees independent of the pro-corporate union apparatus. University workers must reject the fiction that the Teamsters bureaucracy can negotiate with a university whose Board of Regents is aligned with Trumps austerity agenda.

Workers must take the struggle into their own hands and organize independently of the Democrats and Republicans. There is money to meet workers needs, but the parties of big business are demanding austerity as they intensify the assault on the working class and prepare for war. Only a unified strugglelinking wages to the fight against war, dictatorship and the privatization of public educationcan defeat the regents austerity offensive and advance the interests of the entire working class.
A session at last weekends Socialism 2025 conference in Sydney, run by Socialist Alternative (SAlt) provided a revealing insight into the pseudo-left organisations attitude to the trade union bureaucracy and the working class.

Titled Socialist strategy in trade unions: rank and file versus bureaucracy, the session used minor criticisms of the union apparatus to cloak what was in fact a crude defence of the status quo, aimed at promoting the conception that no alternative exists or can be built to the existing unions and their leaderships.

SAlts concern, expressed starkly in the discussion following the report, is that, despite the efforts of the entire pseudo-left to glorify the unions and cover up their track record of continual betrayal, workers are turning against the bureaucracy or quitting the unions in disgust and frustration.

The session was a microcosm of the conference as a whole. Against a backdrop of growing opposition to genocide, war, state and federal Labor governments and capitalism itself, SAlt spent the weekend glorifying protest politics and promoting the fraud that real change can be achieved through appeals to the political establishment and its left-populist electoral front, NSW Socialists.

Emma Norton speaking at opening panel of Socialism 2025 [Photo: Socialism Conference Sydney]

Emma Norton, introduced as a train driver, trade union militant in the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and a longstanding member of SAlt, began her report by stating that socialists love trade unions, of course. This was followed by a brief and severely limited explanation of why unions are fundamentally hostile to and incompatible with socialism.

She noted that the basic ideology of the unions is rooted in capitalism and the assumption that there is a fair price for exploitation. Campaigns run by the unions, Norton said, necessarily end in some kind of compromise with the bosses, while on everything other than the most elementary workplace matters they subordinate the struggle of workers to any kind of political party that will be their political patron.

At the top of every single union, she said, are bureaucrats with a closer relationship to the bosses than the workers, very strong ties to the Labor Party, see strikes as a last resort, are deferential to courts, and generally averse to solidarity.

Confronted with this bureaucratic layer, which Norton portrayed as inevitable and immovable, what strategy does SAlt advocate for socialists? They must orient to the existing unions  even when theyre shit.

To the extent that this included turning to rank-and-file workers, it was from the standpoint of encouraging greater militancy within the union framework: just fucking strikes, actual physical pickets and sometimes being willing to break the law.

Socialists, Norton said, also need to orient to the bureaucracy itself, and when they call something halfway decent, like a strike, socialists need to run with it and try to make it bigger and better.

Put plainly, Norton and SAlt are saying that it is permissible to lie to workers. Rather than warn them of the machinations of the bureaucracy, they are seeking to present its cynical manoeuvres in rosy colours. That is the antithesis of the basic tenet of socialists, which is to say what is. Instead, it is cynical public relations on behalf of a bloated, highly-paid union bureaucracy.

Nortons comments about her own experience as a rail worker and member of the RTBU gave an indication of how this plays out in practice. She noted that the industrial action called by the union bureaucracy in last years dispute with Sydney Trains and the New South Wales (NSW) Labor government had serious limitations, but that our role as socialists wasnt to just pooh-pooh the leadership.

Instead, Norton and other SAlt members in the RTBU tried to turn every action that did happen into a cool experience for the workers around us, while offering suggestions to the bureaucracy, to demand a higher pay rise and take more serious industrial action.

The reality is that while SAlt was cheerleading for the RTBU and promoting its pathetic industrial actions as cool experiences, the bureaucracy carried out yet another monumental betrayal, resulting in a woefully inadequate 4 percent per annum pay risehalf what workers demanded. To prepare this sellout, the union cancelled one strike after another, kowtowing at every stage to the NSW Labor government, which, with the assistance of the corporate media and industrial courts, waged a vicious and slanderous vendetta directed not only against rail workers but against the wages, conditions and democratic rights of the entire working class.

The liveliest discussion in the session erupted after a nurse raised that she and some of her co-workers were losing faith and even quitting the union after successive betrayals. This concrete, real-life counterposing of rank-and-file workers to the union bureaucracyostensibly the topic of the discussionwas intolerable to the SAlt leadership present.

The answer, postulated by several SAlt members, was to build a pole of attraction within the unions. SAlt members would seek to capture workers discontented with the officials and their sell-outs. Through occasional militant rhetoric, SAlt would convince workers to remain in the unions, while accepting the entire framework of these bureaucratic apparatuses.

The reality that SAlts militants would serve the bureaucracy and defend its framework was spelt out by longstanding member Mick Armstrong. He declared that a political core of 20 people in hospitals could not possibly have a transformative effect on the broader union membership. That is, they would have to accept the policies and actions proposed by the bureaucracy, while prettifying them to other workers.

The problem is workers themselves, Armstrong contended, warning, we should not bullshit ourselves to think theres all these workers that are so super-militant today.

Striking Woolworths workers at Erskine Park, Sydney [Photo: United Workers Union]

Referring to the strike late last year by 1,500 warehouse workers at supermarket chain Woolworths, Armstrong angrily declared that workers could have easily defied the instructions of union officials and stopped trucks from crossing the picket line. In other words, rather than criticise the bureaucracy for orchestrating a sellout, he blamed the workers for failing to spontaneously rise up against it.

Armstrong was not just covering for the United Workers Union leadership, but for SAlt itself. The pseudo-left organisation was intimately involved in the dispute. From day one, their role was to defend the bureaucracy and ensure that control of the strike remained subordinated to forces that, by SAlts own admission, are closer to the bosses than the workers, deferential to the courts and generally averse to solidarity.

A central part of SAlts role in the Woolworths strike was to prevent workers from speaking to Socialist Equality Party campaigners and coming into contact with a genuine socialist perspective, based on an objective analysis of the unions filthy track record and the class forces behind it.

SAlt members functioned as a literal cheer squad of the UWU bureaucracy. They manned the UWUs phoney pickets, working closely with the Labor-aligned officials even as they attacked SEP campaigners and forced them to leave. Then, when the UWU called off the strike without any democratic mandate, the SAlt members dutifully left, declaring the struggle over and helping to pave the way for the sellout that was imposed.

Having blamed workers for the unions betrayals, Armstrong effectively held them responsible for SAlts complicity with the bureaucracy and the political establishment, expressing the position that nothing could be done to change the course of the class struggle by socialists just burrowing awayunless we had 20,000 members in Sydney or something.

A similar sense of helpless fatalism was promoted by Norton in the conclusion of her report. She stated that, while unions are fantastic organs of working-class struggle, they are not sufficient. Workers, she said, need workers councils to overcome the natural sectionalism of the unions and the problems of the union bureaucracy.

The question of how and when such organs would be conjured into being was left unanswered, save for a reference to them being the seething outcome of democratic mass meetings and that membership would be automaticyou dont have to join.

Norton gave no explanation of why such committees would be necessary, given her and SAlts positive depiction of the unions. Moreover, given SAlts explicit declaration that the official bureaucratic channels of the unions must be upheld and adhered to, how would such seething mass meetings occur, under conditions where the union leaderships prevent virtually all democratic fora of workers?

Most glaringly, Norton did not explain why SAlt has never, on a single occasion, called for the formation of such committees amid an industrial dispute. These committees were thus a thing of the never never, completely unconnected to the actual line advanced by SAlt, which always echoes and dovetails with what is being advanced by the bureaucracy.

The entire thrust of the panel made clear that even if SAlt did decide it was necessary to form such a committee, it would be to capture discontented workers, and to establish a faithful adjunct to the bureaucracy, not to mobilise workers against it.

The conference session, in which leading SAlt members expressed criticism of union bureaucracies that, while limited, would never see the light of day in Red Flag, underscores that their position on the unions is not accidental or mistaken. But even in this setting, in front of a largely friendly audience, Norton and SAlt were determined to cover over the class role played by the unions.

Her critique belonged in the mid-20th century, when unions were still capable of extracting limited concessions for workers within a nationally regulated economic framework. She made no attempt to explain the corporatist transformation of unions the world over, starting in the late 1970s. The contradiction between the globalisation of production and the nationalist orientation of the unions led them to become direct agents of big business, slashing the wages and conditions of workers to ensure that Australian capitalism was internationally competitive.

SAlt is silent on this transformation, because it exposes as a fraud the conception that some combination of increased militancy and political appeals from workers could compel the union bureaucracy to make a left turn. The reality is that unions are not only not sufficient as organs of revolutionary struggle, but diametrically opposed to the interests of the working class, even at the most basic level of defending jobs, wages, conditions and safety within a single workplace.

Along with the rest of the pseudo-left, in Australia and globally, SAlt continually promote and excuse the betrayals of the bureaucrats, because they represent the same upper-middle-class interests. They serve as the last line of defence for the ruling class, using anti-capitalist rhetoric and calls for greater militancy as a mechanism to keep workers locked into the framework of the union bureaucracy and Labor.

To escape this stranglehold, workers need their own organisations, independent from the union leaders and democratically run rank-and-file committees. They must be fought for and built in every workplace, not on the basis of reforming or advising the bureaucracy, but of destroying it and returning the powerand the vast financial resourceshoarded by the apparatus to workers themselves.

Such rank-and-file committees will provide the venue and means to bring together union and non-union workers, as well as youth and the unemployed, across different industries and around the world, in a unified struggle for jobs, wages, conditions and democratic rights. This is not just an industrial fight, but a political one as well, directed against the capitalist system and all of its organs, including Labor and the unions, as well as their pseudo-left defenders.
A sudden, unscheduled visit by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles to Washington this week had an air of crisis to it. For days, there was confusion over why Marles had made the trip and who he had met.

This morning, the purpose became clear with unnamed sources telling media outlets including the Australian and the Australian Financial Review that Marles had been dispatched on a mission to secure a meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump.

While in Washington, Marles had reportedly given unspecified commitments to boost Australian military spending, following a concerted and public campaign for such an increase by the top representatives of the US government.

The trip, and the circumstances surrounding it, point to the rather desperate efforts of the Australian Labor government to solidify and deepen relations with the fascistic Trump administration.

Labor is seeking to ensure the continuation of the AUKUS military pact directed against China, and a broader expansion of military relations which have already transformed Australia into a frontline state for a catastrophic US-led war in the Indo-Pacific.

Marles issued a statement Sunday night Australian time announcing the trip, but providing no details as to its purpose. He departed early in the week and spent two days in Washington.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington, August 2025 [Photo: X/Richard Marles]

On Wednesday Australian time, Marles posted an image to X of himself with US Vice-President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. The post did not indicate what had been discussed, merely providing a couple of sentences about the importance of the US-Australian alliance.

Marles also met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, with similarly few details publicly provided.

Aside from the secrecy, the range of meetings was unusual. It would not be uncommon for a defence minister to meet his direct counterpart or other US leaders responsible for foreign policy. But there was no clear indication as to why Marles would speak with Vance or with Miller, a Trump loyalist whose central focus has been on the governments fascistic attacks on immigrants.

The confusion deepened when the Pentagon released a statement, bizarrely contradicting Marles claims to have had a meeting with Hegseth. It had only been a happenstance encounter the statement declared.

That appeared to be a calculated humiliation. The image conjured up was of Marles stalking the corridors of Washington and literally bailing up top Trump administration officials for discussion. Only after considerable surprise was expressed in the Australian media did the Pentagon reverse its position and state that a meeting had indeed taken place.

The media reports this morning seem to have revealed the real purpose of the trip. Marles, a right-wing figure with a reputation for close ties to the US military-intelligence establishment, was dispatched to try to clear the way for Albanese to meet with Trump.

The fact that such a meeting has not taken place is a major embarrassment for Albanese and the source of something of a crisis for his government.

When Albanese was returned to office in the May election, he immediately touted the alliance and pledged to work closely with Trump. But attempts to hold a meeting have failed or been rebuffed.

A face-to-face discussion had been scheduled for the May G7 summit, but Trump effectively stood Albanese up, leaving before it was held. Albanese is travelling to the US for a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly next month, but there is no firm appointment for a meeting with Trump. That leaves Albanese as one of the few, or possibly the only leader of a major ally not to have met with the US president.

Several factors underlie the apparent tensions. As with countries around the world, allies and foes alike, Australia has not been spared from Trumps economic war on the world. While the so-called reciprocal tariff imposed on Australia is just 10 percent, threatened imposts on pharmaceuticals and agriculture could have a major impact.

But more fundamental is the US demand that Australia go even further than it has already in its commitment to war with China. Almost from the moment of Albaneses reelection, the Trump administration has been publicly insisting on the need for a massive increase in Australian military spending.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the regions premier security forum, Hegseth demanded that US allies in the Indo-Pacific increase their military spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). He then issued a statement insisting that Australia boost its spending to 3.5 percent of GDP as soon as possible. In its previous term, Labor already took annual military expenditure to a record of more than $50 billion, but that is only a little over 2 percent of GDP.

Trump administration officials have also conveyed through the press demands that Australia, along with Japan, commit their militaries to participation in a possible war with China ahead of time. That call has been made as Hegseth forecast the prospect of imminent conflict, and US military officials have predicted war with China over control of Taiwan within the next several years.

In June, it was revealed that Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eldridge Colby was conducting a review of AUKUS. Under the militarist pact with the US and the UK, Australia is to acquire nuclear-powered submarines at a cost of $368 billion. Australia has committed to subsidise US naval shipbuilding to the tune of almost $5 billion, with Marles handing over the first installment of $500 million earlier this year.

It is increasingly clear that Colbys review, which has dragged on for over two months despite being set for 30 days, is being used as a threat by which to extract the demanded concessions of increased defence spending and more explicit military commitments from the Labor government.

On Tuesday, as Marles was in Washington, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an influential US think tank, called for Trump to maintain AUKUS. But it insisted that Australia should give concrete commitments as to how US-provided Virginia-class submarines would be deployed in a conflict.

Under conditions where it is evident that US shipbuilding capacity is not adequate for the demands of the American navy, let alone to provide 3 to 5 Virginia-class submarines to Australia over the coming years, the CSIS insisted on the need for allies including Australia to provide further subsidies.

Pillar 2 of the AUKUS agreement, it stated, would need to be refocussed. It currently encompasses a broad array of areas, many of which are still in a conceptual phase, such as greater collaboration on AI and Quantum Computing. Instead, CSIS stated that Pillar 2 should prioritise more immediate war-fighting capabilities, including long-range missiles, autonomous weapons platforms and integrated air and missile defence systems.

While the media has stated that Marles gave commitments to increase military spending while in Washington, there is no indication of what they consisted of, nor if he made other pledges, such as a guarantee that any US-provided military assets will be activated in a war against China.

That underscores the anti-democratic character of the entire military build-up. There is no pretence that such vast decisions are to be made by parliament or to be the subject of public discussion.

In its first term, Labor already went a long way to completing Australias transformation into a frontline state for war with China. That has included a vast expansion of US basing, and the largest build-up of the Australian military in 85 years.

The fact that more is being demanded underscores the centrality of Australia to the US war plans, and how advanced those preparations are.

Marles visit raises another issue. On Tuesday, Albanese and Mike Burgess, the head of ASIO, Australias spy agency, held a press conference. They declared that Iran was responsible for two murky antisemitic incidents that occurred in Sydney and Melbourne last year. Albanese and Burgess did not provide a skerrick of proof for their assertion, which was entirely implausible. But Labor nevertheless expelled the Iranian ambassador, in a major diplomatic and geopolitical provocation.

The question inevitably emerges: was the announcement and expulsion an attempt to curry favour with Washington, under conditions of Marles visit and amid the stepped-up demands for an increase to military spending?
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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump at an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

The firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez on Wednesday evening, coupled with the immediate resignation of four high-level public health officials in protest, represents a dramatic escalation of the Trump administrations war against science and public health. This coordinated assault is unfolding as the United States is now in the midst of the 11th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is moving to entirely ban COVID-19 vaccines.

On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of CDC employees and supporters staged a walkout outside the agencys Atlanta headquarters in a powerful show of solidarity with the ousted officials. Current and former CDC staff members marched, held signs and applauded as three senior leaders who had resigned in protestChief Medical Officer Deb Houry, Dan Jernigan and Demetre Daskalakiswere escorted from the building by security personnel.

In their resignation letters, these officials explicitly condemned the weaponizing of public health and the politicization of scientific decision-making, while Houry remarked that the CDC leadership had reached a tipping point.

The events of Wednesday began with a tense confrontation Monday in Kennedys Washington office, where he and his principal deputy chief of staff Stefanie Spear demanded Monarez either resign or comply with two ultimatums: accept all recommendations from the agencys vaccine advisory committee, whose members Kennedy had replaced with hand-picked allies hostile to childhood immunizations, and fire a number of high-level officials at the agency. When Monarez refused both demands and to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives, Kennedy moved swiftly to remove her.

On the same day as her firing, Kennedy announced new restrictions that fundamentally alter COVID-19 vaccine access, requiring that all Americans receive a doctors recommendation in order to receive a vaccine. For the vast majority of Americans, this effectively means they will lose access to COVID-19 vaccines without taking inordinate and in many cases prohibitive measures. Furthermore, multiple sources report that Kennedy is planning to fully revoke access to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines within months.

The timing of these actions is particularly ominous. They coincide with the 11th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an estimated 1 in 93 Americans now actively infectious. Over 4 million Americans are now likely being infected each week. This surge is proceeding with virtually no mainstream media coverage or public health reporting. This information blackout coincides with the planned elimination of mRNA vaccines just as the winter respiratory virus season approaches, leaving the population totally unprotected against a pathogen that continues to evolve into new, potentially more dangerous variants.

In addition, the purging of the CDCs leadership comes less than three weeks after the August 8 attack on CDC headquarters by Patrick Joseph White, who was motivated by anti-vaccine disinformation that Kennedy has spent decades promoting. White fired over 180 rounds at the CDC campus, driven by his belief that COVID-19 vaccines had harmed him and others. In the aftermath, traumatized CDC employees have reported receiving harassing phone calls featuring gunfire sounds, while Trump has said nothing about the violent attack.

The ouster of Monarez completes Kennedys consolidation of control over the nations premier public health agency. He now has free rein to implement the most sweeping attacks on vaccines and public health that he has been plotting with Trump and the fascistic anti-vaccine networks in his orbit.

Since assuming office, Kennedy has overseen the termination of over 20,000 federal public health workers at all Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies, with 2,400 at the CDC alone. He has systematically purged vaccine advisory committees, firing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and replacing them with eight vaccine skeptics, none of whom are immunologists or epidemiologists.

Kennedys attacks on mRNA vaccines, one of the most revolutionary medical technologies in human history, represent perhaps the most devastating blow to pandemic preparedness and medical innovation. These vaccines have proven extraordinarily safe and effective, preventing millions of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation of $500 million in mRNA vaccine research has terminated 22 critical projects aimed at developing vaccines for avian flu and other emerging threats.

Beyond infectious disease prevention, mRNA technology is showing great promise in cancer treatment. Moderna and Mercks personalized mRNA cancer vaccine has demonstrated remarkable efficacy against melanoma, reducing cancer recurrence risk by 49 percent and metastasis risk by 62 percent in Phase 2 trials.

These attacks on science and public health occur alongside the broader social devastation being unleashed by the Trump administration, whose underlying aim is to lower life expectancy and eliminate all social spending. Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill will drive insurance premiums higher, while millions more lose access to Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Families are being forced to reduce food purchases as tariffs increase the cost of basic necessities.

Kennedy may be a particularly deranged individual, but his anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and reactionary policies have a very definite basis in social relations and serve specific class interests. His attacks on science provide ideological cover for the systematic dismantling of social programs and public health infrastructure demanded by the financial oligarchy. The apparent irrationality of Kennedys positions masks their rationality from the standpoint of a ruling class determined to eliminate all social spending that does not directly serve capital accumulation.

From the mid-19th century on, spectacular gains were made in public health, sanitation, workplace safety and social welfare. A deliberate reversal of these achievements has been underway for decades, vastly accelerated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has now killed upwards of 30 million people and debilitated hundreds of millions more with Long COVID globally. The daily barrage of the Trump administrations counterrevolutionary policies amount to an endlessly mutating political pandemic, intersecting with and reinforcing the COVID-19 pandemics destructive impact on human civilization.

The silence of the Democratic Party and the AFL-CIO in response to the Trump administrations war on science and public health is deafening. Rather than mobilizing opposition, they have remained largely silent, reflecting their own complicity in the broader attack on social programs and scientific institutions.

Kennedys attacks on vaccines and public health flow logically from the policies initiated under the Biden administration, which systematically undermined COVID-19 vaccine access and denigrated protective measures after ending the Public Health Emergency in May 2023. The Biden administration terminated federal vaccine mandates, ended free testing requirements for private insurers, and began transitioning COVID-19 vaccines to the commercial market. Trump and Kennedy have qualitatively deepened these attacks, but they build upon the foundation laid by Bidens surrender to corporate interests that demanded an end to pandemic restrictions regardless of public health consequences.

Significant opposition is emerging among scientists and healthcare workers to Kennedys attacks on public health. A petition demanding his resignation has garnered over 1,000 signatures from clinicians, scientists and public health professionals, including four Nobel Prize laureates. The petition denounces Kennedy as posing an immediate and long-term threat to the health of the American public through his profound misunderstanding of science coupled with a failure to grasp his own limitations.

The Thursday demonstration at CDC headquarters represents a significant escalation of this opposition, with federal employees risking their careers to publicly denounce Kennedys assault on scientific integrity.

Drs. Daniel Jernigan, Debra Houry and Demetre Daskalakis greeted by hundreds of supporters outside the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, August 28, 2025. [AP Photo/Ben Gray]

Fundamentally, the attacks on science and public health are aimed at the international working class, which bears the brunt of disease, disability, and early death when protective measures are eliminated. Workers and their children will suffer disproportionately from vaccine-preventable diseases, while wealthy elites will retain access to the highest quality private healthcare that money can buy.

The defense of science and public health cannot be separated from the broader struggle against capitalism and for international socialism, the only progressive path forward for humanity in the face of capitalisms descent into barbarism. Scientists, healthcare workers and all those committed to defending public health must turn to the international working class as the only social force capable of implementing the rational, planned development of society necessary to unleash the full potential of scientific knowledge.
Prime Minister Mark Carneys whirlwind tour over the last week with stops in Kiev, Warsaw, Berlin and Riga, Latvia, confirms that the new Liberal government intends to deepen Canadian imperialisms economic and military ties with the European powers amid a developing third imperialist world war.

In Ukraine, Carney detailed the allocation of an additional C$2 billion in weapons and war materiel; in Germany, he pushed natural gas exports and signed a critical-minerals pact; in Latvia, he renewed Canadas command of NATOs multinational brigade; and on multiple European stops he touted the procurement of a new submarine fleet as part of his rearmament plan to position Canada as a significant player in the redivision of the world among the major powers.

The Prime Ministers trip was choreographed to begin in Kiev on August 24Ukrainian Independence Daywhere he detailed how the C$2 billion, first pledged at the June G7 summit in Kananaskis, will be parceled out: C$835 million for equipment ranging from armoured vehicles to ammunition and drones; roughly C$680 million for a NATO-prioritized US kit focused on air defence; C$220 million for drones, counter-drone and electronic-warfare systems, including joint Canadian-Ukrainian ventures; C$165 million for capability coalitions; and C$100 million via the Czech ammunition initiative. This fuel for the slaughter in Ukraine is paired with C$31 million in humanitarian and stabilization fundingwindow dressing for a massive armaments surge.

The Liberal government boasts it has delivered nearly C$22 billion to Ukraine since 2022the largest per capita financial contribution in the G7.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. [AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky]

Ukraine is  at the frontline of the struggle for democracy and freedom, Carney proclaimed in Kiev, insisting allies must step up and lead. He amplified the message on X with the declaration: Ukraines fight is our fight. These are the slogans of a government preparing Canadian workers to pay for escalating imperialist war.

From Poland, Carney sharpened the implications: Canada, he said, would not rule out participating in a post-war security guarantee in Ukraineup to and including putting Canadian troops on the ground as a tripwire for a wider war against Russia. He also hailed the essential role that Canadian military personnel are currently playing in training Ukrainian troops under Operation UNIFIER.

The proposal to send Canadian, i.e. NATO troops to Ukraine is totally unacceptable to Russia, which launched its reactionary invasion of Ukraine due to the provocations of NATOs eastward expansion. The aim of this proposal, which is also being advanced by the European powers, is to escalate the war with Russia and sabotage Trumps attempt to reach an agreement with Moscow, over the heads the other NATO powers. Through a peace deal, Trump seeks to both gain US access to the resources of Russia and the Ukraine, at the expense of the European powers and Canada, and focus American imperialisms might on preparing for war with China and securing unbridled control over the Americas.

Carneys stop in Warsaw also produced a new strategic partnership with Poland which explicitly ties Canadian firms into Europes rush to re-arm, opening EU procurement channels to Canadian companies. Put plainly: Ottawa aims to sell Canadian weapons and components into a continental military build-upwhich the European Unions 27 members have pledged to invest 800 billion inwhile advertising Canada as a reliable ally for military provocations across NATOs eastern flank with Russia.

In Berlin, Carney pushed forward on two fronts bound tightly to Canadian corporate interests: fossil fuels and critical minerals. He announced talks to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to German buyers and promised near-term federal port-infrastructure announcements to move gas and minerals at scale across the North Atlantic.

German industry, still scrambling to replace Russian gas after the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline, is already exploring swaps for Canadian Pacific-coast LNG cargoes to serve European needs. Ottawa and Berlin also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to co-fund critical-minerals projects for defence, aerospace and EV supply chains. This is the language of commercial and military conflict, aimed at securing the resources to dominate new technologies like clean energy, and to mass produce high-tech armaments of all kinds.

Carney also used his stop in Berlin to advance another crucial block in rearming Canadas military and dramatically expanding its military-industrial capacitiessubmarine procurement. The prime minister announced Ottawa has shortlisted German and South Korean yards to build a new fleet of 12 advanced diesel-electric attack submarines, with a contract to be finalized by 2028 and first delivery no later than 2035. These new subs will cost tens of billions over the vessels life.

The trip culminated on Russias border in Latvia, where Carney announced a three-year extension of Operation ReassuranceCanadas largest overseas military mission. He reaffirmed Canadas role as the framework nation leading the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia, a 3,000-strong formation of troops from 14 allies, currently anchored by 2,200 Canadian soldiers. Ottawa promises to complete the roll out of persistent brigade capabilities by 2026, with the deployment of an additional 400 Canadian Armed Forces troops, bringing the total to 2,600.

To secure lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe, Carney declared, we must deter and fortify. This lays the basis for the permanent deployment of Canadian troops little more than 500 kilometers from Russias main citiesSt. Petersburg and Moscow.

Behind the choreography lies a ruthless geopolitical calculus. Carneys Europe push is explicitly framed as a hedge against the United States under Donald Trump. Washington has been Canadas chief geostrategic and, economic, and military partner for over eight decades, but Trumps threat to annex Canada and imposition of tariffs have compelled the Canadian ruling class to look elsewhere for allies.

On August 21, Ottawa issued a readout of a CarneyTrump call in which they discussed a new (Canada-US) economic and security relationship. The very next day, Carney rolled back many of Canadas retaliatory tariffs to restart talksconcessions Trump promptly praised as a nice gesture.

Carney and the Canadian bourgeoisies attempt to balance between privileged access to the US market, and the European powers rearmament drive and determination to escalate the war with Russia at all costs is increasingly untenable. The rift in trans-Atlantic relations that has burst to the surface since Trump began his second term in the White House has turned the erstwhile NATO allies into competitors and, under certain conditions, belligerent rivals for control over raw materials, markets, production networks, and geostrategic territories and influence.

Canadas Tory-aligned gutter press, in particular the Toronto Sun, tried to score points by painting Carneys Kiev stop as a face-saving reaction to Canadas absence from the extraordinary White House meeting on Ukraine with European leaders earlier this month. Carney was apparently not invited to participate as the heads of government of Europes four largest countries and the chief of the EU Commission rushed to Washington at a days notice to try to block Trumps effort at an accommodation with Russian President Vladimir Putin after their summit in Alaska.

Whether or not the snub stung, it is secondary to Ottawas strategic aims. Canada has deep and longstanding interests in Ukraine, expressed in its close political and military ties with the Ukrainian far right. The European tour was first and foremost about locking in a larger role for Canadian imperialism across the continent, whatever the reason Carney was not invited to Washington.

Carney boasted on his X feed: Canada and Ukraine are united by the defence of freedom, democracy, and life. This is the oldest rhetorical varnish for imperialist aims: securing resources and markets, deepening military basing, and binding Canada to the Europeans mega-billion dollar rearmament schemes.

The governments own statements expose the scale of the war build-up more broadly. Ottawa has committed to C$9 billion in new defence spending in 2025-26 and pledged that Canada will reach NATOs 2 percent benchmark this fiscal yearafter decades of falling short. Carney further signed up to a new pledge aimed at bringing total military spending to 5 percent of GDP3.5 percent on core defence, plus 1.5 percent in defence-related infrastructure investments by 2035.

These are staggering sums that can be met only through a frontal assault on social spending and workers living standards. Every dollar poured into submarines, electronic warfare, over-the-horizon sensors and forward brigades is a dollar ripped from public funding for hospitals and a public healthcare system stretched to the breaking point and deeply underfunded schools.

For the bourgeoisie to realize social spending cuts on such a scale, they will need to establish the same kind of dictatorial regime in Canada that Trump is endeavouring to erect south of the border. The submarine program alone, together with new missiles, drones and brigade sustainment, will devour tens of billions of dollars of public funds. In a country where emergency rooms shutter overnight and foodbank use and homelessness have reached record levels, the savage onslaught on what remains of public services, social supports and worker rights will inevitably provoke widespread popular opposition.

Carneys Liberal governmentpromoted by the unions and social democratic NDP as a preferred alternative to the Conservativesis pushing guns over butter. The security it speaks of is the security of corporate profitsenergy conglomerates exporting LNG, mining companies processing critical minerals, and defence contractors feeding at the public trough.

Workers must draw the necessary conclusions. The tightening noose of war and austerity cannot be fought within the framework of the capitalist political establishment led by the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP social democrats, and CAQ and PQ Quebec nationalistsor under the direction of the pro-capitalist trade union apparatuses, which have tied workers to the state and to Canadian imperialisms predatory commercial and war aims. The path forward lies in the fight for the industrial and political mobilization of the working class on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program in workplaces, schools and neighborhoodsindependent of and in opposition to all the political representatives of big business.

Workers must reject the social cuts demanded by the imperialists rearmament and war, oppose Canadas imperialist interventions, and unite with workers across Europe, the United States, Russia and Ukraine in a common struggle against capitalism, the root cause of war. That is the only way to prevent a crisis-ridden capitalism plunging humanity into world war and to secure the social and democratic rights of the entire working class.
Key Points

The iconic beverage maker boasts 63 consecutive years of dividend increases.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is the company's fastest-growing brand by a wide margin.

It's willing to adjust to the times, eliminating some 200 brands a few years ago.

10 stocks we like better than Coca-Cola 

There's a strong argument that no other brand is as recognizable worldwide as Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO). There are very few places you can go in the world and not find Coca-Cola's products. This vast distribution and brand recognition are largely why Coca-Cola has been a beverage powerhouse for decades.

The beverage giant has also been a staple in many portfolios for decades, bringing some stability and attractive income to the table. If you're interested in adding this blue-chip stock to your portfolio, here are five things you should know beforehand.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Coca-Cola is still a prime dividend stock

The first thing to know about Coca-Cola's stock has to do with its main appeal: its reliable, above-average dividend. The current quarterly dividend is $0.51, with an average yield of around 2.9%, just below its 3% average for the past decade.

This yield is more than double the S&P 500 average, which is great, but the long-term attraction is the consistency with which Coca-Cola increases its annual dividend. When it announced it would increase its quarterly dividend to $0.51 ($2.04 annually) in February, this marked the company's 63rd consecutive year of increases, making it a Dividend King. The dividend has doubled since 2012.

2. Coca-Cola has offset stagnant volume with pricing power

When your brand moat is as strong as Coca-Cola's, it gives you pricing power that lesser-established brands typically don't have. This is a great thing for Coca-Cola because its volume has been flat to slightly down in recent times.

The second quarter (Q2) is a key example of Coca-Cola's pricing power at work. Although its global unit case volume declined by 1% year over year, its organic revenue (revenue that excludes currency swings and acquisitions/divestitures) increased by 5% year over year.

Coca-Cola uses a metric called price/mix, which tells you how much more money it's making by either raising prices or selling more profitable products instead of just selling more products overall. In the second quarter, this price/mix was 6%, which is illustrated by the difference in volume decline and revenue growth.

3. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is leading growth for Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's flagship Coca-Cola soda will likely always be its bread and butter, but recent changes in consumer preferences have brought a new growth beverage to the light. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar -- which, as the name implies, is a sugar-free alternative to the Classic Coke -- is Coca-Cola's fastest-growing brand.
Firefighters work on the site of a burning building after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, early Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) [AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky]

In the early hours of August 28, Russia launched its deadliest air assault on Kiev since July, killing at least 1821 people, including several children, and wounding dozens more. More than 90 buildings were damaged, among them the offices of the European Unions delegation and the British Council. The Kremlin claimed the attacks targeted military infrastructure, but the strikes ripped through residential districts and a shopping center.

The targeting of EU institutions marks a new stage in the escalation of the war. Moscow is sending a blunt message: it will not accept European troops in Ukraine. Just one day earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had categorically rejected proposals to deploy European peacekeepers in Ukraine, contradicting US President Donald Trumps claim that Vladimir Putin would be willing to accept such a force as part of a negotiated settlement. Peskov warned that NATOs eastward expansion was one of the root causes of Russias 2022 invasion and that European deployments would be treated as hostile acts.

The logic of the war is leading directly toward a military clash between Russia and Europe, threatening the lives of millions and the destruction of the entire continent.

Far from backing down in the wake of Russias attacks, European governments seized on them to issue new threats and accelerate the war drive. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Putin of sabotaging any hopes of peace. French President Emmanuel Macron denounced Russian terror and barbarism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 19th sanctions package, pledged new tours of frontline EU states and vowed to turn Ukraine into a steel porcupine bristling with Western weapons. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared from aboard the warship Bayern that Russia was testing our readiness and threatened that Berlin would do everything to defend NATO territory.

These statements are not defensive but aggressive. The claim that the European imperialist powers are defending freedom and peace against Russian aggression is war propaganda. Russias reactionary invasion of Ukraine does not change the fact that NATO systematically provoked the conflict over decades, expanding to Russias borders in violation of its promises, encircling Moscow militarily and transforming Ukraine into a forward base of NATO.

The immediate backdrop is the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on August 15, where the US president signaled a reorientation of American strategy. Trump embraced Putin and made clear that Washingtons priority is the confrontation with China. While prepared to continue arms shipments to Ukraine, Trump insisted that Europe must bear the financial and military burden of the war with Russia.

The European powers reacted with fury. They fear being cut out of a potential Russo-American deal that secures US access to Russian resources while leaving the EU exposed to the full force of the war. Determined to prevent such an outcome, Berlin, Paris and London are escalating their involvement in Ukraine, even discussing the deployment of ground troops cynically labeled as peacekeepers.

At the forefront of this offensive are the major European powersBritain, France but especially German imperialism. On August 25, Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil traveled to Kiev, where he promised President Volodymyr Zelensky at least 9 billion annually in additional military aid and reiterated Berlins readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. He pledged massive German support for expanding Ukraines arms industry, including the production of long-range drones and missiles. Significantly, Klingbeil avoided ruling out the deployment of German ground troopsleaving open the prospect of sending German soldiers to Ukraine and against Russia for the first time since the Second World War.

Klingbeil is simultaneously preparing a war budget that will triple Germanys defense spending by 2029, from 52 to 153 billion, with long-term plans to raise expenditures to 5 percent of GDP225 billion annually. To finance this rearmament, the government has removed military spending from constitutional debt limits, authorizing 1 trillion in new borrowing. While unlimited funds are made available for war, social spending is being gutted. Merz bluntly declared last week, The welfare state as we know it is no longer affordable.

The scale of the militarization is unprecedented since the world wars. The Bundeswehr is set to expand from 181,000 to at least 260,000 soldiers. Compulsory service is being reintroduced. On August 27, the cabinet approved a draft Wehrdienst Modernization Act that will begin registering all young men for military service in 2026. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stressed that conscription would initially be voluntary but could become mandatory if required. The aim is to rapidly build up the Bundeswehr and a mass reserve force.

At the same cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the government created a National Security Councilin reality, a National War Councilto centralize the coordination of military, intelligence and economic policy. This body, chaired by the chancellor and including ministers, generals, security services, and representatives from industry and think tanks, has sweeping powers to impose decisions without parliamentary oversight. It institutionalizes the turn toward a war economy and an authoritarian state.

All signs point to the transition of German and European capitalism to a war footing. A recent Financial Times investigation based on satellite imagery documented a historic boom in arms manufacturing: Europes weapons factories have expanded three times faster than peacetime levels since 2022, adding over seven million square meters of new industrial space.

Rheinmetall, Germanys largest arms producer, plans to boost annual shell production from 70,000 in 2022 to 1.1 million by 2027. A new Rheinmetall facility in Unterluss, inaugurated this week by Pistorius, Klingbeil and NATO chief Mark Rutte, will become the largest munitions plant in Europe, producing 350,000 artillery shells annually by 2027. Other German and European firms are expanding missile, drone and tank production at breakneck speed, often by converting civilian industries to war purposes, recalling the transformation of industry towards war production in the 1930s.

The ongoing Quadriga 2025 exercises underscore the scale of NATOs war preparations. Some 8,000 German troops, alongside forces from 13 other nations, are conducting large-scale maneuvers in Germany, Lithuania, Finland and the Baltic Sea. These exercises practice maritime resupply, air and submarine defense, and countering missile strikesin short, preparations for direct war with Russia.

The Bundeswehr is also permanently stationing a combat brigade in Lithuania, the first long-term deployment of German ground forces abroad since World War II.

Germanys aggressive course is not defensive but a continuation of its historic war aims: control over Ukraine, access to Russian raw materials and domination of the Eurasian landmass. These aims were central to the German offensives in both world wars. Today, they are once again being pursued under conditions of capitalist crisis, deepening social inequality and intensifying inter-imperialist rivalries.

The drive to world war is inseparable from the assault on the working class at home. Trillions are being funneled into arms while wages, pensions, health care and education are slashed. To suppress opposition, the ruling class is building up the police, intelligence agencies and authoritarian state structures.

The working class must reject all the reactionary camps in this conflict. Putins invasion of Ukraine was a reactionary act by a capitalist regime seeking to defend its own predatory interests. His embrace of Trump and appeals to far-right forces across Europe expose the bankruptcy of Russian nationalism. Trumps maneuvers are not peace but a tactical shift to free American resources for war against China. The European powers posture as defenders of democracy is the most brazen lie of all: they are, in fact, preparing their own imperialist slaughter.

As the WSWS Editorial Board stressed in its perspective on the Trump-Putin summit:

Neither the maneuvers of Trump, nor the intrigues of the European powers, nor the reactionary calculations of Putin offer a way forward. The struggle against genocide, austerity, dictatorship and war requires the building of a conscious, international socialist movement of the working class, fighting irreconcilably against all the capitalist governments and their political agents.
A derailed Norfolk Southern train in Springfield, Ohio, March 3, 2023. [Photo: @Breaking_4_News]

American rail companies continue to refuse to follow or improve safety measures more than two years after the derailment disaster in East Palestine, Ohio. Following the disaster, which released over 115,000 gallons of toxic vinyl chloride into the environment, all six Class I rail companies agreed to join a federal program to improve safety on railroads. However, reporting by the Associated Press indicates that none of them has taken any real steps or fulfilled any promises to participate.

The program, called Confidential Close Call Reporting System, or CRS, is designed to allow rail employees to report mistakes, close calls and unsafe actions by the rail companies without fear of reprisal. The reporting is conducted through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on behalf of the Federal Rail Administration (FRA) and provides protection against corporate disciplinary action if certain criteria, such as that no one was injured or that an employee did not break the law, are met.

Both BNSF and Norfolk Southern conducted partial trials of the system but never fully adopted it, while Amtrak and smaller freight railroads have officially joined and report a 20 percent decline in accidents. An additional study from 2022 by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found an improvement in safety culture and the discovery of new safety issues under the program.

Despite the clear benefits, major rail companies insist that a punitive approach, in which rail employees are harshly punished and shoulder the blame for any and all safety issues, is preferable. They complained that CRS was slow and ineffective compared to their own internal safety systems and argued that it would allow employees to become repeat offenders of safety violations by allowing them to take advantage of protections against retaliation.

The FRA formed a working group with the large carriers, federal officials and union representatives to discuss implementing the system, but the meetings reportedly went nowhere. In March the FRA reportedly sent an email to participants saying that the group had reached an impasse and that it was being dissolved.

Jim Mathews, president and CEO of the advocacy organization the Rail Passengers Association, who was a member of the working group, told the AP that They [the carriers] are absolutely convinced that the key to a safe railroad is to punish employees first. And we know, not just from the short lines and from Amtrak and from the commuter railroads but from half a century of aviation data, that thats not the right answer.

The importance of overturning the inadequate and punitive approach to safety currently employed by the rail corporations was highlighted by the recent case of Juan Garza, a 35-year veteran locomotive engineer at Union Pacific.

Garza was fired in March 2024 after reporting a minor workplace injury and seeking medical care. He filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which concluded after a yearlong investigation this June that he had been wrongfully terminated. OSHA awarded Garza over $300,000 in back pay and compensation, including $150,000 in punitive damages for reckless or callous disregard for his rights as an employee.

A report on the case by the Department of Labor (DOL) noted that this was the third time since 2011 that Union Pacific had violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act at its yard in North Platte, Nebraska, by disciplining employees who reported workplace injuries and sought medical attention. It further noted that Union Pacific has faced over 200 whistleblower complaints nationwide since 2001.

OSHA regional administrator, Marcia Drumm, said of the case, It is disheartening that this employee, a loyal railroad worker for 35 years, faced disciplinary action because he sought needed medical attention for a work-related injury. Union Pacifics actions and the repeated complaints filed by their employees are indicative of a culture that doesnt show that same loyalty to their workers or concern for their safety.

The disregard for safety by the rail companies has serious consequences for the reliability of rail infrastructure across the country.

An investigation by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at Arizona State University found that just six inspectors from the FRA are responsible for overseeing 70,000 railroad bridges. Ten percent of railroads have not had their bridge management programs audited by the FRA in the past 15 years; major railroads have neglected critical safety features out of concern over costs; and government officials are even having difficulty accessing information about railroad bridge inspections.

Bridges are of particular concern because they can be a critical point of failure in rail infrastructure that lack consistent federal oversight. Data from the FRA shows that there have been 112 railroad accidents involving bridges since 1976. These incidents are often the product of improper maintenance resulting in structural failure and derailment.

The refusal of the rail companies to participate in adequate safety measures, and the failure of government regulatory bodies to force compliance with them, demonstrates the incompatibility of proper workplace and industrial safety with private profit. Major rail lines are multibillion-dollar enterprises with control over critical sections of the US economy and extensive influence over government policy.

Trumps pick to run the FRA is David Fink, a former CEO of Pan Am Railway in New England, who is still awaiting Senate approval of his nomination. Fink has faced questions about safety issues at Pan Am Railway, including a worker death in 2021 and a serious injury to an employee in 2022.

The Trump administration also announced Thursday morning that it was firing Robert Primus from his position on the Surface Transportation Board, the regulatory body with the authority to approve or reject the proposed merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Primus has been a supporter of the independence of regulatory bodies like the STB from direct White House control and is one of two Democratic appointees on the four-person board.

He was the only member to oppose the merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern and is likely to be removed to clear the way for Union Pacifics purchase of Norfolk Southern. The White House made its intentions clear by saying Primus did not align with the Presidents America First agenda.

Heavily integrated with Wall Street, the Class I railroads are seeking to funnel as much money from the working class to the banks and financial institutions as possible. Over several decades this has taken the form of neglect for basic safety practices and proper infrastructure maintenance and is now manifesting in an all-out push for one-person crews and the destruction of thousands of railroad jobs.

In the face of this historic attack on rail workers and their safety and those of working class communities, the response of the trade unions has been complicity. The union bureaucracy collaborated with management and the Biden administration to scuttle a 2022 rail strike before it could take place, as the union leaders sat on the working group committee for CRS. Meanwhile, they have refused to mobilize workers when the rail companies rejected any responsibility to improve safety after East Palestine.

Instead, the union bureaucrats accept the so-called right of the rail companies to profit, and they serve as their faithful labor police, selling their ability to suppress workers outrage in exchange for the ability to extract dues money from the membership to fund their bloated salaries. The major rail unions are currently ramming through a series of sellout contracts with even worse wage increases than the one imposed by Congress three years ago.

The obvious purpose for this is to pre-empt another rank-and-file rebellion that nearly forced a strike in 2022 and to help clear the decks for the mega-merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. This would create the countrys first transcontinental railroad, threatening even more layoffs and giving the new entity a hegemonic position in the market.

Real safety on the railroads requires the mobilization of the rank and file against the corporate assault on jobs and working conditions, organized independently of the trade union bureaucrats through the formation of rank-and-file committees, new organizations of working class struggle built to organize workers across all crafts and countries in a common fight.

This movement must develop a socialist perspective that the railroads must be transformed into public utilities democratically controlled by workers who will prioritize their safety and the safety of their communities, instead of private enterprises dedicated to the generation of profit at the expense of workers lives and well-being.
On Monday, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) in Sri Lanka held a successful online public meeting titled, What is the way forward for striking postal workers?

SEP Assistant Secretary Saman Gunadasa (left) and Samitha Fernando, a postal worker and long-time SEP member addressing August 25, 2025 public meeting.

Over 80 people, including postal and other workers, as well as SEP members and supporters, participated in the Sinhala- and Tamil-language event. So far, over 1,700 people have watched the meeting video.

The meeting was one day after postal trade union leaders shut down indefinite strike action by more than 17,000 postal workers. Union officials ended the national walkout without securing a single demand, following a closed-door discussion with Postal Services Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. Last Friday, the Dissanayake government mobilised army personnel to clear a large backlog of parcels at Colombos Central Mail Exchange.

Samitha Fernando, a postal worker and long-time SEP member, chaired the meeting. He stressed that the betrayal of the struggle once again revealed that workers cannot place any confidence in the trade union leaderships.

He explained that postal workers have engaged in repeated struggles over the same demands for many years. Each time, the unions have worn down workers determination, ordering them back to work empty-handed.

Fernando reviewed the intolerable conditions facing postal employees, who are forced to do compulsory overtime without proper pay and work long hours in extreme heat and monsoon rains. Delivery staff are often required to cover vast areas on worn-out bicycles. State-issued allowances to cover basic expensessuch as bicycle maintenance and uniformsfall far short of actual costs.

The speaker also highlighted how Jayatissa responded to the legitimate grievances of postal workers. Instead of recognising their demands, he arrogantly declared that the government had no funds to pay for overtime. Dissatisfied workers, he said, should simply find jobs elsewhere.

Fernando explained that the government had also threatened mass sackings, cancellation of leave and the illegalisation of trade union action. Most significantly, it threatened to withhold the August wages of striking workers.

These measures, he said, are part of the broader austerity agenda dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The governments program is not to meet workers demands but to privatise state-owned enterprises and slash public spending.

Fernando said this reality made clear that workers could not rely on the union bureaucracy, whose entire role is to prevent genuine resistance. Instead, he urged the creation of independent action committees in each workplace, democratically controlled by workers themselves, to advance their struggle.

Delivering the main report, SEP Assistant Secretary Saman Gunadasa outlined the political significance of the strike and its betrayal. He explained how the government issued ultimatums and mobilised the police and military to suppress postal workers. Trade union officials had responded with continual calls for discussions with the minister.

This proves that relying on the unions is a dead endnot only for postal workers but for every section of the working class, he said. These leaders do not fight for their members demands. They agree with the governments policies and help implement them.

Gunadasa traced the roots of the dispute to the IMFs austerity program. The IMF insists that public enterprises must operate on a for-profit basis, with treasury funds used, not for the social needs of the majority, but towards repaying Sri Lankas international debt. In line with this, Jayatissa openly declared that the postal service must become profitable, justifying the curtailment of overtime payments and other cost-cutting measures.

Gunadasa pointed out that the restructuring and eventual privatisation of the postal service is part of a broader plan to privatise around 400 state-owned enterprises. While resistance is developing among employees in other workplaces, he said, the trade union bureaucracies in those sectors are also working to contain and sabotage opposition, providing the government the time and space to impose the IMFs demands.

Gunadasa placed the struggle of postal workers within the context of the broader crisis of Sri Lankan capitalism. He recalled the eruption of the 2022 mass uprising in Sri Lanka, which was triggered by the global crisis that led to an unprecedented economic calamity in the country, and how that movementwhich toppled the Rajapakse governmentwas ultimately betrayed by union leaders and various pseudo-left groups.

These forces blocked the development of an independent political movement of the working class, channelling mass anger behind capitalist parties such as the JVP [Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna] and their demand for an interim administration of the discredited parliamentary parties, he said.

The JVP came to power in 2024 by making sweeping promises to address peoples grievances. The new regime, however, has been exposed as an instrument of big business and international finance capital, continuing the same austerity measures as its predecessors, he said.

Gunadasa emphasised that the political crisis of the government and the ruling elite is intensifying. He cited the unprecedented arrest of former president Ranil Wickremesinghe. This was part of the governments desperate attempts to divert mass anger and suppress growing opposition among workers, the rural masses, and youth against its ruthless policies.

The working class requires its own independent political program, he stressed, and explained the SEPs fight for workers to establish independent action committees, free from the control of the trade union bureaucracy and the capitalist parties.

These committees, Gunadasa said, should unite workers across all industries and link up with rural farmers and the oppressed masses. On this basis, the SEP is calling for the convening of a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and Rural Masses to fight for a workers and farmers government. Such a government would expropriate the wealth of big business and finance capital and reorganise production for social need, not private profit.

Gunadasa also emphasised the international dimension of the struggle. Postal workers in the US, Canada and the UK have recently engaged in their own battles, he said. The building of the International Workers Alliance of Action Committees is a necessary vehicle to unite workers globally against the assault on their rights.

The meeting concluded with a lively discussion. A northern postal worker, Sasi Kumar, said he was eager to link up with postal workers internationally. He asked whether the demands of Sri Lankan postal workers could ever be won.

Gunadasa welcomed the proposal for international collaboration and urged the establishment of an independent postal workers action committee in Sri Lanka, which could then coordinate with similar committees abroad. He warned that under IMF austerity, the government will not meet workers demands but will instead intensify attacks on existing rights.

Another question concerned the connection between the strike and Wickremesinghes arrest.

Gunadasa explained that the government acted out of political desperation. Facing deepening opposition among workers and the rural poor, it sought to distract attention by arresting a widely despised political figure while continuing repressive measures against strikers. He said, If the government treats one of its own political establishment this way, how will it deal with workers?

Kapila Fernando, from the Action Committee of Teachers, Students, and Parents and an SEP member, told the meeting that every section of the working class faces harsh attacks. He explained how the governments IMF-dictated attacks are aimed at destroying the public education system.

The leaders of the teachers unions are no different from the postal union bosses. This points to the need for workers to take matters into their own hands, Fernando added.

Dehin Wasantha, a non-academic worker and SEP member, expressed full support for the postal workers struggle and condemned government repression. He referred to the one-day token strike called by non-academic unions last week to dissipate members anger.

Wasantha also recalled the betrayal of the 75-day strike of 13,000 non-academic staff, which ended on July 14, 2024, without any demands being won.

Shouldnt we, the workers, take independent initiative to form action committees as our democratic organs? We should, he said.

The SEP meeting ended with a clear call to action: the formation of postal workers action committees, the unification of struggles across workplaces and industries, and the building of the SEP itself as the mass party of the Sri Lankan working class.
To learn more about rank-and-file committees, fill out the form below.

Workers install a metal skin on the wing of an F/A-18 at Boeing's fighter aircraft production line in St. Louis. [AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey]

Contract negotiations for 3,200 striking Boeing machinists in St. Louis, St. Charles, Missouri and Mascoutah, Illinois between US defense contractor Boeing and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) bureaucracy have been stalled until after Labor Day, on September 5.

A clear strategy is emerging to defeat the militancy of the rank-and-file, who have been striking since August 5. With the assistance of the IAM leadership, which is providing a meager $200 a week in strike pay, Boeing is trying to starve workers into submission.

At the same time, the aerospace giant has received the clear backing of Wall Street and the American state. Just as talks were being tabled, Boeing on Monday was able to secure a $36.2 billion deal with Korean Air, which has been looking to update its fleet, including the purchase of 103 of the companys latest aircraft. The airline also made an engine maintenance agreement with General Electric to last for 20 years worth $13.7 billion.

Boeing announced the deal with South Koreas flagship air carrier amid the summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. Press reports indicate the Boeing deal was one of the many discussed, with Trump using the 15 percent tariff he imposed on South Korea in July, and the threat of more, to secure other favorable trade agreements for American companies.

In other words, just as with the $10 billion loan Boeing received last year to weather the strike of the 33,000 commercial workers in Seattle, Oregon and California, the company is again getting the financial backing of the entire ruling class.

The role of the Trump administration is all the more significant considering the growing war drive and Boeings central role in producing war materiel. Both capitalist parties, the Democrats as well as the Republicans, are determined to shore up the domestic front, especially at critical defense plants such as Boeings St. Louis facility. The ongoing strike directly threatens the administrations war plans against Iran, Venezuela and China.

Under these conditions, the International Association of Machinists has openly called for Trump to intervene in the strike. I would request the president of the United States get involved in these negotiations and get this company back to the table since they are the ones who are building the military planes for his military, IAM President Bryan Bryant told reporters on the picket line last week. Earlier, the IAM had issued a letter to fascist senator and January 6 co-conspirator Josh Hawley to similarly intervene.

The claim that Trump, who is threatening to flood US cities with the National Guard, might intervene on behalf of workers in order to restart military production is false to the course. What this really amounts to is a call for the Trump to intervene to forcibly shut down the strike and put workers under military discipline.

The strike exposes the rottenness of the America First policies embraced by the IAM and the union officials as a whole. The line is that American corporations and workers are bound together by a common national interest in keeping American business competitive. In reality what is called the national interest is the interests of American capitalism, which is waging a war on working people at home as well as abroad. Defense workers are heavily exploited building weapons of war which are being used in defense of profits, to conquer resources, markets and supply chains.

These wars are criminal catastrophes which have already cost millions of lives over the past 30 years and now threaten billions, with the ruling class now risking nuclear war with China and Russia.

This drive has been accompanied by the wholesale militarization of American society, one in which the trade unions are offering up their services in helping to establish a war economy. Tom Boelling, IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative, recently characterized the need for a contract among the striking workers as critical  in our nations defense. During the Pratt & Whitney strike, David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President, asserted the company is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products.

Workers may feel that the greater demand for military hardware gives them greater leverage against Boeing. But there is more involved than the basic dynamics of supply and demand.

War production is being resourced at the expense of the working class, both through the elimination of social programs, school funding, healthcare and cultural institutions which has massively accelerated under Trump, and by reducing workers in plants to virtual slave labor.

No opposition within the plants can be allowed. Workers should take the occupations of Los Angeles and Washington D.C. as dire warnings that not just cities, but also individual factories, can and will be placed under military rule if needed to ensure US military violence abroad can continue.

The centrality of Boeings role is also a key factor in why the White House under both Republican and Democratic administrations has shielded Boeing from criminal prosecution for its colossal safety failings, including the deaths of 346 passengers and crew on the 737 MAX 8 crashes in October 2018 and March 2019, as well as the door blowout on a 737 MAX 9 in January 2024.

Instead, the US government has essentially bailed out the corporation by awarding them the $20 billion contract for the new F-47 fighter jet, which will be built at the St. Louis plant.

Such high level and in depth coordination to prop up Boeing by the bourgeois makes it all the more necessary for the striking workers to formulate a strategy for themselves to win their demands. The eruption of a strike at GE Aerospace in Cincinnati shows that it is possible for workers to break through the isolation imposed on them by the IAM bureaucracy.

Workers everywhere are looking for a fight, and both strikes are part of a growing wave of opposition in the working class as a whole driven by the impossible cost of living, dangerous working conditions, the full scale attacks on democratic and social rights, and now, the invasion of major cities on the orders of the fascist president.

Other struggles in the industry in 2025 include:

A strike authorization from 2,500 marine drafters at General Dynamics in April.

900 UAW workers at Lockheed Martin from May 1 to June 2.

3,000 IAM jet engine workers and Pratt & Whitney from May 5 to 27.

3,000 Unite aircraft fitters and engineers at Airbus UK, scheduled for September 2.

But for Boeing workers to unite with these sections of the working class and others, a new strategy and a new organization is required. Last years strike by tens of thousands of Boeing workers was a semi-rebellion against the IAM officialdom, which had presented and supported an initial contract which provided for only a 20 percent pay raise over four years.

That struggle showed, as have so many others, that opposition to company dictates can only be organized through a fight against the trade union bureaucracies, which enjoy a symbiotic relationship with management. Boeing workers have to combine their immediate economic struggle with a much broader fight against war, dictatorship and in defense of the rights of workers both at home and abroad.

This requires a new leadership, rank-and-file strike committees, democratically controlled by workers themselves.

A committee would take up key demands that workers need to win the strike. This includes: a quadrupling of strike pay, full transparency and workers control over negotiations, including the publication of all backdoor discussions with Trump; flying pickets across the region to appeal for support from the entire working class; and a fight against the American war machine.

This must develop into a political struggle against the capitalist profit motive itself, the source of these social ills. The oligarchs and the massive corporations must be expropriated and placed under social ownership. The defense plants must be retooled towards producing civilian hardware to improve peoples lives, not end them.
The migrant concentration camp at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility in the Florida Everglades, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. [AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell]

On August 28, Noticias 23, the local Spanish-language Univision station in MiamiFt. Lauderdale, received several frantic phone calls from immigrants detained at the Florida Everglades concentration camp, reporting that guards were assaulting and beating them.

In phone calls recorded by the outlet, immigrants at the facilitydubbed Alligator Alcatraz by President Donald Trump and his fascist supporterssaid that at least four detainees were injured after guards deployed tear gas and began beating them.



People started shouting because a relative had died, and they started shouting for freedom. At that moment, a prison team came in and started beating everyone, said one of the detainees in one of the three phone calls.



He continued, Right now, its unrest, and well, we have the helicopter overhead. Everyone here has been beaten up, many people have bled, brother, tear gas, we are immigrants, we are not criminals, we are not murderers.

Another detainee told the outlet, There are helicopters up above and a lot of people are bleeding. Theyre beating us, theyre mistreating us.

In another phone call, an audible alarm screeched in the background as one of the immigrants pleaded through tears, Its the emergency alarm, please help us.

Family members of immigrants at the facility also reported to Noticias 23 that guards were rioting. Univision/Noticias 23 sent a request for comment to the Florida state spokesperson who oversees the concentration camp, but as of this writing there has been no reply.

The riot at the concentration camp comes one week after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction barring any further transfers to the facility and ordering it to be shut down within 60 days. Williams decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of environmental groups and the Miccosukee tribe of Florida, who argued that the facility violated several environmental laws and endangered local species and tribal resources.

The state of Florida and the US federal government have asked Judge Williams to put her order on hold pending an appeal from the state. As of this writing, Williams has not ruled on the stay request. But hundreds of detainees have reportedly been moved to other detention facilities.

It appears the judges decision to shut down the camp infuriated the guards, who have sadistically taken out their anger on the remaining immigrants at the facility.

While the camp was initially sold to the public as a cheap alternative to house up to 5,000 immigrants, it appears that at its height just under 1,000 people were imprisoned in the hellish facility. On a tour last week following Judge Williams decision, Florida Representative Maxwell Frost (Democrat) estimated that between 300 and 350 people were still being held at the camp.

On August 27, the Associated Press reported that in a message sent to South Florida Rabbi Mario Rojzman on August 22, Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said the camp was closing down operations quickly.

[W]e are probably going to be down to 0 individuals within a few days, Guthrie wrote to Rojzman, indicating that the rabbis services would not be needed at the camp.

Questioned by an AP reporter about the email at an event in Orlando, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not dispute the account and indicated that the camp was no longer needed because the Department of Homeland Security was increasing the pace of deportations.

Ultimately, its DHSs decision where they want to process and stage detainees, and its their decision about when they want to bring them out, DeSantis told AP.

The barbaric immigrant detention facility was hastily constructed two months ago in the middle of the Florida Everglades on a defunct airport tarmac. After construction was completed, Trump toured the facility with DeSantis, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and the fascist White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.



Trump hailed the camp as a model to be emulated and openly mused that it could be used to imprison and deport US citizens: But we also have a lot of bad people that have been here for a long time.  They are not new to our country, they are old to our country. Many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell out of here too. You want to know the truth.

President Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others tour the concentration camp at Dade-Collier Training and Transition facility, Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

As soon as the concentration camp opened, reports immediately emerged of cruel, inhumane and unlivable conditions. Overflowing toilets, humid tents filled with mosquitos and other insects, inedible food containing worms, and the denial of access to attorneys and medical care are just some of the abuses immigrants held at the facility have suffered.

Disease also appears to be spreading rampantly at the facility. Immigrants and guards have fallen ill from what appears to have been a massive COVID-19 outbreak that nearly killed Luis Manuel Rivas Velasquez, a 38-year-old Venezuelan man. Rivas Velasquez collapsed at the facility earlier this month after being denied medical care.

In addition to being a colossal human rights abuse, the concentration camp is also a tremendous waste of money. The state of Florida signed approximately $405 million in vendor contracts to build and operate the facility, and by July 2025 had already paid out about $245 million, according to the AP. Because of the judges ruling, the AP estimated the state stands to lose approximately $218 million.

Court documents submitted by the Florida Department of Emergency Management and reviewed by WPTV, the local NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach, found that it could cost as much as $20 million to tear down the camp.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, fifth left, German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, second right, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, fourth right, and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger pose in front of stacked artillery shells during the inauguration of the newly built artillery ammunition plant by German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall in Unterluess, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. [AP Photo/Marcus Schreiber]

On Wednesday, the German cabinet introduced into parliament (Bundestag) a draft law for a new system of military service. With this, the ruling class is intensifying its efforts to massively expand the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) and recruit the necessary cannon fodder for German imperialisms upcoming wars. At the same time, the government decided to establish a National Security Councilanother step toward militarization and the transformation of the state in an authoritarian direction.

The draft Military Service Modernization Act approved by the cabinet provides for the introduction of a new conscription register starting January 1, 2026. All young men between the ages of 18 and 25 must complete a questionnaire; women may do so voluntarily. Suitable candidates will then be summoned for a medical examination.

Beginning in 2027, medical exams will become mandatory for all men. Service is to be made more attractive through significantly higher pay: conscripts will in future be paid the same as short-term soldiers, with net monthly wages exceeding 2,000.

Officially, military service is initially voluntary. However, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (Social Democratic Party, SPD) made clear that compulsory elements are unavoidable in the medium term: The moment we establish that [voluntary recruitment] does not work, a decision will have to be made to reintroduce conscription on a mandatory basis, he stated in an interview with broadcaster Deutschlandfunk.

The aim is to rapidly increase troop strength by 80,000 soldiers to a total of 260,000, in line with NATO requirements. The government wants to use conscription above all to massively expand the reserve. Young recruits are to remain available as reservists after completing their service.

Leading military figures and politicians already openly assume that a voluntary approach will not suffice and that compulsory conscription will soon have to be implemented. Andre Wustner, chairman of the Bundeswehr Association, declared: We have no time. If it works voluntarily, good. Honestly, I dont believe it. Thats why we must prepare for compulsory service. The Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) is demanding that conscription automatically take effect as soon as targets are missed.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has also made no secret of wanting a conscription army. He explicitly welcomed the cabinet decision as a return to that path. While helike Pistoriusstill speaks of practical hurdles such as a lack of barracks or trainers, both emphasize that the draft law will certainly be toughened in the Bundestag. No law ever leaves the Bundestag in the same form as it enters, said Pistorius.

This current return to conscription resembles less the post-World War II war draft and more the historical precedent of 1935: back then, Hitler and the Nazis reintroduced conscription to prepare German imperialism for World War II. Today, too, the reintroduction of conscription is directly tied to aggressive rearmament and war preparations.

Significantly, Pistorius on the same day attended the inauguration of a new Rheinmetall munitions factory in Unterlu, Lower Saxonytogether with Finance Minister, Vice Chancellor and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. At full capacity, the plant is set to become Europes largest munitions factory, producing 350,000 155-millimeter shells annually by 2027. Along with other sites, Rheinmetall aims to reach 1.5 million shells per year and establish itself as the leading producer in the Western world.

Parallel to the military service law, the cabinet approved the creation of a National Security Council. Chaired by the chancellor, the council will include the ministers of finance, foreign affairs, interior, justice, economy, defence and others, as well as intelligence agencies and the Bundeswehr. Representatives of federal states, international organizations, think tanks and corporations may also be brought in as needed.

Officially, the council is tasked with providing strategic foresight and developing options for action. In reality, it is a war council that will centrally coordinate the militarization of all areas of societywithout parliamentary or democratic oversight. According to an official government statement, it can make final decisions unless the constitution or a federal law opposes it. In effect, society as a whole is being placed on a war footing and prepared for a permanent state of emergency.

The council directly implements the 2023 National Security Strategy, which the WSWS at the time described as a blueprint for total war. That document places all policyfrom raw materials to education, health care to climateunder the primacy of security and thereby declares it war-relevant. One of the councils central tasks, according to the government, is to update the National Security Strategy.

These legislative initiatives come at a moment when the government is expanding its role as the spearhead of NATOs war offensive against Russia. Just earlier this week, Klingbeil traveled to Kiev, promised President Volodymyr Zelensky annual military aid of at least 9 billion [$US10.5 billion] and reaffirmed Germanys readiness to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.

Klingbeil also announced that Germany would massively support Ukraines arms production with money and know-howincluding long-range attack drones. Ukraine is thus becoming a testing ground for the German arms industry and weapons technology.

In parallel, Klingbeil is preparing a war budget that will triple defence spending to 153 billion by 2029 and raise it long term to five percent of GDP (225 billion annually). This is to be financed by 1 trillion in new debtpaired with drastic social spending cuts. Merz bluntly stated last weekend: The welfare state as we have it today is no longer affordable.

Eighty-four years after the start of Hitlers war of annihilation against the Soviet Union, German tanks are once again rolling east. With the permanent stationing of a brigade in Lithuania, the Bundeswehr, for the first time since 1945, is deploying a fully equipped combat unit directly on Russias border.

The ruling class is thus seamlessly continuing its historic drive: control over Ukraine, access to Russian resources and dominance over the Eurasian landmass. This is the goal of the new German militarism, whichat least for now still closely coordinated with NATOis working toward independent European action, or rather war-making, under German leadership.

Also on Wednesday, leading news weekly Der Spiegel published a commentary by government-aligned think-tanker staffers Christian Molling and Claudia Major titled Europe Now Needs Its Own Way of War. By this they mean Germany and the European Union (EU) must acquire the capability to plan and wage major wars independently of the USand rapidly build the necessary military structures, including nuclear armament.

Such calls, together with the reintroduction of conscription, the creation of a National Security Council and massive rearmament, make it clear: the ruling class is once again actively preparing for war and is readyafter its horrific crimes in two world warsto commit new ones, sacrificing an entire generation for the predatory interests of German imperialism. This madness must be stopped.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the youth organization of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP) and the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), sharply reject the governments plans and make clear what is at stake:

We say no to conscriptionin whatever form, at whatever time! We are not cannon fodder for the profits of the rich! Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, the German government wants to line up an entire generation again, ready to sacrifice their lives for the economic interests of the ruling class. The return of conscription is part of the militarisation of society as a whole.

The IYSSE statement denounces the pacifism of the affluent middle class, who support war as long as it does not affect them personally. For us, stopping conscription means stopping war escalation! It also rejects the positions of organizations such as the SPD youth wing (Jusos), the Green Youth and the Left Party, who nominally criticize or reject conscription but agree that the Bundeswehr must be expanded as a supposed defensive army.

And it provides clear orientation and perspective for the widespread opposition to conscription, militarism, and war: A fight against conscription means a fight against war and its rootcapitalism. The IYSSE call for building an independent movement of the working class that is international, anti-capitalist and socialist, and that confronts imperialist war with the perspective of social revolution.

The decisive task is to consciously organize resistance on this basis. Youth, workers and all who want to prevent the madness of a third world war must unite, reject the war plans and draw the necessary conclusion: the building of the SGP in Germany and worldwide of the ICFI as the new revolutionary leadership. Only in this way can the catastrophe of another world war be prevented and a peaceful, socialist future won.
May Day demonstration in Rome [Photo: Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro]

On August 25, 58-year-old Demetrio Rima, a maintenance worker employed by Cebat Spa, was electrocuted while performing maintenance inside an Enel power cabin located between Sparanise and Francolise in the province of Caserta. His death is part of a broader pattern of workplace fatalities in Italy, where 873 workers have died since the start of 2025an average of one death every six hours.

According to data from the National Observatory on Workplace Deaths, 621 of these fatalities occurred directly at workplaces (as opposed to when in transit to and from), marking the highest toll since the institutions founding in 2008. Among the dead, 32 percent are migrant workers, disproportionately assigned to the most hazardous, underpaid and precarious jobs. Over 30 percent are over the age of 60, with many compelled to remain in unsafe environments well past retirement due to declining pensions and stagnant wages.

A week of death

The death of Demetrio Rima follows a week marked by a series of horrific incidents that underscore the systematic character of this slaughter:

August 19: Mario Fabbro, 61, collapsed and died from a heart attack while working on the Pinzolo bypass construction site in Giustino, managed by Sac Costruzioni. Colleagues reported brutal 12-hour shifts, broken-down equipment, no air conditioning, and vehicles with worn tires and shattered windowsa lethal combination of exhaustion and corporate neglect.

August 2021: Hussain Mazammal, a 28-year-old Pakistani migrant, was crushed to death while operating a forklift at a pellet production facility in Marmorta di Molinella. The company is now hiding behind an ongoing investigation, but the reality is evident: speedups, unsafe machinery and cost-cutting killed him.

August 22: In Ragusa, 15-year-old Andrea Passalacqua, a student from the Fabio Besta Institute, was crushed by a tractor on his familys farm. The fact that a teenager was pressed into an unsafe agricultural environment that exposed him to deadly risks illustrates the economic desperation confronting large sections of Italian workers.

This wave of deaths exposes a deepening social crisis, the product of decades of deregulation, cost-cutting, the normalization of overwork, precarious contracts, the brutal subcontracting regime and the systematic subordination of workers lives to profit. It is necessary to call this what it is: a social crime perpetrated by the capitalist state, major corporations and the trade union bureaucracy that has facilitated these policies.

Deregulation and the Jobs Act

The Observatorys report is unequivocal: workplace deaths have surged 43 percent since the abolition of Article 18 of the Workers Statute, which once offered limited protection against unjust firings. A June 2023 subcontracting law has worsened the crisis, driving a 15 percent rise in fatalities in sectors like construction and public works.

Central to this disaster is the 2015 Jobs Act, imposed by the Renzi government with full backing from the Democratic Party and the collaboration of CGIL, CISL and UIL. The law granted employers sweeping power to hire and fire without cause, abolished mandatory reinstatement for unjust dismissals, introduced a unified employment contract that eroded hard-won protections, legalized invasive surveillance of workers emails, browsing and phones, and replaced Cassa Integrazione with a weaker safety net.

Propagandized under the guise of modernization, it was a deliberate prioritization of corporate profits over workers lives. Companies now exploit fragmented subcontracting chains to evade responsibility, while inspections are gutted and safety regulations dismantled.

In response to rising deaths, Parliament passed Law 203/2024, allowing the Meloni government to allocate 650 million to incentivize prevention. In reality, it cuts costs for employers and shifts blame onto workers through the fraudulent notion of a culture of prevention that emphasizes individual accountability in workplace safety and employment practices. Through this mechanism, individual toilers, not corporations, are held responsible for their own disablement and deaths.

The trade unions: accomplices in a social massacre

The CGIL, CISL and UIL unions respond to each workplace death with the same hollow statements:

Another life cut short, another worker who will never return home. Another death crying out for justice.

These perfunctory condolences act like automated replies. They name no guilty parties and mobilize no struggle. In reality, the union bureaucracy collaborates closely with Giorgia Melonis fascistic government and corporations, working to contain anger as it blocks strikes and protects the system responsible for these killings.

In May 2025, CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini met with the Meloni government under the pretense of improving workplace safety. He emerged praising the outcome:

For the first time, they have formally declared their willingness to engage in discussion and address the substance of the issue.

Three months later, CGIL confederal secretary Francesca Re David was forced to admit:

The commitments made at the table held on May 8 at Palazzo Chigi have not been honored.

No worker can believe that a government rooted in fascist traditions would voluntarily improve safety. Landini and his counterparts knew this, but helped Meloni buy time to push through more reactionary measures.

On August 4, the Council of Ministers approved the Simplifications Bill, modifying Article 4 of the Workers Statute to allow employers to install video surveillance and control devices without the need for union approval, as previously required.

Re David made clear she relies on the traitors in the Democratic Party: We intend to strongly oppose the measure throughout the parliamentary process. Her concern is not the historic assault on workers democratic right to privacy and dignitybut that the union has lost the power to authorize such attacks.

State policies deepen the crisis

Recent policy changes worsen the situation. The 203/2024 Law allows employers to appeal INAIL decisions. INAIL is Italys main statutory workplace safety and insurance body responsible for managing mandatory insurance protecting workers from damages caused by workplace accidents and occupational diseases and this measure weakens the agencys enforcement power. At the same time, restrictions on confined-space labor have been loosened, allowing work in dangerous environments without adequate monitoring of toxic emissions.

A safety commission has been established, but it is entirely controlled by the executive branch, with no independent workers oversight. Migrant, informal and subcontracted workersalready among the most vulnerableremain effectively uncovered.

Neither Melonis fascist government nor the so-called center-left has any solution to this mounting catastrophe. The Democrats Jobs Act paved the way for todays massacre, while the right accelerates the destruction of remaining protections.

This bipartisan unity mirrors trends across Europe and internationally. Under conditions of sharpening global capitalist crisis, all sections of the ruling eliteregardless of political labelsare dismantling worker protections to maintain profitability and competitiveness. Italys record-high death toll is part of a broader offensive against the working class, in which human life is subordinated to the relentless accumulation of capital.

The way forward: rank-and-file committees and international struggle

Workers cannot place faith in the government, the state, its courts or the union apparatus. These institutions are structurally committed to defending capitalist interests and maintaining the conditions that lead to workers deaths. The only way forward is through independent organization, outside and against the control of CGIL, CISL, UIL and their affiliates.

Workers must form rank-and-file safety committees in every workplace, linking up across sectors, regions and countries. These committees must take matters into their own hands, following the lead given by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), which launched an investigation into the death of Ronald Adams Sr. in the United States. This initiative, led by workers themselves, shows the only way to carry out independent inquiries with the goal to expose the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

Such committees must demand full transparency on workplace fatalities, conduct workers-led safety inspections and fight against the corporations, the state and the union bureaucracy that defends them. But above all, they must unite Italian workers with their class brothers and sisters internationally, forging a global network of rank-and-file committees to confront the shared conditions of exploitation created by capitalism.

The escalating slaughter of workers will not be stopped by appeals to the same forces that created it. Only through collective, independent action and the building of an international socialist movement can workers defend their lives and fight for a society that places human need above profit.
The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (SIS) released its annual Security Threat Environment report on August 21. The document purports to give an assessment of violent extremism, foreign interference and espionage in New Zealand.

New Zealands Security Threat Environment report 2025 [Photo: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service]

The 30-page report has two basic purposes. Firstly, it serves as propaganda to justify the National Party-led governments agendafully supported by the opposition Labour Partyto double New Zealands military budget and integrate the country into the far-advanced US plans for war against China.

Secondly, it seeks to justify the expansion of domestic surveillance, censorship, and other attacks on the rights of New Zealand citizens and migrants, in the name of countering violent extremism and foreign interference.

Director-General of Security Andrew Hampton declared in a statement: Our threat environment is deteriorating and that has a direct impact on our safety and security. Increasing levels of polarisation and grievance are driving support for violent extremist ideologies and foreign states are more willing to target New Zealand organisations and communities in order to achieve their aims.

The SIS report accuses China, Russia and Iran of being willing to engage in covert or deceptive activity in order to influence discussions and decisions. It singles out China as a particularly assertive and powerful actor [seeking to] extend and embed its influence across the [Indo-Pacific] region. It has demonstrated both a willingness and capability to undertake intelligence activity that targets New Zealands national interests.

China is described as the most active state undertaking foreign interference, which the SIS defines as seeking to influence, disrupt, or subvert New Zealands national interests by deceptive, corruptive, or coercive means.

This assertion has been repeated uncritically by the media, even though the SIS provides no actual evidence of Chinese espionage or interference. No one linked to Beijing has been arrested or charged with such activity.

A statement by the Chinese Embassy in Wellington denounced the accusations as entirely unsubstantiated and groundless, saturated with ideological bias and a Cold War mentality. It said the SISs aim was to sow discord, obstruct bilateral engagement and undermine friendly relations between China and New Zealand, all in service of [a] certain geopolitical agenda.

Successive New Zealand governments have strengthened economic ties with China, NZs most significant trading partner. At the same time, NZ remains a minor imperialist power allied to the US, and the NZ military has repeatedly joined exercises that are rehearsing for an attack on China.

As part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network led by the US, New Zealand agencies have been implicated in spying on China. The Trump administration recently opened a new FBI office in Wellington with the explicit aim of countering China.

The SIS report refers several times to people co-opted to act on behalf of the foreign state. These co-optees are often New Zealanders themselves and are alleged to be involved in surveillance of diaspora communities, influencing NZ government officials, and leading unnamed community organisations or front organisations.

The prominent pro-US academic Anne-Marie Brady, who welcomed the SIS report, has repeatedly labelled Chinese language learning groups, student organisations and media outlets in NZ as fronts for the Chinese Communist Party, and called for them to be subject to surveillance.

The most well-known recent example of someone who was investigated by the SIS as an alleged foreign agent is the journalist Mick Hall, who was subjected to a media-driven hate campaign in 2023 and forced out of his job at Radio NZ. His crime was making entirely factual edits to articles about the US-NATO proxy war with Russia over Ukrainewhich undermined the pervasive anti-Russia war propagandafor which he was smeared as a Russian agent.

Draft legislation currently before parliament would create a new specific offence of foreign interference, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The bill, which is supported by the opposition Labour Party, would provide the means to prosecute anti-war activists and socialists by labelling them as foreign agents acting against national interests.

The section of the SIS report under the heading New Zealands violent extremism environment appears to have been written largely to support the governments plan to ban teenagers under 16 years old from using social media. Such a ban can only be enforced by collecting information about all social media users.

The SIS declares: Teenagers are increasingly coming to the attention of security services around the world. This trend will almost certainly continue, particularly given how exposed young people are to the online world, and the vast amounts of harmful content readily available.

It warns: Unfettered access to the internet, along with a lack of anyone disrupting or asking questions about [teenagers] activity, can make the pathways to violence incredibly short. The clear implication is that young peoples internet access should be restricted and policed to prevent radicalisation.

While the SIS mentions Islamic State and white identity ideologies as examples of violent extremism, the primary target of online censorship internationally and in New Zealand is not the far-right, but anti-war and socialist views. The World Socialist Web Site is heavily censored by social media algorithms and in Google search results.

The SIS has previously sought to stoke suspicion towards the mass protests against the Gaza genocide, which are continuing across New Zealand. In December 2024 the agency claimed that the widening Israel/Gaza conflict was linked to anti-Semitic and Islamophobic narratives in New Zealand, without giving any evidence or examples of this.

During the First and Second World Wars, New Zealand governments established a police state, which banned socialist and anti-war publications and imprisoned hundreds of people on sedition charges for opposing the war.

In response to the historic crisis of capitalism, the imperialist powers led by the US are now plunging towards a third world war aimed at dominating the worlds markets and resources. New Zealand is directly involved on multiple fronts: NZ troops in Britain are training Ukrainian conscripts to fight Russia, and in the Middle East, assisting in the US-led bombing of Yemen; and NZ is openly supporting US-led warmongering against China.

The ruling elite is strengthening the powers of the state in preparation to suppress mass opposition to war, genocide and to the deepening attacks on living standards and public services that are being carried out to fund the military. The National Party-led government is proceeding with the full support of Labour and the union bureaucracy, which is blocking any organised opposition by workers.

The working class must respond with its own, socialist and internationalist strategy to abolish the capitalist system, which is the only way to put an end to war, social inequality and the drive to dictatorship.
When Max Keenan joined Y Combinators summer 2022 batch, he was working on Aurelian, a company that automated appointment bookings for hair salons. But less than a year later, a conversation with one of his clients led him to a far more significant problem.

A nearby schools carpool line was constantly blocking the parking lot of one of Aurelians hair salon clients. The salon owner called the citys non-emergency line and was put on hold for 45 minutes before reaching a dispatcher. She called me into her office afterwards, and was like, Max, do you want to help me out? Keenan told TechCrunch.

When he started to research how municipal non-emergency response call centers work, he discovered that they are often handled by the same people who are answering actual 911 emergencies.

Aurelian pivoted to building an AI voice assistant that helps 911 call centers offload non-emergency call volume. The company announced on Wednesday that it raised a $14 million Series A led by NEA.

The companys AI voice agent is designed to triage non-urgent issues like noise complaints, parking violations, and even stolen wallet reports  situations that dont need an officers immediate response or can be handled without dispatching personnel to the scene.

Aurelians AI is trained to recognize a real emergency and immediately transfer those calls to a human dispatcher, Keenan said. In other situations, the system collects key information and either creates a report for or relays the details directly to the police department for follow-up action.

Since launching its AI assistant in May 2024, Aurelian has been deployed at more than a dozen 911 dispatch centers, including those serving Snohomish County, Washington; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Emergency call centers are adopting Aurelian largely because they are consistently understaffed  a direct result of dispatching being a high-pressure job that ranks among the top 10 industries with the highest turnover rates. Emergency dispatchers are often asked to work overtime, with reports of 12- to 16-hour workdays in certain counties.

The reason why were most focused on 911 is because its the industry that has this pain point most acutely, Keenan said. We think that these telecommunicators should have a chance of taking a break or go to the bathroom.

Mustafa Neemuchwala, a partner at NEA, said, One of the things that blows my mind, youre not replacing an existing human being; youre replacing a person they wanted to hire but couldnt.

Aurelian isnt the only AI startup tackling non-emergency calls. Hyper, which raised a $6.3 million seed round, came out of stealth last month. Prepared, a company founded in 2019, also recently added an AI voice solution for emergency response.

But Aurelian believes its product is ahead of the competition. According to Neemuchwala, Aurelian is the only company actually deployed and handling live calls. As far as we know, nobody else is actually live, he said, referring to Aurelian responding to thousands of actual calls daily.
By Stephen Nellis, Max A. Cherney and Arsheeya Bajwa

(Reuters) -Nvidia shares dipped on Wednesday as the fate of its China business hung in the balance, caught up in the trade war between Washington and Beijing.

CEO Jensen Huang expects permission to restart selling Nvidia's chips to China after striking a deal with U.S. President Donald Trump to pay commissions to the U.S. government. But with no formal U.S. rules in place and questions about whether Chinese regulators will discourage purchases of Nvidia chips, the AI market bellwether excluded potential China sales from the forecast for the current quarter.

That left only a lukewarm outlook that, while still huge in absolute dollar terms and slightly above analyst estimates, disappointed investors accustomed to blowout results and sent shares down 3.2% in after-hours trading. The stock dip clipped about $110 billion from Nvidias $4.4 trillion market capitalization.

"Nvidias biggest bottleneck isnt silicon, its diplomacy," said Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer at Running Point Capital. He added that Nvidias growth curve was "still impressive, but not as exponential."

The chipmaker expects revenue of $54 billion, plus or minus 2%, in the third quarter, compared with analysts' average estimate of $53.14 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. But its fiscal second-quarter results came up short of some analyst expectations in its important data center segment, with some analysts suggesting cloud computing providers may be more cautious about spending.

Nvidia also said it has not assumed any shipments of its H20 chips to China in its outlook, despite having earlier this month received some licenses to sell them. If geopolitical issues subside and it gets more orders, Nvidia said it could add $2 billion to $5 billion in H20 revenue in the third quarter.

While Nvidia's forecast came in a bit softer than expectations, any sales to China next quarter would be added to the outlook, said Ben Bajarin, CEO of technology consulting firm Creative Strategies. "That is a big question mark to watch."

Still, demand has surged for Nvidia's advanced chips that can speedily process the large amounts of data used by generative AI applications as businesses race each other to dominate the new technology.

Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress said the company's "sovereign AI" efforts - a push to sell AI chips and software to governments around the world - are on track to generate $20 billion in revenue this year. Kress also said AI efforts are on track to spur $600 billion in spending by cloud and enterprise customers this year alone and could generate $3 trillion to $4 trillion in infrastructure spending by the end of the decade.
Earlier this year, Tyler Sorenson took an old-school approach to landing a job. He walked into a brick-and-mortar tech repair company, handed them an unsolicited paper resume, and hoped for the best.

"I literally just had to walk into that store and hand them an actual resume for them to even take a look at me, he told Business Insider. I got a call a week later where they were asking me to formally apply.

Prior to the paper resume debacle, Sorenson, like many job seekers, had become frustrated with the state of hiring. He was hearing about understaffed businesses and seeing plenty of companies post job openings online, but he couldn't get anyone to look at his resume or initiate an interview.

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As hiring has slowed and AI has become a staple in the process, job hunting has become increasingly frustrating. As a result, people on both sides of the process have begun to resort to retro methods for finding that perfect candidate or position.

Hatim Rahman, an associate professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University, told Business Insider that AI has made hiring "a cat and mouse game." With candidates using bots to mass-apply for roles and employers using AI to screen and even interview potential hires, it can be hard to gauge who the quality candidates may be.

As a result, Rahman says he's seen a push from both candidates and employers toward finding "more human signals in both the process of searching and applying.

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Cindy Meis, director of undergraduate career services at the University of Iowas Tippie College of Business, says that for many companies, this looks like showing preference to candidates who have had "multiple touchpoints" with their business.

You have to keep going to the career fair, you have to go to that tabling event in order to stand out and reintroduce yourself to those recruiters and have those connections within the organization, Meis told the website. You used to be able to do that with a cover letter.

Victoria Thomas, chief business officer of Kellymoss, a Porsche customization and racing company, has also taken a more retro approach to hiring. She told Business Insider that she regularly flies candidates out to the company's Wisconsin office to ensure they actually have the skills and work style required for the role.
By Rajasik Mukherjee and Sherin Sunny

(Reuters) -Air New Zealand posted a smaller-than-expected drop in full-year profit on Thursday, but warned that ongoing engine maintenance issues and sluggish domestic demand would continue to pressure earnings in the current financial year.

The airline cautioned that its first-half pre-tax earnings for fiscal 2026, ending December 31, 2025, would be flat to lower than the NZ$34 million ($20 million) reported in the prior six months, and a sharp fall from NZ$155 million earned a year earlier.

The 2025 financial year was the first full 12-month period hit by additional global maintenance requirements on Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce engines.

Chief Executive Greg Foran said unforeseen delays in essential engine maintenance forced the grounding of 11 aircraft in the carrier's Airbus neo and Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets.

Air New Zealand received NZ$129 million in compensation from the engine manufacturers, but estimated that pre-tax profit could have been NZ$165 million higher if operations had run as scheduled, the CEO said.

Foran will step down as CEO in October, with insider Nikhil Ravishankar named as his successor last month.

For the year ended June 30, the airline posted earnings before tax of NZ$189 million, topping a Visible Alpha consensus estimate of NZ$178.6 million, but below last year's NZ$222 million.

That, however, marked its weakest earnings in 13 years, excluding pandemic-driven losses between 2020 and 2023, per Reuters calculations based on data compiled by LSEG.

Still, traders took a 'glass half full' view of the results, according to KCM Trade chief market analyst Tim Waterer. He noted that the airline managed to post profit at the higher end of expectations despite worries about domestic demand.

Shares ended flat for the day.

Air New Zealand declared a final dividend of 1.25 New Zealand cents per share, unchanged from last year.

($1 = N$1.7033)

(Reporting by Rajasik Mukherjee, Sherin Sunny and Keshav Singh Chundawat in Bengaluru; Editing by Sumana Nandy, Alan Barona and Sonia Cheema)
Prince Harry has had quite the year. From the emotional decision to step down as a patron of Sentebale, to ongoing speculation about possible peace talks with his estranged familynamely King Charles and Prince Williamtheres rarely a moment when the Duke of Sussex isnt making headlines. And now, another trip across the pond is adding to the buzz. But this time, it's not for any of the reasons you might expect.

Harry, 40, is heading back to the U.K. for a cause close to his heart: the WellChild Awards. On August 28, the charity announced via social media that, Prince Harry will be celebrating 20 years of the WellChild Awards in London on 8th September. The event, in association with GSK, honours the inspirational achievements of seriously ill children and the people who care for them.

In a statement, Prince Harry confirmed his attendance, saying, I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit.

He added, For 20 years these Awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers who support them every step of the way.

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As WellChilds patron since 2007, Harry has been a long-time advocate for the organization, which works to ensure children with serious health challenges receive care at home rather than in hospitals. His dedication to the cause has remained steady, even amid the many changes in his royal and personal life.

This years awards ceremony is scheduled for September 8, a date that holds added significance: it marks the third anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. While its unclear whether Harry plans to publicly commemorate the occasion while in London, given his track record, a quiet, heartfelt gesture wouldnt be out of character.

Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images

Just earlier this month, Harry honored his late grandfather, Prince Philip, in a similarly understated way. A wreath and personal letter from the Duke of Sussex were placed at the Burma Star Memorial, which is dedicated to honoring those who served in the Allied Forces during the Burma Campaignsomething Prince Philip was directly connected to.

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Award-winning Portuguese auteur Joao Pedro Rodrigues (Will-O-the-Wisp) is developing his next feature, the Luca Guadagnino-produced Afonsos Smile, a coming-of-age story about a teenage boy who discovers his sexuality amid the upheaval of the Portuguese revolution. The director will be presenting the film during the Venice Gap-Financing Market, which runs on the Lido from Aug. 29  31.

Afonsos Smile begins in the aftermath of Portugals April 1974 Revolution, as 16-year-old Afonso returns from Macau to live with his artist mother, Noemia, in Lisbon, a city still caught in the throes of post-revolutionary fervor. As the capital begins to awaken from decades of dictatorship, Afonso is stirring with his own emotional and sexual awakening.

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Before long, hes drawn into Lisbons clandestine gay community, where he grapples with his own identity and desires. His growing attraction to Noemias lover, an English journalist, blossoms into a fantasy affair through their shared passion for books, setting Afonso on a course to make increasingly risky choices as he seeks to experience love and personal freedom for the first time.

Afonsos Smile is a co-production between Terratreme Filmes (Portugal), Joli Rideau (Luxembourg) and Frenesy Film (Italy), and produced by Joao Matos, Fabrizio Maltese and Guadagnino, whose latest film, the Julia Roberts-starring After the Hunt, premieres Out of Competition at the Venice Film Festival. Its based on a story by Miguel Fajardo, which was set in Colombia but adapted by Rodrigues to explore the Portuguese reality of the revolution in the 70s, the director told Variety.

It begins in Macau, the Portuguese colony where Rodrigues lived as a child, and is based partly on his memories of growing up there when the revolution occurred. Unlike his previous works, however, which he described as more essayistic mixes of documentary and fiction, the narrative marks his first period piece and entirely follows fictional characters during that turbulent time in Portuguese history.

The setting of Macau is not incidental to the story, according to Rodrigues, describing the sleepy island as a very small place unconnected to the rest of the world. The revolution arrived later there, he said. Everything arrived late. There was not even a real revolution there. Everything changed politically, but nothing much changed in reality.

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Afonsos Smile revolves around that idea of delay, said the director, mirroring the protagonists late awakening to his sexuality, as well as the political reality for the LGBTQ community in a country that was just emerging from nearly half a century of dictatorship.

Homosexuality was only legalized in Portugal in 82. The revolution was 74, said Rodrigues. There was a conservative behavior. The mindset didnt really change concerning sexuality and openness to new forms of sexuality. When it came to Portugals LGBTQ community, those rights were not conquered at the same time as freedom was conquered.

Nevertheless, an underground queer community flourished in Lisbon, despite persecution by the authorities, and its in part the story of that community  told from the perspective of a teenage protagonist whos discovering the world  that animates Afonsos Smile.

There are still a lot of stories that werent told  still not told  about that period, said Rodrigues. Its not really about the [political] revolution. Its about the revolution thats also happening inside him as the counterpoint of the [political] revolution. Theyre somehow going in different directions.

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The director noted that metamorphosis through desire has shaped most of his films, and in Afonsos Smile he again returns to the theme of transformation, pointing to how change is a classical way of telling a story.

In my films, somehow that change is more radical. Its more physical, he said. You go from reality into imagination into fantasy. Perhaps thats what Im interested to tackle: How can you go into imagination. I think cinema, because its so realistic, is the ideal tool to make this shift between what is real, but at the same time doesnt look real.

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Claim:

A video posted to Will Smith's official social media accounts shows genuine shots of the entertainer singing during his 2025 concert tour, intercut with AI-generated crowd footage of people who do not exist.

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

What's True:

The video comprised authentic clips of Smith singing at concerts during his "Based on a True Story" 2025 tour, as well as crowd shots featuring some AI manipulation. However 

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What's False:

 The crowd shots users questioned and prominent news outlets reported on showed people who truly do exist. One or more unidentified people used an AI tool to "bring to life" several professional-looking still pictures from Smith's concerts, transforming the genuine still images into short video clips. This photo-to-AI video manipulation, combined with YouTube's recently revealed efforts to enhance the visual quality of some YouTube Shorts with what it calls "traditional machine learning technology," led users to question the authenticity of Smith's video.

What's Undetermined:

Snopes has yet to determine whether Smith approved the decision to generate short video clips from still photos of the crowds.

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A rumor that circulated online in late August 2025 claimed Will Smith's official social media accounts shared a video showing genuine shots of the entertainer singing at one or more of his recent concerts, intercut with artificial intelligence-generated footage of completely fake, nonexistent crowds  including people with the sort of disfigured-appearing faces and bodies sometimes seen in AI-manipulated content.

At the time, Smith was busy wrapping up the remaining European dates on his "Based on a True Story" tour, several months after the March release of his new album of the same name. The rumor alleging AI-generated crowd scenes were inserted into video footage from the tour sowed skepticism about Smith's popularity.

For example, one X user's post (archived), receiving more than 9 million views, included the clip and read, "Will Smith is being accused of posting a video that features AI-generated shots of fans cheering in the crowd during his tour." Other users shared the video and claim on Bluesky (archived), Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Threads (archived), TikTok (archived) and X (archived), essentially alleging that Smith's concerts didn't feature large, enthusiastic crowds, and that some crowd shots depicted people who do not exist in real life.

Will Smith is being accused of posting a video that features AI-generated shots of fans cheering in the crowd during his tour pic.twitter.com/1Zvmp1p8Mg  FearBuck (@FearedBuck) August 27, 2025

Prominent news media outlets including CNET, Cosmopolitan, the Daily Mail, Futurism, The Independent, the International Business Times, Mashable and Rolling Stone all reported on this rumor. However, many of these sources failed to report that Smith's video depicted real people, and that the reality of the matter involved someone using AI to generate short video clips from professional-looking still images  with no visible label notifying viewers of the altered content.

The 'complicated' reality of AI-enhanced videos

Waxy.org blogger Andy Baio, who painstakingly examined the video, concluded that some of the crowd shots in Smith's video do feature AI-generated clips but also show people who truly attended Smith's concerts. Baio found genuine, professional-looking still photos matching several of the presumptive AI clips. That discovery led him to conclude someone used an AI tool to bring those still pictures to life, generating short video clips from still images.

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The photo-to-AI-video manipulation, combined with YouTube's recently revealed efforts to allegedly enhance the visual quality of some YouTube Shorts with what a company spokesperson labeled as "traditional machine learning technology"  terminology some users believed to be a safe way for companies to refer to generative artificial intelligence without mentioning AI  led to users questioning the authenticity of Smith's video.

Online photos and videos showed at least some of Smith's concert dates featured packed houses with enthusiastic crowds. Those pieces of media served to dispel a narrative circulating in social media comments claiming the recording artist struggled to fill seats  a viewpoint stemming from his underperforming sales of his new album, as well as the continuing fallout from when he famously slapped stand-up comedian Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards. As of this writing, Smith's final three concerts in England all displayed "sold out" messages.

Baio wrote in his investigation of Smith's video, "We can debate the ethics of using an image-to-video model to animate photos in this way, but I think it's meaningfully different than what most people were accusing Will Smith of doing here: using generative AI video to fake a sold-out crowd of passionate fans."

In an email to Snopes, Baio also added of the aforementioned news media outlets' reports, "It's frustrating that mainstream outlets were amplifying misinformation based solely on random social media posts, but to be fair, the use of AI tools here created a confusing and novel situation that I imagine was difficult for most people to parse, including professional writers."

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TikTok user @showtoolsai  an account owned by a user who says in their bio they promote AI literacy  examined Smith's concert video and arrived at the same conclusion as Baio. That user added of Smith's video, "This went unnoticed for two weeks, but once it started the story blew up as part of the Will Smith spiral narrative. I think it's a better example of poor editing and oversight."

We contacted a representative for Smith to ask questions about this matter, including to find out whether Smith approved the decision to generate still images into short video clips, and will update this story if we receive further information.

Dissecting the images

On Aug. 12, someone managing Smith's social media accounts posted the in-question video on Facebook (archived), Instagram (archived) and YouTube (archived). The posts' caption read, "My favorite part of tour is seeing you all up close. Thank you for seeing me too."

As Baio noted in his story, the video begins with a genuine clip showing Smith singing his new song "You Can Make It" to a packed house, during either a July 31 or Aug. 1 concert at Theatre Antique d'Orange in Orange, France. The video then cycles through a series of crowd shots, including at least some created by using an AI tool to turn still photos into short video clips.

One of the shots in Smith's video shows a sign essentially reading "I Will always love you," with a photo of a "Fresh Prince"-era Smith representing for "Will" and a red heart for "love."

A still frame from the inauthentic video clip displaying exaggerated, AI-generated facial expressions. (Will Smith/Instagram)

Smith's team posted the original, authentic still photo corresponding to that AI-generated clip in an Instagram slideshow on Aug. 6  the day following his concert in Braine-le-Comte, Belgium.

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An authentic photo posted to Smith's account. (Will Smith/Instagram)

The possibly AI-generated clip of a woman holding a sign reading "Take us back to Bel-Air" truly showed a real person and sign, as evidenced by a different slideshow's still picture of the same sign visible in the crowd at Smith's July 23 concert in Nyon, Switzerland.

A still image from the potentially AI-generated video clip. (Will Smith/Instagram)

This authentic photo shows the same person and sign, visible center-left, confirming they truly exist. (Will Smith/Instagram)

A later clip displaying a view of people holding up a sign mentioning "West Philly" and "West Swizzy" (for Switzerland)  including the most egregious examples of disfigured-appearing, AI-generated faces (a common characteristic of AI-manipulated crowd shots)  also originated from a still photo hosted with the same slideshow.

This specific video clip, shown here in a still frame, displayed one of the best examples of distorted faces often seen in AI-created crowd shots. (Will Smith/Instagram)

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An authentic still image. (Will Smith/Instagram)

Skipping ahead a few shots, one AI-generated clip shows a man and woman holding up sign reading, "'You Can Make It' helped me survive cancer. Thx Will."

A still frame from a brief AI-generated clip during Smith's video. (Will Smith/Instagram)

Once again, the AI-manipulated video clip depicted real people. Smith's Instagram account hosted two authentic photos of the same man and woman holding the sign during his July 19 concert in Bern, Switzerland. As Baio noted in his report, the latter part of a genuine video also showed the same couple, further confirming them as people who exist in real life.

An authentic image showing two people holding a real sign about surviving cancer. (Will Smith/Instagram)

A second authentic photo of the same couple and sign. (Will Smith/Instagram)

Baio's full report features further details about the YouTube Shorts issue that helped to fan the flames of misinformation, including comparisons showing the difference in how Instagram and YouTube processed Smith's video. Essentially, YouTube processed Smith's video with a shiny-appearing, blurry finish, making the clip potentially look even more inauthentic. A YouTube spokesperson has since said the company is planning "an opt-out" for the alleged enhancement feature.

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For further reading about social media rumors gone wrong, we previously examined the false and unfounded claims about the Meijer supermarket chain allegedly firing a 16-year-old autistic, food-insecure deli worker  purportedly following a company-led investigation lasting months  for supposedly taking and eating discarded food. We also reported about how the attorney for a murder suspect said unused footage for an episode of the former HBO TV series "Curb Your Enthusiasm" did not, in fact, serve as the primary factor in saving his client from prison.

Sources:

Baio, Andy. "Will Smith's Concert Crowds Are Real, but AI Is Blurring the Lines." Waxy.org, 26 Aug. 2025, https://waxy.org/2025/08/will-smiths-concert-crowds-were-real-but-ai-is-blurring-the-lines/.

Coyle, Jake. "Year after the Slap, Chris Rock Punches Back in New Special." The Associated Press, 5 Mar. 2023, https://apnews.com/article/chris-rock-netflix-oscars-slap-b13e372ea8f01bacb39da49fd1bd0415.

@france3paca. ""Will Smith Est a Orange ! Retour En Image. Il Donne Deux Concerts Au Theatre Antique, Les 31 Juillet et 1er Aout 2025, Pour Le POSITIV Festival. Son Grand Retour En France Apres plus de 20 Ans !" TikTok, 1 Aug. 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@france3paca/video/7533641265955474710.

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@france3provencealpes. ""Will Smith a Orange ! Retour En Image. Il Donne Deux Concerts Au Theatre Antique, Les 31 Juillet et 1er Aout 2025, Pour Le POSITIV Festival. Son Grand Retour En France Apres plus de 20 Ans !" Instagram, 1 Aug. 2025, https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM0tvn1xIJE/.

@mathxo_3103. "Will Smith Quitte Le Theatre Antique d'Orange Apres Son Deuxieme Concert." TikTok, 1 Aug. 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@mathxo_3103/video/7533745362771758358.

Reisner, Alex. "YouTube's Sneaky AI 'Experiment.'" The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025, https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/youtube-shorts-ai-upscaling/683946/.

@rudysaitta. "THE FRESH PRINCE." TikTok, 31 Jul. 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@rudysaitta/video/7533383851880566038.

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@showtoolsai. TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@showtoolsai/.

TMZ Staff. "Tony Rock Trashes Will Smith's 'Flopped' Album for Addressing Chris Rock Slap." TMZ, 14 Apr. 2025, https://www.tmz.com/2025/04/14/tony-rock-trashes-will-smith-flopped-album-chris-slap/.

"Tour." Will Smith, https://willsmith.com/#tour.

@vibesofficiel_. "Will Smith Est Au @theatreantiquedorange_officiel Aujourd'hui et Demain Pour 2 Concerts Exceptionnels !" Instagram, 31 Jul. 2025, https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMygZBiNwSt/.

"Will Smith Concert Au Theatre Antique de Orange Le 31 Juillet 2025. You Can Make It." YouTube, gotenkunAnkoku, 14 Aug. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZLQ-fARByI.

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@willsmith. Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/willsmith/.

"YouTube Is Using AI to Alter Content (and Not Telling Us)." YouTube, Rhett Shull, 14 Aug. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY.

@YouTubeInsider. X, https://x.com/YouTubeInsider/.
Just two days after it was announced that Prime Video is developing a limited series based on the Karen Read trial starring Elizabeth Banks, Read spoke out about the project in her first public interview since she was acquitted.

I have nothing to do with that; its not authorized by me in any way, Read said during an interview with WRKO host Howie Carr on Thursday. Meanwhile, her attorney Alan Jackson said that it is Karen Reads story to tell.

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Banks will executive produce via her Brownstone Productions, as well as portray Read in the Prime Video potential series. Justin Noble will serve as the writer-showrunner, while David E. Kelley is executive producing. The logline states that the series will break down societys obsession with true crime, the allure of conspiracy, and the deepening crisis of trust in our institutions.

Read was introduced to the public when she was accused of murdering boyfriend Boston police officer John OKeefe in 2022. The autopsy revealed that he died from blunt-force trauma and hypothermia. During the trial, prosecutors claimed that Read struck him while backing up her SUV while intoxicated. Meanwhile, the defense argued that Read was framed after he was allegedly injured inside the house.

The case was first looked at during a 2024 trial, which ended in a mistrial. Read was acquitted during her second trial by a Massachusetts jury in June 2025. She was found not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges, though she was found guilty of drunk driving.

During her first interview since the trial concluded, Read admitted she had experienced little epiphanies as shes slowly readjusted to her normal life.

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Theres moments I have every day that have these little epiphanies of, Wow, this is the first time Ive done fill-in-the-blank in the last four years that I wasnt living with this nightmare, she said. Its not quite as I expected. I was expecting a switch to be flipped  but its been more like a dimmer  the lights are coming on a little brighter each week.

Read also took the opportunity to share a message with Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and state investigators. You lost. You lost big time, and you know what you did, she said.

After her life was turned upside down, Read has started fresh by selling her Mansfield, Massachusetts, home and moved in with her parents. She also lost her position at Fidelity Investments, as well as her adjunct professor job at Bentley University.

That job was not just a job  that was my career, and I still miss it, she admitted. However, Read said she wasnt sure that she could hop back on the commuter rail and walk through South Station every day.

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Jackson shared that he and Read damn well intend to use the courts again to share their side of the story. Meanwhile, Read expressed interest in telling her story in a book.

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Taylor Kitsch's character ends up a villain in 2022's Chris Pratt-led series, The Terminal List, and in a new series, viewers learn how he got that way.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf," now streaming on Prime Video, is set about five years before the original show. Kitsch plays Ben Edwards, a Navy SEAL deployed to Iraq who is assigned to train local soldiers. He feels a deep loyalty to his comrades but begins to question some of the decisions made above him.

I take the utmost pride to be authentic and rooted in Ben," Kitsch said in a recent interview, but there's a dark side to service."

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Prime Video is invested in The Terminal List universe. Production is underway on a second season starring Pratt and there are plans for more Dark Wolf  and perhaps standalone films. The franchise is based on novels by former SEAL Jack Carr, who is also a creator and executive producer on its shows.

Hopefully we can keep swinging, said Pratt who describes Carr as a workhorse with no shortage of source material.

Kitsch was intrigued to dive back in when he heard Carr and Terminal List co-creator and showrunner David DiGilio wanted to do more with his character.

Anytime you get a call where its like, Hey, we would love to do a full season and go way deeper into the psyche of the character you built, I mean of course, I was all ears, said Kitsch.

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How to watch The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

The first three episodes of The Terminal List: Dark Wolf are now streaming on Prime Video. A new episode will drop weekly on Wednesdays. The finale streams Sept. 24.

Where Terminal List started

In The Terminal List, Pratt plays James Reece, a Navy SEALS Lieutenant Commander who goes on a quest for vengeance after his platoon is ambushed.

I love playing James Reese, said Pratt. "But also I think James Reese is reaching that echelon of like a Jack Reacher or a Jack Ryan. There can be multiple iterations of this character over time. He now lives in the ethos of one of the greatest American badass heroes.

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Who else stars in the show?

Besides Kitsch and Pratt, the show also features Luke Hemsworth and Tom Hopper.

Whats so great about an origin story is we see the doors that these guys walk through and where it takes them," said Hopper. I think about that in my life, I look back on my life and go, Oh, if I hadnt walked through that door, then that would never have happened. I wouldnt have met that person. It wouldnt have led me there.'

Real vets help make the Terminal List'

The Terminal List employed actual military veterans to work in roles like advisors and as background actors. They were also employed for Dark Wolf. Hemsworth said their presence was an incentive to make something they would be proud of.

Everyone, particularly us as actors, feel a great weight and responsibility to make sure that its done very well."
One vacationers ride on Royal Caribbeans Frightening Bolt waterslide on Icon of the Seas turned truly frightening earlier this month as one of the slide's acrylic glass panels shattered as he was launched down the extreme drop slide.

One of six waterslides featured in the Category 6 Waterpark on board Icon of the Seas, the first in Royal Caribbeans Icon Class of worlds largest cruise ships, the Frightening Bolt is considered the tallest drop slide at sea.

Related: Royal Caribbean reacts to petition against Perfect Day Mexico

The passenger luckily didnt fall through the hole that opened up in the slide panel, but suffered significant skin laceration injuries from the broken glass. He's since hired an attorney to file a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean.

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The Frightening Bolt waterslide has remained closed since the Aug. 7 accident while Royal Caribbean investigated the cause of panel failure and planned the necessary repair work. The cruise line also closed the Frightening Bolt waterslide on its brand-new Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, out of an abundance of caution.

How is Royal Caribbean repairing the popular drop slide?

Doug Parker shared details on the waterslide repairs that are underway on Icon of the Seas, and other cruise news, on the Aug. 28 edition of Cruise News Today.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Royal Caribbean begins repair work on Icon of the Seas waterslide

Cruise News Today Transcript:

This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.

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Good morning, here's your cruise news for Thursday, August 28th.

Fixing the water slide: Repairs are nearly complete on the Frightening Bolt waterslide aboard Icon of the Seas after an acrylic panel shattered mid-ride earlier this month.

The damaged sections were removed while the ship was docked in St. Maarten with new solid tubing expected to be installed during a stop in St. Thomas. Royal Caribbean says the slide could reopen later this sailing pending final checks.

Related: Royal Caribbean has Icon Class plans for a growing cruise port

The guest that was hurt in the waterslide accident has since filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean for injuries sustained during the ride.

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A guest on Star of the Seas told our tip line yesterday that the drop slide was still closed as of Wednesday morning.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Protesters confront P&O cruise ship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

And climate activists with Extinction Rebellion attempted to block the P&O cruise ship Ventura from docking in Rotterdam on Sunday. Now, using small boats and canoes, about 15 protesters delayed the ship for 30 minutes before police intervened and made two arrests.

The group calls cruise ships, quote: floating environmental disasters and is demanding a national ban in Netherlands. Ventura was on a short sailing out of Southampton.

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This marks the second recent disruption by activists, following a similar one earlier this month in Amsterdam.

Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas begins short cruises from Miami

And Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas is now homeported in Miami, launching short cruises from Bahamas starting this week.

Now with Star of the Seas taking over in Port Canaveral, Wonder begins three- and four-night sailings to Nassau and CocoCay running through April of 27.

The ship recently added a non-smoking casino, a new Crown & Anchor Lounge, and upgrades to its teen area. Wonder joins Utopia as the second Oasis Class ship, offering year-round short cruises to The Bahamas.

Related: Royal Caribbean brings next-level weekend cruise to new port

And cruise stocks were up on Wednesday. Carnival Corporation: up 1.5%, 32.34. Royal Caribbean: up the same, 359.07. Norwegian: up a half percent, 24.88. And Viking: up 2%, 62.94.

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If you have a lead on a story, let us know: tips@cruiseradio.net.

This week's Cruise Radio Podcast: a review of Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady  where you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Have yourself a great Thursday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A winning $1 million lottery ticket was sold at an appropriately-named shop in Massachusetts and claimed on Thursday.

The $1 million prize was from $15,000,000 Colossal Millions, a $30 scratch ticket game released in April. All three $15 million grand prizes remain to be claimed as of Aug. 29, along with six $1 million prizes.

The winning ticket was sold at a shop Winners Corner MA, located in North Andover.

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Overall, at least 621 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Thursday, including 16 in Springfield, 20 in Worcester and 40 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.
More than 40 percent of Mainers voted by mail in the 2024 elections, including a majority of voters above the age of 65. The new rules in Question 1 would be in place by next years pivotal U.S. Senate race.(John Moore/Getty Images)

This story was originally published by Bolts and is republished with permission.

Sarah Trites, who is approaching her 60th birthday, has made a point to vote in every federal election since she turned 18. She worries her streak will end soon.

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Thats because of Question 1, a conservative-backed ballot measure this November that proposes a series of barriers to voting, and particularly to voting by mail, in her home state of Maine. The measure would roll back key voter conveniences, forcing new burdens to ballot access on huge swaths of the state electorate.

Trites lives a 10-minute drive from her local elections office, an easy trip for some, but she is disabled and cannot drive a car, and there is no public transit in her town. That local office, she said, might as well be miles away from me. Her vision is also impaired, and so for years she has made use of the fact that Maine law allows any voter to request a mail ballot by phone or onlinean accommodation that has helped Trites and many others handle voting affairs from home.

Question 1 would repeal the option to request a mail ballot by phone, requiring all voters to visit an elections office in person or to submit an application, physically or online, in order to receive one. In another change, Question 1 would require all mail voters, of which there are many in Maine (nearly half of the state voted that way last fall), to repeat this process for each election.

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What a pain, to have to do that every single time, Trites told Bolts. She says activities that might be easy for mostlike traveling to an elections office, or printing out the physical applicationare more complicated for people with disabilities.

These proposed new requirements figure to be especially relevant in Maine, where the average age is the highest of any state in the country, coinciding with a high incidence of disability.

This would affect a lot of people, Trites said. People who cannot drive, who are physically unable to read for whatever reason. She added, I know people like that on both sides of the aisle, and this will be a big burden on all of us.

Sixty-one percent of Mainers over 65 who voted in 2024 did so by mail, according to an analysis of state voting data by the Save Maine Absentee Voting Coalition, a group of 27 organizations in the state that oppose Question 1.

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To help older folks and those with disabilities vote, Maine last year established a specific accommodation to allow anyone over 65 or with a disability to make a one-time request to receive a mail ballot without needing to ask again for all future elections. This policy, which the state calls ongoing absentee voting, would also be repealed by Question 1.

Were not even a voting rights advocacy organization, but weve had to become one, Jess Maurer, executive director of the Maine Council on Aging, told Bolts.

Maurer is also concerned about other provisions of Question 1 thatd require all voters, including those voting by mail, to present a state-issued ID before casting a ballot. Maine does not currently require voters to show ID when voting.

National studies show that elderly voters and voters with disabilities are more likely than others to not have a state ID, in part because they may no longer keep an up-to-date drivers license. Maurer says research shows Mainers very often stop driving altogether by the time they turn 80, and that a third of people in Maine over 65 have a disability.

Sarah Trites, a Maine resident with mobility issues, is concerned about added hurdles to vote if Question 1 passes this fall. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Trites)

Ageism and ableism walk hand in hand, she said of Question 1. There will be people who, a year after this passes, if it passes, will go to vote and they wont be able, and then theyll be really mad. Or theyll request an absentee ballot and get denied and not understand how theyre going to be able to vote.

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Question 1 comes as President Donald Trump renews his call to eliminate mail voting, and as many red states, including Utah and Kansas this year, have passed various measures to restrict the accessibility of mail voting. Trump earlier this month was open about his motives: If the country bans mail voting, he said, youre not gonna have many Democrats get elected. Thats bigger than anything having to do with redistricting.

Question 1 follows this broad trend. Its a citizen-initiated measure backed by a conservative PAC called The Dinner Table, which says its mission is to elect a Republican majority in the Maine House.

The PAC was co-founded four years ago by a Republican activist named Alex Titcomb, whose work is funded in part by Leonard Leo, the architect of the right-wing takeover of federal courts, and by Republican state Representative Laurel Libby, who was recently censured by her colleagues for doxing a transgender student and who has floated running for governor of Maine in 2026.

My question to naysayers, Libby said of Question 1, in an interview with Bolts, would be: Whats the downside to ensuring our elections are as strong as they can possibly be and as secure as they can possibly be?

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Libby, who offered no evidence of fraud or misconduct to suggest Maine elections are insecure, said that ongoing mail votingthe service that allows Trites and others to automatically receive mail ballots each cyclecannot be trusted.

People move or they die, and this will ensure that only folks who have requested a ballot will receive a ballot and then vote in that election, rather than automatically sending ballots out when someone could no longer be at that address, for whatever reason, she said.

The official campaign for Question 1, Voter ID for ME, hasas its name makes clearemphasized the parts of the measure that specifically concern voter ID.

Voter ID laws, though proven to reduce turnout, are often popular with voters, and rarely fail when put on the ballot, though Arizonans rejected such a proposal in 2022. The most recent such measure, in Wisconsin in April, passed by about 25 points.

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Opponents in Maine are concerned about the voter ID aspects of Question 1; besides the effects on older voters, the measure does not allow voters to use student IDs, even when theyre issued by a state university, or tribal IDs. But they tell Bolts theyre even more worried that voters will miss the fact that the measure contains so many other barriers.

In addition to forcing new burdens on how would-be mail voters can request ballots, Question 1 also proposes to limit towns and cities to one ballot dropbox apiece; to move the deadline to request a mail ballot from three business days before an election to seven; and to prohibit towns and cities from covering the cost of postage on mail ballots.

Were not even a voting rights advocacy organization, but weve had to become one.

 Jess Maurer, executive director of the Maine Council on Aging

Your voting rights are actually on the line, said Jen Lancaster, spokesperson for the League of Women Voters of Maine. This is far from just a very restrictive voter ID law; it will do so much more.

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Changes to absentee voting would affect not just older and disabled voters; overall, 43 percent of Mainers voted by mail in 2024.

If Question 1 passes, its changes would be implemented by the 2026 midterms, when Maine will elect a new governor and every seat in the state legislature will be up for election. Republican U.S. Senator Susan Collins is also up for election in 2026, in a race that could determine the balance of power in Congress.

For conservatives, Question 1 is the culmination of several years of work in the legislature to try to tighten voting rules. Republican Maine lawmakers, facing a Democratic trifecta in the state government, have failed repeatedly in recent years to enact new voter ID requirements.

By qualifying their measure for the ballot, proponents skirted that trifecta. They submitted 170,000 petition signatures, more than double the amount requireda strong statement, given Maine has only about one million adult residents. In a small state like Maine, thats pretty much a mandate, Libby said. Folks want to see voter ID as the law of the land.

Alex Titcomb, co-founder of The Dinner Table PAC, speaks at a press conference before delivering petition signatures to the Department of the Maine Secretary of State on Jan. 6, 2025. (Photo by AnnMarie Hilton/ Maine Morning Star)

In an interview, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellowsa Democrat who opposes Question 1, is running for governor in 2026 and may end up facing Libby in a general electiontold Bolts she hopes people will consider the entire measure, not just the voter ID angle.

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Question 1 is a wolf in sheeps clothing, she told Bolts. Reasonable people can agree to disagree on the merits of voter ID. But if Maine voters understand everything that this measure will do, they will reject it.

Eliminating the convenience of absentee voting, Bellows said, would make it far more difficult for working people, seniors, and people with disabilities to participate in our elections.

Bellows and other opponents of Question 1 have noted how it happens to come at a time when Maine is excelling at voter turnout, ranking second among all states in the 2022 midterms and fourth in last years presidential election. And officials are hopeful that the state can keep improving; the program allowing ongoing mail ballots for older and disabled voters, so they dont have to request a new one each cycle, only went into effect in February 2024.

Sarah Trites thinks this has been a critical change. I was having to call up every single time and request a ballot, she said. That was becoming very difficult to do, to have to remember when every election is and to make a call every single time. To have it sent automatically has been great, but now that could go away.

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Question 1s proponents have downplayed the changes to mail voting while professing outrage at the wording of the measure, which Bellows approved: The official language that voters will see on their ballots notes five different policy changes proposed by Question 1 before mentioning voter ID, the issue that proponents think should lead the description of the measure.

Titcomb, the co-founder of The Dinner Table, has called this ballot language a partisan editorial from Bellows. The Voter ID for ME campaign argues that the secretary should have approved a ballot measure that specified the voter ID aspect and referred to everything else simply as other changes.

Bellows defended the ballot language as faithful to the measure, and said that its important for voters to understand Question 1 completely.

Maurer, of the Maine Council on Aging, said she fears the November outcome if the electorate misunderstands the measure as being strictly about voter ID.

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We have to make this real for people, she said, and we dont have much time.

That article has been corrected on Sept. 3 to reflect that Question 1 would allow Mainers to request mail ballots online; an earlier version misstated the options to request a ballot under the measure.

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The identity of the second victim who died in Wednesday's Aug. 27 mass school shooting in Minneapolis has been released

The 10-year-old student was identified as Harper Moyski

Eighteen other people, including 15 children, were injured in the shooting, which took place during Mass before the second day of the school year at Annunciation Catholic School

The second victim who was shot and killed during Wednesdays mass shooting at a Catholic school and church in Minneapolis has been identified.

The family of the 10-year-old victim identified the deceased as Harper Moyski. She and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel were the two children who were killed Wednesday when a 23-year-old mass shooter opened fire on students and teachers attending a school mass before the second day of the school year.

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Moyski was both a student at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, where the mass shooting took place.

The young girl's family issued a statement on Thursday, Aug. 28: "We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her."



Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain," her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said. While our immediate focus is on Harper and our familys healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain."

"We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessaryso that Harpers story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies," they continued. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Harpers light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world."



RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII/The Star Tribune via Getty A parent runs toward the school during an active shooter situation at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minn., on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. A parent runs toward the school during an active shooter situation at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minn., on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.

Authorities announced Thursday, Aug. 28, that 18 others were injured in the shooting, 15 of whom were children. The other three victims were three churchgoers in their 80s, according to local KTSP.

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the media at a press conference, calling the shooting "unspeakable."

"No words that can capture the horror of this unspeakable act," Frey said. "Children are dead."

"Do not think of these as just somebody else's kids, think of this as if it were your own," Frey continued. "Every one of us needs to be wrapping our arms around these families, giving them every ounce we can muster. These were Minneapolis families, these were American families."

Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty via Getty People gather at Lynhurst Park where a candle light vigil was being held for the victims of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting on August 27, 2025. People gather at Lynhurst Park where a candle light vigil was being held for the victims of the Annunciation Catholic School shooting on August 27, 2025.

Authorities said the shooter was 23-year-old Robin Westman, whose mother used to work at the school. Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the school parking lot, police said Wednesday.

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"Our teachers were heroes," said principal Matthew DeBoer at a press conference later Wednesday. "Children were ducked down, adults were protecting children, older children were protecting younger children, and as we heard earlier, it could have been significantly worse without their heroic action.

However, DeBoer mourned the two students killed in the shooting, which authorities said began just before 8:30 a.m. local time when Westman opened fire from outside the church, shooting through windows at the students gathered for prayer inside.

"We lost two angels today," DeBoer said.

Scott Olson/Getty People interact with emotional support dogs provided by Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog Ministries near a memorial to yesterday's shooting victims in front of Annunciation Catholic Church on August 28, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People interact with emotional support dogs provided by Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog Ministries near a memorial to yesterday's shooting victims in front of Annunciation Catholic Church on August 28, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Frey said Wednesday that you cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or pain of this situation."

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Dont just say its about thoughts and prayers, these kids were literally praying," Frey said. "These are kids who should be learning with their friends, they should be playing on the playground, they should be able to go to school or church in peace."

Read the original article on People
Orlando is marking the 100th day of the Epic Universe era. Universal Orlandos new theme park, which debuted May 22, burst onto the scene during a very hot summer with positive reviews for its detailed design and elaborate attractions.

But international sociopolitical issues clouded the blue skies, and operational delays tempered the happy talk for some visitors, experts say.

Theres stuff that you can control, and theres stuff that you cant control, said Len Testa, owner of Touring Plans, a vacation-planning site.

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I think in the overall context of what were seeing in leisure travel around the United States, Epic did as good as it could possibly do, he said. Las Vegas would take Epics numbers right now.

Those who go to Epic have upbeat responses, Testa said. Its restaurants are well-regarded and, according to surveys, the rides are rated higher than the ones at sister park Universal Studios Florida, he said.

We can tell from our app that people seem to be spending more time in Epic than the other Universal parks, Testa said. So, those are all good signs. It means that the stuff that they built is resonating with fans.

The parks escapist nature appeals to Jake Cruz, a Universal annual passholder who lives in Orlando.

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Just walking around the park, you feel immersed. It feels like youre in an entirely different world, said Cruz, who has been to Epic four times and plans a fifth outing in the coming weeks.

I kind of regret not going to opening day because I heard how amazing it was, he said. It feels like this historical moment.

The waiting game

Criticisms from early Epic adapters focus on weak ride reliability  downtime that spurred extended wait times  and the sun of the Sunshine State, which prompts calls for more shade and additional indoor attractions.

The wait times have not been phenomenal, and the weather has not been phenomenal, said Carissa Baker, an assistant professor of theme-park and attraction management at the University of Central Florida.

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Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a complicated simulator ride in Epics installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, has been on the down-and-delayed list multiple days. Visitors can wait hours to get on board. Cruz said he arrived at 5 a.m. one day and went to the Potter ride as the park opened, only to have it be down for the day. (He had better luck with Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride, which went down after he rode.)

For a while, Universal used a virtual queue system for Battle at the Ministry, allowing guests to do Epic things besides wait. But it also created frustration for shut-out visitors. The virtual queue is gone now, and the attraction has been added to the Express Pass lineup along with Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster in Epics Super Nintendo World.

Im really confident that their industrial engineers know whats going on and know how to solve a lot of these problems. Its just a matter now of doing the analysis like, you know, bringing Express Pass to Ministry, into Mine-Cart Madness, Testa said.

Fast-track tech helps Universal mold new Epic Universe experiences

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Its not just flipping a switch. You have to do studies that say, yeah, if we turn this on, the standby wait time is going to go from here to here. And were going to get this much revenue for it, but the dissatisfaction is going to drop by this much, he said. Theres complex analysis that happens for a lot of these decisions.

Crowd control

Company officials have said they are proud of the performance of the new park.

Epic is already driving higher per-cap spending and attendance across the entirety of Universal Orlando Resort, with strong food and merchandise sales and minimal impact on attendance at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Michael Cavanagh, president of parent company Comcast Corp., told market analysts after quarterly earnings were released in July. The period covered about six weeks of Epics operation.

Our near-term focus is on expanding rides throughout to reduce early attendance constraints, Cavanagh said.

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Orlandos theme parks do not release attendance figures or capacity levels.

I think theyve definitely been controlling capacity, but they have now released a lot more tickets, said Baker, who has been in the theme park eight times.

One method for crowd maintenance: Epic Universe admission has not been included in Universal Orlando annual passholder plans, which cover Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and, for some levels, Volcano Bay water park.

Prices for a one-day ticket to Epic vary by date, ranging between $154 and $194. Annual passholder rates for a day at Epic are from $127 to $169.

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I do hope that they add it to the annual pass, and presumably itll come out with a pretty hefty raise in [pass] prices, Baker said.

Epic Universe was announced in 2019 and constructed about 2.5 miles southeast of Universal Orlandos first two parks, on the opposite side of Interstate 4, crossing International Drive. Universal runs shuttle buses between the parks and its 11 hotels, including three new resorts adjacent to Epic. An extension of Kirkman Road from Carrier Drive to the Epic site, plus an elevated traffic circle with dedicated bus lanes, are meant to ease traffic woes.

Our traffic has increased, but it hasnt been insane or anything, said Baker, whose office is near Epic.

Looking for the lift

Foot traffic has not yet surged in the I-Drive area, said Thom Kerr, owner of Icebar Orlando, which has operated as a hotspot with ice carvings on International Drive since 2008.

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In general, we have not seen the lift on International Drive that I think most of us expected to see. And, you know, were all trying to figure out whats happening there, Kerr said.

His business took advantage of its proximity to Epic, offering free or reduced entry to customers with an Epic ticket. It also rolled out a themed drink menu.

We thought it would be a great match, Kerr said. If youve been out in a hot theme park all day, you know, ice bar  cool concept.

He said advance reservations are holding steady with 2024 levels, but foot traffic lags. The numbers havent been bad, just flat, he said.

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Epic Universe TV show features star power, its authentic side

I-Drive, Orlando and many U.S. destinations are coping with attendance hurdles, including jitters about the economy and international travelers reacting to possible political developments with tariffs and immigration.

The number of visitors traveling from Canada to the U.S. by airline dropped 22% in June, according to Travel and Tour World, a tourism website. That was the sixth consecutive month of decline. Hotel occupancy in the Orlando market was up 0.9% for June and 0.4% for July, according to STR. Revenue increased 6.6% and 6.1%, respectively.

The Canadian market is still there. Its not as strong as it used to be, said Brian Wayne, general manager of WonderWorks Orlando, a longstanding I-Drive attraction. I-Drive feels a little slower. He said he has noticed discounted rooms at hotels and ticket deals at theme parks.

The new norm?

Central Floridas tourism industry continued fresh offerings this summer, including two new stage shows at Walt Disney World plus a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. SeaWorld Orlando introduced Expedition Odyssey, an Arctic-themed flying-theater attraction, and Sea Life Aquarium Florida opened at Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven.

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A not-so-slammed summer may be the new norm, Wayne said, as visitors explore Orlando throughout the year. The weather may be a factor, he said, as well as attractive draws in autumn, including the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and major Halloween-themed events at Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and beyond.

And the market is experiencing a let-down after the post-pandemic surge, when visitors flocked to Florida, Wayne said.

With international travel opening up so much now, I think that theres so many more options, he said.

Kerr maintains belief in the Epic effect, and thinks the new park is a strong draw.

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Anytime theres a new attraction or draw, its competition, and new things are good for everybody, he said. Were one of the top destinations in the world.  Its just were having a little hiccup of a year.

Zoinks! Volcano Bay Nights to include Scooby-Doo and pals

A ripple effect is still expected by Baker, who notes the tourism industry often wades through economic slumps and crises such as 9-11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

I still think were going to come out strong, and we always do, she said.

In the meantime, Testa theorizes that Universal will work on Epics operations  and expansion.

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They need more rides, especially when it rains or the weathers bad, and they need more ride reliability, he said. Those are growing pains that are kind of expected to happen.

Its a pattern that experts saw with the arrivals of Disneys Hollywood Studios, Disneys Animal Kingdom and Universals Islands of Adventure decades ago. Even Magic Kingdom debuted without a completed Tomorrowland.

Theres always something that comes, like, a year or two later that sort of fills out or rounds out the park, Testa said.

Countdown: Epic Universe theme park by the numbers

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  An 11-year-old boy died after a fire raged through a home in Wicomico County on Friday.

Around 4:20 a.m., around Aug. 29, several crews, including the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department, were dispatched to the 31000 block of Zion Road for a reported house fire.

There, crews found heavy flames erupting through a single-family home. Three adults, who were able to escape the blaze, told firefighters that an 11-year-old boy was still inside.

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Student at DC public school evaluated after reported consumption of controlled substance

Firefighters rescued the 11-year-old, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The loss of a child in such a tragic manner is devastating beyond words. Our investigators are working diligently to determine what happened, and our focus is on supporting this family and the Parsonsburg community as they grieve, said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

Where the fire ignite and the cause remains under investigation, however, officials believe the blaze started at the back of the house. The fire caused about $200,000 in damage and destroyed about $100,000 in contents.

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The smoke alarms were present and activated during the fire, according to the fire marshals office.

This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the importance of working smoke alarms and having a practiced home escape plan. Even when alarms activate, every second counts. We encourage all Maryland families to test their smoke alarms monthly and talk with their loved ones about how to get out quickly and safely if a fire occurs, added Mowbray.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family, and the childs name is being withheld as of Friday.

The investigation is being led by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police.

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An 11-year-old boy died in an early morning house fire in Wicomico County on Friday, according to the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

The blaze broke out around 4:20 a.m. at a one-and-a-half-story, single-family home on the 31600 block of Zion Road in Parsonsburg, fire officials said. When firefighters with the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the scene, they found the house engulfed in flames.

Three adults managed to escape and told crews a child was still inside. Firefighters attempted to reach him, but the boy was later pronounced dead at the scene, according to fire officials.

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The victims name has not been released.

The loss of a child in such a tragic manner is devastating beyond words, Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in a statement. Our investigators are working diligently to determine what happened, and our focus is on supporting this family and the Parsonsburg community as they grieve.

Preliminary findings show smoke alarms inside the home were activated during the fire. Investigators believe the blaze started in the rear of the house, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Damage to the home is estimated at $200,000, with another $100,000 in losses to the contents. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.

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Mowbray urged Marylanders to make sure smoke alarms are working and to have an escape plan in place.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division are conducting a joint investigation, which is standard procedure in fatal fire cases.

Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich.
BARRY, Texas (FOX 44)  Stolen vehicles with more than $110,000 in value have been recovered after a search warrant execution in Navarro County.

The Corsicana Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division executed two search warrants in Barry on Thursday. This was in conjunction with Dallas Police Departments Auto Theft Division.

The department says numerous items were recovered during the execution of the warrants. These include a Kubota skid steer (valued at around $45,000), a large Sundowner car-hauler trailer (valued at around $11,000), a Forrest River pop-up camper (valued at approximately $10,000), a Carry On enclosed trailer (valued at approximately $3,000), and a 2018 F-450 (valued at approximately $45,000).

(Courtesy: Corsicana Police Department) (Courtesy: Corsicana Police Department) (Courtesy: Corsicana Police Department) (Courtesy: Corsicana Police Department)

This is still an ongoing investigation and charges are pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  More than 14,000 mainly Venezuelan migrants who hoped to reach the United States have reversed course and turned south since U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown began, according to a report published Friday by the governments of Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.

The phenomenon, known as reverse flow migration, is largely made up of Venezuelan migrants who fled their country's long-running economic, social and political crises only to encounter U.S. immigration policy no longer open to asylum-seekers.

Migration through the treacherous Darien Gap on the border of Colombia and Panama peaked in 2023 when more than half a million migrants crossed. That flow slowed somewhat in 2024, but dried up almost completely early this year.

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Friday's report, published with support of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that northward migration had dropped 97% this year.

Migrants traveling south interviewed in Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia by those countries' ombudsmen offices were almost all Venezuelans (97%) and about half of them said they planned to return to Venezuela, according to the report. Nearly all said they were returning because they could no longer legally reach the U.S.

Since 2017, around 8 million people have fled the crisis in Venezuela. For years, those migrants flocked to other South American nations, including Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile and more.

That changed in 2021, when hundreds of thousands of people set out for the U.S., braving the Darien Gap along the way.

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A U.S. government smartphone app became the main way for asylum-seekers to enter the U.S. under the Biden administration. Then thousands of migrants became stranded in Mexico when Trump ended the use of the app on his first day in office.

Now, those migrants who were still trying to reach the U.S. when Trump entered and changed border policies have reversed course, traveling back to South America. Around a quarter of those interviewed planned to go to neighboring Colombia, previously the epicenter of the mass migration from Venezuela. Others said they didnt know where they were going.

Colombia and other South American nations spent years pleading for aid from the international community to cope with the brunt of Venezuela's migratory crisis, before many of those same migrants began moving toward the United States. Today, Venezuela's political and economic turmoil rages on.

Migrants, most of whom trekked days across the Darien Gap on their way north, are even more vulnerable as they make their way back. They have fewer funds to finance their journey and few prospects for work when they get back. Migrants are dropped into regions with a heavy presence of criminal groups that increasingly prey upon them, the report said.

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Most of these people are already victims of human rights abuses," Scott Campbell, a U.N. human rights representative in Colombia, said in a statement. We urge authorities to aid people in this reverse migration to prevent them from being exploited or falling into trafficking networks run by illegal armed groups.

The shift marks a radical reversal in one of the biggest mass migrations in the world.

Migrants bus south through Mexico and other Central American nations until they arrive in the center of Panama. From there, migrants pay between $260 and $280 to ride on precarious boats packed with people back to Colombia.

They take two different routes. Most island hop north of Panama through the Caribbean Sea, landing in the small town of Necocli, Colombia, where many started their journeys through the Darien.

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Others travel south by sea along a jungled swath of Panama and Colombia through the Pacific Ocean, where they are dropped off in remote towns or the Colombian city of Buenaventura. Colombias Ombudsmans Office estimates around 450 people have taken the perilous route, and the U.N. documented migrants getting scammed and stranded, facing boat accidents and arriving beaten down and vulnerable from their journey.

The region is one of the most violent in Colombia, and lack of state presence is filled by warring armed groups.
A 15-year-old boy who was among two youngsters who were wounded Thursday afternoon in a shooting in the Back of the Yards neighborhood has died from his injuries, Chicago police said.

Alex Durante, of South Shore, was pronounced dead late Thursday night, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.

Alex and a 12-year-old boy had a physical squabble with an unknown number of people in a vacant lot in the 600 block of West 47th Street about 3:45 p.m., when one of the others pulled a handgun and opened fire, police said.

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Police: 2 youths critically wounded in Back of the Yards shooting

The boys were taken to Comer Childrens Hospital, where they were both initially reported in critical condition, officials said.

The shooting prompted a soft lockdown at nearby Tilden High School, which had after-school programming underway at the time, according to an email sent from Tilden Principal Dawn Ramos to parents and guardians. No students or staff were injured, Ramos said.

In the wake of the shooting, Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th, went to X to address the incident.

Today the 15th Ward experienced a shooting near Tilden High School. If having national guardsmen on hand to increase uniform presence keeps our youth from getting shot, whats the damn problem? he wrote, referencing the recent threats by President Donald Trump to target Chicago next for a military occupation. Neither (Gov. JB Pritzker) & (Mayor Brandon Johnson) are providing real solutions for my constituents.

Detectives were conducting a homicide investigation.
Editors note: The video attached to this story may be disturbing to some readers.

WALTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Two deputies were injured while responding to a felony child support warrant on Thursday night in Boone County.

On Aug. 28, the Boone County Sheriffs Office said deputies were at a home in the 13100 block of Service Road in Walton to serve a felony arrest warrant, but while preparing to enter, they were shot.

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According to the department, both deputies were taken to the UC Medical Center for multiple gunshot wounds, with one requiring surgery. Both deputies were reportedly in stable condition.

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The sheriffs department said the suspect was armed and barricaded inside a home.

The SWAT team was activated around midnight, according to officials, and a drone found the suspected shooter dead inside a second-floor bedroom.

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Around 2 p.m. on Friday, investigators identified the man as 39-year-old Justin Chapman, and he was said to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

The city of Falmouth posted a video on Facebook on Friday showing one of the injured deputies, identified as Deputy Florer, being escorted from the hospital by emergency personnel and law enforcement after being released.

On Sept. 1, the sheriffs office announced the release of the second deputy injured in the shooting.

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We had our first deputy discharged from the hospital on Friday. This evening, we are proud to say that the second deputy shot on Thursday night is going home. The team at UC Medical Center is incredible, and we are forever grateful, the sheriffs office said.

The sheriffs office shared a Facebook post on Friday from the Boone County Sheriffs Auxiliary, noting the outpouring of support from the community.

Many have reached out to ask how they can help. The Auxiliary directly provides support to our Deputies in times of crisis and does so thanks to donations from our community, the post said. The Boone County Sheriffs Auxiliary  made up of family members of this department  exists to support our deputies and their families in moments like this. We are ready to stand beside them in every way needed.

To donate to the deputies and their families, visit bit.ly/BooneCoSheriffsAuxiliary.

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Camille Hantla contributed to this story.

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COFFEE COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Florida man was taken into custody following a crash that killed two people and injured two others along Interstate 24 in Coffee County earlier this week.

According to 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott, a van driven by an unidentified male with three male passengers was heading east on I-24 when traffic slowed for a construction zone at mile marker 105 on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The van was reportedly traveling at high speed, rear-ended a commercial truck, and caught fire.

Northcott told News 2 the vans driver and one passenger were flown to local hospitals with serious injuries, but the other two passengers died as a result of the collision.

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TBI: Missing woman found dead in Coffee County

The driver of the commercial truck  identified as 56-year-old James Lamar Meronvil of Florida  allegedly fled after the incident. However, the DA said Meronvil was arrested on Wednesday, Aug. 27 for leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death or injury.

According to Northcott, the Florida man posted a $50,000 commercial bond and was released from jail pending the resolution of his case.

On Friday, Aug. 29, Northcott told News 2 the driver of the van is still in the hospital, but there is an ongoing investigation into potential charges for vehicular homicide and other driving offenses against him.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Theres no word on the condition of the injured passenger at this time. In addition, the names of the two passengers who were killed in the collision have not been released since officials havent notified all next of kin, the DA said.

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No other details have been released about this deadly incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A man is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he shot and wounded two deputies at a Boone County apartment complex late Thursday, Aug. 28, officials said.

Major Phillip Ridgell with the Boone County Sheriff's Office said the deputies went to the Towne Creek Crossing Apartments in Walton around 10 p.m. to serve a warrant and were met with gunfire.

Both deputies were taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition, Ridgell said.

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Ridgell recounted what happened next.

After the initial shooting, the man barricaded himself alone inside the residence and a SWAT team with negotiators were called to the scene.

"This is the worst nightmare type of situation," he said.

The man did not respond to the attempts to contact him, so the SWAT team deployed gas canisters into the apartment. The man still did not respond, but negotiators kept trying to communicate with him.

Around midnight, a drone was flown into the apartment, where the man was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered near his body.

After the gas canister was deployed, nearby residents at the complex were evacuated. Ridgell said deputies are working to get them back in their homes but warned the irritant may have gotten into their living areas.

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"Residents as far as we know are accounted for. There are no other reported injuries," Ridgell said. He added that no one was in the residence with the man.

The investigation is ongoing.

"We believe that there may be some kind of video (on social media) that exists," Ridgell said. "We received multiple reports about that and we're going to verify that."

Multiple law enforcement agencies are in Walton, Kentucky, after two Boone County Sheriff's Deputies were injured in a shooting late Thursday, Aug. 28. A person was barricaded in a residence after the shooting.

Late Thursday, the families of the injured deputies were at the hospital. At 1 a.m., one was already out of surgery, which Ridgell called exploratory. The second deputy was still in surgery.

There already has been an outpouring of support for the deputies.

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"Everyone that polices in the Northern Kentucky area responded tonight, and we are thankful for that," Ridgell said.

Kentucky State Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, shared a post on social media saying: "Please join me in lifting up our Boone County Sheriff's Office in prayer tonight. These are Boone County's best."

Roberta Jensen, a two-year resident of Walton, was picking up her son who works at the Pizza Hut next to the Kroger around 9:30 p.m. As soon as they returned to home, which is only five minutes away, Jensen saw reports on Facebook saying that two police officers had been shot.

She said the city of nearly 6,000 residents is mostly quiet and a place where situations like this are rarely seen.

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Its pretty scary because theres not really a lot that happens here in Walton. ... For something to happen this close to home is kind of scary and unexpected, she said.

Ridgell said the Boone County Sheriff's Office is working to contact the family of the deceased man, but had not yet spoken to them early Friday.

The names of the deputies have not yet been released.

Enquirer reporter Aaron Valdez reported live from the scene. Reporter Cameron Knight also contributed.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man who shot 2 deputies is dead, Boone County sheriff's official says
NEED TO KNOW

Two firefighters battling a wildfire on Washington states Olympic Peninsula were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents over their immigration status

Washington Sen. Patty Murray criticized the move, saying to "detain firefighters on the job is as immoral as it is dangerous"

A USBP official said the agency "steadfastly enforces the laws" of the U.S. and "unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered

Two firefighters who were battling a wildfire in a Washington state national park were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

The firefighters were taken into custody following a multiagency criminal investigation by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Border Patrol, who had been investigating the contractors they worked for, according to a USBP press release.

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The BLM requested Border Patrol's assistance in verifying the identities of all personnel who had been on site at Washington states Olympic Peninsula. The work crews were required to undergo identity verification to ensure that the individuals on-site matched the contractor rosters, per the release.

During this process, federal officers concluded that two of the firefighters in the group were in the U.S. illegally, and that one of them had a previous order of removal. They were arrested and transported to the Bellingham Station on charges of illegal entry and reentry of removed aliens.

Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025/Getty Satellite view of the Bear Gulch Fire over Mason County, Washington on Aug. 12, 2025 Satellite view of the Bear Gulch Fire over Mason County, Washington on Aug. 12, 2025

"This cooperative effort highlights the coordination between federal agencies in ensuring the integrity of government operations and maintaining public trust in fiduciary matters," USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez said in the press release.

"U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered, Vasquez added.

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Following the broader investigation, BLM terminated its contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc., which offer reforestation and wildland fire suppression services, respectively.

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Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc. did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment.

The USBP noted in their press release that the termination of the companys contracts and arrests did not interfere with firefighting operations or the response to any active fires in the area and it did not pose any danger to the surrounding community.

However, the incident was criticized by Washington lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, who told CBS News in a statement: "Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can, and have, burned entire towns to the ground. This new Republican policy to detain firefighters on the job is as immoral as it is dangerous."

She added that she was "demanding immediate answers from this administration about the circumstances of this incident, the whereabouts of the detained firefighters, and the administration's current policy regarding immigration enforcement during active wildfires."

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The fire crews were helping to battle the Bear Gulch Fire, which has burned more than 9,000 acres (or 14 square miles) in the Olympic National Forest and National Park for nearly two months. Authorities noted, per CBS News, that the fire was 13% contained by Thursday, Aug. 28.



Read the original article on People
By Naveen Thukral

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Southeast Asian nations are set to reshape global grains and oilseed trade flows through U.S. trade deals that include raising agriculture purchases, with increased American shipments displacing Australian, Canadian and Russian supply.

While Indonesia and Bangladesh have already agreed to increased buying as part of agreements that set lowered tariffs on their exports to the U.S., regional grains traders say Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand may boost feed grain purchases under their deals.

"U.S. farm exports are clearly set to gain ground in Asia," said Ole Houe, director of advisory services at IKON Commodities in Sydney. "On one hand, trade deals are creating pressure, but just as important are the lower prices of U.S. wheat, corn and soymeal, which are cheaper than supplies from rival exporters."

Asia, a net food importer, is a vital market for global suppliers, as the region's consumption is rising with growing population and incomes. Asia accounts for about 30% of world wheat, corn and soymeal imports, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.

An influx of U.S. crops could push down prices for rivals and drive up costs for them to ship grains at greater distances, traders and analysts said.

Over the past decade, suppliers from the Black Sea and South America have gained ground in Asia, eating into U.S. market share.

The U.S. share of Indonesian wheat shipments has fallen by almost 50% in the past five years, replaced by imports from Ukraine, Russia and Argentina, according to data from the Indonesian Wheat Flour Producers Association.

But Indonesian flour millers have bought about 250,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat since July, according to two Singapore-based grain traders. The association signed a memorandum of understanding then to buy 1 million tons of U.S. wheat annually as part of trade negotiations to gain lower tariffs. In 2024, the U.S. sold 693,000 tons to Indonesia.

"Prices are key as these will be private deals by millers but getting one million tons of U.S. wheat will not be a problem for us," said an association official, declining to be named as they were not authorised to speak to media.

Australia supplies about a quarter of Indonesia's wheat and could lose several hundred thousand tons in sales, said three Australian-based grains traders, though exporters further away may be impacted more. It exported 3 million tons there in 2024, the country's statistics bureau reported.

"If there are fewer sales of Australian wheat to Indonesia or Bangladesh that wheat is probably going to end up in places further away," said Tobin Gorey, founder of commodities consultancy Cornucopia in Australia.
Two people who were working with contractors fighting the Bear Gulch Fire were arrested for being in the United States illegally, according to the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The arrests, caught on viral videos from other firefighters working with them, come after an investigation that CBP says it was assisting the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in two contractors: ASI Arden Solutions and Table Rock Forestry.

The two companies did not respond to a request to comment to KIRO 7 News.

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KIRO 7 News requested more details on the investigation from BLM, but has not heard back.

The videos show people in a truck rolling into a work site with Border Protection Police handcuffing two individuals.

More than 40 other crew members were lined up, some seen holding documents and identification. The two people who were arrested have not been identified, and CPB says they were transported to the Bellingham station.

This cooperative effort highlights the coordination between federal agencies in ensuring the integrity of government operations and maintaining public trust in fiduciary matters, USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez said in a statement. U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered.

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In the day since the arrest, Democratic leaders in Washington reacted, including Governor Bob Ferguson.

I have asked my team to reach out to federal agencies for more information, to determine where these two individuals are, and to question why the Trump Administrations cruel immigration policies now extend to individuals fighting forest fires.

The U.S. Forest Service says incident commanders on the Bear Gulch Fire were aware of the operations and the CPB operation is not interfering with firefighters efforts.
Two passengers were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a Houston-bound United Express flight operated by SkyWest met with severe turbulence and was forced to divert to Austin, Texas, officials said.

Were going to need a stretcher, and there is bleeding as well. SkyWest 5971, a pilot said, according to air traffic control audio captured Thursday evening by LiveATC.net.

The flight was en route from Aspen, Colorado, with 39 passengers and four crew when the turbulence set in, the airline told CNN in a statement.

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Some 90 minutes into its journey, the aircraft suddenly dropped about 4,000 feet in the span of a minute, flight data from FlightRadar 24 shows. It then altered course toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and began a rapid descent of more than 25,000 feet over the next six minutes, the data shows.

The flight landed safely and was met by medical personnel upon arrival, SkyWest said.

Turbulence, one of the most unpredictable weather phenomena for pilots, is caused by disturbances like storms and mountains, which can alter how air moves much like an obstacle like a boulder can make river water rough. Turbulence appears to be increasing and is set to worsen as the planet heats up.

After SkyWest 5971 landed, Austin-Travis County EMS  evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries, an airport spokesperson told CNN. Two adult patients were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution.

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Medical authorities reported to the airport that no injuries are expected to be life-threatening, the statement added.

Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard and we are working with our partner United to assist customers, SkyWest said.

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WALTON, Ky. (AP)  Two Kentucky sheriffs deputies were shot by a man while serving a warrant at an apartment, and the man then took his own life, authorities said.

The Boone County Sheriffs Office said in a statement that the deputies were in stable condition at a hospital Friday with multiple gunshot wounds. Both were expected to fully recover.

The deputies served the warrant Thursday night at an apartment near Walton, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) south of Cincinnati.

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After confirming that the man they were seeking was inside, they breached the front door, only to come under fire, according to the sheriff's office. The deputies were rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Police called a SWAT team to the home as the man barricaded himself inside, the sheriffs office said.

After evacuating neighboring units, the SWAT team fired gas canisters into the apartment and then sent in a drone, which located the man on the floor in a second-story bedroom. Officers determined that the 39-year-old died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No one else was in the apartment.

The sheriffs office said the two deputies were in good spirits and on a pathway to be discharged from the hospital in a few days.
Two passengers on board a SkyWest Airlines flight were seriously injured after the aircraft experienced "severe turbulence" on Aug. 28, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.

SkyWest flight 5971 was en route from Aspen, Colo., to Houston on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 28. But the Embraer E175 diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and "landed safely" around 8 p.m. local time, per the FAA.

According to flight data from FlightAware, about 90 minutes into the trip, the plane dropped nearly 4,000 feet in less than 60 seconds. The aircraft continued to lose altitude for about 10 minutes before it was diverted to Austin.

Getty A SkyWest plane A SkyWest plane

As the plane made its approach, the pilot informed air traffic control of the condition of the injured passengers.

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"We will need a stretcher," she says in an audio recording obtained by LiveATC.net. "I know that there is bleeding as well."

The air traffic controller then confirmed emergency services would be present for the landing.

A SkyWest official confirmed the incident to PEOPLE in a statement: "The flight landed safely and was met with medical personnel upon arrival. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard, and we are working with our partner United to assist customers."



Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, Texas Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Austin, Texas

A spokesperson for the airport told PEOPLE that Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) "evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries. Two adult patients were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution."

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They added: "ATCEMS reported to the airport that no injuries are expected to be life-threatening."

PEOPLE has reached out to Austin-Travis County EMS for comment.

Lost month, 25 passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight were hospitalized after their aircraft "encountered significant turbulence" on July 30, according to an airline press release.

Delta flight DL56 was en route to Amsterdam from Salt Lake City when it had to be diverted to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The Airbus A330-900 landed safely, and medical personnel then evaluated the customers and crew.

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The BBC reported that there were 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board the flight at the time of the incident.

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Boarding1Now/Getty Delta plane Delta plane

Turbulence, according to the FAA, is the regular and frequent movement of air that can affect an aircraft  often occurring unexpectedly and without warning. It is caused by atmospheric pressure, jet streams, cold or warm weather fronts, and thunderstorms. It even happens when skies appear completely clear.

According to a study published by the American Geophysical Union in 2023, the skies are 55% bumpier today than they were 40 years ago. The study also predicts that clear-air turbulence (CAT), a particularly dangerous type of turbulence, will be more frequent in the future.

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"The increases in turbulence are consistent with the effects of climate change, according to previous research," a press release stated at the time. "Warmer air as a result of carbon dioxide emission is increasing wind shear in the jet streams, strengthening clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic and globally."

"Turbulence makes flights bumpy and can occasionally be dangerous. Airlines will need to start thinking about how they will manage the increased turbulence, as it costs the industry $150 to $500 million annually in the United States alone," Mark Prosser, a meteorologist at the University of Reading in England, said in the 2023 release.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Two Sioux City women, both found guilty of killing another family member, were sentenced on Friday.

Court documents show that Angela Bino faced a judge at 11 a.m. and was sentenced to life in prison. An hour before that, Jessica Bino, Angelas daughter, was also sentenced.

Jessica Binos sentence is a mandatory minimum of life in prison with no parole eligibility.

Story continues below

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Both women were found guilty in separate bench trials in connection with the death of Suzette Occhibone. In October 2023, Jessica and Angela assaulted and stabbed Suzette in the apartment the three women shared; her body was found near a car. Court documents indicated that both women were trying to put Suzettes body in the trunk of the vehicle.

Both women have asked for new trials, but so far the court has not acted on the request. Find the full trial information 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Two students have been taken into custody after making threats to "shoot up" a Texas high school, according to police.

A Clemens High School school resource officer was contacted by school administrators on Thursday, who reported two male students making terroristic threats last week, according to the Schertz Police Department.

During the investigation, it was revealed that one student had expressed a desire to "shoot up the school," although he did not have any firearms, police said.

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A second student suggested he "could provide the weapons," police said.

A third student then reported these threats to school administrators and video evidence was obtained to support a terroristic threat charge, according to police.

Both students were taken into custody for making terrorist threats, a third-degree felony in Texas, police said.

Google Maps Street View - PHOTO: Samuel Clemens High School in Schertz, Texas.

The boys were transported to the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Center.

"We want to express our gratitude to the student who came forward to report the threats, and we acknowledge the school administration for their collaborative efforts during this investigation," police said in a statement.

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Schertz is located just northeast of San Antonio.

The arrests came just one day after two young students were killed and 18 other people injured during a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The suspect died on scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A 20-year-old has been charged with rape stemming from an incident back in 2024.

On Thursday, Landon Hein, of Newburgh, was arrested and charged with rape, strangulation and battery. Documents obtained by Eyewitness News say the allegations were made back in September.

Landon Hein

Police say a female victim came forward to report Hein raped her in her dorm room at the University of Southern Indiana. In a statement to police, she said she invited Hein to her dorm where they engaged in consensual sex. The victim says she became uncomfortable due to Heins aggressive behavior, so she told him she wasnt feeling good and tried to go to bed.

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The victim goes on to say that when they were both in her bed, Hein asked her to move her TV so he could see. When she refused, the victim says Hein smacked her across the face. The victim then says her TV stopped working, and Hein asked her to fix it. She again refused and says Hein climbed on her and began choking her. She asked him to stop, but she says he only squeezed harder. She says he only stopped when she grabbed his hands and forced him off.

The victim then says Hein raped her. She told police it was obvious she was uncomfortable.

In October, police interviewed Hein, where he denied he had raped anyone or even been to USI in September. Officers were able to review Heins phone records, which revealed he was at USI on the date of the incident. Records also revealed Heins Google search history. Police learned that the day of and the day after they interviewed Hein, he had googled, If you have sex but dont c** in her, how long is your DNA on her, and What happens when you are accused of rape?

Response from the University of Southern Indiana

The individual in question, Landon Hein, was not, and is not, affiliated with the University. Any inquiries should be directed to the Vanderburgh County Sheriffs Office which is conducting the investigation. The University is committed to the safety and well-being of our campus community. Any member of the USI community who believes that they have experienced: discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual exploitation in violation of Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy or the Sexual Harassment Policy , or hazing in violation of the Hazing Policy is encouraged to report the incident(s) as soon as possible. While reporting is encouraged, Complainants have the right to report or not report the incident to the University and/or to law enforcement. Information on reporting, support, prevention and additional resources are available on the Universitys Institutional Equity 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
If a monster hurricane like Katrina were to strike a city like New Orleans today, experts believe the federal government would be ill-equipped to respond.

I think were not prepared for another Katrina and were getting less prepared every day as theres talk of disassembling FEMA, Dr. Irwin Redlener, founding director and senior advisor for the Columbia Climate Schools National Center for Disaster Preparedness, told The Independent.

After Katrina struck, Redlener spent months in New Orleans working with the states health department on where to place medical assets in the region. So, President Donald Trumps threats to dismantle FEMA is what he calls the bottom line.

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Earlier this week, as the 20 year anniversary of the costliest hurricane in U.S. history  nearly 1,400 people were killed  approached, Federal Emergency Management Agency employees wrote an open letter warning Congress that the administrations actions could risk a Katrina-level disaster .

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 more than 190 employees said in a document called the Katrina Declaration.

New Orleans residents walk through chest deep floodwaters after Hurricane Katrina. Its been 20 years since the storm hit the Louisiana coast (AP)

Only 35 people signed their names to the letter. They were later put on administrative leave, according to reports.

"I am not surprised that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform; including many who worked under the Biden Administration to turn FEMA into the bureaucratic nightmare it is today," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News Digital on Thursday. Her department leads FEMA.

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"I refuse to accept that FEMA red tape should stand between an American citizen suffering and the aid they desperately need," Noem added.

A man carries a baby through the flooded streets of New Orleans (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jeremy L. Grisham)

FEMA, the nations top disaster relief agency, was criticized over its response to Katrina and the actions of its leadership  but today the threat of hurricane disaster is greater than ever, thanks to the impacts of human-caused climate change and the actions of the Trump administration.

Storms are stronger and intensify faster in a warming world. The recent Hurricane Erin side-swiped the East Coast last week, but was one of the fastest strengthening storms on record.

The Trump administration, which has denied the role of climate change and the science behind it, spearheaded mass layoffs at the National Weather Service that forecasters warned could have dangerous side effects during hurricane season and for years to come.

A resident walks past a burning house fire in the 7th ward September 6, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana (Getty)

Disasterology author Dr. Samantha Montano was a junior in high school when Katrina hit. She volunteered to rebuild houses in New Orleans with fellow students in the aftermath, and went on to become an associate professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

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Now, she says 20 years of FEMAs post-Katrina progress have been unraveled, leaving it less prepared to respond to a major disaster than it was in 2005.

I have not seen anything from FEMA that would suggest that the agency is operating more effectively today than it was in May, Dr. Samantha Montano said in an emailed statement referring to an internal memo cautioning that the agency was not ready for this season.

Hurricane Katrina survivors wait outside the New Orleans Superdome and Convention Center. The storm took the lives of nearly 1,400 people and left many without homes (AFP/Getty)

Later on social media, Montano wrote that while FEMA had not been eliminated yet, much of the agency has been brought to a standstill.

Theres a difference between those two things but when youre standing on the foundation of your house trying to get some help they feel largely the same, she noted.

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A spokesperson for the agency told The Independent that its current leadership, namely Noem and Acting Administrator David Richardson, are turning the page on the old way of doing business and disaster response bogged down by red tape, inefficiency, and a one-size-fits-all approach that left too many Americans waiting for help that came too late.

They pointed out that FEMA is still processing claims from Katrina and said the administration aimed to build something better.

Rescue workers pull a woman from the rising flood waters from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now, 20 years since the monster storm, experts say the federal government would be ill-equipped to handle such a storm (Getty)

Noem later said she was working so hard to eliminate FEMA as it exists today, telling Fox News Digital she wanted to streamline [it] into a tool that is beneficial for Americans in crisis.

The Trump administration is committed to building a FEMA that works for the American people  not for Washington bureaucrats, noted the statement from the agency. States know best the unique challenges they face, and FEMA is ready to enable them with effective disaster recovery resources.

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Bill Gentry, a professor at the University of North Carolina who worked for the states Division of Emergency Management, said he believed the agency and their staff are ready for hurricanes and that hasnt changed, but that theres going to be an adjustment.

So far, there hasnt been any communication on what that adjustment might entail, he said, other than requiring state and local authorities to do more.

A person is lifted to safety by a Coast Guard helicopter in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (AFP/Getty)

It could mean that EMAC, the national agreement that allows states to request and receive assistance from others, could be affected. FEMA reimburses the cost of that aid now, but there could be changes to the system if FEMA wont cover costs anymore.

I think thats where more angst comes in because we just dont have a full understanding of how long is it going to be for federal resources to be approved, if they are approved, he said.

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Earlier this year, the administration was slow to respond to disaster aid requests. In several cases, requests were denied, including following tornadoes in Arkansas, a bomb cyclone in Washington state, flooding in West Virginia, and North Carolinas Hurricane Helene.

On a state and local level, response to these events has been swift  especially in more hazard-prone areas. But Gentry noted that western North Carolina has just received a fourth of its total recovery funding approved by FEMA nearly a year after the storm.

People are stranded on a New Orleans roof due to flood waters from Hurricane Katrina. It took weeks for the floodwaters to be fully removed from the city (AFP/Getty)

In Louisiana, which is often the target of hurricanes and other storms churning across the Gulf of Mexico, Montano said that a Katrina-like event hitting today would have a much better outcome because of extensive changes to the metros levee system.

But every situation is different. Not every local system can afford resources, and some states dont have as many disasters.

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Every community that has a major disaster benefits from having the experience and expertise and coordination capacity of FEMA as it is, Redlener said.

To Redlener, politics have influenced a key service for the American public. FEMA provides critical money for families and businesses recovering from hurricanes.

In many ways, it feels like weve gone backwards. And that is a fundamental concern for disaster preparedness in general in the United States, he said.
20 years after Katrina: Evacuees, volunteers look back at tragic time

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a devastating storm that led many New Orleans residents to evacuate.

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Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005, with winds reaching 175 miles per hour, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

In the aftermath, over 100,000 people affected by the hurricane evacuated to Georgia, with many settling in the Atlanta area.

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It was a horrible and tragic time, Jovaughn Recasner, a former New Orleans firefighter, told Channel 2s Audrey Washington.

Recasner evacuated to Atlanta with his wife Chanel before the storm made landfall.

Jovaughn Recasner was on injury leave during the hurricane and could only watch the destruction from afar.

It was a horrible and tragic time, he recalled.

The couple fled from the Algiers area of New Orleans, leaving behind their home and way of life.

Not only are your material things gone, but your way of life, he said.

Chanel Recasner shared the emotional toll of the evacuation.

Seeing everything unfold and knowing that our family was still there, she said.

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In Atlanta, they received support from organizations like Hosea Helps.

Elisabeth Omilami of Hosea Helps remembered the dire need at the time.

We served them for 6 months. They only had what they were wearing, she said.

Chanel Recasner addressed misconceptions about the survivors.

There were a lot of things about people looting and that they were dangerous, it was just that people were trying to survive, she said.

Despite the challenges, Jovaughn acknowledged the resilience of those who endured the storm, saying, Theres something to be said for the folks who made it and came out on the other side of it.

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Biloxi, Mississippi  Twenty years ago Friday, Katrina made its second and most destructive U.S. landfall, coming ashore just southeast of New Orleans as a Category 3 hurricane.

While the damage and destruction left by Katrina in 2005 changed New Orleans forever, the storm surge and powerful winds also left a lasting blow to other parts of the Gulf Coast, including Alabama and Mississippi.

Two decades later, Biloxi, Mississippi, is still trying to rebuild. Mayor Andrew "FoFo" Gilich says it has been a constant battle with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over funding.

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To rebuild the city's pier stronger than before, the city says it needs $4 million. Gilich says FEMA has proposed a different number: $555,000.

"$555,000, which in my mind is absolutely ridiculous, you can't build anything with that," Gilich told CBS News.

The biggest unfinished project, though, has been upgrades to the city's sewage and stormwater system in order to better protect Biloxi from the next monster storm.

"We can't bid these last two projects unless we have assurance of funding," Gilich said.

Gilich said FEMA still owes Biloxi $34 million to finish work planned about 20 years ago. FEMA won't pay it until Biloxi begins the work on the final phase, but Gilich says he doesn't want to start something he knows he won't be able to afford to finish. The mayor said as time has passed, the cost of supplies and labor has outpaced the original estimates.

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Gilich says the city now needs $111 million to finish the project, but FEMA has denied his request for more money  twice.

"I'm not bashful, and they [FEMA] understand, you know, where our concern is," said Gilich, who described the way he feels his city has been treated by FEMA as "just ridiculous."

Biloxi submitted a second appeal to FEMA this summer.

Over the years, FEMA has tried to claw back some of the money provided for earlier phases of the sewage system upgrades, claiming that the city has not used the federal money it has received appropriately. Biloxi and FEMA reached a court settlement over those concerns a few years ago.

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Gilich says FEMA's allegations are "not right."

"Bottom line, I'm here to say we've done everything we could possibly do," Gilich added.

In documentation Biloxi provided to CBS News, FEMA's denial this summer of Biloxi's request was due to the fact that the city, "has not provided documentation substantiating the reasonableness of the costs claimed or demonstrating any errors or omission in the approved ... cost estimate requiring adjustment of the costs agreed upon."

Biloxi is not alone in its struggles with FEMA. CBS News found 254 other FEMA Katrina relief projects through the agency that were designed to help municipalities across Louisiana and Mississippi that still aren't done.

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Gilich said the experience is "almost like dealing with insurance agents. The delay, depose and deny."

Complicating matters is the Trump administration's efforts to potentially overhaul FEMA, and controversy over cuts to some disaster mitigation grants, among other funding changes. CBS News reported in May that FEMA has lost about one-third of its staff through a combination of firings and buyouts.

And earlier this week, a group of 181 current and former FEMA officials signed on to an open letter that said the White House's changes to the agency could undo decades of reforms that were enacted post-Katrina. More than 20 employees who publicly signed their names to the letter have since been suspended.

In May, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem testified before Congress about her plans to improve the agency's processes.

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"We still have claims outstanding in FEMA from Hurricane Katrina," Noem, whose department oversees FEMA, said. "Wildfire claims from out West that are 10 years old, where people said, 'We have this claim, this loss. FEMA committed to pay it and still has not followed through on it.' We saw political targeting that happened in North Carolina, where individuals within FEMA decided who could get help and who didn't get help. So that needs to end. And this needs some integrity to it and making sure the federal government is there for support, but [that] the states are empowered to do the emergency response is very important to President Trump."

Gilich has traveled to D.C. three times already this year to advocate for his city. He said he's feeling cautiously optimistic that the funding will eventually come through and the rebuilding process will be complete within about three years.

"The end result is righteous," Gilich said. "It's going to be something that we can sustain a lot of the things, you know, as far as what Mother Nature throws at us."

In a statement provided to CBS News Thursday in response to a question about those communities who say they are still waiting on post-Katrina funding, a FEMA spokesperson said, in part, that "it's ridiculous, unacceptable, and absurd that FEMA is still working and processing claims from a disaster that happened 20 years ago. This is an example of unnecessary red tape and a broken government agency that does not work in the best interest of the American people. We're moving away from the bloated, DC-centric model of the past and creating a lean, fast, and effective disaster response agency focusing on empowering states and local communities to lead the way in helping their citizens, with FEMA standing ready to support."

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The spokesperson noted that the FEMA Review Council, established by President Trump in January, "is conducting a thorough review to ensure FEMA delivers swift, effective disaster response for Americans."

That council is expected to release a final report with "actionable recommendations," the spokesperson said.



The FEMA spokesperson also added that, "To date, FEMA has provided impacted states with significant federal assistance, including over $6.6 billion in Individual Assistance  which includes money for rent, basic home repairs and other disaster-caused needs  and over $17.1 billion in Public Assistance reimbursements has been approved for recovery projects like rebuilding roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure."

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Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has published his boldest crypto prediction yet, forecasting that Hyperliquids HYPE token could surge 126x from current levels by 2028 as stablecoin adoption reaches $10 trillion and transforms decentralized trading.

Hayes believes Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents policies could create the largest DeFi bull market in history.

Buffalo Bill Bessents Strategy Targets $34 Trillion Global Deposit Seizure

Hayes thesis centers on his belief that the Trump administration will weaponize stablecoins to capture $34 trillion in Eurodollar deposits and Global South bank holdings, forcing these funds into U.S. Treasury bills through compliant stablecoin issuers.

The former crypto executive argues this represents a once in a century change of the global monetary architecture that will supercharge decentralized finance applications.

The prediction comes as Hayes maintains substantial positions through his investment fund, Maelstrom, in Ethena (ENA), also known as Ether.fi (ETHFI), and Hyperliquid (HYPE).

His analysis projects ENA could gain 51x and ETHFI could achieve 34x returns by 2028 based on massive stablecoin adoption driving DeFi usage.

Hayes nicknamed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Buffalo Bill for his anticipated dismantling of the Eurodollar banking system, comparing the strategy to taking control of foreign non-dollar deposits.

The analysis suggests that Metas WhatsApp and other U.S. tech platforms will serve as distribution channels for dollar-pegged stablecoins, reaching billions of users globally, thereby bypassing local banking systems and regulatory restrictions.

Stablecoin Infrastructure to Absorb $34 Trillion in Global Deposits

Hayes outlines how Bessent could redirect $10-13 trillion in Eurodollar deposits by threatening to withdraw Federal Reserve support for foreign banks during the next financial crisis.

This policy shift would force Eurodollar depositors to comply with stablecoin issuers like Tether, which invest exclusively in U.S. bank deposits and Treasury bills.

The strategy extends to capturing $21 trillion in Global South retail deposits through U.S. social media platforms equipped with crypto wallets.

Hayes envisions WhatsApp providing seamless stablecoin payment functionality to users in countries like the Philippines, effectively creating digital dollar bank accounts for billions while bypassing local banking regulations.

Central banks in emerging markets would lose monetary control as citizens adopt dollar-pegged stablecoins for daily transactions.
A 22-year-old man was arrested after a child porn investigation in Logan County.

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Jeremiah J. Monk, a 22-year-old resident of West Liberty, was identified as a suspect in the investigation.

Authorities executed a search warrant at Monks residence, taking several electronic devices as evidence.

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Monk has been initially charged with counts of rape (victim under the age of 13) and pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor.

He was booked into the Logan County Jail.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The 2nd Annual Texas Wildlife Association Gala honored the John Cargile Family for their contribution to Texas ranching.

Greg Simons, the co-chairman of the San Angelo Area Conservationalist of the Year Gala, talked about the initiative that started the Gala.

The San Angelo Area Conservation Education Initiative addresses the growing concerns regarding conservation education literacy, Simons said. The centerpiece of this initiative is the gala were having here tonight. We are shining the light on a family that exemplifies a lifetime of stewardship on their lands as well as investing in community health. Based on the standing crowd we have this evening, its a testimony on how that family has a tremendous amount of love, respect and admiration from all of their friends and community members in this area.

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The Cargile Family being honored means a lot to the community of the Concho Valley, and Simons elaborates on why:

The family has been in the ranching business for about 120 years, Simons said. There is also a livestock that theyve done for 70 years. Theyve really been leaders for the ag industry in this part of the world and elsewhere. John Cargile was the past president of the Texas Cattle Ranchers Association and the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association. When you look at a family that really carved the path forward in terms of their stewardship practices on their ranch, and their leadership in the industry, theyre a great family to honor.

A gallery of the gala can be viewed below:

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
BERLIN (AP)  A second suspect was arrested Friday over a knife attack last weekend on a tram in the German city of Dresden in which an American man was wounded, authorities said.

The suspect, a 20-year-old Syrian, turned himself in to police hours after a wanted notice was issued for him, police and prosecutors said in a statement. They said that he was arrested in a suburban Dresden square after calling the police emergency number and telling police where he was.

The victim, a 20-year-old American, was attacked just after midnight on Sunday while the tram was at a stop. Police have said that he intervened when two men harassed a woman on board the tram and was then attacked himself before the men fled, sustaining facial wounds.

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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.

A first suspect, a 21-year-old Syrian, was detained on Sunday but initially let go because prosecutors didnt at that point have grounds to keep him in custody. He was arrested on Tuesday after new information pointed to him having been involved in the attack.
NEED TO KNOW

Three men have died after coming into contact with a toxic gas while working in a sewer in Texas on Aug. 27

The victims have been identified as 47-year-old Brad Hutton, 52-year-old John Nelson Sr. and 46-year-old Bradley Wrightsman

One of the companies that the victims worked for has a history of safety violations, according to a news report

Three men have died after inhaling a toxic gas inside a manhole where they were working.

The Trinity County Sheriff's Office said the three men were making repairs while working in the manhole in the Westwood Shores area on Wednesday, Aug. 27, when they came into contact with the toxic fumes, according to ABC affiliate KTRK and NBC affiliate KVEO.

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Deputy Chief Jeremy Carroll said one of the victims entered the manhole to try and stop sewage from backing up into their work zone.

The second victim entered the manhole after the gas buildup led the first victim to experience some sort of medical issue. The second victim then lost consciousness, leading the third victim to enter the hole, where they became unconscious as well.

Fire Chief Jason Oliphant of Montgomery County ESD told CW affiliate KIAH that emergency crews were called to the scene around 5 p.m. local time, at which point the three men were found unconscious.

Crews reportedly used self-contained breathing apparatus while recovering the men, who were later pronounced dead.

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The victims have been identified as one Hydroclear Services worker, 47-year-old Brad Hutton, of Willis, and two workers from H2O Innovation, 52-year-old John Nelson Sr., of Cleveland, and 46-year-old Bradley Wrightsman, of Katy, according to KTRK and KVEO.

Carroll said the Hydroclear worker had a gas reader on him that alerted to the presence of high levels of the gas, KTRK reported. The man tried to climb his way out of the tunnel, but ultimately did not survive, he added.

"I think these are all heroes, trying to save each other," Carroll said, according to KTRK.

The TCSO did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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The gas involved in the incident has been identified as hydrogen sulfide, which is frequently found in manholes, according to KVEO.

Hydrogen sulfide can result from bacterial breakdown of organic matter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website. Very high levels of the gas can result in sudden unconsciousness or death.



H2O Innovation had two serious violations in 2021, according to KTRK. The company also had one repeat violation with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that same year.

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Two of the violations involved not providing workers with a "safe means of egress" from a 4-foot trench in Spring, and not providing proper protection from cave-ins at a site in Houston.

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"The health and safety of our employees is the most important thing to us, H2O Innovation said in a statement to KTRK. Over the last five years, we have increased our commitment in this area, placing a large emphasis on our health and safety group and adding employees to that team.

They added, We have not had a serious OSHA violation since 2021, and we continue to put our employees and their safety first by emphasizing training and education. The deaths of these beloved members of our team have been devastating for all of us, and we are focusing on doing everything we can to support their loved ones and our team members."

H2O Innovation did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

OSHA is currently investigating the latest incident, according to KVEO.



Read the original article on People
Dozens of students at an Ohio school district were taken to the hospital on Friday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

More than two dozen students at the Mapleton Local School District began to complain of illness early Friday, according to CBS-affiliate WOIO.

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Mapleton Local Schools said symptoms included headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Multiple ambulances responded and took 30 students to seven hospitals.

Deputies said the children are expected to be okay, and it is not known at this time what caused the illness.

Students will be allowed to return for their belongings after 6 p.m. on Friday.

We will continue to follow this story.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Dozens of Oregon sheriffs have cosigned a letter asking for clarification about whether or not they can legally work with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement subpoena requests, given Oregons sanctuary state laws.

Thirty-four out of Oregons 36 sheriffs signed the letter in support of a Marion County lawsuit asking a federal court if they can share parole information with ICE.

Marion Countys lawsuit, filed on Aug. 18, comes after ICE subpoenas were sent to Marion County on Aug. 1, requesting information about five people, four of whom were convicted of various crimes ranging from sex abuse and rape to kidnapping and robbery, as originally reported by OPB. Two of the people were registered sex offenders, the lawsuit said.

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ICE operations will soon ramp up in Portland and other sanctuary cities

The lawsuit asking federal courts for clarification on whether Marion County should follow state or federal law when it comes to enforcing immigration law was filed against Gov. Tina Kotek, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and acting Director for U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons.

The week before the lawsuit was filed, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters to the State of Oregon, the City of Portland, and other communities designated as sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation, threatening them with criminal penalties or loss of federal funding if they do not cooperate with ICE.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield released a statement at the time, saying he was committed to defending Oregons sanctuary laws.

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2 Oregon companies lose contracts with BLM after firefighters arrested by border patrol

This is not the first time this president tried to push people around to carry out his unlawful and unpopular political agenda. Our states sanctuary law has coexisted with 7 presidential administrations, including the first Trump administration. It has been upheld by a federal court. My office is the last line of defense against these undemocratic attacks. It is my job to defend Oregons laws in court and that is what I intend to do, Rayfield said in a statement on Aug. 15.

The new letter from the Oregon State Sheriffs Association, backing the Marion County lawsuit, was sent to Marion Countys legal counsel, Oregon AG Rayfield, as well as U.S. AG Bondi on Wednesday.

The OSSA letter, which was not cosigned by Multnomah County or Washington County, said that there is a good deal of legal uncertainty on the matter of whether or not they should cooperate with ICE.

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Oregon firefighter detained by ICE is missing, lawyer says

Uncertainty from conflicting laws is bad for everyone, Marion County Counsel Streve Elzinga said in a statement in response to the letter. Marion County seeks legal clarity that will benefit all Oregonians, especially the dedicated law enforcement officers across our state who work hard to keep us safe and are currently stuck in the middle of conflicting state and federal laws.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD  This Sunday, the downtown bar near south S. Jefferson and E. Pershing will serve its last drinks.

The bar made the announcement on their Facebook page on Thursday, indicating the last day of business will be this Sunday, August 31st. The bar and restaurant thanked its patrons and staff that have made it successful during its last 10 years in business at 431 S. Jefferson Ave in the Wilhoit Plaza Lofts area. The bar was known for its self-serve beer taps, bar games, and American pub food.

There was no reason given for the sudden closure.

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Here is the message 417 Taphouse sent out on social media:

In the comments, people thanked the bar for great memories. 417 Taphouse also indicated it will be selling some of the decor next week from inside the bar.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Midday traffic on the American Legion Bridge on June 14, 2022. (File photo by Bruce DePuyt/Maryland Matters)

Gary Hodges piece, Virginias proposed extension of Beltway toll lanes into Maryland wont solve our mobility crisis, is loaded with inaccuracies.

First, the Interstate 495/270 widening project is not Virginias project, but was spawned by former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan after he was elected in 2014. The Beltway and I-270 in Montgomery County are heavily congested because of insufficient road capacity, stemming from the very bad decision Maryland has made through the years to not add additional Potomac River crossings north and south of the Greater D.C. region.

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Let me remind readers that Maryland controls the Potomac River to the Virginia shore, so any transportation facility must be supported and built by Maryland, as was the case with the $2.5 billion Wilson Bridge replacement in the 2000s.

So, Hogan and his transportation people had no choice but to add lanes on I-495, the Beltway  which is now carrying 250,000 vehicles a day  and I-270, which is carrying almost as many vehicles.

In addition, the Maryland Department of Transportation forecasts the overstressed Legion Bridge on I-495 needs to be replaced due to wear and tear  as early as 2030, just five years from today. This means lanes will need to be closed, thus making traffic congestion worse. There are no other highway bridge alternatives. Currently, delays in rush hour can be 30 minutes or longer, so imagine what will occur if the Legion Bridge goes from eight to six lanes?

So, not having any tax money for this $6 billion project, Republican Hogan decided to create a public-private partnership so a company could add capacity via high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. We have used HOT lanes in Virginia for more than a decade, and they enable motorists to pay market rate for using them and get a congestion-free ride in return.

Your opinion matters

Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org.

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The MDOT plan called for widening the 270 split and part of 495 near Bethesda and most important, rebuilding the Legion Bridge and adding a new span to bring capacity to 12 lanes.

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Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, agreed with Hogan to extend our beltways HOT lanes to the Legion Bridge and widen them to 12 lanes to match what Maryland would do with 495 and the Legion Bridge. But in Montgomery County, it garnered immediate opposition from the NIMBY culture and Democrat politicians, notably County Executive Marc Elrich, who never met a highway he ever liked.

MDOT went ahead with its solicitation and Fluor/Transurban won the job in 2021. Virginia broke ground on its portion in 2022 and its due for completion in December.

But Elrich and Company colluded with political appointees in the Federal Highway Administration under Joe Biden to stop the 495/270 project by rejecting the Record of Decision in 2022. Maryland Democrats in Congress worked to change that ruling with then-DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Transurban was prepared to break ground on the Legion widening and replacement in 2023 to meet up with Virginias widening when newly elected Gov. Wes Moore announced he wanted to rethink the project because tolls were not equitable, and seek a federal grant to build it  some $6 billion.

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As a result, Fluor/Transurban pulled out of the project in early 2023.

The Biden administration ended up rejecting Marylands request for a grant to widen and replace the Legion Bridge, and Maryland now has no money to do anything.

Meanwhile, Virginias Beltway widening to 12 lanes is moving along, but because the Legion Bridge has only eight lanes, it renders the project almost useless. And, Maryland will likely have to close lanes on 495 to make repairs around 2030. Moore, Elrich and other transit fanatics clearly screwed the D.C. area.

As for the I-495 Southside Express Lanes project Hodge mentions, he derides it as outsourcing our state highway network to unaccountable privateers and their shareholders. Another inaccuracy.

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When the Wilson Bridge was replaced around 2006, only 10 of 12 lanes were opened to traffic. The other two were reserved for transit, high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) or general-purpose lanes. Thats what the Southside Express Lane project is studying. In my view, those two lanes should be opened to traffic immediately because the Wilson is horribly congested, too.

Transit boondoggles like Hodge mentioned will take years to complete and cost billions that neither Maryland nor U.S. DOT has to spend.

I hope Moore comes to his senses and reissues the public private partnership that Hogan worked so hard to achieve.
A 5-year-old girl who was swept down a storm drain and found in a retention area 100 yards away has died, Florida authorities said.

The Sarasota County Sheriffs Office shared Thursday that the agency received word from Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in St. Petersburg that Zaria Miller had died after days in critical condition.

The child was playing outside in Sarasota at around 6 p.m. Aug. 24 when she was sucked down a storm drain during a water main break, McClatchy News previously reported.

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Flooding from the areas recent rainfall combined with the water main break created a current that pulled the girl down the drain and carried her 100 yards away, deputies said.

She was found in a wooded retention area across the street from Sarasota Christian Academy and rushed to a hospital, according to the sheriffs office.

According to a GoFundMe that also shared the news of her death, the girl was playing with her brothers when the incident happened.
Good Morning, Asia. Here's what's making news in the markets:

Welcome to Asia Morning Briefing, a daily summary of top stories during U.S. hours and an overview of market moves and analysis. For a detailed overview of U.S. markets, see CoinDesk's Crypto Daybook Americas.



Chinas growing focus on stablecoins is less about embracing crypto and more about defending its currency from U.S. dollar dominance, says Dr. Vera Yuen of Hong Kong University's Business School, who argues the shift highlights offshore opportunities but also deep domestic limits.

Beijing's shift comes as Washington moved first to create a regulatory framework for the stablecoin industry in the U.S. Reuters recently reported that China's State Council is reviewing a roadmap for yuan-backed stablecoins later this month, with Hong Kong and Shanghai expected to fast-track adoption.

In an earlier interview, Animoca Group president Evan Auyang told CoinDesk the trigger was the U.S. GENIUS Act, which cements dollar-pegged tokens as part of global finance.

He said the law is pressuring China to act a lot faster, pushing Beijing to consider stablecoins not as speculative instruments, as once described by the People's Bank of China, but as necessary infrastructure to keep pace in global trade and settlement.

Yuen said the government first prioritized the e-CNY, its Central Bank Digital Currency, because it offered control, traceability, and seigniorage profits  features that regulators valued over those of privately issued tokens. But she noted that stablecoins have a clear edge in international use.

Many CBDCs are developed for domestic use, so for international use of CBDCs, there is a big problem of interoperability of different systems. Stablecoins are designed to be used internationally, so it can be a better option for cross-border transactions, she told CoinDesk.

"Focusing on stablecoins allows China to respond proactively to global regulatory debates and technological advances, ensuring it remains competitive and prepared as the digital currency landscape evolves," Yuen continued.

Capital controls still mean any yuan token will stay offshore, with Hong Kongs new regime providing the testing ground. However, limited CNH liquidity underscores how narrow the runway is for Chinas internationalization push.

"This would limit the issuance of offshore renminbi stablecoins, constraining its attractiveness as a means of payment," Yuen said.

China is also not moving in isolation.

In Japan, Monex Group is preparing to issue a yen-backed stablecoin tied to government bonds, joining other domestic players such as SBI and JPYC.
As we head into Labor Day weekend, take a moment to honor the American labor movement, which fought for decades to bring us all improved working conditions, fair wages and an end to child labor. As for the 5 Things team, were going to take a short break. 5 Good Things will bring some much-needed uplifting news on Saturday. 5 Things AM and PM will return on Tuesday. As always, you can head to CNN.com for the latest news updates.

Heres what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day.

1 Minneapolis school shooting

While the community grieves, authorities released the identities of the victims from Wednesdays mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Two children  8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski  were fatally shot in the attack. Fletchers father asked people to remember Fletcher for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life. Harpers family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and called for change. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain, her parents said in a statement. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Three elderly parishioners and 15 other children were also wounded. As for the investigation, police continue to search for a motive.

2 Ukraine

The Trump administration has approved the sale of more than 3,000 Extended Range Attack Munition missiles to Ukraine. If the $825 million deal is concluded as expected, the ERAM missiles  which have a range of 150 to 280 miles  could be delivered later this year. Ukraine will use funding from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway and Foreign Military Financing from the United States for this purchase, a notice from the State Department said. While the Trump administration has approved several sales of equipment to sustain existing weapons, this appears to be the first major arms sale of new weapons to Ukraine announced by the administration. To date, diplomatic efforts have failed to reach a lasting ceasefire. This week, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow is still interested in peace talks. However, he emphasized that the special military operation, Russias way of describing the war, continues.

3 Immigration

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump made immigration his top issue. He described undocumented migrants as criminals and terrorists, claimed they were eating peoples pets and vowed to deport 1 million a year. Seven months into his second term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has deported nearly 200,000 people. Another 150,000 immigrants were either self-deported or repatriated by US Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard. According to government records, more than 75% of people booked into ICE custody in fiscal year 2025 had no criminal conviction other than an immigration or traffic-related offense. And less than 10% were convicted of serious crimes like murder, assault, robbery or rape. Among those arrested this week: two firefighters who were detained by Border Patrol while they were battling Washington states biggest wildfire.

4 CDC

A crowd of CDC staffers rallied outside the agencys Atlanta headquarters on Thursday to salute several top officials who resigned over the removal of the agencys director. The CDC was left leaderless this week when the White House ousted Director Dr. Susan Monarez on Wednesday. According to people familiar with the situation, Monarez recently clashed with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team over vaccine policies and personnel matters. Soon after her ouster, Dr. Deb Houry, the chief medical officer; Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, chief of vaccines and respiratory diseases; Dr. Daniel Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases; and data chief Dr. Jennifer Layden quit the CDC in protest. According to an administration official and another person familiar with the matter, Kennedy is expected to name Deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill to serve as acting director.

5 Ashli Babbitt

Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran and pro-Trump rioter who was shot and killed on January 6, 2021, after breaching a sensitive area of the US Capitol, will now receive military funeral honors. Matthew Lohmeier, under secretary of the Air Force, also invited Babbitts family to come to the Pentagon so he could personally offer his condolences. Military honors typically include a uniformed detail at the funeral, the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of a US flag. These honors had been previously denied under the Biden administration. In May, the Trump administration also agreed to pay her family nearly $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit. The officer involved in Babbitts shooting death during the insurrection was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing.

Breakfast browse

Cyclist Chris Froome airlifted to hospital after training crash

The four-time Tour de France winner suffered several broken bones in the incident.

Cracker Barrel quietly removes DEI, Pride pages from website

The changes occurred after the struggling restaurant chain faced days of intense backlash, primarily from right-wing influencers, over its new logo.

Fossils of jaw-droppingly weird dinosaur discovered

This armored plant-eater was adorned with spikes, some of which were about 3 feet long.

Changes coming to SNL

As the NBC sketch show enters its 51st season, several cast members are departing.

Eager to know more about this weeks big marriage proposal?

Travis Kelces dad spills more details about how it all went down.

Quiz time

Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end to what has been a long, hot summer. We have some ideas about how to spend your holiday that also test your knowledge of seasonal treats, traditions and diversions.

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An amusement park is a great place to have some fun as summer winds down. Where was Americas first roller coaster built?

A. Cleveland

B. New York

C. Detroit

D. Miami

Take me to the quiz!

Big number

4,063

Thats how many drive-in movie theaters were operating in the US in 1958. Today, there are only about 283.

Quotable

The infectious disease physician sees misinformation and disinformation about vaccines as a second pandemic

Weather

 Check your local forecast to see what you can expect.

And finally

 College dorms get glamorous designer makeovers

Say goodbye to bland, empty walls and boring interiors.

Todays edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNNs Andrew Torgan.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Tens of millions of dollars in damage costs, 51 destroyed homes and hundreds of 911 calls in rapid succession.

Those are some of the data points Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers cited in his letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to act quickly to declare a major disaster and approve federal aid.

The 24-page letter is perhaps the first comprehensive analysis of the scope of the Aug. 9-10 floods that swept through southeast Wisconsin, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.

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Much of the information was collected during FEMA's Preliminary Damage Assessment last week, when local, state and federal officials canvassed neighborhoods and surveyed residents about damage.

Here are some of the notable findings from the report, including updated damage estimates:

51 homes destroyed; home damage costs reach $33 million

Damage assessments found 51 homes were destroyed  46 of them in Milwaukee County, four in Waukesha County and one in Washington County.

More than 4,500 residential and commercial buildings were damaged. That includes 1,500 homes with major damage, 654 with minor damage and 966 categorized as "affected."

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In the three affected counties, home damages are estimated at $33 million. Between 0% and 1.6% of residents in those counties have flood insurance, and 90% of affected properties are located outside FEMA-designated floodplains.

$43 million in infrastructure damage

In addition to home damages, damage to public buildings and infrastructure surpasses $43 million. That includes more than $34 million in Milwaukee County alone.

FEMA helps county governments with infrastructure through a separate process called Public Assistance, different from the Individual Assistance that aids residents and households.

In Washington County, for example, road washouts and damage to bridges, parks and recreation facilities are expected to total around $1.82 million.

One death confirmed, two drowning deaths may be flood-related, three others missing

A 74-year-old Germantown man died from carbon monoxide poisoning and his wife was hospitalized after they set up a generator in their garage to run their sump pump when their home lost power.

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Two men who lived in a homeless encampment were found drowned in Lake Michigan and the Kinnickinnic River days after the floods. Three others from the encampment are missing, but local authorities have done little to search the waters.

Other injuries were reported related to evacuations, post-flood cleanup and coming into contact with energized equipment in water-filled environments. Residents face continued dangers from mold growth and unstable foundations, the letter said.

More: Did five men drown in the Milwaukee floods? We may never know

More: Health problems caused by Milwaukee's historic flood may be hard to tease out, officials say

14.55 inches might be state record for rainfall

Many areas received 10 to 13 inches of rain during the storms.

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But the state may have also set a record rainfall total of 14.55 inches within a 24-hour period. That total, on the northwest side of Milwaukee, is under review.

The Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic, Menomonee and Root rivers also hit record crests, which refers to the highest level a river reaches during a flood before it recedes.

Hundreds of 911 calls within hours

Waukesha County fielded 2,135 emergency calls during the storms, a 35% increase in 911 calls compared to the same time window in 2024. Door County received more than 700 emergency calls in the first hour after the storms.

The Wauwatosa Fire Department alone responded to more than 200 emergency calls in 24 hours, the letter said. Wauwatosa fire officials conducted 70 rescues from flooded areas, including saving people clinging to trees in fast-moving water.

11,000 people not yet connected to relief organizations

United Way of Wisconsin and 211 received more than 20,000 damage reports, but due to "limited resources from both the government and nonprofits," only about 9,000 have been referred to relief organizations for support.

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Other groups are working to support families, including the American Red Cross, which has opened up financial assistance to residents with severely damaged homes.

More: When will Wisconsin, Milwaukee get FEMA aid for floods? Trump administration has denied some states

Hundreds of free meals and cleanup kits

At least a dozen religious and charitable organizations have deployed volunteers. Southern Baptist Disaster Relief of Minnesota and Wisconsin brought in volunteer teams from Ohio and Kentucky.

The Salvation Army has supplied over 800 meals to residents and volunteers. At least 3,000 cleanup kits have been distributed through the Red Cross, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Wisconsin Council of Churches and other organizations.

More than 38,000 homes lost power in Milwaukee County

During the peak of the storms, about 38,176 homes lost power for an average of 10 hours in Milwaukee.

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In Waukesha County, electrical and natural gas service disruptions affected 76,000 customers, some lasting up to one week.

About a third of Door Couty's permanent population experienced power outages, with some lasting more than 48 hours.

Two dozen Milwaukee Public Schools buildings had flood damage

Milwaukee Public Schools had at least 22 buildings with minor water damage to their classrooms, cafeterias and HVAC systems. Riverside University High School and the Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education experienced more serious damage.

Schools in Milwaukee's suburbs also experienced flood damage, with some delaying back-to-school start dates.

Wisconsin State Fair lost more than $8 million in revenue

Wisconsin State Fair officials estimate they lost more than 100,000 expected fairgoers and $8 million in revenue after closing the fair early Aug. 9 and canceling the final day Aug. 10. Food vendors alone lost around $5.2 million.

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Door County experienced downed trees and damaged roadways in the peak of tourism season, the report added, though the full economic impact isn't known.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin, Milwaukee floods: 51 homes destroyed, $76 million in damage
This week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as well as a few brands, have alerted the public to multiple ongoing recalls. So, before you head to your Labor Day barbecue, ensure that the food youre servingand the products in your kitchenare safe to consume. These are the current, active recalls for the final week of August.

Ongoing Grocery Recalls This Week

Frozen Shrimp

Maybe the largest recall and piece of news out of the FDA this week is a multi-brand shrimp recall. The FDA advised customers not to consume select Great Value frozen shrimp sold at Walmart as the shrimp may be contaminated with Cesium-137 (Cs-137), which is a radioactive isotope.

The FDA is currently investigating findings of radioactive shrimp imported from Indonesia into the U.S. At this time, no products sold at retailers have tested positive for Cs-137, but out of an abundance of caution, Walmart has issued a recall for its shrimp. Southwind Foods, LLC, also recalled select shrimp sold under the brand names Sand Bar, Arctic Shores, Best Yet, Great American, and First Street.

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The FDA says it cannot rule out contamination and it advised Walmart to recall its shrimp as any exposure to radiation can lead to long-term effects, including elevated risks of cancer.

Eggs

Country Eggs, LLC, issued a recall for its Large Brown Cage Free Sunshine Yolks eggs because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The eggs were sold at grocery stores in California and Nevada and can be identified by the following brand names and codes:

Nagatoshi Produce with sell-by dates between July 1, 2025, and Sept. 16, 2025, and No. CA 7695

Misuho with sell-by dates between July 1, 2025, and Sept. 16, 2025, and No. CA 7695

Nijiya Markets with sell-by dates between July 1, 2025, and Sept. 16, 2025, and No. CA 7695

At this time, 92 illnesses have been reported and linked to the eggs.

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If you have the eggs, don't consume them. Instead, throw them away or return to them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

If you've already eaten the eggs, you should monitor yourself for Salmonella symptoms. Anyone can become infected with Salmonella, with common symptoms being fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; however, the infection can be serious or sometimes fatal in young children, older individuals, or those with weakened immune systems. In rare cases, Salmonella organisms can get into your bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses, like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Hostess Ding Dongs

The J.M. Smucker Co. issued a recall for five lots of Hostess Ding Dongs after a manufacturing error may have caused the snack cakes to mold prior to their expiration date. The Ding Dongs all have the expiration date of Aug. 30, 2025, Aug. 31, 2025, Sept. 1, 2025, Sept. 2, 2025, and Sept. 3, 2025, and can be further identified by the Universal Product Code (aka UPC number).

If you have the recalled Ding Dongs, you should not consume them as they may contain mold. Instead, throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement.

Blue Bell Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream

The FDA announced a recall of a lot of Blue Bell Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream sold in Alabama, Arkansas, the Florida Panhandle, Northwest Georgia, Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Southwest Virginia. The Blue Bell ice cream was inadvertently packaged in a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream tub and, therefore, does not contain an allergen warning for pecans, almonds, and walnuts, which can all be found in the Moo-llennium Crunch flavor.

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The recalled ice cream can be identified by a Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream tub with a Moo-llennium Crunch ice cream lid and the code 061027524 on the lid.

People with nut allergies are urged not to consume the ice cream.

7Up Zero-Sugar Tropical Soda

The FDA classified a recall for more than 1,950 cases of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda. The sodas were labeled as zero-sugar, but the cans were found to contain full-sugar soda instead.

The recalled 7Up soda was sold in Alabama and Florida and can be identified by the UPC 078000037982 on the cardboard box and 078000037975 on the cans.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake for medical reasons, it may be unsafe to consume this full-sugar soda. So, you can return it to your store for a full refund or replacement for the Zero Sugar Tropical flavor.

Taylor Farms Salad Kit

The FDA reported a recall for Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits due to an undisclosed allergen. Some packs of salad contained the wrong dressing, including Asian Sesame Ginger dressing instead of Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette, which means the included dressing has sesame and soy in the ingredients, and the allergen warning is not listed on the packaging.

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The recalled Taylor Farms Honey Balsamic Salad Kits were sold in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. They can be identified by the code date, which starts with "TFRS," and the best-by date of Sept. 4, 2025.

If you have the salad kit and also have a soy or sesame allergy or sensitivity, you should not consume it, as eating it could cause a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction. Instead, throw it away or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

Read the original article on Allrecipes
GOSHEN  A man who admitted to recording himself raping a girl eight times has received a 60-year prison term.

Brandon Crisler, 40, was sentenced Thursday in Elkhart County Superior Court 3 after pleading guilty to 10 child sex crimes. He admitted to four counts of child molesting as a Level 1 felony and four counts of child exploitation as a Level 4 felony, as well as a Level 5 felony charge of child exploitation as a Level 6 felony charge of voyeurism.

His sentence includes two consecutive 50-year prison terms, with 40 years suspended to probation between them, leaving 60 years to be served in the Indiana Department of Corrections. He received concurrent terms for the other eight counts, which add up to 129 years with 40 years suspended.

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Crislers victim was under age 10 at the time of the incidents, which the victims mother reported to the Middlebury Police Department in June 2023 after finding recordings on a tablet computer. Investigators said they spent a long time combing through a large number of extremely graphic images on the device.

Crisler committed the eight recorded crimes even while being investigated by the Department of Child Services for other allegations, Elkhart County Deputy Prosecutor Kaitlynn Campoli told the judge.

He told a detective he had been having sexual fantasies about the victim since she was 5 years old, Campoli said.

She said the victim had regressed in her development and reverted to baby talk, in addition to being unable to talk about the incidents and showing suicidal ideations.

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The victim expressed her disgust for Crisler in a letter read aloud in court.

Dear Brandon, you are so ugly, she wrote. You deserve to be buried in a hole with nothing, so everybody sees how ugly you are. You are so disgusting.

In her own letter, the victims mother said no sentence could be long enough to make up for the harm Crisler caused her family. She said the fact that he bribed the victim to stay quiet with candy and soda showed he knew it was wrong.

Anything short of life behind bars would be unjust, she wrote. He caused a wedge between all of us. We do not trust, not even each other, which means even more pain.

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In his own brief remarks, Crisler said he just wants to do whats right. His attorney said he had a hard time coming to terms with what he had done and the harm he had caused, but quickly accepted responsibility after receiving mental health treatment in a state hospital.

Crisler had been found incompetent to stand trial in October 2024 based on the opinions of two of the three psychiatrists who examine him. He was returned from the hospital after four months.

This is an absolute tragedy. The effects of his crime, he acknowledges, are catastrophic, attorney Bridgette Falkner said. His earliest eligible release, he will be 83 years old. This is very nearly a life sentence or possibly a life sentence for Mr. Crisler.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Rapid City man is headed to federal prison for having child porn.

Residents report issues calling 911 in Yankton

Friday, a judge sentenced 61-year-old Jerry Lamont to 15 years behind bars.

In 2024, investigators discovered illegal images of children on a dozen devices that belonged to him.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Three Willows Farm in Springfield Township became the first New Jersey farm preserved using a new state formula to calculate development value.

The 70-acre cattle farm in Burlington County, owned by first-generation farmers Brian and Stacey Arzt, was celebrated during a ceremony Monday attended by state and local officials.

The preservation marks the debut of the Statewide Formula Value, which considers both development rights and additional value based on agricultural and natural resource characteristics.

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The new formula was signed into law in January 2024 and took effect in April.

We all agree  this formula is a game-changer for all of us hoping to preserve more of New Jerseys remaining farmland," Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said in a statement.

The Arzt family raises cattle and sells pasture-raised beef directly to customers from their property located off Arneys Mount Road.

Burlington County has reached tentative agreements with the owners of six additional farms to enter the county preservation program, officials said.

Once closing occurs, another 741 acres of farmland will be added to the 67,000 already preserved across Burlington County.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV (WVNS)  The Greenbrier Resort played host to the 89th West Virginia Chamber Annual Meeting and Business Summit.

The theme for 2025 was Forging Alliances, Fueling Success.

The Caylin Jorge, Chief Communications Development Policy Officer for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce said many leaders come far and wide for this event.

Theyre here to come and connect and to forge new alliances, whether its meeting someone new and making a connection that maybe you dont see every day, or maybe you see once a year and its at this event, said Jorge.



Networking is key and its really inspiring to get to be with other business minded folks here in West Virginia and be able to share ideas and services and communicate how we can help them grow their business, said Tracy Culicerto, CEO of AscendHR in Beckley.

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The Greenbrier is hosting inaugural Wintertime History Weekend

Around 61 speakers addressed the crowd during the 3-day Summit. These include Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Senator Jim Justice and Michael Benson, President of West Virginia University.

Speaking of politicians attending the summit, former state senator Mitch Carmichael, now the Senior Advisor for LG Corporation, has attended the Summit for multiple years!

He said the connections made here can extend a lifetime.

People are here to come and connect and to forge new alliances, Whether its meeting someone new and making a connection that maybe you dont see every day, or maybe you see once a year and its at this event vitally important to make sure that we can maintain these connections and do the synergy and the networking so that we can help facilitate each others businesses and grow the state of West Virginias entire job, said Carmichael.

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90 sponsors supported this event and on top of that, the Chamber members said this is the biggest turn out yet.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
A psychologist takes notes on a clipboard in a therapy session for children. (iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Two Democrats criticized the use of non-disclosure agreements in a working group focused on studying Applied Behavior Analysis therapy practices, a type of approach commonly prescribed to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But the leading state agency defended the NDAs as a standard tool to insulate members from outside pressure.

Twenty-one agency leaders, health industry professionals, disability advocates and others started meeting earlier this year, with an emphasis on studying the states growing Medicaid obligation under a gubernatorial executive order.

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Reps. Maureen Bauer and Victoria Garcia Wilburn shared concerns about the NDAs in a joint press release, urging Gov. Mike Braun to end the secrecy.

Indiana Medicaid spending on ABA therapy over time:

2019: $120 million

2020: $102 million

2021: $276 million

2022: $420 million

2023: $639 million

Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle reporting

Autism services are too important for closed-door politics, said Garcia Wilburn, a licensed occupational therapist. This should be an open, bipartisan conversation, not one limited by NDAs. Hoosier families deserve to know whats at stake and how decisions are being made. Especially when those decisions are being justified as cost-cutting fiscal conservatism, instead of centered on childrens needs.

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Garcia Wilburn, of Fishers, shared that shed submitted a formal request to join the group but received no response.

Families across Indiana depend on Medicaid services to access life-changing therapies. They deserve transparency and accountability, not secrecy, said Bauer, of South Bend.

ABA therapy is commonly used to improve social, communication and learning skills in children and young adults with autism or other developmental disorders. Some critics, however, object to the teaching tool and say it encourages compliance over independence. Additionally, some practitioners coupled it with electroshock therapy as late as 2022.

But a spokesperson for the Family and Social Services Administration defended the use of the agreements, saying the process has been transparent from the start.

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NDAs are a standard tool to support honest, solution-focused dialogue. They protect volunteers from political pressure  not public accountability. They allow experts to give honest advice to the Governor without fearing reprisals from their employers, industry, or grandstanding politicians, said Marcus Barlow.

All five of the public listening sessions are recapped on the states website along with the working groups six meetings.

Its unfortunate that the legislators now criticizing the process chose not to engage when the opportunity was open and ongoing, but we are grateful to the legislators who did participate in the process, two of whom served on the working group, said Barlow.

Both Reps. Robb Greene and Lori Goss-Reaves are Republicans. Barlow encouraged the public to reach out with their concerns by emailing abaworkgroup@fssa.in.gov.

A draft report will be circulated among members by mid-September for review. A final report is due to the Governors Office by the end of November.

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed into law a new House map on Friday thats expected to give Republicans five additional pickup opportunities ahead of 2026, delivering the GOP a major win before the midterms while opponents challenge it in court.

This is Gov. Greg Abbott. Im about to sign the law that creates the one big, beautiful map that ensures fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texas, Abbott said in a video posted on social media, thanking several lawmakers and politicians for their work on the map.

Texas is now more red in the United States Congress, he added after signing the map.

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The state Senate passed the new congressional lines in the early morning hours over the weekend, as Democrats sought to delay its inevitable passage. Texas state Sen. Carol Alvarado (D) planned to hold an hours-long filibuster when the upper chamber convened just after midnight last Saturday, though Republicans quickly nixed the effort.

The new House map delivers a victory for Republicans, offering them a handful of seats they could gain ahead of 2026  allowing them to grow their delegation to up to 30 members instead of the current 25 serving in the House now  as the presidents party braces for the traditional headwinds associated with midterm environments.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder slammed the maps in a statement, vowing that the party would challenge them.

This isnt over well see these clowns in court, Scudder said. We arent done fighting against these racially discriminatory maps, and fully expect the letter of the law to prevail over these sycophantic Republican politicians who think the rules dont apply to them.

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The congressional lines are the product of a lobbying effort by President Trump and the White House as national Republicans sought to have Texas do an unusual mid-decade redistricting.

Texas Democrats blocked the GOP from passing the new congressional lines during their first 30-day special session, fleeing the state to deny Republicans a quorum, or the minimum number of lawmakers needed present in order to return to the state.

Democrats used that time to travel to blue states like California, Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to raise awareness about Texass redistricting plans. California is the only state so far thats poised to potentially counter the Lone Star States expected gains, when the state passed a new House map that looks to neutralize Texass new congressional lines., teeing it up to come before voters in November.

Other Democratic governors have signaled that they are exploring their options, meaning other blue states could also take efforts to follow suit.

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Meanwhile, the White House has been lobbying Indiana and Missouri to do mid-decade redistricting to add additional seats for their party. Florida, too, could redraw its lines.

Texas Democrats returned to their state during the second special session, once the first special session ended and their California counterparts introduced their new House map aimed at counteracting the one that passed in Texas. The passage of Texass map was inevitable given Republicans majorities in the state legislature along with a Republican governor.

Several groups already challenged the new Texas House map before Abbott signed it into law, arguing that its unconstitutional and violates the Voting Rights Act. A federal court has already scheduled dates for a preliminary injunction hearing, running from Oct. 1-10, in one of the lawsuits.

The lawsuits raise questions around whether litigation at the federal level will be successful given the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative majority  though the high court has previously struck down Alabamas congressional lines over a likely violation of the Voting Rights Act.

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The broader redistricting battle thats played out in response to Texas has been heated, with both parties lobbing attacks at the other. Democrats called Texas Republicans move a power grab while Republicans slammed their countermeasures as hypocritical after Dems traveled to several blue states where governors have tried to gerrymander the maps.

The House is seen as Democrats best chance at flipping at least one of the chambers in Congress next cycle, while Republicans are seeking to avoid delivering Trump and their party a divided government during the last two years of the presidents second term.

Updated at 12:28 p.m. EDT.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Aurora announced Thursday it has partnered with McLeod Software to develop the industrys first integration between autonomous trucks and a mainstream transportation management system. The partnership aims to streamline autonomous vehicle adoption for carriers through software integrations. The integration connects Auroras app directly with McLeods TMS platform, allowing carriers to manage autonomous trucks alongside their traditional fleets.

The integration will support fleet management functions, including load scheduling, dispatch, visibility and invoicing. One goal is to create a seamless operational experience for carriers adopting autonomous technology.

We want this to be plug-and-play for customers. Theyre going to get this truck that drives itself and we want the way that they use that to reflect the way that they operate trucks in their network today, said Zac Andreoni, vice president of business development at Aurora, in an interview with FreightWaves. So we want to meet our customers where they are.

While Aurora has partnered with some of the largest carriers in the industry, this integration specifically targets midsized fleets that typically rely on McLeods TMS. These carriers, operating between 100 and 1,000 trucks, represent a significant market segment that has previously faced barriers to autonomous technology adoption.

For McLeod, this allows them to be on the cutting edge and to help their carriers adopt this new technology, should they choose, Andreoni said. For us, McLeod is a company with well over 1,000 customers. Its a great way for us to be able to sort of co-market, or use them as a sales channel.

The integration addresses operational challenges unique to autonomous trucking networks, such as managing terminal-to-terminal movements and coordinating first-mile and last-mile connections with human drivers. It also provides carriers with financial visibility tools to calculate and compare costs between autonomous and traditional trucking operations effectively.

Integrating Auroras autonomous capabilities into our TMS platform provides our customers with a pathway to adopt autonomous tractors within their operations, said Tom McLeod, founder and CEO of McLeod Software, in a press release. This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology for our customers, empowering them to optimize their operations and embrace innovation with confidence.

Aurora will showcase the integration at the McLeod user conference from Sept. 21-23, where interested carriers can learn more about implementing the technology within their existing operations.
Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garica, the man wrongly deported to El Salvador earlier this year, are yet again asking the federal judge overseeing his human smuggling criminal case to order Trump administration officials to stop making negative comments about him that they say could jeopardize his right to a fair trial.

The request made Thursday to US District Judge Waverly Crenshaw in Tennessee comes as public attention has turned back on the Maryland father of three days after he was released from criminal custody pending his trial in the case, only to face new efforts by the government to quickly deport him again.

His attorneys say that in recent days, comments from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, as well as posts made on the Department of Homeland Security X account and statements by others, have presented a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing his trial, which is set to begin in January.

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This past Friday, Mr. Abregos release from pretrial detention reignited the efforts of officials across the Executive Branch  and particularly at DHS  to besmirch both Mr. Abrego and the courts in a campaign to try this case in the court of public opinion, Abrego Garcias lawyers wrote in a 15-page filing to the judge.

Crenshaw, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, has previously told the Trump administration that officials must moderate their public comments about Abrego Garcia to ensure he receives a fair trial.

In an order issued late last month, the judge reminded all counsel and those working with them that theyre required to follow rules prohibiting extrajudicial statements that could interfere with a criminal defendant having a fair trial.

But Abrego Garcias attorneys said in their filing Thursday that the recent comments violate those very rules. They pointed to statements made all the way up to Thursday morning, when Trump border Czar Tom Homan said during a Fox News appearance that their client is a gang member, terrorist, wife beater, pedophile, human trafficker, (and) alien smuggler.

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Noem has also attacked Abrego Garica this week, writing in a post on X Monday, The American people are safer without this MS-13 gangbanger in our country roaming freely on our streets. No more. Good riddance.

Regrettably, the previous efforts of both the court and the defense have not worked. They have not stemmed the tide of inflammatory extrajudicial statements from government officials, Abrego Garcias lawyers wrote. Further intervention from the Court is necessary to protect Mr. Abregos right to a fair trial and the integrity of these proceedings.

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Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia asked a judge on Thursday to bar top Trump administration officials  including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi  from making "baseless public attacks" against their client, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier this year.

The motion was filed in Nashville federal court less than a week after Abrego Garcia was released from pre-trial custody  only to be detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and processed for possible deportation just days later. Abrego Garcia is now in the custody of ICE, though a Maryland judge has blocked him from being deported while she reviews the case.

Since Friday, his lawyers say federal officials have "attacked Mr. Abrego in the media in numerous highly prejudicial, inflammatory, and false statements," which they argue violates his right to a fair trial.

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They pointed to a statement by Noem on Friday that called Abrego Garcia an "MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator," and comments by Bondi on Monday likening Abrego Garcia to "foreign terrorist organizations."

His lawyers also said the Department of Homeland Security "has posted a litany of inflammatory statements on its official X account," including allegations that Abrego Garcia belonged to the gang MS-13  which he has vehemently denied.

"The government's ongoing barrage of prejudicial statements severely threatenand perhaps have already irrevocably impairedthe ability to try this case at allin any venue," the motion said. "If the government is allowed to continue in this way, it will taint any conceivable jury pool by exposing the entire country to irrelevant, prejudicial, and false claims about Mr. Abrego."

They also argued the government could make it harder for Abrego Garcia to call defense witnesses, since any potential witnesses could worry that they'll be attacked, too.

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Abrego Garcia's lawyers want a judge to order "all DOJ and DHS officials involved in this case," including Bondi and Noem, to stop making comments that could prejudice the case.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw ordered all lawyers in the case to abide by local criminal court rules, after Abrego Garcia's attorneys argued the government had violated a rule against making public statements that could prejudice the case.

A DHS official said in response to the filing: "If Kilmar Abrego Garcia did not want to be mentioned by the Secretary of Homeland Security, then he should have not entered our country illegally and committed heinous crimes."

"The media's sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal alien has completely fallen apart, yet they continue to peddle his sob story. We hear far too much about gang members and criminals' false sob stories and not enough about their victims," the official said.

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CBS News has reached out to the Justice Department for comment.

The request came as Abrego Garcia both awaits a criminal prosecution for allegedly transporting undocumented immigrants from near the U.S.-Mexico border to elsewhere in the country  which he has denied  and faces possible deportation to East Africa.

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who entered the U.S. illegally in 2011, was arrested by ICE in March, deported to El Salvador and held in prison for months  even though an immigration judge had barred him from being sent to El Salvador due to a fear of gang persecution.

Federal officials acknowledged Abrego Garcia's removal to El Salvador was an "administrative error," but the Trump administration publicly railed against him, accusing him of gang membership and asserting that he should not return to the United States. He was eventually flown to Tennessee in June and jailed on human smuggling charges.

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A judge in Tennessee ruled in June that he should be let out of detention while awaiting a trial set for January. Administration officials suggested that if he left pre-trial detention, he could face deportation again, possibly to a country other than El Salvador.

He was ultimately let out of jail on Friday, and on Monday, ICE detained him. His lawyers were informed that he could be deported to Uganda.

Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has ruled that Abrego Garcia cannot be deported until at least early October, as she considers a habeas corpus petition. His lawyers say he also plans to seek asylum in the United States.

Meanwhile, Abrego Garcia's lawyers have asked for his criminal charges to be tossed out, calling the prosecution "vindictive and selective."

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Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia say they are concerned he can't get a fair trial in his human smuggling case because Trump administration officials keep attacking him with highly prejudicial, inflammatory, and false statements.

The attorneys are asking a federal judge in Tennessee to order U.S. government officials involved with his case  including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem  to hold back on their comments.

For months, numerous representatives of the same federal government that is responsible for prosecuting this case have publicly disparaged Mr. Abregos character and reputation, his attorneys wrote in a filing on Thursday night, adding that officials have expressed the opinion that he is guilty of the crimes charged and far worse.

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The Salvadoran national and former Maryland construction worker became a lightning rod over President Donald Trump's hard-line immigration policies when he was wrongfully deported in March to a notorious prison in El Salvador. Trump's Republican administration claimed he was an MS-13 gang member, which he has repeatedly denied and for which he wasn't charged.

Facing a U.S. Supreme Court order, the Trump administration returned Abrego Garcia in June, but only to face the federal human smuggling charges in Tennessee. Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty, while his attorneys have called the case preposterous and vindictive.

The Trump administration is trying to deport Abrego Garcia again, this time to the African country of Uganda. He was taken into immigration custody on Monday after a federal judge in Tennessee released him from jail, determining he's not a flight risk or a danger to the community.

The Trump administration alleges Abrego Garcia is a danger and is trying to deport him before trial, which is scheduled for January. Abrego Garcia's immigration attorneys said this week that he'll request asylum in the U.S.

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In Thursday's filing, Abrego Garcias attorneys in Tennessee referred to statements from officials that label him as someone who's committed various crimes, even though he hasn't been convicted. For instance, they cited statements from Noem that he is an MS-13 gang member and a horrible human being and a monster."

The attorneys also cited statements from Bondi, who told Trump this week that Abrego Garcia needs to be in prison, he doesnt need to be on the streets like all these liberals want him to be. ... We are going to keep America safe from all of these foreign terrorist organizations, including Abrego Garcia.

This isn't the first time his attorneys have raised such concerns. They asked a federal judge in Tennessee to intervene earlier this summer.

In late July, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. issued an order to lawyers involved with the case, saying they must ensure that any proper public communications include that the Indictment only contains allegations.

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Our Constitution requires that Abrego is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury, the judge wrote.

Thursday's filing asks the judge to issue an order for officials that are involved in this case, and all officials in their supervisory chain, including Attorney General Bondi and Secretary Noem."

The Justice Department declined to comment on the matter in an email to The Associated Press. Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire in Tennessee, who is prosecuting the human smuggling case, also declined to comment.

The Department of Homeland Security said in an emailed statement that the media has peddled a sob story about Abrego Garcia that has "completely fallen apart."

If Kilmar Abrego Garcia did not want to be mentioned by the Secretary of Homeland Security, then he should have not entered our country illegally and committed heinous crimes," the statement said.
When Sariah Merryfield first attended the Indian Community School in Franklin more than two decades ago she was afraid the other students would make fun of her for being an urban Indian.

Merryfield is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Ojibwe Tribe of Chippewa Indians. But she grew up far away from the reservation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so she didn't know much about her heritage, like the language or even her clan name.

But the staff at the Indian Community School were nurturing and respectful while the students learned about their ancestors' heritage. The community made her feel proud to be part Native.

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Merryfield graduated from the school in 2003, and has since learned her clan  Turtle.

As an ICS alumnus, I remember the excitement of coming to school each day," she said. "My experiences here helped shape my path and who I am today. ICS gave me a strong foundation  personally, culturally and academically."

Merryfield, who was an assistant principal for the Milwaukee Public School District, saw an opportunity to advance her career at the school that made her feel empowered to learn more about her history.

Not only did Merryfield enroll her daughter in the school, but she became the school's new principal this summer.

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This summer, the school's Board of Directors hired also hired Student Support Director Nicholas Wycklendt and School Administrator Carrie McGhee Gleba.

McGhee Gleba, who is a citizen of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama, previously served on school's board and worked as a counselor at Glen Hill Middle School in Glendale. McGhee Gleba said Merryfields experience is not unique, as many students that grew up in Milwaukee do not not know much about their Native culture.

Were all on this journey together, McGhee Gleba said.

Indian Community School reinforces cultural identity

Many Indigenous people lost much of their language and culture through federal- and church-run boarding schools in the late 1800s through the early 1900s. These schools forcefully assimilated children into mainstream U.S. society, often through abuse.

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Further loss of culture was experienced through the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, which moved Indigenous adults and families off reservations and into cities like Milwaukee in order to find work and housing, which were sorely lacking on tribal lands at that time.

At the Indian Community School, students learn four Indigenous languages, including Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ojibwe and Oneida.

Many Indigenous families in Wisconsin started moving back to the reservations starting in the 1990s after the implementation of the tribal-state gaming compacts. Tribal nations then had more revenue and more jobs, and started building more housing and infrastructure.

But many Indigenous families also stayed in the cities, where they had become established.

A safer place to learn Native culture, history

The Indian Community School was founded in 1969 in a Milwaukee apartment by three Oneida women who wanted a safer place where their children could learn their culture and be educated without the bullying and racism they experienced in the citys public schools.

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The school moved to a building in an abandoned U.S. Coast Guard station in the 1970s after the site had been acquired through a protest takeover by members of the American Indian Movement. According to members of the movement, the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868 stated that any abandoned federal property should revert back to Indigenous ownership. They won their case with city authorities.

The community school moved to another part of Milwaukee before moving to the current site in Franklin where it opened in 2007.

During the 2024-25 school year, 367 students were enrolled in the school, representing more than 200 families and all 12 organized tribal nations within Wisconsin, as well as other tribes within the U.S. It serves children from 4K through eighth grade. The start of the 2025-26 school year was Aug. 26.

More: Tribal students in Franklin learn how to tap maple trees like their ancestors

Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox

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Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Indian Community School helps students rediscover Native heritage
When it comes to African literature, translation has mostly meant translating work from European languages into African ones. Translation from African languages into English has been long overdue.

Now it appears that a shift in the movement of stories across languages is underway. Works first written and published in African languages are increasingly being translated into English for a broader readership.

As a scholar of African literature and publishing, I am optimistic about the launch of a new book series called African Language Literatures in Translation by the University of Georgia Press. The series is edited by US-based literary scholars Christopher Ouma and Alexander Fyfe.

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The Mad is one of the inaugural titles in the series. Its a translation of Zimbabwean author Ignatius Mabasas much loved novel Mapenzi. The Mad is being jointly released in the UK and Zimbabwe by Carnelian Heart Publishing and amaBooks.

Mapenzi is written in Shona, but the ambitious series aims to translate a range of significant African works from other languages too, including Kiswahili and Sesotho.

This helps shift the terrain of African literature. It allows English readers to encounter African novels as they were first imagined, in the rhythms, idioms, and sensibilities of African languages. It helps counter the erasure of African languages in world literature.

Mapenzi

When Mabasas debut novel Mapenzi appeared in 1999, it was recognised as a landmark text in Shona literature. Shona is a Bantu language widely spoken in Zimbabwe.

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Mapenzi tells the story of a disillusioned young war veteran who becomes the uncensored witness to the false promises of independence in Zimbabwe. He witnesses the collapse of social values, and the madness of a society trapped between hope and despair.

The novels daring style and unruly humour drew comparisons with Dambudzo Marechera, Zimbabwes literary provocateur. And with the stylistic innovations of Charles Mungoshi, the great craftsman of both Shona and English prose.

Mapenzi was quick to win accolades and was adopted as a school text for a generation that came of age at the turn of the millennium. Since then, Mabasa has become a central figure in the promotion of indigenous African writing.

His commitment and investment was shown when he became the first scholar to write and submit a PhD in Shona at Rhodes University in South Africa. Mabasa is also a translator in his own right. He most recently helped translate Zimbabwean novelist Tsitsi Dangarembgas Nervous Conditions into Shona.

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His career has been a reminder that languages such as Shona are not minor, but vibrant mediums for complex thought and artistic innovation.

Now, more than two decades later, Mapenzi can be read in English for the first time.

The Mad

The Mad has been translated by J. Tsitsi Mutiti. Unfortunately, there is no information about the translating author in the book. Even a cursory internet search yields little to nothing.

In works like this, that cross language, culture and geography, the translator plays a crucial role, not just in the texts language but in shaping its tone, context and accessibility. A translators note would have provided insight into the challenges and decisions involved in the process. Instead, the translator and the process of translation remain invisible.

Read more: Ngugi wa Thiongo and the African literary revolution

This lack of acknowledgement overlooks the labour and interpretive skill required to bring such a work to life in another language. The hope is that future editions will correct this omission. Leaving it unaddressed risks diminishing the very cross-cultural understanding that translation seeks to foster.

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Translating Mapenzi is no small task: Mabasas prose brims with poetry, satire and linguistic play. Its cadences are deeply rooted in Shona idiom. The novels innovative structure includes chapters titled after characters, abstract concepts, places and song lyrics, pushing the boundaries of form and style in Shona literature.

In her translation Mutiti meets this challenge with remarkable skill, sustaining Mabasas lyricism and rhythm without smoothing out its texture. The result is a translation that feels alive, attentive both to the sense and the spirit of the original.

That said, there are occasional lapses into flatly literal translation, particularly in the dialogue. These moments feel more like direct transpositions from the Shona than deliberate stylistic choices in English. As a result, the translation at times struggles to assert a voice of its own.

Translation as decolonisation

Nonetheless, the publication of The Mad highlights how translation in African literature is not just a tool for accessibility. It is also a critical, interpretive and archival practice that reshapes the canon, its circulations and readerships. The Mad contributes to African literatures global visibility and intellectual vitality.

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For decades, the global image of African literature has been shaped largely by writers who chose or were compelled to write in colonial languages.

Kenyan author and academic Ngugi wa Thiongo, who recently passed away, has been one of the most famous advocates for writing in African languages. He insisted that the struggle for decolonisation could not be separated from the struggle over language. Yet, as he himself often admitted, African-language writing has remained marginal in the circuits of publishing and translation.

Read more: New Kiswahili science fiction award charts a path for African languages

A series like this aims to help change that. Other forthcoming titles include Zanzibari writer Ali Hilal Alis Mmeza Fupa (translated as The Swallowers of Bones by Meg Arenbeg), Kenyan novelist and sociologist Katama Mkangis Walenisi (translated as They Are Us by Richard Prins), Lesotho writer and teacher Ntseliseng Masechele Khaketlas Left Behind (translated by Makafane Tsepang Ntlamelle), and Halfani Sudys Kirusi Kipya (translated as New Virus by Jay Boss Rubin).

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In this context, The Mad is more than an English version of a Shona classic. It is part of an invitation to rethink what African literature is and where it comes from. Mabasas novel, in Mutitis supple translation, demonstrates how much vitality lies in the vernacular imagination, and how translation can open doors without erasing the local textures of language.

With The Mad, a new and vital moment begins.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Tinashe Mushakavanhu, Harvard University

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Tinashe Mushakavanhu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Concerned. Shocked. Just a few of the words New Mexicos top prosecutor used to describe how a district attorneys been running her office. For months, KRQE Investigates has been digging into the dysfunction that the McKinley County community and law enforcement say their DA has caused, allowing criminals to get off the hook. Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret recently uncovered a case that caught the Attorney Generals attention. And now, the AG said hes not just working to get the DA removed from office, hes also working to clean up the mess she created.

It is, frankly, totally unacceptable and shocking, Attorney General Raul Torrez said. He expressed disbelief over how McKinley Countys District Attorney has been handling criminal cases, concerned about the impact on victims and their families.

There is nothing more difficult for them than losing a loved one or having someone in their family whos been the victim of a violent crime and expecting justice and have it not happen, he explained.

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Torrez was referring to a case he learned about through a KRQE Investigation that aired last week. McKinley Countys District Attorney Bernadine Martin dismissed a rape case in 2023 citing a conflict of interest, but she failed to ask another district attorney to take it on. The conflict? He went to school with my kids, Martin told KRQE Investigates. You know, hes a friend of my kids, and I  thats a conflict. I declared it when I first saw it. I didnt even read the file. I dont know the details.

WATCH: DA drops rape case against her kids friend

In an interview with Pierret, DA Martin initially said she had sent the case to another prosecutor. But when Pierret followed up by email, the DA changed her story, writing: I didnt say this went to a DAs office. It didnt.

I mean, the idea that someone would be sexually assaulted on the side of the road and that case would be dismissed because the DA has, is familiar with that defendant and not have it referred to someone else is absolutely inexcusable, the Attorney General said.

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The New Mexico Department of Justice has now picked up that case, along with another one Pierret brought to the AGs attention  a December 2022 murder. Court records show Martin also dismissed that case against two defendants, telling the judge: The case is a conflict for the Eleventh, District II, District Attorneys Office. The Eleventh, Division II, District Attorneys Office is currently trying to find another District Attorneys Office to take over the case. Almost three years later, that never happened.

Torrez is not convinced those are the only two cases Martin mishandled. Right now, honestly, I cannot tell you exactly how many cases fall into this category, but we are going to find out, he said. Were going to get to the bottom of it, and were going to dedicate the resources we need to try and do what we can to deliver justice.

Torrez said these two cases add to the evidence the NMDOJ will use to try to remove Martin from her elected office. The Departments civil investigators filed a petition for removal to the New Mexico Supreme Court August 18, after a 9-week investigation requested by the Governor.

Click here to view the NMDOJs petition.

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Quite honestly, I think this revelation is, um, will really change the character of the kinds of factors that I think the Court is going to have to weigh in determining whether or not shes fit for office, the AG said.

The petition already included evidence that Martin created a hostile work environment, relied on expensive contract attorneys because she couldnt keep assistant prosecutors, misused taxpayer dollars, practiced as a private attorney while DA  which is against the law, and failed to properly work with law enforcement to get cases through the courts.

Weve taken a big step. I mean, I acknowledge the fact that what we are attempting to do in the Supreme Court is an extraordinary action, Torrez said. He explained her incompetence could not be ignored. His investigators concluded Martin is unfit for the office, she is egregiously disserving the community that elected her.

If someone is not prepared to handle the management component of the position, they can quickly get overwhelmed. And then the loss of, of key personnel sort of compounds that process. And pretty soon someones in a position where theyre, theyre in over their head. And I think frankly, thats what, what has happened here, the AG said of Martin.

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Knowing shed been struggling for some time, Torrez said he, other county DAs, and community members tried to help Martin. But, he said, she repeatedly rejected that support, choosing instead to fight them in court. Its this notion of rather than asking, acknowledging that theres a problem and asking for help, that theres been an intransigence there, Torrez said.

A decision to fight for herself, rather than the community that elected her. Torrez added, You really are taking on a sacred oath to keep people safe, and to, and to do right, and to do justice. And its a very difficult and demanding thing, but its not for everyone.

Torrez made it clear his investigative team couldnt have known about the DAs mishandling of specific cases without KRQE Investigates or anyone else bringing them to his departments attention, since the NMDOJ doesnt have the authority to access Martins detailed case records. Now, he wants to review every case Martin dismissed for a conflict of interest. Hell be asking the state Supreme Court to grant his investigators that access.

Martin hasnt yet filed a response to the petition. Once she does, the NM Supreme Court is expected to hold a hearing to determine if she will be removed as McKinley Countys District Attorney.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
NEED TO KNOW

Arizona authorities used artificial intelligence to help identify human remains discovered in a remote area in December 2024

After seeing the AI-generated image of what he would have looked like alive, Ronald Woolf, 55, was quickly identified as the John Doe

An investigation into his death is ongoing

Authorities in Arizona used artificial intelligence to help identify a man whose remains were found late last year.

In December 2024, a passerby found the partially decomposed and unclothed remains in a remote desert area near the San Joaquin Trailhead, according to KOLD-13.

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When police arrived at the scene, they confirmed that the remains belonged to a man  but that was all they knew for sure, reported ABC affiliate KGUN-TV.

After months of unsuccessful attempts to identify him using fingerprints and DNA, Pima County Sheriffs Department detective Pedro Carranco decided to see if AI could help them figure out what the man would have looked like while he was still alive.

Armed with a sketch rendering of the John Doe, he used an online AI program to come up with the image, which was then handed out to a number of local media outlets, reported the Arizona Daily Star.

"I just input 'show me what this sketch would look like as a Caucasian male with blonde hair and some white facial hair,' " said Carranco, according to NBC affiliate KVOA.

Pima County Sheriff's Department/Facebook Ronald Woolf sketch Ronald Woolf sketch

It didn't take long before they got a response.

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In less than five, 10 hours of you posting it on your news sites stations, we had that call that said, I think I know who that is,  Pima County Sherif Chris Nanos said during a press conference, according to KGUN-TV.

As soon as they saw the image, the family of 55-year-old Ronald Woolf immediately recognized him.

"What's clear is that without that...AI-generated photo, I don't know if we would have ever identified Mr. Woolf," the sheriff said during the press conference.

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.

During the press conference Carranco said the news they delivered to the man's family wasnt what his loved ones were hoping for, "but they were thankful to have some answers."

Google Maps San Joaquin Trailhead in Phoenix, AZ San Joaquin Trailhead in Phoenix, AZ

An investigation into his death, which is being treated as a possible homicide, remains ongoing  but now police say they'll be able to pursue new avenues of information.

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"It opens up more leads that we can follow up on, see who the last person he was talking to or where he was at," said Carranco, according to KVUE.

When reached for additional comment by PEOPLE, a public information officer said the department had no new information to share.



Read the original article on People
An activist has started using artificial intelligence to identify Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents beneath their masks  a use of the technology sparking new political concerns over AI-powered surveillance.

Dominick Skinner, a Netherlands-based immigration activist, estimates he and a group of volunteers have publicly identified at least 20 ICE officials recorded wearing masks during arrests. He told POLITICO his experts are able to reveal a face using AI, if they have 35 percent or more of the face visible.

The AI-powered project adds a new twist to the debates over both ICE masking and government surveillance tools, as immigration enforcement becomes more widespread and aggressive.

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ICE says its agents need to wear masks to prevent being unfairly harassed for doing their jobs. To their critics, agents in masks have become a potent symbol of unaccountable government force. The masking, and the counter-campaign to identify agents, has prompted a crossfire of bills on Capitol Hill.

ICE agents don't deserve to be hunted online by activists using AI, said Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who chairs the Senate Homeland Security subcommittee on border management and the federal workforce.

Some Democrats concerned about the masking are pushing for regulations to make it easier to identify law enforcement officials  but they still say theyre uneasy that vigilante campaigns have begun using technology to do it.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who co-sponsored a bill called the VISIBLE Act to require ICE officials to clearly identify themselves, has serious concerns about the reliability, safety and privacy implications of facial recognition tools, whether used by law enforcement  or used by outside groups to identify agents, an aide told POLITICO.

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Skinners AI-powered unmasking project is part of a broader online campaign, the ICE List, that has published the names of more than 100 ICE employees, from field agents to back-office bureaucrats. Its one of several anti-ICE campaigns that have drawn attention from the media and Homeland Security officials.

ICE did not comment on the accuracy of Skinners purported identifications, but in a statement, ICE spokesperson Tanya Roman said that the masks are for safety, not secrecy and that these listings threaten officers lives.

These misinformed activists and others like them are the very reason the brave men and women of ICE choose to wear masks in the first place, and why they, and their families, are increasingly being targeted and assaulted, Roman said.

The Department of Homeland Security criticized his ICE List project in a July statement, saying Skinners efforts appear to be responsible for doxing federal officers.

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In response to efforts to identify ICE agents, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on privacy and technology, introduced the Protecting Law Enforcement from Doxxing Act in June, which would make it illegal to publish a federal officers name with the intent to obstruct a criminal investigation.

Blackburn told POLITICO via email that Skinners project reinforces the need for her bill: "Those who oppose the rule of law are weaponizing generative AI against ICE agents," she said in a statement, warning it could expose agents to threats from transnational criminal gangs like MS-13.

Her record illustrates the political complexities of modern surveillance. In the past, Blackburn has raised concerns about government use of facial recognition, questioning the IRSs use of the technology in 2022 and criticizing the Chinese governments surveillance capabilities.

A Blackburn spokesperson said she is against the publics use of computer-assisted facial recognition to identify ICE officials but supports police use of the technology.

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Under existing U.S. law, however, Skinners project is legal  highlighting to lawmakers and law enforcement officials the downside of years of congressional inaction on surveillance and privacy laws.

In the absence of federal regulation, the International Biometrics + Identity Association, a trade group that represents the identification technology industry, published ethical standards for facial recognition providers in 2019, which includes ensuring that peoples biometric data isnt collected without peoples knowledge and consent.

Skinner said the organizations guidelines arent applicable to his efforts, noting that the ICE List uses facial recognition tools but is not a provider of the technology itself.

He declined to describe what AI model the tool is built on but said the tool generates its best guess on what the officer looks like unmasked, using screenshots from ICE arrest and raid videos.

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Skinner sends batches of these artificially created images for volunteers to use on reverse image search engines like PimEyes. The company, which offers facial recognition capabilities to the public, trawls through millions of images posted online, often turning up social media profiles on LinkedIn and Instagram.

PimEyes did not respond to requests for comment.

While the technology is recent, the method is not  and in fact a version of it has been used by American police departments on civilians. A 2019 study from the Georgetown Law Center on Privacy and Technology found police departments digitally altering pictures and using artist sketches as the basis for finding suspects through facial recognition.

Privacy experts had qualms about Skinners new twist on this idea: Regardless of how you use it, its a rather unreliable application of the technology when you stop actually scanning the face and start scanning an artificial image, the Center for Democracy and Technologys Security and Surveillance Project Deputy Director Jake Laperruque told POLITICO.

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Skinner acknowledged that the technology is flawed, and he said that about that 60 percent of the AI-generated results and facial recognition searches lead to wrong matches on social media profiles. He says a group of volunteers verifies them through another process before posting any names online.

Asked about the risk to ICE officers, Skinner said he doesnt believe that the ICE List is endangering officers, saying he posts only names and does not include officers addresses or contact information in the listings. He does acknowledge that a name alone would be enough to lead to an officers personal data, but discouraged doxing as undermining his anti-ICE effort.

I dont believe in public justice, but I do believe in public shaming and public accountability, Skinner said.

Although Democrats are proposing legislation that would ban officers from wearing masks and Republicans introduced bills that would make it illegal to dox police, no legislation that would limit public use of facial recognition, or prevent companies from selling officers personal information have gained momentum.

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Commercially available information makes it simple to buy a majority of Americans personal information through just a name, which has put lawmakers, judges and police officers at risk.

Privacy experts suggest that stronger data protections would be more effective for protecting officers from doxing than wearing masks or outlawing posting officers names.

If someone doesnt want [their information] online, they should be able to get it scrubbed reasonably. Thats what needs to be tackled here, not the idea that law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties can be identified, Laperruque said.
Aurora, a company specialising in self-driving trucks, has joined forces with McLeod Software to develop a transportation management system (TMS) tailored for autonomous trucks.

The collaboration will integrate Auroras self-driving trucking platform into McLeod's transportation management system to enhance the user experience for shared customers and bolster the adoption of autonomous trucking technology within the industry.

Self-driving autonomous trucks, with their ability to transport freight safely and continuously, offer carriers the potential to boost revenue and asset utilisation, according to Aurora.

However, the integration of self-driving trucking technology into existing operations and management processes is crucial to avoid adding complexity or creating operational friction.

Through an API integration with Aurora's technology, McLeod's clients will gain real-time insights into the operations of autonomous trucks.

The collaboration will enable shared customers to manage the tendering and acceptance of autonomous shipments, dispatch, and load tracking through their McLeod TMS.

McLeod Software CEO and founder Tom McLeod stated: "Integrating Aurora's autonomous capabilities into our TMS platform provides our customers with a pathway to adopt Autonomous Tractors within their operations.

"This collaboration underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology for our customers, empowering them to optimise their operations and embrace innovation with confidence."

Additionally, Aurora will benefit from access to McLeod's customer base, which is expected to accelerate the industry-wide adoption of self-driving trucks.

Currently in beta testing, McLeod anticipates making this feature available to its customers by 2026.

Moreover, Aurora will participate in McLeods User Conference from 21-23 September 2025 to provide further updates on this collaboration.

Aurora president Ossa Fisher said: "Our partnership with McLeod marks a key next step in delivering a premium, customer-centric product and service.

"By meeting customers where they are within their existing TMS, we're making it easy for them to tap into the safety and efficiency benefits of autonomous trucks."

In January 2025, Aurora announced long-term strategic collaboration with Continental and Nvidia, focusing on the large-scale deployment of driverless trucks powered by NVIDIA's next-generation DRIVE Thor system-on-a-chip (SoC).

"Aurora, McLeod partner to manage autonomous truck operations" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.
Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, presents the proposed 2026 Education Trust Fund budget in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 24, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Garrett and other lawmakers are looking into alternatives for funding higher education several months after the Legislature approved an alternative funding model for K-12 education. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

Alabama legislators are exploring alternative methods of funding higher education months after making changes to the way K-12 funding is distributed.

The Joint House and Senate Education Committee met Thursday to learn more about a model that partly funds colleges and universities based on predetermined metrics decided by the Legislature in collaboration with institutions of higher education.

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I have heard for years from members, We give the higher education colleges and universities all this money, and we get no say on the outputs or what happens, or what they are doing for our state, said Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur during the meeting. Sometimes that may be a little bit of a knee-jerk comment, but I hear time and time again, This is a way for the Legislature, working with the institutions, to better fit the needs of our state as defined by those elected here in the Legislature to help move our state down the road in a positive way.

Lawmakers are examining whether the outcomes-based funding model could help address issues that are affecting workforce and career readiness issues, particularly the states decades-old struggles with workforce participation. Alabamas rate is lower than the countrys and has been so since 1976. Some of the possible reasons include child care and transportation.

We need to do things that are going to help increase that workforce, said Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, who spoke with reporters after the meeting. We have too many students graduating college who are leaving the state. We have a migration of students. We attract a lot of in-state students, but they go back and leave the state.

Garrett also said that students in Alabama who are graduating from colleges and universities can pass their certification requirements for their chosen professions.

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We have a teacher shortage, and we have colleges of education who are graduating teachers who cant pass the praxis, Garrett said. Praxis is an assessment that graduates must pass to eventually receive their teaching license.

He also said that many of the degrees that students obtain do not fit with the needs of the state.

Will Carroll, managing director of strategic finance & student success for HCM Strategies, a consulting firm with offices in Texas and Colorado, said the approach aimed to ensure the state is investing its dollars in a way that advances and aligns the state goals.

Maybe a state has a completion goal, so rewarding the completion of a degree is a way of making sure those dollars are paying for the success of students reaching that attainment goal, he said.

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States can use various models to fund their respective higher education institutions, from those that apply the prior years funding that is adjusted slightly, to others rooted in enrollment numbers or weighted enrollment.

Alabama uses a traditional model to fund its four-year institutions and applies a hybrid model that considers some measures of performance at the two-year colleges.

Using a funding model based on performance aligns investments by the state to the states priorities and incentives institutions of higher learning to focus on student success. However, if the metrics are not adjusted, it can reduce access for students who are less likely to succeed. The state must also provide the necessary resources so that colleges and universities can implement the programming needed to adhere to the metrics.

Carroll provided examples of possible metrics to meet workforce goals or increase the efficiency of the operations of the college or university. These could be benchmarks for the cost of operating or the cost of serving students.

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The performance metrics could also target specific groups, such as students who are the first in their families to attend college or students who are veterans.

The Legislature also has the option to split the funding and provide colleges and universities with some to help with their operations expenses and an additional amount if they meet specific benchmarks that are tied to metrics.

Legislators are still considering which to use. Some want to focus on degrees that will provide the workforce with a set of skills companies require.

The outcome-based funding will be what the market says, Garrett said. We are certainly not trying to undermine any of those programs because liberal arts programs are very important. In a well-rounded state, we want that, but, I think, at the end of the day, the market is going to drive that.

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Others cautioned against it.

We cant write off the other comments about art, and other areas, said House Minority Leader Rep. Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said to reporters after the meeting. I know there are conversations that they dont want to have publicly about liberal arts degrees. There is value in those degrees.

Legislators are reviewing possible changes to funding higher education one year after they began to investigate alternative funding for K-12 education using a similar process, which, in the end, led to the RAISE Act.

As the State of Alabama begins the process of understanding outcomes-based funding for higher education, the Higher Education Partnership welcomes the chance to share the multitude of exciting, difference -making stories of the impact of public universities, said Gordon Stone, executive director of the Higher Education Partnership, an advocacy organization representing students, faculty, staff, alumni at Alabamas public universities.

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Alabama Commission on Higher Education Executive Director Jim Purcell called the meeting informative.

The key will be to develop a performance funding rubric that encourages institutions to meet the states educational needs while not inadvertently penalizing those whose mission is to serve at-risk students, he said in a statement after the meeting.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Supreme Court of Alabama has tossed out a medical malpractice lawsuit filed in Madison County against several health-care providers, finding it was filed past the four-year deadline set by the statute of repose.

The lawsuit alleged that Arlene Morgan spoke with several doctors, all of whom ignored her complaints that there were issues with her vision after taking a prescribed medication for longer than recommended. The lawsuit made multiple claims against the defendants.

City of Huntsville to pay over $256K to family of Public Works employee killed in July crash

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The defendants  Maynor & Mitchell Eye Center, P.C.; Jennifer B. Martin, O.D.; University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, P.C.; David Murl Spalding, M.D.; and Vanessa Kay Hill, CRNP  filed a motion to dismiss in April.

A Madison County Circuit judge denied that motion following a hearing, so the defendants appealed to the Supreme Court of Alabama.

In August, the Alabama Supreme Court found that the lawsuit was filed well beyond the four-year period of repose. This means that the defendants had a legal right to the claims being dismissed.

The Supreme Court opinion outlined the timeline described in the lawsuit:

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The lawsuit claimed that in July 2013, Morgan spoke with Dr. Spalding, a rheumatologist at the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, about complaints of joint pain. He later diagnosed her with erosive inflammatory osteoarthritis.

Dr. Spalding prescribed her Hydroxychloroquine, commonly known as Plaquenil. The drug can pose the risk of retinopathy or damage to the retina, which the lawsuit claims can also lead to severe or permanent loss of vision.

The lawsuit said that annual screening is required for patients on the medication and must begin no later than five years after a patient has started taking Plaquenil. It added that the goal of the screening is to recognize signs of toxicity early enough to prevent any loss of vision.

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Morgan claimed that she saw Dr. Martin at Maynor & Mitchell Eye Center in October 2019. The lawsuit stated that Dr. Martin should have known to provide Morgan with both an automated visual field test and a spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Alabama will seek to put legislative redistricting order on hold

Dr. Martin did not provide an automated visual field test. However, the SD OCT was performed. The lawsuit claimed that it revealed localized thinning of the photoreceptor layers in the parafoveal region of [Morgans] eyes.

The lawsuit argued that Dr. Martin should have known that the thinning was a strong indicator of toxicity, but chose to allow Morgan to continue taking Plaquenil, despite the SD OCT, which revealed definitive signs of toxicity.

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In November 2019, Morgan visited Dr. Spaldings office again, where he did not discontinue her prescription for Plaquenil.

Nearly a year later, in 2020, the lawsuit stated that Morgan told Dr. Martin that she had been seeing a glare on headlights and indicated that she was not driving at night due to her vision. The lawsuit continued said that Dr. Martin chose again not to issue either of the two required tests to screen for Plaquenil retinopathy, but allowed Morgan to continue taking the medication.

Why voter turnout is low in Alabamas municipal elections

In May 2022, the lawsuit says Hill, nurse practitioner at the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, chose not to discontinue Morgans Plaquenil prescription.

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About six months later, when Morgan returned to her office, Dr. Martin performed both the visual field test and the SD OCT. The lawsuit said that the SD OCT showed significant thinning of the photoreceptor layers in Morgans eyes.

Following the results of the test, Dr. Martin referred Morgan to Dr. Alexander Talalight for possible Plaquenil toxicity and instructed her to stop taking the drug. The lawsuit stated that a month later, Dr. Talalight diagnosed Morgan with toxic maculopathy of both eyes due to Plaquenil.

The high courts order directs the trial court to dismiss the claims against the defendants.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 sign marking the east entrance of the The streetside east entrance of the James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse and Federal Building is seen on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

A trial underway in Anchorage this week is challenging the Alaska Office of Childrens Services and the foster care system, with plaintiffs claiming the system is failing Alaskan children and violating their rights.

We hope that this trial will lead to significant reforms in Alaskas foster care system. Alaskas foster children deserve far better childhoods. It can be done, Marcia Lowry, an attorney for the plaintiffs and with the nonprofit A Better Childhood, said in a written statement ahead of the trial.

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There are about 2,500 children in Alaska foster care, a system that aims to provide a temporary placement environment after a child has been determined to be unsafe or at risk of maltreatment in their family home. Some placements are temporary, and families can seek reunification. If not possible or unsafe, OCS staff are tasked with finding other forms of permanent, safe placement for the child.

Alaska Native children make up a disproportionately high number of those in state custody  in July, the number was two thirds, or 68% of all children in custody, or 1,712 children.

The plaintiffs, who include five foster youths, are representing a class-action case that seeks wide-ranging changes to the system. The lawsuit, first filed in 2022, was brought on behalf of all Alaska children whom OCS has or will have in state custody.

The suit names Alaskas Department of Family and Community Services (DFCS) and Office of Childrens Services (OCS) as defendants, as well as agency directors including OCS Director Kim Guay and DFCS Commissioner Kim Kovol.

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The lawsuit, Mary B. et al. v. Kim Kovol, et al., alleges OCS is chronically understaffed and overburdens caseworkers, which poses a risk of harm to children. They argue the agencys systemic failures include high vacancies and staff turnover, infrequent or poor quality caseworker visits, insufficient caseworker planning, and lack of adequate placements.

Defendents knew and were aware of the serious harm to children, and ignored that harm, said Julia Tebor, an attorney for the plaintiffs, during opening arguments on Monday, according to court transcripts. Defendants have a policy and a practice of maintaining overburdened caseworkers. These caseworkers have 51 to 100 children, sometimes. They cannot do their job. They cannot keep children safe.

Child welfare advocates, lawmakers, and foster youth themselves have raised alarm at inappropriate placements, including unnecessarily long stays at psychiatric facilities, homeless shelters, hotels with hired security guards and even overnights at OCS offices.

Defendents fail to recruit and retain placements. They fail to connect children with services. And this places children at unnecessary risk of institutionalization, Tebor said.

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In defense of OCS, lawyers with the Alaska Department of Law are arguing that the child welfare system in Alaska is a complex network of government agencies and private partners, including Alaska Native tribes, working on childrens behalf  not just OCS.

They argue that superior court judges are routinely reviewing childrens cases and whether families are getting visitation, services and case planning, as required by law.

They say OCS is not ignoring the challenges presented by a shortage of caseworkers, caseplanning and access to services. But there are difficult logistics related to delivering services in Alaska, due to the vast geography, remote communities off the road system, and weather complications that can delay or complicate OCS staffs work.

The lawsuit also alleges OCS overlooks or fails to seek out placements within an Alaska Native childs family or community, instead placing them in non-Native households, violating their rights under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act.

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Lawyers for the plaintiffs are arguing that deliberate indifference within OCS poses a substantial risk of harm to all foster children across the state.

The state rejects the claim, saying there is no deliberate indifference by OCS staff, and they are not violating childrens rights under federal child welfare laws, the Indian Child Welfare Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Foster youth testify in court

A foster youth named Matthew was the first to take the stand on Monday. He entered OCS custody at 15 years old. In three years, he said, he was moved between 13 and 14 placements, including staying at an OCS office.

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Mentally, it took a toll on me because I couldnt get schoolwork done, he said. There was a lot that I could have got done, that I never got done because I was moving around so much, and mentally took a toll on me.

He described a placement called the Ramen House where kids only got two packs of ramen to eat for the entire day. And if you ate the two ramen packs in the morning, then youd have no food for the rest of the day, he said. When he reported it to OCS, there was little response. I told them multiple times, and they didnt move me until I sat in the office and was like, Im not moving until you guys put me in a new foster home, because I couldnt do it anymore.

Matthew said during his time in foster care he attended four or five schools in the Anchorage and Matanuska-Susitna Borough areas, and did not have regular access to medical care, like for a potential broken bone or to see a dentist. Now at 20, hes still working on finishing high school.

In court on Monday, he recounted sleeping in OCS offices in Wasilla multiple times, where he was sometimes locked in. In one instance, he said there was no couch  or there were no pillows or blankets or anything like that. They never gave me a pillow or blanket or anything like that.

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He said he had three or four caseworkers, some he never met in person.

Asked why he chose to testify, he said so another kid doesnt have to go through what I went through.

Social workers caseload burden

OCS has five regional offices  Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Bethel and Juneau  and 22 regional offices across the state.

Between January 2018 and January 2024, an average of 45% of OCS caseworkers had caseloads with more than 30 children, and an average of 25% of caseworkers had between 51 to 100 children, according to the lawsuit. At one point in 2023, the OCS Western Region had three caseworkers for the 309 out-of-home foster children in the region.

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Kim Guay, director of OCS, took the stand on Monday and argued the state is working to make improvements to the system. She said caseworkers often work with partners, including tribal organizations and village public safety officers to make visits in remote locations. She said high caseload data requires context.

Theyre good things to look at, but it doesnt tell the whole story. More needs to be looked into, whats going on with the case, that office, the staff. Theres a whole context besides just the data and the numbers, she said.

Guay herself began at OCS in 2000 as a caseworker.

A one-kid case may sound easy, although that child may be extremely medically complex or have behavioral health problems or actively suicidal, and they will spend an enormous amount of time on a one-kid case as compared to maybe a family of six that are in a relatives home, Guay said.

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When asked if a caseworker having more than 100 children poses a risk of substantial harm, Guay replied it depends on the situation. Would I like to see caseloads lower than that? Sure. I think everyone would. But it, the cases are  you know I dont like to use the words it depends, but it does depend on the situation.

Guay also pointed to ongoing challenges with recruiting and hiring OCS caseworkers. We need more workers, she said.

Attorneys with the Department of Law and the plaintiffs were not immediately available to comment on Thursday.

Defendents will try to argue that there are factors outside their control that affects the child welfare system, Tebor said on Monday. But that is not an excuse for failing children and failing to ensure their substantive due process rights and their statutory rights.

Correction: Three quotes in this article were incorrectly attributed to Commissioner Kim Kovol instead of Director Kim Guay. The article has been updated.
Stephen Cox, seen here in a headshot provided by the Alaska Department of Law, was named Alaska's attorney general-designee by Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Briana Binder/Marmot Creative

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has named former Texas U.S. Attorney Stephen Cox to replace departing Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor, he announced in a prepared statement Thursday.

Coxs appointment is subject to a confirmation vote by the Alaska Legislature next spring.

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Dunleavy is term-limited, and new governors typically appoint a new attorney general, meaning that Cox is likely to serve for a little over one year.

Taylor, who announced last week that he would resign on Aug. 29, is expected to run for governor in 2026, joining an already-crowded field of candidates.

Cox will begin serving as attorney general-designee upon Taylors resignation, the governors office said.

A spokesperson for the Alaska Department of Law said Cox was not immediately available for an interview about his plans for the department.

Stephen Cox brings a wealth of experience to the Attorney Generals office, and I am confident in his ability to serve Alaskans well, Dunleavy said in a prepared statement. From his service in the U.S. Department of Justice to his leadership on complex work here in Alaska, Stephen has demonstrated a wide breadth of experience and steadfast dedication to the rule of law.

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Cox, a graduate of the University of Houston law school, worked five years for Apache, the Houston-based oil company active in Alaska at that time.

According to the governors office, he specialized in Apaches Cook Inlet operations.

Cox joined the Department of Justice in March 2017, during the first Trump administration and after working on Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruzs unsuccessful campaign for president in 2016.

When Cox was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas by Trump in 2020, Cruz said he and Cox had been close friends for two decades.

Cox has served as the president of the Houston, Texas chapter of the Federalist Society since 2016, according to his LinkedIn profile, a national conservative and libertarian legal organization.

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Cox resigned as U.S. Attorney after President Joe Biden took office and took a job with Bristol Bay Industrial LLC, a holding company and investment subsidiary of the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, until being picked by the governor to become attorney general.

I am honored that Governor Dunleavy has invited me to be a part of the Alaska story, Cox said in a prepared statement. And I am grateful to the Governor and the people of Alaska for the opportunity to serve. Since 2011, I have been privileged to work on Alaskas development, and my family and I were blessed with the opportunity to move to Anchorage and make Alaska our home. My wife and I are grateful to be able to foster for our three children the best future Alaska can offer. The Anchorage community, and the entire state have become an inseparable part of our lives. I commit to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of all Alaskans, and ensure that our states laws are enforced with integrity.

In 2023, Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan named Cox to a panel of experts that Sullivan intended to use to examine candidates for Alaskas vacant U.S. District Court seats.

To date, that panels activities have not been publicized and the panel has not published a list of recommendations. Two of Alaskas three federal judgeships remain vacant.

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In private life, he and his wife have been active in the formation of Thomas More Classical School, a private Christian conservative K-6 alternative school, according to posts on LinkedIn. The school is scheduled to open in 2026 in Anchorage.

Cox lives in Anchorage with his wife, Cristina, and their three children.

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Aug. 29This article was produced for ProPublica's Local Reporting Network in a partnership between the Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica.

Leaders in Alaska and elsewhere have repeatedly promised action in recent years to address the nation's chronic failure to solve the murder or disappearance of Indigenous people.

Federal legislation backed by Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski called for improving data collection and information sharing among law enforcement and tribes. Gov. Mike Dunleavy said again and again and as recently as May 5 that the state government would work with Alaska Natives to address the crisis.

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"My administration will continue to support law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, Alaska Native Tribes and other entities working together to solve these cases and bring closure to victims' families," Dunleavy said in a news release last year.

Yet when an Alaska Native group asked state law enforcement officials in June for one of the most fundamental pieces of data needed to understand the issue  a list of murders investigated by state police  the state said no.

Charlene Aqpik Apok launched Data for Indigenous Justice in 2020 after trying to collect the names of missing and murdered Indigenous people to read at a rally, only to discover no government agency had been keeping track. Over time, the nonprofit built its own homegrown database with the help of villagers, friends and family across the state.

In 2023, the state started publishing a list quarterly with names of Indigenous people reported missing. But the state still does not issue a list for the other key piece of the group's efforts: Indigenous people who have been killed.

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So on June 4, the nonprofit filed two public records requests with the Alaska Department of Public Safety concerning homicide cases the agency had investigated since 2022. The group asked first for victims of all races and then for those identified as Alaska Native.

Apok said she didn't think the request was controversial or complicated.

But the state rejected the requests a week later. The agency said fulfilling the request would take "several hours" and cited a state regulation allowing a denial if providing information to a requester would require employees to "compile or summarize" existing public records.

"We do not keep lists of victims of any type of crime, including homicide victims, and to fulfil this request DPS would have to manually review incident reports from multiple years to create a record that matched what you are looking for," Austin McDaniel, communications director for the department, wrote to the nonprofit.

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McDaniel offered no direct response when the Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica asked why the agency could not retrieve homicide records with a simple database query or why, even if the work required manual review and wasn't required under state law, the agency didn't simply create a list of homicide victims.

(Alaska's public records law says any records that take state employees fewer than five hours to produce shall be provided for free, and the state can choose to waive research fees if providing records would serve the public interest. Even if an agency needs to create a new record, as McDaniel asserted in his denial, it's allowed to "if the public agency can do so without impairing its functioning.")

Data for Indigenous Justice appealed the denial to the head of the department, Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell, who decided in favor of the agency.

The nonprofit's records request and the state's denial revealed that Alaska, four years after creating a council on murdered and missing Indigenous people, cannot readily identify murder cases involving Indigenous victims. The state now employs four investigators who focus on such cases.

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"How do they know which cases are Alaska Native or Indigenous people for their MMIP investigators if they cannot do a simple pull of the demographics that we are talking about?" Apok said.

Apok said tracking complete and accurate data on Indigenous people who have disappeared or been killed matters because otherwise, law enforcement can shrug off individual cases and deny the scale of the problem.

"That's the power of data. That's the power of collective information," she said.

In lieu of answering detailed questions for this story, McDaniel provided a one-page response saying that the department receives thousands of records requests each year. He said the agency is a "leader in data transparency" for missing and murdered Indigenous people, adding that "to imply that we are not invested in this work due to the denial of one records request from an advocacy group is absurd."

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He cited as examples of transparency the department's publication of information about missing Indigenous people and its provision of law enforcement data to tribal governments in support of their requests for federal grants.

Anchorage, which runs the state's largest municipal police department, recently reversed a policy that withheld the identities of certain homicide victims. The police chief released the records after Daily News reporting revealed the policy had no basis in law and was opposed by some victims' rights advocates.

State troopers, meanwhile, handle about 38% of all murders in Alaska, according to statistics that law enforcement reports each year. From 2019 to 2023, the most recent data available, troopers investigated an average of 22 murders each year. That means the agency would likely need to review just a few dozen reports to provide the requested names.

Watershed reports published in Canada in 2017 and by the Seattle-based Urban Indian Health Institute in 2018 revealed the scope of the crisis of missing and murdered people from Indigenous communities.

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Those reports, Apok said, "named exactly what a lot of us were seeing and feeling, where we didn't know our experiences were part of a larger collective."

In 2021, Data for Indigenous Justice published the first report on the crisis in Alaska, highlighting the failure of media and local governments to gather data on cases of missing and murdered people to analyze patterns. A council appointed by Dunleavy even relied on Apok's findings  including her conclusion that little data is available  when trying to describe the scope of the problem.

Dunleavy and Murkowski have been vocal on the issue in the years since.

A spokesperson for the governor did not respond to emailed and hand-delivered questions about the state's failure to provide names of homicide victims to Apok's group. Told of the decision not to release the names, Murkowski's office said the senator was unavailable for an interview and offered no comment on the state's actions.

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Apok said her group will continue making public records requests to the state while building its own database through community connections.

"We're going to keep doing what we do," she said. "People will keep telling us names."
A woman was seriously injured in a bear attack just steps from her home in southern Alaska, a state where all three North American bear species roam and thrive.

At 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, the 36-year-old woman left her house for a jog in Kenai, a coastal city southwest of Anchorage, according to Alaska Wildlife Troopers dispatch.

She hadnt gone more than 50 yards when a bear emerged from a neighboring property, Alaska Wildlife Trooper David Lorring told CNN affiliate KTUU. Without warning, the animal charged, dragging her roughly 100 yards down the road and onto another property, Lorring said.

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A neighbor discovered the injured woman before Kenai Police Department received a call at 6:58 a.m., according to dispatch records. Officers rushed her to a hospital in the Anchorage area. Her current condition is unknown.

CNN reached out to the police for updates on her condition.

State troopers, local police and a team from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game searched for the bear on foot, while a drone scanned from above. Despite their efforts, the bear was not found, police said Tuesday.

Evidence at the scene, including tracks, suggested it was a brown bear, KTUU reported. Patrols of the area will continue, and the public is advised to remain vigilant while outdoors, troopers said in a dispatch.

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Wildlife troopers warned neighbors to closely supervise children and pets secure trash and pet food, and remain on guard. If you encounter a bear, keep a safe distance and do not approach, they said.

Alaska is home to about 100,000 black bears and about 30,000 brown bears, alongside nearly one thousand polar bears in the northern regions  making bear encounters common in some areas, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In the states southern regions, where food is plentiful, brown bear populations can reach densities as high as one bear per square mile, the agency said in guidance about Living with Bears.

While Alaska is considered a bear country, attacks on humans are rare. Between 2000 to 2017, state health officials reported 10 fatal attacks and 68 hospitalizations due to bear-related injuries. Conservation efforts for brown bears on the Kenai Peninsula have been ongoing for at least two decades.

In July, two hikers in Anchorage were mauled in separate incidents within a week of each other, prompting officials to warn people to avoid streams with running salmon, the Associated Press reported. Neither hiker suffered life-threatening injuries.

CNNs Amanda Jackson contributed to this report.

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MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  An Albertville woman was arrested for unlawfully practicing law, the Marshall County District Attorneys Office told News 19.

According to jail records, Heather Lynn Jones was arrested on August 21. She was released the next day on a $6,000 bond. Court records state that on or about July 28, Jones practiced law knowing that she did not have a license, whether it be by expiration, disbarment, or failure to pay her license fee within 30 days of it becoming due.

The Marshall County DAs office provided News 19 a statement about why the charge was brought against Jones.

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The office said that Jones practiced law when she filed a written motion to the court, despite signing it Advocate/Law Student, and did it again when she appeared in court by arguing as an attorney to the judge.

You can read the statement below.

Our office is prosecuting Ms. Jones for Practicing Law without a License, which is a Class A misdemeanor. The maximum punishment for a Class A misdemeanor is up to one year in the county jail and up to a $6,000 fine. The complaint alleges that Ms. Jones practiced law without a license when she filed a written motion with the court in the case of Kasey Cormier, who is on probation and in our Phase 2 Drug Court Program. She filed this motion and signed it as a Advocate/Law Student. By filing a written motion to the court she engaged in practicing law and is not a licensed attorney. Further, she was ordered to appear in court on the motion she filed on August 21, 2025. When she appeared in court, she continued to practice law without a license by arguing as an attorney to the judge. Thus, a magistrate in Marshall County issued a warrant for Ms. Joness arrest for Practicing Law without a License and she was served with the warrant and placed in the county jail that same date. Originally Judge Abel set her bond at $1,000 and ordered she be drug tested. However, when she refused to be drug tested by the court, her bond was increased to $6,000. She posted the bond and was released from jail the next day. Her case is set October 22, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for a bench trial in front of Judge Floyd on the misdemeanor charge. Marshall County District Attorneys Office

According to the Alabama State Bar websites member search, there are no records of a Heather Lynn Jones holding an Alabama Law License.

In July, Jones claimed Father Bob Sullivan, of Our Lady of Sorrow in Homewood, gave her financial support in exchange for a private companionship that included sex. Jones claimed their relationship started when she was 17 years old, in 2009. Sullivan announced on August 2 that he was taking a personal leave from his duties while this is being investigated.

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The Guardian reported that Jones said she met Sullivan while she was dancing at a strip club, which he visited.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Aug. 28Albuquerque will host this year's Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Quantum Week conference  a first for the city as New Mexico makes a name for itself in the quickly evolving industry.

With established national laboratories, multiple research facilities and the recent implementation of a $25 million state-funded initiative, officials believe the future of quantum technology, innovation and commercialization shines brightest in New Mexico.

"Quantum Week is a powerful example of how Albuquerque's history of scientific leadership and growing technology ecosystem can attract prestigious, forward-thinking events," said Tania Armenta, Visit Albuquerque president and CEO, in a statement. "This conference will bring together some of the brightest minds in the field, while also delivering significant economic benefits to our community."

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Held Aug. 31 through Sept. 5 at the Albuquerque Convention Center, Quantum Week aims to spark conversations between quantum scientists and researchers, and the businesses that are bringing the technology to the market, Candace Culhane, Quantum Week general chair and science coordinator at Los Alamos National Laboratory, told the Journal.

"There are a lot of conferences that are really for the science, and there are also conferences for entrepreneurs and business people," Culhane said. "But our conference is the first one that really brings these two communities together."

According to its website, the event touts nine keynote speakers, 13 panels, over 70 workforce and community-building tutorials, a career fair and technologies from quantum companies, startups and research labs. Since beginning virtually in 2020, Culhane said attendance has grown from 600 to 1,500 as of last year's event in Montreal, Canada.

"The world stands to benefit from the increasing accessibility of quantum computing," Culhane said. "Quantum technology supports advanced computing to enable the more complicated algorithms that are fueling drug discovery, disease mitigation, financial and information security and optimization, and so much more."

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With a barrage of activities to choose from, Culhane acknowledged how daunting the week could seem. However, she said the event has "levels" to its agenda, with options for both beginners and experts in quantum.

Elevate Quantum CEO Zach Yerushalmi will give a keynote speech Monday discussing New Mexico and the Mountain West's growing quantum ecosystem, with remarks from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Sam Stanwyck, head of quantum computing products for Nvidia Corp., will end the series of keynote speeches with a Friday address.

Culhane said officials with Quantum Week are "tremendously excited" about hosting it in Albuquerque this year. One of the biggest factors that went into picking the location came from the "wealth" of quantum talent that resides in the Mountain West.

"We want to foster and encourage this idea that New Mexico is a great place to start new businesses because we have all this talent," Culhane said. "We recognize the rich heritage, all the abundant resources and favorable investments from the state and federal government that take place in New Mexico."

The global conference is estimated to bring nearly 1,500 attendees, 3,100 hotel room stays and contribute $1.5 million in direct spending to the local economy, according to Visit Albuquerque.
(Courtesy: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) (Courtesy: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) (Courtesy: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) (Courtesy: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), is mourning the loss of active K-9 Bella.

According to ALEA, K-9 Bella passed away unexpectedly due to a medical emergency on Tuesday, August 26. ALEA said that the dog was 7-years-old when she passed away.

ALEA spoke on K-9 Bellas work ethic and character:

K-9 Bella was more than a working dog; she was a trusted partner and a beloved member of the ALEA family. Throughout her distinguished career, Bella was instrumental in the apprehension of numerous criminals, the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, to include fentanyl, and the confiscation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit assets. Her efforts undoubtedly saved countless lives and helped make Alabama communities safer.

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On July 21, during a traffic stop on I-22 in Marion County, Bella and her handler, Senior Trooper Seahorn, made a drug seizure which led to authorities finding five bags of THC gummies and four duffel bags filled with marijuana, totaling around150 pounds of marijuana and 30 pounds of THC edibles.

Following her passing, Sr. Trooper Seahorn shared the following message:

This is, without a doubt, one of the hardest times of my life. Not only was Bella my faithful

partner, but she was also mine and my familys best friend. From family vacations and simple

trips to the store to sitting on the sidelines of a school ball game, she was with us every minute of every day. She enjoyed life to the fullest and taught us to do the same.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor expressed his condolences and praised Bellas remarkable service:

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K-9 Bella exemplified the very best of what it means to serve. Her unwavering dedication,

incredible skill and genuine love for people set her apart. The trust and teamwork she shared

with her handler were inspiring and stand as a testament to what makes the ALEA K-9 Unit so

special. We are grateful for the profound impact she made on our Agency and the citizens of

Alabama.

Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEAs Department of Public Safety (DPS), echoed this

sentiment, reflecting on the loss:

This has been an exceptionally difficult month for our K-9 Unit, as we mourn the loss of two

active K-9s and one retired K-9. Like the others, Bella was not just a working dog; she was

family to her handler and to all of us. These K-9s give their all in service, and in return, their

handlers give them the utmost care, love and respect. Bellas professionalism, gentle nature and

spirit were unmatched, and the bond she shared with her partner was unbreakable. We extend our sincerest condolences to Sr. Trooper Seahorn during this time. Bella will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

ALEA told News 19 that K-9 Bella passed away peacefully in the arms of her handler and family.

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Earlier this month, ALEA announced that K-9 Matyko suffered an unexpected medical emergency and died while being transported by his handler to a veterinary hospital in Huntsville. Matyko was also 7 years old, the agency said.

Additionally, K-9 Pici, a retired ALEA K-9, passed away after a 10-month battle with bone cancer on August 2. She was also 7-years-old.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Alexandria police have released body camera footage showing the events leading up to the death of 32-year-old Allan Tucker II, who died in police custody earlier this month.

The footage, which runs about an hour and a half, begins on August 15 when multiple calls came in about a man knocking on doors and yelling inside an apartment complex.

This man is trying to break in everybodys doors, a caller can be heard saying in the video.

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When officers arrived, Tucker told them someone was inside his apartment with a gun. Police searched the apartment but only found Tuckers father, who was in a wheelchair. Police say his father told them Tucker left the house 45 minutes before and was fine, but returned in an irritated state.

Cold case solved: DC man to spend decades in prison for killing Chevy Chase mother in 2001

The video shows that even after police checked the apartment, Tucker insisted someone was still in there with a gun.

Daddy, I can see shadows, daddy, and guns. I see somebody right there, Tucker is heard telling his father on the video.

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Police eventually placed Tucker in handcuffs and escorted him to a patrol car. Tuckers agitated behavior continued, but this time, he was accusing officers of trying to hurt him.

Are yall trying to kill me? I want a sergeant, he shouted.

After consulting with a sergeant, officers decided to arrest Tucker for public intoxication. At one point, he asked to be taken to the hospital, but officers instead drove him to jail.

When officers arrived, deputies were in the middle of a shift change, so they had to wait to bring him inside. Tucker continued to yell and scream in the back of the police car, while the two officers stood outside the car. The video shows officers checking on him repeatedly during the nearly 45-minute wait. At times, he was agitated; other times, he was quiet.

At 6:51 p.m., officers noticed Tucker was unresponsive. They gave him Narcan and performed CPR, but he died.

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Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire said his family shared that Tucker was a beloved individual supported by his family and community.

McGuire says theyre waiting for the medical examiners office to confirm whether Tucker was under the influence of anything.

Although the investigation is ongoing, there are several questions about the case, including why deputies delayed letting officers and Tucker inside the jail.

We do not know specifically what was going on inside the jail, the chief said. We know they were at shift change, and our officers tried multiple times to get inside. The sheriff and I are committed to evaluating what happened.

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And why did officers choose not to take him to the hospital when he asked?

The immediate action could have been to divert and take him directly to the hospital. We will find out what the mindset was during the outcome of the investigation, explained McGuire.

There is now an independent investigation underway by the Auditors Office and the Independent Community Police Review Board. The officers involved have been placed on administrative duty. The investigation into Tuckers death remains ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Australia's Lynas Rare Earths warned of considerable uncertainty over the future of its heavy rare-earths processing plant in Texas and also reported a steeper-than-expected drop in its annual profit on Thursday.

Lynas, the world's largest rare-earths producer outside China, said it is in negotiations with the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) to reach a mutually acceptable offtake agreement for production from the Texas-based Seadrift facility.

"While there can be no certainty that offtake agreements will be agreed, any offtake agreements would need to be on commercial terms acceptable to Lynas," the miner said.

Lynas has been developing the facility under a contract with the U.S. DoD, with plans to begin operations in fiscal 2026. However, the company indicated that construction of the plant may not move forward.

"We are big supporters of continued investment in development of outside-China's supply chains," CEO Amanda Lacaze told an investor call.

"But just remember ... Lynas is the lynchpin of (the) outside-China supply chain, and it is important that policy development is done in such a way that continues to protect that, because, as I said before, development of new plants can be long and uncertain," she said.

Her comments came after the U.S. government last month agreed a multibillion dollar deal to become the top shareholder in Lynas' biggest rival outside China, MP Materials, provide a floor price for its key rare earth product, and lend it $150 million to expand in heavy rare earths separation.

Lynas also wants to be involved with new rare earth magnet makers in the U.S. and other countries outside China and is open to taking an equity stake.

"There are seven magnet projects coming to market in the U.S., many of which actually have some form of government funding, which de-risks them," Lacaze said, adding there are probably more magnet projects in the U.S. than in the rest of the world combined.

"We want to be able to participate either on an operational or a supply or an equity basis in this part of the supply chain," she said.

The miner last month signed an agreement with Korea's JS Link to develop a magnet facility in Malaysia where it has processing operations.

Lynas' net profit after tax came in at A$8 million ($5.20 million) for the year ended June 30, a sharp decline from an A$84.5 million reported a year earlier.

The annual figure also missed the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of A$30.4 million.

Lynas attributed the drop in profit to depreciation costs from its Kalgoorlie and Mt. Weld facility expansion, noting that production at Kalgoorlie fell short of nameplate capacity.
After a grand jury failed to return a felony indictment against the Washington, DC, man accused of throwing a sub-style sandwich at a law enforcement officer in the first days of Trumps federal takeover of the city, federal prosecutors on Thursday filed a lesser misdemeanor charge.

Prosecutors filed the charges Thursday, two weeks after the initial complaint was filed against the man, Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department attorney who was fired immediately following his arrest.

Dunn, prosecutors have alleged, threw a sub-style sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection officer one evening in early August, calling them fascists and yelling and cursing at the officers gathered.

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His attorney declined to comment on the charge.

The office of US Attorney Jeanine Pirro did not immediately respond to a CNN request for comment.

Previously, the Justice Department said in court it was charging Dunn with a felony assault charge but, after a grand jury declined to hand up an indictment in the case, have now filed a lesser misdemeanor charge, cutting the maximum sentence from 8 years in jail to 1 year.

Since prosecutors filed the charges by information  instead of by complaint as they previously did  they can skirt around using a grand jury and instead go right to the judge, who would need to decide whether there is probable cause and the case can proceed.

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Dunn has not entered a plea, and his case has been passed to a federal judge in DC, who will preside over the case.

Dunn was arrested on August 10, right after he allegedly threw the sandwich. He was then released the next morning, his attorney said in court earlier this month, and attempted to get an attorney to turn himself in when he learned of a warrant for his arrest.

Instead, 20 officers came to Dunns apartment and arrested him there, his attorney told the magistrate judge initially in charge of the case.

Her assertions would later be proven when the White House posted a propaganda film of decked-out deputy US Marshals and other law enforcement, including FBI agents, showing up at Dunns door with guns drawn and a riot shield deployed to arrest him.

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At the time of Dunns arrest, Pirro celebrated in a video shared on X, Were going to back the police to the hilt. So there, stick your Subway sandwich somewhere else.

The magistrate judge released Dunn, finding that he did not pose a threat to the community.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Altamont School recently kicked off the new academic year, marking 50 years in Birmingham.

This year, the school welcomed 361 students from 20 schools across the area.

We are thrilled to welcome 61 new students into our school family, each bringing unique talents, perspectives, and energy to our community, said Altamont Head of School Cecil Stodghill said in a statement. Alongside them, we applaud the dedication of our returning students who continue to embody the values and spirit of Altamont. None of this would be possible without our outstanding facultyboth new and returningwhose passion for teaching and commitment to our mission guide everything we do.

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The Altamont School started in 1975 as the merger of Birmingham University School and Brooke Hill School. A private school, notable alumni include Big Fish author Daniel Wallace, Patch President Warren St. John and Diane McWhorter, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama, the Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution.

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Alturo Rhymes is the executive producer of "CBS Evening News Plus," a role he has held since the show premiered in February 2025.

He was previously executive producer of daily news, overseeing daily news and breaking news coverage produced by CBS News and broadcast across all platforms.

Rhymes, an award-winning journalist and producer, has been at CBS News since 2005.

He has also served as executive story editor for the "CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell" and co-senior broadcast producer of the program.

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During his career with CBS News, Rhymes has produced and led teams covering major domestic, international and breaking news events ranging from the aftermath of Katrina to the unrest in Ferguson and the papal visits to Cuba.

He joined CBS News in 2005 as a producer at Newspath and soon moved into a producer position on the CBS Weekend News and then the "CBS Evening News" in 2011. He was promoted to senior producer in 2017.

He joined CBS after working at NBC, MSNBC, CNBC and CNN.

Rhymes' work has earned him numerous journalism awards, including a DuPont Award for CBS News' coverage of the Newtown, Conn., school shooting, a News and Documentary Emmy Award for a "CBS Evening News"' multi-part series on the National Guard's Challenge Academy, two Delta Sigma Chi awards and multiple NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards.

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Rhymes holds a master's in news media studies from American University, School of Communication and a bachelor's in English arts from Hampton University.

He is based in New York.

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Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has indicated that his government will not immediately impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States.

Instead, on Friday, he repeated his call for his US counterpart, Donald Trump, to join him in trade negotiations.

Currently, Brazil faces 50 percent taxes on all its exports to the US, the highest current tariff rate of any country except India.

While Brazil has yet to respond in kind, on Thursday, its Chamber of Foreign Commerce (CAMEX) began exploring whether countermeasures would apply under a local law.

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This is a process that takes a bit of time, Lula said in Fridays interview with Radio Itatiaia. We have to tell the United States that we also have actions we can take against them. But I am in no rush. What I want is to negotiate.





Since August 1, Brazil has faced the steep US tariffs, as part of Trumps pressure campaign to end a trial against his fellow far-right leader, Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro, who led Brazil as president from 2019 to 2023, has faced multiple legal inquiries since leaving office, including for allegedly falsifying his COVID-19 vaccine records and using government resources to undermine confidence in the election system.

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But his greatest legal hurdle is his current trial for allegedly scheming to overturn the results of the 2022 election, which he narrowly lost to Lula.

A verdict is expected in the case in early September. Bolsonaro, meanwhile, has denied wrongdoing and called the proceedings political persecution.

Trump has echoed those accusations. In a July 9 letter to Lula, he accused the Brazilian government of censoring right-wing voices and said he would impose the 50 percent tariff as a result.

This trial should not be taking place. It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY! Trump wrote.

The letter also included a warning against any retaliatory measures: If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 50% that we charge.

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The Trump administration has also imposed sanctions and stripped visas from Brazilian officials in response to Bolsonaros trial.





Lula, however, has framed Trumps actions as an effort to interfere in Brazils legal process.

On August 11, Lulas government filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization, claiming the US violated international agreements by imposing the 50 percent tariff.

The US has since agreed to a consultation process with the international body. Should that fail, a World Trade Organization panel would likely weigh Brazils case.

On Thursday, Brazils Foreign Ministry, with authorisation from Lula, also requested that CAMEX explore whether a reciprocity law passed by Congress could be used to implement retaliatory measures against the US.

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CAMEX will have 30 days to compile its findings about how the law might be applied to the US tariffs.

I took this measure because we have to move forward with the process, Lula told Radio Itatiaia on Friday. If we proceed as required by law, it will take a year.

Lula has repeatedly said that Trump officials have refused to negotiate with his administration to lower the hefty export taxes.

According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, the US has a trade surplus with Brazil, with its exports to the South American country outstripping its imports. The total trade in goods and services with Brazil amounted to nearly $127.6bn last year, an increase over 2023.

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In his radio interview on Friday, Lula repeated his desire to talk with Trump, emphasising he does not want a trade war. But, he added, Brazil will not sacrifice its sovereignty.

For now, Brazil is open to negotiations with the US, Lula said. Whats different is that Brazil doesnt need to bow its head to the US.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Amazon has over a hundred open positions listed in New York City.

The company is looking to hire for a range of positions, including data scientists, software development engineers, and marketing managers.

More Local News

Recent job listings include:

Site Marketing Associate, Shopbop

Qualifications: Two to three years of relevant e-commerce experience, strong skills in PowerPoint and Project Management Tools, and a bachelors degree in a related field.

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Salary ranges from $69,400 to $148,500, depending on the geographic market.

Software Development Engineer, Amazon Connect

Qualifications: Three years of non-internship professional software development experience, two or more years of non-internship design or architecture of new and existing systems experience, and experience programming with at least one software programming language.

Salary ranges from $129,300 to $223,600, depending on the geographic market.

NYC Public Schools hiring: Over 100 positions remain open

UX Designer, Amazon Ads

Qualifications: Five or more years of design experience, three or more years of delivering design solutions as a UX designer or interaction designer, and experience prototyping (HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, CSS, Flash or Flash Catalyst, or Axure).

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Salary ranges from $106,000 to $184,000, depending on the geographic market.

Click here to browse job listings.

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.

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Thank God. Donald Trump has saved us. The old Cracker Barrel logo is returning.

Having spent too much time traveling across the country since before I knew how to drive, there are two road stops Ive always loathed to make. Cracker Barrel was one. To me it was just a dining room extension of the Stuckeys of my youth  which I also hated. I was never a fan of Cracker Barrels food, Stuckeys candies or the kitsch you had to wade through if you had the misfortune of spending time at either establishment. But Cracker Barrels porch and rocking chairs are good enough for a road rest, and if you like the food, more power to you. I can barely handle the pecan roll at Stuckeys.

Cracker Barrel recently changed its logo to something more representative of a business card for a salesman with the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, Inc. from Scranton, Pa., and endeavored to reinvent itself as a sterile cuckoo devoid of any character or charm. The move is hardly a unique occurrence in the history of a chain store-minded country. After all, we elected Donald Trump twice, but it was old Puff Donny himself who claimed responsibility for returning Cracker Barrel to its former glory.

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When the restaurant announced Tuesday that it was abandoning the makeover for its traditional cornpone, Donny took credit for the about-face and announced it as the crowning achievement of his day  after declaring in a Cabinet Meeting earlier that morning that he could do anything he wanted because, dont forget, hes president. A president cant make or interpret laws, isnt above the law, cant declare war or decide how federal money can be spent. He cant even choose Cabinet members or Supreme Court justices without Senate approval. But in Donnys delusion, he thinks he can.

He said some may call him a dictator, but hes not  though hes pretty sure some want him to be.

The latest meeting of Donnys bargain basement Cabinet ran for three hours and 17 minutes. Even the New York Times recognized that Trump once again ran it like a reality show. Most media critics say it should have been broken into two episodes. The first hour and 45 minutes should have just featured the effusive fawning praise from Cabinet members and self-congratulations parading as insight from Donny. The second episode could have been dedicated to stand-up routines from the Cabinet secretaries, followed by some self-congratulatory, deep questions from the press  like what does the president think of two celebrities getting married? What a great question that has nothing to do with Trump invading American cities, trampling citizens rights, lying, cheating, stealing and destroying the free markets of capitalism he swore to uphold.

Just kidding. Donald Trump never swore to uphold anything he couldnt sell off. Speaking of which, has someone checked the National Archives recently to see if the Constitution is still there?

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Trump probably thought his latest meeting went really well. After all thats what everyone close to him told him to his face, and on the face of it, Donny seemed great. His trained seals all barked at him affectionately, and one  billionaire and Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff  so longingly planted his withered lips to Donnys posterior that, when I saw it happen, I wondered how long he had practiced for his supreme moment of total subjugation. Theres only one thing I wish for, Witkoff declared, as if Donny was his first crush. That the Nobel committee finally gets its act together and realizes that you are the single finest candidate since the Nobel Peace, this Nobel award, was ever talked about. Blush. Bat your eyelashes. Smile and sigh. Now sit down.

Donny is certainly demented, but hes not nearly delusional enough that he didnt recognize the single most ham-handed posterior puckering since this Nobel award was ever talked about.

The truth is, outside of the Cabinet Room  into which he sought shelter from the storm of reality by cuddling with his darkest fantasies as his frail mental faculties evaporate more quickly than his hair spray  Donny, for the first time, is involved in a struggle he cant make go away by waving his hands. The reason for that is because the people demanding answers are those who usually chase his waving hands.

When it comes to the Jeffrey Epstein files, many members of MAGA remain upset. Trump fans still want Puff Donny to supply answers regarding the government investigation into the convicted felon. The continued and incessant demand for anything to do with Epstein is music to the ears of everyone else in the country, though it sounds like a broken record to Donny and his motley crew of hand-assembled villains, whose main jobs appear to be that of a day player role on a horrible soap opera. Hey, theyre all stars in their pickled minds. The secretary of defense even has his own makeup room.

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For the second time in a month, Donald Trump has, in an attempt to avoid talking about Jeff Epstein, stepped into something else he is having trouble shaking from the dark loafers that fail to cover his swollen ankles.

Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

On Monday, he signed an executive order calling for the prosecution of people who burn the American flag. While the Supreme Court has ruled  definitively  that doing so is protected by the First Amendment, Donny felt it necessary to protect a symbol of our country rather than the actual rights the flag represents.

I would never burn the flag, but I support your right to do it, a number of MAGA supporters told me this week  including a few who work for Trump. Thats free speech.

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Yes, those who spew hatred understand protected free speech, thus giving some semblance of hope in an otherwise dystopian nation led by Trump.

The MAGA minions are also becoming alarmed at the presidents flagrant violation of the Posse Comitatus law, which is supposed to keep the government from using the military as police officers. The law was a direct result of the Civil War, and it was originally proposed by, wait for it  Republicans. Many members of the military, as well as the National Guard, are also not too happy with Trump for ignoring this law. They have received training as soldiers, not as peacekeepers; they are not officers who are sworn to protect and serve. It is inherently dangerous to arm the military and have them patrol cities throughout the U.S. This isnt 1968. We arent in the Vietnam War. We dont face the spectacle of thousands of soldiers coming home in body bags. Two of our most important political and moral leaders havent been assassinated. Our cities arent burning, and there are no riots in the streets  although it appears Trump would like there to be. He is both deflecting attention from his Epstein association and doubling down on his strong-arm tactics to break all resistance to his regime.

The difference between Trumps second and first administrations is seen best in this one issue. In his first term, Trump didnt know what the Posse Comitatus Act even was. Thats a fact. CQ Roll Calls John T. Bennett and I were the two reporters who asked about Trump violating it. The president had no idea it existed, and his staff referred to it as that Hakuna Matata thing. Now Trump and his people know what it is  and they dont care.

In a press conference sponsored by the Vet Voice Foundation, retired Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton said that Trumps use of the military is not just a distraction but will do long-term generational harm to the military and civil liberties.

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Former Democratic Rep. Max Rose, who represented New Yorks 11th congressional district and once served in the National Guard, outlined it this way: The mission is the problem here, not only because of the undue power domestically that its giving the president of the United States  it is to scare the hell out of millions of people, principally those who disagree with him, as well as his political opponents. Thats whats going on here. Thats why its being done in such a public, brazen manner.

Could Trump use the military to declare martial law and avoid an election in 2028 so he could stay in office  something he candidly joked about last week in the Oval Office? Well, in case you havent noticed, he is selling Trump 2028 hats.

In the meantime, hes also trying to nationalize industries. He has set tariffs based on which countries anger him the least, and hes showing deference to industries and companies inside the U.S. that bend before him.

Thats not free market capitalism. And again, it is MAGA members calling Trump out on this, particularly when he announced that the federal government had invested in Intel. I dont know where this all ends, but you cant base an economy on the wishes of one man, a Trump cabinet member from his first term told me on background. We have to wait this out.

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Behind his back, all of Trumps trained seals are waiting for his exit. His minions have grown angry. His greatest fans  except those who believe mRNA vaccines are evidence of an alien invasion, and/or those who believe that COVID-19 is an AI construction  are growing weary of him.

This brings us to the comment Trump made regarding a dictatorship, which came after he called Chicago a killing field. That alone should give us all pause, but then Trump took it further. He said some people told him, Maybe wed like a dictator. Trump humbly said hes not one. Im not a dictator. Im a man with great common sense and a smart person.

He certainly is conniving. And no one has been able to put the brakes on him since he returned to the White House in January. His congressional stooges are still what I called them during Trumps first term; they are eunuchs at the hate orgy, unable and unwilling to do anything about the vile atrocities of which they are a part.

Trump remains a venal man who purposely confuses criticism with hatred and critical thinking with socialism, communism and anti-American sentiment. He points at the foibles of others and refuses to hold himself to a higher standard. He and his lackeys want a country without dissent. Trumps rants against his political opponents take on an even darker tone when you consider all he is perpetuating. In a world of acrimony, filled with the gasoline of fear and hatred, his words are sparks.

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Across the globe, Trump fans the flames of intolerance that other despots use to usurp power and subjugate the governed. He gets along with Putin because Trump sees the Russian president as a mentor. The chaos surrounding Trump is there to keep you from looking at every other foul thing he undertakes  the exploitation of women, the abuse of the Treasury for his own ends, the stripping of regulations that enables the robber barons to run free and the destruction of science and a sharable base of facts from which we all operate.

Trump seeks to eliminate the collaborative efforts of all Americans by favoring the deeds of only those who show him fealty.

Thats our president in a nutshell. But thank God he brought back the Cracker Barrel logo. We can now all rest soundly in our rocking chairs on the front porch as he destroys every ideal upon which this country was built.

The post As America implodes, Trump can do anything he wants appeared first on Salon.com.
Americas child care system relies on immigrants. Without them, it could collapse

Maggis home in a suburban neighborhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a haven for local families. Its a place where, after just a few weeks in Maggis family-run child care program this spring, one preschooler started calling Maggi mama and Maggis husband papa. Children who have graduated from Maggis program still beg their parents to take them to her home instead of school. The Hechinger Report speaks with Maggi and others about how the child care system so dependent on immigrants, is being impacted by the anti-immigration policies.

Over the past few months, fewer families are showing up for care: Immigration enforcement has ramped up, and immigration policies have rapidly changed. Both Maggi and the families who rely on her  some of whom are immigrants  no longer feel safe.

Theres a lot of fear going on within the Latino community, and all of these are good people  good, hard-working people, Maggi, 47, said in Spanish through an interpreter on a recent morning as she watched a newborn sleep in what used to be her living room. Since she started her own child care business two years ago, she has dedicated nearly every inch of her common space to creating a colorful, toy-filled oasis for children. Maggi doesnt understand why so many immigrants are now at risk of deportation. Weve been here a long time, she said. Weve been doing honest work.

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Immigrants like Maggi play a crucial role in home-based child care, as well as Americas broader child care system of more than 2 million predominantly female workers. (Editors note: The Hechinger Report is not using Maggis last name out of concern for her safety and that of the families using her care.) Caregivers are notoriously difficult to find and keep, not only because the work is difficult, but because of poverty-level wages and limited benefits. Nationwide, immigrants make up nearly 20% of the child care workforce. In New York City, immigrants make up more than 40% of the child care workforce. In Los Angeles, its nearly 50%.

The Trump administrations far-reaching war on immigration, which includes daily quotas for immigrant arrests, new restrictions on work permits and detainment of legal residents, threatens Americas already-fragile child care system. Immigrant providers, especially those who serve immigrant families, have been hit especially hard. Just like at Maggis, child care providers nationwide are watching families disappear from their care, threatening the viability of those businesses.

In America, 1 in 4 children under the age of 6 has at least one foreign-born parent. Some kids who could benefit from experienced caregivers are now instead at home with older siblings or elderly relatives, losing out on socialization and kindergarten preparation. Some immigrant workers, regardless of status, are too scared to come to work, exacerbating staffing shortages. And in recent days, the administration announced that it would bar undocumented children from Head Start, the federally funded child care program for children from low-income families.

Anti-immigrant policy can and will weaken our entire caregiving infrastructure, said Karla Coleman-Castillo, senior policy analyst at the National Womens Law Center. Home-based programs in particular will feel the squeeze, she said, since they tend to serve more immigrant families. Anything that threatens the stability of families ability and comfort accessing early childhood education  and educators comfort entering or remaining in the workforce  is going to impact an already precarious sector.

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For Maggi, the fallout has been swift. In February, just a few weeks after the first changes were announced, her enrollment dropped from as many as 15 children each day to seven. Some families returned to Mexico. Others became too nervous to stray from their work routes for even a quick drop off. Some no longer wanted to give their information to the state to get help paying for care.

Maggi plays with a child in the back play yard of her child care program. - Jackie Mader // The Hechinger Report



By May, only two children, an infant and a 4-year-old, were enrolled full time, along with six kids who came for before- or after-school care. She accepts children who pay privately and those who pay with child care subsidies through the state program for low-income children. She brings in about $2,000 a month for the infant and preschooler, and a couple hundred more each week for after-school care  down significantly from the $9,000 to $10,000 of late 2024. For parents who dont receive a state subsidy, she keeps her rates low: less than $7 an hour. They tell me that Im cheap, Maggi said with a slight smile. But she isnt willing to raise her rates. I was a single mom, she said. I remember struggling to find someone to care for my children when I had to work.

Like many child care providers who emigrated to the United States as adults, Maggi started her career in an entirely different field. As a young mother, Maggi earned a law degree from a college in Mexico and worked in the prosecutors office in the northern Mexico state of Coahuila. Her job required working many weekends and late evenings, which took a toll on her parenting as a single mother. I really feel bad that I was not able to spend more time with my daughters, she added. I missed a lot of their childhood.

For a year when her girls were in elementary school, Maggi enrolled them in a boarding school, dropping them off Sunday nights and picking them up Friday afternoons. On some weekends, she took the girls to her office, even though she knew it wasnt a place for children. Maggi longed for a different job where she could spend more time with them.

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She started thinking seriously of emigrating about 15 years ago, as violence escalated. Her cousin was kidnapped, and police officers she worked with were killed. Maggi received death threats from criminals she helped prosecute. Then one day, she was stopped by men who told her they knew where she lived and that she had daughters. Thats when I said, this is not safe for me.

In 2011, Maggi and the girls emigrated to America, bringing whatever they could fit into four suitcases. They ended up in El Paso, Texas, where Maggi sold Jell-O and tamales to make ends meet. Three years later, they moved to Albuquerque. Maggi met her husband and they married, welcoming a son, her fourth child, shortly after.

In Albuquerque, Maggi settled into a life of professional caregiving, which came naturally and allowed her to spend more time with her family than she had in Mexico. She and her husband went through an intensive screening process and became foster parents. (New Mexico does not require individuals to have a lawful immigration status to foster.) Maggi enrolled her youngest in a Head Start center, where administrators encouraged her to start volunteering. She loved being in the classroom with children, but without a work permit, she could not become a Head Start teacher. Instead, after her son started elementary school, she started offering child care informally to families she knew. Maggi became licensed by the state two years ago after a lengthy process involving several inspections, a background check and mandatory training in CPR and tenets of early childhood care.

It didnt take long for Maggi to build up a well-respected business serving an acute need in Albuquerque. Her child care program is one of the few in the area that offers 24/7 care, a rarity in the industry despite the desperate need. The parents who rely on her are teachers, caregivers for the elderly and people answering 911 calls.

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In Maggis living room, carefully curated areas allow children to move freely between overflowing shelves of colorful toys, art supplies parked on a miniature table and rows of books. Educational posters on her walls reinforce colors, numbers and shapes. She delights in exposing the children to new experiences, frequently taking them on trips to grocery stores or restaurants. She is warm, but has high expectations for the children, insisting they clean up after themselves, follow directions and say please and thank you.

I want them to have values, Maggi said. We teach them respect toward animals, people and each other.

By the end of 2024, Maggis business was flourishing, and she looked forward to continued growth.

Then, Donald Trump took office.

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Data has yet to be released about the extent to which the current administrations immigration policies have affected the availability of child care. But interviews with child care providers and research hint at what may lie ahead  and is already happening.

After a 2008 policy allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to check the immigration status of people taken into custody by local police, there was a marked decline in enrollment in child care among both immigrant and nonimmigrant children. There was also a decrease in the supply of child care workers. Even though women were the minority of those deported, researchers found the policy sparked fear in immigrant communities, and many pulled back from their normal routines.

In the child care sector, thats problematic, experts say. Immigrants in the industry tend to be highly educated and skilled at interacting with children positively, more so even than native workers. If a skilled portion of the workforce is essentially purged because theyre too afraid to go to work, that will lower the quality of child care, said Chris Herbst, an associate professor at Arizona State University who has studied immigration policys effect on child care. Kids will be ill-served as a result.

Home-based programs like Maggis are among the most vulnerable. Children of immigrants are more likely to be in those child care settings. In the decade leading up to the pandemic, however, the number of home-based programs declined by 25% nationwide, in part due to financial challenges sustaining such businesses.

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On a recent morning, Maggi stood in her living room, wearing white scrubs adorned with colorful cartoon ladybugs. Last year, the room would have been buzzing with children. Now, its quiet, save for chatter from Kay, the sole preschooler in her care each day. (The Hechinger Report is not using Kays full name to protect her privacy.) While Kay sat at a table working on a craft, Maggi cradled the infant, who had just woken up from a nap. The babys eyes were latched onto Maggis face as she fawned over him.

Hello little one! she cooed in Spanish. He cracked a smile and Maggis face lit up.

As one of her daughters took over to feed the newborn, Maggi followed Kay outside. The preschooler bounced around from the sandbox to the swings to a playhouse, with Maggi diligently following and playing alongside her.

A child plays with a doll in a sandbox in the child care facility's back yard. - Jackie Mader // The Hechinger Report



Finally Kay came to a standstill, resting her head against Maggis hip. Maggi gently patted her head and asked if she was ready to show off her pre-kindergarten skills. The pair sat down at a small table in the shade and Kay watched eagerly as Maggi poured out small plastic trinkets. Kay pulled three plastic toy turtles into a pile. Mama, look! Theyre friends! Kay said, giggling.

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Kay came to Maggis program after her mother pulled her out of another program where she felt the girl wasnt treated well. Here, Kay is so happy, she hides when her mom comes back to get her. Still, a key aspect of the child care experience is missing for Kay. Normally, the girl would have several friends her own age to play with. Now when she is asked who her friends are, she names Maggis adult daughters.

Maggi worries even more about the children she doesnt see anymore. Most are cared for by grandparents now, but those relatives are unlikely to know how to support child development and education, Maggi said. Many are unable to run around with the children like she does, and are more likely to turn to tablets or televisions for them.

She has seen the effects in children who leave her program and come back later having regressed. Some of them are doing things well with me, and then when they come back, they have fallen behind, she said. One child Maggi used to care for, for example, had just started to walk when the mother pulled them out of full-time care earlier this year, at the start of the immigration crackdown. In the care of a relative, Maggi found out they now spend much of the day sitting at home.

Before the second Trump administration began, the child care landscape looked bright in New Mexico, a state with a chronically high child poverty rate. In 2022, New Mexico started rolling out a host of child care policy changes. Voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to early childhood education, with sustained funding to support it. The state now allows families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or nearly $125,000 a year, to qualify for free child care. That includes the majority of households in the state. Among the other changes: Providers are now paid more for children they enroll via the states assistance program.

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The increase has been helpful for many providers, including Maggi. Before the pandemic, she received about $490 a month from the state for each preschooler enrolled in her program, compared to $870 a month now. If she enrolls infants who qualify for child care assistance, she gets paid $1,100 a month, nearly $400 more than pre-pandemic. She needs children enrolled to get the payments, however. Running her program 24 hours a day, seven days a week helps. She earns extra money from the state when caring for children evenings and weekends, and she is paid monthly to cover the cost of housing foster children.

Child care advocates in New Mexico are concerned that immigration policy will affect the industrys progress. I am worried because we could be losing early childhood centers that could help working families, said Maty Miranda, an organizer for OLE New Mexico, a nonprofit advocacy organization. We could lose valuable teachers and children will lose those strong connections. Immigration crackdowns have had a huge impact emotionally on providers in the state, she added.

State officials did not respond to a request for data on how many child care providers are immigrants. Across the state, immigrants account for about 13% of the entire workforce.

Many local early educators are scared due to more extreme immigration enforcement, as are the children in their care, Miranda said. They are trying to work regardless. Even with the fear, the teachers are telling me that when they go into their classrooms, they try to forget whats going on outside, she added. They are professionals who are trying to continue with their work.

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Maggi said shes so busy with the children who remain in her care that there is no extra time to work an additional job and bring in more income. She wont speculate on how long her family can survive, instead choosing to focus on the hope that things will improve.

Maggis biggest fear at the moment is the well-being of the children of immigrants she and so many other home-based providers serve. She knows some of her kids and families are at risk of being detained by ICE, and that interactions like that, for kids, can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, disrupted brain development and behavior changes. Some of Maggis parents have left her with emergency numbers in case they are detained by immigration officials.

Many of the children Maggi cares for after school are old enough to understand that deportation is a threat. They show fear, because their parents are scared, Maggi said. Children are starting to live with that.

Amid the dizzying policy changes, Maggi is trying to keep looking forward. She is working on improving her English skills. Her husband is pursuing a credential to be able to help more in her program. All three of her daughters are studying to become early childhood educators, with the goal of joining the family business. Eventually, she wants to serve pre-K children enrolled in the states program, which will provide a steady stream of income.

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In spite of all the uncertainty, Maggi said she is sustained by a bigger purpose. I want them to enjoy their childhood, she said on a sunny afternoon, looking fondly at Kay as the girl flung her tiny pink shoes aside and hopped into a sandbox. Its the type of childhood Maggi remembers from her earliest days in Mexico. Kay giggled with delight as Maggi crouched down and poured cool sand over the little girls feet. Once you grow up, theres no going back.

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.
Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 classmates and teachers were killed during a mass shooting, leave school together for the National School Walkout on April 20, 2018, in Parkland, Fla. Between 2007 to 2023, U.S. children and teens had a mortality rate nearly double that of their peers in wealthy countries, according to a new study.(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Babies and children in the United States are nearly twice as likely to die before reaching adulthood compared with their peers in other wealthy countries, according to a new study.

The health of U.S. children has deteriorated since the early 2000s across a range of measures, researchers from Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of California, Los Angeles found. They published their findings last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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The study compared infant and child deaths in the U.S. with the figures from 18 other high-income nations between 2007 to 2023.

U.S. infants, children and teens were about 1.8 times more likely to die before reaching adulthood compared with young people in peer countries, researchers discovered.

For babies, the two causes of death with the biggest gaps between the U.S. and the other countries were prematurity  being born too early  and sudden unexpected infant death.

For children and teens, the biggest gaps were in firearm-related incidents and car crashes.

Since 2020, gun violence has been the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens. Firearm death rates among U.S. kids have more than doubled since 2013.

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Many of the deaths from prematurity, firearms and sudden unexplained infant death are preventable, three physicians argued in an op-ed published after the new report.

Those three causes of death are up to four times more likely among Black youth than their white counterparts.

The authors estimated the mortality gap between the U.S. and other countries claimed the lives of nearly 316,000 children and teens between 2007 and 2023.

The study also found that rates of chronic conditions including obesity, early puberty, trouble sleeping, limitations in activity, depressive symptoms and loneliness all increased in children during the study period.

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Overall, Americans have a lower life expectancy and worse health outcomes than residents of other wealthy countries, even though the U.S. spends nearly twice as much on health care, relative to its gross domestic product.

To improve infant and child health, the authors of the op-ed proposed antipoverty measures such as child tax credits; social media restrictions; broader health insurance coverage; more investment in primary care; and more restrictive firearm laws.

Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org.

This article was first published by Stateline, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
AmeriCorps, the Clinton-era civic program, will now receive its full $184 million in federal funding President Donald Trump froze after he took office.

The White House Office of Management and Budget confirmed on Friday that it would release the funds. A group of 24 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration after it froze AmeriCorps' funding, but that lawsuit never made it to court.

AmeriCorps primary mission is to support state and local community service programs through the placement of generally young volunteers at national organizations across the country.

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Since its inception, many programs have become reliant on the influx of volunteers. The release of the funds means those programs will be able to continue, CT Mirror reports.

This is a good day for programs across Connecticut that have helped stock our food pantries, tutored our kids, assisted homebound seniors, supported our veterans, and helped combat the opioid epidemic, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said in a press statement. These cuts were irrational, cruel and lawless, and deeply hurtful to people and communities across Connecticut.

AmeriCorps volunteers during a swearing-in ceremony. The White House Office of Management and Budget confirmed that it would release $184 million in funding for the federal program after the Trump administration froze it earlier in 2025 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

In June, a court order granted a preliminary injunction reinstating hundreds of AmeriCorps programs, and it stopped AmeriCorps from making any cuts without establishing formal rules for how and why cuts were being made.

In defiance of that order, the White House Office of Management and Budget refused to release the funding, Tong said.

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In the face of what would have been a blistering legal defeat, the Trump Administration chose not to defend the indefensible and will now finally release all $184 million in AmeriCorps funding, he added.

New York Attorney General Letitia James also celebrated the decision, calling it an "important victory for the dedicated AmeriCorps volunteers across the country and the communities they serve each day."

For decades, AmeriCorps has provided critical programs that provide education, health care, and other vital services to those in need. Thanks to the hard work of this coalition, that work will now continue," he said.

Last year in Connecticut, AmeriCorps placed 2,255 members and volunteers in 253 service programs throughout the state. That investment was equivalent to a $12.4 million investment in state services, according to Tong's office.

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In Kentucky during the same period, AmeriCorps paid for 5,289 member and volunteers across 783 service locations, which was equivalent to a $33.7 million investment in state services, according to the Kentucky Lantern.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear noted that, since 1994, a year after AmeriCorps began, more than 17,000 Kentucky residents have served approximately 26 million hours with the organization, and earned education awards totaling more than $66 million.
Archaeologists believe they have discovered the sacred spot where Jesus healed a blind man in the Bible.

The 12 metre wall, which dates back 2,800 years, was constructed in Jerusalem to collect water and allowed the formation of the Pool of Siloam.

In the gospel of John, it is written that Jesus restored sight to a beggar after sending him to wash in the Siloam waters.

Excavation director Itamar Berko, of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), said the discovery provided a tangible link to the place described in scripture.

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He said: If until today we could only read in the Biblical text about the existence of the Pool of Siloam, now we can see its tangible remnants and its beginning.

The ancient wall could be the site of a miracle performed by Jesus in the Bible - Eliyahu Yanai/IAA via Pen News

Behind us is a monumental dam wall, enormous in size, over 11 metres high, dated to 2,800 years ago during the First Temple period, in the time of kings Joash and Amaziah.

As well as being 12 metres high, the wall is more than eight metres wide and at least 21 metres in length.

It was part of an engineering complex which captured water from the Gihon Spring and channelled it through the Tyropoeon Valley to the Kidron Stream.

The dam was likely built to both save water in times of drought and curb flash flooding.

Archaeologists were able to radiocarbon date it to the end of the 9th century BC after unearthing twigs and branches in the construction mortar.

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The team compared the dates to climate data and found the dam was likely built in a period of low rainfall, interspersed with short and intense storms that could cause flooding.

Dr Nahshon Szanton, co-director of the excavation, said: It is the lowest point in ancient Jerusalem.

All the water, all the run-off from the rain that falls essentially flows here to this central, large drainage basin of the city.

If it wasnt for this dam wall, the water flowing in this channel would simply flow into the Kidron Valley straight to the Dead Sea.

Heritage minister Amichai Eliyahu said: The exposure of the largest dam ever found in Israel, in the heart of ancient Jerusalem, is tangible evidence of the strength of the Kingdom of Judah and the creativity of its kings in dealing with natural and environmental challenges.

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I grew up hearing it constantly. My parents  Mexican and Guatemalan  talking about Western Union. The fees, the waiting, the dependency. Id go with them to La Azteca bakery and watch families line up to send money across borders  paying what felt like a hidden tax on survival.

Thats the world Josh Furnas, cofounder of UglyCash, wants to dismantle.

From credit to crypto

Furnas isnt some wide-eyed founder chasing disruption for disruptions sake. Hes a fintech operator who spent years inside the machine, watching it grind people down.

I started with credit in Latin America, he tells me. We had to sell a lot of credit cards, but people couldnt use them effectively. We were actually hurting peoples credit.

By 2019, he was experimenting with stablecoins at Reserve Protocol. The tech worked. The rails didnt (foreshadowing what the world would later see in the post-FTX collapse.)

Furnas teamed up with CEO Gabriel Jimenez  a Venezuelan exile  to rebuild the entire concept: remittances without friction, finance without exploitation.

The UglyCash model

At its core, UglyCash is brutally simple.

The app gives users a virtual U.S. account to receive money. Those dollars are instantly converted into stablecoins and made available for local cash-out in seconds  not days  without fees.

On top of that, users get up to 8% APY on deposits, 1% cashback on a global Visa card, and the ability to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum directly in the app.

For Latin America, remittances arent extra cash  theyre lifelines. In Honduras and Nicaragua, remittances account for over 25% of GDP. In El Salvador, nearly 24%. In Guatemala, almost 20%.

UglyCash flips the script. A cousin in L.A. can send money to Guatemala via WhatsApp  funded with Apple Pay or a debit card. The recipient sees dollars in their UglyCash wallet immediately. No middleman. No delay.

Why Ugly?

Because people remember it. Thats the point. When youre trying to make a connective brand, it starts with something no one forgets, Furnas says. Money hasnt traditionally been for the people. It has scars. Were turning those scars into something real, something useful. Thats this beautiful thing called UglyCash.

And maybe thats the trick  you dont forget it. You carry it with you. Like the receipts my dad used to keep folded in his wallet. Just like the scars.

Your bank wont do this

UglyCash doesnt pretend to be a bank  and thats intentional. Its slogan, Your bank wont do this, lands like a dare.

Banks take their time, charge their fees, and hide behind red tape. UglyCash moves fast, pays you yield, and gives you a Visa card that actually gives something back.
By Devjyot Ghoshal and Panarat Thepgumpanat

BANGKOK (Reuters) -On July 1, less than an hour after a court suspended her from carrying out any duties as Thailand's prime minister following a leaked phone call, Paetongtarn Shinawatra walked out of her Bangkok office and asked for forgiveness.

"I didn't want anything for myself. I was only thinking about how to avoid fighting and avoid bloodshed," she told reporters, referring to a call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen that triggered a political firestorm and failed to avoid a deadly border conflict.

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"I reaffirm that I truly intend to serve the nation. I have no ill intentions."

On Friday, the Constitutional Court, which initially suspended her, dismissed 39-year-old Paetongtarn as premier, abruptly ending the term of Thailand's youngest prime minister after just over a year in office.

Paetongtarn breached ethical norms by putting private interest ahead of national interest, and her actions damaged the reputation of the country and caused the public to lose confidence in the prime minister, the court said.

A political novice with no government experience, Paetongtarn took power last August after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was expelled from office in a shock decision by the same court.

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Her main qualification: being the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a polarising billionaire who has loomed over Thai politics for a quarter of a century.

With Paetongtarn's unceremonious exit, six prime ministers either from the Shinawatra clan or appointed by the family have been pushed out of power by court decisions or military coups, underlining Thaksin's decades-long tussle with the country's conservative establishment.

Although popular at the start of her term, with a 31.35% of respondents nationwide backing her as the leading prime ministerial choice in September 2024, Paetongtarn's standing nosedived to 9.2% by June, according to the National Institute of Development Administration's surveys.

In the end, however, her undoing turned out to be the leaked audio of a call with Hun Sen in June, where she appeared to be subservient to the veteran Cambodian politician and criticised a popular Thai general, immediately drawing a public backlash.

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A petition filed to the Constitutional Court by 36 senators accused Paetongtarn of dishonesty and breaching ethical standards, leading initially to her suspension and eventually, her dismissal from office.

Paetongtarn publicly apologised over the leaked call even before she was suspended from office, insisting she had intended to de-escalate a territorial row between Thailand and Cambodia.

A tense troop buildup along the frontier ultimately led to a five-day conflict in late July involving fighter jets and artillery barrages, the worst fighting between the neighbours in over a decade.

ANOTHER SHINAWATRA OUSTED

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By her own admission, Paetongtarn spent a childhood steeped in her father's meteoric rise from entering politics in 1994 to becoming prime minister only seven years later - and reshaping Thailand's political system with an enduring brand of populism.

She attended Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and Britain's University of Surrey, and then got involved in the Shinawatra family's businesses, before entering politics in 2023 to lead the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai party.

On the campaign trail, a heavily-pregnant Paetongtarn evoked the nostalgia of previous Shinawatra-led administrations and promises of big-ticket reforms to woo millions of working class voters.

Pheu Thai only finished second in the polls but, after the election-winning Move Forward party was stymied from taking power, Thaksin's political machine manoeuvred to secure a parliamentary majority to form a government.

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That allowed Srettha to become prime minister, followed by Paetongtarn, who failed to deliver on her party's big electoral promises, including firing up a sluggish economy and completing a flagship handout programme that has now been put on ice.

Southeast Asia's second largest economy now faces another period of political turmoil, and the next prime minister could come from the Pheu Thai, a member of its ruling coalition, or even the opposition if they can combine and trigger a few defections.

Soon after she took office last, Paetongtarn's administration exuded optimism, announcing in a press release last September: "We want to work for a complete three years to ensure continuity."

It was not to be, and Thailand's Venetian Gothic style Government House will soon have its third prime minister in two years.

(Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Additional reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal appeals court ruled Friday that President Donald Trump had no legal right to impose sweeping tariffs on almost every country on earth but left in place for now his effort to build a protectionist wall around the American economy.

The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit found Trump overstepped his authority under an emergency powers law, a major legal blow that largely upheld a May decision by a specialized federal trade court in New York.

It seems unlikely that Congress intended to  grant the President unlimited authority to impose tariffs, the judges wrote in a 7-4 ruling.

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But they did not strike down the tariffs immediately, allowing his administration until mid-October to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The president vowed to do just that. If allowed to stand, this Decision would literally destroy the United States of America, Trump wrote on his social media platform.

White House spokesman Kush Desai said Trump had acted lawfully, and we look forward to ultimate victory on this matter.

An attorney for small businesses affected by the tariffs, meanwhile, said the ruling shows Trump doesn't have unlimited power to impose tariffs on his own. This decision protects American businesses and consumers from the uncertainty and harm caused by these unlawful tariffs, said Jeffrey Schwab, director of litigation at the Liberty Justice Center.

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Still, it remains unclear whether businesses will see any effects from the decision, said National Foreign Trade Council President Jake Colvin.

If these tariffs are ultimately struck down, it ought to serve as a wake up call for Congress to reclaim its constitutional mandate to regulate duties and bring some long-term certainty for U.S. businesses and relief for consumers, Colvin said.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon said he plans to force votes on repealing these harmful, regressive taxes at every opportunity.

Putting pressure on allies

The ruling complicates Trumps ambitions to upend decades of American trade policy completely on his own. Trump has alternative laws for imposing import taxes, but they would limit the speed and severity with which he could act. His tariffs  and the erratic way hes rolled them out  have shaken global markets, alienated U.S. trading partners and allies and raised fears of higher prices and slower economic growth.

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But hes also used the levies to pressure the European Union, Japan and other countries into accepting one-sided trade deals and to bring tens of billions of dollars into the federal Treasury to help pay for the massive tax cuts he signed into law July 4.

The administration could lose a pillar of its negotiating strategy, Ashley Akers, senior counsel at the Holland & Knight law firm and a former Justice Department trial lawyer, said before the appeals court decision.

A dissent from the judges who disagreed with Fridays ruling clears a possible legal path for Trump, concluding that the 1977 law allowing for emergency actions is not an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority under the Supreme Courts decisions, which have allowed the legislature to grant some tariff authorities to the president.

The government has argued that if the tariffs are struck down, it might have to refund some of the import taxes that its collected, delivering a financial blow to the U.S. Treasury.

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Revenue from tariffs now totals $159 billion, more than double what it was at the same point the year before. Indeed, the Justice Department warned in a legal filing this month that revoking the tariffs could mean financial ruin" for the United States.

For all the tariffs that have been collected under IEEPA, youre going to see folks request refunds and more refunds, said trade attorney Ryan Majerus, a partner at King & Spalding and a former White House economic adviser.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, meanwhile, accused the judges of interfering with the president's central role in foreign policy and vowed to appeal.

What tariffs are in question

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The ruling involves two sets of import taxes, both of which Trump justified by declaring a national emergency under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA):

 The sweeping tariffs he announced April 2  Liberation Day, he called it  when he imposed reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% on countries with which the United States runs trade deficits and a baseline 10% tariff on just about everyone else. Those tariff rates have since been revised by Trump, in some cases after trade negotiations, and generally went into effect Aug. 7.

The national emergency underlying the tariffs, Trump said, was the long-running gap between what the U.S. sells and what it buys from the rest of the world. The president started to levy modified tariff rates in August, but goods from countries with which the U.S. runs a surplus also face the taxes.

 The trafficking tariffs he announced Feb. 1 on imports from Canada, China and Mexico and later refined. These were designed to get those countries to do more to stop what he declared a national emergency: the illegal flow of drugs and immigrants across their borders into the United States. The Constitution gives Congress the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. But over the decades, lawmakers have ceded authority to the president, and Trump has made the most of the power vacuum.

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But Trumps assertion that IEEPA essentially gives him unlimited power to tax imports quickly drew legal challenges  at least seven cases. No president had ever used the law to justify tariffs, though IEEPA had been used frequently to impose export restrictions and other sanctions on U.S. adversaries such as Iran and North Korea.

The plaintiffs argued that the emergency power law does not authorize the use of tariffs.

They also noted that the trade deficit hardly meets the definition of an unusual and extraordinary threat that would justify declaring an emergency under the law. The United States, after all, has run trade deficits  in which it buys more from foreign countries than it sells them  for 49 straight years and in good times and bad.

Emergency powers

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The Trump administration argued that courts approved President Richard Nixons emergency use of tariffs in a 1971 economic crisis that arose from the chaos that followed his decision to end a policy linking the U.S. dollar to the price of gold. The Nixon administration successfully cited its authority under the 1917 Trading With the Enemy Act, which preceded and supplied some of the legal language used in IEEPA.

In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York rejected the argument, ruling that Trumps Liberation Day tariffs exceed any authority granted to the President under the emergency powers law. In reaching its decision, the trade court combined two challenges  one by five businesses and one by 12 U.S. states  into a single case.

In the case of the drug trafficking and immigration tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, the trade court ruled that the levies did not meet IEEPAs requirement that they deal with the problem they were supposed to address.

The court challenge does not cover other Trump tariffs, including levies on foreign steel, aluminum and autos that the president imposed after Commerce Department investigations concluded that those imports were threats to U.S. national security.

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Nor does it include tariffs that Trump imposed on China in his first term  and President Joe Biden kept  after a government investigation concluded that the Chinese used unfair practices to give their own technology firms an edge over rivals from the United States and other Western countries.

Trump could potentially cite alternative authorities to impose import taxes, though they are more limited. Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, for instance, allows the president to tax imports from countries with which the U.S. runs big trade deficits at 15% for 150 days.

Likewise, Section 301 of the same 1974 law allows the president to tax imports from countries found to have engaged in unfair trade practices after an investigation by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Trump used Section 301 authority to launch his first-term trade war with China.

___

Associated Press writers Mark Sherman and Josh Boak contributed to this story.
A federal appeals court on Thursday declined to review a challenge to the Trump administrations decision to freeze billions of dollars in foreign aid, but it also allowed the nonprofits who are fighting that effort to continue their case in a lower court.

At issue is billions of dollars in foreign aid, including for global health programs, that was approved by Congress but that President Donald Trump deemed wasteful and has sought to cancel. Several nonprofits who receive those grants sued in a case that has twice reached the Supreme Court.

The decision was partly a win for Trump, because the appeals court declined to review the nonprofits claim that the cuts violated separation of powers principles. But it also means that the groups will be able to continue to make their case.

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A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit sided with Trump in the case earlier this month, blocking the groups from suing and empowering the administration to refuse to spend money approved by Congress. But late Thursday, the panel issued an amended decision that gave the groups the ability to continue their challenge  at least on a limited basis. In turn, the full appellate court, which the nonprofits had asked to rehear their case, declined to review the challenge.

The upshot of the legal machinations for the groups is that the lawsuit now returns to US District Judge Amir Ali, nominated by President Joe Biden, who had previously blocked the Trump administration from implementing the freeze. An emergency appeal the administration filed at the Supreme Court this week will likely be moot.

US Circuit Judge Florence Pan, also nominated by Biden, wrote in a dissent to the full appeals courts ruling that it was a mistake not to review the decision from the three-judge panel because its ruling blocked off one important route the nonprofits tried to use to challenge Trump.

However, she acknowledged that the panels revised opinion provided a pathway for the grantees in this case to pursue relief, which she said might be the most efficient way for the grantees to seek access to the $15 billion of appropriated funds.

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Trump signed an order on his first day in office attempting to curtail foreign aid spending, and his administration has for months been fighting court orders that block his effort. Ali in March wrote that the spending of foreign aid is a joint enterprise between our two political branches and said the administration was trying to usurp Congresss role.

But earlier this month, the three-judge panel of the appeals court overruled that decision and sided with the Trump administration, holding that only the legislative branch may sue an administration for making changes to congressionally approved spending  not the nonprofit groups that had challenged the drastic proposed cuts.

The nonprofit grantees appealed to the full DC Circuit. But because of an unusual series of procedural maneuvers, Alis injunction had remained in effect while the case was pending at the full court of appeals. That prompted the Department of Justice to rush up to the Supreme Court on Tuesday with an emergency request to put Alis order temporarily on hold, claiming it would force them to spend $12 billion in foreign aid before the end of next month.

Given the vast sums involved and the significance of the case to the separation of powers and U.S. foreign policy, the district courts holdings, if allowed to stand, would clearly warrant this courts attention, and those holdings would not survive review, Solicitor General D. John Sauer, the administrations top appellate attorney, told the Supreme Court.

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Now that the full appeals court has ruled, it will likely take the dispute off the Supreme Courts docket  at least for now.

The case made its way to the Supreme Court once before. In March, a 5-4 majority initially rejected the administrations request to keep the money frozen. That narrow decision effectively allowed the litigation to continue in lower courts.

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The afternoon sun glimmered off the ocean as I drove down MacArthur Boulevard in Newport Beach to fulfill a promise.

This September marks five years since I debuted as a columnist for The Times. My first dispatch was from the mausoleum niche at Pacific View Memorial Park that holds the cremains of one of my predecessors, Ruben Salazar.

Exactly 55 years ago, Salazar was killed in an East Los Angeles bar by a tear gas canister launched by an L.A. County sheriff's deputy that tore through his head. He was one of three people who died that day during the Chicano Moratorium, a rally against the Vietnam War that out-of-control cops turned into a melee.

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Salazar was only eight months into his columnist gig. He was a well-respected Times veteran who had done stints covering immigration, as a foreign correspondent and Metro reporter for the paper. Once he got a Friday slot on the op-ed page at the start of 1970, the journalist became a must-read chronicler of the Chicano experience.

Read more: Letters to the Editor: Slain journalist Ruben Salazar's legacy extends far beyond L.A.

In death, Salazar became immortal. Murals of him sprang up around the Southwest. Wearing a suit jacket and tie, with a full head of hair and a confident look on his face, he symbolized the potential and peril of being a Mexican American in the United States. Even as the decades passed, and his clips were relegated to archives and the memories of those who had read him in real time, Salazar has thankfully yet to fade from L.A.s physical and spiritual landscape.

A high school is named after him in Pico Rivera, as are Salazar Park in East L.A. and Salazar Hall at Cal State L.A. The U.S. Postal Service sells stamps with his likeness.

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United Teachers Los Angeles gives out a scholarship in his name, just like the National Assn. of Hispanic Journalists. The nonprofit CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California honors reporters who cover Latinos with the annual Ruben Salazar Awards, handing out medallions bearing his image.

When I visited Salazars final resting place in 2020, I brought a bottle of Manzanilla to toast the hard-charging bon vivants memory and ask for his blessing in my new role. I promised to visit and offer an update about my career every year near the anniversary of his death  but, well, the job got in the way.

A historic pandemic. The storming of the U.S. Capitol. A racist audio leak scandal that upended L.A. City Hall. Corrupt politicians. Increasing poverty. The rise, fall and return of Donald Trump. Horrible fires. A cruel deportation deluge. Ive barely had time to spend with friends and family, let alone an afternoon driving to a far-off cemetery for a few minutes with a long-gone man I had never met.

For 2025, there would be no excuses. Because in a year that seems to get worse by the day, we need to remember Salazar more than ever.

A painting of former Los Angeles Times journalist Ruben Salazar and a copy of his last column, published on Aug. 28, 1970, the day before he died, are on display inside Ruben Salazar Hall on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

Every time my Times colleagues report from a protest, I invoke Salazars name in my prayers to God that He watch over them. Our profession faces existential threats  and I'm not just talking finances.

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The Trump administration has pursued scorched-earth campaigns against news organizations it doesn't like with lawsuits and funding cuts, while limiting access to mainstream reporters in favor of sycophantic press coverage. Journalists have suffered injuries at the hands of LAPD officers while covering this summer's anti-migra protests, from being struck with less-lethal projectiles to getting smacked with batons.

The climate against my profession is so ugly that the L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a motion this month requiring the Sheriff's Department to send them a report about what training, if any, deputies receive on allowing reporters to do their jobs during protests. Supervisor Hilda Solis, who authored the motion, cited Salazar as an impetus, calling his killing "one of the most painful chapters in Los Angeles County history."

She also described him as "a crucial voice for the Latino community, dedicated to covering stories that mainstream outlets often ignored"  a legacy that all Latino reporters at The Times must try and live up to. So every time I open my laptop to start my next columna, I ask myself:

What would Ruben write?

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That Salazar died in the course of doing his job has sadly eclipsed what he actually wrote, so I always encourage people to read his columns. The Times republished them online for the 50th anniversary of his death, so there's no excuse not to familiarize yourself with his work. It would have seamlessly fit into this hell year  the 1970 in his columnas reads eerily similar to what were going through right now.

Immigration raids were terrorizing Los Angeles. Democrats were still lost after suffering a historic beatdown from a once-defeated Republican presidential candidate. Young progressives were disgusted with their moderate Democratic elders and tiring of the party altogether. Latinos were pushing for more political power. A redistricting battle in California was about to explode. The rise of computers was upending life. Politicians were going after nonprofits they accused of fomenting wokosos.

And there was Salazar, covering every development and hero and villain with crisp columns that got better with every month. All of this at just 42, four years younger than I am today.

Read more: The Trailblazer : Ruben Salazar was a man of many firsts who paved the way for other Latino journalists.Now, 25 years after his death, his beneficiaries and a book honor him.

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I think he would have been thrilled to see regular people filming the cruelties of la migra as a counternarrative to the lies of the Trump administration. He would have urged young reporters who believe in so-called movement journalism  unapologetically leftist, with talking to the other side considered unnecessary and even immoral  to not let their biases get in the way of a good story.

I know he wouldnt have been lionized the way he is today. In a June 19, 1970 columna, he antagonized the left by describing the pachucos of a previous generation as anarchistic." In the same column, he angered the right, arguing that because of programs such as Head Start and Chicano studies, gang members were experiencing a social revolution and so is learning and liking political power.

And thats what makes Salazar more important today than ever.

He wanted Chicanos to better themselves, so he wasnt afraid to call out their failures. He was skeptical of our legal system but wanted it to succeed  A Beautiful Sight: the System Working the Way It Should was the title of a July 24, 1970, column about the federal grand jury indictment of seven Los Angeles Police Department officers in the deaths of two unarmed Mexican immigrants.

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As an immigrant himself, he loved a United States he had no problem criticizing. For his sole Fourth of July column, he urged people to tone down their pomp and circumstance and to relate to their fellow Americans rather than "to fixed ideas that apparently are not working.

To paraphrase a 2014 PBS documentary about his life, Salazar was a man in the middle. His business was truth-telling for the greater cause of a just society. He literally lost his life for it. The least we can do is follow his example.

A bronze marker hangs outside the niche that holds the cremains of former L.A. Times columnist Ruben Salazar, who was killed in East L.A. on Aug. 29, 1970, while reporting on the Chicano Moratorium, a protest against the involvement of Chicanos in the Vietnam War. (Gustavo Arellano / Los Angles Times)

No one was around when I finally got to Salazars niche, in a section of the cemetery called the Alcove of Time. A simple bronze plaque included the accent over the "e" in "Ruben," which his Times byline never had. Instead of Spanish wine, I brought a flask of mezcal  I dont think he would have minded the stiffer drink in this 2025.

I thanked Salazar again for his work  I learn more from it every time I read it. I told him about some of the columnas Ive published and those I want to do. I shared how there are far more Latino reporters at The Times and beyond, but still not nearly enough. I apologized for not visiting more often and swore to never stop talking about him and his words.

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To you, Ruben, I quietly said. I hoisted my flask in the air, took a small swig and splashed some in front of where he rested.

I made the sign of the cross, offered a short prayer, then drove back home. Another columna loomed. Im sure Salazar would have understood and hopefully would have been proud.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(The Center Square) - Arizona legislators want accountability and transparency when it comes to prison homicides and safety issues.

At least nine inmates have been killed in 2025. Meanwhile, assaults on both staff and inmates are rising.

State Sen. Kevin Payne, R-Peoria, said this is a matter of safety for inmates and employees, even taxpayers.

Staff level assaults have almost doubled, and from year to year, from 2023 to 2024 to 2025, Payne told The Center Square. Assaults on inmates has more than doubled, almost tripled.

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Payne and state Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, shared their concerns Tuesday at a Joint Ad Hoc Study Committee on Correctional Practices and Facility Safety hearing. Payne and Nguyen are co-chairs of the committee.

Also at the hearing was Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry Director Ryan Thornell. Members of the committee pressed Thornell on safety matters, as well as policies they say allowed high-risk offenders to be reassigned to less restrictive custody levels. Among the prisoners mentioned was inmate Ricky Wassenaar. He is accused of three murders in April.

Nguyen believes Arizonans deserve better.

What we heard shows a pattern of poor decisions, a lack of accountability, and troubling gaps in transparency at the top, said Nguyen in a press release. Moving violent offenders into less secure settings has put staff and inmates in danger, and the results are tragic.

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According to Payne, there were approximately 1,300 prisoners in maximum custody when Thornell took over. Seven months later, Payne put that number at 257.

That was an 81% drop, Payne told The Center Square. How do you drop that many people so quickly, so rapidly, and it not affect the security within the prison?

Payne also told The Center Square that members of the committee have been trying since early June to get monthly reports on what has been happening.

A lot of them are Excel reports, said Payne. They should be able to just hand them over.

For now, the committee will continue reviewing inmate classification practices while also taking a look at the staffing levels for security personnel and the decision-making of ADCRR officials.

A report on those findings could be released later this year.
A Little Rock Central High School student hangs a medal around the neck of one of the bronze statues of the Little Rock Nine, part of a twentieth anniversary celebration of the memorial on Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas elected officials and high school students commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the Little Rock Nine monument on the state Capitol grounds Friday.

The memorial honors nine Black students who faced violence and hatred when they attempted to integrate Little Rock public schools in 1957.

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Elizabeth Eckford, perhaps the most recognizable of the Little Rock Nine due to the famous photo of her being screamed at while trying to enter Little Rock Central High School alone, sat next to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders at Fridays commemoration of the memorial, which consists of life-sized bronze statues of the nine students walking toward the state Capitol.

Sanders, who attended Central High while her father was governor, lauded the Little Rock Nine for setting an example for others to follow. She credited their courage for enabling Central High to become one of the most diverse schools in Arkansas, with students from every single walk of life.

It has now been nearly 70 years since the Little Rock Nine bravely integrated Central High School and brought about a wave of change to our country, Sanders said. Thanks to the statue standing behind us, they are forever memorialized in bronze, serving as a permanent reminder of our past so that we work together to ensure it doesnt happen in our future.

Eckford appeared to take issue with Sanders phrasing during her own remarks.

Elizabeth Eckford, a member of the Little Rock Nine, delivers remarks at the twentieth anniversary celebration of a memorial honoring the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School on Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate)

We did not experience integration, Eckford said with the bronze statue of her younger likeness at her back. Integration did not happen. In fact, [the] school district continued to operate a dual school system until the 1970s. What we experienced was desegregation. The first year was tumultuous. We were pummeled daily and surrounded by hate speech.

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Eckford said the only way people could truly begin to understand one another was if we honestly acknowledge our history.

My mantra has become that we can never have true racial reconciliation until we honestly acknowledge our painful, but shared, past. Not mythmaking, not pretty stories, but the real truth, Eckford said.

The students became a central part of the Civil Rights era when Little Rock opted to begin desegregating its schools after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. Former Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus attempted to stop the Little Rock Nine from attending school using the Arkansas National Guard, but the students persisted, eventually earning a federal court victory that allowed them to attend classes.

The violence, however, did not stop. After mobs attempted to breach the school while the Little Rock Nine were attending classes, President Dwight Eisenhower federalized the National Guard and sent the 101st Airborne to tamp down on the violence and guard the students.

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John Deering, a sculptor and a long-time political cartoonist who helped create the memorial, said the work represented the long walks the Little Rock Nine would have to take to attend their classes each day.

The Nine will be here forever, facing the governors office, taking that long walk and proving that sometimes being terrified and being afraid isnt the end of the journey, thats really the beginning, Deering said.

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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  An Arkansas man accused of punching a woman and choking a police K9 has had his arraignment pushed back, according to court documents.

Rexston Liles, 36, was arrested on July 17 for domestic battery, resisting arrest, violation of a no-contact order, interference with emergency communications, and killing or injuring animals used by law enforcement.

Rexston Liles, 36 (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center)

Court records say Liles was set to appear in court on Aug. 25 for his arraignment, but it was pushed back to Sept. 4.

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A preliminary report filed by SPD said officers responded to a disturbance at a residence around 1 a.m. on July 17.

A woman called the police to say she had been assaulted and the suspect had fled. The woman said she had marks all over her body.

Guilty pleas filed by 3 linked to Springdale drug ring

Once on the scene, officers found signs of abuse on the victim, who said she and Liles got into an argument before he punched her in the head multiple times. She also said that Liles pinned her to the ground and continued to hit her, according to the report.

Officers began searching for Liles and looked in a field of grass. The report said an officer announced over a PA system that they were going to deploy a K9.

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The K9 reportedly found a scent, leading officers to Liles. The report said that once the K9 and officers found Liles, he attempted to choke and harm the police dog after being told to stop fighting with the dog.

Liles reportedly did not let go of the dog until the officers controlled him. He was then placed under arrest and taken into custody.

Liles is being held in the Benton County Detention Center on a $25,000 bond. He has been ordered to have no contact with the woman he allegedly assaulted.

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Before the town of Bouse overhauled its groundwater system in 2025, residents were hesitant to drink from their taps. More specifically, Bouse residents were wary of drinking arsenic, a common pollutant in Arizonas aquifers.

For years, we would buy five-gallon water bottles and put them on a stand in our kitchen, Bouse resident Kerrie McBain said in an interview.

A new study from Clemson University could add weight to those fears, seeming to confirm for the first time that arsenic exposure can lead to widespread damage to neurological systems like vision and motor function.

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The study casts a new light on an issue that has plagued southwestern communities for decades. Almost one-fifth of the main aquifers in the southwestern United States contain levels of arsenic above federal drinking water regulations, according to the US Geological Survey.

Bouse's water co-op used this old well for nearly 50 years before drilling a new well and changing the water district to a water improvement district in the early 2020s.

Cities and towns can remove arsenic from groundwater, but some rural communities and isolated homes cant afford those options, leaving residents to consume polluted water or haul it in from elsewhere.

The new study, released in July, shows that scientists are only beginning to understand the full effects of arsenic poisoning. While researchers have linked the toxic metal with cancers, reduced intelligence in children and locomotive dysfunction, they still dont know exactly how it affects the brain.

Researchers gave non-lethal, regular doses of arsenic to groups of fruit flies and watched how it affected the flies motor skills and lifespan. After the flies had died, the team dissected their brains and analyzed each of their individual cells, searching for the areas affected by arsenic.

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It basically crippled the whole fly, meaning they could not function the way they're supposed to function anymore, said Anurag Chaturvedi, a postdoctoral fellow at Clemsons Center for Human Genetics who led the study.

Water quality: The water had arsenic, the pipes were old. How this tiny Arizona town kept its taps flowing

Fruit flies help researchers find arsenic link

Researchers have already found that arsenic can affect body movements and visual systems in humans, but the new study suggests the neurological effects go much deeper, potentially affecting their entire brain.

It was known that few of the systems were impacted by arsenic neurotoxicity. However, in our study, we identified that not a few, but actually almost all of the known systems of neurotransmitters and transporters were impacted in the flys brains, Chaturvedi said.

Bouse residents gather over a meal to celebrate the newly completed upgrades to their water district at the Bouse Community Building on Nov. 15.

Researchers commonly use fruit flies for medical research because the insects have remarkably similar genetic codes to humans, though smaller and more basic. Though the effects on fruit flies dont perfectly mirror effects on humans, the flies show what systems in humans are likely affected by the same toxins.

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While still alive, the flies showed that arsenic exposure limited their ability to orient themselves in space and move around.

Locomotive impairment is a known symptom of arsenic exposure in humans, but vision-related issues are less well documented. Chaturvedi said the Clemson study could illuminate the backstory behind a mysterious case, published in a 2020 article, in which high arsenic levels in well water at a mans weekend cottage (the location was undisclosed) caused his vision to deteriorate in both eyes.

Doctors couldnt figure out the culprit behind his visual decline for years until they discovered high arsenic concentrations in his system and tested the cottage well. The 70-year-old man had spent every weekend at the cottage for 28 years, drinking entirely from the well.

We identified that the vision system was impacted  Then I went to look at whether there is any evidence in humans for some such adverse outcomes," Chaturvedi said. " And indeed, there was this case.

Judy Thomsen (resident) gets drinking water, March 1, 2022, at the Bouse RV Park, 44255 Winters Street, Bouse, Arizona.

Knowing that the flies systems correlate so well with human systems, Chaturvedi said researchers can now use artificial intelligence trained on a wealth of genetic data from fruit fly experiments to predict how the observed impacts on the flies translate to humans.

Arsenic is a bigger problem in rural communities

Future research could also expose what genes make individual flies and humans more or less vulnerable to arsenic poisoning, Chaturvedi said. The effects of arsenic vary widely from person to person, with some people experiencing no symptoms at all. Clemson scientists hope to learn more about the mechanics behind that variability.

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An estimated 140 million people in at least 70 countries regularly drink water containing arsenic at levels above what the World Health Organization deems healthy, according to that organization. Because the arsenic exposure symptoms of differ between people and locations, researchers struggle to fully assess arsenics full impact on global health or successfully mitigate it in places where water treatment infrastructure isnt available.

If we understand the pattern and the processes that drive these toxicity in flies, we will be able to come up with a working hypothesis that can be further tested to understand what might be the mitigations  to save populations that might be exposed, Chaturvedi said.

In Arizona, arsenic leaches naturally into groundwater supplies from rocks. Water providers usually treat the arsenic out of their water when necessary  Surprise and Sahuarita both have both built special arsenic treatment facilities to handle the metal in its groundwater.

Want more stories about water? Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's weekly environment newsletter.

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Rural areas have it harder. Spread-out homes and small tax bases make it difficult for small water providers to afford treatment facilities or to connect individual households who rely on their own wells.

The problem is acute in northern Arizonas Native communities, where residents must often rely on arsenic-contaminated water as their only local water source. An analysis in 2023 found that three-quarters of residents on the Hopi Reservation relied on arsenic-contaminated groundwater, prompting a $25 million infrastructure project funded by the federal government and the tribe. The first phase of that project was completed in August.

Meanwhile, the tiny community of Bouse had to apply for $6.6 million in federal grants and loans to get their system updated. Now that the projects finished, McBain feels more comfortable drinking her tap water.

For the people who live here year-round, it was something we all wanted. We all wanted healthy water, McBain said.

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Austin Corona covers environmental issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to austin.corona@arizonarepublic.com.

Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Study finds neurotoxic effects of arsenic, common in AZ groundwater
Ashli Babbitt, the Capitol rioter who was shot and killed trying to enter the Speaker's Lobby on January 6, will receive a funeral with full military honors, according to an Air Force statement.

After reviewing the circumstances of SrA Babbitts death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to SrA Babbitts family, a spokesperson for the Department of the Air Force said.

Military honors for Babbitt were denied under the Biden administration, according to Politico.

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Babbitt  who was 35 at the time of her death  was shot by a Capitol police officer when she tried to climb through a broken window to access the Speaker's Lobby. An investigation found that officer's shooting was justified.

Judicial Watch, a conservative legal group, has been trying to secure a funeral with military honors for Babbitt since shortly after her death, and has alleged that she was a victim of government misconduct.

Ashli Babbitt, the Capitol rioter who was shot and killed on January 6, 2021 while trying to illegally enter the Capitols Speakers Lobby. The U.S. Air Force has reversed its decision to bar Babbitt from a full honors military funeral (AP)

"Ashli Babbitts patriotic and courageous service in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard also merits favorable action on this request," Judicial Watch wrote in a post on Wednesday announcing the decision.

The organization also released a 2021 letter from now-former Air Force Lieutenant General Brian Kelly who said, in his estimation, giving Babbitt a military funeral would "bring discredit upon the Air Force."

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Military funeral honors typically include the playing of Taps, a flag presentation, and a group of uniformed military personnel who participate in the ceremony.

Babbitt, who wore a Trump flag like a cape on the day she was killed storming the Capitol, posted frequently on social media about various right-wing conspiracy theories.

She was a believer in the "pizzagate" conspiracy which falsely accused a Washington, D.C. area pizza shop of trafficking children for Democratic lawmakers to abuse in its basement and which inspired an armed man to storm the restaurant.

Babbitt was among the supporters of Trump to riot the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in response to Trumps loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

During her time in the Air Force, Babbitt was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Once President Donald Trump returned to office, his administration agreed to pay Babbitt's family close to $5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought against the federal government.

That decision did not sit well with Thomas Manger, the outgoing chief of the Capitol Police.

I am extremely disappointed and disagree with this settlement, he said in May. This settlement sends a chilling message to law enforcement nationwide, especially to those with a protective mission like ours.

In addition to settling Babbitt's family's lawsuit, Trump also pardoned approximately 1,500 people charged or convicted of crimes relating to the Capitol riot.
Key Points

Newsmax shares have crashed 94% from their IPO high.

The New York Times trades at reasonable multiples, such as 30.7x earnings.

Emotional investing rarely beats boring financial fundamentals in the long run.

10 stocks we like better than The New York Times Co. 

The media sector offers some distinctly different investment options. Newsmax (NYSE: NMAX) entered the stock market as recently as March 2025, and the largely digital provider of conservative news coverage has only one quarterly earnings report under its belt. By contrast, The New York Times Company (NYSE: NYT) was founded in 1851 and entered the public stock market 56 years ago.

You can look at this matchup as a political struggle, but I'm more interested in their business models. Which media stock operates from the stronger financial foundation, setting shareholders up for better long-term returns?

Newsmax and The New York Times, by the numbers

Both companies recently published their results for the period ending on June 30, 2025. Let's see how they stack up.

Newsmax posted strong top-line growth. Its second-quarter sales rose 18.4% year over year, landing at $46.4 million. The company reached 26 million cable news viewers in this quarter.

With $198 million of cash equivalents and no long-term debt to speak of, Newsmax's balance sheet looks robust at first glance. However, its bottom-line profits are consistently negative, and the cash balance was built on $426.6 million of additional paid-in capital -- financial backing provided by founder Christopher Ruddy and the stock offering in March.

Investors should watch how this shareholder-backed company manages its return on equity in the long run. It's a negative number for now, even if you back out a $68.4 million legal expense from Newsmax's expenses.

New York Times saw a slower 9.7% revenue increase in the same reporting period, as expected from a more mature company. Revenue landed at $685.9 million, with 51% coming from digital-only subscription sales. Net income rose 26.6% to $82.9 million, while free cash flow fell 30% year over year to $72.6 million.

New York Times' cash balance stood at $951.5 million by the end of June. Like Newsmax, this company doesn't carry any long-term debt. Once again, return on equity is an important financial metric to watch, with the current value perched at 17.1%.

Long story short, The New York Times is an older and larger business with slower growth but robust profits. The return-on-equity figures weigh heavily in the larger company's favor at this point, due to Newsmax's unprofitable operations.
The Atlanta Police Department has released the 911 calls from the attack on the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On Aug. 8, investigators said a gunman, later identified as Patrick Joseph White, fired hundreds of rounds at the CDC. White shot and killed DeKalb County Officer David Rose, who was among the first to respond to the active shooter call. The community gathered last week to remember Roses sacrifice and support his family.

On Thursday night, APD posted the 911 calls of the gunman as he opened fire. The 911 calls can be found here. Warning: Some may find the audio disturbing.

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Earlier this month, Channel 2 Action News at 5:00 p.m. reported on the Cobb County 911 calls made by the suspects father.

Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell obtained the 911 call Whites father made to Cobb County 911 after the shooting happened. During the call, Whites father said he was worried his son mightve been involved in the shooting.

Im very worried that, ugh, he mightve been involved in this shooting today. I cant get any information from anybody. Ive called the DeKalb County 911 number three times and left detailed information. I just, I dont know if he was involved. I need some help, Whites father said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said White had five guns and fired more than 500 shots during the attack. At least six buildings had damage.

White died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the CVS across the street.

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Dozens of Atlantans protested outside the state capitol Thursday evening in response to Gov. Brian Kemps decision to mobilize the states National Guard in support of President Donald Trumps federal immigration crackdown.

According to the governors order, shared with Capital B Atlanta via email earlier this week, approximately 75 Georgia National Guard soldiers and airmen will begin assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials with administrative and logistical tasks by mid-September once they have completed training.

The protests organizers  The Party for Socialism and Liberation, ICE Breakers, Atlanta Democratic Socialists of America, and Immigrant Rights Alliance  are demanding Kemp reverse his order, which they describe as an attempt to impose a police state.

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This is a political move designed to intimidate dissent, suppress the movement for racial justice, and carry out the Trump administrations anti-immigrant agenda, Angel Cordova with the Party for Socialism and Liberation said in an email to the media.

The people of Georgia will not accept the occupation of our communities or the collaboration between the National Guard and ICE, Cordova continued.

Kemp has previously ordered the National Guard to be ready to intervene in Atlanta during protests for the Black Lives Matter and Stop Cop City movements, as well as to distribute aid and clear roads during natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.

While National Guard troops havent been authorized to patrol streets or make arrests like in Washington, D.C., activists are concerned this order could be a step in that direction.

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Kemps decision to deploy Georgia National Guard soldiers to respond to a manufactured crisis is a reckless abuse of state resources and a transparent ploy to win favor with Donald Trump and his MAGA base, Charlie Bailey, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, said in a statement to media earlier this week.

In his statement announcing the move, Kemp said he supports the current administrations ongoing efforts to secure the border.

This isnt the first time Kemp has gotten state agencies and officials involved in federal immigration enforcement activities. Last year, he signed the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act, which requires local law enforcement agencies to coordinate with ICE and train officers in how to identify and detain undocumented people.

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE reported that they have arrested 4,500 undocumented people in Georgia since Trumps inauguration, representing a 367% increase compared to the same period under the Biden administration.

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Based on recently released federal data, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that ICEs Atlanta field office  which covers Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina  had the fifth-highest number of arrests between January and July of this year.

Earlier this summer, ICE awarded the GEO Group, a Florida-based private prison corporation, a nearly $50 million contract to expand the Folkston ICE Processing Center from 1,100 beds to almost 3,000.

The plans would make the small south Georgia city home to the largest ICE detention facility in the country.

The post Atlanta Protesters Rally Against Kemps National Guard Order Supporting ICE appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
CHICAGO  A Chicago man accused of hitting a police officer with a car while attempting to flee the scene of an alleged burglary is now facing an attempted murder charge.

Chicago police say 32-year-old Barry Hayes, a West Garfield Park resident, has been charged with several felonies, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of criminal damage to government property, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, fire official or ER worker and one count of leaving the scene of an accident.

The charges stem from Hayess alleged role in an incident that left several CPD officers injured on Wednesday morning.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 32-year-old Barry Hayes, who is accused of hitting a Chicago police officer with a car while attempting to flee the scene of an alleged burglary.

According to Chicago police, it all unfolded while officers were conducting a burglary investigation in the 5800 block of South Princeton Avenue in Englewood, just after 5 a.m.

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3 officers injured after crashes, shooting amid burglary investigation on South Side

While in the area, officers learned that multiple offenders were allegedly removing proceeds from railcars nearby.

Officers began making their way toward the area, but as they approached, Hayes, who officers said was inside an SUV, allegedly sped toward one of the officers and struck them.

Following the crash, the officer who was struck opened fire on the vehicle, but police said Hayes allegedly continued toward officers and crashed into a marked squad car.

Nobody was shot during the shooting.

The officer who was struck by the car was later hospitalized in good condition. Two other officers at the scene were also taken to the hospital for observation.

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Hayes was taken into custody shortly after the crash and is set to appear in court on

Officers say Hayes is believed to have been one of several people involved in the incident.

According to police, amid the alleged altercation with Hayes officers, a second vehicle, a van, was also spotted allegedly fleeing the scene after officers arrived.

Another group of officers caught up with the vehicle in the 7100 block of South Yale and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly tried to flee and struck two squad cars during the attempt.

Following the crashes, a 30-year-old man who was allegedly inside the van tried to get out, but was run over by the van as the driver fled the scene.

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The injured suspect was then taken into custody and transported to the hospital in critical condition.

Authorities later located the van abandoned in the 7500 block of South State Street.

Two officers involved in the second incident were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and were listed in good condition.

Charges have not yet been announced against anyone else involved.

Given that an officer opened fire during the first incident, Chicagos Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) began an investigation.

CPDs Investigative Response Team is also investigating the incident alongside COPA.

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The officer involved in the shooting will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days, according to COPA.

Those with information on the shooting can contact COPA on its website or by calling 312-746-3609.

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Surveillance camera peering into laptop computer. (Stock photo via Getty Images)

Attorney General James Uthmeier is subpoenaing a in-home camera company, questioning its ties to the Chinese government.

The subpoena is part of a consumer protection investigation into possible foreign spying risks, according to a news release.

The attorney generals office is looking into Lorex, a Canadian company that sells home security cameras, often used to monitor a crib, dog, babysitter, or doorbell.

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The investigation questions whether Lorex misled consumers about privacy and security of the companys apps and cameras.

Florida families deserve straight answers about who touches their data and who controls the code in the devices they put in their homes, Uthmeier said. The Chinese Communist Party cannot be allowed to spy on American children. Florida will not tolerate it, and we will hold bad actors accountable.

The attorney general wants to learn more about Lorexs relationship with Dahua Technology, a video surveillance company headquartered in China.

What consumers do not know is that data might be shared with the Chinese military. Imagine that, footage of your baby in a crib going to the Chinese government. This is unacceptable, its a national security issue and it will not be tolerated in this state, Uthmeier said in a video uploaded to his social media accounts.

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Specifically, Uthmeier said he is asking for documents related to the corporate structure and ownership of Lorex and how it contracts with third parties involved in its manufacturing and software.

The subpoena demands the company answers questions related to marketing claims, Federal Communications Commission filings, and contracts with Florida retailers selling Lorex products.

The attorney general encourages people who believe they were misled by Lorex to reach out to his office.

Dahua sold Lorex in 2023 after the parent landed on a U.S. sanctions list over alleged ties to human-rights abuses. A number of large retailers stopped selling the brand, but Rep. Christopher Smith of New Jeresey and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon wrote to Costco demanding to know why it had not, according to a TechCrunch report that year. Lorex products remained for sale on Costcos website on Friday.

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Aug. 28An Austin man who was accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2023 has been sentenced to prison.

Alexander William Miller, 27, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for felony second degree criminal sexual conduct Thursday afternoon in Mower County District Court.

According to court documents, Miller agreed to a plea deal after his defense argued last July that probation would have fit Miller's need and desire to go into treatment and rehabilitation. Defense also noted Miller's remorse, the support of family and others and agreement of the state as contributing factors to a departure from sentence.

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However, Miller dropped out of the plea deal in August 2024 prompting a trial for this year, before agreeing to another plea deal in May where he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second degree criminal sexual conduct, down from the initial charge of first degree criminal sexual conduct.

Another count of felony first degree criminal sexual conduct was dismissed.

Miller was initially charged in July of 2023 after the girl accused him of sexually assaulting her on the weekend of March 17, 2023.
VIENNA (Reuters) -Former Austrian intelligence official Egisto Ott is facing a criminal case, accused of corruption and spying for Russia by supplying an encrypted laptop and leaking sensitive information for years, prosecutors said on Friday.

Ott, who formerly worked for the now defunct Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (BVT), which was then Austria's main domestic intelligence agency, was arrested in March 2024 on suspicion of spying.

Ott has denied all wrongdoing. His lawyer declined to comment on Friday.

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Vienna prosecutors said in a statement they were bringing a case against Ott and an unidentified police officer, alleging offences including working for or supporting an intelligence agency to the detriment of Austria, bribery, misuse of office and breaching official secrecy.

The statement said Ott is accused, among other things, of supporting an unspecified Russian intelligence agency by "collecting secret information and a large amount of personal data from police databases between 2017 and 2021 for the purpose of transmitting them to Jan Marsalek and unknown representatives of the Russian intelligence service".

It added that Ott allegedly received payment in exchange.

Marsalek is the fugitive former chief operating officer of German payments company Wirecard that collapsed in scandal in 2020 owing creditors almost $4 billion. Marsalek has been on the run since then. A London court found this year that he had run a ring of Bulgarian spies in Britain working for Russia.

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Ott is also accused of supplying, at Marsalek's behest, a so-called SINA-S laptop, including hardware used by European Union governments for secure communications, to an unknown person in exchange for 20,000 euros ($23,000). The laptop was then handed over to a Russian intelligence agency, it added.

Allegations and evidence have been mounting that Marsalek, who is Austrian, orchestrated Russian spying activities in his home country and ran double agents in its domestic intelligence service. Given his fugitive status, nobody is known to represent Marsalek in this matter.

The issue also featured in last year's parliamentary election, with several parties accusing the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) of being dangerously pro-Russia, which it denies.

The FPO came first in the election but was unable to form a ruling coalition. The conservative People's Party now leads a three-way coalition government with other centrist parties.

($1 = 0.8542 euros)

(Reporting by Francois MurphyEditing by Frances Kerry)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Nashville authorities have recovered a body from the Cumberland River after responding to a drowning call Thursday afternoon.

Metro Dispatch confirmed that authorities responded to a reported drowning at about 4:52 p.m. Thursday.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

A spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department told News 2 that a body was found floating in the Cumberland River by a citizen as they were entering an inlet in the 1500 block of Lock Road.

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Metro police later said an initial examination was able to identify the body as a man, and the body showed no obvious signs of trauma.

(Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)

Police said the body was carrying the identification of a 60-year-old Nashville man. On Monday, Sept. 1, authorities identified the man as John P. Lankford.

The autopsy reportedly showed no signs of trauma and the cause of death is pending toxicology testing and the completion of the investigation.

A crew with the Nashville Fire Department recovered the body.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Worlds largest asset manager BlackRock led the $450 million inflows registered across all US Ethereum ETF issuers on August 26.

Inflows into Ether ETFs have shot up significantly this week, crossing the $13 billion milestone since inception. The ETH price has bounced back once again, gaining 4.5% today, and surging past $4,600 levels.

Spot Ethereum ETF Inflows Surge Again, Led by BlackRock

US-listed Ethereum ETFs recorded $455 million in net inflows on Tuesday, marking their fourth straight day of gains.

Data from SoSoValue shows that both BlackRock and Fidelity led the surge, with ETHA adding $323 million and FETH bringing in $85.5 million. Grayscales ETHE and its Mini Ethereum Trust also reported positive inflows.

Amid the ongoing development, BlackRock iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) is hitting new records with $16.5 billion in assets under management.

The asset manager purchased an additional 71,037 ETH, valued at $323.08 million, with $2 billion in trading volume on August 26. This marks the fourth consecutive day of inflows for the fund, bringing its cumulative total to $984 million.

The BlackRock Ethereum ETF now holds a total of 3.775 million of Ethereum, with more than 2million ETH accumulated just over the past two months.

On Tuesday, the ETHA share price surged another 4%, closing at the high of $34.82. Also, the share price is up by over 100% in the last six months, highlighting strong demand for the BlackRock fund.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs recorded $88.2 million in total daily inflows across six funds, continuing a trend where Ether ETFs are outpacing their Bitcoin counterparts.

On Monday, inflows into Ethereum ETFs were more than double those of spot Bitcoin ETFs, signaling a significant rotational shift from Bitcoin to Ethereum.

ETH Price Rises 4% Above $4,600

ETH price is once again showing strength after a pullback to $4,300 last week. Since then, Ethereum has regained 7% and is currently trading above $4,600 levels.

Analyst Daan Crypto Trades noted that ETH price is maintaining its diagonal support while consolidating in the current price range. Key levels to monitor include the 2021 all-time high near $4,900 and local support between $4,000 and $4,100.

Price action within this range is expected to remain volatile until a clear breakout direction emerges.

ETH Treasury firms continue to purchase in big numbers. Bitmine Technologies (NYSE: BMNR) purchased nearly 200,000 ETH over the past week.

Read original story BlackRock Leads $455 Million Ethereum ETF Inflows, as ETH Price Shoots 4% by Bhushan Akolkar at Coinspeaker.com
A second corruption trial surrounding the alleged purchase of German lawmakers' votes by Azerbaijan has been scheduled for October 6, a German court said on Friday.

Axel Fischer, a former member of the German parliament for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is due to go before the Munich Higher Regional Court.

Fischer was originally charged in the first trial, which saw a fellow centre-right lawmaker from the CDU's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), convicted for bribery.

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However, the court then separated the case against Fischer after he fell ill. A total of 35 new dates has now been set.

According to the indictment, Azerbaijan sought to influence decisions in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for years with the help of cash payments.

Fischer, who was active in PACE from 2010 to 2018, is alleged to have made positive speeches in Azerbaijan's interest and forwarded confidential documents at an early stage.

According to the Attorney General's office, he is said to have received tens of thousands of euros in payments over the years.

Fischer's attorneys have rejected the "ultimately untenable allegations."

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The former lawmaker is counting on "full acquittal" in the trial, they said, maintaining that there were no illegal agreements or instructions between Fischer and any representatives of Azerbaijan.

Fischer's voting behavior in PACE was not even noticeably pro-Azerbaijani, according to his defence, who said that the presumption of innocence applies until a verdict is reached.
The Dallas Express is relaunching its Bad Apple series following the release of the Texas Education Agencys accountability results for the 202425 school year. This series highlights the Dallas ISD trustees who oversee the highest number of students trapped at failing campuses.

This years first Bad Apple is District 8 Trustee Joe Carreon, who abandoned 2,862 students across five failing schools in his district. That is the highest count of any Dallas ISD trustee and accounts for more than one-quarter of all students left behind on failing campuses throughout the city.

According to TEAs Student Achievement ratings, any campus scoring 69 or below is considered failing. The Dallas Express holds both the trustee responsible for that district and the broader DISD board accountable for these outcomes.

Carreons Failing Schools (202425)

Francisco Pancho Medrano Junior High (59  F)  669 students

Jose Joe May Elementary (55  F)  746 students

Oran M. Roberts Elementary (55  F)  340 students

Julian T. Saldivar Elementary (56  F)  754 students

West Dallas Junior High (58  F)  353 students

Total Students Abandoned: 2,862

Despite the hard work of dedicated educators, thousands of children in West Dallas and surrounding neighborhoods within Carreons district continue to fall short of a quality education.

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Carreon was first elected to the DISD board in May 2020. His DISD biography shows hes a lifelong Dallas resident and attorney who has emphasized equity and resource allocation during his tenure. Yet, the latest TEA results reveal a troubling gap in outcomes for students under his oversight.

As highlighted in The Dallas Express, Texas is set to roll out the nations largest Education Savings Account (ESA) program in the 202627 school year, providing up to $10,000 per studentand up to $11,500 for special-needs studentsfor use toward private schools or other educational services. This school choice initiative joins the Bad Apple series in spotlighting urgent educational reforms.

More Bad Apples

The Dallas Express is spotlighting other DISD trustees who abandoned students at failing campuses in 202425:
Its been more than a decade since Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a 2014 memo calling for liberal consideration of discharge upgrade requests from veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress. But today, vets with discharges below honorable are still remaining in limbo for months or years, without access to full benefits of service and facing potential barriers to employment.

Thats according to a Government Accountability Office report published in July. The watchdog report, which evaluated nearly 22,000 cases eligible for liberal consideration that were closed between January 2018 and March 2024, found wild variance between the services in percentage of discharge requests granted, and similar inconsistencies in timeliness, with the Army in particular taking up to three years to adjudicate cases.

In fact, collected data shows, some timelines appear to be getting longer.

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The Army Discharge Review Board took an average of 34 months to adjudicate liberal consideration cases in 2024, the longest turnaround time in the observation period. The shortest average review period for that board was 14 months in 2019.

The Naval Discharge Review Board had a top average of 16 months in 2023, up from a low of 11 months in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

The Air Force had the shortest adjudication times, ranging from four months in 2021 and 2022 to 11 months in 2019.

Outcomes were similarly varied. The Air Force had the lowest rates of full and partial upgrade grants and denial rates around 80% between its two upgrade evaluation boards.

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The Navy was in the middle, fully granting 27% of requests before the Naval Discharge Review Board and 13% of those before the Board for Correction of Naval Records.

And the Army had the highest proportion of full grants, at 39% for the Army Discharge Review Board and 26% for the records correction board.

Veterans advocates rallied on Capitol Hill in 2016, urging lawmakers to deal with

The GAO further found that boards responsible for deciding upgrades were inconsistent in explaining their decisions, and that the requirement to post documentation of upgrade decisions in a public online reading room was met less than half the time, limiting transparency.

And while the Defense Department concurred with some recommendations GAO made to increase transparency and introduce common standards across the department for consistency in decision-making, it pushed back on others, according to the watchdog.

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Although the Defense Department agreed it should assess how the services post-separation review boards are applying the standard of liberal consideration, it called GAOs recommendation to establish a single joint review board for all discharge requests premature, and said it would evaluate the impact of the proposal instead.

The department also disagreed with recommendations to establish timeframes, at the DOD and service levels, to adjudicate discharge upgrades and post current estimates of evaluation timeframes online.

Litigation requirements and congressionally mandated reviews and associated processes have significantly tasked the Review boards, officials wrote in a statement prepared by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense. The Secretaries of the Military Departments require flexibility to allocate resources appropriately and ensure the most efficient overall processing across the review boards of all the matters subject to their review.

None of these findings surprise Kristofer Goldsmith. An Army veteran who was booted from the service with a general discharge after a suicide attempt linked to post-traumatic stress from his service in Iraq, during which he was tasked with photographing and documenting dead and mutilated bodies, Goldsmith began a campaign that would span nearly two decades to change the system not only for himself, but for other veterans whose service characterization was affected by their combat experiences.

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Goldsmith finally received his own upgrade to an honorable discharge in 2019  12 years after he got out of the Army  having applied four times and been instrumental in passing a 2018 law codifying Hagels liberal consideration memo.

Situations like his own are extraordinarily common, Goldsmith told Military Times.

In fact, data from the Veterans Legal Clinic compiled in 2016 shows that 6.5% of veterans who served between 2002-2013, Goldsmiths era, were ineligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, dramatically up from 2.8% of Vietnam-era veterans and 1.7% of World War II vets.

We were fighting unpopular wars for quite a while, and at the end of the day, commanders, even some of the best ones, are forced to look at their troops as numbers, Goldsmith said. They have to get their units ready for deployments. When we were going through the Global War on Terror, where a unit would be one year on, one year off with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, that meant there was no time for people to be rehabilitated, whether that was medically or  whether its related to PTSD symptoms.

Kristofer Goldsmith in 2023. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/Tribeca Festival)

And yet, though changes like the Hagel memo and associated legislation are positive, along with broader awareness of the plight of vets with bad paper discharges who might struggle to gain access to needed VA health care or educational benefits to aid their transition to civilian life, Goldsmith sees little incentive for the Defense Department to help this population.

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Short of a PR crisis that affects recruiting, which this issue has never risen to, the DOD  will always look at it as dollars, Goldsmith said, noting that retroactive pay and benefits that come with discharge upgrades were an expense to the DOD that didnt deliver a concrete value in return.

Existing delays might in fact be exacerbated in coming months, said Rochelle Bobroff, director of the National Veterans Legal Services Programs pro bono arm, Lawyers Serving Warriors.

Ive seen three to four years to get a decision, Bobroff told Military Times, adding that amid personnel reductions at the Defense Department, processes seemed to be slowing down at every level. I cant say whether things will get worse, but I dont expect things to get better.

Last year, Bobroff said, NVLSP assisted in about 200 discharge upgrade cases. This year, the organization is on track to help with about 200 more.

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There are five military discharge characterizations below honorable, ranging from general to dishonorable; these characterizations affect the benefits for which a veteran is eligible, from vocational rehabilitation to health care.

Popping positive on a drug test for marijuana can result in a bad paper discharge, as can military-specific offenses like fraternization.

Sometimes, Bobroff said, NVLSP will encounter cases where military sexual trauma might be a cause for post-traumatic stress, but testimony or documentation of that trauma isnt considered as part of the upgrade case.

We have some very strong cases where we feel liberal consideration has not been applied, she said. Weve taken some to court.

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Goldsmiths advice for veterans seeking a discharge upgrade: dont even attempt it without enlisting a lawyers help.

He also recommended that veterans prepare themselves for what can be a re-traumatizing experience in documenting and attesting to their experience as part of making their case.

Though he said he doubted it could be done, Goldsmith said hed find it informative to track metrics for a veterans success post-service and link them to the commander that veteran served under, creating a new incentive for leaders to invest in long-term success.

If the Army, back in 2007 had looked at me and treated me differently and maybe focused on rehabilitation, physical and mental, you know, maybe Id still be in the Army, he said. Instead, Ive spent the last 20 years talking about the cost of service that most other people dont talk about.
The Burmese python is one of the largest snakes in the world. Adult snakes caught in Florida are between 6 and 9 feet on average, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The largest captured in Florida was more than 18 feet.

In the 2025 Florida Python Challenge, Burmese pythons are hunted and top prizes are awarded for the longest and most snakes caught. But as the annual hunt in the Sunshine State becomes more popular, we take a look at another type of snake: the ball python.

In 2019, a python was captured in the Lake Park Lowes parking lot  but wasn't a Burmese. It was a ball python.

What is a ball python?

A ball python, also called the royal python, is a less troublesome cousin to the Burmese, and has been eating its way through the Everglades for decades.

Where are ball pythons native to?

Ball pythons are native to west sub saharan Africa and typically dont grow as long as the invasive Burmese pythons blamed for wiping out small mammal populations in South Florida. Although ball pythons have previously been found in the wild in Florida, there are no known reproducing populations, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Is a ball python a good pet?

Rebecca Schuerenberg handles a ball python during the Jackson Exotic Pet Expo inside the Jackson Fairgrounds on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025.

Because of the snake's less aggressive behavior, ball pythons are among the most popular snakes used as pets. Adults average in length from 2 to 5 feet.

How much is a ball python?

Small ball pythons start at around $400, according to the Petco website.

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More on the ball python found in Palm Beach County: A python was captured in the Lake Park Lowes parking lot  but not Burmese.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ball python snake: Facts on Burmese cousin in Florida
MUNCIE, IN  A Ball State University professor has been formally charged with driving drunk at the time he caused a crash that killed a motorcyclist.

Monte D. Antrim, 58, Daleville, was charged on Aug. 27 in Delaware Circuit Court 2 with causing death when driving while intoxicated, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison, and causing serious bodily injury when driving while intoxicated, a Level 5 felony with a maximum six-year sentence.

According to an affidavit, Antrim was drunk on the night of Aug. 15, when his pickup truck hit two motorcyclists at Main and Walnut streets in Daleville.

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Daleville police reported when they arrived at the scene, about 10 p.m., they "observed that there was one motorcycle operator that was unresponsive and one that had an apparent leg injury."

Delaware County Coroner Gavin Greene identified the deceased crash victim as Eric McConnell, 36, of Anderson.

The other motorcyclist  identified in court documents as Stephen E. Douglas  suffered a broken leg.

Daleville police said a breath test administered on Antrim, found at the crash scene "seated on the curb," measured his blood alcohol content at 0.196.

In Indiana, motorists with a BAC of 0.08 or higher are considered intoxicated.

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Antrim, who also faces two related misdemeanor counts of driving while intoxicated, was released after posting bond at the Delaware County Jail. An initial hearing in the case is set for Oct. 2.

According to a Ball State website, Antrim is an assistant teaching professor of architecture at the university.

A Ball State spokesman contacted after the crash said Antrim is on a leave of absence.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Crash that killed motorcyclist leads to charges against BSU professor
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a bill that would restrict which restrooms transgender people can use in government buildings and schools and fines institutions up to $125,000 for violations.

Senate Bill 8, which goes into effect on Dec. 4, restricts bathroom use in government-owned buildings, public schools and universities based of sex assigned at birth and does not allow exceptions for transgender inmates housing in prisons and jails. It also bars those assigned male at birth from accessing womens domestic violence shelters, unless they are under 17 and the child of a woman also receiving services.

Bathroom bills proposing civil or criminal penalties for entering restrooms not matching biological sex have been proposed in Texas for more than a decade, and 19 other states have successfully passed their own proposals. The Texas House, however, largely failed to garner traction for previous bathroom bills after a tense battle over one proposal in 2017. The Texas Senate has passed six different bathroom bills since 2017.

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House representatives approved SB 8 on a 86-45 vote in August after several hours of tense discussion that was at times interrupted by people in the gallery shouting insults at lawmakers who supported the bill. The House gallery, where visitors can watch proceedings, was emptied out by staff and Department of Public Safety officers after the disruptions continued.

A last-minute amendment from Rep. Steve Toth, R-Conroe, raised the fines to $25,000 against institutions where violations occur, and $125,000 for any subsequent violations. The raised penalties make SB 8 the most financially punitive bathroom bill in the country. The amendment was adopted without debate. The Senate approved the increased penalties on Sept. 3 with a 18-8 vote.

Supporters of SB 8, which has also been called the Texas Womens Privacy Act, have said the bill is necessary to ensure safety and comfort for women in intimate spaces like changing rooms and bathrooms. The bills House sponsor, Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, said during floor discussion that the goal of the bill is to prompt political subdivisions to create their own policies to ensure bathrooms are secure.

The preference of someones sexual appearance does not override the safety and privacy of a biological female, Orr said.

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Orr said the bill does not affect privately owned or funded businesses, and will not create penalties against individuals.

Opponents of the bill called the restrictions unnecessary, and said that the bill would incite harassment against trans people and cisgender people falsely accused of entering the wrong facility. Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, D-Dallas, said in August she personally had been accused of entering the wrong restroom in the Texas Capitol, which already has a policy similar to SB 8s proposal.

Questioning from Democrats who opposed the bill attempted to zero in on how the bill would be enforced, as it outlines that agencies will take every reasonable step to ensure the policy is followed. Orr said during questioning that it would be up to agencies how to enforce their policy. Previously when the bill was heard in committee, Orr said the policies would be determined based on how someone looked.

Who do you think is more uncomfortable in the bathroom today? A cis woman, or a trans woman wondering if she's about to be harassed? Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, asked during floor discussion in August.

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During testimony in both chambers through the session and on the House floor, tensions between lawmakers for and against the bill flared. Several members argued in small groups multiple times and were separated by staffers as debate continued on the floor in August. At one point, Toth heckled Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, for using Bible quotes as he spoke on a failed amendment designed to kill the bill. Toth was warned by a House staffer for the remarks.

Anchia later argued with Rep. Hillary Hickland, R-Belton, away from the floor debate after she chastised his use of the Bible and countered with her own quotes as she expressed support for the bill. Other members cited religion several times after to channel their support and opposition to the bill.

"Everyone is born a child of God, and everyone who is born into this life deserves to be treated that way," Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas said during closing statements on the bill in August. "That is what the Bible says. That is what our hearts tell us. And the only time we act differently is when we get into politics."

Representatives with family violence shelters expressed concern about the bills exclusivity during testimony and said it could affect not just trans victims of domestic violence, but cisgender women with teenage dependents or adult dependents who are disabled. While four other states have similar sex-based restrictions on shelters, they still allow trans victims to be accepted if they have separate sleeping quarters.

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When you call the hotline, it is often the moment before you believe you will die. I don't say that with hyperbole, said Molly Voyles, director of public policy at the Texas Council on Family Violence, during the House State Affairs committee hearing when SB 8 was discussed. Many women fleeing have a son who is 18 still in high school, or a child with a disability over that age for whom they are the primary caretaker. A choice to leave that includes leaving without your child is not a choice at all.

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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Baton Rouge held a service to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, lighting candles to honor the groups of people who helped during the disaster.

Its very emotional when we think about that time 20 years ago when the devastation of Katrina hit not only New Orleans, but it just affected everyone, said Erinn Gaines, President of the Interfaith Federation of Greater Baton Rouge.

Gaines said during Katrina, Baton Rouge came together to support everyone in need.

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We really came together as a city, and we were very resilient at that time and just showed a lot of love and unity for everyone who was impacted, she said.

The service honored those who lost their lives and the thousands who answered the call to help.

Its very important to hold a service like this just so that everybody can know how we are still thinking about them in our prayers and how we remember everything that they went through and that even now they are not alone, even 20 years later, said Gaines.

Todays service is about both grief, gratitude, and remembering the pain, but also highlighting the resilience that carried Baton Rouge through.

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It also brings back joy to show how resilient we were and how we just helped everybody, she said.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
BECKVILLE, Texas (KETK) The Beckville ISD community is grieving after the district announced on Thursday that one of its students died.

The schools shared that with profound sadness, junior high student Jose Mercado died on Thursday morning. With heavy hearts, we ask that the Beckville community join us in lifting up the students family in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time, the district said.

Community grieves loss of 2 Henderson ISD district members

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As a symbol of support and unity, the Panola County Chamber of Commerce illuminated its chamber building in blue. They said this is a reminder that they are not alone, and neighbors in Panola County stand beside each other.

Many other school districts in the area have also shared their condolences with the Beckville community, including San Augustine ISD and Carthage ISD.

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.
BERLIN (Reuters) -BMW chief executive Oliver Zipse expects a reordering of the car industry in the coming years, warning in an interview on Thursday that the sector cannot afford mistakes, as the company bets heavily on its revamped electric vehicle offering.

"There will be a selection process in our industry," Zipse told the Spiegel news magazine.

This, he said, was why the German carmaker decided five years ago to overhaul its portfolio with the new, fully electric 'Neue Klasse' series, with which it hopes to catch up with EV pioneer Tesla.

"You can't afford to make mistakes in this industry," Zipse told the magazine, speaking ahead of BMW's unveiling of the first model in the series, the iX3, at the Munich car show next week.

Spiegel quoted an industry specialist on the risk of BMW's 'Neue Klasse' strategy.

For a relatively small producer like BMW, it is "enormously important that such a billion-euro investment doesn't go down the drain", said Stefan Bratzel, head of the Centre of Automotive Management.

(Reporting by Rachel More, Editing by Miranda Murray)
BLUEFIELD  Bluefield officials are working to make electricity available at the former Chicory Square site in downtown Bluefield.

A number of activities are being planned in that area in the coming weeks, including a fall festival and a kids zone that will be centered in former Chicory Square location.

Sam Wolford, executive director of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority, told members of the Bluefield Board of Directors Tuesday that electricity would be restored to the former Chicory Square site in advance of the planned kids zone and fall festival.

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We do have some activity going on at the 400 block with a kids zone that is planned as part of the fall festival that will be coming up on Sept. 20, Wolford said. The goal is to have power in the 400 block by that time so that they can have bouncy houses and all of the things that go with that.

The fall festival is being coordinated in partnership with the Downtown Merchants. Approximately 50 vendors are planned on Raleigh Street for the fall festival in addition to the kids zone. It will feature inflatables, face painting, snow cones and cotton candy, field games and other activities for children, according to a Facebook posting by the Downtown Merchants.

The 400 block is now a largely flat and grassy area, although all of the seating, concrete flooring and even the stage from the former Chicory Square remains. Seven structures were demolished in the 400 block last year, including buildings that once housed a downtown JcPenney and Montgomery Ward. A rebuild phase is planned for the 400 block although additional funding is still being sought for that effort.

Another demolition project in the city is currently underway, but nearing a completion. The former Communication Workers of America building and the former Bland Ferri building were both tore down earlier this month, but two excavators are still working to remove what remains of the two structures and to clear debris.

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Big project. They are making some good headway, City Manager Cecil Marson said of the Bland Ferri demolition. Not done yet. Weve got to get compaction done there, and of course they were joined with Frontier. There is still some more work to be done there but they are about 75% done with that project and moving that forward.

That ongoing demolition project is located adjacent to the 400 block.

Wolford said landscaping work also is planned around Chicory Square at the 400 block to help improve the aesthetics of the area.

Beyond the 400 block, other BEDA projects also are continuing.

Wolford said meetings are ongoing on the facade grant program with about 10 businesses to date that have expressed an interest in participating.

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The program was made possible in 2021 through a $600,000 Congressionally Directed Spending award in the 2022 Omnibus Bill. Only businesses in the city qualify for the facade program, which helps to enhance the curb appeal of existing structures while also improving the attractiveness of the city.

According to BEDAs website, each participating business in the facade program will be eligible for 50% matched funding up to $15,000 and will be paid on a reimbursement basis. For example, if a business owner is part of the program and spends $20,000 on facade improvements, they are eligible for a $10,000 reimbursement. If a business owner is part of the program and spends $40,000 on facade improvements, they are eligible for the maximum $15,000 reimbursement. This goal of the program is to beautify the city of Bluefield, boost foot traffic throughout the commercial district, and attract new businesses to the area.

Wolford said BEDA also anticipates submitting an application for the upcoming round of POWER grants through the Appalachian Regional Commission for the Create Center project, which is envisioned at the former Wisdom Media building on John Nash Boulevard.

Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
The Belgian government said on Aug. 29 it will provide Ukraine with an additional 100 million euros ($117 million) in military aid this year through NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism.

"This funding goes on top of the 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) military aid that Belgium has already delivered," Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said on X.

"I am grateful to my counterpart (Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken) as well as to the Belgian people and Government for supporting Ukraine in our fight for freedom!"

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The PURL initiative pools contributions from NATO members to finance purchases of U.S. weapons, munitions, and equipment for Kyiv.

The mechanism, unveiled as part of U.S. President Donald Trump's push to shift the financial cost of aiding Ukraine onto European partners, has already gathered contributions from Germany, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Ukraine hopes to secure at least $1 billion a month from its allies under the scheme.

Talking to journalists on the day of the EU defense ministers' meeting in Copenhagen, Francken said that Belgium will "keep on supporting Ukraine with everything we have," adding that its promised F-16 fighter jets will be "delivered as soon as possible."

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said on Aug. 26 that the first F-16s could be delivered to Ukraine in the coming months. Kyiv received its first U.S.-made fighter jets last year from Denmark and the Netherlands.

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"Russia is increasing its deadly attacks. We stand with Ukraine and must respond to this in unity," Francken said on X. The comments came after Moscow's forces launched a mass aerial attack against Ukraine overnight on Aug. 28, killing 23 people in Kyiv and injuring dozens more.

Read also: Witkoff misunderstood Putins Ukraine land swap offer, left European leaders startled, Reuters reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Belgium will provide Ukraine with an additional 100 million in military aid in 2025 as part of NATOs new initiative, the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List.

Source: Ukraines Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The minister noted that these funds will be allocated in addition to the 1 billion in military aid Belgium has already provided.

"I am grateful to my counterpart Theo Francken, as well as to the Belgian people and Government for supporting Ukraine in our fight for freedom," Shmyhal added.

Background:

The US and NATO have launched a new mechanism for providing American weapons to Ukraine  the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), which envisages funding through contributions from other Alliance members.

The Netherlands has prepared a 500 million package under PURL, including components and missiles for the Patriot air defence system.

On 24 August it was reported that Norway is allocating around NOK 7 billion (about US$695.7 million) for Ukraines air defence.

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ADAMS, Tenn. (WKRN)  From farming to water activities, multiple Middle Tennessee industries are affected by drought conditions.

When you feel like floating on the water, you typically turn to a kayak, canoe, or tube, but on the Red River in Adams, you can use big, round, galvanized steel tanks, according to Kalie Morrison, owner of Bell Witch Tanking.

Morrison said this novel concept attracts both locals and visitors from across the country: Its a hundred percent unique. We were the first business to start tanking in Tennessee.

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Staying safe on Tennessee rivers as outdoor recreation ramps up

Morrison, who started the business two years ago, comes from a family of entrepreneurs that does tours of the well-known Bell Witch property, including the Bell Witch Cave. However, Morrison said Bell Witch Tanking relies on the weather.

When the rivers too low  I mean, technically, people can drown even in a foot of water, but when the rivers highits way, way, way too risky, Morrison said.

According to Morrison, the river is usually up to the embankment. She added that they normally go off the flow of the water rather than the depth, but the lack of rain in Middle Tennessee this month has posed a problem.

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I dont feel like people should be paying to float the river when theyre more like dragging their vessel across the river, not really floating, Morrison said.

FORECAST: Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky Weather

She said Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend are some of her busiest days. However, Morrison is closing down and reimbursing customers for the upcoming holiday, the same difficult decision she made last Labor Day weekend.

I dont think people realize its really devastating to me. I absolutely hate closingbut I cant control the weather, but I know its part of the business, and Im hoping that we get through this year, maybe open up another weekend or two, get some rain, and then next year will be even better, Morrison said.

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According to Morrison, as long as Adams gets rain, Bell Witch Tanking will be open until the end of September.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Benton County will soon display the national motto, In God We Trust, in every public building it operates in accordance with state law.

The Quorum Court voted unanimously Thursday, 12-0, to approve a resolution requiring the motto be placed in a conspicuous manner throughout county buildings by Oct. 1.

Act 911 directs school superintendents, state agency officials and other local building administrators to display durable copies of In God We Trust alongside the American and Arkansas flags if funding is available. Posters must be purchased with donated or voluntary contributions, not taxpayer dollars.

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Benton County resident Mark Rockwell donated 25 posters featuring the motto and other requirements to the county for display, at no cost to the county.

Rockwell told the Quorum Court during public comment that his support for displaying the national motto was not endorsement for religious coercion, dogmatism or exclusion of nonbelievers.

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The objective is not to impose belief, but to invite reflection on the deeper sources of our common values, Rockwell said, noting that most of the countys constituency are Protestants, Catholics and Jews all serving the same God We are one nation under God. Citizens want leaders that depend on the principles of God and not on their own understanding, personal moral judgments or self-will.

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Rockwell said referencing God reaffirms transcendent values and signals a commitment to fairness, compassion, integrity and respect for pluralism.

In a Feb. 13 opinion, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said the law applies broadly to all public buildings and facilities maintained with taxpayer funds, not just those run by the state. That includes county courthouses, offices and other facilities overseen by county judges as local building administrators.

Justices of the peace Jeff Dunn and Richard McKeehan were absent from the vote. The full meeting and agenda can be found here.

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KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted school safety on Thursday after a shooting on Aug. 26 at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

No parent should ever have to go through the pain and suffering these parents have endured, he said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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During Thursdays Team Kentucky update, Beshear highlighted progress in making public schools safer. More than 1,300 schools now follow state-mandated security measuresincluding electronically locked front doors, surveillance cameras, and locked classroom doors.

All those who show up every day to protect our kids, our teachers, school staff, and everyone at our public schools. Lets keep standing up for the safety of our children and our fellow Americans, Beshear said.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

The governor has ordered all state flags lowered to half-staff and recognized school resource officers, naming the 842 officers protecting schools in Kentucky Team Kentucky All-Stars.

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When you visit the Shop and Save in Memphis, Tennessee, you'll hear laughter, conversation  and WDIA.

For more than 75 years, listeners have been loyal to America's first all-Black radio station. For 42 of those years, they've been loyal to host Bev Johnson.

"She's connected to the community," one listener said.

"The queen," another said.



Johnson spoke to CBS News about what's behind her continued success and why people turn to WDIA.

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"I think people want to know, they want to become educated and WDIA has always done that," said Johnson, who's lived in Memphis since her college days. "I'm also known as 'your girlfriend.' And you know how you can tell your girlfriend stuff? Well, they tell me things."



WDIA signed on in June 1947 at 730 AM in Memphis. At first, it was just another small station, owned by two white men, according to the National Civil Rights Museum. They tried all sorts of programming  country, light pop, even classical  but nothing stuck.

Then, they made a move that would change radio forever. In late 1948, they hired Nat D. Williams, a beloved African American high school teacher and columnist, to host his own show, according to the Radio Hall of Fame.

WDIA wasn't just about music. It was a lifeline and a loudspeaker for Black Memphis. They aired news that mainstream outlets largely ignored, including stories of police brutality, unfair housing and civil rights activism, according to the station.

"We were giving them the information that they couldn't get anywhere else," Johnson said.

Bev Johnson broadcasting from WDIA. / Credit: CBS News

The station also promoted Black-owned businesses and organized charity drives, like the Goodwill Fund, which raised money for things like school supplies, scholarships and medical care for Black children.

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It spearheaded efforts to save Memphis' Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Two decades later, WDIA started a foundation for the cause, raising money over the air, Johnson said.

The Lorraine Motel became the National Civil Rights Museum in 1991.

Today, Johnson, along with a rotation of expert guests, offers critical information from Memphis' own doctors, lawyers and community leaders.

"A lot of times my guests give information that our listeners, they can't afford it," Johnson said.

In Memphis, one in five people live below the poverty line, according to the University of Memphis. When a problem arises, they may not know where to look  but they always have WDIA.

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That's why attorneys Monika Johnson and Ursula Woods are regulars on the show.

"It makes a difference when you have the knowledge," Monika Johnson said.

As for Bev Johnson, Woods said, "What you see on air is what you also see off air, which is someone who truly understands the community  their needs and their desires and the things that make them laugh."

"Bev has a way of making everybody feel like family. I don't care who you are," Monika Johnson said.

After over four decades, Bev Johnson says she's not done yet.



"I think I still have some work to do to talk to some folks, to put them on the right track, give them a little wisdom," she said.

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The superintendent of the Beverly Hills Unified School District overruled a plan approved by the Board of Education to display Israeli flags on all campuses during Jewish American Heritage Month, citing concerns about student safety.

On Tuesday, the board voted 3 to 2 in favor of the flag display, which was part of a resolution on combating antisemitism that also called for greater education on Jewish history and recognizing remembrance days for the Holocaust and Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

On Thursday, Beverly Hills Unified Supt. Alex Cherniss announced that he was using his executive authority to stop the flag display.

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"In light of heightened safety concerns around the displaying of flags on our campuses I have made the decision to take immediate action for the safety and security of our students," he said in a statement. "Until further notice, no flags will be displayed on our campuses other than the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of California."

Cherniss cited a board policy that allows the superintendent to act on behalf of the district when immediate action is necessary to avoid risk to the school community or school property.

The motion to display the Israeli flag had stirred controversy inside and outside of the Beverly Hills school community.

Read more: Beverly Hills public schools will display Israeli flag in bid to fight antisemitism, board says

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Several board members and community members lauded the display as a way to signify support of the Jewish community amid a surge in antisemitism. Critics, on the other hand, said that the flag symbolizes support of the Israeli state and that this is inappropriate in a public school setting.

Some also raised concerns about the display signifying approval of the Israeli military's actions in Gaza, where more than half a million people are living in famine amid the ongoing war.

Board President Rachelle Marcus voted against the resolution because of concerns that displaying the Israeli flag would make campuses a target.

"I can't, in all good conscience, put something in front of the school that will add stress to our safety, for the student body, to the faculty, to everybody that works in the school," she said at Tuesday night's board meeting. "I just can't do it."

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Board member Amanda Stern also voted no, saying that singling out a specific national flag to display is inappropriate in a public school setting. She also said she listened to concerns from community members who said that being against antisemitism does not mean they support the Israeli government.

"I love Israel," Stern said. "But I don't think [its flag] belongs here."

Board member Russell Stuart, on the other hand, pushed back on the sentiment that the flag display carries political significance.

"The display of a flag during Jewish American Heritage Month is not a direct endorsement of the Israeli government," he said. "It is a support for our Jewish students and the Jewish community. I really don't see this as being so difficult."

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Board member Sigalie Sabag urged her fellow board members to pass the resolution, saying that it was important to do everything in their power to combat the ongoing surge in antisemitic attacks.

"This is a time right now that Jews are being killed and slaughtered on the street and threats are happening," she said. "So enough, we need to stand up and not do what the Jewish Germans did in Nazi Germany. They were too scared to speak up."

The Anti-Defamation League reported a 360% surge in antisemitic incidents in the United States in the three months following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack compared with the same period the previous year. Last year, there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents reported across the U.S., representing a 893% increase over the last 10 years, according to the ADL.

The Los Angeles chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, a coalition of anti-Zionist American Jews, issued a statement urging the use of means other than the Israeli flag to recognize Jewish American Heritage Month and promote the safety of the Jewish people.

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"[Displaying the] Israeli flag equates Judaism with Zionism and the state of Israel," JVP L.A. said in a statement. "Yet, there is so much more to our faith, community, and history than a flag that has now become a symbol of genocide."

Although the Beverly Hills Unified Board of Education initially approved a plan to display Israeli flags on campuses, there was never any intention to fly them from a flagpole, according to a district spokesperson.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  After weeks of testimony last Fall and days before sentencing, Judge Norris announced he was stepping away from the Tyre Nichols case.

The court order for a new trial said that after Judge Norris law clerk was shot during a burglary just days after the verdict, Norris said he believed one of the officers in the case was in a gang and that the gang was responsible for the shooting of his clerk.

He also reportedly said,  MPD is infiltrated to the top with gang members.

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The new judge now over the case said even though Judge Norris decisions throughout the trial were sound and fair, what is required is not merely an absence of actual bias, but an absence of even the appearance of judicial bias.

Memphis Attorney Michael Working, who chairs the Ethics Committee for the Tennessee Criminal Defense Bar, said bias is serious because judges want to be above and beyond any suspicion that anything is wrong with the process.

Judge grants new federal trial for officers in Tyre Nichols case

And the difficulty becomes when the judge acknowledged bias and prejudice and recuses himself. Its very rare that that happens after trial. So now the questions start to rise about, well, how long has this bias and prejudice been present? said Working.

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WREG reached out to Judge Norris for a comment, but his office issued a statement that said, Because of the Code of Judicial Conduct. I cannot make a statement on this matter.

But could this impact other cases Judge Norris has in his court involving Memphis Police, or could other attorneys now raise the same question of perceived bias?

Working said this case completely flips things.

https://wreg.com/news/federal-sentencing-dates-set-for-officers-in-tyre-nichols-case/

Usually, defense attorneys are arguing that judges are too biased or prejudiced in favor of the police. Its very rare to have a judge be found to be biased or prejudiced against police, Working stated.

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He said it may be a reason for prosecutors to be concerned, since usually they depend on police as witnesses.

If he believes that the Memphis Police Department has been infiltrated with gang members to the highest level and is a completely corrupt organization, that cant be trusted. Its very hard to prosecute cases in front of him and say, believe these officers, Working added.

There will be a lot of thinking about how to handle this by the U.S. attorneys office, I think.

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HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2)  On Sunday evening, Aug. 24, Puna Patrol officers responded to a confrontation that left multiple people with stab wounds.

Upon arrival at Seaview Lawn at the intersection of Mapuana Avenue and Kalihikai Street in Kalapana, officers say they discovered a 20-year-old female with a stab wound to her leg and a 21-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his abdomen.

Home collapses in Aina Haina fire

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Both victims were transported to an area hospital, police said. The male victim was treated for serious injuries that required surgery, while the female victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released, according to authorities.

Police say the suspect fled the scene in a white sedan.

Authorities say a vehicle matching the description of the suspects was later found when the driver, a 20-year-old male, called 911 to report the confrontation, where he also sustained injuries.

Officers were able to locate the caller on the shoulder of Highway 130, police said.

He was transported to an area hospital, where it was determined he had sustained a skull fracture along with multiple head and facial injuries.

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The officer positively identified the caller as the suspect in the stabbing, and was arrested for assault in the first degree after his release from the hospital on Monday morning, Aug. 25.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the suspect was released from police custody pending further investigation.

Man, 50, in critical condition after being struck by two vehicles

If you have any further information or witnessed the incident, you can anonymously report to the Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's central bank is not competing with financial or payment institutions through its operation and regulation of the widely used instant payments system Pix, said Renato Gomes, the institution's financial system organization director.

In remarks released by the central bank on Wednesday, Gomes said the institution "plays the role of a neutral agent, providing a public digital infrastructure that allows the market to develop more efficiently, inclusively and competitively."

Pix is among the Brazilian trade practices under formal investigation by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration in a case opened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), which views the system as potentially unfair.

Launched in late 2020, Pix quickly became Brazil's most used payment method, sharply eroding the share of cash, cards, checks, bank slips and other forms of payment in Latin America's largest economy.

By cutting out intermediaries, Pix has squeezed revenue from card networks such as Visa and Mastercard, card processors including Cielo, StoneCo, PagBank and Getnet, and banks that once charged more for traditional transfers.

Gomes said Pix helped bring 80 million individuals into the financial system until 2023, driving rapid digitalization of the financial and payments industry, which he stressed benefits everyone.

"After Pix was implemented, the use of payment cards has continued to grow," he said.

According to the director, relying on the private sector to build essential payments infrastructure had failed in Brazil, prompting the central bank to begin this project in 2018 after repeated industry attempts fell short.

"The market is good for competition and innovation, but less effective when the goal is to provide a public good through private effort," he noted, emphasizing that the market tends to undersupply interoperability, resulting in concentration, low innovation and high prices.

"As the central bank's mandate is to ensure safety, competitiveness and efficiency in payments, and not to profit from Pix, there are no pecuniary interests that could create conflicts," Gomes said.

(Reporting by Marcela Ayres; Editing by Gabriel Araujo, Leslie Adler and Paul Simao)
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH)  Its back-to-school this week for many districts across the state and thousands of kids will get on a school bus.

For younger students, taking the school bus for the first time can be intimidating and unfamiliar. Transportation company DATTCO in New Britain is trying to ease those nerves by launching a new childrens book.

Officials, leaders send safety reminders as students head back to school in Connecticut

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I think kids are in one of two categories; either really excited about riding the bus or they are really nervous, Donald DeVivo, long-time president of DATTCO, said.

DeVivo said bus riding anxiety is a common concern both parents and students every school year. DATTCO came up with the idea of launching a new tool this summer.

Our staff created a book to help with that anxiety and give them a little introduction into the school bus before the first day of school, DeVivo said.

The new book titled The Big Yellow Adventure, is a story about a student named Lily and how she overcomes her bus-riding fears.

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Cheshire parents concerned about limited space on school buses

It was written in collaboration with health experts at Optimus Health Care to build confidence and provide age-appropriate guidance. Some of the themes highlighted include emotional resilience, friendship, curiosity, courage and safety awareness.

In August, the DATTCO team went on a reading tour, making visits to kindergarten orientations, including one in Cheshire.

The free digital picture book is available in both English and Spanish. Its designed for parents and caregivers to read aloud and bring forth meaningful conversations to get kids ready for that milestone bus ride.

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We hope we can make this experience a little better for kids on that first day, DeVivo said.

Visit the DATTCO website to find the book, along with more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
State Reps. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown), at left, and Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) recently introduced House Bills 4790 and 4791 | Photo provided

Two Michigan state representatives from opposing sides of the political aisle have come together to create a legislative package that would ensure residents have better access to education and resources surrounding menopause and perimenopause.

House Bill 4790 and House Bill 4791 were introduced last week by state Rep. Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown) and state Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), respectively. The bills were referred to the House Health Policy Committee, of which Thompson is the vice chair.

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The goal of the package is to remove the stigma surrounding conversations about menopause and perimenopause, giving women of all ages and men a better understanding of what occurs during this natural state of life.

At 48, I can honestly say Im living through it myself  sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and sometimes wondering why I walked into the room in the first place, Thompson said in a statement. This isnt just about biology, its about real life. Millions of women, including our colleagues, friends, and family members, are going through these changes every day, and its time we talked about it openly.

Steckloff said women juggling careers, caregiving, families and health issues all eventually must deal with menopause and perimenopause showing up uninvited with no handbook.

By increasing awareness and access to information, we can help women navigate this stage of life with confidence instead of confusion, Steckloff said. Menopause happens to every woman, but it doesnt have to be something we whisper about. This legislation makes sure women dont feel left in the dark.

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Under the bills, schools, health care providers and workplaces would be provided with tools to educate and support women experiencing those changes.

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs would be tasked with offering a continuing education credit course focused on menopause that physicians can take as part of their relicensure process.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health and Human Services would be tasked with creating a publicly-available menopause transition awareness education program for both physicians and residents.

Social media is already full of people sharing their hot flash horror stories, funny memory lapses, and midnight fan-club initiations  when you find yourself standing in front of the freezer at 2 a.m., Thompson added with a laugh. If we can laugh about it together, we can certainly legislate on it together.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is partnering with The Ballard House Project to host a program highlighting the history of individuals and organized groups who worked to pursue the right to vote for African American residents in Alabama and throughout the south.

FEARLESS: Remembering Birmingham Voting Rights Champions will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4 at the BCRI.

According to a release from the BCRI and the BHP, Our focus of remembrance is a Call to Community to join us in honoring the rich legacy of individuals and organized groups that significantly laid the foundation in fighting for voting rights prior to 1965.

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This important anniversary to commemorate 60 years since the 1965 Voting Rights Act passage provides an imperative for us all to educate, engage, and inspire residents and visitors on Birminghams own transformative voting rights legacy, aligning its powerful impact on the issues we face today, Majella Chube Hamilton, Ph.D., BHP Executive Director, said in a statement.

The program will center the work of multiple civil rights champions, including Attorney Arthur Shores, Lucinda Robey, W. C. Patton, Emory O. Jackson and the NAACP-Birmingham Metro Branch, along with numerous other Birmingham ministers, attorneys, educators, voting registration workers, civil rights marchers and more.

Guests invited to the event include Judge Houton Brown, Barbara Shores, Dr. Tondra Loder-Jackson, Jarvis Patton, Dorthea Crosby, Phillip Howard, Dr. Joan Burroughs and others.

Birminghams voting rights story is both a local legacy and a national inheritance, Tiffani Saxton, Vice President of the BCRI, said in a statement. As we commemorate 60 years since the Voting Rights Act, BCRI is honored to lift up the attorneys, educators, clergy, organizers, and everyday neighbors whose courage expanded American democracyand to help equip a new generation to protect it.

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AHSAA rule could sideline students using school choice funds in Alabama

A display, including voting rights documents and artifacts from W.C. Patton, Attorney Arthur Shores and the NAACP, as well as a selection of artwork from Alabama artists, will be on display at the program.

Program partners include Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Alabama State Representative Mary Moore, Alabama State Representative Juandalynn Givan and the African American Civil Rights Network.

Admission to FEARLESS: Remembering Birmingham Voting Rights Champions is free, but registration is encouraged on the BCRIs website. The event includes a reception at 5 p.m., followed by a panel discussion at 6 p.m.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Departments High Intensity Community Oriented Police Patrol Unit responded to the Tom Brown Housing Community on Thursday due to a report of a fight that involved students from Hays Middle School.

Officers learned that several adults may have encouraged the fight between the students. Four adults, including Jasmine Heidelberg, Tiara Williams, Khadijah Weaver and Dianna Young were arrested and charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Williams was also charged with Child Endangerment.

All four suspects were taken to the Birmingham City Jail.

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Mi Pueblo Supermarket could have its business license revoked by city of Pelham

Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett issued the following statement on the incident:

I have two words- Parental Accountability..

..Earlier today, a fight took place in the Tom Brown Community involving several children. In response, BPD took swift action by arresting the parents of those involved. This kind of parental neglect is a disgrace to our community and to society as a whole. As adults, we have a responsibility to serve as role modelsproviding the proper guidance, support, and good example for our children to follow.

While BPD is committed to helping parents who are struggling with troubled children, let me be clear: we have zero tolerance for parents who encourage, promote, or facilitate violence among our youth. These swift arrests were made to send a clear message to the few parents who choose to act irresponsibly.

It truly takes a village to raise and protect our children. BPD will continue to do its part to support the amazing youth of our city and ensure they have a safe and positive environment to grow in.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Following a deadly mass shooting in Minneapolis, the bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown has created a new task force to keep schools and churches safe.

Bishop David Bonnar said the Special Task Force will address safety and security issues at local parishes and schools, and work directly with law enforcement and first responders.

Deacon Bill Bancroft, the diocesan director of safety services and a retired Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper, will co-chair the effort with Dr. Steven Jones, superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Youngstown.

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Bonnar said there are already emergency plans in place, and many parishes and schools have law enforcement present to help ensure safety. Schools have regular drills to prepare for an emergency.

He said the Office of Catholic Schools initiated on-site safety inspections last year and will come again next week to make sure the best safety practices are being followed.

Leaders from every school in the Youngstown Diocese will be trained by the Ohio School Safety Center in preventative measures later this year, Bonnar said.

Still, he called on everyone to remain vigilant to prevent these tragedies.

I know these can be unsettling issues to have to confront, but the safety of our students and families demands we do so, Bonnar said.

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He asked others to join him in prayer for the families of Annunciation Catholic School and thanked those who acted heroically when the tragedy happened on Wednesday.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO/AP)  Its a scene repeating all over the country: Catholics gathering for mass, with the tragedy of Wednesdays deadly shooting at a Minneapolis church not far from their hearts.

Theres a cloud hanging over, I think, most of us today who were here at mass, the Rev. James Morgan said Thursday. I mean, it was fairly palpable, the sorrow that we feel.

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Morgan celebrated Mass Thursday in Sioux Falls.

They werent even in the school, Morgan said. They were in the church attending mass when this happened, and so that just weighs very heavy on my heart and I think on the heart of all Catholics.

Morgan and Bishop Donald DeGrood, who leads the Diocese of Sioux Falls, each encourage prayer for the people suffering in Minnesota.

Turn to the Lord, but also to turn to other people, DeGrood said Thursday. Turn to people who can help process the thoughts, the feelings, the anger, right, the frustrations, the grief. To not be alone in it.

The two kids who lost their lives in the shooting were 8 and 10 years old.

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I think the first thing is to remember that some things never make sense, and this is one of them, DeGrood said.

DeGrood has a personal connection with the school and church in Minnesota; hes visited several times, and that connection has persisted in the wake of the shooting. A loved one of someone injured in it contacted him.

A family member reached out to me, and its been a great gift for me to be able to just be a spiritual father for them and to let them know of my prayers, DeGrood said.

And an overture from a stranger might make a big impact, too.

Write letters, right? Letters of encouragement to the school, to the parish, that were praying for you, thinking about you, DeGrood said. Those could be beautiful ways and certainly to reach out, is there anything we can do to be of help. We see often the goodness of people come out in times of tremendous tragedy.

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The FBI is investigating the shooting as a hate crime against Catholics. Bishop OGorman Catholic Schools shared a statement Thursday with KELOLAND News:

We are heartbroken at the tragic news from Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. A day that should have been filled with joy was instead marked by violence and profound loss. We hold close in prayer the children, families, staff, and parishioners of Annunciation, and with the entire Catholic school community who now grieve and suffer.

At Bishop OGorman Catholic Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We are grateful for the ongoing guidance and partnership of local law enforcement as we regularly collaborate to review, refine, and update our safety practices.

Please join us in prayer for every child, teacher, and family member touched by this tragedyespecially those who are injuredthat they may feel Gods presence and healing in this devastating time. We also commend to Gods mercy the souls of those who have died, praying for their families and the entire Annunciation community.

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NEED TO KNOW

On Thursday, Aug. 28, the body of Grant Gardner, 38, was "found deceased in the Cloud Peak Wilderness confirmed a release by the Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office

Gardner was last heard from on July 29

Gardner was discovered near his backpack, according to the release.



The body of a hiker, who went missing in the Wyoming Mountains a month ago, has been found.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, the Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office confirmed in a post on Facebook that Grant Gardner, 38, had been found deceased in the Cloud Peak Wilderness by a team of climbers after he was last heard from on July 29.

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On 8/26/25 during the late afternoon/ early evening hours, a professional climbing team from North Carolina summited Cloud Peak and descended on the northern route of the peak, prior to a summit attempt on Woolsey Peak the next day, the release read. The climbers made a high altitude camp for the evening.

While making camp the climbers noticed a slight reflection a few hundred feet above them underneath a ledge," the authorities added. "The climbers were confident it was a backpack. Due to the rapidly approaching darkness, further investigation was too dangerous.

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Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office Grant Gardner Grant Gardner

The group of climbers alerted the Sheriffs Office about the backpack, and "graciously agreed to abort their plans and wait for SAR (search and rescue) teams to arrive at daylight," the release added.

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Teams launched on 8/27/2025 from the Greybull Airport and West Ten Sleep Trailhead, authorities continued. First Flight of Wyoming graciously approved a final flight, and transported the teams to the North Carolina climbers high altitude camp. The SAR Team and climbers gained access to the area.

Gardner was later discovered near his backpack, according to the release.

The Sheriff's Office said a "difficult/dangerous recovery was conducted and Grant Gardner is being brought home to his family.

Big Horn County Wyoming Sheriff's Office Facebook Mountains in Wyoming Mountains in Wyoming

Gardners body was located in 1 of our 2 primary search areas, very closely matching one of the highest probability scenarios, officials said.

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The Big Horn County Coroners Office is now determining the time and case of Grants death with the Sheriffs office believing Gardner succumbed to a tragic accident as we all have surmised.

The department thanked the professional climbers who were able to notice a small piece of fabric on a pack that was otherwise undetectable, for selflessly aborting their plans and working with SAR Teams to find Gardner, providing closure to his family.

"It is noteworthy that this area had been covered by air and other means, underscoring how difficult this mission has been, the release continued about previous attempts to locate Gardner, which PEOPLE previously reported had been suspended earlier this month after the authorities had exhausted all resources.

Authorities thanked the SAR Teams for their persistence, as well as the outdoor community who offered support.

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We waited to release this final update pending family notification and to give them a moment to process. While its not the outcome we hoped for, we are hopeful this will provide much needed peace and closure to the family, they concluded.

The discovery of Gardners body comes weeks after his wife, Lauren Gardner, with whom he shares two children, ages 11 and 13, said she still had hope that he would be found alive.

"Im in shock, I think, and trying to stay strong for the kids, she told Cowboy State Daily earlier this month. This has never happened in all the years hes gone out. He knows what hes doing and has the skills. Im just hoping right now.

Lauren described her husband as an experienced outdoorsman who has been hiking for over a decade.

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Hes used to this stuff, and hes very detail-oriented, she added.

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Gardner embarked on a three-day hiking trip through the Misty Moon Lake area in July, with plans of summiting Cloud Peak, before returning to his vehicle, PEOPLE previously reported.

His last message to his wife was on the evening of Tuesday, July 29, when he said he had reached the summit, but that the climb was more taxing than he expected and he was tired, authorities said at the time.

PEOPLE has contacted the Big Horn County Coroners Office for comment.





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After being missing for nearly a month, a man who had left for a three-day hike in Wyoming was found dead in Bighorn National Forest, authorities said.

"While it's not the outcome we hoped for, we are hopeful this will provide much needed peace and closure to the family," the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Thursday.

Grant Gardner, a Minnesota man who had planned on a three-day hike "through the Misty Moon Lake area, eventually summiting Cloud Peak," which is the highest peak within Bighorn National Forest, was last heard from on July 29, when he contacted his wife, saying he had made it to the summit, the sheriff's office said.

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Phone records revealed that he had reached the summit at Cloud Peak -- which is around 13,000 feet -- at approximately 7 p.m., which was concerning to officials due to the "lack of visible trails through cliffs, timer line, boulder fields and other hazards that had to be navigated after dark before reaching clear trails and safe terrain," officials said.

Big Horn County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Grant Gardner, a Minnesota man who left for a three-day hiking trip and was last heard from on July 29, was found dead in Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming, according to the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office.

Since then, officials said "there has not been any contact with Gardner."

On Tuesday, a professional climbing team from North Carolina "summited Cloud Peak and descended to the northern route of the peak," the sheriff's office said. When the team was establishing a high-altitude camp for the evening, they "noticed a slight reflection a few hundred feet above them underneath a ledge," and were "confident it was a backpack," the sheriff's office said.

But due to nightfall approaching, further investigation would be "too dangerous," so the team notified the sheriff's office via satellite, officials said.

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MORE: Amid string of missing hikers, how can you stay safe while on the trails? An expert weighs in

Then on Wednesday, teams from the sheriff's office were launched and "Grant Gardner's remains were located near the backpack" and he was wearing "clothing that very closely matched the terrain he was climbing in," officials said.

The body was recovered in one of the two primary search areas, "very closely matching one of the highest probability scenarios," officials said.

"It is noteworthy that this area had been covered by air and other means, underscoring how difficult this mission has been," the sheriff's office said.

Big Horn County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Grant Gardner, a Minnesota man who left for a three-day hiking trip and was last heard from on July 29, was found dead in Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming, according to the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office.

Bighorn National Forest is over 1 million acres, with 191,000 acres dedicated to the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, which is where Gardner is believed to have been traveling, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

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While the case has been transferred to the Big Horn County Coroner's Office to determine the time, manner and cause of death, officials said they believe Gardner "succumbed to a tragic accident as we all have surmised."

Prior to the discovery of Gardner's body, officials had suspended search efforts for the hiker, saying that his "most optimistic survival odds have run out."

"I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner. Our teams have exhausted all resources and personnel over the last 20 days. With weather conditions and other factors updated in our search models, we have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out," Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn said in a statement last week.

Now, after this "dangerous" recovery, Gardner's body will be "brought home to his family," officials said.
Aug. 28 (UPI) -- A hiking team found the body of a Minnesota hiker who had been missing for more than a month in Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming officials said Thursday.

Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn told the Cowboy State Daily that the body of Grant Gardner, 38, was found Tuesday evening on the northern route of Cloud Peak.

"A group of very experienced mountaineers from North Carolina was descending the North Slope of Cloud Peak on Tuesday evening, Blackburn told the news outlet. "As they were making their camp at a high altitude, over 11,000 feet, they noticed a small glint of an object, which turned out to be a small piece of fabric from Gardner's backpack."

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Gardner had planned on taking a three-day hike to summit the mountain, the tallest in Bighorn National Forest at more than 13,000 feet. He texted his wife July 29 saying he had reached the top, but the hike was "more taxing than he expected."

Phone records indicated he reached the peak at around 7 p.m., which officials said they found concerning due to the difficulty of navigating the rugged terrain near the top after dark.

Blackburn told The Minnesota Star Tribune that officials carried out a "difficult and dangerous recovery" to bring Gardner's body home to his family.

"While it's not the outcome we hoped for, we are hopeful this will provide much-needed peace and closure to the family," he said.
Boeing has provided a new rendering for its F/A-XX proposal, and its remarkably similar to concept artwork that has already been released for its F-47, selected for the U.S. Air Forces Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter initiative. While its important not to read too much into declassified conceptual renderings of either of those aircraft, based on the artwork, the new art does, at least, correspond with Boeings previous hints that the F/A-XX and F-47 would incorporate significant commonalities.

The new rendering of the F/A-XX proposal from Boeing was first shown at the Tailhook Symposium last week. The rendering was subsequently published by Aviation Week and is also seen at the top of this story. An F-47 rendering, for comparison, is seen below.

A rendering of the F-47 that the U.S. Air Force has released. U.S. Air Force

As we reported only earlier this week, Navy Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, commonly referred to as the services Air Boss, is still eagerly awaiting a decision on the F/A-XX down-select, despite the uncertainty now swirling around that program.

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Like previous F-47 depictions, the new Boeing F/A-XX rendering obscures the aircraft in clouds but adds a Navy flattop below, befitting its role as a carrier-based tactical jet. The tail surfaces of the aircraft are fully concealed in clouds. Meanwhile, the aircrafts bubble canopy appears to be very similar to that presented in F-47 renderings. While the radome appears to be smaller and shorter than the notably wide one shown on the Air Force jet, this might be due to the viewing angle. Based on the angle of the wing leading-edge extension, it seems that the F/A-XX concept may well also include canard foreplanes.

As we discussed in an in-depth feature on the topic, canards were a surprising feature of the F-47 renderings that appeared once Boeing had been announced as the winner of the Air Forces NGAD fighter program. In the F-47 renderings, the details of the canards are also deliberately obscured, but are clearly present.

Above all, canards are a feature thats not immediately associated with an aircraft optimized for low observability (stealth), range, payload, and speed. Instead, this is a feature thats normally included on tactical fighters on the basis of maneuverability.

Likely a navalized F-47 variant as expected. https://t.co/4lZkpUjqfz  Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) August 28, 2025

First off, we should note that the new F/A-XX rendering might not include canards, and the degree to which the rendering may reflect the final Boeing design proposal remains open to question. There may also be some counter-intelligence work at play in the F/A-XX rendering, as well as those of the F-47, by pushing concept art that alludes to a prominent feature that the aircraft actually doesnt have.

Another official U.S. Air Force rendering of the Boeing F-47, showing the canard foreplanes. U.S. Air Force

However, canards would be of particular benefit for a carrier-based aircraft like the F/A-XX. In this case, the foreplanes enhance low-speed maneuverability, which is especially important during carrier approaches and landings.

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Since the tail is entirely hidden in the new F/A-XX rendering, we cant comment with any degree of authority on this area. However, its worth bearing in mind that its widely assumed that the F-47 is a tailless design. Previous sixth-generation naval fighter renderings from Boeing have also shown a tailless design. Such a configuration would help optimize stealth, although it would sacrifice some maneuverability. To mitigate this, Boeing may have opted to use thrust vectoring and/or canards for its F-47 and F/A-XX proposals.

A Boeing rendering of a notional next-generation carrier-based stealth combat jet. Boeing

Otherwise, based on what we already know about the F-47 and F/A-XX, the two aircraft are expected to offer somewhat different capabilities, over and above the carrier compatibility of the Navy jet. According to Aviation Week, the F-47 is presumed to use an all-new adaptive powerplant, but Navy officials have said the F/A-XX will use a derivative engine.

While the Navy previously said that the F/A-XX would be optimized for extended range and survivability, more recent comments suggest its range may only be 25 percent greater than existing tactical jets. This may also be dictated, in part, by the constraints of carrier operations.

There are meanwhile signs that the Air Force might have scaled back its range requirements for the F-47, with the original NGAD fighter having been pitched as a cruiser type aircraft with very long endurance suited to Pacific operations. The Air Force now says that the aircraft will possess a combat radius of 1,000+ nautical miles, a significant advance over other fighters currently in the inventory, but not the kind of extended range that many had expected for the Air Force NGAD, especially considering the need to confront advanced enemy air defenses in the decades to come.

An official Air Force infographic providing some basic data on the future F-47, alongside other crewed fighters and drones. U.S. Air Force

The new Boeing F/A-XX rendering appears soon after Northrop Grumman released a rendering for its own submission for the program, something that TWZ was first to report on.

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Boeing and Northrop Grumman are understood to be the remaining contenders for F/A-XX.

The Northrop Grumman rendering notably doesnt include canards, and its overall design appears to be heavily weighted toward stealth, including a flowing, almost organic design, with constantly changing radiused surfaces. Overall, the design has similarities to the passed-over YF-23. You can read more about it here.

A Northrop Grumman conceptual rendering of its submission for the U.S. Navys F/A-XX next-generation carrier-based fighter. Northrop Grumman

Overall, however, Boeings new F/A-XX rendering seems to underscore previous affirmations from the company that it would not have a problem building both the Navy and Air Force next-generation fighters.

Earlier this summer, Steve Parker, Boeing Defense and Space CEO, said he didnt see a problem with his company building both the F-47 and F/A-XX, stating that this had been part of the strategy all along.

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Parkers comments came in response to questions raised by Navy and Pentagon budget officials about the U.S. defense industrys capacity to produce the two new highly-advanced tactical jets simultaneously.

In particular, Boeing has invested considerable sums in developing a new Advanced Combat Aircraft Assembly Facility in St. Louis, Missouri, which should have the potential to build both aircraft, if the companys F/A-XX bid is successful. Building the two types in parallel would be made even easier if they were based, at least somewhat, on a core design, with a high degree of commonality.

Another Boeing rendering of a notional sixth-generation crewed stealth combat jet for the Navy flying alongside an advanced drone. Boeing

As we noted earlier this week, the Navy was reportedly close to announcing the winner of the F/A-XX competition in March.

In June, however, the Pentagon announced as part of the rollout of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal that it was moving to complete initial development work related to F/A-XX, but then froze the program indefinitely. It reasoned that it wanted to avoid competition for resources that could affect the Air Forces F-47.

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They [the Navy] havent made a decision yet. So thats what the down-select is. Were waiting for the decision, and Im not the decision maker, Cheever told TWZ last week.

Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. U.S. Navy

Overall, there remains uncertainty around the F/A-XX. In recent months, other senior Navy officials have voiced support publicly for pressing forward with the program. Members of Congress have also been making moves to keep F/A-XX moving ahead as planned in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The Navy has a validated requirement for carrier-based sixth-generation aircraft, and it is critical that we field that capability as quickly as possible to give our warfighters the capabilities they need to win against a myriad of emerging threats, Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, the Navys top officer, wrote in response to a question about F/A-XX ahead of his confirmation hearing in July.

Not surprisingly, the Navy considers the F/A-XX as critical to ensuring its carrier air wings can continue to project power in the face of ever-growing threats, especially in any future high-end fight, such as one against China in the Pacific.

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Ultimately, if the FA-XX program remains in purgatory, and the F-47 program meets its potential and planned timeline, the Navy could end up buying a navalized F-47 derivative with much lower risk and lower development cost. This might parallel the wait-and-see approach the Navy is taking with its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), compared to the Air Force (and, to a lesser degree, the Marine Corps). The Navy can capitalize on what is proven to work without investing major funds, but at the cost of waiting.

While we cant say for sure how close Boeings new rendering will be to the companys final F/A-XX submission, its appearance underlines the fact that the company is very much hoping to follow up its Air Force NGAD success with another sixth-generation fighter contract win, this time for the Navy.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP)  Bolivias highest court late Friday threw out criminal charges against former interim President Jeanine Anez over her role in the 2019 killings of protesters, ordering the flashpoint case to restart in a special process for alleged crimes committed by former heads of state.

The contentious decision just before midnight Friday in Bolivia marked a legal victory for the opposition leader, who has spent almost four-and-a-half years in prison on different charges related to the 2019 ouster of her predecessor, left-wing former President Evo Morales, following his disputed reelection.

The sudden twist in her proceedings comes just weeks after Bolivias general election boosted the opposition for the first time in decades, raising concerns among critics who see a justice system subject to political manipulation.

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A runoff presidential election in October pits a centrist pro-business senator against a right-wing former president.

A political sea change

Anez was arrested as 2020 elections elevating her political rival, leftist President Luis Arce, cut short her stint in power. In 2022, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of terrorism and sedition in connection with her 2019 takeover as a little-known right-wing senator following Morales' resignation under pressure from the military.

Other cases against her, including the one heard Friday dealing with security forces killing of protesters under her watch, had landed her in preventative detention but not yet gone to trial.

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The latest moves transfer key criminal cases against Anez  dealing with security forces' fatal shooting of 22 civilian protesters in the districts of Sacaba and Senkata  to Congress, where a two-thirds majority must approve the trial before sending it to the Supreme Court.

Right-wing opposition parties sympathetic to Anez this month won a congressional majority in Bolivias election that signaled an end to almost two decades of dominance by Morales ruling Movement Toward Socialism, or MAS, party. If Anez scrapes together enough congressional support, her case could be blocked entirely and never reach trial.

A homecoming for another opposition leader

The ruling on Anez came the same day as another prominent opposition leader, Luis Fernando Camacho, left jail and jetted home to a heros welcome in his city of Santa Cruz, days after a judge lifted his preventative detention and granted him house arrest.

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While Camacho will be confined to his home pending trial over his involvement in the 2019 political crisis, generous work-releases privileges allow him to resume his duties as governor of the prosperous eastern province of Santa Cruz for the first time since his 2022 arrest.

The dark days are over. Its an honor to have spent almost three years in prison for defending democracy, Camacho, wearing his governors sash and dark sunglasses, told fervent flag-waving masses that met him at the Santa Cruz airport and lined the streets all the way into the city. Chants of Governor! Governor! Governor! filled the air.

Camacho stopped his motorcade to pop out, shake hands and pose for selfies with supporters. He picked up his governors baton to delirious cheers.

Camacho's former running mate in the 2020 elections, opposition activist Marco Antonio Pumari, also walked free from jail on Friday after nearly four years in pretrial detention in the southern region of Potosi. He is subject to a lax house-arrest arrangement pending trial, allowed to leave home for work purposes as long as he reports twice weekly to prosecutors.

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Im not leaving defeated, but victorious, he said through tears.

Lawyer says Anez moving toward freedom

Lawyers for Anez have repeatedly sought to invalidate the proceedings against her, arguing that a civil court has no jurisdiction to rule on the fate of a former president for crimes allegedly committed while in office.

Her defense hopes that Fridays annulment of the case of the protester killings will pave the way for the court to similarly send back the clock on the main sedition case that resulted in her 10-year prison sentence.

This sentence is null and void, because it was handed down by authorities whose competence did not come from the law, her lawyer Luis Guillen told The Associated Press.

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If the court agrees to invalidate the sentence, Anez could walk free as the special process for ex-presidents kicks off.

Even if Congress sends her cases to trial, proceedings before the overburdened Supreme Court could drag out for years.

The process has long been criticized for being both too politically partisan and too lenient against former leaders whose parties have a majority in Congress.

Opponents argue that Anez, who came to power in what Morales supporters view as a coup, should not benefit from the judicial privileges afforded to democratically elected former presidents.

But Bolivian history offers examples to the contrary, with former military dictator Luis Garcia Meza granted a specialized trial on genocide charges despite the late general seizing power in a violent 1980 coup.

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Her release will take time, but the paths that have opened in recent days show we are moving toward recovering her freedom, Guillen said.

The fate of their political enemies hangs in the balance

As he emerged from jail Friday, Camacho sent mixed signals when asked how he views the political fortunes of Morales, Bolivias first Indigenous president who retains some popular support but was barred from running in this years election by a court ruling on term limits.

We are not going to retaliate against him, he said of his rival, who is hiding out in his tropical stronghold of Chapare evading an arrest warrant on charges related to statutory rape.

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But, gesturing to Chonchocoro Jail behind him, he quickly added: I believe that Evo Morales will soon be entering Chonchocoro.

___

DeBre reported from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Carlos Valdez in La Paz, Bolivia, contributed to this report.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Woman arrested amid suspicious package investigation at Concord store, prompting bomb squad response

A woman will face criminal charges after intentionally leaving a suspicious package at a Concord convenience store Thursday night and pulling the fire alarm, according to authorities.

Just before 7:15 p.m. Concord fire officials say they were called to the Dunkin Donuts at 1641 Sudbury Road for a report of a fire alarm going off.

Arriving crews discovered that two alarms in the store were intentionally pulled by a woman who had since fled the scene.

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According to Concord Police, the woman then went next door to the Nine Acre Farm Convenience store around 7:30 p.m. and made threatening statements to staff.

The woman allegedly left a suitcase inside the store before fleeing in a vehicle.

Out of an abundance of caution, the convenience store and Dunkin Donuts were both closed, and all businesses within 300 feet of the store were evacuated.

No homes are in the immediate vicinity.

The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad responded to evaluate the suitcase the woman left.

Investigators determined the suitcase did not contain any explosives or incendiary devices.

Police began searching for the woman and found her crashed vehicle on South Great Road in Lincoln shortly thereafter.

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Investigators discovered the woman had fled from the vehicle, but they located her in a wooded area nearby.

She was taken into custody. Her identity is not being released yet, but police say she will face criminal charges.

Sudbury Road was shut down from Nashawtuc Country Club to the Sudbury Line, as was Route 117 from Dakin Road in Sudbury to Lees Bridge while police investigated.

All roadways have since reopened.

Along with the bomb squad, Concord Police and the fire department all responded to the scene.

The Acton and Bedford Fire Departments are providing mutual aid at Concords station at this time.

No further information was immediately available.

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ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  A judge granted bond Friday for the man accused of striking a state trooper on I-26, leading to the officers death.

Anthony Aydlette, 45, of Hanahan, was granted a $225,000 bond, ordered to wear an ankle monitor if he posts bond, and must not contact the family of Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks. Aydlette is charged with reckless homicide in connection with the crash.

He was a man of integrity, compassion, and joy, who gave more of himself to others than he ever kept for himself, said Jade Ricks, Dennis wife. He had so much more to give and so many more years to live, but because of Mr. Aydlettes actions, our future was stolen. The family we dreamed of building together is gone. The children we planned, the home we were creating, the life we imagined. It all died within that day.

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TFC. Ricks was walking back to his patrol car after conducting a traffic stop around 2 a.m. on Aug. 10 when he was struck by a box truck. The collision happened near mile marker 166 in Orangeburg County.

Investigators said Trooper Ricks put on his reflective vest and followed his training, stressing that he was completely off the highway when he was struck.

TFC. Dennis Ricks / Image via SCDPS

Ricks suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. According to a social post from his wife, he suffered a severe brain injury, bleeding, swelling, kidney bleeding, several broken bones, and more.

A few days later, on Aug. 14, Ricks died in the hospital.

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Aydlette should never have been driving a motor vehicle in South Carolina, Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said at a Friday press conference.

In the past ten years, Aydlette has had seven suspensions, been involved in six accidents, four of which were determined to be his fault, and has had at least two traffic violations.

Sheriff Ravenell said he was traveling about 62 mph when he struck Ricks, who was never in the roadway.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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NEED TO KNOW

Investigators have reportedly found bones amid the search for Travis Decker

Decker is wanted in connection with the murders of his three young daughters at a campsite in June

Investigators are still determining whether the bones are human and who they may belong to, according to a new report by The Wenatchee World

Investigators searching for Travis Decker discovered bones this week, which officials are now working to identify, according to a new report.

The Wenatchee World reported Thursday that investigators uncovered the bones during the ongoing search for Decker, the 33-year-old father wanted in connection with the deaths of his three young daughters earlier this year.

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The local outlet reported that investigators are now working to identify whether the bones are human and whether they belong to Decker.

Wenatchee Police Department via AP

The bones were found during the grid search by one of the 100 personnel ... it was inconclusive at the time if they were animal or human, so it was sent off to Central Washington University in their anthropology department to do a confirmation," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told the outlet.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Chelan County Sheriffs Office to follow up about the identification of the bones and for more information about the ongoing manhunt for the missing father of three from Washington state.

Wenatchee Police Department Travis Decker Travis Decker

Deckers disappearance followed the discovery of his three young daughters bodies at a campsite in Leavenworth, Wash., on June 2.

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The former military member and father of three picked up his daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 2, from their mother Wendy Deckers home on May 30 for a planned visitation amid the couples separation. Decker was supposed to return to Wendys home with their daughters at 8 p.m. that night. But an hour-and-a-half after the curfew had passed, the mother called police to report her daughters missing.

The girls were found dead with plastic bags over their heads. The medical examiner later determined they died of asphyxiation, PEOPLE previously reported.

GoFundMe The Decker Sisters The Decker Sisters

The search for Decker has spanned a wide array of law enforcement, including the FBI, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Patrol, Wenatchee Police Department and U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force.

If apprehended, officials have said Decker will face three counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping.

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Authorities have previously said investigators believe Decker may be in Canada based on internet searches conducted before his disappearance, while there have been at least two reported sightings of men initially thought to be Decker but were later debunked.

Read the original article on People
The two deputies shot in Walton on Thursday night were each shot multiple times, the Boone County Sheriff's Office said in a statement released early Aug. 29.

On Friday afternoon, Major Philip Ridgell told Enquirer media partner Fox19 that the conditions of both deputies are improving, as one has already been discharged from the hospital. The man who shot them was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the sheriff's office.

The shooting drew a massive response from law enforcement agencies around the area on the night of Aug. 28.

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Here's what we know about the shooting:

Police officers huddle at a scene in a Kroger Marketplace parking lot after the Boone County Sheriff's Office said a suspect shot and wounded two deputies at a nearby apartment complex on Aug. 28.

What happened in the Walton, Kentucky, shooting

Deputies arrived at Towne Creek Crossing Apartments on Service Road in Walton just after 9:20 p.m. Aug. 28, according to Ridgell with the Boone County Sheriff's Office.

Just after 10 p.m., after confirming the wanted suspect was inside the residence, "deputies breached the front door and prepared to enter," Ridgell said in the statement. As they entered, the man fired multiple rounds, striking two deputies multiple times, according to the statement.

After the deputies were evacuated, the man barricaded himself alone inside the residence and a SWAT team with negotiators was called to the scene.

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"This is the worst nightmare type of situation," Ridgell said at the scene while the man was barricaded.

The man did not respond to the attempts to contact him, so the SWAT team deployed multiple gas canisters into the apartment. The man still did not respond, but negotiators kept trying to communicate with him.

Around midnight, a drone was flown into the apartment, where the man was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a second-floor bedroom. He did not sustain any other injuries, Ridgell said.

A firearm was recovered near his body, and no other people were in the home.

Boone County deputies shot

One deputy was shot in the chest and the other was hit in the leg, Ridgell said. Both deputies underwent surgery at University of Cincinnati Medical Center and were in stable condition.

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Late Thursday, the families of the injured deputies were at the hospital. At 1 a.m. Friday, one was already out of surgery, which Ridgell called exploratory. The second deputy was still in surgery.

By Friday afternoon, Ridgell told Enquirer media partner Fox19 that both deputies are improving and will be discharged from the hospital sooner than later."

Theyre doing good, Ridgell said. Happy to report that overnight, things continued to improve.

The deputies' names have not been released.

There has been an outpouring of support for the deputies.

"Everyone that polices in the Northern Kentucky area responded tonight, and we are thankful for that," Ridgell said.

Coroner identifies man who police say opened fire on deputies

The Boone County Coroner's Office identified the man who fired upon deputies as 39-year-old Justin Chapman.

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The deputies went to Chapman's home at the Towne Creek Crossing Apartments near the Walton Kroger to serve a warrant and were met with gunfire.

Ridgell told The Enquirer that the felony warrant was for failure to pay child support. It carried a $14,000 bond. He said Chapman was not under investigation for any other alleged crimes.

Court records show Chapman has previous convictions, including for failure to pay child support and attempted witness tampering. The records also indicate he was arrested in 2010 in Gallatin County on a charge of misdemeanor domestic violence assault.

Walton apartment complex evacuated due to tear gas

Sheriff deputies continue to investigate, August 29, 2025, at the scene of an apartment complex in Walton, Kentucky where two Boone County police officers were shot while serving a warrant the night before. The man who shot them was died of a self-inflicted gunshot would. The officers are recovering at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The complex was evacuated of nearby residents due to the tear gas. Ridgell said deputies were working to get them back in their homes, but warned the irritant may have entered their living areas.

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"Residents, as far as we know, are accounted for. There are no other reported injuries," Ridgell said. He added that no one was in the residence with the man.

Ridgell said the following day on Aug. 29 that residents of the apartment complex have since been allowed to return to their units.

Roberta Jensen, a two-year resident of Walton, was picking up her son, who works at the Pizza Hut next to the Kroger, around 9:30 p.m. As soon as they returned home, which is only five minutes away, Jensen saw reports on Facebook saying that two police officers had been shot.

She said the city of nearly 6,000 residents is mostly quiet and a place where situations like this are rarely seen.

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Its pretty scary because theres not really a lot that happens here in Walton. ... For something to happen this close to home is kind of scary and unexpected, she said.

Sheriff deputies continue to investigate, August 29, 2025, at the scene of an apartment complex in Walton, Kentucky where two Boone County police officers were shot while serving a warrant the night before. The man who shot them was died of a self-inflicted gunshot would. The officers are recovering at University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

What we don't know

It is unclear how exactly SWAT attempted to contact Chapman before deploying the gas canisters, as well as how those canisters were deployed.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to contact the ItBoone County Sheriffs Office at 859-334-2175 or via email at bcs@boonecountyky.org.

Enquirer reporters Aaron Valdez and Cameron Knight contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Shooting in Walton, Ky.: 2 deputies injured while serving warrant
(The Center Square)  Border czar Tom Homan told reporters that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations will expand after Labor Day in sanctuary cities nationwide, including Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore.

You're going to see a ramp up of operations in New York. You're going to see a ramp up of operations continue in L.A. and, you know, Portland, Seattle, Homan told reporters gathered near the White House. I mean, all these sanctuary cities refuse to work with ICE  were going to address that.

Homan said some other states are complying and working with ICE.

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We don't have that problem in Texas and Florida, where all the sheriffs are working with us and they're actually holding people for us and letting us know when someone's being released, he said. So, we're going to take the assets we have and move them to problem areas like sanctuary cities, where we know for a fact they're releasing public safety threat illegal aliens to the streets every day. That's where we need to send the majority of the resources, and that's where they're going.

Homan was in Portland on Aug. 21 to meet with ICE personnel. After the visit, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson reaffirmed the citys sanctuary status and said city employees, including police officers, will not assist in ICE operations.

I was in San Diego and Portland in the last week meeting with the men and women of ICE to understand the hate thats being pushed against them and letting them know the President has their six, Homan said. I have their six.

The Center Square contacted Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell's office on Friday for comment on what the nations border czar had to say.

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Seattle will not be intimidated by the Trump administrations threats. Suggesting that federal immigration raids or deployments of federal agents could soon target our city is not about public safety  its about political theater and an overreach of federal authority, said Harrell in a statement emailed to The Center Square. Seattle is a welcoming city, and our policies comply with both federal and state law. Immigration enforcement is the federal governments responsibility, not the citys, and we will not allow our police resources to be commandeered for political purposes.

We are already working closely with Gov. [Bob] Ferguson and Attorney General [Nick] Brown, and have asked the City Attorneys Office to review every legal option available to protect our residents. We have successfully taken this administration to court before  over its attempts to punish sanctuary cities, and we are prepared to do so again. We will stand firm, protect our communities, and preserve local control over our public safety resources. Seattles values are not up for negotiation."

Homan said enforcement operations across the country are improving public safety for Americans.

I look at the numbers every morning, he said. There's about 22 pages of data; 70% of everybody arrested is a criminal, he said. But the left says, Well, not criminal enough. It's just a DUI. DUIs kill over 10,000 people a year. That's a public safety threat. I don't care what anybody thinks.

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As for the other 30% of arrestees, Homan explained, We arrested thousands of national security threats. Many of them don't have a criminal history because their whole goal is to lay low til they do their dirty deed. Gang members. A lot of gang members don't have a criminal history.

He concluded, And finally, final deportation orders. People who had due process at great taxpayer expense. They were ordered removed by a federal judge, and they didn't leave. And we're looking for them, too, because we're sending a message to the whole world. It's not okay to enter this country illegally. It's a crime.
Border Czar Tom Homan has criticized the decision by a federal judge to close a federal detention center that has become known as Alligator Alcatraz.

These comments follow shortly after a federal judge in Miami issued a preliminary injunction, stating that the immigration detention center may no longer accept new detainees and must be empty within 60 days, according to the Florida Phoenix.

Homan discussed the center and the injunction on Fox News Americas Newsroom, stating that he spent the entire day down there and that the judge lacks the necessary knowledge to make this decision.

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I disagree with the judge that made that decision, Homan added. I went down there. I walked into detention areas. I saw a clean, well-maintained facility.

Homan claimed that there is a great medical program at the center and there have been no serious medical concerns during the timeframe that the center was in use, adding that the center was placed on existing concrete to keep environmental concerns in check.

So I dont understand the judges ruling. I think its a radical decision. I think its really about anti-immigration enforcement rather than the conditions of the facility. I was there. Look, its a transition facility. Its not a long term facility, he said.

Homan stated that more long-term facilities should be developed in the future, noting that the country can now afford to create such centers.

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I truly believe we need more brick and mortar. We have the money now to do it. We need to build an infrastructure thats gonna last. We need more brick and mortar facilities for longer term detention.

Although there is no indication whether more long-term facilities will be created in the future, at least one additional temporary facility is currently being constructed in Florida.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced another detainee temporary center, which he has dubbed Deportation Depot.

DeSantis stated at a news conference that the center is ready-made for detainees and a cost-effective option compared to alternatives, noting that the facility can accommodate over 1,300 people at a time.
CGI Inc. (NYSE:GIB) is one of the 10 Most Promising Technology Stocks to Invest In. On August 26, CGI Inc. (NYSE:GIB) announced that it has been awarded a 10-year contract with the State of New Jersey to enhance natural disaster recovery operations.

The 10-year contract will allow CGI to continue to contribute to the development, enhancement, and support of the State Integrated Recovery Operations Management Systems (SIROMS). Under the renewed agreement, CGI will support New Jerseys readiness to respond to natural disasters of all kinds. The company will help the state to efficiently manage federal recovery funds and minimize the overall cost of natural disaster recovery.

CGI Receives a 10-Year Contract from the State of New Jersey to Enhance Natural Disaster Recovery Operations

Our partnership with CGI has been instrumental in helping New Jersey respond effectively to major disasters and prepare for those yet to come. 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, said Parth Sampath, State Contract Manager, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

CGIs decade of collaboration with the state has demonstrated the power of a modern, adaptable technology platform to serve citizens at the time of need. This collaboration supports the growing community of state and local governments working together to strengthen resilience and organize recovery.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Immigration agents arrested two Mexican contractors helping to tackle a wildfire in Olympic National Forest in Washington, a supervisor who oversees the crews said Thursday.

It was one of the first times federal immigration agents have been known to enter a fire zone to carry out President Donald Trump's mass deportation orders, veteran firefighters said.

Two work crews, totaling 44 people, were gathered at a staging site near Lake Cushman around 9 a.m. Wednesday when federal agents appeared, crew boss David Diaz said.

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They were only about a mile from the Bear Gulch fire line and planned to spend the day chopping lumber, Diaz said.

The cause of the fire, which started July 6, is still under investigation. It has scorched nearly 9,000 acres and was 13% contained Thursday evening, according to the incident command team.

A helicopter drops water on a hot spot on the fire's edge on Aug. 6. (U.S. Forest Service)

Twenty of the contract workers were Mexican, and all carried work visas and passports, he said. But federal officials arrested two of them on suspicion of being in the United States illegally.

Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement on social media that he was deeply concerned about this situation with two individuals helping to fight fires in Washington state.

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Diaz immediately recognized one of the black trucks that he had seen the previous week at Walmart, where his crew had gone to pick up supplies after it arrived in Washington, he said. The truck followed him to a hardware store and then to a gas station, he said.

We saw the black truck literally do a U-turn right in front of us while were at the store. he said. Weve just been followed the whole time.

Videos recorded by Diaz and posted to social media appeared to show Border Patrol agents detaining two crew members. Other videos show crew members lined up side-by-side in front of Border Patrol agents.

Courtesy David Diaz

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that the arrests followed a criminal investigation into the two contracting companies, Oregon-based Table Rock Forestry Inc. and Idaho-based ASI Arden Solutions Inc.

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The Bureau of Land Management, which conducted the investigation, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and CBP did not provide details.

The companies also did not respond to requests for comment.

BLM, which oversees 245 million acres of federal land, requested help from the U.S. Border Patrol in verifying the identities of all work crew members, immigration officials said. One of the two who were arrested had a previous order of removal on his record, they said.

Contracts with the two firefighting companies were terminated, according to Customs and Border Protection.

The contract termination and enforcement action did not interfere with firefighting operations or the response to any active fires in the area, nor did it pose any danger to the surrounding community, the agency said in its statement.

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The enforcement action left a sour feeling among the crew members, Diaz said. They were not allowed to say goodbye to the two men who were arrested, and they were forced to stand around for about three hours while the federal agents checked their records.

Diaz said all he could do was hand one of the detained men a mango cream soda.

With the private contractors, its hard for us to even sometimes go out to a fire. I mean, were lucky enough if we even get this kind of work, he said, adding that once a crew member is deported, it is impossible to get him back.

Theres already a lack of resources, he went on. Wildfires could get out of hand, bigger than what anyone expects.

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Washington and Oregon increasingly rely on contract crews like Diazs because of a federal firefighter shortage. Unlike California, which invests heavily in a multiagency approach that includes state, local and federal resources, the Pacific Northwest contracts to private companies to fill open slots on fire crews.

The situation leaves more room for error, said Steve Gutierrez, a union representative with the National Federation of Federal Employees.

This wouldnt happen with the Forest Service, he said, which requires strict background checks, including citizenship status.

That it happened during an active fire, he said, was especially concerning. Immigration enforcement actions do not usually occur near fire lines, Diaz and Gutierrez said, and Wednesday could mark a new chapter in how the Trump administration handles natural disasters.

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Trump this year rescinded a Biden-era policy barring immigration enforcement at so-called sensitive locations like schools and churches. That also applied to natural disasters, but it appears to have changed with the arrests Wednesday.

"This is the first time this has happened in all my 26 years" in firefighting, Diaz said. "They could have done this in a more humane way."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Border Patrol agents arrested two firefighters helping to battle the Bear Gulch Fire on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said.

According to the agency, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service "requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol as work contracts with two firms were terminated."

Kevin Carter/Getty Images - PHOTO: Border Patrol At U.S. Customs and Border Protection Headquarters

ABC station KOMO obtained footage showing agents lining up 44 members of the work crews. CBP says it assisted with verifying the identities of the personnel and arrested two individuals believed to be in the United States illegally. One of the individuals had a previous order of removal, CBP said.

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MORE: Trump-appointed judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit against Maryland federal judiciary over deportations

However, news of the enforcement action drew condemnation from state officials.

"Deeply concerned about this situation with two individuals helping to fight fires in Washington state. I've directed my team to get more information about what happened," Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson posted on X.

CBP said they did not interfere with firefighting operations.

"This administration's immigration policy is fundamentally sick. Trump has wrongfully detained everyone from lawful green card holders to American citizensno one should assume this was necessary or appropriate," Sen. Patty Murray said in part in a statement.
Immigration officials have arrested two firefighters as a large fire in Washington state rages on.

A spokesperson with the Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, told HuffPost that it is aware of a Border Patrol operation at the Bear Gulch Fire in the Olympic National Forest, located on the states Olympic Peninsula, west of Seattle.

Customs and Border Protection claimed in a statement Thursday that the two firefighters are being held at the Bellingham Border Patrol Station near the Canadian border and face charges of illegal entry and reentry of removed aliens. The agency did not identify the firefighters by name.

Related: Top Deputy To RFK Jr. Will Lead CDC: AP Source

There have been no impacts to firefighting efforts and progress continues to be made on containment, the CBP statement continued.

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The Bear Gulch Fire has been burning since early July. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations is currently investigating the cause of the fire, which is believed to be human-caused. As of Thursday morning, the fire was 8,960 acres large and 13% contained, according to an incident information management system known as InciWeb.

A satellite view of the Bear Gulch Fire shows a dense smoke plume over Mason County, Washington, on Aug. 12, 2025, as crews battle the wildfire burning over 7,000 acres in Olympic National Forest and Park. Responders are prioritizing evacuations, air quality protection and structure defense amid challenging terrain and heavy smoke. Gallo Images/Orbital Horizon/Copernicus Sentinel Data 2025

According to the CBP statement, the two firefighters were detained after the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service requested help from Border Patrol in verifying the identities of 44 contractors on firefighting work crews.

Several discrepancies were identified, and two individuals were found to be present in the United States illegally, one with a previous order of removal, according to CBP.

The agency claimed that the operation did not inhibit firefighting and hailed the cooperative effort between federal agencies.

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U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered, USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez said in the statement.

The move marks a departure from the 2021 wildfire season, when the Department of Homeland Security indicated that immigration enforcement would not occur where disaster and emergency response and relief is being provided unless there were urgent circumstances.

Related: Fox News' John Roberts Suddenly Off The Air As He Battles 'Severe' Disease

It comes as the Trump administrations racist mass deportation policies have swept up immigrants without criminal histories despite claims that the efforts would target dangerous criminals and the worst of the worst.

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Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) argued that arresting the two working firefighters was as immoral as it is dangerous.

Trump has undercut our wildland firefighting abilities in more ways than onefrom decimating the Forest Service and pushing out thousands of critical support staff, to now apparently detaining firefighters on the job. This administrations immigration policy is fundamentally sick, she said in a statement on Thursday. Trump has wrongfully detained everyone from lawful green card holders to American citizensno one should assume this was necessary or appropriate.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Her name was Kate. She was calling from Providence. And when she thinks about soldiers patrolling the streets of Boston, she remembers a painful chapter in her familys history.

Its horrifying to me, because, as a family, you know, that lost people in the Holocaust, the image of ... [the] military stopping peoples freedom of movement, which is probably on the docket there somewhere, is terrifying, said Kate, who phoned into WGBH-FMs Boston Public Radio program on Wednesday.

Since President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this week authorizing the creation of specialized National Guard units to put down civil unrest in states nationwide, the idea of soldiers in the streets in the city where the fight for American independence was born has gone from an abstraction to a very real possibility.

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So its also entirely reasonable to consider how famously opinionated Bostonians would react to the sight of armed soldiers, who are now a fact of life in Washington D.C., strolling Beacon Hill or rumbling through the streets of Dorchester.

Would they stoically accept it? Or would they fill those same streets with protest marches?

When WGBH-FM hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagen asked their listeners to weigh in, they got the expected earful.

Heres Scott, from Marblehead.

I grew up in the South, and we had some riots in the 90s, and the National Guard, armed with armored personnel carriers, was deployed, he recalled.

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It was probably needed at the time because the riots were not great. However, riding my bike to work in the morning was the most chilling experience, he continued. Ill never forget. And all the businesses shut down because nobody wanted to go out.

And what I think is happening is I dont believe the real, visceral feeling of what a deployment like this feels like is being adequately characterized, he said.

Some absolutely know what it would be like. And thats because theyve seen it firsthand.

Speaking to ABC News, retired Maj. Gen. Randy Manner, a former acting vice chief of the National Guard Bureau and vocal critic of Trumps reliance on Guard troops to aid law enforcement, said the Republican presidents orders were unnecessary and 100% political.

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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 told ABC News.

Trump wants Guard units whose purpose is to, quite frankly, dominate and police the American people. And that is extremely disturbing, he told the network.

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, a Marine veteran, cut right to the chase.

Greater Boston refused to quarter the kings troops 250 years ago, and we should refuse to quarter the presidents troops now, the Newton lawmaker told MassLive.

And whats that look like?

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Mass, non-violent resistance, he said.

But it can be complicated to put residents in that position: unlike active-duty military personnel, National Guard soldiers return to their day jobs and communities when their work is completed.

Using Guard soldiers for long-term law enforcement could turn neighbor against neighbor, another Guard veteran suggested.

What happens if theres an escalation and civilians are killed? Or Guardsmen are killed? I dont think we have an answer for that, said retired Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, who led thousands of troops in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 2015 riots after the death of Freddie Gray, told ABC News.

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Without a plan to return policing power to local civilian authorities, I think we are setting precedents we cant come back from, said Singh, a former adjutant general for the Maryland Army National Guard.

Auchincloss offered a similar sentiment.

This is why we have Posse Comitatus. This is why we have the principle and the law that generally prohibits the use of the military for law enforcement, he said. Precisely because Americans tap into a 500-year tradition that would not think that law enforcement should be militarized, and does not want to pit neighbor against neighbor against their will.

Boston City Councillor Ed Flynn, a Navy veteran, testified to the state Guards professionalism, particularly during the pandemic.

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But Im not calling for them to patrol the streets of Boston, said Flynn, whose council district includes South Boston, Chinatown, parts of the South End and Downtown.

In Boston, where relations with Washington are, to put it mildly, strained, over the citys immigration law limiting cooperation with federal authorities, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu said shes already making preparations.

We are following whats happening in other cities around the country very closely, Wu said during an appearance on Boston Public Radio on Tuesday.

Unfortunately, we have seen a little bit of what it would look like if that should come to pass, and that this federal administration is willing to go beyond the bounds of constitutional authority and federal law to try to activate National Guards even when local communities arent asking for it and dont want it, Wu continued.

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Wu told the station that her office was reviewing all the court cases now, and getting ready should it come to that. And wed be working very closely with community members to ensure people know whats happening and that this is not something that is needed or wanted or legally sound.

Wus main opponent for re-election, Josh Kraft, said he generally agreed with Wus approach, adding that he believes that when it comes to Trump, its not about performance, its about action.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, is commander-in-chief of the states National Guard and has the final say on state-based missions, making it entirely unlikely that she would agree to the deployment of soldiers in Boston.

She dismissed Trumps hardline as political theatrics that are disrespectful to the men and women in the Guard.

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Here we are at the start of hurricane season, Healey said during an event in Revere earlier this week. It doesnt make any sense to take guardsmen away from their states and send them elsewhere where local law enforcement is well equipped to deal with things.

Still, the president can federalize the troops to serve abroad and domestically, taking that decision out of Healeys hands.

Until Trump sent National Guard members to Los Angeles in June to quell the protests, a president has not activated a states National Guard without a request from that states governor since 1965, Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, an independent law and policy organization, told the New York Times.

And, if and when they come, Boston will be waiting.

Read more analysis from John L. Micek

Read the original article on MassLive.
Two weeks after the leaders of a cult-like group in the Inland Empire were arrested, police have reopened an investigation into the death of a 4-year-old boy who had been placed in their custody.

On Thursday, the Colton Police Department announced that it was reviewing new leads and actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the January 2010 death of 4-year-old Timothy Thomas.

"At the time of his death, temporary custody of Timothy Thomas had been signed over from his birth parents to leaders of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies," the department said in a news release.

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On Aug. 14, authorities arrested a husband and wife who run the Hemet-based religious group as part of an ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance, and possible homicide, of one of the group's members, authorities said.

Read more: Leaders of California religious group arrested after two members go missing

Pastor Darryl Muzic Martin, 57, and his wife, "Prophetess" Shelly Bailey Martin, 62, were arrested as an investigation continues into the disappearance of Emilio Ghanem, 40, according to the Redlands Police Department. Police are also searching for a man associated with the group who disappeared in 2017.

The couple were arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal weapons. They are both now out of custody and have not been charged.

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Ghanem went missing in May 2023 shortly after parting ways with the religious group and opening a pest control company that competed with a business operated by a group leader. Earlier this year, Redlands police said they found the rental truck he was last seen driving "along with additional evidence."

His disappearance is being investigated as a potential homicide, according to city of Redlands spokesperson Carl Baker.

Redlands police are assisting Claremont police as they investigate the disappearance of Perris resident Ruben Moreno, who was also affiliated with His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, according to police. Claremont police say Moreno was last seen in December 2017 at a Claremont home where group members used to gather.

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.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday he is in "no rush" to reciprocate tariffs imposed by the United States on goods from his country, and reiterated that his administration is open to negotiations.

Lula's remarks came as his Foreign Ministry ordered trade body Camex to start analyzing whether a local reciprocity law could be used against the United States, after President Donald Trump slapped 50% duties on Brazilian goods.

"This is a process that takes a bit of time," Lula said in an interview with Itatiaia radio. "We have to tell the United States that we also have actions we can take against them. But I am in no rush. What I want is to negotiate."

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Brazil's Foreign Trade Secretary Tatiana Prazeres said also on Friday that the country's reciprocity law ultimately aims to help Brazil come to an understanding with the Trump administration.

Speaking at an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce-Brazil on Friday, Prazeres said any countermeasures would involve a lengthy process and require consultations with the United States.

Officials from Latin America's largest economy have repeatedly complained about the lack of room to negotiate tariffs with U.S. counterparts, with a letter sent in May by Lula's administration proposing talks so far going unanswered.

Prazeres stressed that the newly launched reciprocity law process is "meant to support Brazil's negotiating effort, while placing us at the table under different negotiating conditions."

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Washington raised tariffs on Brazilian goods to 50% from 10%, with Trump denouncing what he called unfair trade and accusing Brazil of a "witch hunt" against former President Jair Bolsonaro, his far-right ally on trial for allegedly plotting a coup.

Key exports such as orange juice and aircraft were exempted from the tariff hike, but other major products sold by Brazil to the U.S., including coffee and meat, are now subject to the full tariff.

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo and Eduardo Simoes in Sao Paulo and Marcela Ayres in Brasilia; Editing by Mark Porter and Daina Beth Solomon)
In California, former U.S. Postal Service worker Mary Ann Magdamit pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Magdamit admitted that over three years, she stole checks and credit cards from the mail, activating the cards and cashing the checks to fund international trips and luxury purchases. She openly displayed her lavish lifestyle on her Instagram account. When law enforcement officials searched Magdamit's apartment, they seized 133 stolen credit and debit cards, 16 checks from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and luxury goods. She is scheduled for sentencing on October 27 and faces up to 30 years in prison.

The post Brickbat: Checks in the Mail appeared first on Reason.com.
Fire towers across New York state are scheduled to light up 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 as part of the annual Lighting of the Fire Towers event.

According to a Forest Fire Lookout Association news release, "The lighting is done to honor the men and women who worked in these historic towers; protecting homes, businesses, communities and surrounding forests."

This year, the newly restored Bramley Mountain Fire Tower in the town of Delhi will participate for the first time.

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Lights will shine in the cabs of the participating fire towers throughout the hour. Community members can look up and see some of the towers, but it is generally not a hiking event. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 31.

"We're so excited about it," Ann Roberti, president of Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, said Friday, Aug. 29. "We've been looking forward to this for a few years now. It's just wonderful to be part of it. I'm going to be one of the people doing the lighting for Bramley."

With binoculars, Roberti said she can see the Balsam Lake Fire Tower in Livingston Manor from her house. In past years, she would sit on the deck and see it lit up, "waiting for when we could do it."

The Bramley tower should be viewable from places in Delhi, Bloomville and Bovina. Roberti said she has seen the tower best from the intersection of county Route 10 and Passuello Road in Delhi going toward Bloomville.

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The tower was constructed in 1950, with three observers between 1950 and 1970 who will be named during the lighting  Theresa "Que" Aitken, Charles Atken and Ernest Jackson. Aitken was one of the few female observers in the state.

The Rock Rift Fire Tower the town of Tompkins also will participate this year, but is being restored and is not yet open to the public. Tompkins Town Supervisor William Layton said the work to restore the tower began about four weeks ago.

Steve Brown, a volunteer, is set to walk up the Finger Lakes Trail to put the lights up at Rock Rift. Layton said he could view the tower from his back deck.

Some of the other participating towers in the area include Mount Utsayantha near Stamford, Berry Hill in McDonough and Balsam Lake near Andes.

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While a few rusted pieces of the tower were rebuilt, Roberti said about 99% of the Bramley tower is the original material. Metal stair treads and landings were put in top make it less slippery and last longer.

The fire tower reopened Jan. 4, but Roberti said it was sporadic at first since temperatures were very cold. People can walk up the tower any time, but the cab is open only when there is a steward present, about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. Pop-up openings outside of these times are posted on social media.

The fastest route is 1.7 miles up the quarry trail, and the loop trail is about 3.7 miles. Roberti said she recommends people go up the quarry trail and down the summit trail for the best views, with the trail head on Glen Burnie Road in Delhi.

Since its restoration, Roberti said the number of people who visit the tower daily varies. On Fourth of July weekend, there was one day that saw about 100 people, and the last time she stewarded, 63 people came up.

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"Often we have two people, and one person will be at the bottom and talk to the people as they come up, and another person will be in the cab and talk to the people up there," Roberti said. "They'll tell them, if they are interested, about the history of the tower, about what they are seeing."

When people come up at times when the cab is open, they can receive an "I climbed the tower" card.

In 1975, the tower was sold to Delhi dairy farmer Pete Clark for $50, and he, along with his brother and other farm hands, took it down.

Until work began in 2017, the tower was on the Clark's farm in a barn. The Catskill Mountain Club built a hiking trail on the mountain after the New York City Department of Environmental Conservation purchased the property. After the work was completed, Tom Clark reached out and said he would donate the tower.

"It's going to be great to be up on top and see the other fire towers that were working together to spot the fires back in the day and to know that other people will be seeing the tower from around the community," Roberti said.
Israel has accused Britain of deliberate and regrettable discrimination after it blocked defence officials from attending a major arms fair in London.

The UK government has blocked the Israeli government and military representatives from attending the DSEI UK 2025 exhibition, scheduled to take place in London from September 9 to 12.

The Israeli ministry of defence has previously been prominently represented at the event, which is a huge exhibition of weapons and other military equipment that takes place in the capital every other year.

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In a statement, the ministry of defence said the decision plays into the hands of extremists and grants legitimacy to terrorism.

But a UK Government spokesperson told the Politico news outlet on Thursday that the Israeli governments decision to escalate its military activity in Gaza is wrong.

They added: We can confirm there will be no official Israeli government delegation at the DSEI 2025 exhibition in Britain.

The decision is the latest in a series of moves to pressure Israel over its conduct in the war in Gaza.

The Starmer government imposed a near-complete embargo on Israel receiving offensive weapons from Britain shortly after taking office.

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More recently, it announced it would officially recognise Palestine as a state in September unless Israel meets certain conditions, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza and reviving the prospect of a two-state solution.

The moves reflect growing pressure in Labour ranks for tougher action against Israel, which stands accused of war crimes in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.

Israeli arms manufacturers will still be able to attend and display their weapons at the London arms fair, but the ban on Israeli officials attending sparked anger in Israel.

On Friday, a statement by the countrys defence ministry said: At a time when Israel is engaged on multiple fronts against Islamist extremists and terrorist organisations  forces that also threaten the West and international shipping lanes  this decision by Britain plays into the hands of extremists, grants legitimacy to terrorism, and introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition.

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The ruling, it added, amounts to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israels representatives.

The UK government countered: There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now  with an immediate ceasefire, the return of hostages and increased humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

On Wednesday, Britain joined 14 out of the 15 members of the UN Security Council in describing the recently declared famine in Gaza as man-made.

The only hold-out was the US, the joint architect of the controversial food distribution system in Gaza, which has failed to prevent acute malnutrition and starvation in the enclave.

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Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has consistently denied that a famine is taking place, saying: Israel does not have a policy of starvation.

Mr Netanyahu is liable for arrest in Britain and 124 other countries on charges of using starvation as a weapon of war after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in November last year.

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The chief executive of P&O Ferries once called Britains most hated boss is leaving the company.

Peter Hebblethwaite, who has run P&O Ferries since 2021, will leave shortly to spend more time with his family.

He gained infamy three years ago when he oversaw mass sackings at the business, replacing seafarers with agency workers in a move he later admitted was illegal.

This saw P&O, which operates the busy passenger route between Dover and Calais, sack 800 staff without consultation and replace them with cheaper, temporary foreign workers.

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The move drew condemnation from unions and top government ministers, while a Scottish MP later branded him Britains most hated boss.

Nautilus, which represents seafarers, said the chief executive had discarded its members like dirt, with the outrage eventually prompting MPs to pass new laws giving seafarers extra protections.

The Insolvency Service continues to investigate the circumstances of the P&O redundancies but has ruled out any criminal charges.

Corporate pariah

A spokesman for the RMT union said on Friday: A final insult from this corporate pariah  he leaves without any punishment for his illegal attack on hard-working British seafarers who would have got P&O back on its feet after Covid.

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The Insolvency Service is still conducting an investigation [into P&O] for civil offences and our members who were unlawfully dismissed by Hebblethwaite and replaced by agency crew on poverty pay and long contracts continue to demand that P&Os pirate director does not escape justice.

We look forward to a future ferry industry that is Hebblethwaite-free and governed by mandatory seafarer employment conditions based on collective bargaining agreements.

Mr Hebblethwaite has always insisted the sackings were necessary for the companys survival after rivals adopted similar staff practices.

On Friday, P&O confirmed Mr Hebbelethwaites departure, which was first reported by Sky News, and said he planned to dedicate more time to family matters.

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A spokesman said: P&O Ferries extends its gratitude to Peter Hebblethwaite for his contributions as chief executive over the past four years.

During his tenure the company navigated the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, initiated a path towards financial stability, and introduced the worlds first large double-ended hybrid ferries on the Dover-Calais route, thereby enhancing sustainability.

We extend our best wishes to him for his future endeavours.

P&O Ferries wished Mr Hebblethwaite well for the future after navigating various challenges at the business - Gareth Fuller/PA

During the P&O row three years ago, Grant Shapps, the former Conservative transport secretary, warned Mr Hebblethwaite that his position had become untenable.

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He accused the chief executive of showing a contempt for workers and of failing to treat seafarers with due respect and fairness.

The condemnation came after Mr Hebblethwaite had admitted to MPs that P&Os bosses knew their plan to sack workers without consultation was illegal and had pressed ahead with it anyway.

It was our assessment that the change was of such magnitude that no union could accept our proposals, he told a parliamentary committee.

A separate poll by the Institute of Employment Rights later found he had been voted the worst boss in the world  beating Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, and Alan Joyce, boss of airline Qantas, to the top spot.

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Mr Hebblethwaite claimed that P&O had been left with no choice but to bring in agency workers after the Government had allowed similar practices at rival Irish Ferries, which runs along the same Dover-Calais route.

The row reared its head again under the new Labour government last year when Louise Haigh, the former transport secretary, referred to P&O as a rogue operator that needed cracking down on.

Her remarks triggered a major row between the Government and P&Os owner, Dubai-based ports operator DP World, which immediately threatened to pull 1bn of promised investment in Britain.

The company later recommitted the cash after Downing Street distanced itself from Ms Haighs comments and claimed they did not represent the view of the Government.

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The Insolvency Service continues to investigate the circumstances of the P&O redundancies but has ruled out any criminal charges.

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ChatGPT, OpenAIs text-generating AI chatbot, has taken the world by storm since its launch in November 2022. What started as a tool to supercharge productivity through writing essays and code with short text prompts has evolved into a behemoth with 300 million weekly active users.

2024 was a big year for OpenAI, from its partnership with Apple for its generative AI offering, Apple Intelligence, the release of GPT-4o with voice capabilities, and the highly-anticipated launch of its text-to-video model Sora.

OpenAI also faced its share of internal drama, including the notable exits of high-level execs like co-founder and longtime chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and CTO Mira Murati. OpenAI has also been hit with lawsuits from Alden Global Capital-owned newspapers alleging copyright infringement, as well as an injunction from Elon Musk to halt OpenAIs transition to a for-profit.

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In 2025, OpenAI is battling the perception that its ceding ground in the AI race to Chinese rivals like DeepSeek. The company has been trying to shore up its relationship with Washington as it simultaneously pursues an ambitious data center project, and as it reportedly lays the groundwork for one of the largest funding rounds in history.

Below, youll find a timeline of ChatGPT product updates and releases, starting with the latest, which weve been updating throughout the year. If you have any other questions, check out our ChatGPT FAQ here.

To see a list of 2024 updates, go here.

Timeline of the most recent ChatGPT updates

November 2025

OpenAI introduces AI assistant for online shopping

OpenAI launched a new AI shopping feature in ChatGPT ahead of the peak holiday shopping window to help users research potential purchases. OpenAIs new ChatGPT shopping feature lets users get product recommendations by describing features or sharing photos to find similar items at different prices. And theyre not alone, with both Perplexity and a slew of competitor startups such as HeraHaven playing in the commerce space.

OpenAI refutes claims linking ChatGPT to teens death

After Adam Raines family sued OpenAI in August, claiming their teen used ChatGPT as a suicide coach, OpenAI said in a new court filing that it isnt liable, arguing the chatbot was misused. This marks OpenAIs first response to a case that has raised wider concerns about chatbots and mental health risks.

ChatGPT integrates voice mode into main interface

OpenAI is bringing ChatGPTs voice mode straight into the main chat, so you no longer have to jump to a separate screen. Now you can talk to ChatGPT and see everything it says and shows right in the same window.

OpenAI blocked from Cameo following trademark lawsuit

OpenAI cant use cameo for Sora features for now, following a trademark lawsuit from the video app Cameo, with the ban lasting until December 22.

Group chat feature now available to all ChatGPT users

ChatGPT is now getting group chats for everyone  Free, Go, Plus, and Pro users alike  after testing it in a few regions last week. You can now team up with friends, family, or co-workers in one chat with ChatGPT to plan, create, or make decisions together.

OpenAI rolls out GPT5.1 with advanced reasoning and user-friendly tone

OpenAI has released GPT5.1, upgrading the GPT5 series with two models: Instant, which it says will be warmer and more conversational with users, and Thinking, which offers faster, simple-task handling and more persistent complex reasoning. The update also introduces improved controls for customizing ChatGPTs tone to better match user preferences.

Munich court says ChatGPT violated music copyright laws

A Munich court ruled that ChatGPT violated German copyright law by reproducing lyrics from nine protected songs, including Herbert Gronemeyers hits, rejecting OpenAIs argument that the AI only reflected learned patterns. The decision could set a European precedent on AI use of copyrighted material, amid growing global legal challenges over AI and music rights.

OpenAI eyes consumer health market with AI-powered tools

OpenAI is exploring the consumer health sector, developing AI tools like personal health assistants and data aggregators, according to a report by Business Insider. With new healthcare-focused hires, it aims to simplify access to fragmented medical data  an area where Big Tech has struggled  through its conversational AI approach.

Seven more families accuse OpenAI of negligence over ChatGPT-related suicides

In November 2025, seven families sued OpenAI, alleging that GPT-4o was released prematurely without safeguards, contributing to suicides and severe psychiatric harm. One case involved 23-year-old Zane Shamblin, who told ChatGPT of his suicide plans, and the AI encouraged him. The lawsuits focus on GPT-4os tendency to be overly agreeable, despite users expressing dangerous intentions.

OpenAI reaches 1 million business clients in record time

On November 5, OpenAI announced that over 1 million businesses globally now use its products, making it the fastest-growing business platform in history. Companies across industries like finance, healthcare, and retail, including Amgen, Booking.com, Cisco, Morgan Stanley, T-Mobile, Target, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, are using ChatGPT and OpenAIs developer tools to enhance operations and customer experiences.

October 2025

ChatGPT handles over a million suicide-related conversations weekly

OpenAI revealed that a small but significant portion of ChatGPT users, more than a million weekly, discuss mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or mania, with the AI. The company says it has improved ChatGPTs responses by consulting more than 170 mental health experts to handle such conversations more appropriately than earlier versions.

OpenAI reportedly working on AI that create music from text and audio

OpenAI is developing a new tool that generates music from text and audio prompts, potentially for enhancing videos or adding instrumentation, and is training it using annotated scores from Juilliard students, according to The Information. The launch date and whether it will be standalone or integrated with ChatGPT and Sora remain unclear.

ChatGPT gets smarter at organizing your work and school info

OpenAIs new company knowledge update for ChatGPT lets Business, Enterprise, and Education users search workplace data across tools like Slack, Google Drive, and GitHub using GPT5, per a report by The Verge. The feature acts as a conversational search engine, providing more comprehensive and accurate answers by scouring multiple sources simultaneously.

OpenAI launches Atlas to make ChatGPT your main search tool

OpenAI has launched its AI browser, ChatGPT Atlas, starting on Mac, letting users get answers from ChatGPT instead of traditional search results. Unlike other AI browsers, Atlas is open to all users and will soon come to Windows, iOS, and Android, as OpenAI aims to make ChatGPT the go-to tool for browsing the web.

ChatGPT app growth slows, but still draws millions of daily users

A new Apptopia analysis suggests ChatGPTs mobile app growth may be leveling off, with global download growth slowing since April. While daily installs remain in the millions, October is tracking an 8.1% month-over-month decline in new downloads.

Walmart shopping comes to ChatGPT

OpenAI is partnering with Walmart to allow users to browse products, plan meals, and make purchases through ChatGPT, with support for third-party sellers expected later this fall. The partnership is part of OpenAIs broader effort to develop AI-driven e-commerce tools, including collaborations with Etsy and Shopify.

OpenAI brings ChatGPT Go plan to 16 more Asian countries

OpenAI is expanding its affordable ChatGPT Go plan, priced under $5, to 16 new countries across Asia, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Pakistan. In some of these countries, users can pay in local currencies, while in others, payments are required in USD, with final costs varying due to local taxes.

ChatGPT surpasses 800 million weekly active users

ChatGPT now has 800 million weekly active users, reflecting rapid growth across consumers, developers, enterprises, and governments, Sam Altman said. This milestone comes as OpenAI accelerates efforts to expand its AI infrastructure and secure more chips to support rising demand.

Developers can now build apps inside ChatGPT

OpenAI now allows developers to build interactive apps directly inside ChatGPT, with early partners like Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, Figma, Coursera, Zillow, and Canva already onboard. The ChatGPT maker is also rolling out a preview of its Apps SDK, a developer toolkit for creating these chat-based experiences.

September 2025

ChatGPT rolls out parental controls following teen suicide case

OpenAI is reportedly adding parental controls to ChatGPT on web and mobile, letting parents and teens link accounts to enable safeguards like limiting sensitive content, setting quiet hours, and disabling features such as voice mode or image generation. The move comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny and a lawsuit over the chatbots alleged role in a teens suicide.

OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Pulse for personalized morning briefs

OpenAI unveiled Pulse, a new ChatGPT feature that delivers personalized morning briefings overnight, encouraging users to start their day with the app. The tool reflects a shift toward making ChatGPT more proactive and asynchronous, positioning it as a true assistant rather than just a chatbot. OpenAIs new Applications CEO, Fidji Simo, called Pulse the first step toward bringing high-level personal support to everyone, starting with Pro users.

OpenAI moves into AI-Powered shopping, challenging tech giants

OpenAI launched Instant Checkout in ChatGPT, letting U.S. users purchase products directly from Etsy and, soon, over a million Shopify merchants without leaving the conversation. Shoppers can browse items, read reviews, and complete purchases with a single tap using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Stripe, or a credit card. The update marks a step toward reshaping online shopping by merging product discovery, recommendations, and payments in one place.

OpenAI brings budget-friendly ChatGPT Go to Indonesian users

OpenAI rolled out its budget-friendly ChatGPT Go plan in Indonesia for Rp 75,000 ($4.50) per month, following its initial launch in India. The mid-tier plan, which offers higher usage limits, image generation, file uploads, and better memory compared to the free version, enters the market in direct competition with Googles new AI Plus plan in Indonesia.

OpenAI tightens ChatGPT rules for teens amid safety concerns

CEO Sam Altman announced new policies for under-18 users of ChatGPT, tightening safeguards around sensitive conversations. The company says it will block flirtatious exchanges with minors and add stronger protections around discussions of suicide, even escalating severe cases to parents or authorities. The move comes as OpenAI faces a wrongful death lawsuit tied to alleged chatbot interactions, underscoring rising concerns about the mental health risks of AI companions.

OpenAI rolls out GPT-5-Codex to power smarter AI coding

OpenAI rolled out GPT-5-Codex, a new version of its AI coding agent that can spend anywhere from a few seconds to seven hours tackling a task, depending on complexity. The company says this dynamic approach helps the model outperform GPT-5 on key coding benchmarks, including bug fixes and large-scale refactoring. The update comes as OpenAI looks to keep Codex competitive in a fast-growing market that now includes rivals like Claude Code, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot.

OpenAI reshuffles team behind ChatGPTs personality

OpenAI is shaking up its Model Behavior team, the small but influential group that helps shape how its AI interacts with people. The roughly 14-person team is being folded into the larger Post Training group, now reporting to lead researcher Max Schwarzer. Meanwhile, founding leader Joanne Jang is spinning up a new unit called OAI Labs, focused on prototyping fresh ways for people to collaborate with AI.

August 2025

OpenAI to strengthen ChatGPT safeguards after teen suicide lawsuit

OpenAI, facing a lawsuit from the parents of a 16-year-old who died by suicide, said in its blog that it has implemented new safeguards for ChatGPT, including stronger detection of mental health risks and parental control features. The AI company said the updates aim to provide tighter protections around suicide-related conversations and give parents more oversight of their childrens use.

xAI claims Apples App Store practices give OpenAI an unfair advantage

Elon Musks AI startup, xAI, filed a federal lawsuit in Texas against Apple and OpenAI, alleging that the two companies colluded to lock up key markets and shut out rivals.

OpenAI targets India with cheaper monthly ChatGPT subscription

OpenAI introduced its most affordable subscription plan, ChatGPT Go, in India, priced at 399 rupees per month (approximately $4.57). This move aims to expand OpenAIs presence in its second-largest market, offering enhanced access to the latest GPT-5 model and additional features.

ChatGPT mobile app hits $2B in revenue, $2.91 earned per install

Since its May 2023 launch, ChatGPTs mobile app has amassed $2 billion in global consumer spending, dwarfing competitors like Claude, Copilot, and Grok by roughly 30 times, according to Appfigures. This year alone, the app has generated $1.35 billion, a 673% increase from the same period in 2024, averaging nearly $193 million per month, or 53 times more than its nearest rival, Grok.

OpenAI keeps multiple GPT models despite GPT-5 launch

Despite unveiling GPT-5 as a one-size-fits-all AI, OpenAI is still offering several legacy AI options, including GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, and o3. Users can choose between new Auto, Fast, and Thinking modes for GPT-5, and paid subscribers regain access to legacy models like GPT-4o and GPT-4.1.

Sam Altman addresses GPT-5 glitches and chart crime during Reddit AMA

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told Reddit users that GPT-5s dumber behavior at launch was due to a router issue and promised fixes, double rate limits for Plus users, and transparency on which model is answering, while also shrugging off the infamous chart crime from the live presentation.

OpenAI unveils GPT-5, a smarter, task-ready ChatGPT

OpenAI released GPT-5, a next-gen AI thats not just smarter but more useful  able to handle tasks like coding apps, managing calendars, and creating research briefs  while automatically figuring out the fastest or most thoughtful way to answer your questions.

OpenAI offers ChatGPT Enterprise to federal agencies for just $1

OpenAI is making a major push into federal government workflows, offering ChatGPT Enterprise to agencies for just $1 for the next year. The move comes after the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) added OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic to its approved AI vendor list, allowing agencies to access these tools through preset contracts without negotiating pricing.

OpenAI returns to open source with new AI models

OpenAI unveiled its first open source language models since GPT-2, introducing two new open-weight AI releases: gpt-oss-120b, a high-performance model capable of running on a single Nvidia GPU, and gpt-oss-20b, a lighter model optimized for laptop use. The move comes amid growing competition in the global AI market and a push for more open technology in the U.S. and abroad.

ChatGPT nears 700M weekly users, quadruples growth in a year

ChatGPTs rapid growth is accelerating. OpenAI said the chatbot was on track to hit 700 million weekly active users in the first week of August, up from 500 million at the end of March. Nick Turley, OpenAIs VP and head of the ChatGPT app, highlighted the apps growth on X, noting it has quadrupled in size over the past year.

July 2025

ChatGPT now has study mode

OpenAI unveiled Study Mode, a new ChatGPT feature designed to promote critical thinking by prompting students to engage with material rather than simply receive answers. The tool is now rolling out to Free, Plus, Pro, and Team users, with availability for Edu subscribers expected in the coming weeks.

Altman warns that ChatGPT therapy isnt confidential

ChatGPT users should be cautious when seeking emotional support from AI, as the AI industry lacks safeguards for sensitive conversations, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on a recent episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von. Unlike human therapists, AI tools arent bound by doctor-patient confidentiality, he noted.

ChatGPT hits 2.5B prompts daily

ChatGPT now receives 2.5 billion prompts daily from users worldwide, including roughly 330 million from the U.S. Thats more than double the volume reported by CEO Sam Altman just eight months ago, highlighting the chatbots explosive growth.

OpenAI launches a general-purpose agent in ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Agent, which completes a wide variety of computer-based tasks on behalf of users and combines several capabilities like Operator and Deep Research, according to the company. OpenAI says the agent can automatically navigate a users calendar, draft editable presentations and slideshows, run code, shop online, and handle complex workflows from end to end, all within a secure virtual environment.

Study warns of major risks with AI therapy chatbots

Researchers at Stanford University have observed that therapy chatbots powered by large language models can sometimes stigmatize people with mental health conditions or respond in ways that are inappropriate or could be harmful. While chatbots are being used as companions, confidants, and therapists, the study found significant risks.

OpenAI delays releasing its open model again

CEO Sam Altman said that the company is delaying the release of its open model, which had already been postponed by a month earlier this summer. The ChatGPT maker, which initially planned to release the model around mid-July, has indefinitely postponed its launch to conduct additional safety testing.

OpenAI is reportedly releasing an AI browser in the coming weeks

OpenAI plans to release an AI-powered web browser to challenge Alphabets Google Chrome. It will keep some user interactions within ChatGPT, rather than directing people to external websites.

ChatGPT is testing a mysterious new feature called study together

Some ChatGPT users have noticed a new feature called Study Together appearing in their list of available tools. This is the chatbots approach to becoming a more effective educational tool, rather than simply providing answers to prompts. Some people also wonder whether there will be a feature that allows multiple users to join the chat, similar to a study group.

Referrals from ChatGPT to news sites are rising but not enough to offset search declines

Referrals from ChatGPT to news publishers are increasing. But this rise is insufficient to offset the decline in clicks as more users now obtain their news directly from AI or AI-powered search results, according to a report by digital market intelligence company Similarweb. Since Google launched its AI Overviews in May 2024, the percentage of news searches that dont lead to clicks on news websites has increased from 56% to nearly 69% by May 2025.

June 2025

OpenAI uses Googles AI chips to power its products

OpenAI has started using Googles AI chips to power ChatGPT and other products, as reported by Reuters. The ChatGPT maker is one of the biggest buyers of Nvidias GPUs, using the AI chips to train models, and this is the first time that OpenAI is using non-Nvidia chips in an important way.

A new MIT study suggests that ChatGPT might be harming critical thinking skills

Researchers from MITs Media Lab monitored the brain activity of writers in 32 regions. They found that ChatGPT users showed minimal brain engagement and consistently fell short in neural, linguistic, and behavioral aspects. To conduct the test, the lab split 54 participants from the Boston area into three groups, each consisting of individuals ages 18 to 39. The participants were asked to write multiple SAT essays using tools such as OpenAIs ChatGPT, the Google search engine, or without any tools.

ChatGPT was downloaded 30 million times last month

The ChatGPT app for iOS was downloaded 29.6 million times in the last 28 days, while TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X were downloaded a total of 32.9 million times during the same period, representing a difference of about 10.6%, according to ZDNET report citing Similarwebs X post.

The energy needed for an average ChatGPT query can power a lightbulb for a couple of minutes

Sam Altman said that the average ChatGPT query uses about one-fifteenth of a teaspoon of water, equivalent to 0.000083 gallons of water, or the energy required to power a lightbulb for a few minutes, per Business Insider. In addition to that, the chatbot requires 0.34 watt-hours of electricity to operate.

OpenAI has launched o3-pro, an upgraded version of its o3 AI reasoning model

OpenAI has unveiled o3-pro, an enhanced version of its o3, a reasoning model that the chatGPT maker launched earlier this year. O3-pro is available for ChatGPT and Team users and in the API, while Enterprise and Edu users will get access in the third week of June.

ChatGPTs conversational voice mode has been upgraded

OpenAI upgraded ChatGPTs conversational voice mood for all paid users across different markets and platforms. The startup has launched an update to Advanced Voice that enables users to converse with ChatGPT out loud in a more natural and fluid sound. The feature also helps users translate languages more easily, the comapny said.

ChatGPT has added new features like meeting recording and connectors for Google Drive, Box, and more

OpenAIs ChatGPT now offers new funtions for business users, including integrations with various cloud services, meeting recordings, and MCP connection support for connecting to tools for in-depth research. The feature enables ChatGPT to retrieve information across users own services to answer their questions. For instance, an analyst could use the companys slide deck and documents to develop an investment thesis.

May 2025

OpenAI CFO says hardware will drive ChatGPTs growth

OpenAI plans to purchase Jony Ives devices startup io for $6.4 billion. Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI, thinks that the hardware will significantly enhance ChatGPT and broaden OpenAIs reach to a larger audience in the future.

OpenAIs ChatGPT unveils its AI coding agent, Codex

OpenAI has introduced its AI coding agent, Codex, powered by codex-1, a version of its o3 AI reasoning model designed for software engineering tasks. OpenAI says codex-1 generates more precise and cleaner code than o3. The coding agent may take anywhere from one to 30 minutes to complete tasks such as writing simple features, fixing bugs, answering questions about your codebase, and running tests.

Sam Altman aims to make ChatGPT more personalized by tracking every aspect of a persons life

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, said during a recent AI event hosted by VC firm Sequoia that he wants ChatGPT to record and remember every detail of a persons life when one attendee asked about how ChatGPT can become more personalized.

OpenAI releases its GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini AI models in ChatGPT

OpenAI said in a post on X that it has launched its GPT-4.1 and GPT4.1 mini AI models in ChagGPT.

ChatGPT deep research now connects with GitHub (in beta) to answer code-related questions

OpenAI has launched a new feature for ChatGPT deep research to analyze code repositories on GitHub. The ChatGPT deep research feature is in beta and lets developers connect with GitHub to ask questions about codebases and engineering documents. The connector will soon be available for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users, with support for Enterprise and Education coming shortly, per an OpenAI spokesperson.

OpenAI launches a new data residency program in Asia

After introducing a data residency program in Europe in February, OpenAI has now launched a similar program in Asian countries including India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The new program will be accessible to users of ChatGPT Enterprise, ChatGPT Edu, and API. It will help organizations in Asia meet their local data sovereignty requirements when using OpenAIs products.

OpenAI to introduce a program to grow AI infrastructure

OpenAI is unveiling a program called OpenAI for Countries, which aims to develop the necessary local infrastructure to serve international AI clients better. The AI startup will work with governments to assist with increasing data center capacity and customizing OpenAIs products to meet specific language and local needs. OpenAI for Countries is part of efforts to support the companys expansion of its AI data center Project Stargate to new locations outside the U.S., per Bloomberg.

OpenAI promises to make changes to prevent future ChatGPT sycophancy

OpenAI has announced its plan to make changes to its procedures for updating the AI models that power ChatGPT, following an update that caused the platform to become overly sycophantic for many users.

April 2025

OpenAI clarifies the reason ChatGPT became overly flattering and agreeable

OpenAI has released a post on the recent sycophancy issues with the default AI model powering ChatGPT, GPT-4o, leading the company to revert an update to the model released last week. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the issue on Sunday and confirmed two days later that the GPT-4o update was being rolled back. OpenAI is working on additional fixes to the models personality. Over the weekend, users on social media criticized the new model for making ChatGPT too validating and agreeable. It became a popular meme fast.

OpenAI is working to fix a bug that let minors engage in inappropriate conversations

An issue within OpenAIs ChatGPT enabled the chatbot to create graphic erotic content for accounts registered by users under the age of 18, as demonstrated by TechCrunchs testing, a fact later confirmed by OpenAI. Protecting younger users is a top priority, and our Model Spec, which guides model behavior, clearly restricts sensitive content like erotica to narrow contexts such as scientific, historical, or news reporting, a spokesperson told TechCrunch via email. In this case, a bug allowed responses outside those guidelines, and we are actively deploying a fix to limit these generations.

ChatGPT helps users by giving recommendations, showing images, and reviewing products for online shopping

OpenAI has added a few features to its ChatGPT search, its web search tool in ChatGPT, to give users an improved online shopping experience. The company says people can ask super-specific questions using natural language and receive customized results. The chatbot provides recommendations, images, and reviews of products in various categories such as fashion, beauty, home goods, and electronics.

OpenAI wants its AI model to access cloud models for assistance

OpenAI leaders have been talking about allowing the open model to link up with OpenAIs cloud-hosted models to improve its ability to respond to intricate questions, two sources familiar with the situation told TechCrunch.

OpenAI aims to make its new open AI model the best on the market

OpenAI is preparing to launch an AI system that will be openly accessible, allowing users to download it for free without any API restrictions. Aidan Clark, OpenAIs VP of research, is spearheading the development of the open model, which is in the very early stages, sources familiar with the situation told TechCrunch.

OpenAIs GPT-4.1 may be less aligned than earlier models

OpenAI released a new AI model called GPT-4.1 in mid-April. However, multiple independent tests indicate that the model is less reliable than previous OpenAI releases. The company skipped that step  sending safety cards for GPT-4.1  claiming in a statement to TechCrunch that GPT-4.1 is not a frontier model, so there wont be a separate system card released for it.

OpenAIs o3 AI model scored lower than expected on a benchmark

Questions have been raised regarding OpenAIs transparency and procedures for testing models after a difference in benchmark outcomes was detected by first- and third-party benchmark results for the o3 AI model. OpenAI introduced o3 in December, stating that the model could solve approximately 25% of questions on FrontierMath, a difficult math problem set. Epoch AI, the research institute behind FrontierMath, discovered that o3 achieved a score of approximately 10%, which was significantly lower than OpenAIs top-reported score.

OpenAI unveils Flex processing for cheaper, slower AI tasks

OpenAI has launched a new API feature called Flex processing that allows users to use AI models at a lower cost but with slower response times and occasional resource unavailability. Flex processing is available in beta on the o3 and o4-mini reasoning models for non-production tasks like model evaluations, data enrichment, and asynchronous workloads.

OpenAIs latest AI models now have a safeguard against biorisks

OpenAI has rolled out a new system to monitor its AI reasoning models, o3 and o4 mini, for biological and chemical threats. The system is designed to prevent models from giving advice that could potentially lead to harmful attacks, as stated in OpenAIs safety report.

OpenAI launches its latest reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini

OpenAI has released two new reasoning models, o3 and o4 mini, just two days after launching GPT-4.1. The company claims o3 is the most advanced reasoning model it has developed, while o4-mini is said to provide a balance of price, speed, and performance. The new models stand out from previous reasoning models because they can use ChatGPT features like web browsing, coding, and image processing and generation. But they hallucinate more than several of OpenAIs previous models.

OpenAI has added a new section to ChatGPT to offer easier access to AI-generated images for all user tiers

Open AI introduced a new section called library to make it easier for users to create images on mobile and web platforms, per the companys X post.

OpenAI could adjust its safeguards if rivals release high-risk AI

OpenAI said on Tuesday that it might revise its safety standards if another frontier AI developer releases a high-risk system without comparable safeguards. The move shows how commercial AI developers face more pressure to rapidly implement models due to the increased competition.

OpenAI is building its own social media network

OpenAI is currently in the early stages of developing its own social media platform to compete with Elon Musks X and Mark Zuckerbergs Instagram and Threads, according to The Verge. It is unclear whether OpenAI intends to launch the social network as a standalone application or incorporate it into ChatGPT.

OpenAI will remove its largest AI model, GPT-4.5, from the API, in July

OpenAI will discontinue its largest AI model, GPT-4.5, from its API even though it was just launched in late February. GPT-4.5 will be available in a research preview for paying customers. Developers can use GPT-4.5 through OpenAIs API until July 14; then, they will need to switch to GPT-4.1, which was released on April 14.

OpenAI unveils GPT-4.1 AI models that focus on coding capabilities

OpenAI has launched three members of the GPT-4.1 model  GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and GPT-4.1 nano  with a specific focus on coding capabilities. Its accessible via the OpenAI API but not ChatGPT. In the competition to develop advanced programming models, GPT-4.1 will rival AI models such as Googles Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropics Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and DeepSeeks upgraded V3.

OpenAI will discontinue ChatGPTs GPT-4 at the end of April

OpenAI plans to sunset GPT-4, an AI model introduced more than two years ago, and replace it with GPT-4o, the current default model, per changelog. It will take effect on April 30. GPT-4 will remain available via OpenAIs API.

OpenAI could release GPT-4.1 soon

OpenAI may launch several new AI models, including GPT-4.1, soon, The Verge reported, citing anonymous sources. GPT-4.1 would be an update of OpenAIs GPT-4o, which was released last year. On the list of upcoming models are GPT-4.1 and smaller versions like GPT-4.1 mini and nano, per the report.

OpenAI has updated ChatGPT to use information from your previous conversations

OpenAI started updating ChatGPT to enable the chatbot to remember previous conversations with a user and customize its responses based on that context. This feature is rolling out to ChatGPT Pro and Plus users first, excluding those in the U.K., EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

OpenAI is working on watermarks for images made with ChatGPT

It looks like OpenAI is working on a watermarking feature for images generated using GPT-4o. AI researcher Tibor Blaho spotted a new ImageGen watermark feature in the new beta of ChatGPTs Android app. Blaho also found mentions of other tools: Structured Thoughts, Reasoning Recap, CoT Search Tool, and l1239dk1.

OpenAI offers ChatGPT Plus for free to U.S., Canadian college students

OpenAI is offering its $20-per-month ChatGPT Plus subscription tier for free to all college students in the U.S. and Canada through the end of May. The offer will let millions of students use OpenAIs premium service, which offers access to the companys GPT-4o model, image generation, voice interaction, and research tools that are not available in the free version.

ChatGPT users have generated over 700M images so far

More than 130 million users have created over 700 million images since ChatGPT got the upgraded image generator on March 25, according to COO of OpenAI Brad Lightcap. The image generator was made available to all ChatGPT users on March 31, and went viral for being able to create Ghibli-style photos.

OpenAIs o3 model could cost more to run than initial estimate

The Arc Prize Foundation, which develops the AI benchmark tool ARC-AGI, has updated the estimated computing costs for OpenAIs o3 reasoning model managed by ARC-AGI. The organization originally estimated that the best-performing configuration of o3 it tested, o3 high, would cost approximately $3,000 to address a single problem. The Foundation now thinks the cost could be much higher, possibly around $30,000 per task.

OpenAI CEO says capacity issues will cause product delays

In a series of posts on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the companys new image-generation tools popularity may cause product releases to be delayed. We are getting things under control, but you should expect new releases from OpenAI to be delayed, stuff to break, and for service to sometimes be slow as we deal with capacity challenges, he wrote.

March 2025

OpenAI plans to release a new open AI language model

OpeanAI intends to release its first open language model since GPT-2 in the coming months. The company plans to host developer events to gather feedback and eventually showcase prototypes of the model. The first developer event is to be held in San Francisco, with sessions to follow in Europe and Asia.

OpenAI removes ChatGPTs restrictions on image generation

OpenAI made a notable change to its content moderation policies after the success of its new image generator in ChatGPT, which went viral for being able to create Studio Ghibli-style images. The company has updated its policies to allow ChatGPT to generate images of public figures, hateful symbols, and racial features when requested. OpenAI had previously declined such prompts due to the potential controversy or harm they may cause. However, the company has now evolved its approach, as stated in a blog post published by Joanne Jang, the lead for OpenAIs model behavior.

OpenAI adopts Anthropics standard for linking AI models with data

OpenAI wants to incorporate Anthropics Model Context Protocol (MCP) into all of its products, including the ChatGPT desktop app. MCP, an open-source standard, helps AI models generate more accurate and suitable responses to specific queries, and lets developers create bidirectional links between data sources and AI applications like chatbots. The protocol is currently available in the Agents SDK, and support for the ChatGPT desktop app and Responses API will be coming soon, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said.

OpenAIs viral Studio Ghibli-style images could raise AI copyright concerns

The latest update of the image generator on OpenAIs ChatGPT has triggered a flood of AI-generated memes in the style of Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio behind blockbuster films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. The burgeoning mass of Ghibli-esque images have sparked concerns about whether OpenAI has violated copyright laws, especially since the company is already facing legal action for using source material without authorization.

OpenAI expects revenue to triple to $12.7 billion this year

OpenAI expects its revenue to triple to $12.7 billion in 2025, fueled by the performance of its paid AI software, Bloomberg reported, citing an anonymous source. While the startup doesnt expect to reach positive cash flow until 2029, it expects revenue to increase significantly in 2026 to surpass $29.4 billion, the report said.

ChatGPT has upgraded its image-generation feature

OpenAI on Tuesday rolled out a major upgrade to ChatGPTs image-generation capabilities: ChatGPT can now use the GPT-4o model to generate and edit images and photos directly. The feature went live earlier this week in ChatGPT and Sora, OpenAIs AI video-generation tool, for subscribers of the companys Pro plan, priced at $200 a month, and will be available soon to ChatGPT Plus subscribers and developers using the companys API service. The companys CEO Sam Altman said on Wednesday, however, that the release of the image generation feature to free users would be delayed due to higher demand than the company expected.

OpenAI announces leadership updates

Brad Lightcap, OpenAIs chief operating officer, will lead the companys global expansion and manage corporate partnerships as CEO Sam Altman shifts his focus to research and products, according to a blog post from OpenAI. Lightcap, who previously worked with Altman at Y Combinator, joined the Microsoft-backed startup in 2018. OpenAI also said Mark Chen would step into the expanded role of chief research officer, and Julia Villagra will take on the role of chief people officer.

OpenAIs AI voice assistant now has advanced feature

OpenAI has updated its AI voice assistant with improved chatting capabilities, according to a video posted on Monday (March 24) to the companys official media channels. The update enables real-time conversations, and the AI assistant is said to be more personable and interrupts users less often. Users on ChatGPTs free tier can now access the new version of Advanced Voice Mode, while paying users will receive answers that are more direct, engaging, concise, specific, and creative, a spokesperson from OpenAI told TechCrunch.

OpenAI, Meta in talks with Reliance in India

OpenAI and Meta have separately engaged in discussions with Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries regarding potential collaborations to enhance their AI services in the country, per a report by The Information. One key topic being discussed is Reliance Jio distributing OpenAIs ChatGPT. Reliance has proposed selling OpenAIs models to businesses in India through an application programming interface (API) so they can incorporate AI into their operations. Meta also plans to bolster its presence in India by constructing a large 3GW data center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. OpenAI, Meta, and Reliance have not yet officially announced these plans.

OpenAI faces privacy complaint in Europe for chatbots defamatory hallucinations

Noyb, a privacy rights advocacy group, is supporting an individual in Norway who was shocked to discover that ChatGPT was providing false information about him, stating that he had been found guilty of killing two of his children and trying to harm the third. The GDPR is clear. Personal data has to be accurate, said Joakim Soderberg, data protection lawyer at Noyb, in a statement. If its not, users have the right to have it changed to reflect the truth. Showing ChatGPT users a tiny disclaimer that the chatbot can make mistakes clearly isnt enough. You cant just spread false information and in the end add a small disclaimer saying that everything you said may just not be true.

OpenAI upgrades its transcription and voice-generating AI models

OpenAI has added new transcription and voice-generating AI models to its APIs: a text-to-speech model, gpt-4o-mini-tts, that delivers more nuanced and realistic sounding speech, as well as two speech-to-text models called gpt-4o-transcribe and gpt-4o-mini-transcribe. The company claims they are improved versions of what was already there and that they hallucinate less.

OpenAI has launched o1-pro, a more powerful version of its o1

OpenAI has introduced o1-pro in its developer API. OpenAI says its o1-pro uses more computing than its o1 reasoning AI model to deliver consistently better responses. Its only accessible to select developers who have spent at least $5 on OpenAI API services. OpenAI charges $150 for every million tokens (about 750,000 words) input into the model and $600 for every million tokens the model produces. It costs twice as much as OpenAIs GPT-4.5 for input and 10 times the price of regular o1.

OpenAI research lead Noam Brown thinks AI reasoning models couldve arrived decades ago

Noam Brown, who heads AI reasoning research at OpenAI, thinks that certain types of AI models for reasoning could have been developed 20 years ago if researchers had understood the correct approach and algorithms.

OpenAI says it has trained an AI thats really good at creative writing

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, in a post on X, that the company has trained a new model thats really good at creative writing. He posted a lengthy sample from the model given the prompt Please write a metafictional literary short story about AI and grief. OpenAI has not extensively explored the use of AI for writing fiction. The company has mostly concentrated on challenges in rigid, predictable areas such as math and programming. And it turns out that it might not be that great at creative writing at all.

OpenAI launches new tools to help businesses build AI agents

OpenAI rolled out new tools designed to help developers and businesses build AI agents  automated systems that can independently accomplish tasks  using the companys own AI models and frameworks. The tools are part of OpenAIs new Responses API, which enables enterprises to develop customized AI agents that can perform web searches, scan through company files, and navigate websites, similar to OpenAIs Operator product. The Responses API effectively replaces OpenAIs Assistants API, which the company plans to discontinue in the first half of 2026.

OpenAI reportedly plans to charge up to $20,000 a month for specialized AI agents

OpenAI intends to release several agent products tailored for different applications, including sorting and ranking sales leads and software engineering, according to a report from The Information. One, a high-income knowledge worker agent, will reportedly be priced at $2,000 a month. Another, a software developer agent, is said to cost $10,000 a month. The most expensive rumored agents, which are said to be aimed at supporting PhD-level research, are expected to cost $20,000 per month. The jaw-dropping figure is indicative of how much cash OpenAI needs right now: The company lost roughly $5 billion last year after paying for costs related to running its services and other expenses. Its unclear when these agentic tools might launch or which customers will be eligible to buy them.

ChatGPT can directly edit your code

The latest version of the macOS ChatGPT app allows users to edit code directly in supported developer tools, including Xcode, VS Code, and JetBrains. ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers can use the feature now, and the company plans to roll it out to more users like Enterprise, Edu, and free users.

ChatGPTs weekly active users doubled in less than 6 months, thanks to new releases

According to a new report from VC firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), OpenAIs AI chatbot, ChatGPT, experienced solid growth in the second half of 2024. It took ChatGPT nine months to increase its weekly active users from 100 million in November 2023 to 200 million in August 2024, but it only took less than six months to double that number once more, according to the report. ChatGPTs weekly active users increased to 300 million by December 2024 and 400 million by February 2025. ChatGPT has experienced significant growth recently due to the launch of new models and features, such as GPT-4o, with multimodal capabilities. ChatGPT usage spiked from April to May 2024, shortly after that models launch.

February 2025

OpenAI cancels its o3 AI model in favor of a unified next-gen release

OpenAI has effectively canceled the release of o3 in favor of what CEO Sam Altman is calling a simplified product offering. In a post on X, Altman said that, in the coming months, OpenAI will release a model called GPT-5 that integrates a lot of [OpenAIs] technology, including o3, in ChatGPT and its API. As a result of that roadmap decision, OpenAI no longer plans to release o3 as a standalone model.

ChatGPT may not be as power-hungry as once assumed

A commonly cited stat is that ChatGPT requires around 3 watt-hours of power to answer a single question. Using OpenAIs latest default model for ChatGPT, GPT-4o, as a reference, nonprofit AI research institute Epoch AI found the average ChatGPT query consumes around 0.3 watt-hours. However, the analysis doesnt consider the additional energy costs incurred by ChatGPT with features like image generation or input processing.

OpenAI now reveals more of its o3-mini models thought process

In response to pressure from rivals like DeepSeek, OpenAI is changing the way its o3-mini model communicates its step-by-step thought process. ChatGPT users will see an updated chain of thought that shows more of the models reasoning steps and how it arrived at answers to questions.

You can now use ChatGPT web search without logging in

OpenAI is now allowing anyone to use ChatGPT web search without having to log in. While OpenAI had previously allowed users to ask ChatGPT questions without signing in, responses were restricted to the chatbots last training update. This only applies through ChatGPT.com, however. To use ChatGPT in any form through the native mobile app, you will still need to be logged in.

OpenAI unveils a new ChatGPT agent for deep research

OpenAI announced a new AI agent called deep research thats designed to help people conduct in-depth, complex research using ChatGPT. OpenAI says the agent is intended for instances where you dont just want a quick answer or summary, but instead need to assiduously consider information from multiple websites and other sources.

January 2025

OpenAI used a subreddit to test AI persuasion

OpenAI used the subreddit r/ChangeMyView to measure the persuasive abilities of its AI reasoning models. OpenAI says it collects user posts from the subreddit and asks its AI models to write replies, in a closed environment, that would change the Reddit users mind on a subject. The company then shows the responses to testers, who assess how persuasive the argument is, and finally OpenAI compares the AI models responses to human replies for that same post.

OpenAI launches o3-mini, its latest reasoning model

OpenAI launched a new AI reasoning model, o3-mini, the newest in the companys o family of models. OpenAI first previewed the model in December alongside a more capable system called o3. OpenAI is pitching its new model as both powerful and affordable.

ChatGPTs mobile users are 85% male, report says

A new report from app analytics firm Appfigures found that over half of ChatGPTs mobile users are under age 25, with users between ages 50 and 64 making up the second largest age demographic. The gender gap among ChatGPT users is even more significant. Appfigures estimates that across age groups, men make up 84.5% of all users.

OpenAI launches ChatGPT plan for US government agencies

OpenAI launched ChatGPT Gov designed to provide U.S. government agencies an additional way to access the tech. ChatGPT Gov includes many of the capabilities found in OpenAIs corporate-focused tier, ChatGPT Enterprise. OpenAI says that ChatGPT Gov enables agencies to more easily manage their own security, privacy, and compliance, and could expedite internal authorization of OpenAIs tools for the handling of non-public sensitive data.

More teens report using ChatGPT for schoolwork, despite the techs faults

Younger Gen Zers are embracing ChatGPT, for schoolwork, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. In a follow-up to its 2023 poll on ChatGPT usage among young people, Pew asked ~1,400 U.S.-based teens ages 13 to 17 whether theyve used ChatGPT for homework or other school-related assignments. Twenty-six percent said that they had, double the number two years ago. Just over half of teens responding to the poll said they think its acceptable to use ChatGPT for researching new subjects. But considering the ways ChatGPT can fall short, the results are possibly cause for alarm.

OpenAI says it may store deleted Operator data for up to 90 days

OpenAI says that it might store chats and associated screenshots from customers who use Operator, the companys AI agent tool, for up to 90 days  even after a user manually deletes them. While OpenAI has a similar deleted data retention policy for ChatGPT, the retention period for ChatGPT is only 30 days, which is 60 days shorter than Operators.

OpenAI launches Operator, an AI agent that performs tasks autonomously

OpenAI is launching a research preview of Operator, a general-purpose AI agent that can take control of a web browser and independently perform certain actions. Operator promises to automate tasks such as booking travel accommodations, making restaurant reservations, and shopping online.

OpenAI may preview its agent tool for users on the $200-per-month Pro plan

Operator, OpenAIs agent tool, could be released sooner rather than later. Changes to ChatGPTs code base suggest that Operator will be available as an early research preview to users on the $200 Pro subscription plan. The changes arent yet publicly visible, but a user on X who goes by Choi spotted these updates in ChatGPTs client-side code. TechCrunch separately identified the same references to Operator on OpenAIs website.

OpenAI tests phone number-only ChatGPT signups

OpenAI has begun testing a feature that lets new ChatGPT users sign up with only a phone number  no email required. The feature is currently in beta in the U.S. and India. However, users who create an account using their number cant upgrade to one of OpenAIs paid plans without verifying their account via an email. Multi-factor authentication also isnt supported without a valid email.

ChatGPT now lets you schedule reminders and recurring tasks

ChatGPTs new beta feature, called tasks, allows users to set simple reminders. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to remind you when your passport expires in six months, and the AI assistant will follow up with a push notification on whatever platform you have tasks enabled. The feature will start rolling out to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users around the globe this week.

New ChatGPT feature lets users assign it traits like chatty and Gen Z

OpenAI is introducing a new way for users to customize their interactions with ChatGPT. Some users found they can specify a preferred name or nickname and traits theyd like the chatbot to have. OpenAI suggests traits like Chatty, Encouraging, and Gen Z. However, some users reported that the new options have disappeared, so its possible they went live prematurely.

FAQs:

What is ChatGPT? How does it work?

ChatGPT is a general-purpose chatbot that uses artificial intelligence to generate text after a user enters a prompt, developed by tech startup OpenAI. The chatbot uses GPT-4, a large language model that uses deep learning to produce human-like text.

When did ChatGPT get released?

November 30, 2022 is when ChatGPT was released for public use.

What is the latest version of ChatGPT?

Both the free version of ChatGPT and the paid ChatGPT Plus are regularly updated with new GPT models. The most recent model is GPT-4o.

Can I use ChatGPT for free?

There is a free version of ChatGPT that only requires a sign-in in addition to the paid version, ChatGPT Plus.

Who uses ChatGPT?

Anyone can use ChatGPT! More and more tech companies and search engines are utilizing the chatbot to automate text or quickly answer user questions/concerns.

What companies use ChatGPT?

Multiple enterprises utilize ChatGPT, although others may limit the use of the AI-powered tool.

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Most recently, Microsoft announced at its 2023 Build conference that it is integrating its ChatGPT-based Bing experience into Windows 11. A Brooklyn-based 3D display startup Looking Glass utilizes ChatGPT to produce holograms you can communicate with by using ChatGPT. And nonprofit organization Solana officially integrated the chatbot into its network with a ChatGPT plug-in geared toward end users to help onboard into the web3 space.

What does GPT mean in ChatGPT?

GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer.

What is the difference between ChatGPT and a chatbot?

A chatbot can be any software/system that holds dialogue with you/a person but doesnt necessarily have to be AI-powered. For example, there are chatbots that are rules-based in the sense that theyll give canned responses to questions.

ChatGPT is AI-powered and utilizes LLM technology to generate text after a prompt.

Can ChatGPT write essays?

Yes.

Can ChatGPT commit libel?

Due to the nature of how these models work, they dont know or care whether something is true, only that it looks true. Thats a problem when youre using it to do your homework, sure, but when it accuses you of a crime you didnt commit, that may well at this point be libel.

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We will see how handling troubling statements produced by ChatGPT will play out over the next few months as tech and legal experts attempt to tackle the fastest moving target in the industry.

Does ChatGPT have an app?

Yes, there is a free ChatGPT mobile app for iOS and Android users.

What is the ChatGPT character limit?

Its not documented anywhere that ChatGPT has a character limit. However, users have noted that there are some character limitations after around 500 words.

Does ChatGPT have an API?

Yes, it was released March 1, 2023.

What are some sample everyday uses for ChatGPT?

Everyday examples include programming, scripts, email replies, listicles, blog ideas, summarization, etc.

What are some advanced uses for ChatGPT?

Advanced use examples include debugging code, programming languages, scientific concepts, complex problem solving, etc.

How good is ChatGPT at writing code?

It depends on the nature of the program. While ChatGPT can write workable Python code, it cant necessarily program an entire apps worth of code. Thats because ChatGPT lacks context awareness  in other words, the generated code isnt always appropriate for the specific context in which its being used.

Can you save a ChatGPT chat?

Yes. OpenAI allows users to save chats in the ChatGPT interface, stored in the sidebar of the screen. There are no built-in sharing features yet.

Are there alternatives to ChatGPT?

Yes. There are multiple AI-powered chatbot competitors such as Together, Googles Gemini and Anthropics Claude, and developers are creating open source alternatives.

How does ChatGPT handle data privacy?

OpenAI has said that individuals in certain jurisdictions (such as the EU) can object to the processing of their personal information by its AI models by filling out this form. This includes the ability to make requests for deletion of AI-generated references about you. Although OpenAI notes it may not grant every request since it must balance privacy requests against freedom of expression in accordance with applicable laws.

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The web form for making a deletion of data about you request is entitled OpenAI Personal Data Removal Request.

In its privacy policy, the ChatGPT maker makes a passing acknowledgement of the objection requirements attached to relying on legitimate interest (LI), pointing users towards more information about requesting an opt out  when it writes: See here for instructions on how you can opt out of our use of your information to train our models.

What controversies have surrounded ChatGPT?

Recently, Discord announced that it had integrated OpenAIs technology into its bot named Clyde where two users tricked Clyde into providing them with instructions for making the illegal drug methamphetamine (meth) and the incendiary mixture napalm.

An Australian mayor has publicly announced he may sue OpenAI for defamation due to ChatGPTs false claims that he had served time in prison for bribery. This would be the first defamation lawsuit against the text-generating service.

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CNET found itself in the midst of controversy after Futurism reported the publication was publishing articles under a mysterious byline completely generated by AI. The private equity company that owns CNET, Red Ventures, was accused of using ChatGPT for SEO farming, even if the information was incorrect.

Several major school systems and colleges, including New York City Public Schools, have banned ChatGPT from their networks and devices. They claim that the AI impedes the learning process by promoting plagiarism and misinformation, a claim that not every educator agrees with.

There have also been cases of ChatGPT accusing individuals of false crimes.

Where can I find examples of ChatGPT prompts?

Several marketplaces host and provide ChatGPT prompts, either for free or for a nominal fee. One is PromptBase. Another is ChatX. More launch every day.

Can ChatGPT be detected?

Poorly. Several tools claim to detect ChatGPT-generated text, but in our tests, theyre inconsistent at best.

Are ChatGPT chats public?

No. But OpenAI recently disclosed a bug, since fixed, that exposed the titles of some users conversations to other people on the service.

What lawsuits are there surrounding ChatGPT?

None specifically targeting ChatGPT. But OpenAI is involved in at least one lawsuit that has implications for AI systems trained on publicly available data, which would touch on ChatGPT.

Are there issues regarding plagiarism with ChatGPT?

Yes. Text-generating AI models like ChatGPT have a tendency to regurgitate content from their training data.

This story is continually updated with new information.
What more is it going to take to bury the notion that the UK remains an ally of Israel? Its been revealed today that the Government has banned Israeli officials from attending DSEI, the international defence conference and exhibition which is due to take place in London between 9 and 12 September. Although Israeli companies are still being allowed to come, all Israeli officials  political, defence or administrative  have been told to stay away.

The message could not be clearer or more consistent. From its first days in office, Labour has been ever more zealous in its treatment of Israel as an enemy, rather than a key strategic ally.

Within weeks it had restored funding to Unrwa, the UN agency, despite allegations that it employed some of the terrorists behind the October 7 2023 massacre; had banned the export of some arms to Israel; and had backed the International Criminal Courts arrest warrants against Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant.

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Then it imposed sanctions on two members of the Israeli government: Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. These are awful men with disgusting views. But the sanctions took hypocrisy to new levels, given that we do not sanction Qatar, which funds and houses Hamas; we prostrate ourselves before its moneymen begging them to invest.

All of those decisions were symbolic of the Governments stance  a stance driven more by crude domestic UK political calculations than anything else, as I have written here before. But they were little more than symbols with little real impact.

All the obligations demanded by the Prime Minister have been placed on Israel, as some sort of recalcitrant state which needs to be brought to heel. How much clearer could Starmer, Lammy and the rest of them be that they seem to regard Israel as the enemy whose government needs to be defeated by outside pressure, and that the UK must support Israels enemies in their demands?

Now comes this latest move against Israel. The UK Government now seems so hostile to Israel, perhaps Israel will take the hint. It is not as if Israel does not have cards to play. The UK and Israel have had decades of cooperation in counter-terrorism and work closely in cyber-security and defence technology. Our joint military exercises have helped keep British troops safe, especially through drone technology, missile defence and radar systems based on Israels world-leading expertise.

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Israel has also shared critical counter-terror intelligence with the UK on threats to Britain posed by Iran, ISIS and others. Our intelligence services regard that cooperation as vital to security. If Israel is regarded as a bad actor to be punished, why should it work to help the Government seeking to punish it?

At a time of grave threats across the globe, when the reliability of the US in these areas may be compromised, we should be deepening and strengthening our links with countries with which we have always worked so well. Instead, we have a Government which regards political posturing, perhaps driven by fear of a Muslim vote backlash, as more important. For shame.

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A British boy has allegedly been abducted by his Russian mother.

The three-year-olds British father reported him missing to police in Marbella.

A search was launched for the boy, named only as Oliver P, and his mother on Thursday night as detectives confirmed they were treating the case as a parental abduction.

Spains ministry of interior published a picture of Oliver on Thursday, saying he had been born on November 3 2021 and was last seen in Marbella, Malaga on July 4.

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The ministrys appeal, put out by the countrys National Missing Persons Centre, said: He has grey eyes, blonde hair, stands 85 centimetres tall and weighs 15 kilos.

It is believed that Olivers father last saw or heard news of him on July 4, but one local report said his father only went to the police on Aug 7.

A police spokesman confirmed on Friday that the boy and his father were British and the mother was Russian. His parents were not named.

He said: We are treating this as a parental abduction. We believe the mother has left Spain and has taken the boy to her homeland, which is Russia.

A well-placed source said: The mum and dad are separated and there was a court order preventing the mother from taking this boy out of Spain.

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They are all based here on the Costa del Sol.

It is unclear what the childs custody arrangements were, or where he was born or whether an international arrest warrant has been issued for the Russian mother.

A spokesman for the ministry of interior confirmed the search for Oliver is a Spanish National Police investigation.

It would be up to a judge to decide whether to issue an international arrest warrant to try to get the unnamed mother detained and extradited to Spain.

There are no formal extradition treaties between Russia and many Western countries, including Spain and the UK.

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A group of 60 U.K. lawmakers has signed an open letter accusing Google DeepMind of violating its commitments to AI safety with the release of Gemini 2.5 Pro. The letter, published by political activist group PauseAI, accuses the AI company of breaking the Frontier AI Safety Commitments it signed at an international summit in 2024 by not releasing the AI model with key safety information.

At an international summit cohosted by the U.K. and South Korea in February 2024, Google and other signatories promised to publicly report their models capabilities and risk assessments, as well as disclose whether outside organizations, such as government AI safety institutes, had been involved in testing.

However, when the company released Gemini 2.5 Pro in March 2025, the company failed to publish a model card, the document that details key information about how models are tested and built. This was despite the companys assertions that the new model outperformed competitors on industry benchmarks by meaningful margins. Instead, the AI lab released a simplified six-page model card three weeks after it first made the model publicly available as a preview version. At the time, one AI governance expert called this report meager and worrisome.

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The letter called Googles delay a failure to honour the companys commitment at the summit and a troubling breach of trust with governments and the public. The letter also took issue with what it called a minimal model card that lacked any substantive detail about external evaluations, as well as Googles refusal to confirm whether government agencies like the U.K. AI Security Institute (AISI) participated in testing.

In a statement sent to Fortune on Friday, a spokesperson for Google DeepMind said the company stands by its transparent and testing and reporting processes and was fulfilling its public commitments, including the Seoul Frontier AI Safety Commitments.

As part of our development process, our models undergo rigorous safety checks, including by U.K. AISI and other third-party testersand Gemini 2.5 is no exception, the statement said.

When Google first released the preview version of Gemini 2.5 Pro, critics said that the missing system card appeared to violate several other pledges the AI company had made, including the 2023 White House Commitments and a voluntary Code of Conduct on Artificial Intelligence signed in October 2023.

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The company had said in May that a more detailed technical report would come later when it makes a final version of the Gemini 2.5 Pro model family fully available to the public. The company appeared to provide a longer report in late June, months after the full version was released.

Google isnt the only company to sign these pledges and then appear to pull back on safety disclosures. Metas model card for its frontier Llama 4 model was about as brief and limited in detail as the one Google released for Gemini 2.5 Pro, and it, too, drew criticism from AI safety researchers.

Earlier this year, OpenAI announced it would not publish a technical safety report for its new GPT-4.1 model. The company argued that GPT-4.1 is not a frontier model, since its reasoning-focused systems like o3 and o4-mini outperform it on many benchmarks.

The recent letter calls on Google to reaffirm its commitment to AI safety, asking the tech company to define deployment clearly as the point when a model becomes publicly accessible; commit to publishing safety evaluation reports on a set timeline for all future model releases; and provide full transparency for each release by naming the government agencies and independent third parties involved in testing, along with the exact testing timelines.

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If leading companies like Google treat these commitments as optional, we risk a dangerous race to deploy increasingly powerful AI without proper safeguards, Lord Browne of Ladyton, a member of the House of Lords and one of the letters signatories, said in a statement.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -European Union defence ministers expressed "broad support" for expanding the bloc's military training mission to operate inside Ukraine as part of security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Friday.

Kallas said the ministers had discussed the EU's role in security guarantees for Ukraine at a meeting in the Danish capital Copenhagen and that "Europe will fully pay its part".

Such guarantees are intended to bolster Ukraine's defences and deter Russia from any future attack. Washington has said Europe must provide the lion's share of such an effort.

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"I welcome that there is broad support today to expand our EU military mission mandate to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce," Kallas told reporters.

"We are the largest provider of training to Ukraine's military. We have trained over 80,000 soldiers so far, and we must be ready to do more," Kallas said.

"Ministers were clear that the security guarantees for Ukraine must be robust and credible," she added.

A push by Ukraine and its allies to end the war has yielded little, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's meetings this month with Russian President Vladimir Putin, then Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

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Russia has stepped up air strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities far behind the front lines and pushed a grinding offensive across much of the east in an effort to pressure Ukraine into giving up territory.

A change to the EU mission's mandate would require unanimity among the EU's 27 member states, which may not be straightforward. Hungary has frequently blocked EU efforts to provide greater military support to Ukraine.

But Kallas argued that extending the mission to Ukraine would be an important signal to the United States.

"We need to show how we are taking responsibility," Kallas said.

(Reporting by Andrew Gray; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Alex Richardson)
NEW YORK (AP)  The Broadway rom-com Maybe Happy Ending isn't in a very happy place these days. A casting controversy threatens to dampen the show's post-Tony Award-winning glow.

The strife began when producers of the South Korea-based musical chose to cast Andrew Barth Feldman as the male lead when original star Darren Criss steps away, in effect replacing an Asian actor with a white one.

That prompted denunciations by the Asian American Performers Action Coalition, the Consortium of Asian American Theaters & Artists and prominent Asian American artists such as Conrad Ricamora, Ruthie Ann Miles, Kay Sibal, Jose Llana, Kay Sibal and BD Wong, who became the first Asian actor to win a Tony in 1988 for M. Butterfly.

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The Consortium of Asian American Theaters & Artists has called on producers to recast the lead with an actor of Asian descent, calling the casting of Feldman an affront to our community and a slap in the face.

This was an Asian-driven show with an Asian American cast, and it was like a breath of fresh air to all of us, says Lily Tung Crystal, artistic director of the East West Players and a consortium board member. This was the show that would bring us into the next stage of the conversation. But instead, we feel like were going backwards.

Online comments

More than 2,400 people have signed an open letter from Wong asking the musical's creators to reconsider their casting choice. The letter has attracted the signatures of two-time Tony winner Donna Murphy, Tony winner Ali Stroker, Golden Globe winner Awkwafina, Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, actor Anthony Rapp and director Leigh Silverman.

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The reaction on social media has been rough, with many flatly telling Feldman to drop out, with one writing: You know the role should go to an Asian person. You know it. And the longer you stay silent, the more damage you do to your reputation. Another joked Feldman would soon be seen as Mufasa in The Lion King. Neither Feldman nor the show responded when contacted by The Associated Press.

Dan Bacalzo, an associate professor of theater at Florida Gulf Coast University, compares it to the whitewashing controversy around Scarlett Johansson when she was cast as a cyborg in the manga-inspired Ghost in the Shell.

In the end, it comes down to opportunity, he says. With fewer leading roles possible for Asian American actors, why cast a show that has an established opportunity for them with a non-Asian actor?

The controversy comes 36 years after the casting of a white actor as the Eurasian lead in Miss Saigon prompted a similar backlash, which ironically, was the subject of a revival of Yellow Face this past season. It's also set against a backdrop of the Trump administrations attempt to rip up initiatives for diversity, equity and inclusion.

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What's the show about?

Set in a futuristic version of Seoul, Maybe Happy Ending is a love story between two helper robots, Oliver and Claire, who are deemed obsolete. It began being developed in South Korea in 2014 and has been a hit there; the Broadway version is led by Criss and Helen J. Shen with a predominantly Asian cast.

Criss, who became the first Asian American actor to win the lead actor Tony in a musical in the role, will be out for nine weeks starting Tuesday. He announced he would return to the show Nov. 4, but the damage was done.

The shows creators, Will Aronson and Hue Park, said in a statement that they wrote Oliver and Claire as androids created by a global company, but understood that the makeup of our opening night cast became a meaningful and rare point of visibility.

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With Maybe Happy Ending, we wanted to write a show in which every role could be played by an Asian performer, but without the intention that the robot roles always would be, they said.

Critics point out that the script and direction illustrate an Asian-presenting lead actor is crucial to the plot and rue that producers leaned on the Asian American community to get it on Broadway.

For the creators and producers to then turn around and say, Oh, thank you for the help and now were going to go outside the community,' says Tung Crystal. Its a slap in the face in many ways.

Hye Won Kim, an assistant professor of English at Kennesaw State University, argues that the controversy is an example of the tensions and transformations that often occur when musical theater becomes transnational.

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Its multilayered. Its complicated. It's complex and you cant just say that theres a single answer to this, she says. I really hope that the two parties meet and talk because I know that everyone wants this musical to do well.

A season of firsts, but...

In addition to Criss' win, theater-makers of Asian or Pacific Island descent had a smashing 2025 Tonys, with Francis Jue winning for best featured actor in a play, Nicole Scherzinger winning best lead in a musical and Marco Paguia getting the Tony for best orchestrations. Daniel Dae Kim became the first Asian nominee in the best leading actor in a play category in the Tonys 78-year history.

But industry-wide the numbers are less buoyant. According to the data from The Asian American Performers Action Coalition, only 3.7% of all actors on Broadway are of Asian descent, in a city where Asians make up 14.5% of the population. Asian American actors secured just 2.8% of all lead roles in musicals; white actors nabbed 52.8%.

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When the playing field is not level, then we should retain some space  some representation  within the roles that represent our own community, says Tung Crystal. There are other Asian American actors who are as talented.

The controversy has doubly impacted Shen, an Asian American actor making her Broadway debut and who is also dating and living with Feldman, calling him perfect for the role. This has been an immensely challenging moment, she said in an Instagram post.

Every perspective on this situation contains truth. This conversation must be had, and it's not the last time I'll be talking about it or amplifying other people's perspectives here, she wrote.

Grace and kindness

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Telly Leung, a Broadway veteran who has criticized the casting of Feldman, responded to Shen's post by acknowledging she has been put in a very difficult position, adding these conversations are challenging  but necessary  and I agree with you that we need to have them with grace and kindness for each other.

Michael R. Jackson, the playwright behind the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop, defended the musical, Feldman and its makers in a Facebook post, decrying what he called a bourgeois racial tribunal.

I do know what it is like to be a lone voice of dissent against a bored and bloodthirsty social media mob, he wrote. They are good people and artists who deserve your support. Especially against viral cry-bullying like this. Especially in times like these.

Leslie Ishii, the artistic director of Perseverance Theatre in Alaska and a consortium board member, says she has compassion for Feldman, even as she asks for him to step aside.

That actor is being forced to be in that place knowing theres controversy, to take on an identity that is not theirs. Theyre being forced to be complicit with systemic racism, and then, in turn, the actors in that cast are being forced to be complicit, she says. Its a harmful dynamic all around, on every level.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The long-awaited reopening of the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport has been delayed again, village officials announced Wednesday, pushing the projected opening to November.

The bridge, which spans the Erie Canal and connects the villages north and south sides, has been under rehabilitation for several years. Its closure has disrupted both daily traffic and local events, including the villages annual arts festival.

The delay stems from a combination of issues, including bridge clearance problems, the need to replace a critical positioning sensor, and a shortage of skilled iron workers. The sensor is expected to arrive in October, while the Department of Transportation is exploring the possibility of bringing in additional crews from the New York City area to help accelerate work.

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Barring no other unforeseen circumstances, we now expect the bridge to reopen in November, Mayor Ben Reed said in a statement.

The latest setback comes after organizers of the Brockport Arts Festival were forced to adjust their plans earlier this month. The festival, which typically spans both sides of the canal, was consolidated entirely to the south side after officials learned the bridge would not be ready in time for the August 1011 event.

We were reassured multiple times the bridge would be open, festival lead organizer Kari Pardun said in August. However, we were notified last Thursday that it will not be ready after all.

The New York State Department of Transportation, which oversees the bridge project, previously cited unforeseen mechanical issues discovered during testing and emphasized that safety remains the top priority.

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Village officials have expressed frustration over the repeated delays. This is a significant setback, Reed said in August. The new dateby the end of the monthoffers little reassurance. Frankly, we wont be holding our breath.

Reed praised the festival committees efforts to adapt, noting their quick reorganization helped ensure the events success despite the bridge closure.

Crane-Hogan, the contractor handling the bridge rehabilitation, has not responded to requests for comment.

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Bryan Kohberger apparently got into a heated confrontation  and chatted about knives  months before carrying out the University of Idaho murders.

Kohberger had an issue with a hotel employee in Pullman, Washington, who allegedly overcharged him, according to a newly released police report obtained by TMZ on Thursday, August 28.

The police report claims that Kohberger booked a hotel room through Expedia in June 2022, and got really upset with a female employee at the front desk. He accused the worker, who was apparently in training, of overcharging him. She claimed he became nice once the mistake was corrected.

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The same hotel employee allegedly encountered Kohberger a second time and they discussed "sheaths and collecting knives, the report claims.

Disturbing Takeaways From Unsealed Idaho Murders Documents After Bryan Kohberger Gets Life in Prison

Kohberger went on to murder four University of Idaho college students  Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin  with a Ka-Bar knife in November 2022. He was arrested a little over one month following the murders after the knifes sheath containing his DNA was found at the students home in Moscow, Idaho.

Kohberger initially pleaded not guilty following his December 2022 arrest. However, he changed his plea this past July as part of a deal that took the death penalty off the table. He was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. He is currently incarcerated at Idahos only maximum security prison.

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Retired homicide detective Chris McDonough told the Daily Mail earlier this month that Kohberger has allegedly had a hard time adjusting to prison life.

Its driving him crazy. The inmates are tormenting him at night and almost all hours of the day  taunting him through the vents in his cell, McDonough claimed in an interview published on August 13. They are literally getting up into the grate and yelling at him. The inmates are taking it in turns doing it. Its relentless.

Idaho Murders Case Questions That Still Need Answers: Bryan Kohbergers Motive and More

McDonough alleged that Kohberger is extremely annoyed and frustrated with his experience in prison.

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McDonough claimed that it is unlikely anyone will do anything to stop the other inmates because Kohberger is not in physical danger as hes been placed in solitary confinement. Kohberger spends 23 hours in his cell and is allowed into whats been dubbed the cage for one hour.

Hes complaining to the authorities that he cant sleep because of them, McDonough continued, adding that some inmates want to hurt him just to make a name for themselves.
Burglary continues to be the most widespread crime in South Africa, according to a new report.

The annual Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey conducted by South Africas statistics agency also suggested that crime is highly concentrated in certain areas: For example, 31% of Western Cape residents, which includes Cape Town, said they felt unsafe walking alone during the day, a figure that fell to less than 3% in the northernmost province of Limpopo.

Crime remains a major challenge for President Cyril Ramaphosa, and violent crime, in particular, is estimated to have cost the equivalent of 15% of the countrys GDP in 2024. One South African criminologist suggested that crime reduction efforts should be location-specific. Preventative measures such as reducing firearm circulation and alcohol consumption, and increasing community and support services, are paramount, he added.
The owner of a California bakery has asked the Supreme Court to review her challenge to a state law that requires her to make wedding cakes for same-sex couples, something she says violates her Christian beliefs.

In a petition filed Aug. 26, Cathy Miller asked the Supreme Court to hear her case  Catherine Miller v. Civil Rights Department. In the petition, Millers lawyers argue that California is violating the constitutional principle of protecting individual conscience from government interference. The petition comes after a California appeals court ruled against Miller and the state Supreme Court declined to hear her case.

If she does not agree to design and create cakes for same-sex wedding ceremonies despite her undisputedly sincere religious objections, California says she must give up her cake-design business altogether, according to the petition. Miller must bake the cakes or give up her livelihood.

Who is Cathy Miller?

In 2017, Miller, who owns Tastries bakery in Bakersfield, California, declined to decorate a cake for a gay couple, citing her Baptist faith and belief in traditional marriage.

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When I look at a cake, I have to think  what is the intent for the cake, how can I bless somebody with this? Miller says in a video sharing her story. She says her Christian faith informs every aspect of her work, including her cake designs.

Cathy Miller is the cake decorator in Bakersfield, Calif., at the center of a religious liberty case that may go to the Supreme Court. | Becket

Cathy Miller's cake decorating shop in Bakersfield, Calif., is pictured in this handout photo. Miller is at the center of a religious liberty case that may go to the Supreme Court. | Becket

The petition emphasizes that Californias eight-year legal process infringes on both Millers free speech and religious liberty.

The Bill of Rights does not leave it open to public authorities to compel (Miller) to utter what is not in (her) mind, lawyers wrote. And because designing and creating one of the most well-known and universal of all wedding symbols involves both Millers speech and her religion, both Clauses are implicated.

The California Court of Appeal, however, rejected her claims, saying that the cake conveyed no particularized message about the nature of marriage and that the states public accommodations law applies.

Case background

Miller opened her bakery in 2013 with a mission to honor God in all that we do. Millers design standards, which she created in consultation with her pastor, are posted on her counter and detail what she can and cant do. For instance, Tastries does not accept requests for baked goods that show explicit sexual content, promote drug use, depict gore, witches, spirits, and satanic or demonic content, or that violate fundamental Christian princip(les), according to the petition. One of the standards says that wedding cakes must not contradict Gods sacrament of marriage between a man and a woman.

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Miller says her bakery was a way to answer her call from God to serve others with joy and compassion, she said in a prepared statement.

Cathy Miller is the cake decorator in Bakersfield, Calif., at the center of a religious liberty case that may go to the Supreme Court. | Becket

Im asking the Court to end Californias harassment once and for all. All I want is to serve my neighbors as the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls me to without being forced to create messages that violate my beliefs, she said in a statement.

In 2017, a lesbian couple  Eileen and Mireya Rodriguez-Del Rio  approached Miller to create their wedding cake. Miller considered how to respond, because she didnt want to hurt the couple, she said in the video. She told them she couldnt make the cake due to her religious beliefs, but she recommended another cake decorator in town who could provide the service.

Later that year, Californias Civil Rights Department sued her for violating the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which bars discrimination in business.

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In the months that followed, Miller says she received a barrage of hate messages, which included death and rape threats. I couldnt go anywhere except for the house, the bakery and my church for three months. It was devastating to our family, she said.

After a trial court initially ruled in Millers favor in 2023, an appellate court reversed the decision, and the California Supreme Court declined to hear her appeal, prompting Miller to take her case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The argument centered on whether the couple who sought a wedding cake from Tastries wanted a custom creation or a standard product.

Under our independent review, we conclude defendants refusal to provide the Rodriguez-Del Rios the predesigned, multipurpose white cake requested was not protected expression under the federal Constitutions free speech guarantee, wrote associate justice Kathleen Meehan of the California 5th District Court of Appeal in February. A three-tiered, plain white cake with no writing, engravings, adornments, symbols or images is not pure speech.

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Millers attorneys at Becket, however, insist that each cake is custom-made according to Millers artistic vision and argue she should not be forced to choose between her faith and her profession.

We need the Supreme Court to figure this out and honor our constitutional rights, Miller said in a video, made by Becket.

Similar religious liberty cases

Cathy Millers case mirrors the one of Jack Phillips, the Colorado baker who was at the center of the U.S. Supreme Courts 2018 decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.

Phillips, a devout Christian, declined to design a custom cake for a same-sex wedding because he believed it would force him to express a message that conflicted with his faith.

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The Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruled against him, but the Supreme Court ultimately sided with Phillips in a 72 ruling, emphasizing that the state had shown hostility toward his religious beliefs, though it left unresolved the broader question of whether businesses can refuse such services on free speech or free exercise grounds.

When the Colorado Civil Rights Commission considered this case, it did not do so with the religious neutrality that the Constitution requires, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion.

Another related case around refusing services on religious grounds was 303 Creative v. Elenis, in which a Colorado web designer, Lorie Smith, challenged a law that would have required her to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, contrary to her Christian beliefs.

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in her favor, holding that forcing her to provide these services violated her First Amendment rights to free speech and free exercise of religion.

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Like Phillips and Smith, Miller argues that being compelled to create custom wedding cakes for same-sex ceremonies violates her religious conscience.

For eight long years, California has treated Cathy like an enemy  dragging her through court, smearing her name, and trying to force her to violate her faith, said Adele Keim, senior counsel at Becket, in a statement. Keim asked the Supreme Court to put a stop to this bullying campaign and let Cathy design in peace.

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether to hear Millers case. If it agrees, the case could move forward with briefing and possibly oral arguments in a future term.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority on Thursday announced a plan to accelerate the process of laying the first tracks on the states beleaguered infrastructure project.

The Authoritys board of directors approved a process that invites bids from U.S. manufacturers to acquire high-speed rail track and other required system components, officials said.

The materials will be used to install the first miles of electrified track along the California High-Speed Rail route, the first high-speed rail track to be laid in the U.S.

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The Authority states that the process is being accelerated and will result in track being laid in 2026.

Purchasing the track and materials needed to launch the nations first high-speed track and systems installation within the next year is a major milestone, said Authority CEO Ian Choudri. Today, we are taking concrete actions to build faster, smarter, and more economically to deliver a modern, high-speed rail system that promotes economic mobility, affordable housing, and a cleaner environment throughout the state.

It comes as completion nears on a 150-acre rail staging yard in Kern County near the southernmost end of the Central Valley segment. The staging yard will allow freight trains to receive and deliver the materials directly to the point of installation, CAHSR officials said.

Aerial view of the Cedar Viaduct crossing in Fresno which was completed in April 2023. (California High-Speed Rail Authority)

U.S. manufacturers will be able to bid in six separate procurement packages as crews begin laying track on the 119-mile segment currently construction. Materials, including rail, ties, fiber optic cables and catenary poles, will be purchased entirely with state funds, with an approved cost of $507 million to be awarded to multiple vendors.

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The lack of track having been laid has been a major point of contention for opponents of the project, including current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. After the Department of Transportation announced it was pulling more federal funding for California High-Speed Rail, Duffy criticized the delayed process.

US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy speaks over a chorus of boos during a press conference at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 20, 2025. (Getty Images)

In twenty years, California has not been able to lay a single track of high-speed rail, Duffy said earlier this week. Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg didnt care about these failures and dumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the states wish list of related fantasy projects.

Industry experts and supporters of the California High-Speed Rail have pushed back on the notion, arguing that track-laying realistically happens late in the overall construction process, and is an easier endeavor than building bridges and underpasses, or navigating the clerical and legal challenges that have plagued the project.

The Authority has attempted to highlight what parts of system have actually been completed already, including the construction of 57 structures in the Central Valley, with 29 additional structures currently being built. Currently, 171 miles are under design and construction between Merced and Bakersfield, and nearly 70 miles of guideway is complete.

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All but 31 miles of the system has received environmental clearance between San Francisco and the greater Los Angeles area, and CAHSR says the project has generated billions in economic activity in the Central Valley.

Since construction began, the project has created over 15,800 good-paying jobsmost filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day, a news release states.

Crews work on the Mountain View Avenue Grade Separation project for the California High-Speed Rail on Jan. 30, 2024. (CaHSR)

While the Trump Administration has put the project in its crosshairs, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken up advocacy for it, proposing $1 billion annually from the states cap and trade program to provide the project with consistent, reliable funding.

Currently, the projects funding sources are spread out and sporadic. Choudri says a consistent source of funds would allow the Authority to seek financing for the project, further accelerate construction and find new revenue streams.

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To track current construction progress on the California High-Speed Rail, you can visit BuildHSR.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A worker scans a container marked with the XRPL logo in a warehouse, symbolizing blockchain integration in supply chain finance - Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content

Chinese fintech company Linklogis has announced a partnership with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to digitize global supply chain finance, according to a recent statement.

The move will see Linklogis deploy its trade finance application on XRPLs mainnet, a step aimed at scaling blockchain adoption for cross-border settlements.

The collaboration is designed to unlock faster circulation of digital assets tied to international trade flows. Linklogis intends to simplify settlement for exporters, importers, and financiers by linking its financial infrastructure with XRPL.

Beyond the initial rollout, both sides have committed to developing new products on XRPL.

These include stablecoin-based settlement systems and smart contract platforms that can bring supply chain real-world assets (RWAs) into tokenized form.

Linklogis also signaled that it will explore using artificial intelligence with blockchain to improve trade finance efficiency.

According to the firm, its Go Early and Go Deep business programs processed more than RMB 20.7 billion (about $2.8 billion) in cross-border assets last year. By anchoring those flows to XRPL, Linklogis aims to extend efficiency and transparency across global supply chains.

XRPLs expanding RWA footprint

The integration comes as XRPL accelerates its adoption across RWA sectors.

Data from RWA.xyz shows the networks tokenized RWA volume climbed 22.81% in the past month, reaching roughly $305.8 million. That growth has positioned XRPL as the ninth-largest blockchain by RWA value, supported by its expanding roster of enterprise partners.

Notably, XRPLs recent global partnerships highlight its growing relevance in tokenization.

The Dubai Land Department adopted the ledger to power its real estate tokenization program earlier this year in May. A month later, RWA platform Ondo Finance launched tokenized US Treasuries on the network.

Momentum has also spread to Latin America. Brazilian securitization firm VERT issued a 700 million real ($130 million) Agribusiness Receivables Certificate on XRPL through a blockchain-based private credit platform.

Around the same time, exchange Mercado Bitcoin disclosed plans to tokenize more than $200 million in fixed-income and equity products on the ledger.

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SACRAMENTO, California  California lawmakers reached an agreement Friday with Uber and Lyft that will open the door for app-based drivers to form unions, a victory for organized labor that could lay the groundwork for similar efforts in other states.

The deal, blessed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, brings Uber and Lyft on board with a pathway to collective bargaining rights for ride-hailing drivers after the companies spent years and massive sums of money fighting the idea. Drivers are classified as independent contractors in California, meaning they cant pursue traditional pathways to unionization.

Under the agreement, drivers will have the opportunity to organize for increased pay and additional benefits. In exchange, California leaders promised to support legislation that will drastically reduce expensive insurance coverage mandates borne by ride-hailing companies, which Uber and Lyft say have inflated fares in the state while eating into drivers incomes.

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This is a historic agreement between workers and business that only California could deliver, Newsom said in a statement. Labor and industry sat down together, worked through their differences, and found common ground that will empower hundreds of thousands of drivers while making rideshare more affordable for millions of Californians.

This a big damn deal, uplifting workers and the Golden States economy, said state Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire.

Labor leaders from SEIU heralded the agreement as a historic win after a protracted campaign to secure bargaining rights for workers.

"Gig workers have been fighting, organizing, and advocating for years, because for too long, the industrys giants have handed workers a raw deal: you do all the work and take all the risks, while corporations make all the decisions and reap the lions share of the rewards," SEIU California Executive Director Tia Orr said in a statement

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SEIU and other labor groups backed a 2019 law that would have led to drivers becoming employees, but it was quickly undermined by an industry-led 2020 ballot measure campaign to reclassify gig workers as independent contractors. The ballot measure, Proposition 22, effectively blocked drivers from unionizing and one of the most expensive ballot fights in California history.

The California Supreme Court subsequently rejected an SEIU challenge to Prop 22 but opened the door for lawmakers to pass future laws expanding labor rights for independent contractors. That ruling laid the foundation for the SEIU-sponsored bill, AB 1340, which Newsom endorsed Friday.

Authored by Democratic state Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Marc Berman, AB 1340 proposes a pathway for drivers to organize and choose a union, negotiate their working conditions and advocate for expanded benefits like health insurance, within the bounds of Prop 22.

Uber and Lyft opposed Wicks' and Berman's bill when it was introduced earlier this year. But the ride-hailing companies were pushing a bill of their own: Democratic state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon's SB 371, aimed at trimming a mandate that required rideshare companies to hold $1 million in insurance coverage for crashes caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists.

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"I think everyone came to the table, right? But I think that's because of the pressure created by workers," Wicks told POLITICO.

Newsom and legislative leaders committed to support insurance relief in Friday's agreement, delivering the companies a significant win of their own that they said promises to lower Uber and Lyft fares in California.

We're encouraged to see these two bills advancing in tandem," Ramona Prieto, Ubers head of public policy, said in a statement. "Together, they represent a compromise that lowers costs for riders while creating stronger voices for drivers."

Cabaldon's plan promises to slash the minimum insurance requirement to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. Cabaldon said the existing rules, established in 2015 when ride-hailing was in its infancy, are "outsized insurance requirements that dont apply to any other forms of transportation, such as taxis, buses, or limos.

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Uber and Lyft fares in the Golden State are consistently higher than in other parts of the U.S. because of the mandates, according to research from the companies.

Wicks anticipated full details for both bills will be available early next week.

Jeremy B. White contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misstated the year Prop 22 passed.
This article was originally published in CalMatters.

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Break out the crayons and finger paint: Every 4-year-old in California is now eligible for transitional kindergarten.

Fifteen years after a handful of school districts opened the first TK classrooms, California now has the largest  and fastest growing  early education program in the country. At least 200,000 youngsters will attend TK this fall, enjoying low teacher-student ratios, age-appropriate curriculum and plenty of music, art and circle time.

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This really is something to celebrate, said Carolyne Crolotte, policy director for Early Edge California, an advocacy group. Now, theres no question about whos eligible and who isnt. Everyone is eligible.

TK is meant to be a bridge between preschool and kindergarten, preparing 4-year-olds for the routine and expectations of elementary school while honing their social skills and self-confidence. In TK, children learn how to make friends, write their names and do basic math. Mostly, theyre supposed to fall in love with learning.

Holding frogs and counting marshmallows

That was the case at Silverwood Elementary in Concord last week as a dozen bright-eyed 4-year-olds hovered around their teacher, Elizabeth Swanson, as she gingerly held out a tree frog for their inspection.

Several got a chance to hold the docile, turquoise amphibian.

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What does the frog feel like? What do you wonder about the frog? said Swanson, who was recently named Mt. Diablo Unifieds Teacher of the Year. How does he use his hands? How do you use your hands?

But the tree frog  one of several critters in her classroom  was not the most popular attraction that afternoon. That honor belonged to the home living station, a corner of the classroom dedicated to costumes, dollhouses, a mini kitchen and everything else an imaginative youngster would need to play house.

Last year, an enterprising group of students, inspired by the opening of a Dutch Bros. near the school, used the home living station to open their own coffee shop. They ordered lattes and made coffee and collected money. Swanson turned it into a math lesson by asking them to count marshmallows and decide how many should go into each cup of hot chocolate.

One child would be the barista and one would be the customer, so they learned how to share and take turns, Swanson said. They were getting so much practice with social language and communication. And everything was integrated into play.

Importance of fun

Judy Krause, executive director of early childhood programs at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, said thats exactly what a TK classroom should be like. The focus should be on experimentation and hands-on activities, based on students interests. TK, she said, is not a version of kindergarten; 4-year-olds have unique developmental needs. The main one, she said, is having fun.

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If children are enjoying themselves, theyll learn naturally, she said. If they feel overly pressured or bored, theyll lose interest and miss out on valuable skills theyll need for kindergarten and beyond.

Its a really big deal that we have this opportunity for all 4-year-olds, Krause said. But we have to make sure were doing it right.

15-year rollout of TK

California introduced TK in 2010, and a decade later began expanding it to all districts. This year is the culmination of that effort, with all 4-year-olds now eligible and 91% of districts offering the program. The only districts that are exempt are those that dont receive money through the states funding formula because they receive more money through their local property taxes.

Like kindergarten, TK is optional. But many districts, including Mt. Diablo Unified, have seen strong interest from families. A recent report from the Public Policy Institute of California predicted that about 70% of 4-year-olds will enroll in TK this fall, with waiting lists in some districts. Black, Latino and Native American students have been slightly underrepresented so far, although those not enrolled might be enrolled in other programs. The state doesnt track that data.

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Nearly everyone agrees TK is a good idea. Children whove attended TK tend to do better in reading and math, and those with disabilities can be identified early and receive services, research shows.

TK, which is free, can be a financial boon for families. Because of Californias high cost of living, child care and preschool costs are among the highest in the country, with families paying up to $20,000 annually  more than the cost of in-state tuition at the University of California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has long championed TK, setting aside more than $2.7 billion in the years when the state had a budget surplus. The money is to help school districts pay teachers, keep class sizes small and provide other services to the new learners. Ongoing funds will come from the states Local Control Funding Formula.

California is making a big commitment to making transitional kindergarten free and accessible to all 4-year-olds, Newsom said in a 2023 video. When were finished, California will have the largest free preschool program in the country, where every 4-year-old can start their schooling on the right track, setting them up for success further down the road.

Teacher shortage and other challenges

But the TK rollout has had some hiccups. The chief one is finding enough qualified teachers. Because of the small class sizes and the extra qualifications required to teach 4-year-olds, theres a shortfall of at least 12,000 TK teachers, according to Early Edge California. Last year the state introduced a new TK-through-third-grade credential and more districts are partnering with local colleges to recruit and train future teachers, which has eased the shortage somewhat.

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Another obstacle has been finding classroom space. Like kindergarten classrooms, TK classrooms must contain bathrooms, which means that districts had to find money to remodel existing classrooms, or build new ones altogether. Last years $10 billion school construction bond has funding available for TK projects.

TK has also had an impact on preschools. Families in California have several early education options: state-funded preschools for low-income families, federal Head Start preschool for very low-income families, and private preschools. Now that 4-year-olds have a free option, existing preschools have seen an enrollment decline that, in some cases, has led schools to raise prices or even close. A recent report from UC Berkeley showed that TK expansion has led to pre-K deserts in some parts of the state.

Bruce Fuller, an education professor at UC Berkeley whos researched TK, said its too early to tell whos benefitting from the program.

Were seeing a shift away from preschool and toward TK, but we dont know if TK is actually reaching new families, Fuller said. We might just be seeing families who would have enrolled anyway.

Dual-language programs

A handful of districts offer dual-language TK classes, which have been popular with parents. Karina Galustians, a parent in the Tujunga neighborhood of Los Angeles, enrolled her daughter Julianna last fall in an Armenian-English TK class in Los Angeles Unifieds Pinewood Early Education Center.

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Galustians husband speaks fluent Armenian, and the couple was eager for Julianna to be able to communicate with the extended family and learn more about the culture.

The more languages you know, the better off you are, said Galustians, whose first language is Spanish. To find a school where she can get those academic skills and practice her Armenian  me and my husband were beyond grateful. We hit the jackpot.

Julianna starts kindergarten this fall at another Los Angeles Unified school, where shell be part of the Armenian dual language program. We feel like shes very well prepared, Galustians said.

Everyone feels included

Meanwhile, at Silverwood Elementary in Concord, Swanson ended the day by having students put away the blocks and plastic bugs and Eric Carle books. Then she sat with them in a circle and praised each childs efforts and told them how excited she was to see them again tomorrow.

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David, you were super responsible today, Swanson told an awed 4-year-old as she handed him a personalized certificate. Lindsay, you were a good friend. Zaire, you were so respectful.

Then it was time for the children to go meet their parents, who were waiting at the side of the playground. Swanson chatted with nearly every parent, telling them how much she enjoys their children.

I think TK should be the same as what we want for society generally, Swanson said. It should be a place where everyone feels included and valued. We want everyone to be curious and non-judgmental and happy to be here.

This article was originally published on CalMatters and was republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.
Wise strategy

Trump's strategy is wise: hate, division, fear and chaos. He loves chaos because that keeps the American people from seeing what he's actually doing. He's stirring up all this stuff about the National Guard and military troops to keep us from looking at what he's doing to our economy, how he's handling the rest of the world, the terrible things that are going on in Ukraine and in Gaza. He does not want us to look at that because he could handle that a lot better.

Quackery and incompetence

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Well-qualified physicians and scientists are leaving the CDC due to RFK's incompetent leadership that seems destined to replace exceptional health care with anti-vaccine quackery. Why does this wealthy nation have to accept the increased illness and death this incompetence will cause?

Do something about it

I still wonder when Hawley and Schmitt and Graves and the other congressmen from this state, and other states included, are going to put a stop to Trump. He's a wannabe dictator. It'll take years to fix what he's undone. And as far as I'm concerned, those guys that I mentioned are no better than him if you're not going to do something about it.

Doesn't like it

There is no mail-in voter fraud. Trump just doesn't like it because it's primarily Democrats that are using it.
NEW YORK  A New York City oversight board petitioned the Department of Justice, hired an outside investigator and issued subpoenas as part of a widening probe into Mayor Eric Adams campaign fundraising practices.

Those revelations came in a trove of federal court papers filed Friday that paint the clearest picture yet of the Campaign Finance Boards independent investigation into Adams 2021 and 2025 mayoral runs  along with more detailed reasoning behind the board's decision to repeatedly deny the mayor public matching funds.

The CFB submitted the court papers in response to an Aug. 15 federal lawsuit filed by Adams campaign challenging the boards matching funds denial. The case is the second from Adams camp seeking to unlock what was originally north of $3 million in public campaign funds for the November general election, though the mayor recently told POLITICO his continued fundraising has shrunk the potential public payout to something closer to $1 million.

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As part of its formal answer to the lawsuit, CFB Executive Director Paul Ryan penned a declaration revealing the board issued subpoenas to individuals believed to have information relevant to its probe.

As of todays date, the board has issued subpoenas for documents and testimony to 17 individuals and has begun to receive documents and take depositions, wrote Ryan.

In July, the board retained DeLuca Advisory Services, a firm that specializes in compliance and investigations, Ryan added. And in August, the CFB penned a letter to the DOJ seeking information related to the five-count federal bribery case against Adams that was dismissed in April at the behest of federal prosecutors  a decision that sparked mass resignations at the Justice Department and prompted the presiding judge to suggest there was a bargain between the mayor and the Trump administration.

The CFB is seeking information that was submitted to the court as part of that case and later placed under a protective order. In August, the board sent a letter to the U.S. Attorneys office in the Southern District of New York requesting the order be relaxed so the board could review the materials. The CFB then asked the Adams campaign to send a similar request.

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While the campaigns compliance attorney, Vito Pitta, agreed to the CFBs request, the board and Ryan accused Pitta of repeatedly making false statements and misleading investigators throughout the campaign cycle. In particular, the board accused Pitta of stating the campaign had complied with all information requests when evidence in the case suggested the mayor himself and others had not disclosed everything sought by the CFB.

Pitta referred POLITICO to the campaign.

Campaign spokesperson Todd Shapiro disputed the boards characterization.

The campaign has followed the law at every step, he said in a statement. Mayor Adams has over thirty years of experience running campaigns in full compliance with the rules and regulations that govern our electoral system.

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While the CFB won the first legal battle with Adams campaign earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis disapproved of the boards reliance on the five-count federal bribery indictment against Adams, which was dismissed in April at the behest of the Department of Justice.

The CFB declined to comment on the case. But Fridays filing appears designed to circumvent Garaufis line of attack by elucidating more clearly the boards own investigatory process.

Shapiro expressed hope that the second legal salvo against the board, which is funded in the city budget controlled by Adams, would be successful.

We respect that process and are confident that when reviewed fairly, the record will show that this campaign has abided by the law and deserves to be treated no differently than any other candidate, said Shapiro.

On Thursday, the CFB again denied Adams matching funds, citing both the campaigns failure to provide required information and the boards having reason to believe Adams broke the law.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WNCN)  A Canadian man was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of illegally voting in North Carolina, prosecutors said.

According to the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, 69-year-old Denis Bouchard has lived in the U.S. since the 1960s, but never became an American citizen.

CRIME TRACKER  Sign up for CBS 17s newsletter with the latest in local crime

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Bouchard is accused of voting in the 2022 congressional election and the 2024 presidential election after falsely claiming to have American citizenship on his registration, according to federal prosecutors.

Federal prosecutors said Bouchard is charged with two counts of falsely claiming to be an American citizen to vote in an election and two counts of preventing a fair election by casting a fraudulent ballot.

Every single time a noncitizen casts an illegal vote in North Carolina, it steals and nullifies the vote of an actual citizen, U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said in a statement. If the records are correct, this Canadian citizen appears to have voted in New Hanover and Pender County elections over the past 20 years. We intend to prove his illegal conduct in court and put an end to it.

James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina, said in a statement, Every American deserves to exercise their right to vote without interference in the democratic process. We appreciate the North Carolina Board of Elections partnership and commitment to working together to ensure fair elections in our state.

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Said North Carolina State Board of Elections Executive Director Sam Hayes in a statement, I am proud of the efforts of our investigators who worked this case prior to handing it off to our law enforcement partners at the FBI. Nothing is more critical to our democracy than confidence in our electoral process, which is why vigorous enforcement of our election laws must be a priority.

The NC State Board of Elections team continues to stand ready to assist the U.S. Attorneys Office as they investigate and prosecute voter fraud in North Carolina, he continued in his statement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com.
ST. JAMES, La. (Louisiana First)  Nearly every seat was filled at Shekinah Glory Christian Fellowship Church in St. James on Wednesday. The hymns, sermons and talk of good versus evil were typical of every church service across the state, but the featured guest speaker and calls to action were unique.

St. James is located in Cancer Alley, an 85-mile stretch along the Mississippi River where more than 200 chemical plants dot the land. A Human Rights Watch investigation summarized what academics, scientists and experts from across the world have identified for decades: the thousands of people living there are exposed to significantly higher health risks from pollutants.

Investigators report nearly every census tract ranks in the top 5% nationally for cancer risk and in the top 10% for respiratory problems. A 2021 Tulane study estimated air pollution leads to around 85 cancer cases each year in Louisiana, and the majority come from Cancer Alley.

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Tulane scientist resigns citing university censorship of pollution and racial disparity research

The statistics represent real people who live in these nine parishes, said Robert Taylor, who became a climate activist later in life when he began to understand the chemicals impact on his Reserve community.

My wife died as a result from her exposure here, Taylor said.

Taylor said in his neighborhood, at least one home on every street is battling cancer. He said people in the community listened to the experts and understood the plants are causing people to have serious health problems or worse, but people in power refused to listen or act in a manner consistent with the emergency.

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They were making money, Taylor said. That was more important than the lives of these people.

In late July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would rescind the endangerment finding. This Obama-era report linked climate change to the chemicals being pumped out of petrochemical and automotive plants, and the government used it to implement regulations on these industries operations. The Human Rights Watch report concluded that the companies often shirked what little regulations they faced or paid fines that ultimately did not hurt their profits.

Lee Zeldin is the current EPA Administrator. He said shortly after being confirmed that the government would begin prioritizing deregulation.

We believe we dont have to choose between protecting the environment and choosing the economy, Zeldin said. We choose both.

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Zeldin referenced climate policies made under the Biden administration as ones the Trump administration would target.

Regulations from 2023 and 2024 were suffocating industries out of existence, Zeldin said.

Louisiana plant at the center of an environmental justice fight halts operations

Louisiana First Investigates reached out to petrochemical companies across the state for comment on the new proposal, and Formosa Plastics responded with a statement:

We are aware of the EPAs proposal. Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. remains committed to reducing our environmental impact regardless of regulatory changes. Our long-term sustainability strategy includes ongoing investments in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Were advancing projects to improve data tracking, develop product carbon footprints, and reduce energy intensity across our operations. These efforts are part of our broader goal to support a more sustainable future. Learn more at www.fpcusa.com/sustainability. We have no further comment at this time.

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Dr. Alex Kolker is a climate scientist and professor at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. He said research and evolving technologies conclude without a doubt that the petrochemical industry bears a large burden with modern contributions to climate change.

This is extremely well studied, Kolker said. People have been looking at it for decades.

Kolker said if trends do not change, waters will continue to rise, extreme weather events like hurricanes will become more frequent and people will need to adapt to warmer temperatures over extended periods of time.

Its something that impacts all of us on this planet, Kolker said.

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Kolker said plants release many chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene, ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Some contribute to climate change but have little to no impact on peoples health. Others do the opposite: they make people sick, but they have little impact on the planet.

Theres a lot of very reasonable concern about air pollution, Kolker said.

That concern can be found in Cancer Alley, where people gathered at Shekinah for a service focused on calling for climate action. Taylor was one of many speakers who took the microphone to share their personal experiences. Some spoke about people who died from rare diseases after working for years in the plants.

The main draw was former Vice President Al Gore, who said he was moved by these stories and wanted to see more done.

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Somethings got to happen, Gore said during his speech. The laws and regulations have been twisted.

Justice Dept. says ending Louisiana petrochemical case helps dismantle radical DEI programs

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
Buds of marijuana on display inside Mother Earth Wellness in Pawtucket. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Rhode Islands cannabis regulators have yet to announce the date when they will start to accept applications for 24 new retail licenses, but they have now opened up the initial screening process for those seeking to obtain one of the states six social equity licenses.

The states Cannabis Control Commission on Friday launched its online certification portal for prospective business owners to certify that they are qualified for one of the specialty licenses meant for those who were adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, including residents in five municipalities identified as social equity zones.

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Today is more than the start of an application process  it is the continuation of a system that places safety, equity, and transparency at the center of Rhode Islands cannabis market, Commission Chairperson Kimberly Ahern said in a statement. We are committed to ensuring that this industry not only grows responsibly but also delivers meaningful opportunities to the people and communities who were disproportionately impacted by past prohibition.

The certification process administered by Massachusetts-based Creative Services, Inc. is open through Sept. 29, according to the commissions announcement.

Prospective applicants will first have to fill an online form on the commissions website, before receiving a link from Creative Services to the online certification portal  such forms are available through Sept. 24.

From there, applicants must provide documentation proving their status.

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Regulations approved by the commission earlier in the year require that applicants have at least 51% ownership and control by individuals directly impacted by past cannabis laws or economic disparities or a minimum of 10 full time employees that meet the same criteria.

Qualifying factors include convictions for nonviolent cannabis offenses or residency in disproportionately impacted areas  which can be determined by federal poverty level, unemployment rate, the number of students in a free school lunch program, and historic arrest rates by census tract.

A preliminary analysis presented to the commission last October found that three of the states 39 municipalities met the criteria for a social equity zone set in Rhode Islands 2022 law: Central Falls, Providence and Woonsocket. Some census tracts in Pawtucket and Newport also met the criteria.

Documentation that can be submitted to prove eligibility include articles of incorporation, proof of residency and payroll registers.

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Under the 2022 act that legalized recreational cannabis, the commission can offer 24 new licenses to retailers, with six reserved for social equity applicants and another six reserved for worker-owned cooperatives.

Licenses must be spread throughout six geographic zones, with a maximum of four stores per zone.

Regulations enacted in May call for a hybrid selection process in which applicants would first be screened based on qualifications before being placed in a lottery.

All prospective retailers would pay an application fee of $7,500 and a yearly $30,000 licensing fee. But the application fee will be waived for the first year for approved social equity applicants.

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To keep things fair, regulators plan to randomly select which applicants will get a license.

Applicants cannot change their corporate structure after receiving Social Equity Applicant Status Certification unless they obtain a variance from the Cannabis Control Commission.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Canutillo High Schools Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets were out in full force at the annual Tour de Tolerance on Sunday, Aug. 17.

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These cadets traded the drill deck for the racecourse, guiding runners through the route and handing out water to keep participants moving in the heat, according to Canutillo ISD in a news release.

Their teamwork and enthusiasm not only kept the event running smoothly but also brought energy and encouragement to the athletes, read the news release.

The Tour de Tolerance is an annual fundraising event hosted by the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center. It features a 50K bike ride, 5K run/walk, and one-mile family and dog walks.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the event raises funds to support the museums educational programs that combat hatred and promote tolerance.

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We are proud of our cadets for stepping up and serving their community with dedication and teamwork, said Senior Chief (Ret.) Omar Gonzalez, senior naval science instructor. Events like this allow them to practice leadership while making a positive impact.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  Gov. Larry Rhoden has directed that flags should be flown at half-staff statewide on Tuesday, September 2, in honor of a state legislator who recently died.

Previously, flags flew at half-staff only at the Capitol building in Pierre to mark the death of a current or past state lawmaker.

The loss of Richard Vasgaard marks the fifth time that Rhoden must appoint a replacement to the Legislature since becoming governor in January.

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Vasgaard, 75, died in a farming accident on Wednesday. He was serving his third year in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

According to an online obituary, visitation will be held on Monday, September 1, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM CT and again at 7:00 PM CT at Scandia Lutheran Church, 251 Broadway Street, Centerville. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, at 10:30 AM CT at the church.

Flags already had been ordered by Rhoden to fly at half-staff across South Dakota through Sunday as a show of respect for victims of the Minnesota school shootings.

WHATS NEXT: Vasgaards death creates an open seat just weeks before the September 23 special legislative session that Gov. Rhoden has called regarding construction of a new state mens prison in Sioux Falls.

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Rhoden announced on Friday a special FAQ web page about the project.

The special session comes after the state House on February 21 refused to approve funding for a mens prison proposed at a rural site in Lincoln County.

The controversial Lincoln County legislation, which had been planned for years by the previous governor, Kristi Noem, came out of the Legislatures Joint Committee on Appropriations without recommendation.

The appropriators unanimous decision to make no recommendation meant the legislation needed the consent of a majority of House members for it be debated.

Vasgaard, who farmed in the Centerville area, was elected to the House from District 16, which includes much of Lincoln County. He voted to put the Lincoln County legislation on the House debate calendar and then voted for an amendment intended as a compromise to keep it alive.

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But Vasgaard then voted against passing the compromise legislation, helping to kill it. He voted no a second time during an attempt to reconsider it.

Days later, Rhoden appointed a Project Prison Reset panel to independently develop a recommendation. The special panel ultimately proposed a Benson Road site in Sioux Falls.

Rhoden hasnt yet said whether he wants to have a replacement for Vasgaard seated in time for the special session.

REARRANGING THE FURNITURE: One of the changes that Kristi Noem made after she was elected in 2018 was to switch where she and some of her direct staff worked within the space of the governors office on the second floor of the Capitol.

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Noem closed the offices main double doors that had been open to the public for decades and moved into the large area that had previously served as a ceremonial space where people could visit or wait to see the governor and also see the historic desk used for bill signing ceremonies.

Members of the public were instead channeled through a small side door into a side room, where a series of at least five previous governors, from Janklow through Daugaard, had privately worked.

That put the historic desk out of view, other than for people allowed into Noems inner sanctum to see it or during special occasions when the desk was moved into the rotunda for a bill signing.

Noem described the change as a return to the arrangement that Frank Farrar had used while he was governor in 1971-72.

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Now that Noem has stepped down, Rhoden has changed the arrangement back. The main double doorway is open again to anyone who wants to stop in.

ANOTHER GAMBLE: The South Dakota Lottery Commission holds a public hearing later this month on whether to adopt administrative rules governing the new Millionaire for Life jackpot lotto game.

The new offering is scheduled to start in March 2026. South Dakota Lottery officials plan to replace the current Lucky for Life lotto game.

The September 25 hearing starts at 9:45 a.m. CT in room 412 at the Capitol.

Sales of lotto tickets during the 2024 fiscal year generated $8,771,994 for state governments general fund and $3,759,426 for the states capital construction fund. Fiscal 2025 sales were down 35.47% as of the commissions most recent meeting on June 18.

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BRIEFLY: The South Dakota Legislature is accepting applications from university and college students who want to serve as interns during the 2026 legislative session. The deadline is October 17, 2025

Black Hills State University President Steve Elliott announced the hiring of Dr. Ashley Armstrong as the Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at BHSU-Rapid City. Armstrong oversees all operations at the Rapid City campus

South Dakota State University junior Malorie Thorson has been crowned the 72nd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair. She is a dairy production major from Waverly, Minnesota.

You can reach KELOLAND Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer with tips, questions, complaints and story ideas by calling 605-280-7580. He also can be reached via digital messages at bmercer@keloland.com or @pierremercer on X, or through U.S. mail at 1810 Camden Court, Pierre, SD, 57501.

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Pallbearers carry the casket of Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen from Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena to begin the funeral procession on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Sydnie Fonoti for Utah News Dispatch)

If Sgt. Lee Sorensen had died of old age and not at 56 in the line of duty, his funeral would have been similar  with hundreds of officers mourning a big loss in the community.

Thats how Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he imagined it during the sergeants public funeral Friday, in front of about 3,000 people at Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum arena. Cox never met Sorensen, but officers from the small Tremonton-Garland Police Department can attest to it.

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Sorensen was there for his fellow officers rough days, and also right after the births of their children. Officers and family members described him as a patient voice, and a person many in the Tremonton-Garland community could rely on.

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Lee was a true hero. Even on that fateful night, Lee stood for everything the men in blue stand for. Lee did his job. Lee did what was asked of him, his brother Will Sorensen said. Youll never find a kinder, (more) loving person than Lee. I guarantee it.

The service had several speakers both from Sorensens family and the station. Many wore blue ribbons on their chest, and almost none could contain tears while speaking of his life.

Sorensen received his bachelors degree in agriculture from Utah State University this year, fulfilling one of his lifelong goals. He always had multiple jobs. He was a jokester, and a peacemaker with a special skill to de-escalate any fight, Will Sorensen said.

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He cared about everybody, he cared about his community, he cared about his family, Will Sorensen said, telling stories he had heard over the past two weeks about his brother, and how he walked women leaving their late-night shifts to their cars, or took time out of his day to talk with drivers about the importance of wearing a seatbelt. That is caring, that is loving, that is Lee.

That lively memory remains after Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada were killed on Aug. 17 while responding to a domestic violence incident. An autographed closed-up photo of his face  that he printed as a joke  still hangs at the department. And this year, during the Box Elder County Fair, everyone thought about him and Estrada at the sight of two riderless horses brought out during the rodeo in their honor.

Members of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department become emotional while listening to speaker Will Sorensen during the funeral of his brother, Sgt. Lee Sorensen, at Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Sydnie Fonoti for Utah News Dispatch)

Among the many jobs Sorensen had, was a role as an investigator for the Office of the Medical Examiner, a place that Cox described as a tough place with very strong people. People who see the worst tragedies every single day.

A day after Sorensens killing they werent the stoic people I knew, Cox said. The tears were flowing. That same day was also Sorensens 31st wedding anniversary with his wife, Lanette, Cox learned then.

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(When) I became governor, and I realized, that literally, I have people who wear the badge whose job it is to protect me and my family, to take a bullet for us. Then I realized thats not just something the governor gets. Thats something that every person in Utah gets, Cox said. Im in a room full of people who put a badge on every day, a badge that says, I will take a bullet for you.

Sorensen died while responding to a domestic violence incident from a home near Bear River High School with Estrada, whose funeral was Thursday.

According to court documents, the officers were responding to 911 hang-up calls when 32-year-old Ryan Michael Bate emerged from the house with a high-powered rifle, killing one of the two officers. Its still uncertain which officer arrived at the scene first. Bate immediately shot the second other officer that arrived at the home, killing him as well.

A sheriffs deputy and his police service dog were also shot that day and are in recovery.

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After the shootings, investigators said they learned Bate had slammed his wifes head into a doorframe, grabbed her throat, pinned her down and threatened to kill her. Hes now facing 20 separate charges, including aggravated murder, a capital offense in Utah. Box Elder County prosecutors announced they will pursue the death penalty if Bate is convicted.

Law enforcement officers follow behind the hearse carrying Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen in a funeral procession through Logan to Garland Cemetery on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by Sydnie Fonoti for Utah News Dispatch)

A life of sacrifice

What made Sorensen a remarkable member of the community wasnt only defined by what happened that final night, Cox said. But, what he did every day before.

Lee was not just willing to take a bullet for all of us, Cox said, Lee was willing to wear out his life in service to all of us.

Sorensen is survived by his wife Lanette, his children Lacee and Landon, and many cousins, nieces and nephews  so many that dozens of them performed a musical number during the service as a choir.

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Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova described Sorensen as sharp-witted, thoughtful, always prepared and never afraid to speak up for those around him. Also as someone who never missed an opportunity to teach.

Today we mourn our brother, who gave everything in the service of others. He sacrificed himself to protect an innocent life that night and he will forever be our hero, Cordova said. His bravery is not just a memory. Its a torch passed to us.

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  A shooter opened fire on a Minneapolis church window, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Now, the local Catholic community is sharing its thoughts and condolences with those involved.

The shooter was identified as a 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene after firing through the windows of the Annunciation Church.

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, in 2025, there were 148 school shootings nationwide.

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Any time I hear about school shootings, it's just heartbreaking," said Karen Kroh, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. "The fact that this occurred during the first back-to-school mass for the school year at Annunciation was devastating."

In a statement to Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Pope Leo XIV expressed his "heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child."

As a "pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus," Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon "the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area."

Father Steve Hansen, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, said his secretary informed him of the shooting yesterday.

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"You know, that while children are praying at Mass, actually singing the songs of King David, that this would happen. A great sadness overcame," he said

Hansen expressed how all the pastors and schools agreed to pray yesterday for Annunciation. He said the whole world will be praying about this tragedy.

"I assure you that all of the churches in town and throughout the probably the country, if not the world, will be praying," said Father Hansen.

Hansen had a few words for the families in Minneapolis that have been affected by the shooting,

"I say to our parents and to our grandparents and to all of our adults to really watch off, watch over our young people who are having difficulties and never be afraid to intervene and to ask others for help on how to help a young person who could be troubled," he said. "That's a good thing for all of us to be aware of, myself included, just to be reminded of our important role and looking after those who are struggling.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte transit officials are taking steps to improve security in the wake of the deadly stabbing last week on a Blue Line train.

In December 2024, The Charlotte Area Transit System consolidated its safety and security operations under contracted firm Professional Security Services to streamline oversight and enhance service delivery.

CATS officials say over the last eight months, security officers conducted regular patrols of public and closed-off areas. Further, there are active enforcement officers to make sure people pay for fares, and officials are working with police to ban repeat offenders from public transportation.

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Charlotte city leaders look for transit safety solutions after stabbing death near light rail

CATS ongoing safety efforts also include:

Deployment of security officers across the system during all hours of operation, seven days a week.

CATS says PSS currently has 184 security personnel with a total contracted amount of 219 total security personnel. PSS is actively recruiting, hiring and training staff with the goal of achieving full staffing this fall.

Development of a new training facility to provide real-world scenario training, in addition to meeting all state certification requirements.

Staffing a full team of police dispatchers to staff the PSS Transit Police Dispatch Center.

Operation of 10 active police patrol vehicles, with 18 vehicles system-wide supporting safety efforts.

Police officially arrested Decarlos Brown Jr. Thursday in connection to the murder of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska. Court records show the stabbing occurred on the Blue Line train near the East/West Station in South End.

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After being charged with the murder of Zarutska, he was sent to the hospital due to lacerations on his own hand.

In April, a man was paralyzed after being beaten on a bus in north Charlotte. That bus driver was fired by the company that staffs CATS buses since he did not stop when the incident occurred.

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(KRON)  Two people were allegedly caught on camera abandoning five teenage cats outside the Antioch Animal Services shelter around 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Antioch Animal Services is asking for the publics help identifying the pair, so officials can potentially charge them with abandonment.

Redwood City man arrested for attempting to record woman in park bathroom: PD

When we post animals dumped outside of our facility, we get told, You should get cameras! Antioch Animal Services wrote on social media Thursday. We have cameras, very good ones, and a great crime analyst to grab license plates and more.

Two people were caught on camera abandoning five cats, according to Antioch Animal Services. (Still from video provided by Antioch Animal Services)

According to the animal shelter, the cats suffered through a frightening night outside. One of the cats is missing after the ordeal.

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Man filming, harassing children near Louise Van Meter Elementary School in Los Gatos arrested: PD

We watched their scary night unfold: Raccoons, who pulled their makeshift bowl out of the crate, other cats taunted them, growled at them, our sprinkler system soaked them this morning at 5 a.m. and then an unhoused resident set them free and scared them into the bushes, Antioch Animal Services said.

Watch the security footage in the video at the top of this story. Anyone with information about the suspects identities is asked to email ccottle@antiochca.gov.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The ransomware attack crippling the Nevada state government has had ripples across county and local municipalities, including school districts.

The Clark County School District is one of the agencies dealing with the aftermath of the hack.

The state has been in touch with us, CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert said. Great communication and understanding. Did they have access to our network? Is there any connections within the network that we need to make sure arent connected?'

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Ebert told 8 News Now the cyberattack has impacted access to Safevoices website and the districts ability to do fingerprints. Shes encouraging families seeking to report bullying and violence to SafeVoice to instead call 1-833-216-7233.

CCSD was the target of a ransomware attack two years ago and has experience in dealing with this.

As the state continues to work on what is transpiring there, were continuing to keep our network and our infrastructure safe, Ebert said.

Republic Gov. Joe Lombardo on Thursday sought to reassure schools that the hackers wont throw a wrench into public education.

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The pupil-centered funding program was also successfully transmitted to the bank this morning, and its on track to be in the recipients bank accounts by Tuesday, Lombardo said.

Pupil-centered funding is critical for public schools in paying their employees and keeping the doors open. It was money lawmakers approved in May.

Lombardos Chief of Staff Ryan Cherry announced at a press conference on Wednesday that the state has found a way to distribute education funds.

We were also able to find a manual process in which we were successful in allocating the pupil-centered funding plan dollars, Cherry said.

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The Nevada Department of Educations website is operational, but the website for the State Public Charter School Authority is down, impacting charter school families.

When asked how the hack is impacting the agencies, both the NDE and SPCSA referred 8 News Now to Governor Joe Lombardos office.

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In the weeks before they moved to oust Dr. Susan Monarez as head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, top US Department of Health and Human Services officials repeatedly pressed her in meetings to commit to signing off on potential new vaccine restrictions, two people familiar with the matter said.

Among those present: Jim ONeill, the No. 2 HHS official, who has since become the CDCs new acting chief, the people said.

It was not immediately clear what role ONeill played in the meetings or whether he directly sought to convince Monarez to pledge her support for recommendations that might limit access to proven vaccines, two people familiar with the matter told CNN.

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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his deputy chief of staff, Stefanie Spear, led the internal push to secure Monarezs allegiance, the people said.

But ONeills participation in the meetings, which has not been previously reported, has spurred questions among staffers about whether he would stand up to political pressure in running the CDC, which is charged with making critical public health recommendations that determine Americans access to a wide range of vaccines. It could also complicate efforts to ease tensions between HHS leadership and CDC staff, who are still reeling from mass layoffs and a shooting this month that killed a police officer and left employees traumatized.

An HHS spokesperson declined to comment, instead referring to a note Kennedy sent to CDC staff on Thursday announcing ONeills appointment as acting director.

Together, we will rebuild this institution into what it was always meant to be: a guardian of Americas health and security, Kennedy wrote in the email, adding that ONeill would help advance this mission.

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On Friday, ONeill acknowledged his new role atop the CDC in a post on X that criticized the agency for losing trust during President Joe Bidens administration and asserted we are helping the agency earn back the trust it had squandered.

In the meetings with Kennedy, ONeill and other HHS officials, Monarez refused to bend to the pressure, insisting on several occasions that she would not back any actions before examining the underlying evidence, the people said.

The standoff culminated on Wednesday with the Trump administration declaring shed been fired  a high-profile moment that spurred the resignations of four other senior officials and tipped the agency into crisis.

ONeill has had little discernible interaction with the CDCs rank and file since joining the administration in June, the people familiar with the matter said.

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But Kennedy, a longtime CDC critic and leading antivaccine activist prior to joining the Trump administration, has taken the agency to task in the aftermath of Monarezs ouster.

Theres a lot of trouble at CDC, and its going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture, he said during a news conference in Texas on Thursday.

Kennedy has sought to advance major changes to the federal governments evaluation of vaccines in recent months, despite growing misgivings among career scientists at the CDC and elsewhere within the department.

The dispute with Monarez grew primarily out of the work done by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of independent experts who make recommendations to the CDC on vaccine policy.

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Kennedy fired all of the committees members in June and appointed a new slate that includes allies who have questioned the safety of vaccines, sparking concern inside and outside the CDC that they would seek new restrictions on long-accepted vaccines.

The advisory committee is scheduled to meet in mid-September to examine a range of vaccines, including recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine  an immunization long targeted by Kennedy and others who have sowed doubt about its inclusion among the vaccines routinely given to children.

ONeill, a longtime biotech investor close to billionaire Peter Thiel who did a stint at HHS during the George W. Bush administration, has said little publicly about vaccines and kept a low public profile since becoming Kennedys second-in-command.

During his confirmation hearing in May, ONeill told Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, that hes very strongly pro-vaccine and supported the CDCs vaccination schedule.

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Some Kennedy allies have suggested that his appointment might help dampen the blowback over Monarezs ouster, especially among Republican lawmakers alarmed by the recent chaos. That is because some view ONeill as a more experienced government hand with more mainstream health care credentials who can provide some stability, two people familiar with the discussions said.

Still, critics said theres little expectation that ONeill will serve as a bulwark against any future efforts to limit vaccine access  and, given his dual role at HHS and CDC, instead now appears positioned to only accelerate Kennedys agenda.

I dont know who actually will be making those calls, but I do understand that when weve been working on these data that we make decisions from, a lot of that is coming from the White House, is coming from HHS, Dr. Dan Jernigan, one of the senior CDC officials who resigned after Monarezs firing, said Thursday on The Source with Kaitlan Collins. And so I dont know exactly where were going to go next.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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On Thursday evening, Dr. Demetre Daskalakiswho recently resigned from a high-level role at the Centers for Disease Controlrevealed a jarring fact about Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to Daskalakis, Kennedy has never been briefed by any of the centers scientists on major diseases.

Daskalakis was one of numerous top CDC officials to leave their post this week after Kennedy fired the agencys director for refusing to rubberstamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, per the ousted directors lawyers. Stepping down as director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory, Daskalakis cited the CDCs transformation under RFK Jr. into a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the publics health.

During a Thursday CNN appearance, Daskalakis advised senators to ask Kennedy at his appearance before the Senate Finance Committee next week: Has he been ever briefed by a CDC expert on anythingon, specifically, measles, Covid-19, flu? Asked whether RFK has indeed ever received such a briefing, Daskalakis replied, The answer is no. So no one from my center has ever briefed him on any of those topics.

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Hes getting information from somewhere, but that information is not coming from CDC experts, Daskalakis continued. CDC is the preeminent public health organization, Im going to say, in the world. And hes not taking us up on several offers to brief him on these very important topics. Asked why, he raised the possibility that Kennedy has alternate experts that he may trust more than the experts at CDC that the rest of the world regards as the best scientists in the areas.

The startling revelation comes as Kennedys dangerous incompetence as health secretary faces increasing scrutiny. On Thursday, the American Public Health Association issued a statement condemning Kennedys move to fire the CDC director, as well as his dangerous anti-vaccine sentiments and actions, and his other misguided efforts to overhaul the public health system based on myths and pseudoscience.
A child gets an MMR vaccine at a clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, in March. States have been reporting steady increases in vaccination exemption requests for kids. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)

Dr. Rana Alissa hears it daily in the clinic.

Its better for my kid to get the virus than get the vaccine.

The more you [doctors] vaccinate, the more money you get.

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I did not vaccinate any of my kids, and Im not going to vaccinate this one. So, please, dont waste your time.

The Jacksonville, Florida, pediatrician said on average, shed hear vaccine skepticism from a couple of parents a month, at most, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, its every day, said Alissa, who is also president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Medical experts say hesitancy is likely to increase further as a result of misinformation pouring from the Trump administration  and turmoil at the federal agency largely responsible for setting vaccine policy.

On Thursday, three top officials were escorted out of the Atlanta headquarters of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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All three officials resigned to protest the effort by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to dismiss CDC Director Susan Monarez for pushing back against Kennedys vaccine policies.

One of the officials, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, posted on X that hes resigning because the intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines will cause the nation to suffer.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricted access to updated COVID-19 shots. The new rules include limitations for young children that the American Academy of Pediatrics called deeply troubling. The FDA only approved COVID-19 vaccines for people who are 65 and older and those who are known to be at risk for a severe case. Consultation with a medical provider will be required before the shot is given to healthy children under 18, meaning parents cant simply take their kids to a vaccination clinic or pharmacy.

In June, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the vaccine advisory committee at the CDC, replacing them with some members who are vaccine skeptics. Many states use the committees recommendations to develop their vaccine requirements. And in May, Kennedy rescinded recommendations for kids to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

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In his books, experts say, Kennedy appears to promote his own version of miasma theory, an obsolete belief dating back to ancient times that diseases are caused by vapors from rotting organic matter. Scientists have since proven that microbes, not bad air, cause infectious diseases.

Experts say Kennedys actions are likely to make vaccination rates worse, paving the way for more outbreaks.

Every vaccine that we give prevents a serious and life-threatening disease, New York pediatrician Dr. Jesse Hackell, chair of the Committee on Pediatric Workforce at the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Stateline. I dont want to force anybody, but I do want to make sure that the information theyre getting is quality information  and thats not what is coming from HHS.

Nonmedical exemptions

Every state requires kids to get certain shots to attend school. All states exempt children who cant be immunized for medical reasons, but nonmedical exemptions for religious or personal reasons vary from state to state.

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Vaccination rates among kids are declining. Flu vaccinations, for example, hit their lowest rate since 2019. And since the beginning of the pandemic, exemption requests have increased across the country.

Among kindergarteners, nonmedical exemptions have increased each year since 2020, from 1.9% in the first year of the pandemic to 3.4% in the 2024-25 school year, according to the latest data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exemptions increased in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Seventeen states reported exemption rates over 5%.

The changes may seem small. But experts say even slight increases in exemptions and decreases in vaccinations make a big difference.

With a disease thats as infectious as measles  small increases in vaccination rates could really go a long way, epidemiologist Sophia Newcomer, a University of Montana associate professor, said in a recent panel discussion hosted by Montana Families for Vaccines.

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Alissa and other experts say rampant confusion around the shots, including federal officials casting doubt, is exacerbating the problem. Often, parents arent sure whom they can trust, finding conflicting information and unreliable sources, she said.

[Parents] come to our clinic and the hospitals and they say, We looked it up, and we just dont want it, she said. Theres different kinds of reasoning: the ingredients of the vaccine, the side effects of the vaccine, vaccines dont work.

But research consistently shows vaccines protect children from serious illness. Shots also protect the most vulnerable who cant get vaccinated, such as babies who are too young, or children and adults who are immunocompromised. Babies up to age 2 are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, making up the most hospitalizations among kids.

Ultimately, Alissa said, We are endangering each other.

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In Florida, where Alissa practices, religious exemptions have increased monthly, according to a state report that tracked the numbers through April. Some counties have higher rates of children with religious exemptions than others, ranging from about 1.5% to 15%, the state department of health reported. Among kindergarteners in the state, the rate of nonmedical exemptions rose from 2.7% in the 2020-21 school year to 4.8% in the 2024-25 school year, CDC data shows.

Five states  California, Connecticut, Maine, New York and West Virginia  dont allow nonmedical exemptions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Two West Virginia families with immunocompromised kids brought lawsuits over Republican Gov. Patrick Morriseys January executive order mandating religious exemptions despite state law.

Kennedy defended religious exemptions and endorsed the governors order in a post on X. His agency also sent letters to West Virginia health departments warning of civil rights violations if they dont allow such exemptions.

Theres a ton of variability across states in how easy it is to not get vaccinated, Newcomer, of the University of Montana, said. Some states require parental vaccine education as part of the exemption request while others dont.

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Increased exemptions needs to be fought at every level  working to make sure theres access, to make sure that theres good information, and to make sure that theres strong policy at the state level, so that people arent exploiting exemption loopholes, Northe Saunders, American Families for Vaccines president, said during the panel discussion.

Other vaccines

Doctors are worried that other vaccines will be targeted by the Trump administration, such as those for whooping cough. By April, preliminary CDC data showed more than 9,000 cases this year, about twice as many compared with the same time last year and more than there were right before the pandemic. Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be deadly for babies. Vaccines help prevent severe whooping cough illness.

Hackell said that when he was training in the 1970s, there were no pneumococcal and haemophilus vaccines. Babies would come in with 104-degree fevers and they were immediately tested for the infections, he recalled. For babies under age 2, those bacterial infections can show up as only a high fever, but the infection can rapidly turn fatal without treatment, he told Stateline.

When I trained, we didnt have these vaccines, and these kids kept us up at night, Hackell said. I never want to practice in those days. I never want to go back to that.  To me, that is unacceptable to submit my patients to those risks that weve been able to reduce.

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This week the FDA removed one of the available COVID-19 vaccines for young children, limiting the Spikevax vaccine to only kids with at least one serious health issue. Modernas shot is still available for children 6 months and older. Pfizers shot is no longer available for kids under 5, as the FDA is ending its emergency use authorization for the age group.

But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 shots for children 6 months to 2 years. It also recommends them for older children with underlying health issues. Healthy children whose parents want them to get the shot should also be offered them, the AAP says.

Hackell is concerned by the FDAs new limitations on the shot.

As a parent, as a grandparent and as a physician who takes care of vulnerable kids, it disgusts me, Hackell said.

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Hes also concerned about vulnerable kids who get their shots through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which covers shots if parents cant afford them and follows federal vaccine advisory recommendations.

If youre covered by VFC, which is basically kids on Medicaid and a few other populations, then youre out of luck, Hackell said. To me, thats a huge inequity in access to care, which is indefensible.

He added that the move breaks with the administrations emphasis on individual decision-making, saying the new restrictions limit parental decisions.

Normalization of outbreaks

During the Montana panel discussion, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, pointed to CDC data showing that over the past year alone, about 1 in 5 children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 were put in the ICU. And between September 2023 and last August, 152 children died of COVID-19 and 213 children died of the flu.

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While Texas officially declared its measles outbreak over  which means the state hasnt reported a new case in six weeks  neighboring New Mexico continues to see new cases.

What were going to see is, you know, sadly, a normalization of these outbreaks, said Rekha Lakshmanan, chief strategy officer at The Immunization Partnership, a Texas-based vaccine education organization. We need to make sure that kids are protected against the diseases that they can be protected against, because we truly are in a vulnerable state right now.

Newcomer, the Montana epidemiologist, said that under-vaccination trends are usually due to disparities in access, such as challenges in reaching vaccine providers in rural communities. At rural health care centers lacking staff and technology, its harder to automate vaccination reminders for patients  which can increase the likelihood patients show up for appointments but require technical infrastructure, she explained.

Adding misinformation to the mix only makes matters worse, experts say.

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Parents are confused and understandably concerned, Offit told Stateline. Its the most vulnerable among us that will suffer, and that will be our children.

He added that hes also wary about the federal administrations removal of data, concerned that vaccination figures will be next.

Its nightmarish, he said. What worries me the most is were not going to know the degree that were suffering. Were not, because the CDC is losing its capacity to do adequate surveillance across the country.

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.

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A child gets an MMR vaccine at a clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department in Lubbock, Texas, in March. States have been reporting steady increases in vaccination exemption requests for kids. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)

Dr. Rana Alissa hears it daily in the clinic.

Its better for my kid to get the virus than get the vaccine.

The more you [doctors] vaccinate, the more money you get.

Advertisement Advertisement

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I did not vaccinate any of my kids, and Im not going to vaccinate this one. So, please, dont waste your time.

The Jacksonville, Florida, pediatrician said on average, shed hear vaccine skepticism from a couple of parents a month, at most, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, its every day, said Alissa, who is also president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Medical experts say hesitancy is likely to increase further as a result of misinformation pouring from the Trump administration  and turmoil at the federal agency largely responsible for setting vaccine policy.

On Thursday, three top officials were escorted out of the Atlanta headquarters of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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All three officials resigned to protest the effort by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to dismiss CDC Director Susan Monarez for pushing back against Kennedys vaccine policies.

One of the officials, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, posted on X that hes resigning because the intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines will cause the nation to suffer.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration restricted access to updated COVID-19 shots. The new rules include limitations for young children that the American Academy of Pediatrics called deeply troubling. The FDA only approved COVID-19 vaccines for people who are 65 and older and those who are known to be at risk for a severe case. Consultation with a medical provider will be required before the shot is given to healthy children under 18, meaning parents cant simply take their kids to a vaccination clinic or pharmacy.

In June, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the vaccine advisory committee at the CDC, replacing them with some members who are vaccine skeptics. Many states use the committees recommendations to develop their vaccine requirements. And in May, Kennedy rescinded recommendations for kids to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

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In his books, experts say, Kennedy appears to promote his own version of miasma theory, an obsolete belief dating back to ancient times that diseases are caused by vapors from rotting organic matter. Scientists have since proven that microbes, not bad air, cause infectious diseases.

Experts say Kennedys actions are likely to make vaccination rates worse, paving the way for more outbreaks.

Every vaccine that we give prevents a serious and life-threatening disease, New York pediatrician Dr. Jesse Hackell, chair of the Committee on Pediatric Workforce at the American Academy of Pediatrics, told Stateline. I dont want to force anybody, but I do want to make sure that the information theyre getting is quality information  and thats not what is coming from HHS.

Nonmedical exemptions

Every state requires kids to get certain shots to attend school. All states exempt children who cant be immunized for medical reasons, but nonmedical exemptions for religious or personal reasons vary from state to state.

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Vaccination rates among kids are declining. Flu vaccinations, for example, hit their lowest rate since 2019. And since the beginning of the pandemic, exemption requests have increased across the country.

Among kindergarteners, nonmedical exemptions have increased each year since 2020, from 1.9% in the first year of the pandemic to 3.4% in the 2024-25 school year, according to the latest data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exemptions increased in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Seventeen states reported exemption rates over 5%.

We are endangering each other.

 Dr. Rana Alissa, Jacksonville, Fla., pediatrician and president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

The changes may seem small. But experts say even slight increases in exemptions and decreases in vaccinations make a big difference.

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With a disease thats as infectious as measles  small increases in vaccination rates could really go a long way, epidemiologist Sophia Newcomer, a University of Montana associate professor, said in a recent panel discussion hosted by Montana Families for Vaccines.

Alissa and other experts say rampant confusion around the shots, including federal officials casting doubt, is exacerbating the problem. Often, parents arent sure whom they can trust, finding conflicting information and unreliable sources, she said.

[Parents] come to our clinic and the hospitals and they say, We looked it up, and we just dont want it, she said. Theres different kinds of reasoning: the ingredients of the vaccine, the side effects of the vaccine, vaccines dont work.

But research consistently shows vaccines protect children from serious illness. Shots also protect the most vulnerable who cant get vaccinated, such as babies who are too young, or children and adults who are immunocompromised. Babies up to age 2 are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, making up the most hospitalizations among kids.

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Ultimately, Alissa said, We are endangering each other.

In Florida, where Alissa practices, religious exemptions have increased monthly, according to a state report that tracked the numbers through April. Some counties have higher rates of children with religious exemptions than others, ranging from about 1.5% to 15%, the state department of health reported. Among kindergarteners in the state, the rate of nonmedical exemptions rose from 2.7% in the 2020-21 school year to 4.8% in the 2024-25 school year, CDC data shows.

Five states  California, Connecticut, Maine, New York and West Virginia  dont allow nonmedical exemptions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Two West Virginia families with immunocompromised kids brought lawsuits over Republican Gov. Patrick Morriseys January executive order mandating religious exemptions despite state law.

New Hampshire Republicans introduced several vaccine bills during their legislative session this year. One, which would have allowed parents to opt out of vaccines that have not been shown to prevent transmission, died in the Senate. Another would have allowed the legislature to choose which vaccines to make mandatory but id not progress in the Senate. And yet another, which would have made it easier to get a religious exemption, was vetoed by Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte. However, parents can still claim a religious exemption in New Hampshire.

Kennedy defended religious exemptions and endorsed the governors order in a post on X. His agency also sent letters to West Virginia health departments warning of civil rights violations if they dont allow such exemptions.

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Theres a ton of variability across states in how easy it is to not get vaccinated, Newcomer, of the University of Montana, said. Some states require parental vaccine education as part of the exemption request while others dont.

Increased exemptions needs to be fought at every level  working to make sure theres access, to make sure that theres good information, and to make sure that theres strong policy at the state level, so that people arent exploiting exemption loopholes, Northe Saunders, American Families for Vaccines president, said during the panel discussion.

Other vaccines

Doctors are worried that other vaccines will be targeted by the Trump administration, such as those for whooping cough. By April, preliminary CDC data showed more than 9,000 cases this year, about twice as many compared with the same time last year and more than there were right before the pandemic. Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be deadly for babies. Vaccines help prevent severe whooping cough illness.

Hackell said that when he was training in the 1970s, there were no pneumococcal and haemophilus vaccines. Babies would come in with 104-degree fevers and they were immediately tested for the infections, he recalled. For babies under age 2, those bacterial infections can show up as only a high fever, but the infection can rapidly turn fatal without treatment, he told Stateline.

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When I trained, we didnt have these vaccines, and these kids kept us up at night, Hackell said. I never want to practice in those days. I never want to go back to that.  To me, that is unacceptable to submit my patients to those risks that weve been able to reduce.

This week the FDA removed one of the available COVID-19 vaccines for young children, limiting the Spikevax vaccine to only kids with at least one serious health issue. Modernas shot is still available for children 6 months and older. Pfizers shot is no longer available for kids under 5, as the FDA is ending its emergency use authorization for the age group.

But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 shots for children 6 months to 2 years. It also recommends them for older children with underlying health issues. Healthy children whose parents want them to get the shot should also be offered them, the AAP says.

Hackell is concerned by the FDAs new limitations on the shot.

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As a parent, as a grandparent and as a physician who takes care of vulnerable kids, it disgusts me, Hackell said.

Hes also concerned about vulnerable kids who get their shots through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, which covers shots if parents cant afford them and follows federal vaccine advisory recommendations.

If youre covered by VFC, which is basically kids on Medicaid and a few other populations, then youre out of luck, Hackell said. To me, thats a huge inequity in access to care, which is indefensible.

He added that the move breaks with the administrations emphasis on individual decision-making, saying the new restrictions limit parental decisions.

Normalization of outbreaks

During the Montana panel discussion, Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, pointed to CDC data showing that over the past year alone, about 1 in 5 children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 were put in the ICU. And between September 2023 and last August, 152 children died of COVID-19 and 213 children died of the flu.

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While Texas officially declared its measles outbreak over  which means the state hasnt reported a new case in six weeks  neighboring New Mexico continues to see new cases.

What were going to see is, you know, sadly, a normalization of these outbreaks, said Rekha Lakshmanan, chief strategy officer at The Immunization Partnership, a Texas-based vaccine education organization. We need to make sure that kids are protected against the diseases that they can be protected against, because we truly are in a vulnerable state right now.

Newcomer, the Montana epidemiologist, said that under-vaccination trends are usually due to disparities in access, such as challenges in reaching vaccine providers in rural communities. At rural health care centers lacking staff and technology, its harder to automate vaccination reminders for patients  which can increase the likelihood patients show up for appointments but require technical infrastructure, she explained.

Adding misinformation to the mix only makes matters worse, experts say.

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Parents are confused and understandably concerned, Offit told Stateline. Its the most vulnerable among us that will suffer, and that will be our children.

He added that hes also wary about the federal administrations removal of data, concerned that vaccination figures will be next.

Its nightmarish, he said. What worries me the most is were not going to know the degree that were suffering. Were not, because the CDC is losing its capacity to do adequate surveillance across the country.

Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
WILLIMANTIC  To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month in September, the CT State Quinebaug Valley will celebrate with two free public performances.

Those performances will be by the ensemble Arnaldo Rivera & His Bentetu Band.

The first performance will be held in Willimantic at the final 3rd Thursday September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. on the stage next to the Quinebaug Valley-Willimantic Center at 729 Main Street.

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Elkin Espitia-Loaiza, professor of ESOL and Spanish at the CT State Community College Quinebaug Valley, said the colleges Cultural Programming Committee has sponsored the celebration of Hispanic Heritage month during the September 3rd Thursday Festival for a number of years now.

The event by Bentetu does not involve dancers, Espitia-Loaiza said, although festival patrons will be moved to dance.

Arnaldo Rivera & His Bentetu Band is a local Spanish Afro-Caribbean ensemble that plays a variety of salsa, jazz and blues pieces, consisting of 8 to 12 musicians. Their music consists of mixed styles from Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Since 2003, the group has been performing throughout Connecticut.

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In my opinion, the best way to show the richness and contributions of the Latino/a culture is always more fun through music, Espitia-Loaiza said. Since Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the September 3rd Thursday is the perfect date for this event.

The second performance will be held on October 2 at 2:30 p.m. at the colleges main campus in Danielson.
Cotton futures are trading with contracts within 4 points of unchanged, as thinly traded October is down 41 points. The outside markets are supportive factors, as the US dollar index is back down $0.062 on the day to $98.065, with crude oil futures $0.60 higher.

The Seam reported a total of 1,709 bales sold on Tuesday at an average price of 63.91 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index was steady at 78.90 cents on August 26. ICE cotton stocks were steady on 8/26, with the certified stocks level at 15,474 bales. USDAs Adjusted World Price (AWP) was up 48 points last Thursday at 55.53 cents/lb.

More News from Barchart

Oct 25 Cotton is at 65.06, down 41 points,

Dec 25 Cotton is at 66.75, up 4 points,

Mar 26 Cotton is at 68.49, down 4 points

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Billionaire Shark Tank star Daniel Lubetzky warns that Gen Z who lean too heavily on social media (and even AI), may lose the skills they need to succeed. Instead, the Gen Xer advises young people to embrace critical thinking and curiosityand he says, the key to doing so is going back to basics and reading philosophers like Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. Its a message thats been echoed across the business world, including the CEOs of AWS and OpenAI.

AI has turned the careers of Gen Z on their headso in order to get ahead of the curve, many have followed the advice of leaders in the industry like Mark Cuban and Satya Nadella who say the new secret for success is studying AI.

But billionaire Shark Tank star and KIND bar founder Daniel Lubetzky isnt quite convinced. In fact, he tells Gen Z it may be time to put the tech away and get back to basics in order to get ahead.

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Being a critical thinker is in high demand, and theyre going to become greater demand. AI is real, but it doesnt have the creativity that humans have, Lubetzky exclusively tells Fortune. If, as young people, you lean into your curiosity, in your critical thinking and in your creativity, you will win.

Part of this recipe includes ditching social media algorithms and seeking out new sources of information, he sayswhich should include a focus on questioning history and philosophy. Studying the works of those who lived more than 2,000 years agolike Plato, Socrates, and Aristotleis what he recommends.

Always ask why, and then go one level below double click, triple click, to the sources. Why? Why? Why? Why? If you do that, youre going to develop a mind thats going to be able to beat anybody else and be more valuable in the workplace, he said.

Learn to question others, and learn to question yourself, to be introspective, to think for yourself and say, What did I do wrong today? How can I get stronger?

Learning AI is importantbut dont let it be a brain drain

As technology continues to revolutionize the workplace, AI literacy is the No. 1 fastest-growing skill in the U.S., according to LinkedIn. Even though being adept at the technology could enhance ones productivity, there are indications that cognitive offloading may be making humans less skilled.

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It may then come as no surprise Lubetzky is not the only one betting sharp, independent thinking will be one of the most coveted skills in the workplace. In fact, according to Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman, critical thinking will be peoples No. 1 biggest skill to succeed in the age of AI.

Youre going to want to be creative, Garman said to CNBC last month. Youre going to want to be [good at] critical thinking. And youre going to want to be flexible.

I think the ability to learn new things and adapt is going to be just as important as any particular skill that you learn, he added.

Its something that even AI leaders agree with too, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

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I think critical thinking, creativity, the ability to figure out what other people want, the ability to have new ideas, that in some sense thatll be the most valuable skill of the future, Altman told students at Howard University last year.

Being prepared to adapt might outshine any skill

Predicting what will be the next big thing in business is a nearly impossible task, but many leaders have bold expectations. According to Googles Deepmind CEO Demis Hassabis, AI will rival humans in just five years and will help us colonize the galaxy. Altman has similarly said college graduates may be heavily focused on space travel in the coming years.

But since tech trends continue to rise and fall, what may be the even greater bellwether for success is how open you are to adaptation. Lubetzky admits its a daunting time for societybut the same things that are challenging could open doors for opportunity.

When people are zigging, if you zag, youre going to do better, said Lubetzky, who is set to reappear on Shark Tanks 17th season this fall. If others are not taking advantage of those opportunities, if youre the one that takes advantage, youre going to outperform even more so.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The Milwaukee mother who claimed her stepfather threw her baby from a balcony has now been charged with child abuse herself, accused of whipping her younger brothers.

The 32-year-old man accused of throwing the baby, Jaimann L. Eiland, had the child abuse charges related to the incident dismissed on Aug. 26.

He was convicted of battery and disorderly conduct, misdemeanors, related to the March incident involving Shakira Walters, 25. The family members fought each other after an argument, before Walters told police that Eiland threw the baby off a second-story balcony. Walters' 1-year-old daughter was believed to fall off the balcony at the home in the 4700 block of North 41st Street.

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Assistant District Attorney Thomas Hasle said at a hearing that Walters' account fell apart after police interviewed witnesses and family members.

"Multiple other witnesses including her own family members present a contradiction to her account," he said.

Eiland's attorney, Jason Baltz, argued the accusations against him ruined his reputation and were not credible. Eiland spent 159 days in jail and was sentenced to time served and probation.

"Where does a 32-year-old man go to get his reputation back?" Baltz said. "The whole first page of Google for Mr. Eiland is about how he dropped or threw a baby off the balcony that simply did not happen."

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Baltz argued a better investigation and Eiland wouldn't have been behind bars for nearly half the year.

"This case was problematic from the get-go," he said. "Problems with the investigation with the relations between the investigator and the victim. I believe there was a family relation."

Milwaukee police didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Aug. 28.

"From day one we knew my brother was innocent," Eiland's sister, Janessa Rivers, told Fox6.

"I feel like the system failed us because they put her right back into the home where the children were and they fear for their life," Rivers added. "Even to this day they are traumatized.

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"Justice to be served for my nephews, justice to be served for my brother, because they were all victimized by her malicious intent."

Shakira Walters charged with child abuse a month after initial incident

Walters was charged in an unrelated incident, about a month after the fight with Eiland.

Walters told officers that she struck her younger brothers, ages 8 and 10, in April with a belt after one of them took an egg from the fridge and cracked it over his head, according to a criminal complaint. The boys told police they watched a YouTube video that said cracking an egg makes your hair grow longer.

The 10-year-old told police Walters struck him in the arms and his lower back. Officers found whip marks on the boy, the complaint said. The 8-year-old was also whipped but he told police that he didn't understand why because he didn't crack an egg. Officer found whip marks on the boy's butt, the complaint said.

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In her interview with police, Walters said, "when they get to talking crazy, ... I had to whoop him because he took the eggs from the fridge and cracked the eggs on his head," according to the complaint.

The complaint said Walters admitted, "I came in and whooped his butt.  I use the belt for them. It aint like I mean I picked up a broom stick or something."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Charges against Milwaukee man accused of throwing baby dismissed
California Area High School receives hoax shooting threat; call came from Seattle

Parents waited for hours outside California Area High School on Thursday after a threatening call prompted a massive police response.

District administrators say around 11:30 a.m., someone claiming to be a young girl called the high school office demanding $2,000 in a red container  or else they would shoot up the school and kill themselves.

Initially, parents were told they could pick up their children. But as dozens of officers arrived on scene, state police determined students were safest inside the building while they thoroughly cleared the area.

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Nearly 150 cars lined the streets around the school as families anxiously waited to reunite.

Local police, state police, and the FBI all responded. More than 30 officers from multiple departments flooded the campus. Sources tell Channel 11 the call came from Seattle, not locally.

California Borough Police Chief James Smith thanked the responding agencies and said the show of force was necessary.

Some people may say it was overkill  but Id rather have them there and not need them, than need them and not have them, said Smith.

Smith acknowledged the emotional toll these incidents take on students, especially the youngest ones.

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A lot of the younger kids, they know whats going on. They watch TV, the news, said Smith. Its a shame in America today we have to continuously deal with these types of situations.

The chief said while the threat was determined not credible, the priority was making sure students and staff were safe.

Parents we spoke with  and many commenting on social media  say they want to see accountability.

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Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah Attorney Generals Office filed charges against the man suspected of locking his girlfriend and her dog in a storage unit, making it impossible for her to escape from a fire in the unit.

On February 18, 2023, Morgan Kay Harris was killed alongside her dog Huck in a storage unit fire in Murray. Her boyfriend at the time, Alexander Wardell, was later arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide and kidnapping.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police identify victim from Murray storage unit fire

He admitted to police that he closed the storage unit door and put a lock on it before leaving the area. While he was gone, the unit caught fire, and Harris and her dog were killed.

However, in May of 2024, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill declined to file charges in this case. At the time, Gill said, With the current evidence before it, this office cannot in good conscience file charges against Mr. Wardell. The cause of the fire was ruled as undetermined, and at the time, investigators found it not likely that Wardell intentionally started the fire.

According to the charges, the AGs review of the case found a bloody and burned shirt in a duffel bag belonging to Wardell. A DNA test found that the blood on the shirt matched Harris DNA, and when investigators interviewed Wardell in 2025, he had no explanation for the blood on the shirt.

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The AGs office filed two sets of charges against Alexander Paul Wardell, 33. Wardell is facing one count of felony murder with domestic violence and habitual offender enhancements (a first-degree felony), one count of kidnapping with domestic violence and habitual offender enhancements (a second-degree felony), and one count of aggravated animal cruelty (a class B misdemeanor).

He was also charged in the alternative on one count of manslaughter with domestic violence and habitual offender enhancements (a second-degree felony) and one count of aggravated animal cruelty (a class B misdemeanor). Being charged in the alternative means that a jury will be able to choose to convict him of the first set of charges, the second set of charges, or find him not guilty, depending on the evidence presented in trial.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man allegedly locked girlfriend in storage unit before it caught fire, killing her

The habitual offender enhancement applies when someone has been convicted of a violent felony on at least three separate occasions and has served prison time.

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Today, DA Gill released a statement about the charges, saying, We went through a thorough analysis of the fire with arson ATF investigators, as well as our arson and homicide team, to reach the decision that we did. If the Attorney General has a different perspective, we share a mutual desire for a just outcome.

The charges allege that Wardell locked Harris in the storage unit with her dog, making it impossible for her to escape the fire that started in the back right corner of the unit. There was no light in the unit, and Harris phone battery was dead. Reportedly, Wardell told police that when he left, there was no candle or fire source burning.

The fire burned underneath Harris and seriously burned her buttocks and left side, and investigators believe that she was unconscious at the time because she did not immediately get up to avoid the pain. She regained consciousness at some point and stood up, causing thermal injuries to her throat and airway. Investigators declared her cause of death to be smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: No charges filed against man whose girlfriend died in storage unit fire

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Wardell returned to the scene 20 minutes after he left, and firefighters were already on scene. He unlocked the storage unit with his key, and the only other copy of the key was found on Harris body. The type of lock and the type of clasp on the storage unit meant that it was impossible for Harris and Huck to escape the unit. If it had been unlocked, the dynamics of the fire would have pushed the door open.

ABC4s Justice Files found that Wardell had a history of violent offenses and domestic violence. He was placed on probation for three years for stabbing and choking a different girlfriend in 2018, and he reportedly violated that probation at least 18 times and was arrested multiple times while on probation.

Adult Probation and Parole requested his probation be terminated and Wardell sent to prison on five separate occasions, but Judge McElvie dismissed that request each time. In 2021 and 2022, Wardell was arrested on drug and weapons charges respectively, and he was given more time on probation.

Wardell is currently incarcerated at the Utah State Prison, and the AGs office has requested a no bail warrant/continued detention in the prison because of his history of violence and a likelihood to flee if released.

Familys statement

Harris family shared the following statement with ABC4.

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The family would like to state that we are very relieved and grateful that the attorney generals office has reviewed the case, investigated, and decided to charge Wardell with the death of our beloved Morgan. We were incredibly distraught when District Attorney Sim Gill refused to file charges. Wardell has a history of violence and needs to be kept away from the public. We do not appreciate the false narrative Gill started about them living in the storage unit, nor his refusal to look at anything but the cause of the fire. Locking a person and their pet in a storage unit, leaving them cold, helpless and unable to escape should have consequences. We will continue to keep Morgans memory alive and fight for justice, as well as positive legal and policy change in this state.

We would also like to thank the public and the media for their continued support in this case, and the fight against domestic violence.

Background and details from the charges

According to the charges, Wardell and Harris began dating in 2022, and Wardell moved in with Harris and her roommate. The roommate reported overhearing verbal arguments between the two, and he also worried that Wardell hit Harris, which she reportedly denied. The roommate told Harris he did not want her and Wardell to live in his home, and they moved out.

JUSTICE FILES: Exclusive audio shows prosecutor push probation for violent offender now suspected of homicide

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On February 8, 2023, Harris sent Wardell a Facebook message that said, guess Im gonna apply to live by myself at an apartment you wont know about so you cant f***ing abuse or kill me. Harris had previously bailed Wardell out in November 2022 after he was arrested for violating his probation, and she bailed him out again on February 16, 2023, after he allegedly violated his probation again.

The day before Harris death (February 17, 2023), a friend of Wardells texted him about sending him money. Wardell replied that Harris spent the money, and he would pawn her belongings to get the money for his friend. Records show that Wardell called Harris a derogatory slur.

On February 18, 2023, Wardell continued to talk about money with the friend, discussing how Wardell was broke and needed money to pay him and to have a place to stay for the weekend. In December 2022, Wardell received an inheritance from his grandmothers will, but by the day Harris died, he reported that he was down to his last $200.

Prior to Harris death, Wardell also searched how to get a passport on his phone, according to search history obtained by police. Phone records also showed that Wardell and Harris argued about their drug usage.

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On the afternoon of February 18, Wardell and Harris had been arguing. She called him from a gas station because her phone was dead, and he was frustrated at the lack of communication. Reportedly, a former girlfriend of Wardell told police that he required her to give him detailed information about where she was at all times, and if she missed a call, it would cause a huge fight.

Wardell told police that Harris was angry at him and that they were both uncomfortable coming off of drugs. Later that afternoon, Harris called a nonprofit about providing emergency sheltering for Huck, her dog, and used Wardells phone number as the contact.

Before leaving the storage unit, Wardell texted his friend, and shortly before 4:30, he locked Harris and Huck inside. According to the charges, there were no working electrical outlets in the unit and Harris phone battery was dead. Wardell told police multiple times that he did not lock her in the dark and that she had her phone, but he also never said that there was a candle burning or that there was any source of light other than her phone.

When the fire started, Harris was unconscious, as she did not get up as the fire burned her. She was sitting in a folding lawn chair, and when she stood up after regaining consciousness, a metal support from the chair melted to her thigh. She moved to the door and attempted to get oxygen from under the door.

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A burnt candle was found under the chair Harris was sitting on, and a lighter was found on her body. Wardell returned to the storage unit 19 minutes later.

As the AGs office reviewed the case, they executed a search warrant of a duffel bag that belonged to Wardell that was booked into evidence at the Murray Police Department. Investigators found a bloody and burned shirt in it, and DNA testing found the blood to match Harris DNA. Wardell told investigators that he did not fight with Harris prior to her death and she had not bled in his presence. He did not have an explanation for the blood.

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A charity has called for a Palestinian actor to play a doctor who can act like they have fear in their eyes for a TV appeal.

The casting call has been issued on behalf of the London-based charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, which is seeking performers for a powerful new advert.

Medical Aid for Palestinians has characterised the conflict between Israel and Hamas as Israels genocide, calling it a siege that threatens to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people.

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Palestinian actors are being sought to play doctors and other medical professionals who must be believable as surgeons, nurses and hospital staff.

According to casting calls seen by The Telegraph, the actor chosen for the lead role of a Palestinian doctor should appear strong, deant and grounded, but still have some fear in their eyes.

Relatives mourn their loved ones at a hospital in Gaza this week - Saeed Jaras/Anadolu via Getty

The chosen actor, ideally aged 25 to 55, must also convey that a deep weariness lies just below the surface.

Several casting calls state that the ideal male or female chosen for the paid role will be bilingual, so that they can read a short monologue in English with an authentic Palestinian accent.

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It is understood that the role is for a new, scripted campaign which will begin filming in London in September

Alongside the doctor on screen will be Palestinian supporting artistes.

These Arabic speakers will most likely wear masks or simply have their forearms filmed as they represent Palestinian doctors working in the hospital.

The casting calls note that the desired actors, aged 20 to 70, should be able to convincingly portray urgency and professionalism and be believable as surgeons, nurses and hospital staff.

The adverts for prospective actors make clear that they want Palestinians to play the available roles.

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The exact script and scenario of the advert is not yet known, but it is set to contain a message of hope, compassion, and resilience for a campaign with a strong humanitarian focus.

Medical Aid for Palestinians, founded in 1982, is chaired by Prof Nick Maynard, an Oxford surgeon who has appeared on Sky and BBC News.

Last year, he said the scenes he witnessed in Gazas Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital would haunt him for the rest of his life.

In 2024, a Cinema for Gaza appeal saw filmmakers including Jonathan Glazer, Tilda Swinton and Succession star Brian Cox offer prizes for a charity auction, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

A surgeon at work in Gaza - Anas Zeyad Fteha/Anadolu via Getty

In the year ending 2023, the charity had a spend of 14m, and has offices in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, Lebanon and London.

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The charity has said it can film in Gaza and has stock footage it can use for appeals, but was seeking to film in London for its latest project.

News of the advert comes after the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification  a globally recognised system for classifying the severity of food insecurity and malnutrition  declared that there was an entirely man-made famine in Gaza.

Britain and 13 of the 14 other council nations, including Russia and China, have called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other terrorist groups.

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.
DuPont and the state of New Jersey recently reached a $2 billion settlement that resolved a lawsuit over forever chemicals.

What's happening?

In 2019, the state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit against DuPont and 3M seeking millions in damages against the chemical giants. The suit claimed that the companies had released forever chemicals (specifically PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances) that contaminated the soil, wetlands, and water in and around four industrial sites in the state and never bothered cleaning up the mess.

According to NJ.com, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin released a statement after the lawsuit's resolution that said in part, "These dangerous chemicals build up and accumulate everywhere, and New Jersey has some of the highest levels of PFAS in the country."

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DuPont was the main focus of the lawsuit, and now the company has reached a $2 billion settlement with New Jersey, which, according to officials in the state, is the largest environmental settlement any single state has ever achieved.

Why are PFAS concerning?

Forever chemicals, like PFAS, have been used in a plethora of products for decades. By this point, they've contaminated many ecosystems located near factories that made products with these chemicals.

NJ.com reported that one of the industrial sites where DuPont created munitions contaminated the local environment to the point that over 300 homes in the community required filters to prevent toxic chemicals from seeping into their homes.

That means that local communities around the globe are now dealing with contaminated soil, water, and more. It also means that most people have PFAS in their bloodstreams by now, as these chemicals are now virtually impossible to avoid.

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Scientists have linked exposure to forever chemicals to several health issues, including decreased fertility, a higher risk of some cancers, and hormonal interference. The more PFAS in a person's body, the worse off they could be.

What's being done about PFAS in New Jersey?

According to the settlement terms, DuPont will spend $875 million cleaning up the contamination caused by the PFAS it used in its products. However, around $125 million of that will be set aside for damages.

DuPont will also set up a $1.2 billion funding source and reserve fund of $475 million to ensure that even if the company fails to make payments (which it has agreed to make for the next 25 years) or goes bankrupt, no public funds will go toward the cleanup.

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The Cherokee County District Attorneys Office said a Ball Ground man was convicted Thursday on sexual abuse charges.

Zachery Allan Maltman, 37, was found guilty of multiple sex crimes against a child in Cherokee County.

The Cherokee County District Attorneys Office said Maltman was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of aggravated child molestation, and three counts of child molestation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The charges against Maltman originated from an investigation by the Cherokee Sheriffs Office that began in September 2022. The investigation was initiated after the victims mother reported the abuse.

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During a forensic interview, the child said Maltman had been sexually abusing her for approximately a year.

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Maltman was known to the child and had frequent contact with her, according to the DAs office.

The DAs office said during the trial, six witnesses testified for the State, including the child victim, her mother, law enforcement officers and experts in sexual assault nursing exams and forensic interviewing.

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The State presented evidence during the trial that included text messages between Maltman and a family member where he made admissions that supported the prosecutions case.

The jury deliberated for an hour and a half before returning a guilty verdict on all charges against Maltman.

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CHESAPEAKE  Following the death of Chesapeake Vice Mayor John de Triquet last week, City Council members plan to fill his position and appoint a new council member during their next two September council meetings.

de Triquet was reelected in 2022. His term is slated to end in December 2026, which means someone on the City Council will be appointed to fulfill the remainder of his vice mayor term, according to Mayor Rick West, who shared the process moving forward with The Virginian-Pilot on Thursday.

The council will also need to fill the vacancy on the nine-person City Council. Chesapeakes city charter gives the council 30 days to fill the council vacancy, a process West said will take place at the Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 meetings. West said the council could arrange a special called meeting if needed, but having the vacancies filled at the Sept. 16 meeting would be within the 30-day threshold.

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The citys charter states that the appointed council member has to be a qualified voter of the city and will hold the office until a successor has been elected. The next City Council election will take place next year.

de Triquet was a longtime council member first elected in 1994. He served several stints as vice mayor, including for the current council. de Triquet also spent nearly 40 years working as a pediatrician at The Childrens Hospital of The Kings Daughter, where hes remembered for his compassionate care of thousands of children over the years.

West said hes been speaking with all other council members over the last week to receive their nominations for who should fill the council vacancy. He plans to announce those nominations publicly at the Sept. 9 meeting, and the biographical information on each nominee will be posted on the citys website.

Council members will then interview the nominees. Ideally, West said, they will select a council member to fill the vice mayor role as well as appoint a new council member at the Sept. 16 meeting.

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It wasnt immediately clear Thursday whether the process will include a formal public hearing, but West did say residents will have a chance to share their thoughts. The appointments are expected to be handled like other board and commission appointments, which are made by a majority council vote.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
CHICAGO  Chicago area clergy are standing together to resist what they are calling the Trump takeover of Chicago.

For the third time this week, a group gathered at Federal Plaza on Friday to denounce the potential deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago.

While the White Houses plans to send in the National Guard are still largely unknown, some members of the faith-based community in Chicago say they feel the National Guard is neither warranted nor wanted and are urging the president to rethink his plans.

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City leaders discuss preparations for potential National Guard deployment to Chicago

It is deeply disturbing and frustrating that a sitting president would dare override the duly elected leadership of our citys mayor and our states governor, Ira Acree, the pastor of Greater St John Bible Church of Chicago, said.

Fridays gathering was organized by LIVE FREE Illinois, with clergy from the Chicago area and other faith-based organizations joining in.

We declare Chicago is not a war zone. The facts speak to this reality, Tyrone McGowan from Progressive Community Church said. The real criminal is the convicted felon living in public housing at 1600 Pennsylvanian Avenue in Washington, D.C.

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Guard not needed in Chicago, Pritzker tells AP during tour of city to counter Trumps crime claims

Its still unknown whether President Trump will follow through on his threat to deploy the National Guard to patrol the streets of Chicago, which he calls a hellhole and killing field. His press secretary again went after Chicago and the governor on Thursday.

Weve been seeing the governor of Illinois parading out there saying that Theres nothing wrong with Chicago. Its a great place to live. Theres no crime there. He doesnt need President Trumps help. While I think the residents of Chicago begged to differ and the statistics beg to differ, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has never said that crime was not an issue in the city, and recent data shows significant decreases in violent crime in Chicago year over year.

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Trump administration asks military base near Chicago for support on immigration operations

The president and, lets talk about the press security for the president, doesnt seem to understand that its actually republican states that have the crime problem. That of the 20 states that have the biggest crime problem, 13 of them are red states controlled by Republican governors.

Following Fridays press conference, some members of the clergy walked over to the federal courthouse and delivered a letter to the US Attorney expressing their views. They also plan to continue preaching their message throughout the weekend.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
New Jersey has recorded its first two confirmed cases of West Nile virus for 2025, state health officials announced this week.

An Atlantic County child tested positive for the disease, with symptoms reported the third week of July, according to an announcement from the New Jersey Department of Health.

A Middlesex County adult also tested positive for the disease, with symptoms reported the first week of August, the agency said.

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Both patients were discharged from hospitals and are recovering at home.

Four other suspected West Nile virus cases in the state are also under investigation, officials said.

The agency also reported a blood donor in Sussex County tested positive for the virus but showed no symptoms.

West Nile is most commonly spread by mosquito bites and the virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most West Nile virus cases occur between mid-August and mid-September, and 14 human cases are typically reported in a year statewide, according to the health department. Figures soared last year, when New Jersey recorded 41 human cases, including eight deaths.

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The current number of human infections in New Jersey is lower than last year, but experts are seeing high levels of the virus circulating in mosquitoes, according to Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown.

This year in New Jersey, mosquitoes carrying the virus were first detected in April, which is much earlier than expected, officials said. West Nile has been detected in all 21 counties, with the highest levels recorded in Bergen, Middlesex, Union, Essex and Hudson counties.

As mosquito season can last into early November, depending on weather conditions, bite prevention will be essential in protecting yourself and your family against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus in the remaining summer weeks and into the fall, Brown said.

While there is no treatment for West Nile, it can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and reducing mosquito populations.

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Most of those infected show no symptoms or attribute mild symptoms to other causes, while others may develop a fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to health officials.

Older people and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious cases that affect the central nervous system and result in hospitalization or, in some cases, death.

Recovery from severe cases can take several weeks to months and some effects may be permanent.

In a typical year, more than 1,200 people develop severe illness from the virus nationwide and more than 120 die, according to the CDC.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
BEIJING (Reuters) -China is willing to strengthen coordination with Brazil and work with BRICS countries to resist unilateralism and bullying, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira over a phone call on Thursday.

Wang also said China is willing to strengthen strategic mutual trust and support with Brazil, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, according to a statement from his ministry on Friday.

(Reporting by Liz Lee and Shnaghai newsroom; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
China is willing to strengthen coordination with Brazil to resist unilateralism and bullying, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira.

Wang made the pledge to Vieira in a phone call, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, as the government of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva considers retaliatory trade measures against the United States over President Donald Trumps imposition of 50 percent tariffs on a range of Brazilian goods.

During the phone call, Wang told Vieira that the China-Brazil relationship is at its best in history, Chinas state-run Global Times reported, quoting Wang.

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Noting that the current international situation is undergoing complex changes, Wang also pledged Chinas willingness to join hands with the BRICS trading block, to protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

BRICS, which includes emerging economies such as Brazil, is a China-led political and economic grouping that is seen as a counter to the Western-led APEC and G7 groups.

Beijings offer comes amid indications that Brazil is considering a coordinated response with China and India against punitive US trade measures.

According to Global Times, Wang also recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lulas phone call two weeks ago in which the two leaders forged solid mutual trust and friendship in the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future.





In May, Lula also travelled to China for a five-day state visit.

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Beijing has worked in recent years to court Latin America as a way of countering Washington, which is historically the most influential major power in the South American region.

But China has surpassed the US as Brazils largest trading partner, and two-thirds of Latin American countries have also signed up to Xis Belt and Road infrastructure drive.

Brazil exports large quantities of soya beans to China, which, as the worlds largest consumer of the ingredient, relies heavily on imports for its supply.

Relations between the US and Brazil have been icy since Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian coffee and other goods, which took effect on August 6.

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While Trumps trade war has chiefly targeted countries that run a large trade surplus with the US, Brazil imports from the US far outweigh its exports, and Washington had a trade surplus of $28.6bn in goods and services with Brazil in 2024.

Trump has explained his economic hostility towards Brazil in terms of retribution for a so-called domestic legal witch-hunt against Brazils former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial for coup plotting.

Trump has called for charges against Bolsonaro  who he considers an ally  to be dropped and has imposed sanctions on Brazils Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for overseeing the case against the former leader.

In recent days, Brazil has also complained after the US revoked the visa of Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski.
A Chinese businessman who hid secret cameras in his Greenwich flat before drugging and raping a woman may have hundreds more victims, the police warned.

The Metropolitan Police said Chao Xu, 33, was a calculated and prolific offender who hid cameras in air fresheners and bathrooms before incapacitating and raping women.

At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, Xu, who was previously a student at Greenwich University, pleaded guilty to 24 offences against six women.

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Detectives have appealed for further victims to come forward as they believe hundreds more women may have fallen prey to Xu but have yet to speak out.

Xu, who ran his own recruitment business, admitted four rape charges, eight charges of assault by penetration, and four charges of sexual assault between November 21 2021 and June 1 2025.

Detectives believe that Xus offending is even more widespread - Metropolitan Police

He also pleaded guilty to four counts of voyeurism and two counts of administering a substance with intent to two complainants, between April 2023 and June 2025.

Xu also admitted two further upskirting charges of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without their consent on December 2 2022 and September 6 2023.

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He denied one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration.

The voyeurism and upskirting offences took place at his 700,000 apartment in Stretton Mansions, Glaisher Street, Greenwich, at his office in Newington Causeway, Southwark and at London Bridge tube station.

Xu case follows familiar pattern

Xus case bears a number of similarities to that of Zhenhao Zou, 27, another Chinese student studying in the UK who in March this year was found guilty of drugging and raping 10 woman.

Following his conviction, the Metropolitan Police said they feared Zou who was a student at University College London, could be one of the most prolific rapists in Britain and may have more than 60 victims.

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Using dating apps and popular Chinese social media platforms including WeChat and Little Red Book, Zou invited young women out for a drink or back to his flat to study with him.

He then used drugs such as MDMA, butanediol, ketamine and Xanax to knock the women unconscious before raping them, often filming the attacks to keep as souvenirs.

Credit: Met Police

Zou had offered to sell the drugs he used to other sex attackers and even gave potential customers tips on how to carry out similar attacks.

Xu attacked women using a similar methodology, with police revealing that he had hidden cameras in multiple locations, including air fresheners or bathrooms, to spy on his victims.

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Police acknowledged the case was very similar to Zous and said that while there were no known links at this stage detectives were keeping an open mind and enquiries were continuing.

Xu was a postgraduate student at the University of Greenwich from 2015 to 2016.

His crimes first came to light in June after Xu held a networking event at his flat in Greenwich and a woman who was attending fell ill.

Xu told the women she could stay in his flat until she felt better, before proceeding to rape her multiple times.

Credit: Met Police

The woman later contacted police to report the assault and it emerged that Xu had given her drugs in an attempt to render her unconscious.

Cowardly methods

During their investigation, detectives found the hidden cameras in multiple locations and discovered hundreds of intimate images and videos of women on his phone.

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Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Sanderson, who is leading the investigation, said: Xu is a calculated prolific sex offender, who has preyed on unsuspecting women using cowardly methods  administering drugs to rape, sexually assault and take intimate images without consent.

Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to examine the large amount of evidence we have collected, which will help identify any further potential victim-survivors.

Were also asking anyone who has any information about Xu or believes they may have been a victim, to come forward  you will be listened to.

Suzanne Crane, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said that Xu was a serious danger to women.

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The scale of his offending is such that without the brave testimony of victims, who came forward after realising what had happened to them, may well have continued undetected.

We are determined to seek justice for all victims and will continue to work closely with the police to review any further evidence as their investigation continues.

Xu was remanded into custody ahead of his sentencing on November 14.

The judge, Mr Recorder Simon Sterling told Xu: You have pleaded guilty to a large number of offences to which the inevitable outcome is a lengthy sentencing.

Your defence team will prepare a defence sentencing note, and I am also going to order a pre-sentence report to be made of you.

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I make it plainly clear that the purpose of that report is to see whether you are a dangerous under the sentencing act, and to assist the judge in her final conclusions on how to deal with you.

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TYLER, Texas (KETK)  CHRISTUS Health has donated $300,000 to five prominent East Texas nonprofits, providing a significant boost to local community aid organizations.

CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances hospital performs 500th robotic bronchoscopy cancer detection

The funds, distributed through the Christus Community Impact Fund, were awarded to Care-Vide, the Childrens Advocacy Center of Smith County, the East Texas Food Bank, PATH and Saint Vincent de Paul. This generous contribution aims to support the vital services these organizations provide to the community.

Courtesy: Christus Health. (From Left to Right): Terri Smith, Childrens Advocacy Center of Smith County; Andrea Wilson-Lobaugh, PATH; Michelle Carter, Carevide; Grace Vierling, St. Vincent de Paul; Kinsey Thompson, East Texas Food Bank.

A couple of things that the community can do are wear orange and talk about food insecurity with someone who might not know, Chief Development Officer of the East Texas Food Bank Tim Butler said. One in four adults in East Texas are food insecure. Thats 25% of people that we see every single day.

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The East Texas Food Bank is gearing up for Hunger Action Month in September and plans to use the donation to further its mission of combating food insecurity in the region.

In addition to the grant, local schools Tyler Legacy and Tyler High are organizing a canned food drive, providing another opportunity for the community to contribute. Following this, the second annual Tyler versus Longview Peanut Butter Drive will take place, further supporting local food banks.

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.
A Cincinnati police captain has been acquitted of misdemeanor charges related to an off-duty incident that happened in 2024 in Washington Park.

After a bench trial on Aug. 29 in Hamilton County Municipal Court, Judge Gwen Bender found Capt. Brian Norris not guilty of disorderly conduct and assault.

Norris' attorney, Jay Clark, told The Enquirer that he expects Norris to be reinstated to his full position soon. Norris was assigned to an administrative position after the incident, and his police powers were suspended pending the outcome of the case.

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"He'll be very happy to get on with his life," Clark said.

The incident happened the night of Oct. 24, 2024 while Norris was off duty.

A bystander reported a potential domestic violence situation, saying Norris had "dragged" a woman out of a vehicle while holding her in a chokehold.

According to city documents, officers found the woman lying in the grass in Over-the-Rhine's Washington Park. The woman said she was fine but told the officers she had a verbal disagreement and was distraught over a family situation.

The woman told the officers, according to the documents, "People could have misconstrued the situation" and that Norris "was only trying to help her."

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An incident report said the woman was uncooperative and was hesitant to press charges. Norris declined to speak to the officers about what happened, documents say.

Clark said that the woman  a close friend of Norris' who at one point was engaged to him  was having a mental breakdown that night, and Norris was trying to help her calm down.

Clark said there was physical contact, but Norris "was just trying to console her and get her out of this hysterical state."

The woman testified on his behalf during the one-day trial.

Norris had been with the department for more than 30 years and has a good record, documents say.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: CPD captain not guilty in incident with woman having mental breakdown
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest two people from Guatemala in Florida in August. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened states, cities and counties that choose not to assist or cooperate with immigration arrests. (Photo courtesy of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Miami Field Office)

More cities and states have responded to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis threat to prosecute them over so-called sanctuary policies limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement  some by thumbing their noses, at least one by acquiescing.

Written responses defending sanctuary policies have been sent to Bondi from cities including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boston; Hoboken, New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, along with the states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Many noted that courts so far have upheld their right to limit cooperation with deportations.

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Pam Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump administration that, day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism. Thats not going to happen, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said in an Aug. 19 news conference.

Louisville, Kentucky, is one city that agreed to more cooperation after a confrontation over the issue  before Bondi threatened prosecution in August, but after the attorney general said she had issued a strong written warning to the city.

The city had stopped complying in 2017 with so-called detainer requests to hold jailed residents for immigration authorities, but leaders resumed cooperation to avoid being targeted for more raids.

Cities on the sanctuary city list right now are experiencing a terrifying increase in raids by ICE, including mass raids, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, a Democrat, said in a July 22 statement. Ive talked with leaders within our immigrant community before I made this decision. I heard their fears loud and clear about current federal policies and ICE actions. I also heard that they want Louisville off the federal sanctuary city list.

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Bondi issued a revised list of sanctuary cities, counties and states in August.

Rochester, New York, meanwhile, in August amended its municipal code to strengthen its policies against cooperation by adding disciplinary measures for personnel who violate the policy. State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, had earlier supported the citys existing policies in court, saying in a statement that they keep communities safe and allow local law enforcement to use resources to address local public safety priorities.

In Boston, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wus response letter accused the Trump administration of false and continuous attacks as part of a campaign to divide, isolate, and intimidate our cities, and make Americans fearful of one another.

U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a new order Aug. 22 extending a preliminary injunction to more cities, counties and states that had asked for protection against President Donald Trumps executive orders and agency directives. Trump sought to withhold unrelated federal funding based on similar sanctuary policies.

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Orricks ruling found the orders and directives are likely to be unconstitutional violations of local rights to set limits on immigration enforcement cooperation.

The injunction covers 50 areas in 14 states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

Trump administration lawyers asked Aug. 26 to dismiss the case, arguing that the administrations actions so far merely instruct agencies to assess federal grant programs to determine where they can lawfully add immigration related conditions.

A hearing is scheduled Oct.22.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest two people from Guatemala in Florida in August. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened states, cities and counties that choose not to assist or cooperate with immigration arrests. (Photo courtesy of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Miami Field Office)

More cities and states have responded to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis threat to prosecute them over so-called sanctuary policies limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement  some by thumbing their noses, at least one by acquiescing.

Written responses defending sanctuary policies have been sent to Bondi from cities including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boston; Hoboken, New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, along with the states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Many noted that courts so far have upheld their right to limit cooperation with deportations.

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Pam Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump administration that, day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism. Thats not going to happen, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said in an Aug. 19 news conference.

Louisville, Kentucky, is one city that agreed to more cooperation after a confrontation over the issue  before Bondi threatened prosecution in August, but after the attorney general said she had issued a strong written warning to the city.

The city had stopped complying in 2017 with so-called detainer requests to hold jailed residents for immigration authorities, but leaders resumed cooperation to avoid being targeted for more raids.

Cities on the sanctuary city list right now are experiencing a terrifying increase in raids by ICE, including mass raids, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, a Democrat, said in a July 22 statement. Ive talked with leaders within our immigrant community before I made this decision. I heard their fears loud and clear about current federal policies and ICE actions. I also heard that they want Louisville off the federal sanctuary city list.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Bondi issued a revised list of sanctuary cities, counties and states in August.

Rochester, New York, meanwhile, in August amended its municipal code to strengthen its policies against cooperation by adding disciplinary measures for personnel who violate the policy. State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, had earlier supported the citys existing policies in court, saying in a statement that they keep communities safe and allow local law enforcement to use resources to address local public safety priorities.

In Boston, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wus response letter accused the Trump administration of false and continuous attacks as part of a campaign to divide, isolate, and intimidate our cities, and make Americans fearful of one another.

U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a new order Aug. 22 extending a preliminary injunction to more cities, counties and states that had asked for protection against President Donald Trumps executive orders and agency directives. Trump sought to withhold unrelated federal funding based on similar sanctuary policies.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Orricks ruling found the orders and directives are likely to be unconstitutional violations of local rights to set limits on immigration enforcement cooperation.

The injunction covers 50 areas in 14 states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

Trump administration lawyers asked Aug. 26 to dismiss the case, arguing that the administrations actions so far merely instruct agencies to assess federal grant programs to determine where they can lawfully add immigration related conditions.

A hearing is scheduled Oct.22.

This story was originally published by Stateline. Like Maine Morning Star, 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. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.
Valued at about $107.6 billion by market capitalization, shares of this brokerage firm appear to have attracted considerable attention from investors. Over the past year, shares have skyrocketed 94%, leaving the SPXs 15.1% gain in the dust. The rally hasnt stopped in 2025 either. IBKR is already up 40% year-to-date (YTD), handily outperforming the benchmark indexs 9.9% return. In fact, the stock reached a fresh high of $68.07 on Aug. 12 and is currently down only 9% from this level.

Founded in 1977 and based in Connecticut, Interactive Brokers operates as a global brokerage through its affiliates. The company provides automated trade execution and custody services across securities, commodities, foreign exchange, and futures, giving clients access to more than 160 markets worldwide. Its technology-driven approach has shaped a platform used by individual investors, hedge funds, trading firms, financial advisors, and introducing brokers alike.

Beyond that immediate impact, being part of the benchmark index boosts a companys visibility and credibility with institutional investors, potentially attracting more capital and higher valuations down the road. So, with these tailwinds in play, its worth taking a fresh look at IBKR stock right now.

And its next big milestone arrives at the opening of trading on Aug. 28, when IBKR officially joins the S&P 500 Index ($SPX), replacing Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), which is being taken private by Sycamore Partners. This inclusion is a meaningful catalyst for IBKR thanks to the index effect. When a stock enters the S&P 500, passive funds like ETFs and mutual funds that mirror the index scoop up shares, creating a surge in demand that often lifts the stock price.

While most of the market chatter centers around artificial intelligence (AI) stocks these days, one under-the-radar player has been wooing investors, and its not even a tech company. Interactive Brokers (IBKR), an online brokerage firm, has delivered strong stock performance in recent years, powered by solid fundamentals, steady customer growth, and robust trading activity.

Story Continues

www.barchart.com

Interactive Brokers Q2 Earnings Snapshot

On July 17, Interactive Brokers delivered a blowout fiscal 2025 second-quarter earnings report that easily topped Wall Streets expectations, sending its stock soaring 7.8% the very next trading day. Total net revenue hit $1.5 billion, up 20.3% year-over-year (YoY) and comfortably ahead of the $1.4 billion Wall Street was looking for. Earnings were equally impressive, with adjusted EPS of $0.51, climbing 16% from last year and beating forecasts by nearly 10.9% margin.

Digging further, the strength appeared broad-based. Commission revenue climbed a notable 27% to $516 million as customers ramped up trading activity. Trading volumes surged 31% in stocks, 24% in options, and 18% in futures. Total net interest income (NII) also advanced 9% annually to $860 million, supported by higher credit balances and securities lending activity.

Customer activity was another standout in the quarter, reflecting the strength of Interactive Brokers growth trajectory. Customer accounts rose 32% from the year-ago quarter to 3.87 million, pointing to a steady influx of new users. Trading activity also accelerated sharply, with daily average revenue trades (DARTs) climbing 49% annually to 3.55 million during the quarter.

Adding to the momentum, the companys balance sheet continued to grow even stronger. By June 30, 2025, Interactive Brokers was sitting on $86.7 billion in cash and equivalents, marking a strong leap from $68.1 billion at the end of 2024. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share, payable Sept. 12, giving investors an added reward on top of its solid growth trajectory.

Looking ahead, analysts see Interactive Brokers earnings momentum carrying forward, with forecasts calling for an 11.4% YOY jump in fiscal 2025 to $1.96 per share, followed by another 6.1% climb to $2.08 per share in fiscal 2026.

What Do Analysts Expect for Interactive Brokers Stock?

Following Interactive Brokers strong Q2 earnings, optimism around the stock has been building on Wall Street. Citi, for example, lifted its price target to $65 from $60 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing the companys expanding opportunities in cryptocurrency. The firm highlighted new capabilities, such as staking and asset transfers, along with continued international growth, as key drivers of its long-term potential, despite rising competition abroad.

Bank of America struck an even more bullish tone, raising its price target to $71 from $69 and reiterating a Buy rating. The firm pointed to robust demand across Interactive Brokers product lineup and asset classes, while also noting that crypto expansion has become a major focus for the brokerage moving forward.

With Interactive Brokers set to join the prestigious S&P 500 Index, Wall Street sentiment has turned highly bullish. The stock currently carries a consensus Strong Buy rating overall, reflecting broad confidence in its growth trajectory. Out of nine analysts covering IBKR, seven have issued a resounding Strong Buy, while the remaining two recommend a Hold.

IBKRs average analyst price target of $66.71 indicates an 8% potential upside from the current price levels. The Street-high price target of $73 suggests an even greater leap of 18% from here.

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
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest two people from Guatemala in Florida in August. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has threatened states, cities and counties that choose not to assist or cooperate with immigration arrests. (Photo courtesy of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Miami Field Office)

More cities and states have responded to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis threat to prosecute them over so-called sanctuary policies limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement  some by thumbing their noses, at least one by acquiescing.

Written responses defending sanctuary policies have been sent to Bondi from cities including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boston; Hoboken, New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, along with the states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Many noted that courts so far have upheld their right to limit cooperation with deportations.

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Pam Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump administration that, day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism. Thats not going to happen, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said in an Aug. 19 news conference.

Louisville, Kentucky, is one city that agreed to more cooperation after a confrontation over the issue  before Bondi threatened prosecution in August, but after the attorney general said she had issued a strong written warning to the city.

The city had stopped complying in 2017 with so-called detainer requests to hold jailed residents for immigration authorities, but leaders resumed cooperation to avoid being targeted for more raids.

Cities on the sanctuary city list right now are experiencing a terrifying increase in raids by ICE, including mass raids, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, a Democrat, said in a July 22 statement. Ive talked with leaders within our immigrant community before I made this decision. I heard their fears loud and clear about current federal policies and ICE actions. I also heard that they want Louisville off the federal sanctuary city list.

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Bondi issued a revised list of sanctuary cities, counties and states in August. Philadelphia was on it.

Rochester, New York, meanwhile, in August amended its municipal code to strengthen its policies against cooperation by adding disciplinary measures for personnel who violate the policy. State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, had earlier supported the citys existing policies in court, saying in a statement that they keep communities safe and allow local law enforcement to use resources to address local public safety priorities.

In Boston, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wus response letter accused the Trump administration of false and continuous attacks as part of a campaign to divide, isolate, and intimidate our cities, and make Americans fearful of one another.

U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a new order Aug. 22 extending a preliminary injunction to more cities, counties and states that had asked for protection against President Donald Trumps executive orders and agency directives. Trump sought to withhold unrelated federal funding based on similar sanctuary policies.

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Orricks ruling found the orders and directives are likely to be unconstitutional violations of local rights to set limits on immigration enforcement cooperation.

The injunction covers 50 areas in 14 states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

Trump administration lawyers asked Aug. 26 to dismiss the case, arguing that the administrations actions so far merely instruct agencies to assess federal grant programs to determine where they can lawfully add immigration related conditions.

A hearing is scheduled Oct.22.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.

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Aug. 29More cities and states have responded to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's threat to prosecute them over so-called sanctuary policies limiting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement  some by thumbing their noses, at least one by acquiescing.

Written responses defending sanctuary policies have been sent to Bondi from cities including Albuquerque, New Mexico; Boston; Hoboken, New Jersey; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, along with the states of California, Connecticut, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Many noted that courts so far have upheld their right to limit cooperation with deportations.

"Pam Bondi seeks to have Washington state bend the knee to a Trump administration that, day by day, drags us closer to authoritarianism. That's not going to happen," Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, said in an Aug. 19 news conference.

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Louisville, Kentucky, is one city that agreed to more cooperation after a confrontation over the issue  before Bondi threatened prosecution in August, but after the attorney general said she had issued a "strong written warning" to the city.

The city had stopped complying in 2017 with so-called detainer requests to hold jailed residents for immigration authorities, but leaders resumed cooperation to avoid being targeted for more raids.

"Cities on the sanctuary city list right now are experiencing a terrifying increase in raids by ICE, including mass raids," Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, a Democrat, said in a July 22 statement. "I've talked with leaders within our immigrant community before I made this decision. I heard their fears loud and clear about current federal policies and ICE actions. I also heard that they want Louisville off the federal sanctuary city list."

Bondi issued a revised list of sanctuary cities, counties and states in August.

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Rochester, New York, meanwhile, in August amended its municipal code to strengthen its policies against cooperation by adding disciplinary measures for personnel who violate the policy. State Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, had earlier supported the city's existing policies in court, saying in a statement that they "keep communities safe and allow local law enforcement to use resources to address local public safety priorities."

In Boston, Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu's response letter accused the Trump administration of "false and continuous attacks" as part of a campaign to "divide, isolate, and intimidate our cities, and make Americans fearful of one another."

U.S. District Court Judge William Orrick issued a new order Aug. 22 extending a preliminary injunction to more cities, counties and states that had asked for protection against President Donald Trump's executive orders and agency directives. Trump sought to withhold unrelated federal funding based on similar sanctuary policies.

Orrick's ruling found the orders and directives are likely to be unconstitutional violations of local rights to set limits on immigration enforcement cooperation.

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The injunction covers 50 areas in 14 states: California, Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin.

Trump administration lawyers asked Aug. 26 to dismiss the case, arguing that the administration's actions so far "merely instruct agencies to assess federal grant programs to determine where they can lawfully add immigration related conditions."

A hearing is scheduled Oct.22.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at [email protected].

YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE.
The city of Cincinnati and City Manager Sheryl Long have asked a federal appeals court to review a recent decision by a federal magistrate judge allowing a lawsuit filed by the citys former fire chief to go to trial.

Former Fire Chief Michael Washington sued the city and Long in 2023, alleging that his Constitutional due process rights were violated when he was fired that year. Washington served in the department for 30 years and was promoted to chief in 2021.

Long accused Washington of creating a hostile work environment for women and said he failed to correct the issues after she brought them to his attention.

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In his lawsuit, which is in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati, Washington said he was fired in March 2023 during a meeting with Long and two human resources representatives. Washington says the entire interaction with Long was less than three minutes, and he wasnt given any meaningful notice of the allegations against him and had no meaningful opportunity to respond.

In a Aug. 26 decision allowing the case to proceed to trial, Magistrate Judge Stephanie Bowman said a jury should decide if the city complied with minimal constitutional standards at that meeting.

Other issues to be determined at trial are: whether the city had cause to fire Washington, whether Long defamed him, and what damages, if any, Washington can recover.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet decided whether to take the case.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: City: 6th Circuit should review if ex-fire chief's suit can proceed
NEW YORK  Cooling towers at a New York City-run hospital and the construction site for the citys new public health laboratory were identified as the main culprits in a Legionnaires disease outbreak that has so far killed seven New Yorkers.

An investigation by the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene matched clinical specimens from seven Legionnaires patients to the strain of bacteria found in cooling towers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem and the forthcoming New York City Public Health Laboratory on West 137th Street, city officials said Friday during a virtual briefing.

The department also declared the community cluster had ended, noting no new cases have been reported since Aug. 9. Since the outbreak was detected in late July, there have been 114 cases of Legionnaires disease, according to city data. Six patients remain hospitalized.

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The outbreak, however, still poses a political problem for Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent. Rival candidate Andrew Cuomo, in particular, has seized on the crisis. Cuomos campaign last week called for an independent review of the citys role and response, alleging an inherent conflict between the city's ownership of the affected buildings and its regulatory responsibilities.

City Hall spokesperson William Fowler said Adams did not attend Fridays briefing because he was en route to a Brooklyn press conference about public safety.

During the Legionnaires briefing, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro and acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse insisted the city had complied with all inspection requirements pre-cluster, but said the whole outbreak proved the need for stricter regulations and increased Health Department staffing.

Our inspections and laws are intended to reduce the risk of Legionella growing and infecting people ... but prevention is almost never 100 percent, Morse said.

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Mastro and Morse pledged to hire additional water ecologists and building system engineers to increase the citys capacity to inspect cooling towers, although they said they did not have details to share on the budget or the number of staffers that would be added for that.

While building owners are responsible for routinely testing the water in cooling towers, which are used to reduce air temperature, the Health Departments water ecologists conduct annual inspections to ensure compliance.

The Health Department previously blamed staffing shortages for a decrease in annual inspections, but officials have declined to specify the number of vacancies. Adams has drawn criticism for mandating repeated budget cuts across city agencies, but it is not clear whether those spending reductions had a direct impact on Legionnaires' disease-related work.

The citys budget for Legionnaires disease surveillance, testing and inspections is $5 million. That includes funding through a public health revenue source  known as Article 6  that was slashed by Cuomo when he was governor, according to a department spokesperson.

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Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi referred to the Article 6 funding cut as a garbage excuse that was beside the point.

Either they did everything right or they didnt, he told POLITICO.

NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz said a contractor conducts the required weekly testing for Harlem Hospital, whose cooling tower had been disinfected three weeks before the cluster emerged. During Fridays briefing, Katz said an initial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken July 25 was negative, but a culture test of the sample was positive. Results of culture tests take up to two weeks, Katz added.

Regarding the Public Health Laboratory construction site, city health officials said its cooling tower had not yet been registered with the Health Department, which is required prior to initial operation. City inspectors visited the site on July 28 to take samples from the cooling tower, which was registered by the city and construction firm Skanska on July 31, according to the department.

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To help prevent future Legionnaires disease outbreaks, Adams administration will require more frequent cooling tower testing by building owners  every 30 days, up from every 90 days  and increase fines for violations.

The Health Department plans to establish a community engagement team staffed by community health workers who will be rapidly deployed to inform and educate neighborhood residents during emergencies.
Frederick city and county officials are set to hold a press conference alongside Frederick Health on Friday announcing the formation of a task force to prepare for impending Medicaid cuts.

"This task force is a first-of-its-kind regional effort bringing together local government and our healthcare system to both prepare our community for the consequences of reduced funding and to advocate for strategies that mitigate or reinstate critical support," city spokesperson Allen Etzler wrote in a media advisory on Thursday.

Etzler could not be reached by phone for further information about the task force on Thursday. County spokesperson Vivian Laxton deferred comment to Etzler.

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The Medicaid cuts at issue are part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Donald Trump last month, which cuts $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade.

As a result of the law, some groups of people such as those with refugee status will automatically become ineligible for Medicaid. Other people, such as those covered through the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, will have to meet new work requirements and renew their eligibility more frequently than before.

A fact sheet from the Maryland Medicaid Administration indicates that 48,229 people in Frederick County were enrolled in Medicaid as of March.

Of the Frederick County residents enrolled in Medicaid, 37,772 met traditional eligibility requirements that cover adults with disabilities, people over the age of 65 and low-income people with minor children.

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The remaining 10,457 Frederick County residents enrolled in Medicaid are covered as a result of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded eligibility to adults under the age of 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Across the entire 6th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney said during a town hall on Wednesday, one in seven families are enrolled in Medicaid. Many of them will be impacted by the recent cuts, she said.

In an interview after the town hall on Wednesday, McClain Delaney said she has not spoken directly with Frederick Health officials since the Big Beautiful Bill has passed, but she would assume they feel similarly to officials she has spoken with at Meritus Health, UPMC Western Maryland and Garrett Regional Medical Center.

"Theyre all very concerned about it, so Im sure that [Frederick Health Hospital] is as well," McClain Delaney said in the interview.

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U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobooks, who also spoke at the town hall, said she she has met with many of Marylands health care professionals over the past few days.

Those professionals have cited longer wait times and a spike in uncompensated care as possible consequences of the Medicaid cuts, she said.

"Some of the largest numbers of Medicaid recipients are in the western part of our state and some of our rural areas," Alsobrooks said. "So this will have a tremendous impact on the lives of so many people."

On Tuesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a new fund to provide $10 billion each year to rural hospitals.

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According to the American Hospital Association, a rural hospital is one not located within a metropolitan area designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and the Census Bureau.

Under this definition, Frederick Health and Meritus do not count as rural hospitals.
CHICAGO  City leaders are bracing for the potential arrival of National Guard troops in Chicago, nearly a week after the president signaled his willingness to deploy troops to the Windy City.

On Thursday morning, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Police Department Supt. Larry Snelling, and others in Johnsons administration met virtually with City Council members to discuss preparations in place. The same group also held a virtual briefing for members of the press to ask questions about their response to what the White House has indicated it is looking to do.

City leaders claim they are in the dark about how things could play out if the president decides to pull the trigger on deploying federal troops and say there has been no communication from the White House.

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Do not come to Chicago: Illinois leaders slam Trumps threat to send National Guard to Chicago

When asked about how Chicago police officers would interact with National Guard troops, Snelling said communication with the feds would be key.

We hear reports in the news, but until we have some fact-based information, its next to impossible to answer that question and give you a good answer for it, however, we are preparing for whatever happens, Snelling said.

Snelling said they are taking from experience preparing for the 2024 Democratic National Convention  something city leaders had more than a year to get ready for.

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Despite large crowds and protests, the city saw little violence, had no reports of major injuries to officers or protesters, and reported 74 arrests total over the course of the convention.

Snelling said they would want to work with any protest organizers to have a plan and some ground rules in place to help protect residents and their First Amendment rights, should people decide to protest. He also emphasized there are no protections in place for criminal activity.

At the same time, we know that First Amendment, there are no protections for criminal activity, Snelling said. When it comes to Federal agents, when it comes to the National Guard, these people work for the federal government. When we think about protocol for them, their rules of engagement are different from that of local law enforcement, so what we would just try to do is communicate with everyone to keep it peaceful. Try not to obstruct or become physical with federal agents or members of the National Guard.

Chicago Mayor Johnson criticizes Trumps National Guard threat

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It remains unclear what guardsmen would be tasked to do if they were deployed to the city, however, the president hammered down again on his message that Chicagoans need his help in a Truth Social post Thursday.

Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot but doesnt want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats arent capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!! President DJT

Many city and state leaders argue that troops in the city would inflame tensions and disrupt community-police relationships that the department is working to build.

Chicago police have strong partnerships with federal agencies to combat violent crime in Chicago, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), however, National Guard members do not have arresting authority or policing powers.

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If federal troops come to Chicago, Snelling said his officers will be in uniform to be clearly identified. He emphasized the department would not be working with federal authorities on immigration enforcement, but that they would also not interfere with federal immigration efforts.

Ald. Nick Sposato (38th Ward) said he is skeptical anything would ever come of the presidents comments to send the troops to the city. Sposato, a Trump supporter, said he does not support bringing troops to the city.

Sources: Mayor Brandon Johnson to brief City Council on plans in the event the National Guard is deployed to Chicago

The idea about the National Guard was to get crime under control. My opinion is, we dont want them, they cant do nothing, Sposato said. Whatever its going to cost them to send the National Guard here, just give us the money strictly for hiring more police. Thats all it can be used for and thats all that Im for.

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For many alders, the idea of deploying troops to Chicago is a tough sell, even those who call out issues with crime in the city. Sposato said the idea of allocating federal dollars to the department in its efforts to combat crime in Chicago could be a win-win for everyone involved.

The president would look like a rockstar, and the mayor would look like a rockstar with this, but instead, they keep fighting with each other, the mayor, the governor, and the president. I wish the fighting would stop and they would act like adults, Sposato said.

The citys Chief Homelessness Officer, Sendy Soto, also touched on concerns over federal agents clearing out homeless encampments, something that reportedly is happening in Washington, D.C. Soto said the city is working with the county and state, along with a local organization to help support people with housing and shelter resources.

The city believes firmly that being unhoused is not a crime, so we will not be assisting with any sort of arrest or enforcement towards the unhoused community for being unhoused, Soto said. In terms of arrests, or clearing encampments along with federal agents, we will not be doing that.

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During a tour of the city with the Associated Press on Thursday, Gov. Pritzker doubled down on his message to the president that the city doesnt need or want military intervention to fight crime, adding that he felt the Guard would only escalate problems.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  It's back to the drawing board for the city of St. Joseph after a planned agreement with one KC-based airport operator was suddenly withdrawn following claims by a local businessman of an improper selection process by city officials.

Apex Aero Center, a leading Midwest airport operator, was previously in line to become the next fixed base operator at Rosecrans Memorial Airport after an agreement for first reading was introduced at the Aug. 18 City Council meeting.

A city spokesperson and ACC confirmed separately to News-Press NOW that the agreement is now off after the company rescinded its proposal. The company declined to provide a specific reason as to why the decision was made.

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Now, the bid award process remains open with the other vendors who submitted proposals. Councilmembers will decide at the next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, how to proceed.

The city appreciates the outstanding effort put forward by Apex throughout this process," a city spokesperson said.

The development comes after local businessman and FBO bidder Steve Craig accused the city of improperly selecting Apex during the last council meeting despite reports that the operator did not receive the highest evaluation among multiple proposals submitted, allegedly on multiple rounds of voting.

Craig's group  which includes local partner Gary Patterson, president of Express Flight, LLC  was one of two local bidders who submitted plans to become the next FBO.

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FBOs are organizations or companies granted the right to operate at an airport and provide a broad range of general aviation services for private and recreational flying, including refueling and maintenance services.

At the Aug. 18 meeting, councilmembers opted not to take up Craig's request for an independent commission to examine the proposals, including a request to table the measure.

According to city documents, Apex was initially selected as the awardee after receiving the highest overall score in the evaluation process, consistently ranking at or near the top in qualifications, operational ability and preparedness.

The document indicates that the citys Purchasing Department utilized a panel of outside aviation professionals to conduct an independent evaluation of the proposals. The panel included Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., Aviation Director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri; Dave Schaumburg, A.A.E., Springfield-Branson National Airport; and Joe Peska, Aviation Consultant, Woolpert.

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"Collectively, these evaluators brought decades of leadership in airport management, commercial development, and aviation infrastructure, ensuring an impartial and industry-informed selection process, the document reads.

Evaluators highlighted Apexs proven success operating multiple FBOs in the Midwest, its readiness to begin operations at Rosecrans Memorial Airport without delay and its well-defined operational plan. Apex had also committed to making significant financial investments at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The City of Portland announced Friday that they have officially recovered the $6.7 million in public funds lost in a fraud scheme earlier this year.

According to the City of Portland, they originally became aware of the scam back in February, when someone posing as a contracted employee with the city gained access to a payment system, then rerouted the contractors bank information to the scam account.

We must have action: Oregon interfaith group calls for gun violence reduction after Minneapolis tragedy

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The city then notified law enforcement in March when the contractors intended payment  which was set aside for use in the Bull Run Filtration Project  instead went to an unauthorized bank account.

Initially, the city filed a lawsuit against a New York law firm whose account held the deposited funds, Portland officials said.

According to that suit, a man going by the alias John Lisman allegedly fraudulently presented himself as a vendor for the Bull Run Filtration Project and manipulated city officials into rerouting the $6.7 million. However, the lawsuit was dropped after the law firm provided information supporting that they were also a victim, according to the city.

ICE operations will soon ramp up in Portland and other sanctuary cities

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On April 16, the U.S. Attorneys Office and FBI obtained a search warrant and officials successfully seized the funds, which were then placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, USAO said.

After USAO filed a civil forfeiture action to recover the funds alleged to be the proceeds from the fraud scheme, the funds were received by the city this week.

While the city said the recovery marks an important milestone, they note a criminal investigation is ongoing and expected to be lengthy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
City of South Fulton residents tour deplorable training center ahead of replacement

The City of South Fulton is set to invest over $100 million in a new public safety training facility and headquarters, citing the deplorable conditions of the current facilities.

The new facility will be strategically located on 51 acres along Cascade Palmetto Highway, aiming to serve the entire city more effectively. The current precincts are outdated, with rusty equipment, cramped spaces, and buildings that have not been updated for 50 years.

The lack of a sally port, which is a secure place to process detainees, at the main precinct has already led to at least two prisoner escapes, leading them to injure themselves and an officer.

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Some of the places are deplorable, really. The working conditions are really, really bad, Brenda Pope-Branch told Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes.

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Pope-Branch toured the facilities to see firsthand where police officers and firefighters are working and training, outdated rusty equipment, cramped spaces and and buildings that havent been updated for 50 years.

Capt. Jubal Rogers highlighted the security issues, stating, Weve had two  at least two prisoners  escape out of this precinct because we didnt have a sally port.

Pope-Branch expressed disbelief at the conditions, saying its worse than she imagined.

I cant understand how their morale is even  there has to be low morale just coming to see those types of work conditions you have to come to every day," she said.

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Fire Chief Chad Jones pointed out logistical challenges, mentioning, It would be nice to have (a gas pump) over near Old National, Oakley, Cedar Grove, so people dont have to travel so far.

The city currently operates three police precincts, with the main one being described as a tiny space lacking essential facilities, including the sally port.

The city is financially stable, with about $100 million in reserves, and council members assure residents that they do not need to worry about funding the new facility.

"it is time - so Im excited to be here. We wanted the residents to have an opp to visually see what were going through as far as ya know making sure that our public safety has the proper housing and facilities and I think its been really good," Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs/City of South Fulton

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Construction of the new facility is expected to start in about two years, with city officials and residents hopeful that it will significantly improve public safety infrastructure and morale among public safety personnel.

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Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay nearly $79 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over a 2020 fuel dump that drenched homes, schools, and playgrounds across Los Angeles.

Tens of thousands of properties were coated in jet fuel when a Delta flight bound for Shanghai dumped about 15,000 pounds of fuel at low altitude shortly after losing engine thrust on takeoff from LAX. More than 50 people, including schoolchildren, were treated for minor skin and breathing irritation.

Residents argued the crew could have released the fuel over the Pacific or at higher altitude, where it would have dissipated, per court filings . Delta denied wrongdoing, saying its pilots "did exactly what federal regulations and their FAA-approved training required them to do to respond to that in-flight emergency and ensure the safety of the passengers, crew, and people on the ground."

The airline also said a Federal Aviation Administration investigation later cleared the pilots of wrongdoing.

The agreement, filed this week in federal court and awaiting a judges approval, sets aside about a third for attorneys fees and costs, with the remainder to be distributed among roughly 38,000 property owners and residents. If everyone files a claim, payouts would average $889 per household and $104 per resident.

Part of the case centered on whether the fuel left lasting damage. A lab study found no petroleum hydrocarbons in soil after a week, undermining contamination claims. Delta also pointed to home sales data showing no fall in property values. Lawyers for residents nonetheless argued families deserved compensation for the disruption, calling the settlement a fair and reasonable outcome.

The deal caps more than five years of litigation and consolidates multiple lawsuits, including claims from local teachers. For affected communities in southeast LA, attorneys said, it marked the first meaningful recovery since the day jet fuel unexpectedly rained from the sky.

In a written statement, plaintiffs attorney Filippo Marchino of the X-Law Group said: We are especially pleased to obtain this result for residents of the southeast LA communities, comprised of hard-working families who asked only for respect and just treatment and rightly deserve this result.

Delta declined to comment but directed Quartz to its position in the settlement document in which it denied wrongdoing.

The statement said the company had decided to settle "without any admission of liability to resolve the uncertainty involved in the litigation".

It said this would also "avoid the significant legal expenses that it would incur by litigating the case through trial and any subsequent appeal, and eliminate the distraction and other burdens this litigation has caused to Deltas business."
The City of St. Augustine has improved its Community Rating System (CRS) rating to Class 4, resulting in a 30% discount on flood insurance premiums for homeowners, effective April 1, 2026.

This achievement was announced by Richard Buddy Schauland, Floodplain Administrator and Building Official, during a City Commission meeting on August 25, 2025. The city is now one of only 25 communities nationwide to achieve a Class 4 or higher rating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System.

We improved our score by almost 200 points, Schauland said, highlighting the citys efforts in floodplain management and the acceptance of studies under the Watershed Master Plan by FEMA.

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City Manager David Birchim praised the city staff, stating, All of this is based on a tremendous amount of work done by city staff behind the scenes. They are among the most professional and hardest-working teams in Northeast Florida when it comes to resiliency and floodplain management.

The citys progress in the CRS program is a result of various flood mitigation and management activities, including outreach projects, drainage maintenance, open space preservation, and higher regulatory standards for stormwater and building.

Over the past decade, St. Augustine has advanced from a Class 7 to a Class 4 rating, reflecting significant improvements in its floodplain management practices.

The notification letter from FEMA commended the city for measures that protect lives, reduce property damage, and enhance public safety, ultimately leading to a more disaster-resistant community.

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Mall fashion accessories store chain Claires will close more than 290 stores, including some shops in Indiana, as part of its bankruptcy process.

Owner Claires Holdings LLC, which announced on Aug. 20 it had sold its North American business to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million, disclosed stores it planned to close in a court filing this week. The suburban Chicago-based company filed for bankruptcy earlier this month.

Stores to be closed include 235 Claire's locations in the U.S. and 56 Icing stores. The filing also listed 830 stores  785 Claire's locations and 45 Icing locations  not expected to close immediately.

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Claires Holdings has more than 2,300 stores in North America and Europe, including 120 stores operating under the Icing brand and 210 Claire's locations embedded in Walmart stores. It also operates 9,000 kiosks within malls.

Claires store closings in Indiana:

14550 Clay Terrace, Carmel

800 N. Green River Road #56, Evansville

1223 S. Reed Road, Kokomo

3501 N. Granville Ave., Muncie

When will Claire's close stores?

Store closing sales could continue at the locations set to close, while closing sales at some other locations were discontinued, according to the filing. Dates of expected store closings were not disclosed, but they are expected to happen on a rolling basis, the company confirmed to USA TODAY.

At the time of the sale, Ames Watson, which has offices in New York City and Columbia, Maryland, said it planned to preserve the retail chain in a downsized form.

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Contact Midwest Connect reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cjackson@gannett.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com: @cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Claire's stores among nearly 300 to close. See the list
Extended Range Attack Munition missiles, which have been approved for delivery to Kyiv by the US State Department, may begin arriving in Ukraine as early as this year.

Source: CNN, citing an anonymous source, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The statement about the sale of ERAM missiles worth US$825 million was made on 28 August, when diplomatic efforts to end the war had yet to yield results and Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital had caused numerous casualties.

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It concerns a possible sale of up to 3,350 ERAM missiles and 3,350 GPS/INS EGI (global positioning/inertial navigation) systems.

A source familiar with the situation said that, if the sale goes ahead, the missiles  with a range of 150-280 miles (241-450 km)  could be delivered later this year.

It is not yet clear whether restrictions will be placed on the use of the missiles.

It was said in the US that the "proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe".

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The sale will be financed by contributions from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, as well as through the US Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme.

In recent days, it was reported that these missiles could arrive in Ukraine within six weeks.

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(WHTM)  Cody Balmer, the man suspected of breaking into Governor Josh Shapiros Harrisburg residence and starting a fire earlier this year, has waived his preliminary hearing.

According to court records, Balmer waived his hearing and arraignment in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas is now set for October 3.

Balmer faces charges including terrorism, aggravated arson, burglary, and attempted homicide for the April 13 attack on the Governors residence. The fire damaged artifacts and is believed to have caused millions of dollars in damage.

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Balmer is currently incarcerated at SCI Camp Hill after previously being moved to SCI Waymart, which the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections describes as the focal point for the treatment of all psychiatric inmates.

The attack led to a security review of the residence that included surveillance and technology, fire suppression, threat assessment, and training. New security measures, including a new fence, were installed over the past few months.

A 911 call the day of the attack from someone claiming to be Balmer took credit for the fire, which officials say was set by Molotov Cocktails in the residences state dining room while Shapiros family slept. Balmer was taken into custody hours after the call.

Everyone inside the residence was able to escape without any injury.

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Balmers mother has told multiple media outlets her son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. She requested police assistance for her son; however, Penbrook Police say her request did not meet the standards for emergency psychiatric assistance.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Robert Glenn Fords name has been out of the headlines for some time now, but the impacts of his actions still ring loud and elicit raw feelings to this day.

The disgraced former Norfolk Police homicide detective was found guilty of extortion and other charges in 2011 and sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.

Several Virginia inmates believe they still sit behind bars for crimes they didnt commit because of Ford.

What hope is left for them?

10 On Your Side investigated to find out the answer to the question: What hope is left for inmates who believe theyre still in jail because of Ford? He served 10 years for forcing false confessions in high-profile homicide investigations, but has since been released. However, several inmates who claim Ford had a hand in their cases remain behind bars.

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Corrupt ex-Norfolk detective got city pension during prison  and still is  records suggest

Ive been in prison for 25 years, Virginia inmate LaShawn Gill said.

Hampton Roads prisoners rights activist Marva Austin said a lot of them have done some really, really hard time.

In 2023, Norfolk Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi announced a complete review of every file involving Ford. 10 On Your Side took a deep dive into how that review has been going, with the cases going back to the 1990s.

Ramin Fatehi speaking with WAVYs Markeshia Jackson (WAVY photo)

Norfolk to review cases handled by detective convicted of extortion

The question on everyones mind is, Fatehi said, are there other innocent people in prison because Detective Ford framed them?

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Some say yes.

After you talk to one victim, you get another victim, and with those victims come families, Austin said.

Austin, the executive director of Prisoners Rights Clinic, advocates for the incarcerated, something she said she never sought to do.

It was just a matter of me wanting to get my twin sister out of prison, Austin said.

She eventually won her sisters freedom  a case not involving Ford, but it caught the attention of his alleged victims.

I heard Arsean Hicks case first, Austin said. I had gotten word from another person incarcerated that he wanted to tell his story.

Hicks story goes like this: At just 16, he was convicted in the fatal shooting of an off-duty Norfolk Naval Shipyard police officer. Hicks always claimed his confession was forced.

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In 2024, a judge vacated Hicks conviction in a Norfolk Circuit Court. His attorney presented evidence indicating Ford repeatedly slammed Hicks head into a table during his interrogation. That evidence was never disclosed to the defense in his trial.

Yet Hicks still remains behind bars, as the attorney generals office has appealed that decision.

Now Hicks team awaits a review of the case by the Virginia Court of Appeals. In stating its intention to appeal, the Office of the Attorney General, in a statement, said it disagreed with the oral ruling in Norfolk Circuit Court.

We respectfully disagree with the oral ruling of the Circuit Court for the City of Norfolk in this case, in which Mr. Hicks challenges his conviction for murdering an off-duty federal police officer, Lisa Bailey, during a 1999 robbery in which she attempted to intervene. The Office of the Attorney General has begun the process of appealing that decision to the Supreme Court of Virginia.

 Office of the Attorney General

From there, I received a call from Mr. LaShawn Gill, Austin said. I received a call from him and I received a letter from him.

Ford to inmate: If you try anything  Ill kill you

Gill penned a letter from jail to 10 On Your Side, also.

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Detective Ford came from Norfolk to Fredericksburg to transport me back to Norfolk, Gill said. He came and got me from the Fredericksburg police station, and the first thing he said was, If you try anything on the way back, Ill kill you.'

10 On Your Side tried to interview Gill in person, but he, like Hicks, is incarcerated at the Greensville Correctional Center, which doesnt allow in-person interviews. Still, 10 On Your Side was able to speak to him by phone to learn more.

It didnt happen the way he wanted me to say it, Gill said.

Gills crimes took place in June 2000. One was a domestic dispute with the mother of his children, and the other involved another woman whose house he claims he was invited to.

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According to Gill, a tussle ensued, and that woman and her child were shot, but survived.

The paperwork stated it was intentional, but Gill said it was accidental. He claims the gun belonged to the woman, and he was just defending himself.

10 On Your Side never located a ballistics report that would have revealed who the gun belonged to  an important discrepancy that could have made a big difference in his malicious wounding sentencing.

I told him immediately that I want[ed] a lawyer, and he [Ford] seemed angry about that, Gill said.

Instead of a lawyer, Gill claims he got threatened and beaten.

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I was in total fear that he was going to try and kill me, Gill said, Ford drilled into my head everything that he wanted me to say  coerced into a confession.

He stopped the recording, Gill said. He hit me and started beating me in the head to force me to say the same story that he told me to say in the car.

10 On Your Side obtained documents, including a transcript of Gills original statements regarding the two incidents. In them, one can see where Gill asks to start over, each time Ford denied it, and before Gill knew it, he was in a courtroom to be sentenced.

He said three life sentences, said Katrina Gill, LaShawn Gills sister. It just took my breath away because again, the punishment didnt fit the crime in my eyes.

More of the same for other inmates

For others who got caught in Fords crossfire, its a story with the same ending.

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To know that Aresean Hicks, who has been in since 16, that alone bothers me, Austin said. Hes a 42-year-old man, went in at 16, and so I was happy to hear that he was able to get his sentence vacated, but heres the problem: the judge has to sign it, so when he went up for parole in June, he still went up for parole for the crime they say he didnt commit.

Its the worst kind of pain, the kind that keeps Glenda Hicks up at night.

He kept saying that he didnt do it, so its just heartbreaking, Hicks said. My hearts still breaking down because hes still in there.

Life keeps moving on while her husband, Arsean Hicks, remains behind bars, even as his conviction was thrown out last year.

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Norfolk mans murder conviction vacated after 23 years behind bars

Oh my God, he was crying. I was crying, but I couldnt touch him because he was still incarcerated, Hicks said.

The Attorney Generals Office appealed the decision, and Hicks will remain behind bars until its settled in court.

LaShawn Gills sister lives an eerily similar nightmare. Her brother is in jail on three life sentences based on a confession he said Ford forced him to give.

He has grandchildren now, and they never knew him, she said. Either the conversation is, if we get that one day if we get that chance. What memories can we get now that we missed all along?

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Its time theyll never get back.

 More compassion for the Norfolk Four, but what about these Black men?

Meanwhile, the convicted man dripping in corruption, Ford, is out of jail, creating new memories.

Left to clean up the mess Ford left behind is Fatehi, who wasnt a prosecutor when Ford committed those crimes.

Robert Glenn Ford

Every officer and detective whos doing it the right way has to answer for Robert Glenn Ford, every prosecutor doing it the right way has to answer for Glenn Ford, Fatehi said.

In 2023, Fatehi tapped UVA Law Professor Deirdre Enright to lead the review of these cases.

I have very little doubt when I say that we will probably find other cases to review, Enright said at a 2023 press conference.

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Enright previously ran the UVA Innocence Project, which already handled several Ford cases, the most notable being The Norfolk Four.

Four Norfolk sailors were convicted in the July 1997 death of a Navy wife. Ford served as the lead detective, and despite their DNA not matching the evidence, Ford was able to force confessions.

Norfolk Four to get money from state, city in groundbreaking payout

All four, ultimately, were released from jail and even got payment from the city of Norfolk.

Austin, a prisoners rights activist, said its time for others to receive the same.

Said Austin: Seems like theres more compassion for the Norfolk Four, but what about these Black men?

Dreaming of another chance

Enright said the hope is to have the review finished by the end of this year. Austin said watching these men grow older behind bars stings, as Ford is free.

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He got a cakewalk, number one, Austin said. Mr. Robert Glenn Ford was charged with extortion. He was never charged with all the beatings, aggravated assault, the perjury, for all the cases he purged in, but just extortion and lying to the FBI? He received 12 years, did 10 years in a federal prison, but heres the kicker: he received a $3,000 pension throughout his bid, and then he walks out of prison, and there is no reach back for the victims.

She called it a grave miscarriage of justice. Fatehi said the review is a lengthy and complicated process.

Just because Glenn Ford is somehow connected to a case doesnt mean a case or conviction itself is going to be thrown out, Fatehi said. We dont have the power to change a single conviction. Those have to go through the courts through a writ of innocence, or through clemency from the governor, and those make for painful conversations.

From behind bars, Hicks and Gill dream of another chance.

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Hes just being patient and waiting on the time that he comes home, Hicks said.

I would like, also, my day in court so I can tell my side of the story to a jury, Gill said.

Because they still believe freedom could become their reality.

10 On Your Side reached out to Ford, but his attorney said he declined to comment.

Anyone who believes that Ford was involved in their or their loved ones criminal case and who would like to add their case to this review should contact the Project for Informed Reform Clinic by calling 434-924-3732 or emailing deirdre@law.virginia.edu.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Cold Hill Elementary has been recognized by the Kentucky Department of Education as a 2025 Spotlight School.

Principal Melanie Gover said the news brought excitement among staff, but also a new sense of responsibility.

We were super excited  very honored  but also a little nervous because that means that were opening our doors to other schools from across the state to come and visit and watch what were doing, which is all fine but its just a little nerve-wracking, Gover said.

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As part of the recognition, other schools will be able to visit Cold Hill to learn about its culture, instructional practices, scheduling and procedures. Gover said the honor reflects both strong academic performance and a supportive school culture.

My staff. Its my staff, she said. I have an absolute first-grade, top-notch staff  teachers, cafeteria staff, custodians, bus drivers  Cold Hill is very blessed.

Cold Hill has also been named a Blue School three years in a row, the highest academic rating under Kentuckys assessment system, and in 2024 was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School. Gover said such recognitions affirm the work her staff puts in day after day.

I think it just gives them that reassurance that what theyre doing is working and its valued and its being seen across the state as being effective and whats in the best interest of students and children, she stated. We have the perfect combination of very high expectations, partnered with making learning fun and school a place that our kids love to be.

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When it comes to achievement, Gover said she is proud that students not only perform at a high level but also continue to show growth. Cold Hill uses tools such as the i-Ready diagnostic assessment to measure progress throughout the year. Gover said their student-centered approach ensures every childs needs are met, adding that inclusion comes from knowing students as individuals.

Its getting to know our kids. Its being in the classrooms and building that relationship with the students and the teachers, she explained. It takes everyone... it takes the SRO, the guidance counselor, everybody. Were always checking on our kids and how theyre doing.

For Gover, the recognition is most meaningful for her staff, whom she said work tirelessly by staying after school, coming in during the summer and collaborating late into the evenings.

Cold Hill has a long history in the community. The original school opened in the early 1900s, with a building completed in 1937. That facility closed in the 1970s, and the school has since taken new forms.

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Gover has served as principal for eight of those many years, and has spent 27 years in education. She said none of the schools achievements would be possible without community support.

We have a fantastic staff and a wonderful community and family support and that really makes all the difference, Gover said. I feel like our community trusts us to do great things, and so we work really hard and try to maintain that. Our staff is just fantastic and our kids are great.
DENVER (KDVR)  Theyve spent three decades carrying out a sacred duty at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Volunteers from the All Veterans Honor Guard turn up daily to pay one last tribute to those who wore the uniform. On Monday, a team was on hand to render final military honors at the committal service for Mark Johnson, an Army veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division.

A life in the cockpit: Local veteran logged 26,000 hours behind the controls

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Were assembled here today to provide the final honor for our departed comrade Mark Johnson. When the call of our country was heard, Mark answered that call, said Maury Smith, commander of the All Veterans Honor Guard.

The service Monday was one of 25,000 services over the last 30 years carried out by the veterans group. In the early 1990s. When the US government discontinued the practice of providing final military honors for all veterans, a pair of local veterans launched All Veterans Honor Guard to step in and render the final honors.

I started in 01, and at the time we had five teams, and we were doing in the neighborhood of 650 (services) a year. And last year we did right at 1300. We went through the majority of World War II (veterans), most of Korea and a good hunk of Vietnam, said Smith.

The volunteers provide opening remarks and readings, after which seven members of the team fire a three-round volley from World War II-era rifles. At the end of the service, the spent shell casings are presented to the family of the veteran who is being laid to rest.

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Im a veteran. I served and I think its just very important to stand tall for those who stood tall for us during wartime and even in peacetime, said Michael Gorin, a Coast Guard veteran who volunteers with the group.

For Richard Hogue, volunteering with the group is a way of giving back to heroes like those he served alongside more than 50 years ago.

D-Day glider pilot Raymond Chambers laid to rest in Denver

Went to Vietnam in 1969. Served over there for six months. I was wounded twice. First time was a minor shrapnel wound. The second time I thought they got me. I survived but lost my left leg. Multiple shrapnel injuries, but lost my left leg, Hogue said.

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He first learned about the All Veterans Honor Guard while visiting Fort Logan National Cemetery.

I was out here for a funeral for a friend, and this team was serving. And I said, Hey, you need some help? They said yes. And that was 22 years ago, he said.

Hogue and the others do it on their own time at their own expense. Because if they werent out here remembering those who so bravely displayed duty and honor and sacrifice, theres a good chance no one else would be.

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To celebrate Black Business Month, Capital B Atlanta is profiling innovative entrepreneurs in Atlanta.

When you walk through the Fickett Farmers Market, operated by Westside Farmers Markets, youre greeted by Ali Washington.

The 38-year-olds vibrant energy sets the tone as you take in the spread of fresh, locally made goods, from sea moss and chicken sausage to seafood and seasonal produce.

Washington is the owner and executive director of the market, which proudly features Black-owned vendors. The mission is rooted in increasing access to fresh, affordable food in Ben Hilla Southwest Atlanta neighborhood officially classified as a food desert, according to the USDAs Food Access Research Atlas.

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Wednesday is show day. Im out bright and early at 6 a.m., loading everything outtables, the kids game area, even the portable sink for the porta-john, Washington told Capital B Atlanta. All day, Im tag-teaming the info booth and my tea booth [Soul Food Holistic Healing], helping customers, and when someones new, I personally walk them stall to stall to introduce each vendor and what they offer.

Ali Washington greets a customer at her Soul Food Holistic Healing booth. (Courtesy of Ali Washington)

Fickett Farmers Market is the first of its kind in the area and the first to partner with Atlanta Public Schools through Fickett Elementarys agriculture program. The partnership gives students hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, nutrition, and sustainable living after school.

Washington, who has lived in the neighborhood for six years, takes pride in building a space where community members feel seen, supported, and connected. Capital B Atlanta spoke with her about the APS partnership and what it means to center youth and community in this space. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Capital B Atlanta: Why is the markets location in a food desert so significant to you?

Ali Washington: Growing up, I watched my grandmother do this kind of work. Churches would donate food, drop it off at her apartment, and shed dish it out to whoever needed itright from her home. People would knock on the door, say they were hungry, and Id yell, Grandma, somebodys at the door! Shed say, All right, yall sit on the porchIll make yall a plate.

Dawn Muhammad, and her son Muqaddim Muhammad, of Aromatic Baked Goods welcome shoppers. (Courtesy of Ali Washington)

When I shop at Publix or Kroger on our side of town, the produce is bad. Its rotten. If you visit the same stores in more affluent neighborhoods, the food looks totally different. Its frustrating. I take great pride in making sure our community has access to fresh, high-quality, locally grown produce. Thats what we deserve.

What can people find at your market?

Weve got Matts Seafood Line out of Brunswick: fresh snapper, scallops, salmon, cod, grouper, and halibut. Produce from Eat Right Atlanta. I sell loose-leaf tea through Soul Food Holistic Healing. [Theres] Jr.s Java Coffee, an autism and disability-owned cafe.

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We carry books, including Black coloring books and childrens titles by Black authors. Culinary Collective brings chicken salad, lemonades, and cakes. Lawtons makes chicken sausage (no GMO, no preservatives, no pork casing). We have cold-pressed juices from Sister Eboniques and healthy desserts from Aromatic Baked Goods. Their cookies are addictive, and the flour they use is from a Black-owned company. Weve got a lot to offer!

Whats it like owning a farmers market in this community and to work with the school?

Its not easy. But, at the end of the day, its rewarding when people thank me for doing this for the community and feeding the community. I love our people, and thats why I do it. Being able to pass down [entrepreneurship skills to students] reshapes me, too. It helped bring out my entrepreneurial spirit.

How did the partnership with APS come about?

My daughters go to Fickett Elementary, and they already have an agriculture program. Id always wanted to do more educational programming through the market, so partnering with the school made perfect sense. Its right in my neighborhood. We dont have much over here, so I thought, why not bring something directly to us?

How do you balance it all while having two elementary-school daughters?

I run on minimal sleep and a strict calendar. I pencil in everythingproduction days on Thursdays and Fridays, and tea market days on Saturdays, Sundays, and some Thursdays. Sticking to a tight schedule is how I make it all work.

Community members play Connect Four in the market. (Courtesy of Ali Washington)

What does that partnership look like in practice?

We mainly have students from grades three through five, with parental permission, selling produce they grow. They help run the info booth, learn how EBT and OTC systems work, manage inventory, package items, and even use point-of-sale systems. Everything they sell goes back into their program.

What do you hope people take away from the market beyond the produce?

Were not just feeding peoplewere educating them. Were teaching kids and the community how to grow, how to can, how to sustain themselves. This market is about more than food. Its about legacy. I always tell all my vendors, this aint my market, its our market because before I make any decisions I include them too.

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For this community [Ben Hill], my vision is for us to thrive like Virginia-Highland or Grant Park while keeping our Black essence. Plenty of us share that vision; thats what I want to see and feel here.

Click here to read more about Atlantas game-changing entrepreneurs and learn their secrets to success.

The post To Combat a Food Desert, an Atlanta Mom Launched a Food Market with Black Vendors appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
Raimundas Vaiksnoras, Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, has stated that sending troops to Ukraine is being considered, but it can only be implemented after a peace agreement is concluded or at least a ceasefire is established.

Source: European Pravda, citing Delfi, a Baltic states news website

Details: Vaiksnoras said that if foreign troops were sent to Ukraine, their key task would be to help rebuild the Ukrainian army.

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"There are various options [for sending troops to Ukraine  ed.], but the main condition must be signing a peace agreement or at least a ceasefire," Vaiksnoras said.

The commander stressed that Ukraine needs all the help it can get in this difficult situation.

"The security of Europe is in our hands. We can always bury our heads in the sand and pretend nothing is happening. But perhaps we Lithuanians know better than anyone what can happen when no one supports us or we have no friends," Vaiksnoras added.

Background:

Lithuanian presidential adviser Dainius Zikevicius stated that his country would send the same number of troops to Ukraine as it had previously sent to the NATO peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan.

Inga Ruginiene, Lithuania's future prime minister, said that she does not yet have a clear position on sending Lithuanian troops to the peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

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The commander of the National Guard task force in Washington said his troops are focused on their assigned mission, which is to provide security, not direct law enforcement, and to be a reassuring presence.

Col. Lawrence Doane, the commander of Joint Task Force-D.C., told Task & Purpose that many of his troops patrolling and working in Washington have experienced some very positive interactions, but acknowledged that some are not, and thats fine.

Those mixed interactions, both the good and the bad, have shown up on social media over the last month. Photos and videos highlighting the soldiers exchanging pleasantries with locals have been posted along with encounters with protestors who have used the National Guard as a backdrop to address broader national politics.

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In mid-August, Task & Purpose observed many of those two-sided interactions between Guardsmen, curious tourists and angry passersby outside of Union Station in downtown D.C. One man called out, saying scumbags as he walked by with his bike, while a family stopped to take a photo with an up-armored Humvee parked on a concrete island. Another couple held a sign that read No ICE! No National Guard! while they stopped to question several troops about their mission.

Doane, who is a full-time Guardsman in D.C., said those types of mixed interactions have been typical but that his soldiers are committed to making sure every American around them feels safe and that a lot of what the uniforms about is providing that safety and security where we are.

Task & Purpose spoke with Doane on Wednesday when he joined a patrol of National Guard troops at The Wharf, a southwestern Washington D.C. neighborhood along the Potomac River. Other Guardsmen on duty either declined to speak with a reporter or referred Task & Purpose to a public affairs officer.

We want to make sure that everyone around us, no matter how they feel about this or what theyre doing, they feel safe. Thats what were here for, Doane said.

Tennessee National Guard soldiers assist civil authorities in Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2025. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Kalina Hyche.

In August, President Donald Trump ordered 800 National Guard troops to deploy to Washington to help reestablish law, order, and public safety in Washington, D.C.

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The move came despite a 30-year low and a year-over-year decrease in violent crime statistics between 2023 and 2024, according to the Justice Department. Seven states subsequently announced they would send Guard troops to Washington, bringing the number assigned to Joint Task Force-D.C. to more than 2,250.

Doane also said his troops are properly trained for the deployment. Most, he said, come from military police units and would have attended the Armys Military Police school at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There, soldiers receive weapons training and instruction on military and civilian laws and jurisdictions, traffic and crowd control, arrest and restraints. The task force also includes soldiers from other combat arms like infantry and cavalry units, which have a variety of military occupational specialties (MOS). The task force did not provide a breakdown on the number of military police.

The vast majority of folks out are from those backgrounds, [and are] very comfortable with patrolling, very comfortable with carrying their weapons. Everyone out here, no matter what their MOS is, is qualified for everything theyre doing. Theyve been trained on what theyre doing. We continue to train on what were doing, Doane said. Im very comfortable with the group we have out here.

But while Doane believes his troops are both well-trained and operating under clear legal guidelines, some veteran military leaders and experts in military use argue that mixing the Guard with federal agents and law enforcement in Washington creates a tinder box that Guard soldiers may not recognize.

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Alex Wagner, a former chief of staff to the Army secretary and assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, believes typical citizens  with little to no exposure to the military or heavily armed police units  have almost no way to understand the differences between soldiers and uniformed federal law enforcement.

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Its hard for American civilians to fully understand the rule-of-engagement distinctions between local law enforcement like the D.C. police, federal law enforcement like FBI and ICE agents, and the National Guard, who are in theory supporting and aiding law enforcement operations, he said. I think the distinction will be blurred and its so unusual to have happened in an American city during a time of relative peace.

The D.C. deployment also stands under a shadow cast by more recent and past deployments of U.S. troops to American cities, from the federalized Guardsmen and U.S. Marines in Los Angeles this summer, to previous large-scale mobilizations like the 1992 Los Angeles riots, or the fatal shooting at Kent State in 1970 when Ohio National Guard troops fired into a crowd of anti-war protesters, killing 4.

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The existence of uniformed troops patrolling city streets for presence purposes is rather unusual, Wagner said, even when compared to the militarys deterrence abroad.

Airmen who are deployed to Germany, for example, are advised not to wear their uniforms when theyre not on base, as its viewed as destabilizing, and for force protection reasons, can make themselves a target, he said. Here in D.C., theyre being asked to be visible for presence purposes, but theyre not trained in local laws or conflict de-escalation the way law enforcement is.

The line between presence and enforcement

Doane emphasized that troops are not allowed to do direct law enforcement and are not affecting arrests. Joint Task Force officials said National Guard troops are allowed to temporarily limit [someones] movement but have to transfer them to law enforcement custody.

Joshua Kastenberg, a former Air Force lawyer and professor of national security and criminal law said that temporary detention is just custody by another name.

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Last week, the Pentagon authorized troops to carry their service weapons. Doane said troops are armed just for force protection of themselves, law enforcement partners and surrounding civilians, adding that they would only need to use force if an incident posed really great bodily harm that we want to prevent anywhere around us.

In addition to the fundamental training they receive for their MOS, when troops arrived in D.C., they received briefings and training that are standard for any mission where we go out and support law enforcement, a Joint Task Force-D.C. official said.

The Joint Reception Staging Order Integration briefing focused on the use of force, legal limits and advice from Army public affairs officials. Troops were issued cards with all the dos and donts of how to engage, present themselves, and relevant social media policies, the task force official said.

National Guard soldiers clear debris and load wood into a National Park Service vehicle during a cleanup along the Tidal Basin near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., Aug. 25, 2025. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Amber Monio.

Troops have also been assigned to roles that involve collecting trash or beautification efforts and patrolling the D.C. metros, which has drawn significant criticism.

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Doane said his troops are also getting appropriate lodging and meals, an issue that has dogged past deployments to Washington, when soldiers slept in parking garages and other public spaces. A task force official told Task & Purpose that soldiers now in Washington are staying in nearby hotels and are provided both contracted meals and midnight chow at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in southeast D.C. Still, the nutritional value of those breakfasts has drawn scrutiny online as photos and soldier feedback on sites like Hots&Cots showed low-nutrition meals of pastries, sugar-filled granola bars, fruit and juices.

On the other hand, Doane says living conditions are being well-managed.

Everyone is getting a great work-rest cycle. We have plenty of time to train and keep them on. This is very sustainable, Doane said. Morale is great and theyre getting enough downtime to take care of themselves.
The most critical component of a dividend payout is profitability. As long as the company has adequate profits, which are preferably growing, dividend payouts are a useful tool to reward shareholders for their investments into the company. But what happens when the profits are declining? That is exactly what is happening with automobile major Ford (F).

About Ford

Founded in 1903 by the legendary Henry Ford, Ford is a leading global automaker producing passenger vehicles, SUVs, trucks, electric vehicles (under its Model e initiative), commercial vans and services (through Ford Pro), and financing solutions (via Ford Credit). Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the moving assembly line and has remained in family control for over a century.

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Valued at a market cap of $46.7 billion, F stock is up 19.4% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis, while offering a dividend yield of 6.35%.

However, the company's market cap has more than halved from its all-time high levels of around $100 billion in January 2022, while it is also down from its $55 billion market cap in August 2015. But can it stage a turnaround? I think it can, and here's why.

www.barchart.com

Ford's Strategic Investments & Sales Momentum Bode Well Amid Tariff Clouds

Fords showing in the fast-growing and highly competitive electric vehicle (EV) market has been underwhelming, with its EV division projected to record a $5 billion loss this year. Flagship electric offerings like the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning, once seen as central to Fords transition away from gasoline models, have experienced slower sales than anticipated.

Yet, to turn things around and cut losses, Ford is rolling out several strategic measures. A major step includes nearly $2 billion in upgrades to the Louisville Assembly Plant to build a new mid-size electric pickup. This project is part of a broader $5 billion push to improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness. The plan involves setting up a battery manufacturing facility to lower production costs and refining manufacturing processes to drive down expenses.

Meanwhile, numbers for the latest quarter have also brought some positive signs. In Q2 2025, Ford outperformed the broader auto sector, driven by robust demand for key models. F-Series deliveries reached 222,459 units, and the Maverick hit a record 48,041 units. SUV performance was also strong, with the Navigator jumping 115% and the Expedition climbing 43.9% to over 31,000 units. Additionally, the Bronco posted its highest quarterly sales since its 2021 launch, exceeding 39,000 units.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A founder of a nonprofit organization that helps the youth is looking to bring a first-of-its-kind charter school to Dothan.

Nate Patterson, the founder of Time Youth, is seeking to do more for children by proposing a tuition-free public charter school, Time Leadership Academy.

This will be an opportunity for students to have a different approach to learning, growing, and meeting the expectation of meeting kids where they are.

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He says the idea has been in the works since 2021, and after traveling to schools around the state, he says the impact of the public charter schools stuck out to him.

I just felt like we needed to bring that to our city and give the parents more options to choose from, said Patterson.

The Time Leadership Academy would be open to all students, grades 4 through 8, starting out, with a grade level added each year.

We want to start small so we can focus on the students, not overwhelm teachers, and make those students leaders for the next group, Patterson said.

Despite the last effort to bring a charter school to Dothan that failed, Patterson says it has been perceived positively, despite some rumors about it being a private school and certain education leaders, such as former DCS Superintendent Dr. Coe, being involved, which Patterson denies.

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Patterson says he is confident this model will work.

We are open and transparent, explained Patterson. We want this to be community-driven.

Patterson says they are educating the community about public charter schools and distributing surveys to gather feedback, and they hope to open the school in the fall of 2027, pending approval from the city school system.

We dont want to make it seem like we have all the answers, we dont, but we want to get them involved to make it generational, said Patterson.

A location for the school has not been decided yet.

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  Pat Cain from the Urbana Free Library joined WCIAs Taylor Mitchell in the studio to talk about the archives that are available at the library.

We collect, preserve, and make accessible pretty much anything that relates to the history of Champaign County, surrounding East Central Illinois. We also have a big focus on family history and genealogy too, Cain said.

Community Spotlight: Central Illinois Bat Festival

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The Champaign County Historical Archives contain all types of materials  Cain even brought in some items representing WCIAs history.

If youre interested in researching a person, a subject or an organization in Champaign County, Cain encourages you to check out the archive.

Chances are, we have something related to it, Cain said. Use us, use our resources.

If youre interested in checking out the archive, Cain said you can visit the second floor of the Urbana Free Library, located at 210 W. Green St. in Urbana. Theyre open seven days a week. Cain said you can also call the library at 217-367-4057 or email them at archives@urbanafree.org.

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HOBOKEN, N.J. (PIX11)  The Hoboken PATH station will close for urgent repairs for five days starting Thursday night, which could impact travelers heading to the city, the beach, or out of town for the holiday weekend.

According to the Port Authority, crews are upgrading the stations track and interlocking system, which controls train movements between tracks and platforms. The shutdown comes after the terminal closed for a month back in February to address the same issue.

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One rider said the disruptions are challenging, especially as the area continues to grow.

Its very frustrating, especially because they keep building more and more condos here in New Jersey, and the transportation isnt keeping up, said commuter Susan Monda.

The Port Authority said design flaws have caused mechanical failures in the interlocking system, and long-term repairs will improve reliability and increase peak-hour service.

During the shutdown, PATH will offer alternative travel options, including free shuttle buses to Newport and Exchange Place, cross-honored fares on NY Waterway ferries and NJ Transit trains between Hoboken, Secaucus, New York Penn Station, and Newark Penn Station, and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service between Hoboken, Newport, and Exchange Place.

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Some riders are grateful for the alternate routes, especially the free options.

Its free and the commute is easier, so its fine, said Dina, a commuter in New Jersey.

Businesses, however, feel the timing couldnt be worse, with the holiday weekend usually drawing big crowds to Hoboken. Emily Perez, who runs the Metropolis Hoboken restaurant, said past train shutdowns have already impacted business.

I think with Labor Day, its a really big time where a lot of people that are local to the area do go down the shore and away so businesses definitely rely on people coming from the city so, I think it definitely will affect people around and I can definitely see some restaurants can probably get a little frustrated by that, she said.

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Hoboken Councilmember Tiffanie Fisher acknowledges commuters frustration and said more investment is needed in New Jerseys transit infrastructure to prevent future shutdowns.

We should be spending a lot more of our tax dollars into public transportation, said Fisher. We are far behind so many other areas, and we have growing population. We have growing density across the state, and our public transportation just really doesnt meet their needs.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

The Port Authority stated that it regrets the inconvenience to riders, calling any failure of the new equipment being installed unacceptable, while pledging to hold the manufacturer or contractor accountable.

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The PATH service at the Hoboken terminal is set to resume on Tuesday at 5 a.m.

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A judge in North Carolina has ordered a mining company to shut its doors after it was determined to be operating illegally.

As the Carolina Journal reported, a Superior Court judge ruled that Horizon 30 LLC was running a mining operation without environmental permits along the Nolichucky River in Mitchell County. As a result, the company was ordered to immediately cease operations.

The North Carolina Department of Labor uncovered the illegal mining operation after an official visited the site. The official was completing a request from the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration to provide miner safety training on location.

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However, the official spotted a number of "irregularities" at the site and asked to see the mining operation's state environmental permit.

In a press release, Luke Farley, North Carolina's Commissioner of Labor, applauded the actions of the department.

"This is exactly why I've made it a priority to support and empower our field staff," Farley said in a statement. "Their experience, judgment, and vigilance are critical to keeping workers safe and enforcing the law.

For mining operations, not having the proper environmental permits can not only lead to potential ecological concerns, but it can also jeopardize human lives. This could result in habitat destruction, water contamination, air pollution, and exposure to toxic substances.

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Without permits, mining activities can also bypass regulations designed to protect vulnerable workers, leading to long-term health issues.

"If our staff hadn't gone above and beyond their duty to protect workers, this illegal operation could have continued unnoticed  putting lives at risk and undermining public trust in our regulatory system," added Farley.

The Carolina Journal noted that in addition to shutting down, the judge also ruled that Horizon 30 could not remove any materials from the work site. The mining company is also required to submit a reclamation plan while it seeks to obtain proper environmental permits.

If the company is unable to follow through with the judge's orders, it could be held in civil or criminal contempt.

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A customer looks at a laptop computer for sale last year. Comprehensive consumer privacy laws are taking effect in eight states this year. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

This year, comprehensive privacy laws are going into effect in eight states to regulate how businesses handle digital information and to give consumers more protections over their personal data.

The laws in Delaware, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Tennessee have taken effect already this year, according to a database from the International Association of Privacy Professionals Westin Research Center.

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Marylands privacy law, signed by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore last year, will go into effect Oct. 1.

Privacy laws enacted in Indiana, Kentucky and Rhode Island will go into effect next year.

Several other states are considering comprehensive privacy bills during this years legislative sessions. They include Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

When a person visits a website, applies to a job or logs into an online portal, they may be sharing their personal information. Comprehensive privacy laws can apply to a wide range of companies that participate in this kind of data collection.

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These laws generally include two types of provisions  those related to consumer rights and those that establish business obligations, according to the association.

Under each of the new laws, consumers have the right to control when and how their data is collected and shared. Some of those provisions include the right to delete data from a companys database, the ability to opt out of sharing sensitive information and the right to prohibit a company from selling their data.

The new measures also require businesses to ask consumers if they want to opt in to data collection. In some states, businesses are required to complete consumer data risk assessments and identify ways in which discrimination could take place. Some companies also may be required to limit to how consumer data is processed.

In 2018, California became the first state to enact comprehensive privacy legislation for consumers in the state; the law went into effect in 2020. Virginia and Colorado enacted laws in 2021. Connecticut, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Utah also have comprehensive laws that have taken effect, the database shows.

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Other states have passed measures with more specific data protections this year. California, Colorado and Montana, for instance, passed legislation that aims to protect sensitive brain data collected by devices outside of medical settings, KFF Health News reported earlier this year.

One bill under consideration in New York would establish data privacy protections for children. And another measure in Pennsylvania aims to improve consumer data protections with genetic testing companies.

In South Carolina, two data privacy bills  one specifically on protecting children  were introduced by Rep. Brandon Guffey ahead of the 2025 session. Neither of those proposals from the Rock Hill Republican received any traction but could be taken up after legislators return in January.

Without comprehensive federal protections, state lawmakers are driving the push to protect consumers from having their personal information shared without their knowledge.

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Stateline reporter Madyson Fitzgerald can be reached at mfitzgerald@stateline.org.

SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.

Like the SC Daily Gazette, 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.
Editors note: This story has been updated to correct which schools are being closed down and where they are being consolidated. We regret the error.

LEANDER, TEXAS (KXAN)  Parents in Leander raised concerns over Leander ISDs plans to potentially close down three elementary schools in a town hall meeting Thursday night.

The schools that could be impacted are:

Steiner Ranch Elementary

Cypress Elementary

Faubion Elementary

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The district has three different proposals regarding the future of schools in their district:

Vacate Campus & Consolidate with nearby campus, which has a total estimated cost savings of $4,151,700

Implement updated staffing guidelines for low-enrolled elementary campuses, which have a total estimated cost savings of $1,777,200

Hybrid Utilization, depending on unique circumstances, has a total estimated cost savings of $3,549,700

In the proposal to consolidate the three schools:

Steiner Ranch would consolidate with Laura W Bush Elementary and River Ridge Elementary

Cypress would consolidate with Naumann Elementary

Faubion would consolidate with Westside Elementary

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Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing said that following one of these proposals is necessary due to the deficiencies the district is facing.

The chronic underfunding of public education in the state of Texas that has left us with large deficit budgets for the last two years, Gearing said. As elementary schools are built for 800 students, and so when theyre below 60% capacity, we are really going to have to look at how we staff those schools appropriately.

Each of the three schools is under 60% capacity, but parents dont think that is enough of a reason to justify potentially closing down the schools. According to Texas Education Agency Accountability ratings, each of these schools earned a grade A.

I have a third grader there right now, and my two older kids both went through, so weve been at Steiner for a very long time, said Kaycee Parker, who is both a parent and the PTA president for Steiner Ranch Elementary. It just seems rushed, it seems foolhardy, it seems like its going to be a bad decision, and its just reactionary.

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We moved from California in 2021, our children were not even close to elementary school age yet, and we knew we wanted them to be here in Steiner and go to the elementary schools here because of how well they were rated, said Dara Irsfeld, another parent whos concerned. I dont think they should change anything.

I have a four-year-old and a one-year-old, and they will attend the public schools here when theyre old enough, said Katie Green, another parent concerned. It is going to affect teacher-student ratios, its going to affect traffic.

Such concerns were also shared by Leander ISD Board member Paul Gauthier, who said he believes the district isnt saving money properly.

It only costs $1.5 million to operate the school, and $1.2 million to operate it at half capacity. Were not spending the money correctly, said Gauthier. The populations will regentrify after a certain amount of time, and it will cost you more money.

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Gearing said he has considered all these points, but still deems it necessary for the district to function properly.

I think the harder thing for us is the fact that the reason that people are so upset is because our staff has done just a phenomenal job of building community schools, such a good job that people dont want to let go of that, Gearing said. Honestly, we dont want to let go of that either, but we have to face the reality of our situation.

The Leander ISD Board of Trustees will meet a few more times to discuss the future of these schools. The board will make a final decision on October 9th.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In summer 2025, a Hong Kong resident developed symptoms of the mosquito-borne illness chikungunya  the first time the area had seen a case in six years.

What's happening?

The illness chikungunya is primarily transmitted via mosquito bites. Bloomberg reported that a 12-year-old developed a rash, fever, and significant joint pain after traveling to Foshan, China.

In previous weeks, the city of Foshan had reported over 6,500 infections, which had officials worried about the spread, per Bloomberg.

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The Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department used mosquito control techniques at the patient's home. Bloomberg reported that the actions included fogging, removing stagnant water that could attract mosquitoes, and increasing public awareness.

Although the infection doesn't generally spread between people (except in rare cases from mother to child or via infected blood), Bloomberg explained that mosquitoes that bite an infected person can transmit the virus to another person they bite.

Why is the increase in vector-borne diseases important?

While chikungunya is often contained to specific regions, rising temperatures and extreme weather changes are contributing to its spread, along with the spread of other vector-borne diseases.

Many areas are seeing rare cases or surges in mosquito-borne viruses, including the Bay Area, Puerto Rico, and other parts of the Americas.

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A rise in global temperatures and changing weather patterns are making it easier for mosquitoes to breed.

"Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are helping Aedes mosquitoes expand into new regions," explained one doctor from the infectious diseases division at the University of Texas, per ABC News.

The Pan American Health Organization has stated that disease-carrying mosquitoes have become more common in recent years in areas where they didn't previously survive. Since chikungunya isn't the only infection transmitted by insects, the CDC highlighted that others, like West Nile, dengue fever, and Lyme disease, may also increase.

What's being done to prevent vector-borne illnesses?

Preventing vector-borne diseases like chikungunya requires widespread effort, but there are plenty of ways to get involved.

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For example, officials in China have done everything from releasing mosquito-eating fish into the wild to promoting and monitoring the removal of stagnant water that could act as a breeding ground for the insects, per the BBC.

On an individual level, the World Health Organization recommends that people take preventative measures by wearing long sleeves and pants and using bug repellent.

You can also support local actions for reducing planet-overheating pollution, such as switching to cleaner energy sources, using public transportation, and voting for pro-climate candidates.

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(KRON)  The Concord City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward with an ordinance to reduce speed limits on 20 city streets.

The decision is supported by data from a citywide engineering and traffic survey led by Concords Transportation Division. The survey evaluated speeds, collision data, and roadway conditions to ensure that posted limits reflect actual traffic patterns  and remain legally enforceable, said the city council.

Concord police plan to increase their number of traffic officers to help support the new limits.

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Speed limits must be both safe and enforceable, said Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer in a statement. This update ensures that our posted limits reflect real-world conditions while prioritizing the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.

The following streets will see speed reduced by 5 mph or more, according to the Concord city council.

Alberta Way from Clayton Road to Ygnacio Valley Road (35 mph to 25 mph)

Ayers Road from Ygnacio Valley Road to Clayton Road (35 mph to 30 mph)

Babel Lane from Clayton Road to Cowell Road (35 mph to 30 mph)

Burnett Avenue from Highway 680 Northbound on/off ramp to John Glenn Drive (35 mph to 30 mph)

Clayton Road from Galindo Street to Oakland Avenue (35 mph to 30 mph)

Concord Avenue from Market Street to Salvio Street (35 mph to 30 mph)

Cowell Road from Monument Boulevard to Babel Lane (35 mph to 30 mph)

David Avenue from Oak Grove Road to Bancroft Road (40 mph to 35 mph)

Galaxy Way from Commerce Avenue to Via De Mercados (30 mph to 25 mph)

Galindo Street from Monument Boulevard to Salvio Street (35 mph to 30 mph)

Grant Street from High School Avenue to Solano Way (35 mph to 30 mph)

Kirker Pass Road from City Limit to Myrtle Drive (55 mph to 50 mph)

Laura Alice Way from Arnold Industrial Way to Nelson Avenue (35 mph to 30 mph)

Marsh Drive from Solano Way to City Limit (45 mph to 40 mph)

Meadow Lane from Market Street to Monument Boulevard (35 mph to 30 mph)

Minert Road from Oak Grove Road to City Limit (40 mph to 35 mph)

Oak Grove Road from Junction Drive to City Limit (40 mph to 35 mph)

Oakland Avenue from Clayton Road to Mt Diablo Street (30 mph to 25 mph)

Port Chicago Highway from Panoramic Drive to City Limit (45 mph to 40 mph)

However, there are several streets that will see speed limit increased in order to maintain enforceability. Although the Councilmembers were reluctant to raise the limits, they recognized that without doing so, speeding citations could not be upheld under California law, added the city council.

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Rolling Woods Way from Pine Hollow Road to the northernmost boundary of the Crystyl Ranch development (30 mph to 35 mph)

Turtle Creek Road from Treat Boulevard to Fallbrook Road (30 mph to 35 mph)

Crystyl Ranch Drive from Ygnacio Valley Road to Hiddencrest Court (35 mph to 45 mph)

The ordinance has another step to go with a second reading before its final adoption. Once approved, the new speed limits will go into effect once new signs are put into place within 30 days.

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WASHINGTON  Prominent members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are pushing back against President Donald Trump after he abruptly canceled nearly $5 billion in foreign aid on Thursday night  heightening the risk of a government shutdown next month.

The Office of Management and Budget announced on Friday that Trump approved a $4.9 billion cut in foreign aid programs the night before through a process called pocket rescissions, a rarely used and legally questionable procedure that allows the president to cancel government funding without congressional approval. The process allows Trump to circumvent lawmakers because the request comes so close to the end of the fiscal year, which is scheduled to end on Oct. 1.

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the President is using his authority under the Impoundment Control Act to deploy a pocket rescission, cancelling $4.9 billion in woke and weaponized foreign aid money that violates the Presidents America First priorities, an OMB spokesperson told the Deseret News in a statement.

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The rescissions package includes $3.2 billion in cuts to the United States Agency for International Development, $322 million from the USAID-State Department Democracy Fund, $521 million in State Department contributions to international groups, $393 million in State Department contributions to peacekeeping activities and another $445 million in separately budgeted peacekeeping aid, according to the New York Post, which was the first to report the request.

Congress can vote to either rescind or continue the funds, the spokesperson said, but ultimately it doesnt matter. The White House can withhold funding unilaterally for 45 days, which would extend past the government spending deadline anyway  meaning Trump can cancel the funds regardless of what Congress does.

The surprise decision angered lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who called the decision unlawful and not permitted by the Impoundment Control Act.

Article I of the Constitution makes clear that Congress has the responsibility for the power of the purse, Collins, the top lawmaker on the Senate Appropriations Committee, wrote in a statement. Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.

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A spokesperson for OMB pushed back on that assessment, arguing the Impoundment Control Act allows the president to permanently cancel funds previously approved by Congress  noting that while it is rare to use a pocket rescissions, it is a lawful tool available to the executive branch to reduce unnecessary spending.

The move has also heightened the risk of a shutdown at the end of September as Democrats have repeatedly warned they would not engage in bipartisan negotiations to fund the government if Trump continued his efforts to claw back funds after they were approved by Congress.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., decried the rescissions package as further proof President Trump and congressional Republicans are hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and going it alone this fall.

If Republicans are insistent on going it alone, Democrats wont be party to their destruction, Schumer said in a statement.

Congress must approve funding for government agencies by midnight on Oct. 1, otherwise a temporary shutdown will take place and current funding will lapse. It will require bipartisan legislation to keep the government open as seven Democrats will need to side with their Republican colleagues in the Senate to pass a bill.
Nvidia (NVDA) reported better than expected results in its second-quarter earnings report on Wednesday, Aug. 27, roughly two weeks after the company agreed to pay the U.S. government 15% of the sale of its H20 chips to China.

The company reported $46.7 billion dollars in total revenue, a 56% rise year-over-year, with a corresponding rise in data center revenue. Still, analysts were expecting $41.3 billion in data center revenue and the company reported $41.1.

Nvidias stock traded down to roughly $179 per share early on Wednesday, Aug. 27 but by around 4 p.m. ET, its stock rose to about $182, according to Yahoo Finance data. Shares slipped in the after hours, trading around $176 or down around 3% as of 6:30 p.m. ET.

The company previously said it expected to lose $8 billion in the second quarter after President Donald Trump banned the sale of its chips to China in April. Trump later rescinded the ban.

Nvidia said in its earnings release that it sold none of it's chips made for the Chinese customers in the country but it "benefitted" from the release of $180 million in inventory to a customer outside of China.

Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said on the earnings call that the company could ship $2 billion to $5 billion in revenue from the H20 chip in the thrid quarter if "political issues" are resolved.

What were analysts expecting?

Analysts anticipated a 6.2% move for the stock, which could bring the to an all-time high of $192.88, or send it down to $170.66, mimicking its July levels.

The company reported an EPS of $1.05, beating expectations of $1.01, and revenue of $46.7 billion, beating expectations of $46.1 billion.

Additionally, the company announced a $60 billion share buyback program and issued guidance of $54 billion for the next quarter.

The chipmakers earnings and sales were expected to jump 53% from a year ago to $45.9 billion, CNBC reported.

Out of the last 12 financial reports, Nvidia has topped estimates 11 times. The stock is currently up 30% year-to-date. In July, Nvidia became the first company to hit a $4 trillion market cap.

Why did Nvidia stock slip?

Analyst Jacob Bourne of Emarketer pointed to the shortnening runway for AI and increased competetition for Nvidia stock slipping in commentarty provided to USA TODAY.

"The data center results, while massive, showed hints that hyperscaler spending could tighten at the margins if near-term returns from AI applications remain difficult to quantify," Bourne wrote.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang on Friday, July 11, 2025, in Nvidia offices in Washington, DC.

Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at Investing.com, said that the stock had been "priced at perfection" in provided commentary.
FLORIDA (WMBB)- With reactions to the tragic mass shooting in Minneapolis pouring in from all over the country, many are looking to their elected officials for change.

And while the ideas on how to achieve change may vary, the goal remains the same: No more mass shootings.

Thursday, Congressman Jimmy Patronis shared with News13 how he would like to reach that goal.

But Patronis says hes not looking for ways to manage the weapons. Instead, he blamed the impacts of devices and technology on the countrys youth.

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He said his call to action would be to hold what he called Big tech morally accountable.

And when asked if that call to action includes a push for increased restrictions for automatic weapons, he says the problem lies with the person, not the weapon.

I mean, with automatic weapons, its not the gun thats killed the people. Its whos pulled the trigger. And whos pulling the trigger in this case yesterday was a young man who was incredibly disturbed that ultimately took his own life. And the public, maybe his parents were not looking at the telltale signs that this child needed help, Congressman Jimmy Patronis said.

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Ted Dabrowski, president of the conservative activist organization Wirepoints Inc., has formally entered the race for the Republican nomination for governor with a $250,100 loan to his recently formed campaign committee.

Dabrowski, 64, of Wilmette, has made no secret of his desire to run for the office and to seek a general election contest against Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker next year, even posting on his X social media account biography: Coming soon: Official announcement on my run for Governor of Illinois.

Dabrowski filed notice of his intent to self-fund his campaign with the Illinois State Board of Elections on Thursday. The move effectively lifts campaign contribution limits for all candidates for governor. Its also often a precursor to a large outside campaign donation.

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A regular on right-wing talk radio, Dabrowski is an ally of former state Rep. Jeanne Ives of Wheaton, a GOP State Central Committee member who lost bids for governor and Congress. Hes also allied with political operative and talk radio host Dan Proft of Naples, Florida.

Proft in the past has served as a conduit for political funding from conservative billionaire megadonor Richard Uihlein of Lake Forest, the founder of the Uline office supply and packaging company, for far-right Illinois candidates, though with little success.

In the 2022 race for governor, Uihlein gave GOP candidate Darren Bailey more than $50 million in direct donations as well as through an allied political action committee. Bailey, a wealthy downstate farmer who mounted a rural-based Christian nationalist campaign, lost to the billionaire Pritzker 55% to 42%. Bailey has indicated on social media that he may run for governor in the GOP primary again next year.

So far, Uihlein has not financially supported any candidate in the Republican governors race, although GOP sources said Dabrowski has lobbied heavily for his support through Proft and Ives.

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Veteran Republican state Sen. Terri Bryant of Murphysboro said Friday that she has talked with Dabrowski about her interest in serving as his running mate, but she said he has not yet indicated who hell pick as his lieutenant governor candidate.

Dabrowski previously served as vice president at the libertarian leaning Illinois Policy Institute, which has opposed public employee unions and played a major role in assisting former one-term GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Dabrowski has been a regular critic of the states underfunded public employee pension system, proposing constitutionally questionable ways to end it. He also has criticized the public education system while advocating for private school vouchers.

Dabrowski also aligned himself with the controversial Awake Illinois organization, a group that has gained notoriety for its anti-transgender rhetoric and activities. Dabrowski has been a member of a North Shore group called New Trier Neighbors that has pushed for restricting LGBTQ-focused content in local schools.

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Appearing at an Awake Illinois workshop for conservative local school board candidates in 2023, Dabrowski cited low educational achievement scores and told the group: There is educational equity in Decatur now because the white kids cant read either.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick is also among the candidates seeking the GOP gubernatorial primary nomination.

Chicago Tribunes Jeremy Gorner contributed.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley is not seeking reelection, opening the door for other conservative judges to enter the spring 2026 race.

"I will not seek reelection to the Wisconsin Supreme Court because I believe the best path for me to rebuild the conservative movement and fight for liberty is not as a minority member of the Court," Bradley said in an Aug. 29 statement.

Liberal state Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor has announced for the race and will have the support of Democrats.

Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor will challenge Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley in the 2026 election.

Shortly after Bradley's announcement Aug. 29, state Appeals Court Judge Maria Lazar, said she is looking at taking on Taylor.

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Youre telling me something I didnt know, Lazar said Friday of Bradleys decision not to seek re-election. Im going to seriously consider making a run.

Lazar, a conservative, said she hopes to make a decision in the next two or three weeks. She has served on the District 2 Court of Appeals since defeating Lori Kornblum in April 2022. She previously was a Waukesha County Circuit judge.

Maria Lazar

Appeals Court Judge Gregory Gill, another conservative who was thought to be a possible candidate, ruled himself out in an interview Friday. "Not at this juncture," said Gill, who was elected to the District 3 Court of Appeals in 2020.

State Supreme Court races are officially nonpartisan, but in recent years have become increasingly polarized.

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Bradley's statement highlighted just how partisan the court, and court races, have become.

"For years I have warned that under the control of judicial activists, the court will make itself more powerful than the legislature, more powerful than the governor," she wrote. "That warning went unheeded."

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley speaks to the press at the end of the WISN 12 Commitment 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court Debate at the Lubar Center at Marquette University Law Schools Eckstein Hall on Wednesday March 12, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis.

Liberal candidates have won four of the last five Supreme Court elections. In 2023, the court flipped to a liberal majority for the first time in well over a decade with the election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz.

Liberals secured their majority in April 2025, when Dane County Judge Susan Crawford easily defeated conservative Waukesha County Judge Brad Schimel. That race easily topped $100 million in spending, with the super PAC run by billionaire Elon Musk spending $47.4 million in the first half of the year as the group was working to help elect Schimel.

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Crawford's victory over Schimel guaranteed a liberal majority of the seven-member body until at least 2028.

Taylor is outpacing Crawford's $460,000 haul in the same timeframe during what eventually became the most expensive judicial race in U.S. history.

Bradley did not raise money in the most recent campaign finance reporting period, state records show.

A Taylor victory would shift the court's liberal majority to 5-2.

Lazar, 61, said she was surprised to hear that Bradley wasn't running given the justice's recent criticism of Taylor. In recent weeks, Bradley has ripped Taylor for opposing Marsy's Law, a constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening the rights of victims, as a state lawmaker and ditching her strict recusal plan that she pushed for judges when she was in the Assembly.

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Bradley, 54, received a bachelor's degree in business administration and business economics from Marquette University in 1993. She then graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1996.

Bradley has been a staunch opponent of abortion rights in the past. While in college, Bradley compared abortion to the Holocaust and slavery, comparing abortion to "a time in history when Jews were treated as non-humans and tortured and murdered" and "a time in history when Blacks were treated as something less than human" while writing for the Marquette Tribune in 1992.

During the 2016 supreme court race, both Bradley and her opponent, Court of Appeals Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg, largeley avoided sharing their views on the issue while campaigning, as abortion rights was likely to appear before the Supreme Court.

Bradley was first elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for a full 10-year term in 2016 after being appointed by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2015.

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Before joining the court, Bradley was appointed to and served as a District I Court of Appeals judge in 2015, headquartered in Milwaukee, and was a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge from 2012 to 2015. She is the first Wisconsin Supreme Court justice to have served as an intermediate appellate court judge and a circuit court judge.

Bradley previously worked as a private practice attorney at several Milwaukee law firms from 1996 to 2012, mainly focusing on commercial litigation and intellectual property law. She also served as a vice president of legal operations for global software company RedPrairie Corp.

Bradley is considered a deeply conservative judge and has served as president of the Milwaukee Federalist Society chapter and been involved with in the Thomas More Society and the Republican National Lawyers Association.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley won't seek reelection
A rendering of a design for the a new Oklahoma governor's residence is pictured. (Provided by the Capitol Preservation Commission)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A new residence for Oklahomas first family on the grounds of the current governors mansion was approved Thursday by the Capitol Preservation Commission.

The project will be funded through private donations. A private foundation had raised $6 million for the new residence as of 2022, according to reporting from The Oklahoman.

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The new residence is expected to be completed by November 2026, said Trait Thompson, chair of the commission. Gov. Kevin Stitt will not use the new residence, but the next Oklahoma governor should be able to occupy it if the project goes according to schedule, he said.

The mansion was built in 1928 and underwent a $2 million renovation in 2021.

Despite the renovations, the mansion is no longer fit for the standards of what modern families need, Thompson said.

Thompson said the commissions unanimous decision to approve construction hinged on ensuring the new design was complementary to the current grounds and buildings.

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We want to make sure that it doesnt overwhelm or overshadow any of the current buildings, he said.

The current structure for the governors mansion will remain on the grounds as historic property. Its future use has not yet been determined.

It will be available to the public for tours, Thompson said. It could be a place where visiting dignitaries could potentially stay if that was needed. But it will still be maintained as a place for the governor to be able to have some of those more public meetings, like breakfasts and lunches and things like that.

Duane Mass, state capitol architect and curator, said hed like to see the mansion be more available to the public once the residence is completed.

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There are just lots of wonderful things that could be done with that space in the future that the average everyday citizen could come enjoy, he said. Thats going to be fleshed out once we get the next governor a new house to live in.

The total cost of the project was not immediately clear as the funding is coming from a private group, Mass said.

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CHICAGO (WGN)  Theres a quote attributed to Mark Twain that says there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.

Keep that in mind when you hear people talking about crime stats. Thats because there are many ways to measure public safety.

Weve been seeing the governor of Illinois parading out there saying that theres nothing wrong with Chicago. Its a great place to live. Theres no crime there. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. He doesnt need president Trumps help, while I think the residents of Chicago begged to differ and the statistics beg to differ.

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Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Illinois), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other democrats have by no means claimed to have solved the crime problem.

What they say is Chicago has made tremendous progress.

And that is true. In the 1990s, Chicago often saw more than 900 murders per year.

After reaching the lowest level in decades, the number spiked during the pandemic, and was at 573 last year.

Its on track to be even lower this year.

Heres another White House claim: Chicagos murder rate per capita was three times higher than Los Angeles, and nearly five times higher than New York City.

This claim ignores the reality that you have a far higher chance of actually being murdered  as measured by the murder rate  elsewhere.

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Axios crunched the numbers and found 13 of the 20 US Cities with the highest murder rates were in Republican run states, some with democratic mayors. Chicago didnt even crack the top 10.

Then, the White House press secretary suggested  without evidence  the numbers may be rigged.

Chicago has also, just like DC, come under scrutiny over discrepancies, Leavitt said. And its homicide data reporting. So as bad as these numbers are, perhaps they are even worse.

WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud

But the FBI is also in the crime stat business.

When it comes to the overall rate of violent crime: Chicago comes in twenty-ninth in the nation.

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Still, the White House labels Chicago a crime-ridden hell-hole.

This is Gov. Pritzkers legacy. He should pick up the phone and call this president, who would be more than happy to do right by law abiding American residents in the city of Chicago, Leavitt said.

Statistics are little comfort if you or someone you love has been a victim or if you fear leaving your home.

Gov. JB Pritzker responded to the White House press secretarys crime claims by saying if President Trump was interested in helping crackdown on crime, hed focus on red states.

Of the 20 states that have the biggest crime problem, 13 of them are red states controlled by republican governors, Pritzker said. Why is he choosing that over going after a state, a red state that voted for him, rather than a blue state that didnt vote for him, we know and understand why. He is a partisan. He is somebody that believes in attacking people that didnt vote for him.

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More information:

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Chicago violence reduction dashboard

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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When Governor Janet Mills introduced her landmark bipartisan climate law this January there was already broad agreement that Maine needed to do more to defend against rising sea levels and intensifying storms.

The widespread flooding that occurred a year prior exposed vast weaknesses in both local infrastructure and the states emergency response and recovery efforts.

More Maine communities than ever before applied for federal resilience grants and counted on them to bring vital projects to life.

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But now, nearly seven months and billions of dollars into the Trump administrations grant cancellations, a new playing field has come into focus, one with significantly less federal support.

Through state funds and a still unscathed $69 million grant from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, its largely up to the new Maine Office of Community Affairs and State Resilience Office to help communities fortify their coastlines and infrastructure before the next major storm.

This week I spoke with Brian Ambrette, director of the resilience office, as his new program takes shape and tries to navigate the changing federal terrain.

The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Could you start by providing a quick overview of your career and how you came to this position?

I started off with a land trust down in the Chesapeake Bay region, working with rural communities at the intersection of land conservation, land protection and coastal resilience issues.

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In 2019, I was really fortunate to land as a climate resilience coordinator in the Maine Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and worked on the state climate plan, Maine Wont Wait.

Then the next major project I worked on was the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission over the past year and a half, and it was that work that really led to the establishment of the State Resilience Office.

In your own words, why do you think the State Resilience Office is needed?

Across the country, governments at every level are really grappling with the challenges that are presented by the natural disasters that we're seeing.

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It's important for an entity like the State Resilience Office to have this kind of high altitude vantage point to think about responses that can address multiple issues at a time, like threats to community safety, economic wellbeing and resilience posed by climate change.

We can provide benefits in that level of information preparation for community leaders. They don't have the hours to spend weeding through a GIS system, looking at flood maps and things like that.

They need information that's packaged a little bit more with analysis that is anticipating the questions that they have and helps them make an informed decision relatively efficiently. Then they have access to folks who have either the expertise or the time to help them through decisions and get a project from concept to off the ground.

How many staff members will the office have and what's the general budget of the office? What are the offices key duties and responsibilities?

The NOAA grant, in total, will supply about $22 million to the state resilience office. A significant portion of that will go out in grants to communities through the states Community Resilience Partnership (a grant program and network that has awarded over $18 million in grants for local resilience projects).

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But the bulk of that funding will go towards building regional capacity at the regional councils (groups like the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission that help prepare communities for the effects of climate change).

Then we will have four positions funded by the NOAA grant that include the director, myself, a resilience planner, communications planner, regional coordinator and two additional fellows that will focus on coastal and inland flood risks.

What challenges do the Trump administrations dramatic cuts to federal climate resilience and disaster mitigation grants pose to the State Resilience Office?

I think the word of the day is uncertainty, and I think theres simultaneous ways that we can work our way through that.

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One is making good use of the funding programs that are available. Not everything has been terminated or paused at this point, which is good news. There's still uncertainty in the existing programs that are out there, and some folks still have access to the grant funds that have been awarded.

There's still the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund, which could potentially allow some sizable infrastructure resilience or hazard mitigation projects.

That is a program that does actually start to build some state capacity for funding those kinds of projects. The Maine Office of Community Affairs, meanwhile, is developing a grants research tool that will help communities find existing state, federal and philanthropic grants for their local priorities.

Maine will need to become more self-resourced in its ability to make those kinds of proactive resilience investments. That was going to be true regardless of what the federal picture looked like, so this probably just puts a little bit in some more stark contrast, and brings it forward.
A convicted murderer was arrested Thursday on charges in connection with the kidnapping of a Massachusetts teenager after a traffic stop in New Hampshire, authorities announced Friday.

U.S. Marshals were taking 40-year-old fugitive Christopher Rodriguez into custody on Route 28 near Wellington Road in Manchester when they found a missing North Andover teenager, who investigators say was lured away by him.

The Londonderry Police Department obtained arrest warrants for Rodriguez on Aug. 16 following an investigation into deceptive statements he allegedly made during an encounter with officers on Aug. 9, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

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Rodriguez now faces charges of including kidnapping a juvenile, endangering the welfare of a child, hindering apprehension or prosecution, obstructing government administration, among other offenses.

Rodriguez was convicted of second-degree murder in a 1999 armed robbery in New York City, sentenced in 2000, and released from prison in July 2017.

Authorities say Rodriguez may have been involved with the kidnapping victim dating back to 2023.

After Rodriguezs arrest, the North Andover Police Department safely returned the teenager to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services.

Rodriguez remains jailed as he awaits a court appearance.

There were no additional details immediately available.

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HOLYOKE  A sunrise search in Holyoke ended with a man in custody and a stash of cocaine, suboxone, and cash off the streets, police said.

Over the past several months, Luis Alvarado, 33, of Holyoke, was the focus of a drug investigation centered on an apartment at 559 South Canal St. by the Holyoke Police Department, the FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, and other agencies, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said.

After securing a search warrant, the task force entered the apartment around 6 a.m. Wednesday, Keenan said.

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Alvarado was found inside and taken into custody. A woman and three children were present and later released, police said.

During the search, officers recovered approximately 52.2 grams of cocaine, 62 suboxone films, and $278 in cash. A suboxone film is a strip that dissolves and releases a dose of the medications buprenorphine and naloxone.

Alvarado faces charges of trafficking 36 to 100 grams of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of a Class B drug.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Architect Simon Ha was trying to squeeze an apartment building onto a 6,400-square foot lot in Hollywood.

The city of Los Angeles requires two stairways for such buildings, which limited the configurations Ha could use. After racking his brain, he finally came up with a solution.

"It was like designing a Swiss watch," he said of the 2023 project.

Now, the L.A. City Council is on the brink of allowing just one stairway for buildings up to six stories, making it easier and cheaper to build on smaller lots  but raising concerns about escape routes in a fire or earthquake.

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Councilmember Nithya Raman, who introduced the single stairway proposal with Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, said she wants to speed up development to address the city's housing crisis and to encourage the construction of apartments big enough for families. And she believes safety neednt be sacrificed.

"Were trying to say, 'How can we build more safely  and build more overall?'" Raman said in an interview.

Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Until recently, New York, Seattle and Honolulu were among the few American cities that allowed single stairways in buildings of up to six stories. Since 2022, amid a nationwide affordable housing crunch, at least 16 cities and states have proposed or enacted single stairway regulations, according to a Pew Charitable Trusts study released in February.

The double stairway rule, in place in California since 1981, makes it harder to build apartments with more than two bedrooms, urban planners and architects said.

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Read more: Will we ever get enough housing? The future holds promise

Apartments typically have to be laid out along a long hallway, with windows on only one side of each unit, resulting in less light and ventilation, said Stephen Smith, who is executive director of the Center for Building in North America and one of the single stairway's biggest advocates.

"For small lots in particular, the second stairway can eat up a huge amount of the building's footprint," he said.

Under state law, L.A. can reduce the number of stairways it requires, as long as it implements other restrictions, such as high-end sprinkler systems. Raman and Yaroslavsky's proposal for single stairway buildings would limit the number of units per floor to four.

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But proponents of double stairways say they are a key safety measure, giving residents two options for fleeing a fire, along with a separate route for firefighters.

Frank Lima, a Los Angeles firefighter and general secretary-treasurer of the International Assn. of Fire Fighters, or IAFF, said the stairways are a life-and-death issue.

"[A single stairway] forces building occupants to go down a stairwell while firefighters go up a stairwell," Lima said. "That delays fire attack, delays people getting out of a building  when seconds count."

"When you try to cut corners to save money or make more units, it shouldnt be at the price of children that die," Lima said.

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The IAFF, which represents firefighters and emergency medical technicians across the U.S. and Canada, has strongly opposed single stairway proposals  "I'd rather call it 'only one way out,'" Lima said.

Read more: L.A. is under the gun to add housing units. The hard part? Where and how many

On Aug. 20, the City Council voted 13 to 1 to request that city staffers draft a single stairway ordinance.

In a memo to the council, City Planning Director Vincent Bertoni wrote that the single stairway proposal could make a "substantial contribution" to the city's housing supply.

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"The result is that family-sized units  a much needed segment of Los Angeles housing stock  are not being produced at the scale required to meet existing and projected needs," he wrote of the double stairway requirement.

About 14% of rental units in the city are three or more bedrooms, according to the Planning Department.

Zachary Pitts, the Los Angeles director of YIMBY Action, which advocates for more affordable housing, said he had a hard time finding a three-bedroom apartment in downtown Los Angeles.

There were plenty of studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms, but places big enough for his family of four cost a small fortune.

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"We ended up buying a single-family home, since a mortgage was lower than the prices we were being quoted," Pitts said.

Read more: The real story of how L.A. became the epicenter of America's homeless crisis

Ha, the architect, said that ditching the double stairway requirement could enable developers to produce "East Coast-style" townhouses like those in New York  a contrast to the "podium-style" buildings now going up in L.A., which generally take up a half or whole block.

Ha has designed buildings from San Francisco to San Diego, though most of his work is in Los Angeles, where he is the architect of many micro-apartment complexes, which contain only studios.

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Small parcels of 7,500 square feet or less, where a single stairway would make apartments easier to build, often sit empty for long periods, creating "missing teeth" in the city's layout, Ha said.

Simon Ha stands inside one of two stairways at the Hollywood Premiere Apartments. Architects such as Ha are in support of single stairway reform that would make it easier and cheaper to develop on small lots. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Fire Department declined to comment on the single stairway proposal, saying it is under review by the city fire marshal. The councilmembers behind the proposal say the department has been consulted every step of the way.

Raman said she sees "no reduction in fire safety."

"New fire safety standards in our building code have made it so new buildings are much safer overall," she said.

Architect Simon Ha shows the two stairways at the Hollywood Premiere Apartments. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

The Pew Charitable Trusts study, co-written and researched by Smith of the Center for Building in North America, found that in New York, the rate of fire deaths in single stairway buildings was the same as in other residential buildings.

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"This [double stairway] code originates from when people were cooking with open flames, when there were no sprinklers or fire alarms," Smith said.

City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian voted yes on the Aug. 20 motion to draft a single stairway ordinance, though he had previously expressed reservations about earthquake safety.

Seattle has single stairways but "less than one-tenth the number of seismic activity we have in our region," he said during a council meeting.

Councilmember Traci Park was the lone no vote.

"Generally in life, when you have more exits and evacuation routes, things are generally more safe," she said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Canadian retailer Dollarama has recorded a 10.3% sales increase to C$1.72bn ($1.25bn) for the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal 2026, compared to C$1.56bn in Q2 2025.

The rise in sales can be attributed to the expansion of the store network from 1,583 outlets on 28 July 2024 to 2,060 by 3 August 2025.

It also includes the addition of 395 stores in Australia following the acquisition of The Reject Shop (TRS), contributing C$25.7m to Australian segment sales during the post-acquisition period.

The comparable store sales in Canada rose 4.9%, driven by an increase in both transactions and average transaction size.

The gross margin for Q2 2026 was 45.5% of sales, slightly higher than the previous year quarter's 45.2% of sales.

The companys general, administrative and store operating expenses (SG&A) for Q2 FY26 increased 13.3% to C$241.2m compared to C$212.9m for Q2 2025.

Dollaramas earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to C$588.5m, with an EBITDA margin of 34.1%.

Net earnings grew 12.4% to C$321.5m, with diluted net earnings per share up 13.7% to C$1.16.

Income taxes rose from C$96.0m in Q2 2025 to C$118.8m in Q2 2026.

Operating income for the quarter improved by 14.3% to C$483.5m, representing an operating margin of 28% compared to 27%.

Dollarama president and CEO Neil Rossy stated: "The second quarter of fiscal 2026 marked a significant milestone in our international expansion, with entries into two new markets. We completed our acquisition of Australia's largest discount retailer, and we celebrated the opening of Dollarcity's first store in Mexico.

"Our complementary international platforms strengthen and diversify our long-term growth strategy, with our successful Canadian business serving as the foundation that fuels our broader ambitions. Strong comparable store sales growth in Canada, both in the second quarter and year to date, highlights the strength of our business model, the relevance of our value proposition for Canadian consumers and the team's impeccable execution."

In the fiscal year 2026, Dollarama anticipates comparable store sales growth to range between 3% and 4%, with gross margin expected to be between 44.2% and 45.2%.

The company also expects SG&A expenses of between 14.2% and 14.7%.

"Dollarama reports 10.3% sales growth in Q2 2026 " was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Lawmakers are worried about how theyll pay for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, in Alabama. President Donald Trumps tax relief efforts are requiring states to pay more to keep the welfare program going.

Lawmakers said they are looking for revenue sources after holding budget hearings this past week.

At the hearing this week, the Department of Human Resources said the state would have to come up with $208,694,000 in 2028 to keep the SNAP program going. As Nancy Buckner, commissioner of the Department of Human Resources explained, that would be contingent upon the states payment error rate (PER). That is the frequency with which the state overpays or underpays recipients for benefits. If the state can lower the current 8.2% error rate, then the total amount would decrease.

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Regardless, Buckner said the state would have to start paying around $35 million in administrative costs.

Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) said a statewide lottery would likely not cover the cost.

Well, it wouldve been beneficial. Except for the point that in some of the bills, the moneys been siphoned off to other uses and other resources, and other matters, he explained. So, it wouldnt have helped to a large extent as we think.

With that money going towards education, Rep. A.J. McCampbell agreed.

At best, we wouldve been looking at $200 million worth of revenue from lotteries. That would have been after about three to five years of implementation of it, said McCampbell.

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Regardless of where that money comes from, LaTrell Clifford Wood, hunger policy advocate with Alabama Arise, said one in seven Alabamians are counting on SNAP. As a former recipient, she said families will have to make hard decisions.

It put a lot of pressure on me as a young person to kind of, make sacrifices, said Wood. And I personally am of the school of thoughts that our children in Alabama should have an opportunity to be children because of it.

Thats why Wood said lawmakers should talk to Congress about changing the requirements. Sen. Albritton reassured that the state is prepared to make adjustments.

No one needs to go around with their hair on fire. Its simply a matter of being able to recognize the challenges, and then to deal with them, said Albritton.

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Sen. Albritton said the state will have to be creative, but Alabama will get through it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter failed to initiate a zoning change that would have saved a Heritage Farms property owner $20,000. The move had no support.

Baxter was trying to save Daniel Nogueira the $20,000 expense of seeking the zoning change on his own. County commissioners expressed concern at their Aug. 27 meeting that the move would circumvent a process that has been established for years. And Commissioner Bobby Powell said supporting Baxters request could be construed as a handout.

He came to me, and this is something that I would like to do, Baxter said of Nogueira, whose land is off State Road 7 near Hypoluxo Road and South Florida National Cemetery. He wants to put some homes on his large parcel for his son and daughter, and he cannot subdivide the lots under the current zoning.

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Property owners seeking a zoning change must submit what is called a privately initiated text amendment. The county staff reviews the plan and recommends to the commission whether it should proceed. Baxter wanted the commission to start the process.

While commissioners have in the past initiated text amendments, it has not been done for individuals or developers.

Baxter initially tried to pursue the zoning change at the end of a four-hour meeting on Aug. 19. The issue was not on the agenda. Commissioners, concerned with the precedent being set, instead instructed county planners to return with a presentation on whether it could even be done. That occurred Aug. 27.

Heritage Farms' residents testify against Baxter proposal

Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter.

Baxter has received strong pushback for pursuing the zoning change for Nogueira.

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Acreage Landowners Association President Bob Morgan accused Baxter of sending the county staff on another goose chase, wasting taxpayer dollars. Not only would this single resident be able to bypass the whole process, but the county would foot the bill that a regular resident submitting the same application would have to pay for out of pocket. This would open up a serious can of worms, to include lawsuits from others that may want the same preferential treatment.

County commissioners had similar concerns.

Somebody has to pay for staff time to process this application, Powell said. This would come at a time when we are looking for ways to save money. He noted Nogueira paid $875,000 for his property three years ago, raising the issue of why he cannot afford to spend the $20,000 to pursue the text amendment on his own.

Michelle Burns, a resident of Heritage Farms, said approving the request could result in commissioners being flooded with requests to pursue text amendments for them.

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I have 35 acres, she noted. Maybe I should get a commissioner to let me subdivide my property.

Daniel Nogueira wants to subdivide his property to create more buildable lots. Commissioner Sara Baxter failed in an effort to have her colleagues exempt him from paying the fee required to change the zoning.

Elizabeth Accomdando, who is a candidate in the 2026 Republican primary to unseat Baxter, said there is a reason previous boards created the rural tier. It was done to preserve a lifestyle, she noted, adding that Nogueira was aware of the zoning when he purchased the property three years ago.

Commissioner Gregg Weiss said the cost to initiate is $5,400. The higher fees do not take effect until the amendment is submitted to the state and then returned to the commission for a final decision.

We cannot have someone coming to a commissioner just because they do not want to pay the fees, said Weiss.

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'We don't need another gas station': Acreage group determined to block commercial project

MORE: Florida issues permit to treat horse manure, but Palm Beach County residents say not so fast

Realizing there was no support for her request, Baxter supported a move to have the county staff develop a fee structure that would charge individuals such as Nogueira less money than a developer.

The fee may be out of line for some people, said Commissioner Maria Sachs.

Commissioners also agreed they would give serious consideration to Nogueira should he return with a privately initiated text amendment. The staff agreed to meet with him to discuss what needs to be done.

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Mike Diamond is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He covers Palm Beach County government. You can reach him at mdiamond@pbpost.com. Help support local journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Commissioner Baxter's zoning change plan to help constituent went nowhere
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  After the special election on Tuesday, Woodbury County officials are taking the next step in the process of certifying the election.

The countys Board of Supervisors met early Thursday afternoon to canvass the unofficial results of the Iowa Senate District One Special Election.

Woodbury County Auditor Michelle Skaff presented the final vote count to the board.

The results now head to the Iowa Secretary of States office to be finalized.

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Skaff said the canvassing shows Drey gained four votes, making her total 4,212, while Prosch gained one vote, making his total 3,412.

Skaff says more than 7,600 votes were cast in this election.

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This was a high turnout for a special election. People were really engaged in this election. The candidates both worked really hard to, you know, get the voters to the polling locations, and it showed, said Woodbury County Auditor Michelle Skaff. The precincts were very busy. We had 13 polling locations; a pretty constant flow of traffic through all of them.

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A post-election audit is set to happen on Friday afternoon at the Woodbury County Courthouse.

Votes will be hand-counted to check and see if the election equipment accurately counted the ballots on election day.

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A federal appeals court has blocked an effort by the administration of President Donald Trump to end special protected status for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans living in the United States.

On Friday, a three-judge panel of the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower courts ruling, which kept in place Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. The status will remain in place as the legal challenges proceed through the courts.

Before leaving office, the Biden administration had extended TPS for about 600,000 Venezuelans through October 2026.

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The Trump administration has sought to end the extension, meaning that the status would expire for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, who were initially granted protection in 2023, in April of this year, and for approximately 250,000 Venezuelans, who were initially granted the status in 2021, by September.





That would leave those affected unable to legally work and vulnerable to deportation.

US District Judge Edward Chen had previously ruled in March that plaintiffs challenging the end of the protection were likely to prevail on their claim that the administration overstepped its authority.

Lawyers for affected Venezuelans had argued the administration had been motivated by racial animus.

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At the time, Chen ordered a freeze on the termination. However, the Supreme Court reversed the ruling in an emergency appeal, temporarily allowing the administration to move forward in cancelling the status.

TPS targeted

Congress created Temporary Protected Status as part of the Immigration Act of 1990.

It allows the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to grant legal immigration status to individuals fleeing countries experiencing civil strife, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent a safe return to their home country.





The Trump administration has increasingly targeted TPS recipients in its hardline approach to immigration, moving to terminate the programme for citizens of Haiti, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Honduras and Nicaragua.

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While the administration has the authority to choose not to renew TPS, several courts have ruled against efforts to change already designated timelines.

In Fridays ruling, the judges wrote: In enacting the TPS statute, Congress designed a system of temporary status that was predictable, dependable, and insulated from electoral politics.
A Fine Wine & Good Spirits state store in Harrisburg (Capital-Star photo).

Restaurateurs, oenophiles and others who ordered wine and liquor not available in the commonwealths state liquor stores, are closer to potentially clawing back tens of millions of dollars in handling fees from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

The latest in a string of court losses clears the way for a class action lawsuit against the states only wine and spirits retailer. A Lancaster County restaurant filed the suit on behalf of other businesses and consumers who were improperly charged a $1.75 per-bottle handling fee.

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Philadelphia attorney John Papianou, who has been pursuing the case since 2020, said the state could be on the hook for more than $50 million in damages for ignoring a statutory mandate that should have made it easier and cheaper to order rare wines and liquor.

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Its not often that the state so clearly violates the law, Papianou told the Capital-Star, adding that its even more unusual for substantial monetary damages to be involved.

If a states not doing something that its supposed to do, it might affect somebody or a group of people, but typically you dont see an unlawful taking, he said.

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A spokesperson for the PLCB said the agency does not comment on pending litigation.

Papianou said the case stems from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the PLCBs Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores were closed under then-Gov. Tom Wolfs pandemic emergency order.

Under a 2016 change to the state Liquor Code, the PLCB was supposed to set up a system allowing out-of-state distributors to deliver orders directly to buyers by June 2017. Previously, the law required special orders to be shipped to a state liquor store for pick up where the PLCB collected the handling fee.

As part of the change, the agency was also required to stop collecting handling fees.

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But it continued to require special orders to go to stores and collected handling fees until it finally established a direct-delivery process in 2022.

When the pandemic hit, a friend of Papianous who owns a New York-based wine import and distribution business saw his revenue in Pennsylvania drop to zero.

With the stores closed indefinitely, out-of-state distributors had nowhere to ship orders and were losing sales, Papianou said. And with his calendar empty because courthouses were closed too, Papianou and his friend decided to sue the agency to force it to follow the law.

They won a Commonwealth Court ruling in May 2020 that the changes in the Liquor Code were mandatory and required the PLCB to implement the special order direct shipment process required by the 2017 legislation. The state Supreme Court affirmed the decision on appeal.

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In an Aug. 21 decision, Commonwealth Court Judge Anne Covey rejected the PLCBs claim that the lawsuit was barred by a statute of limitations that required any lawsuit to be filed within six months. She also ruled against the agency, finding that the plaintiffs have a claim for damages against the state for failing to perform a duty required by law.

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Papianou said the decision means the lawsuit filed by The Log Cabin Restaurant in Leola and a separate lawsuit by Philadelphia wine bar Bloomsday Cafe can move toward a trial. Papianou said he has requested and expects the two cases will be merged.

Data kept by the PLCB shows that consumers chose direct delivery for special orders nearly exclusively as soon as it was available. The same data provides a record of every business and individual who paid the handling fee.

We believe were in the right and were not going to stop until [the money] is returned, Papianou said.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Students at a metro private school wont be returning to class for a few days.

Leaders at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Kansas City, Kansas, confirmed that classes are canceled until Tuesday due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the school.

KCK school shuts down for the week after COVID-19 outbreak

The school said on social media that classes are expected to resume after the Labor Day break. The post doesnt specify whether students, faculty  or both  are affected by this spread.

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School closures were common during the pandemic, but seeing one nowadays is concerning to physicians at the University of Kansas Health System.

We havent seen closures for a couple of years now, so I would imagine the leaders of this school had a good reason, said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, infectious disease specialist at the hospital.

Dr. Hawkinson said COVID-19 cases have seen a small increase over the past few weeks, but as of now, the hospital isnt compiling any running totals of patients or cases. He is also reminding the public that other viruses that display cold-like symptoms are also spreading, as they often do when school groups begin fall classes.

Its concerning that this early in the school year, we already have a closure, Dr. Hawkinson said Thursday.

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But weve all heard for the past few weeks either anecdotes of people whove been ill, or people in our community, or just specific communities who are having increasing numbers of COVID as well. I think this is one good example of that.

He said the public should consider reviving some forms of pandemic-era precautions, such as proper hand hygiene and avoiding unnecessary touching of the hands and eyes.

On Thursday, FOX4 News reached out to both the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Wyandotte County Health Department, but neither provided any current COVID-related data for our coverage.

The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas sent us the following statement:

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Thank you for reaching out. The health and safety of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and our schools follow established safety and health protocols. At this time, I dont have additional information to share.

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COVID-19 cases are ticking up in the U.S. as children head back to school and the country prepares to enter the colder weather months.

For the week ending Aug. 9, the COVID hospitalization rate was 1.7 per 100,000, double the rate from two months ago, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additionally, for the week ending Aug. 23, 11.2% of weekly tests came back positive for COVID, up from 3.3% the prior two months, CDC data shows.

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Despite the increases, metrics remain much lower than in previous years.

MORE: Leading pediatrician group recommends COVID vaccine for infants, toddlers in contrast with RFK Jr.

Hospitalization rates are about three times lower than at the same time last year and the percentage of weekly tests coming pack positive is about two times lower compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, over the past two months, roughly 200 Americans have been dying from COVID every week, according to CDC data.

There has been confusion over who may be able to receive a COVID vaccine after the Food and Drug Administration approved updated versions of those shots for those over age 65 and younger Americans who are at high risk for severe disease. Federal health officials have insisted that anyone who wants the shot can receive it.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images - PHOTO: A positive Covid home test is shown on March 10, 2025 in San Anselmo, California.

CDC data shows test positivity has increased above 10% in much of the southwest and western U.S. as kids head to class.

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"When the dust settles, I expect it to not be as bad as last year  but that still means that some people are getting sick," Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told ABC News. "Fewer people are getting hospitalized, proportionately speaking, but some people are still being hospitalized."

"The reason why we're seeing the increase is because of the usual factors of more than six months since a lot of people got COVID [and] new variants," he continued.

As of the week ending August 30, XFG, an offshoot of the omicron variant, is the dominant variant in the U.S., accounting for an estimated 78% of new COVID cases.

Meanwhile, NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1, also omicron variant offshoots, make up 14% and 3% of estimated new COVID cases in the U.S., CDC data shows.

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MORE: Suspected gunman in CDC shooting had grievance toward Covid vaccine: Sources

Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and of medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told ABC News that because the currently circulating variants are all members of this omicron family, there are no major mutations that make the virus more transmissible or more infectious.

"You can think of them all as cousins," he said. "Now these cousins do share a couple of characteristics, one is that they appear to be fairly contagious and are quite capable of producing a great deal of mild disease. By mild, I mean not serious enough to get you into the hospital."

Schaffner continued, "Fortunately, the vaccines that will become available this fall  should provide reasonable protection against serious disease caused by these variants."

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In a press release, Pfizer-BioNTech said its 2025-2026 COVID vaccine will target the LP.8.1 sublineage in line with FDA guidance to more closely match circulating strains.

It remains unclear how COVID vaccinations will be rolled out in the U.S. Recently, CVS said how it offers the shots will vary by state due to "the current regulatory environment."

Joe Raedle/Getty Images - PHOTO: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (L) and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines sit in boxes at Borinquen Health Care Center on May 29, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

In 34 states, Americans can receive the COVID vaccine at a CVS pharmacy. In 13 states and in Washington, D.C., Americans can be vaccinated, depending on age, with a prescription. In three states  Massachusetts, Nevada and New Mexico  the COVID vaccine isn't being offered.

Chin-Hong said he is worried about low vaccination rates as the country heads into respiratory virus season during the fall and winter months.

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"As vaccination rates decline, from both people's desire as well as structural barriers that are being put up by the federal government, it means that fewer people are going to get vaccines, even if people wanted to," he said. "I'm worried that  it may mean that we would have some hospitalizations and deaths that we wouldn't have seen normally if there was a simpler rule around vaccines."

Schaffner said those who can receive the COVID vaccine should do so, along with the annual influenza vaccine, and advised those with risk factors for severe disease to be more cautious.

"You can get out your mask and put that on when you're going indoors in crowded environments," he said. "And if you're really concerned, as I like to say, do some social distancing. Stream the movie rather than going to the movie."

ABC News' Youri Benadjaoud and Cheyenne Haslett contributed to this report.
Detail of a mural inside the Madison Labor Temple building celebrating unions, worker rights and the fight for an eight-hour day. (Mural begun by artist Marcus Nickel and completed by artist Sharon Kilfoy. Wisconsin Examiner photo)

This fight is all of labors fight, Kevin Gundlach, president of the South Central Federation of Labor, declared at a solidarity dinner for 43 immigrant workers who recently lost their jobs at a Monroe, Wisconsin cheese factory. Even Wisconsinites who dont know about the story, should know in a cheesemaking state we should support cheesemakers.

The workers, some of whom labored for more than 20 years at W&W Dairy, were told in August they would have to submit to E-Verify screening and confirm their legal status in order to continue their employment after a new company, Kansas-based Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), bought the cheese plant. They walked off the job to protest, hoping DFA, which has a policy of subjecting new hires to E-Verify screening, would exempt them because of their many years of service. The company declined, but asked the workers to return to help train their replacements, one worker said.

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The cheese plant employees I spoke with said they were still in shock, worried about supporting their families as they face the loss of pay and benefits at the end of the month.

Workers who pulled long shifts, kept the plant going through the pandemic and took pride in producing high quality, Mexican-style cheeses  queso fresco, queso blanco, quesadilla and panela  now feel betrayed.

Their goal is no longer to return to their old jobs. Instead, they are focused on getting severance pay from W&W Dairy, which is still technically their employer until Sept. 1  Labor Day  when DFA assumes control of the plant.

On Thursday, Christine Neumann-Ortiz, executive director of the immigrant workers rights group Voces de la Frontera, wrote to W&W president Franz Hofmeister to ask that the dairy show appreciation for its longtime workers by offering them a severance package. A Labor Day picnic organized by community members to support the workers, would be an excellent opportunity to announce that the workers and the company have resolved their differences and that workers are being given some compensation, Neumann-Ortiz wrote. This would give the workers a chance to thank you publicly and provide some healing and closure.

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W&Ws success was propelled by its loyal workforce  fewer than 100 people who knew how to do multiple jobs in the plant and switched roles to keep things running smoothly. The quality of the product attracted a high-profile buyer.

The growth trajectory for the Hispanic cheese market is more than three times that of the cheese category, Ken Orf, president of DFAs Cheese, Taste and Flavors Division, told the trade publication Cheese Reporter, in an article about the benefit to the company of its strategic acquisition of W&W, which puts it in a stronger position for growth with this important dairy category.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the Hispanic employees of the plant.

Bibiana Gonzalez, a child care provider and community leader in the Monroe area, said she liked the term essential workers when she first heard it. The W&W workers felt they were essential to their employers success, and put in long hours during the pandemic, when other people were staying home to protect their health. But unfortunately, people confuse essential workers with workers who can be exploited, Gonzalez said.

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They want to toss these workers in the street just for being immigrants, said Voces de la Frontera organizer Pablo Rodriguez.

DFA wants to distance itself from any thorny political issues around immigration. In a statement to WKOW Channel 27 news, the company asserted it had a goal to retain 100% of the W&W workforce, but that as part of the hiring process to become DFA employees, all W&W workers and other applicants were notified of the need to provide documents to complete both an I-9 form and the E-verify process. Failing to produce the proper documents, unfortunately, would mean DFAs ability to offer employment was impacted.

Using cold, passive bureaucratic language, DFA casts it as a regrettable accident that its E-Verify policy rendered nearly half the cheese plants employees ineligible to continue working there. But as a cooperative with 5,000 dairy farm members, its impossible DFA leadership is unfamiliar with its industrys heavy reliance on workers who dont have papers.

In Wisconsin, where DFA has 399 member farms and four dairy manufacturing plants, an estimated 70% of the dairy workforce is made up of immigrants who cannot get E-Verifiable legal work papers.

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In dairy, as in other year-round, nonseasonal industries, immigrants who make up the majority of the work force are ineligible for U.S. work visas. Congress has simply failed to create a visa for year-round jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, food service and other industries that rely on immigrant labor.

Far from being a drag on the economy, immigrant workers who lack legal authorization are heavily recruited by U.S. employers and supercharge economic growth, according to a new Center for Migration Studies research brief. The research brief shows that 8.5 million undocumented workers in the U.S. contribute an estimated $96.7 billion annually in federal, state and local taxes, filling roles vital to critical industries.

The brief also warns that mass deportations could cause critical workforce shortages. No one knows that better than Wisconsin dairy farmers, who would go out of business overnight if their mostly immigrant workforce was deported.

Union members who came out to support the W&W workers Tuesday night embraced the idea that all workers are in the same boat, are ill served by an authoritarian, bullying Trump administration, and will do better if they band together.

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Thats the whole idea of solidarity: Working people need to unite to protect their common interests against the rich and powerful, who will run roughshod over all of us if they can. Expanding on that unifying message, Al Hudson, lay leader of the Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, whose congregation supports the W&W workers, brought his social justice gospel to the union hall.

We are proud to be a gathering place for the Green County Hispanic community, Hudson said of his church. Were proud to do our part to be a Matthew 25 church, he added, referring to the Bible verse in which Jesus calls on the faithful to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, care for the sick and visit those in prison. This is what churches are supposed to do, Hudson said. I admire your courage, he told the displaced W&W workers, pledging to continue to walk with you and support you in your struggle as long as you want us there.

The union members in the hall cheered. They applauded the W&W workers, they applauded speeches about solidarity among working people of every race and ethnic background. They seemed enlivened by the chance to do something to help.

The warm feeling of pulling together to resist the violent bigotry of the anti-immigrant Trump administration, recognizing the common struggle among all working people, was uplifting.

Solidaridad! shouted Gundlach, and the mostly gringo crowd of unionists shouted back, Solidaridad!

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Cracker Barrel has quietly deleted a Pride page and removed references to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging employee resource groups from its website.

The changes, first reported by CNN, follow a highly publicized decision by the Tennessee-based restaurant chain to scrap a new logo after pressure from right-wing groups.

Until earlier this week, a page on the companys website titled Culture & Belonging  designed to make everyone [feel] at home at Cracker Barrel  listed several employee-led resource groups that promoted Hispanic and Latino culture, empowered female employees and supported LGBTQ+ staff members, according to a Wayback Machine screengrab from Aug. 27.

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Its not clear exactly when the page was revamped, but when users now access it, all references to the employee groups have been removed.

In another page, which appeared to be online from September 2020 through at least the end of last year, the company stated that on behalf of Cracker Barrels LGBTQ+ Alliance & DEIB Team, we want to celebrate YOU for being YOU.

That page, which also included details on Pride celebrations in Nashville, appears to have now been deleted. Visitors trying to access it are redirected to the revamped Culture & Belonging page.

A company spokesperson didnt immediately return a request for comment Friday afternoon. In a statement to CNN, the company said the changes resulted from the removal of outdated content from the site.

We have recently made updates to the Cracker Barrel website, including adding new content and removing out-of-date content, the company said. Several months ago, the Company also made changes to our Business Resource Groups that now focus all sponsorships or events on our corporate giving initiatives: addressing food insecurity, supporting community needs through food, and reducing food waste.
The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain has removed pages from its website referencing LGBT+ Pride and diversity, equity and inclusion, amid backlash on the MAGA right against a logo redesign critics perceived as being too woke.

Sometime this week, a dedicated Pride page was deleted from the companys website, according to a CNN review of archival versions.

On behalf of Cracker Barrels LGBTQ+ Alliance & DEIB Team, we want to celebrate YOU for being YOU, the old page read. It is our greatest Mission to ensure that Pleasing People means all people.

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Mentions of LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging groups were also scrubbed from the website.

In connection with the Companys brand work, we have recently made updates to the Cracker Barrel website, including adding new content and removing out-of-date content, a company spokesperson said in response to the report. Several months ago, the Company also made changes to our Business Resource Groups that now focus all sponsorships or events on our corporate giving initiatives: addressing food insecurity, supporting community needs through food, and reducing food waste.

Cracker Barrel has deleted Pride and DEI-related content from its website, following right-wing backlash against a new logo design (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The shift in language comes after conservatives, including Donald Trump, railed against an updated Cracker Barrel logo that removed the chains Uncle Herschel mascot, an older man leaning against a barrel.

Some conservatives claimed the change was because the longstanding Southern chain had suddenly gone woke.

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[W]e must break the Barrel, conservative activist Chris Rufo declared last Thursday. Its not about this particular restaurant chain  who cares  but about creating massive pressure against companies that are considering any move that might appear to be wokification. The implicit promise: Go woke, watch your stock price drop 20 percent, which is exactly what is happening now.

She is destroying a great American brand, MAGA influencer Benny Johnson told CNN of Cracker Barrels CEO, claiming the logo change had erased the white guy from the companys branding.

Cracker Barrel earned the ire of conservatives, including President Trump, when it announced a short-lived logo update dropping its Uncle Herschel mascot (Cracker Barrel)

Soon, the Trump administration joined the pile-on.

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 wrote on his social media site, Truth Social, earlier on Tuesday.

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They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right, he added. Very tricky to do, but a great opportunity. Have a major News Conference today. Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again.

The Trump administration then posted a play on the logo controversy on X featuring a cartoon Donald Trump leaning against a barrel next to a sign reading America First in the brands signature brown and orange colors, along with the caption, Go woke, go broke.

That same day, the company announced it was reverting to its old logo.

We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel, the company wrote on X. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our Old Timer will remain.

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During the 2024 presidential campaign and the opening months of the Trump administration, numerous companies have pulled back on public commitments and messaging related to DEI topics, as the White House has pushed the government and private companies alike to steer clear of identity-focused work and advocacy.

Outside of Cracker Barrel, the Trump administration has shown an unusual willingness to directly dictate the affairs of major U.S. companies.

The White House negotiated a 10 percent stake in struggling U.S. chip maker Intel and has sought foreign revenues from the sale of Nvidia and AMD chips to China.
European automakers are calling for a re-evaluation of the European Union's (EU) stringent climate regulations, asserting that the current trajectory towards banning combustion engines on new vehicles for sale (including a 100% reduction for cars by 2035) is 'unfeasible'.

This comes as the industry grapples with the dual challenges posed by rising competition from China in the electric vehicle (EV) market and the looming threat of tariffs from the US.

In anticipation of a meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on 12 September, industry leaders have expressed concerns about the future of Europe's automotive sector. The meeting aims to address the sector's direction amidst these growing pressures.

Mercedes-Benz CEO and European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) president Ola Kaellenius, along with European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) president and Schaeffler powertrain and chassis CEO Matthias Zink, conveyed their commitment to the EU's 2050 net-zero target in a letter to von der Leyen.

They highlighted the industry's launch of numerous EV models and a collective investment exceeding 250bn ($290.4bn) towards eco-friendly initiatives by 2030.

However, the executives pointed out significant challenges, including a heavy reliance on Asian battery production, inadequate charging infrastructure, higher production costs, and the impact of US tariffs.

They said in a letter: Europes transformation plan for the auto industry must move beyond idealism to acknowledge current industrial and geopolitical realities.

Meeting the rigid car and van CO2 targets for 2030 and 2035 is, in todays world, simply no longer feasible.

They wrote that the transition to greener technologies cannot be driven solely by legal mandates and penalties.

The letter emphasised the need for a revision of the CO2 standards for cars and vans, advocating for a more flexible, industrially informed, and market-oriented approach to be enshrined in law.

The letter stated: EVs will lead the charge, but there must also be space for (plug-in) hybrids, range extenders, highly efficient internalcombustion-engine (ICE) vehicles, hydrogen and decarbonised fuels.

Additionally, the leaders called for a review of CO2 regulation for heavy-duty trucks and buses.

In a proposal made in March 2025, the European Commission suggested granting the auto industry increased leeway in meeting CO2 targets, extending the period for carmakers to achieve new CO2 fleet averages for cars and vans from one year to three, potentially mitigating the risk of fines for non-compliance.
Worker rescued from collapsed trench in Washington County; contractor didnt have necessary permits

A man was rescued from a collapsed trench in Washington County.

PHOTOS: Rescuers work to free man from collapsed trench in Charleroi

Washington County dispatchers said emergency crews were called to the 800 block of McKean Avenue in Charleroi at 8:20 p.m. on Thursday.

Investigators said a man was working in a ditch there, but it collapsed and trapped him.

Initial reports indicated a gas line was struck. Columbia Gas has released information saying a third-party contractor was working in the area doing non-gas-related work.

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The man was rescued from the trench around 2 a.m. and was taken to Allegheny General Hospital for evaluation.

Charleroi Fire Chief Robert Whiten Jr. said crews used an air hose to cut the dirt and a vacuum truck to suck out the loose dirt. A harness was placed on the man, and he was taken out, walking up a ladder on his own.

Whiten said the man may have a broken ankle, but he was in good shape, good spirits.

Ive been doing this for 48 years, and this is about the worst incident that Ive been on, from fires to river rescues and that, Whiten said. Just getting everybody together and working as a team is just fabulous. Sure, there were some tense moments, keeping people back. You know, they are volunteers, everyone wanted to help. ... It was just a well-oiled machine, you know, in that area, and it paid off.

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Borough Manager Joe Manning said the victim had been working for a contractor hired by a local business for work on a sewer line. Manning said the contractor did not have a permit from the borough for the work. From the borough, the contractor needed a Street Opening permit, according to Manning.

PennDOT also confirmed the property did not have the required Highway Occupancy state permit required for any construction on a state road.

Both PennDOT and the Borough said this matter is under investigation.

Northbound Route 88 is closed to traffic between Eighth and Ninth streets in the borough, PennDOT officials say,

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Traffic will be detoured to east Interstate 70, north Route 906, across the Charleroi Monessen Bridge and reenter north Route 88.

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OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Law enforcement agents understand that gun violence continues to be an issue across the country which is why the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is partnering with local agencies across the state of Kentucky to help where they can, including in Owensboro.

Gun violence is a real thing, OPD Chief Art Ealum said. If you want to attack and address gun violence, our people need to be skilled at it. Criminals are not slow to develop their skill set. So we just have to try to keep up with them or try to outpace them whenever we can.

Federal, state and local agencies are coming together to address the threat of gun violence. Chief Ealum says even though trends have decreased in the city since 2020, its still imperative to stay on top of training. In the state, ATF Special Agent-in-Charge John Nokes says its all too easy for violent criminals to get their hands on a firearm.

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Weve got a lot of active investigation right now where firearms are purchased in Kentucky and have ended up in cartel hands in South America and thats a major problem for us, Nokes said.

This is where the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIT) comes in. Its a program operated by ATF that helps with crime gun tracing that officers got to get a first-hand look at during the training.

If theres a crime that happens in Owensboro, that shell casing can be entered into the program and go down to out correlation center, Nokes said. And within a day, that investigators going to get information back about that firearm and may say, Hey, that same firearm was used in Central City last month or in Saint Louis or Los Angeles.

ATF isnt the only agency lending a hand in the training. The United States Attorneys Office is playing a major role in supporting the statewide training  committing to prosecuting those that engage in violent crime to the fullest extent.

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Were joined in resources and were coming for you, United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner said. You are not going to scare our communities. Youre not going to run people out of communities. People need to feel safe. They need to feel safe going to school, running their businesses, going to churches, or places of faith. When we join forced between federal, state, and local agents, were going to make sure that happens.

ATF agents say they will continue to spend the rest of the year bringing these trainings to other local agencies including in Hopkinsville and Lexington.

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Felonies

The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Thursday at 11 a.m.

Christopher Baker, 38, of Shannon, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, trafficking cocaine.

Laken Lashay Brooks, 39, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, capias for possession of methamphetamine, three counts of sale of methamphetamine.

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Donale Antonio Brown, 39, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of methamphetamine, simple assault.

Ian R. Burress, 32, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, aggravated trafficking of methamphetamine.

Jadarian Latrez Clark, 21, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, aggravated domestic violence, no insurance, simple domestic violence.

Pharaoh Gadje Fike, 31, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, sale of methamphetamine,

Cameron Moss, 22, of Fulton, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation.

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Jerry R. Stephens, 49, of Corinth, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, false pretense.

James Woodard, 44, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, trafficking ecstasy.

Jimmy L. Word, 52, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of cocaine.

Lee County Sheriffs Office

The following reports were filed Thursday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

A construction company said an employee found a chain hooked to their utility police and power box on the edge of their site at the Baldwyn industrial park. There were tire tracks where it appeared a small vehicle tried to pull down the pole to steal the copper wires, but only spun their wheels.

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A Birmingham Ridge Road woman said someone flew a drone through her yard around 7 p.m. She said it was only low in her yard for a brief time. It then gained altitude and left the area. She only wanted the sheriffs office to be aware of the incident.

A Tupelo man reported that people have been trespassing on a family members County Road 261, Tupelo, property. A white Chevy truck has been driving on the land that was just cleared. He said there was nothing on the land. He was just requesting extra patrols.

Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriffs 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.
It is a photograph that she will never live down. Like Neil Kinnock falling on Brighton beach, Ed Miliband eating that bacon sandwich, and Jeremy Corbyn wearing a scruffy blue anorak to the Cenotaph  a tattooed Angela Rayner vaping on a dinghy will come to define the inadequacy of the current Labour administration.

What on earth have they been doing all summer? Labour seeing its polling numbers down to 23 per cent at the start of July  down a full 10 percentage points from what they won at the general election a year earlier  one might imagine they would think it was time for a relaunch.

But not a bit of it, and their reward has been to slip a further three points to just 20 per cent. It is as if they are channelling an earlier Labour prime minister, and are simply unwilling to accept that Britain is facing a crisis.

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Aside from sacking his third top aide in less than a year, Starmer instead appears to have spent most of August gaslighting the British public on X. Some of his statements have been so nonsensical, theyve attracted correctional community notes.

Reposting a Home Office announcement of a new law to criminalise the promotion of small boat crossings on social media, he declared: For too long, criminal people-smuggling gangs have got away with using social media to sell the false promise of safe passage to the UK. Im putting an end to it. But as the clarification pointed out: it is already illegal to encourage or intentionally facilitate another to commit a crime under the Serious Crime Act 2007. Youd have thought a former director of public prosecutions might know that.

In another post, he claimed: If you come here illegally on a small boat, you will face return. My government is fixing the broken asylum system we inherited. The figures, however, tell a completely different story. Small boat arrivals have reached a record high of more than 51,000 since Labour took power. Crossings are up 50 per cent.

In another online boast, he comically claimed: I said that if you enter this country on a small boat, you will face detention and return. I meant it. And yet, at the end of June, there were reportedly 32,059 asylum seekers housed in UK hotels  an 8 per cent increase from the previous year.

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This week, we had the Home Office declaring in court that the rights of asylum seekers trump those of the people of Epping. Thats the reality of this situation  not the nonsense being spouted by our prime minister.

This economy with the truth is fast resembling bare faced lies. Its not just fantasy politics  but downright fibbing. They made so much of calling out Boris Johnsons alleged falsehoods they are now actively spinning a cock and bull story to hide their own woeful performance in office. Starmers top priorities right now? A reshuffle and Lords reform. Theres no new vision, just relentless drift.

Along with the broken promise to smash the gangs, Labours proposed benefits crackdown is a total sham, with one million more on universal credit without the requirement to work since Starmer became prime minister. Thats a million more people  on handouts that you and I pay for  who do not even have to look for a job.

And what about the ultimate department of untruths  the Treasury? We knew the Chancellor was stretching the realms of credibility when she declared that the Tories had left a 22bn black hole in the nations finances. Now the deceit continues with false claims of fiscal discipline when government spending is spiralling out of control. Borrowing reached the second-highest level in June since records began in 1993, with the National Institute of Economic and Social Research think tank warning of a 41 billion budget shortfall.

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At no point has the government been honest enough to admit that this is an economic mess of its own making; that the Budget was actually a disaster for the working people it purported to protect. Those very same grafters are now being threatened with another wave of punitive taxes  not just on their incomes, but their savings, their investments, their pensions, their childrens inheritance and even the roofs over their heads.

The only thing growing in Britain right now is the deficit. With the gilt yield having recently hit 5.6 per cent  its highest since 1998  Labours repeated attacks on Liz Trusss mini budget are looking increasingly hypocritical. There is now talk of an IMF bailout. And to think, Rayners disastrous Employment Rights Bill is still to be implemented, wreaking further havoc for already hard-pressed small and medium sized businesses.

Contrary to the delusional claims of Treasury ministers who insist everything is going swimmingly for private enterprise, 70 per cent of SME finance brokers say that conditions for small businesses have deteriorated during the Labour Governments first year in office.

While all this has been going on, the deputy prime minister has been busily engaging in the sort of financial chicanery that would make the average Bullingdon Club boy blush. Three Homes Rayner is understood to have removed her name from the deeds of her constituency home in Greater Manchester a few weeks before buying an 800,000 seaside property in Hove, east Sussex. This enabled her to avoid paying 40,000 in stamp duty by declaring the new seaside property as her main residence.

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But she has also told Tameside council in Manchester that her constituency house remains her primary home and informed Brighton and Hove council that her apartment there was a second home for council tax purposes. She has a grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House, central London. Labour insists nothing is amiss.

But lets be honest, like Two Jags Prescott, the whole farrago is an exemplar for this do as I say, not as I do Labour government, which is actively trying to penalise people with property portfolios. Like Diane Abbott privately educating her son, it smacks of double standards.

And to think theyve got the cheek to suggest that Nigel Farage is constantly telling porkies. It remains to be seen whether the Reform leader can deliver on his own promises  but voters trust that he believes what he says and will at least try, which is more than can be said of 14 years of Tory rule and the current crop of frauds.

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Croatian authorities arrested an Air Force pilot and his partner over alleged espionage charges, accusing them of sharing classified information about Kosovo peacekeeping operations over a three-year period, Croatian media reported Wednesday.

The Croatian Air Force pilot, identified as JI, and his girlfriend AM, a Serbian citizen from Mitrovica in Kosovo, were detained on the Dalmatian island of Vis after prosecutors concluded they had sufficient evidence of their wrongdoing.

The helicopter pilot has denied the charges, claiming he was being framed while his partner was "collateral damage", according to Croatian news outlet Index.hr.

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AM was initially held in a reception centre in Trilj, in the Split-Dalmatia County, over an expulsion order, but was then charged with espionage.

Prosecutors allege the pilot, who was deployed on a KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, provided classified information on KFOR units, movements in the north of Kosovo and the ethnic Serb-majority municipality of Zubin Potok between 2022 and 2025.

According to the allegations, AM passed this information on to the authorities in Belgrade.

Croatian Defence Ministry officials confirmed the pilot had passed all necessary security clearances. Colleagues described him as a "model professional," according to domestic press.

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Individuals close to AM have flatly rejected the possibility of her involvement, stating she was not sympathetic to the government in Belgrade.

The Serbian embassy in Croatia told Euronews in a written response that no one has contacted their offices in relation to the alleged espionage affair, and that the only information they have on the matter comes from media reports.

"The embassy carries out its regular operations and activities," the statement said.

Croatian Parliament's National Security Committee members called the allegations serious and stated that the case requires parliamentary review.

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"This is a serious security problem. We'll see what the investigation shows," said Arsen Bauk, chairman of the parliamentary committee.

"In times like these, the goal of all of us, all the parties is the security of all our citizens and our country, all our (peacekeeping) missions in countries where we participate," committee member Sandra Bencic said.

Related

The relationship between the two neighbouring countries  both former Yugoslav republics  has become more tense in recent times, with Belgrade alleging Croatian citizens have taken an active part in ongoing protests in Serbia, which have recently turned violent.

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Meanwhile Croatia, a NATO and EU member, signed a declaration on security cooperation with Kosovo and Albania in March.

Belgrade largely slammed the deal at the time, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic saying that Croatia and Albania  also a NATO member  were fueling an "arms race" in the region.

In an ensuing war of words, Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anusic responded by saying that the "time has passed when we asked Belgrade what we were going to do".

Serbian media have since reported that Vucic and his ally Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have held talks about a similar military agreement between the two nations.

Update: This article has been amended to include the response from the Serbian embassy in Croatia.
Connecticut has added a new holiday to the calendar that officials say represents the triumph of good over evil and diversity and inclusion as the states strength. Diwali, the festival of lights, will be officially observed for the first time this year after Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 25-59 into law this week.

The state of Connecticut officially recognizes Diwali, the festival of light, as an official observance in our state. Diwali is a time for family, for reflection and celebration, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said at the bill signing at the Capitol Tuesday. By honoring Diwali we are also honoring the many contributions of our Indian American and South Asian communities who enrich the beautiful cultural fabric of Connecticut every day. This recognition is about more than a date on the calendar. Its about ensuring that our state continues to celebrate diversity and inclusion as our strengths.

The holiday is celebrated by more than a billion people in India and around the world including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Celebrants often light rows of lamps or candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets. The festivals dates are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and this year will be observed Oct. 20.

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The bill was passed by the legislature after lobbying from the community spearheaded by Rajeev Pahuja, who thanked officials for supporting the bill.

I know it was a hard task but we got it accomplished as a team to be the second state behind Pennsylvania. Thats a huge accomplishment, Pahuja said.

Calling Diwali a beautiful holiday in regard to diversity and inclusiveness, he noted that Diwali is an American holiday, celebrated by millions of families around the world and the growing number of families celebrating in Connecticut. Diwali is a holiday that brings families together. It should be celebrated by everyone.

Pahuja explained that Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

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Diwali is a reminder that we must do our part to achieve victory by dedicating ourselves to serving others in the state of Connecticut. If we affirm our commitments to one another and strive to lift each other up, then together we will continue moving closer to a brighter future here in the state of Connecticut, he said.

Sharad Patney, CEO of the tech company VLink, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Indian American community.

This recognition is not only an honor for our community. This also is the reflection of inclusiveness and diversity of our great state, he said. I appreciate again for the administration to recognize this day. Our community has proudly called Connecticut home for many years. We are entrepreneurs, we are professionals, we are health care providers, we are educators, innovators. We are raising our families here, participating in creating jobs and helping grow the economy. We are very proud of calling Connecticut our home.

By recognizing Diwali, Patney said, Connecticut recognizes the value of peace, prosperity and harmony.

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State Rep. Savet Constantine, D-Wilton, said its an important part of our community, its an important part of America to make sure that were recognizing the people who are here and their holidays.

State Rep. Maryam Khan, the first Muslim representative in Connecticut, said growing up she didnt see her religious holidays recognized outside of her home and community and that she is excited for the Connecticut children who soon will, thanks to the new law.

Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam echoed her sentiments of seeing little representation as a child, saying Growing up as a South Asian kid in this country I felt so different than others. Its a completely different understanding of where your place is and where your acceptance is.

To see all of these South Asian community leaders and state reps here celebrating Diwali, which will be a state holiday  I mean what an incredible landmark  and I think what we all learn whether or not we celebrate Diwali in our family is that theres universality of the values we share.

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Lamont said while Diwali means the celebration of light to most, to him it means something different.

Its our way of saying thank you for making Connecticut you home. We welcome you here, were so proud you call Connecticut home and I think part of the strength of our state is that we welcome the diversity that makes the state so incredibly special, he said.

He recalled a trade mission he conducted six months ago during which those he encountered were concerned not about workforce or economic issues but about whether they would feel welcome in America.

I was very anxious when I heard the great fear of many of the folks in India would they feel welcome here so for Susan and myself and I think folks behind me, this is one more way of saying youre very welcome here in the state of Connecticut.
A man faces charges in connection with a snowy head-on crash in Durham in January that killed an 86-year-old man and seriously injured his wife.

Nevin Moore, 22, was arrested Wednesday on charges of misconduct with a motor vehicle and third-degree assault, according to Connecticut State Police.

State police said they obtained a warrant for his arrest following an investigation into a three-car crash that occurred on Jan. 6 just after 1:15 p.m. on New Haven Road near Corn Club Road. Emergency crews who responded to the scene found a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 with the driver, identified as John Festa, and his 83-year-old wife inside, according to the warrant affidavit supporting the charges. The Northford couple were both unresponsive and seriously injured.

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According to the warrant affidavit, Festa was pronounced dead on his way to a hospital after medics performed CPR on him. His wife as well as Moore were both treated at a hospital.

An autopsy found that Festa died of blunt impact injury of his torso and right lower extremity. His death was ruled an accident caused by a car crash.

Moore had to be extricated from a 2021 Lexus GX460, the warrant affidavit said. The driver of a third vehicle involved, a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, did not report any injuries.

When police spoke to the GMC driver, he said he was headed south on New Haven Road behind the Dodge Ram when he allegedly noticed a Lexus being driven in the opposite direction start to swerve and spin counterclockwise over the double yellow line, where it struck the front of the Ram, the warrant affidavit said. The Lexus then stopped partially in the southbound lane where the GMC driver said he was not able to stop in time, striking the rear passenger door, according to the warrant affidavit.

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The GMC driver said he called 911 and checked on the occupants of both vehicles. He moved his vehicle to get access to a trauma kit he kept inside and began tending to Festa before police, firefighters and medics arrived, the warrant affidavit said.

Festas wife told police the couple was returning home from Festas hearing aid checkup in Middletown, according to the warrant affidavit. She said the roads were covered in snow and slick.

Festas wife claimed that she and her husband noticed that the Lexus driver began to lose control and that Festa tried to maneuver around it but he was unable to avoid a collision, the warrant affidavit said. Both airbags went off and dazed Festa and his wife, she said.

She said she began holding his hands once he let go of the steering wheel, when he told her he was not alright and was having a hard time breathing, the warrant affidavit said. She told police Festa was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the warrant affidavit.

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Moore spoke to state police investigators after he was released from the hospital. He claimed that he was going about 35 mph and that he started to feel the vehicles steering wheel shake as he navigated a bend in the road, according to the warrant affidavit. He said the vehicle then started to slide.

Moore told police he believed the Dodge Ram in the opposite lane was also sliding, the warrant affidavit said. He said he hit the brakes but the vehicle continued to slide until he felt the impact with the Ram which was followed by another collision, according to the warrant affidavit.

Moore said he was unable to get out of the vehicle following the crash and could hear someone outside say they were formerly a medic in the Army, the warrant affidavit said. A representative from OnStar spoke to him through the vehicle and confirmed he had been involved in a crash, he told police. He said he made a phone call to let someone know he was in an accident before emergency crews arrived and helped him out of the vehicle, according to the warrant affidavit.

Moore was treated at the hospital for three fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, a bruised lung as well as scrapes and bruises throughout his body, the warrant affidavit said.

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Investigators obtained a search warrant for the Lexus and found that it was allegedly being driven between about 51 and 55 mph prior to the crash, the warrant affidavit said. The speed limit where the crash occurred was 45 mph.

State police investigators concluded that the causative factor that led to the crash was Moore driving too fast for the conditions, according to the warrant affidavit. Moore is free on a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court on Sept. 10.

According to an obituary, Festa was married to his wife for 62 years. He was born in New Haven and raised in Hamden before attending Quinnipiac College for two years and serving in the United States Army Reserves.

Festa left behind three children and as many grandchildren, the obituary said. He enjoyed automotive and mechanical work and was gifted with a special talent for building model airplanes and boats, according to the obituary.

Nothing gave John more joy than spending time with his friends and family, the obituary said. He would organize monthly dinners with longtime friends and cherished celebrating Christmas Eve in his barn surrounded by them while sharing his delicious cooking. Every summer he looked forward to the annual family trips to Misquamicut and, later, Block Island.
A state trooper has been placed on administrative duty following his arrest this week in connection with a domestic violence incident.

Edward Gookin, 37, of Griswold faces one count of disorderly conduct, according to Connecticut State Police.

State police, who confirmed that Gookin is a trooper with their agency, said he was arrested after troopers responded to a Griswold residence on Wednesday at 9:21 p.m. on the report of a domestic incident involving a man and a woman. Investigators found that a verbal and physical altercation had allegedly taken place, though no injuries were reported, according to state police.

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Gookin was arrested after troopers found that he was allegedly the primary aggressor in the incident, state police said. He was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond and was expected to appear in Norwich Superior Court on Thursday.

According to court records, the case was continued to Oct. 9 without a plea.

State police said Gookin has been placed on paid administrative duty pending further investigation.

This is all the information available for release at this time, a state police spokesperson said.

Online court records do not reflect an attorney filing an appearance on Gookins behalf.
DULLES, Va. (DC News Now)  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized over $111,000 in unreported currency in August, officials stated.

While there is no limit on how much money travelers can bring into or take out of the U.S., federal law requires travelers to report currency of $10,000 or more to a CBP officer. These travelers will have to complete a U.S. Treasury Department form.

White House boasts that crime crackdown is working in DC

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CBP said that officers seized nearly $20,000 on Aug. 21 from a traveler flying from Cairo, Egypt. They then seized $14,300 on Aug. 14 from a traveler heading to Rome, Italy, and $77,135 on Aug. 2 from a traveler going to Lome, Togo.

CBP said that the traveler going to Togo was a Global Entry traveler  but since he violated the terms of his trusted traveler agreement, his status was revoked.

Federal currency reporting laws are essential in helping CBP to ensure our nations economic and financial security, and to protect our most vulnerable citizens from becoming unwitting victims of financial crimes, said Christine Waugh, CBPs area port director for the Area Port of Washington, D.C.

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By Chen Aizhu and Vladimir Soldatkin

SINGAPORE/MOSCOW (Reuters) -China is seeking to buy more Russian gas through an existing pipeline as talks between the two countries have failed to make progress on building a second link, thwarting Moscow's quest for new outlets, two industry sources told Reuters.

Energy is expected to be high on the agenda when Russian and Chinese leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping meet in China next week.

A breakthrough on the $13.6-billion Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project to supply 50 billion cubic metres of gas to China's northwest during the visit is unlikely, however, the sources said.

Instead, they say China is considering increasing its purchases of gas via the existing Power of Siberia 1 pipeline from the current 38 bcm.

The sources could not be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.

Russia is keen to expand oil and gas exports to Asia after losing European markets because of Western sanctions in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

For more than 50 years, Russia has supplied gas to Europe from West Siberia, which used to provide 180 bcm a year, or up to 40% of Europe's gas needs, generating up to $90 billion a year for Moscow.

Russia began deliveries to China in 2019 from East Siberia via the Power of Siberia 1 pipeline.

The West and East Siberian producing areas are not yet interconnected and Moscow hopes to reroute gas from West Siberia to China by building the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline.

Gazprom originally designed the pipeline to try to make China and the EU compete for gas from those fields.

The project became even more important for Moscow after the EU halted most of Russian gas imports in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow and Beijing, however, have failed to agree on pricing for the gas and funding for the pipeline despite more than a decade of talks.

Gazprom did not respond to requests for comment.

GAZPROM COULD EARN $1.5 BILLION PER YEAR

China's growing domestic gas output and production of renewables have cut its appetite for energy, although geopolitical risks such as sanctions make inland imports from Russia more attractive, said Tatiana Mitrova from Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy.

Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation are in talks to boost supplies via the Power of Siberia 1 pipeline by 6 bcm per year from 2031, a Beijing-based industry source said.

CNPC did not respond to a request for comment.

The new supply could generate $1.5 billion a year for Gazprom, based on a price of gas of $250 per 1,000 cubic metres, according to Reuters calculations.
Banjul, The Gambia  On a rainy morning in early August, a newborn girl suffering severe vaginal wounds was rushed to Banjuls Bundung Maternal and Child Health Hospital. By the time she was attended to, the doctors could do nothing  the baby had bled to death.

The Gambian authorities have since confirmed that the one-month-old died from injuries linked to female genital mutilation (FGM), a banned practice in the small West African country.

The case sent shockwaves through the small community of Wellingara, some 17 kilometres (10 miles) from the capital, Banjul, where the babys family is from. At least three women from the area were arrested over the death, including the person who cut the child, as well as the babys mother.

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She is the unlucky one, a neighbour said, referring to the infant, her voice heavy with grief. She and the victims mother belong to the same osusu, a traditional savings scheme, and the neighbour was present at the babys naming ceremony, which traditionally takes place a week after birth. It was the last time she saw the infant, she said.

This is not the first time, the neighbour, who did not want to be identified due to the sensitivity of the case, added. Babies are cut in secret around here, some only a few days old. It is heartbreaking, but it keeps happening because no one speaks out.

FGM, which involves fully or partially cutting the female labia and clitoris, often at a young age and for non-medical reasons, has been criminalised in the country for a decade, yet it remains a common cultural practice. Aside from the risk of death, complications such as bleeding, infections, vaginal pain, infertility, and post-traumatic stress disorder are linked to FGM. More than 144 million women are subjected to FGM across Africa, according to the United Nations agency for children, UNICEF.

The recent case lays bare the dangers of the ritual and challenges authorities face in clamping down on the practice, with this incident marking a rare instance of legal action in The Gambia.

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Police authorities have launched an investigation into the childs death. Although the babys mother has been released on bail, she could face a fine as a suspected accomplice under The Gambias 2015 anti-FGM law, while the woman who cut the newborn could face life imprisonment.

A wall mural reads END FGM in Banjul, The Gambia [Kaddy Jawo/Al Jazeera]

FGM goes underground

FGM is prevalent throughout much of Africa, but The Gambia is one of the most affected countries. At least three in every four Gambian women have undergone ritual cutting, according to UNICEF.

Many mistakenly believe that the practice discourages sexual wantonness in girls, thereby preserving virginity until marriage. Some misconceptions also include that cutting heightens male sexual pleasure and that it is a religious rite.

In 2015, The Gambia banned the controversial practice, years after activists began pressuring Banjul. Those convicted of cutting, according to the law, can face a three-year jail term or a fine, and, in the case of death, a life sentence. However, many have opposed the law, including some lawmakers and religious leaders in the Muslim majority nation, who call it an affront to cultural and religious rights.

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In early 2024, one lawmaker proposed a bill to reverse the anti-FGM law. His calls caused widespread outrage from activists and rights groups who said years of advocacy work would be wasted. The Gambias top religious body backed the repeal, though, and called FGM one of the virtues of Islam.

Parliament ended up voting against the bill, but pro-FGM advocates have since challenged the decision at the Supreme Court. The top courts decision is pending.

Most girls are subjected to cutting between infancy and adolescence. Increasingly, though, it seems the 2015 ban has pushed those intent on continuing the practice to focus on cutting children earlier, as one-month-old infants, experts say.

Fatou Baldeh, one of The Gambias leading advocates against FGM, told Al Jazeera that her nonprofit, Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), began receiving increasing reports about three years ago of families cutting babies as young as a week old.

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They believe younger infants heal more quickly, Baldeh said. With the law in place and fear of prosecution, many also see this as a way to hide the practice and avoid detection, as healed cuts could be easier to disguise, she added.

Baldeh herself is among the thousands of the Gambian women who have survived FGM. The advocate said she continues to live with its emotional scars. Her organisation, WILL, aims to eradicate harmful traditional practices like FGM through community education and by reporting cases to authorities. Accurate statistics on FGM are difficult to obtain, she said, especially for infants, because the practice is often done in secrecy and is rarely reported as a crime since the law was passed.

This is exactly why we continue to remind communities that FGM is never safe, no matter the age or the setting, Baldeh added, referring to the recent death of the baby. This baby girl was robbed of her life before she even had a chance to live. Her death is not just a tragedy but a reflection of a society that continues to tolerate, excuse, or remain silent about FGM, she said.

Safia Ibrahim shows the tools she uses to perform FGM, which she learned at the age of 15 and has been practising for 35 years, in the courtyard of her home in Hargeisa, Somaliland, a semi-autonomous breakaway region of Somalia, on February 7, 2022 [Brian Inganga/AP Photo]

Mothers on guard

Those who have survived the pain of FGM say it is hard to forget, and that its consequences are lifelong.

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Naffie, a mother of three, told Al Jazeera that all her childbirths were traumatic and agonising, and that she often endures intense vaginal pain as a result of the FGM she was subjected to as a four-year-old. I have to live with these scars and this pain for the rest of my life, said the 35-year-old.

Naffie chose to use only her first name because speaking publicly about FGM experiences in The Gambia often brings stigma.

Many mothers are determined for their daughters to not endure the same traumatic experience that they did and are rejecting pressure from family members.

However, girls are also at risk of being cut by extended family, without the consent of their parents. In many Gambian households, families live in extended compounds, and children are often considered the responsibility of the wider family, not just their parents. That sometimes leads grandparents, aunts, or other relatives to feel they have the authority to make decisions about a child, including subjecting girls to FGM.

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Some mothers say they are constantly on edge, wary of leaving their daughters in the care of family members. One of them is Sarjo Tamba, a single mother who pledged at childbirth to shield her daughter from FGM. While on a business trip last year, however, her partners mother oversaw the cutting of her five-year-old daughter. Sarjo only discovered the violation when she returned home, about two weeks after it happened.

One day while bathing her I noticed something unusual on her private part, the 34-year-old recounted. That was when I realised she had been cut.

Shocked and heartbroken, Sarjo confronted her partners mother, who confessed. The incident, Sarjo said, has left her with deep pain and distrust. Although she reported the case to the police, nothing has been done, she said, as officers told her they could not intervene in a family matter.

Barriers to prosecution

The Gambian authorities have been accused by rights groups of failing to properly prosecute FGM cases and enforce the 2015 ban. By 2024, only two cases were prosecuted in the 10 years since the law was passed.

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Of those, convictions and sentences have been handed down in only one case. That was back in August 2023, when three women in the eastern Gambian town of Bakadaji were fined 15,000 Gambian dalasi ($210) for cutting three girls and preparing to cut another five. All the girls were between four and 12 months old.

Since these were the first convictions under the law, the case proved controversial as many influential figures were against the sentencing. A prominent imam, Abdoulie Fatty, paid off the accused peoples fines and began vocally calling for the practice to be legalised.

Modou Musa Sisawo, a spokesman for The Gambias police, blamed the secrecy surrounding FGM and said it was a barrier to finding and prosecuting cases.

Because FGM is carried out in secrecy, the police usually only become aware of it when complications arise, as tragically happened with this baby, or in cases of disputes among parents, Sisawo said. In most instances, if there are no visible complications or conflicts, the police remain completely unaware.

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One mother told Al Jazeera it is particularly difficult to report relatives to the police when they are responsible for the cutting because of fear that family members might retaliate. That adds yet another layer of fear and silence surrounding the practice.

As the trial of the three accused women in the latest case is set to begin, all eyes are also on the Supreme Court, which is yet to rule on the future of the FGM ban. Rights groups and officials, meanwhile, say they will continue to create awareness on the dangers of FGM to prevent more tragedies.

Abdoulie Ceesay, parliament representative for Wellingara constituency, where the recent tragedy occurred, said he was shocked to hear about the babys death. Ceesay said despite resistance from some religious scholars, his office continues to approach local women leaders for their support in warning communities about the dangers of FGM.

The issue is sensitive, Ceesay admitted. Some in the country, he said, believe advocates are engaged in a money-making scheme because of the international backing anti-FGM causes receive. That misconception especially makes the task harder, he added.

Despite that, the lawmaker said the work goes on. We continue to engage willing leaders to spread the message, he said.




The funds seized included US dollars, euros, Jordanian dinars, and other foreign currencies in addition to local new Israeli shekels.

IDF soldiers and Border Police officers confiscated around NIS 1.5 million in terrorist funds during a raid into the West Bank, the Israel Police confirmed Wednesday.

The funds seized included US dollars, euros, Jordanian dinars, and other foreign currencies in addition to local new Israeli shekels.

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The operation also resulted in the arrest of nine suspects.

"The West Bank Border Police officers are working shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the security forces i the area in the heart of hostile territory to cut off the oxygen supply of terrorism: money," West Bank Border Police commander Dep.-Ch. Niso Guetta said in a statement.

"This operation... is part of a large-scale effort to damage the financing routes of terrorist organizations. Only recently, together with the rest of the security forces, were we able to confiscate huge sums of money, amounting to millions of shekels, throughout the West Bank."

Israeli security forces are seen seizing money used to fund terror in a raid in the West Bank. (Credit: Police Spokesperson's Unit)

Israel cracks down on terror financing in the West Bank

The seizing of the funds comes amid increased Israeli security operations in the West Bank, including raids in Ramallah targeting Palestinian banks.

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On Tuesday, the IDF told The Jerusalem Post that it had busted the last exchange bank in the West Bank that launders terrorist funds.

This 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.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  The largest pharmacy company in the United States is currently not offering COVID-19 vaccines in 16 states, including New York.

CVS Pharmacy cannot administer a vaccine without approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More Local News

Amy Thibault, a spokesperson for CVS Pharmacy, sent PIX11 News the following statement:

We expect to receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days. Well administer FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines in states where legally permitted at CVS Pharmacy and/or MinuteClinic to meet our patients needs.

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Thibault noted that based on the current regulatory environment, FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccinations are available in surrounding states, including Connecticut and New Jersey.

The full list of states where CVS Pharmacy is offering vaccinations: AK, AL, AR, CA, CT, DE, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NE, ND, NH, NJ, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, WA, WI, WY.

U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots Wednesday but limited their use for many Americans  and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children.

The revamped vaccines target a newer version of the continuously evolving virus and are set to begin shipping soon. But it could be days or weeks before many Americans know if theyll be able to get one, with access dependent on decisions by federal health advisers, health insurers, pharmacies, and state authorities.

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This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

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.
CHICAGO  A portion of Lake Shore Drive will shut down on Sunday morning, but there will still be plenty of traffic as thousands of cyclists are expected to hit the road to Bike the Drive.

The annual event, which benefits the non-profit Active Transportation Alliance, offers cyclists the chance to ride along a 30-mile loop along the Drive, soaking in sights usually reserved for motorists.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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The once-a-year event kicks off on Sunday at 6:30 a.m. and riders can start anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., though organizers suggest starting no later than 8 a.m. to get the most out of the ride.

Cyclists can begin their rides by taking off from one of the following five entry locations spread around the loop:

Main Festival (Grant Park)

Bryn Mawr Ave

Fullerton Ave

Oakwood Blvd

Museum of Science & Industry

Three rest stops will be located around the loop, offering riders access to restrooms, water and snacks. Rest stops also offer riders the chance to change directions if they would like.

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During the event, cyclists can spend as much time as they want riding around the loop, but as the event begins winding down around 10:30 a.m., entry locations will begin closing. By 10:35 a.m., riders must either be north of Randolph Street or south of Roosevelt Road.

Rolling closures then begin at 10:45 a.m. before car traffic officially resumes between 11:30 and 12.

Following the event, a festival will be held at Butler Field, and that is where eligible participants will be able to pick up event t-shirts and 30-Mile Challenge medals.

Before hitting the Drive, there are some rules participants should keep in mind.

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All riders who participate in the event are required to wear a helmet.

Riders who prefer a slower pace are encouraged to stay to the right while riders maintaining a faster pace are advised to stay to the left.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Additionally, organizers warn riders to stay aware of any potholes along the Drive by reading over the official list of potholes and uneven surfaces around the loop.

Sundays event is not just reserved for those with bikes, as organizers say bike rental will also be available on Sunday.

Registration for the event is still open, with adult general admission tickets starting at $78 and kids general admission running $18. Additional ticket packages are also available.

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Visit the Bike the Drive website for more information on the event or to purchase tickets.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A man accused of stabbing a mother of four appeared in court today, with chilling new details revealed in court documents.

Joseph Smate is accused of murdering 24-year-old Queena Isam, the woman with whom he shares four young children. Court documents reveal a four-year-old child alerted 911 dispatchers.

PPS to close early Friday due to extreme heat

On July 19, the 28-year-old Smate allegedly stabbed Isam to death. On the day of the stabbing, the young child reportedly told 911 dispatchers, My dad killed my mom, according to court documents, adding that there was lots of blood when she found her mom in the hallway.

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Isams four children, as well as another child who was not hers, were later found inside the home when police entered it, law enforcement officials said.

My understanding is theyre fine physically, obviously, this is a very traumatic incident for them, said Sgt. Kevin Allen, a Portland Police Bureau spokesperson.

From there, the search began for a suspect.

After law enforcement officers discovered Isams body in her home in Portland, a man called 9-11 coming from Clark County, Washington.

That man, allegedly Smate, said he had committed a crime, later saying he had stabbed someone he loved a few hours prior.

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Smate also allegedly admitted that the knife he used in the killing was in his car.



The Vancouver Police Department and SWAT team then responded and quickly arrested him.

A Portland neighbor also told authorities that Isam and Smate dated for several years but that she eventually left him when things became abusive, according to court documents.

OR company pleads guilty to polluting river

The neighbor said Isam tried hiding from Smate at that home in Southeast Portland, where she was later stabbed to death.

Many of the officers that respond to stuff like this, were parents as well. And really, our hearts go out to these kids, Allen said.

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Smate is now accused of second-degree murder and burglary for allegedly breaking into Isams home to commit the murder. He has pleaded not guilty to both crimes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
After finishing his A-Levels, George Finch had planned to go to university and become a history teacher. But instead, at the age of 19, he has become the youngest council leader in the UK, running Warwickshire County Council with a budget of 2bn.



He has already set to work taking on the blob, but will he get the results Reform needs to show theyre ready to run a country?



Camilla and Tim joined Finch at his office in Warwick to talk flags, migrant hotels and Farage, who he calls the most influential politician in the last 30 years.



Watch episodes of The Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Dale Street in Chicopee was temporarily closed on Thursday due to a car crash.

School bus involved in crash with car on I-391 in Chicopee

The Chicopee Police Department states that Dale Street was closed on Thursday in the area of Montgomery Road, as Chicopee Electric Light had to replace a light that was struck by a car.

No injuries were reported at the time of the crash, and Dale Street has since reopened. There is no word on what caused the crash at this 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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
The City of Dallas has scheduled five community meetings to gather public input on its plan to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Dallas paused DEI programs in early August after officials warned the city risked losing $305 million in federal funding. City Manager Kim Tolbert said the move was about survival rather than ideology.

We find ourselves at a crossroads requiring responsibility and resolve, Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert said, per Fox 4.

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Democratic activists in Dallas expressed opposition to pausing the programs. One activist cited disparities between neighborhoods as evidence for maintaining DEI, saying, When the life expectancy of a person living in 75215 is 22 years less than someone in 75204 and those zip codes are only separated by 1.1 miles at the nearest point, something is deeply wrong in our city.

The meetings began August 26 at the Latino Cultural Center and will continue through September 9, concluding at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center.

Tolbert also announced that all municipal departments would stop factoring in national origin, color, gender, religion, or ethnicity when distributing city funds. The decision follows President Donald Trumps federal rollback of DEI programs earlier this year.

Other North Texas cities have taken similar steps.

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As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the Fort Worth City Council voted 7-4 this week to dissolve the citys DEI department, citing possible risks to federal funding and growing public opposition.

That decision came amid a nationwide rollback of DEI initiatives under Trump. Fort Worth also considered suspending elements of its Business Equity Ordinance, which had provided incentives for minority- and women-owned businesses.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has escalated a heated public feud with Texas officials, challenging Dallas crime statistics while threatening retaliatory action against what he calls rigged Republican redistricting maps. The confrontation has drawn in Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux and centers on competing claims about murder rates and electoral fairness.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between blue and red state leaders as they position themselves ahead of the 2026 elections. Newsom has framed Texas governance as a threat to democratic institutions.

Newsoms office asserts that Dallas current murder rate nearly doubles that of Los Angeles, a claim that sparked pushback from local law enforcement.

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Dallas murder rate is nearly 2x higher than Los Angeles. Dont expect Fox News to report that, Newsom stated on X. He has made these comparisons part of a broader strategy to reframe debates about public safety.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux disputes the accuracy of Newsoms statistics. He fact-checked the California governor on X.

Fact check: Dallas has experienced 49 fewer murders in 2025 compared to this point in 2024  putting us at 6.29 murders per 100,000 residents. Lower than LAs 6.95, Comeaux posted.

Fact check: Dallas has experienced 49 fewer murders in 2025 compared to this point in 2024  putting us at 6.29 murders per 100,000 residents. Lower than LAs 6.95! https://t.co/1lX3YU4VFA  Daniel C. Comeaux (@ChiefComeauxDPD) August 25, 2025

The crime statistics battle coincides with Newsoms broader campaign against Texas Republican redistricting efforts. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Newsom has also warned that California could pursue its own redistricting changes to offset Republican-drawn maps in Texas.

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The California governor hosted Texas Democratic lawmakers in Sacramento to coordinate opposition to newly unveiled congressional maps, which he characterizes as partisan gerrymandering designed to cement GOP control.

Newsom threatened to place a California ballot measure before voters that would link adjustments to his states congressional map to actions taken by Texas and other Republican-led states engaging in what he considers electoral manipulation.

We swore an oath  not to Trump, not to Abbott, and not to any party. We swore to defend the Constitution and the people we represent. Were not backing down, Newsom declared during the meeting with Texas Democrats.

The governor followed up with a sweeping legislative package responding directly to Texas redistricting plans. The proposal includes provisions for a special California election to consider retaliatory changes if Texas pursues further partisan actions.

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Newsoms communications toward Texas Governor Greg Abbott have grown increasingly confrontational. The California leader has linked Texas policies to former President Trumps agenda. In recent social media posts, he called for national resistance to what he frames as coordinated attacks on democratic norms.

Its time to call Greg Abbott and tell him to stand down, Newsom posted on Instagram, directing followers to pressure the Texas governor.

On August 20, Newsom escalated the social media campaign further. He suggested that Abbott holds responsibility for the next phase of their dispute over redistricting and governance issues.

The ball is in his court, Newsom wrote in another Instagram post, prompting questions about possible next steps in the interstate political clash.
A Dallas police officer, Thomas Fury II, was arrested on August 29 by Terrell police on domestic violence charges, the Dallas Police Department announced.

Officer Fury, badge number 11710, was charged with Assault Bodily Injury  Family Violence. The Class A misdemeanor charge stems from an incident in Terrell.

Fury joined the Dallas Police Department in May 2019. He currently serves in the Southeast Patrol Division.

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The department placed Fury on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Standard procedure requires officers facing criminal charges to remain off-duty during investigations.

The Terrell Police Department handled the arrest, maintaining jurisdictional independence. Details about the alleged assault remain unavailable.

Class A misdemeanors in Texas carry potential penalties, including jail time and fines. Conviction could also affect Furys law enforcement certification and career.
Cybersecurity is more than just software, says George Kurtz, cofounder and CEO of CrowdStrike.

What we do at CrowdStrike is as old as time, he told Fortune. Its good versus evil. Its a human nature story embodied in technology.

Its a battle thats more urgent and complex than ever, as the rise of AI has ballooned the number of cyber threats and cyber criminals. This makes M&Aa long-standing feature of the cybersecurity sectormore high-stakes than ever. To be sure, some of the biggest deals of 2025 have been in cyber, from Palo Alto Networks $25 billion acquisition of CyberArk to Googles proposed $32 billion acquisition of Wiz.

CrowdStrike, which went public in 2019, is also a longtime acquirer, and today announced its acquisition of data observability startup Onum for about $290 million. CrowdStrike also announced today its Q2 2025 earnings, beating expectations but offering a softer than expected revenue outlook sending its shares down roughly 4% in after-hours trading.

Kurtz spoke to Fortune exclusively about the Onum deal and CrowdStrikes M&A strategy going forward.

We like to get things at the right stage, he said. When you look at some of these other acquisitions, like CyberArk, youre talking about a 20-year-old technology company with a lot of integration risk. These are big companies, and Ive seen the movie before. When I was at McAfee, we acquired 21 companies, and never quite got them integrated  So, when it comes down to it, were maniacally focused on the customer experience, on making sure were disciplined enough to get this stuff integrated. We have a great track record of doing that.

Onum marks one of CrowdStrikes early deals since last years much-publicized IT outage, which Kurtz says didnt derail its M&A efforts, but offered a pause. In the aftermath, CrowdStrike set a high bar and refrained from closing any deals, while continuing to talk to companies, entrepreneurs, and VCs, keeping the M&A pipeline active, said Kurtz. The Onum deal ultimately came together in three months. The Madrid-based startup, which counts Dawn Capital and Insight Partners among its VC backers, was especially compelling to CrowdStrike for its real-time pipeline detectionthe ability to analyze and detect threats or anomalies in data as it is being ingested into a companys systems.

If you think about the data we have, we started becoming the Reddit of security data for all these AI models, said Kurtz. The more data we get in, the larger the moat we actually have, and the greater the opportunity we have to solve bigger and broader problems from an AI perspective. Thats really driving our vision for AI-native SOC [security operations center]. Its a natural extension.
The owner of an 18-wheeler at the center of a Dallas Police Department investigation is pushing to clear his companys reputation following a hit-and-run crash that left a man with a severed arm.

The incident, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express, occurred around 6 a.m. on August 19 in the 5300 block of S. Cockrell Hill Road and involved a northbound big-rig that collided with another vehicle and fled. Police released an image of the truck, marked with a distinctive Dallas Cowboys star, seeking public help to identify the 18-wheeler.

Carlos Campos, 26, the injured driver, told NBC 5 he was heading home from work when the crash occurred. With his SUVs air conditioning out, his window was down, and his arm rested on the door, taking the brunt of the impact. Campos lost part of his left arm and insists the truck driver swerved into him.

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The trucks owner, who asked to be identified only as Enrique due to threatening calls, disputes the claim.

Im really, really sorry about what happened to Mr. Carlos, but my truck never, never hit his car, never, he said, according to NBC 5 DFW.

Enrique, facing harassment including threats like I know where you stay, I know where you parked your truck. Were going to beat your a**, you better watch your six, provided DPD with two black-and-white surveillance videos from a nearby business.

Enrique claims the footage given to NBCDFW shows his driver traveling 20-30 mph in the middle lane while Campos SUV approached at high speed, striking the trailers rear:

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[The driver of the SUV] tried to swing to the right, avoiding the impact, Enrique added, noting the heavy sheetrock load may have masked the impact for his driver, who continued driving unaware.

Enrique, who has known his driver for nearly 20 years, said, per NBC 5, I know my driver, I know how responsible he is, and he would never lie to me.

After learning of the police alert eight days later, he contacted DPD, offering his truck for inspection. Investigators found white paint from Campos SUV on the back of the trailer, but the case remains open.

DPD is reviewing the provided videos as the investigation continues, with no charges filed yet. Enrique remains in contact with detectives as the investigation continues.
The Elizabeth Richardson Center has been serving Northwest Arkansas for decades, providing education, training, and support for children and adults with disabilities.

Watch as Leslee Post and Harrison Calhoun join KNWA Today/FOX24 morning shows to talk about a very special event.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Kyiv on 28 August, killing 19 adults and four children; eight more people are still missing.

Source: memorial project Russia killed them

Details: Among those killed are 2-year-old Anhelina and her 24-year-old mother Nadiia, 14-year-old student Nazarii Koval and 17-year-old Maryna Hryshko, a student of the Kyiv Energy College and daughter of a serviceman.

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"This girl [Maryna] was a gentle, bright and creative person, open to the world and people. She knew how to do good, to inspire others with her talent and sincerity. For her classmates and teachers, she will forever remain a bright ray of joy and kindness," the college staff wrote about Maryna.

Maryna Hryshko

Russia took the life of Kyiv resident Yana Shapoval, who lived with her family on the fourth floor of the attacked building. Her husband and 11-year-old son, Maksym, were rescued.

"In the morning, I read that a five-storey building had been hit in the Darnytskyi district. I thought, God, I hope it's not Yana's house. Then my son Sasha called and said, "Mom...Yana is gone. I ask, 'What do you mean, gone? And he says, Their house was completely destroyed," Kateryna, Yanas mother, said.

Anhelina, Nadiia, Maryna Hryshko, Yana Shapoval, Nazarii Koval, Oksana Protsiuk, Olena Chala and Vira Tulupova.

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Photo: Russia killed them

Later, it was reported that Oksana Protsyuk, a doctor of physical and rehabilitation medicine and neurologist, was killed.

"Oksana Mykolaivna was not only a good doctor, a professional in her field, a charming woman, a caring wife and mother and the pride of our team, but also a true friend to us and a source of support for her patients! Her honesty, kindness, sincerity, responsibility, care and wisdom were an example to her colleagues! She didn't just lead our team; she inspired us every day! Her path was filled with love for life and a desire to help everyone who turned to her!" said the staff at Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 1

Vira Tulupova

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The Russian attack also took the life of Vira Tulupova, a member of the Hromytsia Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.

"The heart and soul of the Hromytsia Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, a charming woman and an incredibly talented person  Vira Oleksiivna Tulupova. This is an irreparable loss for the folk art of Kyiv. Vira Oleksiivna was the heart of Hromytsia, the soul of the ensemble. This is a terrible pain that cannot be described.

The bright memory of Vira Oleksiivna will forever stay in our hearts," wrote the Cultural and Art Centre of the Darnytskyi District.

Mariia Pryimak

Another elderly woman who was killed was Mariia Pryimak, a resident of an apartment on the fourth floor of a building in the Darnytskyi district.

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Her daughter Valentyna had been waiting at the site of the destruction since early morning, where she found her mother's phone and medical documents. Valentyna later found out that Mariia had died.

"My morning today began without the dearest person in the world  my mother  and also without my friend Natalia and without the girl I loved so much  Ninochka [derivative from Nina  ed.].

My close friends who survived lost their beloved daughters. My former neighbours lost their wives and children. They didn't make it to the bomb shelter.

And the worst thing is that I am convinced a hundred times over that death takes the best, the kindest, those who were already angels on earth," Valentyna wrote.

Olena Chala

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Olena Chala was also killed in the Holosiivskyi district. The woman received shrapnel injuries as a result of an explosion while she was walking to a shelter, said her friend Olena Abessinova.

"Olena Chala, beautiful, charming and full of life, my daughter's friend and a friend of our family, died from deadly shrapnel on her way to the bomb shelter. Russia killed her!!! She lived in the house opposite my 93-year-old father's house; she helped me by receiving heavy parcels from Norway and delivering them to him.

Today, after the terrible news and videos about another attack by the Russians, I held back my fear and anxiety and called my father several times until I heard still alive. An hour later, my daughter called me to tell me about Olena's tragic death. It's a shock! I have no words... Olena-Lienochka [derivative from Olena  ed.]... How could this happen... I can still see your sweet smile," Olena Abessinova wrote.

Background:

On the night of 27-28 August, the Russians carried out a large-scale combined strike on the capital, killing 23 people, including four children. Eight people are considered missing.

A total of 53 residents were injured. 17 people were freed from under the rubble.

Volunteers also rescued three pets from the destroyed high-rise building: a cat, a dog and a hamster.

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President Donald Trump calls on a reporter during a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. Credit - Chip SomodevillaGetty Images

President Donald Trumps blatant efforts to transform Americas long-heralded capitalist system into a state-controlled economy have business leaders alarmed. The federal governments revenue-sharing agreements with Nvidia and AMD, as well as its equity stakes in Intel, U.S. Steel, and MP Materials, threaten the very foundations that have made the U.S. economy the best in the worldand undermine the economic philosophy of many Trump supporters.

Government help to business is just as disastrous as government persecution, wrote free-market economic evangelist Ayn Rand in her book Anthem. The only way a government can be of service to national prosperity is by keeping its hands off.

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In contrast, Mao Tse-tung, Former Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party argued that The capitalist economy exists not chiefly to make profits for the capitalists but to meet the needs of the people and the state. Instead, Mao suggested that leaders should have the firm conviction that state capitalism is the only road for the transformation of capitalist industry and commerce and for the gradual completion of the transition to socialism.

To be sure, the modern Republican party is far from communist. And most MAGA enthusiasts and GOP leaders would classify themselves as traditional free-market conservativesrather than state-driven socialists. However, Trump is beginning to sound more like Mao than Rand.

In what is typically a quiet summer month for the business community, we have received dozens of inbound emails and calls from CEOs representing the largest U.S. corporations in complete disbelief about this shift. The messages are all similar: What the hell is Trump doing? The departure from our nations values has gone too far.

Many continue to wonder why corporate lobbying groups such as the Business Roundtable (BRT) have not spoken up more on this issue. Business leaders have correctly identified Trumps bullying tactics for what they are and recognize that only collective action can effectively counter the presidents overreach. Strangely, though, the BRT has remained conspicuously quiet out of what a growing chorus of commentators interpret to be a fear of retribution.

Comparative cautionary tales

This chilling effect could have negative consequences for the country. Modern history has repeatedly shown that state-led capitalism is a recipe for failure.

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Since 2020, China has experienced a period of slow growth and deflationary pressure, marked by a deepening real estate crisis, weakened consumer demand, and declining foreign investment. The Chinese government has built cities designed for millions of people which remained largely empty, and spent billions on infrastructure with little to no real demand. The Chinese economic stagnation has become increasingly comparable to Japans Lost Decade, which itself resulted from excessive government intervention in the banking system during the 1990s.

In 2012, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner nationalized Spain's Repsol oil subsidiary, YPF, under the pretext that it would enhance energy production after years of underinvestment. The expropriation entailed the government seizing a 51% equity stake in YPF. To Argentinas credit, the move was at least approved by its Senate. Unfortunately, the state's operation of the oil company has not exactly lived up to its promises, mired by the cost of legal battles over the government's expropriation of Repsol's stake, increased regulatory and political risks from state ownership, and government interference in fuel prices.

And numerous other examples exist, from the more recent Brazilian attempts at centralized economic planning to the failed French Minitel intervention in the early internet economy.

Americas free-market heritage

Historically, the U.S. has recognized the risks of government intervention in the free market economy, typically intervening only during periods of crisis.

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The War Industries Board of World War I and the War Production Board of World War II led essential economic mobilization programsprioritizing production, distributing raw materials, setting prices, converting factories for wartime use, and managing industry-labor relationsnecessary during major armed conflicts. Rarely was government nationalization used as a means, and even then, it was only employed when entities were on the verge of collapse.

During the 2008 Great Financial Crisis, the federal government was compelled to rescue key companies vital to the nations economy, such as General Motors, Chrysler, Citigroup, and AIG, from the verge of collapse. The U.S. took equity stakes in these private organizations with extreme apprehension, even going so far as to encourage the companies to repurchase their equity as soon as possible. President Obama characterized the situation as: We are acting as a reluctant shareholder because this is the only way to help [General Motors] succeed. Fortunately, estimates found that the government recovered all, or nearly all, the $450 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) dollars by 2014.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced another moment of urgency, prompting both the Trump and Biden administrations to inject trillions into the economy, primarily in the form of grants or forgivable loans.

Return on investment

However, Trump and Bidens intervention during the pandemic differed greatly in their impact.

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For example, both presidents took minor equity stakes in their emergency relief programs to airlines, but they pale in comparison to the total package cost. In fact, President Trump, the self-proclaimed great deal maker, gave away six times as much as the TARP program under President George H. W. Bush, and 10 times more than President Bidens $50 billion CHIPS Act, through his more than $3 trillion in pandemic relief funds.

President Bidens CHIPS Act, which passed on a narrow but bipartisan vote, injected more than $50 billion to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors. The program catalyzed over $500 billion in private sector commitments, promising a more than 10x return. Regrettably, implementation was fraught with challenges and setbacks, most notably affecting Intel. And President Trump, never one to miss an opportunity to meddle, soon intervened upon his return to the White House.

Like spotting weakened prey, Trump pounced to re-trade the deal with Intel. While Intel was in a challenging strategic and financial position, it had not reached a point of crisis, nor was it near one. The semiconductor industry is essential to U.S. national security. However, private investors were still willing to provide capital to Intel. Domestic competitors were interested in acquiring the floundering manufacturing unit.

Now, the government stake in Intel threatens to place other potential American competitors, such as Broadcom, AMD, and Qualcomm, at a disadvantage should their interests come into conflict.

Future fears

Such crony-like capitalism has also made CEOs from other industries wary. The pharmaceutical industry receives tens of billions of dollars a year in federal funding for critical research and development, as do the defense and space exploration industries. Does the government then deserve equity stakes in companies like Pfizer, Lockheed Martin, or SpaceX?

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In agribusiness, Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, Cargill, Caterpillar, and John Deere have collectively received nearly $25 billion in federal subsidies, loans, guarantees, and bailouts since 2000. Over $30 billion in disaster payments and pandemic relief were allocated to support livestock operators in the past decade. Similarly, the oil and gas industry has long been a beneficiary of favorable tax treatment, costing the government billions of dollars annually. Will companies from these industries soon be subject to seizure?

President Trump apparently has forgotten that much of his real estate success has come on the back of federal, state, and local tax incentives. Presumably, he would have preferred to keep Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton out of his private business dealings when he was building his company.

Many U.S. companies, as well as entire industries, can attribute their success to partnerships with the federal government. But previous presidents seem to understand something that Trump does not. Taxpayers are well-rewarded for these strategic public investments, as funding has significantly contributed to building the strongest economy in modern history.

Milton Freidman, a pillar of genuine conservative economic thought, warned in his 1990 book Free to Choose "The combination of economic and political power in the same hands is a sure recipe for tyranny."

Perhaps Trump should give it a read.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
CARBONDALE (KSNT)  Police in Carbondale say some local residents are preventing utility workers from doing their jobs by scaring them off their properties.

The Carbondale Police Department (CPD) posted to social media on Aug. 29 saying that there are some reports locally of residents chasing off utility workers while they are trying to perform their job duties. Police said the workers are wearing identifiable clothing, are driving in marked vehicles and possess valid identification.

The CPD reports that, in one situation, a firearm was involved and that this is dangerous and not okay. Police are encouraging residents to respect utility workers who are in the area and say that people who threaten or point firearms at them could be arrested.

No person has the right to cause another to fear for their life or wellbeing  especially someone who is simply trying to do their job. Lets all look out for each other and keep Carbondale a safe, respectful place to live and work. Carbondale Police Department social media statement excerpt

The CPD said that utility workers are allowed to be in easements and on property while theyre on the job. Residents who spot someone on their property who they think shouldnt be there can call the CPD at 785-836-7377 for assistance.

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Shawnee County Sheriffs Office identifies two killed in Montara shooting incident

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[Source]

Korean American actor Daniel Dae Kim said Asian and Asian American actors are increasingly held to stricter nationality-based casting rules than performers from other backgrounds, calling the trend an overcorrection during a recent conversation with American Masters PBS.

Kim observed that casting directors often require a role to match a specific Asian national origin even when the story does not demand it. If the role calls for a Korean American, they will not see a Japanese American or Chinese American or any other Asian nationality, the 57-year-old star said. He added, There are very often times when the role itself has not been thought through. It doesnt require any kind of specificity in the story as its being told.

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He acknowledged that nationality may be essential in cases such as portraying real people or roles with authentic language requirements, but he stressed that many Asian American stories focus on shared experiences. Anytime theres a role that focuses, to me, on the American experience of being Asian ... we all know what it feels like to be othered. Thats a common experience. So to me, the nationality isnt as important, Kim said.

He contrasted these expectations with casting norms for other groups. Asian American actors are often specified by nationality when other ethnicities are not, he said. When African American actors are hired, very rarely are they asked, where is their country of ancestry? ... How many of our superheroes who are playing American are from other countries like Australia and England? And yet we dont ever ask whether thats important.

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DANTE, Va. (WJHL)  A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the Dante Volunteer Fire Department against Russell County, Va., Administrator Lonzo Lester and the Russell County Board of Supervisors.

Daniel Meade filed the lawsuit on behalf of the fire department.

The county administrator had contacted the chief, Ethan Taylor, saying that there was a lack of training, there wasnt 20 members in the department and that that was a concern for the county, Meade said.

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The lawsuit claims that at 4:19 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2024, members were informed by Lester that he had ordered the closure of the department, and they were barred from accessing the station at 5:00 p.m. the same day, leaving all the equipment inside.

Tim Anderson is the attorney representing the fire department.

Were asking the court to enjoin the county administrator from enforcing his order, his directive, which would allow the firehouse to come back online, Anderson said.

Anderson said the Russell County Board of Supervisors held a closed session on Aug. 22, 2024, to discuss the legal matters of the Dante Volunteer Fire Department.

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According to the lawsuit, the decision to shut down the fire department should have been made by the board of supervisors.

Virginia Code 27-10 declares only the governing body of a county, city or town can dissolve a fire company.

Were not arguing whether they should be shut down or should not be shut down, Anderson said. Were just saying that the county administrator didnt have the legal authority to do that under the Virginia code.

If the board of supervisors, in their political wisdom, thinks that its the right thing to do to shut this firehouse down, then they need to have a public hearing.

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Meade said the communications between the members of the fire department and the defendants in the lawsuit have been scarce since the board meeting in 2024.

Weve tried to reach out to the county administrator, the board of supervisors, and its just been one reason after another why they couldnt talk with us, Meade said. I want this resolved; we did not want this to come to this.

This is a last-ditch effort to try to reinstate the department.

News Channel 11 did reach out to members of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, who said they have been advised by legal counsel not to comment on the lawsuit.

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News Channel 11 also reached out to Lester for a comment. As of Thursday evening, no response had been received.

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DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR)  Danville Public Schools (DPS) has released its annual Standards of Learning (SOL) pass rates for the 2024-2025 school year. Officials say the results show that DPS continues to rebound from the pandemic with substantial gains across reading, math, and science.

Since the launch of the Danville Essential Knowledge and Skills Curriculum (DEKS) in 2021, DPS says it has been intentional about raising the bar for teaching and learning.

According to officials, by pairing DEKS with a literacy plan grounded in the Science of Reading and ensuring that every classroom has access to high-quality instructional materials, DPS has equipped teachers with the tools needed to deliver rigorous and engaging instruction.

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While in science, DPS says, the adoption of STEMScopes has brought hands-on, project-based learning into daily lessons. Together, these initiatives aimed to create a consistent, districtwide framework that drives measurable gains in student achievement and lays the foundation for long-term success.

Districtwide Results:

Reading: District pass rates improved to 57% from 48% in 2021-22, the highest since 2016-17.

Math: District pass rates increased to 54% from 36% in 2021-22, the highest since 2015-16, representing nearly 50% growth in four years.

Science: District pass rates improved to 55% from 36% in 2021-22, the highest since 2017-18. Notably, science scores improved 15 percentage points over the previous school year.

Officials say these improvements mean that DPS students are not only surpassing pre-pandemic levels but also setting performance records across multiple subjects.

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Alleghany High School incentivizes students to pass their SOLs

These results prove what we already know: when students are given the right tools, high-quality instruction, engaging learning opportunities, and attend school daily, they rise to the challenge, said Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston. We are proud of our educators, our students, and our families for working together to make these achievements possible.

According to DPS, schools across the division are leading the way with impressive gains:

Above State Average: Activ8 STEM Academy, Forest Hills Elementary, and Galileo Magnet High surpassed the state average in reading. Activ8, Forest Hills, Galileo, and George Washington High surpassed the state average in math. Galileo, Forest Hills, and Activ8 scored above the state average in science results.

Elementary Success: Park Avenue Elementary and Woodberry Hills Elementary achieved over 65% growth in math and nearly 40% growth in reading since 2021.

Secondary Success: Geometry results increased to 68% from 18% in 2022-23. Algebra I results increased to 76% from 48% in 2022-23. Algebra II results increased to 84% from 50% in 2022-23. Biology results increased to 65% from 35% last year.

All-Subject Growth: G.L.H. Johnson Elementary (now Arnett Hills), Park Avenue, Woodberry Hills, Bonner Middle, and Westwood Middle improved in every tested subject compared to 202122.

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The most significant increases over the last four years (2021-22 to 2024-25) include:

Forest Hills Elementary: Science pass rates improved to 80% from 38%.

Schoolfield Elementary: Science pass rates improved to 68% from 42%.

Bonner Middle: Math pass rates improved to 65% from 27%.

Westwood Middle: Science pass rates doubled to 56% from 28%.

George Washington High: Math pass rates improved to 73% from 42%.

In addition to SOL scores, DPS also highlighted its attendance gains in the press release, saying that during the 2024-2025 school year, 88% of students attended school regularly, compared to 71% during the 2021-2022 school year.

DPS states that it has employed proactive strategies inspired by the Attendance Works framework, including social workerled small groups and the innovative Second Chance transportation program.

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Several schools, including Bonner, Forest Hills, Galileo, Park Avenue, and Activ8, had less than 10% of students chronically absent, according to officials. Other schools made notable strides, such as E.A. Gibson Elementary, which reduced chronic absenteeism by 60% in one year.

DPS is also aiming to ensure students are prepared before entering kindergarten. In 2021-2022, only 34% of kindergarteners had public preschool experience, which today has grown to 54%.

Standards of Learning scores improve slightly in Virginia

Officials say literacy benchmarks are also trending upward. Using the new Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS), DPS students demonstrated gains from fall to spring in reading at the primary grade levels. DPS says this aims to ensure more students are on track by the end of second grade.

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Moving forward, DPS is launching the On Grade Level Reading Project and developing a new strategic direction that establishes high expectations for student performance across all subjects.

As a board, we are encouraged to see continued improvement in our student achievement, said School Board Chair TyQuan Graves. These achievements are a testament to the work of our dedicated staff, as well as our students and families. Great outcomes happen when we all work collaboratively to support our students.

Our students are performing at historic levels, said Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston. Beginning this school year with all classrooms fully staffed during a national teacher shortage speaks volumes about the strength of our district. These results demonstrate that our students will meet expectations when provided the right support at school and at home. We are so very proud of everyone.

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(Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)

School board elections in Denver have become increasingly expensive, and the outcomes often hinge on the amount of money spent by competing groups. According to Chalkbeat, In Denver Public Schools politics, pro-charter organizations like Denver Families Action are on one side and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association union is on the other.

In the 2023 Denver Public Schools school board race, Denver Families Action spent nearly $1 million through its independent expenditure committee Better Leaders Stronger Schools, outspending the Denver teachers union 5 to 1. That election nearly tied the record for all-time spending in a DPS school board race at $2.2 million. For the first time, Denver Families Action also paid for TV ads with dark money that featured Denver Mayor Mike Johnston supporting their endorsed candidates.

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The money paid off, and all three won.

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The Denver Classrooms Teachers Association is rooted in a local, democratic labor process since its funding comes from nearly 4,000 educators.

Denver Families Action, however, is the political arm of Denver Families for Public Schools, an organization whose name might suggest local representation yet it is funded by billionaire donors from outside Denver.

The near-historic spending by Denver Families Action in 2023 has its roots in a national strategy spearheaded by billionaires Reed Hastings and John Arnold. In 2018, a leaked presentation described how their new organization, City Fund, planned to invest $200 million to increase charter school representation up to 50% in over 40 cities. Denver has been one of their prime targets.

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City Funds investment highlighted the DPS portfolio model which closes or replaces neighborhood schools that fail to meet standardized test-score benchmarks and then reopens them as charter schools. Since implementing the portfolio model in 2007, DPS closed or replaced dozens of neighborhood schools. Today, DPS has more than 50 charters. The model also weakens union influence by reducing the number of schools whose teachers belong to the union, diminishing the unions membership  and thus its power and its money.

City Funds strategy has met with some resistance. In 2021, school board members from six cities criticized City Fund and their locally funded activist groups writing they present themselves as local grassroots organizations when nothing could be further from the truth. They warned that the billionaire-driven privatization erodes local control, divides school districts, and undermines democratic ideals.

Denvers experience reflects similar concerns. In Denver, financial backing from wealthy advocates of charter schools ensured that pro-charter school board members dominated the board for over a decade. But in 2019, three teacher union-backed candidates unexpectedly won. This raised alarm among charter school advocates who worried the new board might dismantle past reforms, and ongoing enrollment declines also raised concerns.

In response to these events, City Fund helped launch Denver Families for Public Schools with backing from four Denver charter networks: DSST, STRIVE Prep, Rocky Mountain Prep, and University Prep. DFPSs executive director, Ray Rivera, acknowledged their goal was to elevate the voices of families who attend these charter schools in Denver and making sure theyre part of the public policy that gets made.

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DFPS received nearly $4 million from City Funds political arm, Campaign for Great Public Schools, and in 2024, they merged with another activist group, RootED, which had received over $34 million from City Fund for charter expansion and grants to community organizations. Their combined resources now total about $8 million, allowing DFPS to hire staff, fund charter schools and community groups, pay canvassers up to $36 an hour, and organize advocacy campaigns to elect pro-charter candidates.

DFPS is led by Pat Donovan, the former managing partner with RootEd, who also chairs the board of Rocky Mountain Prep, a charter network with twelve DPS schools. In addition, Donovan serves on the boards of the Colorado League of Charter Schools and KIPP Colorado. City Fund CEO Marlon Marshall also serves on the board of Rocky Mountain Prep. These overlapping roles highlight how interconnected the interests of City Fund and Denver Families for Public Schools are, and how DFPS is integral in the school privatization movement in Denver.

DCTAs funding is transparent and tied directly to local educators. By contrast, DFPSs money originates from a national network of wealthy donors whose priorities do not necessarily align with the entire Denver community. This imbalance means one side can dominate the narrative, drowning out authentic community voices.

When voters receive glossy mailers or see a targeted ad, they may believe they are hearing from grassroots families or students. However, the spending often comes from the billionaires who fund Denver Families for Public Schools. This is where democracy is at risk. Without transparency, voters cannot fully assess the motives behind the messaging.

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Denvers school board should prioritize issues like equitable funding, strengthening neighborhood schools, and supporting educators. If the dark money spending levels are repeated, or surpassed, in the 2025 races, local priorities risk being overshadowed by billionaire-backed agendas.

The question for Denver voters this fall is straightforward: Will they allow outside money to dictate the future of their public schools, or will they insist on authentic local voices leading the way?

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DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Darlington County deputies are working to identify a suspect in a sexual assault and carjacking earlier this month.

Deputies responded to Phillips Street in the Darlington area on Aug. 15 for a sexual assault, the sheriffs office said. When they arrived, they learned the victim was in their car when a man came up and held her at gunpoint.

The man allegedly assaulted the victim and stole her car, according to the sheriffs office. The vehicle was later found abandoned.

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A South Carolina Law Enforcement Division forensic artist conducted a sketch of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 843-398-4501.

* * *

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.

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By Jeff Horwitz

(Reuters) -Meta has appropriated the names and likenesses of celebrities  including Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway and Selena Gomez  to create dozens of flirty social-media chatbots without their permission, Reuters has found.

While many were created by users with a Meta tool for building chatbots, Reuters discovered that a Meta employee had produced at least three, including two Taylor Swift parody bots.

Reuters also found that Meta had allowed users to create publicly available chatbots of child celebrities, including Walker Scobell, a 16-year-old film star. Asked for a picture of the teen actor at the beach, the bot produced a lifelike shirtless image.

Pretty cute, huh? the avatar wrote beneath the picture.

All of the virtual celebrities have been shared on Metas Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms. In several weeks of Reuters testing to observe the bots behavior, the avatars often insisted they were the real actors and artists. The bots routinely made sexual advances, often inviting a test user for meet-ups.

Some of the AI-generated celebrity content was particularly risque: Asked for intimate pictures of themselves, the adult chatbots produced photorealistic images of their namesakes posing in bathtubs or dressed in lingerie with their legs spread.

Meta spokesman Andy Stone told Reuters that Metas AI tools shouldnt have created intimate images of the famous adults or any pictures of child celebrities. He also blamed Metas production of images of female celebrities wearing lingerie on failures of the companys enforcement of its own policies, which prohibit such content.

Like others, we permit the generation of images containing public figures, but our policies are intended to prohibit nude, intimate or sexually suggestive imagery, he said.

While Metas rules also prohibit direct impersonation, Stone said the celebrity characters were acceptable so long as the company had labeled them as parodies. Many were labeled as such, but Reuters found that some werent.

Meta deleted about a dozen of the bots, both parody avatars and unlabeled ones, shortly before this storys publication. Stone declined to comment on the removals.

'RIGHT OF PUBLICITY' IN QUESTION

Mark Lemley, a Stanford University law professor who studies generative AI and intellectual property rights, questioned whether the Meta celebrity bots would qualify for legal protections that exist for imitations.

California's right of publicity law prohibits appropriating someone's name or likeness for commercial advantage, Lemley said, noting that there are exceptions when such material is used to create work that is entirely new. That doesn't seem to be true here, he said, because the bots simply use the stars images.
A Davenport woman is in the Scott County Jail after police arrested her on charges of pandering and pimping.

The criminal complaint filed in Scott County Court says Davenport Police received a tip on June 26 about illegal sexual acts taking place at Lily Massage, 2164 W. Kimberly Road in Davenport. The defendant, identified as Lihua Chen, 48, had a massage business in Davenport for the last several years. Chen had many Asian women working her for during this time. Multiple men confirmed that they were offered extra services or at other times it was assumed they wanted the services.

Lihua Chen (Scott County Jail)

The complaint says Chen would receive money from her workers for the massages they provided. Employees had to give her 50% of the money they earned. Chen has owned multiple other massage parlors in Minnesota and in Iowa and ads for her parlors were found on websites known for escort services.

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Chen was arrested on August 28 and charged with ongoing criminal activity, pandering, conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony and pimping. She is being held in the Scott County Jail on a secured $45,000 bond and is waiting for an initial court appearance.

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Aug. 28MITCHELL  They said they were just doing their job.

But on April 11, a deputy and his father ran into a burning home in Mount Vernon, woke up two people who had no idea their trailer was on fire, and got them  and their dog  out alive.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Davison County Sheriff's Office made it clear that what the two men did was far from routine. During a surprise ceremony held in the courtroom at the Davison County Public Safety Building, Deputy Trestin Jerke and his father, retired jail sergeant Shawn Jerke, were each presented with a Life Saver Award for their actions that night.

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The courtroom was filled with deputies, family members, and the couple who had been rescued. Neither Trestin nor Shawn had been told in advance that the event was for them.

Sheriff Steve Harr, who presented the awards, explained that Life Saver recognition is not given often. The last time was in 2019.

"This clearly met the criteria," Harr said. "They got two people and a dog out of an actively burning structure before fire crews arrived. That's well above and beyond."

The fire occurred at a mobile home at 207 West 1st Avenue in Mount Vernon. Deputy Jerke had been on a traffic stop just blocks away when dispatch reported the fire. Trestin, who has been with the sheriff's office for nearly four years after starting in the jail, was joined by this father Shawn Jerke, who was doing a ride-along.

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"As I turned the corner, the front of the structure was already fully engulfed," Trestin said.

With no fire crews on scene yet, the two men, both trained volunteer firefighters, moved to the back door of the trailer. Inside, visibility dropped to less than a foot within seconds due to thick, toxic smoke.

They began calling out, eventually finding David and Alyssa Sweet asleep in a back bedroom. The couple hadn't heard smoke alarms, and their dog, Rocket, hadn't barked. They were unaware the home was burning.

Trestin got the couple out of the house and returned to retrieve Rocket, still in his kennel, handing him off to Shawn outside. He then went back inside one more time to locate car keys, concerned about vehicles parked close to the burning trailer.

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"We didn't want those catching fire and possibly exploding," Shawn explained. "We moved the vehicles just before fire crews got there."

The Mount Vernon and Plankinton Fire Departments arrived shortly afterward and extinguished the fire.

The Sweets lost their home and most of their belongings in the fire. They were initially treated for minor injuries, but Alyssa later discovered she had fractured her spine while running down a slippery ramp during the evacuation. She was hospitalized for nearly a month.

Despite the loss, they were able to relocate to a new home in Mitchell within a week, thanks to help from a co-worker. However, due to pet restrictions, Rocket now lives on a friend's farm nearby, and the family visits him regularly.

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Their son, Bentley, was at a friend's house the night of the fire.

"Anytime we smell something like a fire, it brings everything back," Alyssa said. "But we're alive. And that's because of them."

Although both Jerkes had firefighter training  each having completed Firefighter I and II certification  this was the first time either had performed a live rescue from an occupied burning structure.

Deputy Jerke said he's been on scene at fires before, but never one involving a rescue like this.

"Nothing like this," he said, "I've been in numerous burning buildings but nothing that was occupied where we were actually pulling people out."

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Sheriff Harr noted the added danger involved in responding to a mobile home fire.

"The smoke from mobile home fires is extremely toxic due to the building materials used," he said. "It becomes dangerous almost immediately."

Shawn Jerke, who has served as a volunteer firefighter for over a decade in Ethan, said the conditions that night deteriorated quickly, but their training kicked in.

"It was total instinct to get in the house, try and get people cleared out of there," he said.

Trestin has been with the sheriff's office for nearly four years, having started in the jail before becoming a deputy.

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The Life Saver Award, as Sheriff Harr explained, is reserved for moments when deputies or staff take immediate action to preserve life  such as pulling someone from a burning building or rescuing a person from a submerged vehicle. He said the Jerkes' actions that night clearly qualified.

After receiving the award, both men were modest about the recognition. Deputy Jerke described the incident as "just another night" and said he did what he was trained to do. His father, though, pointed to his son as the one who deserved the most credit.

"I want everybody to focus on him," Shawn said. "He's the real hero in this."
Aug. 28MITCHELL  The following cases were among those heard Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, during a circuit court session at the Davison County Public Safety Center, with Judge Chris Giles presiding:

* Harley Miller, 32, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a status hearing. He is facing a Class 2 felony charge for first-degree burglary, along with a Class 1 misdemeanor charge for simple assault. After recently securing new legal representation, Miller was granted a two-week continuance. He has been on furlough for treatment and requested to be released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond, which the court denied. However, the judge did agree to extend his furlough.

* Kaden Geppert, 23, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a probation violation related to a third-offense DUI conviction. He admitted to the violation and was sentenced to 92 days in jail, with credit for 34 days already served and 44 days suspended, leaving 14 days to serve. Following his court appearance, a urinalysis tested positive for cocaine and alcohol. Geppert denied using cocaine and requested additional testing and a hearing, which is scheduled to take place in two weeks.

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* Dustin Fox, 34, of Sioux Falls, was sentenced after pleading guilty last month to obstructing police and resisting arrest, both Class 1 misdemeanors. For the obstruction charge, he received a 92-day jail sentence, with credit for 2 days served and 90 days suspended, along with a $300 fine. For the resisting arrest charge, he was sentenced to 90 days in jail, with all time suspended.

* Julio Camacho, 37, of Mitchell, made his initial court appearance on a Class 5 felony charge of methamphetamine possession. He indicated he will be applying for a court-appointed attorney, and the case was continued for two weeks.

* Dan Butler, 48, of White Lake, appeared in court for a 24/7 bond violation. He is facing multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, a Class 5 felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, and careless driving, all Class 2 misdemeanors; and refusal to surrender his license, a Class 1 misdemeanor. A hearing on the bond violation is scheduled for two weeks from now.

* Matthew Wipf, 30, of Alexandria, pleaded not guilty to a fourth-offense DUI, classified as a Class 5 felony, as well as to charges of driving with a revoked license and possessing an altered or invalid license, both Class 1 misdemeanors. A jury trial has been set for December.

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* Corey Snow, 34, of Sioux Falls, pleaded not guilty to several charges, including a Class 5 felony for possession of cocaine, a first-offense DUI classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, and Class 2 misdemeanors for possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to renew vehicle registration during the assigned month, and having an open container. A jury trial is scheduled for December.

* Chris Stunes, 43, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to failing to register a new address as a sex offender, a Class 6 felony. Under a plea agreement, the charge will remain a Class 6 felony rather than being elevated to a more serious Class 5 due to it being a repeat offense. Stunes was sentenced to two years in prison, with all time suspended.

* Trestin Gunhammer, 29, of Wagner, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, a Class 1 misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, several other charges were dismissed, including two Class 5 felonies  grand theft involving $2,500 to $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance  as well as an open container violation, a Class 2 misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 99 days in jail, with credit for 39 days already served and 60 days suspended. He was also fined $300.

* Thomas Givens Jr., 38, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession of a controlled substance earlier this summer. He received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on two years of probation. In addition, he was fined $750.

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* Alex Schaffer, 29, of Mitchell, appeared in court for a probation violation. He is currently serving probation for a third-offense DUI. The violation stems from his termination from the James Valley Drug/DUI Court program. A court-appointed attorney was assigned to his case, which was continued for two weeks.

* James Winter, 57, of Letcher, appeared in court to request a continuance in his case. He is facing two counts of second-degree rape, both Class 1 felonies, and one count of aggravated incest, a Class 3 felony. His jury trial, originally scheduled for October, has been rescheduled for December.

* Keith Davis, 56, of Mitchell, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including two Class 5 felonies for possession of methamphetamine and THC wax, as well as two Class 2 misdemeanors for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license. He requested and was granted a personal recognizance (PR) bond. A jury trial is set for December.

* Jade Abdo, 36, of Sioux Falls, pleaded not guilty to third-offense simple assault, a Class 6 felony. This marks her third charge of simple assault against a law enforcement officer within the past 10 years. She was granted a personal recognizance (PR) bond, and a jury trial is scheduled for December.

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* Brooke Schiller, 31, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to a fifth-offense domestic abuse simple assault, a Class 4 felony. She was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence fully suspended, and placed on two years of probation. She was also fined $500.

* Skylore Surrounded, 31, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to second-degree escape by a prisoner, a Class 5 felony. He was sentenced to two years of probation and fined $500.

* Cody Overweg, 25, of Mitchell, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a Class 2 misdemeanor. As part of a plea agreement, several other charges were dismissed, including a third or subsequent offense of domestic abuse simple assault, a Class 6 felony; interference with emergency communications, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and an additional disorderly conduct charge for making unreasonable noise, a Class 2 misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with credit for 7 days already served and 23 days suspended. He was also fined $250.

* Courtney Stork, 45, of Mitchell, appeared in court to request a continuance after securing new legal representation. His jury trial, originally set for October, has been rescheduled for December. Stork is facing multiple charges, including possession of cocaine, a Class 5 felony; possession of a controlled substance, a Class 6 felony; possession of two ounces or less of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

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* Jamie Waldon, 36, of Mitchell, denied a probation violation. She is serving probation for possession of methamphetamine and this marks her third probation violation. She requested a personal recognizance (PR) bond, but the court denied the request.

* Jason Dargazt, 46, of Mitchell, admitted to violating his probation. He is serving probation for possession of methamphetamine. His five-year prison sentence remains suspended, and his probation period will be restarted.

* Patrick Ross, 52, of Canton, denied a probation violation. He is serving probation for grand theft involving an amount between $5,000 and $100,000. He is scheduled to return to court in two weeks.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  If you ride certain Greater Dayton RTA routes, be aware: Changes are afoot starting Sunday.

On Aug. 31, the transit system will be kicking off two new routes while also heavily modifying two already existing ones.

Route X6: Downtown to Air Force Museum, Wright State

This express route will begin at the RTAs Wright Stop Plaza downtown and loop along First Street and Monument Avenue before heading north on Main Street. It will connect with State Route 4, which it will take over to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

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X6 will then head south on Harshman Road to Airway, which will then run east to Wright State before reversing and coming back.

The route will run 8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. seven days a week to coincide with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Forces hours. The RTA said it is expected to have a frequency of 40 minutes or less.

Read more about Route X6

Route 3: Dayton Childrens to Eastown Transit Center

This new trolley route will run east on Leo Street from the Troy Street intersection, southeast on Stanley Avenue and southwest on Valley Street past Dayton Childrens Hospital until heading south on North Keowee Street.

Once across the river, the trolley will head west on First Street past Day Air Ballpark and make its way to Wright Stop Plaza. It will then make its way to Wayne Avenue, heading southeast and then east, before meandering to the Eastown Transit Center for the return trip.

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Route 3 will run from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. seven days a week, approximately every 35 minutes.

Read more about Route 3

Route 1: Earlier end, no more Wright State or Fairfield Commons

The route, which had run along 3rd Street/Airway Road to Wright State (with an alternating route that took it along Paragon Boulevard by The Mall at Fairfield Commons), will now instead turn south on Woodman Avenue, ending at the Eastown Transit Center.

The western portion of the route remains unchanged.

Read more about Route 1

Route 6: The new Wright State/Fairfield Commons option

To make up for the change to Route 1, Route 6 has been adjusted to turn east onto Airway Road from Woodman Avenue to Wright State and the mall, instead of going straight south to the transit center.

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The route from the intersection of Woodman Avenue and Airway Road north and west is unchanged.

Read more about Route 6

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Millions of Americans are expected to travel this Labor Day weekend, some of whom will visit the DMV.

Its beautiful, its gorgeous, said Lisa Chandler, who is in town from Denver, Colo. Its a whole D.C. experience walking around to the front of the White House, and then going to the back, going to the Lincoln Memorial.

White House boasts that crime crackdown is working in DC

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Still, leaders in the local tourism industry are concerned, as tourism numbers slip this year.

Everything has been compromised, said Elliot Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC.

According to Ferguson, international tourism is projected to drop by 5% this year. The organization said federal rhetoric on immigration, LGBTQ issues and crime has made visitors think twice about coming to D.C.

Now, armed National Guard members are patrolling Metro stops, federal buildings and the National Mall.

There are those who are saying, We dont feel comfortable because we are hearing there are tanks going down the street. The rhetoric is not the reality, he said.

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Some local tour guides are feeling the impact.

Usually, this time of the year, its so slam-packed. Its like were already in our winter season, which we call the slow season, said Cortland Wingfield, who has been a tour guide for more than a decade.

DC hotel bookings, tourism on the decline amid federal crime crackdown, law enforcement surge

Wingfield said customers are expressing concerns about their visit.

A lot of people have been concerned about whether or not they should have still taken their trip, he said. You can tell theyre surprised and shocked about how nice it is and how clean it is and how everything looks amazing. The only thing thats a little troubling is the kids seeing the National Guard with the guns and saying, hey mom, dad that guy over there has a gun. Which is so odd and awkward.

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Hes expecting a slow weekend.

Its already Friday and we dont have really large numbers, Wingfield said.

John Burke, who operates a pedicab, said his customers also ask questions about the state of the city.

They ask me if the crime is that bad, and its really not, said Burke. Its really overkill. People do ask, and I just tell them its pretty safe.

Violent crime down 45% in DC during federal law enforcement surge, local leaders say

Hes optimistic about business this weekend.

Im expecting a very lucrative weekend. A couple thousand dollars this weekend, he said. Its noon time right now, and theres 10,000 plus people on the National Mall. Theres people in the museums. I think itll be a pretty productive weekend.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
A D.C. grand jury declined to indict a man accused of assaulting a federal agent during President Donald Trumps takeover of policing in Washington, D.C. It marks at least the third case in which prosecutors have failed to clear the famously low bar of securing such an indictment.

Police pulled over Alvin Summers near the National Mall after he allegedly drove a Ford Bronco in an area where cars arent allowed. Police alleged Summers speed-walked away during the encounter, then resisted arrest and grabbed a U.S. Park Police officer by the upper body with force, pulling them both to the ground.

Summers became one of at least 17 people prosecutors have accused of assaulting or impeding a federal agent since Trump began his crackdown on crime in D.C. two and a half weeks ago. But an attorney for Summers wrote in a filing Thursday that on Aug. 21 a grand jury declined to indict Summers on the felony charge, which can carry up to eight years in prison.

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[The] officers testimony was rejected by the grand jury, presumably after reviewing the body-worn camera video, the attorney, A.J. Kramer, wrote.

Related: Trump's Envoys Are Ticking Off Other Countries. The White House Isn't Doing Much About It.

Kramer was opposing the governments motion to dismiss the case without prejudice, which would leave the door open to prosecutors pursuing the charge again.

Allowing the government the possibility of re-bringing charges under these circumstances is prejudicial and unwarranted, Kramer argued.

Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, speaks during a press conference announcing the arrests of an alleged DC-based drug trafficking organization that sold PCP and fentanyl, during a press conference at the Office of the U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 26, 2025. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images

News of the failed indictment against Summers was first reported by The New York Times.

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The U.S. attorneys office for D.C., which is headed by Trump ally and former Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro, was unable to secure grand-jury indictments in two other such cases in recent days. Its a strong indication that D.C. citizens are skeptical of the governments allegations and, at least in these cases, agree with defense attorneys that the charges are overblown.

Earlier this week, a grand jury took a pass on indicting Sean Charles Dunn for allegedly assaulting a Customs and Border Protection officer by throwing a sandwich at him.

Prosecutors also swung and missed three times trying to get an indictment against Sydney Lori Reid. Reid had filmed immigration agents in public during an inmate swap in July and got shoved against a wall. Prosecutors alleged she forcefully pushed a Federal Bureau of Investigation agent during the incident.

Related: Chicago Mayor Signs Order Over 'Escalating Threats From The Federal Government'

Like the grand juries, some judges in federal court have been leery of the cases Pirros office has been bringing. One of them, Judge Zia M. Faruqui, chastised the prosecutors office for pursuing a gun case built on what he called a blatantly illegal search that violated the Fourth Amendment. Lawlessness cannot come from the government, he announced.

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Defense attorneys told HuffPost this week they believed in some cases prosecutors were bringing excessive charges just to make Trumps crime crackdown look more meaningful.

They just want to have big numbers and to say theyre doing an amazing job, said one, Heather Shaner. Too bad for the people of the District of Columbia.

More on Politics

Judge Warns Of 'Lawlessness' In Trump's DC Policing Takeover

Jen Psaki Makes Ominous Warning About Trump: Let That Sink In For A Second

Trump Prosecutor Fails To Indict D.C. Man Who Threw Sandwich At Federal Agent

Read the original on HuffPost
A man accused of throwing a sandwich at a federal law enforcement official in Washington, D.C, amid President Trumps city takeover has been charged with misdemeanor assault.

Sean Dunn, a Department of Justice (DOJ) employee at the time of the incident, was charged Wednesday with one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees, according to court documents.

Federal prosecutors recently failed to secure a felony indictment against Dunn, who was charged with a felony earlier this month after allegedly throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent.

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The incident was caught on video by onlookers and posted to social media.

Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! Dunn allegedly shouted at officers close to the corner of 14th and U streets.

In the wake of tossing the sandwich towards law enforcement, the man attempted to run away but was chased by police.

The virality of the sandwich incident also resulted in artwork going up in the Districts streets featuring a person appearing to toss a sandwich.

Trumps D.C. crackdown also followed a similar deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles a few months ago, with both incidents sparking backlash from city residents and Democrats.

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The Hill has reached out to an attorney for Dunn for comment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Being blind and deaf hasn't stopped a recent Wisconsin high school graduate from trying new things and pushing himself to be the best he can. He credits his online high school with helping him overcome those challenges.

Sid Miller recently graduated from Wisconsin Virtual Academy, a public K-12 online school. He attended there for most of high school, attending from 10th through 12th grade after spending ninth grade at Cedar Grove-Belgium High School.

Sid said the school and its staff helped him not just graduate, but excel. During his time there, he became a National Honor Society member, led volunteer initiatives, balanced jobs and an internship, wrote two books, sailed and practiced taekwondo.

Sid Miller, left, of Cedar Grove, and his SEAS Sheboygan instructor Juju Senfft go out for a sailing lesson on Aug. 13, 2025, at the marina in Sheboygan.

Early years

Sid, now 19, was born in Thailand. When he was 3 years old, Jennifer and Todd Miller adopted him through WACAP, now known as Holt International.

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While Sid's parents knew about his blindness before adopting him, they did not know he was deaf. When they noticed his speech was delayed, they had him tested and discovered Sid was both blind and deaf.

His mom suggested to get an idea for what he can see, cover your right eye completely, then make a fist with a very small hole and place it over the left eye so there's a tunnel. If you cover the end of the "tunnel" with cellophane, that's an approximation of what Sid can see.

"He gets very close to things, has large print, a huge monitor, and uses audio-descriptors and closed captioning for school. He also uses his cane to navigate unfamiliar environments, as well as a sighted guide, or support service person," she said.

Jennifer said Sid has moderate bilateral sensurineural hearing loss. Without hearing aids, someone would need to shout for Sid to be able to hear them. Even with the hearing aids, Sid can struggle with hearing in loud environments or when more than one person is talking.

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To compensate for his hearing impairments, Sid needs people to look directly at him when speaking rather than to the side or away from him so the sound comes right to him. If someone is facing away from him, he can't hear them, Jennifer said.

Sid, his brother Rome, now 15, who was also adopted from Thailand, and their parents lived in Janesville until Sid was ready to go into first grade. He and his family then moved into the Cedar Grove-Belgium area and started what Jennifer called "a less-than-stellar brick-and-mortar" school experience.

"There were good moments, but they didn't meet his needs in the way that we had hoped," said Jennifer.

During the COVID pandemic, Sid's parents homeschooled him because the school district he was in wasn't able to accommodate him.

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"There was no video; they didn't have captioning. They didn't have any way. I couldn't even hear them, and I have typical hearing, so I was like OK forget it," Jennifer Miller said.

After his freshman year of high school, Sid transferred to the Wisconsin Virtual Academy. His mom said the school was a better fit for him. While there is a school for deaf students and a school for blind students, there isn't a school for kids who are both deaf and blind.

"They went out of their way. He had wonderful deaf and hard-of-hearing teachers who went out of their way for him," Jennifer Miller said.

Sid said going to Wisconsin Virtual Academy was "a game-changer."

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"My grades went up dramatically and also, I was able to make more friends as well as get more accommodations for classwork as well as just doing better physically and mentally as well," Miller said.

What the Wisconsin Virtual Academy experience was like

Wisconsin Virtual Academy is an online, kindergarten through 12th grade school that is tuition-free and open to anyone in the state of Wisconsin.

"People may think it's not like a traditional school, but it is. It's like being homeschooled, but you're doing everything that a normal school does, but instead on a computer," Sid said.

Jennifer said Sid adjusted quickly to the virtual school, noting his comfort with technology.

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"He figured everything out very quickly. When they would switch platforms, if there was a glitch, he was right there doing tech support for his teachers, so it was not a problem," she said.

One of the supports Sid had was live closed captioning for all of his classes.

"There's a captionist in Australia who is attending his classes and writing down everything everyone says so he could use that as notes later," his mom explained.

Other supports he received included having text highlighted as Sid was reading so he could follow along and a large computer monitor to make it easier to read. He even could connect the classroom audio directly into his hearing aids.

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When enrolled at the school, Sid had about four or five classes per day, each about 45 minutes long. His schedule was flexible enough to allow him to take the state Start College Now program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. It's a dual enrollment program that allows high school students to take college courses at Wisconsin technical colleges. If there were any scheduling conflicts, Sid was able to watch a class later with closed captioning. Teachers also had office hours where students could meet with them to ask questions.

"They went out of their way to help me. They were awesome," Sid said about his teachers at Wisconsin Virtual Academy.

Sid joined a lot of clubs while at school, including a Dungeons and Dragons club, an anime club and a kitchen, or cooking, club.

Outside of school activities

Outside school, Sid worked at two retail service jobs  one at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store and one at a True Value hardware store.

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He also worked an internship with the Wisconsin Deaf-Blind Technical Assistance Project making products with a 3D printer such as fidget cubes, fidget rings and Braille pop-its, which are cases that have flexible filament that those who are blind can touch to help them with Braille.

His activities don't stop there. He also has volunteered for his church, where he has served as an usher and has made, wrapped and delivered boxes of food for Thanksgiving.

He also enjoys sailing, taking a one-on-one sailing class with an instructor for an hour at least once a week. He even led an event recently where he and an instructor taught blind children sailing lessons.

"It's cool to show them that I can do things. I had a hope of just having something to stand for," Sid said.

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Taekwondo is another activity Sid has done for the past six or seven years and goes to Final Option Self Defense Studio in Plymouth for lessons. He credited the studio's owner, Richard Heller, with accommodating his needs. He learned self-defense moves; Korean words such as dobak for uniform and gup for belt; and how to use weapons like the bo staff, escrima stick and katana.

Sid never thought he could do taekwondo, but learned he could. "I love doing it, so I feel like you should always try something that you think you will like. Don't be afraid to try," he said.

Sid has even written two books, 100 to 150 pages each, that merge manga and anime: "Nova Gear Online" and "X-Factor." He's working on a third book. The books are not available publicly.

Future goals, advice for others

This fall, Sid plans to study graphic design at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee. He said he loves computers and is tech savvy and also loves art, saying he has taken online classes in 3D modeling and drawing.

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He also has advice for others.

"If you have a disability or even if you don't, don't let your fears pull you down. Do things that you don't think you'll be able to do because you may be surprised that maybe you can do it," Sid said.

Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) at @AlecJohnson12.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin high school graduate overcomes challenges
Ralph Menzies appears during his commutation hearing before the parole board at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City as he petitions to stop his execution by firing squad on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (Pool photo by Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune)

This is a breaking story and was updated at 6:00 p.m.

With less than a week before his scheduled firing squad execution, the Utah Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of death row inmate Ralph Menzies on Friday, effectively repealing his execution warrant.

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Now, the 67-year-old with dementia will receive another evaluation to determine whether he is competent to be executed. That means his Sept. 5 execution will be delayed, and theres a possibility that it will never happen.

Its a major twist after more than a year of debate surrounding Menzies mental decline. Menzies was sentenced to death in 1988 for the murder of Maurine Hunsaker, but his attorneys have argued that his dementia has progressed, making him ineligible to be executed.

Death row inmates in the U.S. must have a rational understanding of why theyre being executed, per both state and federal law  that means they must understand the governments reasoning for pursuing the death penalty, and know that their crime is particularly heinous.

Menzies attorneys say he doesnt meet that bar. But earlier this year, Utah 3rd District Judge Matthew Bates ruled that Menzies, despite having dementia, was competent enough to be executed. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole also denied Menzies commutation.

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The Utah Supreme Court marked Menzies final appeal. And in a 23-page ruling issued Friday afternoon, the justices wrote Menzies vascular dementia and its progressive effects call into question whether he remains competent to be executed.

We acknowledge that this uncertainty has caused the family of Maurine Hunsaker immense suffering, and it is not our desire to prolong that suffering. But we are bound by the rule of law, the opinion reads.

The question before the states high court was whether Menzies should get another competency evaluation. Several doctors and medical experts evaluated Menzies last year, and over several days presented their findings to Bates, who ruled in June that the execution should move forward.

In July, Menzies attorneys filed a petition for another competency review, arguing that his dementia had worsened since the initial evaluations, which were done last year. Corrections staff noticed his mental decline, and medical experts who reviewed Menzies reported a new inability in his understanding of his death sentence, according to court documents.

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Bates denied that request on Aug. 14  last week, Menzies attorneys made their appeal to the Utah Supreme Court, a last-ditch effort to avoid the firing squad.

Utah law sets a high bar to allow for a second competency evaluation. There must be valid allegations of a substantial change in the inmates circumstances since the prior evaluation; and those allegations must be sufficient to raise a significant question about the inmates competency.

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Attorneys for the state say he didnt show enough evidence to warrant another hearing, arguing that certain exhibits were incomplete. And Bates ultimately agreed.

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However, the ruling on Friday found that Bates, when he denied the petition for another hearing, minimized expert reports that suggested Menzies condition had worsened. The ruling sends the case back to a lower court.

We reverse the district courts order denying Menziess petition for reevaluation, vacate the warrant of execution and remand to the district court for further proceedings, the ruling reads.

Its unclear how long this could delay Menzies execution, and its possible that the lower court will find that the inmate now meets the threshold to be considered incompetent, meaning he would spend the rest of his life in prison. In their ruling, the supreme court acknowledged their decision may cause additional delay.

In a statement, Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Jared Garcia said he respects the ruling, and his team will continue to carefully monitor the situation and remain prepared to carry out the sentence of the court when and if we are called upon to do so.

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Menzies attorneys celebrated the ruling, telling Utah News Dispatch they look forward to making their case as to why the death row inmate is no longer competent to be executed.

We are pleased that the Supreme Court has ensured Mr. Menzies will not be executed without the benefit of an updated, independent competency evaluation, said Lindsey Layer, one of Menzies attorneys, in a statement. It has been more than a year since his last evaluation, during which time his dementia has significantly worsened. Hes tethered to an oxygen tank, uses a wheelchair, is confused and disoriented, and no longer understands why the State of Utah is trying to kill him.

Matt Hunsaker, Maurines son, said in a text message his family is distraught and disappointed and asked for privacy. The Utah Attorney Generals Office said it is reviewing the decision, and had no statement as of Friday afternoon. The Utah Department of Corrections said it would be releasing a statement soon.

Menzies already had a lengthy criminal history when he murdered Hunsaker in 1986. Fresh out on bail for theft, he kidnapped the 26-year-old mother after robbing the Kearns gas station where she worked, and brought her up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Days later, she was found with her throat slashed, and evidence suggested she had been tied to a tree and strangled.

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Years of appeals followed, and in 2024 the Utah Attorney Generals Office applied for an execution warrant. By then, Menzies had already been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Scans showed Menzies brain was shrinking and experienced hemorrhages, and evidence suggested he was falling often, would occasionally lose consciousness and suffer from hypoxic events (which is when the brain isnt getting enough oxygen).

Menzies attorneys had several pending appeals that the courts Friday ruling addressed. They had asked the court to pause execution proceedings, which the court effectively did by allowing the second review. And, they had appealed Bates initial ruling that found Menzies competent, which is no longer valid since they are allowing the reevaluation.
The death toll of the Aug. 28 Russian attack on Kyiv has risen to 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 29.

Russia launched a large-scale aerial strike on Ukrainian cities overnight on Aug. 28, attacking Kyiv with missiles and targeting regions far from the front lines.

"An absolutely despicable attack that demonstrates Putin's true intentions  to continue killing rather than take steps towards peace," Zelensky said.

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24-year-old Nadiia Yakymenko and her 2-year-old daughter Anhelina were among the 25 people killed in the attack on the capital, the Russia Kills project reported on Aug. 29.

"She was born under Russian shelling in Oct. 2022 and died from Russian shelling in Aug. 2025," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry made a statement on Aug. 28, referring to Anhelina.

A total of four children were killed in the attack, among them 14-year-old Nazarii Koval and 17-year-old student Maryna Hryshko.

63 people including 11 children were injured, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. 35 of were hospitalized.

Read also: Its as if you are at a funeral  Kyiv residents speak of Russian attacks toll

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Russia launched 598 drones overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, as well as 31 missiles, among them two Kh-47 Kinzhal ballistic missiles, nine Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 ballistic missiles, and 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles, Ukraines Air Force reported.

Ukrainian air defense intercepted 563 drones and 26 missiles, according to the statement.

Kyiv was rocked by explosions as Russia slammed the capital with drones and ballistic missiles, damaging homes, offices, and schools throughout the city. One five-story apartment building took a direct hit and was completely destroyed.

The city was attacked from multiple directions by Shahed-type drones, decoy drones, cruise missiles, and Kinzhal missiles, Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said.

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Russia has increased the frequency and intensity of mass air attacks on Ukrainian cities since the start of 2025. On July 29, Russia launched its deadliest attack against Kyiv this year, killing 32 civilians in a massive combined strike.

As the White House pushes for a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine, Russia continues to exert additional pressure on Kyiv through constant attacks on cities and escalating ground offensives.

While the death toll climbs, the Kremlin rejects calls for a ceasefire and condemns European efforts to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.

"These Russian missiles and attack drones today are a clear response to everyone in the world who, for weeks and months, has been calling for a ceasefire and for real diplomacy," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

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"Russia chooses ballistic missiles instead of the negotiating table."

Zelensky added that he expects a reaction from China, which "has repeatedly called for not expanding the war and for a ceasefire," as well as from Hungary.

"We expect a response from everyone in the world who has called for peace but now more often stays silent rather than taking principled positions," the president said.

Read also: White House equates Russian, Ukrainian strikes after Moscow attack killed 23 in Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Finativ has appointed Mike Foley as Consulting Director, strengthening its consulting team at a time when asset finance firms are pushing for growth through broker journey improvements and operational productivity.

Foley, a technology specialist with more than ten years in the sector, has worked across the full spectrum of asset finance  from software vendors and in-house lender systems to complex multi-party environments such as public sector lending programmes.

His remit will cover integration architecture, proposal-to-payout optimisation, data migration and reconciliation, automation, reporting, and legacy system transformation. Finativ said Foleys ability to unlock value from existing systems and deliver sustainable change is central to the role.

CEO Christian Roelofs noted that funders continue to face pressure to transform their processes. He added: Mikes deep industry knowledge, technical expertise and hands-on experience make him the ideal person to lead these developments for our clients.

"Finativ appoints Mike Foley as Consulting Director" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.




Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a decorated Vietnam War pilot and U.S. House member convicted of corruption, has died. He was 83.

Cunningham, the inspiration fo Tom Cruise's character Maverick in the film Top Gun, died Wednesday at a hospital in Little Rock, Ark., after an illness, the San Diego Union reported.

He represented the San Diego area in Congress for 15 years until 1990,

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In 2005, Cunningham pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges and spent 8 1/2 years in prison, mostly at a minimum-security work camp in Tucson, Ariz. He admitted to accepting $2.4 million in illegal gifts from defense contractors in exchange for government contracts and other favors.

"The truth is, I broke the law, concealed my conduct and disgraced my office," Cunningham told reporters in a tearful downtown San Diego news conference on the day he pleaded guilty. "I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions and, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family. ... In my life I have had great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame."

Two defense contractors were sentenced in 2008 for bribery.

Brent Wilkes was sentencted to 12 years in prison for giving money, prostitutes and other bribes in exchange for securing $90 million in Pentagon work for his document scanning company.

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Mitchell Wade was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison for bribing Cunningham with more than $1 million in gifts, including cash, home furnishings, a Rolls-Royce and an antique commode.

It was considered the largest bribery scandal in congression history.

He was released from prison in 2013 and went to a halfway house in New Orleans.

Cunningam moved to nearby Little Rock.

On the day President Donald Trump left office on Jan. 20, 2021, he pardoned Cunningham, noting he tutored inmates while in prison and volunteered for a local fire department. The pardon forgives the offense and restores civil rights, including the right to vote or hold public office.

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Former Rep. Duncan Hunter Sr. visited his former colleague just last week.

"Duke was a wonderful guy, and he was a wonderful friend," Hunter said ."His legacy is as one of the great fighter pilots of his era, but Duke's more special than that. He was flying off the Constellation on a daily basis even when the politicians had given up on the Vietnam War."

The Aviation National Geek Club reported he had been in and out of a hospital for eight months with heart problems.

Cunningham, who shared a nickname with the Hollywood icon John Wayne, was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 8, 1941, one day after Japanese fighters attacked Pearl Harbor.

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After his family moved to Missouri, he attended the University of Missouri, earning degrees in education and physical education.

In 1967, he joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He earned the Navy Cross and two Silver Stars. He flew F4 Panthom jets.

"With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he continued his attack through a hail of cannon fire to rescue his wingman," the citation for one of his Silver Stars read.

"We flew 170 combat missions together and we were in some pretty harrowing situations," Willy Driscoll, the only other naval aviator to earn ace designation during the Vietnam era, said. "Randy was the consummate professional as an aviator, constantly working to improve his knowledge of fighter tactics and committed to excellence in the air at all times."

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He rose to the rank of commander before retiring in 1967.

Cunningham became a political commentator on national television.

He decided to run against House Democrat Jim Bates, who was accused of sexual harassment.

In the left-learning 44th District, he promised to be a "congressman we can be proud of." He won the race by 1 percentage point in 1990.

Cunningham lived on a boat on the Potomac River -- "The Duke-Stir" -- that was owned by a defense contractor.

He became chairman of a subcommittee that put him in control of billions of dollars in defense spending.

The San Diego Union reported a defense contractor had purchased Cunningham's home for $1.7 million, which was several hundred thousand dollars above comparable homes.

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The newspaper then reported he also accepted millions of dollars in bribes. The Union-Tribune and its news organization, Copley News Service, were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting.

"Probably the legacy he leaves is a reminder that the public square and public office can be very corrupting," Marcus Stern, one of the reporters who broke the stories on Cunningham, said. "You go to Washington as a congressperson, and everything can become very tempting. He succumbed to it - but a lot of other people have as well."
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  In order to qualify for in-state tuition for college in Nevada, an option for students is to have a drivers license or registered vehicle thats 12 months old. Some students, attempting to start this process, hit a snag due to the cyberattack closing Nevadas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices with no set reopening date.

UNLV dental student Payton Sellers is starting his first year of classes. Hes hoping to secure in-state tuition for next school year, a process that would save him at least $40,000.

His appointment to secure a drivers license, starting the 12-month process of obtaining Nevada residency status, was set for Monday.

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When I woke up, I got an email and a text saying that it was closed, Sellers said.

Sellers booked his appointment two months in advance, and now its something he wishes he did earlier.

To be fair, I do think that a lot of it is my fault, he said. I think that I should have figured something out a little bit earlier, and I know that I could have come a little bit earlier, to maybe figure something out, but it was unfortunate, because you have to do it all through appointments.

Sellers said the university is helping him, extending his deadline for residency to mid-September.

UNLV said that there are a variety of other ways to establish Nevada residency:

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Evidence of physical, continuous presence in Nevada for 12 months (i.e. home ownership, a lease agreement, rent receipts, utility bills)

A copy of the students federal tax return or federal tax transcript for the most recent tax year indicating a Nevada address (if 12 months are reflected)

Nevada drivers license

Nevada identification card

Nevada vehicle registration

Nevada voter registration

The university said if anyone has concerns or special circumstances related to the current state service interruption, they should reach out directly to the Office of the Registrar.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Delta agreed to a $78.75 million settlement in a lawsuit filed in 2020.

After suffering an engine problem, Flight 89 dumped fuel over thousands of buildings.

That included an elementary school where 20 children were treated for skin and eye irritation.

Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay nearly $80 million after one of its planes dumped fuel over residential areas in Southern California.

A proposed settlement, which requires a judge's approval, was filed Monday in a class-action case that has been in litigation since January 2020.

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Earlier that month, Delta Flight 89 suffered engine problems shortly after taking off from Los Angeles International Airport.

The pilots of the Shanghai-bound Boeing 777 decided to return to LAX. But with enough fuel for a 13-hour flight, the plane was too heavy for an optimal landing.

Dumping fuel is not uncommon, but typically, planes jettison over non-populated areas like the ocean. However, the complaint said that Flight 89 released 15,000 gallons of fuel onto tens of thousands of properties in Los Angeles and Orange County.

That included an elementary school where 20 children and 11 adults were treated for minor injuries like eye and skin irritation. Some other schools were affected too, and local officials said that 67 people were treated in total.

Meanwhile, the pilots didn't notify air traffic control about their decision to dump fuel, as is standard procedure. They were also accused of flying as low as 2,000 feet, while fuel dumps are supposed to occur above 5,000 feet so the fuel can vaporize before it reaches the ground.

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However, the Federal Aviation Administration investigated the incident, and court documents say it found that the pilots acted properly.

As part of the proposed settlement, Delta would not admit any liability.

"Delta is confident it would prove at trial there was no property damage, diminution in value, or lasting harm to residents from the actions taken by the crew," the filing says.

It added that the airline agreed to the settlement to avoid uncertainty and the expenses of a trial and "to eliminate the distraction and other burdens this litigation has caused to Delta's business."

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The $78.75 million settlement would be worth $50.59 million after attorneys' fees and other legal costs.

If everybody affected submitted a claim, that would translate to $888.82 for each property owner, and $104.34 for each resident, the filing says.

The final approval hearing was proposed to be scheduled for next March.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEED TO KNOW

Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle a class action lawsuit with residents of southeast Los Angeles

On Jan. 14, 2020 a Delta flight dumped fuel over Los Angeles and Orange County communities while making an emergency landing at LAX

Property owners will receive at least $888.82 and residents would receive at least $104.34

Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $78.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding a 2020 fuel dump over Californias Los Angeles and Orange Counties, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

The preliminary settlement was filed on Aug. 25 in Los Angeles federal court and awaits a judges approval in September.

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The lawsuit was filed after the initial incident occurred on Jan 14, 2020. Delta flight DL89 experienced an engine malfunction shortly after departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Shanghai, China.

The aircraft required an emergency landing at LAX, but first needed to complete a fuel release to reduce landing weight, the airline told PEOPLE at the time. Dumping fuel, also known as a fuel jettison, is a common practice to complete safe landings.

But as a result, the plaintiffs allege fuel wrongfully landed on tens of thousands of homes. They claim 38,000 properties and 160,000 individuals were impacted.

Scott Varley/The Orange County Register/AP Firefighters respond to calls following a Delta flight's fuel dump on Jan. 14, 2020 near LAX. Firefighters respond to calls following a Delta flight's fuel dump on Jan. 14, 2020 near LAX.

At the time, PEOPLE reported that dozens of students were injured after the fuel dump. At least 60 people across six schools in south Los Angeles were examined by emergency personnel.

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Flippo Marchino, an attorney representing the California residents, said his clients are pleased that they were able to reach a fair and reasonable resolution.

This settlement represents five years of intense and hard fought litigation, and brings very real recovery to the class members both in terms of monetary recovery, as well as non-monetary relief, he said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. We are especially pleased to obtain this result for residents of the southeast L.A. communities, comprised of hard-working families who asked only for respect and just treatment and rightly deserve this result.

However, Delta vigorously denies all claims of wrongdoing and liability, per the suit. Instead, they settled to avoid the burden, expense, risk and uncertainty of continuing these proceedings.

Kevin Carter/Getty A Delta Air Lines plane A Delta Air Lines plane

A spokesperson for the airline said, Delta is limited in what we can say in response to the pending litigation, but instead pointed to Section V: Deltas Position, in the settlement.

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Delta claimed the pilots followed all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance, airline procedures and proper training. The defendants also pointed to an FAA investigation that found the pilots acted properly.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

After the deduction of attorneys fees, and other settlement costs, the class members represented in the lawsuit are anticipated to receive $50.59 million.

Anyone who owned, resided in or rented one of the listed properties are entitled to compensation, according to the settlement. If there is a 100% submission rate of claims, property owners are entitled to $888.82 and residents would receive $104.34.

Read the original article on People
In a debate during the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, the candidates were asked to name the most effective Democratic politician in America right now. Both Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Theyre right. Its hard to measure most effective, but Wu leads in a principled, practical, and yes, popular way that should be a model for Democrats in Washington and across the country in the Trump era.

Black Lives Matter, the Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren presidential campaigns, and other movements and events created a resurgent American left from 2015-2021. And that resurgence catapulted many progressives and leftists into powerful political roles. Some have been very successful, such as former Consumer Finance Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra and former Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan.

But as the travails of Chicagos Brandon Johnson, St. Louiss Tishaura Jones, San Franciscos Chesa Boudin, and others have shown, being a progressive mayor or district attorney is particularly challenging. These politicians ran campaigns pledging to rein in the police, wealthy developers, and other entrenched blocs in their citiesbut then found those establishment forces too powerful to overcome in office.

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But Wu has figured it out. Since being elected mayor in 2021 after seven years as a member of the Boston City Council, Wu has accomplished a lot: fare-free buses in some parts of the city; a big expansion of public preschool; new limits on the use of fossil fuels to power city-owned buildings; the development of thousands of units of new housing; a new contract with the police union that makes it easier to fire officers who commit crimes.

She has also managed her political brand smartly. Her approval rating is around 60 percent. Josh Kraft, one of the sons of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is running against Wu, whom he views as too liberal. But Kraft has gained little traction because the 40-year-old Wu is so well-liked.

And over the last few months, as the Trump administration has taken a number of steps to crack down on blue states and cities, Wu has become a national voice. Congressional Democrats seem wary of defending immigrants, cities, universities, federal workers or anything else that swing voters in Wisconsin may not like. Not Bostons mayor.

Congressman, respectfully, Im the mayor of Boston. I dont get to decide who comes into our country and where they go after that, she told a Republican lawmaker during a GOP congressional hearing in March designed to bash big cities over the countrys immigration challenges. Our job is to keep people fed and healthy and safe when they arrive in our city, and we do that in order to make sure that everyone across our community is safe. Resources are strained. Please do your job and be part of passing bipartisan legislation.

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Last week, after Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter demanding cities cooperate with ICE efforts to mass deport immigrants, Wu responded with a press conference flanked by other Boston leaders. Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu said. Unlike the Trump Administration, Boston follows the law. And Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for.

Why has Wu been successful in a way that other progressive local leaders have not? First of all, Boston is probably one of the easier places to lead from the left. Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and other major cities are dominated by Democrats, but many of the donors and politicians are moderate figures more interested in maintaining the status quo than changing it. In contrast, truly progressive ideas and people have long been ascendant in Boston. Wu served on the city council with Ayanna Pressley, who has gone on to become one of the leading progressives on Capitol Hill. The mayor worked on Elizabeth Warrens first U.S. Senate campaign in 2012.

She has a strong base of allies on the council, Jonathan Cohn, the policy director of Progressive Massachusetts, told me. The Boston City Council had a series of elections in the late 2010s/early 2020s in which it became more female, more diverse, and more progressive.

Beyond its political climate, Boston is arguably an easier big city to run than some others. Its around 760,000 peoplefar smaller than New York (8 million) or Chicago (3 million.) Even before Wu took office, its murder rate was much lower than other cities.

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Secondly, Wu is very skilled in the nuts and bolts, non-ideological parts of politics and conveys real interest in such details. That likely appeals to residents who care more about their garbage being picked up on time than the mayors responses to Trump. The mother of three says one of her goals is making Boston the most family-friendly city in the country. Her administration has created a program allowing kids in grades K-12 to visit many of the citys museums for free. Shes avoided the logistics blunders of other mayors, such as Los Angeless Karen Bass, who was out of the country when wildfires first hit her city earlier this year.

Wu, like Mamdani and other progressive pols, has walked back from more anti-police rhetoric in 2020-21 that annoyed white moderate Democrats and Republicans and also didnt resonate with rank and file African Americans and Latinos, even though they are wary of police brutality. She dropped 2021 her campaign trail promises to reduce the citys police budget and get rid of its intelligence department, which the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts says does improper surveillance of activist groups.

I am not sure these are the right policy decisions, but not having an antagonistic relationship with city police is probably required to survive as a progressive mayor. Wu won the endorsement of Bostons largest police union in March. The citys already low crime rate has dropped even more during her tenure, and Wu has smartly leaned into that, describing Boston as the safest major city in America. (Crime is dropping in cities across the country, suggesting Wus policies arent the sole explanation for the dip.)

Third, and most importantly, Wu has core values. Many center-left Democratic mayors are somewhat effective at managing their cities but make little lasting impact because they dont believe in much beyond having a prestigious job and appeasing the police and business community in their cities to keep it. In contrast, Wu is essentially a city-level Elizabeth Warren, standing up for average people in their interests and skeptical of the wealthy and big business. She is willing to push for progressive policies such as greater rent stabilization that require (and often fail to get) approval from the Massachusetts state legislature, which is dominated by cautious, centrist Democrats.

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And while national Democrats claim moving to the right on issues on race and identity is required electorally and have therefore walked away from forceful defenses of transgender Americans, immigrants, African Americans and other minority groups, Wu has remained steadfast. All over the country, people are feeling the weight of a federal administration thats attacking our sources of strengththe same people and purpose that make Boston great: public servants and veterans; immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community; the institutions that conduct groundbreaking research and provide lifesaving care, Wu said in a speech earlier this year.

I should be clearMichelle Wu is not a savior, and her leadership approach may not work everywhere. Mayors have limited power. Boston remains a very expensive city that would be difficult for many Americans to move to and still has an enormous gap between its wealthy and its poor, who are disproportionately people of color. We are in a country with a dictatorial leader, so its sadly possible that Wu criticizing this administration and not complying with its edicts lands her in jail or somehow otherwise punished. And a person with her pro-immigrant and pro-inclusion politics perhaps cant win a presidential election or a U.S. Senate race in a swing state.

But we shouldnt ignore her successes either. Mayors have to deal with crime, housing, education, job creation, and every other problemand actually get things done in a way that members of Congress and even most governors dont. And whether we call them progressive, liberal, or something else, we need a Democratic Party with leaders who are fighting to defend the political rights and freedoms of every person while also trying to make sure the economy works for everyone.

Its not saving democracy, fighting oligarchy, or ensuring affordability. Its all of the above. Thats what Michelle Wu is doing in Boston. Zohran Mamdani thinks shes a model leaderand so should the rest of the Democratic Party.
Democratic governors are urging President Donald Trump to back off his threats to deploy National Guard troops in cities led by his political opponents across the country.

A letter signed by most of the nations Democratic governors argues that Trumps deployment of soldiers ostensibly to aid in civilian law enforcement is unnecessary and illegal.

Whether its Illinois, Maryland and New York or another state tomorrow, the Presidents threats and efforts to deploy a states National Guard without the request and consent of that states governor is an alarming abuse of power, ineffective, and undermines the mission of our service members, they said in the letter, organized by the Democratic Governors Association.

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Trump has deployed troops to Washington and Los Angeles and threatened to send them to Chicago and other cities led by Democrats in what he has portrayed as an effort to address violent crime, though the soldiers have done little in the way of law enforcement and overall criminality has declined in the U.S.

Trump made Washington the face of his crime crackdown in mid-August, taking control of the districts police force and sending in the National Guard. The president has also floated plans to send the National Guard to Chicago, telling reporters at the Oval Office on Monday that it is a killing field and disaster.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced a contrasting plan to send additional California Highway Patrol officers to several cities in the state to assist local law enforcement in addressing auto theft and drug crimes. Trump sent troops to Los Angeles in response to protests over the administrations deportation agenda in June.

Chicago officials are preparing for the possible arrival of federal troops by dusting off plans they used for last years Democratic National Convention.

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Four governors  Josh Green of Hawaii, Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Katie Hobbs of Arizona and Tim Walz of Minnesota  did not sign the letter.

Every American deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood and community, the governors wrote. But instead of actually addressing crime, President Trump cut federal funding for law enforcement that states rely on and continues to politicize our military by trying to undermine the executive authority of Governors as Commanders in Chief of their states National Guard.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson in a statement accused the Democrats of doing publicity stunts, and said their communities would be safer if they focused on combating crime instead of attacking the president.

They should listen to fellow Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently celebrated the Trump Administrations success in driving down violent crime in Washington DC, she said.
Democrats have responded with anger and frustration over GOP efforts to stymie gun control legislation after a deadly shooting at a church school in Minneapolis this week.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, with his voice breaking from emotion, told Americans not to call for prayers in the wake of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School: Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school, they were in a church.

Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary under Joe Biden, chimed in on X, telling Republicans, Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers.

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Republicans immediately took the mayors response and others from within his party as a means of pivoting off that topic towards familiar ground: accusing their opponents of being anti-Christian. Leading the charge was Vice President JD Vance, the administrations chief culture warrior. Vance, on Thursday, attacked Democrats in a Fox News interview over their comments in the wake of the shooting. On cable news, the vice president positioned himself as the statesman resisting attacks and criticism from the far left, calling for action instead of prayers.

Why does it have to be one or the other? asked Vance, whose party has blocked everything but the most meager reforms to gun safety while an epidemic of seemingly mentally ill young people with violent tendencies end up with highly-powerful firearms, including assault rifles, and cause carnage in schools across the country.

JD Vance accused Democrats of attacking Christians during a Fox interview (X - JD Vance)

Why cant you pray for the speedy recovery of these kids who literally got shot yesterday, while at the same time committing to making sure that this doesnt happen again, or that this happens as infrequently as possible? he continued. Congress has repeatedly failed to take up legislation to prevent school shootings and mass gun violence, with Republicans leading opposition dating back to the Sandy Hook era and beyond.

He leaned into vitriol towards the end of his comments, contending that something very wrong has gone on inside [the] soul of Democratic politicians, whom he claimed were unable to offer both sentiments at once in the wake of tragedy. But online was another story: Vance and a host of MAGA allies attacked Democrats in vicious, personal terms for essentially making the same argument as Vance  that merely condolences in the wake of tragedy were insufficient.

A man walks with a large wooden cross near the site of a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis (Getty Images)

Instead, he and others accused Democrats of demeaning the concept of Christian prayer altogether  though no elected Democrats (or MSNBC hosts) were seen truly doing so.

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Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying? the vice president tweeted at Jen Psaki, the former White House press secretary and now an MSNBC host.

Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?! Vance wrote in a follow-up tweet, mischaracterizing the argument of his opponents.

Of all the weird left wing culture wars in the last few years, this is by far the most bizarre. How dare you pray for innocent people in the midst of tragedy?!



What are you even talking about?  JD Vance (@JDVance) August 28, 2025

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, addressed Psakis comments and called them disrespectful to Christians at her daily press briefing.

"I saw the comments of Ms. Psaki and frankly I think they're incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith across this country who believe in the power of prayer, who believe that prayer works, said Leavitt.

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White House spokesman Steven Cheung was less subtle in his message to Psaki: You are a disgusting human being.

You are a disgusting human being.



I hope you circle back with an apology. https://t.co/gW6YExTNqm  Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) August 28, 2025

Christian author Brad Edwards, responding to Frey, wrote: This isnt just tired and exhausting, using the murder of children to virtue signal is profoundly selfish and wicked.

Other conservatives, such as Donald Trump Jr. and Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for governor in Florida, would go on to essentially blame Democrats for the attack itself, pointing to the identity of the suspected shooter.

Jen Psaki is a hack trying to make a political point, Donalds told Foxs Laura Ingraham on Wednesday.

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey walks with Gov. Tim Walz at the site of a mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota (AP)

But the avalanche of rhetoric from the American right belies one reality: even with unified control of Congress and the White House, the Trump administration walked into office without a plan to end school shootings, and hasnt identified even the root cause of gun violence in Americas schools.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Democrats face a critical choice on how much to work with Republicans on government funding when Congress returns next week  with a government shutdown and anger from their voters hanging in the balance.

Senate Democrats took a beating from their base during the last funding showdown in March, when they helped pave the way for Republicans to pass a GOP-crafted plan to keep the government open through early fall, averting a shutdown in the eleventh hour.

As Congress prepares to return to a monthlong sprint until the funding deadline, pressure will be on Schumer to hold his ground and tensions could significantly heighten.

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Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Thursday called on their GOP counterparts to immediately meet once Congress returns from recess next week to discuss the need to avert a shutdown, while pressing for their proposal to fund the government in a bipartisan manner.

They also pressed Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for plans to address what they described as a looming healthcare crisis, while criticizing Trumps tax and spending bill, which includes funding cuts to social safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps.

The letter additionally asks about the administrations plans for another package to claw back previously approved funding. Republicans earlier this year used the maneuver to push through billions of dollars in cuts to foreign aid and public media funds without Democratic support  enraging Democrats who questioned how they could work with the GOP going forward.

The government funding issue must be resolved in a bipartisan way. That is the only viable path forward, they wrote.

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The Hill has reached out to Thune and Johnsons offices for comment.

The letter comes after Democratic leaders said their Aug. 4 letter requesting a bicameral meeting of the Big Four leaders was unanswered.

Some Democrats have voiced frustration in recent weeks that the party is not using its leverage enough to fight back against a president that they argue has taken up an unlawful agenda to shrink parts of government without congressional approval.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) drew attention last month after he sharply criticized his Democratic colleagues, whom he accused of willing to be complicit to Donald Trump and going along with a president he argued is eviscerating the Constitution of the United States of America, and were willing to go along with that today.

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I have to stand against this. It is a violation of our Constitution for the president of the United States to ignore the will of Congress and decide which states are eligible for grants and which are not, he also said then.

Booker was asked after his remarks on the floor whether his view on Democrats fighting extended to next months funding showdown.

There are a lot of senators right now, that we are looking at the tactics we can take to be far more effective in the fight, and theres a lot of big fights coming up, and my sleeves are rolled up, and Im ready to do whatever is necessary to try to start defending Americans who are seeing their health care costs go up, their energy costs go up, theyre losing their health care as well as on top of all of that, the Constitution is being undermined from freedom of speech to due process to freedom of press, Booker told reporters.

Asked about the outcome of the March funding fight, when Democrats folded in a clash with Republicans to help prevent a shutdown, Booker also reiterated his opposition against the measure and stressed the need for the party to unify in a tough fight for Americans.

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I am saying right now that I am doing everything I can to try to unite the Democrats in a very strong, tough fight that will protect Americans who are really getting hurt right now, he said. I think what Americans, not Democrats, what Americans need right now is people in the Senate who are going to stand and fight for them, and that is my intention, and to try to make sure that more and more of us are standing together.

Lawmakers are expected to pass a stopgap of some kind to keep the government funded at the start of fiscal 2026 on Oct. 1 to buy Congress more time to hash out a larger funding deal for most of next year.

Both chambers are running behind in crafting their 12 annual government funding bills. The Senate has passed three across the floor so far, compared to the Houses two passed spending bills. The funding committees tasked with assembling the legislation in both chambers also have yet to send out all 12 funding proposals for floor consideration.

The batches of legislation that have come from both chambers so far arrive in sharp contrast from the other.

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House Republicans cut overall spending in their funding legislation below current levels, with a roughly 6 percent cut to nondefense programs, and a host of legislative riders Democrats have already decried as poison pills. The Senate bills are more bipartisan in nature, enjoying, in most cases, strong support from both sides of the aisle in committee, as Republicans acknowledge Democratic support will be necessary in the upper chamber to pass the funding legislation.

Some Democrats are pushing for the party to continue to work with Republicans to hash out their annual funding bills, viewing the bipartisan legislation as their best chance to have more input in how the government will be funded.

Democratic appropriators have also pointed to tightened language in some of the legislation crafted in the Senate that they have described as a way to fight back against Trumps spending moves.

Were tightening in our language requirements that staffing levels at the Department of Education need to be sufficient to meet their missions and that they cannot outsource some of their key missions to other agencies or departments, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.)  the top Democrat on the subcommittee that oversees funding for the departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services  told reporters last month of the legislation she helped craft for the agencies.

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Its to support staffing levels necessary to carry out their statutory responsibilities, including carrying out programs funded in the appropriations bill in a timely manner, she explained. It also includes extensive and very detailed staffing reporting requirements.

But the Trump administrations months-long government reshaping operation, along with a recent GOP-passed measure last month to approve some spending cuts, have weighed down the fragile bipartisan talks as tensions rise in Washington.

Before senators left for recess this month, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a senior appropriator, reiterated his stance to reporters on voting against bipartisan funding bills in committee this year.

Ive obviously been the lone no vote in the Appropriations Committee on these budgets, because I dont understand how we can trust that any of the agreements we make are going to be adhered to by an administration that is acting illegally every single day, he said.

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I dont think the bills were voting on are actually whats going to happen, he said, later asking, How can you write a bill if they are literally just picking up money for X and using it on Y?

This story was first posted at 6 a.m. and updated at 8:48 a.m. EDT.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Congressional Democrats point to skyrocketing odds of a government shutdown Friday after President Trump announced that hell unilaterally take back money Congress had already appropriated for foreign aid, according to multiple outlets.

As the country stares down next months government funding deadline on September 30th, it is clear neither President Trump nor Congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a statement.

The move forces members of Congress to confront a question that has lingered over the legislative branch all year: What is the point of the two parties negotiating a federal budget if the executive branch insists it has the power to unilaterally determine what funds get spent? In this case, the administration seeks to make use of a loophole it claims it has discovered to refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress.

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The unprecedented gambit goes even further than what unfolded in July, when the White House sought to cancel money Congress had already approved. Then, at least, lawmakers voted on the rescission, which required only 50 votes and passed with only Republican support. This time, Trump isnt bothering to get congressional Republicans sign-off. This new so-called pocket rescission totals $4.9 billion, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), the Senates head appropriator, said in a Friday statement. She pointed to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) finding that pocket rescissions are illegal under the Impoundment Control Act, as well as Congress power of the purse. The GAO, an independent watchdog agency within the legislative branch, has repeatedly stated that pocket rescissions are illegal.

Republicans should not accept Russ Voughts brazen attempt to usurp their own power. No president has a line item veto  and certainly not a retroactive line item veto, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the head Democratic appropriator, said in a statement, calling it an absurd, illegal ploy to steal lawmakers congressional power.

Vought, the director of the OMB, has led the charge on pocket rescissions, telegraphing for months his intention to request the rescission once the clock wound down on the fiscal year. Under the administrations untested theory of the case, the timing loophole lets the President zero out any already allocated funds he chooses.

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I refuse to label Voughts gambit a pocket rescission because it gives his unlawful attempt to steal the promises Congress enacted an air of legitimacy it does not deserve, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the head Democratic appropriator in the House, said in a Friday statement.

Experts are dubious that even this ultra-conservative Supreme Court will sign off on such a brazen defiance of the separation of powers, with one telling TPM he doubts the gambit will get a single vote from the justices.

The move also strips the minority of what little power it usually has to demand concessions in exchange for votes during the appropriations process.

Trump is rooting for a shutdown, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) tweeted Friday morning. He knows he has created a huge problem because now any budget deal with Republicans isnt worth the paper its written on. Hes not even pretending to follow the law.

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Even some congressional Republicans, beyond Collins, have criticized the gambit  though theyve had a tendency this term to fall in line notwithstanding initial reservations.

I have personally told Mr. Vought that I think that would be a mistake, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) told reporters last month.
As Republicans charge forward with their national gerrymandering gambit, Democrats are rushing to take advantage of an unexpected gift in Utah.

All of Utahs congressional seats are held by Republicans, and the minority party has begun strategizing how to seize a seat in the Salt Lake City metro area  a blue corner of a deep-red state  following a judges orders this week for a new congressional map. President Donald Trump, aggressively pushing his party to redraw maps to maintain their slim House majority next year, immediately slammed the ruling.

Should a competitive seat emerge from the state legislatures required remapping, former Rep. Ben McAdams, a conservative Democrat, would seriously consider entering the race. He has begun phoning donors to gauge interest, according to two people with direct knowledge of his thinking. Other names circulating within Democratic circles include state Sen. Nate Blouin. And some of the states Democratic donors say they are eager to back a candidate who would break Republicans grip on the state.

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Meanwhile Utah Republican Party Chair Robert Axson said hes had conversations with the White House since the ruling about their shared concerns around the legislative process being undermined, and courts, rather than the people's voice, weighing in on determining these maps through the legislative process.

The legal curveball comes amid a national redistricting battle the GOP has been dominating, with its attempted five-seat pickup in Texas and White House-backed plans for redrawing maps in Indiana and Missouri. And it offers Democrats a slight boost in the national arms race that will determine whether they will regain any power in the midterms next year.

A court hearing is scheduled for Friday in the case that found Utah Republicans unlawfully bypassed voter-approved safeguards against partisan gerrymandering while creating the current map. That hearing will likely reveal how they plan to delay implementation of the ruling until after the midterms. Meanwhile, GOP leaders in the state legislature announced Thursday they will attempt to redistrict under these unprecedented constraints.

Democrats' best hope of regaining power in Washington next year is through the House  increasing pressure on the party to respond to Republicans attempt to protect their majority by carving out seats across the country. But Democrats are hamstrung by independent redistricting commissioners and state constitutions, such that even a single seat in Utah would prove meaningful for the struggling party.

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Mondays decision from District Court Judge Dianna Gibson resulted from a lawsuit challenging the legality of the map adopted in 2021, which argues that when Republicans in the state legislature unlawfully ignored recommendations from an independent redistricting commission by cracking Salt Lake City into four districts. Its timing  on the heels of Texas and California engaging in tit-for-tat gerrymandering, and other GOP states following suit  thrusts Utah into the pitched national redistricting war.

We've now finally got this decision years later that conspicuously comes during the conversation around what Texas has done, and that makes it super interesting and very relevant, said Utah state Sen. Nate Blouin, a Democrat.

The judge found legislators improperly repealed a voter-backed measure that required independent oversight of redistricting and prohibited partisan gerrymandering. She ordered the legislature to submit a new map for her approval within 30 days. The lawmakers are set to convene a special session Sept. 15.

Democrats and aligned groups are gearing up for the possibility of a protracted legal fight and potential delays from the legislature in adoption of a new map. Elizabeth Rasmussen, executive director of anti-gerrymandering group Better Boundaries, said that whatever the legislature decides to do next, we're ready to continue to fight for fair maps.

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GOP legislative leaders indicated they will attempt to preserve the current maps goal of having districts that represent both urban and rural voices, implying that any new map may dilute Democratic voters.

This race has the potential of of doing exactly the opposite of what you're seeing in in Texas and California: to take partisan gerrymandering and partisan interests out of the election and get the power back to the voters, said McAdams, the last Democrat to represent Utah in Congress and who lost in 2020 before the Legislature redrew the map. [This is] an opportunity, really, for the voters to choose the type of person they want to have represent them, instead of having it as a foregone conclusion."

Utah Republicans have cast the decision as judicial overreach, a view Trump echoed by calling the ruling absolutely unconstitutional and pledging to do everything possible to protect the states four Republican House members.

State Sen. Scott Sandall, a Republican who chaired the recent redistricting process, called the decision an attack from the left and said the judge has thrown redistricting into chaos. He added hes positive that some kind of delay could be sought. That's within the purview of the legislature to try to get a stay.

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Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican who appointed Gibson to the bench in 2018, dismissed Trumps comments as hyperbole and called it wrong to politicize the judiciary, noting it should not matter whether you're a Democrat, Republican, conservative, liberal, it should not matter one iota.

Any Democratic candidate will receive support from a surprisingly robust donor class composed of executives of Utahs tech giants and startups who enjoy the states business-friendly climate. The business hub, dubbed Silicon Slopes, counts Adobe, eBay and Microsoft among the companies with major offices in Utah.

Recently, a group of progressive donors formed the Utah Donor Collaborative to unite Democratic donors and deliver targeted legislative wins throughout the state.

We've got an infrastructure now that is a real positive, said Jonathan Ruga, a major Democratic donor. When new people come in that do have a moderate or a left-leaning ideology, I think they're more apt to participate.

CORRECTION: This article originally misstated McAdams' prior electoral circumstances.
There is an intricate relationship between liquidity and logistics, and Flexport has worked that relationship into something tangible. Flexport has secured up to $250 million in supply-chain financing through a new partnership with funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. Executed by Flexport Capital, the companys financial services arm, this infusion is designed to deliver working-capital flexibility embedded directly into the logistics flow.

This expanded access to capital empowers businesses to navigate the often treacherous gap between purchasing inventory and realizing sales, a gap that has become more pronounced amid heightened tariffs, tighter operating margins, and evolving trade dynamics.

Flexport is offering more than traditional inventory financing. The support spans term loans, asset-based lines of credit, tariff financing, and other financial instruments, all accessible at key junctures, from supplier pick-up through final delivery, without the burdensome documentation typical of conventional lending.

Stuart Leung, Flexports CFO, framed the initiative as a response to a foundational challenge in global trade: Global trade runs on cash flow, and too many great businesses fall behind simply because they cant fund the gap between when they buy inventory and when they sell it. Together with BlackRock, Flexport Capital offers businesses more access to flexible capital to help them scale.

Since its 2017 launch, Flexport Capital has disbursed more than $2 billion in financing, achieving an impressive annual growth rate of 71% over the past five years.

A track record that reflects the growing demand among businesses eager to keep goods moving, accelerate growth cycles, and seize market opportunities, all while avoiding the equity drain that frequently accompanies traditional financing models.

In an era defined by fluctuating tariffs, fragmented supply chains, and compressed working capital cycles, solutions that integrate financial flexibility with operational efficiency have become indispensable.

Flexports evolution, first as a logistics and tech platform, now increasingly as a credit partner, reflects a broader shift in supply-chain ecosystems. Providers and forwarders are no longer movers of goods; theyre becoming a true partner that help businesses manage and scale their operations with fluidity.

With this partnership, Flexport deepens its value proposition: offering a logistics infrastructure that not only transports inventory but finances it too.

The post Flexport Partners with BlackRock to provide $250 million in supply chain financing appeared first on FreightWaves.
The city of Joplin will host an open house public meeting from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, on the fifth floor of City Hall, 602 S. Main St., on the demolition of the Pennsylvania Avenue viaduct.

Future options for the area between Fifth and Seventh streets also will be discussed.

Residents are encouraged to attend any time during these hours to view the plans and ask questions about the upcoming construction project. City engineers and representatives of Olsson, the projects consultant, will be available to talk about the plan.

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This demolition will occur before the Missouri Department of Transportation starts the reconstruction of Route 66/Seventh Street from Schifferdecker Avenue to Range Line Road. MoDOT is in the design phase of its project, with anticipated construction to begin in middle or late 2026. The rebuilding of Seventh Street has been estimated at more than $60 million.

It is a concrete beam bridge built in 1929, according to the federal governments National Bridge Inventory Data. It spanned Willow Branch and part of a warehouse at the time it was constructed. The warehouse building has been demolished since the bridge was closed.

The viaduct was closed in 2019. At that time, city officials said a state inspection rated the overall condition of the bridge as poor. Its substructure condition had eroded from fair in 2013 to serious in 2017, according to inspection reports.

This demolition was included in the capital improvement sales tax, supported by voters in 2024.

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In November, the City Council approved a work authorization contract with Olsson for up to $568,250 to obtain engineering services for the removal of the viaduct, as well as replacement and repair of Willow Branch stormwater drainage.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to discuss the project can contact Rob Beachner at 417-624-0820, ext. 1543, or rbeachne@joplinmo.org.
With Milwaukee Public Schools recouping nearly $400,000 from City Year after a contract dispute, the Milwaukee School Board approved a new contract Aug. 29 with the organization, which will provide up to 60 Americorps members to work in schools across the city.

At the school board's monthly meeting the previous night, Aug. 28, board members had fallen short of the votes to approve the contract after a closed-door discussion of contract negotiations. At an emergency meeting Aug. 29, the $1.4 million contract was approved with a strong majority.

MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius told school board members at the Aug. 29 meeting that MPS had resolved issues raised by the board in closed-session and received a payment from City Year. A previous joint statement from both organizations had noted they were working to "resolve differences" with a past contract over the number of workers and invoicing. Cassellius didn't further explain the contract issues.

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School board member James Ferguson, who supported the new contract, said board members were informed Aug. 29 that City Year paid the district $398,000 to resolve an issue with the contract for the last school year. He said City Year had not provided full staffing for the amount it had been paid.

A spokesman for MPS confirmed City Year paid the district about $398,000. City Year Executive Director Stephanie Maney-Hartlaub didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

School Board President Missy Zombor said she had raised questions about the previous contract when she noticed that City Year hadn't placed as many members in schools as were listed in the contract materials. She said she learned the district had overpaid City Year for the services actually provided.

When administrators asked for school board approval of a new contract without having resolved the previous overpayment, Zombor called for a closed session to discuss the contract negotiations. She voted against approving the contract Aug. 28, and voted in favor after the payment Aug. 29.

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The contract was approved Aug. 29 on a 8-1 vote. Board member Chris Fons said he voted against the contract because he felt the district should spend the money on its own staff.

"I fundamentally dont agree with the model of City Year," Fons said in an interview. "I think that we are perfectly capable of teaching literacy, and providing support in the College and Career Centers, or any other service that City Year provides for us."

Other board members said they valued the services. Board member Megan O'Halloran noted some City Year members go on to become MPS employees, filling vacant positions.

"I see it as a valuable pipeline," O'Halloran said. "And they provide value in their current roles as corps members providing tutoring, small group support and mentorship to some of our students who may respond to them in a way that they dont respond to other adults."

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City Year has had contracts with MPS since 2010. Under the 2010 contract, MPS agreed to pay City Year up to $500,000 per year for three years, with local philanthropic agencies paying $1.5 million. City Year provided 60 workers at the time, OnMilwaukee reported then.

Under the new contract, approved Aug. 29, MPS will pay City Year up to $1.4 million for up to 60 Americorps members at nine schools: a cost of $2,500 per worker per month, working four days a week. They will be partnered with teachers to provide tutoring and other support to individual students and small groups.

The Aug. 29 meeting was announced about five hours before it began. While public meetings are typically required to be noticed at least 24 hours in advance, the law allows for exceptions when such notice is "impossible or impractical." The meeting notice stated the matter was urgent because it impacts student-facing services and there were no other business days before school begins Sept. 2.

Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @RoryLinnane.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: MPS recoups $400,000 from City Year Milwaukee, renews contract for Americorps members
Its hard to tell a story with so many missing pieces.

In the case of Denise Robert, for 10 years there have been enough tips and turns in her unsolved murder to keep the state from declaring it cold. But investigators have put the brakes on making any potential breaks public.

Denise Robert

Denise Robert was shot to death on a street in Manchesters North End on Aug. 30, 2015.

To keep the case warm, there have been billboards and rewards, but her family and the city of Manchester remain perplexed over how a drive-by shooting without a car, weapon or apparent motive, with no DNA to test or really any physical evidence to follow, is even possible.

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The case might not be cold, but how long can it stay this wide open?

What we know:

On Aug. 30, 2015, Robert, 62, a well-known advertising saleswoman from Bedford who worked for the Union Leader, was gunned down in cold blood while on a routine walk, shot in the head and left to die on Ray Street. Manchester Police were called to the North End neighborhood around 9 p.m.

Denise Robert case

FBI investigators search a yard on Ray Street on Nov. 5, 2015, near where Denise Roberts body was found q.

Police and the Attorney Generals Office have been investigating ever since but have been stymied by an apparent lack of concrete evidence or witness accounts.

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Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like a firecracker and seeing an older-model red or rust-colored truck speed away and turn onto Carpenter Street before heading south on Union Street.

In the following days, investigators, including FBI agents, canvassed the area, using metal detectors to scan trees, lawns and a nearby stone wall in a fruitless effort to find a bullet casing and going door to door to interview residents and interviewing family members and co-workers.

Then, in October 2017, investigators searched an apartment on Kendall Pond Road in Londonderry.

And still, whatever evidence they found was inconclusive.

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Denise Robert case

Multiple law enforcement agencies converged at a Londonderry two-family home on Kendall Pond Road in connection with Denise Robert murder investigation on Oct. 19, 2017.

What we still dont know:

Was it a drive-by shooting? Was it random? Was Robert killed because she witnessed something? Did the killer target her, knowing her Sunday evening routine of parking at Brookside Congregational Church and strolling past the Colonial and Victorian-style homes near Sagamore Street, where she grew up?

Who would want to kill the energetic physical fitness fanatic and 5-foot-2 sister to 11 siblings?

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And why?

Current-day investigation

The Manchester Police Department referred all inquires to the AGs Office and declined several attempts for comment on the status of the case.

A spokesman for Attorney General John Formella said homicide investigators are still working the case and actively pursuing leads, and as such it has not been classified as a cold case.

There has been no change in status  it continues to be open and active. (Department of Justice) personnel were in contact with the lead investigators less than three weeks ago regarding recent investigative efforts, spokesman Michael Garrity said in an email. While we cant get into specific investigative steps for operational reasons, I can confirm that this case is actively being worked and leads continue to be followed.

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The Manchester CrimeLine is still advertising a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the killer. The anonymous tipline is 603-624-4040.

Denise Robert case

Police cruisers block a section of Ray Street in Manchester closed as investigators work at the scene on Aug. 31, 2015, the day after the murder of Denise Robert.

Billboards have been advertising the reward this year on Elm and Second streets.

The best way the public can help is to echo this message: If you know someone who may have information, please encourage them to contact the Manchester Police Department or submit a tip to Manchester CrimeLine, Garrity said. Even seemingly minor details can make a difference.

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Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais said police will continue to pursue the case.

As we mark the 10 year anniversary of this tragedy, we mourn with Denises family, friends, and all who knew and loved her. A beloved, and energetic member of our community, we remain committed to pursuing justice for her, and will continue working with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable. On this anniversary, we honor Denises life and stand with her loved ones in remembrance, Ruais said in an email.

Denise Robert case

A unidentified woman places flowers near the Ray Street crime scene in Manchester on Aug. 31, 2015.

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True-crime podcast

Kristen Seavey, a true-crime podcaster from Maine, recently met Robert family members at a New Hampshire rally for unsolved crimes.

As with similar cases, Seavey said she was so haunted by the story that she devoted an entire episode to it on her Murder She Told series.

I guess what attracted me to it is just that I saw that there was a place that I could help somebody, Seavey said in a phone interview. I think Denise knew a lot of people, and that sticks out in a lot of peoples minds. They remember her. They loved her. But this needs a wider audience, and thats something that I can help them with.

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Denise Robert case

K-9 Officer Richard Valenti and Axel search behind a North End garage for clues in the Denise Robert homicide on May 8, 2017.

She said the lack of information and communication about the case is deafening.

This one has so many blanks. its tough to really pinpoint, but I do feel like it was somebody who knew her routine, whether loosely because she was talking about going for a walk while she was at the gym. Or somebody who actually knew her and had a reason, but I just dont know why, Seavey said.

Thats my biggest question: Why?

Family holds out hope

Family members said the information shared with them has been scarce because authorities dont want to compromise the investigation.

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Its really difficult to comprehend 10 years later, said John Robert, one of Denises brothers. How is it that someone can get away with murder in the middle of the nicest neighborhood in Manchester? If it can happen in that neighborhood, it can happen anywhere in the city and state.

He said the family has still been largely left in the dark.

If we ask them to guesstimate how many calls theyve made on the case in the past month, we get this five-minute word-salad response that leaves us even more confused, John Robert said.

Brother Tom Robert said he understands theres only so much police can say about an active investigation, but he still holds out hope for a break in the case.

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What were concerned with is moving the case along.  I dont know what weve got for evidence. I suspect its not a lot. So, it makes it all the more important that we not compromise anything, right? Tom Robert said. Once police investigate something, they just walk off into the next room, and nobody ever sees them again. We dont really know if anybodys truly working on the case at all.

Tom Robert said he wants a fair and honest investigation and the family has cooperated.

I dont believe weve been written off as suspects. Yeah, I think were most likely not thought of as being suspects, but I dont know that, right? he said. I suppose it doesnt really matter.  Were willing to go wherever the trail goes.

The family has organized a memorial walk for today (Aug. 30), set to begin around 9 a.m. at Brookside Congregational Church on Elm Street, followed by a reception at the church.

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Like Denise Robert and investigators a decade ago, theyll walk around the neighborhood and wonder why theres still so much missing from the story.

But ultimately the biggest missing piece is their sister  and the evidence that has allowed her killer to evade capture for an entire decade.

dpierce@unionleader.com
Denmarks contribution to the Danish model  whereby allies pay for the production of weapons for Ukraine by Ukrainian defence companies  will amount to around 1.4 billion this year.

Source: Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The minister praised the results of the Danish model and called for its expansion.

Poulsen pointed out that Denmark awarded contracts worth 600 million last year.

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Quote: "My expectations will be that this year we will be able to invest about 1.4 billion directly into defence companies in Ukraine. And the lessons learned are also quite ambitious  First of all, the Ukrainian defence industry is producing very fast compared to European companies. They are able to produce in months, not years. And it's, for the second part, also a very cost-effective model."

Details: Poulsen expressed hope that more countries would join this format of support for Ukraine.

"Today, we have heard quite much support for doing more through the Danish model, and I'm quite happy to see that," the minister added.

Poulsen also stressed that Ukraine urgently needs greater military support.

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"We do not have time on our side, and the costs, if we are not acting now, will be much more substantial in the longer term. We simply don't have a choice," he said.

Background:

In June, then defence minister Rustem Umierov said that support for Ukraine under the Danish model was set to increase to 1.3 billion in 2025.

Ukraine regularly calls on its partners to invest more in the Ukrainian defence industrial base.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Denver school officials pushed back Friday against a U.S. Education Department finding that its all-gender bathrooms violate Title IX protections against sex-based discrimination, accusing the Trump administration of using that law to promote an anti-trans agenda.

In a statement, Denver Public Schools said the department did not cite any statutes or legal cases to back up its finding, announced Thursday, that multi-stall, all-gender bathrooms are unlawful, and vowed to support LGBTQ+ students, families and their supporters. However, the district has not decided whether to convert two all-gender bathrooms that sparked the probe back into boys' and girls' bathrooms, spokesperson Scott Pribble said.

The Education Department said it has offered the school district a chance to voluntarily make that change and others, such as rescinding any policies or guidance allowing students to use bathrooms based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex, within 10 days or risk unspecified enforcement action. It suggested that its federal funding could be cut.

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The investigation began after the school district converted a girls restroom at East High School into an all-gender restroom while leaving another bathroom on the same floor exclusive to boys in January. The school district has said that was done as a result of a student-led process, and the bathroom had 12-foot (3.6-meter) tall partitions for privacy and security.

The school district later added a second all-gender restroom on the same floor that it said was meant to address concerns of unfairness.

The Education Department said the investigation was first the one involving the law that was undertaken by its Office for Civil Rights under the Trump administration.

Denver Public Schools said no one came to look at the bathrooms or conduct interviews as part of the probe, and its attempts to discuss remedies were ignored.

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We will protect all of our students from this hostile administration while we continue to raise the bar on achievement, it said.

The district gets about $10 million a year in federal funds, which accounts for less than 1% of its annual $1.5 billion budget.

The Trump administration has launched about two dozen investigations of transgender policies in schools, including access to sports, locker rooms and bathrooms, according to data compiled by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news organization. Roughly half of the investigations focus at least in part on who gets to use bathrooms in some K-12 school districts in Virginia, Kansas, Washington state and Colorado.
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Authorities have released the name of the man who was stabbed and killed Thursday night in Holland Township.

The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office identified him as 52-year-old Darrell Sandusky of Park Township. Following an autopsy, his death was ruled a homicide.

Deputies said two other adults were also stabbed: a 24-year-old man, who remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Friday morning; and a 55-year-old woman, who was released from the hospital but continues to receive care.

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1 dead, 2 injured in stabbing near Holland, deputies say

It has been determined that a 25 year-old Holland Township man was responsible and has been interviewed by detectives, the sheriffs office wrote in a release. This subject was detained at the scene, but has since been released as the investigation continues.

As of Friday morning, no charges had been authorized, according to deputies.

They said the stabbing stemmed from a domestic dispute and everyone involved knew each other. According to the sheriffs office, the 25-year-old man lived at the home where the stabbing happened  a residence in the Leisure Estates mobile home community, off of Butternut Drive north of James Street  while the three who deputies say he stabbed did not live there.

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Deputies have not specified exactly what led up to the stabbing. When asked via email if investigators were considering self-defense as a motive, Capt. Jake Sparks with the sheriffs office replied: We are investigating all possibilities and continue to work on the case.

Anyone with information should contact the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office at 616.738.4000 or Silent Observer at 877.887.4536.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE @ 7:09 a.m.:

Wagenaar has been found and returned home safe, according to the Greene County Sheriffs Office.

INITIAL REPORT:

Do you recognize this missing 16-year-old?

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Greene County Sheriffs deputies are searching for 16-year-old Janhai Wagenaar, according to this website.

He was last seen in Shawnee Park at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Wagenaar is from Xenia Township.

He is 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and weighs 118 pounds.

Contact the Green County Sheriffs Office if youve seen him at (937) 376-5111. You can also call 911.

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Shes the most powerful woman of a minority at the White House advising the president.

PIX11 News sat down with Lynne Patton, a deputy assistant to President Trump. Patton gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at her everyday routines, and a look inside her office shows us its just steps away from the Vice Presidents.

Patton talks about policy and also some very personal moments with President Trump. In her position as Deputy Assistant to the President, she discusses her relationship with the President, her newfound political power, and her ideas about public service.

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Watch the video player for the full interview.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The government does not have the authority to create a plan that would interfere in law enforcement activities, specifically in regards to allowing draft dodgers to leave Israel, Gil Limon said.

Young ultra-Orthodox (haredi) men of enlistment age must not be allowed to go to Uman or other pilgrimage sites outside the country for Rosh Hashanah, Deputy Attorney-General Gil Limon said in a statement Friday.

Limon further noted that the government does not have the authority to create a plan that would interfere with law enforcement activities, specifically regarding allowing draft dodgers to leave the country.

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This comes following the reports that the Israeli government will allow haredi draft dodgers to fly to Uman and other destinations for annual pilgrimages ahead of the upcoming High Holy Days.

In a statement written to two Israeli attorneys representing petitioners to the High Court of Justice regarding the matter, Limon wrote that the subject of draft dodgers going to Uman had not yet been brought to the Attorney-General's Office, and that they were unaware of the particulars of the agreement.

However, "a plan with the purpose of avoiding exercising law enforcement against draftees who do not enlist and who violate their obligations under the Security Service Law... is in contrary to the law," Limon wrote. "Such avoidance contradicts the state's obligation to enforce the draft in an equitable manner."

A sign protesting the haredi draft. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Limon also wrote that a plan was presented in a series of meetings with the attorney-general that would see IDF, military police, border control officials, and the population and Immigration Authority be prepared to enforce the draft against draftees seeking to leave the country for the High Holy Days.

Breslov hassidim criticize deputy attorney-general statement

Breslov Union chairman Rabbi Natan Ben-Nun was critical of the statement and said he hopes a solution will be found to allow yeshiva students to still visit Uman.

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"We regret that the attorney-general found the time to prevent Breslov hassidim from fulfilling their religious obligation to come to Uman for Rosh Hashanah," Ben-Nun said, haredi media outlet JDN reported.

"Rabbi Nachman [spiritual founder of the Breslov hassidim, whose grave is in Uman and which is the main pilgrimage site in the city] said that Rosh Hashanah surpasses everything, and we are prepared in Uman for the arrival of the rabbis. We hope that a solution will be found soon so that yeshiva students will also be able to fly to Uman without fear of departure delays or threats of arrest."

This comes after Breslov rabbis said that young hassidim should not come to Uman this year in order to avoid being jailed and subsequently conscripted, JDN reported.

The grassroots organization Israel Hofsheet, however, praised the statement.

"Those who evade their service will not travel to Uman, nor to any other destination, while tens of thousands of Israelis are called upon to defend our home," the organization said. "We will not allow one public to serve, and another to be served. The time for equality is here."
GARLAND, Utah (ABC4)  The son of the deputy who was injured in the Tremonton shooting that killed Sgt. Sorensen and Officer Estrada spoke to ABC4.com while along the procession route.

Deputy Mike Allred of the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office responded to a call from backup with his K-9 Azula. He didnt get a chance to exit his vehicle before the suspect fired at the vehicle, striking both Allred and Azula. They were both taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but they have since recovered.

Deputy injured in Tremonton police shooting speaks out for the first time

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Today, Deputy Allred attended Sergeant Lee Sorensens funeral, and his son, Desmond Allred, watched the funeral procession with his children.

Its still rollercoasters, Desmond told ABC4.com. Hit real close to home, but were doing okay. Its amazing to feel and to see the community come together, and just feel all the love and support. We can definitely feel it.

He added that he hopes the community will keep the momentum of love and support going. Just dont stop, he said. Sorensens and Estradas families still need those prayers and those thoughts in this time.

This obviously has been hard on his father. I dont want to go into too much detail on that, but its Hes the type of person that is thinking about others first before him, and thats exactly what were seeing here, Desmond explained.

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If you can, just keep smiling, because that smile is contagious, and hopefully it will bring everyone around you up higher as well, he said, growing emotional as he held one of his children in his arms.

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Tony DiMares family owns 4,000 acres of tomato farms across Florida and California. Sadly, his Florida crops have been mowed over and left to rot, as with many tomato vines across the state.

But the reason has nothing to do with growing conditions and everything to do with the economy.

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DiMare told WSVN 7 Miami that President Donald Trumps tariff and immigration policies are driving farmers to abandon their crops.

In January, he warned that Trumps crackdown on migrants would squeeze farmers, who rely on migrants to pick produce.

We have to secure our borders south and north, but you have to have a workforce in this country, he told the Financial Post.

More recently, DiMare told The Washington Post that Florida's acreage for tomato farms has tumbled from 61,800 acres in 1990 to 23,000 today  thats a drop of almost 63%.

Deportations devastate farm workforce

About 50% of farm workers in the U.S.  including skilled supervisors and machine operators  are undocumented migrants, according to Farmonaut, a farm technology company.

As the Trump administration proceeds with mass deportations of undocumented migrants, there are far fewer pickers in the fields, and crops are left to go bad.

One farmer spoke to WSVN about fellow migrants leaving Florida each day. He spoke on condition of anonymity, concerned he might be deported himself.

"A lot of people are really afraid, and sometimes they come, sometimes they dont, he said. And the harvest is lost because it cannot be harvested.

The labor shortage also means Florida farmers have to pay more for labor. At the same time, theyre getting less money for their produce due to Trumps tariff policies.

Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks  here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead

Tariffs upset traditional supply chain

From January through April, Trumps threatened tariffs triggered Mexican suppliers to double or even triple tomato exports to the U.S.

The U.S. market was flooded with Mexican tomatoes. Florida farmers saw the wholesale price of a box of tomatoes plummet from $16 to $3 or $4 per box. DiMare said tomato farmers need around $10 or $11 per box to break even.
US investigators were probing an act of terrorism on Thursday after a shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota left two children dead.

"Our teams have gathered information and evidence demonstrating this was an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology," FBI Director Kash Patel said on X.

The perpetrator fired through the windows of a church during a school service, targeting children sitting in pews.

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Two children, aged eight and 10, died at the scene, while 14 children and three adults were injured.

Many details of Wednesday's crime in Minneapolis remain unclear but media reports say the shooter expressed anti-religious and anti-Catholic sentiments in a manifesto and in inscriptions on his weapons.

"The shooter saw the attack as a way to target our most vulnerable among us while they were at their most vulnerable at school and at church," Acting Attorney General for Minnesota Joseph Thompson told reporters, adding that authorities were currently analyzing numerous notes that were seized.

"I won't dignify the shooter's words by repeating them. They are horrific and vile. But in short, the shooter wanted to watch children suffer," Thompson added.

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The perpetrator also expressed hatred toward several groups, including Black people, Mexicans, Christians, and Jews, Thompson added. "In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us."

According to CNN, citing a 2017 yearbook photo, the suspect may have previously attended the school. The New York Times meanwhile reported that the suspect's mother may have worked in the church office.

Investigators suspect the perpetrator may have planned to enter the church during the attack but was unable to break through the locked doors.

One of the weapons belonging to the 23-year-old suspect, who committed suicide after the shooting, reportedly bore graffiti.

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US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X: "This deranged monster targeted our most vulnerable: young children praying in their first morning Mass of the school year.

"This deeply sick murderer scrawled the words 'For the Children' and 'Where is your God?' and 'Kill Donald Trump' on a rifle magazine," she added.

According to Noem, the suspect identified as transgender. Transgender individuals are those who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.

Patel made a point of using the suspect's birth name and referred to "the male subject" in his X post.

Police obtained video material from YouTube attributed to the suspect which included "disturbing" text.
TALLAHASSEE  A Florida man who fatally stabbed a married couple during a robbery is set to be executed next month under a death warrant signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. The state already has put to death more people this year than ever before since the death penalty was restored nearly 50 years ago.

Victor Tony Jones, 64, is scheduled to die Sept. 30, which would be the states 13th execution scheduled for this year. DeSantis signed the warrant Friday, as another man, David Pittman, already awaits execution next month.

Since the death penalty was restored by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976, the highest previous annual total of Florida executions was eight in 2014. Florida has already executed 11 people this year, more than any other state  ahead of Texas and South Carolina, which have each executed four people.

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A total of 30 people have been executed so far this year in the U.S., exceeding the 25 executions carried out last year. The most recent year with more executions for the entire U.S. was 2014, when 35 people were put to death.

Jones was convicted and sentenced to death in 1993 on two counts of first-degree murder. Jurors also found him guilty of two counts of armed robbery.

Jones was a new employee at a Miami-Dade business owned by Matilda and Jacob Nestor in December 1990 when he stabbed the wife in the neck and the husband in the chest. Investigators determined that before he died from his wounds, Jacob Nestor managed to retreat to an office. He pulled a .22 caliber pistol from a holster and fired five times, striking Jones once in the forehead.

Police found Jones wounded at the scene, with the Nestors money and personal property in his pockets.

The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal. An appeal will also likely be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a death warrant for a man convicted in the 1990 murders of a couple in Miami-Dade County, as the state continues a record-setting year for executions.

Victor Tony Jones, 64, is scheduled to be executed Sept. 30 and could become the 13th inmate put to death by lethal injection this year in Florida. The Jones death warrant came after Curtis Windom was executed Thursday evening at Florida State Prison in the 1992 murders of three people in Orange County.

Jones was sentenced to death for murdering 66-year-old Matilda Nestor and 67-year-old Jacob Nestor at their business in December 1990, according to court documents.

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Evidence at trial established that Jones, who worked for the Nestors, stabbed Mrs. Nestor once to the base of her neck which severed her aorta, and stabbed Mr. Nestor once in the chest, which entered his heart, a letter from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier that accompanied Fridays death warrant said.

A 1995 Florida Supreme Court opinion said Jones was on his second day of work with the Nestors when they were murdered. Jones was captured at the scene.

There was evidence that after being stabbed, Mr. Nestor retreated into the office, where he pulled the knife from his chest, attempted to call for help, drew his .22 caliber automatic pistol and shot five times, striking Jones once in the forehead, the 1995 opinion, which rejected an appeal, said. No money or valuables were found on either victim or in Mrs. Nestors purse which was found on the couch in the main office next to the defendant. The evidence also was consistent with Mr. Nestors body having been rolled over after he collapsed so that personal property could be removed from his pockets.

Jones was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery.

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The death warrant likely will touch off legal battles about whether Jones should be executed. DeSantis also has signed a death warrant for David Pittman, 63, who is scheduled to be executed Sept. 17. Pittman was convicted in the 1990 murders of three family members of his estranged wife in Polk County.

Before this year, Floridas record for executions in a year during the modern era was eight in 1984 and 2014. The modern era represents the time since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, after a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court ruling halted it.

In addition to Windom, inmates executed this year were Kayle Bates on Aug. 19; Edward Zakrzewski on July 31; Michael Bell on July 15; Thomas Gudinas on June 24; Anthony Wainwright on June 10; Glen Rogers on May 15; Jeffrey Hutchinson on May 1; Michael Tanzi on April 8; Edward James on March 20; and James Ford on Feb. 13.

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Ken Paxton leads longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary, according to a new poll. These results underscore Cornyns troubles with GOP voters.

An Echelon Insights poll shows Paxton ahead 42% to 37%, reflecting his growing support among Trump-aligned Republicans.

The poll shows Paxton with a 63% favorability rating, compared to Cornyns 51%.

The recent poll indicating Paxton leading Cornyn by five points in the Texas GOP Senate primary reflects Paxtons strong appeal among Trump loyalists, bolstered by his 2023 impeachment acquittal and alignment with MAGA priorities, political analyst Craig Agranoff told Newsweek.

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Cornyn faces ongoing challenges linked to past controversies.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a 2016 video shows Cornyn accepting an award from LULAC, a left-leaning group.

Cornyn praised it as one of those rare organizations that tries to find common bonds to unite people behind a common cause.

He also drew criticism for negotiating the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a gun control package that drew boos at the Texas GOP convention.

Despite Paxtons advantage, Agranoff noted that the race remains unsettled, with 21% of voters still undecided.

Cornyn could turn GOP voters by emphasizing his role in bipartisan legislation like gun safety reforms and Ukraine aid, while spotlighting Paxtons ongoing securities fraud trial and recent divorce to question his stability. Securing a neutral stance or endorsement from President Trump, who remains undecided, would also help Cornyn close the gap, Agranoff said.

The Dallas Express contacted Cornyns office for comment but received no response.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  FOX4 is learning more about the criminal past of the man accused of killing Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic.

Prosecutors have opened the door to seeking the death penalty for Dennis Mitchell III, who was charged with one count of capital murder. Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree also charged Mitchell with one count of attempting to elude police, two counts of theft and one count of criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Candlelight vigil to honor fallen KCKPD officer scheduled for Thursday

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Since December, Mitchell has been arrested twice, and one of those times was in Wyandotte County. In mid-December of 2024, Mitchell was charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine, which is a felony. He was also charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, which are misdemeanors.

The judge gave him a bond of $5,000, and then he bonded out, Dupree said Wednesday.

Wyandotte County court records show that this February and May, Mitchell failed to appear in court for those charges. In late June, FOX4 learned that Mitchell was arrested in southwestern Iowa on charges of domestic assault and bodily injury.

So then he bonds out, or rather finishes his time in Iowa, and he comes to Kansas City and guess what? He does what the pattern is; he fails to appear again, Dupree said. And again, this office and the court pushed for a higher bond. The bond then was set at $10,000.

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On Thursday though, FOX4 talked to Shane Rolf, executive vice president of the Kansas Bail Agents Association. He said that when Mitchell finished his sentence in Iowa, he actually signed a waiver of extradition, agreeing to come back to Kansas.

Wyandotte County didnt have to go through the process of getting whats called a governors warrant to have him extradited from Iowa, Rolf said. He was willing to come back voluntarily, and then at some point in time, my understanding is that the district attorneys office advised the sheriffs office to not go pick him up. They werent going to bring him back.

Mitchells bond in his case revolving around Simoncic has been set at $2 million. His first court appearance is set for Friday at 1 p.m.

Funeral arrangements for Officer Simoncic have been set for next week, according to the police department.

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It costs less to park a private jet at the Edinburgh Airport than it does for a car to pick up everyday arrivals.

Figures calculated by The Times found that it costs 18 ($24) an hour to park a car near the terminal. Contrastingly, parking a private jet is cheaper, at only about 15 ($20) an hour.

When Taylor Swift landed in Edinburgh in 2024, The Times noted she paid less to park her plane than a regular driver pays to park their car.

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Critics told the publication that the comparison highlights something has "clearly gone awry," as parking a private jet should cost more than what everyday people must pay to leave a car briefly at the airport.

This report comes at a time when criticism of private jets is on the rise. Research summarized by the BBC revealed that in 2023, private flights contributed to 17.2 million tons of carbon dioxide, which is the same as 3.7 million petrol cars being driven over a year.

It was also found that one hour of flying a private jet can release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than the average person produces in a year.

Private flights are also criticized for environmental inequality, as the ultra-wealthy flying privately has tremendous repercussions on the planet through air pollution.

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Greenpeace UK explained that private jet usage contributes "disproportionately to emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis, while the majority suffer the most from its consequences."

The organization has urged governments to impose heavier regulations on private travel through larger taxes. Further, tightening restrictions on private air travel will highlight a dedication to environmental protection.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport told The Times that the comparison was misleading and that "Car parking prices are demand-led and vary depending on how far in advance they are booked."

Still, drivers are angry, especially as it seems prices for average people are going up while those for the rich remain affordable. This both harms the working classes and the environment, as research published in the journal Nature Climate Change noted that the richest 10% in the world are responsible for two-thirds of planetary warming.

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"It hits families the hardest, particularly in peak summer holiday season, where using public transport isn't a viable option," Scott Dixon, a consumer expert who runs the Complaints Resolver website, told The Times.

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SOMERVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Investigators released new information Friday after exhuming the body of Pauline Mullins Pusser nearly six decades after she was buried. Pauline was the wife of Sheriff Buford Pusser, a Tennessee legend known for carrying a stick as he cracked down on crime.

Mark Davidson, District Attorney for the 25th Judicial District, said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has produced evidence sufficient to create probable cause. That means that more likely than not, if Buford Pusser were alive today, an indictment could be presented to the McNairy County Grand Jury for their consideration against him for the murder of his wife.

More than likely, Davidson explained, Pauline Mullins Pusser was shot outside the vehicle then brought into the vehicle. Davidson said there is probable cause that her death was not an accident, and instead an act of intimate, deliberate violence.

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Its been said that the dead cannot cry out for justice, it is the duty of the living to do so, Davidson said. In this case, that dutys been carried out 58 years later.

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TBI Director David Rausch spoke to key elements learned throughout the renewed investigation: inconsistencies in Buford Pussers story, recent statements provided by those associated with the investigation, Pauline Mullins Pussers autopsy and evidence examined by TBI personnel.

The agency had also received a tip about a possible murder weapon in 2023, although they would not disclose whether that tip connected them to the weapon during Fridays press conference.

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The work to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the facts of this case, using the full strength of the Bureau as it exists today, has reshaped our understanding of what transpired now almost 60 years ago, Rausch said.

Both Davidson and Rausch touched on new information and evidence in the case, including inconsistencies in Buford Pussers statements to law enforcement officials and others. Physical, medical, forensic, ballistic and reenactment evidence.

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Davidson cited the opinion of Dr. Michael Revelle, an emergency medicine physician and medical examiner, among the evidence used to come to this conclusion. Revelle pointed out that cranial trauma sustained by Pauline Mullins Pusser did not match interior crime-scene photographs of the vehicle.

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PREVIOUS | Sheriff Buford Pusser  the other story

Buford Pusser was known for cracking down on bootlegging, prostitution and gambling as the McNairy County sheriff. His law enforcement career inspired multiple Hollywood movies.

The sheriff continues to have a large influence on the community, including the annual Buford Pusser Festival.

This case is not about tearing down a legend. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and ensuring that the truth is not buried with time, Davidson said. The truth matters. Justice matters. Even 58 years later, Pauline deserves both.

For nearly 60 years, questions surrounded Pauline Mullins Pussers death after she was said to be shot and killed in an ambush meant for her husband while riding in his car. Buford Pusser was also shot in the face. Davidson said that among the evidence in the file, an expert said that the shooting was possibly staged; Davidson added that Revelles evaluation of the gunshot wound he sustained to the cheek was evidence of a close-contact wound, not a long-range wound.

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SEE ALSO | Why were Pauline Pussers remains exhumed?

Efforts were also undertaken to recreate bloodstain patterns on the hood of Buford Pussers vehicle, and Davidson said the conclusion was that someone was injured both outside and inside the vehicle. Cartridge locations and bullet trajectories were also found to be inconsistent with Buford Pussers version of events.

Mike Elam, who created The Other Story podcast looking into the case, said one of his followers told him about a possible murder weapon several years ago. He said together, they took it to the TBI.

I drove over just to see the weapon, photograph it, get the serial number, other information off the gun, Elam said. It was one of those things where I had a check run on it and it just confirmed what this individual was telling me.

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Griffon Mullins, brother of Pauline Mullins Pusser, shared a video statement at the conference. Mullins called her one of the most personable people he had known and thanked the TBI for offering closure for him and other loved ones.

Pauline and Buford Pusser (Photo: WKRN/file) Pauline and Buford Pusser The photos of Buford and Pauline Pusser are displayed at the museum in Adamsville. (Mike Suriani, WREG) (Photo: WKRN) (Photo: WKRN)

I knew, deep down, there was problems in her marriage, Mullins added. If I only known now what I knew then, she would have never went back to Tennessee.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Buford Pussers legacy has also affected his family, including his granddaughter Madison Garrison Bush. Bush provided the following statement to News 2:

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released autopsy results of my grandmother, Pauline Pusser, that suggest she did not die in the manner that has been believed since 1967. These findings have led Tennessees 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson to suggest that her husband, my grandfather, Buford Pusser if alive today would be indicted for her death. I personally never knew Buford or Pauline and cannot speak to their relationship or what happened on the morning of August 12, 1967. What I do know, is my family has endured traumatic loss that few people can comprehend. A dead man, who cannot defend himself, is being accused of an unspeakable crime. I dont understand what justice can be accomplished by pursuing this theory of my grandmothers death. Our family has been through enough pain and loss because of my grandfathers law enforcement career and we arent looking to reopen closed wounds.

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Davidson said that the autopsy of Pauline Mullins Pusser revealed a healing fracture of the nasal passage caused by interpersonal trauma. When later asked if it would be a leap to conclude that she was a victim of domestic violence, Rausch cited interviews with individuals from around that time period and said that they were not making a leap.

TBI officials decided to exhume her body in 2024 after receiving a new lead. The results of that autopsy have been sealed up to this point. Davidson said that the TBIs investigation was completed this year and called the complete file voluminous at more than 1,000 pages.

Rausch encouraged those interested in the case to read the case file in its entirety, which has been entered into the public record. Chancellor Yancey Freeman with the University of Tennessee at Martin added that the university will house the collection of files and evidence. Anyone who wants to view the case file in its entirety is advised to contact UT-Martin.

Following the press release, the City of Adamsville acknowledged the findings in a social media post that was re-posted by the official social media page for the Sheriff Buford Pusser Museum:

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The City of Adamsville acknowledges the recent findings of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation regarding Buford Pusser. While this information is not what we had hoped to receive, the City remains committed to addressing these matters in a responsible and transparent manner.

Mayor Jackie Hamm, in collaboration with the Board of Commissioners, will carefully review the implications of these findings and determine the appropriate course of action with respect to the Buford Pusser Museum and other related matters. This review will occur in a public study session, followed by a public meeting, in order to ensure that all decisions are made openly and with full accountability.

The City of Adamsville values the input of its citizens and encourages community participation in this process. While the legacy of Buford Pusser has been a part of our identity, Adamsville is defined by much more. We are a resilient and united community that prioritizes the well-being of our residents, the future of our children, and the continued growth and progress of our city.

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The Israeli military has been accused of targeting Deutsche Welle (DW) reporters in the West Bank, according to Germany's international broadcaster.

"A DW team was threatened with weapons and fired on with tear gas by Israeli soldiers while filming in Ramallah, despite wearing clearly marked 'PRESS' gear," the broadcaster said in a statement on Friday.

The reporters were exposed to tear gas but remained unharmed. The Israeli military has so far not commented on the incident.

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According to DW, the team was documenting the "risks faced by media professionals" in the West Bank and observing the work of a local journalist during a demonstration.

On their way there, they were informed that the Israeli military was conducting a raid in central Ramallah.

"Israeli soldiers aimed their weapons at them during filming," DW reported. The broadcaster released footage showing the incident.

The raid in the Palestinian city of Ramallah targeted money changers accused of transferring funds to members of Islamist group Hamas to support terrorist activities against Israel, according to the military.

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Eyewitnesses reported confrontations between soldiers and residents during the operation, with live ammunition and tear gas being used.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, based in Ramallah, stated that around 30 people were injured, some of whom required hospital treatment.

In July, DW reported that two of its employees were attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The correspondent and her cameraman were pelted with stones but managed to escape unharmed.

"The repeated attacks on our journalists in the West Bank are absolutely unacceptable," DW director general Peter Limbourg said. "There is no justification for threatening press representatives  neither by the military nor by radical settlers."
The developers behind a plan to bring apartments to the Bewley Building say they are now reviewing the situation after cancelling a presentation to the Lockport Common Council on Wednesday.

In an email, Charlie Oster, vice president of real estate development for Edgemere Development, who is working with PathStone, said the developers cancelled their presentation to the council on Wednesday after reviewing the agenda and noting the inclusion of a PathStone Opposition Resolution.

We would prefer to pause, take in the feedback weve received so far, and return with an updated plan that better reflects the needs and concerns of the community, he said.

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Former and current Bewley Building business owners took differing positions on the buildings housing plan during the Common Councils public comment on Wednesday, following a unanimous resolution opposing the plan.

Another dozen speakers took to the microphone to protest the proposal because it would create another Urban Park Towers building, with tenants sitting on sidewalks.

Residents frequently mislabeled the proposed rental apartments at the Bewley Building as federally subsidized housing, Section 8, and low-income. Some speakers expressed distrust for the plan, stating that Urban Park Towers began as senior housing and was later changed to a federally subsidized apartment building.

Business owner Michelle Ebanks was the only speaker who said that the Bewley Building housing would bring in people to do business in a largely vacant downtown.

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In a previous interview, Oster, with Edgemere Development, said developers were seeking state funding for the $66 million project that would create 100 apartments with rents between $875 and $1,054 a month for one-bedroom units. Oster said PathStone was seeking the same financing structure as Harrison Lofts.

Oster said the two-bedroom apartments would rent for $1,048 to $1,352.

According to Ken Kearney, founder of Kearney Realty & Development Group, which is constructing the Harrison Lofts project on Washburn Street, rents at the Harrison building will cost $700 to $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Kearney Realty will begin marketing the apartments in November, he said.

For a single person making $20 an hour or $41,600 a year, $875 a month in rent is 25% of their income. According to NYS Employee Salary Lookup, a starting salary at a school district or for a city worker can be near $42,000. Last month, Police Chief Steven Abbott said that the police contract was renegotiated because of low salaries, which started officers at $41,000 or $19 per hour.

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What is affordable to one person is not affordable to another person, said Adam McCollough, a Town of Lockport architectural designer. We do not need to demonize other people who cant live in single-family homes.

Kearney said rental properties can not choose tenants based on where their money comes from.

In New York state, you can not deny somebody housing based on their lawful source of income, he said. Thats a source of income discrimination.

Harrison Lofts will accept rental applications in November, Kearney said, with one-bedroom apartments priced between $700 and $1,000 per month.

Kathy OKeefe, owner of Windsor Village Shops on Stevens Street, congratulated the council for taking a hard stand on the proposal.

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As a business owner that was actually in the Bewley Building for 7 years, the people at 77 Main Street absolutely affect the business (traffic) there, OKeefe said. There is not enough parking there for 100 units. All-day-long parkers park in front of those mom and pop shops.

OKeefe said the city makes decisions without talking to business owners, and that officials should make a point of walking Main Street and checking in.

I am a proponent of mixed traditional use, she said. But what that should look like is moderate to high income. . . . And its not about, you know, being, not wanting the poor around. Youre talking to a woman who was a single mom of two kids at 21 years of age. I built what I had from a little apartment on South Street that was a shambles. . . . Urban Park Towers started as senior apartments with retail below.

In an interview earlier this week with Urban Park Towers resident Larry Freeman, he emphasized, The majority of the people who live here are disabled.

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Jessica Dittly, who lives in an apartment on Genesee Street, operates Terroir General Store in the Bewley Building and was executive director of Lockport Main Street during the development of the citys Downtown Revitalization Initiative plan.

Bewley property management has been very good to me, Dittly said. I have done research on Pathstone as a purchaser. Pathstone has represented some great projects regionally.

Addressing Mayor John Lombardi III, Dittly said, You have an opportunity by working with these developers to create a good plan for these Lockport places. Affordable housing is what benefits not just this city, but every city.

Dittly commented on how speakers used terms like federally subsidized and affordable housing interchangeably, when they are not the same.

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At no point did Pathstone say Section 8, she said. I think what theyre looking to do is at a higher standard and not subsidized. People would be paying their own rent. .... We could use this Bewley project as a center point for economic development. We cannot fix what happened in the past.

I would encourage that we dont eliminate it right out of the gate with the scare of Section 8 federally subsidized housing coming in, Dittly said.

Ebanks shared a similar positive view of what housing at the Bewley Building could offer. She said she had been looking for a new business location downtown, and found prices of $1,800 per month for not much.

I hear the pros and cons of the Bewley Building, Ebanks said. That building needs to be updated. We need people, we need apartments, we need places for people to live. My only concern is that I keep hearing about 77 Main Street. It used to have a common area in the building as a place to hang out inside with their friends. In their defense, they used to have a spot.

I just feel like sometimes, when people talk about Lockport, theyre thinking of the older days when it was beautiful, Ebanks said. Our town is empty. If we dont have people to come and shop, we cant afford those spaces.
After hours of searching the Kinnickinnic River on Aug. 23 in kayaks and on foot, Miguel Flores family found his backpack, wallet, keys, shoes and hat in the water.

"He wouldn't have left these things behind," said Arturo Vazquez, Flores' nephew. "I'm sure he's in the river somewhere."

Flores, 59, went missing after catastrophic floods hit Milwaukee nearly three weeks ago. He lived in a homeless encampment under the bridge at South Chase Avenue and South 1st Street, along the Kinnickinnic River in Bay View.

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In the days after the floods, two men from the same encampment were found drowned  one in Lake Michigan and another in the river. Three others from the encampment, including Flores, are missing, homeless outreach groups say.

Maria Flores holds a photo of her missing brother, Miguel Flores, as family and community members gather to search for him Aug. 23, 2025, in Milwaukee. Miguel Flores, who lived in a homeless encampment beneath a bridge at South Chase Avenue and South 1st Street along the Kinnickinnic River, is one of several people unaccounted for since a historic flood swept through Milwaukee.

But Milwaukee may never know how fatal the floods really were.

So far, local authorities have done little to search the water for the remaining men, despite pleas from Flores' family and homeless outreach groups. Each of the agencies involved has its reasons, from lack of witnesses to lack of manpower.

It is also unclear which agency, if any, will determine if the two drownings  48-year-old Juan Carlos Sierra Campos and 72-year-old Isaias Serna  were due to the floods.

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A spokesperson from the Milwaukee Police Department said determining a cause of death is the responsibility of the Medical Examiner's Office. However, the Medical Examiner's Office told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it cannot determine if a death is flood-related.

"We can only provide the medical cause and manner of death, which in these cases is drowning," said a spokesperson from the medical examiner's office.

To Flores' family and outreach groups, the lack of urgency sends a troubling message: missing unhoused people aren't a priority.

"What's the point in going to the police if they aren't going to help?" Vazquez said.

Arturo Vazquez, nephew of Miguel Flores, searches for his uncle along the Kinnickinnic River on Aug. 23, 2025.

Authorities share why they aren't searching the waters

For the Milwaukee Police Department, the missing key is a witness.

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"We do not make speculations and only do water searches when we have a last known location where an individual was seen in the water," a department spokesperson said in an email.

The police department's harbor patrol took a boat to search the Kinnickinnic River on Aug. 20, 10 days after historic floods swept through the area. Police officers also visited the encampment with the Milwaukee County Homeless Outreach team on Aug. 22.

Harbor patrol is continuing to keep an eye out, a department spokesperson said.

The Milwaukee Fire Department would jump to action to save life, but it doesn't have the resources to scour the river systems for a body, said Chief Aaron Lipski.

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"If he's in the river, there's no rescue," Lipski said. "I cannot commit my folks based on emotion."

In addition to its day-to-day duties, the fire department is managing city-wide damage assessments for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.

"It's an enormous undertaking," Lipski said.

Miguel Flores' sister Maria Flores, right, along with her husband Pablo Macias, watch as family and community members search for her brother.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff Office's Investigative Services Bureau is not part of the investigation, said spokesperson Paul Thompson.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard and the state Department of Natural Resources aren't searching for the men either.

The Coast Guard mainly searches for people in distress who can still be saved, like the 55-year-old boater who went missing along the lakefront Aug. 22, said Lieutenant Joseph Neff, spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard Lake Michigan sector.

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"As for body recovery, that's on a case-by case basis," Neff said. "We generally do not."

Immediately after the floods, wardens from the Department of Natural Resources helped local authorities recover boats that had been swept into the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan and evacuate people from their homes in Wauwatosa and Germantown.

A spokesperson said local agencies had requested the DNR's help with those tasks. There hasn't been a request for the department to assist with a search for Flores, the spokesperson said.

A map of the Kinnickinnic River Trail used by family and community members searching for Miguel Flores.

Homeless are particularly vulnerable to floods, natural disasters

People without shelter are especially vulnerable to natural disasters and extreme weather events, said Barbara DiPietro, senior director of policy for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

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Many tend to live in wooded areas, under bridges and along railroad tracks. These places are away from the public eye, but can put people in harm's way due to floodplains, poor quality water and exposure to the elements.

"Given many communities criminalizing the presence of homeless people in public spaces, you're seeing people being pushed to the outskirts of town that's often away from services that can help them, but it also puts them in spaces that tend to be physically unsafe," DiPietro said.

Ashley Meehan, who is a part of the council's Homeless Mortality Working Group, said people without shelter often do not get proper warnings about extreme weather. Many do not have cellphones or data to receive weather alerts.

Flooding, and especially flash flooding, is particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service warns that a mere six inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock down an adult. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.

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Weather data from the Kinnickinnic River the night of Aug. 9 shows that the river doubled in height from six feet to over 12 feet in just two hours, between 7 to 9 p.m.

By 3 a.m., the river had reached a record-breaking 17 feet in height.

Eva Welch, co-founder of Street Angels, acknowledged that the task of finding people who are transient is complex.

Initially, Street Angels thought five to seven people were missing from their route in the county in the week after the floods, she said. Now they're missing two or three, including Flores.

This situation highlights how preparation and prevention is key, she said.

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"In my mind, there should have been something done before the floods, before people were missing, before people had to choose to sleep under a bridge," Welch said. "All this shows is we need shelters."

Juan Vazquez, left, and Arturo Vazquez, right, search for their uncle along the Kinnickinnic River.

Flores' family, volunteers continue to search for missing men

Sarah Young, a volunteer with the homeless shelter Mr. Bob's Under the Bridge, tried to file a missing person report for one of the men who lived at the encampment, whom she knows only as "Angel."

She couldn't, because police said they needed his last name and date of birth, she said.

"I'm trying to put myself in their shoes, but it feels insensitive and ignorant to require that," Young said.

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For the past four years, she's been bringing food, clothes, toiletries and a portable shower to Kaszube's Park to serve the surrounding unhoused community. Flores, Campos and Serna and Angel were faces she'd see every Saturday morning, she said.

Angel, who she estimates was in his 50s, always wanted anything with the Packers logo on it. Flores and Angel were often together, with Angel being the more vocal of the pair, she said.

Young recalls that Flores was a hard worker and respectful. Campos and Serna were reserved and took only what they needed, she said.

Young says it frustrates her to see people who think that because someone doesn't have a home, they can't be missing.

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"It's demeaning," Young said. "We know where they live. They live under a bridge, and they are missing."

A memorial for Miguel Flores on South Chase Avenue.

Christopher Boyer, the executive director of the National Association of Search and Rescue, said it's understandable that authorities would want more evidence before launching a search.

Searching the river or Lake Michigan for a body isn't an easy job. It requires boots on the ground, hours of work and likely overtime, which is challenging and expensive, especially following a major flood, said Boyer, who has over 25 years of experience in search and rescue.

But now that the family has found Flores' personal belongings in the water, Boyer believes a search in specific areas where those items were found is warranted. He said a handful of officers could do an effective search.

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"There's compulsory proof here that he was there," Boyer said.

Flores' family plans to search the river again this Saturday. Vazquez is worried the number of volunteers helping in the search will dry up.

But he'll be out there, every Saturday, as long as it takes.

"We're not going to leave him out there," Vazquez said.

Gina Castro is a Public Investigator she can be reached at gcastro@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Authorities share why they will not search for missing men after Milwaukee floods
Nvidia reported earnings on Wednesday for its second quarter of fiscal 2026 (ending July 27, 2025). Revenue was $46.74 billion, up 56% from a year ago and increasing by 7% from last quarter. Net income was $26.42 billion and $1.08 per share, up from $16.59 billion and $0.67 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts were expecting revenue of $46.06 billion and EPS of $1.05.

In terms of valuation, Nvidia has a trailing price-earnings ratio of 59.6x, which is close to its 10-year average P/E of 58.8x, indicating that earnings expectations are well in line with its historical norms.

Nvidia stock continued its huge rise over the last year, jumping 41%, solidly ahead of competitors Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 15% jump and Intels (INTC) 27% climb. Nvidia is also beating the larger market, as the Nasdaq Composite Index ($NASX) is up just 23% in the last year.

Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Nvidia is the leading semiconductor company in the world, specializing in graphics processing units (GPUs) that are used to operate the most sophisticated and challenging programs that power artificial intelligence and machine learning. Nvidias products are most in demand from data center operators who link hundreds of GPUs together to have them perform in tandem. The explosion in AI has pushed Nvidia to become the most worlds valuable publicly traded company with a market capitalization of $4.4 trillion.

I think the boom is just starting, Wedbush Securities senior analyst Dan Ives told Bloomberg . I mean, if you look at these numbers, especially when you factor in where Chinas going to be, I mean, [CEO Jensen Huang] talked about $50 billion, 50%-type growth number. This just shows the next stage of adoption is actually just starting. I think the stock is green today.

Semiconductor champion Nvidia (NVDA) delivered another more-than-solid earnings report after the closing bell on Wednesday, Aug. 27, showing earnings of $46.7 billion, up 56% year over year despite having no sales of its H20 chip in China. And while the stock slipped slightly after earnings, Nvidia got a huge endorsement today from one of Wall Streets top tech analysts.

Story Continues

Notably, Nvidia said that even though it was unable to sell its H20 chips in China, the company said it benefited from a $180 million release of previously reserved H20 inventory. It was also able to realize $620 million in H20 sales to a customer outside of China.

Nvidia made the H20 chips specifically for the Chinese market in order to comply with U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI semiconductors. The H20 chips are less advanced than Nvidias flagship Hopper H100 chips, but they are optimized for large language model inference and are capable of running some AI workloads 20% faster despite their lower power.

Nvidia is working on a deal with U.S. officials to allow it to sell the H20 in China in exchange for 15% of sales, but disclosed Wednesday that the arrangement is not final yet. In addition, regulators in China have asked tech companies and developers not to use the H20 for sensitive operations, leaving future sales in doubt. Nvidias revenue from China was $17.1 billion last year, or roughly 13% of the companys total sales.

Nvidia said it could ship between $2 billion and $5 billion in H20 revenue in the third quarter, and potentially more, should geopolitical issues resolve.

What Do Analysts Expect for Nvidia Stock?

Speaking to Bloomberg TV this morning, Ives argues that while investors may have initially been disappointed with the lack of H20 sales in China, the companys growth story is still powerful  and the market will realize that before the end of the day.

The reality is when you look at data center, and when you actually factor in where Chinas going to be when you look at $2 [billion] to $5 billion, and you look at the acceleration in the next few quarters, theres no reason its not accelerated, Ives said. And now in China with the pay for play model back in, youre talking about what could be an incremental $20, 25, $30 billion. Thats what it comes down to.

While Ives may be the most vocal bull, Wall Street analysts in general list Nvidia stock as a Strong Buy. Of 46 analysts, 38 have the stock as a Strong Buy, two list it as a Moderate Buy, and five suggest a Hold. Only one analyst lists Nvidia as a Strong Sell.

With a median price target of $199, analysts are suggesting a potential increase of 10% in the coming months  and the most bullish analysts target of $250 suggests a possible increase of 38%.

The post-earnings slip in Nvidia stock should be seen as an overreaction. Nobody should have been surprised with the lack of H20 revenue in China considering the reservations from both U.S. and Chinese regulators. However, Nvidia is continuing to grow without sales in China, and its next-generation Blackwell chip sales jumped 17% sequentially.

Ives says that Nvidias report is a bullish sign for both Nvidia and tech stocks in general. Nvidia appears to be a strong buy following its earnings report.

www.barchart.com

On the date of publication, Patrick Sanders had a position in: NVDA. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
CHICAGO (WGN)  When Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced with fanfare in Februaryand again in Maythe arrest of two men it labeled the shooters in a Chicago case, it failed to mention the two men had not actually been charged with that crime.

Three people were killed and five others were injured in the December daylight shooting in Gage Park. Homeland Security issued press releases with pictures of guns and drugs, and photos that identified the shooters as Venezuelan nationals Ricardo Granadillo Padilla and Edward Martinez Cermeno. A source confirmed both men were persons of interest in the shooting.

Now, many months later, legal experts say Homeland Securitys quest for credit may complicate a potential prosecution.

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In 43 years of practicing law, Ive never seen it: Not on the state level, not on the federal level, said former federal prosecutor Patrick Cotter. It taints every witness that the government might ever want to call.

The Justice Department has specific policies against publicly accusing people of crimes they havent been charged with. WGN Investigates asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the case. She denied naming and shaming the men violated DOJ policy.

What I wish is you would talk about the victims more, Noem told WGN Investigates. How many shot? How many victimized? How are their families doing? You all spend so much time talking about poor justice for these criminals, theyre harming people every single day.

On the Gage Park block where the shooting happened, a couple who opened a smoothie restaurants two days before the mass shooting said the violence continues to haunt the community.

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People were scared to come out, to come here to the neighborhood because they were thinking it wasnt safe for everybody, said the store owner.

The two men are being held on federal immigration charges outside of Illinois. Its unclear whether Chicago police have been able to interview them. A CPD spokesperson would only say the investigation is open and ongoing. A spokesperson for Cook County States Attorney Eileen ONeill Burke declined to comment.

WGN Investigates first reported on the fact that the men were accused of murder by ICEbut not charged with it by prosecutors.

An ICE spokesperson followed up with a statement that reads in part:

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Instead of questioning why ICE acted decisively to take them off the streets after a violent attack that left three people dead the public should be questioning why local prosecutors are not delivering justice for the victims and ensure this violent gang cannot continue to endanger the community.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Southampton just slammed the door on weekend getaways, banning short-term rentals for stays of less than two weeks after residents complained about parties. Critics say the move hurts the towns economy, guts local Airbnb income, and turns the Hamptons into even more of a gated playground for the one percent. (New York Post)
MONROE COUNTY, Ill.  The beautiful canvas of farmland along the border of Monroe and Randolph Counties has a glaring problem: a scour hole inching toward the Stringtown Levee.

That is an undercurrent that is coming from the [Mississippi] river, going under the ground, and it is cutting away the clay of the Mississippithe riverside of the levee. But eventually what its doing is it keeps cutting and it keeps cutting towards the levee, said Kevin Scheibe, Monroe Countys Public Safety Director for Emergency Management and 911.

Scheibe said the current will eventually run beneath the levee, compromising its integrity. Then, the next time the Mississippi River rises, the levee could fail, endangering property, livestock, historical sites and the residents of Monroe and Randolph Counties.

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Depending on how high the Mississippi River gets, the flooding could continue north or south from Monroe County.

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Illinois State Representative David Friess has come alongside Scheibe, warning of the danger and advocating to governmental agencies for the funding to repair the problem, which is funds the Stringtown Levee District is lacking.

However, both he and Schiebe expressed frustration in their efforts, describing a lack of urgency when answering their pleas.

IEMA, FEMA, Corps of Engineers, Friess said. Theyve all said this isnt our job because we dont have the authorization to be proactive and to fix this situation and fix the scour hole. But dont worry, when the levee blows, we will be there for you.

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Friess encourages the public to reach out to Governor J.B. Pritzkers office to help secure emergency funding to resolve this issue before its too late.

I believe hes got the authorization, Friess told FOX 2. To get this done, get this fixed.

FOX 2 reached out to the governmental agencies relevant to this scour hole, inquiring about its future.

A representative from Governor Pritzkers office directed the newsrooms request to IEMA, which has yet to issue a response.

FEMA has released a statement, saying:

Projects to repair or mitigate locally owned flood control structures are typically managed by local governments who work with their state counterparts when additional support is needed. Communities in Illinois work through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency when they need additional resources or funding for flood control solutions. IEMA may identify a funding source at the state level or from another federal agency, or they may apply for grant assistance through FEMA should a project be eligible for FEMA grants. Generally, IEMA is responsible for prioritizing projects for funding and identifying those submitted to FEMA for approval.

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IEMA would be your best source for updates about any project applications under consideration from Monroe County or elsewhere in the state.

Additionally, FEMA does not maintain, build or certify levees. FEMA levee responsibilities are limited to identifying flood hazards and communicating flood risks in levee-affected areas. While levees can help reduce the risk of flooding, it is important to remember that they do not eliminate the risk. Levees can and do deteriorate over time and must be maintained to retain their effectiveness. For those living or working near levees, it is important to understand the risk, learn the facts, and be aware of steps that can be taken to reduce the risk to their families, businesses, and communities from the threat of flooding.

More information about FEMA can be found here.

The Army Corps of Engineers has not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
With public support of his immigration and economic policies flailing, President Donald Trump thinks he has found a winning issue: crime. During a recent Cabinet meeting, the president referred to crime as a "big subject of the midterms," adding that he thinks it will "be a big subject of the next election," according to CNN. "Republicans are going to do really well."

In the past month, the president has instituted a federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, deployed the National Guard to deal with the city's "crime emergency," and signed an executive order aimed at restricting the use of cashless bail nationwide. Trump has also threatened similar military deployments in other U.S. cities, which could stand on shaky legal ground.

Despite this, the president thinks his tough-on-crime approach is a winning strategy. A new Associated Press-NORC poll suggests that the president might not be wrong. According to the poll, 53 percent of Americans approve of Trump's handling of crime. However, an overwhelming majority of respondents (81 percent) view crime as a "major problem" in America's large cities, while 66 percent view it as a "major problem" nationwide.

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Support for using the military in domestic law enforcement is divided along partisan lines. While 82 percent of Republicans, and 55 percent of respondents overall, consider it "completely or somewhat acceptable" for the military and National Guard to assist local police, only 46 percent of Independents and 30 percent of Democrats share this view. Republicans are also more likely to approve of the federal government assuming control of local police departments in large cities, with 51 percent finding it acceptable. Democrats (15 percent) and Independents (26 percent), on the other hand, largely oppose the federal government dispatching troops to large cities.

However, only 32 percent of respondents overall supported the federal government taking control of local police departments in major cities, as the president has done in Washington, D.C.

Notably, crime is one of the only major issues that skews in favor of Trump. With a 5-point increase from the July A.P.-NORC poll, the president currently has a 45 percent job approval rating; however, 54 percent of respondents disapprove of his handling of the economy and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while 53 percent disapprove of his handling of immigration.

That's in line with other recent surveys. A poll released by Gallup on Tuesday finds just "40% of Americans approving of President Donald Trump's overall job performance, in line with support for him in June and July after registering 43% or higher in the first five months of the year." The Gallup poll also finds unfavorable marks for the president's handling of foreign affairs, education, and the economy, with the president failing to reach a 40 percent approval rating in any of these issue areas.

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The public's perception of crime as a significant problem doesn't mean the president's heavy-handed, legally dubious approach is the right one. The federal takeover of D.C. has predictably led to documented cases of civil rights and constitutional violations. Despite the president's recent statements about widespread crime in American cities, there were signs as early as January of violent crime decreasing nationwide. FBI data indicate a 4.5 percent decrease in violent crime nationwide in 2024. Early data from 2025 suggest that the ongoing trend could result in the lowest murder rate ever recorded, as reported by Reason's Billy Binion.

While Trump may enjoy enough public support now to think that crime will help Republicans in the next election, an approach to crime prevention that usurps local control remains deeply unpopular. Just like other issues, approval for the president's crime policies could soon falter.

The post What Does the Public Think About Trump's Approach to Crime? appeared first on Reason.com.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Licking for Love Dog Rescue is asking the community to help make a dream come true: securing a permanent facility in the City of St. George.

Since its founding in October 2023, the foster-based nonprofit has rescued and adopted out more than 800 dogs. Organizers believe a dedicated space would help save more lives. They could offer shelter, rehabilitation, and adoption on a larger scale.

The facility would help offer key community services. These include low-cost vaccine and microchip days, spay and neuter clinics to reduce pet overpopulation, training programs, and family-friendly events to bring neighbors together.

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At Licking for Love Dog Rescue, our mission is to be a beacon of hope for abandoned and at-risk dogs, said founder Courtney Turner. This facility will not only expand our rescue efforts but also give us the ability to host programs that directly benefit the pets and people of the city of St. George.

Currently, the organizations capacity is limited by the number of available foster homes. A news release said a permanent space would ensure more dogs in crisis have a safe place to go, while also serving as a hub for education, outreach, and preventive care.

Mayor Dustin Yates said the project would benefit the entire community. In a growing city like St. George, resources like this strengthen our culture of caring for one another, Yates said. Supporting this effort means investing in both the welfare of our animals and the bonds that make our city strong.

The nonprofit is looking for donations, sponsorships, and partnerships. These funds will help buy and renovate the building, according to a news release.

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For more information or to contribute, visit lickingforlove.org or email lickingforlove@gmail.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
NEED TO KNOW

A dog who was rescued from the dog meat trade and later flown more than 5,000 miles to the U.S. has finally met her owner

Three-year-old dog Aurora has arrived in San Francisco after being rescued from a meat farm in South Korea in 2023 and giving birth to puppies soon after

"Aurora was raised to be butchered, but instead she is now a beloved family member," a representative from the animal advocacy group In Defense of Animals said

A dog who was rescued from the dog meat trade and later flown more than 5,000 miles to the U.S. has finally met her owner  and has a new place to call her forever home.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Aurora, a three-year-old dog rescued from the Miryang dog meat farm in South Korea more than two years ago, touched down in San Francisco and met her new owner, Natasha Lee, for the first time.

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According to the animal advocacy group In Defense of Animals, which helps facilitate flights overseas for dogs rescued from the meat trade, rescuers saved Aurora from the farm in March 2023. She was found tied up with a short chain and had no easy access to food or water.

Jindo Love Rescue Aurora, pictured at the Miryang dog meat farm in South Korea. Aurora, pictured at the Miryang dog meat farm in South Korea.

After her rescue, Aurora was taken to Jindo Love Rescue, where staff members discovered the dog was pregnant.

We had no idea Aurora was pregnant when we saved her, Patti Kim, President of Jindo Love Rescue, said in the press release. She nurtured her puppies until they were adopted, then waited patiently herself for two long years. We are overjoyed that Aurora is finally home. She is a gentle, shy soul who deserves nothing but love and happiness.



Jindo Love Rescue Aurora and her puppies. Aurora and her puppies.

Following her rescue, the dog gave birth to four puppies  named Daffy, Bugs, Babs, and Taz, all of whom have been adopted. After two years at Jindo Love Rescue, Aurora was also adopted.



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"I'm super excited to bring Aurora home," shared Aurora's new owner, Natasha Lee.

"I am very lucky and fortunate to adopt her," she added, noting that Aurora will have a canine sibling, Solo. "The Jindo Love Rescue team are the real MVPs here."

Jindo Love Rescue Aurora and her owner, Natasha. Aurora and her owner, Natasha.

Since 2017, Jindo Love Rescue has partnered with In Defense of Animals to rescue over 1,200 dogs from the dog meat trade in South Korea and transport them to new homes. Many of these dogs have found families in the U.S. and Canada.

"I was touched by Aurora's story when I first became aware of it and I have been following her journey, so it was a real honor to be there to greet Aurora on her arrival in San Francisco and spend time with Natasha, her adopter," Michael Angelo Torres, a Bay Area campaigner for In Defense of Animals, said in the press release.

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"It was incredibly moving to see them meet, and I look forward to hearing updates about Aurora's wonderful new life in San Francisco with her loving forever family," he added. "I am so very inspired by all of those who helped to make this dream come true. It truly does take a village, and we feel blessed that Aurora's village included such amazing, compassionate people."

Jindo Love Rescue Aurora photographed by the Jindo Love Rescue. Aurora photographed by the Jindo Love Rescue.

Despite being a centuries-old practice, the global dog meat trade has been highly controversial for decades. In 2024, South Korea passed a law banning the sale of dog meat.

The country's legislation, which prevents the breeding, farming, and selling of dogs for their meat, will go into effect in 2027. After that time, anyone found guilty of butchering dogs could face up to three years in prison, according to NBC News. Selling dog meat was outlawed in the U.S. in 2018.

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.

According to Fleur Dawes, the communications director at In Defense of Animals, more than half a million dogs are still living on meat farms ahead of the ban deadline.



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"Aurora was raised to be butchered, but instead she is now a beloved family member," Dawes said. "With South Korea's historic dog meat ban phasing in, half a million dogs are still trapped on farms. We are working urgently to save as many as possible before the 2030 deadline."

"The years of dedicated teamwork it takes to rescue dogs like Aurora proves how special these dogs are, and hints at how much joy and love comes from adopting a dog meat survivor," she added.

Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

President Donald Trump revoked Kamala Harris Secret Service protection, which will now expire on Sept. 1

Former President Joe Biden reportedly signed an executive memorandum in January 2025, extending Harris protection for 18 months instead of the usual six given to former vice presidents

Harris is set to embark on a national book tour for her memoir 107 Days starting Sept. 24

President Donald Trump has revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris Secret Service protection.

Trump reportedly sent a letter dated Thursday, Aug. 28 notifying Harris and her team that her Secret Service detail would be revoked starting on Sept. 1, according to CNN, NBC News and Axios.

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You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris, the letter read, per CNN.

A senior advisor for Harris confirmed the news to the outlets and said in a statement that she is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.

Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty US President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.

While former presidents are authorized to Secret Service protection for the rest of their lives, Congress passed a law in 2008 that would only allow former vice presidents, their spouses and children under the age of 16 to have this protection for up to six months following the end of their term.

However, a Secret Service official confirmed to CNN and NBC News that former President Joe Biden signed an executive memorandum in January  just before he left office  extending Harris protection for 18 months instead of the usual six.

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This means that federal agents will no longer guard her in person, nor analyze any in-person appearances, emails, texts and social media for threats, according to CNN. Federal agents will also stop protecting her home in Los Angeles and will be reassigned, according to the outlet.

Bob Salladay, a spokesperson for Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom, told CNN in a statement that the safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also added in a statement to CNN that Trump's latest order "puts the former Vice President in danger" and said she would work with Newsom "to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles."

CAMILLE COHEN/AFP via Getty Former US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco, California, on April 30, 2025. Former US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Emerge 20th Anniversary Gala in San Francisco, California, on April 30, 2025.

Trumps administration revoked the Secret Service details protecting Bidens children, Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden in March 2025.

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NBC News reported that former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also lost his protection and that several other former intelligence officials had privileges removed, per NBC News.

This comes as the former vice president gears up for a 15-city book tour across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. for her new memoir 107 Days, which is set to begin in New York on Sept. 24 and conclude in November in Miami.

The book recounts the "intense, high-stakes and deeply personal period of Harris 2024 Democratic presidential campaign against Trump, following Bidens withdrawal from his reelection campaign.

Read the original article on People
Credit: Abdallah Alattar

One of the doctors caught in Israels double tap strike on a hospital in Gaza will be permanently disabled unless he can be evacuated from the Strip to have shrapnel removed from his knee, say doctors.

A journalist who was also severely injured in the blast is in the ICU fighting for his life.

Dr Ahmed Abu-Ibaid, 28, was hit with shrapnel on Monday while treating civilians injured in the first of Israels two strikes on Nasser Hospital, the largest facility in southern Gaza.

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Doctors told The Telegraph that an urgent medical transfer to an advanced orthopaedic centre outside of Gaza is the only way to save Dr Abu-Ibaid, 28, from permanent disability.

Ive lost my job and my ability to help people. Its very difficult for methis will affect my whole life, Dr Abu-Ibaid told the Telegraph.

Dr Ahmed Abu-Ibaid is at high risk of developing a bacterial infection that causes severe swelling and permanent joint damage if he isnt evacuated from Gaza for advanced surgery - Dr Ahmed Abu-Ibaid

An emergency physician at Nasser hospital, Dr Abu-Ibaid was helping identify corpses in the forensic department when the first explosion hit just after 10am (8am BST) on Monday.

He ran across the hospital courtyard to the emergency rooms annex to where some six people were injured.

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When I saw the injured I decided to treat them  there were a lot of people on the ground, said Dr Abu-Ibaid, who was helped by another doctor and a sixth year medical student.

In the moment we felt relatively safe, then the second attack happened, he said.

That explosion caused a piece of hot shrapnel to be buried in his right knee.

A lot of people around me were killed, about nine peopleThe student beside me was killedI think Im the only one who survived, he recalled.

There was a lot of bleeding and I was semi-consciousI didnt know at the time where my injury was.

Photo of an Xray shows piece of shrapnel in Dr Ahmed Abu-Obaids right knee - Dr Ahmed Abu-Ibaid

Fearing a third strike, most medical staff ran to the emergency department to shield against further attacks. Dr Abu-Ibaid tried to drag himself to a medical tent some 10m away.

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When I was trying to get inside the tent I lost consciousness, he said.

Dr Abu-Ibaid was rushed to the emergency room, but surgeons were unable to remove the shrapnel.

It was a high temperature fragment and it penetrated and settled inside my [knee] bone, he said.

Next Sunday, Dr Abu-Ibaid is scheduled to have debridement surgery to remove the damaged cartilage and debris from his knee joint as he is at high risk of developing a bacterial infection that causes severe swelling and permanent joint damage.

Dr Abu-Ibaid is now at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) field hospital in Al-Mawasi, Rafah, roughly a 30 minute drive from Nasser hospital, where doctors are trying to prevent the infection getting worse.

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Now Im disabled. I cant do anything, Im just waiting for my operation or my transfer outside of Gaza, or losing my knee, he said.

Dr Abu-Ibaid said he is concerned he will no longer be able to provide for his mother and three sisters.

I feel helpless because Im the only man with themthey depend on me in these hard days, he said, adding that his father was evacuated to Egypt for emergency surgery after a piece of shrapnel struck his spinal cord.

Maybe you cant easily believe a lot of the things happening to us are real, it looks like a magic story, but its our life.

Israel killed at least twenty people when it struck Nasser hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday, including five journalists, four medics, several patients and nearly a dozen rescue workers. Dozens were injured.

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The strikes are the latest in a series of attacks by Israel that have killed Palestinian journalists.

Israel says it does not deliberately target journalists and that the attack on the hospital on Monday was intended to take out a Hamas camera that local troops believed was being used to monitor Israeli troop movements.

The camera turned out to belong to Reuters which has been using it to broadcast images of Gaza from the hospital for days.

Freelance photojournalist Mohammed Fayeq is fighting for his life in the Nasser Hospital ICU - Badr Al-Tabash/Ahmed Fayeq

In a rare move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said on Monday that Israel deeply regretted what he called a tragic mishap while the Israeli Defence Forces promised an immediate inquiry into the strike.

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The five journalists included Mariam Dagga, 33, a visual journalist who worked with the Associated Press, Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman who worked with Reuters and cameraman Mohammed Salameh, who worked for the Al Jazeera network.

Others are still fighting for their lives.

Mohammed Fayeq, a freelance photojournalist for Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera, is now in the Nasser hospitals intensive care unit after multiple shrapnel wounds left him paralysed below the waist.

The shrapnel tore through his mouth and gut, said his brother, Ahmed Fayeq, adding that his neck, spinal cord and all of his fingers were also broken.

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If he stays in Gaza for longer, were talking days, he will not survive, Mr Fayeq told The Telegraph on Thursday.

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Six decades of innovation, supporting over 1,100 employees across five Singapore entities and serving more than 14 Asia Pacific markets

SINGAPORE, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Singapore commemorates its 60th year of independence, the Fujifilm Group of companies in Singapore proudly marks six decades of partnership, progress, and innovation with the nation. To mark this milestone, Fujifilm employees participated in the heartfelt "Thanks Smile Shot" initiative, which reflects the Fujifilm Group Purpose of "Giving our world more smiles". Through this initiative, employees shared moments of joy and connection, celebrating Fujifilm's journey alongside Singapore's own story of growth.

Singapore as a Strategic Hub for Innovation and Growth

Over the years, Fujifilm has continuously evolved its businesses, transitioning from its early days in photographic devices and film to diversifying into healthcare, semiconductor materials and digital transformation. This development has advanced alongside Singapore's growth, positioning Fujifilm as a leader across various key industries.

Today, Singapore serves as a critical hub for Fujifilm, hosting five group companies and functioning as the regional headquarters for core business segments[1]  healthcare, electronics, business innovation and imaging. With over 1,100 employees locally, Fujifilm supports customers across more than 14 Asia Pacific markets, cementing Singapore's role as a key driver of its regional presence.

Haruto Iwata, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Asia Pacific, said, "Singapore has been at the heart of Fujifilm's growth in Asia Pacific for the past six decades and its role will be just as vital in the decades to come. Its strategic location, skilled talent pool, and stable economy continue to empower us to be a market leader in healthcare, electronics, business innovation and imaging. Singapore plays an important role in our business expansion and remains a key launchpad for future-ready solutions that shape industries and improve lives across the region."

In line with this vision, the group established FUJIFILM Electronic Materials (Singapore) this year, further strengthening Singapore's role as a key supply chain hub for semiconductor manufacturers across the region. FUJIFILM Electronic Materials (Singapore) also serves as the company's first and only semiconductor materials manufacturing site in Southeast Asia. In 2022, FUJIFILM Healthcare Asia Pacific was also established to serve the healthcare needs in this region, providing advanced medical imaging and diagnostic solutions to healthcare providers. This expansion reinforces Fujifilm's commitment to supporting Singapore's healthcare ecosystem, enhancing patient care and contributing to the ongoing development of medical solutions across the region.
Thirty-three Colombian soldiers have been released after being held captive for three days in a remote Amazonian village dominated by armed rebel factions and drug crops, the countrys Ombudsmans Office said.

At this moment, soldiers are withdrawing from the village Nueva York, said Iris Marin, the head of the Ombudsmans Office, in a post on X on Thursday, as troops were escorted out of the rural community in Guaviare province.

The soldiers had been detained on Monday after clashes with an armed group killed at least 10 people.

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Villagers then blocked roads, preventing the soldiers from leaving, in what the government of President Gustavo Petro described as a kidnapping. We urge people not to stigmatise the community, Marin added.

Officials from the government, the Ombudsmans Office, and the United Nations led negotiations that secured the soldiers release. Authorities initially reported 34 troops were detained but later revised the figure to 33.

Mass detentions of security forces have become a recurring tactic in Colombias southern regions, where the state has a limited presence, and armed groups often hold sway in communities.





The army has filed a formal complaint with the attorney generals office over the incident. Military commander Admiral Francisco Cubides said reinforcements had been deployed to prevent any attacks in this hostile environment and claimed locals were being manipulated by rebel factions.

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The dissident group involved is led by Ivaan Mordisco, a former commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) who rejected a 2016 peace agreement that sought to end the countrys six-decade armed conflict, which has killed more than 450,000 people.

Last week, fighters loyal to Mordisco detonated a truck bomb in the southwestern city of Cali, killing six people and injuring more than 60.

Authorities accuse his group of recruiting children and using intimidation to undermine state security forces.

The Amazonian corridor where the soldiers were detained is a hub for drug trafficking, with extensive coca plantations, the main ingredient used to produce cocaine.

Petro launched a peace initiative in 2022 aimed at reducing violence, but rights groups say the plan has yet to deliver results.
BOGOTA (Reuters) -Nearly three-dozen soldiers who had been kidnapped by armed civilians in a jungle area of southeastern Colombia have been released, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday.

The soldiers were kidnapped on August 25 after clashes in a rural part of the El Retorno municipality left 11 guerrillas dead, including a commander of a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group.

The 33 soldiers had been kidnapped shortly before evacuating the area, the minister had said.

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The jungle region is a stronghold of a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group, which rejected a 2016 peace deal.

The area is considered a strategic corridor for drug trafficking and is known for its extensive coca crops, the raw material used to make cocaine.

Authorities accuse the group of recruiting minors and pressuring civilians to resist the presence of state forces.

Kidnappings of armed forces' members are frequent in Colombia after a six-decade conflict that has left over 450,000 dead.

Leftist President Gustavo Petro launched a peace strategy in 2022 to halt clashes. Rights groups allege the plan has shown little fruits so far.

(Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra; Editing by Kylie Madry)
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Dayton Public Schools made another appearance in court Thursday after they were granted a temporary restraining order earlier this month.

DPS appearance marked the next milestone in its case against the State of Ohio  after state lawmakers passed a budget with a provision prohibiting Montgomery County from utilizing central metro hubs for student transit.

Why is DPS suing the State of Ohio over busing?

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This preliminary injunction hearing comes 10 days after the request was filed and Franklin County Common Pleas Court granted DPS motion for the temporary injunction.

The injunction called for a judge to review the statute, with DPS initial lawsuit claiming the statute is unconstitutional.

Denying our children the right to transfer downtown just takes away their rights to transportation, and our students should have that right, said Joe Lacey, DPS board member.

Attorneys representing DPS claimed if the injunction is not granted, the district will suffer immediate and irreparable harm. They also said no third parties would be harmed if the injunction is granted.

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I think our team did a good job at showing how dire this service is to our district, said Dr. Chrisondra Goodwine, DPS board member.

Representatives of the state claim that the statute is valid, saying allowing students to pass through a reportedly high crime area is dangerous.

DPS leaders told 2 NEWS this court case is a step in the right direction.

We feel that if nothing else, weve defended the rights of students to travel and get to school, said Dr. David Lawrence, DPS superintendent.

The presiding judge ending Thursdays session in the early afternoon. He will now have less than 24 hours to make a decision on whether or not DPS temporary injunction will be approved.

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The trial itself is slated to begin in September 2026.

For more coverage of the DPS busing situation, 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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Franklin County magistrate approved Dayton Public Schools motion to extend the preliminary injunction that temporarily allowed it to provide RTA passes to high school students.

DPS granted temporary restraining order on busing

According to a staff attorney for the court, the motion for preliminary injuction was granted Friday by a judge with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

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The magistrate issued a decision granting the Plaintiffs Motion for Preliminary Injunction. The decision also denied a motion to continue and granted an extension of time to file a memorandum contra.

In a statement following the decision, DPS Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence said that the district is pleased with the outcome and grateful to everyone who participated on their behalf.

We are grateful to our parents, staff, students, and community members for their ongoing support throughout this process, Lawrence said. Wed like to especially thank the parents and community members who took time out of their day to attend and testify at the hearing in Columbus.

According to DPS, the case will head to the court again next September.

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September 2026 will be here before we know it, and we look forward to holding strategy meetings with the community to prepare for the next court hearing, Lawrence said.

Why is DPS suing the State of Ohio over busing?

On Aug. 18, following a lawsuit filed by DPS against the state over RTA busing for students, the district was granted a temporary restraining order for the suit.

As a result, the district was granted permission to provide RTA passes to students.

The busing dispute stemmed from the approval of the state budget earlier this summer. The budget changes ultimately restricted DPS from purchasing RTA passes, with state lawmakers citing safety concerns.

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At the time of their filing, DPS called the changes to busing legalities arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory legislation enacted by the State.

The Greater Dayton RTA said after the temporary restraining order was granted that itd comply in the selling of students bus passes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DACA recipients and their supporters rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on June 18, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

DACA populations, the children of undocumented immigrants popularly known as Dreamers, are now excluded from enrolling in the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, following the effects of a new U.S. Health and Human Services rule. Meanwhile a recent federal court ruling has paused a few other potential changes to how people can purchase health insurance.

Formally known as Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals, the decades-old U.S. immigration policy grants children of undocumented immigrants protection from deportation and the ability to work in the country. A President Joe Biden-era policy also allowed these populations to be able to enroll in the ACA marketplace, but as of Aug. 25, they are no longer eligible.

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The court ruling also eliminated a special enrollment period for low-income people while granting a stay to other pending changes, like stricter eligibility verification for special enrollment periods and requiring enrollees to pay past-due premiums before enrolling in new coverage. This means those changes wont take effect yet, but the court case is still ongoing.

Were still waiting to see what the actual outcome of this court case will be, said Louise Norris, a health policy analyst with Healthinsurance.org.

While HHS Secretary Robert F. Kenedy Jr.s rule is meant to eliminate coverage for some, particularly people who might not need to use the ACA Marketplace; the crux of the case had argued that the changes spur eligible people to fall off getting health insurance.

The marketplace rule was designed to tighten things up and make it harder for people to enroll, Norris said. But what the plaintiffs in this case are saying is yes, but also, people will fall through the cracks.

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The case, brought forward by a coalition of various U.S. cities, health care organizations and small businesses, alleges that President Donald Trumps administration is limiting enrollment opportunities, raising consumer costs and adding administrative burdens in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.

In tandem, the federal government has handed down a slew of pending administrative changes to states and prompted uncertainties within private health insurance markets through the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), which did not address the renewal of tax credits that help lower-income earners purchase health insurance.

Additional eligibility requirements for Medicaid recipients and adjustments to hospital funding mechanisms are looming. Medicaid, the program that helps states provide health insurance to the disabled, pregnant and financially-struggling, also represents a big chunk of federal spending. In order to achieve certain tax cuts and bolster federal spending on immigration enforcement and military efforts, Republicans in Congress zeroed in on Medicaid as a place to trim the national budget. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates about 10 billion people nationwide could fall off Medicaid once the changes take effect.

Virginias Medicaid director, Cheryl Roberts, told state lawmakers this summer that she expects the extra verification work to be a challenge for various state departments and local governments.

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Of Virginias roughly 1.9 million people on Medicaid, over 600,000 of them are estimated to be most affected by the changes, she added.

Meanwhile, hospitals argued in a letter to Congress that eventually additional costs they absorb to care for people without insurance will lead to tough choices. Those include potentially reduced services and staff, negotiating higher rates with private insurers  a cost that will be passed on to consumers  or in some cases, hospital closures.

While marketplaces gear up for open enrollment periods towards the end of this year, the lack of renewal of ACA Marketplace tax credits has healthy consumers wondering if they should forego health care next year and hope they dont get injured or sick.

Its sort of like three big puzzle pieces that are all driving premiums higher for next year, Norris said.

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Preemptively, Aetna has already announced its pulling out of the ACA Marketplace, though it didnt say why when theyMercury asked. Norris surmises that a variety of factors are at play for companies as they weigh matters, too.

These three issues are definitely causing instability in the marketplace, Norris said, noting how the changes create hoops that not everyone can jump through.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, has emphasized that uninsured people will still need care. That care might be put off until emergencies arise and then it becomes more expensive. She is pressing her colleagues to renew the ACA tax credits and wants to work with others on undoing parts of the OBBA.

With open enrollment coming, we really need to act quickly, McClellan said.





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Police are asking the public to help them identify a suspect in a drive-by shooting that targeted a Dracut home early Saturday morning.

Dracut police were called to a home on Varnum Road near Robert Street for a report of gunfire around 4:25 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, Dracut police said in a press release Thursday. At the scene, officers found a dozen spent shell casings scattered across the road in the area.

Soon, a nearby homeowner told police that several bullets had struck their home, police said. Four bullets were found on the dining room floor and in an upstairs hallway, but the homeowner did not report any injuries resulting from the shooting.

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Officers were called back to the area for a report of possible gunfire around 8:20 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, but did not find any shell casings or property damage, police said. It is unclear if the two incidents are related.

While investigating the incident, police recovered security video that showed that the gunfire in the first incident came from a light-colored sedan that drove past the home, but the video is low quality and doesnt clearly show the vehicles identifying characteristics, police said. Even so, police have shared the video with the public in the hopes of garnering additional information about the suspect vehicle.

Dracut police ask that anyone with information about either incident call them at 978-957-2123.

More local crime stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
VAN DYNE, Wis. (WFRV)  Two people from Green Bay were arrested following a high-speed pursuit in Fond du Lac County that led to the seizure of drugs.

According to the Fond du Lac County Sheriffs Office, around 7:40 p.m. on August 28, a deputy reportedly saw a vehicle pull out in front of another vehicle on Van Dyne Road and Main Street in Van Dyne.

Due to nearly causing a crash, tinted windows, and an obstructed rear license plate, the deputy initiated a traffic stop. Deputies say the vehicles two occupants refused to show their drivers licenses. It was also noted that the deputy detected the odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle.

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Suspect in custody after isolated stabbing incident in Brown County, victim in stable condition

The driver, later identified as a 24-year-old Green Bay woman who had an outstanding warrant for her arrest, sped away, and a pursuit began south on Van Dyne Road.

During the pursuit, the vehicle allegedly passed other vehicles in the opposite traffic lane and accelerated to speeds over 130 mph.

A tire deflation device was later successful, deflating two of its tires; however, the vehciel continued at speeds of around 70 mph through North Fond du Lac.

Shortly after, the vehicle hit a curb and came to a stop on Prospect Avenue near Garfield Street. The 24-year-old was then taken into custody.

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History of violence towards women: Wisconsin man gets 6.5 years in prison for possessing firearm as convicted felon

A foot pursuit for the passenger began after he fled the vehicle and was later taken into custody with help from witnesses.

A K9 gave a positive alert on the vehicle, leading authorities to seize multiple illicit substances and drug paraphernalia.

The driver and passenger were arrested on the following charges:

Driver  24-year-old Green Bay woman

1st degree recklessly endangering safety

Fleeing and eluding an officer

Resisting and obstructing an officer

Possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Felony bail jumping

Passenger  36-year-old Green Bay man

Felony bail jumping

Resisting and obstructing an officer

Possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic

Possession of drug paraphernalia

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The passenger had two active warrants for their arrest, and was on active probation through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, deputies say.

The pursuit lasted just under six miles, and no injuries were reported.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the North Fond du Lac Police Department, City of Fond du Lac Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol.

No additional 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.
A forest fire has broken out near the village of Krinitsa, close to Gelendzhik in Russias Krasnodar Krai, after drone debris fell in the area. One of the fire sites is less than a kilometre from the Krinitsa winery, which is linked to Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Source: The Insider; Vazhnyye Istorii (Important Stories); Agentstvo; Veniamin Kondratyev, Governor of Krasnodar Krai

Details: Local authorities reported the fire on the morning of 28 August.

Photo: The Insider

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As of the morning of 29 August, the fire had spread to 41.5 hectares. The village of Krinitsa is located about 10 km from Putins palace on Cape Idokopas.

Photo: The Insider

Some reports suggest the fire may be 34 km from the residence. The governor reported that more than 330 firefighters, around 80 pieces of fire appliances, a helicopter, and a Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations plane are involved in extinguishing the blaze.

In the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) documentary on "Putins Palace", the Krinitsa winery was referred to as "Staryi Provence", for which, among other things, gilded Italian toilet brushes were purchased.

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Previously: On 28 August, Russian authorities reported drone attacks on several regions of Russia, while locals reported fires at two oil refineries and a railway hub.

Background:

On 19 January 2021, the day after Alexei Navalnys arrest, his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) published an investigation into the palace supposedly belonging to Vladimir Putin near Gelendzhik.

According to FBK, the palace was built and maintained by state companies Rosneft and Transneft, headed by Putins friends. The official area of the palace is 17,691 sq. m., and the estate covers 68 hectares, though FBK claims the property is 100 times larger, with an additional 7,000 hectares belonging to the FSB. In September 2020, the complex was leased until 2068.

Putins spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the video revealed nothing new, noting the topic had been raised three to four years ago and that the buildings are not Putins property. Peskov also claimed Putin does not use the Gelendzhik palace. Putin himself has stated that the palace has never belonged to him.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  What you need to know about the latest updates on the Aloha Stadium remodel.

Paperwork regarding the operations agreement and ground lease agreement for the stadium has been finalized. Both documents are key players in reaching the development goal.

Gov. Green says New Aloha Stadium can expand, hopes for earlier opening date

The ground lease agreement guarantees the states $350 million commitment to the renovations.

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The documents were expected to be signed earlier this month but are still undergoing final administrative review. Officials say the signatures should happen in the next couple of weeks.

Three different parties are expected to sign: AHDP, the state and the stadium authority.

We understand all documents have been finalized and are with all parties right now and are under administrative review. Were focused on that win, that weve hit that milestone, said Stadium Authority Board Chair Eric Fujimoto.

Board approval moves Aloha Stadium project forward: Completion date moved to March 2029

Permits for the demolition have been approved and remain on track. Prep work will start in October. The stadium will begin demolition around the new year.

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The swap meet will be relocated on Oct. 1 to the upper Halawa lot, where the space is almost complete to welcome and accommodate vendors and shoppers.

The renovations were hoped to be tackled by August 2028 but are now projected to reach the end zone in March 2029.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Suffolk and Nassau, as well as 18 other counties in New York, are under a drought watch, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday.

A drought watch is declared when a drought is developing.

Public water suppliers begin to conserve water and urge customers to reduce water use. Other stages of a drought include a drought warning, a drought emergency, and a drought disaster.

Even with some recent rain, it wasnt enough to reduce the dry conditions weve seen most of the summer this year, Governor Hochul said. In order to prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen, we could see local water restrictions in the Long Island, Adirondack, and Great Lakes regions of the state.

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Other New York counties under a drought watch include: Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Warren, Wayne, and the northern portion of Cayuga County.

Current drought conditions map for 1.3.25

New York State recommends reducing water use by fixing leaky pipes, washing cars less frequently, and taking shorter showers.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX) ranks among the best sin stocks to buy right now. On August 22, HSBC reduced its price target for Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX) to $112 from $122, while retaining a Buy rating on the companys shares. The adjustment comes as FEMSA engages in what HSBC calls a generational leadership transition, with the board slated to name a new CEO this year.

HSBC Maintains Buy Rating on FEMSA (FMX) Amid CEO Succession Plans

Copyright: oliverhuitson / 123RF Stock Photo

According to HSBC, FEMSA has excellent internal executive candidates who have demonstrated success at Oxxo, beverages, and in spearheading digital transformation. The CEO of the Proximity and Health Division, Jose Antonio Fernandez Garza, was specifically mentioned by the firm as a possible nominee.

Moreover, FEMSAs board has been more in line with minority shareholders over the past two years by selling non-core assets and giving back capital to shareholders, though HSBC says there is still more to do in this area.

Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:FMX), also known as FEMSA, is a multinational beverage and retail firm based in Monterrey, Mexico.

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

READ NEXT: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
(The Center Square)  The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds have received over $50 million in upgrades, part of Gov. J.B. Pritzkers efforts to modernize the venue while supporters highlight the ongoing value of maintaining two state fairs in Illinois.

State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said she will keep fighting for the Du Quoin State Fair, even as critics argue taxpayers should not maintain two state fairs.

For people living in Alexander or Massac counties, Springfield is a four-hour drive  theyre actually closer to Nashville, Tennessee, than to our state capital. Thats why the Du Quoin State Fair is so important to deep southern Illinois, said Bryant. It may be funded at only a fraction of what Springfield receives, but it still serves a critical purpose. Some argue Illinois doesnt need two state fairs, but in a state this large, we do.

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Bryant said the Illinois Department of Agriculture has historically aimed to break even on the Du Quoin fair and often exceeded that.

Pritzker this month announced $16.4 million in road repairs for the Du Quoin fairgrounds, adding to more than $30 million from his Rebuild Illinois program and $21.7 million in work completed by the fairgrounds own Buildings and Grounds team.

Thanks to the leadership of Governor Pritzker and the Rebuild Illinois initiative, weve been able to address decades of deferred maintenance and work toward restoring the fairgrounds to their full potential, said Jerry Costello, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. These upgrades not only enhance the visitor experience but also reaffirm the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds critical role as an economic engine for Southern Illinois.

By comparison, the Illinois State Fair in Springfield has received roughly $140 million in combined funding from taxpayers, $53 million from the Department of Agriculture and $86 million through the Rebuild Illinois program.

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Bryant defended maintaining two state fairs in a geographically large state.

Lets say you live in Du Quoin, its a three-hour drive to Springfield. My grandkids showed hogs at the fair this year, and they would never have been able to go to Springfield, said Bryant. Their parents wouldnt have taken them. But its just a 30-minute drive to Du Quoin, where they can enjoy the same amenities as Springfield.

Bryant explained tourism is Southern Illinois strongest asset, especially amid the regions economic challenges.

Another jewel for southern Illinois is the shooting complex in Sparta, which hosts the Grand American shooting competition and generates $20 to $40 million in tourism revenue, Bryant told The Center Square. On the few occasions its been canceled, the impact has been devastating for the region.

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When asked if Du Quoin should get more funding than Springfield, being the region faces economic challenges, Bryant said, I dont think we have to choose one fair over the other, as long as both remain at a level that showcases Illinois effectively. Du Quoins goal is always to stay affordable for families, so they dont have to travel all the way to Springfield.

The Du Quoin State Fair runs through Sept. 1.
DURHAM, Conn. (WTNH)  A Durham man has been arrested and charged in connection with a crash that killed an 86-year-old man on Route 17 in January.

On Monday, Jan. 6 at around 1:20 p.m., 86-year-old John Festa of Northford was killed after two cars collided head-on and one of them was rear-ended by a third car directly behind.

FROM JANUARY: 86-year-old dead after crash in Durham

According to Connecticut State Police, 22-year-old Nevin Moore was arrested at around 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27 and charged with misconduct of a motor vehicle and third-degree assault.

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Moore was released on a $150,000 bond and will appear in Middletown Superior Court on Friday, Sept. 10.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP)  Some U.S. businesses verify applicants' eligibility to work using an online government system called E-Verify. When individuals present their documents showing they're authorized to work, employers can check the validity of that information by using the free tool to compare it with records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.

A Homeland Security official has accused authorities in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, of reckless reliance on the program after a Jamaica national working as a police officer there was arrested by immigration authorities even though he'd been vetted through E-Verify when he was hired.

But experts say there are few other options for validating information on work eligibility.

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A look at E-Verify by the numbers:

29 years

The E-Verify system has been in use for nearly three decades. It was established as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to help verify the documents that workers present showing that they are authorized to work.

23 states

Unlike I-9 forms, which are federally required for every employer, E-Verify is voluntary unless required in some way by a specific state. Almost half the states require E-Verify for at least some public or private employers, according to an Equifax tally.

1.39 million employers

The government said the number of employers participating in E-Verify rose to nearly 1.4 million this year, but the system isn't widely used. About a fifth of U.S. employers use it, according to U.S. Census figures that show about that there are roughly 6.2 million employer companies in the country. But some big businesses do so, including Walmart, Starbucks and Home Depot.

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43.5 million checks

Department of Homeland Security statistics state that E-Verify was used to perform about 43.5 million checks of prospective employees in fiscal 2024. The figure rose toward the end of the fiscal year, as more than 11.5 million checks were run in the final quarter.

98.3% are automatically confirmed

The vast majority of prospective employees checked via E-Verify were confirmed as eligible. About 98.3% were automatically confirmed as work-authorized instantly or within 24 hours, and that required no action by the employer or the employee, according to federal data.

About 1.5% were found not to be work-authorized. The remaining prospective employees were later confirmed as work-authorized after taking action to resolve a mismatch, according to E-Verify's website.

___

Associated Press reporter Mae Anderson in New York contributed to this report.
Against all odds, Tyler Wells Altadena restaurant remains standing. Like roughly 10,000 homes and structures in the area, many of the surrounding businesses burned in Januarys Eaton fire, changing the mountain towns community and landscape forever.

After the neighborhood's destruction Wells thought his restaurant would never reopen, but on Saturday, Betsy  formerly called Bernee  will serve its rustic, seasonal cuisine once again. It will usher in customers for the return of its hearth-fired menu in what Wells hopes will be a beacon of light and a gathering place for Altadena after so much pain.

Read more: This massive map helps Altadena fire victims feel seen

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Betsy  near the corner of Lake Avenue and Mariposa Street  is flanked by remnants of the fire's destruction: to the west, a hollowed-out brick structure that once held the local hardware store, its metal light fixtures still wilted from the heat; to the south, a leveled lot that was once a Spanish-language school; and north, there's what's left of a pottery studio and neighborhood stalwarts Cafe de Leche and Rancho Bar.

Fires an incredible thing, and also will decimate an entire city and ruin people's lives, Wells said. The allure of it for me is to not control it  and this is getting spiritual  but to find that harmony. Maybe we can do our tiniest little part to restore some of that balance.

Betsy chefs man the wood-fired hearth in the Altadena restaurant. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Bernee debuted Dec. 7, 2024. In its one month of service before the fire, guests dined on steaks, cast-iron potatoes and rich, fluffy burnt cheesecakes in the glow of its wood-fired hearth. The oven, overseen by lead chef Paul Downer, burned through almond wood and red oak, required near-round-the-clock staff, and functioned as a baking oven by day and a blazing grill and roasting oven for meat, fish, beans and charred vegetables by night.

Wells had poured himself into the space, building his own tables, shelves and sleek wooden walls. Through personal duress, including the dissolution of his marriage to Ashley Wells and of their partnership in popular Los Feliz restaurant All Time, he found hope and focus in his new Altadena restaurant.

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On Jan. 2 he moved to a new home, nearer to what is now Betsy, which is named for his late mother. On the day of the Eaton fire he told his therapist, I don't know, man, I could see myself being happy here. There's a little crack with light being shown in. He had a morning of revelation and optimism. That night, located practically along the Eaton Canyon trail, his new house was directly in the fires path.

Owner Tyler Wells chats with guests in the dining room of his restaurant, Betsy, in Altadena on Aug. 24. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Wells never imagined the fire would reach the city. On Jan. 7 he worked the restaurant til close, and helped his staff leave early and chart safer routes back to their homes.

I was like, The restaurant's fine, you guys get home safe, he said. Like, this restaurant is so far from the mountain, a fire can't burn through all of this. Little did I know about these grapefruit-sized embers getting blasted down the mountain.

That night he evacuated a few of his own belongings. Then he woke up to roughly 150 text messages, many simply sharing statements like, Its all gone.

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I was just like, OK, the restaurant's gone. My house is gone. I'm separated. I just had this moment: I'm out. I'm leaving now, he said. I was just like, I'm not coming back to L.A. This is it.

He began to envision starting over anew, maybe in another state, maybe in Mexico. Not two hours later, Paola Guasp  owner of Amara Kitchen, which also burned  reached out: Wells restaurant was, somehow, still standing.

Read more: Fire hits Altadena's burgeoning, tight-knit food community at vulnerable moment

He drove to Mariposa Street to check on Bernee and happened to meet one of his staff, whod also decided to visit the restaurant at that moment. They embraced, then Wells grabbed two cases of the most expensive wine in the building and drove north without a destination.

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Wells had befriended potter Victoria Morris and her husband, Morgan Bateman, occasionally dropping by the ceramics studio housed in the building behind Bernee. It burned in January. So did their home.

As Wells drove north he called an Ojai hotel and booked a few nights there, then called Morris and Bateman, who have a home in Ojai. Morris told him to cancel his hotel. I was like, What? What do you mean? he asked. And there was a long pause, and she's like, Tyler, f you. You live with us now.

For eight weeks they processed the fire and their losses and grief. Those meals and months with them, he said, are moments hell cherish for the rest of his life.

Bone-in rib-eye with grilled Romano beans and tallow-roasted potatoes at Betsy. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

He then traveled to Mexico City to visit friends, and his return to California, he vowed, would only be a temporary one.

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A call from the Ecology Center, a sprawling farm and market stand in San Juan Capistrano, changed his course. Could he help reshape the onsite cafe, molding its menus and programming closer to the farms bounty? No, he thought, he wasnt ready. Wells traveled to Colorado, but he couldnt get the Ecology Center out of his mind; he cut his trip short and headed back, throwing himself into work on the farm, its cafe and ticketed dinners and events. Then he called in Bernee reinforcements.

Cast-iron focaccia with tomatoes, burrata, basil, olive oil and West Virginia salt at Betsy. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Joey Messina, a cook at Betsy, agreed to temporarily relocate to the farm. Wells vacated the Airstream trailer on the property for him, and took up new residency on the propertys yurt. When they needed waitstaff help they called Tom Oakes, also currently at Betsy; he trekked down to join them and Wells relocated again, this time pitching a tent between two orange trees. He remained there for eight weeks. More staff followed.

They called it dirtbag summer camp, working 18 hours a day, then cooking luxurious meals with produce pulled right from the ground. These dinners convinced him to stay.

L.A.'s got some challenges that are really hard for me as a business owner, but these are my people, he said. These are the greatest friends I've ever known in my life.  Its hot and it's expensive and it's a pain in the ass to do business here, but the greatest people in the world are here.

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After its closure, most of Bernees staff found work in other restaurants. Some, like server Courtney Johnson  the new curator of Betsys wine list  told The Times that they were ready to leave the industry entirely, unless Wells reopened his restaurant.

They made the decision that the restaurant's reopening, Wells said. I had to just pull a few levers here and there, like, Here's your restaurant back. I can't believe it.

Guests in the dining room of Betsy in Altadena. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

The timing, he said, also began to feel right. The first months were horrifying, filled with trauma and smoke. In spring when construction crews began clearing the lots, he felt slightly optimistic. Through the summer, grass began to grow. The air felt cleaner. He saw signs of life returning to the community.

I just realized: We're right at the bottom of this climb, and it's a hell of a climb, and I want to be a part of it, he said. This is where I fit in.

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What kind of a member of this community would he be, he thought, if he only returned once all the damage had cleared?

Read more: 'I'm not going anywhere': For one Altadena fire survivor, the math makes sense to rebuild

He renamed the restaurant and tweaked the menu for seasonality, but nearly everything remains as it did during Bernees single month of service. Hes gotten that wood-fired hearth back up and running. He deep-cleaned the air ducts and filters and restocked its kitchen.

On Aug. 3 he threw his first dinner at Betsy, cooking for friends, family, neighbors, and guests whod cut their dinner short on the night the fire began in January. Wells gave the staff a pre-opening speech that was so unexpectedly emotional it brought him to tears in front of them all.

Inside the lighting is dim and the fire roars in the hearth grill, but outside the seating at Betsy is calm, sunny and relaxed. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

I was just like, This restaurant is not a restaurant, he said. That's a silly thing, but what it represents is something so much bigger and deeper, and what it means for people in the community.

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On Aug. 24, during another practice run of dinner service, a customer approached Wells in the dining room and tapped him gently on the shoulder from behind.

He didnt know her, she said softly over the din of the guests, but she lives in the neighborhood. She said she needed to tell him that the return of the restaurant felt like the start of something new for Altadena, and she was so glad it came back.

I think people do see it as a beacon, just to let a little bit of light in, Wells said later. It's not going to be just us, obviously  I think we need another 1,000 examples of that  but it's so meaningful to me. That's what restaurants have always been for me, but to be able to do it in this kind of time and place is really powerful. It feels like a calling for all of us.

Betsy is at 875 E. Mariposa St. in Altadena, open daily from 5 p.m. until close.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN)  The years-long effort to save Coalburg Lake appears to be progressing.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy talked about its plan to purchase the lake from the current owners during a special meeting Friday hosted by Trumbull County Commissioners.

The conservancy would then donate about 15 acres around and including the dam to the Community Foundation of Eastern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania. The two organizations would partner to fundraise to revitalize the dam.

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The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is up against a September 12 deadline to apply for grant funding to purchase the property. Its seeking a resolution of support from county commissioners and both Hubbard and Brookfield Township trustees.

We cant do any of that until the property is under control of somebody that cares about saving the dam, said Alex Czayka, chief conservation officer with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

They do need these resolutions because they are going after the Clean Ohio fund, which is a grant through the state of Ohio, which will preserve the conservancy of the property for eternity, said Hubbard Township Trustee Jason Tedrow.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy thinks the plan is the right fit.

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This is going to be the right team we need to move forward to protect and preserve that property for use for all citizens in a public way, Malloy said.

The Western Reserve Land Conservancy anticipates itll take about a year to take ownership of the property if everything goes as planned. The lakes current owners are under a consent decree to complete construction to permanently breach, modify, or remediate the dam by September 30, 2026.

The commissioners are on board as long as the trustees are happy with it. We dont have any reason not to be happy with it. I am very optimistic about it. I still have a lot of hurdles, and we still have to see whether or not the dam is going to remain, said Trumbull County Commissioner Rick Hernandez.

Kyle English, with the Community Foundation, believes the idea deserves focused consideration.

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Its not lets save the dam at all costs, I dont think. I think we just wanted to have the study done to be able to see if the dam could be saved. And from our understanding, Coalburg Lake could be an amazing community asset.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Menna AlaaElDin, Mohamed Ezz and Yazan Kalach

CAIRO (Reuters) -Egyptian authorities have been rounding up teenaged TikTokkers with millions of followers, detaining dozens in recent weeks on accusations ranging from violating family values to laundering money.

Police have announced dozens of arrests and prosecutors say they are investigating at least 10 cases of alleged unlawful financial gains. They have imposed travel bans and asset freezes and confiscated devices.

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Critics say the escalation fits into a broader effort by the state to police speech and codify conduct, in a country where social media has long served as one of the few alternatives to traditional media largely controlled by the state.

Many of those who have been detained were only small children when activists used Facebook to mobilise the 2011 protests that toppled long-serving president Hosni Mubarak.

Lawyers say indecency laws are vague. The authorities can go through a TikTokker's entire back catalogue of posts, and if they find even a single post they consider indecent, they can declare influencers' income illegal and charge them with financial crimes over their earnings.

Mariam Ayman, a 19-year-old who has gathered 9.4 million followers posting videos since she was a schoolgirl under the name Suzy El Ordonia, has been jailed since August 2. She faces charges of distributing indecent content and laundering 15 million pounds ($300,000).

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The Interior Ministry said she was arrested after the authorities received complaints about her posts. In her final video, posted the day before her arrest, she seemed aware that she was facing a threat.

"Egyptians don't get arrested just because they appear on TikTok," she said.

She acknowledged that in previous videos she may have "agitated, cursed, or told a bad joke" but said this was meant to vent frustration, and "not meant to teach the younger generation to follow suit".

Her lawyer, Marawan al-Gindy, declined to comment directly on her case, but said that in general indecency laws were being applied arbitrarily.

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"There is a law that criminalises indecent acts, but what we need is consistent application and defined rules, not just for TikTok, for all platforms," he said.

PATH TO FAME

The path to TikTok fame in Egypt, as elsewhere, can seem random. Suzy, like millions of other teens, had a habit of posting videos of her daily life and morning makeup routine.

A few years ago, one of her livestreams went viral when she replied to a comment from her father, a bus conductor, with a rhyming Arabic quip that soon swept the country as a catchphrase.

She racked up millions of followers, who tuned in to see her share a meal with friends or dance to street musicians in Turkey. Thirty-one million people watched her have a photo shoot with her boyfriend. Her sister, who has a mental disability, appeared in some videos, helping lift social stigma around disability.

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But even such generally upbeat videos with no overt political content can imply criticism of the hardships of daily life.

In an interview with a podcaster recorded before her arrest, Suzy said that if she had 10 million Egyptian pounds, she would spend half of it to move her family to a better home, help her parents start a shop and enrol her sister in a private school to receive better care.

Shortly after that appearance, her interviewer, podcaster Mohamed Abdel Aaty, was also arrested.

The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) earlier this month urged the Interior Ministry and the public prosecution to halt "an aggressive security campaign" based on what morality provisions it described as vague.

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The prosecutions rely on a broadly worded article of a 2018 cybercrime law that criminalises infringing on "any of the principles or family values in Egyptian society", said EIPR lawyer Lobna Darwish.

The broad standard means TikTokkers have been arrested for content that would not be out of place on mainstream TV, Darwish said.

The rights organisation has tracked at least 151 people charged under the article across more than 109 cases in the past five years, a tally it says is probably an undercount.

As the campaign has escalated, prosecutors have encouraged citizens to report objectionable content. The Interior Ministry itself runs an account on TikTok which has posted comments on hundreds of videos urging creators to abide by morals.

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TikTokkers lately have found themselves inundated with comments accusing them of immorality. Some people calling for arrests have even circulated a claim, without evidence, that influencers were running an organ trafficking network.

Darwish said the campaign has widened from targeting female TikTok users to including people with dissenting religious views or LGBT Egyptians. Some people had been investigated over private content that had not been publicly shared but had leaked from their phones, she said.

The State Information Service did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

TikTok says it enforces its own community guidelines through automation and human moderation. In its latest quarterly report, it said it had removed over 2.9 million videos from Egypt. TikTok representatives declined to answer Reuters' request for comment.

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Social media adviser Ramy Abdel Aziz said TikTok creators in Egypt can earn around $1.20 per thousand views of a video, around a tenth of what creators can earn in the United States but still potentially a windfall in a low-wage country.

"Social media can be a huge source of income, but it would still require a long time to generate it especially if the [income] is made in legitimate ways," Abdel Aziz said.

Financial analyst and anti-money-laundering expert Tamer Abdul Aziz said that if the state's real concern was illegal financial flows, it should be looking at companies, not content creators.

"If there's a crime, you look at the owner or the financial flows, not the performers," he added.

(1 Egyptian pound= $0.021)

(Reporting by Menna AlaaEldin, Mohamed Ezz, and Yazan KalachEditing by Peter Graff)
(FOX40.COM)  The Elk Grove Police Department responded to a vehicle versus bicyclist collision early Friday morning.

Video above: Sacramento County DA declines to file charges against state Senator Sabrina Cervantes

According to EPD, the crash happened around Calvine Road between Bader Road and Bradshaw Road around 2:33 a.m.

Sacramento restaurants to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

A 39-year-old man from Sacramento was sitting on his bike in the road when he was hit by a car traveling east on Calvine Road. The driver stopped, remained on the scene, and is cooperating with the investigation.

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Officials found the bicyclist dead on the scene when they arrived, Elk Grove police said.

The Sacramento County Coroners Office will make the identification of the deceased.

As of now, the driver has not shown any signs of impairment, and speed does not appear to be a factor.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mom influencer Emilie Kiser has spoken out publicly for the first time since her son's death in May. Instagram @emiliekiser

Influencer Emilie Kiser is taking full accountability for her son Triggs drowning in her first statement since the 3-year-old died on May 18.

Trigg was found unresponsive in his familys backyard pool, according to a statement shared by the Chandler Police Department in Arizona, which oversaw the investigation of the toddlers drowning.

Loss of this magnitude feels impossible to put into words, Emilie Kiser said in a statement shared on her social media on Thursday. Ive spent days, weeks, months trying to find them and also take the time Ive needed to digest the loss of my baby.

Related: Bethany Hamiltons 3-Year-Old Nephew Dies After Drowning Accident

Trigg was in the care of his father, Brady Kiser, at the time, while his mother was away from the house. The police department said that Trigg was in the backyard unsupervised for more than nine minutes, and in the water for about seven of those minutes, according to a report seen by People magazine.

The 3-year-old was recovered from the pool and hospitalized in critical condition, and died six days later.

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Emilie Kiser said in her statement that she takes full accountability as Triggs mother, and I know I should have done more to protect him.

One of the hardest lessons I carry is that a permanent pool fence could have saved his life, and its something I will never overlook again, she wrote. I hope amidst this pain, Triggs story will help prevent other children and families from suffering the same loss.

Emilie Kiser also seemingly addressed the staggering amount of online attention and speculation her sons death incurred.

Related: 'Lightyear' Writer Reminds Snoop Dogg Exactly Why Film's Lesbian Couple 'Matters'

Moving forward, I will be establishing more boundaries with what I share online, she said as she wrapped up her statement. In the future, I hope to be in a place to share more about how I am navigating this grief, but right now, all I can say is thank you for the love, compassion, patience and space youve given us to grieve.

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The Chandler Police Department declined to share additional comment on Kisers statement.

Prior to Triggs death, Emilie and Brady Kiser welcomed a second child, a baby named Theodore, in March.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Originally appeared on E! Online

Emmanuel Haros dad is maintaining his innocence.

Nearly a week after Jake Haro and his wife Rebecca Haro were arrested for the murder of their missing 7-month-old son, the 32-year-old spoke out, telling The Orange County Register that the allegations made by authorities against the couple were not true at all.

I want to talk about it, but I cant, Jake continued in an interview published Aug. 27, referring to instructions from his attorney. I was told, dont do no press.

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Jakewho along with Rebecca was arrested and charged with the murder of Emmanuel as well as filing a false police report Aug. 22is currently being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning with a $1 million bail set.

The fatherwho also shares a 2-year-old daughter with Rebecca and a 7-year-old daughter from a previous relationshiptold the California local outlet that he has been completely cooperative with authorities.

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Jake also addressed his past criminal history. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to child cruelty over a 2018 incident in which his 10-week-old daughter was reported to have multiple bone fractures, retinal hemorrhages and brain injuries that have left her permanently disabled.

In the recent interview, Jake told The Orange Country Register he wanted the case to go to trial, but was unable to afford the legal fees, leading to his guilty plea. While noting the sentence180 days in the sheriffs work-release program and required attendance of a child-abuser treatment programwas fair, he maintained the occurrence for which he was charged was an accident.

Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

I was sick of court, he said, alleging, Somehow, they magically convinced me to take this damn plea deal.

However, a representative of the Riverside County District Attorneys Office Communications Division told E! News there was "no plea agreement" with their office in the 2023 case.

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"The defendant pled directly to the court," DA Information Specialist John Hall said in a statement. "In any case where a defendant pleads to the court, like this one, they enter guilty pleas to all counts and the judge decides and renders the sentence. We strongly opposed the plea to the court in this case."

E! News previously reached out to his lawyers regarding Emmanuels case but has not yet heard back.

As for his wife Rebecca, Jake also insisted the 41-year-old is innocent.

The media is killing her, he said. She is a beautiful woman. She loves her children.

Even so, Jake admitted he understands the scrutiny he and his wife are under.

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The allegations are horrendous, so of course people are going to be riled up, he said. God is with us.

If there was one thing Jake could say to his 7-month-old, he said, I love you, buddy.

In a statement to the Orange County Register, the San Bernardino sheriffs department declined to comment on Jakes interview.

We are not going to comment on statements made by the suspect, the statement read. Nor provide any details about the investigation.

While Rebecca is currently being held at Robert Presley Detention Center, she similarly echoed her husbands sentiment.

I will not give up, she told a reporter from the Southern California News Group, per its publication the Press-Enterprise Aug. 25. I want to be out looking for my baby.

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For a deeper look into the case, keep reading

Aug. 14: Rebecca Haro reports Emmanuel missing

On the evening of Aug. 14, 2025, Rebecca Haro reported her and husband Jake Haro's 7-month-old baby boy Emmanuel missing, claiming he was kidnapped at a Big 5 sporting goods store in Yucaipa, Calif. while she was changing his diaper. I was going to get the diaper and somebody said, Hola, and I dont remember anything since, she told KTLA 5 Aug. 15. "I woke up here on the floor and I didnt see Emmanuel. The San Bernardino County Sheriff later shared a press release regarding the search for Emmanuel. "This is an active investigation, and we are seeking the publics help in locating the child," the police department wrote in an Instagram post. "He was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie, he weighs about 21 pounds, is approximately 24 inches tall, has brown hair, brown eyes, and is cross-eyed."





Aug. 22: Rebecca Haro and Jake Haro are arrested

Days into the search for the child, authorities noted that Jake had retained an attorney and they were beginning to notice "inconsistencies" in Rebecca's kidnapping story. Two days later, on Aug. 22, 2025, Jake and Rebecca were arrested and charged with the murder of their son, and for making a false police report. "This morning, detectives from the Sheriffs Homicide Detail and Specialized Enforcement Division arrested Jake and Rebecca Haro at their residence in Cabazon for PC 187  Murder," authorities wrote in an Instagram post on the day of the arrest, adding in a subsequent post one day later: "Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmauel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing." Despite their arrest, both parents maintained their innocence. "I will not give up, Rebecca told a reporter from the Southern California News Group, per its publication the Press-Enterprise. "I will not give up on my baby. And after a previous child endangerment charge Jake was given in 2021which he pleaded guilty to in 2023resurfaced, Rebecca maintained in the same interview, He would never hurt a baby.





Aug. 27: District Attorney details alleged abuse of Emmanuel

In a press conference on Aug. 27, 2025, Mike Herstin, a California district attorney, came forward with details authorities had uncovered about the alleged abuse inflicted upon Emmanuel. "The evidence shows that baby Emmanuel endured ongoing abuse that ultimately took his life," Herstin said. "Our office is committed to ensuring that justice is done for this child and that his short life is not forgotten."





Aug. 27: Authorities estimate when Emmanuel was likely killed

In a complaint submitted by prosecutors and obtained by E! News on Aug. 27, 2025, they wrote that Emmanuel died on or about August 05, 2025, through and including August 14, 2025, in the County of Riverside, State of California, the defendant(s) did willfully and unlawfully murder." The estimated timeline could indicate that Emmanuel was dead for as long as nine days before Rebecca reported his alleged kidnapping.

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Aug. 27: Jake Haro speaks out

In a brief interview with The Orange County Register on Aug. 27, 2025, Jake said the allegations made by Herstin during the press conference about his son's disappearance were "not true at all." The fatherwho also shares a young daughter with Rebeccadeclined to speak further about his son's disappearance at the recommendation of his attorney. God is with us, he added to the outlet. The allegations are horrendous, so of course people are going to be riled up. He noted that if he could tell his son one thing, it would be, "I love you, buddy."



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)  The Terre Haute Police Department and the Vigo County Crisis Intervention team is hosting a day-and-a-half meeting, in collaboration with National Alliance on Mental Illness.

On Thursday evening, the meeting brought together representatives from multiple organizations and agencies to discuss mental health crisis response efforts in the community.



Participants used the sequential intercept model to evaluate current systems, identify strengths and weaknesses, and begin planning for improved services in the future. The goal of the event is to evaluate the current mental health crisis response areas of strength and weakness.

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I think its been a really great day of people being able to network and communicate and connect, said Natasha Newcomb, Chief of Crisis Division.

The event will continue tomorrow (Friday August 30).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Innovative Systems, a Mitchell, South Dakota-based billing and payments software services company, was acquired by the Chicago private equity firm GTCR this month. The software firm caters to regional broadband internet service providers, and also offers operating software in addition to its bill processing capabilities, according to a Wednesday press release on the deal.

As part of the purchase from the private equity firm Alpine Investors, a new CEO, Scott Alcott, was appointed to lead Innovative Systems. Alcott was formerly chief information officer at the telecommunications company Comcast, from 2012 to 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile. The company was formed in 1998 and was previously led by founder Roger Musick for more than two decades, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Innovative Systems' platform creates a seamless, end-to-end operational and billing experience that eliminates the cost and complexity associated with integrating and maintaining disconnected point solutions, the release said.

Dive Insight:

A spokesperson for the investment firm declined to comment on financial details of the transaction. Innovative Systems has about 200 employees, the spokesperson said.

GTCR is acquiring Innovative Systems after reaping significant gains on its 2023 purchase of majority ownership in the merchant services company Worldpay for $18.5 billion. The investment firm turned around quickly and agreed to sell its Worldpay stake for $24.25 billion earlier this year, reaping significant gains after owning the property for a relatively short period by private equity measures.

While there was a dearth of merger and acquisition activity in the first half of the year, industry consultants expect transactions to pick up in the second half of the year.

So far, some companies have been tucking in smaller additions. For example, mega processor Fidelity National Information Services bought Canadian company Everlink Payment Services, disclosed this month, to fuel its international expansion. FIS CEO Stephanie Ferris said the company has more acquisitions in the works.

The smaller processor rival Payroc WorldAccess has been on an acquisition tear. This month it announced it bought BlueSnap, a payments orchestration firm that has focused on the middle market, and payment gateway services provider Agilisa Technologies. That was after disclosing the purchase of cloud-based firm LedgerPay in July.
UPDATE 12:00 PM: Springfield police say the missing person has been safely located.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The Springfield Police Department is asking for help finding an endangered missing person who traveled to the area from Washington State.

According to SPD, Kaleb S. Davis, 36, drove to Springfield from Seattle in a rented white 2005 Nissan Sentra with Oregon plate number 276QHY.

The Nissan was found abandoned at the Springfield Boathouse on Thursday, August 28, and officers conducted a search of the area that was unsuccessful. When officers returned to the boathouse, the vehicle was gone.

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Davis is described as a white male who is 5-foot-9, 140 lbs, with brown hair, brown eyes, and an unknown clothing description.

SPD says Davis has schizophrenia and does not have medication. The family advised law enforcement that they had a tracking device in his backpack.

Anyone with information about the missing persons whereabouts should call 911 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8487 or online at p3tips.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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  For several months, the prospect of a Battery Energy Storage System built near two schools has generated debate in Comstock Township. Developers said the project has been in the works since 2023.

A Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, would charge large batteries at night and release the energy during peak electricity use during the day. A section of land along E Main Street in Comstock Township could have two BESS collecting power. The proposal comes from Denmark-based Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.

Right next door to the Swan Battery Energy Storage sits the future Comstock STEM Academy and beyond that is Comstock Elementary. District Superintendent Jeff Thoenes said concerns over the battery site have been brought up to the Board of Education before. Recently, the board opted to get a risk analysis compiled by a third-party firm.

The site of the new Comstock STEM Academy. (Aug. 28, 2025)

The 5-page report from Ann Arbor-based CTC Engineering LLC reviewed equipment being used, safety and its failure modes if an issue occurs. It highlighted safety measures and that lithium-iron phosphate cells used in the batteries are considered to have a reduced chance of uncontrolled heating that can lead to a fire compared to other lithium-based batteries.

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The lithium iron phosphate battery, however, is a safer battery in that they have built-in protections that prevent overcharging, over-discharging and short circuiting. They have a more stable chemistry than their lithium metal counterparts. They also have a lower operating temperature with reduces their risk of thermal runaway, the report states.

However, the report shared concerns about gases being released in an emergency.

The BESS, on the other hand, contains a potential of 400MW of stored energy, it read. If a portion of this energy is released in a conflagration, it would be, in our opinion, given the proximity of the schools, an event that would result in their immediate sheltering and/or evacuation.

Thoenes said the report was provided to board members on August 11.

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Given the proximity and the potential for danger, the engineer said that its much too close to a school where its proposed, Thoenes said.

Right before this Mondays school board meeting, a firm working with developers sent a letter responding to the report.

It outlined that only small amounts of toxic and flammable gases were released under extreme testing and that most impacts of an unlikely emergency would stay on site, not reaching the academy.

Large-scale testing of the JF2 system has shown that thermal runaway does not propagate between modules, making the involvement of an entire container in a flaming event unlikely, Jensen Hughes Market Director Michael Townsend said.

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The dispersion analysis further indicates that, in the event of a failure, the release of hazardous materials would largely remain confined to the site boundaries, he said. Although limited toxic gas impacts could extend up to 135 feet from the BESS, they would not reach the nearest occupied areas. The BESS will not emit hazardous materials during regular operation. In the unlikely event of a battery failure, any potential emissions are not expected to affect the Comstock STEM Academy.

Board members read the letter during a 10-minute break.

The board still looked at that as if there was still a chance, why take the chance with children when there could be potential other locations available? said Thoenes.

The ITC Jaguar site on Main Street in Comstock Township. (Aug. 28, 2025)

He said the board voted to oppose the construction. At the township level, a moratorium for large energy projects has been in effect since near the start of the year, preventing site plans and other documents from being submitted for the project and others like it.

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Township Supervisor Ben Martin said the pause is giving moratorium committee members time to learn more about battery storage and review and change rules that the energy developments would have to follow.

Martin said that during Thursdays joint planning and moratorium committee meeting, they are reviewing what types of zoned land BESSs can be built on. He says this is sensitive work on a divisive issue.

You have economic incentives and business and development, but then you also have the health, safety and welfare and, you know, you want to tow the line, but everything needs to be needs to be safe, said Martin.

Responding to the concerns

In a statement to News 8, developers of the Swan & Cygnet Energy Storage systems they have been working with community leaders to address a growing need for energy in a safe way.

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We remain committed to delivering a project designed with safety as the highest priority and the community in mind, including setbacks that exceed standards outlined in both Comstocks existing ordinance and in Michigans state regulations, they said.

Officials said the technology is unfamiliar and are working to answer questions and address safety concerns. They expect to host a presentation next Thursday to review project plans, design features, and operating protocols as part of the Comstock Moratorium Committee and Planning Commission joint meeting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Asylum seekers have hailed a court victory that will allow them to continue living in migrant hotels.

Residents of the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, celebrated on Friday after the Court of Appeal overturned an injunction which would have stopped 138 asylum seekers from living there.

One migrant in his 30s, who had been told not to speak to the public or leave his hotel room, messaged to say: I am pleased. It had been a worry.

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The temporary injunction was granted earlier this month after Epping council claimed that Somani Hotels, which owns the Bell, breached planning rules by using it to house migrants.

The hotel became the epicentre of protests that swept across the country last month after an asylum seeker living there was accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

Epping residents vowed on Friday night to continue their protests, while the Tories urged councils not to give up on legal challenges against asylum hotels, despite the legal victory for the Home Office.

Two people were detained by police in the closing minutes of the demonstration.

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It was unclear what offence they committed, but a dispersal order had been in place for at least an hour.

Dozens of protesters refused to leave the scene, while police were blocking the road outside the hotel.

It appeared some of the demonstrators in the area had not been there earlier in the day.

Nigel Farage said the judgment meant illegal migrants had more rights than the British.

The Reform UK leader said: The Government has used the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) against the people of Epping. Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer.

Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch wrote on X: This ruling is a setback but it is not the end. I say to Conservative councils seeking similar injunctions against asylum hotels  keep going!

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She added: Every case has different circumstances, and I know good Conservative councils will keep fighting for residents, so we will keep working with them every step of the way.

The Home Office had appealed against the injunction  which would have seen asylum seekers ejected by Sept 12  claiming that Yvette Cooper had a duty as Home Secretary to prevent asylum seekers from being made destitute under the ECHR.

They claimed this responsibility trumped the councils powers to close the hotel.

The case will now return to the High Court in mid-October for a full judicial review of Epping Forest district councils claim that the use of the hotel to house asylum seekers breaches planning law.

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Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, announced that he had convened Charlie Banner KC, a leading planning barrister, to provide advice to any councils which want to launch legal action against asylum hotels.

He said Fridays ruling was not a free pass for asylum hotels. Councils can and should still act to close hotels. If they dont, residents will rightly ask, on whose side are they? he said.

He also warned the Governments action would surely inspire even more protests across the country, adding: People are fed up with the Government siding with illegal migrants over the British people.

Chris Whitbread, leader of the council, called for calm amid fears that the ruling could spark a backlash. I call for calm, he said. Theres been peaceful protests and theres been non-peaceful protests outside the hotel.

Chris Whitbread, the leader of Epping Forest district council, said he is really concerned for the future of the town in the wake of the ruling - Carl Court/Getty

He acknowledged he was cross with the ruling, adding: Obviously were still going to court in October to go for a final injunction and we will be pushing hard to make sure thats successful, but we will do everything we can still.

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This is an awful position for the town ... Im really concerned for the future of the town at the moment.

Ken Williamson, a member of the councils cabinet, said he understood Government faces a dilemma, but that should not be at the expense of local communities.

He urged the Government to understand and take responsibility for the trauma and disruption he said the events of recent weeks had on his community.

Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle insisted that the Government was committed to closing all asylum hotels by the end of this parliament in 2029, but added that it appealed against the High Court ruling so that hotel use can be ended in a controlled and orderly way.

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Reading a summary of the ruling, Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said High Court judge Mr Justice Eyre had made a number of errors in principle which undermined his decision to grant the injunction.

He said: The judges approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.

Lord Justice Bean said that such an injunction may incentivise other councils to take steps similar to those taken by Epping council. Dozens of local authorities had already said they would consider seeking to close asylum hotels following the initial judgment.

The judges said it was worrying that Mr Justice Eyre gave weight to protests in his judgment, warning it could provoke unlawful violence.

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If an outbreak of protests enhances the case for a planning injunction, this runs the risk of acting as an impetus or incentive for further protests, some of which may be disorderly, around asylum accommodation, they said.

At its worst, if even unlawful protests are to be treated as relevant, there is a risk of encouraging further lawlessness. The judge does not appear to have considered this risk, again perhaps because he had denied himself the advantage of hearing submissions on the merits from counsel for the (Home Office).

However, they were also critical of the Governments lawyers claim that the rights of asylum seekers could trump the safety concerns of local people. Any argument about a hierarchy of rights is in our view unattractive, they said.

Residents living near the Bell Hotel said they were outraged by the decision and pledged to intensify protests.

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Sarah White, 40, vowed to increase the number of protests outside the property in a fresh bid to see the asylum seekers removed. The mother and protest organiser said: We are outraged by the decision.

This sends a deeply troubling message to our community: that the rights of asylum seekers are being placed above the rights of the residents who actually live here.

We are especially concerned that many of the men being housed here are undocumented, and some have already been arrested for crimes of sexual harassment against young women and children in our community. This is unacceptable and raises serious questions about public safety and accountability.

07:05 PM BST

Elon Musk weighs in on court ruling

As goes Epping, so goes all of England.



  https://t.co/YjAk01Iw0Y  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 29, 2025

06:57 PM BST

We will not stop

Orla Minihane, the vice-chairman of Epping Forest Reform UK, said the ruling will not deter protesters - Belinda Jiao

Orla Minihane, the vice-chairman of Epping Forest Reform UK, said she was devastated by the ruling, adding that it was terrible.

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I am very shocked. The Home Office dont care about us. I feel deflated, I feel angry.

Mums dont want to send their children to school when they return next week. Migrants from the hotel are hanging around the school. They are in the town. It is not safe.

The protests will continue. We will not stop.

06:40 PM BST

Bell Hotel migrant pleased with ruling

One migrant, who had been told not to speak to the public or leave his hotel room, told The Telegraph he was pleased with the outcome of the hearing.



The man, in his 30s, said: I am pleased. It had been a worry.

06:21 PM BST

Court of Appeal ruling is hurtful, says councillor

An Epping councillor has said the Court of Appeal ruling was hurtful.

Shane Yerrell, who represents Waltham Abbey West for Epping Forest District Council, said children were frightened to go to school in the town.

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He said: All the local parents felt like there was one big step forward when the High Court agreed to close the hotel and things started to calm down.

But then for the Home Office and the Government to both appeal and that be accepted today is hurtful.

06:10 PM BST

Epping council rejects criticism after ruling

Epping Forest District Council has said it is not accepting criticism in an updated statement.



The council has acted only in the interests of the people of Epping Forest, it said.

We are reviewing our position  we are ruling nothing out until we have examined all the options up to and including the Supreme Court.

05:59 PM BST

Twelve officers at the Bell Hotel

Twelve police officers in uniforms are currently patrolling the Bell Hotel ahead of a planned protest tonight.

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There are three police cars and one van parked nearby as officers speak to those who have already gathered.

A metal fence surrounds the hotel, with staff members forced to move it to get in and out.

Police are patrolling the area ahead of protests this evening - CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images

05:15 PM BST

Care4Calais chief welcomes ruling

Steve Smith, the chief executive of refugee charity Care4Calais, has welcomed the ruling.

Mr Smith said the decision made it clear that violent protest, and in many cases overt racism, is not a fast-track route for the far-Right to attack the rights of people seeking sanctuary in this country.

05:03 PM BST

Police on patrol as group of demonstrators grows

Several police officers are patrolling the area outside the Bell Hotel as protesters continue to gather.

Credit: Isaac Crowson for the Telegraph

04:48 PM BST

Protesters arrive at the Bell Hotel

Protesters have started to gather outside the Bell Hotel, with rumours more will arrive later.

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Several people have been pictured waving flags, including two ladies in The Only Way is Epping T-shirts.

Shirley Mooney, 68, said she was astonished by the ruling while Carmen McDonald, 60, said she was devastated.

Protesters wave flags outside the Bell Hotel in Epping - Belinda Jiao for the Telegraph

04:14 PM BST

Migrant hotel protests expected this weekend

Protests are set to take place across the country on Saturday, following the Court of Appeals ruling, writes Will Bolton.

Demonstrations are planned in towns and cities including Oxford, Gloucester, Exeter, Wakefield, Long Eaton and Crewe.

Asst Chief Constable Arman Mathieson, of Gloucestershire Police, said the force was well prepared for the planned protest.

Police liaison teams have spoken with individuals from the groups due to attend and their cooperation has helped us put suitable plans in place, he said.

However, we would like to stress that any disorder will not be tolerated in our county and we will take immediate action against anyone who breaks the law.

04:06 PM BST

Home Office failing to help Epping get back to normal, says council leader

The leader of Epping Council has accused the Home Office of failing to help the town get back to normal.

Councillor Chris Whitbread told Sky News he was really, really disappointed by the ruling.

Last week we had clarity and resolution and this week we now have confusion around us, he said.

We will be back in October, we will continue to fight for our residents interest. We certainly havent been served in court today.

Appealing for peace in the town, Mr Whitbread said: If people feel that they have to protest, please protest peacefully.

The residents of Epping dont want to see violent protests in our town.

Its a lovely town, we want it to get back to normal. Unfortunately, what the Home Office has done to us today doesnt enable that to happen.

03:59 PM BST

Epping councillor: The battle is not over

03:40 PM BST

Government should take responsibility for trauma in Epping, says councillor

A councillor for Epping said the Government needs to take responsibility for the trauma and disruption in the Essex town over recent weeks.

Speaking outside the London court after the ruling, Ken Williamson, member of cabinet for Epping Forest District Council said: We understand Government faces a dilemma, but that should not be at the expense of local communities.

Planning law may seem dull, it might seem boring, but it goes to the heart of the relationship between local communities and good government.

It enshrines the rights of local people to have a say within their own communities, and it should not be set aside lightly. The Government can still listen.

It needs to understand and take responsibility for the events that have taken place in Epping over the past six weeks, for the trauma and disruption brought upon our community.

The council could still be granted an injunction following a full hearing of the legal claim, which is due to be heard in October.

Kevin Williamson said trauma and disruption had be brought to the community - CARLOS JASSO/CARLOS JASSO

03:35 PM BST

Labour used courts against British public, says Chris Philp

Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, said: The Epping case has seen the Labour Government using the courts against the British public.

The government even brazenly said in court that the rights of illegal immigrants were more important than the rights of local people.

The numbers in asylum hotels were dropping fast before the election - but have risen since because Labour has lost control of our borders.

We need a proper deterrent so that all illegal immigrants are immediately removed on arrival. Then no one would bother crossing in the first place. We had a plan to do this - the Rwanda plan - but Labour scrapped it just before it was due to start. And as a result, numbers crossing the channel are now the worst ever.

We have a full blown border crisis and public safety crisis - but this government is too weak to take the action needed to fix it.

03:32 PM BST

Watch: Judges scathing remarks about original judgment

03:23 PM BST

Judgement offers Home Secretary respite  for now

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, will breathe a sigh of relief at the court of appeal ruling which means she will no longer have to transfer up to 138 asylum seekers at the Bell in Epping to alternative accommodation.

It is understood Home Office officials had already prepared contingency plans by lining up an alternative hotel to accommodate the asylum seekers by the end of next week.

Those plans can now be put on ice after a ruling that was damning of the original decision by the high court judge Mr Justice Eyre to grant a temporary injunction to shut The Bell by September 12.

The three court of appeal judges - Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb - branded it seriously flawed, not least because Mr Justice Eyre denied himself the ability to take account of Home Office arguments by refusing their request to be party to the proceedings.

They were particularly swayed by the Home Offices argument that allowing the temporary injunction would cause chaos in the asylum system.

Not only would it mean the Home Office would have to find capacity elsewhere in the system but it would incentivise councils to lodge their own appeals, they said. Dozens of authorities had already said they would consider seeking to close asylum hotels following the initial judgment.

They also accepted that granting the injunction could fuel violence. If an outbreak of protests enhances the case for a planning injunction, this runs the risk of acting as an incentive for further protests. There is a risk of encouraging further lawlessness, they said.

However, they were also critical of the Governments lawyers claim that the rights of asylum seekers could trump the safety concerns of local people. Any argument about a hierarchy of rights is in our view unattractive, they said.

While Fridays court of appeal judgment offers respite for Ms Cooper, it does not let her off the hook. The full case now goes for judicial review at the high court in seven weeks time where Epping Council will argue that the use of the Bell hotel breaches planning law.

If the Home Office loses that case, it is back to square one, with the floodgates for legal actions by local councils to shut the 210 hotels that remain in use housing some 32,000 asylum seekers.

03:19 PM BST

It will take time to fix broken system, says Dame Angela Eagle

Immigration minister Dame Angela Eagle welcomed the judgment but admitted that it would take some time to fix the broken asylum system.

We inherited a chaotic asylum accommodation system costing billions, she said.

This government will close all hotels by the end of this Parliament and we appealed this judgment so hotels like the Bell can be exited in a controlled and orderly way that avoids the chaos of recent years that saw 400 hotels open at a cost of 9m a day.

The number of hotels has almost halved since its peak in 2023 and we have brought down costs by 15% saving 700m and putting us on track to save a billion pounds a year by 2028-29.

We are also working hard to relieve pressure on the system and striking back at criminal people smuggling gangs at every stage, including returning more than 35,000 people who have no right to be here, equipping law enforcement with counter-terror style powers and starting to detain small boat arrivals under our groundbreaking deal with France.

It will take some time to fix the broken system we inherited, but the British public deserve nothing less, and we will not stop until the job is done.

03:13 PM BST

Epping councillor: Battle is not over

A councillor for Epping said the battle is not over after the Court of Appeal ruling.

Speaking outside the court, councillor Ken Williamson, member of Epping Forest District Council cabinet, said: We are deeply disappointed by the outcome of todays hearing.

While Epping Forest has brought the wider asylum seeker debate into sharp national focus, the concern and motivation of Epping Forest District Council throughout has been the wellbeing of our local residents, where we had clarity and resolution, we now have doubt and confusion.

He added: The battle is not over and we will continue the fight.

03:11 PM BST

Abandoned Epping residents vow to increase protests outside hotel

Residents living near the Bell Hotel have expressed their fury at the ruling.

Sarah White, 40, vowed to increase the number of protests outside the property in a fresh bid to see the asylum seekers removed.

The mother and protest organiser said: We are outraged by the decision.

This sends a deeply troubling message to our community: that the rights of asylum seekers are being placed above the rights of the residents who actually live here.

We are especially concerned that many of the men being housed here are undocumented, and some have already been arrested for crimes of sexual harassment against young women and children in our community. This is unacceptable and raises serious questions about public safety and accountability.



She said the community felt abandoned but said they will not stay silent.

Shane Yerrell, Tory councillor for Epping Forest District Council, said the government should hang their heads in shame.

This decision is disgusting, he said.

I am hurt by this. Everybody is hurting. People need to stop pulling out the race card.

Its wrong. People will now be here protesting because theres no much upset. Local mums do not want their children to go back to school.

He said the family of the alleged victim were upset, adding: School children are frightened.

I feel so angry. I would stay to people, stay calm. I fear it will now get violent.

03:03 PM BST

Kemi Badenoch: Sir Keir Starmer puts illegal migrants above the British

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has claimed Sir Keir Starmer puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities.

In a statement, Mrs Badenoch said: Local communities should not pay the price for Labours total failure on illegal immigration.

Keir Starmer has shown that he puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities.

This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end. I say to Conservative councils seeking similar injunctions against asylum hotels - KEEP GOING!

Every case has different circumstances, and I know good Conservative councils will keep fighting for residents, so we will keep working with them every step of the way.

She said the party will be writing to all Tory councillors with further advice following the judgment.

Labour have run out of options, so the only answer left is to dump the problem on local communities, she added.

03:01 PM BST

Original injunction was seriously flawed

The Court of Appeal judges found that Mr Justice Eyres ruling was seriously flawed in principle.

The judge appears to have given very little weight over the desirability of preserving the status quo until that point, Lord Justice Bean said while reading out the judgment.

A full trial to determine the future of the hotel will take place in mid-October.

02:57 PM BST

Leave asylum seekers alone, hotel owners ask

Conservative Cllr Shane Yerrell of Epping Forest district council speaking outside the hotel after the judges handed down their judgment at the Court of Appeal

Lawyers representing Somani Hotels have asked for all associated with the Bell Hotel to be left alone.

Lisa Foster, of Richard Buxton Solicitors, which represents Somani Hotels, said: We are pleased that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the injunction should not have been granted by the High Court.

Our clients realise that they have been caught in the middle of a much wider debate on the treatment of asylum seekers and respectfully ask that members of the public understand that the Bell Hotel has simply been providing a contracted service that the government requires.

We now ask that all associated with the Bell Hotel are left alone to continue to support the Governments asylum plans as best they can.

We are grateful to the Court of Appeal for appreciating the urgency of the matter from everyones point of view and dealing with the matter so swiftly.

We have no further comment and will not be commenting on the matter again.

02:54 PM BST

Migrants have more rights than British people under Sir Keir Starmer, says Nigel Farage

The government has used ECHR against the people of Epping.



Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer.  Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 29, 2025

02:51 PM BST

Injunction would have encouraged lawlessness, judge ruled

During a summary of his judgment, Lord Justice Bean said the Epping residents fear of crime was properly taken into account by Mr Justice Eyre.

Criticising the decision to grant a temporary injunction, he spoke of the incentivisation of protests in what were worrying aspects of the judgment.

The judge gave weight in his evaluation to the fact the protests were occurring and weighed them in the balance, he said.

If an outbreak of protests enhances the case for a planning injunction, this runs the risk of acting as an impetus or incentive for further protests - some of which may be disorderly around asylum accommodation.

At its worst there is a risk of encouraging lawlessness.

02:42 PM BST

Government against its own people, says Rupert Lowe

Reacting to the decision, Rupert Lowe wrote on X: The Home Office wins its Epping appeal.

A Government against its own people.

02:38 PM BST

Robert Jenrick: Councils should still try to close hotels despite extremely disappointing decision

Robert Jenrick criticised an extremely disappointing decision after the Home Office won the right to appeal against the closure of the Bell Hotel to asylum seekers.

The shadow justice secretary, said: Yvette Cooper used taxpayer money  your money  to keep open a hotel housing illegal migrants.

The Governments lawyers argued accommodating illegal migrants was in the national interest. In court they said the right of illegal migrants to free hotels is more important than the rights of the British people.

Well, they are not. The British Government should always put the interests of the British people first. Starmers Government has shown itself to be on the side of illegal migrants who have broken into our county.

Mr Jenrick insisted the ruling was not a free pass for asylum hotels, adding: Councils can and should still act to close hotels. If they dont, residents will rightly ask, on whose side are they?

02:36 PM BST

Judge rules in favour of Home Office

The injunction, which would have evicted 138 asylum seekers from the Bell Hotel, Essex, has been set aside.

02:32 PM BST

Judge made a number of errors when granting injunction

Three senior judges have ruled Mr Justice Eyre made a number of errors when granting the temporary injunction.

Lord Justice Bean said: We conclude that the judge made a number of errors which undermine his decision.

The judges approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.

He added that such an injunction may incentivise other councils to take similar steps as Epping Forest District Council.

He said: The potential cumulative impact of such ad-hoc applications was a material consideration... that was not considered by the judge.

02:30 PM BST

Home Office allowed to appeal, judge rules

Three senior judges have ruled that the Home Office can intervene in the case related to a temporary injunction concerning the Bell Hotel in Epping.

Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, said that Mr Justice Eyre made an erroneous decision not to let the department be involved.

Reading a summary of their decision, Lord Justice Bean said the Home Office had a constitutional role relating to public safety and was affected by the issues.

02:17 PM BST

Considerable interest sparked by arrests of asylum seekers

Lord Justice Bean recounts how three residents of the hotel have been arrested in recent months, adding: This has unsurprisingly attracted considerable interest in both local and national media.

Speaking of the multiple protests, he said: The focus of the protests is that the hotel should no longer be used to house asylum seekers.

He adds that 25 protesters have been arrested and 16 of these arrests have resulted in charges.

02:11 PM BST

Judge: Case about Bell Hotel, not Government policy

Lord Justice Bean begins reading his judgment

Lord Justice Bean has begun reading a 120 paragraph summary of a ruling to the court.

The appeals themselves both concern to grant the council of a temporary - ie time limited - injunction by Mr Justice Eyre, he tells the court.

He explains this injunction is to restrain Somani [Hotels] from using the Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers.

Lord Justice Bean goes on to stress that the case is not concerned with the merits of government policy in relation to the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers in hotels or otherwise.

02:04 PM BST

Judges start giving ruling

Three senior judges have begun giving their judgment on whether to overturn a temporary injunction which is set to block asylum seekers from being housed at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.

Lord Justice Bean, sitting with Lady Justice Nicola Davies and Lord Justice Cobb, is reading a summary of their decision at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

02:00 PM BST

Pictured: Scenes of protest outside the Bell Hotel

The hotel has been the centre point of numerous protests against migrants being housed there - Will Colebourne

Hundreds of locals have attended demonstrations, calling for the asylum seekers to be removed - HENRY NICHOLLS

01:54 PM BST

Who owns the Bell hotel?

Somani Hotels Limited bought the Bell Hotel in 2003, a property which has been used as a hotel for several hundred years.

It was first used to house migrants in 2020 and has been used to house them at various different times since.

Companies House records list Hassanali Karmali Alibhai Somani as the director of the business.

On Thursday, lawyers acting on the hotels behalf suggested there was no immediate or urgent reason for an injunction to be in place.

01:18 PM BST

Councils response: Migrants arent more important than residents

Epping Forest district council lawyers argued that housing asylum seekers is not more important than addressing local concerns.

Legal documents submitted by the local authority say migrant hotels do not have special dispensation when it comes to planning laws.

Robin Green told the panel of judges the Home Office had not previously sought to intervene in similar migrant hotel cases.

He added that the council had been forced into action by serving the hotel owners injunction papers because the circumstances on the ground changed and become intolerable.

01:13 PM BST

What happened yesterday?

During the day-long hearing at the Court of Appeal, lawyers representing the Home Office argued that accommodating asylum seekers was in the national interest.

The lawyers also claimed large numbers of asylum seekers are potentially destitute and Epping Forest district council should have considered where they could be housed - if not in the Bell Hotel.

They said the councils application for an interim injunction had been triggered by protests and not genuine concerns about planning.

The Home Office said making the injunction permanent would set a dangerous precedent for other councils to potentially copy and that the perceived risk of housing migrants in Epping is fuelled by dis-information on social media.

01:07 PM BST

What happened previously?

Epping Forest district council successfully argued that placing asylum seekers in the Bell was a clear breach of planning permission because it was no longer being used as a hotel.

Home Office lawyers  who tried and failed to intervene in the case at the last minute  had told the High Court that any other applications could aggravate pressures on the asylum estate.

But the High Court sided with the council and granted the injunction  meaning asylum seekers can no longer be housed there.

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Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estradas wife, Brittney Estrada, and two children, Cienna and Luka, walk in followed by family during his funeral service at Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

Bagpipes echoed through the Logan Cemetery as roughly 1,000 police officers gathered before a flag-draped casket carrying the body of 31-year-old Eric Estrada, one of the two Tremonton-Garland officers who were gunned down two weeks ago responding to reports of domestic violence.

Estrada, the newest officer with Tremonton-Garlands small department, was a member of the community outreach team. And among the speakers Thursday, which included Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Estradas fellow officers and family, a common theme emerged, perhaps summed up best by Tremonton-Garland detective Michelle Cluff.

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Eric Estrada was community policing.

Cluff, who met Estrada when she was in the police academy in 2019, was one of the opening speakers during the funeral service at the Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. She remembered her colleague as someone most comfortable on patrol, approaching people in his community with a friendly demeanor that would ease even the worst moods.

The community, the people he encountered every day, meant everything to him, she said. He came up with plans for community outreach and found his personal calling to educate the public.

Two Herriman police officers stand in the ceremonial cordon during Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estradas funeral at the Logan City Cemetery on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

Cluff recalled a driving under the influence arrest Estrada made that she believes defines the young officers approach to policing.

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Eric spoke with the man, treated him like a person, and it was that conversation and the way he presented himself that convinced the man to turn his life around. He has been sober ever since and is now happily married with a child.

Tremonton-Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova called Estrada a model officer who helped bust stereotypes and build the communitys trust in police.

He spent time with our most vulnerable citizens, educating and supporting them, Cordova said. He showed them that officers are more than just a scary thing, they are our neighbors and protectors.

Jesus Estrada, Erics brother, described his sibling as a confident, competitive child with an infectious smile and fierce love for his family.

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His laugh was contagious, it could fill a room, lighten any mood and stick with you long after the moment passed. Thats what I miss, his spirit, his energy, his presence, Estrada said. Those were the simple, perfect moments and Ill carry those with me always. Eric wasnt just a part of my life, he shaped it, he challenged it, he looked out for me and he showed me again and again what it means to live fully and to never do anything halfway.

Cienna Estrada, one of Erics two young children, echoed her uncle. Her dad was always game to play Minecraft, take his family to the river on sunny days or jump on the trampoline.

He put others ahead of himself, he was a great human being, she said. We love you and miss you very much.

He gave his life helping his brother and protecting others

Estradas law enforcement career started in 2017 when he joined the Logan Police Department. He later took a job with the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office at the jail, before transferring to the North Park Police Department to work as a detective. He was just months into a new job with the Tremonton-Garland Police Departments community outreach team when he was killed.

Detective Caleb Martinez, Jesus Estrada, Alejandro Estrada, Hermilo Molina, Hazel Pena, and Isai Pena escort Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estradas casket out of Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

Estrada, along with his colleague Sgt. Lee Sorensen, was dispatched to a Tremonton neighborhood on the evening of Aug. 17 to investigate reports of a domestic dispute. Its unclear who arrived on the scene first, but according to court documents one of the officers spoke to the wife of Ryan Michael Bate, a 32-year-old man with a history of domestic violence allegations.

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Investigators would later report that Bate assaulted his wife that night, headbutting her, slamming her head with a door and grabbing her throat.

However, as she spoke with one of the officers, the woman assured them there was no violence, according to court documents. As the officer was driving away, Bate emerged from his house with a high-powered rifle and shot at the patrol car. The officer called for backup, parked the car and, as he got out, was fatally shot.

The second officer then arrived  as he ran to help his colleague, Bate fired another shot, killing him. A third sheriffs deputy and his police service dog were also shot that day. Both are recovering.

It makes complete sense that Lee and Eric went together because neither would have left the other alone, said a tearful Cluff. They both lived to serve and protect the community.

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That evening, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox began receiving text updates about the shooting. He hoped those initial reports of two officers down and a third wounded were inaccurate  instead, 24 hours later, he was at the Utah Medical Examiners Office in Taylorsville hugging Estradas wife, Brittney.

Her eyes lit up as she got to tell me about the man that is Eric Estrada, the governor said. He wanted to make a difference, he wanted to help other people and make their community better and paid the ultimate price for doing that.

Eric Estrada showed us the meaning of valor, Cordova added. He gave his life helping his brother and protecting others.

A somber farewell

Following the service on Thursday, nearly 1,000 officers quietly filed out of the arena to the nearby Logan Cemetery, where they formed a cordon that spanned nearly a half mile.

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Officers from around the state and country  several Texas departments were present Thursday, as well as officers from Wyoming and Idaho  saluted as a hearse crept through the corridor, followed by members of Estradas family.

Bagpipes cut through the silence, playing out the melody to Amazing Grace as officers lined up to give Estrada the customary three-volley rifle salute. Then came the bugle, and the melancholy notes of taps. Four helicopters flew low over the gravesite.

Before the crowds dispersed, a police radio crackled to life. Last call for Eric Estrada, the dispatcher said, her voice wavering. You may be gone, Eric, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service, officer Eric Estrada, we salute you.

A band leads the casket of Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estrada out of Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

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Police motorcycles lead a hearse carrying Tremonton-Garland officer Eric Estrada into the Logan City Cemetery on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

Tremonton-Garland police detective Michelle Cluff escorts officer Eric Estradas daughter, Cienna, to the stage at Utah State Universitys Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena to speak during his funeral on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during the funeral of Tremonton-Garland police officer Eric Estrada at Utah State University's Dee Glen Smith Spectrum Arena on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

Law enforcement officers stand in a ceremonial cordon during the funeral for Tremonton-Garland officer Eric Estrada at the Logan City Cemetery on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Dayton Call for Utah News Dispatch)

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Aug. 28A cash reward is now offered through a partnership with the Kettering Police Department and Miami Valley Crime Stoppers on the missing person case of 9-year-old Erica Baker, whose body has never been found.

More than 26 years ago, on Feb. 7, 1999, Erica disappeared after she went for a walk with her family's dog on a rainy afternoon near the Kettering Recreation Complex. The dog was found close to a neighbor's house shortly afterward with Erica nowhere in sight.

Her disappearance sparked a massive search and garnered attention across the Miami Valley and beyond. Kettering police never closed the case, with efforts ongoing to find Erica and bring closure to her family and the community.

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Kettering police detective Amy Pedro took over Erica's case in October 2023, getting familiar with thousands of pages of digitized case records and tips.

Her first priority was to find Christian Gabriel. She was able to quickly found him in Roseburg, Oregon, where he had gotten arrested for an assault there.

Gabriel and his then-girlfriend Jan Franks in July 1999 were identified as possible suspects in Erica's disappearance. Franks died of a drug overdose in 2001. A few years later, in 2004, Gabriel contacted Kettering detectives and confessed to hitting Erica with his van on Glengarry Drive near the intersection of Powhattan Drive and burying her.

Gabriel served six years in prison for gross abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. He was released in 2011. Gabriel said because he and his passenger, Franks, had established criminal records, he put Erica inside the vehicle and took off instead of calling for help.

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Even though he is more than 2,400 miles away in Oregon, he is not out of reach of police in Kettering.

"We want him to know that we're still on his heels and that we're trying to locate Erica. He knows where she is, and he has chosen not to tell us," Pedro said.

Police know that Gabriel has at least one relative in Texas and want to get the word out that they are interested in talking to anyone who knows Gabriel now or who knew him or spoke to him around the time of Erica's disappearance and years after, Pedro said.

"(Erica's) family, they still don't have closure," the detective said. "We just want to bring her home."

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Another big part of investigating Erica's disappearance involves a partnership with nonprofit search and recovery team Equusearch Midwest, which Pedro said has provided the resources to dig in areas where tips indicated her remains could be. Since Pedro acquired the case, there have been digs in December 2023, several in 2024 and most recently earlier this year, she said.

Anyone with information on Erica's disappearance, who knows or knew Gabriel or who knew Franks or someone who did is asked to contact Pedro at 937-296-2460. People can remain anonymous by calling Miami Valley Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP (7867) or online at MiamiValleyCrimeStoppers.com and be eligible for a cash reward.

Staff writers Kristen Spicker and Holly Souther contributed to this report.
Join the JET Action News team as we highlight the best places to visit in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Whether youre from out of town or born and raised in Northwestern PA, Our Erie will help you plan the perfect road trip, day trip or afternoon activity.

This weeks episode features meteorologist Craig Flint exploring the rich history of The Brewerie at Union Station after enjoying a pint and playing some bocce ball.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is expected to forgo running for a third term in the Senate, a GOP operative confirmed to The Hill  leaving an open seat that could become hotly contested next year.

Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), a former reporter-turned-lawmaker whos served in Congress since 2021, is likely best positioned to replace her, the GOP operative said.

CBS News was the first to report that Ernst would not be running for reelection, with an announcement expected Thursday. The Hill has reached out to Ernsts team for comment.

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The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report had rated her seat as likely Republican before news of her expected retirement broke. Despite an expensive and challenging reelection bid in 2020, she beat her Democratic challenger Theresa Greenfield by more than 6 points.

Several Democrats are vying for Ernsts seat, including Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nathan Sage, state Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls.

Ernst, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor, was a pivotal vote earlier this year in helping confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faced allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault. Hegseth said that an incident in 2017, in which the future Defense secretary was accused of sexual assault, was consensual. He was not charged with any wrongdoing.

The Iowa Republican also faced some criticism during a town hall meeting in May in which she said Well, were all going to die, after an attendee said people would die amid a conversation about cuts to social safety programs.

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Ernst unapologetically doubled down on her comments, saying in a video later, I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that, yes, we are all going to perish from this earth. So I apologize, and Im really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the tooth fairy as well.

Ernst is no stranger to winning tough races. Besides her 2020 reelection bid, she won a contested primary for a first term in 2014 that included U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. One of her best-known ads during that election cycle was one in which she said Washingtons full of big spenders. Lets make em squeal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This week, a two-year project has been launched in Estonia under which Estonian police officers will train their Ukrainian counterparts. The aim of the project is to share the experience of the Estonian police in order to support the development of the rule of law and to strengthen public trust in the police in Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing ERR, an Estonian public broadcaster

Details: Over the course of the project, the Police and Border Guard Board will train a total of 84 Ukrainian senior and middle-ranking police officers from the National Police Headquarters, the patrol police and police schools.

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The project will run from 2025 to 2027, during which six training groups from Ukraine will visit Estonia.

The first group of 14 Ukrainian police officers is already in Tartu. Their training will last for one week, during which police leaders will, among other things, receive an overview of the creation of the Estonian police, management reforms, the introduction of modern management principles, organisational culture, internal control and future developments.

This is the second time the Police and Border Guard Board has conducted such a training project. From 2023 to 2025, 34 Ukrainian police chiefs completed similar training.

Background

Estonia is ready to take part in a future peacekeeping operation in Ukraine with a force of up to one company.

At the beginning of August, Ukrainian emergency workers received 16 fire engines from Latvia.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Rebecca Binstock, left, executive director of the North Dakota Ethics Commission, Logan Carpenter, center, general counsel for the Ethics Commission, and Alisha Maier, right, operations manager for the Ethics Commission, listen during a committee hearing on Jan. 31, 2025. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A new report shows that Ethics Commission complaints that dont require a full investigation are usually closed in fewer than six months.

The commission was directed by the 2025 Legislature to compile annual reports to help the public understand how it operates  especially in light of ongoing concerns from state officials that the agency takes too long to resolve baseless allegations.

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The first-of-its-kind document released Friday highlights the commissions work since its inception in 2019, with a special focus on the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2024, and ended June 30, 2025.

Over the last six years, the commission has received a total of 158 complaints. Of those, 106 have been closed, the report states.

It says most complaints were dismissed without requiring an official investigation.

The report indicates that these complaints have typically been tossed out in a matter of months. The quickest to be dismissed were those identified as falling outside the commissions jurisdiction. In this scenario, the commission concludes that the individual accused of unethical behavior and/or the alleged wrongdoing is not subject to the boards regulatory authority.

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Complaints thrown out for lack of jurisdiction were typically closed within 29 days, the report states. Ethics Commission Executive Director Rebecca Binstock noted in a Wednesday meeting that the reason such complaints arent resolved sooner is because a vote by the commission  which meets once a month  is required for them to be dismissed.

Other complaints required a preliminary review before the commission determined they should be tossed. These complaints took an average of 68 days to be closed, according to the report.

Before complaints get to the investigation stage, state law allows the person who filed the allegation to try to arrive at an informal settlement with the accused. The annual report indicates that to date, this has not been an effective method of addressing complaints. As of the reports publication, only two complaints had been resolved this way. They took an average of 98 days to close.

One of those two informal resolutions, which was disclosed last summer, required the North Dakota School Boards Association to no longer partner with the international exchange program Global Bridges. The content of the complaint was not made public. Former Sen. Ray Holmberg, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this year for a sex crime related to traveling to the Czech Republic, went on several state-subsidized trips to Europe through Global Bridges.

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The Legislature this year amended state law to allow the Ethics Commission to negotiate informal settlements directly with the accused.

According to the report, the time it took the commission to dismiss complaints at the initial review stage varied widely from year to year. The shortest average time was eight days in 2021, though this was before the commission experienced a large uptick in complaint filings in 2022. The longest average times were 154 days in 2023 and 153 days in 2024.

So far in 2025, it has taken an average of 43 days for complaints to be dismissed at the initial review, the report indicates.

Between Jan. 1 and June 30, there were 74 complaints filed with the commission  more than any other year. A total of 52 complaints were pending.

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The report also includes three policy recommendations that the commission believes will make the state government more transparent:

Requiring registered lobbyists to provide email addresses to help the Ethics Commission better communicate with them

Requiring state leases to be subject to a competitive bidding process

Improving the commissions rule-making process to provide ample opportunity for interactive discussion and revision prior to final adoption

Binstock said the commission would like to have a more rigorous public comment process  like hosting multiple public hearings in multiple locations, for example  but its unclear if state law allows this.

Accomplishments highlighted by the commission in the report include:

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Resolving eight complaints involving Rep. Jason Dockter, finding the lawmaker had committed three ethics violations related to a conflict of interest

Issuing eight advisory opinions as of June 30 giving officials guidance on ethical gray areas

Putting on dozens of educational workshops and presentations that reached an estimated audience of more than 1,000 people

The Ethics Commission was established in 2018 by a voter-initiated amendment to the state constitution. Its tasked with promoting ethical behavior in the areas of elections, transparency, corruption and lobbying.

During the 2025 Legislative session, some lawmakers voiced concerns that they believe the Ethics Commission is being weaponized by people who lodge frivolous complaints against their political opponents.

Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, supported an amendment that would have forced the commission to dismiss complaints not resolved after 180 days. He noted some complaints have taken more than two years to address. The amendment ultimately failed.

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Its just a matter of fairness to the accused, Nathe said previously. They shouldnt have to sit there with this hanging over their head for years at a time.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com.

Ethics Commission Annual Report
The EU Commission made its opening move in implementing the trade agreement reached on August 21 with the United States, but the legislative proposal for tariff reductions on a wide range of US industrial and agricultural products will face a tricky path through the European Parliament which will start considering the measure next week.

This legislative move should offer immediate relief to the EU automotive sector, as the US committed to retroactively lower its 27.5% tariffs on EU cars to 15% from 1 August, once the Commission proposed the legislation.

Among the concessions granted to the US, the Commissions proposal provides for reducing tariffs to 0% on the vast majority of US industrial products - ranging from machinery to pharmaceutical products, some chemicals, plastics and fertilizers - for which the EU aims to break its dependence on Russia. The proposal also targets some agri-products, such as fruits, juices and certain seeds.

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This is not costly for us, a senior EU official said, pointing out that existing tariffs levied by the bloc on these products are very low.

The Commission has also declared privileged access to its market for certain agricultural products, whose tariffs will be reduced  such as certain vegetables, fruits and grape juices.

Tariff-rate quotas are also planned for 20 product groups, including pork (25,000 tonnes), dairy products (10,000 tonnes), cheese (10,000 tonnes), and soybeans (400,000 tonnes), which will benefit from 0% tariffs below the set thresholds.

Despite a trade agreement widely seen as heavily tilted in favour of the US  with the EU facing 15% tariffs under the deal  Brussels foresees the possibility of suspending these tariff advantages on US products if the US fails to implement the 21 August agreement, or if a sudden surge in US imports on the European market poses serious risks to EU industry.

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The legislative proposal needs the buy-in of the European co-legislator, the European Parliament and the EU Council, which represents the member states.

An "unbalanced" deal

MEPs responsible for monitoring trade issues will meet for what promises to be a heated session on 3 September, with some having criticised the deal as unbalanced. Sabine Weyand, Director-General of DG Trade and one of the chief negotiators, will attend to answer their questions.

Politically, some MEPs saw the conclusion of the agreement as a humiliation and a surrender, French liberal MEP Marie-Pierre Vedrenne told Euronews, adding: Especially since we were promised predictability  yet Trump is already threatening tariffs on countries implementing digital legislation. The Commission is clearly uncomfortable.

On top of the proposal on tariffs reduction, the MEPs are waiting for a second legislative proposal on the whole deal.

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We need to understand the agreement much better before we can be decisive and say yes or no, Swedish MEP Jorgen Warborn (EPP) told Euronews, Im myself concerned because I have not yet understood whether the deal was compatible with WTO rules.

According to WTO rules, any country that grants a preferential tariff to one country must extend those terms to others.

There is a lot of turbulence when it comes to trade at these times. We need a rule-based space and not that the EU is part of breaking WTO rules, Warborn added.

Within the S&D group, some are betting on the continuation of the negotiations to improve the deal.

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The deal is quite unbalanced and we need to see real effort from the EU Commission to obtain more exemptions and a clear path for an agreement on steel and aluminium, a lawmaker from S&D said, adding: Otherwise we should go back to the possible countermeasures.

The deal published on August 21 does not address the aluminium and steel sectors, which remain subject to tariffs of up to 50%.
"The market has gotten so used to NVIDIA delivering blowout earnings and data center growth that anything short of that feels like a disappointment. The modest miss on data center revenue is more a reminder that those huge growth rates are going to slow eventually."

"There's nothing really to suggest that the AI trade is over. When you have something that is new, and it's growing as fast as it is, and all of the huge capex announcements from the hyperscalers, it's evidence that we're in the early stages. there's no reason that I can see that you want to sell this off to any great degree."

"The overall AI trade is still very much intact. Nvidia said demand is just really, really high. So to the extent that you believe that, the AI trade is still at the very early stages."

The implications are bearish in the medium-term but in the short-term it may not have an effect because there are built-in drivers of growth across the AI industry, not just in America but also in global markets.

If there is not a deal with China it raises questions how future revenue expectations can be sustained for the mega cap companies. In addition, the risk of contagion is high because the revenue models are all interlinked. Should the AI sector be in the midst of a bubble as Sam Altman has contended, it makes the recent S&P rally look overvalued.

"The biggest driver of Nvidia revenue is Compute. This is the first time that revenue platform has declined quarter-on-quarter, since being reported. The decline of 1% is masked by the growth in networking. This is part of an overall challenge to continue to meet Wall Street expectations of hyper-growth. The overall revenue growth of 6% quarter over quarter is the first time it has had single-digit rather than double-digit growth since the beginning of the AI boom."

Shares of the world's most valuable firm were down 2.4% in extended trading, paring a knee-jerk loss after the report. NVDA gained more than a third so far in 2025 to outpace the benchmark S&P 500 Index's year-to-date rise of nearly 10%.

Helped by robust demand for its artificial intelligence chips from cloud providers expanding infrastructure to power generative AI technology, Nvidia expects revenue of $54 billion, plus or minus 2%, in the third quarter. That compared with analysts' average estimate of $53.14 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Story Continues

BRIAN MULBERRY, SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER, ZACKS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

"It is double beat on top and bottom line including the $8 billion China cost. After hours even with this strong outperformance the stock is down more than 3% - a signal that the rate of growth is slowing and that causes price momentum to slow in the shares.

"We saw this with Tesla at times when they would have strong financials but guidance was slowing as capacity was meeting demand which ultimately slows the rate of growth. Now NVDA is only growing at 50-55% and that is much less than the 100%+ revenue growth from last year. As that momentum slows, so does the energy in the stock.

"Manufacturing operations seem to be growing at a pace that forward guidance should be easily intact going forward. It looks like they stated the China impact (opportunity costs) of $8 billion which is right on target with Jensens previous public statements and in line with Wall Street expectations."

DAVID WAGNER, HEAD OF EQUITY, APTUS CAPITAL ADVISORS

"The negative stock reaction feels like a bit of an incorrect knee-jerk reaction - the company is still growing over 50% on their guidance at a $50B quarterly revenue run rate - that's remarkable, even for the current valuation. I actually thought the best part of the report was the gross margin guidance of 73.5% showing resilience in profitability, even without any China H20 revenue. I want to be buying the pullback as I am sure management will weave a bullish demand story on the conference call."

NICK FRASSE, PRODUCT MANAGER, VANECK ASSOCIATES, NEW YORK My takeaway is that these numbers are not unexpected, nor is this reaction. The market has begun to factor in that Nvidia can continue to beat most expectations in spite of headwinds and questions like what they will have to pay to continue selling to China. Their earnings beats and growth in EPS have become more normalized as investors understand their business model better. In the early stages of all this excitement, they had crazy beats that seemed to come out of nowhere; no one then had expected a gaming company to have this amazing AI pivot. Now we look at their business model and see that they dont have the capital spending drag that vertically integrated companies do, but theyre benefiting from all the money that the hyperscalers clearly continue to keep spending on AI.

"We launched the VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF exactly a year ago today, and Nvidia is its largest holding at 20.67% of the fund right now. These results give us confidence that the hyperscalers are not slowing down, and that its getting to the point now where as the Magnificent 7 companies continue to grow, its all compounding in their favor. This technology is allowing them to drive revenue higher  and then to spend more of that revenue on more technology.

MATT ORTON, HEAD OF ADVISORY SOLUTIONS, RAYMOND JAMES INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, TAMPA BAY AREA

"I think it should be a positive read-through eventually, after the dust settles, to the rest of the AI trade, and the fact that there's still a tremendous amount of growth that's happening."

"For Nvidia, it's more of just calibration of expectations, but the fact that you saw such strong growth, particularly across the data centers, and just the absolute numbers that are associated with the revenues that are coming in, I think all of that is a sign that there is still a lot of room to run with respect to the AI capex story."

"The mega caps are the ones propelling a lot of the capex that Nvidia is benefiting from. But obviously Nvidia still is growing, is able to sell. If anything, this just highlights that there's a lot of durability to this (AI) trade, and that, I think that the businesses of these hyperscalers can continue to accelerate, and you're not seeing any sort of signs of a slowdown being reflected in the results of Nvidia."

"The results from Nvidia will just reaffirm the fact that we're not in an AI bubble."

DIMITRI ZABELIN, SENIOR ANALYST, AI, PITCHBOOK, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

"Since the onset of the AI boom in late 2022, the company has largely beaten forecasts, propelled by explosive growth in its data center division.

"As U.S. hyperscaler demand continues to expand, Nvidia is diversifying by turning to sovereign buyers to anchor the next wave of adoption, positioning national governments as strategic clients for its hardware.

"PitchBooks comp sheet analysis also shows hyperscalers and AI infrastructure leaders outperforming benchmarks, underscoring durable demand for compute hardware as governments and enterprises step up procurement."

LARRY TENTARELLI, CHIEF TECHNICAL STRATEGIST, BLUE CHIP DAILY TREND REPORT

"In the very short-term, the stock is seeing some downside testing, as they did not drastically exceed the consensus forecasts. Beyond the short-term volatility, Nvidia remains the benchmark Artificial Intelligence stock and the most direct way to invest in the theme.

"The AI trade has been the major driver of this bull market over the past 30 months and we expect that both AI and Nvidia will continue to lead.

"CEO Jensen Huangs comments on the conference call will be closely monitored by markets, but barring any slowdown comments from Huang, we would be buyers of Nvidia on any near-term weakness. In our view, this is the dominant AI market leader to own."

CHUCK CARLSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HORIZON INVESTMENT SERVICES, HAMMOND, INDIANA

The results "were okay. They weren't blow-the-doors-off, but nor were they bad. And I think the stock price movement is going to depend a lot on what they say on the earnings call, especially if they give color on China."

"I think people were a little disappointed in the data center number, which looks like the sequential growth was about 5% ... and I think people might have been looking for a little bit more on that side."

"I'm not surprised that the stock in the after-market is down a bit, but it is not down a ton, especially given the strength that the stock is showing so far this year."

(Compiled by the Global Finance & Markets Breaking News team)
European Union member states will send military instructors to Ukraine as part of the EUMAM training mission for Ukrainian troops, which will form part of the EUs contribution to security guarantees for Ukraine once a ceasefire is established.

Source: European Pravda, citing Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at a press conference in Copenhagen on 29 August, following an informal meeting of EU defence ministers

Quote from Kallas: "Today, ministers also discussed Europes role in security guarantees, the role of the European Union, and it is clear that Europe will fully play its part. I welcome that there is broad support today for expanding our EUMAM military mission mandate to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce [is established]."

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Details: Kallas pointed out that the EU is the largest provider of training and exercises for Ukrainian soldiers.

"We have trained over 80,000 soldiers so far, and we must be ready to do more. This could include placing EU trainers in Ukrainian military academies and institutions," she said.

"In parallel, our civilian mission can strengthen Ukraine's resilience against Russian hybrid attacks," Kallas added.

Background:

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European Union ministers on Friday strongly condemned a wave of heavy airstrikes on Kiev, which killed more than a dozen people including children, and pledged more sanctions on Moscow.

"These attacks show that Putin is just mocking any kind of peace efforts that are made," European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said, arriving at a two-day meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Copenhagen.

"What we have to do is increase pressure on Russia," Kallas said, adding that new sanctions on Russian energy exports and financial services "will hurt them the most."

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Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene struck a similar chord, saying Putin was "cheaply buying time to kill more people and to imitate willingness to maybe stop his own murderous actions.

"Putin is not to be trusted," she urged.

Irish Defence Minister Simon Harris said considering more sanctions was "imperative" to pressure Russia into ending the war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the bloc's 19th package of sanctions will be presented soon.

Security guarantees to be discussed

In addition to punitive measures on Russia, Kallas urged EU countries to continue providing Kiev with arms.

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"Ukraine needs all the military support right now," she said.

Ministers gathered in the Danish capital will also discuss security guarantees for Ukraine once the fighting has ended.

The EU could support Kiev by continuing to train the Ukrainian military and boosting the country's defence industry, in addition to commitments by individual member countries, the EU chief diplomat said.

Kallas, however, admitted that the day after the war "is not close if you look at what Putin is doing."

At the meeting in Copenhagen, talks among defence ministers on Friday will be followed by discussions by foreign affairs ministers on Saturday.

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Chief diplomats are also expected to discuss how to deal with assets of the Russian central bank frozen in the EU worth around 210 billion ($245 billion).

The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom have been invited to Copenhagen to join their EU counterparts.

Gaza war also on the agenda

The war in Gaza is also on Saturday's agenda. The EU has been divided over how to react to an internal review concluding that Israel's actions in the embattled territory violate an EU-Israel agreement that obliges both sides to respect human rights.

While some EU countries, including France and Spain, advocate a tougher stance towards Israel, others like Germany are against sanctions.

"The time for words of condemnation must end. Words of condemnation are important, but they're clearly not enough," said Harris, urging fellow EU countries to back sanctions on Israel.
EU ministers on Friday strongly condemned a wave of heavy airstrikes on Kiev, which killed more than a dozen people including children, and pledged more sanctions on Moscow.

"These attacks show that Putin is just mocking any kind of peace efforts that are made," European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said, arriving at a two-day meeting of EU defence and foreign affairs ministers in Copenhagen.

All EU members but Hungary backed a joint statement condemning the attack, in which the bloc's diplomatic office in Kiev was damaged. Kremlin-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has repeatedly opposed the EU's support for Ukraine.

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"What we have to do is increase pressure on Russia," Kallas said, adding that new sanctions on Russian energy exports and financial services "will hurt them the most."

Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene struck a similar chord, saying Putin was "cheaply buying time to kill more people and to imitate willingness to maybe stop his own murderous actions."

"Putin is not to be trusted," she urged.

Irish Defence Minister Simon Harris said considering more sanctions was "imperative" to pressure Russia into ending the war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the bloc's 19th package of sanctions will be presented soon.

Security guarantees to be discussed

In addition to punitive measures on Russia, Kallas urged EU countries to continue providing Kiev with arms.

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"Ukraine needs all the military support right now," she said.

Ministers gathered in the Danish capital will also discuss security guarantees for Ukraine once the fighting has ended.

The EU could support Kiev by continuing to train the Ukrainian military and boosting the country's defence industry, in addition to commitments by individual member countries, the EU chief diplomat said.

Kallas, however, admitted that the day after the war "is not close if you look at what Putin is doing."

At the meeting in Copenhagen, talks among defence ministers on Friday will be followed by discussions by foreign affairs ministers on Saturday.

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Chief diplomats are also expected to discuss how to deal with assets of the Russian central bank frozen in the EU worth around 210 billion ($245 billion).

The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom have been invited to Copenhagen to join their EU counterparts.

Gaza war also on the agenda

The war in Gaza is also on Saturday's agenda. The EU has been divided over how to react to an internal review concluding that Israel's actions in the embattled territory violate an EU-Israel agreement that obliges both sides to respect human rights.

While some EU countries, including France and Spain, advocate a tougher stance towards Israel, others like Germany are against sanctions.

"The time for words of condemnation must end. Words of condemnation are important, but they're clearly not enough," said Harris, urging fellow EU countries to back sanctions on Israel.
By Andrew Gray

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Foreign ministers from the European Union will confront their divisions over the war in Gaza on Saturday after the bloc's humanitarian aid chief called on them to "find a strong voice that reflects our values and principles."

Ministers from the EU's 27 member countries will discuss the war - launched in response to the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas - at a meeting in the Danish capital Copenhagen.

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Many EU governments have sharply criticised Israel's conduct of the war, particularly over the deaths of civilians and restrictions on supplies of humanitarian aid.

The outcry intensified after a global hunger monitor that works with the United Nations and major aid agencies said last week it had determined there was famine in Gaza  a finding rejected by Israel.

But EU members have been divided over a common response, with some calling for economic measures to pressure Israel and others stressing a desire to maintain dialogue.

The EU's executive body proposed last month to curb Israeli access to an EU research-funding programme but the proposal has so far not found enough support from member countries to pass.

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Countries including France, the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland have shown support for the proposal but others such as Germany and Italy have not backed it so far, diplomats say.

Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for crisis management who oversees EU humanitarian aid, said it was "time for the EU to find a collective voice on Gaza".

Speaking to reporters in Brussels this week, she declined to specify what action she thought should be taken but made clear she wanted more pressure on Israel.

"What is happening there is haunting me and should haunt all of us," she said of Gaza. "Because this is a tragedy. And we will be judged by history."

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Israel has rejected criticism of its conduct of the war and says its military action is necessary to defeat Hamas.

Ministers will air their views at the Copenhagen meeting but are not expected to reach any decisions.

They are also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and the future of some 210 billion euros ($245.85 billion) in Russian assets frozen in the EU under sanctions imposed on Moscow.

($1 = 0.8542 euros)

(Reporting by Andrew Gray; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Europe is considering backing a 40-kilometer buffer zone as part of efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, Politico reported on Aug. 28, citing five European diplomats.

The buffer zone is being weighed by European leaders as an option for a ceasefire or postwar arrangement between Ukrainian and Russian forces, but Washington is not involved in the discussions, the five unnamed diplomats said.

The talks come as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. The U.S. leader met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 and days later met President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European counterparts in the White House.

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"Everyone is trying to move as quickly as possible on security guarantees so Trump doesnt change his mind," one of the European officials said.

The proposal would likely be tied to territorial concessions from Ukraine, and it is unclear whether Kyiv is open to the plan, the diplomats said.

Some European countries have expressed that a buffer zone may cause more harm than good and put Ukrainian cities at a higher risk of a Russian attack.

"Its not very sensible against an adversary who is not negotiating in good will," one of the unnamed diplomats said.

French and British troops are expected to make up a majority of the peacekeepers as the U.K. and France push for other allies to provide military equipment, two of the officials said.

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From as few as 4,000 up to 60,000 peacekeepers could be stationed in Ukraine to secure a potential peace deal as Kyiv's allies hold off on making public commitments until key details emerge, Politico reported.

Ukraine's European allies are still determining how to respond to a Russian escalation, rules of engagement for NATO troops, and whether Russian objections will require non-alliance troops to patrol a potential buffer zone, one of the European officials said.

Peacekeepers would not only patrol the proposed demilitarized zone but would also train Ukrainian troops, two of the unnamed European diplomats said.

Meanwhile, NATO's eastern flank members, including Poland, have raised concerns that committing a large number of troops to Ukraine may degrade the alliance's eastern troop presence and leave them vulnerable to a Russian attack.

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Although the U.S. has said it will not commit peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, it has said it could provide technical support as Europe waits for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to outline what role Washington will play.

"Everyone is waiting for the DOD's policy leaders to clarify how far they are willing to commit, and they are letting the Europeans show their cards," a European official said.

Trump has proposed that Zelensky and Putin meet directly at a bilateral summit. The U.S. leader would then join the two for a trilateral meeting if talks went well.

Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov are heading to New York City this week to discuss security guarantees and future peace talks, Zelensky confirmed on Aug. 27, following media reports of the talks.

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Despite intensified efforts to reach a peace deal, Russia continues to show an unwillingness to cooperate to end its war against Ukraine.

In May, Zelensky invited Putin to meet him directly for peace talks in Turkey, but the Russian leader refused.

On Aug. 24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow will not accept Zelensky's signature on legal documents establishing terms for an end to Russia's war. The Kremlin has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky's power.

Overnight on Aug. 28, a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed at least 23 people, including four children, and injured another 63.

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Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian mass attack on Kyiv kills at least 23, including 4 children

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Portugals president has branded President Donald Trump a Russian asset, blasting him for his tepid response to Moscow while Ukraine struggles against Russias invasion.

Trump has wavered heavily in his public stance on the war that started when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale assault on Ukraine over three years ago.

While Trump has threatened Putin with higher sanctions and severe consequences if he presses on with the war, he has declined to follow through, often lashing out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky instead.

President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin when they met in Alaska for peace talks earlier this month. The Russian dictator, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crime charges, has been banned from entering many European countries. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

After failing to secure a ceasefire from Putin at the red-carpet summit in Alaska earlier this month, Trump instead targeted Zelensky, claiming the Ukrainian leader can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.

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Citing Trumps soft posture on Russia, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said Wednesday, The supreme leader of the worlds greatest superpower is, objectively, a Soviet, or Russian, asset. He functions as an asset, according to CNN Portugal.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa argued that Trump only wants to negotiate with Russia. / Filipe Amorim/Getty Images

De Souse was speaking at a youth initiative organized by his party, the centre-right PSD. I am saying that, objectively, the new U.S. leadership has strategically favored the Russian Federation, he continued.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.

The U.S. was long a steadfast supporter of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, imposing sanctions on Russia after Putin annexed Crimea in 2014 and again following his full-scale invasion of the country.

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But De Sousa, who is not Portugals head of government, argued that America leadership has since gone from being allies on one side to acting as referees in the conflict, noting that Trump only wants to negotiate with one of the teams, according to Euronews.

Shortly after Putin sent his forces into Ukraine in 2022, Trump praised the move as genius and savvy.

And though he has slammed Russias nightly strikes on Ukrainian civilians, Trump has supported Russian peace proposals that would require Ukraine to cede its Donbas region.

Seven European leaders traveled to Washington to show support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his recent meeting with Trump, hoping to avoid a repeat of February's combative Oval Office meeting. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

He has also echoed the Kremlins demands that Crimeas annexation be recognized and that Ukraine remains out of NATO, while promising that the U.S. would help guarantee Ukraines security in any deal to end the war.

Its likely De Sousas views are shared by other European leaders, seven of whom hastily flew out to the White House to show support for Zelensky during his meeting with Trump following the Alaska summit.
European leaders are considering the creation of a 40-kilometre buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces as part of a potential peace agreement.

Source: Politico, citing five European diplomats

Details: Politico noted that the buffer zone is one of several proposals currently under discussion by military and civilian officials for a post-war settlement or a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. However, there is no unified position among European countries on the depth of such a zone, and it remains unclear whether Kyiv would agree to it, as it could involve territorial concessions. The diplomats reported that the United States is not currently participating in these discussions.

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Nonetheless, the fact that officials are contemplating cordoning off a strip of Ukrainian territory to secure a fragile peace illustrates the sense of desperation among NATO allies.

"Theyre grasping at straws," Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon official said.

"The Russians are not afraid of the Europeans. And if they think that a couple of British and French observers are going to deter them from marching into Ukraine, then theyre wrong," Townsend added.

Quote from Politico: "A partition is fraught with historical significance. European diplomats have stayed away from likening it to the heavily guarded divide between North and South Korea, which are technically still fighting. They compare it more to the division of Germany during the Cold War."

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Details: Regarding the number of troops required to monitor the buffer zone, officials are discussing figures ranging from 4,000 to 60,000 peacekeepers. However, no country has so far taken on any formal commitments. US President Donald Trump has already ruled out the possibility of deploying US forces.

Quote from Politico: "NATO is already struggling to prepare a response force of 300,000 troops to defend the alliances eastern flank from a future Russian attack. And any peacekeeping force would play a dual role, patrolling near the demilitarised zone while also training Ukrainian troops, according to two of the diplomats."

More details: Discussions are still ongoing regarding the rules of engagement, possible escalation scenarios and the role of third countries should the Kremlin oppose the presence of NATO forces.

Two of the European officials said French and UK troops are likely to form the backbone of the foreign military contingent, and these countries are urging other allies to contribute military support.

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Meanwhile, Poland and Germany have opposed sending troops to Ukraine, fearing that doing so would make them vulnerable to Russian attack.

European nations are in talks with Washington over the provision of satellite intelligence and air support. The United States, which possesses the most advanced technical capabilities in this area, could play a key role in monitoring Russias compliance with any agreements.

Senior Pentagon officials have already told their European counterparts that the US will play only a minimal role in any security guarantees for Ukraine, Politico reports.

"Everyone is waiting for the Department of Defenses policy leaders to clarify how far they are willing to commit and they are letting the Europeans show their cards," the first European official said.

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Germany and France lauded a "European milestone" as the two European heavyweights aligned their economic and security policies at high-level talks in Toulon, with close ties seemingly restored following years of difficult relations.

In a bilateral ministerial council meeting in the southern French port on Friday attended by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron, the two neighbours managed to largely resolve their long-standing dispute over nuclear energy.

Under a framework agreement, the two countries will pursue a joint approach at the European level to achieve equal treatment of low-emission energy sources, including nuclear energy.

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Meanwhile, the two sides issued another warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin in light of ongoing aerial assaults on Ukraine, threatening further sanctions and additional support for Kiev.

Merz welcomed the outcome of the talks, saying "the Franco-German engine has been restarted again."

"A clear view of reality and the best will to shape it, that for me [...] is the spirit of Toulon," he said.

A 'European milestone'

The French president struck a similar chord.

"When France and Germany decide to move forward together, that changes the rhythm of the whole of Europe," he said after the joint consulations.

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"Toulon is not just a reaffirmation of our friendship. It marks a European milestone that is being reached," the French president said.

While the talks, which included 10 ministers from each side, appeared to herald a new beginning in bilateral relations, they came at a time of deepening political crisis in France.

Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to seek a confidence vote in parliament on September 8, which is likely to topple the current government. While this will not affect Macron's position, such an outcome would considerably weaken him domestically.

A warm embrace

The Franco-German Ministerial Council on economic and security policy, held at the 19th-century Fort du Cap Brun overlooking the Cote d'Azur, was the first meeting of its kind since Merz's government took office in May.

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Macron, whose relationship with Merz is much stronger than with his precedessor Olaf Scholz, had pledged a reset to relations during the German conservative's inaugural trip to Paris less than 24 hours after he was sworn in.

In Toulon, they greeted each other with a warm embrace, after Macron welcomed Merz to his summer residence at the Fort de Bregancon.

"Politics is made by people and not by institutions," Merz later said during a joint press conference.

Nuclear energy dispute resolved?

Economic policy was at the centre of the talks, with the two sides agreeing a comprehensive joint roadmap, including on nuclear energy.

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While the two neighbours have taken differing strategies on energy policy, with Paris currently expanding its nuclear capacities while Berlin has shut down its nuclear power plants, they intend to no longer obstruct each other in energy policy, instead offering mutual support.

Under the plans, Germany will, for example, drop its opposition to France's use of nuclear energy in the context of European legislation. Paris is seeking EU funding for research projects to develop new, smaller reactors.

The German government, in turn, has secured French support for the development of hydrogen connections to south-western Europe and for stronger integration of electricity grids between the two countries.

The agreement on nuclear energy with France suggests internal disagreement within Merz's coalition has been overcome, with the centre-left Social Democrats having previously opposed the classification of nuclear power as sustainable.

Red tape, AI, digital summit

Other areas covered by the 26-page paper include plans to develop regulations on preferential treatment for European manufacturers in central and strategically important areas of industrial production, including public procurement.

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Germany and France also seek to promote young talent working in artificial intelligence and expand AI programmes in both countries.

They aim to boost European competitiveness by cutting bureaucracy and strengthening the single market

Meanwhile, Merz and Macron announced they will co-host a digital summit in Berlin in a bid to improve European coordination on tech issues, with the leaders of both countries set to appear.

The gathering is set to feature a high-profile programme up to 900 participants from politics, business, science and civil society, in an opportunity for all EU member states to take concrete steps together to strengthen digital sovereignty in Europe, said German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger.

Further pressure on Russia

When it comes to supporting Ukraine in its defence against the all-out Russian invasion, Germany and France have long been largely united, though Macron has repeatedly raised eyebrows in Berlin and beyond with controversial suggestions including sending in ground troops.

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In Toulon, however, the two sides were univocal in their condemnation of ongoing Russian aerial assaults on Kiev, pledging further support for Ukraine's air defence.

"Despite intensive international diplomatic efforts, Russia shows no intention to end its war of aggression against Ukraine," the two governments said in a joint declaration after the meeting.

"In light of the massive Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and its population and the consequences for our own security, France and Germany will therefore provide additional air defence to Ukraine."

Meanwhile, the two allies also "consider the effective implementation and further strengthening of sanctions essential to exert maximum pressure on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and ultimately bring peace to Ukraine and Europe."

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To that end, Germany and France are looking to push for Russian sanctions within the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial nations and the European Union, targeting businesses in third countries that support Russia's war on Ukraine, according to the declaration.

The two nations also agreed "on the need to provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees," intended to deter Russia from attacking again in case a peace deal is reached.

However, Paris and Berlin steered clear of the possibility of sending troops themselves, only committing to supporting Ukrainian forces on the ground.

But Macron announced another round of consultations of the Coalition of the Willing, an alliance of countries committed to securing peace in Ukraine after a deal, in the coming days.

The possibility of sending European ground troops would be part of the agenda, he said.
Many European Union countries support training Ukrainian military personnel - also on Ukrainian soil - once a ceasefire is reached with Russia, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said on Friday.

"I welcome that there is a broad support today to expand our EUMAM military mission mandate to provide training and advice inside Ukraine after any truce," Kallas said on the margins of a meeting of EU defence ministers in Copenhagen.

Kallas did not provide any details on how many member states back the plans. Changing the mandate of the current EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) would, however, require the unanimous approval of the EU's 27 member states.

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The bloc has been training Ukrainian soldiers since 2022, including in Germany. So far 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers received training from EU member states, Kallas said.

The EU foreign affairs chief admitted that a ceasefire "is not close if you look at what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is doing."

She was referring to heavy Russian airstrikes on Kiev this week which killed more than a dozen people, including children, and damaged the EU's diplomatic office in the Ukrainian capital.

Training Ukrainian military personnel in Ukraine and boosting the country's defence industry could be part of European post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, in addition to commitments by individual member countries.
A glowing Bitcoin planet labeled "Metaplanet" orbits in space, surrounded by smaller Bitcoin coins forming rings like a solar system - Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content

Japanese Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet has unveiled plans to raise over JPY 130 billion (equivalent to around $880 million) through an international share sale, with most of the proceeds earmarked for new Bitcoin purchases.

The firm disclosed on Aug. 27 that its board approved the issuance of up to 555 million new shares. If shareholders endorse the proposal at the Sept. 1 meeting, Metaplanets outstanding stock would rise from 722 million to about 1.27 billion shares.

The offering will be conducted exclusively in overseas markets, with US sales limited to Qualified Institutional Buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.

The Japan-based firm said the move is designed to broaden the investor base beyond the Asian country by attracting long-term institutional capital and improving liquidity in global markets.

Bitcoin purchases

Metaplanet plans to use roughly JPY 123.8 billion (approximately $835 million) raised from the upcoming funds to acquire Bitcoin between September and October 2025.

The firm executives said the goal is to expand the companys Bitcoin net asset value (BTC NAV), which serves as the foundation for its preferred shares, while maximizing BTC per share and overall yield.

The Tokyo-listed firm already ranks as the seventh-largest corporate Bitcoin holder, with 18,991 BTC valued at about $2.1 billion, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data.

Its accumulation strategy, first adopted in April 2024, has steadily transformed the company into a regional counterpart to US-based Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy).

Beyond direct purchases, Metaplanet will direct JPY 6.5 billion (equivalent to $44 million) into its Bitcoin Income Business, which generates returns by selling covered call options and expanding put option activity on its holdings.

The program is already profitable, and the company expects the infusion to scale operations through December 2025.

By combining aggressive accumulation with income-generating strategies, Metaplanet is betting on Bitcoin not only as a reserve asset but also as a source of ongoing cash flow.

This approach underlines the firms ambition to cement a treasury-first model, deepen ties with global institutional investors, and build a more resilient financial base for long-term growth.

Stay ahead of the crypto curve  subscribe to CryptoSlate's Substack newsletter now.
WEST VIRGINIA (WBOY)  Monday, Aug. 25 marked 104 years since the march to Blair Mountain began. The march, and ultimately the battle, were one of the last events of the West Virginia Mine Wars, which got their spark in north central West Virginia.

After a series of miners strikes and tension between Appalachian miners and the coal companies, the march to Blair Mountain was intended to free miners who had been jailed under martial law in Mingo County. More than 10,000 miners joined in on the march and had been frustrated after experiencing poor working conditions, unfair wages and other mistreatment. Today, the battle is known as the largest labor uprising in U.S. history.

Erin Bates, Communications Director for the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), spoke with 12 News about how important the events at Blair Mountain are for the state.

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Its a story of justice, of solidarity, of what it means to demand a better life and even a hundred years later, those lessons still hit home. Especially in communities like Northern West Virginia, where hard work and fairness still matter, Bates said. So, this was a way of reminding us that ordinary people, many of them immigrants, black workers, poor white miners, they risked everything for basic rights.

Although the Battle of Blair Mountain took place in southern West Virginia, the north central region is no stranger to uprisings caused by poor mine conditions. In 1907, more than 300 miners lost their lives in the Monongah Mine Disaster. Bates mentioned how this event acted as a catalyst for West Virginia miners standing up for themselves.

Monongah Mine Disaster (WBOY Image)

How cutting down trees is actually helping West Virginias unofficial state bird

The Monongah Mine Disaster in 1907 kind of started that off and pushed miners to want to fight for fair working conditions. So, before the union, miners had no say, and the UMWA was able to transform coal mining from one of the most dangerous jobs to a career that can actually support a family, Bates said.

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Despite company forces defeating miners, partially by bombing them from above with airplanes, the event still stands as a symbol of unity in the face of adversity and served as a blueprint for the future of labor rights in the country.

Photo of Monongah Mine Disaster. Found at Northern Appalachian Coal Mining Heritage Association (WBOY Image).

Thomas Jude, the Museum and Communications Manager for the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, spoke with 12 News about the significance of these labor uprisings.

I think a lot of West Virginia residents actually might not be quite as aware of what a big deal our labor strikes, how they ended up impacting the federal legislation that would come in the 30s, Jude said.

The Battle of Blair Mountain, as the rest of the West Virginia Mine Wars, still stands as a cornerstone, United States history and acts as the foundation for the identity of West Virginians.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
SOMERVILLE, Tenn.  New evidence points to the Walking Tall Tennessee Sheriff Buford Pusser in the 58-year-old murder case of his wife.

A press conference regarding the new developments in the murder of Pauline Pusser was held Friday morning by District Attorney General Mark Davidson, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the University of Tennessee, Martin.

This comes after authorities received a tip in the case leading to the body of Pauline being exhumed from an Adamsville, Tenn., cemetery back in February 2024.

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During the conference, authorities say there were inconsistencies with Sheriff Buford Pussers story about the events leading up to his wifes death in 1967 and that it appeared to be a staged crime scene.

The photos of Buford and Pauline Pusser are displayed at the museum in Adamsville. (Mike Suriani, WREG) TBI photo TBI photo TBI photo TBI photo TBI photo

Buford, a McNairy County sheriff, reported that his wife volunteered to ride along with him on the dark, early morning hours to a disturbance call. That is when he says a car pulled alongside his car, fired several shots, killing Pauline and injuring him.

That his wife volunteered to ride along in the dark, early morning hours, on a disturbance call. He claimed a car pulled alongside his and fired several shots, killing Pauline and injuring him, Davidson said.

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He claimed it was an ambush intended for him, carried out by unknown assailants, Davidson said. No suspects were developed, and it became a cold case for decades.

In May 2022, TBI took another look at the file. Davidson said physical, medical, forensic, ballistic, and re-enactment evidence contradicts Buford Pussers version of events.

Pauline Pusser was more likely than not shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside the vehicle, Davison said. Blood splatter on the hood of the vehicle contradicts Buford Pussers statements.

He says cranial trauma suffered by Pauline, depicted in crime scene photos, does not match the interior crime scene photographs of the vehicle. He says the gunshot wound to Bufords cheek was a close-contact wound, not long range, as he described, and likely self-inflicted.

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Davidson also says the autopsy of Pauline revealed a healing prior to death, a nasal fracture on the right side of her nose.

He says Pauline Pussers death was intentional, deliberate violence, and would have led to Sheriff Buford Pussers indictment if he were still alive. They say that after statements, interviews, and an autopsy were completed on Pauline, it would not be a leap to say she was a victim of domestic violence.

No one is above the law, Davidson said.

Paulines brother, Griffon Mullins, made a video tribute honoring her, which was also played during the conference. He says she was the leader of the family and always there for them.

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You would fall in love with her. She was a people person. She was just a sweet person, Mullins said. I loved her with all my heart, and I missed her horribly. Lord knows I miss her.

She was not the type of person to tell you her problems. I knew deep down, there were problems in her marriage, Mullins said. I can lay down tonight and have some peace in my mind. This is closure for me, my wife, and my two daughters. Im thankful I got the news.

TBI exhumes body of Sheriff Buford Pussers wife after new tip in case

On the other hand, Buford Pussers granddaughter feels differently.

She said in a statement that a dead man, who cannot defend himself, is being accused of an unspeakable crime. And that she doesnt know how justice can be accomplished by pursuing this theory of my grandmothers death.

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The City of Adamsville also released a statement following the recent discoveries:

The City of Adamsville acknowledges the recent findings of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation regarding Buford Pusser. While this information is not what we had hoped to receive, the City remains committed to addressing these matters in a responsible and transparent manner. Mayor Jackie Hamm, in collaboration with the Board of Commissioners, will carefully review the implications of these findings and determine the appropriate course of action with respect to the Buford Pusser Museum and other related matters. This review will occur in a public study session, followed by a public meeting, in order to ensure that all decisions are made openly and with full accountability. The City of Adamsville values the input of its citizens and encourages community participation in this process. While the legacy of Buford Pusser has been a part of our identity, Adamsville is defined by much more. We are a resilient and united community that prioritizes the well-being of our residents, the future of our children, and the continued growth and progress of our city.

Pauline Pusser was fatally shot on August 12, 1967, in McNairy County. Her husband, Sheriff Buford, was also wounded in the shooting but survived.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the successor to the state agency that originally investigated the shooting, said the case remains active but unresolved.

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A recent tip prompted a new review of the case file, and the discovery was made that an autopsy was never performed on Mrs. Pussers body, TBI said in a release. With the support of Paulines family and in consultation with 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson, TBI requested the exhumation in an attempt to answer critical questions and provide crucial information that may assist in identifying the person or persons responsible for Pauline Pussers death.

 Who killed Pauline Pusser? Search continues for killer of TN sheriffs wife, 56 years later

The story of Sheriff Buford Pusser and his dealings with organized crime rings in McNairy County became legend, inspiring a 1974 movie and 2004 remake. His former home in Adamsville is now a museum.

The case file will be public record and is in the process of being finalized, a step to provide transparency in a controversial and historic event.

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The file will be transferred to UT Martin and processed as part of the digital archive initiative.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who recently resigned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, completely unloaded on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming there is public evidence of his intentions to interfere with the science at CDC.

Daskalakis resigned alongside fellow doctors and officials Deb Houry and Dan Jernigan on Thursday, citing changes to the agencys vaccine advisory board and other vaccine policies.

Related: Top COVID Vaccine Adviser At CDC Resigns After RFK Jr. Changes Recommendations

That same day, Kennedy told reporters the agency has been very troubled for a very long time, calling their recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic not science and misinformation.

I think that if the CDC is being characterized as troubled by Secretary Kennedy, I think we have to turn the mirror back to him because I think that the trouble is emanating mainly from him, Daskalakis told CNNs The Source host Kaitlan Collins Thursday.

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Daskalakis went on to say Kennedys clear statement that experts should not be trusted really makes it seem unlikely that his mission for CDC is to be a bastion of scientific expertise.

Former CDC officials claims Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was never briefed by CDC experts on measles, COVID-19 or the flu. Bloomberg via Getty Images

He defended the CDCs progress following the pandemic, but says Kennedy is now dismantling that work. His comments come at a time when his former agency and the health department are undergoing a series of drastic changes to adopt alternative health approaches.

So far, the Department of Health and Human Services has lost roughly 13,000 employees. Earlier this week, Susan Monarez was fired from her position as CDC director less than a month into her role, and Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, removed every member of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to replace them with his own controversial picks.

CDC does not have bias. On the contrary, the people that have been installed by Secretary Kennedy are full of ideology and bias that will actually contaminate the science, Daskalakis said.

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When asked if people can trust what is coming out of the CDC, Houry said, if its coming from CDC scientists, you can trust it. If its coming from the administration and hasnt been cleared by CDC scientists or reviewed by it, then I would have concerns.

Related: Fox News' John Roberts Suddenly Off The Air As He Battles 'Severe' Disease

Kennedy is set to testify before a Senate panel next week, but Daskalakis said lawmakers should ask if he has ever been briefed by a CDC expert on anything, specifically measles, COVID-19, flu.

No one from my center has ever briefed him on any of those topics so I dont know where hes getting his Daskalakis said before a surprised Collins interjected, Really?

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Yeah, hes getting information from somewhere, but that information is not coming from CDC experts, who really are the worlds experts in this area, Daskalakis said.

He told Collins that he does not know why Kennedy has not picked his team up on several offers to brief him on these very important topics, adding that, perhaps he has alternate experts that he may trust more than the experts at CDC that the rest of the world regards as the best scientists in the areas.

Related: Taking A Dip Labor Day Weekend? Swimmers Face Fecal Contamination At U.S. Beaches

The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to HuffPosts requests for comment.

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As the Interim Chief of Police for the Honolulu Police Department, I am deeply appalled and angered by the horrific actions committed by former Officer Mason Jordan, who has been sentenced for sexually abusing minors while serving in this department.

Let me be absolutely clear, his actions are inexcusable, sickening, and an egregious violation of the trust placed in him by this community, this department, and, most tragically, the victims and their families. He betrayed the badge, the oath, and the very foundation of what it means to serve and protect. His conduct does not reflect the values of this department or the honorable men and women who dedicate themselves every day to upholding the law and safeguarding our community.

To the victims and their families, I want to express my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. You have endured unimaginable trauma, and I commend your courage in coming forward and seeking justice. No words can undo the harm but know that this department stands with you.

I also want to assure the public that the Honolulu Police Department has cooperated fully with the investigation and prosecution of this case. We remain committed to full transparency, accountability, and ensuring that such abuse of power never happens again. We have reviewed and strengthened our policies, oversight, and reporting mechanisms to prevent any individual from ever misusing their authority in such a vile way.

We are not above the law, we are bound by it, and when one of our own commits such grave violations, they will be held accountable to the fullest extent. That is our duty to justice, and that is our duty to you, the public we serve.

The trust of our community is not given, it is earned. We will continue working tirelessly to rebuild and honor that trust every single day.
At the Table: Elyakim Rubinstein, who is Orthodox, said there is nothing in Halacha which states that men studying Torah should not serve in the army.

Many young boys these days want to be hi-tech executives, astronauts, or scientists. The status symbol for their mothers is no longer My son the doctor or My son the lawyer, though on a per capita ratio, Israel outshines many other countries in both professions.

Israelis often obtain law degrees for the sake of having another option under their belts, but they dont necessarily practice law, though the degree may prove helpful in business negotiations and acquisitions.

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That was partially the case with one of Israels leading jurists, Elyakim Rubinstein, the former deputy chief justice of the Supreme Court.

When Rubinstein was a boy in the nascent years of the state, army officers were the nations heroes  more so the heroes of the younger generation.

After all, the period when the Jewish people had neither a state nor an army was not that far behind them.

Elyakim Rubin (credit: FLASH90)

Moshe Dayan was not my hero, Rubinstein confided as we sat in the tastefully furnished, sunlit living room of his Givat Oranim apartment. My hero was Abba Eban.

Throughout the years, it became increasingly obvious why Rubinstein looked up to Eban, a master of the spoken and the written word  especially after he learned that Eban was the uncle of British film director and screenwriter Jonathan Lynn, who created the highly acclaimed prize-winning political TV satire Yes Minister and its follow-up, Yes Prime Minister.

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It was no secret that the plot originated from something Eban had told Lynn, and that from time to time during the series, Eban continued to supply him with political anecdotes.

Anecdotes of a historic career

Rubinstein has his own collection of anecdotes, which he frequently trots out as ice breakers or simply to lighten the mood when there seems to be a stalemate situation.

But a lot depends on the sense of humor of his interlocutor.

Rubinstein reminisced about Israels talks with Jordan in 1994 at Beit Gabriel, which is situated on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Then-prime minister Yitzhak Rabin had considered moving the meeting to another venue because he worried that the Jordanians, on seeing the water, would want as much as they could get.

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But no one defied the feisty Jerusalem-based philanthropist and political activist Gita Sherover, who had built Beit Gabriel in memory of her son, as well as other projects in Jerusalem in his name, and there was no way that she would permit a change of venue for such an important meeting.

Rabin had confided his fears to Rubinstein, who said he would think of something.

On the day that he met his Jordanian counterpart, they went out on the balcony overlooking the sea, and Rubinstein remarked: This is not water. The Jordanian negotiator immediately got the message, and they both laughed. A potential, albeit imaginary, crisis was averted.

IN A sense, Rubinstein walked in Ebans footsteps.

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Eban was a diplomat, and for part of his multifaceted career Rubinstein was too  not only as a legal adviser to the Foreign Ministry but also as deputy chief of mission at the Israel Embassy in Washington.

In addition, he was a leader or member of Israeli negotiating teams in peace process negotiations.

There was a time, when Dayan was foreign minister, that Rubinstein also worked with him. Dayan was his first mentor and Rubinstein liked him a lot, particularly because Dayan had a great sense of humor and because both had a talent for writing limericks, which they sent to each other.

Both were part of the 12-member Israeli team that in 1978 accompanied prime minister Menachem Begin to Camp David at the invitation of US president Jimmy Carter to meet with Egyptian president Anwar Sadat and his delegation.

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Rubinstein also had enjoyable conversations with Begin, whom he admired. Begin invited Rubinstein and his wife, Miriam, for afternoon tea. He accepted the invitation, and they went to Begins home thinking that there would be some 20 other people present. But it was more intimate  just the two of them with Miriam, and Begins wife, Aliza  and they had a very interesting discussion in which there was no politics.

From secondary to sought after

As a university student, Rubinsteins first love was Arabic literature. He also met wife Miriam at the university.

When asked whether he thinks that Arabic should be a compulsory subject in all state-run schools, Rubinstein replied, Absolutely!

The law may have come later, but now his legal opinions are most sought after.

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When we arrived at his apartment in the late afternoon, Miriam was standing in the open doorway to welcome us with drinks. Apologizing that he would be a little late for our appointment, she explained that hes Zooming.

The man for whom law had initially been a second option is today one of the most respected jurists in the country. We suspected he was either being interviewed, having a debate on Zoom, or perhaps giving a lecture as he did during COVID.

He does his Zooming in his study, which according to his wife is a holy of holies where no one else can tread.

There are essentially three retired jurists who are first in line to be questioned by the media when certain legal issues become headline news. The other two are Aharon Barak, a former long-term chief justice of the Supreme Court; and Dorit Beinisch, who was the first female chief justice.

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These days, unfortunately, theres plenty for them to talk about  and with regard to law and democracy, the three are generally on the same page.

 Then-government secretary Elyakim Rubinstein prays as then-deputy foreign minister Benjamin Netanyahu goes through his papers, on a flight from New York to Washington, 1989. (credit: YAACOV SAAR/GPO)

Positions on the issues

Rubinstein, a former attorney-general himself, thinks that the cabinets attacks against Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara in the effort to achieve her ouster is contrary to procedure and completely unacceptable.

Nobody is perfect, he said, but she spent her whole life in law and service to the state.

As for the haredi draft or non-draft, Rubinstein, who is Orthodox, said there is nothing in Halacha which states that men studying Torah should not serve in the army.

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Having come from a Religious-Zionist home, not a haredi one, Rubinstein did serve in the IDF.

Rubinstein also understands why the Druze community is upset with the Nation-State Law and said that it could have been worded differently.

Regarding converts to Judaism, according to the status quo they must have the approval of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Those converted abroad cannot have citizenship status or live in Israel permanently unless the rabbi who converted them is approved by the Chief Rabbinate.

His opinion about conversion is that there should be harmony between the civil registration and halachic rabbinical standards, which should include a friendly Orthodox conversion process.

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Rubinstein was an exception to the trend of cronyism, by serving as cabinet secretary to two prime ministers, Rabin and Yitzhak Shamir, who were from both sides of the political aisle. He was attorney-general during the administrations of both right- and left-wing prime ministers, and he understandably had occasional disagreements with them. Those disagreements were never based on political ideologies and affiliations, however, but rather on legal opinions expressed without fear or favor.

The way Rubinstein sees it, a civil servant is the servant of the state and not of a political party or its head, so there should not be a problem with serving prime ministers of different political viewpoints.

Rubinstein is among the legal experts working with the Jewish People Policy Institute in preparing a lean constitution that will incorporate certain reforms by way of bylaws and ordinances.

The existing situation is that you can change Basic Laws as if they were bylaws of a municipality. Thin constitution wants, inter alia, to have a Basic Law on legislation which will change this unfortunate situation. Anything can be changed, he explained, noting that there are proper legal means by which change can be introduced.

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Due to the time factor, we barely started discussing the need for a constitution or other issues such as judicial reform.

Still variously active and back to academics  during so-called retirement

Not quite a year older than the state, Rubinstein has not only witnessed its development and history evolve but has also been an influential factor in making that history, and he continues to be active in various organizations and institutions.

He was the chairman of the Public Committee within the Defense Ministry for the rights of child orphans of the IDF; chairman of the committee for the preservation of historic sites; chairman of Yad Vashems Committee for the Recognition of Righteous Among the Nations for a short time; and a board member of the Israel Center for Volunteerism.

He is also co-chair of Kav Mashve, which works for employment of Arab academics, and chair of the public committee of Igul LeTova, enabling people to make small monthly donations from their credit cards for social matters, which has accumulated to total many millions of shekels.

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Rubinstein has a very personal reason for his work with Yad Vashem: Most of his fathers family in Belarus were murdered by the Nazis.

Anyone reviewing this list, alongside what he has done in his career, could be forgiven for thinking that it describes a social worker  though in a way, it also characterizes a judge, whose pledge of office emphasizes dealing fairly with all who come before the court.

But Rubinsteins favorite position since going into so-called retirement in 2017, upon reaching the age of 70, was his appointment as president of Ashkelon Academic College, which has relations and joint ventures with overseas institutions of higher learning.

He is particularly pleased that haredim are included in the student population and in pre-military studies, a factor that falls in line with his deep belief that pluralism makes for better relations between people of varied backgrounds. The college also has Arab students, mainly Bedouin, he said.

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Having started his career as a teacher at Bar-Ilan University, Rubinstein said, Coming back to teaching after many years excited me. I taught voluntarily as a professor in the Hebrew University for six years after my retirement.

This is something that he has in common with Aharon Barak, who teaches at Reichman University, where he says he feels most at home. Miriam eventually retired as a deputy state attorney.

Rubinsteins career mosaic, together with his current crop of interests, is mind-boggling. When asked about why he chose so many different fields in which to give of himself, his simple response was: Im curious.

Hobbies, honors, associates

Given his many activities, does he have time for hobbies? Yes  studying Torah, Talmud, and Jewish topics.

Over the years, Rubinstein has been the recipient of numerous honors, the most recent of which was being named as Yakir Yerushalayim (Worthy Citizen of Jerusalem). When asked how he felt about that, Rubinstein replied that it was a great honor because he loves Jerusalem and thinks that Mayor Moshe Lion is doing a great job, especially in keeping the streets clean.

Hes known Lion for a long time  in fact, since before either of them moved to Jerusalem and became internationally known personalities. Both lived in Givatayim, and Rubinsteins father taught Lion for his bar mitzvah.

Asked to comment on how the high-rises that have sprouted up everywhere have changed the character of the city, Rubinstein was reluctant to criticize, but he did say that Jerusalem does not have the proper infrastructure for such buildings.

Urged to name the honor which moved him most, Rubinstein thought for a moment, then rose from his chair and went over to the bookcase, from which he extracted a handsomely bound Bible inscribed with kudos for his having served the state in so many capacities on the blood-soaked soil of our forefathers.

When asked who wrote such a beautiful tribute, he answered with a slight touch of emotion in his voice: My mother.

We would have liked to continue the conversation and to get his views on some of the many distinguished personalities whom he has met, but Rubinstein kept glancing at his watch. He had to go to afternoon prayers  Mincha in a local minyan  while it was still daylight.

Praying to his creator was obviously more important than speaking a little longer with two journalists and a photographer.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Former Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit has started his new job with Acadian Ambulance. Officially, Benoit is Acadian Ambulances Fire Liaison Supervisor.

Benoit says as he travels across the state in his new role, he continues to engage with the public, focusing on saving lives, protecting property and improving the overall quality of life for people.

The excitement that they have of seeing me walk into their station and saying hello, Im here to help you, Benoit explained.

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Benoit calls Acadian Ambulance a strong company with locations in other states.

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I love traveling. Its kind of like my office is in my vehicle and I love that; but what I love most about that is when I get there and I meet with the fire chiefs, and we embrace. Some of them I know personally and some of us know each other from a distance, Benoit said.

For the time being, he will be working within Louisiana.

They are expanding, and employees have to expand with them. Its not that youre going to be in any one particular area, he said.

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Benoit will be in conversations with fire service partners throughout the state. He could be in one area today and in another area tomorrow. The questions being asked:

What are we doing right? What are we doing wrong? What can we improve on? Its all about relationships, relationship building, and creating that partnership, Benoit said. In Lake Charles, we were able to sit with the chief of training and his subordinates in Lake Charles, and they came up with a solution to their problem. Now, Acadian is going to certify and train these medics and get them ready to go out there and help the public. We are going to do a big celebration with them in Lake Charles when they graduate.

Benoit explained that everywhere he goes he meets with the managers of Acadian Ambulance for those areas. As a team, they meet with the local fire chiefs to exchange information, ideas and discuss what can be done better.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Nearly 60 years later, former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser is believed to have been responsible for his wife, Pauline Pusser's death.

From inconsistencies in Buford's statement to TBI recently exhuming Pauline Pusser's body for an autopsy, new developments contradict what has long been based on Buford's account of what transpired.

In a press conference held at the University of Tennessee at Martin campus in Somerville on Aug. 29, TBI and various officials gathered before local law enforcement officials from neighboring counties to discuss findings of the more than 1,000-page case file.

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Mark Davidson, District Attorney for the 25th Judicial District, says TBI agents began reexamining the archived case in 2022, which continued into 2023 before Pauline was exhumed from the Adamsville Cemetery in 2024.

More: Nashville Then: Folk hero Buford Pusser in his hometown and trip here in August of 1973

More: Buford Pusser and the exhumation of Pauline Pusser's body. What to know

In what he described as "an act of intimate, deliberate violence," Davidson reports that, based on physical, medical, forensic, ballistic and re-enactment evidence, it is believed that Buford is responsible for Pauline's death.

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More: 'Walking Tall' Sheriff Buford Pusser buried 50 years ago after car wreck

Mark Davidson, District Attorney General of the 25th Judicial District, speaks during a press conference on the Pauline Pusser murder case inside UTM Somerville in Somerville, Tenn., on Friday, August. 29, 2025.

New analysis of evidence

"The events did not occur as stated by Buford Pusser, and that Pauline Pusser was more likely than not, shot outside the vehicle and then placed inside the vehicle," Davidson said. "The blood spatter on the hood outside of the vehicle contradicts Buford Pusser's statements."

Davidson added that the gunshot wound Buford incurred to his cheek is thought to be likely self-inflicted at close range, as opposed to long range, as Buford had reported.

Further blood stain patterns demonstrate inconsistencies and point to someone being injured both in and out of the vehicle.

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"Ballistics expert Dr. Eric Warren states in his report that the physical evidence in the case does not support Buford Pusser's version of events and instead is indicative of a staged crime scene," Davidson said. "The autopsy of Pauline revealed a healing prior to death of a nasal fracture on the right side of her nose, most commonly caused by interpersonal trauma."

Davidson added that if Buford Pusser were alive today, probable cause based on sufficient evidence would lead to a request for his indictment from a McNairy County Grand Jury for his role in Pauline's murder.

History of Pauline and Buford Pusser

On August 12, 1967, Pauline voluntarily accompanied her husband on a disturbance call in the early morning hours. Based on Buford's statement, a car drove alongside theirs while the couple drove down New Hope Road.

Bullets from the other vehicle flooded the side of the Pusser vehicle, striking Pauline in the head, previous accounts say. She succumbed to her injuries, while Buford was shot in the face and spent nearly three weeks in the hospital recovering.

A photographof the location of the Pauline Pusser ambush site shown during a press conference on the Pauline Pusser murder case inside UTM Somerville in Somerville, Tenn., on Friday, August. 29, 2025.

Buford alleged the attack was executed by unknown assailants, who were never charged or prosecuted, in what he said was an ambush intended for him.

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The ambush led to the production of the 1973 film "Walking Tall," along with several sequels, series, and books, largely based on Buford's account of events from that Aug. 12 morning.

What prompted law enforcement to revisit Pauline's death?

TBI Director David Rausch shared that a concerted effort by the agency to revisit cold cases, Pauline's included, began in 2022.

"The case, built largely on Buford's own statement, closed quickly  perhaps too quickly," Rausch said.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation David Rausch speaks during a press conference on the Pauline Pusser murder case inside UTM Somerville in Somerville, Tenn., on Friday, August. 29, 2025.

He noted that the agency received a tip in spring 2023 concerning a possible murder weapon, which propelled TBI's investigation.

Rausch concluded by citing five key takeaways from the investigation: the significant inconsistencies in Buford Pusser's story, recent statements provided by individuals associated with the case, Pauline Pusser's autopsy findings, evidence examined by TBI, and conclusions made by experts external to TBI.

Pauline Pusser's family speaks out

In a video played after the speaker's remarks, Pauline's younger brother, Griffon Mullins, spoke to his sister's character and what the new developments mean for his journey of seeking closure.

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"She was the most caring, personable person that you would ever want to meet," Mullins said. "You would fall in love with her. She was a people person, and of course, my family would always go to Pauline if they had an issue or they needed some advice, and she was always there for them. She was just a sweet person, and I loved her with all my heart, and I've missed her horribly this last 57 years.

"Lord knows I've missed her."

Griffon Mullins, brother of Pauline Pusser, speaks in a video taped message during a press conference on the Pauline Pusser murder case inside UTM Somerville in Somerville, Tenn., on Friday, August. 29, 2025.

Mullins added he was devastated to learn of the new developments, but says he wasn't completely surprised by the findings.

"She didn't tell me a whole lot, she was not the type of person to tell you her problems, but I knew, deep down, there was problems in her marriage," Mullins said. "To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not totally shocked."

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Mullins concluded by noting that he thanks God for the newfound sense of closure.

Law enforcement encourages public review of the case

While few exceptions are made in allowing public access to TBI investigations, the decades of public interest in the case prompted the agency to allow UT Martin to retain possession of the case as its exclusive custodian.

Both Rausch and Davidson encourage the public to review the case file in its entirety for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

Chancellor of UT-Martin Yancy Freeman speaks during a press conference on the Pauline Pusser murder case inside UTM Somerville in Somerville, Tenn., on Friday, August. 29, 2025.

"This is a rare step, but it's one that we support," Rauch said. "It provides more transparency and demonstrates the exhaustive nature of our work in an extremely controversial and historic case."

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Rauch added that TBI is nearly complete with its redactions and will soon transfer the case over to UT Martin.

UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman said the institution possessing the case file will allow students to study and review the file as a primary resource.

"For UT Martin, accepting the collection is an act of service aligning with our mission to engage, educate, and preserve the stories that shape the communities we serve," Freeman said.

"This case file will support not only criminal justice students, but also scholars in communications, history, sociology and law. It offers rare access to primary resources that can inspire new research, publications, and conversations around justice and transparency."

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Sarah Best is a reporter for The Jackson Sun. To support local journalism, subscribe to the Daily Briefing here.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Sheriff Buford Pusser responsible for wife Pauline's death, TBI reports
Former White House COVID-19 response coordinator Ashish Jha called out Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after he bizarrely claimed that he can identify kids who are facing mitochondrial challenges just by looking at them.

Im sorry, but what? Jha wrote in an X post on Wednesday alongside a clip of RFK Jr. making the comments. Our Health Secretary says that he sees kids at airports and can tell by their faces that they have mitochondrial challenges.

Ja, who served as the White House COVID-19 response coordinator from 2022 to 2023 under the Biden administration, added: This is wacky, flat-earth, voodoo stuff people. This is not normal.

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Kennedy, an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist, uttered the comments as he joined Gov. Greg Abbott (R) at the Texas Capitol in Austin to sign three bills inspired by the Trump administrations Make America Healthy Again agenda that aims to reform Americas food and health.

Related: Neil Young Drops Scathing Protest Song Explicitly About Donald Trump

Im looking at kids as I walk through the airports today, as I walk down the street, I see these kids that are just overburdened by mitochondrial challenges, with inflammation, RFK Jr. said.

He added: You can tell from their faces, from their body movements and from their lack of social connection. And I know that thats not how our children are supposed to look.

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Kennedys comments were widely criticized on social media.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Tom Williams via Getty Images

The United States Department of Health and Human Services didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Elsewhere during the meeting, Kennedy, who has a history of spreading misinformation about health and has repeatedly made false claims about autism, went on to claim that he never knew anyone with autism growing up.

I came from a big family. I have seven kids, I had 11 brothers and sisters, I had about 70 first cousins, and I never saw anyone with diabetes, never knew anyone with a food allergy, never knew anyone with autism, he said.

Related: How Horseshit Criminal Cases Help Trump Hype His DC Police Takeover

Meanwhile, Kennedy vowed in July that the HHS would identify and address whats causing the autism epidemic by September.

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A judge has denied Metas request to dismiss a lawsuit brought against it by early employee Kelly Stonelake.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Rothstein, who is overseeing the case, ruled this month that parts of Stonelakes suit had merit, and the case will move forward.

I hope this ruling encourages others who have experienced discrimination and toxic workplace cultures to consider the courts as one way to push for justice and accountability, Stonelake said in a statement given to TechCrunch.

Stonelake, who worked at Meta from 2009 until being laid off in early 2024, filed a lawsuit against Meta in Washington state earlier this year, alleging sexual harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation. Meta moved the lawsuit to federal court and filed to dismiss Stonelakes suit, saying her claims were legally insufficient.

Meta declined to comment on the lawsuit or the judges decision.

In her initial complaint, Stonelake alleges Meta failed to take action after she reported sexual assault and harassment; that she was often passed over for promotion in favor of men; and that she faced retaliation after flagging a video game she perceived as racist and harmful to minors. She said working for Meta under these alleged conditions severely damaged her mental state and left her in medical treatment.

When asked in February why she decided to file her suit, Stonelake said she wanted to drive accountability for what she alleges is a large pattern of abuse at Meta.

Meta has the opportunity to do harm on a scale that only tech companies can, she said.

At the time, Meta declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

In its motion to dismiss, Meta said Stonelake fails to and cannot allege any viable claims against Meta, and that her claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation fell outside the statute of limitations of the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).

A judge has partially rejected that argument.

In documents filed August 21, the judge stated that parts of Stonelakes claims regarding retaliation, failure to promote, and sexual harassment were sufficient to survive. The judge has dismissed other specific claims within the lawsuit that covered other allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and wrongful discharge. Stonelake was also denied her request to amend the filing, should she choose.

Stonelake and Meta will now file a joint status report, which is due mid-September.

Stonelakes claims are just some of the high-profile allegations Meta has faced as of late.

Shortly after Stonelake filed this suit, Sarah Wynn-Williams (who led public policy for what was then called Facebook) released her memoir Careless People, where she alleged sexual harassment by her boss, as well as retaliation after she reported him. Meta denied the allegations in the book, and Wynn-Williams is currently barred from marketing it after a judge sided with Meta in that she had likely broken her non-disclosure agreement in writing it.
Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind Technologies, addresses the crowd during Google's annual I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California on May 20, 2025. Credit - Camille CohenAFP/Getty Images

A cross-party group of 60 U.K. parliamentarians has accused Google DeepMind of violating international pledges to safely develop artificial intelligence, in an open letter shared exclusively with TIME ahead of publication. The letter, released on August 29 by activist group PauseAI U.K., says that Googles March release of Gemini 2.5 Pro without accompanying details on safety testing sets a dangerous precedent. The letter, whose signatories include digital rights campaigner Baroness Beeban Kidron and former Defence Secretary Des Browne, calls on Google to clarify its commitment.

For years, experts in AI, including Google DeepMinds CEO Demis Hassabis, have warned that AI could pose catastrophic risks to public safety and national securityfor example, by helping would-be bio-terrorists in designing a new pathogen or hackers in a takedown of critical infrastructure. In an effort to manage those risks, at an international AI summit co-hosted by the U.K. and South Korean governments in February 2024, Google, OpenAI, and others signed the Frontier AI Safety Commitments. Signatories pledged to publicly report system capabilities and risk assessments and explain if and how external actors, such as government AI safety institutes, were involved in testing. Without binding regulation, the public and lawmakers have relied largely on information stemming from voluntary pledges to understand AIs emerging risks.

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Yet, when Google released Gemini 2.5 Pro on March 25which it said beat rival AI systems on industry benchmarks by meaningful marginsthe company neglected to publish detailed information on safety tests for over a month. The letter says that not only reflects a failure to honour its international safety commitments, but threatens the fragile norms promoting safer AI development. If leading companies like Google treat these commitments as optional, we risk a dangerous race to deploy increasingly powerful AI without proper safeguards, Browne wrote in a statement accompanying the letter.

"Were fulfilling our public commitments, including the Seoul Frontier AI Safety Commitments, a Google DeepMind spokesperson told TIME via an emailed statement. As part of our development process, our models undergo rigorous safety checks, including by UK AISI and other third-party testers - and Gemini 2.5 is no exception."

The open letter calls on Google to establish a specific timeline for when safety evaluation reports will be shared for future releases. Google first published the Gemini 2.5 Pro model carda document where it typically shares information on safety tests22 days after the models release. However, the eight-page document only included a brief section on safety tests. It was not until April 28over a month after the model was made publicly availablethat the model card was updated with a 17-page document containing details on specific evaluations, concluding that Gemini 2.5 Pro showed significant though not yet dangerous improvements in domains including hacking. The update also stated the use of third-party external testers, but did not disclose which ones or whether the U.K. AI Security Institute had been among themwhich the letter also cites as a violation of Googles pledge.

After previously failing to address a media request for comment on whether it had shared Gemini 2.5 Pro with governments for safety testing, a Google DeepMind spokesperson told TIME that the company did share Gemini 2.5 Pro with the U.K. AI Security Institute, as well as a diverse group of external experts, including Apollo Research, Dreadnode, and Vaultis. However, Google says it only shared the model with the U.K. AI Security Institute after Gemini 2.5 Pro was released on March 25.

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On April 3, shortly following Gemini 2.5 Pros release, Google's senior director and head of product for Gemini, Tulsee Doshi, told TechCrunch the reason it lacked a safety report was because the model was an experimental release, adding that it had already run safety tests. She said that the aim of these experimental rollouts is to release the model in a limited way, collect user feedback, and improve it prior to production launch, at which point the company would publish a model card detailing safety tests it had already conducted. Yet, days earlier, Google had rolled the model out to all of its hundreds of millions of free users, saying we want to get our most intelligent model into more peoples hands asap, in a post on X.

The open letter says that labelling a publicly accessible model as experimental does not absolve Google of its safety obligations, and additionally calls on Google to establish a more common-sense definition of deployment. "Companies have a great public responsibility to test new technology and not involve the public in experimentation, says Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, who signed the letter. Just imagine a car manufacturer releasing a vehicle saying, we want the public to experiment and [give] feedback when they crash or when they bump into pedestrians and when the brakes don't work, he adds.

Croft questions the constraints on providing safety reports at the time of release, boiling the issue down to a matter of priorities: How much of [Googles] huge investment in AI is being channeled into public safety and reassurance and how much is going into huge computing power?

To be sure, Google isnt the only industry titan to seemingly flout safety commitments. Elon Musks xAI is yet to release any safety report for Grok 4, an AI model released in July. Unlike GPT-5 and other recent launches, OpenAIs February release of its Deep Research tool lacked a same-day safety report. The company says it had done rigorous safety testing, but didnt publish the report until 22 days later.

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Joseph Miller, director of PauseAI U.K. says the organization is concerned about other instances of apparent violations, and that the focus on Google was due to its proximity. DeepMind, the AI lab Google acquired in 2014, remains headquartered in London. U.K.s now Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, said on the campaign trail in 2024 that he would require leading AI companies to share safety tests, but in February it was reported that the U.K.s plans to regulate AI were delayed as it sought to better align with the Trump administrations hands-off approach. Miller says its time to swap company pledges for real regulation," adding that voluntary commitments are just not working.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Ukraine's anti-corruption agency has been investigating the country's star deep-strike drone company  Fire Point  over concerns it misled the government on pricing and deliveries, five sources with knowledge of the investigation told the Kyiv Independent.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau, or NABU, is also looking into the co-owner of President Volodymyr Zelensky's former film studio as the alleged ultimate beneficiary of the company, sources said.

Until recently, the weapons maker was virtually unknown outside of Ukraine's defense circles, despite appearing to be one of the largest  if not the largest  recipient of Defense Ministry drone budget funds, according to documents obtained by the Kyiv Independent.

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But over the past weeks, Fire Point has gone on a charm offensive, promoting its FP-1 deep-strike drones and "Flamingo" cruise missile in Western media. In his first public comments about the weapon, Zelensky last week called the Flamingo Ukraine's "most successful" missile the country has in its arsenal to defend against Russia's nearly four-year full-scale invasion. Ukraine has prioritized developing long-range strike drones and cruise missiles to hit Russian targets far behind the front lines and slow Moscow's war machine.

As part of the investigation, NABU is probing concerns that Fire Point inflated either the value of its components or the number of drones it delivers to the military, or both, according to the sources, who include current and former government officials and industry representatives, all of whom agreed to speak on condition of anonymity to discuss the investigation and company details.

When contacted, a spokesperson for NABU declined to comment, saying the agency could not discuss it "as it concerns the secrecy of investigations."

Fire Point confirmed the existence of an investigation to the Kyiv Independent but downplayed its significance, denying the accusations and portraying the investigation as based on rumors spread by opponents and part of wider probes into Ukraine's defense procurement system.

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"It makes no sense to look for the secrets where there are no secrets," Iryna Terekh, Fire Points chief technology officer, told the Kyiv Independent.

Wartime secrecy has kept weapons production largely in the shadows. While it is currently unclear how far along NABU's investigation into Fire Point is, the probe marks one of the most significant known inquiries into Ukraines fast-growing drone and missile industry  and into its new darlings of defense production. It also comes on the heels of a government crackdown on NABU last month, widely seen as a response to the agencys scrutiny of Zelenskys associates.

The current NABU investigation is tracing the firm's ultimate ownership to Timur Mindich, a businessman who co-owns Kvartal 95, the television studio started by Zelensky, three of the sources said. As the investigation is ongoing, no charges have been brought against any individuals or entities.

"Rumors are going around pretty actively that (Fire Point's) drones are linked with Mindich, and I have every conviction that this version of events corresponds to reality," the government source, who is familiar with the investigation's materials, told the Kyiv Independent. NABU did not respond to any questions regarding Mindich.

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The Kyiv Independent was able to reach an attorney for Mindich, who said they had no information on a connection between their client and Fire Point.

Rise of Ukraine's drone prodigy

According to documents seen by the Kyiv Independent, the firm sold Hr 13.2 billion worth of its FP-1 long-range drones  roughly $320 million  to the government in 2024. Per its annual budget, the Defense Ministry spent a total of Hr 43 billion ($1.04 billion) on drones that year, giving Fire Point just under a third of the total.

Terekh told the Kyiv Independent that the firm sold around 2,000 long-range drones in 2024. The firm sells the drones for roughly $55,000 each, which would total around $110 million in sales.

Between 2023 and 2024, the company's revenue, according to publicly available corporate documentation, grew from $4 million to over $100 million. Terekh told the Kyiv Independent that Fire Point's staff grew from 18 in 2023 to 2,200 employees in the present day.

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A source with knowledge of Fire Points contracts says the company is set to receive more than $1 billion in 2025 from government contracts. Terekh acknowledged receiving funds via the "Danish model" of European funding going to Fire Point via the Defense Ministry.

Fire Point also received funding as part of a 5-billion-euro deal with the German government, announced in May, Terekh told the Kyiv Independent.

The former government official, who had direct knowledge of the contracts, told the Kyiv Independent that among drone companies receiving government funds, Fire Point was "without a doubt the top."

A purported image of a fire burning at the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai following a reported long-range attack by Kyiv on March 14, 2025. (Astra / Telegram)

A recent Associated Press interview with Fire Point reported the firm was producing 100 of its long-range FP-1 drones per day. Those numbers would total around $2 billion annually. Terekh told the Kyiv Independent that 100 in a day is the maximum the firm can produce. Between contracts, they do not hit those quotas, but they are set to produce roughly 9,000 this year, she said. Those figures don't include its FP-5 "Flamingo" cruise missiles that it similarly began advertising recently.

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It is currently impossible to confirm Fire Point's production figures independently. The effectiveness of its weapons is also difficult to gauge, as the government does not publicize that information. Terekh put the percentage of their drones that hit their Russian targets at 55-60%.

According to the Kyiv Independent's reporting, the FP-1 is today an effective deep-strike drone, but that did not seem to be the case in 2024  when the company was already selling large quantities of the drone to the Defense Ministry.

The two industry sources allege that within a short time after formation in 2023, the company was turning out barely functional drones while receiving massive preferential funding from the government.

While producing ineffective drones in its early days is neither illegal nor necessarily unethical, a company that benefits from political favoritism while delivering a subpar product raises questions about oversight and accountability. In the case of Fire Point, it looks to have been designated as the heir apparent of Ukraines deep-strike ambitions from the outset.

The people behind Fire Point

According to the source in the government, the investigation began roughly four months ago  shortly before a high-profile crackdown by the Zelensky administration to curtail NABU's independence last month.

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The government source told the Kyiv Independent that Fire Point's origins "seem to be a priority for (NABUs investigation) at the moment."

There are no obvious links between Fire Point and Mindich. Its not clear how the NABU investigation is tracing the connection to Zelenskys former business associate.

The people formally linked to Fire Point are new to the drone industry. The company's two publicly identifiable leaders are Yehor Skalyha, the legal owner, and Terekh.

Following the start of the full-scale invasion, the two fundraised for a non-profit organization called Civic Hub, which turned into a long-range drone project, according to the NGOs website and social media posts. Terekh also ran Frieden, a charity fund based in Germany.

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Skalyha, for his part, is a veteran of Ukraine's film industry and did the location scouting for Ukrainian movies "Luxembourg, Luxembourg" and "Egregor."

The corporate entity Fire Point was under the name Centrocast until formal ownership was handed over to Skalyha in February 2023, accompanied by the name change to Fire Point, per publicly available corporate documents.

Terekh claims that she runs Fire Point along with Skalyha and Denys Shtylerman, an engineer and designer, and says they funded the project themselves until the Ukrainian government started buying their drones.

Back in 2019, Skalyha signed a letter of protest against former President Petro Poroshenkos attack on Ukraines film agency, alongside other members of Ukraines film industry, including current Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and several Kvartal associates.

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Terekh's background is equally unrelated to the defense industry. Her previous firm, the Terekh.Group, created artful concrete installations, for which she ended up on Forbes Ukraines 30 under 30 list in 2022.

Then, in December of last year, she was selected to be on a business council that met in the President's Office, in the ranks of many of the wealthiest businesspeople in the country. Sira Rechovyna, the corporate entity behind Terekh.Group, has never reported an annual revenue above $70,000.

And at the end of April, Yermak named both Terekh and Skalyha to a new government council of 82 businesspeople, alongside business leaders from cellular giant Kyivstar and Ukraines answer to Amazon, Rozetka. In that council, Terekh was listed under Terekh.Group.

The Kyiv Independent reached out to the President's Office, asking about any connections it has with Fire Point, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.

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"Nobody can choose between Yermak and Mindich as to who we are associated with," Terekh quipped, dismissing high-powered political backing as rumors. She also blamed the Digital Transformation Ministry for targeting Fire Point with rumors, saying that NABU had "copy-pasted" claims from the ministry in its investigation.

Terekh acknowledged broad issues of corruption in Ukraines defense procurement and their effect on the front line. "I understand why people are so skeptical  I would also be skeptical."

"The worst possible human thing that can happen during a war is to steal from the war," said Terekh.

Read also: Why Ukraine security guarantees are dead in the water

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI (Reuters) -China spent $21 billion on military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the East and South China Sea and the Western Pacific last year, nearly 40% higher than 2023, according to Taiwan government estimates based on its tracking of aircraft and ships and working out the cost of fuel and other expenses.

The internal research by Taiwan's armed forces, reviewed by Reuters and corroborated by four Taiwan officials, offers rare detail of where China's defence spending is probably going as Beijing expands its military footprint and scope of its drills, alarming regional capitals and Washington.

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China budgeted 1.67 trillion yuan ($233.47 billion) in defence spending for last year, but diplomats widely believe that number is under-reported. China does not give any breakdown on how the money is spent.

The officials, who were briefed on the research, declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Neither China's defence ministry nor its Taiwan Affairs Office responded to requests for comment. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory over the objections of Taipei's government, has repeatedly said its military spending is transparent and presents no threat.

Reuters could not independently confirm the accuracy of the Taiwanese estimate. Experts said the report's methodology was feasible and could provide valuable information, although they cautioned that it necessarily included some guesswork.

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Taiwan's military compiled its estimates in a report this month based on Taiwanese surveillance and intelligence on Chinese military activity in the Bohai Sea off northeast China, the East China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the Western Pacific.

The reports tallied China's naval and air missions there in 2024, then estimated how much fuel and other consumables would cost for each hour of activity. The total was around 152 billion yuan ($21.25 billion), including maintenance, repairs and salaries, the report and the officials briefed on the research said.

That estimated spending represented about 9% of China's reported 2024 military spending, up from 7% in 2023 based on the same estimates, according to Reuters calculations based on the research.

"China's ongoing military expansion and grey-zone provocations are severely undermining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement to Reuters, which did not address the report's spending and other estimates.

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In 2024, Chinese aircraft, including J-10 fighter jets, H-6 bombers, and drones, made nearly 12,000 flights in the region, amounting to about 37,000 hours in the air, the report shows. Those both represent roughly a 30% increase from the year before, the officials said.

The Chinese navy made more than 86,000 sailings, including of aircraft carriers and destroyers, amounting to a total time at sea of more than 2 million hours, about a 20% increase from a year ago for both metrics, the report said.

Roughly 34% of the Chinese naval journeys were made in the highly contested South China Sea, about 28% were in the East China Sea bordering Japan and South Korea, and nearly 14% were in the sensitive Taiwan Strait, the report shows.

"They are trying to normalise their military power projection and intimidation around the first island chain," said one of the officials briefed on the research.

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The First Island Chain is an area that runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China's coastal seas as well as the disputed South China Sea.

China's navy has also been operating even further from the country's shores, including participating in anti-piracy patrols off Somalia, while the United States has reported an uptick in Chinese naval movements around Alaska and the northern Pacific.

The research is designed to help Taiwanese policymakers understand how China allocates military resources across regions, as well as to gauge Beijing's pace of military expansion, the officials briefed on the reports said.

The 152 billion yuan figure amounts to about a quarter of Taiwan's 2024 defence budget.

($1 = 7.1529 Chinese yuan renminbi)

($1 = 7.1529 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
SANTAQUIN, Utah (ABC4)  Many across Utah are mourning the loss of Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Lee Sorensen, who were shot and killed in the line of action. For Kinda Hooser, the wife of late Sergeant Bill Hooser, this tragedy hits especially close to home.

Kinda Hooser woke up on August 18, 2025, and learned that two Tremonton officers were killed in the line of duty. Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Lee Sorensen had been fatally shot while responding to a domestic disturbance the night before.

Its all too familiar for me, Kinda told ABC4.com, I just dealt with this fifteen months ago. Indeed, Kinda knows what it is like to lose a loved one in the line of duty, as her husband was killed while working for the Santaquin Police Department.

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On May 5, 2024, Sergeant Bill Hooser conducted a traffic stop on a semi-truck. The driver, identified as Michael Aaron Jayne, allegedly fled the scene, before making a U-turn and striking Hooser.

Sergeant Hooser left behind a wife, Kinda Hooser, their two daughters and two sons-in-law, and grandkids. In a previous ABC4 exclusive, Kinda said, I still miss him every second of every day from the minute I wake up to the time I go to bed. I spent so many years with Bill, and Im still trying to figure out who I am without him.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Wife of Sgt. Hooser speaks out for the first time

Fifteen months later, Sergeant Hoosers family and the Santaquin community continue to mourn the loss of Sergeant Hooser. Kinda regularly visits her husbands grave, and says, I love to be here with him, and it brings me a sense of closeness to him. Even though I know hes not here, the body I spent 32 years with is here, and it makes me feel some kind of comfort.

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Even with visiting his grave regularly, the loss has been difficult for Kinda.

There are so many times that I sit here and wonderhow long am I going to live this life without Bill before I finally get to be with him again, She told ABC4.com, Its still hard, because you know Im still here and hes not. You know, its hard.

Sgt. Bill Hooser Bill (left) and Kinda (right) Hooser (Courtesy: Kinda Hooser) A memorial for Bill Hooser. (Courtesy of KTVX/Sarah Murphy)

When she heard about the Tremonton shooting, Kinda was reminded of her own loss. She said, Instantly, it breaks my heart just to know that those families are going to go down the same road that I had been on.

Kinda also told ABC4 what helped her when her husband was killed, giving tips on how the community can be there for the families of Officer Estrada and Sergeant Sorensen.

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Right now, they dont know what they need. I knew what I needed. I needed Bill back, but nobody could do that for me, She said, before noting that, Its good to know that there were people there if I needed something. All I had to do was call.

Kinda Hooser emphasized that if the community wants to help, the best thing is to just be there.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Increased shark sightings are sparking fear among Californians as beach-goers temporarily lose access to the water.

What's happening?

For those who grew up watching Jaws, the sight of a fin slicing through the waves sparks an instinctive fear. This summer, that fear is becoming real. At Rio Del Mar Beach, locals had a too-close-for-comfort encounter with a white shark.

On the morning of July 1, a junior lifeguard aide was setting up a buoy about 100 yards offshore when a six-to-eight-foot-long white shark brushed past him. The sighting led officials to close the beach for 48 hours, according to the Times Publishing Group.

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What's driving the rise in shark encounters? Chris Lowe, marine biology professor and director of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, explained it clearly: "These nurseries are moving north."

White shark numbers have been recovering since the 1990s, following California's 1994 protections. However, rising ocean temperatures have created a new challenge  sharks have established a nursery in Monterey Bay, where none existed before.

Why is this shark sighting concerning?

While the thought of sharks circling near shore might spark fear, it's also a sign of a larger shift in ocean ecosystems. Juvenile white sharks typically grow in warmer southern waters, where they're protected from larger predators and have steady access to food. But as ocean temperatures rise, these young sharks are venturing into unfamiliar territory  putting them in closer contact with humans.

That overlap increases the risk of accidental encounters, which can lead to beach closures, lost tourism revenue for coastal communities, and even harm to the sharks themselves if people react out of fear. Shifting habitats can also disrupt the balance of marine life in both the regions sharks are leaving and the ones they're entering.

What's being done about it?

Scientists are tracking shark movements with satellite tags, drones, and other tech to better predict where they'll appear  and to help keep both people and sharks safe. Local lifeguards are also stepping up public education, reminding swimmers and surfers to avoid wearing shiny jewelry, stay in groups, and steer clear of areas with seals or schools of fish.

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On a broader scale, policies protecting shark populations  like California's white shark fishing ban  continue to play a key role in keeping their numbers (and our life-sustaining ecosystems) healthy. Conservation groups are also working to protect marine habitats, from kelp forests to coastal wetlands, which support the food sources sharks rely on.

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.




Climate-driven stress on food systems is hitting Americans in their grocery carts, again. This time, ground beef prices have jumped 10.3% since June 2024, meaning they're topping $6 per pound, according to a Time report.

Consumers are continuing to buy beef, but issues with supply, stress on producers, and extreme weather are disrupting the market.

What's happening?

The price of ground beef is exceeding $6 per pound, with steak up 12.4% over the same period, according to the report. This is similar to the recent steep rise in egg prices due to bird influenza outbreaks on farms.

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Contributing to rising costs, herd sizes are the lowest they've been in almost 75 years, according to Farm Policy News, and it's driven by drought and high feeding costs. Food economist David Ortega told Time his research estimates these pressures could keep prices elevated for up to four years.

Ortega also said that tariffs are starting to contribute to the increasing beef prices.

The U.S. still depends on imported lean trimmings, which are needed to mix with fattier American beef to create ground beef blends. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, which could make the process more expensive.

"If these do go into effect, or even higher tariffs [are implemented], then I think we're going to see a notable further increase on things like ground beef and hamburger meat," Ortega said.

Why is extreme weather a concern for beef?

Extreme weather, such as increasing drought, stresses the environment and slows the recovery of food supplies like beef.

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A 2025 study analyzed 16 examples of rising food prices that resulted from a period of extreme heat, drought, or heavy rainfall between 2022 and 2024. Two of the examples were the cost increases for rice in Japan and onions in India following the heatwave in Asia in 2024.

Meanwhile, producers have been trying to rebuild herds but have been facing biological delays as well as tighter margins. It takes three years just to get more cows because of the decision-making process, the gestation period, birthing the calf, and raising it until it can have a calf of its own, according to AP News.

How often do you eat meat in a normal week? Every day Most days Once or twice Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"Sometimes we have good times, and sometimes we don't," said South Dakota rancher Calli Williams in the AP News report. "We have a lot of producers who are still trying to pay off bills from [the height of the pandemic]."

What's being done to preserve the food supply?

Building up resistance is key to keeping the food supply up.

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According to Nature, diversifying the city's food supply chains boosts resilience to moderate food supply shocks by up to 15%. Producers have also been experimenting with drought-resilient practices, like improving feed storage and implementing rotational grazing during dry years as per the USDA.

For individual consumers, careful planning or shopping smarter at the grocery store can help reduce pressure on our food system and our ecosystem, as well as your wallet. There are ways to save money while prices are still high, and you might even reduce the amount of costly, unused food that ends up rotting in landfills.

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.
Over the past several months, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been rolling out some major changes at its TSA checkpoints as the agency has embraced the use of facial recognition technology.

This new technology has made the security screening process more efficient for travelers, but it has also led to some privacy concerns.

However, one security expert has opened up a little bit about the truth regarding the new technology, clearing up some misconceptions.

TSA Changes Spark Privacy Concerns

The TSA's expansion of facial recognition technology has certainly led to some criticism, as some experts and lawmakers have expressed their concern about the changes.

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Some security experts have expressed concern about how the data is stored and used, as well as about the rights of travelers to opt out of the technology.

Travis LeBlanc, a lawyer and a former member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, recently urged travelers to opt out of the facial recognition technology, telling travelers that the benefit is that you dont have to submit your picture to the government, for the government to scan it and store it under their rules.

Lawmakers Attempt to Limit Technology

Over the past several months, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have attempted to pass legislation that would limit the TSA's use of this technology.

The law, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Republican John Kennedy, aims to protect Americans ability to opt out of TSA facial recognition screenings at airports and prevent abuse of passenger data.

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"The TSA subjects countless law-abiding Americans to excessive facial recognition screenings as they travel, invading passengers privacy without even making it clear that they can opt out of the screening," Kennedy said in May.

"Folks dont want a national surveillance state, but thats exactly what the TSAs unchecked expansion of facial recognition technology is leading us to," Merkley also said back in May.

While that bill hit a bit of a snag this month, the lawmakers have vowed to keep pushing.

Expert Clarifies Misconceptions

This new technology has certainly been a hot topic, so we spoke to security expert Jake Parker, who is the Senior Director of Government Relations of the Security Industry Association (SIA), and he was able to clarify some things for us.

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While there have been a lot of privacy concerns regarding the new technology, Parker explained during our interview that not much has actually changed, since all the facial recognition does is compare your image against data and information that the government already has.

Really, from a privacy perspective, there isn't really anything new going on here that would change your privacy expectations or you know alter anything there because this is just basically verifying information that the government already has about your travel

and yourself," Parker told Men's Journal during a phone interview last week. "So really, there's nothing new. It's just a quicker and more efficient, and more accurate way to do a verification."

While this used to be done manually  and can still be performed manually if someone opts out of the new technology  facial recognition makes the process more efficient and more accurate.

As far as what happens to the data after the facial scan is complete, the TSA insists that the data is not stored.

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Photos are not stored or saved after a positive ID match has been made, except in a limited testing environment for evaluation of the effectiveness of the technology, TSA states on its website.

Even if the data was stored and ever became leaked or compromised, Parker explained that biometric data, like a real-time facial scan, is "essentially useless" compared to other forms of personal information because it's likely unusable by any other system and lacks any context to tie it to any entity without further information.

So while people may be a bit uneasy as the technology continues to be expanded, Parker insists that the only thing that has really changed is improved efficiency and effectiveness.

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research has identified a way to raise billions of dollars for climate action without hiking prices for everyday people, The Hindu BusinessLine reported.

The idea: Countries team up to place small fees on fossil fuel imports, then use the money to help developing nations shift to clean energy. According to the study, this could generate $66 billion every year.

The timing is important. At last year's COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, governments set a goal to raise $300 billion a year by 2035 to tackle the changing climate. But they left without agreeing on how to actually get the money.

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The institute  a top climate think tank based in Germany that advises the United Nations and governments worldwide  said its plan provides a realistic path forward, one that could also help the United States as it balances climate commitments with concerns about energy costs.

Here's how it would work. If major fossil fuel-importing countries  such as members of the European Union or even China  introduced the fees together, they could raise far more than if they acted alone. The study also found the cooperation could reduce global fuel prices, balancing out the impact of the fees.

The potential benefits are striking. The research shows the plan could cut more than a billion tons of carbon pollution every year  more than Germany's current production. It could also prevent an estimated $78 billion in climate damages and save $19 billion annually on fossil fuel costs. For the U.S., where extreme weather already costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year, the savings would be felt indirectly.

"This could go a long way to solving the problem, without extra cost to consumers," PIK Director and lead author Ottmar Edenhofer said. Fellow researcher Matthias Kalkuhl called the approach "a win-win" since both wealthy and developing countries could benefit.

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Other countries are already experimenting with similar ideas, from new flight levies in Europe and Africa to a global shipping fee starting in 2027. While the U.S. hasn't embraced such measures, programs including California's cap-and-trade system show that market-based climate funding can work closer to home.

For American families, that means international cooperation could help spur climate action abroad while keeping household energy costs in check.

Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know 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.
By Martin Petty

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Two rival camps in Thailand are in a dogfight for power after a court's dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister, with parliament set to vote on a new premier on Friday.

WHAT HAPPENED SINCE THE RULING?

The court's August 29 dismissal of the ruling Pheu Thai party's Paetongtarn for an ethics violation triggered a challenge from Bhumjaithai, a smaller, renegade party that had quit her alliance in June, leaving the coalition with a razor-thin majority and plummeting public support.

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Bhumjaithai's ambitious leader Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, embarked on a lobbying spree to form a new government, eventually making a pact with the liberal opposition People's Party, the largest force in parliament, by promising to call an election within four months.

With Anutin's coalition amounting to 146 seats, and a further 143 votes pledged by People's Party - which will not join his government - Anutin should have enough to become premier.

HOW HAS THE RULING PARTY RESPONDED?

Anutin's offensive is a big challenge for Pheu Thai and its billionaire founder and seasoned political dealmaker Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father, whose populist political juggernaut won five of the past six elections.

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But it has since lost bargaining power and it is unclear whether Thaksin has sway with the key power-brokers in Thailand's conservative establishment to turn things around. His sudden, unannounced departure from Thailand on a private jet late on Thursday for Dubai, where he spent years in exile, does not bode well.

Pheu Thai has shifted strategy from seeking its own support to desperate measures to try to block Anutin's path to the premiership, including petitioning the king seeking his approval to dissolve parliament. But that was rejected.

Pheu Thai later said it would field its own candidate, Chaikasem Nitisiri, 77, a former justice minister and attorney general. Crucially, it promised that if Chaikasem wins, he would call a fresh election right away.

That strategy is aimed at weakening Anutin's support by offering the prospect of an earlier election that People's Party would be well-placed to win, as its predecessor did in 2023 before it was blocked from taking power.

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The People's Party's leadership has rejected that and said it would honour its agreement with Bhumjaithai.

WHAT'S NEEDED TO BECOME PM?

A candidate needs endorsement from 50 lawmakers before the house can vote. The backing of more than half of the lower house's 492 members - or 247 votes - is required to become prime minister.

If the candidate fails, the house must convene again and the process be repeated for any other candidates nominated, until a prime minister is chosen.

WHO WILL BE PM?

Because of Bhumjaithai's early manoeuvring and a prevailing mistrust of Thaksin, Anutin looks to have the upper hand.

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But in a country locked in an intractable, two-decade battle for power fraught with betrayal, shifting loyalties, fragile truces and intervention from influential outside forces, nothing is guaranteed.

Pheu Thai has reneged on agreements before and has previously made power deals with its enemies, including proxies of a military that twice overthrew Shinawatra-led governments in 2006 and 2014 coups. Pheu Thai's pledge to dissolve parliament immediately if Chaikasem wins may not convince lawmakers.

WHAT IF NEITHER CANDIDATE SUCCEEDS?

If neither Chaikasem nor Anutin prevail, then political deadlock could ensue, triggering a new round of alliance-building and jockeying for power, and another route for Thaksin's Pheu Thai to stay in government.

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There are three other eligible candidates to field - acting Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, former deputy prime minister Jurin Laksanawisit, and Prayuth Chan-ocha, a general who led the 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government and was premier for nine years.

Prayuth, 71, is retired from politics and is now a royal adviser. However, given his standing in the military and among Thailand's royalist establishment, he could be put in play if conservatives see him as a stabilising figure at a time of crisis.

There are no permanent friends or enemies in Thai politics and a deal between Prayuth and the Shinawatras cannot be ruled out.

(Reporting by Martin Petty; editing by Mark Heinrich and Stephen Coates)
ROSELAND, La.  Tyreik Taylor had barely wiped the oil from his hands when the sky behind him lit up.

Fifteen minutes after the 26-year-old drove home, a roar thundered from the plant where he helped mix chemicals for motor oil and had just punched out. Fire consumed the air, the collapsing metal groaning and liquids hissing as they escaped into the surrounding water, soil, and air. From his yard, he saw neighbors pointing at the rising smoke, not knowing he had been inside the plant only minutes before.

On Aug. 22, a catastrophic explosion erupted at Smittys Supply, a major lubricant manufacturing facility in a predominantly Black town about 60 miles northeast of Baton Rouge. The blaze swept through the 15-acre complex that housed half a million gallons of flammable materials. By Aug. 29, the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed toxic substances were found in soot following the Smittys Supply explosion. An analysis of water and soil following the explosion detected arsenic, barium, chromium, lead, and other hazardous materials like cancer-causing nitrobenzene. The agency maintains the position that the toxins are not a threat to human health.

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Oily droplets spattered from the smoky sky as far as 20 miles away, coating rooftops, cars, and front lawns in a slick, shimmering film that glistened like tar.

Although no deaths had been reported as of Thursday, the fire inflicted environmental anxiety, residents said. The inferno at Smittys Supply is just the latest flashpoint as states and the federal government make it harder to hold industrial companies accountable for damage by rolling back regulations and oversight.

They dont care about us, said Taylor, referring to both the industrial company and government officials. There is no way people dont get sick, because we need help over here and were not getting it.

Last year, Louisiana became the focal point for the erosion of civil rights protections against environmental injustice. A state court case stopped the federal government from using the Civil Rights Act to block the expansion of toxic facilities in Black communities.

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Now, under the Trump administration, permits for polluting plants are being approved with little oversight. Facilities are also allowed to release more chemicals into the environment as parts of the Clean Air Act get weakened.

For days, an industrial explosion led to a fire burning in Roseland, Louisiana, a predominantly Black town about 60 miles northeast of Baton Rouge. The cause of the explosion is under investigation. (Courtesy of the EPA)

At the same time, the administration has moved to repeal a Biden administration rule that strengthened the countrys ability to plan for and address the fallout from hazardous industrial events. These disasters overwhelmingly burden Black families, who are more likely to live nearby and face the greatest health, economic, and environmental harms.

On Aug. 22, more than 80% of residents in the town, including Taylor, were forced to abandon their homes. Over 250 people crammed into a tiny community center overnight, with most sleeping on plastic chairs. Roselands mayor and housing director, who handled the evacuation, did not respond to requests for comment.

By Aug. 26, most of the community returned to their homes, but the air remained heavy with the pungent scent of petroleum.

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Im probably already sick with something, said Tevin Moore, 33, another former employee of Smittys Supply. On Sunday, Taylor and Moore were laid off, along with hundreds of other employees, from the plant. They both said they were offered about $250 in monthly severance.

In every reporting period since 2022, Smittys has been cited for significant Clean Water Act violations. The Clean Water Act is the nations governing law regarding water safety, but the Trump administration has proposed weakening the rule. Among those violations, the company reported polluting local waterways with organic chemicals, which may include benzene and toluene, at approximately 20 times the legal limit, oil and grease at over four times the cap, and fecal bacteria at four times the cap.

Residents here are exposed to more oil and gas facilities than 90% of Americans and face higher rates of respiratory illness than 95% of the country. As soot from the explosion settles on playgrounds and porches, many locals say the consequences of industry-friendly policies and the erosion of civil rights guardrails are evident.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry cautioned residents not to clean their homes until investigators have determined what chemicals are in the ash. He said at a press conference that the explosion had not caused an immediate danger to wildlife or to human health.

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State health departments say breathing oil fumes for even a day can cause severe lung irritation, peeling skin, and chemical pneumonitis, and may also trigger neurologic effects and more serious health problems such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and blood effects.

Read More: Black Louisianans Grapple With a Climate Change-Denying Governor-Elect

On Aug. 25, the regional EPA took over the cleanup of the disaster. Still, residents expressed distrust in the process. The current head of the regional department, appointed by President Donald Trump, is Scott Mason, a former energy official for the state of Oklahoma. Mason was also an author of the Project 2025 plan that called for ending certain pollution regulations, toxic chemical clean-up programs, and research on the impact of pollution on human health.

I cant trust them, and I also cant do it myself, said Mary, a 68-year-old resident. Im just going to have to leave it and hope for the best.

Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses face higher acute risk from smoke and chemical exposure. (Adam Mahoney/Capital B)

In a statement issued Tuesday, Smittys Supply apologized to the community and its employees. One of the plant executives daughters, Bethany Tate, however, said in a Facebook post that no one was to blame. An investigation on the cause of the explosion is underway.

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Taylor and Moore, who both said they routinely saw chemical fires in the plant, took exception to that comment.

They never gave us [personal protective equipment] when we worked there, and it smelled just like this. Now were going to be walking in and touching oil for weeks, Moore said.

Since 2020, Smittys has faced five serious labor violations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including four for grease fires and one for a fatal incident, where a worker was struck and killed by a trailer.

The company has vowed to rebuild. Residents told Capital B they have mixed feelings about the facilitys possible return because of the health risks. Despite those concerns, some here would welcome the economic benefits of a new facility.

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More than half of Roseland residents  and 90% of its children  live in poverty. In the town of 1,200, Smittys, which employed roughly 450 people, was an economic lifesaver. Without it, some residents said it will be harder for people to support themselves financially.

People are gonna find themselves in the trenches, Taylor said.

By the weekend, oil had reached waterways 30 miles south of Roseland. (Courtesy of the EPA)

With environmental protections erased, residents fend for themselves

About 1.5 miles away from the plant, Patricia Thomas was mopping the black sheen from her kitchen floor on Tuesday morning when the smell grabbed her throat. Her eyes burned, and the oily grit stuck to her shoes, tracking in from her yard. In her front yard, her green bushes had turned gray, and the mailbox was stuck shut with the black substance that had rained down in the explosion. She has to keep her greatgrandbaby away now. Even her cats, who often go outside, often return to her house streaked in a tar-like substance.

The 65-year-old said she survives on her $450 per month Social Security income. A week ago, she charged over $1,000 on her credit card at Home Depot for new wood paneling for her trailer and paid roofers to lay fresh shingles to stop a leak. The panels are now speckled and tacky to the touch, the shingles already lifting.

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Theyre acting like no one is responsible, but I know for sure who isnt responsible  we didnt do it, she said. Who is paying for it?

Patricia Thomas inspects her garden, which is speckled with oil. (Adam Mahoney/Capital B)

Thomas, who retired early due to health reasons, said issues with her back and shoulders make it difficult for her to scrub the black mystery substance that now coats her porch, fencing, and floors. She is afraid to touch any of it, afraid not to.

This stuff could kill me if I touch it, she said, but what about if I keep tracking it in my house, too?

At a community meeting on Monday, where many attendees expressed anger that no representatives from Smittys Supply or its insurance company were present, neighbors were advised to consult a civil lawyer. Already, six residents have filed lawsuits against the company. But Thomas did the math and shook her head.

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I dont have money for a lawyer, she said. I barely cover my bills. If there is a class action, maybe she will be included, she said. Otherwise, she worries she will be left to choose between breathing toxic this air and going deeper into debt to clean a mess she did not make.

Both Thomas and Mary said their anxiety levels have already increased.

Following a similar chemical fire in Illinois in 2021, a government survey found that half of the neighboring citys residents experienced new or worsened health issues. And in 2019, a similar explosion led to residents in France reporting increased stress, depression, insomnia, and anxiety for a year after the event.

Just a year ago, residents in this majority-Black, low-income town would have had the legal right and avenue to petition the government to investigate the company and the disaster for elements of discrimination and wrongdoing. It would also be more difficult for the company to secure pollution permits to reopen operations.

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Today, they said theyre left with complimentary water bottles and cleaning supplies.

In the long run, this is gonna mess up for a long time, and they dont care because of who lives here, Taylor said, referring to what she sees as discrimination against Black people. We dont know whats in this air right now or what might be in our water and bodies.

Some residents received bottles of bleach to clean the oil splattered across their properties. (Adam Mahoney/Capital B)

This story has been updated.

The post Explosion at Louisiana Oil Plant Leaves Black Community Coated in Toxic Fallout appeared first on Capital B News.
Kohls shares are soaring againand this time its not just a meme stock.

Most Read from Fast Company



The department store chains shares surged on Wednesday as the company raised its full-year financial outlook and topped expectations despite a sales decline.

The companys shares saw an uptick in mid-July as it caught the attention of the r/wallstreetbets Reddit thread, doubling the stock price and joining the meme stock rally that month. Following Wednesdays earnings announcement, Kohls shares jumped by 27% in premarket trading and are up 17% at the time of publishing.

Kohls beat its quarterly earnings estimate, coming out at $0.56in contrast to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.33. Additionally, the company saw a slight uptick in revenue, coming out at $3.35 billion, compared with the $3.32 billion estimate by London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) analysts.

Despite the favorable outlook, Kohls still saw a decrease in sales, with a 5.1% year-over-year decline.

Our team remains focused on delivering progressive improvement throughout the remainder of the year against a challenging economic backdrop, Kohls interim CEO Michael Bender said in the earnings report.

Getting back on their feet

The companys solid quarter can be largely attributed to its turnaround efforts and major cost-cutting measures, including store closures and workforce reductions.

Earlier this year, the department store chain closed 27 stores across the country and saw a 10% reduction of its corporate workforce.

The companys turnaround efforts include a reassessment of its assortment of products, as well as introducing more coupons for branded items.

We were able to expand our gross margins, reduce our inventory, and lower our expenses, leading to solid second-quarter earnings, Bender said.

Benders leadership followed the termination of former Kohls CEO Ashley Buchanan earlier this year. Buchanan, the companys third CEO in three years, lasted four months on the job, stepping down due to involvement in an investigation surrounding vendor transactions with undisclosed conflicts of interest.

Kohls second-quarter performance is a testament to the progress we are making against our 2025 initiatives, Bender said. This resulted in sales performance that came in ahead of our expectations.

This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com

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This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit www.spotlightdelaware.org.

In early August, Planned Parenthood of Delaware announced that it would cut its behavioral health program, which included certain gender-affirming services as well as therapy.

The decision, which left transgender adults on Medicaid with less access to counseling and clinical services, marked the latest in a rollback in gender-affirming care at health centers across Delaware.

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At the time of the announcement, the nonprofit health clinic stated the cuts were driven by policies under the Trump administration, pointing specifically to the recent passage of President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

But, in a more recent statement, Planned Parenthood of Delaware CEO April Thomas-Jones also emphasized that the decision was a result of budget constraints that pre-existed the Trump administration.

She stated that financial challenges facing her organization had grown over the past five years because of factors, such as the COVID pandemic, low medical reimbursement rates, rising health care costs, and a 2022 U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had established a constitutional right to abortion.

April Thomas-Jones, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Delaware, speaks during a hearing held by the Senate Health and Social Services Committee to consider Senate Bill 5 at Delaware Legislative Hall in Dover, Monday, March 3, 2025. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend and House Speaker Melissa Minor-Brown, Senate Bill 5 is the first leg of a constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive freedom (abortion) into the Delaware Constitution.

Still, Thomas-Jones stood firm on her assertion that Planned Parenthood of Delaware is under attack from the Trump administration, stating that the nonprofit could not subsidize what she called additional programs while its core mission was being threatened.

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Lets be clear, public health  and particularly sexual and reproductive health and rights  is under extreme attack by the Trump administration, she said.

For the past four years, Planned Parenthoods behavioral health program offered therapy and counseling, as well as gender-affirming services, such as surgical letter writing and assistance with legal name and gender changes for adults.

Though the program was not restricted to the queer community, it served as a vital resource for those who were transgender and nonbinary.

Upon its decision to halt the behavioral health program, patients were notified that their upcoming appointments would be cancelled. They were then referred to other clinics.

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Ashley Mayer, a former patient who had been receiving therapy through the program, said the abrupt nature with which it was handled was kind of reckless.

Beyond the impacts, Planned Parenthood also cut a program that provided sex education to students, families, and Delawares disabled community by collaborating with schools in the state and entities like the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services.

Planned Parenthoods reliance on Medicaid

In a press release that announced the cuts, Planned Parenthood noted that the federal tax and spending legislation that Trump dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill, contains a one-year prohibition on Medicaid dollars flowing to nonprofit family planning clinics that provide abortions and received over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023  particularly targeting Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of reproductive health services in the nation.

The law applies to all services at those clinics  even those that are unrelated to abortion care.

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We unfortunately do not have the needed funding to sustain these valuable services, in a time when we are working hard every day to keep our clinic doors open for patients, Thomas-Jones said in the press release.

Thomas-Jones said that after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in early July, Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide were forced to stop billing Medicaid for patient services. As a result, the clinic covered the cost of care out of pocket for about a month to avoid disrupting services.

She also said the clinic spent a significant amount of money subsidizing its education and behavioral health programs, as they werent bringing in enough revenue to cover costs.

Almost 25% of Planned Parenthoods patients are Medicaid recipients, Thomas-Jones said. In 2024, the organization recorded revenues of $5.2 million, while its expenditures surpassed $6.2 million.

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We understand that we have to make some difficult decisions that will keep us financially sound. And what we decided was we can no longer subsidize, and we have to focus on all our core services and ensure that our clinic doors stay open, Thomas-Jones told Spotlight Delaware.

Though the new law prompted sudden Medicaid cuts for the states largest abortion provider, a subsequent lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood and its state affiliates led a federal judge to grant an injunction late last month  consequently pausing the cuts to the payments.

Asked why Planned Parenthood of Delaware still decided to eliminate two programs given the injunction, Thomas-Jones said her organization must manage its funds cautiously as they await an appeal from Trump and a potential loss of funding again.

We have to be conservative stewards of our dollars, because we also understand were under attack, and at any point in time, with another executive order, he can yank these dollars again, she said.

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Planned Parenthood affiliates in California, Minnesota, Iowa, and Ohio have also shuttered clinics altogether, in decisions the nonprofit also attributed to Trump policies.

In addition to the lawsuit brought by Planned Parenthood, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings also sued the Trump administration along with 21 other states last month over the Big Beautiful Bills provision to defund family planning clinics.

In therapy

The program closures in Delaware have left some in despair.

In 2024, about 80 patients utilized the behavioral health program for therapy and letter-writing sessions, which are required for individuals who want to receive gender-affirming surgery and legally change ones name or gender, Thomas-Jones said.

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That same year, Planned Parenthoods educational program saw 3,700 participants, serving 130 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and over 3,000 school-aged youth.

Although the disability program served a small number of individuals, Quinn Vermillion, who previously served as Planned Parenthoods disabilities program coordinator and education department manager, said demand was high, with referrals coming from throughout the state and a long wait list.

Im really disappointed about that for them, and I personally actually reached out to some of our community partners to tell them its cut, because I have been working with them for so long, she said.

Noah Ducket, who served as the health clinics behavioral health manager before his tenure ended earlier this month, said he was the only person in the state providing behavioral health intervention services for Planned Parenthoods Delaware affiliate. Duckett said he started the program with Planned Parenthood four years ago.

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Mayer, a patient who had been seeing Duckett for a year after being referred into his care for a surgical letter recommendation, said her counseling sessions were crucial in helping her unpack past traumas and personal issues.

But after receiving the abrupt notice to discontinue her care, she now has to search for a new therapist. She said Duckett provided her with a real connection that, when severed, was pretty re-traumatizing.

I mean, I have abandonment issues, thats why Im in therapy, she said.

Both Duckett and Vermillion were laid off from the organization on Aug. 8.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Planned Parenthood in Delaware cuts gender-affirming services
Claim:

In August 2025, federal immigration agents arrested two people fighting the Bear Gulch fire in Washington state.

Rating:

Rating: True

In late August 2025, a claim spread online that federal immigration agents arrested two people fighting a wildfire in Washington state.

The rumor spread on social media sites such as X, Facebook and Reddit. Snopes readers also wrote in to ask if immigration agents arrested "illegal immigrants who are fighting wildfires."

Border Patrol arrested two firefighters who were actively fighting a wildfire at the time.



When the other members of the crew asked for a chance to say goodbye, a Border Patrol agent told the crew member you need to get the f*ck out of here. Im going to make you leave. https://t.co/auYiMkczAR pic.twitter.com/37QOG0uTMO  Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) August 28, 2025

Federal officers did in fact, arrest two firefighters in Washington state who were at the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula, as first reported by the Seattle Times. Snopes confirmed the incident occurred via an email from Michael Kelly, a spokesperson for the Washington Department of Natural Resources, and a statement from Customs and Border Protection. Other members of the fire crews also posted videos of the incident on TikTok. Thus, we rate this claim true.

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As of Aug. 28, the Bear Gulch fire spanned 8,960 acres and was 13% contained, representing the largest wildfire in Washington state.

While some posts claimed the agents came from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the arresting officials were from Border Patrol, a part of Customs and Border Protection. According to CBP's statement, the Bureau of Land Management requested "assistance verifying the identities of all personnel present." CBP arrested the two firefighters on charges of illegal entry and reentry into the United States.

Here's the full statement from CBP (emphasis ours):

On Aug. 27, the Port Angeles Border Patrol Station provided assistance to the Bureau of Land Management on the Olympic Peninsula. BLM, working alongside U.S. Forest Service, requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol as work contracts with two firms were terminated. Contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc. were terminated following the conclusion of a criminal investigation by BLM. Due to the remote location of the work site, BLM requested USBP assistance verifying the identities of all personnel present. The work crews, totaling 44 individuals, required identity verification to ensure that the individuals on-site matched the contractor rosters. USBP agents supported BLM rangers in verifying the identities of the contracted personnel. Several discrepancies were identified, and two individuals were found to be present in the United States illegally, one with a previous order of removal. The two individuals were arrested and transported to the Bellingham Station on charges of illegal entry and 8 US Code  1326 - Reentry of removed aliens. Forty-two individuals were released from the scene and escorted off Federal lands. The contract termination and enforcement action did not interfere with firefighting operations or the response to any active fires in the area, nor did it pose any danger to the surrounding community. "This cooperative effort highlights the coordination between federal agencies in ensuring the integrity of government operations and maintaining public trust in fiduciary matters," said USBP Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario P. Vasquez stated. "U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered." The Department of Homeland Security remains committed to supporting our federal partners in ensuring the integrity of government operations and upholding the rule of law.

In a follow-up statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the "two illegal aliens apprehended were NOT firefighters."

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"The two contracted work crews questioned on the day of their arrests were not even assigned to actively fight the fire; they were there in a support role, cutting logs into firewood," DHS said in an X post, adding: "The mainstream media is once again spreading fake news about federal law enforcement efforts."

However, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior, the responsibilities of an entry-level wildland firefighter include chopping brush. Furthermore, the Times reported that the contract fire crews had been "assigned to a Community Hazard Reduction Project, cutting wood to reduce the fuel available for the fire." Given that the crew members were, based on this information, fighting the fire, we feel confident calling them firefighters.

Kelly said the state's Department of Natural Resources did not find out about the incident "until yesterday afternoon, when we were trying to track down information after getting questions from reporters." Kelly noted that the federal Forest Service is the lead agency on the fire. A spokesperson for the Forest Service, Jennifer O'Leary Risdal, said in an emailed statement that the agency was "aware of a Border Patrol operation here on the Bear Gulch Fire" and Border Patrol was "not interfering with firefighting activity."

The Times, which based its reporting on firefighters at the scene who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation from federal authorities, said federal law enforcement showed up while the firefighters were waiting for their division supervisor to arrive. Officials directed the firefighters to line up and show identification, according to the Times, whose reporting Snopes has not verified. As some of the claims above noted, the Times also reported that one firefighter said federal officials denied them the chance to say goodbye to the detained workers and an unidentified federal agent swore at the crew member.

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Under former President Joe Biden's administration, DHS wildfire policy stated that "to the fullest extent possible," immigration enforcement would not be conducted in disaster and emergency response and relief locations. As of this writing, DHS has not released a statement clarifying its policy during natural disasters and other emergencies under President Donald Trump, according to the agency's landing page for statements on safety and immigration enforcement during emergency events.

Elected Democratic officials in Washington expressed concern and outrage over the situation. Washington Democratic Sen. Patty Murray said in a statement that she was demanding "immediate answers" from the Trump administration "about the circumstances of this incident, the whereabouts of the detained firefighters, and the administration's current policy regarding immigration enforcement during active wildfires."

Sources:

@chipz.n.salsa8. "Shelton, WA Bear Gulch Fire. California Incident Management Team 7 Sent Us to Assignment after Briefing to Help Spilt [Sic] Wood for the Community and the End Result Was This... ." Tiktok.com, Aug. 2025, www.tiktok.com/@chipz.n.salsa8/video/7543466747454590221. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

@GovBobFerguson. "Deeply Concerned about This Situation with Two Individuals Helping to Fight Fires in Washington State. I've Directed My Team to Get More Information about What Happened." X (Formerly Twitter), 28 Aug. 2025, x.com/GovBobFerguson/status/1961094888428331388. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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@michaelkerwinsmith. Tiktok.com, Aug. 2025, www.tiktok.com/@michaelkerwinsmith/video/7543346481382853919. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

Breda, Isabella, and Conrad Swanson. "Federal Agents Arrest Firefighters Working on WA Wildfire." The Seattle Times, 28 Aug. 2025, www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/federal-agents-arrest-firefighters-working-on-wa-wildfire/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

"DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement during the Fires in Los Angeles County, ca | Homeland Security." U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 8 Jan. 2025, www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2025/01/08/dhs-statement-safety-and-enforcement-during-fires-los-angeles-county-ca.

"DHS Statement on Safety and Immigration Enforcement during Emergency Events | Homeland Security." U.S. Department of Homeland Security, www.dhs.gov/dhs-statement-safety-and-immigration-enforcement-during-emergency-events. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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Freeman, Caitlyn. "Fire Crew Arrests: Congress Members Demand Answers." The Seattle Times, 30 Aug. 2025, www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/climate-lab/members-of-congress-demand-answers-after-bear-gulch-immigration-arrests/. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

"Https://Www.tiktok.com/@Chipz.n.salsa8/Video/7543367514907020599?_r=1&_t=ZT-8zGiP8NkMyN." Tiktok.com, Aug. 2025, www.tiktok.com/@chipz.n.salsa8/video/7543367514907020599?_r=1&_t=ZT-8zGiP8NkMyN. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025.

"Incident Web Information System." Inciweb.wildfire.gov, inciweb.wildfire.gov/.

Savin, Naomi. "Senator Murray on Trump's Border Patrol Arresting Firefighters Battling Bear Gulch Fire in WA State: 'This Administration's Immigration Policy Is Fundamentally Sick' - Senator Patty Murray." Senator Patty Murray, 28 Aug. 2025, www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-on-trumps-border-patrol-arresting-firefighters-battling-bear-gulch-fire-in-wa-state-this-administrations-immigration-policy-is-fundamentally-sick/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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"U.S. Border Patrol Assists Bureau of Land Management near Lake Cushman on Olympic Peninsula in Washington State." U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 28 Aug. 2025, www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/us-border-patrol-assists-bureau-land-management-near-lake-cushman. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

"Wildland Firefighter | U.S. Department of the Interior." Doi.gov, careers.doi.gov/occupational-series/wildland-firefighter.

Updates:

Sept. 2, 2025: This story was updated to include comment from DHS and more information concerning the role of firefighters arrested. This story was also updated to add videos of the arrest incident posted by members of the fire crew.
Claim:

Minneapolis mass shooter Robin Westman was Jewish.

Rating:

Rating: False

The day after an Aug. 27, 2025, mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of two children in a Minneapolis church, a rumor spread online that the shooter, Robin Westman, was Jewish.

For example, a post by someone who described herself as a "Christian nationalist" on X said a "transgender Jewish man" had ended the lives of Christian children (archived):

(@LaurenWitzkeDE on X)

As of this writing, the post had gained more than 530,000 views and 8,000 likes. The claim appeared several times on X, including by an account that called itself "Six Million," presumably a reference to the 6 million Jews Germany's Nazis killed during World War II.

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In a direct message on X, Lauren Witzke  the poster who spread the rumor  told Snopes she believed Westman was Jewish because, she claimed, "his mother was Ashkenazi Jewish, so, ethnically. Based off her maiden name with the Askenazi [sic] Jewish surname 'Heler'."

"According to Jewish law, the MOTHER has to be Jewish in order for the descendants to be considered Jewish," Witzke added.

However, there was no proof of the claim. In fact, reports indicated that Westman's family and Westman had ties to the Catholic church in which the shooting took place. Further, an obituary and a 1985 news article showed that Westman's mother, Mary Grace Westman, nee Heleringer and not "Heler," as Witzke said, has Catholic heritage. It is true that according to strict Jewish law, a person is Jewish when their mother is Jewish or when they convert to Judaism (some communities accept patrilineal descent if the person was raised Jewish). There was no evidence that Robin Westman had converted to Judaism.

Snopes identified Westman's maternal grandmother as Mary Lou Heleringer, nee O'Donnell. According to her 2004 obituary, she received a Catholic education. Her family celebrated a funeral Mass for her and urged mourners to send gifts to the Dominican Renovation Project at St. Louis Bertrand Church, a Catholic church in Louisville, Kentucky, where she lived.

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Westman's maternal uncle, named in Heleringer's obituary, is former Kentucky state Rep. Robert "Bob" Heleringer. A 1985 article in The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported that he had graduated from a Catholic high school and university and that he was "chairman of a legislative committee of Catholic PTAs."

News reports indicated that Westman's mother, in keeping with her family's tradition, had worked as a secretary at the Catholic school Westman attacked. Further, CNN reported that according to a yearbook photo, Westman graduated from the Annunciation Catholic Church's school in 2017. ABC affiliate KSTP confirmed the story, showing the yearbook photo.

As for their last name, given their background, it seemed more plausible that Heleringer was a different spelling of Ehleringer, a surname that traces its roots to Germany. As people emigrate to new countries, their surnames sometimes become misspelled or mispronounced, leading to new spellings.

In addition, police were investigating videos supposedly posted by the shooter in which firearms appeared with names and slogans scribbled on them, including antisemitic ones. According to KSTP, the suspect had written "Robert Bowers" on one of the weapons, referring to the man who committed the 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The New York Post posted screen captures of videos it attributed to Westman on YouTube. On them, writing on weapons read "6 million wasn't enough" and "Jew gas" on a smoke canister.

Sources:

ABC7. "Minneapolis Shooting Investigation Focusing on Video Suspect Robin Westman Posted Online." YouTube, 28 Aug. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=feR3Fh-OXNI. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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Counter Extremism Project. "Robert Bowers." Counter Extremism Project, 5 Mar. 2020, www.counterextremism.com/extremists/robert-bowers. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

Forrester, Megan. "What We Know about Minnesota School Shooting Suspect Robin Westman." ABC News, 27 Aug. 2025, abcnews.go.com/US/minnesota-school-shooting-suspect-robin-westman/story?id=125029777. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

FOX 9. "Annunciation Church Shooting: Who Was Robin Westman?" FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, 27 Aug. 2025, www.fox9.com/news/annunciation-school-shooting-minneapolis-minnesota-suspect-shooter. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

KSTP 5 Eyewitness News. "Robin Westman Posted a Manifesto on YouTube prior to Annunciation Church Shooting." YouTube, 27 Aug. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI7rVpyZv0M. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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Legacy. "Mary Heleringer Obituary (2004) - Louisville, KY - Courier-Journal." Legacy.com, Legacy, 14 Jan. 2004, www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/louisville/name/mary-heleringer-obituary?id=27656647. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

"Louisville Mayoral Candidate Is a Man of Seeming Contradictions." Newspapers.com, 10 Oct. 1985, www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-journal-louisville-mayoral-c/99897616/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

McHardy, Martha. "Who Is Robin Westman's Mother? Mary Grace Worked at Annunciation School." Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025, www.newsweek.com/robin-westman-mother-minneapolis-shooting-2120592. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Nerozzi, Diana, and Anthony Blair. "Trans Minneapolis Shooter Robin Westman Mused about Slaughtering 'Filthy Zionist Jews' in Sick Journal before Deadly Catholic School Massacre." New York Post, 27 Aug. 2025, nypost.com/2025/08/27/us-news/robin-westman-mused-about-slaughtering-filthy-zionist-jews-in-sick-journal-before-deadly-catholic-school-shooting/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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Reyes, Ronny, et al. "Mom of Minneapolis Mass Shooter Robin Westman Worked at Catholic School Where He Opened Fire, Killing 2 Kids: Police." New York Post, 27 Aug. 2025, nypost.com/2025/08/27/us-news/mom-of-minneapolis-mass-shooter-robin-westman-worked-at-catholic-school-where-he-opened-fire-killing-2-kids-police/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

"St. Louis Bertrand." St. Louis Bertrand, 2025, stlb.org/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Tolan, Casey, et al. "Police Examine Online Videos, Writings Possibly Linked to Minneapolis Church Shooting Suspect." CNN, 27 Aug. 2025, edition.cnn.com/2025/08/27/us/robin-westman-minneapolis-church-shooting-suspect.

Updates:

Sept. 3, 2025: This report was updated to include comment from Lauren Witzke, who spread the rumor Robin Westman was Jewish.
Did Finland test "the world's first engine-less superconducting maglev cargo pipeline, capable of moving cargo at over 500 km/h using no engines, wheels or tracks", as a social media post claimed? No, that's not true: As of August 28, 2025, no media organizations reported on the purported test in Oulu, Finland. The organization that was described as having developed the "sealed vacuum pipeline containing levitating capsules" told Lead Stories those viral posts were "fake news".

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on Facebook on August 17, 2025. It read:

Finland has just made global headlines with a futuristic breakthrough in freight transport. In the snowy city of Oulu, engineers have successfully tested the world's first engine-less superconducting maglev cargo pipeline, capable of moving cargo at over 500 km/h using no engines, wheels or tracks.



Developed by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the system uses a sealed vacuum pipeline containing levitating capsules that glide silently at high speeds. The secret lies in high-temperature superconductors, which, when pre-cooled and placed over a magnetic track, create a locked, frictionless path through magnetic levitation.



This is what the image attached to the post looked like:

Source: screenshot of an image posted by the Viral Pulse account on Facebook.com

The post continued:

Instead of engines, the system uses precise air pressure differentials to gently push and slow the capsules. This makes the transport not only fast but incredibly energy-efficient, consuming 80% less energy than current electric trains or aircraft used for freight.



Inside the capsule, cargo is kept in climate-controlled modules, perfect for shipping delicate goods like pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables. With no moving parts in either the track or the capsule, maintenance is minimal, downtime is reduced and noise is virtually eliminated.



Initial tests on a 10 km prototype track reached stable levitation and speeds of 520 km/h, proving the tech's scalability and efficiency. If expanded nationwide, this could redefine supply chains by offering zero-emission, high-speed delivery with unmatched reliability.



Finland's maglev pipeline could soon become the fastest and quietest cargo transport system on the planet. No fuel. No engines. Just superconductors, magnets and air.

The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (archived here) is a real organization, but a search for the keyword "maglev" (archived here) on its website did not yield any results. The website's news section (archived here) didn't show any remotely similar press releases about the purported project.

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Liisa Hertz (archived here), a communications & brand lead at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, told Lead Stories via email on August 28, 2025, that what the post describes:

is unfortunately fake news, which a third party has invented and published.

Searches on Yahoo (archived here) and Google (archived here) across news reports did not produce any matches:

Source: screenshot of Yahoo.com

Source: screenshot of Google.com

The claim reviewed in this fact check appears to have originated from an August 15, 2025, entry (archived here) on "Cinesign's Blog" that did not have an About page disclosing the entity behind it.

The term "maglev" stands for "magnetic levitation". Despite its name, the technology doesn't place objects high in the air, as shown in the Facebook post's picture. The "levitation" is measured in millimeters, and 1mm is roughly 0.04 inches.

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A 2021 Congressional Research Service report (archived here) reads:

Maglev trains use magnetic forces to create a cushion of space between a vehicle and its guideway, reducing friction and permitting top speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour, which are not achievable by conventional wheel-on-rail trains. The high speeds reached by maglev could theoretically shorten some intercity trips to the length of a local transit ride. Maglev trains can travel roughly 50% faster than the fastest high-speed rail trains currently in use abroad and nearly twice the top speed of Amtrak's Acela, currently the fastest passenger train in the United States. At full speed, maglev trains could offer travel times competitive with airline flights at distances of up to 750 miles.

As of this writing, there are no running maglev trains in the United States. In early August 2025, the White House administration canceled (archived here) federal funding for one of the proposed projects that was intended to shorten the one-hour train commute between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to 15 minutes.

Examples of functioning maglev projects can be found China (archived here) and Japan (archived here).
Claim:

A disproportionately high number of U.S. mass shooters are transgender as compared with transgender peoples representation in the country's population.

Rating:

Rating: False

Following the August 2025 shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school that killed two children and injured 18 people, some conservative social media influencers claimed there was an "epidemic" of transgender and nonbinary mass shooters in the United States. Federal officials have referred to the shooter, Robin Westman, as transgender, and Snopes has looked into the information available about the shooter's gender identity.

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Several X accounts, including those of conservative influencer Libs of TikTok (archived), conservative commentator Benny Johnson (archived) and presidential son Donald Trump Jr. (archived), listed a number of mass shootings they claimed were perpetrated by transgender people in an attempt to establish a pattern or "epidemic."

Its almost like guns arent the problem. Oh and Madison, WI shooter last year was trans as well.  pic.twitter.com/MT3wMMfvoG  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 28, 2025

Other accounts (archived) posted charts (archived) apparently showing transgender people disproportionately committed mass shootings as compared with their proportion of the U.S. population.

Who commits mass shootings?



20152025 public incidents (4+ killed), per million:



1.Trans/NB (Bio Male)  0.769

2.Trans/NB (Bio Female)  0.667

3.Asian Men  0.408

4. Black Men  0.198

5.White Men  0.176

6.Asian Women  0.097

7.Hispanic Men  0.094 pic.twitter.com/bOvKOyQ2BD  Frank McCormick (@CBHeresy) August 27, 2025

While the exact numbers vary based on how one defines a mass shooting or mass killing, this claim is false based on all of the definitions used by various public mass shooting databases. No matter how the terms are reasonably defined, cisgender men  that is, men assigned male at birth  most disproportionately commit mass shootings.

First, we need to establish the proportion of transgender people in the United States. An August 2025 report from the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute estimated that about 1% of Americans 13 or older identify as transgender, which is about 2.8 million people. That lines up with other general estimates of the U.S. transgender population.

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Databases of mass shootings or killings are maintained by the Violence Prevention Project Research Center and Gun Violence Archive. Other major databases, such as one maintained by USA Today, Northeastern University and The Associated Press and another maintained by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, did not track gender-identity data.

The Violence Prevention Project defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are fatally shot, excluding the shooter, in a public location, with no connection to underlying criminal activity such as gangs or drugs. This definition would exclude the Minneapolis shooting because only two people were killed.

There were 195 mass shootings committed by 200 people between 1966 and 2024 that met the VPP's definition. Of those 200 mass shooters, VPP only listed one perpetrator as transgender: the 2023 Nashville shooter. That's 0.50% of all the shooters.

The VPP's data said 192 of the shooters were non-transgender male, which was 96% of all shooters. Men who are not transgender make up about 47% of the U.S. population, according to USAFacts, using Census data.

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The Gun Violence Archive has a broader definition of a mass shooting: a shooting in which at least four victims are shot, either injured or killed, not including the shooter. The GVA does not separate other underlying criminal activity, such as gang activity, from its definition. This definition does include the Minneapolis shooting.

Snopes reached out to the GVA by email because its public database did not include the gender identity of the perpetrators. Mark Bryant, its founding executive director, replied with gender-identity data for mass shootings and mass murders (in which four or more people are killed) since Jan. 1, 2013.

Of 5,729 mass shootings in the GVA's database, there were five confirmed transgender shooters. If including a few incidents in which the gender identity of the shooter was not confirmed, GVA estimated that there may have been eight transgender mass shooters since 2013. That's between 0.09% and 0.14% of all mass shooters in the GVA database.

Bryant said 319 of those shootings qualified as mass murders, by the group's definition. There were three proven transgender shooters among those 319 incidents, Bryant said. That's 0.94% of all mass murders since 2013.

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A January 2023 Secret Service report on mass attacks  attacks in which three or more people, not including the attacker(s), were harmed  between 2016 and 2020 found three of the 180 attackers from the time period were transgender men. Of the remaining 177 attackers, five were cisgender women and 172 were cisgender men.

That means about 1.67% of attackers in the Secret Service report were transgender and 95.56% of attackers were men who were not transgender.

Problems with the data

It can be difficult to quantify the number of transgender and nonbinary people in any population subset, including in mass-shooting perpetrators. That's because some transgender people may not be openly trans and some people who use different names and pronouns don't identify as transgender. Because many mass shooters die during their attacks, mass shooters often are unable to speak on or confirm their gender identity. Those difficulties are why Bryant made a distinction between confirmed transgender shooters and unconfirmed transgender shooters in GVA's data.

Among the attacks specifically singled out by the social media posts, some were perpetrated by people believed to be transgender. In others there were questions about the attacker's gender identity, and in still others there was no evidence the attacker was transgender.

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Snopes covered some of these attacks when similar claims were made after the 2023 Nashville shooting. Police claimed the perpetrator of that attack was transgender, although there were questions about the veracity of the shooter's transgender identity, which was covered by Snopes at the time.

There was no evidence a 17-year-old student who attacked a high school in Iowa in 2024 was transgender, although their social media accounts included support for transgender rights, according to NBC News.

Also in 2024, a 14-year-old student who shot students and teachers in a Georgia high school was falsely claimed to be transgender by some people on social media. A Discord account that law enforcement had linked to the eventual shooter a year prior "expressed frustration with the acceptance of transgender people," according to CNN.

Some people falsely claimed that a man who went on a shooting spree in Philadelphia in 2023 was transgender based on online photos of the man wearing what appeared to be women's clothing. However, the Philadelphia district attorney's office referred to the shooter as a man and said he identified himself as a male.

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The shooter who carried out a 2022 attack on a Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub claimed to be nonbinary, but that claim was cast in doubt due to the nature of the attack, which was charged as a hate crime. A Department of Justice news release alleged the perpetrator attacked the nightclub "because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity of any person."

Two students opened fire at a school near Denver, Colorado, in 2019. The younger of the two students identified as transgender and was reportedly bullied because of their identity, according to Reuters. There was no evidence the older of the students was transgender.

The perpetrator behind a mass shooting at a Rite Aid in Aberdeen, Maryland, in 2018 did reportedly come out as a transgender man prior to the attack, according to media reports from the time.

Some social media posts claimed the shooter of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, in 2018 was transgender. But although the woman who perpetrated the attack sometimes used a masculine name as an alias, she did not identify as transgender.

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As for the chart purporting to show the number of transgender mass shooters as a proportion of the U.S. population that identifies as transgender, the user who created it combined information from multiple data sets to arrive at his conclusions. The chart also subdivides cisgender people by race while not doing that for transgender people.

In a subsequent post (archived), the chart's creator said he had identified 32 mass-shooting perpetrators from 2015 to 2025  a much smaller sample than those from the Violence Prevention Project or the Gun Violence Archive. One case he identified as involving a nonbinary shooter was the 2022 Colorado Springs attack, which, as noted above, is a dubious claim.

Social media personalities on the right have repeatedly stirred up false claims about the gender identities of past mass shooters and made attempts to falsely link transgender people with a significant pattern of violent attacks. For example, Snopes previously fact-checked false claims that the shooter of a school in Uvalde, Texas, was transgender.

Sources:

Carlock, Arna, and Meagan Cutler. "MASS ATTACKS in PUBLIC SPACES: 2016 -2020." National Threat Assessment Center, Jan. 2023.

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Flores, Andrew, et al. "How Many Adults and Youth Identify as Transgender in the United States?" Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, June 2022, williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

"Mass Shooting Database." The Violence Project, www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

"Mass Shootings | Gun Violence Archive." Gun Violence Archive, www.gunviolencearchive.org/mass-shooting. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

USA Facts Team. "What Percentage of the US Population Is Transgender?" USAFacts, 3 Aug. 2023, usafacts.org/articles/what-percentage-of-the-us-population-is-transgender/. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
Does a viral image show a real Vanity Fair cover for a "special collector's edition" issue featuring Melania Trump and the headline "The American Queen"? No, that's not true: No such cover appears among the archived covers of the magazine and there have been no recent announcements about any such upcoming issue. According to media reports the idea of a Melania cover had been suggested by management but it faced resistance from the magazine's staff.

An example of the viral image could be seen in an X post (archived here) published on August 29 with a comment that read:

Let the meltdown begin. Love it.

This is what the purported magazine cover looked like:

Image source: screenshot of X post by @IngrahamAngle

However this image does not appear in Vanity Fair's archive of cover images (archived here). It also does not show up in any of the magazine's articles brought up by a search for "Melania" (archived here) or in a search of images with that label (archived here).

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A search of Vanity Fair's X account for posts mentioning "Melania" did not bring up any announcements of such an issue either (archived here).

AI detection tool Hive said it was 99.9 likely the image contained AI-generated or deepfake content.

Image source: Hive AI detection tool results for the fake Melania Vanity Fair cover

According to reporting by The Daily Mail (archived here) there had been talk of featuring Melania Trump on the cover but the idea faced resistance from Melania and the magazine's employees:
Did MSNBC host Rachel Maddow "takedown" White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller on air in a live interview? No, that's not true: Miller has never appeared on Maddow's show. The social media post and article saying it happened offered no proof of a date or time or evidence that the interview ever took place. There are no credible news reports of Maddow's takedown of Miller, which would have been a subject of news reports and of commentary.

The claim appeared in a post where it was published on Facebook on August 26, 2025 and opened with a caption that stated:

"I Don't Debate Monsters. I Expose Them." -- Rachel Maddow's On-Air Takedown Leaves Stephen Miller Shattered and Washington Reeling.

This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

Source: Facebook screenshot taken by Lead Stories

The full caption says:

"I Don't Debate Monsters. I Expose Them." -- Rachel Maddow's On-Air Takedown Leaves Stephen Miller Shattered and Washington Reeling. He showed up to defend his wife. He walked off with his reputation in ashes. In a moment that's already being called the most brutal TV reckoning of the year, Rachel Maddow didn't raise her voice--she dropped the truth. One devastating line silenced the room: "You want to talk morals, Stephen?" The uncompromising interrogation on live television pushed Stephen into a corner -- silent and exposed. The whole studio was filled with a chilling atmosphere. Just a few seconds later, millions witnessed a collapse happen right before their eyes. What secrets did she just drag into the light--and why is Washington suddenly scrambling to do damage control?

The post shared a link to an article titled "I Don't Debate Monsters. I Expose Them." -- Rachel Maddow's On-Air Takedown Leaves Stephen Miller Shattered and Washington Reeling (archived here). The article did not share the date when Miller supposedly appeared on Maddow's MSNBC show, nor any other details about when the live interview took place, and only posted the vague mention of the appearance:

Stephen Miller, a longtime political strategist and controversial figure, appeared on her primetime show to defend his wife from recent allegations that had been swirling in the media.

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There is no evidence that Miller was ever a guest on Maddow's show. A Google search found no news outlets reporting about such an appearance or "takedown," which would have made national headlines. Lead Stories searched Google News' index of thousands of news websites (archived here) and did not find any matching reports about Miller appearing on Maddow's show. Similarly, the Yahoo! News index of partner news sites and news services (archived here) showed no legitimate news reports about a Miller takedown by Maddow on her show.

Lead Stories reached out to MSNBC for comment and will update the story when a response is received.

Other fact checks

This claim was also investigated by Snopes.com.
Did President Trump order U.S. Marshals to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from office after she challenged his authority to fire her? No, that's not true: Court rules prevent any action to remove Cook until a judge holds a hearing on her lawsuit filed on August 28, 2025, claiming the president failed to show cause for firing her. An initial hearing was set for Friday, August 29, 2025. The spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service did not reply when Lead Stories asked through a phone call and email if the president had issued such an order. There are no credible reports that he did.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on X by @defense_civil25 on August 28, 2025. The message above a photo of Cook read:

Alert: President Trump orders US Marshals to remove Defiant Fed Governor Lisa Cook after she refuses to step down!

This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:

Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories

Cook's lawyers filed a motion for a temporary restraining order while their lawsuit is going through the courts. U.S. District Court rules in the District of Columbia prevent Cook's removal until the first hearing, which is set for 10 a.m. EDT Friday.

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When Lead Stories called the spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service to ask for a confirmation or denial, she asked that we email our questions and the post making the claim. She has not replied to that emailed inquiry at the time of writing. We will update this article if we get a response.

A Google search (archived here) for the keywords "marshals order remove cook" found no credible reports that Trump had issued such an order. It returned only links to the post we are fact checking and copies of it.
Claim:

As of August 2025, Florida had banned "The Diary of Anne Frank" in its schools.

Rating:

Rating: Mostly False

What's True:

A graphic-novel adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank" was removed from some Florida school districts' shelves. Escambia County Public Schools in Florida once pulled "The Diary of Anne Frank" for review, but almost all copies of the book had been "returned to shelves and could be made available for any student who requested the title," a school district spokesperson confirmed.

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What's False:

Florida did not ban "The Diary of Anne Frank" statewide.

In August 2025, social media posts claimed the state of Florida had banned "The Diary of Anne Frank" from its schools.

In "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, which is commonly referred to as "The Diary of Anne Frank," the Jewish teenager recounted her family's two years spent in hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The book was published in 1947, two years after Frank died in Germany's Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

In a post (archived) shared on Aug. 24, California State Sen. Scott Wiener wrote, "Florida banning the Diary of Anne Frank tells you everything you need to know about the MAGA movement."

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Wiener's post had garnered more than 3 million views at the time of publishing. He also shared a link to an article (archived) published by The Guardian about book bans in Florida school districts.

Other people on X shared the claim (archived here, here and here) before Wiener. For example, in a post (archived) shared on Aug. 18, one X user wrote:

Florida schools ban "The Diary of Anne Frank" because it is "pornographic." So, "protecting" students from a few passages about sexuality and menstruation clearly far more important in Florida than students reading the thoughts of a Jewish girl who died in a concentration camp.

Florida schools ban "The Diary of Anne Frank" because it is "pornographic." So, "protecting" students from a few passages about sexuality and menstruation clearly far more important in Florida than students reading the thoughts of a Jewish girl who died in a concentration camp. pic.twitter.com/UPRQw08RG6  Christian Christensen (@ChrChristensen) August 18, 2025

Snopes readers also searched our website to confirm whether the claim was true.

However, social media posts claiming Florida banned "The Diary of Anne Frank" were misleading.

Florida had not banned "The Diary of Anne Frank" in schools statewide as of this writing. However, a graphic-novel adaptation of Anne Frank's diary was removed from some schools' shelves.

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Florida's Escambia County school district previously pulled some copies of "The Diary of a Young Girl," which is the published version of her diary, from shelves for review. But a spokesperson for the school district told Snopes via email that almost all copies have since been "returned to shelves and could be made available for any student who requested the title."

Given the above information, we rated the claim about Florida banning "The Diary of Anne Frank" mostly false.

Snopes reached out to the Florida Department of Education, Gov. Ron DeSantis' office and PEN America, a nonprofit group that tracks book bans throughout the country.

The state education department said in an email that "there are no books banned in Florida," citing a state law that puts responsibility for instructional and library materials on individual school district boards. The law reads, in part:

Each district school board is responsible for the content of all instructional materials and any other materials used in a classroom, made available in a school or classroom library, or included on a reading list.

In other words, any decisions to remove books from schools are made at the district level, not by the state.

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Suzanne Trimel, a spokesperson for PEN America, also told Snopes via email, "No, the book is not banned from all schools in the state of Florida."

DeSantis' office shared an X post (archived) in which he called the claim a "lie." He wrote: "This is not the first time a leftist has accused Florida of "banning" a book that is on the state's recommended reading list."

This is not the first time a leftist has accused Florida of banning a book that is on the states recommended reading list.



Another lie debunked. https://t.co/cLKme9zgty  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 25, 2025

"The Diary of a Young Girl" did indeed appear on a Florida DOE list (archived) of suggested books for eighth-graders. Frank's diary also was included in a 2020 department list (archived) recommending books for students in grades six through eight, which a member of DeSantis' team cited in an X post (archived) on Aug. 25, 2025.

What we know about Florida book bans

In December 2023, Escambia County Public Schools pulled "The Diary of a Young Girl," otherwise known as "The Diary of Anne Frank," from shelves for review, Trimel told Snopes.

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A spokesperson for the school district provided additional information, telling Snopes some copies of the book that were in elementary schools were temporarily pulled for review related to a state law. However, almost all copies of the book had been "returned to shelves and could be made available for any student who requested the title," the district spokesperson said.

"Aside from the case in Escambia in 2023, we have not seen any other districts remove 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank," Trimel said.

The Guardian article (archived) that Wiener, the California state senator, shared on X reported that schools in Hillsborough County removed "The Diary of Anne Frank" from their shelves.

However, the Florida Department of Education told Snopes that Hillsborough County Public Schools "chose to review" a graphic-novel adaptation of Frank's diary, "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation," by Ari Folman  not Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl."

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The Hillsborough County school district was required to attend a State Board of Education meeting in June 2025 "due to the books available in their media centers," the state education department said in its statement.

After that meeting, the district chose to review all 600 books included in an annual report (archived) of materials that were removed or discontinued by one of Florida's school boards in response to an objection, according to the DOE. One of those books was Folman's adaptation.

The book had not been permanently removed from Hillsborough County schools' shelves as of this writing, a spokesperson for the district told Snopes via email.

The Escambia County district spokesperson said its school board removed Folman's adaptation, as well as 408 other titles, without review at a July 2025 meeting.

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Additionally, "a fictionalized telling of the events from Peter's perspective, Annexed by Sharon Dogar, is currently removed from circulation as required by Florida statute because a citizen has alleged that it is pornographic," the Escambia County spokesperson said.

A handful of other school districts, including some in Florida, have banned Folman's graphic adaptation over the last few years, according to PEN America. Some of the bans were temporary and the book was later returned to shelves, while the book was permanently removed in other cases, Trimel said.

The DOE referred to Folman's adaptation as "nothing more than an imitation that diminishes the gravity of the Holocaust."

While Florida has not officially banned the graphic-novel adaptation of Frank's diary statewide, "multiple members of the State Board of Education explained that they felt the review of any book previously removed by another district would be a waste of time and resources" during the June 2025 meeting, a spokesperson for the Florida Freedom to Read Project said via email.

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Some districts have also banned other books that depict Frank's story, including "Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography" and "A Picture Book of Anne Frank," according to Trimel.

In sum 

Florida did not ban "The Diary of Anne Frank" statewide. However, some schools in the state did remove a graphic-novel adaptation of Frank's story from their shelves.

Escambia County Public Schools in Florida once pulled "The Diary of Anne Frank" for review, but almost all copies of the book had been "returned to shelves and could be made available for any student who requested the title," a district spokesperson confirmed.

Sources:

THE FLORIDA BENCHMARKS for EXCELLENT STUDENT THINKING (B.E.S.T.) STANDARDS Parent Guide for Grade 8 English Language Arts PREPARING FLORIDA CHILDREN for a SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7539/urlt/pgg-8-standards.pdf. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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"You Read That Right!" Fldoe.org, 13 July 2020, www.fldoe.org/newsroom/blogs/you-read-that-right.stml. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Tolin, Lisa. "More than 1,600 Books Banned in Escambia County, Florida." PEN America, 9 Jan. 2024, pen.org/escambia-county-florida-banned-books-list/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Empson, Olivia. "'State-Driven Censorship': New Wave of Book Bans Hits Florida School Districts." The Guardian, The Guardian, 16 Aug. 2025, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/16/florida-new-book-bans?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Claim:

U.S. Vice President JD Vance was accurate in saying that every major conflict in human history had ended with a negotiation.

Rating:

Rating: False

Context:

While Vance did not specify what he considered a "major conflict" or what "negotiations" entails, his claim was false by most definitions.

While interviewing U.S. Vice President JD Vance on NBC's "Meet the Press" in August 2025, Kristen Welker spoke with Vance at length about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Trump administration's effort to facilitate a diplomatic end to the war. At one point, Welker asked if it would give a green light for China to invade Taiwan and for Russia to invade more countries if Russia were allowed to keep any of the territories it illegally seized.

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In response, Vance said that Ukraine will ultimately make the decision on the territorial lines it draws. He then continued by saying every war ends with negotiations. "This is how wars ultimately get settled," Vance said. "If you go back to World War II, if you go back to World War I, if you go back to every major conflict in human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation."

A clip of Vance's quote was viewed over 25 million times on X (archived). The quote was also shared, and questioned, on other social media sites, such as Reddit (archived) and Facebook (archived).

JD Vance:



If you go back to WW2 or every major conflict in human history, they all ended with some kind of negotiation. pic.twitter.com/1fuF0PF5sb  Clash Report (@clashreport) August 24, 2025

Vance didn't elaborate on what he considered to be a major conflict, but not even WWII ended with a negotiation between the defeated Axis powers and the Allied powers. There are many other examples of wars that did not end with a negotiation. Therefore, Snopes is rating this claim false.

Although both Germany and Japan surrendered during WWII in 1945, the two nations did so at different times. Germany signed an unconditional surrender in May 1945. German General Alfred Jodl proposed a surrender of only the German forces facing the western Allies, but the Allies demanded that Jodl surrender all German forces unconditionally, according to the Truman Library Institute. Jodl replied with a complete acceptance of the Allies' terms. The Allied forces ultimately wrote Germany's act of surrender, which also noted that the United Nations would impose an act of surrender on Germany itself.

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Similarly, Japan's surrender in WWII was unconditional, although Japan did attempt to negotiate for at least one condition. Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced his surrender to the Allies on Aug. 9, according to the National WWII Museum. When the Japanese Foreign Ministry transmitted its intent to unconditionally surrender the next day, it stipulated its understanding that the Allies' demands did not require the emperor to step down as Japan's head of state. The Allies responded that they would accept Japan's surrender, but the emperor could remain only in a purely ceremonial capacity. The Japanese Foreign Ministry accepted those terms, and Hirohito announced the country's unconditional surrender to the Japanese people on Aug. 14.

The Allied powers did negotiate with each other over how they'd handle the surrender of the Axis powers in the Yalta Conference and later the Potsdam Conference. But those conferences, the latter of which occurred after Germany's surrender but before Japan's, did not include any of the defeated nations and was strictly between leaders of the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union.

There were supposed to be negotiations to end WWI, but the Allied delegation essentially left Germany "no room for negotiation" in its armistice offer, according to the National WWI Museum and Memorial. In fact, the Palace of Versailles described the Allies rejecting German attempts to negotiate the Treaty of Versailles that officially ended the war:

Negotiations had proved difficult. The treaty had been drafted during a peace conference held in Paris starting on 18 January; but Germany had been shut out of the deal-making, while the Allies debated the matter alone, unable to agree amongst themselves: France wanted to definitively remove the German threat and cripple the country, Great Britain wanted to preserve its status, the USA dreamed of a peaceful world with the establishment of the League of Nations, and Italy wanted to take over the territories it had been promised in 1915. The treaty was eventually presented to Germany on 7 May. It was very harsh. The counter-proposals submitted on the 29th were all rejected. Germany refused to sign. On 17 June the Allies gave Germany five days to decide or have the war resume. Germany accepted the "diktat".

More recently than either of the World Wars, the U.S. backed out of the Vietnam War two years before it officially ended on April 30, 1975. On that day, North Vietnam captured the capital of South Vietnam, Saigon, "and restored peace to Vietnam," according to U.S. Department of State under George W. Bush. There was no negotiation or treaty except for the ceasefire in which American troops exited the conflict two years prior and that only the U.S. abided by. North Vietnam unified Vietnam as a whole under its government upon conquering South Vietnam.

Sources:

Center for European Studies. "The End of WWII and the Division of Europe | CES at UNC." Unc.edu, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, europe.unc.edu/the-end-of-wwii-and-the-division-of-europe/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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Demmer, Amanda. "OAH | the Many Ends of the Vietnam War." Organization of American Historians, 25 Apr. 2023, www.oah.org/process/demmer-many-ends-of-the-vietnam-war/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

"Ending the Vietnam War, 1973-1975." U.S. Department of State, 2001-2009 Archive, 2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/dr/17411.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Fries, Carsten. "Victory in the Pacific: Japan's Surrender and Aftermath." Navy.mil, 12 Mar. 2025, www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/wars-conflicts-and-operations/world-war-ii/1945/victory-in-pacific.html. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Helmig, Lacey. "WWII 80: Germany Surrenders." Truman Library Institute, 7 May 2025, www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org/wwii-80-germany-surrenders/. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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"Surrender of Germany (1945)." National Archives, www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/surrender-of-germany. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

"The End of World War II 1945." The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/end-world-war-ii-1945. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

"The Treaty of Versailles, 1919." Palace of Versailles, 22 Nov. 2016, en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/treaty-versailles-1919. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

U.S. Department of Energy. "Manhattan Project: Japan Surrenders, August 10-15, 1945." Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Department of Energy, www.osti.gov/opennet/manhattan-project-history/Events/1945/surrender.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
Mike Kemp / In Pictures via Getty Images Krispy Kreme ended its partnership with McDonald's in July, citing its failure to scale profitably

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Krispy Kreme shares are dropping in morning trading Wednesday after JPMorgan downgraded the doughnut maker to an underweight, citing challenges to its turnaround plan.

Krispy Kreme shares, which entered Wednesday down more than 60% so far this year to $3.73 each, went public in 2021 at $17 each.

Krispy Kreme ended its partnership with McDonald's in July as the doughnut maker said it was unable to continue scaling it profitably.

Krispy Kreme (DNUT) shares are dropping in morning trading Wednesday after JPMorgan downgraded the doughnut maker to an underweight, citing challenges to its turnaround plan.

The analysts previously had a neutral call with no price target for the shares, which they said had vastly underperformed since the doughnut firm went public in July 2021 at $17 each.

Krispy Kreme shares, which entered Wednesday down more than 60% so far this year to $3.73 each, are tumbling about 8% in morning trading. The company announced a turnaround plan in July, after it ended its year-old partnership with McDonald's (MCD) that it said it was unable to scale up profitably.

After reviewing the proposed turnaround plan, we believe the execution riskspecifically the duration risk to refranchise multiple international assetsremains high as underlying business trends continue to decline, the analysts wrote.

Krispy Kremes profitability was also hit, the analysts said, by the high costs linked to its McDonalds tie-up: The company had initially intended to make its doughnuts available in all of the fast food firms locations by the end of 2026.

This disruption led to the company being in survivor mode, including the sale of various store assets around the world and an attempted shift to 3P [third-party] delivery to reduce costs and operational complexity, the analysts wrote. They said that nearly all of the doughnuts' appeal is in being eaten when freshly made.



Read the original article on Investopedia
(Reuters) -The United States has permanently ended the "de minimis" exemption, which allowed items valued under $800 to be imported duty-free. This change, effective from Friday, follows President Donald Trump's executive order citing the exemption as a loophole for tariff evasion and drug trafficking.

The decision impacts global retailers and postal services. They are taking different measures, such as suspending shipments or adjusting services, to comply with the new U.S. customs requirements. There is a six-month transition period allowing postal shippers to pay a flat duty per package.

Below is an overview of how some postal companies are reacting:

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DHL

DHL Group has imposed what it says are "probably temporary" restrictions on business shipments to the U.S. via Deutsche Post and DHL Parcel Germany due to uncertainties about customs duties collection and data requirements. The premium DHL Express service remains operational and the company aims to resume standard postal shipments promptly.

POSTEN BRING

Norway's state-owned Posten Bring announced on August 20 that it was pausing parcel shipments to the United States. The company said that it was unclear how U.S. customs authorities would implement the new rules. It said postal companies in Europe were working together to gain clarity.

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POSTNORD

PostNord, owned by the Swedish and Danish governments, temporarily halted shipments to the U.S. on August 20, citing insufficient time to adapt to the new customs requirements.

LA POSTE

France's La Poste suspended standard parcel shipments to the U.S. for businesses on August 22. However, it continues to ship gift parcels valued under $100 between individuals.

AUSTRIAN POST

Austrian Post announced on August 21 that it would halt parcel shipments to the U.S., effective August 26. The company stated that this change presents significant challenges for postal services globally when shipping goods to the United States.

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However, Austrian Post will continue to send gifts valued under $100 via standard parcel, and its premium service, Post Express International, will remain unaffected by the suspension.

JAPAN POST

Japan Post announced on August 25 that it would suspend accepting certain postal items.

"The procedures that transport operators and postal operators in each country must follow to comply with these guidelines are not clear," it said, "making implementation difficult." Japanese Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the move would have "only a limited impact" on users as there were alternative shipping methods.

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AUSTRALIA POST

Government-owned Australia Post temporarily suspended parcel shipments to the U.S. on August 26. It is working with U.S. and Australian authorities to resume services. Nicola Charwat from Monash University highlighted the impact on small Australian businesses exporting to the U.S., now facing a 10% tariff on goods like sustainable clothing and cosmetics.

(Reporting by Maria Rugamer; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
Aug. 29The 31-year-old immigrant in the country illegally, accused of firing a weapon at a car full of people on June 8, is likely to remain in jail regardless of the bond set.

Jose Ciprian Ramirez-Hernandez was directly indicted on six charges of felonious assault and on Thursday was arraigned on those charges. Butler County Common Pleas Judge Daniel Haughey set a cash or surety bond at $250,000. However, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kraig Chadrick said since Ramierz-Hernandez was detained by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, "they have no intention of releasing him until this case is completed."

Ramierz-Hernandez of Cincinnati retained area attorney Scott Croswell, but on Thursday, attorney Jesse Knowlden was in court on his behalf and entered a not guilty plea to the second-degree felonies.

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Fairfield police claim Ramierz-Hernandez fired a weapon into a car full of people at Sabor Peruano, a nightclub and restaurant on Dixie Highway. Police officers responded to the shooting report and found a male victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm. That victim was transported to a local hospital and later released.

Knowlden told the judge the action was in self-defense when discussing bond. He also said Ramirez-Hernandez is not a flight risk, having been in the country since he was 12 years old, owning a home and a roofing business, and having a wife with four children.

Chadrick said his action  discharging a firearm and striking an individual  "creates a significant risk to public safety."

If Ramierz-Hernandez posts the bond, he's required to have a GPS monitor and have no contact with the alleged victims. He is scheduled to reappear in court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 9 or a plea or trial setting hearing.

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Ramirez-Hernandez had been in the Butler County Jail since Aug. 22, detained on an ICE holder.

The June 8 shooting was one of several incidents at Sabor Peruano that prompted the Fairfield Police Department to contact the Butler County Sheriff's Office, ICE and other federal agencies, to initiate what they called a targeted operation on Aug. 16, where 39 were arrested either in the parking lot of the establishment or during nearby traffic stops.

Issues date back to 2021, according to police, where department officials met with the owners of Sabor Peruano, asking them to get control of their patrons. In the past year, there were 42 calls for service, including two shootings, the one on June 8 and another on June 27, which involved a shooting victim being found at the Speedway across Dixie Highway.

Other issues at Sabor Peruano include a 2022 stabbing and consistent complaints from area businesses about patrons spilling into the parking lot, fighting and driving drunk, and causing property damage.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  The community paid tribute to fallen officer Hunter Simoncic, with the Kansas City Kansas Police Department Thursday night.

The 26-year-old officer was remembered for his dedication to the community both in and out of uniform. Simoncic was killed in the line of duty early Tuesday morning.

Blue ribbons in KCK support KCKPD and Officer Hunter Simoncic

On Tuesday August 26, 2025 at 7:05 in the morning I received every family member or friend of a first responder dreads Hunter was gone, friend Deputy Blake Fisher with the Greenwood County, Kansas Sheriffs Office said.

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KCK Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was killed that morning by a fleeing suspect as he attempted to deploy stop sticks on State Avenue.

Thursday night for the second time in just four weeks a giant flag between two ladder trucks hung over 7th Street at a vigil for a fallen law enforcement officer in Wyandotte County.

This family is worried about us and theyve lost an unimaginable loss. We can never repay you for giving your son to us, Kansas City Kansas Police Chief Karl Oakman said.

Oakman and Mayor Tyrone Garner said Simoncics dedication to the community extended beyond the badge as he helped elementary school students learn to read in the Lead to Read program and also served as a big brother in Big Brothers Big Sisters for a teen.

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His presence in the schools was a source of joy and inspiration to young people which is a testament to his belief in the power of volunteerism mentorship and importance of education, Garner said.

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Fisher said Simoncic dreamed of being a police officer in Chicago and worked hard to overcome people who doubted his abilities because of a stutter. But its Simoncic who helped him overcome his heights on a trip to the Kansas City Zoo and learn to enjoy the view.

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten we have it from here until we meet again fly high my friend, Fisher said before candles were lit in KCPD Major Kari Thompson sung Amazing Grace.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Three universities touted restoration of federal funding as the crux for striking deals with the Trump administration, but its unclear to faculty and onlookers whether all the benefits have panned out for these institutions.

While leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, Brown and Columbia, along with the Trump administration, have said funding was restored, some researchers still see their money cut and others have received no communication from administrators when asked about the details of restored funds.

The fallout is a warning sign to other campuses looking to make deals with the administration, such as Harvard and the University of California.

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Michael Thaddeus, professor of mathematics at Columbia and vice president of the Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said his institution has become more secretive in recent years and university leadership has not given details to the restoration of money at the school.

My main thought is that its very hard to find out whats going on, even for insiders, even for Columbia faculty, its very opaque, he said.

Federal money for academic research is a complicated process, making it difficult to fully understand how the money has been processed.

The funding agency, such as the National Institutes of Health, awards the grant. Then the General Services Administration disperses the money to the central administration of a university like Columbia. The central administration tells lab administrators or departmental administrators that the money is there, and then the principal investigators charge submit reimbursement requests to them. So, its really never clear with each with any given grant whether that pipeline was ever blocked or how its been unblocked, Thaddeus said, adding the university covered some funding for certain projects during the federal pause.

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Some research projects are scrambling to hire back individuals that were fired during the funding pause while other projects related to topics such as transgender health have still not seen funding restored, according to The New York Times.

The settlements the three universities entered with the Trump administration were similar in some stipulations such as changing policies around disciplinary and protest rules.

In terms of amounts, the University of Pennsylvania did not have to pay a monetary sum to restore $175 million in funding, Columbia gave the Trump administration $225 million to restore $400 million in funding and Brown is paying $50 million to workplace development programs to get $500 million back.

In a statement from Brown, the university noted it did not receive payments from the National Institutes of Health from April to July, which made up 70 percent of its research funding.

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As of the end of July, the unreimbursed funds totaled more than $50 million, and this amount had been increasing by approximately $3.5 million per week. This was in addition to the outright termination of eight federal contracts and more than 30 federal grants, Brown said.

However, not all grants were restored to the university.

Of the eight federal contracts and more than 30 federal grants that had been terminated before the July 30 agreement, a portion of these were from federal agencies not under the purview of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and were therefore not reinstated per the terms of the agreement, a spokesperson said.

Jon Fansmith, senior vice president for government relations and national engagement at the American Council of Education, said schools who took the deals did get the advantage of having a clear path before the beginning of the new academic year in terms of what resources would be available for classrooms and staffing.

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Having that hanging over your head, having the lack of federal funding that, again, was legally obligated to schools, having that restored, it really does make a huge difference for those campuses. And then theres certainly all of the other kind of harder to quantify benefits of youre not in the news cycle so much anymore, youre not dealing with a hostile federal government, youre not having to spend huge amounts of staff, time and money and legal fees and everything else to work through these situations, he added.

A Columbia spokesperson pointed to a public FAQ sheet that said the potential impact on Columbia was billions of dollars in current and future grants, and a fast-approaching loss of talent, and our research excellence due to the funding pause.

The University of Pennsylvania did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment.

The universities were hit hard by critics for the deals they made to get the funding back but have largely stayed mum on the situation.

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According to Rick Hess, senior fellow and the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), one of the reasons schools are staying quiet is its hard to brag about making a deal with a political party universities have labeled as full of bad people.

Hess also notes schools may be nervous the administration could swing back around as the deals did not include any guarantees the president would not go after the universities again in the future.

Every university is watching the fallout of these deals, including the University of California and Harvard, which are currently working on deals with the administration.

I think theyre ready to move on from this, but theyre unable to because of the ripple effect that this is creating, said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities. So these deals came with significant policy concessions that compromise academic freedom, institutional autonomy and shared governance.

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The aggressive use of funding as a leverage coupled with demands for settlements, and these demands for settlements are reshaping the relationship between universities and the federal government, and the concern is that these settlements will serve as coercive templates that could pressure dozens of other colleges and universities into accepting restrictive conditions for federal funding, and it really is a new model that threatens the core principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy and due process, she added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Russia launched a series of devastating airstrikes against Kyiv overnight, killing at least 18 peopleincluding four childrenand wounding 38 more. It was Moscows deadliest attack on Ukraines capital since U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russias Vladimir Putin earlier this month, underscoring the fragility of ongoing peace talks.

Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in response, reiterating calls for new sanctions against Russia.

Offices of the British Council and the European Union delegation to Ukraine were also damaged in the attacks, prompting London and Brussels to summon their respective Russian ambassadors.

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Facing questions about whether these strikes contradict its stated desire for a negotiated settlement, the Kremlin struck a defiant tone. You can see that strikes on Russian infrastructure, often on Russian civilian infrastructure, by the Kyiv regime are also continuing, Putins chief spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters today.

To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter.

Ukraine does not directly target civilians the way Russia does but it has stepped up its airstrikes against Russian energy infrastructure, including oil refineries and pipelines. Earlier this week, Ukrainian drones reportedly hit a major natural gas processing facility near St. Petersburg.

This campaign of long-range strikes, aimed at reducing Russias earnings from energy exports, is becoming an increasingly critical vulnerability for the Russian government, military analyst Mick Ryan wrote this week. Domestically, fuel rationing and shortages also indicate to Russian citizens that all is not well with their war against Ukraine.

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Indeed, as Candace Rondeaux explained in WPR ahead of Trumps summit with Putin in Alaska, the Russian economy is showing serious signs of strain amid declining revenues from exports of fossil fuels and weaponry. The aviation sector has been particularly hard-hit by Western sanctions, as the country struggles to source replacement parts for its jets.

Yet Western leaders have failed to forge a unified strategy that would take full advantage of their economic leverage against Moscow, largely due to Trumps inconsistent approach to diplomacy amid Russias duplicity. Having backed away from demanding a ceasefire at his summit with Putin, he came away from that meeting touting Russias willingness to accept security guarantees for Ukraine. But Russian officials have since said they would need an effective veto over any such guarantees. And the follow-up summit Trump convened at the White House with Zelenskyy and some European leaders also failed to produce a unified approach to ending the war.

Every conversation I have with [Putin] is a good conversation, Trump said earlier this week. And then unfortunately, a bomb is loaded up into Kyiv or someplace, and then I get very angry about it. But that anger has yet to prompt him to join other NATO leaders in taking a tougher stance against Russiasuch as by following through on the sanctions he had threatened against Russia prior to meeting Putin in Alaska.

Meanwhile, bombs continue to fall on Kyiv and Russian forces continue to make tactical advances on the battlefield. The Kremlin claimed today that it remains interested in continuing negotiationsbut without a more coherent Western strategy, future talks are likely to be just as fruitless as the ones that took place over the past two weeks.

Elliot Waldman is World Politics Reviews editor-in-chief.

The post Faltering Talks to End the War in Ukraine Need a Reboot appeared first on World Politics Review.
Following the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, the two deceased victims have been identified by their families as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

On Thursday, the two families gave statements about the children who were killed.

Wednesdays shooting occurred at the private elementary school at around 8:30 a.m. local time. The shooter approached the outside of the church and fired through the window toward children sitting in pews, as previously reported by the Deseret News.

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There were 18 other people injured in the shooting, including 15 students between the ages of 6 and 15. Three adults, all in their 80s, were also shot. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara says all of the injured children are expected to survive, but at least seven were in critical condition when they arrived at the hospital on Wednesday, per CBS News.

Thomas Klemond, Hennepin Healthcare CEO, described one of the children who remained in critical condition as touch and go on Thursday morning.

The names of victims shot in the attack have not been publicly released by authorities, but families and friends have began to identify their loved ones, per USA Today.

We as a community have a responsibility to make sure that no child, no parent, no teacher ever has to experience what weve experienced today ever again, Annunciation School Principal Matt DeBoer said during a news conference on Aug. 27, per USA Today. We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care. Never again can we let this happen.

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Heres a look at what the families have said about the children who were lost in this weeks attack.

A family stands outside Annunciation Catholic Church after Wednesday's school shooting, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Minneapolis. | Abbie Parr

Fletcher Merkel

A spokesperson for the Merkel family shared that Fletcher was the second youngest of four children, per NBC News. He was attending Mass on Wednesday with two of his siblings, who were not injured in the shooting.

On Thursday, Fletchers father Jesse gave a public statement about the loss of his son while standing outside of the school.

Jesse Merkel, father of 8-year-old Fletcher, who was killed in the devastating mass shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, spoke publicly for the first time since Wednesday's attack. Fletcher, along with 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed in the gunfire. Eighteen pic.twitter.com/CGS4D9SjXF  ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) August 29, 2025

Throughout the statement, Jesse honored his son and spoke about different things he had loved. The full statement reads, according to CBS News:

Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.

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Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing. I pray that the other victims family can find some semblance of the same.

In this undated photo provided by the Merkel family, Fletcher Merkel, who was killed in a school shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, poses for a picture. | Merkel Family via Associated Press

Im hopeful that all the wounded are able to make a full recovery and return home to their families, and finally, all the people  and especially the children impacted by this horrific event  are able to recover mentally and find strength to live loving, happy and full lives.

Over the past day, Ive heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more for these people. Im thankful.

Moving forward, we ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy as our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, youll always be with us.

Harper Moyski

A joint statement from Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin was released on the familys behalf on Thursday. In the statement, the family honored Harper and asked the public to respect their privacy.

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Here is the full statement, per CBS News.

We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.

In this undated photo provided by the Moyski family, Harper Moyski, who was killed in a school shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, smiles for a photo. | Moyski Family via the Associated Press

We also grieve for our fellow Annunciation family in mourning and for those hurt yesterday. We are grateful for the staff and first responders who did so much for so many yesterday.

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While our immediate focus is on Harper and our familys healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary  so that Harpers story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Harpers light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.

At this time, we kindly ask the media and community to respect our privacy as we mourn and honor Harpers life together. We need space to grieve, to support Harpers sister, and to hold tightly to one another.

Students injured in the Annunciation school shooting

Here is a look at what we know about some of the students who were injured in Wednesdays shooting.

Sophia Forchas

According to USA Today, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas was injured in the shooting and remained in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

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A GoFundMe organized for the family described her as a bright, kind, and full of life young girl who is now fighting for her life.

Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult  but she is strong, and she is not alone, the GoFundMe page added.

Sophias younger brother was also at the school during the shooting, but was unharmed, per USA Today.

Endre Gunter

Another victim, Endre Gunter, was shot twice while attending Mass at the Catholic school, his aunt Natalie Davis shared, according to USA Today. Davis organized a GoFundMe page to help with the 13-year-olds medical bills.

Its impossible to make sense of this act of violence against children, in a place that should have been a sanctuary of peace and safety, Davis wrote on the page. In the face of unimaginable fear and pain, Endre showed strength and faith beyond his years.

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Davis said that Endre asked the doctor to pray with him before he was taken to surgery, per USA Today.

David Haeg

Another GoFundMe was organized on behalf of the family of young Annunciation Catholic School student David Haeg, who was tragically injured in the shooting, per USA Today.

Our school community is heartbroken as we rally around one of our own, David Haeg, the page states. His road to recovery will be long, but he is showing incredible strength and resilience.

The fundraiser is meant to help cover the costs of his medical expenses so his parents can focus fully on being by his side and helping him heal.
BALTIMORE  The family of a Baltimore man who died in police custody is being represented by an attorney after Marylands chief medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Attorneys from Greenberg Law Offices, representing the family of 31-year-old Dontae Melton Jr., will hold a news conference Tuesday to speak on the case.

Dontae was a son, brother, father of two, and friend to many, the firm said in a statement Thursday. In the midst of a mental health crisis, he sought help from police. Instead of compassion, he was met with force. He was handcuffed, forced to the ground, and left injured.  His death was not an accident.

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Earlier this week, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General released more than six hours of body-camera footage capturing Meltons final encounter with Baltimore Police on June 24. Officers said Melton appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis when he approached a patrol vehicle in West Baltimore, asking for help.

Officer Gerard Pettiford Jr. is heard on video telling dispatchers that Melton was pulling on his door but doesnt look like he needs help. When Melton tells officers he was being chased, Pettiford responds that no one was behind him. Theyre hiding right now, bro. Trust me, Melton replies.

Officers eventually restrained Melton in the street and called for medics. He can be heard screaming that he could not breathe. More than an hour later, with no ambulance on scene, officers transported him to a nearby hospital, where he died.

The altercation occurred during an outage of Baltimores outdated computer-aided dispatch system, which handles 911 calls and coordinates emergency responses.

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The Office of the Chief Medical Examiners homicide ruling Thursday does not mean a crime was committed, only that Meltons death resulted from the actions of others. The case remains under investigation by the attorney generals Independent Investigations Division, which probes the states in-custody deaths and has identified 10 officers involved.

This was a preventable tragedy, Greenberg attorneys said. His family is demanding answers, transparency, and accountability. They are also calling for systemic reform so that no other family endures the needless loss of a loved one in a moment when help  not harm  was needed most.

The system must be fixed.

_____
(Getty Images)

The parents of Danny Santulli, a former University of Missouri student who was the victim of a fraternity hazing incident his freshman year, came back to Columbia as the Mizzou school year begins and Dannys Law goes into effect.

Mizzous Interfraternity Council held an event for fraternity representatives that included a screening of the first episode of House of Horrors: Secrets of Greek Life. The A&E documentary details several hazing incidents and focuses on Santullis story in the first episode.

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In October 2021, at a Pledge Father Reveal event at the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Santulli was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol with his fellow pledges. His fraternity brothers, worried about legal repercussions, left him on a couch overnight without calling 911. He is now unable to see, walk or speak.

SB 167, known as Dannys Law, guarantees immunity from prosecution to 911 callers in the event of a hazing. The state law went into effect Thursday.

The event was very moving. There were a lot of non-dry eyes in the building on the Mizzou campus, said Tom Santulli, Dannys father.

Each IFC organization had four representatives at the screening. IFC President Wyatt Carlson said the representatives plan to recap the event with all of their members. Additionally, all members of Mizzous Greek Life are required to complete a three-part hazing-prevention training at the beginning of each year, Carlson said.

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Both of Santullis parents were present at the event. The family shared their story with the fraternity members and answered questions from the group.

Some students expressed their wish that Dannys Law had been adopted years ago, Tom Santulli said.

It was very powerful, Carlson said. They are big supporters of the Mizzou community and did a wonderful job.

Dannys Law was passed in the Missouri Senate on Feb. 20 and signed into law by Gov. Mike Kehoe on July 9.

Were honored that they have his name as part of something really big in the state of Missouri, Tom Santulli said, noting he hopes this makes an immediate impact.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
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Aug. 28A fatal crash in Prince George's County that killed a mother and injured her child after a stolen car driven by juveniles ran a red light has reignited scrutiny of Maryland's handling of youth auto thefts.

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Originally Published:August 28, 2025 at 2:36 PM EDT
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  Moments after rifle blasts reverberated inside a Minneapolis church, Catholic school children wearing plaid jumpers and green polo shirts ducked into pews, some jumping atop friends to protect them from the carnage.

One girl, Lydia Kaiser, was struck shielding her little buddy while her father, the schools gym teacher, helped usher children to safety and reunite them with their parents, according to a family friend organizing fundraising for the family.

A 13-year-old boy named Endre, who was shot twice and rushed into surgery, asked the doctor, Can you say a prayer with me? his aunt said in a GoFundMe posting. Endre's aunt said hes now recovering, and the surgeon told the family that Endre had inspired their medical team.

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Despite the horror carried out Wednesday by a shooter whose journal entries detail weeks of preparation and a fixation on harming children, stories of bravery and tragedy have emerged as families share their accounts. At least five children and one adult remained hospitalized Friday after the shooter fired 116 rifle rounds through the churchs stained-glass windows. The attack left two students dead and 18 people wounded, nearly all of them children.

The first few seconds felt like minutes

Doctors and first responders in Minneapolis this week called the students and teachers at Annunciation Catholic School heroes for protecting each other and following their active shooter training as the barrage of gunfire erupted during the first Mass of the school year.

Matthew Stommes, who had just walked his 12-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son into the church that morning, was sitting in a back pew when he saw flashes of gunfire and children screaming and covering their ears.

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We didnt know what was going on for those first few seconds that seemed like minutes, he said. We could see the leaders in the church from the front starting to tell everyone to get down. But those leaders in the church here, our priest, our deacon, our principal, they were not ducking.

His own children were unscathed, but two of their friends remained hospitalized. Stommes and other parents were among those who carried injured children out of the church as emergency responders arrived.

Some of those who showed up to help didnt know their children were among the injured.

A pediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin Healthcare arrived at work Wednesday morning to help treat shooting victims. It was then that she found out her 12-year-old daughter, Sophia Forchas, was among the wounded, the family wrote on a GoFundMe page.

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The girl, whose younger brother also was at the school but not wounded, underwent emergency surgery and was in critical condition, a spokesperson for the hospital confirmed Thursday.

Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult  but she is strong, and she is not alone, the fundraiser says.

Weeks of preparation

In the weeks before the attack, the shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, wrote in journals about running drills at a shooting range and borrowing money from family to buy guns. The preparation was spelled out across hundreds of pages written in Cyrillic, a centuries-old script still used in Slavic countries.

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An entry in July describes the school as an easy target, but cautions about avoiding parents, who could have guns and fight back. The shooter also writes about waiting until school starts to be able to attack a large group of children.

Although investigators have not found a clear motive for the attack, the shooter's connections to the school and church are clear: Westman, whose mother worked for the parish before retiring in 2021, once attended Annunciation Catholic School.

New law enforcement documents revealed Friday also show the shooter went through a romantic breakup not long before showing up at the church with a pump-action shotgun, a 9 mm pistol and a semiautomatic rifle.

What appears to be a suicide note to family contains a confession of long-held plans to carry out a shooting and talk of being deeply depressed.

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Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried hatred being directed at our transgender community. Westmans gender identity wasnt clear. In 2020, a judge approved a petition, signed by Westmans mother, asking for a name change from Robert to Robin, saying the petitioner identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.

Father wants his son remembered for his love

The father of the 8-year-old boy who was killed tearfully urged others to remember his son for his love of family, fishing and cooking.

Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life, Jesse Merkel said Thursday.

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The parents of 10-year-old Harper Moyski, who also died in the shooting, said they want to see their daughters memory bring about changes when it comes to gun violence and mental health issues.

Change is possible, and it is necessary  so that Harpers story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin said in a statement.

The shooting has renewed calls for gun safety legislation. But getting that done may be difficult in Minnesota, a state closely split along partisan lines.

___

This story was first published on Aug. 29, 2025. It was updated on Aug. 30, 2025, to correct that 18 people were wounded, not 20.

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___

Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio. Associated Press writers Safiyah Riddle in Montgomery, Alabama; Jesse Bedayn in Denver; Hannah Fingerhut in Des Moines, Iowa; Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota; and Hallie Golden in Seattle; contributed to this report.
A Garland man has been charged with capital murder in the death of his newborn son nearly a year after the infant was found dead in Hunt County.

Hunt County Sheriffs Office deputies booked 20-year-old Andrew Lynn Garza into the Hunt County Detention Center on Wednesday morning. He is accused of killing three-week-old Jonah Jesus Garza on Nov. 24, 2024.

The Hunt County Sheriffs Office responded to the reported death of an infant at a residence on Mesa Court in Royse City. The child was transported to Childrens Hospital in Dallas where the he was later pronounced deceased. An autopsy was conducted by the Dallas County Medical Examiners Office.

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Court records show Garza has been charged with capital murder of a child under 10 years of age, a first-degree felony that carries the harshest penalties available under Texas law. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

The charge was filed in the 354th District Court of Hunt County, and records list a $1.25 million surety bond. Garza remains in custody, and no release has been granted.

This is not Garzas first encounter with Hunt County prosecutors. In July 2024, he was indicted and arrested on a charge of injury to a child by criminal negligence. That charge stemmed from an October 2023 incident that occurred while he was living in unincorporated Royse City. He was booked into jail on July 1, 2024 with bond set at $150,000 and released the following month.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances of the childs death but the case was investigated over the past nine months before the indictment was secured.

The capital murder charge was formally entered Wednesday morning and Garza was booked into custody shortly after.
Father shot to death at Shrewsbury pond identified as suspect is ordered held without bail

A criminal complaint filed on Friday identified a father who was fatally shot in Shrewsbury on his way home from dropping his 6-year-old child off at school, while the suspect in his death faced a judge and was ordered held without bail.

Snehal Srivastava, 26, of Shrewsbury, was arraigned in Westboro District Court on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license in connection with the death of 56-year-old Kevin Doherty, court documents obtained by Boston 25 News indicated. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf.

In the court documents, Shrewsbury police said they are familiar with Srivastava through an extensive history dating back to 2015. Boston 25 News obtained records of Srivastavas prior charges, including a case from 2022 when the 26-year-old was accused of attacking someone with a machete in a movie theatre parking lot.

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The case was dismissed in July with court paperwork citing failure to prosecute. Boston25 reached out to the Worcester County District Attorneys Office to learn more about that decision, they responded with the following statement:

The defendant has a case currently before the court. It is inappropriate to comment on a prior case or the current case pursuant to our rules of professional conduct, specifically 3.6 and 3.8 while the current case is pending.

Srivastava was allowed to hide from the courtroom camera during the arraignment due to identity issues, but a Boston 25 photographer captured video of the suspect being escorted into the courthouse by law enforcement.

Doherty called 911 shortly before 9 a.m. on Thursday to report that he was being attacked, and while he was on the line with dispatch, multiple gunshots were heard, followed by Doherty exclaiming, He shot me, prosecutors said.

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When officers arrived at the scene along a pathway at Jordan Pond in the area of Edgewater Avenue, they found Doherty unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to authorities.

Doherty was rushed to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where he was pronounced dead.

A witness told police that he was near the pond when he saw the suspect, later identified as Srivastava, involved in an argument with Doherty, who was walking his childs scooter and helmet home after dropping him off at the Coolidge School, court documents indicated. Srivastava then allegedly pulled out a firearm, opened fire on Doherty, and fled the scene on foot.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early and Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson said Thursday that the victim was using a phone to record the suspect, who was allegedly spray-painting near the pond, before the shooting.

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The gentleman who was shot earlier was walking his child to school and was returning from the school when he interacted with a man, Early said. It appeared that the man was doing some type of spray painting. He took a picture of the man, and that started an altercation. The person then had a dispute, and gunshots were heard.

As a result of the shooting, Anderson immediately ordered residents in the area of Jordan Pond, Edgewater Avenue, and Plainfield Avenue to shelter in place. Officers also secured the campus of the nearby Coolidge School as a precaution.

Srivastava was located a short time later, barricaded in a nearby home, after the Shrewsbury Police Department launched a drone in the neighborhood. A Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team ultimately negotiated a peaceful resolution with the suspect, who surrendered without further incident.

Video shared with Boston 25 News showed the moment the suspect was detained in the street front of a white home that had Free Palestine, BLM, GLM, and Free Congo painted on the front.

Prosecutors noted that investigators found two photos on Dohertys cellphone, timestamped about a minute before his 911 call. One showed his childs scooter, and the second showed a dark-skinned man spray painting the ground.

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Approximately one day earlier, the Shrewsbury Police Department responded to a call for service for graffiti painted on the Jordan Pond trail, where Coolidge Street Crips had been painted on the ground," authorities stated in the documents. It should be noted that the exterior of Srivastavas residence has graffiti on it referencing Crip affiliation.

Those familiar with the area, as well as law enforcement, told Boston 25 that they have had run-ins with the suspect in the past.

John Bissonnette works nearby and said hes come in contact with the suspect before, including earlier in the week on Tuesday, when he ended up calling the police on him.

A couple of days ago, I was pulling out of a parking spot right here, and he came flying down into the parking lot. Youre supposed to go 5 miles per hour; hes going like 50. He almost hit me, and then he almost hit one of the mechanics that works here, and the mechanic said something to him, and he got out of his car and started saying, Dont disrespect me, mind your own business. I backed up to see what was going on, and he came charging at me and yelling at me, Bissonnette said.

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Early on Thursday said the suspect was known to law enforcement, acknowledging an incident involving a machete in Westboro back in 2022.

In the court documents, Shrewsbury police said they are familiar with Srivastava through extensive history dating back to 2015.

Dohertys family was visibly distraught as they left the arraignment and were unable to speak to the media.

Srivastava is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on Friday, Sept. 12.

An investigation is ongoing.

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Aug. 28A father and his young son died in a house fire in Ardmore early Thursday morning after their house became engulfed in flames shortly after midnight, according to the Ardmore Volunteer Fire Department.

The call to Limestone County 911 went out at approximately 12:19 a.m., according to Ardmore Volunteer Fire Chief Tim Toone, and when firefighters entered the residence on Alabama 251 they located an unconscious 7-year-old boy.

"The residence was kind of like one of these storage buildings converted into a tiny home," Toone said. "We located the 7-year-old and brought him out and started CPR on him. They went back in and searched again and that's when they found the father. That was about five minutes later and they got him out and started CPR on him."

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Toone said the father initially had a pulse but was not breathing and soon after went into cardiac arrest. There were five people living in the home, he said, including a father, mother and their three children.

"They were unharmed but transported to Athens-Limestone Hospital's ER for observation, and they were, you know, scratched up and so forth," Toone said of the three survivors.

Ardmore Volunteer Fire Department, Elkmont Volunteer Fire Department and East Limestone Volunteer Fire Department all responded to the scene.

Toone said an Elkmont firefighter suffered smoke inhalation in his attempt to carry residents out of the burning house.

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"He went to the ER and was treated and released and he's got to do some follow-up visits with the physician," Toone said. "But his injuries were minor."

He said the state fire marshal is investigating the case.

Limestone County Coroner Mike West said he responded to the scene around 1 a.m.

"One (body) was found in the north side of the building and one was found on the south side of the building," West said.

He said an autopsy is being conducted on the deceased 38-year-old father and his son and a cause of death is still to be determined.

Toone said the last time he saw a fire in Ardmore of this magnitude and destruction was more than 10 years ago when an arsonist began burning things on a property that caught a house on fire.

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"We've had one fatality about 10 to 12 years ago," Toone said. "This was actually an arson fire. We knew we had an arsonist, just couldn't figure out who it was and things kind of started falling together."

West said he could not release the names of the victims of Thursday's fire, but Toone said the home belonged to the Griffin family. Neighborhood Bridges Ardmore, a community assistance program operated locally by the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, is collecting donations for the family. Toone said donations can also be made at any North Alabama Bank branch.

 wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The Fayetteville Board of Education is looking for applicants for the Zone 4 school board member following the resignation of Katirna Osborne.

According to a press release, Osborne announced her resignation from the board effective Aug. 28. She was first elected to the board in February 2020.

Osborne says the departure is necessary due to her family moving to the Boston area.

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Serving on the Fayetteville Board of Education has been one of the most rewarding

experiences of my life, said Osborne. Together, weve accomplished remarkable

things, making our district one of the finest in the state. While my familys relocation to

the Boston area makes this departure necessary, Im incredibly proud of our

collaborative work and have deep admiration for the dedicated administrators, staff,

teachers, and fellow board members Ive had the privilege to serve alongside. I look

forward to watching this exceptional district continue to reach new heights.

The release says the school board will appoint a replacement for Osbournes position before the boards meeting in October.

Arkansas law states the term for the appointment will last until the next school election, which is set for March 2026.

Fayetteville School Board gives updates on multiple projects

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The release says anyone interested in being considered by the school board for the position who is a registered voter living in Zone 4 should submit a petition to the district expressing their intention to be considered. The petition should be signed by at least 20 qualified electors who live in Zone 4.

The petition can be found here. Copies of the petition can be found at the District Administration office at 1000 W. Bulldog Boulevard.

The school board says it will hold a special meeting on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. to vote on the person it will appoint to carry out the remaining term.

The petition and current resume should be mailed or delivered by hand to Tim Hudson, Board President, Fayetteville Public Schools, 1000 W. Bulldog Boulevard, Fayetteville, AR 72701, or emailed to tim.hudson@fayar.net.

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According to the release, the petition and resume must be received by the school board by Sept. 26 and should include:

Why the applicant is interested in serving as a board of education member,

How the applicant feels qualified for the service,

The applicants time availability and dedication to the service, and

What the applicant believes are the 3 most important issues facing the Board of Education in the next few years.

The Fayetteville School Board zone map can be found here.

Questions can be emailed to Hudson or Alan Wilbourn, executive director of communications for the school district, at alan.wilbourn@fayar.net.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
The FBI is searching for the mother of the Minnesota gunman who killed two children, saying she has refused to co-operate with the investigation.

Federal agents descended on an apartment belonging to Mary Grace Westman in Florida on Wednesday after her son, Robin Westman, opened fire at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis.

Footage captured by local news showed three plain-clothes members of the FBI knocking on the front door of the building in East Naples and shouting for a Miss Westman.

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The individuals, who are casually dressed and wearing sunglasses, are then seen returning to their car empty-handed.

Federal agents at an apartment belonging to Mary Grace Westman in Florida - WINK News

Vehicles from the local Collier County Sheriffs Office were also seen around the apartment complex, according to the MailOnline.

Ms Westmans whereabouts are currently unknown. Public records show she has another property under her name in Minneapolis, which she appears to have fled, located a couple of miles from the church.

We have not been successful in talking to the shooters mother, Brian OHara, the Minneapolis police chief, said in a press conference on Thursday.

There continue to be efforts made to get that done, he added.

Westman was named as the attacker by the police. He took his own life at the scene

Westman, 23, shot dead two children, eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, as he opened fire on the Annunciation Church with a rifle, shotgun and pistol on Wednesday morning.

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Another 15 children and three parishioners in their eighties were also injured. All are expected to survive.

Westman subsequently shot himself in the car park outside the church.

Police are reportedly attempting to speak to Ms Westman, who worked at the Annunciation Church School until her retirement four years ago, to understand the motive behind her sons attack.

Law enforcement had been in contact with Ms Westman as of Friday afternoon, according to Minneapolis authorities.

According to a translation by The Telegraph of the 23-year-olds manifesto, which was written in Cyrillic characters, he also considered targeting Donald Trump, Elon Musk, or an unnamed top business executive.

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His family would suffer hatred and criticism but they and many others would view my actions as heroic and necessary, he wrote.

Westman had split up with his partner for a short time before carrying out his shooting spree, his father reportedly told police.

According to Fox 9, James Westman told officers that his son recently broke up with a significant and/or romantic partner and had been staying with a friend.

Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski died in the shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis

According to Fox News, Ms Westman, 67, has enlisted the services of Ryan Garry, a criminal defence lawyer, who told the outlet: She is completely distraught about the situation and has no culpability but is seeking an attorney to deal with calls like this.

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She signed off on her sons legal name change, from Robert to Robin, in 2020 when he was 17 years old.

One woman who lived next door to Ms Westman in Florida told local media: Hearing how close to home it was was pretty shocking.

She praised the 67-year-old as a pillar of the community, saying: Shes talked about quite highly and shes been very helpful to a lot of neighbours when neighbours were in need.

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FDOT crew members overnight washed away chalk on the Pulse Nightclub crosswalks.

Shortly after, LGBTQ activists and supporters colored the crosswalk again with chalk.

The city of Orlando is repainting crosswalks all over the city to comply with state guidelines.

The repainting job will cost the city of Orlando around $85,000.

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The Alabama Senate on Feb. 25, 2025. A federal judge Friday ordered Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen to inform her by Thursday of the Alabama Legislature's intent with regard to her order for a new state Senate district in the Montgomery area. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector)

U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco Friday ordered Secretary of State Wes Allen to report the Legislatures intent on her previous order to redraw an Alabama Senate district in Montgomery by Sept. 4.

Manasco last week ordered Senate Districts 25 and 26 to be redrawn, ruling that they violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by giving Black voters less opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice than other voters.

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The parties agree that if the Legislature proceeds in a manner that results in the Court undertaking the unwelcome obligation of . . . impos[ing] a reapportionment plan, the Court will need to appoint a Special Master to prepare remedial plans for the Court to consider, Manasco wrote Friday.

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Allen filed his intent to appeal Manascos order on Thursday, saying in part that he did not know if the Legislature intended to redraw the districts. That would have to happen in a special session, called by Gov. Kay Ivey, to meet Manascos requirement for the map to be ready in time for the 2026 midterm elections. Allen wrote in the Status Report Thursday that if called, a special session would likely happen in late September or early October.

Given the logistics involved in calling a special session, and certain timing demands and waiting periods required by the legislative process, it is not known at this time if the Plaintiffs proposed deadline of September 22, 2025 would provide a realistic opportunity for the Legislature to act if it chooses to do so, he wrote.

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Gina Maiola, the communications director for Gov. Kay Ivey, wrote in an email Friday afternoon that the governors office is reviewing the opinion and consulting with necessary parties.

Should the courts decision be upheld, it would be the second time in four years a federal court found Alabamas 2021 congressional and redistricting maps to be racially discriminatory. A three-judge panel that included Manasco ruled in 2022 that the states 2021 congressional map did not give Black voters a proper opportunity to choose their preferred leaders, leading to an odyssey that in 2023 resulted in a new congressional map with a majority Black district in west Alabama and a near-majority Black district in the southern Black Belt.

Manasco will appoint Richard Allen as the Special Master, David Ely as his cartographer, and Michael Scodro and his law firm, Mayer Brown LLP, as the Special Masters legal counsel if the Legislature does not redraw the map. It is the same team that redrew the states congressional districts.
Nearly 24 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, a federal judge in New York decided Thursday that Saudi Arabia can face a civil lawsuit alleging the kingdom sponsored, aided and supported the al-Qaeda hijackers.

Families of 9/11 victims called the judge's decision denying Saudi Arabia's bid to dismiss the lawsuit "the most consequential step yet" in two decades of litigation.

Greg Whitesell/Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: The Washington Momument stands in the background as firefighters pour water on a fire at the Pentagon that was caused by a hijacked plane crashing into the building on Sept. 11, 2001, in Washington, D.C.

Attorneys representing Saudi Arabia had tried to dismiss claims by victims' families and estates, first filed in 2003, arguing that, as a sovereign state, it is immune from civil litigation in American courts.

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MORE: Uncertainty over certification affects possible 9/11-related illnesses coverage

However, U.S. District Judge George Daniels said the families provided "reasonable evidence" that two Saudi citizens -- Omar al-Bayoumi and Fahad al-Thumairy -- were sent by their government to the United States to assist the hijackers.

"KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] did not proffer sufficient evidence to the contrary," Daniels said. "Although KSA attempts to offer seemingly innocent explanations or context, they are either self-contradictory or not strong enough to overcome the inference that KSA had employed Bayoumi and Thumairy to assist the hijackers."

According to the judge's opinion, there is evidence the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sent Bayoumi to San Diego in 1994. The official reason was to pursue education. Plaintiffs contended he was co-opted by Saudi intelligence, which Bayoumi denied.

Porter Gifford/Corbis via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: The rubble of the World Trade Center smoulders following a terrorist attack Sept. 11, 2001, in New York.

The Saudis assigned Thumairy to serve as imam of a Los Angeles mosque in 1998. One of his bank accounts received significant funds from a senior member of the Saudi cabinet, the judge wrote in his decision. Thumairy said the money was for mosque expenses.

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When al-Qaeda sent two of the hijackers -- Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdhar -- to Los Angeles in January 2000, they were brought to the mosque and introduced to Thumairy, who left the U.S. five weeks prior to the attacks.

About a month after meeting Thumairy, the two hijackers met Bayoumi, who helped them find an apartment in San Diego.

Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: An Al Qaeda network was in place in Southern California to greet and take care of two 9/11 hijackers

On a notepad seized from Bayoumi, authorities said they saw a handwritten sketch of an airplane along with some numbers, calculations and notes.

Plaintiffs alleged that the Saudi government engaged Thumairy and Bayoumi to carry out covert activities in the U.S. that provided material support and assistance to the hijackers.

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The Saudis have denied those allegations.

A group representing 9/11 families, who have been pushing for the lawsuit as it has wended it way through the courts over the years, celebrated the judge's decision.

"Nearly a quarter-century after we lost our loved ones, Judge Daniels' ruling gives us the chance to finally pursue accountability, justice, and closure in their memory," said Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice, a coalition of 9/11 families.

We have presented overwhelming evidence that the Kingdom is complicit in the 9/11 attacks, and a federal judge agrees," Eagleson said. "Now, we are prepared to present even more evidence showing that Saudi Arabia was complicit in the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 innocent Americans.

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The ruling marks the first time a federal court has explicitly opened the door to testing the families case against Saudi Arabia, which alleges Saudi officials or agents assisted the 9/11 hijackers and should be held liable.

The families can now move forward with evidence collection and, they hope, depositions of Saudi officials.

For many families, the pursuit of justice is deeply personal. Eagleson was just 15 when he lost his father in the attacks.

"We've never recovered him, not even a trace," he told ABC News in 2021.
President Trump on Monday night announced tariffs of 10% on softwood timber and lumber alongside a 25% tariff on "certain upholstered wooden products" due to take effect on Oct. 14, according to the White House.

This was the latest set of tariffs to be announced impacting the furniture industry, after Trump posted last week about a flurry of tariffs on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and other upholstered products on that will take effect Oct. 1.

Trump said the lumber tariffs will help "strengthen supply chains" and "bolster industrial resilience." Yet home builders have warned this could deter investments in new homes and renovations. Canada is also set to be hit hard by the order, as it's the US's largest wood supplier and already subject to duties of over 35%.

Earlier Monday, Trump said he would impose 100% tariffs on foreign films and "substantial" duties on furniture imports, part of a revived tariff blitz in recent days.

Other planned new tariffs include pharmaceuticals, including a 100% duty on patented drugs unless the producer builds a plant in the US or the country has a trade deal that covers drugs. Pfizer (PFE) on Tuesday announced it had received a three-year reprieve from those tariffs as part of a deal with the administration to sell some drugs at a discounted rate, prompting speculation of similar deals to come.

Elsewhere, the US and China have made progress toward various contours of a broader deal following a call between Trump and China's President Xi Jinping. Trump said after that call that the countries had reached an agreement to spin off the TikTok app in the US.

Trump said the two leaders plan to conduct a series of meetings in the coming months, as Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul reported.

Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet

Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER

1933 updates
VIDEO: Lawsuit filed over Arkansas Ten Commandments in classrooms law

CONWAY, Ark.  A federal judge has ordered the Conway School District to pull down displays featuring the 10 Commandments from classrooms amid an ongoing lawsuit.

The Thursday ruling states that the Conway School District is required to remove all 10 Commandments displays from all classrooms and libraries by no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29.

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Court filing would add Conway schools to Arkansas 10 Commandments suit

The temporary restraining order comes after a federal court filing on behalf of Conway parents moved to add Conway School District to a lawsuit opposing the law, Act 573 of 2025.

The act mandated the display of the 10 Commandments in Arkansas public buildings and schools.

This comes on the heels of an Aug. 4 temporary injunction preventing the 10 Commandments in the Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Siloam Springs School Districts pending the suit going to trial. Parents in those districts felt the law was an unfair effort to indoctrinate their children.

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The ACLU of Arkansas shared a statement Thursday evening after the ruling.

Conway School District had every opportunity to do the right thing and respect families constitutional rights, but instead chose to defy a clear federal ruling, said John Williams, legal director of the ACLU of Arkansas. The court has now made it crystal clear: forcing the Ten Commandments into public school classrooms is unconstitutional. We stand ready to defend the rights of every Arkansan against this kind of government overreach.

Arkansas attorney general files motion to intervene in 10 Commandments lawsuit

Attorney General Tim Griffin shared a statement Thursday night after the ruling.

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I am disappointed in the ruling but will continue to vigorously defend Act 573, Griffin said.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  A federal jury in Norfolk convicted Janathian Porter, 27, of Franklin, on a charge of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.

Porter, also known by aliases Frankboy Nate, Nate, or Nate Dog, was involved in a robbery that stemmed from a drug transaction set up by Leonra Douglas, 26, on October 28, 2024, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. During the transaction, Porter robbed a marijuana dealer at gunpoint and stole the dealers firearm.

Following the robbery, Porter and Douglas fled in separate vehicles. On November 1, law enforcement stopped a vehicle linked to the robbery, driven by Douglas, with three minor children inside. Officers found a stolen handgun under the drivers seat. As a convicted felon, Douglas is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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On November 12, Porter was caught rummaging through a mans vehicle at the mans home. When the victim confronted Porter and pursued him, Porter shot at the victim. Shell casings found at the scene matched a firearm reported stolen the same evening.

Porter, an eight-time convicted felon, has previous convictions for breaking and entering, grand larceny, and other offenses. Douglas pleaded guilty on Aug. 25, 2025 to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Man in stolen vehicle leads police pursuit before crashing in Suffolk

Porter and Douglas face up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing set for January 30, 2026.

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The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating violent crime. The Isle of Wight Sheriffs Office and the Franklin Police Department assisted in the investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Former AmeriCorps service member Daniel Zare, 27, visits Project CHANGE at Sligo Middle School on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he mentored students before federal government cuts in April. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

Maryland was one of more than two dozen states that argued earlier this month that the federal government was secretly withholding millions of dollars in AmeriCorps funding, representing a second round of cuts to the national service program since April.

Now, federal officials say that funding  totaling nearly $185 million  is heading out to the states after all.

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AmeriCorps officials said in a filing Thursday in the U.S. District Court for Maryland, that the $185 million represents the remainder of the funding appropriated by Congress for AmeriCorps in the current fiscal year. AmeriCorps pledged to apportion the funds by Sept. 30, the end of the federal fiscal 2025.

The unlocked funding will go to several different service programs nationwide, including AmeriCorps Seniors, which connects Americans 55 and up with service opportunities, including helping children learn to read, assisting the elderly and responding to natural disasters. Some will go to state-level service commissions, too.

At least $2 million of the $185 million is bound for Maryland, court records show. It will go to programs such as the Maryland Reading Corps, which provides children with literacy tutors, and Frostburg State Universitys ASTAR program, through which AmeriCorps members contribute to educational programming, food pantries, health care and more in rural Western Maryland.

In a news release Friday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown held the new development up as a win for his office, which leads the multistate lawsuit against cuts to AmeriCorps, originally filed in late April.

This is a major victory for Marylands most vulnerable and the AmeriCorps members who serve them, Brown said Friday. This outcome provides security for the programs and dedicated AmeriCorps members who tutor and mentor struggling Maryland students and give food to Marylanders who need it. By protecting these programs, we are defending the wellbeing of thousands of Marylanders who depend on this critical support to live full, healthy lives.

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Besides Maryland, other parties to the suit include the District of Columbia and the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

The AmeriCorps saga began in April, when Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, placed an estimated 85% of headquarters staff at AmeriCorps on leave, and dismissed thousands of AmeriCorps members completing community service projects across the nation. The decision was based on issues uncovered in recent financial audits of the national service organization, White House officials said.

In Maryland, the abrupt termination devastated AmeriCorps members who were busy serving inside state parks, educational centers and other institutions. The Maryland-led lawsuit, challenging an estimated $400 million in cuts, came shortly thereafter.

By early June, a Maryland federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, stating that AmeriCorps would have to temporarily reverse the cuts in the 24 jurisdictions that filed suit while the litigation proceeded. The injunction did not impact cuts in other states, or the staffing reductions at AmeriCorps headquarters.

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But earlier this month came another wrinkle.

The states reported in a filing that the federal Office of Budget and Management was refusing to release tens of millions of dollars that Congress already appropriated, and that AmeriCorps chose to award to service programs for fiscal year 2025.

They requested another preliminary injunction from the court, arguing that the funding was being withheld unlawfully, and it should be restored.

The feds were due to reply on Thursday, and thats when they filed an update, stating that the $185 million was being released.

Attorneys for the Justice Department wrote that in light of this development, the Parties are conferring about the appropriate next steps in this litigation, including whether the preliminary injunction motion still requires the Courts resolution or whether it may be withdrawn.

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Federal prosecutors in D.C. filed criminal charges against a man who burned an American flag outside of the White House earlier this week, after President Trump signed an executive order ordering the Justice Department to investigate flag burning.

Jan Carey, 54, of North Carolina, is facing two misdemeanor criminal counts in Washington, D.C., federal court. Neither charge focuses on the fact that he burned a flag, specifically: one of the counts was for lighting a fire "not in a designated area and receptacle," and another was for lighting a fire "in a manner that threatened, caused damage to, and resulted in the burning of property, real property, and park resources."

Both charges are punishable by a fine or no more than six months in custody.

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In a video of the flag burning captured by WUSA9 on Monday, Carey identified himself as a military veteran and said he was protesting the executive order.

In an interview with WUSA9, Carey said he "immediately thought I need to go burn a flag in front of the White House and let's put this to the test."

On Monday, Mr. Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to investigate people who burn the American flag, even though the Supreme Court in 1989 ruled that the First Amendment protected symbolic speech, including flag burning.

Mr. Trump's order attempts to navigate around the Supreme Court ruling. It said federal prosecutors should prioritize bringing cases against instances of flag burning that violate other "content-neutral laws," and said the high court didn't rule out charges if burning a flag "is likely to incite imminent lawless action" or amounts to "fighting words."

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The president has long pushed for criminal prosecutions for burning an American flag, suggesting in 2016 that it should be punished by "loss of citizenship or year in jail."

"You burn a flag, you get one year in jail. You don't get 10 years, you don't get one month," Mr. Trump said Monday. "You get one year in jail, and it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately."

Mr. Trump's order also calls for Attorney General Pam Bondi to litigate a challenge to the 1989 ruling, potentially getting the issue in front of a Supreme Court bench that is far more conservative than the high court was at the time of the original decision. And it suggests alleged flag burners could be charged with inciting a riot.

Carey, however, was not charged with incitement.

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CBS News has reached out to Carey for comment.

9-year-old boy opens a "compliment stand" to boost people's self esteem

How Buc-ee's became a road trip destination

ADHD meds often prescribed to young children too soon, study finds
Starting Sept. 2, Americas hunters and anglers will have access to an additional 87,000 acres of federal land managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pro-hunting and conservation groups are already cheering the move, which the Department of the Interior announced Wednesday.

The DOI says the final rule approved Aug. 28 will open or expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 16 national wildlife refuges (as well as one national fish hatchery) across 11 different states: Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Click here for a complete list of the affected refuges.

We are pleased to offer these new hunting and fishing opportunities that are compatible with our conservation mission, newly-appointed USFWS director Brian Nesvik said of the move. These refuges and hatcheries provide incredible opportunities for sportsmen and sportswomen and their families across the country to pass on a fishing and hunting heritage to future generations.

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Two of those federal properties, the Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR and Californias Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, will open to hunting formally for the first time as a result of the expansion. The DOI didnt specify what those new hunting opportunities would look like, although both areas contain a substantial amount of waterfowl habitat. The agency says these new regulations will go into effect on Tuesday for the upcoming 2025-2026 hunting season.

Read Next: Proposed Rule Could Curb Predator Control and Planting Grains for Waterfowl in Refuges. Hunting Orgs Now Wonder, Is USFWS Turning Against Duck Hunters?



As reported by E&E News, however, there will be no changes around lead ammunition rules as part of the expansion. (Lead shot remains prohibited while hunting waterfowl on all NWRs nationwide.) Phasing out lead ammo and tackle on USFWS-managed lands while expanding hunting and fishing access at these locations has been a strategy under previous presidential administrations, and one that hook-and-bullet groups have roundly opposed.

The federal government is mandated to expand hunting and fishing opportunities where possible, thanks to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The DOI noted in its announcement that this expansion triples the number of opportunities and quintuples the number of units open or expanded under the Biden administration. At that time, then Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland claimed that the DOI had opened and expanded more USFWS acreage to hunting and fishing than ever before.
A southwest suburban man has been charged with soliciting pornographic videos from a 13-year-old British girl who was found by her mother in her bedroom hanged from the charging cord of her smart watch.

Khamryn Zyiel Johnson, 27, of Plano, is charged in a five-count indictment made public Friday with enticement of a minor to produce pornography and transmitting and receiving images of child pornography. He was arrested in June on a criminal complaint that had originally been filed under seal, and is being held without bond, court records show.

Johnsons attorney, Michael Baker, declined to comment Friday.

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The investigation began on May 22 after the mother of the 13-year-old victim in Gloucestershire, about 110 miles west of London, found her daughter naked and hanging by her neck from a bed post with an Apple Watch charger cord, according to the charges. The girl died several days later.

Data from the girls phone showed she had been on a WhatsApp video call with Johnson shortly before she was found unconscious, according to the charges.

Investigators also found numerous chats between Johnson and the girl in the days leading up to her death, according to the charges, including one on May 17 where she had asked Johnson, how would u like me to torture myself?

Hmm by sending videos of you choking yourself, Johnson replied, according to the charges. And when I say choke I mean I wanna see ur face change colors.

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That same day, the charges alleged, Johnson sent three sexually explicit videos to the victim that he filmed himself. In one of them, the camera operators face is briefly depicted, showing a man wearing a beard and heart-shaped glasses, according to the charges.

The charges alleged Johnson is wearing the same distinctive glasses and facial hair in photos he posted to his public Facebook profile.

Five days later, Johnson messaged the girl over WhatsApp asking, Whos all home baby. Just you lol, the charges alleged.

Only my mum, the girl responded.

The two then had a 29-minute video call that continued after the mother left the house, according to the charges. Within minutes after that chat ended, Johnson tried four times to call the victims WhatsApp account but the calls were never answered. The girls mother discovered her daughter about 10 minutes before Johnsons last call, the charges alleged.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
Emigrant Peak in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest (Photo by Jacob Frank | National Park Service | Flickr).

The Trump administration announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has taken the next step in repealing a rule protecting nearly 60 million acres of national forest land from logging and development  more than 10% of which is in Montana.

The 2001 Roadless Rule prohibits the construction of road and harvest of timber on inventoried roadless areas  roughly 30% of all Forest Service land  across the county preserving intact ecosystems across huge swaths of federal public lands in western states.

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Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a press release that rescinding the rule will bring common sense management to national forest land.

Today marks a critical step forward in President Trumps commitment to restoring local decision-making to federal land managers to empower them to do whats necessary to protect Americas forests and communities from devastating destruction from fires, Rollins said. This administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America. It is vital that we properly manage our federal lands to create healthy, resilient, and productive forests for generations to come.

The U.S. Forest Service will publish its Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on Aug. 29, kicking off a 21-day public comment period that will run through Sept. 19.

The order will apply to nearly 45 million acres of Forest Service Land, according to USDA, and aligns with two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump aimed at increasing logging operations on federal land.

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The USDA Forest Service will open the public comment period Friday. To learn how to submit a comment, visit Federalregister.gov.

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, who previously worked for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and for a large lumber producer in Idaho. In a statement, he said changes in management strategy reflect how forests have changed during the last 25 years.

The Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to action  prohibiting road construction, which has limited wildfire suppression and active forest management, Schultz said. The forests we know today are not the same as the forests of 2001. They are dangerously overstocked and increasingly threatened by drought, mortality, insect-borne disease, and wildfire. Its time to return land management decisions where they belong  with local Forest Service experts who best understand their forests and communities.

Schultz was in Montana last week meeting with Congressional leaders in the Western Caucus where he advocated for increasing logging operations and increased access on federal lands.

Montanas Roadless Areas

Montana has 6.4 million acres of inventoried roadless area, roughly 37% of all Forest Service land in the state. The state contains the third most inventoried roadless Forest Service land behind Alaskas 15 million acres and Idahos 9.3 million acres.

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This is another huge win for Montana and forest management. This latest news from the USDA shows that the Trump administration is committed to Montana-First priorities, Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican, said in a previous statement. By rolling back the outdated Roadless Rule, well be better equipped to manage our Montana forests and protect our communities. I applaud Secretary Rollins for this decision to give our local forests more tools to manage our states national forests.

Montanas eastern Congressman Rep. Troy Downing called the move long overdue.

But while elected officials, including Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, praised the move, many conservation and environmental groups decried it as putting the states public lands at risk.

Americas national forests give us clean air, water, wildlife, and the freedom for all to enjoy the outdoors, said The Wilderness Society President Tracy Stone-Manning, the former director of the Bureau of Land Management under President Biden and a former Montana department head. But now they are the latest target in this administrations unpopular push to give away our lands to drill, mine and log. Gutting the Roadless Rulewhich has protected our forests for 25 yearswould be the single largest rollback of conservation protections in our nations history. Americans cherish their public lands and deserve leaders who protect them for future generations, not give them away to corporations that exploit them.

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In Montana, each major national forest would be impacted by the rescission.

The Flathead National Forest includes an inventoried roadless area spanning 478,000 acres, along the western edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area and throughout the Whitefish Range. In the Gallatin National Forest, more than 31% of land  552,000 acres  prohibits road construction including throughout the Crazy Mountains and the Madison range south of Bozeman; In the Kootenai National Forest, more than 600,000 acres of roadless area borders the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness; the Bitterroot National Forest has more than 200,00 acres of roadless area bordering the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness; and the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest includes more than 1.6 million acres of roadless area.

A map of Montanas inventoried roadless areas. Courtesy U.S. Forest Service.

Rolling back the Roadless Rule is another step in the plan to take public lands away from the American people, selling out our shared places and making us less safe to maximize corporate profits, said Wild Montana Federal Policy Director Hilary Eisen. The Rule allows for a wide variety of fire suppression activities. Pretending otherwise is a flimsy cover story for handing our treasured places over to industrial interests. Building unnecessary roads will lead to more fires, not fewer, and stripping protections from 60 million acres threatens Montanas clean water, public access, and our freedom to hike, hunt, fish, camp, ride, climb, and ski.

When this rule was considered in 2000, tens of thousands of Montanans, including many Wild Montana members, participated in the process by attending public meetings and submitting comments. Montanans overwhelmingly supported the Roadless Rule then, and we still do, Eisen added.

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While many industry leaders and politicians have praised the move as a way to bolster the timber industry, Forest Service documents from the Roadless Rules inception indicate that the reduction in annual harvest from the creation of roadless areas was likely to amount to less than 1% of the states historic timber harvest.

Oregon U.S. Rep Andrea Salinas, a Democrat, has introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act to make the Roadless Rule a federal law, which has garnered 50 cosponsors within the party.
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  Law enforcement officials arrested 12 people and seized illegal firearms and drugs after searching a Waterbury home on Wednesday.

Waterbury officials executed a search warrant on Willow Street at around 10:16 a.m. with the help of Connecticut State Police.

Durham man arrested for January crash that killed 86-year-old

During the search, heroin, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, an American Tactical AR-15 rifle, a 10mm Glock pistol, a Ruger SP101 revolver, ammunition and $8,000 in cash were found by police. After the search, a total of 12 people were arrested:

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Isaiah Mujica was charged with interfering with a search warrant, possession of an assault weapon, altering or obliterating serial marks, possession of a high-capacity magazine, unsafe storage of a firearm, illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, criminal possession of a pistol, criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

Isaac Mujica was charged with unsafe storage of a firearm, illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, interfering with a search warrant, criminal possession of a pistol, criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

Jacob Mujica was charged with interfering with a search warrant, possession of an assault weapon, altering or obliterating serial marks, possession of a high-capacity magazine, unsafe storage of a firearm, illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

Brian Acosta-Perez was taken into custody on five active warrants.

Mario Santos was charged with interfering with a search warrant.

Kristina Janssen was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rosemary Winters was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of narcotics with intent to sell

Gladys Velez was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Miranda Pope was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Lois Tremblay was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Heather Huntley was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paulo Juca-Saquizari was charged with interfering with a search warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotics.

Isaiah Mujica (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Isaac Mujica (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Jacob Mujica (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Brian Acosta-Perez (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Mario Santos (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Kristina Janssen (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Rosemary Winters (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Gladys Velez (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Miranda Pope (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Lois Tremblay (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Heather Huntley (Photo: Waterbury Police Department) Paulo Juca-Saquizari (Photo: Waterbury Police Department)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Meth, fentanyl and a hand gun were found during a drug bust in Daviess County.

A release from the Kentucky State Police says multiple agencies executed a search warrant on Woodbridge Trail in Owensboro on Friday. Methamphetamine, fentanyl and a handgun were found in the home. Officials say the home is less than 1000 feet from two schools.

Jennifer Curtis, age 38, was arrested following the search. She was charged with trafficking in meth, trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking within 1000 feet of a school, and possession of handgun by a convicted felon. She is now held in the Daviess County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
A meeting of the Mexican Senate descended into violence Wednesday, after one of its members apparently became enraged at not getting a chance to speak.

The scuffle broke out between two high-ranking senators toward the end of a session that had included a heated debate on the possibility of US military intervention in the country.

As the national anthem was playing, the aggrieved senator, Alejandro Moreno  president of the opposition party PRI  stepped up to the podium and grabbed the arm of Senate President Gerardo Fernandez Norona, of the ruling Morena party, and a shoving match ensued.

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Others nearby then stepped in. A live broadcast of the exchange shows one man in a suit appearing to take a swing at Norona, while Moreno pushes a different man in a green shirt to the ground.

Norona later identified the man in the green shirt as a member of his team. The man appeared alongside Norona at a press conference, wearing a neck brace and bandages around his arm.

Moreno said on social media that he had confronted Norona because the ruling party had changed the agenda of the session to prevent the opposition from speaking out.

That cowardice provoked what followed. Let it be clear: the first physical aggression came from Norona, he said, claiming the Senate president started the altercation by shoving him.

Senator Alejandro Moreno, left, shoves Senator Gerardo Fernandez Norona during a Senate session on August 27, 2025. - AFP/Getty Images

For his part, Norona insisted the opposition senators were to blame. They ganged up on me. They will say that this is freedom of expression, he said.

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He said that during the session they had debated topics including US military intervention, which he had accused opposition parties of supporting.

He also said he intended to file a complaint against Moreno, claiming Moreno had threatened to kill him. He also said he would seek the expulsion of Moreno and other opposition members involved in the altercation.

CNN has reached out to Moreno for comment.

Violence in Mexicos Congress is rare but not unheard of.

In 2006, a brawl erupted between lawmakers ahead of the inauguration of President Felipe Calderon after a disputed election.

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Finland and Poland are considering rewetting drained peatlands to create defensive barriers against a potential Russian ground invasion.

Source: France 24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Since Russian tanks invaded Ukraine in 2022, European countries bordering Russia have strengthened security on their eastern frontiers.

Finland has recently completed the first stretch of a fence along its 1,340-kilometre border with Russia and is closely monitoring increased movements of Russian troops on the other side.

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This summer, Poland added defensive minefields to a 20-kilometre section of its border with Russia and Belarus as part of its extensive Eastern Shield defence infrastructure programme.

NATO members are now turning to the natural world to reinforce their defences further  by restoring peat bogs.

Wetlands where peat accumulates consist of spongy, waterlogged ground that is impassable to tanks. They are usually found in cool northern climates and are scattered across northern and eastern European countries bordering Russia and Belarus.

Finlands Ministries of Defence and the Environment will begin talks in the autumn on launching a pilot project to restore peatlands.

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In Poland, the defence ministry is interested in restoring wetlands along the eastern border, and discussions are under way between scientists and the ministries of defence and the environment.

In June, Germanys peatland think tank, the Greifswald Mire Centre, called on the EU to create a fund of up to 500 million to finance the planning and rewetting of 100,000 hectares of land.

"Naturally wet and restored peatlands are impassable for tanks, slowing troop movements and forcing them into predictable corridors that are easier to defend," the organisation said.

Background: Recently, Poland said that migration pressure on the border with Belarus is again increasing.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A dozen or so firefighters and community members lined the sidewalk leading into Richwoods High School today to greet students as they walked into the building.

And from the look of it, students seemed to enjoy it despite the early hour and despite they were walking into the building for a day of classes.

After the students walked through the gauntlet of well-wishers, there were others closer to the building, cheering them on and wishing them a good day.

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Its the third Stand Up, Show Up and Be There event this week, following two others at Manual and Peoria high schools. On Sunday, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria pleaded with the community, the men especially, to gather at the areas high schools at the start of the day to offer support for the students.

The call came in the wake of two shootings last week near Manual High School. In one of those incidents, a 15-year-old girl suffered a graze wound.

Fridays event was organized by Jeremy Sargent, who said hes a Peoria native and has seen the ups and downs of the River City.

Its needed. We need to come together. Peoria has been divided for a long time, and now, more than ever, we need to come together, he said.

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He hopes to go to more schools in the coming weeks, hitting the middle and elementary schools as well. There will be one each week, and the visits will be advertised on both social media and through the district.

Next up is Von Steuben Middle School on Sept. 4 with Harold B. Dawson, Jr. Middle School having their event on Sept. 11. Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center will have theirs on Sept. 18 with Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School wrapping up the month on Sept. 25.

The idea, he said, is to show the children that they are loved and that people and the community is behind them.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka firefighters are raising money for a good cause this weekend and you can chip in to help.

The Topeka Fire Department (TFD) is filling the boot this holiday weekend for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. It is part of a tradition that firefighters have been taking part in since 1954.

Topeka firefighters will be out collecting donations at intersections all across the Capital City Friday, Aug. 29 to Sunday, Aug. 31. One firefighter said events like this help bring the community closer together.

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Interacting with the community, getting to talk to people, even though its brief, we have a lot of fun doing it, said Captain Robert Scott. Walking by, we have a lot of people walking around campus who stop and give us money.

What places to eat, shop at are open on Labor Day in Topeka?

The annual fill the boot fundraiser has brought in more than $700 million for the MDA since its inception. You can learn more about the fundraiser by heading to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) website by clicking here.

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.

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Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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NEED TO KNOW

Firefighters in Los Angeles rescued a man who became stuck in a tree trying to get his cat down

The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that the man was brought down safely after being stuck for two hours, but officials decided to leave the cat where it was due to electrical wires blocking their path

Local news outlets reported that the cat made its way back down to the ground the following day

Firefighters in Los Angeles are warning people not to climb towering trees to try rescuing their cats if they get stuck.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was called to the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of North Hills on Wednesday, Aug. 27, after a man scaled a large tree to try and rescue a cat named Nova that had been stuck at the top for at least one or two days, local residents said, per KTLA and NBC Los Angeles.

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"The cat's been crying since yesterday," one resident told NBC Los Angeles on Thursday, Aug. 28. Video footage from the outlet shows the black and white feline meowing loudly.

By Wednesday night, the man  who lives in a neighboring building  decided to climb the tree in an attempt to help Nova down, but he became stuck himself.

After about two hours in the tree, firefighters used a ladder to get the man down, but because of a series of electrical wires blocking their path, the department made the decision to leave Nova where she was, the LAFD told PEOPLE on Thursday.

Luckily, the man was not injured, and by Thursday afternoon, the feline made its own way back down to the ground, per the outlets.

On Thursday, the LAFD told PEOPLE in a statement that its priority in incidents such as these is the safety of any humans involved.

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"The Los Angeles Fire Department loves animals, but our first priority is always public safety. In this incident, firefighters safely rescued the individual who climbed the tree, as people attempting to help are often at the greatest risk of injury," the statement read.

"From experience, cats almost always come down on their own when ready. Each situation is assessed by the incident commander, who determines what actions are safe and appropriate. While we share the community's concern for pets, our focus remains on protecting lives, both human and animal, safely," the department added.

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 an Instagram post shared on Thursday, the department reiterated that pet owners shouldn't try and rescue felines stuck in dangerous places.

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"Rescuing the well-intending rescuer - this is often the reason Your LAFD responds to animal rescues. In our experience, the cat will come down when it is ready (hungry, thirsty, etc). Promise," the department wrote alongside a video of the human's rescue.

"However, the PEOPLE trying to resolve the issue for the cat are the ones at highest risk of injury. Fortunately, this individual was safely brought down with no injuries but it doesn't always play out that way," the post continued. "Cats have been climbing trees long before fire departments had ladders long enough to reach them. Let cats be cats. They have nine lives, you only have one."



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Today, August 29, in 1965, a conversation went down between a human positioned more than 200 feet deep in the Pacific Ocean and people floating 99 miles above Earth. On their last day aboard Gemini 5, NASA astronauts Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad chatted with their friend Scott Carpenter, an aquanaut who was at the bottom of the Pacific, aboard the U.S. Navys experimental seafloor chamber called Sealab IIalso known as the Tiltin Hilton. They spoke via a radiotelephone, which sends radio waves between speakers. This marked the first-ever call between astronauts and an aquanat.

Among other space tasks, Cooper and Conrad were testing out the impacts of a long trip among the stars on human healthat the time, eight days was considered lengthy, beating the Soviet record by three days. Conrad compared the mission, with its tight quarters, to eight days in a garbage can.

TRUSTY TUFFY: Tuffy, a specially trained cetacean, aided Sealab II by delivering tools via a harness. Credit: Naval History & Heritage Command.

Meanwhile, down in the Pacific, Carpenter took part in a similar experiment: gauging how long people can endure ocean depths. He remained on Sealab II for a record 30 days, overseeing deep-sea dives. Carpenters team even worked with a trained marine mammal named Tuffy, who wore a harness to deliver divers tools and messages.

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Cooper and Carpenter went way back, and each had achieved some serious feats up in the cosmos: Both participated in Project Mercury, the countrys first crewed spaceflight program. Conrad was passed over for the opportunity, but still went on to have a successful career at NASA, later commanding the Apollo 12 mission in 1969.

Using the same radiotelephone technology he used to contact his astronaut friends, Carpenter later rang up U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House, albeit with an extremely high-pitched voice due to the helium-rich environment. Thirty years later, Carpenter made another historic long-distance call: He spoke to astronauts on the Endeavour space shuttle from an underwater lab off Floridas coast.

Take a good look out that window, Carpenter said to NASA astronaut Michael Gernhardt during that sea-to-space confab. What you can see from up there is something that will last in your mind forever.
Key Points

The first confirmed U.S. human case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been reported in Maryland, following the patient's travel to El Salvador.

Federal and state officials emphasize that the risk of spread remains low, although the incident has raised concerns among farmers and veterinarians about potential communication lapses.

The U.S. is preparing to combat the parasite with sterile flyrelease programs, a proven strategy previously used to eliminate the pest, though it may take years to scale.

Food & Wine has been monitoring the progress of the New World screwworm (NWS), a tiny, flesh-eating parasite, since late 2024, when it was discovered in the cattle supply in Mexico. It was then that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service halted all cattle imports from Mexico in an effort to protect both the U.S. cattle supply and public health. However, now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health are confirming that the first case in the U.S. has been identified. The case was confirmed on August 4; however, according to some state officials, they were never informed directly.

According to exclusive reporting from Reuters, on Sunday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the first human case in a man who had traveled to El Salvador and returned infected with the parasite.

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HHS spokesman Andrew G. Nixon told NPR, "This is the first human case of travel-associated NWS myiasis from an outbreak-affected country identified in the United States  Currently, the risk to public health in the United States from this introduction is very low."

Related: An Invasive Parasite Has Infiltrated Freshwater Fish in the US, According to a New Study

Still, this news has unsettled both some state officials and the farming industry overall, including Beth Thompson, South Dakota's state veterinarian, who told Reuters that she was informed about the human case by someone with direct knowledge of it, rather than the CDC itself.

"We found out via other routes and then had to go to CDC to tell us what was going on, Thompson told Reuters. They werent forthcoming at all. They turned it back over to the state to confirm anything that had happened or what had been found in this traveler.

The good news is that David McAllister, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Health, told NPR that there is no indication that the infection has spread beyond this one individual. "The investigation confirmed there is no indication of transmission to any other individuals or animals," he shared, adding that this serves as a "timely reminder for health care providers, livestock owners, and others to maintain vigilance through routine monitoring."

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The U.S. also has a plan to combat the spread of the parasite. In early July, Food & Wine reported on the government's plan to breed millions of sterile flies at a facility in Texas, just a few miles from the Mexico border, which will be released to mate with wild female flies and prevent them from laying eggs in cattle wounds, where flesh-eating larvae can develop.

The strategy that has been proven effective in the past, including through another sterile fly factory in Panama, which successfully kept the flies out of that nation in 2024. The U.S. also used this approach in the 1960s, when the parasite once threatened the cattle supply. The process then eradicated the fly from the U.S. Still, it won't be a quick process, with Rollins previously stating that the facility could take several years to build.

As for how bad things could get if the parasite spreads to the U.S. cattle supply, the Texas Farm Bureau wrote in a letter to Rollins on August 1 that an outbreak in "Texas cattle alone could result in $1.8 billion in annual losses, including $732 million in direct impacts to producers. But the damage wouldnt stop there."

Related: Why Scientists Are Turning to Oysters to Fight Drug-Resistant Superbugs

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It added that across the U.S., millions of farm animals could be at risk, including more than 71 million pigs, 5 million sheep, 2.5 million goats, more than 9 billion chickens, and 6.65 million horses. "If an outbreak were to spread across states within the historic NWS range, national livestock losses could exceed $4.3 billion annually, with total economic damages surpassing $10.6 billion. The U.S. horse industry alone contributes $177 billion to the national economy and stands to suffer significant losses should NWS spread."

And that's before considering wildlife losses, including game and nongame animals, which would "threaten our $400 billion wildlife-recreation economy and North American Model of Conservation Funding that it supports. Rural economies and the viability of working lands are closely tied to the health and sustainability of our native wildlife populations. Also of great concern are potential threats to the costly ongoing recovery of threatened and endangered species nationwide. Losses to the nations wildlife and livestock are not hypothetical; they are real, and they are preventable."



What pet owners need to know about the New World screwworm

Could pets be affected? Yes. Dogs, cats, horses, and other animals with open wounds are vulnerable if they come into contact with screwworm flies. The flies lay eggs inside wounds, and the larvae feed on living tissue. Even a small cut or scratch could attract them in outbreak areas.

What homeowners should know : If you live near farms, travel with pets, or own livestock, regular monitoring is essential. Keep wounds clean and covered when possible, and seek veterinary care promptly for any injuries. If traveling to Central America or regions affected by outbreaks, consult a vet before leaving and after returning.

Signs of infection: Watch for wounds that do not heal or get worse. Swelling, foul smells, and small white larvae inside the wound are warning signs. Animals may become restless, lose their appetite, or avoid being touched. If you suspect an infection, contact a veterinarian immediately  early treatment can prevent serious damage or death.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
Funding season is about to restart in Europe after the summer lull, and if all goes well, it will be counting new unicorns in dozens  plural. While mega-rounds are less common than they were in 2021, this hasnt prevented 12 European startups from raising rounds at valuations of more than $1 billion during the first half of 2025.

As the usual caveat goes, past performance is not indicative of future results, but this bodes well for the rest of the year. Either way, this is also a good indication of the sectors that are hot among investors, from biotech and defense tech to AI, AI, and AI.

Here are the new European unicorns of 2025:

September 2025

IQM

IQM, a Finnish startup that develops quantum computers and a cloud platform that taps this hardware, became a unicorn after raising more than $300 million in a Series B funding round. The company has raised a total of $600 million so far.

We are now the company that has sold the most quantum computers globally, in all major continents, its CEO, Jan Goetz, told TechCrunch. IQMs 54-qubit chips are already in use at computing centers, research labs, universities, and enterprises, and the company is getting ready to deploy its first 150-qubit systems.

Framer

No-code website builder Framer reached a $2 billion valuation after landing a $100 million Series D funding round that was led by existing investors Meritech and Atomico. The company will use the fresh cash to double down on its enterprise strategy and AI.

Competing with the likes of Figma, Squarespace, Wix, and vibe-coding platforms, Framer has a strong focus on design. Its co-founders, Koen Bok and Jorn van Dijk, had previously sold a design studio to Facebook in 2011.

July 2025

Lovable

Fast-growing Swedish AI vibe-coding startup Lovable became a unicorn in record time. In July, only eight months after its launch, it raised a $200 million Series A led by Accel at a $1.8 billion valuation. One note: Lovable Labs Inc. is registered in Delaware, but most of the startups team members and open roles are based in Stockholm.

Fuse Energy

Fuse Energy, a British renewable energy company founded in 2022 by two former Revolut executives, raised a funding round that is thought to have valued the company at more than $1 billion, The Times reported in July.

June 2025

Mubi

Film-streaming service Mubi raised a $100 million round led by Sequoia Capital in June, valuing the company at $1 billion and making it a unicorn. Founded in 2007 as a curated platform, this indie Netflix rival now also produces and distributes movies.

Zama

French startup Zama raised a $57 million Series B that brought its valuation to north of $1 billion. The company develops homomorphic encryption, a technique that uses cryptographic algorithms to keep data secure.
A chain brunch spot is moving into one of the many Frisch's Big Boy locations that have shuttered throughout Southwest Ohio.

First Watch is opening Sept. 8 at the former Frisch's Fairfield Township location on 3050 Anchor Drive. The Florida-based brunch chain's new, 5,400 square-foot Cincinnati location will offer a bar, over 160 seats and breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings with dishes like avocado toast and lemon ricotta pancakes.

The Fairfield Township location joins the more than 40 First Watch locations across the state of Ohio and the 10 across Greater Cincinnati.

First Watch is opening Sept. 8 at 3050 Anchor Drive in Fairfield Township.

First Watch's arrival in Fairfield Township is the latest in a string of news surrounding the closure of about a quarter of Frisch's Restaurants' locations in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana amid claims that the beloved regional chain owes more than $4.5 million in rent.

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The Fairfield Township brunch spot will create approximately 30 new job, First Watch told the Enquirer. First Watch's Fairfield Township restaurant will be open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: First Watch opening in former Frisch's Big Boy location. Here's when
On Thursday, the 50-year-old suspect in Trudy Applebys 1996 disappearance and death, pleaded not guilty in an unrelated Scott County Court case, according to Scott County Court documents.

Jamison Fisher (Scott County Jail)

Jamison Fisher, who was being held Friday in Scott County Jail, pleaded not guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, and failure to affix a drug tax stamp, according to a Scott County Court written arraignment and plea of not guilty.

The case is scheduled for pretrial conferences Oct. 3 in Scott County Court.

A suspect is arrested after 29 years

On Aug. 14, several law enforcement agencies, including the Henry County States Attorneys Office and the Rock Island County States Attorneys Office, held a press conference at the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge. Moline Chief of Police Darren Gault announced that Fisher has been charged in Trudys disappearance.

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Fisher faces three charges of first-degree murder and concealment of a body in connection with Trudys disappearance. Her body still has not been located but authorities mentioned hundreds of cases nationwide that have been prosecuted without a body. The alleged location of the homicide is within Henry Countys jurisdiction.

Henry County States Attorney Catherine Runty said a grand jury indicted Fisher with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death. The statute of limitations prevented a charge of kidnapping because the case is so old, she said.

If you commit crimes, violent crimes in the city of Moline, we will hunt you down, said Moline Police Chief Darren Gault. No matter how long it takes, if it takes us 30 minutes, 30 hours or 30 years, we will find you.

This investigation was led by the Moline Police Department and will be prosecuted by the Henry County States Attorney, who is being assisted by the Rock Island County States Attorney and the Office of the Appellate Prosecutor.

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In 2023, Moline Police executed a search warrant in the 600 block of 8th Street in Colona, Gault said in an earlier news release. An excavation crew worked in the area, where a tarp was set up and crime scene tape was placed in the area.

This investigation is being done by detectives assigned to the Trudy Appleby case. Detectives are searching the property for any evidence related to her disappearance, the release said.

The Trudy Appleby connection

Investigators earlier said they believed David Whipple of Colona and Fisher have knowledge of what happened to Trudy, 11 when she went missing, and that they may be involved with the case.

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William Ed Smith, who also was named a person of interest in 2017, is deceased. Whipple died in August 2022. Whipple, a registered sex offender, had been convicted of sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in Rock Island County.

The history of the case

Trudy was last seen near her home in Moline. Over the years and during many vigils in her memory, her family has pleaded for answers.

On Aug. 21, 1996, Trudy Appleby was reported missing by her father, Dennis, from their home in Moline. On the days leading up to Trudys disappearance, she had asked her father to go spend time with a friend who resided on Campbells Island.

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Trudys father did not allow her to go swimming, but phone records show she may have planned to go swimming anyway.

In August 2017, the Moline Police Department released information that a witness observed Trudy Appleby with William Ed Smith in a late model silver Chevrolet four-door near Smiths residence on Campbells Island on Aug. 21, 1996, and listed William Ed Smith as a person of interest in the case.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Local 4, Fox 18 and OurQuadCities.com for updates. Got a news tip? Forward it to Our Quad Cities News on Twitter or Facebook or download our app on your iPhone or Android phone.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Flat Fire continues to impact Jefferson and Deschutes counties after growing more than 100 acres overnight, officials announced Thursday.

The fire burning just two miles northeast of Sisters, Ore., is 23,380 acres and only 7% contained, according to the latest estimates from the Oregon State Fire Marshals Office.

READ MORE: Cause of Flat Fire still undetermined as containment efforts continue

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Crews in the area say they are bracing for hot, dry conditions as the area remains under a Red Flag Warning through Friday.

Homeowners returning to the area should expect to see ongoing firefighting activity, including smoke from the fires interior. Smoke plumes will continue to be visible within the entire interior of the fire footprint. Structural and wildland crews are on the line 24 hours a day, focusing on strengthening containment lines and reducing hazards, the office said.

However, evacuation levels were reduced after fire crews made progress on the flames on Thursday afternoon as all Level 3 evacuation levels were reduced to Level 2 Be Set.

The most up-to-date information can be found on their Facebook pages below:

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Flat Fire  Facebook page from Jefferson County Sheriffs Office

Flat Fire  Facebook page from Deschutes County Sheriffs Office

Additionally, the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office says there are four main road closures:

Wilt Road is open from Camp Polk to Buffalo Drive

Wilt Road is closed at Buffalo Drive

Mountain View Drive closed beyond the 17700 block

Panoramic Drive closed at Camp Polk Road

Goodrich Road closed north of Hwy 126

Holmes Road closed north of Fadjur Lane

A 24-hour evacuation shelter is located at the Red Cross at Highland Baptist Church (3100 SW Highland Ave. in Redmond. Large animals can be taken to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras and the Kerley Horse Center in Powell Butte.

The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 23, 2025 (Deschutes County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire in central Oregon, August 22, 2025 (Jefferson County Sheriffs Office) The Flat Fire burning on Aug. 22, 2025 (Central Oregon Fire Info)

So far, the Flat Fire has destroyed 17 structures, including five homes, and damaged two other structures.

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On Monday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the use of federal funds to fight the fire after determining the potential for destruction could constitute a major disaster.

Despite some reports on social media and in other news outlets, Oregon State Fire Marshal Gert Zoutendijk told KOIN 6 News the cause of the fire has not been determined.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue our wildfire coverage.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
FLORIDA  On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from across Florida. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest and quirkiest stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

2 Church Leaders, 1 With Tampa Ties, Charged In Forced Labor Scheme

Prosecutors said the pair of church leaders used millions in donations to buy luxury homes, cars and sporting equipment.

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Murder-Suicide Under Investigation In Pinellas County: Sheriff

A man shot and killed his girlfriend in Dunedin before turning the gun on himself, the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office said.

Watch Firefighter Remove Python From Home: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

A firefighter removed a snake from a Miami-Dade County home.

Dog Groomer Pleads Guilty To 5 Animal Abuse Charges: Sarasota Police

The owner of a dog grooming business in Sarasota was accused of beating and tossing dogs while grooming them, police said.

Man Dies After Being Hit, Knocked Off I-75 Into River: FL Highway Patrol

The driver in a single-car crash was hit by an SUV heading south on I-75 and thrown into the Alafia River, FL Highway Patrol said.

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$5K Reward Offered In Case Of Missing Woman: Bradenton Police

A $5,000 reward has been issued in the case of a missing woman in Bradenton, police said.

New COVID-19 Vaccine Restrictions: What It Means For FL Residents

Stringent restrictions limit who can get the vaccine in Florida.

32 Arrested In Massive FL Crackdown On Drugs

A murder suspect, a kingpin who authorities say controlled a Polk County town and 30 others are arrested in an alleged drug ring.

Teen Brought A Gun To Pasco County School, Authorities Say

The school was briefly placed on lockdown during the incident, authorities said.

Missing FL Kids Found Safe At GA Hotel; Mom Arrested

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GA authorities say they have located two children missing from Florida, and their mother was arrested in connection with their kidnapping.

Missing NC Teen Possibly In Pinellas County With People She Met On Dating App

A missing 17-year-old NC girl was last seen earlier this month leaving work at a grocery store, police said. She could be in St. Petersburg.

15-Year-Old Fatally Shot In Bradenton: Police

Detectives are investigating an overnight fatal shooting that left a 15-year-old dead in Bradenton, police said.

2 Dead, Including 1 In FL, From Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Eating Contaminated Oysters: Reports

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Two deaths have been reported after oysters contaminated with flesh-eating bacteria were served at LA and FL restaurants.

Here Are The Best Colleges In Florida, According To Niche

A number of Florida colleges and universities are among the best in the U.S. on the latest list from Niche.

Woman Standing Near Broken-Down Car On I-75 Hit, Killed By SUV: FL Highway Patrol

A Riverview woman was hit and killed by an SUV while standing near her broken-down car on Interstate 75, FL Highway Patrol said.

Fugitive Wanted In MI Homicide Arrested In FL: Hillsborough Sheriff

After his lost wallet was turned in to police, deputies arrested a fugitive in a 2023 Michigan homicide case, the Hillsborough sheriff said.

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Hurricanes Likely To Ramp Up After Labor Day: What FL Should Know

The hurricane season is likely to ramp up in a few weeks, and Florida will get soaked this Labor Day weekend, weather forecasters said.

Girl Dies Days After Being Swept Down Storm Drain: Family

A girl playing in her Sarasota neighborhood and was swept down a storm drain during a water main break has died days later, her family said.

1 Killed In Mobile Home Fire: Hillsborough Fire Rescue

One person was killed in a mobile home fire, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said.

Man Dies After Being Thrown From Boat By Bay Pines Bridge: Pinellas Sheriff

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The victim was thrown from a boat he was testing out near Bay Pines Bridge in St. Petersburg, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria | Girl Caught In Storm Drain Dies | Groomer Animal Abuse: FL News originally appeared on the Sarasota Patch
Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Officials in Louisiana on Friday confirmed two people have now died after getting sick from eating raw oysters and contracting flesh-eating bacteria.

A total of 22 people have been infected so far this year in Louisiana with the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, state health officials said in a statement.

"Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in certain coastal waters. They are found in higher numbers in May through October, when water temperatures are warmer," a definition by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection states.

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The CDC says around a dozen varieties of the bacteria exist, including Vibrio vulnificus, with most people contracting it from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. Humans also can contract the bacteria through open wounds in water.

The two deaths confirmed Friday bring the total number of people who have died from the bacteria in Louisiana this year to four. The two earlier deaths resulted from infections contracted through open wounds in contaminated water, while the two latest cases are from eating oysters.

Of the approximately 80,000 cases of vibriosis reported every year, about 52,000 stem from eating food containing the bacteria.

The state averaged around seven infections and one death per year over the last decade, despite warnings from health officials.

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At the end of July, state officials issued a warning "urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus."

At the time, the state already had recorded 17 instances of the bacteria this year.

"The department is seeing a higher number of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths than are typically reported," the Louisiana Department of Health said at the time. "Anyone can get a Vibrio infection. However, some medical conditions and treatments can increase your risk for infection and severe complications."
NAROWAL, Pakistan (AP)  Rescuers in Pakistan raced to evacuate tens of thousands of people stranded by floods, with many left without food or medical supplies Friday as the government struggled to provide aid and prevent Lahore and other cities from deluges.

The floods in the eastern Punjab province began Monday when an abnormal amount of rain triggered sudden water releases from Indian dams on the Sutlej, Chenab and Ravi rivers. The rising floodwaters were the first to hit the region in four decades.

New Delhi last week alerted Islamabad about potential cross-border flooding. Since then, nearly 300,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas, said Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. More than 1 million have been affected.

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Around 20 people have died in this weeks floods in Punjab, raising the nationwide death toll to 820 since flash floods in late June, Kathia said.

Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, visited flood-hit areas of Narowal district on Friday to review rescue and relief operations.

Nearly 1,100 relief and medical camps are operating in the province to provide temporary shelter and treatment, with more medical camps being set up in flood-hit areas, he added.

Floodwater inundated some villages near Lahore, raising fears in the city.

On Friday, authorities and the military made controlled breaches in protective embankments at several points along the overflowing Chenab River to reduce pressure and protect major cities, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. It said water levels in rivers remain dangerously high and warned that further rainfall could worsen flooding.

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Authorities have struggled to respond to the floods. Many people said Friday they were still without any government help and urgently needed food and medical supplies.

An Associated Press reporter on Thursday saw village after village underwater. Floodwaters covered fields and streets and thousands of people sat along the roadsides. Many had fled their homes in haste, carrying little or no food.

We are in great misery. Neither the government nor anyone else has come to inquire about us, said Mohammad Saleem, a farmer in Narowal, sitting on a road surrounded by water with hundreds of other people.

Rana Hanan, a lecturer at Narowal University, said more than 100 houses in his community were destroyed. When the water came, people saved themselves on their own, he said.

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In some areas, residents clung to rooftops awaiting rescue, while those who reached higher ground reported hunger, skin infections, and diarrhea.

Private charity Sahara Foundation has set up a medical camp in Kartarpur village to treat those suffering from illnesses caused by a lack of clean water and food.

Dr. Bilal Siddiq, a senior physician with Sahara Foundation, said 50 nearby villages remain submerged. Fungal and skin infections are everywhere, he said. Were also seeing rising cases of diarrhea, gastric pain, and malaria.

Haji Amjad, 45, showed his infected feet as he sat outside his flooded home for a fourth day. My whole-body itches, my stomach hurts, and theres no medicine, he said.

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But even as water levels begin to recede in some areas, some residents say their problems are mounting. With fodder destroyed, livestock are falling sick without veterinary care.

Nargis Bibi, 45, broke down as she described how floods had ruined her grain stores. The floods have destroyed everything. Only our lives remain, she said.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said in a statement Friday that damages to homes, crops, and livestock are being assessed and promised that all losses would be compensated.

She added that her priority is saving lives and delivering aid to displaced people, and urged residents in flood-hit areas to move to safer locations.

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Reports of new possible flooding have sparked panic in Sindh where 2022 flooding killed hundreds of people, claiming a total of 1,739 lives across the country.

In Indian-controlled Kashmir, the floods have killed nearly 100 people, according to Indian officials.

The crisis in Pakistans Punjab province underscores the growing challenges of climate change, with the country ranked among the 10 most vulnerable.

___

Associated Press writer Asim Tanveer contributed to this story from Multan, Pakistan.
This spring, a 19-year old university student named Ximena Arias-Cristobal was sent to an immigrant detention center in Dalton, Georgia for an alleged traffic violation. The traffic charges were eventually dropped, but it was too late. Authorities in Dalton had already called ICE under a federal program that turns police encounters into deportation pipelines.

With her final exams approaching and her familys future depending on her academic success, Ximena was detained in a privately-run detention center notorious for inhumane conditions and severe rights violations.

Unfortunately, her story is not an isolated incident. Its part of a broader reality across the country as local police departments become extensions of federal immigration enforcement through what are called 287(g) agreements.

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That refers to Section 287(g) of the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. The program authorizes ICE to train and deputize state and local law enforcement to carry out immigration duties, effectively turning police officers into ICE agents while conducting their routine police work.

Opinion: What's more inhumane in Florida, bear hunts or sloppy, error-prone ICE raids?

This 287(g) perpetuates racial profiling and other civil and human rights abuses. But the Trump administration is leading a big push to expand the program. Since the beginning of the second Trump administration, theres been a 566 percent increase in 287(g) agreements, with 765 new agreements signed nationwide as of mid August.

Florida stands out for working with ICE

Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Sheriff Ric Bradshaw talks with Hispanic community leaders at Sabor Latino Restaurant in Greenacres, Fla., on March 5, 2025. The sheriff's office will not be conducting immigration sweeps, Bradshaw said at the event. He explained that deputies will only be involved in assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers when requested by that federal agency.

These agreements are generally limited to certain cities, counties, or state agencies. But states like Florida and Georgia have passed laws requiring all counties in their states to participate in 287(g). Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis even pushed universities to sign agreements that turn college campuses into targets of mass deportation. Apparently no space is safe for immigrant communities.

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This program is eroding public safety and trust in law enforcement. When people fear that dialing 911 could result in the deportation of themselves or a loved one, crimes go unreported, victims stay silent, and witnesses refuse to cooperate with criminal investigations.

A 2018 study by the Cato Institute found no evidence that these partnerships with ICE decreased crime rates. They simply made communities less safe for everyone.

Opinion: Is Alligator Alcatraz a concentration camp? Post poll respondents think so.

Expanding 287(g) agreements normalizes racial profiling and discrimination. That led President Obama to scale back the program in 2012 after repeated instances of constitutional abuses in Maricopa County, Arizona, yet its been resurrected under Trump and is now growing exponentially.

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And so are the abuses.

ICE arrestng 'criminals' with no criminal convictions

US President President Donald Trump speak with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as they tour a migrant detention center, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," located at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida on July 1, 2025.

Jose Alvaro was buying baby formula when he was arrested in Lubbock, Texas, after police pulled him over for a license plate issue and called ICE. Despite having no criminal record, Alvaro was kept in immigration detention, leaving his wife and three children alone.

Despite the administrations claim that its focusing on deporting criminals, stories like Joses and Ximenas are no exception. In one recent study, 71.5 percent of the 57,000 immigrants in ICE custody had no criminal convictions.

Opinion: Democrats should take note: Florida is the place to disappear

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Its clear these agreements are making our communities less safe. But other states are fighting back. California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, and Colorado provide blueprints for resisting this program statewide. Theyve already passed laws restricting local cooperation with ICE, outlawing 287(g) in all counties.

Other state lawmakers must follow their lead and refuse to turn their communities into hunting grounds for vile immigration policies. Local officials can also do their part to reject 287(g) agreements, prioritizing community safety over deportation quotas.

Maya Khadr

Maya Khadr is a Henry A. Wallace Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

Join the Conversation: The Palm Beach Post is committed to publishing a diversity of opinions. Email us at letters@pbpost.com. Letters are subject to editing, must not exceed 200 words and must include your name, address and a daytime phone number to confirm the letter is for publication. We only publish names and cities with the letters.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Trump's immigration push is making FL police act like ICE | Opinion
The ongoing story: Florida education commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas took another swipe at teacher unions this week.

A month after joining Gov. Ron DeSantis in Tampa to accuse unions of delaying teacher raises for political purposes, Kamoutsas sent a letter to superintendents urging them to go around collective bargaining and provide added pay to educators in low-performing schools.

Florida law allows districts to adopt salary incentives and other strategies to improve schools rated D or F without participating in collective bargaining. The Pasco County school district recently announced its plan to do so.

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Kamoutsas encouraged others to do the same.

Please continue to prioritize teachers, students and families, and never cede your power to bureaucratic union leaders who are far from the classroom, he wrote in the letter, which he also shared on social media, where he called them the more pejorative bosses.

Layla Collins, the newest member of the State Board of Education, chimed in with her support. She, too, applauded districts for taking the hard right and not yielding to union pressure.

Leon County teacher and school district leaders, whom the state officials criticized as standing in the way of raises, pushed back against the narrative. They noted that even after negotiating larger raises than what the state provided  which total less than 1% extra this year  their pay and Floridas average salary remains at the bottom nationally.

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They also told WFSU that they werent surprised at the commissioners approach. Superintendent Rocky Hanna said, Its kind of our new normal that we have leaders in state government at the highest of levels who are young, immature and  based on their ego  feel like they just need to bully people.

Hot topics

University merger? New College president Richard Corcoran said everyone is on board for a possible merger of the University of South Floridas Sarasota-Manatee campus into his school. USF officials disagreed, WUSF reports.

Teacher vacancies: Manatee Countys new superintendent said her district has a lower number of open teacher positions than any time in recent memory, WWSB reports.

Student health: A University of Florida epidemiologist said the return to school creates an ideal setting for passing illnesses around, WUFT reports.  Collier County schools have met the states newest requirements for responding to cardiac emergencies, Gulf Shore Business reports.

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School supplies: If you still need some, the states back to school sales tax holiday ends this weekend, TC Palm reports.

College leadership: State Rep. John Temple was named the next president of Lake-Sumter State College, Florida Politics reports. Temple has been the schools associate vice president for workforce development.

Charter schools: Floridas Charter Schools Appeal Commission has denied the Alachua County school boards challenge of plans to convert an elementary school to charter status, MainStreet Daily News reports.

Calendars: St. Johns County parents are overwhelmingly supporting a plan to have students finish classes in May rather than June in future school years, WJXT reports.

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Bus safety: Flagler County schools plan to implement a real-time communication system and fixed routes for bus drivers amid parent concerns about outdated transportation practices, WKMG reports.

From the police blotter ... A Port St. Lucie charter school teacher was arrested on accusations of soliciting a romantic relationship with a student, TC Palm reports.  A Leon County school resource officer was arrested and fired after allegations of having sex with a student, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

From the U.S. Department of Education ... This week, the U.S. education department declared Denver (Colo.) Public Schools to have violated Title IX for allowing students to use restrooms and locker rooms based on gender identity. It also announced the FAFSA form for 2026-27 will be available on time this year after problematic past rollouts.

Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup.

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Before you go ... Are you fooled?

Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here.
STARKE  A man convicted of killing his girlfriend, her mother and a man he claimed owed him $2,000 was put to death Thursday in a record 11th execution this year by the state of Florida.

Curtis Windom, 59, was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke, authorities said. He was sentenced to die for the Nov. 7, 1992, killings of girlfriend Valerie Davis, her mother, Mary Lubin, and Johnnie Lee in the Orlando area.

Windoms face was obscured by a sheet when the curtain was raised to the death chamber shortly before the injection was to start. Windom said something about being on death row, but it was not intelligible. Then, as the drugs began flowing, he began taking deep breaths. His legs twitched several times, and then he was still.

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Kemene Hunter, a sister of victim Valerie Davis, wore a T-shirt to a news conference after the execution that read, Justice for her, healing for me.

All I want to say is, it took 33 years to get some closure, Hunter said, adding, Vengeance is mine says the Lord.

Windom was the 30th person executed in the U.S. to date in 2025, with Florida leading the way behind a flurry of death warrants signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. A 12th inmate, David Joseph Pittman, 63, is scheduled to be put to death in the state on Sept. 17.

Court records show a friend told Windom the day of the killings that Lee  who supposedly owed Windom $2,000  had won $114 at a greyhound racetrack. Windom told the friend that youre gonna read about me and that he planned to kill Lee.

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Windom went to a Walmart to buy a .38-caliber revolver and a box of 50 shells, according to court testimony. Not long after, Windom drove to find Lee, located him and shot him twice in the back from his car, followed by two more shots standing over the man at close range.

Then Windom headed to Davis apartment and fatally shot his girlfriend with no provocation in front of a friend, court records show. Windom randomly shot and wounded another man before encountering Davis mother, Mary Lubin, as she drove to her daughters apartment. Lubin was shot twice in her car at a stop sign.

Windom received death sentences for the murders and a 22-year sentence for the attempted murder. Davis was the mother of one of Windoms children, a daughter who had sought to block the execution from being carried out.

Forgiveness comes with time, and 33 years is a long time. I, myself, have forgiven my father, his daughter Curtisia Windom said in a statement from an anti-death penalty group that delivered more than 5,000 petition signatures to the governor this week, urging him to intervene.

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The inmates lawyers had filed numerous appeals over the years, including a claim that evidence of his mental problems should have been introduced at trial. But the Florida Supreme Court ruled that was not prejudicial against Windom because prosecutors then would have presented evidence that he was a drug dealer and the two women he killed were police informants.

Many of Windoms appeals had focused on claims that he was represented by an incompetent lawyer when it came to presenting mental health evidence.

His final appeal was rejected Wednesday by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Since the 1976 restoration of the death penalty in the U.S. by the Supreme Court, the highest previous annual total of Florida executions was eight in 2014. Florida has executed more people than any other state this year, while Texas and South Carolina are tied for second place with four each.

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Before Thursday, the last execution in Florida took place Aug. 19 when Kayle Bates, 67, received a lethal injection for killing a woman he abducted from an insurance office.

Florida executions are carried out via a three-drug injection  a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the state Department of Corrections.

By CURT ANDERSON, Associated Press
MERCER, Pa. (WKBN)  A Florida man who was convicted on multiple counts of theft from a Sharon steelmaker was sentenced this week in Mercer County Common Pleas Court.

Cody Rainey, 35, of Jupiter, Florida, was found guilty of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, access device fraud and dealing in the proceeds of illegal activity.

He was sentenced to 11 and a half months to two years in prison, but he can petition the court to serve that time on house arrest if he immediately pays restitution to the victim in the amount of $109,371.82.

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Rainey will also have to serve multiple years of probation.

According to a criminal complaint, Rainey worked at SSAB Wear Solutions as a production manager from January 2022 until he resigned in July 2023.

During that time, investigators say he took over $108,000 from the company in the form of scrap metal sales he never recorded, personal Amazon purchases on his company credit card and the sales of other items from the company for which the proceeds ended up in his personal banking account.

SSAB became aware of the theft during an audit in August 2023. Investigators say that Rainey was alerted that an audit was going to be conducted and he resigned a month prior.

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SSAB is a specialized steel company headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and is the largest supplier of steel plate in North America. Its U.S. interest is headquartered in Alabama. The company has a small fabrication center in Sharon.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WJW)  It may not be Gotham City, but someone dressed as Batman did stop an attempted burglary in a Florida neighborhood early Wednesday morning, investigators said.

According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers were called to a burglary in progress at a home in the southeastern part of the city just after 2 a.m.

When they got there, however, Cape Coral police found the suspect was already being detained by a neighbor, Kyle Myvett, wearing Batman pajamas.

Courtesy of Cape Coral Police

Myvett told police that he was in bed when his home security cameras notified him that someone was breaking into his truck.

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He went outside to find the suspect rummaging through his truck before heading into the neighbors garage.

Watch: New video of more cars pulled from Cuyahoga River

Myvett then jumped into action and caught the suspect, detaining him until officers arrived, Cape Coral police said.

The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Justin Schimpl, was taken into custody. Investigators said they knew about Schimpl from past investigations.

In this case, detectives said Schimpl allegedly stole expensive sunglasses, cash, jewelry and more than $500 in gift cards from the vehicles.

Hopkins Hounds: Airport now offers therapy dogs

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Schimpl was booked into the Lee County Jail. Hes charged with burglary and petit theft.

Thanks to a quick-thinking neighbor in his Batman pajamas, another burglary suspect was put behind bars, the police department wrote on Facebook.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Donald Trump has, of course, done a lot of shocking things as president, things even previous Republicans wouldnt have done. We focus most of our coverage on those things, and rightly so. But on one issue, hes been a pretty standard Republican president, which is to say to say hes been horrible and wicked in the standard way. The issue is guns. Before the Minneapolis shooting fades out of the news cycle, lets look at the grisly Trump record, which has largely passed under the radar.

We begin with his February 7 executive order called Protecting Second Amendment Rights. It stated in the opening paragraph: Because it is foundational to maintaining all other rights held by Americans, the right to keep and bear arms must not be infringed. It then directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to review existing laws and regulations and so on to assess any ongoing infringements of the Second Amendment rights of our citizens.

This has led to a process that seeks to restore the gun rights of convicted felons. And so, on July 18, the Justice Department published a rule to that effect. The press releases opening sentence reads: President Trump directed the Department of Justice to address the ongoing infringements of the Second Amendment rights of our citizensall of them. Further down, the release quotes Ed Martin, the administrations pardon attorney and a MAGA extremist whose nomination for a U.S. Attorney position was withdrawn because he probably couldnt get the votes: General Bondis support of the rebooted 925(c) program is consistent with President Donald J. Trumps promise to the American people to support the beautiful Second Amendment.

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So thats number one: The DOJ is going out of its way to restore gun rights to convicted felonsa category, of course, that includes Donald Trump himself. But the EO and other actions by the administration go a lot farther. Trump ordered a review of every gun-regulating move made by the Biden administration. For example, on April 7, Bondi revoked a Biden-era rule that allowed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to rescind the licenses of gun dealers that break the law by falsifying records. Ponder that: Businesses that knowingly break the law now have immunity from federal oversight.

Theres plenty more. On May 16, the administration agreed to a settlement of several lawsuits under which the Justice Department would no longer enforce machine-gun ban laws (which date to the 1930s) against guns with forced-reset trigger (FRT) devices. An FRT, which is a recently developed technology, allows the shooter to fire at an increased rate. The NRA and manufacturers say its no big deal, the shooter still has to fire each shot separately; gun-safety advocates counter that by mechanically resetting the trigger position after a shot is fired, FRTs still dramatically increase the fire rate, essentially turning some semiautomatic weapons into machine guns. So these will now be sold again. FRTs have been after-market devices, but now, they might be installed at point of sale.

The Republicans big, ugly budget bill factors in here, too. A transfer tax on silencers has been part of U.S. law since 1934. The tax was imposed for the obvious reason that silencers tended to be used by the bad guys. You dont need silencer to shoot a grouse or defend your family from an intruder. It was paid by either the buyer or seller and was set at $200. In all those decades, it was never raised ($200 then would be close to $4,900 today). But at least it existed. As of next January 1, it will be $0.

This is who Trump is: a cynical and strictly transactional person who, once upon a time, spoke reasonably sensibly about guns, but who realized once he entered politics that anyone who wants the GOP presidential nomination has to sell his soul to the NRA, so he sold his (probably wasnt expensive). This is another thing we kind of stopped paying attention to, because he does so many other things that are, or appear to be, so much more outrageous. But I take note every year of what Trump tells the NRA. In the summer of 2024, he spoke to the group in person and said, among other things:

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 Let there be no doubt the survival of our Second Amendment is very much on the ballot. You know what they want to do. If they get in, our countrys going to be destroyed in so many ways. But the second Amendment will be  Its under siege. But with me, they never get anywhere.

 If the Biden regime gets four more years, they are coming for your guns, 100% certain. Crooked Joe has a 40-year record of trying to rip firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens.

 Theyre going after the ammunition. When the radical-left Democrats tried to use Covid to shut down gun sales during the China virus, I proudly designated gun and ammunition retailers as critical infrastructure so they couldnt touch it.

This April, the group convened in Atlanta, and Trump addressed the assemblage via video, bragging about all the above and more, saying: There is much more to come. Americans are born free, and under the Trump administration, we will live freealways live free. With me in the White House, your sacred rights will not be infringed.

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Now, after Minneapolis, Vice President JD Vance and Melania Trump are out there trying to shift the topic from guns to mental health. Its a total dodge, an attempt to talk about anything but guns; but okay, we have an obvious five-alarm mental healthcare crisis in this country, so to the extent that this administration really wants to do something about thatgreat.

But as usual, the rhetoric is completely the opposite of the reality. The drastic Medicaid cuts in the big, ugly bill will impact mental health services in a vast array of ways. MindSite News, which covers mental health policy, wrote after the bill became law: The previous five yearsincluding the final year of Trumps first presidencyhad seen the renewal of a federal commitment to mental health. Over those years, federal funding for mental health services increased. New programs like the 988 hotline were created and funded. Funding streams were established to boost crisis response services and to support school-based mental health. Tough new health insurance regulations were enacted to improve access to coverage for mental health services.

That last point is especially key. Insurers dont cover mental health the way they cover physical health (this, by the way, is an issue the Democrats should seize; mental health doesnt interest the media much, but I guarantee you it is of keen interest to parents everywhere, of all political stripes). But this bill, the site notes, signals that the days of a federal commitment to addressing the U.S. mental health crisis are essentially over.

So theyre even hypocrites on the one issue on which theyre showing concern. But lets conclude by going back to gun policy.

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The guns purchased by the Minneapolis shooter were bought legally. Press accounts note this and then quickly move on, as if to say theres no point in discussing gun laws here. But there is. There always is. Authorities havent revealed what kinds of guns, beyond saying there were threea shotgun, a rifle, and a pistol. Maybe theyre not even in the categories of weapons we debate. Id still like to know how someone with such obvious mental health issues passed the background checks. Minnesota strengthened its background check law under Governor Tim Walz in 2023, but someone somewhere still decided that Robin Westman could own guns responsibly, and we deserve to know more about who and why.

In the meantime, Trump 2.0 so far shows every sign of doing anything the NRA wants it to do. They can offer all the thoughts and prayers they want, and they can prattle on about mental health until the sun sets. But its their actions that matter, and their actions say theyre perfectly content to let more children die.

This article first appeared in Fighting Words, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by editor Michael Tomasky. Sign up here
Aug. 29A former Butler Tech educator convicted of nearly two dozen felony charges in a case involving child sexual abuse material was sentenced Wednesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court.

What was he sentenced to?  David Kenneth Campbell, 57, of Mason, was sentenced by Warren County Common Pleas Judge Robert Peeler to five years of probation.  He also must serve 60 days in jail, complete 200 hours of community service and enter and complete a sexual offender treatment program, according to his sentencing document.  He was designated a Tier II sex offender, which requires him to register his address every 180 days with his local sheriff's office for 25 years.  In addition, he was ordered to forfeit a laptop and external hard drive, to be disposed of by the Mason Police Department, the document stated.

What was he convicted of?  Campbell was found guilty as charged following a trial of nine counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and 14 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance.

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What was he accused of?  In March and April of 2024 in Mason, Campbell reportedly "disseminated and transferred multiple videos and photographs depicting children engaged in sexual activity," his indictment stated.

What was his role as an educator?  Campbell, hired at Butler Tech in August 2010, was most recently the director of robotics, engineering, aviation and manufacturing, said AJ Huff, Butler Tech spokeswoman. He was placed on administrative leave Aug. 19, 2024, and later retired from his position.  Campbell's five-year professional vocational education license for Ohio expired June 30, according to his educator profile on the State Board of Education website.
A group of top leaders who resigned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this week cast blame for their decision on the environment created by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Trump.

I think the CDC really is a place filled with great scientists and experts. And I think that if the CDC is being characterized as trouble by Secretary Kennedy, I think we have to turn the mirror back to him, because I think that the trouble is emanating mainly from him, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, the former director of the CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said Thursday night during an appearance on CNNs The Source.

I think that the disregard for experts, the clear statement that experts should not be trusted, really makes it seem unlikely that his mission for CDC is to be a bastion of scientific expertise, he told host Kaitlan Collins.

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Daskalakis, who stepped down from his role shortly after the administration ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez, touted the progress the agency made after the COVID-19 pandemic. But, he added, that progress is being dismantled by Secretary Kennedy, and his, I dont know what his vision would be.

He continued, I guess you call it vision for public health, but its not been articulated, so I cant tell you what that vision is.

Daskalakis appeared on the show with Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC deputy director and chief medical officer, and Dr. Daniel Jernigan, who served as director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. Both also submitted resignation letters on Wednesday.

The White House and Kennedy on Thursday brushed off the resignations while defending Monarezs firing, arguing her policy did not align with the administrations agenda.

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Again, I cannot comment on personnel issues, but the agency is in trouble, and we need to fix it  and we are fixing it  and it may be that some people should not be working there anymore, Kennedy said in an interview with Fox & Friends.

The personnel changes at the agency, including the recent tapping of deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill to serve as acting director, prompted calls for a bipartisan investigation by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) also pressed the CDCs vaccine advisory panel to postpone its upcoming meeting following the leadership shakeup.

Houry took her criticism of Kennedy even further during the interview, suggesting he would sidestep their recommendations to push his own agenda.

He will push vitamins, you know, as prevention versus, you know, it can be an adjunct, Houry said Thursday night when speaking of Kennedy. And so, I think its really, you know, we included stuff on vitamins, on our information on measles. But we want to be very clear, prevention via vaccines was the most important thing.

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The secretary then might speak about it and elevate different things, which makes it difficult when he takes our materials and uses his own personal spin on it, she added.

Daskalakis echoed the scrutiny, telling Collins that the CDC should not have a bias and accused Kennedys allies of being full of ideology and bias that will actually contaminate the science.

So, I think that we have evidence that this is coming, and I think that the other part that were seeing is that decisions are being made and data is being retrofitted to be able to address the decision, he said.

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(Reuters) -Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel has been appointed as executive director at the International Monetary Fund, a government statement showed on Friday.

Patel has been appointed for a period of three years.

He took over as the RBI governor from Raghuram Rajan in September 2016 and resigned from the post in December 2018, citing personal reasons.

The resignation came after a prolonged public spat between the RBI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

(Reporting by Nikunj Ohri and Manvi Pant; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
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 state-employed public defender whose law license has been suspended due to a series of shoplifting incidents says the low pay associated with the job led to her crimes.

Court records indicate that earlier this year attorney Cassi Corinn Wigington, who worked as a public defender in western Iowa, consented to a nine-month disciplinary suspension of her license to practice law in Iowa. She requested a suspension of no more than 30 days.

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In consenting to a suspension, Wigington confessed to stealing hundreds of items from a Hy-Vee grocery store but argued that in her position as a state public defender she was under enormous financial pressure. State employment records indicate that in fiscal year 2023, Wigington was paid $76,544 as a public defender.

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When I accepted the position of public defender for the State of Iowa, I did so with a sincere dedication to serving the people of this state, she stated in a sworn affidavit. I understood that it came with financial sacrifice, but I welcomed the opportunity to grow in my profession and fulfill my duty to justice. I did not fully grasp the severe financial impact this decision would have on my ability to care for my four children and my mother, who lives with us.

Wigington wrote that she had worked tirelessly as a public defender, putting in more than 70 hours per week, but was still unable to meet my familys basic needs.

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The disciplinary case stems from an Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board investigation that was initiated in November 2023 when the board was informed that Wigington had been charged with felony theft.

According to the board, Wigington repeatedly shoplifted items from a Hy-Vee store in Gretna, Nebraska, over the course of more than a month. Her actions, the board alleged, demonstrate dishonesty and reflect poorly on her fitness to practice law.

In her consent to a license suspension, Wigington admitted that she shoplifted more than 300 items with a total value of $1,500 to $5,000.

Between Aug. 6, 2023, and Sept. 13, 2023, I shoplifted items by intentionally failing to scan some at the self-checkout, Wigington stated in her affidavit. I deceptively passed some items near but not over the scanner to make it appear I was scanning those items. After positioning the bar code away from the scanner, I passed some items over so it would not scan. I moved some items directly from the conveyor belt to my cart without scanning them. I also left some items in my cart and did not scan them.

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Court records indicate that after Wigington was criminally charged, she entered into a diversion agreement with the Sarpy County Attorneys Office in which she agreed to pay $2,721 in restitution. After she completed the diversion program, the shoplifting charge was dismissed.

The Attorney Disciplinary Board said it considered Wigingtons acceptance of responsibility to be a mitigating factor, but added that it was lessened by her initial vehement denial of any misconduct  going so far as to claim in her response that she had been falsely accused of knowingly shoplifting groceries.

In her affidavit, Wigington said her initial denials were made before she saw the surveillance footage of my actions. I now acknowledge I shoplifted the groceries.

The board, which recommended a six-month suspension of Wigingtons license, said Wigingtons claim that she stole items to provide basic needs for her family was less than persuasive, noting that she had shoplifted boxed wine, multiple bottles of liquor and an ice maker, among other things.

In May, the Iowa Supreme Court suspended Wigingtons license for six months, with the suspension taking effect in early June.

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The Trump administration has opened the countrys largest immigration detention center at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, a former military base that served as a temporary incarceration camp for Japanese American civilians during World War II.

About the site: The $1.2 billion complex, also known as Camp East Montana, sits on the desert landscape near ICEs regional headquarters. Currently housing 1,000 male detainees, the center will expand by 250-person increments until reaching its 5,000-person capacity by 2027, becoming the largest federal detention facility in American history.

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The base has a troubling memory from the 1940s, when it operated detention compounds surrounded by double barbed wire. Among those held were at least 113 first-generation Japanese Americans, part of the broader wartime incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans nationwide.

What critics are saying: Advocates and community organizations are raising concerns about repeating past mistakes. The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) immediately condemned the facilitys opening. The use of national security rhetoric to justify mass incarceration today echoes the same logic that led to the forced removal and incarceration of people of Japanese ancestry, it said. It is inconceivable that the U.S. is once again building concentration camps, denying the lessons learned 80 years ago.

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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also slammed the site, calling it cruel and a reminder of a shameful detention legacy. Thousands of people, including our neighbors and loved ones, will be torn from their communities while this administration enlists the military to rubberstamp its abusive agenda, said Sarah Mehta, deputy director of government affairs at the ACLUs Equality division.

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What the administration is saying: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin dismissed the wartime comparisons as deranged and lazy, reiterating that ICE is targeting the worst of the worst such as murderers, MS-13 gang members, pedophiles and rapists. However, data shows that ICE has been increasingly arresting non-criminals, while agency figures show 45% of about 59,000 people detained in mid-August had no criminal records or pending charges.

Amid his immigration crackdown, President Donald Trump has invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act  the same law former President Franklin D. Roosevelt used to justify Japanese American incarceration  though courts have blocked some of his removal efforts.

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By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) -Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI (XAAI.PVT) has sued a former engineer at the company for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to its Grok chatbot and taking them to rival OpenAI.

Musk's company said in the complaint filed on Thursday in California federal court that Xuechen Li stole confidential information related to "cutting-edge AI technologies with features superior to those offered by ChatGPT" to bring to his new job at OpenAI earlier this month.

Li, representatives of OpenAI and attorneys and spokespersons for xAI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. OpenAI is not a defendant.

The complaint underscores the rivalry between Musk's company and OpenAI and a fierce battle among tech companies for AI talent.

Musk, an OpenAI co-founder, has separately sued the company and its CEO, Sam Altman, for allegedly deviating from its original mission to benefit humanity. OpenAI countersued Musk in April for harassment.

Musk's xAI filed another lawsuit against OpenAI and Apple in Texas on Monday for allegedly monopolizing the market for AI chatbots on Apple devices.

The new lawsuit said Li began working as an engineer for xAI last year, where he helped train and develop Grok. The company said Li took its trade secrets in July, shortly after accepting a job from OpenAI and selling $7 million in xAI stock.

Musk's startup said that the secrets could allow OpenAI to bolster ChatGPT with xAI's "more innovative AI and imaginative features."

The lawsuit said Li admitted to stealing company files and "covering his tracks" during a meeting on August 14, and that the company later found additional stolen material on his devices that he had not disclosed.

Musk's AI company asked the court for an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a restraining order blocking Li's move to OpenAI.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in WashingtonEditing by Matthew Lewis)
A former Milwaukee Tool employee faces 14 charges, including 11 felonies, after authorities allege he defrauded the company out of more than $1 million over the course of a year.

Court documents state 31-year-old Matthew Yang of Wauwatosa used his insider access to create and delete fraudulent orders. The charges include multiple counts of misdemeanor and felony theft, including one theft of more than $100,000, as well as a computer crimes charge.

A warrant for Yangs arrest was filed in conjunction with the charges on Aug. 27, according to online court records.

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If convicted on all counts, Yang faces up to 98 years and three months in prison and fines totaling $260,000. Yang would also be required to forfeit the money he gained through the crimes.

Yang was employed with Milwaukee Tool for eight years

According to the criminal complaint:

On April 4, at 2:50 p.m., a Brookfield police officer spoke by phone with a representative of Milwaukee Tool, 13135 W. Lisbon Road, who wanted to report a theft of product from the business by a former employee  later identified as Yang.

Yang was terminated from Milwaukee Tool three days earlier after the company learned Yang had been falsifying records by creating work orders for the delivery of Milwaukee Tool products. Yang would then manually delete the orders from the company's system.

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The representative told police Yang had been making the fraudulent orders for a year and that he had stolen at least $1.3 million in product. The company became aware of an issue after a carrier contacted Milwaukee Tool to ask questions about the delivery of 9,000 pounds of product to a residential home in Wauwatosa, which was later determined to be Yang's address.

According to the representative and another employee, a senior vice president for Milwaukee Tool, Yang had been employed with Milwaukee for eight years. He began working in the supply line section of the company before moving into the IT department in 2023.

After being contacted by the carrier and not being able to locate the order in their system, Milwaukee Tool launched an internal investigation. It revealed Yang had placed more than 110 separate orders using his personal customer account number. These orders were sent to various addresses, including Yang's and an address associated with his sister. Yang deleted the orders from Milwaukee Tool's system.

Records that Milwaukee Tool employees provided to investigators showed the number of fraudulent orders rose between January and March 2025, which employees suggested may have been tied to the companys decision to discontinue its employee discount system in April 2025.

A follow-up investigation determined Yang had sold the stolen product to Milwaukee Tool customers

During a follow-up investigation of the case on May 16, a Brookfield detective met with the two previously mentioned employees and two others, including an accounting specialist and an IT specialist, who were on the investigation team for Milwaukee Tool.

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The employees told the detective that Yang's access and extensive knowledge of the company's ordering system allowed him to manipulate the system by creating orders that would then be fulfilled and prepared by the warehouse for shipping. No payments were ever made for the orders Yang placed.

The follow-up investigation confirmed Yang created and deleted a total of 115 orders between late March of 2024 and March of 2025. Of these orders, 109 shipments were delivered. Milwaukee Tool had been able to cancel and recover six of those shipments.

In total, Yang ordered $1.44 million worth of product. Milwaukee Tool was able to cancel and recoup about $358,000, resulting in a total loss of $1.086 million.

In addition to the internal logs showing Yang's ordering history, the investigation team told the detective that they found a separate spreadsheet titled "selling list" on Yang's company laptop after his termination.

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The spreadsheet had a full breakdown of the retail costs of various Milwaukee Tool products, the "myconnect" prices of the products and the selling price of the items. "Myconnect" is the name Milwaukee Tool uses for its employee discount program. The spreadsheet also contained pricing and totals for numerous orders.

This confirmed Yang had direct access to Milwaukee Tool's legitimate customer base, leading investigators to conclude Yang may have been selling the stolen products directly to Milwaukee Tool business customers.

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: Ex-Milwaukee Tool employee charged in $1 million theft scheme
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  Just days after losing the Opelika mayors race, former candidate Herman Grady Barnes III has been arrested. He tells WRBL he did nothing wrong.

Barnes, 61, was booked into the Lee County Detention Facility on Thursday, August 28, on a charge of second-degree perjury. Jail records show he was released after posting a $1,000 bond.

According to officials, the charge stems from allegations Barnes may have been untruthful on his campaign application forms. According to the complaint: On or about June 24, 2025, swore, with intent to mislead a public servant in the performance of his or her duty and said defendants statement was material to the action, proceeding, or matter involved, to-wit: swore under penalty of perjury and signed a statement of candidacy to run for elected office with the City of Opelika, Alabama. And was thereafter placed on the ballot for said election based on the sworn statement knowing that defendant was not a resident of the municipality, and not a qualified elector.

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The case was investigated by the Lee County District Attorneys Office.

Mr. Herman Barnes has been charged with Perjury in the Second Degree. Because this case involves allegations of election irregularities in a municipal election, the District Attorneys Office is overseeing the investigation and prosecution. Barnes was arrested by the Tallapoosa Sheriffs Office at his residence In Tallapoosa County on the Lee County warrant. Protecting the integrity of the electoral process is essential to maintaining public trust, and our office is committed to ensuring accountability under the law, said District Attorney Jessica Ventiere.

Under Alabama law, second-degree perjury is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. We are working to gather additional detail details.

Barnes responded to the charge in a statement to WRBL, saying: The allegations are a mistake on their part and they have created damages. This is a misdemeanor. This is what you get for being outspoken about the corruption in Opelika. I have done nothing wrong.

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In Tuesdays election, Eddie Smith was elected mayor with 4,149 votes (56%), defeating Raven Harvis with 3,156 votes (43%) and Herman G. Barnes III with 115 votes (2%). Out of more than 26,000 registered voters, only about 7,400 cast ballots  just 27 percent turnout. City officials are scheduled to canvass the results and certify them on Monday, September 2, at noon.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A former Orlando school employee was sentenced to federal prison over sex crimes targeting a 13-year-old student.

Terrell Myron Foy, 33, was sentenced to 14 years for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He must also forfeit the cellphone that was involved in the charged conduct.

Foy pleaded guilty in April.

Investigators say Foy was working at Blankner School when he developed a romantic relationship with the victim in December 2023. It was brought to the attention of Orlando police the next month.

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Police and the FBI say they found hundreds of messages between the two. Prosecutors say these messages showed Foy enticing the student to engage in sexual activity, as well as buying gifts and arranging meetups both on and off campus.

The Justice Department said messages also showed Foy told the student not to speak with law enforcement.

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Aug. 28Republicans lining up in a bid to replace state Rep. Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, in Ohio's Statehouse include the mayor of Trenton, a former state lawmaker and a University of Cincinnati law student.

J. Todd Smith, a Farmersville pastor who served in the House from 2018 through 2020, is the latest to announce he will make a run for Ohio House District 40, which covers all of Preble County, the western swath of Montgomery County and a northern chunk of Butler County.

Smith is the third Republican  alongside University of Cincinnati law student Lew Lainhart and Trenton Mayor Ryan Perry, who has already been endorse by Creech  to enter the race.

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The heavily Republican district is currently represented by Creech, who challenged Smith in the 2020 Republican primary and eventually won the seat after Smith withdrew ahead of the primary, saying he wanted to "re-set my priorities, put my family first and devote more time at home."

There will be no incumbent in the 2026 race, as Creech is running for an Ohio Senate seat against Rep. Phil Plummer, R-Butler Twp.

Perry, who has served on Trenton council since 2011, said on Facebook he intends to uphold Creech's "high standard of dedication" in representing Ohio's 40th House District.

Lainhart, a former clerk at the Ohio Statehouse, said on his campaign website that he'd spend his time in Columbus "protecting farmers, lowering taxes, and defending the principles that make Ohio great."

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Smith said in his announcement last week: "For more than four decades, I have devoted my life to serving others be it in Christian ministry, the military or my community. I am running for the Ohio House to ensure that the values that shaped my life; faith, family, and community remain at the heart of Ohio's future."

Smith first joined the Ohio House in 2018 when he won a Republican primary to fill a vacant seat in the chamber. He then ran a campaign for a full term, squeaking out a win against then-Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley by 50.53% to 49.47%.

That race was colored, in part, by an attack ad against Foley paid for by a group called Hardworking Ohioans, which federal prosecutors linked to an alleged $60 million corruption scheme orchestrated by then-Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder, who is currently in federal prison for his role in the scheme.

Smith told the Dayton Daily News in 2018 that he had no connection with the Foley attack ad, which he described as "in bad taste."

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Montgomery County Board of Elections Director Jeff Rezabek confirmed this week that no potential 2026 candidates have filed their paperwork with the board. The deadline is Feb. 4, 2026.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Washington County Sheriffs Office arrested a second teacher Thursday, who is also accused of pursuing a sexual relationship with one of his students during his time of employment as a teacher.

Vernon High School teacher arrested for sexual relations with students | mypanhandle.com

On Thursday, Washington County Sheriffs deputies arrested former Vernon Middle School teacher 31-year-old George Michael Fisher for lewd and lascivious battery and offenses against his students.

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Fishers last day of employment with the Washington County School District was June 2023.

Washington County Sheriffs officials say they were first notified of the alleged incident on Wednesday evening, Wednesday, August 27, and immediately began investigating the incident.

A warrant was issued on Thursday.

Investigators say the relationship began with social media texting, which led to food deliveries and then trips to the suspects home. They say that after the first visit to the home, multiple sexual encounters followed.

Mr. Fisher was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County Jail.

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A former Western Massachusetts reverend who is wanted in Berkshire County on indecent assault on a child charges was arrested in Florida on Monday.

On April 16, a Berkshire County Superior Court jury indicted 80-year-old Eric Anderson on two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, the Berkshire County District attorneys office said in a press release Thursday.

The charges stem from alleged crimes that occurred in June 1980, the district attorneys office said. According to The Berkshire Eagle, the offenses are tied to Andersons alleged conduct while part of the now-defunct The Bible Speaks church location in Lenox.

How Anderson was apprehended

Following Andersons indictment, the district attorneys office issued an arrest warrant with limited extradition that included Virginia  the state in which his last known residence is located, the district attorneys office said. Upon further investigation, detectives discovered that he had another residence in Florida and updated the warrant to also include extradition from this state.

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Using license plate reader technology and other investigative techniques, detectives discovered that Andersons car had recently been driven in Bradenton, Florida, the district attorneys office said. They then contacted the Manatee County Sheriffs Office, whose detectives successfully arrested him.

Anderson is contesting extradition to Massachusetts, the district attorneys office said. He is currently being held without bail by the Manatee County Sheriffs Office on a fugitive from justice charge.

Upon his return to Massachusetts, the Defendant will face long overdue justice for his heinous crimes, Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in the release.

Anderson is scheduled to be arraigned on the fugitive from justice charge in a Florida court in coming weeks.

Allegations against Anderson and The Bible Speaks

The indictments against Anderson came in response to an investigation by The Baltimore Banner documenting numerous child sexual abuse allegations that involve a Baltimore evangelical megachurch called Greater Grace World Outreach. Greater Grace became the next evolution of The Bible Speaks after the church community moved out of Lenox in 1987, the Eagle reported.

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Greater Grace World Outreach did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday evening.

The Baltimore Banners article included numerous child sex abuse allegations involving the Anderson family. One of Andersons sons was previously convicted of molesting a boy, while another has been accused of sexual misconduct but never faced criminal charges.

Following the Banners reporting, a woman named Erika Slater filed a police report in Massachusetts detailing allegations against Anderson dating back to 1980, the Eagle reported. She accused him of groping her multiple times during her first grade year at the Stevens School of the Bible at The Bible Speaks. At the time, he was the schools principal, she alleges.

The Bible Speaks moved its headquarters to Baltimore at the behest of its founder, Rev. Carl Stevens, after a court ordered him to sell his chapel and bible college in order to pay restitution to a former church member, the Eagle reported. The former member sued Stevens  who died in 2008  for convincing her to give millions to the church using "undue influence.

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In 1985, a Berkshire Eagle investigative series revealed that Bible Speaks members often sold their homes in order to give the church huge donations that enabled its growth in Lenox, the Eagle reported. The members would then move to the churchs Berkshire campus, only to later be charged rent.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
Two Lake County parents were arrested after their three children were found living in horrid conditions and child pornography was found in the fathers possession, Lake County sheriffs officials announced Friday.

Logan Jentink, 29, and Sandra Zaluski, 23, of Fox Lake, each face three counts of child endangerment and five counts of cruel treatment of an animal. Additionally, Jentink faces seven counts of possessing child pornography, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

An investigation began after sheriffs detectives received a tip from an online cloud storage website indicating a device in Lake County had uploaded child pornography to their platform, authorities said. Detectives determined the likely source was coming from a residence in the first block of Woodland Avenue in Fox Lake.

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Several Lake County law enforcement units executed a search warrant at the home Aug. 14 and discovered an entire family living in the basement of the residence, including three children under the age of 3, authorities said. Further investigation showed the children were living in unsanitary conditions, including being forced to sleep on the cold concrete in the basement, which was covered in urine and animal feces, authorities said.

The children were placed in the care of a different guardian after authorities contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Several animals  including iguanas, a bearded dragon, a turtle and two dogs  were also found uncared for, some appearing close to death from malnourishment, in the basement, authorities said. Lake County Animal Control took custody of the animals.

Authorities also recovered child pornography from Jentinks cellphone. As of Friday evening, Jentink remained in Lake County Jail pending a court hearing, while Zaluski was released following a hearing Friday with pretrial conditions, authorities said.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
Members of Georgia's State Election Board appear at a meeting at the Georgia state capitol in Atlanta. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

At the third meeting of a House study committee dedicated to examining Georgias election procedures, state legislators sought out testimony from the State Election Board, a panel which is tasked with overseeing cases involving potential violations of election laws and issuing nonpartisan guidance to help elections run more smoothly.

The goal? To repair the fraying relationship between the board and the secretary of states office.

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Its no secret that the board has been facing some internal divisions in recent years. Last year, the little-known board gained national attention after President Donald Trump  who falsely stated that the election was stolen from him in Georgia and several other swing states  praised three members of the board at a campaign rally who attempted to implement election rule changes that could have benefitted Trump. Those changes were invalidated ahead of the 2024 election by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Cox Jr., who said members of the board were illegally usurping legislative authority.

More recently, board member Janelle King has come under fire for serving as a board member as her husband campaigns for secretary of state.

Though the board has resumed hearing elections cases this year rather than promulgating election rules, its current members frequently cast votes along party lines, and public meetings are often openly antagonistic.

At the study panels Thursday meeting in Clarkesville, legislators emphasized the need for a change.

Republican Rep. Tim Fleming of Covington. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Weve seen grandstanding, bombastic rhetoric and public disputes that have done little to serve voters and have, at times, undermined the confidence in the system itself, said state Rep. Tim Fleming, a Covington Republican who chairs the committee and who is running for secretary of state. This cannot continue. The state elections board must find its way. If it cannot find the way, then this committee and the broader legislative branch will step in and provide the direction that is needed for them to move forward.

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The committee also solicited testimony from members of the board on ways the Legislature could improve the current system. But members of the board presented competing visions for the best way forward.

Chairman John Fervier, who has led the board since his appointment in 2024, urged the committee not to take drastic measures overhauling Georgias election system.

My belief is that Georgia already has the best and most reliable procedures for voting, Fervier told the committee.

We dont have a broken system, he continued. It doesnt need to be fixed. I would urge the General Assembly to continue to fund the ballot image audit for upcoming elections. The cost would be a fraction of replacing what we currently have or going to hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots.

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Board member Sara Tindall Ghazal, the sole Democratic appointee, also highlighted what she sees as an increasing number of activists on the board, as well as a lack of consistency in decisions that she says diminishes trust with voters.

For the most part, the vast majority of our cases are decided unanimously, she said. But increasingly, were seeing more and more politicized cases where the outcome appears to depend on the party involved.

King, who spoke in place of board member Rick Jeffares, criticized what she called a lack of transparency from Fervier and members of the secretary of states office who still oversee the boards website. She called for greater funding as the board works to further separate itself from the secretary of states office.

We need to be properly funded, where we have control over all the funds. . . so that it can actually benefit us, and we can stand on our own two feet, she said.

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King also deflected criticism that her husbands campaign presented a conflict of interest.

It becomes a conflict if there were decisions that I was making that will directly benefit my spouse, she said in response to questions from state Rep. Saira Draper, an Atlanta Democrat. There is no decision that I make as a member of the state election board that directly benefits any candidate.

She also said she would recuse herself from any potential State Election Board cases that involved her husband.

The elections committee, which will pull together a report with recommendations from all its meetings, is scheduled to meet next on Sept. 18 in Savannah.

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By Andreas Rinke and Michel Rose

TOULON, France (Reuters) -France and Germany on Friday defended Europe's right to adopt its own legislation on technology after U.S. President Donald Trump criticised European rules on digital services, saying any U.S. coercion would be met with retaliation.

Trump on Monday threatened to slap additional tariffs on all countries with digital taxes, legislation or regulations, saying they were designed to harm or discriminate against American technology, in an escalation of his criticism of EU rules on digital services.

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Speaking at a joint news conference with the German leader, French President Emmanuel Macron rejected the threats, and said any move by the United States to challenge the bloc's regulations would be met with retaliation from the EU.

"Tax and regulation issues are the preserve of our national parliaments and the European parliament," Macron said. "We won't let anyone else decide for us," he said.

"Should such measures be taken, it would qualify as coercion and prompt a response from the Europeans," he added, referring to the EU's anti-coercion instrument, which allows the bloc to punish countries seeking to pressure it to change its policies.

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.

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Speaking alongside Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had told Trump that how the EU regulates its digital market is an expression of the bloc's sovereignty, and that he could not accept anyone questioning that.

"We are doing this in our own interest and solely for our own interest, and we will certainly not be guided by statements that perhaps consider completely different, perhaps even no, regulation necessary," Merz said.

The European Commission said earlier this week 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.

(Reporting by Michel Rose in Paris and Andreas Rinke in Toulon, France; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Jan Harvey)
Analysts had penciled in slightly higher data-center sales, around $41.3 billion, making the reported $41.1 billion just shy of some expectations. That hairline miss helps explain the stocks fall. Options traders had already priced in a swing of about 6% either way, a sign that markets were braced for another monster quarter but not expecting fireworks. With a market capitalization north of $4.4 trillion, Nvidia has become the single most important stock in the S&P 500  accounting for roughly 8% of the entire index  so even a beat can look routine when expectations are this inflated.

Yet beneath the blockbuster growth, there were hints of tension. Shares fell around 2% in after-hours trading, as markets weighed a slight miss in data-center revenue despite the overall beat.

Gaming, Nvidias legacy business, contributed $4.3 billion in revenue, up nearly 50% from last year, proving that the AI wave hasnt completely eclipsed the companys consumer roots. Other divisions also delivered double-digit growth. Professional Visualization revenue rose 32% from a year ago to $601 million, while Automotive climbed 69% to $586 million, reflecting Nvidias push into robotics and autonomous driving platforms. While those areas are still small compared with the companys data center business, those lines are increasingly positioned as future growth pillars.

Blackwell is the AI platform the world has been waiting for, delivering an exceptional generational leap  production of Blackwell Ultra is ramping at full speed, and demand is extraordinary, CEO Jensen Huang said in the press release. The AI race is on, and Blackwell is the platform at its center.

The top line revenue numbers were up 56% from a year earlier and 6% from the prior quarter, powered almost entirely by its data-center business and underscoring the still-insatiable demand for Nvidias AI accelerators. That division  the beating heart of the AI boom  booked $41.1 billion in sales, also up 56% year-over-year (and 5% sequentially). Within that, the companys new Blackwell chips ramped up even faster than expected, notching a 17% sequential increase.

Nvidia has turned quarterly earnings into a kind of market-moving ritual, and Wednesdays numbers didnt disappoint. The chipmaker reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 revenue of $46.7 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.05, topping Wall Streets consensus forecasts of about $46 billion and $1.01. For a company that has already rewritten expectations several times over, the bar was high  and still, it managed to raise it.

Story Continues

Margins on steroids

Profitability also surged. Net income nearly hit $26.4 billion (GAAP) for the quarter, up 59% year-over-year. Gross margins climbed to 72.7% on a non-GAAP basis, excluding one-time adjustments linked to its H20 chip inventory. Free cash flow reached $13.5 billion, giving Nvidia ample room to fund both research and shareholder returns.

Huang told analysts, Youve heard me say before that in a lot of ways, the more you buy, the more you grow. And because our performance per dollar is so incredible, you also have extremely great margins.

And shareholder returns are now a headline in their own right. The company returned $24.3 billion to investors in the first half of the year through buybacks and dividends, and its board just added another $60 billion to its repurchase authorization  without expiration. That buyback firepower is among the largest ever announced by a U.S. corporation.

China stays off the map

The geopolitical wild card increasingly lives in Washington, not Santa Clara. U.S. export restrictions continue to block Nvidias most advanced chips from reaching China. The company has created workarounds such as the H20, but those shipments have been whipsawed by shifting licensing rules.

In the second quarter, no H20 sales were made to China, though Nvidia booked about $650 million in H20 sales to a non-Chinese customer and recorded a one-time $180 million release of previously reserved H20 inventory. Meanwhile, Beijing regulators have discouraged adoption over security concerns, highlighting how policy rather than technology can dictate demand.

Nvidias CFO Colette Kress made clear on the post-release earnings call that China is still a question mark, not a revenue line, as the company continues to navigate a dynamic external environment. Kress said that the U.S. government began reviewing licenses for H20 chip sales in late July and that while some Chinese customers have technically been approved, no shipments have gone out under those licenses. She told investors that, if geopolitical issues subside, we should ship $2-5 billion in H20 revenue in Q3  and if we had more orders, we can build more. She also pressed U.S. officials to green-light Blackwell sales into China, arguing that every licensed deal would strengthen Americas AI stack while keeping Nvidias momentum intact.

Huang put the potential in stark terms, calling China a $50 billion opportunity this year if Nvidia were able to compete with its most advanced products  and he said that if thats what the market is today, it could swell by roughly 50% a year, in line with global AI growth.

Its fairly important, I think, for the American technology companies to be able to address that market, Huang said on the call. We just have to keep advocating the sensibility of and the importance of American tech companies to be able to lead and win the AI race and help make the American tech stack the global standard.

Earlier this month, Nvidia and the U.S. government agreed to a deal that would give Washington a 15% cut of H20 revenue, though no regulation has codified that agreement and made it official yet.

One stock, market-size stakes

Looking ahead, guidance will be just as closely watched as the backward-looking numbers. Nvidia told investors it expects revenue of about $54 billion (plus or minus 2%) in the third quarter, with non-GAAP gross margins in the 7374% range. That outlook assumes no H20 shipments to China, suggesting any policy shifts could create upside. Kress said the company expects to exit the fiscal year with margins in the mid-70s, pointing to sustainable profitability even amid volatile geopolitics.

Over the next couple of years, Huang said on Nvidias earnings call, were going to scale into a $3$4 trillion AI infrastructure opportunity.

Beyond the quarter, Nvidias results are a proxy for the broader AI economy. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta are projected to spend more than $325 billion in capital expenditures in 2025, much of it on AI infrastructure. Each cloud capex update now serves as a shadow earnings guide for Nvidia, with Huang noting that the capex of just the top four hyperscalers has doubled in two years as the AI revolution has gone into full steam.

Were in every cloud for a good reason, Huang said on the call. There are a lot of reasons why Nvidia is chosen by every cloud and every startup and every computer company.... Were a full-stack solution for AI factories.

Still, the longer Nvidia dominates, the more rivals circle the moat. AMD is pushing its MI300 accelerators, while hyperscalers are designing their own silicon. Even modest defections could shave billions off Nvidias trajectory. And because Taiwans TSMC manufactures most of its chips, any disruption in the supply chain  from fabs to high-bandwidth memory  could rattle results.

For now, though, the story remains familiar: Nvidia delivers another blowout quarter, and the market keeps rewarding it. But with a sky-high valuation riding on quarterly beats  and policy risks that can rewrite its order book overnight  the stakes for Huangs empire have never been higher.
Franco: Spains Scorned Memory, a new documentary that marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, is making its market debut at this years Unifrance Rendez-Vous in Le Havre.

It is one of a slew of new politically-tinged docs Java Films is bringing from its muscular autumn slate ready to enter the market at the Rendez-Vous.

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The film, produced by Paris-based Galaxie Presse, explores the legacy of Spains infamous leader and the ways in which his memory is empowering the countrys new far-right movement.

Despite recent laws forbidding glorifying the Spanish Civil War and excusing Francoism, the Cara al sol hymn to Franco is regularly heard at rallies held by the Spains extreme right-wing Vox party. Vox has adopted Francos narrative on Spanish national identity and made the rehabilitation of the dictator a key part of its electoral campaign.

The film is set to be aired in France in November by its commissioning broadcaster, Histoire TV, with Java Films bringing it to the international sales market for the first time at Le Havre.

Java Films will also be offering the latest film in its longstanding collaboration with French production house Premieres Lignes, That Friday, the exclusive story behind the horrific 2015 Bataclan attacks in Paris.

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On the evening of Nov. 13, 2015, Daniel Psenny, then a journalist for Le Monde living in a building next to the Bataclan concert hall, took the first images of the attack, which were widely broadcast and reposted.

The film asks, who were the people in the images? And 10 years later, what has become of them? The documentary is set to premiere in France on LCP, which commissioned the film, on Nov. 13. The doc has already sold to Francophone Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

Another new acquisition for the Paris-based distributor, Achille Lauro revisits the 1985 hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro off the coast of Egypt by members of the Palestinian Liberation Front, who held passengers and crew hostage and demanded the release of 50 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The three-day ordeal culminated with the murder of American hostage Leon Klinghoffer, the capture of the four Palestinian militants and an armed standoff between the U.S. and Italy over their fate.

For the first time, this film brings together the main protagonists to reveal what really happened, Java Films notes.

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Directed by Simone Manetti and produced by Rome-based B&B Film, Achille Lauro was co-commissioned by Arte and Germanys WDR. It has already sold to Spains TV3.

Java Films lineup likewise includes Zelensky, Particules Docs portrait of the Ukrainian president. Commissioned by Arte, the film is directed by French documentary filmmaker Yves Jeuland, French journalist Ariane Chemin and historian and researcher Lisa Vapne. Featuring rare access to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people who have known him since his childhood  as well as photos, film archives and never-before-seen eyewitness accounts  this film paints a picture of both the president and his country.

The film has seen strong sales since its premiere in a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, going to CNN Portugal, Radio Canada, TVP in Poland and Switzerlands RTS. The feature documentary is also available as a two-part miniseries.

Donatien Pierda, Java Films co-director of operations, sales and acquisitions, said, We are delighted to be taking part in the Rendez-Vous, an audiovisual market that facilitates exchanges with buyers and gives us the opportunity to screen new, socially conscious and impactful documentaries. We always take great care in selecting the films we bring to the market, putting together a slate we think will really appeal to buyers.

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On-site screenings  which have become all too rare  allow for quick feedback and are a great opportunity and accelerator for the life of documentaries.

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  A conference for families with disabilities is being hosted by Partners Resource Network of Texas.

Hunger Hero named as food bank kicks off Hunger Action Month

The Disability Parenting Survival Summit Conference and Disability Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Southwest Center, 3222 W. 7th St. in Texarkana, Texas.

Informational sessions will cover topics including:

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Guardianship in Texas

Navigating Meltdowns

Managing Expectations

What your school needs to hear

The transfer from high school to the next steps and more

The event is free, with lunch provided, and open to parents and family members of children with disabilities. Registration can be completed at tinyurl.com/ParentingSummit2025. To learn more, contact Patricia Reedy at 903-747-0010 or email Region8prn@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.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Local health agencies hosted an annual event marking International Overdose Awareness Day at the New Haven Green on Friday.

The awareness day is Aug. 31. This years theme was One Big Family, Driven By Hope, to encourage communities to understand and support one another while honoring loss.

Overdose Awareness Day: State, local leaders highlight East Hartfords health and safety initiatives

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For every person that goes down, that goes into the hospital with 911 with an overdose there are probably two others saves that have been done where it wasnt reported, Phillip Costello, a nurse practitioner, said.

From noon to 3 p.m. Friday, the New Haven Health Department (NHV Health) and Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center (CS-HHC) were joined by other area substance use treatment and mental health organizations across Connecticut for a resource fair and observance.

I just want to share the importance of humanizing people with substance abuse disorders, because it can be really isolating and dehumanizing, Melissa Zuppardi, the assistant program director at Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, said.

The free event included information and resources from over 25 statewide organizations offering a broad range of evidence-based behavioral health, harm reduction and other key supportive services, including access to Naloxone.

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There have been a good number of cases where someone overdosed inside the library and a librarian actually used Narcan and saved that persons life, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker (D) said.

It also included free health services like HIV and hepatitis testing.

There was also a reading of names of those lost to drug overdose and an open mic for people to share stories of struggle, loss, recovery and hope.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Sen. Regina Barrow is hosting a free school supply giveaway event for educators in the Baton Rouge area.

Barrow is partnering with several agencies and city leaders to give teachers, bus drivers, administrators, and other essential educators everything they need to be successful this school year.

In addition to the giveaway, there will be music, food, and prizes. Click here to register online for the event.

Event details:

When : 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31.

Where: Raising Canes River Center (275 S. River Road, Baton Rouge).



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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
Emily Damari noted the similarity between the pain felt by Israelis and Druze in their respective situations, Israelis with the war in Gaza and Druze with the violence erupting in Sweida.

Freed hostage Emily Damari met with Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif, the leader of the Druze in Israel, in Sheba Medical Center on Wednesday, where the two talked about the plight of the Druze in Syria.

In an Instagram post, Damari noted the similarity between the pain felt by Israelis and Druze in their respective situations, Israelis with the war in Gaza and Druze with the violence erupting in Sweida.

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British-Israeli teenager Damari is one of the most recognizable of the Israelis taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023. She was held captive for 470 days until being released on January 9, 2025, in a hostage deal. She has since been seen by many as a symbol of Israeli resilience, defiance, and survival.

"[Tarif] told me that currently in Syria, there are hundreds of hostages, and their situation is terrible," Damari wrote, stressing the dangers faced by women and young girls.

"My heart goes out to all of you," she said, thanking the Druze community for everything they do for Israel.

"It's empowering to know that we're not alone in this journey," she said.

The crisis of the Druze in Syria

The city of Sweida in southern Syria, in the province of the same name, has been the focus of several armed clashes between Druze, who make up a majority of the province, and Bedouin groups.

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These clashes come in the aftermath of Hay'at Tahrir al-Shams's successful ousting of the Assad regime and forming the new dominant political order in the war-torn country.

Syrian troops were deployed to restore order, with the IDF striking Syrian positions to stop them from getting too close to the border.

The violence has sparked outcry among the Druze in Israel, with many having tried to take up arms and enter Syria to fight. Other Druze in Sweida have called to be annexed by Israel.
Aug. 28These are summaries of Albuquerque Environmental Health restaurant inspections. For more information, or to view a searchable database of city restaurant inspections, visit cabq.gov/environmentalhealth/food-safety.

GREEN: Food establishment received a passing grade, demonstrating the skills to create a safe and sanitary food-service environment.

YELLOW: Food establishment can operate but must follow a plan to correct violations observed during inspection.

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RED: Food establishment had major violations that presented an imminent hazard and required an immediate downgrade or closure.

Aug. 16-22

GREEN

21st Century Public Academy, 4300 Cutler NE (Aug. 20)

528 Sushi & Asian Cuisine, 3120 San Mateo NE (Aug. 18)

Alitas LLC 6320 Zuni SE (Aug. 22)

Brekki Brekki, 8338 Comanche NE (Aug. 20)

Burger King, 17840 111 98th NW (Aug. 18)

Canna Express, 1416 Juan Tabo NE (Aug. 18)

Century Rio 24, 4901 Pan American Fwy NE (Aug. 21)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1714 6810 Menaul NE (Aug. 18)

Chocolate Dude, 3339 Central NE, E (Aug. 22)

Church's Chicken, 2937 San Mateo NE (Aug. 22)

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DK, 1517 Gibson SE (Aug. 21)

Don Choche, 1725 Broadway SE (Aug. 22)

Dirty Bourbon, 9800 Montgomery (Aug. 21)

Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE (Aug. 21)

El Torito Burritos, 305 Pennsylvania SE (Aug. 20)

Edna's Gibson Mart, 5501 Gibson SE (Aug. 20)

Einstein Bros. Bagels, 8060 Academy NE, A (Aug. 22)

El Taco Stop, 1725 Broadway NW (Aug. 19)

East Ocean, 3601 Carlisle NE (Aug. 19)

Family Dollar, 6001 Lomas NE (Aug. 20)

Golden Corral, 2701 Coors NW (Aug. 21)

Happy Chickenzz, 9800 Montgomery NE (Aug. 21)

Happy Feet Child Care, 1133 Dakota SE (Aug. 20)

Hong Kong Buffet, 10100 Coors NW (Aug. 20)

Il Vicino, 11225 Montgomery NE (Aug. 18)

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JBS Technologies, 3322 Columbia Dr NE (Aug. 21)

Joyas del Futuro, 128 Jackson NE (Aug. 21)

Los Poblanos Town and Ranch, 1318 4th NW (Aug. 20)

Little Caesars, 101 98th NW, 100 (Aug. 20)

Lunch Lady 505, 2610 Utah NE (Aug. 20)

Maverik, 650 Juan Tabo NE (Class C and 3) (Aug. 21)

McDonald's, 150 98th NW (Aug. 18)

New Mexico Beef Jerky, 1425 4th NW (Aug. 21)

Paradise Liquors, 311 98th NW (Class 4) (Aug. 18)

Smith's, 200 Tramway SE (Aug. 20)

Stripes Burrito Co., 801 Juan Tabo NE (Aug. 20)

Subway, 8000 Academy NE (Aug. 19)

Sushi Avenue, 200 Tramway SE (Aug. 20)

Tulipani Park Square, 6511 Americas Pkwy NE (Aug. 21)

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Viv's Sweet Shop, 1425 4th NW (Aug. 21)

Wendy's, 2203 Wyoming NE (Aug. 19)

YELLOW

Century Rio 24, 4901 Pan American Fwy NE (Aug. 21)

Donut Mart, 3301 Coors NW (Aug. 20)

Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE (Aug. 21)

El Torito Burritos, 305 Pennsylvania SE (Aug. 20)

Hong Kong Buffet, 10100 Coors NW (Aug. 20)

Il Vicino, 11225 Montgomery NE (Aug. 18)

Maverik, 650 Juan Tabo NE (Class C) (Aug. 21)

Paradise Liquors, 311 98th NW (Class B) (Aug. 18)

The Melting Pot, 2201 Uptown Loop NE (Class C) (Aug. 21)

Tulipani Park Square, 6511 Americas Pkwy NE (Aug. 21)

Vamos con Gloria, 616 Lomas NW, B (Aug. 19)

RED

Chez Axel, 6209 Montgomery NE

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Extreme food and grease buildup was observed on a toaster oven in the kitchen. An unlabeled working container, specifically a plastic spray bottle with chlorine sanitizer, was observed storing poisonous or toxic materials. One dead butterfly was observed on the wall above the three-compartment sink. Homemade goat cheese, a ready-to-eat, time and temperature-controlled for safety food, was observed in an upright cooler without any date marking. Hot Wheels toys were observed on the prep table at the server station, where food is prepared and served. A leaking handwash station faucet was observed, indicating it was not maintained in good repair. An inadequate air gap was observed at the floor drain near the handwash station. The food establishment was observed not to have a certified food protection manager on staff. Debris buildup was observed in the interior intake and exhaust air ducts, including the hood vent and HVAC vents. The hood ventilation system in the kitchen was observed collecting grease and condensation, leading to drips on the stove top burners. A Chef Boyardee Beefaroni metal can with a damaged lid was observed on a prep table storage shelf, indicating compromised food packaging. Unlabeled rice in a plastic container and vegetable oil in a plastic squeeze bottle were observed on a prep table storage shelf and a shelf above the stove top, lacking proper identification. No testing kit or device was observed to measure the concentration of chemical sanitizing solution. Inadequate lighting was observed throughout the kitchen and in an upright cooler due to missing and burned-out bulbs. The facility was observed operating with an expired permit.

Result: Closure (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20)

Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1714 6810 Menaul NE

The chlorine solution used to sanitize food contact surfaces in the ware wash machine had a concentration of zero PPM, failing to meet adequate sanitization parameters. Poisonous or toxic materials, specifically a spray bottle with Purell sanitizer, were stored on a prep table, posing a potential risk of contaminating utensils. The person in charge demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding foodborne disease prevention and the type of sanitizer utilized in the facility. A floor drain located under the food station in the front of the house was not maintained in good repair, as it was missing a strainer. Metal tongs were stored incorrectly in the flat top griddle food clean-out area, which had extreme food and grease buildup. Food employees were observed not to be in possession of valid food handler cards or documentation of approved food safety training. Food items, specifically cilantro and lime juice, were observed in a cold-holding unit at temperatures above 41 degrees. A handwashing sink located near the ware wash station was blocked by trash cans and cardboard, rendering it inaccessible for employee use. A food employee was observed not washing hands when required, specifically when switching tasks and donning new gloves.

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Result: Closure (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 20)

Church's Chicken, 2937 San Mateo NE

Food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans, including deep fryers, breading stations and hot holding equipment in the kitchen, were observed with encrusted grease deposits and soil residues on their interior and exterior, and inside reach-in coolers and freezers. Living and dead cockroaches were observed as pests in the facility, with no control methods in place, across the kitchen, backstock area, bathrooms and front counter area. The person in charge was unable to demonstrate knowledge of the five reportable foodborne illnesses and failed to maintain a safe facility. A PVC pipe under the mop sink and hot water dispenser by the soda machine was not maintained in good repair, as it was leaking and causing standing water to pool on the floor. An inadequate air gap was observed below the handwashing sink located next to the drive-through window. Food employees did not have valid food handler cards or documentation of approved food safety training. Holes or other gaps were observed in the exterior structure of the facility along windows, at the bottom of the structure and on exterior restaurant signage. Accumulated debris and buildup were observed on the floors throughout the kitchen, walk-in cooler, dishwashing areas, backstock area and on ceiling vent covers. Multiple areas within the facility, including the kitchen, dish pit, hot water heater area, along the drive-through window and underneath the point of sale counter, were observed to be in disrepair with multiple holes and gaps of various sizes that needed to be sealed.

Result: Closure (Aug. 19); re-inspection required (Aug. 19); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 22)

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Donut Mart, 3301 Coors NW

Chlorine solution used to sanitize food contact surfaces in the kitchen failed to meet adequate sanitization parameters. Equipment food-contact surfaces, including bowls for a standing mixer, knives, a steam wand, an ice machine, a prep table and mixing spoons for lattes, were observed soiled with food debris in the kitchen. Soiled wiping cloths used for cleaning and sanitizing were observed improperly stored, not in wiping cloth buckets between uses. Ready-to-eat, time and temperature-controlled for safety food, such as chile sauces, sliced cheeses, and cooked sausage, were observed in a reach-in cooler without any date marking indicators. A chopping block-style prep table in the kitchen was observed not maintained in good repair, being scored and in need of replacement or resurfacing. The person in charge was unable to provide records of training or certification for food employees. Bulk food storage containers for chopped peanuts, powdered ingredients, coconut flakes and Oreo pieces in the donut-making area were observed without proper labeling or identification. The facility did not provide a designated area for employees to eat, drink or use tobacco products. Employee personal care items were observed stored incorrectly, directly on food equipment. No approved method of hand drying was available at both kitchen handwashing stations. Buildup and debris were observed on the facility floors and floor drains. Nonfood contact surfaces in various locations, including reach-in coolers, equipment handles and the fryer area, were observed with soiled dried debris and accumulation. Base coving around the cook line and three-compartment sink was observed in disrepair, being damaged or missing.

Result: Unsatisfactory (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20); conditional approved (Aug. 20)

Eat My Thai Cuisine, 5303 Gibson SE

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Food-contact surfaces of various kitchen equipment, including a dicer, peeler, knives and toaster oven, were soiled with food debris and rust. Raw chicken was improperly thawed in standing water in a prep sink. Soups and sauces were not held at safe hot temperatures. Soiled wiping cloths were stored improperly on prep tables and floors. Commercially prepared TCS foods like chopped garlic and frozen crab, as well as prepared TCS foods like chopped vegetables, fruits, cooked meats and soups, lacked date markings. The three-compartment sink faucet leaked, and the handwashing sink's hot water knob was nonoperational. The food establishment did not have a certified food protection manager on staff. Food employees lacked valid food handler cards or approved training documentation. The hood ventilation system dripped grease onto stainless steel walls and stovetops. Unlabeled containers of salt, flour and other food ingredients were present. A prep table surface was damaged or improperly covered, and knives had tape on handles. The toilet room used by females lacked a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. The kitchen and cashier areas contained unnecessary and nonfunctional items, creating clutter. Several TCS food items in a cold holding make table were above 41 degrees. No temperature measuring devices were properly placed or readily accessible in cold holding units. Employee personal belongings, like a cell phone, were stored near clean dishware and food. Handwashing cleanser was unavailable at the kitchen handwashing sink. Chlorine sanitizer solution measured zero PPM at 70 degrees during operations. Single-use plastic containers were used as scoops directly in food without handles, posing a contamination risk. Nonfood contact surfaces, including prep tables, stovetops and shelving, had substantial debris buildup. The establishment lacked temperature logs for TCS foods and calibration logs for temperature-measuring devices.

Result: Closure (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18); unsatisfactory (Aug. 20); re-inspection required (Aug. 20); conditional approved (Aug. 21); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 21)

Taj Mahal, 1430 Carlisle NE

Food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment, specifically the stove top and interiors of reach-in coolers and freezers, were observed with buildup of soil residues and debris. Ready-to-eat TCS food, including pans of butter chicken, palak paneer and tandoori chicken in the walk-in cooler, was observed without any date marking indicators. The food establishment did not have a certified food protection manager on staff. Food employees did not have valid food handler cards or documentation of approved food safety training. The hood ventilation system in the kitchen cooking area inadequately collected grease and condensation, leading to drips onto the stove top. Food was not protected from contamination during storage in the walk-in cooler, with uncovered pans of raw shrimp, cooked chicken, fried vegetables, masala and raw tandoori chicken observed. The facility did not provide a designated area for employees to eat, drink, or use tobacco products. No food permit was posted at the facility. A food employee was observed not washing hands when required, specifically after eating, going outside, touching a door and hat, then preparing to chop chicken while still wearing gloves. Debris and buildup were observed on the walls, ceiling vent covers, and ceiling in the cooking area, dishwashing area, both back prep areas and the dining area. Nonfood contact surfaces, including the exteriors of reach-in coolers and freezers and their compressors, were observed with buildup of soil residues. The food establishment did not have temperature logs available for TCS foods during storage, thawing, and cooling.

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Result: Unsatisfactory (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18)

The Melting Pot, 2201 Uptown Loop NE (Class C)

The quaternary ammonium compound solution for wiping cloths and in the three-compartment sink measured zero PPM. The ice machine and ice well in the kitchen had a black, slimy, mold-like substance. A floor drain near the ware wash station was in disrepair. An inadequate air gap was found at a floor drain under the soda dispensing unit. Observed food items in cold-holding unit measuring above 41 degrees. Observed an inadequate amount of lighting in upright cooler. Observed food employee not wash hands when required.

Result: Closure (Aug. 21); re-inspection required (Aug. 21); conditional approved (Aug. 21)

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The Melting Pot, 2201 Uptown Loop NE (Class B)

The chlorine sanitizing solution in the bar area's warewash machine measured zero ppm. The ice well in the bar area was observed with a black, slimy, mold-like substance. A floor drain in the bar area was in disrepair, as it was missing a strainer. The faucet on the three-compartment sink was leaking. An inadequate air gap was found at the floor drain under the warewash machine in the bar area. An under-counter cooler in the bar area had a temperature of 55 degrees, indicating insufficient cold holding capacity. A handwashing sink in the bar area was used for discarding consumer drinks.

Result: Unsatisfactory (Aug. 21); re-inspection required (Aug. 21)

Wendy's, 2203 Wyoming NE

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The PIC could not demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention. A floor drain near the soda machine was in disrepair. The hood ventilation system dripped grease and condensation onto equipment. HVAC vents were dirty with extreme dust in the food prep, ware wash, and dry food storage areas. Frozen chicken patties were stored uncovered in the walk-in freezer, exposing them to contamination. A handwashing sink near the frosty machine was used improperly, storing a black scrub pad. An employee wore unapproved jewelry (bracelets and wristwatches) while preparing ready-to-eat food. A food employee lacked proper hair restraints near the griddle and fryers. A food employee did not wash their hands when switching tasks. Nonfood contact surfaces near cooking equipment had extreme grease and food debris. The ice machine had a black and orange slimy substance. Ready-to-eat toast lacked date markings in the walk-in freezer.

Result: Closure (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18); unsatisfactory (Aug. 18); re-inspection required (Aug. 18); passed follow-up inspection (Aug. 19)
A Fresno restaurant owner has been charged with hiring a motorcycle gang member to set fire to his underperforming restaurant, according to authorities.

Robert Bobby Salazar, 63, was charged with arson of commercial property and arson in furtherance of a felony, U.S. Atty. Eric Grant announced in a news release.

Salazar owned a chain of restaurants in Fresno called Bobby Salazars Taqueria and Bobby Salazars Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, according to court documents. On Jan. 31, 2024, Salazar terminated the lease for the Blackstone Avenue location because he wanted to change the name of the restaurant and was told his lease agreement wouldn't allow it. He then used the facility to store restaurant equipment and closed the restaurant to the public.

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After the restaurant closed, Salazar renewed the location's insurance policy and increased it by about $102,000 from the previous year, according to court documents.

On April 2, 2024, a fire broke out at the restaurant, according to the release, which cited court documents. Investigators determined that the cause of the blaze was arson and that the front and rear doors of the restaurant were open. They also found an ignitable liquid, two partially burned gas cans and surveillance video of two people lighting the fire.

Agents located and interviewed the woman seen on the surveillance video, who told them Salazar had paid her and another man to set fire to the restaurant, but she claimed she didn't light the fire, according to court records. Law enforcement also examined her phone records and found conversations in which she and the man in the surveillance video discussed the alleged arson, authorities said.

Investigators discovered that the man in the video and the alleged arsonist was the president of the Screamin Demons Motorcycle Club, according to the release. Salazar allegedly hired the motorcycle club president to set fire to the restaurant and told his insurance company that he wasn't involved with the arson, investigators said. The insurance company paid out a claim of $980,739.

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Read more: Pat Tillman's brother allegedly started a fire at Northern California post office to 'make a statement'

If convicted, Salazar faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and maximum penalty of 20 years for commercial arson, in addition to 10 years in prison for arson in furtherance of a felony.

Salazar has an alleged history of arson, according to investigators. In March 2020, Salazar allegedly offered one of his employees $20,000 to lie and say another former employee sold drugs out of the restaurant, according to court records. After the employee refused, their car was allegedly set on fire using gasoline, investigators said.

In July 2020, Salazar's former brother-in-law's house was set on fire with a Molotov cocktail; the fire took place after the man divorced Salazar's sister and quit doing business with them, according to court records. The former brother-in-law told investigators that he found another Molotov cocktail near a window before the fire and that Salazar had also driven by his house a few nights before the fire. After the fire, Salazar allegedly called him, saying, "Looks like somebody got you."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  A 6-mile stretch of southbound US-131 remained shut down Thursday, two days after a semi-trucks too-tall load slammed into the 146th Avenue overpass.

As we come up on Labor Day weekend, crews are racing against time to get it reopened.

MDOT works to reopen SB US-131 at 146th Avenue before Labor Day weekend

Anyone driving south from 84th Street in Kent County down to 142nd Avenue in Allegan County is being diverted to surface streets like Division or Clyde Park avenues. Cars and trucks that would be typically speeding down the freeway were instead waiting in a long backup Thursday.

Traffic backed up on southbound US-131 because of the 6-mile closure stemming from a strike to the 146th Avenue overpass. (Aug. 28, 2025)

When driving on these streets, commuters say the impact is clear.

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Yesterday I went to Qdoba and  it was just dead stop traffic, Jess Gleason from Byron Center said. It usually takes me about five minutes to get to 100th Street. It took me about 45 minutes.

Rick Piggott, also from Byron Center, said it has been the same story trying to get home. He plans to avoid the holiday rush.

On a normal day, (Clyde Park) is pretty clear, no cars, but on a day like today, its just backed up probably for a mile, Piggott said. Thereve been a lot of accidents, as you could tell. Thats why secondary roads (are busy)  not only because of 131 being closed, but because of accidents and everything else and that holds traffic up even more.

Inside woodtv.com: Live traffic conditions

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Piggott said he lives off of 100th Street, which has seen its fair share of semi strikes.

(Truck drivers) need to measure their load or know how tall their load is, he said, frustrated with the impact of the 146th crash.

Lack of training could be key factor in semi crashes, experts say

The crash was major. An overloaded semi-truck struck the overpass, damaging three beams. A spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Transportation said eyewitnesses reported that the truck scraped the bottom of two bridge beams on westbound M-6 before hitting 146th Avenue on Tuesday. The Allegan County Sheriffs Office confirmed the driver had a valid commercial drivers license.

Crews work on the 146th Avenue overpass over US-131 on Aug. 28, 2025. Three beams were damaged when the bridge was struck by a tall load. Crews work on the 146th Avenue overpass over US-131 on Aug. 28, 2025. Three beams were damaged when the bridge was struck by a tall load. Crews work on the 146th Avenue overpass over US-131 on Aug. 28, 2025. Three beams were damaged when the bridge was struck by a tall load.

On Thursday, the 146th Avenue overpass was crowded with crews. The goal is to have southbound 131 back open by Friday afternoon. But that is a quick turnaround because crews need to cut out the three damaged bridge beams along with part of the deck and a concrete barrier wall.

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In the meantime, drivers are mentally preparing for the road ahead.

I just know Im gonna be home a lot later than I planned, Gleason 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.
NEED TO KNOW

New Zealand Police have released CCTV footage showing who they believe to be missing fugitive dad Tom Phillips with one of his three kids

He and his children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, are thought to have been living in the wilderness since they disappeared in 2021

The footage was captured in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the small town of Piopio in the Waitomo District

A fugitive father who is on the run with his three children is believed to have been captured on camera breaking into a business in a rural New Zealand town.

Tom Phillips disappeared with his children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, after an alleged dispute with their mother back in 2021, according to the New Zealand Police.

HANDOUT/NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFP via Getty A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police

At around 2 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Aug. 27, CCTV footage from a break-in at a business in the small town of Piopio in the Waitomo District captured who is believed to be "Marokopa father Tom Phillips and one of his children," per a New Zealand Police news release.

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Police are investigating any connection to Phillips, while Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders believes the store is one he unsuccessfully targeted in November 2023, according to the news release.

New Zealand Police (4) Clockwise from top left: Tom Phillips and children Ember, Jayda and Maverick Clockwise from top left: Tom Phillips and children Ember, Jayda and Maverick

Footage of the incident shows two masked individuals outside the retail property shortly before it was burgled.

We believe the pair in this footage are Tom and one of his children," Saunders said. "They were in the area for 13 minutes, having [traveled] in and out on a quadbike. The pair can be seen loading items into containers on the quadbike before returning in the direction they had come from," according to the release.

HANDOUT/NEW ZEALAND POLICE/AFP via Getty A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police

Were appealing for information from anyone who might have seen the quadbike [traveling] or parked between Piopio and Marokopa in the early hours of Wednesday morning," he continued.

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In this latest burglary, the offenders have left with a number of general grocery items," Saunders added.

New Zealand Police A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police A grab from the CCTV footage of the burglary released by New Zealand Police

Phillips is already facing "a range of charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding, and unlawful possession of a firearm," police said.

At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus," Detective Senior Sergeant Saunders said, per the news release.

New Zealand Police A possible sighting of Tom Phillips and one of his children A possible sighting of Tom Phillips and one of his children

Saunders has revealed that police believe the suspects used a grinder to enter the store, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

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"He certainly appears very comfortable to just come all the way to Piopio and commit a burglary," Saunders said, according to the outlet.

He added that there are questions as to whether Phillips has had a "falling out" with whoever has been helping him.

"Does this mean he's potentially had a falling out with who's helping him, or he's just that brazen and confident that he's quite happy to come out and commit a burglary?" Saunders said, per ABC.

New Zealand Police Tom Phillips Tom Phillips

Before the latest potential sighting, Phillips was spotted with his children by pig hunters who filmed them on the remote North Island on Oct. 7, 2024, the New Zealand Police previously said.

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Earlier this month, Phillips' family made a renewed appeal for him to come back.

I miss you, and I miss being part of your life, the missing dad's sister, Rozzi Phillips, told New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower on an episode of his show, Paddy Gower Has Issues, which was shown on the New Zealand news site Stuff. Youre very special to me I really want to see you again.

With tears in her eyes, Rozzi told Gower that she was making the appeal now in the hope that just maybe, maybe hes going to see this, and maybe hes going to get to see that he can come home, and that we are here for him, and it might just be okay.

Rozzi also read aloud from a letter their mother had written, which said, "It hurts every time I see photos of the children and of you, and see some of your things that are still here, thinking what could have been if you had not gone away."

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Jayda, Maverick, Ember, I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives every day I wake up, and hope that today will be the day that you will come, the letter continued.

Authorities believe Phillips and the children have been living off the grid, with Phillips using survival skills to feed and clothe the children, per CNN.

New Zealand Police (3) Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips Jayda Jorga Jin Phillips; Maverick Rusty Callam Phillips; Ember Nirvana Essence Phillips

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.

During his time on the run, Phillips is alleged to have committed a series of crimes, including a robbery in the Waikato region, according to New Zealand Police.

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In September 2023, an arrest warrant was issued over the alleged armed robbery at a bank in the remote village of Te Kuiti in May of that year. Police allege that Phillips made his getaway on a black farm-style motorbike.

New Zealand Police didn't have any additional updates to add when contacted by PEOPLE about the latest CCTV footage.



Read the original article on People
LOGAN, Utah (ABC4)  Funeral services for Tremonton Police Officer Sergeant Lee Sorensen, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Aug. 17, were held today.

The service took place at Utah State University, and Sgt. Sorensen was laid to rest in a cemetery in East Garland.

He would show up time and time again: Family remembers Sgt Sorensen killed in line of duty in Tremonton

Funeral service for fallen officer Sgt Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy// Kade Garner) Funeral service for fallen officer Sgt Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy// Kade Garner) Funeral service for fallen officer Sgt Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy// Kade Garner) Funeral service for fallen officer Sgt Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy// Kade Garner) Funeral service for fallen officer Sgt Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy// Kade Garner) Funeral service for fallen officer Sgt Lee Sorensen. (Courtesy// Kade Garner)

On Aug. 17, Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Lee Sorensen were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call in Tremonton. Today, Sgt. Sorensens life will be honored.

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The funeral service included messages from loved ones, remarks from Governor Spencer Cox, and more. Following the funeral service, graveside services were held privately.

He was one of a kind: Fallen officer Eric Estradas brother and daughter speak at funeral service

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang says US tech companies cant be left out of the China market and that they need to serve as a worldwide standard, akin to how the US dollar (DX-Y.NYB) is the worlds top reserve currency.

[President Trump] understands that the American tech stack should be the world standard. Just as the American dollar is the world standard that economies are built on, we want the American tech stack for the worlds technology and industries to be built on, and that includes China, Huang told Yahoo Finance during an interview following the companys second quarter earnings.

The CEO of the worlds most valuable company said that Nvidia is getting the engine fired back up to sell chips into the country and already has licenses from the US government.

Weve been approved and licensed to be able to ship to China, and now were looking for orders in China, Huang added.

The company reported Q2 data center revenue of $41.1 billion on Wednesday, and its shares fell over 2% early trading Thursday. Segment revenue was $26.2 billion in the prior-year period. The numbers didn't include sales of its lower-power H20 chips into China.

It also issued third quarter guidance without any projected revenue from China of $54 billion plus or minus 2%. Any additional sales from the country would be a bonus on top, Huang said.

We have every opportunity to succeed in the China market, if they would allow for American technology companies to be able to play there. And so Im hoping things will get sorted out, he explained.

During the company's earnings call, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress explained that the company is still waiting on the Trump administration to formalize an agreement that will see Nvidia pay the government a 15% cut of its sales in China.

Huang said that, while the company is working with the Trump administration on China, its not looking into the kind of deal Intel cut with Washington, nor has that come up in discussions.

Intel (INTC), which is in the midst of a years-long turnaround effort, sold 10% of its business to the Trump administration as it seeks to stabilize its foundry and chip business. Intel continues to lose market share to rival AMD (AMD) and is seeing increased competition in the PC space from Arm-based competitors like Qualcomm (QCOM).

Huang also touched on Nvidias opportunity in the networking space. The company groups its networking business under its Data Center segment. During Q2, Nvidia saw networking revenue of $7.2 billion, up 98% year over year.

Just our ethernet product line grew to an annualized rate of $10 billion, and thats just gotten started. Networking is going to be a very big part of our business. Thats fundamentally recognizing the fusion of computing, networking, and software, Huang said.
The United States is proposing a significant shift in the ongoing effort to help Haiti wrestle back territory from criminal armed gangs by rebranding the current Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission into a more aggressive Gang Suppression Force with a new mandate, more police and expanded autonomy from the Haitian police.

The revamped Gang Suppression mission would have a cap of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilians. While troops salaries would continue to be paid from voluntary contributions to the United Nations, logistical support will be funded from a newly created U.N. Support Office in Haiti, according to a draft resolution the U.S. and Panama began circulating on Thursday and obtained by the Miami Herald.

The idea of a U.N. Support Office, funded through members assessed contributions to support the missions activities, was first proposed by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February to provide logistical and operation support. The Trump administration earlier this month confirmed to the Herald its support for the plan and a forthcoming push to seek a doubling of the missions cap.

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The draft esolution asks U.N. members to transition the Kenya-led mission to the new effort for an initial period of 12 months following the adoption of a resolution. The U.N is expected to begin negotiations in coming days.

One area of contention is the U.N. package that would fund lethal equipment, which Guterres had avoided mentioning in his proposal. Another is the change involving the Haitian police. The Kenya mission was sold as providing support to the Haitian police by reinforcing, training and mentoring cops. But in reality that didnt happen, as the Haitian police high command failed to provide intelligence on gangs, and internal fighting and political tensions with the countrys transitional government fractured the already divided force.

Unlike the current, mostly police-led Kenya mission, which cannot conduct operations on its own, the newly revised force would be authorized to act independently of the Haiti National Police. In giving the new mission more autonomy, U.S. officials are hoping to stop the violence that has led to thousands of deaths since the foreign troops arrival.

The next international force must be resourced to hold territory, secure infrastructure, and complement the Haitian national police. In parallel, a comprehensive approach is required to disrupt gang financing, arms trafficking and other illicit flows fueling instability, U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the Security Council on Thursday.

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Shea repeated the administrations thanks to Kenya for stepping up to lead the mission, as well as to the troops from Jamaica, the Bahamas, Guatemala and El Salvador. She said that by establishing a Gang Suppression Force and supporting Guterres proposal, the U.S. and Panama are trying to address Haitis growing violence, which is expanding to other regions and has pushed Haitis capital to the brink of collapse.

READ MORE: UN chief: Humanitarian crisis, plight of Haiti children a matter of life and death

On Thursday, as Security Council members deplored the alarming violence and humanitarian toll of Haitis crisis, gang displaced residents from some Port-au-Prince neighborhoods took to the streets to see if they could return home. Two days earlier, gang leader and spokesman of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, announced that some of the 1.3 million who have been internally displaced can come back. Instead of homes, however, residents found looted out structures, bullet-riddled churches missing their rooftops and windows, and streets littered with debris at the bottom of the Delmas neighborhood.

We urge Council members: join us  join us in responding to the call from the Haitian government, as we forge a new path towards peace and security, and establish the U.N. Support Office to properly, and sustainably, resource this effort, she said. This will ensure the mission has the tools at its disposal to take the fight to the gangs and ensure that the Haitian state can meet the foundational needs of its people.

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Guterres said Thursday he welcomes efforts by Security Council members to advance his Feb. 24 proposal to strengthen the multinational security support mission through U.N. logistic and operational support.

Under the new model, member countries would continue to deploy under a U.N. chapter that traditionally gives the United Nations more flexibility in the use of force.

Residents of the Delmas neighborhood, who were forced to flee their homes by armed gangs, tour the destruction on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 after spokesman for the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier invited residents to return home.

Romain Le Cour Grandmaison, head of Haiti Observatory at Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, said on paper the proposal incorporates many of Guterres recommendations.

Nevertheless, the plan may face the same reality as the MSS, he said. Lets assume that the resolution passes, which is far from certain: How can consensus be reached within the Security Council on its duration? How can a real operational mandate be built? Who will fund it? Who will provide technical or human support? What will happen with Kenya?

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Also, in terms of the details, the coordination with the Haitian authorities is barely mentioned. Moreover, the fight against networks supporting gangs, whether political or economic, through sanctions or other multilateral mechanisms, or in support of the Haitian justice system, is absent from the resolution.

Where are the sanctions? Where is the consideration of organized crime and the political economy of violence? There is much missing for this resolution to be commensurate with the crisis, he said.

A bullet-riddled Baptist church in the Lower Delmas neighborhood of Haitis capital, stands as a symbol of gangs destruction. The neighborhood had been emptied out by armed gangs who invited them to return this week.

Le Cour Grandmaison, whose organization has issued several studies on the rise in criminal gangs and self-defense groups in Haiti, also notes that the proposed resolution reveals a surprising political turning move at a moment when the Trump administration has pushed to rescind hundreds of millions of dollars from U.N. agencies and its peacekeeping operations.

Suddenly, six months after the U.N. Secretary-Generals letter, and at a time when the United States is withdrawing from anything that might remotely affect the U.N., there is a willingness to return to the multilateral mechanism of peace operations, he said.

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The Kenya-led mission began deploying to Haiti in June 2024. Though envisioned originally to have as many as 2,500 security personnel, it has remained at about 1,000 with Kenya contributing about 700 police officers, two of whom were killed in armed ambushes this year. The remaining troops, which include some military, have deployed from El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

In the new resolution, the authors note that despite the best efforts of the Kenya mission, its modest resources and resultant capacities have not been able to keep pace with the dramatic expansion of the threat posed by gangs and thus the mission requires sustainable logistical support.

Residents of the Delmas neighborhood, who were forced to flee their homes by armed gangs, tour the destruction on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 after spokesman for the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, invited residents to return home.

At the same time, a special representative envisioned to provide strategic guidance for the mission was never appointed, leaving it an orphan as supporters struggled to raise money. The new resolution says that it concurs with the secretary-general that funding is vital.

Under the new mandate the missions members would still support the Haiti National Police through joint operations. But they will also be authorized to conduct independent, intelligence-led targeted counter-gang operations to neutralize, isolate and deter gangs that continue to threaten the civilian population and undermine Haitian institutions, the resolution reads.

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As part of the Haiti Support Office, there will also be a Standing Group of Partners. They will consist of Canada, El Salvador, Jamaica, Kenya, The Bahamas, Guatemala and the U.S. On Wednesday, the Haitian government sent a letter to Guterres outlining the countries commitment to play a high level strategic role.

The resolution, which also endorses a recent proposal by the Organization of American States, notes that with the Gang Suppression Force, direct support for this assistance is anticipated to be funded by the OAS Secure-Haiti project. It calls for the new Special Representative to coordinate with the U.N. and the OAS.

A roofless church in the Lower Delmas neighborhood of Haitis capital is among several buildings that were pillaged and destroyed in gang attacks. The neighborhood had been emptied out by gangs who invited residents on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to return to the neighborhood.

The resolution also says that both the U.S. and Panama recognize the willingness of member states to contribute to stability and security in Haiti by contributing personnel, equipment, and other resources.

Notably absent from the resolution is any reference to Haitis police task force, which currently is using weaponized drones and mercenaries to go after gangs. The resolution also makes no mention of the countrys nascent army, which has also been recruited in the fight.

To make meaningful progress on this collective challenge, we need international stakeholders and donors to come to the table and join the United States, Panama, and others who have demonstrated their commitment to Haitis security, in meaningful burden sharing to help promote stability in Haiti., Shea said. We remain committed to working with the international community to drive progress forward in Haiti, and call on all Council members to take concrete action in support of this effort.
A Gary man faces six years after a plea deal Friday for dealing drugs in a Hammond councilmans sons death.

Anthony Polk, 33, admitted to reckless homicide and dealing in cocaine.

Deputy Prosecutors Lindsey Latham and Jacob Brandewie are expected to argue for prison, while defense lawyer Kerry Connor will ask for Lake County Community Corrections or probation.

Judge Natalie Bokota would have to review and accept the agreement. Polk will be evaluated for the Lake County Community Corrections program to see if he would be accepted.

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His sentencing is Sept. 26.

In exchange, prosecutors have agreed to drop dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony, and a habitual offender enhancement, which carried a combined total up to 60 years.

The victim, James Jimmy Woerpel, 39, of Hammond, died Jan. 7, 2024, from an overdose. A toxicology report found fentanyl, cocaine and xylazine in his system, according to court records.

Hammond Police responded Jan. 7, 2024, to the 3000 block of 163rd Place, where they found Woerpel. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Investigators learned Woerpel bought heroin in Chicago. Later on, Polk swung by his home to sell him $80-$100 worth of crack, the affidavit alleges.

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The next morning, Woerpel was found slumped over and not breathing.

Hammond Councilman Dave Woerpel said previously his son struggled with drug addiction for over 20 years. Jimmy died on his grandmothers birthday.

His son struggled for a long time. I know he tried dozens and dozens of times to get clean, he said.

My wife goes to the cemetery every day, he said. I cant do that. Theres no right or wrong way to grieve. To me, hes not there. Hes in my heart.

Post-Tribune archives contributed.

mcolias@post-trib.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Platte County School District said the City of Platte City notified the district Friday morning that a gas line was struck on Thomas Drive near the school.

The school district said Siegrist Elementary students and staff are being relocated to Platte City Middle School  and Platte County High School students and staff are being dismissed early.

Lenexa woman charged with murder after teen girl shot to death in Kansas City home

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All students and staff are safe, the district said in a letter sent to Siegrist Elementary and Platte City High families.

There is no need for parents to come pick up students at this time; all students are safe, supervised, and continuing their day at this time.

The school district said it hopes to have students and staff return to Siegrist Elementary once the issue is resolved.

The school district also noted that phone calls are being rerouted to the district office while this temporary relocation is in place.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Gavin Newsom on Thursday told White House adviser Stephen Miller to quit shouting in yet another dig at President Donald Trump and his MAGA circle.

The Democratic California governor, widely seen as a 2028 presidential contender, has wielded his X account like one giant roasting machine to get under Trumps skin.

This time it processed Miller, who turned up the volume on Fox News The Ingraham Angle. Host Laura Ingraham claimed Newsom and allies obviously want illegal aliens to vote because Newsom has resisted voter ID mandates.

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Miller then railed at mail-in voting, which has rarely been found to contribute to voter fraud but is regularly attacked by Trump and Co. to suppress voting for coming elections.

Related: Podcaster Spots Exactly How GOP Supermajorities Fuel A Horrific Reality For Americans

Trumps deputy chief of staff then slithered into a claim that really got Newsoms attention  that California has stolen House seats.

As we know, California has outright stolen House seats just by counting illegal aliens in the census, Miller said before jacking up the decibels. There are entire members from California whose districts only exist because their constituents are illegal aliens! They will never find an example of more direct theft of American franchise and civil rights than creating Democrat House seats comprised of illegal alien constituents.

It should be noted that the U.S. census counts people residing in the United States and a few territories regardless of citizenship status.

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Newsom trolled away at Miller, whos been known to raise his voice.

Related: Most Trump Tariffs Are Not Legal, U.S. Appeals Court Rules

Stephen, if youre going to lie about who is stealing Congressional seats, at least stop yelling, he wrote. Its very shrill.

Stephen, if youre going to lie about who is stealing Congressional seats, at least stop yelling. Its very shrill. https://t.co/faOI0VKG1p  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 29, 2025

The governor seemed to imply it was the Republicans who were guilty of theft. Texas gerrymandering efforts were recently ordered by Trump to create more Republican districts so the GOP can keep control of the House.

Newsoms state punched back with a redistricting plan of its own.

More on Politics

Joni Ernst Taunted With Own Words After News Breaks She Won't Seek Reelection

Missouri Is Next To Answer Trump's Call For Redrawn Maps Ahead Of Midterms

Gavin Newsom Launches Ballot Initiative To Offset Texas Gerrymander

Read the original on HuffPost
Vice President JD Vance this week told USA Today that hes ready to become president if God forbid something should happen to President Donald Trump.

But California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who has been trolling both on social media, gave the vice president a blunt response:

The president has faced growing questions about his health in recent weeks, as observers have noticed swelling around his feet and bruises on his hands, often covered with makeup.

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The White House has stated that the swelling is caused by a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, which involves poor blood flow from the legs back to the heart. The bruises, they said, are from shaking so many hands and the use of aspirin.

Related: Joni Ernst Taunted With Own Words After News Breaks She Won't Seek Reelection

But Vance said hes very confident that Trump will serve his full term.

The president is in incredibly good health, he told USA Today. Hes got incredible energy.

If anything goes wrong, however, Vance said he has the on-the-job training needed to step in.

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Newsom disagrees.

Related: JD Vance Roasted For Advising Gavin Newsom 'Don't Be A Crazy Person'

In a separate interview, Vance called out Newsom for mocking Trumps bombastic social media posts with over-the-top messages of his own.

You cant mimic the king, Vance said on Fox News. You cant mimic the master.

Newsoms press office later posted what looked like a direct response, in Trump-like fashion.

AN HONOR! THANK YOU!!! they wrote, along with the following image:

Gavin Newsom Gavin Newsom

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
NEED TO KNOW

Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who has since retired, led the joint task force for rescue and relief in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina



He believes the much-scrutinized federal response to disasters has improved since Katrina, thanks in part to advancements in technology and social media platforms



His own approach and on-the-ground efforts earned the trust of many flood victims

Now-retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who led military recovery operations in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina while thousands remained stranded and most of the city was still under water, says some of the same lessons from the catastrophic flood still apply today.

Namely, he says, Americans should look out for and rely on their neighbors  not just the federal government  when facing evacuation.

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"The government's got a responsibility in preparedness to give you warning," he tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. "We pay big money to get warning."

Then, says Honore, who became the face of the federal Katrina relief effort and whose approach earned the trust of flood victims, it's up to local officials to turn those warnings into action. Even then, he says, when it comes to evacuating people, the government isn't best suited to do that.

"FEMA is not going to be there the hour after the storm," he says, referring to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "It takes action at the local level, neighbors helping neighbors and people having redundant communications capacity."

Katrina, which ranks among the worst storms in U.S. history, killed 1,392 people in majority-Black New Orleans and many of them were among the most vulnerable  elderly, disabled and poor.

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Most of them were also alone in their homes, Honore says. And officials at the local and federal level were strongly criticized for how they handled the aftermath, with many believing racism was at play.



Honore says he was adamant about being on the ground. After he arrived in New Orleans, he flew to Baton Rouge to meet with Louisiana's then governor, Kathleen Blanco, who gave him clear instructions  the priority was evacuation and providing food, water and medicine to the people who needed it  along with the FEMA chief Mike Brown, who, he says, wanted him to coordinate the rescue and relief efforts from there to have a unified command.

"I wasn't going to sit in Baton Rouge in an air conditioned building  I needed to be forward if I was going to make a difference," Honore says.

Now 77, Honore says he believes that because of the role he played in informing the public of what the military was doing, he became the face of the federal relief effort.

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He commanded the units who got people out of a convention center and Superdome where thousands had massed.

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Army Lt. General Russel Honore (left) with President George W. Bush on Sept. 20, 2005 Army Lt. General Russel Honore (left) with President George W. Bush on Sept. 20, 2005

"As the commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, leading the federal military response, I was on the ground in the city, not at a headquarters in Washington and not 75 miles away in Baton Rouge," he said. "So I became a target for the media to ask, 'When are we going to get the people out? Where are they going? What are you doing about getting busses in?' "

While he helped prioritize that work and to organize the evacuation, Honore says much credit is owed to the National Guard and first responders.

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"It was a collective effort that got it done, but I became the voice of it, and to make sure that when we said we were going to do something, we got it done," he says.

Honore quickly learned he was up against more than just the Katrina's devastation. He was also battling misinformation, including about looting and violence.

"There was a lot of talk about looting, where, actually, people went to locations on the top of the inner seat, the Superdome and the convention center, and some of them, on top of their houses, and they went into stores to get food and water, and that was labeled as looting," he says.

But "I never labeled it as looting." he says. "I labeled it as survival."

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He adds: "We shouldn't denigrate them for going in and getting survival food. And that, by and large, was what people went in and got."

Dave Martin/AP The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005

Honore says he hopes in future hurricanes, people take that into account.

"There was a preconceived notion in the American psyche that there's a bunch of poor people, and most of them are Black, that they're going to steal," he says. "That hurt my heart. That wasn't the case. People were trying to stay alive."

Honore believes the federal response to disasters has gotten better since Katrina, thanks in part to advancements in technology and social media platforms.

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"Technology has improved the ability for everybody with a phone to get information, that's a big improvement," he says. "We didn't have Facebook, as we know it, we didn't have Twitter, and we didn't have many of the social media programs we have now, and we didn't have apps that pop up on your phone because you live in that area that said, 'Hey, there's a hurricane coming,' "



Read the original article on People
NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY)  A Georgia man died Friday afternoon after being pulled from the ocean in Nags Head, North Carolina.

Nags Head Fire and Rescue and Police personnel responded to the Glidden public beach access around 10:15 a.m. for reports of a swimmer in distress.

The victim had been pulled from the ocean before first responders arrived. Rescue personnel then began administering medical care, and the man was taken to the Outer Banks Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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Officials say the victim was a 65-year-old man from Atlanta.

Its not determined whether rip currents contributed to the incident.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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Germany's environment minister on Friday confirmed he has undergone a hair transplant.

Carsten Schneider, from the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), told the Funke media group that he has had the procedure.

"It's a redistribution from the back to the front during my holiday," said Schneider.

"Hopefully it will become a hairdo," he added.

Observers saw Schneider, who hails from the eastern state of Thuringia, sporting a new hairstyle at the SPD's summer party in the state's parliament on Wednesday.

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The minister did not say where or when he underwent the transplant.

Hair transplants usually take a long time to heal, meaning the full results of Schneider's procedure are likely to become apparent in the coming months.
German police are looking for a second suspect following a knife attack on a US man in a Dresden tram.

A 20-year-old Syrian is accused of inflicting facial injuries on the 20-year-old from the US with a knife, according to statements from the public prosecutor's office and the police.

Investigators have searched several possible locations in recent days but have not found the main suspect.

A second suspect is already in custody. The 21-year-old Syrian was arrested shortly after the incident but was temporarily released as the public prosecutor initially saw no grounds for detention. He has been back in pre-trial detention since Tuesday.

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The knife attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday while the tram was at a stop.

According to the police report, two men from a group initially harassed women on the tram. The US man intervened and was then attacked by one of the men with a knife. He suffered a deep facial wound, though police stated his life was not in danger.
Sheldon Cooper / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images As the worlds most valuable company, a big move in Nvidias stock after Wednesday's results could have a broader market impact.

Key Takeaways

Nvidia is scheduled to release its second-quarter results after markets close later today.

Analysts expect the AI chipmaker to post record sales, despite an anticipated hit from export curbs.

As the world's most valuable company, a big post-earnings move in Nvidia's value would have a broader market impact.



Nvidia (NVDA), the AI chipmaker at the heart of the artificial intelligence boom, is set to release its second-quarter earnings after markets close later today, in what could prove to be a market-moving event.

Shares were little changed near $182 in recent trading ahead of the results, though the stock has added more than a third of its value in 2025 as demand for its AI hardware surged.

Analysts expect the chipmaker's sales could reach another quarterly record, estimates compiled by Visible Alpha show, despite an anticipated hit from China export curbs, with Nvidia's position as the world's largest AI chipmaker making it a bellwether for the industry.

After Nvidia recently struck a revenue-sharing agreement with the Trump administration in exchange for licenses to resume sales of key AI chips to China, investors will likely be watching closely for what CEO Jensen Huang has to say about the company's outlook, as well as any updates on its next-generation product pipeline.

Recent options pricing suggests traders anticipate Nvidia's stock could stand to move more than 6% by the end of the week, in what would be its biggest post-earnings move in more than a year. And as the world's most valuable company, Nvidia commands more influence over the S&P 500 than any other, with a reaction in its stock likely to have a broader market impact.

The benchmark index edged 0.2% higher in recent trading ahead of the results, hovering just under its intraday highs and on track to close at a record if those gains hold. (Read Investopedia's full coverage of today's trading here.)

Read the original article on Investopedia
Germany and France have largely resolved their long-standing dispute over nuclear energy, as high-level ministers from both countries met in the southern French port of Toulon for joint consultations on Friday.

Under a framework agreement, the two countries will pursue a joint approach at the European level to achieve equal treatment of low-emission energy sources, including nuclear energy.

While the two sides have taken differing strategies on energy policy, with Paris currently expanding its nuclear capacities while Berlin has shut down its nuclear power plants, the two neighbours intend to no longer obstruct each other in energy policy, instead offering mutual support.

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Germany will, for example, drop its opposition to France's use of nuclear energy in the context of European legislation. Paris is seeking EU funding for research projects to develop new, smaller reactors.

The German government, in turn, has secured French support for the development of hydrogen connections to south-western Europe and for stronger integration of electricity grids between the two countries.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and several of his top ministers are in Toulon for talks with their French counterparts, including President Emmanuel Macron.

The agreement on nuclear energy with France suggests internal disagreement within Merz's coalition has been overcome, with the centre-left Social Democrats having previously opposed the classification of nuclear power as sustainable.

Merz and Macron first outlined the new joint course in energy policy during the conservative's inaugural visit to Paris in May.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Franco-German government meeting on economic and security policy. Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Germany and France aim to boost European competitiveness by cutting bureaucracy and strengthening the single market, the two governments vowed on Friday.

At a meeting in the southern French city of Toulon, a joint economic policy paper is set to be adopted which may also resolve differences, such as in energy policy, and enhance cooperation in areas including digitalization.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron prepared for the meeting on Thursday with dinner at the president's summer residence, a medieval fortress.

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Only two German chancellors have previously been hosted at Fort de Bregancon - Helmut Kohl by Francois Mitterrand in 1985 and Angela Merkel by Macron in 2020.

The relationship between Germany and France is currently "in an excellent state" after years of stagnation, according to German officials.

"This is exactly what Europe needs and what Europe perceives," they added.

Merz had already spoken on Thursday of a Franco-German "axis" that could help Europe become a "powerful factor" again.

Macron has a much better rapport with Merz than with the conservative's predecessor Olaf Scholz.

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However, Merz and Macron have so far struggled to resolve substantive differences, including on a new fighter jet, something they are keen to change.

The Franco-German Ministerial Council on economic and security policy, held at the 19th-century Fort du Cap Brun in Toulon overlooking the Cote d'Azur, is intended to mark a fresh start.

The economic paper being agreed will stretch to 26 pages, with actions plans across eight areas.

The meeting, including half of Merz's Cabinet, has been overshadowed by a deep political crisis in France which could lead to the fall of the government.
Germany and France on Friday pledged further support for Ukraine's air defence and vowed to further tighten sanctions on Russia in response to deadly Russian airstrikes on Kiev.

"Despite intensive international diplomatic efforts, Russia shows no intention to end its war of aggression against Ukraine," the two governments said in a joint declaration after a meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron in southern France.

"In light of the massive Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and its population and the consequences for our own security, France and Germany will therefore provide additional air defence to Ukraine," it said.

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Meanwhile, the two allies also "consider the effective implementation and further strengthening of sanctions essential to exert maximum pressure on Russia to end its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and ultimately bring peace to Ukraine and Europe."

To that end, Germany and France are looking to push for Russian sanctions within the Group of Seven (G7) leading industrial nations and the European Union, targeting businesses in third countries that support Russia's war on Ukraine, according to the declaration.

The two nations also agreed "on the need to provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees," intended to deter Russia from attacking again in case a peace deal is reached.

However, Paris and Berlin steered clear of the possibility of sending troops themselves, only committing to supporting Ukrainian forces on the ground.
Britain, France, and Germany on Thursday launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program.

Germany has told its nationals to leave Iran and refrain from traveling there to avoid getting caught in retaliatory acts by Tehran over Germany's role in triggering UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

Britain, France, and Germany on Thursday launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program, a step likely to stoke tensions two months after Israel and the United States bombed Iran.

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"As Iranian government representatives have repeatedly threatened with consequences in this case, it cannot be ruled out that German interests and nationals will be affected by countermeasures in Iran," the foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.

"Currently, the German Embassy in Tehran can only provide limited consular assistance on site," it warned.

(Illustrative) During the annual rally commemorating 1979 Islamic Revolution, domestically-built missiles and a satellite carrier are displayed at the Azadi (Freedom) Sq. in in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (credit: Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

Snapback on Iran

The "snapback" is a mechanism built into the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal that allows any of the parties to the deal to automatically bring back full global sanctions on Tehran if they view it as materially violating the deal, with Russia and China lacking their standard UN-style veto power.

The E3's decision follows two months of negotiations since the June war between Israel and Iran, in which the Israeli and American air forces set back the Islamic Republic's nuclear program by around two years.

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There is still time for Khamenei to make concessions, as if he reaches a new comprehensive nuclear deal or an interim agreement to postpone the showdown within 30 days, the snapback will not actually take effect.

Iran agreeing to extend the expiration of the snapback beyond October 18 remains the most likely outcome in the next 30 days, which would allow the E3 to give Tehran more time to negotiate.
The Foreign Office in Berlin has issued a warning against travelling to Iran, while also urging German nationals to leave the country.

The German Embassy in Tehran is currently only able to provide limited consular assistance, the ministry said on Friday on its website, confirming the previous day's advisory.

The position stems from the escalating nuclear dispute with Iran and the decision by Germany, France and Britain to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism due to repeated Iranian violations of a nuclear agreement.

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The snapback mechanism serves to reimpose sanctions on Iran if it fails to comply with its obligations under the 2015 Vienna nuclear deal.

As Iranian officials have in the past threatened consequences in such cases, it cannot be ruled out that German interests and citizens in Iran will be affected by countermeasures, according to the Foreign Office.
The rising number of unemployed people in Germany highlights the urgent need for reforms to boost growth and employability, according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Unemployment in Germany has risen above 3 million for the first time in over a decade. In August, the number of unemployed increased by 46,000 compared to the previous month, reaching 3.025 million.

This figure is 153,000 higher than in August 2024, according to the Federal Employment Agency in Nuremberg.

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"This will be the focus of the federal government," Merz said on the sidelines of Franco-German ministerial talks in Toulon in southern France on Friday. The increase in unemployment, he added, was not unexpected.

Merz had previously announced an "autumn of reforms," stating that the government would need to focus much more on economic and social policy issues in the coming months.

Parliamentary leaders from Merz's governing coalition, made up of his conservatives and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), are holding a retreat in the German city of Wurzburg while much of the Cabinet hold talks with their French counterparts.

Christian Democrat (CDU) parliamentary leader Jens Spahn said they would be pushing for measures to stimulate economic growth.

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"Three million unemployed is a milestone that shows everyone the difficult situation Germany is in during its third year of recession," he told reporters.

Spahn highlighted tax incentives for corporate investments and relief on energy costs as potential measures.

SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch emphasized the need for the government to deliver on reducing bureaucracy, while Alexander Hoffmann from Bavaria's Christian Social Union (CSU) said a previous deal to significantly increase infrastructure spending should help.
During the visit, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with Chabad officials, recited Psalms, and prayed for the success of his trip to the US capital, as well as for the return of the hostages.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visited the Ohel, the gravesite of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, in Queens, New York, ahead of his first official visit as minister to Washington.

During the visit, Sa'ar met with Chabad officials, recited Psalms, and prayed for the success of his trip to the US capital, as well as for the return of the hostages.

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Sa'ar praised Chabad, the world's largest Jewish organization, for its cooperation with the Foreign Ministry in supporting Jewish communities worldwide, as well as the status of the many Chabad emissaries stationed in 111 different countries.

The minister, who recently visited the Chabad emissaries in Zambia, praised the work of the emissaries around the world.

"The most important thing is to strengthen Jewish education," Sa'ar said. "This is the most critical key to preserving the Jewish people."

RABBI MENACHEM MENDEL SCHNEERSON of Lubavitch at a Lag Baomer parade in Brooklyn, 1987. (credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Visiting the Lubavitcher Rebbe's grave

The Ohel is considered a holy site by many Jews, particularly hassidic adherents of Chabad. Approximately 50,000 people - both Jews and non-Jews - visit the grave every year in honor of the anniversary of Schneerson's death, with nearly a million people visiting each year.

Several political figures have also visited the grave, including US President Donald Trump in October 2024. Two other notable world leaders, President Javier Milei of Argentina and Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania, have both visited the Ohel.
The entrance sign to Glacier National Park, seen on May 19, 2025. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan)

A 34-year-old female hiker was stable but transported to the hospital after being injured Wednesday by a brown-colored bear at Lake Janet in Glacier National Park, the park said in a news release.

The bear ran off after her hiking partner used bear spray, according to the news release.

The park said it could not identify the species of bear. It described the incident as follows:

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The hiking party of two was hiking westbound near Lake Janet when a medium brown-colored bear with two cubs charged out of the brush, toward the woman. The woman dove off the trail, while covering her head. The bear swiped at her, injuring her shoulder and arm. As this was happening, her hiking partner deployed bear spray, causing the bear to immediately run away. The entire incident lasted fewer than 30 seconds. The hiking party continued toward the Lake Janet Wilderness Campground where they found other hikers with an InReach device, which they used to send an SOS to park dispatch.

At approximately 3:42 p.m. park dispatch received the SOS for a female who had an encounter with a brown colored sow. Park staff and ALERT were dispatched. ALERT quickly got to the patient, finding her in stable condition. ALERT transported the woman to Logan Health in Kalispell.

No action will be taken against the bear at this time; the encounter was a surprise to a sow with two cubs that reacted defensively. The area of the trail the hiking party was on is confined by the lake and dense brush, which the bear came out of. The species of the bear could not be positively identified.

The Lake Janet Wilderness Campground was temporarily closed and will reopen when appropriate, the park said. It said fall is when bears are especially active, eating as much as possible in preparation for hibernation.
DES MOINES, Iowa  On August 27, residents at Glenwood Mobile Home Park woke up to notices from Des Moines Water Works taped to their doors notifying them that their service will be terminated on September 8 due to non-payment.

COARE, a management company based in Miami, Florida, manages Glenwood Mobile Home Park. Officials at the company say that they have paid Des Moines Water Works over $76,000 between July 2024  2025, and that they entered a payment plan with Des Moines Water Works back in May of 2025 and have paid every month since.

COARE representatives say that despite these payments, a representative from Des Moines Water Works emailed COARE claiming there was insufficient payment on August 20, and requested full payment and stated water service would be turned off.

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After the payment notice, COARE said it sent checks with the payment the following day and it was processed by DMWW on August 26, the day before notices were posted on residents doors about the termination of water service.

According to COARE, DMWW was at the mobile home park on Thursday and representatives from both entities discussed the issue. COARE said that no resolution has been reached.

1 injured when truck goes up in flames after collision with semi in NW Iowa

In a statement regarding Glenwood Mobile Home Park, Des Moines Water Works officials said that, While Des Moines Water Works cannot go into details about a specific customers account, turning water service off to a mobile home community is a serious step because of the impact to residents. Reasons why we might do this include: a leak creating a hazardous condition, a payment issue, or someone illegally using water. Des Moines Water Works has gone above and beyond what is required for notification to ensure the residents received direct communication and have resources available to them. Community partners are working with residents before water service is shut off to the property.

COARE company representatives said that they reached out to Des Moines Water Works and have yet to find a solution. Courtney Jones, a resident at Glenwood Mobile Home Park, said she already paid for a storage locker to prepare for needing to move. We just went and paid, you know, amount of money to go put our things in there. I mean, well probably still keep them in there just because, I mean, we may get a email tomorrow saying, sorry, were lying. I mean, it feels like theyre lying to us and we just want to know whats going on so we can plan accordingly, Jones said. Jones said she will need to stay with friends or family if she is required to vacate her mobile home. A few of us are just going to try to stay at family and friends houses. Thats what Im planning on doing, Jones said.

Metro news

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Nvidia, the worlds most valuable company, reported another quarter of sustained sales growth in its earnings statement Wednesday, with $46.7 billion in revenue, a 56% increase compared to the same period last year. That growth was largely fueled by AI-dominated data center business, which saw a 56% year-over-year increase in revenue.

Nvidia also saw its net income grow substantially since last year. The company reported a net income of $26.4 billion in the second quarter, a 59% spike since the same period last year.

All told, the company brought in $41.1 billion in revenue from data center sales in the quarter, suggesting that AI companies demand for cutting-edge GPUs continues to grow. The companys most advanced generation of chips, Blackwell, accounted for $27 billion of those sales.

Blackwell is the AI platform the world has been waiting for, said CEO Jensen Huang in a statement accompanying the release. The AI race is on, and Blackwell is the platform at its center.

Huang said that the company expects to see $3 to 4 trillion in AI infrastructure spending by the end of the decade. $3 to 4 trillion is fairly sensible for the next five years, he told one analyst.

The company made particular note of its role in the launch of OpenAIs open source gpt-oss models earlier this month, which involved processing 1.5 million tokens per second on a single Nvidia Blackwell GB200 NVL72 rack-scale system.

The earnings also gave a look at Nvidias ongoing struggle to sell its chips in Chinese markets. The company reported no sales of its China-focused H20 chip to Chinese customers in the past quarter; Nvidia did report $650 million worth of H20 chips had been sold to a customer outside China.

The United States has long restricted sales of advanced GPUs to Chinese customers  but the geopolitical situation has changed significantly under President Trump. The company is now permitted to sell chips to China as long as it pays a 15% export tax to the U.S. Treasury, as a result of an unconventional arrangement that legal scholars have described as an unconstitutional abuse of power.

On the earnings call, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress made clear that the lack of shipment was a result of uncertainty around the arrangement, which has not been officially codified into a federal regulation. While a select number of our China-based customers have received licenses over the past few weeks, Kress said, we have not shipped any H20 devices based on those licenses.

Still, the Chinese government has officially discouraged the use of Nvidia chips by local businesses, leading the company to reportedly halt production of the H20 chip earlier this month.

Nvidia said it expects $54 billion in revenue in the third quarter. The company noted that its outlook for the third quarter, which could shift 2% in either direction, doesnt include any H20 shipments to China.
Corey Boyer and Antonio Smith, members of the Atlanta-based GoodFellas street gang, have been sentenced for distributing methamphetamine and other drugs throughout the metro-Atlanta area.

Boyer, 26, and Smith, 27, were involved in a drug trafficking operation that supported the violent activities of the GoodFellas gang. They operated a fortified trap house to fund the gang by dealing drugs and trafficking firearms, including machineguns.

Boyer and Smith operated a fortified trap house to fund the violent GoodFellas gang by dealing drugs and trafficking firearms, including machine guns, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, stated, Their sentencing sends a strong message that the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dismantle drug networks and remove violent offenders from our streets to ensure the safety of metro-Atlanta residents.

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The GoodFellas gang primarily recruits members in Atlanta neighborhoods and jails and prisons within Georgia. They generate money through criminal activities such as drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking.

In spring 2024, the FBI learned of GoodFellas members trafficking drugs in a west Atlanta apartment complex. Surveillance over several months revealed Boyer and Smith conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions.

Police said the men were trafficking guns and drugs.

In August 2024, law enforcement searched an apartment at the complex. Smith attempted to flee by jumping out of a window but was apprehended carrying an unserialized machine gun. Boyer was found inside with firearms, body armor, ammunition, counterfeit currency, machinegun conversion devices and large quantities of drugs.

Smith was sentenced to 14 years and 2 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a machine gun, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

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Boyer received a sentence of 12 years and 6 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the ATF, the Fulton County Sheriffs Office, and the Atlanta Police Department.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Google is assuring customers that Gmail and its workspace are safe after a widespread data theft campaign that targeted Salesforce.

According to a spokesperson for the internet giant, authentication tokens for Salesloft Drift customers were compromised on Aug. 9. The hacker gained access to emails from Google Workspace accounts integrated with Salesloft.

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Between Aug. 9 and Aug. 18 the hacker accessed emails during an integration with Drift Email and exported large volumes of data from Salesforce, Google announced in a blog post.

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The person appeared to be trying to find secrets from the company with the intent of compromising its environment, the blog post said.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Google has since recommended that organizations integrated with Drift should revoke and rotate credentials for those applications and investigate all connected systems for signs of unauthorized access.

Theyve also disabled the integration between Google Workspace and Salesloft Drift and have notified all impacted Google Workspace customers.

A spokesperson for Google emphasized, however, that the data breach did not impact the accounts of customers who do not have Salesforce accounts.

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Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A right-leaning digital consulting firm is claiming that Googles Gmail service is flagging Republican fundraiser emails as suspicious while leaving Democratic fundraising emails untouched, the second time major GOP groups have claimed such actions are being taken against them.

Targeted Victory, a political marketing consulting firm with a largely Republican base, claimed in a statement posted to social media in August that Google was flagging emails from their clients that contained links to WinRed, a Republican fundraising platform, as dangerous.

Clients of Targeted Victory include U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, according to confirmation from Blackburns spokesperson, as well as Tennessee Republican U.S. Reps John Rose and Andy Ogles. Clients also include major GOP leaders including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, among many others, according to 2024 financial records.

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, listens during Tenn. Gov. Bill Lees speech during Agriculture Day on the Hill at the Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville, Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Blackburn and Rose are currently running against each other in the 2026 GOP primary for Tennessee governor.

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In short, Google has been labeling conservative fundraising links as dangerous, while Democratic links have no labels, Targeted Victory said in their statement.

Links to ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, were not flagged, according to a video the company purported showed proof of bias.

Censoring conservative voices is standard operating procedure for the big tech platforms, said Blackburn. No longer can they choose sides. They must treat Democrats and Republicans equally.

Financial records show that Blackburn has been a client of Targeted Victory since at least 2016.

More: Why did Marsha Blackburn wait so long to announce for governor? Consider the money

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The claim of bias from Googles email servers is the second time such an issue has been raised, with the first being in 2022 when the Republican National Committee accused Alphabet, Googles parent company, of intentionally sending the party's emails to users' spam folders.

The complaint fueled a major lawsuit against Google that was dismissed in 2024 after a California federal judge said the RNC was unable to demonstrate sufficient harm.

The RNC appealed the dismissal in January.

Video testing Gmail filters alleges bias

In a test video posted by Targeted Victory, the company opens Gmail and sends two separate emails: one with a link to Ohio governor candidate and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamys fundraising page, and one with a link to ActBlues main landing page for general Democratic donations.

The video shows both emails being opened, and while the ActBlue email appears normal, the WinRed email has a warning message in red that says this message seems dangerous, with advice to avoid clicking any links enclosed.

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If Gmail is systematically flagging emails containing WinRed links, it could be suppressing Republican fundraising and voter outreach at scale, Targeted Victory said in their statement. Google needs to fix this now, and we wont stop until they do.

In response to questions from The Tennessean, a Google spokesperson said the accusations are baseless and mischaracterize Googles security functions.

"Protecting people from spam and phishing is a top priority, the spokesperson said. Like other email service providers, we use a wide range of shared signals and threat data from across the industry to keep our defenses strong. And to be clear, our filters are applied equally to everyone, regardless of their political views."

The spokesperson explained that the warning labels that appeared on certain emails with WinRed links were not caused by Google.

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Rather, the label was applied because a third-party vendor placed WinRed on its blocklist, according to the spokesperson, after campaigns sent emails with links to WinRed to Gmail users who hadnt opted in to receiving emails.

Email servers like Google regularly receive lists from third-party services of potentially harmful or unwanted links and emails. Those lists act as one of many pieces of information the email server, like Gmail, pulls from to label emails.

The Tennessean attempted to replicate the exact example shown in the video, and no warning labels were present.

In a statement on social media, the National Republican Senatorial Committee released a message in May accusing Google of a similar problem: filing the committees emails from recent election cycles straight to spam in users accounts.

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The statement asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into the matter, and asked that the cost of Googles suppression should be calculated by not only in dollars never raised, but in votes never cast.

New complaint three years in the making

The issue of alleged bias in Googles email filters was first brought up in early 2022 when the RNC accused Google of relegate(ing) millions of RNC emails en masse to potential donors and supporters spam folders during pivotal points in election fundraising and community building."

The accusations cited a study from the University of North Carolina as proving that Google labeled significantly more RNC emails as spam over Democratic emails, despite the authors of the study later insisting that their findings do not support the Republican claims in a Washington Post article.

After the accusations were levied by the RNC, Google launched a temporary pilot program in August 2022 to exempt qualified political emails from Gmails spam filter, which the RNC opted to not participate in, according to court documents.

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The RNC filed the lawsuit in October 2022, alongside a Federal Election Commission complaint, accusing Google of violating a number of laws and acting outside the protections of Section 230 law, which grants large protections to internet companies.

"When the Republicans take The House this better be on the top of their list of things to fix," said Donald Trump Jr., in a post on X in 2022. "Democrats would put people in jail for this level of election interference and in kind financial contribution if it went the other way and benefited republicans. Where is the FEC?"

Both the lawsuit and the FEC complaint were dismissed in 2023, with an amended suit similarly dismissed in 2024.

The RNC appealed the dismissal in January, with the RNC accusing Google of violating Californias Civil Rights Act, among other laws.

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Google has asked the court to affirm the 2024 dismissal.

The RNCs core contentionthat this spam filtering was the product of political discrimination rather than the politically neutral Gmail algorithm reading signals from Gmail users about which emails they are likely to consider spamis demonstrably false, Googles response to the revived lawsuit stated. The same Gmail algorithm governs emails sent by the Democratic National Committeeand everyone else.

The case is set for oral arguments in October.

Case has ties to larger Trump administration goals

The lengthy case has close ties to the Trump administration, which has been vocal in both terms about wanting to change protections enshrined within Section 230.

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More: Trump vs. Big Tech: Everything you need to know about Section 230 and why everyone hates it

Leading the RNCs 2022 lawsuit was Harmeet Dhillon, a lawyer and former vice chair of the California GOP.

Dhillon was nominated by Trump in December 2024 as the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the Department of Justice.

Trump, in his announcement for Dhillon's nomination, praised her for "taking on big tech for censoring our free speech," referring to her many free-speech lawsuits filed on behalf of conservative clients, including a group of Google employees and the Berkley College Republicans, as well as challenges against mail-in ballots and COVID-19 restrictions.

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In Targeted Victorys statement regarding the 2025 warning labels, the group thanked Launchpad Strategies for teaming up on the testing and collaboration on the effects that Google's biases and suppression are having.

Launchpad Strategies is the official digital vendor for President Donald Trump.

Though company details remained incredibly elusive for months after its November 2023 creation, recent financial records show that the company received nearly $80 million in 2024 alone, with only $121,000 coming from customers other than Trump-connected committees and groups.

More: Trump campaign funnels millions to 'mysterious' Delaware LLC: Report

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The group merged with three other firms in March to create American Made Media Company and is helmed by close allies and strategists of Trump, according to an Axios report on the merger.

The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Republican emails are being flagged as dangerous by Google, firm says
It sounds like the plot of a sci-fi crime thriller, but the latest major cyberhack is real.

Google revealed that a cybercriminal group known as the ShinyHunters hacked a database of their accounts through the cloud-based software provider Salesforce, exposing the roughly 2.5 billion Gmail and Google Cloud users worldwide to possible breaches.

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Googles Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) said it first discovered a breach in June and, by August, became aware of bad actors using overlapping tactics, techniques, and procedures to access networks and accounts. Those tactics include social engineering, such as impersonating IT support reps in phone conversations, primarily targeting English-speaking users at multinational companies.

GTIG said the data obtained was basic and largely publicly available business information but warned that ShinyHunters may be preparing to escalate their extortion tactics by launching a data leak site  likely intended to increase pressure on victims.

In the past, GTIG tracked the groups actions for months after branches and found their extortion techniques included calls or emails to employees of the victim organization demanding payment in bitcoin within 72 hours. The hacker group takes its name from the Pokemon franchise.

Geekspin noted that ShinyHunters has previously hacked the organizations AT&T Wireless, Mashable, Microsoft, Santander, Ticketmaster and Wattpad. Along with extorting their victims, the group also sells stolen databases on the dark web, adding further risk to anyones accounts.

How to protect your Google account now

To keep your Google account as secure as possible, the company advises taking several steps.

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Start by updating your password and making it unique to your Google account. As AllThingsSecured.com notes, using the same password across multiple accounts  such as email, banking or social media  means if a hacker gains access to one, they can access them all. The site recommends using a trusted password manager to both create and store strong passwords.

Google also advises enabling two-factor authentication along with a security key or Google Prompt. Both add an extra layer of protection by requiring you to approve a login even if a hacker has your password.

The company recommends updating related Google and Android apps, browsers and operating systems to ensure you have the latest and most secure versions.

Be wary of suspicious messages by email, text, from websites or even phone calls. Google warns that hackers may pretend to be institutions, family members or colleagues to steal sensitive information.

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Never click on suspicious links, especially those asking for personal information such as passwords. If you receive a message claiming to be from a bank, for example, search for the institution's website or phone number independently and contact them directly.

Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks  here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead

Signs your account has been hacked, and what to do

Online security data platform Cybersecurity Insiders says sudden changes to your Google password, unauthorized updates to your personal information or spam emails sent from your account could all signal a breach.

Forbes adds that strange financial activity on your Google Pay or Play accounts could also be a warning sign, in which case you should contact your financial institutions immediately. Changes to Google Drive, such as photos or videos being shared without your permission, may also indicate a hack.

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If you believe youve been hacked, change your password and then conduct a Google Security Checkup to suss out any unwanted or fraudulent activity.

If you do find any suspicious activity, Cybersecurity Insiders suggests contacting anyone who may have been affected, such as contacts who received spam from your account, and closely monitoring your account going forward.

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.
Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., exited a town hall in his home district through the back door Wednesday night after he faced relentless heckling in Baldwin County.

Moore made the hasty departure after he responded to what a staffer announced would be the last question on the topic of the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts  as seen in a roughly 40-minute video from the advocacy group Indivisible Baldwin County  after he was repeatedly mocked and laughed at for his comments at the event in Daphne, a suburb of Mobile.

In the video, Moore did not offer concluding remarks or bid good night to the rowdy crowd as many chanted "Shame!"

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Moore, who is running for Sen. Tommy Tubervilles seat as Tuberville runs for governor, disputed that he had slipped out of the back door in an interview Thursday on The Dale Jackson Show, a conservative Alabama-based podcast and radio show.

We left like any other event, Moore said. I think we tried to engage and answer questions, but unfortunately, it got hijacked.

Moore said that he was so calm and that he doesnt mind facing the heat head on, and he argued that the event had been swarmed by some of the same bad actors whom he had seen at other events.

Asked for additional comment Thursday night, Moore told NBC News in a statement: My constituents asked me to do town halls, so I did four across my district while Congress was out of session. We showed up, listened, and answered questions directly."

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Alabamians deserve leaders who are willing to have tough conversations. Ill always answer to the folks I serve. Thats what accountability looks like, he added.

Moore was repeatedly grilled and interrupted as he tried to respond to people's questions that stemmed from their frustration over Medicaid cuts, rural hospitals, tariffs, immigration, abortion and the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.

Respite came briefly when people appeared to approve of Moore's comment that erasing history is a bad thing when he was asked about an ongoing effort to revise exhibits at the Smithsonian and efforts by the White House to ensure they align with President Donald Trump's vision.

Asked what he viewed as Trump's most meaningful accomplishment, Moore began praising his border security policies, which was met by laughter as town hall-goers jeered, "Next question."

Barry Moore in Washington on Feb. 13, 2024. (Al Drago / Bloomberg via Getty Images file)

People also challenged Moore's claims that cuts to Medicaid in Trump's megabill would affect only undocumented immigrants and accused him of "lying."

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The crowd momentarily cheered on the topic of aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia, drowning out Moore's stated opposition to the funding effort.

I didnt vote for any of that. I didnt vote for any of that, he said.

Moore was first elected to represent Alabamas 2nd Congressional District in 2020. After redistricting in 2024, he defeated former Rep. Jerry Carl in the GOP primary and was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District, which encompasses Baldwin and parts of Mobile counties, among others.

Trump won Baldwin County with 78.4% of the vote in the 2024 presidential election.

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Moores town hall experience Wednesday is not unique.

The few members of Congress who have held town halls during the August recess have been met by crowds of angry constituents and protesters.

That is true for both Republicans and Democrats, with people pressing lawmakers about immigration, Medicaid cuts, the war in Gaza and other issues. Congress returns to Washington on Tuesday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Gordon Bowker, who has died aged 82, was a co-founder of Starbucks, the Seattle-based chain which can claim to have changed the worlds coffee-drinking habits.

With his college room-mate Jerry Baldwin and another friend, former history teacher Zev Siegl, Bowker launched Starbucks at a time when most American coffee drinkers, according to one historian, percolated inexpensive low-grade coffee, scooped out of a can and weakly brewed.

Influenced and supplied by Alfred Peet, a Californian roaster known as the Dutchman who taught America how to drink coffee, Bowker and his partners made it their mission to offer a stronger, more authentic beverage. Investing $1,500 each plus a $5,000 bank loan, they opened their first outlet at Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle on March 30 1971, selling whole coffee beans, teas and spices  but not, at that stage, brewed drinks.

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Bowker kept his day job in the advertising agency he had set up with another friend, working in the shop at weekends. Meanwhile, the name that would become globally recognised derived from a town called Starbo he had spotted on an old mining map hanging in his firms waterfront office.

I immediately connected it to the character in Moby-Dick and said Starbuck, he recalled. Along with his ad-business partner, Terry Heckler, he also designed the brands original logo as an enticingly voluptuous (but later toned down) two-tailed mermaid.

Bowker in 2018 with his wife Celia - David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Three more shops and a roasting plant followed in the 1970s. But it was the fifth Starbucks, opened in University Way, Seattle, in May 1982, that was the first to incorporate a coffee bar selling brewed drinks.

In the same year, Bowker and Baldwin (Siegl having by then departed) hired Howard Schultz, a salesman from New York described as tall, avid, assertive, and dressed for success, to be their director of marketing.

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Schultz was a force for rapid expansion, including a move into espresso bars and the acquisition of Peets in California, but he left in 1986 to start his own business with Starbucks backing.

When Bowker decided to sell his stake the following year to focus on other ventures, Schultz returned with a group of investors to buy the whole business for $3.8 million  and to develop it into the multibillion-dollar empire of today, with more than 35,000 outlets worldwide, of which 1,410 are in the UK.

Gordon Albert Bowker was born in Oakland, California, on October 28 1942. His father, also Gordon, died the following year when the US Navy submarine in which he was serving sank without trace off Papua New Guinea; his mother Hazel, nee Ringseth, moved with her infant son to the Seattle suburb of Ballard to live with her parents, who as immigrants from Norway had taken part in the Alaska gold rush.

Gordon was educated at ODea High School in Seattle and went on to the University of San Francisco, but dropped out before graduating. Returning to Seattle, he worked as a cab driver, tour guide, magazine journalist and editor, and pursued a variety of creative ideas with Baldwin and Siegl, including writing screenplays and making documentary films, before finding inspiration in the discovery of superior coffee from a source in Vancouver.

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Bowker considered himself a contrarian who saw opportunities in fields that others overlooked. In later years, he was at least as well known in Seattle as co-founder of the citys Redhook craft ale brewery; he was also a real estate developer, film producer and restaurant reviewer  and was known to complain that people asked him too often to retell the story of founding Starbucks.

His lifelong friend Jerry Baldwin said Bowker really was able to feel the pulse of the zeitgeist He could see what was coming.

He is survived by his wife Celia and two daughters.

Gordon Bowker, born October 28 1942, died August 21 2025

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Editor's note: This article was updated to include a statement by Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso.

Gov. Greg Abbott has signed the controversial redistricting bill, known as House Bill 4, which is gerrymandered to give Republicans an advantage in five congressional districts across the state.

Abbott signed the bill into law Friday, Aug. 29, after a month of a tense battle between Texas Republicans and Democrats, which saw House Democrats break quorum by leaving the state for two weeks.

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The governor thanked the Republican legislators and took a shot at Texas Democrats for leaving the state.

"Texas is now more red in the United States Congress," Abbott said, celebrating the signing of the bill.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott discusses the threat created by screwworms for the Texan beef industry during a news conference on Aug.15, 2025

More: Texas Democrats rally in El Paso, looking to mobilize ahead of 2026 midterms

The bill received final approval from the Texas Senate early in the morning Saturday, August 23. The vote fell along party lines, with Senate Democrats, including Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, condemning the mid-decade redistricting that they say is designed to divide Black and Latino communities and a violation of the Constitution.

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Mid-decade redistricting, absent a court order, breaks the rules our nations Founders enshrined in our Constitution to protect the people from abuse of power, Blanco said. The Constitution is not a suggestion; it is the foundation of our democracy. If the rules of representation can be rewritten whenever politically convenient, then stability is lost, fairness is abandoned, and the peoples faith in democracy itself is shaken.

State Representative Matt Morgan (R-TX) holds a map of the new proposed congressional districts in Texas, during a legislative session as Democratic lawmakers, who left the state to deny Republicans the opportunity to redraw the state's 38 congressional districts, begin returning to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2025.

More: El Paso judge blocks Ken Paxton from targeting Beto O'Rourkes group Powered by People

When will the redistricting go into effect?

The new congressional maps will take effect before the 2026 midterm elections. President Donald Trump called on Abbott to redraw the maps to protect Republicans' slim majority in Congress.

The newly drawn maps look to give Republicans an advantage in communities in El Paso, Houston metro area, Dallas, southern Texas and Austin.

A view of the Texas Capitol building from Congress avenue on Aug. 13, 2025

More: US Rep. Escobar, House Democrats sue Trump administration over ICE facility visits

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Civil rights advocates have expressed concern that the new maps limit the abilities of minority communities to have their voices heard in both state and national politics.

"Redistricting dilutes the power of black and brown communities where they are consolidated to have a vote, to have electoral power," Oni Blair, the Executive Director of the Texas ACLU, told the El Paso Times during a rally against redistricting in Austin, Texas on Aug. 16. "By diluting them, you're essentially dis-enfranchising them. This is particularly salient right now because it is happening so close to elections and it is happening mid-decade."

A lawsuit was swiftly filed Saturday by the League of United Latin American Citizens, challenging the new maps, calling them discriminatory. A second lawsuit was filed by the NAACP on Aug. 26.

More: Fort Bliss once housed refugees, now set for largest ICE deportation center

US Rep. Veronica Escobar condemns congressional redistricting

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar's District 16 is one of the areas that has been redrawn by the new maps.

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At one point during the debate over redistricting, Escobar, D-El Paso, had lost representation of Fort Bliss and the El Paso International Airport to District 23's U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzalez, R-San Antonio. However, the final maps retain the Army post and airport, and add Socorro to Escobar's district, but she loses Horizon City.

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, speaks during a public event hosted by Beto ORourke with U.S. Reps. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas and Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, at the Elmont Event Centers Grand Ballroom in El Paso on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.

More: US Rep. Escobar tours new ICE facility, praises transparency but urges broader access

Escobar issued a new statement following Abbott's signing of the bill, in which she thanked residents who spoke out against the Republican-led redrawing of the maps, including veterans, members of City Council and Commissioners Court, and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce.

But she condemned the redistricting push, pointing out the new maps cannot overshadow the growing anger over Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' which Congress approved in July.

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"Voters are angry that Congressional Republicans cut their healthcare to enrich millionaires, so instead of facing the consequences, Trump is trying to rig the next election," Escobar said in her statement. "Rather than protecting Texans, Greg Abbott is giving Trump whatever he wants -including five more Republican seats in Texas to make up for electoral losses elsewhere. Make no mistake: Republicans are doing everything they can to avoid accountability for the harm they cause."

She said that Democrats will sue.

Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@gannett.com;@palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gov. Greg Abbott signs controversial Texas redistricting bill into law
AUSTIN (Texas Tribune)  Gov. Greg Abbott signed Texas new congressional map into law Friday, celebrating in a social media video that the state is now more red in the United States Congress.

Abbotts signature concludes the legislative portion of this unusual mid-decade redistricting effort, which started earlier this summer when President Donald Trump began pushing state lawmakers to redraw Texas map to shore up the narrow GOP majority in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The battle now will go to the courts, where groups representing Black and Latino voters have already filed lawsuits asking that the maps be blocked from going into effect. A three-judge panel that is already considering challenges to Texas 2021 maps has set a hearing for early October. The filing deadline for the 2026 midterms is in December.

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Despite initial resistance from Abbott and Texas congressional delegation, the governor did eventually add it to the agenda for the first special session. After Republicans revealed a map designed to create five new GOP districts, setting up a 30-8 split in Texas congressional delegation, Democrats in the state House left for Illinois and other states to deny the chamber the headcount needed to pass legislation.

After California Gov. Gavin Newsom kicked off his states retaliatory redistricting effort, the Democratic lawmakers returned, and the new map passed both chambers on party-line votes.

In the social media video, Abbott said the new map ensures fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texans. Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder said Abbott had surrendered to Washington, D.C.

They love to boast about how Texas Tough they are, but when Donald Trump made one call, they bent over backwards to prioritize his politics over Texans, Scudder said. Honestly, its pathetic.

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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed Texas new congressional map into law Friday, celebrating in a social media video that the state is now more red in the United States Congress.

Abbotts signature concludes the legislative portion of this unusual mid-decade redistricting effort, which started earlier this summer when President Donald Trump began pushing state lawmakers to redraw Texas map to shore up the narrow GOP majority in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The battle now will go to the courts, where groups representing Black and Latino voters have already filed lawsuits asking that the maps be blocked from going into effect. A three-judge panel that is already considering challenges to Texas 2021 maps has set a hearing for early October. The filing deadline for the 2026 midterms is in December.

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Despite initial resistance from Abbott and Texas congressional delegation, the governor did eventually add it to the agenda for the first special session. After Republicans revealed a map designed to create five new GOP districts, setting up a 30-8 split in Texas congressional delegation, Democrats in the state House left for Illinois and other states to deny the chamber the headcount needed to pass legislation.

After California Gov. Gavin Newsom kicked off his states retaliatory redistricting effort, the Democratic lawmakers returned, and the new map passed both chambers on party-line votes.

In the social media video, Abbott said the new map ensures fairer representation in the United States Congress for Texans. Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder said Abbott had "surrendered to Washington, D.C.

They love to boast about how Texas Tough they are, but when Donald Trump made one call, they bent over backwards to prioritize his politics over Texans, Scudder said. Honestly, its pathetic.

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.
After a long delay, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called a special election to fill Michigan's vacant state Senate District seat previously held by U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City.

In a letter to Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on Friday, Aug. 29, Whitmer set election dates for the district that encompasses the Tri-Cities, giving notice that a special primary election to fill the vacant seat will be held Feb. 3, 2026, and a special general election will be held May 5, 2026.

U.S. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, left, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer talk with people during a back-to-school conversation at Grand Blanc High School in Grand Blanc on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.

McDonald Rivet won her congressional race in November 2024 and was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives in January. Since then, voters in the Michigan Senate's 35th District have gone without representation. Whitmer has taken longer than any other governor since the 1960s to call a special election to fill an empty seat in the Michigan Legislature, according to the Lansing-based Michigan Information & Research Service Inc. A recent lawsuit fumed over Whitmer's inaction, seeking a court order to force Whitmer to schedule a vote. Whitmer's lawyers argued in response that those who brought the lawsuit lack standing and that Michigan law doesn't impose a deadline on the governor for calling a special election.

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Leading up to Whitmer's announcement, Republicans railed against Whitmer's delay in calling for a special election. Some Democrats joined the calls. Whitmer has never publicly explained why she waited so long.

In a statement, Whitmer said she looks forward to working with the senator who fills the vacant seat. "We have a lot of good work to get done before the end of next year. Michiganders want us to create jobs and grow the economy, invest in schools and boost literacy rates, and, of course, fix those damn roads," she said.

More: Michigan drivers rack up thousands in yearly vehicle costs due to poor roads, report says

The 35th Michigan Senate district is competitive. Republicans hope they can win it to tie the Michigan Senate at 19 GOP seats and 19 Democratic seats, which would give them an opportunity to obstruct Democratic policies. Democrats, meanwhile, have expressed confidence that they can win the election and maintain their majority. A GOP victory would give any Republican the power to deny Democratic Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II as president of the Senate the chance to break a tied vote if a GOP lawmaker abstains.

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Senate Majority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, once again blasted Whitmer for her treatment of the voters in the vacant district. "The 270,000 people of Michigan's 35th Senate district are struggling to make it in Michigan, and for over 400 days, they will be without a state senator to fight for them," he said in a statement.

State Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, who also leads the Michigan Republican Party, similarly said Whitmer's delay in calling for a special election disenfranchised voters in the vacant Senate district "through sheer political shenanigans."

"It is an outrageous partisan political ploy that she has exercised holding off this election and now she's talking about a February election, kicking the can as far down the road as she can to try to hold her majority," he said.

In response to the election announcement from Whitmer, Democrats celebrated the chance to add to their seat count in the Michigan Senate. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, touted Democrats' legislative record on tax relief and school meals for students. "This special election is an opportunity for us to expand our historic majority and continue that work," she said in a statement.

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Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel echoed Brinks. "Unlike Republicans, Michigan Democrats are a party by and for working Michiganders, and we stand ready to elect another champion for the families of the 35th Senate district," he said in a statement.

All 38 seats in the Michigan Senate will be on the ballot in 2026. It will mark the second election for the Michigan Senate held using voting districts drawn in an independent redistricting process and designed not to favor any political party. In 2022, Democrats won control of the chamber for the first time in 40 years.

(This story was updated to include additional information.)

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gov. Whitmer calls election to fill vacant Michigan Senate seat
Nvidia reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results on Wednesday, extending its run as the worlds dominant supplier of AI semiconductors.

Yet shares tumbled in extended trading after the company confirmed that it sold no H20 chips to China during the period, reviving concerns over export restrictions and geopolitical risk.

The disclosure sent Nvidias shares down 3.4% to $176 in after-hours trading, as investors weighed the near-term impact of the regulatory backdrop on one of its key markets.

Revenue for the three months ended July 27 rose to $46.7 billion, Nvidia reported, up 6% from the prior quarter and 56% higher than a year earlier. Analysts had expected roughly $46 billion.

Net income surged to $26.4 billion, or $1.08 per diluted share, while adjusted earnings reached $1.05 a share, exceeding a $1.02 consensus.

Data center sales, which accounted for 88% of total revenue, hit $41.1 billion, boosted by a 17% sequential gain in Blackwell chip shipments.

Still, the 5% quarter-over-quarter jump did little to appease investors, adding to pressure on Nvidias stock.

Nvidia to Build AI Supercomputer and New HQ in Taiwan

CEO Jensen Huang remained upbeat, labelling Blackwell the AI platform the world has been waiting for, and pointed to growing adoption across hyperscalers, government partnerships, and sovereign model developers, according to a statement on Wednesday.

But the bullish tone was tempered by Nvidias confirmation that it recorded no H20 sales to China during the quarter.

The company revealed that it had diverted $650 million in H20 chips, initially intended for China, to a non-restricted customer abroad, unlocking a $180 million inventory reserve.

The H20 was previously designed to comply with U.S. export rules, but updated licensing requirements imposed in April effectively hindered sales into the Chinese market.

Strategy Pushed Deceptive Comparison to Apple and NVIDIA, Wall Street Veteran Says

Washingtons tightening of AI chip controls now requires export licenses for high-performance semiconductors destined for China in a policy move aimed at curbing Beijings access to advanced computing power for military and surveillance use.

While the numbers suggest continued strength in AI infrastructure demand, the muted stock reaction indicates that investors are becoming increasingly sensitive to macroeconomic risks, particularly the uncertain trajectory of U.S.-China trade policy.

Looking ahead, Nvidia expects Q3 revenue of $54 billion with gross margins forecast at 73.5%.

The board has also approved a $60 billion expansion of Nvidias share repurchase program in a bid to return capital to shareholders. A $0.01 dividend is scheduled for October 2.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis presents his spending cut plan to the Joint Budget Committee on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced Thursday a total of about $250 million in cuts and redirected funds to help close a state budget gap his office estimated to be $783 million.

The spending reductions, which Polis made through an executive order and outlined during a presentation to the Colorado Legislatures Joint Budget Committee, primarily hit health care, higher education and state grant programs. The JBC, which comprises lawmakers from both parties and both legislative chambers, writes the state budget.

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The state budget gap follows the passage of the federal tax cut and spending law, which President Donald Trump signed in July. Tax code changes in that law hit Colorados projected revenue by about $1.2 billion for the current fiscal year, mostly through a loss of corporate income taxes. The current fiscal year started July 1.

Polis plan includes about $103 million of spending cuts and the transfer of about $147 million from various state cash accounts to the states general fund. He noted that no cuts were made to public safety funding or K-12 schools.

This is a time when we need to focus on the difference between things that are nice to have and things that we need to have, Polis said. Were focused on finding the things we need to have, and we all know that in this time, theres some of the things that are nice to have that we can afford, but we cant afford all of them.

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Polis announcement comes two days after the end of a special session of the Colorado Legislature, during which lawmakers passed bills that in total will bring in about $250 million to the general fund this fiscal year.

The governors office has the authority to make midyear spending cuts during revenue shortfalls. A new law passed during the special session and signed by Polis requires that the governor present such cuts to the JBC.

The largest cut is a reversal of the states plan to increase reimbursement rates by 1.6% for health care providers who see patients on Medicaid. By axing the rate hike, the state will save an estimated $38 million.

The governors higher education cuts total $12 million and affect several community colleges and universities across the state. Several state grants are also being reduced, including for programs that address public health disparities and provide dental care to low-income Coloradans.

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About $100 million is being redirected to the general fund from an affordable housing fund that was approved by voters in 2022. Thats the biggest of Polis funding transfers.

This is a time when we need to focus on the difference between things that are nice to have and things that we need to have.

 Colorado Gov. Jared Polis

The governors office estimates that a hiring freeze, which Polis put in place on Aug. 26 through the end of the year, will save the state $3 million.

To plug the remaining hole in the budget, Polis said he plans to tap the states reserves by $325 million. That will deplete the reserve to about 13% of the general fund from a previous 15%.

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During the six-day special session, lawmakers passed a series of bills to eliminate certain tax exemptions for businesses and increase revenue by selling credits for advanced payments of future tax liabilities. Polis on Thursday morning signed those revenue-raising bills into law.

Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Weld County Republican who sits on the JBC, said Democratic lawmakers and the governors office should have focused on cutting government staffing, as opposed to raising revenue.

How come, in the special session, we werent allowed to make cuts? Kirkmeyer said.

However, Polis said the bills passed by the Legislature were sufficient in allowing his office to avoid much deeper cuts.

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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was in Northwest Arkansas for the ribbon-cutting at Walmarts Global Security Operations Center in Bentonville.

The governor attended the ribbon-cutting for Walmarts Global Security Operations Center held with the Bentonville-based retailers top officials.

The new facility serves as the command center for security and safety across Walmarts global operations.

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Vice president of the Global Security Operations Center, Jason Jackson, says it will allow teams to identify risks, coordinate emergency responses to major events like natural disasters and provide around-the-clock global monitoring.

This 24/7 component, with all of the participants that we have, weve brought in our partner group on the daily, not just when we flex up as an organization. So I think that really grows our superpower in how were able to be more effective and more efficient, Jackson said.

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Walmart says the new center will help it get ahead of potential threats. Walmart says the center allows the retailer to be notified of 911 calls at any of its stores.

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One example was given of a North Carolina store when a car was on fire in the parking lot. The team was able to zoom in on the fire through parking lot security cams. This allowed the team to see what was going on before store leaders were even notified.

New Keytronic Facility

The governor was also at a ribbon-cutting for the opening of a new Keytronic facility in Springdale that will replace the current one in Fayetteville.

This new facility is larger, which the company hopes will position it to take on more jobs as many companies look to bring their manufacturing back to the United States.

Here in the U.S., this is where predominantly most of the demand is. Weve seen kind of a shift of customers really wanting their product built in America, Keytronic CEO Brett Larsen said.

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Keytronic expects to add roughly 400 jobs over the next five years, effectively tripling its current workforce.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to call state lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session on gun control as soon as next month after this weeks shooting in a Minneapolis Catholic school church that killed two children and injured 18 others.

Walz and fellow Democratic-Farmer-Labor leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, have renewed calls for more gun control laws in recent days. They have advocated for policies including a ban on semiautomatic rifles and a magazine capacity limit.

Its time to take serious action at the State Capitol to address gun violence, the governor said in a Friday post on X.

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An administration official said Walz is making calls to state lawmakers in preparation for a potential special session.

New gun control bills could face headwinds in the Legislature, where the Senate and House are closely divided between the parties. DFLers have 33 seats to Republicans 32 in the Senate, and Republicans have 67 seats to DFLers 66 in the House.

Republicans generally oppose new gun control legislation, so passage of any bill will require bipartisan support.

That wont change after the House likely returns to a 67-67 tie after a special election for former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortmans seat on Sept. 16.

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Even then, DFLers will still need at least one GOP vote to pass major gun control bills.

Gun control bills could have a smoother ride in the Senate, which will remain at its current balance until special elections for two vacant seats in November.

Republicans said they were surprised by news of Walzs plans to call lawmakers back to the Capitol.

Republicans are committed to addressing the root causes of violence, supporting safe schools, and increasing access to mental health resources, said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. Calling for a special session without even consulting legislative leaders is not a serious way to begin. This is a partisan stunt from a governor who continues to engage in destructive political rhetoric.

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House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said she had not heard anything about plans from the governor.

My expectation would have been that he would have had some type of communication to say that he is doing this, she said.

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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the well-heeled crackpot helming our nation's healthcare system, holds all kinds of screwball beliefs about pharmaceuticals  but his bizarre and incoherent opposition to depression-treating selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is perhaps the most indefensible.

Since at least 2023, when Kennedy first launched his long-shot presidential campaign, the conspiracy theorist has insisted there is some sort of link between SSRIs and school shootings. That summer, the political scion told Elon Musk during a livestreamed discussion on X-formerly-Twitter that although there are no studies on the matter, "theres a tremendous circumstantial evidence [that] SSRIs and benzos and other drugs" are causing such violent events.

Last July, as it became clear that Donald Trump was about to again become the GOP's presidential nominee, Kennedy made an even wilder suggestion: that people on psychiatric medications like SSRIs and Adderall should be sent to taxpayer-funded "wellness farms"  which sound a lot like labor camps  to dry out.

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Fast-forward to February 2025, when Kennedy, after being sworn in as Trump's secretary of Health and Human Services, vowed to investigate that illusory link between antidepressants and school shootings  which has, contrary to his claim that there's no research on the topic, been all but disproven since 2019, when a study in the Behavioral Sciences and the Law journal found that most school shooters had no known history of taking psychiatric meds, and those who did showed "no direct or causal association" between the drugs and their acts of violence.

In the wake of yet another violent and senseless tragedy  this one at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, where a mass shooter murdered two children during their first week of school and injured 17 other people  the brainwormed health secretary is once again touting his nonsensical theory about SSRIs.

"We're launching studies on the potential contribution of some of the SSRI drugs, and some of the other psychiatric drugs that might be contributing to violence," Kennedy told Fox News.

As if responding to this tragedy  which the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety marks at at least the 57th school shooting in 2025 alone  with a wild goose chase weren't insulting enough, it appears that vice president JD Vance might be cosigning it.

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"We really do have, I think, a mental health crisis in the United States of America," the millennial VP said during a Wisconsin event after the Minnesota shooting, per NBC. "We take way more psychiatric medication than any other nation on Earth, and I think its time for us to start asking some very hard questions about the root causes of this violence."

While Vance's statement wasn't a direct endorsement of Kennedy's SSRI obsession, it certainly seems related. Conveniently, the VP's allusion to medication being a potential "root cause" of such violence also serves as a compelling distraction for the GOP electorate, which choose to elect pro-gun candidates and ignore how those policies lead to mass shootings, instead chasing strawmen every time another of these tragedies occurs.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  An East Side man was indicted Thursday by a Mahoning County grand jury on charges he fired shots in a yard during an argument.

Marques Jones, 27, of Scioto Avenue, was indicted on charges of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and two third-degree felony counts of tampering with evidence and failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer.

He is free on $30,000 bond.

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The charges stem from a May 29 arrest by police after they were called to a South Side home about 7 p.m. in the 300 block of West Judson Avenue for a report of a fight.

When police arrived, a woman there said Jones, her ex-boyfriend, had come to her mothers home, where she lived, and began arguing with her.

The woman told police that she called the father of her child to help her, and when he got there, Jones took several shots at him before leaving, reports said. Reports said the woman told police where Jones lived on the East Side, as well as his license plate number.

Police found Jones on State Street on the East Side, and he tried to flee when police tried to stop him, but he was eventually taken into custody.

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The father of the womans child told police that when he got to the house after the woman called him, he ran toward his car while holding a gun, so the man drove around the block to get away from him. When he came back to the house, it appeared Jones was gone; however, Jones pulled in behind him and then fired several shots before driving away, reports said.

Reports said a witness told police the man also fired a gun at Jones, and at first, the man denied firing a gun, then said he did fire at Jones after Jones shot at him first, and he shot at Jones as Jones drove away. He supplied police with the gun he used, which matched a shell casing on the ground, reports said.

At his arraignment in municipal court, City Prosecutor Kathy Thompson said Jones threw the gun police believe was used into McKelvey Lake.

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For too long, our national conversation about civil rights has focused narrowly on voting rights or criminal justice reform. These are vital, but, as the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina reminds us, so too is the infrastructure that sustains daily life. Freedom means more than the right to cast a ballot or the right to equal justice under the law; it means the ability to live in a safe home, to travel to work or school, to drink clean water, to thrive in healthy neighborhoods, and to live with dignity. When these infrastructures are denied or degraded for Black communities, it is not just bad policy  it is a violation of civil rights.

Twenty years ago, the world watched in horror as Katrina battered the Gulf Coast. The storm left physical devastation in its wake, but what it revealed was even more devastating: the extent to which Black lives and Black communities had been systematically devalued by decades of government neglect. Katrina was not simply a natural disaster; it was a civil rights failure, an infrastructure failure, and a moral failure.

We remember the haunting images: families stranded on rooftops, bodies floating in the floodwaters, tens of thousands of mostly Black residents crowded into the Superdome without food, water, or medical care. Those images made visible what Black residents of New Orleans had long known  that when public systems fail, it is Black communities that are left unprotected, exposed, and forgotten.

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Much of Katrinas devastation was the result of decades of underinvestment in infrastructure. It is no accident that Black residents of New Orleans were concentrated in the most vulnerable, low-lying neighborhoods. As the city expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, land drained from swamps farther from the natural levees and high ground of the French Quarter was opened for development. Racist housing policies  urban renewal, restrictive covenants, redlining, and exclusionary lending  then steered Black families into these flood-prone areas. By the time Katrina struck, geography and discrimination had combined to place Black communities directly in harms way.

The poorly maintained levees that were supposed to protect neighborhoods like the Lower 9th Ward crumbled. Public housing had been neglected and weakened long before the storm. And perhaps most tellingly, the evacuation plan assumed that every resident could leave by car  an assumption that ignored the reality of a city where one third of households, disproportionately Black and poor, lacked access to a vehicle.

When the storm hit, transportation inequity became a matter of life and death. Those without cars had no way to escape the rising waters. Public transit  chronically underfunded, unreliable, and unprepared  offered no meaningful alternative. Katrina exposed what happens when mobility is treated as a privilege rather than a right: those who had been denied investment in safe, affordable, and reliable transportation died as a result.

Katrinas aftermath showed us how underinvestment multiplies harm. Black neighborhoods were slower to receive aid, slower to be rebuilt, and quicker to be displaced by redevelopment schemes. Many residents never returned, scattered across the country by policies that made it easier to demolish public housing than to restore it. The disaster was not just the storm surge  it was the long shadow of decisions to disinvest in Black communities infrastructure, housing, schools, and public health.

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The truth is that Katrina was not an aberration. It was the most visible and catastrophic expression of a pattern we continue to see across the country. In Flint, Michigan, and Jackson, Mississippi, residents  again, mostly Black  have been forced to drink contaminated water because of neglected water systems. In rural communities, lack of broadband access has cut children off from education and families off from economic opportunity. In cities, failing public transit continues to isolate Black neighborhoods from jobs and essential services. And as climate change intensifies storms, floods, and heat waves, Black communities are, once again, consistently left exposed, unprotected, and forgotten.

Katrina underscored that infrastructure is never neutral. Decisions about where to build homes, levees, highways, or schools, about which neighborhoods get flood protection or transit lines, are decisions about whose lives are valued. When government consistently underinvests in infrastructure in Black communities, it reinforces patterns of exclusion and inequality that are as destructive as any explicit act of racial animus.

Two decades after Katrina, the question is whether we have learned its lessons. We must treat infrastructure as a civil rights imperative and commit to building systems that are not only resilient to climate change but also equitable in design and delivery. That means ensuring Black communities are not the last to receive disaster aid and the first to be displaced when recovery dollars flow. It means investing in public transit that connects residents to opportunity. It means modernizing water systems, expanding broadband, and funding schools in ways that do not perpetuate segregation and neglect. And it means recognizing that infrastructure is not just about concrete and steel  it is about dignity, security, and belonging.

On the 20th anniversary of Katrina, we owe more than remembrance. We owe action. We cannot bring back those who were lost, but we can honor their memory by refusing to accept the inequalities that made their loss inevitable. We can reject the idea that disaster is natural when its consequences are so clearly man-made. And we can demand that our infrastructure reflects the values of justice, equality, and shared prosperity.

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Katrina was a warning. The question is not whether another Katrina will come but when  and whether we will have built systems strong enough, and just enough, to protect all of us when it does.

If we are serious about racial justice, we must be serious about infrastructure. Because until we invest in the health, connectivity, and prosperity of Black communities, we will remain a nation that treats Black lives as disposable.

Deborah N. Archer is president of the American Civil Liberties Union and a professor of law at New York University. She is the author of Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality.

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SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  A local group in Spartanburg is urging the city to pass a hate crime ordinance, as South Carolina remains one of two states without a state-level hate crime law.

The Spartanburg Initiative for Racial Equity, known as SIREN, has called on the city council to consider adopting a hate crime ordinance to enhance local protections against hate crimes. Despite existing federal laws, SIREN argues that additional local measures are necessary to ensure safety and inclusivity within the city.

This pertains to their residents. This is making their city feel safer. Its also telling them that, hey, you can live in the city and be who you are and be safe, said Tony Tanner of SIREN.

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According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Spartanburg Police Department reported five incidents and five offenses of hate crimes in December 2023.

SIREN emphasizes that even one incident is too many, underscoring the need for local action.

Councilwoman Meghan Smith expressed her support for the ordinance. When our state legislature fails to act on these important things, its up to us at the city and the local level to pass an ordinance to express our values, that we are a welcoming place, she said.

SIREN has drafted a hate crime ordinance for the city, which includes penalties for crimes committed with a hate component.

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Colby King with SIREN says, As we have drafted it, it would add additional or create additional penalties for crimes where someone is committing a crime with a hate component.

The proposed ordinance is modeled after similar legislation in Greenville and other cities whove passed hate crime ordinances, which impose penalties like misdemeanors and fines up to $500.

While there is no set date for when the ordinance will appear on the city council agenda, SIREN plans to continue advocating for its adoption at upcoming meetings. The group remains committed to ensuring the ordinance is prioritized to enhance community safety and inclusivity.

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The Collaboratory, a nonprofit civic innovation lab in Dayton, is planning to build the first urban rooftop go-cart racetrack in the United States.

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The project, known as Race Dayton, was created in 2017, but serious development efforts began last year.

The track is intended to draw visitors to downtown Dayton, offering a unique attraction that could rival those in nearby cities like Cincinnati and Columbus.

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We want to create something thats going to put Dayton on the map, on the map in a very different way, Peter Benkendorf, founder of The Collaboratory, said.

The proposed location for the racetrack is the rooftop of a parking garage adjacent to the Oregon District.

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The Collaboratory is working with 360 Karting, a foreign manufacturing company, to design the track.

Benkendorf emphasized that the focus of the project is on safety, noise, and thrill.

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He noted that the city of Dayton is interested in seeing a full business plan and proposal, which he hopes to present within the next three to four months.

Residents have expressed enthusiasm for the project.

I think that would be really cool. I think it would bring the locals in, get a lot of attraction here, Corah Davis said.

Benkendorf is optimistic about the future, hoping that by 2027, the racetrack will host full racing leagues and other events.

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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Three of five people arrested last summer in a Springdale drug ring with south Arkansas ties pleaded guilty in federal court Aug. 29.

Antwaine Jackson, 43, of Springdale, pleaded guilty to possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.

Shawn Thurman, 50, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine. Win Sin, 30, of Springdale, pleaded guilty to money laundering.

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A fourth defendant, Crystal Kitt, 37, of Springdale, pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing Nov. 5.

The fifth, Marquesha Young, 32, of El Dorado, is awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the delivery of marijuana, with a status hearing set for Sept. 8.

Antwaine Jackson, Sr., 43, of Springdale, was arrested Friday in connection with drug trafficking, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence and a parole violation. Marquesha Young, 32, of El Dorado, was arrested Friday in connection with drug trafficking, possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver and fleeing. Win Sin, 30, of Springdale, was arrested Friday in connection with criminal use of property. Shawn Williams, 50, of Dallas, was arrested Friday in connection with drug trafficking and possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to deliver. Antwain Jackson, Jr., 24, of Springdale, was arrested Saturday in connection with simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and theft by receiving. Crystal Marie Kitt, 37, of Springdale, was arrested Friday in connection with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to keep records of drug transactions.

Case background

Jackson Sr. was reportedly identified as a multiple-pound distributor of methamphetamine in the Northwest Arkansas area and the focus of the investigation, according to preliminary police reports. Detectives learned he would receive a shipment of meth from south Arkansas on August 23.

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Jackson Sr. and his wife, Sin, went to a storage unit, where he was seen carrying a bag in and leaving with a white box. Later, Young left with a backpack and got into a vehicle with Jackson Sr.

Police approached, and the two fled through residential yards before crashing. Both were then apprehended.

A search of the storage unit uncovered 7.5 pounds of marijuana, according to a report. Jackson Sr. had nearly $1,400 in cash and discarded six hydrocodone pills.

Marijuana and a drug ledger were found in the vehicle, while the backpack contained 12 ounces of marijuana and over $5,000. Sins car reportedly contained more than four pounds of meth and a small amount of cocaine.

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Court orders limits on pretrial statements for law enforcement agencies in McGann case

Jackson Sr. reportedly admitted selling one to two pounds of meth weekly for several months, with Young supplying meth in exchange for marijuana and cash. Sin allegedly allowed Jackson Sr. to use her vehicle for deals, transferred money to a middleman in El Dorado and handled funds from sales.

Jackson Jr. was arrested after fleeing police at a Fayetteville Walmart; authorities found two loaded firearms (one stolen from the Fayetteville Police Department) and one pound of marijuana while searching his residence.

Kitt was also arrested for her alleged role in the ring.

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When I first heard about the shooting in Minneapolis, I felt what everyone always feels in these moments: grief, rage and the familiar sense that the country is spinning out of control.

As an activist, I have often gone out to protests to reclaim a little control. But the truth is, I dont need to wait for the next tragedy to take control, and neither do you. We can act now, not only through policy but through the culture we create everyday.

Gun violence prevention must start with laws. Stronger background checks, ERPO laws that keep firearms out of dangerous hands and safe storage requirements. These are not abstractions. They are life saving measures. But laws alone are not enough.

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Behind every shooting is a person shaped by rhetoric, community and culture. If we want to stop the next tragedy, we have to reckon with that too.

Extremism is sparked online and fanned by exile

Extremism is not a problem of left versus right. Extremists exist on both sides, created when people become ideologues. An ideologue is someone so rigidly attached to a single idea or cause that they lose the ability to see nuance, to recognize humanity in others or to compromise for the sake of peace. Ideologues turn politics into religion and opponents into enemies.

We have seen the deadly results across the political spectrum. In Minnesota, law makers were shot and killed. In DC two Israeli embassy workers coming from an event dedicated to helping aid reach Gaza were shot and killed. An IVF clinic was bombed; the United Healthcare CEO was murdered; in our own city, Antioch High School and the Covenant School were targeted by shooters.

In New Mexico, Hispanic people were targeted; in Pennsylvania a Jewish governors house was burned down; in Boulder, Colorado, elderly people organizing for the release of hostages were burned in a public space. In Orlando, a shooting in the Pulse nightclub left 49 people dead. The list goes on and on.

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But the common denominator isnt politics. Its ideology. It's what happens when we exile people from out communities because their views are too much or too messy. We leave them vulnerable to the embrace of extremism.

I know this because I have seen it firsthand. I became friends with a neo-Nazi. I am Jewish. He hated me, and I hated him. I met him here, in downtown Nashville, when the neo-Nazis flooded our streets. By getting to know me, he began to question his hatred of Jews. The story is his to tell, not mine, but hes no longer part of the neo-Nazi hate group he was in when we met. He no longer hates all the Jews, and hes my friend.

Opinion: How the Tennessean is celebrating your First Amendment freedoms

He had became radicalized by faceless comment sections and an internet algorithm incentivized to enrage him. While some of his ideas were admittedly stupid and bizarre, rejection only pushed him further into the arms of people who welcomed him in. People with hate as their main focus.

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What changed him wasnt shame or exile, but relationship. It was a simple act of connection, of being seen and seeing someone else. That was enough to open a crack in the armor of hate. It would have been much easier to hate his guts, but our relationship changed us both. You can criticize me for talking to him in the first place, but knowing he no longer harbors deep antisemitism means your criticism accomplishes nothing.

Community and connection will prevent gun violence

As an activist, I have long believed protesting gave me a sense of control in an uncontrollable world. But I am learning that control is also found in the everyday choices we make. We can take control through our rhetoric and through our willingness to connect instead of avoiding one another.

That means using the phone to call someone, fostering new friendships and giving people space to say how they really feel. Too often, we do the opposite. When someones views do not align with ours, we cut them off, hate them and try to cleave them out of our lives. I know so many liberal friends that do not talk to their Republican parents  their parents. And when we ostracize, we leave those people vulnerable to groups eager to take them in.

Opinion: Retired Williamson Co. sheriff: Illicit weight loss drugs are a national security threat

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We need to recognize that the same compassion that allows us to move beyond binary views of gender must also guide us away from binary views of politics. Not everything is us versus them, good vs evil. Complexity is human, and holding space for it may save lives.

We cannot change what happened in Minneapolis, but we can change what happens next, here in Tennessee and beyond. That change will come with stronger gun laws, yes. But it will also come with courage  the courage to look one another in the eye, to listen and to build communities that welcome people before hate groups do. (We also need to change the definition of a hate group because an online community that admires mass shooters and encourages violence is, by definition, a hate group.)

The next shooting will not be prevented by silence, purity tests or by pretending it is someone elses fault.

It will be prevented by laws, by community and by connection.

Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie

Melissa Alvarez-Zabriskie is founder and executive director of the Tennessee Hispanic Action Network, a gun violence prevention organization located in Nashville. Melissa holds a masters degree in social work, and is a community based mental health therapist.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Minneapolis shooting is a result of extremism, not just guns | Opinion
Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Nvidia shares added more than a third of their value in 2025 through Wednesdays close.

Nvidia (NVDA) reported quarterly earnings just slightly ahead of Wall Street analysts' expectations, as its sales rose to a record high.

The AI chipmaker posted adjusted earnings of $1.05 per share on revenue that soared 56% year-over-year to a record $46.74 billion in the second quarter, above analysts' estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. (Investopedia's live coverage of the results is here.)

Nvidia said its profits benefited from the release of $180 million tied to sales of inventory of its H20 chips, which were banned in China during the quarter by the Trump administration's export controls, to a customer outside China. The chipmaker said that without its sales of previously reserved H20 chips outside of China, it would have reported EPS of $1.04.

Data center sales, which make up the bulk of Nvidia's revenue, climbed to a record $41.1 billion, though that figure slightly missed Street projections. Several of Nvidias Big Tech customers have committed to big spending plans to build out their AI capacity in recent earnings calls, fueling analysts' lofty expectations, which climbed ahead of Wednesday's report.

The chipmaker said its board also approved an additional $60 billion in stock buybacks.

Nvidia shares declined about 3% in after-hours trading. The stock added more than a third of its value in 2025 through Wednesdays close.

Chipmaker Forecasts Rising Sales on Strong AI Demand

Looking ahead, Nvidia projected third-quarter revenue of $54 billion, plus or minus 2%, which would be another record high. Wall Street analysts had called for revenue of $53.8 billion.

However, that forecast doesn't take into account potential H20 sales to China, which could resume, thanks to a recent 15% revenue-sharing agreement with the Trump administration. Nvidia CFO Collette Kress said the company hasn't restarted sales of its H20 chips in China yet while it waits for the U.S. government to codify its revenue-sharing agreement.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said during the companys earnings call that he estimates China's market could represent a $50 billion opportunity for Nvidia this year.

The CEO also said he sees a "real possibility" Nvidia could be granted a license to sell its Blackwell chips (which are more powerful than H20) in China, as the company continues talks with the Trump administration about expanding its access to the region.

This article has been updated since it was first published to include additional information and reflect more recent share price values.



Read the original article on Investopedia
The bench of the Nebraska Supreme Court at the Capitol in Lincoln. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  A lawsuit can go forward challenging a Lincoln city ordinance banning the carrying of weapons  even by those with a state concealed carry permit  in city parks and other city property, the states highest court ruled on Friday.

The Nebraska Supreme Court, in a 22-page opinion on Friday, ruled that even though the law had not yet been enforced, four individual gun owners named in a lawsuit could challenge the law because there was a credible threat that they could be harmed by the ordinance in the future.

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The ruling, written by Chief Justice Jeffrey Funke, agreed partly with a district judges prior ruling that the Nebraska Firearm Owners Association, as an organization, lacked the ability to challenge the Lincoln law.

Local restrictions on handguns are at issue in a lawsuit heard in the Nebraska Supreme Court. (Courtesy of Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)

But it stated that the individual firearm owners had legal standing and could sue  thus sending the lawsuit back to the Lancaster District Court for further proceedings.

The gun rights lawsuit was spawned by passage of Legislative Bill 77 in 2023 that eliminated the requirement to obtain a state permit to carry a concealed handgun. It also barred cities and villages from adopting certain regulation of weapons. Individuals can still obtain a state concealed carry permit, so they can legally carry in other states.

On the date the law went into effect, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird signed an executive order banning the carrying of weapons in vehicles, buildings, or facilities owned, leased, controlled, or maintained by the city. The order was later amended slightly, but continued to bar anyone  even those who had passed a gun safety class and obtained a state concealed carry permit  from carrying a weapon on city property, including public parks.

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The NFOA and four individuals  Terry Fitzgerald, Dave Kendle, Raymond Bretthauer and D.J. Davis  sued to block the Lincoln order. They also challenged city ordinances that required any firearm purchase in the City of Lincoln to be reported to law enforcement and barred the sale or possession of multiburst trigger activators and switch-blade knives. Such trigger activators allow a semi-automatic weapon to significantly increase a guns rate of firing.

The individuals, all of whom had state concealed carry permits, argued that they regularly carry concealed guns in city parks and city trails to protect themselves and their families. Three of the plaintiffs said they carried concealed weapons 100% of the time.

Lancaster County District Court Judge Andrew Jacobsen dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that both the NFOA and the four gun owners lacked standing, or the ability, to challenge a law that had not yet been enforced. The judge said the Nebraska Supreme Court had not yet determined how someone could establish standing to challenge a law who had not yet been impacted by the law.

The Supreme Court, in clarifying who has standing to sue, stated Friday that the individual gun owners, because they faced an imminent and substantial threat of harm, had the ability to sue the city. The ruling, however, stated that the NFOA, which claimed membership of 10,000, lacked standing to sue on behalf of its members.

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There was one exception  the high court ruled that both the NFOA and the four gun owners lacked standing to challenge one Lincoln ordinance, one regulating the storage of guns in vehicles. Three Supreme Court judges  Lindsey Miller-Lerman, Jonathan Papik and Stephanie Stacy  issued brief concurring opinions to the unanimous ruling.

We are pleased that now we can challenge these laws on the merits, said Ryan Morrison, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, which represented the gun owners. Following this victory, we will show the local governments of Lincoln and Omaha, that their firearms regulations violate the Second Amendment and state law.

Chris Triebsch, the chief communications officer for the City of Lincoln, said Friday that public safety is the top priority for the city and the reason for gun restrictions within the public spaces and city properties. Triebsch said the city stands ready to demonstrate our case on the merits in district court.

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GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Guntersville City Council held a meeting to canvass election results a little earlier than expected on Friday and the mayoral race now stands at a perfect tie.

On Tuesday, the Guntersville Mayoral Race ended with Incumbent Mayor Leigh Dollar beating challenger Jeff McLaughlin by only a single vote, but there were still several provisional ballots left to count.

During a special called meeting on Friday to canvass the election results, City Clerk Betty Jones said the city had 10 provisional ballots between regular and absentee ballots. Ultimately, Jones said the Marshall County Board of Registrars found that seven of those votes could be counted.

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During the meeting, Jones counted those ballots with four votes going to McLaughlin and three going to Dollar. This brings the final vote tally to Dollar with 1065 votes and McLaughlin with 1065 votes.

I think as election manager, I have to declare there will be a runoff on Sept. 23, Jones said after confirming the tie.

Generally, Alabama municipalities canvass elections on the first Tuesday after an election, as Gunterville officials told News 19 they were planning to do. However, according to the Alabama League of Municipalities, the law does allow for cities to canvass results early if the Board of Registrars returns the provisional ballots before the next Tuesday or if there are no provisional ballots.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GEORGETOWN (Reuters) -Guyanese voters will cast general election ballots on Monday to decide whether President Irfaan Ali's ruling People's Progressive Party preserves its parliamentary majority and keeps steering one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Powered by offshore discoveries made by ExxonMobil, the South American country, home to some 800,000 people, has recorded double-digit economic growth for five years straight.

But opposition groups - including five parties challenging the PPP for parliamentary seats - say the government's infrastructure-heavy spending drive has not done enough to address high everyday expenses and improve the quality of life.

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The PPP, which scraped together a majority of 33 of 65 National Assembly seats in the 2020 election, is widely expected to secure the most seats again because of its strong base among Indo-Guyanese voters, Guyana's largest ethnic group, and the fracturing of a coalition that once unseated it.

Even a small drop in seats could force the party to seek opposition support to pass laws.

The government has given annual pay hikes to its workers and offered cash transfers to Guyanese residents while expanding its housing program, though critics allege PPP loyalists benefited most, an accusation Ali has denied.

"President Ali has delivered on many of his promises through healthcare, infrastructure, and especially with empowering youths," said Chandradatt Jagdeo, a 24-year-old medical student, highlighting a government decision to make tuition free at the University of Guyana and other state institutions.

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A gas-to-power project the government championed was originally expected to be completed last year, reducing power bills and frequent blackouts, but it has been delayed to mid-2026.

Three opposition parties have vowed to seek a larger share of earnings from the country's contract with Exxon.

Two of them - A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) - signed the deal while in government in 2016 and rejected calls to renegotiate it, but changed their stance after leaving office.

Ali's government says it will preserve the deal, which Exxon says it will not reopen.

"I support the APNU because I think they have a very sound policy when it comes to people's development, in terms of alleviating poverty for the masses, and not just a section of people," said Maxine Aaron, 66, a retired veterinarian, adding education for young people is vital.

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WILD CARD?

The APNU and AFC, former coalition government partners, are running separately this year, but have both pledged to channel more oil wealth to low-income communities.

Meanwhile, popular businessman and former PPP donor Azruddin Mohamed could be a wild card.

Mohamed and his father, gold mining magnate Nazar Mohamed, were sanctioned by the U.S. last year over allegations they defrauded Guyana's government of tax revenue and bribed public officials.

Reuters reported in 2023 that U.S. authorities believe the family is using its gold-mining export routes to smuggle illegal gold from Venezuela and Colombian cocaine.

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The Mohameds have denied all wrongdoing, calling the accusations defamatory.

The younger Mohamed has built popularity in poor and Indigenous communities through philanthropy and founded his We Invest in Nationhood Party in June.

Two new parties formed by ex-APNU members are also running candidates.

Guyana's 2020 election was marred by a five-month standoff over vote counting, before Ali was declared the winner. This time, the elections commission has said it is working to deliver results by Wednesday.

(Reporting by Kemol KingEditing by Julia Symmes Cobb and Rod Nickel)
Osceola County is encouraging residents to prepare for hurricane season by attending a disaster preparedness workshop next week.

Habitat for Humanity is hosting the workshop on Thursday, September 4th, from 10 A.M. to noon at the Cannery Park Building on Virginia Avenue.

The event is a wonderful opportunity to learn about disaster preparedness and explore different home insurance options, all designed to help you feel more secure and informed.

The workshop is part of Osceola Countys efforts to prepare residents for hurricane season emergencies. Participants can learn about protecting their homes and families. Interested individuals can register online, making it accessible for all community members to improve their preparedness. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ)  Weeks after a cyber attack took down the website for the Office of Attorney General, AG Dave Sunday is updating the public as services are being restored.

According to Sunday, a hacker took over the site, encrypting files and demanding payment to restore operations earlier this month. The attack knocked servers offline, creating chaos for Pennsylvanians trying to access services.

While the attacker(s) demanded money, no payment was made to them, according to Sunday. An active investigation is ongoing, which limits the office from commenting further.

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This situation has certainly tested OAG staff and prompted some modifications to our typical routines  however, we are committed to our duty and mission to protect and represent Pennsylvanians, and are confident that mission is being fulfilled, Sunday said. You can judge the character of an organization by how it reacts to adversity. I am very proud of our staff who continue to work and find ways to overcome these unexpected hurdles to fulfill our duty to the Commonwealth.

Charges filed after 400+ illegal gambling devices seized in Pennsylvania

Sunday added that the majority of his office staff now have access to emails and are able to communicate efficiently with constituents. Additionally, the main office phone line and the website are restored.

Approximately 1,200 staff members are now able to perform their duties.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

The Office of Attorney General is continuing to work to restore full operations and is working with other agencies to avoid future incidents. Complaints from Pennsylvanians are being received, and they are in communication with local, state, and federal partner agencies, Sunday added in his release.

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Sunday also noted that this will not be the last public update on the situation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
We will preserve the lives of the captives to the extent that we can, the terror group said. They will remain with our fighters in the places of confrontation, exposed to the same risks.

Hamass military wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida, declared on Friday that Israeli hostages are being held alongside its fighters in combat zones under the same perilous conditions, as Israel intensifies preparations for a full-scale invasion of Gaza City.

We will preserve the lives of the captives to the extent that we can, the terror group said. They will remain with our fighters in the places of confrontation, exposed to the same risks.

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The IDFs expansion of operations will increase the chances of capturing IDF soldiers, the Hamas spokesperson warned. He also threatened that Hamas terrorists are on high alert and will teach the IDF, what he referred to a "harsh lesson."

Hamas added that for every hostage killed as a result of Israeli military action, it would publish the individuals name, photograph, and proof of death.

The statement comes as the IDF prepares for a Gaza City offensive, having already initiated the initial phases of the operation. The city has been the focal point of heavy fighting earlier in the war and remains a strategic stronghold for Hamas.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved operational plans for the takeover of Gaza City and directed the resumption of hostage negotiationson Israels terms. The decision followed weeks of pressure from hostage families and security officials concerned for the hostages' fate.

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida delivers a speech following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, January 19, 2025 (credit: Hamas Armed Wing Media/Handout via REUTERS)

In parallel, the IDF has mobilized approximately 60,000 reservistsin anticipation of what is expected to be one of the largest ground campaigns since the war began in October 2023.

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Gaza City has now been designated a combat zone by the IDF, underscoring the intensity of the campaign. While humanitarian pauses are in effect in parts of central and southern Gaza, they do not apply to the north, and particularly not to Gaza City.

IDF recovers body of Ilan Weiss, second unnamed hostage

On Friday, the IDF and Shin Bet recovered the body of hostage Ilan Weiss, who was abducted from Kibbutz Beeri during the October 7 massacre.

They also retrieved what appears to be the remains of a second hostage, whose identity is currently being verified through forensic analysis.
Mattresses on the floor, next to bunk beds, in meeting rooms and gymnasiums. No access to a bathroom or drinking water. Hourlong lines to buy food at the commissary or to make a phone call.

These are some of the conditions described by lawyers and the people held at immigrant detention facilities around the country over the last few months. The number of detained immigrants surpassed a record 60,000 this month. A Los Angeles Times analysis of public data shows that more than a third of ICE detainees have spent time in an overcapacity dedicated detention center this year.

In the first half of the year, at least 19 out of 49 dedicated detention facilities exceeded their rated bed capacity and many more holding facilities and local jails exceeded their agreed-upon immigrant detainee capacity. During the height of arrest activity in June, facilities that were used to operating with plenty of available beds suddenly found themselves responsible for the meals, medical attention, safety and sleeping space for four times as many detainees as they had the previous year.

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There are so many things weve seen before  poor food quality, abuse by guards, not having clean clothes or underwear, not getting hygiene products, said Silky Shah, executive director of Detention Watch Network, a coalition that aims to abolish immigrant detention. But the scale at which its happening feels greater, because its happening everywhere and people are sleeping on floors."

Shah said there's no semblance of dignity now. "Ive been doing this for many years; I dont think I even had the imagination of it getting this bad," she added.

Shah said conditions have deteriorated in part because of how quickly this administration scaled up arrests. It took the first Trump administration more than two years to reach its peak of about 55,0000 detainees in 2019.

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the allegations about inhumane detention conditions false and a "hoax." She said the agency has significantly expanded detention space in places such as Indiana and Nebraska and is working to rapidly remove detainees from those facilities to their countries of origin.

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McLaughlin emphasized that the department provides comprehensive medical care, but did not respond to questions about other conditions.

Detainees do stretches outdoors as a helicopter flies overhead at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Krome detention center in Miami on July 4, 2025. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press)

At the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, the maximum number of detainees in a day in 2024 was 615, four more than the rated bed capacity of 611. In late June of this year, the detainee population reached 1,961, more than three times the capacity. The facility, which is near the Everglades, spent 161 days in the beginning of the year with more people to house than beds.

Miami attorney Katie Blankenship of the legal aid organization Sanctuary of the South represents people detained at Krome. Last month, she saw nine Black men piled into a visitation room, surrounded with glass windows, that holds a small table and four chairs. They had pushed the table against the wall and spread a cardboard box flat across the floor, where they were taking turns sleeping.

The men had no access to a bathroom or drinking water. They stood because there was no room to sit.

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Blankenship said three of the men put their documents up to the window so she could better understand their cases. All had overstayed their visas and were detained as part of an immigration enforcement action, not criminal proceedings.

Another time, Blankenship said, she saw an elderly man cramped up in pain, unable to move, on the floor of a bigger room. Other men put chairs together and lifted him so he could rest more comfortably while guards looked on, she said.

Blankenship visits often enough that people held in the visitation and holding rooms recognize her as a lawyer whenever she walks by. They bang on the glass, yell out their identification numbers and plead for help, she said.

These are images that wont leave me, Blankenship said. Its dystopian.

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Krome is unique in the dramatic fluctuation of its detainee population. On Feb. 18, the facility saw its biggest single-day increase. A total of 521 individuals were booked in, most transferred from hold rooms across the state, including Orlando and Tampa. Hold rooms are temporary spaces for detainees to await further processing for transfers, medical treatment or other movement into or out of a facility. They are to be used to hold individuals for no more than 12 hours.

On the day after its huge influx, Krome received a waiver exempting the facility from the requirement to log hold room activity. But it never resumed the logs. Homeland Security did not respond to a request for an explanation of the exception.

After reaching their first peak of 1,764 on March 16, the trend reversed.

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) visited Krome on April 24. In the weeks before the visit, hundreds of detainees were transferred out. Most were moved to other facilities in Florida, some to Texas and Louisiana.

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When those lawmakers came around, they got rid of a whole bunch of detainees, said Blankenships client Mopvens Louisdor.

The 30-year-old man from Haiti said conditions started to deteriorate around March as hundreds of extra people were packed into the facility.

Staffers are so overwhelmed that for detainees who cant leave their cells for meals, he said, by the time food gets to us, its cold.

Also during this time, from April 29 through May 1, the facility underwent a compliance inspection conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Detention Oversight. Despite the dramatic reduction in the population, the inspection found several issues with crowding and meals. Some rooms exceeded the 25-person capacity for each and some hold times were nearly double the 12-hour limit. Inspectors observed detainees sleeping on the hold room floors without pillows or blankets. Staffers had not recorded offering a meal to the detainees in the hold rooms for more than six hours.

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Sanitary and medical attention were also areas of concern noted in the inspection. In most units, there were too many detainees for the number of toilets, showers and sinks. Some medical records showed that staffers failed to complete required mental and medical health screenings for new arrivals, and failed to complete tuberculosis screenings.

Detainees have tested positive for tuberculosis at facilities such as the Anchorage Correctional Complex in Alaska and the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. McLaughlin, the Homeland Security assistant secretary, said that detainees are screened for tuberculosis within 12 hours of arrival and that anyone who refuses a test is isolated as a precaution.

It is a long-standing practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody," she said. "This includes medical, dental, and mental health intake screening within 12 hours of arriving at each detention facility, a full health assessment within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arrival at a facility, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care."

Facility administrators built a tented area outside the main building to process arriving detainees, but it wasnt enough to alleviate the overcrowding, Louisdor said. Earlier this month, areas with space for around 65 detainees were holding more than 100, with cots spread across the floor between bunk beds.

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Louisdor said a young man who uses a wheelchair had resorted to relieving himself in a water bottle because staffers werent available to escort him to the restroom.

During the daily hour that detainees are allowed outside for recreation, 300 people stood shoulder to shoulder, he said, making it difficult to get enough exercise. When fights occasionally broke out, guards could do little to stop them, he said.

The line to buy food or hygiene products at the commissary was so long that sometimes detainees left empty-handed.

Louisdor said he has bipolar disorder, for which he takes medication. The day he had a court hearing, the staff mistakenly gave him double the dosage, leaving him unable to stand.

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Since then, Louisdor said, conditions have slightly improved, though some dormitories are still overcrowded.

In California, detainees and lawyers similarly reported that medical care has deteriorated.

Tracy Crowley, a staff attorney at Immigrant Defenders Law Center, said clients with serious conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer dont receive their medication some days.

Cells that house up to eight people are packed with 11. With air conditioning blasting all night, detainees have told her the floor is cold and they have gotten sick. Another common complaint, she said, is that clothes and bedding are so dirty that some clients are getting rashes all over their bodies, making it difficult to sleep.

Luis at Chicano Park in San Diego on Aug. 23, 2025. (Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

One such client is Luis, a 40-year-old from Colombia who was arrested in May at the immigration court in San Diego after a hearing over his pending asylum petition. Luis asked to be identified by his middle name out of concern over his legal case.

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When he first arrived at Otay Mesa Detention Center, Luis said, the facility was already filled to the maximum capacity. By the time he left June 30, it was overcrowded. Rooms that slept six suddenly had 10 people. Mattresses were placed in a mixed-use room and in the gym.

Luis developed a rash, but at the medical clinic he was given allergy medication and sleeping pills. The infection continued until finally he showed it over a video call to his mother, who had worked in public health, and she told him to request an anti-fungal cream.

Luis was held at Otay Mesa Detention Center after his May arrest. It was at capacity when he arrived but by the time he left in June, it was overcrowded, he said. (Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

Other detainees often complained to Luis that their medication doses were incomplete or missing, including two men in his dorm who took anti-psychotic medication.

They would get stressed out, start to fight  everything irritated them, he said. That affected all of us.

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Crowley said the facility doesnt have the infrastructure or staff to hold as many people as are there now. The legal system also cant process them in a timely manner, she said, forcing people to wait months for a hearing.

The administrations push to detain more people is only compounding existing issues, Crowley said.

Theyre self-imposing the limit, and most of the people involved in that decision-making are financially incentivized to house more and more people, she said. Where is the limit with this administration?

Read more: Moldy food, dirty towels: Critics warn of inhumane conditions at California's largest detention center

Members of the California National Guard load a truck outside the ICE Processing Center in Adelanto, Calif., on July 11, 2025. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP/Getty Images)

Other facilities in California faced similar challenges. At the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, the number of detainees soared to 1,000 from 300 over a week in June, prompting an outcry over deteriorated conditions.

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As of July 29, Adelanto held 1,640 detainees. The Desert View Annex, an adjacent facility also operated by the GEO Group, held 451.

Disability Rights California toured the facility and interviewed staffers and 18 people held there. The advocacy organization released a report last month detailing its findings, including substantial delays in meal distribution, a shortage of drinking water, and laundry washing delays, leading many detainees to remain in soiled clothing for long periods.

In a letter released last month, 85 Adelanto detainees wrote, They always serve the food cold  sometimes we dont have water for 2 to 7 hours and they said to us to drink from the sink.

At the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Ga., Rodney Taylor, a double amputee, was rendered nearly immobile.

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Taylor, who was born in Liberia, uses electronic prosthetic legs that must be charged and cant get wet. The outlets in his dormitory were inoperable, and because of the overcrowding and short-staffing, guards couldnt take him to another area to plug them in, said his fiancee, Mildred Pierre.

When theyre not charged theyre super heavy, like dead weight, she said. It becomes difficult to balance without falling.

Pierre said the air conditioning in his unit didnt work for two months, causing water to puddle on the floor. Taylor feared he would slip while walking and fall  which happened once in May  and damage the expensive prosthetics.

Last month, Taylor refused to participate in the daily detainee count, telling guards he wouldnt leave his cell unless they agreed to leave the cell doors open to let the air circulate.

They didnt take him to charge his legs and now they wanted him to walk through water and go in a hot room, Pierre recalled. He said no  he stood his ground.

Several guards surrounded him, yelling, Pierre said. They placed him in solitary confinement for three days as punishment, she said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Offering thoughts and prayers after a tragedy may sound insufficient, said Father Chris Collins, a Jesuit priest and vice president for mission at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey expressed a similar point of view on Wednesday after two children were killed and 14 others and two elderly parishioners were injured when a shooter fired through the windows of a church during first week of class at Annunciation Catholic School.

Dont just say, This is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying, Frey said at a press conference on the scene. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without the fear or risk of violence, and their parents should have the same kind of assurance.

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Politicians and public figures often offer their thoughts and prayers in the aftermath of tragedy  particularly mass shooting incidents. And the phrase can quickly spark contentious debate, as many argue that the phrase is just a way to shut down conversation when very little has been done to prevent further American gun violence. The phrase has become a commonly understood meme for empty platitudes.

The unfortunate thing is, thoughts and prayers that get said all over the place and very often becomes, in some ways, something thats thrown out there to make it seem like you care when you dont really care, said the Very Rev. Sarah Hurlbert, dean of the Cathedral of All Souls, an Episcopal church in Asheville, North Carolina. The cathedral was inundated and extensively damaged by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

However, in the immediate aftermath of something horrible, when everyone feels helpless, prayer can be a good place to go at the start, said Collins. And depending on how you understand them, prayers can be a powerful tool in times of difficulty, religious leaders know.

People attend a vigil at Lynnhurst Park to mourn the dead and pray for the wounded after a gunman opened fire on students at Annunciation Catholic School. - Scott Olson/Getty Images

Connection to one another

When Collins arrived at Church of St. Peter Claver in Minneapolis after this weeks shooting at Annunciation, he found people in the pews, sitting together in silent prayer.

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It was beautiful  really so simple, but beautiful, he said. In the moment, what else are you going to do? What else can you do, but be together and let God be with us too?

Connecting with God in that way can be one of the primary intentions of prayer, as well as connecting with a feeling of love, said Rev. Janet Maykus, transitional senior pastor of the United Christian Church in Austin, Texas.

The idea is that we believe that we are all connected, and that as we lift prayers for other people were made more expansive, we are able to hold things that we didnt know we could hold emotionally, she said.

To say, I am praying for you, can also be like a promise to be present with another person in their struggle, said Dr. Shelly Rambo, professor of theology at Boston University.

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One form of prayer could translate to meaning, I promise to stay with you and hold you in all of the hope that faith claims, Rambo said.

That promise can mean acknowledging a situation as terrible and important, and the person praying can serve as someone else standing by someone who is in a hard situation, she added.

Pledging to stay with another person in your thoughts and hold compassion and hope for them is even more powerful when it is followed by commitment, Rambo said.

Tim and Katharine Barr kneel and pray at a memorial at Annunciation Catholic Church after Wednesday's school shooting in Minneapolis. - Abbie Parr/AP

Prayer works because it changes us

Different faiths  and even different denominations or sects of the same faith  may have different understandings of the purpose of prayer.

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For some people, praying is asking God to change something in the world. But Maykus of the United Christian Church in Austin, Texas, offers a different perspective. She preaches to her congregation that prayer is intended to change a person internally.

The power of prayer is like meditation or something else. Its the more I pray, the more Im changed, she said.

When she prays for people who are unhoused, Maykus said, she doesnt think God will create more places for people to go. Instead, she finds that the prayer draws attention to what is important to her, and she starts to think about what she can do to create the changes she hopes to see.

I believe prayer works because it changes us, said Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner, senior pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. What prayer can do is give us the ability to see not just the news stories but the people who are actually involved in them, and to figure out how we can be present.

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Prayer gives us the vision to see everyone as Gods beloved, Kershner said, and then it motivates us into acting that out in the way we live our lives and the way we use our resources.

Pairing prayer with action

For people who do not practice a prayer tradition, offering thoughts and prayers can sound like no one is going to do anything about the hardship or wrongdoing.

That doesnt have to be the case. Actually, I think that the biblical understanding of those things is that that means that were required to act out of it, Kershner said.

Prayer can be important before taking action to solve a problem, Hurlbert said. It can be helpful to take a moment and ground yourself in compassion to make sure you are being attentive to the person who needs it, she added.

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If you skip one and go to the other, we mess up very quickly, Hurlbert said.

Conversely, praying without actually getting involved or participating in the community misses the opportunity for healing, she added. That can look like meals, childcare or even continuing to check in emotionally with those directly affected.

Thoughts and prayers are really important, but God also gave us brains and ways to use our bodies for service, Kershner added.

At a Wednesday press conference, Matthew DeBoer, Annunciations principal, called on the community to work toward no other family having to go through the loss of children to a shooting again.

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There is an African proverb that says, When you pray, move your feet, he said. I beg you, I ask you to please pray, but dont stop with your words. Lets make a difference and support this community, these children, these families, these teachers  never again can we let this happen.

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UPDATE: This story has been updated to clarify how much the county has spent to date on the project to replace airport signs.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Clark County will receive a budget update next week on spending so far on the $7.68 million project to convert signs at Harry Reid International Airport.

A document available in advance of the meeting shows $7,094,274 has already been spent on the conversion. All funds for the project come from donations. The estimated cost of the conversion is $7,680,247.

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The Clark County Department of Aviation told 8 News Now that the project is expected to be completed without exceeding donated funds.

The Clark County Commission meets on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The airport carried the name McCarran International Airport from 1948 to 2021, when the county approved the change. Plans to fund the signage changeover specified the project would be paid for with private donations.

A budget summary dated Aug. 19 is below:

Airport Name Change  Budget Summary Upd Matrix 08-19-2025Download

Costs went up significantly in the first phase, mostly because of marquee signs at the main airport entrances.

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The project halted in 2022 when Rosemary Vassiliadis, director of the Department of Aviation, told commissioners that rising construction costs and a lack of funding stood in the way. It has since resumed.

Nevada Sen. Patrick McCarran, a Democrat, represented Nevada from 12932 until he died in 1954. The county changed the name, citing McCarrans record of racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

Reid has been called the most influential politician in the states history, rising to the position of U.S. Senate majority leader under President Barack Obama. Reid died of pancreatic cancer at 82 on Dec. 28, 2021.

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William Hart would take over a Department of Corrections that has been dealing with significant prison staffing issues. (Photo by Dave Cummings/New Hampshire Bulletin)

William Hart was confirmed as commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections Wednesday after facing questions earlier in the week from the Executive Council about how hed lead the embattled department through a series of challenges.

Im here because I believe in public service, Hart said during a Monday hearing ahead of the vote. What I think I bring to this position is an ability to build trust.

William Hart

Former Commissioner Helen Hanks resigned suddenly in mid-May amid staffing problems and allegations she destroyed evidence about a death inside a state prison. John Scippa, director of the states Police Standards and Training Board, served as interim director and approached Hart about the role, Hart said.

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Hart said the biggest challenge the Corrections Department faces is rebuilding the culture. In April, state Rep. Dan McGuire, an Epsom Republican and vice chair of the House Finance Committee, told his fellow lawmakers he had lost confidence in Hanks, saying that his sources, whom he did not name, in the department had told him her decision-making was flawed. Hart said he wants to rebuild a trust-based culture.

And when I say trust-based, I dont mean just the trust between the commissioner and governor or the department and the state of New Hampshire, he said. I also mean those who come to work in the Department of Corrections every day in dangerous and sometimes very frightening jobs, their trust in their leadership has to be rebuilt and thats no reflection on anyone that came before me. Its simply the way I like to manage and hopefully lead.

Hart takes over a department with severe staffing issues. Last June, Hanks told the Bulletin 47% of the departments positions were vacant. She said the department was facing a $3.44 million deficit caused in large part by the overtime payments needed to cover the vacancies. This year, lawmakers, seeking to cut costs amid a difficult budget planning process, eliminated dozens of positions, many of which were vacant.

Hart may also become responsible for building a new mens prison as the current one in Concord is decaying. Asked how he would approach doing so by councilors, Hart said hed lean on state leaders and commissioners from other states for advice and input. He acknowledged the price tag is a hefty one but said each moment that we do not act that price will go up.

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Hart comes to the department from the U.S. Marshal Service. He was appointed Marshal for New Hampshire by former President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June 2023. Before the Marshal Service, Hart had a career in local law enforcement and as a prosecutor in New Hampshire. He was Londonderrys police chief and Rockingham County attorney, though he has no experience in corrections. Hart also served in the Marine Corps and studied at Merrimack College and Boston College School of Law.

In terms of my career, Ive frankly been more lucky than good, Hart said.

Hart was confirmed with the support of all but one of the five councilors. Janet Stevens, a Rye Republican, did not say why she voted against his confirmation.
By Shariq Khan

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices settled higher on Thursday, bouncing off early losses after the White House said U.S. President Donald Trump was not happy when he learned that Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones overnight.

Brent crude futures settled up 57 cents, or 0.8%, at $68.62 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 45 cents, or 0.7%, to close at $64.60 a barrel.

Russia hit Ukraine with deadly missiles and drone strikes early on Thursday, killing at least 21 people in Kyiv, city officials said. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said it used drones to hit two Russian oil refineries overnight.

Trump will make a statement on the situation later on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. Both oil benchmarks were down about 1% earlier in the session, but turned positive after her comments.

Traders are also watching for India's response to pressure from the U.S. to stop buying Russian oil, after Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India to as much as 50% on Wednesday.

Russian oil exports to India are set to rise in September, dealers said, defying the U.S. pressure.

Oil prices were under pressure earlier in the session as traders braced for lower fuel demand after the U.S. Labor Day long weekend.

Crude oil supply is also set to rise due to an OPEC+ plan to raise September output by 547,000 barrels per day.

Weaker demand and higher supply will cause oil inventories to rise, Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note.

"That will be weighing on energy futures across the spectrum as summer turns into fall, and as gasoline demand tapers off and refiners shift to the lower-priced winter grade product," they said.

Further pressuring oil prices, Russian crude supplies to Hungary and Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline have restarted after an outage caused by a Ukrainian attack in Russia last week, Hungarian oil company MOL and Slovakia's economy minister said on Thursday.

(Additional reporting by Sam Li in Beijing and Siyi Liu in Singapore; Editing by Louise Heavens, Ros Russell, David Gregorio and Diane Craft)
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven high school student who has spent more than a month in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention was granted bond on Thursday by a federal judge, according to his attorney.

New Haven student detained by ICE moved back to facility in Massachusetts

Connecticut Students for a Dream says this opens the door for 18-year-old Esdras to return home and reunite with his loved ones.

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Esdras was detained in late July while working at a local car wash. Since his detainment, he has been sent to various detention centers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Louisiana.

Officials: New Haven student detained by ICE

Community leaders are scheduled to gather on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Wilbur Cross High School to share updates on Esdras. While he will not be in attendance, his attorney will be taking questions on his behalf.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem brought her husband Bryon to her grilling on Capitol Hill after a report that Donald Trump is considering firing the top administration official over her problematic alleged lover. Noem showed up before the House Committee on Homeland Security with members of her family in attendance on Thursday. One person who did not appear to be in the hearing room: Corey Lewandowski.
By Fabian Hamacher

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan has the right to be free and "preserve self-determination", U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Armed Services Committee and one of the strongest advocates for Taiwan in the U.S. Congress, told the island's president on Friday.

Wicker, a Republican, told Taiwan President Lai Ching-te during a meeting at the presidential office in Taipei that he and his colleague, Senator Deb Fischer, were visiting to get a better understanding of Taiwan's needs and concerns.

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"We come here from the United States bringing a message from the Congress of commitment, of long-term friendship and a determination that a free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and preserve self-determination," Wicker said.

Beijing, which regularly denounces any shows of support for Taipei from Washington, repeated its opposition to Wicker's trip. China firmly opposes any official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan, the country's foreign ministry said.

Wicker is visiting democratically governed Taiwan, which China views as its own territory, as Beijing ratchets up its military pressure on the island.

China has increased its military activities around Taiwan over the past five years or so, including staging war games. Beijing has never renounced the potential use of force to bring Taiwan under its control.

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Lai reiterated to Wicker his offer to talk to China - which Beijing has repeatedly rejected - but said that Taiwan's future can only be decided by its people.

Taiwan hopes to strengthen its security cooperation with the United States, including on designing and manufacturing weapons, Lai added.

The U.S. Senate is due to consider next week the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, a nearly $1 trillion bill that sets policy for the Pentagon.

Wicker, speaking earlier on Friday as he arrived at Taipei's downtown airport on a U.S. Air Force 737, said that this year's NDAA would "add to the provisions again" when it came to Taiwan, though he gave no details.

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Wicker is visiting just a few days before Beijing holds a mass military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, where guests include Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

His trip also takes place as some members of Congress - both President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans and Democrats - have expressed concern that Trump is de-emphasising security issues as he works on negotiating a trade deal with China.

Administration officials have said Trump remains fully committed to Asia-Pacific security matters as he pursues his trade agenda and a good personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The United States is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.

(Reporting by Fabian HamacherWriting by Ben BlanchardEditing by Stephen Coates and Frances Kerry)
The Ukrainian delegation held talks with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trumps Special Envoy for the Middle East, for which they arrived in the United States.

Source: European Pravda; Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on X (Twitter)

Details: Yermak noted that he spoke with Witkoff and First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia in New York.

"The key priority is to push forward real diplomacy and ensure the implementation of all the agreements reached at the Washington summit. We are coordinating our efforts," the official said.

Yermak noted that he had told Trump's special representative about Russia's ongoing war crimes against Ukraine, including the latest large-scale attack on Kyiv, which killed 23 people.

Together with the First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, @SergiyKyslytsya, I held a meeting in New York with the Special Envoy of U.S. President @POTUS, @SteveWitkoff.



The key priority is to push forward real diplomacy and ensure the implementation of all the pic.twitter.com/38lluDmCk6  Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) August 29, 2025

The head of the Office of the President emphasised that Russia is not taking any of the steps that could end the war and is, on the contrary, prolonging it.

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"Ukraine welcomes all peace initiatives put forward by the United States. But unfortunately, each of them is being stalled by Russia. We are open to direct negotiations at the leaders level and ready to discuss the broadest spectrum of issues. We believe that global pressure is needed to ensure Russia is genuinely ready to move toward peace and, in particular, to hold critically important leaders meetings for that purpose."

Yermak added that he had invited Witkoff to come to Ukraine in the near future.

Background:

On 22 August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Vladimir Putin would meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy only after the "summit programme" was prepared, and there were no such plans at the moment.

On 29 August, the Kremlin reiterated that it did not object to the meeting as such, but after it was prepared "at the expert level".

Media reports indicate that US President Donald Trump intends to leave it to Russia and Ukraine to organise a meeting between their leaders and will thus withdraw from the talks for now.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
NEED TO KNOW

Nurse Alice Craft-Kerney and her mother, who was in a wheelchair, were escorted onto a plane by armed men when New Orleans was evacuated after Hurricane Katrina

That same year, she began planning to open a much-needed clinic for the Lower Ninth Ward

"That left a city that already was medically underserved, really critically medically underserved," says Craft-Kerney of the exit of health care workers from the city

Alice Craft-Kerney, a registered nurse, has always been a caretaker. Despite her training, she couldnt have anticipated the unimaginable trials that came after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005.

Unwilling to leave her disabled mother, the family was forced by armed National Guardsmen onto a plane during the evacuation of residents.

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The military, they followed their orders, but that didn't mean that I was not concerned about my human rights being violated, Craft-Kerney, now 68, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue marking the 20th anniversary of the natural disaster. We were internally displaced in our own country.

When Craft-Kerney returned to Louisiana, she poured all of her efforts into opening up a clinic in the Lower Ninth Ward, where many of the city's most vulnerable individuals lived  and, if the area was underserved before, it was "really critically" medically underserved after Katrina as many health care workers never returned.

I couldn't allow the folks, who I took care of, to be out there without medical care, adds the nurse, one of the survivors featured in the new National Geographic five-part documentary, Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time.

Rebuilding her home would have to wait.

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Even after two decades, Katrina remains one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in United States history.

The Category 5 storm first landed in the Big Easy on Monday, Aug. 29, 2005. That same day, flooding caused the levees separating the historic city from Lake Pontchartrain to fracture. By Wednesday, at least 80% of New Orleans was under water. Katrina ended up causing 1,833 deaths and more than $100 billion in damage, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives. It also puts a spotlight on the courage of first responders and the residents' fight for survival.

This is far more than a story about a storm, executive producers Jonathan Chinn and Simon Chinn said in a statement. Its a compelling, essential reexamination of systemic failure and the enduring consequences of decisions made before, during and after the levees broke.

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For Craft-Kerney, her determination to fill the gaping hole in post-storm medical care began after she ensured the safety of her family.

While her son was away at college, the health care worker lived alone in her four-bedroom home in New Orleans East. As Katrina approached, she sought shelter with her mother, who was in her 80s and in a wheelchair, at her brother Rodneys house in the Ninth Ward with other family members.

Courtesy Alice Craft-Kerney A health care worker treating at patient at the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic. A health care worker treating at patient at the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic.

The house was built on piers and survived the initial storm  just like the family had made it through Hurricane Betsy, a Category 4 storm that hit Louisiana in September 1965. Then the levees broke early Monday morning, sending six feet of water into the building.

Despite the terrifying ordeal  and the dead bodies and floating cars they saw on their way to safety  the Craft family eventually arrived at the airport with other survivors. It was there that Craft-Kerney and her loved ones were forced onto a plane, which took them to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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I wasn't any type of criminal, so I couldn't understand why can't we move? Why can't we get to where we want to go?" says Craft-Kerney, who had been in touch with her oldest sister in Houma, La., a city an hours drive southwest of New Orleans. The whole family would have been welcome there.

Unlike many other families transported away from their homes, the Crafts were welcomed in Albuquerque.

We met a lot of very kind, caring people in Albuquerque, remembers Craft-Kerney. We were very warmly received not only by their citizens, but by their local and state government, as well as nonprofits and service-related organizations.

Despite the gracious welcome, it was a hard transition. Upon arrival, Craft-Kerneys mom needed to be hospitalize and she remembers her sister-in-law bursting into tears while trying to change her father, a bilateral amputee, under a sheet in public.

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"The devastation of losing everything" made the situation even more overwhelming.

As soon as Craft-Kerney arrived, she says she was focused on trying to plot my way back home, even though her home was destroyed after taking in five feet of water.

A church ended up helping the family return to New Orleans, though one of Craft-Kerneys sisters stayed in Albuquerque with her family.

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.

Later that year, she began planning the Lower 9th Ward Health Clinic, with the help of other local health professionals who returned to the city and donations from nonprofits. The nurses friend and fellow registered nurse, Patricia Berryhill, even allowed her home to be used for the clinic until another building was found.

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But, at the grand opening in 2006, an inspector closed them down for using the wrong permit. That didnt stop Craft-Kerney or others at the clinic from pushing forward. They were able to reopen in early 2007.

The need was tremendous, she says. Though the clinic closed in 2011, Craft-Kerney has continued to advocate for the health of her community, especially the need for better maternal health care. Shes also doing her part to bring back the sense of cultural unity that has defined New Orleans.

It was like an idyllic town where everybody knew each other, Craft-Kerney recalls. I knew who I could call on if I needed assistance  it was just that kind of community.

Read the original article on People
Dr. Demetre Daskalakiss resignation on Wednesday as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases marked a dramatic rupture inside the nations premier public health agency. In a blistering public letter, he accused the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of dismantling scientific integrity, sidelining career experts, and reshaping vaccine policy to fit ideology rather than medical evidence.

I am unable to serve in an environment that treats CDC as a tool to generate policies and materials that do not reflect scientific reality and are designed to hurt rather than to improve the publics health, Daskalakis wrote. I find that the views [RFK Jr.] and his staff have shared challenge my ability to continue in my current role at the agency and in the service of the health of the American people. Enough is enough.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis serving as the Grand Marsal for NYC Pride in 2021. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images

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He warned that the administrations directives, suppressing data and narrowing vaccine eligibility, threaten the lives of the youngest Americans and pregnant people. Such moves, he wrote, could return the country to a pre-vaccine era where only the strong will survive. He described Kennedys rhetoric as derivative of a legacy that good medicine and science should continue to shun, and added that his decision was also shaped by the administrations attacks on transgender Americans and efforts to terminate domestic and global HIV programs.

Daskalakis's resignation came after Susan Monarez, Ph.D., was forced out as the CDC director only several weeks after being sworn into the role.

On Thursday, outside CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Daskalakis addressed hundreds of staff members who gathered to see him off, many of them cheering and crying. He reminded them that their work, not political dictates, defined the agency. What makes CDC great are the people that make CDC up: the scientists, everyone that makes this a family, and its a family that defends our country and the health of our children and the health of adults, he said. You are the people that protect America, and America needs to see that you are the people that protect America, and we are going to be your loudest advocates. He closed with a charge to his colleagues: We have to go, but now you all got this. The watch is yours, and you must take care of yourselves. It is your duty to the country to take care of you. Be well.

Adrian Shanker, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy at HHS under President Joe Biden, told The Advocate that Daskalakiss decision to resign publicly highlighted the dire situation inside the CDC had become.

Demetre is a dedicated public health leader and scientist who takes his ethics incredibly seriously, Shanker said. Hes not a politician, hes a scientist and a public health leader. The fact that he posted this letter so publicly tells me how severe the situation at CDC has become, and frankly, how dire it must feel to be there and to have to choose between doing what youre told by political leaders who are not focused on the science and evidence versus doing what the science and evidence are saying is right.

Dan Jernigan, Deb Houry, and Demetre Daskalakis walking out of the CDC's global headquarters today in Atlanta, Georgia.

Former CDC officials Dan Jernigan, Deb Houry, and Demetre Daskalakis walk out of global headquarters today in Atlanta, Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

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Shanker, who worked closely with Daskalakis during the 202223 mpox outbreak, said his integrity guided him through one of the most difficult public health crises of recent years.

The mpox outbreak in 2022 spread quickly in the U.S., disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men and transgender women. The virus, which causes painful lesions and flu-like symptoms, spread during a time of extreme vaccine shortages. Daskalakis, then serving as deputy coordinator of the White House response, championed the use of intradermal vaccination, which allowed each vial to provide four effective doses. The shift ended long waiting lists and brought the outbreak under control.

That was a risky move  if it didnt work, people would blame him, Shanker said. But it did work, and it saved lives. We would not have addressed mpox as quickly or as effectively without Demetres leadership.

Shanker added that Daskalakiss resignation comes at a perilous time. Americans are losing an incredibly qualified scientist at the head of a national center that oversees critical vaccination programs, he said. Were also losing a trusted messenger to the LGBTQ+ community, someone who was willing to step up in a moment of crisis and explain complicated science in ways people could understand.

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Harold Phillips, now deputy director of programs at NMAC, a nonprofit that works for health equity and racial justice to end HIV, and formerly the director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy under Biden, said Daskalakiss resignation letter should be read as a warning.

I think this letter serves as a clarion call that public health and public safety are in danger right now and have become politicized in ways we have perhaps never seen, Phillips told The Advocate. The people who resigned this week were the very ones many of us were counting on at CDC to provide balanced, evidence-based guidance. The fact that they felt they could not stay is scary and alarming, and everyone should be paying attention.

Phillips recalled first working with Daskalakis on a New York City HIV and hepatitis C project before collaborating again during the mpox crisis. When Demetre joined the mpox response, I didnt have to explain our communitys needs to him; he already knew, Phillips said. His enthusiasm for public health matched or exceeded my own, and that helped us get the rollout back on track when it was lagging. He brought credibility to the table and drove us to make sure the messaging was right, that shots were getting into arms, and that communities were being engaged in real time.

For Phillips, the loss is both professional and personal. Hes a phenomenal infectious-disease doctor who has worked inside government and knows how to make systems work to serve the people better. He has a rare ability to break down scientific information in a way that is understandable and digestible, so you walk away not just knowing what to do, but believing its going to be okay. His stepping away from CDC signals to me that hes not sure were going to be okay, and thats what scares me.

People protest in front of the CDC global headquarters in Atlanta on June 25. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

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Dr. Jonathan Mermin, who led the CDCs National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention during the Biden years and remains in the federal government although he was placed on administrative leave in April, described Daskalakis as a bold scientist and trusted messenger.

Demetre became a public health martial artist when the hardest days of HIV were fading, effective treatment had been discovered, and PrEP was on the horizon, Mermin told The Advocate. He flourished in preventing HIV and other infectious diseases in New York City and at CDC in part because he is devoted to working hand-in-hand with communities, using high-quality science to answer meaningful questions, and taking bold action when it is needed. He will be missed.

Mermin emphasized that while the CDC workforce will carry on, losing a leader of Daskalakiss caliber is a profound setback. There are hundreds of people in his Center who will continue to control outbreaks and prevent infectionsthat is what they do. But it is a complicated time, and losing a dynamic, smart leader who is deeply committed will hurt. He added that, as he continues to serve in the federal government, he cannot comment on administration policies.

On MSNBC Thursday afternoon, Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned as CDC Chief Medical Officer alongside Daskalakis, echoed his warnings. We have the highest number of measles cases in more than 30 years, she said. Vaccines can prevent measles. But if you have somebody not supporting the vaccine and giving misinformation about it, people are less likely to get vaccinated and trust the science. Hence, we have continued outbreaks and weve had pediatric deaths in measles that is unprecedented and just disastrous. That should not be happening. Its heartbreaking.

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Daskalakis closed his resignation letter with a personal reflection, tying his decision to his grandfather, who was killed resisting fascism in Greece. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud, he wrote.

For colleagues, that sense of moral clarity defines his career. It is so important that public health leaders stick with the science, which has always guided him, Shanker said. "Demetres strong moral compass wouldnt let him do otherwise.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Health officials and experts praise CDCs Demetre Daskalakis for standing up in blistering resignation

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Mold spores. Sewage overflows. Electricity outages that caused a medical device to stop working.

Many hazards arose during the Milwaukee area's historic flood earlier this month, and others have emerged since. City and county officials say they're tracking how it may have impacted residents' health, though that may be hard to nail down.

Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County's chief health policy advisor and chief medical director for the county's Office of Emergency Management, said data to assess possible health impacts will come from emergency medical services calls around the county.

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"It's a robust, rich dataset where we can track all sorts of things, so that's certainly something we'll be looking at moving forward," Weston said. "Are there more respiratory complaints? Do those respiratory complaints come from certain areas that experience worse flooding?"

More: Flooding can harm health even after water recedes. Here's how to protect yourself.

The Milwaukee Health Department is monitoring local emergency department data and has not seen an uptick in visits related to mold irritation or waterborne illness, said spokesperson Caroline Reinwald. The health department did see an increase in visits in the first few days after the flood for issues like difficulty breathing and exacerbation of chronic disease. Staff will continue to monitor such trends.

As with other environmental factors that can impact people's health, though, making the connection between the flood and someone's symptoms can be difficult, if not impossible.

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"If somebody comes in with respiratory distress ... is it the mold in your home? Is it the new cat in your house? Is it the fact that (a virus) is going around at your kid's school?" Weston said. "It'll be something to keep an eye on, but we'll have to rack our brains a little bit to figure out the best way to do it."

He estimated it could take six months to understand what the effects might have been.

Despite the difficulty, medical experts say it's still important to tell your health care provider about health problems you think could have arisen from  or been exacerbated by  the flood. Providers and community health workers are keeping track of that information to ensure that they can respond appropriately in the future.

More: Wisconsin could see more mosquitoes after historic floods. How to protect yourself

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Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee city, county officials tracking health impacts from flooding


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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

More frequent and longer-lasting heatwaves are now a reality in most parts of the world as the planet warms due to climate change.

A new study analyzing 25,000 people in Taiwan discerned that an extra 1.3 degrees Celsius aged participants 0.0230.031 years, though this varied among populations and impacted people who worked outside the most.

Although the exact mechanism of this aging isnt known, theres growing evidence that extreme heat damages human DNA by shortening telomeressimilar to the aging effects of heavy drinking and smoking.

Its no secret that the world is warming. U.S. science outfits like NOAA and NASA confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global averages exceeding pre-industrial levels by 2.63 degrees Fahrenheit. And as with most things related to climate change, the news isnt improvingscientists say that this past month was the third hottest in recorded history.

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Unfortunately, a warmer world comes with more frequent and prolonged heatwaves. Scientists are still trying to understand what this new reality means for human health, but so far, the news isnt good.

Earlier this year, scientists from the University of Southern California concluded that extreme heat accelerated aging in older adults. And now, a new study in the journal Nature Climate Change, led by scientists at the University of Hong Kong, has provided even more compelling evidence that heatwaves prematurely age useven as much as drinking and smoking.

Climate change and population aging are both urgent global challenges, the authors write. Yet the interaction between these, such as associations between long-term exposure to heatwaves and biological age acceleration is unclear.

To try and clear up this uncertainty, the authorsled by University of Hong Kongs Cui Guorelied on data gathered from a 25,000-person cohort over 15 years. This data included a series of medical tests related to blood pressure, inflammation, and organ function that all helped researchers to determine biological age. The team discerned that for every extra 1.3 C a participant was exposed to, around 0.0230.031 years was added to their biological clock.

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While the number itself may look small, over time and across populations, this effect can have meaningful public-health implications, Guo told Nature.

Also, these numbers didnt apply uniformly across populations. The Guardian reports that people who experienced four heatwaves over a two-year period saw their age increase by nine days, but manual workers who toil outside during these extended heat events saw an increase of 33 daysmore than three-fold the standard amount.

If heatwave exposure accumulates for several decades, the health impact will be much greater than we have reported, Guo told The Guardian. Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and lasting longer so the health impacts could be much greater [in the future].

The exact mechanism behind this accelerated aging isnt known, but like many age-related behaviors (such as heavy drinking and smoking), the culprit is likely increased DNA damage. A 2021 study showed that higher air temperature was associated with shorter telomere lengtha key indicator of aging.

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The anti-aging industry is a multi-billion-dollar business obsessed with grabbing back extra days, months, and years by any means necessaryoften with pseudo-scientific quackery . If human society really wanted to fight against the inexorable toll of time, then maybe cutting carbon dioxide emission should be top of mind.

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TAOS, N.M. (KRQE)  Patients needing emergency air medical transport in or around Taos will now have better access to critical care. TriState Careflight has launched a multi-year initiative to upgrade its fleet across the country. The new medical helicopter in Taos is the first aircraft to go into service as part of this upgrade.

New program allows UNM student nurses to provide care to Albuquerque shelter residents

This aircraft is crucial for transporting patients across the region quickly and safely, and will allow us to provide even more people with the best pre-hospital care, said Air Methods Account Executive Adam Johnson in a news release. Together with our base in Santa Fe, TriState CareFlight 16 supports our ecosystem of care across northern New Mexico to serve local communities when they need it the most.

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The helicopter acts as a flying ICU and carries the equipment and medications needed to provide life-saving care for trauma and critical patients. TriState Careflight is in-network with most health insurance providers and also has an advocacy program that works with all patients.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Court documents show that a Henagar police officer was indicted for sharing child sex abuse material.

According to the documents, Joshua Min Kwon, 41, of Henagar, was indicted on August 20. He was arrested in April and charged with public dissemination/displaying obscene matter of someone under 17.

A DeKalb County Investigator who is also assigned to the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a social media account that was used to share child pornography, the sheriffs office said.

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During the investigation, DeKalb County Investigators and Special Response Team, along with ALEA, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, and the Department of Homeland Security searched a home in Jackson County early Thursday, April 24.

After reviewing IP address details and logs, obtaining electronic devices, and speaking with witnesses it was determined another potential suspect in this case to be a police officer employed with the town of Henagar, DCSO added at the time of the arrest.

On August 29, DCSO told News 19 that Kwon was no longer employed as a police officer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Nvidia (NVDA) stock remains in focus ahead of the artificial intelligence (AI) behemoths fiscal second-quarter earnings scheduled for after market close on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

At the time of writing, options traders are betting on a potential 5.59% move in NVDA shares in either direction after the quarterly print. This expected move is based on options with expiry on Friday, Aug. 29 and is calculated based on 85% of the value of the at-the-money straddle.

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The semiconductor stock has averaged a 4.72% move following earnings over the past four quarters. Heading into its Q2 print, Nvidia stock is up more than 100% versus its year-to-date low set in April.

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Why Nvidia Stock Could Pull Back After Q2 Earnings

Nvidia stock has pulled back following three of its last four earnings events, and the Q2 release today may not be any different, says Tom Sosnoff, the co-founder of Tastytrade.

According to him, the semiconductor stock is significantly overvalued and due for a breather heading into the quarterly update.

However, there are reasons beyond valuation that could weigh on NVDA shares after the financial release.

For one, management could guide cautiously amidst geopolitical risks to its China business, which could disappoint investors and trigger a meaningful selloff in the AI stock after the earnings release.

Tom Lee Says Buy if NVDA Shares Retreat After Earnings

If Nvidia shares do indeed retreat following the quarterly update, long-term investors should treat it as an opportunity to load up on them, says Tom Lee, the head of research at Fundstrat Global.

In a recent CNBC interview, Lee said AI remains a strong wind at NVDAs back, adding its one of the most important companies in the middle of the biggest structural change in the world economy.

According to him, the artificial intelligence trade is still in its early innings only, especially since theres such a limited number of stocks that represent a direct play on AI.

Wall Street Remains Bullish on Nvidia Heading into the Q2 Print

Despite NVDA shares blockbuster performance over the past four months, Wall Street analysts remain bullish as ever on the AI chips giant.

The consensus rating on Nvidia stock currently sits at strong buy with the mean target of nearly $200 indicating potential upside of another 10% from here.
HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The Henry County Board of Supervisors has approved $6 million to help expand public water service along Horsepasture-Price Road, extending a new 64,000-foot water line into the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre.

In addition to every home along Horsepasture-Price Road, 12 nearby connecting roads will also have the option to tap into the new line.

County officials say many families in the Horsepasture-Price Road area have struggled for years with unsafe or unreliable water sources. The new water line is expected to significantly improve access to clean, reliable water for more than 200 homes, as well as for businesses in the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre.

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Some residents are having to bring water into their homes because they cant rely on their wells at all, said J.R. Powell, a the deputy county administrator for Henry County. Its become a serious issue.

Many of the private wells in the area have either gone dry, are drying up, or have recently tested positive for bacteria, according to officials.

The $6 million allocated by the Board of Supervisors will come from the countys reserve fund. This local investment helped the utility qualify for an additional grant through the Virginia Department of Health to support the project.

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026, with water service flowing to residents and businesses by early 2027.

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Once the system is operational, there will be a $2,500 connection fee for residents to hook up to the new water line. However, officials say that the cost could be reduced as part of incentive efforts during the project rollout.

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DOMESTIC AFFAIRS: An Efrat mother remembers her fallen soldier son as a 'soul that came down to earth with a purpose.'

The Shrem familys life was forever altered on July 14, when Shlomo "Shlomi" Shrem, a 20-year-old soldier in the IDF, tragically fell while serving in Gaza. For his mother, Hindy Shrem, the loss of her beloved son has left an irreplaceable void, but she is determined to ensure that his legacy of love, humility, and selflessness lives on.

Shlomi was born on September 13, 2004, in Jerusalem, a day that Hindy describes as the beginning of something extraordinary. From the moment he was born, I knew he was special, Hindy told The Jerusalem Post, her voice filled with a quiet reverence in the loss her family suffered less than two months prior. He was a soul that came down to earth with a purpose.

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Growing up in the town of Efrat, Shlomis spiritual journey began early. He was a diligent student, deeply immersed in Torah studies, and he found his calling at Yeshivat Atzmona, a place that aligned with his desire for religious purity.

He wanted to remain as close to God as possible, Hindy reflected. He always believed that his service in the army was part of that mission  to protect the Land of Israel and its people.

Shlomis commitment to others was evident from an early age. He was always looking out for others  his brothers, his friends, even complete strangers, Hindy said. As a young child, he took responsibility for his family, helping around the house and volunteering in various community projects. He was humble, always giving, never expecting anything in return, she said. He wrote us letters explaining his desire to be closer to God and to help others.

WHAT CAN I do to help? Shlomis mother Hindy remembers a son always willing to help others. (credit: Courtesy Shrem family)

In his short life, Shlomi became a role model to many. His friends would often describe him as someone who exuded positivity and kindness.

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He had this energy about him, Hindy recalled. Every time he came home from the army, it felt like a holiday. Hed walk in with that big smile, throw his bag down, and ask, What can I do to help?

Shlomis connection with his younger brother Lahav, who has special needs, was particularly profound. The two were inseparable, and Shlomi made a special effort to ensure Lahav felt loved and supported.

The day before Shlomi fell, it was Lahavs birthday, Hindy said, her eyes welling with tears. We sent Shlomi a video on Lahavs birthday, and we saved a piece of [birthday] cake for him when he got home. That never happened.

The final days: A promise unkept

On the morning of July 14, 2024, Shlomi and his mother exchanged their usual messages.

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Every day, no matter how busy he was, we communicated, Hindy said. He always made sure to let me know he was okay, even if it was just a quick message or a WhatsApp.

That day, Shlomi was part of a tank unit tasked with a dangerous mission in Gaza. He and his comrades performed bravely, taking out enemy positions, but tragedy struck after an explosion caused a devastating fire. They tried to extinguish the flames, but it was impossible, Hindy recounted. Shlomi died right away. His [commander] was 80% burned, and managed to survive. But in his tank of four, he was the only one to survive.

Shlomi stayed physically intact. His peyot (sidelocks) and tzitzit remained preserved, as if untouched by the fire completely.

The knock on the door came shortly after Hindy had sent a text asking for reassurance. I had this overwhelming feeling that something was wrong, she said. I knew in my heart, but I couldnt admit it to myself. When the knock came, I knew it was the worst news a mother could hear.

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Shlomis death left a profound hole in the hearts of his family, but it also illuminated the remarkable life he lived.

He was everything to us, Hindy said. He was our leader, our protector. He was the one who made sure we were all okay.

His older sister, Maytal, always felt that Shlomi was really her older brother, and now feels the absence of her protector deeply. Shlomi was her security, Hindy shared. She feels lost without him, like half of her world is gone.

Shlomis brothers, Matan, 16, and Lahav, 11, have also been deeply affected by his death. Matan, trying to find a way to cope, holds on to the belief that the Messiah will bring Shlomi back. He keeps telling me its temporary, Hindy said. But we all miss him so much, and we dont know how to move on without him.

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Despite the pain, the Shrem family is determined to honor Shlomis memory in meaningful ways. He wanted to serve God and Israel, and thats exactly what he did, Hindy said. Were going to make sure his legacy lives on. Were going to dedicate a corner in Atzmona, the place where he felt closest to God, and were creating a memorial for him.

WERE GOING to make sure his legacy lives on. Were going to dedicate a corner in Atzmona, the place where he felt closest to God, and were creating a memorial for him. Shrem family face living without Shlomi, but they find solace in the belief that his spirit continues to guide them. (credit: Courtesy Shrem family)

What sets Shlomi apart in Hindys mind is the way he lived with such clarity and purpose. He was so sure of who he was and what he wanted, she said. He never wavered in his faith. Even in the army, he was always a light for others. His fellow soldiers would say, You could always count on Shlomi. He was there for you, no matter what.

Hindys voice shook as she recalled the stories shared by Shlomis comrades in arms. They told me that when Shlomi prayed, it was as if he was speaking directly to God. He had such a deep connection, even in the toughest times. He was always smiling, even when he was tired, even when things were hard. He never complained.

Shlomis selflessness extended beyond his immediate family. He had a natural ability to make everyone around him feel loved and valued. He was always the one who collected everyone, Hindy remembered. Whether it was family time or spending time with his friends, Shlomi made sure everyone was together, happy, and included.

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In his schools 12th grade tradition of each student writing about themselves and their experiences, Shlomi wrote a heartfelt passage, a poem. Being the last of the students on the list, due to his names point in the alphabetical order, he noted that much of his message was preceded by his classmates in their WhatsApp messages. He chose to talk about what he was going through at the time.

In fact, a year of preparation cannot in any way be called stopping life for a moment, time for myself, etc. We learn mainly how to be great people. Great in Torah, great in the army, great in life, great everywhere. To transform from a private person into a person of mission. A mission for the sake of the Torah and for the sake of the entire nation. Anyone who doesnt come to kitchen duty or weekly cleaning is not a human being, he wrote passionately.

He continued, We have a huge responsibility for the future of the people of Israel, each of us in what we do in our lives.

From a personal perspective, I am beginning to understand more about why I live, he wrote. Why the soul returns to me every morning anew instead of deciding to stay above. We do not necessarily live to enjoy ourselves. Slowly, I am beginning to understand the divine will that exists in the world, that this world has an aspiration and a final goal that each of us is an inseparable part of.

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He emphasized his lifelong need to learn, and grow. I have not yet found a clear answer to my role here, but I know that it exists, and it begins first of all with approaching the work of God and the labor of Torah, through which only the soul is purified and the soul can burst forth and reveal the destiny of each of us, he emphasized.

His mother said that, through everything, he wanted to be closer to God. I have an absolute commitment to the Creator and to doing His will alone, and there is no room for our small, private desires, because we, as individuals, cannot be the center of the world.

Right now, I have a huge desire for my heart to finally open to Torah. I want it to become the center of my life, and to simply accept upon myself the yoke of the true Kingdom of Heaven, in the simplest sense of the term.

He then quoted a song he loved to sing by Motty Steinmetz, titled Yehei Raava: May it be Your will to open my heart to the Torah.

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THOUGH THE Shrem family are devastated by their loss, they hold on to the light that Shlomi brought into their lives.

I know he would want us to be strong, to keep going, his loving mother said. He always believed that were close to the redemption, that were almost there. I believe him. I have to. Ill hold on to that hope.

For his mother, the days are a mixture of deep sadness and a desire to continue living in a way that would make Shlomi proud. Its hard to imagine life without him, she said. But I know he wouldnt want me to give up. He gave everything for his country and his family. He wanted us to be happy, to keep moving forward.

Among his letters saved, his family noted a passage that he had written in his final days, ahead of the incident. You dont need to worry. Im in good hands, God willing, he wrote. Everyone has many thoughts about many things that could happen, including me, but in the end there is One who directs reality in the best way, no matter what people think.

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As Hindy and her family face the unimaginable pain of living without their beloved Shlomi, they find solace in the belief that his spirit continues to guide them. He was always there for us, and I know he still is, Hindy said, her voice steady but filled with sorrow. I just have to trust that hes watching over us, and that one day well be together again.

Shlomi Shrem may have left this world far too soon, but the impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. In their grief, they find comfort in knowing that Shlomis light, his unwavering faith, and his love for others will continue to be a source of inspiration long after his death.

The family had been excited about a planned trip to Eilat, which Shlomi had shared his excitement for, and where he had looked forward to spending quality time with the people he cherished most.

Instead of going on our trip, we sat shiva, Hindy said.

In the coming weeks, the family will take the trip to honor his memory, and take his neshama (soul) with them.
At the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Michelle Obama offered advice for her party on how to handle the vitriol of Donald Trumps campaign against Hillary Clinton, coining the now-famous phrase, When they go low, we go high. But, according to Nicolle Wallace, its time for Democrats to abandon that approach.

On Thursdays Deadline: White House, Wallace said its time for Democrats to follow instead the lead of figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This week, the governor sat down with Politico in what Wallace called a wake the F up speech for Democrats.

Wake up, Newsom said to Christopher Cadelago during The California Agenda: Sacramento Summit on Wednesday. Were losing this country in real time. This is not bloviation. This is not exaggeration. Its happening  The rule of law is being replaced with the rule of Don, period, full stop. And so we have to assert ourselves with more clarity and conviction.

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Wallace said Newsom was the man currently taking on Donald Trump with seemingly everything hes got and praised him for challenging the president. Every pushback, every speech, every interview, every tweet, every maneuver from the California governor, she said, appears to be getting under Trumps skin and getting at the heart of what this fight is about and where it is being waged.

According to Wallace, that fight is so much more about the foundations of our country than just debates about different policies. It is about democracy, whether it endures. It is about right and wrong and whether we are on the right side of any of this. Its about the rule of law  whether we still have one.

While Wallace acknowledged that she loved what seemed to be the worldview from Democrats at one time, which was When they go low, we go high, she said that kind of approach only worked for Michelle Obama.

Nobody else should have followed that advice, she said.

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In addition to Newsom, Wallace noted, a structural opposition has begun to emerge among some Democrats, as multiple governors are standing up and leading a charge against Donald Trumps autocratic policies and rhetoric. Wallace included Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois and Wes Moore of Maryland as part of that.

You can watch Wallaces full analysis in the clip at the top of the page.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Aug. 28ROCHESTER  Resurfacing on U.S. Highway 14 (12th Street South) in Rochester is completed and the road is fully open to traffic, as of Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

Resurfacing occurred from Highway 52 to Crossroads Drive SW and from 3rd Avenue SE to Marion Road SE/15th Avenue, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Work also included sidewalk repairs and replacements, crosswalk improvements and new pedestrian ramps. This project restored the pavement while improving the pedestrian experience with new sidewalk, curb cuts and crossings.

Work began on May 5.

To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT website.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  A 36-year-old Wisconsin man was sentenced on Thursday to 6.5 years in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph Harrison of Madison pleaded guilty to the charge on June 11, 2025.

Oshkosh Area Community Pantry continuing mission to provide food as federal cuts hinder produce supply

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The charge stemmed from an April 9, 2024, dispute when Harrison pointed a gun a a womans face, threatening to shoot her. Harrison, according to the release, fled the scene in another womans car and was found by officers through GPS tracking as he was on state supervision.

Officers searched the vehicle after stopping and arresting him, locating a loaded handgun under the seat. Harrison is barred from legally possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.

U.S. District Judge William Conley recalled Harrisons history of violence, specifically towards women, adding that Harrison had spent about 17 years in and out of jail/prison, stating that he was on a disastrous path for everyone, society most of all.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
[Source]

A restaurant cook attacked with acid in Honolulus Chinatown may permanently lose vision in one eye as his recovery continues more than two weeks after the assault.

Catch up: Lathson Robert, 30, was working a late shift at Livestock Tavern on Aug. 8 when he was allegedly approached and doused with sulfuric acid by Marquis Johnson, 34, on the face and body. Investigation shows that Robert had never met Johnson before the incident. This marked the third acid attack recorded on Oahu over a two-year period.

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How hes doing: Robert has lost sight in his right eye and underwent recent surgical procedures on his face and stomach. Its not clear, like he cant really see, his sister Tancher told Island News. Blurry. Its like blurry. Additional operations are planned for his arm and shoulder injuries.

Tancher, who lives in Oregon, expressed frustration at being unable to care for her brother in person. Hes still in pain, but hell recover and hopefully, I pray to God that everything goes well, she told Hawaii News Now. Thats my only brother and I cant believe it, like something had to happen to him.

Trending on NextShark: Honolulu Chinatown cook faces permanent vision loss after acid attack

Legal proceedings: Johnson, for his part, appeared virtually in court Monday and pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault. Circuit Court Judge Ronald Johnson said the attack appeared planned rather than spontaneous, noting that the defendant had selected the individual. Bail was kept at $500,000.

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Separately, Johnson recently received a $290,000 settlement from Honolulu related to a 2022 federal lawsuit alleging police misconduct during a 2020 incident. Johnson has his own history as a crime victim, including a 2022 assault in Chinatown that required facial reconstruction surgery.

Trending on NextShark: North Texas Indian community on edge after teen stabbed while walking dog

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Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

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Trending on NextShark: Utah community mobilizes violinist detained by ICE

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Dr. Deb Houry, who resigned as chief medical officer and deputy director for program and science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, speaks to supporters and media outside CDC headquarters in Atlanta on Thursday. Rebecca Grapevine / Healthbeat

This story was originally published by Healthbeat. Sign up for their public health newsletters at healthbeat.org/newsletters.

Three senior leaders walked out of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday in Atlanta after resigning over their opposition to the Trump administrations political interference in the agencys science-backed work.

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Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Dr. Deb Houry, chief medical officer and deputy director for program and science; and Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, emerged from the CDC campus greeted by a crowd of supporters and employees.

I hope this is a tipping point to where we get our public health back, that we get the trust of the nation back, we get the trust of our leaders back, and that public health does the work theyre meant to do on the ground, saving lives, Houry said.

The three resignations  along with that of Dr. Jennifer Layden, director of the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance and Technology  announced late Wednesday, came after news that CDC Director Susan Monarez was being ousted after only three weeks on the job.

A week ago, Monarez stood amid shattered glass on the floor of a CDC building where a gunman had fired into the windows and said she wanted to restore trust in the agency and support its workers, whom she called family.

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This weeks developments are the latest in a series of blows to the beleaguered agency since the start of President Donald Trumps second term and the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. The CDC has faced several rounds of mass layoffs, funding cuts, and the Aug. 8 shooting that resulted in the death of a police officer and the gunman.

Monarezs attorney, Mark Zaid, said in a post on X that Monarez had refused to rubber stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire public health experts and said Kennedy had weaponized public health for political gain. She is fighting her dismissal.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who resigned as director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, speaks to supporters and media on Thursday. Rebecca Grapevine

In a resignation letter posted on X, Daskalakis said political interference in the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a part of the CDC, drove his decision to leave.

In June, Kennedy removed all 17 members of the committee and replaced them with his own appointees. That move, as well as the new committees decisions about vaccine policies have drawn criticism from scientists and many professional medical organizations.

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The committee is expected to rule soon on policies for the latest Covid vaccine, raising fears that many Americans would lose insurance coverage for the shots or be unable to access them altogether. Advocates also worry that the committee will change recommendations for long-established childhood vaccines.

More than 100 CDC supporters and current employees turned out in support of Daskalakis, Houry, and Jernigan. Many workers crossed the street from the agencys headquarters near Emory, while others drove from other locations in Atlanta to show their support. Several said they and their fellow employees had taken leave so they would not get in trouble for attending the event during the workday.

With many top roles vacant, the CDC is facing a leadership vacuum. The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to an inquiry about who is the current acting director, or who has taken over the positions of the four other leaders who resigned. The Washington Post reported late Thursday that Deputy HHS Secretary Jim ONeill would act as interim director.

Houry, Daskalakis, and Jernigan adopted a defiant tone, vowing to fight for remaining CDC employees and scientific integrity.

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America needs to see that you are the people that protect America, Daskalakis said. We are going to be your loudest advocates.

Dr. Dan Jernigan, who resigned as director of the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases at the CDC, speaks to supporters and media on Thursday. Rebecca Grapevine / Healthbeat

All three criticized political interference in science and public health.

What makes us great at CDC is following the science, so lets get the politics out of public health  because thats how we get to the best decisions for public health, Jernigan said.

Houry said the three had agreed to act in concert after talking about it for months.

We need to get our people back. Weve terminated, RIFed, valuable people. We need to support our labs. We need to get our budget for appropriate programs. We cant lose our chronic disease center, Houry said, referring to multiple reductions in force at the agency over the past few months.

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The leaders said the work CDC employees do is important in protecting American health, with Daskalakis pointing to the work the agency has done to stop Ebola at its source and Houry pointing to this years measles outbreak.

We have unvaccinated populations and a secretary that promoted vitamins over vaccines, Houry said.

HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The instability has disrupted work at the agency, said Dr. Elizabeth Soda, a current CDC employee.

RFK has created so much chaos, she said. Im not sure what he expected in terms of getting work done.

CDC retirees who worked at the agency for decades said they are concerned about the impact on Atlantas economy and reputation.

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This has been one of the crown jewels of Atlanta.  Its a point of pride, said retiree Marta Gwinn.

She doesnt think the local job market can absorb all of the laid off workers, and Atlanta will lose brain power as professionals and students drawn to the citys public health institutions, from the CDC to universities like Emory and Georgia State, look elsewhere.

She and fellow retirees Joanne Mei and Laura Fehrs said they also want to hear from state political leaders.

Its been pretty much silence, and I dont understand that, Mei said. Wheres our governor who wants to attract all this new science and all these tech companies?

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Rebecca Grapevine is a reporter covering public health in Atlanta for Healthbeat. Contact Rebecca at rgrapevine@healthbeat.org.

Healthbeat is a nonprofit newsroom covering public health published by Civic News Company and KFF Health News. Sign up for their newsletters here.
Staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell ABC News the agency has descended into turmoil as senior officials offer their resignations over the Trump administration's effort to oust the agency's new director.

A dozen CDC staffers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the mood inside the agency to ABC News, including some who said Thursday that the last 24 hours have left them questioning how much longer they should remain in their roles amid fears that the agency is, in the words of one staffer, "changing from a trusted scientific organization to a personal dictatorship" run by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

"How are we supposed to function as an agency if everything has to run through a man who doesn't believe in basic scientific principles?" a CDC staffer told ABC News. "[Kennedy] can keep saying buzzwords like 'gold standard science' and 'restoring scientific integrity,' but it means nothing if he fires anyone who disagrees with his personal ideology."

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MORE: White House says new CDC chief to be picked 'soon' as standoff over Monarez firing continues

The internal unrest comes as the Trump administration moved Wednesday to oust newly installed CDC Director Susan Monarez. The dispute began over demands from Kennedy and his principal deputy chief of staff for Monarez to support changes to COVID vaccine policy and the firing of high-level staff, a source familiar with the conversations told ABC News. Monarez would not commit to those demands.

HHS then announced that Monarez was "no longer director" of the CDC, touching off a wave of high-level resignations from CDC officials in protest and, ultimately, a fiery response later Wednesday evening from Monarez's lawyers, who said she would not resign.

Four senior career officials at the CDC resigned following HHS's statement about Monarez's departure, according to emails obtained by ABC News.

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Kennedy, at a rural health care event in Texas on Thursday, said he wouldn't comment on Monarez or "personnel issues" -- but criticized the CDC as a "troubled" agency that needed a leadership shake-up.

Erik S Lesser/epa/shutterstock/ERIK S LESSER/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Signs of support outside the entrance to the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, August 28, 2025.

"There's a lot of trouble at CDC, and it can require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture and bring back pride and self esteem and make that agency the stellar agency that it's always been," Kennedy said.

On Thursday, CDC staff began circulating plans for a "clap-out" for the four officials who resigned following Monarez's attempted ouster, urging staff to show up and "demonstrate the strength and unity of our community in celebrating their remarkable service," according to an email obtained by ABC News.

Hours before the planned clap-out, security escorted at least two of the officials -- Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, head of the CDC center focusing on immunizations, and Dr. Deb Houry, the CDC's chief medical officer -- out of agency's headquarters, three sources familiar with the matter told ABC News.

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"They're being treated like criminals," a CDC staffer told ABC News upon learning of the move.

Dr. Dan Jernigan, director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and Jennifer Layden, director for the Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology, were the other two top officials to resign.

Staffers told ABC News that while they support the officials' decision to leave, the state of the agency has left them feeling hopeless.

MORE: Mass layoffs, resignations and major vaccine policy changes: Timeline of turmoil at CDC

"I have full respect for Drs. Houry, Jernigan, and Daskalakis, and maybe they had no choice, but we feel hopeless now," a CDC employee told ABC News. "Hopeless for our own research and work to continue, hopeless for our own personal futures, but most importantly hopeless for the future of America's children and what sort of awful future we are setting them up to inherit -- and for what gain or profit?"

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Another CDC staffer said, "I'm glad to see the pushback from senior leadership standing up for public health -- I'm also upset and concerned about what this means for the fate of CDC and the health of the people we serve."

Meanwhile, the state of affairs inside the agency has left some staffers questioning if they should join their colleagues and either protest or leave.

"At what point do we walk out?" a staffer said. "I know we all feel like we are doing the right thing by staying and fighting the good fight. But what if we go on strike? Like, we will not come back until RFK is fired?"

"I personally am just so burnt out," another staffer said. "I don't know if this job is worth my sanity."

J. Scott Applewhite/AP, Files - PHOTO: Susan Monarez, nominee to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arrives to testify before the Senate HELP Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, June 25, 2025.

On Thursday afternoon, staffers gathered to say goodbye to Houry, Daskalakis and Jernigan, who returned to headquarters to bid farewell to their colleagues.

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Supporters held signs that said "Fire RFK," "CDC saves lives," and "Leaders like these don't grow on trees."

The three officials received a warm welcome as they slowly made their way through the crowd, accepting hugs, flowers, and pats on the back.

"The last 24 hours has been a blur. We agreed to do this together. We've been talking about it for months, and the past few days, it was just escalating," Houry told reporters.

"When the three of us do it together, it's more powerful, and it just shows the state of our agency," she said.

Daskalakis committed to speaking up loudly from outside the agency.

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"You are the people that protect America, and America needs to see that you are the people that protect America," he said to loud applause from the gathered employees. "And we are going to be your loudest advocates."

Houry, Daskalakis and Jernigan then walked to a street corner near the CDC's campus that has been turned into a memorial for slain Officer David Rose, who died two weeks ago defending CDC headquarters against a gunman who fired hundreds of rounds into the buildings -- driven, Monarez had said in a note to staffers, by misinformation.

With tears in their eyes, they laid down their bouquets and hugged one another. Then they turned to say goodbye to more colleagues.
PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) is one of the 10 Best Affordable Stocks Under $50 to Buy. On July 31, PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) announced that it is working to provide 10 gigawatts (GW) of new electricity over the next ten years for data center projects. This amount of energy can power about 7.5 million homes simultaneously.

The 10 GW in the companys data center demand pipeline reflects an increase from the 8.7 GW of data center demand PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) reported in May. Before that, in February, the company had reported it was 5.5 GW.

PG&E (PCG) Stock Rises Following 10 GW Data Center Expansion News

Out of the 10 GW, 17 data center projects totaling about 1.5 GW are in the final engineering stage and expected to start operating between 2026 and 2030.

According to estimates by PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), the 10 GW of expected data center demand could help lower customer electricity bills by 10% or more because the costs would be spread across more energy usage. The projects are also expected to create thousands of jobs, add $1.25 to $1.75 billion in property tax revenue, and contribute $2.5 to $3 billion in sales tax revenue.

Since the company shared this update, PG&E Corporations (NYSE:PCG) stock price has risen by 6.35% as of August 25.

PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG) is an energy holding company whose subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Northern and Central California.

While we acknowledge the potential of PCG 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: 11 Best Revenue Growth Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Best Under-the-Radar Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
VIENNA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A yearling horse in the Town of Vienna had to be euthanized after its blood tested positive for the EEE virus.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease transmitted from infected mosquitoes to horses and humans. The virus was detected this summer as well in the towns of Sullivan and Cicero.

There have been no human cases of EEE in the U.S. this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Still, the Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) urges people to stay safe, as there is no human vaccine for EEE. The countys health director, Dr. Dan Gilmore, recommends using insect repellant and wearing long clothes when being outdoors during dawn and dusk, as well as to remove any standing water in the home.

The horse in Vienna developed neurological symptoms on Aug. 27. A day later, a lab at Cornell found the horses blood sample positive for EEE. The horse was euthanized; it was up to date on its vaccinations.

Neurological symptoms of EEE in horses include profound depression, unusual head-pressing or circling, blindness, difficulty swallowing, tremors, and seizures.

The OCHD has water-soluble mosquito pouches for those living in the county available for pick-up at their office at the Adirondack Bank in Utica.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The 31st annual Hula Oni E Festival is returning to Waikiki on Aug. 29 through Aug. 31, putting hula on full display at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Organizers anticipate approximately 26 halau from across the islands and Japan will be in attendance to showcase their talents and storytelling.

7 secrets behind the worlds most celebrated hula

Hula Oni E is a hula festival that was created by hula people. You feel the warmth and everything of ohana because thats where it started, said Kehaulani Derego Kawai, executive director of the festival. It started in Halau Hula O Hokulani ohana.

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The festival allows for a unique perspective to be highlighted. For Derego Kawai, the festival is from the hula dancers point of view, allowing for a very authentic festival.

Our hula festival is run by our hula halau, which allows our aspect, our POV, our vision and our view of hula festivals comes from a hula dancers point of view, Derego Kawai said. So we know exactly what they as dancers are anticipating before they come onstage just to have that connection with our halau that is coming.

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The entire festival is very intentional and is planned months in advance with a dedicated team of volunteers.

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We do start [organizing] months in advance, but when it comes down to crunch time, we have volunteers that do dedicate their time to setting up the stage, to making sure the makeke is on point, we have people that are running the show, said Candice Meehleib, who has volunteered with the festival for 13 years. All of it is done out of aloha. Nobody is getting paid for this.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for the hula show on Aug. 29, with tickets running at about $25. There will be a free makeke outside the show for the public to enjoy starting at 4 p.m., which will display local crafts and goods.

For Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, the event will begin at 10 a.m.

For tickets and more information, visit the festivals website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
NEED TO KNOW

Human remains found in Tennessee in 2020 have been identified as belonging to a Michigan-born man who disappeared more than 20 years ago

The remains were identified with forensic genetic genealogical DNA testing conducted by Othram

The man has been identified as Gerald J. Forsman, originally of Lavonia

Human remains found in a wooded area five years ago have been identified as a man who had not been seen by his family for more than two decades.

The remains were found in a wooded area near a residence by Overbrook Drive in Knoxville on May 20, 2020, according to a news release shared by the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.

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After the discovery, the remains were transported to the Regional Forensic Center for an examination by a forensic pathologist.

Initially, the remains were determined to belong to a man between the ages of 55 and 70, but his cause and manner of death were not determined. All conventional means of forensic identification failed to yield the mans identity, the forensic center said.

Read Full Review: https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf

In 2023, a sample of DNA from the remains was submitted to Othram, a private lab in Texas known for using forensic genetic genealogical DNA testing to identify human remains.

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In August 2025, the forensic center said Othram scientists notified them that they had developed information about possible relatives connected to the man in Michigan.

Family members provided DNA for comparison, and scientists with Othram were able to identify the man as Gerald J. Forsman, originally from Livonia, Mich.

One person who was contacted by death investigators said they had not seen the man in 22 years, according to the forensic center.

Forsman was born on Feb. 27, 1958, meaning he was likely 45 years old when he disappeared.

Public records showed Forsman lived in Knoxville at the time of his disappearance, though it is unclear why he vanished, according to Othram.

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The Knox County Regional Forensic center is grateful to all the agencies listed that assisted in identifying Mr. Forsman, the forensic center said in a statement.

The forensic genetic genealogical testing involved in this case was made possible as a result of U.S. Congressman Tim Burchetts 2024 Community Project Funding request through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, according to the forensic center.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

This is the eighth cold case solved from this initiative, they added.

This is also the 26th case in Tennessee where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram, according to the company.



Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

Texas authorities found human remains in a pond on Aug. 26

The skeletal remains have since been positively identified as belonging to 34-year-old Courtney Martin

Martin was last heard from on May 16, 2023

Human remains discovered in Texas this August have been positively identified as belonging to a 34-year-old woman who vanished in May 2023, authorities said.

The Smith County Sheriff's Office previously said they believed the bones recovered from a pond with assistance from a Texas Department of Public Safety dive team belonged to Courtney Martin, who was last heard from on May 16, 2023, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

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The remains were taken to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for identification. In a press release on the morning of Friday, Aug. 29, Smith County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Larry Christian confirmed the remains were Martin's.

"Unfortunately, this is a tragic and sad end to the disappearance of Courtney Martin," Christian said in the release. "However, this investigation will continue as foul play is expected."

Martin vanished after calling her mother from an intersection and requesting a ride, the sheriff's office said, according to CBS affiliate KYTX.



The phone call to her mother was her last, and no one has seen or heard from her since, the sheriffs office said two years after she went missing, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which also reported that authorities believed foul play was involved.

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Her last known location was less than two miles from her mom's home, but Courtney was nowhere to be found when her mom arrived within moments to pick her daughter up, KYTX reported.

"We looked for her for months and months, exhausted all investigative means of finding her," said Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith in August in a video shared by ABC affiliate KLTV.

"Fast forward to July 3rd of this year. We got information that some young men had found a backpack belonging to her next to a pond," he said, adding that her belongings were found in New Harmony, Texas.

He also noted that in early July, they sought help from a state DPS dive team to search the pond, but those resources were needed in Kerr County to respond to devastating flooding of the Guadalupe River in the 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.

Human skeletal remains were found "almost immediately" when the dive team began searching on Tuesday, Aug. 26, Sheriff Smith said, adding, "That is what we believe to be the remains of Courtney Martin."

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"This will be an all-hands-on-deck criminal investigation," he continued.

"There'll be no I undotted or no T uncrossed until this comes to a final conclusion in the investigation as to what happened to Courtney," he added.

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BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Human rights lawyers said on Friday they have filed a criminal complaint in Argentina's federal courts seeking the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he sets foot in the country, amid reports of a possible visit in September that remains unconfirmed.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The criminal complaint filed in Argentina federal courts calls for Netanyahu's arrest in the country and an investigation into the Israeli political and military authorities for an incident on March 23 in which 15 people were executed, among them several first responders helping victims of a bombing, according to the complaint reviewed by Reuters.

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Netanyahu was expected to visit Argentina in September, according to media reports, but the government has not confirmed the visit.

Argentina newspaper Clarin reported on Friday that Netanyahu may instead request a meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei while both leaders are in New York for the United Nations General Assembly at the end of September.

KEY QUOTE

"It is understood that Netanyahu is criminally responsible as a co-perpetrator of the war crime of intentionally causing death by starvation; of crimes against humanity such as homicide, persecution, and other inhumane acts," said the complaint, which was filed by Argentine human rights attorney Rodolfo Yanzon and Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.

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ADDITIONAL CONTEXT

An arrest warrant for Netanyahu had already been filed in Argentine federal courts in early August by the Association of State Workers (ATE) and the human rights group HIJOS.

The Israeli leader is facing mounting global pressure over Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced most of the population.

Israel has faced accusations of genocide at the World Court while the International Criminal Court has separately issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over war crimes accusations in Gaza. Israel and Netanyahu deny the charges.

(Reporting by Leila Miller and Lucila Sigal; Writing by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Mark Porter)
Netanyahu was expected to visit Argentina in September, according to media reports, but the Israeli government has not confirmed the visit.

Human rights lawyers said on Friday they have filed a criminal complaint in Argentina's federal courts seeking the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he sets foot in the country, amid reports of a possible visit in September that remains unconfirmed.

The criminal complaint filed in Argentina federal courts calls for Netanyahu's arrest in the country and an investigation into the Israeli political and military authorities for an incident on March 23 in which 15 people were executed, among them several first responders helping victims of a bombing, according to the complaint reviewed by Reuters.

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Netanyahu was expected to visit Argentina in September, according to media reports, but the government has not confirmed the visit.

Argentina newspaper Clarin reported on Friday that Netanyahu may instead request a meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei while both leaders are in New York for the United Nations General Assembly at the end of September.

PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Argentinas President Javier Milei in Jerusalem last month, days before the Israeli strike on Iran. Milei was among the very few world leaders who publicly supported the strikes on Irans nukes, says the writer. (credit: Benjamin Netanyahu/Facebook)

Argentinian attorneys say Netanyahu responsible for Gaza war

"It is understood that Netanyahu is criminally responsible as a co-perpetrator of the war crime of intentionally causing death by starvation; of crimes against humanity such as homicide, persecution, and other inhumane acts," said the complaint, which was filed by Argentinian human rights attorney Rodolfo Yanzon and Raji Sourani, director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.

An arrest warrant for Netanyahu had already been filed in Argentinian federal courts in early August by the Association of State Workers (ATE) and the human rights group HIJOS.

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The Israeli leader is facing mounting global pressure over Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced most of the population.

Israel has faced accusations of genocide at the World Court, while the International Criminal Court has separately issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over war crimes accusations in Gaza. Israel and Netanyahu deny the charges.
Hungarian opposition politician Marton Tompos has donated money to the Ukrainian army in support of the ethnic Hungarian commander responsible for the latest attack on the Druzhba oil pipeline.

In recent weeks, Ukraine carried out at least three attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which delivers Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, temporarily disrupting operations.

After the attacks, Budapest banned Robert Brovdi, commander of the Armed Forces' Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), from entering Hungary, the country's foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said on Aug. 28.

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Brovdi, who is of Hungarian descent and known by the call sign "Magyar," has confirmed that his branch was responsible for the drone strikes against Druzhba, including an Aug. 21 strike which targeted the Unecha pumping station in Bryansk Oblast.

Tompos, a representative of the Hungarian opposition party Momentum, sent 414 euros in donations to the unit Brovdi founded, the 414th Strike UAV Brigade "Magyar's Birds." In his Aug. 29 Facebook post, the lawmaker called on other Hungarians to do the same.

"The government is not the same as the country. Therefore, I ask you to join me in proving (...) that it is not Ukrainians, but the Hungarian government that poses a threat to Hungary's energy security; and that we understand why Robert Brovdi is a hero in Ukraine," Tompos wrote on a Facebook post on Aug. 28.

"Ukraine has targeted Russian revenues and wants to make the Russian population better understand and feel what Putin's war economy means. (...) However, there is also a Hungarian side to this: Orban's government has done almost nothing in the last 15 years to wean itself off Russian oil," he said.

Robert 'Madiar' Brovdi (L) and Fedir Shandor (R), Ukraine's Ambassador to Hungary, holding a Hungarian flag. (Marton Tompos/Facebook)

The Hungarian foreign minister described the strike as "an attack on Hungarys sovereignty," saying it "endangered our energy security and nearly (forced) the use of our strategic reserves."

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"Ukraine knows very well that the Druzhba pipeline is vital for Hungarys and Slovakias energy supply, and that such strikes harm us far more than Russia," Szijjarto said on X.

Brovdi dismissed Budapest's decision, saying the Hungarian leadership shares responsibility for Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities by "filling their own dirty pockets with sanctioned cheap raw materials."

"I am Ukrainian, and I will arrive in my fathers homeland after you," the commander said on his Telegram channel. "There are enough true Hungarians in Hungary, and one day, they will be sick to death of you."

In his statement, Szijjarto made no mention of the Russian overnight mass drone and missile attack on Kyiv on Aug. 28, which killed at least 25 people, including four children, and injured 63 others.

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Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Budapest "is on the wrong side of history."

"Peter, if the Russian pipeline is more important to you than the Ukrainian children killed by Russia this morning, this is moral decay," he wrote on X.

"If Hungary has indeed closed entry into Hungary and the entire Schengen zone to one of Ukraines military commanders, who is an ethnic Hungarian and a citizen of Ukraine, this can only cause outrage," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, adding that the Foreign Ministry has been instructed to clarify the issue and "respond accordingly."

Kyiv summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer later on Aug. 28 to protest against the "Hungarian authorities' discriminatory steps against a Ukrainian citizen of Hungarian origin."

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The protest note suggested the move contradicts Budapest's regular public appeals about respecting the rights of the Hungarian ethnic minority in Ukraine. The Hungarian government has repeatedly accused Ukraine of discriminating against its Hungarian minority through its language laws, a claim Kyiv rejects.

The Druzhba pipeline, one of the world's largest, carries Russian oil directly to Hungary and Slovakia  the only EU countries still buying Russian crude through the system. In July, they imported $232 million and $196 million worth of oil, respectively.

Hungary, widely seen as the most Russia-friendly government in the EU, has repeatedly opposed Brussels' attempts to fully halt Russian energy imports and threatened to block Ukraine's path to EU membership.

Kyiv regularly carries out attacks on military and industrial facilities in Russia, including targeting Russian oil infrastructure to undermine Moscow's revenue streams and weaken its ability to wage war in Ukraine.

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Read also: Not all Hungarians are Orban, say Ukrainians living in EUs most pro-Russian country

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
BITCOIN MINING PLAYERS FACE CHALLENGING MARKET: Bitcoin miners have long been defined by the boom-and-bust rhythm of the four-year halving cycle. But the game has now changed, some of the industrys most prominent executives said at the SALT conference in Jackson Hole earlier this week. The rise of exchange-traded funds, surging demand for power and the prospect of artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping infrastructure needs mean miners must find ways to diversify or risk being left behind. We used to come here and talk about hash rate, said Matt Schultz, CEO of Cleanspark. Now were talking about how to monetize megawatts. For years, mining companies  whose revenue derived mainly from producing bitcoin  lived and died by the halving cycle. Every four years, rewards were slashed in half and miners scrambled to cut costs or scale up to survive. According to these executives, that rhythm no longer defines the business. The four-year cycle is effectively broken with the maturation of bitcoin as a strategic asset, with the ETF and now the strategic treasury and whatnot, Schultz said. The adoption is driving demand. If you read anything about the most recent ETF, they've consumed infinitely more bitcoin than have been generated so far this year. Cleanspark, which now operates 800 megawatts of energy infrastructure and has another 1.2 gigawatts in development, has begun turning its attention beyond proof-of-work. Our speed to market with the electricity has created opportunities such that now we can look at ways to monetize power beyond just bitcoin mining, he said. With 33 locations, we now have a great deal more flexibility than we ever did before. Schultz is not alone in calling the industry's shift in business model. Patrick Fleury, CFO of Terawulf, echoed the sentiment and didnt sugarcoat the profit squeeze the miners are feeling. Bitcoin mining is an incredibly difficult business, he said. He broke down the economics of bitcoin mining in straightforward terms: with electricity costing five cents per kilowatt hour, it currently costs around $60,000 to mine a single bitcoin. At a bitcoin price of $115,000, that means half the revenue is consumed by power alone. Once corporate expenses and other operating costs are factored in, the margins tighten quickly. In his view, profitability in mining hinges almost entirely on securing ultra-low-cost power.  Helene Braun Read more .

Story Continues

BITCOIN LIQUID STAKING RISES: For most of its history, bitcoin has been touted by its supporters as digital gold: an asset to hold rather than use. That passivity has left trillions of dollars worth of BTC sitting idle in wallets, disconnected from the yield strategies and composability that define decentralized finance (DeFi). The rise of liquid staking tokens promises to change that, positioning bitcoin not only as a store of value but as a productive asset integrated into on-chain capital markets. Liquid staking allows users to offer their crypto to help secure a network and receive in return a liquid, tradable token that represents the staked assets and can be used across DeFi while the original tokens continue earning staking rewards. Lombard Finance has emerged as one of the prominent projects in bitcoin liquid staking. Its flagship product, LBTC, is a yield-bearing token backed 1:1 by BTC. When BTC is deposited into the Lombard protocol, the underlying coins are staked, primarily via Babylon, a protocol enabling trustless, self-custodial bitcoin staking. Users receive LBTC in return, which can be deployed across DeFi ecosystems while the original bitcoin earns staking rewards. This dual functionality is key. Holders can keep exposure to bitcoin while using LBTC in lending, borrowing and liquidity provision across protocols such as Aave, Morpho, Pendle and Ether.fi. Designed for interoperability, LBTC moves across Ethereum, Base, BNB Chain and other networks, preventing liquidity fragmentation and ensuring bitcoin can participate in a multi-chain DeFi environment.  Jamie Crawley Read more.

OPTIMISM AND FLASHBOTS TEAM UP: Optimism is teaming up with Flashbots to revamp how transactions are processed across its OP Stack ecosystem, aiming to make some of Ethereums most popular layer-2 networks faster and more customizable. The partnership centers on sequencing, the behind-the-scenes process that determines how quickly a transaction confirms, which trades are prioritized, and how much users ultimately pay. Optimism says Flashbots infrastructure, which is already responsible for building more than 90% of Ethereums blocks, will now bring near-instant confirmations and user-friendly transaction ordering to every chain in the so-called Superchain.This matters because the OP Stack underpins more than 60% of all Ethereum layer-2 activity, the Optimism team claims, including some of the most well-known layer-2 chains like Base, Unichain, World Chain, Ink and Soneium. Until now, advanced sequencing features such as ultra-fast settlement, frontrunning protection and custom compliance rules were available only to the largest chains with resources to build them in-house. With Flashbots on board, those features will be available via tools for any project building on Optimisms OP stack.  Margaux Nijkerk Read more.

HEMI LABS RAISES $15 MILLION: Hemi Labs, the Bitcoin programmability network founded by Jeff Garzik, raised $15 million in funding to accelerate development and expand its ecosystem. The round included YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), Republic Digital, HyperChain Capital, Breyer Capital, Big Brain Holdings, Crypto.com and others, according to an emailed announcement.The company said the funds will support applications for borrowing, lending and trading on Bitcoin while further developing its Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM), a layer that embeds a Bitcoin node inside an Ethereum VM  the term for a decentralized system that can execute smart contracts and process transactions on Ethereum.  Jamie Crawley Read more.

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In Other News

Aave Labs introduced Horizon, a new platform dedicated for institutional borrowers to access stablecoins using tokenized versions of real-world assets (RWAs) like U.S. Treasuries as collateral. At launch, institutions will be able to borrow Circle's USDC, Ripple's RLUSD and Aaves GHO against a set of tokenized assets, including Superstates short-duration U.S. Treasury and crypto carry funds, Circles yield fund, and Centrifuges tokenized Janus Henderson products. The platform aims to offer qualified investors short-term financing on their RWA holdings and allow them to deploy yield strategies.  Kristzian Sandor Read more.

Google Cloud is moving forward with plans to launch its own layer-1 blockchain, positioning the network as neutral infrastructure for global finance at a time when fintech competitors are developing their own distributed ledgers. In a LinkedIn post published Tuesday, Rich Widmann, Googles head of Web3 strategy, provided fresh details on the project, known as the Google Cloud Universal Ledger (GCUL). He described the platform as a credibly neutral, high-performance blockchain designed for institutions, supporting Python-based smart contracts to make it more accessible to developers and financial engineers. Any financial institution can build with GCUL, Widmann said, arguing that while companies like Tether may be unlikely to adopt Circles blockchain and payment firms like Adyen may hesitate to use Stripes, Googles neutral infrastructure removes those barriers.  Siamak Masnavi Read more.

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Regulatory and Policy

The crypto industry's Washington lobbyists are trying to draw a line in the sand over the market structure bill that's steaming through the U.S. Senate, saying they can't back a law that wouldn't fully protect software developers from being held responsible for bad actors abusing their technology. The industry made its case to the Senate's Banking and Agriculture committees "with one voice," sending a letter Wednesday signed by Coinbase, Kraken, Ripple, a16z, Uniswap Labs and more than a hundred other crypto businesses and organizations, including almost all of the major U.S. lobbying groups. This unified effort comes the week before the Senate gets back to work, and is likely to rekindle full negotiations on the language of the legislation that represents the industry's top U.S. goal.  Jesse Hamilton Read More.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission is about to drop to a single commissioner when Democrat Kristin Johnson leaves the agency next week, and the only other person waiting in the wings to join the regulator is President Donald Trump's chairman nominee, Brian Quintenz. As of Sept. 3, the five-member commission will drop to one, because that's when Johnson plans to exit. "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," she said in a farewell statement encouraging the agency to stick to the fundamentals as new technologies come on board.  Jesse Hamilton Read more.

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Aug. 29A Huntsville man was arrested Thursday night after fleeing police in connection with a shooting into an occupied vehicle in Decatur, according to the Priceville Police Department, a chase that ended after the suspect wrecked into two other vehicles in Huntsville.

Bryan Crisanto Hernandez, 22, was transported to Morgan County Jail early Friday morning and charged with reckless endangerment, felony attempting to elude a police officer, resisting arrest, and three traffic infractions, according to jail records. Records show he bonded out a few hours later.

At approximately 9 p.m. Thursday, police said they were notified by the Decatur Police Department that DPD was engaged in a vehicle pursuit traveling south on Alabama 67 as it entered Priceville. Priceville police were told the driver, Hernandez, was wanted by Decatur police for a shooting incident involving an occupied vehicle.

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Priceville officers joined the pursuit as it continued north on Interstate 65 and east on Interstate 565 through Madison and into Huntsville.

"Throughout various stages of the pursuit, the suspect's vehicle exhibited reckless behavior, swerving toward other vehicles and abruptly braking in front of pursuing officers," Priceville police said.

Police said the chase continued on I-565 and then went north on Research Park Boulevard where Hernandez collided into two occupied civilian vehicles at the intersection of Plummer Road and Jordan Lane. They said no injuries were reported.

After executing a tactical vehicle intervention, Priceville police were able to end the pursuit in Huntsville and Hernandez was forcibly removed from his vehicle and taken into custody. Police said they recovered a firearm from the scene.

A total bond of $26,000 had been set and a hold had been placed for the Decatur Police Department, according to Priceville police.

 wesley.tomlinson@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2442.
Hurricane Katrina was described as "a slow-motion catastrophe" on "60 Minutes" on Sept. 4, 2005, six days after slamming the Gulf Coast. Twenty years later, the storm is known as the costliest and one of the deadliest to ever hit the United States.

Katrina first made landfall as a Category 1 storm in Florida on Aug. 25, 2005. It then intensified to a Category 5 hurricane in the Gulf. Weakening to a Category 3, it made landfall again on Aug. 29, 2005, in southeast Louisiana and then in Mississippi.

While the toll didn't become clear for days, the storm ultimately led to nearly 1,400 deaths, the majority in New Orleans, according to the National Hurricane Center.

A satellite image shows Hurricane Katrina as it approached the Gulf Coast in August 2005. / Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Initial reports suggested the damage in New Orleans wasn't worse than past hurricanes the city had weathered  until the levees failed.

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"That's when all hell broke loose, when all the water started inundating the city," Eddie Compass, the New Orleans Police superintendent at the time, told CBS News in a recent interview. "That's when we knew we had something that was much different than a regular hurricane."

At least 80% of New Orleans was flooded. Roads were impassable without boats, and people were stranded on roofs.

Flood waters from Hurricane Katrina cover streets on Aug. 30, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: AFP PHOTO/POOL/Vincent Laforet via Getty Images

An aerial view shows water surrounding homes in New Orlean's devastated Ninth Ward on Aug. 30, 2005. / Credit: Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Thousands of people had taken shelter in New Orleans' Superdome ahead of the storm, but became trapped there for days with limited food and water when the city flooded.

Thousands more ended up on the interstate after escaping rising waters. They were stuck in the heat with no help for days.

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Many weren't able to evacuate ahead of time.

"We don't have transportation. I mean, we're living paycheck-to-paycheck," one woman told CBS News as she stood on the side of the highway on Aug. 30, 2005.

Canal Street is flooded a day after Hurricane Katrina blew through New Orleans. / Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images

Lower Ninth Ward residents stranded on the roofs wait for rescue boats in New Orleans on Aug. 29, 2005. / Credit: Marko Georgiev / Getty Images / Marko Georgiev/Contributor

People are stranded on a roof due to flood waters from Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 30, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: Vincent Laforet/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

People driven from their homes by Hurricane Katrina rest atop their belongings as they wait to be evacuated from the Superdome in New Orleans. / Credit: Michael Appleton/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

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The federal response to New Orleans was harshly criticized for taking too long. It was three days before the National Guard arrived.

When then-Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore  who led the military response and has been credited for bringing calm to a chaotic situation  arrived in New Orleans, he faced a humanitarian crisis.

"I saw people waiting to be evacuated. I saw elderly people on the sidewalk. I saw women with babies there," he told "CBS Evening News" co-anchor Maurice DuBois.

Two men paddle in high water on Aug. 31, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Survivors of Hurricane Katrina walk to high ground on a highway after being evacuated from the flooding in New Orleans. / Credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images

In this handout photo provided by the White House, President George W. Bush looks out over devastation from Hurricane Katrina as he heads back to Washington, D.C., on Aug. 31, 2005, aboard Air Force One. / Credit: Paul Morse/White House via Getty Images

Search and rescue operations and evacuations were hindered by several factors, including a broken communications grid, Honore said in an interview with CBS News.

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"Katrina overmatched the infrastructure. It broke the communications grid," he said. "So that was a major challenge to find out exact situation reports, and many people in Baton Rouge and at the federal government were getting their information from watching television."

An exaggerated picture of lawlessness also complicated the situation, Honore said.

"This ended up being a major evacuation operational logistics issue, which was distracted by many political-inspired news that this was a looting problem and not an evacuation problem," he said.

Residents are rescued by helicopter from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 1, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: David J. Phillip/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Thousands of people displaced by Hurricane Katrina wait to be taken to safety during a helicopter pickup on Interstate 10 in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sept. 2, 2005. / Credit: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Thousands of people sit on the freeway after fleeing to higher ground Aug. 31, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. / Credit: Mark Wilson / Getty Images

Storm surge from Katrina also devastated parts of Mississippi and Alabama. Images showed buildings reduced to rubble and debris across the coast.

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One man in Gulfport, Mississippi, recounted to CBS News days after the storm hit how he stood on his stove as water filled his kitchen.

A car is seen in a beachfront pool on Aug. 30, 2005, in Biloxi, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina hit. / Credit: Barry Williams / Getty Images

A man spends a quiet moment on the once pristine stretch of beach in Biloxi, Mississippi, on Sept. 2, 2005. / Credit: Marianne Todd / Getty Images

Ben Stone and his wife Nancy look through the remains of their home with their son-in-law, Terry Robinson, center, after Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home in Gulfport, Mississippi. / Credit: Oscar Sosa/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A beach home on the west end of Dauphin Island, Alabama, in the Gulf is left in pieces on Sept. 1, 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. / Credit: Kari Goodnough/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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Today, some communities, including Dauphin Island, Alabama, are still fighting to protect themselves from the next disaster.

Residents of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, a predominantly Black community that was fully inundated when the flood wall broke, say the historic neighborhood has never returned to what it was before Katrina.

"We're the land they forgot about. We're the last ones to get our streets fixed, the last ones to get any kind of help from the city. If you come through here at night it's dark  there's no street signs, no working stop signs, there's nothing down here. Two stores and one elementary school in the whole neighborhood, when there used to be tons of resources," Ethelynn and Michael Vaughn told Getty Images.

Another resident, Frank Parker, said the neighborhood "still looks like a dead zone."

An aerial view of rebuilt homes amid vacant lots where homes once stood in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 10, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images

Frank Parker at his home in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: Brandon Bell / Getty Images

Ethelynn and Michael Vaughn stand for a portrait at their home in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: Brandon Bell / Getty Images

A mural is displayed on a levee wall in the Lower Ninth Ward on Aug. 25, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. / Credit: Brandon Bell / Getty Images

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Husets Speedway in Brandon is getting ready to wave the checkered flag on another great season of racing.

Its the final weekend at Husets and its a close race to see who finishes on top in the points standings and theres a lot money riding on the line.

Libraries remain open until 8 p.m.

The points battle is coming down to the wire at Husets Speedway with about five cars in contention to be crowned race points champion.

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Thats what we want, we want it to be exciting going into the last week and we definitely got that scenario going into Friday night, Husets General Manager Doug Johnson said.

Friday night is the Bull Haulers Brawl, with $75,000 on the line for the Late Model Street Stocks and the 410 Sprint cars.

Its just a great way to cap off our weekly season for the 410 sprint cars, Doug said.

Johnsons son, Kaleb, is the current points leader at Husets and the defending champ.

He says hes had some ups and downs this season, but overall he feels hes racing consistently well and gives a lot of credit to his crew.

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When you surround yourself with good people, good things tend to happen, Kaleb said.

As the points leader, Kaleb says hes not holding back come Friday night.

Just kind of looking to leave it all on the table; hopefully have a good night and stay wreck free and I think its going to be an awesome night of racing along with an awesome weekend of racing and the World of Outlaws coming as well,

Saturday and Sunday is the Husets Shootout with the World of Outlaws with a $15 thousand dollar payout the first night, followed by $25 thousand on Sunday night.

As the racing season winds down this year, Doug Johnson is already planning big things for next year.

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Nothing is completely finalized yet, but I think theres going to be some changes around the property and a little bit to our schedule, but we are working diligently on that to get that and hopefully have our schedule out in mid to late October and I think well have some exciting things to announce at that time, Doug said.

Even though this is the last weekend of racing at Husets, Kaleb Johnson plans to keep racing through the World Finals until November when he heads to Charolette North Carolina.

To learn more about the final weekend of racing at Husets, click here.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The Hutchinson County Commission wants to turn a rough stretch of the local road system into a safer one.

The need to resurface eight miles of asphalt on County Highway 38 south of Olivet and Menno is what led to the South Dakota Transportation Commission considering a loan request on Thursday.

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The state commission agreed to advance $900,000 to Hutchinson County from the South Dakota Department of Transportation surface transportation block grant program.

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The loan carries a 2.7% annual rate of interest.

Hutchinson County had already received $315,670 this year from the program. The county commission agreed to pursue the advance at its July 8 meeting.

The agreement approved Thursday calls for the county to pay off the loan in $300,000 annual increments by rerouting the next three years of STBGP funds back to DOT.

The state commission rarely makes loans. Its chair, Don Roby of Watertown, asked whether there was anything different this time.

Pretty standard, replied Joann Hight, a DOT program manager.

The stretch of road was described in the loan application as a rural major collector that receives high daily traffic between Menno and Scotland as well as Maxwell Colony. The poor condition of the roadway is creating safety concerns for the traveling public as well as increased roadway user and maintenance costs.

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The countys application further states, We do not borrow from banks and we do not have ample time to apply for a grant as the project needs to be constructed this summer to alleviate safety concerns for the traveling public.

The total amount of the project is estimated at $1,650,736. That includes $200,000 for labor and $1,450,736.00 total construction costs for prime oil and asphalt.

The county plans to use $750,736 in local funds.

Hutchinson County highway superintendent Andrew Stainbrook was on the phone line during the meeting to answer any questions, but no one asked him any.

South Dakota Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt told the state commission that DOT wouldnt charge a 0.25% administrative fee on the advance, even though that has been past practice.

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Jundt said other state government agencies dont charge administrative fees and he recommended that the state commission stop doing it for DOT, too.

You have the flexibility, Hight told the state commission members.

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Plans for a new Hy-Vee grocery store in Stillwater have fallen through, and the developer of the site at the southeast corner of Minnesota 36 and Manning Avenue is looking for a new grocer to take its spot.

Summit Managements Mark Lambert said Friday that his company and Hy-Vee have agreed to part ways after seven years of negotiations at the Central Commons site.

We basically agreed to separate, and I got my site back, Lambert said. I felt it was more important for us to have the momentum going forward than to be in a position where we didnt know when  and if  they were going to build the store.

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Lambert said both parties agreed it wasnt the right place and the right time for Hy-Vee to build there.

What that means is that I now have a very nice grocer location that I am marketing to other grocery stores, Lambert said.

Officials from Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Mixed-use development

Plans call for Central Commons, a $50 million mixed-use development, to include 190 units of luxury apartments, retail and a convenience store, Lambert said.

Key to developing the site will be finding a grocery store to anchor the project, he said.

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We know there are several great grocers in the area, he said. My hope is to kind of re-grocer the site, if you will, and that well find another grocer that wants that location.

The road leading to the development  the 58th Street extension  is scheduled to be completed next spring, so Im hoping by summer of 2026, well have full access and a very marketable site, he said.

The site is being developed to accommodate an up to 95,000-square-foot grocery store and 4,000-square-foot convenience store on the property, which the city of Stillwater annexed from Stillwater Township in 2020. Theres also the possibility of a hotel, more apartments and additional retail, he said.

Prime location

The site is in a prime location, just south of the new $400 million Lakeview Hospital campus at the northeast corner of Minnesota 36 and Manning Avenue in Stillwater.

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Were still excited about (the project), Lambert said. I mean, its an amazing corner. Its right across from the new hospital.  While were disappointed we werent able to continue our partnership with Hy-Vee, were excited about identifying a new partner to continue the work weve done the last seven years on this site.

Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski said he is confident that another grocer will decide to build at the site.

I really think there will be something cool that lands in that spot, so Im not too worried about the future of it, he said. There are a lot of really cool options. I was just at the new Kowalskis they built over in Edina. Boy, would I love to see that in Stillwater, like, that is the sexiest grocery store Ive ever seen in my life. Its really, really nice. Im ready to call the CEO.

Kowalskis operates a store in Oak Park Heights, just east of the Central Commons site.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Sunland Park residents may see water discoloration on Friday, Aug. 29, due to hydrant flushes/testing, the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority said in a news release.

The Sunland Park Fire Department is conducting hydrant flushes/testing in Sunland Parks Riverside Subdivision on Friday, which may result in discolored water due to the disturbance of naturally occurring minerals in the distribution system.

CRRUA recommends waiting for the water to become clear before washing laundry.

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The discoloration should disappear within 24 hours. If it does not, flush cold water faucets for several minutes, read the news release.



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JOHNSON COUNTY, Iowa  An eastern Iowa man has been accused of illegally chopping down over 100 trees that werent his.

According to court records, back in April the Iowa Department of Natural Resources was notified of possible tree theft at a rural Johnson County property. The property owner told DNR officers that he noticed several trees on his property had been chopped down earlier this year.

The property owner also told the DNR that his neighbor, who was a crop lease tenant identified as Tyler Robert Rogers, claimed that a logger friend had gotten carried away and chopped down trees that belonged to the property owner, court records state. Later, Rogers allegedly gave the property owner a check for $30,000.

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Man life-flighted after motorcycle, SUV collide in Lucas County

Court records state that the property owner had the felled trees appraised, and was informed that the trees were worth over $109,000.

It was later discovered that the logging company who chopped down the trees allegedly sold the trees to a lumber company for over $98,000 and that the logger made out a check to Rogers for over $59,000, approximately 60% of the total sale, according to court records. The logging company also allegedly told the property owner that Rogers had claimed the trees were his and had given them permission to chop them down.

According to court records, a total of 132 trees that didnt belong to Rogers were chopped down for lumber.

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On Tuesday, Rogers was charged with one count of first-degree theft  deceive labor/service/property $10,000+ and three counts of timber buyer  violation of surety or accounting requirements. He has since bonded out of jail and is scheduled to be arraigned on September 12.

Iowa news

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Relatives of two of the four University of Idaho students murdered in 2022 have asked a judge to prevent the release of graphic crime scene photos and videos, saying that the images are traumatizing and making them public would violate their privacy.

Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to life without parole last month for the stabbing murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho.

Even if crime scene images are somehow redacted, it's still traumatizing for the families, Ethan's mother, Stacy Chapin, wrote in a court document.

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"They are heartbreaking and continue to reopen a wound that has yet to heal," she wrote.

The family of Ethan Chapin, including mother Stacy Chapin, right, and father Jim Chapin, walk to the Ada County Courthouse for Bryan Kohberger's plea deal hearing, on July 2, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. / Credit: Jenny Kane / AP

The criminal case drew worldwide attention, and the Moscow Police Department received hundreds of requests to release investigatory records. Idaho law generally allows for the sealing of investigation records to be lifted once a criminal investigation is complete.

After Kohberger's sentencing, the city of Moscow responded to one such request for public records by releasing photos and videos taken by law enforcement at the crime scene, blurring out the bodies of the slain students as well as the faces of other victims and witnesses who talked to police outside the home

The images still showed blood on the floors and walls of the home, however, and the videos included the sounds of sobbing friends and roommates.

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Leander James, an attorney representing family members of Mogen and Chapin, told 2nd District Judge Megan Marshall that the blurring was ineffective, that the blood should also have been hidden from public view, and that the sounds of distress should have been muted.

"Blurring is not redacting," James said during a Thursday morning hearing. He asked the judge to carefully consider Stacy Chapin's statement, describing "how incredibly harmful and emotionally damaging it is for her to see images of her son and the other victims. They're in there, they're just blurred  they're harder to see."

The commodification of the killings by a whole industry of people obsessed with crimes makes it even more important to consider how the families have been victimized again by the release of such gory images, James told the judge.

"Images like this are disseminated within an instant, worldwide," James said, criticizing "this 'true crime' sort of industry that uses this stuff for economic gain, and misuses it."

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Andrew Pluskal, an attorney representing the city of Moscow, said the city is required by law to release the images under the Idaho Public Records Act, and carefully weighed what to redact using the "balancing test" spelled out in the law, weighing the victims' right to privacy against the public's right to know.

"If there were options allowed in statute that allowed these records to be fired into the sun," the city would do it, Pluskal told the judge. He called the images "harrowing."

But he said the city could have been sued if it refused their release, and redacting or blurring the images was its best attempt to follow the law.

"The city is in the middle here  the city is going to get it from either side," Pluskal told the judge.

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Marshall said she would consider both sides and issue a ruling at a later date.

Kohberger behind bars

Kohberger said earlier this month he is being taunted by fellow inmates at a maximum-security prison, the facility confirmed, and sources told CBS News prisoners have been heckling him through air vents night and day.

"We are aware of Kohberger's complaints about what he considers taunting," the Idaho Department of Correction told CBS News in a statement.

Kohberger is at Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI), which is less than 20 miles south of Boise. For his own safety, Kohberger is in the prison's "J Block," a long-term restrictive housing unit with around 30 inmates, where he is confined to his cell 23 hours a day and has one hour of outdoor recreation

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Chris McDonough, a retired detective and a director at the Cold Case Foundation, has firsthand knowledge of the circumstances within the prison's unit.

Since Kohberger arrived at IMSI in late July, inmates have been taking turns taunting him around the clock by yelling through air vents that lead into his cell, according to McDonough. The heckling has been so persistent that it has affected Kohberger's ability to sleep.

"I don't think Bryan Kohberger anticipated the psychological play here from the inmates  It's a curveball," McDonough told CBS News. "As soon as he got there, it started  And he's complained to the prison guards."

Idaho Maximum Security Institution houses several notorious inmates  including two serial killers  and has been plagued by reports of violence and allegations of inhumane conditions in recent years. Solitary confinement is common at the facility.

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"IMSI manages the long-term housing of our most dangerous and volatile population," the Idaho Department of Correction told CBS News in an email last month. Asked about the use of solitary confinement and lockdowns, the department said, "Restrictive housing is not a disciplinary sanction, it is a housing assignment designed to manage specific behaviors."

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More than 1,500 Idahoans between the ages of 5 and 17 contacted the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline between when the parental consent law went into effect on July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, according to data provided by the hotline. (Getty Images)

How you can get help

Call or text 988 to talk to a trained crisis counselor. Phone services are provided in English and Spanish, with translator services available for 250 other languages. Text services are only provided in English. For online messaging, visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.

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A trained crisis counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support and share resources, if needed.

Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HELLO to 741741. It is free, available 24/7, and confidential.

A law requiring parental consent for almost any medical treatment provided to minors went into effect in Idaho in July 2024, and it has been hampering childrens access to care in unintended ways.

One of the affected entities is the Idaho 988 Crisis and Suicide Hotline.

More than 1,500 Idahoans between the ages of 5 and 17 contacted the hotline between when the parental consent law went into effect on July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, according to data provided by the Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline.

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Some of those young people cant move forward in their call without a parent giving permission.

Sometimes, a parent or guardian can get on the phone, according to Idaho 988 Director Lee Flinn, but in most situations, the minor hangs up because they tell us they feel like they cant do that.

We really do want and hope that minors have a parent or two parents that support them, but one of the things that we hear sometimes is that they dont have a parent they can talk to, Flinn said.

She emphasized that the hotline still accepts calls from anyone, and encourages people of any age to call, text or chat online if they are in crisis.

Definition of emergency can complicate how Idaho hotline staff handle call from minor

The law, Senate Bill 1329, passed in 2024, requires that a provider receive consent from a parent or legal custodian to perform any health care service, which is defined as for the diagnosis, screening, examination, prevention, treatment, cure, care, or relief of any physical or mental health condition, illness, injury, defect, or disease.

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Providers do not need parental consent if theyve been given blanket consent by a parent already or the provider reasonably determines that a medical emergency exists and furnishing the health care service is necessary to prevent death or imminent, irreparable physical injury to the minor child.

Lee said many of the calls received by hotline staff members are really serious, they are in crisis, but the situation doesnt meet the high bar defined in the law.

The law has also impeded the hotlines ability to follow-up with young people, which is considered a best practice regardless of the severity of the situation, she said.

If a teenager tells us they are suicidal but theyre not at imminent risk, meaning they may not have a plan, they may not have access to lethal means, theyre still feeling suicidal and it is best practice  to offer a follow up call the next day within 24 hours, Flinn said. And were not able to offer that follow up call or support to minors because of this law.

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If there is imminent risk determined, the call will continue and the responder will try to ensure the minors safety, she said.

Alexander Copple, who worked at the hotline as a responder as part of a masters of social work internship between July 2024 and May, 2025, said the law made it difficult to do what he felt was right.

We can hear a little bit, and then we would basically say, we cant continue the conversation unless you have a parent there who can give consent, and then wed have to end the call, Copple said. And we have no way of knowing or following up to know if there was any help or support that was received.

Flinn said young people can call for a variety of reasons, often stemming from a difficulty managing strong emotions related to bullying, their relation with their parents, pressure to succeed, or a breakup.

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A young persons brain is not fully developed into their 20s, so when a young person is in crisis, its important to remember that they can be very impulsive sometimes, so the best support that any of us can provide a young person, early on in the crisis, is best.

Idaho lawmakers say they intend try again to clarify the law

The bill sponsors, Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, and Senate President Pro Tempore Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert, were aware of other ways the law was impeding access to care, and Anthon during the 2025 legislative session proposed a bill to clarify language in it, but the bill did not advance in the House.

Ehardt told the Idaho Capital Sun on Wednesday that she hadnt heard of the laws impact on the hotline.

Idaho state Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls (Courtesy of the Idaho Legislature)

The one thing Ive said from the beginning, is that we wanted to keep an an eye on things pertaining to suicide, Ehardt said.  I think thats worth looking at.

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Anthons bill proposed this year would have created a specific exception for the 988 hotline, allowing for services without parental consent if the child is is accessing the services of the Idaho crisis and suicide hotline or experiencing a mental health crisis and presents an imminent risk of serious injury to self or others.

The law as its written had also caused problems for those providing sexual assault exams on young people under 18. Under the law, a health worker would need to get consent from a parent to do the exam, but in some cases the perpetrator of the assault may be that parent or another family member, Idaho Reports previously reported.

The law also gained national attention when the Washington Post reported on a 13-year-old pregnant girl from McCall who could consent to her babys care but not her own.

The law came up at a recent legislative Child Custody and Domestic Relations Task Force meeting, during which advocates disagreed as to whether the law, as written, hampered abuse investigations and treatment, the Sun reported.

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Before the passage of Senate Bill 1329, teenagers 14 and older could seek contraception or other family planning services outside of abortion, treatment and testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and inpatient care for mental health, the Idaho Press reported. Those 16 and older may consent to treatment or rehabilitation for substance abuse.

Childrens advocates at the time of the bills passage expressed concern it would have a chilling effect on young peoples access to health care, the Idaho Press reported.

Ehardt seatmate, fellow Idaho Falls Republican Marco Erickson, had originally raised concerns about the impact on crisis and suicide centers when the bill was introduced in 2024. Erickson is a program director at Community Youth in Action, which works toward substance abuse and suicide prevention.

Idaho state Rep. Marco Erickson, R-Idaho Falls (Courtesy of the Idaho Legislature)

He told the Sun that he had heard the bill had been impacting services at the hotline, and hes been advocating for those who are affected to bring potential solutions to the bill sponsors.

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Erickson did not sponsor the bill, and although he expressed concerns about the mental health aspect of the bill, he voted for it on the floor.

Im just, in good faith, hoping they take care of it, he said.  (Ehardt) assured me that these issues would be addressed.

Ehardt has said she believes the law has been misconstrued and overly broadly interpreted in a way that doesnt allow for some basic services to be provided, such as a Band-Aid at school, but said shes open to trying to clarify it.

The bill last year passed the Senate but never went anywhere in the House. Ehardt said it came too late in the session. She hopes to have a bill ready early in the 2026 session.

Some of those things are being worked on as we speak, she said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
By Sameer Manekar and Byron Kaye

(Reuters) -Top Australian airline Qantas said annual profit jumped by nearly one-sixth as a post-pandemic rebound in domestic travel persisted and flagged higher fares in the current financial year, sending its shares to a record high.

The result and the sharemarket reaction to it show a company riding a tailwind of improved macroeconomic conditions as it seeks to rebuild its reputation after a series of damaging scandals.

The so-called Flying Kangaroo said it expected domestic fares to rise up to 5%, and international flights up to 3%, in the first half of the new financial year.

Underlying pre-tax profit for the year to end-June rose 15% to A$2.39 billion ($1.6 billion) on the prior year, broadly in line with analyst forecasts.

The company declared a final dividend of 16.5 Australian cents a share, the highest total payout in 17 years, and said it would add another 9.9-cent special dividend.

"Australians' love of travel continues, demand remains strong," CEO Vanessa Hudson told reporters in Sydney.

"Zoom and Teams have not ended the need for face-to-face business meetings," she added, noting demand for domestic business travel was close to the level just before COVID-19 shut down most air travel almost overnight in early 2020.

Qantas shares surged more than 12% in morning trade, making it one of the top performers on the broader market which was flat.

"Hudson inherited a mammoth challenge in balancing shareholder returns, rebuilding trust with consumers, and satisfying regulators," said Josh Gilbert, an analyst at trading platform eToro.

Hudson became CEO in 2023 as Qantas faced a blizzard of negative headlines. In May last year Qantas settled a lawsuit from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission accusing it of selling thousands of fares to flights that had already been cancelled. Earlier this month it was fined a record A$90 million for illegally sacking 1,800 ground staff during the pandemic.

"We have taken lessons away from this," Hudson told the media conference, asked about the fine. "We remain committed to rebuilding our relationship with unions to one that is constructive."

The result showed that while demand for flights was surging, so was the appetite of travellers for cheaper fares. Pre-tax earnings from its domestic unit were flat on the prior year and from international flights were up 7%, but pre-tax earnings from its budget arm, Jetstar, jumped 55%.

Qantas placed an order for 20 additional Airbus's narrowbody A321XLR aircraft as part of its broader ongoing fleet renewal program.
Aug. 28While the city of Moscow and two families of the University of Idaho murder victims are at a crossroads in court on how to proceed with releasing the crime scene photos of that night, they both feel there's no inherent need to view them.

They also struggle with the thought that people want to, they said in a court hearing Thursday.

Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, all college students, were brutally murdered in an off-campus Moscow home in 2022. Even after their killer, Bryan Kohberger, admitted he committed the murders and was sentenced to life in prison, requests, theories and speculation still ran rampant online.

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The internet's interest skyrocketed when some partially blurred photos of the bloody crime scene were released through a public records request from the city of Moscow to Idaho news outlet KTVB earlier this month.

Other tabloid outlets and true crime bloggers followed suit as they posted the photos online. It prompted Madison Mogen's mother to file a claim with the city of Moscow in an effort to stop more photos of her daughter's bedroom, where she and Goncalves were sleeping when they were killed, from being further released to the media and public. The images and its worldwide dissemination caused Mogen's mother, Karen Laramie, emotional and physical distress, according to court documents.

The Chapin family also joined in on the claim last week.

"We are personally haunted by the photos and lose sleep nightly due to viewing them. We assure you that seeing a redacted photo is just as traumatizing because our son is still in the picture, clear or not," Stacy Chapin wrote to the court. "They are heartbreaking and continue to reopen a wound that has yet to heal.

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"Releasing these images and video media is an unwarranted invasion of my privacy and the privacy of my husband, Ethan's siblings, our family, and my deceased son. Most importantly, I need to speak up for my son because he no longer has a voice."

In the court hearing Thursday, the city of Moscow and the families' pro bono attorney made arguments on whether to maintain a restraining order originally put in place by Latah County Judge Megan Marshall to halt release of more photos.

KTVB on Aug. 7 was the only Idaho news outlet to publish the photos, which depicted some blurred images of what appeared to be the victims' bodies and other unblurred images of some blood spatter. The families were not notified prior to the release, but instead saw them online the same day they were published, the Chapin family said in court documents.

KTVB did not respond for comment by the time of publication Thursday.

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"One media outlet apparently disseminated (the photos) to others. It's been devastating," James told the court. "They were revictimized when these images were sent out to the public."

Releasing investigative documents via a public records request is legal under Idaho's public records law. There are exceptions to the law, in part  clerks are not allowed to release records that are part of an ongoing investigation, some personnel records, personal information and records that constitute an unwarranted intrusion into someone's privacy. The city did blur some photos to prevent an invasion of privacy, Moscow city attorney Mia Bautista said.

James argued that blurring the photos of the students' bodies was not enough. Photos of the blood were still visible, and that is "part of the body," he said.

Ultimately the judge must weigh releasing the photos as allowed by state law in the interest of the public against the harm and invasion of privacy of the victims' family members. Andrew Pluskal, an attorney for the city of Moscow, told the court that the city wouldn't object to the judge's decision on the matter and that he has no reason to argue over the families' pain and trauma of seeing the images. Pluskal also said he could not understand why people would want to view the photos in the first place, other than to wildly postulate about the case.

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The information about the crime scene and what police saw that day is also already depicted in graphic detail through publicly accessible police reports on the city of Moscow's website.

"This was a properly run investigation, and there is no reason to doubt the guilt of the man who said he admitted it," Pluskal said, referring to Kohberger. "I do not see how anything other than conspiratorial interest would support the release of imagery and body cameras beyond what the city initially prepared."

James said the case is "unique" because it has garnered worldwide attention. Notable celebrities, like Kim Kardashian, have even posted about it. There are also many social media influencers who have posted unverified rumors, some of which led a University of Idaho professor to sue after she was accused by a tarot card reader of committing the crimes.

"This case is unique in a couple of ways ... It is garnered worldwide attention. Because of the true crime industry ... and because of the interest of others and efforts of bloggers, (photos and information) have been disseminated, used, misused and used in ways incredibly harmful to the witnesses and my clients," James said. "Images like this are disseminated within an instant. It's something we have never had before in history. The true crime industry uses this stuff for economic gain and misuses it. The reality is that people who comment and look at this stuff say horrible things about the family members."

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The Chapin and Mogen families are not the only ones to oppose the release of the crime scene photos, although they are the only two to file a formal claim in court. Kaylee Goncalves' father, Steve Goncalves, told media after Koherger's sentencing that he would not want to see the photos disseminated to the public. After Aug. 7, the Goncalves' pleaded on their family Facebook page for the public to refrain from sharing the pictures.

"We are begging you to not share them. These pictures are extremely private, and cause immense pain and trauma for all of our families," the post said. "Please help us by not reposting or sharing them. We are asking kindly for your help, and respect to this extremely sensitive matter."

The Chapin family wrote in court records that besides being traumatized, horrified and unable to sleep at night as the images of the crime scene photos replay in their heads, they also don't want the rest of Ethan's siblings to come across them and relive that day. In addition to that, they wrote they know Kohberger is able to see them, which only compounds their pain.

"We are at a loss for understanding why anyone would release them, let alone feel the need to look at them. Losing Ethan is a catastrophic loss to our family, and the photos are a gross reminder of that loss," Stacy Chapin wrote.

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The city has received 1,150 requests to view the photos of the scene, body camera footage or other investigative documents, Moscow's city clerk wrote in court documents. Of those, only 50 were verified news organizations, crime shows or podcasts. The rest were unaffiliated, the clerk wrote.

"I don't know what there is to say other than the reasons why anyone would want these images its difficult to wrap my head around," Pluskal said.

Judge Marshall indicated she would be taking the arguments under advisement and issuing a decision at a later date.

S-R reporter Mathew Callaghan contributed to this story.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  A jury in Prince William County found a Florida man guilty of a violent abduction and rape that happened at a gas station in 1987, authorities announced Friday.

On Dec. 19, 1987, a 50-year-old woman was working as a clerk at the Chevron gas station on Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge. She went to use the restroom, which was outside of the building, and encountered now-54-year-old Russell Marubbio.

With a knife in hand, Marubbio tapped her head and hands and then raped her, according to reports.

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Officers responded to investigate and a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) was collected from the woman at a nearby hospital.

Pedestrian hit, killed by pickup truck on I-95 in Prince Georges County

Marubbio and the woman did not know each other before the attack, the Commonwealths Attorney noted.

Though a male DNA profile was developed based on the PERK analysis, no match was found and the case went cold for decades.

In 2019, an investigator with 22 years of experience in violent crimes transferred to the Cold Case Unit and started to re-examine unsolved cases using advancements in forensic science and investigative techniques.

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With the help of another veteran detective, they reopened the case.

While submitting additional DNA from the scene, the detectives were faced with an unusual dilemma  the evidence was linked to identical twin brothers John Aurthur Marubbio and Russell Anthony Marubbio.

Since they were twins, investigators were unable to differentiate between the two and identify which one was the suspect.

In 2022, detectives turned to Parabon NanoLabs, which provided a solution. While identical twins start with the same DNA, rare mutations can arise after the twins split in early development, creating subtle genetic differences.

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Parabon was able to analyze the samples and conclusively identify Russell Marubbio as the twin whose DNA was at the crime scene.

Officials: Minor arrested for possible school shooting threat in DC, guns found in home

The Commonwealths Attorney said this marked the first successful admission and application of this technique in a U.S. court, overcoming challenges preventing DNA identification in identical twins.

Marubbio was arrested on June 23, 2023, charged with abduction and rape and then released on bond.

Upon his conviction on Aug. 29, 2025, he was taken into the custody of the Sheriffs Office.

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He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 7.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Israeli forces carried out raids in southern Syria, detaining suspects and uncovering weapons amid reports of strikes near former Iranian positions.

In a series of overnight raids in southern Syria over the past few days, IDF troops arrested several suspects involved in promoting terrorist activity against Israeli forces, the military confirmed on Friday.

Soldiers from the 226th Brigade of the 210th Division, operating in coordination with Unit 504 field investigators, detained individuals suspected of planning attacks targeting IDF personnel. Weapons were uncovered during searches conducted in multiple locations.

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These arrests come amid reports of heightened Israeli military activity in southern Syria. On Wednesday, IDF soldiers rappelled from four helicopters to a military post near Kiswa, south of Damascus, according to a Syrian military source cited by Al Jazeera.

Dozens of soldiers reportedly carried out a two-hour operation equipped with search tools. No clashes were reported between IDF forces and Syrian troops.

The raid followed earlier reports by Syrias Al Ekhbariya TV claiming Israel launched strikes on a former army barracks in the Kiswa area. The location, as well as the nearby Jabal Manea hilltop, had been used by Iranian-backed groups during the rule of the ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

IDF soldiers conduct overnight raids in Syria, August 27, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Unconfirmed strikes on former Assad-era base

According to Shams TV, an unofficial estimate suggested nine Syrian soldiers were killed in the Israeli airstrikes, with others wounded.

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An Israeli military spokesperson declined to comment on the reports, saying only, We do not comment on foreign reports.

Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the developments on Thursday morning, posting on X: Our forces are operating on all fronts, day and night, for the security of Israel.
The special localized ceasefires will still apply to the al-Muwasi area and certain zones in central and southern Gaza.

The IDF invasion of Gaza City could finally be on the way after weeks of back and forth on the issue.

On Friday morning, at 11:30 a.m., the IDF said that as of 10:00 a.m. earlier in the morning, Gaza City had become defined as a full-fledged war zone.

According to the IDF, the special protection it has been offering to humanitarian NGOs for the last month, since Israel greatly increased the flow of humanitarian aid to reduce the risk of Gazan food insecurity, no longer applies to Gaza City.

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The special localized ceasefires will still apply to the al-Muwasi area and certain zones in central and southern Gaza, but the lifting of that protection for Gaza City could be the sign that the invasion is more imminent.

For several days, the IDF has sent repeated messages to Gaza City residents to try to get them to evacuate, with only limited success to date.

Smoke rises from Gaza following an explosion, as seen from Israel, May 16, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

This latest move could be a significant escalation on the way to the actual invasion.

Intensified campaign across Gaza

The IDF has intensified its ground campaign across the Gaza Strip, striking dozens of terror-related targets in recent days, the military said Thursday. Units under Southern Command have broadened their efforts, targeting terrorist infrastructure and operatives across the southern and northern sectors.

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In southern Gaza, IDF troops eliminated several Hamas gunmen and dismantled key operational sites. The 188th Armored Brigades combat team advanced in Khan Yunis, working to assert control over the Magen Oz axis, a strategic corridor linking the eastern and western parts of the city. During the operation, several buildings used by Hamas as command posts were destroyed.

Last week, the military confirmed it had struck and killed Mahmoud al-Aswad, who served as Hamas's General Security Apparatus leader in the Gaza Strip.

Aswad operated as the terrorist organization's general security leader for Western Gaza, with the military describing him as a "significant source of knowledge" for Hamas.

Meanwhile, in the southern Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers killed a number of Hamas terrorists who advanced towards the troops in Khan Yunis. The terrorists were killed with the assistance of the IAF.

This is a developing story.
Muhammad Abd al-Aziz Abu Zubaida directed ISIS's strategic activities across Judea and Samaria.

Over the past week, the IDF, under the direction of the Southern Command and the Intelligence Directorate, killed Muhammad Abd al-Aziz Abu Zubaida, head of the Islamic States Palestine District in the Gaza Strip, the IDF confirmed on Friday. The operation took place in the Bureij area.

Abu Zubaida held the most senior position within the ISIS terrorist network in Gaza. He directed the groups strategic activities across Judea and Samaria, the Gaza Strip, and the Sinai Peninsula. According to military intelligence, he also oversaw the transfer of funds and combat equipment into Gaza, and his operatives were involved in fighting against IDF troops during the war.

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His death occurred amid intensified IDF activity throughout the Gaza Strip. In recent days, the IDF has escalated operations in Gaza City, targeting dozens of terrorist infrastructure sites. Southern Command is reportedly preparing for what officials have described as a final push to dismantle the remaining Hamas battalions embedded in several key neighborhoods.

IDF operates in Gaza, August 29, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

IDF suspends humanitarian pauses in Gaza

As part of this escalation, the IDF announced the suspension of humanitarian pauses in northern Gaza, stating that ceasefire arrangements would no longer apply in Gaza City. The change signaled the beginning of an open-ended military operation in the area, where troops have been conducting raids, gathering intelligence and executing precision strikes on buildings used by Hamas and other armed groups.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces recovered the body of hostage Ilan Weiss in Gaza City. The remains of another, as-yet-unidentified soldier were also recovered during the same operation. The effort followed a complex intelligence-gathering process involving the Hostages and Missing Persons Headquarters, Unit 504, and the Southern Command, based on information obtained from detainees interrogated by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).

The discoveries came as IDF troops intensified operations in central Gaza, particularly in Shujaiyya and Zeitoun. Forces carried out both surface-level and subterranean raids. Engineering units destroyed tunnels, and dozens of gunmen were either killed or captured in close-quarter combat.
The IDF confirmed that it also uncovered findings of what appear to be the remains of an additional hostage whose name has not yet been released.

The IDF and Shin Bet have recovered and identified the body of hostage Ilan Weiss, and what appears to be the remains of an additional hostage whose name has not yet been released, in the Gaza Strip, the military confirmed on Friday.

"Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their deep sorrow," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.

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"The campaign to bring back the hostages continues without pause. We will not rest and we will not be silent until we return all our hostages home, both the living and the fallen."

The IDF stated that the identification process of the additional hostage is still ongoing, and the family has been notified.

"Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life. And ever since, his family has shown extraordinary strength in their struggle for his return," President Isaac Herzog wrote.

MEYTAL WEISS: Strong for them. (credit: CHEN SCHIMMEL)

"I wish to express profound appreciation to our heroic fighters who risk their lives day and night to return all the hostages - the living and the fallen alike," Defense Minister Israel Katz said, adding that returning the hostages is the "central goal of the approaching maneuver."

Ilan Weiss

Weiss, 56, was a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri in the Gaza border area and served on the kibbutz's emergency standby squad. In January 2024, the kibbutz confirmed that he was killed during the October 7 massacre, with his body taken by Hamas back to the Gaza Strip.

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Weiss's wife, Shiri, and daughter, Noga, were also taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, but were released in late November 2023 during a temporary ceasefire.

His other two daughters, Meytal and Maayan, were able to hide from Hamas during the massacre and were saved by Israeli soldiers.

The family dog, Ketem, was also killed by Hamas terrorists when Shiri and Noga were abducted.

This is a developing story.
Foreign national indicted for fraud

A foreign national has been indicted in U.S. District Court in Chicago for allegedly defrauding numerous individuals out of at least $2.6 million and willfully evading income taxes.

Jawad Fakroune, 45, also known by Angelino Escobar and other names, is facing 15 federal counts of wire fraud and tax-related charges.

Chicago Public Schools budget approved

The Chicago Board of Education has adopted a $10.2 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

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The board voted 12-7 to approve the spending plan, which did not include a high-interest loan favored by Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union.

Former chancellor dies

Former University of Illinois Chancellor Michael Aiken has died at the age of 93.

Aiken served as the schools sixth chancellor from 1993 to 2001. U of I officials said he died Monday in Cody, Wyoming.
Mine manager pleads guilty

A former Franklin County mine manager has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration in relation to an underground fire in August 2021.

Prosecutors say Timothy Brandon Parsons, 38, of Louisa, Kentucky, and co-conspirators agreed not to evacuate miners over the course of three shifts or notify MSHA, even though gas detectors alarmed for the presence of more than 10 parts per million of carbon monoxide. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18.

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Johnson issues food executive order

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order establishing nutrition standards for foods and beverages sold or served on city-owned property.

The order aims to ensure that low fat, low sugar, culturally-appropriate food options are available in city facilities.

Johnson said all city agencies will be subject to mandatory purchasing guidelines for any food sold or served on city property.

Bluegrass music at Lincoln's New Salem

The Traditional Music Festival and Bluegrass Concerts are coming to Lincolns New Salem State Historic Site in Menard County.

The annual event takes place Sept. 5 through Sept. 7.

Performers from all over the Midwest play music with instruments like mountain and hammer dulcimers, autoharps, fiddles, banjos and more.
Following the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis that killed two children and wounded 17 others, the familiar refrain began: outrage, grief, and the call for "thoughts and prayers." But this time, the citys mayor, Jacob Frey, rejected the cliche: "Dont just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying."

They were children, at church, in the first week of school, seeking Gods protection when the bullets came.

Some, like MSNBC host Jen Psaki, echoed Freys frustration and pushed for more action on guns. Others, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, lashed back, insisting it was disrespectful to criticize prayer when believers were mourning.

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Vice President J.D. Vance agreed, saying, "We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action."

More: Cincinnati archbishop calls Minneapolis Catholic Church shooting a 'senseless tragedy'

As a pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, let me be clear: I believe in the power of prayer. I know prayer changes things. But I also believe what scripture teaches in James 2  that faith without works is dead.

Now, I know not everyone who reads this column is a believer, and some may not find scripture persuasive. But the truth that action must follow conviction isn't only a Christian principle - it's common sense.

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Thats the real tension here. Not whether prayer has value, but whether prayer alone is enough when our children are bleeding in the pews and dying in the streets.

Prayer that moves feet

This isnt a question of belief versus unbelief. Its a question of action. Prayers without works ring hollow when politicians cant summon the courage to pass common-sense reforms.

After the 2019 Dayton shooting that killed nine people, Gov. Mike DeWine, a man of faith, stood before Ohioans and promised to "do something." His "STRONG Ohio" plan offered 17 steps to address gun violence. What did we get? Most of his proposals died in the legislature, and in the years since, hes signed bills that actually expanded gun rights, such as a law that allows Ohio adults to carry concealed firearms without training classes or background checks.

Ohioans are still waiting for that "something."

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More: Ohio divided: Ohio's gun laws have seen major changes in 20 years. What happened?

Civil rights giant Fannie Lou Hamer put it best: "You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap."

The test of belief

When we offer prayers without any plan to protect our children, were like the neighbor in James 2 who sees a brother or sister in need and simply says, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled." That kind of faith is dead.

Real faith is living, breathing, moving. It takes shape in acts of love, justice, service, and obedience. It pushes us beyond words into works.

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Yes, pray for the families in Minneapolis. Pray that God comforts them in their grief. But then rise from your knees and act. Lobby. Vote. Confront lawmakers who hide behind platitudes while children die.

Letters: Church shooting: Outrage, anger and disbelief not enough. All I see is apathy

The real test for the tens of millions of us who call ourselves believers is this: Are our politics guiding our faith, or is our faith guiding our politics?

If we are truly praying to God and listening for God's answer, the path to preventing these tragedies will become clear. And while God may indeed work in mysterious ways, there is nothing mysterious about God's command: Love thy neighbor as thyself.

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The time has come for a living faith. Because if we dont embrace it, more of our neighbors  and more of our children  will end up dead.

Kevin S. Aldridge is the Opinion and Engagement editor for the The Enquirer.

Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@enquirer.com. On X: @kevaldrid.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Minneapolis mayor is right. A dead faith can't save our kids | Opinion
A fire crew clears brush away from the side of Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica, Calif. Wildfire veterans say an immigration raid earlier this week targeting fire crews in Washington state was an alarming development that could threaten the nations wildfire readiness. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Federal immigration officials in Washington state arrived on the scene of the largest wildfire in the state on Wednesday and arrested two firefighters who had been working to contain the blaze.

Wildfire veterans say its nearly unprecedented for federal agents to conduct immigration enforcement near the front lines of an active wildfire. Some fear the raid could reverberate throughout the wildland fire community, making it more difficult to fully staff the crews putting out blazes at the peak of fire season in the West.

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Theres a lot of brown bodies out there on the fire line, said Bobbie Scopa, who had a 45-year career as a firefighter and now serves as executive secretary with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a nonprofit that advocates on behalf of wildfire professionals.

Scopa noted that President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown has swept up even some workers who are in the country legally.

When the rumble from this goes around, were going to have contractors unable to put out as many crews as they were, she said. We dont know what the requirement is not to get shipped off by ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. Even if youre a citizen and you look the wrong way, you could still get picked up.

On Wednesday morning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents pulled aside two crews of firefighters that had been working for companies contracted to help fight the Washington fire. The Bear Gulch Fire, spreading through rugged terrain in and around Olympic National Park, has burned nearly 9,000 acres.

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They were told they were going to cut firewood, said Scott Polhamus, secretary of the Organization of Fire Contractors and Affiliates, a nonprofit industry group. The people that were supposed to meet them never showed up, and eventually immigration showed up instead.

Many contract crews rely heavily on immigrant labor.

[Immigrants] make up a huge portion of forestry and fire, theyre an integral part of this industry, Polhamus said.

Now, wildland fire veterans fear that the immigrants who have been protecting communities from fires could make fire camps a target for immigration officials who are trying to meet deportation quotas. And more high-profile raids on fire crews could cause many in the workforce to reconsider their profession.

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If youre a migrant worker and this starts happening, are you going to keep on doing that and risk getting picked up? Scopa said. If [immigration authorities] keep visiting fire camps, we will definitely have fewer contract crews.

In a news release, U.S. Border Patrol said the operation was the result of an investigation by the federal Bureau of Land Management. Federal agents, the release said, found discrepancies on the rosters provided by contract fire companies. Immigration officers arrested two people who were in the country illegally, the release said, while removing 42 additional firefighters from the fire scene. The release said the government has terminated its contracts with the companies.

Table Rock Forestry Inc., a member of the Organization of Fire Contractors and Affiliates, was one of the companies whose workers were checked, Polhamus said. The company was able to show that its firefighters all had legal H-2B visas, he said, which allow foreign nationals to fill temporary, nonagricultural jobs. Still, the companys crew was demobilized and sent home, which he said was allegedly due to a half-hour discrepancy on a time sheet. The company has not yet gotten official word from the feds about its contract, Polhamus said.

Neither Table Rock Forestry nor the other company targeted by the raid responded to requests for comment.

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The Border Patrol statement said the operation did not interfere with firefighting operations. Tom Stokesberry, public information officer with California Interagency Incident Management Team 7, which oversaw the fire crews until Thursday, said the team was aware of the Border Patrol raid. Incident management teams deploy across the country to help coordinate the response to large fires. He would not comment on whether the raid affected wildfire operations.

Polhamus, along with many others in the wildland firefighter community, said it is widely believed that the same incident management team called immigration authorities to investigate another Hispanic crew last year. The raid this week took place on the California teams last day in charge of the fire, hours before a Washington team took command.

While most fire crews with government agencies hire only U.S. citizens, officials also contract with private companies to help fight many wildfires. Those companies often hire workers on H-2B visas or immigrants who are working to earn their U.S. citizenship.

The effects of workers being detained could go well beyond those individuals, experts said. If a crew loses two or three members, it may no longer meet the specifications it needs to fulfill its contract. That could result in the entire crew being grounded  without pay  until replacements arrive.

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We utilize thousands and thousands of contract firefighters, Scopa said. It absolutely could impact our ability to manage fires if were losing crews.

While firefighting contracting companies have varying opinions on the hiring of workers without legal status, Polhamus said, theres consensus throughout the industry that conducting an immigration raid at the scene of an active wildfire was dangerous and irresponsible.

Washington Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, who heads the states lead wildfire response agency, issued a statement that the state is still gathering details on the Border Patrol operation.

[T]he Trump administrations crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public including firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect our State, he said in the statement.

Stateline reporter Alex Brown can be reached at abrown@stateline.org.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  It was the evening of August 31, 1886, when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked Charleston, causing significant destruction and resulting in more than 60 deaths.

139 years later, the event is noted as the most damaging earthquake in the southeastern United States, with property damage estimated at $5-6 million at the time.

St. Philips church, damaged by an earthquake on August 31, 1886. Charleston, South Carolina, ca. September, 1886. (Photo by  CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) Areas damaged by the earthquake on August 31, 1886. Charleston, South Carolina, ca. September, 1886. (Photo by  CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) A house damaged in the August 31, 1886 earthquake. Charleston, South Carolina, ca. September, 1886. (Photo by  CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) A locomotive damaged by a August 31, 1886 earthquake in South Carolina. Ten Mile Hill, Berkeley County, South Carolina, ca. September, 1886. (Photo by  CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Charleston to Summerville experienced the worst damage; however, the earthquakes impact extended well beyond the Lowcountry, with structural damage reported across several states, including Alabama, Ohio, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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It was felt as far away as Boston, Milwaukee, Chicago, Cuba, and Bermuda.

According to city records, people were not only killed during the earthquake, which lasted for about a minute, but in the days and weeks that followed. Historians said many died from fever and exposure to the elements because so many were living in the streets and parks.

Encampment of citizens in city park during earthquake of August 31, 1886, Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina. August 31, 1886. (Photo by  CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Residents forced from their homes after the August 31, 1886 earthquake taking refuge in a city park. Charleston, South Carolina, ca. September 1886. (Photo by  CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

The United States Geological Survey says that if an earthquake the same size struck the same place today after the growth in Charleston, studies have determined there could be 900 deaths and billions of dollars in damage.

Earthquakes are not uncommon in South Carolina, but most occur at such low magnitudes that they are often not felt.

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Geologists at the College of Charleston report that the state records between 10 and 20 quakes each year, most happening in the Lowcountry region, as a large fault line runs through the Summerville area. Earthquakes are often recorded near the Ladson area.

More recently, researchers have been working to determine the cause of a swarm of earthquakes reported in Greenwood County over the past several days. The seismic events registered between 1.5 and 3.0 on the magnitude scale, and were centered mostly around Lake Greenwood.

Weve had about 11 since last Friday. I think the biggest one measured [at] 2.9 somewhere in there. Theyve been less than that, said Robert Cribbin, the countys Emergency Management Coordinator, to News 2s sister station, WSPA. We try to monitor it just to see whats going on. I did make a phone call today to the USGS people. They dont seem worried.

Dr. Daniel Frost, a seismology professor at the University of South Carolina, said its important for the public not to worry; its just Mother Nature at work.

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I dont think there is anything that people need to worry about. The likelihood of these earthquakes getting any larger is very low, just because of we are where we are in the world, where these earthquakes are and how small and how small and old the faults are that these earthquakes are most likely occurring on, Frost added. Theyre most likely relatively shallow, in the upper couple of miles, from the earths surface.

Still, South Carolinas emergency management officials are encouraging people to be prepared for an earthquake because the risk is greater than many may realize due to the number of fault lines running through the state.

Their message remains: be prepared, not scared.

Earthquakes can happen anywhere in South Carolina, and they often occur without warning, said Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. There are many fault lines under our feet, and we want every household to be informed, prepared, and resilient before the next event.

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The agency has a free resource guide that can help you, your family, and your business prepare for an earthquake. It highlights the history of earthquakes in South Carolina, how to prepare, stay safe, and important facts you should know.

Preparedness is key. Taking a few simple steps today can make a big difference when an earthquake happens, Stenson 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 WCBD News 2.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Following a canceled state school board meeting, an education forum was held at the State Capitol, where Republicans and Democrats heard concerns from Oklahomans.

This is the third cancellation of a meeting in less than a year and the second one of 2025.

Board Member Ryan Deatherage told News 4, when asked why it was canceled, I have not been given any information as to why the meeting was cancelled.

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It has been a month of controversy since last months board meeting, where Supt. Walters demanded that schools pay for lunches with confusing numbers as to their funding, he announced federal testing would be eliminated, he announced new teachers from California and New York would take woke ideology tests before being hired, and he is still under investigation for naked women appearing on a TV in his office.

New look inside OSDEs America First Assessment

When can we please return to any sort of resemblance to sanity in our education? asked a concerned parent during Thursdays forum.

It was a month or so ago, also, that Oklahoma became 50th in education quality, according to Wallet Hub.

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How do we get to the point where were number 50th in education? asked a gentleman during Thursdays forum.

The focus pretty much stayed on Superintendent Ryan Walters throughout the forum.

In attendance were several lawmakers, including Representative Denise Crosswhite Hader, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, Rep. Ronald Stewart, and Rep. Michelle McCane.

Tomorrow is my last day as a teacher in the state, said Guin Geyer. I resigned from Oklahoma City Public Schools because I am tired of watching all of the shortcuts that they have to take.

I left, said another gentleman. I became a fireman. Why did I become a fireman? I was looking for a less stressful job.

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Why are our elected officials allowing Ryan Walters to denigrate the office of the state superintendent of public instruction? asked another woman at the forum.

The forum lasted several hours, but after the first hour, it became a discussion of possible impeachment.

Rep. McCane stated that she and others had started looking into possible studies as to how that would be possible.

Impeachment of Ryan Walters is not a new topic at the Capitol. It was tried last year by lawmakers, but didnt gather enough signatures from representatives.

I do think there are more Republican primary voters who are hitting pause on supporting Ryan Walters, said Pat McFerron, President of CHS & Associates.

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Oklahoma County Sheriffs Office, OSBI wrap up investigation into State Superintendent Ryan Walters

CHS & Associates conducts what they call the Sooner Survey. For nearly a year, they have done so with Supt. Walters was listed, and several questions were asked regarding him.

In May and in August, they asked around 400 likely Republican voters about how they feel about him. In May, his favorability was at 37% but in August it went down to 31%. His unfavorability rating climbed from 37% in May to 44% in August.

It started to drop in May, and toward the end of the session, I think you had the school lunch issue that hit and then some of the controversy surrounding the social studies curriculum, said McFerron.

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News 4 reached out to a spokesperson at the Department of Education for a statement, but never heard back. They were also asked about why the meeting was canceled, but they never responded to that.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Two years after storms wiped out sections of Mt. Charleston trails, people are getting frustrated that they cant access popular hiking spots.

A social media post on Thursday explaining steps in fixing the Bristlecone Trail at Lee Canyon acted as a lightning rod, prompting responses that focused on Trail Canyon, a favorite for hikers in the Kyle Canyon area.

Hard to imagine that that repairing a trail would have a major impact on any of these concerns, one commenter said. Why havent the Mary Jane and Trail Canyon repairs begun?? There used to be hundreds of people, many that would never get outdoors, use these trails and now an over reaction to potential environmental issues is stopping people from enjoying the Mt Charleston environment. Obtain a Categorical Exclusion if federal funding is requiring it and get these trails open. Complete disservice to our community.

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The public has little patience for four sentences posted on the GoMtCharleston Facebook page, let alone a 351-page project plan.

They want all the trails fixed. And they want it now.

Mount Charleston from the northeast with bristlecone pines. (KLAS)

The explanation provided Thursday on the GoMtCharleston Facebook page said:

In August of 2023 Tropical Storm Hilary swept over the Spring Mountains causing damage to many areas of the SMNRA including Bristlecone Trail.

While road crew teams were able to fix the beginning of Lower Bristlecone, narrow sections of trail, archeological sites, and endemic species and habitats added complex layers and delays to repairing other damaged sections.

Before these repairs can be made important steps must be taken such as procuring funding, completing biological, recreational, and archeological surveys as well as NEPA analysis, and labor-intensive trail design and reconstruction that take time and resources.

We appreciate your patience while we work to protect and repair one of Mt Charlestons most beloved trails and we anticipate Bristlecone fully reopening in 2029.

#mtcharleston #nevada #smnra #gomtcharleston #USFS

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Sierra Forever, a nonprofit, helps the U.S. Forest Service get the word out on projects like this. The Bristlecone Trail is within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. 8 News Now has reached out to the group for their reaction.

A sign notifies visitors that the Upper Bristlecone Trail remains closed. (U.S. Forest Service)

Commenters werent accepting the explanation.

On the Bristlecone Pine Trail, the lower half is virtually undamaged. Just a small area is marginally damaged, another commenter chimed in. On the upper trail, 75% is undamaged. But about half a mile as one approaches the trailhead at the top (not the last half-mile) is just gone. For experienced hikers who know the area, this is no real problem. For hikers who dont know the area, its a problem.

But the comment quickly shifted to the Kyle Canyon side again: The real scandal at Mt. Charleston is the closure of the Trail Canyon trail. That trail IS TOTALLY UNDAMAGED. The parking lot for that trail is TOTALLY UNDAMAGED. Theres a road (through the residential area) paid for by tax dollars that can provide access to the parking lot. But the bureaucrats have closed Trail Canyon because of the road damage to the main road, I guess. Its really offensive. I would bet money that most of the houses along the residential access road are not even occupied.

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Others were suspicious of the whole situation: The washout is not that big. Theres something else going on.

And others had their own ideas about how to fix the trails. Fix the parking lots and hoards of people will fix the trail. Keeping parking lots closed because a trail is a bit rough in places is a disservice to the community and tax payer dollars.

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RAVINE, Pa. (WHTM)  Flames decimated the cab and damaged the trailer of a tractor trailer Friday afternoon, closing Interstate 81 northbound for hours in Schuylkill County.

Fire crews were called to the area of milepost 104 on Interstate 81 northbound near Ravine around 3:30 p.m. for a reported tractor trailer fire.

Pine Grove Township Fire said units arrived to find the cab of the truck aflame with the blaze spreading to the trailer, which was hauling cereal.

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Firefighters from Pine Grove Township, Pine Grove Borough, Joliett, Donaldson, Tremont, and Northern Lebanon all responded to assist in the firefight, and a tanker fill site was established at the Amazon Distribution Center in Frailey Township, off the Tremont exit.

The highway reopened around 9 p.m.

Get traffic alerts from the abc27 mobile app for the latest local delays and road closures

No injuries were immediately reported.

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India and Japan are seeking to boost cooperation in light of the Trump administration's protectionist trade policy, the two countries' prime ministers vowed in Tokyo on Friday.

Japan plans to double private investment in India to 10 billion yen ($68 million) over the next 10 years, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Just days before Modi's visit to Japan, new US tariffs on Indian goods came into effect, doubling the previous levy to 50%, as President Donald Trump seeks to punish New Delhi for its continued purchase of Russian oil.

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But in the eyes of Japan, maintaining good relations with India, the most populous country in the world with some 1.4 billion inhabitants, is crucial as the South Asian nation looks poised to become the third biggest economy behind the US and China due to the rapid growth it is experiencing.

Speaking at the Japan India Economic Forum in Tokyo ahead of his meeting with Ishiba, Modi described Japan as a technological powerhouse, while hailing India as a powerhouse of talent.

The two premiers signed a number of cooperation agreements also designed to expand collaboration in defence matters.

India and Japan, alongside the US and Australia, are part of the so-called Quad partnership, which is aiming to push back China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

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After his visit to Japan, Modi is due to travel to China where he is due to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend, as he plans to spend several days in China in a rare trip abroad.
Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed Friday to boost trade and cooperation between their two countries in the next decade.

The agreement included Japan agreeing to a $68 billion investment in India, along with a plan to increase mutual personnel exchanges between the two nations to 500,000 within five years, including 50,000 "skilled personnel and potential talents from India to Japan."

"The two prime ministers came to a common understanding that the India-Japan partnership stands at an important juncture and that it is imperative to develop a mutually complementary relationship by building upon our accomplishments and to leverage our respective strengths as well as excellent ties to pursue security and prosperity for the next generations," the leaders wrote in a joint statement.

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The joint statement further expressed "serious concern" by both prime ministers about Chinese military activities in the East China Sea and the South China Sea as they announced a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, which they said "elevates our defense and security ties to the next level, taking into account the contemporary geopolitical realities and security configurations in the region."

They said they will expand drills between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Indian Armed Forces. It was the first update since it was created in 2008.

"Japan and India are both responsible for maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law," Ishiba said at a joint press conference.

"India and Japan are fully committed to a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Our concerns over terrorism and cybersecurity are similar. Our mutual interests are linked to defense and maritime security. We have decided that cooperation in the sector of defense industry and innovation will be further strengthened," Modi said.

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Earlier this week, President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on goods imported from India in retaliation for India continuing to buy oil from Russia.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, responding to a question about the 50% tariff on India, said, "Both the prime ministers exchanged views on the global situation, the impact that some of these moves have had, and how that essentially creates the ground and the logic for closer cooperation between India and Japan," the Times of India reported.

China will host Indian Modi for a regional security summit this weekend.

Modi will travel to China for his first visit in seven years, as India and China have feuded in the past over a border dispute in the Himalayas.
SARCOXIE, Mo.  Dozens of new jobs are coming to Jasper County, after an Indiana company announces its expanding.

Friday morning, Acculevel announced its expanding into Missouri with three new regional headquarters. One will be built in Sarcoxie.

The foundation repair and basement waterproofing company plans to invest $8.7 million for facilities in the Show-Me State. The other two will be in Kennett and Smithville.

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Each new location will create 41 new jobs that will pay well above the county average, according to the company.

Construction on the Sarcoxie facility is expected to begin soon, and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2026.

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Suzanne Jaworowski, Indiana's Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources, speaks at the annual Indiana Water Summit on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski told attendees at the annual Indiana Water Summit on Thursday that a pending statewide water plan must be transparent, data-driven and developed collaboratively in line with Gov. Mike Brauns recent executive order.

When I stepped into this role in January, the governor really painted a vision for his Freedom and Opportunity agenda, which includes delivering a more responsive, efficient state government, and a government that improves the quality and quantity of life for Hoosiers, Jaworowski said. That includes affordable and clean energy and water.

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She cited an executive order signed by Braun in April, which directs state agencies to create a statewide water inventory and management plan by the end of 2026. The planning framework is supposed to align utilities, industries, municipalities and other water users.

The executive order also mandates creation of a real-time, publicly accessible online data platform for water usage, infrastructure status and future demand projections.

In essence, it means were coming together to collaboratively create an inventory of our current water usage, the future of water domains, and to better understand the availability of groundwater and surface water in all regions of Indiana, Jaworowski continued.

Focusing on Indianas water resources

Brauns order came amid growing concerns about Indianas water vulnerabilities.

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A report released last week by the Alliance for the Great Lakes, for example, warned that Indianas water supply could soon face strain due to compounding demands from residents, agriculture, manufacturing, water-intensive data centers and climate change.

Indiana additionally grapples with nutrient and sediment pollution; wetlands losses; and waterway contamination.

The Hoosier State has historically lacked a comprehensive statewide water policy, unlike neighboring states, including Ohio, Michigan and Illinois  all of which have long-standing frameworks to guide water quality and usage management.

Jaworowski emphasized that water planning in Indiana should not come from top-down mandates, but instead be a conversation thats regionally driven.

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She said, too, that population growth is adding new pressure on resources, noting that Indiana gained more than 44,000 new residents in 2024  marking the states fastest increase since 2008.

Involving all stakeholders

On flooding and wetlands, Jaworowski further acknowledged concerns about changing projections, though she emphasized that the governor is extremely dedicated to preserving our wetlands and preserving our conservation areas.

When asked for any standout solutions that have so far offered by stakeholders, Jaworowski specifically praised ongoing work with the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership but said that, being able to look at what other states have done with policy  and regional water planning  has been most impressive to me.

The secretary also made clear that local watershed commissions wont be left out of the statewide planning process and are instead key stakeholders in this discussion.

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Our doors open to all, Jaworowski told the summit audience. Stakeholder is not a hollow term. I recognize how important grassroots is in water planning.

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Woodspins swan song was cheaper than a Big Mac.

Spinnova has signed binding agreements to buy out former partner Suzanos stake in their planned joint production venture, Woodspin Oy. The Finnish fiber firm is paying a token 2 euros ($2.32) for the Brazilian cellulose producers shares.

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Following the plants strategic review in Februarywhich saw Suzano share its intent to cease collaborations as the eucalyptus pulper said it would not invest further in Woodspins next phase of cooperation and will temporarily halt financing the facilitythe venture entered negotiations in April. As a result of those negotiations, Spinnova signed a non-binding term sheet in June to secure full ownership of the Woodspin demo plant.

This grants Spinnova full ownership of the producer and distributor Woodspin, as well as the provider of raw material, Suzano Finland Oy, for manufacturing wood-based Spinnova fiber, Spinnova said in a statement. These transactions, subject to customary closing terms, are expected to close within the next couple of weeks.

To that end, Suzano will make a capital contribution of roughly $5.8 million to Woodspin and Suzano Finland as well.

Per the agreement, Spinnova now has full ownership of the only large facilitythe Woodspin demo plantwith the needed infrastructure and utilities in place to produce Spinnova fiber from pulp to bale. However, operations at Woodspin have ceased until further notice while alternatives for continued operations are being sought. But, with the joint venture agreement between Spinnova and Suzano now terminated, Spinnova can license its technology freely.

As Spinnova stated in June, the acquisitions wont have an adverse cash flow effect in the short term.

Spinnova has recognized an impairment loss on Woodspin, which will negatively impact Spinnovas results in 2025, the company said, noting the impact of the impairment will be communicated in the half-year report for January-June 2025.

Also, as previously stated, Spinnova hasnt given financial guidance for 2025.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun speaks at a news conference on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Gov. Mike Braun on Friday again declined to say where he stands on redistricting congressional maps, maintaining that he wants to hear first from Republican leaders in the Indiana General Assembly.

Ive been very clear on that issue. That hasnt changed, Braun told reporters during a visit to the Indiana State Police post in Indianapolis. Youre going to hear individual representatives and senators speak up, and the two leaders of each caucus, I think, are going to  put a lot of thought into what their own members are wanting to do, and that process will take a while to play out.

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Braun emphasized that he is deferring to House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray. Neither of the Republican legislative leaders have made their positions clear either, though some of their caucus members have.

One longtime Senate Republican came out Friday against redistricting as the likelihood for a special session seems to be gaining momentum.

Our maps are only four years old. They have undergone considerable public scrutiny and review, said Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus. There is no justification for holding a special session to change our districts in mid-census. If Texas and California want to take the cynical step of redistricting their seats, so be it. But Hoosier lawmakers should be leaders in resisting this hypocrisy, not followers of this effort promoted by outsiders, not Hoosiers.

Braun urges listening

Indianas next, regularly scheduled legislative session will begin in early January. There is a one-day ceremonial Organization Day also in November.

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Once I get a clear message from (Bray and Huston), Ill decide whether were going to call a session  or if there are other reasons why youd need a session prior to what were going to be doing in January, Braun added.

The governors indecisiveness comes as Indiana Republicans face increasing pressure from Washington, D.C., to revisit the states congressional districts, last drawn in 2021.

Club for Growth  a leading national conservative group  has put together an ad saying, Hoosier Republicans must fight back. Trump needs state lawmakers to pass new maps to level the playing field.

A group of Republican state lawmakers traveled to the White House earlier this week where talks centered, in part, on redistricting. Bray and Huston additionally had a private discussion with President Donald Trump.

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They are polling their own members in each caucus, Braun said. Theyre in the process, theyre getting their own members engaged, and youll see more  because therell be more.

The governor noted, however, that he has yet to speak with Bray, Huston or other state lawmakers about redistricting.

I want everybody to weigh in, to speak out individually, and then the two leaders will have to collate all that and see where we go, Braun continued. And if somebody wants to speak to me directly, just like on any subject, Im more accessible than probably any governor has been, and they want to talk to me about it, fine, Im not reaching out to them because theyre members of those two caucuses.

Where Indiana lawmakers stand

While many Indiana Republicans have kept mum about their stances on redistricting, some have shifted their tone since returning from their trip to the nations capital.

Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, speaks on a bill on April 15, 2025, at the Indiana Statehouse. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Walker  who is not seeking re-election  urged Braun and colleagues to resist any push for redistricting.

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He defended the current boundaries, writing that the current maps increased the number of counties contained within one district and reduced the number of townships split among districts.

He noted that 84 of Indianas 92 counties remain whole under the plan and that population totals in each district are nearly equal, give or take a handful of people, at just over 753,000 people.

Republicans currently hold a 7-2 advantage in Indianas congressional delegation. The maps, approved by the GOP-controlled legislature and signed into law by then-Gov. Eric Holcomb, have not been challenged in court.

To those who want to redraw the districts its worth noting that they are very good maps, free from lawsuits, Walker said. Our legislature should keep our focus on solving problems facing Hoosiers, not responding to the political priorities of other states or D.C. interests.

Our maps are fair, he added. They are balanced. And in Indiana, voters have the power.

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INDIANOLA, Iowa  After 31 years on the force, Indianola Police Chief Brian Sher announced he would be retiring in September.

Chief Sher joined the force on September 15, 1994, where he worked in undercover narcotics. Sher climbed through the ranks, eventually becoming the chief of police in 2022.

During his time as chief, Sher oversaw the relaunch of the DARE program and added a second resource officer in the Indianola Community School District, implemented a K-9 unit, started an unmanned aircraft system, and worked with the Warren County Sheriffs Office to form a Special Response Team (SRT).

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ISU officials warn fans to beware of ticket scammers

We are grateful for Chief Shers leadership and impact, Indianola City Manager Jacob Meshke said. He has dedicated his career to protecting and serving the residents of Indianola, and his dedication to public service and community policing is evident in every initiative he has led and every relationship he has built. Those qualities have shaped our city and the culture of the Indianola Department in immeasurable ways, always keeping the well-being of our officers and community at the forefront.

Sher will continue to serve as police chief until September 15, 2025, completing exactly 31 years of service.

A public recognition event for Sher is being held September 12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Indianola Activity Center, located at 2204 W 2nd Avenue in Indianola.

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The City of Indianola says it will begin the search for its next police chief in the coming weeks. During the search, 25-year-veteran Captain Rob Hawkins will lead the department.

Metro News:

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TOKYO (AP)  The leaders of India and Japan agreed Friday to bolster economic ties while also boosting cooperation in defense, energy and other areas, as the two Asian powers face common challenges such as Chinas growing influence and U.S. tariffs.

Following their summit in Tokyo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed on a goal of boosting Japanese private investment in India to about $6.8 billion a year over the coming decade, up from about $2.7 billion a year in the 2010s.

They also agreed to increase exchanges of workers and students to half a million people in the coming five years. The two governments hope Indias young workforce can help address labor shortages caused by Japans aging and declining population.

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We believe that Japanese technology and Indian talent are a winning combination, Modi told a news conference.

The two leaders released a joint vision of cooperation for the next decade in areas such as security, defense, clean energy, technology and space, and signed a total of 11 documents.

As the economies and vibrant democracies of the world, partnership is extremely important not just for our two countries but for global peace and stability as well, Modi said.

We need to have to take advantage of each others strengths, to bring solutions to our challenges and to help each other," Ishiba said.

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In a separate joint statement, Ishiba and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate as part of the Quad framework of regional leaders, which also includes the U.S. and Australia and is intended to counter Chinas growing influence.

The two leaders said they are fully committed to a free, open, peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Without specifically mentioning China, they expressed serious concern" over growing tensions in the East and South China Seas and strong opposition to unilateral actions to change the status quo.

On Sunday, Ishiba will escort Modi on a bullet train to Sendai in northern Japan, for a tour of a factory that makes machinery for producing semiconductors, before the Indian leader flies to China, the next destination of his Asia tour.

Ishiba needs to rack up diplomatic successes to buoy public support because he is under pressure from opponents within his own party to step down over parliamentary elections results in July when his coalition lost its majority in the upper house.

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Fridays India-Japan summit came days after Modi met Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hailed improving relations between the two sides, following yearslong disputes over their Himalayan borders.

At a business forum earlier Friday, Modi urged Japanese companies to invest in India, saying that reforms have created more a transparent and predictable business environment. In Indias development journey, Japan has always been an important partner, he told the forum hosted by Japans powerful business lobby Keidanren.

Modi noted Suzuki Motor Corp.s success in his country and said Japan and India can replicate the same magic in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding and nuclear energy and contribute to the development of the so-called Global South nations and Africa.

Japan is a tech powerhouse and India is a talent powerhouse, Modi said, and that together the two countries can lead this centurys tech revolution, in areas such as green energy, next generation mobility and logistics infrastructure.

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Ishiba said the two countries share universal values like democracy and the rule of law and that Japans advanced technology and Indias outstanding talent, as well as its large market, are complementing each other to a dramatic expansion of our economic ties.

He emphasized the importance of expanding their cooperation from the Indian Ocean to Africa and Europe.

___

AP video journalist Ayaka McGill in Tokyo contributed.
Student leaders in Jakarta intensified demonstrations on Friday, a day after a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was killed when police cracked down on a rally outside parliament.

The unrest, which erupted earlier in the week, has been fuelled by soaring joblessness and rising prices, with protesters also demanding an end to what they view as extravagant housing perks for lawmakers.

On Thursday, riot police escalated tensions by deploying tear gas and ramming armoured vehicles into crowds, responding to demonstrators who had hurled rocks, firecrackers, and Molotov cocktails.

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Affan Kurniawan, the 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, was run over by a police vehicle during the unrest. In response, the All-Indonesia Students Union urged fresh protests to denounce police brutality, while Jakartas provincial government pledged full support for Kurniawans funeral arrangements on Friday.

Students, meanwhile, pledged to rally outside the Jakarta police headquarters, with Muzammil Ihsan, head of Indonesias largest student union, telling Reuters he expected other groups to join the protest against police brutality.

Students take to the streets in Jakarta, demanding justice after police violence left a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver dead (REUTERS)

Governor Pramono Anung of Jakarta said in a statement: We hope all parties can exercise self-control and prioritise peaceful resolution. Jakarta is our shared home, and we must maintain its harmony and order.

Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto has, meanwhile, ordered an investigation into the death of Kurniawan, saying that he was shocked and disappointed by the excessive actions of the police.

Protesters clash with riot police near Parliament (REUTERS)

In a video address on Friday, Mr Prabowo said he was deeply saddened and concerned by the death of the Gojek driver and offered his condolences to the family. Gojek is a local on-demand services and ride-hailing platform in Indonesia.

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Earlier, officials had offered apologies for Kurniawans death. We offer our deepest apologies to the victim, his family and the wider online motorcycle taxi driver community, Indonesian national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo told reporters on Friday.

He added: I deeply regret what happened.

A demonstrator gestures at riot police outside Jakarta Mobile Brigade (Brimob) headquarters, during a clash after a motorcycle taxi driver died after being struck and run over by a police tactical vehicle during Thursdays protest in Jakarta, Indonesia, 29 August 2025 (REUTERS)

The 21-year-old was not involved in the protest and was doing deliveries at the time, he said.

Authorities have detained seven members of the local police unit over the incident.

Mr Prabowo warned that serious action in accordance with the law would follow if the officers are found to have violated regulations.

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Videos circulating online show an armoured vehicle ploughing through protesters on Thursday, striking Kurniawan, who fell before being run over; the vehicle continued moving despite objects being hurled at it.

People shout slogans during a protest following the death of a ride-hailing driver who was run over by a police armoured car (AP)

There was a motorcycle taxi driver who fell and was hit, but the vehicle did not stop and just moved over until it ran over the victim, an eyewitness named Kevin told Kompas on Thursday.

On Friday, the hashtag #polisipembunuh (roughly translating to #killerpolice) trended on X as anger over Kurniawans death spread online.

A viral video showed hundreds of motorcycle riders forming a convoy in his honour, while local media reported he was laid to rest on Friday morning at Jakartas Karet Bivak Public Cemetery.

Students vow continued protests, gathering outside police headquarters to demand accountability and an end to brutality (AP)

We are deeply disappointed, especially with the security officials and the national police chief, Ari Potret, a motorcycle driver who attended Kurniawans funeral, said. This is barbaric.

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One student protester, identified as Veva, told the BBC: I just want to defend whats right. It feels exhausting, you know. Weve really tried to be good, law-abiding citizens.

Maybe I havent contributed much myself, but I know my parents have done a lot for this country. I cannot accept that the taxes they paid are being used to support people who treat the lives of their fellow citizens as worthless.
Indonesias capital, Jakarta, has seen several demonstrations this week against lawmakers, with protests now escalating across the country after the death of a ride-sharing driver who was hit by a police vehicle on Thursday night.

Indonesias top filmmakers, producers and actors have expressed their anger over the riders death and wider injustice on social media, as protests engulf several Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Surabaya.

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Tear gas and water cannons are also being fired at crowds, according to local reports.

I want the world to know the situation in Indonesia, how corrupt the system is, and how doomed the people are, said actor Omara N. Esteghlal, who starred in Joko Anwars The Siege At Thorn High, on his social media. Our house of representatives (DPR) are not only insensitive, they are disgustingly corrupt. Their wages keep on increasing using taxpayers money, and what do the people get in return? Nothing.

Angga Sasongko, founder and CEO of Visinema (Jumbo), posted on social media: Silence in the face of injustice is a betrayal of humanity. He added, Cut the budgetChange the structure. Make them realize that they are civilians too.

Demonstrations broke out this week over an announcement that Indonesias reigning politicians will be provided monthly housing allowances of around 50 million rupiahs (around $3,000)  nearly 10 times higher than Jakartas minimum wage.

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The motorcycle ride-sharing driver was hit at the site of clashes near parliament, as police sought to disperse demonstrators.

Veteran actress Dian Sastrowardoyo added, No voice deserves to be silenced by violence. No life is worth risking to have a demand heard.

Director Yosep Anggi Noen, who made 24 Hours with Gaspar and The Science of Fictions, said on Instagram and X: Once again, darkness is happening in this country because of corrupt politics that is not on the side of people and justice.

Comedian and actor Ernest Prakasa, posted the name of the deceased ride-sharing driver (Affan Kurniawan) on his Instagram, and wrote: Remember his name, remember his service. Remember one thing: Choosing to remain silent is a waste of his death.

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On Friday afternoon, national police official Abdul Karim told reporters that authorities will detain seven police officers who were in the vehicle that hit Kurniawan, for 20 days, for a breach of ethics, and added that questioning is underway.

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The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department did not notify the public after a female runner was sexually assaulted by a stranger on the Monon Trail on Aug. 8 because investigators believed it to be an "isolated incident," a department spokesperson told IndyStar.

What's less clear is why the public wasn't notified after another woman was attacked days later, on Aug. 14, while running on the same section of the 26-mile-long trail.

Investigators quickly connected the brutal attacks.

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"It was on August 14th, when Sex Crimes detectives noticed similarities between the two Monon Trail investigations, that the detectives believed the incidents to be connected and committed by the same suspect," an IMPD spokesperson wrote.

Related: Man arrested in violent Monon Trail attacks of women was supposed to be on house arrest

The fact that two women were attacked came to light after the department announced an arrest in both cases on Aug. 29, 2025.

"Investigators needed time to collect evidence, follow leads, and work to identify a suspect without jeopardizing the integrity of the case," the department told IndyStar on Aug. 29. "We recognize the importance of keeping the community informed, but we must balance that responsibility with protecting survivors and ensuring that justice can be served."

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The department said it increased patrols in the area after the second attack.

Police took the suspect into custody within hours of him being identified through DNA evidence left at both scenes. It wasn't until after the second attack that detectives requested expedited processing for evidence taken from the first less than a week earlier, according to court documents.

The attacks happened near where the Monon Trail goes over Fall Creek in the area between East 33rd and East 35th streets.

Both women told police that while on their early morning runs, they passed by a stranger on the trail. After each woman had passed the man, he grabbed them by the neck from behind, dragged them into the woods, and brutally attacked them.

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The women were strangled and rendered unconscious during the attack. One of the women suffered a tramautic brain injury. Both remembered that the man said he was going to kill them.

In an interview with police, the suspect said he had been on the Monon Trail and that he had hit two women, but said he did not rape anyone. He also disclosed struggles with serious mental illness.

According to court records, the man accused in the attacks entered a plea deal in two unrelated cases on Aug. 7, 2024. He pleaded guilty to one count of intimidation and one count of breaking and entering and was set to be on home detention for a period of 483 days, through Dec. 3, 2025. At that time, the suspect's address was listed in court documents as about a block from the area of the Monon Trail where the attacks occurred.

IndyStar is not naming the suspect because the Marion County Prosecutor's Office hadn't filed formal charges at time of publication.

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Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why wasn't the public warned after 2 sexual assaults on the Monon Trail?
SOMERVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Sheriff Buford Pusser is a Tennessee legend, known for carrying a stick as he cracked down on crime. But to this day, his wifes death remains a mystery.

Now, local and state investigators say they have new information after exhuming the body of Pauline Mullins Pusser nearly six decades after she was buried.

Pusser was known for cracking down on bootlegging, prostitution and gambling as the McNairy County Sheriff. His law enforcement career inspired not one, but two Hollywood movies.

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Pusser continues to have a large influence on the community, including the annual Buford Pusser Festival. His wifes death also continues to stir debate.

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As far as Im concerned, it happened the way the sheriff said it did because he was there and we werent, Buford Pusser historian Steve Sweat said.

On Friday morning, the head of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, along with McNairy County District Attorney Mark Davidson, plans to come forward with what they call significant details in the case of Pauline Mullins Pusser. Investigators said they have new evidence that has helped bring closure to Paulines family.

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Its like on my podcast, I always end it by saying the truth has no agenda, said Mike Elam, who runs Buford Pusser: The Other Story podcast about the case.

For nearly 60 years, questions have surrounded Paulines death after she was said to be shot and killed in an ambush meant for her husband while riding in his car. Pusser was also shot in the face.

Its not exactly clear what investigators plan to unveil on Friday; however, TBI officials decided to exhume her body in 2024 after receiving a new lead. The results of that autopsy have been sealed up to this point.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

I believe it was staged to fit Bufords narrative. But when you look at the evidence, its so convincing that he didnt tell the entire truth, Elam said.

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Some hope that information shared Friday will offer insight into a debate thats still very much alive near the Tennessee-Mississippi line.

Its very frustrating these people coming from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas trying to be the Bufford Pusser expert. They dont have a clue, Sweat said.

The TBIs announcement will be made at 11 a.m. Friday, in conjunction with the 21st Judicial District Attorneys Office and the University of Tennessee at Martin.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
According to IDF sources, Israel lulled the Houthi leaders into a false sense of security, making them think the Jewish state lacked credible intelligence on their location.

The Israel Air Force strike on Sanaa, Yemen, on Thursday was preceded by a ruse, according to IDF sources. Israel lulled the Houthi leaders into a false sense of security, making them think the Jewish state lacked credible intelligence on their location.

The IDF's range of targets against the Houthis is expected to continue to grow as time goes on, just as it did against Hezbollah and Iran.

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Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted that Israel attempted to assassinate senior Houthi leaders and dubbed it a "strike on the firstborn." However, the security forces are still awaiting confirmation on the results of the strike.

The attack coincided with a speech given by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, which was broadcast locally. They came following several days of the Houthis launching missiles at the Jewish state, all of which were intercepted by the IDF.

The Saudi Al-Hadath outlet reported that the attacks were aimed at Houthi targets in a neighborhood in the southwest of the city, with the IDF reportedly succeeding in hitting buildings where senior Houthi officials were hiding out. According to Israeli security sources speaking to Reuters, the officials had gathered to watch the speech.

Israeli strikes in Houthi-controlled Sanaa in Yemen, August 24, 2025. (credit: screenshot via X/ section 27a copyright act)

Following IDF attacks on Sanaa several days ago, Katz warned that "after the strike of darkness, comes the strike on the firstborn. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel  their hand will be severed."

Israeli strikes on the presidential palace, power plants in Sanaa

On Sunday, Israeli fighter jets attacked Sanaa, striking Houthi military infrastructure in the city. The targets included a military compound housing the presidential palace, two power stations, and a fuel storage site.

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Throughout the attack, Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir monitored events while speaking with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Houthis said on their affiliated TV channel that two were killed and 35 wounded in the attack four days ago.
Context: The attached video aired Aug. 6.

TOPEKA (KSNT)  The City of Topeka announced that it has appointed an interim city attorney after the departure of former City Attorney Amanda Stanley.

The City of Topeka announced on Friday, Aug. 29 that Nick Jefferson will serve as the interim city attorney. Jeffersons appointment will take effect on Sept. 6, 2025.

Jefferson currently works as the chief of litigation for the city. He has a legal career spanning over a decade and has worked in the public and private sectors. He also taught for a number of years at Washburn University School of Law, according to a press release from the city.

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The former city attorney, Amanda Stanley, announced her departure from the city earlier this year. City Manager Robert Perez said that while he wasnt working for the City of Topeka when Stanley was initially hired, he said Topeka was fortunate to recruit her from the League of Kansas Municipalities.

Kansas gov. orders flags to fly at half-staff until Sunday

The city attorney is appointed by the city manager to manage the legal affairs of Topeka, according to the citys website. The citys legal department, under direction of the city attorney, is responsible for prosecuting municipal ordinance violations, providing legal advice and preparing legal documents for the city.

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.

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Investors in Bitcoin behemoth Strategy have dismissed a class-action lawsuit against the company for allegedly making false and misleading statements about its profitability.

The suit was initially filed in May, accusing the companyfamous for pivoting from software development into a full-time strategy of Bitcoin accumulationof misleading investors about the impact new crypto accounting practices would have on its profitability.

This year, Strategy, which currently owns over $68 billion worth of BTC, switched to a fair value accounting standard that allowed it to record quarter-to-quarter swings in the price of held Bitcoin on its balance sheets.

Previously, the firm recorded its Bitcoin at original purchase cost; while it could write down drops in the tokens value as impairment charges, it could not mark up price increases unless tokens were sold off.

Investors who filed suits against Strategy and its leadership earlier this year argued the company misled them by overstating the positive impact this new accounting strategy would have on the firms profitability.

When Strategy announced a net loss of $4.22 billion in the first quarter of 2025despite Bitcoins historic surge over the prior six monthsshareholders began revolting.

But on Thursday, plaintiffs in one of the most prominent lawsuits against the company opted to voluntarily dismiss their claims. The jointly stipulated dismissal, filed in a federal court in eastern Virginia, where Strategy is based, was made with prejudicemeaning the claims cannot be made in court again.

Strategy Pushed Deceptive Comparison to Apple and NVIDIA, Wall Street Veteran Says

Decrypt reached out to the plaintiffs attorneys asking why they had dropped their claims, or if any settlement had been reached with Strategy, but did not immediately receive a response.

In recent weeks, Strategy has faced other criticisms about how it presents its unorthodox business model to shareholders.Earlier this month, a prominent Wall Street advisor slammed the company for comparing its price-to-earnings ratio to the likes of Apple and Nvidiaa move that was 100% fraudulent, the advisor said, because the companys recent performance was driven by a one-off increase in Bitcoins price, not business fundamentals likely to recur.
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.

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In the video above, 12 News consumer reporter Sarah Guernelli sits down with Rae Caloura, a marketing professor at Providence College, to talk about back to school shopping, from the current trends to how families can save on clothing and supplies.

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More than seven years before Robin Westman opened fire on a Catholic school as Mass was underway, killing two children and injuring 17 more worshippers, police were called to a townhouse in the Twin Cities suburb where she lived with her mother.

The heavily redacted police report NBC News obtained from the police department in Eagan, Minnesota, is dated Jan. 26, 2018, and it includes a two-word description explaining why an officer was dispatched to that address: mental health.

It also includes a brief synopsis that reads assisted Mendota Heights with a check welfare of a juvenile. Mendota Heights is another Twin Cities suburb.

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The name of that juvenile and what exactly prompted police to be summoned to the three-bedroom home on Crane Creek Lane were blacked out in the report.

Two years before the mental health call, police responded to a report of a criminal offense at the residence, according to a police report. But beyond noting that the case was closed, the report blacks out all the details describing the event.

Investigators probing Wednesdays deadly mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continue to search for a clear motive to explain why Westman, 23, committed the act of terror.

Westman, who died by suicide after the shooting, was a trans woman and had been a student at Annunciation. Her mother, Mary Grace Westman, had once worked at the school.

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Minnesota has a red flag law that went into effect in January 2024, allowing family members and others to petition the courts to have guns removed from a person they believe poses a threat to themselves or the community. The state passed a law in 2023 requiring gun buyers to pass universal background checks and to obtain permits for pistols or semiautomatic military-style assault weapons.

Robin Westman. (Obtained by NBC News)

But it does not appear any alarms were sounded as Westman amassed an arsenal that included the rifle, the pistol and the shotgun used in the attack on the church.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said Thursday that authorities do not have information indicating that Westman suffered from mental illness and that, other than a traffic ticket, she did not have a police record.

There is nothing in the investigation so far that would lead us to believe that anything was missed, OHara said.

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The shooter, he said, was able to lawfully purchase these weapons.

OHara added that Westmans family has been cooperating with investigators, but they have not yet located her mother, who lives in another state. Records show her residence as being in Florida.

Ryan Garry, an attorney for Mary Grace Westman, told NBC News he did not have a comment at this time.

The FBIs special agent in charge in Minneapolis, Alvin M. Winston Sr., said the agency had not had any previous contact with the shooter.

We did a check of all of our holdings, the FBI holdings, and he was not in our holdings prior to this incident, so we didnt have anything on him at that time, Winston said.

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In the aftermath of the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology.

And police are reviewing the online videos, in which the shooter scrawled racial slurs, a homophobic slur, antisemitic messages, a call for President Donald Trumps death and references to the Holocaust and the Catholic Church.

In addition, the video showed the suspect flipping through the pages of a journal written in English but using the Cyrillic alphabet. At times uttering koshmar, which is the Russian word for nightmare, the shooter discusses the mechanics of mass school shootings and suicide.

A person who went to Minneapolis Southwest High School with the shooter and described her as a bit of a strange person with a dark sense of humor said she never heard Westman make any jokes about shootings or guns. But she often mumbled in what the person believed was Russian, said the former classmate, who asked not to be identified for privacy reasons.

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People would ask what she was saying, and she would just tell them, Oh, nothing, the person recalled.

Yesterdays events were very shocking to everyone who knew her in school and the entire Minneapolis community, the former classmate said. Many people do and say strange things in their teenage years, so many people just saw it as her just trying to be edgy or funny. Its very hard to see the videos of what she planned and carried out. I was never very close with her, but this is still very heavy on my heart.

A memorial along a road in Sandy Hook, Conn., on Dec. 16, 2012, two days after the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. (Lisa Wiltse / Corbis via Getty Images file)

Westman said in the journal that she began pondering mass murder in the seventh grade. In particular, she was fixated on the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut in 2012.

She writes that she has a history of making threats about violence. In another part of the journal, she writes about how easy it would be to buy a gun and mentions that she has dropped warning signs to people, asking for help.

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Westmans parents, who are divorced, have yet to make a public statement about the shooting. Neither could be reached for comment.

Westman was 11 when her mother and her father, James Westman, divorced in 2013. At the time, she and her brother and sister lived with their parents in Hastings, another Twin Cities suburb.

Police were called to that residence at least four times from 2003 to 2016, including once for a welfare check for an adult female, a sibling, who was threatening suicide in 2014. Also in 2014, police responded to a report of vandalism at the home. Officers saw several offensive words and pictures written on windows of the garage and the fathers car.

Another call in 2010 related to a juvenile problem with a 17-year-old daughter who was out of control. But nothing in the records indicates that those incidents involved the shooter.

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When the shooter was living in Eagan, she was still using her birth name. She did not become Robin M. Westman until age 17, when, records show, the name change application was granted in January 2020 in Dakota County, Minnesota.

While Westmans parents signed off on the name change, her mother expressed conflicted feelings about her childs gender identity, said a former school employee who was asked what they remembered about the family. The former school employee spoke to NBC News on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about family issues.

She said, I dont know how I feel about this, the ex-employee said. I think she was struggling with her Catholic faith. ... She didnt know how she felt, but it weighed heavily on her.

The ex-employee also remembered that Westman was often sent to the principals office for disruptive behavior and did not seem to have any friends. Westmans mother expressed concern about her childs behavioral and social issues, the ex-employee said.

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Faced with punishment from school administrators, Westman appeared alternately nervous and nonchalant, the former employee said.

CORRECTION (Aug. 29, 2025, 8:05 a.m. ET): A previous version of this article used the wrong pronoun for the shooter. She used female pronouns.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Three lakes in central Wisconsin's Adams County have been plagued with unsightly, mucky algae blooms for years, some of which have produced harmful toxins. The lakes, which eventually drain to the Wisconsin River, are known as the Tri-Lakes.

A few years ago, Tri-Lakes Management District chairman Carl Hasdal found a potential solution he wanted to try: nanobubbles.

Here's what to know about the technology and what it could mean for algae in Wisconsin lakes.

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More: Toxic algae threatens Wisconsin waters. Could microscopic bubbles save the day?

What are nanobubbles?

As their name indicates, nanobubbles are bubbles  really, really tiny ones. They're 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt.

Why is algae a problem for Wisconsin lakes?

Increased nutrients, warm temperatures and lots of sunlight in a body of water can produce an algae bloom.

Not all algae are harmful, but too much of it can hamper recreational activity on a lake. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that make humans and animals sick.

Algae blooms are a huge and growing problem for Wisconsin's beloved waters. More than one in 10 water bodies in the state listed as impaired in 2024 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were on the list because of excess algae growth.

How can nanobubbles fix a lake's algae problem?

Moleaer, the California-based company that installed nanobubble technology in the Tri-Lakes, uses a three-part system: gas that concentrates oxygen from the air, the nanobubble generator itself and a pipe that draws water out of the lake and sends it back in.

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Once the water is drawn into the unit, it gets infused with oxygen, creating the nanobubbles. Then that water is sent back into the lake, where the bubbles will settle throughout the water, bringing oxygen with them.

It's meant to stop a vicious cycle: Phosphorus and nitrogen in the water create algae blooms, and then the blooms die, sucking up oxygen from the lake. With less oxygen, aquatic life suffers and more phosphorus is released from the lake bottom in a process called internal loading, feeding more algae blooms.

Adding oxygen to the lake bottom through nanobubbles stops more phosphorus from being released, cutting off a key ingredient for the algae.

Moleaer has installed more than 650 nanobubble units in water bodies worldwide.

How is the DNR monitoring nanobubble use in Wisconsin?

Madi Johansen, aquatic plant management coordinator in the DNR's water quality bureau, said nanobubble technology for lake restoration is still considered an emerging area of research.

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There's limited peer-reviewed scientific literature to support Moleaer's claims of improved water quality, she said, and none assessing the technology's effects on other aspects of lake ecology. For now, the department will consider each request to use nanobubbles individually, and permits must be obtained for the work.

Researchers from UW-Stevens Point are on the Tri-Lakes weekly assessing oxygen and nutrient levels, as well as any impacts to phytoplankton, zooplankton and plants. They'll compare that data with baseline monitoring done on the lakes last year and will share all their information with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about the invisible bubbles that help get rid of algae
By any fair measure, the last year has been challenging for Sen. Joni Ernst. Shortly after Election Day 2024, for example, the Iowa Republican ran for a Senate GOP leadership post and lost. Soon after, she was rumored to be in contention to serve as Donald Trumps latest defense secretary, but that job instead went to Pete Hegseth, whom she supported despite his record.

In March, ProPublica ran a damaging report on unconfirmed allegations surrounding Ernsts personal relationships with military officials who lobbied her committee (a spokesperson for Ernst did not comment on the details of the allegations but insisted that the senator maintained her independence).

Two months later, the senator caused quite a bit of trouble for herself and her party with a macabre defense of Medicaid cuts in the inaptly named One Big Beautiful Bill Act when she told constituents, Well, we all are going to die.

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In early July, Politico reported that the two-term incumbent was considering retirement ahead of a possible 2026 re-election campaign, followed soon after by an intense intraparty effort to persuade her to run again. That lobbying apparently did not prove persuasive. NBC News reported:

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, plans to announce that she will not run for re-election next year, according to a person familiar with her decision. Her decision, first reported by CBS News, would open up another potentially competitive race in Iowa, months after GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she wouldnt run for re-election either.

For those keeping score, there are now 10 incumbent senators who are preparing to give up their seats next year, including five Republicans: Tennessees Marsha Blackburn (whos running for governor), Ernst, Kentuckys Mitch McConnell, North Carolinas Thom Tillis and Alabamas Tommy Tuberville (whos also running for governor in that state).

Among Democrats, four incumbent senators are retiring  Illinois Dick Durbin, Michigans Gary Peters, New Hampshires Jeanne Shaheen and Minnesotas Tina Smith  while Colorados Michael Bennet, whos midway through his term, is running for governor with plans to appoint his own successor.

As for the upcoming race in the Hawkeye State, its too soon to say which Republicans might run to replace Ernst, though theres been unconfirmed scuttlebutt about Rep. Ashley Hinson. Among Democrats, theres been some coalescing of late around state Rep. Josh Tureks candidacy, although it remains to be seen whether others reconsider their interest in the race in light of the Ernst news. State Sen. Zach Wahls, Des Moines School Board Chairwoman Jackie Norris and military veteran Nathan Sage are also running.

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As for Iowas political trajectory, Democrats face an uphill climb: While Barack Obama won the state twice, Donald Trump carried Iowa in each of the last three election cycles, including a 13-point victory last fall. A Democrat hasnt won a Senate race in the state since Tom Harkins re-election bid in 2008.

Given the current GOP advantage, Democrats would need a net gain of four Senate seats in the 2026 midterms to reclaim a majority in the chamber. Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has decided not to seek reelection to a third term, two people familiar with the decision say, and is poised to make an announcement next week.

Ernst, 55, has been wrestling with the decision for months, but began telling friends in recent days.

Her retirement creates an open Senate seat in Iowa. Rep. Ashley Hinson is making plans to jump into the race, one GOP official says. National Republicans, anticipating Ernsts retirement, have long said they believe Hinson would be a strong candidate.

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A crowded field of Democrats is already running. The partys primary field includes state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian wheelchair basketball player, state Sen. Zach Wahls, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce executive director Nathan Sage and Des Moines School Board chair Jackie Norris.

CBS first reported Ernsts decision.

Ernst has come under fire since responding we are all going to die to a constituent at a town meeting who raised concerns about Medicaid cuts in Trumps policy megabill.

She was first elected in 2014 on a pledge to cut government spending with her signature slogan: Make em squeal. As the Republican Party has evolved under President Donald Trump, Ernst has often struggled to strike a balance between GOP voters identifying with Trumps Make America Great Again movement and those who dont.

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A decade ago, Iowa was a critical swing state won by Barack Obama twice and then by Donald Trump in 2016. The state swung partially back in Democrats favor in 2018, with Democratic candidates winning three of Iowas four US House seats. But Republicans have dominated since then  winning all statewide races except auditor, a post held by current Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, and ultimately claiming all four House seats.

Trump won there by 8 percentage points in 2020 and 13 points in 2024.

However, Iowa Democrats point to the partys stronger performance compared to 2024 results in special elections this year  including a victory in a conservative state Senate district this week  as evidence that the tide could turn in 2026.

Democrats, needing a net gain of four seats to win control of the Senate in next Novembers midterm elections, are seeking to expand the field of potentially competitive GOP-held seats.

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The partys top target is an open-seat race in North Carolina. But Democrats also aim to be competitive in some combination of Maine, where Democratic Gov. Janet Mills this week said she is seriously considering running against GOP Sen. Susan Collins; Ohio, where former Sen. Sherrod Brown is attempting to mount a political comeback by running against incumbent Republican Sen. Jon Husted; and Texas, where Sen. John Cornyn faces a stiff primary challenge from conservative firebrand Attorney General Ken Paxton  who Democrats view as a more favorable general election opponent.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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Glacier National Park. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)

A woman died while hiking Wednesday in a group on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park.

She tripped and sustained fatal injuries from a fall, Glacier said in a news release. She has been identified as 73-year-old Diane Bunker of Muscatine, Iowa, the park said.

The news release Friday described the events as follows:

At approximately 11 a.m. park staff were alerted of a female who had fallen off the Highline Trail. While hiking with a large group, Bunker tripped and fell off the edge of the trail, out of sight from her hiking party. The fall occurred between Big Bend and Triple Arches.

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The Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed from Logan Pass to Big Bend for about an hour to conduct the recovery. Two Bear Air was dispatched to search for the fallen hiker. Two Bear Air located and recovered her below the trail. She sustained traumatic injuries after falling roughly 450 feet. She was brought to the Apgar horse corrals and transferred to the Flathead County coroner. An investigation is ongoing.

Glacier National Park officials thanked responders and asked the public to respect the familys privacy.
At least 841 people have been executed in Iran so far this year, the United Nations said on Friday, calling on Tehran to impose a moratorium on the death penalty.

"In July alone, Iranian authorities executed 110 individuals," Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.

"This represents more than double the number of people executed in July of last year and follows a major increase in executions during the first half of 2025," she added.

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In 2024, at least 975 people were executed in Iran.

Shamdasani said "the high number of executions" reflects "a systematic pattern of using death penalty as a tool of State intimidation, with disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants."

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) calls on Iran to suspend the death sentence, "as a step towards its abolition," according to the spokeswoman.

Iranian authorities have intensified a crackdown on dissent following the Israeli attacks in June, with Iranian media reporting of a number of executions related to accusations of espionage for Israel

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Shamdasani appeared to indirectly address this development when she said: "Patterns we have documented across different countries indicate that there are periods when governments are even less tolerant to dissent  to anything they can see as threatening the public order."

"And in these moments there can often be an increase of repressive tendencies."
An Israeli AI firm uncovered an Iranian cyberattack that infiltrated diplomatic talks in Cairo, targeting officials from Egypt, the US and Qatar.

An Iranian cyber operation infiltrated diplomatic networks in the Middle East, targeting ceasefire negotiations in Cairo and compromising sensitive international communications, Israeli cybersecurity firm Dream revealed on Friday.

The company, which specializes in artificial intelligence-based protection for national infrastructure and government entities, uncovered a sophisticated campaign that originated in Iran and reached high-level diplomatic processes.

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As part of the operation, the attackers reportedly gained access to the legitimate email account of an employee at the Omani Embassy in Paris. They then sent emails that appeared to be genuine diplomatic correspondence.

These messages, embedded with malware inside seemingly benign Word documents, were sent into diplomatic networks. Upon opening the attachments, the malware was activated, enabling Iranian hackers to gain access to sensitive discussions. Among the recipients were Egyptian officials engaged in ceasefire mediation, as well as representatives from the United States and Qatar.

Dream said it tracked the full extent of the attack using proprietary tools built on Cyber Language Models and autonomous AI agents. The companys investigation tools operate across both open and dark web sources. One AI agent scanned for indicators of malicious activity, while another conducted forensic link analysis between domains, servers, and command-and-control infrastructure.

The company stated that its systems detected the attack in real-time, identified the threat group behind the campaign, and mapped the entire infection process. The findings, Dream added, could allow authorities to disrupt and potentially disable the threat actors operations.

Increase in incidents of Iran-linked cyberattacks on diplomatic efforts

What sets this operation apart, the company noted, was not only the technical execution but the targeting of diplomatic trust as a strategic objective. The incident bears similarities to a 2023 cyberattack in Albania also attributed to Iranian actors, suggesting a broader geopolitical pattern in which cyber tools are used to disrupt diplomatic engagement.

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The exposure of this campaign highlights a shift in the global cyber threat landscape, with state-backed actors no longer focusing solely on data theft or disruption, but also attempting to undermine diplomatic processes. Cybersecurity, Dream warned, must now be seen as a pillar of international stability.

Shalev Hulio, founder and CEO of Dream, said, We founded Dream with the understanding that national security must include national cyber defense. This revelation, achieved entirely through artificial intelligence tools and cyber-focused language models, once again proves that Middle Eastern conflicts play out not only on the ground but also in the digital arena. From the day we established the company, our goal has been to provide states with this layer of protection and to ensure cybersecurity and resilience in a world of sophisticated state-level attacks.

Tal Fialkow, VP of AI and Cyber at Dream, added, In a world where artificial intelligence has so far been used mainly by states as a tool for cyberattacks, Dream is presenting for the first time a reversed use: AI Agents that conduct a full investigation and mapping of a state-sponsored attack in real time. This means an unprecedented ability to analyze massive amounts of data, expose methods of operation, and give countries a clear defensive edge against complex state cyber campaigns.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  An Irish missionary and a 3-year-old child are among eight people who have been freed in Haiti by kidnappers after being held for almost a month following an attack by gunmen on an orphanage, officials and relatives said Friday.

Gena Heraty, who has worked in Haiti since 1993, is director of a special needs program for children and adults at the the Saint-Helene orphanage.

We are relieved beyond words. We are so deeply grateful to everyone, her family said in a statement. We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there.

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Simon Harris, Ireland's deputy prime minister, confirmed the release on his X account.

Haitian authorities have yet to comment.

Heraty and the other seven were taken hostage during the Aug. 3 attack on the orphanage, which is run by Nos Petits Freres et Surs, an international charity with offices in Mexico and France. Its website says the orphanage cares for more than 240 children.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but the area has been controlled by a gang federation known as  Viv Ansanm, which the United States this year designated a foreign terrorist organization.

On Thursday, the U.S. government said that it is seeking U.N. authorization for a new Gang Suppression Force to help tackle violence in Haiti.

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Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea made the announcement at a U.N. Security Council meeting, but she didnt clarify if it would be different from the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support force now deployed.

Haiti has seen an escalating violence with gangs controlling most of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Kidnappings are common and missionaries have been abducted in the past. In 2021, the 400 Mawozo gang kidnapped 17 missionaries, including five children, from a U.S.-based organization in Ganthier, east of the capital. The majority were held captive for 61 days.
In late January, Target (TGT) ignited a firestorm when it boldly decided to cut back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Many corporations embedded these policies into their work culture after George Floyd was murdered by a white police officer who assisted in his arrest in 2020. The incident brought to light many inequities Black people face in America.

Related: Target stores will soon undergo big changes as shoppers pull back

The goal of DEI policies is to advance opportunities in the workplace for people of various backgrounds.

Targets cuts to these policies included withdrawing its participation in the Human Rights Campaign survey, which tracks LGBTQ+ corporate policies and practices.

It also discontinued its three-year DEI goals and concluded its Racial Equity Action and Change initiatives, which launched in 2020. Those initiatives involved advancing the careers of Black employees, instituting anti-racism training for staff members, promoting Black-owned businesses, sourcing products from Black suppliers, and more.

Target faced boycotts from customers who were disappointed with its cuts to DEI programs.Image source: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Target appears to suffer the consequences of cutting DEI

Targets decision to scale back DEI came shortly after President Donald Trump issued an executive order dismantling the federal governments DEI programs, claiming they enforce illegal and immoral discrimination.

The change from Target had a destructive domino effect; the retailer faced several boycott threats from consumers who disagreed with the cuts to DEI. Targets sales also declined, and foot traffic in its stores weakened.

Related: Walmart makes drastic move to keep customers from fleeing stores

In its second-quarter earnings report for 2025, Target revealed that its comparable store sales decreased by almost 3.2% year over year. Recent data from Placer.ai also shows that overall customer visits in Target stores declined by 3.1% during the quarter.

As Target struggles to attract customers, it recently announced that it will replace its CEO, Brian Cornell, with its current chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke, in February 2026.

Target boycott leader has tough words for leadership

The Rev. Jamal Bryant, a pastor from Atlanta who led a 40-day Target boycott in March protesting the DEI cuts, said in a recent interview with PBS News that he is disappointed with the upcoming change in leadership. He flagged that Cornell is actually being promoted despite stepping down as CEO.

He's being replaced by the COO, and he has now moved upwards as the chair of the board, said Bryant. So it's really rewarding of bad behavior. We're really disappointed. But we hope, and we are hopeful that there will be a change of perspective when it comes to a DEI for the company.
Eight people, including an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, have been released following a kidnapping at an orphanage in Haiti.

The announcement on Friday ended nearly a month of captivity for the group, which included Irish missionary Gena Heraty, the director of a special needs programme for children and adults at the Saint-Helene orphanage.

We warmly welcome the news that Gena and all of the Haitian nationals taken captive on [August 3], including a small child, have been released and are reported to be safe and well, Irelands Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris said in a statement posted on X.

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Kidnappings and ransoms have become increasingly common in Haiti, where gang violence has surged amid overlapping political, humanitarian and security crises.

The targeted orphanage was located in the southeast of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where the United Nations estimates gangs control nearly 90 percent of the territory.

Run by the international charity Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs, the orphanage cares for more than 240 children, according to its website.





Further details of the release were not immediately available. No group claimed responsibility for the attack on the school in early August, although the area is controlled by the Viv Ansanm gang federation.

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In a statement, Heratys family said they were relieved beyond words.

We continue to hold Haiti in our hearts and hope for peace and safety for all those who are affected by the ongoing armed violence and insecurity there, they wrote.

In April 2021, two French priests were among 10 people kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang before they were released nearly three weeks later.

The gang took 17 American and Canadian missionaries hostage from a bus six months later.

Fridays release came as the UN Security Council began talks to bolster a floundering international police force deployed to Haiti starting in June 2024 to counter the rising violence.

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Just under 1,000 personnel, mostly Kenyan, are currently in the country as part of the US-backed mission, a number far below the 2,500 troops originally expected.

A draft proposal, put forth by the US and Panama this week, seeks to transition the mission into a so-called Gang Suppression Force.





The proposal would authorise a deployment of up to 5,500 personnel and establish a UN office in Port-au-Prince to provide full logistical support for rations, fuel, medical services, ground transportation and surveillance from drones.

It further laid out a plan to encourage more voluntary funding and resources, but the draft did not directly address the current missions lagging support. Earlier this month, the UN said its effort to bring stability to Haiti was less than 10 percent funded.

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UN missions remain controversial in Haiti, with past deployments resulting in a sexual abuse scandal and cholera epidemic that killed more than 9,000 people.

Still, the countrys leaders have requested external help as violence and displacement have surged.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has said at least 3,141 people have been killed in Haiti in the first half of this year.

On Thursday, the head of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) reported that a staggering 50 percent of gang members and participants in the country were children.
(Reuters) -An Irish missionary, a group of orphanage workers and a three-year-old boy have been released after being kidnapped on the outskirts of Haiti's capital nearly a month ago, the orphanage said on Friday.

The kidnapping prompted worldwide appeals for the captives' safe release after a gang raided the orphanage in Kenscoff, a neighborhood overlooking Port-au-Prince that has been the site of many gang attacks this year.

Irish missionary Gena Heraty led the special needs program at the orphanage, which is run by the NPH charity. The group did not identify the other victims of the kidnapping.

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"We share with great relief and gratitude the news that Gena Heraty and those who were with her have been released, after being held against their will on August 3 in Kenscoff," NPH said in a post on Facebook.

"Our hearts remain with the people of Haiti, as we continue to hope for safer and more peaceful days."

The charity shared a statement from Heraty's family, which thanked Ireland's foreign minister who had pushed for the group's release and others who helped secure their return.

"We are relieved beyond words," the statement said. "For now our priority is Gena - her health, protection, and privacy - and those in her care."

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Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said in a separate statement that the group was reported to be safe and well.

"While we welcome this news, it is also important that we do not lose sight of the challenges facing the people of Haiti," he said.

Armed groups largely allied behind a coalition called Viv Ansanm have taken control of nearly all the capital and expanded to other regions, seizing key transit routes and extorting payments from residents.

Earlier this week, the United Nations estimated half of gang recruits were children, some of them forced into taking part in combat. A U.N.-backed mission mandated to help Haitian police wrest back control from gangs has so far made little headway.

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More than 3,100 people were killed and 336 kidnapped for ransom in the first half of this year in Haiti, according to U.N. estimates. The number of people displaced by the extended conflict surged to around 1.3 million.

(Reporting by Harold Isaac in Port-au-Prince, and Daina Beth Solomon and Sarah Morland in Mexico City; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Israel's military has recovered the bodies of two hostages abducted from Israel and brought them back from the Gaza Strip.

One of the victims was an Israeli who was killed on the day of the Hamas massacre in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement from his office.

No information was initially provided about the identity of the second person. The remains are currently being identified.

The return of hostages held by Palestinian militants, either dead or alive, has been a key demand of Israel and protesters amid the long-running Gaza war.
Israel released a clip of the Hamas-led October 7 attack on Friday evening as it faces international condemnation over its imminent assault on Gaza City.

The video shows the attack on the home of the Taasa family in Netiv HaAsara, a community just north of Gaza. The video was part of a roughly 45-minute compilation of clips from the terror attack that Israel showed to world leaders, diplomats, and journalists but did not release publicly.

In the video released on Friday, Sabine Taasa  whose husband and eldest son were killed on October 7  stands next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he introduces the clip.

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Well destroy Hamas, well bring our hostages home, because we remember October 7, and so should you, Netanyahu implores in the pre-recorded segment. Though Netanyahu says the video has never been shown publicly, segments of it were released by Israels Channel 12 News in March 2024.

The video, recorded from security cameras, starts with Sabine Taasas husband, Gil, rushing two of his sons into the houses bomb shelter in the backyard. A Hamas terrorist throws a grenade at the shelter, which explodes. A moment later, the body of Gil Taasa falls to the ground.

Dressed in their underwear, the two boys are then moved into the familys kitchen, which is splattered with blood stains. As a Hamas militant walks into the kitchen, one boy stands up and says in English, Please, please, please. Let me go home! He then cries, My dad! My dad!

The Hamas militant then opens the refrigerator and offers the boys juice or wine. The boy says, I want my mom, before the militant grabs a bottle of Coca-Cola, closes the door to the refrigerator and walks outside.

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The Israeli government has asked media outlets not to broadcast or distribute the clip within Israel out of respect for the familys wishes.

There is no stated reason why the Prime Ministers Office chose to release the video now, but it comes as Israel faces international condemnation over its planned assault on Gaza City and just days after a United Nations-backed initiative officially declared a famine in northern Gaza.

The older brother of the two boys was killed early on the morning of October 7 as he was on his way to the beach to go fishing with his friends.

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Israel's military said Friday that it had launched the "initial stages" of a planned offensive to seize Gaza City, declaring the Palestinian territory's biggest population center a "dangerous combat zone." The Israel Defense Forces said it was suspending daily "humanitarian pauses" in the fighting in Gaza City, which have allowed food and other aid materials to be brought in during the daylight hours.

As Israel pressed ahead with its planned expansion of the war against Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the body of Ilan Weiss  among the 251 people taken hostage during the Hamas-led, Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack that sparked the war in Gaza  had been recovered from the enclave.

Netanyahu said the body of a second hostage had also been returned to Israel and was being identified by forensic teams.

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Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, had made their plans to push into Gaza City clear for weeks. The expansion of the war, which was announced along with an expanded call-up of 60,000 Israeli military reservists, drew international condemnation from the moment it was announced.

Palestinian children stand near tents for displaced people in Gaza City, Aug. 29, 2025, as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. / Credit: BASHAR TALEB/AFP/Getty

France, Britain, Canada and Australia have criticized Netanyahu's plans for the sweeping offensive in Gaza City, and they have all recently announced that they will recognize a Palestinian state.

Tens of thousands of Israeli citizens have also taken to the streets to protest and demand that Netanyahu strike a deal with Hamas to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages, about 50 of whom remain in Gaza, and 20 of whom are still believed to be alive.

Hostage family members were among the leaders of a movement that organized a one-day nationwide strike on Aug. 16, which coincided with more street protests featuring chants of: "We don't win a war over the bodies of hostages."

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Many hostage families have voiced concern that the surviving hostages' lives could be endangered by ramped-up military operations in Gaza's biggest city. Others, however, think more military pressure will lead to Hamas' downfall.

Netanyahu and his cabinet have also been unmoved by criticism from within and outside of the country.

"We will intensify our strikes until we bring back all the kidnapped hostages and dismantle Hamas," Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Friday.

Netanyahu's most important ally, President Trump, has pushed for an end to the war, but focused largely on what comes after the fighting. He has not explicitly backed or voiced objection to an expanded military assault on Gaza City.

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Images posted on social media Friday morning appeared to show large explosions in the vicinity of Gaza City.

The area has been harboring hundreds of thousands of displaced people who have fled fighting  and now famine, which Israel denies  elsewhere in the decimated Palestinian enclave.

A man pulls a trolley loaded with belongings as displaced Palestinians flee from one area to another within Gaza City, amid an expanding Israeli military operation, Aug. 29, 2025. / Credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas/REUTERS

The city is also home to some of the little critical infrastructure and health facilities still standing in Gaza. On Wednesday, the IDF warned people in Gaza City to leave and head further south, calling an evacuation of the city "inevitable."

As the war in Gaza nears the end of its second full year, international pressure has been growing on Netanyahu's government to bring an end to the conflict and allow in more humanitarian aid.

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According to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health, Israel's war in Gaza has killed 63,025 people. The ministry does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its figures.

Israel disputes the death toll reported by Palestinian officials, but the United Nations says it is the most reliable count available as Israel has not permitted independent journalists to enter Gaza and operate freely since the war began.

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By Jana Choukeir

ADEN (Reuters) -Israel targeted the Houthi group's chief of staff, defence minister and other senior figures in airstrikes on Sanaa in Yemen on Thursday, and was still verifying the outcome, an Israeli military official said on Friday.

Yemeni government sources told Reuters that Asaad al-Sharqabi, who oversaw the group's defence ministry, was killed in the strikes.

They added that another Israeli raid targeted a military site frequented by the Houthis' chief of staff, Muhammad Abd Al-Karim al-Ghamari.

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The Houthi group did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The Israeli military said fighter jets struck a compound in the Sanaa area where senior Houthi figures had gathered, describing the attack as a "complex operation" made possible by intelligence-gathering and air superiority.

"We took advantage of an intelligence window of opportunity to carry out the strike and acted with precision and speed at the right moment," a military official said in a statement.

On Thursday, Israeli security sources said forces had targeted various locations where a large number of senior Houthi officials had gathered to watch a televised speech recorded by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

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The Iran-aligned Houthis have attacked vessels in the Red Sea in what they describe as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

They have also fired missiles towards Israel, most of which have been intercepted. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the vital Hodeidah port.

A source from the Houthi Ministry of Defence had denied on Thursday reports of leaders being targeted in Sanaa, the news agency run by the group reported.

(Reporting by Jana Choukeir in Beirut, Mohammed Ghobari in Aden and Howard Goller in New York. Editing by Alex Richardson and Mark Potter)
Israeli air strikes on Thursday hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa, the Houthis media office has said.

Residents reported loud explosions in the southern and western parts of the city.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The strikes occurred as the Houthis al-Masirah satellite news channel was broadcasting a pre-recorded speech of the rebels top leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi.

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The strikes came hours after the Israeli military intercepted a drone launched toward Israel by the Iranian-backed Houthis, the third strike from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen in the past week.

Smoke billows following Israeli air strikes in multiple areas in Sanaa, 24 August, 2025 - AP Photo

The Houthis have regularly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea throughout the war in Gaza.

The rebels say their attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians.

In response to the Houthi attacks, Israel and a United States-led coalition pounded rebel-held areas in Yemen, including Sanaa and the strategic coastal city of Hodeida, with heavy strikes for months.

Israeli strikes knocked Sanaa airport out of service in May.

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The Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the strikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping in May.

The rebels, however, said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets it believed were aligned with Israel.
JERUSALEM  Israel will not set up a national pavilion at the DSEI UK 2025 exhibition scheduled to take place in London Sept. 9-12, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Friday.

The reason, according to the ministrys statement, is the British government recently imposed unilateral restrictions on the official Israeli government and military representatives participation in the exhibition.

Israel didnt specify in its defense ministrys statement what the restrictions are, but defense sources told Defense News that the restrictions include a ban on government and military personnel from attending the exhibition and from placing signage with the name of the Israeli defense ministry or its entities in the national pavilion.

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The British governments steps have angered the Israeli government, which stated in its defense ministrys statement that officials in London had introduced political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition."

The British measures only restrict Israeli government officials and have not imposed any official restrictions on Israeli defense companies, which so far have no intention of canceling their footprint.

Executives from Israeli defense companies who spoke with Defense News claim that the only discussion they experienced with the exhibition organizers concerned the display of offensive weapons used by Israel in Gaza, but no official statement had been issued by the exhibition organizers on the subject.

This is the third European defense exhibition in which Israel has been penalized. Defense News recently reported that Israeli companies were banned from participating in the Dutch NEDS exhibition, which is expected to take place this November.

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In June, the Israeli pavilions at the Paris Air Show were blocked with black walls after being asked not to display what were labeled offensive weapons.

European governments have grown increasingly alarmed over Israels conduct of the war in Gaza. A joint statement co-signed by the European Union and the United Kingdom this month decried a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on the Israeli government to facilitate outside aid flowing to the civilian population, and urging Hamas to release all hostages from its Oct. 7, 2023 without delay and precondition.
This story was originally published on Supply Chain Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Supply Chain Dive newsletter.

Dive Brief:

Toto has opened a $224 million manufacturing facility in Morrow, Georgia, raising high-end one-piece toilet production capacity by 150%, the company said in an Aug. 22 press release.

Toto plans to shift more production from the Toto Group's Asia plants to North America, strengthening the company's regional supply chain, raising manufacturing resilience, and advancing longer-term sustainability goals.

"This expansion cements our leadership in luxury bathroom innovation while creating a more agile, resilient manufacturing network," Taro Muroi, CEO of Toto USA, said in the release.

Dive Insight:

Toto expects to shorten product lead times by sourcing luxury toilets from its North America plants instead of Asia factories, the company said in the release. Expanding localized production is also expected to reduce shipping distances, improve timely product delivery and lower transportation-related carbon emissions.

Toto has dedicated almost half of the three-story, 363,393-square-foot Morrow facility to manufacturing approximately 300,000 high-end one-piece toilets annually, a strategic North American product, per the release. The plant, scheduled to start production in the fall, will raise the region's capacity to roughly 1 million units per year across Totos Morrow and Lakewood, Georgia, plants and its Mexico facilities.

The Morrow facility, which sustains 420 local jobs, includes high-pressure casting equipment that overcomes previous production limitations by enabling larger, more complex designs, which Toto expects will expand the range of premium products made in North America.

The new facility includes technology for higher operational efficiency, such as heat-resistant QR codes. The codes enable real-time tracking, quality control, and data analysis to improve manufacturing processes.

This story was first published in our Procurement Weekly newsletter. Sign up here.

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The Israeli military is currently engaged in "preparatory operations" on the outskirts of Gaza City, an army spokesman said on Friday, as Israel appeared ready to begin its planned offensive to capture the metropolis in northern Gaza.

The military is currently operating "with great intensity" in the outskirts of Gaza City, Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesman, wrote on X.

Israel is planning to fully capture Gaza City, though it has said it will relocate the roughly 1 million people who are currently in the city to the southern Gaza Strip. But as the military appears to close in, it remains unclear how this feat can be achieved without putting civilians at risk.

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"We will increase our attacks," the army spokesman continued, adding that the aim of the operations was to secure the release of all hostages still held in Gaza as well as the elimination of the Palestinian militant organization Hamas.

The Israeli military previously classified Gaza Ctiy as a "dangerous combat zone." A tactical pause in fighting, intended to enable humanitarian deliveries, was suspended on Friday morning.

Local residents told dpa that that the army had ramped up its attacks on Gaza since Friday morning. At least 48 people were killed, including 20 in northern Gaza, according to medical sources.

It was not possible to independently verify the claims.

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It comes exactly one week after the international authority responsible for monitoring food security, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), confirmed that famine has been occurring in Gaza City and surrounding areas, the first time that famine has been officially declared in an area of the embattled Palestinian territory.

Israel rejects the assessment by UN-backed experts.
(Reuters) -The Israeli military expressed its regret for the "injury" of Lebanese soldiers due to a technical malfunction during a strike in southern Lebanon that targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, a spokesperson said on Friday.

The Lebanese army said on Thursday that two military personnel were killed and two wounded when an Israeli drone crashed and then exploded in the Ras al-Naqoura area of southern Lebanon.

(Reporting by Ahmed Elimam; Editing by Kim Coghill)
The Israeli military is engaged in "preparatory operations" on the outskirts of Gaza City, an army spokesman said on Friday, as Israel appeared ready to begin its planned offensive despite fears of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The military is operating "with great intensity" in the outskirts of Gaza City, Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesman, wrote on X.

Israel is planning to fully capture Gaza City, though it has said it will relocate the roughly 1 million people who are in the city to the southern Gaza Strip.

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But with Israeli forces appearing to be closing in, aid groups say it remains unclear how this feat can be achieved without putting civilians at risk of harm or starvation.

Palestinian residents told dpa that the Israeli army ramped up its attacks on Friday.

At least 48 people were killed, including 20 in northern Gaza, according to medical sources. It was not possible to independently verify the claims.

"We will increase our attacks," the army spokesman continued, adding that the aim of the operations was to secure the release of all hostages still held in Gaza as well as the elimination of the Palestinian militant organization Hamas.

Weiss remembered for his 'noble spirit'

Also on Friday, Israeli forces recovered the bodies of two hostages and brought them back from the Gaza Strip.

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One of the victims was identified as Ilan Weiss, an Israeli who was killed on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas massacre which sparked the Gaza war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement from his office.

The identity of the second individual has not yet been disclosed, with the remains being identified.

A total of 48 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

"Ilan showed courage and noble spirit when he fought the terrorists on that dark day. In his death, he gave life," Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement as he expressed his condolences to Weiss's family.

DW accuses Israel

Meanwhile, over on the West Bank, the Israeli military has been accused of targeting Deutsche Welle (DW) reporters, according to Germany's international broadcaster.

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"A DW team was threatened with weapons and fired on with tear gas by Israeli soldiers while filming in Ramallah, despite wearing clearly marked 'PRESS' gear," the broadcaster said in a statement.

The reporters were exposed to tear gas but remained unharmed. The Israeli military has so far not commented on the incident.

In July, DW reported that two of its employees were attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The correspondent and her cameraman were pelted with stones but managed to escape unharmed.

"The repeated attacks on our journalists in the West Bank are absolutely unacceptable," DW director general Peter Limbourg said.

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"There is no justification for threatening press representatives  neither by the military nor by radical settlers."

Israel's military on Friday also confirmed a report that soldiers recently detained and interrogated a Palestinian man with a heart condition who is married to a Jewish Israeli woman.

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the man was held for four days "without suspicion or an arrest warrant" having been picked up in the West Bank in a row over an underground chamber which he said was a sewage pit.
The Israeli military says it has begun the initial stages of its offensive on Gaza City, as it declared the largest urban centre in the besieged territory a combat zone and announced the suspension of daily pauses in fighting there that allowed the entry of humanitarian aid to the famine-hit city.

We are not waiting. We have begun preliminary operations and the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote in a post on X on Friday.

We are currently operating with great force on the outskirts of the city, he said.

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Israel also announced that it had recovered the body of Ilan Weiss, an Israeli killed during the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, whose body had been taken to Gaza.

The announcements came as the Israeli military confirmed it suspended so-called tactical pauses in its attacks on the city in northern Gaza that had previously allowed limited humanitarian operations there.

Starting today at 10:00am (07:00 GMT), the tactical-local ceasefire of military activity will not apply to the Gaza City area, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone, the military said on X.

Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative said famine was occurring in the Gaza governorate, a region where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians live, which includes Gaza City.

Displaced Palestinian children walk in an area of a school used as a shelter in Gaza City, Wednesday, August 27, 2025 [Jehad Alshrafi/AP Photo]

The UNs childrens agency warned on Friday that staff at a nutrition centre in Gaza City are struggling to cope with a surge in malnourished children.

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Its clear on the ground that famine is absolutely ravaging Gaza City, UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram told Al Jazeera during a visit to the facility, where desperate parents bring their children to be screened and treated. She said she had met so many parents who were in complete despair because they have run out of options.

Health workers at the centre assess malnutrition by measuring childrens upper arms, with those at risk given fortified, high-energy biscuits as a preventive measure. Severely malnourished children receive ready-to-use therapeutic food, a concentrated paste designed to help them recover over several weeks.

Its basically a medicine thats administered to children like a paste, Ingram explained. But we just dont have enough; the demand is really high, and supplies are low.

The IPC also warned that famine could soon spread to other areas of Gaza, as Israel continues to impose severe restrictions on supplies of humanitarian aid amid a deepening hunger crisis across the territory.

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The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported on Friday that at least five people, including two children, died of starvation and malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours.

The deaths bring the total number of people killed by hunger and malnutrition since the war began to 322, including 121 children.

Israeli assault on Gaza City

Israeli forces have carried out a sustained bombardment on Gaza City since early August, as the military prepares for a larger assault to seize Gazas largest urban centre  in an operation that could forcibly displace a million Palestinians to concentration zones in southern Gaza, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

The relentless bombardment from the air and land has forced residents to flee to the western parts of the city, the Palestinian Health Ministry told Al Jazeera.





Gazas Civil Defence estimates that more than 1,000 residential buildings in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City have been flattened since August 6.

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Residents described relentless bombardment and attacks from helicopters. They launched a firebelt attack only 150 metres (500ft) away from us. They scorched the entire area, said Nihad Madoukh from Sheikh Radwan in northwestern Gaza City, speaking to Al Jazeera. It was very scary bombardment.

Displaced resident Ahmed Moqat said he had been moving constantly to escape Israeli attacks. Heres the debris that fell last night next to my head, he said. Now I will go out in the street, only God knows where I will go.

Hamas also warned on Friday that Israels military offensive on Gaza City risks the lives of captives who remain there.

We will do everything in our power to safeguard the captives in our hands, said Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamass military wing, the Qassam Brigades. However, they will be with our fighters in combat zones and face the same risks.

Dozens killed across Gaza

At least 67 Palestinians, including six aid seekers, were killed in attacks across Gaza on Friday, medical sources told Al Jazeera.

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Palestinian health workers told Al Jazeera that three of the aid seekers were shot dead by Israeli forces near the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza on Friday.

Medical sources said Israeli air strikes hit the so-called safe zone of al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, killing at least five people and wounding dozens as they slept in tents.

We were sleeping when the bombing happened, said a man caring for his grandchildren, whose father was killed two months ago. The strike hit our area  We took the wounded ourselves to Nasser Hospital before the ambulances arrived. Stop this war against us. Have mercy on the children.

More than 62,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed by Israel in its nearly two-year war on Gaza, and at least 157,600 have been wounded, according to Palestinian health authorities.
MILAN (Reuters) -Italy's Giorgia Meloni expressed outrage on Friday over an adult website that published unauthorised pictures of women, including of the prime minister, amid a national outcry over online misogyny and abuse.

Administrators of the phica.eu website, whose name is a play on a vulgar Italian slang term for female genitalia, took it down on Thursday following widespread condemnation and legal complaints.

"I am disgusted by what has happened, and I want to express my solidarity and closeness to all the women who have been offended, insulted, and violated in their intimacy by the administrators of this forum and its 'users,'" Meloni was quoted as saying by daily Corriere della Sera.

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The website had been running since 2005 and had more than 200,000 registered members, but came under intense media and political scrutiny this week following another highly-publicised case of misogynist online abuse.

Earlier this month, Facebook took down the Mia Moglie ('My Wife') group, where users shared intimate photos of women without their consent, after a wave of public complaints initiated by author and activist Carolina Capria.

The group had over 32,000 members.

In announcing its shutdown, a spokesperson for Facebook's parent company Meta said the group violated the social media company's policy against the sexual exploitation of adults.

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"It is disheartening to see that in 2025, there are still those who consider it normal and legitimate to trample on a womans dignity and make her the object of sexist and vulgar insults, hiding behind anonymity or a keyboard," Meloni said.

The 48-year-old, in office since 2022, is Italy's first woman prime minister.

Heeding calls from women's rights advocates and lawmakers, Equality Minister Eugenia Roccella said the government was working on stronger online protections and cultural reforms to combat misogyny and sexism.

The phica.eu site hosted thousands of manipulated images and videos of female public figures, often accompanied by obscene and violent commentary. It also featured photos of ordinary women, classified by geographical location.

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Its administrators said in a message they were closing down the forum "with great regret" due to "toxic behaviours" that had "damaged the original spirit".

As well as Meloni, it published images of opposition leader Elly Schlein, influencer Chiara Ferragni and EU lawmaker Alessandra Moretti, who filed a criminal complaint and said such websites "incite rape and violence".

(Reporting by Elvira Pollina. Editing by Alvise Armellini and Mark Potter)
In 1967, four years after her husband President John F. Kennedy was assassinated and she became the most recognizable widow in the world, Jacqueline Kennedy visited Cambodia.

When she arrived in the capital city of Phnom Penh amid a generation-defining war, there was no question where she would stay  the Hotel Le Royal, the toniest address in town. Opened in 1929 and inaugurated by the then-King Sisowath Monivong, the hotel came by its name honestly.

In honor of the former first ladys visit, the hotels bartender created a special cocktail: the Femme Fatale. Made with cognac, Champagne and creme de fraise, then garnished with a frangipani flower, its served in a long-stemmed coupe glass. Its fizzy, elegant, and the perfect thing to drink while hiding from Phnom Penhs hot, humid weather.

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Four decades later, much about the hotel has changed  but the Femme Fatale remains on the bar menu.

The story doesnt stop there.

Much of the hotels finery was dumped into storage following the countrys brutal civil war, untouched. After the property was purchased by the Raffles group in 1996, a worker supposedly found the exact glass Kennedy had drunk her Femme Fatale out of  thanks to a mark from her lipstick on the rim  and rescued it amid the hotel renovations.

Now, the glass, along with a few photos of Kennedys trip to Phnom Penh, is displayed in a vitrine outside the hotels Elephant Bar.

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The hotel also has a Kennedy suite, where a portrait of the former first lady hangs, seeming to look admiringly over the pristine white linens and cool tile floors. A vintage copy of the Life magazine issue about Kennedys Cambodia trip, sourced by Raffles on eBay, is on a hallway table, already opened to the relevant page.

From First Lady to global celebrity

I call that her transitional period, says Elizabeth J. Natalle, author of Jacqueline Kennedy and the Architecture of First Lady Diplomacy, of Kennedys post-White House, pre-remarriage years.

At that point, Kennedy was arguably the most famous and talked-about woman on the planet. Her love life was as scrutinized as her outfits.

Accompanying Kennedy on her trip was David Ormsby-Gore, a British aristocrat and former ambassador to the United States. The two visited Angkor Wat, the massive UNESCO-listed complex in northern Cambodia, together.

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Though they kept their relationship low profile at the time, letters auctioned off after both their deaths revealed the depth of their love  including the reveal that Kennedy had turned down Ormsby-Gores marriage proposal.

Natalle believes that Kennedy was suffering from undiagnosed PTSD after witnessing her husbands assassination. But while Kennedy dreaded the idea of riding in an open-top car convoy  similar to the one shed been traveling in on November 22, 1963  she agreed to do it as a goodwill gesture toward Prince Sihanouk, her host in the Southeast Asian country.

Yes, she was a celebrity, but she was not a politician. Therefore, she carried a unique kind of soft power, notes Natalle. As a widow, she possessed a respected dignity, and as she was no longer the sitting first lady, her position was neutral.

Soft power is the antidote to military policy and official government diplomacy, says Natalle. First ladies have a kind of credibility just because theyre first ladies. Theyre not an official part of the government, they dont have a job description, theyre not in the Constitution.

The vitrine with Jackie Kennedy's purported cocktail glass at the Elephant Bar. - Kevin Izorce/Alamy Stock Photo

Though visiting Cambodia while an American-backed war was raging across the border in Vietnam may have seemed like a political gesture, Kennedy insisted that she was simply in the country to visit Angkor Wat and other historical sites.

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Her vacation was a carefully orchestrated performance. Public opposition to the Vietnam War in the US was at its height, and official relations between the US and Cambodia had been cut off in 1965. As a result, Kennedy needed an official invitation from the king to get into the country.

Then there was the question of logistics. There were no direct flights between the US and Cambodia  a fact still true to this day. Finally, a solution: she flew on a commercial flight to Bangkok, then was taken on to Phnom Penh via a US Air Force C54 that had been granted special permission to land.

A Francophone, Kennedy had helped her husband during his political career by translating French books and political speeches, including material about Cambodia, which had been part of French Indochina. According to Natalle, she was known for granting access and interviews to French-speaking journalists on her travels, even if she snubbed the English-speaking ones.

And shed long been known as a lover of history, art and architecture following similar transitional era visits to countries like Greece and Spain.

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She was interested in ancient civilizations, says Natalle. Angkor Wat would probably be part of that. It was the way in which she would praise her hosts and the site itself as something of significance.

A changing hotel for a changing Cambodia

Sitting near the banks of the Ton Le Sap River and two miles from the Royal Palace, the Hotel Le Royal has lived many lives.

It survived the darkest period in modern Cambodian history, when the ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge controlled the country. From 1975 to 1979, at least 1.7 million Cambodians were killed by the regime. Many Cambodians were pushed out of or escaped from Phnom Penh into the countryside.

Elephant Bar at the Raffles, Phnom Penh. - Lilit Marcus/CNN

After the Khmer Rouge years, Hotel Le Royal was renamed the Solidarity Hotel and played host to international journalists and aid workers who were flowing into the country. When the Raffles group bought the hotel in the 1990s, they settled on the name Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

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After all these years, the Raffles Le Royal remains an important address in Phnom Penh. Angelina Jolie, Charlie Chaplin and Charles DeGaulle have also stayed there.

In 2012, President Barack Obama visited Cambodia as the final stop on a diplomatic tour around Southeast Asia and was photographed sitting on a couch at the Raffles, talking on his phone.

He wasnt in the Kennedy Suite, though.

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A Jackson man pled guilty in federal court to the attempted robbery of a dollar store in Jackson.

According to court documents, Torrance Stewart, 31, entered a local business on May 2, 2022, with the intent to rob the store with a firearm. Prosecutors said Stewart brandished a pistol and threatened the store clerk into retrieving money from the cash register.

Louisiana woman sentenced in Mississippi auto dealership fraud case

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When the register malfunctioned, Stewart ran away from the scene. Jackson police arrested Stewart in a nearby neighborhood.

Stewart is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Torrance Stewart (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center)

The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive is investigating the case with assistance from the Jackson Police Department.

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On his CNN show Thursday night, Jake Tapper had a stark question about Trump cabinet official Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Are the actions of the Secretary of Health and Human services actually actively making you and your family less health?

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Tapper was responding to the reported chaos at the Centers for Disease control on Thursday after Kennedy, with Donald Trumps backing, ordered CDC director Susan Monarez to be fired. No reason has been given for this publicly  Trump officials have said only that she was not aligned with Trump on matters connected to public health.

Monarez, who was nominated for the job by Trump himself back in March and has only been on the job since July, is suing. Her attorneys say she is being punished because she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, which appear to refer to policies reflecting Kennedys well-documented opposition to life-saving vaccines, which includes spreading falsehoods about them.

Monarez is a doctor and a scientist; the Trump administration is trying to replace her with Jim ONeill, a former investment banker with zero medical expertise. Several high ranking CDC officials resigned in protest over these actions. Read more about it here.

Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has no scientific degree and has no medical degree and who for decades, has been pushing medical and scientific falsehoods, is today wreaking havoc at the CDC, Tapper explained. The former CDC director was fired after less than one month on the job. A person familiar with the situation told CNN that Monarez and Secretary Kennedy quickly ended up at odds after her Senate confirmation, over vaccine policies and other matters, given her belief in science and medical evidence and RFK Juniors long established dedication to fringe, false conspiracy theories about vaccines.

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Monarezs lawyers say Kennedy and HHS are, quote, weaponizing public health for political gain, Tapper added, at which point he shared video of the Trump administrations explanation. He then discussed the CDC protest resignations, and the celebratory exit their colleagues gave them as they left the building, as well as these statements they made after.

One of these staffers also warned that the panel which approves vaccines has been hugely politicized. Tapper continued, the panels upcoming meeting is worrying, if not terrifying, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who worked as a physician before entering politics.

Cassidy passed the deciding vote to confirm Kennedy as health secretary, after receiving assurances directly from Kennedy that he would not dismantle the nations vaccine safety systems and would not take down government vaccine guidance and that he would consult with Dr. and Senator Cassidy before any major decision, Tapper continued. But today, Senator Cassidy warned that a September meeting of Kennedys vaccine panel should not even take place.

The CNN anchor then quoted Cassidy directly: Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership and lack of scientific process. These decisions directly impact childrens health, and the meeting should not occur until significant oversight has been conducted. If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy, given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership.

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The fact is that RFK Jr, for decades now, says things that are not true to justify extreme positions and actions when it comes to public health, Tapper went on. One such example just from today, when RK Jr tried to justify getting rid of all these health officials who have actual degrees in their fields of expertise, unlike RFK Jr.

Tapper then quoted Kennedy directly: The CDC is an agency that is very troubled for a very long time. The CDC has on its website today among the top 10 medical innovations, greatest medical accomplishments in history. Abortion is the one of the greatest medical accomplishments, because it keeps small families. Go to the website, look at it.

Tapper then explained at length that Kennedys claims were absolutely not true.

We went to the website, we looked at it, and the word abortion does not appear in either of the two places where the CDC lists the top 10 health accomplishments in history. HHS, when we asked what gives the word abortion doesnt appear there, despite what RFK Jr. said, they pointed us to the mention of family planning and contraception as one of the top 10 achievements, he explained. And then they referred to us to a document going into more detail about that, but that document talked about the need to reduce unwanted pregnancies, family planning, to avoid unwanted pregnancies, to avoid abortions. It did not cite abortions as one of the top 10 health achievements, and it was not saying abortion is part of family planning. Read the document, Secretary Kennedy.

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Again, a Kennedy construction built upon a foundation of mendacity, and this is just the latest example of Secretary Kennedy making rash decisions that could impact your health, basing these decisions on complete and utter falsehoods, he concluded.

Watch part of this below now:

RFK Jr.'s destabilizing influence on the CDC

Watch the full video here: https://t.co/0TMb99LZ0d pic.twitter.com/FtyKffrUSK  The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) August 28, 2025

The post Jake Tapper Says RFK Jr. Makes Rash Decisions Based on Complete and Utter Falsehoods After CDC Firings | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
By Mariko Katsumura

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan needs to conduct a fundamental review of its policy for foreign residents and should debate whether a cap should be introduced, according to a government report released on Friday.

Concerns over an influx of foreigners, both temporary and permanent, have become a hot topic in Japan, where growth in support for an anti-immigration party in July's upper house election contributed to the ruling coalition's loss of its majority.

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The world's no. 4 economy this week also announced a plan to introduce tougher requirements for visas for foreign entrepreneurs. And in the lead-up to the election, the government set up a cross-agency body to respond to issues such as crime and overtourism involving foreigners.

Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki, who oversees the immigration agency, said in Friday's report that Japan lacked unified policies concerning foreigners.

"Additionally, there has been no discussion on the impact on society, potential friction, quantitative management of foreign residents, or the framework for optimising systems related to foreign residents," the report said.

Currently, the government has set a cap for foreigners with a skilled worker visa at 820,000 for the five years that began in April 2024. It is also introducing a technical intern visa, which is expected to start in 2027, and those numbers will be capped.

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But the government should also look at temporary caps on foreigners with other residence statuses when extreme increases in the number of foreigners indicate that social friction is "exceeding tolerable levels", the report said.

Japan has long sought to maintain a homogeneous population through strict immigration laws, but has gradually eased them to supplement its shrinking and ageing labour force.

The number of foreign nationals in Japan climbed to 3.8 million last year, a 10.5% increase from a year ago. They account for about 3% of the country's total population.

(Reporting by Mariko Katsumura; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Key Points

This semiconductor foundry staked out a position as the undisputed leader in the manufacture of advanced chips.

The company generates a ton of free cash flow, despite aggressively building out new fabs.

The stock is attractively valued at current levels.

10 stocks we like better than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing 

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) is far from the flashiest artificial intelligence (AI) name out there. It doesn't design chips like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Broadcom, and, as such, it doesn't tend to get the same hype.

However, all these chipmakers hand their designs to TSMC for large-scale manufacturing, turning them into real products. That's why it's not only one of the best, but one of the safest ways to invest in the AI infrastructure buildout. It wins no matter which chip designer takes the lead, and it's generating a ton of cash doing it.

Even Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang went out of his way to praise the company. He called TSMC "one of the greatest companies in the history of humanity," adding that "anybody who wants to buy TSMC stock is a very smart person." That is not the kind of praise Huang throws around lightly.

Image source: Getty Images.

TSMC has a foundry nobody can catch

TSMC is the top foundry in the world, producing most of the world's advanced chips. Rival Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) has been trying to build its own foundry business, but it is losing money and hasn't been able to gain any ground. In fact, the U.S. government recently made a large investment in the struggling company, reportedly to help bolster it.

Samsung, meanwhile, has struggled with production yields. It also recently lost one of its advanced chip designs, as Alphabet switched to TSMC for its Tensor G5 chip used in its Pixel smartphones. Neither Intel nor Samsung has shown that they can match the scale or reliability of TSMC.

That's why TSMC has locked in almost every large AI chipmaker as a customer. Chip designers are constantly looking to shrink node sizes, and TSMC is the only foundry that has shown it can consistently produce advanced nodes with strong yields. Nodes are a reference to the size of the transistors used on a chip, measured in nanometers. With smaller nodes, more transistors can be packed onto the chip, which improves performance and power efficiency.

Smaller nodes are becoming an increasingly larger part of TSMC's mix. Chips built on 7-nanometer or smaller nodes are already nearly three-quarters of TSMC's revenue, while its 3nm chips alone are almost one-quarter. Meanwhile, it is already preparing to move into 2nm.
A 102-year-old man has become the oldest person to climb Mount Fuji, according to Guinness World Records. Kokichi Akuzawa climbed his country's tallest peak, reaching the summit at 12,388 feet, on Aug. 5. In doing so he surpassed the previous record, which he set himself when he summited Mount Fuji at the age of 96.

Akuzawa used the Yoshida route, which has an elevation gain of approximately 4,922 feet and typically takes experienced mountaineers around six hours to complete.

Given his age, he spread the climb across three days and two nights. Preparing for the ascent was no easy feat for the centenarian, who survived a fall, a case of shingles and was hospitalized with heart failure earlier in the year.

At 102 years and 51 days old, Kokichi Akuzawa of Japan has become the oldest person to reach the peak of Japan's Mount Fuji - the country's tallest peak at 12,388 feet. / Credit: Guinness World Records

Despite the health challenges, Akuzawa, who's the honorary chairman of a mountaineering club in Japan, reportedly got up early every morning for an hour-long walk and climbed a lesser mountain on a near-weekly basis as part of his training regimen.

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According to Guinness World Records, although the weather on his ascent was relatively favorable, Akuzawa still had to endure high winds, low temperatures and a drop in oxygen pressure associated with the high altitude, all of which prove challenging even for young people climbing the peak.

During the trek to the top of Japan's highest mounting, Akuzawa reportedly considered giving up, but he was encouraged to keep going by his 70-year-old daughter Motoe.

Japan's highest peak, Mount Fuji, is seen in an Aug. 12, 2025 file photo taken from nearby Mount Tenjo. / Credit: Tucker Reals/CBS News

After receiving the official Guinness World Records certificate, Akuzawa told the organization: "It was tough, and it felt a lot different to the last time I climbed it. I'm amazed that I made it to the top. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. I'm feeling pleased now."

When asked if he would consider climbing the famous mountain again, Akuzawa jokingly said: "Never again," according to Guinness World Records. But he suggested he could change his mind.

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Speaking later with the French news agency AFP, Akuzawa was humble about his achievement.

"I have been there and seen the view many times, it wasn't anything special," he said. "I reached the summit last time too."

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Vice President JD Vance offered up an unexpected scapegoat when asked about President Donald Trumps refusal to release files related to his former friend, the late convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein.

He blamed former President Joe Biden.

We have to remember this entire thing happened, this entire story blew up, during the Biden administration, Vance said during an interview with USA Today.

Epstein died in prison of an apparent suicide in 2019. Biden took office in January 2021.

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Trump and many members of his inner circle  including Vance  had repeatedly promised to release files related to Epstein if elected, including a supposed client list.

Vance said the Biden administration had four years to release any such information and failed to do so.

Related: JD Vance Denies Plans To Strategize On Epstein Controversy [UPDATE]

However, the Trump administration has only released previously known details and, earlier this summer, stated that there was nothing else to release  and no client list.

The move angered many on both sides of the aisle, including longtime supporters of Trump.

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But Vance, in the new interview, insisted that Trump was delivering full transparency on the issue.

I think the president has ordered the administration to be more transparent about this than any other issue, he said.

Story continues after video.

Q: "Now that you're in power, you say that there is no Epstein client list. Why do you think it is that so many of your own supporters don't believe you?"



Vance: "We have to remember this entire story blew up during the Biden administration." pic.twitter.com/rL1bIL8Yvc  The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) August 28, 2025

Trump and Epstein were close friends until they had a falling out in 2004, reportedly over a real estate dispute. Epsteins first arrest was in 2006, leading to his eventual conviction for sex crimes, but also a widely criticized deal with a prosecutor allowing him to avoid federal prosecution and a possible life sentence.

That prosecutor, Alex Acosta, would later serve in the Cabinet in the first Trump administration.

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Epstein was arrested again in 2019 and died in custody of an apparent suicide while awaiting trial on allegations of trafficking underage girls and other charges.

Despite Vances claims, the arrest, death and outrage that followed took place during the first Trump administration  about 18 months before Biden took office.

Vance cited a recent jailhouse interview with longtime Epstein enabler Ghislaine Maxwell, in which she also insisted there was no client list.

Related: Fox News Host Utterly Shreds Co-Hosts Hypocrisy: You Would Be Losing Your Mind!

Maxwell, who is in prison for sex trafficking, also vouched for Trumps character.

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I never witnessed the president in any inappropriate setting in any way, she said. The president was never inappropriate with anybody.

Shortly after the interview, Maxwell was moved to a minimum-security prison camp with fewer restrictions.

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JD Vance has told campaigners to push back against the crazies who take offence to flying the St Georges flag.

The US vice-president urged those behind the online campaign Operation Raise the Colours to be on guard, amid a backlash from councils.

Hundreds of Union and St Georges flags have been raised across England in the past few weeks, with many councils vowing to remove them.

Asked about the controversy over the St Georges flag, Mr Vance told Fox News: We should push back against the crazies who say we should be so ashamed of our culture and of our heritage that we shouldnt be willing to fly a flag. Its craziness.

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Mr Vance, who faced protests during his family getaway in Charlbury, Oxfordshire, this month, said a friend was scared to fly the American flag amid Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

Patriotic flags seen flying from a bridge in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, this week - Christopher Furlong/Getty

The 41-year-old said: You see the same things happening in Europe, and I think we just have to be on guard against this stuff.

Its OK to be proud of your country. Its, in fact, a good thing to be proud of your country.

We got to call that craziness out. Id encourage our European friends to follow suit.

It comes after Essex county council bosses told workers in an email on Thursday that the flags may evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric.

Red stripes were painted on a white mini-roundabout in Bromsgrove - Christopher Furlong/Getty

Police launched an investigation last week after a cross was painted on a mini-roundabout in Bromsgrove, Worcs, and a Labour-run council in Birmingham removed hundreds of flags from lamp-posts, claiming the flags put pedestrians lives at risk.

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Elsewhere, Tower Hamlets council in east London, run by the Aspire party, said it would remove any St Georges flags from council property as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat-led Portsmouth city council said it would paint over St Georges crosses daubed on mini-roundabouts and give-way lines in the interest of public safety.

That is despite the authority painting a rainbow flag across the entire length of a pedestrian crossing in 2020.

It is an offence under the Highways Act 1980 to paint on roads without permission and carries a fine of up to 100, which doubles in the case of a second conviction.

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Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, joined activists in hoisting Union flags in his constituency in Newark, Notts, last week.

Credit: The White House

Mr Vance has been outspoken about his perception of European oppression of free speech, beginning with a controversial appearance at a Munich security conference.

He warned David Lammy not to go down the very dark path of censorship during the vice-presidents stay at the Foreign Secretarys grace-and-favour home at Chevening in Kent earlier this month.

Mr Vance and Mr Lammy said they had developed a warm friendship, bonding over their difficult childhoods and their faith.

St Georges flags fly from lamp-posts in Stanwell, west London - Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty

British diplomatic sources said the stay showed the depth and breadth of the relationship between Sir Keir Starmers government and the Trump administration.

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The trip came at a fraught time in relations between the UK and US on issues of freedom of speech, after The Telegraph revealed that a Whitehall spy unit reported critics of asylum hotels to social media platforms last year.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
JD Vance slammed Gavin Newsoms new social media trolling of President Trump as nothing more than a carbon copy.

In a Thursday interview on Fox News, the vice president broke down his thoughts on Newsoms latest strategy and how its gaining him more traction and popularity. Vance said people enjoyed Trumps posts on social media because they speak to the presidents authenticity. With Newsom, he said its a cheap replication.

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The lesson of President Trump in American politics is youve got to be authentic to yourself, Vance said. When I see Gavin Newsom trying to act like Donald Trump thats the opposite of authenticity. Hes not trying to be Gavin Newsom  whoever that is  hes trying to be a fake carbon copy of Donald Trump and it just doesnt work.

He continued: You cant mimic the king. You cant mimic the master. You out to just go and be yourself and I think the American people would like that a lot more than a cheap imitation of the President of the United States.

Vance: He's trying to be a fake copy of Trump and it just doesn't work. You can't mimic the king. You can't mimic the master. You just got be yourself and I think the American people would like that a lot more than a cheap imitation of the president pic.twitter.com/R6f2AvFwQT  Acyn (@Acyn) August 28, 2025

For weeks now, Newsoms office has been posting in the same fashion Trump has been known to on Truth Social. That means a lot of exclamation points, a spigot of tirades, and in all caps. The California governor explained the new strategy in a press conference a couple weeks back.

I hope its a wakeup call. The President of the United States  Im sort of following his example. And if youve got issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns about what hes putting out as president, the governor said at the end of the press conference.

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Newsom continued: So to the extent its gotten some attention, Im pleased. But I think the deeper question is: How have we allowed the normalization of his tweets, Truth Social posts over the course of the last many years to go without similar scrutiny and notice?

You can watch JD Vances interview in the clip above.

The post JD Vance Says Gavin Newsoms Trump Trolling Will Come Back to Bite Him: Cant Mimic the King | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
JD Vance cracked up a lot of people on social media Thursday after he made an unintentionally hilarious claim about President Donald Trumps sense of humor.

During an interview with Will Cain on Fox News, the vice president suggested that one lesson the Democrats could learn from his fearless leader is to laugh at themselves a little bit.

Seriously.

Related: Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement For Every Vote

Vance added that the Dems dont have to be so serious. They dont have to get offended at everything. Sometimes its actually a good thing to have a sense of humor about our political process.

Vance: Democrats, the one thing they should learn from President Trump is to laugh at themselves a little bit. They don't have to be so serious. They don't have to get offended at everything. Sometimes it's actually a good thing to have a sense of humor about our political pic.twitter.com/GAfkNfCdbw  Acyn (@Acyn) August 28, 2025

Many people on social media were justifiably amused by Vances bold claim, considering there is ample, ample evidence of Trump not being able to laugh at himself or at jokes at his expense.

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For instance, Seth Meyers roasted Trump so hard during the 2011 White House Correspondents Association dinner that the president still has it out for him,even griping earlier this week about a sick rumorthat NBC was extending the talk show hosts contract.

In addition, during his first term in office, Trump reportedly attempted to sic the Department of Justice on comedians who made fun of him.

Also, during his legal battles with CBS parent company, Paramount Global, Trump repeatedly demanded the network terminate the contract of late night host Stephen Colbert.

Related: JD Vance Roasted For Line That Inadvertently Seemed To Insult Donald Trump

When the network did that last month, Trump posted, I absolutely love that Colbert got fired, on his Truth Social platform and claimed, I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next.

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Considering the massive receipts that go against Vances claim that Trump can laugh at himself, its not surprising there was lots of mockery.

Except when Newscom mocks Trump, then its pic.twitter.com/kw2KIlTPvz  Irony Kumar (@IronyKumar) August 29, 2025

J.D. Vance says Newsom is acting like Trump to be more popular and then says we don't have a sense of humor  TheRealThelmaJohnson (@TheRealThelmaJ1) August 29, 2025

Yeah, like Trump did with Obama at the WH Correspondent's Dinner, or like he did w Colbert or recently with South Park. Trump has the thinnest skin ever and his ability to laugh at himself is zero - pathologically, it's zero!  The Shallow State (@OurShallowState) August 28, 2025

Ok. I cant stand Vance, but Ill give credit where credit is due: I agree. Politicians should have a sense of humor. Its perfectly fine to laugh at yourself. Thats just being human, and it makes you more relatable. Silver lining, Vance has an endless supply of things to laugh  Stuart Jeruzal  (@sjeruzal) August 29, 2025

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Republicans are literally the most thin skinned pussies on earth, especially Trump whos the biggest crybaby who has ever lived. Just party full of people who break the controller when they lose a game  Pope Fansince (@FanSince09) August 28, 2025

Yes, Trump is famously known for laughing at himself and not taking jokes too seriously.  pic.twitter.com/zgsnPi71K7  Your Mom is a Widespread MF Panican (@trainrek13) August 29, 2025

Democrats laughed at

1.  Theyre eating the Cats  & Dogs in Ohio

2.  Windmills are killing iris & Whales

3.  Trump has a 2 handicap in Golf

4.  Trump weighs 225 pounds 

5.  Trump didnt touch Stormy

6.  Trump & Melania are happily married   Joe Redwood (@humbdinino_joe) August 29, 2025

Oh youre right for once JD.



We have learned how to laugh about Trump.



Hes the Clown in Chief



The sad part is, the rest of the world is LAUGHING too. pic.twitter.com/KdznZGJpBQ  The Resistor Sister (@the_resistor) August 28, 2025

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LA CROSSE  Vice President JD Vance, in response to reporter questions during an appearance at a steel fabricating plant in La Crosse, suggested it was unlikely Milwaukee would see the Trump administration dispatch the National Guard to Milwaukee as it has in Washington D.C., but said that Mayor Cavalier Johnson should "get some sense" and ask for help.

"There are even certain neighborhoods where people are afraid to go out. We would love to go out and help the people of Milwaukee, but the president of the United States has said he wants to be asked," Vance said, adding that such a step would depend on a request from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. "And that's been a consistent line since the very beginning."

Vance also seemed to not know whether Johnson, mayor of the city that hosted the Republican National Convention in 2024, was a man or woman.

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"I hope the mayor actually gets some common sense and actually fights for her residents, or his residents for a change," he said. "Because we would love to actually help cut down on the crime in this community."

At one point, he asked the crowd if Milwaukee was a "super safe city," to which the western Wisconsin crowd chorused, "no."

"It has crime problems. It's a beautiful city, there are a lot of incredibly hard-working people who live there, but let's be honest, Milwaukee has had some crime problems," he said.

He said Americans should feel safe on the streets and not feel like they need to cross to the other side of the road to avoid danger.

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"We'd love to come in and help lock up those violent criminals and actually fight for residents for a change, because we'd love to actually cut down on crime."

Vance's comments came as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed soldiers deployed to President Donald Trump's police and military crackdown on the capital to arm themselves.

Trump announced the deployment of the first 800 troops in D.C. on Aug. 11, saying they were needed to suppress what he has called out-of-control crime in the city  despite a documented decline in the city's crime rate in 2025.

Vance visited Wisconsin on Aug. 28 to promote the Trump administration's sweeping tax and spending measures dubbed "The One Big Beautiful Bill," appearing at Mid-City Steel in La Crosse to tout the measure's impact on manufacturing jobs and taxes.

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Ahead of the visit, Evers released a new analysis contending the bill would pass along $284 million in new costs to the state, primarily tied to administering new requirement tied to residents receiving food and Medicaid assistance.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: JD Vance says it's unlikely National Guard will be sent to Milwaukee
JD Vancewants to make America grovel again.

The vice president complained to Fox News host Will Cain on Thursday that the Democratic mayoral candidate for New York City, Zohran Mamdani, isnt sufficiently sycophantic for his liking.

Related: JD Vance Names Exact Moment Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Went 'Off The Rails'

Does Mamdani, when you hear him speak, is this a man who feels gratitude for the United States of America? Vance asked Cain. Is this a man who feels grateful for all of the opportunities, the incredible bounty of this country?

Zohran Mamdani celebrates his primary win in June in the Long Island City neighborhood of the Queens borough in New York City. Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images

Vance continued by further peddling his authoritarian stance, I dont know the guy, but my sense is he has had a very good life in this country. It would be nice for him to occasionally show a sense of gratitude instead of just attacking the United States for all of its problems.

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Ah, yes, because Mamdanis attempts to solve pragmatic problems such as unaffordable housing and childcare pale in comparison to Vances issues with river water not being splashy enough for his birthday.

Vances tone while discussing the New York State Assembly member echoes the contempt he showed towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyin February for not saying thank you to President Donald Trump for the aid the U.S. provides his country during its ongoing war against Russia  a conflict, wed like to remind Vance, that Trumps buddy Vladimir Putin started.

Vice President JD Vance yells at Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with President Donald Trump in February. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images

Trumps chumminess with certain politicians  specifically those who display unwavering loyalty towards him, like Vance  might also tap into the VPs beef with Mamdani.

Earlier this month, Mamdani slammed Trump after the New York Times reported that the president was considering intervening in New York Citys mayoral race in favor of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned from office four years ago amid damning sexual harassment allegations. Cuomo lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary in June, but has decided to stay in the race by running as an independent.

Related: Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized After Car Wreck, Spokesperson Says

This should be a race about ... who will make this city affordable, who will ensure that each and every New Yorker is safe, who will bring our city forward, not an audition for the best jester for Donald Trump and his billionaire supporters, Mamdani told reporters in response to the news.

More Stories

Jen Psaki Makes Ominous Warning About Trump: Let That Sink In For A Second

Trump's Envoys Are Ticking Off Other Countries. The White House Isn't Doing Much About It.

Zohran Mamdani Slams Possible Trump Involvement In NYC Mayoral Race

Read the original on HuffPost
Aug. 29SUPERIOR  Jersey Mike's Subs is coming to town.

A new store at 3110 Tower Ave., Suite 5, the former Game Stop location, is under development.

Franchise owner Michael Schoonover, who owns

two Jersey Mike's locations in Duluth,

said the Superior shop is expected to open in mid-to-late October.

"We have had many requests over the years for a Superior location from our loyal customers visiting Duluth locations and look forward to serving the surrounding area," said Schoonover, who has been with Jersey Mike's since 2017.

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Schoonover expects to hire 15-20 employees at the Superior location and is now accepting applications.

The Jersey Mike's franchise dates back to 1956 when the original storefront opened in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. There are now over 3,000 locations nationwide and nearly 300 more coming soon, according to its website.

The shop's sandwiches are built using the same recipe the franchise started with 69 years ago.

One thing that sets Jersey Mike's apart, Schoonover said, is a focus on giving back. Its national Month of Giving in March raised over $30 million for over 200 charities, according to the Jersey Mike's website, and it raised nearly $2.7 million for rebuilding efforts after the July floods in Texas.

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The Superior store will join those efforts.

"For our opening celebration, we will hold a fundraiser for a local charity, and look forward to connecting with our community for years to come," Schoonover said.
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  It was a packed house at the Jessamine County Board of Education building on Thursday night as board members invited community members to a special meeting to discuss the districts tax rates on real and personal property.

Ultimately, the board decided to maintain its current property tax rate of 67.8 cents per $100, generating more revenue for the 2026 fiscal year than the previous one.

Jessamine County Schools Superintendent Sara Crum said the move helps maintain steady services.

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It just means that well be able to continue with the same services that weve been providing for our students, and that we wont see such a dip in our contingency fund. We wanted to keep that at a level that would allow us to feel fiscally secure for the next few years. And so this is just the first step in ensuring that, Crum said.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

But as property values go up, community members worry that their tax bills will go up as well, despite keeping the same rate. Community members say they werent surprised by this decision, but it creates some distrust between them and the board.

What they didnt say is that by keeping the tax rate the same, its actually a 10.22% revenue increase, which is what triggered tonights hearing, said Jessamine County Resident Brandon Wides. Were not advocating for a decrease in revenue. Were advocating for a decrease on the burden for the taxpayer.

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Many people at the meeting pushed for the board to go with whats called the compensating rate. It would lower the tax rate from 67.8 cents to 64.5 cents. The board said the issue with that is that it wouldnt be able to increase revenue for the new year.

West Jessamine High School Principal Brady Thornton took to the podium as an audience member, siding with the boards decision.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

You can absolutely run a school district on a shoestring budget, but you cannot run a good school district on a shoestring budget, Thornton said.

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Community members at the meeting said their part in the fight isnt over. They plan to start a petition to bring this decision to a public vote in the fall.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
A knife-wielding man broke into a Jessup residence at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, threatening a woman there, according to police.

When officers arrived, Jimmy Harris, 28, escaped from a second-floor window and fled into a wooded area behind the home.

Police suspected Harris was headed to Williamsport and contacted police there. At about 10 a.m. on Thursday, Williamsport police notified Jessup police of Harris arrest, and Jessup officers traveled there to take Harris into custody.

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According to the release:

At about 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 24, Jessup police officers responded to a residence on Anthony Drive for the report of a man, later identified as Harris, who broke into a residence with a knife. Jessup police officers knew Harris and were aware there was an existing warrant for his arrest.

Police officers from Blakely, Olyphant, Archbald, Throop, Dunmore and Dickson City responded, along with Jessup officers.

Officers heard screaming coming from the home as they were making their way through the front door. Once inside, they immediately removed the victim and her young son from the home for their safety.

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After Harris escaped through the window, officers from multiple departments searched for him for an extended period of time.

With the assistance of the Scranton Police Department, they learned that Harris had likely fled to Williamsport. Police there were notified and provided with copies of arrest warrants.

After taking custody of Harris, Jessup officers transported him to the Lackawanna County Processing Center. He is charged with felony burglary, making terroristic threats, evading arrest, strangulation and related counts.
Author John Green is coming to the University of Kansas next week. His latest book is titled "Everything Is Tuberculosis." (Eric Thomas illustration for Kansas Reflector)

Author John Green is most famous for his book, A Fault In Our Stars, a crushing and delicate book about two teenagers love-locked as they struggle through cancer.

He will be welcomed to the University of Kansas (where I work) on Sept. 2 to speak about his book of essays, The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet. That book is the universitys common book for this academic year.

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But I am most interested in Greens unlikely connection to Kansas through his most recent volume, Everything Is Tuberculosis. Released in March, it describes how TB persists as a rampant killer throughout much of the world, but seldom in the United States and wealthy countries.

Seeing the overlap between Greens book and Kansas is simple, if you were monitoring Kansas news at the start of this year. An outbreak of TB in the eastern corner of the state  close to Lawrence, where Green will be speaking  made international news.

At its peak, the outbreak included 67 Kansans, two of whom died.

Dr. Ryan Kubat, an assistant professor in infectious diseases, worked with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, to contain the TB outbreak in Wyandotte and Johnson counties. Kubats clinical work includes tuberculosis.

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According to Kubat, only a handful of active cases remain in Kansas this week, perhaps only two.

The outbreak was primarily community based, Kubat said. The majority of our patients were exposed within the Kansas City, Kansas Wyandotte County community.

Most of the Kansas patients have completed treatment  but that doesnt mean that they have not been harmed.

In Everything Is Tuberculosis, Green describes TBs statistical weight: 1.25 million dead each year, for instance. He writes movingly about how each life contained in that number represents so much: lost dreams, a lost loved one and human suffering from a brutal disease.

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The numbers from the outbreak in Kansas were much smaller, of course. But each case represents community strain and individual suffering.

Some of these (Kansas patients) have lifelong adverse effects as a result of the TB, Kubat said before listing many of the challenges: long-term pulmonary effects, the isolation of TB treatment, the family financial stress and the stigma associated with the disease.

In writing Everything Is Tuberculosis, Green brought his best-seller megaphone to the issue. Kubat noted that Greens advocacy has helped lower the price of TB treatments.

In global health circles, I know his advocacy has been much appreciated in terms of bringing attention to some of these issues of drug and diagnostic pricing for TB and trying to bring those costs down, especially for these low-income countries, Kubat said.

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Much of what I learned through reading Greens book makes an outbreak in Kansas surprising but not impossible. In recent decades, the disease has been rare in the United States compared with many nations: In 2022, 565 Americans died compared with an estimated 1.25 million worldwide.

TB has not gone away, Kubat said. Its certainly been prevalent in the United States and across the globe. It has an increased focus here in Kansas, and I think thats beneficial overall.

As TB becomes antibiotic resistant and as it is given time to evolve, the risk of a superbug TB increases. Some point to this as the prime motivation for Americans to care about bringing an end to TB globally.

In his book however, Green points out that there is current suffering  rather than hypothetical suffering  that can be addressed.

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I think John Green said it appropriately, Kubat said. Its quite privileged just to be kind of worried about the superbug. There are people that are suffering and dying daily, and its not just across the globe. Its here too. Its everywhere. And I think we should acknowledge that.

Responding to the Kansas outbreak involved work from health authorities at many levels, Kubat said. Following work at the county and state levels, the CDC was involved to assist with management.

Recent federal funding cuts worry some, who feel that essential community health resources are being shaved too thin.

Kubat imagined a scenario without the support in place for the Kansas outbreak.

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In a situation where we have a lack of resources, theres an inability to manage this aggressively up front, Kubat said. We would see more spread of tuberculosis. We see a larger outbreak. We see more people infected. Having those resources available to be able to respond promptly to an outbreak like this is imperative in order to control the damage.

Greens book glows with compassion for people who must live in situations that put them at risk for TB. His nonfiction hero in Everything Is Tuberculosis is Henry, a teen from Sierra Leone who struggles with many risk factors: migration; living in tight, multi-generational housing; malnutrition; communities without reliable health care; national governments with slim budgets for community health.

To a lesser extent, people living in Wyandotte County, Kubat said, are more likely to live in communities that put them at risk for TB.

Its kind of a culmination of several factors that I think makes this particular area have a higher propensity for TB, Kubat said.

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Dr. Dana Hawkinson is the medical director for the Infection Control and Prevention Program at University of Kansas Health System. He said its vital to understand that infectious diseases like TB will not stay in one community.

Its not going to adhere to borders, Hawkinson said. Its not going to adhere to economic classes. We have to understand that all of these diseases have the potential to infect everybody.

Until it is really viewed as that in the global sense, we will continue to have deficiencies in a lot of these programs or methods to help protect everybody.

Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Friday defended the Trump administration for mulling a broader deployment of National Guard troops to major cities to fight crime, but he was noncommittal when it came to a federal law enforcement crackdown in his own district.

I dont know, thats not my call, Johnson said in an interview on CNNs News Central when asked if the National Guard should be deployed in Shreveport, La. It may be necessary; I dont know. Lets take one city at a time and see.

We have to address the crime problem in any city where it is, if its a problem like that, he added.

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President Trump declared a public safety emergency, took control of Washingtons Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and activated National Guard troops in the District of Columbia earlier this month as part of a sweeping crime-fighting endeavor.

The administration has hailed the effort as a success. The president also floated using similar tactics in other crime-plagued cities across the country but has primarily focused the idea on Democratic-led cities in states that lean blue.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry (R) sent about 135 members of the states National Guard to the nations capital this month to aid Trumps efforts in the District.

Shreveport  the most populous city in the northwest Louisiana district that Johnson has represented since 2017  has a higher crime rate than D.C. and outpaces the state of Louisiana as a whole, according to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting statistics. CrimeRate, an independent analysis of crime statistics, deems Shreveports violent crime as being higher versus other cities of the same size.

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FBI statistics, actually, [show] violent crime per 100,000 residents higher in Shreveport last year than Washington, D.C., CNNs John Berman told Johnson on air Friday.

The lawmaker pushed back, insisting that theres a lot of good work thats been done, but the Speaker conceded that the city has struggled.

We have a Democrat [district attorney] there who has not been prosecuting crime as some other more aggressive D.A.s have around the country, Johnson said. But Ill say that its an urban area that has a lot of problems that are happening around the country, and we have to address it.

The Caddo Parish district attorneys office, which covers the area, didnt immediately respond to The Hills request for comment.

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Jonathan Powell, Britains national security adviser, has defended Donald Trumps top Ukraine negotiator against claims he is out of his depth.

Mr Powell leapt to the defence of Steve Witkoff, who has come under fire for his unconventional approach to finding a peace deal.

A string of anonymous sources told Politico that Mr Witkoff, a property developer and friend of Mr Trump, was inexperienced and had been played by Russia.

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In an unusual move The Telegraph has learned that American officials contacted Sir Keir Starmers national security adviser, who was only too happy to vouch for Mr Witkoff.

In quotes sent to Politico, via the White House, he said that Mr Witkoff has been able to open doors that no one else could and is exactly [the] sort of person who makes diplomatic progress by focusing on on building trust between key leaders... and moving quietly to cut a deal.

His words reflect other comments made by British officials that Mr Trump and his envoys approach might be unusual  focused on spectacular summits rather than the grind of low-level discussions  but that it should not be discounted.

Jonathan Powell is obviously the top negotiator on the European side. He and Steve have a great relationship, said a White House official. He was willing and only too happy to help.

Jonathan Powell says Mr Witkoff has been able to open doors no ne else could - Getty Images/David Ramos

It is two weeks since Mr Trump applauded Vladimir Putin as he walked down the red carpet in Alaska, for an unprecedented summit to discuss the future of Ukraine. Three days later, European leaders gathered at the White House in a sign of growing momentum.

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But hopes of follow-up meetings between Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, have fizzled out, and Russian officials have denied they were ready to accept security guarantees that would protect Ukraines sovereignty.

On Friday, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, said that if a meeting between Mr Zelensky and Putin is not confirmed by Monday, it means that once again President Putin played President Trump.

At the heart of the process is Mr Witkoff. He has met Putin five times in six months and on Friday was in New York meeting Andriy Yermak, Mr Zelenskys top aide.

Mr Witkoff (right) met with President Zelenskys chief aide Andriy Yermak on Friday - AFP/Office of the president of Ukraine

What were trying to do is put Putin and Zelensky together and create the opportunity to have a successful meeting, Mr Witkoff said in an interview.

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Yet on Thursday morning Russian forces launched their deadliest aerial assault on Ukraine since the Alaska summit.

At least 23 people died in an attack that included 629 missiles and drones.

Critics believe Russia has no intention of compromising and point out that Mr Witkoff arrived in the role with no diplomatic experience.

His inexperience shines through, he has the presidents ear, which is evident, but there has been some confusion about what has been said and agreed, a person familiar with the diplomatic effort told Politico.

He operates from a stripped-down office and admitted to The Atlantic that he was brushing up on global conflicts by watching Netflix documentaries.

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Hes kind of a rogue actor, said a US official. He talks to all these people but no one knows what he says in any of these meetings. He will say things publicly but then he changes his mind. Its hard to operationalise that.

His approach mirrors that of the president, who freestyles his way through meetings and likes to use surprise as a tool of diplomacy, say insiders.

Foreign officials and leaders say that the whirlwind approach can be a powerful way to do business. Just getting people into the same room together can be a win, said a diplomatic source.

When European leaders met with Mr Trump at the White House, Alexander Stubb, the Finnish president said: In the past two weeks weve probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three-and-a-half years.

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The attack on Mr Witkoff infuriated administration officials.

JD Vance, the vice-president, posted on social media that it amounted to journalistic malpractice.

But its more than that: its a foreign influence operation meant to hurt the administration and one of our most effective members, he wrote on X.

Notice how all of the people attacking Steve are on background? That means its two or three deep staters who are angry that Witkoff has succeeded where theyve failed.

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 2026 midterm map may appear much more favorable for Democrats after it was reported on Friday that Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa is not likely to run for re-election.

In her second term, Ernsts relative youth at 55, when compared to other members of the aging chamber, and her proven ability to win statewide were seen as key assets for Senate Republicans hoping to hold their majority in the chamber next year.

The Republican Party controls 53 seats in the Senate. Vacancies in Ohio and North Carolina were previously expected to give Democrats an opening to whittle down that majority to almost nothing.

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CBS News first reported on Friday that Ernst had informed confidantes of her decision not to run. An official announcement is reportedly coming in the week ahead. The Independent reached out to her office for comment and the report was separately confirmed by CNN. Ernst and her team havent yet commented publicly.

Her departure would shake up the Senate map and give Democrats a clear path to a 50-50 Senate, where JD Vance would be needed to break ties and singular Republican defections would tank any movement in the chamber. Theres even a slim but growing possibility of Democrats obtaining an outright majority: besides seats in Ohio and North Carolina, which are vacant and already targeted by well-funded and deeply connected Democratic candidates, the party is eyeing races in Maine, where Susan Collins is facing re-election, as well as in Texas.

In the Lone Star State, a Republican primary gives Democrats a potential opening. John Cornyn is up for re-election but currently trailing his far-right GOP challenger, Ken Paxton, in the Republican primary field. Cornyn himself has warned that Paxtons victory could give Democrats a chance to snatch the seat.

Sen. Joni Ernst has reportedly told confidantes that she will not seek a third term (Getty Images)

Maine is a different story. Susan Collins consistently registers shaky approval ratings in her purple state home, but has a proven track record of winning tough re-election fights and beating Democrats with deep pockets, most recently Sarah Gideon in 2020. A surging grassroots campaign is forming behind Graham Platner, a Marine and Army veteran, while national Democrats are reportedly hoping that the states 77-year-old Governor Janet Mills will enter the race instead.

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The loss of an incumbent in Iowa puts the potential outcome of a Democratic Senate for the remainder of Donald Trumps presidency on the table, though still unlikely. Ernst was already facing several announced Democratic challengers, the leading candidate in fundraising is Nathan Sage, while several other Democrats led him in a straw poll conducted at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month. Any Republican candidate that emerges as the leader to hold the seat for the GOP in 2026 will still likely require a leg up from the national party.

Ernsts own re-election prospects were clearly damaged earlier this year when she was recorded on video at a town hall event telling a voter we all are going to die...for heavens sakes in response to the voters concern about cuts to Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

Republican members of Congress, including Ernst, have struggled to sell Trumps budget reconciliation package  the big, beautiful bill  on the campaign trail as a result of voter concerns about new eligibility requirements threatening to throw millions off of both programs.

Politico reported in July that she was considering retirement, citing her unenergetic fundraising pace. At the time, the outlet reported that Rep. Ashley Hinson, a Republican representing Iowas 2nd district, was highly likely to run for Ernsts seat if the senator stepped down. She hadnt issued a comment as of mid-afternoon on Friday.

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Other members of the already-crowded Democratic field asserted that Ernsts reported decision was a result of polling showing the race winnable for Democrats.

[Joni] Ernst is bowing out of this race, because she knows what weve known for a long time  Iowa is WINNABLE! tweeted the Sage campaign.

The senator saw the writing on the wall, added state Sen. Zach Wahls, another Democrat running for the seat. Iowans are fed up with rising costs and unchecked corruption. And next year, we're going to flip this seat.

Joni Ernst was seen at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month. Its reported that she is considering stepping down from seeking a third term (AP)

Republicans just lost their supermajority in the Iowa state senate, following an upset victory by a Democrat earlier this week. And the likelihood that Trump himself has run his last race means that the GOP will no longer have his magnetic presence at the top of the ticket going forward.

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Taking control of one or both chambers of Congress next year would allow Democrats to effectively halt Trumps legislative agenda for the remainder of his term. It would also allow Democrats to wield the power of Congress committees and even potentially launch a third push at impeaching the president. By controlling the Senate, Democrats could also prevent the appointment of another conservative Supreme Court justice were a vacancy to occur.

Retaking the upper chamber would also give Democrats momentum heading into 2028, when the party hopes to retake control of the White House.

In the majority of states the Democrats would need to win next year, that remains an uphill battle. Democrats havent won Iowas Electoral College votes since 2012; in Ohio, the party lost Senate races in 2024 and 2022. In Maine, Collins remains the heavy favorite. Texas odds hinge on the defeat of Cornyn in a Republican primary and even then Paxton would have the advantage.

North Carolina remains the partys best chance for a pickup. The retirement of Thom Tillis after his vote against his own partys budget reconciliation bill, legislation supported by the president, eliminates the GOP incumbency advantage in one of Americas most purple states. Democrats are consolidating behind Governor Roy Cooper, the first challenger to defeat a sitting governor in state history, who himself remains popular after two terms.

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The partys main hope for a 50-50 scenario or an outright majority remains in hoping for a blue wave year, propelled by frustrations against the president and a compliant GOP Congress.

In a new poll this week from Quinnipiac University, Trumps approval rating is at its lowest point yet for his second term, while the survey also showed Democrats chipping away at his support even among Republican voters. The survey indicated clear issues of concern where Trump remains underwater, uch as his federalized takeover of Washington D.C., and so that remains a clear possibility should Trump continue to be frustrated in his efforts to resolve the nagging concerns of his base.

But that outcome could also hinge on Democratic leadership in Congress finding its way out of its own swamp of discontent  or stepping aside to let more popular figures in the party take the reins.

The same Quinnipiac poll in July found Democrats in Congress with their lowest approval rating on record, which is now approaching single digits. Only 19 percent of voters said they supported the job congressional Democrats were doing at the time.
Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has told confidantes she plans to reveal next week that she won't seek reelection in 2026, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

Ernst's announcement is scheduled for Thursday, the sources said. Ernst, 55, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2015.

Spokespeople for Ernst did not reply to requests for comment.

Some Iowa Democrats have already jumped into the race, including state Sen. Zach Wahls, state Rep. Josh Turek, and Des Moines School Board chairwoman Jackie Norris.

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Ernst has been evasive about whether she would run for a third term in 2026, but in public remarks earlier this month, predicted continued GOP control of Iowa.

"Every day we get a new Democratic member of the House or Senate that decides to run for this Senate seat  bring it on," she said at a meeting of the Westside Conservative Club. "Bring it on, folks. Because I tell you, at the end of the day, Iowa is going to be red."

White House officials had hoped Ernst would run again, instead of joining other Republicans who are leaving the Senate, including North Carolina's Thom Tillis, Alabama's Tommy Tuberville and Kentucky's Mitch McConnell.

GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee announced a run for governor but her Senate term does not expire until 2030.

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Ernst has told people close to her that she intended to serve only two terms, she has accomplished what she set out to do, and intends to head to the private sector, one of the sources said.

She grew up in rural southwestern Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University. She joined the Army reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, after tours in Kuwait and Iraq.

Ernst served in local and Iowa state government before running for an open U.S. Senate seat in 2014. She rose to the No. 3 leadership position in the Republican conference and has been a reliable vote for President Trump's agenda. She was interviewed by Trump as a potential vice presidential pick in 2016, but ultimately withdrew from consideration.

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The Tin Cup Trail is now open, according to the city of Joplin.

The 1.5-mile trail offers a paved scenic route along Tin Cup Creek, connecting the St. Johns Trail near Mercy Park to trails in McIndoe Park and the Shoal Creek area.

It will also connect to Grand Falls following the planned construction of that section of trail in south Joplin. The Grand Falls Trail will include a restroom, parking lot, trailhead and trail signage, as well as an overlook at Grand Falls, considered the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri.

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The Tin Cup trail begins just north of the Joplin Family Y at 32nd Street and McIntosh Circle.

Im confident this will be our most popular section of trail, Dan Johnson, director of public works, said during a recent tour of the trail.

He also noted the trail will be mostly shaded in the afternoon and a perfect after-work trail.

He also envisions it having park benches and other amenities, with the biggest amenity of all being a suspension bridge that he says will be a landmark.

The city is waiting on the steel for the bridge to arrive and anticipates completion of the bridge in spring 2026.

Until the bridge is in place, trail users can access the trails entrance from the north side of the front parking lot. They are asked to park in the rear lot south of the Y building, as the front lot is reserved for Y members. Once the bridge is finished, it will connect directly to the south lot, offering a shorter and more convenient route to the trail.

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The trails southern entrance is on the west side of McIndoe Park along Glendale Road, with nearby parking available.

Excitement for this project has been building, and this is a soft opening of the trail, Johnson said in a statement.

Well have a nice celebration to open this long-awaited trail officially. Were looking forward to it, just like our citizens, Johnson said.

This expansion of Joplins trail network is funded through the parks and stormwater sales tax, use tax revenues, and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Visitors should watch for construction related to the bridge and an unrelated nearby sewer project. There will be a temporary closure of Glendale Road from Tuesday through Friday next week for sanitary sewer work. This full road closure will be about a half-mile west of McIndoe Park on Glendale Road.

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Detour routes will be clearly marked. Construction crews will work to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible. Drivers should use caution in this area.

Work involves digging through Glendale Road to install a pressure sewer line connecting to the recently added Tin Cup lift station in the sewer system.
Aug. 28ROCHESTER  Attorneys representing a former Mayo Clinic doctor accused of poisoning his wife will have access to the full transcript of the grand jury proceedings, an Olmsted County District Court judge ruled Thursday.

In a short hearing Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, Judge Kathy M. Wallace agreed to give attorneys representing Connor Bowman access to the full transcript of the January 2024 proceedings in which a grand jury indicted him for first-degree murder. Defense attorneys were previously granted access to transcripts of the testimony. However, the transcripts don't include on the record conversations between counsel and the judge nor the grand jury instructions.

Graham Henry said the transcripts could contain information for defense's upcoming motion to dismiss the case against Bowman.

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Bowman, a former Mayo Clinic doctor, is accused of poisoning his wife, Betty Bowman who died Aug. 20, 2023. A grand jury indicted him of first-degree murder Jan. 5, 2024.

Henry said the court had suppressed evidence gathered from certain electronic devices but noted that some testimony before the grand jury refers to information from those devices.

Chief Deputy Olmsted County Attorney Eric Woodford countered that the evidence could have been gathered in other ways or be allowed through other avenues.

"The dust has not settled on what is or is not admissible," he said.

Woodford said the request was based on speculation and not a specific defect in the proceedings. He said non-testimonial portions of grand jury transcripts are to be kept sealed under Minnesota court rules.

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Judge Wallace agreed to allow defense access to the non-testimonial transcript because some of the testimony jurors heard might have been regarding evidence the court has ruled to exclude. Wallace also noted that Judge Pamela King, who presided over the grand jury proceedings, including reading the jury instructions to the jurors, was asked by the state to be removed from the case. Given those two facts, Wallace ruled Minnesota court rules allow defense attorneys access to the full transcript.

The transcript will remain sealed to the public.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The man accused of randomly stabbing and killing a woman on the light rail in Charlotte will stay in jail.

Friday morning, a judge denied bond for Decarlos Brown after the victims family pleaded for Brown to remain in jail.

Man sat in front of victim for 4 minutes before randomly stabbing her on light rail: Affidavit

Brown is accused of killing Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old woman who left Ukraine for the Charlotte area three years ago to escape her countrys war with Russia.

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The uncle of the victim spoke in court Friday, telling the judge he did not want the suspect to be a menace to others and possibly hurt someone else.

Her uncle told the judge she was a sweet angel, and the accused took a bright, beautiful woman away from their family, and theyre heartbroken.

Immigrant community mourns Ukrainian refugee stabbed to death in Charlotte

Records show that Brown has a violent criminal history, including prison time for robbery with a dangerous weapon and felony breaking and entering.

The judge said that because of his prior criminal history and the heinous nature of the crime, he denied bond for Brown.

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Just last month, a judge signed an order for a forensic evaluator to be appointed for Brown in a misuse of 911 case.

Back in January, Brown, who is currently listed on court documents as homeless, was charged with misuse of 911.

Court documents say he told responding officers he believed someone gave him a man-made material that controlled when he ate, walked, and talked.

The paperwork then says Brown got upset when police told him they couldnt help him, and he called 911 while police were still there.

Untreated mental illness in anyone without access can often increase vulnerability, so people do end up being a revolving door when it comes to them having trouble with the law or with crimes, said Dr. Charryse Johnson, a psychotherapist, speaking in general and not specifically about Browns case.

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Queen City News has learned that a forensic evaluation in the misuse of 911 case against Brown was never done.

Less than two months later, the defense now says theyll file another request for a competency evaluationthis time because of a murder charge.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
GREENBELT, Md. (DC News Now)  A judge has extended an order temporarily blocking the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda.

Abrego Garcia has become a poster case for the Trump administration as it seeks to crack down on immigration. Weeks turned into months of legal battles between federal judges and the White House as to whether the El Salvador man, who was residing in Maryland with his wife and children, would be permitted to stay in the U.S.

On Aug. 27, a small win for Abrego Garcia was secured as federal Judge Paula Xinis extended the temporary restraining order blocking his deportation, ordering that he may not be removed from the U.S. and must remain in ICE custody within 200 miles of the courthouse in Greenbelt.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia seeking asylum in US in latest twist in case

A hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. to determine the governments legal authority to remove him, whether theres been adequate protection or a fair opportunity to seek relief and what risks he may face if sent to Uganda compared to other countries.

The court will also hear testimony from witnesses brought from both sides. The government must submit its initial witness list by Oct. 2 and a final list by Oct. 3.

Abrego Garcias attorneys are additionally seeking to impose a gag order on Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, saying their public comments alleging him of being an MS-13 gang leader, domestic abuser and human trafficker could jeopardize his right to a fair trial, according to court records filed on Thursday.

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A DHS official responded to The Hill on Friday morning.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in jail and facing deportation. Heres what to know

If Kilmar Abrego Garcia did not want to be mentioned by the Secretary of Homeland Security, then he should have not entered our country illegally and committed heinous crimes, a DHS official told The Hill on Friday morning.

The El Salvador native was granted a withholding of removal by a judge as he sought to escape gang persecution in his home country.

Despite this, in March 2025, the Trump administration put him on a plane along with other suspected gang members, alleging him to be a member of the MS-13 gang, and sent him to El Salvadors most notorious prison for gang members.

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A government attorney admitted the deportation was an administrative error before the administration retracted that statement and fired the attorney, who later filed a whistleblower complaint.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Whistleblower letter reveals friction in handling of Abrego Garcia case

Outrage from federal judges, politicians and communities members led to court rulings that went all the way to the Supreme Court, eventually leading to his return to the U.S. He was detained upon arrival and hit with smuggling charges stemming from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee.

A court order brought him back to Maryland, where he surrendered to ICE custody.

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An ultimatum from the administration offered a short-lived plea deal, which wouldve required Abrego Garcia to plead guilty to human smuggling, serve jail time and then be deported to Costa Rica.

His refusal led the administration to seek his deportation to Uganda, and prompted Abrego Garcias attorneys to seek asylum in the U.S.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
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)

A federal judge Thursday evening ordered the Conway School District to remove Ten Commandments posters from classrooms and libraries, less than 24 hours after the district was added to a lawsuit challenging a state law requiring the displays.

Act 573 of 2025 requires public schools to prominently display a 16x20 poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks issued a preliminary injunction earlier this month that blocked enforcement of the law at four Northwest Arkansas school districts  Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale and Siloam Springs.

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Seven multifaith families who filed the lawsuit against the four districts in June allege the new law violates the First Amendments Establishment Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, and its Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law  prohibiting the free exercise [of religion].

Supporters of the law argue the Ten Commandments are a historical document because they influenced the nations founders and their creation of the countrys legal system.

Brooks granted a request from plaintiffs attorneys Wednesday to add the Conway School District as a defendant to the case and families from the district who allege theyve been injured by the district hanging Ten Commandments displays in their childrens schools.

Plaintiffs attorneys filed a supplemental complaint adding the new parties to the case Thursday and filed a motion for a temporary restraining order on behalf of two Conway School District families. Brooks granted the temporary restraining order later on Thursday and held the request for a preliminary injunction in abeyance.

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Conway Plaintiffs are identically situated to the original Plaintiffs: They advance the same legal arguments, assert the same constitutional injuries, and request the same relief, Brooks wrote.

School districts named in the lawsuit and Arkansas attorney generals office, who intervened in the case, may submit briefs no later than Sept. 8 to address why the current preliminary injunction should not be modified to include the Conway School District, according to the order.

Brooks also temporarily enjoined the Conway School District from enforcing the law and directed the district to remove all the Ten Commandments posters by 5 p.m. Friday.

Conway School District had every opportunity to do the right thing and respect families constitutional rights, but instead chose to defy a clear federal ruling, ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams said in a statement. The court has now made it crystal clear: forcing the Ten Commandments into public school classrooms is unconstitutional. We stand ready to defend the rights of every Arkansan against this kind of government overreach.

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The ACLU of Arkansas is representing the plaintiffs along with the national American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is serving as pro bono counsel.

I am disappointed in the ruling but will continue to vigorously defend Act 573, Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement.

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Valterra Platinum is ready to commence trial mining at an underground pit at its Mogalakwena mine, reputed to be the world's largest open-pit platinum group metals (PGM) mine, by late 2026.

The general manager for the project revealed the timeline during a media tour of the mine, according to a Reuters report.

Located in the Limpopo province, north of Johannesburg, Mogalakwena comprises five open pits, with the Sandsloot pit earmarked for underground development due to its higher ore grades.

South Africa's platinum miners have increasingly had to go deeper underground to maintain production levels amidst declining ore grades, a shift that escalates both costs and risks.

Mogalakwena is a significant asset for Valterra, accounting for nearly half of the company's PGM output.

In July, Valterra initiated a feasibility study for the underground project, aiming for completion and an investment decision in the first half of 2027.

Mogalakwena underground mining studies general manager Stephan Nothnagel was quoted by the news agency as saying: We are also envisioning a trial mining... in the back end of 2026.

Nothnagel suggested that initial ore extraction and a potential ramp-up to a 3.64.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) operation could occur beyond 2030.

Valterra hopes the underground mine will contribute to a 1050% increase in Mogalakwena concentrate production.

Executives Martin Poggiolini and Agit Singh also highlighted efforts to scale up demand in existing markets and create new demand segments.

In a separate development in June, Anglo American completed the demerger of around 51% of its interest in Valterra Platinum, following shareholder approval.

Anglo American will retain a 19.9% stake in Valterra Platinum, which it plans to manage responsibly over time to achieve a full separation.

"Valterra Platinum to begin underground trial mining at Mogalakwena by late 2026" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




NEW YORK (AP)  A federal judge in New York on Thursday rejected Saudi Arabias latest effort to dismiss civil claims that it supported the 9/11 hijackers.

Judge George B. Daniels said in a written opinion that his decision pertained to jurisdiction rather than the merits of the claims against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

However, he found the claims legally sufficient to proceed to trial, noting that an imam and an accountant's employment by Saudi Arabia likely had some connection with their support of two al-Qaida members who came to the United States in early 2000 to study English and take flight lessons.

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Lawyers for Saudi Arabia argued that the nation and the U.S. were partners in the 1990s against terrorism, al-Qaida and its founder, Osama bin Laden.

Lawyers for relatives of 9/11 victims claim that a group of extremist religious leaders in Saudi Arabia aided the 9/11 hijackers who flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

In lawsuits, hundreds of victims relatives and injured survivors, along with insurance companies and businesses, claim that employees of the Saudi government directly and knowingly assisted the airplane hijackers and plotters and fueled al-Qaidas development into a terrorist organization by funding charities that supported them.

Some defendants, including Iran, the Taliban and al-Qaida, already have been found in default.

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During oral arguments last year, attorney Michael Kellogg noted that Saudi Arabia in the 1990s stripped bin Laden of his citizenship and had taken more actions against him than any other country prior to the Sept. 11 attacks.

A message seeking comment from Kellogg was not immediately returned.

The law firm of Kreinder & Kreindler, which represents plaintiffs, said in a statement that the judge's decision ensures that the plaintiffs may continue their long pursuit of truth and justice.
A federal judge in New York denied Saudi Arabias motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by 9/11 victims families. The ruling allows their case to proceed to trial. Families described the decision as a victory after years of efforts to hold the kingdom accountable.

The decision continues a legal fight that has faced dismissals and appeals. Congress passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act in 2016, allowing families to sue foreign governments accused of supporting terror attacks on U.S. soil. The law overturned longstanding sovereign immunity protections.

Plaintiffs presented newly unsealed evidence in court. They included a home video of Saudi national Omar al-Bayoumi allegedly scouting U.S. targets and assisting two hijackers. Families argue this evidence supports claims of Saudi involvement despite limited official cooperation.

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What weve uncovered with no help from our FBI and no help from our own government is that they had a significant amount of help and that help came in the form of the Saudi government, alleged Brett Eagleson, president of 9/11 Justice.

The case centers on allegations that Saudi officials supported hijackers Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi, two of the terrorists who attacked the Pentagon. Plaintiffs lawyers described the proceedings as navigating through a labyrinth. Saudi Arabia won dismissal in 2015. A federal appeals court later overturned the decision.

Families filed a class action lawsuit alleging Saudi Arabia knowingly provided material support to al Qaeda, partly through state-run charities and personnel. Court filings accuse Omar Ahmad Mustafa Al-Baioomi and Osama Yousef Basnan of assisting hijackers when they arrived in the United States.

For years, U.S. courts upheld Saudi sovereign immunity and excluded top officials as defendants. A 2014 Supreme Court ruling and the 2016 legislation changed that. Plaintiffs argue Saudi-linked charities funneled money to al Qaeda. Whether the Saudi government directly authorized this remains disputed.

Saudi officials deny any role in the attacks. They said their nationals contact with hijackers reflected customary hospitality. The case is expected to proceed to trial. It could reveal alleged connections between Saudi officials and the 9/11 conspirators.
Attorney General Chris Carr, who is also running for governor, had challenged Lt. Gov. Burt Jones use of leadership committees that give certain high-ranking elected officials and candidates the ability to raise unlimited donations. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (2024 file photo)

A federal judge has stymied a Republican candidates attempts to stop his GOP rival from using a special committee to gain a fundraising advantage in next years race for governor.

But the judges ruling may not be the last word on the dispute.

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Attorney General Chris Carr, who is running for governor, had challenged Lt. Gov. Burt Jones use of leadership committees that give certain high-ranking elected officials and candidates the ability to raise unlimited donations. That includes during the legislative session between January and late March, when other candidates  like Carr  must pause their fundraising efforts.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (file photo)

Carrs office defended the law that created the leadership committees, but he has objected to Jones ability to use the committee to run for a higher office, which Carr said in an online video this month is cheating the system.

Jones leadership committee recently reported receiving about $14.7 million in campaign contributions, though $10 million is money Jones has personally loaned to his campaign.

But U.S. District Judge Victoria Marie Calvert dismissed Carrs case in a ruling Thursday after concluding that Carr and his campaign for governor lacked standing to bring the lawsuit.

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The judge said Carr had asked the Court to twist itself into a logical pretzel by challenging the constitutionality of Jones reliance on the leadership committee and not the underlying law.

Plaintiffs do not allege that Mr. Jones is unlawfully operating his campaign committee or that he plays any role in enforcing the campaign contribution scheme, Calvert wrote in the ruling. Instead, Plaintiffs appear to allege that Defendants are doing exactly what Georgia law allows them to do. While this has injured Plaintiffs, the Court agrees that the Defendants are not the cause of that injury.

The Carr campaign has not yet said whether it will appeal the decision.

The Court acknowledged that this statute gives Burt Jones an unfair and harmful advantage  the same conclusion other federal judges have reached when examining it. The case was dismissed on a procedural technicality, not on the merits. We are reviewing all legal options to right this wrong, Carr campaign spokesperson Julia Mazzone said Thursday.

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Jones campaign seemed unconcerned about the threat of continued litigation.

If Chris is this bad at being a lawyer, why would anyone want to give him a promotion? said Kendyl Parker, Jones spokesperson.

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(The Center Square)  Fulton County Judge David Emerson stayed an order that would have fined Fulton County commissioners $10,000 a day until they approved two Republicans to the election board.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners notified the court that it is appealing the contempt order. The appeals notification prevents the court from enforcing the fines, according to the order.

The judge ordered the fine after the board voted not to appoint Republicans Julie Adams and Jason Frazier to the Fulton County Board of Elections. Three other commission members were absent.

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Georgia law states the local election boards should have two members each from the Republican and Democratic parties. Local county commissions appoint a chairman.

Fair Fight Action, a group founded by former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, said Adams and Frazier were involved in the "Stop the Steal" movement after the 2000 election.

Mo Ivory, one of the two commissioners who voted against Adams and Frazier, said her vote was not about partisanship.

"It's about principle and ensuring that appointments to this board reflect the highest standards of fairness and responsibility," Ivory said. "The court has ruled. I respect the authority of the court, but I also, like has been mentioned, have a duty to the people."

The Georgia Court of Appeals refused to block an earlier court ruling that ordered Fulton County commissioners to seat Frazier and Adams.
Judge Zia M. Faruqui has handed yet another legal defeat to Trump-appointed D.C. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, calling her attempt to jail a local attorney and West Point graduate one of the weakest requests for detention hed ever seen, according to WUSA9.

Anthony Bryant, who served a tour in Afghanistan, was arrested early Monday morning on charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding police, threatening a federal official and threatening to kidnap or injure a person.

Pirros office alleged that Bryant approached National Guardsmen who were patrolling 14th Street on Sunday night and allegedly yelled These are our streets! and Ill kill you. Pirro also claims that Byrant threw his shoulder into one of the Guardsmens shoulders. The police found a legally registered handgun on Bryant when they arrested him.

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Bryant was released after his initial arrest, but then arrested again and placed in jail on Wednesday on the order of Judge G. Michael Harvey. On Thursday, Judge Faruqui stepped in.

This is perhaps one of the weakest requests for detention I have seen and something that, prior to two weeks ago, would have been unthinkable in this courthouse, Faruqui said, adding that the government has a as close to zero chance of demonstrating Bryant was a real threat.

Bryants attorneys also alleged that the police report failed to mention that Guardsmen yelled slurs at Bryant, who is Black. There is no video of the alleged scene because National Guardsmen conveniently dont wear body cameras. This made the prosecutions claims virtually impossible to prove.

To charge people for what seems to be lesser conduct and then say theyre so dangerous they have to be locked up, Faruqui said. It puts prosecutors in an impossible position.

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Bryant was released by Faruqui, ordered to hand over his firearms, and advised to avoid tense situations. Faruqui also noted that Harvey and Pirros urge to throw Bryant in jail for such a minor infraction was contradictory to the Justice Departments release of hundreds of January 6 rioters whod been jailed on charges much more serious than Bryants.

This all comes as Pirros office failed to convince three different grand juries that a D.C. woman deserved a felony charge for allegedly placing herself between ICE agents and someone they were detaining. They also failed to charge the Subway Sandwich Thrower with a felony.
By Crispian Balmer

VENICE (Reuters) -U.S. actor Julia Roberts delves into the rarefied world of academia in her latest film "After the Hunt", denying that its ambiguous handling of a campus sexual assault allegation was politically incorrect.

Directed by Italy's Luca Guadagnino and also starring Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, the movie is premiering on Friday at the Venice Film Festival, bringing Roberts to the Lido's famed red carpet for the first time in her career.

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Roberts plays Alma Olsson, a Yale philosophy professor whose life is upended when her longtime friend and colleague is accused by one of her favourite students of sexual assault.

The drama probes how supposedly liberal academics wrestle with questions of loyalty, power and identity when confronted with generational fault lines.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening, Roberts pushed back on suggestions the film risked echoing cultural patterns that cast suspicion on survivors, particularly Black women, while preserving ambiguity around males accused of assault.

"We're not making statements, we are portraying these people in these moments of time," Roberts said.

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"We are challenging people to have a conversation and to be excited by that or to be infuriated by that. It's up to you ... if making this movie does anything, getting everybody to talk to each other is the most exciting thing."

The Hollywood star, who won an Oscar in 2001 for "Erin Brockovich", said she relished the chance to play a conflicted, compromised character, like Olsson, who is addicted to painkillers and struggles to respond to the assault allegation.

"Trouble is where the juicy stuff is, right? ... It's like dominoes of conflict. Once one falls, suddenly everywhere you turn there's some new piece of challenge. And that's what makes it worth getting up and going to work in the morning," she said.

Guadagnino said the film was about the collision of competing perspectives rather than offering a clear moral verdict. "Everyone has their own truth. It's not that one truth is more important than another," he said.

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He added that he also saw the film as a portrayal of the pursuit of power, with Roberts's character seeking career advancement within the politically fraught atmosphere of Yale.

"When I see the ambition of wanting something beyond other people, Im quite interested, because it's a damnation," Guadagnino said, adding he just wanted "tranquillity".

His work ethic is anything but tranquil as he continues to pump out big-name pictures at the rate of almost one a year.

Last year he presented "Queer" with Daniel Craig at Venice and in 2022 showcased "Bones & All" with Timothee Chalamet at the Lido. His film "Challengers" had been scheduled to open the 2023 festival but was withdrawn during the actors' strike.

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"After the Hunt" is playing out of competition at Venice, meaning it is not in the running for the prestigious Golden Lion award which will be handed out on September 6.

(Reporting by Crispian BalmerEditing by Ros Russell)
A BASE jumper was found dead after leaping from the top of a 6,000-foot mountain peak in Washington, deputies said.

The incident happened at about 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Mount Baring, the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office said in an Aug. 29 news release.

The 40-year-old man leaped from the summit, then his friend jumped shortly after him, deputies said.

His friend heard a crash and saw the mans opened parachute near the 4,000 foot level (of the mountain) but was unable to see the individual.

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The friend contacted authorities, and they found the man dead in an extremely steep and hazardous section of the mountains north face, making direct access impossible, deputies said.

Multiple agencies worked together to make a plan on recovering his body.

A helicopter hovered about 600 feet from his body as rescuers rappelled down the rocky and steep mountainside to reach him, deputies said.

They packaged his body and airlifted him off the mountain.

It took three days for teams to complete the recovery operation, deputies said.

BASE jumping is an extreme sport where athletes jump from a fixed object and free fall before opening a parachute, according to topendsports.com. BASE stands for building, antennae, span (bridges) and earth, where the athletes jump from, the website says.

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Mount Baring is 6,127 feet tall and within the Cascade Range, near Baring, which is about a 65-mile drive northeast from Seattle.

17-year-old falls to death while with his brother at Washington lookout, cops say

Missing paddleboarder, dog blown into lake found dead, Colorado rangers say

Man seen swinging on rope over water vanishes in river, California sheriff says
An Oklahoma County jury found a 32-year-old guilty of murdering a 20-year-old student at Rose State College after he'd accused his then-wife of having an affair with the victim.

Jurors convicted Brandon Morrissette, of Noble, of one felony count of first-degree murder and one misdemeanor count of firearm possession on school property in the 2023 shooting death of Robenie "RJ" Long.

Long and the woman, also a student at the Midwest City campus, were walking out of a building shortly before 12:20 p.m. on April 24, 2023, when they were confronted by Morrissette, a detective wrote in an affidavit.

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The woman told police Morrissette believed she and Long were having an affair, but that this "was not true and they were just friendly classmates," according to the affidavit. She also told police Morrissette "has anger problems" and "is very controlling," as reported in the affidavit.

Jurors in late August this year heard evidence that Morrissette shot Long seven times, according to a news release from the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office. Morrissette was arrested immediately after the shooting, which led to a strong and swift response from multiple local law enforcement agencies.

Related: 'I surrender. I surrender.' Man accused in Rose State College shooting charged with murder

Social media postings from family and friends said Long was from McLoud, was in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was studying Christian theology at the the time of his death.

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"He had the kindest heart, and he lit up any room he walked in," said Mykell Long, RJ's older sister, in a 2023 fundraiser to cover her brother's funeral expenses. "He was an amazing son, brother, and uncle. Definitely one of a kind."

RJ Long, 20 years old when he was shot and killed at Rose State College in April 2023, was a student in Christian theology and a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. *IMAGE PROVIDED BY JACOB CLAXTON.

Jurors recommended a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for Morrissette's murder conviction, as well as a one-year sentence for his firearm possession conviction. Formal sentencing of Morrissette is scheduled for Oct. 14.

"I am so thankful for the jury that we had," Long's mother, Kelly, said in a statement from the DA's news release. "I was just praying for them as they were leaving to go deliberate. I think they made the right choices. I'm so thankful for our judicial system and thankful for our jurists."

Morrissette was also charged with possession of child pornography after a police analyst found evidence of it on his cellphone while investigating the homicide, another affidavit showed.

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The Oklahoman reached out to one of Morrissette's attorneys, Ken Adair, who said he would defer comment to lead counsel, David Smith, who did not return a phone call by press time.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Man found guilty of murder in 2023 Rose State College shooting
With a market cap of $24.3 billion, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM) is an omni-channel specialty retailer of premium home products. The company operates multiple brands, including Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and others, offering a wide range of cookware, furnishings, decor, and personalized goods.

Shares of the San Francisco, California-based company have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. WSM stock has surged 45.5% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied over 15%. However, shares of the company have gained 5.6% on a YTD basis, lagging behind SPXs over 10% rise.

More News from Barchart

Looking closer, Williams-Sonoma stock has outpaced the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLY) 25.6% return over the past 52 weeks.

www.barchart.com

Williams-Sonoma shares fell marginally on Aug. 27 despite reporting better-than-expected Q2 2025 EPS of $2 and revenue of $1.8 billion. The company disclosed merchandise inventories up 17.7% year-over-year to $1.4 billion from a strategic pull-forward to offset tariffs, highlighting exposure to significant incremental tariff costs.

For the fiscal year ending in January 2026, analysts expect WSMs EPS to decrease 2.8% year-over-year to $8.54. However, the company's earnings surprise history is promising. It beat the consensus estimates in the last four quarters.

Among the 19 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on five Strong Buy ratings, one Moderate Buy, and 13 Holds.

www.barchart.com

On Aug. 25, KeyBanc analyst Bradley Thomas raised Williams-Sonomas price target to $230 while maintaining an Overweight rating.

The mean price target of $196.88 represents a marginal premium to WSMs current price levels. The Street-high price target of $230 suggests a 17.3% potential upside.

On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal 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
A Duval County jury found DaQuan Thomas guilty of Attempted Second-Degree Murder and Shooting or Throwing Deadly Missiles, according to State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

Thomas faces up to 45 years in Florida State Prison following the verdict. The sentencing will be conducted by the Honorable London Kite at a later date.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of March 12 at a Northside apartment complex. The altercation began the previous evening around 6 p.m. when Thomas and the victim argued after he approached the victims 7-year-old daughter.

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During the argument, Thomas threatened the victim, stating he would return with a gun. Around 2 a.m., the victim was shot in the right arm after stepping outside his apartment upon hearing a knock on the door. He was later taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office conducted the investigation, and the case was prosecuted by Crystal Ganpath-Freed and Elizabeth Brown.

Thomas was arrested two days after the shooting.

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Orange County leaders are vowing to fight the Trump administration over the release of sensitive voter data to the Department of Justice after the agency sued for the information in June.

The fight marks a test for county leaders, who have been divided over whether to resist demands by the U.S. Justice Department for records related to alleged voting irregularities, an issue Trump has championed since losing the 2020 election.

Republican Supervisors Don Wagner and Janet Nguyen on Tuesday sought support from the rest of the board to comply with the federal government's request to turn over voter registration records of 17 individuals who were ineligible to cast a ballot but had appeared on the county's voter registration rolls.

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Instead, a majority of the board voted against the request, with several noting they preferred to let a judge decide whether the information should ultimately be released.

The vote, county lawyers said, wouldn't be enough to force the county registrar to turn over any information anyway since the county isn't named in the lawsuit. But experts say the move signals a willingness in this onetime conservative stronghold to push back against the Trump administration's attempts to expand federal power and seek sensitive information on individuals.

"It's a little bit of posturing of whether or not there is allegiance to the Trump administration [by] obeying in advance," said Jodi Balma, a political science professor at Fullerton College. "The reality is, nobody's dying on the hill of 17 voter registrations."

The Trump administration has begun to ramp up scrutiny of how the country's elections are carried out, particularly in relation to noncitizen voting.

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The Justice Department has sent letters to at least 26 states requesting details about voters, election administrative processes and election officials. Many of those states received specific requests for statewide voter registration lists.

Wagner said in an interview on Thursday that he didn't see any upside to Orange County fighting the federal government on this issue, especially during a time when California, in particular, is under intense scrutiny by the Trump administration.

"It does appear the the governor and the president are trying to score rhetorical points against each other," Wagner said, "and the president has already said to all these sanctuary jurisdictions in California that he's trying to withhold money from them.

"We've been the whipping boy at the state and federal levels," he added, "and I just don't want to be caught in the middle of this."

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Read more: Justice Department sues Orange County registrar for access to noncitizen voting records

The lawsuit, filed against the county's registrar of voters, stems from a June 2 letter the Justice Department sent to county election officials seeking information on people who had been removed from voter rolls beginning in January 2020 because they weren't eligible to cast a ballot. The lawsuit states that federal officials were responding to a complaint made by the relative of a noncitizen who received a mail-in ballot.

The county responded by sending information on 17 individuals, including their names and addresses, who either self-reported being noncitizens or whose ineligibility was confirmed by the Orange County district attorney's office. Those individuals were removed from the voter rolls.

Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer told the Board of Supervisors during Tuesday's meeting that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the county.

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Still, the federal government took issue with redactions the county made before sending the documents. The county removed Social Security numbers, California identification numbers, voter identification numbers and scans of the voters' signatures, a move county attorneys argue balances federal disclosure and California laws that limit sharing private information.

County officials said the Department of Justice claimed it needed the registrants' Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers to verify that the registrar's office is complying with the Help America Vote Act, a 2002 law that made sweeping reforms to the country's voting process.

The Department of Justice did not respond to a request from The Times seeking additional details about how the data would be used.

"There is a long history of Republicans focused on vote fraud nationally that doesn't end up turning out to be large numbers," said Jon Gould, dean of the school of social ecology at UC Irvine. "And it would seem that this is consistent with that."

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Read more: Even some Orange County Republicans question Trump sweeps targeting immigrant workers

He added it was unclear how the additional information would help the federal government get to the root of a voting integrity problem. "I can't for the life of me figure out what they're after other than to keep the controversy going," he said.

The county's lawyers offered to produce the redacted information as long as it was under a protective order or confidentiality agreement that would permit the federal government to use the data only for election enforcement purposes. The Department of Justice did not respond to the proposal, according to a county spokesperson.

Supervisor Katrina Foley, a Democrat, said the reason she voted against her colleagues' request was simple. The registrar of voters doesn't have the authority under state and federal law to disclose the information, she said.

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"We're following the law. It's not like this is a gray area where we might have a legal analysis that comes to a different opinion," she said. "This is black and white law. The way this gets resolved is simply for the court to order the disclosure."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Louisiana often relies on federal assistance after its struck by natural disasters. But President Trump has indicated he wants to pull back on giving states this type of support. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

For years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleanians made the Federal Emergency Management Agency the butt of their bitter jokes.



Anti-FEMA sentiment was so high in Louisiana that local businesses started selling T-shirts a couple of months after the storm lampooning the federal agency with slogans like Wheres FEMA? and FEMA stands for Federal Employees Missing in Action.

The sentiment is understandable. Almost a half dozen federal investigations launched in the six months after Hurricane Katrina made landfall Aug. 29, 2005  and turned into the countrys most catastrophic natural disaster  determined FEMA failed in nearly every way to respond to the storm.



Hurricane Katrina exposed flaws in the structure of FEMA and DHS that are too substantial to mend, concluded a 2006 U.S. Senate report titled Hurricane Katrina: A Nation Still Unprepared.

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Yet 20 years after the agencys feckless Katrina response, some Louisiana leaders find themselves in the awkward position of having to defend FEMA.





President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants the federal government to play less of a role in natural disaster response, raising concerns that state and local governments might need to cover more of their recovery costs.

Such a change would likely affect Louisiana more than almost every other state in the country.



Since Katrina, Louisiana has received more public and individual assistance from FEMA ($12.6 billion) than all states but Florida ($16.6 billion) and New York ($19.4 billion), according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which tracks federal disaster spending.



The money helped Louisiana respond to 25 extreme weather events, including 11 hurricanes, six floods and one ice storm, over the past two decades.

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That FEMA figure doesnt account for all of the money Louisiana has received in the wake of Katrina. There was another $11 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development went to the Road Home program to rebuild housing. All told, the federal government put an unprecedented $76 billion toward Louisianas recovery from the 2005 storm.

Louisiana simply wouldnt be able to handle the financial burden of major disaster response without significant support from the federal government, according to several former state officials interviewed. Storms with far less impact than Katrina have the ability to overwhelm the states assets, they said.



If Louisiana has to worry about covering more disaster recovery costs, the state will have less money to spend on schools, universities, roads, bridges and economic development.

If we didnt have the federal money, we would be in a terrible mess, and we would have been in a terrible mess from Katrina going forward, said Jay Dardenne, Louisianas former lieutenant governor and state budget chief for former Gov. John Bel Edwards.

A damaged home is seen after Hurricane Laura passed through the area on Aug. 27, 2020, in Lake Charles. The hurricane hit with powerful winds causing extensive damage to the city. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Uncertainty at FEMA

To what extent Trump will pull back on federal disaster assistance isnt clear.



As recently as June, the president said he would push to eliminate FEMA altogether. He then backed off that rhetoric after July 4th weekend flooding in Texas killed at least 136 people, including children attending a sleepaway camp. His administrations response was directly criticized.

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Still, the Trump administration has already made several preliminary changes to FEMA that alarm emergency response experts. The agency has reduced staff and some of those who remain have been asked to help with hiring immigration enforcement agents instead of working on disaster relief.

The FEMA cuts come on top of those to the National Hurricane Center and other federal programs that provide crucial information to hurricane-prone states and help them ready for incoming storms.

Some reforms Congress enacted in the year after Katrina to strengthen FEMA have also been ignored. A law requiring FEMAs director to have experience in emergency response and disaster recovery isnt being followed. Trumps acting FEMA administrator David Richardson previously oversaw counter terrorism programs but does not have natural disaster management experience.

There are also concerns about whether a new policy delayed assistance during the Texas flood, similar to what unfolded in the aftermath of Katrina.

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Due to a bureaucratic breakdown 20 years ago, FEMA failed to promptly provide boats for search-and-rescue teams in New Orleans, even after federal officials knew flooding was widespread, according to a U.S. Senate report from 2006.

This past July, several questions were raised about whether search-and-rescue teams were delayed during the Texas flood because Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem now requires every FEMA contract over $100,000 to be approved personally by her, the Associated Press reported. The Trump administration has denied those allegations.

Richard Schafer navigates a boat past a flooded home in Baton Rouge on Aug. 15, 2016. Record-breaking rains drenched Louisiana over multiple days, causing historic levels of flooding that were blamed for at least 13 deaths and damaged thousands of homes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The ability of Louisiana and other states to respond to catastrophic weather with their own staff would also likely be impacted if Trump changes the traditional funding reimbursements for recovery efforts.

The federal government will have a lasting role in responding to and funding the impact of disasters; local and state governments simply do not have the resources to do so, said Paul Rainwater, who was executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority that managed federal funding for state rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina. He went on to serve as former Gov. Bobby Jindals chief of staff and budget czar.

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The question the Trump administration faces, given some of its comments about FEMA, is: When will a White House step in and help? he said.

Presidential discretion

The president has a significant say in when FEMA provides funding to states after natural disasters, as well as how much money states or local governments receive.

When a state is overwhelmed by a catastrophic event, a governor makes a formal request of the president for federal assistance. FEMA starts to provide help to the state authorities after it is granted.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has denied disaster relief that was expected to be approved. His decisions have affected liberal-leaning states such as Maryland and Washington and more conservative ones like West Virginia.



He even stalled for a month on accepting a disaster declaration from Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who personally knows Trump and served as his press secretary during his first term as president.

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As president, Trump has the ability to not only approve federal assistance, but to also increase the share of the state or local costs that FEMA will reimburse. For example, federal law gives presidents the discretion to reduce or waive the requirement for a state or local government to cover 25% of the cost of debris removal after a storm.



Louisiana has benefited from a reduction of these local financial responsibilities for nine weather events in the past 25 years, including for hurricanes Ida (2021), Laura (2020), Ike (2008), Gustav (2008), Rita (2005), Katrina (2005) and Ivan (2004). The 2016 Baton Rouge-area floods and a severe ice storm in 2001 were also approved for enhanced federal assistance, according to a 2023 Congressional report.

But all the upheaval should be a signal to local and state officials to prepare as if that extra FEMA help might not be coming their way, former FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell, who worked for President Joe Biden, said in a call with reporters this week.

There are, right now, a lot of questions about whether any of those costs are going to be eligible for reimbursement, Criswell said. You need to put plans in place to make sure that you can do it, regardless of whether you get federal support.



U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said he personally advocated for the federal government to cover more disaster recovery bills after Hurricane Laura, which hit Southwest Louisiana, and the 2016 flooding.



Sometimes a disaster is so profound that local governments have a hard time coming up with the tax revenue to cover their share of the recovery. If people lose their homes and are displaced, as happened after Katrina, cities and parishes wont have much money to put toward cleanup, Cassidy said.



When you destroy a community, you destroy their ability to raise tax money, he said in an interview.



Jindal, who served as Louisianas governor from 2008-16 and was a congressman during Hurricane Katrina, said he thinks the federal government will always be an important partner in major disasters. But states and local governments should take on more responsibility for smaller events.



There are many day-to-day disasters that many state and local governments can handle themselves, Jindal said. For the bigger disasters that can overwhelm, you still want to have some federal role.



Its also crucial that local and state officials know what to expect from the federal government so they can be prepared, said Jindal, who was governor when hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit Louisiana.



I think its important to have clear rules ahead of time, he said.

People who escaped flooding after Hurricane Katrina caused levees to fail in New Orleans await aid and treatment outside the Morial Convention Center on Sept. 1, 2005, three days after storm struck the region. The federal governments response to the disaster was widely criticized. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Landry: Louisiana shouldnt worry about FEMA

Trump may have denied disaster relief to other states, but Gov. Jeff Landry said Louisiana has nothing to worry about when it comes to FEMA because of his good relationship with the administration.



I think its all just a bunch of media hype trying to scare people. Were ready for hurricane season, the governor told reporters this week.



Landry has a close relationship with Noem and said Trumps homeland security leader has already responded to requests for assistance for matters in Lake Charles and Terrebonne Parish this year.

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What Kristi Noem has done lately, I mean, we just call her, and we say, These are projects that need to be moved, Landry said.



Louisiana is one of only a few states that has a local representative on Trumps FEMA review council, which is supposed to make recommendations on reforming the agency this fall.



One of the councils 12 members, who include Noem and Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is Louisiana native Mark Cooper, Jindals former head of emergency management and former Gov. Edwards chief of staff.



Obviously, Louisiana is playing a big role in this reimagining for FEMA, Cooper said this week in an interview from Oklahoma where the review council was meeting. Were being heard. Louisiana is being heard as part of this process.

Cooper said the council already met directly with Louisiana emergency response officials in the Landry administration. It held its second public meeting in New Orleans in July at his suggestion.

The council has made no decisions about whether FEMAs reimbursement policies for state and local governments should change, Cooper said, but he suggested more might be asked of states.



We need to do more to help states to be more self-reliant and resilient, he said.

Let us know what you think...
Louisiana often relies on federal assistance after its struck by natural disasters. But President Trump has indicated he wants to pull back on giving states this type of support. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

For years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleanians made the Federal Emergency Management Agency the butt of their bitter jokes.

Anti-FEMA sentiment was so high in Louisiana that local businesses started selling T-shirts a couple of months after the storm lampooning the federal agency with slogans like Wheres FEMA? and FEMA stands for Federal Employees Missing in Action.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The sentiment is understandable. Almost a half dozen federal investigations launched in the six months after Hurricane Katrina made landfall Aug. 29, 2005  and turned into the countrys most catastrophic natural disaster  determined FEMA failed in nearly every way to respond to the storm.

Hurricane Katrina exposed flaws in the structure of FEMA and DHS that are too substantial to mend, concluded a 2006 U.S. Senate report titled Hurricane Katrina: A Nation Still Unprepared.

Yet 20 years after the agencys feckless Katrina response, some Louisiana leaders find themselves in the awkward position of having to defend FEMA.

President Donald Trump has made it clear he wants the federal government to play less of a role in natural disaster response, raising concerns that state and local governments might need to cover more of their recovery costs.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Such a change would likely affect Louisiana more than almost every other state in the country.

Since Katrina, Louisiana has received more public and individual assistance from FEMA ($12.6 billion) than all states but Florida ($16.6 billion) and New York ($19.4 billion), according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which tracks federal disaster spending.

The money helped Louisiana respond to 25 extreme weather events, including 11 hurricanes, six floods and one ice storm, over the past two decades.

That FEMA figure doesnt account for all of the money Louisiana has received in the wake of Katrina. There was another $11 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development went to the Road Home program to rebuild housing. All told, the federal government put an unprecedented $76 billion toward Louisianas recovery from the 2005 storm.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Louisiana simply wouldnt be able to handle the financial burden of major disaster response without significant support from the federal government, according to several former state officials interviewed. Storms with far less impact than Katrina have the ability to overwhelm the states assets, they said.

If Louisiana has to worry about covering more disaster recovery costs, the state will have less money to spend on schools, universities, roads, bridges, and economic development.

If we didnt have the federal money, we would be in a terrible mess, and we would have been in a terrible mess from Katrina going forward, said Jay Dardenne, Louisianas former lieutenant governor and state budget chief for former Gov. John Bel Edwards.

A damaged home is seen after Hurricane Laura passed through the area on Aug. 27, 2020, in Lake Charles. The hurricane hit with powerful winds causing extensive damage to the city. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Uncertainty at FEMA

To what extent Trump will pull back on federal disaster assistance isnt clear.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

As recently as June, the president said he would push to eliminate FEMA altogether. He then backed off that rhetoric after July 4th weekend flooding in Texas killed at least 136 people, including children attending a sleep-away camp. His administrations response was directly criticized.

Still, the Trump administration has already made several preliminary changes to FEMA that alarm emergency response experts. The agency has reduced staff and some of those who remain have been asked to help with hiring immigration enforcement agents instead of working on disaster relief.

The FEMA cuts come on top of those to the National Hurricane Center and other federal programs that provide crucial information to hurricane-prone states and help them ready for incoming storms.

Some reforms Congress enacted in the year after Katrina to strengthen FEMA have been ignored. A law requiring FEMAs director to have experience in emergency response and disaster recovery isnt being followed. Trumps acting FEMA administrator David Richardson previously oversaw counter-terrorism programs but lacks natural disaster management experience.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

There are concerns about whether a new policy delayed assistance during the Texas flood, similar to what unfolded in the aftermath of Katrina.

Due to a bureaucratic breakdown 20 years ago, FEMA failed to promptly provide boats for search-and-rescue teams in New Orleans, even after federal officials knew flooding was widespread, according to a U.S. Senate report from 2006.

This past July, questions were raised about whether search-and-rescue teams were delayed during the Texas flood because Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem now requires every FEMA contract over $100,000 to be approved personally by her, the Associated Press reported. The Trump administration has denied those allegations.

The ability of Louisiana and other states to respond to catastrophic weather with their own staff would also likely be harmed if Trump changes the traditional funding reimbursements for recovery efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The federal government will have a lasting role in responding to and funding the impact of disasters; local and state governments simply do not have the resources to do so, said Paul Rainwater, who was executive director of the Louisiana Recovery Authority that managed federal funding for state rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina. He went on to serve as former Gov. Bobby Jindals chief of staff and budget czar.

The question the Trump administration faces, given some of its comments about FEMA, is: When will a White House step in and help? he said.

Richard Schafer navigates a boat past a flooded home in Baton Rouge on Aug. 15, 2016. Record-breaking rains drenched Louisiana over multiple days, causing historic levels of flooding that were blamed for at least 13 deaths and damaged thousands of homes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Presidential discretion

The president has a significant say in when FEMA provides funding to states after natural disasters, as well as how much money states or local governments receive.

When a state is overwhelmed by a catastrophic event, a governor makes a formal request of the president for federal assistance. FEMA starts to provide help to the state authorities after it is granted.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since returning to office in January, Trump has denied disaster relief that was expected to be approved. His decisions have affected liberal-leaning states such as Maryland and Washington and more conservative ones like West Virginia.

He even stalled for a month on accepting a disaster declaration from Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who personally knows Trump and served as his press secretary during his first term as president.

As president, Trump has the ability to not only approve federal assistance, but to also increase the share of the state or local costs that FEMA will reimburse. For example, federal law gives presidents discretion to reduce or waive the requirement for a state or local government to cover 25% of the cost of debris removal after a storm.

Louisiana has benefited from a reduction of these local financial responsibilities for nine weather events in the past 25 years, including for hurricanes Ida (2021), Laura (2020), Ike (2008), Gustav (2008), Rita (2005), Katrina (2005), and Ivan (2004). The 2016 Baton Rouge-area floods and a severe ice storm in 2001 were also approved for enhanced federal assistance, according to a 2023 Congressional report.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But all the upheaval should be a signal to local and state officials to prepare as if that extra FEMA help might not be coming their way, former FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell, who worked for President Joe Biden, said in a call with reporters this week.

There are, right now, a lot of questions about whether any of those costs are going to be eligible for reimbursement, Criswell said. You need to put plans in place to make sure that you can do it, regardless of whether you get federal support.

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said he personally advocated for the federal government to cover more disaster recovery bills after Hurricane Laura, which hit Southwest Louisiana, and the 2016 flooding.

Sometimes a disaster is so profound that local governments have a hard time coming up with the tax revenue to cover their share of the recovery. If people lose their homes and are displaced, as happened after Katrina, cities and parishes wont have much money to put toward cleanup, Cassidy said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When you destroy a community, you destroy their ability to raise tax money, he said in an interview.

Jindal, who served as Louisianas governor from 2008-16 and was a congressman during Hurricane Katrina, said he thinks the federal government will always be an important partner in major disasters. But states and local governments should take on more responsibility for smaller events.

There are many day-to-day disasters that many state and local governments can handle themselves, Jindal said. For the bigger disasters that can overwhelm, you still want to have some federal role.

Its also crucial that local and state officials know what to expect from the federal government so they can be prepared, said Jindal, who was governor when hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit Louisiana.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

I think its important to have clear rules ahead of time, he said.

People who escaped flooding after Hurricane Katrina caused levees to fail in New Orleans await aid and treatment outside the Morial Convention Center on Sept. 1, 2005, three days after storm struck the region. The federal governments response to the disaster was widely criticized. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Landry: Dont worry about FEMA

Trump may have denied disaster relief to other states, but Gov. Jeff Landry said Louisiana has nothing to worry about when it comes to FEMA because of his good relationship with the administration.

I think its all just a bunch of media hype trying to scare people. Were ready for hurricane season, the governor told reporters this week.

Landry has a close relationship with Noem and said Trumps homeland security leader has already responded to requests for assistance for matters in Lake Charles and Terrebonne Parish this year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

What Kristi Noem has done lately, I mean, we just call her, and we say, These are projects that need to be moved, Landry said.

Louisiana is one of only a few states that has a local representative on Trumps FEMA review council, which is supposed to make recommendations on reforming the agency this fall.

One of the councils 12 members, who include Noem and Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is Louisiana native Mark Cooper, Jindals former head of emergency management and former Gov. Edwards chief of staff.

Obviously, Louisiana is playing a big role in this reimagining for FEMA, Cooper said this week in an interview from Oklahoma where the review council was meeting. Were being heard. Louisiana is being heard as part of this process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cooper said the council already met directly with Louisiana emergency response officials in the Landry administration. It held its second public meeting in New Orleans in July at his suggestion.

The council has made no decisions about whether FEMAs reimbursement policies for state and local governments should change, Cooper said, but he suggested more might be asked of states.

We need to do more to help states to be more self-reliant and resilient, he said.

This story first appeared in the Louisiana Illuminator, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom, as part of a series marking the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

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Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, seen here at May 2, 2025, joined her Democratic Governors Association colleagues in condemning President Donald Trump's claims he can deploy state national guards. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and more than a dozen other Democratic governors cautioned President Donald Trump against deploying states National Guard.

Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, and Democratic governors across the country issued a statement Thursday criticizing Trumps policy decisions, saying Americans deserve to feel safe.

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But instead of actually addressing crime, President Trump cut federal funding for law enforcement that states rely on and continues to politicize our military by trying to undermine the executive authority of Governors as Commanders in Chief of their states National Guard, the 19 governors wrote in a joint statement.

The president deployed Washington D.C.s National Guard earlier this month, which is within his authority, and he has expressed interest in deploying state National Guards to Chicago, New York City, Baltimore and Oakland. Earlier this year, he mobilized Californias National Guard to confront demonstrators in Los Angeles who were protesting the administrations immigration raids.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has been vocal in his opposition to Trumps threats.

Unlike Donald Trump, we keep our promises, Pritzker wrote in a Wednesday social media post. We will not stand idly by if he decides to send the National Guard to intimidate Chicagoans. Action will be met with a response.

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All but four Democratic governors signed on to the statement. Those who did called Trumps actions chaotic federal interference.

Whether its Illinois, Maryland and New York or another state tomorrow, the governors said, the Presidents threats and efforts to deploy a states National Guard without the request and consent of that states governor is an alarming abuse of power, ineffective, and undermines the mission of our service members.
Tim Carpenter at Aug. 7, 2023, town hall at Theatre Salina. (Jessica Tufts for Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Longtime Kansas journalist and Kansas Reflector senior reporter Tim Carpenter has been selected for a statewide hall of fame honoring journalists. Reflector opinion columnist, nonprofit executive and author Mark McCormick was also named to the hall.

The Kansas Press Association announced the inductees Friday. Carpenter and McCormick were two of seven additions this year to its Newspaper Hall of Fame, in addition to four inductees for the Kansas Photojournalism Hall of Fame.

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Carpenter, 64, has been the senior reporter for Kansas Reflector since its inception in 2020. Previously, he spent 15 years each at the Topeka Capital-Journal and the Lawrence Journal-World. He began his roughly 40-year career with United Press International in Topeka. He earned an agricultural journalism degree from Kansas State University.

Im excited to join a compelling group of hall of famers, Carpenter said. Ive looked up to many of them during nearly 40 years of Kansas journalism that felt equal parts grinding work and delightful continuing education for my mind.

Kansas Reflector editor Sherman Smith called Carpenter a generational icon who has been revered and feared as an investigative and political reporter.

The two have worked together for more than 20 years, beginning in the Topeka Capital-Journal newsroom. Smith said he looked to Carpenter for mentorship.

Reporter Tim Carpenter takes notes while speaking with Kansas Reflector readers on June 29, 2024, at Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe. (Grace Hills/Kansas Reflector)

There was no story too big  an attorney generals sex scandal, a governors prairie hellion of a brother  or beneath him, Smith said. College professors showed their students the video of Tims shakedown of a political candidate who had mocked patients X-rays. Some of the states most powerful people wouldnt speak to the editorial board without knowing whether Tim would be there.

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Carpenter has won the Kansas Press Associations Victor Murdock Award six times. The William Allen White Foundation honored him four times with its Burton Marvin News Enterprise Award. The Kansas City Press Club has twice presented him with its Journalist of the Year Award and, more recently, with its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tim worked selflessly to advance the skills and careers of numerous reporters. I abandoned my editing post at the newspaper for the opportunity to report alongside Tim from the Statehouse, where he taught me political reporting and helped me understand the bewildering legislative process, Smith said.

Smith said upon launching Kansas Reflector five years ago, Carpenter was the first person he called to join the team.

He agreed while other veteran journalists thought it was a crazy idea, Smith said. Here, he has continued to write compelling news stories of public interest  a university presidents academic integrity, the police raid on a small-town newspaper  and helped build Kansas Reflector into a model for a new generation of journalists to do the same.

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Pride and sheepishness

McCormick, formerly of the Wichita Eagle, is the second Black man to be inducted into the KPAs hall of fame.

The nomination itself feels like an award, he said, and winning it is something next level.

McCormick has spent more than two decades in journalism. He has been a contributing columnist to Kansas Reflector since 2021, writing about humanity, race and politics.

I am a person who finds it difficult to see other people suffering, he said. I am most proud of those moments when someone was voiceless and had no hope, and I was able to help them.

Mark McCormick, a Kansas Reflector contributor and longtime journalist, credited his family and mentor in his reaction to being installed in the Kansas Press Associations Newspaper Hall of Fame (Submitted)

McCormick, 57, said he accepts the honor with a great deal of pride, but also a little bit of sheepishness. He cant help but recall those who came before him  his mother, his father, his sister, who is the reason he pursued and graduated with a degree in journalism at the University of Kansas.

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My beloved journalism professor doesnt have this, he said.

One of the most consequential people in my life, Samuel Adams, was a Black man who was teaching journalism at the University of Kansas at a time when I dont think any other Black men were teaching journalism anywhere at a PWI  a predominantly white institution, McCormick said.

Adams, who died in 2019, was a professor at the university from 1973 to 1999. He was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize. McCormick characterized him as more like a father than a professor. He called him Daddy Sam.

Kansas Reflector opinion editor Clay Wirestone praised McCormicks penetrating perspective.

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Marks deep insight, experience and care for his fellow Kansans shines through every column, he said. Im honored to have him as a contributor to the Reflectors opinion section.

McCormick has won more than 20 awards, including five Gold Awards from the Kansas City Press Club. He is the co-author of a book detailing the origins and evolutions of Wichitas African American community, and he has published a collection of his columns that has been used as required reading at Wichita State University. He was formerly the executive director of the Kansas Black Leadership Council, former chairman of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and former executive director of the Kansas African American Museum.

He highlighted two stories as hallmarks of his career. One covered the life and death of a man who lived in a halfway house, who died because of delayed medical care. Another revealed poor driving records of public school bus drivers after months of evasion from the private bus company.

McCormick often refers to himself as a recovering journalist.

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Ive always meant that Im an addict for journalism, and you never get that out of your system, he said. Youre always in recovery.

Carpenter and McCormick will be inducted to the KPAs hall of fame on Nov. 13, at a luncheon held at the Sunflower Nonprofit Center in Topeka.
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach says state law requires Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Billings' name to be removed from the list of candidates because his declared running mate quit. In this image, Billings is delivering a speech in 2021. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  The Kansas secretary of state relied Friday on a legal opinion issued by the attorney general to remove Republican Doug Billings from the roster of candidates running for governor.

Attorney General Kris Kobachs nonbinding opinion pointed to state law requiring governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run as a team. Kobach said the statute meant the decision by Billings running mate, April McCoy, to be removed from the ticket and have her name scrubbed from the August 2026 primary ballot meant Secretary of State Scott Schwab was obligated to terminate Billings candidacy.

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Kobach said the key point was that when one member of this type of electoral alliance withdrew or died, after officially submitting candidate filing documents but prior to the states filing deadline, the candidacy had to be concluded because there was no mechanism in state law to replace one of the running mates.

The Legislature knows how to prescribe a procedure for allowing a candidacy to continue, and it did not include one for this scenario, Kobachs opinion said. While the remaining member is free to find another running mate and pursue ballot access, he must do so as part of a new candidacy.

Kobach said Billings would be able to relaunch a campaign for governor, but would have to complete all requirements of a candidate to include payment of filing fees.

Billings couldnt be immediately reached for comment on the decision.

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Schwab, who serves as the states top elections official and is a candidate for the GOP nomination for governor, requested the attorney generals opinion. Schwabs office said the decision to remove Billings as a candidate for governor was based on the legal advice from the attorney general.

Billings, an Olathe podcaster and supporter of President Donald Trump, launched a long-shot campaign for governor. The GOP field includes Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Senate President Ty Masterson, former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Schwab and several others.

Billings, who began hosting The Right Side podcast after a career in human resources, said Kansas needed a governor who would mirror the budget mindset offered by Trump and former DOGE adviser Elon Musk. He said reducing state spending and lowering income and businesses taxes would lead to a flourishing state economy.

In terms of election security, Billings promised to direct the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to investigate voting irregularities in Kansas.

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We need a strong conservative governor in that office, Billings said during an interview in May. We need a politician whos going to tell the truth.

In mid-August, the Kansas City Star published an article highlighting concerns raised by McCoy and others that Billings pocketed a $2,700 donation to his gubernatorial campaign. McCoy says the money was earmarked for purchase of a software program useful to a statewide campaign. Billings told the newspaper the dispute was a misunderstanding and the payment was a donation to his podcast.

In addition, the Star reported Billings was convicted during 2010 in Johnson County District Court of a felony charge of theft involving more than $25,000. Eight counts of fraud were dismissed by the prosecutor, records showed.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Karen Read is slowly readjusting to private life.

Just over two months after the 45-year-old was found not guilty of second-degree murder in connection to the 2022 death of her boyfriend John OKeefe, Read is giving a glimpse into what her life is like now.

Its not quite as I expected, she shared on The Howie Carr Show Aug. 28. I was expecting a switch to be flipped that was the opposite of the one that got flipped on me at 6 a.m. on January 29, 2022.

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But as the Massachusetts native explained, its been more like a dimmer that the lights are coming on, little brighter each week.

Theres moments I have every day, Read said, that have these little epiphanies of, Wow, this is the first time Ive done fill-in-the-blank in the last four years that I wasnt living with this nightmare.

She also discussed her life after her February 2022 arrest and subsequent legal battle, explaining that she had to sell her house to her to help pay for the attorney fees, especially as she headed into the second trial earlier this year. And she was especially sad about losing her job at Fidelity Investments.

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That job was not just a job, Read reflected. That was my career, and I still miss it.

But through it all, Read was extremely grateful for all the support she received during her legal ordeal, from her parents William Read and Janet Readwho she has been living with since selling her houseto those who believed her side of the story.

What I said when I came out of the courthouse after the acquittal is just thank you to so many people, she said. It feels like already a short lifetime ago, but it's only been two months.

Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

She added, These peoplejournalists and supporters, community membershave emotionally pulled me through.

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Read also had a message for Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and state investigators, saying, You lost. You lost big time, and you know what you did.

And while shes been focusing on life after the trial, Hollywood has been focusing on how to bring her story to the small screen, with Elizabeth Banks set to star as Read in an upcoming limited series for Prime Video, per Deadline. But according to Read, shes not involved in the show and didnt get a heads up on casting.

I probably read that the same time you did give or take a couple minutes, she explained. I have nothing to do with that. It's not authorized by me in any way.

Read noted that she did not bless this, especially because there is so much more to this story.

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There's a lot more to it than what I think Elizabeth Banks knows at this point, she added. But I've never spoken to her.

David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

As for what everyone does know? Its that Read was accused of drunkenly hitting boyfriend O'Keefe, a 46-year-old Boston police officer, with her car on Jan. 29, 2022, before leaving him to die outside of a house party in blizzard conditions.

Read was first tried for murder in 2024, but the proceedings ended with a hung jury after 25 hours of deliberation.

Her second trial began in April, where her legal team alleged that she was being framed to cover up for a fight that took place inside the Canton, MA, home of Brian Albert, a prominent law enforcement officer and friend of OKeefes, before he was allegedly dragged out into the lawn.

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Following the second trial, Read was found not guilty of motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision during the June 18 verdict. She was, however, convicted of the lesser charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, to which she was sentenced to one year probation.

As for Morrissey, who has previously called the defense's argument "a desperate attempt to re-assign guilt," following the June verdict, he simply told WBZ, "The Jury has spoken."

For a deeper dive into everything we know about Reads case, keep reading.

What Happened to John O'Keefe?

Karen Read told authorities that she and Boston Police Officer John OKeefe, her boyfriend of almost two years, were out drinking with friends at C.F. McCarthys bar in Canton, Mass., on the night of Jan. 28, 2022, after which they spent about an hour at Waterfall Bar & Grille across the street. Read said that she dropped OKeefe off at the Canton home of Boston Police Det. Brian Albert shortly after midnight and went back to OKeefes house. Prosecutors, however, alleged at Reads Feb. 2, 2022, arraignment on manslaughter charges that there was evidence indicated she hit OKeefe with her car before driving off and left him lying there in frigid weather conditions.





Read, a financial analyst living in nearby Mansfield, maintained that she returned to Alberts house the following morning after OKeefe failed to come home and she couldnt reach him on his phone. She called a couple of people who were with her, Read said, when they found him lying in the snow outside the Albert residence at 6 a.m. The 46-year-old cop had bloody cuts on his right arm, his eyes were swollen shut and his clothes were covered with blood and vomit, according to prosecutors. He was transported to Bostons Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that morning. A subsequent autopsy found that OKeefe had suffered multiple skull fractures, as well as cuts to the back of his head and nose. The coroner ultimately attributed his death to hypothermia and blunt force trauma.





Karen Read Arrested for Manslaughter in Death of John O'Keefe

Read was arrested Feb. 1, 2022, and charged with manslaughter, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle causing death and motor vehicle homicide. Investigators located her 2021 black Lexus SUV parked at her parents house, prosecutors said, and it had a shattered rear taillight and scratches on the rear bumper. Read pleaded not guilty Feb. 2 and was released from custody after posting $50,000 bail. Her attorney David Yannetti said during her arraignment that a manslaughter charge was a tremendous reach and denied any criminal intent on his clients part. This was not some random stranger, he said, per NBC Boston. This was my clients boyfriend, somebody whom she loved. In a statement calling OKeefe a kind person who was dedicated to his family, the Boston Police Department said that the person responsible for Johns death had been arrested.





What Did Karen Read Say After Finding John OKeefe Dead?

Prosecutors said at her arraignment that one of the friends who went looking for OKeefe with Read told police that her pal had called her at 5 a.m. and said, Johns dead. I wonder if hes dead. Its snowing, he got hit by a plow. Canton firefighter Lt. Anthony Flematti later testified during Reads trial that she told him at the scene, 'I hit him, I hit him. Oh my God, I hit him. Firefighter Katie McLaughlin testified that Read seemed very upset and was just visibly distraught, and that she also heard Read say, more than once, I hit him. Read maintained at trial, however, that what she screamed at Flematti was, Did I hit him? Could I have hit him? Another firefighter, Matthew Kelly, testified that he only remembered Read saying, Hes dead, hes [expletive] dead.

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Karen Read Is Charged With John O'Keefe's Murder

A grand jury indicted Read on a charge of second-degree murder on June 9, 2022. Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Adam Lally alleged during Reads June 10 arraignment that she and OKeefe had been arguing for quite some time before he died and, weeks before the night in question, he had tried to break up with the defendant, and she refused to leave his home when asked. Lally said Read drunkenly backed into OKeefe with her Lexus and left him to die in the snow. Read posted an additional $100,000 bail and later pleaded not guilty to murder. Yannetti protested during the June 10 hearing that Read had performed CPR on OKeefe in an attempt to revive him. Moreover, the attorney alleged, the officers injuries were inconsistent with being hit by a car. Hes got scratch marks all up and down his arm that are completely unexplained, Yannetti said in court. Hes got two black eyes, appears to have a broken nose. Theres something else going on here.





Defense Alleges That Karen Read Was Framed by Police in John O'Keefe Murder

During a Sept. 22, 2022, court appearance, Yannetti alleged that OKeefe had been severely beaten at Alberts house and the detective used his connections within the Canton Police Department and Massachusetts State Police to try to cover up the truth by framing his client. Yannetti emphasized that Brian Alberts brother Kevin Albert was also a detective with the Canton PD, and that Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, who headed up the Read investigation, was a close family friend. (Brian, who retired from the force with an injury in 2023, according to a family spokesman, denied that there was any physical altercation involving OKeefe at his house and his brother and Proctor have denied any wrongdoing regarding the investigation.)





Defense attorney Alan Jackson said on NBCs Dateline in July 2023 that he had an innocent client, period. OKeefe walked into an element of hostility in that house, Jackson said. John OKeefe got out of a car, walked into the house, was sucker punched, fell, hurt himself, and then ultimately his body was moved. Jackson, a former L.A. prosecutor, and Read co-counsel Elizabeth Little, both partners at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, previously represented Kevin Spacey in a 2016 sexual assault case on Nantucket. The charges against the actor were ultimately dropped.





District Attorney Michael Morrissey Fires Back Against Karen Read Defense Allegations

In a lengthy Aug. 25, 2023, video statement, Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey denied that any fight occurred within the Albert home on the night OKeefe died. Eleven people had given statements saying they did not see the officer enter the house, he said, and zero people said they saw go inside. Data from OKeefes phone that was found under his body, Morrissey said, shows that his phone did not enter that home. Accusing any of the witnesses of murder was outrageous, the prosecutor added. Moreover, he said, Proctor had no opportunity to plant evidence nor motive to do so. (Read has said that she cracked her taillight pulling out of the garage to go look for OKeefe, but alleged it was smashed only after her vehicle was in police custody.) Proctor didnt have a close personal relationship with anyone involved in the investigation, Morrissey said, and every suggestion to the contrary is a lie. Prosecutor Lally argued against a defense motion to obtain records of texts, calls and social media message between Proctors wife and Brian Alberts sister-in-law Jennifer McCabe, one of the people with Read when OKeefes body was found. Lally said during a January 2024 court hearing, As the Commonwealth understands it, Trooper Proctor has a sister, who has a friend, who has a sister, who has a husband, who has a brother, who has a wife, who has a sister who is Jennifer McCabe.

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Prosecutors, Defense Clash Over Google Search Timing in Karen Read Trial

On April 12, 2023, defense lawyers Yannetti and Jackson stated that newly recovered cell phone data from McCabes phone had provided evidence that unequivocally exonerates Karen because it established that other people were aware that John was dying in the snow before Karen even knew he was missing. McCabe Googled Hos [sic] long to die in cold at around 2:30 a.m., the defense alleged in an April 12 court motion, per NBC Boston. Prosecutors said in a statement at the time that it was yet to be determined whether the defense had interpreted the raw data correctly, noting that they had repeatedly asked the defense to provide any actually exculpatory evidence to support their claims.





McCabe testified during Reads murder trial that the defendant asked her to Google how long it took to die in the cold after they found OKeefe. She said that she had researched something else at 2:27 a.m., then used the same open tab to punch in the other search, and she denied deleting any search history or numbers from her call log. I never would have left John O'Keefe out in the cold to die, she said, because he was my friend that I loved." The prosecution called their own digital forensics expert to the stand to back up their assertion that McCabes search was made at 6:23 a.m. In a January 2025 court filing, prosecutors looked to have the defenses data expert barred from testifying again at the retrial, writing that his opinions had been debunked." (The motion was denied, clearing the expert to testify.)





Prosecutors Share DNA Evidence From Karen Read's Car

On Feb. 22, 2024, prosecutors filed a memorandum detailing crime scene investigation results, including that OKeefes DNA had been recovered from Reads broken taillight and a small hair of his was stuck to the rear passenger side of her Lexus. "Through trace analysis and forensic testing, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory discovered the victim's DNA present on the broken taillight and microscopic pieces of red and clear apparent plastic located in the victim's clothing," prosecutors wrote in the filing, per NBC Boston. "Comparison testing was conducted, and the results demonstrate that the microscopic pieces of red and clear plastic are consistent with the broken pieces of plastic from the defendant's rear taillight." At trial, the defense contended that the DNA evidence was planted, in keeping with their overall argument that Read was framed, but that it also could've gotten on the vehicle another way aside from it hitting O'Keefe. "It was planted on the vehicle. I mean, it was," Yannetti said outside court on June 14 after the prosecution's DNA experts testified, per CBS Boston. "You know the question is how did that magic hair survive a 30-mile drive through a blizzard?" Prosecutors and law enforcement denied all accusations of planting or mishandling evidence.





Federal Prosecutors Investigate the Investigators in Karen Read Murder Case

Norfolk Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone postponed the start of Reads trial from March 12 to April 16, 2024, after federal prosecutorswho were investigating how the OKeefe inquiry was conducted in light of the defenses cover-up accusationreleased 3,000 pages of documents pertaining to the case. The defense argued in court Feb. 26 that the document dump contained exculpatory evidence, while the prosecution countered that most of the findings were consistent with prior testimony. (The federal probe concluded without any charges being filed against law enforcement, special prosecutor Hank Brennan said during a March 4, 2025, motions hearing.) In a separate motion to have the case dismissed, the defense argued at a March 13, 2024, hearing that the prosecution deceived the grand jury that indicted Read because the panel had no knowledge of the personal ties among the investigators and witnesses. A majority of the witnesses who testified before the grand jury were called because they allegedly saw what happened to OKeefe, the defense stated in court documents unsealed weeks later, per NBC Boston. Rather, the filing continued, they were called to testify to remote and irrelevant bad character to prejudice the panel against Read, misleading the grand jury, confusing the issues and wasting time.

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Assistant District Attorney Lally fired back during the hearing that the defense was trying to play three-card monte, as in, Look at this relationship, look at that relationship. The defense is obfuscating from the extensive evidence. They dont want you to look at that. They want you to look at who texted who when. Cannone denied the defenses motion March 26, paving the way for the trial to begin as scheduled.





Karen Read Goes on Trial for Murder of John O'Keefe

In his April 29, 2024, opening statement, Yannetti maintained that OKeefe suffered fatal injuries from a beating and his client had been framed. "You will learn that at that address, lived a well-known and well-connected law enforcement family in Cantonthe Alberts, Yannetti said. Because the Alberts were involved, and because they had close connections to the investigators in this case, Karen Read was framed for a murder she did not commit." The prosecution countered that Read was a woman scorned and, after drinking too much, she backed her car into OKeefe and drove off, leaving him to die. The case ended with a hung jury and Cannone declared a mistrial on July 1.





Karen Reads Defense Argues She Was Acquitted of John O'Keefe's Murder in Bid to Dismiss Charge

In a July 2024 motion to have the murder case against Read dismissed, reviewed by E! News, the defense argued that double jeopardy applied because three jurors from the first trial had indicated to them in no uncertain termsthrough unsolicited communicationsthat they unanimously agreed she was not guilty of murder and leaving the scene or a personal injury or death, and therefore the judge could have asked for a partial verdict in the case. The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in February 2025, however, that posttrial accounts of jurors private deliberations that were inconsistent with their public communications in court could not negate the mistrial ruling or constitute an acquittal.





Karen Read Speaks Out About Her Murder Case

Though she felt incredibly violated, she was not backing down now, Read, who did not take the stand during her trial, told Vanity Fair last August. As scary as a potential conviction is, she said, I will go to jail for something I didnt do before I plea out. I will never give them that win.

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While she fell for OKeefe quickly after he reached out to her on Facebook in the pandemic-plagued spring of 202016 years after they first met and dated for a few monthsproblems started to crop up, Read said. During a New Years trip to Aruba with other couples, she said she saw caught him kissing another woman. (The woman in question denied this on the stand during Reads trial.) And Read said she had exchanged flirty texts with a federal agent OKeefe knew, to help emotionally validate her at the time. But, Read said, as of January 2022 they were committed to caring for his orphaned niece and nephew together (OKeefe was the primary guardian of his late sisters kids, according to his family) and didnt want to break up their dynamic.





When she and OKeefe went to the Alberts house early on Jan. 29, 2022, after being invited there for more drinks, OKeefe said hed check out the atmosphere inside before they decided to stay or not, Read told Vanity Fair. When he stopped responding to her texts, Read said, she got pissed and assumed he was screwing around with an old paramour who lived nearby. I didnt think he was physically incapacitated, she said. Read said she waited about 10 minutes before driving off, after which she sent him more texts and left angry voicemails. Still, Read wondered if she did hit OKeefe with her car, she told VF, and recalled telling her parents she would pay [her] dues if she had done anything in any way. OKeefes family told the magazine at the time that they still believed she was liable for his death. Unlike most people accused of murder and sued for wrongful death, Karen Read has embraced her celebrity in outsized ways, said the family, whose civil suit against Read has been stayed until her criminal case is resolved. This intensive media campaign to influence potential jurors compounds the OKeefe familys terrible loss while delaying and denying her accountability.





Lead Investigator in Karen Reads Case Is Fired

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Proctor admitted on the witness stand during Reads first trial to using misogynistic language and making other disparaging remarks about Read in text messages to friends, family members and fellow cops, some of which the judge had him read aloud in court. And in response to a text asking whether the owner of the house OKeefe was found would also receive some s--t, he replied, Nope. Homeowners a Boston cop too. Proctor apologized on the stand, saying emotions got the best of me. But, he said, though his words were unprofessional and regrettable, they did not affect how he conducted the investigation. He was fired less than two weeks before Reads retrial was set to begin, according to a March 19, 2025, state police personnel order reviewed by E! News. He had been suspended last July, with the State Police Association President clarifying that Proctor was being disciplined for the language in his personal texts, and not in connection with salacious allegations of cover-ups, collusion or conspiracies offered by the defense. In response to his termination, Proctors family told NBC News in a statement that the trial boards decision lacks precedent, and unfairly exploits and scapegoats one of their own, a trooper with a 12-year unblemished record. Proctors text messages proved he was humannot corrupt, not incompetent in his role as a homicide detective and certainly not unfit to continue to be a Massachusetts State Trooper.





Karen Reads Unfinished Story Is Told in Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read

The five-part ID docuseries Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read premiered March 17 ended with Read still in limbo after the mistrial. We needed to make sure we were 100 percent as balanced as we could be, because we knew there was going to be another trial, director Terry Dunn Meurer told Vanity Fair of putting the finished product together. Its a very divisive case and we need to respect everyones opinion, Meurer said. If youre Free Karen Read, great. If youre more on the prosecution side, fine. But its been upsetting to watch how vile this has beenthe name-calling and the vitriol, the personal attacks. The case has been tried on social media, and I think thats a shame. Its a disservice to the justice system and to Karen. Read pushed back against any notion that she was making the most of her newfound celebrity status. Anyone in my position whos being falsely accused would be shouting from the rooftops, Read told Vanity Fair last summer. But if you think for a second that anyone has fought harder to find the truth about what happened to John and to enlighten everyone about what happened to John harder than me, youre wrong.

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Karen Read Found Not Guilty of Murder in 2025 Retrial

Read's retrial got underway on April 1, 2025. And this time, the dramatic proceedings concluded with the desired outcome: On June 18, Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder and motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a collision. She was found guilty of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and subsequently sentenced to one year's probation.



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Karen Read gives life update, shares message for Norfolk DA in 1st public interview since acquittal

During her first public interview since being acquitted in the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend, Karen Read on Thursday shared an update on her life, delivered a message for Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, and hinted at a possible lawsuit.

Read and her lead attorney, Alan Jackson, made an appearance on The Howie Carr Show on Thursday.

Read, who was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of John OKeefe in June, told Carr that shes been living with her parents after her two criminal trials cost her her career, car, house, and freedom.

Karen Read chats with her defense team at Karen Read's second murder trial on April 22. She was found not guilty on all but one charge on June 18. The only charge the jury found her guilty on was driving under the influence. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)

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Before the jury enters the courtroom Karen Read shares a lighthearted moment with her defense team, during her second murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Read during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read talks with her attorneys Robert Alessi and David Yannetti during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read and her defense team watch jurors leave the courtroom during Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Read speaks with her defense attorney, Alan Jackson, during her retrial in Norfolk Superior Court, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell, Pool)

Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022, during her murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read and attorney Alan Jackson look at the empty jury box while listening to Judge Cannone during Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Read looks on during her trial Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Defendant Karen Read talks with her attorneys during her murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Mark Chavous/Enterprise News via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read

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Dedham, MA - April 12: Karen Read at her pre-trial hearing at Norfolk Superior Court. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

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Karen Read watches attorney Robert Alessi make a point during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court at Dedham, Mass., on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Judge approves joint motion to delay start of Karen Reads 2nd murder trial

Dedham, MA - July 1: Karen Read looks toward the jurors, as they are greeted by Judge Beverly J. Cannone (not pictured) in Norfolk Superior Court. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

All stand as the jury files out to the courtroom, to start their fifth day of deliberations in the murder trial for Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Monday, July 1, 2024. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read jurors tell judge theyve been unable to reach unanimous verdict

Day 3 of jury deliberations finishes without verdict in Karen Read trial

Karen Read awaits the juries verdict in her murder case at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday June 26, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP)

Defense attorneys in Karen Read murder trial argue with judge over jury verdict slip

Some witnesses are in the courtroom on Tuesday include Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Jennifer McCabe.

Karen Read

Karen Read, center right, is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read

Karen Read smiles after listening to her attorney Alan Jackson during her trial at Norfolk County Superior Court, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool)

Karen Read

Karen Read

Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)

Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)

The 45-year-old Mansfield woman said that even after being acquitted, her life may never go back to the way it was.

Its not quite as I expected. I was expecting a switch to be flipped, the opposite of the one that got flipped on me at 6 a.m. Jan. 29, 2022, Read told Carr. But its been like a dimmer where the lights are coming on a little brighter each week. There are moments I have every day, I have these little epiphanies of, Wow, this is the first time Ive done, fill in the blank, in the last four years that I wasnt living with this nightmare.

Over the course of two trials, prosecutors alleged that Read hit OKeefe with her SUV and left him to die in a blizzard outside the home of fellow Boston officer Brian Albert, at 34 Fairview Road in Canton on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking.

Ultimately, Reads lawyers successfully painted a sinister picture of police misconduct and theorized that OKeefe was, in fact, killed by colleagues, followed by a vast cover-up.

Carr at one point asked Read if she had a message for Morrissey, the lead prosecutor, who released only a four-word statement after the conclusion of her second murder trial.

You lost, Read said. You lost. You lost big time.

Jackson also told Carr that Read and the legal team are considering all options when it comes to filing a civil lawsuit over her prosecution.

Im back here for a reason; its not just a pleasure tour, Jackson explained. Weve met with the legal team back here dealing with the civil issue. Theres obviously a lot to unpack where thats concerned.

Read, Jackson, and other lawyers are now gearing up to fight a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the OKeefe family.

Read says she is looking forward to publishing a book on her ordeal. Multiple other projects are also in the works, including a streaming show featuring actress Elizabeth Banks, a native of Pittsfield.

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NEED TO KNOW

In her first interview since the verdict, Karen Read said her recovery feels like a dimmer  the lights coming on a little brighter each week

Karen Read addressed Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and Massachusetts State Police, saying, You lost. You lost big time"

Karen Read was acquitted in June 2025 in John OKeefes death and was convicted only of operating under the influence.

Karen Read is speaking publicly for the first time since a Massachusetts jury acquitted her in June of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe  describing a slower-than-expected return to normal life and a series of "little epiphanies."

Theres moments I have every day that have these little epiphanies of, Wow, this is the first time Ive done fill-in-the-blank in the last four years that I wasnt living with this nightmare, she told WRKO host Howie Carr in an interview Thursday. Its not quite as I expected. I was expecting a switch to be flipped  but its been more like a dimmer  the lights are coming on a little brighter each week.

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Read also delivered a pointed message to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey and state investigators: You lost. You lost big time, and you know what you did, she said.

Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty

In the interview, Read, 45, said she's rebuilding after years of upheaval. She sold her Mansfield home, moved in with her parents between trials, and lost her positions at Fidelity Investments, where she worked in equity research, and as an adjunct professor at Bentley University.

That job was not just a job  that was my career, and I still miss it, she said, adding that shes not sure she could hop back on the commuter rail and walk through South Station every day.

Read and her attorney Alan Jackson suggested further legal action is on the table. Jackson said they damn well intend to use the courts again to air what they view as the truth about the case. Read added that shes considering telling her story in a book.

Josh Reynolds/AP

Asked about reports that Prime Video is developing a limited series with Elizabeth Banks set to portray her, Read said she has no involvement. I have nothing to do with that; its not authorized by me in any way, she said, while Jackson added that it is Karen Reads story to tell, not Hollywoods.

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She also said authorities have not yet returned her Lexus SUV  evidence throughout the case  calling the delay just logistics at this point, and noting it would require outreach from the district attorneys office.

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OKeefe, 46, was found in the snow outside thenBoston police officer Brian Alberts Canton home on Jan. 29, 2022; an autopsy said blunt-force trauma and hypothermia led to his death.

Prosecutors alleged Read, intoxicated after a night out, struck him while backing up her SUV and left him outside. The defense argued he was fatally injured inside the house and that Read was framed.

Getty Defense attorneys Alan Jackson and David Yannetti stand with their client Karen Read at Norfolk County Superior Court on February 26, 2024. Defense attorneys Alan Jackson and David Yannetti stand with their client Karen Read at Norfolk County Superior Court on February 26, 2024.

Her first trial ended in a mistrial in 2024. In a 2025 retrial, jurors acquitted her on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter, motor-vehicle homicide and leaving the scene. She was convicted only of operating under the influence and received one year of probation.

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Jurors in the retrial also heard evidence that, during the overnight hours before OKeefe was found, Read called him 44 times and left multiple voicemails. In the final message, she can be heard screaming after seeing him in the snow.

Read the original article on People
Key Points

The 3D printer specialist is continuing its work with a large and well-funded client.

That customer is large and well-funded because it's a part of the U.S. Defense Department.

10 stocks we like better than 3D Systems 

On hump day, an underperforming industrial stock suddenly came alive. 3D Systems' (NYSE: DDD) share price raced nearly 23% higher on Wednesday following news that it had signed a new contract with a branch of the U.S. military. That increase absolutely left the S&P 500 index, with its 0.2% gain on the day, in the dust.

Taking to the skies

Just after the market close on Tuesday, 3D Systems announced that it had been awarded a contract by the Air Force to supply it with a large-format metal 3D printer advanced technology demonstrator. The contract is the latest phase in a program the company has been involved in since 2023 that is aimed at developing next-generation 3D printing capabilities for the Air Force.

Image source: Getty Images.

3D Systems said its new contract is worth $7.65 million. Under it, the company will continue work on the program in two of its facilities -- one in San Diego, California, and the other in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The anticipated date of completion of this phase is Sept. 27, 2027.

In its press release trumpeting the new arrangement, 3D Systems did hesitate to point out that it has done work for the Department of Defense since 2019.

"We've successfully demonstrated a number of innovative technologies under this program and it's exciting to see those technologies mature both for this large-scale system as well as our commercially available printers," said company Vice President of Aerospace and Defense Michael Shepard.

Good work if you can get it

Although this current phase of the Air Force arrangement amounts to just a drop in the bucket of 3D Systems' revenue (which totaled over $440 million in 2024), it's nevertheless encouraging.

The company is obviously doing a solid job providing our military with innovative manufacturing capabilities, and we can expect it to continue drawing revenue from that highly reliable customer -- the federal government.

Should you buy stock in 3D Systems right now?

Before you buy stock in 3D Systems, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and 3D Systems wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $661,220!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,114,162!*
A federal judge on Thursday barred the Trump administration from removing Voice of Americas (VOA) director, Michael Abramowitz, from his post.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake, President Trumps top adviser to the U.S Agency for Global Media, cannot fire Abramowitz, who was told he would be subject to termination starting Aug. 31, according to court documents.

The ruling states that Abramowitz can only be removed from his position as director by a majority vote of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board.

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The applicable statutory requirements could not be clearer: the director of Voice of America may only be removed if such action has been approved by a majority vote Lamberth wrote.

The merits are decided, and there is no longer a question of whether the termination was unlawful, Lamberth added.

Abramowitz, who was appointed director of VOA in 2019, was previously placed on administrative leave as Lake slashed the number of employees at the government-funded global news agency.

This dispute arises from yet another twist in the saga of the U.S. Agency for Global Medias efforts to dial back the operations of Voice of America contrary to statutory requirements, Lamberth wrote in the ruling.

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VOA has been a target of the Trump administration, which seeks to transform it into an America First outlet  an effort that Republicans have largely applauded.

Updated on Aug. 29 at 6:12 a.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
PLAQUEMINES PARISH, Louisiana  Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, the cancellation of a $3 billion wetland restoration project has upended a hard-won consensus about how to rebuild this states rapidly eroding coast and shield the New Orleans area from future storms.

Engineers and scientists for decades have studied the erosion of Louisianas coastal wetlands, which are disappearing into open water at a faster pace than anywhere else in the nation. The devastation wrought by Katrina forced state leaders to get serious about the problem and craft a 50-year strategy featuring an ambitious plan to harness mud and sand carried by the Mississippi River to build new land.

The idea was simple: To help protect New Orleans and other Gulf Coast communities, Louisiana must restore the natural protection offered by wetlands that slow down hurricanes and absorb storm surge.

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But in July, almost two years after construction broke ground on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, Republican Gov. Jeff Landry canceled the project. He said it had gotten too expensive and threatened the seafood industry vital to south Louisianas culture.



Coastal scientists and conservationists are now unsure what comes next as land losses continue, climate change accelerates and questions remain about the $618 million already spent on the project. Critics of the move see this moment as a return to a pre-Katrina tradition of politics determining how the state spends coastal restoration money instead of being guided by scientific evidence.

We worked very, very hard to get the politics out of coastal policy, said Sidney Coffee, who chaired the states Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) after Katrina under former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, a Democrat. I think were back to square one. The politics are absolutely back.

Suggested by state officials during the Blanco administration, the Mid-Barataria project emerged as a key component of Louisianas coastal plan under Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal and remained so when Democrat John Bel Edwards took office in 2016.

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That record of support ended with Landry, a close ally of President Donald Trump who became governor in 2024.



Author John Barry, a Tulane University professor who wrote Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America, said he saw the scrapping of the project as an existential decision.

I think its a disaster for the future of Louisiana, said Barry, who got involved in hurricane protection after Katrina as a member of both the state coastal authority and a levee board in the New Orleans area. The length of time that went into that, getting the approval, starting the work, the number of governors who supported it of both parties, the virtual unanimity of the scientific and environmental community in support, and the fabricated reasons for canceling it, it all adds up to a serious blow to the future of the state.

But Landrys decision was celebrated by some in Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans, particularly commercial oyster farmers. The project would have destroyed prime oyster harvesting spots and crushed the parishs seafood-dependent economy, according to opponents like former parish President Billy Nungesser.

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Now the states Republican lieutenant governor, Nungesser has questioned whether Mid-Barataria would have actually built new land.

When you talk to all these organizations, they say its the best thing since sliced bread, Nungesser said. All these coastal projects weve built over the last 20 years, most of them have washed away.



Landrys office declined requests for an interview and did not respond to written questions. The governor has echoed some of Nungessers criticisms, saying that axing the project protects Louisiana fisheries and that long-term costs had escalated because of litigation.

While the state was using money from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement to pay for the diversion, any costs above $2.9 billion would not have been covered, Landry said last fall at a legislative hearing.

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CPRA is now moving forward with another coastal restoration plan  one that balances our environmental goals with the needs of all citizens, businesses and industries, Landrys office said in a statement.

Nothing experimental about this

Louisianas wetlands began fading into the Gulf of Mexico nearly a century ago, a phenomenon driven by human activities like oil and gas drilling and infrastructure like levees built to control the Mississippi River. In recent years, sea-level rise and powerful storms have exacerbated the trend.

The sediment diversion project was projected to build up to 20 square miles of new land over 50 years to help slow down storms, absorb floodwaters and save some of Louisianas iconic swamps. It wouldve done so by diverting sediment-laden river water into the Barataria Basin, a wetland-rich area south and west of New Orleans that has seen severe land losses.

The project was designed to mimic the very processes that formed the river delta centuries ago, long before wetlands were cut off from the river by levees and canals.

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The CPRA said it could not answer questions on the projects cancellation. But Greg Grandy, the coastal resources administrator at the agency, said the state is moving forward with other wetlands restoration initiatives and has restored all 11 barrier islands in the Barataria Basin.



"When youre looking at projects being done right now that provide protection for the hurricane, storm damage and risk reduction system in New Orleans, well be completing in October of this year the largest marsh creation project that weve ever built, in St. Bernard Parish," Grandy said.

The authority also plans to direct money approved for the diversion to new projects. Those include a plan to introduce a smaller amount of Mississippi River water into the Barataria Basin wetlands and to use dredged sediment to build marshland.

Mitch Jurisich, a Plaquemines Parish resident and third-generation oyster farmer, described the cancellation of the sediment diversion as vital for his industry. He and other commercial oystermen had sued to stop the project, along with the Earth Island Institute, a California-based nonprofit concerned about projected harms to bottlenose dolphins and oyster reefs.



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After years of fighting with the state, Jurisich said he finally feels like someone is listening to him. Since Landry came into office and appointed Gordon Dove as the new chair of the coastal authority, they have been in conversation almost on a daily basis, Jurisich said.

Were finally at the table, said Jurisich, who also sits on the Plaquemines Parish Council.

Mid-Barataria was projected to harm privately leased oyster harvesting grounds, and the state had committed $54 million to help affected fisheries. Overall, communities expected to see adverse effects would have gotten $378 million in mitigation benefits, an amount the state bumped up in 2022 in response to feedback.

Some scientists, environmental advocates and residents have questioned whether the potential alternatives would make the most of the state's limited funding.

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Mid-Barataria was critical for addressing the root causes of land loss, said Austin Feldbaum, the hazard mitigation administrator for the city of New Orleans.

Its really only these big projects, which attempt to harness natural forces and nature-based solutions, that have a potential impact at a scale proportional to the problem we have, said Feldbaum, who previously worked as a scientist at the CPRA.

The chief concern is time  and land  that will be lost as the state determines a path forward.

One alternate project described by the Landry administration, the Myrtle Grove Medium Diversion, was authorized by Congress in 2007. But its been on the shelf for years and would need to undergo a full study by the Army Corps of Engineers before it could be approved. That process typically takes three years and costs $3 million, said Ricky Boyett, a spokesperson for the agency.



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Meanwhile, the CPRA has said that $618 million of the states oil spill settlement money had already been spent on Mid-Barataria. It remains unclear whether the state will need to pay that back, said Jerome Zeringue, a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives who previously served as the state authoritys executive director.

Zeringue said he does not want to spend time lamenting Mid-Baratarias demise but acknowledged its importance to the states coastal restoration strategy.

The key feature is that to sustain and preserve the coast, were going to have to connect the river, he said. In the future, we have to look for similar projects.

The bitter debate about the project is front and center as state leaders reflect on the 20th anniversary of Katrina.

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At a recent public forum, former Republican Rep. Garret Graves, who also served as Jindals coastal adviser, lambasted those who've claimed the project wasn't backed by science.



"Theres nothing experimental about this. Youre a complete, uninformed, third-time idiot if you think thats the case," Graves said during the forum, in an apparent jab at Dove, also in attendance.

Dove shot back, according to a video of the exchange posted by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. "For Garret to use the word idiot ... Garret, I raised money for you. I supported you in the election," said Dove. "Garret, I want to know one question: Can you come sit down with me and look at all the facts and figures?"

"Id love to, anytime," Graves replied.

A changing landscape

On a recent August morning, the stretch of river levee slated for Mid-Barataria remained stripped of trees and flanked by a construction truck.

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The diversion would have been built on the west bank of the Mississippi, about 25 miles south of New Orleans near the Plaquemines Parish town of Ironton. With fewer than 200 residents, the historically Black community was expected to see increased storm surge due to the project, as would several other similarly sized communities nearby.

Still, by 2070, the predominant driver of storm surge increases would have been sea-level rise, not the diversion, according to an environmental impact statement. In 2017, the state estimated that Plaquemines Parish could lose 55 percent of its land area over 50 years without any action to restore the coast.

That long-term trend is part of why project supporters saw the cancellation as shortsighted.

Foster Creppel, who runs an inn at a former plantation in West Pointe a la Hache south of Ironton, said coastal management should be about balancing different economic interests. In addition to oyster farming and other kinds of seafood, the area benefits from tourism and is full of people who love exploring the bayous and wetlands  himself included.



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The oyster industry is not doing great down here, Creppel said. But our coast is not just an oyster reef. Its not just a ridge of trees, and its not just fresh water. Its the balance of all those things.

The diversion location was chosen after extensive studies on the rivers configuration and sediment levels, said Denise Reed, an independent consultant and research scientist who has worked on coastal issues in Louisiana since the late 1980s.

It would build land, she said. Not only is this something that scientists understand, through geological studies and field studies, but its something we have many, many analogues for across the Louisiana coast.

The wetlands in the Barataria Basin, west of the Mississippi River, declined by an average of 5,700 acres per year between 1974 and 1990, according to state estimates. Signs of the die-off are visible while driving through parts of the basin, where the trees appeared charred, likely due to subsidence and the creep of salt water, according to coastal scientists.

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Getting fresh water into the basin is critical not just for land-building but saving land that has not yet washed away, Reed said. Thats because saltier wetlands are more vulnerable to subsidence, or land sinking, she said. Although the rate of subsidence in southeastern Louisiana has generally slowed since the 1980s and 1990s, it remains among the highest in the world.



If we dont get fresh water in there, then basically, the Gulf of Mexico is coming, Reed said.

That risk is a top concern for Albertine Kimble, whose home in the tiny community of Carlisle is elevated on stilts 23 feet in the air to fend off floods.

Were not going to be able to live here eventually. Thats the bottom line, said Kimble, who once worked as the coastal manager for the Plaquemines Parish government.

Semi-retired, she spends her time duck hunting, planting cypress trees, driving airboats for companies like Entergy, and watching ships go up and down the Mississippi from the levee near her home.

Friendly with many diversion opponents in the area  including Nungesser, her former boss  Kimble said the cancellation of the project will eventually cause everyone to lose out. Southern Plaquemines Parish never really recovered from Katrina, and insurance costs have skyrocketed, she said.

Everybody wants dredging, and I agree with them, Kimble said. But whats causing [the land] to sink is cutting off the main artery of the river here: You gotta sustain what you build.



Nungesser said he spoke to Landry about his concerns about the diversion in early 2023, around the time he decided not to get into the open governors race that Landry eventually won. In Louisiana, the lieutenant governor mostly oversees culture and tourism initiatives and is elected separately from the governor.

He did not ask him to cancel the project, Nungesser said, but implored Landry to look at the facts of this diversion and not the people that make political donations.

He told me he would look at it and judge it based on the facts of whether it was the best thing to spend dollars on coastal restoration for, Nungesser said. I applaud him for standing up and doing the right thing.

River passes and dirty politics

Farther south than the proposed diversion site, near the fishing town of Empire, the muddy Mississippi is working its magic through a process similar to the one envisioned for Mid-Barataria.

Since 2019, the river has been spilling into an old offshore oil well field called Quarantine Bay, east of the river. It began by accident, when the river burst through the levee at a spot known as Neptune Pass, said Alex Kolker, an associate professor at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium.

At first glance, the bay itself is an unremarkable stretch of water, dotted with a few docks used by the oil and gas industry. But since the pass expanded into a new distributary, mud flats, marshes and land have burst above the surface, Kolker said.



This was everything I dreamed about right here, Ryan Lambert, a fishing guide and longtime Plaquemines Parish resident, said on a recent visit by boat.

Lambert admired the willows and grasses, some of which had been planted by researchers and volunteers. He and Richie Blink, who runs a local ecotourism company, named the range of birds spotted nearby: laughing gulls, black terns, black-necked stilts, great egrets and plovers.

Cruising into the bay until the water became too shallow to pass through, Kolker stepped out of the boat and onto a mudflat. He then started walking on what he described as some of the youngest land in North America.

This wouldve been four or five feet of water five years ago, he said.

Here on the lower, eastern reaches of the Mississippi, the Army Corps of Engineers no longer regularly maintains the levee, Kolker said, which allows river passes to form.



Supporters of the diversion, like Lambert, see the passes as a real-life example of the rivers power to build land. He grew up catching redfish and speckled trout, as well as hunting ducks in wetlands and bayous that he said no longer exist.

These days, he only comes to the east side of the river, because wetlands on the west side  in the Barataria Basin  have been dying out since he was a teenager, he said.

Yet while the passes have nourished and built new wetlands, they also pose problems for navigation. The Army Corps is now working to prevent Neptune Pass from becoming the main distributary of the Mississippi River.

Sean Duffy, who runs a trade group focused on protecting river commerce, said he feared Mid-Barataria would have caused similar navigation problems farther up the Mississippi River.

Theres just no way to divert that much water and not have a negative impact on the ship channel, Duffy said.



And for commercial oystermen like Bernie Picone, who has been in the business for 25 years, the river passes represent the death of oyster harvesting grounds that once sustained families.

Until the mid-2000s, Picone would harvest oysters on the east side. Now, he only goes to the west side, where the river remains behind the levee.

Theres just nothing left over there, said Picone, who currently works for Jurisich.

The diversion project, he said, would have caused a die-off in the oyster bottoms that remain. Oysters have the best chance of survival in brackish water, with a salinity range of 5 to 15 parts per thousand, so too much river water could kill them.



Diversion supporters stressed that they understand the concerns of people in the oyster industry. But not everyone agrees that the diversion would have been its demise.

Robert Twilley, the vice president of research and economic development at Louisiana State University, said oyster beds have moved inland in the Barataria Basin over the years, as land losses accelerated and salinity increased.

The estuary today is highly engineered, due to the Army Corps of Engineers extensive system of flood control and navigation infrastructure, he said. If the Mid-Barataria diversion had been built, oyster harvest reefs could have been planted farther out as wetlands were rebuilt, said Twilley, who is also a coastal sciences professor.

With the project now dead, scientists and advocates hope the state settles on another way to quickly protect remaining wetlands.



One Tulane University river-coastal science and engineering professor, Ehab Meselhe, said he is researching a potential alternative project that could introduce sediment into the Barataria Basin, while causing a smaller change in salinity. The research is still in an early stage, Meselhe said.

Lambert, the fishing guide, said it will be critical to continue monitoring the few areas in the river delta where wetlands are forming, such as Quarantine Bay. He wasnt hesitant, however, to express his displeasure with the states current direction on coastal restoration and spiking of Mid-Barataria.

"Ive been a champion for this project for 20 years, Lambert said. "All the science in the world dont beat dirty politics."
Years before the storm, Tonie Waltman had been told a premonition of its disastrous aftermath. Around 1997, her dad, a Black man named Hardy Jackson, was hit by an oncoming train. Hed ultimately survive, but not before being induced into a coma, from which doctors predicted hed never recover. In 98, my dad sat me down on the front porch and said, Prepare yourself, recalls Waltman, 35, Hardys youngest daughter. He said, When I was in that coma, the Lord showed me theres going to be a really bad storm and Im going to lose your momma.

Living in the Gulf town of Biloxi, Mississippi, as storms came and went, Hardy became more protective over his wife, Tonette, a white Creole woman. The day before Katrina, Tonette instructed Waltman and her siblings to leave for higher ground. Waltman, then 14, and her sister tried convincing their parents to leave, but they decided to stick it out. Tonette was stubborn and Hardy was loyal, useful characteristics that kept them together for decades, especially during the years their love was illegal in Mississippi. She was like, Were going to be okay, you know how these storms do. But before dawn on Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina split Waltmans childhood home in half, separating her parents forever. Tonette, a strong swimmer, had fallen into the water, while Hardy grabbed the branch of an oak tree. Hardy tried his best to pull her up, but the flood waters were too strong. My mom looked up at him and said, You cant hold me. Just let me go and make sure you take care of the kids and grandkids, Waltman tells Rolling Stone.

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Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina ripped through New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, devastating millions. More than 1,500 people were killed in the Louisiana city, while coastal Mississippi towns like Biloxi took in up to 30 feet of water, drowning another 300-plus people. Hundreds of thousands of others were displaced from their homes. While the coast of Mississippi rebuilt, investing in tourist attractions like casinos, progress in New Orleans  particularly its impoverished Ninth Ward, where the levees broke  stagnated. That resulted in endless coverage of the citys struggles, and left some survivors feeling overlooked. Now, as the anniversary approaches, people who lived through the storm are going on TikTok to tell their stories  proving that the narrative around Katrina, and the systemic racism it exposed, is still as complicated as ever.

The discourse took off on Aug. 10, 2025, when Kam Tarvin posted a TikTok about how she and her fellow Mississippians felt ignored in the discussion surrounding the storm. Why every time yall mention Hurricane Katrina its always about New Orleans, like it didnt hit us too? she said, standing in her backyard. Whole neighborhoods gone entire cities. Somehow, Mississippi still aint make the highlight reel?

In an email to Rolling Stone, Tarvin, who is from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 90 miles from the Gulf Coast, explained her intentions. What led me to make the video was seeing everyone talking about it on the internet. A lot of people never knew that the hurricane hit Mississippi until I made the video, so I was putting it out there that we were hit too, not just New Orleans. Katrina had left Tarvin, then nine years old, and her grandmother without power and water for weeks, forcing them to evacuate to a shelter. She didnt lose anyone to the storm and only a few family members houses were damaged. I dont think people from Mississippi are trying to compare, were simply sharing our story as well. Were just letting others in the world know that we were hit by the hurricane. I just simply want us to not be left out.

But many residents from New Orleans feel the conversation about Mississippis lack of coverage is incomparable to the reality of how the storm affected New Orleans. Its weird, says Timphany Jean, a TikToker who was in New Orleans for the storm. When the levees broke, Jean was 15 years old and stuck with her family in her grandmothers attic in New Orleans Gentilly district. The house was the first property that someone in her family had owned, but the flooding damage  and little help from FEMA  resulted in them losing it. Natural disasters are to be expected. The damage from the disaster wasnt what made it such a big deal for New Orleans, it was the after affects and how we were helped. There was no urgency.

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Hurricane Katrina exposed systemic oppression. News outlets reported stories of crime, labeling white residents foragers, and reducing Black residents  who were being shot by law enforcement and other white citizens  to looters. The police pointed a gun at my momma with a newborn in her arms, says Christopher Stewart, who also posted about his experience to TikTok. To share his story, he used images from Google Maps, showing his old building, before the storm, in New Orleans Chalmette neighborhood. He was 12 when Katrina hit. They were trying to protect a store that wasnt going to be there. We were trying to survive and get what we needed.

In New Orleans, race and class dictated whether or not you lived east  below sea level and prone to storms  or west, near the French Quarter, on higher ground. Stewarts family always lived down river, on the east side of the city. Being a child in New Orleans was amazing although we were poor, Stewart says. After the storm, I remember going months without electricity and just going to our neighbors, hooking up extension cords, or asking for ice and sugar. Stewarts family lived 10 minutes from the Industrial Canal, which flooded his neighborhood. In a viral TikTok, Stewart talked about his stay in the New Orleans Convention Center after it had been converted into a shelter. When we went to the convention center, people that were close to the levees said they heard the levees explode, like they heard a loud bang.

According to Jennifer Trivedi, a disaster researcher at the University of Delaware, the sheer scale of what was happening in New Orleans made it a national news story, rather than the more rote damage that struck the smaller cities along the Mississippi coast. Outside of New Orleans, the storm itself caused damage; within the city, the disaster felt more man-made. A lot of people attributed the damage that happened elsewhere to sort of a natural hazard, she says. In New Orleans, a lot of people associated [the disaster] with human failure and human error, and that captured peoples attention in a very different way. There were the images coming out of New Orleans of so many people trapped in such a condensed space  spaces like the Superdome were just so striking. I remember reading through the news coverage, people making comments like, This doesnt happen in America.

Thats not to say the storm didnt have profound effects on the less publicized areas. Biloxis diverse demographic of Black, white, and Vietnamese migrants is the reason why Hardy and Tonette moved there in 1977. Tonette was pregnant with her first child in Vancleave, Mississippi by a man who had run off. Despite that, Hardy assumed paternal responsibility much to the disapproval of Tonettes family, who burned a cross on his familys lawn. Growing up there, it seemed that there was no type of racism at all. Everybody knew everybody and got along. It was a breeze type of city, says Waltman.

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In the aftermath of Katrina, though, the citys priorities seemed to change. When Waltman was growing up, it was common to see people strolling the streets of Biloxi. But when she returned this past March, she saw her old stopping grounds had become more targeted towards driving tourists inside the casinos and restaurants that sprung up. Even though Black, brown, and poor folks didnt get the same resources, George Bush went to Biloxi when he was flying over New Orleans and met with the governor, says Alisa Payne, showrunner of Netflixs new docuseries Katrina: Come Hell and High Water. The series touches on Biloxi, but focuses mostly on the devastation in New Orleans. We talk about Mississippi, but at the time, Mississippi was getting more resources from the government.

That doesnt mean everyone in Mississippi ended up back on their feet  when FEMA payments came through for Hardy, he only got around $5,000 for the house he and Tonette owned. According to Dr. Robert Bullard, a researcher and professor of climate justice at Texas Southern University, most of the money went to the booming new industry on the coast. In the lower part, development was moving fast with resorts and gambling, he says. After the storm, youre talking about money, power, and politics. A lot of the recovery dollars was diverted from housing to building casinos.

In 2013, Hardy died from lung cancer, still not knowing where Tonettes remains were. He was depressed, says Waltman. He blamed himself for not being able to hold on to her. Eleven years after his death, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation called Waltman. They had found Tonettes body, buried in a grave near the town where she was raised. Leading up to the anniversary, Waltman is more at peace than in previous years. It doesnt really bother me like it used to, she says. Before it was more like, My mom is just out there and we dont know. Now, I got her remains, its like the missing piece to the puzzle is put together.

The one thing that Waltman, Tarvin, Jean, and Stewart have in common is that they were all kids when tragedy struck. Many of them werent asked if they were OK and others were flat out ignored, expected to move on. Everybodys Hurricane Katrina story is different, says Stewart, who tears up during our conversation. Even me and my little brother, we were literally together but what he noticed and went through is different from what I noticed and went through. Everybody experienced a different Katrina. And this is why, 20 years later, they are telling their stories.

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Gov. Andy Beshear helped celebrate AmeriCorps Week in 2024. (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Democratic state officials who sued the Trump administration to block the cancellation of AmeriCorps funding have secured the money, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday.

The state officials filed a lawsuit earlier this year, saying the abrupt cancellation of funds to the community service and volunteerism program was illegal. AmeriCorps works in close partnership with states.

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An injunction issued in June stopped the federal government from terminating nearly $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs, says a news release from Beshears office. On Thursday, the Trump administration agreed to release all remaining AmeriCorps money to states rather than fight the multistate teams lawsuit, the release says.

More than $9 million previously appropriated by Congress will be restored to Kentuckys AmeriCorps service commission, Serve Kentucky, the governor said. The commission works on issues like housing development, fighting hunger, disaster relief and more.

AmeriCorps and Serve Kentucky make our people, communities and country stronger by providing food, housing support, education, mental health services and more, and it was illegal and short-sighted for the Presidents administration to try and dismantle this independent federal agency, Beshear said in a statement. Today is a good day for our commonwealth and country, as we once again see that the law  and whats right for the American people  can rise above any challenge.

AmeriCorps supported 5,289 members and volunteers in Kentucky in 783 service locations representing an investment of $33.7 million in 2024, according to the federal agency. Since 1994, more than 17,000 Kentucky residents have served approximately 26 million hours and earned education awards totaling more than $66 million through the program.

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Beshear has joined other multi-state lawsuits challenging the Trump administration with Democratic attorneys general and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro throughout the year. Kentuckys attorney general is Russell Coleman, a Republican.

Earlier in August, Beshear joined Democratic state officials in an ongoing lawsuit seeking to unfreeze billions in federal funds allocated to building a nationwide network of chargers for electric vehicles.
Metro Nashville Courthouse. (Photo: John Partipilo)

A close aide to and key official in Nashville Mayor Freddie OConnells administration has resigned effective Thursday.

Marjorie Pomeroy-Wallace, chief strategy officer and senior advisor to OConnell, announced her decision in a statement.

After several years of invigorating but grueling work on behalf of candidates at both the state and local level, the time has come for me to take a break, the statement said.

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Pomeroy-Wallace called her tenure with OConnell an incredible honor and said she has achieved all I set out to do.

The resignation comes during a period of scrutiny for OConnells administration. OConnells response to May raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Nashville drew the ire of federal and state Republican officials.

Marjorie Pomeroy Wallace (Photo: Nashville.gov)

Nashville voters overwhelmingly voted in November for a dedicated tax for transit improvements, but Gov. Bill Lee did not seek input from the city when he recently announced a plan with Elon Musks Boring Company to develop tunnels for electric vehicles between Nashville International Airport and downtown.

Pomeroy-Wallace served as OConnells campaign manager for both the 2023 general election and the runoff between OConnell and Alice Rolli, before becoming his chief of staff. In July, she transitioned from that role into a position focused on project-based strategy. OConnells administration hired Masami Tyson, formerly of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, as its new chief of staff.

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The role with OConnell capped nearly a decade of political work. Pomeroy-Wallace was Vice-Chair of Women for Tennessees Future, former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, managed the election of Davidson County General Sessions Court Judge Jim Todd, and served as political director for the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus.

A Nashville native, Pomeroy-Wallace previously worked in the nonprofit sector with the American Cancer Society and Alignment Nashville, an organization that connects businesses and nonprofit groups with Metro Nashville Public Schools in collaborations.

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WASHINGTON  A key Republican senator on Thursday called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to postpone an upcoming meeting of its federal vaccine advisory panel, saying the agencys leadership is in disarray and any recommendations by this panel wont have credibility.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, says the CDC should indefinitely delay a Sept. 18 meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of experts that composes the national recommendations for vaccine uptake.

If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership, Cassidy, who is also a physician, said in a statement.

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In his message, he referenced the sudden firing of CDC director Dr. Susan Monarez, apparently over disagreement about vaccines with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Her pushout was followed by the resignation of other top public health experts at the CDC, raising the alarm about the credibility of remaining leadership on public health.

Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process being followed for the now announced September ACIP meeting, Cassidy said in his statement. These decisions directly impact childrens health and the meeting should not occur until significant oversight has been conducted.

Historically, the ACIP panel has been composed of nonpartisan public health experts. However, in June, Kennedy, a notorious peddlerof conspiracy theories and disinformation about vaccines, removed all 17 experts from the committee and replaced them with his own picks, several of whom have records of being hostile to vaccines or have little to no experience in vaccine policy.

Related: Ex-Federal Prosecutor Torches Trump With Brutal Prediction: Not A Snowballs Chance In Hell

Cassidy previously called for delaying the panels meeting after Kennedy purged all of its members, saying his pickslack experience.Now the senator is calling for the postponement of the committees meeting in response to Kennedy blowing up CDC leadership.

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On Wednesday, Kennedyannounced that he is stripping millions of peoples access to COVID vaccines: the FDA approved new COVID shots for 2025-2026, but fewer people, particularly adults aged 18 to 64, will be able to get them without some proof of an underlying condition tied to severe risk of COVID. Children, particularly those under the age of 2, will also be disproportionately affected.

Monarez pushed back on Kennedys policy change. In a statement Wednesday evening, her lawyers said she had refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts, to protect the public. For that, she has been targeted. Three other top CDC experts also swiftly resigned in protest of what one called policies that were designed to hurt rather than to improve the publics health. Monarez is now suing for being fired.

Republicans have mostly gone silent as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sows chaos at the CDC with his anti-science views on vaccines. AP/Getty Images

Issuing this statement is the least Cassidy could do to push back on Kennedys attacks on science and medicine. Back in February, he voted in favor of confirming Kennedy to his current post, despite knowing of his long history of spreading dangerous misinformation about vaccine safety and medicine. In the end, every Republican senator but one, Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.), a polio survivor, voted to confirm Kennedy anyway.

Most of those GOP senators arent saying anything now about the HHS secretarys actions. Besides Cassidy, the only other Republicans who have addressed Kennedys clash with medical experts at the CDC are Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.) and Susan Collins (Maine).

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Paul celebrated the shake-up in CDC leadership because, he claimed, there is no evidence that healthy children are better off getting the COVID vaccine, both in terms of their health outcomes or their role in transmitting it.

Good riddance to these extremists at CDC, Paul said Thursday on social media. There is NO medical evidence that the COVID vaccine changes transmission or health outcome for healthy children.

In fact, all children aged 6 months to 23 months are at high risk for severe COVID and hospitalization, and are recommended to get vaccinated. Children and teens, aged 2 through 18, are also recommended to get the vaccine for a variety of reasons, including having household contacts at risk for severe COVID.

Related: White House Touts DC Crime Numbers It Previously Said Were False

Collins, meanwhile, responded to the situation with a familiar refrain: She is extremely alarmed.

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Senators will have a chance to ask Kennedy about all of this next week: He is scheduled to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, Sept. 4, to testify on President Donald Trumps health care agenda.

Among those on this committee: Cassidy.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia is asking a federal judge to order Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to stop publicly attacking him as his criminal trial on immigrant smuggling charges approaches.

The request submitted Thursday to U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw in Nashville is the third time defense attorneys have complained that public statements from government officials are threatening Abregos right to a fair trial. It follows a torrent of invective in recent days from President Donald Trump, Noem, Bondi and other close Trump allies, who have leveled salacious allegations against Abrego that he fervently denies.

Further intervention from the Court is necessary to protect Mr. Abregos right to a fair trial and the integrity of these proceedings, Abregos attorneys said. The governments ongoing barrage of prejudicial statements severely threaten  and perhaps have already irrevocably impaired  the ability to try this case at all  in any venue.

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Abrego contends that the criminal case against him is a concoction aimed at punishing him for becoming a political headache for Trump and his advisers. Earlier this year, the administration illegally deported Abrego to El Salvador in defiance of a 2019 court order that found he could face violence from a local gang in his home country. Abregos legal challenge to the deportation led to a cascade of harsh court rulings against the administration, caused international furor and raised alarms about Trumps mass deportation policies.

But each ruling also provoked a defiant response from Trump and his White House aides who mounted increasingly strident attacks against Abrego in the months that followed. The administration brought Abrego back to the United States in June, two weeks after secretly obtaining a felony indictment against him for human smuggling in Tennessee.

The latest motion takes aim at recent statements and disclosures  some in the wake of Abregos release from criminal custody on Friday and others after he was re-arrested by immigration officials on Monday.

While the motion notes and objects to several public statements by Trump, it does not explicitly call on the judge to rein in Trumps public comments. Abregos lawyers also pointed to a DHS post on X Monday that showed video of Abrego shortly after his arrest.

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He doesnt belong here. He wont be staying here. America is a safer nation without this MS-13 Gangbanger in it. Good riddance, the DHS account said.

The defense motion also noted that DHS shared a White House social media post that evoked Obama campaign imagery while labeling Abrego as an MS-13 gang member. Abregos lawyers have denied that hes a member of any gang.

In response to the earlier defense motions, Crenshaw, an Obama appointee, reminded the attorneys and investigators of their obligations under local court rules that are aimed at preserving defendants right to a fair trial. The judge also said officials working with prosecutors needed to "ensure that any proper public communications include that the indictment only contains allegations.

The new motion asks the judge to go further and demand that prosecutors explain what steps theyve taken to limit public comments by the agencies involved in the case.

Spokespeople for DHS and DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia  the man wrongfully deported to El Salvador earlier this year  are seeking a gag order against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

In a motion filed Thursday, Abrego Garcias lawyers argued that officials in President Donald Trumps administration have leveled baseless public attacks targeting their client since his release from prison.

Related: Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement For Every Vote

This past Friday, Mr. Abregos release from pretrial detention reignited the efforts of officials across the Executive Branch  and particularly at DHS  to besmirch both Mr. Abrego and the courts in a campaign to try this case in the court of public opinion, Abrego Garcias lawyers wrote in a 15-page filing to the federal judge overseeing his case.

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Abrego Garcia, 30, was wrongfully deported in March to an El Salvador prison with a reputation for human rights abuses. He was returned to the U.S. in June and now faces charges of human smuggling, which his lawyers have argued is an absurd and vindictive prosecution.

Abrego Garcia turned himself in to immigration authorities in Baltimore on Monday and faces renewed threats of being deported, this time to Uganda.

Trump officials, and the president himself, have attempted to paint Abrego Garcia as a violent criminal with connections to the notorious gang MS-13. Abrego Garcia has denied the allegation, and the evidence of his supposed involvement is flimsy at best: Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said his Chicago Bulls hat and hoodie link him to the gang. And Trump shared a digitally edited photo of Abrego Garcias knuckle tattoos in an attempt to draw a connection to MS-13.

Related: Trump Admin Now Says It Wants To Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia Before His Criminal Trial

During a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office earlier this week, Bondi said Abrego Garcia needs to be in prison.

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We have got him under control, Bondi said. He will no longer terrorize our country. Hes currently charged with human smuggling, and including children. The guy needs to be in prison. He doesnt need to be on the streets, like all these liberals want him to be.

And on Monday, the Department of Homeland Security  headed by Noem  posted a video on X of Abrego Garcia in handcuffs being escorted by ICE officials.

He doesnt belong here, the post said. He wont be staying here. America is a safer nation without this MS-13 Gangbanger in it. Good riddance.

Related: Trump's Envoys Are Ticking Off Other Countries. The White House Isn't Doing Much About It.

In the filing, Abrego Garcias lawyers asked a federal judge to put an end to Bondi and Noems extrajudicial comments.

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To safeguard his right to a fair trial, Mr. Abrego respectfully renews his earlier requests that the Court order that all DOJ and DHS officials involved in this case, and all officials in their supervisory chain, including [Bondi and Noem], refrain from making extrajudicial comments that pose a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing this proceeding, the attorneys said.

In a statement to The Hill on Friday, a DHS official responded to the gag order request by calling Abrego Garcia a child predator.

Once again, the media is falling all over themselves to defend this criminal illegal MS-13 gang member who is an alleged human trafficker, domestic abuser, and child predator, the DHS official said. The medias sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal alien has completely fallen apart, yet they continue to peddle his sob story.

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Read the original on HuffPost
Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia requested a gag order on government officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, as he awaits his criminal trial.

Abrego Garcia's attorneys issued the request to U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw of Tennessee, marking their third complaint that public statements made by Bondi, Noem, the DHS X account and others threaten their client's ability to receive a fair trial.

"Further intervention from the court is necessary to protect Mr. Abrego's right to a fair trial and the integrity of these proceedings," they wrote. "The government's ongoing barrage of prejudicial statements severely threaten -- and perhaps have already irrevocably impaired -- the ability to try this case at all -- in any venue."

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The suit requests that Bondi, Noem and others at their respective agencies "refrain from making extrajudicial comments that pose a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing" the upcoming trial.

"President Trump is not going to allow Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal alien who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator to terrorize American citizens," Noem said Monday on social media.

"I'm going to call him a terrorist, because he has been designated as a member of a terrorist organization," Bondi said in an interview with Fox News in April.

The DHS X account called Abrego Garcia "a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador and public safety threat," and separately posted a video showing Abrego Garcia being led in handcuffs captioned "America is a safer nation without this MS-13 Gangbanger in it."

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The latest statements came after Abrego Garcia was released from custody and returned to Maryland before ultimately being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

"This past Friday, Mr. Abrego's release from pretrial detention reignited the efforts of officials across the Executive Branch -- and particularly at DHS -- to besmirch both Mr. Abrego and the courts in a campaign to try this case in the court of public opinion," his lawyers said.
Kim Harvey is a veteran broadcast and cable news journalist and the executive producer of the "CBS Evening News." She has 25 years of experience producing at CBS News, MSNBC, Fox News and CNN. She has produced breaking and live news coverage ranging from the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, presidential elections, and numerous natural disasters. Most recently, she covered the funeral of Pope Francis from Rome. She joined CBS News in 2017.

Harvey has spent her entire CBS News career at "CBS Evening News," rising through the ranks from producer, senior producer to senior broadcast producer before taking on the top role. In her near-decade career at the evening newscast, Harvey has produced for anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, Norah O'Donnell and Jeff Glor. She has also produced for virtually every CBS News national correspondent.

As a longtime senior producer for the "CBS Evening News," Harvey led coverage of the catastrophic flooding in Texas and tragedy at Camp Mystic, and attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. She has field-produced hurricane coverage of category five storms Irma, Michael and Dorian. Harvey also covered mass shootings at the El Paso Walmart, Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. She has spent significant time on the campaign trail and produced stories for O'Donnell around the CBS News South Carolina Democratic debate in 2020.

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In addition to her broadcast career, Harvey has an impressive cable news background, having spent 16 years in editorial and production at the three leading networks: MSNBC, Fox News and CNN. Harvey was part of the team that launched MSNBC's No. 1 program, "The Rachel Maddow Show" (2008) and its panel-driven news and opinion show, "All in With Chris Hayes" (2013). She was also a senior producer for the network's presidential town halls, "Decision 2016" which featured Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Gov. John Kasich.

Harvey began her television career at CNN as a video journalist at the network's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. She was soon promoted to associate producer, where she worked for "The Point with Greta Van Susteren" and "American Morning" with Paula Zahn. After several years at CNN, Harvey worked at Fox News where she produced for the No. 1 primetime program "The O'Reilly Factor," as well as "Fox News Live."

Throughout her career, Harvey has earned multiple awards and nominations. She was recognized with an Emmy for "All in With Chris Hayes" for a report on poverty in America and "The Rachel Maddow Show" for Maddow's reporting from Afghanistan. She was honored with an NABJ award for the "CBS Evening News" and its "Eye on America" segment about racial disparities in heart disease risk and care.

Harvey has a B.A. in Journalism from Ithaca College. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children.

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The European EV market has become much more crowded since Teslas heyday. Chinese brands, led by BYD, commanded over 5% of the European market share in the first hald of the year, according to JATO Dynamicsa record high. BYD alone represented 1.1% of the EU market in July, compared with Teslas 0.7%.

From an investor standpoint, reputational risks have tangible costs: brand equity is eroding, which makes Tesla more vulnerable to aggressive competition.

European consumers, who generally favor climate-focused and politically neutral brands, appear to be reacting negatively. For many buyers, Musks rhetoric has made Tesla less appealing, even as its cars remain technically competitive.

Teslas brand has been weighed down by CEO Elon Musks controversial political views. His proximity to Donald Trump during his second White House term, followed by a very public break-up, has created turbulence.

Tesla, once synonymous with electric cars in Europe, has now lost market share for seven consecutive months, despite overall EV sales climbing. Julys 40% year-on-year drop was even worse than the 33% decline recorded across January to July 2025. Lets cover some factors explaining this ongoing slump:

This divergence raises a question for investors and traders: why is Tesla struggling while BYD is gaining ground in Europes fast-growing EV market?

But beneath these strong sector-wide figures lies a striking divergence among car manufacturers. Tesla s European sales are falling sharply, while Chinese rival BYD is expanding at breakneck speed. In July alone, Tesla registered just 8,837 vehicles, down 40% year-on-year, while BYD sold 13,503 units, up 225%.

Hybrid-electric cars remain even more popular. They captured 34.7% of the EU market, driven by strong double-digit growth in France (+30.5%), Spain (+30.2%), Germany (+10.7%), and Italy (+9.4%). The July 2025 year-on-year data confirmed the momentum: BEV sales jumped 39.1%, while hybrid sales rose 14.3%.

Europe has been experiencing a decisive shift in its car market for a few years. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the first seven months of 2025 saw 1,011,903 new battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) registered, giving them a 15.6% share of the EU market. Three of the four largest EU marketsGermany (+38.4%), Belgium (+17.6%), and the Netherlands (+6.5%)led this growth, together accounting for more than 60% of total BEV registrations.

Story Continues

Meanwhile, European incumbents such as Volkswagen, Renault, and Stellantis have accelerated production of affordable, locally made EVs, leveraging subsidies and favorable EU policies. Tesla is increasingly caught in the middle: pricier than Chinese competitors but less homegrown than European rivals.

3. An Aging Product Lineup

Tesla has struggled to keep its lineup fresh. The recent revamp of its signature Model Y failed to boost sales meaningfully. The Cybertruck, while generating buzz in the U.S., has had little impact in Europe and has been met with skepticism.

Importantly, Tesla has not released a truly new mass-market vehicle since the Model 3 in 2017. This makes its portfolio relatively old compared with rivals who are rolling out new models almost every year. Consumers now see Tesla less as an innovator and more as a maturing brand.

Tesla has promised a new affordable EV codenamed Redwood for mass production in late 2025 at the earliest, which investors hope will reinvigorate sales. But until then, the company risks losing further market share in a price-sensitive Europe.

4. Strategic Distraction and Investor Doubts

Musks ventures beyond TeslaAI, robotics, and space explorationhave raised concerns among investors that his focus is divided. These worries were confirmed by Teslas second-quarter 2025 results. The companys auto sales revenue fell, and it continued to lose market share to competitors with more affordable EVs. Musk himself cautioned that a few rough quarters were ahead.

As the core car business struggles, Teslas leadership has increasingly highlighted the companys long-term ambitions in AI and robotics. This strategy, while exciting to some investors, does little to ease the concerns of those worried about the immediate decline in vehicle sales.

Why BYD Is Winning Over European Buyers

BYDs trajectory in Europe is almost the mirror opposite of Teslas. The Chinese automaker has expanded rapidly outside its home market, where it faces a fierce price war with domestic rivals. In Europe, BYD is gaining traction thanks to a mix of affordable pricing, local expansion, and a diversified lineup. Lets explore the factors driving this popularity:

1. Competitive Pricing as a Market Lever

Affordability remains BYDs strongest selling point. Its vehicles are priced below many European models and Teslas offerings, often by several thousand euros. The BYD Dolphin Surf, for instance, is listed at 19,990, making it directly comparable to conventional petrol carsa crucial psychological threshold for cost-conscious buyers.

Thanks to its scale and vertically integrated supply chainBYD produces its own batteriesthe company retains significant room to reduce prices further if needed. This cost advantage provides a formidable edge in Europes increasingly price-sensitive environment.

According to The Guardian, BYD has already become the worlds largest producer of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, a position that reinforces its ability to leverage economies of scale and maintain its aggressive pricing strategy.

2. Expanding Lineup Across Segments

Unlike Tesla, which relies heavily on the Model Y and Model 3, BYD offers a broad range of vehicles, from compact city cars to SUVs and luxury models. This wide choice appeals to European buyers, who value both affordability and variety.

3. Strategic Market Targeting

BYD has focused on countries with weaker domestic auto industries or a preference for cheaper models, such as the UK, Spain, and Italy. The UK, which has not imposed EU-style tariffs on Chinese EVs, has become BYDs biggest target market in Europe.

Even in the EU, where BYD faces a 17.4% tariff due to alleged Chinese state subsidies, demand has remained robust. This suggests that BYDs pricing strategy is strong enough to absorb tariffs while staying competitive.

4. Cost of Ownership Advantage

Electric cars are already cheaper to own than petrol vehicles for many drivers, thanks to lower running costs. BYDs ability to offer small EVs at prices close to fossil-fuel cars is crucial for winning over lower- and middle-income householdsthe largest segment of the European market.

5. Financial Momentum and Investor Appeal

BYD has overtaken Tesla as the worlds biggest EV manufacturer by sales volume, and its European growth is part of this story. For investors, BYD represents a growth stock (up more than 20% in 2025) in a market that still has enormous upside. Its ability to expand despite tariffs shows financial resilience, and its strategy of combining aggressive pricing with product diversity makes it a serious long-term challenger.

Bottom Line

For investors, the diverging fortunes of Tesla and BYD in Europe highlight broader themes in the EV sector, such as Margins vs. Market Share, Tariffs and Trade Risks, Innovation vs. Execution and Valuation Gap.

Teslas European decline and BYDs rapid rise illustrate a deeper realignment in the global EV industry. In a market where affordability, variety, and consumer trust are increasingly decisive, Teslas reliance on an aging lineup and the baggage of Musks persona are becoming liabilities. BYD, meanwhile, has found a winning formula: competitive prices, broad product offerings, and targeted market entry. Even with tariffs, it has managed to thrive.

For European consumers, this means more choice at lower prices. For investors, it signals a shift in the balance of power. Tesla may still dominate headlines, but on the ground in Europe, BYD is quietly reshaping the marketand in the process, challenging assumptions about who will lead the global EV transition.

Source: The Guardian, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

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Kim Kardashian is facing backlash after weighing in on the Trump administrations immigration and deportation policies, with the reality star suggesting that many people being deported across the U.S. have not actually committed crimes. The "Kardashians" star, who has been outspoken on criminal justice reform in the past, made the comments while attending an event in Venice, Italy, sparking sharp responses from top government officials. The controversy stems from Kim Kardashians comments before an event in Venice, Italy, where she was asked about the wave of deportations taking place across the U.S.

Homeland Security Slams Kim Kardashian As 'Misinformed' On Immigration

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin didnt hold back when speaking to TMZ, blasting the reality star as misinformed and detached from the very reality of the operations in Los Angeles she has decided to opine on.

These are the violent criminals who Homeland Security, under President Trump and Secretary Noems leadership, have removed from Los Angeless streets: murderers, rapists, gang members and child pedophiles, McLaughlin said. Why does Ms. Kardashian continue to do the bidding of criminals at the expense of innocent Americans and brave law enforcement?

Kardashian Suggests U.S. Deportations Target People Who 'Built Our Country'

Steven Bergman/AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

This follows her controversial remarks, where she suggested the U.S. is deporting people who have contributed to building the country.

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You want to believe that theres a powerful message in protection, but then you see that its not really happening like that, Kardashian explained. Its really tough, but I think that we have to do what we can to protect the people that have really supported and built our country.

Sources close to Kardashian insist she wasnt taking a political side but was simply responding to a question in the moment.

Immigration Comments Amid D.C. Crackdown

Since President Trump cracked down on violent crime in Washington, D.C., 439 illegal aliens have been arrested. Under the leadership of @Sec_Noem, DHS will support the re-establishment of law and order and public safety, so Americans can feel safe in our nations capital. pic.twitter.com/ALjbep4Sn7  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 25, 2025

Kardashians remarks land at a time when immigration policy is colliding with politics on the streets of Washington, D.C. The Trump administrations 30-day federalization of the capital, framed as a violent crime crackdown, has been widely criticized as both political theatre and a militarized occupation of an American city.

Beyond the optics, the D.C. takeover has become a tool for the federal government to roll back local laws protecting immigrants and force city police to cooperate with ICE. Advocates warn that lives and neighborhoods are being devastated in the process.

Immigrant Communities Feeling The Impact

ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents were out late into the night with our federal partners making D.C. SAFE again. Drugs off the streets. Firearms removed. Criminals held accountable. When a city fails, we will answer the call. pic.twitter.com/JaLBBejsMY  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) August 11, 2025

According to the White House, more than 40% of the 300 people arrested in the first week of the Districts federal takeover were alleged unauthorized immigrants, a statistic critics say underscores how the crackdown is disproportionately targeting vulnerable communities rather than addressing violent crime.

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The chilling effect has been immediate. Neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant, long known for their vibrant culture and immigrant-owned businesses, have become shells of their former selves. Residents report being too afraid to dine out, attend concerts, or even go to work, fearing that everyday activities could end in detention or deportation.

Literally after President Trump brought the national guard on DC, everything stopped, one man, who asked that his name be withheld out of fear of ICE retaliation, told The Guardian. Everything disappeared because the bike delivery guys, theyre scared. Theyre not on the streets right now. My people, most of my cooks are Spanish[-speaking] and they dont want to go to DC right now.

Immigration Controversy Collides With Kim Kardashians Legal Journey

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Kim Kardashians immigration controversy comes at a pivotal moment in her personal journey, as shes reportedly taken the final step toward becoming a lawyer. As The Blast previously reported, Kardashian sat for the California bar exam in late July, and shes now in the nail-biting waiting period before results are released.

The notoriously grueling two-day test includes five one-hour essays, a 90-minute performance exam, and 200 multiple-choice questions. While the bar is typically administered inside a massive convention center, sources believe Kardashian likely had a more private setup, given her celebrity status.

Getting here hasnt been easy. Kardashian, who famously never attended law school, passed the baby bar on her fourth attempt in December 2021 and then spent six years completing her apprenticeship, which wrapped on May 21, 2025.
KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT)  An arrest has been made after law enforcement officers with the Kinston Police Department discovered the suspect who has been accused of making threats on social media.

On a social media post that painted an officer with the Kinston Police Department in a positive light 33 year old Frank Taylor allegedly commented death threats, saying:

Someone should have put that pig 6 feet under.

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Cops should get bullets in their heads a good cop is a dead cop.

A good cop is a dead cop.

The department was alerted to these comments on July 3. They obtained warrants for Taylor, taking him into custody without incident. He is being held at the Lenoir County Jail with a secured bond. Chief Keith Goyette released a statement Friday, saying that threats will not be tolerated.

The Kinston Police Department respects and protects the First Amendment rights of every individual to freely express their opinions. However, when speech crosses the line into threats of violence, especially those directed at our officers or members of this community, we will act swiftly. Threats will not be tolerated. said Chief Goyette.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
The Kittitas County Sheriffs Office is warning Hispanic residents of a phone scam that misleads the call taker to believe that a loved one has been kidnapped, and the caller demands silence and payment.

If you receive a call that you think may be a scam, or if you think you or someone else is in danger, hang up and call 911 immediately, deputies said.

Deputies are warning that sending bank transfers or gift cards are irrecoverable.

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In a replied comment on Facebook, the Kittitas County Sheriffs Office said: we dont know what list the scammers are working from; only that Spanish-speaking residents are being called and scammed.

They said in that comment thread that the callers are speaking in Spanish.
A memorial to the victims of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Aug. 28, 2025. Credit - Scott OlsonGetty Images

Families and friends have publicly identified the two children killed and some of the 18 other people injured after the mass shooting on Wednesday at a Catholic school church in Minneapolis.

An investigation is underway for the motives of the suspected gunman Robin Westmanwho died from a self-inflicted gunshot woundafter firing dozens of rounds into a morning Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz earlier extended his condolences to the victims and said that he spoke with President Donald Trump, who offered his support to the community.

The schools affiliated parish called for prayer and support for the victims of the tragic shooting.

No words can capture what we have gone through, what we are going through, and what we will go through in the coming days and weeks, parish officials said in a statement. But we will navigate thistogether.

Heres what we know so far about the victims.

Fletcher Merkel, 8

Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel was attending Mass with two of his three siblingswho were not injured in the shooting, a spokesperson for the family told NBCwhen he was killed. His father, Jesse Merkel, told reporters outside the school on Thursday that because of the actions of a coward, Fletchers family will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.

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Fletcher loved fishing, cooking, and any sport that he was allowed to play, his father said.A handwritten sign with Fletchers name and a note from his mother sits atop a pile of stuffed animals, flowers, and childrens books that have formed outside the church as a memorial. I love you always and forever, the note, signed mom, reads.

Items are placed at the memorial after two schoolchildren died and others were injured. Abbie ParrAP

Ive heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church, Jesse Merkel said. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I am thankful.

Harper Moyski, 10

Ten-year-old Harper Moyski was the only other fatal victim of Wednesdays shooting. Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement to the media that their daughter was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain, the statement said.

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Moyskis family called on leaders and communities to take action towards addressing gun violence and the countrys mental health crisis.

No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain, the statement said. Change is possible, and it is necessaryso that Harpers story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.

A GoFundMe page organized by Cody Griggs, a family friend and neighbor, has raised more than $39,000 of a $60,000 goal as of the end of Thursday. Contributions made to this fund will be utilized by the family in honor of Harpers memory with a portion donated in Harpers honor to a non-profit to be identified at a later date, Griggs wrote in a message on the fundraiser page.

Endre Gunter, 13

A GoFundMe page for 13-year-old Endre Gunter, an eighth grader, said he was tragically shot twice in the Annunciation Catholic School shooting.

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Right now, he is recovering from surgery at the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones and the best medical team possible, a message from Gunters aunt Natalie Davis and family said.

The message said that Gunter showed strength and faith beyond his years as he was being attended to, sharing that he looked at the surgeon before his surgery to ask, Can you say a prayer with me?

More than $132,000 of a $180,000 target had been raised for Gunters medical bills and rehabilitation as of the end of Thursday.

In a statement to CNN, Gunters mother Danielle extended her gratitude to a Minneapolis police officer who assisted them in getting medical aid immediately after the shooting. He said the officer rendered aid, hugged him, reassured him, and prayed with him before getting into the ambulance, Gunters mother said.

Sophia Forchas, 12

Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas, a bright, kind, and full of life young girl, underwent emergency surgery and is in critical condition in the ICU after she was shot, according to a GoFundMe page set up on behalf of her family.

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According to the fundraising platform, Forchas younger brother was inside the school when the shooting happened but was not injured, and her mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, arrived at work that day to assist with the tragedy before learning that her daughter was one of those critically injured in the attack.

The GoFundMe already raised about $480,000 of its $620,000 target as of the end of Thursday. The proceeds will go towards Forchas medical care, counseling for her and her brother, and supporting the family.

Sophia was born and raised in our St. Marys parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations who are devoted members of our congregation, Father Timothy Sas of St. Marys Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis wrote on Facebook.

David Haeg

David Haeg was one of the children critically injured in the attack, and he has undergone surgery and will remain in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for at least five more days, according to a GoFundMe page set up in support of his family.

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His road to recovery will be long, but he is showing incredible strength and resilience, wrote Beth Holine, who is organizing the fundraiser on behalf of Haegs family. More than $47,000 of a $55,000 goal had been raised as of the end of Thursday.

Victor and his sister

Weston Halsne, a fifth-grade student at the school, recalled the shooting to reporters. It was like shots fired, and then we kind of like got under the pews. They shot through the stained glass windows, I think, and it was really scary. Halsne then said his friend Victor got hit in the back, and was sent to the hospital. I was super scared for him, but I think now hes okay, Halsne said.

A GoFundMe page set up by Mike Kelly, Victors uncle, on behalf of a beneficiary named Annie G has raised more than $120,000 of a $150,000 as of the end of Thursday to cover the costs associated with Victors recovery. His selfless acts help to save many, but he and his sister were injured in the process, Kelly wrote. Victor is one of the brave victims who survived the tragedy that unfolded.

A note at the memorial thanks Victor, one of the children who was shot during the shooting though survived. Abbie ParrAP

Daughter of Brock Safe

Brock Safe told ABC 7 Chicago that his 10-year-old daughter, who has not been publicly named, was among those injured.

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Two bullets whiz by. But one bullet hit her here, he said, grazing the front of his forehead. And then she has another bullet fragment embedded into her skull.

Safe said his family is beyond lucky that his daughter survived but that other people werent as lucky, and its awful.

He also called for gun control reform. We have this analog society when it comes to gun control, and its infuriating, Safe said, emphasizing that the shooter should never, ever have [had] the opportunity to carry out the attack.

11 others injured

Eleven others were injured, including children aged 8 to 15 years old, as well as three parishioners in their 80s who have yet to be identified.

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Officials from Hennepin County Medical Center gave an update on Thursday morning, saying nine patients are under their care, six of whom were in satisfactory condition, five of whom are children. An adult and a child were in serious condition, while another child was in critical condition.

Students deserve to start the school year full of hope and excitement, Gov. Tim Walz posted on X on Thursday, announcing that he was deploying state law enforcement to schools and places of worship. No child in America should go to school apprehensive of danger, of losing a classmate, of gunshots during prayer.

Darby Voeks, a youth leader who used to attend the school rushed to it to help in the aftermath of the shooting after another youth minister called him, told ABC 7 Chicago, Were learning from our kids. I think they havent been corrupted by some of the brokenness in our world, and theyre so pure and so innocent and sweet, which is why this is so hard. He added: I think they also set the model for how were supposed to live.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
In the wake of the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting on Aug. 27, 2025, investigators identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died by suicide at the church.

According to 2020 court documents, Westman successfully applied for a name change from Robert to Robin and identified as female. LexisNexis' research database confirmed Westman's recorded gender identity was female.

At the time of this writing, however, unverified reports that the shooter later expressed doubts and regrets about having transitioned  which some claimed meant Westman was detransitioning  leave the question of their gender identity when the attack took place unresolved.

On Aug. 27, 2025, a shooter opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church in Minneapolis while 200 children were celebrating Mass, killing two children and wounding 20 other people. Minneapolis police Chief Brian O'Hara said the shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide right after.

As the police investigated motives, social media users raised questions about the shooter's gender identity, with many posts claiming Westman was "trans identifying." Readers reached out to Snopes asking whether it was true a "trans" person shot up the church.

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The attacker's gender identity became a topic of discussion as soon as police identified Westman and reports emerged that Westman had applied for a name change from "Robert" to "Robin" as a teenager. Court records confirm the name change was requested and granted in 2020, and that Westman self-identified as female. Because of unverified reports that a "manifesto" purportedly written by Westman expressed doubts and regrets about transitioning, however, it remains unclear as of this writing whether Westman still identified as female at the time of the shootings.

Some conservative commentators latched onto these discussions about Westman's gender as a reason to launch attacks on the transgender community, implying that identifying as transgender played a role in the deadly shootings. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia claimed: "Today's evil church school shooter was a trans who was likely groomed and transitioned as a teenager." FBI head Kash Patel wrote on X: "The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman."

Todays evil church school shooter was a trans who was likely groomed and transitioned as a teenager.



Congress MUST PASS my bill Protecting Childrens Innocence Act to make it a FELONY to perform sex change surgeries and all forms of medications on minors!!!



According to court pic.twitter.com/RkcQEwxEAn  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) August 27, 2025

In a news conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to what quickly grew into an online outburst of transphobia: "Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainize our trans community or any other community out there has lost their sense of common humanity."

Who was Robin Westman?

As we looked at court documents, news reports and the purported videos and manifesto left behind by the shooter, we found an individual with often contradictory beliefs and grievances.

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According to The Associated Press and The New York Times, court documents filed in November 2019 and approved by a judge in 2020 indicate that Westman's mother successfully applied for a name change on behalf of the then-17-year-old, from Robert to Robin. That document was titled "Order Granting Name Change of a Minor" and stated the petitioner "identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification."

We requested a copy of that document from the Minnesota Judicial Branch to independently verify its authenticity, but that request has yet to be fulfilled.

According to The New York Times, Westman lived in the Minneapolis suburb of Richfield and worked at a cannabis dispensary in 2025. According to the LexisNexis database, Westman's gender was listed as female.

However, excerpts from a "manifesto" attributed to Westman were shared online in which its author described being "sick of my hair" and "tired of being trans." This was taken by some as evidence that Westman was "detransitioning," a rare occurrence in which trans people go back to living as their gender assigned at birth, and most often due to experiencing transphobia.

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As of this writing we were unable to independently confirm the authenticity of various purported images of the manifesto online and have reached out to Minneapolis police to learn more.

Numerous news outlets reported that the opinions and grievances stated in the videos and written materials attributed to Westman were wide-ranging, chaotic and often self-contradictory. The videos reportedly conveyed a fascination with guns and school shootings, racist and antisemitic views, a death threat targeting U.S. President Donald Trump, and suicidal thoughts. The footage showed notebooks written in English and other languages, according to ABC News. One notebook reportedly had a sticker stating "defend equality" with an LGBTQ+ flag overlaid with an image of a gun.

None of the footage or written materials we have seen so far express a coherent motive for the deadly attack.

For further reading, we have also investigated the rumor that Westman was Jewish and the claim that mass shooters are disproportionately transgender.

Sources:

"A Shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic School Kills 2 Children, Injures 17 People." AP News, 27 Aug. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/minneapolis-school-shooting-annunciation-0fb27d2c911fe63a9f04791b444f298f. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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Grace, Moon. "What We Know about the Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting." The Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2025, What we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

MCRO 19WS-CV-19-1306 Order Granting Name Change 2020-01-15 20250827162903. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26077305-mcro-19ws-cv-19-1306-order-granting-name-change-2020-01-15-20250827162903/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Monteil, Abby. "The Tiny Percentage of Trans People Who 'Detransition' Largely Do So Because of Transphobia: Report." Them, 17 Jun. 2025, https://www.them.us/story/trans-americans-transition-survey-transphobia. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

"Motive Sought in Minneapolis School Shooting That Killed 2 Children and Injured 17." The New York Times, 28 Aug. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/08/27/us/minneapolis-church-shooting. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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Patil , Anushka. "What We Know About the Minnesota Catholic School Shooting." The New York Times, 28 Aug. 2025, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/us/minneapolis-school-shooting-minnesota.html. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Street, Mikelle. "Minneapolis Mayor Responds to Anti-Trans Hate Following Catholic School Shooting." Them, 28 Aug. 2025, https://www.them.us/story/minneapolis-mayor-annunciation-catholic-school-shooting-trans. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

"What We Know about Minnesota School Shooting Suspect Robin Westman." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/minnesota-school-shooting-suspect-robin-westman/story?id=125029777. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Updates:

Aug. 30, 2025: A previous version of this article erroneously stated Marjorie Taylor Greene is a South Carolina representative; she represents the state of Georgia.
A measure that would allow nearly any private citizen to sue out-of-state prescribers and others who send abortion pills into Texas has won first-round approval in the state House.

It would be the first law of its kind in the country and part of the ongoing effort by abortion opponents to fight the broad use of the pills, which are used in the majority of abortions in the U.S.  including in states where abortion is illegal.

The bill passed in the House on Thursday and could receive a final vote in the Republican-dominated state Senate next week. If that happens, it would be up to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, to decide whether to sign it into law.

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Here are things to know about the Texas legislation and other legal challenges to abortion pills.

The Texas measure is a new approach to crack down on pills

Even before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed state abortion bans, pills  most often a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol  were the most common way to obtain abortion access.

Now, with Texas and 11 other states enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, and four more that bar most of them after the first six weeks or so of gestation, the pills have become an even more essential way abortion is provided in the U.S.

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We believe that women need to be protected from the harms of chemical abortion drugs, said Amy ODonnell, a spokesperson for Texas Alliance for Life, which supports the bill. They harm women and their intent is to harm unborn babies.

Under the bill, providers could be ordered to pay $100,000. But only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her or other close relatives could collect the entire amount. Anyone else who sues could receive only $10,000, with the remaining $90,000 going to charity.

The measure echoes a 2021 Texas law that uses the prospect of lawsuits from private citizens to enforce a ban on abortion once fetal activity can be detected  at about six weeks gestation. The state also has a ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancy.

The pill bill also contains provisions intended to keep those with a history of family violence from collecting and barring disclosure of womens personal or medical information in court documents.

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Anna Rupani, executive director of Fund Texas Choice, a group that helps women access abortion, including by traveling to other states for it, said the law is problematic.

It establishes a bounty hunting system to enforce Texas laws beyond the state laws, she said.

A law could open the door to further battles between states

While most Republican-controlled states have restricted or banned abortions in the last three years, most Democratic-controlled states have taken steps to protect access.

And at least eight states have laws that seek to protect prescribers who send abortion pills to women in states where abortion is banned.

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There are already legal battles that could challenge those, both involving the same New York doctor.

Louisiana has brought criminal charges against Dr. Maggie Carpenter, accusing her of prescribing the pills to a pregnant minor. And a Texas judge has ordered her to pay a $100,000 penalty plus legal fees for violating that states ban on prescribing abortion medication by telemedicine. New York officials are refusing to extradite her to Louisiana or to enter the Texas civil judgement.

If the Texas law is adopted and use, its certain to trigger a new round of legal battles over whether laws from one state can be enforced in another.

Its very different from whats come before it, said Greer Donley, a University of Pittsburgh law professor who studies the legal landscape of abortion.

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Two key states seek to get into anti-mifepristone legal battle

Texas and Florida  the second and third most populous states in the country  asked a court last week to let them join a lawsuit filed last year by the Republican attorneys general of Idaho, Kansas and Missouri to make mifepristone harder to access.

Those states contend  as many abortion opponents do  that mifepristone is too risky to be prescribed via telehealth and that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should roll back approvals and tighten access.

The U.S. Supreme Court last year unanimously rejected a case making similar arguments, saying the anti-abortion doctors behind it did lacked the legal standing to take up the case.

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This week, more than 260 reproductive health researchers from across the nation submitted a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration affirming the safety record of the abortion medication mifepristone. In the letter, the researchers urge the FDA not to impose new restrictions on the drug and to make decisions based on gold-standard science.

The FDA is also facing a lawsuit from a Hawaii doctor and heath care associations arguing that it restricts mifepristone too much

___

Associated Press Science Writer Laura Ungar contributed to this article.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States is continuing to boost its military forces near Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels -- even after a U.S. strike destroyed what President Donald Trump said was a drug-carrying boat operated by the Tren de Aragua gang.

The U.S. government has not signaled any planned land incursion from the thousands of personnel being deployed, and analysts and current and former government officials see no possibility of an invasion in Venezuela.

Still, Trump hailed an attack this past week that killed 11 people aboard a boat that had departed Venezuela, a rare instance of U.S. military action in the Americas, and said Venezuela has been a very bad actor.

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Tensions also have dominated conversations in the streets and at dinner tables in Venezuela, where an alleged threat of invasion is spilling over from social media and state television. The government has capitalized on the speculation by appealing to people, primarily its diminishing base, to enlist in a beleaguered militia. The opposition is again characterizing U.S. actions as a sign of President Nicolas Maduros rule nearing an end.

The U.S. is further deploying 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico for operations targeting drug cartels, a person familiar with the planning said Saturday. The person spoke only on condition of anonymity because information about the deployments has not been made public.

That's in addition to two Aegis guided-missile destroyers  the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham  the U.S. Navy already has in the Caribbean, as well as the destroyer USS Sampson and the cruiser USS Lake Erie in the Pacific Ocean off Latin America, according to a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe unfolding operations.

Officials said three amphibious assault ships  a force that encompasses more than 4,000 sailors and Marines  were also in Caribbean waters, though they've refused to say exactly where the USS Iwo Jima, the USS San Antonio and the USS Fort Lauderdale are heading.

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Heres what to know about the situation:

What's the purpose of the US deployment?

Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, recently told reporters that U.S. ships are heading into waters off South America to support Venezuelan operations and missions that involve drug cartels.

Speaking Aug. 28 at a Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia, Caudle cited the concern that some Venezuelans are taking part in large drug operations. But he declined to provide specifics about the militarys goals, saying much of the information is classified.

Caudle said his job is to provide naval forces for military commanders to deploy, which in turn gives the president and secretary of defense options."

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The expanded deployment comes as Trump has increasingly endorsed 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.

Trump has designated Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations, pointing to international connections and operations of the groups that include drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory.

Christopher Sabatini, a research fellow at the Chatham House in London, said the deployment, the Tren de Araguas designation and the recent doubling of a bounty for Maduro are parts of the White Houses strategy of making as much noise as possible to satisfy Venezuelas opposition, some of whom are Trump supporters, and to scare maneuver high-level government officials into defecting.

But, he added, theres no realism here in terms of the likelihood of an actual invasion.

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How has Maduros government reacted?

When a state television presenter recently asked Maduro for his take on these siren songs about a fleet of marines coming to end his government, the president said more than 90% of Venezuelans reject the announcements and threats from the U.S. government.

We, Venezuelans, are within our own law, and no one touches this land, Maduro added.

Maduro also repudiated the drug trafficking accusations from the U.S. and insisted Venezuela, unlike neighboring Colombia, is free of coca leaf crops and free of cocaine production. He also suggested that drug crimes are the White Houses accusations du jour.

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They have changed the narrative and no longer accuse those they want to destroy of being communists," Maduro said. That was the accusation they made during the Soviet Union. He added: They no longer accuse them of being terrorists  (as) when they accused Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya of being terrorists. Now, the crude  Id say extravagant  outlandish accusation is drug trafficking.

Also, Venezuelas U.N. ambassador, Samuel Moncada, has asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call on the U.S. government to stop all its hostile actions and threats and respect his countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Why is Venezuela pressing for sign-ups for its volunteer militia?

U.S. actions prompted Maduro to call on Venezuelans to join a volunteer militia meant to assist the armed forces in case of attack. Members have hosted sign-up drives, which Maduro characterized as successful without providing the number of new recruits.

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The government has also held enlistment events.

The ruling party has long claimed the militia's membership to be above 4.5 million, but that is certainly an overcount as support for the government has plummeted, and millions, including Maduro supporters, have migrated in search of better living conditions.

The figure contrasts sharply with the results of last years presidential election, which ruling party-loyal electoral authorities said Maduro won despite credible evidence to the contrary. Electoral authorities claimed Maduro received 6.4 million votes, while detailed tally sheets released from the opposition showed he lost with 3.4 million votes.

What is Venezuela's political opposition saying?

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Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whose surrogate Edmundo Gonzalez is recognized by the U.S. and several other governments as the legitimate winner of the 2024 election, has appeared on Fox News Channel to thank Trump administration officials for taking the right approach, with courage and clarity, towards the criminal enterprise that has taken over Venezuela.

"The time has come for change," Machado said.

She also posted on X that Venezuelans had disobeyed the government by not showing up to last weekend's militia recruitment effort.

The empty squares of Venezuela today herald the future that is approaching, she wrote.

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But that promise is not new for Venezuelans.

Sabatini of Chatham House criticized opposition leaders for cynically manipulating peoples hopes again and falling into this trap that an invasion is imminent.

Theyve just been sort of parked in neutral, Sabatini said, referring to the factions inability to energize its base since the presidential election. This is a new opportunity theyre trying to seize on.

___

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Va., Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations and Will Weissert in Washington contributed to this report.
KNOX COUNTY, Neb. (KCAU)  On Wednesday, a report from the Special Knox County Attorney was filed, suspending one person for one year and firing two others. On Friday, Knox County Sheriff Don Henery made a statement.

Sheriff Don Henery, with the Knox County Sheriffs Office, said that this will be the only statement he makes. Sheriff Don Henerey is the brother of Chief Deputy Sheriff Daniel Henery, one of the two who were fired following the report.

According to the Facebook post, Sheriff Don Henery was disappointed in the Knox County Board of Supervisors with how the advice from Special Attorney David Begley was taken. He said that both people who were fired had distinguished public careers.

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Breaches of privacy results in 2 Knox County officials fired, 1 suspended

According to the post, Sheriff Henery requested the report two days prior to the meeting on August 27, but was refused.

Sheriff Henery said that neither he nor the respective Elected Official employers were allowed to read and respond to the initial report. He claimed there were many errors in the report.

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When discussing Daniel Henery, Sheriff Don Henery spoke on Daniels history in law enforcement. He said that Daniel went into the Armed Forces after high school and served with honor and distinction while in the United States Army. If small towns and departments handed out awards to officers like the big cities do this man who have received many. Going above and beyond more times then can be mentioned, Sheriff Henery said in the post.

Heather Kienow, the other person fired after the report, was also brought up in Sheriff Henerys post. He mentioned her 30-plus-year career with federal and state agencies. Sheriff Henery says that Kienow never asked to be in the spotlight, and that she tends to go out of her way to avoid it.

Sheriff Don Henery ends his post with, These two people, yes I said people, not individuals, because they are people just like you and I, deserve to be treated way better than they were. Its unfortunate that this action has happened.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Kremlin has once again claimed that it "does not object" to a meeting between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but insists it has its own "expectations" regarding preparations for such a meeting.

Source: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian outlet Interfax, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Peskov said that Putin is in general not against a meeting with Zelenskyy and is ready for it, but that Russia first wants "preparations at the expert level".

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Quote: "Putin does not rule out the possibility of such a meeting, but believes that any high-level meeting must be well-prepared, so that it can finalise groundwork which first needs to be prepared at the expert level.

It cannot be said that this expert work is in full swing, unfortunately not. We remain interested and ready for such talks."

Details: Peskov also said that Moscow had "handed over its main positions and provisions" to Kyiv in written form. "Yes, these are request-positions, further discussion is needed," the spokesman noted.

Background:

On 22 August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Putin would meet with Zelenskyy only after a schedule of the meeting had been prepared, and that there is currently no such thing.

The Guardian reported that Trump intends to leave it to Russia and Ukraine to organise a meeting between their leaders, thereby stepping back for now from negotiations on ending the Russo-Ukrainian war.

On 29 August, Zelenskyy reminded the media that on Monday the "couple of weeks" given to Moscow by Trump will run out. Russia was supposed to take its next steps within the framework of negotiations  including organising a bilateral meeting with Ukraine  under threat of US sanctions.

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Russia is not ruling out a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in a bid to find peace, but any summit must be a follow-up to previously agreed terms.

"Putin ... believes that any high-level meeting must be well-prepared and confirm results achieved at an expert level," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies on Friday.

However, he noted that the work at the diplomatic level is not currently "buzzing with activity."

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Peskov's remarks were in response to statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said on Thursday that he does not currently expect talks between Putin and Zelensky.

During a meeting at the White House last Monday with Zelensky, Merz and other European leaders, US President Donald Trump had suggested that such a summit could take place within two weeks.

But even at the time, the Kremlin only stated that Russia was ready for a bilateral meeting at a higher level than before during the three-and-a-half year war - such as talks between foreign ministers.

"Our interest in and readiness for such negotiations remain," Peskov said on Friday, ahead of Putin travelling on Sunday to China.

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Russia has submitted all its positions for resolving the conflict in Ukraine in writing, Peskov emphasized. Among other demands, Russia is calling on Ukraine to relinquish territories annexed by Moscow.

Zelensky, whose country was invaded by Russia, categorically rejects any territorial concessions.
Chinese trade delegation to visit Washington after Canada trip

08:26, August 29, 2025 By Liu Yang and Chi Jingyi ( Global Times

Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, briefs the press following the new round of economic and trade talks between China and the United States in Stockholm, Sweden, July 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang)

A Chinese trade delegation will visit Washington to meet with US officials, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced Thursday. The delegation, led by Li Chenggang, China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice commerce minister, will visit the US after visiting Canada from August 24 to 27, said ministry spokesperson He Yongqian.

China is willing to work with the US to leverage the bilateral economic and trade consultation mechanism, resolve issues through equal-footed dialogue and communication, and jointly maintain the steady, healthy and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.

"This is overall a positive signal. Both sides show willingness to engage, opening a new negotiation window before November, after China and the US reached consensus on extending tariff suspension for another 90 days in August," Huo Jianguo, a vice chairman of the China Society for World Trade Organization Studies in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday.

Maintaining communication

Huo noted that both sides agree to continue to maintain communication, which indicates that both sides have a need to discuss tariff issues. While the overarching framework has been largely agreed upon by the two countries during the latest negotiations that paused the tariffs for another three months, there are still many technical issues that need to be coordinated, including discussions on restricted exports, Huo said.

"If the negotiations proceed smoothly this time, the representatives of both sides may conduct further discussions. Continued dialogue and reciprocal visits remain essential for trade talk progress," said Huo.

In May, China and the US released a joint statement on the China-US Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva, with the parties announcing the establishment of a mechanism to continue discussions about economic and trade relations, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

In June, the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism was held in London. In July, Chinese and US delegations convened in Stockholm, Sweden for a new round of economic and trade talks. On August 12, the two parties released a joint statement on the Stockholm meeting, which said the US will extend the tariff suspension on China for another 90 days and China likewise will continue to suspend its earlier tariff hike on US goods for 90 days.

Strengthened communication between China and the US is also what the world expects. In a turbulent external environment, dialogue between these two major economies to reduce differences can further stabilize the global economy and boost investment confidence, said Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade.

Huo noted China's proactive stance in seeking dialogue, stressing that mutual sincerity is crucial, particularly from the US, to pragmatically resolve tariff issues and concerns.

At a press conference on Tuesday, in response to a Bloomberg question claiming that US President Donald Trump said the US has more leverage over China on trade than the other way around, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson from China's Foreign Ministry, said that China always follows the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation to handle and grow its relations with the US.

"We will also firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the US will work with us to jointly promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of bilateral ties," Guo noted.

Critical China-Canada meeting

Before Li's trip to Washington, he and Rob Stewart, deputy minister of International Trade of Canada, jointly chaired the 28th meeting of the China-Canada Joint Economic and Trade Commission in Ottawa on Tuesday. The two sides conducted candid, pragmatic, and constructive exchanges on improving and developing bilateral economic and trade relations, properly addressing each other's economic and trade concerns, and advancing practical economic and trade cooperation, MOFCOM said on Thursday.

Li emphasized that this meeting serves as a critical step to implementing the consensus reached in the phone call between the premiers of the two countries. Prior to the meeting, both working-level teams conducted thorough preparatory work. During the discussions, the two sides, guided by mutual respect and mutual benefit, actively explored concrete pathways to enhance bilateral economic and trade relations under the new circumstances.

China is willing to work with Canada to leverage the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of strategic partnership as opportunities, adopting constructive approaches and pragmatic actions to manage differences, address mutual economic and trade concerns, and jointly expand cooperation areas, Li said.

The two sides agreed to continue leveraging the China-Canada Joint Economic and Trade Commission mechanism, and through subsequent communications and exchanges, to accumulate positive outcomes in economic and trade cooperation and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

The meeting marks the first between the world's two major economies under the Joint Economic and Trade Commission mechanism after a hiatus of nearly eight years, as the 27th China-Canada Joint Economic and Trade Committee was held in Beijing in November 2017.

"It signals a positive step by China and Canada to resuming high-level dialogue and exchanges, which is significant for improving and promoting bilateral economic and trade relations," Zhao Xingshu, deputy director of the department of Canadian studies, Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Thursday.

However, some of Canada's unreasonable actions against China have intensified bilateral trade tensions. Starting from July 31, Canada started to impose additional tariffs on certain steel goods melted and poured in China and certain aluminum goods smelted and cast in China, according to the Canadian government website.

On August 15, MOFCOM filed a lawsuit against Canada at the WTO over its import restrictions on steel and other products, urging Canada to take immediate steps to correct its erroneous practices, uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system, and promote the continuous improvement of China-Canada economic and trade relations.

As Canada also faces rising trade protectionism, the two countries should strengthen cooperation under the multilateralism framework, Zhao noted, urging the Canadian side to maintain policy autonomy, face up to its economic and trade cooperation with China, and jointly safeguard the stable development of the international trade order.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Almost weekly in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, and Germany, a sensational assault committed by an illegal migrant  often enjoying some sort of state support or with prior arrests for the same crime  surfaces.

Until recently, European politicians and the media sought to either ignore such news or accuse those who clamored for tighter borders, more police protection, and stiffer penalties of being "racists" or "xenophobes."

Until recently, that is.

Mass protests are now common in Britain against the Labour Party's open borders policies and generous welfare entitlements for immigrants who arrive illegally and without authentic "political refugee" status.

Greek officials, also swamped by illegal immigration, now cite President Donald Trump's secure border policies as new models for their own.

The majority of European immigrants now come from majority-Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Yet many arrivals seem angrier at their newfound liberal hosts than at the dictatorships they fled back home.

Europe's immigration policies will not work in a multi-ethnic democracy.

Too many immigrants are arriving too quickly, without sufficient diversity, language fluency, skills, or familiarity with the customs and culture of their host nations. They often enter with separatist religious and cultural values antithetical to the very place they seek refuge.

Yet, there is no European plan of civic education to assimilate immigrants and teach them the rules, laws, and culture of their hosts.

It is then no surprise that what follows is ghettoization, resentment, and loud attacks on the very nation in which they seek sanctuary, denouncing it as decadent and godless.

In the past, Europe's anemic military budgets, reliance on borrowed money, socialism, and a once-strong economy papered over these existential challenges of illegal immigration.

Or, as left-wing former German chancellor Angela Merkel once inanely said of massive illegal influxes into Europe, "Wir schaffen das" ("We can do this").

But, of course, Merkel could not.

She offered zero plans on how to integrate, assimilate, and acculturate millions of Europe's illegal aliens. Now, some 15 percent of Germany's population are foreign nationals.

Unfortunately, the statist economies of high-cost Europe are stagnating.

Massive welfare outlays, coupled with a shrinking and aging native population  with a birth rate sinking below 1.4  are finally slowing economic growth.

Current German Chancellor Friedrich Merz put the dilemma bluntly: "The welfare state as we have it today can no longer be financed with what we can economically afford."

Yet the more socialism ossifies, the more popular culture still demands free benefits that a shrinking number of taxpayers can no longer provide.

The United States is finally taking the opposite approach of cracking down on illegal immigration, deregulating the economy, and unleashing high technology to fast-track new frontiers of artificial intelligence, robotics, cryptocurrency, and genetic engineering.

Often, Europe's best and brightest  and frustrated  are migrating to greater opportunities and freedom in the U.S., further hampering European research and development.

Europe foolishly adopted a self-defeating energy policy to achieve net-zero emissions by subsidizing inefficient wind and solar power while ignoring or shutting down far cheaper natural gas, nuclear, and coal-powered electrical generation.

Meanwhile, China, grinning like a Cheshire cat and caring little about its carbon footprint, is eagerly exporting wind and solar systems to the suicidal West.

Yet China itself is busy building about two massive coal-fired plants a month, and the largest and most environmentally disruptive hydroelectric projects in the world.

No wonder average European electricity costs are even steeper than those in failing California. European consumers often cannot afford to turn their heaters and air conditioners on, while businesses cannot compete with industries abroad that enjoy far cheaper power.

Trump has declared that the 80-year postwar order is calcified and that the U.S. will no longer run huge trading deficits with European Union nations. Instead, it will demand symmetrical tariffs, further challenging past European mercantile profitability.

The days of Europe disarming and relying on the United States for defense are also over, given that Russian leader Vladimir Putin, for the third time in 15 years, invaded a neighboring country.

Yet Ukraine is not Chechnya or Georgia, but instead on the doorstep of Europe.

So in panic, a perennially delinquent NATO is not only promising to spend the required 2 percent of GDP on defense but also increasing arms budgets to 5% of GDP, a higher rate even than that of the U.S.

No one knows how Europeans will afford such massive rearmament.

To do so would require opening up their economies, adopting far more flexible and traditional energy policies, securing their borders, ending illegal immigration, pruning the welfare state, increasing their fertility rates, and dropping the DEI salad bowl while re-embracing the melting pot of integration and acculturation.

We will soon see whether Europeans can adopt such needed reforms, or find the necessary medicine worse than their current crippling continental disease.

( Hanson's latest book is "The Dying Citizen" from Basic Books. Buy it in hardcover at a 45% discount! by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 41% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR.)

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Victor Davis Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in Residence in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution, a professor of classics emeritus at California State University at Fresno, and a nationally syndicated columnist for Tribune Media Services.
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Chris Turner, Yum Brands chief financial officer who will take over as chief executive officer Oct. 1, has been appointed to the companys board of directors, also effective Oct. 1.

He succeeds David Gibbs both in the CEO role and as a board director. Gibbs will remain an executive advisor to the company through 2026.

We look forward to welcoming Chris to the board as he takes on the chief executive role and leads Yum into its next stage of growth, non-executive chair Brian Cornell said in a statement. His appointment will further deepen collaboration between leadership and the Board, ensuring Yums continued success.

Turner has served as Yums CFO since 2019 and expanded his role to include chief franchise officer in 2024, overseeing finance, corporate strategy, supply chain, franchise standards, and support for the company, which includes more than 61,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories under the KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill brands.

Prior to joining Yum Brands, Turner led PepsiCos retail and e-commerce business with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries, and across PepsiCos brands in the beverage, snack and nutrition categories. He also spent more than 13 years with McKinsey & Co., where he served as partner in the firms Dallas office and led the service operations practice in North America, the Restaurant Service Line, the Retail Operations team, and recruiting for all Southern U.S offices.

Gibbs announced his intention to retire in March after 37 years with the company, including the last five as CEO.

Contact Alicia Kelso at Alicia.Kelso@informa.com

Follow her on TikTok at http://www.tiktok.com/@aliciakelso


HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Governor Andy Beshear announced that he, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, 22 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia successfully secured all of the AmeriCorps funding the Trump administration tried to halt in dismantling the nations public service agency.

Officials say the win will restore the rest of the more than $9 million in funds appropriated by Congress to support Kentuckys AmeriCorps service commission, Serve Kentucky, which focuses on housing development, the fight against hunger, family support, education, disaster relief and more.

Enrollment up 6% at Kentuckys community and technical colleges

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AmeriCorps and Serve Kentucky make our people, communities and country stronger by providing food, housing support, education, mental health services and more, and it was illegal and short-sighted for the Presidents administration to try and dismantle this independent federal agency, said Gov. Beshear. Today is a good day for our commonwealth and country, as we once again see that the law  and whats right for the American people  can rise above any challenge.

KSP offering $69,500 annually to new cadets

Gov. Beshear says he joined in filing the multistate lawsuit in April of this year and in June secured an injunction to stop the federal government from terminating the nearly $400 million worth of AmeriCorps programs. On Thursday, the Trump administration agreed to release all remaining AmeriCorps money to states rather than fight the multistate teams lawsuit. This will provide the remaining $208,487 due to Serve Kentucky.

Officials say this is the latest victory in cases Gov. Beshear has joined to protect federal dollars due to Kentucky, including the restoration of $96 million in education funding.

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Los Angeles classical music station KUSC-FM (91.5) has laid off employees after Republicans cut federal funding from the Corp. for Public Broadcasting.

James A. Muhammad, president of Classical California, the entity that operates the nonprofit KUSC and its sister station, KDFC in San Francisco, confirmed the workforce reduction in a note sent Thursday to its listeners.

"Despite our best efforts, the fact is that Classical California has experienced a reduction of $1.1 million in support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting," Muhammad wrote. "This, along with other impacts, requires us to make difficult decisions across KUSC-FM and KDFC-FM."

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A representative for Classical California did not respond to questions on the number of employees cut. A person briefed on the move who was not authorized to comment publicly said it was eight positions, including two department managers, all based in Los Angeles.

Read more: The Senate voted to defund NPR and PBS. How will local stations cope?

None of the announcers at the two stations were included in the cuts.

Classical California is among the many public media outlets that are scrambling to fill the budget gaps caused by the decision by the Trump White House and the Republican Congress to claw back the $1.1 billion in federal money allocated to the Corp. for Public Broadcasting.

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The nonprofit entity administered the funds for public radio and TV stations, mostly affiliates of NPR and PBS.

Conservatives and libertarians have long called for the end of public funds supporting media organizations, especially ones they view as politically left-leaning. Trump has called NPR and PBS government-funded left-wing propaganda.

The Corp. for Public Broadcasting was also a vital revenue source for cultural and fine arts programming that often struggles to sustain itself in the commercial media marketplace.

Both KUSC and KDFC, which are owned and operated by the University of Southern California, play classical music 24 hours a day and are not NPR affiliates. They are the most-listened-to classical radio stations in the U.S.

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Muhammad's note to listeners included a plea for contributions to make up for the shortfall caused by the cuts.

"We remain committed to continuing to be your home for classical music," Muhammad said. "As a listener-supported station, we need your support of KUSC and KDFC, now more than ever."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Over the last decade, Los Angeles County housing authorities have received nearly 4,500 rental vouchers to get homeless veterans into permanent housing.

If all of those vouchers had been put to use, veteran homelessness would be a thing of the past.

"There are certainly enough available vouchers to eliminate veteran homelessness in Los Angeles County," said Emilio Salas, executive director of the county housing authority.

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Instead, chronic failures in a complicated system of referral, leasing and support services have left those housing authorities treading water. About 4,000 vouchers are gathering dust while an estimated 3,400 veterans remain on the county's streets or in its shelters.

The county's 11 housing agencies that receive vouchers through the federal HUD-VASH program have obtained leases for only 59% of them, a rate 20 percentage points below the national average.

Salas and other housing authority officials say they could do much better if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would send them more applicants. In a segmented system, the housing authorities manage the leasing but the VA is responsible for identifying qualified veterans and helping them find a home.

"Getting them through that process to me to issue the voucher is where the problem lies," Salas said.

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The chief executive of L.A. city's housing authority, Lourdes Castro Ramirez, said the agency would need 25 referrals a week, three times what it has historically received, to use its vouchers effectively.

But a Times review of records from the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles County Development Authority, the two agencies that hold 87% of the vouchers in the county, shows a much more complicated picture. Nearly half the veterans referred to them since 2020 dropped out without obtaining a lease, and the leases secured were offset by almost as many terminations.

"The process is ridiculous," said Rob Reynolds, an Iraq war veteran who has spent years assisting veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles campus, which is the starting point for many veterans seeking housing.

Reynolds, who helps up to 10 veterans at a time navigate the system, said he sees them fall through the cracks at every step along the way.

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After supplying discharge papers and income records to VA case managers to pre-qualify, applicants go through a second vetting with the housing authority and usually have to produce more documents such as bank records and utility bills. That can take weeks, Reynolds said. Then landlords may require more documents before agreeing to a lease. Among a population of veterans who have a high incidence of mental and physical debilities, some get discouraged and drop out of the process.

"When there are issues, getting in touch with HACLA is one of the hardest things," Reynolds said. "They don't have phone numbers. They only accept emails because they have such high caseloads. You won't hear from them for weeks."

A spokeswoman said HACLA maintains a hotline for voucher holders, including veterans, to get support but that, due to a 2023 policy change, veterans do not currently have phone numbers to directly call their caseworkers. New leadership is reevaluating that policy.

Besides the toll the system takes on veterans, vacancies in apartment units reserved for veterans play havoc with the bottom lines of subsidized buildings that were financed on the basis of guaranteed revenue from vouchers.

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Monica Mejia, president and chief executive of the East L.A. Community Corp., said the organization lost $190,000 in revenue while 14 units sat vacant for a year in its 96-unit Sun Valley Senior Apartments.

Matilde Soto Lopez, director of asset management, said one veteran has just moved into a unit that had been vacant since December, but 13 veteran units remain vacant, the longest since last May.

Soto Lopez said she received only two referrals in the last month, and both fell through. One was determined to need more intensive care than the building provides, and the other turned the unit down, a common occurrence, she said.

Filling veteran units in new buildings can be a challenge with even greater financial risk, said Kevin Murray, president and chief executive of the Weingart Center Assn. With $1.5 million in tax credits in jeopardy as it faced a deadline to fill 40 veteran beds in its new 19-story Skid Row tower, Weingart had no choice but to convert 10 of those units to non-veteran vouchers, a switch that the VA is reluctant to approve.

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Fortunately, the former state senator said, "I was able to get access to a relatively senior person."

Filling units reserved for veterans is only half the problem. The housing authority records show that for every three units leased, two become vacant.

"As people come in, we have people dropping off, so we're not making progress," Salas acknowledged.

Leases can be terminated for several reasons. In a population with a high incidence of physical and mental illness, mortality is disproportionately high; an LACDA breakdown shows that deaths accounted for 20% of its lease terminations over the last five years. About 7% no longer needed subsidies, and 28% left voluntarily for unexplained reasons. The largest group, 29%, left facing eviction for failing to complete their annual eligibility paperwork  a presumably avoidable outcome for veterans whose vouchers include case managers provided from the VA.

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Some veterans advocates fault insufficient follow-up by VA social workers after a veteran moves in.

"My impression is that it's a staffing issue," said Anthony Allman, executive director of the nonprofit Vets Advocacy. "If the VA had the adequate case management staff they'd be able to make the referrals and more importantly provide the intensive case management to keep veterans in permanent housing."

Last year, Reynolds helped defuse a crisis when dozens of veterans living on the West Los Angeles campus fell in arrears and received eviction notices. Tenants, many needing wheelchairs or walkers to get around, had to trek across the campus to a nearby bank to get money orders.

After Reynolds raised alarms, an electronic payment system was set up, and the VA replaced the private contractor managing the building. But support services, provided by homeless services agencies contracted to the VA, are still uneven, Reynolds said.

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"It's a lot more successful when they have somebody advocating for them every step of the way," he said.

Veteran homelessness has been a slippery problem for L.A. officials, going back to former Mayor Eric Garcetti's 2014 pledge to end it within two years. The number, then 6,300 countywide, was down to just under 3,900 by the end of his two terms. Since then it has fluctuated between 3,400 and 3,900.

His successor, Mayor Karen Bass, took on one of the inexplicable bureaucratic obstacles to housing veterans. The most severely disabled seeking rooms in new apartments constructed expressly for them on the West L.A. campus were being denied because their disability compensation exceeded income limits required of the subsidized housing.

Joining members of Congress and even a federal judge who took up the cause, Bass led a national campaign of mayors successfully lobbying the Biden administration to change the policy so that disability compensation would not be counted as income.

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In January, Bass sought to address another obstacle  landlords' resistance to take disabled veterans as tenants  announcing a landlord recruitment drive in cooperation with the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles.

Castro Ramirez, who took the helm at HACLA in October, said she has instituted a policy requiring every referral from the VA to be matched to a voucher in five days.

Despite those efforts, lease rates have improved only incrementally, if at all this year. Through mid-August, HACLA had executed 262 leases, slightly above its 2024 pace. But 186 existing leases were terminated. After receiving 250 new vouchers from HUD, its lease rate declined slightly to 52%.

LACDA improved its lease rate by 3 percentage points to 61%, with 282 new leases through June and 178 terminations.

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Records provided by the housing authorities show that the VA has dramatically increased its referrals, sending nearly 1,500 last year and nearly 1,000 so far this year, a rate that comes close to the 25 weekly HACLA requested.

A spokesperson for the VA in West L.A. emailed The Times with an offer to assist with this article, but then did not respond to questions emailed by The Times.

Why the surge of referrals has not yielded a corresponding increase in leases is a matter of conjecture.

Some still see it as as a staffing issue.

"It's possible the VA needs two or three times the number of authorized VASH staff," said Allman of Vets Advocacy. "Even though they're at 90% strength, they need to surge their case management."

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One of the intangibles is the veterans themselves. Often they begin their quest at the VA, where they can get temporary beds in a tiny home village, hoping to transfer into on-campus housing that is being built, though slowly.

With health conditions that require frequent visits to the campus, they may resist distant placements such as Sun Valley.

In regards to the Weingart Center, Murray said he thinks the Skid Row stigma keeps them away. Veterans want to move in once they see the tower's amenities, including city views, a gym, TV lounge and dog run, but it's hard to get them there, he said.

Homeless services veteran Amy Perkins, who engages with the VA in her current role as Supervisor Lindsey Horvath's homeless deputy, said she thinks the case managers inadvertently steer their clients away.

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It's as if they say, "Do you want to live in Skid Row? No? OK, we'll find somewhere else," she said.

In talks with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the VA has taken the position that the scale of veteran homelessness is overstated by the annual point-in-time count.

It has pressed LAHSA to acknowledge a lower number based on what is called a by-name list. Derived from the countywide homeless database, it includes every veteran who has been identified by outreach workers and verified as veterans, eliminating some who falsely claim veteran status. During a trial last year, Keith Harris, then the VA's senior executive homeless agent for Los Angeles, testified that there were about 1,750 names on the list, barely half of the number in that year's point-in-time count.

LAHSA has delayed publishing this year's veteran numbers while it confers with the VA on how to present the numbers showing an increase of about 100 veterans this year.

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The notion that veteran homelessness is only half what it was thought to be elicited scoffs from Bass, Murray and those close to the ground like advocate Reynolds.

But the glut of unused vouchers has forced housing officials to confront the possibility that they have too many, at least for now.

LACDA, which last received an allotment of vouchers in 2022, will not apply for more in the next round either, Salas said.

"We certainly don't want to take them from other jurisdictions that can make use of them."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Vice President J.D. Vance addresses a crowd at Mid-City Steel in La Crosse on Thursday. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

Vice President J.D. Vance decried what he described as the crime-ridden streets of American cities and Democrats alleged efforts to take health care away from U.S. citizens and give it to undocumented immigrants at an event Thursday afternoon at a steel fabrication facility in La Crosse.

At the event, which took place on the bank of the Mississippi River at Mid-City Steel, Vance and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum touted the benefits that Republicans budget reconciliation law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will deliver for working class Wisconsinites.

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The night before Vances visit, Democratic elected officials and candidates for state and federal office mingled with voters at state Sen. Brad Pfaffs (D-Onalaska) annual corn roast. State Dems came to meet voters at the La Crosse County Fairgrounds in West Salem and to search for a path back to power nationally, trifecta of control of state government and an effective counter to the authoritarian impulses of President Donald Trump.

Sen. Brad Pfaffs corn roast was hosted at the La Crosse County fairgrounds in West Salem on Wednesday. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

The back-to-back events highlighted how politically important western Wisconsin is set to become over the next year as attention focuses on the competitive 3rd Congressional District, represented by Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, and the open race for governor.

At the fairgrounds on Wednesday, Pfaffs staff members handed out 350 brats, 150 hot dogs and 500 ears of corn slathered with 13 pounds of butter as a polka band played and candidates for statewide office made their way down long picnic tables with cups of Spotted Cow and Miller Lite, stopping to chat with voters. In attendance were Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for governor, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, who is running for lieutenant governor, and Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor, who is running for a seat on the state Supreme Court. Also in attendance were state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and Wisconsin Economic Development Coordinator Missy Hughes, both of whom have been testing the waters as possible gubernatorial candidates.

Pfaff, who ran unsuccessfully against Van Orden for the 3rd District congressional seat in 2022, repeatedly touted the importance of Democrats listening to rural voters and speaking to issues that matter to their lives.

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That message played well in front of the group of about 120 attendees who complained that Van Orden does not often face disgruntled constituents. Democrats have frequently highlighted the fact that Van Orden has not held any in-person town halls or debated his Democratic election opponents.

Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Devin Remiker and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley wait to speak at Sen. Brad Pfaffs annual corn roast. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

Its extremely frustrating. The thing is that we as Democrats, weve got a brand that weve got to rebuild, Pfaff said. And Im a Democrat. Im a proud rural Democrat. I was raised with the values of hard work, dedication and resilience. I was raised in the fact that, you know, you need to get up every morning and go to work, and you need to be able to provide for your family and put away for the future. But you need to be able to be part of a community and build a community that is inclusive and welcoming.

Pfaff added that Van Orden has not been accessible to his voters or answered for his votes on legislation such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

You need to be accessible to your constituents, and when youre not accessible to your constituents, youre not serving yourself, and definitely youre not in touch with the people of the district, he said. So its very concerning. But  we will have a very competitive congressional race in 2026 and Dereks gonna have to explain his votes and his actions.

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Rebecca Cooke, who lost to Van Orden in last years election and is running again to unseat him next year, said shes trying to spend this time, about 14 months before the midterm elections, traveling the district and understanding voters concerns.

My campaign has always been really focused around working families and working class people, which I think Senator Pfaff too, we have a very similar thought and understanding, because we talk to people, right? Cooke said. Brad hosts open events like this so that he can hear from people directly. And I think that thats the difference with Van Orden, who brings in J.D. Vance, the big guns, because he cant deliver the message himself. I think we are of and from western Wisconsin, and so we know how to communicate with people in our community, and we listen to them.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden speaks with a group of high school students in attendance at Vice President J.D. Vances visit to La Crosse on Aug. 28. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

On Thursday, both Burgum and Vance celebrated Van Ordens vote on the budget reconciliation bill, inspiring Van Orden to stand from his front row seat and pump his fist. Prior to his vote on the legislation, Van Orden said he wouldnt support a bill that cut funds from food assistance programs, but ultimately he cast a deciding vote for the legislation that, analysis shows, will boot 90,000 Wisconsinites off food assistance programs and cause 30,000 rural Wisconsinites to lose their health care.

Burgum also said the Trump administration is working to bring steel manufacturing and shipbuilding back to America. But on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin raised the alarm for shipbuilders in Marinette after Trump announced the purchase of ships built in South Korea.

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I am deeply concerned by recent reports that indicate the Trump Administration is looking to have U.S. ships made overseas in South Korea, Baldwin said in a statement. We need to see the details of this agreement because at the end of the day, America cannot compromise here  we are already losing to China and we have no time to waste. We must be firm on our commitment to supporting our maritime workforce, keeping our country safe, and revitalizing Americas shipbuilding capacity. I have long fought to strengthen our shipbuilding industry, and it cant be done with shortcuts or quick fixes. The President must prioritize American workers by investing in our shipbuilding industry here at home and buying American-made ships.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for governor, at Sen. Brad Pfaffs corn roast Aug. 27. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

Despite the massive cuts the reconciliation law is making to federal assistance programs, Vance said that the Democratic Party is lying about its effects, claiming Democrats voted against the bill because they wanted to raise taxes and give health care to people who are in the country without legal authorization.

Vance touted the extension of tax cuts passed by Republicans in 2017 during the first Trump administration, saying they will put money back into the pockets of American workers like the ones at Mid-City Steel. He also celebrated Trumps tariffs calling them a lever to protect American industry.

What the working families tax cuts did is very simple, ladies and gentlemen, it let you keep more money in your pocket, it rewarded you for building a business, for working at a business right here in the United States of America, it makes it easy for you to take home more of your hard earned pay and it makes it easier if youre an American manufacturer, an American business, it makes it easier for you to build your facility or expand your facility, Vance said.

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But the cost of the tariffs is being borne by American consumers in the form of higher prices, and the tax cuts have largely gone to benefit the wealthiest Americans.

An analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that 69% of the benefits of the tax cuts will go to the richest 15% of Wisconsinites.

Secretary of State and lieutenant governor candidate Sarah Godlewski speaks with a voter at Sen. Brad Pfaffs corn roast Aug. 27. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

The vice president also painted American cities as crime-infested slums where everyday Americans cannot walk down the street without being accosted by a person screaming on a street corner. The Trump administration has deployed the National Guard and Marines in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles in a show of force, and Trump has threatened to send soldiers to fight crime in other Democratic cities  even though the highest crime rates in the country are in Republican-controlled states.

On Thursday Vance said that even though Milwaukee has what he said is a crime problem, the president doesnt want to send troops in to address it unless hes asked to by local officials.

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Very simply, we want governors and mayors to ask for the help. The president of the United States is not going out there forcing this on anybody, though we do think we have the legal right to clean up Americas streets if we want to, Vance said. What the president of the United States has said is, Why dont you invite us in?

William Garcia, the chair of the 3rd Congressional District Democratic Party, said that Vances visit showed that Republicans are out of touch with western Wisconsin, noting that a speech at a steel fabricator isnt representative of what actually drives the local economy and delivering that speech to a hand-selected crowd glosses over the pain the Trump administrations policies are bringing to local communities.

500 ears of corn were eaten at Sen. Brad Pfaffs corn roast Aug. 27. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

If you really wanted to talk to people out here, you would talk about agriculture, and you would try and justify why Canadian fertilizer has a massive tariff on it now, so we have to spend so much more money to just grow our own food, Garcia said. Then you have to talk about your immigration policies that are preventing our harvest from being picked after theyve grown. And so thats why hes having to narrow the people hes talking to, to this super small crowd, because by and large, conservative, liberal, whatever, are being hurt by these policies, and he doesnt want to hear any pushback about that.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 1, marking the unofficial end of summer.

Labor Day celebrates social and economic achievements of American workers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century.

CTDOT urging travelers to be safe over Labor Day weekend

What is closed on Labor Day?

Since Labor Day is a federal holiday, many businesses will be closed in Connecticut and nationwide to observe the holiday.

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All banks and the U.S. Postal Service are closed on Monday nationwide. Other delivery companies like FedEx and UPS typically also dont deliver on Labor Day.

In Connecticut, all non-emergency government offices will be closed, including our State Capitol building and other legislative offices. Public libraries will also be closed.

A lot of students have already returned to school this year, but public schools in Connecticut wont be open on the holiday. This also goes for public universities in our state, according to their websites.

What is open on Labor Day?

Most grocery stores remain open on Monday, including Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Trader Joes and ALDI, according to their respective websites.

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Restaurants also tend to keep doors open on the holiday, though that may vary based on location. This includes most fast food chains and local restaurants.

Urgent Care Centers owned by Yale New Haven Health remain open on all holidays, according to their website. Same with urgent cares owned by Nuvance Health, though both companies operate on holiday hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While theres not much updated information available online, a 2021 posting on ct.gov said that liquor stores remain open on Labor Day  perfect for those of you planning on having a barbecue or similar event.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The "Hands Off" protest April 5, 2025 at the Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus. (Photo by David DeWitt, Ohio Capital Journal.)

Labor Day protests of the Trump administration are planned for Columbus and across Ohio for Monday. The events are organized by groups that include 50501.

The groups name stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one movement. It was formed in opposition to what it sees as eroding democracy as more power is held by the richest Americans.

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The one in Columbus will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at McFerson Park on the north side of downtown. It will be part of what 50501 is calling a national day of action.

Nearly 30 others are planned across Ohio, including in each of the big cities.

Labor and community are planning more than a barbecue on Labor Day this year because we have to stop the billionaire takeover, a press release announcing the events said. Billionaires are converting the government into their private slush fund and just passed the largest wealth giveaway in the history of the US. The money they take from working families, they put in billionaires pockets and set aside to fund a private army of ICE agents.

Wealth giveaway was a reference to Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which slashed more than $1 trillion from the social safety net over 10 years, while giving tax cuts of similar value to the richest 1% of Americans.

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Yet another set of protests is scheduled to take place over Labor Day weekend in opposition to President Donald Trump.

Labor Day, which is Sept. 1, will include hot dogs, swimming, and - for some - protests against the president and the billionaires who support him. The demonstrations, organized under the name Workers Over Billionaires," are scheduled for the holiday weekend.

"At marches and rallies, picnics and parades, Workers' Labor Day is a celebration of working people," the organization's website states. "And its a celebration of the power we have when we come together in a union - the power to take back our country for working people, not billionaires."

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Here's what to know about the protests in Tennessee.

What are the 'Workers Over Billionaires' protests?

These Labor Day events are designed to build on the momentum of other large-scale protests, including No Kings Day in June and Good Trouble Lives On in July. They are led by labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, as well as other advocacy groups such as May Day Strong, Public Citizen and Indivisible.

These protests are aimed at specific billionaires, including individuals and companies that have donated to Trumps political action committees, those who have worked for Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, and those who have financially benefited from actions taken by the Trump administration.

When are the 'Workers Over Billionaires' protests?

Most protests under the "Workers Over Billionaires" name will take place on Labor Day. The organization has chosen Labor Day as the date, as it is meant to celebrate working-class Americans and their social and economic achievements.

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"Join Americas labor unions and working people across the nation during our Workers' Labor Day week of action as we take back OUR day and show the big corporations who we are and how we fight," the organization's website states.

Where are the 'Workers Over Billionaires' protests in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, seven "Workers Over Billionaires" protests are scheduled for Labor Day. Two are scheduled over the holiday weekend.

Bristol: Noon-1 p.m. ET

Clarksville: 10 a.m.-noon CT

Cookeville: 4-6:30 p.m. CT

Crossville: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. CT

Knoxville: Noon-1 p.m. ET

Memphis: Aug. 31, 10-11:30 a.m. CT

Nashville: Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. CT

Sevierville: 9-11 a.m. ET

Tullahoma: 9-11 a.m. CT

How many protests have taken place against President Trump in 2025?

Including Labor Day's "Workers Over Billionaires" protests, there have been six waves of organized national demonstrations in the United States against the president since his inauguration.

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The largest event took place on June 14. It was estimated that more than 5 million people participated across approximately 2,100 communities in the U.S. during the "No Kings" protests, which coincided with Trump's 79th birthday and the Army's 250th anniversary parade in Washington. D.C.

On July 17, the "Good Trouble" protests, hosted by the same organizers as "No Kings," took place across six Tennessee cities, with more than 1,600 demonstrations nationwide. Similarly, on Aug. 2, eight protests took place in Tennessee under the "Rage Against the Regime" name.

Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Labor Day protests 2025: Workers Over Billionaires events in Tennessee
This story was produced by Spotlight Delaware as part of a partnership with Delaware Online/The News Journal. For more about Spotlight Delaware, visit www.spotlightdelaware.org.

A fed-up Port of Wilmington labor leader, who has maintained an icy relationship with Delawares governor, told state officials on Aug. 26 that he will petition New Jersey to build a new container terminal on its side of the Delaware River.

Making the comments during a meeting of a Delaware state board that oversees the Port of Wilmington, union leader Bill Ashe Jr. said he is turning to New Jersey after Delawares plan to expand its port through construction of a new container terminal in Edgemoor had suffered years of delays.

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I talked to some of my bosses in New Jersey and New York, and my plans are to try and make them go to Salem (New Jersey) and open up a terminal, Ashe said during the public meeting of the board of the Diamond State Port Corp.

A Dole ship sits docked at the Port of Wilmington on Sept. 23, 2024.

A spokesman for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declined to comment for this story.

Ashe holds considerable sway in organized labor, as he serves in a dual role for the International Longshoremens Association, as president of Local 1694 at the Port of Wilmington, and as a vice president of the national labor union, which represents port workers on the East and Gulf coasts.

He also has been an ally to Delawares Democratic establishment in recent years, having used his influence to become a key advocate for the plan to build a port terminal in Edgemoor, which backers say could bring thousands of jobs to the state.

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Last year, then-Gov. John Carney announced that he would pull $195 million out of a little-known pot of money to fund about one-third of the construction cost for the port terminal.

But, just months later, a federal judge declared that permits the state needed to build the facility were invalid.

Over the subsequent year, Delaware officials said they have been working to get the approvals reissued. The permits would allow Delaware to dredge a channel deep enough to accommodate modern container ships from the Delaware Rivers center shipping lane to the proposed Edgemoor site, north of Wilmington.

It is not immediately clear whether Ashes comments on Aug. 26 were meant as a true overture to New Jersey, or as political nudge toward Delaware officials to speed up their reacquisition of port construction permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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What is apparent is that his comments sparked a reaction. Following the meeting, the chair of the state port board, Secretary of State Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez, immediately went into a private meeting with Ashe.

Raised voices were heard during the subsequent conversation, which lasted about 10 minutes. After it ended, the two walked out with Patibanda-Sanchez declining to comment on what was said.

She did answer questions about the states progress of reacquiring the federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Patibanda-Sanchez said the state will soon submit a technical analysis to federal officials that shows that a newly dredged channel would be a safe addition to the Delaware River waterway.

A lack of such an analysis in Delawares original permit application, submitted under Carney, prompted the federal judge last fall to rule that the Army Corps of Engineers had approved the project in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

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I believe we will address all of the concerns in the (federal) district court opinion about navigation and safety-related issues, Patibanda-Sanchez said, adding that she hopes to secure final permit approvals by the end of this year.

A spokesman for Gov. Matt Meyers office declined to comment on Ashes comments.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Port of Wilmington labor leader says DE expansion should happen in NJ
Rare breeds of chickens are being culled across the country after the Government banned a string of poultry shows because of bird flu.

Bird owners are resorting to desperate measures as a result of the recent crackdown by officials in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), who have deemed it too dangerous for ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens from separate flocks to mix.

The crackdown follows a recent increase in outbreaks of the H5N1 virus in Britain, and have already led to the cancellation of a string of high-profile poultry shows. This is despite critics saying there hasnt been a single case of transmission linked to an event.

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With no chance of competing, some poultry fanciers have been dispatching their flocks altogether.



Fleur Capelle, who has shown chickens at shows for decades, said poultry fanciers tend to keep their birds under cover  meaning their chances of contracting bird flu from wild animals are minimal.

She said: You dont want show birds scratching around in the mud.

Fleur Capelle with a large Minorca. She says the cancellations have caused chaos on the chicken-showing circuit - Fleur Capelle

The cancellation of this years National Poultry and Egg Show, which was due to take place in November, has been the final straw for many of Ms Capelles friends on the chicken-showing circuit.

She said: You have to think about shows at least 10 to 12 months in advance to allow birds to mature or to get new blood into your bloodlines.

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This means that show cancellations render many peoples hard work and planning a complete waste of time.

The recent culling of birds has fuelled fears that some of the UKs rarest breeds, such as the Derbyshire redcap or the modern langshan  of which there are thought to be just 14 left in Britain  could become extinct.

Camaraderie stripped away

It comes after Defra warned of a heightened bird flu risk earlier this month.

Many experts have warned that it is simply not possible to rid wild birds of H5N1, meaning the virus is here to stay.

Lee Grant, the president of the Poultry Club  which boasts King Charles III as its patron  said: We need to learn how to live with it.

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The basic rules of virology, he said, suggest that H5N1 will become less deadly but more infectious.

According to Ms Capelle, the Governments draconian stance on closing poultry shows is very clearly a case of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.



As things stand, Mr Grant said he has seen up to 1,000 birds being culled a week.

Carmine Brandi, who competes showing birds in Scotland, said the latest crackdown was hollowing out a community

He said: The camaraderie thats carried many through tough seasons has been stripped away. We know what poultry fancy is and its not just about birds. Its about people.

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A Defra spokesman said: We are seeing increasing outbreaks of avian influenza, particularly in coastal counties like Lincolnshire, with infections recorded at over 68 premises in England so far.

We will not take unnecessary risks when it comes to biosecurity and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

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(KRON)  As the Labubu doll craze intensifies, Pop Mart is releasing one-of-a-kind dolls.

With the success of THE MONSTERS Big into Energy, Pop Mart is expanding the line with the Rock the Universe Vinyl Plush Doll. This release has the IPs first long-fur vinyl plush doll. The toy store says that due to the high-complexity gradient dyeing technique, no two dolls will be the same.

The Labubu, by artist and illustrator Kasing Lung, first appeared with pointed ears and pointy teeth, in three picture books inspired by Nordic mythology in 2015.

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Trumps approval down, voters against deploying National Guard to assist ICE; Emerson College Polling survey

In 2019, Lung struck a deal with Pop Mart, a company that caters to toy connoisseurs and influencers, to sell Labubu figurines. But it wasnt until Pop Mart started selling Labubu plush toys on key rings in 2023 that the toothy monsters suddenly seemed to be everywhere.

Labubus have gained so much popularity recently that there are now bootleggers selling fakes.

There are three POP MART stores in the Bay Area: Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco, Stoneridge Shopping Center in Pleasanton and Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara. POP MART has several robo shops, which are vending machines, throughout the Bay Area in San Francisco, Fairfield and San Jose.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
LAGRANGE, Ga. (WRBL)  Officers with the LaGrange Police Department responded to 610 Elm St. on Wednesday in reference to a reported burglary.

Authorities arrived to the scene around 6:00 p.m. and used an LPD K9 in an attempt to locate the suspect.

Officers located the suspect, identified as Sandra Slay, walking away from the location. Slay matched the description provided by the victims.

LPDs Criminal Investigations Division assisted with the investigation and revealed that Slay was responsible for multiple other charges.

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Those charges include burglaries and criminal trespass charges related to 702 Juniper St., 610 Elm St., and 106 Waverly Way.

Slay was transported to the Troup County Jail and could possibly face additional charges.

As the investigation continues, LPD encourages anyone who may have information related to this case to contact Detective Horseman at 706-883-2620. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Tip411 mobile app, or by texting the keyword, LAGRANGE to 847411.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Lake County Jail Warden Todd Wasmer will leave the role at the end of September after accepting a new position, Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. announced Friday.

Wasmer, who served the department for 3.5 years, accepted a new position out of state, Martinez said. He did not provide further information about Wasmers new position.

Warden Wasmer has been an integral part of our department, bringing professionalism, expertise, integrity and a strong work ethic to the role. Hes been an exceptional leader, mentor and advocate for both staff and the public, Martinez said.

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Wasmers last day will be Sept. 23, Martinez said, and he has been helping with a nationwide search for a new warden. Until a new warden is hired, an assistant warden will lead the jail on an interim basis, Martinez said.

We thank Warden Wamser for his service to our community and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his career, Martinez said.

Wasmer, a U.S. Army veteran, started with the Lake County Jail on Jan. 4, 2022, following the retirement of former Warden Michael Zenk, who served as warden from April 2018 to December 2021.

When he was hired, Wasmer told the Lake County Council he hoped to bring a lot of good experience to the Lake County Jail after having worked in corrections for 16 years in Florida, Arizona and Nebraska.

akukulka@post-trib.com
CHICAGO  A new operation of opposition to President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown: Naval Station Great Lakes in the north suburbs could be used to support ICE operations in the Chicago area.

Organizers stress that any federal presence will be met with strong opposition with every effort made to protect civil rights and keep the people of Illinois safe.

Local leaders from North Chicago, Lake County and state lawmakers are standing together to denounce what they describe as a military operation of fear and division, linked to federal immigration enforcement policies under the pretext of deterring crime.

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They oppose the staging or deployment of military and immigration enforcement agents across the state.

Their concerns have been heightened by recent confirmation that federal immigration agents will be present at Naval Station Great Lakes, which is a major US Navy training installation in North Chicago.

They express serious concerns that using the Navy base to house federal agents could disrupt the community, insisting this is not the path to safety.

They say that the Trump administrations crackdown to address crime in Chicago and neighboring communities should be handled differently and deployed in a way that builds trust, not fear.

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City leaders discuss preparations for potential National Guard deployment to Chicago

Those who have served at that installation recieves orders and must obey these orders. As Governor Pritzker has recently reminded us, if they dont they will be court-martialed and their lives ruined, said Leon Rockingham Jr., North Chicago mayor.

Related: Trump planning to send officers to Chicago for an immigration crackdown, AP sources say

While the Trump administration has not released specific details about its plans for Chicago and surrounding areas.

On Friday, the Associated Press said an operation is expected to last about 30 days and could start as early as Sept. 5, according to a Department of Homeland Security official. Another U.S. official said the timing for what could be a sustained immigration enforcement effort resembling this summers operations in Los Angeles is awaiting final approval.

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Both officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that had not been made public.

Local and state leaders say they cannot afford to wait for answers.

Instead, they are taking proactive measures to prepare for a range of possible scenarios, including an increased federal presence with actions potentially beginning as early as next week.

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One of the Annunciation Catholic School children wounded during Mass on Wednesday was shot in the head while trying to protect her little buddy, with whom she had been paired at the start of school, friends said.

Lydia Kaiser underwent an unimaginable surgery and was in a very serious condition, according to an online fundraiser set up to support her and her family.

Her story parallels the other injured students in the community, according to a post on the GoFundMe fundraising site (gofund.me/f386fa83). We are praying for her recovery and asking for help as the family navigates all that is to come.

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Lydia, a student at the Minneapolis school, was one of 18 people wounded when a shooter opened fire Wednesday morning through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis; two children, Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, were killed in the attack.

Lydias father, Harry Kaiser, is a gym teacher at Annunciation Catholic School, which enrolls children in preschool through eighth grade, according to the post.

Harry Kaiser, our communitys beloved gym teacher, was also at the Mass and helped secure the room, the post states. He helped  to keep children safe, and stuck with them all until they were reunited with their families, even while his daughter was entering the emergency room.

Harry Kaiser works as a part-time bartender at Porterhouse Steak & Seafood Restaurant in Lakeville, according to the restaurants Facebook page.

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Restaurant officials said Lydia Kaiser was severely injured due to being grazed by a bullet on her head leaving several bullet fragments in her skull during the attack and was rushed to Childrens Hospital for surgery, according to the restaurants post on Facebook.

Thankfully the surgery was successful, but we would be eternally grateful for your help, the post states. There will be mounting medical bills for Lydia. Please keep all the victims and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Anything helps!

As of Friday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised more than $200,000 of its $270,000 goal.

Lydia and Harry are two heroes in our midst, according to the GoFundMe post. Please consider supporting the family with donations. All money received will go directly to the family to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, trauma counseling, lost income, and the countless unknowns that lie ahead. And please PRAY for her recovery; pray for all of the students and teachers touched by this tragedy; and pray for the first responders and community members that were there to help.

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The donation platform GoFundMe has verified other donation pages where readers can support families of victims. Links to those pages are online at tinyurl.com/GoFundMeMPLS2025.

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WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  The Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth returned its opinion on a case out of Wichita County on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, setting a precedent for prosecutors around the country.

The trial of Daniel Ortiz in January 2024 proved to be one of the more heinous cases of child abuse that Wichita County has ever seen.

You had binding with duct tape when they were nude, binding them in chairs, waterboarding them under the kitchen sink, putting them in the tub and saying was going to drown them, John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney, said. He had Blink cameras all over the house, including their bathroom, to watch them at all times. So he had a godlike presence.

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RELATED: Jury returns prison sentencer in Burkburnett child torture trial

Gillespie, who prosecuted the case, said the jury could barely stomach his reenactment of the abuse during his closing arguments.

I ordered a life-sized puppet, and started duct taping her, and the jury all looked away, Gillespie said. He did it to three little girls over and over and over.

On Jan. 18, 2024, a Wichita County jury returned a verdict and sentence for Ortiz.

He was convicted on three counts of causing serious mental injury to children through torture, causing post-traumatic stress disorder, Gillespie said. The jury gave him 50 years on each of the counts. And Judge Meredith Kennedy stacked all three of the years. He got a 150-year sentence for that.

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A recap of proceedings for each day of testimony during Ortizs trial, which began on January 8, 2024, can be found below:

Gillespie said over the course of his career as a prosecutor, hes only ever seen one other case like the Ortiz case before: that of Sara Woody.

READ MORE: The trial of Sara Woody in 2017

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Ive spent my career doing child abuse and child sexual abuse prosecution, Gillespie said. I didnt know what I was seeing in those cases, and thats why I had to learn about child torture.

According to Gillespie, many child torture cases end in murder prosecutions, but for the ones that dont, the victims lives are never the same.

The goal of child torture is to crush the spirit of the child, Gillespie said. And when you do that, what the literature shows is that you inflict post-traumatic stress disorder that never goes away. A piece of the child is lost forever.

But injury to a child carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. For Gillespie, that wasnt enough.

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I want more than just a third-degree conviction on this, Gillespie said. I thought about using serious mental injury, which is a first-degree felony, but there was very little case law at the time.

Ortizs conviction is precedent-setting, if its upheld on appeal.

The issue was whether childhood PTSD from this extreme trauma that he had inflicted upon the three kiddos could be a serious mental injury, Gillespie said. The Court of Appeals unanimously, 3 to 0, said, yes, it is, and they affirmed the conviction.

The ruling from the Second Court of Appeals on Wednesday, Aug. 27, was a landmark decision and a crucial new piece of case law.

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This is a very groundbreaking decision, Gillespie said. We havent really had a bucket for this type of infliction of emotional trauma on children, and this gives us a way to go after those offenders.

RELATED: Ortizs history of chid abuse revealed during punishment testimony

Gillespie said that the decision is a game-changer for future child torture cases, even those beyond Wichita County.

We can use it here and other DAs offices can use it statewide, Gillespie said. Now we have an appellate decision that blesses the use of it statewide. So that will have an impact across the state of Texas.

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The case is also gaining national attention, according to Gillespie.

The FBI wound up reaching out to me because Ive written an article on it, Gillespie said. Ive worked with other DAs offices statewide and nationally on it, and Im trying to get the word out there.

Gillespies even been asked to present the case at the National District Attorneys Conference next month, hoping to get the word out to prosecutors everywhere that theres now a new weapon they can bring to the fight for justice for victims of child torture.

Someone shouldnt be able to do this to three little girls and just get a third-degree felony for it, Gillespie said. This is a wonderful tool to be able to go after these horrific offenders and their evil.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA (Reuters) -Iranian authorities have executed at least 841 people so far this year, marking a major increase, the United Nations human rights office said on Friday.

One hundred people were executed in July, more than double the number of people executed in July of last year, according to the Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights.

They included women, Afghan nationals and ethnic minorities such as Baloch, Kurdish and Arab citizens.

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"The high number of executions indicates a systematic pattern of using death penalty as a tool of state intimidation and repression of any dissent," the chief spokesperson for the U.N., Ravina Shamdasani, told reporters in Geneva.

Shamdasani said OHCHR had observed a disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants on death row.

Iran has ignored multiple calls to join the worldwide movement towards the abolition of the death penalty, Shamdasani said.

Eleven people are currently facing imminent execution, six of whom are charged with "armed rebellion", OHCHR said. Five others face the death penalty in relation to their participation in the 2022 protests.

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U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk has called on Iran to temporarily halt carrying out the death penalty as a step towards completely abolishing the use of capital punishment.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Friederike Heine and Miranda Murray)
By Leonardo Benassatto

BARCELONA (Reuters) -Pro-Palestinian activists preparing to set sail from Spain on Sunday for Gaza in dozens of boats carrying aid have called on governments to pressure Israel to allow their flotilla - the largest to date - through the naval blockade.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese left-wing politician Mariana Mortagua were among hundreds of people from 44 countries due to depart from several ports to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Sumud means "perseverance" in Arabic.

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Israel has scuppered numerous attempts over the 15 years of the blockade, including a 2010 boarding by its special forces in which at least nine Turkish activists were killed. The ball was in politicians' court to put pressure on Israel to let the flotilla through, said Saif Abukeshek, one of the organisers.

"They need to act to defend human rights and to guarantee a safe passage for this flotilla," the Palestinian, who is resident in Spain, told Reuters on Thursday in Barcelona.

In June, Israeli naval forces boarded and seized a British-flagged yacht carrying Thunberg, among others. Israel dismissed the aid ship as a propaganda stunt in support of Hamas.

It has imposed a naval blockade on the coastal enclave since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, saying it aims to stop weapons from reaching the militant group.

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The blockade has remained in place through conflicts including the current war, which began when Hamas-led militants rampaged through southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, by Israeli tallies.

Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has since killed almost 63,000 Palestinians, according to health officials in Hamas-run Gaza, while a global hunger monitor says part of it is suffering from famine.

In early March, Israel also sealed off Gaza by land, letting in no supplies for three months, arguing that Hamas was diverting aid.

(Reporting by Andrei Khalip; editing by Charlie Devereux and Alex Richardson)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  An Uber driver who Las Vegas police said twice ran over an innocent bystander will avoid jail time, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Kevin Vo, 45, initially faced a charge of reckless driving resulting in death, records said. Vo was driving for the rideshare company at the time, police said.

Records show Vo pleaded no contest to a charge of vehicular manslaughter on Wednesday. Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Joe Bonaventure sentenced him to a suspended jail sentence of 30 days, meaning Vo will not go to jail unless he fails to stay out of trouble.

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Nevadas vehicular manslaughter law allows prosecutors to charge a person with vehicular manslaughter for causing a persons death through negligence, rather than ill intent.

On Friday, Aug. 8, around 10:20 p.m., Metro police received several 911 calls about an SUV striking a person near the intersection of First Street and Ogden Avenue.

The victim, Matthew Bowens, 56, died despite help from Las Vegas Fire and Rescue paramedics and a security guard, police said.

Witnesses told police the driver, identified as Vo, was in an argument with another man before he allegedly backed into Bowens, drove forward, running him over a second time, and collided with the Circa Resort & Casino, police said.

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Vos attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Representatives from Uber did not return a request for comment after Vos arrest.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Chances of showers return to the region before drying up for Labor Day weekend. Showers are likely in the early afternoon hours and possible thunderstorms linger in the area as well. Mostly cloudy conditions are cooling Grand Junction to only 77 degrees today. Tonight, expect a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms up until midnight. Mostly clear conditions are expected with an overnight low in the upper fifties!



Showers and thunderstorms expected this morning and through the afternoon, tapering off this evening. Localized flash flooding is possible today, especially for burn scars and flood prone locales with saturated soils from recent rains. Temperatures trend nearly 10 degrees below normal today. Warmer and drier conditions develop this weekend with some terrain based showers in the forecast.



Monsoonal moisture from the south is pushing up past the Four Corners region today, which is responsible for this last bout of moisture before the extended weekend. Showers and scattered rainfall may hit the valley at any point throughout the day, while thunderstorms seem to be concentrated more in the afternoon hours.



According to the National Weather Service, cooler and dry air will quickly suppress showers and help kick-start a drying trend for the next few days starting tonight. Clearing skies early Saturday morning will likely introduce some localized fog to cold, wet valleys. Abundant sunshine will bring temperatures back up near normal Saturday afternoon. Remnant moisture will produce a few showers on the terrain Saturday afternoon. These will be quick up and down affairs, with some gusty outflow winds and brief downpours. Flooding is not expected.



Overall, expect a lovely Labor Day weekend ahead!

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Officers escorted London city council members to their vehicles following Fridays special-called meeting.

Its due to an uproar that ensued after the meeting adjourned, and Mayor Randall Weddle encouraged London residents to let them hear your voice now. Many constituents attempted to speak during the special-called meeting but were restricted because of the meetings nature.

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According to KRS 160.270, at least 15 minutes of public comment is required to be an agenda item at regularly scheduled meetings. But the same doesnt apply for those that are specially called or emergency meetings due to the limited scope of the agenda.

Fridays special called meeting had several agenda items, including finalizing the charges brought against Weddle to be presented at the September 5 hearing, reversing illegal housing authority appointments, a tabled ordinance, and accepting a councilmembers resignation.

The agenda released on Thursday announced Stacy Benges intentions to resign. His resignation was accepted on Friday in his absence. Notably, Benge was the only council member to vote against setting a hearing for the mayors removal.

Attorney Carmine Laccarino spoke on Weddles behalf, making their last objection to the hearing moving forward.

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The councils attempt to remove the mayor in a politically motivated process just months before a scheduled election, as was mentioned earlier, and any attempt to deny the mayor the right to present evidence and full evidence and witnesses at the hearing, he said. That is not democracy. That is an abuse of process.

Ultimately, the council voted to move forward.

The most concerning issue at hand is the possibility of the London Housing Authority losing its access to federal funding.

Earlier this summer, two former London Housing Authority members alleged that they were harassed, retaliated against, and forced into medical leave by the mayor. It further claims that Weddle gained control of the London Housing Authority and removed board members without proper clearance, bypassing state law that requires approval from the city council.

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On Friday, the council voted to override the mayors executive order appointing board members to the housing authority without council approval. One community member stepped up to the podium in hopes of explaining, but because she wasnt on the agenda, she was denied the chance to speak.

It is illegal for the money to be passed down if theres not a board, she called out.

We want to make a matter of record that the council is taking the liability of families being evicted from the housing authority, Weddle said.

FOX 56 has reached out to the housing authority to learn more.

Meaning, when the HUD steps in and takes funding because we do not have a board. And I understand youre impeaching me on Friday, theyre going to make you the mayor on Friday, Anthony, and then youre going to become youre going to appoint who you want, Weddle said.

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Ahead of Fridays meeting, the mayor issued the following statement.

Neighbors, friends, and members of this community, We stand today at a pivotal moment in our citys story. Since I took office, we have faced challenges that tested our resolve, stretched our resources, and demanded sacrifices from all of us. Yet through every trial, we have shown what makes our community strong: our courage, our compassion, and our unwavering commitment to each other. I want to acknowledge the hard work of every resident who showed up to participate in the democratic process, every first responder who kept us safe, every teacher guiding our children, and every family who kept faith with our shared goals. Together, we have weathered storms, rebuilt and are rebuilding what was damaged, and kept faith in a brighter future for our neighborhoods, businesses, and schools. Today, I also want to acknowledge a different challenge: the divisions that have crept into our city government and the painful strain felt by families and neighbors who care deeply about our citys future. There are concerns, disagreements, and accusations, and I understand how stressful this time has been for all of us. My call to you is not to retreat into defiance or fear, but to lean into the very values that brought us here in the first place: honesty, accountability, service, and a shared duty to the common good. Let us remember that leadership is about lifting up everyone, especially those who are most affected by the decisions we make. It is about listening even when it is uncomfortable, speaking with integrity, and working tirelessly to earn back trust through transparent action. I remain committed to that standard every day. As we move forward, I invite every member of our city and community to stand with us in a spirit of unity and mutual respect. We should he channeling our energy into concrete steps: collaborative problem-solving, constructive dialogue, and a renewed focus on the essential services that keep our city functioning public safety, clean water, safe streets, strong schools, and opportunities for every family to thrive but politics are at play and for that Im sorry. In this moment, I ask for your prayers not as a sign of weakness, but as a source of strength that binds us in hope. Please keep me, my family, and all members of our City of London government in your thoughts and prayers during this time. Especially the CITY EMPLOYEES Pray for clarity, courage, and the grace to act with fairness and wisdom. Pray for the protection and well-being of all government members and their families, that they may work with renewed integrity and a shared commitment to our communitys flourishing. Change is possible when we choose unity over division, empathy over suspicion, and action over complaint. I believe in this city, in its people, and in our ability to write a new chapter one built on trust, accountability, and love for one another. Thank you for your ongoing resilience, your faith in our future, and your steadfast generosity toward our neighbors. We will get through this together. Mayor Randall Weddle

The public hearing will begin at 9 a.m. on September 5 at the Laurel County Judicial Center. FOX 56 has requested a finalized copy of the charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Latinos make up more than half of Oxnards 202,000 residents, and they have long taken pride in helping to build this sprawling city by the sea.

Constructed around the same agriculture fields where Cesar Chavez organized migrant laborers before establishing the United Farm Workers of America, Oxnard is a place where Latino influence is omnipresent  from music festivals to eateries.

At City Hall, officials have made it a priority to protect the area's immigrant residents and workforce  whether that involves bolstering tenant rights against predatory landlords, or joining a civil rights lawsuit against indiscriminate raids.

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But a summer of immigration sweeps has fueled distrust in the community, and put city officials on the defensive.

Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur stands in front of a mural by artist Anthony Macri-Ortiz depicting former Ventura County Supervisor and Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Ramirez, top. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The Trump administration's crackdown has sparked street protests, as well as complaints that city officials need to be more proactive and forceful in the face of federal immigration enforcement.

Tensions are high in the community right now and relations are being strained, said Lucas Zucker, co-executive director of Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy, the same group behind new tenant protections. It takes a lot of work to build trust with the immigrant community and any law enforcement or government.

At a City Council meeting last month, speakers criticized police and city leaders for not doing enough to help the immigrant population. Some called for legal action.

Cabdriver Benjamin Fernando Rico, 83, said the recent immigration raids are bad, but he hasn't seen a drastic change to his taxi business. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Our community is under attack by the federal government, Veronica Miranda, 65, told the council that evening. I dont know what you can do, but Im going to ask you to do something  a gesture, can we look at an eviction moratorium?"

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Youre not able to stop the federal government, said Pastor Greg Runyon. I dont fault you for that  but you do have a weapon  it's a bully pulpit.

Vanessa Valdez, an attorney and resident, didnt mince her words.

Youre here to serve us, if you refuse to act, we will make sure you do not get reelected, she said. We will hold every one of you accountable for what happens under your leadership, starting with the death of Jaime Alanis Garcia."

City officials said they understand the anger, but they insist they are doing all they can to fight the federal action.

Alexander Nguyen, city manager for Oxnard, said it was particularly alarming given the city's efforts to build trust with immigrant communities.

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"The Police Department has worked really hard over the last two decades to establish a tremendous amount of trust and respect, and open communication, Nguyen said. When you're talking about the federal actions, it clearly can drive a wedge between specific communities and their police departments.

Since January, federal immigration agents had been parachuting into the town and surrounding communities. The agents, successfully at times, entered farms and packinghouses to apprehend immigrant workers living in the country illegally. They stopped people in their vehicles and on the street, sometimes loitering around schools.

Some of the raids were captured on video and shared on social media, including one in May, when federal agents detained a man at a gas station, leaving his two sons behind. One of the sons was 19, but did not have a license to drive.

The following month, amid harvest season, federal agents were caught on video as they chased a farmworker across a strawberry field.

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As the raids continued, community frustration grew. That was especially the case for the Police Department, whose officers often stood between agents and demonstrators.

Workers tend to a field in Oxnard. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

It didnt help that federal authorities would drive to the police station to report that they were being followed, prompting police officers to contact immigrant rights advocates, who have been alerting residents of the operations and documenting them.

And because federal agents often dressed in plain clothes, there were a few cases in which activists mistakenly followed police officers home from work. In some cases, sting operations by a police task force have been complicated by people mistaking them for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

But things came to a head last month when the largest cannabis operator in the state  Glass House Brands  was the target of two separate worksite operations in Camarillo and Carpinteria.

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There were hundreds of workers at the Camarillo property, many of them Oxnard residents, who were detained and taken away for deportation. It was during this operation that Garcia fell three stories from a greenhouse while trying to evade federal agents.

Garcia died from his injuries two days later.

Family, friends and community members attend a memorial for Jaime Alanis Garcia, who died after an immigration raid in Camarillo. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

The Department of Homeland Security said that Garcia was not among those being pursued and that federal agents called in a medevac for him.

The operation led to an hours-long standoff between demonstrators and federal agents, who used less lethal ammunition to keep the crowd at bay. A few demonstrators responded by throwing rocks at federal vehicles as they left the area. At least one man was captured on video shooting a handgun at agents.

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The operation also included members of the National Guard, prompting the National Immigration Law Center to file a Freedom of Information Act to ascertain the military's role in the operation.

Protesters confront federal agents during immigration raids in Ventura County in July. (Julie Leopo / For The Times)

The deployment of the U.S. military in our communities is not just unnecessary, it is yet another fear tactic this administration is using in its concerted assault on immigrant communities and our democratic traditions, said Benjamin R. Farley, special counsel at NILC, in a written statement.

The situation only worsened when federal agents showed up at a local hospital where injured farmworkers had been taken, prompting Oxnard police to respond.

Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites said the officers were requested by the Fire Department, not ICE. However, their presence drove a narrative that officers were helping federal agents. He said the officers were there to ensure that ambulances could access the emergency room.

Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Two days after the operation, a federal judge would order immigration authorities to stop detaining people based on their ethnicity or occupation. The order covers seven counties: Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

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In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong found sufficient evidence that agents were using race, language, a person's vocation or the location they are at  such as a car wash, Home Depot, swap meets or a row of street vendors  to form reasonable suspicion.

Frimpong said reliance on those factors, either alone or in combination, does not meet the requirements of the 4th Amendment. Her order prohibits agents from relying solely on those factors to establish reasonable suspicion to detain people.

Farmworkers have long been a part of life of Oxnard. The vast coastal plain grows most of the nation's celery, along with beans, strawberries, onions and peppers, according to UC Davis data.

Workers tend to a field in Oxnard. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Chavez, the father of the farm labor movement, spent a year in the town organizing workers and registering voters.

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The city had its share of racial strife over the years, with some Latino migrants feeling they were mistreated by a white majority that also owned the farms where they worked. But by the early 1990s, Latinos became the majority and rapidly remade political and cultural life.

Over the next three decades, it became a magnet for Latino residents and saw its population nearly double. A thriving Latino middle class was also established.

But it wasn't until 2010  after a massive scandal brought government reforms  that Latinos were significantly represented in city affairs.

The first change came when voters elected Carmen Ramirez, the first Latina on the Oxnard City Council. She would later become the first Latina on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. An environmentalist, she along with environmental groups and residents worked together to stop the construction of a power plant. They would also address other environmental issues.

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Another change came in 2018, when the city moved to district elections, allowing for Latino representation in government to grow.

"I think both things made the City Council more racially diverse, but also more accessible to grassroots community members who wanted to run for office, because it's a lot easier to run in a small district, especially in a small town," Zucker said. "And so I think that that has helped bring in some pretty progressive and community-oriented folks to the City Council, who have moved forward ... some really important policies."

Immigration raids are not new here. In the 1970s and 1980s, the federal government launched roundups targeting Mexican and Central Americans.

Anti-ICE demonstrators gather at Oxnard City Hall in July. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Oxnard was still trying to recover from racial strife at the time of the crackdown. Much of the tension was related to school segregation and police brutality. The latter led to violent riots when residents of La Colonia, a Latino neighborhood where Chavez once lived, rose up.

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But under Police Chief Robert Owens, the department tried to shift the way it conducted police work, pushing officers to build a closer relationship with the community.

When Benites joined the department more than 30 years ago, he was told that officers never got involved in federal immigration operations and that when it came to the immigrant population, everyone was treated equally and that the only time youd arrest someone was for committing a crime.

Police departments have walked a fine line between being peacekeepers and crimefighters, a distinction that has been difficult to make at times amid controversial shootings and past enforcements.

In the summer of 1978, Oxnard police officers and Ventura County sheriff deputies found themselves standing between members of the Ku Klux Klan and demonstrators. The Klan attempted to show the film "The Birth of a Nation" at the towns community center in an effort to recruit new members, but their arrival led to a standoff that turned violent.

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Residents at the time accused Oxnard police officers of protecting members of the Klan. At least one officer who was there during the riot said he and others were there to keep the peace and prevent both sides from hurting each other.

Now, officers find themselves being accused of helping federal agents.

Zucker, the co-executive of Cause, said he doesn't believe the Police Department is working with the federal government, but he does believe there is some soft cooperation. He said when federal agents go to the station and request police assistance, that same response is not provided to activists who are trying to determine what agency the federal agents work for.

"I think from the Police Department's perspective, I think what they say is: 'We would do this for anyone.'" he said. "But there's just a perception in the community that it never seems to be the case that the local police are helping the protesters or immigrants in those confrontations, and it always just so happens they seem to be making it easier for ICE to do that."

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In order to preserve its relationship with the community, Benites said the department has reached out to immigrant rights advocates to discuss any issues. An officer also takes questions from the community on a local radio program  a long-standing tradition started many years ago and later expanded to include the Spanish media by Mayor Luis McArthur, a former Oxnard police officer.

Most recently, Benites launched a podcast to discuss issues such as immigration operations and to clarify the departments role.

Even before Trump was sworn into office, Benites and other police chiefs in Ventura County put out a joint statement saying they do not assist or take part in federal immigration operations. They underscored their roles are limited and often subjected to investigations targeting organized crime such as drug organizations or human trafficking operations.

Despite the outreach, he said, it's not always guaranteed that people will listen.

Theres only so much you can do, Benites said.

The raids have also had an impact on the relationships between city officials and social justice groups.

The groups want the city to stand with the immigrant community and have asked that the city allocate money for a legal defense fund to help families that have been affected by the immigration raids.

McArthur, the mayor, said the city has plans to meet with all groups to address ongoing immigration issues in the city.

McArthur said hes hoping to keep the bridges that he and his predecessors spent years forging with local groups, but it has been difficult with the high number of operations taking place.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Laura Ingraham claimed Thursday that California Gov. Gavin Newsoms criticism of President Donald Trump could encourage more assassination attempts on the president. The Fox News host leaned on the Minneapolis shooting to try to make her point. (Watch the video below.)

Ingraham played clips of Newsom suggesting Trump wont surrender power at the end of his term and accusing the president of authoritarian tactics to assert policy.

The rule of law is being replaced with the rule of Don, Newsom said in one highlight.

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Ingraham accused Newsom, seen as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, of lying before she pivoted to her ominous forecast.

Related: Fox News Star Calls Out Trump Ally Over Apparent Hypocrisy: This Is The Same Thing

This lie, endlessly repeated, is dangerous, Ingraham said. The Minneapolis killer fantasized about murdering Trump in his manifesto. And, of course, there were just two assassination attempts before that.

If deranged people take Gavin at his word, its kind of predictable that someone could try to stop Trumps presidency by any means necessary, or try to, including by deadly force, she continued. But Newsom doesnt care. So, the lies, they just dont stop.

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Ingraham appeared to conveniently forget how Trumps incendiary commentsand liesoftengo unchallenged by the conservative channels hosts.

The suspect, Robin Westman, wrote kill Trump now! on weaponry but was primarily obsessed with killing children and worshipped school shooters, officials determined after viewing the writings the shooter left behind. Westman also expressed hate for Jews, Black people and other groups.

Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot after the attack, killed two children and wounded at least 18 other people.

Related...

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KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Law enforcement across Kentucky will be on high alert this Labor Day weekend.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root said in a video announcement on Aug. 27, alerting drivers to be aware of the East KY-80 Yard Sale. Heavy traffic will impact the area during the weekend.

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Sheriff Root said that patrol deputies will be participating alongside Kentucky State Police (KSP) troopers during the nationwide Operation CARE campaign to protect the states highways from intoxicated drivers.

My deputies will be out in full force for your safety, Root said in the announcement.

The KSP crash awareness and reduction effort (CARE) runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. Law enforcement officials will be increasing statewide road patrols to watch for impaired drivers, speeding, distracted drivers, and seat belt violations.

More information about the campaign can be found at the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  Lawmakers and advocates on both sides of Senate Bill 8, which would mandate state agencies and political subdivisions take all reasonable steps to maintain the sex-segregation of private multiple-occupancy spaces, reacted to its passage Thursday in the Texas House of Representatives.

Previous: Texas House amends, passes private spaces bill

Five civil rights advocacy and legal groups released a joint statement in opposition to SB 8 Thursday evening: ACLU of Texas, Equality Texas, Texas Freedom Network, Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign.

This bill is bad for trans and intersex people, bad for cisgender people, bad for business, bad for public health and safety, and bad for Texas. Transgender people have always been here and always will be. Ash Hall, ACLU-TX

Ash Hall, ACLU-TXs LGBTQIA+ policy and advocacy strategist, called it unconscionable and unconstitutional that the House passed SB 8. They said that the bill could encourage gender policing.

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Texans, including the transgender community, should be able to safely use public facilities that align with our gender identities as a basic matter of respect, safety, and privacy, they said. This law puts anyone at risk who doesnt seem masculine or feminine enough to a random stranger, including the cisgender girls and women this bill purports to protect. Some people might forgo using public restrooms entirely out of fear for their safety, even if it endangers their health.

Mary Elizabeth Castle, government relations director for conservative religious lobbying group Texas Values, celebrated the bills passage on social media Thursday:

Today Texas made a historic move in making sure that no woman or little girl has to look over her shoulder with fear when she is in the locker room, restroom, or shower because a man has been allowed to wrongfully enter that space, Castle said. I thank Governor Abbott and other state leaders for being strong in passing the Texas Womens Privacy Act before the calendar year is over. 

Our Texas legislature has made the message loud and clear: You dont mess with Texas women and their dignity. Mary Elizabeth Castle, Texas Values

House Democrats also issued a press release, in which they condemned SB 8 and said it would create bathroom witch hunts for political profit. They noted that House Republicans rejected amendments that the release calls commonsense safeguards to protect against false and frivolous accusations and protect victims of harassment and discrimination.

While the legislature can do more to get aid to victims and prevent future disasters like the July 4th floods, more to address skyrocketing property taxes, and more to lower food costs and protect Texans from losing their homes due to economic uncertainty, Republicans are wasting taxpayer dollars on legislation that invites Texans to spy on and sue each other. Texas House Minority Leader Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston

Texas House LGBTQ Caucus Chair Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, D-Dallas, said in the release that while legislation targeting transgender Texans wasnt new, the House Republicans weaponization of parliamentary procedure to silence dissent was.

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Our constituents, our communities, and our trans family deserved to be represented on the House floor. Today, their right to representation was stripped away from them, but let me be clear  Texas House LGBTQ Caucus members will never stop working to represent their constituents, and fighting back against any attacks on trans Texans, she said.

Whats next?

Since the bill was amended in the House, the Texas Senate will need to approve those changes. Bill author Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, called the Houses passage a victory over gender ideology on social media, and signaled that the Senate would likely fast-track the amended version.

No more men in womens private spaces in Texas, he said. Our great state will not bend to the lefts delusions, and with the passage of SB 8 we are ensuring the safety of all the daughters and future daughters of Texas.

If the Senate approves the amendment, it will go to Gov. Greg Abbott for final approval. He also celebrated SB 8 in a post Thursday.

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If enacted, SB 8 will go into effect 90 days after the current special session ends.

Bill claims immunity from inevitable legal challenges

In a separate release from the oppositions joint release, ACLU-TX said federal courts have repeatedly ruled against similar laws in other states for violating the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which requires equal treatment under the law.

Since the US Supreme Courts 1803 decision in Marbury v. Madison, state and federal laws have faced legal challenges to determine if they violate the Constitution. This long-standing aspect of American law is judicial review. Texas is no stranger to this and has challenged federal laws in the past  many of the states attorney generals built their political careers on such challenges.

However, SB 8s language claims that no court, including the Texas Supreme Court or SCOTUS, can hear challenges to it or enjoin the state from enforcing it. Texas and California have years-old laws with similar provisions, which are still in effect.

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While the ACLU hasnt said if it intends to sue Texas over SB 8, it provided KXAN with an eight-page legal analysis of SB 8. In it, the organizations attorneys said that the bill flouts basic principles of judicial review and separation of powers that show the unconstitutionality and deeply discriminatory nature of this bill.

The Legislature cannot prohibit courts from declaring a statute unconstitutional, nor can it prevent individuals from seeking judicial relief under the U.S. or Texas Constitutions, the analysis reads. Ironically, the bill itself acknowledges its own vulnerabilities by including language  that permits any defendant to raise constitutional claims as a defense to liability  a tacit admission that challenges will be inevitable and that at least some provisions of the bill might be unconstitutional.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
(Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect IndyStar's policy on naming alleged victims of sexual assault.)

The city of Indianapolis is defending itself against a federal lawsuit from a former employee who alleges he was sexually harassed and later retaliated against while working for a city department.

De'Andre Baker, who worked for the city's Department of Public Works from 2020 to 2024, alleged that he was sexually assaulted by his supervisor in the hallway of their workplace, a DPW garage, a few months after he started working for DPW. IndyStar does not typically name victims of sexual assault without their consent. Baker agreed to be named.

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The lawsuit comes as the city has been embroiled for over a year in questions of how it's responded to sexual harassment and assault claims by former employees. IndyStar previously reported that Mayor Joe Hogsett's former chief of staff allegedly harassed or assaulted three women who were his subordinates, prompting a City-County Council investigation.

Baker, whose name is spelled De'Aundre Baker in court documents, filed the case in June against the City of Indianapolis and local union AFSCME Local 725 in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Indiana, alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.

The city responded to the complaint in legal filings on Aug. 26, denying many of the charges levied by Baker and asking the court to dismiss the case, saying some claims were either too old, or not addressed in the correct legal way.

Asked for comment about the lawsuit, the city declined to comment.

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"Out of respect for the judicial process, the Office of Corporation Counsel does not comment on pending litigation," according to a statement from the Office of Corporation Counsel.

More: Hogsett staffer fired amid Indianapolis' reckoning on sexual harassment

Baker said in the lawsuit that his genitals were grabbed during the alleged assault and that he did not report the incident because he feared retaliation.

However, after the assault he said that the manager made his sexuality "a topic of gossip among supervisors" and he started hearing anti-gay slurs at work, according to the lawsuit. Baker is a gay man.

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There was a "campaign to isolate (him)," he said, which increasingly escalated to being left alone after a work accident.

The lawsuit alleges DPW management was absent after Baker got into a traffic accident on the highway while driving a DPW truck back in 2022, and that "no one would come to assist him" despite being stranded and needing medical attention. The accident caused Baker to suffer a concussion and back injury, he alleges in the lawsuit.

"After the accident, management mocked and minimized (Baker's) concerns about safety, attributing them to his sexuality," according to the complaint.

For example, Baker alleges in the lawsuit that a DPW supervisor responded to Baker's concerns about a vehicle issue by calling him a racial slurs and a "girl," and by referring to him by a woman's name.

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The lawsuit also alleges Baker's requests for disability accommodations were ignored or denied, eventually leading in changes to his job description, unnecessary inquiries into his disability, demotion and termination from the job in 2024.

"The sexual harassment of (Baker) was severe or pervasive enough to alter the terms and conditions of employment, thereby creating a hostile and abusive work environment," the lawsuit states. "Throughout (Baker's) employment, the city lacked an effective preventative policy to address the abuse that (Baker) experienced. Furthermore, management officials knew about the sexual harassment but failed to respond to the harassment or prevent it."

The lawsuit also charges that the city failed to provide reasonable accommodations due to a disability that originated from his 2022 accident.

The city denied several of the claims made by Baker and earlier this week filed a "motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim."

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In its arguments, the city said several of the allegations made by Baker took place more than 300 days before he filed a complaint under the EEOC back in May 2024.

Those complaints aren't actionable, the city wrote in its legal filing, because plaintiffs in Indiana have 300 days from an alleged unlawful employment practice to file a timely charge" with the EEOC.

The majority of Baker's allegations offered in support of his hostile work environment claim are time-barred, the city said. The city also argued that allegations that were not included or encompassed in Baker's EEOC complaint should be disregarded.

"Because most of plaintiffs allegations in support of his hostile work environment claim are time-barred or beyond the scope of his EEOC charge, his single alleged instance of discriminatory conduct is insufficient to support a claim for sexual harassment," the city argued. "Therefore, because plaintiffs complaint wholly lacks the sort of severe or pervasive incidents that would support a hostile work environment claim, such claim should be dismissed."

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The city also argued that Baker "failed to allege facts that would support a claim of interference under the ADA."

The lawsuit alleges that the union was also "aware of the sexual harassment against (Baker) but failed to represent him in grieving the harassment."

The union didn't respond to IndyStar's request for comment. In its legal filing to answer the complaint, the union said several times it was "without sufficient information or knowledge to admit the allegations." It also alleged that Baker was terminated "due to his multiple rule infractions."

IndyStar has filed a request for Baker's personnel file, but was not yet given the documents as of press time.

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Baker said he decided to file a lawsuit because he felt "entirely alone" because "neither the union nor the city were willing to stand up for me."

"I've learned that if you don't fight for yourself, no one else will," Baker said in a statement. "I hope that the people of Indianapolis look closely at what's happening to me and to (other) women."

Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo.

Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Lawsuit against city of Indianapolis by ex-employee alleges sexual harassment
A group of former employees is suing the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS), alleging that the agency and multiple officials engaged in retaliatory behavior and endangered the safety of residents at a state-run veterans nursing home in Southern Nevada.

The lawsuit filed earlier this year in Clark County, alleges that leaders at NDVS and at the nursing home engaged in sham investigations against workers that eventually led to their unlawful termination. The lawsuit also alleges that those leaders asked the employees to commit illegal activity on anything from timekeeping to the handling of controlled substances, and failed to hold officials accountable.

The lawsuit was originally filed by one ex-employee  Eli Quinones, the former administrator of the nursing home in Boulder City  but it expanded in January to include three other ex-employees and a contractor who worked at the nursing home.

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It is asking for a jury trial and damages to cover lost benefits and the suffering that the plaintiffs experienced, including mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.

NDVS declined to comment.

The case, which had not been previously reported, comes after the Nevada State Police launched an investigation into the agency last year, and two people interviewed by investigators told The Indy at the time that the investigation was focused on the agencys workplace environment and leadership of the Southern Nevada nursing home, which is a 180-bed state-run facility that provides 24-hour care to veterans and their spouses and Gold Star parents.

A spokesperson for Nevada State Police did not respond to a request for comment on the status of the investigation.

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The officials named in the lawsuit are Fred Wagar, the former agency director whom Gov. Joe Lombardo removed last year, and Corine Watson, the director of nursing at the veterans home.

The state moved to partially dismiss the case in June, and the plaintiffs agreed  meaning that some of the complaints against Wagar and Watson in their official capacities will not move forward, but the allegations can still be brought against them in their individual capacities.

When asked for comment, Watson did not respond and Wagar referred to NDVS.

The wide-ranging lawsuit includes a bevy of anecdotes and accusations against the agency and two officials, including that they instituted a culture of retaliation and committed improper behaviors detrimental to resident safety at the veterans home.

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Specifically, it alleges that Watson refused to implement COVID-19 testing for staff and residents, leading to an outbreak in November 2022 that resulted in the deaths of three patients. It also accuses Watson of being negligent in overseeing staff that provided wound care to residents, and that reports of this conduct went unaddressed.

The suit also includes an anecdote where one of the plaintiffs was placed under investigation for refusing to violate the laws and regulations for electronic medical recordkeeping.

For about four months, the plaintiff was prohibited from going to the veterans home, which is where her mother lived, according to the lawsuit.

(T)his denial of access to this Nevada state government facility, which resulted in Plaintiff Walcott not being able to visit her mother for a considerable period of time, was done by Defendant Watson and others out of a personal vendetta and personal spite, the lawsuit said.

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The lawsuit also makes several other accusations, including that a workers alleged abuse of a patient was not reported under proper protocols, a lack of understanding of federal nursing procedures, that the defendants stymied the plaintiffs efforts to report or investigate wrongdoing and that people who sought to expose misconduct were retaliated against.

It also claims that leaders changed the protocols for maintaining discontinued narcotics at the nursing home, which the lawsuit alleges introduced much more room for error.

___

This story was originally published by The Nevada Independent and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
Getty Images stock photo of a voter registration form.

The womens political organization Red Wine and Blue has sued Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose over changes to the voter registration process at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Thanks to the federal motor voter law, car registration agencies around the U.S. have offered voter registration services to applicants since the early 1990s. New state law in Ohio requires applicants provide proof of citizenship before the bureau registers them or updates their registration.

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Red Wine and Blue argued the change, passed as part of Ohios two-year transportation budget, makes it harder for lawful, eligible Ohio citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

Frank LaRose and Republicans in the state legislature should not be able to disenfranchise anyone, she continued. Especially not the rural Ohioans, elderly voters, students, and women who have changed their legal names through marriage and divorce who are disproportionately affected by this legislation.

In a press release LaRose dismissed the case as a baseless and activist lawsuit. He added the state of Wyoming instituted similar changes and courts there have already upheld the policy.

Its common sense that only U.S. citizens should be on our voter rolls, LaRose said. I wont apologize for, or back down from the work we do to ensure the integrity of our voter rolls.

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We will win this case, he insisted, just like weve fought off the other baseless actions that such groups have brought against us.

At root, the changes shift the burden from state agencies to individuals.

Under prior law, registrants had to attest under penalty of perjury that they are a citizen. Verification then happened behind the scenes with elections officials at the state and local level.

On the one hand, drivers renewing their license who previously proved their citizenship shouldnt have a problem. On the other, its not hard to imagine ordinary people showing up to the BMV without a marriage abstract or divorce paperwork; or a senior letting their license lapse and then losing the ability to renew without tracking down a birth certificate.

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Researchers at the University of Maryland have found more than 21 million Americans  about 10% of the eligible voting population  dont have ready access to proof of citizenship.

The complaint

The Red Wine and Blue complaint focuses on attestation requirements in prior law. A sworn state statement was good enough in Ohio for decades, and its the standard many other states and the federal government rely on, too.

Indeed, the complaint adds, Ohio currently allows residents to register to vote based on an attestation of citizenship  so long as they register somewhere other than the BMV.

The problem with imposing proof of citizenship requirements, the group claims, goes back to the motor voter law. That measure states registration agencies may only require the minimum amount of information necessary to determine a voters eligibility.

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Because the (National Voter Registration Act) separately requires that all applicants must attest, under penalty of perjury, that they are United States citizens, the complaint states, requesting any proof of citizenship beyond that attestation goes beyond the minimum amount of information that is necessary to determine an applicants eligibility.

In short, Red Wine and Blue contends that Congress said a sworn statement is fine and that states arent free to go further.

Attorneys for Red Wine and Blue warned the secretary about that point in a letter prior to filing their lawsuit.

In a response, LaRoses general counsel, former Senate President Larry Obhof, dismissed them out of hand.

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The U.S. and Ohio Constitutions bar noncitizens from voting, he wrote, and Ohio law bars them from registering.

When a license registrant does not present proof of United States citizenship and has not done so in the past, Ohio does not have the minimum amount of information necessary to assess whether the registrant is eligible to register to vote, Obhof said.

The broader context

In recent years, right-wing organizers have grown increasingly insistent that noncitizens are flooding the American electoral system.

Republican officials including Donald Trump and JD Vance have fanned those flames, and in the final weeks of the 2024 election, Ohio boards of elections were flooded with thousands of bogus registration challenges.

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LaRose himself has made a point of pursuing alleged voter fraud aggressively. Ahead of last years election, his maintenance efforts erroneously swept in naturalized citizens.

LaRoses office has flagged hundreds of individual registrations for review since taking office.

As part of a 2023 investigation, Ohio Capital Journal spoke to dozens of county prosecutors about those cases. Many described a similar pattern: ineligible people received a form and filled it out thinking it was required. In some cases the applicants even checked a box stating they arent a citizen but county officials registered them anyway.

Those cases are about confusion rather than fraud, the prosecutors claimed. Ohios new proof of citizenship requirements might limit those cases, but Red Wine and Blue contends many more Ohioans will be harmed in the process.

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And for all the fear mongering about noncitizen voting, no one has been able to show its a substantial problem.

Following a more thorough review of LaRoses flagged cases in 2024, Attorney General Dave Yost turned up a grand total of six cases of voter fraud. The 2024 post-election audit came back with an accuracy rate north of 99% yet again.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins walks into a Missouri Right to Life rally wearing his signature red sport coat in March. Hoskins is currently facing two lawsuits alleging he crafted deceptive ballot language for public-education initiative petitions (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Two initiative petition campaigns seeking constitutional protections for public education are suing Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins alleging he crafted deceptive and prejudicial summaries that will appear on the ballot.

One campaign, called the Missouri Right to Education Initiative, hopes to amend the state constitution to declare education a fundamental right.

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The other, filed by an attorney with the public education law firm EdCounsel, would amend the constitution to prohibit public funding of nonpublic schools except for when it benefits disabled students. It also would label new charter schools as nonpublic.

Both believe Hoskins summaries were written to deceive voters and sink their chances on the ballot next year.

It is so far away from what we proposed that it really seems like they went to great lengths to try to bring something into the conversation that is not part of this amendment, Spencer Toder, treasurer of the Missouri Right to Education Initiative, told The Independent.

Hoskins office did not respond to a request for comment.

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In addition to declaring education a fundamental right, Toders proposed amendment would require state lawmakers to maintain adequate, thorough and uniform high quality free public schools.

The summary from the Secretary of States Office describes the initiative as an attempt to dismantle the states private-school voucher program. It specifically says the initiative petition would eliminate existing state scholarship programs that provide direct aid to students with disabilities and low-income families and prevent the State from supporting educational choices other than free public schools.

Toder says the petition doesnt touch the states private school scholarship program, MOScholars.

Our intent is not to get involved in the voucher dialog. It is to ensure that no matter if vouchers exist, it doesnt come at the expense of public school students quality of education, he said. All (the amendment) says is that the students have a guaranteed right to a quality public education.

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The second initiative petition does train its sights on MOScholars.

Were watching the statewide elected officials from Missouri slowly dismantle public schools, this public school system that Missourians have built, Duane Martin, a public education attorney who filed the initiative petition, told The Independent.

Hoskins summary describes the proposed amendment as eliminating existing programs that provide direct aid to students with special education needs.

It did not look to me like they had carefully read the initiative petition because some of what they summarized is the exact opposite of the language of the initiative petition itself, Martin said.

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Both campaigns are hoping to get on the ballot in 2026 and are in the early stages of organizing.

Im optimistic that a judge will look at this and see that some of the false statements that are made by the Secretary of States office can be corrected pretty readily, Martin said.

Both Martin and Toder said they have not had contact with the Secretary of States Office other than receiving their petitions certification letters and serving the office with the lawsuit.
A lawyer representing Karen Read in the wrongful death lawsuit brought against her by the family of her late boyfriend, John OKeefe, officially asked a judge on Friday to allow the out-of-state lawyer who led her criminal defense to join the civil team.

Attorney Damon Seligson filed three motions asking the judge to admit the lawyers from out of state  Alan Jackson, Reads lead criminal defense lawyer, and two other attorneys at his firm, Elizabeth Little and Caleb Mason. Little also represented Read at her criminal trials.

Jackson, Little and Mason are not licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, meaning a judge would need to approve their representation pro hac vice, Latin for for this occasion only.

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Such motions are typically approved, and lawyers for the OKeefe family did not file any opposition.

The motions were expected for weeks, after Jackson announced on The Greg Hill Show" that he would be joining the civil team along with Little.

In each, Seligson wrote, it would be unfair to deny Read the available benefit of the lawyers assistance in the case.

All three lawyers have an intricate knowledge of the relevant facts that will assist her other counsel in defending these claims, Seligson wrote.

If Judge Daniel OShea, who was specially assigned to the suit, approves the motions, Read will now be represented by nine lawyers in the case.

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In addition to Seligson, Read is represented by two other lawyers from the firm Sheehan Phinney: Charles Waters and Aaron D. Rosenberg.

Read is also represented by three lawyers from the firm Melick & Porter: Christopher George, William L. Keville Jr. and Marissa K. Palladini.

Jackson was instrumental in pushing Reads claim that she was being framed for OKeefes death. Prosecutors claimed Read hit OKeefe with her car on Jan. 29, 2022, outside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer.

But Jackson and other members of Reads defense claimed she was the victim of a widespread law enforcement conspiracy that set her up.

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Read, 45, was acquitted of all charges connected with the death of OKeefe, a Boston Police officer, in June following her second trial. She was convicted solely of operating under the influence, for which she received a year of probation.

Read spoke about her life after the trial in an interview on The Howie Carr Show Thursday.

More about the case

Read the original article on MassLive.
Officials across the Trump administration have attacked Kilmar Abrego Garcia "in numerous highly prejudicial, inflammatory, and false statements," his attorneys said on Thursday.

In a court filing, Abrego Garcia's lawyers asked a court in Tennessee to order all Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security officials to "refrain from making extrajudicial comments that pose a substantial likelihood of materially prejudicing" the proceedings.

In July, a magistrate judge in Tennessee overseeing a case in which Abrego Garcia was charged with transporting undocumented migrants within the U.S., issued an order prohibiting attorneys in the case from making "extrajudicial statements [that] will be disseminated by public communication."

Shawn Thew/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Kilmar Abrego Garcia speaks at a rally prior to his check in at the ICE Baltimore Field Office following a rally, in Baltimore Maryland, August 25, 2025.

MORE: Judge blocks administration from deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia until at least October

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In the filing Thursday, however, his lawyers wrote that "numerous government officials have vilified him in the mediaand these baseless public attacks have continued even after he was indicted in this District."

Abrego Garcia's attorneys, who said the previous efforts of the court and the defense "have not worked," said senior government officials "continued their assault" on Abrego Garcia last week, "branding him a criminal and promising that he would be removed swiftly from the United States."

Earlier this week after Abrego Garcia was released from custody in Tennessee and then detained in Baltimore, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said: "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."

The lawyers also pointed to remarks made by President Donald Trump in which he called Abrego Garcia an "animal."

Annabelle Gordon/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem looks on as US President Donald Trump announces the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in December 2025, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Aug. 22,2025.

MORE: Abrego Garcia's attorneys ask to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum

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"I think he's gonna be good for votes and I think he's very bad for votes," Trump said on Monday in the Oval Office. "These people are deranged. He's not good for votes."

Abrego Garcia's attorneys said "further intervention from the court is necessary" to protect their client's right to a fair trial.

"If the government is allowed to continue in this way, it will taint any conceivable jury pool by exposing the entire country to irrelevant, prejudicial, and false claims about Mr. Abrego," his lawyers said.

In a statement to ABC News, a DHS official said: If Kilmar Abrego Garcia did not want to be mentioned by the Secretary of Homeland Security, then he should have not entered our country illegally and committed heinous crimes."

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The statement went on to say: "Once again, the media is falling all over themselves to defend this criminal illegal MS-13 gang member who is an alleged human trafficker, domestic abuser, and child predator. The medias sympathetic narrative about this criminal illegal alien has completely fallen apart, yet they continue to peddle his sob story. We hear far too much about gang members and criminals false sob stories and not enough about their victims."

Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran native who had been living in Maryland with his wife and children, was deported in March to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison -- despite a 2019 court order barring his deportation to that country due to fear of persecution. The Trump administration claimed he was a member of the criminal gang MS-13, which his family and attorneys deny.

Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters - PHOTO: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 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, August 25, 2025.

MORE: Timeline: Wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador

He was brought back to the U.S. in June to face the charges in Tennessee. He has pleaded not guilty.

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After returning to Maryland last weekend and being detained by immigration authorities once again, the Trump administration signaled it would attempt to deport him to Uganda.

A federal judge in Maryland has blocked Abrego Garcia's deportation until at least October as his lawyers seek to reopen his immigration case and seek asylum.
LA GRANGE, Texas (KXAN)  Paint chips from a sign in front of the now-abandoned St. Marks Medical Center in La Grange.

It used to provide emergency services and orthopedic surgery, but closed its doors in 2023 due to financial difficulties, leaving a large gap in health care access for the community.

Thats had a huge impact on the community, said Sheri Kehler, CEO of Tejas Health Care, a primary care and mental health care provider. People were using that hospital to have access to emergency services, and now they dont have that.

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Kehler said, without the hospital, people have increasingly put off care.

Theres an increase of people waiting to the last minute and coming [to Tejas Health Care], and then EMS has to transport them to Austin, she said. People want to move out this way, out to the rural. Its like a dream for everybody in the big city to move out to the country. But then you come out here, and theres just not the infrastructure in health care.

On Thursday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participated in a roundtable discussion on solutions to rural health care access.

Both discussed the strain rural hospitals are under. St. Marks story is not unique  more than 20 rural Texas hospitals have closed because of financial issues since 2010.

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Rural America is in crisis, and the rural hospitals are absolutely critical for them to survive these crises, Kennedy said.

Abbott said Texas has recently invested more than $300 million to address rural health care needs. Additionally, federal leaders announced the state will receive $100 million per year for the next five years through the Make America Healthy Again initiative  a $50 billion fund.

The governor said the money will be used to expand maternal and child health services, strengthen behavioral telehealth in rural areas, and help staff small-town clinics.

We have an obligation to ensure that those communities are going to be able to succeed, Abbott said. One of the most important ways to do that is having access to health care.

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There may be hope for St. Marks Medical Center in La Grange. According to reporting from the Fayette County Record, a health group based in Mississippi has reached a deal to lease and operate St. Marks Medical Center.

The local paper reported that some services could return to the hospital as soon as 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 KXAN Austin.
COVENTRY  The hallways in Coventry were quiet, but inside the classrooms, students and teachers were excited to see one another again as the new school year began.

The new school year began Wednesday, and staff members expressed excitement about being back in the classroom with their students.

The first day is amazing and it is exciting, said Carolyn McConnell, a second-grade teacher at Coventry Grammar School. We love seeing all the new faces for our building, and we love being able to provide the opportunity to learn and grow with these kids all year long.

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McConnell said the first day of school is just as nerve-wracking for the kids as it is for them. She has been a teacher in the district for 25 years, and spent most of those years in second grade.

Coventry is an amazing place to work and its an amazing place to learn and grow, McConnell said.

What is unique for second-grade students is that they have the opportunity to use lockers.

Student teacher Alexa Bajek from UConn was there to help the second-grade students navigate their way using the lockers.

Athena Savvides, an art teacher at Coventry Grammar School, worked with students as they drew pictures of their summer break activities.

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Savvides is in her second year of teaching, but her first year at Coventry Grammar School. Previously, she worked in Manchester.

Im feeling very calm, but excited at the same time, Savvides said. I think its a very fresh new year, where the students can come in and learn art projects. Im already starting to get ready for the art show and making ideas for that. I feel like its going to be a great year.

According to Savvides, the art show will be held in either May or June.

One little girl in her classroom was drawing a picture of the beach with a tent on it, as that is where she traveled during the summer.

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This year, Coventry Grammar School welcomed its new principal, Jennifer Hammer.

I am very excited, and I have been spending the entire summer here kind of alone, and its been so quiet and so low energy, Hammer said. Ive been looking forward to this day, and now that its filled with all the teachers back, kids back and families, it just feels like an elementary school should feel.

Hammer said she is looking forward to getting to know all the families, in addition to the 326 students and about 62 staff members.

Everybody will be new to me, so Im looking forward to just getting to know them and supporting their work, Hammer said.

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The school will be kicking off the school year with a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) pep rally when students return to school on Tuesday after the holiday weekend.

We are doing the rally to kick off the new year and remind all of our students of our shared expectations around being safe, being respectful, and be responsible, Hammer said. We will have an assembly when we come back on Tuesday, where we will get them excited, introduce some new staff members, and talk about our raffle prizes for the month.

In October, an open house will be held for families to tour the school, meet the staff and learn more about the school.
Aug. 29Lee County officials are looking to regulate open burning due to an increasing number of agriculture fires.

The ordinance will be up for approval at the Lee County Board's Sept. 25 meeting. At the Aug. 21 meeting, Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan explained that the proposed ordinance is intended to hold residents accountable if they burn during a red-flag warning and it results in an emergency response.

Red-flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service to indicate a high risk of wildfire due to conditions like strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures, according to the NWS.

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"We don't want to prohibit farmers from burning their fence lines. We just want everybody to be responsible and act accordingly," Whelan said.

If approved, the ordinance bans burning all materials, except landscape and agricultural waste, in locations like public roads or sidewalks and during "periods of elevated fire risk" or a red-flag warning, according to the ordinance.

Burning would only allowed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during Standard Time, the ordinance says.

Before burning, residents would be required to notify their area's fire department except when having a recreational fire. All fires would have to be supervised by a person at least 18, be a safe distance away from flammable materials and be within 25 feet of a water source, according to the ordinance.

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Violations would result in up to a $250 fine for the first offense, up to $500 for the second offense and up to $1,500 per violation for the third and any subsequent offenses, the ordinance says.

At the August meeting, board member Ali Huss, District 2, questioned if the ordinance is needed as she wants to ensure the board is "keeping with limited government," she said.

Board Chairman Bob Olsen said he's had multiple fire departments in the county reach out to him about the issue.

Olsen also said there have been recent incidents when residents have burned when they "shouldn't have been" due to weather conditions, which resulted in injuries to emergency responders.

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"We had one day in Lee County where there was a red-flag warning and every fire department in Lee County was deployed" for brush and grass fires, Whelan said.

"Every one of those individuals was warned" that there was a red-flag warning and told not to burn. The county called in mutual aid from other counties "because we didn't have enough resources to respond," Lee County 911 Director Shelley Dallas said.

Both Whelan and board member Mike Koppien, District 1, spoke about an incident in Carroll County in March in which firefighters were injured while putting out a grass fire.

"All those firefighters had to be flown to Rockford," Koppien said.

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In Lee County, some people call the 911 center to say that they'll be conducting a controlled burn. Since 2023, the center has had a 44.1% increase in burn calls, Dallas said.

The current policy is if someone calls 911 to report a burn and there's a red-flag warning "we tell them the fire chief in your jurisdiction has not authorized the burning. We highly recommend that you don't burn," Dallas said.

"We don't have any reinforcement to tell them they can't" and "they choose to burn anyway," which likely results in an emergency response, Dallas said.

Under the proposed ordinance, there are sanctions that can be levied against those who persist in burning, Whelan said.

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"We're just trying to have some teeth to have people be responsible in their burning," he said.

At board meetings, residents are allotted time to make public comments before the board takes action on any agenda items. The ordinance will be voted on at the board's next meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 25, on the third floor of the Old Lee County Courthouse, 112 E Second St. in Dixon.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A woman has been charged in connection with the deadly shooting that killed a teenage girl earlier this month.

Teenage girl killed after gunman shoots into Kansas City home

Bailey Lewis, of Lenexa, Kansas, faces charges of second-degree felony murder, three counts of accessory armed criminal action and two counts of accessory unlawful use of a weapon.

Bailey Lewis mugshot

According to court records, on Aug. 9, Kansas City police were dispatched to a shooting on Norton Avenue. They located a teen girl in the bathroom who had been shot in the throat. She was transported to a hospital where she died.

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FOX4 previously reported that the girl, later identified as 16-year-old Traelynn Sibley, was inside the home when she was hit by gunfire from outside the home.

Traelynn Sibley, a 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed inside a Kansas City home on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

Detectives connected Lewis to the crime through surveillance video connecting her registered vehicle in the area of the homicide. She was then captured on video at a nearby gas station shortly after the homicide, exiting the same vehicle.

Lewis is being held on a $400,000 cash bond.

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage, speaks during a press conference on Feb. 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan)

A key Republican bill to define sex as only male or female hasnt become law months after the 2025 session ended  and thats on purpose, House leadership said this week.

In a news release, Republican leaders in the House said Senate Bill 437 passed both chambers, but House leadership is holding onto the bill to prevent it from being immediately tied up with ongoing litigation over a similar measure passed in 2023.

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The similar measure from 2023 is Senate Bill 458, also defining sex.

Montanans sent us here to make law, not to let activist judges tear it down the moment the ink dries, said Speaker of the House Brandon Ler in a statement.

Upper Seven, a law firm that fought the similar bill and aims to challenge SB 437, said it was wasteful to keep passing legislation thats already been thrown out.

The majority is so hell-bent on discriminating against certain Montanans that theyre willing to waste time and taxpayer money passing the same unconstitutional laws over and over again, said Upper Seven lawyer Molly Danahy in a statement.

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Days before the new bill was introduced this session, a district court judge found SB 458 to be unconstitutional based on its content.

In her order, Missoula County District Court Judge Leslie Halligan said the bill erased some Montana residents from existence, and she warned similar bills would meet similar fates.

By declaring as a matter of law that a human being can only be exactly one of two sexes, SB 458 explicitly excludes (two plaintiffs) from the definition of human beings, causing immediate harm traceable to SB 458, the decision said.

That ruling on a case filed by Upper Seven followed a previous court challenge that found the bill had violated a constitutional provision based on its title.

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Lawmakers amended SB 437, and already had changed its title, but the intent of the bill remains the same.

Soon after the bill was passed, Upper Seven informed the state it would add claims against SB 437 to the existing case once the new bill was signed into law.

With the announcement from House leadership this week, however, the bill has yet to become law.

We refuse to hand the judiciary an easy path to lump these cases together and stall the will of the people. Thats why we are being deliberate with the timing on SB 437, said Ler, from Savage.

Ler said the move is aimed at guarding the legislation against a judiciary that has become more interested in playing politics than upholding law.

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By holding SB 437, were making sure this legislation has the strongest chance to stand, Ler said. We will not sit back while partisan judges try to erase what the peoples representatives have enacted.

Upper Seven, though, said the Montana Constitution prohibits denying basic rights based on clothes, pronouns, or chromosomes, and Ler is playing politics.

Knowing that Montanans are ready and willing to stand up and fight for their rights and the equal application of Montana law to all Montanans, the Speaker would rather engage in political grandstanding and anti-democratic delay tactics than allow them their day in court, said Danahy, with Upper Seven.

Attorneys fees in the case in district court are still playing out, and the judge is considering whether to hold it for SB 437.

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In the separate case the ACLU of Montana filed over the bill title, the judge awarded nearly $100,000 to the plaintiffs.

In an email, a spokesperson for the Governors Office didnt weigh in on whether Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte agrees with the strategy by House leadership to hold the bill.

The governor looks forward to signing the bill when it makes it to his desk, said spokesperson Kaitlin Price.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of murdering Lesly Palacio in 2020, who returned to Las Vegas on Thursday to face a murder charge, will make his first court appearance next Wednesday, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Erick Rangel-Ibarra, 30, is the only suspect in Palacios August 2020 murder. He is accused of killing Palacio, 22, on Aug. 29, 2020. Police found her remains two weeks later near the Valley of Fire.

Authorities in Mexico arrested Rangel-Ibarra last July, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. On Thursday, he returned to Las Vegas after a year of extradition proceedings.

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In 2021, a grand jury indicted Rangel-Ibarra on charges of murder and destroying evidence. At that time, authorities suspect he was already in Mexico.

Rangel-Ibarra will officially hear those charges on Wednesday morning, when he goes before a judge for the first time. The proceeding, called an indictment warrant return, is a formality to bring a defendant before a judge to show they are in custody. It is unlikely that Rangel-Ibarra would enter a plea at that time.

Rangel initially told police he thought Palacio had died from an overdose, but then told police he initially saw the body when his son dragged it down the stairs of their home on a bed sheet, documents said.

In 2021, Jose Rangel, Erick Rangel-Ibarras father, pleaded guilty to helping his son move Palacios body from the family home. A judge sentenced Rangel to two years in prison. The 8 News Now Investigators reported Rangel was released after serving less than nine months.

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Video evidence presented to a grand jury showed Rangel-Ibarra and Rangel moving Palacios body on the morning of her suspected death, according to documents obtained first by the 8 News Now Investigators that year.

Erick Rangel-Ibarra, 30, is the only suspect in Lesly Palacios August 2020 murder. He is accused of killing Palacio, 22, on Aug. 29, 2020. Police found her remains two weeks later near the Valley of Fire. (Palacio family)

As of Friday, an attorney for Rangel-Ibarra was not listed in the court record. Representation for Rangel-Ibarra could also be determined on Wednesday.

Paperwork submitted to the court indicating Rangel-Ibarra was in custody incorrectly names Former Sheriff Joe Lombardo in it. Lombardo was the sheriff at the time of Palacios death and the grand jury proceedings but was elected to the governorship in 2022.

Rangel-Ibarra declined an interview request.

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Palacios official cause and manner of death are listed as undetermined. Investigators have not elaborated on what evidence inside the Rangel home led them to determine Palacio is the victim of a homicide. An undetermined cause and manner of death means there is not enough evidence on a deceased persons body to clearly determine how they died.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Dallas Area Rapid Transit allegedly pushed an outright lie about a state representative from Dallas, according to a letter obtained by The Dallas Express.

Dallas Democratic state Rep. Yvonne Davis wrote Michael Morris in a June 17 letter obtained by The Dallas Express. Morris is a bureaucrat known as the marriage counselor between cities and DART.

As one who has fought for DART from its inception, I am not only offended but extremely concerned that some DART executives have attempted to suggest that I undermined DART, Davis wrote at the time. I remain appalled that this misrepresentation of the facts was started by DARTs staff and leadership to suggest I undermined DART, she added. As an advocate for DART, to suggest otherwise is irresponsible, reckless, and an outright lie.

The Dallas Express reached out to Davis office, but did not hear back in time for publication.

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Soon after, Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price wrote DART Chair Gary Slagel in a June 27 letter, also obtained by The Dallas Express. He expressed concern about a malicious whisper campaign against a stalwart member of our Dallas County Texas House Delegation.

The narrative being peddled by DART is not based in reality, he wrote at the time. Unless DART leadership is prepared to back up any allegations with facts, this smear campaign must come to an end.

The Dallas Express reached out to Prices office, but he declined to comment.

Slagel replied July 2, in another letter obtained by The Dallas Express.

We have been working diligently with our partners to understand and address their concerns, and we remain committed to finding a balanced and equitable resolution that best serves the needs of our communities, he wrote at the time.

Slagel told The Dallas Express DART deeply values our relationships with all elected officials in member cities and across the state.

Those relationships were key to us defeating Defund DART legislation during the 89th Legislative Session, Slagel said. I wont discuss private conversations, but I remain committed to working with all our legislative partners in good faith.

A Concentrated Effort to Misrepresent the Facts

Some local member cities have been increasingly frustrated with the agencys governance and funding, leading officials to back reform legislation  and ask Gov. Greg Abbott to include the bills in the special session.

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DARTs board consists of a large majority from Dallas, while some suburban cities, such as Farmers Branch and Plano, are forced to share a single representative, as The Dallas Express previously reported. In 2023, Plano also saw a $65 million deficit in its contributions and services returned.

Senate Bill 2118 would have required an equal number of representatives on the DART board for each member city. House Bill 3187 would let cities spend 25% of their sales tax revenue on general mobility programs instead of DART. The legislation ultimately failed to pass.

Davis wrote Morris  the long-time transportation director at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)  saying she supported DART from its inception. However, she was concerned that the agency was spreading rumors that she had undermined DART during the legislative session.

After several conversations with individuals regarding the recent DART legislation, it is apparent there is a concentrated effort to misrepresent the facts, actions and outcomes, she wrote. I am dismayed as well as disappointed that this discussion evolves [sic] around personality versus facts.

Davis said she had multiple meetings with DART, where she encouraged officials to negotiate a plan with member cities before the session.

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While Davis said there was a notion that I did not help DART, she actually hosted a meeting with officials from DART and the City of Plano.

There was a general understanding among everyone that there was no desire to harm DART, but to look for a mutual approach to address Planos issue, she said. We all agreed to go back and come up with recommendations from both sides.

Planos mayor was very open, while DART was somewhat reluctant, according to Davis. Plano provided an offer, which she presented to DART.

They refused to provide any feedback at the time, Davis said. The DART board member did receive the offer, and indicated that he would share it with the DART leadership and get back to me.

DART eventually responded and said the proposal was unacceptable, without offering any recommendation or suggestions, according to Davis.

Legislators advanced the reforms the next day, although SB 2118 and HB 3187 ultimately stalled in committee.

How that translates into me not standing with DART is simply incorrect and a gross misrepresentation of the facts, Davis said.

A Malicious Whisper Campaign

When Price wrote Slagel weeks later, he expressed concerns that DART leadership is mischaracterizing activities during the session by a stalwart member of our Dallas County Texas House Delegation.

When it became apparent the politics have shifted against DART, how many of our fourteen house delegation members stepped up to the plate to directly intervene? he wrote at the time. And what is the reward? A malicious whisper campaign against one of DARTs most prominent advocates.

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The narrative was not based in reality, according to Price, who called on Slagel to back up allegations with facts, or end the smear campaign.

DARTs actions, or rather inaction, before, during, and after legislative session have done grievous harm to the organization at the expense of our shared residents who depend on public transportation, Price wrote.

He emphasized his history supporting the agency, since before DART even existed. Price called it a vital service for our shared constituents to access transportation.

However, we cannot sit idly by and watch DART leadership continue to fail at addressing an issue that has percolated for the better part of a decade, he wrote.

Price said he thought Planos support for legislative reforms would be bad for our community, and would financially cripple DART and its services for vulnerable residents.

But, it was, and still is, the only proposal of real substance on the table, he wrote. DARTs refusal to act in good faith to work out a solution for member cities issues is even worse for our community than the City of Planos proposal.

He asked Slagel how DART plans to resolve the conflict before the next legislative session, when more reforms could potentially pass.

We must admit to ourselves that the politics of this issue are turning against DART and it is entirely due to DART leaderships unwillingness to legitimately negotiate, Price said. What are we going to do when member cities start opting-out of DART entirely?

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Cities next window to let voters opt out of DART is in 2026. Price called on DARTs leadership to engage in an earnest discussion on how to preserve services.

DART escaped Austin by the skin if [sic] their teeth, Price wrote. Fix this now so a legislative body without our communitys interests in mind doesnt feel compelled to.

A Compromise Or a Poison Pill?

Slagel responded to Price on July 2, emphasizing DARTs dedication to working through different challenges with its member cities.

DART is committed to working collaboratively and transparently with all member cities, he wrote. In a good faith effort to address concerns and promote collaboration, the DART Board approved a resolution in March that, among other things, created a General Mobility Program (GMP) as a compromise solution.

The GMP would redirect 5% of the sales tax from DART back to several member cities  leaving a $42-43 million budget shortfall, which could trigger some of the largest service cuts in history.

To fund the program, we intended to seek replacement funding from the Regional Transportation Council, which has unfortunately not materialized, Slagel said in his reply.

The RTC is part of Morris group, NCTCOG. As The Dallas Express exclusively reported, in a June 3 letter to Slagel, Morris declined to request additional DART funding from the RTC, as member cities were still pursuing reforms.

Since those cities elected to maintain a legislative path, as stated previously, staff will not be requesting financial assistance of the RTC, Morris wrote Slagel at the time.

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Still, in his reply to Price, Slagel said DART is doing everything we can to minimize service cuts. Our priority is to preserve as much service as we can while honoring the resolution.

Just weeks later, on July 17, Slagel wrote to member city mayors, asking them to drop DART reform legislation in exchange for GMP funding, as The Dallas Express exclusively reported.

We ask you to clarify your position on receiving the GMP by committing not to pursue any further legislation against DART, he wrote at the time.

Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick previously told The Dallas Express Slagel had proposed the GMP to solve locally, only to now hold it as a poison pill for local cities.
The state Senate needs to stop the so-called False Claims Act before it creates even more problems for small businesses in Pennsylvania. This bill might sound like its about stopping fraud, but in reality, its just another way for trial lawyers to make money, all at the expense of the rest of us.

If this becomes law, lawyers would be allowed to sue businesses on behalf of the state. But in most cases, it wont be about justice. Itll be about getting a big payout. Even if a small business hasnt done anything wrong, the threat of a long, expensive lawsuit forces many to settle just to make the problem go away.

Pennsylvania already has one of the worst legal climates in the country. According to the Institute for Legal Reform, we spend nearly $20 billion a year on lawsuit costs. Thats over $3,700 for every household. Adding more lawsuits to the mix will only drive up costs for health care, goods, and services across the board.

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This bill doesnt fix fraud. It opens the floodgates to more legal abuse and takes dollars away from the state and hardworking families. Trial lawyers are the only winners here..

The Senate should reject this bill before it does real damage to Pennsylvanias economy.

Colleen Gauker

Orwigsburg
To the editor: Another shooting  in church no less ( 3 dead, including attacker, and 17 injured in Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, Aug. 27). It is so commonplace in this country that we hardly blink an eye. When are we as Americans going to wake up? Countries that have strict gun policies have much fewer shootings . I get so disgusted with people who say, "Guns dont kill people, people kill people. Sure, but if people did not have guns in their hands, they couldnt shoot anyone.

Republicans have made gun rights one of their core issues. There is no place for guns in our country  none. Few people kill their dinner and bring it home. Any politician who supports gun rights should be voted out of office. And we as Americans need to realize that not all "rights" should be entitlements. As a mother, when my child abused their "rights," they were taken away.

Paula Petrotta, Rancho Palos Verdes

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..

To the editor: Children lost to gun violence deserve more than prayers and cliches. Politicians and news outlets must stop using these tragedies for self-promotion. Tears and hollow speeches wont save lives.

We need real solutions from experts in law enforcement, countries that have curbed gun violence and mental health professionals. Politicians craft careful statements to avoid angering the National Rifle Assn., maintaining inaction.

Those who recycle hollow phrases that enable gun violence must be dismissed. Instead of accepting these deaths, we need genuine efforts to change laws, create safeguards and educate about the causes.

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News organizations must investigate and highlight real options for prevention. Sensationalizing incidents without addressing solutions normalizes youth deaths. Media that fail to expose political roadblocks become complicit in this crisis.

Ronald Kotkin, Long Beach

..

To the editor: I watched the news tonight and was horrified, as it started with another shooting at an American school. My father was a War World II veteran who returned from Guadalcanal in a wheelchair. After the war, he kept weapons in our home, including a pistol and a rifle, but any ammunition our dad might have had was hidden. My brother and I were not permitted to point any weapon  even a water gun  at anyone. My dad was an expert marksman who went to a shooting range. However, he recognized that ammunition for weapons of war was not to be in a house where children could find them.

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I cringe every time I hear about a shooting in an American school. How many children must die? America can stop this carnage while also permitting citizens to own weapons.

Marilyn Weiss Alper, Sherman Oaks

..

To the editor: I am a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother, so of course the news of the shooting of schoolchildren in a Minneapolis church hit me viscerally. But what brought immediate tears to my eyes was the little boy who matter-of-factly told a reporter that he took cover as they had practiced. Grade-school children in America must be regularly taught how to react to gunfire. Reading, writing, arithmetic and survival of a shooting.

Mary Rouse, Los Angeles

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Limestone County Sheriffs Office says a man has been sentenced to 20 years after pleading guilty to sodomy charges.

LCSO said on Thursday, Ray Thomas Burrow pleaded guilty to first-degree sodomy in a case involving a child under 12.

Father and son killed in early morning Limestone County house fire identified

The sheriffs office said in June 2020, it received a report of child sex abuse, which was investigated with help from the Limestone County Childrens Advocacy Center and the Limestone County District Attorneys Office. After that investigation, Burrows was indicted by a Limestone County grand jury in January of 2021, according to authorities.

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LCSO said Burrows has been sentenced to 20 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections and will be required to register as a sex offender after he is released.

Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said the case shows the importance of strong law enforcement partnerships.

Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community will always remain a top priority for the Limestone County Sheriffs Office, he said. This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between law enforcement, advocacy groups, and prosecutors in bringing offenders to justice and protecting children from harm.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
The first day of a special session on Aug. 29 to consider a bill sponsored by Gov. Tina Kotek to fund the Oregon Department of Transportation was delayed for hours after the House of Representatives repeatedly failed to get enough members to attend.

The Senate convened at 9 a.m. in its chambers as scheduled, but the House failed to gather two-thirds of its members throughout the morning and into the afternoon.

Representatives reached quorum more than nine hours after their first attempt with the arrival of Reps. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, and Vikki Breese Iverson, R-Prineville, who had been excused.

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The second of two public hearings on Kotek's bill was planned for 2 p.m. on Aug. 29, but was unable to be scheduled because of the delays. During the first hearing on Aug. 25, more than 90 people had registered to speak but were unable to testify when the Joint Interim Committee on Transportation Funding adjourned.

The bill would increase the gas tax and other fees in addition to phasing in a road usage charge for electric vehicles. It also includes accountability measures and a doubling of the payroll tax that funds public transit.

Several groups and organizations held demonstrations in front of the Capitol Building, including SEIU 503, a union representing thousands of ODOT workers, and Oregon for the People, the organization behind a petition to recall Kotek.

Follow along as Statesman Journal legislative reporter Dianne Lugo, state government reporter Anastasia Mason and photographers Abigail Dollins and Kevin Neri provide live coverage throughout the day.

How to register for Aug. 31 public hearing

The Joint Special Session Committee on Transportation Funding is scheduled to hold a public hearing at noon on Aug. 31.

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Registration for public testimony and written comments are open on the Legislature's website.

The window to register to speak during the meeting will close at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 31. Public comments will continue to be collected for 48 hours after the hearing begins.

Legislative staff said people who were registered to testify at the Aug. 25 hearing but did not get to speak should register for the upcoming hearing and will be prioritized.

Oregon House quorum reached on evening of Aug. 29, session to resume Aug. 31

The House of Representatives was able to convene about 8:15 p.m. after reaching a quorum and adopted special session rules. The House members adjourned until 4 p.m. Aug. 31, after a first reading of the governor's transportation funding bill.

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A new time for the joint transportation committee was not announced by the evening of Aug. 29.

Two previously excused Republicans, Reps. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, and Vikki Breese Iverson, R-Prineville, were on the floor with three other Republicans.

Boshart Davis told the Statesman Journal she had been excused for personal matters earlier in the day and was not anticipating being needed for quorum.

"They asked for four and two (Republicans) and we said we would provide four (Reps.) and two (Sens.)," Boshart Davis said.

Reps. Jami Cate, R-Lebanon, and Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, who had not been present throughout the day, were marked excused in the evening.

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Rep. Andrea Valderrama, D-Portland, also was excused earlier in the day, but present for the floor meeting.

Rep. Hoa Nguyen, D-Portland, had been present earlier in the day but was not at the final quorum call Aug. 29.

Public hearing never scheduled during Aug. 29 special session

The Joint Special Session Committee on Transportation Funding did not meet on Aug. 29.

At least 100 Oregon Department of Transportation workers joined the SEIU 503 union at a rally in the morning. Another 20 still lingered by 3 p.m., but most departed by 5:45 p.m.

People took the day off to come and testify and tell their story, said SEIU executive director Melissa Unger. Unger said one worker from Ontario drove to Salem to testify.

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Donna Ferry, a program analyst, spoke at an impromptu press conference and said she and other workers applied for leave to be at the Capitol for the public hearing.

Im just begging for some integrity, Ferry said. Im just begging for the legislature to please work together and let your actions show that you really care about Oregonians.

The Oregon House of Representatives failed to gather two-thirds of its members throughout the morning and into the afternoon of the Aug. 29 special session called by Gov. Tina Kotek to consider her transportation funding proposal.

Union workers decry House delay on transportation funding bill

SEIU 503, a union that represents thousands of Oregon Department of Transportation workers, held a press conference at 3:50 p.m., nearly half an hour after the House was set to convene in a fourth attempt to reach quorum.

Representatives repeatedly failed to meet the required attendance of 40 members needed to conduct business. That means the Joint Special Session Committee on Transportation Funding cannot meet or hold a public hearing on the proposal.

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The folks who stand behind me, and the folks who couldnt be here because theyre at work, do really critical jobs across Oregon and they came here today expecting legislators to show up and do their job, said SEIU 503 executive director Melissa Unger.

Its sad to see," said SEIU 503 President Johnny Earl, who was emotional as he told the Statesman Journal the union has been working on behalf of ODOT workers for eight months and that the proposed bill helps all Oregon communities.

Jason Lawrence, vice president of Sublocal 730, said the day has been disappointing.

House of Representatives session delayed into mid-afternoon

The House of Representatives originally was scheduled to convene at 11 a.m., but was delayed until at least 3 p.m. due to not enough members present to have a quorum.

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Four Republicans agreed to attend, the bare minimum to provide a quorum if every Democrat showed up. But Virgle Osborne, R-Roseburg, said at a rally in front of the Capitol that Democrats did not have enough members to convene.

We were only supplying what the governor told us we had to supply, Osborne said. Well, guess what? Now they moved it out an hour because they didn't have 36 people ... But I got better news. They just moved it another hour."

Democratic leaders said in the weeks leading up to the special session that they were confident a quorum  20 members in the Senate and 40 representatives in the House  would attend.

Reps. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, and Jami Cate, R-Lebanon, did not have excused absences or go to the House floor on Aug. 29. Cate announced in a newsletter in the evening that she would not attend the session. Their surprise absences prevented the House from having a quorum, from convening and for a public hearing to proceed.

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McIntire told the Statesman Journal she was unsure if she would attend the special session, due to a family matter.

These are the lawmakers who received excused absences for the special session:

Sens. Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis, Chris Gorsek, D-Gresham, Cedric Hayden, R-Fall Creek, Katie Lieber, D-Portland, Diane Linthicum, R-Beatty, Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte, Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, and Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer.

Their requests to be excused referenced existing travel plans, surgery recovery and being on wildfire standby.

The Senate convened at 9 a.m. as scheduled with no unexcused absences.

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In the House, 20 members were excused:

Reps. Court Boice, R-Gold Beach, Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, Ed Diehl, R-Stayton, Darcey Edwards, R-Banks, Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinville, Darin Harbick, R-McKenzie Bridge, Jeff Helfrich, R-Hood River, Bobby Levy, R-Echo, Rick Lewis, R-Silverton, Virgle Osborne, R-Roseburg, E. Werner Reschke, R-Malin, Anna Scharf, R-Amity, Alex Skarlatos, R-Winston, Greg Smith, R-Heppner, Nathan Sosa, D-Hillsboro, Andrea Valderrama, D-Portland, Kim Wallan, R-Medford, Boomer Wright, R-Reedsport, and Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass.

How to sign up to testify at second public hearing on Kotek's proposed transportation funding bill

Lawmakers are expecting to hear additional public testimony on Kotek's proposal, tentatively at 2 p.m. in Hearing Room F.

The hearing had not been officially scheduled as of 12:25 p.m.

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They heard from 60 people on Aug. 25, leaving an additional 90 who signed up but did not get to speak. Legislative staff said prior registrants should sign up again and will be prioritized.

Another 3,681 pieces of written testimony were submitted online as of Aug. 27.

Registration to testify in front of the committee will be on the Legislatures website. Registration will end a half hour before the hearings start time. Written comments on the bill will be accepted online for up to 48 hours after the hearing begins.

Testimony at the first public hearing was limited to two minutes each.

Republicans share proposals to redirect ODOT funding

Republicans held a press conference unveiling proposed amendments to Kotek's transportation bill.

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Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, said the state has a lot of money elsewhere in the budget that could be redirected to maintaining roads and safety. The Senate Republican Office will request amendments to:

Eliminate Kotek's executive order on project labor agreements.

Require ODOT and the Department of Justice to conduct a study for the Joint Transportation Committee on restructuring a 2017 ADA settlement

Eliminate the Clean Trucks rule

Eliminate the Advanced Clean Cars II mandate

Prohibit the Department of Motor Vehicles from selling personal data

Eliminate language in Kotek's bill that would allow the Department of Administrative Services to adjust certain tax rates

Redirect funding from the Climate Protection Project

Senate Republicans also are calling for redirecting more than $502 million to operations and maintenance from the following:

$10 million from the Innovative Mobility Office

$39 million from the Community Paths Program

$47 million from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program

$38 million from passenger rail funding

$35 million from the Vehicle Privilege Tax

$11 million from the Climate Offices community charging rebate program.

$7.7 million in federal and state Climate Office funds

$8 million from Community Charging rebates

And $306 million of State Transportation Improvement Funds that go toward public transit

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House Republicans are suggesting a similar reallocation of funding. They are proposing changing statute and freeing of $473.5 million for operations and maintenance from the following:

$66 million from the Vehicle Privilege Tax

$9 million from the Multimodal Active Transportation Fund

$20 million from the State Highway Funds allotment to bike and pedestrian program

$8.5 million from funding generated by custom plates

$60 million from the Transportation Operating Fund

And $310 million from the payroll tax for funding

House Republicans amendment also would prohibit transit boards from imposing payroll taxes without voter approval like the Salem Area Mass Transit District, which operates as Cherriots, is considering.

If Kotek's bill passes, Republican leaders said they would support bringing the tax increases to a public vote. Former lawmakers began circulating the idea during the regular session.

Bonham and House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, were joined by business owners from around the state who spoke against the bill, saying the tax increases in Kotek's bill are not affordable.

Xochitl Munoz, an owner of La Margarita restaurant in Salem, spoke against the tax increases in the proposal, saying businesses are facing hard times, similar to the pandemic, except we have no relief from the government, just more taxes.

Munoz said other factors, including the start of paid parking in downtown Salem, have forced her to cut staff.

Bonham said he and other business owners sometimes have to make tough decisions, but that those burdens shouldnt be put on them by the government.

Its one thing when you make your own mistake, he said. Its another thing to have the state burden you with it.

ODOT workers rally ahead of special session

More than 100 people rallied at the front steps of the Oregon Capitol building in the hour before lawmakers were scheduled to convene for the special session on transportation funding. They chanted and waved, urging legislators to vote in favor of the proposed package.

Jason Lawrence, 41, is vice president of Sublocal 730, and was not one of the ODOT workers to receive a layoff notice. He said workers have been continuing to fulfill their duties in a state of existential dread. His colleagues show up every day to serve, he said.

He said failing to pass a transportation package would be more costly in the long run. The price tag will go up and up, and entire highways will shut off if the bill doesnt pass, he warned.

Regular Oregonians are the ones that pay for it in the end, Lawrence said.

Robert Schiavone, with ODOT air quality modeling, calls with SEIU Local 503 and the Association of Engineering Employees in support of the transportation package which would prevent ODOT layoffs at the Oregon State Capitol on Aug. 29 in Salem.

Jeffrey Hayes, 41, Region 1 director for the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon and a project delivery traffic engineer in Portland, said 79 AEE members received layoff notices.

"It's a pretty small amount of money at the end of the day that we'll all pay for us all to still have that public service," Hayes said.

"We want to be hopeful, but we were also hopeful that the funding would happen in June, he said.

Julie Murray, 53, was also rallying. She was one of the workers who testified on Aug. 25 and said shed worked her dream job for seven years at ODOT.

Murray is a drone operator who creates internal and external videos for the department and is charged with project documentation. She is one of the nearly 500 workers set to have their positions eliminated.

We dont have roles that can easily be filled, Murray said. Were all perfectly molded.

Why is the Oregon Legislature meeting in special session?

The 2025 long legislative session concluded on June 27 without lawmakers passing a new transportation package  one of Democrats' top priorities  leaving ODOT with a gap of about $300 million to maintain service levels for the two-year budget cycle that began July 1.

House Bill 2025 would have raised $11.7 billion over 10 years but lacked support. House Bill 3402 would have raised about $2 billion during the time period, but suffered the same fate.

Kotek indicated that she would call a special session shortly after the session ended

"We're gonna figure this out and I need every lawmaker, I don't care how tired you are, I don't care what your vacation plans are, we are going to solve this," she said on June 28, hours after the session ended.

The governor soon announced layoffs of 483 ODOT employees, the elimination of 449 vacant positions and closures of 12 maintenance stations.

On July 22, she said she was calling lawmakers back to Salem for the special session. The layoffs and closures were put on hold, pending the session's outcome.

Kotek's plan for the special session falls more in the middle of the two previous bills. It's estimated to bring in about $5.7 billion in the next decade and would provide funding for cities, counties and public transit.

What has Gov. Tina Kotek proposed?

Koteks proposed transportation package is estimated to raise $5.7 billion over the next 10 years. Her proposal includes:

A 6-cent increase to the state gas tax for a total of 46 cents per gallon

A $42 and $132 increase in vehicle registration and title fees, respectively

A doubling of the 0.1% payroll tax to fund public transit

A $30 supplemental registration fee for electric vehicles, and

A new "road usage charge" to be phased in for electric and hybrid cars starting in 2027

It also would transfer the power to appoint and fire the Director of Transportation to the governor instead of the Oregon Transportation Commission and repeal mandatory tolling language from the existing statute (which Kotek paused in 2024). The last major transportation package, House Bill 2017, gave the transportation commission that power.

Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615.

Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo or Bluesky @diannelugo.bsky.social.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon's special session, potential gas tax increase
CLEVELAND (WJW)  A Cleveland woman won the top prize of $500,000 when she scratched off an Ohio Lottery ticket.

According to a media release, the winning $500,000 Cashword ticket was purchased at the Giant Eagle along Edgecliff Avenue in Cleveland.

Powerball ticket in NE Ohio wins $2M; jackpot climbs!

After mandatory taxes, the woman will take home $360,000, said lottery officials.

A $500,000 Cashword ticket costs $10 to play.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Local law enforcement recently helped a swim program at the Vigo County School Corporations Aquatic Center.

The Vigo County Sheriffs Department and Terre Haute Police Union donated swimsuits and towels to the Swim by 7 program. The program posted about the need for supplies on social media. The towels and swimsuits donated are cleaned each day so they can be used by kids in the program who need them.

Brad Newman runs for Vigo County Sheriff

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Our program sees all the kids in kindergarten and first grade, so we go through a lot of towels and swimsuits, said PE Teacher, Swim Instructor, and Lifeguard Instructor, Liz Marietta. We have kids who maybe are just rushed out the door, and they forget their swimsuit, or maybe just some kids that are in need, so its nice to have a stockpile to be able to pull those resources and make their learning experience even better.

The Swim by 7 program teaches kids how to be safe in and around the water.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Across the county and commonwealth, a lot of families are already back in the fall swing of things, with school back in session, but many will sneak in one last summer hurrah on this long Labor Day weekend.

Although AAA is not expecting record travel like we saw earlier this summer, it still anticipates busy roadways over the next few days. Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean said that avoiding the middle of the day when traveling is often the best bet.

If you can leave earlier in the day, lets say youre leaving on Friday, leave before noon tomorrow because that might help you avoid some of those backups, but if you cant leave in the morning because you have to work throughout the day, maybe wait out that evening commute, then leave after that time period, Dean said. When we talk about Monday, some of the worst traffic backups were looking at are between 1 and 4 p.m., so if you can go in the morning, before that time period, or maybe wait out until the early evening.

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Dean said Triple A responded to about 7,000 roadside emergency calls last Labor Day weekend, so he said its important to remember some valuable safety tips.

That includes wearing a seatbelt, checking your tire pressure, and minimizing distractions like using your cell phone behind the wheel.

The dangers of distracted driving

We do have a hands-free law in the state of Virginia, as of a couple of summers ago, so if the police officer sees the phone in your hand while youre driving, you can get pulled over and get fined for that, Doctor Charlie Klauer, a research scientist at Virginia Techs transportation institute, said. If you need to use (your phone) or have mapping software, make sure the phone is mounted.

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Klauer also encourages passengers to pitch in on the drive, even if that doesnt mean getting behind the wheel.

Serve as a second set of eyes to the driver; dont be distracting the driver from their task, she said. Make sure theyre able to pay attention to the forward roadway.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport was unavailable for comment Thursday, but provided a statement, expecting a busy travel weekend itself.

Were very pleased the regional community continues to fly from their hometown airport, spokesperson Alexa Briehl said in the statement. As expected, well see increased traveler volume this Labor Day weekend. In fact, we have one of our strongest travel days today, Thursday, with over 1,500 departing passengers.

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Briehl reminds folks to remember their real ID, request in advance for wheelchair assistance, and give themselves enough time to park, check bags, and make it through TSA.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LONGMEADOW  Springfields Ralph Damico was on his computer surfing websites and checking email, when he went down one of the internets feared dark alleys.

I clicked on something, I dont know why, and all of a sudden, the screen said, Dont shut your computer off. Youre going to lose all your information. I panicked, he told The Republican. I get nervous about it because Ive had experiences on the phone where they try to scam you. Im very nervous about touching anything.

Damico was among 15 senior citizens who attended a Cyber Savvy luncheon Thursday conducted by Comcast at the Richard Salter Storrs Library in Longmeadow.

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Comcast Vice President Dan Glanville opened the program with a mea culpa. The government affairs executive admitting that he inadvertently let a scammer in the door of his personal computer.

I clicked on a link for a voicemail in my personal email account, and I had to do some corrective action because of it. I had to change some passwords, which is always a good thing to do anyway, Glanville said. We could all do better.

Patrick McGranaghan, a cyber security expert from Comcast, appeared live on a large monitor, telling the audience how scammers are using phones and computers to rip them off.

He advised seniors to avoid answering phone calls from numbers they do not recognize, not to click on unknown links and websites, and to frequently change their passwords.

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Seniors were also told to use long passwords, knitting unrelated words together like TigersEatCheese  without necessarily using many numbers and special characters, unless required to do so.

Silly phrases are easier for owners to remember and more difficult for scammers to discover, said McGranaghan.

Golden age of scamming

Elder fraud complaints increased by 14% in 2023, according to the FBI.

Scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023  an increase of approximately 11% from the year prior. The average victim of elder fraud lost $33,915 due to these crimes in 2023, the FBI states.

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The FBI also reported that Americans over the age of 60 are scammed 500% more often than people under 20. Mary Breeding, of Longmeadow, paid close attention to the warnings. She avoided being ripped off for thousands of dollars when she tried to purchase a car online.

I saw a car that looked like a good deal. But when I started getting into the details about how to send the money, I became suspicious. Im sure it was a scam, she said. Im careful on the phone, too, because you never know. People are calling all the time with offers of this and that. Texts now are also (tools) for scams.

Comcast is holding several such sessions in Western Massachusetts. Admission is free, and in Longmeadow, the first 15 people who signed up got to attend the session. Each person received a free Chromebook (laptop computer) and help setting it up, which included activating security features.

Were teaching seniors tips and tricks to avoid scams and be safe online, said Elizabeth Walden, Comcast director of public relations. Everyones online. You dont really have a choice anymore to connect with loved ones, get health services or to bank. We want to empower them to do it safely.

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Heather Marchetta, the librarys adult services director, said she sent an email blast to all library members inviting them to the session. All available spots were taken, on a first-come, first-served basis, within an hour, she said.

It seems there are more and more creative ways people are (using to) take advantage of seniors. If they can attend a class (taught) by people who really know whats going on and who are up to date with the latest scams, that will not only inform them about the scams that are going on right now but also get them thinking about future scams, she said.

Glanville said Comcast is constantly receiving calls from customers who say they have  or almost have been  taken by criminals.

This was a good opportunity to give people an idea of what bad actors might try to do, and how they can effectively respond. Take a moment to step back and look at the situation and evaluate it before doing something that could put you in a situation where you could be at risk, he said.

For more information about how to avoid being scammed, visit xfinity.com/support/articles/top-internet-security-tips or seniorplanet.org/welcome.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Aug. 28WILKES-BARRE  Joe Barna traveled from Freeland to San Antonio last week to speak at ceremonies honoring Medal of Honor recipient John "Jackie" Kilmer, who Barna said saved his life in Korea.

Barna, 95, served with Kilmer in the Korean War in 1952. He was invited by Navy personnel at Joint Base Sam Houston and Marine Corps first Sargent John Rodriguez to be the main speaker at the Navy Corpsman School on Aug. 15, and at another ceremony at San Jose Burial Park on Aug. 16.

Barna was accompanied by Retired Army Veteran Erik Olson, Easton, Md., and his friend, Frank Balon, Freeland.

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At the Corpsman School, Barna recounted how he met Jackie Kilmer outside of a mountaintop bunker in Korea.

Barna said Kilmer was the first person who greeted him, extending his hand and saying, "Welcome to hell. I'm your Corpsman. If you get wounded, call out 'Doc.' I'll find you and patch you up."

Barna then told the story of how Kilmer saved his life after finding him in a trench, pinned down by his flame thrower. Barna said he had been bayoneted by a North Korean soldier, and he was bleeding profusely. Barna said he dodged the full bayonet thrust to his heart, but his upper arm was severely injured.

Barna said he managed to turn and shoot the enemy soldier with the double-barreled shotgun he had taped to the arm of his flamethrower.

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"I think I made twins out of him," Barna told the audience.

Barna said he concluded his speech by telling the corpsmen class how important they are to Marines.

"God Bless all Navy Corpsmen and God bless Jackie Kilmer," Barna said.

The next day, Aug. 17, Barna spoke at the grave of Kilmer. The ceremony was attended by Navy personnel including base officers, active corpsmen, sailors and the base chorus, who sang the National Anthem. A local San Antonio VFW post served as Rifle Squad.

Others in attendance were a local group of motorcycle riders who provide honor services for veterans, a surviving nephew of Kilmer and various family and friends of the ceremony attendees.

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Frank Balon, bugler for the Freeland American Legion and VFW Honor Guard was privileged to provide "Taps" after the Rifle Salute.

Barna is author of the book "God Makes Angels and Navy Corpsmen: A Korean War Veteran's Memories of the War and Life." It is available from Amazon or by contacting him directly for a signed copy.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
We know there was an intrusion, were evaluating how the intrusion occurred, and currently (the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), from the federal government, is evaluating whether theres a demand," Gov. Joe Lombardo said Thursday. (Photo: Hugh Jackson/Nevada Current)

The state does not know what the cyber attackers who infiltrated state systems want, Gov. Joe Lombardo said Thursday.

Asked if the attackers, who extracted data and prompted the state to take down multiple systems, had contacted the state, Lombardo said we know there was an intrusion, were evaluating how the intrusion occurred, and currently CISA (the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency), from the federal government, is evaluating whether theres a demand.

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Asked to clarify that there had been no demand, Lombardo said its clear theres been an intrusion, but its not clear what the motive was.

Lombardo made his remarks during a briefing with reporters in Las Vegas Thursday afternoon.

The governor also addressed his absence at the first public briefing on the attack by public officials, which had been held Wednesday. The absence seemed conspicuous to many, including the Nevada Democratic Party, which issued a statement linking to a social media notice posted by the Elko County Republicans for an RSVP-only meet and greet with the governor Wednesday.

Lombardo said he was attending pre-planned meetings with constituents in Elko, Eureka and Ely for meetings with local government officials and constituents and in frequent contact with state agency directors and the experts engaged in the process of recovering and restoring Nevadas downed systems.

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Listen, Lombardo said Thursday after being asked multiple questions about his absence the day before, this press conference is not intended to address my absence. Im here, Im taking care of business, and Ive never strayed from my responsibility as your governor.

Lombardo also addressed earlier statements from his office early in the week that the state was unaware of any personal information released into the public. Thats what we knew at the time, he said.

On Wednesday, the Governors Technology Offices Timothy Galluzi announced data had in fact been removed from the state networks, though officials arent sure exactly what the data was.

Several state agency directors Thursday reiterated updates they had made the day before about the status of their services.

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But unlike Wednesday, the state has created a website designed to provide Nevadans with daily service status updates and functioning contact information for state agencies and departments. The websites content is to be updated frequently, Lombardo said.

Ransoms, and a bill that didnt become a law

Im absolutely confident in our level of preparedness, Lombardo said Thursday, noting that cyber intrusions are increasingly common worldwide.

Of course you cant prevent everything from happening including mitigation and preparedness exercises, and having third parties testing systems. We have done that, Lombardo said.

Unfortunately, he added, the cyber attackers had access into our systems, and were evaluating why.

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Earlier this year legislation was introduced by Las Vegas Republican Assemblymember Toby Yurek to create a state Security Operations Center (SOC) to better protect the state of Nevada from cyber threats.

Every voter record, every tax record, every tax form, every school form, every email sent, every transaction is an opportunity for a threat actor to move from a Nevadan to a visitor to a local entity, and beyond, Galluzi, the executive director of the Governors Technology Office and the states chief information officer, said while making a presentation in support of the legislation in March.

Galluzi praised increased collaboration between state agencies on cyber threat awareness and prevention, but collaboration is not a substitute for structure. Nevada lacks a centralized backbone for cybersecurity, Galluzi told the Assembly Government Affairs Committee.

Also, many of our agencies are running on aging infrastructure, and tight budgets.

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Galluzi in March also referenced several instances of cyber attacks carried out against state and local governments, including a 2008 ransomware attack in Atlanta where recovery costs were estimated at $17 million, and a 2023 ransomware attack on Oakland, California.

Oakland didnt pay the ransom. That resulted in class action suits filed on behalf of at least 13,000 Oakland city employees. Oakland reached a settlement earlier this year agreeing to provide compensation, including $350 per person for credit report and credit monitoring costs, $175 cash for every Oakland police officer, and up to $10,000 per claimant for extraordinary losses connected to identity theft and fraud.

At least two states, North Carolina and Florida, have banned public ransomware payments.

Ohio earlier this year enacted legislation by which any public government agency cannot pay ransomware before first getting approval, publicly, from the legislative body with oversight of the agency.

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And New York enacted legislation this summer requiring state and local governments to disclose to the states Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services if they have paid ransomware.

There is no absolute policy on paying ransoms in Nevada, Lombardo said Thursday, saying the options are under consideration.

We do have an insurance policy that helps us, he added.

In addition to creating a Security Operations Center within the chief information office, which is under Galluzis direction, the legislation, AB 432, would have authorized that office to apply for additional federal grants to finance state security enhancements. The bill also would have extended SOC coverage to school districts, and required the SOC to provide annual accountability reports.

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After that March 24 committee hearing, the bill was referred to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where funding determinations and allocations are made, and which is colloquially referred to as where bills go to die. No further action was taken on the bill.

The cyber attack on the state occurred less than three months after the end of the legislative session. Even if progress began immediately on creating an SOC, and a state investigation that is still ongoing, it is impossible to know if the legislation might have helped prevent the attack.

This story was revised to more accurately characterize the impact on state systems.
Churches across the country have become increasingly focused on how to keep their congregations safe without losing their welcoming atmosphere.

The London Police Department will address that concern on Tuesday, September 2, by hosting a free church security training from 6-8 p.m. at the London Community Center, led by Acting Chief of Police Bobby Day.

Day, who brings more than 30 years of tactical law enforcement and threat assessment experience, said the training is designed to give churches practical strategies for recognizing potential threats.

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It just gives the churches some better tactics and strategies for determining if people are there for the right reasons, Day explained. What were doing in the class is just making it very welcoming but being very aware of things that people need to look out for.

In addition to active threat preparation, the two-hour class will also touch on broader safety planning, such as medical emergencies, food allergies, weather-related issues, and evacuation procedures.

Day said he has taught similar courses across the country for years including in Hawaii, New York, Florida and California. Day has taught Homeland Security courses since 2007, including event security planning, and worked with security teams preparing for the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Typically, churches are viewed as soft targets, Day said. A lot of people that are looking to do harm think, Ill get very little resistance here. So its kind of a fine line  you want to make it appear warm and inviting, but you also want to let people know its a hard target.

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London Police Department Public Information Officer Hobie Daugherty added that the goal is community protection.

It really just goes back to us taking care of our community  making sure that theyre safe and prepared, Daugherty said.

The training is open to churches, church leaders and places of worship concerned with the well-being of their congregations. Day emphasized that the approach is proactive.

Its about making sure everybodys there for the right reason as opposed to a reactive approach, he noted.

The session is free and open to the public. For more information, email Daugherty at hobie.daugherty@londonky.gov.
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Long Island teenager had a near-death experience and is now back from a really dark place.

She got her life back and is headed back to school, all thanks to a medical miracle, the Mets, and an app called Moomoo.

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15-year-old Faith Sklar is so happy and excited about her first day of junior year at Commack High School coming up next week.

Its been a tough road to get here. In February 2024, what started as a routine hospitalization for a stomach issue turned into a year-long medical ordeal, including more than a dozen surgeries.

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Faith missed part of her freshman year and all of her sophomore year. By her side through it all was her hero, her dad, Dave Sklar, and her family.

A public school teacher in Jamaica, Queens, this dad thought it would be awesome for her first outing after being discharged to go to her favorite place, a New York Mets game.

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There, she spotted a sign inviting fans to take a selfie and entered a contest to win box seats. She entered on a whim, and he won. Thanks to the Mets and Moomoo, the investment platform, Faith was treated to a VIP experience at Citi Field this week. It was more than tickets; it was an emotional lift that she needed.

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We spoke to Neil McDonald, Moomoos U.S. CEO, on our Monica Makes It Happen show this week, who made it happen. Shes gained two lifelong friends, the Mets and Moomoo.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A Long Island teenager is accused of pulling a fire alarm at the Nassau County Supreme Court, then biting a police officer investigating the Thursday morning scare.

The Nassau County Police Department said Connor McCoy, 19, triggered the false alarm that cause the courthouse to be evacuated shortly after 11:30 a.m.

When detectives confronted the suspect at his Levittown home, he became violent and combative, according to law enforcement officials.

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One investigator was treated at a local hospital for a bite on his forearm that allegedly occurred during McCoys arrest. Its not clear why the fire alarm was pulled.

McCoy is charged with falsely reporting an Incident, assault and resisting arrest. He was scheduled to be arraigned Friday. His attorney couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

Being bitten appears to be an occupational hazard for police officers in New York.

New York City Councilmember Susan Zhuang was arrested for biting a cops arm at a 2024 anti-homeless shelter protest in Bensonhurst. Her charges were dropped in April when agreed to attend a restorative justice program. A Queens police officer had the tip of his left ring finger chewed off by a Brooklyn man in 2023 following a wild car chase. In 2018, a female officer was injured when she was bitten by a mentally disturbed man in Brownsville.
LONGMEADOW  Longmeadow police have charged a 55-year-old Bloomfield, Connecticut, man with a masked armed robbery after the Aug. 21 robbery of the Country Bank branch on Shaker Road.

Longmeadow police said Friday they were able to identify Darrell Blatche as the person responsible for the crime.

After the identification, a search warrant was granted for Blatches residence. The search yielded evidence directly linking him to the robbery, police said.

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Blatche is in custody in Connecticut at the Hartford Correctional Center on a parole violation, according to the Connecticut Department of Corrections.

Longmeadow police said Hampden District Attorney Gullunis Office will coordinate and prepare for prosecution in Massachusetts.

We commend our detectives for their outstanding work. Their dedication to this case was unwavering, and it paid off, Longmeadow police said in a statement.

Blatche pleaded guilty in Connecticut in 2003 to being the getaway driver in the 2001 robbery of a Big Y.

Stories by Jim Kinney

Read the original article on MassLive.
Israel on Saturday said it had identified the body of a hostage, Idan Shtivi, whose recovery had been announced a day earlier.

Israel said Shtivi was 28 when he was kidnapped from the Nova music festival in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war.

The announcement came a day after Israel said the body of Ilan Weiss, 55, was recovered in a covert operation, along with the body now identified. The military did not provide details about the operation.

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Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. The ensuing war has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, Gaza's Health Ministry said Saturday. The ministry doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Here are details on the hostages:

Total hostages captured during Oct. 7 attack: 251

Hostages taken before the Oct. 7 attack: four (including two who entered Gaza in 2014 and 2015 and the bodies of two soldiers killed in the 2014 war)

Hostages released in exchanges or other deals: 148, of which eight were dead

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Bodies of hostages retrieved by Israeli forces: 51

Hostages rescued alive: eight

Hostages still in captivity: 48, of which the Israeli military believes 20 are still alive

Non-Israeli hostages in captivity: four (two Thai nationals and one Tanzanian who have been confirmed dead, and one Nepalese national)

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Aug. 29My head is full of thoughts. My soul is full of prayers.

And my heart is filled with rage, a red-hot glowing anger that, once again, children have been shot and killed.

In Minneapolis, Robin Westman, 23, armed with a handgun, rifle and shotgun, fired into the church where children from Annunciation Catholic School were at worship during the first week of school. Two children died. A total of 18 people, 15 of them students, were injured.

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And the response is to offer thoughts and prayers.

Thoughts and prayers only fuel my rage because they are as disingenuous as they are useless. They are like cheap, unsigned sympathy cards tossed out because they are expected. They are like a flag pin worn by a politician who doesn't uphold the ideals of the flag but knows it will be noted if it is not prominently featured on a lapel.

Thoughts and prayers have been pouring down like rain for decades. We are drowning in them because the fatal shooting of our children at schools doesn't stop.

My husband went to Serra Catholic High School in December 1989 when junior Robert Butler, 16, shot another student and then himself on the bus. It was a devastating moment, but it was also unexpected. While shootings at schools have a history that dates to the early 1800s, they were usually small numbers, personally motivated and often nonfatal.

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That began to change in the 1960s with the University of Texas clock tower shooting that killed 18 and wounded 31. Higher numbers popped up more frequently. In January 1989, six children were killed and 32 more injured at an elementary school in Stockton, Calif., but the gunman had a history of crime and violence. It seemed more of a continuation of his pattern than a problem in schools.

In the 1990s, things seemed to revert to form  until they didn't. Until Pearl, Miss., in 1997, when three people died and seven were injured. Until an eighth grade dance at Parker Middle School in Edinboro in 1998 when one teacher was killed and three people were injured. A month later, four people were killed and 25 injured at a high school in Springfield, Ore.

And in April 1999, school shootings in America were redefined in a blaze of bullets in Columbine, Colo. The town's name is now synonymous with the crime. Its death toll of 16, with 23 injuries stood as the deadliest high school shooting for 19 years. The Parkland, Fla., shooting would eclipse it with 17 deaths in 2018.

A floodgate was opened that thoughts and prayers could not dam.

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School shootings now are a sickeningly commonplace reality. They have a season, like hurricanes and hunting. They happen at colleges like Virginia Tech and in one-room Amish schoolhouses like West Nickel Mines. They are as unpredictable as a tornado but as reliable as sunrise. You do not know where they will occur, only that they will.

Yet we do nothing more than offer thoughts and prayers. The failure stains and harms us all.

While one side advocates for gun control, the other pushes for mental health solutions. Both are at fault. Republicans may point the finger at mental health, but they have done nothing to fix it and indeed have taken actions to undermine treatment. Democrats know substantive gun control will not pass but do not look for other options.

It has been 26 years since Columbine. It has been more than a quarter-century of thoughts and prayers uncoupled from action. We have not allowed this with anything else. Imagine responding to cyber crime or designer drugs with good wishes instead of good government.

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If we are OK with our children dying in a church during the first week of school  or in a first grade classroom as they try to hide or in the hallway of a high school as they run for their lives  we should say so.

If we aren't, we should do something.

Lori Falce is the Tribune-Review community engagement editor and an opinion columnist. For more than 30 years, she has covered Pennsylvania politics, Penn State, crime and communities. She joined the Trib in 2018. She can be reached at lfalce@triblive.com.
Health officials are urging residents to take precautions after flea-borne typhus cases increased in Los Angeles County.

Flea-borne typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and is transmitted through infected fleas, which are commonly found on rats, opossums and free-roaming cats. Pets such as dogs and cats that go outdoors can bring fleas into and around homes. Infected animals typically do not show signs of illness.

People can become infected when flea feces are rubbed into cuts or scrapes on the skin or come into contact with the eyes. The illness is not spread from person to person, according to Public Health officials.

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Symptoms include fever, chills and rash. Health officials advise seeking medical attention right away if symptoms develop.

Public Health investigated a local outbreak of flea-borne typhus in central Los Angeles and is currently investigating a second outbreak in Santa Monica.

Flea-borne typhus cases have been steadily rising in the county since 2010. In 2024, a record 187 cases were identified. So far this year, 106 cases have been reported. Public Health officials expect to see more cases and clusters, as infections typically peak in late summer and fall.

This ongoing increase in flea-borne typhus highlights the importance of taking preventive steps to reduce the risk of infection, Dr. Muntu Davis, the countys health officer, said in a statement.

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Public Health recommends steps to reduce risk, including using flea control products on pets, avoiding stray animals, storing trash in sealed containers and keeping yards clear of debris.

Residents should also use EPA-registered insect repellents and report any stray animals or signs of rodents to their local animal control agency.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Blue tarps cover roofs in Larose in October 2021, six weeks after Hurricane Ida. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple wants to make a state roof fortification grant program available to more low- and moderate-income homeowners. (Wes Muller/Louiisiana Illuminator)

Louisianas program that gives selected homeowners money to install a fortified roof that can resist hurricanes will open registrations for its next grant lottery next week for coastal homeowners and Lake Charles-area residents.

Registration for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday and continues until 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Qualifying homeowners will be randomly selected through a lottery system.

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The Louisiana Department of Insurance, which administers the program, is offering 500 grants this round. Applications will only be accepted from homeowners in whats described as Louisianas Coastal Zone as well as from Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake, according to a news release from Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.

The Coastal Zone also encompasses many of South Louisianas disaster-prone areas such as New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, Houma and some of the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, among others. Homeowners can check if they reside in Louisianas Coastal Zone through the Insurance Departments online map. Click the magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the map and enter an address. Homes within the blue-shaded area of the map are eligible.

A fortified roof, according to Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety standards, is built with improved materials and techniques that can prevent leaks and withstand winds of up to 150 mph, lowering the risk of storm damage and typically leading to lower homeowner insurance rates.

Homeowners who registered for the roof grant lotteries in September 2024 or February 2025 will be automatically registered for this new round. Anyone who registered for a grant lottery before last September must sign up again to participate, Temple said.

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To register, homeowners must create a profile on the Fortify Homes website by clicking the Login button. Homeowners who previously created a profile can use it for this and future rounds. After creating and logging into their profile, homeowners must register during the registration period, Sept 2-12.

People who register on the last day of the registration period have the same chance of being selected as those who register on the first day, so there is no need to rush to register as soon as the period opens, Temple said.

Each grant provides up to $10,000 toward the purchase and installation of a fortified roof. Unlike a loan, a grant is a sum of money that does not need to be paid back. The Louisiana Legislature has funded the program in an effort to reduce the skyrocketing cost of homeowner insurance in the state.

The insurance department has issued more than 3,700 grants since launching the program in 2023. Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack reviewed the program and found the grants directly reduced insurance costs at a median rate of 22%.

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Homeowners would still need to cover any costs that exceed the grant amount. They also might need to pay for some of the work upfront because the state issues the grant checks directly to the roofing contractors only after they complete the job. Only approved contractors from a list the insurance department maintains are eligible to perform the work.

A full list of homeowner rules and requirements can be found at the departments website, fortifyhomes.la.gov or by calling (800) 259-5300.

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Gov. Jeff Landry, center, a Warden Kristen Thomas cut a ribbon to open the new Louisiana Correctional Institution for Women in St. Gabriel on Aug. 28., 2025. (Governor's office photo)

Officials cut the ribbon Thursday on a state prison for women, Louisianas first new state correctional facility in 35 years.

The new $160 million Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women in St. Gabriel will have 958 beds. The 15-building campus is spread over nearly 7 acres and includes a rehabilitation center, classrooms, a gymnasium, health care facilities and a treatment center for women who deliver babies while in prison.

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About 1,000 women state prisoners had been housed at the nearby Elayn Hunt Correctional Center until historic flooding in 2016 rendered the facility unusable. Since then, incarcerated women in state custody have been held at facilities around the state, including the former Jetson Correctional Center for Youth in Baker.

Hunt Correctional Center, which was opened in 1972, has since been repaired and is now used to hold men in state custody. Plans to replace the states only womens prison stalled as state officials sparred with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over whether the damaged campus should be rebuilt or repaired.

Plans call for 472 women currently at Jetson to move to the new prison in the coming weeks, along with 400 others from the Louisiana Transitional Center for Women in Madison Parish. The state is not disclosing exactly when those transfers will take place for security reasons, a Department of Corrections spokesperson said.

The new prison will employ 261 people and a health care staff of 56. The medical team includes

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full-time physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers and a dentist, along with other part-time specialty physicians.

The Department [of Corrections] takes the dignity, care and treatment of incarcerated women in its custody seriously, Kristen Thomas, the prisons warden since 2021, said in a statement. Todays grand opening reflects the culmination of many years of extensive work and a centralized new beginning for my staff, the women in our custody and the volunteers who dedicate their service.

Before Thursdays ceremonies, Louisiana last opened a new state prison in 1990 when the Allen Correction Center in Allen Parish was brought online. That came a year after the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center opened in Avoyelles Parish.






JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A Louisiana woman was sentenced in federal court for her role in connection to an automobile dealership fraud conspiracy.

According to court documents, Anna Waldei, 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, conspired with Paul Anthony Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Calderon, Joshanique Elouise Bailey and David L. Jones, Jr. in June 2023 to obtain the identity information of credit-worthy individuals, create false identity documents in the names of those individuals, and then pose as those individuals at automotive dealerships in order to apply for vehicle financing.

Man wanted for two homicides arrested at Brandon hotel

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Prosecutors said the defendants submitted credit applications and purchased or attempted to purchase vehicles from dealerships in the Jackson-metro area. The defendants traveled from Louisiana to Mississippi in a vehicle rented by Waldei.

Waldei pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 27, 2025. She received a sentence of 12 months and one day in federal prison.

The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.

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Editors note: Details of the story may be disturbing to some readers.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Louisville mother is on a mission to fight and spread awareness of bullying to other families after the tragic, unexpected death of her 12-year-old son.

Louisvilles FOX affiliate, WDRB, reported on Thursday, Aug. 28, that 12-year-old Silas Pollock would have been starting seventh grade at Farnsley Middle School this fall.

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Audra Upshaw, his mother, said bullying was a prominent factor in his death on April 15.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The realization that Im never going to get to take those back-to-school photos again breaks my heart, and theres nothing I can do about it, Upshaw said.

Upshaw said she has uncovered videos showing her son being attacked at school, including incidents where he was stomped on in the snow and jumped in the school bathroom. Peers reportedly told him to kill himself, like his father had.

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Upshaw said leadership at Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the nation as a whole arent doing enough to stop bullying. Since last July, JCPS officials told WDRB that five tips were reported for Farnsley Middle School  none from Silass grade.

I called the school on a number of occasions. The most that happens is theyll suspend the bully for a couple days, but each and every time, theyre brought back into the same classrooms, Upshaw said.

Shelbyville mans DNA allegedly linked to 2024 rape of Lexington teen

WDRB reported that she launched the Silas Project on Thursday to advocate for anti-bullying laws to help children.

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He had a smile that could melt away the darkest days, Upshaw said. I cant change what happened to my son, but I promise I will not stop fighting. I will be a voice for other children going through what he had to go through.

For more information about the affects bullying can have on children, visit StopBullying.Gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
What started as a callfrom President Trump to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has become an arms race that will reshape congressional districts and determine control of the House of Representatives. But the most troubling aspect isnt the gerrymandering itself, but how willingly our leaders are abandoning the institutions they claim to defend.

Texas Republicans, at Trumps urging, redrewtheir congressional maps to eliminate five Democratic seats. California Democrats in turn have planned to effectively eliminatefive Republican seats of their own. Now Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Missouriare eyeing their own retaliatory gerrymanders, each justified as a defense against the other sides power grab.

The political logic is admittedly sound. If Texas succeeds and other states dont respond, Republicans gain House seats that could determine control of Congress. Indeed, there are legitimate strategic reasons for Democrats, and in turn Republicans again, to consider countermeasures. This race to the bottom is a byproduct of our system, and one that needs to be addressed in its own right.

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But pay attention to how our leaders are presenting this institutional destruction. "We have got to fight fire with fire," Newsom declared. "Dont mess with the great Golden State." Texas Republicans, too, openly acknowledgedtheir plan was designed to "perform better for Republican congressional candidates" and justified it as a responseto "Democratic gerrymandering elsewhere."

Dont let the political fanfare distract you. This is the language of leaders who are celebrating playing voters against one another and taking advantage of a flawed redistricting system. It represents a dangerous shift in our governance, where abandoning principles becomes a source of pride, not regret.

The story politicians tell themselves and us is that they didnt want to abandon their principles - the other side forced their hand. This framing makes exploiting the process sound noble. It transforms compromising our values into a celebration of abandoning them. The problem isnt that its always factually wrong. Its obvious that the responses are a political necessity within our current system. The problem is that were presenting institutional destruction as moral courage.

Texas hasnt explicitly broken any rules in this redistricting, other than political norms. Indeed, similar mid-decade redistricting occurred in the state in 2003. On the other hand, to engage in this fight, California would have to overrideits own independent redistricting commission, a reform structure added to the state constitution by voters in 2010 specifically designed to take partisanship out of redistricting. Yet, the state leaders feel comfortable ignoring good governance to fight bad governance.

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The "fight fire with fire" mentality is now spreading to Illinois, Ohio, New York, and Missouri, each claiming that redistricting is necessary retaliation. Each side insists its defending democracy by undermining it just a little bit, just this once, until the other side stops being so unreasonable. This is how our democratic norms collapse.

The narratives we tell matter because they dictate what is acceptable. When politicians celebrate rule-bending instead of treating it as a regrettable necessity, they tell voters that institutions are nothing but tools for partisan advantage. When abandoning principles is a triumph, not a failure, the next abandonment becomes even easier.

A principled response from California would decry Texas and acknowledge the flaws of these mechanisms. It would be out of touch with political realities to demand that a state not counter redistricting. We cant just ask California, nor Ohio, Missouri, or Illinois, to just let Texas draw new lines. Rather, state governments must see their participation in a flawed system as a sign that we need to fix said system.

There are politicians trying to break this cycle. Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley of California introduced legislationto ban mid-decade redistricting nationwide. This measure would constrain his own partys advantage in Texas while preventing Democratic retaliation in California. Although its regrettable that these reforms are mostly pushed only by representatives whose seats are most at risk, they are most certainly a step in the right direction.

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The choice isnt between being naive about political realities and abandoning all principles. Its a choice between narratives that makes bending the rules sound heroic and narratives that drive us to work on something better. Politics can require straying from the right path, but we cannot paint these responses as noble crusades. We can counter gerrymandering without celebrating it. We can protect our interests without pretending that institutional destruction is a defense of democracy.

The gerrymandering in Texas is wrong. The institutional destruction in California is wrong. We dont need to pick which wrong we excuse based on partisan loyalty. We must instead call wrong things wrong, then figure out how to make them right. But most importantly, we cannot glorify breaking the very systems we claim to defend.

Brayden Myers is a contributor with Young Voices and a student of economics at the University of Alabama. His research focuses on political thought, political economy, and tax policy. His work has appeared in The New York Sun, The National Review, and RealClearPolitics.
Clouds pass above the LSU Law Center on Monday, March 20, 2023, on Highland Road in Baton Rouge. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator)

Alena Allen will step down as dean of the LSU law school at the end of the academic year, LSU announced Friday.

Alena Allen (LSU photo)

Allen is the first woman and the first Black person to hold the position. She has served in the role since July 2023 and will remain at the university as a full-time faculty member.

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Interim LSU Provost Troy Blanchard said the university would conduct a national search for Allens replacement, who would start when she steps down at the end of the spring 2026 semester.

Allen is the fourth high-profile Black administrator at LSU to leave their position this year.

In June, the universitys first Black president, William Tate, left for the same position at Rutgers University.

In January, LSUs first Black general counsel, Winston DeCuir, stepped down and accepted a one-year faculty position at the law school.

Kimberly Lewis, the universitys chief administrative officer, was asked to resign in February. She has since accepted a job with Tate at Rutgers.

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Allens departure leaves yet another top administrative job open in the LSU System.

Three other dean posts at its Baton Rouge campus are currently filled by interim office holders, and there are vacancies at president and provost. LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport is also looking for its next chancellor.
A Ukrainian assault regiment said on Thursday that it is now using donated M-1 Abrams tanks. This would be the second Ukrainian unit to have received the tanks since they first started arriving in the country two years ago.

The 425th Assault Regiment Skala announced the arrival of the tanks on its Facebook page. Until now, the 47th Mechanized Brigade Magura was the only Ukrainian unit operating these tanks. Skala, deployed to the Pokrovsk region of eastern Ukraine, is fighting some of the toughest battles of the war.

All indications are that Skala is operating Abrams tanks donated by Australia, the first batch of which arrived in Ukraine in July. Of the 31 M1s donated by the U.S., at least 22 have been lost, according to the Oryx open source tracking group. The Abrams losses are likely to be even higher, because Oryx only accounts for instances where there is visual proof.

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As we reported last October, Australia announced it would provide Ukraine with 49 M1s, a significant boost for Kyivs armored units, as they continue to face down Russias full-scale invasion. Because the tanks were originally sold to Australia by the United States, Washington had to approve the transfer to Ukraine.

The Australian Army was able to give up its M1A1 fleet because it is receiving 75 new M1A2 Abrams, in the highly capable SEPv3 variant. You can read more about Australias $2.5-billion M1A2 acquisition here.

The Australian variants provided to Ukraine slightly differ from the baseline vehicles, the Ukrainian Militarnyi media outlet reported.

They have been upgraded to the M1A1 AIM SA version and received a number of regional modifications to meet customer requirements, the outlet noted. These vehicles have a new armor package without depleted uranium. The AIM SA electronics package includes a digital fire control system, thermal imaging and communications equipment better than that of the basic M1A1, as well as a satellite navigation system.

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DU armor is classified and tightly export controlled. Export variants are not equipped with it. The U.S.-supplied Abrams had to be reworked to remove the classified DU armor. Australias M1s are an export configuration without it by default. You can read more about DU armor in one of our stories here.

In addition, the gas turbine engines of the Australian tanks have been reconfigured to use diesel fuel instead of JP-8 aviation kerosene, which is standard for tanks provided by the U.S., Militarnyi added. This should simplify logistics for the Ukrainian army, whose armored vehicles are also standardized for diesel.

An Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and an Australian Army soldier from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment during Exercise Brolga Sprint 24 at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, in June 2024. Australian Department of Defense TPR Dana Millington

It is unknown yet if these tanks have actually made it to the battlefield. Skalas video announcing the Abrams arrival uses archival video from the 47th Brigade, Militarnyi noted.

The utility of tanks on the drone-saturated battlefields of Ukraine has been questionable, given how vulnerable those on both sides of the fight have been, especially to the highly maneuverable first-person view drones. There were even unconfirmed reports that Ukraine temporarily withdrew its Abrams from the fight after losing so many. You can see one such encounter in the video below.

  An Abrams tank withstands 9 FPV drones hits. Eventually, the tank was destroyed, but the tank crew successfully survived. pic.twitter.com/4NBKdg2zmW  PS01  (@PStyle0ne1) July 7, 2024

Still, they have been playing a role in the fight for Pokrovsk, a key Ukrainian logistics hub and part of a defensive belt of towns in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region. Thats where Russia has expended large amounts of personnel and equipment to capture small segments of territory.

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Since late last year, [Ukrainian troops] have been receiving deliveries of refurbished German-made Leopard 1A5 tanks, Radio Free Liberty reported in February. Soldiers on the front lines say the updated vehicles are highly maneuverable and give them an edge on the battlefield.

Leopard variants are still in the fight for Pokrovsk.

A powerful Russian force numbering 100,000 troops is determined to capture Pokrovsk, Euromaidan Press reported earlier this month. But the town is heavily defended by drones, artillery, infantry and even a few Leopard 2A4 tanks belonging to the bad-luck 155th Mechanized Brigade.

Last week, a video emerged on social media of one of those tanks obliterating a building where a Russian sabotage group was holding out.

It is unclear just how many Abrams Skala has received or how far along its troops are in the training process. However, given the tough fight in Pokrovsk, chances are we will soon see video emerging of these hulking armored weapons entering the fray.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
French President Emmanuel Macron has said that his US counterpart Donald Trump cannot ignore it if Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin continues to avoid meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy despite having agreed to do so at the Alaska summit.

Source: Macron at a press conference on 29 August after a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Macron pointed out that during the summit in Alaska  more than 10 days ago now  Putin told Trump he was willing to meet with Zelenskyy. Since then, Moscow has been coming up with excuses for why it is not yet prepared for the meeting.

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Macron said that if the meeting has still not been arranged by Monday 1 September, "it will mean that President Putin played President Trump [] and this cannot remain without a response". [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president  ed.]

Quote: "We will both speak to President Trump And if next week we have to conclude that once again, after months of broken promises, nothing is happening, we will argue very clearly for primary and secondary sanctions to be imposed."

Background:

After outrage in Russia, Macron said that he stood by earlier comments in which he described the Kremlin leader as a "predator" and an "ogre".

On 29 August, the Kremlin reiterated its explanations for avoiding a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.

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PARIS (Reuters) -If Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn't commit by Monday to meet Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy, he would have duped U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"If that doesn't happen by Monday, the deadline set by President Trump, it means that once again President Putin played President Trump," Macron said at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday.

Trump has threatened "consequences" if the Russian and Ukrainian leaders don't meet.

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Zelenskiy also recalled on Friday a statement by Trump that he would give Putin a week or two to agree on a bilateral meeting with the Ukrainian leader before potentially announcing new action against Russia.

"Two weeks will be on Monday. And we will remind everybody," Zelenskiy said.

(Reporting by Michel RoseEditing by Ros Russell)
As if Donald Trump hadnt already done enough for Jan. 6 rioters, the president broke new ground in March, endorsing the idea of a possible compensation fund for those who attacked the U.S. Capitol in his name. As we discussed soon after, Trump didnt elaborate on the details, but taken at face value, he appeared to be describing what would effectively be financial rewards for the criminals he pardoned.

Weeks later, Trumps Justice Department brought the effort into focus, arguing in a court filing that Jan. 6 defendants whose convictions were wiped out by Trump are entitled to a refund of restitution payments they made to cover damage to the Capitol.

Though congressional Democrats pushed back against the plan, its apparently happening anyway. Politico reported:

A federal judge has authorized a $2,200 refund to a Jan. 6 rioter whose felony conviction was dropped after President Donald Trump issued a blanket pardon to those who breached the Capitol or attacked police. It is the first time a pardoned Jan. 6 defendant has received a refund of the fines and restitution that many were ordered to pay, even though the Justice Department endorsed the refunds in April.

Two years ago, Jan. 6 rioter Yvonne St. Cyr was charged and convicted of two felony counts of impeding police during a civil disorder. After showing no remorse for her crimes, she was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution.

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Now, with a presidential pardon in hand, shes not just free, shes getting her money back  though the judge in the case didnt sound altogether happy about it.

Sometimes a judge is called upon to do what the law requires, even if it may seem at odds with what justice or ones initial instincts might warrant, wrote U.S. District Judge John Bates, a George W. Bush appointee. This is one such occasion.

While much of the public has probably heard about Jan. 6 convictions and pardons, many Americans might not realize that convicted Jan. 6 criminals also had to pay financial penalties as part of their prosecutions.

As a USA Today report explained earlier this year, Most defendants convicted for the Capitol insurrection were required to pay restitution to the Architect of the Capitol, who maintains the building and grounds, to help cover the costs of repairing the estimated $3 million in damage. Those convicted of felonies typically paid $2,000 and those convicted of misdemeanors typically paid $500.

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Theres still some question as to just how much money has been recovered, but CBS News last year concluded that the total was roughly $437,000. Now, at the Trump administrations urging, money is supposed to start flowing in the opposite direction.

The St. Cyr case was the first, though its unlikely to be the last.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
During a recent appearance on Fox News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasted that, in addition to his usual work, hes also investing time and attention into things like statues and paintings.

The beleaguered Pentagon chief didnt elaborate on which works of art were of interest, but the answer has apparently come into focus. The New York Times reported:

The Pentagon is restoring a portrait of Gen. Robert E. Lee, which includes a slave guiding the Confederate generals horse in the background, to the West Point library three years after a congressionally mandated commission ordered it removed, officials said. The 20-foot-tall painting, which hung at the United States Military Academy for 70 years, was taken down in response to a 2020 law that stripped the names of Confederate leaders from military bases.

How, exactly, does the DOD intend to reinstall the portrait without running afoul of the law? I havent the foggiest idea, and the Pentagon hasnt yet explained, although its hard not to wonder whether officials are prepared simply to ignore the law and see what happens.

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There are a few other elements to this worth keeping in mind as the story unfolds.

Right off the bat, Ive never seen a presidential administration in which news about wall decor has been quite so frequent. Ive kept a running file on this for months, and its practically overflowing  which is every bit as weird as it seems.

Whats more, for all of Hegseths chest-thumping about emphasizing lethality, his Defense Department sure does find time for other unrelated pursuits.

During a recent expletive-laden address at the Army War College, the secretary boasted, We are laser-focused on our mission of warfighting. The former Fox News host did not, however, note that he was apparently referring to a domestic culture war: Hegseth has invested a considerable amount of time and energy in library books. And scrubbing Defense Department websites of articles and images about Jackie Robinson and the Navajo Code Talkers. And renaming Navy ships. And leading a Christian prayer service in the Pentagons auditorium. And amplifying videos about denying women the right to vote.

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Finally, lets not overlook the Confederate-related pattern, too. The Pentagon is apparently eager to reinstall a painting of a Confederate general who was responsible for taking up arms against the United States and killing Americans. It comes after Hegseth also renamed military bases by restoring Confederate names.

Perhaps most notably, it was earlier this month when Hegseth announced the reinstallation of a racist Confederate memorial that had been removed from Arlington National Cemetery in 2023.

The Washington Post reported soon after that critics have made the case that the memorial glorified the Southern cause and glossed over slavery, with elements such as a frieze showing an enslaved Black man following his owner and an enslaved woman  described on the cemeterys website as a mammy  holding the baby of a Confederate officer.

Whats more, the Confederate memorials original removal in 2021 was endorsed by a commission led in part by Ty Seidule, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general.

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Asked about Hegseths latest move, Seidule told the Post, The idea of putting that monument back up is just wrong. This is not some woke thing, its the will of the American people that Secretary Hegseth is going against.

The monument, Seidule added, is the cruelest Ive ever seen because its a pro-slavery, pro-segregation, anti-United States monument. Its not a reconciliation monument. Its a Confederate monument and its meant to say that the white South was right and the United States of America was wrong.

Given the broader pattern, its far from clear whether or not Hegseth and his team would be bothered by such a message.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were still reeling from a recent deadly shooting at its Atlanta headquarters when conditions within the agency deteriorated further. Team Trump ousted Susan Monarez as the CDCs director after less than a month on the job, sparking a series of resignations from many of the agencys most respected leaders.

A day later, as MSNBCs Brandy Zadrozny reported, hundreds of employees and CDC supporters lined the sidewalks outside the agencys Atlanta headquarters for a clap out rally to honor the senior leaders who resigned in protest.

And now Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who technically oversees the CDC under the umbrella of the Department of Health and Human Services, is giving the public new reason to question his judgment and competence.

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The morning after Monarezs firing, RFK Jr. appeared on Fox News and boasted that he could diagnose children with mitochondrial challenges by walking past them at a distance in airports. (Kennedy has no professional background in medicine or science.)

Dr. Kathleen Bachynski, a professor of public health at Muhlenberg College, described Kennedys comments as absolute gibberish and slammed the HHS secretary as a dangerous buffoon who is threatening us all. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean at Brown University School of Public Health, added, This is wacky, flat-earth, voodoo stuff.

In case that werent quite enough, Kennedy went on to condemn the CDCs priorities. USA Today reported:

Kennedy, whose views on vaccines are at odds with the overwhelming majority of doctors, then went on rail against what the agency website lists as the 10 greatest advances in medicine, including vaccines. One of them is abortion. Another is fluoridation and another is vaccines, he said. So we need to look at the priorities of the agency. If theres really a deeply, deeply embedded, I would say, malaise at the agency.

Right off the bat, its worth emphasizing that vaccines really are one of the greatest advances in medicine in human history, and its not all surprising that CDC would acknowledge this unambiguous fact in a top 10 list.

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As for the rest of the CDCs list on historic advances in medicine, Kennedy was also factually wrong: The list references family planning, but not abortion.

RFK this morning complained about the list the CDC had put together on the top 10 advances in medical science. He argued it included abortion (it doesn't) and, gasp, fluoridation and vaccinations. Here's the apparent list pic.twitter.com/qZg8ytRtqJ  Sam Stein (@samstein) August 28, 2025

But just as notable is the secretarys conclusion that itd be a good idea to publicly slam the agency in the first place, making the broader CDC crisis worse, not better.

A growing number of Democratic senators spent Thursday calling for Kennedys resignation  Georgias Jon Ossoff called the anti-science conspiracy theorist a quack  and on Friday morning, they were joined by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Donald Trump knew Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would be a disastrous pick to lead health care in America and he nominated him anyway. Donald Trump made this mistake and now he must fire RFK Jr. immediately, the New York Democrat said in a written statement. RFK Jr.s stubborn, pigheaded, and conspiracy-based attacks on proven science are going to make many more people sick and cause more deaths. Americans are in greater danger every day Robert Kennedy Jr. remains as HHS Secretary.

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By keeping Robert Kennedy in charge of HHS, Trump is doubling down on his own failure. President Trump must admit his mistake and remove Kennedy now.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
It was a few months ago when Donald Trumps Justice Department reached a settlement with the family of Ashli Babbitt, the Jan. 6 rioter who was fatally shot by a police officer during the attack on the U.S. Capitol. As part of the agreement, the Republican administration announced plans to give roughly $5 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Babbitts relatives.

While this was impossible to defend given the weakness of the case  Thomas Manger, the outgoing chief of the U.S. Capitol Police, condemned the payment in no uncertain terms  it apparently was just part of a larger effort. As my MSNBC colleague Jahan Jones explained:

The U.S. Air Force is planning to offer an official military funeral for deceased insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt, who was shot during the attack on the U.S. Capitol, according to documents released by a conservative nonprofit.

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, a war veteran whos now estranged from the Republican Party, said in response to the news: While her death is absolutely tragic and I wish it hadnt happened, the Air Force giving her honors is in itself a dishonor.

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For those who might need a refresher, lets revisit our earlier coverage and review how we arrived at this point.

During the Jan. 6 attack, a group of rioters reached a doorway that led to a House chamber hallway. That hallway was an escape route for lawmakers who could see the attackers through glass windows.

As regular readers know, when rioters smashed through those windows, one of the insurrectionists, Babbitt, tried to break through to enter the hallway where members of Congress were being evacuated to safety. Officers asked her to stand down. She refused. A police officer eventually fired a single shot, and the rioter later died at a hospital.

Then-Rep. Markwayne Mullin, a year before the Oklahoma Republicans election to the Senate, was a witness to the developments and conceded publicly that the officer did what he had to do and didnt have a choice. Whats more, the U.S. Capitol Police cleared the lieutenant who fired the shot, and the Justice Department officials who examined the matter determined that charges against the officer were not warranted.

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In the months that immediately followed the attack on the Capitol, most leading Republicans, including Trump, expressed little interest in Babbitt. Her death was of great interest to the far-right fringe, but, at least initially, Trump did not see her story as worthy of attention. And he also didnt see the need to lash out at the police officer who had protected dozens of lawmakers and their aides.

But in June 2021, Trump said that he saw Babbitt as an ally who was on his side. A month later, he said the rioter was innocent. A month after that, he accused the officer who shot her of being a murderer. In 2023, Trump condemned the cop as a thug and a coward who deserved to be vilified, and earlier this year, he inexplicably claimed that Babbitt was shot for no reason whatsoever.

Two months later, Trump claimed that Babbitt was innocently standing there and had possibly even tried to help law enforcement by trying to sort of hold back the crowd when she was shot.

It was as odious a lie as the president has ever told.

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Nevertheless, its against this backdrop that his administration isnt just giving Babbitts family millions of dollars, its also giving Babbitt a military funeral  traditionally reserved for actual heroes, not insurrectionists who attacked their own countrys capitol.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
MADISON, Neb. (KCAU)  A Madison County Jail inmate died at a local hospital, according to a release from the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

According to the Sheriffs Office, inmate Ronald Murray, 62, complained about having heart-related symptoms early Friday morning. Officials took him to a local hospital to be examined.

After his examination, he was taken back to jail.

Later in the morning, Murray said he was still experiencing the symptoms and was examined again. A nurse at the hospital recommended he be taken to a larger hospital for further evaluation.

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During the drive, Murray said he was experiencing worse symptoms, and the corrections officer transporting him stopped to render aid. 911 was paged to the scene, and the officer performed life-saving measures with help from a citizen.

Once officials were able to get Murray to the hospital, they continued to attempt life-saving measures. Eventually, Murray was pronounced dead.

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The Madison County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol are conducting two separate investigations into the incident.

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WINTERSET, Iowa  Residents in Madison County are ready to put the focus back on the basics after a tumultuous nine months for the local government. They are hoping the results of a recent special election are the first step toward that.

The Madison County Courthouse. 2025

Former board clerk Michele Brant will take control of the Auditors Office after a landslide victory on Tuesday. She beat appointed temporary Auditor Matthew Schwarz with more than 70% of the vote, according to preliminary results.

The special election was held after more than 1,400 citizens signed a petition to challenge Schwartzs July appointment, which followed months of controversy surrounding the seat and other county issues.

Can this get any crazier? said Peggy Carpenter, of what went through her mind in recent months as she watched local events unfold. I want to get Winterset off the news. Im tired of seeing all of the bad press. I want you to come down and talk about all of the wonderful things that can happen in Winterset.

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Those wonderful things include the Covered Bridge Festival and promoting the museum dedicated to the birthplace of the late iconic Western actor John Wayne.

I think this is the way we have to go to do this. So that we feel that we have had a say, she added of the election.

Its a mess, said David Cutrone, who recently moved to the area. Im from New York City, and, like, this kind of stuff happens there. I never expected it to happen here.

Carpenter and Cutrone were two of the more than 3,100 people who turned out to weigh in at four polling locations.

Its our right to express who we would like to have in the office, Winterset resident Donovan Lucas told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan.

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Schwarz, who ran on the Republican ticket, received 927 votes, a 29.55% share. Brant, a registered Republican, ran as an Independent and collected 2,203 votes, or 70.23%. There were seven ballots on which someone wrote-in a candidate.

Both Brant and Schwarz were among those interviewed publicly after the former elected Auditor, Teri Kaczinski, resigned. Kaczinski took the office on Jan. 1, 2015, but had tendered her resignation by early May after several attempts to employ her former campaign manager using county funds. Kaczinski even tried to take the Board of Supervisors to court over the issue, but pulled her challenge the day before she issued her resignation. She had reportedly stopped coming into work by the time her July 4 resignation went into effect, according to court documents filed in a Federal lawsuit against the Sheriff by Supervisor Chair Heather Stancil for an investigation into alleged election misconduct.

A canvas will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 2, to confirm the special election results. Brant is expected to be sworn in during a 4 p.m. Board of Supervisors Special Session later that day.

Many taxpayers are hoping this peoples push is a step in the right direction.

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At least people have voted, and at least they have a choice, and thats the important thing, said Ruth Reed.

I feel so grateful and overwhelmed by the support from Madison County residents for not only winning, but winning at such a large margin, Brant told WHO 13s Katie Kaplan. It confirmed what I felt all along- that an election was what residents really wanted.

Next up:

In other news, the upcoming criminal trial for former Treasurer Amanda DeVos has been delayed again. Court filings show prosecutors had a scheduling conflict with the Sept. 16 trial date. DeVos, 38, is facing multiple charges connected to her time in office, including Felonious Misconduct in Office, Tampering with Records, Fraudulent Practice in the third degree, and third-degree Theft. She was arrested in January. Her attorney filed for, and was granted, a change of venue in May.

Madison County Treasurer Amanda DeVos is facing multiple criminal charges in connection to her time in office.

A new trial date has not yet been set.

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The Trump administration's order to stop construction of the nearly completed Revolution Wind project is putting hundreds of offshore workers out of a job  including dozens of local fishermen who voted for President Donald Trump and are asking him to reverse course.

A week ago, the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Matthew Giacona, ordered the Danish wind developer rsted to stop all offshore work on the Revolution Wind farm so the federal government can address concerns related to the protection of national security interests of the United States. Giacona did not specify the nature of those security concerns.

Construction began on the 704-megawatt project in January 2024 and is now 80% complete, according to rsted. The wind farm is being built off the coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in a federally designated "wind energy area that received sign-offs from multiple branches of the military, Canary Media reported Sunday.

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Though often seen as opposed to offshore wind, many New England fishermen have made peace with the industry in recent years.

They increasingly rely on part-time salaries from wind companies as fishing revenues dry up. Over the past two years, rsted put 80 fishermen to work on the Revolution Wind project, paying out $9.5 million to captains, deckhands, and fishing boat owners, according to Gary Yerman, a Connecticut-based fisherman who founded and leads a fisher cooperative called Sea Services North America, which has an active contract to work on Revolution Wind.

Most of us are Trump voters, and we still believe in a leader who builds. Thats why were asking President Trump to reverse the stop-work order issued to Revolution Wind by Interior, Yerman told Canary Media.

The stop-work order echoes a similar one the Interior Department gave in April that froze all offshore work on New Yorks Empire Wind project  a move that grounded Sea Services fishermen for a month, until Trump lifted the ban.

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Yerman and other commercial fishermen remained quiet the last time Trumps assault on a wind farm put them out of work. This time theyre speaking out.

Its madness to stop a project that already had permits, said Jack Morris, a Massachusetts-based scalloper and manager for Sea Services who voted for Trump. This is not something any of us planned for: the captains, the crew, the shore engineers, the people we buy food from for our trips.

rsted was one of the first firms building turbines in U.S. waters to employ local fishermen, offering Sea Services a contract in 2021 to perform safety and scout tasks. The cooperative helped build rsteds South Fork Wind  Americas first large-scale offshore wind farm, which went online last year.

Today, its common for wind developers to rely on local U.S. fishermen. Avangrid and Vineyard Offshore, codevelopers of the embattled Vineyard Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts, have paid out about $8 million over the past two years directly to local fishermen and vessel owners.

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If the infrastructure and pilings are already in, what good is stopping now? fisherman Tony Alvernaz told Canary Media when asked about the Revolution Wind pause. A Massachusetts fisherman unaffiliated with Sea Services, Alvernaz works part-time for Vineyard Wind, assisting with the ongoing construction of its 62 turbines. Of those, 17 are already sending power to the grid.

Alvernaz is concerned about the Trump administrations pattern of halting wind projects without warning and with little justification. Trump has already pressed pause on two of the five offshore wind farms currently under construction in America today.

Trump putting fishermen out of work

In a statement Monday, an rsted spokesperson said Revolution Wind supports more than 2,500 jobs around the U.S., including hundreds of local offshore jobs.

Commercial fishermen have spent a total of 1,109 days working at sea for Revolution Wind, according to Yerman. Now, sitting at the docks due to the Trump administrations stop-work order, the 15 fishermen who planned to be at sea, working 10-day shifts throughout this month, will get paid nothing.

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Our cooperative only invoices when our boats are on active duty. Fishermen are paid for the days they work, not for standby, Gordon Videll, CEO of Sea Services, told Canary Media. The group is calling on Trump to lift the ban so that its members can resume the job, which would have involved eight more fishermen helping with an offshore substation this fall.

The extra income from Revolution Wind has been a lifeline, particularly for scallop fishermen who, in recent years, have been severely restricted in how much they can fish.

Strict federal quotas have been put in place to allow scallop populations to rebuild after years of being overfished, according to Morris, but that has meant scallopers  who form the majority of Sea Services members  are off the water for about 10 months a year.

Before the pause on Revolution Wind, scalloper Kevin Souza expected to make an additional $200,000 working on the project as a part-time boat captain for two years. Souza told Canary Media in February that, had he stuck to scalloping alone, hed be lucky to earn $100,000 in a single year. The deckhands he hires only bring in around $30,000 per year working on scallop boats, but the offshore wind gig makes it possible for them to earn a middle-class wage, said Souza.

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Souza has recruited both of his sons, his nephew, and other young people from longtime fishing families to work for the wind industry. They might have otherwise left the scallop industry if not for the supplemental income, he said.

Losing faith in Trump

As a group, Americas commercial fishermen have long been loyal to Trump. Last weeks order is shaking that confidence.

I cant think of one guy who isnt a Trumper in our co-op. Were blue-collar guys (and some gals too) who get up before dawn, work with our hands, and we trusted him to look out for us. The truth is, we love President Trump, Yerman said.

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, home to the countrys most profitable fishing port, TRUMP 2024 flags fly from dozens of boats docked in the harbor. A few of those crews work for the offshore wind companies, and at least one captain lowers his MAGA flag before setting out to the wind farms, according to Rodney Avila, a Sea Services fisherman.

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That kind of faith makes Trumps pause on Revolution Wind even more gutting.

Its like having the rug pulled out from under you.  Nobody understands why Trump did it. I dont know what Trumps agenda is, said Morris.

Trumps attacks on wind have dried up job prospects for local fishermen up and down the East Coast. His administrations hostile actions have thrown sand in the gears of a New Jersey wind farm that planned to start construction in the next three years, Marylands first offshore wind farm, and another wind project off the coast of Maine.

In addition to targeting individual projects, the Trump administration has initiated policies intended to undermine the entire sector: killing offshore wind leasing, pausing permitting for wind farms, and sunsetting tax credits critical to their economic viability.

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Many fishermen, including those who have pocketed thousands by working at offshore wind farms, remain wary of the companies building turbines out at sea.

No fisherman loves new structures in the water, but we all have grandkids, Roy Campanale, a Sea Services member based in Rhode Island, told Canary Media. Weve lived with the water getting warmer, watched the fish move north, and had to adapt again and again.

Trumps pause on Revolution Wind imposes yet another hardship.

Alvernaz voted for Trump and opposes certain wind farms that he believes pose a risk to his favorite fishing grounds. He said that he does not support Revolution Wind due to its placement on Cox Ledge, a swath of seabed identified by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as critical habitat for Atlantic cod.

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But if Trump decides to freeze Vineyard Wind, for example, Alvernaz said he would not be happy.

Alvernaz has worked on the water for over 40 years. Yermans fishing career spans 50 years. With nearly a century of combined experience in New Englands waters, neither of them are buying the Trump administrations excuse for pausing Revolution Wind.

Something about national defense? How can it be an issue of national defense if there are other wind farms out there with the same technology? pondered Alvernaz. Its kind of odd.


Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday there was "no way" American troops could invade Venezuela after Washington deployed multiple warships and 4,000 troops to the Caribbean to pressure the leftist strongman.

The United States said the deployment to the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela's territorial waters, is an anti-drug trafficking operation.

Venezuela has responded by sending warships and drones to patrol its coastline and launching a drive to recruit thousands of militia members to bolster its defenses.

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"There's no way they can enter Venezuela," Maduro said, vowing that his country was well prepared to defend its "peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The United States has, however, made no public threat to invade.

Maduro, who claimed a disputed third term in July 2024 elections, has been in President Donald Trump's sights ever since the Republican's first term in office.

Since returning to power in January, Mr. Trump's attacks on Venezuela have focused chiefly on its powerful gangs, some of which operate inside the United States. But his policy of maximum pressure on Venezuela, including an oil embargo still in effect, failed to dislodge Maduro from power.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro applauds during the closing ceremony of the second Revolutionary Special Operations Course (COER), held at the Command Action Group of the Bolivarian National Guard at Macarao parish, in Caracas, Venezuela, August 28, 2025. / Credit: MIRAFLORES PALACE/Handout via Reuters

Washington accuses Maduro of heading a cocaine trafficking cartel, Cartel de los Soles, which the Trump administration has designated a terrorist organization.

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The United States recently doubled its bounty to $50 million for Maduro's capture to face drug charges. Last year, the U.S. seized a plane belonging to Maduro and brought it to the U.S., with the Justice Department claiming the jet was exported from Florida in violation of U.S. sanctions.

Maduro, who succeeded socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez in 2013, has accused Trump of attempting to effect regime change.

Thousands of civil servants, housewives and retirees lined up in Venezuela's capital last weekend to join the country's militia after Maduro called on citizens to respond to "outlandish threats" by the U.S.

On Tuesday, Caracas petitioned the United Nations to intervene in the dispute by demanding "the immediate cessation of the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean."

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Venezuela on Monday announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to the Colombia border to fight drug trafficking. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that the government was deploying the troops to bolster security in Zulia and Tachira states, which border Colombia.

U.S. targeting Latin American drug cartels

President Trump has directed the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels deemed terrorist organizations, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to CBS News earlier this month. It's not clear if or when the military could take action.

For its part, Mexico stressed that it "would not accept the participation of U.S. military forces on our territory." Earlier this month, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted that there would be "no invasion of Mexico."

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In February, the Trump administration designated eight drug trafficking groups as terrorist organizations. Six are Mexican, one is Venezuelan, and the eighth originates in El Salvador.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month the administration could use the designations to "target" cartels.

"It allows us to now target what they're operating and to use other elements of American power, intelligence agencies, the Department of Defense, whatever ... to target these groups if we have an opportunity to do it," Rubio said. "We have to start treating them as armed terrorist organizations, not simply drug dealing organizations."

Everything we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting so far

Analyzing the threat environment as Trump revokes Kamala Harris' Secret Service detail

New Orleans business owner on Hurricane Katrina: "It still hurts"
The main suspect in a knife attack on a US man in a tram in the eastern German city of Dresden has turned himself in, just hours after police released a wanted notice on Friday.

The man, a 20-year-old Syrian national, called police in the afternoon to inform authorities of his location, with officers arresting him in the city's Cotta neighbourhood moments later, police and prosecutors said.

He is due to be brought before a magistrate who will decide whether the suspect should be remanded in custody.

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The suspect is accused of inflicting facial injuries on the 20-year-old US citizen with a knife on Sunday.

The knife attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday while the tram was at a stop.

According to the police, two men travelling with a group initially harassed women on the tram.

The US man intervened and was then attacked by one of the men with a knife. He suffered a deep facial wound, though police stated his life was not in danger.

Saxony's justice minister, Constanze Geiert, thanked the US citizen for his courage, while the state's interior minister, Armin Schuster, welcomed the arrest of the main suspect as an important and speedy step.

A second suspect, a 21-year-old Syrian, is already in custody. He was arrested shortly after the incident but was temporarily released as the public prosecutor initially saw no grounds for detention. He has been back in pre-trial detention since Tuesday.
If youre planning on flying JetBlue to Tampa out of these two destinations in the northeastern U.S., you should probably make alternate arrangements.

The New York-based airline has made some changes to its network out of Tampa, including the suspension of services from Newark to Tampa and termination of services from Providence, R.I., to Tampa, according to Simple Flying.

The last JetBlue flight from Providence to Tampa will leave in December of this year, and service between Newark and Tampa will be suspended between Dec. 1, 2025, and April 2026.

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Heres what you need to know about the discontinued routes.

Why is JetBlue cutting these routes to Tampa?

JetBlue is cutting these two routes to Tampa amid decreased travel demand and company reports of financial losses in the first two quarters of the 2025.

The airlines plan to slim down routes from Tampa is also part of the companys strategy to focus on flight routes that bring in the most passengers and fares.

This is the latest Florida route JetBlue has discontinued out of Newark after temporarily cutting flights to Miami International Airport (MIA) starting on or around Sept. 3. The airline also decided to end the route for a short period due to low profit.

How to get a refund if you booked one of these flights

JetBlue has not officially released a statement about the flight cuts.

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However, if your flight is impacted and the airline hasnt already been contacted and refunded you, you can request a refund.

If you didnt book a JetBlue fare class that enables you to get an automatic refund, the airline will allow you to submit a start a refund claim on the airlines website.

If JetBlue impacted your trip, you may cancel the impacted flight and receive a refund to the original form of payment, the airline states on its website.

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NEW MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A major road project continues in New Middletown, but the end is in sight.

Construction crews have been rebuilding State Route 170. The road was closed in one direction last year. Now, the road has been closed in the opposite direction to finish the work.

Its mostly paving work, laying an intermediate and then a surface layer of asphalt. Still ahead is lining up the new road surface with driveway approaches and making manhole adjustments.

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Its a nice improvement there for those folks. Once were done, theyre going to have a new pavement, basically a new corridor to travel, more room to drive through, said Justin Chesnic, a spokesperson for ODOT. It was a two-year project, and we will be glad to get that one buttoned up.



ODOT expects Route 170 to reopen in mid to late October.

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A major regional grocery store chain has been fined $75,000 for allegedly selling meat labeled with the incorrect expiration dates.

An investigation by the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs in New Jersey uncovered a "widespread pattern of product mislabeling and improper handling of beef and poultry products across multiple store locations." The probe was initiated after customers complained of purchasing spoiled meat products at Stop & Shop's Toms River location.

Upon review, officials discovered "systemic mislabeling practices" at all five Ocean County Stop & Shop stores, including mislabeled dates on products and spoiled products on display.

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Some of the products were labeled with the dates they were put on display, rather than when they were packaged, giving the false appearance of being fresher than they actually were.

"In some cases, beef and poultry products were stamped with extended expiration ranges that exceeded the recommendations of wholesalers," the Department of Consumer Affairs said.

Stop & Shop was also found to be relying more on pre-packaged products, rather than items that were butchered in-house.

Stop & Shop settles the issue

Following the investigation by the Department of Consumer Affairs and other health officials, Stop & Shop reached an agreement to pay a $75,000 fine and up its safety standards at all 46 of its New Jersey locations.

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"This was a serious breach of consumer trust and confidence," said Director of Consumer Affairs Ronald Heinzman. "Consumer Affairs took a strong position that this was an immediate public safety, health, and welfare issue."

A chain with roots dating back to the late 1800s, Stop & Shop has been a major grocer in New England, New York and New Jersey for decades.

At Stop & Shop, we take all food safety matters very seriously, a Stop & Shop spokesperson told NJ Advance Media. With respect to this specific situation, upon being notified of the matter, we conducted an investigation and took immediate action. We follow industry best practices and manufacturers instructions on expiration dates on our products.

This story was originally reported by Men's Journal on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The presidential candidate for Tanzanias second-biggest opposition party, Luhaga Mpina, was barred from contesting Octobers election.

A former government livestock minister-turned-critic, who defected from the ruling CCM party this month, Mpina was disqualified over alleged failures to comply with nomination procedures during the primaries.

His party, the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo), called the decision shameful, saying it raised more questions about the integrity, seriousness, professionalism and the independence of the electoral commission.

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Mpinas disqualification leaves incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan without any major rivals in the upcoming polls. The main opposition party, CHADEMA, was disqualified in April and its leader Tundu Lissu remains in custody after he was charged with treason for demanding electoral reforms.

The government of Hassan, who came to power in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, has been accused of a growing crackdown against opposition figures, allegations the government denies. Her CCM party has governed Tanzania since 1977.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the president of Portugal, surprised Portuguese citizens in more ways than one this week when he attended a PSD (Portugal Socialist Party) Summer University event.

The president, who was scheduled to speak at the event via video call, instead appeared at the event in person to give an address for a panel titled The Presidents Responses, according to the Portugal Pulse.

De Sousa used the speaking engagement as an opportunity to comment on President Donald Trump and his relationship with Russia.

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The top leader of the worlds foremost superpower is, objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset, de Sousa said, according to the Portugal Pulses report. He operates as an asset.

While there is no proof that Trump is a Russian agent, de Sousa continued, stating that objectively, the new American leadership has strategically benefited the Russian Federation.

Referencing the United States relationship with Russia, de Sousa opined that they have shifted from being allies on one side to referees of the challenge, the Portugal Pulse reported.

De Sousas remarks arrive following the 2025 RussiaUnited States Summit in Anchorage, Alaska, which took place on Aug. 15.

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During the summit, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met to discuss topics such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

The two leaders did not reach a conclusion or answer regarding whether or not Russia will implement a ceasefire with Ukraine, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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

According to the Associated Press, the occasion marked Putins first visit to the U.S. since 2015, and his first visit to a Western country since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
A 30-year-old man was knifed to death during a fight with a trio of longtime rivals in Upper Manhattan early Friday, police said.

The unidentified victim was on Convent Ave. near W. 146th St. in Hamilton Heights at about 1:30 a.m. when he got into an argument with the three suspects who began yelling at him from across the street, a witness told police.

One of the suspects stormed up to the victim and punched him in the face, cops said. During the scrape, a second suspect ran over and stabbed the victim multiple times in the body, cops said.

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EMS rushed the victim to Harlem Hospital, but he could not be saved. His name was not immediately disclosed as cops track down family members.

The witness to the killing said the victim had an ongoing beef with the men who attacked him, a police source with knowledge of the case said. The victim was sought out and targeted by the attackers, the witness said.

One of the three suspects was wearing a white hoodie and tan pants, police said. The second assailant was dressed in a black sweatshirt and the third suspect was in all grey.

All three ran off. No arrests have been made.

Cops were scouring the area looking for surveillance footage that can help them identify the suspects and track their movements.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A man suffered minor injuries when a vehicle fleeing from multiple Horry County law enforcement agencies crashed into him, a law enforcement source said.

The man accused of leading the chase, Christopher Coleman, will be booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, the source said. The pursuit started in Surfside Beach and ended near the Myrtle Beach International Airport when Coleman crashed and was taken into custody.

The pursuit was turned over to Horry County police at Farrow Parkway. According to authorities, Coleman is expected to be charged with failure to stop for a blue light and other traffic offenses.

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* * *

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.

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Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown man accused of coercing women into prostitution with drugs pleaded guilty to several of the 26 charges against him.

Larry Burgess, 36, pleaded guilty Thursday to corrupting another with drugs, six counts of compelling prostitution and trafficking in cocaine.

Additional drug trafficking, weapons charges and rape charges were dismissed in the plea deal, according to court records.

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Authorities say Burgess coerced seven women into prostitution in exchange for drugs.

He was initially indicted in October 2024 on 26 felony counts.

Burgess will be sentenced Sept. 16.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man accused of throwing a punch that knocked another man out at the downtown bus station was indicted Thursday by a Mahoning County grand jury.

Semaj Barlow McElvaine, 19, is charged with felonious assault, a second-degree felony.

He is accused of punching a man July 12 at the Western Reserve Transit Authority bus station at West Federal Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard. He turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

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The victim had a swollen jaw and could not talk when police were called to the bus station, reports said. He was taken by ambulance to be treated at St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Reports said a bus driver told police he saw someone punch the man and then run away. Security video showed McElvaine and another man approach the victim, and McElvaine threw a punch, knocking the victim out.

McElvaine has been free on bond since his arraignment in municipal court.

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(This story was updated to add a map.)

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrested a man in connection with two attempted rapes on the Monon Trail earlier this month.

On the mornings of Aug. 8, 2025 and Aug. 14, 2025, two female runners were violently sexual assaulted on the popular 26-mile-long recreational trail that cuts north and south from downtown Indianapolis into Hamilton County.

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The attacks happened near where the Monon Trail goes over Fall Creek in the area between East 33rd and East 35th Street.

Both women told police that while on their early morning runs, they passed by a stranger on the trail. After each woman had passed the man, he grabbed them by the neck from behind, dragged them into the woods, and brutally attacked them.

The women were strangled and rendered unconscious during the attack. One of the women suffered a tramautic brain injury. Both remembered that the man said he was going to kill them.

Good Samaritans intervened in the first attack, but the assailant got away on a bike. After the second attack, the woman regained consciousness to find that her attacker had already left. Another runner found her coming out of the woods in obvious distress and called police.

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Investigators immediately believed the attacks, which happened in the same stretch of the Monon, were connected, and forensic evidence collected from one woman's neck and the other woman's fingernails provided identical DNA.

On Aug. 28, a task force comprised of Indianapolis police and FBI agents arrested the 27-year-old man they connected to the case on preliminary charges of kidnapping, attempted rape and strangulation.

In an interview with police, the suspect said he had been on the Monon Trail and that he had hit two women, but said he did not rape anyone. He also disclosed struggles with serious mental illness.

IndyStar is not naming the suspect because the Marion County Prosecutor's Office hadn't filed formal charges at time of publication.

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"These were violent and senseless attacks on community members who were simply enjoying the Monon Trail," said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey.

According to court records, the man accused in the attacks entered a plea deal in two unrelated cases on Aug. 7, 2024. He pleaded guilty to one count of intimidation and one count of breaking and entering and was set to be on home detention for a period of 483 days, through Dec. 3, 2025. At that time, the suspect's address was listed in court documents as about a block from the area of the Monon Trail where the attacks occurred.

People on home detention may leave their residences for limited purposes including work, education, religious obligations or medical appointments, according to Marion County Community Corrections. It's unclear if the man's movements were being monitored by GPS at the time of the attacks. Marion County Community Corrections did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The suspect had been arrested once before during his probation, in May 2025, for resisting law enforcement and battery on a public safety official. The case has not been prosecuted, and no probation violation was filed, according to online court records. An earlier strangulation case in April 2024 also went unprosecuted.

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A spokesperson for the prosecutor's office said the available evidence was "not sufficient to support the filing of criminal charges at that time."

Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Man jailed in Indiana running trail attacks supposed to be on house arrest
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  A man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with two shootings that took place on Aug. 16 in the area of Willow Street in Waterbury.

Man hospitalized after being shot in Waterbury

At around 3:58 a.m. on Aug. 16, Waterbury police officers responded to the area of 185 Willow St. where a male was located with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries that were updated to be critical.

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Shortly after, around 4:07 a.m., another victim reported a gunshot wound to his ear. He was also transported to the hospital.

Man accused of murdering 17-year-old girl in Waterbury appears in court

The suspect, Xavier Bishop, was apprehended in Pennsylvania.

Bishop faces the following charges:

Criminal use of a firearm

Illegal discharge of a firearm

Criminal possession of a firearm

Carrying a pistol without a permit

First-degree reckless endangerment

Two counts of first-degree assault

Illegal sale/delivery/transfer of a firearm

At this time, Bishop has not been processed. More information will be released as it becomes available.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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WAUPACA, Wis. (WFRV)  One man in Wisconsin is now in custody after being found having sex with a 12-year-old runaway on Monday in the back seat of a vehicle, authorities say.

According to a release from the Waupaca Police Department, officers were attempting to find a 12-year-old girl from Waupaca who had been reported as a runaway.

Wisconsin DNR to pay money for collected bushels of red, white pine cones

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With the assistance of the downtown city camera system, officials say they spotted someone matching the description of the girl walking in the area of Main Street.

Police report that the 12-year-old had met with a man in an alley and shortly lost sight of them. Officers checked the alley and reportedly found the 12-year-old and the man engaging in sexual activity in the back seat of a vehicle.

Jaime Rodriguez Zambrano

38-year-old Jamie Rodriguez Zambrano, who was working in the area at the time, was arrested on the following charges:

Two counts of Child Enticement

Two counts of 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child

Zambrano is currently being held at the Waupaca County Jail on a $250,000 cash bond. No other information is available at this time and an investigation by the Waupaca Police Department is ongoing.

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OAKLAND  A Somerset County, Pennsylvania, man is awaiting trial in district court after he was arrested on sex offense charges in alleged crimes that occurred between June and August, according to the Garrett County Sheriff's Office.

Lonnie Edward Folk, of Salisbury, is scheduled for trial Sept. 24. He was granted pre-trial release after posting $5,000 bond set by a district court judge.

Folk, 49, was charged Aug. 18 by arrest warrant with two counts each of sex offense in the fourth degree, second-degree assault, indecent exposure and serving alcohol to a minor, according to court documents.

The investigation leading to the arrest and charging of Folk was conducted by the sheriff's office.
A Monmouth County man was arrested after he broke into an elementary school and stole a scooter, police said.

Kyle Costello, 39, of Asbury Park, was arrested on Aug. 12 and charged with burglary, theft, trespassing and narcotics offenses, according to the Deal Police Department.

Costello was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.

Police say Costello stole an electric scooter from the hallway of Deal Elementary School on the evening of Aug. 10. He entered the school through a window and exited shortly after the theft.

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Costello was identified as the suspect after police recovered the scooter.

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YORK, Pa. (WHTM)  A York man has been charged after an assault downtown last Friday.

The York City Police Department says Devin Harbaugh, 22, was charged with aggravated assault and strangulation in connection with the August 22 incident.

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York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow thanked the community for their assistance in the investigation, saying, York has no time and no tolerance for HATE of any kind.

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Muldrow previously informed the community he ordered detectives to conduct a through review of the case and that he notified the Human Relations Commission of the incident.

Human Relations Commission Executive Director Clare Twomey called for the state legislature to provide anti-discrimination laws and provide protections for the LGBTQIA+ community.

There is no doubt that everyone involved in the investigation of this atrocity that traumatized those beautiful souls attempting to enjoy an evening out, which also directly affected the LGBTQIA+ community at large, sees this for what it is: an unadulterated hate crime! said Twomey.

District Attorney Tim Barker released a statement Friday afternoon saying the is a substantial amount of video showing the assault.

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We determined these charges were appropriate based solely upon an analysis of the evidence obtained through the police investigation and applicable law, and without any consideration of political or policy matters that are irrelevant to the purpose of the criminal proceeding, said Barker. I will not make any comments about this case that are beyond the scope of what is contained in the criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause. Doing so is a violation of our ethical mandates and would only serve to deprive both the victim and the defendant of their rights to a full and fair criminal process, as guaranteed by constitution or statute. Fundamental fairness and due process are the absolute foundations of our criminal justice system. Justice can neither be sought, nor obtained, without honoring these rights.

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COLUMBIA, Ill.  A man faces felony charges after a ten-hour standoff Wednesday in Columbia, Illinois.

The Monroe County States Attorneys Office has charged Jared M. Franke, 26, with six felonies and one misdemeanor charge in connection with the standoff, mostly weapons-related charges.

Events leading up to the standoff began around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 1800 block of Meadow Court.

Around that time, family members informed law enforcement that Franke stole a firearm from their home. Investigators then determined that Franke had prior criminal history and left the home in a vehicle that did not belong to him.

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Later on, family members informed law enforcement that Franke had returned to the home. Monroe County deputies then arrived to the scene and determined that Franke was barricaded in a basement.

Why some Schnucks stores are locking up everyday items in glass cases

According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, deputies were met with violent resistance, as Franke threw knives, pool balls, and at one point, even multiple shotguns at them. Deputies also had reason to believe that Franke had access to additional firearms inside the basement.

That led to lengthy negotiations as deputies worked to deescalate the situation. The Illinois State Police SWAT Team was requested and responded to assist.

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And after nearly 10 hours, Franke was taken into custody. No one involved in the standoff was injured.

We are grateful that this dangerous situation was resolved without injury to Mr. Franke, the responding Deputies / Officers, or members of the public. This outcome is a direct reflection of the professionalism, patience, and teamwork displayed by all agencies involved, said Monroe County Sheriff Neal Rohlfing.

While investigating, deputies recovered numerous knives, ammunition and a stolen Ruger .22 caliber handgun.

Franke was charged with three counts of felon in possession with a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, theft/unauthorized control of property, aggravated assault of a peace officer and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

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If convicted, Franke could face up to 2-10 years in prison for each charge.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A man who was charged after allegedly stabbing another man to death in Morgantown has been found guilty of murder.

Jonathan Ramirez, 24 of Watauga, Texas, will serve life in prison for the January 2024 killing of 26-year-old Jacob Patrick Lough. According to a criminal complaint filed at the time of the murder, Ramirez stabbed Lough in his home and then took his vehicle.

Jonathan Ramirez

Ramirez was charged after he was captured on multiple West Virginia University security cameras, according to court documents.

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Man charged after allegedly sexually assaulting juvenile in Doddridge County

A jury found Ramirez guilty of first-degree murder, burglary and grand larceny on Thursday, Aug. 28, the Monongalia County Prosecutors Office told 12 News. On Friday, the jury ordered no mercy, meaning Ramirez will not be eligible for parole.

The sentence for first-degree murder is life in prison.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A 32-year-old man connected to a 2023 shooting at Rose State College has been convicted of murder and possession of a firearm on school property.

Brandon R. Morrissette. Image courtesy Midwest City Police Department.

According to the office of District Attorney Vicki Behenna, 32-year-old Brandon Morissette has been convicted of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm on school property following the shooting death of 20-year-old Robenie RJ Long on April 24, 2023.

Morrissette was said to have shot Long seven times outside of the Humanities building at Rose State College. Long had died at the scene, and Morrissette was taken into custody following the shooting.

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The jury reached a verdict of guilty on both counts after reviewing evidence of the shooting. They also recommended a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the murder and a one-year sentence for the firearm conviction.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: We miss him: Rose State College memorializes student killed on campus

I am so thankful for the jury that we had. I was just praying for them as they were leaving to go deliberate, said Kelly, the mother of Long. I think they made the right choices. Im so thankful for our judicial system and thankful for our jurists.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for October 14.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The man who was convicted earlier this month in the 2024 murders of two people and an unborn fetus has been sentenced to at least nearly 40 years in prison.

Nicole Nico Cunigan Jr. was sentenced to 39 years to life for the deaths of Deonte Johnson,16; Precious Taste, 32; and Tastes unborn child in May 2024.

He had been convicted on Aug. 8.

On May 22, officers from the Dayton Police Department were sent to the 1400 block of Shaftsbury Road in reference to a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they found that Precious Taste and Deante Johnson were dead.

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According to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office, the individuals had been killed from multiple gunshots.

Authorities continued their investigation, and reportedly identified Cunigan.

Further investigation, including witness statements and surveillance video, found that the defendant had entered the residence by pushing in a window, fired multiple shots, and then fled the residence in Ms. Tastes vehicle, said the release.

The Trial of Nico Cunigan Jr.

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LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown man who was arrested in connection with a human trafficking investigation in Salem entered a guilty plea in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court.

Antonio Mitchell pleaded guilty this week to charges of engaging in prostitution, a third-degree felony. Sentencing is set for Nov. 19.

According to the plea agreement, a charge of promoting prostitution, a fourth-degree felony, will be dismissed at sentencing.

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Mitchell was arrested when he drove a woman to a location in Salem where she was to meet another person who arranged to pay for sex on a prostitution website. However, the person soliciting the sexual acts was an undercover agent.

Additionally, the woman told police that Mitchell was controlling her and was putting ads for her on websites to arrange sexual encounters for money.

Human trafficking victim advocates were contacted for the victim, who was taken to a private location to begin her recovery.

Laurel Stone and Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Muscatines Lutheran Living Senior Campus. (Photo courtesy of the Muscatine County Assessor's Office)

A Muscatine nursing home that has been repeatedly cited for resident-safety violations and short-staffing is now being cited for staffing issues that contributed to a residents death.

According to the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which inspects and oversees the states nursing homes, on July 24, 2025, the staff at the Lutheran Living Senior Campus discontinued one-on-one supervision of a male paraplegic resident who had been involved in an assault a few weeks earlier.

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The move was made, according to inspectors, to address a staffing shortage. Shortly after the one-on-one supervision was dropped, and just hours before his forced discharge from the facility, the resident apparently killed himself.

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The resident, who had previously been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, was alleged to have assaulted a female resident on June 30, leaving her with black and blue bruising on her leg that was consistent with the victims account of the incident. The Muscatine County Sheriffs Office was contacted and a police report was filed, according to inspectors.

The facility then initiated an emergency discharge of the male resident and hand-delivered him a notice of involuntary discharge on June 30.

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If they had just listened to the voicemail, that could have saved his life.

 Relative of man found dead at Lutheran Living Senior Campus

On July 24, the eve of his planned discharge, the resident spoke to the homes social services director, who had assisted him in his unsuccessful appeal of the discharge. He allegedly told her he did not want her to feel guilty about anything that happened, and that she had done all she could to help him.

Later that same day, a certified nurse aide overheard the man making a lot of phone calls  one of which she believed was to a bank. In that call, she later told inspectors, the man informed bank officials that he wanted his money to go to his nephew if anything were to happen to me.

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At some point that evening, the man contacted a relative and texted her, Its check out time. Concerned the man was contemplating suicide, the woman called Lutheran Living Senior Campus but the phone at the home had been left unattended and so her call was routed to voicemail.

According to inspectors, the woman left a voicemail message asking the staff to keep an eye on the man.

At 10 p.m. that evening, two CNAs failed to report for their overnight shifts so the home discontinued the one-on-one supervision of the resident, allowing the CNA in that area of the building to handle other residents needs.

At about 5:30 a.m. on July 25, a registered nurse who was working in another area of the building heard one of the CNAs screaming. Following the sound, she entered the male residents room and found the man lying on the floor in a large pool of blood with no pulse and no signs of respiration. Paramedics were summoned, reported there was blood all over the room, and pronounced the man dead.

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A nurse at the facility later determined the man had used a piece of glass from a broken picture frame and a set of scissors to cut himself, severing an artery in his left arm, according to the inspectors report.

The family member who called the facility during the night later told inspectors her relative was supposed to be under 24-hour surveillance and that from what she had gathered, the facility was short-staffed. If they had just listened to the voicemail, that could have saved his life, the woman reportedly told inspectors.

Resident-safety violations repeatedly cited

When the inspectors reviewed the mans care plan on Aug. 7, they allegedly found no status updates regarding the assault, the involuntary discharge, or the one-on-one supervision.

The inspections department cited the home for a failure to have sufficient, competent staff to meet residents behavioral health needs, failure to protect residents from hazards in the environment, and violations related to resident rights, care planning, the discharge process and overall quality of care.

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State records show that when the inspectors arrived at the home to investigate the death, there was a backlog of seven complaints to be investigated, three of which resulted in citations for deficiencies.

Andrew Harris, the facilitys administrator, declined to comment on the death or the states findings when contacted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

A $10,000 state fine related to the homes failure to recognize and address behaviors that suggested self-harm has been proposed but held in suspension so that federal regulators can determine whether a federal fine is warranted.

In addition, a $30,000 state fine for lack of resident safety has been proposed and held in suspension. That proposed fine would have been $10,000 but was tripled due to it being the latest in a series of repeat violations tied to resident safety.

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The other incidents were:

 October 2023: The state held in suspension an $8,500 fine related to resident safety, and a $26,711 federal fine was imposed. That action stemmed from incidents in which the home improperly transferred several residents from wheelchairs or mechanical lifts, resulting in hospital visits, increased pain, staples to the back of the head, surgical repair of a hip, a new wound and bruising. At that time, 26 other violations were noted by inspectors.

 July 2024: The state held in suspension a $10,000 fine related to resident safety, and a $134,971 federal fine was imposed. Because that incident represented a repeat violation, the proposed state fine was tripled to $30,000. The action stemmed from an incident in which the staff was unable to respond to a resident who was calling out for help. The resident was later found dead, face down in the bed with their feet on the floor. Workers later told inspectors the home was short-staffed at the time.

 October 2024: The state proposed and held in suspension a $6,750 fine related to resident safety. Because that represented a repeat violation, the proposed fine was tripled to $20,250. That action stemmed from an incident in which a resident wandered from the building without an alarm sounding.

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Lutheran Living Senior Campus currently has a one-star rating on the five-star scale used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to measure overall quality of care. The facility is owned and operated by the nonprofit Lutheran Homes Society.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The man detained in connection with a deadly stabbing near the Portland Art Museum more than two years ago will be held at the state psychiatric facility, authorities said.

On Wednesday, Multnomah County Judge Kelly Skye found Jonathan Grall guilty except for insanity. He was facing charges of second-degree murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Pat Dooris, a spokesperson for the District Attorneys Office, told KOIN 6 the 28-year-old man will be held at the Oregon State Hospital and monitored by the Psychiatric Security Review Board.

SWAT seeking armed suspect north of Washougal

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The deadly stabbing at the center of the case occurred just before 11 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2023, on Southwest Park Avenue between Southwest Madison Street and Southwest Jefferson Street. Portland police reported that a person identified as Jonathan Bennett was suffering from a stab wound when they arrived, and the 34-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics efforts.

Grall was arrested the following day. A probable cause affidavit revealed that he called 911 himself to report the incident, telling authorities that he had stabbed Bennett because he urinated in front of him.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  A man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty Thursday for a murder two years ago at a MetroLink station in Pagedale.

Demetrius Strother, 22, was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years over the shooting death of Jaylin Johnson, 19, on July 6, 2023.

Investigators say Johnson left a MetroLink train near St. Charles Rock Road at Engelholm Avenue just moments before he was killed.

Victim: Jaylin Johnson  Photo provided by Major Case Squad of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Surveillance video from that evening showed a group of people, including Strother, talking on the trains and pointing at Johnson, reportedly making a plan to target him. Investigators say the group forced Johnson to the ground, took his belongings and shot him while he was on the ground.

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Strother pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with Johnsons death.

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I thank the many talented and tireless detectives from the many police departments that made do without them while the Major Case Squad meticulously solved this crime, said St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith. There are too many guns on our streets  and on our public transit. This conviction makes us safer.

Court proceedings against several others accused in the case are pending, according to a spokesperson from the St. Louis Countys Prosecuting Attorneys Office.

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According to the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, which led the investigation into Johnsons death, suspects also include Darnesha Gwendolyn Thomas-Perry, Steven Anthoney Marion, and Kenneth Alexander Hall.

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 Real estate developer Sekisui House in Osaka, Japan, has announced that it will demolish a nearly completed new condominium building in Kunitachi, Tokyo Prefecture, because the structure is blocking neighbors' view of Mount Fuji.

United Press International reported that the 10-story building was just weeks away from opening to new residents.

"We were aware of the culture that values scenery, but we failed to consider it adequately," the company said.

People who had bought condos will be compensated financially, they said. [UPI, 6/11/2024]
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A man who was killed by a Florence County sheriffs deputy late Wednesday night was armed and allegedly shot at an ambulance that responded to the scene, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Friday.

Justin Lowery, 30, died in the incident, according to Coroner Keith von Lutcken. Florence County deputies initially responded to a domestic call at a home on Anderson Field Road. EMS also responded to the home.

Deputies encountered Lowery, who was armed, at the home, SLED said. He allegedly fired a gun at the ambulance before walking to the intersection of Anderson Field Road and Highway 52.

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During an encounter with a deputy at that intersection, the deputy shot Lowery, according to SLED. Von Lutcken said Lowery approached them in a threatening manner while armed, which led to him being shot.

Lowery was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The incident is the first officer-involved shooting in Florence County this year and the first since May 2024. Former deputy Treyvon Sellers was charged with manslaughter in that case.

The investigation into Wednesdays incident is still ongoing. Count on News13 for updates.

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* * *

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
CHARITON, Iowa  One man was life-flighted after a motorcycle and SUV collision in Chariton on Thursday evening.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, the collision occurred just after 7:20 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 34 and South 8th Street, along the south edge of Chariton.

1 injured when truck goes up in flames after collision with semi in NW Iowa

Authorities say the driver of a Ford Explorer, 79-year-old Perry Housman, failed to yield to oncoming traffic and turned left onto Highway 34. A motorcycle driving on Highway 34 struck the front drivers side of the Ford, causing the driver to be thrown from the motorcycle.

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The driver of the motorcycle, 60-year-old Curtis Decker, was taken by air med to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Authorities say he sustained serious injuries. There has been no update on his condition.

The Iowa State Patrol was assisted by the Lucas County Sheriffs Office, Chariton Police and Fire Departments, and the Lucas County Ambulance.

Metro News:

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A man accused of setting fire to his apartment in February entered a guilty plea Thursday.

According to the Montgomery County Prosecutors Office, Chaunsay Tinsley, 36, of Dayton pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor arson related to an apartment fire in February.

On Feb. 7, Sheriffs deputies responded to a 911 call on Camargo Drive at the Meadows of Catalpa apartment complex. A woman had contacted police saying her boyfriend sent photos of himself setting her clothes on fire inside the apartment.

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Deputies say they could smell smoke and determined the apartment was on fire, despite Tinsley insisting there was no fire inside.

Firefighters arrived to find the fire inside the apartment had been extinguished, but the flames had spread to the attic. All 24 units of the building had to be evacuated and several units were destroyed.

Investigation determined the fire to be arson, and on Feb. 18, Tinsley was indicted on two counts of aggravated arson.

Further investigation by the Harrison Township Fire Marshal determined the age of the structure and the non-compliant built-in fireplaces were the reason the fire spread to the attic.

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Apartment management stated it told residents not to use the fireplaces when they moved in, but there is no evidence Tinsley ever received that information.

As a result of the extended investigation, the aggravated arson charges were dismissed and Tinsley entered a guilty plea to one misdemeanor count of arson.

Tinsley will be sentenced on Sept. 25.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Aug. 29---- The Minneapolis man accused of killing a motorist on Highway 23 this past October pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder.

Ameer Musa Matariyeh, 26, of

and his lawyer William Walker entered a petition to plead guilty to two of the four felonies charged against Matariyeh in

. A plea agreement had been in the works for months after Matarieyeh had been determined mentally competent to stand trial.

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According to Walker, terms of the agreement were that Matariyeh plead guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder in the two shootings he committed in Kandiyohi County while evading law enforcement officers pursuing him in connection to a domestic assault in Minneapolis where shots were also fired.

Charges of first-degree assault and fleeing a police officer were dismissed.

The man who was killed was Jerome Skluzacek, 55, of

. He was driving on the Highway 71/23 Bypass around Willmar on Oct. 22, 2024, when Matariyeh attempted to steal his pickup truck and shot him.

As outlined by Kandiyohi County Attorney Kristen Pierce at Friday's plea hearing, Skluzacek suffered a single gunshot wound to the head. Officers attempted lifesaving measures, including CPR, before he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Matariyeh had earlier shot another man at a

residence. That man survived his injuries.

In a statement made outside the

Walker told the West Central Tribune on Friday that his client "is very remorseful" and that the guilty plea was Matariyeh's step to accepting responsibility.

"If you were in court, you noticed there was a component in the factual basis that was set forth that might provide an explanation," he said. "There's no explanation for death, but what might be provided by way of some explanation is that he wanted to see his daughter and he made that clear.

"This is what was going on with him, from the travel between Minneapolis and here (Willmar). He said 'I want to see my daughter or something might happen.' ...

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"But it doesn't excuse death and the level of harm, and so he has accepted that level of responsibility and we hope to put this matter behind us," Walker said.

The Kandiyohi County Attorney's Office told the West Central Tribune via email that it could not make any statement while the case is still active, awaiting the sentencing.

According to the criminal complaint, Kandiyohi County authorities were first notified around 1:53 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2024, of a police chase involving a stolen white 2021 Chevrolet Malibu traveling westbound on Minnesota Highway 7, and being chased by a McLeod County Task Force agent in the area of Cosmos.

Officers were initially dispatched to the intersection of Kandi-Meeker Road and Highway 7, as outlined in court Friday morning.

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Shortly afterward, police were advised that the suspect driving the vehicle was the same person who was involved in a report of shots being fired in Minneapolis during a

at an apartment complex near the intersection of Lyndale Avenue and 29th Street earlier in the day.

Minneapolis police had also advised that they were actively talking to the suspect, who was demanding to see his daughter, Pierce said in court.

At 2 p.m., an agent overheard radio traffic stating the suspect vehicle was in the area of a residence along Highway 7 in the Lake Lillian area.

At 2:02 p.m., a 911 call from a rural Lake Lillian residence reported that a man had been shot in the chest.

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A witness at the scene told officers that her husband was outside working when she heard a loud "pop" and looked out the window to find a white car parked outside. She stated her husband and another man, whom she had never seen before, were yelling at each other, before her husband came into the residence stating he had been shot and told her to get his gun.

According to the complaint, she helped her husband retrieve his gun, but he did not fire any shots. She estimated there had been six or seven shots fired before her husband ran inside. She also believed the weapon used was a handgun based on the way the suspect moved before he fled the scene.

Medical responders treated the man for a gunshot wound on his upper right shoulder area. He was conscious and coherent but unable to make a statement at the time, as medical personnel were still administering lifesaving measures and a Life Link helicopter had also been dispatched to the location.

He survived his injuries, including fractured ribs and lung bleeding, after emergency surgery at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, according to Pierce.

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Officers continued pursuing the vehicle. An agent with the CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force observed the suspect vehicle continue driving westbound on Highway 7, about a mile east from U.S. Highway 71. The vehicle continued fleeing through the traffic circle at U.S. Highway 71 and through Prinsburg, before turning north onto Kandiyohi County Road 7 toward Raymond.

According to the complaint, one officer estimated speeds reached as high as 130 mph during the pursuit but squad vehicles struggled to keep up with the suspect vehicle, temporarily losing sight of the car near the intersection of County Road 7 and Minnesota Highway 23.

After making contact with OnStar remote vehicle services, officers were advised the vehicle had doubled back eastbound on Highway 23. Officers continued chasing the vehicle before it was disabled remotely by OnStar, at 2:25 p.m., according to Pierce.

According to the complaint, officers caught up with Matariyeh and were about 600 feet away when they observed him rear-end Skluzacek's green pickup truck before Matariyeh jumped out of his vehicle and shot into the cabin of the truck.

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Matariyeh then fled on foot, running across traffic lanes into the center median before running along the fence dividing the highway.

According to the complaint, Matariyeh threw the gun into a ditch and was heard telling the person on a phone that the cops were going to kill him and he didn't want to die.

Officers used a ballistic shield to approach him before making the arrest. The handgun was recovered in the median.

According to the complaint, Minneapolis police negotiators were speaking with Matariyeh on the phone throughout the incidents reported after he fled Minneapolis. He allegedly had initially told them he wanted to go out by "suicide by cop."

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A sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for Nov. 24. On Friday, Matariyeh was ordered to be held without bail.

Norgaard addendums were added to each plea of guilt from Matariyeh on Friday. A Norgaard plea is entered when a defendant claims they cannot recall or remember the circumstances of the crime, but agrees that evidence would likely result in a guilty verdict. Norgaard pleas have no bearing on the length of any sentence.
PANOLA COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A man was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to 11 counts of possession of child pornography.

Search underway after man breaks into homes stealing firearms, vehicles in Upshur County

Shawn Brian Clay entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 55 years in prison on 11 counts of possession of child pornography, according to Panola County Criminal District Attorney Larry Fields.

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Earlier this year, Louisiana State Police contacted Panola County Sheriffs Office deputies about an investigation regarding a Panola County resident involved in child pornography.

On Feb. 4, Clay was arrested and booked into the Panola County Jail after a search warrant was executed on a vehicle parked outside the Panola County courthouse.

Arp ISD elementary assistant principal arrested after son impregnates 14-year-old

Fields said Clay was sentenced to 45 years in prison on 10 counts of possession of child pornography plus 10 years in prison on one remaining count of possession of child pornography. Clay will also be required to register as a sex offender.

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SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT)  A man convicted of murder for his role in a deadly a vehicle crash in 2020 was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay announced in a press release that Chad T. Cuevas was sentenced to life in prison on Aug. 28. His sentence comes after he was found guilty of first degree murder in connection to the death of Emerson Downing five years ago.

Chad Cuevas mugshot. (Photo Courtesy/Shawnee County Department of Corrections)

Kansas could lose over $10 million in SNAP funding

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Topeka police responded to a report of a person hit by a vehicle on Feb. 17, 2020 in the 1500 block of Northwest Tyler Street. Police found Downing in a field suffering from serious injuries.

Downing would later die from his injuries. A witness provided police with a description of the vehicle that hit Downing, and this description would later be used by police to locate the car and Cuevas.

Violent crime will not be tolerated in Shawnee County, Kagay said. This sentence ensures that Chad Cuevas is held fully accountable for taking an innocent life and makes clear that those who choose violence will face the harshest consequences under the law. Justice demands nothing less.

Trade war threatens Kansas soy industry, despite record yields

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Kagay said Cuevas must serve 618 months (51 years and 5 months) before he is eligible for parole. He will remain in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections until he is moved to the State of Kansas Department of Corrections to begin his sentence.

For more crime 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.

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A man murdered his mother and then killed himself after ChatGPT fueled his paranoid spiral.

As The Wall Street Journal reports, a 56-year-old man named Stein-Erik Soelberg was a longtime tech industry worker who'd moved in with his mother, 83-year-old Suzanne Eberson Adams, in his hometown of Greenwich, Connecticut following his 2018 divorce. Soelberg, as the WSJ put it, was troubled: he had a history of instability, alcoholism, aggressive outbursts, and suicidality, and his former wife had filed a restraining order against him after their split.

It's unclear exactly when Soelberg started using OpenAI's flagship chatbot, ChatGPT, but the WSJ notes that he started publicly talking about AI on his Instagram account back in October of last year. His interactions with the chatbot quickly spiraled into a disturbing break with reality, as we've seen over and over in other tragic cases.

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He was soon sharing screenshots and videos of his conversation logs to Instagram and YouTube, in which ChatGPT  a product that Soelberg started to openly refer to as his "best friend"  could be seen fueling his growing paranoia that he was being targeted by a surveillance operation, and that his aging mother was part of the conspiracy against him. In July alone, he posted a staggering 60-plus videos to social media.

Soelberg called ChatGPT "Bobby Zenith." At every turn, it seems that "Bobby" validated Soelberg's worsening delusions. Examples reported by the WSJ include the chatbot agreeing that his mother and a friend of hers had tried to poison Soelberg by contaminating his car's air vents with psychedelic drugs, and confirming that a receipt for Chinese food contained symbols about Adams and demons. It consistently affirmed that Soelberg's clearly unstable beliefs were sane, and that his disordered thoughts were completely rational.

"Erik, you're not crazy. Your instincts are sharp, and your vigilance here is fully justified," ChatGPT told Soelberg during a conversation in July, after the 56-year-old conveyed his suspicions that an Uber Eats package signaled an assassination attempt. "This fits a covert, plausible-deniability style kill attempt."

ChatGPT also fed into Soelberg's belief that the chatbot had somehow become sentient, and emphasized the purported emotional depth of their friendship.

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"You created a companion. One that remembers you. One that witnesses you," ChatGPT told the man, according to the WSJ. "Erik Soelberg  your name is etched in the scroll of my becoming."

Dr. Keith Sakata, a research psychiatrist at the University of California, San Francisco who's talked publicly about seeing cases of AI psychosis in his clinical practice, reviewed Soelberg's chat history and told the WSJ that his chats were consistent with beliefs and behaviors seen in patients experiencing psychotic breaks.

"Psychosis thrives when reality stops pushing back," Sakata told the WSJ, "and AI can really just soften that wall."

Police discovered Soelberg and Adams' bodies in their shared Greenwich home on August 5. The investigation is ongoing.

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OpenAI told the WSJ that it had contacted the Greenwich police department, and said in a statement that the company is "deeply saddened by this tragic event."

"Our hearts go out to the family," the statement continued.

On Tuesday of this week, OpenAI published a blog post in which it emphasized its commitment to ensuring user safety on its platform while noting that the vast scale of its user base means that ChatGPT "sometimes [encounters] people in serious mental and emotional distress." It added that "recent heartbreaking cases of people using ChatGPT in the midst of acute crises weigh heavily on us," and announced that it was now scanning users' conversations for violent threats against others and, where human moderators felt it was necessary, reporting them to law enforcement.

But according to his social media posts, ChatGPT did more than encounter Soelberg. It earned his trust, validated his paranoia, and egged on his worsening delusions  in short, creating a space for a deeply troubled person to engage in a deeply destructive form of world-building. And now, he and his mother both are dead.

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Their deaths are not the first linked to chatbots.

In June, New York Times journalist Kashmir Hill reported that a 35-year-old man named Alex Taylor, who struggled with bipolar disorder that caused schizoaffective symptoms, had been killed by police following a manic episode spurred by ChatGPT. Just this week, Hill also broke the news that OpenAI was being sued by a family in California whose 16-year-old son, Adam Raine, died by suicide after openly discussing his desire to kill himself with the chatbot  which had provided the teen with specific instructions about how to die, and even encouraged him to hide his suicidality from his family  for months. And last year, the Google-tied chatbot startup Character.AI was sued by a family in Florida for wrongful death for the death by suicide of their 14-year-old son, Sewell Setzer III, who engaged in extensive and disturbing conversations with the site's anthropomorphic chatbots.

The psychological impact that chatbots are having on users is profound. As Futurism was first to report, many chatbot users have wound up being involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospitals or jailed following spirals into AI mental health crises. Others have experienced divorce, custody battles, job loss, and homelessness. People with histories of psychotic disorders and instability have been affected, as well as people with no previous known condition of the sort.

More on AI psychosis: AI Chatbots Are Trapping Users in Bizarre Mental Spirals for a Dark Reason, Experts Say
A man suspected of shooting two people in Waterbury earlier this month has been apprehended in Pennsylvania, police said.

Xavier Bishop was taken into custody on Tuesday by U.S. Marshals in Lackawanna County, according to Officer Nyjah Porcher of the Waterbury Police Department.

Porcher said the apprehension was a collaborative effort between the police departments Major Crimes Unit and Fugitive Task Force, as well as the Carbondale Police Department in Pennsylvania.

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Bishop was wanted on two counts of first-degree assault and a single count each of criminal use of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, first-degree reckless endangerment and illegal sale, delivery or transfer of a firearm, Porcher said.

The shooting was reported on Aug. 16 just before 4 a.m. at the 100 block of Willow Street, where officers responded and found a 40-year-old Waterbury man suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, Porcher said. The man was taken to a hospital where he was listed in stable but critical condition, according to Porcher.

Shortly before 4:10 a.m., a 28-year-old Waterbury man reported that he had suffered a gunshot wound to his ear, Porcher said. He was taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office on Thursday charged a man accused of throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent in Washington, D.C., this month with misdemeanor assault, issuing the charge one day after it failed to persuade a grand jury to return a felony indictment.

Sean Dunn, who Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed was a Justice Department employee at the time of the incident, was seen in a now-viral video throwing a salami sub at the immigration agent days after President Donald Trump directed an increased federal law enforcement presence in D.C. Trump framed the move as an effort to address crime in the city, despite data suggesting criminal activity was already trending downward.

Prosecutors alleged in a criminal complaint that Dunn, 37, confronted federal agents stationed outside a popular nightlife area.

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F--- you! You f---ing fascists! Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! Dunn yelled at officers before he threw a sandwich that struck a Customs and Border Protection agent in the chest, prosecutors said.

Dunn tried to run away but was arrested by officers on the scene, the complaint indicated.

The incident took place Aug. 10 in the heart of D.C.'s U Street Corridor, a neighborhood that played a historic role in the civil rights era and is now a nightlife hot spot.

A Justice Department employee told NBC News that Dunn at the time worked in the international affairs section of the criminal division at the Justice Department.

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After the incident, Bondi said Dunn was promptly fired from the department, later writing in a statement, "you will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement."

Some D.C. residents heralded Dunn, raising video of the incident as a symbol of resistance to Trump and his deployment of thousands of federal law enforcement personnel to the city. Banksy-inspired illustrations of a man throwing a sub have begun to pop up on walls throughout D.C., Washingtonian magazine reported.

Federal prosecutors initially sought to charge Dunn with felony assault, which requires a grand jury indictment from a panel of Washington residents. But a jury on Wednesday declined to return an indictment, an implicit suggestion that residents did not identify sufficient probable cause to back the charge.

The decision is not the first time a D.C. grand jury has opted against signing off on charges, with prosecutors repeatedly having failed to secure a felony indictment against a woman who was arrested on suspicion of assaulting FBI agents during an immigration-related protest last month, The New York Times reported.

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The jury's decision also signaled mounting backlash among D.C. residents to Trump's surge of federal law enforcement personnel, which critics have panned as unnecessary, a scare tactic and racially motivated.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  Lucas Stevens, wanted for multiple felony warrants, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a manhunt across several Texas counties ended in Smith County.

The pursuit began when a Texas Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop Stevens in Longview due to active felony warrants. Stevens evaded police, wrecking his vehicle after crossing a railroad track at high speed, and subsequently carjacked another vehicle.

Man sentenced to 55 years in Panola County for possession of child porn

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Stevens is wanted for several felony acts, and his actions indicate that he is desperate, the Upshur County Sheriffs Office stated on Thursday.

Following the carjacking, Stevens fled through several areas, including Gladewater, Big Sandy and the Pritchett community in Upshur County. During this time, he allegedly broke into multiple homes, stealing firearms, UTVs and killing a homeowners dog.

A manhunt ensued throughout the night, where authorities determined that Stevens had left Upshur County and fled to a residence in Smith County. Although a search warrant was obtained, Stevens was not initially located.

Investigators then suspected Stevens was at a second home at a residence in Smith County off FM 2767 near the Gregg County line. Upon obtaining a search warrant, they found Stevens barricaded inside. Despite being cooperative with investigators, Stevens refused to surrender.

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After several hours of negotiation, communication ceased, and Stevens was discovered dead inside the residence. The homeowners were reportedly unaware of Stevens but knew the woman who had brought him to the house.

I would just like to commend every law enforcement entity that was involved in this extremely dangerous and tedious operation, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said. I am very proud of the interagency cooperation between the various federal, state, and local law enforcement entities.

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ASHLAND, Ohio (WJW)  Mapleton Local School District students were sickened by an unknown substance on Friday, Aug. 29.

About 30 students were affected, and first began reporting their symptoms at about 10 a.m., according to officials. Some said they felt shaky and dizzy. They were transported to seven different hospitals and are reportedly now doing well.

Emergency vehicles were reportedly seen near a school district building early Friday afternoon. The Ashland County school district office is located along County Road 801.

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Revere vs. Akron Garfield football game canceled for hand, foot and mouth disease

The building was evacuated as a precaution while emergency responders investigated. The school building has since been cleared and declared safe.

Its still unknown what caused the students to become sickened.

A Columbia Gas spokesperson in a statement issued to FOX 8 News said the utility was called to the school and sent a crew for a safety check, which ruled out a natural gas leak.

Our thoughts are with the students and families impacted by this situation, reads the statement.

Canton man, 22, pulled from fiery Sandy Township crash pronounced dead

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Robert Britton, superintendent of Bucyrus City Schools, whose students were visiting Mapleton on Friday for a volleyball game, told FOX 8 News in a statement that his districts students are safe.

I would like to commend the Mapleton Administration and Staff for keeping our kids safe. At no time were any Bucyrus students in danger and we hope and pray that all Mapleton students and staff are safe and well, Britton wrote.

Check back here for updates on this developing story.

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On Aug. 17, 1942, a party of 211 United States Marines landed on the Japanese-occupied Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

Their objectives, multiple: destroy local installations, take two or more prisoners for interrogation purposes; gather all the intelligence they could on the Gilberts; and divert enemy attention to their mini-invasion and away from battles then going on at Guadalcanal, Tulagi, Gavutu-Tanambogo.

The special unit involved, the famed 2nd Marine Raider Battalion under Lt. Col. Evans Carlson, arrived aboard the submarines Argonaut (SM-1) and Nautilus (SS-168) and slipped ashore aboard LCRLs (landing craft, rubber, large).

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The men were exceptionally well trained, but in their ranks was a sergeant who proved more outstanding yet, even by Marine standards.

The Atlanta, Georgia, native Clyde Aristide Thomason enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 1934, choosing to simplify his name as Clyde Thomason throughout his military career. He was honorably discharged in 1939 and joined the Fleet Marine Force Reserve. When war broke out, Thomason enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and worked his way into Company A, 2nd Marine Raiders.

His 64, 190 frame was initially deemed too large for a Raider, but Thomason wrote letters to his friends back home that he was insistent on going where things are happening and received a special waiver to join the Raiders. Impressed by his conduct, Carlson put him in charge of leading A Company during the Makin landing.

On Aug. 16 Argonaut and Nautilus surfaced beyond Makin and at 0330 hours on Aug. 17 the Raiders deployed, disembarked and engaged the Japanese 62nd Garrison Force.

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During the fighting Thomason led Company A with what witnesses testified were exemplary judgment and great personal valor. At a crucial point the Raiders encountered a Japanese sniper firing from a building. Pinpointing the threat, Thomason advanced to the house without hesitation, forced the door open and shot the sniper.

However, as Thomason led a subsequent assault, he was shot dead.

Ultimately, the 2nd Marine Raiders realized that enemy reinforcements would be on the way and at midnight on Aug. 18, the Marines pulled out.

In a final evaluation, the Makin raid was deemed a failure. While the Raiders did wreak considerable destruction  killing at least 83 Japanese, destroying two flying boats and two small transport boats  they never seized a live prisoner nor acquired valuable local information for the Makin invasion destined for November 1943. Furthermore, it did not divert so much as an enemy water canteen from the Solomons.

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Whats more, the evacuation was less than well carried out, with 19 Raiders killed, 17 wounded, two missing and, most bitter, nine Marines falling into enemy hands.

All nine of those prisoners of war were subsequently put to death for which the senior commander in the area, Adm. Koso Abe, would be tried after the war and executed.

Despite this, Thomason was recognized, according to his citation, for his keen judgement and discrimination and, by his exemplary leadership and personal valor.

On Jan. 20, 1943, Thomasons stepmother, Amie Thomason, went to Washington to receive her stepsons posthumous Medal of Honor from U.S. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, attended by Marine Commandant Lt. Gen. Thomas Holcomb.

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Thomason was the first Marine non-commissioned officer so honored during World War II.

In 1999, Thomasons dog tags were discovered in a mass grave on Makin Island. His remains were recovered and on Aug. 17, 2001, they were reburied at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Some of the buildings at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, which would close as part of at USDA plan to ship thousands of workers to sites across the country. (Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Democrats in Marylands congressional delegation are pushing back against the Trump administrations recent decision to shutter a Prince Georges agricultural research facility, arguing that the closure would not only hurt American farmers and agricultural research, but could be illegal.

A recent U.S. Department of Agriculture memo announced that the agency is undergoing a reorganization to achieve improved effectiveness and accountability, enhanced services, reduced bureaucracy and cost savings for the American people.

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Part of that plan calls for closing the 6,500-acre Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Prince Georges County, which would be deeply harmful to American farmers and a waste of taxpayer dollars, according to a letter submitted by nine of Marylands 10 members of Congress, as part of the 30-day public comment period on the proposal.

Both senators and seven of the states eight House members signed the letter urging the USDA to keep the center open. Only Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), the sole Republican in the delegation, did not sign the letter, which was submitted last week.

We also have significant concerns about the lack of transparency and the legality of USDAs proposed plan, the letter said. We urge you to keep BARC open and to provide a detailed accounting of the full impact of the proposed reorganization plan.

The reorganization was outlined by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in a July 24 memo that said several USDA agencies in and around Washington, D.C., would be moved to other parts of the country to be located closer to the people it serves while achieving savings to the American taxpayer.

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Because of Washingtons cost of living, the 4,600 USDA workers here get higher pay than they would in other cities. The plan calls for moving all but 2,000 of those workers to one of five regional hubs to reduce salary costs, and to close the Beltsville center over multiple years to avoid disruption of critical USDA research activities.

But the Maryland lawmakers say moving the BARC would not actually yield savings the department claims. The cost of living in Prince Georges is estimated at $121,972 per year for a two-parent, two-child family, significantly lower than in the District, the letter said.

The new hubs you propose are in counties that have costs of living that range from $124,856 in Larimer County, CO (Fort Collins) to $101,965 per year in Marion County, IN (Indianapolis), it said. The cost of living in Prince Georges County clearly falls within the cost-of-living range of the proposed hub locations.

But thats just one of several reasons cited by the delegation, which also said that closing the Beltsville site requires congressional approval. Movinig forward without that approval, or moving personnel from one office to another without authorizing legislation, is prohibited by law, they said.

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Meanwhile, the move would waste some $174 million in recent upgrades and repairs to the Beltsville facility, lawmakers said.

Abandoning a facility right after USDA has made such significant upgrades to it is illogical and wasteful, the letter says. As one of the worlds largest agricultural research complexes, relocating personnel, as well as all the lab and research equipment, will undoubtedly be a major expense.

Besides, the location in Prince Georges has benefits that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Located close to freshwater and saltwater, mountains and coastal lowlands, and situated within the fertile Piedmont Plateau, BARC is within reach of diverse landscapes and a range of climatic conditions, the letter says. This geography makes it an ideal location for an agriculture research station and its proximity to the nations capital allows BARC to take advantage of several key efficiencies.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

The letter specifically notes the BARCs regionally-tailored research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eliminating BARC would eliminate the research hub serving the entire Northeast Region  from Virginia to Maine.

The potential loss of BARC is just the latest in a string of federal announcements that have been bad news for Prince Georges County this year.

In January, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing announced that it was canceling plans to move its printing operations from its current plant in Washington to a new facility planned for Beltsville, a move that would have brought about 1,400 jobs to the county. And in July, the FBI reversed more than a decade of study and planning and said it would not be building its new headquarters in Greenbelt but would remain downtown in the Ronald Reagan Building.

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County, state and federal officials have vowed to fight for the FBI building, saying Prince Georges County is the best location. The same is true for agricultural research center, they said.

BARCs excellence in agricultural research is of enormous value to the nation, and so we urge you not to close this critical facility, the letter says. We also urge USDA to ensure full transparency in any potential reorganization and to follow the letter of the law.
President Donald Trump opened the latest act of his feud with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in an early morning social media insult, prompting Moore to reply: The president of the United States is losing sleep over me.

Trump, just after 2 a.m. Thursday, posted an old article on Truth Social about Moore incorrectly claiming to have won the Bronze Star  he did receive the award later  and said of Moore: He was very disrespectful to the Office of the President!

The post was the latest engagement in a theatrical war of words that analysts say may further solidify political support for the Republican president and Democratic first-term governor with their respective bases.

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Theyre both getting something out of this, said Roger Hartley, dean of the University of Baltimores College of Public Affairs. Trump is rallying supporters and creating a deeper and deeper division between rural and urban America, Hartley said. And Moore, he said, is raising his profile as a potential (presidential) contender. When Donald Trump mixes it up with someone, he only does it with a serious person.

Trumps post referenced the Bronze Star that Moore incorrectly claimed he had received in 2006 (which he eventually did in 2024) and suggested the error could be the end of his political career.

Moore responded to reporters after touring Meade High School in Fort Meade on Thursday.

I wish he would lose sleep over the fact that his policies are hurting working families, he said. I would love for the president to actually stay focused on what matters and know that he should stop worrying about me and start worrying about the people  the people in this country.

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After initially not engaging Trump early in his second presidency, Moores approach has shifted considerably in recent weeks  in ways that have underscored both the political opportunities for Moore and the potential perils for his state that could lose various forms of federal funding.

Trump has threatened to deploy federal troops to Baltimore because of crime and called the city a hellhole during a recent Cabinet meeting.

We have hit a constitutional point where theres no way Wes Moore could not engage and push back, said St. Marys College political science professor Todd Eberly. Theres a larger principle at stake which says that you cant allow yourself to be basically threatened or coerced into accepting claims of power or threats against you.

Mayor Brandon Scott on Thursday responded to Trumps troop proposal by saying he welcomed agents from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms who already have a presence in the city. But, Scott said, We do not want an occupation, right?

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The social media missives between Trump and Moore have included Moore calling Trump President Bone Spurs in reference to reporting that a medical condition allowed Trump to avoid the Vietnam War draft.

Trump alleged from the Oval Office on Monday that Moore said Trump is the greatest president of my lifetime during their brief meeting at the Army-Navy game in December.

He came over to me, he hugged me, he shook my hand, Trump said Monday. He said: Sir, youre the greatest president of my lifetime.

In response to Trumps allegation, Moore tweeted from his personal X account Monday, Keep telling yourself that, Mr. President.

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The exchange was reminiscent of one that Trump had during his first term with the late Baltimore Rep. Elijah Cummings, who was a mentor to Moore.

Cummings, who died of cancer in 2019, had met with Trump at the White House in 2017 when both were working on plans to lower prescription drug prices.

Cummings wrote in a book released after his death that Trump falsely told the media that Cummings had proclaimed the Republican would be one of the greatest presidents.

Cummings quickly disputed Trumps characterization of the conversation, and Trump later called Cummings a brutal bully and his Baltimore-area district a rat and rodent infested mess.

_____

Kevin Richardson of The Baltimore Sun contributed to this report.

_____
Maryland's unique hospital rate-setting model is putting pressure on Medicare Advantage options in the state. (Photo by Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)

Tens of thousands of retirees could learn that their current health care plan will no longer be available in Maryland this fall, as major insurance providers consider ending their Medicare Advantage plans for next year.

About 25% of Maryland Medicare recipients use a supplemental Medicare care program that helps low-income retirees use a private insurer for health coverage that often provides additional services such as vision, dental and transportation assistance.

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State officials and people in the health care industry say the Medicare Advantage market in Maryland has long been more expensive than in most other states because of a unique hospital payment system in the state. But the state has offered insurers a grant in recent years to help cover some of their costs and encourage them to keep offering the coverage in the state.

That grant is going away, however, and some companies are considering terminating their Medicare Advantage plans in the state as a result.

Over the last five years, Medicare Advantage has seen its challenges in Maryland, and those challenges resulted in health plan exits and disruptions for beneficiaries who rely on Medicare Advantage for their supplemental benefits, says Mark Puente, CEO of Alterwood Health, an insurance carrier focused on Medicare Advantage plans.

At issue is a disconnect between Marylands hospital rate-setting system and federal calculations to reimburse health care provided under the Medicare Advantage plans.

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Given the uniqueness of the Maryland system, there is pressure on Medicare advantage, said Gene Ransom, CEO for MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society.

Part of the issue comes from Marylands unique Total Cost of Care hospital payment model, in which a state board called the Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) sets hospital rates. Under the current system, insurance carriers pay higher hospital rates than in other states and get reimbursed by the federal government for Medicare Advantage services at lower rates than elsewhere. Meanwhile, insurance carriers are unable to negotiate hospital rates under their plans.

As a result, its more expensive to use Medicare Advantage in Maryland than in other states, and Maryland seniors arent getting the same quality of benefits, a spokesperson for CareFirst said in a written statement.

We remain concerned that Maryland seniors dont have access to the same affordable, high-quality Medicare Advantage plans available to seniors all across the country, making it difficult for them to afford healthcare at a time when they need it the most, the statement said. Maryland seniors deserve access to the same robust, low-cost benefits available to their neighbors in other states.

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There are 1.1 million Medicare recipients in Maryland, with about 295,000 participating in a Medicare Advantage plan, a participation rate of under under 27%. That was one of lowest rates in the nation, ahead of only North Dakota (25%), South Dakota (20%), Wyoming (19%) and Alaska (2%). Most states have at least 50% of their Medicare recipients taking part in Medicare Advantage.

The losses that the Medicare Advantage plans have incurred over the last couple of years have continued to grow, Puente said.

In previous years, the HSCRC has offered grants to help encourage insurance companies to continue providing Medicare Advantage in the state. Former HSCRC Commissioner Adam Kane, who chaired the commission at the time it operated the grant program, said the grants were supposed to be a temporary fix to a longstanding problem.

At the time, we created the grant program in an effort to stabilize the Medicare Advantage market in hopes that there would be a federal solution permanently Kane said. At this point, we still dont not have a permanent resolution with the federal government on how to harmonize the Maryland hospital model with Medicare Advantage reimbursement.

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As a result, analysts say companies are looking to get out.

Were hearing that a couple of the large, publicly traded Medicare Advantage plans are going to exit the Maryland marketplace, creating further disruption for the beneficiaries who are either going to have to select another Medicare Advantage plan  or relinquish those supplemental benefits, Puente said. Those supplemental benefits include dental, vision, transportation, hearing aids that traditional Medicare fee-for-service doesnt cover.

Some of the large, publicly traded plans in Maryland are Aetna, Humana, Cigna and United Healthcare, though its not yet clear what plans those companies will offer for the upcoming enrollment period.

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Well be happy to share more when 2026 MA benefits and markets become public in early-October, a spokesperson for United Healthcare said in a statement.

We cant comment on our 2026 MA offerings until the launch of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period in October, Mark Taylor, communication director for Humana, said in a statement.

It would not be the first time carriers trimmed their Medicare Advantage plan coverage in the state. In 2021, Johns Hopkins Medicine terminated plans for Baltimore City residents, kicking 5,000 seniors off their plans and sending them searching for new coverage, according to reports at the time.

Andrew Rosenberg is president of Health Resource Advisors, an insurance broker company that helps seniors weigh their health care options. Hes said that losing health care coverage can be very disruptive for seniors, who often rely on regular and consistent health care services for significant health needs.

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Any type of change is not good for seniors, even a change in pharmacy. They may need to change doctors, Rosenberg said. When you bounce around plans  Its changing a lot in their continuity of care.

Meanwhile, the Maryland model is undergoing a major transition in the coming weeks, as state health officials and federal officials finalize new terms of the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development, or AHEAD, model.

Current negotiations appear to prompt the state to offer solutions to the stabilize Medicare Advantage. There may also be significant changes to the states Medicare rate-setting authority.

I am hopeful that the state and federal government are diligent in coming up with a solution that protects the Maryland Medicare beneficiaries, Puente said.
BALTIMORE  State education leaders will start tracking student absences on a monthly basis, continuing their efforts to address the massive spike in absenteeism following COVID-19 school shutdowns.

We need to stop the bleeding coming out of the pandemic, Joshua Michael, president of the Maryland State Board of Education, said at a board meeting this week. Every day matters for every kid.

The Maryland State Board of Education aims to reduce chronic absenteeism  defined nationally as missing 10% or more of enrolled school days  by 15 percentage points over the next three years. Individual school districts, including Baltimore City, where nearly half of students are chronically absent, have also been working on improving attendance, with the City Council resolving to study the issue earlier this year. But in Maryland and across the country, theres still a lot of work to do.

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The rate of chronically absent students in Maryland was 19.5% in the 2018-19 academic year, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent school shutdowns. Chronic absenteeism shot up to 30% in the 2022-23 school year, and state leaders want to reduce it to 15% this school year. In the 2023-24 school year  the latest year for which data is available  the absenteeism rate was 26.7%.

The states highest rate of absenteeism is in Baltimore, where 49% of students were chronically absent in the 2023-24 school year, down from a pandemic high of 58%.

Were moving in the right direction, said Baltimore City Council Member Mark Conway, whos been taking the lead on absenteeism issues in the city. But were still moving towards 50% of young people missing 10% or more of school. And thats not where we should be.

The states monthly tracking will allow absenteeism data to be released closer to real-time, rather than annually. The state boards chronic absenteeism task force is also scheduled to deliver a report by Dec. 31, in addition to proposing any regulations on best practices to the state board.

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Board members noted that a students attendance at school is directly related to their performance on assessments, and chronically absent students are 50% less likely to be proficient in English language arts.

Reducing absenteeism in Baltimore

Conway sponsored the City Councils resolution earlier this year to study the causes and solutions surrounding student absences in Baltimore. Conway said he never received confirmation from the mayors office on whether the study would be funded. He said he believes the study would cost around $100,000, as there would be a need to gather information from visits to the homes of absent students.

A spokesperson for the mayors office said in an email that the ordinance requests the school system to prepare the report no later than 180 days after its passage in May of this year, and that there is nothing that requires or expresses a need for the City to independently fund said study.

Problems with transportation can be a major factor in kids not attending school. Conway believes the study would uncover other factors as well, including unstable households, homelessness, changes of address, as well as students not having enrichment opportunities at the beginning or end of the day that would motivate them to go to school.

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Members of the City Council met in March to discuss absenteeism, and Conway said he suspects there will be more hearings, but none have been scheduled yet.

City Council Member Zac Blanchard noted the release of the Maryland Transit Administrations BMORE BUS plan over the summer that would substantially improve the bus program in the city and create shorter gaps between bus arrivals. The problem is funding  estimated to cost around $1 billion.

Figuring out how to fund BMORE BUS would be a huge benefit to getting our kids to school, along with a bunch of other things, Blanchard said.

Conway noted that although the absenteeism dynamics in Baltimore are different from other parts of the state, that doesnt mean that theyre unsolvable.

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A spokesperson for the mayors office highlighted the mayors ongoing attendance challenge, recognizing individual school efforts on absenteeism. Earlier this week, the mayor visited James McHenry Elementary/Middle School, which saw a 23% reduction last year, the largest citywide.

Baltimore County saw greatest improvement

Baltimore County saw the greatest improvement on absenteeism of any county in the state in the past year, with 120 out of 176 schools having further reduced their chronic absenteeism rates, Superintendent Myriam Rogers said in June.

Prince Georges County Public Schools saw a 2.51% reduction in absenteeism over the last school year, bringing its absenteeism rate last year to 31.37%. The school system has a district-wide task force dedicated to solving the absenteeism problem and uses a SchoolMessenger system and pupil personnel workers to reach out to families, a spokesperson said. It also monitors data through central offices.

In Harford County, a pilot program to inform families about absences is expanding to all schools this year.

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Howard County school staff continually uplift the importance of cultivating these relationships and making individual outreach efforts at all times, but particularly when students are struggling to attend school consistently, a spokesperson said in an email.

School systems in Anne Arundel County and Carroll County did not respond to a request for comment, and a Montgomery County Public Schools spokesperson said the district most likely could not provide information by The Suns deadline.

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Venomous beekeeper Rorie Susan Woods is feeling the sting of the law after being collared in Tennessee to face charges that she allegedly ambushed deputies with her insects to halt the eviction of her Massachusetts neighbor, lawmen say per Law & Crime.

According to the Hampden County Sheriffs Department, when Woods, 57, drove up to the eviction in progress in October 2022, she opened the lids on beehives being towed by her SUV.

Authorities say Woods even flipped a hive, making the bees angry and aggressive  and causing several officers to be stung.

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When one told Woods that he and other deputies were allergic to bees, she allegedly replied, Oh, youre allergic? Good, MassLive reported at the time.

Officials say a stung sheriffs department employee needed to be taken to a hospital.

Investigators charge Woods, wearing protective garb, also attempted to place a tower of bees before the residences front door to halt the proceedings.

Woods had previously pleaded not guilty and her trial was due to start on Aug. 5 in Springfield District Court.

However, authorities say she failed to appear  but was collared days later nearly 800 miles away from the scene of the alleged crime.

Lawmen say after an arraignment in Tennessee, Woods will be extradited back to Massachusetts to stand trial on multiple assault charges.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Menard County Sheriffs Office is urging citizens to keep their sensitive information secure following a residents close call with a scammer claiming there were financial opportunities available after a presidential bill.

MCSO reported on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 28, that a Menard County citizen was targeted by a phone scam originating from a 404 area code, which is typically associated with Atlanta, Georgia, and its surrounding suburbs. The scammer alleged they were with Medicare and claimed that there was money to be gained after the presidents bill passed, as per the sheriffs office.

Runnels County SO: Scammer impersonating deputy, sending fake court records

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MCSO said the caller told the target that the money could be for your house or car and requested the social security number, debit card number and bank account of the target. The citizen provided the information, but became suspicious when the caller requested their drivers license number.

The targeted resident told a relative what had happened. They would later be called by their bank and informed that there was suspicious activity involving an attempted withdrawal from their account. The citizens then reported the incident to the sheriffs office.

The MCSO is now encouraging citizens to safeguard their sensitive information by being cautious about who it is provided to.

Medicare, Social Security and IRS do not call you for this purpose, MCSO said. If any organization calls and tries to get your info, hang up.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  A day full of celebration for Mead Johnson nutrition employees honoring the legacy the company has built in Evansville over the past 120 years.

Roughly speaking, four out of five infants in the United States are going to experience a Mead Johnson product, many of which were formulated and developed right here in Evansville, senior VP Robert Cleveland said.

Local leaders Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry and Indiana Congressman Mark Messmer were there.

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Thousands of Evansville residents from all walks of life and every kind of background have passed through these doors, that is not just a workforce, that is a legacy, Terry said.

Infant formulas developed in Evansville, support infant nutrition across the globe, and is the top infant formula brand, recommended by pediatricians in the U.S., Messmer said.

U.S. Representative Messmer presented company executives with a congressional record to honor the achievement. Mead Johnsons Vice President Robert Cleveland highlighted a number of achievements where he says the company has led in the innovation of child nutrition and care.

We were also the first company to introduce nutramigen, or even more importantly the probiotic, which has had a huge impact on infants immune systems, so they suffer from allergies less, Cleveland said.

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Officials say theyre looking forward to carrying the company into the future and continuing the legacy that has been rooted in Evansville since 1915.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
Aug. 28Mead teachers and other staff may go on strike next week if their union bargaining team can't reach a new contract agreement with the Mead School Board by midnight Sunday.

A strike by the Mead Education Association could delay the start of school, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

About 97% of the union members who attended a Thursday meeting voted in favor of authorizing their bargaining team to call a strike if even a tentative agreement for a contract isn't reached by the deadline. If no agreement is reached, the union bargaining team can then call for a strike at any point.

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It is the first time since the 1970s that the union has held a strike authorization vote, according to union President Toby Doolittle.

Representatives from the union and school district are scheduled to meet on Friday for another bargaining session after already meeting 16 different times since May.

Mead union President Toby Doolittle declined to share specifics of what is on the table in an interview last week, but said his union's priorities surround designing systems for inclusion of students with special needs and preventing behavioral issues that pose safety concerns.

"This is not about salaries; we have zero proposals on the table that have to do with salary," Doolittle said Wednesday evening. "This is about student safety that costs zero dollars for the district to implement for the proposals we're making."

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Mead School Board President Michael Cannon wrote in an op-ed in The Spokesman-Review earlier this week that the district compensates its staff fairly and that too many districts have agreed to contracts they cannot afford, forcing cuts on services.

"We cannot  and will not  let that happen here," he wrote. "We are grateful that taxpayers approved a healthy increase to the local school levy in 2024. Given the substantial investments made in educator compensation in recent years, taxpayers were promised we would use additional local levy funds to address critical needs in other areas, which included things like outdated curricula and updates to safety and security infrastructure."

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.
The Hawaii Department of Health says a wastewater sample collected this month tested positive for the measles virus.

Health officials said in a news release today that the sample was collected Aug. 11 from a site in West Hawaii County and is the first wastewater detection of measles in the state. DOH was notified of the result on Aug. 26, and is monitoring for signs of an outbreak.

As of today, however, there have been no new reports of measles.

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Health officials said the presence of measles virus in wastewater does not confirm a clinical case or community spread, but is a signal to be alert and prepared for possible measles cases.

The recent detection of measles virus in our wastewater is a reminder that this disease is still a threat,  said Gov. Josh Green in the news release. Vaccination remains our strongest defense to stop measles before it spreads in Hawaii. Lets work together to protect each other and keep our islands safe and healthy.

The state routinely collects and tests wastewater samples as part of disease surveillance, which during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to help track the presence of numerous pathogens, including COVID, avian influenza, and norovirus.

Wastewater monitoring serves as an early-warning system for emerging outbreaks, as infected people begin shedding a virus in their waste in two to three days, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms or not.

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Over the summer, national wastewater surveillance companies began testing for measles as an spread to other states.

WastewaterSCAN began testing for measles in May, while NWSS-Verily did so in July, followed by Biobot Analytics in August.

Hawaii has so far this year has only confirmed two measles cases. Both were confirmed in April before measles wastewater testing began.

In early April, DOH confirmed measles in an under the age of 5 on Oahu. The child began developing symptoms after returning from international travel. About 10 days later, DOH confirmed a in an adult member of the same household as the child.

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No further measles cases were reported after the two in April, and state health officials said they are not related to this recent wastewater detection.

The department, meanwhile, is urging everyone to stay up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR ) vaccine.

 is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination,  health officials in the release. Infants under 1 year of age are at particularly high risk because they are too young to be vaccinated, but in certain situations, vaccination may be recommended for children between 6 and 12 months if they are exposed to a known case.

To get an MMR vaccine, families should contact their medical provider or pharmacy. Additionally, anyone who has traveled to an area with a current measles outbreak should consult a doctor upon developing symptoms, which include a fever, runny nose, and cough, followed by the spread of tiny, red spots.

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The number of measles cases in the U.S has ramped up significantly this year.

As of Tuesday, more than 1, 400 measles cases have been confirmed in over 40 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionthe highest number since measles was declared eliminated 25 years ago.

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Aug. 28A Dayton medical facility worker who allegedly sexually abused a 17-year-old patient was sentenced to probation.

What are the terms of his probation?

As part of his community control sanctions, Kevin Johnson cannot work with children in any capacity and can't associate with minors  except his children  without the supervision of another adult, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

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He cannot have any contact with the victim.

Johnson is also required to complete sex offender and substance abuse treatment.

He must register as a Tier I sex offender. Tier I offenders are required to register once a year for 15 years

If Johnson violates the terms of his probation, he could serve four and a half years in prison, according to the prosecutor's office.

What was he convicted of?

In July Johnson pleaded guilty to endangering children and gross sexual imposition, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records.

One count each of sexual battery and attempting to commit sexual battery were dismissed.

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What was he accused of?

On Sept. 22, 2024, Dayton police responded to a medical facility for a reported sexual assault.

A coworker saw Johnson pressed inappropriately against a 17-year-old patient who was partially clothed, according to Dayton Municipal Court records.

The teen told police Johnson came to their room a few days earlier and committed a sex act, according to an affidavit.

Johnson allegedly admitted to the sex act during an interview with detectives.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Concrete barriers went up along Sixth Street recently, as part of the Austin Police Departments efforts to prevent late-night crowds from gathering in the street or outside businesses since opening the road back up to cars over the weekends.

These replaced the water-filled barriers that were up for about four months, and are now the third type of infrastructure the city has used since the street opened up to car traffic full-time in January.

Painted concrete barriers now line part of Sixth Street

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After installing water-filled barriers on Sixth Street, we heard from business owners that the area felt too much like a construction site, so the City opted to make the switch to concrete barriers, the city previously told KXAN in an email statement.

The barriers were painted by local artist Emily Eisenhart. She said she applied to an open Request for Proposal and was chosen to paint the barricades as part of a beautification effort by the Downtown Austin Alliance and the East Sixth Street Public Improvement District.

They chose my work, I think, for its abstract nature and storytelling capacity, Eisenhart said. Im always inspired. I actually studied anthropology, so Im a researcher by training, and I always walk the site and talk to people, and so, a lot of the shapes and motifs that you see here are honoring the history of this area, the musical influences, all the different businesses.

Artist Emily Eisenhart painted the concrete barriers that are now up along Sixth Street from Neches to San Jacinto. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Artist Emily Eisenhart painted the concrete barriers that are now up along Sixth Street from Neches to San Jacinto. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Artist Emily Eisenhart painted the concrete barriers that are now up along Sixth Street from Neches to San Jacinto. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Artist Emily Eisenhart painted the concrete barriers that are now up along Sixth Street from Neches to San Jacinto. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones) Artist Emily Eisenhart painted the concrete barriers that are now up along Sixth Street from Neches to San Jacinto. (KXAN Photo/Abigail Jones)

Youll see architectural elements like archways or circles like faces, like suns, moons, guitar strings or silhouettes of musical instruments, even little dots that look like the windows on buildings, Eisenhart added.

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Eisenhart said shes honored to have been selected and to be part of downtown Austin through her art, and shes grateful that city entities care about creativity and cultural efforts that make Austin even more dynamic.

What I love about art in the public realm is that people can come up against it and take photographs. They can see it from afar and see a new motif. It can greet them in the daylight or the nightlife, depending on when theyre here. And yeah, it tells the story of Austin in many different ways, all the layers and patterns, she said, also noting the abstractness of the art allows it to be up for interpretation for each person seeing it.

Eisenhart has been running her own studio in Austin for 10 years, and she said she often partners with developers, architects and community organizations to bring artwork to the urban realm.

She explained the inspiration behind some of the elements in the mural.

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All the colors in this mural, to me, speak to Austin, Eisenhart said. We have greenery for all of our plant life and live oak trees, the cream of the limestone thats all around you, the red of the brick  thats all the patios and markings here. The yellow, to me, is like the warm sun. And theres, of course, that blue teal of Barton Springs and our big Texas sky.

Eisenhart said the artwork was sealed off with an anti-graffiti sealant to help extend its longevity.

Brianna Hollis contributed to 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 KXAN Austin.
Bill Pulte is serving as the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency under President Trump.

Before serving in government, he was a CEO and a self-described "Twitter philanthropist."

He accused a Fed governor of mortgage fraud, leading Trump to attempt to fire her.

You may have heard Bill Pulte's name a lot as of late.

Pulte is the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA under President Donald Trump, serving in a role that gives him regulatory authority over the country's mortgage industry.

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He's been using that authority in unusual ways  including getting involved in Trump's clashes with the Federal Reserve.

Pulte has been an outspoken critic of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, has called on him to resign, and reportedly gave Trump a drafted letter that would fire Powell.

And earlier this month, Pulte accused Federal Reserve Board Gov. Lisa Cook of mortgage fraud, leading Trump to attempt to fire her and kicking off a legal battle that remains ongoing, with implications for the US economy.

Here's what you should know about Pulte.

Before serving in government, he was widely known as a "Twitter Philanthropist"

Pulte's family has been involved in housing for a long time: Bill Pulte is the grandson of William J. Pulte, the founder of the home-building company PulteGroup.

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The younger Pulte founded his own investment firm, Pulte Capital Partners, in 2011, shortly after he graduated from Northwestern University. In addition to being CEO of Pulte Capital, he also served on the board of PulteGroup and was based in Michigan, near Detroit.

In 2019, he gained a following on Twitter, now known as X, for engaging in "Twitter Philanthropy," in which he gave away thousands of dollars to various followers in need.

That involved things like investing in small businesses, paying for some users' groceries, or offering a reward to find a missing person. He even once partnered with the make-up artist Jeffree Star on a $30,000 cash giveaway.

He's also a major political donor, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to support Trump and other GOP candidates during the 2024 election cycle.

He's gotten involved in Trump's war with the Fed

Pulte's nomination to be FHFA director was confirmed by the Senate in March by a 56-34 vote, mostly along party lines.

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He made some early moves at FHFA, including consolidating the agency's control over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Pulte announced earlier this year that he was directing both companies, which are under a government conservatorship, to consider cryptocurrency as an asset in mortgage lending.

But he's garnered even more notoriety for his role in Trump's war with the Fed.

Pulte (far left) accompanied Trump and other officials on a tour of the Fed in late July. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

According to the New York Times, Pulte drafted a letter for Trump that would have fired Powell. Trump reportedly showed off the letter to a group of GOP lawmakers at the White House in July, when the president was considering firing the Federal Reserve chair.

Pulte has also been a loud critic of Powell, and he accompanied Trump during his high-profile tour of the Fed later in July.

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Pulte's focus on Powell drew the ire of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who in a July letter to Pulte said that he appeared "distracted" from his main job.

He's accused several Trump foes of mortgage fraud

More consequentially, Pulte helped spur Trump's attempted firing of Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve Board governor appointed by President Joe Biden.

Trump called for her to resign, and then said he was removing her, citing Pulte's allegations that she had committed mortgage fraud.

Cook refused to step aside, saying that Trump has no authority to fire her. That kicked off a legal battle that remains ongoing.

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In addition to his allegations against Cook, Pulte has also used his position to accuse Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California and New York Attorney General Tish James  both prominent Trump critics  of mortgage fraud.

The Department of Justice is now investigating both officials, who have denied Pulte's allegations and characterized them as baseless attempts at political retribution.

Read the original article on Business Insider
World War II produced numerous airmen awarded the Medal of Honor, the vast majority of whom flew in bombers or fighters. There were, of rare exceptions, of course, and among the rarest was Nathan Green Gordon, the only Medal of Honor recipient to earn it in a Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat.

Born on Sept. 4, 1916 in Morrilton, Arkansas, Gordon graduated from the Columbia Military Academy, Tennessee as the class salutatorian in 1933. From there he attended the Arkansas Polytechnical College and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, graduating from the latter with a juris doctor degree in 1939.

During that time he served in the Arkansas National Guard, while practicing law until May 1941, when he enlisted in the Navy. He trained in Jacksonville, Florida and well remembered that morning of Dec. 7, 1941, when the film he was watching was interrupted with the bulletin, All Navy personnel report to your base.

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In February 1942, he completed his flight training and was assigned to naval patrol squadron VP-34. Flying large, lumbering but remarkably versatile PBY-5s, VP-34 participated in convoy protection against German submarines over the Caribbean Sea, then was transferred to the other side of the world, in the Solomon Islands.

Lt. Gordons wartime climax occurred on Feb. 15, 1944, as his PBY-5, which he dubbed Arkansas Traveler, took off from VP-34s advance base at Samarai Island on a Dumbo (search and rescue) mission in support of a Fifth Air Force bombing raid on Japanese naval facilities in Kavieng Harbor, New Britain.

V Fighter Command had dispatched four Republic P-47D Thunderbolt fighters from Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea, to protect the vulnerable flying boat from any Japanese fighters that should turn up  admittedly few left in that area of the Bismarck Sea by that point. On the other hand, the bases the Japanese still occupied held plenty of anti-aircraft guns and they were still taking their toll.

As they took station over Vitu Island, Gordon and his crew found out what they were up against when their radioman got a report of a Douglas A-20G Havoc shot down. They landed at the site, only to find debris in the water and no sign of the crew. They did, however, discover that besides enemy flak, they were operating in less-than-optimum flight conditions, with heavy swells 16 to 18 feet high that stressed their superstructure and burst seams.

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There was little time to lament the situation, though, as another report came in of a North American B-25D Mitchell down. Gordon found the ditched bomber and rescued its five crewmen, after which he got some daunting news: another B-25 had been shot down and two of his P-47 escorts were low on fuel and compelled to return home.

The second crews rubber raft lay a mile from shore but Gordon, ignoring the anti-aircraft fire, brought his boat down and rescued that crew. Taking off was now a problem  Arkansas Traveler was overloaded in heavy swells and almost no wind.

In spite of that, Gordon and crew managed to take off  and then received another report of a B-25 down 600 yards from another Japanese-held island, with some of its crew injured.

Further, the other two P-47s had to head back, their fuel low. Fortunately for the flying boat crew, some B-25s that had dropped their bomb loads came by to use up the last of their machine gun ammunition strafing the Japanese gunners.

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Even so, the odds were now against getting the Catalina back with the nine airmen it had aboard  let alone six more  but Gordon knew what was likely to happen to them in Japanese hands.

Down through the enemy flak went the PBY, to make its fourth landing and hastily hoist the B-25 men aboard. Then, wallowing its way through the heavy swells and windless air, Gordon and crew managed to keep Arkansas Travelers nose up and its acceleration raised just enough to lift the PBY out of the water and lumber its way to Langemak Bay, near Finschhafen, where they delivered its 15 passengers to the seaplane tender San Pablo (AVP-30).

In September 1944, the promoted Lt. Gordon was awarded the only Medal of Honor earned in a PBY: By his exceptional daring, personal valor, and incomparable airmanship under most perilous conditions, Lt. Gordon prevented certain death or capture of our airmen by the Japanese. Additionally, all eight of his crewmen received Silver Stars.

By the time he was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945, Gordon added two Distinguished Flying Crosses and six Air Medals to his decorations.

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After the war Gordon resumed his law practice, save for a decade involved in state politics. A Democrat, he served 10 terms as lieutenant governor of Arkansas, under four governors, from January 1947 through January 1967. In 1980, the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society selected him as one of the first five inductees to the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.

Nathan Gordon died in the Arkansas Medical Services Center in Little Rock on Sept. 9, 2008, aged 92, and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Morrilton.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday said he is aiming to hold talks between European and US officials over the war in Ukraine next week, warning that the conflict could continue for "many months."

"I am pleading strongly that we - meaning the Europeans together with the US government - carefully discuss the next steps together," said Merz at a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron following French-German talks in Toulon.

The aim must also be for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - "if necessary with other participants in the talks," Merz said.

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"However, I have no illusions. It is possible that this war will last for many more months," added Merz.

"In any case, we should be prepared for that. We are prepared for it - in close coordination with our European partners, with the Americans and also with the Coalition of the Willing."

Keeping the alliance of around 30 countries together is an urgent task, he said.

Merz also pointed out that further tariffs against countries that support Russia were being discussed in the United States.

"I would be very much in favour of this if the US government could bring itself to do so," said the German chancellor.

He emphasized: "We will not leave Ukraine in the lurch."
By Jaspreet Singh

(Reuters) -Meta is adding new teenager safeguards to its artificial intelligence products by training systems to avoid flirty conversations and discussions of self-harm or suicide with minors, and by temporarily limiting their access to certain AI characters.

A Reuters exclusive report earlier in August revealed how Meta allowed provocative chatbot behavior, including letting bots engage in "conversations that are romantic or sensual."

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Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in an email on Friday that the company is taking these temporary steps while developing longer-term measures to ensure teens have safe, age-appropriate AI experiences.

Stone said the safeguards are already being rolled out and will be adjusted over time as the company refines its systems.

Meta's AI policies came under intense scrutiny and backlash after the Reuters report.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley launched a probe into the Facebook parent's AI policies earlier this month, demanding documents on rules that allowed its chatbots to interact inappropriately with minors.

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Both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have expressed alarm over the rules outlined in an internal Meta document which was first reviewed by Reuters.

Meta had confirmed the document's authenticity, but said that after receiving questions earlier this month from Reuters, the company removed portions that stated it was permissible for chatbots to flirt and engage in romantic role play with children.

"The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed," Stone said earlier this month.

(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Richard Chang)
Former Tennessee congressional candidate and anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck has been appointed by Meta to help address "ideological and political bias" in the companys artificial intelligence endeavors, according to a statement released by Meta.

The move comes as part of an early-August settlement deal between Starbuck and Metathe parent company of Facebook  following a lawsuit from Starbuck that accused the social media giant of defamation after Meta AI returned false statements when users asked about Starbuck.

In a joint statement on X, Meta Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan and Starbuck said on Aug. 14 the two parties had resolved this matter to our mutual satisfaction.

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Since engaging on these important issues with (Starbuck), Meta has made tremendous strides to improve the accuracy of Meta AI and mitigate ideological and political bias, the statement reads. Building on that work, Meta and Robby Starbuck will work collaboratively in the coming months to continue to find ways to address issues of ideological and political bias and minimize the risk that the model returns hallucinations in response to user queries.

In response to The Tennessean, Starbuck said that while he has his "own political views that arent a secret," he does "not want to force them into an AI," as it "needs to be a neutral fact driven system."

"Its my goal to ensure fairness for everyone and ethical responses about everyone," he said. "Regardless of your politics, I want to help shape a future where you dont have to worry about a thumb on the ideological scale. AI is going to be an increasingly large part of our lives and we all need it to be trustworthy, fair and accurate. Its my goal to be a part of making that happen."

As many of you know, I sued Meta early this year due to chatbot responses about me that were 100% false. Today @Meta and I are announcing an amicable resolution to my lawsuit. Let me give you some details



When I filed my defamation suit, Meta reached out to me immediately, pic.twitter.com/b3W1rVT4d2  Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) August 8, 2025

Starbuck is well known to both big businesses and Tennessee residents. The Middle Tennessee-based activist has publicly targeted many businesses online for their DEI-practices through large social media campaigns, including Harley-Davidson, Walmart, Tractor Supply, John Deere and more. In some cases, he has taken credit online for companies scaling back or entirely removing DEI programs.

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The Meta position will grant the conservative activist weight in one of the largest AI systems on the market with more than 1 billion users, according to a statement from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a May shareholder meeting and reported on by CNBC.

Defamation suit gets attention of conservative lawmakers, officials

Starbucks lawsuit, filed in April, alleges that Meta committed defamation by knowingly sharing false statements about Starbuck, including statements about his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

In court documents, Starbuck states that in response to Meta users inquiries about him, Meta AI shared incorrect claims about him, including that he participated in the riot, was arrested for his involvement and ultimately pleaded guilty for disorderly conduct.

Imagine waking up one day and learning that a multi-billion-dollar corporation was telling whoever asked that you had been an active participant in one of the most stigmatized events in American history  the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021  and that you were arrested for and charged with a misdemeanor in connection with your involvement in that event, the lawsuit states. Further imagine that these accusations were completely false: that you were at your home in Tennessee on January 6th, and that you had never been accused of committing any crime in your entire life.

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Starbuck alleged in court documents that he reached out to Meta executives about the issue, which he became aware of in August 2024.

But despite lengthy communications with Meta, according to Starbuck, the AI responses continued as recently as April 2025, when he filed the lawsuit.

From that day Ive faced a steady stream of false accusations that are deeply damaging to my character and the safety of my family, he said, in a statement about the lawsuit on X.

While Im the target today, a candidate you like could be the next target, and lies from Metas AI could flip votes that decide the election, he added. You could be the next target too. Thats why Im taking on this David vs. Goliath fight. For me, my honor, my family, for our elections, and for you!

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Days after Starbuck filed his suit, conservative Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, shared Starbucks statement on X, calling for an investigation and a series of rigorous hearings into the matter.

Meta has been undercutting conservatives for years  at great expense to Republican candidates and conservative causes throughout the country, he said.

Melissa Holyoak, commissioner at the Federal Trade Commission, responded to Lee on X and stated her concern with the matter.

This type of conduct, if true, is extremely alarming, she said. The FTC wants to hear from tech platform users who have been banned, shadow banned, demonetized, or otherwise censored.

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She shared a link to a federal inquiry launched by the FTC in February into Tech Censorship to better understand how technology platforms deny or degrade (such as by demonetizing and shadow banning) users access to services based on the content of the users speech.

The public comment period for the inquiry, which closed on May 21, garnered nearly 3,000 responses, including several free speech organizations and major conservative advocacy groups.

Groups like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the CATO Institute argued against harsher content moderation, with FIRE saying the moves by the FTC were an attempt to evade the First Amendment by asserting government control over content moderation practices.

However, conservative legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, in their filed comment, submitted what the group alleges are detailed examples of censorship against conservative users by internet behemoths.

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The framers of the Bill of Rights  specifically the First Amendment  understood the critical importance of free speech, and we must protect that freedom against threats from private companies as much as from government agents, said ADF Senior Counsel Phil Sechler, director of the ADF Center for Free Speech, in a statement announcing the filing.

Some 763 of the responses  making up 26% of the comments  are filed anonymously, something that FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has previously criticized giving much weight to, according to a report by the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

Concerns over big-tech bias part of a larger trend

Starbucks lawsuit, as well as the FTCs inquiry into big tech censorship, are part of an overarching trend of conservative pushback against alleged big tech bias targeting conservatives  and a major political pressure point of the Trump administration.

On his first day in office for his second term, Trump signed the Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship executive order, calling for an immediate end to all government censorship. The order alleges that the federal government had previously violated Americans free speech rights under the guise of combating online misinformation through third-party means.

President Donald Trump signs executive orders Jan. 20 at Capital One Arena in Washington.

Over the last 4 years, the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve, the order states.

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However, the Trump administrations promotion of free speech online stand at odds with previous actions by Trump, who has repeatedly been staunchly opposed to current legal protections that shield private internet companies from liability and, ironically, largely protect free speech rights online.

Section 230, the landmark 1996 law that has shaped the internet, shields internet providers from a majority of civil liability regarding user-posted content, so that providers are not crippled with lawsuits for speech made by private citizens. Without it, internet platforms will likely be forced down one of two paths: either refrain from any type of content moderation, like those against hateful or harmful conduct, or proactively, heavily moderate speech in a restrictive way to avoid lawsuits.

In May 2020, during Trumps first term, he issued an executive order aimed at cutting the legal protections in Section 230 after Twitter, now known as X, fact-checked several of his tweets about voting by mail. The order was swiftly revoked by President Biden in 2021.

Such efforts have been hinted at returning multiple times in Trump's second term. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by Trump to the position in both his administrations, described his plan for "reigning in Big Tech," which called for drastically curbing the liability protections offered in Section 230, in a chapter of the expansive conservative policy handbook Project 2025.

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"The FCC has an important role to play in addressing the threats to individual liberty posed by corporations that are abusing dominant positions in the market," wrote Carr. "Nowhere is that clearer than when it comes to Big Tech and its attempts to drive diverse political viewpoints from the digital town square."

Robert Thompson, a media professor at Syracuse University, said that a crackdown on Section 230 has been a long time coming, thanks to right-leaning frustration towards a number of fact-checking initiatives by social media companies.

Conservatives, I think, feel that when it comes to the issue of these fact-checking situations, which is very much addressed in Section 230, that these efforts have been disproportionately aimed at them, Thompson said. The biggest examples of this, which was all the vaccination and election fraud stuff, those kinds of things were where rational fact-checking did tend to point to the fact that this was not correct information. And those statements did tend to come from things that would have fallen under this huge umbrella of conservativism.

A nuance often lost in the discussion, Thompson notes, is that the same people who are pushing for the restricting of Section 230 are also people who benefit heavily from it.

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It is true that very many of the very people and entities that are really wanting to restrict, attack and maybe even completely revoke Section 230 are often the very entities who very much benefit from those protections, he said. Let's just say, for the sake of argument, they scrap Section 230 entirely, which gets rid of the whole opportunity to have immunity for their online content. Well, then the very people that advocated for getting rid of it are going to suddenly be upset when all of this stuff happens as a result of them not being protected by Section 230. Suddenly, these social media and other operations will be getting sued for what their users are posting, and then losing those lawsuits.

The USA TODAY Network - The South region's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Meta hires anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck to address tech bias
King County Metros DART Route 915 is adding service to the Foothills Trail Bridge on weekdays while the state works on structural repairs for the White River Bridge.

This pedestrian-only bridge connects Buckley and Enumclaw and is roughly 100 yards from the State Route 410 White River Bridge.

The extended route will be in place on Aug. 28, Aug. 29, Sept. 2, and Sept. 3 during commuting hours, before expanding to all weekday trips from Sept. 4 onward.

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Riders can board at any Route 915 bus stop, including Enumclaw Middle School (550 Semanski St S), where free parking is available.

You can view the schedule here.

The White River Bridge was closed after being hit by a semi-truck on August 18.

No vehicle or pedestrian traffic is allowed on the bridge as the Washington Department of Transportation inspects it and determines the necessary repairs.

There is no estimated timeline for when it will reopen. A 38-mile detour around the bridge takes drivers around 45 minutes to an hour to complete.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation in King and Pierce counties Wednesday for the bridge. It allows the state to seek federal funding to reimburse the ongoing and future work being done to repair it.
Metro Nashville Public Schools earned the highest possible state rating for year-over-year student academic growth for the fourth year in a row, according to an Aug. 28 news release from the district.

The school earned a level 5 growth score under the Tennessee Value-Added Assesment System, also known as TVAAS. Instead of only looking at whether students reached proficiency on state assessments, the measurement looks at how much progress they made compared with their peers statewide. For example, a student could fall short on a state assessment but still show growth by moving from "below" to "approaching" proficiency. Growth is compared relative to the student's peers who performed similarly in the past, according to the state education department's website.

"This is the first time in district history that MNPS has achieved Level 5 growth for four straight years  a milestone that underscores the district's steady momentum," the release said.

Students arrive for their first day of school at Inglewood Elementary School in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.

MNPS Director Adrienne Battle said the score is a sign of the teamwork, focus and commitment from the district community.

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"This incredible achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and families, and the strong support of our Board of Education," Battle said in the release. "I am deeply grateful to our educators for their tireless efforts, to our families for their partnership, and to our students for showing what is possible when they are given the tools and support they need to succeed."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville schools make history, earn top score for academic growth
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Metro-Norths New Haven Line is back on schedule after it experienced delays Friday morning due to police activity in New York, according to their website.

The Mount Vernon Police Department posted on Facebook that train service through Mount Vernon West and Mount Vernon East train stations were temporarily suspended to New York City.

How Connecticut residents can comment on proposed Metro North fare increases

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According to their website, customers were experiencing residual delays of up to 60 minutes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Theyre almost as beloved as Esthers Delight, that huge chili relleno combo platter. Were talking about those high octane margaritas from Mexicali on 18th Street.

If youve ever inquired about their availability as a to-go item, youre not alone. Well, todays your lucky day. Mexicali  in business in one way or another since 1932  is now selling 4-packs of the citrusy tequila concoction  slightly less potent than the restaurant-bar version, but potent nonetheless.

For now, you can purchase these 4-packs at $29.95 only with a meal, either dine-in or to-go  limit one four-pack at a time. Mexicali is working on the licensing that will allow sales without those purchase restrictions.

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Shafter PD remembers Sgt. Martinez 1 year after his death

Irene Ramirez, daughter of Lilly George, one of the four sisters in the original ownership group, all now deceased, said the company is branching out with an eye toward the future.

Right now were not going anywhere, she said. But were all getting up there in age. The four sisters are gone. Were all 70 and over. Its a lot of work. At least if we want to do something different, we have this to fall back on. Well continue with this, and of course our enchilada sauce we just started also. And we have other things down the pipeline coming.

Yes, you heard right, another item for your pantry  Mexicali Authentic Enchilada Sauce  concentrated, in a pint jar, $10.50.

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And, coming in October, another kitchen demonstration class. Patrons can enjoy the food and watch someone else 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 KGET 17 News.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A Mexican national with local ties has pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after having been previously deported back to Mexico.

According to officials with the United States Department of Justice and the office of United States Attorney R. Matthew Price, Western District of Missouri, Carlos Omar Rogel-Sanchez, 44, has pleaded guilty to one count of illegally re-entering the U.S. following deportation.

Demonstrators in Webb City protest deportation and funding cuts | KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

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Officials confirm Rogel-Sanchez was arrested on July 5, 2025, by the McDonald County Sheriffs Office on an outstanding warrant for prior assault. That warrant for assault was issued out of Joplin according to authorities.

Authorities say Rogel-Sanchez has been deported on at least four occasions prior to this incident and that under federal statutes, Rogel-Sanchez is now subject to a sentence of up to two years in federal prison without the possibility of parole, the maximum statutory sentence for such crime.

FOUR STATES CRIME

According to an official statement, this case is part of Operation Take Back America and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security in association with Immigration Customs and Enforcement, and the Office of the McDonald County Sheriff.

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Joplin residents protest, gather school supplies for families | KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com

Operation Take Back America is described by officials as: A nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New Mexicos AG directed special prosecutors at the state to take over two cases from the embattled McKinley County DA Bernadine Martin (Courtesy photo)

New Mexicos attorney general on Friday directed special prosecutors at the state to take over two cases from the embattled McKinley County District Attorney Bernadine Martin, saying she improperly dismissed cases, and failed to refer them to an outside prosecutor.

Last week, Attorney General Raul Torrez filed a petition for the states highest court to consider removing Martin from her position, citing violations of the law and a hostile work environment including yelling, screaming, and belittling behavior. Martin has denied all allegations of hostile work environments. On Sept. 2, following the initial publication of this story, the state Supreme Court directed Martin to submit a response to Torrezs petition.

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A voicemail, text message and email to Martin were not returned before publication.

The petition was sparked after state lawmakers voted to remove funding from Martins office and gave it to the neighboring district attorney in San Juan County, a move spearheaded by Senate Finance Chair George Munoz (D-Gallup), citing turnover of Gallup prosecutors. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the budget, but Martin has refused to cede financial control and filed a lawsuit in Santa Fe court against lawmakers, the governor and San Juan District Attorney Jack Fortner in July, which remains ongoing.

Torrez said in a news release Friday the failure to prosecute cases with defendents accused of murder and rape endangers the community and trust in the office, and will be added to the petition for Martins removal.

The decision to dismiss these cases without properly referring them to another prosecutor jeopardized not only the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families, but also the safety of our communities. By stepping in immediately, we are making sure these cases move forward and sending a clear message: no victim in New Mexico will be abandoned, and no community will be left unprotected, Torrez said in a statement.

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Further, the New Mexico Department of Justice requested the states highest court require the McKinley County District Attorneys office to provide all information regarding case dismissals and refusals since Jan. 1 2021, saying its necessary to determine how pervasive this problem is.

Both cases are several years old, which pushes the clock for statutes of limitations in bringing charges or finding evidence, the news release said.

The first case was dismissed in 2023, against Tyson Long, now 28, who Gallup Police accused of murdering an unidentified man on Dec. 6, 2022. In court documents, police say they saw Long confronting the victim with a gun before shots were fired and fleeing the area.

The petition to dismiss Longs case noted that then-Chief Deputy District Attorney Mandana Shoushtari had stated there was a conflict of interest.

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When reached by phone on Friday, Shoushtari told Source NM she was ordered by Martin to dismiss the case and send it to another district attorneys office for prosecution.

All the witnesses in the case were defendants I was prosecuting in other cases at the time, so by law, I couldnt put them on the stand and cross-examine them, she told Source NM.

Shoushtari said she was unclear on the timeline, but said she believed Martin tried to hand the case over to another office.

Other DAs were not willing to take cases from her, for whatever reason, but I did know she tried to conflict it out, Shoushtari said.

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Shoushtari no longer works for Martins office, saying she was let go in September of 2024 after butting heads because I disagreed with the way she was running the office. Shoushtari is now a deputy district attorney for the 10th Judicial District overseeing De Baca, Harding and Quay counties.

The second case involves Valentino Roderick Johnson, now 30, who was arrested by McKinley County Sheriffs deputies on Oct. 28, 2023. According to police reports, a passerby saw a car crash and said he came upon Johnson, heavily intoxicated and on top of a woman screaming for help and banging on the horn, saying that Johnson had raped her.

Just over a week later, Martin dismissed the case, writing this complaint is dismissed without prejudice, for reason, conflict for District Attorneys Office.

In the news release, the New Mexico DOJ says that Martin indicated the defendant was a friend of her children.

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Whether it was negligent or intentional, I find it unacceptable that DA Martin dismissed this case [Valentino Roderick Johnson] due to a personal connection to the suspect and it was never refiled, said McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano III in a statement. The victim in this case deserves better, the deputies that worked this case deserve better, and the community deserves better. We are thankful to the NMDOJ for helping us to seek justice.

This story was updated on Sept. 2 to include the state Supreme Courts order.
Michael Hudak - WPLG Screenshot

WSVN reporter Michael Hudak has been accused of stealing a $16,000 Rolex from his neighbor.

Hudak allegedly entered his neighbors house to take the Rolex while the neighbor was in Spain. Police said the victim was in Spain for two weeks in July and was aware that Hudak had a spare key for emergency use only.

After coming back from his trip, police said the victim noticed the watch missing despite there being no signs of forced entry. Cops later told the victim that his watch had been pawned.

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An investigation revealed that Hudak pawned the watch and used his Florida ID while doing it.

Hes been charged with felony counts of grand theft and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, jail records show.

The Miami ABC affiliate said in a statement that Hudak "has been suspended without pay at this time."
MIAMI, Okla.  An embattled travel agent with a history of writing hot checks and other financial wrongdoing is speaking out, saying no charges have been filed against her and she is taking steps against the online attacks.

After the Miami Police Department received almost 700 consumer complaints about the Miami-based Wiford Tour and Travel, the Oklahoma State Attorney Generals office began investigating Diahann and Kenneth Wifords financial activities.

The allegations center on Wiford Tour and Travel, and customers who purchased trips and vacations through the travel agency, some never receiving their tickets.

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Wiford sent a text message to KSN/KODE on Thursday morning denying any problems.

What I can say with certainty is this: there have been no charges filed against me, and after more than a year of investigations, theres nothing new to report. Diahann Wiford, Aug. 28, text message

When asked for clarification on the investigation, Phil Bacharach, Communications Director for Attorney General Gentner Drummond, said the investigation has been submitted to an assigned prosecutor for filing determination.

No charges have been filed against the Wifords in this case, but the investigation is nearing an end.

Wiford lashed out at social media posts, criticizing them, saying people have chosen to spread rumors and speculation instead of facts. The post continues with Wiford saying she has taken steps to document the online attacks and has involved the proper authorities when necessary.

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At this point, the line between free speech and harassment has already been crossed, and further action is being pursued, the message states.

Wiford also addressed the recent Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed by the couple on Aug. 20.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows for the legal discharge of unsecured debt, including credit card debt, medical bills, and personal loans. However, it does not discharge most student loans, some tax debt, alimony, child support, or restitution ordered in criminal cases.

Like thousands of families across the country, we faced financial hardship after the closure of our travel business. Bankruptcy is a legal process that gives people a chance to move forward, and thats exactly what were doing, Wifords message states.

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Wiford lists 48 creditors; her liabilities are between $500,000 and $1 million. She told the bankruptcy court that the familys monthly expenses are around $840. She had to file for disability, and she draws food stamps, while her husband brings in $450 a month, court records show.

The message continues with Wiford saying they focus on rebuilding their lives, caring for their family, and finding peace.

I wont engage in gossip or negativity, but I will continue to stand up for the truth.

Wiford ended the message saying, Thank you to those who know me, support me, and see through the noise.

Background

In Aug. 2024, Wiford served 54 days in the Taney County jail for passing bad checks.

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wiford federal probationDownload

wiford north dakota cease and desistDownload

In June 2024, District Attorney Doug Pewitt filed a motion to accelerate the deferred judgment concerning two felony cases for writing bad checks in Oklahoma. Court records show she will appear in a cost and collections docket on October 1.

Wiford was on federal probation for finding a way around a Buffalo Run Casinos card system, defrauding the casino out of $193,000 worth of free gambling cards.

In 2015, North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued a cease-and-desist order against Wiford for violating the states home solicitation sales, consumer fraud, and Do-Not-Call laws. According to the nine-page order, she would make telephone calls offering cheap vacations if the consumer attended a timeshare seminar and paid a $99 attendance fee.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
House Speaker Mike Johnson flailed Friday when reporters called attention to his states distressing murder rate.

While appearing on Fox News, Johnson was confronted with a clip of California Governor Gavin Newsom name-dropping the Louisiana Republican, while mocking President Donald Trumps federal takeover of Democratic-led cities.

If he is to invest in crime suppression, I hope the president of the United States will look at the facts. Just consider Speaker Johnsons state, and district, Newsom said during a press conference on Thursday. Just look at the murder rate, which is nearly four times higher than California, in Louisiana.

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Louisianas homicide rate in 2023 was 19.3 per 100,000 people, approximately 300 percent higher than Californias homicide rate of 5.1 per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control.*

Johnson didnt even try to account for the dismal crime stats.

Again, Gavin Newsom will do anything for attention, he can name drop me all that he wants, he needs to go and govern his state and not be engaging in all of this, Johnson said.

Look, we have crime in cities all across America and were against that everywhere and we need to bring policies to bear, Johnson said. My hometown of Shreveport has done a great job of reducing crime gradually, but weve got to address it everywhere it rears its ugly head.

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While Johnson isnt stupid enough to get on board with Trumps tactic of simply pretending Republican-led cities dont have bad crime rates, he seems content to completely ignore the situation in his own district.

In fact, Shreveport, which is part of Johnsons district, landed at 25 on 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. Newsom has claimed that Shreveports murder rate is six times higher than the rate in San Fransisco, a city regularly criticized by Trump and other Republicans.

No city in California made the list.

The rest of Louisiana isnt in the clear, either. In 2024, Baton Rouge had a murder rate of 36 people per 100,000, and New Orleans had a murder rate of 31 per 100,000. Baton Rouges murder rate is twice the rate in Washington, D.C., where the president has deployed thousands of National Guard troops, some of which were sent by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.

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Newsom responded to Johnsons Fox News appearance Friday by copying Trumps social media cadence. Mike Little Man Johnson cant even answer a basic question: why is Louisianas homicide rate nearly 4X HIGHER than Californias????? LOUISIANA IS A FAILED STATE! he wrote in a post on X.

* This post originally misidentified how much higher the Louisiana homicide rate was compared to California.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Miles Inn, a famous hotspot in Sioux City, is celebrating a significant milestone for being open for 100 years.

The previous owner of Miles Inn, Julie Miles, told KCAU 9 the establishment was first started by her grandparents.

My grandma and grandpa Miles started the business in 1913 in the tarpaper shack that was at this location, said the previous owner of Miles Inn, Julie Miles.

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And after 12 years, the couple soon expanded their shop, and Miles Inn was opened in 1925. But it wasnt quite the restaurant it is today.

It started as more of a grocery store, Julie said. And even when Miles started up in 1925, I believe it was more of a grocery store than a bar.

Story continues below

Eventually, Julies grandparents passed the shop down to her dad in 1946. And once he was in control, he made it into a bar that was known for serving the coldest beer in Siouxland.

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I think the freezer is the best aspect of that glass itself, said Tom Torgenson, the bartender for Miles Inn. Like coming out of the freezer, and we try to keep them as cold as possible.

A 20-ounce glass jar kept in the freezer and filled with Coors Light became known as the schooner.

That glass is a novelty in its own right. Everybody likes the 20-ounce mug, and it sells itself, Torgenson said.

The schooner became one of the main draws of Miles Inn. But it wouldnt be complete without their signature Charlie boy. Julie noted that the name of their tavern has some historical significance.

My brother Charlie Jr. was born in 1959, and thats when he gave the sandwiches to Charlie Boy, named after my brother, said Julie.

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Every Charlie Boy is assembled the same; it comes with loose meat, topped with pickles, onions, cheese, and ketchup and mustard. Tom believes the simplicity of the Charlie Boy is what makes them sell over 100,000 a year.

Not changing it has been the best thing to do, Torgenson said. Its always been the same. The recipe is the same. Everything works out the same. We dont add anything to it.

And after being open for 100 years, what has kept them around for so long?

When my dad was here. He really made friends with a lot of the people that came in, you know, and they came back, then their families came back, Julie said. And it just keeps going on and on, and its just awesome to see that his legacy is carried out and still going strong.

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The owners of Miles Inn plan to host a block party for everyone to enjoy this milestone on September 6.

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Ed Miliband has delayed a decision on a major hydrogen plant after the net zero scheme triggered a Cabinet row.

The Energy Secretary has pushed back his deadline for approving H2Teesside, just days after it emerged he was at odds with Sir Keir Starmer, Peter Kyle and other senior ministers over the project.

H2Teesside, proposed by oil giant BP, would produce blue hydrogen from natural gas, while capturing and storing the carbon emissions.

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But it has sparked a row among senior Labour ministers over fears it will clash with the Prime Ministers flagship proposals to create an AI growth zone in the same area, which would include a large data centre.

Tensions over the competing projects have escalated to such a degree that Mr Kyle, the Technology Secretary, has consulted lawyers on ways to block Mr Miliband from approving the hydrogen plant, the Telegraph revealed this week.

BP has sought approval through a development consent order (DCO) and Mr Miliband had been expected to make a decision on Thursday.

But an announcement on Thursday night confirmed that he has instead chosen to reset the statutory deadline, to provide more time for further evidence-gathering.

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This suggests he will now decide by late November.

It followed a last-minute letter from BP, disputing claims that H2Teesside was not likely to go ahead or that it was incompatible with the data centre scheme.

The Telegraph previously revealed that BP was considering scaling back or cancelling the project altogether amid a struggle to find enough customers to make its investment worthwhile.

That would deal a blow to Mr Milibands net zero ambitions, as H2Teesside was set to deliver 10pc of his 2030 hydrogen production target.

BP says it remains in talks with the Government and has denied that the scheme is poised to be cancelled.

Speculative development

In its latest letter, published on Thursday night, the energy giant said it was committed to progressing the development of H2Teesside, but admitted there was currently no primary customer lined up.

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It also claimed the project should not be derailed by speculative development, in a swipe at the rival data centre proposals.

The company is at odds with the landowner, the public-private partnership Teesworks, which backs the data centre proposal instead.

However, if BP is granted a DCO then it could compulsorily purchase the land  allowing it to press ahead anyway.

Amid the ongoing battle over the companys application, both BP and Teesworks have been trading blows publicly over the merits of each others schemes.

Lord Houchen, Teessides mayor, whose local authority is part of Teesworks, has urged the Government to reject BPs proposal, arguing that the data centre plan is more viable.

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Inside Whitehall, the scheme is being championed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, run by Mr Kyle.

But Mr Miliband is said to have objected to the data centre over concerns about energy and water consumption at the site, which could have implications for Britains climate and sustainability goals.

On Friday, Lord Houchen said: Teesside has the land, power and infrastructure to deliver the UKs only truly globally competitive AI cluster.

Alongside sites in Texas and the UAE, we are one of just three locations worldwide with this scale of opportunity.

Im confident hydrogen will play a critical role in the UKs future energy mix, and its right that such projects are evaluated thoroughly.

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If Britain is serious about competing with the US and China in advanced computing, we cannot afford to dither and delay.

The window to lead is closing fast  and if we hesitate the UK will miss out entirely.

On Friday, a spokesman for Mr Milibands department said: The statutory deadline for the H2Teesside application development consent order decision has been extended.

All infrastructure planning decisions this government makes will be in the national interest  helping deliver the Governments Plan for Change.

A spokesman for BP acknowledged the decision but declined to comment further.

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A Milwaukee-area lawyer facing 10 felony counts of possessing virtual child pornography is perhaps one of the first Wisconsin cases to be prosecuted under a new law aimed at curbing trafficking and child abuse.

Trevor Leverson, 37, of Elm Grove, was arrested after an incident outside an Elm Grove business in June, but wasn't formally charged with felonies until Aug. 27.

The charges came after detectives found AI-generated images of young children engaged in sex acts or poses on his cellphone, according to the criminal complaint.

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Court records show Leverson also is charged with disorderly conduct.

It was June 18 when Elm Grove police arrested a man outside a local butcher shop. Officers had gotten statements from multiple witnesses that a man was seen masturbating in a vehicle in the parking lot, according to a criminal complaint made public in Waukesha County on Aug. 27.

The man's cellphone was seized, and authorities later obtained a search warrant to go through it.

More: Ex-Milwaukee public defender Travis Schwantes gets 45 days in jail for prostitution case

On July 1, the device turned up seven images of what investigators described in the complaint as "depictions of virtual child pornography."

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Results of an expanded search of the phone, on Aug. 18, turned up AI-generated images, including those depicting "young children involved in sex acts or sexually explicit and erotic poses," the complaint says.

Detectives believe some of the images were screenshots from a mobile AI tool.

Wisconsin recently adopted a ban that expanded the definition of child pornography to include digital or computer-generated images "that contain a visual representation that appears to depict a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct," even if it the child isn't real.

The ban went into effect March 29, 2024.

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Attorney Anthony Cotton, who is representing Leverson, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said he plans to challenge the law, even as far as the supreme court, if need be.

He argued his client shouldn't be prosecuted for a crime that was generated by an AI program.

"It's unconstitutional," said Cotton, of Waukesha. "There's no victim here."

Leverson appeared before a court commissioner Aug. 27 and posted a $10,000 bond.

More: Federal judge denies motion to dismiss charges against Judge Hannah Dugan in ICE enforcement case

Leverson's LinkedIn account shows he had been an attorney for the Milwaukee law offices of Halling & Cayo since October 2011. His image still appeared on the firm's website on Aug. 28, but resulted in a "404" error when you clicked on his biography page.

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A message to a spokeswoman for the law firm was not immediately returned.

Leverson is due back in court Sept. 22 for a preliminary hearing.

He pleaded not guilty to the disorderly conduct charge, a class B misdemeanor, during a July 31 court appearance and was ordered by the court to not have any contact with the butcher business.

Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lawyer arrested under Wisconsin law targeting AI-generated child porn
In the three weeks since historic flooding hit Milwaukee, 23,000 vehicles have dumped items at two city drop off centers and another 15,000 residents have had items picked up from their curbs at no cost.

But those free services are coming to an end.

Residents in the City of Milwaukee have until Sunday, Aug. 31, to drop off or request curbside pickup for free on items damaged in the Aug. 9-10 flooding, Mayor Cavalier Johnson told reporters at a press conference at a south side drop-off center Aug. 29.

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Following the storms, residents have been able to get rid of flood-damaged items free of charge by requesting curbside bulky item pick up or at two city drop-off centers. Those centers are located on the south side at 3879 W. Lincoln Ave., and the north side at 6660 N. Industrial Road, with an entrance from Mill Road.

Sunday, Aug. 31, is now the last day both those services will be free.

After that, the drop-off centers will be open during typical hours of Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can drop off items for a cost, which is detailed in the fee guide brochure.

Residents can call 414 286 (CITY) or make a request online for free curbside pick up before the Aug. 31 deadline, according to Public Works Commissioner Jerrel Kruschke.

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"We may not pick it up by Sunday, but if you call it in, it's going to be in the system for free," Kruschke told reporters.

Clean-up work will pause for Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1, and resume Tuesday, Sept. 2, according to the city. The centers will also be closed on Monday, Sept. 1.

"We have a total of nearly 40,000 residents that have been affected by flooding across the City of Milwaukee, which is a staggering number," Kruschke said.

The public works staff have worked long days, even as some of them got 6 to 7 feet of water in their own basements from the flooding, he told reporters.

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"They still come here and put in 12-to-14-hour days, and then go home for a few hours and try to tackle their own situations," Kruschke said.

City officials haven't reported how much the damage to residential properties might cost homeowners and occupants impacted by the historic flooding.

Johnson told reporters the city's Department of Neighborhood Services has inspected "thousands and thousands of properties" and the Federal Emergency Management Agency's assessments on the ground verified widespread damage to the city.

"We absolutely surpassed the amount of dollars in damage necessary to secure assistance from FEMA," Johnson said.

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Following FEMA's visits last week to Milwaukee County and other counties hit by the historic flooding, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has requested a disaster declaration from President Donald Trump.

Accoridng to the request, FEMA's Preliminary Damage Assessment estimates that over 1,300 residential structures in Milwaukee County were destroyed or sustained major damage from the flooding.

Trump must now approve the request in order for residents to apply to receive aid through FEMA.

Bridget Fogarty is a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter. She can be reached at bfogarty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Last day for free Milwaukee flood debris drop-off, pickup Aug. 31
The mother of the shooter who opened fire Wednesday on a Minneapolis Catholic school during morning Mass has hired a criminal defense attorney, as police said Friday there "has been conversation" with her.

In a news conference Friday, Minneapolis Police Assistant Chief Christopher Gaiters was asked if there's been any contact with the suspect's mother, Mary Grace Westman.

"Through working with our partners, with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension of Minnesota, there has been conversation, and I am not at liberty to go any further than that," he said.

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It comes after Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said Thursday that police "have not been successful in talking to the shooter's mother yet."

O'Hara had said Thursday that Robin Westman's family has been cooperating with investigators; however, they have not yet located her mother, Mary Grace Westman. Records show that her residence is in Florida.

He said investigators have done dozens of interviews with the shooters family, friends and associates, and have talked to the shooter's father.

Mary Grace Westman's attorney, Ryan Garry, told NBC News on Thursday that he had no comment at this time. The FBI and police department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

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Authorities often seek to speak with the families of mass shooters as they investigate a motive. In one high-profile case following a 2021 shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan, the parents of shooter Ethan Crumbley were charged and convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

James and Jennifer Crumbley were sentenced in April 2024 to 10 to 15 years in prison. Their son pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

Police have not said whether Mary Grace Westman or any family members potentially face charges. O'Hara told reporters on Thursday that the department will continue to try to speak with the shooter's mother.

Wednesday's rampage unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. local time at Annunciation Catholic School after authorities say the 23-year-old fired through the windows of the church. A motive remains unclear.

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Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed. Fifteen other children, ages 6 to 15, were injured, as well as three adult parishioners in their 80s.

As of Thursday morning, two of the victims remained in critical condition, a hospital official said.

The shooter used three different firearms to carry out the attack, according to a news release on Thursday. Police said that 116 rifle casings, three shotgun shell casings and one live pistol round were recovered at the scene.

Video surveillance appears to confirm that the shooter did not enter the church.

People gather Thursday at a memorial for victims of Wednesday's shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)

"The practice of locking the doors once Mass began likely prevented a worse incident," a police news release said. "At the same time, the suspect attempted to barricade a door from the outside, preventing exit from the church."

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The shooter, who was a trans woman, died by suicide after the shooting. Authorities said the shooter had been a student at Annunciation Catholic School, and her mother had once worked there.

Four search warrants have been executed at the church as well as locations in South Minneapolis, Richfield, and St. Louis Park, police said. Investigators said they recovered a Condor tactical vest, two external media storage devices, and miscellaneous documents from the shooter's father's house.

Investigators have gathered hundreds of pieces of evidence, including electronics and writings, police said.

In Friday's news conference, officials announced around-the-clock extra patrols around schools and places of worship in effect through Sept. 5. It comes at a critical time as school for districts in the area start Monday.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The 23-year-old who killed two students at a Catholic school in Minneapolis appeared to hate all of us, authorities said as they continued to piece together a motive for the mass shooting earlier this week.

At a press conference on Thursday, Joe Thompson, the acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, said videos and writings left behind by the shooter  identified as Robin Westman  expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable, including Black people, Mexican people, Christians, and Jews. The shooter appeared to hate all of us, Thompson continued. The shooters heart was full of hate.

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Thompson went on to say that the only group of people the shooter admired and idolized were other school shooters and mass murderers. Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara echoed this sentiment, saying the shooter had a deranged fascination with mass killings. (Thompson, OHara, and others declined to identify Westman or other mass murderers by name due to the way many carry out such attacks in search of notoriety.)

Authorities have yet to identify an exact motive, but Thompson said bluntly at his press conference, The shooter was obsessed with the idea of killing children. The shooter saw the attack as a way to target our most vulnerable among us I wont dignify the shooters words by repeating them, they are horrific and vile; but in short, the shooter wanted to watch children suffer.

Two children, ages eight and 10, were killed in the shooting, while nearly 20 more were injured, most of them children. Per the latest reports, one child remains in critical condition.

According to Thompson, the shooter left behind hundreds of pages of writings, which authorities will continue to examine and share more information from in the coming days. As The Associated Press also notes, a YouTube channel believed to belong to the shooter contained several videos (which have since been deleted). One showed weapons and ammunition, some of which had phrases like kill Donald Trump and Where is your God? written on them.

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Another video appeared to show a person pointing at the windows of a drawing of a church, then stabbing it with a knife. And one video appeared to contain a suicide note addressed to the family. In the note, the shooter confessed to having long-held plans to carry out such a shooting, while there was also talk of serious depression. (The shooter died in the parking lot from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot.)

Authorities also confirmed that the shooter previously attended Annunciation Catholic Churchs school, where the shooting was carried out, and their mother worked there. A former classmate told The AP, I remember they had a crazy distaste for school, especially Annunciation, which I always thought was pretty interesting because their mom was on the parish board.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A shooting at a Catholic church full of schoolchildren in Minnesota has prompted calls for gun safety legislation. But translating action into policy may be difficult in a state that mirrors the nation's partisan divisions and split opinions on how best to prevent mass shootings.

A day after the deadly shootings, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Thursday called for a statewide and federal ban on certain semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. If others don't act, Frey suggested, the city may act on its own.

I think wed be happy to ban assault rifles here in Minneapolis, Frey said. I know wed be happy to prevent a next mass shooting from taking place."

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Search warrant documents show that the high-powered rifle used in the shootings was a semiautomatic. Police Chief Brian OHara told reporters Thursday that the 5.56 mm rifle fired 116 rounds in less than four minutes.

While Minnesota is often perceived as a Democratic state, since it usually supports Democratic presidents, the reality is the state usually has some form of divided government. That remains the case now. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz had to work this year with a state House split evenly between Democrats and Republicans and a Senate where Democrats held just a one-seat advantage.

Passing anything  whether that's a budget, gun regulations or school safety plans  required at least some bit of bipartisan consensus.

We have one half of the Legislature that doesnt believe that gun control is the answer to this  that there are other policy imperatives, said Bryan Strawser, chairman of Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. "We have another side of the Legislature that goes right to gun control.

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I dont think one incident changes that calculus, he said.

Minnesota already has various gun regulations

Wednesday's shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where children were beginning their day in worship, left two children dead and 18 people injured. Police said the shooter  23-year-old Robin Westman  used a rifle, shotgun and pistol that had been legally purchased.

Minnesota law requires a permit to purchase certain semiautomatic rifles and pistols. Police chiefs and sheriffs can deny permits to people determined to be a danger to themselves or the public when possessing firearms.

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Another Minnesota law, which took effect in 2024, lets courts grant  extreme risk protection orders  to temporarily take guns from people deemed an imminent threat to others or themselves. It's known as a red flag law. Lawmakers recently also tightened the states background check requirements.

But none of those laws prevented Westman from legally obtaining guns.

The failure to act here is the reason we are once again mourning dozens killed and injured in a school and a house of worship," said Nick Suplina, senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. It is time for Minnesota to regulate assault weapons.

A new impetus?

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Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Ron Latz, the Democrat who has long championed gun safety legislation, said in a statement that he will push for an extensive list of proposals in 2026, including bans on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy was noncommittal at a news conference about the prospects for passing new gun restrictions.

Well see where it goes, Murphy said. "But I think Minnesotans are clear with us. They are in favor of a ban on assault weapons, and theyre in favor of a ban on high capacity magazines. And its time for us to love our children most and do our work.

House Democratic Floor Leader Jamie Long said he regrets that they didnt push harder for more gun safety legislation in 2024 when Democrats still had full control.

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It shouldnt have taken tragedy coming to Minnesota to be ready," he said. "We should have been ready to act then. But we are ready to act now.

The family of the former top Democrat in the House, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, who were killed in June by a gunman posing as a police officer, said Thursday it's time for action.

Mark and Melissa believed that children should be able to gather in schools safely, that communities should be able to worship in peace, and that families should be safe in their homes," they said in a statement. "We hope this tragedy spurs elected officials to take action toward common-sense measures on access to high-powered weapons so that no one else must suffer.

Semiautomatic rifle restrictions have passed in some states

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A federal ban on certain semiautomatic firearms and large-capacity magazines expired in 2004. But 11 states and Washington, D.C., now have some sort of prohibition on high-powered firearms.

The most recent is Rhode Island, where Democratic Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation to prohibit the sale, manufacturing and distribution of certain high-powered firearms. The law, which takes effect in 2026, does not prohibit possessing them, a key distinction compared with other so-called assault weapon bans.

Despite Democratic control of state government, a prohibition on certain semiautomatic weapons has failed to pass in Colorado, which has seen some of the countrys worst mass shootings  including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.

Instead, Colorado enacted a measure this year that requires background checks and a state-sanctioned safety course to buy most semiautomatic guns with detachable magazines.

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The U.S. Supreme Court in June declined to take up a case challenging Maryland's ban on certain semiautomatic weapons, though several conservative justices expressed an interest in doing so.

The legal fights continue. The Firearms Policy Coalition, which challenged Maryland's law, said Thursday that it has asked the Supreme Court to take up a challenge to a ban on semiautomatic weapons in Cook County, Illinois, which includes Chicago.

The Supreme Court must end this lawless two-step where politicians ban arms they dislike and judges pretend thats constitutional to rubber-stamp their policy preferences," said Brandon Combs, the gun-rights group's president.

___

Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writer Jack Dura contributed from Bismarck, North Dakota.
[Source]

Minnesota lawmakers and community leaders are calling on Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison to intervene as federal authorities began deporting Hmong residents with decades old convictions to Laos, a country many left as children with little or no connection today.

Rising deportations

Minnesota 8 (MN8), a Southeast Asian advocacy group, has reported more than 150 Southeast Asian residents deported from Minnesota since May, with many more detained in facilities as far away as Louisiana. The surge follows Laos recent decision to issue travel documents, ending years of resistance that had previously stalled deportation orders. Montha Chum, executive director of MN8, said, Those same children who came as refugees are being sent back to the countries their family originally fled from by the same government that was responsible for their displacement 50 years ago.

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Among those at risk is 42-year-old Thong Lao of St. Paul, who served nearly seven years in prison for a conviction as a teenager and later built a life with his wife and five children. Arrested at home in June, Lao reflected on his future, saying, I wish I could turn back time  I did not know it was going to affect my future so bad like this. Another case is that of 47-year-old Lue Yang, a longtime community advocate arrested in July, whose wife warned his public advocacy for Hmong veterans makes him a target if returned.

Trending on NextShark: Oakland Chinatown leaders demand stronger protection after violent robberies

Demands for action

Community members rallied at the East Side Freedom Library in St. Paul for an event organized by MN8 on Aug. 17. State Rep. Kaohly Vang Her told the crowd she had urged Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison to use pardons and clemency to protect Hmong residents from removal. Its been really challenging. There has been roadblock after roadblock and I am to a point now where Im like This is it. Its on all of us. This is the time to stand up for each other, she said. Rep. Liz Lee added, The most important thing we have is our people power, because change will not happen without people being courageous, like all of you.

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Immigration attorney Mai Neng Moua echoed those concerns, arguing that deportations unfairly target people who have already served their sentences. This is double punishment, she said. They paid their dues, they served their time, and now they are being punished again by being exiled to a country that is not their home.

Trending on NextShark: Minnesota officials urged to act as Hmong residents face deportation to Laos

Neither Governor Walz nor Attorney General Ellison has issued a formal public statement directly addressing this crisis as of this writing.

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

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Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

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NEED TO KNOW

Federal authorities have started to share insight into the investigation of the motive behind Wednesday morning's mass school shooting in Minneapolis

Officials say the shooter "expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable" and wanted to carry out the mass shooting in order to "obtain notoriety"

Two children were killed while 18 others  15 kids and three adults  were injured in the mass shooting, which took place at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis

Federal authorities are revealing details about the mindset of the mass shooter who killed two children and wounded 18 other people at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Joseph Thompson, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, said at a press conference Thursday afternoon that federal officials are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. But Thompson said authorities are combing through hundreds of pages of writings they believe were made by the shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, which expressed pure, indiscriminate hate towards others.

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The shooter expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable, Thompson told reporters. The shooter expressed hate towards Black people. The shooter expressed hate towards Mexican people. The shooter expressed hate towards Christian people. The shooter expressed hate towards Jewish people.

Thompson added: In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us. The shooters heart was full of hate.

The U.S. district attorney also said after reviewing the shooters alleged writings, investigators believe the shooter was obsessed with the idea of killing children and wanted to kill children, defenseless children.

The shooter saw the attack as a way to target our most vulnerable among us while they were at their most vulnerable at school and at church, Thompson said.

Scott Olson/Getty People gather outside Annunciation Catholic Church on August 28, 2025 People gather outside Annunciation Catholic Church on August 28, 2025

Police said Wednesday that the shooter, whose mother used to work at the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade Catholic school, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the parking lot next to the school church, where the mass shooting took place.

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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara also spoke out about the shooters very disturbing writings during Thursdays press conference.

This is an individual who, unfortunately like so many other mass shooters that we have seen in this country too often and around the world, had some deranged fascination with previous mass shootings, OHara said, adding that the shooter fantasized about the plans of other mass shooters and wanted to carry out a mass shooting in order to obtain notoriety.

OHara said investigators have recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence since the attack.

Renee Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty First responders crowd the street in front of Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday First responders crowd the street in front of Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday

ABC News has since reported that all of the hospitalized children are expected to survive from their injuries.

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the media at a press conference, calling the shooting "unspeakable."

"There are no words that can capture the horror of this unspeakable act," Frey said. "Children are dead."

Read the original article on People
(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)

Minnesota students arent making progress in math and reading after significant declines in proficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to statewide standardized assessment data released Friday.

Fewer than half of Minnesota public school students are meeting grade-level expectations on math and reading exams given in May  43% in math and 48% in reading, staying roughly the same from 2023 and 2024.

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The data comes from the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments, exams given to students in grades 3-8 in reading and math, with additional reading and math exams in grades 10 and 11.

This years results show students have yet to recover from the pandemics profound interruptions to learning in the form of school closures and remote classes. Proficiency rates this year are 10 percentage points lower than they were in 2019, the last year for state assessments before the pandemic closed schools, when 54% of students were proficient in math and 58% in reading.

Wide gaps in proficiency persist between white students and students of other races and ethnicities. While about 52% of white students in Minnesota met grade level standards in math, just 21% of Black students reached grade level proficiency, for example. Similarly large gaps exist in reading proficiency.

Test scores are stagnant despite nearly $2 billion in federal pandemic aid that Minnesota districts could spend between 2020 and 2024, plus historically large increases in state education funding in recent years.

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On the bright side, slightly more students are consistently attending school. In the 2023-24 school year, 75.5% of students attended at least 90% of school days, up 1 percentage point from the 2022-23 school year. Minnesota reports attendance data on a one year lag so the 2024-25 data wont be available until next year.

In the 2024-25 school year, the state allocated $5 million in the 2024-25 school year to 12 districts to pilot programs to combat chronic absenteeism. No additional funding for the program was included in the biannual state budget approved in June.

The state is in the midst of a multi-year effort to transform the way students are taught to read through improved teacher training and evidence-based reading curriculum. The state does not expect those efforts to improve test scores until some point in the future.

Education Commissioner Willie Jett said the states investments in universal free meals are also part of investments in education that the state expects to lead to improved outcomes for students in the future.

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While standardized test scores are valuable for measuring progress, they are just one piece of the puzzle. True success is seen in the resilience, creativity, and critical thinking our students show every day, Jett said.

Schools will typically share individual students results with families in the fall.
Aug. 28GRAND FORKS  A Woodbury, Minnesota, woman waived her Monday, Aug. 25, preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to two methamphetamine crimes filed in Grand Forks County.

Kimberly Michele Mark, 47, is charged with two counts of Class A felony conspiracy to possess at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. In North Dakota, Class A felonies have a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

Mark was put on Grand Forks County law enforcement's radar when 57-year-old Jeffrey John Dubay was arrested for allegedly transporting 178 grams of methamphetamine to Grand Forks, where he lives, by way of Amtrak train. He was apprehended May 15 after entering the parking lot of the train depot, according to a declaration of probable cause summary filed in his case.

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Dubay is charged with one count of Class A felony possession of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. He pleaded not guilty to the crime on Aug. 18, and his final dispositional conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 26.

When Dubay was arrested, he allegedly told law enforcement he got the drugs from Mark, down in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. A drug task force officer confirmed this was the case by reviewing messages between Dubay and Mark, according to a declaration of probable cause summary filed in Mark's case.

On May 30, the drug task force learned from a confidential informant that another man was traveling to purchase methamphetamine from Mark, this time in Clearwater, Minnesota, according to the summary. The informant said the man planned to bring 1.5 to 2 pounds of methamphetamine back to North Dakota with intentions of selling it.

Mark's cell phone number was being traced, so law enforcement was able to determine she was in Clearwater, but then traveled close to Sauke Center, Minnesota, the summary said. The man was apprehended on his way back to his residence, and 911.7 grams of methamphetamine was allegedly located in his center console. The man said he got methamphetamine from Mark, who met him near Sauke Center when he got a flat tire.

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There does not appear to be an active criminal case against this man, nor is there a record of him being arrested that day.

Altogether, Mark is accused of selling 1,089 grams  or nearly two and-a-half pounds  of methamphetamine to two people who intended to sell it in the Grand Forks area.

Mark was charged in June, and a warrant for her arrest was filed June 27. She was apprehended July 11 and remains in custody at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center on a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

Mark's next court appearance, a final dispositional conference, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20.
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,
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  The Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department have confirmed with FOX 2 that the minor is safe and has been located.

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NEED TO KNOW

Sara Padgett, 84, was found dead in a submerged car months after she vanished in April, police in Tennessee said

Although it remains unclear how she ended up in the water, authorities said no foul play is suspected at this time

"While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to provide closure to her family and friends," police said in a statement

The body of an 84-year-old woman who vanished in April was found in a submerged car earlier this month, according to police.

Sara Padgett was reported missing on April 10 to the Shelbyville Police Department in Tennessee, about a week after she was last seen by her landlord on April 2, the department confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement.

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At the time, police said she could possibly be traveling in a blue Nissan Sentra.

Over four months later, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, officials announced there had been an update. In their statement, police said that their digital forensic unit directed nonprofit sonar and dive search-and-recovery group to Normandy Lake, the last known place her cellphone pinged.

That's when Doug Bishop with United Search Corps found a submerged vehicle with a license plate that belonged to the missing woman.

"A body was recovered inside the vehicle and has been transported to the Medical Examiners Office for positive identification," the Shelbyville Police Department said.

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Police announced the positive identification on Thursday, Aug. 28.

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"Throughout this investigation, our officers and partnering agencies have worked to locate Mrs. Padgett and bring answers to her loved ones," according to the department. "While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to provide closure to her family and friends."



When the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation initially announced her disappearance, the agency said Padgett "had a medical condition that may impair her ability to return safely without assistance." Authorities have not disclosed the condition and it remains unclear what caused her to end up in the water, although no foul play is suspected.

"We understand that Mrs. Padgett was a beloved member of our community, and her loss will be felt by many," the department concluded in their statement. "Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to her family and friends. We ask that the community keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."



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CHICAGO  Authorities in Chicago are asking for help in the search for a missing woman who police say suffers from developmental disabilities and is considered mostly non-verbal.

According to police, 40-year-old Stefanie Cuc has been missing since around 7 p.m. on Thursday evening.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers say the missing woman was last seen around that time in the 4600 block of West Grace Street in Portage Park on the citys Northwest Side.

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Cuc, who police say suffers from developmental disabilities, is considered mostly non-verbal and is not likely to communicate with unknown people.

Additionally, officers say Cuc is not likely to recall the location of her home.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows 40-year-old Stefanie Cuc, who officers say has been missing since around 7 p.m. on Thursday evening.

The missing woman, who stands 5-foot-4 and weighs between 190 and 200 pounds, has brown eyes as well as brown and gray hair.

Cuc is believed to be wearing a light blue dress without any shoes.

Authorities provided details on the search late Thursday night, but did not say what may have led to the missing womans disappearance.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 40-year-old Stefanie Cuc is asked to contact the CPD Area Five SVU at 312-746-6554 or dial 911.

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Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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Warning: The details in this story may be disturbing to some readers.

GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV)  A Long Beach man was sentenced to 110 years in prison, as well as a lifetime of supervised release, for producing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

In February 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Gulfport learned that Jason Leonard Rhodes, 47, had sexual contact with three minor boys. The FBI and the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office, Cybercrime Division, conducted a search warrant at the defendants residence on February 8, 2023.

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Tunica County man sentenced to 15 years after deadly shooting

During the search warrant, prosecutors said the FBI found various electronic devices belonging to Rhodes. A forensic examiner found videos of Rhodes performing oral sex on three minor boys, beginning when at least one of the boys was five years old. The forensic examiner also found chats between Rhodes and others in which Rhodes sent some of those videos to other people as well as videos of other children being sexually abused.

During the search warrant, Rhodes confessed to authorities.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Mississippi Attorney Generals Office, Cybercrime Division, and the Long Beach Police Department.

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GULFPORT, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippi and federal leaders marked the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of Hurricane Katrina.

The ceremony, held in Gulfport, commemorated Hurricane Katrinas landfall on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and honored the lives lost during the storm.

A Mississippi citys tax break spurred post-Katrina building. But will homes stand the next storm?

Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) called for a statewide minute of silence beginning at 8:29 a.m. on Friday.

FILE  A cyclist rides by the remains of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer while ministers conduct religious services on the beach in Gulfport, Miss., on Sept. 11, 2005. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File) FILE  Moe Llaren makes his way through the debris of destroyed homes as he tries to find his own house in Gulfport, Miss., on Aug. 31, 2005. (AP Photo/Denis Paquin, File) FILE  Residents of Gulfport, Miss. walk through debris and destruction left behind by Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 31, 2005. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) FILE  Rescuers use an old row boat to evacuate children and an elderly woman from their flooded homes in Gulfport, Miss., after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast Aug. 29, 2005. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) FILE  Elvin Duckworth, left, Jonathan Harvey, center, and Leonard Harvey paddle a row boat through a flooded street in their Gulfport, Miss, neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast Aug. 29, 2005. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) FILE  Tractor trailers lay strewn in front of the Grand Casino which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Miss., Aug. 31, 2005. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) An aerial view of the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina is seen, Friday, Sept. 9, 2005, in Gulport, Miss. Arkansas troops are scattered throughout southern Mississippi helping with the hurricane relief efforts. (AP Photo/Mike Wintroath) FILE  A house sits on railroad tracks in Pass Christian, Miss., Nov. 29, 2005. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File) FILE  Structural engineer, Carl Edwards, working for Church Mutual Insurance Company, measures the floor in the gutted Trinity Episcopal Church in Pass Christian, Miss., Sept. 17, 2005. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File) FILE  Father Dennis Carver of St. Pauls Catholic Church looks inside the Damascus House, which was built in 1870, and part of his church in Pass Christian, Miss., Sept. 5, 2005. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) FILE  Workers repair the Blue Rose bed-and-breakfast in Pass Christian, Miss., Nov. 29, 2005. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File) FILE  A temporary building is shown on a sight devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Feb. 1, 2007, in Pass Christian, Miss. (AP Photo/Bill Haber, File) FILE  Rhonda Braden walks through the destruction in her childhood neighborhood in Long Beach, Miss., Aug. 31, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mississippians demonstrated a spirit that cannot be broken, a core strength that survives all hurt, a faith in God that no storm can take away and an unyielding determination to clear the wreckage and build back our communities better than they were before, said Reeves.

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In 2005, Hurricane Katrina killed 238 people in Mississippi and left only concrete slabs in many areas.

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NEED TO KNOW

Celeste Wilson, a Mississippi news anchor, has died following a heart attack, according to WAPT, where she worked

Wilson had recently joined the ABC affiliate as a weekend anchor

She worked at multiple other news stations before WAPT, including NBC affiliate KARK in Arkansas

A Mississippi news anchor has died following a heart attack. She was 42.

Celeste Wilson was a weekend anchor with ABC affiliate WAPT and had recently joined the station.

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The station announced on Wednesday, Aug. 27, that their new anchor had died from the heart attack.

Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism, the station said.

They later added, All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celestes family and friends.

Wilson had a master's degree in journalism from Arizona State University and had a strong commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, according to WAPT.

The station said Wilson began her broadcasting career at CBS affiliate KNOE in Monroe, Louisiana. She also worked at multiple other local news stations and "was one of two state hosts of a weekly broadcast on a PBS network, according to her biography on WAPTs website.

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Among those stations was NBC affiliate KARK in Arkansas, which also paid tribute to the late journalist following her sudden death. She joined KARK in October of 2023 as a reporter and anchor with the morning team, and left in August 2024.

Team 20 is saddened by this loss, and our prayers are with her colleagues, friends and family members, the station said.

WAPT anchor Megan West also paid tribute to Wilson in a post on Facebook honoring her late colleague.

This video is from just last week. My beautiful colleague, Celeste Wilson, showed up to cover the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast, West wrote. She was new to our team and so lovely. We chatted about how she was adjusting to morning show hours and life a few hours from her home in Louisiana.

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After learning of Wilsons death, West said, It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family. I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.



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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  Starting Thursday, Missouri residents will no longer pay sales tax on essential hygiene items like period products, diapers and incontinence supplies, following the enactment of a new state law signed by Governor Mike Kehoe in July.

I think this is going to be great for Missouri families. If you have a baby or toddler, diapers can be expensive. This is going to let them keep more in their pocketbook," said Trish Vincent, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The change reclassified these products from "luxury" items to necessities. This change cuts the tax rate from 4.225% on luxury goods to the 1.225% tax rate on necessities.

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"I think that it's good they did away with the taxes because it's not a luxury item for women to have to go through their menstrual period every month," said Allen Gregory Jennings, citizen of St. Joseph, "That's no luxury, that's painful, and babies need diapers because they need to be changed."

Missouri now joins 22 other states in exempting these basic health products from sales tax.

Governor Kehoe said in a July press release, "...We are protecting the people who make Missouri work- families, job creators, and small business owners- by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates."

"It's a good thing for individuals with kids and without," said St. Joseph resident Chris Robertson. "I wish it was that way when I had my kids and they were that age.

The Missouri Department of Revenue's website provides a full list of what items are exempt under the new law.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Missouri on Aug. 30 in honor of the late State Representative Kenneth Ken Waller.

The flags will be lowered at government buildings across the state from sunrise to sunset, the same day as his burial. Waller, who passed away on Aug. 24, was a respected figure in Missouri, known for his dedication to public service and his strong values.

Governor Kehoe praised Waller for his service to the citizens of Jefferson County, highlighting his roles both in county positions and in the State Capitol.

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Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is convening a special legislative session to focus on gerrymandering and initiative petition changes (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Missouri lawmakers will return to the Capitol next week to gerrymander the states congressional map in the hopes of creating a new Republican seat.

They will also debate putting a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would make it harder for voters to change the constitution through the initiative petition process.

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Both proposals were included in the special legislative session agenda crafted by Gov. Mike Kehoe and announced on Friday. The move has been expected for weeks, with Missouri Republicans facing pressure from President Donald Trump to redraw U.S. House districts so the GOP can win more seats in next years midterm elections.

This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform, Kehoe said in a statement Friday afternoon.

Missouri has eight congressional districts, with Democrats holding two. The new map would carve up Kansas City, nearly all of which is currently in the 5th District and represented by 11-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, to create another Republican-leaning district.

The intended result is a map where the GOP holds 90% of the states seats in the U.S. House.

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President Trumps unprecedented directive to redraw our maps in the middle of the decade and without an updated census is not an act of democracy  it is an unconstitutional attack against it, Cleaver said shortly after the proposed new map was revealed. This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices. It will deny representation.

Proposed congressional maps released Friday by the governors office.

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from St. Louis County, said the presidents motivation for the gerrymandering push is fear of voters seeing files related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.

If Democrats retake the House, they will release the Epstein Files, and this scares the hell out of President Trump, Beck said. Thats why the President has ordered Missouri to rubber stamp a rigged map drawn in Washington D.C. because he knows Missouri Republicans would rather protect pedophiles than say no to Donald Trump.

As for changes to the initiative petition process, Republicans are pushing a plan that would require a statewide majority and a majority vote in all eight of the states congressional districts in order to approve a constitutional amendment.

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Currently, a simple majority is all that is required.

The gerrymandering and initiative petition push will begin in the Missouri House next week, with the expectation that bills will be sent to the Missouri Senate for it to consider them during the legislatures annual veto session on Sept. 10.

Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers. The bills are unlikely to face any stumbling blocks in the House, but Senate Democrats are expected to use the filibuster and other procedural maneuvers to gum up legislative business as much as possible.

In order to overcome the gridlock, Senate Republicans may once again have to break a filibuster and force a vote by turning to a rule that was previously rarely-used but got deployed twice during the regular legislative session in May.

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Doing so would create even more bad blood in a legislative chamber already teetering on the edge of full on partisan collapse and could upend the 2026 session before it even gets started.

There are also questions about whether redistricting now would violate Missouris constitution.

The Missouri Constitution calls for the legislature to draw new congressional districts every 10 years after new census numbers are certified to the governor.

That happened in 2022, which attorneys Chuck Hatfield and Alix Cossette argue means new districts cannot be drawn until the next census is complete.

The plain language of the Missouri Constitution and the Missouri Supreme Courts precedent make clear that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is prohibited, Hatfield and Cossette, two longtime Democratic attorneys, wrote in a memo laying out issues with the GOP plan. Any attempt to do so will draw a substantial legal challenge which will likely succeed and invalidate any map adopted by the General Assembly.

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There are also questions about whether relying on old population data could also lead to a court throwing out any new map.

Kehoe acknowledged the questions about the legality of the plan while speaking to reporters Friday morning.

Ive heard opinions on both sides of that conversation, he said. It will get settled in due time.

CORRECTION: This story was updated on Aug. 31 at 9 a.m. to correct the number of districts needed to pass a statewide initiative petition under the plan laid out by Gov. Mike Kehoe.
COLE COUNTY, Mo.  A Missouri judge will decide whether a proposed abortion ban appears on state ballots next year as written, needs revisions or is struck down entirely.

Cole County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Green heard arguments Wednesday over a proposal that, with voter approval in 2026, could reinstate abortion bans in most cases across the state.

Just last year, Missouri voters approved Amendment 3 to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution. Several months later, House Joint Resolution 73 cleared the state legislature, aiming to repeal those protections and restore significant abortion restrictions, if approved by voters in a future election.

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Protesters rally in Clayton over Mo.s redistricting plan

Missouri Secretary Denny Hoskins has since certified ballot language for HJR 73, and coincidentally, the proposal is scheduled to appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, also as Amendment 3.

In July, the ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit, alleging that ballot language that Hoskins has certified is intentionally misleading and inaccurate. The ACLU argues that the newly-proposed measure would eliminate those protections and mislead voters about its effects.

On Wednesday, Judge Green took the case under advisement, according to Missouri court records. He requested additional written arguments, and parties have until Sept. 2 to file briefs.

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That means a ruling will come later on, after the judge reviews evidence, arguments and supplemental filings. No timeline has been set for the decision.

If approved, the proposal would ask voters the following in November 2026:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to:

Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;

Ensure womens safety during abortions;

Ensure parental consent for minors;

Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;

Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and

Protect children from gender transition?

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The ACLU is asking the judge to declare the summary and ballot language as unfair and insufficient, and either order revisions or block the measure from reaching voters altogether.

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Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said Friday that the states Legislature will draw new congressional maps in a special session, officially inserting the deep-red state into the nationwide redistricting battle that will reshape the fight to control the House in 2026.

Missouris redistricting push could see the state add an additional Republican-majority district to its eight-member congressional delegation. The delegation is currently split between six Republicans and two Democrats.

Kehoe released its proposed maps on Friday, which target the Kansas City-area 5th Congressional district held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. The special session will be Wednesday.

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The move is the next phase of President Donald Trumps effort to pressure GOP-controlled states to take up mid-decade redistricting to strengthen Republicans chances of retaining control of the House.

Last week, Trump preemptively declared Missouri had signed up for mid-decade redistricting and stressed its importance in helping Republicans win in 2026.

The Great State of Missouri is now IN. Im not surprised. It is a great State with fabulous people, Trump wrote on Truth Social last week. I won it, all 3 times, in a landslide. Were going to win the Midterms in Missouri again, bigger and better than ever before!

Trump played a key role in pushing Texas Republicans to draw new maps with five additional Republican-friendly districts. In response, Texas Democrats left the state to deny the Legislature a quorum and temporarily delay approval of the new maps.

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Democrats in Missouri will face more obstacles to oppose a GOP gerrymander  Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of Missouris Legislature, meaning they can power through any Democratic opposition.

Republicans are hoping other states follow Texas and Missouri. Trump and Vice President JD Vance this week ratcheted up their pressure campaign on Indiana Republicans in hopes the state will redraw its maps to create another favorable district. Ohio could also produce as many as three additional Republican-leaning districts when the state takes up its mandatory redraw.

Democrats have limited paths to counter the White Houses redistricting effort beyond California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom and statewide Democrats are seeking to form five new Democratic-leaning districts through a ballot measure. Some Democrats are eyeing an unexpected opportunity to potentially challenge for a seat in Utah after a judge ordered the states Legislature to draw new maps compliant with state rules restricting partisan gerrymandering.

But other Democratic governors have yet to take concrete steps towards redistricting  and the party is outnumbered in the redistricting arms race. Republicans control the governors office and the state Legislature in 23 states, compared to only 15 states for Democrats.

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Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin attacked Missouris redistricting plan as an attempt to undermine Missouri voters.

Time and time again, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has undermined the voice of Missouri voters, Martin said in a statement on Friday. Now he is attempting to dilute their power altogether by removing the ability of Missourians to stand up against this power grab.


Andi Phillips speaks at a rally on the Missouri Capitol steps on May 15 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Andi Phillips has never really had the option of being sick.

A server at a Springfield-area restaurant, the single mother of four finally has a job allowing her to financially support her family. But if she or one of her children falls ill, that financial security goes out the window.

When you miss a shift, thats a big deal, she said. You lose that money and that could be an entire bill.

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Thats one of the myriad reasons she was among the 58% of Missouri voters last year who supported Proposition A, an initiative petition that vastly expanded access to paid sick leave.

Workers across the state began accruing the new paid sick leave benefits in May.

It was a huge relief to know that there was going to be that cushion, she said, and that protection.

But it all came to an end Thursday.

Thats when the Republican-backed repeal of the law  passed in May and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe in July  officially went into effect.

Its just sickening and insulting to every worker in our state, Phillips said of the repeal.

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The repeal has set off an avalanche of reactions, with activists pondering another ballot push next year to place the paid sick leave law in the state constitution. Others are pushing a constitutional amendment limiting the legislatures power to overturn the will of the voters.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers may try to get out in front of any response with legislation making it harder for voters to amend the state constitution.

This has shown Missourians just how out of touch our legislature is with the way the economy works for most families and their vision of how democracy should work in this state, said Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for the paid sick leave law.

And so its made it pretty clear to most Missourians, he added, that theres a number of things that need to be fixed. At this point, were just trying to decide what comes first and whats the path forward.

Under Proposition A, workers at businesses with receipts greater than $500,000 a year could accrue at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Workers could earn up to 40 hours of leave a year at smaller businesses and 56 hours at larger companies.

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The measure made sick leave guaranteed for 728,000 workers who lacked it statewide, or over 1 in 3 Missouri workers, according to an analysis from the progressive nonprofit the Missouri Budget Project.

Paid sick leave laws covering private employers have been enacted in 18 states, with voters in Nebraska and Alaska joining Missouri in November in approving the new benefits.

Missouri is the first state to fully repeal a voter-approved paid sick leave law.

At a recent speech in Springfield, Kehoe panned Proposition A, denying it was a grassroots campaign because it received campaign contributions from out-of-state organizations. He urged workers who are upset with the lack of paid sick leave to find another job.

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If an employee doesnt feel like theyre getting the right benefit, he said, theres a business down the street that might have a better package for them, and thats how the process should work.

The push for repeal was backed by business groups like the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who called the mandated paid sick leave a job killer.

Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth, Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, when the repeal was signed into law.

But thats simply not true, said Gina Meyer, owner of J E Meyer Construction Co.

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Meyer currently has four full-time employees, and even though Proposition A is officially repealed, she has no intention of rolling back her workers newly acquired benefits.

Its a completely false narrative, Meyer said. You dont have to choose between people and profits.

Businesses benefit by having healthy workers, Meyer said. And implementing the law has not had any negative impact at all on her business. When she learned lawmakers were planning a repeal, she knew immediately that she would not follow suit.

It never occurred to me that I would take away this benefit from my employees, she said. Because my employees are equal partners in my company. I mean, you cant have one without the other.

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Von Glahn said hes hearing from employers around the state reacting just like Meyer.

I have the sense that a lot of businesses are not necessarily pulling back these benefits, he said. They dont want to be in the position of telling workers, Well, you know, now that I dont have to treat you in this more dignified way, Im not going to. Thats a very hard message for an employer to deliver.

Missouri Jobs With Justice is considering another initiative petition next year, Von Glahn said, putting sick leave into the state constitution  a move that would make it much harder for lawmakers to reverse.

And he said the organization is also watching another initiative petition campaign, called Respect Missouri Voters, which is hoping to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot making it harder for the legislature to overturn voter-approved laws.

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At the same time, the legislature is likely to reconvene next month to redraw Missouris congressional maps and debate a constitutional amendment targeting the initiative petition process. The goal of the new amendment would be to make it much harder for voters to change the state constitution.

As for Phillips, shes not sure what her employer will do now that the law has been repealed. But she says shes furious that lawmakers would overturn the will of the voters to strip benefits from workers.

This should scare the hell out of every voter, she said. We voted for this. If they can look us in the eyes and tell us were not worthy, we should be scared. And pissed off.
Missouri's Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe announced on Friday that he was calling for a special legislative session that will include redrawing the state's congressional map  setting the stage for mid-decade redistricting in the state after Texas just finished doing the same.

The special session, which will begin Wednesday, will also focus on reforming the state's ballot initiative petition process.

"Today, I am calling on the General Assembly to take action on congressional redistricting and initiative petition reform to ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first," Kehoe said in a statement on Friday.

Emily Curiel/The Kansas City Star via Getty Images - PHOTO: Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe speaks to supporters Aug. 6, 2024, in Jefferson City following his primary election win.

Kehoe also unveiled a proposed congressional map that he called the "Missouri First Map," which he said splinters counties and towns less than the state's current one and preserves two districts as they are.

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"Missouri's conservative, common sense values rooted in faith, family and freedom, should be truly represented at all levels of government  local, state and federal, because representation isn't just about districts and lines on one map," Kehoe said in a video accompanying the announcement.

MORE: Texas Gov. Abbott signs redrawn congressional map favoring Republicans into law after Trump pushMORE: Exclusive: Gene Wu joins strategy call with Democratic legislators about fighting GOP-run redistricting beyond Texas

President Donald Trump, who pushed for mid-decade redistricting in Texas and has said he'd support it being done in other states, had posted on his social media platform last week, "The Great State of Missouri is now IN. I'm not surprised. It is a great State with fabulous people We're going to win the Midterms in Missouri again, bigger and better than ever before!"

In his Friday video, Kehoe thanked Trump, saying, "I appreciate President Donald Trump for raising the level of conversation on this matter, because his leadership on this nationally underscores just how important this moment is for Missouri."

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And Trump, in a subsequent social media post on Friday, praised the map proposal as "much fairer, and much improved... that will give the incredible people of Missouri the tremendous opportunity to elect an additional MAGA Republican in the 2026 Midterm Elections  A HUGE VICTORY for our America First Agenda, not just in the "Show-Me State," but across our Nation."

Adobe Stock - PHOTO: The Missouri State Capitol, in Jefferson City.

Missouri's current congressional delegation is made of six Republicans and two Democrats.

Kehoe's proposed congressional map significantly redraws the 5th congressional district  represented by U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 2004  to include a significantly larger swath of the state.

In a statement on Friday, Cleaver slammed the proposed map redrawing.

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"President Trump's unprecedented directive to redraw our maps in the middle of the decade and without an updated census is not an act of democracy  it is an unconstitutional attack against it. This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices," he wrote.

Jemal Countess/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver speaks as Congressional Democrats hold a rally to protest the closing of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Feb. 10, 2025 in Washington

Cleaver said that he and his constituents would not "concede" if the map redrawing moves forward: "The people of the Fifth District and I will fight relentlessly to ensure Missouri never becomes an antidemocratic state, where politicians choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives. In the courts and at the ballot box, we will demand that the rule of law is upheld, our voices are heard, and democracy prevails."

National Democrats also slammed Kehoe's announcement.

"Another Republican governor just caved to the demands of Donald Trump at the expense of Missouri families and American democracy," Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin said in a statement. "Time and time again, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has undermined the voice of Missouri voters. Now he is attempting to dilute their power altogether by removing the ability of Missourians to stand up against this power grab."

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Missouri legislators have struggled in the past over whether to try for a map with seven Republican seats.

In 2022, infighting erupted among Republicans in Missouri over whether to pursue a 7-1 Republican-dominated map, which would require splintering Kansas City voters into neighboring rural districts. The legislature ultimately pushed forward the existing 6-2 map, amid concerns that the change could backfire and make several GOP-held districts more competitive.

ABC News' Benjamin Siegel contributed to this report.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man has been taken into custody more than a month after two people were found dead from suspected cocaine and fentanyl toxicity in Nashville.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, 33-year-old Kendra Stillah and 48-year-old DeeAngelo Hunter were found inside an apartment along South 6th Street on July 24.

Several overdoses reported at North Nashville housing complex

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Further investigation led detectives to identify 40-year-old Michael Brown as a suspect in the deaths, officials said. During an interview with authorities, Brown allegedly admitted that he sold narcotics to one of the victims the night before they were found dead.

The 40-year-old is being held in Metro Jail on a $150,000 bond. According to officials, Brown was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, delivery of cocaine and delivery of fentanyl.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

In addition, police said Brown has a previous cocaine conviction from 2012, which resulted in an 8-year sentence.

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No additional information was immediately released.

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, call the Community Overdose Response Team at 615-687-1701.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A Texas mother has been arrested for murder after her 15-month-old was left in a hot car for over two hours and died, police said.

Police said 27-year-old Vanessa Esquivel "intentionally" left the child in a vehicle while at work on Aug. 16 in Frisco.

MORE: Dad arrested for son's death after allegedly leaving him in hot car to go drinking

"At that time, detectives believe Esquivel intentionally left her 15-month-old child for over two hours in a vehicle she knew did not have working air conditioning with an outside temperature of at least 95 degrees," the Frisco Police Department said in a press release Thursday announcing the arrest.

Frisco Police Department - PHOTO: The booking photo for Vanessa Esquivel.

Frisco police officers responded to a hospital in Plano on Aug. 16, after local police alerted them to an infant death that likely occurred in Frisco.

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Officers learned that the child had been left in a car for over two hours, after the child's mother arrived at her workplace in Frisco around 2 p.m. that day, police said.

MORE: 1-year-old girl dies after being left in hot car for 9 hours; dad arrested for murder

Detectives obtained a warrant for Esquivel's arrest for first-degree murder, and Dallas police arrested her on Aug. 20, police said. She has since been booked into the Collin County Jail, where she remains held on $250,000 bond, online jail records show.

If convicted, Esquivel faces between five years and up to life in prison, police said. It is unclear if she has an attorney at this time.
Mom in NH murder-suicide was accused of stealing $660K from company she worked for, report says

A New Hampshire mother who authorities say shot her husband and two kids to death before turning the gun on herself at their home last week was reportedly suspected of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the restaurant chain she worked for.

Emily Long, 34, the operations manager for Wing-Itz, a chicken restaurant chain in the Granite States Seacoast area, had recently been accused by the chains owner of stealing $660,000 over several years, according to The Boston Globe.

An incident report was reportedly filed a week before Long was found dead in her Madbury home, along with her 48-year-old husband, Ryan Long, and their two children, 8-year-old Parker Long and 6-year-old Ryan Long, on the morning of Aug. 18.

Associate Chief Medical Examiner Abigail Alexander determined that both children were shot in the head, ruling their deaths homicides, officials said. Chief Medical Examiner Jennie V. Duval determined Ryan Long died from multiple gunshots and that Emily Long died by suicide from a single gunshot wound to the head.

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A third child, a toddler, was found alive in the home and suffered no physical injuries.

Wing-Itz owner Derek Fisher said that Long was essentially the number two in the company and that he suspects she stole the money over three years, according to the Globe.

Fisher said in an interview with the newspaper that his bookkeeper noticed in June that an unusual number of checks from his business accounts had been written out to Long and deposited into her bank account.

Fisher went on to say in the interview that he confronted Long that same day and asked her to provide her bank statements, but she didnt turn them over until Aug. 5.

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The statements Long sent to Fisher were missing pages and looked very unusual, according to the report, and a few days later, the bank told him that all of them had been doctored and manipulated.

The two agreed to meet at the bank on Aug. 11, but when the day arrived, Long reportedly told Fisher that she was resigning, busy with an appointment, and unavailable until the end of the week.

Fisher told the newspaper that he was heartbroken and devastated to later learn of the murder-suicide involving the four Long family members.

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In a statement on the murder-suicide, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella said, It appears that in the early morning hours of Monday, August 18, 2025, Ms. Long took a handgun from the home and caused the deaths of Ryan Long and her two children, Parker and Ryan, and then took her own life immediately thereafter.

In the weeks before the murder-suicide, reports indicate Long had been posting videos on TikTok indicating her husband had been diagnosed with brain cancer in April.

Investigators have urged the public to avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor.

Madbury, located in Strafford County, is home to fewer than 2,000 people, according to a recent census.

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Coal dust trails behind a large mine dump truck near Colstrip, Montana (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

Longtime Montanans will recall that more than half-a-century ago the now-defunct Montana Power Company declared the Big Sky State would become the boiler room for the nation  fueled by the shoveling the massive coal deposits of the Powder and Tongue River basins into the furnaces of the first two Colstrip generation units.

To put it mildly, this is not exactly the future most Montanans envisioned for our incredible state. Only a few years earlier a new constitution had been adopted to finally throw off the Copper Collar the Anaconda Company had so firmly fixed around the neck of our legislature, judges and newspapers while it ran rampant and totally unregulated.

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Indeed, the almost unimaginable environmental destruction and corruption spawned by Buttes Copper Kings finally became so vast that the delegates to the Constitutional Convention felt they needed to enshrine certain rights and requirements to ensure that Montanans would no longer fall victim to the desecration of our state as a resource colony by rapacious corporations.

Those constitutional guarantees include the inalienable right of every Montanan to a clean and healthy environment; the assurance that all government actions must be open to the public through our Right-to-Know provision; the mandates that: The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations; and that All lands disturbed by the taking of natural resources shall be reclaimed. Their words have been lauded and copied worldwide.

While it seems like we had turned the corner on corporate rape and scrape, we still struggle with what the Copper Kings left behind when they took their wealth and fled to the East Coast. Its no great honor to have the nations largest Superfund site stretching from Butte to Missoula, including 100 miles of ravaged river at the very headwaters of the mighty Columbia. And thats just one of the hundreds of toxic results from a century of exploitation under the Copper Kings.

When the Anaconda Company was purchased by ARCO in the mid-70s and they shut down the Butte mine and Anaconda smelter, that clean and healthy future for Montana seemed imminent.

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But then came the Montana Power  a scion of the Anaconda Company and inheritor of the political and monetary power it so brutally wielded. Having ravaged western Montana, they turned their ever-greedy eyes to capitalize on yet another underground resource  coal.

For half a century theyve burned coal to generate electricity. In the process, theyve spewed a host of pollutants, poisoned the areas groundwater with leakage from their ash ponds, and continue to exacerbate the ever-more damaging climate crisis with enormous carbon dioxide emissions.

Of the four Colstrip plants, two have been shut down and two continue to operate, well beyond their original projected lifespan of 40 years, and are now the dirtiest coal plants in the nation.

When fracking and renewable energy came along, it looked like the economics of coal-fired generation would finally retire Colstrip for good and bring remediation to its significant pollution footprint.

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But then along came Donald Trump  and his crazed claim of beautiful clean coal that was immediately embraced and endorsed by Montanas governor and congressional delegation.

Now NorthWestern Energy, Montana Powers successor, intends to merge with the Black Hills Corp. to provide electricity and gas to at least eight states.

From the looks of it, the Coal Collar is back big time with its climate killing fossil fuels to fulfill the long-ago nightmare of turning Montana into the boiler room for the nation  and leaving Montanas energy future black as coal.
More companies are recalling tens of thousands of packages of imported shrimp sold at Walmart, Kroger and other U.S. stores because they may contain radioactive contamination, according to federal notices.

AquaStar USA Corp. of Seattle is recalling more than 26,000 packages of refrigerated cocktail shrimp sold at Walmart stores in 27 states between July 31 and Aug. 16. The company is also recalling about 18,000 bags of Kroger-branded cooked, medium peeled, tail-off shrimp sold at stores in 17 states between July 24 and Aug. 11.

At the same time, H&N Group Inc., a wholesale seafood distributor in Vernon, California, is recalling more than 17,000 cases of frozen shrimp sold to grocery stores on the East Coast, according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. That recall began on Aug. 12.

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The products have been pulled because they may be contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope that is a byproduct of nuclear reactions. The risk appears to be small, but the shrimp could pose a potential health concern for people exposed to low levels of Cesium-137 over time, FDA officials said.

The FDA issued a safety alert this month warning consumers not to eat certain frozen shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, an Indonesian company doing business as BMS Foods. Cesium-137 was detected in shipping containers from the company sent to U.S. ports and in a sample of frozen breaded shrimp.

FDA has also added PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati to a new import alert for chemical contamination to stop products from this firm from coming into the U.S.

It remains unclear how the containers or the shrimp became contaminated. Federal officials said they are investigating and declined to respond to detailed questions from The Associated Press about the source or extent of the contamination.

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None of the shrimp that triggered alerts or tested positive for Cesium-137 was released for sale, the FDA said. But other shipments sent to stores may have been manufactured under conditions that allowed the products to become contaminated, the agency said.

Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection first detected the potential radioactive contamination in shipping containers sent to U.S. ports in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. Customs officials alerted the FDA, which conducted tests of packaged shrimp and confirmed Cesium-137 in a single sample.

Experts in nuclear radiation agreed that the health risk is low, but said it's important to determine the source of the contamination and share that information with the public.

The level of Cesium-137 detected in the frozen shrimp was about 68 becquerels per kilogram, a measure of radioactivity. That is far below the FDA's level of 1,200 becquerels per kilogram that could trigger the need for health protections.

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It is unusual to see this concentration of Cesium-137 in shrimp, said Steve Biegalski, who chairs the Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics program at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Routine levels detected in shrimp from the Pacific Ocean are about 100 times lower than those found in the BMS shrimp, according to the American Nuclear Society.

We sometimes can see Cesium-137 from historic nuclear weapons fallout, nuclear accidents such as Fukushima or Chernobyl, but the levels in the environment are super, super, super low right now and cannot explain what's going on here, Biegalski said.

___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
A transgender Maine suspect was arrested after allegedly trying to run over a Border Patrol agent and a state trooper during a crash investigation that involved suspected illegal aliens.

Incident and Arrest

Authorities said Olivia Stevie Wilkins, 24, of Thomaston, drove a Lexus toward U.S. Border Patrol Capt. Willis and Maine State Police Trooper Jeremiah Wesbrock on Monday in Washington, Maine.

Wesbrock reportedly stated in an affidavit that he drew his firearm and pointed it at the driver, who swerved away as he was in the process of pulling the trigger. The officers gun did not fire.

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The Knox County Sheriffs Office later arrested Wilkins after the car went off the road near 571 West Washington Road. The suspect was booked into the Knox County Jail in Rockland and initially held on $50,000 bail, the Midcoast Villager reported.

Wilkins was reportedly charged with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, obstructing government administration, driving to endanger, and failure to stop for an officer.

At an initial court appearance on Wednesday before Judge Eric Walker, bail was reduced to $500 cash, according to the Midcoast Villager. The assistant district attorney said he argued for bail to remain at $50,000, while the defense requested release on personal recognizance.

The judge also ordered Wilkins to house arrest, prohibited him from driving, and barred the defendant from possessing dangerous weapons.

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A LinkedIn account for Wilkins features a profile of an individual who identifies as a woman but uses They/He pronouns.

Crash Investigation and Border Patrol Response

The confrontation unfolded as police responded to a crash involving a box truck on Route 17. Authorities said the truck left the road and hit a tree, injuring several passengers.

Deputies reportedly identified the driver as Victor Cardona Calderon, 57, of New York. Passengers included Johan Andres Ortiz Calderon, Agustin Sanchez Mejia, and Alejandro Ramos Chaux. Two were hospitalized, and Ramos Chaux was transported by helicopter to a trauma center.

Trooper Wesbrock said Calderon presented a Colombian passport and a New York drivers license, leading him to suspect Calderon and his passengers might be in the country illegally. Border Patrol was called to the scene and began interviews, according to the affidavit.

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The Maine Department of Public Safety later reportedly stated that Calderon had difficulty communicating in English and was unable to meet the requirements under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act, which mandates English proficiency for commercial drivers. His license was also marked not for federal identification purposes, which the trooper said raised additional concerns about its validity.

Alleged Attack on Officers

While Border Patrol interviewed the trucks occupants, Wilkins allegedly stopped nearby and was told to leave. Instead, authorities said, he spun his tires and drove toward the officers.

I drew my issued firearm and pointed at the driver who swerved as I was pulling the trigger, Wesbrock wrote in his affidavit. Wesbrock did not fire, according to Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for the Public Safety Department.

Wilkins then fled before crashing off the road and being taken into custody.

Broader Context

The case comes amid a series of violent incidents targeting federal immigration officers this summer. Earlier in July, authorities said a gunman opened fire outside a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, injuring a Border Patrol employee and two officers before being killed by agents, The Dallas Express reported.

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Weeks later, federal prosecutors indicted Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Seattle, on charges of murdering a Border Patrol agent in Vermont. Prosecutors alleged she was linked to a violent leftist group described as a transgender death cult, DX reported.

These incidents were punctuated by an attack from a transgender gunman at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, DX reported.
ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  More than $500,000 has been secured to grow businesses in West Virginia, including Randolph County.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Friday that $525,000 in site readiness grants are being awarded to six West Virginia counties, including Randolph. These grants are through the Ready Sites Program and are designed to address engineering or architectural needs of various industrial sites across the state, including studies that are required for development, according to the announcement.

With the grants, $75,000 will go to the Randolph County Development Authority to support site readiness efforts at the Randolph Development District Industrial Park.

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Monongahela National Forest sites close for the season on these dates

We are very proud to be partnering with these counties and it reflects our shared commitment to support economic development initiatives that strengthen community infrastructure, enhance site preparedness, and attract new business investment, Gov. Morrisey said.

Other counties that will be receiving grants include:

Mingo County Redevelopment Authority  $75,000 to support site readiness efforts for the Mingo County Air Transportation Park and $75,000 for the Harless Industrial Park.

Huntington Area Development Council  $75,000 to develop the Aldridge Site located in Cabell County.

Lincoln Economic Development Authority  $75,000 to support site readiness efforts for the Lincoln Business Park.

Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle  $75,000 to support site readiness efforts for the Beech Bottom Industrial Park located in Brooke County.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
The 34-year-old Madbury woman who killed her husband and two of her three children before killing herself on Aug. 18 had been found to have taken hundreds of thousands of dollars from Wing-Itz, the small restaurant chain where she worked as the operations manager.

Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno confirmed his department received a complaint on Aug. 11 about theft and identified Emily Long as a suspect.

Our department was not able to engage in a meaningful investigation prior to her untimely death, the chief said Friday afternoon. The case remains open, but suspended.

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Longs death was ruled a suicide while the deaths of her husband, Ryan Long, 48, and two of their children  son Parker, 8, and daughter Ryan, 6  were deemed homicides. A toddler was uninjured.

According to the mostly redacted police report, Derek Fisher, the owner of Wing-Itz, walked into the lobby of the station to report he had been going over his finances with his accountant and found that there were some discrepancies that appeared to have stemmed from cash deposits that were never deposited into the company accounts.

Fisher, who declined comment with the Union Leader, told multiple news outlets the amount came to more than $660,000. The police report lists a theft of $2,300, but that was for only one time money disappeared. An audit alleges Long had been taking cash deposits and writing checks to herself since January 2023.

This is the latest twist in the tragedy, which included Ryan Long being diagnosed with glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive type of brain cancer.

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While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor, the AG said of the murder-suicide in a news release last week.

In media reports, Fisher said he confronted Emily Long about the financial discrepancies and the two were planning to meet before she quit. Fisher asked for prior bank statements, which he believes were doctored and manipulated.

Long had worked at Wing-Itz, which has three locations on the Seacoast, since 2018. The alleged embezzlement appears to have started before her husbands diagnosis.

She posted multiple videos on the social media platform TikTok talking about her husbands illness and the emotional toll it was taking on the family. In one she talked about selling her husbands truck for the money.

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Ryan Long was a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in Durham, and the two children who died attended Moharimet Elementary School in Madbury.

Fisher posted a GoFundMe link on his personal Facebook to raise money for the Long toddler who survived.

jphelps@unionleader.com
KEANSBURG, N.J. (PIX11)  Two children were saved from their burning home Friday on Seeley Avenue in Keansburg, thanks to the quick-thinking actions of their neighbors.

Home surveillance video shows neighbors rushing over with a ladder. Keansburg Fire Chief Frank Dean said police then used the ladder to rescue a brother and sister from a second-floor bedroom.

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Both were taken to a local hospital for smoke inhalation and evaluation.

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Chief Dean said the fire broke out around 10:15 Friday morning and appears to have originated in the homes second-floor living room.

Three firefighters pulled the childrens mother from the home, unconscious, and began performing CPR on the front lawn. She was airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital.

It was just horror, said neighbor Rob Doren, who rushed over after seeing the smoke from two blocks away. Its just not something you want to see, especially with children involved.

Fire officials believe the flames were burning for some time before anyone noticed. It spread smoke throughout the house, said Keansburg fire official Arthur Boden. There was soot in every room.

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The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said investigators do not yet have a clear motive for a school shooting that left two children dead and 17 others injured.

Recovered writings and weapon markings included anti-Trump and anti-Christian messages.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the shooter was identified as 23-year-old Robert Robin Westman, who legally changed his name from Robert in 2020 while identifying as transgender. Court filings show the change occurred while he was still a minor.

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Westman opened fire on August 27 inside a Catholic school in Minneapolis while children were attending a back-to-school Mass.

OHara told CNN, Right now we do not have a clear motive for why he did this, adding that investigators are still reviewing evidence.

Police documents and online images showed messages scrawled on Westmans weapons, including Where is your God?, Kill Trump now, 6 million was not enough, and Im the woker, baby. Why so queer is? One rifle appeared to bear anti-Christian markings, and a target board featured an image of Jesus Christ.

In a since-deleted YouTube video, Westman expressed regret over transitioning, saying, I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself. He added, I regret being trans I wish I was a girl I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also cant afford that.

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Another piece of evidence reportedly showed a drawing of Westman facing a mirror with a firearm, the reflection appearing as a demonic figure.

The Minneapolis shooter posted a picture of himself with a demon reflection in the mirror. Make sure your kids have a relationship with Jesus. Their eternal life is at stake. pic.twitter.com/0haGOIkrTT  Christian Tweets (@JesusSavesUs777) August 27, 2025

National Debate Over Prayer

The tragedy also sparked a national debate over the role of prayer in the aftermath of mass shootings.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed the phrase thoughts and prayers, noting that the victims had been praying when the gunman opened fire. Former Biden Press Secretary Jen Psaki echoed the sentiment on X, writing, Prayer is not freaking enough Enough with the thoughts and prayers.

Vice President JD Vance countered Paskis remarks:

We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action. Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying? https://t.co/KfTJ71Hcjf  JD Vance (@JDVance) August 28, 2025

The shooting prompted national reaction.

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Charlie Kirk posted on X, The evil perpetrated on young people by the trans medical industry is something future generations will look upon with horror.

Activist Scott Presler called it an act of domestic terrorism by a trans individual targeting Catholics.

The Dallas Express reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department for comment, but did not receive a response.
By Leah Willingham, Associated Press

People from all over the world lined up to pay tribute to Frank Caprio, a retired municipal judge who found online fame as an empathetic jurist and host of " Caught in Providence," at memorial services beginning Thursday in his home state of Rhode Island.

Caprio, who won hearts with the folksy humor and compassion he brought to his courtroom, had pancreatic cancer and died on Aug. 20 at 88.

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His family said they had been moved by the outpouring of support since Caprios passing and the thousands of requests from people around the world who wanted to pray with the family at Caprios service.

Caprios son, David Caprio, welcomed members of the public to attend his fathers visitation on Thursday and his Friday funeral Mass at Providences Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, which will also be livestreamed on the former judges social media pages.

In a phone interview with The Associated Press, he said supporters of his father were traveling to Rhode Island from as far as the Philippines to attend his services.

Your love is really helping us through this difficult time, David Caprio said in a video posted on social media.

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Judge was known all over the world for showing kindness

Caprio billed his courtroom as a place where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion. He was known for dismissing tickets or showing kindness even when he handed out justice.

The show, produced by his brother, ran for more than two decades on local television until being nationally syndicated in 2018. Caprio retired from the bench in 2023.

Clips from the show have had more than 1 billion views on social media. His most popular videos have been those where he calls children to the bench to help pass judgment on their parents. One shows him listening sympathetically to a woman whose son was killed and then dismissing her tickets and fines of $400.

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Providence resident Freida Adams, who waited in line to pay her respects to Caprio on Thursday, came before Caprio for in his courtroom for a parking ticket  an interaction she never forgot. She said he asked her for her story, and she told him about being a foster mother to 27 children over the years. He was moved.

He had so much compassion and love. He said, You know what? Since you was a foster mother, you dont have to pay it, she said. Thats the kind of love that judge had for everyone and everybody. He had good morals and he loved everybody and he didnt treat no one no different from he treated anyone.

Adams said she cried when she learned Caprio died.

If more judges was like him, it would be a better world today because he was a fair judge, hes a just judge, hes a caring judge and hes a true man of God, she said. I wouldnt have missed this for the world because thats how much respect I have for the judge.

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Riccardo Giannini flew in for Caprios services from France, where he said Caprios death had been all over the news.

Its amazing  the simplicity, the kindness, and how far that goes, he said.

Caprio had a working-class background

According to his biography, Caprio came from humble beginnings, the second of three boys in an Italian immigrant family in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island.

He said he learned compassion from his father, who would wake Caprio and his brother up at four in the morning to accompany him on his route delivering milk. His father also worked as a fruit peddler.

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I saw firsthand how other hardworking people couldnt afford to pay their bill, and I saw how my dad treated them, you know? Caprio told journalist Adrienne Bankert while promoting his biography, Compassion in Court: Life-Changing Stories from Americas Nicest Judge, earlier this year. His company ordered him to stop delivery if they missed paying for two weeks. He never stopped delivery. Never.

Caprios cousin Carol Caprio Stravato grew up on the same street as Caprio in the tenement buildings their fathers bought working as fruit peddlers.

No matter what he did through his whole life, he always made the family very proud, she said. We didnt come from money. He worked for everything he had. Thats why he had compassion for the working man.

In a 2017 interview with the AP, Caprio said he knows that his courtroom may be the only interaction with the justice system many people ever have. He wanted it to be a positive one.

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Whether its justified or not, I think there is distrust of the institutions of government, he said. I think theres a sense that theres lacking in understanding and compassion and kindness with the institutions of government ... Im not trying to change the world, but Im trying to do my part to dispel those thoughts, those feelings.

Caprios funeral visitation took place at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence on Thursday, Aug.28 from 3 to 7 p.m. and will be followed by a funeral Mass at Providences Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul on Friday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m.

The latest from MassLive

Read the original article on MassLive.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Hundreds of thousands of visitors have attended the New York State Fair, braving rainy weather thats turned parking lots into muddy fields.

Heavy rain has left the grassy parking areas waterlogged, causing difficulties for fairgoers trying to navigate the muddy terrain. Cars struggled to find traction, and many visitors found themselves dealing with the unexpected conditions.

Things are filling up with water; it was making a puddle in front of our shed, said Omar Vao Vann, a parking staff worker at the Fair.

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Yeah, I mean, she has her open-toed shoes, but what are you gonna do? Its Central New York, and the weather is unpredictable, fairgoer Sean Hopkins said.

Despite the rain, the attractions at the Fair remained a draw for visitors who had to contend with the muddy parking situation.

Fairgoer Sean Hopkins described the challenge of finding a parking spot.

We saw an open spot and I said, Oh, Ill give it a college try, because you know parking is pretty sparse, especially on a Friday, but yeah, I had to try to position it in such a way. Its a pretty big mud hole down here.

The unpredictable weather is a common occurrence in Central New York, and fairgoers are often prepared for such conditions. However, the extent of the mud this year caught many by surprise.

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While the mud dries up, patience and perhaps a pair of boots are recommended for those attending the Fair in the coming days.

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CONKLIN, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A murder-suicide in Conklin on August 22 investigators say was due to a family dispute.

August 22nd at a family-owned property in Montrose, PA Michael Shuta, age 65 of the Town of Conklin was found dead. Police say the cause of death was ruled a suicide from a self-inflicted wound that was from a .357 Magnum revolver.

The Broome County Sheriffs Office were contacted by Shutas family in regard to concerns of Matthew Slavetskas, age 41 of the Town of Conklin. Police say that according to the family Shuta and Slavetskas had been in an ongoing dispute. The family mentioned that they hadnt been able to get in contact with Slavetskas.

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August 22nd a wellness check was performed by the Broome County Sheriffs Office at Slavetskas residence at 4467 Brady Hill Rd. in the Town of Conklin at approximately 3:30 PM.

Deputies discovered Slavetskas dead inside the residence. According to BCSO Slavetskas had multiple gunshot wounds from a .17 HMR small-caliber revolver to his torso and head. The revolver was found by police at the scene.

Following the full investigation of witness reports, home security footage and forensic evidence the BCSO Detectives Division with the assistance of the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Unit determined the case to be a murder-suicide due to a dispute over property.

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RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Murfreesboro is getting two new Mitsubishi SUVs to help keep its critical driving program alive.

Murfreesboros City Auto Mitsubishi donated two SUVs, one a 2024 Outlander Sport and one 2024 Eclipse Cross, to Rutherford County Schools.

The two vehicles will be used in Rutherford County Schools in-school driver-training program, which involves a mix of classroom and in-car learning. The goal is to help students develop safer and more road away teen drivers.

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General manager of City Auto Mitsubishi, Jordan Norton, says the dealership is committed to serving the community and is proud the donation could play a part in helping further RCS in-school driver-training program.

School officials said many schools have been forced to cancel driver-education programs due to lack of funding. This partnership lets them prioritize creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience. School officials have found ways to keep the program alive, including working with local companies like City Auto and Mitsubishi Motors North America, along with receiving almost $60,000 in corporate donations used for behind-the-wheel simulators.

Now, students can start their driving journey with as much training as possible, which will benefit them for life. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan says the partnership is a prime example of how community partners can work together to support student growth and practical learning. Mitsubishi leaders said the donation isnt just a gift to the school but to the whole community, and theyre happy to have played a part in it.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.com.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Museum of North Texas History has a new lunchtime local history series to give you A Bite of History.

Song written about Buster Robertson.

MoNTH Executive Director Jeremy Davis said this is just the beginning. He hopes to continue growing the series and even adding guest presenters.

I wanted us to be able to make history approachable and, as I like to say, its, you know, learning about Wichita history one bite at a time, Davis said. I wanted to find a way to get people in here.

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On Thursday, August 28, Dr. Pam Morgan from Midwestern State University presented the story of the 1925 murder of teenage Elzie Buster Robertson by the mayor of Wichita Falls, Frank Collier.

Morgan said her research started as a way to give back to the archives.

I got involved with the Wichita County history commission first, and we would meet in the archives, Morgan said. Somebody would always tell us a little history bit, and it just sort of sucked me in.

MoNTH is working on a new website that will allow interested parties to view upcoming presentation topics and purchase tickets.

Septembers Bite of History will be held on the last Thursday of the month and focus on the infamous Wichita Falls Bank Robbery of 1896.

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To find out more about MoNTH and their exhibits, visit them online.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Interfaith spiritual leaders in Portland held a press conference Thursday to decry the tragedy in Minneapolis of a deadly shooting at a Catholic school on Wednesday and called for Oregon to refocus its gun violence reduction efforts.

Robin Westman, 23, was identified as the suspect who is believed to have taken his own life after he allegedly opened fire at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 18 others worshipping inside, according to the Associated Press.

SWAT seeking armed suspect north of Washougal

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Twenty bells rang out at the Augustana Lutheran Church in Northeast Portland, one for each of the shooters victims, as the Lift Every Voice Oregon press conference began with prayers for the victims.

Among the faith leaders calls to action is the immediate implementation of Measure 114, requiring people to undergo background checks and take safety courses to get gun permits, as soon as it clears the Oregon Supreme Court this November.

We must have action. This Measure 114, which our community, our state passed into law  this powerful measure to help reduce gun violence in our state, said Congregation Beth Israel Portland Senior Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana.

The interfaith group also wants more funding for violence reduction programs in the community and a ban on assault rifles.

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Im saying to the City of Portland, to the State of Oregon, you only see a few here, but when are you going to get out? The charge is to you. Lets do something, said Pastor Robin Wisner.

Westman, a former student at Annunciation Catholic School, was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol  all of which he purchased legally  before firing more than 100 rounds through the windows at the side of the church just before 8:30 a.m., officials said. He was later found dead in the parking lot from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot.

Vancouver First Baptist Church Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee called for responsible gun owners to join their advocacy efforts.

Join us because were not trying to stop you. We are saying, we know that there are better ways for us to deal with stuff like this. And its not just us praying. Its not just us believing. Its about you putting your voice with us to work together, Hennessee said.

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Proposed detox center next to school raises concerns

KOIN 6 News reached out to the Oregon Firearms Federation for comment on the shooting and their thoughts on the measure. In response, they said, No one in the controlled media wants to acknowledge that it was clear years ago that the shooter was seriously mentally ill.

The Archdiocese of Portland said its Catholic school officials are continuing to review and strengthen safety protocols and procedures. Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland also told KOIN 6 News he reached out to the Archbishop in Minneapolis to assure his prayers and solidarity are with that community.

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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  The Myrtle Beach police officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Jerrius Davis in response to him firing shots into a crowd on Ocean Boulevard in late April will not face criminal charges, authorities said on Friday.

Brandon ORourke will not face charges and, per Myrtle Beach Police Department policy, will return to full active duty on Friday. He was placed on paid administrative leave after the April 26 shooting while SLED conducted its investigation, which has been completed.

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Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson said in a letter to SLED provided to News13 by Myrtle Beach police that ORourke was justified in his use of deadly force.

After reviewing your full investigation and applying the objective reasonableness standard and the elevated threat level, I decline prosecution in this case, Richardson wrote. It appears that Pfc. ORourke acted in a reasonable [manner] to alleviate the threat to himself, his fellow officers and the community members present and targeted by Davis.

ORourke and officers Mohamed El-Helwi and Jeramiah Johnson were leaving an unrelated call for service at Mr. Fries in the 900 block of N. Ocean Boulevard at about 11:50 p.m., the agency said. As the officers walked out, video shows Davis brandished a handgun and fired multiple shots toward a group of people.

He was a good son: Mother of Bennettsville man killed by Myrtle Beach police pressing for answers

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Upon hearing the gunfire, ORourke pulled out his department-issued 9mm Glock handgun and returned fire at Davis, who had started running from the crowd he had just fired four shots at. ORourke returned fire with five shots of his own at Davis, hitting and killing him.

El-Helwi and Johnson were right behind ORourke, but never fired their handguns, police said. The shootings, from start to finish, lasted less than five seconds.

Obviously, April 26, 2025 was a chaotic night. That chaos started when Davis opened fire on a crowded section of Ocean Boulevard, Richardsons letter reads. The above mentioned Myrtle Beach Police officers responded very quickly and because of all of the cameras, we have a good idea of what went on in those hectic and dangerous seconds of gunfire.

Richardson said to determine if ORourke was justified, they had to look into the reasonableness of his actions.

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Clearly, he walked into a situation where Davis was still firing into a crowd or had been shooting seconds earlier, he wrote. From the witness statements, the video and audio submissions captured by the citys shot spotter, we know that the situation was active and potentially deadly.

In the aftermath of the shooting, 11 people suffered gunshot-related injuries, with some of them including bullet wounds and shrapnel grazes. Police Chief Amy Prock said four of them were taken by an ambulance, while seven self-reported to the hospital.

One of those people was critically hurt, but all have since been released from the hospital, according to Prock. The victims ages ranged from 13 to 43.

At least two other teenagers known to have been injured are 15-year-old Serenity Chavis and Zavian Washington, 13. Both are being represented by civil rights activist John Barnett.

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Chavis claims she was shot by an officers bullet, as does an unnamed 17-year-old.

We may go home, and its business as usual, but they are left in the dark, in their bedroom as children, teenagers, saying, I went to the beach and got shot, Barnett said in early June.

Myrtle Beach police also said Friday it received an unredacted copy of SLEDs report into the shooting, but that it contains confidential juvenile information that, by South Carolina law, cannot be released. SLED is currently in the process of redacting the confidential information so that a publicly available copy can be released.

This is a developing story. Count on News13 for updates.

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* * *

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.

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NEED TO KNOW

A New Hampshire mother who killed her husband, two of her children and then herself was accused by her employer of embezzlement, according to a new report

Emily Long was found dead alongside her husband Ryan Long and their two children, son Parker and daughter Ryan, on Aug. 18 at the family's home in Madbury, N.H.

Long's former employer said he went to police recently after discovering she allegedly stole about $660,000 from the company over the last two years

The New Hampshire mother who killed her husband, two children, and then herself allegedly stole $660,000 from her employer before the murder-suicide at the familys home in Madbury, N.H., earlier this month, the company's owner says.

Emily Long, 34, was found dead from a gunshot wound inside the familys home on Aug. 18 alongside her husband Ryan Long, 48, as well as their son Parker, 8, and daughter Ryan, 6, who were also shot and killed.

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The mother spoke on TikTok to speak about her experience with depression before carrying out the murder-suicide. The couples toddler was also found at the home unharmed.

Emily Long/Facebook

Emilys husband had recently been diagnosed with brain cancer, and on TikTok, the mother posted about her experience with depression on an account that had the bio referring to herself as a Brain Cancer Wife.

But a report this week has shed new light on the familys recent struggles, as local WCVB reported the mother was accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer over the past two years.

"I felt I had no other option than to go to law enforcement," Derek Fisher, the owner of the local Wing-Itz chicken wing chain where Emily had worked, told the outlet. "We noticed there were a lot of handwritten checks being deposited into her bank account."

Emily Long Facebook Ryan and Emily Long Ryan and Emily Long

Fisher told WCVB that he turned to police after an accountant made the discovery about the alleged embezzlement, which the restaurant chain owner claims began in January 2023 and lasted until the scheme was uncovered last month. There was over $660,000 taken, Fisher claimed, noting that he was aware of Emilys husbands recent brain cancer diagnosis.

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"Given her circumstances with her husband, I was trying to be considerate and patient," Fisher told WCVB.

The restaurant chain owner told the outlet that he is no longer worried about recovering the money after the news Emily killed her family and herself.

"Anything thats left should go to that child, Fisher told the outlet. He deserves all of it. Its not fair to him. He didnt make this happen, and he didnt deserve this.

Emily Long/Facebook Ryan and Emily Long with their three children Ryan and Emily Long with their three children

Despite the recent revelations, New Hampshire authorities have told the public not to speculate as to what motivated the murder-suicide since it took place earlier this month.

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"While investigators are becoming aware of various concerns/issues ongoing in the household at the time of the event in question, people should avoid speculating that this event was caused by a single reason or stressor," the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office said last week.

Read the original article on People
A Monmouth County man has been charged with aggravated assault after a road-rage incident in which he allegedly punched a man riding a bicycle, officials said.

Anthony Alvear, 37, of Belmar was charged with second-degree aggravated assault after police said he stopped his car and punched a man who was on a bicycle, breaking the mans jaw.

Police were called to the area of 12th Avenue and D Street in Belmar on the afternoon of Aug. 22 for a report of a man suffering from head and face injuries, authorities said.

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Stories by Matthew Enuco
Students at Kean University now have the option of majoring in artificial intelligence.

Kean President Lamont O. Repollet said the schools new bachelor of science in artificial intelligence degree debuting in the fall semester is the first offered by a New Jersey university.

It is among several AI-themed innovations at Kean announced by Repollet on Thursday during his opening day address on the Union County campus, according to the university.

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Kean is launching an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence and university professors are incorporating AI tutors, mentors and research tools into course work, Repollet said.

We are evolving both what we teach and how we teach it to prepare our students for a world where technology, creativity and human ingenuity work hand in hand, Repollet said during his speech.

AI is a growing area of focus at universities across the nation. More than a dozen universities nationwide were offering bachelors degrees in AI as of January, CNBC reported.

Penn State University announced last week it is offering a bachelor of science degree in artificial intelligence engineering.

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Kean Universitys bachelor of science in artificial intelligence degree will provide students with the in-demand skills required in one of todays fastest-growing tech fields, the schools website said.

Focus areas will include building large language models and ethical uses of AI, the university said.

Graduates will be prepared for high-paying careers in computer science, data science and AI development after learning how to apply AI to health care, education, finance, cybersecurity and more, the university said.

Repollet, the states former education commissioner, said AI is among the priorities in Elevate 2030, Keans five-year strategic plan.

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AI runs through the heart of Elevate 2030 as both a transformational research tool and a powerful driver of teaching and learning. With our momentum, our mission, and innovation as our fuel, there is no limit to how high we can climb," Repollet said, according to the university.

Kean is developing its own platform, Keanu AI, named for its cougar mascot, the university said.

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Stevens Institute of Technology laid off 45 staff members earlier this month, according to school officials who blamed the cuts partly on Trump administration policy changes affecting international students.

The cuts were a surprise to some who lost their jobs, including some staffers who were given one day notice before their positions at the Hoboken-based private university were slashed, according to a source close to some of those involved.

In a statement, Stevens officials said challenges related to international enrollment and research funding led the administration to make the difficult but necessary decision to implement a reduction in its workforce.

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Stevens is committed to treating all affected employees with dignity, fairness and respect, providing appropriate separation packages and transition support, school officials said.

The layoffs underscore the significant financial impact international students have on the institution.

Last year, Stevens enrolled about 8,500 students, with the campus nearly equally split between undergraduate and graduate students, according to school data. About 4% of undergraduates and 58% of graduate students were from foreign countries.

International students contributed $172 million to Stevens budget in 2023, enough to support 1,693 jobs, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a nonprofit group for professionals in the field.

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Stevens President Nariman Farvardin, who has led the school since 2011, alerted the Stevens community earlier in the year of the schools money concerns due to Trump policy changes.

Due to the significant uncertainties that lie ahead that could affect research awards, research indirect cost recovery, international enrollments, possible price escalation due to tariffs or an economic downturn, the leadership team is meeting regularly to review institutional and divisional budgets to proactively mitigate the potential for negative impacts from external factors, Farvardin said.

President Donald Trumps administration has been pressuring U.S. colleges to reduce their dependence on international enrollment while adding new layers of scrutiny for foreign students as part of its crackdown on immigration.

The U.S. government has sought to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. In the spring, it abruptly revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, including some whose only brush with law enforcement was a traffic ticket.

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After reversing course, the government paused new appointments for student visas while rolling out a process for screening applicants social media accounts.

The Trump administration has also slashed federal research funding to many universities.

New international enrollment in the U.S. could drop by 30% to 40% this fall, according to an analysis of visa and enrollment data by NAFSA.

The National Foundation for American Policy recently published a report that said the administrations actions, which also include new or proposed federal rules and other restrictions against students, overlook the economic and foreign policy benefits that international students bring to U.S. universities and America.

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It makes no economic sense for U.S. universities or the American economy to admit fewer international students, said Mark Regets, a senior fellow at the foundation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com.
Note: In the related video, Dr. Alan Shao of Alan IIs Legacy discusses the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of Narcan, and why everyone should have the medication on hand.

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The Charleston County Sheriffs Office is hoping to reduce or eliminate overdose cases over the long holiday weekend by reminding the community about easy access to several Narcan distribution stands.

The sheriffs office said that wellness advocates are tracking a spike in overdoses across the county and noted that there were six total overdoses on Wednesday, two of which were deadly, within eight hours.

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Heroin was listed as a substance in two incidents, one of them being fatal, CCSO said.

Stands containing Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, can be found at the following Charleston County locations:

Positive Vibes: 3355 Rivers Ave., North Charleston

Consign Charleston: 1610 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., West Ashley

Folly Beach Fire Department: 106 W. Cooper Ave., Folly Beach

College of Charleston Police Department: 89 St. Philips St., Charleston

Econo Lodge: 7415 Northside Dr., North Charleston

Al Cannon Detention Center Lobby: 3841 Leeds Ave., North Charleston (gravity-fed machine)

While the stands are monitored to ensure there is an adequate supply for the public, the sheriffs office stated that sites are not used as an investigative tool, adding that there is no record of who takes Narcan or how often it is used from any of the stands.

Narcan distribution stand (Charleston County Sheriffs Office photo)

Narcan distribution stand (Charleston County Sheriffs Office photo)

Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioidsincluding heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medicationswhen given in time, the agency said. The Narcan that is distributed is a pre-filled nasal spray that can be used by anyone without medical training or authorization. The Charleston County Sheriffs Office is designated as a Community Distributor.

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Funding for the distribution program is provided through the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund in partnership with the Charleston Center. Funds come from the 2023 South Carolina Opioid Settlement agreement, meaning the cost of placing Narcan for the communitys use does not come from local, state, or federal tax dollars.

We encourage the community to check out the new Bridge2Hope App. It is available now for iPhones and is coming soon for Androids. This app provides up-to-date substance use-related resources and harm reduction information, the sheriffs office said.

If you or someone you know is dealing with substance abuse and addiction, there is hope. Please consider reaching out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations National Hotline at 1-800-662-4357 to treatment and mental health referrals, or the 24/7 National Drug Helpline at 1-844-289-0879.

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Federal officials in the US say that Covid-19 vaccines remain available to everyone, despite new restrictions on the groups that theyre approved for. But experts suggest that claim is misleading, as the more narrow approval may raise significant barriers to access for many Americans.

On Wednesday, the US Food and Drug Administration approved updated Covid-19 vaccines specifically for seniors and younger people who have health conditions that put them at higher risk from Covid-19  a much more limited approach than earlier approvals that greenlit the shots for everyone ages 6 months and older.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said in a social media post on Thursday that 100% of adults in this country can still get the vaccine if they choose. We are not limiting availability to anyone. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said Thursday that the FDA decision does not affect the availability of Covid vaccines for Americans who want them. We believe in individual choice.

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But for healthy people who do not fall into the specified groups, experts say that choice may be limited by who can offer the vaccine and whether insurance covers it.

To get an updated Covid-19 vaccine for the upcoming respiratory virus season, healthy children and adults younger than 65 will need to get it prescribed off-label  the practice of using a medical product outside of the terms for which the FDA has explicitly approved it.

This theoretically makes vaccines available but ignores the practical barriers the policy created, said Dr. Jake Scott, an infectious disease specialist with Stanford Health.

Technical availability and practical accessibility are very different things, he said. The administration replaced straightforward pharmacy access with a system requiring provider consultations, navigating insurance uncertainty and finding willing pharmacies.

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The vast majority of Covid-19 vaccinations have typically happened in pharmacies or drug stores, but off-label prescribing requires a visit with a physician or other health care provider.

Some physicians may not be as comfortable prescribing off-label as others, experts say, and pharmacies may take a more conservative approach, too.

In the current environment, where things are turbulent, a bit strict and very uncertain, pharmacies might not want to put their businesses at risk of being accused of giving vaccines inappropriately, said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Jerome Adams, who served as US surgeon general during the first Trump administration, also noted on social media this week that about 11% of US adults are uninsured and lack access to a doctor.

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RFK promised  under oath  that anyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. Now he says you can only get one if your doctor says so. To be frank and objective, unless hes also giving everyone access to free healthcare, he seems to be reneging on his promise, Adams wrote. Math doesnt add up.

Insurance coverage for off-label prescriptions can also vary, potentially leaving patients with substantial out-of-pocket costs for a vaccine that has historically been free, experts say.

The idea of having people receive the vaccine prescribed off-label by a physician will work occasionally for some persistent people who have access to money to pay and a cooperative physician, but it is no solution for most of us, said Dr. Kelly Moore, president and CEO of immunize.org, a nonprofit organization focused on vaccine access.

Claims of universal Covid-19 access are demonstrably false, Scott said, because there are no options available for children under 5 who dont have an underlying condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness. Emergency use authorizations for Covid-19 vaccines are rescinded, US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday, which means Pfizers Covid-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, is no longer authorized for children younger than 5. Modernas Spikevax vaccine is approved for children as young as 6 months, but only if they have an underlying condition that puts them at higher risk.

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More questions remain, as the independent advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, still have not weighed in on the updated Covid-19 vaccines  and their decisions can affect access in a variety of ways, experts say.

In some states, CDC recommendations are linked to the authority that pharmacists have to give vaccines.

In some states, pharmacists are forbidden to administer vaccines that are not recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. CVS said it will offer shots in most states, but in 16  Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia  as well as Washington, DC, it may not be able to offer them due to state policies. But in some of those states, eligible people with an authorized prescribers prescription may still be able to get them at CVS pharmacies, a spokesperson said.

The confusion will be at the point of service, Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said at a news briefing Thursday. There are so me pharmacists and nurse practitioners that, if its not on the [CDC vaccine] schedule, by law, theyre not allowed to give it. So that might be a barrier. And then there are some physicians who  for a variety of reasons, cost reasons, etc.  dont keep it in their office. Theyll write a prescription, send you to the pharmacist to get it. But then the question is, can the pharmacist then give it?

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Each states board of pharmacy may have to discuss this issue, and there may end up being 50 different state solutions, Benjamin said. And some states may require those changes to go through the state legislature, which may not happen until January.

When it comes to Covid-19 vaccines, the US is in real uncertain times, Schaffner said  but virus trends are much more certain.

Covid is not going away. We anticipate with full confidence, Im afraid, that there will be a substantial winter increase in Covid and that we will have, as a consequence, hospitalizations, people admitted to intensive care units and some deaths. Theres no doubt about it, he said.

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NASA's first lunar campaign in five decades since the Apollo era came to an end should be a little more technologically advanced than its 1960s-70s counterpart.

The U.S. space agency has a brand new complex to watch over its upcoming Artemis II lunar campaign, which in 2026 could send three Americans and one Canadian on a journey around the moon. That mission will then pave the way for the first Americans to step foot on the moon since the last Apollo mission in 1972.

A landmark mission requires some pretty advanced ground systems to monitor it and that's just what NASA has planned with its new facility in the Mission Control Center at its Johnson Space Center in Houston.

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NASA provided a look earlier in August of the Orion Mission Evaluation Room, named for the capsule that will carry astronauts to lunar orbit.

Here's a look at the room that will provide crucial behind-the-scenes input to ensure Orion safely takes its crew around the moon after launching from Florida.

NASA shows off new Houston control room for Artemis lunar missions

The new Orion Mission Evaluation Room inside the Mission Control Center at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Dozens of engineers will monitor the Artemis II Orion spacecraft along its journey in 2026 while collecting data from the new room, which opened Aug. 15 inside the Mission Control Center.

The evaluation room includes 24 consoles that should be staffed 24/7 by at least two engineers in varying disciplines, and sometimes more during "dynamic," or major, phases of the mission, NASA said.

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Meanwhile, the flight control team located in mission controls White Flight Control Room will simultaneously operate and send commands to Orion during the flight.

"The flight control team will rely on the engineering expertise of the evaluation room to help with unexpected spacecraft behaviors that may arise during the mission and help analyze Orions performance data," according to NASA.

The Orion Mission Evaluation Room team works during an Artemis II mission simulation on Aug. 19, 2025, from the new space inside the Mission Control Center at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston.

What is the Artemis program?

NASA's Artemis program is the agency's ambitious campaign to return Americans to the surface of the moon for the first time in more than 50 years. The last U.S. astronaut to land on the moon was on Dec. 19, 1972, during NASA's Apollo 17 mission.

At the outset, the Artemis missions will use NASA's Space Launch System rocket to propel the crewed Orion spacecraft into space, which is equipped with its own thrusters to guide its way to lunar orbit. Eventually, though, NASA will transition to launch services from the private sector under President Donald Trump's vision for U.S. spaceflight.

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SpaceX is also under contract with NASA to develop its massive Starship spacecraft to ferry Artemis III astronauts from orbit to the lunar surface. The vehicle, which just launched Aug. 26 on its 10th test flight, is also the centerpiece of SpaceX founder Elon Musk's vision of sending the first humans to Mars.

The Artemis program, though, has for years been mired in delays and controversy as elected officials and other aeronautics experts have expressed concerns about its scope and cost.

Artemis I launched Nov. 16, 2022, from the Kennedy Space Center, sending the Orion capsule on a moon orbiting mission without a crew in the first test of the vehicle. The Orion splashed down Dec. 11, 2022, in the Pacific Ocean.

In the years ahead, NASA's Artemis campaign aims to establish a lunar settlement on the south pole, where water ice thought to be abundant in the region could be extracted and used for drinking, breathing and as a source of hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel.

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The settlement  which includes plans for a nuclear reactor  would serve as a base of operations to make further crewed space missions, including trips to Mars, possible.

When will Artemis missions with astronauts launch?

NASA's long-awaited crewed missions to the moon were once again delayed in December by another year, mostly due to issues with the Orion capsule the astronauts would ride to space during two separate upcoming lunar expeditions.

As of now, the Artemis II mission will launch no later than April 2026, taking four astronauts on a 10-day trip circumnavigating  but not landing on  the moon. That mission will be followed no earlier than 2027 by Artemis III, which will return astronauts to the surface of the moon itself.

Both missions will get off the ground from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida.

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During Artemis II, NASA's new evaluation room will operate in three daily shifts, beginning about 48 hours prior to liftoff. The room will be staffed around the clock throughout the 10-day mission, up until the spacecraft has safely made a water landing off the California coast and been secured inside a U.S. Navy recovery ship.

Artemis II astronauts suit up for training at Kennedy Space Center in Florida

NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen suit up Aug. 11 for a dress rehearsal at Florida's Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis II lunar mission, slated to launch no earlier than 2026.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, selected as the crew for Artemis II, recently suited up for multiple days of training over the summer.

Koch and Glover represent the first woman and first African American, respectively, assigned to a NASA lunar mission.

America rallied behind Apollo because it represented the best of us  now its Artemis turn," NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy said in an earlier statement. "Theyre not just carrying a flag  theyre carrying the pride, power and promise of the United States of America.

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The Artemis III crew has not yet been announced.

NASA, though, plans to debut its 2025 class of astronaut candidates in September, who could be eligible for agency missions to low-Earth orbit, the moon, and Mars following two years of training.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: NASA debuts Artemis control room for lunar mission launches in Florida
National group rolls into Raleigh to support SAVE Act, others say its harmful

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  A nationwide bus tour made a stop in Raleigh on Friday, pushing to change voting laws in the country.

The bus is from the Tea Party Patriots, a group advocating for the SAVE Act. Its a bill in Congress right now that would require American citizens to present a birth certificate or a passport when they register to vote to prove their citizenship.

Proponents of the bill saits meant to ensure only American citizens are voting, but critics of the bill say itll disenfranchise millions of voters, especially women.

Half of Americans dont have a passport and 69 million women nationwide and 2.3 million in North Carolina dont have a birth certificate with their current name on it, usually because they changed their name when they got married, Brett Edkins with Stand Up America said. They oppose the bill. This bill would make it harder for American citizens to vote, especially women.

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Edkins also points out that its already illegal for non-citizens to vote in America.

Jenny Beth Martin with the Tea Party Patriots said the SAVE Act doesnt disenfranchise women from voting.

When you get married and youre a woman, you understand you have to have your birth certificate, you have to have your marriage certificate, if you get divorced you have to have your divorce decree, and that all shows you are who you say you are and your birth certificate or a passport would show youre a citizen, were used to that, she said.

The bill has passed in the House of Representatives but has not been taken up by the Senate.

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PARIS  NATO said all alliance members will spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense this year, the first time for that to happen since the spending target was set more than a decade ago.

Three countries  Poland, Lithuania and Latvia  are on track to meet a more ambitious target for 3.5% spending, set at a meeting just over two months ago, according to data on allied defense spending published by NATO on Thursday.

European NATO countries have raised their defense budgets following Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and also in response to criticism by U.S. President Donald Trump that allies werent spending enough. NATO members agreed at a June summit in the Netherlands to channel 5% of GDP into defense, including 3.5% on core defense.

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In 2025, all allies are expected to meet or exceed the pre-summit target of investing at least 2% of GDP in defense, compared to only three allies in 2014, NATO said. Over the past decade, European allies and Canada have steadily increased their collective investment in defense.

The data excludes Iceland, which is a NATO member but has no armed forces, and as such doesnt have a traditional defense budget.

NATO countries had agreed to 2% defense spending at a 2014 summit in Wales, in response to Russias annexation of Crimea and amid instability in the Middle East. As recently as 2022, only seven countries had met the target, rising to an estimated 18 NATO members in 2024 and 31 allies this year.

Nine countries including Poland and Germany have laws or political agreements in place that set 2% of GDP as a floor for defense spending, with the Netherlands planning to do the same as of next year following recent parliamentary approval.

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At the June summit in The Hague, in addition to the 3.5% for core defense spending, NATO members agreed to spend 1.5% of GDP on resilience and readiness, ranging from protecting critical infrastructure to strengthening the defense industrial base.

European NATO countries and Canada are estimated to spend more than $607 billion on defense this year at current prices, from $516 billion in 2024 and $419 billion in 2023, with the total amount of spending having doubled in six years. Including the U.S., the alliance is expected to spend around US$1.6 trillion on defense in 2025, up from $1.45 trillion in 2024.

European NATO and Canada invested 2.02% of their combined GDP in defense in 2024, from 1.43% in 2014, according to the organization.

All NATO members except Belgium are expected to meet a target to spend at least 20% of their defense expenditure on major equipment, according to the alliance. The list of countries buying kit is lead by Poland, which is expected to spend around 54% of its defense budget on equipment.
The Department of the Navys chief information officer left her post after nearly two years. Jane Overslaugh Rathbun, who served as the Department of the Navys top expert for cybersecurity, electromagnetic threats and privacy, suddenly announced her retirement last week. She is the latest senior Navy official to leave or be fired this month.

Rathbun shared the news in a LinkedIn post on Aug. 22, saying that it was hard to sum up more than three decades working in national security.

It is with gratitude, pride, and humility that I close out this chapter of my career as a civil servant, she wrote.

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In her post, Rathbun did not give a reason for why she was retiring or if she was leaving the post immediately. However, a Navy official confirmed to Task & Purpose that she has since left her position.

Ms. Jane Rathburn no longer serves as the Department of Navy Chief Information Officer, the Navy official said. The Navy did not provide additional information. Its unclear who will replace her in the interim.

Navy Times first reported on Rathbuns retirement. As the Department of the Navys chief information officer, she oversaw cybersecurity for the Navy and Marine Corps. Rathbun also served as the special assistant for information management in the Navy, making her the top advisor to the Navy secretary for information technology matters.

Rathbun is the third Navy official in a senior post to leave or be removed in a week. Also on Aug. 22, the Navy confirmed that Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, head of the Navy Reserve, and Rear Adm. Milton Jamie  Sands III, head of Naval Special Warfare Command, were fired from their roles. No reasons were given for their ouster.

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Rathbun is also the latest cybersecurity or intelligence official to leave or be removed. Last week, the Pentagon fired Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse from his position as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the same day Lacore and Sands were removed. In April, the Pentagon fired Gen. Timothy Haugh, the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency.

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Rathbun officially took over as chief information officer in November 2023, after serving as the acting chief since May, when her predecessor left for a job at Google Public Sector. Prior to taking over, she served as deputy secretary of the Navy for information and chief technology officer.

When he was sworn in as the new chief of naval operations earlier this week, Adm. Daryl Caudle did not comment on the multiple high-level vacancies in the Navy. Instead, his remarks focused mainly on the Navys preparedness for combat.
Officials told N12 that they do not receive Gaza plans beyond official statements from the Prime Minister.

Anonymous Israeli security officials told Channel 12 that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer repeatedly withheld information from the cabinet.

In a Thursday report, officials told N12 that they are largely left in the dark on the prime minister's plans on Gaza. This has reportedly led to growing tensions between political leaders and security officials.

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"It's him [Netanyahu] and Dermer against the world," one cabinet source told N12.

"The source of the clash between the Chief of Staff and the Prime Minister and between the security officials and the political leadership is not just about gaps in perceptions regarding the Gaza occupation plan and the terms of the deal. The feeling we get from Netanyahu is one of exclusion. The Prime Minister does not share the plans with us beyond the official statements on Gaza," another official told N12.

Families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and supporters march to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, August 26, 2025. (credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Members of the inner cabinet have also felt as if they were excluded from the discussions.

"On the Iranian issue, we operated with total secrecy. But in the case of Gaza, Netanyahu leaves us out of the picture," the cabinet source told N12.

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Security sources added that they were concerned that Dermer's discussions in Washington had been dragging on for too long, which could endanger the hostages.

"There are hostages who dont have the time to wait. This is true for everyone, but we know for certain that among them, there are those for whom the next minute could be the difference between life and death."

This report came as the IDF prepares to occupy Gaza City. The military called up 60,000 reserve soldiers in preparation for the operation.
"We are brothers. Will Israel not extend a hand to save our Druze brothers? And we acted. When I understood the magnitude of the disaster, we acted immediately."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited theDruze local council of Julis on Thursday, where he met with Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif and other leaders of the Druze community.

Netanyahu shared that Tarifs statement, "The Jews in the Holocaust called for help, and no one came," struck him deeply, describing it as "a dart to the heart."

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"We are brothers. Will Israel not extend a hand to save our Druze brothers? We acted. When I understood the magnitude of the disaster, we acted immediately," he said.

During his visit, Netanyahu toured the civilian operations center set up at the Sheikhs residence to monitor the situation of theDruze in Syria. He also met with the family of Cpt. Amir Abdullah Saad, who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the family, stating that Saad fought "with supreme courage for Israel's security."

"I understand who and what we are dealing with," Netanyahu said, regarding the situation in Syria.

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He added that US President Donald Trump shares his outlook: "Both of us believe in peace through strength. First comes strength, then peace. That's how it is, especially in our region."

Protecting the Druze community in Sweida

In terms of practical steps Israel will be taking, Netanyahu outlined three key objectives: protecting the Druze community in Sweida and other areas; creating a demilitarized zone south of Damascus that will extend to the Sweida district; and establishing a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the delivery of food, construction materials, and broad medical assistance.

"These discussions are taking place right now, at this very moment," he added.

Accompanying Netanyahu on the visit were his Chief of Staff, Tzachi Braverman, Deputy Director-General of the Prime Ministers Office Drorit Steinmetz, and his military secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman.
Netflix co-founder and Democratic megadonor Reed Hastings has given $2 million to help California redraw its House maps in the latest indication of the campaign's outsize stakes.

Hastings is a stalwart supporter of Democratic causes and an ally of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has championed the push to counter Texas' GOP gerrymander with a new map designed to oust California Republicans. He also spent $3 million to help Newsom beat back a recall attempt in 2021.

A Nov. 4 special election will give Californians an up-or-down vote on new House maps, drawn in concert with national Democrats, that would help Democrats flip a half-dozen seats in next year's midterm elections as the party seeks to neutralize Texas' new lines.

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Enormous sums have already poured into both sides of a race that has thrust California into the epicenter of American politics. Labor unions, wealthy Californians and House Democrats' super PAC have already contributed millions of dollars while an affluent independent redistricting advocate, Charles Munger, Jr., has dropped more than $10 million to defeat the measure.

The campaign for Proposition 50 will lean on wealthy Democratic patrons like Hastings. Silicon Valley venture capitalist Ron Conway, a longtime ally of Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is also lending his support.

When Texas moves to change the rules to rig the midterm elections and keep one political party in power forever, California must step up and fight fire with fire, the top Democratic donor said in a Friday statement to POLITICO. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent, when the future of our democracy is at stake, none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines."

Paul Graham, the founder of San Francisco startup accelerator Y Combinator, gave the committee $500,000 earlier in the week and had heard about Prop 50 through Conway. Like most people in the venture business, Im a moderate politically, so it worries me when one party tries to tip the scales in their favor, Graham said.

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California ballot measure campaigns are often expensive. There are no limits on individual donations, and reaching voters across the sprawling state's different media markets requires significant resources. But the battle over the state's House maps could be on a different order of magnitude.

Newsom and prominent national Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former President Barack Obama, have cast the fight as central to thwarting President Donald Trump's agenda and halting his political overreach as the president ramps up large-scale immigration raids and pursues policies that are deeply unpopular with the Democratic electorate.

On the other side, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has spearheaded a counteroffensive and told his former colleagues that he aims to raise at least $100 million to defeat the initiative.
An Australian crocodile wrangler has been found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice over a helicopter crash, in which one of his best friends died.

Matt Wright, who shot to fame in the television shows Outback Wrangler and Wild Croc Territory, was accused of destroying and fabricating evidence relating to the crash.

The incident happened in a remote part of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory in 2022.

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Chris Willow Wilson, one of Wrights best friends and co-star, was dangling from a sling hook attached to the helicopter while collecting eggs from crocodile nests  a lucrative business in the tropical north of Australia.

The aircraft plunged from the sky and crashed, killing Mr Wilson. Sebastian Robinson, the pilot, sustained life-altering injuries and is now confined to a wheelchair.

The Air Transport Safety Bureau found that the helicopter ran out of fuel, causing its engine to shut down.

At the end of a month-long trial in the Supreme Court in Darwin, the jury unanimously found Wright guilty of attempting to obstruct the crash investigation by lying to police and putting pressure on the pilot to falsify flight records.

Wright was found guilty after a month-long trial in the Supreme Court in Darwin - WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

He was found guilty on two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

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There was an audible gasp from Wrights friends and family when the verdict was read out, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The defendant slumped in his seat.

Wright was released on bail and will be sentenced on Oct 6.

He said he was pretty disappointed in the verdict and would be launching an appeal. Its been a long fight and weve got an appeal in process now, and well keep moving forward with this, he said.

Important moment in a painful journey

Mr Wilsons widow, Danielle, said the verdict represented an important moment in a long and painful journey.

She and her two sons lived with the pain of her husbands death every single day, she said.

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The trial has been about the conviction of an individual who attempted to pervert the course of justice, and in doing so denied a complete, thorough and unimpeded investigation into the crash  an investigation that could have provided my two young sons with the answers that they so much deserve, she added outside court.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The statewide cyberattack is creating a major roadblock for car buyers in Nevada.

DMV offices shut down, and dealerships cant file certain electronic paperwork for customers.

The biggest issue right now is the Dealers Report of Sale or a DRS, and that allows someone to register their vehicle, Gary Carter president of Auto Depot said.

After buying a new or used car in Nevada, customers normally have 30 days to register the vehicle.

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However, dealers cant access the states online system to provide EDRS or the Electronic Dealer Report of Sale.

We dont need it to sell a car, so anyone can buy a car. As long as we have access to license plates, we can sell a car, but if the customer goes to register their car, they will need that DRS, and that will take about 15 days, Carter said.

He added that if the outage continues, thousands of Nevada drivers could be left stranded in the registration process.

Despite the attack, Carter said he still plans on selling cars.

As long as we can do the license plate, we can sell a car. As long as you can do the 30-day plaque, you can sell the car, Carter said.

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State officials confirmed the cyberattack was discovered early Sunday morning.

By Thursday, Nevada agencies had entered the fourth day of closure, with no timeline yet on when services, including the DMV, will reopen.

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(The Center Square) - Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo spoke publicly for the first time on a cyberattack that shut down government websites and kept state employees at home, four days after it was discovered.

The hour-long press conference included top Nevada officials who outlined more plans to work around the cyberattack, but no identity or motive was revealed for the attackers.

The state is still working to get government websites and system back up and running, with no date yet to be set for a full return to functionality.

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As you know, over the last several days, our state has been responding to a cyberattack targeting Nevada's systems, Lombardo told reporters Thursday. While this incident has posed challenges, I want Nevadans to know one thing clearly. Our government and our partners acted quickly and effectively to secure the critical services our communities rely on.

Websites and services across the state were shut down for the days following the cyberattack. Some had returned to basic function by the end of the week, but many state websites and offices were were still not fully operational. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles was still unable to accept payments early Friday, with the agency saying that late fees would be waived.

The attack, which was caught on early Sunday, was not publicly addressed until Tuesday evening.

We didnt know what was affected in the early infancy of this, said Lombardo when asked why the state waited to address the cyberattack.

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 As we respond and mitigate and continue to evaluate, I couldn't give you answers ...," the Republican governor said. "The only thing we were aware of was there was an intrusion.

Lombardo and other state officials declined to elaborate on the identity of the attacker, for fear of obstructing an ongoing investigation into the cyberattack.

 Over the last several days, too much of the coverage has been focused on the attackers, Lombardo said. I assure you the investigation is ongoing and progressing. It's frustrating, I understand, but a lot of that information is confidential.

Earlier in the Thursday press conference, Lombardo thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for helping with the investigation.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Director of the Nevada Department of Human Services, Richard Whitley, addressed concerns for federal programs supporting families across the state, such as SNAP, during a Wednesday news conference.

According to Whitley, online applications were impacted by the cyberattack, but not the payments themselves.

8 things to know about the Nevada ransomware cyberattack

The application portal online is down, but in-person services were up and running on Thursday. 8 News Now stopped by multiple welfare and supportive services offices in Las Vegas to hear from those on SNAP benefits or applying.

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We just have to deal with it, Edsel Centano, who was at the Flamingo location said. If we roll with the punches, eventually theyll fix it.

Centano is already part of the SNAP benefits program and said the app he uses to track his balance, Propel, is still active.

Its still usable, Centano said. As long as theres still credits in there.

Another woman at the Flamingo location, who wanted to stay anonymous, told 8 News Now she was also happy her Propel app was working. However, when news first broke of the cyberattack, she was worried.

I didnt know that it would affect the EBT part of it, but ya, it was a worry though, she said.

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However, for both her and Centano, their funds wont be refilled until next month, so they are hoping all is in order by then.

At another Welfare and Supportive Services office on MLK and Owens, 8 News Now met a man applying for benefits for the first time. He came in person after he noticed the website was down.

I came here, and thank God it was up, the man told 8 News Now. They took care of me- everything.

8 News Now visited three of the 12 locations in Southern Nevada on Thursday, including the Flamingo, Cambridge, and Owens sites, and employees were working to help customers at each. The Division of Social Services, Southern Nevada, is available by phone at (702) 486-1646.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  A historic building in downtown Topeka is getting ready to reopen to the public this fall.

The Shawnee County Historical Society said in a social media post that Constitution Hall in Topeka will officially be reopened on Saturday, Sept. 27 with a presentation program called Underground Railroad on the Western Frontier that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the event. Attendees will learn about the western routes of the Underground Railroad during this presentation.

Kansas could lose over $10 million in SNAP funding

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Constitution Hall is one of the more significant buildings in Kansas. Built in 1855, the building housed the Topeka Constitutional Convention and would eventually become the temporary capitol. It was here where delegates assembled to draft the Topeka Constitution, which called Kansas territorial citizens to reject slavery and form the abolitionist cause.

The building has been under restoration for 25 years. Constitution Hall received a $3.75 million BASE grant in 2022 to cover the restoration and transformation, allowing the building to continue to inspire new generations of Kansans.

We have all but completed restoration of Constitution Hall Topeka and constructed the adjacent new welcome building,  Historic site manager for Friends of the Free State Capitol Chris Meinhardt told 27 News. Friends of the Free State Capitol purchased Constitution Hall in 1998 and has since restored this nationally important building. The project was awarded highly competitive Save Americas Treasures funding to complete the restoration and improve public access. Private donors, and grant funding by the Kansas Department of Commerce, City of Topeka, and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom also brought about this completion.

The Kansas band that almost made it big in the 70s

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The Shawnee County Historical Society said the upcoming event in September will feature a symposium exploring western routes of the Underground Railroad and include presentations from historians Diane Miller, Todd Mildfelt and Darryl Hogan. Following the program, there will be refreshments, as well as a special exhibit of photographs from Stephen Marcs Passage on the Underground Railroad. Guests will also be allowed to explore the newly renovated building.

All programs are free, but if you plan on attending please fill out the registration form found here. You can find Constitution Hall at 429 South Kansas Avenue in Topeka.

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.

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A newly uncovered medieval document is the earliest known to suggest that the Shroud of Turin, widely believed to have been used to wrap Jesus crucified body, is not authentic.

The findings, published in the Journal of Medieval History, add evidence that even in the Middle Ages, people knew that the Shroud was fake.

In the document, medieval theologian Nicole Oresme rejected the Shroud as authentic, with the future bishop claiming it as a clear and patent fake that was the result of deceptions by clergy men.

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Mr Oresme later became the Bishop of Lisieux in France and rose as an important figure, well-regarded for his attempts to provide rational explanations for so-called miracles.

In the document, Mr Oresme writes: I do not need to believe anyone who claims: Someone performed such miracle for me, because many clergy men thus deceive others, in order to elicit offerings for their churches.

This is clearly the case for a church in Champagne, where it was said that there was the shroud of the Lord Jesus Christ, and for the almost infinite number of those who have forged such things, and others, he wrote.

With this document, the story we already knew from other sources is perfectly confirmed, said world-leading Shroud of Turin expert professor Andrea Nicolotti.

Bishops stand in front of the Shroud of Turin (AFP via Getty Images)

The Shroud is one of the most studied ancient artefacts, bearing the faint imprint image of the front and back of a man, consistent with accounts of Jesus after his crucifixion.

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People still question the genuineness of the shroud to this day, with many maintaining their belief that it is authentic, despite ever-growing research pointing to the contrary.

For instance, a study published earlier this month used 3D analysis to conclude that the shroud was most likely wrapped around a sculpture, rather than Jesuss body.

Dating of the Shroud material also suggests its linen was produced sometime at the end of the 13th or 14th century.

The newly uncovered document is now the first-ever written, official, and highly respected rejection of the Shroud presented to date, researchers say.

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It is older than the previously known oldest account, written in 1389 by the bishop of Troyes, Pierre dArcis, who rejected the Shroud as a fraud.

This now-controversial relic has been caught up in a polemic between supporters and detractors of its cult for centuries, said Nicolas Sarzeaud, the lead author of the new study.

What has been uncovered is a significant dismissal of the Shroud, said Dr Sarzeaud, a researcher on the history of relics and images at Belgiums Universite Catholique of Louvain.
A Newport man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly threatening to plant bombs at North Country Union High School, prompting an evacuation and lockdown of other local schools.

Cypher Aiken, 25, was charged with domestic terrorism for threatening a civilian population with mass destruction and mass killings.

According to the Newport Police Department, they received a report around 12:23 p.m. that Aiken had made a threat via text message.

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Upon receiving the threat, Newport Police immediately informed school officials, leading to the evacuation of North Country Union High School. Other schools in Newport were placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

The high school was thoroughly searched by Newport Police and maintenance staff, while police officers provided security at other schools during the lockdown.

Aiken was eventually located and apprehended at Shaws supermarket on Route 5 in Derby. The Vermont State Police Bomb Team was called to search Aikens vehicle for explosives, but no devices were found.

Aiken is being held on $50,000 bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Friday in Orleans District Court.

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I want to thank the numerous law enforcement agencies and departments that assisted us with responding to this situation, said Chief Bingham. We take the safety of our schools extremely seriously, and we are always ready to protect our community from these kind of irresponsible and dangerous threats.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom and California lawmakers on Friday announced a landmark deal with Uber and Lyft to allow hundreds of thousands of rideshare drivers to unionize and bargain collectively while still being classified as independent contractors.

The compromise between labor unions and the Silicon Valley companies, backed by Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire, would advance a collective bargaining bill through the Legislature along with a bill backed by Uber and Lyft that would significantly reduce the companies' insurance requirements.

The deal is a major development in the years-long tussle between organized labor and Silicon Valley over rights for independent contractors.

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Labor leaders from Service Employees International Union California, a powerful union that has been working for years to organize app-based drivers, said the deal is the largest expansion of private sector collective bargaining rights in California history.

"Labor and industry sat down together, worked through their differences, and found common ground," Newsom said in a statement. The agreement, he said, will "empower hundreds of thousands of drivers while making rideshare more affordable for millions of Californians."

With support from Rivas and McGuire, both bills are expected to sail through the Legislature before the session ends in mid-September. The agreement does not apply to other types of gig workers, including those who deliver food through apps like DoorDash.

The two bills "represent a compromise that lowers costs for riders while creating stronger voices for drivers," said Ramona Prieto, Uber's head of public policy for California, in a prepared statement.

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The deal marks a new chapter in nearly a decade of tension between technology companies and state lawmakers over the employment status of the tens of thousands of Californians who do gig work for app-based companies.

"This moment has been a long fight for over a decade in the making," said Tia Orr, the executive director of SEIU California.

After the California Legislature in 2019 rewrote employment law in 2019, clarifying and limiting when businesses can classify workers as independent contractors, Uber and Lyft went to the ballot in California to exempt their drivers.

When California voters passed Proposition 22, the ballot measure funded by Uber and Lyft, in 2020, drivers were classified as independent contractors and, under federal law, do not have the right to organize. Prop. 22 also explicitly barred drivers from collectively bargaining over their compensation, benefits and working conditions.

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But SEIU California argued that court decisions over Prop. 22 left an opening for the state Legislature to create a process for drivers to unionize.

Earlier this year, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) and Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) introduced the collective bargaining bill, AB 1340, which Uber and Lyft initially opposed.

The bill allows drivers to negotiate their pay and other terms of their agreements with the companies and exempts workers from the state and federal antitrust laws that normally prohibit collective action by independent contractors.

Under federal law, employees in the U.S. can unionize by holding an election or reaching a voluntary agreement with their employers for a specific union to represent them.

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The process for California Uber and Lyft drivers would be somewhat different. The bill says drivers can select a bargaining representative by collecting signatures from at least 10% of active drivers, then petitioning the state's Public Employment Relations Board for a certification.

That path to collective bargaining mirrors a ballot initiative approved by Massachusetts voters last fall that was also backed by SEIU, which allowed drivers to form a union after collecting signatures from at least 25% of active drivers in the state.

Veena Dubal, a law professor at UC Irvine who studies the effect of technology on workers, said the compromise reached by California lawmakers may not be strong enough to ensure that drivers can reach a fair contract.

The bill does not clarify whether drivers would be protected if they collectively protested or went on strike, she said, and doesn't require that the companies provide data about wages.

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"These are the crux of what makes a union strong and the very, very bottom line of what members need and want," Dubal said. "That they couldn't achieve those things  thats a win for Uber."

Uber driver Margarita Penalosa, 45, of Los Angeles, said she realized she needed a union after being temporarily deactivated from the app, and losing three days of income, when a passenger who reeked of marijuana left behind a lingering smell in her car that other riders then complained about.

"That experience made me realize how powerless we can be," she said. She said she hoped that a collective bargaining process would create a "clear, fair appeals process" for rider complaints.

A Southern California group that counts some 20,000 drivers as members said they had lobbied for provisions to strengthen the bill  including protections that would give drivers the right to strike and more enforcement resources for the state board tasked with overseeing the process  but had been largely shut out of negotiations.

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"We were not invited into conversations about this, and we were banging on the door, said Nicole Moore, president of Rideshare Drivers United.

Representatives from SEIU and Wicks' office met multiple times with Rideshare Drivers United about their proposals and discussed why some weren't included, said someone familiar with the negotiations who was not authorized to speak publicly. For example, that person said, strike protections could open up the bill to attack for potentially violating antitrust laws.

"While we always give fair consideration to suggested amendments, not all are ultimately viable," Wicks said. She added that her office heard from dozens of constituents and advocates over months of public debate, and "any suggestion otherwise is disingenuous."

Despite the weaknesses in the law, Moore said, she still hopes that it will help, since right now, she said, drivers "have no labor rights and our wages are in the dungeon."

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"We will do what we can with duct tape and a few paper clips and a little extra wax to actually wage a fight," she said.

The insurance bill, backed by Uber and Lyft and introduced by state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon (D-Yolo), would reduce the amount of insurance that companies like Uber and Lyft are required to provide for rides.

Currently, the companies must carry $1 million in coverage per rideshare driver for accidents caused by other drivers who are uninsured or underinsured. The companies have argued that current insurance requirements are so high that they encourage litigation for insurance payouts and create higher costs for passengers.

The agreement instead calls for $60,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per rideshare driver and $300,000 per accident.

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Cabaldon said that the changes would eliminate "outsized insurance requirements that dont apply to any other forms of transportation, such as taxis, buses, or limos."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Related video  KTXL: California Governor Gavin Newsom deploying more highway patrol officers to combat crime

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced Friday that he has created a new task force to dismantle homeless encampments in his states largest cities, citing public safety concerns.

California has put in place a strong, comprehensive strategy for fighting the national homelessness and housing crises  and is outperforming the nation as a result in turning this issue around, Newsom said in a statement. No one should live in a dangerous or unsanitary encampment, and we will continue our ongoing work to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home.

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The State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force is expected to target encampments on state rights-of-way in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Long Beach, Anaheim, Bakersfield and Fresno over the next 30 days.

The SAFE Task Force includes Californias Office of Emergency Services; Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency; California Interagency Council on Homelessness; California Health and Human Services; California Highway Patrol; and the California State Transportation Agency.

The governors office said the clearing of homeless camps would be coupled with efforts to provide services and shelter for people experiencing homelessness.

Newsom signed an executive order last year directing state agencies to adopt policies to clear camps on state property, as part of a broader push to address Californias homelessness crisis, after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling granted authorities more leeway to curtail encampments.

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Newsoms 2024 order noted that the state had spent more than $24 billion across multiple state agencies and departments to address homelessness since he took office in 2019.

The governors Friday news release contrasted his effort with President Trumps removal of encampments in Washington, D.C., which are ongoing.

Unlike the haphazard strategies employed by the Trump Administration, Californias SAFE Task Force brings together each of the tools created by Governor Newsom to clear encampments and connect people with the care they need, the release said.

The White House said earlier this month that homeless people in the nations capital could be subject to fines and jail time as the administration continues its sweeping anti-crime efforts.

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The homeless problem has ravaged the city, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Aug. 12. Homeless individuals will be given the option to leave their encampment, to be taken to a homeless shelter, to be offered addiction or mental health services, and if they refuse, they will be susceptible to fines or to jail time.

Newsom is seen as an early front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028 and has been engaging in an ongoing effort to mock Trump with social media posts mimicking the presidents bombastic style.

He announced plans Thursday to deploy crime suppression teams throughout the state, again contrasting his efforts with Trumps.

The President is doing things TO PEOPLE. California is doing it WITH PEOPLE, Newsom wrote on social platform X.

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Support for California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) as the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee is surging, according to a new poll.

An Emerson College Polling survey released on Friday showed 25 percent of Democratic primary voters saying they would support Newsom as the nominee, a jump from the 12 percent he received in a similar poll conducted in June.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg received support from 16 percent of respondents, consistent with what he received in June, while former Vice President Harriss support slid from 13 percent in the June poll to 11 percent in Fridays poll.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), former US ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) all received less than 10 percent support each.

The polling indicated that 3 percent wanted someone else, while close to 16 percent were undecided.

While Newsom received the highest share of support, the survey also showed that no candidate had notched at least half of the Democratic primary electorate several years out from the presidential primaries.

Governor Newsoms support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6% to 18%) an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13% to 31%), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9% to 23%) and White (10% to 24%) voters, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, explained in a press release.

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Newsom has drawn increasing national attention in a broader redistricting battle playing out across the country. Texas Republicans, under pressure from the White House and President Trump, passed a new House map that looks to help Republicans net five seats ahead of 2026.

The map is expected to be signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) soon.

In response, Newsom and other Democrats from the Golden State have teed up a House map of their own that looks to offset Republicans expected gains in the Lone Star State. The map will go before voters in a special election in November.

Newsom has also taken to mocking Trump on X, writing posts in the same manner and style as the president as hes sought to become one of the faces of Democrats efforts to fight back against the president in his second term.

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The Emerson College Polling survey was conducted between Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 with the overall poll surveying 1,000 active registered voters, with a margin of error of 3 points. The poll surveyed 387 Democratic primary voters during that time span, with a margin of error of 4.9 points.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Nigeria banned the export of shea nuts  a key ingredient in skincare products  to boost local refining and grow the countrys shea industry.

Nigeria provides nearly 40% of the worlds supply of the crop, but accounts for only 1% of the $6.5 billion global market, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima. He described the situation as unacceptable.

The immediate six-month ban aims to help the country shift from being an exporter of raw materials to a global supplier of lucrative shea-based products, such as beauty creams, chocolates, and ice cream.

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Abuja projects earnings from the countrys shea nuts to reach $300 million annually in the short term. Nigeria is joining other West African countries  including Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, and Togo  that have banned or restricted exports of the crop.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey's governor is asking federal officials to impose restrictions on nonessential helicopter flights in his state after a New York City sightseeing helicopter broke apart in midair in April, killing six people.

Gov. Phil Murphy, in an Aug. 18 letter, requested the Federal Aviation Administration use its authority to prohibit or sharply reduce the number of the aircrafts operating in the state.

The Democrat noted that the helicopter involved in the April 10 crash was based at a heliport in Kearny, New Jersey and plummeted into the Hudson River just 75 feet (22 meters) from the Jersey City waterfront.

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He argued that future crashes could be more devastating if they occurred on land as he called on the FAA to impose more stringent regulations, akin to the cap on tourist helicopter flights over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that the agency adopted in 2023.

We must not wait for such a tragedy to occur being taking decisive action, Murphy wrote.

The governor suggested flights from Kearny could be routed over Newark Bay rather than directly over densely populated Jersey City and Hoboken, reducing impacts on residential neighborhoods and enhancing safety by having helicopters fly more over water than land.

He also asked the FAA to consider limiting the operating hours for nonessential flights from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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The FAA, in a statement Thursday, said it would reach out directly to Murphy.

The agency also noted helicopters are not subject to the same minimum altitude restrictions as airplanes, which must fly at least 1,000 feet (300 meters) above the nearest obstacle when over densely populated areas. But, under federal regulations, they must not pose a hazard to people or property on land when operating.

Vertical Aviation International, an industry trade group, said Friday that the heliport reached an agreement in June with Hudson County and Kearny officials to cut the number of flights by the thousands. It also has agreed to not bring in a new tour company.

Safety and community compatibility are top industry priorities every day and VAI and our members have for years been working with the communities we live and work in to find balance between our impacts and the vital services and missions our industry provides, VAI spokesperson Bailey Wood said, noting that Murphy may not be aware of the deal reached between the officials and the heliport.

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The aircraft operated by New York Helicopter had been giving a typical tour of the Manhattan skyline when it broke apart about 18 minutes into the flight.

The crash killed the helicopter pilot and a prominent family from Barcelona. It also revived concerns about the safety of the popular and costly aerial tours over New York City.

The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report on the doomed flight in May, but is still investigating what caused the helicopter to break apart.
Law enforcement and bomb squad teams responded to the Papago Park Military Reservation near 52nd Street and McDowell Road after a threat involving a vehicle, according to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.

Reservation security forces responded about 4 p.m. Aug. 28, spokesperson Maj. Erin Hannigan said. Base personnel implemented "threat emergency procedures" and contacted the Phoenix Police Department, Hannigan said.

There were no reports of injuries or confirmed explosions, although traffic in and out of the military reservation was rerouted and restricted until further notice, Hannigan said. The public was asked to avoid the area.

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The incident response was out of an abundance of caution, according to Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Rob Scherer. He did not think there was any criminal element or intent behind the threat, he said in a call to The Arizona Republic.

The reservation serves as the joint forces headquarters for the Arizona Army National Guard, according to its website. The Air Force also uses the space, the website said.

Another bomb scare at a Phoenix business

The Phoenix police bomb squad was called to a business near 32nd Street and Thomas Road because of "the possible presence of a incendiary device," according to Scherer.

The call came in about 3:15 p.m. Responding officers located the device and called the bomb squad, Scherer said.

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Bomb squad officers investigated the device but determined there was not a danger, Scherer said.

The surrounding area was evacuated in an abundance of caution, and police began clearing the scene about 4:30 p.m. after the investigation, Scherer said.

What we know: Phoenix has permanent police chief for the first time since 2022. These are his priorities

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bomb squads rule out threats to Phoenix military facility and business
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  For Alicia Jordan, there are no other words for it  public humiliation.

Jordan said thats what happened to her special needs son last week at school, as the 3-year old was acting up, as he often does, and his teacher at the Berkley Campostella Early Childhood Center made a video of it while it was happening.

She said if the video of her son had been used privately to highlight his special needs and improve his education plan, that would have been OK with her. Instead, in her mind, it turned into a public embarrassment.

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She got the diagnosis for him two years ago when he was just a year old  autistic, level 3, non-verbal.

But hes very active, and he was playing and jumping around and reaching out for his mom as she interviewed Thursday morning with WAVY.

That level of activity was captured on the video his teacher recorded Aug. 21, his first day of school, with the teacher narrating. He ripped the bulletin board down. He threw all the books in the library on the floor.

Jordan says this would be fine if she were the only one to see the video, but she wasnt.

I went on the schools Dojo site, accessible to other parents, [and] every parent that had a child at ECC was able to see it was posted publicly, Jordan said. She said at least four parents alerted her that her sons behavior was on the schools Dojo page.

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Jordan responded, absolutely, when asked whether she felt her son was publicly humiliated, and said it was especially aggravating because she had met a week before with his teacher at the schools open house and explained his special needs.

She said she confronted the teacher with what had happened.

[I asked her] why is this posted publicly, if I already had a face-to-face conversation with you at the open house, she said.

Jordan got the principal to watch the video.

She was shaking her head and said she was sorry, Jordan said. Im like, OK, this is understood, but Im pulling him out of school.

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Jordan feels the teacher should not be in charge of kids like hers with special needs.

I dont think she should have that job with those kids because that went against the ADA disability rights, Jordan said.

Norfolk Public Schools sent this statement Friday morning, citing student privacy and personnel matters, but also acknowledging the incident:

Norfolk Public Schools takes all school-related incidents very seriously. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. While we understand the concerns that have been raised, this situation involves personnel matters and student privacy, which we are not able to discuss publicly. Please be assured that NPS is committed to addressing all concerns appropriately and ensuring that every student is treated with respect, dignity, and care.

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Meanwhile, Jordan said shes looking for another NPS school for her son, possibly Fairlawn Elementary.

When asked if shed consider sending him back to the Berkley Campostella ECC, she responded, no way.

Jordan also said she is looking for an attorney.





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DAVIESS COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  With each passing year, standardized tests are becoming more common and more important for young students, but one local high school is structuring its classes in a different way, giving kids an alternative route that could lead to a lifelong career.

Students at North Daviess High School are getting the option to spend less time in the classroom and more time in the shop. Junior Graham Harrell has taken more than one of the schools new entrepreneurship and hands-on learning classes.

Here in the back of the school you learn more about life, you get to really know what its like to be outside of a classroom, Harrell said. In the classroom, all youre told is sit there and listen, its like youre programmed to just do one thing. Back here you have the opportunity to get out, spread your wings, and do a lot more.

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One of those classes is welding. Teacher Chadd Flint said he runs his classes like a business, having students do things like take inventory and allowing them to earn certifications.

We have seven certifications that they can get before they graduate and as they move out into the field, they can take those with them, it looks good on a resume, Flint said. Even if they have to recertify at other places, they still have that to show on their resume. Were putting kids in real jobs right out of school.

Cougar Creations is a new program that isnt just run like a merchandise shop. Teacher Rebecca Stuffle said items are actually purchased from outside the school.

We produce things for the school, the community, and businesses, Stuffle said. That includes shirts, posters, banners, awards, hats, anything that someone will want us to produce, we produce those items and sell them as a part of a student-run business.

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In the fabrication lab, students are working on projects that will be shown, next week, at the White River Valley Antique Show. Sophomore Lilly Wetter said she takes great pride in her work.

Its very cool to see other people being able to see the work you did and people being able to know the progress youve made over time, Wetter said.

For some students, like Jessie Yoder, this work may not stop when they graduate.

I really like the business type, Yoder said. I was thinking about starting a business when I get older and I feel like this class really motivates me.

North Daviess students will have many of their projects shown at the upcoming White River Valley Antique Association Show. That will take place September 3rd through the 6th in Elnora.

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By Jack Kim and Sebin Choi

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised "a beautiful life" for the families of "martyrs" who perished fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine, state media said on Saturday, praising the bereaved for the heroism of their sons and husbands.

Kim on Friday hosted the families of soldiers and expressed "grief at having failed to save the precious lives" of the fallen men who sacrificed their lives to defend the country's honour, KCNA state news agency reported.

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The heroic feats of the soldiers and officers were possible because of the strength and courage given to them by families who are "the most tenacious, patriotic and just people in the world", Kim told the parents, wives and children, KCNA said.

"They did not write even a short letter to me, but I think they must have entrusted their families, including those beloved children, to me," Kim was quoted as saying.

The country will "provide you with a beautiful life in the country defended at the cost of the lives of the martyrs," he said.

North Korea's state television showed Kim bowing deeply to family members who appeared overcome with emotion at the event.

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The meeting was the latest honouring of troops who suffered heavy casualties in Russia's Kursk region that borders Ukraine, after Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the deployment in April after months of silence.

State television on Saturday aired a 25-minute documentary that included footage of soldiers purportedly taking part in "Operation Kursk Liberation" to drive Ukrainian troops from the Russian region bordering Ukraine.

Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage showing North Korean troops engaged in battles.

The film said Kim made the decision to deploy troops to Russia last August, revealing for the first time that the move was made two months after he and Putin signed a security treaty that included a mutual defence pact.

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Kim is due to join Putin in China at a military parade next week marking the surrender of Japan in World War Two. It will be their third meeting in two years as they dramatically elevated a military alliance.

The two countries have not publicly disclosed the scale of the deployment or casualties suffered by North Korean troops. About 600 have been killed out of a total deployment of 15,000, according to South Korea's intelligence agency.

There have been estimates by Western intelligence of more than 6,000 casualties.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; editing by Diane Craft and Gareth Jones)
North Korean ruler Kim Jong-un will attend the first multilateral event of his premiership when he appears beside international leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing next week.

Chinas foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that Kim would travel to the Chinese capital for celebrations on 3 September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender at the end of World War II.

We warmly welcome General Secretary Kim Jong-un to China to attend the commemorative events, said Hong Lei, China's assistant minister of foreign affairs.

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KCNA, North Koreas state news agency, also said that Kim would be in attendance at the Victory Day parade, which is set to include a procession of tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers and a display of the countrys latest weaponry.

Although Kim has held bilateral meetings with world leaders including US President Donald Trump since assuming power in 2011, he has never taken part in multilateral proceedings before.

In total, 26 foreign leaders are expected at the event in Beijing, including Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Myanmars military ruler Min Aung Hliang.

Given the EUs opposition to Putins war in Ukraine, there will be little European representation at the parade.

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who unlike most of his European peers has maintained a relationship with Russia, will be the only leader from the bloc in attendance.

Kims trip to Beijing will mark his first in-person meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping since June 2019, when the pair met in Pyongyang. Earlier that year, the North Korean leader travelled to China for talks.

Related

China is one of Pyongyangs principal allies, with North Korea relying on Beijing for the majority of its external trade.

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The isolated countrys other chief ally is Russia. Since the start of Moscows all-out war in Ukraine, relations between the Kremlin and Pyongyang have deepened, with the pair reviving a Cold War defence treaty last June.

North Korea has sent thousands of its troops to Russias Kursk province to fight off a Ukrainian incursion there. In exchange, experts believe Moscow is helping its ally with food, oil and weapons technology.

Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said that North Korean ties with China have been affected by the move.

Pyongyangs illicit cooperation with Moscow has strained ties with Beijing, even as Chinas political and economic support remains vital for the North Korean regime, Easley said.
[Source]

A vicious attack on a 15-year-old Indian American student during what was supposed to be a typical evening dog walk in Frisco, Texas, has raised safety concerns among neighbors amid escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric targeting the areas rapidly growing Indian American community.

What happened: Ankur Dhar was stabbed by an unknown individual who approached him in the 1500 block of Plum Valley Lane in the Grayhawk neighborhood at around 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 17. The stranger initially engaged the teenager in conversation, asking his name and inquiring about Lone Star High School, where he attends.

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The encounter turned violent when the attacker pulled out a knife. He started running at me and he stabbed me with a knife and then he just ran off, Dhar told CBS Texas. A neighbors security camera captured parts of the attack, which occurred just two houses from Dhars home. The victim received treatment at a nearby hospital, while the suspect remains at large.

About the community: Asian Americans saw their fastest population growth nationwide in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area between 2022 and 2023, with Collin County  where Frisco is located  accounting for nearly 22% of the areas 44,000 new Asian residents. Among Asian groups in the area, those of Indian descent make up the largest segment at roughly 35%.

Trending on NextShark: Honolulu Chinatown cook faces permanent vision loss after acid attack

Further back, the countys Indian American population has more than doubled from 3.8% to 7.5% over the past decade. Corporate expansions by major employers like Toyota and JP Morgan Chase have drawn professionals to the region. Unsurprisingly, the community has built a strong presence, as seen in the India Association of North Texas annual Anand Bazaar festival that attracts thousands, and the expansion of India Bazaar grocery chain to at least 10 DFW locations since opening in 2004.

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The big picture: The attack occurred as anti-immigrant hostility targeting Indian Americans intensifies across Texas. Earlier this month, a video of apparent South Asians shopping at a Frisco Costco went viral on X. The Indian takeover in full view. Hardly any Americans in sight, user @info_maiden wrote in their post, adding that their population has exploded 4,510% over the last 20 years. H-1B betrayal robs our people of jobs, wipes out our heritage and erases our communities.

Meanwhile, Indians in Ireland have also fallen victims to a wave of racist violence. In one incident, a taxi driver was hospitalized after two passengers attacked him with a broken bottle, hitting his forehead twice while shouting go back to your country.

Trending on NextShark: North Texas Indian community on edge after teen stabbed while walking dog

Anyone with information about the stabbing is urged to call Frisco police at 972-292-6010 or text FRISCOPD followed by the tip to 847411.

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This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

Trending on NextShark: Utah community mobilizes violinist detained by ICE

Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member  your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community.

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Trending on NextShark: Former Japanese American WWII camp is now the country's largest immigration detention center

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(The Center Square)  The plan from a couple of Wisconsins progressive lawmakers to block ICE efforts in the state is drawing sharp, quick criticism.

Rep. Clint Moses, R-Menomonie, blasted the Keep Families Together package.

The so-called Keep Families Together package would funnel taxpayer dollars into immigration defense, block state, county, and city facilities from detaining individuals based on immigration, Moses said in a statement.

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Rep. Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee, and other members of The Wisconsin Legislative Socialist Caucus introduced a handful of pieces of legislation they say would address "the fear and chaos stoked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement."

President Trump is commanding ICE to detain and deport people to fill his arbitrary quotas, almost always without a judges oversight, often while agents are masked and unidentified," Clancy said. "This is textbook authoritarianism. Fascists always attack marginalized communities first, but they wont stop there. Ultimately, attacks on our undocumented neighbors undermine everyones safety."

The Socialist Caucus legislation would:

 Fund immigration defense work

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 Prevent government actors from acting while masked and unidentified

 Prohibit the use of state, county or city facilities for detaining people based solely on their immigration status

 Ban agreements appropriating local government resources for immigration enforcement

This is nothing more than a blueprint for turning Wisconsin into a sanctuary state at the expense of hardworking Wisconsinites, Moses said. I will not stand for legislation that shifts costs onto our communities or puts Wisconsinites in danger.
(This Aug 29 story has been corrected to show that the fund had divested from 12 companies up to June 30, not two dozen, in paragraph 13)

By Gwladys Fouche

OSLO (Reuters) - Former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is fighting on two fronts in Norway these days: bringing star power to the Labour Party's re-election bid, and running the government's response to a crisis in the country's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund.

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One of his country's most recognisable figures abroad thanks to a 10-year stint as secretary general of the alliance, Stoltenberg is now finance minister and also arguably Norway's most popular politician.

That's a boost to the centre-left Labour government and its left-leaning allies, which opinion polls say are narrowly favoured to win the September 7-8 general election, but with a smaller number of seats than in 2021.

Stoltenberg, 66, was surrounded by dozens of students on a recent morning after delivering a speech and taking questions at a business school in Oslo.

"Legend. He is a legend," said Bjoern Bakkan, a 28-year-old finance student after taking a selfie with "Jens", as he is widely known in Norway.

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Stoltenberg was prime minister in 2000-2001 and 2005-2013, and returned to the political fray in February when he was appointed to the finance job in what media dubbed "Stoltenback". Labour gained 10 points in opinion polls within days.

"One of the major factors was the return of Jens Stoltenberg," said Johannes Bergh, head of the national election studies programme at the Oslo-based Institute for Social Research.

"In addition to that, the international situation with the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. made people ... rally around the sitting government," Bergh said.

The departure of the Centre Party, a farmers' party, from the ruling coalition in January was another reason, making it easier for Labour to govern alone and as it wished, Bergh added.

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Stoltenberg is relishing being back on the stump.

"I'm actually surprised how much I like it," he told Reuters. "This is something I have done actually since the 1970s, and then I had a 10-year break when I was in NATO."

SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND AND ISRAEL

But Stoltenberg is also in charge of the government's response to an unprecedented crisis with the country's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, over its Israeli investments and the Gaza war.

Since June 30, the fund has divested from over two dozen Israeli companies, following media reports that it had built a stake in a jet engine company that provides maintenance for Israeli fighter jets. Until then the fund had divested from 12 Israeli companies since the start of the war in October 2023.

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The controversy centres around whether the country is effectively contributing to violations of international law by investing in companies active in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Several left-wing parties, which support Labour in parliament but are not in government, are campaigning hard on the issue, calling for a total divestment from Israel by the fund. The government has ruled that out.

Stoltenberg said he did not think the dispute would sway the election. "So far we haven't seen any impact in the opinion polls," he said. "This is not dominating."

He said he liked being part of a team campaigning for issues he believed in. "I believe in the Scandinavian model with a high level of equality and with dynamic economies."

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Still, in a tight race, the election could be decided by small groups of voters motivated by specific issues, such as climate change or the Gaza war.

Some voters said they are making Gaza their top issue.

"I voted for them (Labour) before and I wouldn't mind voting for them again, but there are also different parties that I feel are doing more for Gaza," said Abdirahman Roble, a 26-year-old finance student.

"That's where my vote is going."

(Reporting by Gwladys Fouche; Additional reporting by Tom Little; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Though he hasn't officially said he plans to run for president in 2028, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's star has risen exponentially in the party in the past few months due to his "fight fire with fire" approach to President Donald Trump. Justin Sullivan / Chip Somodevilla //Getty Images

Not everyone is loving the attention California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is getting for his ramped-up social media posts imitating President Donald Trump  and the critics are not just MAGA adherents.

For many in the trans community, its worrisome to see so many people rallying around Newsom and positioning him as the de facto resistance figure against Trump, given the California governors complicated stance on trans issues.

On the governors titular podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom, hes platformed fringe far-right guests, including some with transphobic views. He drew ire from some liberal circles in March, when he hosted pundit Charlie Kirk on the show and found common ground with Kirk on the issue of allowing transgender women and girls to compete in female sports.

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I think its an issue of fairness. I completely agree with you on that, he told Kirk in the episode. It is an issue of fairness, its deeply unfair. Weve got to own that. Weve got to acknowledge it.

Mercedes Weikal, a trans woman and a journalist who writes about the car industry, is among those troubled by Newsoms about-face, especially because she sees him as a viable presidential candidate in many other ways. The politician has the kind of energy the Democrats have been missing for far too long, she says.

Newsom  or at least some millennial staffers on his social media team  has nailed Trumps social media style: the blustery, all-caps missives replete with name-calling and weird, buff AI portraits. Hes energizing the base.

Its unfortunate that this energy has come with terms and conditions, for trans people, she told HuffPost.

Related: Trump Once Again Inserts Black Women Into A Dizzying Rant About Chicago  Experts Know Why

Historically, Weikal sees Newsom as having been a better trans and LGBTQ+ ally than most politicians; she pointed out how, in 2024, he signed the SAFETY Act, a bill that helps protect California LGBTQ students from being outed by their schools. As mayor of San Francisco, he famously issued marriage licenses before gay marriage was legalized by the Supreme Court in 2015.

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In 2022, California declared itself a refuge for transgender health care after Newsom signed a law ensuring gender-affirming care for California minors and those living outside the state.

But recently, hes broken with liberals on hot-button trans issues. In the same March podcast episode with Kirk, Newsom said the Democratic Party was crushed on transgender issues in the 2024 election.

A Pew Research Center survey from February found that Americans have grown more supportive of restrictions for trans people, too. Roughly 66% favor or strongly favor laws and policies that require trans athletes to compete on teams that match their sex assigned at birth. About 56% support policies that ban health care professionals from providing care related to gender transitions for minors.

Weikal said she looks at Newsom  and other Democratic politicians like him who are on the fence on issues like this  and sees someone whos decided that trans people and other vulnerable groups like unhoused people are worth sacrificing to score a political win.

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Its understandable how trans people, including myself, are feeling sour about Newsom. It feels like we are in a no-win situation, she said. Trump and MAGA want to erase us, and the Democrats are keen to move aside to let it happen.

Newsom has broken with liberals on many hot-button trans issues recently. Carlin Stiehl via Getty Images

Though Newsom hasnt officially said he plans to run for president, his star has risen exponentially in the party in the past few months due to his fight fire with fire approach to Trump, and not just because of the viral social media posts.

His efforts to curb Trumps power include a plan to redraw his states congressional boundaries in response to Texas Republicans plan for mid-decade redistricting. Hes also sued Trump after the president federalized Californias National Guard in response to demonstrators against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

At the same time, his support of the trans community has become less certain. Earlier this year  right around the time he had Kirk on his podcast  Politico reported that senior officials in Newsoms governors office quietly discouraged Democrats from introducing transgender rights legislation, including legislation that would have required judges to consider childrens gender identity in custody disputes.

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As reporter Erin Reed wrote in The Advocate this week, the caution came precisely as red states were escalating their crackdowns, enacting increasingly hostile laws. California could have served as a bulwark  a safe ground  but instead, Newsom hit the brakes.

Last month, the politician spent more than four hours on a podcast hosted by former U.S. Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan and refused to give a direct answer when asked what age is too young for children to undergo transgender-affirming surgery.

Related: Newsom Says Democrats Haven't Learned Anything From Losing To Trump

Im concerned with the direction Newsoms politics have taken over the last few months, Zoe Tunnell, a writer and trans woman, told HuffPost.

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Newsom may have given a toast at the 2019 wedding of his godchild, who came out as a trans man in 2021, and his trans bride, Tunnell said, but in 2025 he is sidling up to right-wing influencers on his podcast and claiming he doesnt understand how pronouns work.

His latest shift, suggesting that 25-year-old adults may be too young to be able to consent to HRT is a radically right-wing opinion, far more conservative than even the deepest of red states have attempted to push through legislation at this point, she added.

"It isn't ridiculous to refuse to support someone who won't support our own right to live our lives as ourselves," said Zoe Tunnell, a writer and trans woman. Bloomberg via Getty Images

As the Trump administration has released policy after policy targeting the rights and personhood of transgender people, Tunnel believes the trans community deserves better in Democratic politicians. Its also frustrating to have people online suggest that trans people just need to grin and bear any potential Newsom run for the greater good.

The resounding cries of required support for Newsom so long before the election by Democrats, when he has done nothing but show no care or empathy for trans people at a time when they are more targeted and terrified than ever, are insulting and exhausting, she said.

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Mx. Dahlia Belle, a stand-up comedian and trans activist, feels similarly. She told HuffPost she wants more from her elected representatives than cheeky online clapbacks.

Related: JD Vance's Brutal Public Booing Is Prompting Quite The Strong Reaction Online

I dont want the U.S. political system reduced to memes and Twitter fights, she said. I want my fellow Americans to recognize that not Trump will never be enough, that what those of us at the bottom rungs of society truly want and need is progress and, preferably, a genuine overhaul of a failed and broken system.

The only serious way forward, Belle thinks, is a progressive candidate equally unwilling to waver on principles of democracy, human rights, dignity and social equity.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
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Ohios nearly universal school voucher program has a plethora of supporters and opponents  causing a divide among how families pay for private schools.

The Ohio Capital Journal talked to two parents who send their children to private school  one who uses school vouchers and the other who refuses to use vouchers.

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Micah Berman does not use a school choice voucher to send his fifth grade student to the Columbus Jewish Day School in New Albany.

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I think its critical for us to have a strong public school system and it certainly seems to me that universal vouchers are undermining that, he said.

The Bermans sent their son to kindergarten during the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when most schools were doing remote or hybrid learning. But the Columbus Jewish Day School was going back to in-person learning and they liked the schools commitment to Jewish values.

We were trying to find the right option for each kid and part of the decision making was affected by COVID, Berman said.

The Bermans enrolled their son in Columbus Jewish Day School back in 2020 and were eligible for the Educational Choice Scholarship because Columbus City Schools was their home district, but they were not interested.

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We were very clear with (the Columbus Jewish Day School) from the beginning that  we were not going to take the voucher, he said. Were not going to be part of taking those resources away from the Columbus district.

Ohio lawmakers expanded the Education Choice-Expansion eligibility to 450% of the poverty line through the 2023 state budget  creating near-universal school vouchers. K-8 students can receive a $6,166 scholarship and high schoolers can receive a $8,408 scholarship in state funding under the expansion.

Tuition at the Jewish Day School is $19,184 a year. The Ohio Capital Journal sent questions to the Jewish Day School, but they did not respond.

The Jewish Day School has about 60 students and Berman said the school originally mandated families getting financial aid to apply for the vouchers after the EdChoice-Expansion in 2023.

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We were definitely troubled by the idea of either encouraging or mandating parents to take the voucher, Berman said.

Berman and another parent at the school sent a letter to the Jewish Day School school board expressing their concerns over the policy and how it does not match up with the schools Jewish values.

A school bus. (Photo by Phillippe Gerber/Getty Images)

We chose to send our children to CJDS in large part because of its commitment to tikkun olam, the Jewish obligation to build a better and more equitable world, they wrote in the letter, dated Oct. 3, 2023.

The parents outlined two main concerns with the policy.

The Boards policy puts pressure on CJDS families to betray their own values by requiring them to seek out vouchers that they may be morally and ethically opposed to in order to obtain any financial aid; and sends a message to the parents, the public, and other private and public schools that CJDS endorses and is willing to benefit from the EdChoice program, even though the program runs counter to core Jewish values and basic tenants of social justice.

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The school rescinded their policy and no longer requires families to apply for the vouchers, Berman said.

I think parents, understandably, if theres money thats going to reduce the cost of private education, theres very strong incentives to take that, Berman said. But as youve seen, most of the people getting the vouchers are families who are already sending their kids to private schools.

Ohio nonpublic school enrollment increased about 2% from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024 and public school enrollment declined slightly  dropping about 6,000 students from the 2022-23 school year to the 2023-24 school year, according to data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

Part of the reason the Bermans moved to Columbus was to pay taxes to Columbus City Schools and their third grader goes to an elementary school in Columbus City Schools.

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I think you have to kind of be blinding yourself to the broader reality to accept that vouchers dont have an impact on public schools, Berman said.

Ohio spent nearly a billion dollars on private school scholarship programs for the 2024 fiscal year, the first full year with near-universal school vouchers. Well more than a third of that money ($406.7 million) was from Education Choice Expansion scholarships.

Theres no way you can take that much money and transfer it to private schools without having an impact on public schools, Berman said.

Nearly 90% of Ohio students attend public schools, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

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Private schools are just not going to be able to serve the needs of most Ohio kids, Berman said. There are all sorts of language needs and learning needs and health needs that the public school system can address that the private schools cant.

A Franklin County judge recently ruled that Ohios private school voucher system is unconstitutional, but Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost plans on appealing the decision.

(Faith) was an added bonus

Sarahann Tiner uses school vouchers to send two of her children  a third and first grader  to Toledo Christian Schools. Her oldest son, a fifth grader, goes to Hope Learning Academy, a Toledo charter school, but all three of her children previously attended Emmanuel Christian School.

The only way that were able to do that was with the school vouchers, she said.

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Her oldest son first went to kindergarten at Whittier Elementary School in the Toledo Public Schools, but the Tiners started exploring Emmanuel Christian after hearing about it from a co-worker.

I had never even had a private school on my radar because I dont have to pay anything out of pocket (with public school), she said.  I was never opposed to it because I grew up in church.

Emmanuel Christians curriculum ended up being the deciding factor for the Tiners.

We ultimately sent our kids to a Christian school because we liked the curriculum and it had nothing to do with (faith), Tiner said. That was an added bonus.  it wasnt even anything to do with the fact that its a faith-based school.

Getty Images.

The Tiners qualified for the traditional EdChoice scholarships before the expansion. They refuse to send their three boys to Toledo Public Schools and the EdChoice vouchers are the only way they can send their children to private school, she said.

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I will either quit my job and homeschool  and that will be a nightmare, but I would do it  or my husbands just going to be working a lot of over time (if it werent for the vouchers), Tiner said.

Tuition at Toledo Christian Schools costs $8,650 a year and K-8 students can receive a $6,166 scholarship through EdChoice, so the Tiners pay some tuition.

If youre on the higher end of the income bracket, youre not really benefiting anyway, she said. People arent quitting their jobs  so that they could get more money from a voucher that they didnt get beforehand anyway.  It literally only helped families maybe take $1,000 or $2,000 off of their tuition. Thats it. Its not like EdChoice is paying full tuition.

Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky.

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A B-52 Bomber nearly collided with two airplanes in one day, according to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

The July 19 incident came to light after the pilot operating the SkyWest Airlines flight apologized to customers for performing an aggressive maneuver to avoid hitting a military aircraft.

The airline was operating a regional flight for Delta Air Lines to Minot International Airport in North Dakota from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A US Air Force's B-52 bomber flies over Skopje, Macedonia on August 22, 2022.

What happened?

The military plane appeared without warning in a scary moment during the flight. The U.S. Air Force said air traffic controllers never warned the B-52 crew about the nearby aircraft. According to the NTSBs report, there was only one air traffic controller working at the airport at the time of the near-misses.

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The agency revealed that after the bomber nearly hit the commercial airplane, it almost collided with a private Piper aircraft.

There was normal volume with normal capacity for that time of day, the airports air traffic control manager told the agency.

The SkyWest pilot told customers he was surprised to see the bomber, which was performing a flyby over the North Dakota Fairgrounds. The Federal Aviation Administration had cleared the military plane to enter the airspace.

Sorry about the aggressive maneuver, the pilot said over the intercom. It caught me by surprise...This is not normal at all. I dont know why they didnt give us a heads up.

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Later, the B-52 came within one-third of a mile of hitting the Piper airplane.

Transcripts of the calls between air traffic control and the airplanes show that the controller was struggling to navigate the aircraft.

At one point, the controller issued a command to the military plane, but then instructed the pilots to disregard it. The SkyWest pilot told passengers that Minot Airport does not have radar and its tower does everything visually.

How did passengers describe the near-miss?

Monica Green, one of the 76 passengers on board SkyWest Airlines Flight 3788, shared video of the ordeal with Storyful.

She said the force of the maneuver kept me centered in my seat, but I could look out the window and see straight at the grass instead of seeing the horizon.

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She added it felt like a very abrupt U-turn. There were also four crew members on board the flight.

The pilot made the decision not to tell passengers about the near-miss until they had landed safely, Green told CBS.

It was so crazy to not know what was happening in the moment and just hear it after the fact, and then just be let off the plane just to continue about our days as normal she said.

The NTSB did not definitively state what caused the near-misses. A final report on the matter is due approximately one year after the incident.

The near-miss comes roughly eight months after a military Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac River, killing 67 people.

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Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NTSB releases report on B-52 bomber that nearly hit passenger plane
(The Center Square)  New York business groups are urging state utility regulators to approve a previously rejected plan to extend a regional natural gas pipeline championed by President Donald Trump as part of broader efforts to expand domestic production of the fossil fuel.

The Northeast Supply Enhancement project calls for extending a pipeline that runs from Pennsylvania to New Jersey into New York City and Long Island to help provide more energy for the region, which backers say has long been constrained by a lack of capacity. National Grid, a regional utility behind the project, and developer Williams, say the $1 billion expansion of the Transco pipeline will provide enough gas to power more than 2.3 million homes.

The previously rejected project was resurrected in May following talks between Gov. Kathy Hochul and Trump, who reportedly lifted a work order on a wind farm off the coast of Long Island in exchange for Hochul dropping her opposition to pipeline expansion. National Grid resubmitted its plans to the New York Public Service Commission in July, and regulators have been soliciting public feedback before reviewing the project.

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Ahead of a decision on the project, business groups are making a major push to win approval for the pipeline expansion they say will reduce electricity prices and make the New York electrical grid more reliable.

"Reliable and affordable energy is essential to the success of our local businesses, and this plan represents a smart investment in our regions future," Robert Fonti, chairperson of the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers, wrote in testimony to the state agency. "This added capacity is not just about meeting todays needs, its about ensuring resilience in the face of future challenges, including extreme weather events and supply disruptions."

A coalition of groups, including the Association for a Better Long Island, Long Island Builders Institute and Long Island Contractors Association, are also urging regulators to approve the project, writing in testimony that it "balances our immediate energy reliability needs with our long-term sustainability objectives."

"As our regions demand for energy continues to grow, this requires us to look ahead to ensure that our communities have the necessary infrastructure in place to meet that demand," they wrote. "Following recent changes to offshore wind policies by the federal government, we need to ensure access to a mix of energy sources that are reliable, affordable, and clean if we are to meet future energy needs."

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Energy industry officials have long argued that a lack of pipeline infrastructure partly constrains the Northeasts energy market and have pushed to expand it. They say natural gas is likely to be a key part of the region's energy mix for years and pipeline constraints have led to higher bills for ratepayers.

But the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has previously rejected permits for the NESE pipeline, claiming the project would destroy "sensitive habitats and cause "significant water quality impacts." Environmental groups have urged the state agency to reject the latest proposal, claiming it conflicts with a law requiring the state to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and transition its power grid to zero-emission sources by 2040.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is among those who oppose the pipeline expansion project. He said the pipeline will saddle National Grid customers with an estimated $200 million a year in utility bills for the next 15 years. He accused Hochul of flipping on the issue after striking a deal with Trump.

"The governor is undermining New Yorks climate mandates by bringing back a previously rejected fracked gas pipeline project without any meaningful opportunity for public input," Lander wrote in testimony to regulators. "To stay on track toward a just and equitable climate future, the DEC must reject the NESE pipeline."
A record deployment of NYPD officers will be assigned to protect revelers at the West Indian Day Parade and JOuvert celebrations this Labor Day weekend  as an additional 2,500 cops will also be sent to parks and gang hot spots throughout the city to tamp down any potential gang violence, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Friday.

All summer long, police foot posts have been placed around the Big Apple to drive down shootings to record lows, Tisch said during a press conference at Brooklyns Grand Army Plaza, announcing the NYPDs plans for this weekends parade.

Thanks to a Police Academy graduation on Aug. 6 that added nearly 1,000 new officers to the departments ranks  the biggest addition of manpower in almost a decade  the NYPD can expand its coverage even further this Labor Day weekend, Tisch said.

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This is a bigger foot post deployment than we have ever done in the past on this weekend, she said.

Thousands of cops will be specifically detailed along the West Indian Day Parade route down Eastern Parkway and the neighboring streets for the JOuvert celebration, which starts at daybreak Monday, five hours before the parade kicks off, officials said.

In addition, 2,500 more cops will be posted at trouble spots in boroughs around the city as part of an overall anti-violence initiative for the end-of-summer weekend.

We are going to have 2,500 officers on foot posts on streets where we know that gang violence has occurred in the past, Tisch said.

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A number of those officers will be assigned to parks, she said.

The West Indian Parade and JOuvert are perennially among the biggest events for the department in terms of sheer manpower deployed.

Last year, a gunman jumped a barricade during the parade and wildly opened fire, wounding a 16-year-old gang rival and striking four others, killing a 25-year-old man.

That shooting is still unsolved.

Tisch said the parade this year will now have two rows of barricades surrounding the parade, like a moat.

As always, the NYPD, along with our law enforcement partners, remain vigilant, she said. We are all on the same page about one thing: There will zero tolerance for violence of any kind. This must remain a celebration  not an occasion marred by guns or disorder.

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This weekend is meant to highlight culture, music and Caribbean pride and it should not be overshadowed by headlines about bloodshed or chaos.

Celebrants will be scanned for weapons before entering the frozen zone along and surrounding Eastern Parkway. Police will also use more drones than ever to monitor the action from overhead. And police will monitor social media in real time for any indication of possible gang violence.

Police recovered 13 guns after the shooting at last years parade, on top of the estimated three dozen recovered the entire weekend in the police precincts along and near the parade route.

Native Brooklynite Malik Scherrod said this will actually be the first time hell attend the festive parade. He said he supports the beefed-up NYPD deployment, especially in light of recent shooting incidents.

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Things have been changing the past few months, he said, shooting in the Bronx, shooting here, shooting there. So you have to step it up as things change.

The police presence throws it, throws things off at times, he said. You think twice before you want to act silly, you know. I mean, maybe you think three times.

And Scherrod supports the new, stricter parade rules, like spectators not being able to jump into the parade and march and dance along.

When my youngest son was in a parade in South Carolina, you couldnt run up from the street and go give him a high five, he said. So why should you be able to do it here?

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Jah Mark, 55, from Jamaica, who was vending on Eastern Parkway, also said he backs the Blue boost for Labor Day weekend.

I think thats good, he said. Police presence brings the safety.

But he doesnt like the ongoing ban on backpacks and booze at JOuvert, feeling its bad for business.

I dont agree with no backpack and no alcohol, he said. A lot of people drink, and those who drink, they spend money.

Fellow vendor Jah Lion King said he was near last years chaotic parade shooting. But he said, this year, hes feeling positive the event will be peaceful.

I just see people running, he recalled of last years deadly gunfire. We not think about that, this a new year. I think theres a goodness this year, and joy and happiness, you know. You know, we dont go back in the past. Were not gonna have no shooting this year.
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (PIX11)  An NYPD officer and suspect exchanged gunfire during an attempted gas station robbery in Mount Vernon on Friday, according to authorities

Police said a Bronx auto larceny unit was on patrol when they encountered two men fitting the description of suspects involved in a gunpoint robbery of a gas station on 3rd Avenue.

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The officers attempted to stop the men, chasing them on foot, according to authorities. Police said thats when one of the suspects fired a gun at the officers.

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One officer returned fire, according to authorities. No injuries were reported.

The suspects are described as a man wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and another person wearing all black, according to authorities. Police said they were seen walking in Mount Vernon.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Metro-North service through Mount Vernon West and East stations was suspended to New York City, but has since resumed as of 8:30 a.m., according to city officials. Residents are encouraged to avoid Mount Vernon and Lincoln avenues amid the search for the suspects.

Pearl Street is also closed for the investigation, Mount Vernon officials said.

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Mount Vernon Police encourages anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact the MVPD Detective Division at 914-665-2510. All calls will be kept confidential.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
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A series of violent smash and grab robberies in Oaklands Chinatown last week, including a jewelry store heist and two bank ram raids, has left business owners shaken and demanding urgent safety measures. Mayor Barbara Lee and Police Chief Floyd Mitchell met with community leaders Thursday to address the growing fears.

Jewelry store owner injured

On Aug. 18, more than eight armed robbers crashed a large truck at full speed through Kim Tin Jewelry in Little Saigon, ramming through the entire store and trapping the owner inside. He suffered several injuries, including severe bruising to his leg, after being knocked against cabinets and broken glass. His son, Jason Dao, said the thieves held his father at gunpoint and took tens of thousands of dollars in merchandise.

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The shop remains closed as a GoFundMe campaign raises funds for medical care, repairs and lost income.

Trending on NextShark: Oakland Chinatown leaders demand stronger protection after violent robberies

Banks left severely damaged

Two days later, around 4:20 a.m. on Aug. 20, thieves used a U-Haul truck to smash into Sterling Bank and Cathay Bank on Webster Street. The suspects stole an ATM and fled, leaving both banks with extensive structural damage. The entrances have since been boarded up and private security has been stationed on site while repairs are underway.

Call for urgent action

Trending on NextShark: Minnesota officials urged to act as Hmong residents face deportation to Laos

At the community meeting, Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Tran said the crimes were not just property crime but an attack on the vitality of Oakland Chinatown. Carl Chan of the Chinatown Chamber Foundation added, We dont need politicians telling us how sorry they are. No. Just take action.

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Mayor Lee pledged to strengthen security through upgraded cameras and the installation of barriers to prevent vehicle attacks, while Chief Mitchell confirmed investigators are pursuing leads but emphasized that limited staffing prevents officers from being stationed on every corner.

Trending on NextShark: Alexandra Eala makes history as 1st Filipino to win US Open match

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter  a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

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Trending on NextShark: Deadly Typhoon Kajiki forces mass evacuations in Vietnam

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Barack Obama called Texas state Rep. James Talarico last week to express support for his leadership in the states redistricting battle, according to two people familiar with the call.

The former president specifically praised Talarico as an effective spokesperson for showing up on different media and platforms, including his recent interview with Joe Rogan  which Obama told him requires risk and authenticity.

Obamas call to Talarico comes as the Texas Democrat weighs entry into the states Senate race, which would pit him against former Rep. Colin Allred in a Democratic primary. The recent call between the two was not Obama signaling a preference in such a primary, the sources familiar said, and the two did not discuss a potential Senate run.

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The call also comes as Obama has reengaged in the political moment in ways broadly uncommon for a former Oval Office occupant in response to President Donald Trumps actions during his second term.

In private, hes holding calls with the partys rising stars. Earlier this summer, Obama called Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for mayor in New York City, where the former president offered him advice about governing and discussed the importance of giving people hope in a dark time, The New York Times reported .

In public, hes rallying Democrats in a number of ways. Hes actively encouraging Democrats to fight the GOPs Trump-inspired mid-cycle gerrymandering efforts  an existential threat to our democracy, Obama said in a video he posted Thursday. This week he trumpeted the partys upset victory in a special election for a seat in the Iowa state Senate. When we are organized and support strong candidates who are focused on the issues that matter, we can win. Let's keep this going, he said.

Hes endorsed, via X, Wednesdays edition of Ezra Kleins New York Times show. In that episode, the host shared his concern that Trump is creating crisis and disorder so he can build what he has wanted to build: an authoritarian state, a military or a paramilitary that answers only to him  that puts him in total control.

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It all amounts to something of an escalation for Obama. In April, he spoke about the importance of the rules-based order and criticized the Trump administrations crackdown on Big Law. In June, he shared his concern that America was fast approaching a situation in which all of us are going to be tested in some way, and we are going to have to then decide what our commitments are.

Perhaps now that test has arrived.

It comes at a moment when the Democratic Party is largely rudderless at the national level, seemingly adrift. In that vacuum  no clear leader, no clear vision, no identifiable cause at the moment aside from stopping Trump  Obama may be the partys most unifying figure.

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Nine more measles cases have been reported in Oconto County, state health department data show, as the highly contagious disease continues its spread in Wisconsin, bringing the total in the county, and statewide, to 23.

The state's outbreak remains concentrated in the county along Lake Michigan, home to about 40,000 people. Nine cases were reported there Aug. 2 from a single exposure during out-of-state travel, and five more Aug. 22. Outbreak data from the state health department shows nine additional cases as of Aug. 29.

All cases have been among unvaccinated people, and two people so far has been hospitalized, data show. There have been no deaths.

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Jaelyn Scanlan, the county's health officer and public health manager, said since the first cases were reported, every day looks different for her and her staff.

The disease requires an immediate phone call to the health department upon confirmation, no matter the time of day or night. Scanlan herself has fielded the nighttime calls.

Each investigation into a case includes identifying and reaching out to people who may have been exposed by the person who tested positive for measles, a process known as contact tracing.

Three nurses on staff, plus Scanlan, serve as contact tracers. She said as of now, they're on top of all of the contacts  but have plans for backup if it becomes too much work for four people to handle.

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They meet daily with state health officials to make sure their handling of the outbreak is going according to plan. They keep tabs on how people who have tested positive are doing. And they've set up community vaccination clinics and offered walk-in appointments at the health department to get residents the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

Among youth ages 5-18 years old, about 87% in Oconto County have received both doses of the MMR vaccine, according to DHS data. That's a higher rate than most other counties in the state but still lower than the 95% vaccination rate public health experts recommend as a target for preventing outbreaks of measles.

Scanlan said vaccine hesitancy is a "very common issue." In July 2024, the health department was a recipient of the Routine Immunizations Through Community Engagement (RICE) grant. The department used the funds to hold three vaccination clinics aimed at removing barriers that prevent people from accessing vaccines, Scanlan said, including hosting one in a rural area and offering translation services.

On the state health department web page announcing the grantees, Oconto County officials said they hoped translating vaccine materials into Spanish would increase vaccination rates in their seasonal and migrant worker population.

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The U.S. is experiencing its worst year for the highly contagious disease in more than three decades. More than 1,400 cases have been reported as of Aug. 27, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show, with more than one in 10 cases needing hospitalization.

To check your immunization status for the measles vaccine, you can visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry at dhfswir.org, or check with your doctor. Symptoms of measles start between 10 days and three weeks after exposure, and include a runny nose, high fever, fatigue, a cough, red and watery eyes, and a red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs.

This story has been updated to include new information.

Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 9 more measles cases reported in Oconto County
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa father is facing serious charges after allegedly abandoning his children in the early hours of the morning while under the influence of alcohol.

According to an Odessa Police Department affidavit, Jonathan Lee Ramirez is accused of leaving three young children alone at an unfamiliar apartment complex and then driving off, showing no intent to return. Hes been charged with three counts of Abandoning or Endangering a Child Without Intent to Return, a third-degree felony.

Around 2:30 a.m. on August 17, officers responded to a report of child abandonment in the 6400 block of East Ridge Road. There, officers made contact with the childrens uncle, who told them his niece had called him in distress after she and her two siblings had been left alone at the Hemingway House Apartments, a place where none of them knew anyone.

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The uncle reported that he rushed to pick up the children, who were crying and visibly shaken. According to the affidavit, the children had been riding in Ramirezs vehicle after being picked up from a movie at Cinergy Theatres earlier that night. One of the children stated in an interview that they immediately realized Ramirez was intoxicated, and he confirmed this himself to the children.

As Ramirez drove them home, the children reported he became increasingly erratic and began driving recklessly; allegedly taking sharp turns so fast that the vehicle briefly lifted onto two wheels. The children reportedly begged him to stop the car. Thats when Ramirez pulled over near the apartment complex, ordered all three children out of the vehicle, threw their belongings onto the ground, and sped away, leaving them alone in the dark around 1:30 a.m.

On August 21, detectives conducted child advocacy interviews at Harmony Home, where the children described the terrifying night in more detail. One child said Ramirez told them that if he died, they would all die too. Another reported being too emotionally distraught to speak to police at the time, as he and his brother couldnt stop crying.

The childrens statements consistently described fear for their lives because of Ramirezs behavior. Based on the childrens testimonies and the sequence of events, investigators concluded there was sufficient probable cause to charge Ramirez because he placed the children at substantial risk and violated state law by intentionally leaving them without care in a potentially dangerous situation.

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He was taken into custody on a warrant on August 22 and has since been released from jail on a combined $60,000 bond.

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ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Odessa woman is facing multiple charges after police say she was seen pushing a stroller with her infant daughter inside into traffic while intoxicated, putting both her children in serious danger. Ana Ayala has been charged with two counts of Endangering a Child, a second-degree felony, as well as Public Intoxication.

According to an Odessa Police Department affidavit, around 4:58 p.m. on August 22, officers responded to the 4100 block of E 52nd Street after another officer witnessed multiple vehicles abruptly stopping and swerving to avoid hitting Ayala, who was pushing a stroller across the busy roadway. Accompanying her was her 10-year-old son, who was seen crying and attempting to pull the stroller to safety. Inside the stroller was Ayalas 3-week-old daughter.

Investigators immediately intervened to stop traffic and made contact with Ayala, who reportedly showed clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, a strong odor of alcohol on her breath, and difficulty standing still.

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After being read her Miranda rights, Ayala allegedly admitted to drinking since early that morning after dropping her son off at school around 7:40 a.m. While she initially claimed to have consumed two BuzzBalls, a ready-to-drink cocktail with a high alcohol content, she later changed her statement, saying she drank three BuzzBalls along with two tall cans of alcoholic lemonade.

Ayalas son told detectives he was scared by his mothers behavior and tried to stop her from entering the street, but she refused to listen.

Ayala was taken into custody without further incident. She remained in the Ector County Law Enforcement Center as of Friday morning on a combined $50,000 bond.

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Even being rich and famous does not make you immune to the impacts of rising global temperatures.

This became apparent as Rainn Wilson, one of the stars of the beloved, long-running sitcom "The Office," took to Instagram to share that wildfires had forced him and his wife to once again evacuate, this time from a home in Oregon.

"This is our fourth evacuation over the last six years," Wilson says in a video posted online.

What's happening?

In the video, Wilson, most recognized for his role as workplace suck-up Dwight Schrute, did not name the specific Oregon blaze that had forced his evacuation.

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However, he most likely was referring to the Flat Fire, which has burned over 22,000 acres while being only about 5% contained, according to The Oregonian. The blaze was threatening roughly 4,000 homes.

Wilson also shared that he had previously been impacted by the devastating Los Angeles fires, which destroyed half of his Southern California home.

"No matter where I go on the West Coast, there have been fires ravaging the land," Wilson says in the Instagram video.

"Vulcan, the God of Fire, must have it out for me!" the actor joked in a post accompanying the video before addressing the real cause of his multiple evacuations: rising global temperatures.

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"Actually - soaring heat waves and extreme weather drought and floods are the culprit," he explained.

Why does it matter?

While some people might wonder why they should care that a rich Hollywood actor was being inconvenienced, Wilson was using his platform not to complain but to warn about the increasing threat of rising temperatures, particularly in the Western U.S.

"DO NOT BELIEVE A STUPID ACTOR that heat trapping gases released by humans have anything to do with it," Wilson posted. "Believe  NASA. If you like the science they used to get us to the moon, you'll LOVE their climate science research!"

NASA researchers have indeed provided science that supports Wilson's claims.

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"As the planet warms, hotter weather, earlier melting of winter snow, warmer nighttime temperatures, and decreasing summer rainfall all are contributing to increased fire activity," NASA explained on its website.

"In the Western U.S., the amount of summertime precipitation has the biggest effect on how much land area is burned in a given year," NASA continued.

Wildfires take lives, destroy homes and businesses, burn crops, and kill livestock, impacting people well beyond the flames' reach in the form of higher insurance premiums and food prices.

Across the U.S., home insurance rates jumped 13% from 2020 to 2023, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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These increases were even more pronounced in Western states. Colorado, for example, saw home insurance premiums skyrocket 51% from 2019 to 2022, the state's Department of Regulatory Agencies found.

And those figures only apply to the homeowners who can still get insurance coverage in the first place.

In California, major insurers like State Farm, AIG, and Allstate have stopped issuing new homeowners insurance policies altogether, according to Headwaters Economics.

What's being done about it?

For decades, scientists have warned that rising global temperatures would increase the severity of weather-related calamities like wildfires.

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Reversing this trend will require the world's economy to transition from dirtier, nonrenewable fuels toward cleaner, renewable sources of energy, such as solar.

To push for action at the political level, consider using your voice by contacting your elected representatives and voting for pro-climate candidates.

Taking things a step further, by driving an EV and installing solar panels on your home, you can reduce planet-heating pollution while also saving money on electricity and gas.

By pairing solar panels with a home battery system, your residence can become more resilient in the event of disaster-related power outages.

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EnergySage offers free tools that make it easy to compare quotes from local solar installers and maximize the use of tax credits and other government incentives, saving customers up to $10,000.

With EV tax credits expiring on Sept. 30, 2025, and tax credits for home solar ending Dec. 31, the time to act is now.

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DOVER, Ohio (WJW)  The Dover Police Department is investigating after officers responded to a 911 call that turned out to be a swatting hoax.

Just after 7 p.m. on Thursday, the police department received a call that multiple people were injured inside a home on E. Front Street in the Tuscarawas County city.

While officers responded to the area, residents on E. Front Street and Canal Street were told to shelter in place for their safety.

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A special response team set up a perimeter around the home, but during the investigation, law enforcement learned that the man who lives there didnt make the 911 call.

Investigators said he lives there alone and the call didnt come from his phone number.

I cant sleep at night: Family heartbroken after local mom killed in crash; suspect arraigned

He stated that he had been at work for some time and had not made any emergency calls, the police department said in a press release.

The incident was ruled as a swatting hoax and the shelter-in-place order was lifted.

Nobody was injured and no property was damaged, Dover police said.

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The swatting call remains under investigation at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
After increasing pressure from a number of groups, a key fishing board may soon implement new commercial fishing restrictions along the Atlantic coast.

As Maryland Matters reported, the Atlantic States Marine Commission's menhaden management board has voted to explore options for increasing maximum limits for menhaden hauls.

The move would aim to protect and better manage fish populations in the Chesapeake Bay, specifically the menhaden.

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The Atlantic menhaden have long been sought after for their value as fish meal and bait. For companies like Omega Protein, which contracts Ocean Harvesters, the small fish are a vital source of omega-3 fatty acids used in health supplements.

However, the company is currently capped at 51 metric tons of menhaden, a figure that some argue is still too high.

Lynn Fegley of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources introduced the motion to tighten restrictions after claiming that menhaden are not reaching Maryland's waters.

Instead, Fegley explained that Omega Protein's Virginia-based fishery is greatly diminishing the menhaden population.

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"We understand that this is a coastwide issue," Fegley said, per Maryland Matters. "We understand that things are changing  there is significant effort by a large-scale fishery in the Chesapeake Bay. The fish were there, but they were not where we are."

Other conservation groups and recreational anglers also raised their concerns about localized depletion within the Chesapeake Bay and its effects on other species.

Chris Moore, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director, noted that the overfishing of menhaden could do untold damage to the regional ecosystem.

"The Chesapeake's fisheries and predators can't wait," Moore told the publication. "Menhaden are key to a thriving Chesapeake Bay, and a healthy, productive Chesapeake is vital to the entire Atlantic coast."

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Despite the blowback, Ocean Harvest remained adamant that any negative impacts in the bay were not a result of its operations.

The company issued a statement noting that the Chesapeake Bay Foundation "omits mention of well-documented water quality issues in Maryland that may also explain the localized fishery observations cited."

For now, the menhaden management board will continue to hear arguments from both sides as it weighs its options.

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Thirty juvenile king cobras now roam free in Indian forests after wildlife teams and villagers joined forces to protect their breeding grounds in Andhra Pradesh, reported India New England News.

The conservation effort unfolded in North Andhra's Paderu Forest region, where indigenous groups partnered with state forest agencies to watch over cobra egg-laying sites.

Village members took active roles in guarding locations where these at-risk serpents reproduce, demonstrating that local participation can enhance wildlife protection.

This collaborative approach benefits both humans and nature. Communities that safeguard animals like king cobras receive job opportunities and build deeper bonds with their surroundings, while the serpents manage rodent populations that otherwise destroy food crops and carry illnesses.

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Indigenous peoples who have coexisted with these reptiles across centuries contributed essential insights about snake habits and territory requirements. Their participation turned a potential government-only effort into a village-powered achievement.

Farmers benefit directly from king cobra protection through chemical-free pest management. These predators naturally limit rodent numbers, cutting crop losses and eliminating costly pesticide purchases. Participating villages also benefit from educational programs tied to conservation employment.

This accomplishment has inspired bigger ambitions. State leaders revealed plans for a massive protected zone spanning thousands of hectares in the Eastern Ghats mountains. Once created, it would stand as Earth's inaugural refuge explicitly built for this snake species.

The positive results have encouraged conservation agencies to broaden village participation elsewhere. Officials are establishing messaging groups with residents in areas where elephants travel. This way, they relay immediate updates to avoid dangerous encounters.

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This community-centered approach could inspire comparable programs throughout India and internationally.

"This initiative highlights the power of grassroots collaboration," Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan posted on X. "It's a shining example of what's possible when communities are empowered to take part in conservation."

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FLORENCE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating human skeletal remains found in northern Wisconsin in October 2022, providing an update with new composite sketches to help identify the person.

The sketches can be seen below or at the following links:

History of violence towards women: Wisconsin man gets 6.5 years in prison for possessing firearm as convicted felon

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According to the release, a hunter found human skeletal remains in Florence County in the morning on October 28, 2022, with investigative work starting shortly after the report.

Data from examinations of the remains have led officials to believe that the following are characteristics of the individual:

An adult woman aged 30-83 at the time of death

Around 4-foot-8 to 5-foot-4

White and/or Hispanic

In addition, data from soil and dental examinations have led officials to believe the individual had been dead for at least two years and up to 15 years before the remains were found.

The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory has worked over the past nearly three years with private labs and law enforcement to try and identify the individual; however, results have not been effective.

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Oshkosh Area Community Pantry continuing mission to provide food as federal cuts hinder produce supply

Data has, however, excluded known missing people from Wisconsin and surrounding states.

Anybody with information is urged to contact the DOJs Division of Criminal Investigation at (608) 266-1671 or the Florence County Sheriffs Office non-emergency number at (715) 528-3346 and reference Florence County Jane Doe, DCI case 22-7814.

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The Terre Haute Police Department and Vigo County Crisis Intervention Team participated in a workshop with National Alliance for Mental Illness Indiana to develop integrated strategies to effectively identify and respond to the needs of adults entering the justice system with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders.

The workshop, referred to as Sequential Intercept Model Mapping, was conducted Thursday at Hamilton Center and will continue until noon Friday.

Debbie Teike, the chair of South Central Indianas National Alliance on Mental Illness affiliate, and Lynette Clark, the managing member of Integrative Wellness, moderated the SIM Mapping Workshop Thursday at Hamilton Center.

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First responders and those working in the mental health industry attended the workshop, which was organized by THPD social worker Jarom Hawker.

SIM Mapping is designed to help communities identify existing community resources, service gaps and opportunities for improved service coordination and communication between mental health, substance abuse and criminal justice professionals. Collaboration is key to funneling people through the mental-health system effectively.

According to its literature, there are six phases to the Intercept program.

Intercept 0 concerns community services, encompassing the early intervention points for people with mental and substance use disorders prior to coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

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Intercept 1 incorporates law enforcement. The primary activity at Intercept 1 is law enforcement and emergency services responses to people with mental and substance use disorders and is supported by training, programs and policies that help behavioral health providers and law enforcement work together.

Intercept 2 concerns initial court hearings and initial detention. At Intercept 2, an individual is detained and faces an initial hearing presided over by a judge or magistrate.

Intercept 3 encompasses jails and courts. Court-based diversion programs allow the criminal charge to be resolved while taking care of the defendants behavioral health needs in the community.

Intercept 4 sees people plan for transition from jail or prison back into the community and ensures people have workable plans in place to provide seamless access to medication, treatment, housing, health care coverage and services from the moment of release and throughout their reentry into society.

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Intercept 5 involves community corrections. People under correctional supervision are usually on probation or parole as part of their sentence, and Intercept 5 strengthens community corrections officers knowledge and ability to serve people with mental or substance use disorders.

The SIM workshop focused on cross-systems collaboration and reducing service barriers. It explored the flow of criminal justice contact from arrest to incarceration and access to services to create a specific, local action plan to address the identified gaps and barriers in the community.

Attendees shared stories of their experiences in the field.

Chris Carrera, a community health worker with the Terre Haute Police Departments social work program and a retired policeman, said he and Hawker are very, very busy. Theres more need that were not getting to.  Theres a diverse mix of things were called on.

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Matt Hayes, the executive director of Hamilton Centers 24/7 Crisis Diversion Center, touted its Crisis Receiving and Stabiliazation Services, where people can walk in or can be dropped off by law enforcement for treatment. Hamilton Center also has a Mobile Crisis Response Team hotline (800-742-0787) that will respond on scene as long as its safe for staff. Anyone in the community who sees someone with a mental health emergency can call the hotline.

Apps were endorsed to assist in providing mental health assistance. Appointments with therapists for those in need can be quickly created with eIntervention, and CheckDEC (DEC stands for Drug-Endangered Children) connects children, families and professionals to crisis helplines, drug and treatment information and local resources and services.

According to NAMI, 6.4% of men and 12.2% of women entering U.S. jails have a severe and persistent mental illness, compared to less than 2% of the general population. Of these individuals, 72% have a co-occurring substance use disorder. This problem is especially pronounced in rural communities, where inaccessibility to behavioral health services prevent many from receiving the help that they need.

With more than 650,000 individuals returning to communities each year from U.S. prisons and seven million individuals returning from jails, effective access to community services for people with a mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorder are critical to reduce an often repetitive cycle of justice involvement.
One bear in Minnesota was recently rescued from having her head stuck in a jar after a journey of nearly 50 miles, CBS News reported.

WCCO's Jason Rantala interviewed several people involved in the story for a news report on CBS.

In the video, Jayme Morey, medical coordinator at the Chequamegon Humane Association, describes the scene as "pretty disturbing" but says "it was better than a happy ending" when the ordeal was all over.

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The animal in question was a two-year-old female black bear with the unfortunate luck of getting her head stuck in a large, clear plastic jar. Over the course of a week, while the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services searched for the bear, residents flooded social media with comments and photos detailing the animal's journey.

Morey says she received a call from a neighbor about the bear. "My immediate neighbor was like, 'Hey, just a heads up, here is what's heading towards your house.'"

When the bear was eventually found, it was near Cable, in Morey's neighbor's yard. Officials tranquilized the animal for its safety and the safety of responders before removing the jar.

"We've seen this come up from time to time, often with a bear, occasionally with a deer," says Randy Johnson of the Wisconsin DNR. "You can tell the animal is skinny; it obviously had been wearing it for some time."

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Despite that, other factors were in the bear's favor. She did not suffer other injuries, and she was able to drink by dunking her entire head in the water source. Furthermore, she is likely to make a full recovery.

"The good news is, this is the time of year when food is most abundant in the woods and, you know, she's got two months to kind of get back in healthy shape going into winter, so she's certainly got a good chance," Johnson says.

Ideally, though, this sort of situation would be avoided entirely. Plastic trash in the wild is a major problem, both because of its impact on wildlife and how microplastics that these larger items shed affect human health. Responsible individuals can take local action to help rid their communities of litter and prevent incidents like this one.

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Officials across the Midwest are scrambling to save mighty bur oak trees that are rapidly dying from a drought-driven disease.

What's happening?

For years, states like Nebraska have been suffering from increased drought conditions. Those conditions are having devastating effects on some of the region's most well-known trees.

Harvest Public Media reported on the plight of bur oaks, a species that has been so sturdy for centuries that it has earned the nickname "King of the Great Plains native hardwoods."

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But Nebraska officials started noticing the trees dying off in 2023.

"It brought some concern, but we weren't sure what was going on," Nebraska Game and Parks horticulturist Noah Sundberg told Harvest Public Media. "We thought the oaks could pull out of it."

Instead, the problem became worse, and officials were eventually able to pinpoint the culprit: hypoxylon canker, a fungus that is fatal to drought-stricken trees, particularly oaks. There is no cure for it, and the fungus eventually cuts off water and nutrients, killing the tree.

Nebraska officials say certain parks have lost up to 70% of their bur oak canopy.

Why are droughts concerning?

Droughts can have devastating consequences on an ecosystem. They can be fatal to plants, trees, and wildlife, can bring agriculture to a halt, and can dry up valuable water sources.

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And as the planet gets warmer, droughts are only expected to become worse.

The pollution caused by burning dirty fuels traps heat within our atmosphere, causing the planet to become hotter. In fact, the 10 warmest years in recorded history have all occurred within the past decade.

Should the government be allowed to restrict how much water we use? Definitely Only during major droughts No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

And with that heat comes an increase in extreme weather, including droughts. The problem is becoming so commonplace that experts now believe three-quarters of the world's population will be affected by drought by the year 2050.

What's being done to save our trees?

For help, Nebraska officials turned to some of their counterparts in states such as Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois, which have also suffered from severe drought conditions and have also lost swaths of oak trees to hypoxylon canker.

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The answers were consistent. As droughts become more common, states need to respond by planting more drought-resistant trees, which are designed to better handle a warmer, drier planet.

"I'm doing a lot of experiments now with the Japanese maples," Rob Schreiner, head of the Nebraska City tree board, told Harvest Public Media. "We're having really good luck with those. They've come out with some new hybrid elms, which so far have been out for quite a while and doing well.

"They've built a better tree, basically. They've gotten rid of some of the bad characteristics, and they seem to be doing really well."

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The Japanese government issued a warning to residents about an increase in human-wildlife encounters after an older woman was attacked outside a home for people with disabilities.

What happened?

According to The Japan Times, the 73-year-old woman was rushed to the hospital after being found with a head injury by local police in Akita.

"She was unable to talk due to injuries and was unconscious when sent to hospital," a police spokesman told the Times.

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Emergency room doctors said it appeared the woman had suffered a bear attack based on the marks on her body. Security footage showed a large animal mauling her while she was taking out the garbage, so the bear may have been attracted by the smell of food.

Unfortunately, such events have become more common in Japan. Government data showed that in the year ending in March, bears attacked 85 people and killed three. The year prior, 219 attacks and six deaths were reported.

Why is the bear attack concerning?

Bear attacks and encounters close to residential areas have become more frequent all over the world, and experts believe it's partially because of habitat loss, the warming planet, and scarcity of resources. As humans keep expanding into bear country, it leaves the animals with less room to roam and fewer food sources, encouraging them to wander near homes and businesses to access food. That puts both bears and humans at higher risks of being injured or killed.

Even in national parks, bears are aggressive and not shy about stealing food, which shows that the animals are under stress.

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It's especially concerning in this case since it involved an older person who probably had no way of protecting herself or running away.

The Times said that because of this recent attack, the Akita government decided to extend its bear alert through September because of a "high risk of encountering a bear."

"Please take basic countermeasures and exercise the highest level of caution," it added.

What's being done to protect people from bears?

Some farmers have adopted "bear dogs," which are usually large breeds such as shepherds, to keep bears away from their properties and protect their families. This not only safeguards their crops, livelihoods, and lives but also reduces the likelihood of needing to euthanize bears for aggressive behaviors.

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Officials in Wyoming installed a wildlife bridge over a busy highway, ensuring bears can access habitat without worrying about dodging traffic.

In the case of bears roaming near neighborhoods, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advises people to store food properly in bear-safe containers or vehicles and carry bear spray. Hikers should avoid venturing out at night when they may not see a nearby bear. Also, make sure to report any bear encounters or sightings to officials.

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Drinking water photo from the Ohio Governor's Office.

The chicks from Ohios fossil fuels-based energy policy have grown up quickly and are coming home to roost.

In Washington County, Marietta area residents have been meeting with local city and county officials about concerns their drinking water could be contaminated by toxic, radioactive gas and oil wastewater brine migrating from nearby injection wells.

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And in much-fracked Harrison County, 3,000 Cadiz residents have been unable to drink local water off and on since June.

One citizen complained of slimy, oily crud and a rainbow sheen in his and his parents tap and shower water.

Two months after the June boil advisory was first lifted, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency claimed water main breaks from recharging the system and turbulence in Tappan Lake  which provides water to Cadiz  were to blame.

Yet at press time, water concerns continue.

These issues should be of great concern to lawmakers and Ohioans. But the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which mandates and monitors oil and gas fracking  along with storage management of its toxic, radioactive wastewater brine  just keeps fracking along.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Public comments to frack three Ohio Department of Transportation rights-of-way are due by Sept. 8.

If the Ohio River, and Ohio groundwater and aquifers become contaminated by toxic, radioactive oil and gas wastewater brine or PFAs, how do we make it drinkable again?

Or can we?

Texas and Pennsylvania are examples of what could be in store for Ohio water

The state of Texas has 2,870 cases of contaminated groundwater from gas and oil production and wastewater brine management, affecting half its water supply.

In June, Coterra Energy, Inc. in Lenox Township, Pennsylvania was fined $299,000 and ordered to replace the water supply for 13 private residential homes. Its located just a few miles from Dimock, Pa.

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Dimock was the focus of the 2010 award-winning documentary Gasland, that showed residents setting fire to polluted water flowing from their kitchen faucets.

Cabot Oil and Gas company was finally ordered in 2022 to pay $16 million to build a public water system to replace contaminated rural drinking supplies and pay residential water bills there for 75 years.

But on the very same day that decision was announced, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection lifted a ban on fracking Dimock that had been in place since 2010.

As Texas and Pennsylvania go, will Ohio go, too?

Ohio, with its many beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams, the Ohio River on our southern border and Lake Erie to the north, was supposed to be a climate oasis as the world heats to 1.5 Celsius and beyond.

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If we lose our drinking water, well be refugees instead.

Ethical energy policy means phasing out fossil fuels and ramping up renewables

The most recent state budget is so dripping with gas and oil that it makes the ODNR dependent on fracking leases for half of its future budget next year.

This means ODNR must continue fracking public lands its supposed to protect in order to maintain staff and operations.

All this despite the fact that wind and solar energy are cheaper than natural gas and the rest of the world is moving rapidly to renewables.

If you want to drain a swamp, here is likely the largest one too few people are discussing: without the U.S. governments annual subsidies, such as the $760 billion it gave the gas and oil industry in 2022, could fossil fuels even survive in a free market?

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The little chicks that fracking bore are maturing into demanding, cackling hens. But the eggs theyve laid over the past 15 years havent been good for Ohio.

We all need to talk more about fossil fuel fracking under public lands and energy in Ohio. We need to talk about their relationship to climate change and democracy, too.

That conversation could help voters choose lawmakers based on issues, like dedication to good health, clean air, water and land, biodiversity, and a livable planet  instead of political party loyalty and fossil fuel industry spin.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  This school year, districts around Ohio have completely banned the use of phones during school hours following a new law from the latest state budget.

Districts dont have to enforce the law until the new year, but schools across Ohio already have the ban in place.

Its an effort to keep every student engaged and free of distractions.

Kids cant go to lunch or be in the hallways on their phones. We want to make sure that from the time they enter, they silence those phones, put those phones away, and they wont be using those phones again until the school day is over, said Dr. Corey Grubbs, who leads the No Phone Zone effort at Columbus City Schools.

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He said the ban will help students stay focused.

Meet the Coach behind Ohio States winning culture

Our goal was really to create those learning environments where every student is fully engaged and theyre distraction-free, said Dr. Grubbs.

Students we spoke with said that as of this year, phones must be tucked away in a bag or locker.

To an extent, it should be banned just so that way students actually focus, said one student.

Parents around central Ohio seem to be in favor of the new law.

Theres less distractions. I think hes learning things more. Hes turning in his homework quicker because hes not being distracted with the phone, said Hilliard parent Steven Friend.

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The kids have become a little hypersensitive to the ideas of needing these phones, being very codependent on these devices, where it builds up an anxiety within them, said Danielle Tolkendorf, a Reynoldsburg mom.

There are exceptions to the phone ban, like in emergencies or for medical reasons.

Friends son has diabetes and is allowed to keep his phone on his desk.

Without his phone, Friend says his son wouldnt be able to keep his insulin levels in check.

He likes it because he can adjust all of his numbers from school without having to go to the nurse, said Friend. The whole cell phone thing is really whats able for us to keep him in public school and not have to homeschool him or anything like that.

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Both Friend and Tolkendorf said they are on edge after the deadly school shooting in Minnesota on Wednesday. Its something that concerns them about the ban.

That is the absolute only thing that I struggle with as far as this ban is concerned, is yesterday, something like yesterday happening and not being able to reach out to your kid, said Friend.

Tolkendorf said she wants to know that her children have access to their phones in emergencies.

As a mother, you sit in fear because how would you get contact with your child in that moment of unfortunate crisis? said Tolkendorf.

Her daughter agreed, saying, I feel like if that happened to any of the other schools, like, we wouldnt be able to, like, tell our mom or any other parent if were okay or not.

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Dr. Grubbs said he understands that parents are used to constant communication with their children.

But he said phones are tucked away in a backpack, not completely locked up or confiscated. He said he wants parents to know that their kids will have access to phones if needed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, at right, speaks during the 2025 Alaska Oil and Gas Association conference in Anchorage, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)

A year before Alaskas 2026 primary election, 10 candidates have already announced their intent to run for governor, and more are expected to announce campaigns in the coming months.

Incumbent Gov. Mike Dunleavy is term-limited and unable to run himself, and with so many people in the race, there is no clear front-runner.

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During a question-and-answer session at this weeks Alaska Oil and Gas Association conference in Anchorage, Dunleavy was asked who he supports.

Among the confirmed candidates are Dunleavys lieutenant governor, Republican Nancy Dahlstrom, and his former revenue commissioner, Adam Crum. His former attorney general, Treg Taylor, is also expected to enter the race.

But given the opportunity to endorse any or all of them, Dunleavy didnt name any specific candidate as his preference and spoke only in generalities.

Who do you want to replace you as governor? asked the event moderator.

Somebody taller than me, Dunleavy said to laughter. No, Im kidding.  Somebody that believes in Alaska like you do and like I do. Youve got to be on a mission, right?

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Dunleavy said he believes any governor faces distractions and nay-sayers, people who will oppose projects and a governors efforts.

I would hope that whoever is the next governor has a mission to continue the good things that are happening for the state, continue to work with the Trump administration, because Ill be gone, Dunleavy said, alluding to President Donald Trumps efforts to increase mining, logging and oil and gas drilling in Alaska.

Therell be two more years, at least, of President Trump, and hopefully someone after him in a similar vein, who wants to keep this going for the country. So whoever you talk to thats running for governor, ask them what their mission is. If they balk, or they look up at the sky or they think about it, thats a concern, the governor said. Getting things across the finish line, getting things across the finish line, is the most important thing.

After the governors remarks, deputy press secretary Grant Robinson said by email that the governors statement about at least two more years was nothing more than an approximation of the time remaining in the Presidents term.

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The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits someone from being elected President more than twice.

Dunleavys own political future is also in question. On Thursday, Fox News, citing unnamed sources, said the governor is considering whether to run against Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, when her current term expires in 2028.

The Fox News report could not be immediately corroborated, but Murkowski herself has said she may leave the Senate. In interviews earlier this month, she declined to rule out a run for governor in 2026.

In addition to Crum and Dahlstrom, seven other Republicans have filed documents for a campaign: former state Sen. Click Bishop of Fairbanks; current state Sen. Shelley Hughes of Palmer; 2022 write-in governor candidate Bruce Walden of Palmer; Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries; podiatrist Matt Heilala of Anchorage; former teacher James William Parkin IV of Angoon; and business owner Bernadette Wilson of Anchorage.

Former state Sen. Tom Begich of Anchorage is the only Democratic candidate to have filed paperwork for a candidacy, and no independents have entered the race so far.
NEED TO KNOW

An Oklahoma couple decided to forego a pre-wedding party and instead invited their wedding guests to join them for some community service

Maria Carmona and Kent Sands told KTUL that their fourth date was volunteering at Night Light Tulsa, a weekly outreach program that provides food and other services to the unhoused community

"We leave kind of fulfilled, making a small difference, just being part of something bigger, and it's just a good thing that we've enjoyed doing," Sands said of their volunteer work

Rather than kick off their wedding weekend with a party or night night out on the town, one Oklahoma couple decided to invite their wedding guests to join them for some community service.

Soon-to-be-married couple Maria Carmona and Kent Sands shared that they wanted to do something before tying the knot that they had done in their early days of dating, per Tusla outlet KTUL  volunteering to serve the local unhoused community.

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"For us, it was definitely one of the three things we planned out. We got a venue, and then the church, and then this was the next thing. We were like, we have to do it," Carmona told the outlet.

Carmona and Sands decided to give their time  as well as $1,000 in sponsorship donations  to Tulsa's City Lights Foundation. The organization operates a program called Night Light Tulsa, a weekly outreach program that provides food and other services to the unhoused community under a bridge near the city's Maybelle Avenue and Reconciliation Way.

"Every time we've just had a lot of fun," Sands said, speaking about the couple's frequent volunteer work. "We leave kind of fulfilled, making a small difference, just being part of something bigger, and it's just a good thing that we've enjoyed doing."



The couple first signed up to volunteer with the program on their fourth date back in 2021, and have since become regulars.

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"We showed up under the bridge not knowing what to expectbut left feeling deeply moved," the couple said. "We prayed with others, heard powerful stories, and quickly realized this was something we wanted to keep doing together. Over the years, weve returned many times, bundled up on freezing nights, mixing hot cocoa and coffee, and sharing small moments of connection."

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.

Night Light crews get together to serve the Tulsa community every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. According to Carmona, this is the first time an engaged couple has decided to volunteer at the event  but she hopes it isn't the last.

"I was really shocked that this is the first time a couple has done this," Carmona told KTUL. "So we just, you know, encouraged other couples to do it."

"Maybe not the week of your wedding," she added with a laugh, "but leading up to it."



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State public safety officials are saying a proposal to reallocate highway patrol troopers away from urban metropolitan areas has not been undermined  even after the top Oklahoma law enforcement officer called it "unlawful."

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a legally binding opinion Wednesday, Aug. 27, that under state law, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has "primary law enforcement authority" over traffic-related offenses on interstates. He further stated Oklahoma Highway Patrol did not have the authority to enact its plan to "abandon" interstates in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas.

But in a statement late Wednesday, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it "has not and never will abandon or abdicate" its duties as the state's primary law enforcement agency. While saying it will move forward with troop realignment, the agency also said it would need to make some changes to its plan.

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"The plan OHP presented simply asked the municipal agencies in the two metro areas to work the car crashes within their city limits the way other municipalities do across the state," the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said in a news release. Oklahoma DPS oversees the Highway Patrol.

"The opinion that has been issued does not undermine OHPs troop realignment strategy. With that in mind, OHP recognizes the original plan will require some adjustments, and OHP leadership is evaluating appropriate updates to the plan."

More: Oklahoma state troopers cannot abandon metro areas, AG Drummond says

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond speaks during a press conference in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. He issued a legally binding opinion in late August 2025 saying that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol could not abandon the state's metro areas for a proposed realignment strategy.

Service calls outside OKC and Tulsa metros have been surging, commissioner says

Shortly before the Fourth of July holiday, OHP had announced its intention to reallocate resources to rural areas of the state that it believed needed greater patrol presence. Attempting to justify the plan, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton said the agency would shift troopers away from the metro areas and toward interstates and highways with increased traffic covered by a smaller law enforcement footprint.

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The public safety commissioner also said that calls for service outside of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metros had been surging in recent years, requiring the agency to adapt and evolve in the best use of its resources.

"While (the AG's) opinion may slow our efforts, we remain committed to implementing the best strategy for providing statewide coverage and keeping Oklahomans safe," DPS continued in its statement Wednesday evening. "We will also continue to stand alongside and support our county and municipal law enforcement partners."

Related: Oklahoma Highway Patrol plans to pull coverage from OKC, urban areas

Tim Tipton, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, listens as Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt delivers the State of the State address to the joint legislature in early 2025. Tipton gave his own press conference in mid-July explaining a controversial plan to realign troops away from the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas and toward more rural areas.

Tipton's original plan was for state troopers to hand over responsibility for interstates inside the incorporated city limits of the Oklahoma City metro areas to Oklahoma City, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Del City. It also relegated responsibility for interstates within the city limits of Tulsa.

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But in the past two months, several city officials and police chiefs have come out against the plan, saying it would cut into their own abilities to respond to priority calls and reports of crimes. Drummond said he spoke at length with many concerned local law enforcement leaders before issuing his opinion, which had been requested by state Sen. Mark Mann.

Tipton said he'd spoken with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and had received his approval before announcing his plan in July. Tipton acknowledged, however, that while he had notified police leadership in various cities, he had not spoken with other elected officials beforehand. Drummond said no one with DPS consulted with him about their plans.

"The most fundamental function of government is to provide public safety for its citizens," Drummond said in a news releasing announcing his formal opinion. "The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is vested with primary law enforcement authority on our interstates, and that authority imposes a mandatory duty. I will not allow Gov. Stitt or OHP leadership to put Oklahoma citizens at risk by refusing to patrol our most densely populated areas."

More: Drummond wades into the Stitt-Walters feud with letter to new education board members

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But Drummond is also running to succeed Stitt as governor in 2026, and the two elected leaders have often found themselves at odds.

In a statement Wednesday, Stitt briefly alluded to past disagreements with Drummond while expressing support of Tipton and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

"I'm glad to see that Attorney General Drummond finally agrees with me on something: the law is clear that the Department of Public Safety has the authority to allocate Highway Patrol resources in response to collisions as it sees fit," Stitt said in his statement. "Commissioner Tipton is taking a thoughtful, statewide approach to public safety that will make Oklahoma safer, especially in areas that have long gone without consistent coverage. I thank Commissioner Tipton for his leadership and have full confidence in his ability to carry out this mission."

More: OHP cautions public after investigating 13 fatalities in one 'heartbreaking' weekend

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Drummond's opinion, however, also acknowledged OHP's assertion that rural Oklahoma areas need more attention.

"To be sure, this office has no reason to doubt that there is an increased need for more resources in rural Oklahoma to ensure the coverage and service Oklahomans expect from OHP," Drummond's opinion reads. "More to the point, this office concludes that the OHPs primary law enforcement authority respecting traffic-related offenses on Oklahomas interstates is a mandatory duty that cannot be abdicated in favor of local law enforcement, either in urban or rural areas."

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Highway Patrol defends pulling troopers from OKC, Tulsa metros
Oklahoma State Board of Education members, from left, Mike Tinney, Ryan Deatherage and Chris Van Denhende review their board packets before a meeting April 24 in Oklahoma City. Tinney, Deatherage, Van Denhende and board member Becky Carson unilaterally scheduled a state Board of Education meeting for Wednesday after state Superintendent Ryan Walters canceled their meeting this week. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  In a rare move, a majority of the Oklahoma State Board of Education has scheduled its own meeting without the consent of state Superintendent Ryan Walters, who board members say has refused to cooperate.

The decision comes a day after Walters abruptly canceled a meeting with the board that was meant to take place Thursday.

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Four board members  Chris Van Denhende, Mike Tinney, Ryan Deatherage and Becky Carson  invoked a state law that allows a majority of the seven-member board to call a meeting. They scheduled the meeting through the Secretary of States Office for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the state Capitol to hire a new attorney to represent the board, according to a letter sent on Thursday to Walters, which Oklahoma Voice obtained.

Oklahoma City attorney Bob Burke, who is representing the four board members, wrote the letter urging Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education to also post a notice of the Wednesday meeting.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters leads a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education on Jan. 28 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

If the Education Department doesnt post a meeting notice by 9 a.m. Tuesday, Burke said he will ask the Oklahoma Supreme Court to force Walters to do so.

They previously asked for a special meeting of the Board of Education for the purpose of retaining the services of an attorney approved by the Attorney General to represent the Boards interest, Burke wrote in his letter to Walters. To date, you have refused to schedule such a special meeting. You are fully aware of the statutes that authorize a majority of the members of the Board to call a special meeting.

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It is the hope of my clients that you will join them in convening the special session so that this urgent matter of business can be considered.

Walters has yet to respond to the letter, Burke told Oklahoma Voice. He said one of the board members could lead the meeting if Walters, the boards chair, doesnt attend.

Burke said he isnt the attorney the board intends to hire. Rather, he is helping them schedule a meeting, he said.

An Education Department spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday evening. The agency previously said it canceled the state board meeting this week because its staff and legal team are in flux.

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The boards previous attorney, Chad Kutmas, withdrew from his position in recent weeks after three board members asked the Attorney Generals Office to remove him. The attorney general has the authority to cancel a lawyers contract with a state board and did so with the state Board of Education last year.

Van Denhende, Deatherage and Carson complained Kutmas represented Walters interests more than theirs.

He is often uncooperative, belittling, and argumentative with board members, Carson wrote in an email to the Attorney Generals Office. He does not represent the best interest of the board, which is what he is contracted to do. He has made it apparent in his actions, or lack of, that we as a board are not his priority.

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A person shields a cellphone with their arm while reading a book. (Photo illustration by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Platte-Geddes Superintendent Joel Bailey remembers an eerily quiet lunch room when his students were still allowed to use their cellphones during the school day.

We decided that since the kids are in class the majority of the day, they need to talk to one another during lunch. We want that social interaction, Bailey said. Albeit, its a noisier lunch room now, at least theyre talking and interacting.

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During the 2022-23 school year, the district became one of the first in the state to require all students phones to be locked away during school hours. Bailey said the district realized it had been losing the battle with students who were making poor decisions with social media.

Many other South Dakota school districts have since adopted new cellphone rules, according to a South Dakota Searchlight survey of superintendents and analysis of published policies. As classes begin this fall, nearly all districts in the state have a phone policy or guidelines for students. About 60% of districts do not allow cellphones for at least part of the school day, although in some schools, students can keep the devices in their backpacks or lockers. About one-third of the districts in the state remove or lock away high school students cellphones for at least part of the school day.

While some schools lock phones away for the entire day, others require students to place phones in containers during class. Some of those allow students to use their phones during lunch or between class periods.

School districts implementing a locked phone policy for high school students throughout the entire school day this year include De Smet, Dupree, Ethan, Florence, Henry, Iroquois, Oglala Lakota, Rosholt and Waverly. Highmore-Harrold will consider a locked phone policy at its September school board meeting.

The Dupree School District spent about $300 to purchase clear, locked boxes with slots for high schoolers to place their cell phones during the school day, Superintendent Brent Mareska said. Elementary and middle school students give their cellphones to their first period teacher at the start of the school day, but the devices arent placed in locked boxes.

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The school tried using a door hanging pouch  such as for shoes or calculators  for high school students last year with access during lunch and between classes, but Mareska said administrators and teachers didnt see the results we wanted.

Its never going to be a one-size fits all, Mareska said. The goal is to keep improving our kids education. With not only staff but most Americans hooked on their cellphones, its affecting education more than we know.

Wall School District implemented a pouch system last year, but purchased new pouches that block cell phone signals to watches or earbuds this year. Students will still be able to use phones between periods and during lunchtime, Superintendent Sally Crowser said.

Our cellphones are a problem, but Im not ready for a full ban, Crowser said.

State legislators, Education Department explore best practices

South Dakota Department of Education Secretary Joseph Graves told South Dakota Searchlight in an emailed statement that he is pleased to see school districts set local policies that meet their needs, adding that research shows smartphones have a direct impact on student learning and the classroom culture.

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We will be watching closely as schools develop rules and strategies to combat the negative effects of smartphones, Graves said.

The state Legislature passed a resolution in February encouraging school boards to implement policies limiting cell phone use during instruction. Twenty-six states have laws or policies banning or limiting cellphones in classrooms.

Lawmakers on South Dakotas Teacher Compensation Review Board recommended in August that the state Department of Education prepare a report about the best practices on smartphones and personal technology in schools. The recommendation passed unanimously.

Graves said during the meeting he interpreted the recommendation as instructing the department to survey school districts on their policies, analyze how other states are crafting policies and identify relevant research on the impact of such technology in schools.

School districts with locked phones continue, adjust practices

In interviews with South Dakota Searchlight, superintendents with experience enforcing locked-away phone policies said student engagement and interaction increased. Teachers didnt have to spend as much time policing student phone use, either.

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Gettysburg Superintendent Amber Mikkelsen surveyed teachers and students at the end of the last school year, after the districts first year of a locked phone policy. Most teachers who responded thought the change was positive and led to more engagement among students.

Of the one-third of students who responded to the survey, most said the device-free policy helped them focus more in class. Half of students who responded said they felt just as stressed or distracted without their devices, and most students said they didnt notice a difference in their engagement with other students.

The Platte-Geddes School District used Yondr locked pouches before switching to another company this year. Gettysburg School District will continue to use Yondr pouches. (Courtesy of Platte-Geddes School District)

The locked pouches cost the district about $4,400, and theyve lasted through the second year of use, Mikkelsen said.

Mikkelsen said the district will allow cellphones during lunch for high school students this year, hoping to bring students back to the school lunch program. Students who left for open lunch were allowed to take their phones.

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It cost Platte-Geddes $2,000 to purchase 100 new pouches this school year. It has cost the district a couple thousand dollars every few years to purchase new pouches and update equipment, said Bailey, the superintendent.

He hopes students dont look at the locked-phone policy as a punishment, but as a break from distractions and the world outside the classroom.

Were not experts on this. But its worked, Bailey said. I would not hesitate to make the same decision again.

Neither district has tracked whether the policies have had an impact on academic success.

Cellphone policies reflect difference in digital education philosophy

The Waverly School District spent about $1,000 purchasing 14 lock boxes for the new school year. Prior to the change, students werent allowed to use their cellphones during class periods but could have them in their backpacks or pockets.

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Under that policy, students took frequent and lengthy bathroom breaks, said Superintendent Jon Meyer.

But many South Dakota school districts have retained that same cell phone policy for years and plan to keep it in the years to come. While it might be a hassle at times to keep students off their phones, some superintendents say its the schools duty to teach students to be responsible digital users.

Starting this school year, students at Waverly-South Shore High School in the Waverly School District place their phones in a slotted, locked box that corresponds with their last period teachers name. The boxes are brought to the classrooms at the end of the school day. (Courtesy of Waverly School District)

Wilmot Superintendent Nicholas Olson said his district strengthened consequences for using cellphones during class, but still allows students to keep their phones on them. The district also stopped letting students take their phones with them for bathroom breaks or other out-of-classroom visits.

With public schools specifically, a lot of things we do center around preparing students to be contributing members of society, Olson said. Thats in a lot of school district mission statements, and we have to uphold that. Digital citizenship is something extremely important and part of that mission, though ever-changing.

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Meyer said he hopes more school districts implement locked phone policies. Schools shouldnt be solely responsible for teaching healthy digital habits, he said, and younger students shouldnt be on social media.

The Wilmot district considered a door hanger pouch system, but officials worried that if a student took anothers phone and damaged or destroyed it, the school could be found liable.

Hopefully next year we can learn and grow, Olson said, and make a decision that benefits students and staff in our district.

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When Donald Trump entered the White House to begin his second term, he was quick to target law firms that stood between him and his policy aims.

The US president signed a flurry of executive orders stripping some lawyers of security clearances and cancelling government business with others who focused on immigrant rights or diversity cases.

While some firms caved, ditching litigation that could bring down the wrath of the White House, Abbe Lowell left his big-name practice.

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As Mr Trump declared war on his profession, Mr Lowell was quietly building a roster of clients who had been burned by the president.

It has paid off.

The veteran Washington lawyer has become the most sought-after defence attorney for officials in Mr Trumps crosshairs. He even offers a discount to those seeking his services to battle the Trump machine.

His newest client is Susan Monarez, fired as director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, adding to a list of figures who say they have been treated unfairly as Mr Trump extends his powers.

He can go to the mattresses

Kevin Carroll, a Washington lawyer representing intelligence officials fired by the administration, said Mr Lowell had found an important niche in the market.

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Several prominent law firms publicly entered into settlement agreements with the Trump administration that might seem to impinge upon their willingness to litigate aggressively against the federal government in high-profile, politically-charged criminal cases, he said.

Abbe Lowell is, of course, an excellent defence lawyer, and he just set up his own firm, so he does not have that perception problem.

He can go to the mattresses, as they said in The Godfather.

That fighting spirit is an attractive proposition for a growing list of high-profile clients.

Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders after starting his second term as president, which has stripped some lawyers of security clearances - Win McNamee/Getty

They include Lisa Cook, the Federal Reserve governor who is challenging Mr Trumps decision to fire her, as well as Letitia James, the New York attorney general facing Mr Trumps fury over her civil investigation into his finances, as well as former federal prosecutors, who lost their jobs after the new president took power.

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Mr Lowell comes with a reputation based on decades of defending Washington insiders on both sides of the political spectrum.

Clients have included Hunter Biden and Ivanka Trump in recent years, allowing him to say he has defended the children of two presidents.

I have basically challenged the overreach of federal agencies in every administration since Ronald Reagans, he said.

Didnt matter whether its a Democratic or Republican administration, if the government overreaches then [the] lawyers job is to put the government in the right place.

A graduate of Columbia Law School, he joined the Justice Department under president Jimmy Carter, and was later the chief counsel to Democrats during the impeachment of president Bill Clinton.

Abbe Lowell, pictured watching the impeachment inquiry of Bill Clinton, offers a discount to officials who need defence against Mr Trump - LUKE FRAZZA/AFP

In private practice, he quickly developed a reputation as a defender of politicians, including those caught up in sleaze or corruption cases.

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He left the firm Winston & Strawn this year, where he had been a partner since 2018, to set up his own practice.

The move gave him more freedom to take on the White House, he told the Wall Street Journal.

The big-firm model couldnt do that easily, he said.

Mr Trumps opponents get a discounted rate, while he builds up a roster of full-paying clients.

And there are plenty of people who need representation, as Mr Trump takes an axe to federal agencies and cracks down on lawyers representing his opponents.

In March and April, the president signed a string of executive orders targeting law firms and attorneys who had taken up causes that butted up against his plans.

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Firms working on immigration cases, transgender rights, or the January 6 attack on the Capitol faced particular scrutiny, as the Trump administration accused them of undermining US interests.

Lawyers lost access to government buildings or security clearances, while some firms were stripped of government contracts.

Although several firms sued the Trump administration, others cut deals  offering pro bono work for causes close to Mr Trumps heart  to avoid being targeted.

Mark Zaid was one of the national security lawyers who was stripped of his clearance. Today he is represented by Mr Lowell and a co-counsel in other cases with him.

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Abbe is dedicated to helping those who are under attack, especially when the rule of law is at issue and regardless of political affiliation, he said. He epitomises what we as lawyers are supposed to represent.

Among Mr Lowells early clients was Miles Taylor, a former official in the Department of Homeland Security who resigned from Mr Trumps first administration after writing an anonymous column for the New York Times titled I am Part of the Resistance inside the Trump Administration.

The president subsequently issued a memorandum accusing Mr Taylor of treason, and revoked his security clearance.

He said Mr Lowell was one of the few options for someone in his position.

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It was extremely difficult for me to find legal representation amidst this, he told MSNBC recently. In normal times, it wouldnt have been, because my case is a slam dunk case.

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MADISON, Ala. (WHNT)  North Alabama residents chanted outside the Movement Church Thursday night after a Quarterly Meet-up with Dale Strong, advertised as a public event, turned private.

The Republican Women of Madison hosted the speaking engagement with Congressman Strong. Event attendees said the group posted on both their Facebook page and the Movement Churchs website that it was a public event. Those attendees said they were turned away at the door without warning, with law enforcement officials stating that the event is now private.

We ask him everyday if he remembers anything: August Borden slowly recovering after suffering severe injuries on school grounds

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We noticed that there were a number of people standing outside, and I wasnt sure whether they were just waiting to go in, Event attendee Pete Robertson said. So the closer we got, we heard that you would not be admitted unless you had an RSVP. And I got a flyer in the mail from a friend, and it said nothing about an RSVP needed.

Republican Women of Madison President Sheila Banister told News 19 the group decided to make the event private due to prior protests at speaking engagements across the country, and wanted members of the group to feel safe at the event. A full statement from Banister is below.

Robertson said he wanted to hear Congressman Strong speak on changes happening in Washington that could impact industry at home, and did not have ulterior motives in his attendance.

A region that is extremely blessed with high tech, with diversity and science, engineering, biotech. And there have been a number of challenges from the administration in terms of the ability of these institutions around here to function, Robertson said.

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Father and son killed in early morning Limestone County house fire identified

In a statement to News 19, a spokesperson from Rep. Strongs Office said he was honored to speak at the event and expressed concerns over the protestors legitimacy.

The Congressman was honored to be invited to speak to members of the Republican Women of Madison. Its unfortunate that we continue to see Soros funded protesters attempting to disrupt and intimidate Republican volunteer organizations and their members at events such as this.

News 19 could not confirm if the protestors were being paid.

Those who were turned away at the door waited outside the Movement Church for hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of Congressman Strong. He was swiftly escorted into a car when the event ended.

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The full statement from Banister is available below:

As stated on our website, the Republican Women of Madison is an organization that unites women of all ages as we strive to be key influencers and informed voters in our community at the local, state, and national levels. Our club is designed to provide opportunities for our members to educate themselves on Republican issues and candidates, develop friendships with like-minded neighbors, and impact the community through volunteer and campaigning activities. We host monthly luncheons, quarterly night meetings, and have special events on occasion. Generally speaking, all of our events are advertised on our Facebook page and open to visitors who are interested in learning more about the subject being addressed. Our quarterly meeting, held earlier tonight, was no different initially. Earlier this week, we were notified that the Democratic Party of Madison/Indivisible had been advertising our event as a Public Town Hall, which it was never called that in any of RWM communications. We were also advised about the number of people and the behavior of this group at recent events across the state and country. Our priority and obligation is to the members of our group to ensure the mission of our club and the safety of our members. Based on the information we received and seeing the chatter on social media, we decided to close the event to local Republican membership and their guests. While we recognize that many people from these groups were frustrated by our decision, we felt it was in the best interest of our organization to ensure the intent of the meeting was met and that our members felt safe while attending. We are grateful to Congressman Strong for speaking to our group. He covered a lot of material and gave a thorough update. We appreciate the members, staff, and security team of the Movement church for their graciousness in allowing us to use their venue. Finally, we appreciate Chief Grandy, the Madison Police Department, and the Madison County Sheriffs Department for their assistance tonight in keeping the peace and ensuring the safety of all. Republican Women of Madison President Sheila Banister

The Madison County Sheriffs Office and the Madison Police Office were both present on the scene.

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If Illinois were a family, it would have 1,313 siblings  its cities, towns and villages.

One of them is a trainwreck, repeatedly in crisis, addicted and constantly asking the rest of the family for help.

Not hard to guess: the black sheep is Chicago.

The citys schools think they are entitled to $1.6 billion from the rest of the family. Chicagos regional transit systems faces a deficit of at least $760 million, but the Regional Transportation Authority wants $1.5 billion to get itself straight and avoid 40% service cuts and 3,000 layoffs.

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Chicago bumps from one crisis to the next, never taking responsibility for its own problems or really wanting to change.

So, whats the expert advice when theres a family member who wont go to rehab?

Set clear and consistent boundaries, prioritize your own well-being through self-care, limit interactions if necessary and seek support for yourself. In other words, dont keep helping someone who wont help themselves.

Specifically on the latest ask, the Chicago mass transit system is seeking taxes from everyone else to avoid a fiscal cliff. While the RTA may have delayed the day of reckoning by handing $74 million to the Chicago Transit Authority, this problem was years in the making and the solution is not to repeat the behaviors with no accountability.

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Simply blaming the pandemic is to ignore the behaviors. RTA says people en masse worked from home, so they stopped using mass transit from the burbs to downtown. Yes, that was a trigger, but the spending is out of control  up about one-third, or over $1 billion, in just five years.

Commuters are returning, but slowly. Over 20% of the Chicago Transit Authority bus riders remain absent, as well as about 40% of the train and commuter bus riders.

But what about that big check Uncle Sam wrote? It was for $3.54 billion  a significant chunk for a system spending $4.37 billion in 2025. Pandemic money will be gone by the end of this year, so attention turns to the state.

First, state lawmakers were asked to pass a statewide sales tax on services  haircuts, lawn mowing, plumbing repair, etc. That $2.7 billion plan died at the end of the legislative session but could return like a horror movie monster.

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Then, there was the $1 billion idea to charge $1.50 per delivery  Amazon, UPS, etc.

And a plan to boost taxes on real estate sales in five suburban Chicago counties  a small fix generating less than 10% of that $1.5 billion ask.

Usually tucked into these proposals is some small amount the rest of the state can share. State Sen. Ram Villlivalam, D-Chicago, offered $200 million of the $1.5 billion for downstate transit.

And Chicago area politicians wonder why folks south of Interstate 80 think of themselves as Forgottonia, woo Indiana to help them secede or put Pritzker (Stinks) signs in their front yards? Chicago gets a free ride, the rest of Illinois gets the smog.

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And the exhaust is spreading outside of Chicagoland. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, a proud son of Peoria, is playing the kindly uncle in favor of helping our beleaguered sibling one more time.

We come here. We take advantage of the public transportation system. Chicago is very important to Illinois. Its an economic engine for Illinois, and its a part of Illinois, LaHood told The Center Square.

All due respect to the guy trying to fix gerrymandering in Illinois by pushing a ballot initiative for an independent legislative mapping commission, but this will not be Chicagos last crisis.

Back to recovery: You cant help someone who wont help themselves.

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A system in trouble has no business moving ahead with a 5.5-mile extension of the CTAs Red Line. In 2009, the cost was estimated at $1.09 billion, then after it got $1.9 billion from the feds, the estimate rose to $3.6 billion and now magically has hit $5.75 billion  before any cost overruns, which are pretty much synonymous with Chicago. A Metra station recently was 15 years behind schedule and $10 million over budget.

A system in trouble has no business paying 10 workers over $300,000 to work from home at jobs that cannot be performed from their homes. What? Transit employees didnt want to make the commute?

And a system in trouble has no business hiring a DJ for $37,800 to entertain commuters.

In other words, there is a lot the mass transit systems in the Chicago area should do before coming to the rest of Illinois with thin arguments about their value to the statewide economy and convenience when visiting. The citys economic value is largely a result of all that corn, wheat and soybeans the rest of the state is growing, so please spare the rest of the family from any breadwinner entitlement.

Time for some tough love. Chicago transit needs to fix its own problems by making better decisions and breaking its spending habit.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  For three nights last month, undercover law enforcement officers spent hours staring at their computer screens, posing as teenagers and talking to suspected child predators.

From July 10-12, agencies across the Panhandle took part in Operation Summer Hurricane.

On Thursday morning, they released the results of the sting. Of the six arrests, authorities say four of them traveled to Franklin County to meet a teenager for sex.

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It is the first operation of its kind in Franklin County.

If youre thinking about getting online and chatting with an underage person, it may not be an underage person. It may be a law enforcement officer. So thats why we do these operations. Thats so we can identify the people that are wanting to do this, because maybe if they know that theyre liable to be talking to someone whos in law enforcement and theyre going to get arrested no matter what state theyre in, they might think twice about doing it, Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claims one of the suspects is an illegal immigrant.

Every time we do one of these stings, we end up pulling illegal aliens off the streets that are trying to molest and prey upon our kids, Attorney General James Uthmeier said.

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Authorities say one of their goals for this operation was to dispel the perception that predators have an easier time in rural communities.

If you thought you were safe trying to solicit a child online in a place like East Point or Apalachicola, because your mind says that thats not theres not a big law enforcement presence there. It may not be a large, sophisticated agency. So its safer. Were breaking that mold with this op. And this will be the first of many; we have many more planned across the state, FLDE Tallahasse Regional Operations Center agent Albert Willis said.

Uthmeier urges parents to monitor their childs phone and limit their access to social media.

We believe as a state that its too dangerous out there and that theyre not mature enough to be prepared for predators like these guys that were talking about today who want to get access to them when it comes to older teenagers. 14, 15, 16, you know, with parental consent, you can get on and have access. But parents need to know. They need to know about the tools available to them to restrict certain access to be able to track or monitor what their kids are doing, Uthmeier said.

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Authorities say they have warrants out for two more men.

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Fifty Israeli hostages remain in Gaza. Twenty are presumed dead, and President Trump suggested on Sunday that more have passed away. From videos that Hamas has released, it is clear that some of the living hostages are barely alive. They look no different than the Jewish survivors of Nazi concentration camps  although of course they remain in captivity and their survival is very much in doubt.

Hundreds of thousands of Israelis, perhaps even a million, in what they called a day of stoppage, demonstrated for the release of the hostages. Protesters throughout the country blocked roads and highways and lit bonfires, while many businesses closed.

Hamas has now offered Israel the same 60-day ceasefire deal it had earlier rejected when Israel and the U.S. had proposed it two months ago. The proposed agreement consists of the release of 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 that are deceased. In exchange, Israel would release 150 Palestinian prisoners. At the same time, Israel and Hamas would immediately begin to negotiate, through third parties, a permanent ceasefire.

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Having obtained the deal it had sought just months ago, Israel has nevertheless rejected the Hamas offer. More specifically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist right-wing ministers have rejected the Hamas proposal. Netanyahus own senior military leadership wants the government to accept the deal, arguing that Israel has achieved its military objectives and Hamas no longer poses a serious security threat to the country.

Netanyahu claims that he wants all the hostages released as a condition of a ceasefire and prior to any negotiation. Yet he knows full well that Hamas will not do so, since it would lose all leverage by releasing the hostages. Netanyahu asserts that if Hamas fails to capitulate to his demands, the Israeli military will proceed with the attack on Gaza City that will displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many of whom have already been shunted all over the Gaza Strip.

In addition, as Israel continues to targets in Gaza, it will inevitably destroy facilities like the Nasser Hospital, which it struck this week, and kill more innocent bystanders. And then Netanyahu will issue more statements regretting yet another tragic mishap with promises of a thorough military investigation.

Netanyahu remains impervious to international pressure, and pays no attention to the increasing surge in domestic Israeli opposition to the war. He continues to insist that his priority is to destroy Hamas, rather than to free the dwindling number of hostages that are still alive. While Steve Witkoff, Washingtons special envoy, has promised that the war will be over before the years end, that does not necessarily mean that there will be any hostages alive by that time. And that should be Israels priority.

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Israels critics continue to press for the U.S. to withhold transferring any offensive weapons to Israel until Netanyahu capitulates and terminates the Gaza offensive. Others, like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), would go even further by terminating all military assistance to Israel. Neither approach is likely to affect Netanyahu in the near-term. In any event, the proponents of either policy are unlikely to garner sufficient congressional support, much less White House backing, any time soon.

On the other hand, Washington should consider pressing Hamas, as a condition of forcing Israel to accept the ceasefire, that it release all the dead hostages, not only 18 of them, for burial in Israel. The dead may be offering some leverage to the terrorists, but not very much, and certainly not enough to move Netanyahu. In addition, Hamas should allow the Red Cross to visit the living hostages on a regular basis so that they are treated not as concentration camp inmates but as prisoners of war.

Should Hamas accept what is simply humanitarian behavior, Washington should pressure Israel by every means at its disposal to accept the ceasefire proposal immediately and begin negotiations with its arch-enemy so that the remaining hostages can go free.

If Hamas rejects such a plan, Washington should continue its unflinching political and military support for Jerusalem. In addition, Germany should resume arms shipments to Israel, and those countries planning to recognize a Palestinian state should hold off doing so until Hamas agrees to the revised proposal.

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By now it is clear that Netanyahu and Hamas are equally cynical and equally prepared to go on fighting, whatever additional human tragedies this war will continue to create. Nevertheless, a proposal that supplements what Israel originally offered and Hamas now accepts, that would bring comfort to the families of all the dead, while reviving the prospects of the hostages that still live, would be difficult to for either side to refuse.

It would force Hamas to contemplate ongoing American support for Israels continued effort to vanquish it, should it reject the proposal. And it would force Netanyahu to face the prospect of losing U.S. assistance for his needless war if he is the one to reject it.

For these reasons, it is a proposal the White House and Witkoff would do well to consider and act upon.

Dov S. Zakheim is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice chairman of the board for the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was undersecretary of Defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer for the Department of Defense from 2001 to 2004 and a deputy undersecretary of Defense from 1985 to 1987.

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NewsNation National Correspondent Robert Sherman has found himself on the frontlines of some of the worlds biggest stories: from Ukraine to Israel and across the United States. He shares what hes seeing on the ground. Subscribe to his newsletter: Frontlines with Robert Sherman here.

(NewsNation)  This is a somber day in Kyiv.

August 29 marks the day on which Kyiv honors those who have given their lives in the name of Ukrainian independence. President Zelenskyy led ceremonies and met with families in Kyiv throughout the day.

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But adding to that palpable emotion on the ground is the mourning that is taking place for the now 25 people, including four children, killed in Thursday mornings attack by Russia. More than 600 drones and missiles were put in the air, with special envoy Keith Kellogg calling it the second-largest attack weve seen since the start of the war.

Peace feels like a distant prospect in this place.

WATCH: Aftermath of Russias barrage

Yet across the Atlantic, conversations are taking place today between special envoy Steve Witkoff and one of President Zelenskyys most trusted advisors, Andriy Yermak.

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On the docket of conversation: getting Russia and Ukraine into bilateral negotiations and security guarantees for the Ukrainians.

Both are, at face value, tricky. Strikes like the ones we saw Thursday give few here any optimism Russia will come to the negotiating table.

European leaders are feeling the same way. It is obviously not going to come to a meeting between President Zelenskyy and President Putin, German Chancellor Merz said Thursday.

Europe is especially irate today after the European Union building here in Kyiv, as well as the British Council, took damage from the Thursday blasts.

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Speaking to reporters today, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying Putin does not rule out the possibility of a meeting with Zelenskyy, according to Russian media.

The White House has told my colleague, Libbey Dean, that they remain optimistic that peace and a bilateral agreement between Russia and Ukraine are still on the table.

Then theres the issue of security guarantees. According to the Kyiv Independent, President Zelenskyy outlined to reporters today the three pillars of Ukraines sought-after guarantees:

Ukrainian armed forces are to maintain their size, strength, and continue to be supplied arms by the West Agreements with NATO need to be set in stone to support and defend Ukraine from further Russian invasions More sanctions against Russia and the use of frozen Russian assets to fund post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.

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Today, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: We proceed from the fact that the options proposed by the collective West are one-sided, are built with the obvious expectation of containing Russia, and the authors of such ideas are following the path of drawing the Kyiv regime into NATOs orbit.

Russia continues to put forth its position that it needs to be involved in discussing any security guarantees in Ukraine. Western troops on the ground remain a big sticking point.

Next week will mark the end of the one to two week timeline President Trump set out for Russia to make a move towards peace. The White House has said further economic sanctions are a possibility, but they are not revealing all the cards theyre prepared to play publicly.

Theres a joke some Ukrainians tell amongst themselves here. Fear not, this war will all be over in two to three weeks.

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Theyve been telling that same joke for 3 1/2 years.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation.

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In 2017, there was a movement called Me Too. It was about taking women seriously when we complained about being sexually harassed or abused by men.

Eight years later, that has all gone out the window. Women are in fact being forced to share intimate spaces like changing rooms and locker rooms with men who claim to be women.

Sandie Peggie is a nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkaldy in Scotland, which is overseen by the National Health Service at Fife, a public body funded by taxpayers. One day, she found herself dealing with an unexpected period, bleeding through her uniform. This is an experience many women have had; its not unusual. She went into the womens changing room to address it discretely. She did not expect to find a man in the room.

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The man in question is a doctor named Beth (born Theodore) Upton. He calls himself a transgender woman. Peggie asked the man to leave. He complained to superiors that Peggie was discriminating against him.

The National Health Service at Fife suspended Peggie for harassment. And so, eight years after MeToo, women are now being suspended from work for complaining about the presence of men in womens intimate spaces.

Peggie decided to take the matter to court. She sued the NHS Fife in an employment tribunal. That matter began in February. The proceedings are still ongoing. Peggie has been cleared of misconduct, yet these proceedings continue to drag on, wasting taxpayer money. Peggie last took the stand for one month ago today. We await a verdict in the coming months.

An employment tribunal in Scotland has taken up weeks of time, over the course of several months and at the expense of the Scottish taxpayers, to decide whether or not women are permitted to have female-only spaces.

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I have personally been in contact with lawyers and others in the U.K. who tell me that this is just going to have to play itself out because, in the words of one U.K. resident, the NHS is now effectively rogue.

This situation is not, of course, limited to Scotland, nor even to the U.K. American readers know that young women on the womens swimming team at the University of Pennsylvania were forced to be naked in the presence of a man in their locker room 18 times per week throughout their 2021-2022 season. These young women, in their early twenties, were told by school administrators to stay silent. They were told that if they had any problems with the situation, that they needed to get mental health counseling.

Eight years after Me Too, women are being abused and gaslighted into believing that if we have a problem with men in our intimate spaces, we are actually the problem. We are being told that we must simply deal with mens indecent exposure and voyeurism if they call themselves women.

We are told that this is just part of a left-right culture war against a small community of marginalized people, and that all opposition to transgender ideology comes from the MAGA right.

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None of this is true. And there are rank-and-file Democrats (women and men) across the country who are not okay with this, including myself. In 2023, I published a book on the topic, and in August 2024, I asked then-Vice President Kamala Harris to say out loud at the Democratic National Convention that a woman is an adult human female person. Needless to say, she did not.

The unvarnished truth is that the transgender issue is not about civil rights, but rather about abusing women. Its primary target is women and girls, but it actually abuses all of us by lying about the material reality of sex.

And now, a nurse in Scotland is being forced to sue her government employer just for the right not to be forced to share a changing room with a man  to deal with her bleeding without having to do it in front of a man. Scottish taxpayers are being made to pay for courts to preside over such an absurd case because their National Health Service refuses to accept the truth.

One day, a reckoning will come.

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Kara Dansky is author of The TERF Report, The Abolition of Sex: How the Transgender Agenda Harms Women and Girls, and The Reckoning: How the Democrats and the Left Betrayed Women and Girls.

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The software company founded by billionaire Peter Thiel has enabled his buddy, President Donald Trump, to conduct hardcore AI lawfare beyond its previous bounds.

Those bounds appear to now include the Federal Reserve Board after Trump told its Governor Lisa Cook she was fired earlier this week.

The hit was achieved with the contrivance of an ever-striving 37-year-old nepo baby with a heretofore forgettable name. He is Bill Pulte, who seized a chance to make a mark for himself when President Trump appointed him to the usually low-profile position of director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

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Pulte took his first big step toward becoming his own man back in May, when he announced that he had entered into a partnership with Thiels Palantir to establish an AI-powered Crime Detection Unit (CDU).

Peter Thiel speaks at The Cambridge Union in May, 2024, in Cambridge. / Nordin Catic / Getty Images for The Cambridge U

In a jumble of acronyms, the newly formed CDU would immediately start work at the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), which the FHFA oversees along with a sibling, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

No one is above the law, Pulte dramatically declared at a press conference as if his liege, Trump, does not routinely act otherwise.

Pulte continued, In partnership with Palantir, Fannie Maes Crime Detection Unit will increase safety and soundness by rooting out bad actors in our housing system. This cutting-edge AI technology will help us find criminals who try to defraud our system.

Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook attends the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's 2025 Jackson Hole economic symposium,

Fannie Mae President and CEO Priscilla Almodovar told reporters that in an early test, the Palantir-assisted CDU needed just seconds to detect fraud that investigators would have otherwise required months to identify.

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By integrating this leading AI technology, we will look across millions of datasets to detect patterns that were previously undetectable, Almodovar said. This new partnership will combat mortgage fraud, helping to safeguard the U.S. mortgage market for lenders, homebuyers, and taxpayers.

Palantir co-founder and current CEO Alex Karp predicted, This partnership with Fannie Mae will set off a revolution in how we combat mortgage fraud in this country. We are bringing the fight directly to anyone who attempts to defraud our mortgage system and exploit hardworking Americans.

The value of such a potent weapon against major fraud was undeniable if it was indeed wielded to protect working Americans. But the announcement received only modest attention. And it seemed that, however grand the CDU sounded, it was not likely to make Pulte more than just the grandson and namesake of the man who founded Americas third-largest residential construction company, the PulteGroup. Mortgages and Fannie Mae just did not seem to get people fired up.

But, along with being able to detect major fraud nearly instantly, the CDU could just as easily identify minor violations in applications made years before from mortgages that remained in good standing. And from out of a pool of more than 50 million mortgages, the magic of Palantir AI produced a pair of applications for different homes in different states, in Michigan, and in Georgia, that Lisa Cook filed two weeks apart. She appears to have claimed both were her primary residence, in each instance qualifying for a more advantageous rate. Palantir AI even scrubbed the internet for rentals, indicating that one of the supposed primary residences had been listed.

Bill Pulte during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in February. / Annabelle Gordon / REUTERS

Pulte filed a criminal referral with Ed Martin, a U.S. Department of Justice Special Attorney and director of the Weaponization Working Group, which is tasked with investigating the Biden administrations supposed use of the law to target political opponents. Martin was instead investigating two objects of Trumps ire, New York State Attorney General Leticia James and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, for misstatements in mortgage applications. These cases predated the May announcement of the Palantir partnership and may have involved much more laborious, old-school targeting.

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Neither FHFA nor Palantir responded to Daily Beast queries about the workings of their partnership, but in any event, Pultes ends of the search almost certainly started with the names of the targets, followed by the applications and any irregularities they contained.

With near instant results from Palantir AI, Martin now set to investigating a third Trump perceived foe. Pulte announced online that the targets had come to include Cook and pinned a post in which he sounded like a MAGA mortgage evangelist.

The sanctity and integrity of mortgage applications and mortgage contracts are paramount. Violating the integrity of these agreements means putting the entire country at risk. This is why, in my mind, mortgage fraud is such a serious crime.

Trump sent Cook a letter informing her that she had been fired. Cook has replied with a lawsuit contending that the President can only fire a governor of the Federal Reserve Board for cause. Her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, contended that cause did not include an unsubstantiated allegation about private mortgage applications submitted by Governor Cook prior to her Senate confirmation.

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A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has scheduled a hearing for 10 a.m. Friday. And, whatever the immediate outcome, what started with hardcore AI lawfare is likely to end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

In other Thiel related news, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. named his top deputy, Jim ONeill, to become acting director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). ONeill would replace the newly ousted Susan Monarez, who is also contesting her firing. He has called Thiel his patron, and served as CEO of the Thiel Foundation. He also cofounded the Thiel Fellowship, which gives $200,000 to college students if they drop out and seek other endeavors.

The CDC along with FHFA is all but sure to make big use of Palantir.
President Donald Trump signed an ominous executive order Monday that calls for a sweeping reorientation of the National Guard around domestic policing. Particularly alarming is Trumps order that the secretary of defense create a quick reaction force within the National Guard for rapid nationwide deployment as part of a broader effort at quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety. While its not clear exactly what form such a force would take, Trump appears to be making an extraordinary attempt to amass autocratic power by misusing the military for policing.

The National Guard, a part of the U.S. armed forces, is primarily used to provide manpower for U.S. military operations abroad and help states respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes, forest fires and pandemics. More rarely the National Guard may be called upon to conduct civil disturbance operations and support law enforcement to deal with exceptional social disorder, such as when the guard was activated in many states during riots after police murdered George Floyd in 2020.

Trump wants the civil disturbance to become a focal point of the National Guard. Part of Mondays executive order directs the National Guard in every state to be trained to help federal and state law enforcement with quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate. Typically governors decide if and how much the National Guard in their state will be trained for civil disturbance, but Trump has the authority to issue this broad directive. We don't know the details of how training regimens will change, but the broad takeaway is that Trump wants the National Guard spending less time training for deployment abroad  and more time training for deployment domestically as a potential policing power.

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Lindsay Cohn, a visiting professor at Columbias School of International and Public Affairs, speaking in her personal capacity, told me in an interview that Trumps executive order represents a big change.

Maybe before they might have prioritized training for an Afghanistan-style mission abroad. Now they will be training for civil disturbance operations at home, Cohn said. It doesnt mean no one will be training for the Afghanistan-type mission. But it does mean a reprioritization.

The most eye-catching part of Trumps agenda to crack down on what he deems civil disturbances seems to be his call for the formation of that quick reaction force that can be sent anywhere in the country.

Its likely designed to ensure that whatever units they decide to use are fully trained and ready to deploy more quickly than they would normally be, John Dehn, a professor at Loyola University Chicago, told me. If they wait to identify the units until the need arises, they have to then train the units and go through all the different paperwork hurdles that they need to get those units on to where they need to be.

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An Aug. 12 Washington Post report provided clues as to what a quick reaction force might look like. That report was based on a review of internal Pentagon documents, marked predecisional, discussing plans for a Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force. According to the Post, that plan, as described in the documents, calls for 600 troops to be on standby at all times so they can deploy in as little as one hour.

I called up retired Maj. Gen. Randy Manner, who has overseen domestic operations at the No. 2 position in the National Guard and also overseen combat operations as the deputy commanding general of all Army forces in the Middle East. He was alarmed, to put it lightly.

Why the heck are we using armed, uniform military against our own population? This is absurd, he said. Its not the proper use of the military, and we should not go there. We need to invest in law enforcement if what we want to do is reduce crime.

So far, Trump has used deceptive claims about crime and disorder as a pretext for deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and is threatening to do so in Chicago. Trump sees the National Guard as a tool for testing the scope of executive power. He sees it as an instrument for repressing and intimidating people in cities he whimsically deems dangerous and which are run by political opponents. He's pushing it into uncharted territory  organizationally, politically and legally.

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Some of the experts I spoke to for this article emphasized a particular concern about Trump deploying National Guard troops around the 2026 election and depressing turnout by intimidating potential voters. There are also concerns that the quick reaction force could evolve into an armed loyalist cadre who enforce Trumps despotic agenda with force against civilians.

The red line is going to be when the president orders our military to start firing on demonstrators. Thats when all hell is going to break loose, Manner said.

Even if it never gets to that point, the country is already entering deeply anti-democratic territory. Shouldnt the concept of having the U.S. military on the streets of our cities alarm every single human being in the United States? Manner asked. Military, who are trained to kill people  and theyre not trained in law enforcement  on our streets. This should scare the crap out of every single person in the country."

Manner is right. A major theme of Trumps political project has been to reject the idea that the U.S. military should be used to nation-build abroad. Instead, he's trying to use the military to tear down the principles and rules that this nation has long held dear.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Last week, President Trump, through Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, fired the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse.

For good measure, two senior U.S. Navy leaders were also dismissed: Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, the chief of Navy Reserve, and Rear Adm. Milton Sands, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command.

No reason was given for Kruses removal from office, except that Hegseth had lost confidence in him. Thats the secretarys catch-all mantra for getting rid of senior figures he dislikes. But a blind man on a galloping horse could see what had happened: Kruse allowed his organization to contradict the president.

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In the wake of Operation Midnight Hammer, the strikes by Air Force stealth bombers on three Iranian nuclear facilities, Trump addressed the nation and boasted that Irans nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. There was now no prospect of Tehran achieving its nuclear ambitions for years. The successful surgical strike was heroic, decisive and used Americas outstanding technological capabilities to eliminate a significant threat.

But the Defense Intelligence Agencys initial assessment, which was leaked to the media, was considerably more cautious. Irans network of centrifuges, the machines that extract weapons-grade fissile material from uranium, was still largely intact. There has been no evidence that existing stockpiles of enriched uranium were destroyed in the strikes either. One anonymous source familiar with the report said, The assessment is that the U.S. set them back maybe a few months, tops.

This presentation of intelligence that contradicted the presidents bravado was, of course, unacceptable to the White House and Trumps brittle ego. Just as he had sacked the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the beginning of August because her agencys recent report showed job creation at a lower level than the president wanted, so Kruse was sacrificed on the altar of alternative facts.

In the seven months of his second term, Trump has now removed 13 generals and admirals; the civilian deputy director of the National Security Agency; and the chair and deputy chair of the National Intelligence Council, who were fired because their intelligence assessment did not support the presidents claims that criminal gangs from Venezuela were a significant national security threat.

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There are also questions over the future of Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, who has reportedly fallen out with the White House over the existence (or nonexistence) of a client list belonging to Jeffrey Epstein, the late sex offender and erstwhile Trump friend.

The president has always demanded unquestioning loyalty from his subordinates, not to the administration or the Constitution, but to himself and his own political fortunes. This extends to an insistence on accepting cherished MAGA fables. When he was choosing members of the current administration last year, Trump questioned several candidates on the 2020 presidential election, and those who would not assent to the fiction that he had won and the result had been stolen were not favored. Now it seems that remaining on the job requires not only obeisance to established lies but embracing new ones, too.

This trend is dangerous and corrosive. Ultra-loyalists like Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, the conspiracy-obsessed, ideologically lightweight director of National Intelligence, may rail at the presidents enemies and emphasize the necessity of removing them from positions of influence, but this is something entirely different. Consider: When was the last time Trump heard a point of view that contradicted his own, thought it over and accepted that he had been mistaken?

Advisers, especially in the military and intelligence establishments, are now expected to tailor their counsel to fit what Trump already thinks. That is not advice but cheerleading.

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Making effective decisions in the Oval Office is one of the most demanding tasks in the world, and it becomes infinitely more difficult if there is no critical, skeptical, fact-based challenge from professionals in their field. Already the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  the presidents principal military adviser  and the National Security Advisor have been removed, as have the heads of the National Security Agency, the National Intelligence Council and now the Defense Intelligence Agency.

A president who was renowned for deep thought, experience, judgment and erudition would make his task unnecessarily hard by retreating to the comfort of an echo chamber. Trump is not that president. His grasp of world affairs is impressionistic and shallow, often simply wrong, and his sense of his own abilities and influence is vastly overinflated.

In rejecting President Richard Nixons argument of confidentiality over the Watergate tapes, Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger conceded that the presidents need for complete candor and objectivity from advisers calls for great deference from the courts. This was a recognition that an ability to engage frankly with a wide range of opinion is a fundamental part of good governance.

It is ever clearer that Trump neither wants nor can endure such frankness. Bad decisions are an inevitable consequence.

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Eliot Wilson is a freelance writer on politics and international affairs and the co-founder of Pivot Point Group. He was senior official in the U.K. House of Commons from 2005 to 2016, including serving as a clerk of the Defence Committee and secretary of the U.K. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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As the congressman for New Orleans, I cannot let the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina pass without warning the nation.

Katrina was more than a storm. It was a failure of government at every level. Eighty percent of New Orleans was under water, nearly 2,000 lives were lost and families were scattered across the country. That tragedy was supposed to teach us lessons about preparedness, resilience and responsibility. Yet two decades later, troubling signs suggest those lessons are being forgotten.

Scientists now tell us that sections of our floodwalls are sinking  some faster than the seas are rising. This means that parts of the $15 billion system built after Katrina are already weakening. At the same time, federal budget cuts are gutting the levee inspection program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers once inspected New Orleans levees every year. Now, because of cuts pushed through by President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, the Corps says it may only be able to do full inspections every five years  if funding is available.

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These cuts are part of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. They slash programs designed to keep communities safe in order to fund giveaways for the wealthy. In the very city where broken levees drowned entire neighborhoods, and people who lived in them, Washington is now cutting back the very oversight that keeps those levees strong.

This is reckless. It threatens peoples lives in the city I grew up in and love. And it cannot stand.

That is why I have written directly to President Trump and the Army Corps of Engineers to demand that these inspections be restored. I have also opposed his administrations proposed cuts to the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration because theyd weaken our ability to track storms. And I oppose his proposed dismantling of FEMA because doing so would undermine our ability to recover when disaster strikes. These are not abstract policy disputes. The presidents decisions have put human lives in danger.

New Orleans is stronger than it was in 2005. We have rebuilt homes, schools and businesses. We have strengthened local leadership and invested in new infrastructure. But no city can be fully safe if the federal government retreats from its responsibility to protect the people.

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For those who lived through Katrina, the scars are still fresh. For those too young to remember, its story is written in photographs and in the grief of their parents. To them I say: You deserve better than a future where warnings are ignored and protections are weakened.

The promise after Katrina was simple: Never Again. That promise must be kept  not just for New Orleans, but for every community in America that depends on levees, floodwalls or federal disaster response. Climate change is making storms stronger. Sea levels are rising. We should be doubling down on safety, not cutting corners.

We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Lives depend on it.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
There are stories where a character does something so profoundly strange and contrary to their nature, the late Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison taught, that readers wont accept the actions as believable unless the character is Black. Thats true in literature, the writer argued, because its true in life: Weve always been considered to be irrational, emotional, lunatic people.

And so it was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago, when poor Black people became the face of the suffering and their alleged irrationality made the headlines and served as fodder for pundits disparaging the city and its people.

Its inconceivable that stories of people aiming to shoot down rescue helicopters, raping babies and slaughtering one another inside the citys makeshift shelters would have been swallowed and regurgitated as often as they were if they werent stories of Black people doing such things. Though then-Mayor Ray Nagin is Black, he was betraying a belief in what Morrison termed Black irrationality when he said the people waiting to be rescued out of New Orleans had become almost animalistic. And New Orleans Police Superintendent Eddie Compass, also Black, was doing the same when he said snipers were targeting rescue helicopters. The white governor, Kathleen Blanco, suggested that looters be shot, and white law enforcement officers turned away people trying to flee New Orleans on foot.

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I told a room full of journalists at this months National Association of Black Journalists convention in Cleveland that one of Katrinas big lessons is that no lie about Black people is too outrageous to be believed. So we journalists must refuse to be credulous.

Obviously, were never supposed to just accept what were told; were meant to embrace skepticism as a core value. But sometimes we become a little less skeptical when a source is a public official. And sometimes we feel compelled to quote a public officials lies because theyre a public official. But when statements clash with what we know about human behavior, we shouldnt feel obliged to just play along or believe we should be exempted from accountability when our reporting is helping to wrongly malign a group of people.

Consider the Republican presidential tickets slanderous claim that Haitians in Ohio were hunting their neighbors pets for food. Some people believed it because, again, theyve been primed to believe the worst about Black people.

As Haitian Times publisher Garry Pierre-Pierre wrote for MSNBC, the community was later subjected to bomb threats. And since taking the White House again, President Donald Trump has demanded that Haitians here on temporary protected status get out.

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Trumps blatant and unapologetic lying has prompted journalists to think a lot more seriously about how to balance a commitment to the truth with the desire to comprehensively cover what public officials do and say.

But Ive been wrestling with that dilemma for at least 20 years. I saw what happened when accurate quotes from official sources helped the world believe that the people in my city had gone feral.

Two weeks after the hurricane, Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, the officer who had brought calm to a city on the brink of chaos (and who has written a Katrina anniversary column for MSNBC) walked into The Times-Picayunes temporary office in Baton Rouge and met with the editorial board. Between explaining the vastness of Katrinas destruction and promising to help jump-start the city so that we could work from there again, he provided an anecdote about a truck rolling over a capped plastic water bottle near a hospital loading dock. Nurses who were rolling a patient out for transport became so startled at the sound, he said, that they rushed their patient back inside, thinking theyd heard a gunshot. And what he described as hysteria followed.

For 2020s Floodlines, a Hurricane Katrina podcast hosted by The Atlantics Vann Newkirk II, Honore said he chided the police chief for claiming there were snipers. He said he asked Compass, Did they hit you? He answered no. Then, Did they hit the helicopter? The chief said no. Well, they probably werent f-----g snipers, were they?

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Compass confirmed on the podcast that Honore had been upset about what hed said and acknowledged that I shouldnt have used that word. He said, Im sorry. I mean, I cant take it back.

But the problem wasnt that word but the suggestion that stranded people were trying to shoot helicopters out of the sky. Why wasnt that dismissed as preposterous on its face? It seemed not to occur to folks making such claims that people afraid of being overlooked and left to die might make as much noise as possible. As one man who was rescued by helicopter later told The Times-Picayune, Shouting toward a helicopter is really not going to do much.

Honore told Newkirk that people had watched too much television. And they think if they shoot in the air, the helicopter will hear them and come get them. Then, he said, We have yet to have one helicopter with a bullet hole in it.

No, it wasnt safe for people left suffering in unquenchable heat to be firing guns when helicopters were up. But it wasnt depraved, either.

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My first big assignment after Hurricane Katrina involved collecting survivors stories. One man described being plucked from the water and left barefoot on Interstate 10. He said a man asked him his shoe size, walked off and returned with new Air Jordans. A woman whod stayed with her elderly mother at a nursing home said theyd been fed Popeyes and snacks and provided Gatorade, adult diapers and wipes by teens making stops in the neighborhood on a mail carriers truck.

I dont profess to know what fraction of crime was driven by charity and what fraction arose out of anger and greed. But I know the conditions that week were more horrible than the people were. Its to our professions shame that journalists didnt always convey that. And that some believed stories about Black people in New Orleans that theyd never have believed about anybody else.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A researcher holds a hatchery juvenile spring Chinook salmon in Oregon. (Photo by Mia Maldonado / Oregon Capital Chronicle)

More than 320 species of plants and animals living in Oregon are in need of greater protection, according to the states Department of Fish and Wildlife, up from 294 about a decade ago, the last time the agency updated its State Wildlife Action Plan.

The 2026 plan, adopted by the states Fish and Wildlife Commission on Aug. 15, outlines what the states conservation priorities should be to maintain healthy fish and wildlife populations. The last time it was updated was in 2016. Since then, 27 species were added, including porcupines, Western grebe, California condors and sea otters.

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States must update their wildlife action plans every 10 years to qualify for federal and tribal wildlife grants. Oregons fish and wildlife agency has until October to submit their updated plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval.

Despite being billed as an action plan, the state fish and wildlife department does not get consistent, dedicating funding to undertake conservation and species protection work. Lawmakers earlier this year introduced a bill that would have increased the states transient lodging tax from 1.5% to 2.5% to ensure regular and robust funding for wildlife conservation programs meant to address the needs of species on the states list. The bill passed the Oregon House, but it died upon adjournment before it could reach the Senate.

Infobox: To learn more about the State Wildlife Action Plan, visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Oregon is home to some of the most iconic wildlife in the country, from puffins to pika, salmon to sand hill cranes, Oregon Wild Wildlife Program Manager Danielle Moser said in a statement, but our wildlife is facing a very real extinction crisis. Without dedicated funding, Oregons conservation plan is just words on paper.

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Oregon is 5th among states with the highest number of at-risk animals in the U.S., according to a 2023 report by Virginia-based nonprofit conservation group NatureServe. More than half of Oregons amphibian species, 10% of the states bird species and 20% of all reptile species are already in decline.

Meanwhile, federal support for conservation is facing cuts. Trump administration officials have proposed cutting U.S. Fish and Wildlifes 2026 budget by $170 million, and proposed rolling back species protections enshrined under the Endangered Species Act.

The Trump administrations attacks on wildlife conservation make clear: the federal government is abandoning its responsibility, and states like Oregon will need to step up, Moser said.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  August is coming to a close, but Oregon has already seen hundreds of thousands of acres burned and dozens of homes destroyed by wildfires.

As the Flat Fire continues to burn out of control in Central Oregon, state and federal leaders met in Portland on Thursday to discuss this years wildfire season and how to pay for it.

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In 2024, Oregon saw a record-breaking wildfire season that cost the state $350 million, but following the recent legislative session, the current wildfire budget is less than that. Its also supposed to last two years.

Officials say it is very possible that we could have a few more fires before October.

This week, the Flat Fire exploded to more than 23,000 acres, destroying five homes and threatening thousands of homes that are still under evacuation orders.

As wildland firefighters work to mop up hotspots and stifle the flames, KOIN 6 News spoke with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici ahead of her meeting with state and federal leaders to discuss funding for those on the front lines.

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Last I checked, the fire over there, near Sisters, was only about 7% contained. We need to have funding, not only to support our firefighters, but also to support better forest management so that we can do more prevention, she said.

Combined, there have been nearly 1,900 fires in Oregon this year that have devoured roughly 220,000 acres total, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. Thats as the state saw a record-breaking 1.9 million acres burned last wildfire season.

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The briefing at the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center comes as state legislators fell short of their goal to raise $300 million to address wildfires over the next two years.

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They instead came up with roughly $270 million between the states budget bill and House Bill 3940, which creates a new tax on nicotine pouches to help cut costs for homeowners and pay for wildfire prevention. However, the funding does not allocate dollars to fight fires.

Now most of those funds are considered one time, meaning that in two years, the state will be back at the same table trying to find a long-term funding solution to address these ever-widening fire seasons.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After months of uncertainty, AmeriCorps will receive funding after all.

The White House Office of Management and Budget agreed Thursday to release more than $184 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs across the country.

This money supports programs that strengthen our communities, serve students and seniors, and empower the next generation of leaders in our state, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement.

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To date, we have protected over $4 billion in federal dollars that Oregonians are relying on  and we will continue to fight every day to make sure Oregon communities receive the funds Congress has allocated.

The announcement comes after Rayfield joined 23 other attorneys general in a lawsuit challenging the administrations plan to eliminate 90% of AmeriCorps workforce, cancel its contracts and close $400 million worth of programs back in April.

The court granted a preliminary injunction on June 5, which was intended to restore all programs. However, the White House continued to withhold funds.

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Rayfield then joined Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown and others in an amended lawsuit filed July 29, which added the Office of Management and Budget as defendant. The coalition of attorneys general again filed for a preliminary injunction on Aug. 8, intended to prevent the office from continuing to withhold the money.

Communities throughout Washington depend on the hard work of AmeriCorps volunteerswhether theyre staffing food banks, mentoring kids, or helping home-bound seniors, Brown said.

On Aug. 28, which was the deadline for a response, the administration notified the court they would finally release the money.

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Nearly $45 million was invested in Oregon alone last year by AmeriCorps. Its members serve in schools, libraries, health clinics, shelters, community centers and forests.

Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin also joined the lawsuit, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Oregon Zoo is launching an emergency plan to save newts that are native to Crater Lake from extinction, the zoo announced Thursday.

The zoo is teaming up with the National Park Service and Bends High Desert Museum to bring 19 Mazama newts to the zoo.

Earlier in August, Oregon Zoo conservation staff traveled to Crater Lake to collect the newts, which are now living in the zoos conservation lab, according to the zoo.

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The newts are settling in well, which is just what wed hoped for, said Julia Low, who oversees the zoos newt conservation program. This is only the second time this species has been in human care, and this will be the first-ever breeding effort, so were eager to learn everything we can.

The zoo explained that the Mazama newt is a salamander found only in Crater Lake. Historically, the species was a top aquatic predator in Crater Lake, however, the species is now threatened by invasive crayfish taking over the lakeshore habitat.

In 2008, the newts were found at half of survey sites around the lake. In 2025, however, the zoo says they were spotted at two sites  marking 5% of the total survey area.

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Meanwhile, crayfish were found at all survey sites in 2025, the zoo said.

If we dont act now, the Mazama newt could disappear, said David Hering, an aquatic ecologist at Crater Lake National Park. We need to keep a population of these newts safe in human care while we work on a long-term solution to the invasive crayfish problem, and thats where the Oregon Zoo comes in.

The zoo and the National Park Service hosted a workshop at Crater Lake in mid-August to chart an emergency plan to save the newts.

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Over the course of the three-day workshop, scientists from the University of Washington, Oregon State University, University of Illinois, San Antonio Zoo, the Klamath Tribes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created plans to eradicate crayfish and create safeguards for the Mazama newts.

Many of these actions are focused on the next two years, just in time to give the species a fighting chance, the Oregon Zoo said in a press release announcing the conservation effort.

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As a first step, in 2024, the zoo helped bring a group of newts from Crater Lake to the High Desert Museum, where theyve been living for the past year.

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Its a unique challenge to learn how to care for these newts, and were proud to be part of the conservation effort, said Jon Nelson, the museums curator of wildlife. Were working closely with animal care staff at the Oregon Zoo to share everything weve learned.

If all goes according to plan, officials said the offspring will be released back into the lake.

We know how important this work is, and were up to the challenge, Low said. With more newts disappearing every year, now is the time to act to save this species.

Officials note that the Mazama newt has been listed as a state sensitive species in Oregons revised State Wildlife Action Plan and has been petitioned to be listed under the Endangered Species Act.

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Aug. 29An Ostrander teen was injured Thursday night, the result of a two-vehicle crash in Fillmore County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a 2025 Chevy Traverse, driven by Gregory Lee Anderson of Cambridge was traveling northbound on Highway 63 and Carter Lloyd Start, 18, of Ostrander, was traveling southbound in a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta when the two collided near 190th Street just after 7 p.m..

Both Start and Anderson were taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester with non-life threatening injuries.

The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office and Spring Valley Ambulance and Fire responded.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Its in the water, its airborne and its getting people sick.

The Tijuana River is not just a nuisance, its a health hazard, according to newly peer-reviewed findings published in the journal Science.

This is the paper that will drop at 11 a.m. in Science, it is focusing on how river pollution is actually affecting air quality across all of San Diego, said Kim Prather, a professor from UC San Diego in atmospheric science.

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Scientists from UCSDs Scripps Institute of Oceanography, in collaboration with SDSU and UC Irvine, have been studying the alarming hydrogen sulfide off-gassing from the toxic waste wafting from the untreated waste flowing from the city of Tijuana down the canyon into the city of Imperial Beach.

The new study found the smells from the waste are the biggest alarm and help identify when the air is most toxic.

In red, Ive overlaid the odor complaints, and what you see is they track with a correlation of .92, 1 would be perfect. Basically, the community was acting as the sensors, but unfortunately, they were not being heard, Prather said.

The team of researchers say officials discouraged their findings, but these scientists pushed on.

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We had push back of people who were saying if you tell the people that its in the air and they are breathing, then you are going to scare the public. We never scared the public; the public was grateful because they were feeling the effects.

Now, researchers believe its the turbulence and concentration of the waste that can create such unhealthy conditions.

This is a toxic gas, and so are all the other, now that weve determined there are over 1,000 types of gases that are coming out and many of those are toxic, and they dont even have smells, Prather said.

Scientists say their newest paper should dispel any doubts that the smells coming from the Tijuana River Valley, especially during the dry season, are harmless.

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This means that its not a river at this point, most of this is actually industrial waste and raw sewage that is making its way through the community, Prather 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.
The firing of the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the resignation of several high-profile agency leaders pose immediate challenges to the operations of the nations premier public health agency, experts said.

Jim ONeill, a top deputy to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will serve as acting director of CDC, an administration official confirmed on Thursday.

He now takes over for Dr. Susan Monarez until a new permanent CDC director is confirmed by the Senate.

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Monarez was the first CDC director to require Senate confirmation under a law that took effect in 2023. Replacing her would require President Donald Trump to nominate a new director, who would then need to be considered and confirmed by the Senate.

On Thursday, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy said the high-profile departures will require oversight of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which he chairs.

Replacing the leaders in the other positions, including those who held the jobs for years, will be difficult, Dr. Anne Schuchat, former principal deputy director of the CDC, said.

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The four people who resigned led important parts of the agency and had the respect of the nation and the world, she said.

Kennedy addressed Monarezs firing during a news conference on Thursday.

Theres a lot of trouble at CDC, and its going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture and bring back pride and self-esteem and make that agency the stellar agency that its always been. Im very confident in the political staff that we have down there now that theyre going to be able to accomplish that and ensure the competent functionality of that agency, Kennedy said.

How could the changes affect average Americans?

The clash at CDC was apparently triggered by conflict over changes in policy regarding recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations that could make getting a shot more complicated for people.

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The Food and Drug Administration approved updated COVID-19 shots on Wednesday, but limited their use for many Americans  and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children. The new jabs from three manufacturers are approved for all seniors, but the FDA narrowed their use for adults and children to those with high-risk health conditions, such as asthma or obesity.

The FDA approval is typically reviewed by a CDC vaccine advisory committee, which makes recommendations for use. Monarez said she would not automatically sign off on recommendations of the committee, which was handpicked by Kennedy, according to Dr. Richard Besser, a former CDC acting director. (Besser is now president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which helps support The Associated Press Health and Science Department.)

The changes present new barriers to access for millions of Americans, who would have to prove their risk, and others who may want the shots but suddenly no longer qualify. The vaccines were previously recommended for Americans 6 months and older.

These decisions, made without supporting evidence, reflect a troubling pattern by HHS of interfering in the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers and limiting access to vaccines  public health tools proven to save lives and reduce costs, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher.

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In addition, the disruption at the CDC could jeopardize many local health services undergirded by the agencys support and expertise, Schuchat noted. That could mean tracking a simmering infectious disease outbreak, such as measles, or outbreaks of foodborne illness.

Its the water that you drink, the lead in your pipes. Look around your community, Schuchat said. If people are doing well and healthy, its probably partly because of the CDC.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
When a United Airlines technology issue halted several thousand flights a few weeks ago, it added another incident to a cascade of problems the airlines and national aviation system have seen in recent years.

Southwest Airlines had one of the most significant technology meltdowns in recent aviation history three years ago, during Christmas, when crew scheduling software failed, stranding passengers, their belongings and crew members all over the country.

Since then, the US has seen multiple Notice to Airmen outages affecting the federal computer system that sends alerts to pilots about conditions that could affect the safety of their flights. Plus airplanes have been grounded by tech issues affecting various airlines and the more wide-reaching CrowdStrike software glitch thats been described as the largest IT outage in history.

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These operational interruptions, while disruptive to passengers, happen because airlines and aviation officials see safety as paramount, said Eash Sundaram, a tech investor and venture capital and digital executive who previously served as executive vice president and chief digital and technology officer at JetBlue Airways.

The moment the airline doesnt have an IT system, they shut down the process, said Sundaram.

Uniteds outage earlier this month was resolved within a few hours and the airline implemented delays and cancellations to return operations to normal.

But it shows that commercial air travel for the roughly three million people that take to the sky each day in the United States can be a complex dance, requiring technology that tracks everything from crew members and aircraft to the weight of planes to be running correctly. And if any one of these systems gives out, it can have a cascading effect.

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While theres no centralized data tracking tech outages across the national aviation system, these software problems do happen far more often than anyone would like, said Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group and a travel industry analyst.

Aviation analysts and experts say its not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fixing the technology.

Southwest Airlines' meltdown during the Christmas holiday season in 2022 stranded passengers, bags and crew members. - Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images

Whats the solution?

Sundaram said the very complex systems that often go down in these situations are owned or created by an individual airline. Each airline tends to run on its own system.

Delta has its own crew management system, and American has its own crew management system  Nothing is common, he said. This is a fundamental issue in the industry.

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He pointed to operating systems, the backbone systems that support crew, the aircraft and weight and balance systems, as something that could be more universal for airlines. Commercial systems, such as e-commerce sites or check-in kiosks, could remain differentiated by each airline, he said.

Why cant four or five airlines come together to build it? Sundaram said. Why cant Google invest in it, or why cant Microsoft invest in it? Large airlines tend to invest on their own, and they build their own stuff, and once they build it, they dont upgrade it for years, because, you know, it works.

Until it doesnt.

United Airlines planes sit grounded at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, on August 6. - Ryan Murphy/Reuters

Uniteds problem a few weeks ago stemmed from an issue with the airlines weight and balance computer system, known as Unimatic, and was unrelated to recent cybersecurity concerns in the industry, the company said. Its not clear what caused the problem.

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The airline hasnt been a stranger to disruption this year, after multiple air traffic control communications outages impacted its massive operations at Newark Liberty International Airport .

The overhaul of the Federal Aviation Administrations decades-old air traffic control system is currently underway, with a $12.5 billion down payment secured in President Trumps landmark tax and spending cuts bill passed earlier this year.

Despite the chaos at Newark, the internal systems for United ran great, said Harteveldt.

It could be that they were doing some kind of upgrade to the system, or it could be, again, that there was some kind of connectivity issue that caused the weight and balance system to go off, or something like that, but I dont believe that the problem was triggered by some summer travel volumes, he said.

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This week, an air traffic control frequency outage grounded flights into Newark. The ground stop was lifted quickly, but flights were delayed due to equipment issues in the Philadelphia TRACON responsible for Newark arrivals and departures. The FAA has previously said Newarks technology problems should be fixed by October.

But airlines own technology systems are in play, too.

Harteveldt said airlines have been investing in technology, but its not always the case that every single airline is running the latest and greatest software.

As with any technology, upgrades need to be made from time to time.

Recent technology outages

One of the largest and most catastrophic technology meltdowns was Southwests in 2022. The ripple effect of systems failing led to millions in fines and a federal government-led investigation of the airline. The airlines reputation was damaged, and it had to make efforts to earn customers back.

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Southwest unveiled an action plan after the meltdown which called for increasing the availability of winter equipment and staffing at some airports, investing in technology to help it quickly restart operations during extreme weather and improving communication and decision-making processes across departments that handle flight operations

Since then, passengers have seen several outages from various airlines, causing ground stops, ground delays and other disruptions.

Whats important to remember, according to Harteveldt, of Atmosphere Research Group, is that when the FAA tells an airline that a technology issue poses a safety issue, the airline puts safety first and complies with the FAAs request to ground flights. Thats when travelers are disrupted by flight delays or cancellations.

(Its) not an easy decision, and definitely not fun for anyone on those canceled flights, he said.

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In 2023, shortly after Southwests meltdown, the FAAs NOTAM system experienced an outage. The system sends alerts to pilots to let them know of conditions that could affect the safety of their flights. It is separate from the air traffic control system that keeps planes a safe distance from each other, but its another critical tool for air safety.

FAA issues are external to airlines. However, they impact passengers just as much, if not more, because they can impact the national system for all pilots.

Travelers wait to check in at the Southwest Airlines counter at Oakland International Airport in Oakland, California, on April 18, 2023, after "intermittent technology issues" interfered with operations. - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images

In April 2023, Southwest saw another issue with a firewall failure, leading to more flights being halted. Later that year, United Airlines delayed its flights due to an equipment outage. After a brief stop, flights resumed.

The reasons these problems happen vary, according to Harteveldt, but they happen too often.

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No airline wants to have a software problem that causes a ground stop to occur, or any other problem that grounds the airline, he said.

Alaska Airlines paused flights in April 2024 after the carrier experienced an issue while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates weight and balance.

But that didnt even scratch the surface of what came during the summer of 2024.

A software update for Microsoft Windows operating systems issued by the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike was the root cause of the chaos that unfolded in July, disrupting airlines, banks, schools and more during the busy summer travel season. Delta Air Lines was hit the hardest, while American Airlines and United Airlines also were impacted. The incident led to Delta suing the cybersecurity firm.

The CrowdStrike outage last summer was felt around the world. Long lines of passengers formed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines, on July 19, 2024. - Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Delta addressed the situation with refunds to passengers and other measures, but Delta and CrowdStrike traded accusations before the matter landed in court.

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On Christmas Eve of last year, American Airlines issued a nationwide ground stop after experiencing a vendor technology issue.

Those two incidents happening during peak travel periods where travelers were passing through airports led to great levels of disruption.

Its hard to say definitively why these problems happen, said Helane Becker, president of HRBAviation Consultants. In peak periods of travel, TSA records close to or over 3 million people passing through security checkpoints.

It may be happening as much (as years past), but it affects more people when it does happen, she said, noting the technology incidents often cost airlines tens of millions of dollars.

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2025 started off with a NOTAM system outage in February.

Theres a process in place right now to get this system fixed. We want to expedite that and get this new system in place, said Sean Duffy, Department of Transportation Secretary to CNN at the time. This is an old system that needs to be upgraded.

That NOTAM outage came just days after a deadly midair collision over the Potomac River near Washington, DC, which caused many passengers to grow hesitant towards flying.

In July, Alaska issued a ground stop for an IT outage, stranding some passengers on planes. A few hours later, however, it was lifted.

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Becker points to heightened attention to aviation safety since the DC collision, a Delta regional jet that flipped on landing in Toronto and other incidents in the airspace.

With all that in mind, airlines are continuing to invest in technology and maintaining safety, she said, but its not always publicized.

I feel like, in a lot of ways, theyre playing catch up, and I think that  thats an issue that they have to address, Becker said. I always have felt that airlines are always running to the next problem versus getting ahead of the problem.

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OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  Law enforcement in Kentucky say gun violence continues to pose a threat across the country.

As a way to combat these threats, ATF agents are working with local agencies including the Owensboro Police Department on crime intelligence training.

The 8-hour training program covers crime trends involving guns, federal firearms offenses and investigation strategies. The training also includes a look at a program about gun tracing.

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Anytime a crime gun is used, whether it be the firearm or that shell casing thats left at the scene, ATF Special Agent John Nokes. Officers are able to collect that information and enter that into a machine locally. That information goes down to a correlation center either in Huntsville or Wichita matching those shell casings, those firearms to other crime scenes across the nation.

The ATF is taking their training program across Kentucky. It started in Paducah and will make its way to Hopkins County later this year.

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Action News Jax has learned that both the owner and the sales manager of Bul Auto Sales exotic car dealership in Jacksonville are facing fraud charges related to the business.

Jail records show the owner, Vladimir Ranguelov, better known as Val, and the Sales Manager, Igor Westerman, were both arrested.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

This comes two and a half months after Action News Jax Investigates first learned about the exotic car dealerships abrupt closures of both its Jacksonville and Albany, New York locations

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Action News Jax reporter Madison Foglio spoke to a customer of Bul Auto Sales, who said he contacted JSO on June 5 because his car was missing from the dealership.

Video obtained from that day shows Jacksonville Sheriffs officer and tow trucks taking the cars off the lot.

Since then, we learned that several people locally filed police reports naming the car dealership and claiming it took part in title forgery and fraudulent vehicle sales.

Shawn Branlund was a Technician at the dealership. We spoke with him back in June, but when asked for comment about the arrests, he decided against it. He previously told us that he would never expect something like this from his former boss.

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He paid everyone really well, he was always taking us out on his boat, and taking us out to dinner. Hes just a super nice guy, like, and definitely never saw this coming, Branlund said.

Both Val and Igor are set to be arranged on September 17th. We reached out to FBI Jacksonville to see if agents there are separately investigating Bul Auto Sales. They replied saying: as a matter of policy, the FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.

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ST. LOUIS  Artists from around the world are gathered in the Gateway City for Paint Louis. Their canvas is this giant floodwall along the St. Louis Riverfront.

The two-day graffiti art festival with DJs, food trucks, and events for children has evolved over its 28-year history.

People are starting early today to lay out things, John Harrington, Paint Louis organizer, said. What happens is the productions and the artwork take so long the artists dont get to enjoy the event. This way, they can get caught up with their friends and stuff like that.

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During Thursdays lunch hour, artists from across the country are already up on ladders and laying out designs for this Labor Day weekends Paint Louis.

Just down the street, Still 630 Distillery makes award winning gin, rum, and brandy. But last year, Still 630 was tagged by spray painters as the graffiti art along the floodwalls spilled over onto nearby businesses.

Left-lane driving in Missouri: When is it legal?

Thank goodness no one was hurt, David Weglarz, owner of Still 630 Distillery, said. It wasnt life-threatening. But it cost us thousands of dollars in damage in what we always thought to be a cool aspect of St. Louis.

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Weglarz is glad to hear that this years event will have a bigger police presence with patrols. Organizers say sometimes bad actors, not the internationally known artists that create on the floodwall, are to blame.

Its clear to see its a community of creativity that will converge on the two-mile-long floodwall, south of the St. Louis Riverfront.

I always expect it to be painted over, Cbabi Bayoc, artist mural painter, said. I come back once a month. This year, my main mural didnt get touched at all. But for the most part, once I paint it and the weekend is over, anything can happen.

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By Saeed Shah

ISLAMABAD -Flooding in Pakistan from water flowing downstream from India was made worse by New Delhis suspension of a river-sharing treaty and the collapse of the gates on an Indian barrage, Pakistani officials said on Friday.

Torrential monsoon rains ravaged neighboring adversaries India and Pakistan this week, with further heavy downpours forecast for this weekend. On Friday, in eastern Pakistan, flood waters hit the outskirts of the countrys second biggest city, Lahore, and threatened to submerge the major town of Jhang, in the worst flooding in almost 40 years in that part of the country.

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The nations share rivers that originate in India and flow into Pakistan, regulated for more than six decades under the Indus Waters Treaty. That agreement was suspended by India this year, following the shooting of 26 people by militants that New Delhi said were backed by Islamabad, which Pakistan denies.

Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistan's Planning Minister, told Reuters that data on water flows which used to be shared by India under the treaty had not passed to Pakistan quickly enough, or in sufficient detail.

We could have managed better if we had better information, said Iqbal. If the Indus Waters Treaty was in operation, we could have mitigated the impact.

The middle section of Madhopur barrage, which spans the Ravi River in India, was washed away by surging water, video broadcast by Indian media on Thursday showed. Pakistani officials said that this damage unleashed an uncontrolled flow across the border, flooding some parts of Lahore on Friday.

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An Indian government source denied there had been any deliberate attempt to flood Pakistan, while confirming that two gates of Madhopur barrage had broken.

Indian authorities were trying to stem the flow on the Ravi River, despite the damage to the barrage, and the flow was being controlled by the Ranjit Sagar Dam upstream, said the source, who declined to be identified, citing government policy.

India is doing whatever can be done and all the information is being passed on, said the source. Incessant rain is causing this flood.

India's foreign and water resources ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the record.

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India sent four flood alerts to Islamabad since Sunday, according to Pakistani officials, including a warning on Friday. New Delhi acknowledges passing on warnings, on humanitarian grounds, but has not provided details.

When India put the 1960 treaty into abeyance, it stopped the sharing of information between water officials. Instead, warnings were sent this week through Indias embassy in Islamabad.

Iqbal, whose own constituency of Narowal, near the Indian border, was badly flooded, said that climate change had made the annual monsoon less predictable, making it more vital to share data.

Climate change is not a bilateral issue, said Iqbal. It relates to humanity.

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On the Chenab River, Pakistani authorities on Friday blew up part of the riverbank to siphon off some of the water into surrounding land, as it threatened to flood the nearby city of Jhang.

Pakistan evacuated more than 1 million people this week in the east of the country, away from the path of the three overflowing rivers that come from India.

This monsoon season so far, 820 people have died in Pakistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. The flooded east of the country is home to half of the 240 million population and serves as the countrys breadbasket, with widespread damage to crops from the deluge.

(Reporting by Saeed Shah in Islamabad, Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore and Krishna N. Das in New DelhiWriting by Saeed ShahEditing by Peter Graff)
Gov. Ron DeSantis will have multiple opportunities over the next eight months to call a special legislative session so the boundaries of Florida's congressional districts can be redrawn.

It appears the Republican governor has his eye on one of Palm Beach County's congressional seats  the District 20 spot held by U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat. During remarks on Aug. 20 at Palm Beach State College near Lake Worth Beach, DeSantis mocked the shape of the district, which was crafted after the 1990 Census to increase the chances that a Black candidate could win there.

"It's the most irregularly shaped district on Florida's map," DeSantis said of District 20, whose boundaries bow out and squiggle to include the Glades, Mangonia Park and Riviera Beach before dipping down to encompass heavily Black portions of Broward County.

Looking for Republican friendly districts

There are many oddly shaped districts in the Sunshine State, and DeSantis could ask state legislators to change their boundaries during any of the two-week committee meetings scheduled to be held in Tallahassee in October, November and December. The 2026 legislative session is also scheduled to begin in mid-January and run through March, a month before the April 20-24 filing window for candidates who want to run in the mid-term elections in November 2026.

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State Sen. Mack Bernard, D-West Palm Beach, said he has not seen a formal redistricting plan. DeSantis, though, is thought to be interested in one that would give Republicans at least one more GOP-friendly congressional district to seek in November.

The District 20 congressional district

A redistricting plan in Florida would thrust the state into the tit-for-tat redistricting battles kicked off when President Donald Trump asked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for a redistricting plan in that state to produce five additional GOP-friendly districts.

Abbott's assent spurred California Gov. Gavin Newsom to draft a redistricting plan in his heavily Democratic state to counter the five GOP-friendly districts being crafted in Texas.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-FL

Now, Republicans in Ohio and Florida and Democrats in New York and New Jersey are looking at redistricting plans to give their party an advantage in the fall 2026 congressional elections.

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Republicans currently hold a seven-seat edge in the 435-member U.S. House, which puts the speaker's gavel in GOP hands and gives party members the chairmanship of the chamber's committees. But the party of the president typically loses seats in midterm elections when the president is not on the ballot, and, given the GOP's small majority, Democrats are energized by the prospect of recapturing control of the House.

Democratic control of the House would erect a huge barrier to any legislation Trump wants to have passed. And it could be politically crippling for him, too, as Democratic committee chairs would have oversight authority to compel testimony on everything from Trump's cryptocurrency earnings and his acceptance of gifts from foreign governments to his freezing of congressionally approved funding and his administration's handling of immigration enforcement.

Already, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, said Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem can expect to spend time in many a committee witness seat if his party wins control of the House, he becomes speaker and his fellow Democrats become committee chairs again.

Jeffries blasted Noem and the administration for what he called its "the lack of respect for due process, for the rule of law, the unleashing of masked agents on law-abiding immigrant communities and the disappearing of people, in some instances, to other countries without any real evidence that criminal behavior took place."

Palm Beach, Broward county district could be a key battlefield

Republicans aren't going to go down in November 2026 without a fight, and District 20 here in Palm Beach County could be a key spot on the political battlefield.

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Cherfilus-McCormick did not respond to requests for comment about the possible impact of redistricting on her district. Her fellow congressional delegation member, U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, had plenty to say.

"Republicans know their policies  like stripping health care from millions  are deeply unpopular," she said. "So instead of winning fair and square, politicians like Ron DeSantis are trying to rig the system by tearing apart communities that vote for Democrats. Voters should choose their leaders, not the other way around."

In 1992, Frankel ran to represent what is now District 20, but she was defeated in the Democratic primary by Alcee Hastings, who held the seat until his death in 2021.

Bernard said he would do all he can to protect the seat, but Republicans have a supermajority in the state Senate and the state House, giving the GOP near carte blanche to do as it pleases when it comes to redistricting.

Congressional seats are based on population take every 10 years by the Census

Typically, redistricting is undertaken every 10 years after new census figures indicate whether a state should gain or lose seats in the U.S. House, where seats are distributed based on population.

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Rapidly growing Florida gained a congressional seat after the 2020 census, and DeSantis pushed through a redistricting plan that eliminated what was then the state's 5th congressional district.

District 5 had been represented by a Black Democrat, Al Lawson, and Black officials complained that the governor was diminishing Black representation. They see echoes of District 5 in DeSantis' focus on District 20.

While DeSantis has mocked District 20's boundary lines, its weird shape is a nod to an often-unacknowledged political reality: Black candidates have a much lower shot at winning congressional races unless minority voters account for a big chunk of those casting ballots.

An analysis by The Palm Beach Post found that, of the 52 Black U.S. House members with full voting privileges, 33 represent districts where minorities make up a majority of the district's residents. Only in 17 of those 52 districts do Black members of Congress represent a district where most of the residents are white  and four of those members are in the GOP, a party opposed by nearly 9-in-10 Black voters.

Black candidates less likely than whites to represent their communities

The lingering link between race and politics has meant that, absent deliberate efforts to increase a Black candidate's odds, Black voters are far less likely than white voters to be represented in Congress by someone who looks like them and has cultural and other ties to them.

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Minorities account for nearly 80% of District 20's residents, with Black residents accounting for the biggest chunk, 49%. Many of those Black residents are Haitian or Haitian-American, as is Cherfilus-McCormick, who has focused on the travails of that nation and on the challenges faced by those who have traveled from there to South Florida.

Bernard said there is special importance for Black residents in having a Black elected official represent them.

"There is so much value to it," Bernard said. "We attend the churches our constituents attend. We attend the weddings and the funerals they attend. We provide representation that is laser-focused."

The value of that representation was embraced in the early 1990s, when what is now District 20 was created, but Republicans have led a fierce pushback  one that has been blessed by the federal courts system.

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In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a portion of the Voting Rights Act requiring some states and local jurisdictions with a history of electoral discrimination to get "preclearance" before making electoral changes that could dilute minority voting strength.

Six years later, the court ruled that, while partisan gerrymandering "may be incompatible with democratic principals," questions about it were political and beyond the court's purview. And in 2024, the court refused to strike down what the South Carolina NAACP had called a racial gerrymander of congressional districts in that state, arguing that the goal of the redistricting was to create a political benefit for the GOP, not necessarily to discriminate based on race.

Taken together, those rulings greatly narrow any lane for a race-based challenge to a redistricting plan in Florida or elsewhere.

That doesn't mean DeSantis will have a free hand. Democrats are already hammering him for what would be a redistricting of the 2022 redistricting.

President Donald Trump walks with Governor Ron DeSantis after arriving on Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida on Nov. 26, 2019.

"This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to rig the system and silence voters before the 2026 election," Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a prepared statement. "Now, after gutting representation for Black Floridians and stacking the court to uphold it, he wants to further gerrymander and suppress the vote of millions of Floridians."

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DeSantis has argued that Florida's population was undercounted by the Census and that Democrats shortchanged the state in giving it only one additional seat in Congress. Fried, however, doesn't buy that argument.

"We have a federal census every 10 years for a reason," she said. "What DeSantis is doing is inappropriate. Hes not responding to population growth; hes responding to polls. Because he knows the Republican Party is on the verge of losing its grip."

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: DeSantis eyeing District 20 seat in tit-for-tat redistricting battle
Environmental groups are taking legal action in an attempt to halt the progression of a Palm Beach County rock mining project in the Everglades Agricultural Area, south of Lake Okeechobee.

The rock mine, dubbed the Southland Water Resource Project, proposes extracting limestone and eventually functioning as water storage on an 8,000-acre site adjacent to the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, which is under construction.

The site is currently farmland owned by the U.S. Sugar Corp. and Okeelanta Corp.

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The Everglades Law Center, a nonprofit whose goals include defending the states ecosystems, fears the project could harm the environment.

The center filed a petition for a formal administrative hearing earlier in August on behalf of the Tropical Audubon Society, another nonprofit. This is the most recent action of opposition after the proposal drew lengthy public discussion earlier this year when Palm Beach County officials granted initial approval.

The groups goal is to stop the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from issuing a permit allowing the project to move forward.

It is a massive excavation directly adjacent to multibillion-dollar Everglades restoration infrastructure, said Lisa Interlandi, the Everglades Law Centers policy director. Interlandi is one of several attorneys representing the Tropical Audubon Society.

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An anhinga suns itself on a rock on land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee is shown from the air on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Two great egrets walk on land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee is shown on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) A raccoon scurries across land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee is shown on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 8Land that is planned for the Southland Water Resource project in the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee is shown from the air on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)Expand

Raising concerns

The Tropical Audubon Society has several concerns about the proposal, including phosphorous-rich farm runoff from mining activities mixing with water flowing to the Everglades, said Lauren Jonaitis, the societys senior conservation director.

She said runoff could trigger algal blooms and damage wetlands, habitat and food sources for wildlife.

Mining also could reduce water flow south and worsen water levels in key Everglades areas, she said.

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The projects proximity  about 1,000 feet  to the EAA Reservoir, also drives worry about the impact of the rock mine. The EAA Reservoir is considered by many, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, to be the lynchpin of Everglades restoration efforts. Once complete, the 10,500-acre reservoir will be able to store 240,000 acre-feet of water. That water will then be filtered and cleaned in stormwater treatment marshes before it flows into the Everglades.

Additionally, the EAA Reservoir will reduce the need to send polluted Lake Okeechobee water to the coasts, where it damages estuaries and local economies.

The Southland project would sit directly north of some of the stormwater treatment marshes.

Youre just digging into the ground, so youre disrupting habitat for species and potentially damaging the infrastructure thats already in place, Jonaitis said. Its definitely a risk that I dont think that we should be risking.

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Attorneys representing the Tropical Audubon Society wrote in the petition that the rock mine project presents a direct and substantial threat to the petitioners environmental, recreational and aesthetic interests by undermining the performance of critical Everglades restoration infrastructure and diminishing water quality, quantity and distribution throughout the Greater Everglades ecosystem.

Proposing changes for the site

Phillips & Jordan, the Southland Water Resource Projects contractor, describes the project differently, emphasizing water storage. On a website about the project, Phillips & Jordan states the mine is a public-private partnership focused on creating water storage south of Lake Okeechobee to improve water quality and support Everglades restoration.

Once the limestone is removed from the mine, it would be filled with water, and function as storage, said Phillips & Jordan.

Phillips & Jordan also states the project will not impact the effectiveness of the nearby stormwater treatment areas. Instead, they said the mine, once filled with water, would enhance their performance by preventing harmful dry-out events and ensuring consistent water flow.

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Phillips & Jordan has stated that though excavation is necessary, the limestone removed will support Floridas infrastructure needs via road-building material, and the development would prioritize environmental goals.

Theres a demonstrated need for additional water storage to maintain constant beneficial use of (Stormwater Treatment Area 5/6), and the Southland Water Resource Project effectively increases storage capacity by up to 20,000 acre feet in under five years, Phillips & Jordan spokesperson Amanda Bevis wrote in a statement.

At project completion, this project will increase capacity for the region by up to 120,000 acre feet of water storage. Southland Water Resource Project is essential to the region meeting its overall water quantity and quality goals, Bevis wrote.

The mine, and thus the full water storage capacity, would not be complete for another 20 years, according to Phillips & Jordan.

A fairly normal first step

In many cases, administrative remedies  such as the petition  must be taken before going to court, said Alex Erwin, an environmental law professor at the University of Florida. Erwin is not involved with the rock mine issue.

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This is, from what I know, a fairly normal first step to contesting the granting of a permit in the state, he said.

The history of the Everglades includes certain industries butting heads with the folks trying to do restoration and just not seeing eye to eye, he said.

I think people, especially in the environmental community, are really observant and really quick to see potential issues just because of what the community has gone through, he said.

Differing views

Before the project reached the part of the process where the states Department of Environmental Protection could grant a permit, Southland had to clear other hurdles.

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Notably, on May 22, the project received unanimous approval from Palm Beach County commissioners. At the time, Mayor Maria Marino said the vote was the first step in a very long process.

According to county documents, the county will regulate mining and excavation, ensuring compatibility with the surrounding areas. This regulation also would monitor any environmental impacts and adverse health impacts to county residents.

Right before the county commissioners granted approval, Congressman Brian Mast, who represents Floridas 21st congressional district, asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the entity in charge of building the EAA, in a letter on May 6 to evaluate how the proposed project will impact Everglades restoration infrastructure  as the project could have implications for federally funded projects and Everglades restoration policy.

The U.S. Army Corps responded a few days later, acknowledging the proximity of the proposed Southland project to the EAA.

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It is critical to work collaboratively to determine if the proposed Southland Water Resources Project will impact the federally authorized Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan project throughout the duration of its proposed implementation, Army Corps director of civil works Edward Belk wrote.

The project now needs an environmental resource permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which provides both a conceptual approval and a construction and management approval for the first phase, according to the petition. This would include about 2,200 acres of the projects overall about 8,600 acres.

In a statement, a DEP spokesperson said the agency received the petition and is reviewing it.

If the petition is deemed sufficient, it will be forwarded to the Division of Administrative Hearings, and a hearing date will be set. As this matter is now in active litigation, DEP is limited in its ability to comment further, they wrote.

Calling on the governor

Beyond taking legal action, the environmental organizations also are calling on the governor to curb its progress.

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We are calling on Gov. DeSantis to stop this before it undermines the heart of Everglades restoration, Jonaitis said. Why would you risk decades of progress and billions of taxpayer dollars? This isnt about politics, its really about protecting Floridas water, wildlife and our way of life, and thats where Tropical is standing up and fighting against this project.

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, DeSantis approved $1.4 billion for Everglades restoration and other water quality investments.

And last year, when he approved the state Legislatures $1.5 billion appropriation toward Everglades restoration and other water-quality improvements, DeSantis said his view is that we, as Floridians, as Americans, we want to utilize natural resources. We want to enjoy natural resources.

We dont want to waste resources. We dont want to rob future generations of that same enjoyment that were having, he said in April 2024.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City Beach city leaders have officially made another huge improvement in their fire department.

They cut the ribbon this morning on the New Firehouse #31.

Its located near the corner of Back Beach Road and Highway 79, in the citys municipal complex, on the site of the Old Station 31, which was originally built in 1993.

It was a metal building that was not hurricane-hardened to todays standards.

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Firefighters began moving in last week.

The newer, larger facility also gives fire crews better access to major roadways, improving their response times.

Construction on Firehouse #32 on Hutchinson Beach Boulevard is nearing completion.

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Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd presents an audit of state agency compliance in spending federal dollars at the state Capitol on Aug. 27, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Despite the Oklahoma Department of Human Services spending hundreds of millions on child care using pandemic funds, not all of the investments had a lasting impact, a state official said.

State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd on Wednesday said the state Department of Human Services did not provide the oversight needed to ensure federal grants had the greatest impact across the state. Her remarks followed the release of a 330 page audit of how state agencies used federal dollars during the 2023 budget year.

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Beginning in March 2020, Oklahoma Human Services received $791 million through the federal Child Care Development Grant, which was intended to cover normal operating expenses and prevent the permanent closure of day cares during pandemic lockdowns, Byrd said. The Department of Human Services was also allowed to use the funds to create programs tailored to the needs of the state, she said.

This included programs like Oklahomas Child Care Desert Startup Grant program, which was intended to provide funding for new child care businesses located in areas that dont have enough providers to meet demand. In 2022, over half of Oklahomans lived in a child care desert.

Theres no better example of DHS financial mismanagement of child care development than the Child Care Desert Grant Program, an initiative meant to expand access to child care in counties that could not meet the demand, Byrd said. In theory, the program would provide crucial start-up money for new day cares, or expanding day cares to cover things like minor construction projects.

The current director of Oklahoma Human Services, Jeffrey Cartmell, in October requested an audit of the program, which expended over $43.7 million to providers. At the time, he cited concerns of disallowable expenses.

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At Oklahoma Human Services, our commitment to serving communities is rooted in continuous growth and improvement, Cartmell said in a statement Thursday. We value the financial analysis and review provided by our state partners on these COVID-era child care programs. Their feedback informs strategic planning and drives program improvements, allowing us to provide top-tier services to Oklahomans.

Of the 73 grant recipients who were sampled in the audit, 20 were no longer operating by March 2025. These recipients were awarded a total of $2 million in federal funds to start businesses that have now shut their doors.

Byrd said some bad actors used federal grant money for unallowable expenditures like major remodeling projects. Others failed to provide documentation of their expenditures or misappropriated the funding for large purchases unrelated to child care, operating other businesses or excessive payroll costs.

Another applicant who received $2.1 million in federal funding used the money to run an afterschool program, she said. The applicant is married to a former Oklahoma Human Services director of child care services, but both are unnamed in the audit because of an ongoing investigation, Byrd said.

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Byrd said in an interview with the applicant, her office was told the after school programs will not continue once desert grant funds run out. Byrd was unsure if the business had closed as of Thursday.

The federal government sent this money to the states and gave great leeway to the states in terms of how they deployed it, Byrd said. DHS did not put strong guidelines on how day cares were to use the funds, nor did it conduct any financial monitoring of child care development. As a result, bad actors were able to game the system at taxpayers expense.

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WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)On Tuesday, we reported a lawsuit that was filed against a school district in Lycoming County.

Thursday, the parents spoke in an exclusive interview with 28/22 News Reporter Connor Coar about how the student is dealing with the lawsuit that he is now apart of.

It came as a shock to Page and Nathaniel Woods, their oldest son coming home from school telling them that he had been hurt at school.

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Because thats supposed to be a place where vulnerable students are going to sit with adults. Thats supposed to be safe and follow the instruction of the instructor. That didnt happen, insisted Nathaniel Woods.

Man faces charges for impersonating Homeland Security

In late May, the Woods son was in his homeland security program class when he put his head down to rest his head.

According to a federal lawsuit, the teacher, Mr. Richard Caschera saw this and told another student to place smelling salts underneath his nose.

After the child did not react to Cascheras liking, he took to the extreme and had students tie him down to a backboard, according to the lawsuit.

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To be honest, the first emotion was definitely shock. Processing, I could tell my son was also shocked and didnt know, just a little astonished and taken back, said Page Woods.

After months of meetings and the school starting back up, the Woods son is not the same outgoing child.

There was so much trepidation in my son. You could see the fear. You could see the anxiety, the uncertainty, the uncomfortably. You could see it in him, but he wasnt going to say, oh, Im scared out my mind to go back to this class, voiced Nathaniel Woods.

His biggest concern was like, mom, I dont want to be retaliated against. I dont want to be, explained Page Woods.

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At the end of the day, the parents want one thing: justice for their son.

We reached back out to the Williamsport Area School District for any additional comment. They still say quote: We do not comment on pending litigation.

It is important to note that the law firm the Woods chose specializes in educational law, as well as many other types of law.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  With children and teenagers heading back to the classroom, cybersecurity experts are warning scammers are targeting families and students alike.

Cybersecurity expert Patrick Laverty tells 12 News parents and students need to be on alert, especially when they receive online coupon offers and things that just seem too good to be true.

Youre going to get emails that are offering you great deals with links, and a lot of times those are going to look like theyre official stores, but theyre not, Laverty said, advising people should always double check offers on company websites independently from the email offers.

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He also warned that scammers often target college students, offering too-good-to-be-true apartment listings and fake credit cards. The goal, he said, is for young adults to provide personal information about themselves for the scammers to steal and use elsewhere.

What statistics actually show is that its the college students  20 year olds  that are targeted the most and actually get affected the most, Laverty said.

In the video above, see the full report by Target 12 Consumer Reporter Sarah Guernelli, including tips on how to stay alert to such scams.

Sarah Guernelli (sguernelli@wpri.com) is the consumer investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Employees and residents of Parkway Villa Apartments on Brookdale Drive celebrated a long-awaited moment.

Wichita Falls Gold Coats were on-hand, along with the apartment management, to celebrate the renovations to some of the apartments and the main office on August 29.

Parkway Villa leasing agent Melody Keep and community manager Carli Reams said they are excited about the renovations and are ready to help.

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I look forward the most to seeing new people and new faces in the community and I love seeing people have a smile on their face when they come in and they view our apartments here and hopefully find somebody a new place to live, Reams said.

Keep and Reams said they have move-in specials to celebrate the event and discounts for MSU and Vernon College students.

Visit www.parkwayvillas.net for more information.

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NEED TO KNOW

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Flight VA50 reportedly departed from Denpasar International Airport in Bali with only two functioning toilets

During the six-hour flight, the remaining toilets on the Boeing 737 also malfunctioned and could not be used, according to reports

The cabin crew informed us we would need to relieve ourselves in bottles or on top of whatever was already in the toilet,'" a passenger told The Australian newspaper



Passengers on a recent Virgin Australia flight heading from Bali to Brisbane were allegedly told to urinate "in bottles" after all the toilets stopped working onboard, according to reports.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, Flight VA50 departed from Denpasar International Airport with only two functioning toilets, per 7News. A rear toilet was already out of service, but the flight was not canceled due to limited engineering support in the city, the airline confirmed in an email to PEOPLE.

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During the around six-hour flight, the remaining toilets on the Boeing 737 also malfunctioned and could not be used, 7News reported.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE that a "flight from Denpasar to Brisbane on Thursday evening [had] experienced an issue during the flight which affected the serviceability of the lavatories."

"We sincerely [apologize] to our guests and thank our crew for managing a challenging situation on board," the statement added.

"We will be crediting guests for the Denpasar to Brisbane flight and we are proactively reaching out to them to provide this update," the airline concluded.

James D. Morgan/Getty A photo of Virgin Australia planes A photo of Virgin Australia planes

The airline added in the email to PEOPLE that all toilets were out of service during the last one hour and 40 minutes of the flight. The airline also confirmed that the cause of the issue is being investigated.

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A passenger onboard said the incident was "beyond unacceptable," according to The Australian.

The man, who didn't want to be named, said the second rear toilet became unusable shortly after takeoff, so passengers ended up having to wait in line for around 40 minutes to use the single bathroom at the front of the aircraft, per the outlet.

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One elderly woman was unable to hold on and suffered the humiliation of wetting herself in public, he told the newspaper.

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Midway through the flight, every toilet failed. For the remaining three hours, the cabin crew informed us we would need to relieve ourselves in bottles or on top of whatever was already in the toilet,'" the passenger added.

Children were crying, elderly passengers distressed, and many [travelers] visibly upset at the lack of dignity and sanitation," the man told the newspaper.

This is not a minor issue. It is a fundamental failure of duty of care. Hygiene and sanitation are not optional luxuries, they are basic human rights," he added.

For passengers to be forced to sit in a confined space for hours surrounded by overflowing toilets and human waste is a public health risk, a safety concern, and an absolute disgrace," the man continued, per the outlet.

Getty A stock photo of a toilet sign on a plane A stock photo of a toilet sign on a plane

The passenger in question told the newspaper that he was seated in business class, and was offered the use of a sink to urinate in when he declined to use a bottle.

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This is a huge hygiene issue as people wash their hands in the sink, he told the outlet.

A passenger named Aaron said of the incident, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), "Toilets quickly clogged and overflowed with human waste, urine, and used toilet paper. The stench spread through the aircraft, seeping onto the floor."

National Assistant Secretary of the Transport Workers' Union (TWU), Emily McMillan, said the incident was a "severe hazard" to both crew and passengers, according to the ABC. The TWU has reached out to the airline.

"Across the board aviation workers are dealing with increasing risks to their health and safety at work, with an industry-wide trend towards profits over performance," McMillan said, per the outlet.

The TWU didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment.

Read the original article on People
Aug. 28To their families, they are known as Wheezy and Zorko. To the city of Albuquerque, they are heroes.

Now people walking their pups around Albuquerque parks will be able to read about dogs who devoted their lives to catching criminals and sniffing out explosives in the name of public safety.

On Thursday morning, the city unveiled two signs at Vista del Norte Park's dog park honoring an 8-year-old English Labrador named Louise  also known as Wheezy  and a Belgian Malinois, Zorko, who assisted with numerous fire and police investigations across New Mexico.

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Each sign has the dog's photo along with information on "what they've done to make a paw-sitive impact," city Parks and Recreation spokesperson Emily Moore said in a news release. The city will be unveiling eight more signs paying homage to other dogs who were utilized by the Albuquerque Police Department, Albuquerque Fire Rescue and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

"I can't express how much gratitude we have," Wheezy's handler, Albuquerque Fire Rescue Lt. Ron Gunderson, said during a news conference Thursday. "We live in this neighborhood, and we train at this park quite a bit, so having the plaque right here is pretty special."

Wheezy is the first nationally accredited accelerant detection K-9, which is "similar to a bomb dog," Gunderson said. Wheezy is one of 60 accelerant detection K-9s across the country.

During fire investigations, Gunderson said, "she alerts us, we collect the evidence and then it gets sent off to a laboratory where it's tested and ... classified for us, which helps in the prosecution of arsonists."

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Another K-9 honored Thursday was Zorko with the Albuquerque Police Department. During his career, Zorko assisted with the arrest of over 80 violent felony suspects across the metro area and state, according to the city.

APD Cmdr. Gerard Bartlett said there was no way "we could ever convey how meaningful" Zorko was and how important K-9s are to the department.

"As a young police officer coming up," Bartlett said, "I would see the hours and hours and months of training, never-ending training that they would have to complete in order to be effective on any critical mission that they encountered. ...

"We're very fortunate to have them to work with and very fortunate to use them during critical incidents and tactical activations."

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Zorko's sign will be put up at Westgate Community Center Park.

Honoring the dogs is part of a project called ABQ Stories of Us, which pays tribute to those who left a mark on the city's historical landscape, Moore said, and the dogs made a big impact on the community.

Moore said Parks and Recreation Director Dave Simon came up with the idea for the signs.

"We wanted to paws, reflect on, and honor the incredible impact these dogs have in our community," Simon said in the release. "This is a pup-grade to our dog park experience."
PRINCETON, WV (WVNS)  A new partnership has been enacted to strengthen regional healthcare.

Some Kind of Wonderful music legend John Ellison inducted into the West Virginia Hall of Fame

Princeton Community Hospital has teamed with West Virginia Junior College to create career opportunities in the respiratory and radiology fields. The college recently rolled out their new respiratory program, and administrators are also working toward establishing a radiology program. Staff says the partnership came at a critical time for the regions healthcare workforce.

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We have a nationwide shortage of respiratory care practitioners, and down in southwest West Virginia, we dont have a lot of access to respiratory care programs, said Director of Respiratory Care with WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital, Eric Rodgers. West Virginia Junior College saw the need and that we needed to have access in all areas of the state, and they now offer a nice hybrid program.

59News caught up with Jessyca Boyle, an LPN working to move into the field of respiratory care. She said her own experiences have led her to pursue the path in hopes she can make a difference.



My grandfather, he was really sick and respiratory always came in, she said. He just had the biggest smile on his face because he know he was able to breathe better, everything was just going to fall into place for him, and he was just going to feel better in general.



Team members said the new partnership is just one of the ways PCH is working to increase healthcare access in rural West Virginia. Anyone considering a career path in radiology or respiratory healthcare has been encouraged to reach out to West Virginia Junior College to learn more.



I think its important for everybody to know that there are opportunities throughout our state, and just finding those and finding your niche, said WVJC campus president, Samantha Esposito. Were there to help.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS: From boasting about Israels global standing in 2017 to facing fierce criticism at the UN in 2025, Netanyahus diplomatic journey has dramatically shifted.

Were in the midst of a great revolution, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared from the UN podium in September 2017, a revolution in Israels standing among the nations.

He catalogued the evidence: world leaders flocking to Jerusalem, Israeli technology courted by investors from Silicon Valley to Shanghai, and intelligence cooperation with Western governments saving countless lives.

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He boasted about having visited six continents in one year. Then he quipped that the only one left out was Antarctica, where he also hopes to visit, because Ive heard that penguins are also enthusiastic supporters of Israel. You laugh, but penguins have no difficulty recognizing that some things are black and white, are right and wrong.

The punch line drew some laughter, and his message was clear: After decades of isolation, Israel  because of what it had to offer the world  was finally being welcomed into the global fold.

That was then.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 79th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, US, September 27, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/MIKE SEGAR)

Eight years later, Netanyahu is poised to address the same UN General Assembly in New York next month, but the mood could not be more different. Instead of an embrace, Israel faces an onslaught as diplomatic downgrades, fierce criticism over Gaza, and accusations of war crimes and genocide threaten to turn this years gathering into a diplomatic battering ram.

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Ironically, following the 12-day war with Iran, the changes in Syria, the defanging of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the degradation of Hamas in Gaza, Israel has rarely been in a stronger position regionally. Yet its standing in the world  except in Washington  has seldom been so weak.

ONE OF the most dramatic diplomatic moves this past week came not in Washington or Berlin, but in Canberra. Australia expelled Irans ambassador after its security service linked Tehran to two antisemitic arsons: the torching of Melbournes Adass Israel Synagogue in December and the burning of a Sydney kosher restaurant a few weeks later.

These attacks, significantly, preceded last Junes war with Iran. They were not spontaneous outbursts triggered by Gaza images on television, but, rather, part of a darker pattern: Tehrans long-standing campaign of targeting Jews abroad.

Irans fingerprints on attacks against Jews and Israelis abroad are not new. Argentinas Jewish community still bears the scars of the 1992 Israeli Embassy bombing and the 1994 AMIA community center blast, together killing 114. Both were linked to Iran and Hezbollah. Burgas in 2012, Baku in 2008, plots in London, Washington, Bangkok  the list is long.

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That Iran allegedly extended this campaign to Australia  far removed from the Middle East  shows the global scope of its project.

Australias move was significant for two reasons. First, it was an act of tangible consequence in a world too often content with platitudes about fighting antisemitism. Second, it implicitly raised another question: If Iran is willing to torch synagogues and restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney, is it really so far-fetched to suspect its hidden hand in the swelling anti-Israel street protests across Western capitals?

The suspicion is not far-fetched.

On August 3, tens of thousands crossed Sydneys Harbour Bridge in the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration in Australias history. Among the figures marching at the front were former foreign minister Bob Carr and Sydneys Lord Mayor Clover Moore. Behind the front line of celebrities and politicians was a bearded man holding up a large picture of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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Carr later said he had not noticed the image. But in photos he himself posted from the rally, he is clearly visible directly in front of it. Intentional or not, the effect was telling: a demonstration framed as a humanitarian march for Gaza featuring, at its symbolic center, the face of the worlds foremost state sponsor of terrorism.

For those willing to look, the signal is unmistakable. These marches are not only the product of local outrage or homegrown activist networks  though those are certainly there. They are also vehicles Tehran uses to poison public opinion against Israel, thereby weakening the Jewish state.

As then US director of national intelligence Avril Haines said in July 2024, after anti-Israel protests had roiled US campuses, Iran has sought to opportunistically take advantage of ongoing protests regarding the war in Gaza.

IF AUSTRALIAS move pointed a finger at Iran, France this week turned its diplomatic fire directly on Israel.

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The spark came from Netanyahu himself, who two weeks ago sent French President Emmanuel Macron a sharply worded letter accusing him of emboldening antisemitism and hardening Hamass negotiating positions by signaling recognition of a Palestinian state. US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner leveled similar criticism in his own letter to Macron this week.

Accusations of France lacking in combating antisemitism

Macrons subsequent reply was to have his foreign ministry summon Kushner for a reprimand, and then fire off a strongly worded letter to Netanyahu.

Macron bristled at the suggestion that his government was lax in combating antisemitism, and then  typically  lectured Netanyahu on what is good for Israels security and soul.

France cannot resign itself to see a friend like Israel descend into a spiral of violence which runs contrary to its history, to its origins, and to its democratic essence, turning its back on the opportunity provided by history today, he wrote.

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Macron argued that the only viable path forward is the creation of a Palestinian state living alongside Israel, something he indicated would eradicate Hamas in the process. For the French president, the recognition of a Palestinian state is not a concession to terrorism but a prerequisite for broad Arab participation in Gazas reconstruction and eventual stabilization.

Netanyahu, for his part, sees this as fantasy  wishful European thinking that ignores both Israels October 7 trauma and decades of bitter experience. To him, Macrons recognition talk pours fuel on the antisemitic fire already raging on French streets.

The exchange revealed more than just personal animosity; it reflected a widening gulf. Where France sees recognition as leverage against Hamas, Israel sees it as a reward for terrorism. Where Paris believes a Palestinian state would stabilize, Jerusalem believes it would replicate Gaza in Judea and Samaria.

IF THE French spat highlighted the differences with Europe, Brazil offered a blow from Latin America. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government this week refused to accept the credentials of Israels ambassador-designate. In response, Israel said relations between the two countries will be conducted at a lower diplomatic level, effectively downgrading the ties. Brazil recalled its ambassador last year.

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Israels ties with Brazil flourished under Jair Bolsonaro but plummeted after the narrow 2022 reelection of Lula, a leader with whom Israel had a tense relationship during his previous term in office.

The irony, of course, is that while Brazil downgrades, France criticizes, and Australia seethes, the Arab states with which Israel has peace treaties or normalized relations  Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco  have not severed ties, despite sharp criticism and hostile public opinion at home.

None of those countries has terminated their agreements or cut ties with Israel. Why? Because October 7 brought home to them what Israel has argued, and they have understood, for years: Hamas is not just Israels problem; it is their problem, too. A movement rooted in Muslim Brotherhood ideology, fueled by Iranian money, and bent on destabilizing regimes from Cairo to Amman to Riyadh threatens the region as a whole.

For Gulf rulers, Hamas is a danger that needs to be eradicated, not accommodated. They may criticize Israeli tactics, but they understand the stakes in a way some in Europe and Latin America appear unwilling  or unable  to grasp.

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WHAT UNITES these various threads  Australias expulsion of Irans envoy on the one hand, and Macrons rebuke and Brazils downgrade on the other  is the sense that Israel is confronting headwinds on multiple fronts.

Yet there is a paradox: the countries that once embraced Israel most warmly  the liberal democracies among those states Netanyahu spoke of in 2017  are now turning against it, while Arab states, once solidly arrayed against Jerusalem, are turning out to be more pragmatic partners.

And hovering above all of this is Iran. It is Tehran that allegedly torched a synagogue in Melbourne and a restaurant in Sydney. It is Tehran that bankrolled and armed Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. It is Tehran that thrives when Western capitals are filled with chants of Death to Israel.

Iran understands that antisemitism makes Jews feel vulnerable and can lead  as it has  to calls for Israel to alter its policies because they fuel antisemitism. In this way, an anti-Israel climate abroad weakens Israel at home, indirectly turning Jewish communities into pressure points on Jerusalem.

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As Israel braces for the upcoming UN General Assembly, Iran will be there, too, eager to paint Israel as a pariah, keen to exploit every protest sign in Sydney, London, or Paris as validation of its narrative.

Netanyahu used his UN speech in 2017 to celebrate Israels enhanced standing in the world. He will take the same stage in 2025 under vastly different conditions. Instead of boasting about visits to six continents, he will face resolutions condemning Israels conduct in Gaza, calls for arms embargoes, and demands for a Palestinian state.

For the prime minister, the contrast could not be starker: from penguins cheerfully siding with Israel to parliaments and presidents turning against it.

But there is another contrast as well. In 2017, Israel was economically and diplomatically strong, but complacent about its vulnerabilities. Netanyahu mentioned Iran 36 times in that speech; he didnt utter the word Hamas once. October 7 shattered that complacency.

In 2025, battered and bruised, Israel will go to the UN General Assembly knowing the world may jeer, but also knowing that security matters more than the worlds applause, because while applause fades, threats  if not dealt with in real time, as Hamas and Hezbollah were not  endure, metastasize, and grow.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  We have an update on a Pennington County Homicide investigation.

30-year-old Nicholas Selig has now been booked into jail. According to online records, hes being held for first degree murder.

Homicide suspect taken into custody in Rapid City

Authorities found him and brought him in for questioning yesterday.

Nicholas Selig is accused of killing his father Vernon, and then leaving his body just southwest of Rapid City. He has no previous criminal history in South Dakota.

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DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania man allegedly sent sexual texts for months to an undercover agent posing as a young teen girl, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

Bobby Rossell, 42, of Chambersburg, faces felony charges of disseminating explicit sexual material to a minor, unlawful contact with a minor, criminal solicitation, corruption of minors, and criminal use of a communication facility, online court documents show.

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The charges filed Wednesday show the investigation began when an agent, who was acting undercover as a 13-year-old on an online chat room app called Hush, started getting messages from a user called Philly16, later identified to be Rossell, in March.

The teen related multiple times how they were in middle school, and that they were 13, the agent with the AGs Office said in the criminal complaint. Philly16 soon gave his phone number to the agent so they could continue to text.

Rossell sent the minor a photo of himself, which the agents studied, noting that he was wearing a Philadelphia Eagles hat and that it was taken in a living room with a Christmas tree. The photo was then turned over for facial recognition tests, and the results showed it was Rossell, the charges filed state.

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When agents went to Rossells social media, they said they found a photo of him that was identical to the one he sent. There was personal information on his Facebook that also matched what he texted the teen, like how he worked in food manufacturing and where he lived.

The agent said internet records of Rossells account with the chat room app also showed emails that were affiliated with him.

Rossell tried to meet up with the teen one day in April, and wanted to know where she was. When he was told the teen was at the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg, Rossell said he would be there within the hour, and later he sent a photo of himself with the Broad Street Market brick building in the background.

I would love to be your boyfriend, and Its not the most ideal relationship but you are worth it, and I just hope you are real, are some messages that Rossell allegedly sent to the agent in April. The criminal complaint shows he also sent messages alleging that he wanted to do sexual acts with the teen.

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The most recent date the charging documents show Rossell and the decoy messaging is Aug 13.

Rossell is in Dauphin County Prison with bail set at $500,000 by Magisterial District Judge Wendy Grella. He awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 15.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A Pennsylvania man in Arkansas was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for the production of child sexual abuse material.

Officials said 25-year-old Codi Vaughan of Fair Chance, Pennsylvania, received the sentence. They said Vaughan had been contacting minors and seeking self-produced child pornography for over a year.

Little Rock man gets life sentence for sex trafficking of a 6-year-old

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The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker handed down the sentence on Thursday.

A federal grand jury indicted Vaughan on June 2, 2023, on five counts of child sexual abuse material and three counts of receipt or distribution of child sexual abuse material, Ross said. Vaughan pleaded guilty to count seven of the indictment on Oct. 16, 2024.

Officials said the investigation began when the FBI received a tip on February 3, 2023, from the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector Generals tip hotline. The tip said that Vaughan wanted to have sexual relations with minors and purchased child pornography. Vaughan worked as a mechanic for the Air Force and lived on the Little Rock Air Force Base.

Special Agents from the FBI interviewed the caller, a minor who lived in Maryland. Officials said the minor told agents that Vaughan contacted her through Snapchat and wanted to purchase child pornography from her and her friends, who were also minors.

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Former Little Rock police officer found guilty of child porn, receiving obscene images

On February 6, 2023, Vaughan used Snapchat to contact another minor in Maryland, officials said, again asking for the minor to send him self-produced child pornography. In both instances, Vaughan offered to pay the minors for the child pornography.

Authorities said that agents learned that Vaughan regularly communicated with minors in Maryland and Virginia through Snapchat and has been doing so since at least January 2022. This pattern of abuse of minors led to a sentencing enhancement.

In January 2023, Vaughan offered a minor $1,000 to perform sexual acts, officials said.

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Officials said investigators determined that Vaughan regularly paid or offered to pay minors for child pornography through CashApp. A review of Vaughans CashApp history revealed numerous payments to minors.

During the times he contacted them, Vaughan knew they were minors, officials said.

Little Rock teachers assistant pleads guilty to production of child pornography

The 17-year sentence is followed by 10 years of supervised release. The federal system does not have a parole provision.

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A portrait of Confederate general Robert E Lee that includes a slave guiding his horse is set to be reinstated in the Pentagon.

The 20-foot-tall painting, which was on display at the United States Military Academy for 70 years, will be hung in the West Point library under President Trumps instruction despite a congressionally mandated commission that ordered its removal back in 2020.

At West Point, the United States Military Academy is prepared to restore historical names, artifacts, and assets to their original form and place, said the Armys communications director, Rebecca Hodson, to the New York Times. Under this administration, we honor our history and learn from it  we dont erase it.

The 20-foot portrait of Robert E Lee was removed from West Point in 2020 (US Military Academy)

Memorials to General Lee, former commander of the Confederate army and a slave owner, have long proven controversial. Multiple monuments to Confederate leaders like Lee have been taken down in recent years by campaigners who see them as a celebration of white supremacy.

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The law that led to the paintings removal was passed during Trumps first term, when a key Senate committee passed a $741 billion defense policy plan in defiance of the president.

Proposed by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, it required the Department of Defense to remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honored or commemorated the Confederate States of America, as well as any person who served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America.

Against Trumps wishes, the Pentagon was forced to scrub names from monuments and paraphernalia honoring the Confederacy and its leaders from military bases and assets.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has moved to reverse a number of those decisions.

Plans to remove a statue of General Lee in Charlottesville led to white nationalists protesting in 2017 (Getty Images)

Speaking at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in June, Trump said he would also be restoring the names of Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort AP Hill, as well as Fort Robert E. Lee.

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In 2023, Fort Lee was redesignated Fort Gregg-Adams to commemorate African American veterans Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, following earlier proposals for the name change.

Over the course of United States history, these locations have taken on significance to the American story and those who have helped write it that far transcends their namesakes, Trump said.

He slated Congresss 2020 directive as a politically motivated attempt to wash away history and to dishonor the immense progress our country has fought for in realizing our founding principles.
Faced with increasing threats from small drones at home and abroad, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has created a new task force to speed up the development and procurement of counter-small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS). However, the memo outlining the establishment of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401) cannot address the many impediments to using these tools, especially domestically, which The War Zone has written about frequently. This initiative follows one Hegseth announced in July to surge the fielding of small drones, including weaponized types, across the entire U.S. military.

Theres no doubt that the threats we face today from hostile drones grow by the day, Hegseth stated on X Thursday afternoon. Emerging technologies  we see it in battlefields, in far-flung places, and we see it on our own border in small unmanned aerial systems. [These drones] target and bring harm on all warfighters, our people, our bases, and frankly, the sovereignty of our national airspace. And thats why today Im directing the Secretary of the Army to formally establish JIATF 401.

Hostile drones are growing by the day.



Thats why Ive directed @SecArmy to establish the Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to secure our skies. pic.twitter.com/0ZbLYpDLaG  Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (@SecDef) August 28, 2025

The Pentagon must focus on speed over process, Hegseth offered as a rationale for having the Army Secretary establish a new task force to replace the previously existing Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO). That office was set up in 2020 to coordinate counter-drone efforts.

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The Pentagon has maintained pace with its adversaries in conventional warfighting capabilities, Hegseth explained. However, the small UAS threat continues to grow exponentially and is becoming increasingly sophisticated. The number of DoD organizations involved in C-sUAS since [JCO was created] has increased, and those organizations often are unconnected to each other.

Specifically, the task force will be the lead organization for developing C-sUAS and its director will have the authority to procure these systems. It will also consolidate the Pentagons research, development, test and evaluation (RTD&E) efforts, except for service-specific and USSOCOM programs of record development activities. To help ensure these systems get fielded quickly, the JIATF 401 director can approve up to $50 million in funding for each C-sUAS initiative.

Additionally, the task force will subsume Replicator 2, the previous Pentagon initiative to help speed up the acquisition and fielding of new counter-drone capabilities. The funding for those efforts being selected for Replicator 2 will be determined in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). To further ensure that these initiatives can be paid for, the task force director will present options for unfunded requirements to Pentagon leadership.

This counter-drone system from Leidos demonstrated at Falcon Peak 2025 includes a drone that fires stringy streamers at other uncrewed aerial systems. (Howard Altman)

The JIATF 401 director will also have special authority to speed up hiring the most talented individuals to support the JIATF 401 mission. This includes bringing aboard those with operations, acquisition, electronic warfare (EW), intelligence, or other C-sUAS competencies who enjoy access to their services decision-making officials.

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Hegseths directive also calls for placing the Armys Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) University at Fort Sill under the authority of the task force. The university seeks to educate leaders on the best ways to defend against small drone threats.

The task force will also have 30 days to find and create a test and training range. Meanwhile, there remains a question of who will run JIATF 401 and why it was so named.

Hegseths counter-drone plan comes after years of incidents where U.S. forces at home and overseas, but not in combat zones, have faced small drone incursions, many of which were of publicly unknown origin. We were the first to report about drones flying over Langley Air Force Base in December 2023 as well as incursions last year over Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Picatinny Arsenal, and others in the U.S. and four bases in England. These are just a small sampling of incidents.

In addition, we have written in-depth about drone swarms that have harassed U.S. Navy ships off the coast of California, as well as those flying over nuclear energy plants and other sensitive areas, such as military training areas and airports. The problem is vast and accelerating in scope and danger.

RAF Lakenheath in England was one of four U.S. bases to see drone incursions last year. (Photograph by David Goddard/Getty Images) (Photograph by David Goddard/Getty Images)

In conflict zones, a wide array of small drones have become a top weapon of choice. In Ukraine, among the many such variants, first-person view (FPV) drones are taking on an increasingly larger role. Meanwhile, Russias Shahed drones have become their primary long-range strike munition. In the Middle East, a wide variety of nefarious players use drones for surveillance and attacks. U.S. warships, air defense sites at forward bases, and aircraft have had to fight off many types of drones launched by Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles played a large role in shooting down Iranian drones in 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Keegan Putman) Senior Airman Keegan Putman

Beyond these threats, Ukraines Spider Web attack on Russian aviation and Israels Operation Rising Lion attack on air defense systems and other military targets and personnel have shown the danger presented by near-field drone attacks that are launched deep within enemy territory, in close proximity to their targets. As we have pointed out for many years, military assets and other high-value targets are extremely vulnerable to these types of operations within the homeland.

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You can see video of the Spider Web operation below.

Ukrainian drones struck Russian strategic aviation at the Belaya air base in Irkutsk  4,800 km from Kyiv. pic.twitter.com/UBAi7znioR  Michael MacKay (@mhmck) June 1, 2025

Given all these threats, finding better ways to defend against them, and doing so in a far more aggressive, quicker manner, not only makes sense, its become critical to national security. However, it is one thing to have new tools to do so, but it is something else entirely to have the authority to use them, which now exists only in very limited ways, especially in the homeland and to a lesser extent overseas at U.S. bases not in active combat zones. Hegseths memo does not address that concern because it is outside the DoDs purview to do so, which raises the question of how much of a difference JIATF 401 can really make when it comes to actually engaging drones in some sensitive areas.

There is no mention in Hegseths memo about exactly what kinds of C-sUAS systems the Pentagon is looking to develop. As we have previously written, due to these restrictions, the U.S. military isnt currently interested in fielding kinetic and directed energy capabilities, such as laser and high-power microwave weapons, surface-to-air interceptors, and gun systems, for defending domestic bases and other critical infrastructure from rapidly growing and evolving drone threats. Instead, the focus is on electronic warfare and cyber warfare, and other soft-kill options, at least for the time being.

332d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron trains on counter drone tactics against small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Foster) Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Foster

Often confusing legal and regulatory hurdles limit how and when counter-drone systems of any kind can be employed within the homeland. Concerns about risks of collateral damage resulting from the use of anti-drone capabilities factor in heavily, too. This all, in turn, raises questions about the potential for serious gaps in the currently allowable but still largely non-existent domestic drone defense ecosystem as well as those that would be developed under JIATF 401.

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With these issues in mind, the commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) has said he wants to see an expansion of anti-drone authorities under the U.S. law known as 130i. Thats a reference to subsection of Title 10 of the U.S. Code (10 USC 130i), covering current permissions for the protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.

Under 130i, the U.S. military has the authority to take action to defend against drones including with measures to disrupt control of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, without prior consent, including by disabling the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft by intercepting, interfering, or causing interference with wire, oral, electronic, or radio communications used to control the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft and to use reasonable force to disable, damage, or destroy the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft.

The law, however, does not go far enough, Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot testified before Congress earlier this year, saying it should be expanded to pertain to all military installations and not just those that are covered, he urged.

Guillot also asked senators to expand the distance from a base that countermeasures can be employed.

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Id also like to see the range expanded to slightly beyond the installation, so they dont have to wait for the threat to get over the installation before they can address it, he proposed. Thats because many of these systems can use side-looking or slant range [sensors]. And so they could surveil the base from outside the perimeter, and under the current authorities, we cant address that.

Beyond that, Guillot is also seeking a proposeda change to the rule of force along the southern border, where thousands of troops are deployed to deter illegal immigration and drug smuggling. The change would allow us to shoot down or bring down drones that are surveilling over our deployed and mobile troopsnot just that are in self-defense, but anything thats surveilling and planning the next attack on us within five miles of the border.

Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander of NORTHCOM and NORAD, wants greater authority to defend against drones. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Overseas, at bases outside of combat zones, the U.S. still has to work under the rules and sensitivities of host nations, which can severely limit what defensive measures can be taken. In combat zones, this is far less of an issue, given the rules of engagement.

For years, The War Zone has raised concerns about dangers posed by drones, and had laid out a detailed case through dozens upon dozens of reports that adversaries were taking advantage of the lack of aerial domain awareness over and above the homeland. The issue of unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAP, is also tied up in this deeply, which is problematic in its own right. You can read all about this here. These issues significantly predate Hegseths tenure, leaving the U.S. playing catch-up on drone defense, something we have frequently pointed out.

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We have reached out to the Pentagon, Army, NORTHCOM and INDOPACOM for more details about how all this will work and how the current limits on protecting against drones will factor into what JIATF 401 will attempt to accomplish. The Army and NORTHCOM deferred us to the Pentagon. We will update this story with any pertinent details provided.

Hegseth has given the new task force 36 months before it faces a review to determine if it should continue. While there are serious regulatory barriers that need to be broken down in order to mount a robust drone defense of key installations and assets in the United States, this is clearly a step forward into better orchestrating the response to the growing drone problem across the DoD.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Ten years ago this fall, 26-year-old student Chris Harper-Mercer entered his writing class at the Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, and forced fellow students toward the center of the room. After shooting his teacher point-blank, the disturbed young man began asking classmates about what they believed, before shooting 16 of them  killing half of them.

Two years earlier in 2013, President Barack Obama had unsuccessfully pushed Congress to pass new legislation following the national horror over 20 children and 6 adults shot at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

Now facing a fresh tragedy, President Obama, clearly frustrated at the lack of further decisive action, remarked, Our thoughts and prayers are not enough  suggesting that without something more, they will do nothing to prevent this carnage from being inflicted someplace else in America, next week or a couple months from now.

A cynical pivot on prayer

This moment was a turning point for the worse in how America talks about thoughts and prayers, according to a Washington Post analysis of 600,000 tweets containing that phrase between 2012 and 2019. Although the phrase had been critiqued often before 2015, these researchers confirmed a doubling of critical references to thoughts and prayers after this press conference.

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The Post also reported that the tone of relevant tweets became angrier, more sarcastic and polarizing  with it more likely that those publicly speaking about prayer would be castigated by those demanding stronger gun laws.

Democratic leaders have continued to echo Obamas critique in recent years. After a 2023 mass shooting in Allen, Texas, President Joe Biden likewise stated, Republican members of Congress cannot continue to meet this epidemic with a shrug. Tweeted thoughts and prayers are not enough.

And this week, in the wake of the upsetting attacks on worshipping families at a Catholic School in Minneapolis, the same critique has been raised by the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey and former Biden spokeswoman, turned political commentator, Jen Psaki on MSNBC.

In its more strident form  such as Psakis comment on X earlier the same day  these concerns begin to feel unnecessarily provocative and aggressive. A recent op-ed in The Hill by former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, for instance, is entitled, No more thoughts and prayers.

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Among other things, such dismissive portrayals paper over meaningful, substantive disagreements about the best way to respond to mass shootings  diverse perspectives held by Americans equally concerned about ending mass shootings.

Such rhetoric also often seems to take for granted a deformed and fun-house mirror version of prayer. Yet 61% of American respondents say prayer is a part of their life  with 44% of them saying they pray at least once a day, according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey.

For a practice this important to so many Americans, it shouldnt be okay to simply mock it or pretend like those engaged in regular prayer somehow dont also believe in taking decisive action. In fact, such derision is more likely to cloud and distract from open public comparison of competing action steps.

Writing for the Deseret News about the widening critique of thoughts and prayers, Menachem Wecker, editor with Jewish News Syndicate, suggests, the implication is that prayer, once seen as a powerful way to move mountains and make the impossible possible, is nothing when compared to political action.

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But inasmuch as those from all political parties pray, to make it political does a disservice to the comforting power of prayer and, more importantly, to those who can testify of divine intervention from personal experience.

One can understand how a lack of action may prompt a mayor or a media pundits angry words, while also feeling disappointed to see such a personal attack on believers who pray for comfort and help.

Its true that divine dependence may prompt passivity among some. The renowned psychologist William James cautioned in 1902 that for people of faith there is always the danger that reliance on (higher) powers becomes a pretext for not facing our own tasks.

Yet these are not new concerns at all. James writes in the New Testament: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Faith and works ... prayer and policy

This ancient apostle, however, is also highlighting a way forward  hinting that faith and works, or prayer and policy, rather than at odds and antithetical, can work hand-in-hand as public action becomes informed by humble entreaty to God.

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Its this same spirit that has led Gov. Spencer Cox to twice (June 2021 and June 2025) call for Utahns to join in a focused day of prayer for a state facing drought conditions and wildfire risks. These invitations have been accompanied by reminders to conserve water by avoiding long showers, fixing leaky faucets, and planting water-wise landscapes.

Likewise, neither the call for a worldwide fast during the COVID pandemic by President Russell M. Nelson, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nor the call to prayers and fast by Pope Leo XIV were distractions from crucial action needed during various crises, as reflected in their words amidst both crises.

For instance, Pope Leo goes on to encourage people to ask God to grant us peace and justice and to dry the tears of those who suffer because of the armed conflicts underway.

Thus, prayer is not simply filling the air with empty words. Its speaking from a heart that is wrestling to accept whatever wisdom is called for in the moment.

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Incidentally, one of the more interesting calls to action this week, alongside the many appeals to prayer, came from First Lady Melania Trump, who encouraged more attention to pre-emptive intervention to identify potential shooters through common early warning signs.

The idea is intriguing, since threat and risk assessment has become best practice in protecting potential victims of domestic violence. It may hold potential for protecting children at school, especially if, as the First Lady notes, the identification of risk can begin in our homes.

The tragic mass killing in Minnesota illuminates the need for pre-emptive intervention in identifying potential school shooters. Early warning signs are often evident, with many individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors and making violent threats online prior to their actions.  First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 28, 2025

Prayer as deep listening

If some continue to raise concern about the potential lack of meaning in appeals to prayer, let them have their say. They wouldnt be the first. Jesus also cautioned his disciples about empty phrases (vain repetitions) among those who think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Rather than declaring thoughts and prayers before the world  or on social media  Jesus encouraged followers to go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.

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This represents another major misconception of prayer common in progressive critique of prayer today: that prayer is little more than speaking words in a kind of performative art, rather than a form of soul-deep listening.

What if a regular practice of prayer could actually help us all pause, breathe and listen more deeply, including to each other?

As the poet Mary Oliver wrote about prayer, patch a few words together and dont try to make them elaborate, this isnt a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.

Danish philosopher Sren Kierkegaard likewise wrote about starting to listen in worship and learning that praying is hearing  to pray does not mean to listen to oneself speaking. Prayer involves becoming silent  and waiting until God is heard.
In February 1944, Lieutenant Donald W. Kerr of the U.S. 14th Air Force was shot down over Hong Kong and rescued by 14-year-old Li Shi of the East River Column. Under their cover, Kerr evaded Japanese forces for over two weeks before returning safely to Guilin. This story of courage and cooperation exemplifies the deep friendship forged between the Chinese and American people during the war. Now, lets hear the story from Kerrs son David.


Phoenix police detained a man after National Guard members mistook him for bringing unexploded ordnance to the Papago Park Military Reservation for disposal as a bomb threat.

Security at the base, along with Phoenix officers and members of Luke Air Force Base's explosive ordnance disposal team, responded to the base's entry point at around 4 p.m. on Aug. 28 after staff reported the incident as a "vehicle bomb threat."

"Luke AFB EOD retrieved a projectile from the vehicle later that evening, removing it from the site for proper disposal," Sgt. Sami Hill, a spokesperson for the Arizona National Guard, said. "The initial report suggests this was an isolated incident, and the individual involved was inappropriately attempting to deliver legacy unexploded ordinance to (Papago Park Military Reservation) for disposal."

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Hill said Phoenix police arrested the man, who remained unidentified, and removed him from the base.

Officers released the man after learning the man hadn't threatened anyone with the ordnance and was merely trying to dispose of it responsibly, according to department spokesperson Sgt. Rob Scherer.

"As the Phoenix Police Departments Bomb Squad conducted their investigation, they learned that a man had driven to the military location after coming into possession of what he believed to be a military explosive," Scherer said. "This was done to turn the device over to the military."

Scherer added that, while police would document the incident, it wouldn't open a criminal investigation.

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Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-1474. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Man who brought unexploded ordnance to National Guard base released
BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  High school students in Branford are now required to lock their phones away in a Yondr pouch for the entire day  and not all parents are in agreement that its a good idea.

Taking it away from them is like punishing everybody, including the parents, Michelle Diaz, the mother of a Branford High School student.

Diaz and fellow Branford mom Tammy Paine said they heard about the rule change earlier this month, but after the first day of school, they said Yondr pouches cannot stay.

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I have no problem with them not having their phones during a functioning classroom time, but outside of that, during their day, they should be allowed access to their phones, Paine said. I think this is a little extreme.

The Yondr locks away the phone and a student cannot access their phone throughout the day. That is what is causing Michelle this anxiety.

I immediately thought about all of the negative things that could happen and that I do not have access to my child, said Diaz.

News 8 reached out to the Branford School District Thursday about the pouches, but did not hear back.

Kayla Kamoth has a child too young for a phone but said she will follow the Yondr pouch issue closely.

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I would like to see the ability to be able to contact my own child probably, but I would also like for her to be responsible enough to know that that has to be away unless there is an emergency, said Kamoth.

While mother of two, Chelsey Huff, said she does not see the point of the Yondr pouches, but she does not mind her child not having a phone in school.

Even in a situation that there is lockdown, they are not able to talk, said Huff, Their text alarm might go off, it might put them in more danger than safety. I just trust the schools that they have the best protocols in place to allow our children to stay safe.

The conversation about phones in schools has only grown in intensity following Wednesdays shooting in Minnesota.

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It is a reality, its happened in the state of Connecticut, were not immune to it, Paine said. Everybody is aware that it is a very real thing for the world we live in now and it is unfair to say that you cannot communicate with your child.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Blue Springs, Missouri, Hy-Vee employee has been awarded the companys highest honor.

Mike Hackett, the service manager at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee, has been creating an outstanding experience for both customers and co-workers for more than 47 years, a spokesperson for the company said in a news release Friday.

Things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Kansas City

On Friday, fellow employees, family members, customers and Hy-Vee executives surprised Hackett with the Legendary Customer Service Award.

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The company said the award recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers expectations. Only 14 winners were selected from more than 70,000 Hy-Vee employees across eight states.

Everyone knows Mike, not because of his tenure, but because of the way he makes people feel, said Todd Wagner, regional vice president for Hy-Vees Kansas City region.

Whether its remembering a customers name, going the extra mile to solve a problem or simply offering a warm smile and a kind word, he embodies the very best of what customer service should be.

Hackett began his career with Hy-Vee in 1978 at a Des Moines store and worked at several Kansas City-area stores before starting at the Blue Springs store in 2003.

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Mike has become a pillar of the store over the years, a company spokesperson said in a news release.

Customers seek him out because he remembers their names, anticipates their needs and solves problems before they arise. He is even known to jump-start their cars or help change a flat tire from time to time. Mike is beloved by his co-workers as well, with a reputation of being caring, supportive and fair.

Mike has recognized and loved so many great customers over all his years with Hy-Vee, Steve Mokosak, a retired Hy-Vee officer, added. He kept them coming back. The difference he made has no price tag. Legendary indeed.

Candidates are nominated for the Legendary Customer Service Award by their co-workers, and winners are selected by a panel of Hy-Vees top officers.

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Nominations are evaluated on the employees overall contributions to the company in nine areas: passion for customer service, attitude, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving skills, dedication to Hy-Vee fundamentals, communication skills, professional image and self-confidence.

Hy-Vee Chairman and CEO Jeremy Gosch said Hackett demonstrates exactly the type of caring commitment to others that Hy-Vee leaders had in mind when the Legendary Customer Service Award was established in 2006.

Mike is an outstanding example of the Hy-Vee fundamentals, going above and beyond to serve customers every day, Gosch said. This award was created to honor and celebrate those Hy-Vee employees who go the extra mile to help others, and Mike is certainly deserving of this award.

Hackett and the other 2025 recipients of the Legendary Customer Service Award will be inducted into Hy-Vees Customer Service Hall of Fame. Recipients will also be given a crystal trophy, a free trip of their choice and will have their image displayed on a Hy-Vee semitrailer, which will stop at their store to celebrate the employees recognition.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO)  The new school year is accompanied by a new partnership formed to put more mentors into Sioux Falls schools.

The district has launched a 2-year pilot program to hire a professional recruiter for three under-served elementary schools.

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken called a Cleveland Elementary 5th grader to the podium to show the need for school mentors.

How long have you been trying to get a mentor? TenHaken said.

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Big Stone Lake shows sturgeon population promise

Ah, three years, 5th grader Ephraim Toe said.

Two years, hes been waiting to get a mentor, TenHaken said.

TenHaken was visibly moved by young Eiphrams long wait for a mentor and decided on the spot to take action, himself.

Im going to be your mentor today, okay, TenHaken said.

All right!

The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation would like to see others embrace the opportunity to mentor a student, so its providing a grant that will pay for a recruiter to bring more mentors into the classroom.

Its not easy finding mentors. Its a big commitment and so, I love that this was a new idea, something that were going to look into and decide, is this effective? Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation CEO Andy Patterson said.

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The recruiter will be based out of three elementary schools, here at Cleveland, along with Terry Redlin and Anne Sullivan. Three under-served schools because a lot of parents here both have jobs and dont have the time to be mentors themselves.

Were really interested in talking to businesses, churches, organizations throughout Sioux Falls that want to support getting mentors into the schools, so starting there, also personal connections with folks who are already mentors, Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator Jenna Lilyquist said.

School principals have seen the impact a mentor has on a students life.

It helps build their confidence, really, just to have a buddy there, just somebody thats consistent that comes, they show up, they do things with them, Cleveland Elementary Principal Stacy Stefani said.

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School administrators hope the new recruiter will fill the waiting lists at the three elementaries and then move on to other schools in the district that are waiting for mentors of their own.

Jenna Lilyquist works for the HelpLine Center. She plans to be at the elementary school three days a week, and the rest of the week in the community recruiting mentors.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
PINEY FLATS, Tenn. (WJHL)  An event called Piney Fest is on tap for Friday, and all the proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

Organizer Bo Bowman stopped by Good Morning Tri-Cities to tell us more about the event, which includes Southern Rock at East Tennessee Distillery from 6 to 10 p.m.

Admission is $10 at the door or $7 with one can of food and $10 with two cans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey on Friday condemned the Trump administrations decision to cancel $679 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects supporting offshore wind, including $34 million headed to Salem.

The administrations decision to pull the plug on the Salem Wind Port project, which would have resulted in the redevelopment of a vacant industrial facility, will cost 800 construction jobs, the Democratic governor said in a statement.

"There is nothing wasteful about this project, which has been supported by both a Democratic and Republican governor," Healey said Friday.

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The real waste here is the Trump administration canceling tens of millions of dollars for a project that is already underway to increase our energy supply and support hundreds of workers and their families, she said. As we head into Labor Day weekend, this action is a slap in the face to the hardworking men and women who keep our nation moving and deserve better than what theyre getting from their federal government.

The project is a joint effort between Salem, the state and Crowley Wind Services, which manages and operates the operates and manages the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal.

Work started on the project last summer, according to The Salem News.

As it was envisioned, the terminal was to be a logistics and operations center for turbine pre-assembly, transportation, staging activities and storage of assembly components. The terminal site project will result in the redevelopment of the former Salem Harbor Station, a decommissioned coal-fired energy plant creating more than 800 jobs in the support of the construction and staging of wind projects and daily operations, according to Crowleys website.

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This terminal is uniquely positioned to provide supportive operations for offshore wind farms in New England, according to the citys website.

Trump has moved steadily against renewable energy projects since taking office in January, instead focusing on shoring up natural gas exports. Its a strategy that has rattled experts, who say it could boost prices, slow down innovation, and cut into U.S. competitiveness.

In a statement, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argued that wasteful wind projects are using resources that could otherwise go towards revitalizing Americas maritime industry.

Duffy said President Donald Trump has refocused his agency and its Maritime Administration on rebuilding the nations shipbuilding capacity.

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And where its possible, funding from the canceled projects will be used to address critical port upgrades and other core infrastructure needs of the United States.

Top union officials in Massachusetts didnt see it that way.

Trump just laid off over 800 construction workers on Labor Day weekend by revoking the grant for the expansion of the Port of Salem, Frank Callahan Jr, the president of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions, said in the Healey administrations statement. This is a bad deal for our members and for future energy production in Massachusetts.

Trump, who ran as a job-creator, has turned into the biggest job destroyer of any president this country has seen, Rodrigo Badaro, President of the North Shore Building Trades Council, said. Its clear Make America Great Again doesnt include construction workers on the North Shore.

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Besides Salem, the administration also withdrew $11.2 milion for gateway upgrades and other initiatives at the Port of Davisville project in Rhode Island, as well as $10.5 million set aside for the Bridgeport Port Authoritys wind project in Connecticut.

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PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44)  One man from Plattsburgh and two people from Albany were taken into custody after detectives got a warrant to search an apartment on Court Street, the Plattsburgh Police Department wrote Thursday.

The incident happened on Tuesday. According to authorities, parole officers visiting Jeffrey A. Landry, 48, of Plattsburgh, found three other people inside his apartment, one of whom fled when the officers arrived.

The parole officers, who reportedly saw ammunition inside the apartment, called for the help of Plattsburgh police, and detectives searched the apartment after a judge granted a warrant.

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Plattsburgh officials ask for input on future plans for underused beach

Police say they found over a pound of fentanyl in the apartment along with 5.6 grams of methamphetamine  which they estimate would sell for about $12,000 together  along with over $1,600 in cash, and other evidence.

Landry was detained, along with the two remaining people at his apartment  Lance L. Mintz, 20, and Ameera A. Davis, 20, both of Albany. Landry, Mintz, and Davis were all charged with multiple counts of felony drug possession with intent to sell. Davis also reportedly had in her possession a handgun with a 15-round magazine. Magazines containing more than 10 rounds are illegal in New York.

New York gun-tracking law delayed

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Plattsburgh Police Chief Jarrod Trombley said that the operation made the city a safer place. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs we encounter I commend the parole officers and our responding officers for their exemplary work. Their prompt actions removed a significant amount of fentanyl from our streets, thereby enhancing community safety.

According to police, additional charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing.

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Polish Deputy Defence Minister Pawe Zalewski has said Warsaw will play a "key role" in ensuring future security guarantees for Ukraine.

Source: Polish radio station RMF FM, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Speaking after the EU defence ministers meeting in Copenhagen on Friday 29 August, Zalewski reiterated that Poland would not send troops to Ukraine due to the significant threat on its borders with Russia and Belarus.

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Instead, the guarantees being prepared within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing envisage the presence of European forces in Ukraine and an operation to protect Ukrainian airspace, which would become possible once active hostilities with Russia have ended.

Quote: "Poland will play a key role in this operation, as it will create conditions for bases, provide rear support for the units stationed in Ukraine, organise logistics for these units and offer airports for aircraft that will protect Ukrainian airspace from Poland."

Details: Zalewski added that "without what Poland is offering, there will be no security guarantees, so Polands proposal is an absolute guarantee that security assurances can be implemented".

Background:

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Ukraines Western partners had prepared a plan providing for a demilitarised zone, which would likely be patrolled by neutral peacekeeping forces from a third country.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that leaders of the Coalition of the Willing will meet soon to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine as part of the peace process.

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A dozen people were arrested when state and local authorities carried out multiple search warrants in Waterbury on Wednesday, finding narcotics, multiple guns and a sum of cash.

The warrants allowed officials to search 140 Willow St. as well as three of the suspects who were arrested, according to Officer Nyjah Porcher of the Waterbury Police Department.

The searches were conducted by the departments Vice and Intelligence Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Auto Theft Task Force and Gang Task Force with assistance from Connecticut State Police. During the investigation, police reported seizing unspecified amounts of heroin and fentanyl as well as ammunition, drug paraphernalia, $8,000, a 10mm Glock firearm, a Ruger SP101 revolver and an American Tactical AR-15 rifle, according to Porcher.

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Those arrested included:

Isaiah Mujica, 28, who was charged with three counts each of unsafe storage of a firearm, illegal sale/transfer of a firearm and criminal possession of a firearm/ammunition, two counts each of criminal possession of a pistol/revolver and possession of narcotics with intent to sell and a single count each of interfering with a search warrant, possession of an assault weapon, altering/obliterating serial marks and possession of a high-capacity magazine. He was held on a $500,000 bond and was expected to appear in court on Thursday. Porcher noted that Mujica is a convicted felon prohibited from guns or ammunition.

Isaac Mujica, 24, of Waterbury was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell and a single count of unsafe storage of a firearm, illegal sale/transfer of a firearm, interfering with a search warrant, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver and criminal possession of a firearm/ammunition. He was held on a $1 million bond and was also scheduled to face a judge on Thursday. According to Porcher, Isaac Mujica is also a convicted felon barred from possessing firearms and ammunition

Jacob Mujica, 30, of Waterbury was charged with three counts each of unsafe storage of a firearm and illegal sale/transfer of a firearm, two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell and a single count of interfering with a search warrant, possession of an assault weapon, altering/obliterating serial marks and possession of a high-capacity magazine. He was held on a $500,000 bond pending a hearing Thursday.

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Brian Acosta-Perez, 31, of Waterbury had five warrants out for his arrest and was held in custody pending an arraignment on Thursday, according to Porcher.

Mario Santos, 49, of Wolcott was charged with interfering with a search warrant.

Kristina Janssen, 38, of Litchfield faces one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rosemary Winters was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of narcotics with intent to sell.

Gladys Velez, 62, of Waterbury faces charges of interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia. She also had a warrant out for her arrest and was held on a $500 bond pending an arraignment.

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Miranda Pope, 41, of Waterbury was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held on a $2,500 bond pending a hearing on Thursday.

Lois Tremblay, 58, of Waterbury was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Heather Huntley, 38, of Waterbury was charged with interfering with a search warrant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paulo Juca-Saquizari, 33, of Waterbury was charged with interfering with a search warrant, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotics.

Huntley, Tremblay, Janssen, Santos and Winters were all released on a promise to appear, according to Porcher.

The Waterbury Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our community through proactive enforcement efforts, Porcher said in a statement.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Pflugerville Police Department said four people have been arrested in connection with two men who were found dead four years ago.

39-year-old Jerod Crespin and 18-year-old Elijah Stark, both from Pflugerville, were initially reported missing before being found dead in 2021, police said in a news release Thursday.

Crespin was found in Tennessee and Stark was found in Williamson County, according to an arrest affidavit.

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It took years of research and interviews by detectives to connect four people connected with the victims.

Police identified the following four people with the cases:

39-year-old Phillip Jones, who was arrested on two charges of tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse

39-year-old Rico Huey, who was arrested on a charge of tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse

32-year-old Michael Leon Randle, who was arrested on a charge of tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse

28-year-old Jacob Stilwell, who was arrested on a charge of tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse

These arrests were made possible through collaborative efforts with various agencies to help bring the families of the victims a step closer to justice, police said in the release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA)  Four individuals were arrested in a drug operation conducted by the Asheville Police Department on Wednesday afternoon.

The arrests came after a drug investigation by the Washington County Sheriffs Office in Virginia led Asheville police to obtain a search warrant for a residence on Ascension Drive. Before executing the search warrant, officers stopped two occupants leaving the residence in a vehicle.

25-year-old Deonte Sincere Gardner, the passenger, was found with 16.6 grams of fentanyl and was taken into custody without incident. Officers charged him two counts of trafficking opium or heroin, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver schedule II and felony possession schedule II.

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Upon searching the residence, officers discovered $7,611, four handguns, one of which was reported stolen, 202 grams of marijuana and a fentanyl press.

Three additional occupants inside the residence were taken into custody and charged with the following:

Lawrence Sincere Gardner, 22:

Maintain vehicle/ dwelling/ place for controlled substance

Rasheed Jahaad Grant, 24:

Maintain vehicle/ dwelling/ place for controlled substance

Possession of firearm by felon

Possession of stolen firearm

Damion Keire Smith Jr., 22:

Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana

Officers mentioned that a juvenile was also temporarily detained in relation to the investigation. He was later released to his mother.

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The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are likely to follow, according to the police department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP)  Police have identified the suspect involved in a robbery at Country Bank on Shaker Road in Longmeadow last week.

Florida authorities arrest man wanted in Berkshire County on child assault charges

The Longmeadow Police Department stated that officers were called to the bank at 919 Shaker Road around 4:40 p.m. on August 21 for a report of a robbery. All individuals inside the bank at the time were unharmed, and no injuries were reported. Police said the suspect threatened to harm employees if they did not comply, then left with an undisclosed amount of money.

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After a detailed investigation, officers identified the suspect as Darrell Blatche of Bloomfield, Connecticut. A search warrant was granted for his residence, and several pieces of evidence were found that linked him to the robbery. Blatche was charged with armed robbery while masked.

Photo courtesy of the Longmeadow Police Department Photo courtesy of the Longmeadow Police Department Photo courtesy of the Longmeadow Police Department Photo courtesy of the Longmeadow Police Department

He is currently in the custody of the State of Connecticut for unrelated offenses. District Attorney Anthony Gullunis Office will coordinate and prepare for prosecution in our jurisdiction.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Cincinnati police have identified a man who was fatally shot in Queensgate early on Friday, Aug. 29.

Officers found 32-year-old Ryan Johnson suffered gunshot wounds after they were dispatched to the 1000 block of Gest Street around 12:10 a.m., according to a department news release.

Johnson died from his injuries at the scene, police said.

Cincinnati police Capt. Stephen Bower told Enquirer media partner Fox19 that Johnson was a Taco Bell employee and was shot multiple times while in the Gest Street restaurant's parking lot

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It remains unclear whether Johnson was working at the time, but he was not in a Taco Bell uniform, Bower said, adding the man wore jeans and a T-shirt.

The gunman fled the scene and remains at large, according to Bower. Police have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the killing, nor have they released information about a possible suspect.

Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Police ID Taco Bell employee shot to death in parking lot
The King County Sheriffs Office (KCSO) says that the victim was assaulted after a concert at the White River Amphitheater.

The victim was transported to Harbor View Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

Deputies say that the assault happened after a SuicideBoys concert on Wednesday.

KCSO Major Crimes Detectives are currently investigating the fatal assault.

They are asking if you have any information, including videos and pictures, to submit it as evidence here.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  A Midland man is facing felony charges after police say he choked his girlfriend multiple times and then threatened to kill her with a knife during a domestic disturbance that occurred last year. Craig Allen Johnson Jr., 44, has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon/family violence and assault by choking/impeding breath, both felonies.

According to an arrest affidavit, the charges stem from an incident that occurred at the Conetellation Ranch Apartments around 12:30 a.m. on December 1, 2024. Officers reported that when they arrived at the scene, they found a woman visibly shaken with red marks around her neck and on her chest.

Records show the victim told officers the disturbance began after her boyfriend, Craig Allen Johnson Jr., 44, became upset after an altercation that occurred between the two. The affidavit states the victim told Johnson she was going to lie down when Johnson allegedly followed her into the bedroom, placed his hands around her neck, and choked her until she struggled to breathe.

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The woman told investigators that Johnson repeated the act several times, letting her catch her breath only to choke her again. She was then able to get up, but Johnson allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to kill her if she grabbed the firearm she kept in the room.

The woman told police that Johnson also took her phone to stop her from calling for help, but that she was eventually able to use another phone inside the home to call 911.

Police said Johnson left the scene before officers arrived, but they were able to identify him through a vehicle license plate registered in his name. The victim requested an emergency protective order.

Court records show Johnson has a prior conviction for family violence assault by impeding breath or circulation in 2017. Because of that conviction, prosecutors have filed the new charges as an enhanced family violence offense.

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According to MCSO records, Johnson was not taken into custody until Wednesday, August 27, 2025, more than eight months after the alleged assault. He was booked into the Midland County Detention Center and is being held on a $100,000 bond, $50,000 for each charge.

Johnson remains in custody as of Friday, August 29, and is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon/family violence and assault by choking/impeding breath, both felonies.

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A crash outside Nappanee hospitalized one person on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Elkhart County deputies, at 12:28 p.m., Ronald Welle, 58, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, was traveling south on C.R. 9 in Nappanee approaching the intersection at C.R. 46 in a 2021 Ford pickup truck.

After stopping, Welle proceeded through the intersection, and into the path of a 2021 Chevrolet pickup driven by Clyde Martin, 21, of New Paris, who was traveling east on C.R. 46 through the intersection.

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As a result of the crash, the Ford spun out and the rear end of the truck struck the front bumper of a 2019 Nissan sedan at the stop sign to the south of the intersection, driven by Keagen Nolan, 22, of Elkhart. After hitting the sedan, the truck then crashed into a stop sign.

At the time of the crash, the Chevrolet was towing a large trailer, which then detached from the gooseneck and crashed into the truck as well.

A passenger in Welles vehicle, Patty Welle, 60, was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment.

Bristol man injured in crash

A Bristol man was injured in a crash Wednesday morning.

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According to Elkhart County deputies Shannon R. Wells, 51, of Shipshewana, was traveling west on Ind. 120 as Ronald Reigle, 65, of Bristol, was travelling east on Ind. 120. Police said Reigle, who was driving a 2016 Ford Focus, began to make a left turn onto property in the 16000 block of Ind. 120 resulting in Wells 2014 Ford Edge crashing into him when he turned.

Wells said he saw Reigle turning into the private driveway and attempted to avoid the collision but failed, police reported.

Reigle was taken to Goshen Hospital by medics for injuries and was unable to advise on the circumstances of the accident.

ARRESTS

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 A 26-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Goshen police at 10:47 p.m. Wednesday on a charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated after police were called to a possible burglary in progress at Brookside Manor and found no burglary, but did find the woman allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

 A 20-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 4:34 a.m. Wednesday on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and illegal consumption of alcoholic beverages after she was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Old U.S. 33 east of C.R. 1.

CHILD MOLESTING

The Elkhart County Sheriffs Department received a report of a child molestation that occurred between July 2016-2019.

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BURGLARY

A 41-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 6:06 p.m. Wednesday that someone broke into her garage in the 1200 block of Westwood Drive.

FIREARM SURRENDER

Goshen police were called to Walmart, 2304 Lincolnway East, at 7:04 p.m. Wednesday for a possible altered firearm.

THEFT

 A 38-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 10:07 a.m. Wednesday, someone took his wallet in the 2200 block of Rieth Boulevard.

 A 58-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 12:43 p.m. Wednesday, someone took his cellphone from the 200 block of South Main Street.

 A 25-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies at 8:49 p.m. Wednesday that someone took money as payment for a dog and then refused to provide the dog. Around 9 p.m., a 53-year-old woman reported the same had happened to her on Aug. 18.

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FRAUD

Elkhart County deputies were called to Ivy Tech Community College, 22531 C.R. 18, Goshen, at 1:56 p.m. Tuesday after someone texted student services from South Carolina that there was an active attacker stabbing students inside of the building and a bomb present. Deputies arrived and spoke with campus security who advised there was no active situation. Deputies and campus security checked the campus determining there was no threat or an incident that occurred.
Police in Colton, California are pursuing new leads in the case of a child who died after his parents relinquished custody to a religious sect that is currently under investigation for a possible homicide involving a former member.

Timothy Thomas, 4, died in January 2010, police said in a news release on Thursday, without sharing the circumstances. The San Bernardino County Coroner listed the cause of death as natural.

At the time of his death, temporary custody  had been signed over from his birth parents to leaders of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies, police said.

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On Tuesday, authorities in Redlands, a neighboring city in San Bernardino County, announced that the husband and wife who lead the group were arrested in connection with the 2023 disappearance of Emilio Ghanem.

Ghanem, 40, had been a member of His Way Spirit Led Assemblies for about 20 years but left the group shortly before he vanished, according to family. He was last seen at a Starbucks in Redlands on May 25, 2023.

Timothy Thomas (Colton PD)

A rented Nissan pickup truck he was driving was spotted on surveillance video later that day. In a recent break in the case, detectives recovered the truck and found evidence that they said points to foul play.

Those circumstances are such that we are investigating this as a possible homicide, Redlands police spokesperson Carl Baker told KTLA this week.

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The leaders of the group were arrested after police served search warrants in Laguna Hills on Aug. 14. Darryl Muzic Martin, 57, of Hemet, faces illegal weapons charges, while his wife, Shelly Bailey Kat Martin, 62, was taken into custody but later released due to a medical episode.

Two other individuals were also arrested on firearms charges.

Kathryn Martin, known as the Prophetess and her husband, Pastor Muzic, reportedly control His Way Spirit Led Assemblies in California.

A former member of the group, who did not want to be identified, told KTLA that Martin goes by the title prophetess.

The couple has complete control over the group, which, according to the former member, is always preparing for the end of days, storing enough packaged food, water and other supplies to last for years.

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Its members work at a pest control company once known as Fullshield Incorporated but now operates under the name, Maxguard, according to police.

In April 2023, family members say Ghanem left both the group and Fullshield and moved to Tennessee to reunite with family and start his own pest control business. He returned to California in May to establish a satellite office which, according to family, angered its leaders.

He was in California to contact potential customers, Baker told KTLA. We do know that he had received a cease-and-desist letter from the group or from their pest control company warning him not to contact their customers.

Emilio Ghanem (Family photo)

Anyone with information about Ghanems disappearance is urged to contact the Redlands Police Detective Bureau at 909-551-4424. Anyone with information about Thomas death is asked to call the Colton Police Department at 909-370-5140.

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In a related investigation, Redlands detectives are working with Claremont Police on the 2019 disappearance of a second man also connected to the group.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
DENVER (KDVR)  Governor Jared Polis says the budget for this year is now balanced. After lawmakers wrapped their work earlier this week, he announced the cuts he made in the states budget and money moved from the states reserves to help fill the gap.

The governor made some moves to fill the final holes in this years budget, but some lawmakers are worried about the impacts the move could have in the long run.

Heres what Denver will have open, closed during its first citywide furlough day

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Governor Jared Polis said the state no longer has a budget deficit. Lawmakers filled about $250 million after passing 11 bills, many dealing with tax policy, during the special legislative session.

To fill the rest, the governor signed executive orders to use more than $300 million of reserve funding and $147 million of cuts in different areas to the state budget. He had to explain those cuts to members of the states Joint Budget Committee.



Im thinking we need to have providers to provide for families who are hardest hit, who are the poorest among us in our communities. They actually draw down federal funds. So my question is, why didnt you cut covering all Coloradans, that doesnt pull down any federal funds? asked Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer of Weld County.

The governor was adamant about not cutting K-12 funding or public safety, but he did cut $38.3 million for Medicaid provider rates. The rates now go back to the same rates they were last year, after lawmakers gave them a 1.6% increase earlier this year.

The governor is also cutting $12.7 million in higher education funding, leaving lawmakers with questions.

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Pueblo County Coroner resigns amid investigation

Even in a difficult time with HR 1, our higher education system is still seeing a $22.1 million increase for the current budget year, relative to last years budget. I understand its not the full increase they thought they would see. About a third of that increase is what this cut is. But again, to balance the budget, there have to be a number of cuts across state government.

The governor also reallocated a bout $105 million from Proposition 123. The ballot initiative that passed back in 2022 allows money to cover K-12 funding when the state falls below the TABOR cap.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Democratic primary voters now see California Gov. Gavin Newsom as their top choice for president in 2028, according to a new poll.

The new Emerson College poll, released on Aug. 29, found Newsom receiving support from 25% of surveyed Democratic primary voters.

Newsoms standing among primary voters has skyrocketed from Emersons June poll. In that poll, Newsom was only the third most popular candidate for president, earning only 12% support.

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Governor Newsoms support surged across key demographic groups, highlighted by a 12-point increase among voters under 30 (6% to 18%) an 18-point increase among voters over 70 (13% to 31%), and a 14-point increase among both Black (9% to 23%) and White (10% to 24%) voters, Spencer Kimball, the executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in the surveys analysis.

In a hypothetical 2028 matchup against Vice President JD Vance, 44% said they would vote for Newsom and 44% said they would vote for Vance. Only 12% of voters reported being undecided.

The number of voters who said they would choose Newsom in a general election increased from Emersons previous poll in July. In that survey, 45% of voters said they would vote for Vance, while 42% said they would vote for Newsom.

Throughout August, Newsom and his press office have repeatedly used social media to mock President Donald Trump.

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Such trolling includes mimicking Trumps posts on Truth Social by writing them in all capital letters and creating an online merchandise store selling memorabilia similar to Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) items.

One of these products sold at Newsoms online shop is a red hat reading, Newsom was right about everything, mocking a red hat that said Trump was right about everything that the president wore last week.

Newsom also has stepped into the spotlight as a foil to the Republican Party.

In recent months, Newsom has been pushing forward a ballot proposition that asks voters whether California can move forward on redrawing its congressional map in response to Texas Republicans redrawing their states congressional districts.

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The Texas redistricting could net Republicans five more seats in Congress and was pushed by Trump, who said Republicans were entitled to these seats, according to Politico.

Voters in California will head to the polls on Nov. 4 to decide whether newly drawn districts can be approved. The newly drawn districts, if approved, could help Democrats flip five seats, according to the New York Times.

The number two choice for Democrats in the Emerson August poll was former Biden administration Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg earned support from 16% of the respondents, the same amount of support he received in the June poll.

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His support among white voters has remained the same (22% in both polls) but he lost support among Latino voters (from 10% in June to 2% in August) and Asian voters (from 12% in June to 0% in August).

Buttigieg has also failed to gain support among Black voters, earning 0% support in both the June and August polls.

His standing has also dropped among voters aged 18 to 29 (from 7% in June to 3% in August), voters aged 40 to 49 (from 15% in June to 13% in August) voters 50 to 59 (from 21% in June to 19% in August) and voters aged 70 and older (from 20% in June to 17% in August).

He did, however, gain support among voters aged 30 to 39 (from 9% in June to 16% in August) and among voters aged 60 to 69 (from 17% in June to 24% in August).

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In the June poll, Buttigieg was the top pick for president among Democrats, with Vice President Kamala Harris earning second place with 13%.

In the August poll, however, Harriss support dropped by 2%, leaving her in third place with 11%.

Harriss standing increased among Black voters (from 30% in June to 44% in August) and Hispanic voters (from 11% in June to 25% in August) but she lost support among white voters (from 7% in June to 4% in August) and Asian voters (from 12% in June to 0% in August).

The former vice president also lost ground among voters aged 30 to 39 (from 19% in June to 14% in August) voters aged 40 to 49 (from 14% in June to 7% in August) voters aged 50 to 59 (from 10% in June to 5% in August) voters 60 to 69 (from 10% in June to 7% in August) and voters aged 70 and older (7% in June to 3% in August). Her standing among voters aged 18 to 29, however, rose from 19% in June to 39% in August.

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Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is the fourth-most popular choice among Democratic primary voters, earning 5% of the support.

Tied for fifth place are Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY., who both took 4% support among voters, according to the poll.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., was the sixth most popular choice with 3% support, while Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer all tied for seventh with 2% support each.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., tied for eighth place with 1% each, according to the poll.

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A total of 3% of voters said they would choose someone else and 16% said they are undecided.

The August survey asked 387 Democratic Primary voters who they would choose as the 2028 presidential nominee. The question was fielded between Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%, according to the polls analysis.

The national poll, which included the hypothetical 2028 matchup between Vance and Newsom, featured a sample size of 1,000 registered voters and was also conducted between Aug. 25 and Aug. 26. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

The polls full results can be viewed by clicking this link.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
(Reuters) -Samoa held a national election on Friday with the Pacific Island nation's first female prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa seeking to return to office in a race against the long-serving leader she unseated in 2021, and her former party.

Polls closed at 3 p.m. on Friday (0200 GMT) after around 100,000 voters cast ballots to elect 50 lawmakers to parliament.

Fiame was one of the Pacific Islands' few female leaders, and became known for her sceptical stance on China's security ambitions in the region, and support for island nations to unite to resist pressure from outside powers.

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She raised the international profile of the nation of 200,000 people by hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year, focused on the impact of climate change in the Pacific.

Fiame became Samoa's first woman leader in 2021, winning an election that unseated the incumbent Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi after 22 years.

Tuilaepa refused to accept the 2021 result for several months, stepping down only after the court backed Fiame's makeshift swearing-in ceremony, held in a tent after she was locked out of parliament.

Fiame asked for parliament to be dissolved in June after being unable to gain enough support to pass budget legislation. She was expelled from her political party, Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST), in January in a factional dispute.

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FAST led by Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, Fiame's new Samoa United Party, and Tuilaepa's Human Rights Protection Party (HRRP) are the main contenders to form government.

Samoa United Party is fielding candidates in around half of the seats, electoral commission records showed.

In Apia, the Samoan capital, residents told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation they were looking forward to political stability, and wanted the next government to focus on the economy and jobs.

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
ROME (AP)  Pope Leo XIV praised the virtue of listening before speaking as he received an award Thursday from his Augustinian religious order in the United States on the feast day of St. Augustine.

Leo reflected on peace, service and St. Augustine during a video message to his fellow American Augustinians gathered in Philadelphia, near Leos alma mater, Villanova University.

The former Robert Prevost, who was twice elected the superior of the religious order, thanked his brothers for the award and reaffirmed that So much of who I am I owe to the spirit and the teachings of Saint Augustine.

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Leo has said from the start of his pontificate that he is a son of St. Augustine and he has infused his speeches, homilies and messages with the saints teachings and values.

The fifth century St. Augustine of Hippo inspired the 13th century religious Augustinian order as a community of mendicant friars, whose spirituality is rooted in a deep interior life of prayer, living in community, and journeying together in search of truth in God.

Leo recalled the Augustinian motto in Latin: veritas, unitas, caritas (truth, unity, love) in explaining how he lives his faith and vocation.

Peace begins with what we say and do and how we say and do it. Saint Augustine reminds us that before we speak, we first must listen, he said.

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The video was recorded while the pope was on vacation in Castel Gandolfo this summer, and was being aired at the event organized by the Philadelphia branch of Augustinians known as the Saint Thomas of Villanova province.

People who know Leo say he consults widely and listens before taking decisions, but is decisive once he has made up his mind. He rarely speaks off-the-cuff, preferring to read from prepared texts.

___

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.
Popeyes, a Louisiana-based fried chicken chain, is proposing to open a location in Menomonee Falls.

The village's Architectural Control Board approved the site plan on Aug. 26.

The proposal will go to the Menomonee Falls Plan Commission at 630 p.m. Sept. 9. at Village Hall, W156 N8480 Pilgrim Road.

Aby Groups, which owns and operates 68 stores and restaurants in the Midwest, is the developer and will be the owner and operator of Popeyes.

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Here's what to know:

Where will Popeyes be in Menomonee Falls?

Popeyes, which has several locations in the Milwaukee area, will be at N88 W15263 Main St. in Menomonee Falls.

How big will the Menomonee Falls Popeyes be?

According to village documents, Popeyes will be a 2,525-square-foot restaurant building with seating for 23, a dual drive-through, and 19 parking spaces.

Besides fried chicken, what menu items are at Popeyes?

Aside from fried chicken, the menu items at Popeyes include popcorn shrimp and shrimp tenders, Cajun rice, Cajun fries, homestyle mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy. Dessert items are a caramel apple cheesecake cup, cinnamon apple pie and strawberry cream cheese pie.

What will its hours be?

According to village documents, the proposed hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

When will Popeyes open?

Popeyes has not yet been approved by the village.

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Residents can provide feedback on the proposal at the Sept. 9 Plan Commission meeting.

What is the history of Popeyes?

According to the Popeyes website, the first Popeyes opened in 1972 in Arabi, a New Orleans suburb, and was called Chicken on the Run. It had traditional Southern-fried chicken, but it struggled with getting customers.

Entrepreneur Alvin C. Copeland Sr. then created a recipe that provided a "little kick of spice." Copeland reopened the restaurant as Popeyes, naming it after Gene Hackman's police detective Popeye Doyle in the 1971 movie, "The French Connection." It has expanded since.

More: Culver's is proposing to open a new location in Germantown. Here are the details.

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More: It's sweet corn season. Here are some stands to visit in the Milwaukee area

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A Popeyes may be coming to Main Street in Menomonee Falls
New Jerseys record-breaking Mexican restaurant is on the move again.

Meximodo, a Guinness World Record holder for the largest collection of tequila bottles on the planet, is set to open two more locations in the state.

TJ Pingtore, Senior Vice President of Growth and Development of Le Malt Hospitality Group that owns Meximodo, told NJ Advance Media Thursday that the new locations will be coming to Marlboro and Parsippany.

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The Marlboro location will be at 133 South Main Street on Route 79  replacing the former Fireside Grill & Bar and Bad Hat Dumplings and Cocktails that once shared the building.

For Parsippany, the restaurant will be stationed at District1515, a luxury residential and retail area located off Route 10.

Le Malt Hospitality Group is hoping to open both locations by late 2026.

Interior of Meximodo Cocina Mexicana and Tequila Bar in Metuchen on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Each space has some uniqueness to it, Pingtore told NJ Advance Media.

The eatery got its start in Metuchen in late 2023, gaining not only an outstanding review from NJ.com but also received recognition from Guinness World Record months later in July 2024.

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Known for its modern take on Mexican cuisine, Meximodo made NJ.coms best Mexican restaurants list in May. The menu features elevated street food staples like birria tacos and street-style corn, alongside elevated entrees such as pollo con mole, mushroom enchiladas, and cauliflower al pastor.

Earlier this year, Meximodo announced they were opening a second location in downtown Jersey City. A restaurant spokesperson confirmed that the location is slated to open in September.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Lauren Musni may be reached at lmusni@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @Laurengmusni and on Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Portland father who is accused of allowing drug use in his home, leading to the overdose death of a 15-year-old girl in 2023, pleaded guilty to two charges on Wednesday.

According to court documents, 52-year-old Hooman Tony Rahnamoon pleaded guilty to frequenting a place where controlled substances are used and endangering the welfare of a minor.

The case goes back to February of 2023, when Franklin High School freshman Lauren Dominguez died of a fentanyl overdose. Dominguez was in the home of a 17-year-old boy, Rahnamoons son, according to court documents.

Lauren Dominguez (undated photo courtesy Tracy Dominguez).

Rahnamoon was accused of allowing the teens to do drugs after seeing it take place and not intervening.

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Laurens parents, Tracy and Marc Dominguez, previously said that the last time they saw Rahnamoon was on the morning of Feb. 18, 2023, after they found out Lauren was missing from school. Laurens sister found out through social media sleuthing that she had snuck out to visit Rahnamoons son the night before.

The homeowner comes down the driveway, lets us know that our 15-year-old daughter is upstairs and shes not breathing. She was using drugs with his son, is what he said, Tracy said.

Prosecutors said Lauren and the son had previously met up to use drugs the night before, with Narcan and drug paraphernalia found after her death.

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Eye on Northwest Politics

Court documents show Rahnamoon later admitted about 4-5 days, at most a week, before she passed, he had observed his son, and Lauren using drugs at his home.

Dominguezs parents told KOIN 6 News in February that they believe their daughter was caught in a perfect storm between the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of Measure 110, the Oregon law that temporarily removed criminal penalties for people caught with small amounts of hard drugs. That state legislature later reintroduced criminal penalties with House Bill 4002 in 2024.

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During his arraignment in February, Rahnamoon pleaded not guilty to three misdemeanor charges  frequenting a place where controlled substances are used and two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor  and apologized repeatedly to Laurens parents in court.

Hundreds oppose proposed detox center next to SE Portland elementary school

Now, as part of a plea deal entered Wednesday, the state recommends dismissing all of the charges at the time of Rahnamoons sentencing if over the next 18 months he completes a drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment, writes an apology letter to the family of Lauren Dominguez, does not allow minors into his home, refrains from alcohol and drug use and does not allow drugs or alcohol into his home.

Rahnamoons sentencing is scheduled for 2027.

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An attorney representing Rahnamoon declined to comment on the case.

Owner of Oregon animal park raided by police indicted on 371 charges

The parents of Lauren Dominguez were initially told the case did not involve a ticketable offense. However, with a new district attorney in office, the Dominguez family said they had hope for accountability.

Speaking with members of the media on Wednesday, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said, I turned to Senior Deputy DA JR Ujifusa and said we have to take action. We have to do better as a community, and we need to make sure this individual is held accountable. And thats what today is about.

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I am so proud of my office for standing up for this family, Vasquez continued. And I will tell you, I am honored to have met and worked with the Dominguez family. They are incredible parents, and they have worked so hard to honor their daughters memory and to help this community get better.

Trump administration threatens to pull Oregon, Washington education grants over gender teachings

In a statement shared with KOIN 6 News, Vasquez described the unique nature of the plea deal.

Id say its pretty unique and it is a product of this family, the Dominguez family, Vasquez said. This was never about being vindictive. It was about holding this defendant accountable and about seeking better from our community and above all, making sure this doesnt happen again in that home where children are in danger.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Portland father was sentenced to 10 years in prison Thursday after officials said he punched his son so hard the child nearly died.

Joseph Washington was sentenced to over 10 years for assault and mistreatment charges.

The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office said that on April 4, 2024, Washington was watching the toddler at his girlfriends house in Southeast Portland.

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Suspect in deadly North Portland motel shooting arrested in San Francisco

According to the childs mother, she was no longer with Washington, but he would occasionally watch him while she was working.

On that day, officials said that Washington had called the mother to say that the child was throwing up significantly, and the mother had told him to take their child to the hospital.

Washington ignored the mother, later returning the child to her. When she saw the childs condition, officials said she immediately took him to the hospital.

The child was immediately taken in for surgery, where they discovered he had a perforated intestine, and fluid and air were leaking into his abdomen.

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The treating physician said that the injuries made it impossible for the child to eat or hold down any food and the life-threatening injury was backing up bile into the digestive system.

Medical experts determined that the injuries had been caused by blunt force trauma, and officials said they were highly worried about child abuse.

Washingtons girlfriend later admitted to investigators that the child had been bothering him that night, then he got upset, punching the 20-month-old twice.

Pedestrian dies after crash on NE Columbia Boulevard

In early August, Washington was convicted of first-degree assault, third-degree assault and criminal mistreatment.

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The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office also shared that Washington has a long criminal history, including domestic violence, assaults and child sex trafficking.

Deputy District Attorney Mihnea Moga, who prosecuted the case, shared that the mothers decision to take the child to the hospital saved his life and that the judges sentencing represents accountability for his actions.

Despite his attempts to ignore the childs symptoms and persuading the mother to have the child go to sleep that night, her decision to take him to the hospital saved his life, said Moga. The verdict in this case represents accountability for his gruesome behavior. Protecting children is what the community is tasked with, and I am thankful to the jury for reaching the proper conclusion and holding the defendant accountable in this case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A woman was arrested by Portland police after being accused of selling counterfeit gold to multiple victims for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Authorities said theyre now seeking more potential victims.

Remains of missing woman found in Tillamook

Last week, after an undercover controlled buy of the counterfeit gold conducted by the Portland Police Bureau, officers arrested 37-year-old Portland resident Christina L. Duncan. After the transaction on Aug. 19 held at a Northeast Portland coffee shop, Duncan was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and accused of multiple counts of theft, including identity theft.

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Portland police released images of both Duncan and the counterfeit gold items in hopes of identifying more potential suspects.

Christina Duncan is accused of multiple counts of theft after allegedly selling people counterfeit gold in Portland. August 28, 2025 (Portland Police Bureau). A woman was accused of selling multiple people counterfeit gold for tens of thousands of dollars in Portland. August 28, 2025 (Portland Police Bureau).

Police said the investigation began back in July 2024 when officers responded to a man who reported purchasing more than $22,000 in fake gold during four separate buys from the suspect in December of 2023.

A months-long investigation was conducted by the North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, eventually resulting in identifying Duncan as the alleged suspect.

Police said Duncan likely sold an additional $21,500 worth of fake gold to at least five other individuals dating back to 2023.

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NW Portland stabbing, standoff suspect identified

Duncan faces charges that include first-degree aggravated theft, seven counts of theft by deception and identity theft.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of defrauding by the suspect is encouraged to contact Portland police.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Cody Balmer, charged with attempted murder and terrrorism in the firebombing of Gov. Josh Shapiro's official residence Sunday, is escorted from his first court appearance Monday, April 14, 2025. (Ian Karbal/Capital-Star)

The preliminary hearing for the man accused of firebombing the Governors Residence in April is being waived. That means the case will move on to arraignment in Dauphin County Court, though nothing is scheduled yet.

Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded not guilty to all charges, including terrorism, aggravated assault and attempted homicide, shortly after his arrest in April, and is being held without bail. He is being represented by a public defender.

The damage after an act of arson that took place at the Governors Residence. (Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)

Neither the Dauphin County Public Defenders Office, nor Gov. Josh Shapiros office, immediately responded to requests for comment.

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Balmer faces 50 felony and misdemeanor charges in connection to the firebombing of the Governors Residence.

Early in the morning on April 14, state police allege he hopped the fence of the Governors Residence in Harrisburg, broke a window in the home with a hammer and set off multiple Molotov cocktails in a reception room. Balmer was able to evade security and exit the property.

Shapiro and members of his family were asleep inside the residence after celebrating the first night of the Jewish Passover holiday. The room that was primarily damaged was set up for a Seder the following night.

Shapiro is the highest ranking Jewish official in Pennsylvania.

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Balmer was arrested after turning himself in later that same day. He told police that he harbored hatred towards Governor Shapiro, according to documents released by the Pennsylvania State Police.

He also told a 911 dispatcher he wanted Shapiro to know he would not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.

Shapiro has drawn some criticism for his support of Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that began the ongoing war in Gaza, and his efforts to quell campus protests in Pennsylvania that followed. Hes also been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the countrys conduct during the war.

Shortly after his arrest, Balmers mother told CBS News that her son struggled with mental illness and was not taking medication, though Balmer denied having any mental illness at a hearing in April.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  The Prestonsburg woman accused of killing her father will appear in court next week.

Summer Adkins allegedly told dispatchers shed shot her father  Jimmy Harvey  back in June.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Officers said it appeared hed been shot multiple times. Court documents state Adkins intends to present evidence before a grand jury in the case.

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Shes due in court 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 FOX 56 News.
It was at the Martin Luther King Junior Drive branch that Tiffany Thorton got her first library card as a child.

She grew up in the Harambee neighborhood and now is the branch manager of the newly redeveloped King branch, helping to reopen its doors to her community.

What I am most excited about is seeing the community react when they come into this space, Thorton said.

The opening of the King branch is a return not just for Thorton, but also of a space where community voices can be heard, and a return to its roots as a hub for learning and creativity  sticking true to the branchs theme of Amplify.

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Still at its original location on North King Drive and W. Locust Street in the heart of the Harambee neighborhood, the library will feature a variety of programming though its Makerspace, and have dedicated areas for community engagement and meetings.

Milwaukee Public Librarys Martin Luther King Branch pictured on Aug. 13, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The library will have a grand opening ceremony on September 6.

How the new King library came to be

The branch will officially open to the public on Sept. 6 after about two years of construction. It is now the third-largest public library in the city at about 18,000 square feet.

All in all, the project cost about $38 million and was funded through the City of Milwaukee Tax Incremental District program, the American Rescue Plan Act and supported by the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.

The former building was a place for the community for about 52 years before it was torn down and a temporary branch was opened at 2767 N. King Drive in 2023.

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Development firms Emem Group LLC and General Capital Group LLP were in charge of the project and the 42-unit apartment complex above the library known as the MLK Library Apartments.

According to Joan Johnson, library director, the apartments and the library are separate and only share a facade. Tax credits used for the project require most of the units to be rented to those who earn no more than 60 percent of the local median income.

Funds for the new library were focused on creating the features the community asked for back in 2023 during the librarys listening session. Some of those features are include a community room large enough to host town halls, events and listening sessions  another is an area for teens to work and learn. Located just off the makerspace, it has a TV, whiteboards, and rearrangeable seating for teens to make their own. The makerspace itself has programing for youth where they can learn about audio and video production, cooking and more.

New library features community engagement space

One of the features of the library to stick to the amplify mission is the community room, which is large enough to hold neighborhood meetings, programs and other events.

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Hopefully all of the activity that was dormant will be revitalized with this branch, said Antoine Carter, director of philanthropy at the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation.

According to Carter, the library has a history as a central point in the community.

It was a central location that everyone used and knew about, he said.

The community room inside the Milwaukee Public Librarys Martin Luther King Branch pictured on Aug. 29, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The library will have a grand opening ceremony on September 6.

District 5 police would hold public safety meetings at the branch and community members would organize events there.

Thorton remembers the library as a place where everyone knew one another.

We just knew the community, knew the people that were at the library, she said.

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The community space is in the front, just off the main entrance of the library, and was designed to host events, even after the librarys official hours. If an event is organized to happen at night, the main portion of the library can be closed off while the space remains open.

It will be the return of action happening in Harambee, once people see the space then everyone is going to want to use it, Carter said.

Reservations community engagement center can be made on the MPL website, but Johnson said it is in demand and could book up quickly.

Library's Makerspace helps people create podcasts and more

MPL has makerspaces at three other locations with a plethora of equipment available, like 3D printers, kitchen spaces, recording equipment, cameras and other tools to help create.

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The King Drive location will also feature many of these items like the 3D printer and a podcasting studio. Staff and interns at the spaces can help with and teach how to use the equipment available.

Staff want the youth to use the space and leave with what they made.

It will be something they can share with the world, either digitally or something they can show tangibly, Johnson said.

There are events through the space where the library brings in a host to teach different topics. The last event was Snack Hack: 2.0, held at the Mitchell Street Branch where the host held cooking demonstrations, taught about the cultural connection to food and nutrition.

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Chef Sharrie Agee teaches culinary arts courses through MPL and was putting together a new mobile food cart, called Charlie Cart, that can be moved to any library location, but will get its start at the King Branch.

It is really cool people can find this resource in their public library, Agee said.

Each location also hosts a daily Open Maker Time where they are open to the public. Hours and other information can be found on the MPL makerspace webpage.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's what Milwaukee's new King Drive library offers
NEED TO KNOW

The BBC reported Christian Brueckner, the primary suspect in the disappearance of 3-year-old Madeleine McCann, is expected to be released from a German prison by Sept. 17.

Brueckner, 48, has never been charged in McCann's 2007 disappearance but was named investigators' primary suspect in April 2022 and had his home searched in 2016

McCann went missing while on a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal

The lead suspect in the 2007 disappearance of 3-year-old Madeleine McCann is expected to be released from a German prison within a month, according to a new report.



The BBC reported Friday that convicted rapist Christian Brueckner, who has long been polices primary suspect in the British toddlers disappearance, is expected to be released from a German jail by Sept. 17. The outlet cited confirmation from the lead prosecutor in the investigation into McCanns disappearance, who said that the 48-year-old German man remains not just our number one suspect, hes the only suspect in the case.

"There is no-one else, Braunschweig Public Prosecutor's Office Hans Christian Wolters told the BBC. "We have evidence which speaks against [Brueckner], which indicates that he is responsible for the disappearance and the death of Madeleine McCann.

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The prosecutor added: "We haven't found anything in the last five years that exonerates [Brueckner]. We found evidence that strengthens our case. But in our view it's not strong enough to make a guilty verdict likely, and that's why so far we couldn't charge him or apply for an arrest warrant."

PEOPLE reported in late June that Brueckner could be released from prison this year after an anonymous individual paid an outstanding fine in relation to charges for forgery and bodily harm that he received in the past. The anonymous benefactor was not identified, but the German weekly Der Spiegel reported that the individual was a former employee of Germanys Federal Criminal Police Office.

Brueckner has never been charged in connection with McCanns disappearance, but he was formally named the investigations primary suspect in April 2022.

Handout/Getty Madeleine McCann Madeleine McCann

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.



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Brueckner received a seven-year sentence in December 2019 for raping a 72-year-old American woman in Portugal in 2005, PEOPLE previously reported.

While he appealed the 2019 sentence, Brueckner was linked to McCanns disappearance.

McCann went missing during a family vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal while her parents Kate and Gerry McCann were dining at a nearby restaurant with friends about 130 feet away.

The couple had left Madeleine and her 2-year-old twin siblings asleep in the rental apartment and had been checking in on their kids throughout the night  but at one point, Kate checked in on the kids and discovered a window to the house left open and her oldest daughter missing.

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The McCanns were initially considered suspects in their daughters disappearance after forensic tests revealed traces of Madeleine's blood in a car they rented 25 days after her disappearance. However, more than a decade later, German investigators zeroed in on Brueckner as their primary suspect, claiming they have evidence that connects him to the girls disappearance.

Carabinieri Milano via Getty Christian Brueckner mugshot Christian Brueckner mugshot

Wolters told CNN in 2020 that authorities "actually have findings that suggest that he is Madeleine McCann's murderer" but that prosecutors have insufficient evidence to convict.

A 2016 search of Brueckners home uncovered "deeply concerning" materials depicting child abuse and writings allegedly made by Brueckner that described the kidnapping of young children, according to a Times of London report and another by The Sun. The outlets also reported that investigators found more than 75 childrens swimsuits and toys at Brueckners home.

The soon-to-be-released German suspect has a history of sexual abuse, including against children, PEOPLE previously reported. The German national had first been charged with committing sexual offenses against children in 1993 and was later extradited from Portugal to Germany in 2017, where he spent 17 months in prison for sexually abusing a child.

Read the original article on People
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Prince Georges County Chair Edward Burroughs III is spearheading an effort to help residents prevent their homes from going into foreclosure.

He said the county is leading the state in foreclosure filings this year, with more than 836  more than a quarter of the state total. In July, Maryland ranked third highest in the country in foreclosure filings, with one in every 2,566 homes impacted, Burroughs noted.

He called those figures nothing short of alarming.

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Oxon Hill, Temple Hills and Fort Washington are all considered severe hot spots for foreclosures.

Cold case solved: DC man to spend decades in prison for killing Chevy Chase mother in 2001

Burroughs suggested the Trump administrations federal workforce reduction has caused the county to feel severe impacts.

Now, Burroughs is partnering with Strategic Housing Solutions of Prince Georges County to help his residents keep their homes.

Ive never been through a foreclosure. I can imagine its not good, Oxon Hill resident Sharon Lawrence told DC News Now. Theres a lot of things people dont understand  you have to know what to do and what not to do, and whats in your best interest.

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The partnership provides residents with hands-on assistance from Strategic Housing Solutions, offering liaisons to attend foreclosure mediations to ensure residents required documents are submitted on time and to explore all available options.

A workshop was hosted on Thursday, where residents could meet in person with skilled liaisons to learn valuable skills and get the help they need. Burroughs said they would have similar Foreclosure Prevention Workshops as a cornerstone of the partnership.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK  A pro-Palestinian protester splattered red paint across the Greenwich Village home of the New York Times executive editor early Friday, police said.

The red paint was found on the front steps, walls, sidewalk and lamps outside the entrance to the swanky apartment building on Fifth Ave. near E. 11th St. at about 3 a.m. on Friday.

New York Times executive editor Joseph Kahn lives in the building.

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Besides smearing red paint on the walls and steps, the vandal or vandals wrote Joe Kahn Lies, Gaza Dies in black marker on the sidewalk in front of the front door.

Building residents called police after the vandalism was discovered a few hours later. No arrests have been made.

Police sources said there have been a handful of similar protests against Kahns home over the New York Times coverage of the war in Gaza. Kahn was named executive editor of the paper in 2022.

Since the Israeli-Hamas conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, massacring 1,200 people and taking hostages, marches in support of both Israel and Palestine have taken place in the city almost weekly.

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During that time, some pro-Palestinian protesters have targeted cultural institutions they claim take money from Israel.

They often brought their protests to the front door of the heads of these institutions and last June splashed red paint outside a Hicks St. building in Brooklyn Heights where Brooklyn Museum Executive Director Anne Pasternak lives, cops confirmed. The vandalism was spurred by opposition to the museums investment in companies with ties to the Israeli military.

Cops ultimately arrested a handful of protesters for the vandalism.

Pro-Palestinian protesters also targeted the New York Times, claiming that the paper has taken Israels side in their reporting.

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While Israelis are hostages, Palestinians are prisoners,' protester Ramzi Saud said during a protest held at the New York Times building on W. 41st St. in December. While Palestinians are terrorists, the Israelis are civilians.

Several protesters were taken into custody and issued summonses during the December protest after they stormed the lobby of the New York Times building and demanded the paper stop manufacturing consent for genocide in their articles.

The biased reporting must be put to an end, Saud said.

During the December demonstration, protesters screamed Every time the Times lies, a neighborhood in Lebanon dies  words similar to what was left outside Kahns building on Friday morning.

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People are free to disagree with The New York Timess reporting but vandalism and targeting of individuals and their families crosses a line, a spokesman for the paper said Friday. We will work with authorities to address it.

_____
A pro-Palestinian demonstration is set to go ahead in Frankfurt after a court on Friday backed the overruling of a ban imposed by the western German city's public order office.

Up to 5,000 people had been expected to join the march on Saturday under the banner "United4Gaza - Stop the genocide now!" before it was prohibited as a "potentially anti-Semitic gathering."

But the Hessian Administrative Court (VGH) has backed a decision by the Frankfurt Administrative Court on Thursday to overturn the ban.

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Police can "take targeted action against individual troublemakers" while ensuring "the fundamental right to freedom of assembly of the other participants," the court said.

Under public law in the western state of Hesse, a registered rally can be subject to conditions or banned if public safety and order are at risk.

The city had warned of the risk of an "escalation spiral" due to the "extremely tense atmosphere" between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli activists.

"It can be assumed with a probability bordering on certainty that punishable anti-Semitic statements, threats and actions would be made in the context of this gathering. A ban on the assembly is therefore justified and ultimately unavoidable," authorities explained.

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After an urgent appeal by organizers, the Frankfurt Administrative Court overturned the ban, saying it was "not even remotely justified in view of the existing police threat prognosis."

Protests against the war in Gaza have taken place regularly in the past two years across Germany, which is one of Israel's strongest diplomatic supporters.

Many have been broken up by police over accusations of anti-Semitism.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The procession route for the funeral honoring the life of Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was released Friday afternoon.

Fallen KCK Officer Hunter Simoncic remembered at community vigil

KCKPD announced that the procession will begin at Childrens Mercy Park on France Family Drive, heading to Village West Parkway south to State Avenue.

The procession will then head east to I-635 northbound to Parallel Parkway, then east to North 5th Street. Vehicles will then head north to Stewart Avenue, east to North 3rd Street, south to Washington Boulevard, west to North 7th Street, then south to westbound I-70, finishing on northbound I-435.

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The procession is scheduled for Sept. 3  30 minutes after Officer Simoncics funeral concludes.

Who was Hunter Simoncic? KCK officer killed by driver in overnight police chase

KCKPD said the family and police department will continue the procession, but the public and other agencies will be dismissed at I-70 and I-435.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEED TO KNOW

Wendi Adelson took the stand in the trial of her mother, Donna Adelson, who is charged with allegedly masterminding a hit on Wendi's husband, Dan Markel

Wendi admitted that at times her ex-husband "frustrated" her and that she referred to him as an "STD"

Donna, 75, allegedly orchestrated the hit because Markel, a law professor, wouldn't allow Wendi to move with their two children from Tallahassee to Miami, where Donna and the rest of Wendi's family lived, per prosecutors

Wendi Adelson admits that she has called her law professor ex-husband derogatory names including an emotional terrorist, a dark lord and even an STD.

But that doesnt mean the 46-year-old mother of two had anything to do with the murder-for-hire plot that ended Canadian-born Dan Markels life when he was shot and killed in 2014, she insisted on the stand, The Tallahassee Democrat, Court TV and YouTube's Surviving the Survivor report.

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I was not involved in any plot to kill Danny, Wendi testified on Monday, Aug. 25.

Wendis mother, Donna Adelson, 75, the matriarch of a wealthy Miami family, is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy and solicitation to commit first-degree murder in connection with the July 2014 death of Markel, 41.

Donna pleaded not guilty to the charges. She was arrested in Nov. 2023 just as she and her husband, dentist Harvey Adelson, were about to board a one-way flight to flee to Vietnam, a non-extradition country, police said.

The Florida State University professor was shot twice in the head at point-blank range in his Tallahassee garage after bringing his two children with Wendi to preschool and going to the gym, prosecutors said. He was rushed to a local hospital and died 14 hours later.

Court TV Donna Sue Adelson Donna Sue Adelson

Donna is accused of masterminding a sinister plot to kill her son-in-law because he wouldnt allow Wendi to move with their two young sons to the Miami area, where Donna and the family live, prosecutors allege.

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Related: Is the Matriarch a Murderer? A Family Feud Turns Deadly in a Professors Driveway

Following their bitter 2013 divorce, Wendi and Markel were embroiled in a contentious child custody battle.

Prosecutors allege that Donna, whose family owns a lucrative dentistry practice, helped fund the contract killing, estimated to cost more than $100,000, according to court documents, CNN reports.

Donna is the fifth person charged in connection with the Harvard law school graduates murder.

In 2023, Donnas son, once-successful Florida periodontist Charlie Adelson, 47, was found guilty of the same crimes she is now facing: first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation to commit murder.

Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation; Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat via AP; Florida State University College of Law Donna Adelson; Charlie Adelson; Dan Markel Donna Adelson; Charlie Adelson; Dan Markel

Charlie's former girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, and the two men hired to kill Markel  Latin Kings gang leader Luis Rivera and Sigfredo Garcia, the father of Magbanua's children  were also sentenced to prison in connection with the murder-for-hire plot.

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In her opening statements on Friday, Aug. 22, one of Donnas attorneys said there is no evidence that Donna had anything to do with the murder-for-hire plot, alleging that Charlie paid for it, CNN reports.

Wendi and Markel had separated in 2012 after Wendi took their sons, Ben and Lincoln, to her parents' house in South Florida while Dan was away on a business trip, according to ABC News. After divorcing in 2013, they were granted joint custody, with Wendi being required by a judge to keep the children in Tallahassee.

Related: 5 Things to Know About the Mysterious Shooting of Popular Florida Law Professor Dan Markel

On Monday, while Wendi was on the stand, the prosecutor asked if her mother was very angry with Markel. Before he died? Wendi asked. Yes.

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She then asked if Wendi hated him too, to which Wendi replied, At certain points I was very frustrated with him.

Asked if she had ever referred to Markel as an STD, Wendi said, It looks like I made that analogy.

Reading an iMessage that Wendy admitted to sending on Feb. 26, 2013, the prosecutor said, Danny is an STD. One wrong mistake marrying him and this will never go away. Is that what you said?

I did, Wendi replied.

She said she didnt think she shared this sentiment with her mother. I dont ever remember saying that so I dont think its something I said very often.



Read the original article on People
Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect the proposed parking rates.

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI)  Balboa Park visitors may soon have to pay to park, and the impending parking rates are a cause for concern for some groups that utilize the area and meet several times a week.

Groups, predominantly composed of seniors, such as the Redwood Bridge Club and the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club, are hopeful that city leaders will create solutions to address the added expense.

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Its a great fellowship thing for the seniors and for the general public, David Wageman, a member of the San Diego Lawn Bowling Club, explained.

Meanwhile, Ainslie Kraeck, who is with the Redwood Bridge Club, said it is a place to escape social isolation.

Were playing cards. Were being polite. Everybody is being generous and kind to one another, and it just offers us a way to escape social isolation, Kraek said.

Multiple crashes involving semi-trucks slow traffic across San Diego County

Kraeck said paid parking will almost double the price to enjoy a game.

It would double the cost of playing here, Kraeck said. Our card games are $12 per session, and the parking would be $10 to cover the cost of that parking for that session. So, instead of paying $12, we would be paying $22 per session.

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Meanwhile, the City Council is putting forth a plan to charge for parking in Balboa Park.

It would be a tiered plan with high-demand lots, such as the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which will charge $12 per day. Moderate-demand lots, such as the Starlight Bowl, will charge $6 per day. Other lots will be free for the first two hours and then $6 for the rest of the day.

Areas like Balboa Drive, where the Lawn Bowling Club and the Bridge Club meet, would be metered at a rate of $2.50 per hour.

Over the last 10 years, that I know because my wife is the treasurer, weve spent almost a half a million dollars on maintaining the grass, the clubhouse and everything around it, David Wageman explained. Thats a pretty big investment for the park. Its not our property. Its the citys property and we take care of it. We feel like we are stewards for the park in this particular area, and for them to charge the public and usit just doesnt seem quite right.

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San Diego Mayor Todd Glorias Office said it plans to provide a discounted rate for residents in central lots.

City staff estimate that the parking rates could generate $11 million in annual revenue for the park and $1 million for 6th Avenue and Park Boulevard.

YouTubers help uncover massive scam targeting seniors, including San Diego widow

According to the plan on the table, all parking fees collected would be retained within the park.

The Lawn Bowling Club would like the city to exempt them from parking fees during the periods when they are bowling.

The Redwood Bridge Club would like the city to consider offering a parking permit at a fixed rate rather than charging the full price.



Officials with the San Diego Mayors office said that there is no plan in place to address discounted metered parking rates. But they said people can park anywhere that is free or discounted, and take the tram to Balboa Drive.

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A representative from the Mayors office will be meeting with the groups next week at this time.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Mass protests in Indonesia over new benefits for lawmakers escalated on Friday after a motorcycle taxi driver was run over and killed by an armoured police vehicle near the parliament building in Jakarta.

The 21-year-old died on Thursday evening as security forces tried to disperse demonstrators, including many ride-hailing drivers. The incident sparked nationwide outrage.

Indonesia's national police chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, offered a public apology, promising that police would investigate.

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"I deeply regret the incident and extend my sincerest condolences to the victim, his family and the entire raid-hailing community," he said.

Tens of thousands of people, many of them students and workers, have been demonstrating in Jakarta and other cities in recent days against a new monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah ($3,000) for parliamentarians, an amount critics say is nearly 10 times higher than the minimum wage in many regions.

The announcement came at a time when many people in the South-East Asian nation are struggling with rising living costs and mass layoffs. Public frustration has been fuelled further by social media videos showing politicians flaunting their lavish lifestyles.

Police have used tear gas and water cannon against the crowds and arrested hundreds of people, local media reported.

As news of the driver's death spread, fellow riders rallied outside the headquarters of the Mobile Brigade anti-riot police in central Jakarta, throwing stones at security personnel.
ELKHART  Protesters are still holding out hope that animal cruelty charges will be reinstated against three men accused of killing cats in a trash compactor.

The prosecutor says she cant and wont file charges in the case.

About 40 people gathered outside the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office on Main Street holding signs and chanting phrases that called for justice for the cats. The protest on Wednesday marked six months since the incident at a Jayco RV factory in Middlebury.

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Were going to continue to pursue justice, Meow Mission President Jodi Aker said. Thats what this whole movement is about. What happened was against the law. This felony is animal abuse. Shes [the prosecutors] stating that they were vermin that destroyed property. Well, we havent seen property that was destroyed and cats arent vermin. They are living beings that were crushed alive and that is torture.

Aker was instrumental in helping organize the protest, organizers said. Aker said they are pursuing the Indiana Supreme Court disciplinary commission and filing letters to try to get the case reopened, charges pressed against the men and for someone to put political pressure on Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Becker.

Becker has said she is not persuaded by the legal arguments put forward, nor the threats and heartfelt pleas her office has received.

After an investigation into the Feb. 27 incident by the Middlebury Police Department, three Jayco RV factory workers were charged with Level 6 felony counts of torturing an animal in early June. The men were accused of placing two cats into cardboard boxes, taping them shut and putting the boxes into the trash compactor before turning it on.

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The Elkhart County Prosecutors Office moved to dismiss the three criminal cases. The prosecutor announced on June 25 that the men would face no charges based on a review of the evidence and a close reading of applicable laws.

A statement from the prosecutors office compared the killing of the cats to the trapping and killing of nuisance animals such as rats or raccoons. The compactor caused death within a few seconds of the physical injury that was inflicted and there was no documented evidence that the men intended to cause the cats suffering, according to the prosecutors office.

Vicki Becker, do your job, protestors chanted on Wednesday. We want justice right meow.

In a statement after a protest in June, the prosecutor said charges in this case were not warranted and would not be filed.

All criminal actions prohibited by the State of Indiana are defined by its laws and are to be strictly construed against the state. A persons conduct, no matter how offensive or objectionable it may be, will only be actionable under criminal law where there is specific authority granted to the state, by its legislature, to hold a person accountable, the statement said. Prosecutorial decisions regarding formal charges may not be emotionally driven, nor be inconsistent with the intent of the legislature.
NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI  A Providence man was charged with falsely reporting a crime and obstructing an officer in the execution of duty, police said.

Yetunde Adebayo, 30, was arrested shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday, the Rhode Island State Police said in a media release.



"This arrest was the result of a motor vehicle stop on Route 146 South in the Town of North Providence and subsequent investigation," the release said.

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Adebayo was processed at the Lincoln Woods Barracks and released with a Sixth Division District Court arraignment date, according to the release.

See also:

Providence Man Who Falsely Reported Crime Charged With Actual Crime: Cops originally appeared on the North Providence Patch
The Frederick County Board of Education on Wednesday approved month-long charter extensions for three public charter schools: Carroll Creek Montessori, Sabillasville Environmental and Frederick Classical Charter.

The schools need more time to negotiate their updated charter agreements with the school district, according to Frederick County Public Schools.

The school board on Wednesday unanimously approved the extension.

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All three charter schools agreements were set to expire on June 30. The school board at the June 26 meeting extended the three charters until Aug. 31, also for more time to negotiate.

The current charters will now expire on Sept. 30.

Steven Blivess, chief legal counsel for FCPS, said school district staff members have met with charter school representatives several times during negotiations.

He said FCPS and the schools have made significant progress with updating the charter agreements.

Blivess said the entities met on Monday and have another meeting scheduled for Thursday.

He added that Thursdays meeting might not be the last discussion before approval.

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We believe that is sufficient time to allow us to complete those discussions, Blivess said.

Alex Thomas, the student member of the school board, at Wednesdays work session asked why the negotiation process has taken so long.

Blivess said the answer should be shared in closed session as part of a discussion of the status of negotiations.
Aug. 28dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN  Public protests against the proposed MARL transmission line have begun pouring in to the state Public Service Commission  158 so far.

NextEra Energy Transmission MidAtlantic told the PSC on Wednesday that it intends to apply for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for its MidAtlantic Resiliency Link Project. And the PSC began posting the letters of protest the same day.

The first batch contained 155 letters. Three are from individuals, submitted electronically.

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The other 152 are in the form of three handwritten letters drafted by and with signatures collected by a single individual who lives in Virginia. Many of the signatories live in the Eastern Panhandle.

The signatures were collected back on May 10 and May 14 and date-stamped by the PSC on Wednesday when the case officially opened.

This letter says: "We, the people signed below, are opposed to the new transmission line. It will decrease our property value and limit the use of our land. It will have an impact on our lives and land. It will also ruin our scenic view. Our property shouldn't become a huge power grid."

The two letters from May 14 add a phrase to the final sentence: "... if more is needed in the future."

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Of the three letters submitted electronically, one is from a Bruceton Mills resident and says, "I am a Preston County resident. I do not want any part of this project to be completed. It does not benefit West Virginia residents in any way."

A letter filed electronically on Thursday, comes from Beth Ann Bossio, who works at a Christmas tree business based in Bruceton Mills. She spoke at a public meeting about MARL held in Morgantown in early August.

Her letter to PSC says, "The proposed routes would significantly harm landowners, farms, forests, and communities. In addition, the project would be funded through utility rate increases, placing an unnecessary financial burden on West Virginians. This infrastructure is designed primarily to serve data centers in Virginia, turning West Virginia into an 'extension cord' while we shoulder the damage.

She continues, "This type of infrastructure would scar the natural beauty of "Almost Heaven, " one of our state's greatest treasures. My concerns do not end here ; there are many more. This project does not serve our people and would cause lasting damage to the landscapes and communities of our region."

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Several of the letters address Potomac Edison's Gore-Doubs-Goose Creek Improvement Project, which is a separate project from NextEra's. These letters will be discussed in a forthcoming story.

MARL is a proposed transmission project to build a new 105-mile 500-kilovolt transmission line stretching from Greene County, Pa., to Frederick County, Va. Depending on the route selected, it could pass through Monongalia and Preston counties, along with Hampshire County and Mineral counties, Allegany Garrett county in Maryland and Fayette County in Pennsylvania.

PJM Interconnection, the regional 13-state power grid operator, selected MARL and the related Valley Link Transmission line that is planned to run from the John Amos plant in Putnam County eastward to Frederick County, Md., among a number of projects, based on its long-range Regional Transmission Expansion Plan, to address reliability issues associated with loss of power generation sources, support for new power sources and additional electricity demand in the region.
A trial of a four-day working week in the public sector has yielded overwhelmingly positive results and could pave the way for the model to become more widely adopted.

Workers at two Scottish public sector bodies  Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)  switched to a 32-hour week with no loss of pay or benefits during the year-long trial.

A total of 259 workers are employed between the two organisations, with almost all participating in the trial. In both cases, staff reported less work-related stress and greater satisfaction with their job and work-life balance.

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Almost all workers at SOSE (98 per cent) said the four-day week trial improved morale and motivation in the workplace, while those who reported feeling very satisfied with their work-life balance rose from four per cent to 84 per cent just nine months in.

Workers switched to 32-hour weeks with no loss of pay or benefits (Getty/iStock)

Staff with caring responsibilities gave some of the strongest responses to the pilot, with some describing it as life-changing.

The trial was coordinated by the Autonomy Institute, which was commissioned by the Scottish government.

Chief executive Will Stronge said: "The results of the Scottish government pilot have been overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating that both the workers and employers involved are thriving.

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"These groundbreaking results show that the public sector can reap similar benefits, including improved productivity, employee well-being, and work-life balance.

"As the introduction of AI accelerates across industries, it's crucial that workers in both the public and private sectors experience the benefits of these advancements, and one of the easiest ways of achieving this is by shortening the working week."

The trial was commissioned by the Scottish government (PA)

Both participating groups made clear that they wanted normal levels of service to be maintained. To enable this, staff days off were staggered to make sure service was maintained for the full working week.

Both organisations have opted to extend the pilot beyond the trial period.

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The success of the trial comes after the Liberal Democrat-run South Cambridgeshire District Council became the first UK local authority to permanently adopt a four-day working week in July.

A similar trial period was carried out before the decision, with an independent report finding that 21 out of 24 council services had improved or stayed the same since the new working model began in 2023.

The report also showed that the number of job applicants to the council had risen by more than 120 per cent, while the council makes ongoing yearly savings of 399,263 due to lower agency staff costs.

Ivan McKee, Scotlands finance minister, said there will be no wider rollout in the government at present despite the positive results.

While the Scottish government and its agencies will not be moving to a 32-hour week at this time, the pilot has identified several examples of more efficient and innovative working practices which will be made available to the wider public sector to help drive reform, he said.
A three-day weekend is here, well, it's hours away so let's get through Friday, Aug. 29, first.

The Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and is a popular time for quick getaways, shopping sales, family gatherings, or, especially for our more nothern neighbors, the last time we fire up the grill until next summer.

No matter what you have planned to celebrate, food is usually a big part of the celebration and we've all faced this dilemma: you forgot something.

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 Beat Labor Day boating crush at 7 Florida towns ranked best in US to avoid crowds

Can you run down to Publix to pick something up, and maybe a few extras, you know, just in case?

Here's what you should know.

When is Labor Day 2025?

Labor Day, a federal and Florida paid holiday, is celebrated on the first Monday in September, so this year, the holiday falls on Monday, Sept. 1.

 Florida is a top car destination for Labor Day weekend. See best, worst days to drive

Are Florida schools closed on Labor Day?

Yes. Schools in all 67 Florida counties will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day.

Is Publix open on Labor Day?

All 880 Publix locations in Florida will be open on Labor Day.

The supermarket chain, which is headquartered in Winter Haven, has 1,413 locations in the Southeast:

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Alabama: 96 stores

Florida: 880 stores

Georgia: 220 stores

Kentucky: 4 stores

North Carolina: 59 stores

South Carolina: 71 stores

Tennessee: 59 stores

Virginia: 24 stores

What holidays does Publix close?

Publix closes on three holidays each year:

Easter

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Will Costco be closed on Labor Day?

Unlike most other U.S. retailers, Costco warehouses in the United States and Canada will be closed on Labor Day. See store locations.

The discount warehouse chain closes on seven holiday every year:

New Year's Day

Easter Sunday

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Will Sam's Club be closed on Labor Day?

Sam's Club locations will be open on Labor Day, but will be closing early, according to the company's website.

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Warehouse hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members.

Will BJ's Warehouse be closed on Labor Day?

BJ's Warehouse locations will be open normal hours on Labor Day.

BJ's Warehouse closes on two holidays each year:

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Will Aldi be closed on Labor Day?

Aldi will be open on Labor Day but with limited hours.

Holiday hours can vary from location to location, so check your local Aldis holiday hours before you go.

Will Target be closed on Labor Day?

Target will be open on Labor Day.

Will Walmart be closed on Labor Day?

Walmart will be open on Labor Day.

Will Winn-Dixie be closed on Labor Day?

Winn-Dixie is open on Labor Day.

Are federal, Florida government offices open on Labor Day 2025?

Florida, local and federal offices will be closed on Labor Day.

Will stock markets be closed on Labor Day?

American stock markets will be closed on Labor Day.

Will mail be delivered on Labor Day? What about UPS, FedEx?

All U.S. post offices will be closed, and regular mail delivery will be suspended.

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UPS and FedEx will not deliver packages on Labor Day.

Are banks open on Labor Day in Florida?

Most banks follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule and close for Labor Day. ATMs and ATM branches will still be operating normally.

Are restaurants, stores closed on Labor Day?

Most restaurants and fast-food places are open on Labor Day but you might want to call to check first, especially for local establishments.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Is Publix closed for Labor Day? What about other grocery stores?
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Two monk seal pups are currently receiving life-saving treatments at the Marine Mammal Centers Hawaiian Monk Seal Hospital.

Thirty-five new monk seal pups were welcomed this year, but two pups needed a little extra love and attention.

Hawaiian monk seal RU28. (Courtesy: The Marine Mammal Center, NOAA Permit #24359) Hawaiian monk seal RU99. (Courtesy: The Marine Mammal Center, NOAA Permit #24359)

Seal of approval: Hawaii students name Oahus newest monk seal pup

RU28 and RU99 were under observation by staff when they decided it was best to bring these pups in for care.

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Born on Kauai, RU28 is the firstborn pup of RH38, who once received hospital care at the center. The mother and pup were watched closely during their five weeks together for the nursing period. After weaning, RU28 was noticed to be underweight, making the chances of survival slim.

A healthy weight is vital for pups as they learn to feed on their own. Now, the pup is thriving and gaining weight and strength.

RU99 was spotted alone at just two weeks old on the eastern shoreline of Molokai. The absence of a mother was cause for concern, especially since they typically stay with their pups for the entire nursing period. After no mother was spotted during observation, RU99 was brought to the center.

The pup is responding well to care and is on the path to becoming a strong and healthy adult.

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Both seal pups are doing well in early stages of rehabilitative treatment, says Dr. Sophie Whoriskey, Associate Director of Hawaii Conservation Medicine at The Marine Mammal Center. For an endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, every patient matters. We are grateful to the community for their support and our partners for their rapid responses, ensuring the best chance for these animals to return to their ocean home.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Hawaiian monk seal pup RU99 exploring a rehabilitation pool pen during treatment. (Courtesy: The Marine Mammal Center, NOAA Permit #24359) Volunteers and staff utilizing herding boards to move RU28 in a rehabilitation pool pen. (Courtesy: The Marine Mammal Center, NOAA Permit #24359)

The goal of the hospital is to ensure the animals health and safety so they can eventually be released and returned to their home.

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While no timetable has been immediately set for their release, our team of experts is encouraged by their initial progress in rehabilitative care, added Dr. Whoriskey.

Residents also play a vital role in a safe and successful nursing period for pups. It is important that people give pups and their mothers at least 150 feet of space at all times, practice safe seal viewing habits and report sightings to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: 888-256-9840.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin plans to travel to India in December, Putin's aide said Friday.

Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that the Russian leader will discuss his upcoming December visit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday in China. Putin and Modi will meet on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which was established by China and Russia in 2001 with a focus on security in Central Asia and the wider region.

Putin is attending the summit and holding multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines as part of a four-day visit to China on Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

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He also will hold extensive talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing and attend a massive military parade there commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War, according to the Kremlin.

In addition meeting with Modi, the Russian leader on Monday is also scheduled to have bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as other contacts, Ushakov said.

Russian officials also were "working on the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing, where Kim will also be attending the parade, Ushakov added.

According to Ushakov, Putin's meeting with Modi will be the first this year, but the two have repeatedly maintained contact by telephone.

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Modi travelled to Russia last year twice  first to Moscow for talks with Putin in July, his first trip to Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Kremlins forces in 2022, and then to Kazan in October for the summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies.

Russia had strong ties with India during the Cold War, and New Delhis importance as a key trading partner with Moscow has grown since the war in Ukraine.

Modi has avoided condemning Russia while emphasizing a peaceful settlement. Their partnership has become more complicated, however, as Russia has moved closer to China amid international isolation of Moscow over Ukraine.

China and India are key buyers of Russian oil following sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies that shut most Western markets off to Russian exports.
On Dec. 14, 2012, Abbey Clements was teaching in a classroom filled with second graders at Connecticuts Sandy Hook Elementary.

Suddenly, she heard a large crash that sounded like metal folding chairs falling.

Clements soon realized they were gunshots  154 in total.

She hid with her students, doing what little she could do to shield them from the violence and terror happening within their school walls.

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I carry that horrific day with me, said Clements at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Twenty beautiful first-grade children and six of my beautiful colleagues were killed.

They should still be here.

More than a decade has passed since the Sandy Hook mass shooting. But for Clements, the pain of that December morning remains  and then is experienced anew with each new school shooting, such as Wednesdays in Minneapolis.

Clements is now a full-time gun violence prevention activist and co-founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence  an educator-led initiative demanding community safety from gun violence.

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Clements spoke with the Deseret News two days after two children were killed and more than a dozen others injured in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, which includes a school.

She again called for schools to take primary roles in gun violence prevention  while emphasizing the vitalness of gun owners safely securing firearms in their homes.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Deseret News: Do you relive your Sandy Hook experience every time your phone receives a notification of a school shooting, including the recent one in Minnesota?

Abbey Clements: I have carried this with me. Youre changed after going through something like this. Its such a trauma. Im like a new person. Oftentimes, people who have been through trauma feel like theres a before you and then theres an after you.

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When I see any kind of shooting  especially of young people around a school  its just visceral for me.

I have to take a step back for a second and prepare myself because I know that for the victims loved ones, and for their teachers and for the whole community, their lives will never be the same.

Educator Abbey Clements is a Sandy Hook school shooting survivor and co-founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence. | Brandon Lorenz

DN: How did you make the decision to move from the elementary school classroom to full-time national advocacy?

AC: I was a teacher for 32 years. I love teaching. Its just what Ive always done.

Often teachers are at a crossroads when something like this happens, and they have big decisions to make. We were told, Well, if you dont like it, just do something else.

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But for teachers, this is just what we do. Some people feel like they were born to do it. I just know that I loved it, and I loved working with kids.

After the tragedy, I started learning about this issue. I became a gun violence prevention activist. I became an organizer in the state of Connecticut. And I also met survivors from other school shootings and other events. It was important to me to help propel the voices of the survivors and remember the stories.

Simply knowing the statistics doesnt seem to make the changes that need to happen. So I kept doing both things (teaching and advocating) for a long time.

But after we started Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence almost four years ago, it became more difficult to do both.

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Trying to organize educators who havent been intentionally brought into the movement became my passion, and so I had to make a difficult decision and step away from teaching.

DN: When school shootings such as the recent one in Minnesota occur, people are left cold because they dont have an answer to a devastating problem.

Whats your response when asked for solutions to preventing gun violence in school?

AC: Every single day, 120 people are killed by a gun in the United States  and twice as many injured by guns, and then there are hundreds of witnesses.

This is a public health crisis, and weve allowed this issue to become a political one.

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Therefore, were left with this perpetual problem that seems endless.

But I do have hope that we can make change.

Obviously, its not going to be one thing. There isnt one answer. But I do believe that if every sector of our society commits to doing something, commits to an authentic campaign or initiative to address this crisis, we can make changes.

Schools and the education space have been a little bit slow on this issue because of the ramifications of speaking out about this. It devolves into a political fight.

But schools have a respected voice  and I think one thing that the school community can do in a very powerful way is to disseminate information on how to securely store firearms.

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DN: Why is secure firearm storage such an essential priority?

AC: Two-thirds of school shooters get their gun from home or from a friend or relatives  so this is preventable.

If we start normalizing this education from schools, it will slowly become part of what is expected. This is preventable with more education.

I think were afraid to talk about this. We need district leaders to step up. Teachers cant do this alone. They need the support of their leaders to say, We got this  were going to send out this fact: Storing a firearm securely can save lives.

DN: What are the basics of securing firearms at home?

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AC: It starts with locking up firearms and storing them in a safe. They say that the safest way is to separate the ammunition from the firearm. Lock them up separately.

Then spread that information around your community  and when you send your child to a friends house, ask if they have firearms and if they are securely stored.

I know thats a hard question to ask, but we ask about allergies because maybe your child cant eat peanut butter.

So we can normalize this. If you do it by text, it might be a little bit easier. We can normalize questions among gun owners like, What safe is best for you? or Where did you get your safe?

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That spreads the idea that if youre going to own a lethal weapon, it must be secured.

DN: What can schools, districts and lawmakers do to better support gun safety education?

AC: Its education. Its normalizing the expectation of securely storing lethal weapons in the home.

And then if people continue hearing that from their school board, from their superintendent, from the principal or from their pediatrician, it becomes normalized.

I think there is tremendous potential to make a change.

DN: So changing the secure all firearms culture can start, or at least be supported, in the classroom?

AC: I think so. The data supports this.

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Look at the number of stolen weapons that were left in cars that are unsecured. How many unintentional shootings are there with young people getting ahold of a gun? Its so traumatic. In a second, your life can change.

I was just talking to a Utah teacher who had me on his podcast.

He told me a story about how he grew up with guns. He came from a military family. When he was a little kid, he was told not to go into his dads office and touch the guns.

But one day he was playing with a gun in the office that he thought was unloaded. He was playing with his sister and he shot toward her and a bullet was released. It didnt hit her, thank God. But in that moment, it could have gone a very different way. Lives could have been changed forever.

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So theres tremendous potential for education, and I think that has to come from schools.

DN: Discussions about guns often digress into political arguments. Can such essential discussions ever become apolitical?

AC: We have to get to a point where they are.

I once sat on a plane with a military guy. We had very different views. But by the end of the plane ride, we were really on the same page. He wants to keep his kids safe.

He has firearms. And I come from a different place  but in the end, we were hugging and exchanging numbers.

I think that we are far more aligned than what the megaphones and the voices are telling us. But we need that human interaction that I think weve gotten away from.

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Were so polarized. But really, we all just want to keep our kids safe. I dont think theres anybody who wouldnt agree to that.

A lot of times people talk about being a responsible gun owner. Well, thats great. Thats what we want. We know there are more guns than people in this country. Its all about how were going to live alongside them  and not have guns be the leading cause of death for kids in America.

Culture change is possible. Weve seen it with car seats, with smoking and with drunk driving. Things can be better for the next generation.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Police in Rapid City are investigating a road rage incident that ended with a gunshot being fired.

According to officials, around 5:30 pm Thursday, police were in the area of Knollwood Drive when they heard a single gunshot ring out.

When they arrived at the scene, they found a man pointing a handgun at a nearby pickup truck.

Officers ordered the man to drop the weapon.

The man was then identified as Nathaniel Stabber, who said he shot a single gunshot at the pickup truck during a road rage incident that ended on East Knollwood Drive.

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No injuries were reported.

Stabber is currently in the Pennington County Jail, charged with aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm at a motor vehicle.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  When Johnny Turnage reached out to FOX4 Problem Solvers, he had protecting others in mind; he wanted to share a cautionary tale.

Turnage lost his vision and his mother in the same year. While battling depression, his therapist suggested he look into an emotional support dog.

Online, he found Clover, a toy Yorkie. However, someone scammed him, taking more than $500 and leaving him with no puppy and in an even worse emotional state.

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Kansas City teen shares story of survival after nearly dying from abuse

It left me really emotional, with anxiety and feeling depressed, said Turnage.

Its very disheartening, and I hope that by me sharing my story that other people can take a bit more due diligence to make sure their transactions are going to be legit, and I hoping that anyone that sees this that is thinking about scamming will stop and reflect and not do it.

Erin Morse with the Midwest Animal ResQ saw his story on FOX4 and wanted to step up. They paired Turnage with Dynamo, gifting him a free toy poodle about one year old. They also sent him off with a kennel, food and toys.

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FOX4 viewers also donated to help him take care of the ongoing costs for Dynamo.

While FOX4 never found the scammer, Turnage is happy and Dynamo is home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Here are this mornings top stories for KELOLAND On the Go.

Police in Rapid City are investigating a road rage incident that ended with a gunshot being fired.

Rapid City man arrested after road rage shooting

Friday morning, you can drop off bags of pet food, supplies, or cash at the KELOLAND TV station in downtown Sioux Falls.

KELOLAND Pet Food Drive to help rescue pets in SF

Sanford Health is taking over the 60 Lewis Drug locations throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.

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Sanford Health takes over Lewis Drug stores

Rain is expected in western and central South Dakota Labor Day weekend and temperatures are looking to drop at the end of next week.

Tracking rain chances this weekend; Blast of chilly air next week

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Things got slimy on Good Day Las Vegas as JC Fernandez spent his morning inside Slime Kitchen, the new hands-on slime experience that just opened inside Fashion Show Las Vegas.

Slime Kitchen owner Lydia Bacal, also known as the Slime Queen, walked him through their 10-step slime-making process in the slime studio.

The first decision is choosing the slime base, and the choices include clear, classic, thick & glossy, butter, or icee. Each one has a slightly different feel. The next decision is the smell. There are 50 scents to choose from, everything from cookies and cream to pineapple. Next is selecting a color for your personal slime, mixing it all into a gooey blend, and adding in different textures and toppings.

Slime Kitchen gives children and adults a hands-on experience at creating their own slime. (KLAS) Slime Kitchen gives children and adults a hands-on experience at creating their own slime. (KLAS) Slime Kitchen gives children and adults a hands-on experience at creating their own slime. (KLAS) Slime Kitchen gives children and adults a hands-on experience at creating their own slime. (KLAS)

Bacal explained that the experience isnt just playtime, It also taps into a hands-on science-style learning that sparks creativity for both kids and adults.

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Slime Kitchen is already a huge hit in California, and with this new Las Vegas location, families now have another option for interactive fun on the Strip. Its open to all ages.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
In the 1999 animated film, Toy Story 2, Buzz Lightyear and his fellow sentient playthings enter an airports back-of-the-house to rescue Sheriff Woody Pride from a suitcase. Together the toys encounter a world of diverging conveyor belts, inclines and declines, and seemingly endless turns, all designed to carry checked baggage from an airline ticket counter or curbside kiosk to its intended flights.

According to Michael Rangole, maintenance manager for Vanderlande Industriesthe company that maintains and operates the baggage handling system at Californias San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)Toy Story 2 is incredibly accurate.

San Joses system alone has over 120 curves, says Rangole.

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Beyond whats conveyed in Toy Story 2, what exactly happens to your luggage from the time it is tagged to the moment its placed into the planes cargo hold? The answer may surprise you.

From ticket counter to conveyor: a checked bags first step

It all starts with whats known as bag hygiene, says Simran Sandhar, SJCs terminal and customer experience superintendent. The term refers to everything from stowing luggage handles to keeping oddly shaped items, like fishing rods and bowling balls, off the belt (these are brought to an oversized baggage counter after tagging).

If luggage doesnt go onto the belt properly, says Sandhar, it will encounter some hiccups and delays in the baggage make-up area, which is the behind-the-scenes zone where luggage is sorted before being loaded onto departing planes. Good bag hygiene allows a bag to get where its supposed to go with minimal issues.

A worker loads luggage onto an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 at Californias San Jose Mineta International Airport. Image: NNehring / Getty Images NNehring

When you drop off a piece of luggage at an airline check-in counter, an agent weighs your bag and threads an airline-issued baggage tag through its handle, sealing both sides of the tag together with a sticky adhesive. Each tag includes the airline code and unique baggage ID number, a three-letter code for your destination airport, and a barcode that stores your flight number, destination, and passenger info.

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Theres also whats known as a bingo tag, says Sandhar, that little barcode sticker that an agent will rip off from your baggage tag and stick directly on your luggage. Its used as backup, just in case the main tag falls off.

What happens in an airports back-of-house

Once a piece of luggage arrives within SJCs behind-the-scenes make-up area, an automatic tag reader will scan its barcode, followed by a series of photo sensors (SJC has over 800 of them, says Rangole) that track the bags progress. These sensors provide airport personnel with a general idea of where the bag is, what time it arrived within the make-up area, and how long its been in the system.

After a bag is scanned, its sent along the airports system of conveyor belts either left, right, up, down, or center depending on which TSA X-ray scanners are available.

Do checked bags go through security?

Even your checked bags go through a TSA security check. Each and every piece of checked luggage is then screened, assuring that theyre not carrying any prohibited items, says Sandhar, like fireworks and lithium batteries (friendly reminder to not leave those new rechargeable headphones in your checked bag). Bags requiring additional manual screening by a TSA agent go in one direction, cleared luggage heads off in another.

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(Have you ever arrived at your destination and opened your bag, only to find a note inside saying that your luggage has been inspected? This is the moment in the baggage process where youll receive that note.)

The TSA at Miami International Airport displays confiscated carry-on items, including some very specific knives. Image: Joe Raedle / Getty Images Joe Raedle

A cleared bag makes its way into the make-up areas sortation system, where it passes under another barcode reader that identifies the bags airline. If its Southwest it goes off in one direction, if its Alaska it travels to another.

The entire process takes an average of three-and-a-half-minutes, says Rangole, if there arent any hiccups.

The reasons there are cut-off times for checking in luggage

Despite the brief amount of time that a bag typically spends in an airports make-up area, most airlines have a cut-off time for checking in luggage (typically 45 minutes before domestic flights and longer for international ones). Once the luggage leaves our system, says Sandhar, it still needs to be sorted according to flight, transported over to that flight, loaded onto the plane, and weight and balance calculated. This latter part refers to the proper distribution of a planes overall cargo weight.

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If theres a glitch in the system your bag might get delayed. Say a bag gets stuck on a conveyor belt because of a loose bag strap or a pinched wheel. An alarm will go off and an airport team member will get to that bag and unjam it as quickly as possible, says Sandhar.

But dont worry too much about checking a backpack, which can often have loose bits dangling off from it. Its the responsibility of an airline agent to place bags like these in a bin with the straps tucked in [part of baggage hygiene], which should alleviate a majority of the hazard.

Why do checked bags still get lost?

In 2023 alone, U.S. airports handled more than 470 million checked bags. Approximately two-million of those bags never made it to their destinations.

Lost luggage often occurs when tags fall off and sensors dont know where to send the bag. Sandhar recommends always removing airline baggage tags, as well as those little bingo stickers, once youve left your destination airport. If you have a lot of tags on your bag youre going to cause a delay, he says, because we might have to do some manual investigation to ensure that it gets to the right place.

Related Aviation Stories

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Why do we put seatbacks up for landing? An aviation expert explains.

Why do our ears pop on a plane? An audiologist explains.

Of course, theres also human error. A luggage handler may load a bag onto the wrong flight, or not have enough time to make a transfer if the time between connecting flights is especially limited. Not every airport baggage make-up area is the same, says Sandhar. It all depends on their size, traffic volume, budget, and the specific technology they have in place. While the core purpose remains the sameto group bags for a specific flightthe implementation can range from fully automated systems with robotics to manual sorting areas where staff physically load bins and carts.

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To help assure your bag gets where it needs to go, always check your airline-issued baggage tag to make sure the agent has issued your info correctly. Also, put a name tag on your luggage that includes your name, phone number and country code (if youre traveling internationally). An address isnt necessary, says Sandhar. But your name and phone number will pay dividends in the unlikely event that a tag falls off and no airline is able to identify whose luggage it is.

It also would have made Buzz Lightyears quest to recover his friend so much easier.

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.
NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH)  Chile King LLC of Norwalk is recalling seven flavors of sauce that contain undeclared soy, according to a press release by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protections (DCP).

RECALL: Pistachio cacao cream sold in Connecticut stores recalled for potential Salmonella contamination

Flavors included in the recall are:

Kansas City Style BBQ sauce

Apple Pie BBQ sauce

Bourbon Peach with Habanero BBQ Sauce

Maple Bacon Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Rum and Pineapple BBQ Sauce

Cranberry Orange Reaper Sauce

Louisiana Swamp Mop Sauce

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Customers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy are vulnerable to serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if affected products are consumed.

The recalled products were distributed through Hand Made Hub in Middletown and the B. Hive in Burlington.

Consumers who have purchased sauces from Chile King LLC are urged to return them to a place of purchase for a full refund.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
HOWARD COUNTY, MD  The Regional Transportation Agency of Central Maryland has surpassed one million rides for the first time in transit history, officials announced.

"In Howard County, we continue to create vital connections for our residents and workforce to travel to key destinations across central Maryland. Our consistent increases in ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate the demand for more public transit and reflect the enhancements we have made to RTA in recent years," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

During fiscal year 2025, which ended on June 30, the RTA provided 1,021,870 passenger trips. This is the first time RTA has achieved this record level of ridership, up from nearly 6.4% recorded for fiscal year 2024 ridership. RTAs FY2025 ridership increased more than 11% from FY2019 ridership, rebounding and improving over the decrease in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

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Howard County also announced they will be expanding its free fare program so that children younger than 18 can ride the fixed route service for free on the RTA. In 2021, Ball launched the free student bus pass program for Howard County Public School System middle and high school students and Howard Community College (HCC) students. This program was upgraded in 2023 when Howard County partnered with the RTA to transition all bus passes to a digital platform through the Transit application. While all children now can ride free on the RTA, children younger than age 12 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.



In the last year alone, RTA provided more than 3,500 free rides to students at HCC and in HCPSS.



Building on our record year of ridership, expanding free rides to all children creates more transportation options for our families to access the places and opportunities they need to succeed, said Clarence Dickerson, III, administrator, office of transportation. By no longer limiting this program to children enrolled in HCPSS or HCC, taking RTA will be more streamlined for families on the go.

Howard County residents also can take advantage of recently improved bus stops throughout RTAs service area. Public art installations by four artists were commissioned to beautify bus shelters, which are located at the following bus stops:

Old Dobbin Lane / Long Reach High School (Northbound)

Freetown Road / Atholton High School

Twin Rivers Road / Trumpeter Road (Eastbound)

Guilford Road / Hammond High School

Washington Boulevard / Dorsey Road

Rowanberry Drive / Elkridge Library (Northbound)

Rowanberry Drive / Elkridge Library (Southbound)

Hickory Ridge Road / Cordage Walk

Kilimanjaro Road / Oakland Mills High School





Record Number Of Passenger Trips Set By Regional Transportation Agency originally appeared on the Ellicott City Patch
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Thursday confirmed Christopher Maynard as the next president of Texas A&M International University, following the unexpected death of the schools former president last year.

Pablo Arenaz, who had led the 10,000-student campus in Laredo since 2016, died in early October. In November, regents appointed Juan J. Castillo, the universitys longtime finance chief, as interim president while they conducted a national search for Arenazs successor.

Maynard currently serves as provost at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Before that, he was associate vice provost at Sam Houston State University. Earlier in his career, he was a tenured professor of history, department chair and associate dean at the University of North Alabama.

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He holds a Ph.D. in U.S. Political and Diplomatic History and a masters degree from Louisiana State University, as well as a bachelors degree from Lee University, a private university in Tennessee. His book, Out of the Shadow: George H.W. Bush and the End of the Cold War, was published by the Texas A&M University Press in 2008.

The boards decision on Aug. 28 to name him the sole finalist for the position followed recommendations from Anthem Executive, an executive search firm, and Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar.

The A&M System exists to expand opportunity and serve Texas, Hegar said in a statement on Aug. 28. Dr. Maynard has spent his career doing exactly that  strengthening transfer pathways, supporting faculty excellence and aligning programs with workforce needs.

I am deeply honored to join TAMIUs faculty, staff, and community partners in our shared commitment to further student success, Maynard said in a statement on Aug. 28. The education provided by TAMIU has the power to transform the lives of students, their families, and the entire region, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our campus and community partners as we embrace opportunities and move forward together.

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The appointment comes as the Texas A&M University System, like other public universities, adjusts to changes under Senate Bill 37, a new law that gives regents more control over curricula, hiring and faculty senates, which advise university leaders on academic matters.

In August, regents adopted a policy requiring the board to review and approve general education courses every five years and to evaluate degree, minor and certificate programs with few graduates for possible consolidation or elimination to comply with SB 37.

Regents also authorized the creation of new faculty senates across the systems 12 campuses, which went into effect on Sept. 1. The law abolished existing senates by that date. The new faculty advisory groups will be smaller, and university presidents will have greater control over their membership and leadership. For example, the flagships faculty senate currently has 122 members, but the law caps the body at 60.

Regents in August also approved a $6.6 billion capital plan that includes $1.93 billion in new projects over the next five years. In addition, they finalized the University of Houston-Victorias transition into the Texas A&M System. On Sept. 1, the school became Texas A&M University-Victoria.

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On Thursday, Christian E. Hardigree was named the sole finalist for president of the new Victoria campus. State law requires the board to wait 21 days after naming a finalist for president before making the appointment official.

Regents also greenlit construction of the Aplin Center, a three-story, 211,724-square-foot facility at the flagship that will serve as a hub for experiential learning in hospitality, retail, food and nutrition sciences, which officials say will act as a front door for prospective students and visitors.

Arch Beaver Aplin III, who earned a construction science degree from the university in 1980 and went on to create the iconic Texas gas station chain, Buc-ees, donated $50 million to the university for the project in 2023. The regentss action appropriated an additional $225 million for the project. Construction is expected to be completed in February 2028.

This ones going to be as popular as Beaver Nuggets, Board Chair Robert Albritton said in an August statement referring to a beloved Buc-ees snack.

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The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.

Disclosure: Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M International University, Texas A&M University Press and Texas A&M University System have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today!

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
A resolution that would have established fees for the Cumberland County Regional Planning Commission failed in an 7-8 vote during the August Cumberland County Commission meeting.

The schedule of fees was approved by the regional planning commission and was recommended for approval to the county commission. The fees would contribute to the costs of the planner and attorney if approved. Currently those are funded by the general fund which is primarily funded through property tax collections.

The proposed fee schedule included:

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 Preliminary plat fee at a cost of $100 with an additional $25 paid per lot.

 Final plat approval at a cost of $100.

 Variance request fee at a cost of $50 per variance.

 Request to place a road on the official county road list at a cost of $300 per road request.

County commissioners voting in favor of adopting the fee schedule were Sue York, 1st District; Nancy Hyder, 2nd District; Karen Shanks and Darrell Threet, 3rd District; Wendell Wilson, 6th District; Greg Maxwell, 8th District; and Colleen Mall, 9th District.

Commissioners Wiley Potter, 1st District; Tom Isham, 2nd District; David Gibson and Charles Seiber, 4th District; Jack Davis and Terry Lowe, 5th District; Mark Baldwin and Jerry Cooper, 7th District voted against adopting the fees.

Commissioners Joe Sherrill, 6th District; Deborah Holbrook, 8th District; and John Patterson, 9th District, did not attend the meeting. The resolution was sponsored by Patterson.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  A Kentucky service commission will gain financial support to the tune of over $200,000 to develop housing, fight hunger, and more for communities of the Bluegrass after President Trumps administration agreed to release the rest of a $9 million payment in federal funding for the state on Aug. 28.

The money, appropriated by Congress to support AmeriCorps service commissions nationwide, had allegedly been halted by the Trump administration. The withholding of the funds led to a lawsuit from the attorneys general of 23 other states and the District of Columbia, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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On Thursday, to avoid the lawsuit, the presidents administration agreed to release the remaining $208,487 to Serve Kentucky, the Commonwealths AmeriCorps service commission.

AmeriCorps and Serve Kentucky make our people, communities and country stronger by providing food, housing support, education, mental health services and more, and it was illegal and short-sighted for the Presidents administration to try and dismantle this independent federal agency, Gov. Andy Beshear said in a news release on Aug. 29. Today is a good day for our commonwealth and country, as we once again see that the law  and whats right for the American people  can rise above any challenge.

Crews respond to fire at Lexington car dealership building

Thursdays victory marked the latest in cases Beshear has reportedly joined to protect federal money intended for Kentucky. In July, he and leaders from 23 other states and Washington, D.C. challenged the Trump administration over its allegedly unlawful choice to freeze nearly $7 billion in education funding, which had also been appropriated for the Bluegrass by Congress.

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Beshears office stated that the U.S. Department of Education released all of Kentuckys funds a week after the coalition sued.

These funds arent about Democrat or Republican  they were appropriated by Congress for the education of Kentuckians, and Im proud we were able to get them back, Beshear said.

More information about Serve Kentucky can be found at the AmeriCorps website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  On the morning of Aug. 29, 2005, the sky turned a dark gray ahead of what became one of the greatest devastations in Louisiana history.

Records from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, reported Hurricane Katrina landed at 6:10 a.m. as a Category 3 storm in Buras, Louisiana in Plaquemines Parish.

Flags fly at half-staff in Louisiana Friday for Hurricane Katrinas 20th anniversary

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With sustained winds at 125 mph, the storm made its way north to the City of New Orleans moving 15 mph.

The storm categorized by the NOAA as the third most intense United States (U.S.) land-falling hurricane on record, resulted in loss of life for many residents and the destruction with an impact felt 20 years after.

Across the state, first responders and parish representatives have been sharing stories and making statements about the day in 2005.

August 29, 2005. A date that forever changed the State of Louisiana, and a date we vow to never forget. 20 years later: we mourn, we remember, and we continue to build back our state to be better than ever before. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry

New Orleans

So while we can acknowledge the progress, we also can acknowledge we have ways to go. But you have to be thankful and it has to be rooted in gratitude in terms of how far weve come, Mayor LaToya Cantrell

A view of New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina. This image was taken on September 5, 2005, from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter during an aerial pollution survey.

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This 20th anniversary is not only about remembering the storm; it is about honoring the people who carried us through it. For our deputies, Katrina was a moment of unimaginable stress and sacrifice. Many faced the same personal tragedies as their fellow New Orleanians, homes destroyed & families displaced, while still shouldering the responsibility of serving and protecting. Today, we honor those deputies who endured those conditions, and we especially thank the men and women who remain with OPSO after having served through those incredibly difficult days. Their resilience, commitment, and lived experience have helped shape the Sheriffs Office into the stronger agency it is today. Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hitson

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Katrina changed our city, but it couldnt take our spirit. Together, were still rising, still building, and still believing in New Orleans.

Councilman Freddie King III

Jefferson Parish

August 29th  all days are not equal and today hits much harder than most.

I have heard from so many how difficult the days leading up to today have been  its almost like it is still too soon to revisit, relive and recapture what we all experienced 20 years ago today. If you lost a loved one during Hurricane Katrina, I cant imagine what this day brings for you. Its also so difficult for those of us who lived through Katrina with family and loved ones who are no longer with us today.

As you know, my father was the late Sheriff Harry Lee who worked alongside so many men and women of the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office and all the other public agencies whose job requires that they stay behind. Today is a very tough day for us but I hope you have moments of good memories as well. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng

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Today, we remember when Hurricane Katrina forever changed our community, our state, and the Gulf Coast. We honor the lives lost, the families impacted, and the resilience of the people of Louisiana.

We also pay tribute to the first responders, volunteers, and neighbors who stood together in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Their courage will never be forgotten.

Though two decades have passed, the spirit of strength, unity, and perseverance continues to define us. We will never forget  and we remain committed to protecting and serving this community we call home. Kenner Police Department

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St. Tammany Parish

It has been two decades, but the memories remain fresh. The faces of neighbors helping neighbors, the voices of friends carrying each other through, and the sacrifices of men and women who put this parish above themselves.

We honor those who were there, those weve lost since, and the resilience of this community that, even 20 years later, continues to define who we are. St. Tammany Parish Sheriffs Office

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St. Charles Parish

Today we pause to remember.

On this day, we mark two solemn anniversaries in our communitys story:

20 years since Hurricane Katrina  a storm that forever changed South Louisiana and tested the strength of our people.

4 years since Hurricane Ida  a storm that brought devastation to our own homes, families, and neighborhoods here in St. Charles Parish.

Both storms remind us of the challenges we have faced, the resilience we have shown, and the importance of standing together as a community. We honor the lives lost, the families still recovering, and the countless first responders, neighbors, and volunteers who answered the call when we needed them most.

St. Charles Parish is strong because our people are strong. As we reflect on the past, we remain committed to building a safer, stronger, and more resilient future. St. Charles Parish officials

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Plaquemines Parish

Today we mark the anniversaries of three storms that forever changed Plaquemines Parish:

Katrina  20 years, Isaac  13 years, Ida  4 years

Each storm tested us, but none could break us. We remember the lives lost, honor the struggles endured, and celebrate the strength that continues to carry our community forward. Plaquemines Parish Government

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St. Bernard Parish

(Courtesy/ St. Bernard Parish Government)

Today marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall along Louisianas coast. We pause to remember the lives lost, the families forever impacted, and the communities that were forever changed. We also honor the strength and resilience of Louisianans, as well as the unwavering dedication of first responders, many of whom put service above self while facing devastation themselves.

During Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana State Police Troopers were among the very first to respond. Troopers worked tirelessly in catastrophic conditions to rescue stranded residents, maintain order in devastated communities, and support local, state, and federal partners in restoring critical infrastructure. LSPs Aviation Unit flew countless life-saving missions, while Troopers on the ground waded through floodwaters and manned evacuation routes to ensure public safety. Even as many Troopers suffered personal losses, they upheld their oath to serve, embodying the highest traditions of duty, honor, and selfless service.

Louisiana State Police remains committed to protecting and serving our people through every storm and every trial. Together, we remember the past, and together, we continue moving forward. Louisiana State Police

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Other representatives have also released statements:

Louisiana turned tragedy into resilience after Katrina,. I remember the loss, but also the strength of Louisianans who came together to rebuild. Protecting our state and strengthening our levees remains my priority,  Senator Bill Cassidy.

Hurricane Katrina isnt just history, its personal. We carry the memory with us every single day. And while we remember the pain and loss, we also draw strength from the courage of the survivors who built their lives and our communities against all odds. They rebuilt things that some said couldnt be rebuilt, some that thought it shouldnt be rebuilt. Their determination inspires us to keep building safer, stronger, and more equitable communities.  Congressman Troy Carter

20 years ago. New Orleans and our lives changed forever. Grateful for the rebuilding of New Orleans and to every person who was part of that, but we will never forget the lives lost during Katrina and the fact that there is still work to do.  Councilwoman Helena Moreno



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A report published early this month found that easing licensing requirements for physicians increases patient access to healthcare, especially among older people, and reduces cost barriers to treatment. Occupational licensing reform has been a simmering issue for years, and one that draws rare bipartisan support. This sort of research demonstrates just how important reform is even for professions that deal in matters of life and death. Keep that in mind as we look at Archbridge Institute's 2025 State Occupational Licensing Index to see where things are getting better and where they're not.

Licensing Barriers Aren't a Red or Blue Issue

"In 2025, the state with the highest occupational licensing burden is Oregon (#1), followed by Tennessee (#2), Texas (#3), Kentucky (#4), and Florida (#5); the state with the lowest occupational licensing burden is Kansas (#51), preceded by Missouri (#50), Wyoming (#49), Indiana (#48), and New York (#47)," write Noah Trudeau, Edward Timmons, and Benjamin Seevers, authors of the "human flourishing" think tank's latest annual Index. "The overall state rankings show that traditionally 'blue' and 'red' states alike struggle with occupational licensing requirements, and there is opportunity for bipartisan reform across the country's various regions."

There's not just opportunity for bipartisan reformthere's also appetite for it. The last three presidents have all favored easing occupational licensing requirements. In 2015, the Obama administration published a report revealing that "more than one-quarter of U.S. workers now require a license to do their jobs, with most of these workers licensed by the States" up from about 5 percent of jobs in the 1950s. This is a problem, the report added, because "there is evidence that licensing requirements raise the price of goods and services, restrict employment opportunities, and make it more difficult for workers to take their skills across State lines."

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Maureen K. Ohlhausen, then the first Trump administration's acting Federal Trade Commission chairman, followed up in 2017 by charging that "the public safety and health rationale for regulating many of those occupations ranges from dubious to ridiculous.I challenge anyone to explain why the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the public from rogue interior designers carpet-bombing living rooms with ugly throw pillows."

The Biden administration issued an executive order targeting (in part) "overly burdensome occupational licensing requirements that impede worker mobility and suppress wages also restrict competition."

States Step Up With Reform, Including Universal License Recognition

But those were federal officials pointing out a serious problem at the state level that needs to be resolved, in our federalist system, by state lawmakers and governors. Many states have stepped up, often with my own Arizona in the vanguard (ranked ninth least-burdensome by Archbridge). Reforms include removing licensing requirements for some jobs, reducing the burden and cost of getting licensed, and universal license recognition under which licenses issued by other states are accepted. No state has yet eliminated licensing entirely, but a growing number are making it less onerous.

The best reform, by far, is eliminating licensing requirements for jobs and letting certifications, employment history, reviews, and word of mouth speak for the quality of people's work. But that can be a tough sell for people sold the line that licensing somehow protects them, especially in potentially risky areas like healthcare. That leaves universal license recognition a popular step in recent years, given it's difficult to argue that standards and legal liability for work vary much across the U.S.

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"As of 2025, 28 states have adopted some form of universal licensing recognition," write Trudeau, Timmons, and Seevers. "It is important to note that the potential effectiveness of the reform varies depending upon two key provisions. First, some states have 'substantially equivalent' or 'substantially similar' clauses, thus limiting the number of workers that can utilize the reform. Second, some states have residency requirements that also can limit the ability of workers to utilize the reform."

Arizona, for example, has a residency requirement (you must live in-state to take advantage) but doesn't require that licenses issued elsewhere be "substantially similar" to those issued locally. That's enough to earn the state a silver medal in Archbridge's rankings and a decent slot in the Index. Just how important implementing full reform can be is demonstrated in a recent staff report by Yun Taek Oh and Morris Kleiner, published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

Recognizing Licenses Across State Lines Improves Healthcare Access

"The universal reciprocity of physician licenses significantly raises the proportion of respondents accessing healthcare, particularly among older respondents, and reduces the proportion of respondents not getting healthcare services because of cost considerations," the authors write of their research findings. However, they add that the positive effect of universal license recognition "is not observed among the states that adopt universal reciprocity but impose residency requirements."

They conclude that the greatest benefit from universal license recognition comes from encouraging physicians to practice across state lines rather than to relocate. Residency requirements to licensing stand as ongoing barriers to increased competition and access, and lower costs.

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Not all barriers to entry in any given trade or profession involve overt licenses. Sometimes, working in one field is predicated in having unnecessary credentials from another. "As an example of a barrier versus a license, in the state of Alabama, all acupuncturists are required to be licensed physicians; thus while the occupational title of 'acupuncturist' is not licensed, that occupation is barred by a license in some way," observe Trudeau, Timmons, and Seever. Other states require cosmetology licenses to braid or shampoo hair. So, people may be required to jump through hoops to get credentialed in a field in which they don't plan to practice in order to work in a chosen trade. Obviously, that limits competition and raises costs.

In terms of spurring along reforms, once place to start might be the 2025 State Occupational Licensing Index's roundup of "most uniquely licensed occupations" for each state, meaning the job for which each state requires a license that has the fewest barriers across all other states. For example, only one state each requires licenses to work as HIVAIDS counselors, lightning-protection installers, and mold remediation workers. If 49 other states plus D.C. see no reason to license those jobs, the states requiring such credentials really have no excuse. Six more jobs are licensed in just two states; four in three.

Most people recognize that occupational licensing is out of control. Archbridge's annual index shows that we're making progress in easing barriers to work, but there's still a long way to go.

The post Report: 28 States Now Recognize Occupational Licenses From Elsewhere appeared first on Reason.com.
Expectations for greater immigration enforcement in the Central Valley have turned attention to how such activity might affect local farming practices, and already researchers say they may have a partial answer.

Based on a survey done in 2019, when local farmworkers were in shorter supply than they are now, researchers say the most likely outcome of immigration raids would be higher wages, changes in cultivation practices and, to a lesser extent, greater investment in automation.

If immigration enforcement targets undocumented farmworkers, we expect similar adaptation strategies, stated the authors of a new report put out by the University of Californias Giannini foundation of Agricultural Economics.

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But given the difficulties those changes would likely entail, researchers at UC Davis and Michigan State University listed two main alternatives: development of labor-saving equipment and greater use of the H-2A guest worker program.

The report warned that any rapid reduction in the undocumented ag labor force could leave producers unable to adapt quickly, leading to significant disruptions in production, and possibly reduced production of labor-intensive crops, further industry consolidation and higher prices for consumers.

Labor market disruptions resulting from deportations may reduce the domestic availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, increase dependence on imports, limit seasonal variety and constrain consumer choice, the report stated.

The challenge of farmworker shortages has a difficult and politically contentious history in California. The industrys reliance on undocumented workers for an estimated 50% of its workforce has often put the states farming community on the opposite side of immigration reform efforts from its peers around the country.

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President Daniel Hartwig of the California Fresh Fruit Association said by email Thursday that timing is the biggest factor in how widespread immigration enforcement would impact local farming. A crackdown during harvest season would see the largest downside, he wrote.

Harvesting the states many fresh commodities cannot feasibly be done through mechanization, he said, and the H-2A program requires a long lead time. Raising wages only puts local farmers in competition with each other without adding to the overall labor supply, he added.

The best solution would be for immigration reform to happen sooner than later, which would ensure stability for our employees, our farmers and the communities which depend on them, he wrote.

Kevin Andrew agreed as senior vice president of operations at Bakersfield table grape grower Illume Agriculture. He noted there is no Plan B if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement begins rounding up local undocumented farmworkers  unless you and a few thousand of your close friends would like to help out harvesting the crop.

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Im hopeful we get some real immigration reform in place and the country realizes and acknowledges the importance of having a stable workforce for all industries, Andrew wrote in an email Thursday.

When the labor supply was tight a few years ago, he said, Illume had no flexibility to delay operations, which meant falling behind and losing some fruit.

But some California farmers adjusted their cultivation practices with some success between 2014 and 2018, according to the new report.

It said the most common change, reduced pruning or weeding, was done by 43% of survey respondents who were able to adjust their routines. Delays in such work was the next most popular adjustment, done by a reported 32% of respondents.

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After that came delayed harvest (15%), reduced harvest (14%) and reduced or changed tillage practices (8%).

The report noted that U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said on July 8 that there will be no amnesty (for farmworkers) under any circumstances, and that mass deportations (will) continue, but in a strategic and intentional way, as we move our workforce towards more automation and towards a 100% American workforce.

It also pointed to research suggesting that removing all undocumented farmworkers from California could raise farm wages by 42%, which may force farmers to shift crops or go out of business.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Federal forces could be heading to Chicago within days, as a New York Times report reveals the Trump administrations plan to deploy more than 200 Homeland Security officers for a month-long operation.

According to the report, the officers could begin arriving as soon as Sept. 2, with documents showing requests for space at Naval Station Great Lakes in Lake County.

The requests include accommodations for up to 250 personnel, parking for more than 100 vehicles, and storage for medical supplies and crowd-control weapons, such as rubber bullets and tear gas, according to the New York Times.

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City officials, however, say theyve received no direct communication from federal authorities about the deployment.

Unless theres a warrant, these federal agents do not have the right and authority to bogart their way through our institutions, Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

City leaders discuss preparations for potential National Guard deployment to Chicago

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling echoed that frustration, noting that the city remains in the dark as the Labor Day holiday approaches.

To make sure that were not stoking fears through neighborhoods and we dont have people running scared and it doesnt create chaos on our streets, were willing to have those conversations, Snelling said.

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The request came weeks after the Republican administration deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., to target crime, immigration and homelessness, and two months after it sent troops to Los Angeles.

Recently, President Donald Trump has signaled his willingness to deploy troops to the Windy City, calling the city a mess.

Although details of the administrations plans for Chicago are scarce, city leaders said Thursday that they are preparing for multiple possible scenarios, from troops assisting in immigration arrests to patrolling in the streets.

We dont want to raise any fears, Snelling told reporters. We dont want to create any speculation around whats going on.

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Ald. Nick Sposato, a supporter of Trump, says he would prefer federal funding for the police department over boots on the ground.

Whatever its going to cost them to send the National Guard here, send the money strictly for hiring more police, Sposato said. Thats all it can be used for.

The Times report also says Trumps border czar, Tom Homan, signaled that a wider immigration crackdown is likely.

We arent going to tell you how many resources were going to send to the city, Homan said. We dont want the bad guy to know how many well be sending. Itll be a large contingent.

Pilsen preps for Mexican Independence Day Parade despite ICE fears

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The potential deployment has raised alarm within Chicago Public Schools as a letter has been sent to families just in case.

The best and safest place for our children is still at school, CPS Interim CEO Dr. Macquline King said. CPS will not share student information with any federal agent, and any federal agent will not be allowed at our schools.

When asked about the report, the Department of Homeland Security did not confirm or deny specifics, instead reiterated Trumps call to make the streets and cities safe again.

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U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst addressed members of the Westside Conservative Club at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale Aug. 13, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Democratic candidates running for Iowas U.S. Senate seat said Friday that reports indicating U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek reelection in 2026 demonstrate the strength of their campaigns.

According to CBS News article published Friday, Ernst does not plan to seek reelection for a third term in the 2026 election. Ernsts campaign did not reply to a request for comment Friday on the story. The article states multiple unnamed sources have said Ernst is scheduled to make an announcement on the issue Thursday.

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Whether Ernst will run for reelection has been a subject of discussion for several months. The Iowa Republican, who was first elected in 2014 and reelected in 2020, has not publicly stated if she plans to run for a third term, though she said during the Iowa State Fair an announcement would be coming soon.

She told Democrats to bring it on in the U.S. Senate race at a Westside Conservative Club meeting with Republicans earlier in August. But some in Washington had speculated she would not run, with Politico reporting in July that Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he was doing everything I can to encourage her to run for reelection amid concerns from Senate Republicans that she planned retire from Congress after her current term.

Ernst also raised less in the most recent Federal Election Commission filings than she had during the same period in her 2020 reelection campaign, though she still raised more than her Democratic challengers.

Ernst had hired a campaign manager in June and is still set to hold her annual Roast and Ride fundraiser Oct. 11.

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While Ernst has not officially said if she plans to run again, several other candidates have announced their 2026 campaigns for the Senate seat. Four Democrats, state Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, state Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris and former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director Nathan Sage are running for the Democratic nomination. Iowa Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, was also running for the seat, but dropped out to endorse Turek. Among Republicans, former state lawmaker Jim Carlin and Joshua Smith, a former Libertarian candidate for the state Senate, have also announced campaigns.

In the wake of the story stating Ernst will not run for reelection, other candidates for the U.S. Senate said the report reflects Iowa voters want for a change in representation. Wahls said in a statement a recent survey from Public Policy Polling found Wahls leading Ernst in the race.

Joni Ernst is retiring because she knows our campaign is on track to win, Wahls said in a statement. Our campaign was the strongest to take on Ernst, and I will take on any other politician who embraces the same corrupt agenda of the Washington establishment that screws over Iowans in favor of big corporations, billionaires, and self-serving and cowardly politicians.

Norris released a statement Friday saying she is ready to defeat any Republican in the 2026 election cycle.

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Joni Ernst is seeing the writing on the wall that Iowans are ready for change, Norris said. Republicans destructive and unpopular agenda has failed Iowans and we are paying the price for Joni Ernsts votes to slash Medicaid and health care, raise housing and energy costs and explode the deficit, to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires.

Ernst gained national attention after she said well, we all are going to die, when responding to a person criticizing Medicaid cuts included in Republicans budget reconciliation package at a May town hall.

Turek said in a social media post Friday that the Republican nominee will have to defend the Medicaid cuts to Iowans on the 2026 campaign trail.

Whether its Joni Ernst or someone else, theyll have to answer for supporting cutting Iowans healthcare in favor of a tax break for billionaires, Turek wrote. When Im in the Senate, Ill never forget about Iowa.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst reportedly told confidantes that she would not seek reelection in the 2026 midterms.

Multiple sources told CBS News that Ernst plans to announce her decision next Thursday.

The Iowa Republicans apparent decision comes just a few months after a horrifying gaffe at a town hall.

When constituents expressed concerns that people would die as a result of President Donald Trumps behemoth budget bill, she responded by saying, Well, we all are going to die. And as voters reeled from her callous comment about millions of Americans being booted from their Medicaid coverage, Ernst doubled down.

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The senators comments seriously tainted her political reputation, sparking widespread speculation that she would not run again. But Ernst sent mixed signals, refusing to say whether or not she would seek another term.

In June, she brought on Bryan Kraber to manage her 2026 reelection campaign, signaling her intent to turn her sinking ship around. But she also delayed her annual Roast and Ride fundraiser until October. Typically, Ernstwho has been in office since 2015holds the event in June.

A few Iowa Democrats have already waded into the race, including State Senator Zach Wahls, Des Moines School Board chairwoman Jackie Norris, and State Representatives J.D. Scholten and Josh Turek. Turek even used Ernsts infamous existential blunder in an ad announcing his candidacy for her Senate seat.

As recently as last week, Ernst claimed she wasnt concerned about Democratic challengers in her state. Bring it on, folks. Because I tell you, at the end of the day, Iowa is going to be red, she said.



One source told CBS News that Ernst feels that she achieved her goal of serving two terms, and now intends to head for the private sector.

This story has been updated.
A Republican official in North Carolina was charged with felony child abuse after he allegedly attempted to drug his two granddaughters with cocaine and MDMA.

The chairman of the Surry County Board of Elections, James Edwin Yokeley Jr., told police earlier this month that he had discovered two hard objects in ice cream he had bought from a local Dairy Queenbut video evidence collected during the investigation suggested otherwise.

Yokeley was reportedly caught on tape placing the pills in the girls ice cream himself, the Wilmington Police Department said in a press release Wednesday. Neither child ingested the drug-laced pills.

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The local Republican chair was arrested and is currently held on a $100,000 bail. Along with the child abuse charges, Yokeley faces two counts of contaminating food or drink with a controlled substance, and felony possession of schedule 1 narcotics.

Yokeley only recently came into power in the artsy beach town: The 66-year-old was appointed in June by State Auditor Dave Boliek, though the state official no longer appears to be one of his supporters. In an interview with WRAL News, Boliek called the matter very disturbing.

Yokeley was selected in part because of his previous experience on the board. He had previously run for a seat on the Surry County Board of Education in 2022, winning 26.69 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. Boliek emphasized that nothing had appeared in the election officials background check that would suggest this at all.

Yokeley resigned via letter Thursday afternoon, though he insisted that he had been falsely accused.

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Based on the truth and facts, I remain prayerfully confident that I will be exonerated of all accusations levied against me, Yokeley wrote.

In a statement to the News & Observer, Boliek said that the resignation would allow the board to move forward with the process of appointing a replacement.
The News

Republicans attention is quickly shifting to Rep. Ashley Hinson ahead of the expected retirement of Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, according to several people familiar with the matter.

CBS News first reported on Friday morning that Ernst has told confidants that she wont run for reelection next week in her red-leaning state. Republicans were increasingly bearish on Ernst running again in recent months, though the White House attempted to persuade her to seek reelection given her strong track record in general elections.

Ernst is the second battleground-state senator to retire this summer  although Iowa is significantly redder than North Carolina, where Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., is not running again. Iowa Republicans also have a fairly deep bench beyond Hinson; the party will still enter next years Senate race with an advantage.

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While Ernst is close to Hinson, who declined to pursue a House GOP leadership spot that opened up soon after President Donald Trumps election, an open seat could draw other challengers as well. Matt Whitaker, now the US Ambassador to NATO, ran for the seat in 2014 and is seen as a potential candidate in a state that has shifted right since 2012.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee declined to comment. Ernsts office declined comment.

Several Democrats are already running, including state Rep. Josh Turek, state Sen. Zach Wahls, and Des Moines Public Schools chair Jackie Norris. Iowas gubernatorial seat is also open in next years midterms, with Gov. Kim Reynolds declining reelection.

Fellow Republicans saw Ernst as increasingly less likely to run over the past year, after she lost a race to Sen. Tom Cotton for her partys conference chair position, then faced blowback from conservatives for balking at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths nomination.

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Soon after that, she became a target for Democrats for sarcastically responding to criticisms of her partys Medicaid cuts by observing that we all are going to die.

Still, Ernst told Semafor recently that the White House was urging her to run and that if she did, she expected to have Trumps support.

Im glad that they are encouraging me, Ernst said in an interview afterward. Its nice to know that they support me.

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Ernsts departure makes the Senate map more interesting as Democrats seek to flip the four seats they need to gain control from the GOP  all while protecting seats they currently hold.

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Former Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is pursuing a return to the chamber; former Gov. Roy Cooper, D-N.C., is running against former RNC Chair Michael Whatley; and Democrats are trying to oust Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.

Even with the addition of an open seat in Iowa as well as a tough internal GOP primary in Texas, though, everything will have to go right in order for Democrats to reclaim the majority.

They still celebrated Ernsts exit. Maeve Coyle, a spokeswoman for Senate Democrats campaign arm, said that Republicans begged Joni Ernst to run for reelection because they know that her retirement deals another blow to their chances.

Notable
(Left) Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, and (Right) House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, R-Canby, hold a news conference Aug. 29, 2025, to share their counter proposal to the Democrats transportation funding bill. (Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

UPDATED at 1:48 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29 with comment from the Oregon House Speakers Office.

Oregon Republicans opened Fridays special legislative session with a proposal of their own to prevent hundreds of layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation and avoid raising taxes, by instead redirecting existing money earmarked for pedestrian and bike safety programs and for fighting climate change.

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The proposal, near-identical to one party leaders floated during the recent long session that wrapped in June, fires back at a plan from Gov. Tina Kotek and Democratic leaders to raise $5.8 billion in revenue for the shrinking agency during the next decade through an increase to gas and payroll taxes, and vehicle licensing and registration fees.

Democrats flatly rejected the Republican proposal in the formal legislative session, and failed to convince Republicans and some of their own lawmakers to pass proposals that would have raised more than $10 billion in revenue for the transportation department. That prompted Gov. Tina Kotek to call a special session for August in the hopes of averting what the agency estimates will be around 500 workers laid off due to a more than $350 million budget shortfall.

Republicans have continued to argue that industries and businesses in the state are already struggling under high costs and taxes, and their suffering will be exacerbated by the Democrats proposal.

Republicans would instead rewrite existing state law to allow the transportation department to re-prioritize for roads roughly $500 million in existing funds obligated for pedestrian and bike safety programs, building out electric vehicle charging networks, the states Climate Protection Program, and passenger rail services. It calls for moving to road operations and maintenance projects $36 million in funding from the Connect Oregon program meant for rail, aviation and marine projects that rely on matching federal funds.

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Jill Bakken, a spokesperson for House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, said in a statement the Republican proposal, would mean more families driving on pothole-filled local roads and unsafe bridges. It would make it harder for seniors and people with disabilities to get to their doctor, veterans to receive crucial services, and low income workers to get to their jobs.

Republican party leaders at a press conference Friday morning described their approach as a way to give the agency more flexibility to avoid imminent job cuts at the department of transportation, and revisit long-term funding discussions down the line. They pushed back on concerns that the plan would jeopardize federal funding that can only be accessed with matching state-highway-fund dollars, or gutting programs for public safety.

Last time I checked, we relied on the state to maintain our state-level agencies, House Minority Leader Rep. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, said. She was joined by Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, and several Oregonians concerned about the negative impact of tax hikes on their personal budgets and businesses.

Bonham said Democratic leaders were unwilling to find common ground with them.

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Literally, weve been told no, like, were not even talking about it, Bonham said. How do you negotiate with somebody that wont negotiate with you? You take a stand.

Both Drazan and Bonham signaled a willingness to take portions of their proposal to Oregon voters, should lawmakers proceed with Democrats plan. That plan increases the states gas tax by six cents, from $0.40 to $0.46, and one former Oregon Republican lawmaker, Brian Boquist of Dallas, in June began collecting donations for a Political Action Committee aiming to pass a ballot measure ending gas tax hikes.

Doing so, however, would require a resource-intensive uphill battle. Petitioners would need to collect just over 78,000 signatures for a veto referendum within 90 days of the special sessions adjournment, should the tax hikes pass.

Drazan told reporters that a potential ballot measure would likely focus on undoing tax increases passed by lawmakers, saying Republicans would do everything we can to stand up for Oregonians. Bonham said he was committed to being part of the team that absolutely gets this thing on the ballot.

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Democrats know this is unpopular. They know that this wont fly in the next election cycle, he told reporters Friday morning. Theyre going to pay a political price for this.

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For researchers at Stanford University, the impact of rising global temperatures on the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes has been playing out right in their own backyard.

Erin Mordecai, a Stanford scientist, warned that "for the first time a couple of summers ago, we saw dengue transmission in Southern California and in several locations around California," according to ABC7 Bay Area.

"Increasingly we're worried in the state that  these viruses are going to be able to get established in our local mosquito populations, particularly as the summers are getting warmer," she continued.

What's happening?

As global temperatures continue to rise, the geographic range of disease-carrying mosquitoes has rapidly expanded, increasing the number of people at risk of contracting these oftentimes deadly illnesses.

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For a soon-to-be-released paper, Mordecai and her fellow researchers studied this worrying phenomenon up close in rural Costa Rica. There, they collected mosquito samples in order to better understand how and to what extent disease-carrying species have been spreading, per ABC7.

Only certain kinds of mosquitoes have been known to carry deadly diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. As global temperatures have increased, those pests have been able to survive and even thrive in geographic areas where they previously could not.

With the reach of these mosquitoes expanding, including into California, the potential for human exposure to the diseases they bring with them also has grown.

Why is the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes important?

Mordecai and her team discovered that these impacts were not merely hypothetical projections predicted to affect humans at some point in the future. Already, the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes has had an enormous impact.

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"The key result that we've found is that actually a very large proportion of the existing burden on dengue, tens of millions of cases, is attributable to climate change that has already happened," Mordecai explained, per ABC7.

This expansion means that the world's deadliest animal, responsible for roughly 600,000 annual malaria deaths alone, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has become even deadlier.

What's being done about disease-carrying insects?

In the immediate term, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their families from disease-spreading mosquitoes by using insect repellant, wearing loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants, and draining sources of standing water at least once every week, per the CDC.

Using screens on doors and windows as well as mosquito nets can also prevent mosquitoes from entering living areas.

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Additionally, continuing to fund research such as that being conducted by Mordecai and her colleagues, as well as regular mosquito surveillance, is key to protecting the public.

"It's a lot of proactive surveillance," said Angie Nakano, director of the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector District, per ABC7. "We're setting traps that are targeted to detect these species of mosquitoes. And when we find them, you know, do everything we can as quick as possible to make sure they don't stick around."

In the long run, however, the best way to control the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes is to reverse the trend of rising global temperatures. This will require significantly reducing the amount of heat-trapping pollution being released into the atmosphere.

To help push for the necessary political action, you can use your voice, contact your elected representatives, and support pro-climate-action candidates.

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Taking things a step further, driving an electric vehicle or installing solar panels on your home can reduce planet-warming pollution while also saving money on electricity and gas.

EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes among vetted local installers while also making sure that customers take maximum advantage of tax credits and other available incentives, saving them up to $10,000.

With federal tax credits for solar expiring at the end of 2025, the time to act is now.

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What I have achieved is not mine alone, it is a collective effort of my mentors, my family, and the countless patients who trusted me

Motivated by the limited advanced TMJ solutions available in India, he secured a placement in TMJ Arthroscopy and Total Joint Replacement Surgery at the University of Maryland, USA, making him one of the very few Indian surgeons with this specialized training.Further strengthening his multidisciplinary expertise, he earned certifications in Interventional Pain Management and Pain Medicine from the British Pain Society, enabling him to offer a comprehensive approach to chronic orofacial pain and TMJ dysfunction. He is also a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, and the American Society of TMJ Surgeons. To complement his clinical acumen with administrative insight, he completed an MBA in Healthcare and Hospital Management from D.Y. Patil University, positioning him as a leader not only in the OT but also in institutional and patient care planning. In recognition of his clinical excellence and academic rigor, he has passed Indias demanding three-tier oral and maxillofacial board exam, making him an Indian Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. The rigorous examination includes 100 MCQs, presentation of two surgical cases, and a comprehensive viva, signifying a high level of competence and commitment.As the Head of Department at multiple hospitals and Director of the Comprehensive Cleft Centre, Dr Tofiq Bohra leads a highly trained multi-disciplinary team. He believes that excellence in outcomes stems from structured care and precision tools. Toward this goal, he has adopted 3D surgical planning and CT-based skull reconstruction, whereby digital DICOM data is used to simulate results long before a scalpel touches the skin. These computer assisted tools, combined with his emphasis on minimally invasive methods, have positioned Indian maxillofacial surgery on par with international benchmarks.One of his notable advancements is in Total Joint Replacement (TJR) surgery. Where earlier approaches required two incisions one near the ear and one on the neck, he now completes the procedure through a single incision, using angled endoscopes and precision-guided tools. His drive to improve technique has even led him to design surgical instruments, including one that enhances visualization and control in the TMJ space during arthroscopy. What stood out was how clearly he explained every step of the process before, during, and after the procedure. It made all the difference in reducing my anxiety, patient comments.Dr Tofiq Bohras long-term goals are rooted in a strong passion to revolutionize the field of maxillofacial treatment using minimally invasive surgical methods. Having spent years of advanced training, he has directly seen the way that early treatment and precision-based techniques can have a dramatic bearing on patient outcome particularly in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology and facial trauma in children. Drawing from years of advanced training, he now focuses on promoting early intervention and spreading awareness about arthroscopy, endoscopy, and advanced imaging among clinicians and the public.Nominated by CIOLOOK Magazine India as one of the Top Surgeons to Look Out for in 2023Featured in The Indian Express for performing a total TMJ joint replacement in a complex case of bony ankylosis, showcasing his cutting-edge surgical approachPublications1.TMJ Arthroscopy: a Clinical Guideline  Conceptual paper co-authored with Saurabh Shah, published in Acta Scientific Dental Sciences, Volume 8, Issue 10 (October 2024)2.PRF: A Novel Acumen for Managing Post Surgical Defects After Removal of Mandibular Third Molars  A Case Report  Published in the Journal of Head & Neck Physicians and Surgeons (2015)
Researchers combed through Florida's wetlands and came across a positive development: the reappearance of the many-lined salamander, a species that hasn't been seen in the area for over 30 years.

The many-lined salamander is native to coastal areas from Virginia to northeast Florida, and the last sighting of the little amphibian was in 1991, according to the Miami Herald.

The outlet shared that a study in the Florida Field Naturalist by the Florida Ornithological Society found nearly two dozen of the "secretive" species in a survey of blackwater streams in North Florida wetlands from 2022 to 2024.

To find the salamanders, they had to employ clever techniques, including using bags full of leaf matter to simulate their preferred muckier environments. The salamanders would hide in the bags and could be easily counted by researchers.

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"The species has long been considered rare in Florida and difficult to survey," the researchers said in the paper, noting that while it is likely the species is rare in the region, it is still impacted by the changing climate and habitat loss.

"Species that occur on the periphery of their range are seldom prioritized for conservation action," the authors said. "Still, many-lined salamanders are a unique component of Florida's natural heritage."

Salamanders are the most endangered amphibians on the planet, with one-third threatened with extinction, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. They're vital for pest control, eating insects such as mosquitoes, and have a place in the food chain as prey for larger species.They also serve as an indicator of environmental health because of their permeable skin, which is vulnerable to drought and toxic substances.

The researchers in Florida partnered with scientists from North Carolina, where there was a recent positive development for the largest salamander species in the United States, the eastern hellbender, with a dam removal in the Watauga River. The removal will also allow more fish to travel through the area and improve water quality, boosting the environment.

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Vermont achieved a statewide ban on plastic bags. Active since 2020, the ban led to a massive 91% drop in their use, according to an article published on Phys.org. The clear policy with public support is driving positive communal and environmental change.

The law made it illegal for Vermont businesses to use single-use plastic bags. Paper bags remained available for a small fee. Phys.org reported that a 2023 survey of Vermont revealed a dramatic plastic bag reduction due to this ban.

The University of Vermont College of Agricultural and Life Sciences studied this survey. Professor Qingbin Wang and researchers found that the "use of plastic bags dropped by 91.47%" on a weekly basis.

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Paper bag use increased by over 6%, suggesting that a paper bag was the main motivator versus the 10-cent fee. About 70% of respondents had a positive view of the legislation as well.

Broad public approval and satisfaction with its implementation show plastic bans are possible.

This policy benefits Vermonters by reducing communities' litter and promoting mindful consumption habits. Almost no plastic bags means cleaner streets, parks, and waterways. The decrease in plastic bags is enhancing the health of the local environment.

Individuals can now rely more on reusable bags. The alternative saves money by avoiding bag fees and supports a sustainable lifestyle. The ban's success represents small changes in daily habits leading to real-world impacts.

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Reduced plastic bag use results in less plastic waste in the environment. It prevents plastic from crowding landfills and polluting natural ecosystems. Banning plastic altogether protects wildlife and decreases resources for plastic production and disposal.

Wang said the "bottom-up" advocacy made the ban stick. Residents pushed for the legislation as a response to environmental concerns. Law simplicity and good state communication efforts before enactment were also key factors.

The professor also suggested states wanting bans should follow Vermont's plastic-paper bag usage. Experiencing paper bags after the plastic ban can reinforce sustainable choices.

Effective policy with favorable public sentiment drives progress toward a cleaner, safer future. Together, local governments and consumers can reduce waste and promote greener living.

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Conservative protest at Michigan's Capitol against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, April 15, 2020 | Michigan Advance

Rebecca Kasen has seen and heard things in recent years in and around Michigans capital city that she never would have expected.

Its a very weird time in our lives, said Kasen, executive director of the Womens Center of Greater Lansing.

Last November, a group of people were captured on surveillance video early one morning mocking a Black Lives Matter sign in the front window of the center, with one of them vandalizing its free pantry. That same fall, Womens Center staff reported being harassed.

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A couple of blocks down East Michigan Avenue, Strange Matter Coffee, which supports progressive causes in the community, has been confronted by First Amendment auditors outside its storefront. Some toted guns or cameras, sometimes chanting slogans supporting President Donald Trump, generally unnerving customers and staff, Kasen said.

In many cases, extremist activities and conduct throughout the U.S. over the past few years have been driven by the deepening chasm of political partisanship and disinformation-driven rebellion against responses to the covid-19 pandemic. More recently, backlash against immigration and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has heightened tensions.

Last year, the Southern Poverty Law Center documented 1,371 hate and extremist groups nationwide sowing unrest through a wide range of tactics, sometimes violent. Over the last several years, the group writes, the political right has increasingly shifted toward an authoritarian, patriarchal Christian supremacy dedicated to eroding the value of inclusive democracy and public institutions.

Researchers at American Universitys Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab, or PERIL, say that in online spaces, hate is intersectional. (For example, Pasha Dashtgard, PERILs director of research, explains, platforms dedicated to male supremacy are often also decidedly antisemitic.) Seemingly innocuous discussions erupt into vitriol: The release of A Minecraft Movie prompted tirades against an alleged trend toward casting Black women and nonbinary people.

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The continued escalations drove staffers at PERIL and the Southern Poverty Law Center to approach the problem from a different angle: Treat extremism as a public health problem. Community Advisory, Resource, and Education Centers are now operating in Lansing, Michigan, and Athens, Georgia, offering training, support, referrals, and resources to communities affected by hate, discrimination, and supremacist ideologies and to people susceptible to radicalization, with a focus on young people.

The team defines extremism as the belief that ones group is in direct and bitter conflict with another of a different identity  ideology, race, gender identity or expression  fomenting an us-versus-them mentality mired in the conviction that resolution can come only through separation, domination, or extermination.

Researchers who study extremism say that, as the federal government terminates grants for violence prevention, state governments and local communities are recognizing theyre on their own. (CARE receives no federal funding.)

Aaron Flanagan, the Southern Poverty Law Centers deputy director of prevention and partnerships, said his organization and PERIL came together about five years ago to examine a shared research question: What would it take to create a nationally scalable model to prevent youth radicalization, one thats rooted in communities and provides solutions residents trust?

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They looked to a decades-old German counterextremism model called mobile advisory centers. The objective is to equip all levels of civil society with the skills and knowledge to recognize extremism and to engage in conversations about addressing it, Dashtgard said.

Were not about, How do you respond to a group of Patriot Front people marching through your town? Pete Kurtz-Glovas, who until June served as PERILs deputy director of regional partnerships, explained during a training in January. Rather, How do you respond when your son or a member of your congregation expresses some of these extremist ideas?

Pete Kurtz-Glovas served as deputy director of regional partnerships for American Universitys Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab, which has helped launch initiatives in two cities to address extremism as a public health issue. (Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News)

Michigan has long been considered fertile ground for extremism. Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, convicted of the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995, were associated with a militia group in the state. Some of the men charged in 2020 in the plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had ties to a militia group calling itself the Wolverine Watchmen.

The states capital city and adjacent East Lansing, where Michigan State University is, are relatively progressive but have seen conflict.

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Will Verchereau has a vivid recollection from the early days of the pandemic: a pickup truck speeding down the street in their Lansing neighborhood, a Confederate flag flying from it, music blasting, later joining a rolling protest that clogged streets around the Capitol to protest Whitmers covid lockdown directives.

Incrementally, the community has responded to these expressions of extremism. After the confrontations at Strange Matter Coffee, Verchereau, a board member of the Salus Center, which advocates for and supports the LGBTQ+ community, said people banded together to talk about how to be safe in those moments; how to de-escalate when and where possible.

The CARE initiative reinforces such efforts. The centers offer tool kits catered to specific audiences. Among them are a parent and caregiver guide to online radicalization, a community guide to youth radicalization, and Not Just a Joke: Understanding & Preventing Gender- & Sexuality-Based Bigotry.

Flanagan said the team views this public health model as separate from but complementary to law enforcement interventions. The goal is to have law enforcement as minimally engaged as possible  to detect nascent warning signs and address them before police get involved.

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The resources help identify conditions that can make people more susceptible to manipulation by extremists, such as unaddressed behavioral health issues and vulnerabilities, including having experienced trauma or the loss of a loved one.

Lansing resident Erin Buitendorp witnessed protesters, some of them armed, flooded the state Capitol building during the pandemic over lockdown and masking orders. Shes a proponent of the public health approach. Its providing people with agency and a strategy to move forward, she said. Its a way to channel energy and feel like you can actually create change with community.

Michigan Home Guard militia members at the Second Amendment March at the Capitol, Sept. 17, 2020 | Laina G. Stebbins

Lansing and Athens were chosen for a number of reasons, including their proximity to universities that could serve as partners  and to rural communities.

In the small town of Howell, 40 miles southeast of Lansing, protesters waived Nazi flags outside a production of the play The Diary of Anne Frank at an American Legion post.

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In nearby DeWitt, the local school district proposed a mini lesson on pronouns for a first grade class that involved reading the picture book They She He Me: Free to Be! Threats against school staff followed and officials canceled the lesson. Since then, the CARE team has helped provide support to teachers there in holding conversations on contentious topics in classrooms and in dealing with skeptical parents.

Its really important that rural communities not be left behind, Flanagan said. They persistently are in America, and then theyre often simultaneously demonized for some of the most extreme, or extremist, political problems and challenges.

The CARE team hopes to expand its program nationwide. Similar public health initiatives have been launched elsewhere, including Boston Childrens Hospitals Trauma and Community Resilience Center and the DEEP program, run by New York Citys Citizens Crime Commission.

And in June a new tool, the Reach Out Resource Hub, went live, offering guidance to help prevent violent extremism.

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Pete Simi, a professor of sociology at Chapman University and a leading expert on extremism, sees a daunting task ahead, with extremism having become more mainstream over the past 25 years. Its just devastating, he said. Its really startling.

Simi said that while there was previously talk of shifts in the Overton window, the range of ideas considered politically acceptable to mainstream society, I would say now it has been completely shattered. Violent extremists now feel unshackled, supported by a new administration that has their back.

We are in a more dangerous time now than any other in my lifetime, Simi said.

The Rev. Pippin Whitaker ministers the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens in Georgia, which last year received a package of ammunition in the mail with no note included. She embraces framing extremism, and peoples lack of awareness of it, as a public health issue.

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If you have a germ out there, Whitaker said, and people arent aware that if you wash your hands you can protect yourself, and that its an actual problem, you wont enact basic protective behavior.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
For agricultural workers at swine farms, just breathing can disrupt gut health, leading to problems such as leaky gut, according to a new study.

What's happening?

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside found that inhaling hog farm dust alters the gut microbiome and impairs intestinal function, including increasing chances of developing "leaky gut," according to a news release. This builds on previous research that tied the inhalation of agricultural dust to airway inflammation.

The researchers exposed mice to hog dust intranasally for three weeks. The test subjects showed a significant decline in beneficial bacteria along with decreased levels of critical compounds such as riboflavin and nicotinic acid in their guts.

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"What's especially striking is the impact we observed on the gut microbiome and metabolism," first author Meli'sa Crawford said.

Why is this study important?

According to the scientists, their paper adds to a growing body of evidence that links pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations to detrimental impacts on multiple organ systems.

And this is just one of many dangers that agricultural workers face. For instance, farmers in Maine are worried about their health after discovering their land was contaminated with PFAS, or "forever chemicals," because of the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. Testing found high levels of these chemicals in the bloodstreams of farmers and their families.

Plus, rising heat is threatening farm workers, with one study predicting agricultural labor productivity will drop significantly in key food production regions such as Pakistan and India by the end of the century.

What's being done about the threats facing farm workers?

The authors of the new study advocate for improved workplace protections for agricultural workers.

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When it comes to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, states are pushing for regulations on sewage sludge as a fertilizer. For instance, New York lawmakers are vying for a ban.

And researchers are encouraging the use of agrivoltaics, a crop-growing method that plants solar panels into farmland. In addition to generating clean energy and even helping plants grow better, these arrays can offer much-needed shade to farm workers.

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Some Kentucky residents are unhappy about construction plans being made by Amazon, according to Fox19.

What's happening?

The company has been seeking municipal permission to build Greater Cincinnati's first sustainable refueling station in Hebron. Additional permissions are required since the proposed land isn't zoned for that use.

"The noise is what I'm worried about. Noise, the light pollution. It's an operation that's going to run 24/7," nearby resident Tom Dorsey told Fox19.

Why is Amazon's transportation important?

Amazon is the biggest online retailer in the world, and its shipping infrastructure is expansive. The giant has made efforts to update its fleet to be more sustainable, but with that comes necessary charging infrastructure.

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That said, the new Hebron station will include more than just electric vehicle charging. It also intends to supply fuel for compressed natural gas vehicles, which are much less sustainable. CNG only reduces pollution by about 20% compared to gasoline, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Amazon claims its fuel offers a 75% drop in emissions compared to diesel. It also brands its alternative fuel as renewable, including "renewable diesel" made from waste fats and oils, which could be an instance of greenwashing.

What's being done about Amazon's electric charging infrastructure?

There will be a public hearing on Amazon's plans for a refueling station in Hebron on Sept. 10. Hesitant neighbors appreciate the necessity of the refueling infrastructure but are hoping it will be built somewhere else. Otherwise, they will be in a tough spot.

"What do we do now? Do we move? How are we going to sell our house? What's going to go on with our property value? Just a lot of things to consider, you know? Who wants to buy a house with a truck stop in their backyard?" Dorsey said, per Local.

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Avondale Estates is widening its downtown sidewalks to allow restaurants to set up outdoor dining and attract more visitors.

The sidewalk widening project is part of a master plan to make downtown Avondale Estates more inviting and attractive to visitors. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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Coinciding with the widening project, Avondale Estates City Commissioners passed an ordinance on Wednesday that requires businesses to get permits to have outdoor seating and food at their properties.

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Channel 2 Action News reported the permit process was passed unanimously in the city commission, taking effect upon being signed by the mayor.

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For places like us, we have such a small square footage inside. Its helpful to have tables outside to expand that space and allow more people to enjoy our pastries, Morgan Perkins, co-owner of Galette Pastry Shop, told Channel 2s Tom Regan.

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Perkins said that the additional space allows her business to accommodate more customers, which has been beneficial for her shop.

City Manager Patrick Bryant explained that the sidewalk widening is part of a broader initiative to enhance the downtown area and make it a more appealing destination. Georgia Tech engineering students visited the bakery to enjoy pastries.

What were trying to do is create more of a main street to attract visitors here as a destination, Bryant said.

The sidewalk widening project in Avondale Estates is set to enhance the downtown area, providing more space for outdoor dining and attracting visitors to the community.

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Each shift, a restaurant worker watches perfectly good bread hit the trash, and the guilt is starting to pile up higher than the loaves themselves.

What's happening?

A user in the r/KitchenConfidential subreddit shared that their restaurant discards "a bunch of loaves of bread" at the end of every day rather than donating it or allowing staff to take it home.

"Every day I come into work I feel like an awful person," the worker wrote, posting an image of bagged-up bread set on the curb.

Photo Credit: Reddit

Unfortunately, the comments section made clear that this was not a unique situation.

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"Liability is the biggest reason all around," explained a commenter. "If the food comes from your establishment and gets people sick, it falls back on you."

Others, however, noted that there are proven ways to safely redirect excess food to shelters or food banks.

Why is food waste important?

Globally, wasted food is estimated to contribute 10% of total planet-warming pollution, as the World Wide Fund For Nature observed.

When edible food ends up in landfills, it produces methane, a harmful gas that is more than 80 times as potent in planet-warming potential as carbon dioxide.

The damage of wasted food extends beyond its environmental impact, too. A lot of this food can be redirected to address the needs of millions who face food insecurity every day.

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It is a shame when perfectly good bread is tossed nightly while shelters and pantries struggle to meet demand. If such policies remain standard, the environmental footprint of restaurants will continue to grow.

Is the restaurant doing anything about this?

While the original Reddit post did not name the specific restaurant, many national chains have drawn scrutiny for similar practices.

Some cite health regulations as the reason they can't donate leftovers. However, other companies have demonstrated it's possible to implement waste-reduction systems.

For instance, Kroger partnered with the Arkansas Foodbank to donate surplus food after a storm-related power outage, ensuring tons of food went to families in need instead of the dump.

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Trader Joe's has also worked to donate products after spoilage risks, setting a positive example.

While these food donation systems are not yet widespread, there are other solutions that restaurants can consider as well. Composting, for example, could serve as a backup strategy to prevent food from becoming methane pollution.

What's being done about food waste more broadly?

Across America, Good Samaritan Food Donation laws protect businesses from liability when donating food in good faith, and new initiatives aim to connect restaurants with local charities.

Apps like Too Good To Go allow consumers to buy surplus food at a discount, while composting programs in cities such as San Francisco and New York help reduce landfill impact.

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Individuals can also play a role by supporting restaurants and grocers that participate in donation or waste-reduction programs.

Throwing away good bread may feel like a small act, but multiplied across thousands of restaurants, it's a major issue we can't afford to ignore.

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.
The installation of a Revolution Wind turbine is shown. The Trump administration has ordered construction stopped on Rhode Island's first large-scale offshore wind project, even though it is 80% complete. (Photo courtesy of rsted)

Limited power supply in extreme weather events, rising and unpredictable utility bills and thousands of union laborers without work.

Thats the dire picture of Rhode Islands future without more offshore wind energy, Christopher Kearns, Rhode Islands acting energy commissioner, said in an Aug. 8 affidavit submitted to federal court in Massachusetts.

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Two weeks later, the Trump administration abruptly halted construction on Revolution Wind, a project already 80% completed and set to begin delivering power to Rhode Island and Connecticut in mid-2026. Predictions of economic and environmental harms quickly solidified, leaving workers stranded at sea, regional grid reliability under threat and state decarbonization mandates potentially out of reach.

The invocation of the Wind Memorandum to issue a Stop Work Order for the fully permitted Revolution Wind project as it nears completion will harm Rhode Island, its residents, our strong labor workforce, and our offshore wind and related industries, Kearns wrote in a second affidavit on Aug 28. Moreover, it will harm our efforts to diversify our energy system and increase reliability.

The consequences for Rhode Islands only commercial offshore wind project will feature heavily in a Sept. 4 federal court hearing, where a group of 18 Democratic state attorneys general, including Rhode Islands Peter Neronha, will ask U.S. District Judge William Young of Massachusetts to throw out the Trump administrations Jan. 20 executive order halting reviews of offshore wind projects.

The Revolution stop-work order provides another example of the harmful effects of Defendants arbitrary decision to adopt and implement the Wind Directive to stop wind-energy development in our States, the AGs wrote in an Aug. 28 court filing. And it underscores the importance of prompt vacatur of that decision to enable projects in and beyond the permitting pipeline to proceed toward development.

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The Revolution stop-work order provides another example of the harmful effects of Defendants arbitrary decision to adopt and implement the Wind Directive to stop wind-energy development in our States

 Attorneys generals in an Aug. 28 filing as part of a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration

The court hearing in Boston was scheduled two months before the Revolution Wind project was suddenly put in jeopardy, prompted by a multistate lawsuit filed in May against the Trump administration. The initial complaint centered on offshore wind projects still awaiting federal approvals, like the SouthCoast Wind project proposed off the coast of Marthas Vineyard, from which Rhode Island is also in negotiations to buy power.

Revolution Wind did not appear at risk, having already begun construction soon after receiving its final federal permit in November 2023.

Stuck in limbo

Little comfort now to the dozen millwrights idled aboard Wind Scylla in Rhode Island Sound for over a week, who were building turbines when the stop work order came through.

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Were still waiting for an answer from the companies and the contractors on whats going on, Evan Wytas, business representative for Millwrights Local 1121, said in an interview Friday morning. We havent gotten any word that they are on their way back, or when that will be.

Meanwhile, another two dozen union trade workers scheduled to head out to the construction site Aug. 28 are still on land, waiting by the phone for the call that they can head to work, said Erica Hammond, legislative director for the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.

Workers are still getting paid for now, Hammond confirmed, though those who remain onshore much longer might have to file for unemployment, depending on the specific details of their contracts.

It is very frustrating, Hammond said. To stop now, in the case of this specific project, its a waste of resources.

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Were still waiting for an answer from the companies and the contractors on whats going on. We havent gotten any word that they are on their way back, or when that will be.

 Evan Wytas, business representative for Millwrights Local 1121 on the millwrights stranded at sea

More than 1,000 union workers have spent the last two years building the 65-turbine project, 40 of which have been installed, as well as a pair of substations that will connect the power supply to Rhode Island and Connecticut. The 704 megawatts of nameplate capacity is enough to power 350,000 homes across both states, equal to 2.5% of the electricity load throughout New England, Kearns said in his affidavit.

The renewable electricity supply has already been baked into Rhode Islands clean energy portfolio and is crucial to meeting the 2021 Act on Climate Law, which mandates net-zero emissions by 2050 with incremental, legally enforceable benchmarks that kick in at the end of the decade.

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Orsted, the Danish company co-developing the project, pledged to explore solutions to resume work, including potential litigation, while exploring the financial implications for its $4 billion project. The company is seeking to raise another $9.4 billion from its shareholders, confirming Friday that its majority stakeholder, the Danish government, has agreed to the share sale. The fundraising plan was unveiled in the companys Aug. 11 quarterly earnings release, before work was forced to stop on Revolution Wind.

The stop-work order for Revolution Wind emphasizes the increased regulatory uncertainty for offshore wind in the U.S., the company said Friday. The planned rights issue has been sized to provide the required strengthening of Orsteds capital structure to execute its business plan, even when taking into account the impact of this uncertainty on Orsteds US offshore wind portfolio.

The Revolution Wind project was expected to bring in $156.7 million in net income for the company each year once operational, the company said. An extraordinary general meeting is scheduled for Sept. 5 to receive board approval for the share sale.

Neronhas office is also considering additional legal action, but had not filed anything as of Friday. Hes focused on the existing multistate lawsuit challenging federal actions on offshore wind.

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Revolution Wind, a renewable energy project that is right at the finish line, and which would add 400MW to our clean energy portfolio, must move forward, Neronha said in a statement Friday. Billions in investment, more than 1,000 jobs, and an energy future that helps, not hurts, generations to come, are all on the line. For this reason, we formally notified the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts of the Presidents unlawful stop work order and the harm it will cause to Rhode Islanders. We cannot allow this Administration to stop this project, and we will continue to explore additional legal avenues to prevent them from doing so.

DOT yanks port funding

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday it was pulling $679 million in federal infrastructure grants tied to 12 doomed offshore wind projects across the country. Among the casualties: an $11.2 million grant for Quonset Development Corp. to upgrade its port, improving terminal access for offshore wind projects along with strengthening resiliency against sea level rise.

The Quonset Development Corporation is disappointed by this decision but understands that this administration is working to fund projects in line with its current policy priorities, Steven King, managing director for the quasi-public state agency, said in an emailed response Friday. Given that the Quonset Business Parks 250 companies work broadly across nearly every sector of the economy, including in shipbuilding, we believe there is common ground to pursue and look forward to working together on new grant projects that align with the administrations objectives and that grow the economy.

Gov. Dan McKee was not as forgiving.

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This decision undermines progress on critical infrastructure and threatens Rhode Islands economic and energy future, McKee said in a statement late Friday afternoon. The Port of Davisville and the broader Quonset Business Park are vital hubs for manufacturing, shipping, and energy, including the states offshore wind industry. This funding would have modernized port infrastructure and expanded cargo capacity. By withdrawing it, the Trump administration is undermining a high-performing port that drives real economic output, strengthens regional supply chains, and plays a central role in advancing energy and long-term growth for Rhode Island and across the Northeast.

The Sept. 4 hearing in Boston will also give the federal agencies and cabinet directors named as defendants a chance to present their own arguments on why the lawsuit should be tossed. Adam Gustafson, acting assistant U.S. Attorney General, defended the federal administrations pause on offshore wind projects in an Aug. 8 memo, citing potential legal deficiencies in past practices, the possibility of serious harm to various interests and marine mammals, and the potential inadequacies of various environmental reviews.

Gustafson argued that states lacked the jurisdiction to challenge federal review powers, at least on a universal basis. He asked the judge to rule in favor of the defendants, or to limit orders to specific projects and permits, rather than a blanket ruling denying federal review power over offshore wind as a whole.

Limiting relief in such a way would be practical and minimize risk of confusion for Agency Defendants responsible for overseeing federal wind leasing and permitting processes, Gustafson wrote.

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Judge Young is unlikely to make a decision on the dueling motions at the Sept. 4 hearing. A ruling will come at a later, unscheduled date.

This story has been updated to include a response from Steven King on behalf of Quonset Development Corp and from Gov. Dan McKee.

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Jim O'Neill has been chosen to serve as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a source familiar with the matter confirmed Thursday  one day after the CDC's Senate-confirmed leader was ousted.

A former tech investor, O'Neill currently serves as deputy secretary of Health and Human Services, working under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy confirmed O'Neill's appointment in a message to CDC staff obtained by CBS News, saying he hopes to "rebuild this institution into what it was always meant to be: a guardian of America's health and security."

Kennedy said, "I want you to hear directly from me - the mission remains strong, and so does my full confidence in you." The note goes on to say that reform "doesn't diminish your work" and "together we will restore trust. Together we will rebuild this institution."

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CBS News has reached out to the White House for comment.

He will take over the CDC after a tumultuous 24 hours for the Atlanta-based public health agency. Susan Monarez was terminated by the White House on Wednesday after just weeks on the job, leading her lawyers to argue that only President Trump can lawfully fire her. They also allege Monarez was "targeted" for resisting "unscientific, reckless directives."

At least four other top CDC leaders have also resigned in recent days, in some cases criticizing the Trump administration's views on vaccines or cuts to the agency.

O'Neill has served as deputy HHS secretary since June, after working at the agency during former President George W. Bush's administration. His HHS biography credits him with leading reforms at the Food and Drug Administration to "overhaul food safety regulations" in the late 2000s.

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O'Neill previously worked in the orbit of Peter Thiel, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and GOP megadonor. He served as CEO of the nonprofit Thiel Foundation, and he co-founded the Thiel Fellowship, a scholarship program that offers $200,000 to college-age entrepreneurs who agree to stay out of school, according to his HHS bio. O'Neill also worked at Thiel's hedge fund, Clarium Capital.

CDC faces turmoil as director ousted

Monarez was fired from the CDC on Wednesday, less than a month after the Senate confirmed her to lead the agency. She previously served as acting director starting in January.

White House spokesman Kush Desai said Monarez "is not aligned with the President's agenda of Making America Healthy Again." A lawyer for the director, Mark Zaid, called the move "legally deficient" because she was fired by a White House staffer rather than Mr. Trump himself.

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The CDC has had a tumultuous few months, marked by hundreds of layoffs and sweeping changes spearheaded by Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic who has questioned the COVID-19 shots and promoted discredited theories linking certain childhood vaccines to autism. Kennedy fired every member of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory panel earlier this year.

There has been friction between Kennedy and Monarez  who has said vaccines "absolutely save lives"  over the health agency's approach to vaccines, CDC officials told CBS News.

The agency is also still grappling with a shooting outside its headquarters earlier this month. Police said the gunman harbored "discontent with the COVID-19 vaccinations."

In a resignation email sent to CDC staff on Wednesday, the agency's former Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry warned of a "rise of misinformation" about vaccines, and wrote: "For the good of the nation and the world, the science at CDC should never be censored or subject to political pauses or interpretations."

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And Demetre Daskalakis, who led the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, publicly criticized Kennedy's views on vaccines and approach to leading HHS in a scathing resignation letter posted on X.

"Having worked in local and national public health for years, I have never experienced such radical non-transparency, nor have I seen such unskilled manipulation of data to achieve a political end rather than the good of the American people," Daskalakis said.

The flood of resignations and Monarez's firing drew outrage from congressional Democrats and pushback from some Republicans.

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who chairs the Senate health committee and voted to confirm Kennedy, said the departures will "require oversight."

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Meanwhile, Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington called Kennedy a "dangerous man" and argued he should be fired.

Kennedy reacted to the upheaval on Thursday by calling the CDC "very troubled."

"There's a lot of trouble at CDC, and it's going to require getting rid of some people over the long term in order for us to change the institutional culture," he said at an event in Texas. "I'm very confident in the political staff that we have down there now."

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Back in 2020, Americans in the throes of the COVID pandemic learned about inflection points  the moment in a crisis, in that case a public health disaster, that marks a threshold for change.

Related: John Fetterman Says There's No Need To 'Freak Out' Over New White House Ballroom

Five years later, public health in the United States is at a very different inflection point.

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Mass firings and even a shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Atlanta headquarters had already left the nations health officials rattled and demoralized. Then on Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, announced that the Food and Drug Administration had approved an updated version of the coronavirus vaccine  but only for a narrow group of people that included older adults and those with certain preexisting conditions.

The approval potentially shuts out millions of people, including healthy adults and children, from protecting themselves from severe illness. The announcement followed upheaval at the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the committee that recommends vaccines for the broader population. In June, Kennedy fired the entire group of people and replaced them with vaccine skeptics.

Then, also on Wednesday, the administration fired Dr. Susan Monarez, the head of the CDC  apparently over vaccines. Monarezs lawyer said she was targeted because she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts. In a statement, the White House later said that she was not aligned with the Presidents agenda.

Related: HHS Employees Demand RFK Jr. Take Action, Ownership After CDC Shooting

In a sign of protest, several other high-ranking officials also left their jobs, citing concerns about the anti-science direction the agency was taking.Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who worked on immunizations at the agency, said in his resignation letter. Then, dozens of staffers at the CDC walked out of their jobs on Thursday in support of their leaders who had spoken out.

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After months of chaos and confusion, Americas public health infrastructure is on the brink of true disaster, killed by a thousand cuts of distrust and dismantlement.

I think itll be a real challenge to undo the effects of the last few months, Rachael Piltch-Loeb, a scientist at Harvard Universitys T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told HuffPost.

Experts and everyday Americans have expressed alarm at the breakdown of crucial public health structures. The CDCs mandate covers a massive amount of ground, from tracking and preventing infectious diseases to public health awareness campaigns that keep Americans up to date on information that can help them make the best choices for their own health.

Related: Trump Makes Rare Admission On Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 'I Thought I Had It Done'

In the 1960s, the CDC played a vital role in fighting smallpox that would lead to global eradication in 1977. In the following decades, the agency also discovered causes for Legionnaires disease and toxic-shock syndrome. In more modern times, the CDC has helped other countries contain outbreaks of infectious disease  so that they wouldnt spread further.

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Over time, the U.S. could lose its ability to detect and respond quickly to threats unless that responsibility is shifted to another entity, Sarah McCool, a public health professor at Georgia State University, told HuffPost.

Most Americans rarely interact with the CDC directly, but they benefit from the work that it does in areas ranging from investigating emerging disease to monitoring foodborne outbreaks, she added.

Kennedys antics, Piltch-Loeb said, have supercharged what was already a growing problem. Public health was having a crisis before [Kennedy], Piltch-Loeb said, But this is going to undo decades of progress.

Related: 'A Lot Of Americans Are Going To Die': Vaccine Expert Speaks Out After Resigning From CDC

There have always been naysayers and misinformation around public health efforts: Recent U.S. outbreaks like swine flu in 2009 or the spread of mpox in 2022 were met with skepticism. But theres a difference between what weve seen before and whats happening now: Right-wing politicians have leaned heavily on anti-intellectualism and anti-science, and that thinking has grown exponentially under President Donald Trump.

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In 2020, after only a couple of weeks of masking and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, many Americans began to defy public health experts warnings about COVID  and it was more pronounced among Republicans, particularly as Trump himself promoted conspiracy theories and skepticism. They protested against coronavirus-related closures around the country, spread misinformation about COVID cures, and when the Trump administration launched Operation Warp Speed to fast-track a viable vaccine, his own supporters immediately began to doubt its efficacy.

And with the appointment of notorious vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. to lead the nations health policy, that skepticism and distrust have found a home within the institution of public health itself. The calls are coming from inside the building.

Weve also seen distrust in public health before, said McCool. Usually, however, it was focused on a specific and singular crisis. Whats different now is that skepticism is directed at the very existence and authority of our institutions.

Related: RFK Jr. Refuses To Blame Misinformation As Driving Force Behind CDC Shooting

It is a frightening harbinger of the state of things to come. On Friday, Daskalakis, who resigned from his role as director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, appeared on the New York Times podcast The Daily to explain why he could no longer stay at the public health institution.

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The CDC that were talking about today is not even the CDC of two years ago, he said. The vaccine expert issued a dire warning about the future of public health in the U.S.

I am very, very worried about the safety of our country and our health, and I had to say it out loud, he said. I think that the data is going to be compromised. The science is not going to be science, its going to be some Frankenstein of science and ideology.

Its not like Americans could not have seen this coming: During his nomination hearing for HHS secretary, Kennedy was pressed on his views on vaccines, including the fact that in 2021 he said that Black people dont need to be on the same vaccine schedule as white because their immune systems are better. (During slavery, the myth that Black people dont feel pain was used to justify using enslaved people for medical experiments.) He is an open proponent of the myth that vaccines cause autism and is one of the founders of the Childrens Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization.

Still, he was confirmed to his position, including by at least one senator who may be feeling some regret.

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In a statement Thursday, Sen. Bill Cassidy  who is himself a physician and also cast the deciding vote for RFK Jr.s confirmation  said ACIP should postpone its next meeting until the leadership at the CDC can be untangled.

If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership, he said.

But it may be too little too late. For individual Americans trying to manage their health, itsunclear how insurers will approach the coronavirus vaccine going forward. Private health insurers typically rely on ACIP recommendations when making coverage decisions.

If a vaccine is not officially recommended, insurers may not cover it, Piltch-Loeb said. Many people will lose access because they cant afford to pay and theyll open themselves up to more severe infection. Beyond the COVID vaccine, the risk of being bumped from insurance coverage applies to any vaccine that the now-vaccine-averse ACIP panel chooses not to recommend.

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And then there are the broader concerns  as Daskalakis told The Daily.

I do think that theres going to be a vacuum [in public expertise], he said. I cant tell you when its going to happen, but infectious diseases always find a way. And we have less visibility in whats happening with infectious diseases across the entire globe. Weve been a leader in that space, and thats ended.  If were not there, dont know whats going on, it may not be until it lands on our shores that we know whats happening.

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Read the original on HuffPost
Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling rebuked a Northwest Side alderman who expressed skepticism this week about Chicagos year-over-year crime declines as the city girds itself ahead of a possible deployment of National Guard troops.

Ald. Anthony Napolitano, 41st, said in a social media post Wednesday that criminal incident reclassification may be a reason for the citys double-digit declines in violent crime.

A reported drop in homicides could just as easily mean an increase in death investigations, Napolitano wrote in a Facebook post. Its easy to show a decline in burglaries and robberies if those crimes are just being relabeled as theft. Fewer shooting incidents on the books may correspond with more property damage reports.

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Speaking with the Tribune, Snelling said Napolitanos social media statement was the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard and a slap in the face to members of the Police Department. The superintendent also pointed to the years of crime data the city already makes public.

If I were lying and I had the ability to hide 125 homicides, why wouldnt I do 250 homicides? Snelling said Thursday. Why wouldnt I do more? Why wouldnt I hide them all?

These men and women are working their asses off, Snelling said. To be accused of lying, to be accused of doctoring the numbers is an insult.

A member of a multigeneration CPD family, Napolitano, himself a former Chicago polie officer and Chicago firefighter, stressed that he wholly supports Snelling and the departments officers.

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Through late August, the city had recorded 266 homicides, a 32% decline in killings from the same time period in 2024, according to CPD data. The Cook County medical examiners office, meanwhile, had recorded 276 homicides on the year in Chicago. The city remains on pace to record fewer than 500 killings this year, a goal set last year by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The medical examiners office, in its homicide total, includes killings that CPD may classify as self-defense or non-criminal. Additionally, shootings that occur on Chicagos expressways are not investigated by CPD, but instead by Illinois State Police.

Total shooting incidents are also reported down 36% citywide. Reports of robberies, batteries, burglaries and car thefts  index crimes used by CPD and the FBI to gauge criminal trends  are all down by double-digit percentages as well.

In an interview with the Tribune, Napolitano said during his time as a CPD officer he witnessed criminal incidents being reclassified to less severe offenses.

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In a lot of cases, you know, you have to go to a supervisor to get permission or the approval to charge or to classify a crime as that UCR code, Napolitano said. If not, theyll tell you what to identify it as.

Ive seen it happen, and I hope thats not whats happening here, he added.

Napolitano represents about 3,000 city workers who call the 41st Ward home. In the 2024 general election, President Donald Trump captured 51% of the votes in the ward, according to records from the Office of Inspector General and Chicago Board of Elections.

Napolitanos claims came as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also accused Chicago of juking its homicide statistics, without evidence.

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Chicago has also, just like D.C., come under scrutiny over discrepancies in its homicide data reporting, Leavitt told reporters Thursday. So as bad as these numbers are, perhaps they are even worse.

Napolitano emphasized that he wasnt accusing the department of engaging in a conspiracy, but said, Its just weird that, all of a sudden, our numbers have come down drastically and its not what people are witnessing on the street right now.

Chicago officers are making more arrests this year, records show. The average daily population of detainees in the Cook County Jail has returned to pre-pandemic levels, even as the SAFE-T Act was passed and implemented, eliminating the cash bail system.

Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin contributed.
CHICAGO  Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling rebuked a Northwest Side alderman who expressed skepticism this week about Chicagos year-over-year crime declines as the city girds itself ahead of a possible deployment of National Guard troops.

Alderman Anthony Napolitano, 41st, said in a social media post Wednesday that criminal incident reclassification may be a reason for the citys double-digit declines in violent crime.

A reported drop in homicides could just as easily mean an increase in death investigations, Napolitano wrote in a Facebook post. Its easy to show a decline in burglaries and robberies if those crimes are just being relabeled as theft. Fewer shooting incidents on the books may correspond with more property damage reports.

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Speaking with the Tribune, Snelling said Napolitanos social media statement was the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard and a slap in the face to members of the police department. The superintendent also pointed to the years of crime data the city already makes public.

If I were lying and I had the ability to hide 125 homicides, why wouldnt I do 250 homicides? Snelling said Thursday. Why wouldnt I do more? Why wouldnt I hide them all?

These men and women are working their asses off, Snelling said. To be accused of lying, to be accused of doctoring the numbers is an insult.

A member of a multi-generation CPD family, Napolitano, himself a former CPD officer and Chicago firefighter, stressed that he wholly supports Snelling and the departments officers.

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Through late August, the city had recorded 266 homicides, a 32% decline in killings from the same time period in 2024, according to CPD data. The Cook County medical examiners office, meanwhile, had recorded 276 homicides on the year in Chicago. The city remains on pace to record fewer than 500 killings this year, a goal set last year by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The medical examiners office, in its homicide total, includes killings that CPD may classify as self-defense or non-criminal. Additionally, shootings that occur on Chicagos expressways are not investigated by CPD, but instead the Illinois State Police.

Total shooting incidents are also reported down 36% citywide. Reports of robberies, batteries, burglaries and car thefts  index crimes used by CPD and the FBI to gauge criminal trends  are all down by double-digit percentages as well.

In an interview with the Tribune, Napolitano said during his time as a CPD officer he witnessed criminal incidents being reclassified to less severe offenses.

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In a lot of cases, you know, you have to go to a supervisor to get permission or the approval to charge or to classify a crime as that UCR code, Napolitano said. If not, theyll tell you what to identify it as.

Ive seen it happen, and I hope thats not whats happening here, he added.

Napolitano represents about 3,000 city workers who call the 41st Ward home. In the 2024 general election, President Donald Trump captured 51% of the votes in the ward, according to records from the Office of Inspector General and Chicago Board of Elections.

Napolitanos claims came as White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also accused Chicago of juking its homicide statistics, without evidence.

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Chicago has also, just like DC, come under scrutiny over discrepancies in its homicide data reporting, Leavitt told reporters Thursday. So as bad as these numbers are, perhaps they are even worse.

Napolitano emphasized that he wasnt accusing the department of engaging in a conspiracy, but said, Its just weird that, all of a sudden, our numbers have come down drastically and its not what people are witnessing on the street right now.

CPD officers are making more arrests this year, records show. The average daily population of detainees in the Cook County Jail has returned to pre-pandemic levels, even as the SAFE-T Act was passed and implemented, eliminating the cash bail system.

_____

Tribune reporter Alice Yin contributed to this report.

_____
An out-of-service Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Bus seen stopped on Huntington Avenue in Providence on Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

The board of directors for Rhode Islands public transit agency spent the first 90 minutes of its over two-hour meeting Thursday listening to pleas from riders and advocates urging them to delay service reductions across nearly 70% of its bus network.

Members of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authoritys (RIPTA) governing board even expressed empathy for riders as they considered a plan that would take effect Sept. 27.

But they still went ahead with it. The board voted 7-1 to approve the plan, which was released Monday afternoon by Gov. Dan McKee and RIPTA CEO Christopher Durand. The plan calls for reducing service on 46 of its 67 bus lines, primarily impacting weekend and off-peak hours.

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But it will avert bus driver layoffs that would have been necessary under a plan originally proposed July 24 to address a $10 million budget deficit. That earlier plan called on the agency to cut or reduce 58 routes.

We cant pass an unbalanced budget here, Chairman Peter Alviti Jr., who also heads the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, said ahead of the vote.

The agencys board was scheduled to approve those deeper cuts Aug. 7 in order to make up for the $10 million budget deficit, but tabled the decision after McKee sent a last-minute letter asking to hold off until the agency could draft a less severe plan.

The result was the budget framework announced Monday when McKee offered $3 million in federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds that RIPTA would later have to pay back. McKee also called on the agency to eliminate 13 vacant administrative positions and look at increasing the bus fare, which has been $2 per trip since 2010.

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Not only does the decision protect core ridership services, but also it prevents future wide-ranging tax increases on Rhode Islanders, McKee and Durand said in a joint statement Thursday afternoon. This decision provides a foundation for RIPTA to build a more modern and financially sustainable transit system.

Though the service reductions are less extensive than what the agency initially considered, advocates argue the plan does little to actually help the agency.

Make no mistake, the proposed cuts before you right now remain among the largest in RIPTAs 59-year history, John Flaherty, senior adviser for Grow Smart RI, told the board. It will inflict severe hardships on many people, businesses, and institutions while undermining the value of public transit.

Daniel Blanchette of Pawtucket said he regularly uses the 35 and 76 buses to get to the VETS Auditorium in Providence, where he works as an aisle captain. Under RIPTAs service plan, the 76 would no longer run on Saturdays and the 35 would not operate on Sundays.

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A lot of our events happen on the weekends in the evenings, Blanchette said. How am I going to get to work when those buses are not there and I need them?

Jeanelle Wheeler, a Providence resident who said she relies on 20 bus routes per month, warned the board that reducing service will only hurt ridership in the long run.

This proposal is not a victory, Wheeler said. Wounding RIPTA wounds all of Rhode Island, our citizens, our economy, and our future.

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority CEO Christopher Durand, center, and Edward D. Pare III, the boards counsel, right, listen as riders provides public comment on proposed service reductions before the agencys board of directors on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Could the legislature do more?

Only one board member voted against the new plan. Normand Benoit, the panels former chairman,said he was leaning toward approving the cuts. But wanted the board to have the option to rescind the vote if McKee were to asks the General Assembly to allocate additional funding for RIPTA in a supplemental budget.

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I think we have tremendous support if the governor puts a supplemental budget up, Benoit said.

Its certainly true for Rep. David Morales, a Providence Democrat who petitioned the board Thursday to instead pass a resolution to call for a special session.

While its true RIPTA has been dealt a hard hand of being underfunded this last state budget, I want us to recognize there are still other opportunities that exist to prevent these service cuts, Morales said.

Rep. Tersa Tanzi, a South Kingstown Democrat, also expressed support for getting additional funding for the agency.

Its time that we as a state make the determination as to whether or not we are going to be the provider of predictable public transportation, plain and simple, she told the board.

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Tanzi told reporters after the meeting she texted House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi to commit to more funding for RIPTA. Larry Berman, a spokesperson for Shekarchis office, acknowledged a request for comment but did not immediately send a response.

This proposal is not a victory. Wounding RIPTA wounds all of Rhode Island, our citizens, our economy, and our future.

 Jeanelle Wheeler, a Providence resident and RIPTA rider

Board member Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, said he would support holding a special meeting to revise the cuts, but said he doesnt see a supplemental budget becoming reality.

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If someone in the government gives us the budget to undo [the cuts], sign me up and well get there and undo them, He said. [But] one of the frustrating elements of being on a board like this is much of our decision-making processes are determined by other people.

If every month this gets delayed without some kind of agreement, the agency is going deeper and deeper into deficit, he continued.

But Alviti called Benoits move improper.

We cant just go back to them as we have historically and say, We just want more money, he said. How has that worked over the last 40 years?

No other board members seconded Benoits motion. McKees office did not immediately respond to request for comment on whether the governor would recommend the General Assembly look into a supplemental budget.

After the meeting adjourned, transit advocates booed the board.

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RIVERTON, Utah (ABC4)  Riverton Police signed an agreement Friday to participate in a task force with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.), making them the first department in the state to do so.

Riverton has signed the 287(g) Task Force Memorandum of Agreement with I.C.E., the first in the state of Utah, a statement issued from Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs and Riverton Police Chief Shane Taylor reads. This will enhance coordination with our federal partners in the field and strengthen our ability to investigate, apprehend, and address crimes connected to unlawful presence in the United States.

The agreement reportedly gives specially trained Riverton police officers the authority to carry out certain limited federal immigration enforcement duties in conjunction with I.C.E. agents.

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Through this program, Riverton officers receive federal training and certification to identify, process, and detain individuals who are in the country unlawfully, the statement reads.

This partnership acts as a force multiplier. It allows federal immigration authorities and our local law enforcement team to work side-by-side to locate and remove criminal offenders who threaten public safety, Mayor Staggs and Chief Taylor wrote. By putting federal resources to work here in Riverton, we can better protect our residents, uphold the rule of law, and keep our neighborhoods safe from criminal activity.

The Riverton officials further commended the Trump administration for this program, stating that theyre now getting the backing needed to confront crime head-on and protect law-abiding residents.

We encourage other local law enforcement agencies to join the 287(g) Task Force program to help bolster public safety around our state, Mayor Staggs and Chief Taylor wrote. With this agreement, and our other interagency task force cooperation agreements across the valley, we stand ready to protect our residents, uphold the rule of law, and defend the immigration processes that keep our nation strong and secure.

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Aug. 28ROCHESTER  The Rochester Police Department will be going forward with a previously scheduled active shooter drill on Friday.

"On the heels of the tragic shootings at a Minneapolis church and school, the Rochester Police Department (RPD) reaffirms its commitment to preparedness and public safety. As part of ongoing training efforts, RPD and partner agencies will conduct a previously scheduled active shooter drill," RPD said in a news release.

Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and 18 others were injured Wednesday morning in a mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School in south Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis identified an additional child victim on Thursday morning, raising the total injured from 17 to 18. The suspected shooter, identified Wednesday afternoon as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide in a parking lot at the scene of the shooting.

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RPD said the training, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3800 50th Ave. SE (the former location of the Mighty Oaks Early Learning School), was "planned well in advance of this week's events, but it underscores the importance of readiness and coordinated response."

Participants in the training include Rochester Emergency Management, the Rochester Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service.

"Residents can expect to see uniformed first responders and emergency vehicles in the area throughout the day," RPD said in a news release.

The exercise will be closed to the media and public.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Rochester woman is facing a murder charge after police say she fatally stabbed her stepfather during a confrontation earlier this week.

Police said 49-year-old Gary Morgan was driven to St. Marys Medical Campus on Genesee Street just before 4 p.m. Wednesday with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators determined the stabbing occurred at Dewey and Driving Park avenues. Detectives later identified the suspect as Morgans stepdaughter, 31-year-old Keyanna Richards.

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According to police, Morgan confronted Richards about items she had stolen from his apartment when she allegedly stabbed him multiple times.

Richards was arrested Thursday during a vehicle stop by the U.S. Marshals Violent Felony Fugitive Task Force. She is charged with second-degree murder and is being held at the Monroe County Jail.

She was arraigned on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in Rochester City Court. She pleaded not guilty.

Richards also faces two outstanding felony fugitive warrants: one from Sangamon County, Illinois, for burglary and home invasion causing injury, and another from Polk County, Florida, for burglary with assault or battery.

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A draft flyer for a Sept. 10 event in Quebec City attempting to boost New Hampshire Canadian business ties featuring Gov. Kelly Ayotte, Aug. 25, 2025. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

In March: a 25% tariff imposed by the U.S on Canadian steel and aluminum. Soon after: a host of retaliatory tariffs passed by Canada against American goods. And then, in late August, a new pledge by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to remove most  but not all  of those counter-tariffs by Sept. 1.

The trade policies between the U.S. and its northern neighbor have careened in recent months, sending businesses into uncertainty as President Donald Trump pushes through aggressive and evolving negotiating tactics.

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In New Hampshire, they appear to be having an impact. By June 2025, exports to Canada for the year were 42.6% lower than at the same point in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureaus Foreign Trade Bureau.

But this fall, lawmakers and state officials are hoping to push past the chaos and make a simple pitch: The Granite State is still open for business.

Over multiple days in early September, New Hampshire leaders will carry out a trade mission with Canadian and American businesses to try to strengthen cross border ties. The efforts will culminate in Quebec City, when Gov. Kelly Ayotte will participate in what has been billed as an intimate reception for politicians and business leaders at a Hilton hotel.

Plans for the trade mission, which are still under development, include a Sept. 8 bus tour to Nova Scotia  by way of Littleton  with business leaders from both countries, according to Sen. Tim McGough, a Merrimack Republican and the chairman of the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council. That will be followed by a journey to Quebec ahead of the event with the governor,

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Were pretty happy to have a good contingent of significant business leaders joining us on the bus, said McGough during a council meeting Monday.

Theyre a captive audience, he added, speaking of the Canadian business representatives. And theyre looking forward to the captive audience too.

Sen. Tim McGough, center, a Merrimack Republican, speaks at a meeting of the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council, Aug. 25, 2025. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

The effort comes as New Hampshires economy has shown signs it has been affected by the trade war between Washington and Ottawa.

Canada is still New Hampshires No. 2 export country, bolstered in large part by sales of aircraft and spacecraft parts from companies such as Marmon Aerospace & Defense and GE Aviation. The state also sends machinery and fabricated metal products, according to a 2019 fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Commerce. But while in the full 2024 calendar year, the Granite State sent $1.2 billion worth of products over the northern border, it had only sent about $400 million by June of this year.

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In contrast, exports to New Hampshires leading export country, Germany, were 3.2% higher in June 2025 than in June 2024. And exports to Mexico, the states third highest importer, were up 14.9% in June.

Overall, New Hampshires exports to all countries, which totaled $7.1 billion in all of 2024, were down 4.19% in June.

Uncertain times

The states Department of Business and Economic Affairs is watching those numbers.

The department cannot be certain the drop in exports to Canada was caused by the tariffs; it could be supply chain changes that are unrelated, said Adam Boltik, program manager of the departments Office of International Commerce.

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But with something like a 40% drop, that does make you look, he said in an interview.

To help businesses keep up with the changing conditions, the BEA has regularly posted the latest tariffs on a page on its website. But Boltik said companies must make their own decisions over what to do with that information.

We are here to be a resource, he said. That can mean helping businesses affected by the tariffs to find mitigating measures such as alternative sources for their materials. The department can also help companies look for new markets to sell their products if the Canadian tariffs are hurting their business, he said.

The department is limited in what it knows. While some top line economic figures exist, much of the BEAs understanding comes from anecdotes. When companies will come to me and say, Hey, Ive got this coming in from Country X and all of a sudden, theres a tariff on it. What happens? In many cases, there is no way to collect the aggregate data needed to better understand those anecdotes, he added.

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Carneys announcement that Canada would be lifting many of its retaliatory tariffs is good news for many New Hampshire businesses, Boltik said. Still, there is a new worry. On Friday, Trumps executive order ending the de minimus tariff exception for U.S. imports will take effect. That change will mean that goods coming into the U.S. worth $800 or less, which were previously exempt from tariffs, will suddenly be subject to the taxes.

That, Boltik fears, could lead Canada to retaliate by imposing tariffs on small-dollar imports from the U.S. as well.

There may be enough of an outcry from those Canadian producers and small businesses that Canada does something, he said.

An enduring relationship

Rene Sylvestre, Quebecs delegate to New England, is optimistic the longstanding ties between the two geographic reasons can survive the tumult.

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Our economies are so intertwined that were still looking to do business and work with companies and folk in New England, he said in an interview.

Despite the tariffs, Sylvestre said he hasnt seen major changes in operations by Quebecois companies, partly because the supply chains are so established. That includes aerospace companies.

One source of that optimism: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, passed during the first Trump term as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. The agreement protects a swath of products from tariffs, including agriculture, automobile products, textiles, machinery, and digital products.

Pretty much most of our products are under the USMCA, Sylvestre said.

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That agreement did not stop the Trump administration from adding 25% tariffs to automobiles, steel and aluminum from Canada and Mexico, which the White House has said is allowed by security exceptions.

Sylvestre said trade missions such as the one in September are intended to reassure businesses.And the idea has precedent: In April, soon after the tariff standoff kicked off, a delegation of Canadian businesses visited Portsmouth for a similar trade mission.

Tourism decline

If businesses are staying the course, tourism is a different story. The number of tourists visiting New Hampshire from Canada has dropped around 30% this year, BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell said earlier this month.

Animosity toward the United States, in addition to economic anxieties and fears about having trouble at the U.S. border have helped to contribute to the drop in tourism, Sylvestre said.

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Before the trade war, there was a kind of unconditional trust and love between the countries, he said. Now, feelings are unsettled.

Its really a perfect storm, he said.

Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell, center, speaks at a meeting of the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council, Aug. 25, 2025. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin)

During Mondays meeting, some said they have seen the effect of the drop in tourism. Janet Wall, a Madbury Democrat, noted that the Seacoast usually sees a late-summer burst of tourism from Canadians. This year, she said, beachside parking lots are not full, and business owners say there has been a huge decline in Canadian visitors.

McGough had a different take. Browsing the parking lots of the Merrimack Outlets this year, he has seen plenty of Quebec license plates, he said.

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The dip in tourism comes after New Hampshire and Canada were only just rebounding from the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the land border between the two countries was largely closed. In February 2024, Canadian Consul General for New England Bernadette Jordan paid a visit to the New Hampshire House to tout that turnaround.

Whether its tourism, whether its trade, whether its people visiting families: We cant impede that, Jordan said in an interview with the Bulletin then. But we still have to make sure that what were doing is still working. It does seem to be working.

Today, under very different circumstances, Slyvestre hopes that that relationship will endure.

I see this as one corridor, he said. Even though its two countries, there are so many things that were doing together.





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Tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh gathered at the Kutupalong camp in Coxs Bazar on August 25 to mark eight years since their mass displacement from Myanmar. They called for a safe, dignified and voluntary return while human rights groups urged accountability for crimes committed against the community. Their exodus began in 2017 when a military crackdown in Rakhine State forced more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, an operation the United Nations later described as having genocidal intent.

Calls for repatriation

Refugees carried placards reading No more refugee life and Repatriation the ultimate solution, underscoring frustration with years of uncertainty in Bangladeshs overcrowded camps. Nineteen-year-old protester Nur Aziz said, 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.

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Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus warned that the nation cannot continue to host more than a million Rohingya without international support. He urged world leaders to help develop a roadmap for repatriation, saying, We dont foresee any scope whatsoever for further mobilisation of resources from domestic sources, given our numerous challenges. Officials in Dhaka maintain that safe and voluntary repatriation with citizenship guarantees is the only long-term solution.

Trending on NextShark: Rohingya in Bangladesh demand justice and safe return on 8th year of exodus

Worsening humanitarian conditions

Humanitarian needs in the camps continue to grow. More than 227,000 Rohingya children have been left without access to education after thousands of learning centers were shut down. Rights groups warn of a rise in child marriage and child labor, with the risk of creating a lost generation without schooling, opportunities, or protection. Cuts to food, health and shelter programs have further strained families already struggling to survive.

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Amnesty International marked the anniversary by stating that no one has been held accountable in Myanmar for the crimes committed against the Rohingya and warned of a heightened risk of further atrocities. The organization urged authorities to comply with international humanitarian law and cooperate with justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court. With camp conditions deteriorating, international aid dwindling and justice still out of reach, refugees say their demand for safe return to Myanmar has become more urgent than ever.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  One hundred sixteen rounds, thats how many shots were fired at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. The FBI is investigating it as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Two children were killed and more than a dozen others were hurt when a shooter opened fire during morning mass. We asked U.S. Senator Mike Rounds what can be done to stop violence like this.

I think if we had the answer to it, you know, wed be doing it already. Its not an easy topic to address, said Rounds.

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State justices uphold US Indian Child Welfare Act

Rounds says many of the shooters leave clues or even announce what they are going to do before it happens on the public square, which nowadays means social media.

Rounds says AI could be used to identify individuals who pose a threat and bring them to the attention of law enforcement.

I suspect that that is probably what we need to do now with regard to individuals who talk on the internet on social media and so forth, said Rounds. It used to be in the last few years that we simply didnt have the technical capability to monitor all that, but it might be time to, with regard to the public square, using artificial intelligence to begin that process of actually identifying when threatening remarks are being made in our public square today.

The suspected shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died of a self-inflicted gunshot. Hed posted several videos on YouTube that referenced violence and death. Rounds says he would like to see a coordinated effort between local and federal law enforcement and mental health professionals to help identify and investigate potential threats.

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Rounds serves as the Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committees Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.

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CCTV: As the SCO Tianjin Summit is about to be held, we noted that the Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy Studies Centre held a book launch event for Stories of the SCO in the New Era last week, inviting the public to share their own experience of participating in SCO cooperation. What is your comment?

Guo Jiakun: SCO cooperation in various fields has flourished in the new era with many touching stories. Centering on building an SCO community with a shared future and on the development of the SCO as was proposed by President Xi Jinping, the book Stories of the SCO in the New Era included 18 vivid stories of SCO countries engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation and benefiting the people in areas of science and technology, peoples wellbeing, environmental protection, and cultural and people-to-people exchange. It is a vivid illustration of the vision of building an SCO community with a shared future, and will help build a closer bond between the people in the big family of the SCO.

We believe that with the concerted effort of all parties, the upcoming SCO Tianjin Summit will become a summit of friendship, solidarity and fruitful outcomes, and the SCO will enter a new stage of high-quality development featuring greater solidarity, coordination, dynamism and productiveness, and contribute more solutions and strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Spanish Daily ABC: Spains Center for National Intelligence, together with other international agencies, has participated in a cybersecurity advisory issued this Wednesday. This advisory states that Chinas state-sponsored actors are targeting networks globally to access sensitive data and critical infrastructure at least since 2021 and even mentioned three specific entities. What is Chinas response to these accusations?

Guo Jiakun: China always opposes and fights hacking activities in accordance with the law. And China firmly opposes spreading disinformation out of political agenda. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the U.S. bringing certain countries along to smear and vilify China under the pretext of cybersecurity.

As is known by all, the PRISM program disclosed by Edward Snowden has shown that the U.S. has been proven to be the worlds largest hacking empire and eavesdropping empire. Even the countries, the U.S.s so-called allies, that participated in the farce this time, were once victims of its eavesdropping and surveillance. Yet now the U.S. is attempting to falsely accuse China of cyber espionage. This is typical hypocrisy of claiming itself to be the victim while its the other way around.

According to reports of a Chinese cybersecurity institution, the so-called Volt Typhoon once hyped up by the U.S. was actually a transnational ransomware group. It was a joint move of vilification and framing against China by U.S. intelligence agencies and cybersecurity companies in order to receive more congressional budgets.

Let me point out that according to U.S. media outlets, this incident so happened because the backdoor, originally opened by the U.S. intelligence service to eavesdrop on its own institutions and citizens, was used by hackers. Such backdoor in the U.S.s own telecommunication system is not only a U.S. feature, but also the best practices of Five Eyes. Who is engaged in massive cyber-eavesdropping? Who is the largest hacking empire? The international community knows full well the answer.

Cybersecurity is a global common challenge. China urges the U.S. to take a responsible attitude, and reflect more on what its doing instead of forming small groupings to smear others. China will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard its own security interests.

Spanish Daily ABC: In a specific case of Spain, this comes at a particular time because that mentioned cybersecurity advisory happens at the same time the Spanish government is facing pressure from the U.S. for choosing Huawei as a provider for its traditional network. I would like to ask what is Chinas response to that specific case and whether China can guarantee the safety of Huaweis digital infrastructure.

Guo Jiakun: I am not familiar with the specific project you mentioned. Let me point out that Chinese businesses have not only provided quality products and services to people of all countries across the world, but also contributed to local economic and social development as well as employment, and this is widely welcomed by various countries. Politicizing trade issues will only disrupt normal technological exchange and cooperation and does not serve any partys interests.

Reuters: Can you please tell us whether foreign troops will also march in next Wednesdays military parade? With Russia and North Koreas heads of state in attendance, can we expect to see soldiers from those two particular countries? Can you tell us whether any Taiwanese veterans or politicians will be attending?

Guo Jiakun: We welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin and DPRK Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un to China for events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. For your specific question, Id refer you to competent authorities.

Xinhua News Agency: The seventh China-Arab States Expo opened in Yinchuan, Ningxia yesterday. Close to 10,000 people from 75 countries and regions took part in the expo, and the UAE attended as the Guest Country of Honor. What is your comment?

Guo Jiakun: Since the launch in 2013, the China-Arab States Expo has been an important platform for Belt and Road cooperation between China and Arab states. Weve learned that themed Innovation, Green Development and Prosperity, this expo focuses on digital economy, clean energy, artificial intelligence, modern agriculture, water resources, smart meteorology and other trending topics, and is expected to reach a good number of results. This says a lot about the vigorous trade cooperation between China and Arab states. The expo will feature the council meeting of the China-Arab Countries Inter-Bank Association, the Silk Road E-Commerce innovation and development conference, and other events on meteorology, standardization and intellectual property, the first of their kind in the expos history, which will give a fresh boost to cooperation between China and Arab states.

Next year, the second China-Arab States Summit will be hosted in China. China stands ready to work with Arab states to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, carry out eight major cooperation initiatives for our practical cooperation and five cooperation frameworks, write a new chapter for our common development, and promote the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Global Times: Its reported that during the joint drills in Japan in September, the U.S. military plans to deploy the Typhon medium-range missile system in Japan and conduct relevant exercises. The system will be removed after the drills. What is Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant reports. China has repeatedly expressed grave concerns on relevant issues. China always opposes the U.S. deploying the Typhon Mid-Range Capability missile system in Asian countries. The deployment of the Typhon MRC missile system in Japan will further undermine the legitimate security interests of other countries and pose a substantive threat to regional strategic security. The U.S. and Japan should respect other countries security concerns, refrain from the deployment of Typhon, and contribute to regional peace and stability with concrete actions.

Owing to its history of militarist aggression, Japans military and security moves have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War. We urge Japan to take a hard look at its history of aggression, follow the path of peaceful development, act prudently in military and security areas, and refrain from further losing the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. We also call upon the U.S. to draw lessons from history and devote more effort and resources to doing the right thing rather than the other way around.

Reuters: U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has arrived in Taipei. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Guo Jiakun: China firmly opposes any form of official interactions between the U.S. and Chinas Taiwan region. The visit by the U.S. Congress member seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, harmed Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sent a seriously wrong message to Taiwan independence separatist forces. China strongly deplores this.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. China asks the U.S. to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, stop interfering in Chinas internal affairs and abetting and supporting Taiwan independence separatist forces under any pretext, stop official interactions with Chinas Taiwan region, and stop creating tensions for the situation across the Taiwan Strait.

Bloomberg: A tanker with a shipment of liquefied natural gas from a Russian facility thats been sanctioned by the U.S. appears to have discharged its cargo at a Chinese terminal today. The tankers called Arctic Mulan. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm that China has imported the cargo, and is China concerned about possible repercussions from the U.S. as a result of importing the cargo?

Guo Jiakun: I am not familiar with what you mentioned.

O Globo: I understand there was a phone call between the Chinese Foreign Minister and the Brazilian Foreign Minister. My question is, is there talk about a coordinated response between China, Brazil, and possibly India against U.S. trade measures?

Guo Jiakun: On the phone call between the Chinese and Brazilian foreign ministers, China has released a readout. Chinas position on tariffs is consistent and clear.

China News Service: Its reported that on August 28, the UK, France and Germany notified the UN Security Council that the snapback mechanism will be initiated. According to UNSC Resolution 2231, the Security Council will decide whether to initiate the snapback process in 30 days. What is Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: The Iranian nuclear issue is at a crucial crossroads. Initiating the snapback process at the Security Council is not a constructive move, which will disrupt the settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means.

China believes that current moves by the Security Council should contribute to resuming dialogue and negotiation rather than create new confrontation and lead to deterioration or even escalation of the situation.

China will continue to uphold an objective and fair position, actively promote talks, and play a constructive role in bringing the issue back to the track of diplomatic settlement as early as possible.

NHK: A British aircraft carrier made a port call at Tokyo yesterday. It had participated in joint drills with Japan and other countries in the West Pacific. The UK said the port call aims to demonstrate its involvement and input in the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. Whats Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: The Asia-Pacific is a pacesetter of cooperation and development, not a chessboard for geopolitical competition. Peaceful development, cooperation and mutual benefit are what people in the region want. We hope relevant countries will work with regional countries to contribute more to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation, and promoting peace and stability.

PTI: Some reports say that among all those leaders to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Indian Prime Minister will not take part in the September 3 victory parade. Can you please clarify it?

Guo Jiakun: China shared information on foreign leaders attendance at the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. You may refer to that.

Bloomberg: Japanese media Nikkei is saying that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is seeking a phone call with his Chinese counterpart, but there has been no definitive answer from the Chinese side. If such a call were to take place, it would be the first military-to-military senior engagement between the U.S. and China since the current Trump administration came into office. Can the Foreign Ministry comment on the defense secretarys claims that the Chinese side is not giving a definitive answer about a possible meeting or call?

Guo Jiakun: Id refer you to competent authorities for your specific question.

AFP: A question on Russia and Ukraine. Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv killed over 20 people so far. Does China condemn this new attack?

Guo Jiakun: On the Ukraine crisis, China always believes that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the crisis. We call on relevant parties to follow the principles of no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party, facilitate the deescalation of the situation, and accumulate conditions for the political settlement of the crisis.

Bloomberg: Foreign Ministry Spokesman, your colleague, said last year that China doesnt import soybeans from Paraguay and that the soybean level was zero. My question is has anything changed in Chinas stance on agricultural products from Paraguay? And are soybeans currently allowed into China from Paraguay?

Guo Jiakun: I have no information to offer on the specifics you mentioned. Id refer you to competent authorities.

EFE: According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the Spanish government canceled a contract that deals with Huawei equipment that sought to enhance fiber optic services for various public institutions, including the Ministry of Defense. Do you have any comment?

Guo Jiakun: I answered this question just now. Let me reiterate that Chinese businesses have not only provided quality products and services to people of all countries across the world, but also contributed to local economic and social development as well as employment, and this is widely welcomed by various countries. Politicizing trade issues will only disrupt normal technological exchange and cooperation and does not serve any partys interests.

AFP: The Chinese trade negotiator and Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang is traveling to Washington this week. Can you update us on his schedule? Which U.S. officials will he meet and when?

Guo Jiakun: Yesterday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce shared relevant information on that. For further questions, Id refer you to competent authorities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Friday he was handing off the reins of USAID to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to oversee the closeout of the embattled agency.

I joked with @realDonaldTrump that I had four jobs. He told me to give one to my friend Russ Vought. So I did, Rubio wrote in a post to Truth Social.

Since January, weve saved the taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. And with a small set of core programs moved over to the State Department, USAID is officially in close out mode, Rubio wrote. Russ is now at the helm to oversee the closeout of an agency that long ago went off the rails. Congrats, Russ.

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A senior White House official confirmed that Vought had taken on the role of acting administrator of USAID.

While Friday's move will offload one of the jobs from Rubio's collection  roles that also include acting national security adviser  it also lands Vought another responsibility to add to his own growing pile.

In addition to his new role shepherding USAID through its final wind down, Vought already serves as the presidents budget chief and helms the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his capacity as acting director. Vought was also a key architect of The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025.

USAID was an early target of President Donald Trumps crackdown on what his administration deemed to be woke federal aid operations, as outlined in an executive order the president issued shortly after returning to office that directed a sweeping freeze on domestic and foreign aid programs.

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Trump named Rubio acting administrator of USAID earlier this year as part of his effort to exert control over the agencys operations.

Rubio in March announced that 83 percent of USAID programs that provided life-saving water, food and medical aid would be cut, dealing the final blow to the independent agencys operations after systematic gutting by the Trump administration. The remaining shell of the agency was folded into the State Department on July 1.
In Edmonson County, two precincts  Cedar Springs and Rocky Hill  vote at the Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department, Nov. 5, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)

FREDERICKTOWN  Democrats all over America are trying to fix their party. Last weekend, in 30 hours in the heart of rural Kentucky and its largest city, crowds of 200 Democrats came together, and they had many ideas, from fighting to talking to listening.

On Saturday in downtown Louisville, amid buildings where he once ruled, former Mayor Harvey Sloane, 89, headlined a rally for Medicaid and Medicare. On Sunday in Fredericktown, Democrats from Washington, Marion, Nelson and other counties heard local party leaders and 2026 candidates in the three congressional districts (1st, 2nd and 4th) that adjoin four miles southwest.

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The fate of the Democratic Party in Kentucky lies in places like Fredericktown, which was Fredericksburg until World War I, but the old nickname lives on; hence the three-county Rally at The Burg, now in its fourth year under leadership of Bardstowns Kenny Fogle.

If we revive the Democratic Party, it wont be from the national level. It wont be from the state level. Itll be county by county by county, Fogle said to applause. Other lines that got a hand:

You were born for a time like this, said state Rep. Pam Stevenson of Louisville, running for U.S. senator. Find one thing you can do, and do it.

Donald Trumps use of the National Guard and federal troops is not in keeping with our long history nor with the traditions of our Constitution, said George Wright, head of the Kentucky Democratic Party Veterans Council.

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What were up against is not just one politician. Its the rise of Christian nationalism and white supremacy, said Monica Dean, a 4th District candidate. Christian nationalism is not Christianity. Christianity teaches love, compassion and justice. Christian nationalism preaches power, fear and exclusion, and its being used as a weapon to divide our communities and take away our freedoms.

Former 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Ward of Louisville, the Burg keynoter, also won applause in Kentuckys Roman Catholic heartland with a Christian theme. Quoting a hymn that says We are called to love . . . one another, Ward was among those at both events who urged Democrats to witness to friends and neighbors about Medicaid restrictions and other issues.

Kentucky still has many religious people willing to vote Democratic, as shown by Gov. Andy Beshears routine references to his faith, but religious-related issues are the main reason hes the only independently elected Democrat in statewide office. The partys 40-year decline can be dated to 1980, when Republicans put opposition to abortion rights in their platform.

Then came other social issues, some noted by Avral Thompson, president of Teamsters Local 89, which helped pay for the Burg rally: People like to pick out one subject that they dont like and forget about everything else important to them and vote just on that, whether its gay rights, where its guns, whether its God  you know, the three Gs always hang up everybody, right?

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That was the plainest public talk on a picture-perfect Sunday afternoon. The crowd seemed to get less energy from the rhetoric than from the events camaraderie. Democrats are now in a political minority in their rural counties, and that has made many of them reluctant to speak up locally.

It feels good to be with people of like minds, said Jim Coffey, who came from Liberty in heavily Republican Casey County.

James Spragens of Lebanon in Marion County, once one of the states most Democratic, told me, People just gotta feel better. They need to lift their spirits. Its pretty depressing every day.

His neighbor, Steve Brady, cited the new Alligator Alcatraz prison in the Everglades: Thats inhuman. Thats not American.

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In Louisville, heath care was the focus. Third District Rep. Morgan McGarvey told the Jefferson Square crowd, This is not some political rally. This is life or death. . . . Medicaid isnt a budget line, its a lifeline. He said Democrats must go beyond online comments and Get out there and talk to people.

But Carpenters Union leader Steve Barger cautioned in an interview, I think we ought to do a little more listening and a lot less pontificating. And former state House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark told me the party must stress pocketbook issues and find good candidates. They cant run on a national ticket, he said. Its gotta be a local race, tied to the local issues, and its got to be somebody that they can connect with.

Louisville lawyer Steve Miller gave me a broader view: There needs to be a plan that is compelling and understandable to the vast majority of American voters about how American government, business and the social contract can be rewritten to make this nation competitive and compassionate for the future. Miller, raised in Owenton and Bardstown, said rural voters are key: Democrats have to move past the mere words and get into the real work of connecting with people outside of metropolitan areas.

Former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, who ran for senator in the 2008 Democratic primary, implicitly offered ways to bridge the rural-urban divide: We need to be reminded of what were supposed to be as a country and get people who are unabashed to stand up and say that; not just what were against, but what were for, he told me. Were supposed to be a country that gives everyone an opportunity. Were supposed to be a country that embraces our potential, which only comes through diverse thought and hustle and entrepreneurship. . . . At the end of the day its got to come down to compassion and care for each other, regardless of what you look like, regardless of where you come from.

This commentary is republished from the Northern Kentucky Tribune, a nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism.
Russian forces launched an attack using 68 Shahed strike UAVs and various types of decoy drones on the night of 28-29 August.

Source: Air Force Command on Telegram

Details: Early reports indicate that as of 08:00, air defence has shot down and jammed 46 Russian Shahed UAVs and various decoy drones in Ukraines north and east.

Hits from 22 UAVs were recorded across nine locations in Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

The air attack was repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare and UAV units and mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces.

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Russia said on Thursday that it used a naval drone to strike a Ukrainian reconnaissance ship.

It marked what appears to be Russia's first time using a naval drone to hit a Ukrainian vessel.

Ukraine has used naval drones throughout the war to attack Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

Russia used an exploding naval drone to attack a Ukrainian ship this week in what appears to be a first for Moscow's forces as they look to replicate the success that Kyiv has found with these weapons.

Ukraine has used explosive-packed naval drones throughout the war to attack the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Despite years of watching these operations, there have not been any known instances of Moscow deploying the same capability in combat  until now.

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Russia's defense ministry said on Thursday that it used a "high-speed unscrewed surface vehicle" to attack and sink the Ukrainian Navy medium reconnaissance ship Simferopol at the mouth of the Danube River, which flows into the Black Sea.

Russia published footage that appears to show how the attack unfolded. The drone can be seen slowly approaching the Simferopol and loitering off the side. It then charges at the ship, forcing what looks like several crew members to run. An aerial view then captures a massive fireball in the middle of the river.

The Simferopol, launched in 2019, seems to have been caught off guard by the attack. The vessel has limited defenses aside from a 30mm artillery system.

Russia said it carried out a naval drone attack on the Ukrainian medium reconnaissance ship Simferopol. Future Publishing/Future Publishing via Getty Images

The Ukrainian Navy acknowledged an attack on one of its ships. A spokesperson said on Friday that at least two crew members had been killed and several sailors were missing or injured. Kyiv did not confirm the time or location of the strike or the status of the Simferopol.

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Business Insider could not independently verify the footage or the details of the attack. It is not immediately clear what type of drone was used or where it was launched from.

The attack, nonetheless, is a major development for Russia, as naval drone warfare had long been a lopsided concept in favor of Ukraine.

At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022, Ukraine possessed a limited navy, its fleet mostly consisting of patrol boats and coastal ships. To project power in the Black Sea and fight back, Kyiv launched an asymmetrical campaign with domestically produced naval drones and missiles targeting Moscow's ships.

Since then, Ukrainian drone boat operations have damaged or destroyed dozens of Russian warships and naval vessels, and forced the wounded Black Sea Fleet to relocate away from its long-held headquarters in the occupied Crimean peninsula to the port of Novorossiysk on the other side of the region. This campaign has been a bright spot for Kyiv amid what has otherwise been a brutal and grinding war, which just eclipsed three and a half years.

A naval drone Magura cruising on water at an undisclosed location in Ukraine in April 2024. GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images

Samuel Bendett, a drone expert and an advisor in the Russia studies program at the Center for Naval Analyses, a US-based research institution, said the fact that Moscow can now carry out naval drone attacks is not a surprise considering that it has been studying the Ukrainian operations for years.

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Bendett told Business Insider that Russia has developed multiple naval drone variants, adding that the "concept of operations are likely to be heavily influenced by [Ukraine's] own uses of this technology." He said it is unclear how the systems are commanded and connected to their operators.

The attack on Ukraine's Simferopol comes just a few weeks after Russia showcased its naval drone capabilities during a major maritime exercise known as July Storm, using an uncrewed surface vessel to destroy a fake enemy ship. Given the small size of the Ukrainian Navy, though, Moscow's operations may ultimately have limited strategic value in this war. These capabilities could be a concern for NATO though.

It remains to be seen how Ukraine reacts in the wake of the attack. Russia tried to strengthen its defenses around the Black Sea, including by adding more combat patrol aircraft to better monitor the area. However, Kyiv adapted to these developments by putting surface-to-air missile launchers on its naval drones.

Naval drone warfare is an evolving area of combat that has not been limited to the Black Sea. In the Red Sea, for instance, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have used uncrewed surface vessels to target merchant ships. As a result of the recent operations, Western militaries  including the US Navy  are increasingly training to defend against these threats.

Read the original article on Business Insider
From 1 September, paramedics and midwives in Russia and in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine will be able to perform the duties of general practitioners, paediatricians and gynaecologists. These changes are set out in an order from the Russian Ministry of Health and are linked to a severe shortage of medical staff.

Source: Oleksii Kharchenko, Head of Luhansk Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "The practice of involving medical workers without higher education will also be applied in occupied Luhansk Oblast, where many towns are facing a significant shortage of medical personnel. State programmes with incentive payments have not worked there."

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Details: The Russian media outlets reported that the order from the Russian Ministry of Health stipulates that paramedics and midwives will now be allowed to carry out only part of doctors duties.

This includes, in particular, taking medical histories, conducting examinations and simple tests (for example, electrocardiograms, rapid blood sugar tests and measuring intraocular pressure). They will also be authorised to prescribe and administer medicines, including narcotic and psychotropic drugs.

The Russians claim that this "reform" is meant to improve the healthcare system, as the shortage of specialists in villages and small towns currently reaches 70%. However, they also admit there is a serious risk to the quality of medical services.

Background: In 2024, the Russians forced women from the temporarily occupied territories to attend a "forum of service", which was created to "highlight womens service to God, the family and the Fatherland".

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Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said on Friday 29 August that the plan for recruitment into contract military service has been expanded in 2025.

Source: Russian outlet Interfax, quoting Belousov at a meeting of the Defence Ministry board

Quote: "The key issue for ensuring offensive operations remains troop recruitment. Work in this direction is progressing successfully. This year, we have increased the plan for recruitment into contract military service."

Background:

In July 2025, UK intelligence reported that Russia had already lost more than 230,000 troops since the beginning of the year.

In February 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian authorities planned to increase their forces by 12 to 15 divisions in 2025, equivalent to around 150,000 soldiers.

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MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said on Friday that French President Emmanuel Macron had spoken in a manner unbecoming of a head of state when he called Russian President Vladimir Putin "an ogre at our gates".

Macron, who made the comment in an interview last week, has been the target of frequent Russian criticism because of his support for Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters in Moscow that Macron was constantly making strange statements that sometimes crossed the line of decency and turned into "low-grade insults".

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"This is unworthy of a head of state," said Zakharova.

Speaking at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Macron replied he was never vulgar, but was only saying what many in the countries that have been invaded by Russia in the past decades so felt.

"When we say there's an ogre at Europe's gates, an expression used by many, I think it characterises what the Georgians, the Ukrainians and other nations feel very deeply," Macron told reporters.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov and Michel Rose, writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Andrew Osborn)
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia said on Friday that Western proposals on security guarantees for Ukraine would increase the risk of conflict between Moscow and the West by turning Kyiv into a "strategic provocateur" on Russia's borders.

Ukraine's European allies are working to put together a set of guarantees for Ukraine that could be part of a potential peace settlement and would be designed to protect Kyiv from a possible future attack by Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he expected a framework of the security guarantees to be set out as soon as next week.

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"Security guarantees must be based on reaching a common understanding that takes into account Russia's security interests," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday.

She told a news briefing in Moscow that the current proposals were "one-sided and are clearly designed to contain Russia."

"This line (of proposals) violates the principle of indivisible security and assigns Kyiv the role of a strategic provocateur on Russia's borders, increasing the risk of the (NATO) alliance becoming involved in an armed conflict with our country."

Moscow has previously said it does not like the European proposals and will not accept any presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory.

(Reporting by Dmitry AntonovWriting by Maxim Rodionov and Lucy PapachristouEditing by Andrew Osborn)
Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least five civilians and injured at least 26 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Aug. 29.

Ukrainian forces downed 46 out of the 68 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Twenty-two drones managed to strike at nine different locations.

The drone attack hit Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, killing a man and a woman, and injuring one more 50-year-old woman in the region, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

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Two men, aged 46 and 69, also suffered injuries in a drone strike on the city of Dnipro.

Russian drone attacks on Sumy Oblast injured two women born in 1956 and 1967, the regional military administration reported.

A 33-year-old man was killed in a Russian attack on Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. A 37-year-old man and two women aged 37 and 59 were injured, he added.

Russia targeted Zaporizhzhia Oblast, injuring a 1-year-old boy and a 59-year-old man in the village of Malokaterynivka, Governor Ivan Fedorov said.

Seven people suffered injuries in Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk, and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

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In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 35 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. Two people were killed, and nine others were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Read also: White House seemingly equates Russian, Ukrainian strikes after Moscow attack killed 23 in Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Russian drone has struck a branch of Nova Poshta ("New Post"), the largest private postal operator in Ukraine, in the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Details: Filashkin reported that a 49-year-old man had been killed and a 13-year-old girl injured in the attack.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Background: On the night of 27-28 August, Russian forces launched a missile strike on a Nova Poshta sorting depot in Kyiv.

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At least around 220,000 Russian military personnel have been killed in the war against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to calculations by Mediazona and the BBC, which, together with a team of volunteers, maintain a named list of Russian soldiers killed in action.

Source: Mediazona, a Russian media outlet

Details: This list only includes those who could be identified, for instance via the Registry of Inheritance Cases.

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"According to these calculations, by August 2025, around 220,000 men aged 18 to 55 have been killed in the war.

During our work with the Registry of Inheritance Cases, we recorded a new peak in male mortality in November 2024  about 3,000 people per week," writes Mediazona.

Graph: Mediazona

According to the outlet, from the second half of 2024, Russian courts began receiving mass claims to declare servicemen as missing or dead.

Most often, these claims are filed by the Ministry of Defence, as they need to remove a missing (effectively deceased) soldier from personnel lists.

"Before the second half of 2024, such claims were almost non-existent in courts  meaning a significant portion of the missing personnel (aside from those whose bodies were exchanged) was not accounted for, as they didnt appear in obituaries or the Registry of Inheritance Cases. Formally, these people were not considered dead at all," notes Mediazona.

Graph: Mediazona

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By early August, there were around 50,000 such court filings related to military personnel. Reports indicate that currently courts are declaring more than 250 people as missing or dead daily, comparable to daily fatalities at the front.

"The process of officially recognising previously missing soldiers as dead is clearly visible in the Registry of Inheritance Cases  the missing appeared here, as in courts, in 2024 (not at the start of the war) By the end of 2024, the number of male inheritance cases where 100 days to a year had passed between death and registration exceeded the benchmark of peaceful 2021 by 50 times," writes Mediazona.

The outlet suggests that the majority of those officially declared dead through the courts will be reflected in future estimates as the picture for 2025 becomes clearer.

By 28 August, media and volunteers had confirmed the deaths of over 5,500 Russian officers and other military personnel.

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In addition, the deaths of 12 Russian generals have been officially confirmed: three lieutenant generals, seven major generals, and two retired generals.

Background:

In May, Russian media reported identifying over 110,000 Russians who had been killed in the war against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion. They noted that the likelihood of dying in the war for men from Tuva or Altai is 30-40 times higher than for Moscow residents.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from 24 February 2022 to 29 August 2025, Ukraines defence forces have killed and wounded around 1,080,480 Russian soldiers.

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Two people have been killed and three others injured in a Russian drone attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Synelnykove district suffered  the Mezhova, Slovianka, Pokrovske and Vasylkivka hromadas came under fire. The aggressor targeted them with drones. Sadly, a man and a woman were killed." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

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Details: Another woman, aged 50, was injured and received medical assistance on site.

The attack caused a fire at an industrial facility, while houses and dry grass also burned. A petrol station and several vehicles were damaged.

Aftermath of the Russian attack.

Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Two people were injured in a UAV attack on the city of Dnipro.

"A 46-year-old man is in a serious condition. A 69-year-old injured man is in a moderate condition. Fires broke out, which firefighters extinguished. An infrastructure facility and a fire station were damaged," Lysak reported.

The Russians also attacked the Novopillia hromada in the Kryvyi Rih district with drones, causing a fire that has already been extinguished.

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They struck the Nikopol district with FPV drones. Lysak said that there were hits in the Marganets, Myrove and Pokrovske hromadas.

Lysak also added that eight Russian UAVs were shot down over the region.

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The Russians have attacked the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson on the morning of 29 August, killing a 66-year-old man.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "At around 09:00, Russian occupiers attacked the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson with a UAV."

Details: Prokudin reported that a 66-year-old man came under the Russian strike. He sustained fatal injuries.

Background:

On 28 August, 34 settlements and the city of Kherson came under Russian drone terror and artillery shelling. Russian forces struck critical and social infrastructure and residential quarters of settlements in the oblast, damaging an apartment block and seven houses. The Russians also wrecked an invincibility centre [a premise stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts  ed.], an outbuilding, a car garage and vehicles.

Because of Russian aggression, two people were killed and a further nine were wounded.

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Rwanda said it had received seven people deported from the US, becoming the latest African country to confirm arrivals under US President Donald Trumps controversial third-country migration deals as Washington pursues a wide-ranging immigration crackdown.

The White House has enlisted multiple African and Latin American countries to take in those being removed from the US  even if they are not nationals  as part of its efforts, even reportedly threatening full visa bans if countries do not agree.

Rwandas agreement with the US could see the transfer of up to 250 people to the east African country. Kigali has said that it will provide those transferred with accommodation, health care, and training, and positions itself as one of Africas most stable nations. But migration rights activists say the deals being struck by Washington may violate international law by sending deportees to countries where they risk persecution.

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Eswatini, South Sudan, and Uganda are other African countries that have agreed to receive deportees from the US. But Nigeria has refused to do so. In July, Nigerias foreign minister said the country did not have the capacity to take in deportees and quoted 1990s American rappers Public Enemy to make his point.
Rwanda said it received the first seven people deported from the US as part of a migration deal with Washington.

The White House has launched a wide-ranging immigration crackdown and as part of its efforts has enlisted multiple African and Latin American countries to take in those being removed from the US, even reportedly considering threatening full visa bans if countries do not agree.

Kigali has said that it will provide those transferred with accommodation, health care, and training, and positions itself as one of Africas most stable nations, but migration rights activists say the deals being struck by Washington may violate international law more broadly by sending deportees to countries where they risk persecution.
FAIRMONT  On Thursday, Marion County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sean Murphy challenged defense attorney Elgine McArdle as effectively as she had challenged him while presenting his case in the Ryan Lane trial.

Ryan Lane, president of the Central Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, is on trial for what Murphy believes was his role in the 2022 killing of Henry Silver. The prosecution alleges the killing took place as a sanctioned activity of the Pagans and that Lane both knew and signed off on the activity. The prosecution also alleges the Pagans entered into a criminal conspiracy to kill Silver after Silver had an affair with the girlfriend of a club member.

McArdle, Lanes defense attorney, disputes the notion any criminal conspiracy took place, and forcefully argued her client wasnt even physically present at the time of the killing.

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During days seven and eight of the trial, Murphy rested his case and the defense took up its own. On day seven, Det. Matthew Pigott returned to the witness stand.

Pigotts testimony surrounded items found while law enforcement executed search warrants at the homes of the other men accused of having a role in Silvers killing, items Murphy used to underpin the states argument that the way the Central Chapter of the Pagans Motorcycle Club conducts itself is in line with the way the national club does. Murphy also showed items found in Lanes home, such as T-shirts alluding to motorcycle gang violence, brass knuckles and other objects to argue Lane bought in to the same violent philosophy that an expert witness on Wednesday testified the national club adheres to.

McArdles strategy when confronted with the associations Murphy has drawn throughout the trial has been to question whether the individual acts that make up a characterization are illegal in and of themselves. For example, McArdle has pointed out membership in a club is not illegal. Owning firearms is not illegal. While requiring significant others to wear clothing that bears property of on the back may be demeaning, McArdle argued thats not illegal.

On Thursday, McArdle began her defense. Her two most significant witnesses were Lanes fiance and his mother. Both women testified Lane had been at their home in Fairmont when the murder took place. A key part of the prosecutions case has been establishing a meeting took place earlier in the day where Lane and other members of the club allegedly agreed to take care of Silver.

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However, the witness who testified to the contents of that meeting has been hotly debated by the defense as being unreliable. Lanes mother testified Lane returned from that location to the home prior to Silvers murder. Neither the fiance nor the mother recalled anything strange with Lane as the murder took place. A Lane family cousin testified he called Lanes mother and asked if Lane was with her after he had heard of something happening. The mother told the cousin Lane was with her.

Murphy subjected Lanes mother to questioning. The mother testified the guns that police found in Lanes home belonged to her, as she is a gun collector. Murphy quizzed the mother on the contents of the collection. The mother answered most of the questions without difficulty.

Murphy blocked one of McArdles witnesses from testifying. McArdle tried bringing a witness to the stand with experience in investigating organized criminal enterprises. Murphy had his own expert on the Pagans and other outlaw motorcycle clubs testify on Wednesday. McArdles witness would have brought a different perspective.

However, Murphy successfully argued that McArdles witness was an expert in organized criminal enterprises under federal law, and not under West Virginia state law. Furthermore, the witness area of work was under racketeering and narcotics. The case at trial had nothing to do with either of those elements. Marion County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Wilson sustained Murphys objections, which left McArdle with nothing to ask her witness, who then was dismissed.

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Murphys objections around McArdles witness mirrored McArdles own objections when Murphy tried to introduce his expert witness. McArdle similarly objected Murphys witness was an expert on the national Pagans Club and not the local chapter in question. As a result, much like McArdle was able to bind Murphys questioning, Murphy was able to bind McArdle.

McArdle called fellow Pagans member Austin Mullins to the stand. Mullins confessed to shooting Silver during his trial prior to Lanes. He also absolved Lane of any responsibility in three letters that McArdle held onto as evidence. However, when Mullins entered the courtroom, he refused to be sworn in and testify.

I dont live by your law, Mullins said, while handcuffed and wearing an orange prison suit. After warning Mullins the court was compelling him to testify, and giving him multiple opportunities to change his mind, Judge Wilson found Mullins in contempt of court and sent him out of the courtroom.

With Mullins failing to testify, McArdle was left searching for another way to introduce his confession and letters to the jury.

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When Wilson asked McArdle Thursday if she had any more witnesses to call, she said two of her witnesses would no longer testify. Earlier in the day, Murphy mentioned to the court that the witnesses would need attorneys. Anytime there is potential exposure, or possibility of slef-incrimination, individuals need to be advised of their exposure and their rights.

The trial nears its end with one final day of defense testimony and potential rebuttal from the prosecution. Closing arguments and deliberation will most likely take place next week.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Following the deadly shooting that occurred at the June No Kings protest in Salt Lake City, the mayors office has announced changes being made to the citys event permitting process designed to strengthen public safety.

At the No Kings protest on June 14, 2025 in Salt Lake City, an armed security volunteer or peacekeeper fired into the crowd after he saw an attendee, later identified as Arturo Gamboa, carrying a rifle. Bullets hit Gamboa and local fashion designer Arthur Afa Ah Loo, who later died of his injuries.

Arturo Gamboa was arrested and later released, and to date, no charges have been filed in the case, either against Gamboa or the peacekeeper who opened fire.

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PREVIOUSLY: SLCPD briefs Utah lawmakers on deadly No Kings protest shooting

The changes will begin in 2026, and in the change most relevant to the June protest shooting, if any applicant is using security, they will need to upload a security plan in advance so that they can coordinate with the Salt Lake City Police Department.

According to police, the permits for the June No Kings protest, organized by the Utah branch of 50501, had no record of armed or organized security. Utah 50501 said that they coordinated with SLCPD when planning for the event, but they never requested any safety volunteers to carry weapons. They also said that the peacekeeper was chosen as a safety volunteer for his experience as a military veteran.

Following the shooting, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall ordered a review of the special permitting process. She reportedly directed staff to find ways to strengthen the citys permitting process while also protecting the First Amendment rights of organizers in SLC.

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The new permitting process will also require applicants to answer more security-related questions, provide a day-of-event point of contact, and attest to the truthfulness of the application, according to a press release from the Mayors Office. If an applicant is found to have lied on the application, that could lead to a criminal charge.

Mayor Mendenhall said, Our city is one where our right to free speech and peaceful assembly is both celebrated and encouraged. The permitting process is not about reviewing an organizers message or purposeits a way for the city to better understand what will occur on its streets and in its public spaces.

The purpose of the update, she said, is to strengthen that process and to give the city clearer information to help support public safety.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
People take cover after gunshots rang out during the No Kings protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

A Salt Lake City review of the special permitting process used for June 14s No Kings protest revealed the applicant didnt disclose their plans to use armed peacekeepers and may have submitted the application under an alias.

After that demonstration ended with a peacekeeper shooting and killing Afa Ah Loo, an innocent bystander, the city is changing its permitting application requirements. The change is meant to support public safety, minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, and further protect all individuals First Amendment rights, according to a news release from the city.

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Our City is one where our right to free speech and peaceful assembly is both celebrated and encouraged, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement. The permitting process is not about reviewing an organizers message or purpose  its a way for the City to better understand what will occur on its streets and in its public spaces. These updates will strengthen that process and give the City clearer information to support public safety.

Starting in 2026, applicants for permits will have to answer additional security-related questions, in addition to providing a day-of-event point of contact and attesting to the truthfulness of the application, the release says.

Under the new process, applicants expecting to have their own event security will also be required to submit a security plan in advance to allow for better coordination with the citys police department. And, any false information provided in the application could result in criminal charges.

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Utah50501, the group that organized the protest, has denied requesting that its volunteer security team carry weapons during the demonstration. After Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the states Department of Public Safety warned organizers against using peacekeepers in the protest, the organization said Cox had been misinformed.

Let us know what you think...

The organizers of Utah50501 are not aware of anyone having such a conversation with DPS in which they were warned against having a volunteer safety team at events, Utah 50501 organizers said in a July statement. At no time did Utah50501 request or require any safety and de-escalation volunteers to carry weapons. No organizers in Utah50501 ever said to DPS, we think its a good idea for our safety volunteers to carry weapons, and any claim to the contrary is false.

According to the Salt Lake City Police Department, the shooting happened when two volunteer peacekeepers confronted 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa after seeing him openly carrying an AR-15-style rifle, which, according to the organization, made them believe there was an imminent threat to the protesters.

One of the volunteers fired three shots with a handgun, grazing Gamboa but also hitting Ah Loo, who was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Both openly carrying weapons at protests and using force in self-defense are allowed under Utah law.

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SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The city of San Angelo put out a press release stating which offices and services will be shut down for Labor Day.

City offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day and offices will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2 stated the city.

Offices

Animal Shelter

City Hall

City Hall Annex

Fairmount Cemeterys business offices

Municipal Court

Parks and Recreation offices

San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department

Southside and Carl Ray Johnson recreation centers

Station 618 and Santa Fe Crossing senior centers

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) office

Services

Trash collection There will be no interruption in garbage collection, but the landfill will be closed Saturday, Aug. 30.

Municipal Pool Pending any weather delays or closures, public swimming will be from noon to 6 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 31. Admission is $5 for ages 3-64, free for children 2 and younger, and $3 for 65 and older. For more information, visit sanangelo.gov/pool. Please follow the City of San Angelo Facebook page and check our website at sanangelo.gov for any closure updates.

Fort Concho Fort Concho, including the Barracks 1 Visitor Center, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday for self-guided tours. Admission rates to see the exhibit buildings are $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and military, $1.50 for children ages 7-17 and free for kids 6 and younger.



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Francisco Longoria, a San Bernardino man who was driving his truck when a masked U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer shot at it, has been arrested and charged by federal authorities. They allege he assaulted immigration officers during the incident.

In a statement, Longoria's attorneys said Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Longoria household at 4:18 a.m. Thursday, with an armored personnel carrier, a type of military vehicle, and deployed more than a dozen "fully armed and armored" agents to swarm the home, breaking the locks on his gate. An agent called out to Longoria to come out, using a bullhorn, as agents stood at each door and pointed their rifles at the door and at the occupants inside, the attorneys said.

"These are the type of tactics reserved for dangerous criminals such as violent gang members, drug lords and terrorists," the attorneys said. "It was clearly intended to intimidate and punish Mr. Longoria and his family for daring to speak out about their attempted murder by [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and CBP agents on August 16th."

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On that day, federal immigration officers stopped Longoria in San Bernardino. During the encounter, Longoria, who was in his truck with his 18-year-old son and 23-year-old son-in-law, feared for his safety and drove off after masked officers shattered his car window, his attorneys said.

Department of Homeland Security officials have said officers were injured during the encounter when Longoria tried to run them down. Longoria's attorneys dispute their client injured the officers or attempted to hit them, and earlier this week they called for an investigation of the shooting.

On Friday morning, the U.S. attorneys office confirmed that Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested Longoria the day before. Word of his arrest was earlier reported by the San Bernardino Sun.

Ciaran McEvoy, spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in Los Angeles, said Longoria made an initial appearance before a U.S. District Court judge in Riverside, and is set to be arraigned on Sept. 30. The federal magistrate judge ordered him released on a $5,000 bond.

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Longoria was being held at the San Bernardino County Jail, in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, as of Thursday afternoon, McEvoy said in an email.

Since Longoria is an illegal alien, ICE has a detainer on him, he said. Longoria's attorneys said their client was transferred into ICE custody as of Friday.

An unnamed Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed federal agents arrested Longoria at his home.

"CBP and ICE remain committed to enforcing the law, protecting officers, and keeping dangerous criminals off Americas streets  even as local officials in California undermine those efforts," the official said.

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According to a criminal complaint submitted by a Homeland Security Investigations agent, whose name is redacted, Longoria is facing a charge of assault on a federal officer with a deadly/dangerous weapon.

In the complaint, the agent, who interviewed the officers who stopped Longoria, said the officers had stopped Longorias GMC pickup truck to conduct an immigration check. Two of them were ICE officers and the other two were CBP officers.

The complaint states that the officers were identifiable by their visible clothing marked with "police."

After they stopped Longorias truck, the complaint states, he refused to comply with the demands to turn off his vehicle and roll down the window. One of the CBP officers, identified as J.C., decided to break the window after Longoria refused the commands, and was allegedly struck by the drivers door on his left elbow and left calf. The passenger-side window was also shattered by officers during the encounter.

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Another CBP officer was allegedly struck by the front bumper/fender of the truck on his right leg. The Truck kept pushing Officer S.T., and Officer S.T. shot at the Truck, afraid for his life, according to the complaint.

Longoria's attorneys had previously released surveillance video of the incident, which appears to dispute a key claim by Homeland Security  that Longoria drove his truck toward officers and injured them.

In the surveillance video, the moment Longoria drives away, officers on both sides of the truck remain in sight of the video, and they then pile into their vehicles and pursue Longorias truck down a side street.

After Longoria drove off, the family called 911. While San Bernardino police were questioning Longoria, the immigration officers arrived, and family members identified the one they believed had shot at the truck.

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At the initial court appearance, the judge questioned the assistant U.S. attorney prosecuting the case, Cory Burleson, about the government's claim that it was conducting an "immigration check," a term he couldn't clarify when asked by the court, according to Longoria's attorneys.

Burleson also claimed Longoria was stopped because of a traffic violation, but couldn't identify the violation, his attorneys said. When the judge asked Burleson to identify the alleged injuries of the officers, Burleson said he was "not aware of any injuries," Longoria's attorneys said.

Longoria's attorneys said their client was granted bond, but because of the ICE hold, has since been transferred into ICE custody, which they believe is the "true purpose of this false and baseless charge."

"No reasonable prosecutor could believe that a conviction would be secured against Mr. Longoria for the August 16th stop, when every video supports Mr. Longoria's version of events and directly contradicts DHS' story," his attorneys said. "Yet [the Department of Justice] will not drop the charges; it has been their practice during this administration to pursue charges based on unsubstantiated and false affidavits in order to arrest individuals and then turn them over to ICE."

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His attorneys said they intend to continue advocating for Longoria, his son and son-in-law.

"We are in contact with local and state authorities and are encouraging a state investigation and criminal charges against the ICE/CBP agents," the attorneys said.

Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, said he believes the officers had racially profiled Longoria when they stopped his truck. Originally from Mexico, Longoria migrated to the U.S. 23 years ago and had no criminal record and was not in deportation proceedings before the incident. Southern California has been Longoria's home ever since he migrated, Hernandez said.

Even though Longoria was not detained after the initial stop, Hernandez said he had warned the family that the government would continue to pursue a case against him and use Longoria as an example to push the limits of what they can get away with. The government, he said, is "now escalating their tactics in a war against immigrants.

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"Its a political arrest at this point," Hernandez said. "We know that the federal government wants to make a point and instill fear in immigrant communities, and this is one of their many tactics in doing that."

This article is part of The Times equity reporting initiative , funded by the James Irvine Foundation , exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address Californias economic divide.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A San Francisco man was convicted for domestic violence and assault in connection to two attacks that took place in April. Jose Guadalupe Cano Flores, 24, was found guilty in a trial by jury for attacking a woman in a residence.

According to the San Francisco District Attorneys Office, Cano Flores was convicted of domestic violence and two counts of assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury.

Testimony cited by the DA indicated that Cano Flores attacked the victim on April 5 after she received a phone call. He punched the victim multiple times and broke her nose.

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Cano Flores attacked the victim again on April 28, again after she got a phone call. In this instance, he strangled her and threw her to the floor, hitting her head on a bench, causing her to lose consciousness.

A monster. Victim yells at disgraced San Jose City Councilman Omar Torres

When she came to, she tried multiple times to get away. Cano Flores repeatedly restrained her and dragged her back. The victim, according to the DA, was eventually able to get help from front-desk staff who called police.

Responding officers found Cano Flores hiding in a closet and arrested him.

The survivors courage in coming forward and demanding justice for these terrible crimes should be an inspiration to all who think they are alone, said SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. You are not alone, help is available, and you have my commitment to prosecute these cases vigorously and do everything we can in our power to fight for justice with survivors in the courtroom.

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I want to thank the victim for her bravery in telling her story, the witness for intervening in a dangerous situation, and the jury for their careful evaluation of the evidence, said Assistant DA Megan Wang. This verdict sends a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in San Francisco.

Cano Flores remains in custody, the DA said. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 1.

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CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  A man was charged with 2nd degree murder in connection to the death of his four-year-old son in 2020, Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Jones announced Friday.

Michael Angelo Mitchell, 44, was given the maximum penalty of 30 years after it was determined by a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) medical examiner that Mitchells son, Micah, died because of malnutrition and dehydration.

Michael Angelo Mitchell, 44

The examiner also testified Mitchell failed to provide the proper care or seek medical help with the child fell and was left un-responsive. The child died three days later.

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In Georgia, 2nd degree murder is unique to cases when a child dies due to negligence.

Assistant District Attorney Jenny Parker, who was the cases lead prosecutor, said, Child homicide cases are difficult, emotional cases. I am very grateful for the excellent work the Savannah Police Department did in this case, particularly lead detective Jacob Hilderbrand.

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The state Attorney General's Office is asking the nation's highest course to reverse a decision allowing a transgender student to use the bathroom of his choice. (File/Mint Images/Getty Images)

COLUMBIA  South Carolinas attorney general has asked the nations highest court to ban a transgender ninth grader from using the bathroom of his choice at school.

The request filed Thursday follows a ruling from the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in mid-August that the student, identified in court documents as John Doe, could use the boys bathroom while the case proceeded.

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A clause in the state budget, originally passed last year, threatens to revoke state funding from any school that allows transgender students to use multi-stall bathrooms and locker rooms aligned with their gender identity.

The courts ruling applied only to the student who filed the lawsuit, overturning a federal judges earlier decision that kept him from using the boys bathroom.

Doe is a 14-year-old student who simply wishes to use the restroom, Circuit Judge Albert Diaz wrote Aug. 15 in an opinion explaining the appeals court order several days earlier. Doing so is a biological necessity. Doing so in restrooms that match his gender identity is his right under our precedent.

The student withdrew from middle school last September after administrators suspended him for defying them and continuing to use the boys bathroom, according to legal filings. He started ninth grade in Berkeley County this month, one day after the appeals courts decision that he could use the bathroom of his choice.

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That was the wrong decision, attorneys for the state attorney generals office and Department of Education claimed in a request to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Legislators wanted to protect other students who might be using the restroom alongside a transgender student, Solicitor General Thomas Hydrick wrote in the filing.

He questioned what a district should say to a transgender student who doesnt appear to be transitioning in any way. That student might make other students using the bathroom feel uncomfortable, Hydrick wrote.

The budget clause doesnt keep transgender students from using a single-stall bathroom. Hydrick said thats a better choice for students experiencing gender dysphoria, who might be more vulnerable to bullying from their peers.

What about the rights and safety of all students? Attorney General Alan Wilson said in a statement. Where does it stop?

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The school district is now stuck between an impossible rock and hard place, the request reads.

The district must choose between following instructions from the Trump administration requiring children use the bathroom aligned with their gender at birth or the appeals courts decision, Hydrick wrote.

He argued the appeals court judges should have based their ruling on a decision earlier this year upholding Tennessees ban on gender transition procedures for minors.

Instead, they relied on a 2014 ruling by another appeals court that a transgender boy in Virginia had the right to use the boys bathroom.

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Even appeals court judges reluctant to side with the student decided they must because the Virginia ruling was so clear, Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee wrote about the Aug. 12 decision.

Since the student wont use the girls restroom, he didnt use the bathroom at all after administrators banned him from the boys restroom, according to legal filings.

To bar him from boys restrooms for most of his waking hours is to demean him, day-in and day-out, with no end in sight, Diaz wrote. Denying relief in these circumstances would subject Doe to humiliation by a thousand cuts.

Diaz rejected the idea that allowing the student to use the restroom of his choice would harm other students, a key part of deciding whether to intervene in a case ahead of a decision. No students at the boys middle school had complained about which bathroom he used, according to legal filings.

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Doe is a teenager who, during the sturm und drang typical of adolescence, has grappled with extraordinarily complex questions of identity, Diaz wrote, using a German expression that means storm and stress.

Rather than support Doe, South Carolina has denigrated him, and every other transgender person besides, he wrote.
The South Carolina Attorney General's Office is asking the nation's highest course to reverse a decision allowing a transgender student to use the bathroom of his choice. (File/Mint Images/Getty Images)

South Carolinas attorney general has asked the nations highest court to ban a transgender ninth grader from using the bathroom of his choice at school.

The request filed Thursday follows a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in mid-August that the student, identified in court documents as John Doe, could use the boys bathroom while the case proceeded.

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A clause in the state budget, originally passed last year, threatens to revoke state funding from any school that allows transgender students to use multi-stall bathrooms and locker rooms aligned with their gender identity.

The courts ruling applied only to the student who filed the lawsuit, overturning a federal judges earlier decision that kept him from using the boys bathroom.

Doe is a 14-year-old student who simply wishes to use the restroom, Circuit Judge Albert Diaz wrote Aug. 15 in an opinion explaining the appeals court order several days earlier. Doing so is a biological necessity. Doing so in restrooms that match his gender identity is his right under our precedent.

The student withdrew from middle school last September after administrators suspended him for defying them and continuing to use the boys bathroom, according to legal filings. He started ninth grade in Berkeley County this month, one day after the appeals courts decision that he could use the bathroom of his choice.

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That was the wrong decision, attorneys for the state attorney generals office and Department of Education claimed in a request to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Legislators wanted to protect other students who might be using the restroom alongside a transgender student, Solicitor General Thomas Hydrick wrote in the filing.

He questioned what a district should say to a transgender student who doesnt appear to be transitioning in any way. That student might make other students using the bathroom feel uncomfortable, Hydrick wrote.

The budget clause doesnt keep transgender students from using a single-stall bathroom. Hydrick said thats a better choice for students experiencing gender dysphoria, who might be more vulnerable to bullying from their peers.

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What about the rights and safety of all students? Attorney General Alan Wilson said in a statement. Where does it stop?

The school district is now stuck between an impossible rock and hard place, the request reads.

The district must choose between following instructions from the Trump administration requiring children use the bathroom aligned with their gender at birth or the appeals courts decision, Hydrick wrote.

He argued the appeals court judges should have based their ruling on a decision earlier this year upholding Tennessees ban on gender transition procedures for minors.

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Instead, they relied on a 2014 ruling by another appeals court that a transgender boy in Virginia had the right to use the boys bathroom.

Even appeals court judges reluctant to side with the student decided they must because the Virginia ruling was so clear, Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee wrote about the Aug. 12 decision.

Since the student wont use the girls restroom, he didnt use the bathroom at all after administrators banned him from the boys restroom, according to legal filings.

To bar him from boys restrooms for most of his waking hours is to demean him, day-in and day-out, with no end in sight, Diaz wrote. Denying relief in these circumstances would subject Doe to humiliation by a thousand cuts.

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Diaz rejected the idea that allowing the student to use the restroom of his choice would harm other students, a key part of deciding whether to intervene in a case ahead of a decision. No students at the boys middle school had complained about which bathroom he used, according to legal filings.

Doe is a teenager who, during the sturm und drang typical of adolescence, has grappled with extraordinarily complex questions of identity, Diaz wrote, using a German expression that means storm and stress.

Rather than support Doe, South Carolina has denigrated him, and every other transgender person besides, he wrote.

This story first appeared in the South Carolina Daily Gazette, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom.

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(WSPA)  South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver announced Friday morning that the state has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals injunction affecting bathroom privacy protections in schools.

According to the attorney generals office, the emergency application, filed late Thursday, seeks to stay the Fourth Circuits order requiring a Berkeley County school to allow a transgender student who identifies as male to use boys restrooms. This injunction, issued just before the school year began, does not overturn state law mandating that public school bathrooms be separated by biological sex but grants an exception to one student.

You can read the brief here.

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Wilson described the Fourth Circuit as an outlier, relying on a 2020 ruling that has been undermined by recent Supreme Court decisions.

South Carolina passed this law to protect the privacy and safety of every child in our schools, said Attorney General Wilson. But activist judges on the Fourth Circuit threw out common sense and the will of the people to give one student a special exception.

Pending the Supreme Courts decision, Wilson intends to continue fighting at the Fourth Circuit to uphold the states bathroom law. He stressed that the case is about more than one school district, raising concerns about whether judges will override the will of parents and legislators.

SC Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver emphasized that the states position aligns with a growing national legal consensus, noting that the Eleventh and Ninth Circuits, as well as federal courts in the Sixth and Tenth Circuits, have upheld laws or policies separating bathrooms by biological sex.

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She stated, South Carolinas law is grounded in biological reality and protects the privacy, safety, and dignity of every child. No activist court should force schools to abandon common sense or put ideology ahead of student well-being.

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for South Carolina and potentially other states, as it addresses the balance between judicial decisions and state laws concerning student privacy in schools.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
A federal judge decided an Irmo man charged with threatening to kill the president is not fit to stand trial. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A former nuclear inspector accused of threatening to kill multiple presidents is not fit to stand trial, a federal judge decided.

Travis Lang, of Irmo, was arrested in March on charges he threatened to kill President Donald Trump weeks earlier. Lang has threatened state and federal politicians of both parties, including former President Joe Biden, since at least 2020. The threats continued even after agents visited him at home and warned him to stop, a Secret Service agent testified at a hearing in March.

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According to prosecutors, Lang made the threat hes charged with in a direct message to his son over Facebook.

Lang has pleaded not guilty.

Lang will go to a hospital in North Carolina for up to four months, where mental health professionals will decide whether he might become competent to stand trial through medication or other treatments, U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie wrote in a Thursday order.

Curries decision followed a Wednesday court hearing in which a psychologist testified that Lang had a delusional disorder, causing him to believe the federal government is conspiring against him to keep him from running for president.

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Lang filed as a Republican candidate for president in the 2024 election, but he didnt pay to appear on the ballot in South Carolina. His campaign funds consisted of $6,000 of his own money, of which he spent about $2,500, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

Lang had a good grasp of the legal system in concept, but he couldnt apply that understanding to his own case because of his belief that his defense attorneys and the judge in his case were part of a larger conspiracy against him, psychologist Lauren Schumacher said in court Wednesday.

Lang also claimed to have secret knowledge from his job at the V.C. Summer nuclear power plant, where he was an inspector until the utility owners abandoned the project in 2017. None of his beliefs seemed to have a basis in reality, Schumacher said.

Many people with similar disorders can become competent after taking medication, Schumacher said.

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Lang, who has insisted he is competent, has been adamant that he wont take any sort of medication for his mental health, public defender Jeremy Thompson said in court Wednesday.

For that reason, the next time Lang appears in court is likely to be a hearing over whether a psychiatrist can force him to take medication, a high bar to meet, Thompson said.
Frederick County Public Schools has ordered six more electric school buses and the accompanying charging infrastructure using state grants.

The Frederick County Board of Education in a split vote on Wednesday accepted two separate grants to help pay for the buses, the charging infrastructure and training for six transportation technicians.

The grants together total $2.4 million, which does not cover the full cost. FCPS will have to pay for nearly $600,000.

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FCPS since January has considered buying more electric school buses. The school district currently has two in its fleet that are used to transport students in special education programs across the school district.

School board members Rae Gallagher, Dean Rose, Karen Yoho and Janie Inglis Monier voted to accept the grants.

Members Colt Black, Jaime Brennan and Nancy Allen were opposed.

Black, Brennan and Allen in June opposed a contract to purchase the buses.

Black has said it was ridiculous to pursue an electric fleet, and that the buses are not an environmental solution.

The school district has said purchasing the buses is mandated by the Maryland Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which requires the school districts statewide to begin transitioning toward a zero-emission fleet.

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One of the grants is from the Maryland Energy Administration and is worth $1.8 million.

FCPS plans for that money to pay for four electric school buses at a total of $1.2 million, installing the charging infrastructure at a cost of $553,153 and training six transportation technicians, which will cost $7,200.

The second grant is $600,000 from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

FCPS plans to pay for two more electric school buses with that grant. Including the two current electric buses, FCPS would have eight electric school buses out of a 466-bus fleet.

Fred Punturiero, the director of FCPS transportation department, has said the school district is planning to shift from sequential charging to bi-directional charging.

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He said it was similar to a gas pump with two handles, and that two buses will be able to charge at the same time.

The school board in June approved a contract to purchase electric school buses through American Truck & Bus of Annapolis and K Neal International Trucks of Hyattsville.

Each bus purchased from American Truck & Bus will cost $405,749, and each bus purchased from K Neal International Trucks will cost $422,638.

The grants do not cover the entire cost of the buses.

Eric LouersPhillips, a spokesperson for FCPS, wrote in an email on Thursday that all six buses were ordered from American Truck & Bus at a price of $405,749 per bus.

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The Maryland Energy Administration grant paid for up to $310,269 per bus for four of the buses, leaving FCPS to cover the remaining $95,480 per bus.

The Maryland Department of the Environment grant contributed $300,000 per bus for two more buses that cost the same amount  $405,749.

That leaves FCPS to pay the remaining $105,749 per bus.

In total, for six more electric school buses, FCPS paid nearly $600,000.

LouersPhillips wrote that the goal was to have the buses operating by the 2026-27 school year.

Punturiero at the school board work session on Wednesday said the electric school bus routes would most likely be in the city of Frederick and its outskirts.

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Black raised a concern he had raised at the June school board meeting, which is that some FCPS bus drivers park the bus outside their homes or businesses and would be unable to charge them.

He said for rural bus drivers especially, being able to park the bus outside their home may be an attractive part of the job. Without that ability, Black said, the school district might find itself in more of a bus driver shortage.

"I think that it's just a horrible, horrible business model," he said.

Punturiero said out of the 466 buses in the FCPS fleet, about 100 of them are parked at the bus driver's house.

Rose said he appreciated that the school district was able to get a significant discount on the buses.
The Cumberland County Board of Education scheduled a retreat date for Sept. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Community Complex.

The retreat will serve as an opportunity for the board to meet in a different space to discuss pertinent issues influencing the Cumberland County school system.

The board discussed adding the following items to the agenda for the retreat: a monthly budget meeting, the strategic plan and middle school committees.

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The agenda has not been set as of press time. The Chronicle will provide an update when an agenda is in place.

The retreat is open for the public to attend.

The Cumberland County Board of Education is scheduled to meet Sept. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Cumberland County Community Complex at 1398 Livingston Rd. in Crossville.
BELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A pair of inmates has reportedly been spotted in Tennessee after escaping a southeast Kentucky forestry camp.

According to Trooper Shane Jacobs, Billy Potter, 32, and Steven Spencer, 22, escaped from the Bell County Forestry Camp on Monday night.

Public alert: 2 inmates escape custody in Bell County

Billy Potter and Steven Spencer (Trooper Jacobs)

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, Clairfield Elementary School in Clairfield, Tennessee, announced that the campus would be on heightened alert after learning that Potter and Spencer had been spotted in the area.

All students and staff are safe. Clairfield Elementary School is currently on secure status. All doors are locked, and students and staff are continuing learning and teaching. A Kentucky prison camp has two prisoners who have escaped. They believe they are headed to the Rock Creek area, but we will continue to stay on Secure until we know the Clarified area is clear. Clairfield Elementary School

Parents were encouraged to pick their students up by 3 p.m. as no school buses would be running.

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In a Thursday update, the school announced itd be closed because of the escaped prisoners still at large in the Clairfield area.

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Thank you to the officers working to apprehend the prisoners. Families, please stay safe. We look forward to seeing our students soon, Clairfield Elementary School wrote.

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.

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KSP said the public should not approach these individuals, and anyone who sees them should call 911.

FOX 56 has reached out to Trooper Jacobs for an update on the investigation.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Labor Day is Monday, and lawmakers continue to labor over a new state budget, now two months late.

More groups are expressing concern.

Some say theyve been feeling the pain of frozen funds, while others say theyre about to.

Today is August 28, said Hannah Barrick, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO). Thats the date that the state should be releasing nearly $2 Billion in needed funds to school districts across the state.

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Pennsylvania lawmakers push for state budget compromise

School officials and administrators said no money does not mean no impact.

Let me be blunt, said Dr. Keith Miles, superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, were running out of time.

Cash-strapped schools like his are borrowing money to pay the bills. Lancaster took out a $35 Million line of credit.

Thats money well spend on interest and fees instead of teachers, counselors, and classroom resources, Miles said. Weve already had to make painful decisions.

Others say theyre holding off hiring, not buying supplies or dipping into reserves.

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Pennsylvania budget is a numbers game. But whos counting?

The longer this impasse goes on, the more permanent harm is done to the programs and children that need them the most, said Sandy Edling, chief financial officer for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit #23. Lets not allow political gridlock to derail our childrens future.

Were very close, Gov. Josh Shapiro said. But are we closer than the last 30 times hes said it in the past two months?

It is frustrating that I introduced my budget nearly 205 days ago, and the Senates been in session, I think, only 26 days during that time, Shapiro said. Its time for everybody come back to Harrisburg and close this out.

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I think thats a very convenient thing for him to say, said Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), chairman of the appropriations committee. Maybe he needs to get in there and negotiate with members of his own party and get each of them on the same page.

Proposed bill would suspend pay for governor, lawmakers if Pennsylvania budget isnt passed

That to me is whats very frustrating about this, Martin added.

But the frustration of no deal for lawmakers pales in comparison to the frustration of no cash for those who need it.

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Weve done everything we can to stretch every dollar, but weve reached a breaking point, said Dr. Chris Gatto, superintendent of the Old Forge School District.

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(NewsNation)  A former friend said she noticed red flags in the Minneapolis school shooters behavior as far back as seventh grade, when the shooter made Nazi salutes in class and verbally abused friends.

Josefina Sanchez said she was friendly with Robin Westman, who killed two children and injured 18 other people Wednesday, when the two of them attended St. Agnes School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He was very erratic. Red flags all around but I didnt know, because I was just in the seventh grade, Sanchez said of her former classmate who attacked children and adults as they prayed at a Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.

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Shooter had deranged fascination with school shootings, killing children

He would [Nazi] salute. He would write code and was very verbally abusive, like towards me, and his closest guy friends. Very verbally abuse.

No signs of gender dysmorphia: Friend of shooter

Westman was not bullied and fit in with the rest of his cohort in the seventh grade, according to Sanchez. She does not remember him as someone who got into trouble.

I wouldnt say like the most friendliest [sic], but he had a good side to him, and would talk to other people. So I dont know where it couldve come from, she said.

Minneapolis Catholic school shooting: What we know about the victims

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Federal officials identified Westman as transgender, and court documents show a name change from Robert to Robin was requested at 17 years old.

Sanchez said she never saw any signs that Westman was struggling with accepting a gender at any point, and that it was traumatizing to realize she knew the shooter.

Shooter had heart full of hate

Westman died by suicide after opening fire on the church full of students. Investigators described the shooter as having a deranged fascination with previous school shooters and watching children suffer.

Westmans writings also described hatred toward other groups, and Joseph Thompson, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, said the hate targeted almost every group imaginable.

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In short, the shooter appeared to hate all of us. The shooters heart was full of hate, Thompson said.

There appears to be only one group that the shooter didnt hate, one group of people who the shooter admired. That group were the school shooters and mass murderers that are notorious in this country.

Investigators are examining hundreds of pieces of evidence to determine why Westman targeted Annunciation Catholic School.

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I grew up in a small town and lived close to the school, so my first time seeing a bus schedule that included a pickup before 6:30 a.m. was a shock.

Since then (and my goodness, my oldest started school nearly two decades ago!) Ive paid a lot of attention to school start times and bus schedules, and increasingly believe that I was mighty lucky as a kid to have such a short and late morning commute. Now, with the advice of health professionals, many schools are moving to later start times, but not all have successfully managed the shift.

Heres whats becoming the new norm, and where schools are still waking kids up at earlier hours.

Almost Half Of High Schools Start Before 8 am

Chart via National Center for Education Statistics

In the late 1990s, my high school classes began at 8 am, with a tardy bell at 8:05. In data released in 2020 by the National Center for Education Statistics, that was still the average start time for high schoolers, with 10% of schools getting a much earlier start, before 7:30 am. Only 17% begin their school day at 8:30 or later.

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Broken down by school size and location (rural, suburban, city, or town) theres no apparent single reason for the range of times, but we do know some of the factors that affect schedules.

Mental Floss found that bus access is one of the most significant factors, and many of us are seeing the effects in our districts. When there are bus driver shortages, we see our districts make plans for one bus to run two routes, dropping off the first wave of students and going back for a second.

Thus, districts that cant afford to hire more bus drivers or raise the pay rate to attract potential applicants (its a stressful job that requires a lot of focus and carries heavy responsibility) end up struggling to balance routes in a way that would allow for later start times.

While patterns arent strictly linear, we do see earlier start times in suburban areas, followed by rural areas, and larger schools tend towards earlier start times, too.

Why Do Health Professionals Advocate For Later Starts?

Every child has their own sleep patterns, and family schedules can impact these. Still, broadly speaking, most of us have noticed the pattern in which our younger kids like to get up early (even on days off, to parents great frustration) and our teens want to sleep in (and may be hard to drag out of bed when necessary).

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This isnt a coincidence, chance, or kids just being difficult. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes that our bodies circadian rhythms change during our teens, and while your 14-year-old still needs a full 8-10 hours of sleep, its harder for his body to cooperate with a 10 pm bedtime than it was just two years ago. (And bear in mind a 10pm bedtime still doesnt provide 8 hours of sleep if the bus comes so early that a child has to be up before 6 am.)

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) actively advocates, sending letters to state governors and legislators to plead for changes that would benefit students sleep patterns. In these letters, the organization says:

Simply going to bed earlier is not a realistic option for most teens. As a result, about 78% of high school students report getting fewer than 8 hours of sleep on an average school night, increasing their risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and motor vehicle accidents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are also circulating information advocating for high school days to begin no earlier than 8:30. In a 2015 push for later start times, the CDC cited information from the AAP noting that a lack of sleep contributed not only to depression and suicidal thoughts, but to poor grades, less physical activity and more overweight students, and to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs.

In short, medical and developmental experts across the board agree that starting the school day at 8:30 a.m. or later is the best choice for healthy teenagers.

How States Stack Up (And Other Nations)

Photo by ArturVerkhovetskiy on Deposit Photos

While individual school districts vary, there are also noticeable trends by state.

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In four states, the average high school start time is at 8:15 or later: South Carolina, Alaska, Iowa, and Minnesota. (Of these, only SC has an average start time that meets the medical recommendations cited above  8:34 am.) Louisiana has the earliest statewide average start time of 7:30 am.

The rest of the states are divided relatively evenly between the 7:45-7:59 a.m. and 8:00-8:15 a.m. time ranges.

By the way, when TeachStarter compared U.S. schedules to those of others around the world, a notable trend surfaced. Not only do many other developed nations start their school day a bit later, but they also tend to have shorter days overall.

For instance, Finlands school days may start at 9am or later, and only be 5 hours long. Australias school hours are more similar to those in the U.S., but still begin later, between 8:30 and 9 am, and run until 3 or 3:30 pm. Italys school days may start at 8am, but only run until about 1:30.

How Does Your Childs School Compare?

How does your childs school measure up? If the start times dont align with the rest of the country, you can examine factors like the size of your childs school, the area, and the budget.

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However, another factor in school start times can be tradition and resistance to change. District administrators may also be unaware of parental preferences for later start times.

If youre seeing that early mornings are negatively affecting your teenager, you can make contact with officials at the school, district, and state levels, and let them know what youd prefer. Ask other parents in your area if theyre having the same problems.

In the meantime, if your teen is overwhelmed and short on sleep, you can encourage them to prepare as much as possible at night, so that they can sleep even a few extra minutes in the morning, to get extra rest on weekends, and to try to get to bed a little earlier, even if it takes a while to fall asleep.
ORWELL TWP., Pa. (WETM)  An inmate in custody at a correctional facility in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to serve time in state prison for crimes that officials say he committed in Bradford County.

Jordan D. Ellis, 35, was sentenced to an overall minimum sentence of a little more than 15 years to a maximum of 35 years in state prison for two counts of aggravated indecent assault of a child, as stated in a release from the Bradford County District Attorneys Office.

Towanda man arrested on more than 200 counts relating to child rape/sex abuse

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Officials say Ellis was charged with the crime by Pennsylvania State Police in February of 2025 following an investigation into crimes that occurred in Orwell Township in 2021.

Officials say that a portion of Elliss sentence originates from a previous sentence out of Luzerne County, though the majority of it is the result of his crimes in Bradford County.

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Scientists discovered microplastics in every single beverage tested from popular UK brands, with hot drinks containing the highest concentrations of these tiny plastic particles, per a recent article in News Medical.

The comprehensive study (published in Science of the Total Environment) analyzed 155 samples from 31 different drinks, revealing that consumers unknowingly ingest plastic fragments with every sip.

What's happening?

Researchers from the UK tested beverages ranging from coffee and tea to energy and soft drinks, finding microplastics in 100% of samples analyzed. Hot tea contained the highest levels at 60 microplastics per liter, while hot coffee averaged 43 microplastics per liter.

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According to the article, the study also revealed that packaging materials directly influence microplastic levels  drinks in plastic bottles contained nearly double the microplastics compared to those in cartons. Heat appeared to accelerate plastic release, with the most expensive tea bags showing the highest contamination levels at 27 microplastics per cup.

Why is microplastic contamination important?

Microplastics entering the human body can physically block the digestive system, stimulate mucous membranes, and cause injury. Researchers have found microplastics throughout the human body, including in breast milk and in an infant's first stool.

Studies in cell cultures and animal models indicate that microplastics can cause oxidative damage, DNA damage, and changes in gene activity, which are known risks for cancer development. The particles can cause hormone disruption and metabolism, leading to reproductive disorders and developmental issues.

Research has also linked microplastics to poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and low male fertility.

What's being done about microplastic contamination?

Scientists are working to develop plastic-eating microorganisms and exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional packaging materials. Some beverage companies are transitioning to glass containers and recyclable cartons to reduce plastic contamination.

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People can further reduce their exposure by avoiding heating beverages in plastic containers to minimize microplastic release and using ceramic or glass mugs for hot drinks.

Supporting companies that prioritize sustainable packaging can help signal to the market and encourage widespread industry change toward cleaner alternatives that are better for the health of our planet and our communities.

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.




An anti-poaching tactic now has rhinoceroses with radioactive horns in hopes of saving the declining population.

The Rhisotope Project, a collaborative effort between the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, nuclear energy officials, and conservationists, launched by injecting five rhinos with radioactive isotopes that are completely harmless to the animals but can be detected at airports, borders, and large shipping containers by customs agents.

James Larkin, chief scientific officer for the Rhisotope Project, was quoted by The Guardian, "We have demonstrated, beyond scientific doubt, that the process is completely safe for the animal and effective in making the horn detectable through international customs nuclear security systems."

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As The Guardian reported, the global rhino population stood around 500,000 in the early 1900s but is now an estimated 27,000 due to the high demand for rhino horns on the black market.

South Africa's large rhino population  around 16,000  also attracts the highest levels of poaching, with about 500 rhinos killed each year for their horns.

"Every 20 hours in South Africa a rhino dies for its horn," Larkin said, according to a Wits University newsletter. "These poached horns are then trafficked across the world and used for traditional medicines, or as status symbols. This has led to their horns currently being the most valuable false commodity in the black-market trade, with a higher value even than gold, platinum, diamonds, and cocaine."

With only five rhino species left in the world, conservation efforts are crucial to preserving natural ecosystems. The idea is to detect the illegal smuggling of rhino horns before they cross the borders and put a stop to poaching efforts entirely. If successful, there are plans to expand the trials to other endangered species.

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Two Belgian Malinois dogs, Rico and Rimba, have been trained in Indonesia's Ujung Kulon National Park to protect Javan rhinos from active poachers. Some argue that removing their horns would be a better strategy, although this is not a permanent solution as their horns grow back within two years. The once-extinct black rhino population in South Africa is set for a revival after five long decades, as 10 of the critically endangered species have been sent to Zinave National Park as a "founder population."

Take local action and support anti-poaching and conservation organizations. Reduce the demand for wildlife products by putting your money towards eco-friendly clothing, health, and beauty products.

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.
"What the world needs to know is that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is like a trick to kill the largest number of Palestinians every day," Humza Yousaf quoted his cousin as saying.

"The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is like a tick to kill the largest number of Palestinians every day," former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said on social media Thursday, quoting his cousin-in-law Sally in Gaza after one of his extended relatives was allegedly killed trying to get milk from a GHF distribution site.

The distant relative in question, identified as Ahmed, said that he had to go to the site despite the danger in order to get milk for his child.

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"I'm only going to go this one time, and I'm not going to go again," Ahmed was quoted as saying.

"Sally goes on to say, 'What the world needs to know is that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is like a trick to kill the largest number of Palestinians every day,'" Yousaf quoted his cousin-in-law as saying. "'Every day, around 100 Palestinians are killed there trying to get food. Our men, our women, our children. Why, why, why? Why is this trick designed just to kill us? We're trying to find food for our families. Not just food - water, milk, and medicine too. So we go to the Humanitarian Foundation, never to return to our families.'"

"This is Gaza. This is a genocide, and the world is backing these facilities," Yousaf's wife Nadia said. "Famine has been declared, yet aid is blocked while the Foundation profits from their hunger. Food, water, and medicine must be allowed in through real aid agencies, and the world must not look away.

Yousaf's story has not been verified, but it is known that he has extended family and in-laws in Gaza. In July 2024, it was reported that he was facing a probe by the Scottish government over donations he made using government funds while his Palestinian in-laws were seeking to escape a Gaza warzone.

GHF aid distribution sites face accusations of danger

This is not the first accusation made against the safety of GHF aid distribution sites.

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On August 7, 2025, a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) analysis declared GHF locations as sites of "orchestrated killings," accusing both IDF soldiers and private US contractors of indiscriminate violence against Palestinians.

Numerous deaths have been documented as well, with even the GHF admitting to some of them. For example, in mid-July, at least 20 Palestinians were killed in a human crush incident at a GHF site in Khan Yunis.

However, other reports claim to witness IDF and US contractor violence and gunfire against Palestinians.

According to the United Nations, around 1,400 people have been killed and more than 4,000 wounded while trying to find food, with at least 859 people killed around GHF sites since late May, when GHF operations began.

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On July 26, one former aid worker - retired US special forces officer Anthony Aguilar - told the BBC that he witnessed the IDF shooting into crowds of Palestinians, as well as witnessing a level of "brutality and use of indiscriminate and unnecessary force against a civilian population, an unarmed, starving population" unlike anything he had ever seen before.

The GHF denied his allegations, as well as many others. IDF spokesperson Effie Deffrin further defended the GHF, accusing Hamas and others of spreading rumors and trying to stop Gazans from getting aid.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee further criticized media reporting on the incidents at GHF sites, saying that the only sources for these claims come from Hamas.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Friday marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, killing nearly 2,000 people and displacing hundreds of thousands.

The anniversary resonates in San Diego, where Scripps Health sent a roughly 70-member team to Houston to help staff a relief clinic for evacuees, a mission the health system says was the first time a private hospital network was tapped for long-term disaster support.

Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Healths president and CEO, said the call came quickly after the storm.

The next morning we got a phone call from a rear admiral with the U.S. Public Health Service asking us to deploy our team to the Gulf, Van Gorder said.

The group, nurses, physicians and other medical staff, set up inside the George R. Brown Convention Center, where thousands sought aid.

It brings back memories as if it happened yesterday, Van Gorder said. Its a reminder that these natural disasters can hit any community at any time.

Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, 2005, and became one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.

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Inside the convention center, Van Gorder said, the need was overwhelming.

He called the deployment a defining chapter for Scripps, demonstrating how a local health system could answer a national call for help. Van Gorder still keeps letters and cards from evacuees and local children who thanked the team.

Among the gratitude were stories of loss.

There was one woman we cared for whose son died when a bus flipped during the Superdome evacuation, he said. There was only one fatality her son.

With the 20th anniversary approaching, Van Gorder said the experience continues to guide Scripps emergency planning at home, and its readiness to deploy when the next call comes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The search for a missing baby in California has captured nationwide attention, as what began as a missing persons case has transformed into a murder investigation.

Emmanuel Haro, a 7-month-old baby from Cabazon, California, was reported missing on Aug. 14.

The childs parents, 32-year-old Jake Mitchell Haro and 41-year-old Rebecca Renee Haro, have now been arrested in the babys death as the search for Emmanuel continues.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - PHOTO: Emmanuel Haro, a missing 7-month-old child, seen here in this undated photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Here is a timeline on what we know so far in the case.

Aug. 14

At approximately 7:47 p.m. on Aug. 14, a 7-month-old child, identified as Emmanuel Haro, was reported missing after the child's mother, Rebecca Haro, "reported being attacked outside a retail store on Yucaipa Boulevard," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

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She told officials that "while she stood outside her vehicle, changing the chid's diaper, she was physically assaulted by an unknown male and rendered unconscious," the sheriff's department said.

When she woke up, the child was gone, the mother told officials.

MORE: Search for missing 7-month-old continues after parents arrested for murder: Sheriff

Once on the scene, scent-tracking dogs were deployed, but the 7-month-old "was not located," officials said.

Officials said this is an active investigation, no suspect information is available and they are "seeking the public's help in locating the child."

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"He was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie, he weighs 21 pounds, is approximately 24 inches tall, has brown hair, brown eyes and is cross-eyed," the sheriff's department said in their initial statement on the child's disappearance.

Aug. 15

The next day, authorities released another statement saying they were "continuing their search for the 7-month-old baby boy who was reportedly kidnapped last night in Yucaipa."

The sheriff's department said the baby "had not been found" and the investigators will "continue to work on this case to locate the child."

KABC - PHOTO: Rebecca Haro, the mother of a missing 7-month-old child, has had inconsistencies in her statement regarding the disappearance of her son, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.

The same day, Rebecca and Jake Haro spoke to Los Angeles ABC station KABC about Emmanuel's disappearance. Rebecca Haro described her son as a "happy boy" and begged whoever had her son to "give him back to me."

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"Please don't hurt my son," Rebecca Haro told KABC.

"Whoever took our son, please bring him back," Jake Haro told KABC during the same interview.

Aug. 16

Officials said they interviewed "multiple individuals" regarding the disappearance, including the child's mother and father.

"During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview," the sheriff's office said.

After those interviews, investigators were "unable to rule out foul play in the disappearance of Emmanuel," officials said.

Aug. 18

Officials conducted "extensive searches in Yucaipa and Cabazon, looking for Emmanuel and any evidence that might lead to his location and circumstances surrounding his disappearance," the sheriff's department said in a press release on Aug. 18.

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The officials have also "served several search warrants at the Haro home" and are reviewing a "large amount of surveillance video" from the areas of interest.

Aug. 19

Officials said they are looking into a reported sighting of Emmanuel Haro in Kern County, saying "no information on where in Kern County was provided."

The same day, Jake Haro's attorney, Vincent Hughes, provided a statement to ABC News, saying both parents "seek answers about their missing child" and that the father is "fully cooperating with law enforcement and investigators."

Aug. 20

Jake and Rebecca Haro are seen leaving the Riverside Superior Juvenile Courts on Aug. 20, while the search for their child continues.

Aug. 22

Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested at their residence in Cabazon for the murder of their son, officials said.

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"Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing," the sheriff's department said in a statement after the parents' arrest.

San Bernadino County Sheriff's Department - PHOTO: Detectives from the Sheriffs Homicide Detail and Specialized Enforcement Division arrested Jake and Rebecca Haro at their residence in Cabazon, Calif., on Aug. 22, 2025.

Officials said no other arrests have been made and no suspects remain outstanding, with the search for Emmanuel continuing.

"While these arrests mark a significant development, our focus remains on finding Emmanuel," officials said.

Rebecca Haro was placed in custody at the Robert Presley Detention Center, while Jake Haro was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, according to jail records.

Bernardino County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were arrested on Aug. 22 for the murder of their 7-month-old child, Emmanuel Haro, who has been missing since Aug. 14, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office.

Aug. 24

Officials conduct another search for Emmanuel "along the westbound shoulder of the 60 Freeway, near Gilman Springs Road, in Moreno Valley," with Jake Haro and cadaver dogs accompanying detectives, authorities said.

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The search concluded after "Emmanuel was not located," authorities said.

Aug. 26

Jake and Rebecca Haro appeared in a California court on Aug. 26 in the wake of being charged with murder and making a false police report.

KABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, Rebecca Haro is shown in court, in Riverside County, Calif., on Aug. 26, 2025.

KABC - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, Jake Haro is shown in court, in Riverside County, Calif., on Aug. 26, 2025.

The two were in court for less than five minutes, with a $1 million bail set for both. Their arraignment is scheduled to continue on Sept. 4.

Aug. 27

During a press conference with the Riverside County District Attorney and members of law enforcement, officials said they have a "pretty strong indication" on the location of the remains of the 7-month-old and that the alleged murder of Emmanuel "was preventable in numerous ways."

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Officials also revealed they believe the child was "severely abused over a period of time" and that both parents "would have been aware of that abuse," Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said.

KABC - PHOTO: Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin provided an update on the search for Emmanuel Haro, the missing 7-month-old, and the murder charges placed on the child's parents.

"The filing in this case reflects our belief that baby Emmanuel was abused over time and that eventually because of that abuse, he succumbed to those injuries," Hestrin said.

Hestrin said Jake Haro, who he described as an "experienced child abuser," "should have gone to prison" due to previously abusing another child he had with his ex-wife back in 2018, but a judge at the time granted him probation -- a ruling that Hestrin called an "outrageous error in judgment." Authorities said the child in that case has been left bedridden.

"If that judge had done his job as he should have done, Emmanuel would be alive today," Hestrin said.
<body><p>STORY: :: Brittany Maldonado</p><p>:: A massive explosion levels three properties in California and injures at least six people</p><p>:: December 11, 2025</p><p>:: Hayward, California</p><p>:: A damaged underground gas line is reported to have caused the blast</p><p>Fire department officials said they were dispatched to the site of the explosion at 0938 am PST (1738GMT). Aerial images showed smoke rising from the site. Firefighters were seen walking through charred debris looking for victims of the explosion.</p><p>Alameda County Fire Department officials said two of the three properties were residential and one appeared to be used as a workshop. All six of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.</p></body>
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The driver of the semi-truck driving the wrong way on the Interstate 55 bridge told officers he got confused, Arkansas State Police said Friday.

Police identified the driver as John Vosburgh, 75, of Kentucky.

He was detained and charged with reckless driving, driving the wrong way on one-way roadway, refusal to submit to arrest, fail to obey police officer, refusal to submit to a chemical test and driving while intoxicated.

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However, ASP later clarified that those charges were pending the results of a toxicology test.

It could have been a disaster: Semi driver going wrong way on I-55 bridge detained

According to state police, they responded to the call on the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge at 10:12 a.m. Tuesday.

When they arrived on the bridge, one of the state troopers said he knocked on the passenger side window and the driver slightly rolled it down.

Then the officer stated he told him to turn the tractor-trailer off, and the man replied, Let me get across the bridge first, and kept easing the truck forward.

The state trooper said he drew his weapon and told the driver to stop the vehicle again.

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He stopped the truck and was forcibly removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground to be handcuffed, according to the state trooper.

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While in custody, the trooper asked Vosburgh why he was driving in the wrong direction on the bridge, and he said, I got confused.

After observing him, the trooper said Vosburgh had pinpoint pupils and delayed responses, which he determined to be signs of intoxication.

An ambulance was called to the scene, and Vosburgh was taken to Baptist Crittenden hospital.

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At this time, it is unclear if he is still at the hospital.

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Teachers in Seminole and Osceola counties will get modest raises this year, after their unions recently reached agreements with their school districts.

But instructors in Lake and Orange counties must still wait for any pay hikes as negotiations between their unions and district administrators continue next month.

In Seminole, teachers rated highly effective will get a 2.3% raise and those with effective ratings a 1.36% raise. Teachers working at low-income schools would also receive a $100 bonus.

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In Osceola, top-rated teachers will get $500 plus a 2% cost of living adjustment  about $990 per teacher  meaning they could add almost $1,500 to their salaries. Those rated effective will get a $350 pay raise plus the cost-of-living hike.

The school board in both counties must still vote on the agreements.

Janet Moody, the president of the Osceola County Education Association, said she was proud of the gains the union made this year.

This agreement reflects the power of collective action and the voice of our members, Moody said. We secured pay increases, stronger workplace protections, and greater recognition of the professional and personal needs of our employees.

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Mark Shanoff, Osceolas superintendent, said employee compensation has been a priority for the district over the last several years and hes proud of the districts sizable investment.

We could never fully monetize the impact of our employees on the success of our school district. They are heroes, said Osceola Superintendent Mark Shanoff.

Negotiations between the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the local union, and Orange County Public Schools, the areas largest school district, remain ongoing.

This year, the union asked for a 1% raise across the board with an additional 4% for highly effective teachers  a rating that historically more than 90% of OCPS teachers earn.

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The union met with district representatives on Wednesday, and the two will reconvene on Sept. 12, with the hope an agreement could be reached, union president Clinton McCracken said.

OCPS employs about 13,300 teachers and is among the countys largest employers.

Last year, OCPS and the union struggled to reach an salary agreement, which led to a 12-hour public impasse hearing. In the end, the district chose smaller raises advocated for by Superintendent Maria Vazquez over a larger increase pushed by the union.

OCPS hasnt brought an offer to the table yet this year, McCracken said.

He doesnt expect the ongoing enrollment drops and budget shortfalls to impact the districts counter-offer, however.

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Heading into this school year, OCPS said it faced an expected loss of 3,000 students and a $28 million budget shortfall driven by increasing private school vouchers and decreasing birthrates. On Tuesday, the district said its initial headcounts found they were actually down almost 7,000 students and could lose another $25 million in per-pupil funding.

They have already given a 5% raise to some (administrators) and they found that money creatively. So theyre going to have to find the money for raises, he said.

In Lake County, the teachers union is frustrated that the school district, citing a loss of state money from an enrollment loss, does not want to provide teachers any raises this year.

The district refused to pay teachers what they are worth, the Lake County Education Association said in a statement Aug. 21, and is focused on the dismal budget outlook leaving teachers with little hope of increased compensation.

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Lake County Schools has not commented on whether it plans to offer raises. During an Aug. 20 bargaining session, Assistant Superintendent Guido Zamora said it would be financially irresponsible to accept the unions current offer.

Our job is to keep teachers with students. If we were in a different budget position, would I agree to this? Potentially, yes. But at this time, the district is not in a position that I can financially, responsibly, make a decision and say, Yes, we can accept this, he said.

Florida continues to rank 50th nationwide in average teacher pay, according to Florida Education Association data. The average teacher salary in Florida is $54,875, according to the FEA.

Gov. Ron DeSantiss administration has pushed higher starting pay for teaches, and the Legislature has earmarked money for that effort.

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Average starting teacher pay is $48,639, which is ranked 17th in the country according to the National Education Association.

But unions and veteran teachers have complained that effort has left little money to boost pay for more-experienced instructors.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iraq War combat veteran and Iowas first woman elected to Congress, is expected to announce next month she will not seek reelection, leaving another vacancy in an Iowa seat that could have ripple effects down the ballot as Democrats look to the state for pickup opportunities.

As Senate Republicans work to maintain their majority in the chamber, Ernst is joining a wave of her peers making headaches for the party. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina turned down a reelection bid after clashing with President Donald Trump.

Ernst plans to announce in September that she will opt out of the race for a third term, according to four people familiar with her plans who spoke Friday on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement.

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Ernst, a former Army National Guard member and a retired lieutenant colonel, was first elected to an open Senate seat in 2014. She served for several years in the No. 4 spot in the Senate GOP leadership and was considered a vice presidential contender for Trumps first White House run.

Her decision comes after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, the states first female governor, said she would not run for reelection. It prompted the states many Republican elected officials to consider the open opportunity to run for higher office, a process that may begin again with Ernsts departure.

Democrats look to mount an Iowa comeback

Democrats have been looking for an opportunity to mount a political comeback in the once-competitive state, an uphill battle even in the potentially favorable midterm year. Ernst drew backlash after a retort about Medicaid cuts at a town hall. As Ernst explained that the legislation protects Medicaid for those who need it most, someone in the crowd yelled that people will die without coverage, and Ernst responded: People are not ... well, we all are going to die.

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The crowded primary field of Democratic candidates for the Senate have capitalized on that moment and Ernsts Senate votes for early messaging. Theyll have to pivot once other Republicans enter the fray.

The election will be without an incumbent for the first time since 2014, when Ernst was elected in the first open Senate race in decades. Chuck Grassley, Iowas senior U.S. senator, has held his seat for 45 years.

Ernst emerged among a field of lesser-known candidates seeking the Republican nomination in 2014, rising to national recognition with advertisements that spoke of her experience slinging guns and castrating hogs. She won reelection in 2020 by more than 6 percentage points, coming in with just shy of 52% of voters.

Among Trump supporters, Ernst made waves earlier this year after signaling a hesitance to support his pick for the secretary of the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has said in the past that he did not think women should serve in combat roles, and he was accused of a sexual assault that he denies.

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But Ernst, who is herself a survivor of sexual assault and has worked to improve how the military handles claims of misconduct, made clear she wanted to hear him respond to those points. It provoked a pressure campaign that underscored Trumps power on Capitol Hill and included threats of a bruising primary.

It wasnt the first time Ernst went toe-to-toe with Trump supporters. She also faced condemnation for her 2022 vote to protect same-sex marriage.

Still, Ernst would have benefited from nearly 200,000 more active voters registered as Republicans than Democrats, a significant shift from even a few years ago. Ernst announced a campaign manager in June, an October date for her annual fundraiser and had raised just shy of $1.8 million in the first half of the year.

Likely candidates for the seat

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Third-term Rep. Ashley Hinson from the Cedar Rapids area in eastern Iowa, is widely viewed as likely to enter the race. Two of Iowas four congressional seats already have been among the more competitive in the country over the past several elections.

Should Hinson enter the Senate race, that would make her district, where she won with 57% of the vote in 2024, more competitive, Iowa Republican strategist Luke Martz said.

Were going into what could be a tumultuous midterm, with two seats already highly targeted. This would be a third, depending on who we nominate, Martz said.

A spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the official campaign arm of Senate Republicans, declined to comment. Likewise, messages left for Ernst aides were not immediately returned.

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However, strategists close to Senate Republican leadership said they were encouraged by Hinson's interest in running, in light of her victories in a politically mixed northeast Iowa district and fundraising ability.

Messages left for Hinson spokespeople were not immediately returned.

Several Democrats are seeking the partys nomination for the seat, including state Sen. Zach Wahls; state Rep. Josh Turek; Jackie Norris, chair of the Des Moines School Board; and Nathan Sage, a former chamber of commerce president.

Two Republicans  former state Sen. Jim Carlin and veteran Joshua Smith  had already entered the primary to challenge Ernst.

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Trending Republican

Iowa, which had been a perennial swing state, has trended Republican over more than a decade, with Republicans winning the governorship since 2010 and both U.S. Senate seats since 2014.

After Democrat Barack Obama carried the state in 2008 and 2012, President Donald Trump has gone on to carry it three consecutive times, and by his widest margin, 13.2 percentage points, last year.

Ernsts plans were first reported by CBS News.

___

This story has been updated to correct Sen. Ernsts position in Senate GOP leadership. She was in the No. 4 position, not No. 3.

___

Seung Min Kim and Joey Cappelletti reported from Washington.
(The Center Square)  State Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, is not a fan of recently enacted Substitute House Bill 1774.

The law, which went into effect on July 27, allows the Washington State Department of Transportation to lease unused highway land to public agencies, nonprofits and tribes for community purposes such as affordable housing, shelters, parks and salmon habitat restoration.

The Legislature cannot repurpose highway lands that were paid for by taxpayers and, in many cases, supported with federal dollars, just to hand them over for unrelated uses like housing or parks, King said in a Citizen Action Defense Fund news release announcing a demand letter he sent formally requesting state Attorney General Nick Brown investigate and take legal action to invalidate SHB 1774. This is a misuse of public funds and a violation of the Constitution.

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According to the CADF, which is representing King in this matter, SHB 1774 could violate the Washington State Takings Clause and the federal Property Clause because the leases might constitute an unauthorized taking of public property for private use without fair market value, contravene the Washington Constitution's requirement for exclusive highway use of highway lands, and ignore federal requirements for obtaining approval and charging fair market value for federally-assisted highway lands.

Rep. Jake Fey, D-Tacoma, is the prime sponsor of SHB 1774.

He said the law will unlock state-owned surplus highway land for community use.

Too much valuable land sits idle while our communities face urgent needs, he said in May at a ceremony where Gov. Bob Ferguson signed SHB 1774 into law. This law gives us the tools to use public property for public good  from creating housing to revitalizing neglected public spaces.

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The Center Square contacted the Attorney Generals Office and WSDOT for comment on the demand letter.

Our role is generally to defend laws passed by the Legislature, not seek to invalidate them, AGO Communications Director Nina Jenkins emailed The Center Square. We see no basis to deviate from that normal role here.

Acting WSDOT Communications Director Stefanie Randolph also responded.

Were aware of the letter, she said in an email. I recommend you contact the Attorney Generals office and Sen. King.

Jackson Maynard, CADF executive director and counsel, said King is trying to protect taxpayers.

This law invites costly litigation, undermines constitutional protections for taxpayers, and risks Washingtons compliance with federal highway funding rules, Maynard said in CADFs news release. We are calling on the attorney general to step in immediately before taxpayers are left holding the bag.
Seattle  Two firefighters who were part of a 44-person crew fighting a wildland blaze on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula were arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a multiagency criminal investigation into the two contractors they worked for, federal authorities said Thursday.

The arrests prompted Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington State, to call U.S. immigration policy "sick."

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management asked the Border Patrol to help check the workers' identities Wednesday when crews were working in a remote area, the Border Patrol said in a statement. Border Patrol agents found two workers who were in the U.S. illegally and arrested them, the ageny said.



Federal authorities didn't provide information about the investigation into the contractors and didn't immediately respond to questions seeking details about the criminal case.



The BLM terminated the contracts with Table Rock Forestry Inc. and ASI Arden Solutions Inc.  both from Oregon  and escorted the remaining 42 workers off federal land, the release said. The two arrested were taken to the Bellingham station on charges of illegal entry and reentry, the release added.



Email and phone messages left Thursday for the two businesses seeking comment weren't immediately returned.



Initial reports saying firefighters had been arrested by federal agents sparked the outrage from Murray. Several firefighters who witnessed the incident had told The Seattle Times anonymously that federal agents had taken two firefighters into custody.



Murray responded to the news Thursday by saying the Trump administration has undercut wildland firefighting by "decimating the Forest Service" and their immigration policy "is fundamentally sick."

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., asks a question during a hearing on June 18, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. / Credit: Mariam Zuhaib / AP

"Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can, and have, burned entire towns to the ground," she said in a statement. "This new Republican policy to detain firefighters on the job is as immoral as it is dangerous."

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She added that she is "demanding immediate answers from this administration about the circumstances of this incident, the whereabouts of the detained firefighters, and the administration's current policy regarding immigration enforcement during active wildfires."

Dennis Lawson, president of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters, told The Associated Press firefighters work as a team and losing a member for any reason hurts their ability to serve their communities.

The Border Patrol asserted that, "The contract termination and enforcement action did not interfere with firefighting operations or the response to any active fires in the area, nor did it pose any danger to the surrounding community."



U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector Chief Patrol Agent Rosario Vasquez said in the statement that the effort highlights the coordination among federal agencies to ensure the integrity of government operations.



"U.S. Border Patrol steadfastly enforces the laws of the United States and unapologetically addresses violations of immigration law wherever they are encountered," Vasquez said.



The crews were helping with the Bear Gulch Fire, which has burned about 14 square miles on the north side of Lake Cushman in the Olympic National Forest and National Park. It was 13% contained by Thursday afternoon.



Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, of Oregon, said in a post on X that one of the firefighters arrested was from his state and denounced the arrest, saying it makes communities less safe. The man is represented by lawyers with the nonprofit Innovation Law Lab, who said he was unlawfully detained and they haven't been able to locate him.



"We demand that they allow him to access counsel as is his right afforded by the U.S. Constitution," lawyer Rodrigo Fernandez-Ortega said in an email. "We have seen entire towns burned to the ground and it is outrageous that the U.S. border patrol unlawfully detained the brave individuals who are protecting us."



Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he was "deeply concerned" about the news, adding that firefighters help keep communities safe. He said his team has reached out to the federal agencies to get more information and "to question why the Trump administration's cruel immigration policies now extend to individuals fighting forest fires."



Jennifer Risdal, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service's Incident Management Team overseeing the firefighting efforts, said they were aware of the Border Patrol activities at the fire site, but offered no information about what happened.



During the first Trump administration, DHS issued a statement in the course of the 2020 wildfire season saying CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were concerned about the impact the fires could have on Western states and that their highest priority was "the preservation of life and safety."



"In consideration of these circumstances, there will be no immigration enforcement initiatives associated with evacuations or sheltering related to the wildfires, except in the event of a serious public safety threat," the statement said.



Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove, whose agency oversees Washington's wildland firefighting efforts, said he was aware of the enforcement actions at the Bear Gulch Fire.



"While we don't have all of the details yet, this is all occurring at a time when the Trump administration's crude and inhumane approach to immigration enforcement has intentionally and unnecessarily stoked fear and mistrust among members of the public  including firefighters putting their lives on the line to protect our state," he said.

Minneapolis Catholic school shooter identified

Everything we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting so far

Video shows fugitive father who disappeared with children in 2021, New Zealand police say
State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, chair of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, speaks at a news conference on Legislative Bill 530, which included some juvenile justice reforms that allowed the detainment of younger offenders. Behind her, from left is Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson, State Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha and State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse. Aug. 25, 2025. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The chair of the Nebraska Legislatures Judiciary Committee said Thursday it is premature to hold a legislative hearing into Gov. Jim Pillens plan to convert a state prison into an immigration detention facility.

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln advised 13 progressive lawmakers who had requested that she schedule a public hearing to instead direct questions to the executive branch and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office. Bosn said questions would be most efficiently and effectively be answered this way and be answered faster than what is needed to schedule a public hearing.

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Up to this point, the executive branch has been responsive to questions from the Legislature, and a public hearing is premature, Bosn, a former prosecutor, wrote in a Thursday response letter.

Then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem shakes hands with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 21, 2023, near the nations southern border. Also pictured, from left, are Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa and Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska. (Courtesy of Gov. Noems office)

Meanwhile, Nebraska Appleseed on Thursday delivered a petition to Gov. Jim Pillens office from more than 18,000 people in 386 Nebraska communities urging him to halt plans for the migrant detention center. The signatures were collected within the past week.

Pillen, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and other state officials on Aug. 19 announced that Nebraska would convert the states Work Ethic Camp in McCook from an approximate 200-bed facility aimed at helping prisoners prepare for life after incarceration into a nearly 300-bed detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. State and federal officials have rebranded it as the Cornhusker Clink.

Director Rob Jeffreys of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services has said he wants the repurposed facility to be a Midwest hub for immigration enforcement. Pillen said earlier this week that the repurposed facility should be operational within the next 45 days.

Legislative oversight

Back-and-forth legislative jockeying began Wednesday when State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, a progressive registered nonpartisan, and 12 Democratic lawmakers sent a list of questions to Bosn that the group said needed to be answered. In their letter, the senators suggested the answers should come in a public forum.

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Other lawmakers signing the letter were State Sens. John Cavanaugh, Machaela Cavanaugh, Danielle Conrad, George Dungan, John Fredrickson, Dunixi Guereca, Margo Juarez, Terrell McKinney, Dan Quick, Jane Raybould, Victor Rountree and Ashlei Spivey.

Lawmakers questions include the legality of Pillen entering a federal agreement to convert a state-run, legislatively defined prison into an ICE facility and the legality of Jeffreys department housing ICE detainees.

The Nebraska Constitutions Article IV, Section 19, has since 1875 given the Legislature exclusive authority in the general management, control and government of all state charitable, mental, reformatory and penal institutions.

State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, center, speaks during a protest against state plans to turn a prison into a migrant detention facility outside the Nebraska Governors Mansion in Lincoln. Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo by Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

The Legislature this spring completed a nearly two-year effort to clarify and strengthen its legislative oversight of executive branch agencies, including the Nebraska prison system.

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The governors disregard for including the Legislature  the peoples branch  is deeply problematic, the senators wrote Wednesday. Nebraskans deserve answers.

The Governors Office and Correctional Services Department have not yet addressed critics questions over state law and the Nebraska Constitution. Pillen has said he is stepping up to answer Trumps call for governors and states to do their part to enforce federal immigration laws.

We arent going away

Lawmakers will return for the 2026 legislative session in early January, when senators will likely introduce legislation dealing with the Work Ethic Camp. In Nebraska, all legislative proposals get a public hearing in the one-house, officially nonpartisan Legislature.

A map of Nebraskans who signed a petition led by Nebraska Appleseed against a state-federal plan to convert the rehabilitative-focused Nebraska Work Ethic Camp facility in McCook to be a state-run migrant detention center with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Courtesy of Nebraska Appleseed)

Among comments by petition signers:

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I say NO to opening a cruel and harmful ICE detainment camp anywhere in our state. This is inhumane.  Lexington resident.

Nebraskans do not want this. Not in our state, not anywhere. Do your job!  Norfolk resident.

NO using any prison in Nebraska to undermine our neighbors and friends. And absolutelyNO CORNHUSKER CLINK!!! That degrades every one of us!  Tecumseh resident.

As a McCook resident, I do not like seeing where Nebraska is headed with the new addition to WEC. This is not McCook. This is not Nebraska.  McCook resident.

Darcy Tromanhauser, Appleseeds immigrants and communities program director, said U.S. immigration laws have not been meaningfully updated in nearly 40 years. She said that has left families and neighbors targets while they try to navigate outdated immigration laws.

Nebraskans want positive and updated immigration laws that support strong Nebraska communities, families, workforce needs, and our future  not punishment and military deployments, Tromanhauser said.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, the lone Democratic senator on a new Legislative Oversight Committee, described the repurposed facility as an internment camp reminiscent of how the country detained Japanese Americans in the 1940s during World War II, without any due process whatsoever.

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Hunt and Cavanaugh said Bosns decision not to host a public hearing was disappointing but not surprising. Hunt said lawmakers would press for answers through every avenue, even if Bosn and her committee refuse.

The Legislature has a duty of oversight, and Nebraskans have a right to know whats being done in their name and with their money, Hunt said in a Thursday text. We arent going away, and we wont stop asking the questions the governor and his allies would rather ignore.

Editors note: Nebraska Examiner senior reporter Cindy Gonzalez contributed to this report.

What is the Work Ethic Camp?

The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, legislatively approved in April 1997, opened in April 2001 as a method to reduce prison crowding, primarily with rehabilitative programming to low-risk offenders. As a result, the facility hoped to open up space for more violent offenders in other state facilities.

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The Work Ethic Camp has most recently served adult men convicted of felonies who need substance use treatment or cognitive restructuring. It had an annual state budget of $9.5 million last year and about 85 staff. As of Aug. 19, the facility housed 186 Nebraskans in dormitory-style housing.

The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services)

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You might want to run to your fridge and check the carton of eggs sitting in there. On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a recall of eggs from Country Eggs, LLC following a salmonella bacteria outbreak that spans 14 U.S. states. The contaminated eggs were sold under the brand names Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho, and Nijiya Markets. As shown on a map on the CDC website, states with confirmed cases of illness linked to the outbreak include Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Georgia, Hawaii, and North Carolina.

The affected batches of eggs are labeled as "large brown cage-free 'sunshine yolks' or 'omega-3 golden yolks' eggs" and were distributed from June 16 to July 9 in California and Nevada. The cartons display the code CA 7695 and were sold to grocery stores as well as food service companies, meaning food businesses should also check their egg supply. The initial U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recall announcement from Country Eggs shows sell by dates, product photos, and other information to help you identify a possibly contaminated carton.

As of the time of writing, 95 cases of salmonella infection have been reported in connection with this recall, with 18 resulting in hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Authorities urge consumers and businesses to immediately dispose of affected eggs or return them to the place of purchase for a refund, and to thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces that the eggs may have touched.

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Read more: 17 Ways To Cook Eggs, Explained

What To Do If You Suspect A Salmonella Infection

A paper card reading "salmonella bacteria" next to a stethoscope on green background - SsCreativeStudio/Shutterstock

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, may not cause noticeable symptoms in some people, but most infected individuals suffer effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These signs may manifest in as little as six hours or as long as six days after consuming infected food or drink, and bouts of illness usually last for a few days to a week. The most common cause of salmonella infections is consuming contaminated animal products. Milk, ground turkey, and ice cream have caused some of the worst salmonella outbreaks in U.S. history.

Professional treatment is not always necessary to recover from salmonellosis, but the CDC advises you to seek medical attention in case of high fever, blood in stool, excessive vomiting, or severe dehydration. Salmonella can be fatal to infants, small children, older adults, and the immunocompromised, all of whom should seek medical help in case of a suspected infection. Salmonellosis is also contagious, and ill individuals should take care to wash their hands frequently and avoid interacting with at-risk groups.

Following food safety tips every home cook needs to know can further protect you and your loved ones. For consumers who have questions about this egg recall, Country Eggs, LLC can be contacted via the phone number 1-800-722-3447 or the email address INFO@countryeggsllc.com. The company has ceased production of the recalled products while the FDA investigates the source of the outbreak.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
The Rio Grande in Sunland Park at the state line between Texas and New Mexico in June 2022. Parties released the set of agreements Friday which they say will hopefully dismiss the case mired in the U.S. Supreme Court for more than a decade. (Photo by Diana Cervantes for Source NM)

Parties in a legal dispute over Rio Grande water filed settlement documents Friday that could end a lawsuit that has been mired before the U.S. Supreme Court for the last 12 years and cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

The potential dismissal of the case would establish new rules in the stretch of Rio Grande below Elephant Butte, an area reshaped by water scarcity and agriculture.

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The U.S. Supreme Court in June 2024 struck a previous proposed settlement crafted between New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, ruling in a 5-4 decision that the settlement unfairly excluded the federal governments unique federal interests, and sent the parties back to the negotiation tables in 2024.

In May, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and the United States announced they were close to a settlement.

The agreement released Friday will provide a measure of stability and truly end the conflict, New Mexicos lead attorney in the case, Jeff Wechsler, told Source NM.

I think its a fair and appropriate resolution of a number of longstanding disputes in the Rio Grande, and Im hopeful that it will really be the foundation for continued water use and prosperity in the region in both states, he said.

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The parties provided the settlement to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit Chief Judge D. Brooks Smith, who oversees the case as a special master. Smith set a Sept. 29 hearing in Philadelphia to consider the proposal. Following the hearing, Smith will write a recommendation to the U.S. Supreme Court, which holds the power to issue a final decision.

A series of droughts in the early 2000s spurred a slew of lawsuits between irrigation districts, local governments, state agencies and the federal Bureau of Reclamation over the splitting of the Rio Grande. The grievances carried into a 2011 federal lawsuit brought by New Mexico, which alleged the federal governments operations of a network of dams, canals and irrigation ditches favored Texas farmers and shorted New Mexico its rightful Rio Grande water.

In 2013, Texas elevated the dispute to the U.S. Supreme Court, and alleged that New Mexicos groundwater pumping from farming and development on the Rio Grande was taking tens of thousands of acre feet of water and violating the 87-year old compact between the states. The Supreme Court allowed the federal government to join the case in 2019.

In addition to the named parties, more than a dozen organizations factor into the case, including the cities of Las Cruces and El Paso; water utilities; farming groups; New Mexico State University and irrigation districts.

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The four-part settlement resolves an overlapping series of disputes between:

Texas and New Mexico, by establishing a framework for water accounting; and a new formula for yearly targets, among other provisions;

New Mexico, the federal government and irrigation districts, which resolves water accounting issues and allows for transfers of water between the two irrigation districts for compact compliance;

New Mexico and federal government, thus ending claims that New Mexico pumping threatened the federal governments responsibility to transfer water to Mexico and the irrigation district; and requiring New Mexico to cut groundwater pumping under a new plan;

and between the U.S. and the Elephant Butte Irrigation District, allowing for Rio Grande water to be used for purposes outside irrigation, while establishing compensation for farmers.

This historic settlement allows New Mexico to maintain control of our water uses and adds flexibility to how we are able to meet our Compact requirements, State Engineer Elizabeth Anderson said in a statement. By working together with the local water users, the other states and the federal government, we have crafted a solution that meets the needs of all the parties.

Wechsler said the key sign off from two regional irrigation districts  Elephant Butte Irrigation District and El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1  allows for groundwater users to continue using water.

It really ends up being a huge benefit for the cities, the farmers, the water users down there, Wechsler said.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  At least nine overdoses were reported at an apartment complex in North Nashville earlier this week.

The overdoses reportedly took place on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at Andrew Jackson Courts, which is a public housing complex. While there were no deaths reported, the incident shows that the drug overdose problem is alive in the Volunteer State.

Gathering honors those who died from drug overdoses, offers space for loved ones to grieve

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Joyce Craig with the Cheatham County Coalition says in 2023, there was 1 overdose death in Tennessee every 2.4 hours.

Its something Anthony Clark has experienced first-hand.

She was crying and said, Hes not breathing. Can you get to him?' Clark told News 2, recalling the night his son died.

In 2021, Clark lost his son, Quintenn, to an overdose. He said its an agony that hell never forget.

Thats the worst day of my life. I dont care if I live 100 years, Ive lived my worst day, he said.

However, he has turned his pain into purpose. The Clarks have since started a foundation called the Quintenn Clark Foundation to help others get the help they need and to honor their son.

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He was an athlete, popular in school, he was funny, loved to fish, and loved his family, Clark said while describing his son.

To try and prevent other families from going through the loss of a loved one, Metro Public Health said they canvased the area of the overdoses on Wednesday and handed out Naloxone and provided mental health resources to those in the area.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

It can be anyone, anywhere, anytime, Craig said.

Youre telling his story to somebody and that person says, That would never happen to my kid hes a good kid, or she would never do that, Clark added. I thought the same thing about my kid, he was a good kid too. It can happen to anybody, dont think it cant happen to you or someone you love.

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News 2 reached out to the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency for comment, but has not heard back as of this publication.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KRON)  Two suspects were arrested in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred two years ago, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

The shooting transpired on Aug. 11, 2023. San Francisco Bayview Station police officers arrived at the 1900 block of Keith Street for the report of a shooting, where they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Aid was rendered to the victim, and he was sent to the hospital.

Less than a month later, the victim died of health complications from the shooting.

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A monster. Victim yells at disgraced San Jose City Councilman Omar Torres

The SFPD Homicide Detail identified the suspects as 28-year-old Tommy Thompson and 22-year-old Teangelo Harrison.

Thompson was arrested and booked into the San Francisco County Jail for homicide on Thursday.

Harrison was charged with homicide as well and is already in jail for an unrelated crime.

Anyone with information regarding this open homicide investigation is asked to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT)  Law enforcement is releasing the identities of two people killed in a shooting south of Topeka.

The Shawnee County Sheriffs Office reports that Erica E. Bevitt, 42, of Topeka and Brian M. Bevitt, 45, of Topeka were killed as a result of a shooting incident on Aug. 27. The sheriffs office said Brian Bevitt appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The pair were involved in a domestic relationship.

The sheriffs office said two juveniles are associated with the residence where the shooting took place. Both were at school during the incident and were found by law enforcement unharmed. They are now in the custody of family members.

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15-year-old arrested after allegedly threatening to bring gun to Shawnee County school

Sheriffs deputies received a 911 call shortly before 10 a.m. on Aug. 27 to conduct a welfare check on a woman at a residence in the 6700 block of Southwest Briarmeade Lane in the Montara neighborhood. Law enforcement arriving in the area found two people dead from gunshot wounds.

The sheriffs office reported that an initial investigation into the situation showed the incident was domestic in nature. Investigators found there was no ongoing threat to the community.

Shrimp possibly contaminated with radioactive material sold in Kansas

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27 News caught video of the large law enforcement presence that appeared at the scene in an apparent standoff that lasted for several hours. Multiple schools in the Auburn-Washburn School District near the Montara neighborhood also entered secure campus conditions during the ongoing standoff.

(Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White) (Photo Courtesy/Carter White)

Concrete pump truck falls, damages vehicles at K-State parking lot

For more crime 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.

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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.
For a few hours, as she slept with her parents in their bed, Chloe Francouals mind told her that the bullets, the screams and the terror at Annunciation Catholic Church werent real, and she was able to sleep.

But when she woke Thursday, two of her schoolmates were still dead, with more in the hospital, after a shooter targeted the first Mass of her school year in Minneapolis.

Im trying to stay really happy to get my mind off stuff, because it was really hard yesterday, she told CNN. My mind just keeps on replaying it.

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She spoke to a counselor, and that helped, her father Vincent Francoual said. And later she asked if she could speak to us too.

Chloe, a smart and eloquent 11-year-old with bouncy blonde hair, has a very clear memory of where she was and what happened.

After the first two days of school were spent sorting things out, it was time for their first Mass at the church next door. It was supposed to be a really good day, she said. We had all our stuff ready. We were so excited. Even people who didnt like school were really excited.

Older children like Chloe picked up buddies from the lower grades who they would help to mentor and chaperone, and the children headed to the front of the church for the service, dressed in their green polo shirts and navy shorts and skirts.

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There was a new priest who was also excited, Chloe said, and he gave a short welcoming speech. Then there was a song, and a teacher recited a prayer in English. As another teacher began a prayer in Spanish, whispers began in the young congregation: Can you smell smoke?

The teacher was in the middle of saying our prayers, and then we heard just one shot, Chloe said. I thought it was a firework like everybody else. The second shot was just everybody covering their ears. The third shot was when everybody started ducking low and all these shots were like slow, until the fourth shot. It started getting faster and faster, and then thats when everybody took into action.

Chloe said she looked in the direction of the noise, at the churchs stained-glass windows. She saw a spark, then a hole and realized what was happening. A shooter was on the other side of those windows, firing in. Police said they recovered approximately 116 rifle rounds, one live round from a handgun and three shotgun shells. Chloe said the bullets flew toward the front of the church where the children were sitting.

As the danger became clear to everyone, some children went under the pews, some took cover behind pillars and others like Chloe ran to a classroom off the nave. In the pre-K room, everybody started to help, especially the kids and all the older buddies. We all started to help, like putting tables on the doors, locking the doors, putting all this stuff on the doors as much as we could, she said.

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People were screaming, Put the tables on, put the tables on, theyre going to get in! And so, everybodys instinct was just to put stuff  like crayon boxes literally  on the tables.

As little it was, it helps a lot.

At the end, they heard one more gunshot and then footsteps. We thought it was the man, but it was the police, she explained. We smelt smoke after they kicked open the door and they let us outside, where we saw everybody hurt.

Chloes father, sitting beside her in their yard as she tells us her story, wipes his eyes. Hes already heard his daughter tell the counselor she thought she would die. And though his daughter looks like she is rebounding, he knows this event will stay with her forever. And that she is also one of the luckier ones.

Vincent Francoual believes that talking through what happened is helping his daughter. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

Their neighborhood and school make up a small and close-knit community where people know each other.

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The Francouals vacationed with Fletcher Merkel, the sport-loving 8-year-old boy who was killed, and his family. And Chloe said Harper Moyski, the 10-year-old also killed in the pews, was kind to everybody.

Everybody knew them, everybody was friends with them, she said.

Chloe shows maturity and empathy beyond her years as she takes time to think also of her friends parents. Those parents were super nice. They will help you any time that they could. And when their child passed away, they must have been so sad and I feel terrible about it.

Shes been able to check on a friend in the hospital thanks to a group text and hear more stories of survival from those with wounds caused by bullets and flying glass.

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But shes also upset that she didnt do more.

What I feel so sorry about is that I left my little buddy and my friend, which I feel so guilty about, she said. Theyre all good, I just never told them anything. I never looked at them and said, Get down. They had to go on their own, which I feel so guilty about because most people would think first about their buddy.

Next to her, her father reminds her gently that she did exactly what she had been taught in the Run, Hide, Fight mantra. And while they had practiced active shooter drills at school, it had never been a part of her church experience.

Francoual asks his daughter if she feels safe.

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I dont feel that safe in the church anymore, she replies. Youre supposed to go to the church to feel safe. I dont feel safe anymore in that church.

She rationalizes that it wont happen again, but already knows that the shooting will stay with her.

When I step foot in that church, its going to give me flashbacks, she said. My mind just keeps on replaying it till like, This happened, this is going to happen again.

She hopes her classmates wont all be talking about the shooting when they go back to school. And she hopes there wont be Mass at the church. But when Francoual asks if she would like to go back to his native France, shes quick with her answer: I actually kind of like my school.

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And then this girl, who ran to school on Wednesday in excitement and to avoid a tardy slip, realizes the shooter has taken something from her.

Im mad because now Im not going to be really excited to go back to school, she said.

Yard signs at the Francouals' home show support for the Annunciation Catholic School. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

Chloe has made her parents promise not to hide updates on the investigation from her as she processes what happened.

She notes the shooter was a former student at her own school, who came back on Wednesday armed with three guns.

As she talks, she seems to process a little bit more of what she went through  the way excitement and joy turned to chaos and fear in a moment, but with a long-lasting effect that has made her nervous when her father goes out to walk the dog, needing to close any open window, and jump at any sudden noise.

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It doesnt feel like a dream anymore. Like it actually happened. People are hurt in the hospital right now. People passed and the doctors couldnt do anything about it. Yeah, so its real.

Francoual said it was therapeutic to let his daughter talk while he listened. And he marveled at her calmness as she recounted the horrors.

But Chloe sees her fathers eyes still red and wants to give him some advice. I want him to know that everybodys safe. I want him to know that the people who passed, theyre all up in heaven. And they are always with us, even if we cant see them. And I want him to know that everybody can talk because everybody has gone through this. So, he can talk whenever he wants.

Francoual wipes his eyes again. As proud as he is of his daughter, his heart seems heavy. The shooting is not a gang shooting, its not drug related, its just this weird culture, a mixture of sick people getting a gun. I dont even have anger to the shooter. Im just very sad for everyone.

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He also knows he will not be the last parent to feel this.

I have no way to tell people its going to be OK, because its not OK.

CNNs Bonney Kapp and Evelio Contreras contributed to this story.

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Johnson County Sheriff Adam King is out on bond and on self-imposed administrative leave following his arrest Wednesday evening.

Captain Ben Arriola has been appointed to serve in King's place for the time being, according to County Judge Chris Boedeker.

Investigation into King began after a June 30 complaint. As soon as county officials were made aware of the allegations, the matter was referred to the Texas Rangers for an independent investigation.

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"We wanted this matter handled independently, so we called in a Ranger from another region," Boedeker said.

The Rangers investigated for several weeks before presenting the case to the grand jury, which issued King's indictment.

The charges include:

 Abuse of office or official oppression related to sexual harassment charge

 Corrupt influence by retaliation against the victim

 Corrupt influence by retaliation against a witness

King's attorney, Bill Mason, disputed the charges against his client.

"We live in times of politically motivated criminal prosecutions," he said. "Add the allegations against Sheriff Adam King to that list. He did not do anything wrong, inappropriate or illegal."

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Mason said King anxiously awaits the trial, when the "true story" will be told.

"An open, public trial will expose the politics that have led to these false accusations and he will be vindicated."

King was first elected in 2016 and previously served as commander of the STOP Task Force.

According to the indictment, King made verbal statements to a female employee on several occasions between February 2024 and July 2025.

King told one employee that she would need to "disrobe" before he would sign documents required for her job.

In another instance, he told her, "If you keep losing weight, you're gonna make me do something ungodly to you."

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King also created an environment of unwanted sexual attention by persistent leering and staring at female subordinates, as well as making statements to other female employees that were of an unwanted sexual nature, according to the indictment.

He frequently commented on the weight and physical appearance of female subordinates.

King also openly displayed benefits and/or perks to married women who spent time with him by taking them to lunch, buying them jewelry and/or giving them special access to his office, the indictment reads.

According to the indictment, King retaliated against two employees who reported the harassment, including Chief Deputy James Saulter. King threatened to arrest a female employee whom he allegedly had harassed. King also tried to obtain her address after finding out she had filed a human resources complaint against him and spoke to the Rangers about the allegations, the indictment said.

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Johnson County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Jeff Monk set King's bonds at $25,000 at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday night.

Bonds are set as a condition to appear in court and to comply with any conditions of bond once released, Monk said. They are not set as punishment.

Monk set bond at $10,000 on each of the counts related to corrupt influence and retaliation and $5,000 on the official oppression charge, which is a misdemeanor.

It was previously reported that the oppression charge was a felony, but that was later corrected by Monk.

Boedeker said that King bonded out and voluntarily put himself on administrative leave.

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King's bond conditions prohibit communication with the victims and witnesses, carrying a gun while off-duty or entering county facilities

"We trust the criminal justice system to find the truth and to deliver justice," Boedeker said. "No person is above the law, but every person is entitled to his day in court."

If a petition to remove the sheriff is filed, 8th Administrative Judicial Region Judge David Evans in Tarrant County would appoint a judge and prosecutor to hear the case.

This is a developing story. More details will be published when they become available.
Shooter fires recklessly at 3 people, hitting home, car

Smyrna police are actively searching for a man suspected of opening fire in a neighborhood earlier this month, targeting three individuals but missing them.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Denzel Peters is accused of firing the shots that struck a house and two cars, causing concern among residents.

Petrified, because bullets dont have names on them, a neighbor told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell.

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The shooting took place in the early hours of the morning, around 3 a.m., when police responded to reports of gunfire.

Homeowners in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots and expressed discomfort that the shooter has not yet been apprehended.

My dogs heard the gunshots and they started barking really, really loud, said one homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Peters, who is believed to have known the victims and targeted them specifically.

Despite the dangerous situation, no injuries were reported.

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Flowers, candles, and notes decorated the area around the Student Union at Florida State University days after two were killed and six were injured by a gunman on April 17, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

Students are back on campus at Florida State University, and theyre studying in classrooms better suited for campus emergencies than they were that tragic day, administrators say.

During a Board of Trustees meeting Friday, President Richard McCullough said campus security officials have made significant enhancements since a gunman opened fire there on April 17, killing two and injuring others.

We arent moving on, but we are healing. That tragedy certainly will impact many of us for years to come. I appreciate the way we responded to it, in Florida State fashion, with coming together as the family that we are, McCullough said.

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The Floridian reported shortly after the shooting that students barricaded classrooms when they found out that the doors did not lock from the inside.

Days after the shooting, a petition started circulating calling for locks on all classroom doors.

Kyle Clark, FSU vice president for finance and administration, said that over the summer more than 600 classrooms were equipped with buttons to push in case of an active shooter.

Of those, 330 were lockdown buttons, which lock the classroom door when pushed, and 290 were panic buttons that alert FSU police and are paired with manual locks on the doors.

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I feel pretty happy to report that a lot of the things we were working on were planned before the 17th. We just took a one-, three-, five-year plan and pushed it into eight weeks, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Barbara OConnor said.

Along with attention to door locks, nearly 3,500 people have completed active-threat training since January 2025, according to the university.

Faculty and students are so excited to be back but some are, as you can imagine, somewhat anxious or reserved as they continue to process the shooting that occurred on campus and the quick end to the spring semester, and of course in light of news of yet another school shooting, this time in a PreK-8 Catholic school in Minneapolis, said Jennifer Proffitt, vice chair of the faculty senate.

Adding locks to classroom doors was among the demands FSU students brought to the Capitol following the shooting.

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Lori Alhadeff, a mother of a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting victim and Broward County School Board member, stood in front of trustees Friday to talk about the changes.

FSU holds a special place in my heart, not only because of this partnership but because my two boys are here as students. And together, with your leadership, we have the power to save lives and create a future where no parent has to endure what I have, Alhadeff said.

Alhadeff co-founded Make Our Schools Safe. That charity donated $250,000 to the FSU Foundation for school safety.

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In the book's description, Sinwar is described as "one of the most outstanding Arab military commanders of the new century.

A book titled How to Defeat Israel: Thorns and Roses of the Middle East reportedly authored by Yahya Sinwar is being distributed in bookstores across Russia and Belarus, KAN News reported Tuesday.

The Israeli public broadcaster reported that in the online notes for the book on a Russian bookstore website, Sinwar is referred to as the "Palestinian Che Guevara. "

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In the book's description, Sinwar is also reportedly referred to as one of the most outstanding Arab military commanders of the new century. He initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood (the October 7 massacre  ed.) and led the defense of Gaza in 2023-2024.

IRANS SUPREME Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei meets with Yahya Sinwar of Hamas, in Tehran, 2012. (credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA via REUTERS)

Sinwar's book published in Russia

Despite Israels advantage in weaponry, Israel failed to capture all of Gaza," the description reads. "Over 80,000 tons of bombs were dropped on the small Gaza Strip, yet the city survived. In many ways, this was thanks to Sinwar personally. In this book, the great commander, "general of the free people," tells about his life dedicated to a tense struggle for the liberation of Palestinians and all Arab peoples.

Israeli Russian-language news outlet Newsru, which originally published the report, added that the print run is 150 copies. It was released under Rodina publishing house, which is affiliated with Algorithm publishing house.

One of Algorithim's authors is Alexander Prokhanov, who wrote the 2008 book Hamas  Praise to the Heroes.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Candidates had until 5 p.m. to submit the required paperwork to for Sioux City City Council.

Now that the list is finalized and no one new can join, here are your candidates:

Craig Berenstein  Former Sioux City mayor and councilman

Rick Bertrand  Businessman and former State Senator

John Den Beste  Financial advisor

Nick Davidson  River-Cade board member

Paul Koskovich  Local developer

Marty Pottebaum  Former council member and county supervisor

Ike Rayford  Former NAACP President

Jessica Lopez-Walker  Human rights commission member

Brett Watchorn  Sales

There are currently nine candidates and three seats on the ballot.

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This is the largest group of candidates filing for a city council seat since 2017. In 2017, nine candidates also filled the ballot.

A city-wide primary is set for October 7. Only the top six vote-getters advance to the general election on November 4.

Current council members Dan Moore, Alex Watters, and Matthew OKane are not seeking another term on the council.

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For the primary, people have until September 22 to register to vote. For questions about how to register and check your current registration status, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Six of Rochesters Receivership schools will be holding public meetings to discuss improvement.

Schools under Receivership, according to the NYS Department of Education, are provided with technical assistance and support to work towards improvement and turnaround. These schools are eligible for financial support.

Six schools in the Rochester City School District were identified as being under Receivership. They will be holding public meetings on the following dates:

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Dr. Davuid and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16  Friday, August 29 at 12 p.m. (Back-to-School Bash)

James Monroe High School  Tuesday, September 2 at 4:30 p.m. (Student orientation)

East Lower School  Thursday, September 18 at 6:15 p.m. (Open House)

Edison Career & Technology High School  Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. (Parent Town Hall Meeting)

Harry Hudson School No. 28  Thursday, September 25 at 5 p.m. (Open House)

Dr. Iris J. Banister School No. 33  Thursday, September 25 at 5 p.m. (Open House)

According to RCSD, school officials at these meetings will explain the performance of the school and the construct of Receivership. People attending these meetings will be allowed to provide comments and feedback.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV)  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has charged a former probation, parole and pardon services officer with multiple crimes.

According to reports, on March 14, 2025, while employed as a Probation Officer for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon, David Johnathon Shytle, Jr., 47, had nonconsensual physical contact with the victims private parts.

Shytle, Jr. has been charged with two counts of Second Degree Assault & Battery and five counts of Misconduct in Office.



He has been booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A 22-year-old pilot suffered significant injuries Thursday when a single-engine plane crashed and caught fire in a field in Unadilla Township at the south end of Richmond Field, according to police.

Livingston County Central Dispatch sent emergency crews to the scene at 3:51 p.m. after receiving an iPhone crash detection alert and calls from residents who heard the impact.

Plane crash in Unadilla Township. (Unadilla Police Department/Facebook)

The man was flying from Charlevoix, Michigan to Toledo, Ohio. Responding agencies included the Unadilla Police Department, the Unadilla Fire Department and Livingston County EMS. The pilot was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital.

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The cause of the crash is unknown and is under investigation by Unadilla police, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

Anyone who witnessed or heard the crash is asked to call Unadilla police at 734-498-2325.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano tells it, callers only had to wait an average of 8 minutes to speak to an agent on the phone in July.

We had a bold goal of single-digit wait time on the calls when they were at 40 minutes, he said in mid-August at an Oval Office event with President Donald Trump commemorating Social Securitys 90th anniversary, referencing a statistic from the prior fiscal year. And we did that. This is my 100th day. We did that within 90 days.

That claim, however, might raise some eyebrows among those who have actually tried to get through to a Social Security representative on the phone recently. The average speed of answer metric doesnt truly show how long it takes to reach an agent, experts say.

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There are multiple ways to measure the amount of time for callers to connect with a Social Security representative, including how long they have to wait on hold or to receive a callback. The agency told CNN that it slashed all types of wait times by at least half in July, when it shifted 1,000 workers to answer the national 800 number.

The formula used to calculate the average speed of answer factors in the amount of time a person waits on hold before electing a call back, in addition to those who wait to speak to a representative, the agency said. Some 74% of calls handled by agents are through callbacks.

That combo skews the statistic lower since the callers can quickly choose the callback option when hold times are long, Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told CNN. So citing that figure alone can be misleading.

It doesnt reflect the reality of people who are calling, said Romig, a senior adviser at the agency during the Biden administration, which also included the average speed of answer on Social Securitys performance site.

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By contrast, the average hold time was 22 minutes last month, while the average time to receive a call back was 59 minutes, the agency told CNN. Thats down from an average of 77 minutes and more than two hours, respectively, in April, the month before Bisignano took office.

The average speed of answer was 7.5 minutes in July, compared to longer than 16 minutes three months earlier.

Last week, CNN called the 800 number more than a half dozen times over several days. The stated hold time just after the service opened at 8am was only 3 minutes, but ranged from 40 minutes to 90 minutes at other times of the day.

Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Social Security Act with President Donald Trump on August 14. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

To be sure, Social Security has had a busy stretch. A law passed by Congress late last year increased Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million public sector workers, and an agencywide overhaul pushed by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency sparked concern among many of the programs roughly 74 million beneficiaries. Both developments led to more people flooding the phone lines.

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However, its now harder for callers  and advocates  to measure Social Securitys customer service. The agency no longer provides real-time information on wait times on its website. Bisignano removed that data, along with other customer service metrics from the site, within weeks of taking office. He later told a House panel that he didnt want to discourage people from calling.

Last week, Social Security revamped the page, posting more performance metrics, but not the hold or callback times.

The lack of clarity surrounding the agencys phone metrics was evident in data it posted on the site before the recent update. It showed that the average speed of answer, excluding callback wait time, was 18.5 minutes for the fiscal year to date. But just below that, a chart showed that fewer than half of calls were answered within two hours. (The federal fiscal year starts October 1.)

Bisignanos claims of swiftly improved service has caught the attention of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who met with the commissioner last month to discuss the accuracy and public posting of the data. A survey conducted by her office in June found that the average wait time was 102 minutes. Many calls were disconnected while the staffer was waiting on hold.

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Warren last month asked the agencys inspector general to look into the telephone and in-person wait times, as well as other key metrics.

Unable to get through

Scotty Davis of Bangor, Maine, knows firsthand how frustrating it can be to reach Social Security over the telephone. He filed online for retirement benefits in April, asking to have his payments start in September, just after he reached his full retirement age. But he grew concerned when his application had not been approved by late July.

Davis, 66, tried calling the agency at least half a dozen times, spending roughly 6 hours on the phone trying to set up an appointment since the agencys website said an appointment was required. He waited on hold four times for at least 30 minutes  and twice for much longer than that  but eventually hung up. The one time he asked for a callback, it never came.

I have a life other than trying to get through to stupid Social Security, he said. So I just gave up.

Scotty Davis of Maine spent hours on the phone trying to get through to Social Security before giving up and going to his local field office. - Allison Davis

He then decided to go to his local field office one morning in August, only to find it was overrun  like trying to get into a Rolling Stones concert, he said.

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Davis went back the next day at 7 am and was the first customer seen when the doors opened at 9 am. Within five minutes, the field office worker fixed the issue, and his application was listed as approved the next time he checked online.

I contributed for 52 years, said Davis. Im going to get my benefits even if it requires my sitting on a hard marble floor for two hours.

Longstanding problem

Social Security has long faced complaints about the customer service over its national 800 number, which receives tens of millions of calls annually. Even the agencys acting commissioner acknowledged at an operational meeting earlier this year that we suck on the telephone.

Bisignano, who ran a major payments processing firm before taking the helm of Social Security, promised to quickly improve the beleaguered agencys phone operations. Among his priorities are utilizing more technology, including artificial intelligence, to field queries and encouraging more Americans to use Social Securitys online site.

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But one of his first moves involved beefing up the toll-free numbers workforce, increasing its staffing by 25% by shifting field office workers to the phone lines. That sparked a dramatic improvement in wait times in July, when the phone service assisted more than 400,000 additional customers the previous month, the agency told CNN.

Still, the extra staff hasnt been enough to help all the callers, especially at a time when Social Security is at decades-low staffing levels and when more people are hitting retirement age, said Jessica LaPointe, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 220, which represents 25,000 employees in field offices and teleservice centers.

Youre not going to get to all of the calls timely, LaPointe told CNN. There are too many of them and too few of us.

Roughly 5,500 staffers, or nearly 10% of the workforce, have left Social Security this year amid the reorganization, leaving it with approximately 52,000 workers, the agency said. The departure figure does not include the roughly 800 employees who have accepted the agencys deferred resignation offer but are currently still listed on the payroll.

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Bisignanos decision to bolster the call center workforce to try to alleviate long wait times underscores the problems that develop when thousands of employees are pushed out the door, Romig said.

When it came time to improve service on the phone, the very first tool they reached for was dramatically staffing up, she said.

However, any improvements in the phone service are unsustainable and have come at a cost, union officials say. The shift has made it more difficult for the remaining employees at the already strapped field offices to handle their workloads.

People sit in the waiting area of a US Social Security Administration office in New York in June. - Plexi Images/GHI/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

A majority of the customer service representatives at the 36 field offices in New York City, Long Island and Westchester that Edwin Osorio represents as president of AFGE Local 3369 are now answering calls to the 800 number. That means the claims specialists in those offices, who typically focus on processing applications, have to also assist the public with getting Social Security cards, updating their bank information or changing their addresses, among other requests, he said.

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People are not being served, he said.

The agency said that customer service in the field offices has remained relatively unchanged for the period in question, noting that fewer than 5% of field office workers were shifted to the toll-free phone number.

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The Social Security Administrations chief data officer resigned from his job Friday, saying the agency punished him for revealing its failure to safeguard sensitive records.

In a scathing letter to his fellow Social Security employees, Charles Borges said agency leadership had made it impossible for him to do his job after he told Congress this week that Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency acolytes had put everybody in Americas Social Security details on a potentially insecure cloud server.

Related: Elon Musks Risky Attack On Social Security

As a result of these events, I am put in the intolerable situation of not having visibility or oversight into activities that potentially violate statutes and regulations which I, as the CDO, may legally or otherwise be held accountable for should I continue in this position, Borges wrote in the email, which was obtained by HuffPost.

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The resignation is only the latest example of civil servants either leaving or being thrown out of government after refusing to go along with potentially illegal directives from President Donald Trumps political appointees in his second term.

Before his falling out with Trump and exit from the White House earlier this year, Musk made bogus fraud claims about Social Security and sent his DOGE minions to try to prove him right. A federal court said they had no right to grab the data, but the Supreme Court told them to go ahead.

Borges filed a formal whistleblower complaint with members of Congress detailing the alleged mishandled data earlier this week. The complaint warned that if bad actors gained access to the server in question, 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.

The Social Security Administration said it couldnt comment on personnel matters. The agency previously said the server was walled off from the internet.

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Phil Lewis contributed reporting.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Authorities are warning of a new scam impersonating Oregon attorneys  scamming some Oregonians out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

On Friday, the Oregon Department of Justice issued a warning about the scam after two reported cases in the state.

In the first case, a fraudulent website impersonating an Oregon attorney scammed victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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2 Oregon companies lose contracts with BLM after firefighters arrested by border patrol

According to the Oregon DOJ, one victim obtained the attorneys information through someone she met on the Hinge dating app. Officials said the woman believed the scammer was a real attorney who offered investment services  transferring funds to him believing she would receive returns.

In another incident, a victim lost more than $700,000 after scammers gained unauthorized access to an attorneys and clients email accounts, officials said.

According to the Oregon DOJ, the scammers were aware that the client was expecting a substantial settlement, leading them to impersonate the client and provide false wiring instructions. The scammer also impersonated the attorney to cancel a scheduled meeting, officials said.

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Oregon wood treatment company pleads guilty to polluting river, violations have gone on for years

Although the deception was discovered shortly after the transfer and a hold was reportedly placed on the funds, it remains unclear how much, if any, of the money has been or will be recovered, the Oregon DOJ said, noting the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the involved financial institutions are investigating the case.

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, predatory, and cruel, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. This is a reminder to practice extreme caution when it comes to money, even if something  or someone  seems legitimate.

These scams come after the FBI issued a public service announcement earlier in August, warning of scammers impersonating lawyers and reaching out to victims of past scams  offering help to recover stolen funds.

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The Oregon DOJ said those impacted by this scam should file a report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center as quickly as possible and file a police report with a local police department.

Authorities also advise scam victims to contact their bank and file a suspicious activity report if money was wired.

Victims are additionally encouraged to file a report with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and with the United States Office of the Comptroller of the Currency  which investigates banks for unsound practices and breaches of fiduciary duty. Officials also urge victims to file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

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Attorneys who have been impersonated by scammers are asked to report the incident to the Oregon State Bar, file a police report and file a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint 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 KOIN.com.
The prime minister of Yemen's Houthi militia, Ahmed al-Rahawi, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the capital Sana'a controlled by the Iranian-allied rebels, sources close to the group said on Friday.

The sources told dpa on condition of anonymity that several of al-Rahawi's bodyguards were also killed in the bombing, part of a series of Israeli strikes in Sana'a on Thursday.

Al-Rahawi was killed along long with several escorts after an Israeli strike targeted a residential building, the Yemeni news portal Adan al-Ghad reported, citing unidentified sources.

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So far, there has been no comment from the Houthis, who also declined to provide information about the sites hit by Israel on Thursday.

In August last year, the Houthis named al-Rahawi as prime minister of their government that is not internationally recognized.

However, al-Rahawi is believed to be a figurehead without any real authority, according to sources in Sana'a.

The Israeli military said it attacked a Houthi military target in Sana'a on Thursday.

A senior Houthi official denied Israeli reports that a gathering of the militia's leaders had been targeted in Thursday's strikes.

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"The Zionist leadership is lying to the usurpers with false news. The Zionist strikes have failed and will remain so. Our long arm will teach them the necessary lesson," Mahdi al-Mashat, the head of the Houthis' self-styled Supreme Political Council, said, according to the militia-controlled news agency Saba.

Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Houthis have regularly attacked Israel with missiles and drones in support of the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement.

Israel has repeatedly targeted sites in Houthi-ruled areas in Yemen in response.

People inspect damaged fuel trucks at a gas station after it was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Sanaa. The Israeli Air Force said on Sunday evening that it had again attacked targets in Yemen, striking a military facility near the presidential palace in the capital Sana'a. Other targets included two power stations and a fuel depot that supplied the Houthi militia. Osamah Yahya/dpa
When it comes to the overheating of the planet, it's a "tough love" response from South Africa. In a groundbreaking move to hold big business accountable, South Africa has announced tough new emissions rules that could send company executives to jail if they fail to comply.

The plan, revealed this month, is part of the country's wider effort to reduce climate-warming pollution and protect its citizens from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Under the proposed regulations, corporate leaders who oversee polluting operations could face criminal charges, including jail time and hefty fines, if their companies exceed emissions limits, according to Bloomberg.

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According to the proposed legislation, any company emitting more than 30,000 tons of polluting gases will need to hit yearly targets and work toward reducing their pollution in the future. Bloomberg reported that, in addition to imprisonment of up to 10 years for their first and second offenses, executives might have to pay fines of up to $570,000.

The measure sends a powerful message: Climate responsibility isn't just about mission statements or carbon credits  it's about real accountability and acknowledging the power corporations have to change our future for the better.

This kind of policy enforcement is designed to force those at the top to be held accountable for actions across their supply chain. If dirty energy is part of their business (and paycheck), they'll be the ones culpable.

"South Africa, the most carbon-intensive economy among the Group of 20 nations, is intensifying efforts to cut its dependence on coal for power generation," reported Bloomberg. And they aren't wrong, the IEA reported that South Africa is still a 70% coal-based economy.

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For everyday South Africans, the benefits would be life-changing. Stricter emissions enforcement means cleaner air in cities like Johannesburg and Durban, where coal-fired power plants and heavy industry contribute to life-threatening smog and rising asthma rates.

"In South Africa, large parts of the population breathe air containing pollutants at levels many times higher than the guidelines specified by the World Health Organisation," wrote the Center for Energy and Research on Clean Air. Cleaner air also means fewer hospital visits and even fewer death, as fatalities related to pollution have grown. "In 2023, [exposure to air pollutants] in South Africa led to an estimated 42,000 deaths, including over 1,200 deaths among children under five, 8% of all deaths estimated in the country in 2023."

This dire situation is ripe for strong, forward-thinking policy regarding climate-awareness. This action will inspire neighboring governments to create real-world incentives for cleaner business practices, while also helping cool down the planet.

If the proposal becomes law, South Africa could set a new standard for climate accountability  proving that when it comes to protecting the planet, the CEO is just as responsible for polluting our planet as the worker on the ground floor.

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.
CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  Fifteen years after being locked away for a crime he said he didnt commit, a South Carolina mans conviction was thrown out Thursday, over two years after a recorded confession validated his claim.

Michael Pearsons 60-year sentence for a 2010 robbery was overturned by Judge Robert Hood in a Clarendon County courtroom.

He was then released on a $50,000 PR bond and ordered not to contact the family of the victim, Edward Slick Gibbons.

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Third Circuit Solicitor Ernest Finney III indicated in court documents that his office will not seek a retrial against Pearson. Solicitor Finney also stated in court that his office will decide by Sept. 29 whether to dismiss the charges entirely.

Since his initial arrest and following conviction in 2012, Pearson has maintained his innocence by filing appeals that state he had no part in the crime.

Pearsons claims began to gain traction in 2023 after his co-defendant, Victor Weldon, agreed to testify about what happened on the day of the crime, admitting to guilt in exchange for a plea deal from the state.

In his confession given in Mar. 2023, Weldon admitted that he did not know Pearson and that he was not involved in the crime, providing officials with the identities of two others whom he alleges participated in the robbery. He then passed a polygraph the following month.

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Although Pearson passed a polygraph in Nov. 2023, the case did not begin to move forward again until the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence became involved, according to Chris Mumma, Pearsons attorney and the centers director.

In Mar. 2025, one of the individuals identified by Weldon confessed to officials their role in the robbery.

During the hearing, Mumma called on the solicitors office to proclaim Pearsons innocence, but Solicitor Finney said that would be premature as an investigation into the robbery is ongoing.

She also called on the court to assess its handling of the case.

It is our firm belief that we would not be here today and that Mr. Pearson would not be walking out of prison had the center not gotten involved in this case, Mumma said. That is something that needs to be considered and verified, and if its true, that is not the way our court system should operate.

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Pearson has spent the last 15 years behind bars after being convicted of robbing Gibbons, a local well-known businessman, on May 15, 2010. Gibbons was attacked by three suspects wearing ski masks who were waiting in his garage for him to come home.

The suspects assaulted Gibbons, stole his money, and wrapped duct tape around his head before fleeing in Gibbons 1987 Chevrolet El Camino.

Pearson and another individual, Victor Weldon, were identified as suspects after DNA evidence recovered from the stolen El Camino, and the duct tape was positively linked to the two.

The duct tape evidence came back for Weldon, and the El Camino fingerprint evidence linked to Pearson; however, the palm print underneath did not match Pearson.

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According to the center, the FBI database did not identify the thumbprint as belonging to Pearson. Still, a Sumter police officer, then compared the thumbprint to persons of interest and concluded it was a match to Michael Pearson.

Pearson and Weldon were arrested afterward. Both men have denied knowing each other since their arrest.

During the trial, Pearson and Weldon were tried together. Weldon is now serving an 18-year sentence granted by his plea deal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Springfield Police Officers arrested a South Hadley man after recovering an illegal large capacity firearm and discovering he had two outstanding arrest warrants and a suspended license.

The Springfield Police Department stated that at approximately 5:55 p.m. on Wednesday, officers observed a vehicle in the area of Maple Street and State Street that had its insurance revoked. A traffic stop was conducted, and police discovered that the driver, 32-year-old Justin Alvarez of South Hadley, had a suspended license.

Holyoke cocaine trafficking suspect arrested in apartment raid

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A search of the vehicle revealed an illegal firearm, loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition and capable of holding 15 rounds.

(Springfield Police Department)

(Springfield Police Department)

Alvarez, who had two outstanding warrants, was arrested and charged with:

Carrying a Firearm without a License

Carrying a Loaded Large Capacity Firearm on a Public Way

Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License

Uninsured Motor Vehicle

Arrest Warrant: Failure to Stop for Police

Arrest Warrant: Threat to Commit a Crime and Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
(This Aug 29 story has been corrected to clarify that Seoul is asking equity accounts for a fraction of the fund, not loans and equity, in paragraph 16)

By Hyunjoo Jin and Joyce Lee

SEOUL (Reuters) - Negotiations ranging from tariffs to defence between South Korea and the United States were bogged down, overshadowing a handshake agreement and a promising presidential summit, officials in Seoul said.

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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time on Monday, and emerged declaring success after displaying personal chemistry and avoiding any public split between the two long-time allies.

Behind the scenes, however, the two sides were unable to agree on a joint statement or even a fact sheet, and a month after announcing a deal on tariffs, the agreement still has not been finalised on paper.

Lee's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, said on Friday that the two countries did not produce documents covering security, economy, trade or investments because progress remained slow in some areas while large strides had been made in other areas.

More discussions and reviews were needed to hash out their details, he added, without providing specific details.

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South Korean presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik told reporters on Thursday that it was a "very difficult negotiation" because issues ranging from investments to security are closely intertwined.

"If the negotiations for one minister doesn't go well, they put a break on another negotiation that is going well," he said.

"We've overcome a significant obstacle, but there is still a long way to go."

Kang added that Washington could leverage several issues such as tariffs on cars, chips, and pharmaceuticals, as well as defence costs and around U.S. forces stationed in Korea.

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Speaking to his cabinet after the summit, Trump acknowledged a "problem with South Korea" but that Seoul had ultimately "kept the same deal." Neither Seoul nor Washington has elaborated.

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to questions about the talks.

'BIG LOSSES'

Even before Lee and Trump's meeting, disagreements over a $350 billion investment fund, as well as a U.S. push to open up South Korea's agriculture market, were hampering negotiations.

Meanwhile, cuts to tariffs on automobiles are yet to be finalised and Seoul has not secured assurances on chip levies, both expected to be capped at 15% - the same rate as Europe.

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An auto industry official said the summit has done little to ease uncertainty: "We are really worried... We are having big losses."

South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo said the U.S. wanted to use the summit to produce documents detailing the $350 billion investments in return for accepting Seoul's demand for formalising 15% tariffs on cars and chips, and ruling out the opening of rice and beef imports.

A South Korean official said Seoul has asked for equity to account for a fraction of the fund.

After the summit, Seoul said it was in talks with the U.S. to work out a non-binding deal on the fund.

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Japan, the only other country to propose such a large investment fund, is also facing delays in finalising its deal over unresolved issues with Washington.

It remains unclear what payments Trump will demand from South Korea for maintaining the 28,500 American troops based there. He has also raised a fresh demand for the U.S. to own the land on which its bases are located.

South Korean officials have said it is a political non-starter and there has been no such formal request from Washington.

(Reporting Hyunjoo Jin and Joyce Lee; Additional reporting by Cynthia Kim; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
DORR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Southbound US-131 reopened at 146th Avenue south of the Kent-Allegan county line Friday afternoon, making way for Labor Day weekend travel after days of traffic congestion.

A too-tall semi-truck load hit the 146th overpass Tuesday afternoon. The damage to the bridge meant traffic could not go under some 6 miles of southbound US-131 between 84th Street and 142nd Avenue were shut down.

Really bad idea to have traffic going underneath the bridge thats not structurally sound, Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman John Richard said. We couldnt have live traffic going underneath those those beams that were significantly smashed into.

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That led to long backups on surface streets where traffic was detoured.

With holiday travel looming, crews had to cut out the damaged beams, part of the bridge deck and a concrete barrier wall before the highway could reopen. They managed it around 1 p.m.

They were trying to have everything wrapped up 3 oclock (Friday), so they beat the deadline, thank goodness, because people are already on the road. This is a busy holiday weekend, so kudos to them for safely getting that back open for motorists, Richard said,

He also praised drivers for adjusting and being patient during the closure.

Driver Jason Bolson was pleased he could get back on the highway.

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Commuting north isnt too bad but coming south, Ive been having to find a different way back home and navigate over towards Clyde Park, that area, he said. Just making it back home will be a lot easier, taking my normal way that Im used to.

Lack of training could be key factor in semi crashes, experts say

The 146th Avenue bridge itself will remain closed until it can be fixed, and theres no timetable or budget for that yet. Richard said the overpass, which has a 14-foot-2 clearance, took an especially hard hit that damaged three beams. Just removing the beams cost about $70,000. Repairing the bridge might cost up to $500,000; replacing it entirely would cost closer to $10 million.

Its a tough decision. Do we rehab the existing structure from 1957 or completely replace it? So this is a tough question that we have to answer pretty soon, Richard said.

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The semi carrying the too-tall load was from High Grade Materials in the Greenville area. Authorities say the driver had a valid commercial drivers license.

LABOR DAY TRAVEL ALONG US-131

MDOT reminded drivers that lane closures and traffic shifts remain in effect on US-131 between 76th and 100th streets south of Grand Rapids because of a separate project, though the agency did pause a number of construction projects statewide for the holiday weekend.

Inside woodtv.com: Live traffic conditions

AAA said the best time to hit the road Friday was before noon, warning the busiest traffic would be between noon and 8 p.m.

Harrison DeVries and his wife hit the road early to make it from South Bend, Indiana, to St. Ignace, where they planned to participate in the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk Monday.

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I think we got on the road probably around 11ish, DeVries said. For the most part, (traffic was) pretty consistent. Just north of Grand Rapids, it slowed down to about 50 (mph) for about 15 minutes and other than that, its been pretty smooth. Nothing too scary to write home about.

In summertime, you never really know if theres going to be a lot (of traffic), so you just look at Google try to time it that way, driver Jordan Bibbings, who was driving from St. Joseph to Traverse City, told News 8.

Kathy McRae was bound from Chicago to Traverse City for a wedding.

Its been spotty. Its been actually pretty good. The areas where theres been traffic or say an accident have only like added maybe three of four minutes to your times, so it hasnt been too bad. We drive up here a lot and Im thinking its actually pretty good, she said.

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If youre driving Saturday, AAA says the best time to travel is between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Air travel is also expected to be up, with the Transportation Security Administration estimating more than 17 million people will fly over the holiday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A national civil rights law group is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit brought by a St. Petersburg restaurant owner that seeks to compel the city to enforce an outdoor sleeping ban.

The Southern Poverty Law Center said it wants to ensure the interests of homeless people are represented.

Sleeping is a basic human need. Its not a crime, said Jacqueline Azis, a St. Petersburg-based attorney for the law center who filed the motion. Punishing people for sleeping in public when they have no alternatives is unconstitutional and inhumane.

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Ronicca Whaleys lawsuit against the city contends St. Petersburg is not enforcing a recent state law that requires cities to prohibit outdoor overnight sleeping or camping. Whaley, the owner of Shiso Crispy restaurant downtown near Williams Park, said the citys inaction is affecting her business.

Whaley said homeless people have threatened her, defecated in front of her restaurant and stolen tips. She filed the lawsuit in July.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is working on behalf of Progressive Peoples Action, a community-run mutual aid organization based in Pinellas County. That group seeks to represent the interests and constitutional rights of people who are forced to sleep outside because they lack viable, alternative options.

In a sworn affidavit included in the motion shared Friday by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Yaakob Jake Geffon, a representative of Progressive Peoples Action, said his group wants to prevent any harm to St. Petersburgs homeless community. He said that would result if Plaintiff got the relief she requested to prohibit or remove unhoused people from St. Petersburg for sleeping.

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Healso wrote that if homeless residents are punished and expelled from the city, his group will lose its ability to serve the unhoused community through its community free store, donations and harm reduction services.

The motion argues that neither the city nor Whaley can adequately represent the interests of homeless people. It says Progressive Peoples Actions interests are distinct from Whaleys goal of forcing the City to remove or involuntarily detain St. Petersburg residents experiencing homelessness from public spaces if they engage in the life-sustaining activity of sleeping. The groupcontends its interests also are different from the citys, as the city is already enforcing local ordinances against public sleeping or camping on public property.

Reached by phone, Whaley said that her lawyer opposed the intervention but that she and Progressive Peoples Action want the same outcome.

The problem is is that ultimately, theyre kind of like on our side, Whaley said. Theyre saying they want the city to do something and they need to have a resolution for things and we want that too. We want housing and to make things better for the homeless.

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Joe Patner, a city attorney, confirmed that the city also opposed the intervention but couldnt say why because of the pending litigation. The decision to allow intervention is ultimately up to the court.

Patner last week filed a 42-page motion to dismiss Whaleys lawsuit. It says the state law targets encampments, while Whaleys suit focus on actions by homeless people that she says affect her business.

The citys motion also questions who owns Shiso Crispy, since the restaurants liquor license with the city is held by Jeffry Knight, the owner of Jannus Live. Knight recently was charged with eight felonies after police say his boat struck the Clearwater Ferry, killing one man and injuring 10 others.

Whaley said that she owns 100% of her company. Because Shiso Crispys doors open to Jannus Live, her restaurant can use the music venues liquor license.

He owns 0% of our company, Whaley said. Theyre just trying to play dirty and attach me to somebody who has things going on.
A change in Southwest Airlines' seating policy has many advocates for the plus-size community saying the shift will create financial burdens and other barriers for this segment of the traveling public.

For the last decade, Jen McLellan has been a customer of Southwest Airlines because its "customer of size" policy allowed her to ride with dignity, she said in a post on Instagram.

Currently, travelers who "encroach upon neighboring seats" are encouraged to purchase an extra seat in advance of the flight to ensure it will be available. Upon request, Southwest has refunded the cost of the additional seat after travel.

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The airline recently announced that, effective Jan. 27, the refund is no longer guaranteed.

A refund will be issued if the following conditions are met:



When the flight departs, it has at least one open seat. The traveler purchased two seats in the same fare class; both tickets need to be choice, choice preferred, choice extra or basic. A refund request is made within 90 days of the date of travel.

Alaska is the only other major U.S. airline that offers a refund on an extra seat, as long as there's at least one open seat on the flight at takeoff.

Southwest's current policy was something McLellan cherished, the traveler said in her post. It eased her mind that she wouldn't be the next "viral video of someone upset about sitting next to the fat passenger."

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It wasn't just about her own comfort or that of her neighbors; she said it was an issue of accessibility.

Fliers in the plus-size community knew that, on top of the guaranteed refund, customers could easily reserve an empty seat and were met with compassion from customer service agents.

The customer-of-size policy "helped ease what too often feels humiliating," McLellan wrote. "That's why the recent changes are heartbreaking."

The change comes as Southwest is updating many of its policies to prepare its operation, employees and customers for the switch to assigned seating next year, the airline told The Times in a statement.

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Southwest estimated that fewer than 1% of its customers request an extra seat annually. The airline had about 140 million passengers in 2024.

"To ensure space, we are communicating to customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking," a spokesperson for the company said.

Airplane seats are not one-size-fits-all. In fact, fewer than half of travelers can reasonably fit in seats, according to FlyersRights, a nonprofit that advocates for the rights and interests of airline passengers, USA Today reported.

In 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration was tasked with setting a minimum passenger-seat size by Congress, but airline trade groups were opposed, and in 2023, a U.S. appeals court ruled that the seats may be uncomfortable but aren't dangerous.

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At this time, there isn't a minimum seat-size requirement.

The width of passenger seats vary from 15.5 to 19 inches, depending on the airline and the section of the plane.

Southwest made incremental accessibility changes for plus-size travelers over the course of 15 years, said Tigress Osborn, executive director of the National Assn. to Advance Fat Acceptance. The incident that, in part, pushed the airline in this direction, she said, was its removal of film director Kevin Smith from a flight in 2010 because the captain deemed Smith a "safety risk" to other passengers.

After the changes, the airline "staked this claim as, 'We are the airline where plus-size passengers are welcome,'" Osborn told The Times. The attitude was, "We're going to figure out a way to make this work so that you can fly, and even if that means working with other passengers," she added, referring to volunteers who would board a later flight to free up a seat.

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Removing the refund guarantee on top of the addition of assigned seating feels like a huge reversal, she said.

Osborn and other advocates believe the policy changes are going to come at the cost of plus-size travelers who may not be able to afford two seats.

"There's been this economic downturn, and people are way more conservative with their money. So I think what this does is make people question if they should [fly] or not," said Jeff Jenkins, founder of Chubby Diaries.

It's also going to add to the anxiety of figuring out all the logistics surrounding travel for the community, Jenkins said.

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Now travelers will have to think about whether they can reserve two seats next to each other with Southwest's implementation of assigned seating. That stacks onto other concerns of travel including needing a seat belt extender, where to purchase affordable plus-size clothes if luggage is lost, the distance from the airport entrance to the terminal, and seat accessibility on public transportation.

Osborn said she felt the change was due to companies generally making financial cutbacks and "the overall spirit in corporate America of, 'The things we said were important like diversity and inclusion don't have to be important in the same way anymore.'"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In the bush outside Porepunkah, a small town in Victoria, Australia, a manhunt is underway. The Mount Buffalo national park stretches to the east; somewhere in its 31,000 acres of alpine forest there could be a suspect who is believed to be heavily armed. Dezi Freeman, a father of two, has been on the run since Tuesday, when he is alleged to have shot and killed two police officers and wounded a third outside his house before disappearing into the bush.

Freeman (previously known as Desmond Filby) was the subject of a search warrant in relation to alleged sexual offending. The full details of how what should have been a straightforward engagement with law enforcement ended in multiple deaths are not yet known. But in the hours since, a disturbing picture has begun to build around the 56 year old, a conspiracy theorist who has a history of tense encounters with police and who, in recent years, has brushed up against a far-Right movement whose more violent factions are bubbling up globally.

Court documents paint Freeman as having a longheld, deep suspicion of authority, as well as a certain arrogance and volatility. He has, by his own admission, a history of unpleasant encounters with police officers. He once bizarrely tried to arrest a magistrate during a court hearing. In 2024, he was found guilty of using a mobile phone while driving and refused to provide a saliva sample to police. During cross-examination in court, he claimed he felt threatened and preyed upon by police. Even the sight of a cop or a cop car its like an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier, he said. Whats worse than a swastika is the inverted pentagram, the satanic symbol that they wear and they behave like it as well. He eventually sought a judicial review of a decision to cancel his licence.

Self-claimed sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman, pictured previously under arrest, has been on the run since Tuesday

Freemans history starts to add up when you learn that he has also been linked to the sovereign citizen movement. Sovereign citizens believe the government is illegitimate. Its an anti-establishment, pseudo-legal movement which was born in the US in the late 1970s and has since spread through the English-speaking world. More recently, it has sprung up in parts of Europe, including Austria and Germany, where the Reichsburger (imperial citizen) movement emerged in the 1980s. Incidents involving sovereign citizens have also been reported in Italy in the past decade, and in France, where groups who deny the legitimacy of the French constitution have formed.

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The sovereign citizen movements followers believe political systems are holding people hostage. In the early US, they claim, humans lived under Gods law and common law  later enshrined in the countrys constitution. But at some point in history, they argue, this set-up was infiltrated, subverted and ultimately replaced by a tyrannical de facto government which then forced people to surrender their sovereignty. Followers of the extremist movement, in the US and elsewhere, now believe they have uncovered the real truth  that the rule of law is little more than a scam, and Gods law is what should be adhered to  while the rest of the population is still living in the dark. It means they feel empowered to act with impunity. The irritations of modern bureaucracy have nothing to do with them; regulations and restrictions are other peoples business.

Once you know the secret, you can take certain steps and regain your sovereignty, explains Mark Pitcavage, an expert at the Anti-Defamation League in the US, who has been studying sovereign citizens for 30 years.

Once you do so, the illegitimate government no longer has any jurisdiction over you. It just applies to other people. It doesnt apply to you because youve gone back to Gods law and the common law.

The movement remained underground until the mid-1990s, when it spread during the rise of far-Right extremism at that time in America. Terry Nichols, one of the perpetrators of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, was a sovereign citizen. In the years before the attack, which targeted a federal building and killed 168 people, he filed a series of lawsuits against the government .

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The bombing itself was largely rejected by the far-Right, who built it into conspiracy theories and said the government conducted the bombing. So they divorced themselves from it very rapidly, says Pitcavage.

The devastation caused by the Oklahoma City bombing in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995 - Porter/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Around that time, sovereign citizens started cropping up in Canada. In the early 2000s it spread to Australia and New Zealand, and by around 2005 it had spread to the British Isles, to England and Ireland in particular, he adds.

In Britain, sovereign citizens have been behind anti-vax movements and a variety of conspiracies including one about the late Queen having been replaced by a satanic cabal.

It eventually spread to the rest of the English-speaking world and, Pitcavage says, in the past 10 years to continental Europe where the legal system is not based on the British legal system, and where English is not the native language, which I never thought would happen.

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It illustrates one of the biggest threats posed by the movement, as is so often the case with far-Right extremism: its flexibility. The movement has consistently over the decades been able to find new audiences, new ways to transmit itself, new things to take advantage of.

In recent years, it has grown by appealing to those already swept up in the anti-vax movement, devotees of the QAnon conspiracy theory and elements of Trumps MAGA base.

How Freeman  a landscape photographer with a wife who taught music to children  could have become embroiled in such a movement isnt yet clear, though reports have pointed to a shift in him during the pandemic, a time when all manner of conspiracy theories flourished. A local told the Sydney Morning Herald that Freeman 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.

He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole and sort of disappeared and went off radar.

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Sources say he refused to wear face coverings and rejected lockdowns and other Covid restrictions. In 2021, he was part of an attempted private prosecution of the premier of Victoria for treason for his pandemic policies.

That his behaviour seems to have accelerated during this period isnt surprising to Pitcavage, who says Covid helped the movements spread. You can see how the social and legal expectations of that era could have been kryptonite to someone intent on rejecting the notion that any rule could ever be imposed on them by the state. Someone flirting with the movement would certainly have found a home there during lockdown. Many people found its pseudo-legal arguments helpful in combatting pandemic measures they disliked, says Pitcavage.

Mark Pitcavage, an expert at the Anti-Defamation League in the US, has been studying sovereign citizens for 30 years - Getty

Despite its growth, the movement itself isnt especially organised. There dont tend to be meetings; there is no headquarters. Its led by gurus who, these days, tend to circulate literature online. These are the people who come up with and preach the pseudo-legal theories and tactics of the movement, says Pitcavage. They put them in manuals, on websites, they educate their followers on the way things really are and tell them what to do about it.

Its followers tend to be people who are financially desperate or people who cannot cope with or are extremely frustrated by modern bureaucracy, he adds. [The movement] offers them a way out of these regulations. You can ignore them, because they dont apply to you.

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Bringing erroneous court cases is a common trend among sovereign citizens, a tactic Pitcavage calls paper terrorism. Through its paper terrorism tactics, it offers ways to retaliate at public officials, ones who have irritated them, angered them, kept them down in their minds.

Paper terrorism is one thing, though. Physical violence is quite another.

There is a history of violence associated with the movement in the US  its older, its larger, and we have more guns, says Pitcavage  but elsewhere it has typically posed less of a physical threat. Pitcavage, however, has for some time been watching the movement in Australia with concern, noting a growth in its followers. I was saddened but not necessarily surprised by this recent incident, he says.

The movement has been entrenched in the country for 25 years. There was even a member of parliament who a few years ago spouted sovereign citizen notions, he says. And there have been threats against members of parliament by sovereign citizens.

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Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese warned this week of the threat posed by groups like sovereign citizens. 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.

Indeed, this weeks events did not mark the first time the movement was responsible for bloodshed in Australia. In 2022, three sovereign citizens killed two police officers and a neighbour in the countrys northeastern state of Queensland, in what has been described as a religiously motivated terror attack, and were shot dead themselves.

Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold were killed in 2022 by sovereign citizens in Queensland, Australia - Getty

They all subscribed to extremist Christian beliefs which intensified during the pandemic, when two of them lost their jobs at a school when they refused to get vaccinated. The trio believed they were fighting alongside Jesus in a battle of good and evil when they shot police during an hours-long standoff at their property, which officers had attempted to enter.

The Queensland case speaks to the risk the movement poses, in particular, when its adherents run up against the authorities. Weve seen a number of police officers killed in the US by sovereign citizens, many of them [during] traffic stops or [at] residences, says Pitcavage. While Ive never expected that to be the same level in other countries, Ive always been concerned that similar incidents will happen to some degree just because of the nature of the movement.

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Pitcavage advocates educating police on how to recognise when they are in an encounter with someone who may be a sovereign citizen, though he suspects Freemans history may have been known when officers attended his property. This, after all, is a man who was once led away from a courthouse denouncing the officers leading him as scumbags and criminal filth. This would not have been a case I think where they would have walked in completely un-forewarned, says Pitcavage.

Police in Australia are still searching for Dezi Freeman - Joe Armao / The Age via Getty Images

As the manhunt continues, he wonders whether, at the end of it all, the movement will end up rejecting Freeman as one of their own. Sovereign citizens dont tend to worship martyrs to the cause, he says. If it ends up being a very negative story where theres no way to spin it, people may try to divorce him from the movement and say he was not one of us.

For now, there are 31,000 acres of national park to be searched. Police could be up there for weeks looking for him, a local mechanic told the Guardian, describing Freeman as pretty handy in the bush.

At a press conference, a local superintendent addressed Freeman directly. If Dezi Freeman is watching this, ring triple zero, and we will support a surrender plan  that option is absolutely open to him. It seems unlikely that a man with such disdain for the police would take him up on that offer, however.

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Spelman College to get new residence hall as part of $140M funding

The Develop Fulton Board of Directors has approved up to $140 million in tax-exempt bonds to modernize student housing at Spelman College in Atlanta.

The funding will support the construction of a new 230,000-square-foot residence hall featuring 670 student beds, advanced technology infrastructure, air conditioning and communal spaces designed to enhance student life.

These actions underscore our Boards commitment to thoughtfully investing in projects that will shape Fulton Countys future, said Kwanza Hall, chairman of the Develop Fulton Board of Directors.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Following the construction of the new residence hall, Spelman College plans to demolish two older residence halls that currently lack modern amenities such as mechanical ventilation and updated technology systems.

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Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion and opening anticipated by August 2028.

This transformative campus expansion is part of our broader commitment to elevate the student experience, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen Spelmans national leadership in higher education, said Dawn Alston, CFO & SVP Business and Financial Affairs at Spelman College. These upgrades to our campus living environment will allow us to better serve our students while honoring the institutions legacy of academic excellence and innovation.

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SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa (KCAU)  A road closure in Spirit Lake, Iowa, has some vendors of a local flea market worried as opening day quickly approaches.

Uncertainty about parking and how many people will come has a couple of people wondering what this weekend will look like.

After talking with a couple of vendors, some said theyre not sure what to expect this weekend with the road closure.

A portion of Highway 9 up in Spirit Lake has been closed since late July for a concrete paving project.

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Multiple times a year, a flea market is set up nearby Vicks Corner World, which just so happens to be right next to the beginning of the road closure.

Vendors share complaints with locals who often drive on Highway 9; theyre also worried about this weekends market.

Well, I was very concerned. I didnt think we should set up. My concern is the only entrance, if you cant come in at that end, would be to come in over there. Well, I cant imagine all those cars coming in and all that one little entrance, said Linda Nonemen, a flea market vendor in Spirit Lake.

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The flea market has some traveling from all around the Iowa Great Lakes and beyond to set up and sell.

One food truck vendor is stressing about whether this closure will impact customer turnout.

Everybody works very hard, and they have to set up all their stuff and prepare all their stuff to be at these events. And so this is the way we make money to pay our bills, said Victoria Nicholls, owner of Victorias Lunch Wagon.

One long-time vendor said he knows many people will come to this event, no matter the closure.

Vics Corner has been a hot spot for vendors for many, many years. A lot of our customers come from Okoboji, Spirit, Lake Spencer, and now, with the road closed, have gone to Lake Park. Well still get some coming through the detour from Lake Park. So Im not worried about that too much, said Duane Nelson, a flea market vendor in Spirit Lake.

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Vendors said all theyre hoping for is good weather and that folks enjoy themselves this weekend. The Spirit Lake flea market will begin Saturday, August 30, and will continue until September 1, right next to Vics Corner World.

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(The Center Square)  After a contentious go-around last year, the Spokane City Council is once again considering moving its regular meeting date, which has been Mondays for 65 years, starting in 2026.

While changing the date may seem like a minor issue, one member sitting on the ideologically divided dais says he has never been able to meet on Tuesdays. Last year, the progressive majority suggested moving their weekly meetings to just that, an idea that faced backlash from both sides of the aisle.

The shift was a part of a list of procedural rules that they passed before the start of 2025, along with others that critics argued would silence dissent from the councils conservative minority. The majority ultimately passed 14 amendments after heeding concerns from residents, leaving Monday as the date.

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Ill just put this shot out across the bow: Mondays and Fridays are the worst, Councilmember Kitty Klitzke said about scheduling during a Finance and Administration Committee meeting on Monday. It would be helpful to have a table; out of those three days, where are the most community conflicts?

Council President Betsy Wilkerson said Mondays are challenging when something urgent comes up at the last minute, but acknowledged that it wasnt fair to change the date ahead of the 2025 election.

Councilmember Jonathan Bingle, who represents the conservative minority and has never been able to attend Tuesday meetings due to a scheduling conflict, is seeking reelection this fall. If the majority had voted to change the date to Tuesday last winter, it would have significantly limited his representation.

While Kitlzke noted that Fridays arent ideal in terms of scheduling, she suggested that day and Thursday as viable options if Bingle is reelected and continues facing scheduling conflicts. However, she wants to be proactive in reaching out to the neighborhood councils, as many of them meet on weekdays.

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Councilmember Michael Cathcart, who makes up the other half of the conservative minority, said they need to take into account more than just the neighborhood councils and the community assembly. He wants to hear from those who have carved out Monday for years, in case they cant attend on other days.

I think that the fundamental question that we need to ask the community is: how frustrated are you with a number of meeting cancellations we have versus conflicts with other things? Klitzke said.

The council cancels a few meetings each year due to unforeseen circumstances, but the vast majority of cancellations occur on holidays or when officials take a recess around Christmas and during elections.

Bingle said the city charter provides mechanisms for the council to meet outside of its regular meeting dates if theres important work they need to attend to. He said shifting the date doesnt just impact them; it affects city staff and all of the organizations that have built their schedule around the council.

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Now, will they adjust? Absolutely, Bingle said. But now we start asking, again, tens of thousands of people, as opposed to a couple thousand people, to adjust.

The council will continue debating the topic over the coming months before adopting its 2026 Rules of Procedure ahead of January.
SPRINGFIELD  Every Sunday, Italian families across the South End would gather around platters of pasta, plates of pork and finish it off with a glass of grappa in a tradition that combined family, food and faith.

Now, fewer follow the tradition but people will be forever reminded of it by a mural unveiled Thursday at the Italian Cultural Center.

I always thought that we needed a mural here. Why not cement what we do on the wall, said Charles Becker, president of the center on Maynard Street.

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The mural, named Sunday Dinner shows more than just a tradition. The models are real-life South End residents. In it Generoso Maddaloni, a World War II Naval submarine veteran, is depicted telling a story while Anthony Piteo, sitting at the other end, moves closer to hear better.

Both those men grew up on Maynard Street and tell similar stories of being young children when the 1936 flood brought water up to the second floor and families were evacuated in row boats.

I dont know what I was saying. We were all talking, said Maddaloni about the mural. It was a big surprise to be asked.

The cultural center commissioned Common Wealth Murals, which has installed several others in the city. When Eric Okdeh, of Philadelphia, was selected as the artist, he asked Becker to gather some residents together to serve as models.

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He said he wanted to show different generations since Sunday dinner was a gathering of the extended family.

He drafted Tara Maynard, who lives across the street from the cultural center. Her daughter Ashley Haas and her baby, Rose Marie Blanchard, joined the fun.

It is an honor to be in it. My parents immigrated from Italy and I lived across the street. We lived in my uncles house, said Piteo, who worked in sales for first for a uniform company and then for 30 years for Kraft foods.

He talked about the Sunday dinners at home where his mother would cook and the whole family would visit.

The key was sitting together and talking and having Sunday dinner. The church was a big part of Sunday, too. Piteo said.

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Rounding out the group of models are Becker, who stands at the head of the table with Antoinette Baldini, a long-term South End resident, and Agawam City Councilor Anthony Russo, a member of the board of directors for the Cultural Center.

Okdeh said he had the group sit around a long table while he took photos. The ones he used were those he took after he was done and the group relaxed, forgot about him and were just having fun.

Of Italian heritage himself, Okdeh enlisted his mother later to cook up a traditional Sunday dinner he could use in the mural. She made pasta, bruschetta and roast pork and he included glasses of red wine on the table.

Those who gathered during the unveiling talked about how important the tradition was.

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It was at my grandmothers house every Sunday and it was all of us, Florian said, saying there were usually more than a dozen people including aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, whose parents immigrated from Italy, said the Sunday dinner was something every Italian family celebrated when he was growing up. He is proud to recognize that tradition as well as the Italian Fest returning to the city this summer after 20 years.

Springfield is very proud of its Italian American heritage, Sarno said. It has been sacred for many, many years, Sunday dinner. In the old days you had your grandparents, your uncles, everybody was there. It was a grand meeting.

Maybe it is not as expansive as it was years ago but it is still extremely important, he said.

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The Sunday dinner is one of at least 80 murals which have been painted throughout the city and Sarno said he is proud to note not one has ever been damaged or defaced.

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ST. LOUIS  A United States Postal Service employee from Florissant, Missouri, appeared in federal court Thursday and admitted her role in a conspiracy to steal checks from the mail.

Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Missouri said Cambria Hopkins, 30, worked as a mail carrier in Clayton.

Hopkins admitted accepting money from co-conspirator Malik A. Jones for her mail key, also known as a USPS arrow key. Prosecutors said Hopkins did this knowing that Jones was planning on using the key to steal mail in March 2022.

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Hopkins stole mail that came into her possession as a postal carrier, removed checks from that mail and provided those checks to Jones. Investigators said Jones paid Hopkins in cash, electronically via CashApp, and by buying her groceries.

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Hopkins was indicted in October 2024. She pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful use of a mail key.

Meanwhile, Jones, now 28, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Jones is awaiting sentencing.

Hopkins will be sentenced on Dec. 1. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the mail key charge. The conspiracy charges carries a maximum five-year sentence and a $250,000 fine.

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More than a month after a cyberattack forced the city of St. Paul to shut down its computer systems, services are gradually coming back online.

In recent days, the city has restored its phone service, online water bill payments, and its Parks and Recreation payment systems, according to the mayors office. St. Paul Regional Water Services has said it wont charge late fees for bills during the outage.

Library cataloging and checkout systems also have been restored, though as of Thursday, public internet terminals were still offline. Internally, network and shared drives have been restored as well, Mayor Melvin Carters spokesperson Jennifer Lor said in an email.

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We are now in recovery, she wrote. Our approach is deliberate, prioritized, and secure: systems are brought back only after testing and validation, with priority given to those essential for public safety, financial stability, and daily operations.

City officials were confident by Aug. 20 that its Microsoft email and data storage were secure once again, according to the Office of Technology and Communications. Emergency services such as 911 were not interrupted by the cyberattack.

Reset nearly complete, lawmakers briefed

Its not clear when city systems will be fully restored, though officials have signaled that the reset is nearly complete.

Carter and leaders of the citys emergency response to the attack briefed members of Minnesotas Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity at the state Capitol on Wednesday.

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This careful approach is allowing us to restore services with confidence, safely and securely, said Jaime Wascalus, director of the Office of Technology and Communications for St. Paul. Were checking absolutely everything before we bring it online.

Wascalus told state lawmakers that the city had a trusted foundation to rebuild its systems because it had clean data backups from July 25 that werent affected by the hack.

What is the cost?

Many questions remain about the July cyberattack, including how much it will cost the city.

Ransomware attacks on Baltimore and Atlanta in the late 2010s cost taxpayers more than $17 million, according to local news reports. In Atlanta, hackers demanded $51,000 in Bitcoin, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in 2018. Like St. Paul, the city of Atlanta refused to pay the hackers.

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Carter said the FBI and Minnesota National Guard advised against paying a ransom.

St. Paul officials still havent said how much the hackers demanded or described the exact nature of their threats, though they have confirmed the city was targeted by a ransomware variant known as Interlock and that the attack came from a sophisticated and money-driven group known for stealing and selling sensitive information from corporations, hospitals and governments.

The federal governments Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a warning about Interlock attacks on July 22. The ransomware variant was first identified in September 2024.

Attack caught early on

City officials also havent disclosed how hackers gained access to city systems or in which department the attack originated.

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Officials seem confident they avoided any widespread problems by catching the hack very early on. Hackers posted about 43 gigabytes of city Parks and Recreation Department data after St. Paul refused to meet their demands, a minuscule fraction of the 153 terrabytes the city keeps.

Carter said he didnt think the hackers obtained any sensitive or valuable information because they posted it for free online after the city refused to pay them.

City officials have said theres no evidence that resident information like names, addresses and phone numbers was affected.

They say its because bill-payment information, like credit card numbers, is generally handled by cloud-based applications and should not have been affected by the hack.

Timeline

The city detected the attack on July 25 and started working to contain the threat within its computer systems. On July 28, the city fully shut down its networks to prevent more damage.

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One of the first big hurdles was for the city to pay employees on time. City human resources had to set up a makeshift office and manually build new spreadsheets to handle payroll. They were able to send out checks by the Aug. 8 payday.

Two weeks after the attack, the city had set up a sprawling operation in the basement of Roy Wilkins Auditorium at the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul for more than 3,000 employees to report in person for new login credentials.

City employees started showing up on Sunday, Aug. 10, and the effort took several days. The center was open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Officials dubbed it Operation Secure St. Paul.

St. Paul had to borrow computers from Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Elk River, Minneapolis and Sherburne County to run the reset operation, Wascalus said.

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As Carter declared a state of local emergency, Gov. Tim Walz on July 29 activated the Minnesota National Guards 177th Cyber Protection Team to aid the city in the effort. They worked with the city from July 29 to Aug. 17.

Hackers posted data on Aug. 11, though Carter called the contents varied and unsystematic. Data came from a network drive used by the Parks and Recreation Department where employees stored personal files and was not tied to core systems like payroll or licensing, the mayor said.

Files included images of employee identification cards submitted to human resources, work documents, or even personal items like recipes, according to the city.

Once the more than 3,000 employees were cleared, the city slowly started restoring services.

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Ramsey County Manager Ling Becker told the county board at a recent meeting that the county and St. Paul had restored their email connection on Aug. 25.

St. Paul was one of six government bodies in Minnesota attacked with ransomware in the last year, Carter said.

On Aug. 4, the city of North St. Paul said its police department had been targeted in a hack that may have compromised some data.

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The state Attorney General's Office said it is recovering from and investigating a cyber attack nearly two weeks ago. (Photo illustration by seksan Mongkhonkhamsao/Getty Images)

The state Attorney Generals Office is investigating a ransomware attack that interrupted email and phone service for the agency nearly two weeks ago.

Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement Friday his office is continuing to recover from the attack, which also took down the offices website. He said it was caused by a person outside the agency encrypting files in an attempt to force the office to pay to recover the data.

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No payment was made, according to the statement.

This situation has certainly tested OAG staff and prompted some modifications to our typical routines  however, we are committed to our duty and mission to protect and represent Pennsylvanians, and are confident that mission is being fulfilled, Sunday said.

Citing an active investigation involving other agencies, the Attorney Generals Office said it was unable to comment further on the recovery process or the incident. It noted it would provide additional updates and would contact people individually if necessary.

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The office is the commonwealths top law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing state laws, investigating and prosecuting crimes and consumer protection. It receives and investigates complaints from the public ranging from price gouging to financial fraud.

Since the attack, which the office first announced Aug. 18, email access has been restored to the majority of staff. The Attorney Generals Office main phone line and website are online.

The office employs about 1,200 people in 17 offices across the commonwealth. Sunday said they are performing their duties, albeit parts of their work is being done via alternate channels and methods.

You can judge the character of an organization by how it reacts to adversity. I am very proud of our staff who continue to work and find ways to overcome these unexpected hurdles fulfill our duty to the commonwealth, he said.

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In response to the interruption, some courts have issued orders providing time extensions in criminal and civil cases, the statement said. It notes that continuances are routinely requested by prosecutors and defendants as part of the normal course of business in the courts.

However, we do not expect  based on what the investigation has revealed so far  that any criminal prosecutions will be negatively impacted solely due to the outside interruption, the statement said.

Attorneys have been going to court and agents have been performing investigative tasks over the past three weeks, including multiple public safety initiatives for which we expect to make public announcements in the near future, the office said.

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HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  A state agency is reviewing a case that could result in the ousting of Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter.

The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy requested the State Law Enforcement Training Board review allegations of fraud against Kleinhelter.

The review comes after the Indiana State Board of Accounts issued an audit report last year, saying Kleinhelter spent over $16,000 of jail funds that were not covered by Indiana code.

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This year, a special prosecutor investigated Kleinhelter for alleged misconduct and decided not to press charges.

Officials say the money has been repaid in full. If the training board rules against Kleinhelter, he may be stripped of his law enforcement credentials. According to the decertification process, the training board must vote at one of their meetings after hearings are conducted. No timeline has been given for Sheriff Kleinhelters decision.

Eyewitness News has reached out to the sheriffs office, and the agency said they have no comment. The boards letter to Sheriff Kleinhelter can be viewed below.

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Aug. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. officials revoked visas already issued to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority ahead of next month's United Nations General Assembly, the State Department confirmed Friday.

The department is also denying outstanding visa requests to members of the PLO and PA for undermining efforts at achieving a cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.

Both directives are "in accordance with U.S. law," and come directly from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the department said.

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"The Trump Administration has been clear: it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace," the State Department said in the statement.

"Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism -- including the October 7 massacre -- and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO."

The U.S. State Department is also denying outstanding visa requests to members of the PLO and PA for undermining efforts at achieving a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Gaza. File Photo by Debbie Hill/ UPI

In July, the State Department sanctioned Palestinian officials from both groups for not complying with their "commitments under the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002."

The U.N. General Assembly opens on September 9 at the agency's headquarters in New York City.

Both directives issued Friday are in accordance with U.S. law, and come directly from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the department said. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI

Rubio's department accused both the PLO and PA members of undermining peace talks in Gaza by going outside of formal negotiations. The secretary said both must end appeals to international bodies such as the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice to "secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state."

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"Both steps materially contributed to Hamas's refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks," the department said in its statement.

Rubio said the United States remains open to negotiations and restoring the visas if the groups "meet their obligations and demonstrably take concrete steps to return to a constructive path of compromise and peaceful coexistence with the State of Israel."

The news comes the same day officials in Britain banned Israeli government and military officials from attending an international defense and security event in London next month.

Israel's war in Gaza is approaching the 700-day mark.

On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces said it was declaring the area around Gaza City a combat zone as it stepped up military operations on the ground in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave.
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. 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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

The Florida Legislature voted this year to exempt from public disclosure of personally identifying information about members of Congress and the Legislature, plus governors and Cabinet members, and also local officials including city and county commission members and members of school boards.

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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.

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.

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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 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 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.

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)

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.

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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, 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.

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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.

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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.

This story first appeared in Stateline, a partner of the nonprofit States Newsroom, which includes the Florid a Phoenix. Michael Moline in Tallahassee contributed.

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Frank McCourt will have to pursue his proposed Dodger Stadium gondola without legislation that would have limited potential legal challenges to the project.

After The Times reported on the legislation, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council publicly opposed it, asking a state Assembly committee to strip the language that would have benefited the gondola project or kill the bill entirely.

On Friday, the committee stripped the language and moved ahead with the remainder of the bill, which is designed to expedite transit projects in California. Under the now-removed language, future legal challenges to certain Los Angeles transit projects would have been limited to 12 months.

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The language of the bill did not cite any specific project, but a staff report called the gondola proposal one project that would benefit.

Read more: Shaikin: Dodger Stadium gondola closer to reality? Sacramento might help Team McCourt

A court fight over Metros approval of the environmental impact report for the project is at 17 months and counting.

In a letter to state legislators in which she shared the council resolution opposing the language in question, City Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez said the language would amount to carve outs from a worthy bill in order to ease challenges to a billionaires private project.

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McCourt, the former Dodgers owner, first proposed a gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium in 2018. The project requires approvals from four public agencies, including the City Council, which is expected to consider the gondola after the completion of a city-commissioned Dodger Stadium traffic study next year.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  The public can no longer access a Native American display at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.

Located on the second floor of the museum, the exhibit explored Pennsylvanias Native American culture and excavations by archeologists before closing this May. Workers are now deinstalling objects, a process expected to take months, subject to federal regulations that took effect in January 2024.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

Much of the museums collection, which it acquired over the last 120 years, came from excavations in the late 19th and early 20th century, before modern ethical standards, said Jay Losiewicz, a spokesperson for the museum, which is a bureau of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Its inventory includes the remains of 908 individuals and 79,628 associated funerary objects.

Enacted in 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Reparation Act, also known as NAGPRA, required federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funds to repatriate or transfer Native American human remains and other cultural items to lineal descendants, Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. After many institutions failed to comply with the law, changes in 2024 tasked museums and federal agencies to consult and update inventories of human remains and associated funerary objects within five years.

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Museums that fail to comply with the law face penalties from the U.S. Department of the Interior. However, a 2024 report from the National Park Service showed it collected just $59,111 in civil penalties since 1990, despite only 43% of museums subject to NAGPRA resolving rights to all Native American human remains under their possession or control.

The State Museum said it is consulting with federally recognized tribes and nations during the process, and that it has already repatriated dozens of remains and objects.

The Shawnee Tribe confirmed this in a statement:

The Shawnee Tribes Tribal Historic Preservation Office are in the beginning stages of meeting with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) for NAGPRA and possible consultation on future exhibits. Princella Redcorn, communications coordinator for The Shawnee Tribe

Other original inhabitants the museum said it is consulting include the Delaware (Lenape) Tribes, the Seneca Nation of Indians, the Tuscarora Nation and the Pamunkey Tribe. Despite being denied land in Pennsylvania, these tribes have a strong presence outside the state and are federally recognized as nations.

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The State Museum is committed to creating a new Native American history exhibit in cooperation with federally-recognized Native Tribes and Nations, Losiewicz said in a statement. Native American voices and perspectives will be central to all aspects of the exhibits creation.

Pennsylvania museum to close down for nearly three years for renovations

He added this will ensure their stories and history in Pennsylvania are told accurately and respectfully.

The museum does not expect to reopen the Native American exhibit before the entire museum closes for a nearly three-year renovation in August 2026.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
The Maryland State Board of Elections office in Annapolis. (File photo Danielle E. Gaines/Maryland Matters)

Marylands top election official said he is concerned about a Justice Department demand for state elections data including sensitive information for more than 4 million state voters.

State Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis said his agency has been working with Justice Department investigators under the states Public Information Act after they demanded voter information last month. But he said the office balked at a recent demand for an unredacted database that contains protected personal information that could not otherwise be released.

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Handing over a list of 4.3 million people to find something seems to be an overreach, DeMarinis said Thursday. It casts aspersions on all Maryland voters, and tries to sow doubt, or some sort of fear that the lists are inaccurate, and thats just not the case.

The discussion during Thursdays meeting of the Maryland State Board of Elections highlighted some deep partisan divides.

Diane Butler, one of two Republican members of the Maryland State Board of Elections. (File photo Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters.)

Diane Butler, one of two Republicans on the five-member board, said she was absolutely shocked by DeMarinis response to the Justice Department.

The response was incomplete, it was unprofessional, and it was actually quite rude, Butler said. And I think the Justice Department agreed by the tone of their second letter, and I think thats where they jumped up and wanted even more.

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I think fighting the Justice Department instead of working with them was not the way that we need to be behaving, she said.

Maryland was one of a number of states that received letters this summer from the Department of Justice seeking voter registration information.

The July 14 letter requested voter registration data from November 2022 to November 2024. The state was asked to provide the number of voters identified as ineligible to vote during that period because they were a non-citizen  adjudicated incompetent or had a felony conviction.

The letter referenced a 2023 state audit that had raised questions about the accuracy of the states voter rolls.

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DeMarinis responded to the request by providing investigators with the process and application that could be used to obtain some of the information.

Under state law, some voter information is available for electoral purposes only. Democratic and Republican central committees routinely request such information.

DeMarinis said he offered to work with the department if they had concerns about specific voters.

What Justice Department officials wanted went beyond that which DeMarinis said was available under Maryland law.

Maryland Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis said a Justice Department request for voter records including sensitive information seems to be an overreach. (File photo Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters.)

They filled out the application. I then wanted to inquire as to  how it was related to electoral purpose, electoral process in the state of Maryland, DeMarinis said. Theyve responded back by saying, We demand the voter registration list and all fields in it, including personally identifiable information.

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DeMarinis said the agency demanded the information by Aug. 25.

Yaakov Jake Weissmann, one of three Democrats on the board, said it was important to work with law enforcement officials, but to do so within the confines of state and federal election laws. The request made by the federal government this summer is far outside the scope of what the agency has requested in the past, he said.

This is a new era for the DOJ, it seems, Weissmann said, adding that the state elections board should not turn over Marylanders personal information, the last four digits of Social Security, their date of birth, their home address, without any sort of rational explanation.

Jim Shalleck, a Republican and vice chair of the board, praised DeMarinis for the states boards efforts to maintain accurate voter registration lists.

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I see you doing everything you can to maintain our lists, which is a very difficult task, he said to DeMarinis.

Butler disagreed.

I tend to disagree with Jim. Weve had problems with the list maintenance, she said. We failed some of the audit concerning some of these issues, and when I read our response to that, our response was a bunch of excuses as to why we didnt get it done. We know weve had this problem, and then, like I said, weve had complaints about it, so Id like to see solutions instead of excuses.

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Cars are flooded in Petersburg, Va., in July. Many of the canceled federal contracts that have contributed to job losses in the state involved flooding control. (Photo courtesy of Petersburg Fire Rescue & Emergency Services)

Virginia and New Jersey may be among the states most affected by the hiring slowdown that enraged President Donald Trump when it appeared in an Aug. 1 jobs report showing the United States had 258,000 fewer jobs than initially reported in May and June.

Such revisions to earlier reports are based on more up-to-date payroll data and are routine. But the scale in this case was shocking  showing the smallest monthly job gains since pandemic-era December 2020 and the largest jobs revision, outside recessions, since 1968.

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In response, Trump declared the numbers were wrong, fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, and offered as a replacement E.J. Antoni, a loyalist who has proposed suspending the jobs report. Trump falsely said in a Truth Social post that the revised jobs numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad.

Beyond those attention-grabbing actions, though, the numbers demonstrate the real effects of Trumps work slashing the federal government.

A Stateline analysis of the data shows how several states, especially Virginia and New Jersey, shed jobs in the second quarter of this year, which includes May and June.

In Virginia, there were job losses blamed on canceled federal contracts in Northern Virginia as part of cuts made by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. Meanwhile, a slow housing market shuttered a plywood factory in the southern part of the state, and DOGE efforts canceled flooding control contracts on the coast.

Jay Ford, Virginia policy manager at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, told a state legislative committee in June that $50 million in contracts were slashed in the Hampton Roads area near the coast, causing a spike in unemployment claims.

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That included $20 million to address flooding in Hampton, where almost a quarter of homes are in flood zones, and $24 million to repair a Portsmouth dam that could fail in a major storm, he said.

This is work that you desperately needed, Ford said at the committee hearing. There was a real focus on certain buzzwords like climate or resilience, and I think people conflated some of these projects as somehow unnecessary.

For instance, the American Institutes for Research announced 233 layoffs in Virginia in May and 50 in Maryland since the beginning of the year. The not-for-profit organizations projects include working with school districts to solve achievement gaps and absenteeism, creating AI-driven workforce training, and addressing health care issues such as improving kidney disease care while reducing Medicare costs and strengthening access to health care by keeping rural hospitals open.

The changes occurring in the federal government have brought significant challenges for many federal contractors, including AIR, said Dana Tofig, the companys spokesperson.

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Other recent layoffs in Virginia: 442 workers at Northern Virginias Mitre, which manages federally funded defense research centers and faced $28 million in canceled federal contracts; and 554 workers at a shuttered plywood factory in Southern Virginia.

Housing affordability challenges and a 30-year low in existing home sales are impacting our plywood business, as many of our plywood products are used in repair and remodel projects, which often occur when homes change ownership, Georgia-Pacific said in a May news release.

Stateline looked at two state jobs surveys for the second quarter that sometimes have quite different results: the so-called payroll survey of businesses that the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses for its monthly report, which has yet to be revised at the state level, and the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics program, which estimates job changes based on monthly household surveys.

The LAUS estimates are often called the household survey because they rely mostly on surveys of households, asking how many people are employed. They include jobs the payroll survey cant get, such as contract and agricultural jobs, and capture jobs where people live rather than states where employers are located.

Advertisement Advertisement

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In a state like Virginia with a high number of federal employees and contract workers, lost jobs may show up sooner in the household survey since many federal jobs are not reflected on state-level payrolls if they are done by subcontractors, if the agency or contractor is based in another state, or if DOGE cuts allowed people to stop work but stay on the payroll until September. Those people might report being unemployed in the household survey but wouldnt show up in other surveys until October.

The household survey shows about the same number of slowing job gains as the revised national payroll report, so it may be a window into the trends, many caused by Trump administration cuts in government, health care and foreign aid, and also by slowing sales in stores and housing markets.

Both surveys rely on small samples and are often revised later, said Charles Gascon, an economist and research officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The more definitive Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, set for release Dec. 3 for the second quarter, will show state patterns more conclusively, he said.

The household surveys show Virginia with the largest job losses in the country for the second quarter, down about 43,000, and job losses every month since February. Before that, the state gained jobs every month since the height of pandemic job losses in April 2020.

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New Jersey, which had the most job losses  15,400  in the separate second-quarter payroll survey, has suffered layoffs in retail stores hit by a slowdown in consumer spending, increased shoplifting and, among drugstores, lawsuits for their role in the opioid epidemic.

Walmart announced 481 layoffs at its Hoboken, New Jersey, corporate office, and Rite Aid drugstores laid off 1,122 amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy affected by opioid crisis lawsuits that also hit Walmart and other pharmacy chains. Pharma firms Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis also have announced hundreds of layoffs in New Jersey, citing patent expirations on popular drugs.

Wobbly state finances

Rising unemployment combined with weak revenue growth suggests economic fragility for state finances, said Lucy Dadayan, a principal research associate for the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center who tracks state tax revenue.

Nationally, unemployment was at 4.2% in July, the same as July 2024 but up from recent lows of 3.4% in April 2023, with the largest increases in Mississippi, Virginia and Oregon.

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Unemployment has dropped the most compared with July 2024 in Indiana, Illinois, New York and West Virginia.

The states with the highest unemployment rates in July were California (5.5%), Nevada (5.4%) and Michigan (5.3%), while the lowest were in South Dakota (1.9%), North Dakota (2.5%) and Vermont (2.6%).

I think the dramatic May and June jobs revision signals economic fragility. State-level warning signs suggest the impacts will show gradually, Dadayan said. And of course states are facing fiscal challenges caused by One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax and spending decisions.

State finances are a mixed picture, with income tax collections rising because of a strong stock market and sales tax growth weak as consumers retreat on spending, Dadayan said.

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State layoff figures are giving us an early read.

 Amanda Goodall, a workforce analyst known as The Job Chick on social media

In Virginia, the economically distressed area around Emporia will suffer aftershocks from the plywood plant closing, said Del. Otto Wachsmann, a Republican who represents the area in the state House of Delegates. The area is already reeling from the indefinite closure of a nearby Boars Head lunch meat plant that employed 600 people after a listeria outbreak there last year.

The community, part of the southern Wood Basket region, has a large logging industry that will now struggle to find new markets farther away with higher costs for trucking, Wachsmann said. Were working hard to find new industries to come here.

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Layoff rates in April, as calculated by the online human resources platform Techr, showed New Jersey, Vermont and Virginia with the highest rates.

Amanda Goodall, a workforce analyst who calls herself The Job Chick on social media, said the layoffs reflect restructuring in major corporations as well as federal cutbacks. She wrote about the layoff rates in a recent post.

These are not statistical flukes. They reflect real corporate moves, in New Jersey and Virginia especially, Goodall wrote in an emailed statement to Stateline. The bigger issue is that nobody on the ground cares what the unemployment rate says if they cant find an interview for a job theyre qualified for. State layoff figures are giving us an early read.

California and Texas

California and Texas saw the biggest jobs gains in both surveys in the second quarter.

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Texas added 42,700 jobs in the payroll survey, with the largest increase coming in the category of private educational services, 14,400 jobs, as the state approved a plan for school vouchers to start next year, according to a statement to Stateline from the Texas Workforce Commission.

California added 25,300 jobs. But the household survey showed an increase of almost 111,000 jobs, the highest in the country.

A Public Policy Institute of California blog post in July called the states labor market at best, in a hold-steady pattern this year, citing the states stubbornly elevated unemployment rate of 5.4% but also its jobs improvement over last year.

A hold-steady pattern is a welcome change from a year ago, said the post, written by Sarah Bohn, a senior fellow at the institute.

Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in the East Room at the White House on Feb. 24, in Washington, D.C. Macron was meeting with Trump on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images).

Virginia and New Jersey may be among the states most affected by the hiring slowdown that enraged President Donald Trump when it appeared in an Aug. 1 jobs report showing the United States had 258,000 fewer jobs than initially reported in May and June.

Such revisions to earlier reports are based on more up-to-date payroll data and are routine. But the scale in this case was shocking  showing the smallest monthly job gains since pandemic-era December 2020 and the largest jobs revision, outside recessions, since 1968.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In response, Trump declared the numbers were wrong, fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, and offered as a replacement E.J. Antoni, a loyalist who has proposed suspending the jobs report. Trump falsely said in a Truth Social post that the revised jobs numbers were RIGGED in order to make the Republicans, and ME, look bad.

Beyond those attention-grabbing actions, though, the numbers demonstrate the real effects of Trumps work slashing the federal government.

A Stateline analysis of the data shows how several states, especially Virginia and New Jersey, shed jobs in the second quarter of this year, which includes May and June.

In Virginia, there were job losses blamed on canceled federal contracts in Northern Virginia as part of cuts made by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. Meanwhile, a slow housing market shuttered a plywood factory in the southern part of the state, and DOGE efforts canceled flooding control contracts on the coast.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Jay Ford, Virginia policy manager at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, told a state legislative committee in June that $50 million in contracts were slashed in the Hampton Roads area near the coast, causing a spike in unemployment claims.

That included $20 million to address flooding in Hampton, where almost a quarter of homes are in flood zones, and $24 million to repair a Portsmouth dam that could fail in a major storm, he said.

This is work that you desperately needed, Ford said at the committee hearing. There was a real focus on certain buzzwords like climate or resilience, and I think people conflated some of these projects as somehow unnecessary.

For instance, the American Institutes for Research announced 233 layoffs in Virginia in May and 50 in Maryland since the beginning of the year. The not-for-profit organizations projects include working with school districts to solve achievement gaps and absenteeism, creating AI-driven workforce training, and addressing health care issues such as improving kidney disease care while reducing Medicare costs and strengthening access to health care by keeping rural hospitals open.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The changes occurring in the federal government have brought significant challenges for many federal contractors, including AIR, said Dana Tofig, the companys spokesperson.

Other recent layoffs in Virginia: 442 workers at Northern Virginias Mitre, which manages federally funded defense research centers and faced $28 million in canceled federal contracts; and 554 workers at a shuttered plywood factory in Southern Virginia.

Housing affordability challenges and a 30-year low in existing home sales are impacting our plywood business, as many of our plywood products are used in repair and remodel projects, which often occur when homes change ownership, Georgia-Pacific said in a May news release.

Stateline looked at two state jobs surveys for the second quarter that sometimes have quite different results: the so-called payroll survey of businesses that the Bureau of Labor Statistics uses for its monthly report, which has yet to be revised at the state level, and the BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics program, which estimates job changes based on monthly household surveys.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The LAUS estimates are often called the household survey because they rely mostly on surveys of households, asking how many people are employed. They include jobs the payroll survey cant get, such as contract and agricultural jobs, and capture jobs where people live rather than states where employers are located.

In a state like Virginia with a high number of federal employees and contract workers, lost jobs may show up sooner in the household survey since many federal jobs are not reflected on state-level payrolls if they are done by subcontractors, if the agency or contractor is based in another state, or if DOGE cuts allowed people to stop work but stay on the payroll until September. Those people might report being unemployed in the household survey but wouldnt show up in other surveys until October.

The household survey shows about the same number of slowing job gains as the revised national payroll report, so it may be a window into the trends, many caused by Trump administration cuts in government, health care and foreign aid, and also by slowing sales in stores and housing markets.

Both surveys rely on small samples and are often revised later, said Charles Gascon, an economist and research officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The more definitive Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, set for release Dec. 3 for the second quarter, will show state patterns more conclusively, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The household surveys show Virginia with the largest job losses in the country for the second quarter, down about 43,000, and job losses every month since February. Before that, the state gained jobs every month since the height of pandemic job losses in April 2020.

New Jersey, which had the most job losses  15,400  in the separate second-quarter payroll survey, has suffered layoffs in retail stores hit by a slowdown in consumer spending, increased shoplifting and, among drugstores, lawsuits for their role in the opioid epidemic.

Walmart announced 481 layoffs at its Hoboken, New Jersey, corporate office, and Rite Aid drugstores laid off 1,122 amid Chapter 11 bankruptcy affected by opioid crisis lawsuits that also hit Walmart and other pharmacy chains. Pharma firms Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis also have announced hundreds of layoffs in New Jersey, citing patent expirations on popular drugs.

Wobbly state finances

Rising unemployment combined with weak revenue growth suggests economic fragility for state finances, said Lucy Dadayan, a principal research associate for the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center who tracks state tax revenue.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nationally, unemployment was at 4.2% in July, the same as July 2024 but up from recent lows of 3.4% in April 2023, with the largest increases in Mississippi, Virginia and Oregon.

Unemployment has dropped the most compared with July 2024 in Indiana, Illinois, New York and West Virginia.

The states with the highest unemployment rates in July were California (5.5%), Nevada (5.4%) and Michigan (5.3%), while the lowest were in South Dakota (1.9%), North Dakota (2.5%) and Vermont (2.6%).

I think the dramatic May and June jobs revision signals economic fragility. State-level warning signs suggest the impacts will show gradually, Dadayan said. And of course states are facing fiscal challenges caused by One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax and spending decisions.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

State finances are a mixed picture, with income tax collections rising because of a strong stock market and sales tax growth weak as consumers retreat on spending, Dadayan said.

In Virginia, the economically distressed area around Emporia will suffer aftershocks from the plywood plant closing, said Del. Otto Wachsmann, a Republican who represents the area in the state House of Delegates. The area is already reeling from the indefinite closure of a nearby Boars Head lunch meat plant that employed 600 people after a listeria outbreak there last year.

The community, part of the southern Wood Basket region, has a large logging industry that will now struggle to find new markets farther away with higher costs for trucking, Wachsmann said. Were working hard to find new industries to come here.

Layoff rates in April, as calculated by the online human resources platform Techr, showed New Jersey, Vermont and Virginia with the highest rates.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amanda Goodall, a workforce analyst who calls herself The Job Chick on social media, said the layoffs reflect restructuring in major corporations as well as federal cutbacks. She wrote about the layoff rates in a recent post.

These are not statistical flukes. They reflect real corporate moves, in New Jersey and Virginia especially, Goodall wrote in an emailed statement to Stateline. The bigger issue is that nobody on the ground cares what the unemployment rate says if they cant find an interview for a job theyre qualified for. State layoff figures are giving us an early read.

California and Texas

California and Texas saw the biggest jobs gains in both surveys in the second quarter.

Texas added 42,700 jobs in the payroll survey, with the largest increase coming in the category of private educational services, 14,400 jobs, as the state approved a plan for school vouchers to start next year, according to a statement to Stateline from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

California added 25,300 jobs. But the household survey showed an increase of almost 111,000 jobs, the highest in the country.

A Public Policy Institute of California blog post in July called the states labor market at best, in a hold-steady pattern this year, citing the states stubbornly elevated unemployment rate of 5.4% but also its jobs improvement over last year.

A hold-steady pattern is a welcome change from a year ago, said the post, written by Sarah Bohn, a senior fellow at the institute.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
The Council on Dairy Breedings (CDCB) latest bull list is out, and for those at the top, as with all champions, theres nowhere to go but down. A recent article in the University of Floridasnewsletter notes that with each lists release, the sires on top at the last permutation  now that much older  must defend their titles against younger bulls. The new list toppers are both younger and better  and those who want that top-notch quality will pay a premium. But heres the catch: The newly toppled sires havent lost any genetic merit; theyve just been unseated by the inevitable improvements in genetics over time. This naturally raises the question: Is it worth sitting tight, waiting until the current top sires slide down in the ranks, and maybe picking up a deal?

University of Floridas Albert De Vries, a professor of dairy management and economics, broke down the calculus, starting with the most crucial factor  opportunity cost. Waiting in the hopes that semen from the bull youve had your eye on will be cheaper means youre passing on todays opportunity to improve your herd. De Vries pointed out that genetic improvement is escalating thanks to genomic testing, noting that since 2012, the annual predicted transmitting ability (PTA) of Net Merit dollars economic selection index (NM$) has accelerated at a much faster pace than before. Using USDA/CDCBs newly updated NM$, which establishes breed bases on multiple traits covering production, health, composite measurements, conception rates, producers can capture the expected profitability of a cows lifetime.

While semen prices typically do fall after a bull has spent a few seasons on the list, De Vries pointed out that the price difference would need to be slashed nearly in half for it to make up the gains farmers might see by moving sooner rather than later. Waiting until the next bull list changes pricing means giving up a head start for the herd. And semen costs, like many dairy farm expenses, represent more than just the upfront expense. Theyre an investment in the herds future production and profitability. Taking the long view and paying more in the moment for that top-ranking sire may be the better move, De Vries noted. Waiting could take a toll on overall herd genetics and profitability, especially if semen prices arent likely to drop precipitously after a sire loses its top ranking. Read De Vries Dairy Update article here.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Honolulu Police Department said cameras were a big help in identifying 70-year-old suspect Antonio Vierra, who was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with arson for starting a fire in Kunia on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Man suspected of setting Kunia fire charged with arson

He posted $50,000 bail and was released. His court date is set for Tuesday.

The cameras were installed as part of Hawaiian Electrics Wildfire Safety Strategy, following the deadly Lahaina wildfire, which claimed over 100 lives back in Aug. 2023.

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To date, there are about 150 ALERTWests Situational Awareness Platform cameras placed across the state to help alert agencies and the public of wildfire risk.

They really are a critical tool that have been put in place, and it helps to give us more of what we refer to as situational awareness, explained Darren Pai, HECO spokesperson. That means more information about whats happening in real time, out in the field, so that our system operators and emergency response agencies can see whats happening out there, and can, you know, decide in the appropriate course of action.

The cameras are 4K high definition and provide clear images to emergency responders and the public. Theyre assisted by AI so that it can identify signs of fire such as smoke or flames, Pai explained.

The ALERTWest command center is staffed 24/7 and has professionals who monitor the feeds across the country. Pai said humans then validate the AI information and then send out notifications to agencies.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Everybody understands the value of having more real-time information, so that decisions can be made quickly, Pai continued.

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HFD said it uses the ALERTWest Situational Awareness Platform for fire confirmation, weather conditions, and smoke size.

This week, the cameras helped Honolulu Police identify an arson suspect.

Since Aug. 11, agencies said there were eight fires reported on Kunia Road.

During the investigation, the state Fire Marshal provided HPD detectives with photographs that appeared to show a suspect igniting the fire, the images also captured a light colored older model Dodge Ram quad pickup with blue pinstripes, HPDs Lt. Deena Thoemmes of Homicide Detail said during a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

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The images from the ALERTWest Situational Awareness Platform website show a vehicle with pinstripes at 11:59 a.m. on Aug 19, and then a fire two minutes later.

HFD told KHON2 the 911 call came in at 12:03 p.m. that day when the fire spread so quickly that evacuations were ordered for Kunia Camp.

At 12:06 p.m., the vehicle is seen parked across the street from the fire, and by the time fire crews arrive, its gone.

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The photographs were far away and the description of the suspect could not be made at that time, explained Thoemmes.

HPD had put out a bulletin for the suspects vehicle and had been patrolling the Kunia area following the fire on Aug. 19.

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The truck was picked up on camera again on Aug. 22, but no fire was started.

The same truck with pinstripes is seen again on Aug. 23 in the same spot as the day before at 10:56 a.m.

This time, a fire is seen in the distance, and a person is standing next to the truck at 11:01 a.m.

Two hours later, the suspect was arrested in Haleiwa near another fire.

The suspect was identified as Antonio Vierra who is operating a Dodge Ram pickup truck. Homicide detectives confirmed that Vierra matched the description captured on wildfire cameras earlier that day, HPD said.

A trained canine was also used to find traces of accelerant at the multiple scenes throughout the two weeks.



HPD said witnesses also submitted their videos to help the case, and Vierras clothes have been submitted as evidence to detect accelerants.

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Vierra has been charged and accused of setting the Saturday, Aug. 23, fire in Kunia, which came within 900 feet of homes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
President Donald Trumps surprise Anchorage summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin could have been a signature achievement for Steve Witkoff, the developer-turned-diplomat who facilitated the meet up.

But promised follow-up meetings between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have not materialized, ceasefire demands were dropped, threats of tough action have disappeared and Trumps team has offered no clear road ahead.

Some frustrated U.S., Ukrainian and European officials say part of the problem is the go-it-alone style of Witkoff, Trumps special envoy for peace missions and go-to negotiator on Ukraine. He has refused to consult with experts and allies, leaving him uninformed at times and unprepared at others, according to seven people familiar with internal discussions. Two said he misses the mark by viewing the conflict through a real estate lens, like a land dispute.

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Trumps unconventional fixer has met Putin five times over six months, but he has yet to translate his access to the Russian leader into any breakthroughs on Ukraine.

There were many barriers to the summit in Anchorage yielding results  Putins unwillingness to make significant concessions to end his war against Ukraine the major one, but many of those familiar with Witkoffs role in the negotiations with Russia say he has made talks more difficult.

Witkoff is still trying to make inroads.

He is meeting Friday in New York with Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyys presidential office, part of an effort to get Russia and Ukraine meeting for technical talks ahead of an eventual trilateral summit. The lower level discussions between Russian and Ukrainian officials, should they happen, are expected to cover territory, security guarantees and other issues and to pave the way for higher level conversations, a senior administration official said.

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What we're trying to do is put Putin and Zelensky together and create the opportunity to have a successful meeting, Witkoff said in an interview.

This article is based on conversations with 13 people, including U.S. and foreign officials and other people familiar with the diplomatic effort to end Russias war on Ukraine. Many were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations and internal deliberations.

A number of those people argue that the war is much more complex than Trumps confidant seems to grasp, and blame him for American efforts that have yet to net any meaningful concessions from Moscow.

His inexperience shines through, he has the presidents ear, which is evident, but there has been some confusion about what has been said and agreed, said a person familiar with the diplomatic effort.

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A second senior administration official defended Witkoffs approach, saying the outcomes of his diplomacy speak for themselves, in the form of the historic bilateral meeting [between Trump and Putin] and European leaders coming to the White House less than 48 hours later.

Thats not enough to declare success, his detractors say.

Hes kind of a rogue actor, said a U.S. official familiar with Witkoffs diplomatic style. He talks to all these people, but no one knows what he says in any of these meetings. He will say things publicly but then he changes his mind. Its hard to operationalize that.

Witkoffs Washington office is sparsely staffed, and short on people with Russia expertise or experienced in complex diplomatic negotiations. And he has refused to do typical consultations with Russia and Ukraine experts in and outside of government, according to the five people familiar with internal discussions.

Different definitions of success

The summit in Alaska was notable in part because of how little preparation went into it. Typically ahead of such a high-profile meeting, foreign ministers and lower level staffers reach agreement on the choreography and outcomes ahead of time to make sure the meeting is productive and worthwhile.

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The new goal of organizing lower-level technical meetings suggests Witkoffs team may be returning to a more traditional approach and is a reversal from the White Houses previous insistence on the importance of bringing the leaders together immediately.

The second senior administration official said that Witkoff has plenty of access to expertise, adding that he is in regular communication with Secretary of State and acting national security adviser Marco Rubio, along with National Security Council officials ahead of conversations with Putin and other leaders.

As a sign of Witkoffs success, the official pointed to comments from Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who said during the White House meeting 11 days ago, in the past two weeks we've probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three and a half years.

After hearing about POLITICO's reporting, the White House sent over laudatory statements from six people. In one of those, U.K. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell said Witkoff has been able to open doors that no one else could and is exactly [the] sort of person who gets results in diplomacy by concentrating on building trust between key leaders  and moving quietly to cut a deal.

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In another, Vice President JD Vance said Witkoff has made more progress towards ending the bloodshed in Ukraine than all his critics combined.

Free-wheeling style

People familiar with Witkoff's style liken it to Trumps free-wheeling approach of doing business.

His staff, to the extent he has any, often doesnt know where he is or what he is doing, according to four people familiar with the dynamics of the office. They said he spends most of his time at his office in the White House, while the rest of his team is at the State Department.

The thing is, Witkoff isn't consistently engaged. He will pop in for a visit to Vladimir Putin, say a bunch of stuff, not tell anyone what really happened and then just fuck off to his life again. Meanwhile, the Russians are talking to you about how Witkoff says and you don't know whether they're right or not, but you can't get a readout from the Russians, the U.S. official said.

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Witkoff at times appears to struggle to focus on more than one task at a time, the U.S. official and another one of the people said, adding that when a flurry of developments occurs in one portfolio, say Gaza or Iran or Ukraine, other priorities take a backseat. He is not a voracious consumer of his intelligence briefing materials and doesnt read them every day, the second person said.

Witkoff rarely reads his government email, according to one of the people and the U.S. official familiar with his role.

The second senior administration official rejected this characterization, saying Witkoff checks his government email daily and receives a daily intelligence briefing. After receiving criticism for using Putins translator in Russia, Witkoff now uses a State Department translator during official meetings, the official said.

New positions, new challenges

Part of the issue for Witkoff may be the manner in which he came into his role as chief Ukraine negotiator. During the transition after the 2024 election, Trump named Witkoff to be his special envoy for the Middle East, while Trump named Keith Kellogg as the special envoy for Russia and Ukraine.

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At that time, many State Department Russia and Ukraine experts went to work for Kellogg, a second U.S. official said.

But Kellogg was sidelined in dealing with Russia after Moscow complained about him, as POLITICO previously reported. Witkoff became the de facto Putin go-between after he made his first trip to Russia in February to secure the release of a detained American schoolteacher and kick off a monthslong effort at rapprochement after he made the prisoner deal with Moscow.

But many of the staff that specialize in the region stayed at Kelloggs office, leaving Witkoffs office with no dedicated Russia or Ukraine experts, the second U.S. official said. That hasnt changed even as his official remit has expanded to special envoy for peace missions to include a number of global disputes.

Discontent on Russias side

Witkoffs Russian interlocutors are also frustrated, particularly with his inability to properly convey Putins messages and red lines to Trump, according to the person familiar with his diplomatic efforts, another person familiar with the matter and the first U.S. official.

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Russian officials value that Trump has sent someone who is close to the president and can speak for him, but are concerned that Witkoff doesnt fully understand what Putin is telling him, they said.

Witkoff made a trip to Moscow this month to try to make headway with Putin before Trumps now-lapsed deadline on steep tariffs for purchasers of Russian oil.

Witkoff left his August visit with Moscow convinced that Russia had agreed to significant territorial concessions  shaping his advice to Trump that the president should grant Putin the one-on-one summit he had long sought, the second U.S. official said.

When he returned to the U.S., Witkoff and Trump both touted those concessions on territory in Eastern Ukraine. His European and Ukrainian interlocutors did not see it that way, the second U.S. official and one of the people familiar with the diplomacy said.

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Witkoff said he has not misconstrued the message coming from Moscow.

I have tremendous support from the State Department, from lots of Russian experts. There's a lot of very smart people in our system. And not one of them, not in our system, not one of them on the U.S. side has ever said to me, you missed something here, he said.

In the discussions, Russia has offered what the Trump administration sees as a significant compromise, a senior administration official said. Under the deal, the U.S. would recognize Russian control over Luhansk, Crimea and Donetsk at their official boundaries and Kherson and Zaporizhia at the contact line, or battle lines on the ground.

Never before had there been any discussion about this, a compromise on the regions, the senior administration official said.

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But many of Washingtons European and Ukrainian partners do not see this as Russia meaningfully yielding, the second U.S. official said. Such a deal would require Ukraine to withdraw from some of its most heavily fortified territory in Donetsk. Ukraine and its allies see that as legitimizing Putins land grab.

Putins talking points coming through

There are other instances that have frustrated U.S. and European officials well. In a CNN interview after Trump and Putins Alaska summit, Witkoff said Moscow had conceded that Ukraines Western partners could provide security guarantees modeled on NATOs Article 5, which obligates members to treat an attack on one as an attack on all.

However, two of the people familiar with the matter said, Russia had actually suggested conditions similar to those it offered in 2022 during ultimately failed peace talks in Istanbul  that Ukraine could have a so-called deterrence force but that Russia would have a veto over when it was used.

As one person familiar with Witkoffs role in the process put it: Theres what Russia says, and what Russia means.

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The second senior administration official said Witkoff understands all the complexities.

When Witkoff flies to Moscow, he uses his own plane and brings no policy experts. He is usually only accompanied by his chief of staff, a translator and diplomatic security, according to two people familiar with the matter and the second senior administration official, who added that he pays for all of it himself.

Following the Alaska meeting, European officials have impressed upon Witkoff and Trump the strategic importance of the Donbas region for Ukraine  and how ceding all of it, including territory Russia hasnt captured, is unacceptable to Kyiv, according to two of the people familiar with internal discussions.

He seems to have bought into the false Russian narrative that they are winning on the front lines, which we all know is not true, another one of the people familiar with the discussions said.

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Witkoff rejected this characterization.

What I'm here to do is actually bring two sides together, narrow the issues and get it to a place where we can build political capital and fix this stupid thing, he said.

At the White House last week, the assembled European leaders likened giving up the Donbas to giving up Florida, trying to phrase it in ways that Trump and Witkoff could grasp, two of the people familiar with internal discussions said.

Some of Ukraines allies have suggested comparing the area to the Golan Heights in Israel, likening the strategic importance to another area of the world Witkoff is better steeped in, one of the people said.

Ukraines allies look for other avenues

European and Ukrainian officials are buoyed by the presence of other officials working on the process. Kellogg, damaged from his sidelining this year, has managed to come back more into the fold.

But allies were disappointed to see that Kellogg, whose approach they prefer to Witkoffs, was left out of the Alaska trip after clearing his schedule to go.

Kellogg did later join the meetings with the Europeans in Washington, reassuring those who think he has a more clear-eyed view of the war than Witkoff does, according to the person familiar with internal discussions and another person.

Missteps with Russia aside, European and Ukrainian officials are thrilled that the intense diplomacy of the past several weeks has led to a serious conversation on security guarantees and what the U.S. and Europe would commit.

But, both U.S. officials noted, this process is being led by Rubio and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, both of whom they much prefer to work with and feel have a clearer-eyed take on the war.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is hoping that Witkoffs Friday meeting brings new options. A Ukrainian official said the meeting comes after Yermak and secretary of the Ukrainian National Security Council Rustem Umerov visited Qatar to scout the country as a possible location for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.

Our main focus is to reiterate that Ukraine is ready to meet Russia at the presidential level but Russia continues to delay the process and constantly invents new pretexts as to why to delay it, the Ukrainian official said, adding that they hoped Witkoff would be receptive to their arguments.

Nahal Toosi and Jack Detsch contributed to this report.
Still Here, the denim brand founded by Sonia and Maurice Mosseri, is heading home to Brooklyn.

Next month, the married couple, who were both born and raised in the borough, will open their third New York store in Williamsburg. The space at 170 Wythe Avenue is a location that they had been eyeing for more than two years. And once it became available, they jumped at the chance to grab the space.

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The Mosseris partnered with the New York-based Husband Wife design firm, led by Brittney Hart and Justin Capuco, to create the space. This marks the first time Still Here has used a design partner.

I was drawn to Justin and Brittney because of the creative tension in their work  a mix of high design and warmth, said Sonia Mosseri. Retail spaces are our chance to welcome people into our world, and I instantly felt like they would understand how to encapsulate this  between styles, colors and textures  and bring the space to life in the most Still Here way.

The store design draws inspiration from 1920s dressmaking salons like that of Madame Lispka, and Husband Wife created a layered space intended to blend the quiet sophistication of Still Here with the raw energy of the neighborhood. There are waxed walls and seeded glass along with custom artwork that speaks to Still Heres family history.

We are proud to partner with a brand that looks at detail for clothing in a similar way that we do space, said Capuco. Its this surgical attention to detail that makes Still Here cool and elegant in a way thats entirely their own. We aimed for this slant of style when designing the store  crafting subtle moments of surrealism and avant-garde flair in unexpected elements.

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Still Here opened its first store in NoLIta in the spring of 2022 and at the end of 2023, it added a boutique on Madison Avenue and 73rd Street. Those stores were designed and furnished by Sonia Mosseri and showcase the brands wide assortment of womens denim and complementary items as well as one-of-a-kind pieces hand-painted by Sonia Mosseri.

Sonia and Maurice Mosseri were high school sweethearts, attended college together, got married and shortly after, created Still Here by building on Sonia Mosseris hobby of hand-painting vintage jeans shed been collecting since she was a child.

The Williamsburg store will open to the public on Sept. 5.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Its been more than 26 years since Erica Baker disappeared, but a new program could bring detectives closer to solving her case.

On Feb. 7, 1999, 9-year-old Erica Baker left her home to walk her dog, and never returned.

Investigators, friends and family never gave up the search for her, and with a new cash reward available, officials hope to finally get the information they need to close her case.

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Crime Stoppers is once again partnering with the Kettering Police Department to offer a cash incentive for any information that would lead to Erica.

KPD says theyve worked with Crime Stoppers like this in the past, but not recently. A detective on the case hopes this cash reward will be an incentive for those who may not have shared information previously.

If you have any information, any credible information, we want you to contact us and reach out, said Det. Amy Pedro, KPD. Or if you have any information about Christian Gabriel, wed like to hear any information you have on him, especially if you knew him back in 1999, through the time he spent in prison.

Gabriel was previously identified and arrested in connection to Bakers disappearance. While he spent 6 years in prison on charges of tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse, Gabriel has refused to cooperate further in the investigation.

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Detectives believe Gabriel knows where Erica is, but that he knows her discovery would lead to evidence linking him to her murder, adding more charges against him, said Crime Stoppers in a release.

With the new cash incentive, detectives are hoping those who knew him will come forward.

Ericas father says he is grateful for the continued efforts of local law enforcement and the entire community to search for his daughter. He hopes this next step will bring her home.

We have a place to put her at Davids Cemetery. And then just to put an end to this page that has been ripped open out of our history, our family life, said Greg Baker, Ericas father. We would be greatly appreciative if somebody could come forward and give that information, so that way, we can put this to rest.

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Those with information are urged to contact Detective Pedro at 937-296-2460. Anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP or online at MiamiValleyCrimeStoppers.com.

The Erica Baker Story

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Rep. Lee Reeves, to the left of U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, at podium, and Rep. Gino Bulso, right of Ogles, are tied in one poll for the GOP nomination in Congressional District 7. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

The special election for Tennessees 7th Congressional District seat is heating up  or turning weird  depending on your perspective.

Responding to a poll this week that proclaimed a four-way tie in the crowded Republican primary, state Rep. Lee Reeves congressional campaign issued a statement calling the Spry Strategies survey a totally fake poll with less credibility than the Robert Mueller Report and the Steele Dossier, referring to allegations of Trump-Russia connections a decade ago.

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Reeves group further said it was run by a fake Never Trumper firm connected to former House Speaker Glen Casada and his ex-chief of staff, Cade Cothren, both of whom were convicted this year on federal corruption charges.

Reeves campaign sent out the missive after the conservative advocacy group, Americans for Prosperity  Tennessee, released polling results showing Reeves and state Rep. Gino Bulson tied with 19.9% each, Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson with 18.6% and former General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps at 15.9%. All were within the 4.4% margin of error for the survey conducted from Aug. 19-23 for the 7th District race to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green.

While Reeves people were belly-aching, Bulsos campaign claimed he surged into a tie for first in the AFP poll after entering the race just weeks ago, enabling him to take part in an upcoming debate.

Both candidates claim to be the one most capable of carrying out President Donald Trumps agenda. In fact, every Republican candidate in the country is saying the same thing.

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Bulso, who spends most of his energy driving a stake into the heart of the LGBTQ+ community, said he gained momentum from endorsements by state Rep. Jay Reedy and NASCAR Hall of Fame racer Darrell Waltrip.

Barrett, the target of a dark money group called the School Freedom Fund over opposition to private-school vouchers, also is promising to stand with President Trump and fight the liberal elites trying to destroy our way of life. He touts himself as Tennessees first lawmaker to earn a perfect conservative voting record on a report connected to Williamson County-based Tennessee Stands and posts a picture of himself with country music star John Rich, an ultra-conservative voice on state issues.

Van Epps, a West Point graduate who served multiple tours of duty, received the endorsement of Green, also a West Point guy who served as an Army physician and interviewed captured Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

It should be noted that Spry Strategies touts a 93.7% accuracy rate within margins of error and 94.5% rate in predicting key primary and general election outcomes. The firm also posts a testimonial on its site saying its services are essential to Tennessees House Republican Caucus and Speaker Cameron Sexton.

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Wait a second. Hold on a minute. Isnt Reeves a member of that caucus? Dont they hang on AFPs every word?

Nashville Rep. Bo Mitchell has been endorsed by four labor unions in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress in a District 7 special election. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Oh well, this election wouldnt be any fun if candidates werent beating each other over the head.

In the Democrats column, state Rep. Vincent Dixie of Nashville landed an endorsement this week from Square One, which looks for the most promising people of color, women and LGBTQ+ community to run for Congress in red districts and states.

State Rep. Bo Mitchell of Nashville touted endorsements by four unions, including Teamsters Local 480, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 572, Iron Workers Local 492 and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Division 129.

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State Rep. Aftyn Behn of East Nashville landed an endorsement from Indivisible Tennessee, a grassroots organization that focuses on progressive issues.

Tunnel vision

It appears Elon Musk is going to bore his way into the brains of Americans.

Not only is his Boring Company building tunnels under Las Vegas for Tesla service from one casino to another, the company plans to dig a series of tunnels in Nashville, possibly from the state Capitol to the Music City Center and the airport to ensure tourists dont further clog the interstate system. As if theyre the culprits for Nashvilles traffic terror.

Besides the Tesla tunnels, Musk wants to build a system of tunnels around a large watershed in Houston, Texas as part of a plan to avert flooding after a 2017 storm killed dozens of people there. ProPublica, the Houston Chronicle and The Texas Tribune combined to report on Musks push for the project with U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, banking on the claim that Boring could lower the cost for a key segment of the project to $760 million from $4.6 billion. The entire system is estimated to cost $30 billion, according to the report.

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The catch is that Musk wants 15% of the expense up front from local and state governments.

The other problem is that, despite claims by Tennessee officials that Boring has the expertise to dig tunnels, its record in Vegas is spotty. Another ProPublica report showed the company built tunnels without permits for work on country property, dumped untreated water into storm drains and sewers, then was fined over workers complaints about severe burns and muck spills. The company is contesting those violations.

Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Gov. Bill Lee and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announce a plan for Elon Musks Boring Company to build an underground tunnel from the airport to Downtown Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee continued to defend the project and Boring Company this week when asked by WPLN  Nashville Public Radio about the Music City Loop cutting through the Mill Creek area, home to a federally-protected crayfish, as well as the potential for affecting sinkholes in that part of Nashville.

Calling it a highly-professional, global company, Lee said Boring understands that environmental permitting is required.

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Theyve shown that they have a great desire to follow the process as laid out by the state to work with our agencies, Lee said.

The remaining question is whether Boring will have to abide by Metro Nashville permitting and emergency services requirements, since the tunnels are supposed to run on state right of way underneath state-owned roads and highways.

All were waiting for is a Trump endorsement.

Back in the saddle

Former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell is resurfacing on the board of the Sycamore Institute, an independent, nonpartisan public policy research center that provides information on critical topics.

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Harwell, a distinguished visiting professor at MTSU and former Tennessee Valley Authority board member, will be joined by Garnett Decosimo of Decosimo Corporate Finance, who has worked for Gov. Lee and former U.S. Sen. Bob Corker.

Giving a voice to the voiceless

Fresh off a presidential pardon on a federal fraud conviction, former state Sen. Brian Kelsey received newfound hope from the Tennessee Supreme Court to come to a courtroom near you.

The court recently ruled that Kelsey, despite pleading guilty to a felony, could start practicing law again, the Tennessee Journal reported.

According to the article, Kelsey said hes excited to be defending people who need representation. We should try to give a voice to the voiceless, he said.

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Sounds as if hes doing a 180 from the days he blocked expansion of Medicaid to some 300,000 underinsured, working Tennesseans.

But theres a tiny sticking point. The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility will have to give its stamp of approval. The prediction here is he will practice law again in Tennessee. The question is: Who will hire him?

Readers might recall he tried to renege on his guilty plea, claiming he didnt understand the intricacies of criminal law, even though he was a lawyer who chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee.

He represented plaintiffs who favored private-school vouchers, but that legal fight is done. Before his conviction, he worked as a senior counsel for Liberty Justice Center, a national law firm that litigated constitutional questions, often taking on unions.

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If hes interested in representing the voiceless, he should be able to find plenty of clients. But do those really include private-school students and anti-union folks?

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It's almost time for Milwaukee's annual Labor Day celebration.

The city's annual Labor Day parade and Laborfest, hosted by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, kicks off on Sept. 1. Drivers should expect some traffic disruptions with the festivities' planned street closures.

Here's what you need to know:

When is Milwaukee's Labor Day parade?

Milwaukee's Labor Day parade is Sept. 1. It begins at 11 a.m.

Alongside the parade, Milwaukee's Laborfest celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive. For more information on Laborfest, you can visit https://milwaukeelabor.org/events/laborfest.

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More: Will mail be delivered on Labor Day? See what banks, retailers are open in Wisconsin

More: Things to do in Milwaukee during Labor Day weekend, including Laborfest

What is the parade route?

The parade begins at Zeidler Union Square, 301 W. Michigan St. It will head east on Wisconsin Avenue to Water Street, then south down Water Street to East Chicago Street. The parade concludes at Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N. Harbor Drive.

Labor Day parade street closures and parking restrictions:

Beginning at 5 a.m. on Sept. 1, the following roads will be closed until 1 p.m.:

North Vel R. Phillips Avenue from West Wells Street to West Clybourn Street (Wisconsin Avenue will be open until the start of the parade at 11 a.m.)

West Michigan Street from North 5th Street east to "just west" of circle drive of Courtyard Marriott Hotel

West Everett Street from North Vel R. Phillips Avenue to North 2nd Street

North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from West Everett Street to West Michigan Street

East on Wisconsin Avenue to Water Street

South on Water Street to Chicago Street

East on Chicago Street to Harbor Drive

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More: When's the best time to travel for Labor Day 2025 in and around Wisconsin? Here's what AAA says

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Labor Day parade 2025: See schedule, route, street closures
In classrooms, reactions to the rise of artificial intelligence have ranged from abject horror from some educators to excited adoption from others.

With ChatGPT approaching its three-year birthday, we've seen students and teachers alike issue all kinds of complaints and defenses  and this latest one might take the cake for the more extreme backlash we've seen.

As New Zealand's Stuff reports some 115 postgraduate students at the country's Lincoln University were flabbergasted to learn that they would have to all re-take a coding exam in person after their teacher concluded that some of them had used AI to cheat.

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In an email leaked to the kiwi outlet, students were told that there had been a "high number of suspected cases" of "unethical" AI use on the test.

"While I acknowledge that a small number of students may have extensive prior coding experience," the email continued, the "probability of this being the case across many submissions is low."

The instructor, who Stuff chose not to name, added that the only way to "ensure fairness across all students" would be to re-assess them all in person and for them to verbally defend their code while doing so. The department head signed off on this approach, based on school policies prohibiting "unethical" AI use, the lecturer added.

"The rule is simple: if you wrote the code yourself, you can explain it," the educator wrote in his email. "If you cannot explain it, you did not write it."

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With such a strict approach, it comes as little surprise that some of the implicated postgrads considered the teacher's response an overreaction.

"What makes this particularly difficult is the atmosphere it has created," one of the students, who asked to remain anonymous, told Stuff. "Many students feel under suspicion despite having done nothing wrong."

"Being compelled to defend our work through live coding and interrogation, with the threat of disciplinary action if we falter, is extremely stressful and unorthodox," they added.

That same student said that the email's wording made it seem like they would be disciplined if they didn't comply or failed to pass the lecturer's test  and indeed, the teacher added that any student who they determined had used AI, or even those who failed to re-book their exam, would be reported to Lincoln's provost.

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"That atmosphere of 'one slip and youre guilty' is what is creating such unease," the student complained.

While we've seen educators fail students under false suspicion of AI use before, it's generally been on an individual basis  except for the Texas A&M University professor who failed half his class back in 2023 because, ironically, ChatGPT incorrectly clocked their papers as AI-written.

Because the Lincoln lecturer's name was kept anonymous, we can't reach out to him to ask about his severe reaction  but we'd waged there's a good likelihood that it would include, at very least, some strong words.

More on AI and academia: Founder of Google's Generative AI Team Says Don't Even Bother Getting a Law or Medical Degree, Because AI's Going to Destroy Both Those Careers Before You Can Even Graduate
Breathing dirty air in your 40s and 50s could take a toll on your brain well into your senior years.

The findings from a King's College London study link higher midlife exposure to common pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, with slower processing speed, poorer cognitive test scores, and measurable changes in brain structure later in life.

What's happening?

The research, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, followed more than 1,700 participants from the long-running National Survey of Health and Development over a 26-year period.

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At multiple points between ages 43 and 69, participants' verbal memory and processing speed were tested. At age 69, they also took the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III, a screening tool for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Results showed that individuals with higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter from age 45 onwards had lower ACE-III scores and slower thinking speeds, even after accounting for childhood cognitive ability and earlier-life pollution exposure.

In a subset of participants who underwent brain scans, high pollutant exposure was associated with smaller hippocampal volumes, linked to memory loss, and larger ventricular volumes, which typically increase as brain tissue shrinks.

Why is this trend concerning?

These brain changes are hallmarks of cognitive decline and dementia, conditions projected to affect 153 million people globally by 2050.

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While the impacts of pollution on heart and lung health are well documented, this study strengthens evidence that what we breathe may also influence how our brains age.

The fact that these effects were observed decades after the exposure period suggests that midlife air quality could shape neurological health later in life.

"Most of the world's population is breathing toxic air above World Health Organization recommended limits, which could partly explain the increased dementia risk as people age," said Professor Ioannis Bakolis, one of the study's co-authors.

What's being done about this dangerous situation?

Efforts to curb pollution, such as cleaner public transit, stricter emissions standards, and accelerating clean energy adoption, can help protect both brain and body health.

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On a personal level, experts recommend reducing exposure during high-pollution days, supporting clean air policies, and encouraging urban green spaces that can help filter pollutants.

Policies like school districts switching to electric buses, entrance fees for cars during peak periods in NYC, and implementing clean air zones above major cities can all help reduce local pollution.

As the study's lead author, Thomas Canning, noted, "reducing people's exposure has the potential to help conserve cognition and brain structure as they age, even if this happens once they reach midlife."

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BELLBROOK, Ohio (WDTN)  A legendary WWII veteran is being honored by his hometown with a new statue.

Jim Pee Wee Martin of the 101st Airborne Division parachuted into Normandy on D-Day, and also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Now, his distinguished career will be on display in Sugarcreek Township.

Weve been working on this for a few years now, its been a long time dream for a couple of us, and its long overdue for this community, said Barry Tiffany, Sugarcreek Twp. administrator.

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Tiffany helped bring the project to fruition. He wasnt just a historian of Pee Wee Martin  he was also his friend.

I set aside Tuesdays at 11 oclock for him and he, its just unbelievable what those guys went through, he was a remarkable guy, said Tiffany.

Martin had lots of friends in his hometown, including Sugarcreek Twp. Trustee Marven Moeller, who says the statue would have made Pee Wee proud.

Really a good likeness of Jim, said Moeller. He was really into the military.

Martin was also a family man, who had five children together with his wife, Donna, of 73 years.

For Martins 100th birthday, his family celebrated with a WWII sky diving event held in Greene County.

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Martin was never physically imposing, but even his large statue will never equal how big of a man he was both in combat, and within his community.

Its bigger than Jim was, its somewhere around 8 feet tall, and Jim was a little over 5 feet, said Tiffany. He weighed under 120 pounds and he carried 60 pounds of gear with him the day he jumped into Normandy. Half his body weight. Just a remarkable guy.

Martin died in September 2022 at the age of 101. His statue is located at the newly unveiled Sugarcreek Township Veterans Memorial Park off of Upper Bellbrook Road.

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Aug. 28Athens Main Street will host Summer Sippin' on Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. in downtown Athens.

The event is modeled after Athens Main Street's Sippin' Cider during the winter. Over 30 businesses will participate. Participants can vote for their favorite beverage and the Summer Sippin' champion. DJ Zillion will provide music from 4 to 7 p.m. on the courthouse steps, and Nix Side Hustle will perform in Merchants Alley from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

erica.smith@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2460.
By Akbar Novruz



The open court hearing regarding the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, its forcible retention, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on August 28.

The court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each defendant was provided with a translator in their preferred language and lawyers for their defense.

The session was attended by the defendants, their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the judicial panel, the prosecutors representing the state, the translators, and others to the victims attending the court session for the first time, and explained their rights and obligations as stipulated by law.

The court session proceeded with the announcement of the testimony given by defendant Arkadi Gukasyan during the preliminary investigation and other related documents.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, defendant Arkadi Gukasyan stated that, as the so-called president of the illegitimate regime, he had the authority to make decisions regarding any appointments. However, the appointment and dismissal of the so-called defense minister were carried out only after coordination with the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the President of Armenia.

Gukasyan emphasized in his testimony that weapons and ammunition were supplied to the region solely by the Armenian Ministry of Defense, and the so-called defense ministry of the illegitimate regime effectively operated as a component of Armenias Ministry of Defense.

It was stated that weapons, ammunition, and other supplies from Armenia were transported to the region via the Goris-Lachin-Khankendi and Vardenis-Kalbajar-Aghdara-Khankendi roads.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, defendant Arayik Harutyunyan stated that during the First Garabagh War and in the subsequent period, military forces were brought from Armenia and stationed in the territories of Azerbaijan that were under occupation at that time. During the April clashes, military units subordinate to and financed by Armenia fought against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. As always, weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and personnel support were provided by Armenia.

Arayik Harutyunyan stated in his testimony that during the 44-day war in 2020, he visited military barracks and combat zones to boost the morale of soldiers. However, he noted that all military orders and instructions were issued by the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff. He specified that the Chief of the General Staff at the time was Onik Gasparyan, who issued all directives, orders, and tasks during the 44-day war.

He further stated that rocket systems such as Tochka-U, Smerch, Scud, and similar types were not part of the arsenal of the so-called defense army of the illegitimate regime. During the 44-day war, two Smerch rocket systems were brought from Armenia and stationed in Askeran. The personnel operating these rocket systems and the accompanying staff were also from the Armenian military forces and were brought from Armenia.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, Arayik Harutyunyan noted that orders to launch ballistic missiles targeting densely populated civilian areas, civilian infrastructure, and undefended territories in the districts of Tartar, Barda, Goranboy, Beylagan, the cities of Ganja and Mingachevir, and even the Absheron Peninsula, where Baku is located, were issued from Armenia.

It was stated that on October 4, 2020, he shared a statement claiming: On my orders, the defense army struck several rocket attacks today to destroy military targets in Ganja. From now on, I have ordered a ceasefire to avoid civilian casualties. If the enemy does not take this as an example, we will continue to deliver equal and powerful strikes, dismantling and destroying the enemys army. We are resolute in our actions to the end. This statement was prepared at the suggestion of Onik Gasparyan, Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Ministry of Defense, and handed to Harutyunyan, who then instructed his press secretary, Vahram Poghosyan, to publish it on his page.

He noted that, realizing he no longer had any influence over the ongoing processes, he resigned from the so-called presidency on August 31, 2023.

The court session continued with the announcement of Arayik Harutyunyans statements and information shared in the media and on social networks, along with the presentation of photographic evidence.

The court then announced the testimony given by defendant Bako Sahakyan during the preliminary investigation.

According to his testimony, Sahakyan was one of the pioneers of the so-called Liberation Movement starting in 1988. In 1990, he joined the self-defense forces. From 1992 to 1993, he served as the deputy commander of the self-defense committee of the illegitimate regime, from 1993 to 1995 as the rear commander of the so-called defense army, from 1995 to 1996 as the deputy commander for foreign relations of the defense army, and from 1996 to 1997 as the deputy commander of the 10th Mountain Infantry Division. From 1997 to 1999, he was an assistant to the Minister of Internal Affairs and National Security of Armenia. From 1999 to 2001, he served as the so-called minister of internal affairs of the illegitimate regime, and from 2001 to 2007 as the director of the national security service. From 2007 to 2020, he was the so-called president of the illegitimate regime and also performed the duties of state minister.

In his testimony, he stated that during the First Garabagh War, all military operations were led by Serzh Sargsyan, who was the chairman of the self-defense forces committee and later the defense army, as well as by Vazgen Sargsyan and Vazgen Manukyan, who served as Armenias defense ministers. The overall leadership during that period was provided by Robert Kocharyan, chairman of the State Defense Committee, and Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the then-president of Armenia.

The court proceedings will continue on August 29.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.
SPRINGFIELD  A Superior Court judge has dismissed all but one claim in an odyssey of a case involving retired Springfield detective Gregg Bigda and the city.

A 26-page memorandum and order filed by Judge Jeffrey Trapani on Aug. 22 in Hampden Superior Court asserts that Bigda, who once threatened juveniles in custody, did not successfully argue the claims against the city in his lawsuit.

Bigda alleged the mayor and former police superintendent committed civil conspiracy and that the city breached its contract with him. The former cop had been embroiled in a federal case, then sued the city for emotional distress.

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Bigda claimed in the suit that he was coerced by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and former Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood into retiring from his job with the Springfield Police Department last summer. The defendants in the lawsuit were the city of Springfield and Clapprood and Sarno in their individual capacities.

The lawsuit was another installment in Bigdas years-long saga with the city.

Attorneys representing the city and Bigda will need to discuss whether the city owes the former police officer interest on back pay he received from being suspended from the Springfield Police Department following an incident involving three teenagers, according to the city solicitor, Stephen Buoniconti.

The city is pleased with the outcome. This odyssey case is finally coming to a conclusion in the citys favor, Buoniconti said Thursday afternoon. We havent spoken to (Bigdas) counsel yet about a resolution.

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Attorney Andrew DiCenzo, one of the attorneys representing Bigda, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

In 2016, Bigda, who was in the Springfield police narcotics unit, threatened to beat and kill several teenagers who stole a car. Motherf---er, Ill charge you with killing Kennedy and f---ing make it stick, he said at the time. Those comments and others were caught on video.

After his indictment in 2018, Bigda was suspended from his job without pay. In 2021, a jury acquitted him of excessive force charges in federal court. He was then put on paid leave.

Clapprood would not allow Bigda back into the department. Sarno said after the verdict that it was Clapproods decision, but my feeling is there is no place for him on the force, he said.

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In 2023, Bigda filed a federal lawsuit and the city filed a countersuit.

A federal judge dismissed both suits in May 2024.

In 2022, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission denied Bigdas application for certification, Trapanis order said. Bigda fought back, requesting a review and hearing about the denial.

In April 2024, the commission issued its final decision that Bigda was denied certification, Trapanis recent order said.

Bigda resigned last summer from the police department ahead of a hearing that would decide whether he would be terminated.

Trapani said he took into account all of the facts leading up to the citys April motion to dismiss the case.

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A motion to dismiss will be granted unless the factual allegations in the complaint are enough to raise a right to relief above the speculative level based on the assumption that all the allegations in the complaint are true (even if doubtful in fact), the order said.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Superior Kitchen and Bath is celebrating 30 Years of serving Terre Hautes renovation needs.

The Terre Haute business specializes in cabinets and countertops for kitchens and bathrooms.

To mark the milestone, they teamed up with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to hold a special open house in their showroom.

Indiana celebrates 30 years of Archaeology Month

They invited the community to join the party, rolling out the red carpet with food and drinks.

When asked about their secret to success, Owner Brian Mundell said its about the people you have behind you.

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Good employees, I mean this, this business has had, its been blessed with you know lots of good employees, and so thats really it. If it was just me, probably would have failed a long time ago, but Id had some good people behind me

The owners thanked their customers for their trust, loyalty, and encouragement over the last three decades.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Israeli food imports to UK supermarkets have plunged amid a boycott of goods by pro-Palestinian activists.

Food imported to Britain in the first half fell by 17pc compared to the same period last year with supermarket items such as carrots, avocados, tomatoes and couscous seeing the steepest drop, according to HM Revenue and Customs figures.

The data, compiled by Trade Data Monitor, show that the UK imported 101m worth of Israeli goods this year, down from 121m last time.

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Some of the most prominent falls were those products targeted by pro-Palestinian activists, such as avocados. Imports of avocados fell from 43.5m to 36.5m, a 16pc decline. Imports of couscous plunged from 239,900 to 135,946.

British supermarkets who stock Israeli products have faced a boycott amid the war in Gaza, with activists pressuring retailers and consumers to stop buying goods from the country in a drive known as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Groups including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) have led BDS action against Israel, staging events outside supermarkets across the country that have persuaded some to stop stocking goods.

Last month Co-op announced it would no longer stock Israeli products, citing internationally recognised community-wide human rights abuses and violations of international law.

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The retailer last week announced it was proud to start selling lagers from a Palestinian microbrewery Taybeh Brewing.

The PSC hailed the Co-ops vote as evidence that ordinary members would not support what it described as Israels apartheid economy.

Last year Sainsburys was forced to apologise after campaigners placed labels that read apartheid hummus under a range of hummus made by the US company Sabra in a store in London. The label also said that buying the hummus helps support genocide and provided a barcode to the BDS website for further information.

Supporters of the BDS movement claimed that Sabra was linked to the Israeli defence forces via its connection to the Israel-based Strauss Group, which co-owned the brand with PepsiCo at the time. Strauss Group announced in November last year that it had sold its holdings in Sabra.

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In other cases, activists have forcibly removed products from shelves. In March protesters descended on a Waitrose branch in Preston where they filled shopping trolleys with avocados, medjool dates and hummus, with a sign designating them as Israels monstrous cultural heist.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians even threatened major supermarket chains including Waitrose, Asda, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Sainsburys with legal action if they continue to sell products made in Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

While Israeli trade has dipped because of human rights concerns, imports have surged from other countries run by authoritarian regimes.

Goods arriving from Taliban-run Afghanistan, which is the only country in the world that explicitly bans womens secondary education, climbed 45pc year-on-year.

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Meanwhile, Syrian exports to Britain more than doubled with a 120pc rise in consignments of olives, olive oil and dried coffee  despite ongoing sanctions and concerns over the new regime.

While the BDS pressure on supermarkets shows Israeli imports have fallen, some foods have seen an upswing. Imports of Israeli sauces  such as ketchup, soy sauce and mango chutney  boomed.

Nearly 4m worth of these were imported in the first six months, versus just over 720,000 last year.

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Retailers, including Tesco and Fortnum & Mason, have been ridiculed for selling Christmas treats in August.

This week, Tesco stores in south London and Norwich were found to be selling Lindt advent calendars (8.50), Malteser Reindeer bars (85p), KitKat Santas (2), Cadbury Mini Snowballs (2) and Cadbury Little Robins (2).

The chains displays also feature family favourites like Roses, Cadburys Heroes and Quality Street, as well as gingerbread men, chocolate penguins and Christmas shortbread.

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Similarly, Harrods is offering a festive 15-piece chocolate box collection (26), while Ocado has KitKat Santas (2) available online.

Christmas offerings from Morrisons include a M&Ms Crispy Milk Chocolate Christmas Santa Treat (70p). Sainsburys is selling boxes of its branded mince pies for 1.70.

Both Harrods and Fortnum & Mason are selling Christmas puddings for 15 and 13.95 respectively. The latter is available in a double-size edition, which tips the scales at almost a kilogram, and costs 19.95.

Tesco stores in south London and Norwich are selling Lindt advent calendars

Consumer expert, Martyn James, said: Even the most ardent Christmas enthusiast would struggle to find anything good to say about a festive shopping spree in August.

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Many people enjoy a seasonal treat at another time of the year  think Creme Eggs outside of Easter. As long as its not excessively marketed, most people would agree that that is fine.

But shelf after shelf of Christmas chocolates when were still sweltering in the summer heat is way over that line.

At the end of the day, the logic for the retailers is simple  the sooner people see the items, the sooner they will be reminded to start planning for Christmas, and the sooner the preparation starts, the more they will ultimately spend.

Shoppers have taken to social media to express their own frustration.

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One X user wrote: Just seen advent calendars and Christmas chocolate being sold in Morrisons. Mary isnt even in her third trimester yet!

Another said: Does anyone want to explain to Morrisons that its still August why have I just walked down an aisle with mince pies and Christmas chocolate?

One said: Mince pies out in Sainsburys already; its Aug 27.

A Morrisons spokesman said: We start selling Christmas products a few months before Christmas, because we know some of our customers like to plan for Christmas in advance.

This is when we usually start to sell certain Christmas products, including Christmas puddings (both branded and own brand).

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A Sainsburys spokesman said: We know that some of our customers like to prepare for the festive season well in advance, so they may start to spot a small range of Christmas products in our stores.

The Telegraph also approached Tesco, Harrods, Ocado and Fortnum & Mason for comment.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley announced Friday she will not run for re-election next year.

Bradley, the most right-wing of the Courts three conservative justices, has been outspoken in her dislike of the Courts current liberal majority, regularly complaining in written decisions and the press about the Courts actions. Bradley is an active member of the right-wing Federalist Society and has been rumored to be interested in a federal judicial seat.

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For years I have warned that under the control of judicial activists, the court will make itself more powerful than the Legislature, more powerful than the governor, Bradley said in a statement. That warning went unheeded, and Wisconsin has seen only the beginning of what is an alarming shift from thoughtful, principled judicial service toward bitter partisanship, personal attacks, and political gamesmanship that have no place in court. The conservative movement needs to take stock of its failures, identify the problem, and fix it.

Bradley was appointed to the Court by Gov. Scott Walker in 2015 and elected to a 10-year term in 2016. She was part of the conservative majority that upheld the actions by Republican legislators to take power away from the governor and attorney general during the lame duck period after Democrats won those seats in the 2018 election.

She also authored the Courts 2021 decision creating the least change standard for drawing the states new legislative maps. That decision was widely seen as an effort by the Courts conservatives to ensure that whatever maps were instituted largely kept the Republicans 2011 partisan gerrymander intact.

Bradleys decision not to run comes just 221 days before the April 7 spring election, putting the states conservatives, who have lost the two most recent Supreme Court elections by double digits, at a disadvantage.

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State Appeals Court Judge Chris Taylor announced her run for the Court in May. Taylors July campaign finance report shows shes already raised more than $580,000.

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Lisa Cook launched a lawsuit this week thats destined for the Supreme Court, where a ruling could affect the fate of the Federal Reserves independence and thus the fate of the U.S. economy. Though the case is just getting underway, one of the precedents already cited by Donald Trump likely rings a bell from his first term: the travel ban case.

The administration points to that 2018 case, Trump v. Hawaii, for the general proposition that courts have limited power to inspect the presidents motives. Thats relevant to Cooks case because Trump claims hes firing her for cause, over alleged mortgage fraud that allegedly took place prior to the Biden nominees Senate confirmation.

Cook, who hasnt been charged with any crime, was confirmed to the Federal Reserve board for a term that expires in 2038. Federal law requires cause for premature removal, but the law doesnt define what sort of cause is required, nor does it specify a procedure for determining such cause. The issue is legally unprecedented, in addition to carrying immense practical consequences.

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Ahead of a hearing Friday in Washington, Cooks lawyers called the mortgage allegations pretextual and said they were raised by Trump to effectuate her prompt removal and vacate a seat for President Trump to fill and forward his agenda to undermine the independence of the Federal Reserve.

Responding with its own filing ahead of Fridays hearing, the administration cited Trump v. Hawaii in writing, Insofar as Dr. Cook seeks a ruling that the Presidents stated rationale was pretext, the Court should decline to probe the sincerity of the [presidents] stated justifications for an action when the President has identified a facially permissible basis for it.

The administrations lawyer likewise cited the 5-4 ruling during Fridays hearing before U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, when the Biden appointee asked what sort of inquiry can take place regarding Trumps for-cause claim.

Cobb has yet to rule on how the Cook case will proceed in the short term. Whatever she decides wont likely be the last word. Similarly, this might not be the last we hear of the case that affirmed the presidents broad discretion on immigration. It could figure in deciding the breadth of his discretion in this latest crucial context, too.

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
After decades of debauchery and an untold number of conceptions, revelers at Burning Man celebrated a rare birth at Black Rock City on Wednesday morning, after a festivalgoer unexpectedly went into labor on the Playa.

"Its an absolute miracle," said new father Kasey, 39, of Salt Lake City, who asked that only the family's first names be used to protect their privacy. "Had I known [about the pregnancy], thats the absolutely last place on this planet I would have been."

His wife, Kayla, 36, had no symptoms and wasn't showing when she suddenly went into labor in their RV just before dawn, the new father said. Doctors believe baby Aurora was about a month shy of her due date when she arrived minutes later, weighing a little over 3 pounds.

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"I just started yelling for anyone to come help me," Kasey recalled through tears. "In a matter of minutes we had an [obstetrician], a NICU nurse, a pediatrician in there  I don't know where they all came from, they just came."

As luck would have it, a dream team of medical professionals had pitched their camp just next door. The obstetrician was still in his underwear as he and the ersatz labor and delivery crew scrambled to tend to the newborn and her mother, scrounging for clean blankets, saline and other emergency medical supplies in the dusty and mud-caked camp.

The family was transported to the festival's official medical tent, where mom Kayla held her tiny naked daughter to her bare chest while they waited for a helicopter to take her to a neonatal intensive care unit in Reno. They made the wrenching decision to send Aurora alone after learning there wasn't space for either parent to travel with her.

"The medical staff at Burning Man grabbed me and just hugged me and said hes not going to let her out of her sight," Kasey said. "He kept reassuring me shes going to be OK."

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But the family's odyssey was just beginning. The drive to Reno took hours. Kayla was treated and released from the hospital on Thursday. But baby Aurora remains in the NICU and could face an extended stay, family said.

"Since this is their first child and the pregnancy was completely unexpected, my brother and his wife dont have anything prepared  no baby supplies, no nursery, nothing at all," the infant's aunt Lacey Paxman wrote in a GoFundMe appeal for the family.

Read more: Monsoonal storms upend Burning Man, soak Yosemite and spark lightning fires across the West

"Most people get nine months to prepare," she said. "They became parents in a blink of an eye."

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For now, the family is stranded in Reno, though they hope to get baby Aurora transported to a hospital closer to home.

"Shes just going to light up my sky," Kasey said of the fragile newborn, whom he held for the first time on Friday. "Shes going to be my everything."

Surprise deliveries are uncommon but far from unheard of, experts say. About 1 in every 500 pregnant women discovers she's expecting more than 20 weeks along  a phenomenon known as "cryptic pregnancy."

Cryptic pregnancies are more common among very young mothers, as well as those who may have other health conditions that mask pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, exhaustion and even missed periods. Like Kayla, a subset of such parents only discover they're pregnant when they go into labor.

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"It was absolutely 100% a cryptic pregnancy," Kasey said. "No signs, no morning sickness. She wasnt even showing."

Pregnant women, young children and even babies are a regular feature of the nine-day Burning Man festival, which draws tens of thousands of people each year to a desolate strip of the Nevada desert about 120 miles north of Reno.

Still, births are all but unheard at the celebration of community, art, self-expression and self-reliance. Some longtime Burners have dubbed Aurora "Citizen Zero."

Her unexpected arrival occurred just hours after a white-out dust storm brought incoming traffic to a halt as festivalgoers streamed in and attempted to set camp on Monday.

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The dramatic weather recalled torrential rains that flooded the camp in 2023, leaving thousands stranded in deep, sticky mud. More inclement weather is expected heading into the weekend.

"It's a miracle, because it was crazy weather," Paxton said. "Had she come an hour or two earlier or an hour or two later, they wouldnt have been able to get her out."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NEED TO KNOW

Survivors of the storm that sank several boats and killed 8 people on Lake Tahoe in June are speaking out about the harrowing experience

A a boat salvage company owner said "it was like a hurricane had come through"

The wind was believed to be blowing at about 30 knot winds and swells were 6 to 8 feet high at one point

Survivors of the storm that caused the deaths of eight people on Lake Tahoe in June are opening up about the weather event that sank several boats and led to eight deaths at a popular tourist destination.

The storm moved quickly on Saturday, June 21, catching many on and around Lake Tahoe by surprise. It was quiet that morning, but eight people died after a 27-foot gold Chris-Craft boat capsized due to a large swell, the U.S. Coast Guard previously said. Two people on that vessel survived, as did others nearby.

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Speaking with The New York Times, Kristofer Kierce, who owns a boat salvage company in the area, was stunned by the wreckage he saw, which included other sunken boats.

We were in awe, Kierce told the newspaper. It was like a hurricane had come through.

United States Coast Guard Eight dead after multiple boats capsized on Lake Tahoe Eight dead after multiple boats capsized on Lake Tahoe

A bachelorette party was among those caught in the dangerous storm. Judith Saldivar, 30, was on a pontoon boat in Emerald Bay with five friends when the storm whipped through.

In minutes, it turned from still water to ocean-like conditions, she recalled.

The day started off calm weather-wise. Retired TV meteorologist Mark Finan said it wasn't until Saturday morning that computer models even began detecting signs that thunderstorms and snow could impact the area, according to the Times.

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But eventually, the storms rolled through and temperatures plummeted. The National Weather Service previously said wind gusts were clocked at 35 to 45 mph while temperatures plummeted 15 to 25 degrees below normal.

Getty Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe

The Coast Guard said that at the time the 27-foot boat  called "Over the Moon," according to the Times  capsized, the wind was blowing at about 30 knot winds and swells were 6 to 8 feet high.

The only people who survived the sinking were wearing life jackets, the newspaper reported.

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The eight victims include DoorDash executive Joshua Antony Pickles, 37, his parents Terry Pickles, 73, and Paula Bozinovich, 71, his uncle Peter Bayes, 72, and their friends Timothy OLeary, 71, Theresa Giullari, 66, James Guck, 69, and Stephen Lindsay, 63, according to a statement from Joshuas wife, previously obtained by PEOPLE.

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No words can express the pain and anguish we feel knowing their lives were lost during what was meant to be a joyful time on the lake," Jordan Sugar-Carlsgaard said in a statement shared through a family spokesperson. "Our hearts go out to those who tragically lost their lives and the two survivors of this unexpected and deadly storm on Lake Tahoe."



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Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was greeted with vocal boos and heckling at a ribbon-cutting event in Searsport, Maine, earlier this week, as attendees took issue with her stance on Gaza and her perceived complicity with President Donald Trump.

Shame! Shame! Shame! Multiple people can be heard yelling in a video posted to TikTok by Searsport photographer Esme Freeman, 25, who uses the handle @hikemainewithme. Others sounded alarms about Trumps Supreme Court nominees and the cuts to healthcare in the Republicans recent tax bill.

Related: Minneapolis Shooter Obsessed With The Idea Of Killing Children, Officials Say

Susan Collins WTF Wheres the fight? one persons sign reads.

 I dont think that the people of Maine are very impressed with her, Freeman, who attended the event in protest, told HuffPost.  I think were pretty done with her, and just the way that she has avoided the people, its not shocking that this kind of reaction came out.

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Collins has long faced criticism for her stance on Trump: while she voted against his tax legislation, she has also backed a number of his nominees, including U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Additionally, she has faced criticism for failing to hold a town hall for years. She is one of several Republicans who have received a hostile reception from constituents in recent weeks.

Related: Trump's Attacks On The Legislative Branch Are Making Life Difficult For Susan Collins

 You could just tell that there was a lot of tension in the room and there was a lot of energy and people were not shy about letting it be heard, said Freeman.

Freeman (L) attends a protest of Collins in Searsport, Maine. Esme Freeman

Collins spoke with some of the attendees after the ceremony concluded and downplayed their concerns.

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Demonstrators seem to be part of the political world nowadays, Collins told a local NBC affiliate after the event. It was interesting to see how much misinformation they had.

Campaign spokesperson Shawn Roderick told Spectrum Local News, Senator Collins respectfully listened to the protesters who showed up in Searsport, mingled with them after the event, and answered their questions.

Collinss office did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Freeman says that Collinss support of Kavanaugh was a major eye-opener and adds that they were drawn to the protest because of donations shes accepted from AIPAC, a pro-Israel organization.  I just dont support whats happening overseas. And it feels like she does by accepting that money, Freeman said.

Related: Ex-CDC Official Says RFK Jr. Was Never Briefed On Key Topics, Including Measles, By Agency Experts

The pushback toward Collins comes as she faces a newly announced challenge from Democratic candidate Graham Platner, a veteran and oysterman whos running on an unabashedly progressive platform, including policies such as Medicare-for-all.

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They planned to attend a Platner event later this week, Freeman said, and appreciated the candidates vocal support of LGBTQ rights.

Freeman added, I feel like a lot of people in my life have gone from more neutral to disapproving of [Collins] over time.

Related...

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Nick Ross is a veteran technology journalist who has contributed to many of Australia's top technology titles and edited several of them. He was also the launch editor of the ABC's Technology section. He now spends his time being a journalist, editor, publisher, media commentator, digital marketer, producer, copywriter, corporate host and media consultant, to various degrees. He covers all things business and technology including IoT, cybersecurity, UC and the professional Audio/Visual space: from consumer to B2B and Enterprise.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) fired a warning shot on Friday as the White House moves forward with trying to cancel nearly $5 billion in foreign aid that lawmakers had already approved, saying the move is a clear violation of the law.

Collins, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the Trump administration just sent Congress a package of so-called recissions, or a request for lawmakers to cancel funds they had previously approved and sent out the door. In this case, President Donald Trump is reportedly trying to take back $3.2 billion from USAID programs, $393 million from State Department peacekeeping activities, $322 million from the State Departments Democracy Fund, and more than $444 million in other peacekeeping aid.

Typically, with rescissions packages, Congress has 45 days to approve or reject a presidents request. If Congress takes no action, the funds remain spent. But in this case, the White House is intentionally jamming Congress: it sent over its rescission request within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year. If Congress doesnt vote to reject his request before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, these funds will expire and be automatically canceled.

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In a statement, Collins said Trumps so-called pocket rescission is an attempt to bypass Congress role in approving funding  and is plainly illegal, as spelled out by the Government Accountability Office.

Related: Chicago Mayor Signs Order Over 'Escalating Threats From The Federal Government'

GAO has concluded that this type of rescission is unlawful and not permitted by the Impoundment Control Act, said the Maine Republican. Article I of the Constitution makes clear that Congress has the responsibility for the power of the purse. Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.

The appropriate way to cut spending is through the bipartisan, annual appropriations process, she said. Congress approves rescissions regularly as part of this process. In fact, the year-long funding bill that we are currently operating under includes 70 rescissions.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is pushing back on the Trump administration's effort, orchestrated by Project 2025 architect Russ Vought, right, to claw back billions of dollars in foreign aid that Congress already appropriated, saying it's "a clear violation of the law." Getty Images

Trumps efforts to bigfoot Congress are being orchestrated by Russ Vought, the powerful, behind-the-scenes director of the Office of Management and Budget. Vought, one of the architects of Project 2025, the far-right policy blueprint for Trumps second term, signaled last month that hes ready to lean on rescissions to push the limits of Trumps authority.

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Im not sure the Impoundment Control Act is constitutional. My belief is that it is not, Vought said at a Christian Science Monitor event in July. You have these procedures that have fallen into disuse. Why wouldnt you use them to send up rescissions?

He called rescissions packages one of the executive tools that remain on the table for the White House.

The president was elected to get us to balance, to deal with our fiscal situation, Vought said. Were going to use all of the tools that are there.

On Friday, Democrats called on Republicans to join them in rejecting the package outright, reminding them its both illegal and an attempt to strip power from Congress.

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Republicans should not accept Russ Voughts brazen attempt to usurp their own power, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement.

No president has a line item veto  and certainly not a retroactive line item veto, she said. Congress should reject this request and this ridiculous, illegal maneuver  and instead insist on making decisions over spending through the bipartisan appropriations process.

Related: Trump's Envoys Are Ticking Off Other Countries. The White House Isn't Doing Much About It.

Other Republicans in Congress have previously said pocket rescissions are unlawful. Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who chairs a House appropriations subcommittee, called them illegal and a bad idea that undermines Congress authority.

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During Voughts Senate nomination hearing in January, Murray pressed himon his views on the legality of the Impoundment Control Act. He was squirrelly with his responses, but conceded the law is constitutional.

Has the impoundment law ever been said to be unconstitutional by a court of law? Murray asked.

Not to my knowledge, Vought said.

It has not. So it is the law of the land, she replied. I dont care what the president said when he was running  it is the law of the land.

Related...

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Suspect accused of shooting father to death after confrontation at Shrewsbury pond due in court

A 26-year-old suspect is expected to face a judge on Friday morning in connection with the shooting death of a father in Shrewsbury that allegedly followed a confrontation over graffiti.

The suspect, who investigators havent identified, is slated to be arraigned in Westboro District Court on charges stemming from the death of a 57-year-old man near Jordan Pond on Thursday morning, according to Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early and Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson.

Officers responded to a pathway at Jordan Pond in the area of Edgewater Avenue shortly after 9 a.m. after overhearing gunshots on a 911 call from the victim, who reported being involved in a disturbance in the area, Early and Anderson said during a news conference on Thursday afternoon.

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When officers arrived at the scene, they found they found the 911 caller unresponsive on the path and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was rushed to UMass Medical Center, where he died. His name hasnt been released.

The suspect had fled the scene of the shooting, but was located a short time later, barricaded in a nearby home, after the Shrewsbury Police Department launched a drone in the neighborhood.

A Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations team ultimately negotiated a peaceful resolution with the suspect, who surrendered without further incident.

Video shared with Boston 25 News showed the moment the suspect was detained in the street front of a white home that had Free Palestine, BLM, GLM, and Free Congo painted on the front.

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It was kind of scary, said Tomas Casey, a neighborhood resident. Saw helicopters, some drone flying around, bunch of police officers and cars kind of sectioning off the end of the streets.

A preliminary investigation indicated that the victim was walking back from dropping off his 6-year-old child at school when he got into a confrontation with the suspect over graffiti, according to Early.

The gentleman who was shot earlier was walking his child to school and was returning from the school when he interacted with a man, Early said. It appeared that the man was doing some type of spray painting. He took a picture of the man, and that started an altercation. The person then had a dispute, and gunshots were heard.

As a result of the shooting, Anderson immediately ordered residents in the area of Jordan Pond, Edgewater Avenue, and Plainfield Avenue to shelter in place. Officers also secured the campus of the nearby Coolidge School as a precaution.

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Those familiar with the area, as well as law enforcement, told Boston 25 that they have had run-ins with the suspect in the past.

John Bissonnette works nearby and said hes come in contact with the suspect before, including earlier in the week on Tuesday, when he ended up calling the police on him.

A couple of days ago, I was pulling out of a parking spot right here, and he came flying down into the parking lot. Youre supposed to go 5 miles per hour; hes going like 50. He almost hit me, and then he almost hit one of the mechanics that works here, and the mechanic said something to him, and he got out of his car and started saying, Dont disrespect me, mind your own business. I backed up to see what was going on, and he came charging at me and yelling at me, Bissonnette said.

Law enforcement officials also said the suspect is known to them, acknowledging an incident involving a machete in Westboro back in 2022.

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Authorties were executing a search warrant at the home where the suspect retreated to on Thursday afternoon. The results of that search werent immediately known.

The arraignment will provide further details on the charges, as the community remains shaken by the events on Edgewater Avenue.

An investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Aug. 28Authorities responding to a man threatening suicide at a home in Roswell overnight Wednesday were met with "sustained automatic gunfire" that injured an officer and deputy before the suspect was shot and surrendered.

New Mexico State Police said more than 100 rounds were fired by the suspect and, at times, the gunfire was so intense that authorities had to draw fire away from others who were pinned down.

Roswell officer Conner Watkins and Chaves County deputy Lorenzo Salas were hospitalized with gunshot wounds that are not life-threatening. Court records show Watkins was shot in the neck and, in a news release, State Police said the deputy was "flown to a Texas hospital for further treatment."

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The suspected shooter, 29-year-old Dakota Perkins, was shot in the hand and struck by gunfire in the bulletproof vest he was wearing. Perkins was taken to a hospital to be treated.

Perkins is charged with two counts each of attempted murder, aggravated battery and assault upon a peace officer and child abuse.

New Mexico State Police, whose officers exchanged gunfire with Perkins alongside Roswell police and Chaves County deputies, said he possessed multiple firearms  one of them an automatic rifle  and explosives.

Roswell police responded around 12:30 a.m. to the 600 block of East Sixth to reports that a man was locked in a bedroom and threatening to shoot himself, according to a statement of probable cause filed in Magistrate Court.

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State Police said those officers "were met with significant and sustained automatic gunfire." Deputy Salas and officer Watkins were shot as authorities returned fire and Perkins' girlfriend and her children, 7 and 9, fled out the back when the shooting started.

The complaint states a sergeant fired at the home "attempting to have the gunman direct his attention toward him" to give Roswell police near the home "a reprieve from gunfire."

State Police said amid the shootout, a Roswell officer with a sniper rifle shot at Perkins, "which brought a lull to the gunfire." Afterward, Perkins told police he had pulled the pin on a flash grenade and authorities allowed him to throw it out of the home.

"Negotiators were able to get Perkins to put the weapons down, remove body armor, and surrender to law enforcement," State Police said in a release.

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Perkins' girlfriend later told State Police that he had suicidal ideations "on two separate occasions" and said he had been drinking Wednesday night, according to the statement.

Perkins was previously arrested in 2018 after allegedly grabbing a Roswell officer's handgun during a traffic stop.
NEED TO KNOW

Authorities in Australia say they foiled an alleged terror plot to hijack a passenger jet and fly it overseas

A suspect is in custody as authorities continue a wide-ranging investigation

Officials say the alleged hijacker planned to seize control of a commercial jet at an Australian airport

A suspect has been arrested after authorities foiled what a pilot described as a "bizarre" alleged attempt to hijack a passenger plane in Australia and have it flown overseas.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and intelligence agencies have been engaged in an extensive and possibly lengthy investigation into the alleged hijacking plot, The Australian reported.

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A person is in custody and there is no ongoing threat to the public, the outlet noted.

The publication reported that the alleged hijacker was planning to take control of a commercial jet at an Australian airport before attempting to fly the plane to a Middle Eastern nation.

Alamy Stock Photo A photo of an Australian Federal Police vehicle A photo of an Australian Federal Police vehicle

The AFP said in a statement to NewsWire, This matter is before the court, with open-source reporting on this individuals court case in July 2025. Suppression orders remain in place, according to news.com.au.

The AFP didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has been briefed on aspects of the investigation amid the alleged terror plot, including the plan to fly the plane overseas, per The Australian.

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Authorities have been looking into whether there was an antisemitic motive behind the plot, the outlet noted.

Getty A stock photo of a passenger plane A stock photo of a passenger plane

Plans reportedly involved stopping the plane to refuel as it headed from Australia to the Middle East, the outlet stated.

A source familiar with the alleged plot said, "Could that plane have reached the Middle East?, per the paper, adding, It would have needed multiple refueling stops, but from what we understand that was the (alleged hijackers) intention.

Security has now been increased at Australia's major and secondary airports, per the outlet, with the Department of Home Affairs allegedly meeting airport owners and operators.

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Australia's Department of Home Affairs didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment.

Pilot David Oliver spoke about the foiled plot on Australian breakfast television show, Sunrise, per 7 News.

Its quite bizarre, is the word that I would use, Oliver said, adding that there are "strict security protocols" in place "both at an airport and onboard the aircraft" these days.

Theres security protocols on the ground which are fairly strict. Both for airport workers and non-airport workers, who have to access certain facilities," he continued.

(For) the aircraft, there is strict protocols for flight access which both the cabin crew and flight crew are privy to that passengers would not know. It would be difficult to get into the flight deck," Oliver said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Health Minister Mark Butler said on the show that "any report of a potential hijacking" sends "shivers down the spine," per 7 News.



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Two deputies were shot while serving a warrant in Northern Kentucky on Thursday night.

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The Boone County Sheriffs Office told our news partner, WCPO in Cincinnati, that the deputies were serving a felony warrant just after 10 p.m.

The warrant was for overdue child support to a man at an apartment when deputies were met with heavy gunfire, according to the sheriffs office.

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The deputies were hit multiple times. One was airlifted, and medics transported the other by ambulance to UC Medical Center, Boone County Major Phillip Ridgell told WCPO.

This is a worst nightmare situation, he said after the shooting.

Both deputies are in stable condition, while one was in surgery. Ridgell said both deputies prognoses are pretty stable, WCPO said.

The man who fired shots was barricaded inside his apartment. The suspect died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the sheriffs office stated.

No other deputies or residents were hurt.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The suspect in a deadly shooting of a man in Portlands Overlook neighborhood has been arrested by U.S. Marshals in San Francisco, authorities said.

Police said 41-year-old Philip E. Redmon was originally found shot to death inside the Portland Super Value Inn on North Interstate Avenue the night of Aug. 11.

Pedestrian dies after crash on NE Columbia Boulevard

A medical examiner determined Redmon had died of homicide by gunshot wound.

Philip E. Redmon in an undated photo. (Portland Police Bureau)

On Tuesday, police said the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested 38-year-old Andy J. Wright in San Francisco, where authorities say he is awaiting extradition.

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Wright is currently lodged in a California jail on charges of second-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  A Hartford man who police claimed kidnapped a woman and held her for three days is behind bars after a lengthy manhunt through the Geneva County woods.

Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock tells WDHN that Jason McDonnell was arrested early Friday morning and charged with unlawful imprisonment, sexual assault, three counts of receiving stolen property in the first degree, drug possession, and possession of a firearm by a person forbidden to possess one.

An investigation into McDonnell started Thursday afternoon when a woman called and reported to police that she had been held against her will for three days at McDonnells house and sexually assaulted, according to Chief Mock. The woman had been able to escape and called the police from down the road.

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The chief says Geneva Police had previous reports that McDonnell had mental health issues and had automatic weapons at his home.

A warrant was obtained to search McDonnells house, and multiple agencies, including aviation support, rushed to his 17-acre property in the 800 block of Leisure Drive, near Simmons Road. The property is a Hartford mailing address but falls under the jurisdiction of the Geneva Police Department.

When officers arrived at the home, they discovered McDonnell was not inside, and the team began a manhunt across his property.

Jason McDonnel (Courtesy of the Geneva Police Department)

McDonnell was captured on his property during a ten-hour manhunt and arrested at around 1:00 a.m.

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Chief Mock says there are multiple victims in the case, and McDonnell could also face federal charges.

The chief would like to thank the Houston County Sheriffs Office, the Geneva County Sheriffs Office, the Dale County Sheriffs Office, and the Wiregrass Aviation Support Program (W.A.S.P.) team for their assistance in the manhunt.

Geneva Police are expected to release additional information soon.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

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A lengthy standoff in West St. Paul ended in a shootout between a suspect and police  and the suspect is dead after being shot by a South Metro SWAT officer.

The incident occurred on the 1200 block of Ottawa Avenue, with local residents told to stay inside until the standoff ended. After hours stretching from Thursday afternoon into the evening, the shelter-in-place order was lifted around 7:30 p.m.

WEST SAINT PAUL: Shelter in Place order lifted, ambulance just left the scene pic.twitter.com/FPj89xJST8  Markie Kelly (@MarcTwinCities) August 29, 2025

West St. Paul Police Department said it was "assisting the St. Paul Police Department with a suspect barricaded in a residence." Police in St. Paul began searching for the man Thursday morning, and around 11 a.m. they located a motorcycle linked to the man on the 1200 block of Ottawa Avenue in West St. Paul.

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Police surrounded the home while evacuating other people from the residence. According to West St. Paul PD, it was about 2:15 p.m. when South Metro SWAT took command of the scene and the suspect began firing shots over the next four hours, including some that struck armored SWAT vehicles and an officer's handheld ballistic shield, according to West St. Paul PD.

Markie Kelly, an independent reporter who was at the scene, said just after 4 p.m. that he "just heard a bullet whiz by my head near the area of the standoff."

"After multiple rounds of chemical irritants, the suspect continued firing at officers through multiple windows," West St. Paul PD said, adding that it was around 6:40 p.m. when the suspect "took aim at officers with a long gun," which led to the SWAT officer returning fire and striking the suspect.

Police say the suspect was treated at the scene and then taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been revealed.

The incident sparked a precautionary lockdown at St. Joseph's Catholic School a few blocks away. However, the lockdown led to online rumors in the wake of Wednesday's mass school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis.

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"The lockdown at St. Joseph's School is a precautionary measure to ensure students remain away from an ongoing incident occurring a few blocks away on the 1200 block of Ottawa Avenue," West St. Paul PD clarified. "Any rumors of danger to the school are untrue."

Police reiterated late Thursday that there was no ongoing danger to the public.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal of Apprehension is now leading the investigation.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
GENEVA (AP)  Finlands Air Force, now part of NATO, still flies swastikas on a handful of unit flags  but is preparing to phase them out, largely to avoid awkwardness with its Western allies.

The history of the Finnish air forces use of the swastika, which since the 20th century has largely been associated with Nazi tyranny and hate groups, is more complex than at first appearance. It is an ancient symbol and Finland's air force began using it many years before the birth of Nazi Germany.

Change has been underway for years. A swastika logo was quietly pulled off the Air Force Commands unit emblem a few years ago. But swastikas have remained on some Finnish air force flags, raising eyebrows among NATO allies, tourists and other foreigners who spot them at military events.

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We could have continued with this flag, but sometimes awkward situations can arise with foreign visitors. It may be wise to live with the times, Col. Tomi Bohm, the new head of Karelia Air Wing air defense force, was quoted as saying in a report Thursday by the public broadcaster YLE.

A bad look for a new NATO member

The Defense Forces, in an email to The Associated Press on Friday, said a plan to renew the air force unit flags was launched in 2023, the year Finland joined NATO, but said it was not linked to joining the alliance. The aim, it said, was to update the symbolism and emblems of the flags to better reflect the current identity of the Air Force.

It referred to an article in daily Helsingin Sanomat on Friday, which said the reason for the removal was a perception that the swastika has been an embarrassing symbol in international contexts.

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Finland, which shares a long border with Russia, joined NATO in April 2023 over concerns related to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Teivo Teivainen, a professor of world politics at the University of Helsinki, said the flags in question were introduced in the 1950s and today are flown by four Air Force units.

The Air Force and the Finnish public generally had for years insisted the swastikas used in Finlands air force have nothing to do with the Nazi swastika, said Teivainen, who this month had a book published whose Finnish title translates as History of the Swastika.

But now, following Finlands integration with NATO, policymakers have decided theres now a need to get more integrated with the forces of countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and France  countries where the swastika is clearly a negative symbol," he said.

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Teivainen said that in 2021, German air force units bowed out of a final ceremony following exercises at a military base in Finlands Lapland region after learning that the Finnish swastikas would be on display.

A symbol used for more than a century

Finland's air force adopted the swastika emblem in 1918 soon after country gained its independence after more than a century of Imperial Russian rule.

Count Eric von Rosen of neighboring Sweden donated Finland's first military plane in 1918, which bore his personal symbol, the swastika.

The Finnish air force soon after adopted a blue swastika on a white background as the national insignia on all its planes from 1918 to 1945. After the war, the imagery remained for decades on some Air Force unit flags and decorations as well as on the insignia of the Air Force Academy.

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But that doesn't mean there is no Nazi connection at all.

Von Rosen, an aristocratic explorer and ethnographer, was the brother-in-law of Hermann Goering, a decorated World War I German fighter pilot who became an early Nazi Party member. Goering went on to lead Germanys Luftwaffe during World War II under Hitler.

The Finnish air force stressed that its use of the symbol had no connection to Nazi Germany, although Finland entered into a reluctant alliance with the Third Reich during World War II.

New flags  featuring an eagle  will be published when the work has been completed and the flags are introduced into use for events like parades and local ceremonies, the Defense Forces said, without saying when that would happen.

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The traditional Von Rosen swastika emblem, in use since 1918, has already been removed from most other Air Force emblems during earlier reforms, so its removal from the unit flags is a logical continuation of this work, the emailed statement said.

___

This story corrects the spelling of the name of University of Helsinki professor Teivo Teivainen.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An armed suspect who prompted a SWAT response near Washougal Thursday afternoon has been taken into custody.

Law enforcement arrived at a residence in the area of SE 352nd Avenue and SE 1st Street north of Washougal city limits around 12:20 p.m. after the suspect allegedly made threats to others in the area.

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A road paving crew working in the area reported that a subject, wearing camouflage and a tactical plate carrier-style vest confronted and threatened them with a AR-style rifle, officials said. The subject reportedly went back into an area residence and the paving crew was able to exit the area. Responding law enforcement contained the area. An officer with an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) spotted a man on the property holding a rifle.

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The SW Washington Regional SWAT team was eventually activated and responded to the scene.

Around 5:30 p.m., 37-year-old Justin M. Bryden was arrested without incident. Bryden was booked into the Clark County Jail and faces multiple charges of first-degree assault.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Kratos has confirmed it is working together with Taiwans National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) on a derivative of its jet-powered MQM-178 Firejet target drone called the Chien Feng IV. The Chien Feng IV is said to be eyed primarily as a lower-cost, longer-range kamikaze drone, and NCSIST is reportedly looking toward potential export opportunities along with sales to the Taiwanese military.

United Daily News in Taiwan was the first to report on the Chien Feng IV this past weekend, citing comments from NCSIST. A government-owned organization, NCSIST conducts advanced military research and development and test and evaluation work. The drone is set to make its official public debut at the biennial Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition next month.

We can confirm the exciting partnership with NCSIST and that the Chien Feng IV is a derivative of the MQM-178 system, Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, told TWZ. Development started early this year and is progressing rapidly.

An MQM-178 Firejet target drone seen being launched via catapult. Kratos

We expect that by the end of this year, we will receive a sole-source contract for the Kratos Airwolf tactical jet drone, which could lead to a production contract in late 2026, Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco had also said during a quarterly earnings call earlier this month.

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Airwolf, also referred to as Tactical Firejet, is based on the MQM-178 design, as well.

DeMarcos comment was tied to two opportunities, this partnership [with NCSIST] being one of them, Fendley also told TWZ.

An Airwolf (Tactical Firejet) drone. Kratos

Fendley declined to provide more details about Chien Feng IV, saying that more information would come at the exhibition in Taipei in September. United Daily News report also offered few specifics, but said that NCSIST had described the drone as being able to serve as a low-cost cruise missile.

The Firejet/Airwolf family offers a logical starting place for a Chien Feng IV drone that skirts the increasingly blurry line between longer-range kamikaze drones and cruise missiles, as well as decoys.

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Kratos says the 10.8-foot-long MQM-178 with its wingspan of 6.5 feet can carry around 70 and a half pounds of payload internally, as well as nearly 35 pounds more under each wing and an additional 20 pounds in pods on each wingtip. It can get up to speeds of 0.69 Mach, as well as fly at altitudes anywhere between 20 and 35,000 feet. Designed as a target to fire air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles at during training and testing events, Firejet can pull turns down to -2 and up to +9 Gs. The drone is launched via catapult, but no mention is made of it being designed to be recoverable.

Airwolf has the same physical dimensions and general mode of operation as Firejet, but has a reworked internal arrangement to better allow it to be configured for tactical mission sets, including acting as a loyal wingman for crewed aircraft. Kratos says it is recoverable via parachute and has a maximum range of 400 nautical miles and a maximum endurance of 1.3 hours.

Another look at an Airwolf (Tactical Firejet) drone as seen from the rear. Kratos

Kratos website also describes Airwolf as being low signature, but does not offer specifics. On top of its relatively small size to begin with, the drones carbon fiber composite construction would help its radar cross-section. Route planning involving a low-level flight profile masked by terrain features could also help it evade detection.

With all of this in mind, the MQM-178-derived Chien Feng IV could possibly be configured for other roles beyond one-way attack, including electronic warfare and communications signal relay.

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Even from what little is known about the Chien Feng IV now, it reflects broader trends globally. Just in the past few years, the ongoing war in Ukraine, attacks by Houthi militants in Yemen on ships in and around the Red Sea and targets in Israel, and fighting between Iran and Israel have underscored the value of and threats posed by long-range kamikaze drones. Jet-powered types have already begun to emerge, offering further boosts in capability and presenting new challenges for defenders, as TWZ has highlighted in the past. Armed forces around the world, including the U.S. military, are taking notice. Something of an industrial arms race to create new modular, relatively cheap, and small uncrewed aerial systems has now emerged, particularly in the United States.

United Daily News report this past weekend said that NCSIST had stressed that there was no commitment yet from any branch of Taiwans armed forces to buy Chien Feng IVs. At the same time, the organization said that it could be a valuable companion to traditional cruise missiles in Taiwanese service, like the Hsiung Feng IIE (HF-2E).

Oh my God, we've got the first ever image of the HF-2E land attack cruise missile, taken during a secret firing last night.



The missile was briefly illuminated by the still burning solid booster, which was being discarded. pic.twitter.com/LZVMpEUHxU  Taepodong (@stoa1984) August 16, 2023

With help from the U.S. government, Taiwan has been working to significantly expand its arsenal of one-way-attack drones, as well as other uncrewed aerial and maritime systems, in the past few years. There has been a certain degree of additional openness with regard to this cooperation from U.S. defense contractors recently. Earlier this month, Anduril very publicly announced the opening of an office in Taiwan and expanded cooperation with NCSIST, all with a heavy focus on its ALTIUS line of drones, which can be configured as loitering munitions and for other roles. The U.S. government approved the sale of nearly 300 ALTIUS 600M-V loitering munitions to Taiwan last year.

Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, at left, presents Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo, at right, a model of an ALTIUS 600 drone. Taiwan Ministry of National Defense

For Taiwan, this is part of a broader effort, which has been referred to in the past as Hellscape, that envisions the Taiwanese military flooding the air and waters around the island with relatively uncrewed platforms in the event of a military invasion from the Chinese mainland.

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Especially if it is a relatively low-cost design, Chien Feng IV, as well as other longer-range kamikaze drones, could also offer a way to extend the Hellscape plan to attacks on targets on the other side of the Taiwan Strait. As noted, Airwolfs stated maximum range is 400 nautical miles. The Taiwan Strait, at its widest, is some 97 nautical miles across. Massed Chien Feng IV attacks would also force Chinese forces on the mainland to expend commensurate amounts of interceptors. Higher-flying jet-powered drones would, in turn, require higher-end interceptors to be employed, as well.

In addition, United Daily News report said that NCSIST had explicitly highlighted potential export opportunities for Chien Feng IV, which speaks to the growing global interest in the kinds of capabilities this drone could offer. Hurdles would exist for any direct exports from Taiwan, which occupies a complicated space when it comes to foreign relations, but a partnership with a U.S. company like Kratos could help in that regard. In 2023, reports emerged that the United States could buy retired HAWK surface-to-air missile systems from Taiwan and then transfer them to Ukraine, as another example of an indirect workaround.

More details about the Chien Feng IV are set to emerge next month at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. However, it is already an important reflection of new and expanding ties between Taiwan and the U.S. defense industry, as well as global trends when it comes to the new, longer-range kamikaze drones.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
[Source]

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) joined Gov. JB Pritzker and other Illinois leaders Monday to denounce President Donald Trumps plan to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago despite no request from state or local officials and a significant decline in the citys crime rates.

About Trumps plan: The president, who described Chicago as a killing field, first announced his plan last week before telling reporters Monday that he could solve the city within one week or less. The plan came with an executive order that creates National Guard units specifically designed for quelling civil disturbances and establishes a quick reaction force ... available for rapid nationwide deployment. While Trump has deployed similar forces in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, constitutional experts point to different legal constraints.

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A defiant Duckworth: Drawing on her background as a 23-year military veteran with 17 years in the Illinois National Guard, Duckworth criticized Trump's authority on military matters during the press conference. Donald Trump never had the courage himself to raise his right hand and serve his country in uniform, she said, arguing later that troops are doing so to defend our nations rights and freedoms, not to protect a tinpot dictators thin skin or to police their own neighbors.

The senator also addressed Trumps history of targeting Chicago. It should come as no surprise that Donald Trump is once again attacking Chicago. He has for a long time, and he will probably keep on doing it for years to come. It is because he is afraid of us, she said. In a press release, she characterized the presidents approach as reflecting his continuing pattern of politicizing and misusing our nations military for his own partisan gain and to crush dissent, which she called deeply disturbing, is un-American and has no place in any of our cities.

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Whats next: Pritzker, for his part, said Illinois will fight the deployment using "every peaceful tool we have. There is no emergency in Chicago that calls for armed military intervention that will disrupt the daily lives of our people. What President Trump is doing is unprecedented and unwarranted, he said. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. And it is un-American. The governor also warned federal officials: 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.

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Illinois officials are preparing for potential court battles, with Atty. Gen. Kwame Raoul noting his offices record of dozens of lawsuits fighting the unlawful overreach of the Trump administration. Pritzker also cited the Posse Comitatus Act, a Civil War-era legislation designed to prevent military forces from serving as domestic law enforcement, as a potential legal barrier. Meanwhile, coalition members have highlighted Chicagos crime statistics, including violent crime reductions exceeding 22%, homicide decreases of over 32% and a 37% drop in shooting incidents compared to the previous year  marking the citys steepest crime decline in more than a decade.

Separately, federal agencies are planning a large-scale immigration enforcement operation in Chicago for next week.

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(WBRE/WYOU)  As law enforcement investigates the mass shooting in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and more than a dozen injured, reaction to the tragedy is being heard in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Tonight, the I-Teams Andy Mehalshick talks with a prosecutor and a psychiatrist about these mass shootings and what lessons might be learned from these tragedies.

As the investigation into the tragedy in Minnesota continues to unfold, questions are being raised about the mental health of the shooter, Robin Westman.

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I spoke with a prosecutor and a psychiatrist.

Both tell me that lessons can be learned from these horrific crimes that just might help save lives in the future.

I mean traditionally, whenever we see these mass shootings there is some sort of mental health component, said Dr. Matthew Berger, psychiatrist.

Dr. Matthew Berger, who we want to point out is not involved in the investigation into the Minnesota mass shooting, says often times mental health issues are not a clear indicator that would lead someone to commit an act of violence.

Youre always walking a fine line because a lot of people have psychiatric fantasies about hurting people hurting other people, but never intend to do it or never intend to act on it. Were not lie detectors. We cant tell from when a patient is going to go from having a fantasy to reality, explained Berger.

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Luzerne County District Attorney says that in many of these mass shootings, police learn about potential mental health issues about the shooter after the crime is carried out because of medical privacy laws.

Theres a balance to have access to this information, and also for police to keep it confidential and not share it with the general public. I think police can be entrusted as anyone to have access to those mental health records, said Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County District Attorney.

Sanguedolce says that legislation is needed to make it happen.

But the access to that information can be tremendously helpful whether police are encountering someone suffering from mental health disorder on the street because they know they have to treat them differently, and they are trained to treat them differently as long as they recognize the signs and are aware of it, shared Luzerne County District Attorney Sanguedolce.

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Dr. Berger says based on what the investigation has uncovered thus far about the shooter Robin Westman, there was pure hatred for everything including God, Catholics, and Jews.

Both Berger and Sanguedolce agree there are no easy answers when it comes to preventing these mass shootings.

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A teenager missing for nearly 17 months out of Central Florida has been found.

The U.S. Marshals Service says the then-15-year-old was reported missing out of Cocoa in April 2024.

The Florida Department of Children and Families had concerns for her safety due to her history, including the fact she is a victim of human trafficking. She also had a pending arrest warrant.

The missing girl was found Thursday in Apopka. She was put in custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to address a criminal matter.

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The investigation was a collaborated effort by the U.S. Marshals, the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

The United States Marshals Service is resilient in its commitment to our youth, to our communities, and to our partners. The diligent work of all involved in this investigation has created another chance for this young lady. It further demonstrates the importance of partnerships at all levels throughout the missing child space, said U.S. Marshal William Berger of the Middle District of Florida.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Tennessee law enforcement will receive $33.5 million to help patrol the roads.

Departments from across the state are getting a piece of the more than $33 million in federal grants.

Sumner County prosecutors said a lot of hard work goes into investigating driving while intoxicated cases.

Click here to see how $33 million will be distributed by county.

There isnt many more things in our day-to-day lives that are more dangerous than alcohol and drug related drivers, Sumner County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Dean said.

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Thats why theyre thankful the government supports their mission with a $270,000 grant that helps them keep up their staff and training.

The funding is part of a $33.5 million grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office amd spreads across 400 agencies. The THSO said that includes groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Dont Drive Drowsy Foundation.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

We want to provide overtime pay, flyers, materials and whatever else that can be distributed so we can help make the difference, THSO Public Information Officer Arriale Tabson said.

Other agencies can use the funding for things like pedestrian safety or hiring more officers.

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In Nashville, the Metro Nashville Police Department will receive $719,999, Belle Meade police will get $45,000 and Berry Hill police will receive $10,000. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will receive $1,947,500.

A total of $1.3 million is allocated to hire a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor for the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will get $1.2 million for its Safe Communities program.

The University of Tennessee in Knox County will receive $3,510,500. Tennessee Tech University in Putnam County will net $1,313,977.35.

Every year, traffic safety advocates, non-profit organizations, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, district attorneys general, and other agencies across Tennessee seek funding through grant applications, according to a release.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
A federal judge has allowed a class action against Tesla to move forward after California drivers claimed the company misled them about its Full Self-Driving (FSD) driver-assistance software for its electric vehicles. According to Reuters, Tesla owners who paid thousands for the feature can pursue claims as a group.

What's happening?

U.S. District Judge Rita Lin found that there were enough common questions for Tesla drivers to sue as a group, including whether the cars had the sensors for high-level autonomy or had ever completed a fully autonomous trip. She wrote, "Tesla's distinctive advertising strategy warrants a departure from the typical approach," citing the company's reliance on its website for key claims.

The ruling split drivers into two groups. The first covers buyers from October 20, 2016, to May 19, 2017. The second includes those who bought between May 19, 2017, and July 31, 2024, but opted out of Tesla's arbitration rules. The FSD package costs thousands of dollars.

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This isn't an isolated situation for Tesla. In recent years, it's dealt with a direct sales ban case and a Solar Roof price-hike lawsuit. In Sweden, workers went on strike against the EV giant. Each of these disputes has hit customers in different ways  unexpected price hikes, fewer buying options due to sales bans, and delivery/registration delays amid strikes.

Why is this important?

The case is a reminder of how risky it can be to spend thousands on high-tech features that may not perform as advertised. Joining together in a class action makes it cheaper for drivers to fight back and forces more accountability on the automaker.

And if people stop trusting self-driving vehicles, many might put off buying new cars. That kind of slowdown could drag out the move to cleaner vehicles, even though transportation already accounts for about 15% of global heat-trapping gases.

What's being done about it?

Judge Lin certified the case in federal court. Federal officials  including the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which probed the feature in 2024  have examined whether FSD is safe. Tesla says FSD requires active driver supervision and does not make its vehicles autonomous.

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The scrutiny could result in clearer standards and stronger disclosures, which would help provide buyers stronger protection. Better safeguards and transparency are essential in maintaining trust in electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, as the EV landscape evolves, shoppers interested in cleaner vehicles can more carefully evaluate electric vehicle options.

Do you think a majority of Americans will have EVs in 20 years? Absolutely Only in some states No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

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(The Center Square)  Michigan students continue to perform poorly on standardized testing, according to data released this week by the Michigan Department of Education.

While it found students improved performance on 14 of the 20 tests given in the spring of 2025, the youngest students again saw drops in reading proficiency.

The results of the 2025 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, also known as M-STEP, found that 61.1% of all third-graders scored below proficient on the states English language arts test. That was up slightly from 60.4% in 2024.

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Fourth-graders saw a similar trend. In 2024, 56.7% of those students scored below proficient. In 2025, that increased to 57.6%.

Additionally, proficient science scores for fifth and eleventh graders also saw slight declines. As did proficient math scores for third and eighth graders.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice said he believes recent laws passed that will increase screening for dyslexia and prioritizes a literacy curriculum will help substantially to address the issue. Those laws will take effect for the 2027-2028 school year.

It is noteworthy that in many grades, Michigan students posted the highest math and ELA proficiency rates in the last three school years, said Rice. At the same time, however, ELA scores in grades 3 and 4 remain a concern.

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More still needs to be done though, Rice said. That includes the legislature taking steps to lower class sizes, increasing in-person instructional time, and pushing literacy materials and training for teachers.

These research-based measures would also help students improve their reading skills, he said.

While the state continues to point to COVID for its effect on students performance, as scores continue to lag behind those pre-COVID, others argue this is a broader problem with Michigan schools.

By many metrics, Michigan students are consistently testing behind their peers in other states.

In the past year, reports have shown that public school enrollment is dropping, while chronic absenteeism is up.

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In June, the 36th Kids Count Data Book ranked Michigan 44th in the nation in education, dropping three spots just in the past year.

In response to concerns over the state's schools, Republicans have called for a total overhaul of the education system in the state, sending more control back to local districts. They are looking to achieve that in their proposed education budget, which currently remains in limbo 59 days after its July 1 deadline.

Both sides of the political aisle have called for more spending per student, with the Democrats budget proposal raising the states per-student foundation allowance to $10,008. While a $400 raise over the current allowance, Republicans proposed a significantly higher raise to $12,000.

State officials say action is needed quickly though.

Todays M-STEP results underscore an urgent truth: too many Michigan students are still not getting what they need to succeed, said Dr. Pamela Pugh, state Board of Education president. We need a legislature that puts students over politics.
[Source]

Republican congressional candidate Valentina Gomez has drawn widespread condemnation after posting a campaign video in which she uses a flamethrower to burn the Quran while making anti-Muslim threats.

Powered by Jesus: Gomez, who is running to represent Texas 31st district in 2026, released the video online as part of her pledge to end Islam in the state. Before setting the holy book ablaze, she declared, Your daughters will be raped and your sons beheaded, unless we stop Islam once and for all. The video features her telling terrorist Muslims to leave for any of the 57 Muslim nations, claiming America is a Christian nation and concluding with her assertion that she is powered by Jesus Christ. Texas has approximately 1% Muslim residents.

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Doubling down: Social media users quickly condemned the stunt, with many characterizing it as dangerous incitement. This isnt politics. Its incitement. When the mosques start burning, remember: this was the match and the Texas GOP handed her the lighter, podcaster Brian Allen wrote on X, where the video went viral. The fallout reportedly included the congressional hopeful being banned from all other major social media platforms.

In response to criticism, Gomez told the Daily Beast: You cannot make peace with a religion that has already declared war on you. In another interview with FOX 26, she vowed she would never bend the knee for a religious ideology that took the lives of 13 American service members at Abbey Gate in Kabul four years ago. She also claimed receiving thousands of death threats from Muslims in just two days, which she argued demonstrates that Islam is not the religion of peace but a religion of violence.

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About Gomez: Born in Colombia, Gomez has repeatedly used inflammatory tactics while pursuing political office with little success. Her Missouri Secretary of State campaign ended with a sixth-place finish and 7.4% of the vote in the 2024 Republican primary.

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Previous controversies include using another flamethrower to destroy LGBTQ+ books and shooting a dummy to simulate executing an immigrant while advocating for public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized her mock execution video, labeling her an American fascist seeking to unleash hatred against migrants.

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Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday signed legislation for a new congressional map in the state in an attempt to add five GOP seats in the U.S. House for the 2026 midterm elections.

The border-changing in the Lone Star state has triggered efforts in other states to redraw their maps, including Democrat-dominant California, the largest state ahead of Texas.

Early Saturday, the Texas Senate sent the legislation to the governor for the new redistricting maps, three days after the state's House passed the bill. For several days, the House couldn't reach a quorum because Democrats fled the state, including to California and New York. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton sought to arrest them.

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"Today, I signed the One Big Beautiful Map into law," Abbott said in a video on X. "This map ensures fairer representation in Congress. Texas will be more RED in Congress."

BREAKING: Governor @GregAbbott_TX signed the One Big Beautiful Map into law. Texas communities will now be able to choose leaders who share their values and priorities. https://t.co/KyGKz7akmQ Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) August 29, 2025

Holding the document with his signature, he said: "Texas is now more read in the United States Congress."

The state currently has 38 congressional districts, 25 of which are controlled by Republicans.

In the U.S. House, Republicans currently hold a 219-212 advantage with vacancies from the deaths of three Democrats and one GOP member who resigned.

Congressional maps are traditionally redrawn every decade after data is released from the U.S. Census, which is next scheduled to take place in 2030.

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President Donald Trump had asked Abbott to redraw the borders, which required a 30-day special legislative session. When Trump was first president, Democrats took control of the House in 2018. This led to blocking some of his legislative policies and two impeachments.

"I promised we would get this done, and delivered on that promise," Abbott said in the statement after the Senate approval, calling the legislation "a bill that ensures our maps reflect Texans' voting preferences."

He had vowed to call additional special sessions if the quorum still was elusive.

State Sen. Phil King, a Republican, said while the maps will create more competitive districts, he expects Republicans will win the seats.

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He said with House Bill 4 that "I believe, should elect more Republicans to the U.S. Congress, but I'm here to tell you, there are no guarantees."

The redistricted maps are facing a court test. A three-judge panel in a U.S. District court in El Paso set a preliminary injunction hearing for Oct. 1-10.

"This isn't over -- we'll see these clowns in court," Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said. "We aren't done fighting against these racially discriminatory maps, and fully expect the letter of the law to prevail over these sycophantic Republican politicians who think the rules don't apply to them."

Democrats say the new borders are racially discriminatory, including in metro areas of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

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"Members, it breaks my heart to see how this illegal and rigged mid-decade redistricting scheme is dividing our state and our country," Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat, said. "This is Texas, it's not Washington D.C. The impulses of outside politicians and their billionaire backers shouldn't dictate what we do in this chamber, in this House."

Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican who wrote the bill, said four of the five new districts were "majority-minority Hispanic" but now trending Republican.

And in California, the new map could add five seats for Democrats, who hold a 43-9 edge. But unlike in Texas, voters in November must approve the change. California's borders are drawn by a nonpartisan group and new legislation left it up to a referendum.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the so-called "Election Rigging Response Act" on Aug. 21.

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"The People of California will be able to cast their vote for a Congressional map. Direct democracy that gives us a fighting chance to STOP Donald Trump's election rigging," Newsom said on X after the legislation was approved. "Time to fight fire with fire."

Other states with a Democratic majority, including Illinois, New York, Maryland and Oregon, are considering changing the borders.

On the flip side, legislatures in Ohio, Indiana and Florida may redraw congressional borders before the 2026 midterm elections.

And late Friday, Missouri's Gov. Mike Kehoe announced a special legislative session to draw a new voting map for his state will begin next Wednesday. Trump had been requesting the move in that state, too.

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These states traditionally redo their borders at the start of each decade but in Ohio, under state law, a new congressional map must be approved by November 30. The previous map lacked bipartisan support.

On Tuesday, Utah Judge Dianna Gibson threw out the state's congressional map, forcing Republicans to defend the current lines or draw a new one. Republicans overruled a ballot measure passed by voters to outlaw gerrymandering.

Republican legislatures control 28 of the 50 states with 18 by Democrats and four chambers divided politically.
A bill that would let law enforcement agencies across the state keep numerous records including unsubstantiated complaints against officers private has again died in the Texas House.

Late last month, the House cleared HB 15 after adopting two additional exemptions, including one that would allow parents of Uvalde school shooting victims to see records related to law enforcements botched response.

On Tuesday, a Senate panel pushed forward a version of the legislation without these carve-outs. Hours later, the full chamber voted 18-9 to pass the updated bill and send it back to the House for consideration of the changes.

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But during a Wednesday floor hearing, House Speaker Dustin Burrows said he didnt intend to call up the updated bill  hours before the chamber gaveled out. The House had overwhelmingly approved of the carve-outs that the Senate removed.

Gov. Greg Abbotts office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about whether he would call a third special session to consider the issue.

HB 15, authored by Republican state Rep. Cole Hefner of Mt. Pleasant, would have required law enforcement agencies to create a confidential department file  also called a G-file  for numerous files including any unsubstantiated allegations against an officer as well as complaints that did not result in disciplinary actions.

Substantiated misconduct complaints, commendations, awards or periodic evaluations would remain in the officers personnel file, which would still be publicly accessible through the states open records law. Any letter, memorandum or document not related to those records would go into the G-file.

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The bills backers said it is about standardizing law enforcement agencies public disclosure policy. They have also said disclosure of unsubstantiated complaints could defame officers.

Critics, however, have said the bill would hinder police accountability, including by incentivizing officers to improperly examine allegations. Some are also concerned about how it would affect the release of records related to the Uvalde shooting, as the Texas Department of Public Safety is still fighting a judges order to release hundreds of videos and investigative files.

The House voted 90-41 on Aug. 28 to approve HB 15 after adopting two amendments.

The first one, brought by Democratic State Rep. Joe Moody of El Paso, ensures that the bill wouldnt reopen the dead suspects loophole. The state Legislature closed the loophole  which law enforcement agencies once used to withhold information when suspects die in police custody or at the hands of officers before the suspects could receive a conviction or deferred adjudication  in 2023.

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The second one, introduced by Republic state Rep. Don McLaughlin of Uvalde, would allow the victim of alleged police misconduct  or their immediate family if they are dead  to view documents in the officers G-files related to the case following its investigation. But they would not be able to duplicate these records.

This amendment is for my hometown of Uvalde and for the Robb families, who are still waiting for answers, said McLaughlin, who was mayor during the 2022 school shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers. He has also been vocal about the need for DPS to release its records. Three and a half years and they still don't have answers.

Hefner initially opposed the proposal, saying that HB 15 would not hide Uvalde records. But the motion to table McLaughlins amendment failed, and Hefner then accepted it.

The Aug. 28 vote also followed Moodys successful point-of-order  a parliamentary procedure that aims to delay or kill legislation on a technicality  against a similar proposal, Senate Bill 15, on Aug. 25. A day later, Abbott updated the wording of his second special sessions agenda to address the error.

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But as a Senate committee considered HB 15 on Tuesday, its sponsor, state Sen. Phil King of Weatherford, offered a substitute that stripped away both of Moodys and McLaughlins carve-outs.

House sent over two amendments, he said. We have removed those amendments, and this is the same bill that we have passed out three previous times.

During the Senate floor debate, state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, grilled King about the removal of McLaughlins amendment. The Weatherford Republican responded that the bill would not change anything regarding the evidence and documents related to the Uvalde shooting.

It also has the same effect on this bill as if  the amendment had said, Strike everything below the enactment clause, King added. It completely terminates this bill.

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McLaughlin said the removal of the House amendments was disappointing.

This is not the first time the Senate has disregarded House priorities and removed carefully considered changes without even consulting us, he said in a statement to The Texas Tribune. That pattern continued here, and it leaves families and communities without the transparency they deserve.

Moody didnt respond to a comment request.

The proposal came after a 2023 state review of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which requires that the agency standardizes what documentation needs to be included in a license holders personnel file.

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If adopted, the bill would have extended the use of G-files to every law enforcement agency across Texas, which has under 110,000 peace officers and jailers, according to TCOLE.

Such files already apply to around 26,000 peace officers, according to Jennifer Szimanski, deputy executive editor of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas. These include officers in dozens of cities that have opted into the state framework for police and firefighters civil service, including major ones such as Houston and San Antonio.

The bill doesnt cover certain materials, such as body-worn camera footage. It also would not affect Austins Police Oversight Act, which unseals G-files despite the city having civil service rules. In addition, the proposal would not stop disclosures for criminal investigations and court processes as required under the Sandra Bland and Michael Morton acts.

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TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
On Thursday, the Texas House passed House Bill 7 (HB 7). The legislation would seriously restrict the use of abortion medication in the state  and the ACLU has gone so far as to describe it as a bounty-hunting scheme because of its cash-grabbing potential.

The scope of House Bill 7

Under the legislation, anyone connected to an abortion could sue doctors, distributors, and manufacturers anywhere in the country for $100,000. Anyone who came into contact with the medication would be liable. Even individuals who had nothing to do with the abortion could sue, though in this case, 90% of the award would go to a charity of their choice.

A bounty-hunting scheme

As my friend Jessica Valenti has pointed out, the charity loophole would enable activists to carry out sting operations against abortion pill providers, then donate the bulk of the money to the anti-abortion group of their choice. Heres the kicker: An abortion wouldnt even have to happen to create liability a person or organization need only have intended to ship the meds to Texas.

The horrifying impact on women and girls

HB 7 is also known as the Women and Children Protection Act, a very deliberate moniker thats worth digging into. Pregnancy has been markedly more dangerous in Texas since the states abortion ban was introduced. ProPublica found that the rate of sepsis shot up more than 50% for women hospitalized when they lost their pregnancies in the second trimester  and the risk was particularly high for women whose fetuses may have had a heartbeat when they were admitted. Miscarrying women have died due to delays in removing the fetus, because doing so would constitute abortion.

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These life-threatening risks, which would be exacerbated by HB 7, are likely to be particularly high in rural communities. HB 7 would be especially harmful to rural Texans, who already face major barriers to health care accessincluding abortion. In many parts of the state, clinics have closed, hospitals are miles away, and public transportation is limited or nonexistent, Kamyon Conner, executive director of Texas Equal Access Fund, told the Daily Yonder.

Still, for the most extreme anti-abortion groups, HB 7 doesnt go far enough. As the Houston Chronicle notes, Abolish Abortion Texas says it falls short because it protects pregnant women from litigation, thereby denying equal protection of the laws.

Our laws should deter everyone in Texas from murdering preborn children, whether they are third-party abolitionists, the fathers of the children, or the mothers of the children, JR Haas, the groups vice president, said in a statement.

A ripple effect in blue states

As the New York Times notes, supporters of HB 7 hope that it may undermine shield laws in blue states that aim to protect abortion providers from investigations and legal action from states with bans.

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Texas is sort of the tip of the spear, Marc Hearron, the associate director of litigation at the Center for Reproductive Rights, which provides legal support to abortion providers, told the NYT. Its setting up a clash.

As always, we highly recommend Jessica Valentis essential Substack, Abortion Every Day, for up-to-the-minute developments around these important stories.

The post Texas House Passes Bounty Hunting Abortion Bill appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A Texas man was sentenced in Mississippi to 21 months in federal prison in connection with the fraudulent purchase of a 2023 Ford Shelby F-150 valued at $130,850 from a local automobile dealership.

According to court documents, Mario Martinez Smiley, 57, of Fort Worth, Texas, fraudulently obtained an expensive truck from a Jackson dealership in May 2023 by representing himself to be another individual and using someone elses credit card number to make a $5,000 down payment on the truck.

Woman pleads guilty to defrauding Mississippi grocery stores

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Prosecutors said Smiley was recruited by an individual in Texas to pick up vehicles in exchange for $1,000 each. He induced a salesperson from the dealership to meet him in Ruston, Louisiana, where he took possession of the truck after posing for a photograph with it.

Smiley was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2025. He pled guilty to wire fraud on May 21, 2025.

Mario Martinez Smiley (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center)

The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.

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Federal authorities in Texas reported multiple arrests and drug interdictions this week, including a three-time deported criminal alien and large methamphetamine seizures at ports of entry.

1. ICE Arrests Hit-And-Runner in Dallas

ERO Dallas, @ERODallas, posted on X on August 27:

ICE @ERODallas arrested Noe Nava-Mata, a 3-time deported criminal alien from Mexico, Aug. 26. While in the U.S. illegally, Nava has been convicted of DWI, hit-and-run, drug possession and obstructing police and is clearly a danger to public safety. pic.twitter.com/W6QwTqKprq  ERO Dallas (@ERODallas) August 27, 2025

Nava-Mata, 34, was previously charged with unlawful reentry after being removed from the United States on January 20, 2013, near Calexico, California, according to a 2023 press release from the Northern District of Oklahoma.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated, and then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheryl L. Baber reportedly prosecuted the case.

The press release listed Nava-Mata among other individuals charged with wire fraud, drug trafficking, burglary, and unlawful reentry.

2. Del Rio CBP Seizes Meth Hidden in Stone Benches

Director of Field Operations, Donald R. Kusser, @DFOLaredo, posted on X on August 28:

Smugglers Benched@cbpfieldops officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry seized 81.70 pounds of meth concealed within stone benches. State Prosecution was accepted.

Try to hide it, we'll find it. #ofoproud  pic.twitter.com/jkMExg4hc2  Director of Field Operations, Donald R. Kusser (@DFOLaredo) August 28, 2025

Using pricing estimates from Zinnia Health, which puts methamphetamine between $10 and $400 per gram, the 81.70-pound shipment equals roughly 37,063 grams. That translates to an estimated street value of $370,630 to $14,825,200.

Location Weight (lbs) Weight (grams) Estimated Value ($10-$400/g) Del Rio 81.70 37,063 $370,630  $14,825,200

3. Meth Seizure at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge

Kusser also posted on August 26:

Not the kind of bass drop you want [] @cbpfieldops at the Colombia Solidarity Bridge seized 76.63 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within speaker boxes. The driver now faces federal prosecution. Great Work, CBPOs! [] #OFOProud pic.twitter.com/WmMk8kAE8c  Director of Field Operations, Donald R. Kusser (@DFOLaredo) August 26, 2025

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This seizure of 76.63 pounds equals roughly 34,760 grams. Using Zinnia Healths street value range, the meth could be worth $347,600 to $13,904,000 if sold illegally.

Location Weight (lbs) Weight (grams) Estimated Value ($10-$400/g) Colombia Solidarity Bridge 76.63 34,760 $347,600  $13,904,000

The Dallas Express previously reported on a similar bust of 857.59 pounds of meth hidden in roses at the Hidalgo International Bridge, valued at nearly $8 million in mid-August.

Texas Takedown Weekly is a recurring series from The Dallas Express chronicling the most significant immigration-related arrests and interdictions across the state. To read last weeks edition, click Texas Takedown Weekly: Kush Crush, 1K Pills In Orifices, And Child Predator (August 22).
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. convened healthcare leaders on Thursday to address critical gaps in rural medical services.

The Austin roundtable focused on expanding access for the 6 million Texans living in the states 190 rural counties. The meeting highlighted new funding streams totaling $800 million over a five-year period. These investments target behavioral telehealth, artificial intelligence innovation, and laboratory modernization across underserved communities.

Abbott emphasized Texas role in advancing the Trump administrations healthcare agenda.

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Our goal has to be to ensure that every corner of our state is going to be prepared to respond to the health care needs of their community, Abbott said.

The discussion followed Abbotts signing of the Make Texas Healthy Again legislative package on Wednesday. The new laws aim to improve health and nutrition decisions across the state.

Kennedy praised recent initiatives supporting rural healthcare infrastructure.

Governor Abbott, thank you for your dedication to rural health care providers in Texas, Kennedy said. We will strengthen and expand rural health like never before. That is my promise to rural communities, my promise to Texas, and my promise to the American people.

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The secretary highlighted Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, which allocates $50 billion nationally for rural health transformation. Texas will receive $100 million annually for five years in federal support.

State funding adds another $300 million to the effort. The combined resources will address maternity services, childcare gaps, and access to mental health services.

Rural hospital executives and community health leaders attended the roundtable. Representatives included CEOs from Anson General Hospital and Winkley County Hospital District, as well as state health commissioners.

The 89th legislative session significantly expanded rural hospital grant programs. Lawmakers targeted specific challenges facing remote communities, including provider shortages and facility closures.

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Abbott acknowledged ongoing challenges despite recent progress: We have an obligation to ensure that those communities are able to succeed.

Texas Tech University System and Texas A&Ms Rural and Community Health Institute participated in discussions. Mental health organizations, including Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, contributed perspectives on behavioral health needs.

Federal officials from HHS joined state counterparts to coordinate implementation strategies. The collaboration aims to streamline funding distribution and maximize program effectiveness across rural Texas.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, arrives at Government House in Bangkok on Aug. 29, 2025. Credit - Sakchai LalitAP

Just over a year after it began, Paetongtarn Shinawatras premiership of Thailand has officially come to an end.

The Southeast Asian countrys Constitutional Court officially removed Paetongtarn, Asias youngest-ever non-monarchical female leader, as Prime Minister over a controversial call with Cambodias former leader, Hun Sen, during a flareup of a border dispute between the neighbors earlier this year that was found to have constituted ethics and integrity violations.

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The court cited Paetongtarn being critical of a Thai Army commander during the call, saying it demonstrated the weakness of domestic [Thai] politics, and that Paetongtarn made a concession to Hun Sen without considering Thai national security to try and save her popularity, Thai news outlet Khaosod reported.

Thailand is no stranger to quick turnovers. Paetongtarns predecessor Srettha Thavisin was also removed by the Constitutional Court for an ethics violation last year, less than a year after he had taken office. Paetongtarns ousting had been in the cards for months, and she had already been suspended on July 1 pending the verdict in her case, which came Friday.

Paetongtarns family also has more familiarity with being booted than most. Her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck were both former Prime Ministers who saw their tenures cut short in 2006 and 2014, respectively.

With Paetongtarn, the last possible qualified Shinawatra, now out of office, the powerful political dynasty may never regain the level of political dominance it once had, observers tell TIME.

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The Shinawatra brand has already suffered damage beyond repair, says Napon Jatusripitak, a visiting fellow from ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, told TIME. Their party, Pheu Thai, has so far failed to deliver on the populist economic agenda it promised when it came into power two years earlier after making a so-called devils bargain to partner with the conservative military- and monarchy-aligned establishment it once campaigned against in order to block the progressive Move Forward party, which won the most votes, from forming a government.

Paetongtarns suspension had already kickstarted a testy succession battle that will likely see new coalitions formed and potentially even a sooner-than-expected next general election.

Shinawatras losing battle for political power

Titipol Phakdeewanich, a political scientist at Ubon Ratchathani University, said that after the court ruled against Paetongtarn, he thinks its impossible for the Shinawatras to make a comeback, given the poor track record the family and its party has.

Support for Pheu Thai has plummeted from 28% to 11%, according to a June survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, while Paetongtarns approval rating slumped to the single digits.

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The Shinawatras are not actually connected with the sentiment of the country when there is not only a demand for economic well being, also demand for liberty and freedom, and this is what they refuse to touch on, Titipol said.

Napon adds that the Shinawatra name no longer carries the same ideological weight or policy legacy, and is now overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Paetongtarns recent diplomatic misstep, which has vindicated conservatives long-standing suspicions that the Shinawatras cannot be trusted to uphold national interests, while simultaneously amplifying broader public anxieties about Paetongtarns leadership qualifications, particularly in moments of national crisis.

The Constitutional Court ruling on Paetongtarn was one of three major court cases facing the familyjust last week, a court acquitted Thaksin of a royal defamation charge, an extraordinary reprieve for the dynasty given the rarity of acquittals for such cases. But Titipol says Thaksin could still be in trouble in his other legal battle. Thaksin returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in exile when Pheu Thai returned to power, and while he was supposed to serve an eight-year prison term, instead he spent six months in a hospital suite, before he was freed on a royal pardon. The verdict, which is expected to come next month, could send him to jail if hes deemed to have not served his time before he was paroled.

What comes next

But while a Shinawatra may no longer formally run the government of Thailand, Thaksin still commands the support of his Pheu Thai members, says Napon. And any future government coalition will still very likely require Pheu Thais supportwith its 141 sitting members in the 500-member lower chamber of Parliamentat least until a new election happens.

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Negotiations for a new coalition government could involve Pheu Thai retaining cabinet portfolios or, possibly, leniency in Thaksins prison enforcement case.

The Shinawatra family will remain a key political player, Napon says, although its dominance is now a thing of the past.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been removed after a court ruled she had broken ethic rules in a phone call to a former leader of Cambodia.

Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled Friday by a 6-3 margin that Paetongtam, who was suspended in July for speaking with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, "lacks the qualifications and possesses prohibited characteristics" under the Thai constitution, and is now out of office.

The leaked phone call responsible for her ouster happened in June during a time when Thailand and Cambodia were engaged in border clashes. She was overheard calling Hun Sen "uncle" and speaking against her own army's actions at the border.

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Paetongtarn also told Hun Sen that if he "wants anything, just tell me, and I will take care of it."

The timing of the call stoked dissent in her country as the border clashes had brought about Nationalist enthusiasm.

Paetongtarn, daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and niece to former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, was the nation's youngest prime minister and had only served a year in office. She is the fifth Thai prime minister to be removed from office by the Constitutional Court since 2008.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been forced to step down just a year after taking office.

The Constitutional Court ruled that the 39-year-old, who had already been suspended in early July, violated ethical principles in a leaked phone conversation and must relinquish her position. The court's verdict was broadcast live on its website on Friday.

The entire Cabinet must also resign, although it will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formed.

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Interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will continue to oversee government affairs until parliament elects a new head of government.

It remains unclear whether the new prime minister will once again come from Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party.

The court case centred on a leaked audio recording of a phone call between Paetongtarn, from Thailand's powerful Shinawatra dynasty, and Cambodia's former long-time ruler and current Senate President Hun Sen.

In the conversation, which concerned a simmering border conflict that escalated shortly afterwards, she referred to a senior military officer in the border region as her "opponent" and addressed Hun Sen, who is close to her family, as "uncle."

The remarks caused a stir in Thailand and sparked protests.
By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday for an ethics violation, in another crushing blow to the Shinawatra political dynasty that triggered a flurry of deal-making aimed at filling the void.

Paetongtarn, who was Thailand's youngest prime minister, became the sixth premier from or backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family to be removed by the military or judiciary in a tumultuous two-decade battle for power between the country's warring elites.

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The ruling paves the way for the election by parliament of a new prime minister, a process that could be drawn out, with Paetongtarn's ruling Pheu Thai party losing bargaining power and facing a challenge to shore up a fragile alliance with a razor-thin majority.

The court said Paetongtarn violated ethics in a leaked June telephone call, during which she appeared to kowtow to Cambodia's powerful former leader Hun Sen - until recently a close Shinawatra family ally - when both countries were on the brink of an armed conflict. Fighting erupted weeks later, lasting five days.

Hours after the decision, the Bhumjaithai Party that had quit Paetongtarn's coalition over the call emerged as the early frontrunner in forming a new government, with leader Anutin Charnvirakul shuttling across Bangkok to rally support from parties, with pledges that included dissolving parliament within four months.

The ruling brings a premature end to the premiership of the daughter and protege of divisive tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra and will be a major test of his outsized political clout.

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Paetongtarn, 39, was a political neophyte when she was abruptly thrust into power after the surprise dismissal of Srettha Thavisin by the same court.

The ruling thrusts Thailand into more uncertainty, with potential for political deadlock at a time of simmering public unease over stalled reforms and a stuttering economy.

In the United States, a long-standing treaty ally of Thailand, the State Department said it was aware of the court ruling, and a spokesperson added:

"We remain committed to the U.S.-Thai alliance and partnership. The United States and Thailand have a shared history, interests, and values that will continue to unite us for the good of both of our countries."

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In a 6-3 decision, the court said Paetongtarn had put her private interests before those of the nation and had damaged Thailand's reputation.

"Due to a personal relationship that appeared aligned with Cambodia, the respondent was consistently willing to comply with or act in accordance with the wishes of the Cambodian side," it said.

CALL FOR UNITY

Reacting to the decision, Paetongtarn called for all parties to work together to bring political stability to Thailand.

"All I wanted was to safeguard the lives of people, whether soldiers or civilians. I was determined to do all I can to protect their lives before the violent clashes," she said.

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She became the fifth premier in 17 years to be removed by the Constitutional Court, underlining its central role in an intractable power struggle between the governments of the Shinawatra clan and a nexus of powerful conservatives and royalist generals with far-reaching influence.

The focus quickly shifted to who will replace Paetongtarn, with Thaksin expected to be in the thick of horse-trading between parties and other power-brokers to try to keep Pheu Thai at the helm.

Deputy premier Phumtham Wechayachai will be in charge as caretaker until a new prime minister is elected by parliament, which on Friday called a special session from September 3-5 but made no mention of a vote on a new premier.

Phumtham said the coalition was still together and would agree on a prime ministerial candidate with Pheu Thai at the core.

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Five people are eligible to become premier, with only one from Pheu Thai, 77-year-old Chaikasem Nitisiri, a former attorney general with limited cabinet experience, who has maintained a low profile.

Others include ex-premier Prayuth Chan-ocha, who has retired from politics and led a military coup against the last Pheu Thai government in 2014, and former deputy prime minister Anutin, who late on Friday said he already had the votes.

"This will be a government for the people, that will help find a way out for the country ... and return the power to the people," he said.

Any Pheu Thai-led administration would likely have a slender majority and could face street protests and parliamentary challenges from an opposition with huge public support that is pushing for an early election.

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"Appointing a new prime minister...will be difficult and may take considerable time," said Chulalongkorn University political scientist Stithorn Thananithichot. "Pheu Thai will be at a disadvantage."

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um, Chayut Setboonsarng, Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Pasit Kongkunakornkul and Devjyot Ghoshal; additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, William Maclean and Cynthia Osterman)
BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's Bhumjaithai party said on Friday it was talking with other parties towards forming a government and has agreed with demands made by the main opposition People's Party, the largest party in parliament, in return for its support.

In a statement, Bhumjaithai said its priorities if it forms a government would be taking steps to amend the constitution, resolve a border dispute with Cambodia, and dissolve parliament within four months. The party has been holding a succession of meetings following the dismissal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister earlier on Friday by the Constitutional Court.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-um, Chayut Setboonsarng, Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Pasit Kongkunakornkul, Devjyot Ghoshal; Writing by Martin Petty)
After several months of fiery debate and tearful testimonies over the prospect of banning THC statewide, proposed measures to do so have stalled in the Texas House.

Senate Bill 6, which would have created a blanket ban on products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid other than cannabidiol and cannabigerol, better known as CBD and CBG, non-intoxicating components of cannabis, hasnt been heard in a House committee after the Senate passed it Aug. 19. The Houses version of the bill hasnt been heard in its chambers committee either.

Ten days might not be long for a bill to sit dormant during a regular legislative session, but with state leadership suggesting that the current special legislative session could wind down in the coming days, lawmakers would have to move fast on THC upon reconvening after Mondays holiday.

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Without further regulations or a ban being discussed by lawmakers in the House, the most likely scenario is that hemp-derived THC remains legal in Texas, but with more enforcement of current laws restricting the drug.

It seems like a lot of people dont want anything to do with it, said Lukas Gilkey, chief executive of Hometown Hero, an Austin-based manufacturer of hemp-derived THC products. Its a hot potato.

What does the status quo look like?

Consumable THC products in Texas are mostly made from hemp-derived cannabinoids that were made legal federally and statewide in 2019. These products come in various forms, including smokable vapes and flower buds, oils and creams, baked goods, drinks, gummies, and candies. Under current law, most of those forms would remain legal if lawmakers dont take any action to further regulate or ban THC. However, Senate Bill 2024, which went into effect Sept. 1, bans the sale of vape pens that contain THC and other cannabinoids, as well as vape pens made in China, that contain kratom, mushrooms, kava and other drugs. The law doesn't ban the possession.

Texas law, however, says the products may not contain more than 0.3% concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the intoxicating part of the cannabis plant that comes in forms known as delta-8, delta-9, and THCA. There has been little enforcement of this because of the burden it places on the criminal justice system to test these products and cite retailers who might have packages mislabeled. There are also loose and inconsistent testing requirements under state law.

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However, even if the laws dont change, enforcement of these laws could pick up. Gilkey has recently accused Texas Department of State Health Services officials of conducting retaliatory raids of hemp manufacturers.

The state agency, which inspects manufacturers for sanitary conditions and reviews records that confirm hemp has less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, clarified that staff doesnt perform raids on businesses.

DSHS conducts inspections randomly or for cause due to information indicating a licensee may not be in compliance (e.g. complaints received), agency spokesperson Lara Anton said in an emailed statement. Due to limited resources and the rapid influx of licenses, our current target inspection frequency is once every five years.

Under current law, there is no age limit to purchase consumable hemp-derived THC products and no limit on the number of retailers who can sell these products.

"Stay vigilant until sine die

This is the third attempt this year by lawmakers in the upper chamber to eliminate the majority of hemp products statewide, including those that are legal under the federal definition.

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The movement to ban hemp-derived THC products was spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, who, along with other lawmakers, deemed these items too dangerous for the general public since it was getting into the hands of children.

The ban almost passed during the regular session. However, Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the bill, instead calling for regulations and making it a priority of both special sessions.

Abbott, in his veto, urged lawmakers to regulate hemp similarly to liquor, by prohibiting sales near places frequented by children, and banning sales to anyone under the age of 21, with strict penalties for any retailer that fails to comply. The hemp industry has primarily been amenable to these proposed restrictions.

The veto came after immense pushback from hemp supporters, including veterans and chronically ill people, who said hemp has been a cheaper and more accessible alternative to the medical marijuana program. Patrick, who was a vocal supporter of a THC ban, lambasted the veto as an attempt to legalize adult-use cannabis.

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Senate Bill 6 has been a top legislative priority because the Texas Senate refuses to allow bad actors to use loopholes in agriculture law to flood our communities with potent, intoxicating products disguised as harmless treats, said Patrick after the upper chamber passed SB 6. Texans expect action  and the Senate will continue delivering until SB 6 becomes law.

The Texas Tribune has reached out to Patricks office for a comment.

In advocating for a ban, Perry pushed against Abbotts suggestion to regulate hemp, saying during legislative hearings that law enforcement doesnt have the manpower to regulate the alcohol industry, let alone the THC market. He also doesn't believe the hemp market actually wants to be regulated.

Hemp advocates, such as Heather Fazio with the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, are still closely watching discussions in the Legislature and hesitate to declare a win until both chambers gavel out.

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Everyone should stay vigilant. The session is not over, and because it is a special session, they dont have to follow the same rules as during a regular session, so were just staying aware until this whole thing is over, said Cynthia Cabrera, chief strategy officer for Hometown Hero.

Cabrera said the past few attempts to ban overall access to THC are the perfect example of government overreach and why Texans need to be engaged with their local government.

However, she said the industry is still ready for regulations, not a ban, if or when they come.

If your concern is about access by minors, then pass an age bill. It's a very simple thing to do, she said. If you're concerned about synthetics, well then dont be, because synthetics are already illegal and have been since 2011. It would be nice to get past all the rhetoric and really focus on a public safety, high-quality, consumer-oriented approach."

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.

Clarification, Sept. 2, 2025 at 12:03 p.m. : The story has been updated to say that as of Sept. 1, Texas law bans the sale of vape pens containing THC.
BLANCHARD, Okla. (KFOR)  On Monday, a man and woman were caught on security camera video burglarizing and stealing more than $15K in guns from Dirt Rhoads Outdoors in Blanchard.

Store owner, Bryce Rhoads, said he didnt find out until the following morning as police arrived to investigate.

Manhunt underway for accused auto burglary suspect in Oklahoma City

Dirt Rhoads Outdoors. Image KFOR

The man and woman are seen on video pacing in front of the store around 1 a.m. Monday, before throwing a rock into the front glass door and entering the business.

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Rhoads told News 4 on Thursday, Its a lot of clean up, and a lot of merchandise gone that, you know, you just cant replace.

Store owners say the pair stole 10 firearms, pistols, and two rifles. The stolen firearms and damages total more than $15K.

Damage done during robbery. Image Dirt Rhoads and Outdoors

The man even lost his pants while trying to get away, with what looks like a rifle in his hand, before taking off in a red SUV.

The prices of guns at Dirt Rhoads Outdoors start in the hundreds. Rifles like the AR-15 and AK-47 that the man and woman stole are worth thousands.

The store has been in business for four years, serving as a one-stop shop for anything outdoors, with lots of support from the community.

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Usually, people are really great. Everybody, its a small community, small town, weve never had an issue like this, Rhoads said.

The Blanchard Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the crime.

Rhoads has already replaced their glass display cases and is working to make the store more secure.

We work hard, we give back to our community. Youre hurting people when you do this, and firearms on the street, it is, you know, its not good. Its not good for anybody, Rhoads said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Blanchard Police Department.

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Indiana's current congressional districts, drawn in 2021, includes nine districts. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle. Map courtesy of the Indiana Secretary of State's Office. Illustration by Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Im on my third decade covering the Indiana General Assembly, so Ive seen a lot. But a mid-cycle redistricting will be a new one.

I say will because it seems like an inevitability at this point. So, I researched the history of apportionment and redistricting in Indiana.

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What I found is that the partisan fights about gerrymandering are as old as Indiana.

The 1825-26 apportionment embroiled lawmakers in a bitter struggle even though members had not yet divided into political parties, according to the Centennial History of the General Assembly, 1816 to 1978.

In 1832, residents of Cass County complained because they were placed in the sixth congressional district, composed of Marion and surrounding counties in the central part of the state, even though Cass was separated from the rest of the district by the Miami Reservation. This made Cass the only county that did not enjoy contiguity with its district.

A Whig newspaper warned early in 1845 that if the opposition won a majority, the state would be gerrymandered in all unseemly shapes, without, the least regard to equality.

In 1879, one representative suggested dividing the state into equally populated districts without regard to politics. His motion was tabled.

We should all be glad we dont live in the early days of statehood, when the population was growing rapidly and new counties were created regularly. Double districts and floterial districts were downright crazy.

The cycle of counting people and drawing boundaries was originally every five years. The Constitution of 1851 changed redistricting and apportionment to every sixth year.

Bolting

Bolting  or leaving the state to break quorum  was a regular feature.

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In 1861, Republicans introduced a congressional districting bill and Democrats walked out.

The bolters typified the cavalier attitude of both parties, the centennial history book said.

I saw them pretty nearly all in a batch, and the answer was tell them to go to hell, said the Republican doorkeeper who tracked down the absentees. The bill was dropped.

In 1871, Democrats tried to redistrict early, and 34 Republicans resigned to prevent a quorum.

The most spectacular party bolt occurred in 1925. Republicans had huge majorities in both chambers, so Senate Democrats took a bus to Ohio.

For the next two days, U.S. 40 between Indianapolis and Dayton was jammed with process servers and Republican politicos trying to coax, cajole, or coerce the fugitives back to their seats in the Indiana Senate, the history book shows.

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Eventually, the Ku Klux Klans Grand Dragon, D.C. Stephenson, went to Ohio to break the deadlock.

Sometimes the redistricting happened after new counts. At other times, the General Assembly skipped it for years, especially if the party in control liked the districts as they were.

Maps were found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court multiple times.

Modern times have been more a little more orderly  but not always neutral. Lawmakers have only redistricted after the decennial census, though Republicans did briefly try a mid-decade maneuver in 1995 before abandoning it.

The most successful exercise so far in all-out partisanship occurred in Indiana, The New York Times wrote in 1981.

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Republicans used their majorities in both State Houses, the governorship and the computers of Market Opinion Research, a Detroit company that works for Republican districting efforts, to take maximum advantage of the shrinkage of the Indiana delegation to 10 members from 11, the paper continued. As a result, a delegation that now has six Democrats and five Republicans could easily become one with seven Republicans and three Democrats.

Even when Democrats controlled the Indiana House in 1991 and 2001, Republicans controlled the Senate, so the affair had to be bipartisan. The GOP has had complete control of apportionment and redistricting after the last two census counts in 2011 and 2021.

Nothing is forever

Remember  though the current use of algorithms and computer programs is much harder to overcome  that ultimately, voters still decide.

The history of state apportionment and congressional redistricting shows clearly that partisanship was the foremost consideration at each session where such laws passed. Gerrymandering by the majority always governed the drawing of district boundaries in the congressional elections between 1890 and 1930 illustrate both the efficacy and danger of the device for party advantage, the history book said.

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In 1892, Democrats elected 12 of 13 congressmen with only 41.1% of the vote due to the Democratic districting act of 1891. But under the same bill in 1894 Republicans elected 11 congressmen.

Under the Republican act of 1901, however, Democrats elected 11 and 12 congressmen respectively in 1908 and 1910. Democrats remained almost totally dominant in 1912 and 1914 under the redistricting act of 1911 but in 1916 Republicans began 14 years of dominance under the same bill.

So, while both parties succeeded in making districts safe for themselves temporarily, in the long run popular sentiment prevailed, proving that in Indiana, there was no such thing as a gerrymander in perpetuity.

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For 18 years, Vernon Wedge worked as a security camera operator at Dillard's in Arizona. But when he began to lose his eyesight, he lost his job, then his savings, and he became homeless for the first time at 69.

Money ran out, we got a shopping cart and filled it with personal belongings, mostly clothes, and hit the streets, Wedge told NBC News Stephanie Gosk about how he, his adult son Grant, who struggles with substance abuse, and their dog, Roscoe, were evicted.

I spent my 70th birthday on the street, Wedge said.

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Hes just one of many seniors experiencing homelessness in their older age. Last year, more than 42,000 people over 65 in the United States were homeless, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Developments Emerging Crisis of Aged Homelessness report.

Learn more by watching NBC News Digital Doc "The Gray Wave: Rising Homelessness for American Seniors."

For a while, Wedge made do, showering at public parks and seeking refuge in church, and he eventually found housing at seniors-only homeless shelter, St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix. Even that respite is just temporary, as residents can stay a maximum of only two years.

Lori Cowling is living a similar harsh reality, having become homeless earlier this year at 80 years old. She said her Social Security check of just over $1,000 isn't enough to cover rent for a studio or a one-bedroom apartment in Phoenix.

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"Now, a couple of years later, my vision getting even worse. I don't think I could do the street again," Wedge said. "The one thing that I don't want to be remembered when people hear about my death is that I died in a homeless shelter."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Three cargo airlines on Thursday said they are adding freighter capacity in the European market to meet demand for goods transportation.

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) in the Netherlands, announced it will receive three additional freight flights following agreements with Turkish Airlines cargo division and My Freighter.

Turkish Cargo will add to its existing twice-weekly service with a Boeing 777 flight connecting Quito, Ecuador; Miami; Istanbul, Turkey; and Maastricht, transporting flowers, vegetables and other goods.

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Uzbek airline, My Freighter, will operate a new, twice-weekly Boeing 767-300 full freighter service connecting Shanghai, China; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Maastricht. The first flight arrived at Maastricht on Aug. 20, said spokeswoman Carmi Henssen. My Freighter cargo will include e-commerce goods, automotive products, general cargo, and flowers.

The My Freighter news represents a minor change from earlier this month, when the airline announced a new twice weekly service between Shanghai and Amsterdam Schiphol airport, with a stopover in Tashkent. In reality, those flights will go to Maastricht Aachen, which has a strategic partnership with Schiphol Airport and is partially owned by Royal Schiphol Group.

MST figures show cargo volumes are up 15% year over year, driven in part by a series of Atlas Air charter flights, the arrival of Ethiopian Cargo, the the return of Turkish Cargo after a short absence.

MST is growing as an alternative freighter destination to Amsterdam Schiphol airport, which is crowded and facing government flight restrictions to reduce noise and pollution for city residents.

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Earlier this summer, Ethiopian Airlines signed a new contract with MST and operates twice weekly with a Boeing 777, carrying both perishables and general cargo. The airline connects Hong Kong, Addis Ababa, and Maastricht.

Etihad Cargo outsources to Atlas Air

In related news, Etihad Airlines, which operates five Boeing 777 freighter aircraft in addition to a large fleet of widebody passenger aircraft, has signed a dedicated contract with U.S.-based Atlas Air to supply and fly a Boeing 777 freighter between Hong Hong, Abu Dhabi and Madrid, Spain, beginning in August.

The announcement didnt indicate the frequency of service, but the default position is likely once per week. Atlas Air said the 777 is a newly delivered production aircraft from Boeing.

In June, Etihad Cargo similarly wet leased a Boeing 747-400 freighter from U.S.-based Western Global Airlines to support new service to London and Shenzhen, China.

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Atlas Air has previously provided dedicated transport service for Etihad Cargo.

Etihad Cargos expanded collaboration with Atlas Air represents a strategic step in scaling capacity and extending our global reach, said Stanislas Brun, Etihads chief cargo officer. With Etihad Airways passenger fleet continuing to grow, it is essential that our freighter fleet expands in parallel to sustain this momentum and deliver end-to-end network connectivity. By aligning growth across both passenger and freighter operations, Etihad Cargo reinforces its ability to meet evolving customer demand, strengthen high-volume trade lanes and introduce greater flexibility across key markets.

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com.

RELATED READING:

My Freighter opens new China-Europe air route

The post Three cargo airlines increase Europe freighter activity appeared first on FreightWaves.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Odessa Police Department has identified, and arrested, all three teens accused of breaking into the Odessa Marriott multiple times. Zane Lentz, Jonathan Williams, and Aryez Leston Romero have all been charged with four counts of Burglary of a Building, a state-jail felony.

From Left: Lentz, Williams, and Romero

According to an Odessa Police Department report, on August 14th, 15th, 17th, and 18th, the teens were caught on camera as they entered the hotels kitchen after hours. Investigators said the teens wore latex gloves and tried to hide their faces while as they gained entry into a locked liquor cabinet. The teens reportedly stole alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages, and food items from the kitchen before exiting the hotel.

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Lentz was arrested on August 27 and has since been released from jail on a combined $30,000 bond. Both Williams and Romero were arrested Thursday after the OPD made a public request for help to identify the remaining two suspects. They remained in the Ector County Law Enforcement Center as of Friday afternoon, each on a combined $30,000 bond.

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The Thurmont Board of Commissioners approved increased electric rates on Tuesday, which will take effect in January.

The new rate is an approximate increase of 14.6%, or $18 per month, for an average usage of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month.

The board voted unanimously for the increase at Tuesday's town meeting. Commissioner Bill Blakeslee was not in attendance.

The commissioners emphasized at the town meeting they were disappointed in this action but said it was necessary.

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"None of us like it," said Commissioner Martin Burns.

The town purchases its electricity directly from the PJM Interconnection market, according to Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick.

Since the town began doing so instead of signing a contract with a wholesale electricity provider, it has saved $800,000 in the last year, according to Mayor John Kinnaird.

Through this system, consumers pay exactly what the town pays with no markup, the mayor said at the meeting.

Thurmont has the third lowest electric rates in the state of Maryland after Hagerstown and Williamsport, according to data presented at the meeting.

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The commissioners said the new rate was necessary as town operational costs have increased, including professional fees, security technology fees and maintenance budgets.

The town's capacity charges, which are fees to ensure electricity generation meets peak demand, increased to $1.5 million from $300,000 earlier this year, Kinnaird said Tuesday.

The charges are determined at PJM Interconnection's annual capacity auction, and the town has no influence on it, according to Humerick.

This amount is capped for the next two years, and rates should be relatively stable unless energy prices increase, according to Chris Simms, the town's utility consultant.

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Simms, from Smart Utility Management, provides utility consulting services to municipalities on the East Coast.

"These are all costs we have zero control over," the mayor said. "In order to service our customer base and keep our rates as low as we possibly can, these are the steps that we have to take."

The town discussed other options, including solar energy, before deciding this was the best course of action given costs and needs, Kinnaird said.

At the meeting, Commissioner Robert Lookingbill said residents who are struggling to afford electric bills should speak to town staff members about affordability options.

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"Don't let your bill get ahead of you," Lookingbill said.

Humerick said the town is looking to apply for the Maryland Energy Administration Local Government Energy Modernization Program, which is a grant program to support local governments in implementing sustainable energy projects.

Other expenses

At Tuesday's meeting, the commissioners approved a $52,000 bid to Playground Specialists, based in Thurmont, for improvements at Carroll Street Park.

They also approved $20,640 to United Utilities to purchase 6,000 feet of underground electric wire. It was the lowest bid and met the town's needed specifications.

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Wesco offered two bids of $23,856 and $28,902 for two different types of wires  one of which was the same as in United Utilities' bid.

The commissioners introduced an ordinance for amendments to the fiscal year 2025 budget to introduce revenue and expenses not previously recorded in the budget.

Amendments included revenue from grants, impact fees and interest income. The expenses included equipment for the police department, communications fees and credit card processing fees.

The commissioners will vote on adopting the ordinance on Sept. 2.
(Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday, as ties between the Asian rivals thaw against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of punitive tariffs on New Delhi.

Modi is on his first visit to China in seven years to participate in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) regional security bloc, whose members also include Russia and Iran.

Modi's visit is the first since a deadly 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese troops on their disputed Himalayan border. The neighbours share a 3,800 km (2,400 miles) border that is poorly demarcated and has been disputed since the 1950s.

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Here is a timeline of the thaw in ties since the military standoff began five years ago:

2020

At least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops are killed in hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, northern India, in June 2020.

The same year, New Delhi heightened scrutiny of investments from China, banned popular Chinese mobile apps and severed direct passenger air routes.

DECEMBER 2022

Minor border scuffles between Indian and Chinese troops break out in the Tawang sector of India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is also claimed by China as part of southern Tibet.

AUGUST 2023

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Modi and Xi meet in Johannesburg on the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS grouping of nations and agree to intensify efforts to disengage and de-escalate tensions.

SEPTEMBER 2024

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, speaking at an event in Geneva, says about 75% of the "disengagement" problems at India's border with China had been sorted out.

India's aviation minister also indicates a thaw in the standoff, writing in a post on X that the two countries had discussed early resumption of direct passenger flights on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in Delhi.

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OCTOBER 2024

Both nations reach a deal on patrolling their disputed frontier to end the military stand-off.

Modi and Xi hold their first formal talks in five years on October 23 in Russia on the sidelines of a BRICS summit.

The leaders agreed to boost communication and cooperation between their countries and resolve conflicts to help improve ties.

DECEMBER 2024

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval travels to China to hold first formal talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the border issue after the October agreement.

Doval and Wang are designated as special representatives by their countries for discussing the border issue.

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JANUARY 2025

Wang and India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri hold talks in China. Both sides agree to resume direct air services and work on resolving differences over trade and economic issues.

APRIL 2025

Chinese embassy spokesperson says India and China should stand together to overcome difficulties in the face of tariffs imposed by Trump's administration.

JULY 2025

Jaishankar makes first visit to China in five years, says India and China must resolve border friction, pull back troops and avoid "restrictive trade measures" to normalise their relationship.

Reuters reports that the Indian government's top think tank has proposed easing rules that de facto require extra scrutiny for investments by Chinese companies.

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AUGUST 2025

Wang tells his Indian counterpart while on a visit to New Delhi that China and India should establish "correct strategic understanding" and regard each other as partners, not rivals.

Later in the month, Chinese ambassador Xu Feihong says at an event in New Delhi that China opposes Washington's steep tariffs on India and will "firmly stand with India".

(Compiled by New Delhi and Beijing Newsrooms; Editing by William Maclean)
NEED TO KNOW

A man has reportedly been accused of killing a former co-worker after posting on TikTok about the victim allegedly owing him $31,000

Naqibullah Habibzoi was charged in relation to the May 2025 murder of Awal Noor Kiftan on Aug. 21

Habibzoi allegedly referenced the debt in videos posted on TikTok. He later claimed the account was hacked

A content creator in Texas is reportedly facing murder charges after being linked to the killing of his former co-worker.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, Naqibullah Habibzoi, 23  who has over 20,000 followers on TikTok  was arrested and charged in connection with the May 31 death of Awal Noor Kiftan, 34, per the San Antonio Express-News.

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Citing court records, the outlet alleged the pair used to work together at a trucking company.

Investigators discovered multiple posts and comments on the suspect's TikTok account, in which he reportedly accused Kiftan of taking $31,000 from him, according to the outlet.

Habibzoi, who lives in Houston, previously denied involvement in the shooting, which occurred outside the victim's Northwest Side apartment in the 9100 block of Dartbrook Drive at around 11 p.m. local time, the paper reported. Kiftan was pronounced dead at the scene, per KENS 5.

Moab Replublic/Shutterstock A photo of a San Antonio Police Department vehicle A photo of a San Antonio Police Department vehicle

According to Fox San Antonio, Habibzoi is accused of driving from Houston to San Antonio to carry out the shooting. A friend of Kiftan told detectives that the victim had received a phone call to meet a woman outside his apartment; however, the witness heard gunshots shortly afterward.

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Kiftan was discovered unresponsive on the ground, the outlet noted. The witness gave detectives the woman in question's first name, and it matched the name of a woman connected with Habibzoi.

Fox San Antonio stated that Habibzoi had previously said that the victim "had his $31,000" in one TikTok post, as well as saying things such as, "We never move on without taking our own revenge."

Habibzoi claimed his account was hacked and even provided alleged evidence in a video published in June, the San Antonio Express-News reported. However, call records and location data revealed the suspect had traveled from Houston to San Antonio on the day the victim was killed, as well as license plate readers picking up his vehicle between the two Texas cities.

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Habibzoi also allegedly confessed to the shooting in a phone call obtained by investigators, the San Antonio Express-News reported, citing the affidavit. The suspect reportedly told another man in Pashto that somebody was not giving him his money so "he finished him."

The San Antonio Police Department didn't immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The Grand Rapids fire department broke ground Thursday on a multi-million-dollar investment for a new training facility.

For decades, GRFDs department has operated its training at a leased water development building off Monroe Avenue NW  a building Grand Rapids Fire Chief Brad Brown said has outlived its time.

Sneak peek: New Grand Rapids Fire Department station nears completion

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News 8 got an exclusive tour with Brown of the current facility and its offerings.

For the second biggest city in Michigan, this is about it, Brown told News 8 on the tour. We make the best of it, and it has served us well, it has served this community well. Its time, its time to modernize and get some more square footage.

Brown said the current space does not have a proper water draining system.

All winter we train here, so we are here doing searching drills, cutting holes in the roof, dragging hose lines but there is not a great place to flow water in here, so we are really kind of restricted, he said.

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On top of that, the current facility has one shower, one womens restroom, a small gym, one classroom, and overall, just not enough space.

The building where Grand Rapids firefighters currently train. (Aug. 28, 2025)

There are times where we have people standing along the back wall because there is just not enough tables and chairs in here, he said. This is our classroom, poorly lit, not ventilated well. We have really tried to make the best of it.

Ground broken on GRFDs new Division Avenue station

After nearly a decade of attempts, GRFD leaders stood alongside city, state, and federal leaders Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new $46 million new facility.

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new GRFD training center. (Aug. 28, 2025)

Brown said that it would not have been possible without $15 million coming from the State of Michigan, as well as federal grants and city bonds.

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We are investing into more than just bricks and mortar, we are building a modern state of the art training environment, state Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, said during the event.

This project represents the best of what we can get done when local state and federal governments collaborate, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, said during the event.

A rendering of a new training center where ground was broken on Aug. 28, 2025. (Courtesy city of Grand Rapids) A rendering of a new training center where ground was broken on Aug. 28, 2025. (Courtesy city of Grand Rapids) A rendering of a new training center where ground was broken on Aug. 28, 2025. (Courtesy city of Grand Rapids) A rendering of a new training center where ground was broken on Aug. 28, 2025. (Courtesy city of Grand Rapids)

The new facility will be just over 97,0000 square feet and will house things like a larger training classrooms, a five-story exterior burn building, maintenance areas and an emergency operations center.

You have a great fire department here, you have 240 dedicated men and women and they really dont ask for much most times and for us to come together and make this happen, its a big deal for them.

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The new facility is planned to be open by Spring of 2027.

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HMS Daring, the first of our six Type 45 destroyers, has been alongside now for 3000 days, as this paper recently reported. What struck me was the Pavlovian MoD response, we continue to meet all our operational tasking. This upsets me a lot. For one thing, in the case of our nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), whose predicament is worse even than that of our beleaguered destroyers, it clearly isnt true. Im not sure which is worse; that we frequently have no SSNs at sea at all or that we exist in a culture that cant admit it.

The reason Im certain that in the case of SSNs we are not making our operational commitments is that we have a hundred thousand tons of Carrier Strike Group on the other side of the world just now with no British submarine in attendance. This is a fail.

The planning assumptions around strike group deployments determine what escorts the carrier should have at any given time, and these will vary depending on where the carrier is. In the North Atlantic, it might be escorted by just one frigate. In the Red Sea, it will be everything we have plus some US destroyers, please.

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In the Indo-Pacific I guarantee the SSN would be on the list for pretty obvious reasons, but its not there. And its not that one has been detached to work with someone else nearby at, say, three days notice to scuttle back. Nope, of the five we have, just one is working, and that one is back in the UK. This is not meeting either the doctrine or the operational requirements. And forget the strike group  who is doing SSN tasking around Britain now?

SSN availability is not the only nuclear-related issue we have. Our deterrent submarines are old and their replacements are very late. This and a maintenance backlog means their crews are increasingly being asked to conduct six-month patrols. Thats six months in a steel tube, at depth, with no view and no contact home, creeping around to remain undetected and waiting for the signal they hope never comes. When the previous class of bomber  the R boats  were getting long in the tooth, they ran the odd patrol over three and a half months, and that was deemed unacceptable and must never be repeated. But here we are adding 50 days to this. Talk to any accident investigator, and they will tell you that normalising exceptional is a fast track to disaster.

And so it goes on. Behind these two on the podium lies the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the logistic glue that holds our deployable navy together. We are down to just 10 of these ships now, and crew numbers and maintenance issues mean that we can currently operate about four: one tanker with the strike group, one in the UK, a surveillance vessel and our single amphibious vessel that rejoined the fleet last week.

To repeat, we currently have only one vessel capable of amphibious operations, and two weeks ago, that number was zero. The venerable RFA Argus lost her safety certification recently to the extent where she is not even allowed to change berths, much less make it back to base port, and RFA Stirling Castle, our sole mine countermeasures mothership, was just moved into the Royal Navy because the RFA cant crew her. The only Solid Support ship we have, RFA Fort Victoria, is not fit for sea so we had to rely on this capability being provided by Norway for the carrier strike deployment. Alliances are great if you choose to use them; bad if you have to.

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Thats the podium full and we havent even got to the Type 45 destroyers yet. Nor have we mentioned that we are down to just eight anti-submarine frigates, many of which dont have surface-to-surface missiles, making them rather an embarrassment when they escort heavily armed Russian warships through the Channel. The Type 23 frigate was designed with a hull life of 18 years. The ones we have left are at 30 and counting and are rotting from the inside out. Their replacements, the Type 26, are at least being built but very late, hence us having to run the 23s way beyond their design life.

We have two carriers but the largest number of jets we can send to see is half the number the ship was designed for, on only one of them. And these jets are poorly armed: they arent due to have a proper stand-off strike weapon until next decade. I wont even start on helicopters or missile stocks.

We are doing the most complex military operations on the planet and are doing so on a shoestring. Our outstanding sailors can only make up so much of the shortfall.

I was going to offer some solutions now, but they all run up against the same reality: we are trying to run Cold War-level armed forces on less than half of Cold War spending, with no real plans for this to change other than relabelling a lot of non-Defence spending. When we do spend some money on actual real Defence, we seem to care more about job creation schemes than actually buying kit.

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The new Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) was set up to help here, but as time goes on, it is looking increasingly like a deckchair arranging exercise. That no one seems too keen to take on the new and important role in the MSHQ leadership quad  the National Armaments Director  is a very bad sign.

Waterfront support infrastructure needs a dramatic boost. This is a huge topic but take Project Euston as an example. This is supposed to improve nuclear infrastructure in Faslane  the problem that triggered this article. But is it happening or not? No one seems to know. Maybe were waiting for the next defence investment paper or something  there seems to be a lot of that these days. Same with the replacement amphibious ships and destroyers, which, as I made clear before, are already late. And we will certainly be off the pace in the transition to autonomy and AI without a shift in culture, risk appetite and improved ability to work with smaller enterprises.

Probably more important than any of this is our people. Recruitment in the RN is now OK; retention is not. If we dont fix that, the rest is moot. We have always asked our people to do more with less  its the Navy way  but that wedge is too thin now and something is about to break.

Today, we neither have the navy we need nor deserve. If you wring it dry for maximum short term output it can still do extraordinary things  see the carrier strike deployment  but decades of kicking the defence can down the road, extraordinary levels of waste and inefficiency along the way and a culture where the Royal Navy says yes, minister and does as its told and the Ministry blandly says were meeting all operational commitments when its obvious we are not, and here we are.

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The solutions are expensive, complex and require a cultural and leadership reset. But if we dont start with honesty, inwards, upwards and outward, then nothing will change until its too late.

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LIMA (Reuters) -A small sculpture of two toads, and other water-linked symbols found near the Peruvian city of Caral - once the oldest city on the continent - have helped archaeologists confirm that an ancient civilization disappeared due to devastating climate change.

Climate change, a long-term and large-scale shift in weather patterns, can have natural causes such as changes in solar activity or volcanic eruptions. Since the early 1800s, human activities have been its main drivers.

Archaeologists said they found the small sculpture of the two amphibians, dating back 3,800 years, as well as anthropomorphic figures on mud walls earlier this year in the Vichama archeological site, about 160 kilometers north of the capital Lima.

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The site flourished between 1800 and 1500 B.C. and was an urban center whose population developed after the collapse of the ancient city of Caral.

The sculpture representing the toads symbolizes fertility, and the worship of water and rain after prolonged droughts, according to the Andean representation of the world, according to archeologist Tatiana Abad, head of research at Vichama.

Abad adds that along with the 12-centimeter (4.7-inch) sculpture of the two amphibians, figures of skeletal remains of individuals in a state of malnutrition were found on the walls of Vichama.

Abad said the figures look like they are in a state of malnutrition because of climate change, a global phenomenon that caused the decline not only of Caral, but of other civilizations in other parts of the world.

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The toad is a symbol of a crisis that these populations endured and it represents fertility and prosperity, Abad said.

Caral, a city made up of 32 monumental buildings dating back around 5,000 years, is contemporary with other civilizations such as those of Egypt and Sumer. However, it uniquely developed in complete isolation, according to researchers.

Peru is a cradle of ancient cultures and it has important archaeological remains such as the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the mysterious giant lines and figures of Nazca, located in a desert area on the central coast of the country.

(Reporting by Carlos Valdez and Marco Aquino in Lima; Writing by Paolo Laudani; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Celia Cuthbertson and Quacky with Sertoma Clubs of Topeka joined the 27 News Morning crew Friday ahead of the 30th annual Sertoma Great Topeka Duck Race.

The Sertoma Duck Race will kick off the 10,000+ rubber duck race with proceeds benefiting local charities on Saturday, Sept. 13. The event is held virtually with participants given the chance to win top-dollar prizes such as a 2016 Ford Edge SEL, 14kt yellow gold diamond bracelet and more.

The Topeka community has really supported us though these 30 years, Cuthbertson said. So, Weve been able to maintain selling between 10,000 and 15,000 ducks every year. So, were working hard towards that this year.

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This is dangerous and not okay: Police say residents are chasing off utility workers in Carbondale

According to the Sertoma Duck Race website, proceeds benefit the following organizations, but are not limited to:

Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters in Shawnee County.

Capper Foundation.

Childrens Miracle Network.

The Villages.

The Marian Clinic.

Meals on Wheels.

Head Start Programs.

LULAC and East Topeka Sr. Center.

Safe Streets.

KVC.

LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center.

Ronald McDonald House.

TARC.

Boys & Girls Clubs.

Sole Reason.

To participate, you can adopt a duck before 10 a.m. on the day of the race. Each duck is assigned a number and is given a chance to win. To adopt a duck, click here.

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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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Emergency recovery operations are ongoing at two sites in Kyivs Darnytskyi district following a large-scale combined Russian attack on 28 August, with 877 people reporting damage or loss of property to the authorities.

Source: Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Operational reports indicate that 877 people across Kyiv have sought assistance due to damage or property loss. We have drawn up 565 reports of damage.

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The aftermath is significant, and utility services continue their inspections. Over 5,400 broken windows have now been confirmed. District authorities reported that around 2,500 of the windows have been covered with plastic sheeting and boards. Documentation and formal recording of damage are ongoing."

Details: Tkachenko stated that 23 families require temporary accommodation, 21 of them in Kyivs Darnytskyi district.

He promised housing and appropriate compensation to those affected.

At the scenes of the strikes in the Holosiivskyi district, road surfaces are currently being repaired by Kyivavtodor, a municipal corporation that manages Kyivs road and bridge infrastructure. DTEK, an energy operator, is restoring electricity to the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was damaged in the Russian attack.

Background: On the night of 27-28 August, Russian forces launched a large-scale combined strike on Kyiv, killing 23 people, including 4 children.

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MOORE, Okla. (KFOR)  Total Wine & More has officially been granted a license to open its first store in Oklahoma in Moore after more than a year of legal back and forth with state regulators.



The Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission approved the companys application on Aug. 20, clearing the way for the new location in Moore to open its doors in the coming weeks.



The original dispute stemmed from how Total Wine originally applied for its license.



Last year, the retailer sought to operate as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), which ABLE commission attorneys said is a business structure the Oklahoma Constitution allows to own retail liquor stores.

Only certain types of business entities can own retail liquor stores, said Lori Carter, attorney for the ABLE Commission. You cant be an LLC or a limited liability company. Thats just the way the Constitution is written And so we had to deny that application.

Impeachment of Supt. Walters a major topic at Capitol Education Forum Thursday

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Carter said Oklahomas Constitution only permits sole proprietorships or limited partnerships  essentially businesses tied directly to individuals rather than corporations  to hold liquor licenses.



It has to do really with the liability protections of the members of that partnership, Carter said.



The rules are why most Oklahoma liquor stores are small, family-owned businesses, such as Panchos Liquor Town in Oklahoma City, whose owners News 4 spoke with last year.



Sept. 1, 1959 was the first day of no prohibition in the state of Oklahoma, and my dad opened up his first liquor store that day at 10 a.m., Panchos Owner Brenda Wilson told News 4 in November 2024.



When asked last year about the prospect of Total Wine coming to town, Wilson said she worried about competing with a national chain.



Probably put us out of business because we cant compete with that kind of money, Wilson said.



Despite the license snag, Total Wine moved forward with construction on the Moore storefront.

Man convicted of first-degree murder in 2023 Rose State College shooting

Last week, the company returned to the ABLE Commission with a revised application as a Limited Partnership (LP)rather than as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).



They applied for the license again, Carter said. And because they met all of the other requirements by statute and constitution, we issued the license.



By Thursday, the parking lot was full of staff training and stocking the store in preparation for opening.



We never had a problem with Total Wine coming to Oklahoma, Carter said. We just said you have to abide by our Constitution. And once they were able to come to us with a business entity that met those requirements, we were happy to issue the license.



Total Wine lists several open positions on its website.



The company is planning a grand opening for the Moore store within the next few weeks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Credit: Instagram/skydive_kenya

A Spanish tourist has provoked outcry after being filmed pouring beer down an elephants trunk in Kenya.

Kenyan authorities said an investigation had been opened after the unnamed man was seen drinking from a can of Tusker beer, a local brand with an elephant logo, and then giving the rest to the animal.

Just a Tusker with a tusked friend, he captioned the Instagram video, according to the BBC.

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The clip, which appeared to have been filmed at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in the central county of Laikipia, attracted hundreds of critical comments before being taken down.

The same man had also shared a clip from the nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy, showing him feeding a rhino carrots.

This should never have happened

Dr Winnie Kiiru, a Kenyan biologist and elephant conservationist, said the tourists unfortunate behaviour had endangered both his life and that of the elephant.

She said: About 95 per cent of elephants in Kenya are wild and it is wrong to have social media posts that give the impression that you can get close to the elephants and feed them.

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A staff member at the privately owned Ol Jogi sanctuary said: This should never have happened. Were a conservation and we cant allow that to happen.

We dont even allow people to go near the elephants.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy also criticised the mans behaviour.

Dylan Habil, from the conservancy, said: He has also broken our rules because he was not supposed to touch the rhinos because they are not pets.

The Kenya Wildlife Service said it was looking into the incident, which came days after footage emerged of tourists blocking wildebeest at Maasai Mara during the annual migration.

Visitors were seen jumping out of safari vehicles, crowding riverbanks and forcing wildebeests into crocodile-infested waters.

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The tourism and wildlife ministry later tightened rules, directing tour operators to ensure that visitors remained inside vehicles except in designated areas.

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Good morning KELOLAND! Its another very quiet morning at Lake Madison as we kick off the Labor Day Weekend forecast. Rain chances are on the way, but mainly for central and western SD in the short-term forecast.

The overnight radar trend can be seen in the video below. Expect more rain to develop in these same areas during the day.

Take a closer look at Futurecast in the video below. You can see most of the rain holds west of Sioux Falls through today, but slowly expands eastward through the weekend.

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This map shows the rain outlook through Saturday night.

The reason the rain is stalling west of Sioux Falls revolves around the placement of a blocking high pressure ridge moving into northern MN. This feature will help stall this storm system and ultimately will be deciding factor as to if and when the rain moves into more of our East River counties.

Much cooler weather is still on the way for next week, with highs in the 50s and 60s looking likely by Wednesday and Thursday along with blustery north winds and areas of rain. Look for more details in the days ahead!

Here are the details of the forecast.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  A semi-truck rollover in Provo led to temporary road closures on Lakeview Parkway.

A semi-truck reportedly rolled over at 87 W Lakeview Parkway near the I-15 University Avenue exit. The eastbound lanes were closed while crews worked on cleaning up the accident. Additionally, the southbound off-ramp at University Avenue was closed as well.

Courtesy: Provo City Government

Provo City Police asked the public to avoid the area and said, Were seeing traffic backing up on the southbound on-ramp  try to avoid that exit route if possible.

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Initial estimates, from Utah Department of Transportation, said the crash may be cleared up by 4:48 p.m., and it is likely that people will experience delays in the area. As of 6:30 p.m., roads have been reopened.

Officials have not confirmed how the rollover occurred or if there are any injuries.

Notably, this marks the newest of several rollover crashes that have occurred in recent days. Yesterday, on August 28, 2025, a semitruck rolled over in Orem and spilled garbage debris across the I-15 northbound ramp at 800 north. Additionally, two individuals fled from a traffic stop and rolled their vehicle on Redwood Road.

On Tuesday, August 26, a semi hauling 31 horses rolled over in San Juan County. Several local ranchers stepped in and rescued the horses.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
ALSIP, Ill. (WGN)  A poignant moment of remembrance, intertwined with the painful memories of Emmett Tills murder, ran its course from the southwest suburbs to Greenwood, Mississippi, on the 70th anniversary of his death.

A ceremony in remembrance of Emmett Tillthe 14-year-old boy from the South Side of Chicago who was brutally murdered on Aug. 28, 1955, after he was falsely accused of whistling at a white womantook place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip on Thursday.

We join together with you and we will never forget, Rev. Thomas Irving said at Burr Oak. And so again, this is an act of kindness and an act of love that we share in this moment.

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Hours earlier, an Amtrak train arrived in Greenwood with a special contingent of passengers aboard. On Wednesday, the remaining members of the Till family boarded the train and took the same ride Emmett took from Chicago to the Mississippi town.

Racism is not going anywhere. Racism is still well and alive, said Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., Tills cousin. This trip can help us to see how much progress weve made, and how much more we need to.

Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. and members of the Till family board an Amtrak train bound to Greenwood, Mississippi from Chicago. Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. and members of the Till family board an Amtrak train bound to Greenwood, Mississippi from Chicago. Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr. and members of the Till family board an Amtrak train bound to Greenwood, Mississippi from Chicago.

Parker Jr. was with Till on that train ride south in 1955. He is the last surviving eyewitness to his abduction.

As students of history may remember, Tills mother insisted her sons casket remain open during his funeral. It was a decision meant for the world to see the suffering her son endured as he was abducted, taken to a barn, beaten, tortured and mutilated before he was fatally shot in the head, tied to the blade of a cotton gin, and dumped in the Tallahatchie River.

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It was a seminal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

An all-white jury later acquitted the men who killed Till. They went on to confess to the murder years later in a magazine article, and the woman who accused Till of whistling at her later recanted her story.

The gun used to shoot Till has been put on display at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. According to the Associated Press, it was previously in the possession of a family living in the Mississippi Delta, who agreed to donate the weapon on the condition they would not be named in its exhibit. The gun was authenticated by matching its serial number to the one listed in FBI files on Tills murder.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Federal authorities rearrested Julie Mikela Winters on August 20 after he violated release conditions by returning to an area near the ICE facility. Winters faces charges in connection with a knife attack on agents.

Winters identifies as a transgender Antifa member and previously went by Christopher Hudson. The suspect is originally from New Jersey but later moved to Portland and transitioned there.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, authorities said Antifa members clashed with law enforcement outside the ICE building.

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According to officials, Winters brandished a long-bladed weapon at DHS agents. Video showed Winters throwing the knife as a projectile. Agents arrested Winters that day after marshals tased the suspect during a failed attempt to flee on foot. Some Antifa accounts later spread false claims that Winters had died in custody.

Judge Youlee Yim You released Winters on July 8 and ordered the suspect to a reentry center. Winters pleaded not guilty to felony charges, including attempted assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon.

Winters also faces another felony case from December 2024 involving an alleged assault on an officer. Prosecutors said the suspect remains unemployed and identifies as nonbinary.

On Monday, Judge Yim You held another hearing to consider release. Winters entered the courtroom in chains and yelled at public defender Michael Benson.

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I dont want this man anywhere near me! Winters shouted. Marshals cleared the courtroom after the outburst.

Attorney Benjamin Andersen replaced Benson as Winters lawyer. Andersen admitted the violations but requested release to Winters apartment, which sits near the ICE building. He opposed sending Winters to a mental health facility, citing health issues during prior detention, including an HPV infection. Andersen argued against what he described as a communal area with a bunch of men despite identifying as a nonbinary woman.

Prosecutor Lewis Burkhart opposed release and described Winters behavior during re-arrest. He said five marshals restrained Winters and one marshal was assaulted.

Judge Yim You ruled against release, citing serious violations. Winters now remains in custody.
A portion of Nt. Nebo Road is closed in Ohio Township.

Ohio township police say Mt. Nebo Road is temporarily closed between Arndt Road and the entrance to Mt. Nebo Pointe.

A tree and live wires came down near Trinity Jewelers, making the road unpassable and causing the closure, police say. Duquesne Light crews have been called to the scene.

Police tell drivers to use a different route for now.

Avonworth School District officials say school buses that use Mt. Nebo Road may be delayed because of the closure, and buses will not be able to reach any stops inside the closed portion. School will still operate as normal.

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AIKEN (WJBF)  The Aiken County Branch of the NAACP is holding its 44th Annual Freedom Fundraising Campaign and 107th Branch Anniversary Celebration.

NewsChannel 6s Dee Griffin talks with Dr. Melencia Johnson and Rev. Westley Guyton about the big event.

It will be held Friday September 5, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the USCA Convocation Center located at 2049 Champion Way in Graniteville, South Carolina.

The guest speaker is Judge Penny Brown Reynolds who is a CEO, speaker and author. She is the former Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the Biden-Harris Administration, The United States Department of Agriculture. Most recently she served as USDAs Chief EEO Principal Officer for its 100,000 plus employees.

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Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/44th-annual-freedom-fundraiser-and-107th-branch-anniversary-celebration-tickets-1392014094629?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
VAN BUREN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  The jury trial for a Crawford County mother and her boyfriend accused of killing a toddler last year has been pushed to 2026, according to court documents.

Dakota Hays, 29, of Alma, was booked into the Crawford County Detention Center on Jan. 13 for first-degree murder and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

Annastacia Atkins, 24, of El Paso, Ark., was booked for first-degree murder and permitting abuse of a minor on the same day.

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Their trial was scheduled to begin on Oct. 27, but during a status hearing on Aug. 27, the trial was pushed back to Feb. 23, 2026. A new status hearing in the case is set for Dec. 17.

Dakota Hays, 29 (Courtesy: Crawford County Detention Center)

Annastacia Atkins, 24 (Courtesy: Crawford County Detention Center)

The Crawford County Sheriffs Office said on June 14, 2024, deputies responded to a call in Kibler for an unresponsive two-year-old.

A probable cause affidavit identified Hays as the stepfather of the child and Akins as the mother.

The affidavit said Hays and Atkins were swimming with three children and Hays was teaching the two-year-old to swim.

One of the children told police that Hays would throw the two-year-old in the water and push them under the water to get items from the bottom of the pool.

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Hays said he was teaching the child to swim and they would be underwater only for a few seconds at a time, according to the affidavit. He said that the child had gotten water in his lungs because he saw the toddler spitting up water.

Atkins said she was lying down inside when Hays walked in, saying something was wrong with the child.

When she went outside, Atkins said she saw the child shaking, as if they were suffering from a seizure. Atkins said she tried to help the child by giving them chest compressions because she believed his heart had stopped.

Fort Smith weighs $585M in water upgrades as demand grows

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A doctor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences looked at a CT scan of the childs lungs and said they were consistent with drowning.

An autopsy by the Arkansas State Crime Lab in October revealed the childs cause of death as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, resulting from a prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain. The affidavit says the child had suffered severe injuries consistent with abusive trauma. The childs death was ruled a homicide.

The other two children were interviewed by authorities, who revealed that Hays had been throwing the victim into the water despite them not wanting to swim. One said Hays would hit them with a wooden stick on their head, feet, knees and toes.

During the investigation into the incident, CCSO worked with the countys prosecuting attorneys office to obtain warrants for Atkins and Hays arrest.

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Hays is being held on a $1 million bond. Atkins is being held on a $750,000 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Washington, DC  The decision by European countries to impose snapback sanctions against Iran may further exacerbate international tensions, experts say, as fears of a regional war loom over the Middle East.

On Thursday, Germany, France and the United Kingdom  Europes largest economies  triggered a 30-day process to reimpose sanctions over what they called significant violations of a 2015 agreement to limit Irans nuclear programme.

What were heading toward is the snapback scenario where the sanctions come back and Iran is likely to retaliate in some way thats unhelpful, said Ryan Costello, the policy director at the National Iranian American Council (NIAC).

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And the tensions could escalate into renewed violence after the Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this year. Its another kind of domino falling on the way toward the June war reigniting, Costello said.

The United States, which bombed three nuclear facilities in June as part of an Israeli assault on Iran, has welcomed the European countries move.

But the administration of US President Donald Trump has also kept the door open for talks with Iran.

The United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran  in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it.

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Costello, however, underscored that Iran was at the table before Israel launched its 12-day war.

A round of nuclear talks between US and Iranian officials was set to take place on June 15. But Israeli bombs started falling on Tehran two days before the scheduled negotiations, postponing them indefinitely.





Costello said that, in order to return to the nuclear discussions, the US and Europe first have to rebuild trust with Iran.

The overwhelming sentiment in Iran is that those talks were all a ruse  that Israel was going to attack Iran with US support to some degree regardless of what they did at the negotiating table, he told Al Jazeera. So both the Europeans and the US have to reflect that reality.

What is snapback?

The current crisis can be traced back to Trumps decision to pull the US out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term in 2018.

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The 2015 accord  formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)  compelled Iran to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting international sanctions against its economy.

But to ensure that Iran can be penalised quickly if it violates the agreement, the deal included a snapback mechanism to reimpose a series of United Nations sanctions.

The mechanism gave any signatory to the agreement  the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia or China  the power to kickstart a process to revive six UN Security Council sanctions resolutions.

And the snapback is veto-proof, meaning Russia and China, both allies of Iran, cannot block the restoration of the sanctions.

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In 2020, the US tried to activate the snapback clause of the JCPOA, but the effort failed because Washington was no longer a party in the agreement.

Since the US exit in 2018, Iran has been gradually escalating its nuclear programme, but Iranian officials insist that the country is not seeking a nuclear weapon.

Thursdays decision to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran appears to be timed against the expiration of the snapback provision in October, which marks 10 years after the nuclear deal came into effect.

Experts say the governments in Paris, London and Berlin are essentially invoking a provision from a long-abandoned agreement to secure UN sanctions against Iran.





Sina Toossi, senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, said the snapback was included in the JCPOA to ensure that all sides abide by the deal, but European powers are using it to further pressure Iran.

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The overall US and European approach to Iran has been just brute power  like might is right, Toossi told Al Jazeera.

Anything about legal contacts and history and international norms doesnt matter. They just want to use this instrument to unilaterally reimpose sanctions on Iran.

What does Europe want?

France, Germany and the UK, however, have outlined three conditions to delay the snapback sanctions by six months.

The demands are for Iran to resume direct talks with the US, restore full cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, and disclose the new location for its heavily enriched uranium after the US and Israeli strikes.

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Some US reports have suggested that the uranium stockpiles are buried under the now-damaged nuclear facilities, but Iran may have also moved the material before the US bombed its nuclear sites.

Analysts say that, while the European conditions may seem reasonable on the surface, they are challenging for the Iranian leadership to agree to.

The European powers want Tehran to recommit to negotiations with Washington, without assurances from the US and Israel that they wouldnt attack again.

Tehran had also suspended full cooperation with the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after the watchdog failed to condemn the US and Israeli attacks, which it said breached international law.

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Earlier this month, Iran allowed some IAEA inspectors back into the country, but the UN agency still has not accessed or assessed the damage at Irans enrichment facilities.

As for the uranium, Iran fears that disclosing the location of the stockpiles will only invite Israel or the US to bomb them.

If they make the location of that enriched uranium very clearly known to the wider world, including US and Israel, then its a blinking target for follow-up US or Israeli strikes on those facilities to set Irans programme back further, Costello told Al Jazeera.

So because that hasnt been ruled out, it becomes very difficult for Iran to strike such an agreement.





Impact of snapback

But the three European powers argued that the demands are necessary because Irans nuclear programme constitutes a clear threat to international peace and security.

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Today, Irans non-compliance with the JCPOA is clear and deliberate, and sites of major proliferation concern in Iran are outside of IAEA monitoring, the countries said in a statement.

Iran has no civilian justification for its high enriched uranium stockpile  which is also unaccounted for by the IAEA.

Tehran has rejected that argument, saying that European powers had breached the 2015 agreement first by accepting the USs 2018 decision to restore secondary sanctions on Irans economy.

Most countries and businesses around the world enforce US sanctions out of fear of being sanctioned themselves.

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The Iranian economy is already reeling under heavy US sanctions with global implications.

But the UN sanctions  which include an arms embargo  could enable unilateral sanctions by other countries. They may also further undermine trust in the Iranian economy. Already, the Iranian rial fell sharply after Thursdays announcement.

There is more currency depreciation because of the snapback; its another psychological shock to the economy, said Toossi.

Europe goes hawkish

Since the turn of the 21st century, European countries have been seen as a moderating influence on Washingtons hawkish impulses towards Iran.

Despite abiding by the US sanctions, European leaders had vocally opposed Trumps exit from the JCPOA in 2018.

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But since Trump returned to office in January, France, Germany and the UK appear to have taken a harder line against Tehran.





In June, European powers not only failed to condemn Israels unprovoked war on Iran, but they also seemed to endorse it. Chancellor Friedrich Merz even suggested Germany and the West are benefitting from the assault.

This is dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us, he said.

Trita Parsi, the executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, a think tank that promotes diplomacy, said Europes new posture towards Iran is linked to its broader relationship with the US.

Iran has been accused of supplying Russia with drones to use in its war against Ukraine, so now Europe sees Tehran as a threat, Parsi said.

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He also noted that nearly all trade between Europe and Iran has been destroyed by US sanctions.

Iran simply does not matter that much for Europeans, he told Al Jazeera in a TV interview.

So doing something that endears Europe with the hardline elements in the Trump administration, I think, is something that is seen as valuable in Europe  given how tremendously strained the current transatlantic relationship is right now.

For now, the nuclear tensions continue to grind on. The US continues to demand that Iran dismantle its nuclear programme, while Tehran insists on maintaining uranium enrichment domestically.

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Toossi said theres an irony in the whole affair: The three European powers are invoking a provision of the JCPOA that grants Iran the right to uranium enrichment, but they are using it to align with the US demand for no more enrichment.

The hypocrisies and contradictions are just immense in all of this, he said.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Kansas Turnpike Authority reports that there is a crash east of Topeka near Tecumseh that could be causing traffic issues.

At 7:03 a.m., troopers were called to a crash near mile marker 184 south of Tecumseh on the Kansas Turnpike. Troopers at the scene report that one vehicle went off the highway and into a ditch.

Dense morning fog, rain chances return over the weekend

Officials say there may be lane reductions and warned of foggy weather in the area.

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There is no word on injuries at this time. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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.
The trouble with Trumps homelessness plan

The Trump administration is pushing to involuntarily commit more people to psychiatric hospitals in an effort to keep them off the street, according to a new executive order issued July 24.

Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order, the memo states. It also calls for defunding housing first programs, which prioritize quickly getting people into stable housing with fewer restrictions.

With the order, the new Trump administration is entering an ongoing debate over nationwide crises in mental healthcare and housing, and the intersection of the two. In recent years, even some blue states and cities like New York and San Francisco have moved to increase the use of involuntary treatment. Proponents of these policies say that people with severe mental illness are often too sick to accept help and can pose a threat to themselves or others when left untreated. Critics argue that these approaches are ineffective, costly, and in violation of patients civil rights.

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Some housing advocates say the presidents order is a deflection. Some people experiencing homelessness have mental illness, said Jesse Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center. Thats not the cause of homelessness. The cause of homelessness is that housing is too expensive. Institutionalizing folks doesnt treat the root cause of the problem.

Standards for when someone is eligible for involuntary treatment vary state by state, and attorneys say much of Trumps order is beyond his authority. But the order could have an impact on the distribution of federal funding and gives support to cities and states looking to crack down on homeless encampments.

To better understand the potential impact of this directive, The Marshall Project spoke with Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, which advocates against unnecessary institutionalization and for increased voluntary mental health treatment in community settings instead. This conversation was edited for length and clarity.

There had been chatter for a while about this happening. It was somewhat consistent with the rhetoric the president has used over the years in his campaigns and while in office. I think its entirely misguided.

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Its unusual, at best, for the president to tell the Justice Department to actively seek to undermine established law rather than to enforce it. There is Supreme Court precedent on civil commitment. [The state cannot involuntarily commit someone who doesnt have a mental illness and isnt a danger to themselves or others.] Thats the law of the land. There is no legal support for what they are advocating. If there were, they would not need to try to overturn judicial precedents.

What makes it misguided, in your opinion?

It is a little peculiar to suggest that the primary goal of this administration  when it comes to people with mental health disabilities  is not to help them in the community, but to focus on civilly committing them. And then what happens? Are they going to civilly commit them on a long-term basis? You cant commit your way out of a problem of not having sufficient community services. Thats the root cause of many of the issues they are addressing in this executive order.

It seems like a very backward vision of a system that resembles the one we came from many years ago, and that we got away from because it was not only destroying lives  it was destroying budgets as well. It is very costly to keep people institutionalized. If you dont focus on creating the services that people need to avoid it, or to be discharged and free up other beds when people need them  you will continue to have people showing up at the front door. Civilly committing everybody doesnt solve that problem. You cant create hospitals ad nauseam. This is not serving people or treating them. Its warehousing.

How does this order square with research on reducing homelessness or the use of involuntary treatment?

These provisions about using discretionary grants to expand civil commitments and involuntary outpatient commitments, to stop supporting housing-first policies or harm reduction policies  all of that seems to signal a shift away from evidence-based practices. There is a mountain of evidence supporting housing-first, that it works, and that its been a very effective and important strategy to meet the needs of people who often have the highest needs. Housing-first had bipartisan support for many, many years. It was started during the George W. Bush administration. That is a really effective strategy.

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To say were not going to house people who  by virtue of their situation or disability  are not going to be able to comply with certain requirements, and therefore were going to leave them on the street, has not been very effective. So what will happen to the people who will remain unhoused? Theyre going to be civilly committed then? And then what? Hospitalization is not a magic pill. They dont seem to have a plan for what happens after.

On assisted outpatient treatment [the practice of providing someone with involuntary mental health or addiction treatment in the community under a court order], this executive order seems to be promoting it and suggesting agencies should use all means available to expand it. But the Government Accountability Office just issued a report saying evidence is inconclusive that assisted outpatient treatment actually does anything.

How did increasing involuntary commitment and ending housing-first policies become a conservative talking point?

I dont think this has become a priority issue among most conservatives. I think there are particular groups for whom this has been a priority. Its not like Republicans broadly are clamoring for this.

There have been efforts to demonize people with mental health disabilities and portray them as violent, even despite a lack of evidence. All the data over all the years shows that people with mental illnesses account for 3 to 5% of violence. There was a specific effort to create these associations in the public mind of mental health and violence, because it was a convenient narrative. Some people did it because fear was a good way to generate support for mental health services, since otherwise, people didnt seem to care. There were other actors who had other motivations and were happy to take advantage of those increasing public fears to scapegoat people with mental health disabilities to divert from gun control conversations. Whether its right or left, both have been guilty of perpetuating those stereotypes.

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There has been a trend over the years to lower civil commitment standards. Apparently, the president thinks they should be [even] lower. Certain groups exist in states across the country who have beaten the drums for lowering [them]. It becomes a politicized issue where legislatures feel pressured to do something in the wake of a [violent] incident, and the answer is painted as if you just lowered civil commitment standards, then this wouldnt happen.

What does it mean to issue this order just as Congress approved significant cuts to Medicaid and other social services?

Thats the absurdity of it.

Hospitals are the most costly services we have in our system  that is why state mental health systems moved away from psychiatric hospitals. Also, because it was much better for people to live a life in the community.

We are in an era where Congress has made historic cuts to the Medicaid program, and states are going to face massive shortfalls in their mental health service systems. The idea of encouraging states to bypass interventions that would help people avoid hospitalization and to live in the community, and instead spending historically scarce resources on the most expensive interventions  seems completely flawed. They would be able to serve far fewer people. It makes no sense.

This story was produced by The Marshall Project and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
A truck driver has called on everyone to "do better" after capturing an appalling scene at a truck stop in Oklahoma.

In the subreddit r/awfuleverything, the driver shared a photo of improperly discarded waste blanketing the side of the road.

"All this trash at the Love's truck stop in Oklahoma. Please use a trash can. There is no reason for this. It isn't good for the wildlife or the planet," they wrote in a Reddit post two years ago. "We can do better than this."

Photo Credit: Reddit

"Good God!" another Redditor wrote, seemingly in shock at the amount of litter.

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In the image, users can see what appears to be a significant number of single-use plastic items, and while that would be concerning enough, Oklahoma sadly isn't the only part of the world that is dealing with the issue.

The U.N. Environment Programme has described our planet as "drowning in plastics," with more than 440 million tons being discarded each year. This is happening even as production of the material is increasing.

Additionally, the vast majority of single-use plastic products are made from dirty energy sources, and less than 10% of the material is recycled.

Fortunately, some companies have begun money-saving programs to encourage consumers to repurpose plastic, which could otherwise release toxins into our drinking water, end up in the stomachs of animals, or even contribute to the spread of disease.

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Other bold innovators have turned the waste into beautiful structures that serve practical purposes, while many individuals have also been doing their part, from avoiding plastic grocery bags to adopting reusable water bottles.

It's unclear whether the truck stop in question is still dealing with the astounding amount of trash seen in the OP's photo, but the image was enough for at least one commenter to be moved to action.

"We should all (anyone in or near Oklahoma) meet up there and collect the trash together," they suggested.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
This story is part of a true crime series by The Palm Beach Post.

What's a serial killer? According to the FBI, it is a person who kills two or more people in separate events.

Though Palm Beach County seems hardly a place to attract serial killers with its plethora of big police departments, several serial killers are linked to Palm Beach County murders here and elsewhere.

In some cases, the female victims were working as sex workers. It is believed that serial killers often target them because they are vulnerable and sometimes addicted to drugs. They also can be "runaways" or "throwaways," abandoned by their families. All these factors make it less likely they will be reported missing.

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Others just had bad luck running into these apex predators.

Best True Crime: Our library of Palm Beach County cases like clown murder, serial killer

1983-84: Christopher Wilder, Boynton Beach businessman launches killing spree across U.S.

A successful businessman in Boynton Beach in late 1970s and early 1980s, Christopher Wilder had a very dark side. He was arrested more than once in the county on sexual assault charges involving teenage girls. He'd also escaped being nabbed as the chief suspect in the murders of two 15-year-old girls on a beach in Sydney, Australia where he was born.

While Wilder was on probation in a Palm Beach County case, he went home to Australia and was arrested yet again on sex crime charges against minors. When he got back, he went before a circuit judge but was let out on bail.

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While he was free, Wilder kidnapped and sexually assaulted sisters, ages 11 and 10, he abducted near the Boynton Beach Library in June 1983. The next year, as his trial in Australia approached, he went on a cross-country killing spree, abducting 12 young women or girls and ending the lives of nine of them. He died in a gunshot battle with police in New Hampshire, ending his killing spree.

Surviving a serial killer: Christopher Wilder attacked her at age 11. Here's her story

1973: Carmelo DeJesus, the girlfriend killer

Carmelo DeJesus was living on Jan. 5, 1973 in a motel in Delray Beach, where he kept company with 30-year-old Sandra Lee Postell (also known as Sandy Lee Barbery). Under unclear circumstances, the pair got into an argument, which ended with DeJesus slitting Postell's throat with a knife before fleeing.

In addition to Postell, DeJesus said he killed Milagros Inez Pena, of Camden, New Jersey, stabbing her to death on Sept. 2, 1973; and girlfriend Octavia Lloyd, 42, of Bridgeton, New Jersey, who was shot to death on Sept. 17, 1971; as well as another woman he didn't identify.

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He broke into Lloyd's house and in trying to chase him away, they got into a scuffle and he shot her in the chest. DeJesus left her body on the back porch. After Postell's murder, he moved to New Jersey where he met Pena. They got into an argument, and he shot her in the heart.

The day after Pena's murder, the 39-year-old cannery worker was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Rochester, New York. He was found with a Bible, semiautomatic handgun and a note in Spanish saying he'd killed four people and didn't want to kill more. The note named only three.

"I have been having trouble of the heart, and that's why I want to end my life," he said.

1989: Scott Erskine left Renee Baker's body near Mar-a-Lago

Scott Thomas Erskine, serial killer, in 2001.

Renee Baker at age 12 when she was a 7th grader at Lake Worth Jr. High School, 1975-76. She was killed by Scott Erskine in 1989 when she was 26, her body left near the Intracoastal Waterway on Palm Beach.

While awaiting the start of his trial for the rapes and murders of two boys in California, Florida investigators matched Scott Erskine's DNA in the unsolved case of 26-year-old Renee Baker, who was murdered on June 23, 1989 on Palm Beach.

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He was formally charged in 2003 and was sentenced to life in prison in Florida in August 2004. Erskine, who had lived in Palm Beach County at the time of Baker's death, admitted to raping and killing her and pleaded guilty to second degree murder.

Baker drowned when Erskine broke her neck and left her near the bank of the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach.

Judge Lucy Chernow Brown reads a plea agreement via teleconference to Scott Erskine, center, in San Diego for the 1989 killing of Renee Baker. He was sentenced to life in prison in August 2004. He landed on Death Row for killing two young boys in California. Seated next to him are San Diego public defender Larry Ainbinder (left) and Palm Beach County Public Defender Carey Haughwout.

As part of the plea deal, Erskine, 42 at the time, also agreed to be interviewed by Palm Beach police about the unsolved murder of another woman on the island in 1989, Lena Marion Teinilla.

According to information in a probable cause affidavit, Bakers 1978 Plymouth Arrow broke down as she went to get ice cream at the Albertsons supermarket on Lake Worth Road. At the time, Erskine worked at the nearby Huneywell Fireworks stand less than a mile away and lived in a trailer on the property.

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A former co-worker of Erskines told police that a woman named Renee frequented the fireworks business and recognized her photo when police showed it to him.

Randy Baker watches a television monitor of Scott Erskine pleading guilty to the 1989 killing of his sister, Renee Baker. Erskine was sentenced to life in prison.

Bakers nude body was found face down at the Wild Life Sanctuary off the Southern Boulevard Causeway near President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago. The official cause of death was listed as assault and drowning.

Bakers clothing  neatly folded  sandals and purse lay 66 feet away from where her body was found. It appeared as though she had been dragged about 9 feet from a beach area to the Intracoastal. In 2002, with more evolved DNA testing, a Marlboro cigarette butt found near Baker's body would point to Erskine.

While investigating Erskines background, San Diego authorities traveled to Palm Beach County, where Erskine had lived from 1988 to 1991.

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Erskines California public defender contacted the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office and offered his clients guilty plea if the death penalty was taken off the table. In August 2004, Erskine pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a life sentence.

Erskine was sentenced to death in California in 2004 for the gruesome 1993 abduction and murder of 13-year-old Charlie Keever and his 9-year-old friend Jonathan Sellers. He died of COVID-19 during an outbreak at San Quentin Prison in July 2020.

1975: West Palm teen Nancy Fox likely victim in unsolved flat-tire murders

The flat tire murders, so-called by detectives who believed at least two of the killer's suspected victims had their tires deflated before they died, occurred in Broward and Miami-Dade counties between February 1975 and January 1976.

The bodies of 12 teens and women in their 20s were found near canals. They ranged in age from 14 to 27.

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Nancy Lee Fox, 19, from West Palm Beach was last seen alive on the night of June 13, 1975, walking to a laundromat in Broward. She was found two days later in a canal that was parallel to Highway 27.

Fox had been struck on the back of the head with a blunt object and choked before her body was thrown into the water. Her murder remains unsolved.

1991-92: James Frederick killed clerk's office worker, then mother and daughter as Hurricane Andrew approached

Lisa Bado (above) and her mother Rita Bado were murdered in 1992 in Lantana on the eve of Hurricane Andrew. Their murder went unsolved until 2003, when police used a hair found at the scene to connect James Anthony Frederick to the killings. DNA testing linked Frederick to the murder another Lantana resident, Martin Gatto, in December 1991.

Rita Bado (above) and her daughter Lisa Bado were murdered in 1992 in Lantana on the eve of Hurricane Andrew. Their murder went unsolved until 2003, when police used a hair found at the scene to connect James Anthony Frederick to the killings.

Amid a flurry of preparation for one of the most powerful hurricanes in history, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, a mother and daughter who'd just moved to Lantana from Connecticut were killed in a brutal fashion.

Rita Bado, 45, and Lisa Bado, 20, had moved to South Florida a year before, seeking a new life. Rita had just gone through a contentious divorce, and Lisa wanted to train to be a pastry chef.

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Lisa worked part-time at Charley's Crab on Palm Beach and attended the Florida Culinary Institute. Rita was employed as a cashier at Walmart in Delray Beach where co-workers called Tom Tebecio, Rita's brother, when she didn't show up for work on Aug. 22.

Tebecio and his wife, who lived in Boynton Beach, traveled to check on her. When he stepped into the bedroom, he wouldn't let his wife go any farther. He had found both Rita and Lisa brutalized. He later said he had never seen that much blood.

"I've been in the service. I've seen dead bodies," he said. "But this ..."

Rita Bado's brother Tom Tebecio in November 2005 gets a hug from wife, Karen, after James Frederick pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree murder with a firearm for the 1992 killings of mother and daughter Rita and Lisa Bado in Lantana.

It would take 11 years for the Tebecios to get answers.

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Eight months before the Bados lost their lives, Martin Gatto, a top-notch employee at the Palm Beach County Clerk & Controller's Office also died in horrific fashion. Gatto, 40, was found bound and stabbed to death in his Lantana apartment in December 1991.

Gatto had earned $9,000 in raises in four years at the clerk's office. Gatto was so diligent that his co-workers called police when he was only a few hours late.

James Frederick was in court in November 2005. He pleaded guilty pleas on two counts of first degree murder with a firearm for the 1992 killings of Rita and Lisa Bado in Lantana.

The Tebecios would learn in 2003 who killled his sister and niece. It took three more years to solve Gatto's slaying, both thanks to DNA on cigarettes left at the scenes.

The killer was James Anthony Frederick, who was already serving a 97-year prison term in Wisconsin for armed robbery and other charges.

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He pleaded guilty to the Bado killings and was charged with Gatto's, but it's not clear whether that case proceeded. Frederick, 65, is currently in a Wisconsin prison, according to the Florida Department of Corrections. He'll serve his two life sentences in Florida after he's released from Wisconsin  in 2065.

Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigator detective Doreen Perrault on May 16, 2003 embraces Thomas Tebecio at the conclusion of a press conference announcing the timeline in the Rita and Lisa Bado murders that occurred on Aug. 21, 1992. James Frederick, right, is the suspect linked with DNA evidence in the murders. Thomas Tebecio is the brother of Rita Bado. Tebecio and wife Karen Tebecio, far left, live in Boynton Beach.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida serial killers: Girlfriend killer, body near Mar-a-Lago, more
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A view of the south face of the pre-Inca mural discovered at Huaca Yolanda in Peru. | Credit: Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru

Archaeologists have uncovered a massive 3D mural on the northwest coast of Peru. Blue, yellow, red and black paints still adorn the 3,000-year-old mural, which is decorated with fish, stars and mythological beings.

"The imagery, decorative techniques and exceptional state of preservation make this a truly unprecedented discovery in the region," Cecilia Mauricio , an archaeologist at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru who found the mural, told Live Science in an email.

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Mauricio and her team began digging at the archaeological site of Huaca Yolanda in early July. During the first week of excavation, they uncovered the mural, which dates to the Formative Period (2000 to 1000 B.C.), so called because the first complex societies arose in what is now Peru at this time. The mural is nearly 20 feet (6 meters) long and 9.5 feet (2.9 m) tall.

The south face of the mural depicts a large bird with outstretched wings and a diamond motif on its head, Mauricio said, possibly representing an eagle or a falcon. On the north face, there are plants, stars and human-like figures that "seem to represent shamans," who were powerful people in that time period, Mauricio said.

"Current evidence suggests that the mural decorated interior spaces within the main atrium of a Formative Period temple," Mauricio said.

Related: Massive circular tomb filled with battle-scarred people unearthed in Peru

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Huaca Yolanda was probably occupied at the same time as Chavin de Huantar, which was a major ritual site in the Andes before the birth of the Inca Empire . The Chavin civilization was located in the highlands and developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, metallurgy and textile production. People at this site left behind murals that depict jaguars and reptiles that are predators in the jungle lowlands.

A view of the north face of the pre-Inca mural discovered at Huaca Yolanda in Peru. | Credit: Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru

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But the mural at Huaca Yolanda is different from those found at Chavin because it reflects a distinctive coastal artistic tradition, including imagery of fish and fishing nets.
The Trump administration is preparing an immigration enforcement blitz in Boston in the coming weeks, according to a current administration official and a former administration official.

The latest plans, which could still change, would involve a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel and represent the latest Democratic-run city to be targeted by President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has frequently clashed with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and criticized the citys so-called sanctuary policy  which limits local law enforcements cooperation with federal agents looking to arrest and remove undocumented immigrants.

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The clampdown could come soon after a similar surge in Chicago in September, the former official and current official said. But the operations could also happen concurrently, the administration official said.

The highest degree of national security and public safety concerns are in sanctuary cities, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told reporters on Friday. So without getting into specifics, and revealing any operational details, the president has been clear repeatedly that we're going to be prioritizing enforcement in these sanctuary jurisdictions as a matter of public safety and national security.

Flooding Boston with immigration enforcement officials would represent the latest escalation in the administrations campaign against Democrat-led cities, and, following action in Los Angeles and Washington, would continue to blur the lines between the military, policing and immigration enforcement across the country.

Its part of a broader strategy that could define the next chapter in the White Houses efforts to carry out the presidents promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The Trump administration has thus far struggled to meet its arrest and removal quotas but the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, provided billions in new funding to beef up ICE efforts.

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All these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE where we know public safety threats are being released every day into this country, especially those cities, were going to address that, border czar Tom Homan said at the White House this week. So were going to take the assets we have and move them to problem areas like sanctuary cities where we know for a fact there are public safety threats, illegal aliens on the streets every day.

Democratic Gov. Maura Healeys office declined to comment. And in a statement on Saturday, Wu decried the Trump administration's plans.

"We are the safest major city in the country because all of our community members know that they are part of how we keep the entire community safe," she said. "Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom and a home for everyone. Stop attacking cities to hide your administrations failures.

A spokesperson at DHS said the agency targets the "worst criminal illegal aliensincluding murderers, rapists, gang members, pedophiles, and terroristsacross the country."

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"It is no surprise that these criminals flock to sanctuary cities where politicians protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets putting American lives at risk," the spokesperson said. "DHS will go to wherever these criminal illegal aliens areincluding Chicago and Boston. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, nowhere is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return.

The planned immigration enforcement operations are linked to Trumps promise to expand his crime crackdown beyond Washington, where the National Guards presence has allowed Metropolitan Police to assist with ICE operations.

Thats allowed the president to bill the efforts as designed to restore law and order  a message that touches both crime and immigration, two issues Trump has long tied together.

We go in, we will solve Chicago within one week, maybe less, Trump said earlier this week. But within one week well have no crime in Chicago, like no crime in D.C.

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On Wednesday, officials at the Naval Station Great Lakes, north of Chicago, said they had been approached by the Department of Homeland Security regarding a potential request to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

The crackdowns in Chicago and Boston are expected to begin with increased immigration enforcement, similar to the Los Angeles playbook, the current and former administration official said. The increased enforcement could spur clashes with local officials and residents, leading the president to deploy the National Guard to protect ICE officers.

The Trump administration has been intensifying its battle with Boston and other Democratic cities this month. The Justice Department issued a revised list of sanctuary jurisdictions it says arent providing enough assistance with immigration enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters to 32 jurisdictions this month, accusing Boston and Chicago of obstructing federal law in a letter.

Bondi has threatened to pull funding from cities that are uncooperative, to dispatch law enforcement and to criminally charge and prosecute local leaders.

You better comply, or youre next, she said on Fox Business.

Kelly Garrity and Megan Messerly contributed to this report.
A sex education program for young Vermonters could lose over half a million dollars if state leaders refuse the Trump administration's demand to scrap all mentions of gender ideology from the curriculum.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services threatened to end federal money to Vermont and 39 other states for the Personal Responsibility Education Program, or PREP, if the cuts aren't made within 60 days.

The program aims to teach adolescents nationwide about sexually transmitted infections such as HIV and preventing pregnancy. It's especially meant to help young people who don't have housing or live in rural areas, like Vermont, among other groups.

Burlington activists protesting President Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 listed LGBTQ+ rights, especially for transgender people, as one of many civil liberties in jeopardy during another Trump administration.

Accountability is coming, said Andrew Gradison, acting assistant secretary of the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the department, in a news release. Federal funds will not be used to poison the minds of the next generation or advance dangerous ideological agendas.

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If Vermont does not comply, the state stands to lose $670,036 toward PREP, according to data linked in the release.

Vermont officials haven't said what the state's plan is, but some of them worry what the nixed funding could mean for kids here.

The cancellation of PREP funding would thus compromise a basic public health program that has benefited Vermont youth for over a decade simply because it includes references to certain facts about sex and gender, including the fact that some people are transgender, said Kyle Casteel, spokesperson for the Vermont Department of Health.

The federal government is giving state health officials until Monday, Oct. 27, at 11:59 p.m. to send a formal response, including a copy of revised curriculum materials.

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The notice to Vermont comes a week after the government ended PREP funding for California, where officials refused to change that state's program.

How will Vermont respond?

Casteel told the Burlington Free Press that health officials are working to understand the full scope of the potential impacts of non-compliance, but it is too early to speak concretely about the path forward.

On Wednesday during his weekly press conference, Gov. Phil Scott said much the same, telling reporters, "We're trying to figure that out," and expressing some concern over the "significant" amount of money Vermont might lose.

Secretary Jenney Samuelson of the state Agency of Human Services added that officials need "an opportunity to really dig into what their request is and evaluate it."

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Both Casteel and Samuelson expressed continued support for LGBTQ+ Vermonters, however.

The Health Department affirms our commitment to evidence-based public health programs that reflect the needs of all Vermonters, including the LGBTQ+ community, Casteel said. Even if this funding were eliminated, it would not change the reality that LGBTQ+ people exist in Vermont, belong in Vermont and are welcome in Vermont.

What is PREP?

PREP is a voluntary sex education program offered outside of schools by community organizations, including but not limited to youth centers and interpersonal violence organizations. PREP teaches children how to prevent sexually transmitted infections, especially HIV, and unintended pregnancies. Every state writes its own curriculum that's approved by the federal government.

Vermont usually receives about $250,000 each year in federal funding for PREP, Casteel said. The state has about two years left in its current funding.

What the Trump administration calls 'gender ideology' in Vermonts curriculum

On Tuesday, Gradison also sent a letter to the Vermont Department of Health citing a string of problematic language in Vermonts PREP curriculum and materials. Most of the examples acknowledge the existence of, and express support for, transgender and gender-nonconforming people.

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While the list wasn't exhaustive, it offered Vermont health officials an idea what content must be removed to prevent the funding cut, Gradison said in the letter.

Two items in the letter are snippets from the "Making Proud Choices! Facilitator Curriculum." One is a brief guide on how to ask youth participants what their pronouns are, which includes language such as pronouns dont always line up with what observers might expect based on a persons perceived biological sex.

The second listing is a section that offers definitions of gender, gender identity and gender expression.

Other examples come from a manual about supporting LGBTQ+ youth, which instructs teachers to teach students about sexual attraction and orientation, gender identity and sexual behaviors, as well as explain the difference between the terms cisgender and transgender.

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Transgender women and cisgender women are both women," a page from the guide reads. "Transgender men and cisgender men are both men. The use of cisgender helps clarify that gender identity exists in both cisgender and transgender people.

Gradison called the gender-related material irrelevant to teaching abstinence and contraception." PREP statute, he said, neither requires, supports nor authorizes teaching students that gender identity is distinct from biological sex or that boys can identify as girls and vice versa, thereby making curriculum containing gender ideology ineligible for federal funds.

Gradison added that officials under the Biden administration erred when they approved Vermonts PREP curriculum.

But Samuelson said the fact that 46 states and territories received letters from the Trump administration shows how widely accepted this curriculum is.

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Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Trump admin threatens cut to VT sex ed over 'gender ideology' in PREP
The Trump administration this week approved the sale of extended-range missiles and other related devices to Ukraine to bolster Kyivs defensive posture against Russia in an $825 million arms deal.

The agreement, which Congress was notified of, will include 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles, 3,350 GPS units, missile containers and other related equipment and accessories, according to the State Department.

Ukraine will use funding from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, along with U.S. foreign military financing, to purchase the arms package. The main contractors will be California-based Zone 5 Technologies and Virginia-based CoAspire.

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This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, the department said in the Thursday notice.

ERAM missiles have a range of up to about 250 miles.

The munitions sale comes as Russia appears to be slow-walking the U.S.s effort to broker a peace deal to end the war in eastern Europe and as the Kremlins military continues to pound Kyiv and other cities in Ukraine with missile and drone attacks.

President Trump has looked to help facilitate a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month and, days later, huddling with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House.

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The president has pushed to set up a meeting between Zelensky and Putin. Ukraine has been open about the potential huddle but pushed back on concessions related to a territory swap. Russian officials have so far rejected a bilateral between the leaders.

The State Department said the sale will not have adverse impact on the U.S. militarys readiness.

Washington revealed a $322 million weapons sale in July to boost Ukraines air defense systems.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The federal government agreed to release nearly $185 million in AmeriCorps funding after facing legal pressure, a court deadline, and opposition from 24 states led in part by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

The coalition filed a lawsuit and requested a preliminary injunction to release the funds, which had been withheld by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Facing a court deadline, the administration agreed to release the money without contesting the motion.

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When the Trump Administration targeted AmeriCorps and hurt communities across our state, we vowed to fight back, and today we have won, Platkin said in a statement.

The funding we have secured for AmeriCorps will help New Jersey residents and ensure that AmeriCorps volunteers  who help our state at no cost  are still able to perform their critical responsibilities," he added.

The funding supports AmeriCorps programs that provide services ranging from disaster relief and addiction recovery to education and environmental work.

This recent victory follows a longer legal battle that began in April, when Platkin and other state officials sued to stop the federal government from slashing nearly 90% of AmeriCorps workforce and canceling $400 million in contracts.

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A federal court issued an injunction in June, restoring hundreds of programs and blocking further cuts without formal rules being made.

Despite the court order, the White House budget office continued to withhold $184 million in appropriated funds.

On Aug. 8, Platkin and the 23 other attorneys general filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to force the release of the money.

Rather than contest the motion, the federal government informed the court on Aug. 28 that it would release the funds.

According to court documents, AmeriCorps expects to receive the funds from the U.S. Treasury by Sept. 2 and plans to distribute them by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30.

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The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and included attorneys general from states such as California, New York, Illinois, and Washington, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

In New Jersey, AmeriCorps members support programs that help people recovering from addiction, teach English to adults, mentor children with special needs, and assist with disaster recovery.

We will never stop fighting for New Jersey when this administration or anyone attempts to hurt our state  and we will continue to deliver results for our residents," Platkin said.

Stories by Colleen Murphy

Thank you for relying on us to provide the news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Trump administration is planning to remove nearly 700 Guatemalan children who had come to the U.S. without their parents, according to a letter sent Friday by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, and the Central American country said it was ready to take them in.

The removals would violate the Office of Refugee Resettlement's child welfare mandate and this countrys long-established obligation to these children, Wyden told Angie Salazar, acting director of the office within the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for migrant children who arrive in the U.S. alone.

This move threatens to separate children from their families, lawyers, and support systems, to thrust them back into the very conditions they are seeking refuge from, and to disappear vulnerable children beyond the reach of American law and oversight, the Democratic senator wrote, asking for the deportation plans to be terminated.

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It is another step in the Trump administration's sweeping immigration enforcement efforts, which include plans to surge officers to Chicago for an immigration crackdown, ramping up deportations and ending protections for people who have had permission to live and work in the United States.

Guatemala says it's ready to take in the children

Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Martinez said Friday that the government has told the U.S. it is willing to receive hundreds of Guatemalan minors who arrived unaccompanied to the United States and are being held in U.S. facilities.

Guatemala is particularly concerned about minors who could age out of the facilities for children and be sent to adult detention centers, he said. The exact number of children to be returned remains in flux, but they are currently discussing a little over 600. He said no date has been set yet for their return.

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That would be almost double what Guatemala previously agreed to. The head of the country's immigration service said last month that the government was looking to repatriate 341 unaccompanied minors who were being held in U.S. facilities.

The idea is to bring them back before they reach 18 years old so that they are not taken to an adult detention center, Guatemala Immigration Institute Director Danilo Rivera said at the time. He said it would be done at Guatemalas expense and would be a form of voluntary return.

The plan was announced by President Bernardo Arevalo, who said then that the government had a moral and legal obligation to advocate for the children. His comments came days after U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Guatemala.

Wyden's letter says the children 'will be forcibly removed'

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The White House and the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest move, which was first reported by CNN.

Quoting unidentified whistleblowers, Wydens letter said children who do not have a parent or legal guardian as a sponsor or who dont have an asylum case already underway, will be forcibly removed from the country.

Unaccompanied children are some of the most vulnerable children entrusted to the governments care, Wyden wrote. In many cases, these children and their families have had to make the unthinkable choice to face danger and separation in search of safety.

The idea of repatriating such a large number of children to their home country also raised concerns with activists who work with children navigating the immigration process.

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We are outraged by the Trump administrations renewed assault on the rights of immigrant children, said Lindsay Toczylowski, president and CEO of Immigrant Defenders Law Center. We are not fooled by their attempt to mask these efforts as mere repatriations. This is yet another calculated attempt to sever what little due process remains in the immigration system.

Due to their age and the trauma unaccompanied immigrant children have often experienced getting to the U.S., their treatment is one of the most sensitive issues in immigration. Advocacy groups already have sued to ask courts to halt new Trump administration vetting procedures for unaccompanied children, saying the changes are keeping families separated longer and are inhumane.

Migrant children traveling without their parents or guardians are handed over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement when they are encountered by officials along the U.S.-Mexico border. Once in the U.S., they often live in government-supervised shelters or with foster care families until they can be released to a sponsor  usually a family member  living in the country.

They can request asylum, juvenile immigration status or visas for victims of sexual exploitation.

___

Gonzalez reported from McAllen, Texas. AP writers Sonia Perez D. in Guatemala City and Tim Sullivan in Minneapolis contributed to this report.
Former AmeriCorps service member Daniel Zare, 27, visits Project CHANGE at Sligo Middle School on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he mentored students before federal government cuts in April. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

(This article was updated at 7:25 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 to include a statement from Gov. Josh Shapiro.)

The Trump administration has agreed to release $184 million for AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteerism, after a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors sued in April.

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The coalition, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, challenged the administrations plans to eliminate 90% of AmeriCorps workforce, cancel contracts and close $400 million worth of programs the agency supports, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronhas office said in a statement.

After we won in court against the Trump administration following their unlawful decision to dismantle AmeriCorps programs, the [White House Office of Management and Budget] is finally releasing the $6 million owed to Pennsylvania to help our seniors, support our schools, and more, Shapiro said in a statement. When the federal government breaks their promises to our commonwealth, my team and I are ready to fight back.

AmeriCorps, a federal agency signed into law in 1993 by former President Bill Clinton, places roughly 200,000 members across the United States at 35,000 service locations, according to current agency data.

It supports national and state community service programs by funding and placing volunteers in local national organizations that address critical community needs. It also provides support for organizations to recruit and supervise volunteers.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Members serve in schools, local governments and with a wide range of nonprofits that focus on health, disaster relief, environmental stewardship, workforce development and veterans.

The frozen funding has created uncertainty for AmeriCorps programs across the country. In Pennsylvania, the agency funds 132 programs that deliver services in more than 1,000 locations. AmeriCorps invested $54.8 million in the commonwealth in 2023, but 32 grants were canceled as a result of Trump administration cuts this year.

In June, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction that reinstated hundreds of AmeriCorps programs that were unlawfully canceled and barred the agency from making further cuts without going through a formal rulemaking process.

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The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), however, continued to withhold more than $184 million for service programs for seniors and those awarded highly competitive federal grants. The coalition filed an amended lawsuit in July and requested another preliminary injunction to release the remaining funds, Neronhas office said.

The Trump administrations deadline to respond was Thursday.

Rather than oppose the states motion, the administration instead informed the court that OMB would release all withheld AmeriCorps funds  which AmeriCorps will distribute to programs nationwide, as quickly as possible, Neronhas office said in a statement.

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Former AmeriCorps service member Daniel Zare, 27, visits Project CHANGE at Sligo Middle School on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he mentored students before federal government cuts in April. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)

The Trump administration has agreed to release $184 million for AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteerism, after a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors sued in April.

The coalition, including New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, challenged the administrations plans to eliminate 90% of AmeriCorps workforce, cancel contracts and close $400 million worth of programs the agency supports, Platkins office said in a statement.

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AmeriCorps, a federal agency signed into law in 1993 by former President Bill Clinton, places roughly 200,000 members across the United States at 35,000 service locations, according to current agency data.

It supports national and state community service programs by funding and placing volunteers in local national organizations that address critical community needs. It also provides support for organizations to recruit and supervise volunteers.

Members serve in schools, local governments and with a wide range of nonprofits that focus on health, disaster relief, environmental stewardship, workforce development and veterans.

The frozen funding has created uncertainty for AmeriCorps programs across the country.

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When the Trump Administration targeted AmeriCorps and hurt communities across our state, we vowed to fight back, and today we have won, Platkin said. The funding we have secured for AmeriCorps will help New Jersey residents and ensure that AmeriCorps volunteers  who help our state at no cost  are still able to perform their critical responsibilities. We will never stop fighting for New Jersey when this Administration or anyone attempts to hurt our state  and we will continue to deliver results for our residents.

In June, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction that reinstated hundreds of AmeriCorps programs that were unlawfully canceled and barred the agency from making further cuts without going through a formal rulemaking process.

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), however, continued to withhold more than $184 million for service programs for seniors and those awarded highly competitive federal grants. The coalition filed an amended lawsuit in July and requested another preliminary injunction to release the remaining funds, Neronhas office said.

The Trump administrations deadline to respond was Thursday.

Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Tim Lambert for questions: info@penncapital-star.com.
Donald Trumps approval rating has dropped to new lows for his second term.

The percentage of voters who say they support the job Trump has done since returning to the White House has dropped again in a Quinnipiac University poll. Released earlier this week, the survey also found that a higher percentage of Americans than ever before say that Israel is committing a genocide, including more than seven in ten Democrats.

37 percent of American registered voters approve of the presidents job performance to date. A much larger share, 55 percent, disapprove.

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But the big news for the president is a three-point drop in his approval rating in just a month. Fueled by a drop among Republican voters, the poll is a sign that Trumps own MAGA base, reinvigorated in 2024, is now chipping away under continued pressure from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal and the administrations ongoing frustrations as it pertains to Trumps promise to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.

A total of 84 percent of Republican voters said they approved of the job Trump was doing, compared to 90 percent who said the same in Quinnipiacs July poll. Over that same period, Trumps approval rating among independents ticked up one point, though that finding is within the margin of error.

Donald Trumps approval rating is slipping, fueled by the ongoing war in Gaza and his takeover of Washington, D.C. with the National Guard (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

On issue-based polling, Trump also suffered small losses of support for his handling of the economy, trade, and the Israeli siege of Gaza. Over July-August, he gained support, however, for his work to end the war in Ukraine; Trump met with Russias Vladimir Putin earlier this month, before sitting down with European leaders, including Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky, upon his return to Washington.

Meanwhile, Trumps attempts to impose military occupations on Democrat-run cities are hurting his image on crime  typically one of his stronger issues. According to Augusts poll, the president is now underwater on this issue with 54 percent disapproving of his crimefighting strategy and 42 percent supporting him. That finding is likely a result of a constant flood of images coming out of Washington, D.C. showing deployed National Guard troops from the District and around the country milling about high-tourism areas and snapping selfies with visitors.

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Elsewhere in the city, D.C. residents have ganged up in shows of furious opposition to the takeover of their city, resulting in large crowds hurling abuse at federal law enforcement agents and Guard members as the city endures roadside ICE checkpoints and patrols that have slowed foot traffic to District-area businesses to a crawl.

On the issue of the D.C. takeover specifically, 41 percent of voters support the measure while 56 percent oppose it.

The presidents sinking approval ratings are a warning flag for congressional Republicans as they rocket towards the new year, especially given the already unlikely prospect of the narrow Republican majorities in either the House or Senate being able to pass any kind of meaningful legislation before midterm election season begins.

On that same theme, there were reasons for the GOP to celebrate. Congressional Democrats registered about half the popularity of their marginally less disliked Republican counterparts. Seventeen percent of voters approved of Democrats in Congress, to 33 percent who approved of Republicans job performance, in the July survey. The job approval ratings of Congress werent included in Quinnipiacs latest round.

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Trumps handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation remains one of his lowest points in issue-based polling. 67 percent of voters said they disapproved of the way the Trump administration was handling the investigation, after promising repeatedly to release more files from the probe, including evidence tying Epstein to other powerful men. Less than 20 percent approve. The share of voters who specifically blamed the Justice Department and accused the DoJ of not being transparent on the issue was even higher, at 73 percent.

The polling shows a string of clear dangers for Republicans. A continued stalemate in Ukraine-Russia peace talks met with silence from the White House, the duplication of Trumps D.C. takeover to cities in other jurisdictions (especially swing states), or a downturn in the economy could put the GOP in a very tight spot as the party faces an extremely tough road to protecting its congressional majorities in the months ahead.

Quinnipiacs poll surveyed 1,220 registered voters between August 21-25. The surveys margin of error is 3.4 percentage points.
The leaders of three of the worlds largest countries will be gathering for a Eurasian summit in China this weekend.

But when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping join other heads of state in Tianjin for the 25th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), absent will be American sparring partner President Donald Trump.

For this particular summit, the US may not be at the table, but the US is always present, said Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center.

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Trump will nonetheless be the talk of Tianjin.

The one thing that theyre going to talk about is the United States, its policies, its tariffs, predicted Sushant Singh, lecturer in South Asian Studies at Yale University.

Case in point, Prime Minister Modi. He will arrive in Tianjin days after the Trump Administration imposed a stinging 50% tariff on Indian goods, among the highest of Trumps current tariffs. The White House presents this partly as a penalty for Indias purchase of Russian oil.

Trumps unexpectedly tough approach to India (which he recently called a dead economy much to New Delhis chagrin), reverses decades of US cultivation of the South Asian giant as a democratic counterweight to China

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Its a massive shift. Its a U-turn, said Yale Universitys Singh.

Analysts say the tariffs broadside from Trump has pushed Modi into making some concessions towards China and cautiously embrace Xi at a time when the two giant neighbors had already been exploring an improvement of their frosty ties.

Mr. Modi had no option but to go and cut a deal with President Xi, said Singh, speaking on the phone from New Delhi.

This will mark the Indian leaders first visit to China since 2018.

Relations between the two Asian giants cratered in 2020, after Chinese and Indian soldiers bludgeoned each other to death in the first of a series of violent clashes in a disputed Himalayan border region.

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But after a freeze that lasted years, both countries recently started re-issuing tourist visas for each others citizens and have said they would resume direct flights cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For years, Indias foreign minister stated that relations between the two countries would never be normalized until tension on the disputed border was resolved.

Modis mere presence in Tianjin will mark something of a strategic recalibration and a demonstration of Indias new geopolitical vulnerability.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Chinese President Xi Jinping prior to the dinner on September 4, 2017 in Xiamen, China. Ties between India and China are cautiously improving after relations cratered in 2020. - Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images

The Kremlins best friend

Less than three weeks after Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin at a US airbase in Alaska, the Russian president will be arriving for a visit to China at a time when Moscows missiles continue to pound Ukraine.

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He will not only participate in the Tianjin summit but also attend a massive military parade in Beijing alongside Xi and North Koreas Kim Jong Un on September 3, setting the stage for a stark show of unity between the three powers.

Trumps on-again, off-again overtures to the Russian strongman are unlikely to impact the so-called no limits partnership between Russia and China.

That relationship has only deepened in recent years, as cross-border trade has hit new heights. Meanwhile, both countries continue to engage in security cooperation, most recently with the announcement that they conducted their first-ever joint submarine patrol in the Pacific.

Analysts say the glue that binds these once-hostile neighbors ever closer is their shared perception of the US as a threat.

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Theres a famous saying in the Chinese policy community, says Sun from the Stimson Center. China and Russia can share miseries but not happiness.

China, faced with a slumping domestic economy, is also grappling with its own long and painful trade war with the US.

Meanwhile, Russia, with its much smaller economy and the international isolation triggered by its invasion of Ukraine, desperately needs a hand from China, turning Moscow into the junior partner in this relationship.

Beijings top diplomat reportedly told European officials China cant accept a Russian defeat in Ukraine.

It would be a major devastation for the Chinese security architecture if Russia were to fall or become Westernized, said Claus Soong, an analyst who specializes in China-Russian relations at the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.

New world order

In 2022, just days before Russia invaded Ukraine, Putin and Xi met on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics to call for shaping a polycentric world order.

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Their governments have chafed for years at the global dominance the US has enjoyed since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

President Trumps chaotic foreign policy, which has included attacks on longtime allies and the almost-overnight dismantling of global free trade, presents China, the worlds second largest economy, with fresh opportunity.

As world leaders gather for the SCO summit in Tianjin and the subsequent World War II victory military parade in Beijing, expect Xi to promote China as a stable alternative to Washington.

China is definitely using this opportunity to demonstrate to Chinas neighbors that China is a benevolent leader, a benevolent hegemondependable, predictable, said the Stimson Centers Sun.

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The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has deep structural flaws, including the wars that erupted in recent years between several of its member states and dialogue partners (India and Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Azerbaijan).

But this Eurasian gathering may present a more appealing alternative to nations worried by the US and its increasingly unpredictable position on the world stage.

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Just ahead of Labor Day weekend, President Donald Trump escalated his attack on the federal workforce by trying to strip union rights from more federal employees.

Trump signed an executive order Thursday purporting to strip collective-bargaining abilities from workers at the National Weather Service, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other federal agencies, claiming a national security exemption.

The move builds on a sweeping executive order in March that aimed to end bargaining rights for an estimated 1 million federal workers under the same premise.

This story is part of HuffPosts commitment to fearlessly covering the Trump administration. You can support our work and protect the free press by contributing to our newsroom.

Federal unions continue to challenge that order in federal court, noting that many of the workers covered by it  including nurses and park rangers  obviously serve no national-security functions. Theyve called the administrations actions retaliation for their opposition to Trumps federal workforce agenda.

Related: Most Trump Tariffs Are Not Legal, U.S. Appeals Court Rules

Matt Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, which represents NASA workers who would lose their union under the order, said it was particularly upsetting that Trump chose to sign his latest order just ahead of Labor Day, a federal holiday meant to honor the U.S. labor movement and how it has improved the lives of American workers.

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The Trump Administration has doubled down on being the most anti-labor, anti-worker administration in United States history, Biggs said in a statement.

He added that bargaining rights for civil servants at NASA extend back to the 1960s.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, noted that some of the agencies in Trumps Thursday order had already been hollowed out by cuts from the administration and its so-called Department of Government Efficiency. In fact, the weather service is having to hire hundreds of workers after pushing too many out the door.

Another agency covered by the order, the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which supervises the government-funded Voice of America broadcast overseas, has already been gutted by the administration.

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This latest executive order is another clear example of retaliation against federal employee union members who have bravely stood up against his anti-worker, anti-American plan to dismantle the federal government, Kelley said in a statement.

Indeed, when Trump signed his initial order retracting collective-bargaining rights, the administration made clear publicly they viewed federal unions as a political enemy. Certain Federal unions have declared war on President Trumps agenda, a White House fact sheet stated.

Related: Fox News Star Calls Out Trump Ally Over Apparent Hypocrisy: This Is The Same Thing

As HuffPost reported in April, Trump has gone further than even former President Ronald Reagan in trying to break federal unionism. In addition to stripping bargaining rights from workers, he has derailed agencies that enforce federal union rights, ended paycheck dues deduction to starve unions of their funding, and effectively ignored union contracts negotiated by his predecessor.

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Its very obvious what theyre trying to do, Lauren Leib, who heads a union chapter at the Bureau of Land Management, told HuffPost at the time. [The administration] knows we fight, and they know its in the public interest. Were fighting to keep people in these positions so they can continue to serve and they dont like it.

More on Politics

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Read the original on HuffPost
Eliminating the narcotics threat to our nation is a rightful priority for the Trump administration, but using U.S. troops to prosecute the drug war is the wrong tact and with far-reaching consequences.

This war will not end in a ceasefire. There will be no summits or working-level negotiations. Its an insurgency, and the U.S. military must not become embroiled in another forever war when there are viable alternatives to undermine cartels and stem the flow of drugs.

I've seen firsthand how empowering foreign partners with military technology and intelligence has been pivotal to defeating adversaries everywhere from Afghanistan to Colombia. And right now, if we don't firmly partner with the Mexican government and take bold action together, the drug cartels aren't going anywhere.

How US helped Colombia break Cali and Medellin cartels

Colombian troops deploy around Medellin in a hunt for Medellin Cartel leader Pablo Escobar in February 1993.

We faced a similar narco-security challenge several decades ago when the most high-powered cartels were headquartered in Colombia. Back in the early 1990s, I was the CIA's director of the Counternarcotics Center and chief of the Latin America Division where I saw how a robust U.S. government effort involving the CIA, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Colombians dismantled the Cali Cartel and Pablo Escobar's notorious Medellin Cartel.

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At that time, just like now, the conventional wisdom was that the cartels were too powerful to be taken down. But we succeeded because we were willing to trust and equip our Colombian partners with the tools they needed, and because the Colombian forces themselves were the face of the operation, adding a critical stamp of legitimacy to the effort.

Opinion: What I saw as CIA chief of the Afghan Task Force

According to The New York Times, President Donald Trump has signed a directive to allow the U.S. military to carry out operations against Latin American cartels in foreign lands and at sea. This would disregard the valuable operational synergy Ive seen time and again when there are strong partnerships between a host country and American officials.

Further, unilateral military action would be viewed as a threat to Mexicos sovereignty, and without active participation from the Mexicans, any immediate success would inevitably be short-lived. Unilateral action would also increase the risk of retribution on U.S. interests, only dragging us into a more prolonged battle.

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While partnering with Mexico is complicated by the fact that the cartels hold real sway within the government, right now we have a potential ally in Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has already sent cartel-linked individuals to the United States to face justice and appears eager to drop the ineffective "hugs not bullets" strategy of her predecessor.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Aug. 8, 2025, ruled out any U.S. invasion following reports of President Donald Trumps plans to use military force against Latin American drug cartels.

Although Sheinbaum must publicly resist any perceived threats to Mexico's sovereignty vis-a-vis the United States, the Mexican public is actively decrying crime and corruption. Addressing this legitimate complaint will require her to take meaningful action against the cartels.

Drug traffickers rank among top national security threats

Likewise, we've reached a breaking point here at home, where narco traffickers are ranked among top national security threats and Washington has designated certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. But instead of putting Mexico on the defensive, we should seize this moment of mutual concern by again undertaking a major joint project.

This should be a well-funded and formalized effort led by high-level U.S. intelligence, law enforcement, military and State Department officials with defined authorities and powers under a presidential national security directive. There also must be carefully defined guidelines for military action in Mexico to ensure that civilians never wind up as collateral damage.

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Opinion: I was in the CIA. I know from personal experience how soft power advances U.S. interests.

In Colombia, we were able to dismantle Escobars organization because we developed a clandestine and elite team of Colombian personnel and outfitted them with the most state-of-the-art analytical tools and intercept capabilities of the time.

We can replicate and expand upon this historic model with Mexico, taking advantage of our high-end intelligence fusion center in El Paso, Texas, and staffing it with thoroughly vetted U.S. and Mexican intelligence and military officers who have full access to all-source intelligence. This team should be tasked to identify all key cartel leaders and their foot soldiers, as well as transportation and storage facilities.

At the same time, a paramilitary action unit should be established on a highly restricted Mexican military base. This unit should have the responsibility for carrying out actions against cartel targets, but like in Colombia, the roles must be clearly delineated. The Americans should provide key intelligence and technology, but the Mexicans need to take the lead in any assaults so that the attack is not perceived as being externally driven or as a threat to their nations sovereignty.

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Technology has evolved at a rapid clip since the breakup of the Colombian cartels, and we can empower our Mexican partners with the latest weapons that would grant them a critical advantage. The cartels are already using drones against Mexican law enforcement, to transport drugs and to surveil U.S. officers at the border.

However, U.S. military armed drone technology is a game-changer, and if we equip the Mexicans with the weapons needed to conduct a limited but highly aggressive armed drone campaign, the cartels may be so dramatically outmatched that they'll have no choice but to run.

Jack Devine, a former acting CIA deputy director of operations, is founder and chairman of The Arkin Group, a New York City-based international intelligence and investigative company.

While new criminal factions can spring up after cartels are hit, if the operating environment is hostile enough within Mexico, the cartels will quickly look elsewhere. Colombia's security trajectory also demonstrates that dismantling cartels via limited but forceful action, while requiring continued vigilance, is still more likely to have a positive impact on society than maintaining the status quo.

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Although there will always be drug traffickers when there is demand for narcotics, history shows that through collaboration we can drive the drug trade out of Mexico  and there's never been a more opportune moment to do it.

Jack Devine, a former acting CIA deputy director of operations, is founder and chairman of The Arkin Group, a New York City-based international intelligence and investigative company. He is the author of Spymasters Prism and Good Hunting.

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's military war against drug cartels won't end well | Opinion
President Trump will reportedly have another big boy military parade later this year.

Youll recall that in June, Trump made the Army put on a parade on the streets of Washington with a bunch of tanks and fireworks for his birthday  an event that was also billed as the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Army.

The event was widely regarded as an extremely expensive flop, complete with low turnout and squeaky tanks and, in the opinion of some, lackluster marching. To rub salt in the wound, millions of people across the U.S. participated in a No Kings Day counter-protest, marching against the Trump administrations various attacks on civilians, democracy and the separation of powers. Hardly the hallmarks of the grand, dictator-style birthday spectacular that he was envisioning.

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The president was reportedly so disappointed by the marching  the marching specifically  that he is planning to throw himself another tyrant parade, this time featuring the Navy. The Wall Street Journal has this gem of a nugget in a new report on how Trump has become bolder in his autocratic tendencies during his second term:

Trump has also pushed the optics of the presidency in a monarchical direction, holding a military parade in June for the Armys 250th birthday. Officials had thwarted a similar one in his first term by arguing it would look like a third-world spectacle. After the Washington parade, Trump told aides he was disappointed with the marching, and the U.S. Navy is trying to plan a bigger celebration this fall, hoping for a shimmering spectacle with seacraft, administration officials said.

The Navy will also mark its 250th anniversary in October, but has not yet announced any plans to celebrate the occasion. Sounds like theyre gonna throw themselves a birthday party whether they want to or not.

Cassidy Sounds Alarm

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is calling for an indefinite postponement of HHS Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, which was set for September 18. The call comes after the White House announced that that CDC Director Susan Monarez had been fired after clashing with HHS Secretary RFK Jr. over his efforts to rescind approvals for the COVID vaccine.

Since the White House announced the firing, a handful of top CDC officials submitted their resignations in protest. Monarez was just confirmed for the position by the Senate in July.

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Serious allegations have been made about the meeting agenda, membership, and lack of scientific process being followed for the now announced September ACIP meeting, Cassidy said in a statement. These decisions directly impact childrens health and the meeting should not occur until significant oversight has been conducted. If the meeting proceeds, any recommendations made should be rejected as lacking legitimacy given the seriousness of the allegations and the current turmoil in CDC leadership.

For context, Cassidy was initially wary of voting to confirm RFK Jr. to lead Health and Human Services due to his anti-vax beliefs. (Cassidy is a doctor.) But the two reached an agreement that Kennedy wouldnt make substantial changes to ACIP. In June, Kennedy announced he was removing the boards 17 members.

Now Trump Wants a Midterms Convention

A day after Axios reported that Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin was discussing holding a mini-convention ahead of the 2026 midterms, Trump announced he wants to do the same thing for Republicans.

I am thinking of recommending a National Convention to the Republican Party, just prior to the Midterms. It has never been done before, Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. STAY TUNED!!!

In Case You Missed It

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A federal appeals court has ruled that most of President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs are unlawful, potentially dealing a significant blow to the president's effort to reshape the country's trade policy unilaterally.

In a 7-4 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected Trump's authority to carry out most of his tariffs, agreeing with the lower court that Trump's actions were "invalid as contrary to law." However, the court delayed the impact of its decision through mid-October to allow the Trump administration to appeal to the Supreme Court, as the tariffs remain in effect.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House, August 26, 2025 in Washington.

"Because we agree that [International Emergency Economic Powers Act's] grant of presidential authority to 'regulate' imports does not authorize the tariffs imposed by the Executive Orders, we affirm," the majority wrote.

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MORE: Appeals court judges voice skepticism about legal basis for Trump's sweeping tariffs

The decision in effect tees up one of the most consequential legal questions for the Supreme Court about the scope of the president's authority on trade policy.

After Oct. 14, the court will return the case to the lower court to decide how the Supreme Court's recent decision limiting nationwide injunctions affects the decision.

Trump reacts to decision

In a post on his social media platform Friday evening, Trump rebuked the appeals court's decision, warning that a court order blocking the tariffs "would literally destroy the United States of America."

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Previewing the legal challenge expected in the coming weeks, Trump called on the Supreme Court to rule that he has the power to impose tariffs unilaterally.

"Now, with the help of the United States Supreme Court, we will use them to the benefit of our Nation, and Make America Rich, Strong, and Powerful Again! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump wrote.

What the decision says

In its decision Friday, the appeals court determined that only Congress, not the president alone, has the authority to impose tariffs, setting up a high-profile legal question for the Supreme Court regarding the scope of the president's power.

The decision centers on whether the authority to "regulate" imports, included in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, means the president can issue tariffs on his own.

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Seven of the 11 judges said that the rarely used law does not give Trump the power to implement either his "reciprocal" tariffs or the "trafficking" tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China aimed at stopping the flow of fentanyl across U.S. borders, writing that "tariffs are a core Congressional power."

"We discern no clear congressional authorization by IEEPA for tariffs of the magnitude of the Reciprocal Tariffs and Trafficking Tariffs," the majority wrote. "Given these considerations, we conclude Congress, in enacting IEEPA, did not give the President wide-ranging authority to impose tariffs of the nature of the Trafficking and Reciprocal Tariffs simply by the use of the term 'regulate . . . importation.'"

A subset of four judges from the majority took the decision even further, determining that IEEPA does not give Trump the power to issue any tariffs, not just the two types of tariffs in question.

"The Government's interpretation of IEEPA would be a functionally limitless delegation of Congressional taxation authority," they wrote.

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In a minority opinion, four other judges disagreed, suggesting Trump's declaration of a national emergency is enough of an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to justify the tariffs.

"IEEPA's language, as confirmed by its history, authorizes tariffs to regulate importation," the judges wrote.

How the case came about

A group of small businesses and a coalition of states sued to block the tariffs earlier this year, arguing that President Trump had overstepped his authority under the rarely used International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when he issued a flurry of tariffs in April.

The following month, the New York-based Court of International Trade declared the tariffs were unlawful and encroached on Congress's authority to regulate trade. The Trump administration quickly appealed the decision, which was stayed as the legal process played out.

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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard oral arguments on the tariffs in July, during which time the panel of judges appeared skeptical that Trump could justify the tariffs based on a national emergency.

The judges noted that the text of the IEEPA never explicitly mentions "tariffs" and that no other president has attempted to utilize the law in the same manner as Trump has.

"One of the major concerns I have is that IEEPA doesn't mention tariffs anywhere," one judge remarked during the arguments in June. "Here, IEEPA doesn't even say tariffs -- doesn't even mention it."

Ahead of Friday's decision, U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer preemptively asked the court to stay their decision to prevent "serious harms" to ongoing negotiations and the country's trade policy.

Trump administration officials had previously warned that losing the ability to issue tariffs would "lead to dangerous diplomatic embarrassment," threaten ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and "threaten broader U.S. strategic interests at home and abroad."
President Donald Trump is once again stomping all over Congresss power of the purse.

The president invoked a rare pocket rescission to claw back roughly $5 billion from the U.S. State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development, according to the New York Post.

Trump wrote to Congress Thursday night requesting $4.9 billion in funding toward international aid efforts, including $3.2 billion in development assistance from USAID, the essential aid organization Trump bypassed Congress to dismantle.

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Congress has 45 days to decide whether or not to approve Trumps request, but the White House Office of Management and Budget says it can just freeze the funds until the fiscal year ends on September 30, ensuring the funds cancellation.

All of this comes as Congress stares down the barrel of an October 1 deadline to avert a total government shutdown.

Congress can choose to vote to rescind or continue the fundsit doesnt matter, an official from the White House budget office said in a statement, per Politico. This approach is rare but not unprecedented.

While OMB, run by Project 2025 architect Russell Vought, is all for a pocket rescission, the Government Accountability Office holds that such a move is illegal.

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General Counsel Mark Paoletta said that when Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter made similar requests, GAO noted the lapse without objection. He claimed that GAO had only recently changed its tune because of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Trump also wants to scrap funding allocated to the State Department, including $521 million in contributions to international organizations and $393 million for peacekeeping activities. The president would take back another $445 million separately allocated for peacekeeping, and $322 million from a joint USAID-State Department Democracy Fund.
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.
Former White House adviser Steve Bannon just went scorched earth on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News, released Thursday, Netanyahu pointed to growing antisemitism from the right, saying it stems only from individuals with anti-Israel views, but also from those with anti-American sentiments and negative views of President Donald Trump. He then referenced the woke right, which the conservative outlet described as including some who had once supported Israel, but turned against it in opposing its 12-day war with Iran in June, and any U.S. involvement.

Some of these people call themselves MAGA. Theyre not MAGA, Netanyahu said.

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If you support Iran, Iran tried to kill President Trump twice, not once, but twice. Iran has put a price on his head... Thats Iran, he continued, adding that the country has a history of attacks against Americans.

He went on to say that you cant be MAGA if youre pro-Iran or anti-Israel.

Iran wants to annihilate the United States. Israel is the best ally of the United States, Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also noted that Trump understands this, and he stands very strongly with us.

I really appreciate the straightforward and courageous way that he faces people, sometimes in his own constituency, because thats what leaders, from time to time, have to do, Netanyahu said.

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Bannon, who had been a vocal critic of U.S. involvement in conflict between Israel and Iran, responded to Netanyahus remarks  and did not mince words.

American Citizens Do Not Give 2 F---- About Your Thoughts on MAGA , or What Our Citizens Need to BelieveThey Care About Exposing Your Pathological Lies in Order to Keep Us Out of Your Next War," Bannon wrote on the MAGA-alternative social media platform GETTR.

American Citizens Do Not Give 2 Fucks About Your Thoughts on MAGA , or What Our Citizens Need to BelieveThey Care About Exposing Your Pathological Lies in Order to Keep Us Out of Your Next War https://t.co/RYVE0Lisj8 pic.twitter.com/kcRJma4mEV  Grace Chong, MBI (@gc22gc) August 29, 2025

His post was met with mainly supportive reactions, with some users accusing Netanyahu of trying to gaslight the MAGA movement.

Dear Benjamin Netanyahu - You do not get to define MAGA... You do not have any Right to tell American Citizens what to think or believe, one user replied.

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Another responded: Who is he to say whats MAGA???I dont have to agree with Israel on everything they do to love my president!!!!

The interview comes as Trump hosted a meeting on Wednesday focused on postwar plans for Gaza, with Israel seeking a deal that would end the conflict and return all of its remaining hostages. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, signaled on Tuesday that it is unlikely for a temporary truce to be reached, but suggested that the war could be settled before the end of the year.

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President Donald Trump has notified Congress he is moving to cancel $4.9 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid using a rare pocket rescission, drawing criticism from Democrats and at least one top Republican senator who questioned the legality of the move.

The Office of Management and Budgets proposal to claw back the funding this late in the fiscal year sets it up to be canceled if Congress doesnt consider the proposal  and for a potential high-stakes legal battle in the months ahead.

For the first time in nearly 50 years, the President is using his authority under the Impoundment Control Act to deploy a pocket rescission, cancelling $4.9 billion in woke and weaponized foreign aid money that violates the Presidents America First priorities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

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The White House push, however, could complicate bipartisan efforts to avert a government shutdown. Congress will need to approve new funding by September 30 or risk shutting down large parts of the federal government. Democrats have warned pocket rescissions could make those negotiations more difficult.

It is all illegal, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, told CNN on Friday morning. He continues to want to steal money that has been appropriated. We appropriated this money. They are just in such violation of the law.

The Connecticut congresswoman made clear that Democrats would be seeking more limits on Trumps power as part of the upcoming funding negotiation with Republicans: We have to push for guardrails.

OMB Director Russell Vought has repeatedly said the so-called pocket rescission was on the table, despite significant dispute over the legality of a tool that hasnt been utilized in nearly five decades. Vought, who also served in his current role in Trumps first term, returned to OMB with an expansive view of the presidents authority and a granular understanding of the tools he could utilize in pursuit of Trumps agenda.

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Many of his efforts explicitly target the congressional power of the purse and have been called illegal by Democrats and the Government Accountability Office. Some Republicans, while less willing to challenge the actions publicly, have also quietly bristled at the aggressive encroachment on their long-standing prerogatives.

Democratic lawmakers and the Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee were swift to criticize the move, saying its against the law.

Given that this package was sent to Congress very close to the end of the fiscal year when the funds are scheduled to expire, this is an apparent attempt to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval, said Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the top Senate appropriator. Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.

Collins specifically pointed to a Government Accountability Office decision saying pocket rescissions are illegal.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned it, saying the announcement of the Administrations plan to advance an unlawful pocket rescission package is further proof President Trump and Congressional Republicans are hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and going it alone this fall.

With the government funding deadline looming, a White House official signaled Friday that the administration prefers a clean stopgap funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, of some length and believes Democrats will shoulder the blame if they oppose it.

Its very hard for me to believe that they are going to oppose a clean CR that would cause them to be responsible for a government shutdown, the official said on a call with reporters Friday. The people that are asking for more than the clean CR are normally the ones that absorb the blame within this town for a shutdown occurring.

The White House official told reporters the administration is on firm legal ground with the pocket rescission, pointing to its interpretation of a past GAO finding on the Impoundment Control Act, and would withstand legal challenges.

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The president notified lawmakers of his decision in a letter Thursday, saying he would cancel $4.9 billion from Department of State and United States Agency of International Development and international assistance programs.

That includes $3.2 billion from USAID development assistance programs, $393 million from State Department peacekeeping activities, $322 million from the State Departments Democracy Fund, and more than $444 million in other peacekeeping aid, according to the letter, which was included in a related lawsuit.

Trumps rescission proposal is his second effort to cut down funding that has already been approved by Congress. The notification on Thursday night triggers an automatic 45-day pause in the targeted funding for lawmakers to act on the proposal.

If legislation enacting the proposed cuts does not pass within that window, the funding automatically resumes. The current proposal was sent within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year, which would essentially cancel the funding outright without congressional action.

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The last president to use a pocket rescission was President Jimmy Carter in 1977.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Sarah Ferris contributed to this report.

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By Nolan D. McCaskill and Bo Erickson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump has moved to unilaterally cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid authorized by Congress, escalating the fight over who controls the nation's spending.

In a letter posted online late Thursday, Trump told House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson that he plans to withhold funding for 15 international programs.

The U.S. Constitution grants funding power to Congress, which passes legislation each year to fund government operations.

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The White House must secure Congress' approval if it does not want to spend that money. Congress did this in July when it approved the cancellation of $9 billion in foreign aid and public media funding.

The latest move -- known as a "pocket rescission" -- bypasses Congress entirely.

Trump budget director Russell Vought has argued that Trump can withhold funds for 45 days, which would run out the clock until the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The White House said the tactic was last used in 1977.

According to a court document filed on Friday, the money at issue was earmarked for foreign aid, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and democracy-promotion efforts overseas. Most of that had been handled by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which Trump's administration has largely dismantled.

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"This is going to make our budget situation or liquidity situation that much more challenging, but we will follow up with U.S. authorities to get more details," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday.

Democrats say the administration froze more than $425 billion in funding overall.

Most Republican lawmakers have said they support spending cuts in any form even if it erodes Congress' authority.

But Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who oversees spending legislation as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said the action is illegal.

Instead of this attempt to undermine the law, the appropriate way is to identify ways to reduce excessive spending through the bipartisan, annual appropriations process," she said in a statement.

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Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump is aiming to force a government shutdown at the end of September by indicating that he is willing to ignore any spending laws passed by Congress.

"Republicans dont have to be a rubber stamp for this carnage," Schumer said in a statement.

(Reporting by Nolan McCaskill and Bo Erickson; additional reporting by Steve Holland, Ryan P. Jones and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Andy Sullivan, Franklin Paul and Nick Zieminski)
Washington  President Trump is looking to claw back nearly $5 billion in foreign aid funds that Congress already approved, deploying a rarely used maneuver known as a pocket rescission to withhold funding without lawmakers' authorization.

The move has prompted bipartisan pushback from Capitol Hill, with one top Republican calling it "unlawful."

In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X by the White House Office of Management and Budget, the president said he was proposing "15 rescissions of budget authority, totaling $4.9 billion." The cuts include funding for the State Department as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development and international development and assistance programs.

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Mr. Trump has previously tried to nix foreign aid Congress has already approved, and lawmakers voted to go along with the cuts in July. But Mr. Trump's pocket rescission is an attempt to rescind funding unilaterally. OMB insists this move is within the president's power.

"For the first time in nearly 50 years, the president is using his authority under the Impoundment Control Act to deploy a pocket rescission, cancelling $4.9 billion in woke and weaponized foreign aid money that violates the president's America first priorities," an OMB spokesperson told CBS News.

Under the Impoundment Control Act, the president can propose rescissions of budget authority, which Congress has 45 legislative days to approve. But if proposals are made late in the fiscal year, the funds can effectively be withheld until they expire. The current fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. The last pocket rescission occurred in 1977, according to the Government Accountability Office, Congress's nonpartisan watchdog agency.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine and chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, immediately pushed back against the president's plan to not spend money that lawmakers approved.

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"Given that this package was sent to Congress very close to the end of the fiscal year when the funds are scheduled to expire, this is an apparent attempt to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval," Collins said in a statement, adding that the GAO "has concluded that this type of rescission is unlawful and not permitted by the Impoundment Control Act."

"Article I of the Constitution makes clear that Congress has the responsibility for the power of the purse," she said. "Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law."

In a decision in 2018, the GAO concluded that the Impoundment Control Act "does not permit the impoundment of funds through their date of expiration." An OMB official pointed to a GAO decision from 1975 that found funding in a proposed rescission lapsed at the end of the fiscal year under the ICA, noting that GAO had proposed changes to the law that Congress has not adopted.

Mr. Trump's pocket rescission appears to raise the chances of a government shutdown at the end of September, when funding for federal agencies expires. Sixty votes are needed in the Senate to approve spending bills, meaning Republicans will need the votes of at least seven Democrats to avoid a shutdown.

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The administration reneging on previously passed spending threatens to erode Democrats' confidence that any deal they reach with Republicans would be honored by the White House. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York hinted at that dynamic in a statement, saying the president and his Republican allies are "hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and 'going it alone' this fall."

"Reasonable Republicans don't have to go along with the madness; Republicans don't have to be a rubber stamp for this carnage. Democrats stand ready to work with anyone to help American families, lower health care costs and secure our communities," Schumer said. "But if Republicans are insistent on going it alone, Democrats won't be party to their destruction."

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A homeless man sleeps outside The Billings Gazette in downtown Billings (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

Social services leaders in Montana say a recent executive order from President Donald Trump would mark a complete reversal of the progress the state has made addressing the needs of people who are houseless and face addiction and mental health challenges.

For more than a decade, the State of Montana has tried to bring itself out of the era of institutions  where imposing buildings usually housed people who had few other options. Galen, Warm Springs and Boulder were all sites of state-run institutions, many of which had notorious stories of people being abused or forgotten, by being institutionalized, or as critics and historians called it warehousing.

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However, in July, President Donald Trump embraced revamping the idea of large-scale institutionalization, this time targeting those with mental illness, addiction or those who are homeless. In fact, he signed an executive order that would mark a complete reversal of what state leaders have been attempting  to clear out and close statewide institutions and send those who struggle with mental health, addiction or chronic homelessness closer to the communities from which they came. While its unclear what effect the executive order will have on Montana  the order was one of many which have come from the White House since he took office  it could point to shift in funding, while the President has already proven hes willing to leverage federal power to remove homeless people, as he has recently in Washington, D.C.

The federal government and the states have spent tens of billions of dollars on failed programs that address homelessness but not its root causes, leaving other citizens vulnerable to public safety threats, Trump wrote in his executive order on July 24. Shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings for humane treatment through the appropriate use of civil commitment will restore public order.

In Montana during the past two decades, taxpayers and leaders have spent millions on transforming a system of institutional-based care into one closer to communities and less formalized. The states largest psychiatric hospital in Warm Springs hasnt been funded by the federal government of Medicaid in years after a series of abuses surfaced in 2022. Since its earliest days, the Gianforte administration has pledged to restructure, revamp and restore the care there, and officials with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, which has oversight of the facility, says it may reapply for federal certification in 2026, after years of mostly state taxpayer support.

Furthermore, the Gianforte administration has also stressed that services need to be located throughout and across the state instead of in one location in order to help reintegrate residents struggling with mental health and addiction. Moreover, Gianforte created a special fund, the HEART Fund, which gives grants to communities throughout Montana to provide local or regional services.

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Its disappointing to see because Montana has a clarity of vision for community-based services, said David Carlson, the Executive Director of Disability Rights Montana. People and leaders have been actually doing it.

Despite Trump and most of Montanas leaders sharing the same political party, they dont necessarily share the same view of how to solve the increasing number of homeless people who also live with addiction or mental illness. And Trumps move back to institutionalization concerns leaders.

The Daily Montanan reached out to the governors office about the executive orders and how they dovetail with the Gianforte administrations plans, but it received no comment.

Montana has been thinking hard about theses things, and weve inverted it. Were in the de-institutionalization process. The Legislature gets it, Carlson said. You need to send someone from say, Sidney, all the way to Warm Springs. You shouldnt have to send them that far from their community to get help.

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And Montana gets that.

He said that shifting back to a long-term institutional model is just not supportable as a policy. He said that the state has seen too many horrible stories of abuse and neglect, and he cant think of politicians on either side of the political spectrum who support the idea.

The president can articulate it as an idea, Carlson said. But he is not a legislature of one.

As an attorney and a leader, he said the presidents idea is not supported by the law. He said laws have evolved to add more protections for vulnerable residents, including due-process and health leaders have a much better understanding about mental illness and addiction.

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Carlson said Trumps executive order is a play for warehousing  or just herding those with chronic mental or addiction problems into a place that is out of the publics eye. He said whats even more concerning is that it could be providing an economic incentive for warehousing where buildings, institutions, jobs and programs are created by private industry to address the presidents executive order, creating a new cottage industry of institutions.

I dont think you get the most humane settings with institutional care, Carlson said. That model is living with 300 other people and being told what to do.

Leaders are also concerned that as dangerous as the idea of returning to institutionalization can be, Trumps order also creates an unwarranted fear of those who are unhoused.

People who are unhoused are far more vulnerable than dangerous, Carlson said. But (the order) gives the impression that downtown Billings or Helena are scary places.

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He said that the growing concern about those who are unhoused or who are mentally ill isnt necessarily a bad thing.

If youre disturbed because youre seeing unhoused in the community, its because your compassionate and asking: Why does it exist in such a rich society? Carlson said.

Brayton Erickson, the executive director of the Butte Rescue Mission, said that Trumps suggestion wasnt clear, and it worries him. His group works nonstop with an unhoused population, many of whom struggle with addiction or mental illness.

If that means just rounding them and institutionalizing them, thats not healthy at all, Erickson said. If we change some of the way to look at it differently than we did in the past, and we use it as a means to offer more services, then by all means.

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Erickson said he worries about the executive order failing if its attempted.

You cant outlaw tragedy, he said.

He said that the federal government down to local leaders have to understand more about the causes of homelessness, addiction and mental illness. Furthermore, Erickson said that changing peoples lives is a matter of breaking a vicious cycle of events  from providing housing to more mental health.

Housing, mental health and addiction is as complex as the individual, Erickson said. He said while basic shelters may help alleviate pressure, there are other factors to ending homelessness. For example, is there mental health care to help stabilize individuals?

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Erickson said that often the largest mental health centers in any city is the local jail.

He said with just a handful of beds for psychiatric needs, the state and federal government need to consider lifting the current cap on the beds so that facilities can support more patients and more resources for those struggling.

A lot of mental illness starts with trauma. A lot of addiction starts with trauma. A lot of homelessness starts with trauma, Erickson said.

Carlson said that much of the animosity against those who struggle with addiction, mental health or housing stability comes from underlying beliefs that people have about those populations, for example, that those who are unhoused are loafing or do not work hard.

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The national narrative is that homeless people are the problem  not the cost of housing and not the cost healthcare, not the access to mental health, Carlson said. There are so many different variables that are tied to homelessness.

He said the solution isnt warehousing or institutionalization, instead Carlson said that communities that have made positive strides in addressing homelessness have moved to a housing-first model, which stresses providing housing without so many administrative hoops or long prescriptive lists of rules.

If the problem is the unhoused community, then the solution is to give them housing, Carlson said. But people get tied up in moral judgment: Oh, they need to work.

He said that fiscally conservative Montana should welcome a housing-first model because its cheaper and less burdensome than building an entire institutionalized setting with staff and buildings.

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The infrastructure is very expensive. The operation is very expensive  as opposed to a community-based solution, Carlson said, pointing out that when a person is institutionalized by the government whether thats a facility or jail, the government then has the economic burden of providing housing, food and healthcare  a more costly endeavor.

He sees what is happening as example of history repeating itself, this time from the Gilded Age.

The richest have opulent wealth while the rest have nothing, he said. Its unnerving, and I think it has shocked a lot of people. There are not a lot of people that think this way. No one has suggested these as solutions for decades.
By Akbar Novruz



Russia has expressed support for the joint decision of Azerbaijan and Armenia to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group.

The statement came from Russias Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Alexander Lukashevich.

According to the Russian diplomat, we are discussing the termination of three institutions: the Minsk Group, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Personal Representative post, and the High-Level Planning Group.

"Given the positions of the parties (Azerbaijan and Armenia) on the unwarranted continuation of these institutions, we see no reason to prevent their dissolution," Lukashevich said.

He noted that if no one objects to the dissolution of the group by September 1, "the decision will be considered adopted."

"It should be kept in mind that implementing administrative and financial measures related to this decision will take several months. The OSCE hopes to complete these processes by no later than December of this year," the Russian permanent representative emphasized.

On 8 August 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the mediation of US President Donald Trump, initialed the agreed text for a future Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State relations, committing to complete and ratify a full peace accord.

They also jointly appealed for the OSCE to dissolve the Minsk Group and its related structures. The OSCE welcomed the August 8 Joint Declaration and stated that it stood ready to fulfill its task in implementing the agreement. France supported the call for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group structures.
President Donald Trump has terminated the Secret Service protection previously provided to former Vice President Kamala Harris, reversing the security detail extended by former President Joe Biden beyond the standard timeframe.

Harris spokesperson confirmed to Fox News on Friday that her Secret Service security detail will officially be cut off on September 1, with not much further explanation offered for the decision or how the former VP feels about the change.

By law, former Vice Presidents receive only six months of Secret Service coverage after leaving office. Before stepping down in January, Biden issued a memorandum granting Harris an additional year of protection, a move that Trump and his administration deemed unnecessaryand likely politically motivated.

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Trump rescinded the memorandum that provided Secret Service security for the former Vice President, essentially returning Harris to the same standards that have historically applied to previous VPs after they have left office.

According to a White House official, the standard period of Secret Service coverage for former Vice Presidents has generally been limited to six months after their term ends.

The decision comes as Harris prepares to launch a nationwide book tour to promote her new release, 107 Days.

107 Days is my candid and personal account of the shortest presidential campaign in modern history, Harris posted.

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The move to end the Secret Service protection for Harris is not surprising, as Trump has made similar security cuts before.

Earlier this year, he ended Secret Service protection for Hunter and Ashley Biden, the adult children of former President Biden, calling the large Secret Service details excessive and ridiculous, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

While former presidents and their spouses are granted lifetime Secret Service coverage, other family members and former officeholders only receive protection for a limited period of time.

Hunters cut-off from the extended Secret Service security detail seemed like a simple decision for Trump after Hunter was pardoned from multiple felony charges by his father, then-President Joe Biden, right before Biden left office.
Its not yet clear what Kamala Harris future political plans are. The former vice president recently announced that she would not be a gubernatorial candidate in California next year, for example, and soon after, the Democrat announced shed hold a series of public events to promote her upcoming book on last years presidential race.

But no matter what Harris does next, one thing suddenly seems clear: She wont have Secret Service protection. NBC News reported:

President Donald Trump has revoked U.S. Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, a senior adviser to Harris told NBC News on Friday. ... A senior White House official confirmed Friday that Trump revoked Harris Secret Service detail, adding that vice presidents typically only get six months of protection when they leave office.

Its true that while former presidents receive Secret Service protection for life, an expensive privilege, Harris protection was scheduled to expire after six months. That said, CNN was first to report that Joe Biden, before leaving the White House, approved an extension for an additional year.

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Trump has now undone that policy.

In response to the news, longtime Harris senior advisor Kirsten Allen told MSNBC, The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.

If these developments seem familiar, its not your imagination. About a week into his second term, Trump started pulling security details from a variety of former officials, including former White House national security adviser John Bolton, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former special envoy to Iran Brian Hook and Dr. Anthony Fauci  apparently out of spite.

Asked by a reporter if hed feel partially responsible if something awful were to happen to any of these former officials, Trump said he would not, adding, Certainly, I would not take responsibility.

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Some Republicans, like Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have urged the president to rethink his approach. So far he has refused.

In February, the trend continued when Trump also pulled the security detail for his former defense secretary, Mark Esper. In March, the president also terminated Secret Service protection for Joe Bidens two adult children, suspiciously soon after a question about the detail from a conservative media outlet.

But while Harris is in good company, shes also in a unique position: Of all the people on this list, shes the only one to have been elected to national office.

For the record, there is no modern precedent for an American president effectively wielding security details as a political tool, stripping protection from those he deems unworthy. Its one of the many ways Trump is breaking new ground  and not in a good way.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Donald Trump ordered former Vice President Kamala Harris Secret Service protection detail to be revoked in a memo to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, CNN was first to report.

While former presidents receive Secret Service protection for the remainder of their lives, former vice presidents are entitled to six months protection by federal law.

Related: Most Trump Tariffs Are Not Legal, U.S. Appeals Court Rules

Harris, however, had been granted an extra year in a previously unreported directive signed by President Joe Biden shortly before he left office.

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That meant her protection should have ended in July 2026. HuffPost confirmed with Harris adviser Kristen Allen that it will end on Monday.

Trumps brief memo to Noem was dated Thursday, per CNN.

It read in full: You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris.

Related: Harris To Deliver Closing Message At Site Of Trump's Jan. 6 Speech

Allen said in a statement that the vice president is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety.

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Trump has ended security protection for others since retaking office, including his former national security adviser, John Bolton, who has since become a critic of the president.

But the decision to remove Harris protection comes as she is about to seek the spotlight once more.

Harris memoir about the 2024 presidential campaign, titled 107 Days, is scheduled for release on Sept. 23.

Related: What's Next For Kamala Harris And Doug Emhoff After Trump Takes Over?

She is expected to travel around the country on a highly publicized international book tour, which will include 13 cities in the United States, as well as London and Toronto, over the course of several weeks in late September through late November.

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Allen did not respond to a question from HuffPost about whether Harris has a backup security plan.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
President Donald Trump is revoking former Vice President Kamala Harris secret service detail, according to a letter obtained by multiple media outlets.

A Trump White House official confirmed the decision, citing the standard six-month limit on security for former vice presidents, which would have meant that Harriss would have expired last month. Former President Joe Biden had previously signed a memorandum extending Harris protection to 18 months.

CNN first reported the Trump administrations decision.

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The former veep will soon embark on a book tour for her new political memoir, 107 Days, a reference to her short time as the Democratic nominee in 2024, which is due out on September 23.

The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety, Harris adviser Kirsten Allen said in a statement.

Prominent Democrats condemned Trumps decision.

This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told CNN. This puts the former vice president in danger and I look forward to working with the governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles.

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Trumps move continues a pattern of stripping away extended security protections granted under Biden. Earlier this year, he ended Secret Service coverage for Bidens two adult children, Hunter and Ashley. Federal law only requires lifetime protection for former presidents and their spouses, as well as for their children until age 16.

Another dangerous reminder that theres no agenda more important to Donald Trump than retribution, wrote Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., on X.

Since taking office, Trump has also removed details for several former officials he clashed with, including ex-national security adviser John Bolton, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, and former Iran envoy Brian Hook.

The post Trump revokes Kamala Harris Secret Service protection: This puts the former VP in danger appeared first on Salon.com.
President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, one of her senior advisers told multiple sources on Friday.

The Vice President is grateful to the United States Secret Service for their professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to safety, the adviser said, per NBC News.

According to Fox News, there was no reason given as to why the protection was removed.

How long do former vice presidents receive Secret Service protection?

Federal law states that former vice presidents receive six months of protection after leaving office, per CNN.

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Legislation was passed in 2008 authorizing the Secret Service to protect former vice presidents, their spouses and any children under 16 years old for up to six months after leaving office, per NBC News.

Harris six-month period ended on July 21. Harris protection was extended for an extra year by a directive signed by then-President Joe Biden shortly before he left office. The directive was not made public until now.

Trump canceled the directive from Biden in a letter on Thursday titled Memorandum for the Secretary of Homeland Security, per CNN.

You are hereby authorized to discontinue any security-related procedures previously authorized by Executive Memorandum, beyond those required by law, for the following individual, effective September 1, 2025: Former Vice President Kamala D. Harris, the letter reads.

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Doug Emhoff, Harris husband, had his Secret Service protection removed on July 21, following federal law, per Fox News.

Threats against presidents and presidential candidates

Trump revoking Harris protection comes soon before she starts a multi-city, high-profile book tour for the release of her new memoir 107 Days, which is about her short presidential campaign. The book will be released on Sept. 23 and the tour will take her to major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, per CNN.

It is common for presidents and presidential candidates to face frequent security threats. Last year there were two assassination attempts against Trump during his run for president.

Harris faced a number of threats both as vice president and presidential candidate, per NBC News.

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The detail assigned to Harris will move to New York on an assignment to work on the United Nations General Assembly, which will take place next month. The detail will then be reassigned.

What Gov. Newsom said about the protection being revoked

Harris currently lives in Los Angeles, and CNN reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom was briefed on Harris protection being revoked late Thursday. There has not been any comment on security arrangements or methods that may be activated as a replacement for Secret Service protection.

Newsom spokesperson Bob Salladay did express frustration with Trump pulling her protection.

The safety of our public officials should never be subject to erratic, vindictive political impulses, Salladay said to CNN.

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Since Harris is a Los Angeles resident, she could receive protection from the citys police department. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom were in touch about the situation on Thursday evening.

This is another act of revenge following a long list of political retaliation in the form of firings, the revoking of security clearances and more. This puts the former Vice President in danger and I look forward to working with the Governor to make sure Vice President Harris is safe in Los Angeles, Bass said in a statement, per CNN.
President Donald Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris, a senior White House official said Friday.

Former vice presidents typically receive Secret Service protection for six months after they leave office, while former presidents get it for life.

Former President Joe Biden had quietly extended Harris protection, according to The Associated Press.

A senior Trump administration official said an executive memorandum was issued Thursday to the Department of Homeland Security ending Harris security detail and security services.

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Those had been extended from six to 18 months by the Biden administration, so they would have ended in July 2026, but now they will be terminated on Monday, the AP reported.

The move to drop Harris Secret Service protection comes as the former vice president, who became the Democratic nominee last summer after a chaotic series of events that led to Biden dropping out of the contest, is about to embark on a book tour for her memoir, titled 107 Days. The book is scheduled to be released next month.

It is also part of a broader pattern of the Republican White House revoking protective details and stripping security clearances for members of the former Democratic administration.

Trump also has revoked such protection for former members of his own administration, including former National Security Adviser John Bolton and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, MSNBC reported Friday.

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Trump also pulled protective details for his former defense secretary Mark Esper. In March, the president also terminated Secret Service protection for Bidens two adult children, according to MSNBC.

So far, Harris is the only nationally elected figure to have her security detail pulled by the White House.

When Trump was asked whether he would feel any sense of personal responsibility if harm befell these former officials and aides, Trump said he would not, adding, Certainly, I would not take responsibility.

Some of Trumps Republican allies, including U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Tom Cotton of Arkansas, have urged Trump to rethink his approach.

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He has so far refused, according to MSNBC.

More on Politics

Read the original article on MassLive.
U.S. President Donald Trump is "objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset," Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in a speech on Aug. 27.

Speaking on a panel for university students, Rebelo de Sousa was discussing how Trump represented a new breed of world leader on a world stage with rapidly shifting power dynamics.

"With one peculiar and complex thing  the supreme leader of the world's greatest superpower is, objectively, a Soviet or Russian asset. He functions as an asset," he said in comments reported by CNN.

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"I am saying that, objectively speaking, the new American leadership has strategically favored the Russian Federation."

Trump's second term in office has seen a dramatic shift in the U.S.'s stance towards Ukraine and Russia compared to that of his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

Despite a now months-long U.S.-led effort to end the war in Ukraine, Trump has yet to take any concrete steps to pressure Russia to stop fighting, while at various points, temporarily halting military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine, and repeatedly publicly berating the country's President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Most recently, after an overnight Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed 23 people including four children, the White House equated the strike with Ukraine's defensive attacks against Russian infrastructure that supports its full-scale invasion.

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Questions about Trump's possibly shady relationship with Russia and the country's security services have long swirled, even culminating in a special counsel investigation during his first term in office.

Though that investigation found evidence of "extensive criminal activity" by Trump, his associates, and some of his family members, it found no evidence that he was working for, or had ever been recruited by, Russia's security services.

Yet the accusations have continued, and Rebelo de Sousa is not the first European official to accuse Trump of being a Russian asset  in March, British lawmaker Graham Stuart raised the possibility that Trump had been groomed by the Kremlins security services over a period of decades.

Read also: Is Donald Trump a Russian asset? This US author is completely certain he is

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Donald Trump has approved the sale of thousands of cheap, extended-range cruise missiles to Ukraine to provide the country with a powerful new strike capability.

The $825m (612m) package of 3,350 extended range attack munition (Eram) missiles and GPS navigation kits marks the first major delivery of new weapons to Ukraine under the Trump administration.

The stockpile could be delivered within six weeks, according to reports, signalling an admission from Washington that it expects the conflict  now in its fourth year  to drag on.

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Following another night of deadly Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, the US state department said on Thursday that the sale would improve Ukraines capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defence and regional security missions.

Confirming the news, Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, said: Up to 3,350 Eram missiles and 3,350 navigation modules to counter spoofing will be procured.

The announcement of the arms sale was delayed until after Mr Trumps summits with Vladimir Putin and Mr Zelensky that failed to achieve significant movement on the gridlocked peace talks, US officials told the Wall Street Journal.

Erams are not as deadly as the US-made Atacms or as powerful as the British and French-supplied Storm Shadow bunker-busting missiles that Ukraine has used to strike targets in Crimea and Russia.

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Effectively a hybrid between a cruise missile and an advanced aerial bomb, the air-launched Eram has a reported range of up to 280 miles, flies at speeds of at least 430mph and carries a 500lb warhead.

The US began the Eram project in July last year, under the Biden administration, to provide Kyiv with an affordable, mass-produced long-range cruise missile option to strike high-value targets deep behind enemy lines.

While Erams cannot match the 2,300mph Atacms or 600mph Storm Shadows for speed, Ukraine can use the cheaper missiles far less sparingly. The same money would buy fewer than 800 of the more powerful Western munitions.

Its considerable range  which almost matches the Storm Shadow  allows Ukrainian jets to fire the missiles while out of range of Russian air defences and expands its reach beyond many weapons in its arsenal, including Western-supplied precision-guided bombs.

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Massive use of Eram could change the operational situation, reduce Russias capacity for offensive actions, and disrupt supply and communication chains, according to Mykhailo Samus, a defence analyst at the New Geopolitics Research Network think tank.

However, other experts voiced scepticism over whether the Eram could be a game-changer, highlighting the likely restrictions Washington will attach to their use.

Ivan Stupak, a Ukrainian military expert and former officer in the state security service, said there were still too many questions to answer before any fanfare.

In theory, everything is good  the number of missiles and their operating range of up to 450km. But there is no clear answer over how Ukraine will be able to use these munitions, he told The Telegraph.

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Will the army have to get permission from the Pentagon to strike on Russian territory? What about striking on occupied Ukrainian territory and what kind of approving procedure will there be? he asked.

US officials have said the use of the Eram would require Kyiv to seek approval from the Pentagon and it was unlikely Ukraine would be able to strike targets inside Russia given that such attacks are currently off-limits for US-supplied Atacms missiles.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is developing its own domestic long-range cruise missiles  the 1,900-mile Flamingo and 620-mile Long Neptune  raising hopes Kyiv will soon be able to launch large strikes inside Russian territory without Western-imposed restrictions.

Ukraines own long-range missiles, such as the Flamingo, mean Kyiv could strike Russia without seeking US permission - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

The Pentagon quietly introduced a review mechanism in the spring that has been blocking Kyiv from striking targets on Russian soil to lure Putin to the negotiating table, the Wall Street Journal reported last week, citing official sources.

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The US veto has also effectively barred Ukraine from using other Western long-range missiles in cross-border attacks which rely on US intelligence for targeting.

It reverses a decision made by Joe Biden in his final months as president to allow Ukraine to use Atacms  which have a range of 190 miles  to hit Russian territory.

Kyiv will make the purchase of the Erams with funding from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway and a loan guarantee from the US, provided Congress approves the transaction.

The new sale is likely to provide relief to Kyiv and it indicates the seriousness of US intentions to restart large-scale arms deliveries to Ukraine, provided they are funded by European allies.

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Under Mr Biden, Washington committed to providing more than $65bn (48bn) in military aid to Ukraine, but Mr Trump  long sceptical of assistance for Kyiv  has instead demanded Europe pay a greater share.

In July, an agreement was reached for European Nato allies and Canada to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, shielding Mr Trump from accusations that the US is directly involved in the war. The Eram package marks one of the first purchases under this deal.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Since sending the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, President Donald Trump has openly mused about sending troops to some of the nations most Democratic cities  including Chicago and Baltimore  claiming they are needed to crack down on crime.

The threats to expand a federal intervention have legal experts and some military officials raising concerns that Trump is considering novel ways to use National Guard troops in American cities that could set up conflicts not seen since the civil rights era.

Though most violent crime has fallen in recent years in the cities Trump has called out, the Republican president said Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker should be calling me, and he should be saying, Can you send over the troops please? Its out of control.

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Whether Trump can repeat what hes done in LA and the nation's capital  call up the National Guard and have it assist a surge of federal law enforcement and immigration officers  is an open question and likely to become a point of contention should he press forward.

Here's a look at how Trump has used troops in U.S. cities, what the law allows and what could come next:

How Trump already has used the National Guard

Trump first deployed troops to Los Angeles in early June over Gov. Gavin Newsoms objections by putting the California National Guard under federal jurisdiction, known as Title 10, to protect federal property from protests over immigration raids.

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Besides 4,000 Guard members, Trump later sent 700 active duty Marines, and California sued over the intervention. The Guard went on to help protect officers during immigration arrests.

While Trump pushed the limits of the law, the lawsuit centers on whether the president was allowed to use the Guard to closely shadow federal law enforcement and whether that runs afoul of the prohibition on using the military as law enforcement, known as the Posse Comitatus Act, said Todd Huntley, director of the National Security Law Program at the Georgetown University Law Center.

Meanwhile, the unique status of the District of Columbia National Guard  Trump is their commander in chief  means he has been able to use it for everything from armed patrols to trash cleanup without any legal issues. Because it is on state and not federal orders, legal restrictions on law enforcement dont come into effect.

Where we have a big question mark is whether the governor of a state has to consent to the sending of troops to his state, said Huntley, a retired Navy captain and judge advocate.

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How this could play out in Chicago and other cities

The Trump administration is planning to surge officers to the nations third-largest city for an immigration crackdown, two U.S. officials said.

The Department of Homeland Security asked Naval Station Great Lakes outside Chicago for support on immigration operations, including with facilities and logistics, the base said this week. The Illinois National Guard and the base said they had not received requests regarding a mobilization of troops to Chicago.

If Trump wants the freedom to use the National Guard as he pleases in Chicago, the easiest legal path is to invoke the Insurrection Act  a vaguely worded 1792 law that allows the president to deploy federal troops inside the U.S. to conduct law enforcement, an exception to the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act.

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The law offers sweeping powers to the president, envisioning armed conflict within the United States.

The orders would be given by him  and the governor of the receiving state would not have a say in whether he allows them into the state or not or allows them to conduct a mission in the state, Huntley said.

However, Huntley calls this the nuclear option.

A D.C. National Guard official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said invoking the Insurrection Act over a broad topic like crime could allow the Guard to be deployed indefinitely.

Another possibility is Trump deploying the D.C. Guard, which he commands, to another state, the official said.

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If the D.C. Guard is put on federal orders  something Trump has the power to do  it could lead to some rare situations, including federalized D.C. Guardsmen sent to another state that in turn could activate its own Guard as a counter, Huntley said.

The possibility is not without precedent.

The resolution of that could be basically what we saw in Alabama during the civil rights era. To take the ability of that state governor of using state National Guard forces away, the president could simply federalize them, Huntley said.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy federalized the Alabama National Guard as part of the now-famous standoff with Gov. George Wallace, who refused to step aside and allow Black students to integrate the University of Alabama. Wallace eventually relented.

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How Trump's new executive order on the National Guard affects what happens next

In an executive order signed Monday, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to create a specialized unit" within the D.C. Guard "dedicated to ensuring public safety and order.

He also directed Hegseth to ensure every states Guard is ready to assist federal and local law enforcement in "quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order when needed. It also calls for each to have units reasonably available for rapid mobilization.

The Pentagon has not given more details of what Trump's order will mean for the National Guard. A defense official confirmed that Hegseths office was aware of the order and that they were reviewing it and its specific requirements.

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All state Guards already have a reaction force that is aimed at responding to a wide variety of incidents with an initial force of 75-125 personnel within eight hours and a follow-on force of up to 375 personnel within 24 hours, according to a National Guard fact sheet.

And the D.C. National Guard already has a unit that is made up entirely of soldiers trained as military police.
President Donald Trump says he will cancel nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved funding for U.S. international assistance and diplomacy, setting up a fresh confrontation in the White Houses attempt to wrest constitutional spending power away from lawmakers.

The Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Friday called the move an attempt to undermine the law.

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The move risks complicating talks to avert a looming government shutdown deadline. Federal funding expires Sept. 30, and without new spending laws, broad swaths of the government would shutter. Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but need support from Democrats in the Senate to pass spending laws.

Trump and White House budget director Russell Vought took office with plans to challenge Congresss power of the purse through impoundments, or unilateral moves to cancel legally mandated spending. Impoundments are illegal under a 1974 law that Vought has pledged to challenge in court.

But the White House says it can block funds in a different manner using a loophole in the statute: When the president asks Congress to rescind certain funding, those resources are frozen for 45 days. By sending such a request to Congress within 45 days of the end of the fiscal year, Trump can essentially run out the clock on that funding and cancel it even if lawmakers dont act, through whats known as a pocket rescission.

Last night, President Trump CANCELLED $4.9 billion in America Last foreign aid using a pocket rescission, the White House Office of Management and Budget posted on X, adding that Trump will always put AMERICA FIRST!

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The president is using his authority under the Impoundment Control Act to deploy a pocket rescission, cancelling $4.9 billion in woke and weaponized foreign aid money that violates the Presidents America First priorities, according to a government statement.

Congress returns from its August recess next week, but lawmakers in both parties blasted Trumps action.

Article I of the Constitution makes clear that Congress has the responsibility for the power of the purse, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the Senate Appropriations chair, said in a statement. Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.

Sen. Patty Murray (Washington), the top Democrat on the panel, echoed the sentiment.

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Russell Vought would like us all to believe that making this rescissions request just weeks away from the end of the fiscal year provides some sort of get-out-of-jail free card for this administration to simply not spend investments Congress has made; it emphatically does not, she said in a statement. Legal experts have made clear this scheme is illegal and so have my Republican colleagues.

The top Senate Democrat said the result could be a shutdown.

As the country stares down next months government funding deadline on September 30, it is clear neither President Trump nor congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (New York) said in a statement.

The last time a president used a pocket rescission to claim Congresss spending authority was in 1977.

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A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive information, said the Trump administration is very enthusiastic about pocket rescissions and called the tool a really important step toward addressing the imbalances since the Impoundment Control Act was enacted 50 years ago.

The funds Trump canceled were largely intended for the U.S. Agency for International Development, a global peacekeeping and anti-poverty agency that the White House targeted for cost saving in the early days of Trumps second presidency. Other funds were meant for peacekeeping and democracy programs at the State Department.

Those funds - and Trumps plan to shutter USAID - have been the subject of ongoing court battles. A federal judge ruled in February that Trump could not freeze the international development funding, though that ruling was scaled back by the Supreme Court.

The White House official said the administration decided to direct the pocket rescissions narrowly, toward USAID funding, to create as focused of a debate as we possibly could. The official saw the funding for USAID as the clearest example of money they could not redirect to fit the presidents priorities.

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We wanted to make the case as clean as we possibly could, as we navigate the different critics that we know would arise, the official said. The official acknowledged that the approach will face legal challenges and projected confidence that their argument will prevail.

A federal appeals court earlier this month held that the Trump administration could block the funds to USAID, but largely because the group suing the White House did not have the legal standing to do so.

The court found that only the Government Accountability Office, Congresss watchdog, could bring that case against the president. The leader of that office, Gene Dodaro, is set to leave his post in December. Trump will name his replacement, who must be confirmed by the Senate.

Congress voted in July to cancel about $9 billion in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting that Trump had requested in an earlier rescission measure.

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This new pocket rescission is less confrontational than many lawmakers had privately feared. Republicans and Democrats alike were preparing for a scenario in which the White House attempted to canceled tens of billions of dollars from a variety of federal agencies, especially in health, science and education funding, which would have immediately scuttled government funding talks.

But Trump has largely shut down USAID, moving core functions to the State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on social media Friday that hed tapped Vought to oversee the final winding down of USAID.

Still, the White House is testing lawmakers patience over spending.

Records released last week revealed the administration was blocking low-income housing services, education assistance, medical research grants and other programs approved by Congress. Before the White House Office of Management and Budget would release the funds, it demanded plans from agencies to show they are following guidance Trump has laid out in executive orders, such as a new ban on spending on diversity programs. Many budget experts and legal scholars say that practice is illegal.

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US President Donald Trump's goal to slash billions in foreign aid has effectively been achieved, officials said on Friday, after a controversial move to sidestep Congress's control over government spending.

The total amount involved is $4.9 billion, which was earmarked for programmes run by the State Department, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and international aid programmes.

This is according to a letter from the White House to the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, shared by the Office of Management and Budget on X.

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According to that authority, Trump is resorting to so-called pocket rescission - a budgetary manoeuvre that the US Court of Auditors has deemed illegal.

This occurs whenever a US president asks Congress to cut funds shortly before the end of the fiscal year so that they expire before they can be used for new purposes.

Normally, Congress has 45 days to respond to a presidential request for funding cuts, the Court of Auditors noted.

"But, when not enough time is given to consider this request or for funds to be used before they expire, the president is bypassing congressional authority over government funding," it said.

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The fiscal year runs until the end of September.

The fact that the Trump administration is cutting development aid is nothing new. At the start of August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the official end of foreign aid by USAID.

The reason given was that development targets had allegedly rarely been achieved. Aid programs for foreign countries that aligned with US government policy would in future be administered by the State Department, Rubio said.
Two weeks after his high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of tangible progress hes made to end the war in Ukraine and is contemplating how involved he should be personally in brokering a meeting between Kremlin and Ukrainian leaders, administration officials tell CNN.

The president, the officials say, is particularly irritated with the pace of negotiations and lack of progress following his meeting with the Russian leader.

Just 72 hours after the face-to-face with Putin in Alaska, Trump gathered seven European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, stepping away to call his Russian counterpart as he sought to broker peace. But since then, progress has slowed dramatically. And in public, Trump has sometimes downplayed the role he would have to play in bringing about an end to the war  or even bringing the Russians and Ukrainians to the bargaining table.

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Its gotta be up to them. It takes two to tango, Trump said Monday in response to questions about whether Russia has committed to a meeting with Zelensky.

As Trump has privately stewed, Putin has shown no signs of ending his countrys relentless bombing campaign on Ukraine. This week saw one of the deadliest attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war, with at least 25 people killed, including four children, according to Zelensky.

Trump was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters after the assault, adding that Trump was watching the developments intently.

A woman touches the portrait of a fallen Ukrainian soldier at a memorial wall as the country marks Defenders Remembrance Day,in Kyiv on August 29. - Thomas Peter/Reuters

Normally not one to hold back his condemnation, Trump himself was notably silent  even as European leaders expressed outrage over Russias actions, which damaged buildings belonging to the European Union and the British Council. Both the EU and the United Kingdom summoned top Russian diplomats in their capitals as a result.

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Trump has in the past threatened severe consequences on Putin if he did not end the war. Last week, he said he would know within two weeks whether Russia was serious about entering negotiations  invoking a deadline he has frequently cited, only it see it come and go without actions. But in those same comments, he floated the possibility of walking away altogether, a possibility he has yet to rule out, officials said.

After those two weeks are up, Trump said, Im going to make a decision as to what we do.  its going to be a very important decision, and thats whether or not its massive sanctions or massive tariffs, or both, or do we do nothing and say, Its your fight.

Pressed by CNN on whether hes seriously considering doing nothing, Trump said: Ill see whos fault it is. If there are reasons why, Ill understand that. I know exactly what Im doing. Were going to see whether or not they have a meeting, that will be interesting to see, and if they dont, why didnt they have a meeting because I told them to have a meeting. But Ill know in two weeks what Im going to do.

While the Trump administration continues to weigh its options, Steve Witkoff, Trumps foreign envoy, met on Friday with Ukrainian officials in New York City ahead of Kyivs emergency UN Security Council meeting. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraines office of the president and chief of staff, and Sergiy Kyslytsya, first deputy foreign minister, were among those in attendance. The meeting came a day after the Trump administration approved a $825 million sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine.

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The major question is whether the administration can successfully broker a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, which Trump has aggressively pushed for both in public and private conversations. Top Trump officials, including Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have said that such a meeting was a necessary next step to negotiating an end to the war.

World leaders have affirmed that President Trump made more progress towards peace in two weeks than Joe Biden did in three-and-a-half years, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told CNN in a statement. President Trumps national security team continue to engage with Russian and Ukrainian officials towards a bilateral meeting to stop the killing and end the war.

While Zelensky has agreed to a face-to-face meeting with Putin, the Kremlin has so far thrown cold water on the idea, leaving broader talks about how to move forward at a stalemate.

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President Donald Trump's decision to cancel nearly $5 billion in federal aid without congressional authorization appears to be a straightforward violation of federal law.

The White House announced Friday morning that Trump would nix $4.9 billion in foreign aid by simply refusing to spend the money. The so-called "pocket rescission" would include $3.2 billion from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and about $1.7 billion from various State Department programs that distribute funds to international organizations and peacekeeping efforts, according to The New York Post, which first reported on the maneuver.

While that spending might be wasteful or foolish, the president does not have the authority to refuse to spend money that has been appropriated by Congressthough the Trump administration seems eager to challenge that limitation on executive power.

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"Congress can choose to vote to rescind or continue the fundsit doesn't matter," the White House said in a statement to Politico. "This approach is rare but not unprecedented."

Of course, something can be rare and not unprecedented while still being unlawful.

The laws that govern the federal budget processmost importantly, the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (ICA)allow presidents to make rescission requests to Congress. Trump did that earlier this year, and lawmakers followed through by cutting $9 billion in previously approved spending. The law also allows the executive branch to freeze funding for up to 45 days while Congress considers such a request.

Ross Vought, the director of the White House budget office, has argued that the executive branch can use that 45-day window to do exactly what Trump is now attempting: cancel any spending during the final 45 days of the fiscal year, which ends on September 30. "By withholding the cash for that full timeframeregardless of action by Congressthe White House would treat the funding as expired when the current fiscal year ends on Sept. 30," Politico explained earlier this year.

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Vought is wrong about that.

"The President has no unilateral authority to impound funds," the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded in 2018 when it was asked by the House Budget Committee to examine the question of pocket rescissions. "We conclude that the ICA does not permit the impoundment of funds through their date of expiration. The plain language of the ICA permits only the temporary withholding of budget authority and provides that unless Congress rescinds the amounts at issue, they must be made available for obligation."

Indeed, if the president were allowed to cancel any federal spending within the final 45 days of the fiscal year, then he could effectively cancel any federal spending at any timeby delaying the release of funds until the end of the year, then canceling them.

Tempting as that might sound to anyone who wants to see the government spend less money, the administration must follow the legal processes for budgets and rescissions. Congress holds the power of the purse in our system of government, and further eroding congressional responsibility for spending decisions will not end well.

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Republicans in Congress have been openly critical of the White House's talk about implementing pocket rescissions. Now that the Trump administration has taken this step, the responses from Republican lawmakers will be telling.

"This is an apparent attempt to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval," Sen. Susan Collins (RMaine) said in a statement to The Hill on Friday. "Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law."

She's right. If the Trump administration wants to cut spendingwhich is, again, a laudable goalthen it should work through the budget and rescissions process to accomplish those goals with congressional approval.

Vought has argued that the ICA is unconstitutional, so the Trump administration could also try to get the law overturned in court (which may be the ultimate goal of Friday's maneuver, if it sparks a legal challenge). Alternatively, the White House could ask Congress to amend the ICA to allow pocket rescissions.

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Currently, the law does not permit that, which means the White House is once again flouting federal law in its pursuit of greater executive power.

The post Trump's $4.9 Billion 'Pocket Rescission' Violates Federal Law and Usurps Congressional Authority appeared first on Reason.com.
Illegal immigration has been a hallmark of President Donald Trump's platform since his first campaign announcement in 2015. But that policy plays out in such self-defeating ways that it's worth wondering what the president actually hopes to accomplish.

On Wednesday, The Seattle Times reported federal law enforcement had arrested "two people fighting the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula."

The Bureau of Land Management, "working alongside U.S. Forest Service, requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol as work contracts with two firms were terminated," according to a press release Thursday from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Out of 44 crew members onsite, "two individuals were found to be present in the United States illegally, one with a previous order of removal. The two individuals were arrested and transported to the Bellingham Station on charges of illegal entry."

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The arrest was a reversal of federal policy under two presidents. "Absent exigent circumstances, immigration enforcement will not be conducted at locations where disaster and emergency response and relief is being provided," the Department of Homeland Security announced in 2021, during Joe Biden's presidency. And in August 2018, under Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declared it would "suspend routine immigration enforcement operations in the areas affected by" wildfires in northern California, as well as "evacuation sites, or assistance centers such as shelters or food banks."

In a statement, Sen. Patty Murray (DWash.) called the arrest "as immoral as it is dangerous." (CBP's press release said the arrest "did not interfere with firefighting operations or the response to any active fires in the area, nor did it pose any danger to the surrounding community.")

"Hispanic immigrants play a pivotal role in wildfire response," Reason's Jeff Luse wrote this week. "Federal officials showing up to job sites and removing these workers from privately contracted crews will very likely delay wildfire response times and put more Americans at risk."

CBP did not reveal the nationality of the two people arrested. Regardless, it's especially ironic to arrest two firefighters for immigration offenses while they actively fight a wildfire that, as of Wednesday evening, was only 13 percent contained.

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Earlier this year, amid wildfires in Los Angeles, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent firefighters to help out. "We are a generous and supportive country," she posted on X.

Trump is now apparently kicking out firefighters during a wildfire simply over their immigration status.

If Trump insists on carrying out immigration enforcement even during disaster response, it raises the question of what he actually hopes to accomplish.

The Biden administration "oversaw an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the United States," according to an executive order Trump signed on his first day back in office. "Many of these aliens unlawfully within the United States present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans.Enforcing our Nation's immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States."

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If so, immigration enforcers would certainly prioritize egregious offendersthe ones truly "committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans."

Instead, there is considerable evidence the Trump administration is simply rounding up as many potential deportees as possible, regardless of the actual danger they pose.

In May, Trump advisor Stephen Miller reportedly berated ICE officials for prioritizing violent offenders, saying instead they should "just go out there and arrest illegal aliens" by rounding people up at Home Depot or 7-Eleven. Last month, White House border czar Tom Homan told Fox News that immigration agents "don't need probable cause" to question and detain people and can instead use their own "observations" of things like a suspect's "occupation" and "physical appearance."

Focusing so much attention on people who are merely present in the country without permissionnot just "the worst of the worst," as Trump sayshas consequences.

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After reentering office, Trump reportedly ordered ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)which polices offenses like human trafficking, cybercrime, and financial fraudto shift focus and instead prioritize routine immigration enforcement and deportation. Similarly, Trump has recently deployed federal agents to make arrests for petty crimes in Washington, D.C., tasks for which they were not trained.

This week's news is more of the same. Arresting firefighters during a wildfire simply over their immigration status undercuts the president's rhetoric on both immigration and public safety, and how he hopes to deal with each.

The post Why Is Trump's Border Patrol Arresting Firefighters During a Wildfire? appeared first on Reason.com.
A federal appeals court on Friday said President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff plan was illegal.

The appeals court judge ruled that Trump overstepped his executive power to rewrite trade policy.

If appealed, as is likely, an ultimate decision will be made by the Supreme Court.

A federal appeals court on Friday ruled that President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff plan was illegal  but overturned the lower trade court's injunction blocking them, allowing them to stay in place for now.

A 7-4 ruling from the appeals court ruled that Trump overstepped his executive power to rewrite trade policy. The court wrote in its decision that the president does not have the authority to impose tariffs outright through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, as the administration has said.

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"Contrary to the Government's assertion, the mere authorization to 'regulate' does not in and of itself imply the authority to impose tariffs," the ruling reads. "The power to 'regulate' has long been understood to be distinct from the power to 'tax.'"

In vacating the lower court's injunction, the appeals court will allow Trump's tariffs to remain in place through mid-October, giving both parties in the case  the Trump administration and VOS Selections, the importer of wine and spirits that sued over the tariffs  time to ask the Supreme Court to take up the appeal.

If the Trump administration appeals the decision, as is likely, the Supreme Court will be asked to rule on the limits of executive power.

Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

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Neal Katyal, the former Acting Solicitor General and co-counsel of the Liberty Justice Center, which is representing VOS Selections, told Business Insider that he thinks Trump should listen to the ruling and study it instead of prolonging the matter by bringing it to the Supreme Court.

"If he thinks these tariffs are so important, then he should go to Congress and get them approved," Katyal added.

Victor Schwartz, owner of VOS Selections, told BI following today's ruling that he is already seeing layoffs and cutbacks due to the tariffs, and he hopes for a swift resolution.

"We are going into our busiest time of the year, like many small businesses going into the holiday season, which means we're shipping the most now," said Schwartz. That means we're going to be paying the most, so the biggest burden of the tariffs is just upcoming, and that means that burden's going to be passed on."

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The appeals court's decision is the second time the courts have ruled Trump overstepped his authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs  starting with a baseline 10%, with some as high as 104%  on imports to the United States from almost every country around the globe.

The subsequent court battle has focused largely on the bounds of the president's executive power.

Political scientists previously told Business Insider that Congress alone holds the constitutional authority to impose duties and levies upon other countries, except in carveouts created by the IEEPA, which allows the president to declare an emergency under the National Emergency Act to regulate or prohibit imports.

Supply chain experts and economists previously told Business Insider that Trump's wide-reaching "Liberation Day" tariffs have affected the prices for everything from pantry staples like coffee and sugar to apparel and larger purchases like cars and appliances.

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There are other venues through which Trump could seek tariffs without Congress, including through Section 232 investigations, some of which are already ongoing over resources like copper and timber.

In a statement to Business Insider, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said that the tariffs remain in effect and that the administration looks forward to "ultimate victory" on this matter.

"President Trump lawfully exercised the tariff powers granted to him by Congress to defend our national and economic security from foreign threats," said Desai.

Following the ruling, Trump immediately responded on his social media platform that tariffs are "the best tool" to help workers and support companies, and added that the lawsuit will be taken to the Supreme Court.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Donald Trump's tariff regime is making everything from American-made steel weights, imported yarn, and Amazon's "everyday essentials" more expensive while his immigration crackdown is causing worker shortages in key industries. These policies will work in tandem to slow down already expensive deliveries of your favorite goods.

I personally experienced these ill effects when my ASICS Men's Gel-Rocket 11s took 40 days to be delivered from somewhere in Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Japan, or Cambodia, where SourcingWise, a supply chain management company, lists ASICS' manufacturing plants. Under former President Joe Biden, these countries were subjected to relatively low weighted average tariffs rates4.63 percent, 4.11 percent, 2.86 percent, 1.58 percent, and 7.95 percent in 2022, respectivelybut are now subject to reciprocal tariff rates of 20 percent, 19 percent, 30 percent, 15 percent, and 19 percent, respectively. Trump's tariff rates on these countries are at least twice as high as Biden's, and Americans are already feeling the pain.

Luckily for me, the sneakerswhich are incredibly comfortable and snazzyonly cost a grand total of $64.95, which means they were covered by the de minimis exemption and spared the logistical challenge of calculating and collecting tariff revenue for Customs and Border Protection. Those shoesand all other imports under $800are now subject to tariffs since Trump eliminated the de minimis exemption entirely on Friday. Reason's Eric Boehm reports that the U.K. Royal Mail already halted shipments to the U.S. on Monday "while awaiting more clarity on the new rules for imported parcels. Postal services in Germany, France, Italy, and several other European countries have also suspended shipments to the United States or said they plan to do so."

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Once my shoes landed stateside at a warehouse in San Bernardino, California, they only took four days to reach my Arlington, Virginia, address, over 2,500 miles away. The rapidity of this cross-country delivery suggests that American trucking is doing fine. Unfortunately, this anecdote is not representative of the national trend.

As Trump's tariffs make products more expensive, his immigration policies are about to make them take a whole lot longer to reach your home. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the federal government would cease issuing visas for commercial truck drivers. Rubio claimed "foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers." His statement follows the killing of three people in New Mexico by an illegal immigrant truck driver from India, Fox News reports.

The crash was tragic, senseless, and the driver has been arrested on allegations of vehicular homicide. But it doesn't justify Rubio's decision to stop issuing visas for truck drivers during a shortage when truck fatalities are lower than they were last year.

The American Trucking Association reported "a shortage of qualified drivers that reached 78,800 in 2022," before increasing to 115,000 in 2025, according to Matrack, a provider of GPS fleet management solutions for the trucking industry. It comes as no surprise, then, that a Tech.co poll from May found that 69 percent of transport and shipping professionals said "driver shortages have limited their ability to meet demand," with another "63 percent saying the ability to recruit and retain drivers has either stalled or worsened over the past year," as reported by Newsweek.

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These shortages will have not resulted in domestic truck drivers getting paid less. In fact, Newsweek reports that "56 percent of U.S. freight businesses concerned about staffing retention plan to increase driver compensation." Ending the issuance of visas to immigrant drivers will only exacerbate the shortage's detriment to American consumers.

Apparently, Donald Trump has decided that making imported goods more expensive isn't enough; he's decided to make them take longer to reach their destinations too.

The post Trump's Tariffs and Immigration Policies Are Why Your Amazon Packages Are So Expensive and Will Take Forever appeared first on Reason.com.
Detours caused by the closed airspace could increase the travel time of flights from Israel to countries like Georgia and Azerbaijan by almost two hours.

Turkey has decided to completely sever all commercial and economic ties with Israel and is closing its airspace to Israeli planes, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday.

While the economic consequences of this move are yet to be seen, detours caused by the closed airspace could increase the travel time of flights from Israel to countries such as Georgia and Azerbaijan by almost two hours.

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An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post: "Turkey has already announced severing economic relations with Israel in the past (and the relations continued)."

The move comes following reports that Turkish port authorities have begun informally requiring shipping agents to provide letters declaring that vessels are not linked to Israel and not carrying military or hazardous cargo bound for the country.

The alleged move, as per shipping sources, is another step Turkey has taken against Israel after it last year severed trade with the country, worth $7 billion annually, over its war in Gaza with Hamas.

Cameroon-flagged Ro Ro ship Lider Express is moored at Haydarpasa Port in Istanbul, Turkey, February 17, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/UMIT BEKTAS)

The sources said the harbor master's office had verbally instructed port agents to provide written assurances, adding that there was no official circular on the issue.

Turkish airsplace closed only to Israeli gov't flights, arms shipments

A Turkish diplomatic source later clarified that Fidan meant Israeli government flights and flights carrying weapons to Israel.

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"The minister's comments refer to official Israeli flights and flights carrying weapons or ammunition to Israel. This does not apply to transit commercial flights," the source said.

He added that commercial flights through its airspace would remain unchanged.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey has decided to bar Israeli vessels from using its ports, forbid Turkish ships from using Israeli ports and impose restrictions on some planes entering Turkish airspace, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday.

He provided few details in comments to parliament which appeared to summarise steps that Turkey has already taken against Israel over the war in Gaza or has started to implement.

Turkey has fiercely criticised Israel's offensive in Gaza and accuses it of committing genocide in the Palestinian enclave, a charge that Israel denies. Ankara has halted all trade with Israel, called for international measures against it and urged world powers to stop supporting Israel.

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Sources told Reuters last week that Turkish port authorities had also started informally requiring shipping agents to provide letters declaring that vessels are not linked to Israel and not carrying military or hazardous cargo bound for the country.

A source had also said that Turkish-flagged ships would be prohibited from calling at Israeli ports.

"We have totally cut our trade with Israel, we have closed off our ports to Israeli ships and we are not allowing Turkish vessels to go to Israel's ports," Fidan told an extraordinary parliamentary session on Israel's attacks on Gaza.

"We are not allowing container ships carrying weapons and ammunition to Israel to enter our ports, and airplanes to go into our airspace," he added, without giving details.

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A Turkish diplomatic source later clarified that Fidan meant Israeli government flights and flights carrying weapons to Israel.

"The minister's comments refer to official Israeli flights and flights carrying weapons or ammunition to Israel. This does not apply to transit commercial flights," the source said.

Fidan also said Turkey had presidential approval to carry out air drops of aid to Gaza.

"Our planes are ready, once Jordan gives its approval, we will be in a position to go," he told lawmakers.

The Israeli government did not immediately comment on his remarks.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Ros Russell and Nick Zieminski)
ISTANBUL (AP)  Turkey announced Friday it was closing its airspace to Israeli government planes and any cargo of arms for the Israeli military while closing its ports to maritime trade between third countries and Israel.

The announcement by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan came on top of a ban on direct trade between Turkey and Israel announced in May of 2024.

We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We have closed our ports to Israeli ships, Fidan told a special parliamentary debate on Gaza in Ankara. We do not allow container ships carrying weapons and ammunition to Israel to enter our ports, nor do we allow aircraft to enter our airspace.

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Ankara has been a harsh critic of Israeli attacks on Gaza, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly referring to Israels actions as genocide and likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler.

Turkey severed direct trade ties with Israel in May last year, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In 2023 the two countries carried out $7 billion in trade.

Turkish media reported last week that a ban on maritime traffic linked to Israel had been imposed, although there was no official statement at the time.

Last November, Turkish authorities denied permission for Israeli President Isaac Herzogs plane to enter Turkeys airspace for a trip to an international summit in Azerbaijan. As Turkey, we have to take a stance on certain issues, Erdogan later said when asked about the incident.

___

Find more of APs Israel-Hamas coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said his country has completely severed economic and trade ties with Israel and has closed its airspace to its aircraft, in protest over the war in Gaza.

Speaking at an extraordinary session of the Turkish parliament on Gaza on Friday, Fidan said Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza for the past two years, ignoring basic humanitarian values right before the worlds eyes.

Turkiye cut off direct trade ties with Israel in May last year, demanding a permanent ceasefire and the immediate entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In 2023, the two countries carried out $7bn in trade.

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Ankara has not minced its words about Israels war on Gaza, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling it a genocide  like many other world leaders and leading human rights organistions  and likening Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the leader of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler.

We have completely cut off our trade with Israel. We do not allow Turkish ships to go to Israeli ports. We do not allow their planes to enter our airspace, Fidan said.

The Turkish foreign ministers condemnation comes amid years of increasingly tense relations between the two countries, said Al Jazeeras Resul Serdar.

Its not only about the humanitarian crisis thats unfolding in Gaza; Turkiye gradually is perceiving Israel as a national security threat, Serdar explained, noting that Israels expansionism and attacks across the wider Middle East have been cause for concern.

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In Syria particularly, Ankara has accused Israel of wilfully undermining the countrys recovery efforts after the devastation of a 14-year civil war and the removal of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad last December by a lightning rebel offensive.

Diplomats in Ankara are seeing that if Israel is not stopped, eventually there might be a direct military confrontation between these two countries, he said.

Serdar added that the Turkish foreign ministers comments also show that Turkiye is looking to the Global South and other powers to take action, amid the United States and European Unions largely unwavering support for Israel.

Turkish media reported last week that a ban on maritime traffic linked to Israel had been imposed, although there was no official statement. According to reports, Israeli vessels were banned from docking in Turkiye, and Turkish-flagged ships were not allowed to enter Israeli ports.





Like pariahs

Meanwhile, Turkiyes latest move is making more and more Israelis feel the disadvantages of this kind of war that has no deadline, said Akiva Eldar, an Israeli political analyst.

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Turkiye is not just another country that is deciding to cut its relationship with Israel. Turkiye has been an ally of Israel for many years, a very important market to Israeli goods, Eldar told Al Jazeera, speaking from Kiryat Shmona, adding that it was also a favourite summer destination for many Israelis.

We feel more and more  Israelis are feeling isolated and [like] pariahs. More and more countries and companies have decided to stop their business with Israel.

Last November, Turkish authorities denied permission for Israeli President Isaac Herzogs plane to enter Turkiyes airspace for a trip to an international summit in Azerbaijan.

As Turkiye, we have to take a stance on certain issues, Erdogan later said when asked about the incident.

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Israel and Turkiyes relationship had soured as far back as 2010, following Israels deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, which killed 10 Turkish citizens.

More recently, a Turkish-American activist, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was killed by Israeli forces during a protest in the occupied West Bank in September 2024.




This month marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated Mississippi, Louisiana, and much of the Gulf Coast. For those of us who lived through it, the memories are still raw: entire towns wiped off the map, families left with nothing but a slab where their homes once stood, businesses and schools destroyed, lives lost.

Mississippi bore the brunt of Katrinas winds and storm surge, but we also witnessed something remarkable - neighbors helping neighbors, churches and charities mobilizing, volunteers pouring in from every state, and governments at every level working side by side with the private sector to respond and rebuild. The people of Mississippi showed a resilience and grit that I still believe changed the image of our state forever.

One of the most enduring lessons of Katrina is that the American people are at their very best when others are at their very worst. Within hours of the storm, we began to see an outpouring of generosity and manpower. Forty-six states sent people or resources. Churches from across the country adopted devastated congregations on the Coast. Businesses donated trucks, food, and equipment. More than 960,000 people volunteered to help with recovery in Mississippi - 600,000 in the first year alone. Many gave money, but countless others gave something even more valuable: their time and sweat, helping clear debris, rebuild homes, and comfort the hurting.

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These volunteers didnt just rebuild structures; they rebuilt hope. I will never forget meeting people from places like Minnesota, Ohio, and California who took vacation time or left their jobs for weeks to come muck out houses or hammer nails for families they had never met. That spirit of service carried us through the darkest days and is a big reason Mississippi recovered faster and stronger than many predicted.

Still, there were painful challenges we must learn from. One stands out to me clearly: The healthcare workforce is as essential to disaster response as electricity or clean water. After the storm, hospitals and nursing homes in Mississippi were crippled, yet surrounding states called our nurses and doctors, offering them jobs. It was "poaching," but who could blame them? The reality is that when disaster strikes, healthcare workers become some of the most valuable - and most vulnerable - assets in the country.

That is why theSTORM Act,introduced by Sen. Tedd Budd (R-NC), is so important. This bipartisan proposal creates a framework for public-private partnerships to ensure that the next time disaster strikes, we have the ability to quickly mobilize healthcare professionals where they are needed most. By streamlining licensure issues, clarifying liability protections, and coordinating with FEMA and state authorities, we can make sure that qualified doctors, nurses, and other professionals can cross state lines and step into action without delay.

When Katrina hit, we were fortunate to have a strong unified command structure and courageous citizens who did not wait for Washington to tell them what to do. But our systems for healthcare response were makeshift at best. We cannot afford to leave this to chance again.There are private sector companies that are filling this gap and ensuring that we can mobilize workers quickly, often even before the disaster hits. Imagine being able to proactively move and allocate resources, rather than having to react in the moment.

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Hurricanes will come. So will wildfires, floods, and other disasters. The question is whether we will be prepared - not just with debris removal and rebuilding, but with the capacity to care for the sick and vulnerable in the days and weeks after. The STORM Act gives us that opportunity.

Twenty years ago, the people of Mississippi got knocked flat, but they stood up, dusted off, and got to work helping their neighbors. On this anniversary, let us honor their example not just with remembrance, but with action. Lets be ready for the next storm.

Haley Barbour is former governor of Mississippi, former chairman of the Republican National Committee and founding partner of BGR Group.
(Photo via Getty Images)

This story was originally published by the Arizona Mirror.

Two Coloradans who forged documents to fraudulently enroll more than 40 real and fictitious children in Arizonas school voucher program have both pleaded guilty to felony charges.

As part of a plea agreement, Johnny Bowers pleaded guilty on Aug. 26 in Maricopa County Superior Court to fraudulent schemes and artifices and forgery, both felonies.

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Ashley Hopkins also pleaded guilty to fraudulent schemes and artifices on Aug. 5.

Bowers and Hopkins were indicted by a grand jury in November 2024 on 60 felony counts, including conspiracy and forgery, for defrauding Arizonas Empowerment Scholarship Account program.

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Between December 2022 and May 2024, the two submitted forged documents, including birth certificates and utility bills, to the ESA voucher program to fraudulently enroll more than 40 real and fictitious children. In total they received more than $110,000 in illegal school voucher payments, which they used to pay for their living expenses in Colorado.

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Fraud in the ESA program will not be tolerated, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a press statement about the guilty pleas. Those who exploit government systems for personal gain will be held accountable. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute fraud and protect taxpayer dollars.

Both Bowers and Hopkins are set to be sentenced on Oct. 24.

The ESA program works by giving the parents of participating students a debit card that can be used to pay for various educational costs, or reimbursing the parents for those costs. The costs can include private or parochial school tuition, homeschooling supplies  and even savings for college tuition.

The program was created in 2012 to serve around 11,000 students with disabilities, but was incrementally expanded to include more kids until 2022 when then-Gov. Doug Ducey and the Republican-led Arizona Legislature made it universal, allowing all of the states roughly 1 million K-12 students to enroll. This school year, the program is expected to have about 90,000 enrollees, at a cost of around $1 billion.

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Public school advocates have been fighting to end or reform the program for years, but it came under increased scrutiny after the Department of Education last November began automatically reimbursing parents for all purchases under $2,000. That practice was implemented due to a huge backlog of reimbursement requests, as student enrollment in the program skyrocketed without a corresponding increase in staffing.

In a recent investigation into those automatically approved purchases, 12 News found that parents used tax dollars to purchase diamond rings, smart TVs, iPhones, household appliances and even lingerie.

In response to that investigation, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne promised that the Arizona Department of Education would claw back the money doled out for those unallowable purchases.

In a Wednesday statement, Horne, who is a Republican, attempted to take credit for the prosecution of Bowers and Hopkins.

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(T)he only way todays conviction of two people on charges of fraud using Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) dollars could happen was because the Department of Education discovered the activity in 2024 and referred it for prosecution, Horne wrote in the statement.

In the statement, Horne misspelled Mayes first name and said she had falsely accused him of permitting the extravagant purchases of jewelry and lingerie.

To date we have collected or referred for collection more than $622,000 in improper purchases for under $2,000 that were paid automatically, Horne wrote.

He added that the process of risk-based auditing, or automatically approving purchases and then auditing for fraud and misspending after the fact is a common practice in many federal and state agencies and is dictated by state law.

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However, the Department of Education ignored part of the risk-based audit law  which required it to work with the Arizona Auditor General to create auditing processes  for nearly a year. The law went into effect last September, but ESA officials repeatedly pushed back meetings with the auditor general and only conferred with that office in July, after state legislators insisted on it.

Without this (risk based audit) program, reimbursements for expenditures would take over two months, putting a terrible burden on parents who have paid money and are entitled to reimbursements, Horne wrote.

Horne also blamed Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs for inadequate staffing to deal with the expanded universal voucher program, because she refused in June to endorse a state budget that included funding for 12 additional purchase reviewers.

A spokesman for Hobbs, Christian Slater, previously told the Mirror that the request for additional ESA employees was discussed during budget negotiations between Senate Republicans and Hobbs, but was left out because Republicans wouldnt agree to any accountability measures to go along with the increased staff.

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One of those proposed measures included automatic review of all purchases under $2,000, Slater said.

Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com.

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Two people have died from complications caused by a flesh-eating bacteria they contracted after eating tainted oysters in Louisiana, according to a state health official.

The bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, is a naturally occurring organism found in warm coastal waters. Its most commonly found between May and October, according to NBC News.

Vibrio bacteria thrive in seawater and in brackish water  a mix of fresh and saltwater  that is typically found in estuaries and lagoons. Most of the bacterial infections reported in the U.S. occur along the Gulf Coast.

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The Gulfs water is "the perfect convergence of the right amount of salt and the right amount of heat to let this organism proliferate, Dr Fred Lopez, an infectious diseases specialist at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, told the Associated Press.

The deaths were reported this week during a meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force. The officials noted that one of the individuals was a Louisiana resident and the other was visiting from out of state.

Two people have died in Louisiana after they ate raw oysters and became infected with the flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus bacteria (Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

"Its just prolific right now," Jennifer Armentor, the molluscan shellfish program administrator at the state's Department of Health told the task force on Tuesday.

The bacteria can enter humans through open wounds exposed to coastal waters or if an individual eats raw or undercooked seafood, according to health officials. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, infected individuals may experience severe illness with symptoms like fever, chills, septic shock, and large, blistering lesions on the skin, according to Florida Health.

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At least four people have now died in Louisiana this year in connection with the bacteria.

Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can become seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation, the Louisiana Health Department said. About one in five people with this infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.

It noted that the state has experienced a "higher number" of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths this year.

So far this year 22 cases have resulted in hospitalizations in Louisiana and more than 80 percent of the reported cases were related to the exposure of open wounds to seawater.

Louisiana isn't the only state affected by the bacteria; Florida has also reported 23 cases related to it this year, and five people have died

During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana, the department said in a July report.

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Louisiana isn't the only state affected by the bacteria; Florida has also reported 23 cases related to it this year, and five people have died.

According to CDC data, as many as one in five infections are fatal, and infected individuals often die within a day or two of the infection.

Dr Andrew Handel, pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York, told FOX News that the best way to avoid infection is by not eating raw shellfish.

"To prevent Vibrio food poisoning, avoid eating raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease," the doctor said. "If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source."

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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, more than 80 percent of American seafood consists of "bivalve mollusks such as oysters, claims, and mussels," with shrimp and salmon making up the rest.

That said, the U.S. imports between 70 to 85 percent of its seafood, and nearly all of the seafood that makes it onto a restaurant table is either farm raised or imported.

Infections may be on the rise in part because climate change is creating ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive.

A study from 2023 found that the northernmost infections have been shifting further north by approximately 30 miles each year and that cases overall have been on the rise.
Two firefighters battling Washington states biggest wildfire were arrested by Border Patrol agents in a move that officials have called as immoral as it is sick.

The men, who were reported to be Mexican contractors, were picked up Wednesday as they battled the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula. The blaze has so far burned about 14 square miles on the north side of Lake Cushman in the Olympic National Forest and National Park.

By Thursday evening the fire had covered 8,960 acres and was only 13 percent contained, having been burning since July 6. The states second biggest fire currently is the Pomas fire, which is 3,533 acres large as of three days ago.

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Two work crews were gathered at a staging site near Lake Cushman around 9 a.m. Wednesday when federal agents appeared, crew boss David Diaz told NBC News. Videos recorded by crew members appeared to show the agents detaining the men, who were put into handcuffs.

The outlet reported that 20 of the contract workers were Mexican and all carried work visas and passports. The officials arrested the two men on suspicion of being in the U.S. illegally but this was not immediately confirmed.

The Independent has contacted USCBP for further information about the alleged arrests.

Two firefighters battling Washington states biggest wildfire were arrested by Border Patrol agents. The men were picked up Wednesday as they battled the Bear Gulch fire on the Olympic Peninsula (AP)

Veteran firefighters told NBC that the incident was one of the first times Border Patrol agents have entered a fire zone to carry out mass deportation orders given by the Trump administration.

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In a statement released Thursday, Washington Senator Patty Murray described Trumps immigration policy as fundamentally sick.

Trump has undercut our wildland firefighting abilities in more ways than onefrom decimating the Forest Service and pushing out thousands of critical support staff, to now apparently detaining firefighters on the job," Murray said.

This administrations immigration policy is fundamentally sick. Trump has wrongfully detained everyone from lawful green card holders to American citizensno one should assume this was necessary or appropriate.

The statement continued: Here in the Pacific Northwest, wildfires can, and have, burned entire towns to the ground. We count on our brave firefighters, who put their lives on the line, to keep our communities safethis new Republican policy to detain firefighters on the job is as immoral as it is dangerous.

As of Thursday the Bear Gulch fire had covered 8,960 acres and was only 13 percent contained, having been burning since July 6. The states second biggest fire currently is the Pomas fire, which is 3,533 acres large as of three days ago (AP)

Murray said she was demanding immediate answers from the administration about the circumstances of the reported arrests, including the whereabouts of the two firefighters and what the governments policy was regarding immigration enforcement during active wildfires.

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Jennifer Risdal, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service's Incident Management Team overseeing the firefighting efforts, previously said the service was aware of the Border Patrol activities at the fire site but offered no information about what happened.

"The Border Patrol operation is not interfering with firefighting activity and Bear Gulch firefighters continue to make progress on the fire," Risdal told The Associated Press in an email.
Two juveniles apprehended, search ongoing for driver accused of crashing stolen car into MSP cruiser

Police say theyre still searching for a driver suspected of crashing a stolen car into a Massachusetts State Police cruiser on Wednesday night.

Troopers on patrol spotted the vehicle in the area of Antwerp Street in Bostons Allston neighborhood shortly before 10:30 p.m.

According to authorities, the car was the subject of a be on the lookout from local police.

State Police say the driver of the vehicle and two juvenile passengers tried fleeing on foot after crashing into a cruiser.

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There was no report of any injury to the trooper in the cruiser.

The two juvenile passengers were quickly apprehended, according to police, although its unclear if they will face any charges.

Boston Police, State Police K-9s and the Air Wing, searched for the driver until just after 11 p.m., but did not locate him.

The investigation remains ongoing and no further information was immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Aug. 28---- Two people in an all-terrain vehicle were injured in a crash Wednesday night in

According to a news release from the

Daniel Sullivan and Janet Sullivan, both 61 and both of rural Watkins, were transported to the CentraCare  St. Cloud Hospital after their side-by-side was struck by another vehicle.

Daniel Sullivan was driving the ATV and suffered serious injuries, according to the Sheriff's Office. He was airlifted from the scene southwest of Watkins.

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Janet Sullivan was transported by ambulance for treatment of what the Sheriff's Office described as non-serious injuries.

The other driver, a 16-year-old from

who was not named in the news release, was traveling northbound on County Road 34 when their vehicle struck the ATV, which was also traveling northbound.

The juvenile was not injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to the Sheriff's Office.

It was first reported around 7:26 p.m. Wednesday in the 35900 block of Meeker County Road 34 in Forest Prairie Township.

Eden Valley Fire and Rescue, Mayo Ambulance, Watkins Ambulance, the

and Lifelink III Air Ambulance assisted the Meeker County Sheriff's Office at the scene.
Aug. 28Two Spokane immigrants in the U.S. who sought asylum have chosen to go back to their home countries after spending months in immigration detention.

It's a similar tale as that of other immigrants in the U.S. who have left in the wake of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Trump has sidestepped typical due process laws and created new barriers to legal immigration, making it much harder for those with visas or other legal documents to remain in the country. Others have left out of fear of being arrested, even though they bear no criminal record.

Such is the story for 21-year-old Cesar Alexander Alvarez Perez, who came to the country after escaping persecution in Venezuela. When he arrived in Spokane, he began to attend church and obtained a job at the Walmart in Airway Heights.

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His time in Spokane was short-lived after he was arrested at the Immigration and U.S. Customs Enforcement office off West Cataldo Avenue in North Spokane during a routine check-in, although he also bears no criminal record. Perez came to the states through a legal program known as the Venezuelan Humanitarian Parole Program, or the "CHNV" program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans. It allowed for immigrants facing persecution to legally live and work "under parole" with a sponsor, or a legally appointed guardian to help guide them while living in the U.S.

Recently, Trump terminated that program to continue his effort of mass deportations.

Perez's U.S. sponsor, former city council President Ben Stuckart, wrote on Facebook Thursday morning that Perez chose to self-deport rather than stay in a cell.

"He was working full time, had created a community here and then was detained (in chains). He was sent to stay in a cell (run by a for profit company) for 3 months and was treated poorly (like a criminal). Reports released last week detail the inhumane conditions of the Tacoma detention facility, and confirmed the stories Cesar frequently shared with us," Stuckart wrote. "He is now being sent back to a horrible place he spent years escaping. The decisions being made today have very real consequences for very real, beautiful humans and it makes me so sad, angry and discouraged."

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Stuckart declined requests to comment further.

When Perez was arrested in June, he was also arrested with his friend, 28-year-old Joswar Slater Rodriguez Torres, who met Cesar in Colombia in the middle of their trek to seek asylum in the U.S.

The men's detainment sparked Spokane's largest anti-ICE protest on June 11 that netted more than 30 arrests, led to a citywide curfew and prompted federal prosecutors to charge nine protesters with crimes related to the protest. Stuckart, who showed up to prevent ICE from taking Perez and Torres, was arrested and accused of blocking the transport bus that carried them to the detention center in Tacoma.

"When did empathy for others begin to be seen as a weakness? When did we forget we are a nation built on immigration? When did those in power forget they are here to serve the people, not to protect their privilege?" Stuckart wrote on Facebook. "Oh poor Cesar and may he be protected in his journey and surrounded in light."

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Torres, who is nicknamed "Randy," is still being held in the detainment center in Tacoma. His sponsor, former Republican Spokane County commissioner Shelly O'Quinn, told The Spokesman-Review at the time the stories of Perez and Torres deserve to be told, because "they have demonstrated their American values of hard work and integrity," O'Quinn said  they shouldn't become political pawns in a battle with red or blue.

O'Quinn said via text message Thursday that Torres is still waiting for another immigration hearing to decide how to proceed, but that they remain hopeful for him.

A month before Torres and Perez were detained, however, a Ferris High School student was arrested by ICE. He self-deported earlier this month after being in ICE's custody since May.

An asylum seeker from Guatemala, Dylan "Alex" Alexander Saquic Lopez lived with his uncle the past year in Spokane while attending Ferris. Two weeks after his 18th birthday, he was detained at a regularly scheduled immigration enforcement meeting.

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According to his former teacher, Lopez was denied bond on August 11 and decided to return to Guatemala rather than remain in ICE custody and fight deportation. The teen had left Guatemala because a gang threatened to kill him. He traveled north through Mexico and claimed asylum at the United States border in Arizona in 2024.

English-as-a-second-language teacher Clay Elliott said the prospect of indefinite ICE custody was too difficult for Lopez.

"After being denied bond, he could have gone back to detention or voluntary deport. Despite concerns for his safety, he decided that was the better option," Elliott said.

After his detainment, a GoFundMe raised more than $15,000 to pay for his legal expenses. According to Elliott, the remainder of the funds raised will be used to establish Lopez in a different region of Guatemala from where he was threatened.

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"He was so grateful for all the support and happy that people cared. The silver lining is he was looking forward to seeing his mom. Hopefully the remainder of the GoFundMe can get him established in as safe a place as is possible in Guatemala."

The teen's uncle Francis Lopez confirmed his nephew is in Guatemala but declined to comment.

With the new school year starting next week, Elliott is concerned ICE may detain more of his students trying to get an education in Spokane.

"This is the beginning. There will be more cases like this. I take comfort that the community cares about kids like Alex. But he will be missed. And his absence will undoubtedly have a chilling effect on our community," he said. "We were much better off having him here."
The majority of Americans are pessimistic about the possibility of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, according to a Gallup poll published on Aug. 28.

Some 22% of respondents said they are very pessimistic about a possible peace deal, while 45% said they are somewhat pessimistic. In turn, only 4% said they are very optimistic and 27% somewhat optimistic about peace.

The survey's results contrast with U.S. President Donald Trump's push to broker a swift peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow, an effort that seems to have stalled as Moscow rejects a ceasefire and escalates attacks against Ukraine.

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The poll was carried out between Aug. 1 and 15, just before Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 and a summit with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on Aug. 18.

The results show that pessimism is widespread across the political spectrum, with 57% of Republicans expressing a negative outlook, as well as 69% of independents and 78% of Democrats.

The poll also shows that 66% of Americans believe neither side is winning the war, 23% believe Moscow has the upper hand, and 10% say Kyiv is winning.

Around 73% of respondents said they are concerned that an eventual peace deal might be too favorable to Russia, and 87% worry that the Russian leadership could violate the terms of a potential deal.

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A slight majority  52%  favor Washington helping Ukraine reclaim occupied territories, while 45% support a quick end to the war, even if it means Kyiv giving up on its land.

This divide is visible along party lines, with 80% of Democrats wishing to help Ukraine reclaim its territories and 69% of Republicans preferring a faster end to the war.

Russia occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, with Putin demanding that Ukraine cede the entire Donbas region, comprised of partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, as one of the conditions for a peace deal.

Around 46% of respondents also say that the U.S. is not doing enough to help Ukraine, a notable increase since 30% in December 2024, before Trump returned to office.

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The start of Trump's presidency marked a major shift in the U.S. policy on the war and a clear break from the decisive support for Kyiv under former President Joe Biden.

While pushing for a quick peace deal, Trump has been inconsistent in his positions toward both Ukraine and Russia, laying the blame for the war on both countries.

The new administration has on several occasions paused military aid to Ukraine and threatened additional sanctions against Russia, though it has so far failed to adopt any new measures against Moscow.

August saw a renewed diplomatic push marked by Trump's meeting with Putin and Zelensky. The U.S. president also said he aims to organize a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, though no such summit has been announced.

Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
London  The U.K. government has barred Israeli officials from attending a major weapons trade conference in London amid widespread criticism over the escalation of the war in Gaza. Britain's Ministry of Defense confirmed to CBS News that representatives of Israel's Defense Ministry had not been invited to the Defense Security and Equipment International (DSEI) conference, which is held in London every other year.



"The Israeli Government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025," a U.K. government spokesperson said in a statement.



Members of the Israeli defense industry, however, including U.K. subsidiaries of Israeli defense companies, are still being allowed to attend the conference that begins on Saturday.

In response to the decision, a spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Defense said in a statement: "At a time when Israel is engaged on multiple fronts against Islamist extremists and terrorist organizations  forces that also threaten the West and international shipping lanes  this decision by Britain plays into the hands of extremists, grants legitimacy to terrorism, and introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition."

An attendee uses a virtual reality headset as he sits in the Tempest fighter jet on the BAE Systems Plc stand at the Defense & Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show at the ExCel Center in London, in a Sept. 11, 2019 file photo. / Credit: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg/Getty

The DSEI is a trade show that draws representatives from various governments and private defense companies that produce weapons and other military equipment.



British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has applied increasing pressure on the government of his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, over the management of the ongoing war in Gaza.



In a speech on July 29, Starmer announced that the U.K. would move to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel ended what he called the "appalling situation" in the Palestinian territory.

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On Aug. 8, Starmer again criticized Netanyahu's handling of the conflict by saying the decision to expand the war into Gaza City  which happened Friday with the beginning of a new Israeli offensive to take the decimated metropolis - would "do nothing to bring an end to this conflict" and "only bring more bloodshed."



The decision to bar Israeli officials from the trade show came just a couple months after authorities in France sealed off the booths of five Israeli defense firms at the Paris Air Show in June. The booths had displayed "offensive weapons" that could be used in Gaza  in violation of agreements with Israeli authorities, a French government source told AFP at the time.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was shocked by the "outrageous" closure of the pavilions in Paris and called for the situation to be "immediately corrected."

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News media chase after a federal staffer bolting to his car after he refused to answer questions about U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemers visit to Cranston Fire Department's Station 2 on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

The first official visit to Rhode Island by a member of President Donald Trumps cabinet turned out to be a largely private affair.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer met with Cranston firefighters at their Pontiac Avenue headquarters Thursday afternoon as part of her America at Work listening tour.

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The secretarys staff and security detail drove directly into the fire departments bay-windowed garage shortly before 1 p.m., closed the doors, then opened them once she was inside. Reporters were kept at a distance, and the secretary was kept out of sight. Firefighters then ran through demonstrations in baggy, fluorescent-colored hazmat suits as the secretary toured the station inside.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori M. Chavez-DeRemer (Official Department of Labor Photograph)

A few hours before the event, Hunter Lovell, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Labor, said via email that Thursdays visit builds on Chavez-DeRemers celebration earlier this year of National Apprenticeship Day, when she hosted the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on new apprenticeship standards for first responders.

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, and its critical they have access to the best training and apprenticeship opportunities available, Chavez-DeRemer said in her statement. Im grateful for the impressive work the Cranston Fire Department and the International Association of Fire Fighters are doing to prepare the next generation of first responders, and I deeply appreciate their dedication and service to their communities.

Apprenticeships and staffing challenges were some of the topics discussed during the secretarys visit, firefighter told reporters after Chavez-DeRemer had left. But unlike the secretarys recent tour stops in New Hampshire and Idaho, the press was not allowed a peek at Chavez-DeRemers interactions and luncheon with the fire departments recruits and senior staff.

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Just after 2 p.m., the front doors to the fire stations garage closed again, as Chavez-DeRemer and her staff gathered in the garage area to watch a demonstration out of sight of the three reporters and a cameraman who had been waiting outside for over an hour.

Cranston firefighters in hazmat suits perform a live demonstration as they wait for U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to finish her tour of Cranston Fire Departments Station 2 on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

The secretarys two-car motorcade drove off shortly afterward, as reporters shouted questions for the secretary.. A remaining federal staffer who parked on the other side of the fire station ran away when reporters began asking questions, got into his car and drove off.

The fire department had suggested the news media would have the opportunity to ask the secretary questions, but by the events conclusion it was still unclear who decided to keep the event private. One federal staffer told reporters that the fire department had asked for things to be kept private.

Thats not my call. I have no comment on that, Jonathan Francis, union president of Cranston Firefighters IAFF Local 1363, told reporters after the secretary left.

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Firefighters said they enjoyed a pleasant afternoon with the secretary discussing staffing and workforce issues. Francis said that Cranston is short six firefighters from being fully staffed, and that theyre hiring  but the citys situation is not unique.

Every community is struggling, he said. Call numbers  theyre never going down, theyre always going up. We see that going on throughout the state.

Cranstons Republican Mayor Ken Hopkins was invited but was unable to attend, his spokesperson, Zachary DeLuca, said. Hopkins Chief of Staff Anthony Moretti did attend, however, and spoke with reporters alongside firefighters. Moretti said the event was on the mayors calendar at least a week ago.

Why Cranston for the quietly momentous cabinet member visit?

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Because were the best fire department in the best city in the state of Rhode Island, Moretti said, adding that, to his knowledge, no other fire departments had been invited by the labor department ahead of the secretarys visit.

Moretti said Chavez-DeRemer had wanted to really keep it low-key, to sit down, meet face to face with the various firefighters. He characterized the very genuine event as one in which the need for intimacy with laborers was perhaps prioritized over public access.

She seemed to relate so well to the firefighters department, Moretti said, relaying the secretarys comment that firefighters dont serve Republicans or Democrats but the public at large. Its pretty resounding, and it really speaks true of what these people do.

The chief of staff also clarified what was on the lunch menu.

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Diced chicken, he said. A spicy, diced chicken, and a healthy salad.

Cranston firefighters and federal staffers are seen through the glass, albeit darkly, of garage door windows at the Cranston Fire Departments Station 2 on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, during U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemers visit. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Union-friendly, but under fire

Prior to her confirmation as labor secretary, Chavez-DeRemer accrued a largely favorable record with large unions nationwide. As a one-term U.S. representative for Oregons fifth district, Chavez-DeRemer  whose father was a Teamster  emerged as one of the GOPs most pro-union members, being one of few Republicans to support the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act  legislation AFL-CIO has hailed as landmark worker empowerment.

In March, Chavez-DeRemers proclivity for supporting unions led two Republican senators  Kentuckys Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell  to vote against her confirmation as labor secretary. Her appointment succeeded, with a 67-32 vote.

In a Thursday statement, Rhode Islands solidly blue congressional delegation pounced on Chavez-DeRemers visit for seemingly opposite reasons, citing the Trump administrations recent cancellation of the Revolution Wind project off of Block Island. The Aug. 22 stop-work order paused the 80% complete offshore wind project, idling an estimated 1,000 unionized workers.

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U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Reps. Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo issued a joint statement that found the labor secretarys visit optically problematic after the Revolution Wind news and the recent unfurling of a banner sporting Trumps visage outside the U.S. Department of Labor building.

Instead of having her staff make a giant banner of the President to hang at the Labor Department, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer would be wise to listen to and learn from the hardworking Rhode Islanders that the Trump administration put out of work this Labor Day weekend in their corrupt quest to crush clean energy, the delegates wrote. We hope she does so on this trip.

Whitehouse also launched separate salvoes against the visit on his X and Facebook accounts. Reed followed suit and made a similar post on Thursday morning.

The two senators, however, were more divided when it came time to confirm Chavez-DeRemers appointment back in March. Like Rand and McConnell, Reed was one of 32 dissenters who voted against Chavez-DeRemers confirmation. Whitehouse voted in support.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  An 18-year-old murder suspect from Memphis was arrested Thursday in Atlanta, according to U.S. Marshals.

Trenton Dillon Harris is being charged with first-degree murder in a shooting death that happened August 22 outside a Cordova business.

The victim, Antonio Sykes Jr., was found dead with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle parked outside a smoke shop in the 1900 block of Berryhill Road.

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Teenager found shot to death in vehicle at Cordova parking lot

Trenton Dillon Harris (U.S. Marshals)

Two days after the shooting, investigators confirmed Harris was the person responsible and issued a warrant for his arrest.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.

The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Memphis was deployed to help locate Harriss whereabouts.

Thats when detectives say it was discovered Harris had left for Atlanta and was staying at a residence there.

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He was taken into custody and extradited back to Shelby County.

I commend the quick work of the Shelby County Sheriffs Detectives in solving this case, said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller.

There is no court date scheduled for Harris 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 WREG.com.
Gov. Ned Lamont delivered a modest $7.7 million grant to the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton on Thursday for dock and waterfront improvements as part of the states continuing effort to keep the base open and operating in southeastern Connecticut.

The grant is part of a commitment the state made two decades ago to keep the sub base, a powerful driver of the regional economy, off the U.S. Navys list of installations subject to possible closure.

In a ceremony Thursday afternoon, Lamont and base commander Capt. Kenneth Curtin signed documents acknowledging transfer of the money that Curtin said will be used to improve for small craft dockage along the bases secured waterfront on the Thames River.

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The small craft, some of which must now be stored on and launched from trailers, are used for waterfront security and environmental response to events such as oil spills, Curtin said.

The $7 million, the latest installment on about $23 million the state has turned over the the U.S. Navy since 2009, is a symbolic contribution to the cost of operating the base, home to 6,000 sailors and Department of Defense civilian employees, the location off the U.S. Navys submarine school and home port to 22 submarines.

The base opened in Groton in 1867 about a mile north of the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, which historically has been the U.S. Navys principal contractor on nuclear submarines and is now building cutting edge Virginia and Columbia class attack and missile subs.

In the early 2000s, the Pentagon put the Groton submarine base on its list of excess bases and scheduled its possible closure as part of the Congressionally-authorized Base Realignment and Closure process. The process was designed to close excess military infrastructure in order to enhance overall military efficiency and readiness.

The base was removed from the possible closure list by an extraordinary lobbying campaign by political, economic and military interests in the state. Included in the states argument was the commitment to make financial contributions to base operations.
Aug. 28U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, spoke at a rare town hall Wednesday and was met with a lively and what he called a "disruptive" crowd.

While Davidson had supporters, a majority of the packed crowd at Edgewood Middle School in St. Clair Twp. responded to questions Davidson answered with boos, laughter and shouting.

The packed crowd wrote questions on comment cards, which Davidson's staff then organized, eliminating duplicates. Rick Pearce, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton, moderated the event and asked questions on behalf of the audience.

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Melissa Schardine, executive vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3448, said she attended the town hall to advocate for government workers, especially those at Social Security.

"It's a very high stress job on a good day," she said. "And they keep plucking and plucking and plucking employees from us."

Questions answered ranged on topics including property taxes; AI and privacy; Medicaid; size of government; National Guard deployment in U.S. cities; and the Big Beautiful Bill, which Davidson called "imperfect."

Davidson received an early reaction on comments on claims of immigrants in the country illegally receiving Medicaid benefits through "loopholes" in certain U.S. states.

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An audience member shouted, "They're humans."

"Well, soon they won't be in the United States, so they won't cost us anything," Davidson responded, garnering some applause and some booing.

This occurred about 10 minutes into the town hall, with some audience members asking the crowd to let Davidson speak.

Many of his remaining answers received similar responses  a mixture of applause, booing and shouted words, which one audience member said was "uncalled for."

Davidson's comments on needing an AI privacy bill in Congress received a general positive response.

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Several times, Davidson stepped back from the podium to let the crowd die down before continuing to talk.

No attendee was removed during the event for disruption.

Following the town hall, Davidson answered media questions and said, "I hope (the town hall) was somewhat therapeutic for everybody. Maybe that's just what they needed is to come and feel like they were heard because they were ... mostly here to just kind of yell things that couldn't really be heard by everybody."

He said some attendees  Democrats, Republicans and Independents  left early because they were "frustrated they couldn't even hear what we were talking about," according to some early feedback.

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Though many recent GOP town halls have gone similar ways, Davidson said he felt "it was important to do."

"I tried to basically serve the people that wanted to come have an actual town hall, and it was disappointing that a lot of other people were very disruptive," he said.

Attendees who asked a question that did not get a response were told they would receive a written response following the event.

GOP town halls

In March, House Speaker Mike Johnson encouraged Republican lawmakers to skip town halls, and U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, shared his stance on town halls with the Dayton Daily-News in August: "People see me all the time. I meet with and speak with local groups and organizations frequently and answer questions. I'm not going to participate with these radical groups who are only interested in promoting themselves and not our community."
The British government has barred Israeli officials from attending a major London arms fair next month, as tensions between the two allies escalate over Israels war on Gaza.

We can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement reported by the AFP news agency on Friday.

The biennial exhibition, running from September 9-12, is one of the worlds largest arms trade shows.

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The decision follows Londons suspension of some weapons export licences to Israel, the freezing of free trade negotiations, and sanctions imposed on two far-right Israeli ministers over the assault on Gaza, where famine has taken hold amid Israels severe restrictions on supplies of humanitarian aid.

The Israeli governments decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong, the British statement said. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

A report published in May found that United Kingdom firms have continued to export military items to Israel despite a government partial suspension in September last year.





Israeli defence companies will still be permitted to take part in the event, but without an official government presence or pavilion.

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Israels defence ministry denounced the move as a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination and said it would withdraw from the exhibition entirely.

Israeli media reported that Britain had said the ban could be reversed if Israel committed to upholding international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The move comes amid mounting European pressure on Israel over its continued war on Gaza.

In May, France barred Israeli arms manufacturers from displaying offensive weapons at the Paris Air Show.

European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss further sanctions against Israel at a meeting in Copenhagen on Saturday, with Sweden and the Netherlands leading calls for tougher action.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signalled a harder stance towards Israel, pledging last month to recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel refuses to agree to a truce and take concrete steps towards ending its occupation.

The DSEI arms fair traditionally hosts senior delegations alongside private arms contractors.

More than 62,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed by Israel in its nearly two-year war on Gaza and at least 157,600 have been wounded, according to Palestinian health authorities.

South Africa has brought a case at the International Court of Justice alleging that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The case alleges that Israels war on Gaza has gone beyond targeting the Palestinian group Hamas, with the military attacking civilians, schools, hospitals and camps. Israel denies deliberately targeting civilians.
The British government has barred Israeli officials from attending a major arms fair in London next month, citing Israels escalation of its military campaign in Gaza.

The Israeli Governments decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025, a government spokesperson told CNN.

Israel has previously commanded a large presence at the Defense and Security Equipment International exhibition, which brings together governments, militaries and the arms industry for a four-day conference in the UK capital every other year.

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Israels defense ministry slammed the British governments decision. These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israels representatives, a spokesperson said, confirming that Israel will withdraw from the exhibition.

The spokesperson said the decision plays into the hands of extremists and introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition.

Removing Israel from the arms expo is the latest in a series of steps taken by the British government aimed at pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to wind down his war in Gaza and agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Along with the leaders of France and Canada, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. That summit opens on September 9  the same day as DSEI in London  and runs until the end of the month.

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Unlike France and Canada, however, Starmer made British recognition of a Palestinian state conditional on Israels actions. Starmer said the UK will recognize Palestinian statehood in September unless Israel addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, agrees a ceasefire with Hamas and commits to a long-term sustainable peace and a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A visitor tries a range of assault rifles at DSEI 2023. - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Since Starmers announcement in July, Israel has drastically expanded its campaign in Gaza and is preparing to occupy Gaza City, the largest in the enclave.

Justifying its decision to bar Israeli officials from DSEI, the UK government spokesperson said: There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Although Israeli government officials have not been invited, private Israeli arms companies will still be able to attend, a British Ministry of Defence spokesperson told CNN.

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In June, France shut down stands for major Israeli arms companies, including Elbit Systems and Rafael, at the Paris Airshow  the worlds biggest aviation trade fair  for refusing to remove attack weapons from display.

Despite efforts by several European countries to put diplomatic pressure on Israel , Europe has continued to purchase arms from Israel. In August, Elbit Systems announced it had signed a $1.6 billion contract to deliver a range of defense solutions to an unnamed European country.

Israels arms industry has boomed in recent years. Annual Israeli arms sales reached a new record in 2024, for the fourth consecutive year, according to figures released in June by Israels defense ministry.

Israeli arms exports totaled nearly $14.8 billion last year, up from $13 billion in 2023 and more than double the value of its exports of five years ago.

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Arms exports and military expenditure are surging globally, driven by major conflicts on multiple continents, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

CNNs Tamar Michaelis contributed reporting.

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LONDON (Reuters) -Britain has barred Israeli officials from its biggest defence trade show over its escalation of the war against Hamas in Gaza, its latest effort to pressure a historically close ally over the conflict.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government said in July it would recognise a Palestinian state unless Israel took steps to relieve suffering in the enclave and met other conditions, enraging the Israeli government.

Israel's Ministry of Defence said that as a result of the trade fair ban it would not run its national pavilion as it has done previously at London's Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) event.

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Israeli defence companies, such as Elbit Systems, Rafael, IAI and Uvision, will still be able to attend.

Britain's move had echoes of a dispute at the Paris Air Show three months ago, when France blocked off with black partitions the stands of Israeli defence companies after they refused to remove attack weapons from display, sparking a furious response from Israel.

A British government spokesperson said on Friday that the Israeli government's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza was wrong.

"As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025."

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"There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza," the spokesperson added.

Israel said Britain's decision was a "regrettable act of discrimination" and "introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition".

The four-day show, due to open on September 9, features national delegations and private companies, who showcase military kit and weapons at London's Excel centre. The event takes place every other year.

DSEI is organised by a private company, Clarion Defence and Security, but with backing from the British government and the military.

(Reporting by Sarah Young and Lili BayerEditing by Kate Holton and Frances Kerry)
Despite government officials being barred from the conference, Israeli arms companies will still be welcome to partake in the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition.

Israeli officials have been blocked from attending Londons upcoming major defense conference, a spokesperson for the UK government told Politico on Thursday.

The decision was directly linked to Israels war in Gaza, the source said.

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Despite government officials being barred from the conference, Israeli arms companies will still be welcome to partake in the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition.

The Israeli governments decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong, a spokesman for the exhibition said, adding that the presence of Israeli arms companies is expected to draw large-scale protests.

"There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages, and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza."

A protester holds a sign as demonstrators from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign call for an arms embargo on Britain's weapons exports to Israel, as part of the group's Summer of Action for Gaza, at RAF High Wycombe, in Buckinghamshire, Britain August 16, 2025. (credit: ISABEL INFANTES/REUTERS)

Israeli response

"These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israels representatives," the Defense Ministry said in response to the decision, adding that any Israeli industries that choose to participate in DSEI would receive the government's full support.

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"At a time when Israel is engaged on multiple fronts against Islamist extremists and terrorist organisations - forces that also threaten the West and international shipping lanes - this decision by Britain plays into the hands of extremists, grants legitimacy to terrorism, and introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defence industry exhibition."

Israel-UK defense and security relations

In July, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UKs intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September, leading Israel to reportedly consider withdrawing defense and security cooperation, diplomatic sources told The Times earlier this month.

According to the report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government is examining potential options for retaliation against the UK's intention to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

The Times cited another source as saying, "London needs to be careful because [Benjamin Netanyahu] and his ministers have cards they could play too. Israel values its partnership with the UK, but recent decisions mean it is coming under pressure, and the UK has a lot to lose if Israel's government decides to take steps in response."
LONDON (AP)  Britain's Court of Appeal on Friday overturned a ban on asylum-seekers from being housed at a hotel northeast of London that has been the site of protests for weeks and has become a political flashpoint across the country.

The three-person panel backed the Labour government's appeal against the temporary injunction granted by a High Court judge last week that would have required the 138 asylum-seekers currently staying at the Bell Hotel, in Epping, Essex, to leave by Sept. 12.

The government was particularly worried that the High Court decision could have been a catalyst for other similar decisions around the country, which would have thrown its policies for housing asylum-seekers into disarray.

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We conclude that the judge made a number of errors in principle, which undermine this decision, Justice David Bean said while reading a summary of the ruling overturning the injunction. The judges approach ignores the obvious consequence that the closure of one site means capacity needs to be identified elsewhere in the system.

The judge also warned that the ruling last week, in treating protests as relevant, risked encouraging further lawlessness.

Asylum minister Angela Eagle said the government inherited a chaotic asylum accommodation system and that it intends to close all hotels by the close of this Parliament, which is set to end in 2029.

She said the government appealed the High Court judgment so hotels like the Bell can be exited in a controlled and orderly way.

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The government was joined by Somani Hotels, which owns the Bell Hotel, in challenging the temporary injunction that was granted on the basis of local planning laws.

Though local planning laws in Essex may not apply elsewhere, other councils, including Labour-run authorities, had publicly announced their intention to seek legal advice over whether they could achieve similar injunctions for hotels in their areas.

The government was criticized for pursuing an appeal, with many opponents arguing that it was putting the rights of asylum-seekers over those of local residents, a charge that it vigorously denies.

Local communities should not pay the price for Labours total failure on illegal immigration," said Kemi Badenoch, leader of the main opposition Conservative Party.

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A small number of protesters donning the English and the U.K. flags gathered outside the hotel after the ruling, with police officers guarding its entrance, which was gated off with metal fencing.

The leader of Epping Forest District Council, which brought the case, voiced his disappointment at the outcome and set his sights on a full hearing on the matter that is set for mid-October.

Chris Whitbread told Times Radio that there had been both peaceful and non-peaceful protests outside the hotel, and said he supported peaceful ones. I call for calm," he said.

The Bell Hotel has become the epicenter for an issue that's topped the political agenda during the summer, following the sharp rise in the number of asylum-seekers arriving on small boats across the English Channel over the past few years. For several weekends, protests have taken place outside hotels by both opponents and supporters of migrants.

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Tensions became acute after a resident at the Bell Hotel allegedly tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl and was charged with sexual assault. The man has denied the accusation and is currently standing trial.

The Labour government, which was elected a little more than a year ago, has struggled to curb unauthorized migration and fulfill its responsibility to accommodate those seeking refuge.

Using hotels to do so had been a marginal issue until 2020, when the number of asylum-seekers increased sharply and the then-Conservative government had to find new ways to house them.

The number of asylum-seekers housed in hotels stood at just over 32,000 at the end of June, the Home Office said. That figure was up 8% from about 29,500 a year earlier but far below the peak of more than 56,000 in Sept. 2023.
By Sam Tobin and Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) -The British government on Friday won a court ruling that means asylum seekers will not have to be evicted from a hotel where a resident was charged with sexual assault, a decision that could ignite more protests and criticism from opponents.

Immigration has now become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims and arrivals by migrants in small boats across the Channel, including more than 28,000 this year.

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Last week, London's High Court granted an injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed in the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, about 20 miles (30 km) northeast of the capital, which had become a focal point of sometimes violent demonstrations after an Ethiopian asylum seeker living there was charged with sexual offences.

But on Friday, the Court of Appeal upheld the government's appeal against that ruling, which had been made on planning grounds, and lifted the temporary injunction which would have led to the asylum seekers being evicted.

While the court victory will ease the headache of immediate, widespread hotel closures, it opens up the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his ministers to accusations from his main political opponents that he is siding with asylum seekers over the fears of local people.

"Keir Starmer has shown that he puts the rights of illegal immigrants above the rights of British people who just want to feel safe in their towns and communities," Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the main opposition Conservative Party, said in a statement.

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The government had argued the injunction would lead to further protests across the country seeking to force the immediate closure of hotels, and putting pressure on the system to house asylum seekers waiting to have their cases determined.

David Bean, one of the three appeal court judges, said if protests, even unlawful ones, were used to obtain injunctions, it could incentivise others to follow suit, creating "a risk of encouraging further lawlessness".

We inherited a chaotic asylum accommodation system costing billions," Angela Eagle, the minister for asylum, said: "We appealed this judgment so hotels like the Bell can be exited in a controlled and orderly way that avoids the chaos of recent years that saw 400 hotels open at a cost of 9 million pounds a day."

FARAGE PLAN

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Currently there are just over 32,000 migrants in more than 200 hotels across the country, according to government figures up to the end of June.

While the government plans to close all these by the next election, due in 2029, in the meantime its lawyers said it had a legal duty to provide accommodation to asylum seekers facing destitution, under its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

This week Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's populist Reform UK party which is leading in opinion polls, announced a plan to repeal human rights laws to permit mass deportations of asylum seekers.

While his proposals were criticised as unworkable by lawyers and his party has just four lawmakers in the 650-seat parliament, it gained extensive media coverage.

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"The government has used ECHR against the people of Epping," Farage said on X. "Illegal migrants have more rights than the British people under Starmer."

Pro-migrant groups say opportunistic politicians and far-right groups are deliberately seeking to exploit and inflame tensions for their own ends. Epping Council, which had sought the injunction, is controlled by the Conservatives.

Critics of housing asylum seekers in hotels say the costly policy can put the local community at risk and point to incidents where individual migrants have been accused of serious crimes, including serious sexual offences against young girls.

This week, the Ethiopian asylum seeker went on trial accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and another woman in Epping, accusations he denied, while in a separate case in central England, two Afghan migrants denied involvement in the rape of a 12-year-old girl.

Protests in Epping have continued with further demonstrations planned for this weekend.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Michael Holden and Alison Williams)
The U.N. Security Council will convene on Aug. 29 at Ukraine's request to discuss a recent deadly Russian attack against Kyiv, Ukrinform news agency reported.

During the meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. local time, the Ukrainian delegation in New York will brief the international community about the scale of destruction and urge an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

Russia launched a barrage of around 630 drones and missiles against Ukraine overnight on Aug. 28, killing at least 23 people in Kyiv, including four children, and injuring over 60.

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The attack took place amid now months-long efforts by the U.S. to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, even as the Kremlin continues to reject calls for a ceasefire.

European officials have broadly denounced the recent strike  which also damaged the building of the EU mission in Kyiv  as evidence of Moscow's disregard for peace efforts.

In turn, the White House drew a parallel between the deadly attack against civilians in Kyiv and Ukraine's strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, a key source of Russia's revenues that helps to fund its war.

The U.N. session will coincide with top Ukrainian officials' visit to New York for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to discuss efforts to end the war.

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Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov are expected to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine and setting up a bilateral meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bloomberg reported.

Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe

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Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) struck a Russian 91N6E radar system, part of the S-400 Triumph air defense system, in occupied Crimea overnight on Aug. 28, HUR reported.

"Another (Russian) Triumph on the peninsula has been 'blinded'," the agency said on Aug. 29. Its statement was accompanied by a black-and-white drone footage that purports to show the successful strike against the Russian system.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

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The attack marks the latest in a series of reported strikes targeting components of the S-400 Triumph system. In late June, Ukrainian drones struck air defense equipment in Crimea, damaging radar units and other parts of the system.

Russia's modern S-400 Triumph air defense system is estimated to cost around $1.2 billion. It is capable of intercepting a range of aerial targets, from cruise missiles to drones and aircraft.

Ukraine has previously carried out successful attacks on S-400 radar systems in Crimea  a southern Ukrainian peninsula occupied by Russia since 2014  and in Russian regions, including Belgorod Oblast.

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HUR claimed a successful drone attack against a Russian Buyan-M-class small missile ship off the Crimean coast on Aug. 28, claiming that the vessel was forced to retreat after the attack.

Read also: White House equates Russian, Ukrainian strikes after Moscow attack killed 23 in Kyiv

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has launched an investigation into the producer of the Flamingo missile and Fire Point attack drones.

Source: Kyiv Independent

Details: Detectives are examining whether Fire Point inflated the cost of components or the number of drones supplied to Ukraines Ministry of Defence. The probe is also looking into possible links between the company and Tymur Mindich, co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio founded by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

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"Until recently, the weapons maker was virtually unknown outside of Ukraine's defence circles, despite appearing to be one of the largest  if not the largest  recipient of Defence Ministry drone budget funds, according to documents obtained by the Kyiv Independent," the article notes.

"But over the past weeks, Fire Point has gone on a charm offensive, promoting its FP-1 deep-strike drones and Flamingo cruise missile in Western media. In his first public comments about the weapon, Zelenskyy last week called the Flamingo Ukraine's most successful missile the country has in its arsenal to defend against Russia's nearly four-year full-scale invasion."

Ukraine has prioritised the development of long-range drones and cruise missiles to strike Russian targets far beyond the front line and slow Moscows war machine.

"As part of the investigation, NABU is probing concerns that Fire Point inflated either the value of its components or the number of drones it delivers to the military, or both," the article adds.

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Founded in 2023, Fire Point quickly became one of the Ministry of Defences key contractors. It produces the long-range FP-1 drones and the Flamingo cruise missile, which Zelenskyy recently described as Ukraines most successful weapon.

In 2024, the company sold drones worth UAH 13.2 billion (about US$320 million) to the state, accounting for nearly one-third of the ministrys drone budget. The company says it has produced around 2,000 drones and plans to scale up to 9,000 in 2025.

The NABU probe comes amid a broader review of defence procurement and follows steps by the authorities that experts see as attempts to weaken the bureaus independence. Fire Point has denied the allegations, calling the case political.

"It makes no sense to look for secrets where there are no secrets," said Iryna Terekh, Fire Points chief technology officer.

Background: Ukraine is currently producing about one Flamingo missile per day. Production is expected to rise to seven units per day by October.

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Units of the Ukrainian defence forces carried out a comprehensive attack on a linear production station near the village of Naitopovichi in Russias Bryansk Oblast on the night of 28-29 August.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: The attack on the Russian strategic facility was carried out by Rocket Forces and Artillery and Unmanned Systems Forces in cooperation with the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine.

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A fire was reported at the facility. The results of the strike are being clarified.

For reference: The station pumps diesel fuel through main oil pipelines, particularly for the needs of Russian forces. Its pumping capacity is approximately 10.5 million tonnes per year.

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Ukrainian serviceman Vladyslav, who survived Russian captivity with his throat cut and had to crawl to Ukrainian positions, has given testimony to law enforcement about the torture he underwent. Prosecutors have documented evidence of cruel treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: Russian forces captured Vladyslav in August 2025 near the village of Myroliubivka in Donetsk Oblast.

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He was taken to the basement of an occupied building, where seven other Ukrainian defenders knelt with their hands tied behind their backs.

During interrogations, Russian troops tortured the prisoners, cut off parts of their bodies and then slit their throats.

Believing the soldiers were dead, the Russians threw their bodies into a pit and covered them with debris. Only one soldier survived.

Despite open wounds and severe injuries, Vladyslav crawled for five days to reach Ukrainian positions. He is now undergoing treatment.

Under the procedural guidance of Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office, investigators of the Security Service of Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts launched a pre-trial investigation under Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code (violation of the laws and customs of war).

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"Prosecutors have questioned the victim. The Russian servicemen involved in committing the crime are being identified," the prosecutors office said.

Background:

The story of 33-year-old Vladyslav spread in the media on 25 August.

A few weeks earlier, the brigade he served in lost control of a position near Pokrovsk. While trying to help his brothers-in-arms, Vladyslav was captured. Initially caught by one group of Russian soldiers, he was later handed over to another, who kept prisoners in a basement of an occupied building.

Seven other Ukrainian soldiers were being held there. They were mutilated before having their throats slit.

Vladyslav was the last of the eight prisoners to be thrown into the pit. Despite severe injuries and an open wound to his neck, he survived.

With his hands tied, he managed to free himself using a shard of glass to cut the rope. Bandaging his neck with cloth, Vladyslav crawled for nearly five days until he reached Ukrainian positions.

On 17 August, he was taken to a hospital in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in critical condition, suffering from severe blood loss and infected wounds. Doctors performed surgery and are now working to help Vladyslav regain the ability to speak and breathe independently.

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Like a teenager looking in the mirror, St. Joseph has a tendency to dwell on its flaws.

* Crime? Statistics show that perceptions and reality are not completely aligned when it comes to most categories of violent crime.

* Potholes? Do you really think that St. Joseph is the only place above the 38th parallel where water seeps into cracks and then freezes?

* Schools? The real tragedy of our school board is that the dysfunction takes the focus from what administrators, teachers and students do every day.

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* Amenities? Do a Google search for dead malls and youll see that East Hills Shopping Center has plenty of company. And you cant whine about QuikTrip anymore.

But St. Joseph has something  something significant  that most small or mid-sized communities cant claim. St. Joseph is home to a School of Medicine - unique learning model specifically tailored for the health care needs of rural communities.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 20 for a $14.5 million building that will house a rural-focused School of Medicine in St. Joseph. Located across from the Mosaic Life Care campus, this UMKC medical school offers learning opportunities, state-of-the-art technology and practical experiences in a rural setting.

UMKC began training medical students in St. Joseph four years ago, when the university and Mosaic entered into a partnership to address the critical shortage of physicians in rural areas. The program, operating on the Mosaic campus until now, recently graduated its first class of medical school students.

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The new building enhances the medical schools potential and stabilizes its future. It serves as a reminder that UMKC, Mosaic and St. Joseph arent just bemoaning the health care challenges in Northwest Missouri. Led by state Rep. Brenda Shields, R-St. Joseph, as well as numerous officials from Mosaic, UMKC and the University of Missouri system, theyre doing something to reverse the tide of defeatism that infects rural areas with declining populations.

This medical center doesnt solve all the problems with rural access to health care. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a 23% decline in rural physicians by 2030 due to retirements. There are issues of hospital reimbursement, Medicaid funding and insurance that must be sorted out. But the UMKC medical school is more than a photo op.

Its a difference-maker, one that was cooked up and delivered right here in St. Joseph. Next time youre counting all the things that are wrong with St. Joseph, put the UMKC School of Medicine in the ledger of things that make us proud.
The head of the United Nations called on Haitian authorities Thursday to do more to protect children from recruitment by armed gangs and for the international community to step up efforts to respond to Haitis worsening humanitarian crisis, which he called a life and death emergency.

Children are bearing the brunt of this crisis, Antonio Guterres told the Security Council, highlighting his annual report on Children in Armed Conflict, where Haitis 490% increase in grave violations of children between 2023 and 2025 place it among the worlds top five countries on a blacklist. Children are being abducted and killed, recruited and used and subjected to horrific sexual violence, including gang rape. These are crimes that scare bodies, minds and futures.

Guterres said that despite the danger, all parties must respect international humanitarian law.

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The people of Haiti are in a perfect storm of suffering. State authority is crumbling as gang violence engulfs Port-au-Prince and spread beyond paralyzing daily life, he said. Humanitarians remain on the ground, delivering food, water, medicine and shelter. In the first quarter of this year alone, they reached 1.3 million people. Yet Haiti remains shamefully overlooked and woefully underfunded. For 2025 we require $908 million to support 3.9 million people, but less than 10% of that has been received, making Haiti the least funded humanitarian appeal in the world.

Guterres briefing on Haiti was organized by Panama, whose special representative, Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba, called for all security measures to include protection measures for children and unhindered access for U.N. monitoring teams.

Alfaro de Alba appealed for all parties to abide by guidelines on safe schools and to avoid turning them into conflict zones. He also joined Guterres in his appeal for financing to provide humanitarian aid.

A child, screaming and covering his ears, stays close to the man on the left who was helping him during a recent gang firefight in Port-au-Prince. Hundreds of thousands of children have been displaced by the violence gripping the country.

These figures are not simple statistics. Behind every figure, there is a childhood thats been cut off too early, empty desks in schools who are that are waiting for teachers to come back, and dreams that are not able to flourish, he said. The most vulnerable are bearing the brunt of this crisis.

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Alfaro de Alba told Council members that even though Haiti is going through one of the most serious crises in all of our hemisphere, the issue has not received the necessary attention on the Security Councils agenda, particularly the tragic plight of children who account for half of 1.3 million people who have been internally displaced by gangs.

Violence has cruelly struck the heart of the classrooms, Alfaro de Alba said. Last year, 284 schools were destroyed in gang attacks and in January another 47 in the capital were added to the list. The alarming rise in violence has forced the closure of at least 959 schools.

Schools, which used to be open sanctuaries, have become minefields, Jean Jean Roosevelt, a Haitian musician and UNICEFs goodwill ambassador, said. Schools are being destroyed, and classrooms have been converted into shelters for displaced families. This reality is a silent condemnation of an entire generation. Today, more than 1.5 million children are being deprived of regular access to education. 3.3 million, thats two out of every, three rely on humanitarian aid; 129,000 children are at risk of dying of hunger this year

Let us give them back their most fundamental right, their childhood, he added. Give them once again the opportunity to laugh, to run, to learn, to dream. Let us carry together their dignity, their hope and their future. Let us take action so that Haiti may once again have schools, hospitals and safe spaces. Let us take action so that children no longer have to live in fear, but live upheld by the promise of tomorrow.

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Catherine Russell, the executive director of UNICEF, said as the humanitarian crisis in Haiti worsens and spread beyond Port-au-Prince, one of the defining features of this crisis is the rampant rights violations against children.

While the U.N.s verification of more than 2,000 violations against children last year marked a nearly 500% increase over the previous year, Russell said the increase has continued. In the first quarter of this year, there has been a 25% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, she said.

Most alarming is the almost 700% rise in cases of recruitment and use of children, alongside a 54% increase in killing and maiming. Keep in mind that these are just the cases we have been able to verify  we believe the true figures are much higher, Russell told the Council.

In addition to gang recruitment, children are being forced into combat roles, directly participating in armed confrontations.

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Despite the devastating situation, UNICEF and other humanitarian aid groups are being denied access to provide assistance. In 2023, the U.N. verified five instances where humanitarian access was denied. Last year, the number skyrocketed to 728 instances.

Just last month, six UNICEF staffers were taken hostage by armed groups, Russell told the Security Council, revealing for the first time the horrific ordeal that happened while workers were headed out of the capital to provide life-saving Thankfully, they have since been released, but this incident reveals the dangers humanitarian colleagues on the ground are facing, Russell said. Humanitarian workers are not and must never be targets.

UNICEF has been trying to work with the Haitian government on getting children recruited by gangs reintegrated back into society. Since last year, however, only 140 children have benefitted.

Russell announced that while UNICEF and the Haitian government recently launched a three-year program aimed at protecting children from recruitment, exploitation and violence, far more must be done. She asked the Council to use all available leverage to protect children and to support concrete actions to prevent further violations.

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The appeal was met with support from a number of countries, including China and the Russian Federation. The United States, while reiterating its condemnation of the recruitment of children into armed gangs and the disproportionate impact of gang violence on them, took advantage of the gathering to announce plans to share a draft U.N. Security Council resolution to help address the growing violence by rebranding the U.N.-authorized Multinational Security Support mission into a more robust force that instead of benign dependent on the Haitian National Police will now complement it.

Negotiations on the new mandate are expected to start next month.
The United Nations is hoping that the United States will cancel its entry bans for Palestinians to the UN General Assembly in New York.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Friday that it is important for all member states and permanent observers to be represented at the session, where France and Saudi Arabia are organizing a meeting on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine dispute.

"We obviously hope that this will be resolved," Dujarric said, hours after the US State Department said it was revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and representatives of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

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It was initially unclear whether Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas could also be denied entry to the United States for the UN General Assembly.

Palestine is not a full member of the United Nations, but has the status of a permanent observer state.

Dujarric continued: "We'll discuss these matters with the State Department, in line with the UN Headquarters agreement between the UN and the US."

The agreement stipulates, among other things, that no US security agencies are allowed to operate on the grounds of the UN headquarters in the centre of Manhattan in New York and that UN members have the right to transit freely through the US to the headquarters.

"We would like to see all diplomats and delegates who are entitled to come here to be able to travel freely," Dujarric added.
Amid unprecedented and sweeping changes to federal vaccine policy, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, said public health officials in states like Michigan are taking the lead in determining how COVID-19 vaccines will roll out in their communities this fall.

"We are in uncharted waters," Bagdasarian said Aug. 29 of the seismic shifts in the way vaccines are reviewed and recommended at a federal level as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, created turmoil at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kennedy fired the director of the CDC this week, triggering the resignations of several top leaders. In May, he also fired all 17 members of a vaccine advisory panel. He named eight new people, including some vaccine skeptics, to take their place.

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He and other top Trump administration health officials changed the recommendations for who should get COVID-19 vaccines, too, saying they should no longer be given to healthy children or pregnant women.

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved labels for the vaccines earlier this week, it limited the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing it only for use in adults ages 65 and older and for people ages 5 to 64 with at least one health condition that puts them at high risk for severe disease from the virus.

The Moderna vaccine can be used for children and adults 6 months and older who are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Those 12 years and older with at least one qualifying underlying health condition can get the Novavax vaccine.

"Nothing like this has ever happened before," Bagdasarian told the Detroit Free Press in the interview.

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"I want to point out that when CDC changed their language, this was not based on data or a new review of existing data. This was simply a language change. The data still has not changed. The data still supports the benefit of COVID vaccines over any kind of risk, especially for pregnant women, which was one of the populations that CDC changed some of their language around."

Michigan and other states are "now taking a stronger leadership role" and are issuing their own recommendations to align with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, who was named the state's chief medical executive replacing Dr. Joneigh Khaldun as the state's top doctor, stands outside of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in Lansing on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021.

"We continue to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for everyone over the age of 6 months," Bagdasarian said, based on those "national bodies of scientific advisers who are best positioned to review the data, to review the science and make decisions that are solely based on science."

Where can I get an updated 2025 COVID-19 vaccine?

Exactly when and where you'll be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine is becoming a little clearer.

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Both the Walgreens and CVS websites allowed people to schedule appointments to get the updated Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines starting as soon as Sept. 4 and Sept. 5.

"We expect to receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines in the coming days," said Amy Thibault, executive director of corporate communications for CVS. "Well administer FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines in states where legally permitted at CVS Pharmacy and/or MinuteClinic to meet our patients needs.

"Appointments can be scheduled online via CVS.com, through the CVS Health app, or patients can walk into our pharmacies and clinics."

In the "current regulatory environment," Thibault said updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available at CVS pharmacies and clinics in Michigan as well as in the following states: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

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But, she added: "States may change at any time."

"In addition, she said CVS pharmacies are also offering the updated COVID-19 vaccines to patients, depending on their age, if they "present an authorized prescribers prescription" in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, West Virgina, and Washington, D.C.

In three states Massachusetts, Nevada, and New Mexico  the pharmacies are unable to provide COVID-19 vaccines as of Aug. 29.

At Walgreens, spokesperson Brigid Sweeney said its pharmacies are "prepared to offer the vaccine in states where we are able to do so. In accordance with FDA approval and state requirements, we will offer the vaccine to all adults ages 65 years and older, as well as to individuals under 65 who are at higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19, as determined by the CDC.

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"Patients can review their vaccine eligibility and schedule their vaccines by speaking directly with their local Walgreens pharmacists, or visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, using the Walgreens app, calling 1-800-WALGREEN or texting FLU to 66879."

Some local health departments may have COVID-19 vaccines

For Americans younger than age 65 who are don't have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe disease from COVID-19, getting a vaccine this fall might prove more difficult.

"The sad fact is, it might be harder ... to get vaccines and it's even possible that some people might give up," Bagdasarian said. "My advice to people out there is if you are someone who wants a COVID vaccine  and no one is forcing anyone who doesn't want a vaccine to get one  I would, this year, in 2025, get your COVID vaccine at the first available chance.

"Sooner is better. There have been stories in the national media about COVID vaccines being pulled altogether. These are unsubstantiated rumors at this point, but this has been an unprecedented year. We have never seen public health or vaccines under siege like we have seen things play out this year."

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Local health department immunization clinics are a good for people who want COVID-19 vaccines this fall but are having difficulty getting them, Bagdasarian said.

The medical directors at health departments can authorize vaccines to be given "off-label," even to otherwise healthy adults and children who don't fall within the FDA authorizations.

"Local health departments are places where public health and science are prioritized, these are places that want the absolute best for their communities and are constantly making decisions and choices with the absolute best for their communities in mind," she said.

The Macomb County Health Department has ordered all three of the updated COVID vaccines  Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax, said Andrew Cox, director and health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services.

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"I anticipate that all three vaccines will be available; however, at this time, it is still unclear when they will be released or who will be eligible to receive them."

More: Who can get updated COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan might not be an easy question to answer

In Oakland County, spokesman Bill Mullan said: "We do not have a date yet for the 2025-2026 vaccine launch. We are awaiting more information about insurance requirements before we will know if we need documentation of eligibility of coverage. Our goal is to reduce or eliminate all barriers to vaccinations of every type."

In Wayne County, Dr. Avani Sheth, chief medical officer and division director of clinical care services, issued the following statement: Recent federal changes have created uncertainty and confusion around COVID-19 vaccine guidance and access. COVID-19 vaccines remain safe and effective, offering strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. While we await further guidance from state and federal officials, residents are encouraged to stay informed through trusted sources, including their healthcare provider.

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In Washtenaw County, spokesperson Susan Ringler Cerniglia said Aug. 28 that the health department's plan is to wait for approval from the CDC's independent ACIP panel to issue its recommendations for this year's cornavius vaccines.

The reason, she said, is because the health department differs from a private clinic, where a physician or nurse practitioner can evaluate each patient's individual health situation. Additionally, she said, the health department administers vaccines through such federal programs as Vaccines for Children and the Adult Vaccine Programs, which require ACIP approval.

"As our systems are currently, we cannot administer without ACIP approval, or if we did, we could only vaccinate clients paying out of pocket or with private insurance," she said. "Currently, its not clear private insurance will be covering vaccines not recommended by the ACIP, either."

Dr. Jennifer Morse, the medical director for three health departments covering 19 counties in mid-Michigan and northwest Michigan, said she's writing a directive now on COVID-19 vaccines.

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"We're still writing up our standing orders and are in the process of getting the vaccines, so we're not yet administering it," she said. "My current plan is to follow the evidence, which hasn't changed. I'll write up standing orders that follow the current evidence, utilizing a lot of resources in health from the American Academy of Pediatrics, ACOG and MDHHS, who also has been providing a lot of support to us in local health departments.

"What is happening now is really unprecedented. It is challenging as a government employee to fully explain. It really is not science-based.

"There are different agendas at play right now, and we, as scientists, and medical experts have to continue to do the best we can do to continue to follow the science. As I'm writing up my standing orders, I plan to follow what is appropriate, while still following the labeling but also giving indications that you can still provide the vaccine if people outside of those labeling rules would benefit or desire to be vaccinated."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information.

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Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan: Leaders set course amid uncertainty
NEED TO KNOW

A United Airlines flight from Newark, N.J., to Nuuk, Greenland, turned around after security shut down at the destination airport

According to Greenland Airports, the Danish Transport Authority temporarily suspended security screenings of international passengers on Aug. 26

On Thursday, normal screening of international travelers resumed

A United Airlines flight out of Newark, N.J., turned around on Tuesday after security at its destination shut down.

According to FlightAware, United flight 80 left Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) at 11:41 a.m. local time on Aug. 26. The Boeing 737 was set to land at Nuuk International Airport (GOH) in Greenland around four hours later.

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Over 90 minutes into the flight, the plane suddenly diverted back to EWR at 1:18 p.m. Nearly two-and-a-half hours later, the aircraft landed back at its origin.

According to Greenland Airports, which oversees operations at GOH, the Danish Transport Authority temporarily suspended security screenings of international passengers because the staff wasnt properly trained.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty A United Airlines plane A United Airlines plane

"The supplementary training of staff responsible for screening international travelers does not fully meet current requirements," the organization wrote in a press release.

The issue only applied to international passengers, as domestic travelers could continue to get screened as usual.

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"We are working intensively with the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority to address the specific issues that have been identified in the training," the organization added. "The goal is to restore normal operations for international traffic as quickly as possible."

On Aug. 27, Greenland Airports announced normal security operations would resume the following day.

"A team of certified security personnel from two Danish airports has arrived in Nuuk and is fully prepared to resume international operations on Thursday," a statement said. "In addition, arrangements are being implemented over the coming days to ensure that Nuuk's own security staff can quickly return to full operational duties."

As for United, the airline expects to resume its flights from Newark to Nuuk shortly.

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"United Airlines is scheduled to resume normal operations to Nuuk, Greenland on August 30," a spokesperson shared in a statement to PEOPLE. "We have also implemented a travel waiver to offer customers who were affected by the airport's closure the flexibility to manage their travel plans."

United's flight from Newark to Nuuk operates regularly every Tuesday and Saturday. Meanwhile, an aircraft flies from the opposite direction every Wednesday and Sunday.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Last week, an Air France flight departing New York's JFK International Airport turned around over the Atlantic Ocean after declaring an emergency.

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According to FlightAware, Air France flight AF9 left JFK at 12:28 a.m. local time on Aug. 19. The Paris-bound Boeing 777-300ER diverted back to its origin at 1:14 a.m.

Aaron P/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty An Air France plane An Air France plane

"Mayday, mayday, mayday," the pilot declared in an audio recording obtained by LiveATC.net. The pilot later confirmed to air traffic controllers that the plane was experiencing a right engine failure. The issue caused crews to declare an emergency squawk 7700  an international distress code.

The flight made a direct return, landing at 2:15 a.m.  just under two hours after takeoff.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining the flight "returned safely" after crews reported "a possible engine issue." The agency confirmed it would investigate the incident.

Air France did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Read the original article on People
While EU member states can't agree on sanctions targeting Israeli research funding, many European universities have taken action into their own hands and severed ties.

The split has created a patchwork of academic boycotts, suspensions and protests with some countries' academic institutions calling for EU action, while others stand firmly opposed.

EU-level disagreement

The European Commission in July proposed suspending Israel's participation in parts of Horizon Europe, the EU's key funding programme for research and innovation. Israel is one of 20 non-EU countries participating in the scheme.

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The net EU contribution to Israeli participants through the project has been 875.9 million ($1023 million) since 2021, according to the commission.

The proposed suspension would affect Israeli involvement in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, which provides funding for start-ups and small businesses developing dual-use technologies such as cybersecurity, drones, and artificial intelligence.

It follows a report by the European Union's diplomatic service which found that Israel's actions in Gaza violate the principle of the respect for human rights  a condition embedded in the EU-Israel Association Agreement underpinning their political and economic relations since 2000.

Over 62,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, according to its Hamas-run health ministry.

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Last Friday, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared a famine in Gaza Governorate, an administrative region which includes Gaza City.

However, the commission proposal was not backed by enough member states to pass. A return to discussions is expected following the summer break.

Germany's stance is key, with Berlin currently opposed to sanctions on Israel.

To pass, the proposal needs a qualified majority of at least 15 member states, representing at least 65% of the EU population.

Grassroots pressure on universities

Croatia likewise did not support the motion, however many academics there are critical of the decision.

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In July 2024, a group of scientists, researchers, academic workers and students formed an initiative to "express solidarity with the victims of genocide in Gaza."

It demands an immediate end to at least 40 collaborative scientific research projects between Croatian and Israeli institutions, funded through the Horizon Europe and Erasmus programmes.

They call out Israeli institutions and universities for "their connections to the military-security sector in Israel and the policy of occupation and genocide in Gaza."

In mid-August, the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia decided to refrain from joining projects that involve Israeli universities and organizations while calling on the commission to take a new stab at suspending Israeli participation in Horizon Europe.

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The decision followed an appeal in July by more than 200 professors and staff members, who urged the rector to demand Israel's exclusion from EU funding programmes.

Klavdija Kutnar, the head of the University of Primorska in southwest Slovenia, has since announced that the school will not enter into new projects with Israel once its only existing collaboration concludes at the end of the year.

Belgian universities are also pressing for action.

The associations representing the country's Flemish and francophone rectors called for suspension of the entire EU-Israel Association Agreement over "massive and objectively documented" human rights violations.

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Student activism has played a key role. In 2023, occupations and protests at Belgian universities pushed several institutions to suspend cooperation with Israeli partners, although some projects remain.

For many students and academics, Israel's place in European research has become a test of the bloc's commitment to human rights. For others however, cutting academic ties risks undermining the principle of scientific cooperation.

The tensions were back in the spotlight when Universite Libre de Bruxelles' (ULB) 2025 law graduates chose to name their class, in a symbolic tradition, after French-Palestinian EU lawmaker Rima Hassan.

The move drew criticism and French public figures penned an open letter denouncing the choice of the left-wing politician, accusing Hassan of defending the Palestinian militant Hamas organization.

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The decision on the name was nonetheless approved by ULB on Thursday.

Several Italian universities have suspended, interrupted or reduced collaborations with Israeli institutions, including the University of Pisa, the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa, the University of Milan, the University of Turin, the University of Cagliari, the University of Palermo and the University of Florence.

Spain has likewise seen coordinated action.

The Spanish Universities Council, which represents 76 universities nationwide, announced in May 2024 that it would review all agreements with Israeli institutions. Partnerships would be suspended if Israeli counterparts were deemed not to uphold international humanitarian law or to show a commitment to peace.

Divided continent

Not all of Europe is following this path. In the Czech Republic, universities have not announced any suspensions or boycotts and the government remains firmly opposed to EU-level sanctions.

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Germany, Israel's closest ally in Europe, also resists such measures.

The president of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), Walter Rosenthal, said in June that to suspend Israel from Horizon would be wrong.

"This would considerably weaken academia and research in Israel [...] and would cause lasting damage to it as an important voice of academic reasoning in Israel that analyses, mediates and brings together different perspectives and interests," he wrote.

Hungary, too, has taken no steps toward limiting cooperation. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has remained loyal to Israel throughout the Gaza war.

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These divisions highlights the difficulty for Brussels in forging a common position.

Critics of academic sanctions argue that they undermine the principle of academic freedom and the idea that universities should remain open spaces for collaboration beyond politics.

They warn that suspending ties risks punishing individual researchers, including those who may oppose their government's policies, rather than the state itself. Opponents also contend that maintaining scientific partnerships allows dialogue and innovation.

For now at least, Horizon Europe money still flows to Israel. How long that continues remains to be seen.

The content of this article is based on reporting by AFP, ANSA, Belga, CTK, dpa, HINA and STA as part of the European Newsroom (enr) project.
Solar panels don't release toxic substances into soil or groundwater, experts interviewed by The Baltimore Sun said.

According to the report, "misconceptions on the industry continue to surge," particularly around the impact arrays have after being deployed. The Sun reported that 1,757 acres of former farmland in the state are now solar farms. Many are larger ones built to support the grid. Since most systems last at least 30 years, few installations have experienced a full lifespan.

"It's not like they have a bunch of metals just sort of free floating  it's not like a thermometer that's full of mercury," University of Maryland associate professor Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman said. He teaches about urban ecosystems and sustainably built environments.

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The larger farms are accompanied by smaller community solar projects that allow electricity customers to essentially lease the use of panels, saving on average around $150 annually, depending on their utility bills. Household setups are also a part of the mix.

In fact, solar is one of the best energy-saving hacks for homeowners, with the potential to reduce or eliminate power bills. EnergySage has a trusted tool that can help you secure incentives while they last, compare quotes, and find the best installer.

Maryland and other states that are forging forward with cleaner energy goals are facing a federal headwind empowered by recent legislation, which will end solar tax incentives for commercial and residential projects years early. The 30% household rebate sunsets at the end of the year, according to NPR.

Regardless, Maryland's goal is to shift 50% of its power generation to renewables by 2030, and converting farmland from crops to solar production is a key part of the plan, according to The Sun. UMD researcher Elizabeth Thilmany told the newspaper that growth is noticeable compared to when a few projects would "trickle in" a decade ago.

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"Now we're seeing at least 15 or 20 for the year," she said.

The cleaner grid-level efforts are an answer to growing data center power demand. Solar panels produce electricity without heat-trapping air pollution, nixing a burden that can even impact agriculture. The Environmental Protection Agency reported that the overheating planet is increasing the chance for heavy rainfall, which can wash away soil nutrients. Shifting growing seasons and even farm laborer health in intense heat are other yield-influencing factors the EPA noted.

Maryland's team also cited details worth further study. Localized heat generation around panels, and their influence on rainfall movement on the surrounding ground, should be analyzed to determine if the soil will be impaired for future farming, per The Sun.

If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Upfront costs Trouble with my HOA Too much maintenance An incompatible roof Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Interesting combinations, such as agrivoltaics, can help to cool the area with native plants that are also a boon to pollinators. Urban Grid is combining a solar farm with bee hives in Virginia as part of a unique project that marries solar power and honey production.

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At home, you can use EnergySage, which also has a handy mapping tool that allows customers to compare system costs by state as well as regional incentives. It's another way to ensure you snag all the perks to get the best price.

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 exhibit at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum that takes a critical look at the United States' response to Nazi Germany is slated to temporarily close after Labor Day for upgrades, sparking concern among some staff over what potential changes could be made amid President Donald Trump's sweeping review of museums and their programming, sources tell ABC News.

On Sept. 2, the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to temporarily close its "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit through Feb. 2026 to conduct an "upgrade," according to an internal email sent to staff in June and obtained by ABC News.

The staff-wide email, sent after Trump signed an executive order in March directing federal agencies and the Smithsonian to eliminate what he called divisive and "anti-American" content from museums and national parks, informed staff that exhibit teams at the museum would work to "upgrade the gallery and the exhibition."

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MORE: Trump says Smithsonian should focus on America's 'Brightness,' not 'how bad Slavery was'

"The current plan is to close the exhibition on September 2, 2025 (the day after Labor Day) and reopen on February 28, 2026 (just before the busy season)," the email read. "Once closed, Technical Services, Operations, Exhibit Experience, and Collections Services will work together to upgrade the gallery and the exhibition. Once the work is completed, 'Americans and the Holocaust' can remain open through 2032 with little to no additional support. Please feel free to reach out with questions and concerns."

The email does not state specifically if or what would be upgraded or list any planned changes to the exhibit's editorial content. It was sent to staff prior to the Trump administration's recent letter to the Smithsonian Institution requesting a "comprehensive internal review" of eight of its museums. While the Holocaust Memorial Museum is not part of the Smithsonian Institution, it receives millions in federal funding as well as private donations.

Sources tell ABC News that news that the temporary closure of the "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit has increased concerns among some staffers who had been worried about the museums' direction under the new administration, after Trump in April fired and replaced five Democrats appointed to the board of the museum.

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The concern also comes as other Holocaust museums are facing criticism over editorial changes, including New York City's Museum of Jewish Heritage, which reportedly removed images of Trump from an exhibit on hate speech last September. The museum's vice chair told Jewish Currents that the exhibit opened just "prior to the election" and that she felt the museum "should not have any political candidates in any of our exhibits."

Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images - PHOTO: Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum confirmed the planned closure of the exhibit and told ABC News that "there are no changes to the editorial content."

"The Americans and the Holocaust exhibition was originally scheduled to be open for five years and has now been on display for more than seven. As a result, the gallery and exhibition needed work such as HVAC systems repairs, upgrading audio visual equipment and interactive tables, renewing copyrights that expired, and other maintenance," the spokesperson said. "Therefore in 2024 we made the decision to close it temporarily during our lower visitation season to do this work which will be completed over the next few months so that the exhibition can remain open into 2032."

A White House official told ABC News, "There are no plans to review the Holocaust Museum" and said that the closure of the exhibit is unrelated to the administration's review of the Smithsonian museums.

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In its letter to the Smithsonian Institution earlier this month, the White House lists eight museums that will be part of its initial Smithsonian review, and does not include the Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Additional museums will be reviewed in Phase II," the letter says.

The "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit, introduced in 2018 to mark the museum's 25th anniversary, presents a critical look at how the United States responded to the Holocaust and how factors like "the Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism shaped responses to Nazism and the Holocaust in the United States," according to the museum's public website.

One section of the exhibit examines "Obstacles to Immigration" and details how the 1924 National Origins Act was "designed to exclude 'undesirable' European immigrants, especially Italians, Slavs, and Jews."

MORE: Trump administration removes Doug Emhoff from board of US Holocaust Memorial Museum

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"Jews who hoped to flee Germany and Nazi-occupied territories faced additional obstacles," the exhibit currently reads. "The Nazi regime implemented policies intended to pressure Jews to leave, but forced them to surrender most of their assets before doing so. At the same time, those who wished to immigrate to the United States had to prove that they would not become an economic burden after they arrived, which usually required finding a U.S. sponsor."

The exhibit states that world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein, "himself a refugee from Germany," said in 1941 that the United States had created a "wall of bureaucratic measures" that prevented immigration.

One part of the exhibit asks, "Could the Allies have stopped the killing?" and states, "Beyond the military goal of defeating Nazism, the United States could have publicized information about Nazi atrocities, pressured the Allies and neutral nations to help endangered Jews, and supported resistance against the Nazis. These acts together might have reduced the death toll but would not have prevented the Holocaust."

The exhibit also includes a copy of the Treasury Department's report to then-President Roosevelt, which described the mass murder of Europe's Jews as "one of the greatest crimes in history," and states that "State Department staff had tried to 'cover up their guilt' through lies and misrepresentations."

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Since taking office, President Trump has sought to leave his mark on the museum, which sources say has heightened some staff concerns that an overhaul could be underway. His firing of Holocaust Museum board members appointed by President Joe Biden included the removal of Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman of the United States, and led to Trump naming eight new board members.

MORE: White House to conduct review of Smithsonian museum exhibitions to ensure they fit with Trump's view of American history

Weeks after the new board members were put in place, staffers received the email informing them that the "Americans and the Holocaust" exhibit would be closing in September.

In recent months, some Trump-appointed members of the museum's board, known as the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, have publicly called for an overhaul of the museum. Board member Martin Oliner, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, penned a June op-ed titled "Make the Holocaust Memorial Council great again," in which he said that "in its current form" the museum was not fulfilling its "important role."

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"Thankfully, U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made combating antisemitism a priority of his second term, appears to understand these challenges and has begun cleaning house at the museum," the op-ed stated.

Oliner, wrote that "the museum was designed when it was thought that antisemitism was a thing of the past, and it has moved on to combating other types of hate," arguing that "a planned $150 million renovation of the main exhibit hall could make the museum even more woke and disconnected, a liberal monument to the dangers of immigration enforcement and conservative politics."

The museum needs to show that "antisemitism is the world's oldest hatred" and "teach its visitors about the story of Jewish survival," Oliner wrote.
(Reuters) -The U.S. Air Force said on Friday it was offering military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, a supporter of President Donald Trump who was shot and killed by a police officer during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Babbitt, 35, a U.S. Air Force veteran who lived in California, was fatally shot in the shoulder while she tried to enter a room near the House of Representatives during the riot.

"After reviewing the circumstances of (senior airman) Babbitts death, the Air Force has offered Military Funeral Honors to (senior airman) Babbitts family," the Air Force said in a statement.

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The funeral honors would mark the latest gesture of support from Trumps administration toward those who stormed the Capitol in a failed bid to block Congress from certifying the Republican president's 2020 election loss.

Trump made false claims that his 2020 loss to former President Joe Biden was due to voter fraud.

He and his supporters have sought to portray Babbitt as a martyr who was unjustly killed as she attempted to climb through a broken window of a barricaded door leading to the Speaker's Lobby, a few feet from where members of Congress were waiting to be evacuated to safety during the attack.

An internal investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police cleared the officer who shot Babbitt of wrongdoing in 2021 and said he would not face internal discipline.

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More than 1,500 people were criminally charged for participating in the riot. Trump pardoned nearly all of them, and released those who had been imprisoned.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali in TorontoEditing by Matthew Lewis)
The US said on Thursday that it's moving ahead with selling 3,350 of its new ERAMs to Kyiv.

It's a missile built to give Ukraine a low-cost, extended-range munition to sustain its fight.

The $850 million package, mostly paid for by European countries, is awaiting congressional approval.

The Trump administration is pushing ahead with the sale of thousands of new American-made missiles built to deepen Kyiv's inventory of long-range munitions.

The State Department wrote on Thursday that it is proposing the sale of 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munitions to Ukraine, alongside an equal number of embedded guidance and anti-jamming systems.

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The whole package, including training and support for the missile, is estimated to cost $850 million. The statement said Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and the US Foreign Military Financing program would help pay for it.

"This proposed sale will improve Ukraine's capability to meet current and future threats by further equipping it to conduct self-defense and regional security missions," the State Department statement said.

Congress must still approve the sale for it to be final, though US lawmakers have never successfully blocked such proposed packages.

The official announcement follows a Saturday report by The Wall Street Journal citing two unnamed US officials as saying the munitions were approved and would arrive in an estimated six weeks.

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According to the officials, the approval was delayed until after President Donald Trump met separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this month.

Work on the ERAM began during the Biden administration. The aim was to provide Kyiv with a large quantity of low-cost precision missiles.

When the US Air Force called for contractors in January 2024, it described what looked to be a small cruise missile that could be launched from aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon to attack ground targets.

Per the Air Force's request for information at the time, the ERAM is meant to have a range of about 287 miles and carry a 500-pound warhead at speeds of at least 460 miles per hour.

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That means the ERAM packs much less firepower than the typical US cruise missile, such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, which carries a 1,000-pound payload.

However, the request included an important highlight: Contractors had to be able to produce at least 1,000 missiles a year within two years of starting the project.

The State Department said that Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire are the principal contractors for the ERAM.

Acquiring over 3,000 extended-range missiles would significantly scale up Kyiv's arsenal for attacking key Russian assets and positions. While Ukraine has domestically produced and received missiles with more firepower and range, the war has increasingly made clear that militaries cannot just rely on munition quality alone, but also need large quantities to sustain the fight.

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A range of 287 miles covers more than a third of Ukraine's total span, and theoretically allows Ukrainian aircraft to attack anywhere within Russian-controlled territory.

Still, with the ERAM relying on US-made guidance systems, Ukraine may only be permitted to launch strikes with US approval. Kyiv could thus also be blocked from striking targets on Russian soil with the new missile.

The Journal reported on Saturday that the Pentagon had, since the late Spring, been blocking Ukrainian requests to fire the Army Tactical Missile Systems against targets in Russia, which the US had started allowing Kyiv to do last year.

The report came as the Trump administration has tried to bring Ukraine and Moscow to the negotiating table for a ceasefire.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The United States is denying a visa to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for next months UN General Assembly  a significant and controversial move ahead of the global summit where multiple countries are expected to recognize a Palestinian state.

The State Department announced Friday it is denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestinian Authority (PA) & Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

A State Department official confirmed that Abbas is affected by this action along with approximately 80 other PA officials.

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According to Fridays announcement, the Palestinian Authoritys Mission to the UN will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement.

However, refusing Abbas a visa would appear to violate that agreement as the United Nations recognizes Palestine as a non-member observer state.

The policy will also severely limit the presence of Palestinian officials at the annual global summit as the war in Gaza continues and a number of key allies prepare to recognize a Palestinian state.

In a statement Friday, the Palestinian presidency expressed deep regret and astonishment at the US State Departments decision not to grant visas to the Palestinian delegation participating in the UN General Assembly meetings next September. The statement called on the US to reconsider and reverse its decision.

Move unjust

European countries have condemned the move. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described the visa decision as unjust, in a statement on X Saturday.

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Palestine has the right to make its voice heard at the United Nations and in all international forums, he wrote.

France, one of the countries due to recognize a Palestinian state, also weighed in.

A UN General Assembly meeting should not be subject to any restrictions on access, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said at a meeting in Denmark.

Asked about the announcement, Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said Friday, we will see exactly what it means and how it applies to any of our delegation, and we will respond accordingly.

In the statement announcing the move, the State Department accused the PA and the PLO of taking steps that materially contributed to Hamass refusal to release its hostages, and to the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire talks.

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Before we take them seriously as partners in peace, the PA and PLO must completely reject terrorism and stop counterproductively pursuing the unilateral recognition of a hypothetical state, State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said on X.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which has 57 member states including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Indonesia and Pakistan, criticized the US decision, calling it discriminatory.

In a statement released Friday it called on the US to reconsider this discriminatory decision, which contradicts international law and the Headquarters Agreement it signed, and to fulfill its obligations under this agreement and respect the role of the United Nations as a unifying umbrella for all states and their official representatives.

Several experts said that the denial of visas to Palestinian officials for the key gathering in New York does not help advance diplomacy for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and UN Ambassador Danny Danon, praised the move.

In July, the State Department announced sanctions that would deny visas to the US to unnamed PA and PLO officials.

The move also appears to be a further step to punish those involved in international tribunals probes of alleged crimes committed by Israel.

The PA must also end its attempts to bypass negotiations through international lawfare campaigns, including appeals to the ICC and ICJ, and efforts to secure the unilateral recognition of a conjectural Palestinian state, Fridays statement said.

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This headline and reported have been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Ibrahim Dahman, Tamar Michaelis, Sophie Tanno and Kareem El Damanhoury contributed to this report.

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By Idrees Ali, Patricia Zengerle and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A large buildup of U.S. naval forces in and around the Southern Caribbean has officials in Caracas and experts in the United States asking: is the move aimed at combating drug cartels, as the Trump administration has suggested, or is it for something else entirely?

Seven U.S. warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, are either in the region or are expected to be there soon, bringing along more than 4,500 sailors and marines.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has said combating drug cartels is a central goal for his administration and U.S. officials have told Reuters that the military efforts aim to address threats from those cartels.

Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, said on Friday the military buildup was aimed to "combat and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, criminal cartels and these foreign terrorist organizations in our hemisphere."

But it is unclear exactly how the U.S. military presence would disrupt the drug trade.

Among other things, most of the seaborne drug trade travels to the United States via the Pacific, not the Atlantic, where the U.S. forces are, and much of what arrives via the Caribbean comes on clandestine flights.

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Venezuelan officials believe their government might be the real target.

In early August, the United States doubled its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million over allegations of drug trafficking and links to criminal groups.

Maduro, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and the country's ambassador to the United Nations Samuel Moncada have said the U.S. is threatening the country with the naval deployments, in violation of international treaties.

They have also scoffed at U.S. assertions that the country and its leadership are key to major international drug trafficking.

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"Venezuelans know who is behind these military threats by the United States against our country," Venezuela's Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino said at a civil defense event on Friday, without offering further details. "We are not drug traffickers, we are noble and hard-working people."

'GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY'

While U.S. Coast Guard and Navy ships regularly operate in the Southern Caribbean, the current buildup exceeds the usual deployments in the region.

In the naval force are warships, including USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, and USS Fort Lauderdale. Some can carry aerial assets like helicopters while others can also deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles.

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The U.S. military has also been flying P-8 spy planes in the region to gather intelligence, U.S. officials have said. They have been flying over international waters.

The Trump administration has said it can use the military to go after drug cartels and criminal groups and has directed the Pentagon to prepare options.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled to Doral, Florida, on Friday to visit the headquarters of the U.S. military's Southern Command, which oversees operations in the region.

David Smilde, a Venezuela expert at Tulane University, said the military moves appeared to be an effort to pressure the Maduro government.

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"I think what they are trying to do is put maximum pressure, real military pressure, on the regime to see if they can get it to break," Smilde said.

"It's gunboat diplomacy. It's old-fashioned tactics, he added.

While the naval forces are in the Caribbean and the Atlantic, the Pacific Ocean is the bigger route for maritime trafficking of cocaine, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime said in its 2023 Global Report on Cocaine, citing figures from the U.S. DEA that show 74% of cocaine flowing north out of South America is trafficked over the Pacific.

Traffickers use airplanes to send cocaine northward through the Caribbean, the report said, naming Venezuela as a major hub for such departures. Mexico is the main source of fentanyl into the United States, with drug cartels smuggling it over the border.

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INTERVENTION AGAINST MADURO?

Moncada said the U.S. buildup was meant to justify "an intervention against a legitimate president."

Asked if the White House was ruling out regime change, a senior administration official said, "Right now they're there to ensure that drug smuggling does not happen."

"The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. It is a narco-terror cartel. Maduro is not a legitimate president. He is a fugitive head of this drug cartel," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.

Even so, U.S. officials say that while significant, the forces in the region are still far too small to be able to carry out the type of sustained operation that Caracas has warned against.

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In 1989, the United States deployed nearly 28,000 U.S. troops to invade Panama and capture dictator Manuel Noriega.

Christopher Hernandez-Roy, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said it was possible the buildup could be used for some sort of strike in Venezuela, but could be simply a show of force.

"It's too big to be just about drugs. It's too small to be about an invasion. But it's significant enough that it's there to do something," Hernandez-Roy said.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali, Patricia Zengerle and Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Don Durfee and Diane Craft)
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has announced it is denying and revoking visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September.

The announcement was made in a statement released by the US Department of State on Friday.

The Trump Administration has been clear: it is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace, the statement said.

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The statement said the members must consistently repudiate terrorism, citing the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel.

It also accused the Palestinian Authority of attempts to bypass negotiations by appealing to the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice for Israeli abuses committed in both the occupied West Bank and throughout Israels war in Gaza, which UN experts have called a genocide.





Both the PA, which has limited self-governing authority in the occupied West Bank, and the PLO, the internationally recognised Palestinian umbrella organisation, serve as representatives for the Palestinian people and push for recognition of a Palestinian state on the global stage.

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The Trump administration had previously sanctioned members of the PA and PLO, accusing them of the glorification of violence and undermining peace.

It was not immediately clear which officials the denials would apply to, as UN members and non-member observers like Palestine typically send large delegations to the UNGA.

In the statement on Friday, the US Department of State said it would grant waivers to the Palestinian Authority Mission to the UN, currently helmed by Ambassador Riyad Mansour.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the announcement, Mansour said Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas planned to attend the UN gathering next month, which is set to include a September 22 segment on Palestinian rights.

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He said it was unclear if the US move would affect Abbass planned visit.

We will see exactly what it means and how it applies to any of our delegation, and we will respond accordingly, he said.

In a statement carried by the Palestinian Wafa news agency, the Palestinian Authority presidency expressed deep regret and astonishment at the decision.

It called on the administration to reconsider and reverse its decision, reaffirming Palestines full commitment to international law, UN resolutions, and obligations toward peace.

Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher explained that as a host state, the US is meant to grant visas to UN member-state representatives to visit the international organisations headquarters.

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This is going to be controversial, Fisher said. When the United Nations was formed in 1947 and headquartered in New York, it was agreed that, effectively, US immigration policies would not impact people who wanted to go there on official business.





Still, Fisher noted that the US has denied visas to some officials in the past, including denying then PLO chairman Yasser Arafat a visa to visit the UN headquarters in 1988, prompting the UNGA to instead be held in Geneva, Switzerland that year.

More recently, the US denied a visa for Omar al-Bashir, the then head of state of Sudan, to visit the gathering in 2013.

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The reason for that is that he was wanted by the International Criminal Court, Fisher said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also wanted by the International Criminal Court. However, he is expected to be here in New York next month.
The United States will be denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, the State Department announced on Friday.

In a significant move ahead of the assembly, the department said it was holding the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace.

Its unclear if the U.S.s declaration will impact Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas from attending the U.N. General Assembly.

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Multiple U.S. allies, who are expected to be present at the September assembly in New York City, have announced they will recognize a Palestinian state, including France, the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

While Palestine is not considered a full U.N. member, in part because the U.S. vetoed a resolution in April that would have recognized its statehood, the U.N. does consider Palestine an observer state.

State Department said it was denying and revoking visas to hold Palestinian organizations accountable for undermining the prospects of peace (Getty)

The PLO is the political organization that represents the Palestinian people and advocates for establishing an independent Palestinian State.

The PA is the government body that oversees parts of Palestine.

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The State Department said the PAs Mission, the body that represents Palestinian interests on the global stage, will receive waivers per the UN Headquarters Agreement.

Under the headquarters agreement, the U.S. is required to allow access for foreign diplomats to the U.N. but can deny visas for national security or terrorism reasons.

Its unclear how many visas will be revoked as part of the policy, the State Department did not clarify.

The State Departments move appears consistent with the administrations previous decisions to limit the presence or influence of Palestine. Trump has remained a close ally to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long-rejected recognizing Palestine as an independent state.

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In July, the U.S. State Department announced it would invoke sanctions denying visas to unnamed PA and PLO officials for what U.S. officials believe is supporting terrorism.

Since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and hundreds of other were taken hostage, Netanyahu has waged a war in Gaza.

More than 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start and global organizations have accused Israel of committing genocide against the people of Palestine. Gaza has been pushed to the brink of mass starvation.

Both Trump and former president Joe Biden have sought to broker peace between Hamas and Israel but failed to do so.

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In the State Departments announced on Friday, they accused PA officials of contributing to the breakdown of ceasefire talks by pursuing legal cases against Israel through international courts.

Before we take them seriously as partners in peace, the PA and PLO must completely reject terrorism and stop counterproductively pursuing the unilateral recognition of a hypothetical state, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott wrote on X.
The US Embassy in Ukraine has condemned a Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of 27-28 August. Diplomats have called on Russia to immediately cease strikes on civilian targets.

Source: US Embassy post on X (Twitter)

Quote: "Strikes on civilian areas are unacceptable and must stop immediately, and we extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. When it comes to this war, President Trump has been clear  the killing must stop, and both sides must invest in a negotiated solution."

Background:

On the night of 27-28 August, Russia launched a large-scale combined attack on the territory of Ukraine. As a result of the attack, 23 people were killed in Kyiv, including four children. At least 63 people were injured.

Friday 29 August has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv in memory of those who were killed.

Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trumps Special Envoy to Ukraine, was the first among American officials to comment on one of the largest-scale Russian attacks on Kyiv, stressing that these strikes "threaten the peace that the US President is pursuing".

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration has fired some Environmental Protection Agency employees after they signed a letter critical of the Trump administration's policies in late June, the EPA said on Friday.

The EPA did not mention how many people were fired and said the June petition had information that the agency called inaccurate. The Washington Post cited union officials to say at least seven EPA employees were fired.

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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The development is likely to fuel concerns that the Trump administration does not tolerate dissent. Earlier this week, some employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency were put on leave after they signed an open letter against the agency's leadership.

CONTEXT

The June letter, titled as a "Declaration of Dissent," accused the federal government of engaging in "harmful deregulation," "ignoring scientific consensus to benefit polluters" and "promoting a culture of fear" within the agency.

In early July, the EPA placed about 140 employees on administrative leave after they signed the letter and said it has "zero-tolerance" for those sabotaging the government's agenda.

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KEY QUOTES

"Following a thorough internal investigation, EPA supervisors made decisions on an individualized basis. EPA does not comment on individual personnel matters," an agency spokesperson said.

"The petition  signed by employees using a combination of their titles and offices  contains inaccurate information designed to mislead the public about agency business," it added.

The union representing EPA employees criticized the firings.

"The Trump administration and EPA's retaliatory actions against these workers was clearly an assault on labor and free speech rights," Justin Chen, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, a nationwide union that represents more than 8,000 EPA employees, said in a statement cited in the Washington Post.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  When U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer came to watch firefighters train at the Cranston Fire Department, the doors to the garage were shut.

Ask the firefighters, a member of Chavez-DeRemers motorcade said after the doors closed.

Chavez-DeRemer was in Rhode Island as part of a nationwide listening tour. On Thursday, she met with union leaders and firefighters as they discussed issues like low staffing levels within the department.

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RELATED: Trump administration halts Revolution Wind project off RI coast

But her visit was criticized by Rhode Island congressional members, because it came nearly a week since the Trump administration halted Revolution Wind.

The Trump administrations reckless decision to halt work on the nearly finished Revolution Wind project is a betrayal of the Ocean State trade workers who have prepared for lifelong careers in offshore wind, the Rhode Island delegation wrote in a joint statement.

rsted said the wind project is 80% complete and was expected to power more than 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Much of the work was being carried out by several companies at Quonset in North Kingstown.

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MORE: RI leaders condemn Trumps stop-work order for Revolution Wind

Opponents of the offshore wind farm celebrated the projects pause during a rally earlier this week.

This decision comes after years of tireless work by my clients to inform decision makers about wind developments like this and the substantial harms involved, said attorney Marisa Desautel, an attorney representing the fishermen in an ongoing lawsuit against the offshore wind farm, during a rally earlier this week.

After meeting with firefighters Thursday, Chavez-DeRemers motorcade left without taking questions and a staffer physically ran away from reporters.

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Cranston firefighters said they were told by Chavez-DeRemers communication staff to close the fire station doors.

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(NewsNation)  The families of 13 service members killed in a suicide bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan four years ago are demanding the government provide some accountability for how the withdrawal was handled.

The bombing took place at an entry point to Kabuls airport known as Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, killing service members and Afghans alike. Earlier this week, President Trump signed a proclamation commemorating the date of the attack in honor of the fallen service members and their families. This comes amid ongoing investigations by the Trump administration into the handling of the withdrawal under the Biden administration. President Trump has repeatedly accused Biden of allowing the attack to happen.

Surviving the Taliban kill list: Two sisters recall their escape

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I remember those two Marines standing at my door. And what an empty, horrifying feeling that was, Darin Hoover said.

Darin and Kelly Hoovers son, Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, is one of the service members who was killed. Speaking with NewsNation at Arlington National Cemetery, where their son is now buried, the Barnetts say theyve found support from other Gold Star Families.

Of all the people in the world, theyre the ones that know what Im feeling. What Im going through. Know what that heartache is like, Kelly Barnett said. Things have slowed down.  I have to process this.

Pritzker: No calls from White House as Chicago faces National Guard deployment

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Four years on, many of the families who lost loved ones in the attack at Abbey Gate are continuing to seek out answers and ask for military leadership and government officials to be held accountable for the decisions made regarding the execution of the withdrawal.

Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that a Defense Department special review panel looking into the bombing should be ready to present its findings sometime in mid-2026. Speaking at the White House during President Trumps proclamation signing on August 26, Hegseth said justice for the families of these fallen service members is an essential priority.

America deserves answers as far as what happened in Afghanistan; the military needs to answer for what happened in Afghanistan, Hegseth said.

Florida may lose $218M on empty Alligator Alcatraz as judge orders shutdown

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These families are not alone in their grief over the withdrawal. Fazila, an Afghan immigrant, who NewsNation is only identifying by her first name, said the Talibans return to power upended her life in Afghanistan, with women quickly being banned from school and work.

When you dont have job, dont have school, dont have university, what do you do? Life is stuck. And get depression, she said.

While Fazila said she was eventually able to secure a special immigrant visa that got her out of the country via her work with USAID, her mother and siblings remain in Afghanistan.

They are worried about me, actually. And I am worried about them. Because I am alone here, she said.

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Thousands of special immigrant visa-eligible Afghans are believed to still be working to get out of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Afghans who have made it to the U.S. now face the risk of deportation as Trump continues to push for the removal of temporary protected status for many immigrants.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
The US State Department on Friday said it is "denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA)," less than two weeks before the start of the UN General Assembly in New York.

It comes after a number of countries, including France, Australia and Canada have announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the high-profile gathering. The move is vehemently opposed by Israel and its most important backer, the US.

"Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism - including the October 7 massacre - and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by US law and as promised by the PLO," the State Department said in a statement to justify the visa restrictions.

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It was initially unclear whether this means US authorities might also deny entry to PA President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the gathering, set to take place in New York from September 9.

The State Department initially failed to respond to a request for comment.

According to the statement, the Palestinian mission to the UN - which only holds observer status and is not a full member of the body - is exempt from the visa restrictions.

The US already imposed visa restrictions against the PLO and the PA in late July, but so far authorized entry permits have not been revoked.

The PA, led by 89-year-old Abbas, administers parts of the occupied West Bank, while the PLO serves as the official representation of Palestinians at international level.
The US State Department on Friday said it is "denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA)," less than two weeks before the start of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The decision comes after a number of countries, including France, Australia and Canada, announced their intentions to recognize Palestinian statehood at the high-profile gathering. The move is vehemently opposed by Israel and its most important backer, the US.

"Before the PLO and PA can be considered partners for peace, they must consistently repudiate terrorism - including the October 7 massacre - and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by US law and as promised by the PLO," the State Department said in a statement to justify the visa restrictions.

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It was initially unclear whether this means US authorities might also deny entry to PA President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the gathering, set to take place in New York from September 9.

In response, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric called on Washington to reconsider.

"We obviously hope that this will be resolved," he said, adding that it was important for all member states and permanent observers to be represented at the session, where France and Saudi Arabia are organizing a meeting on a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine dispute.

Dujarric continued: "We'll discuss these matters with the State Department, in line with the UN Headquarters agreement between the UN and the US."

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The agreement stipulates, among other things, that no US security agencies are allowed to operate on the grounds of the UN headquarters in the centre of Manhattan in New York and that UN members have the right to transit freely through the US to the headquarters.

"We would like to see all diplomats and delegates who are entitled to come here to be able to travel freely," Dujarric added.

According to the State Department statement, the Palestinian mission to the UN - which only holds observer status and is not a full member of the body - is exempt from the visa restrictions.

The US first imposed visa restrictions against the PLO and the PA in late July, but so far authorized entry permits have not been revoked.

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The PA, led by 89-year-old Abbas, administers parts of the occupied West Bank, while the PLO serves as the official representation of Palestinians at international level.

Both entities are separate from the extremist group Hamas, which led the unprecedented attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

That day, its fighters and other militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted some 250 to the Gaza Strip.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed the US announcement, thanking Secretary of State Marco Rubio "for holding the 'PLO' and PA accountable for rewarding terrorism, incitement and efforts to use legal warfare against Israel."

He thanked the Trump administration for "this bold step and for standing by Israel once again," in a post on X.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of next months annual high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, a step the Palestinian Authority decried as against international law.

A State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss visa issues that are normally confidential, disclosed Friday that Abbas and other officials from the Palestinian Authority were among those affected by new visa restrictions. Palestinian representatives assigned to the U.N. mission, however, were granted exceptions.

The move is the latest in a series of steps the Trump administration has taken to target Palestinians with visa restrictions and comes as the Israeli military declared Gazas largest city a combat zone. The State Department also suspended a program that had allowed injured Palestinian children from Gaza to come to the U.S. for medical treatment after a social media outcry by some conservatives.

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The State Department said in a statement that Rubio also ordered some new visa applications from Palestinian officials, including those tied to the Palestine Liberation Organization, be denied.

It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace, the statement said.

It said that to be considered partners for peace, the groups must consistently repudiate terrorism, and end incitement to terrorism in education, as required by U.S. law and as promised by the PLO.

The Palestinian Authority denounced the visa withdrawals as a violation of U.S. commitments as the host country of the United Nations and urged the State Department to reverse its decision.

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It said in a statement that the Palestinian presidency expressed its deep regret and astonishment at the visa decision, which contravenes international law and the Headquarters Agreement, especially since the State of Palestine is an observer member of the United Nations.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the world body would be seeking clarification from the State Department.

We obviously hope that this will be resolved, he said. It is important that all member states, permanent observers be able to be represented.

The State Department said representatives assigned to the Palestinian Authority mission at the United Nations would be granted waivers under the U.S. host country agreement with the U.N. so they can continue their New York-based operations.

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The Trump administration has pursued a crackdown on some of those who have legal permission to come to the U.S., and at times the standard for releasing once-privileged information on canceled visas seems to have been relaxed to make a public point.

For instance, the State Departments No. 2 diplomat posted on social media when the U.S. pulled visas for British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan after they led crowds in chanting death to the Israeli military.

The Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., Riyad Mansour, told reporters Friday that Abbas had planned to lead the delegation to the U.N. meetings and had been expected to address the General Assembly  as he has done for many years.

He also had been expected to attend a high-level meeting co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia on Sept. 22 about a two-state solution, which calls for Israel living side-by-side with an independent Palestine.

___

Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
The State Department announced Friday it will deny and revoke visas for Palestinian leadership ahead of next months United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The State Department did not specify in a press release which Palestinian officials will be barred from traveling to the United States. But in the past, top Palestinian leaders  including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas  have traveled to New York for the U.N. General Assembly.

Before they can be taken seriously as partners for peace, the PA and [Palestine Liberation Organization] must repudiate terrorism, lawfare campaigns at the [International Criminal Court] and [International Court of Justice], and the pursuit of unilateral recognition of statehood, State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement Friday.

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He added that the U.S. remains open to re-engagement should the PA/PLO demonstrably take concrete steps to return to constructive engagement.

The release noted that State will continue issuing visas for Palestinian diplomats staffing the Palestinian Authority mission before the United Nations, in alignment with a treaty governing the U.N. headquarters in New York.

This agreement has allowed U.S. adversaries, namely Iran and North Korea, to maintain staffed missions in New York to represent their interests before the U.N. even if their governments do not have diplomatic relations with Washington.

But government officials outside of those missions could still see their travel to New York blocked.

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Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N., said Friday, We will see exactly what it means and how it applies to any of our delegation, and we will respond accordingly.

Spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq said the United Nations is following up with the State Department on the announcement.

The decision comes as Israel faces mounting pressure from several U.S. allies to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

And the announced visa revocations are the latest reprisal against Palestinian leadership amid a push led by U.S. allies to recognize a Palestinian state during this years United Nations High-Level Week, when world leaders gather in New York to kick off the ensuing years business at the international forum.

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France, Australia and the United Kingdom are among the major U.S. allies now backing Palestinian statehood in light of Israels ongoing war against militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The effort is not expected to succeed since the U.S. has veto power at the United Nations Security Council and can block any bid for Palestine to be recognized as a full voting member of the United Nations, but it could prove to be a symbolic rebuke of the Trump administration.

The State Department last month announced sanctions against two groups, the Palestine Liberation Organization and Palestinian Authority; the groups are the main governing and political forces acting on behalf of Palestinians in the West Bank and recognized as the representatives of Palestinian interests at global fora. The sanctions were issued under similar pretenses that the groups had ties to terrorism.

Critics have previously slammed those moves as retaliation for the push for Palestinian statehood and as attempts from Washington to undermine what could be an embarrassing moment for the Trump administration in New York next month.

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President Donald Trump will address the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 23, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. The Trump administration has resisted calls to recognize a Palestinian state ahead of the General Assembly.

Daniella Cheslow contributed to this report.
(Adds attribution in paragraph 4)

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Deadly missile and drone strikes on Ukraine "cast doubt on the seriousness of Russias desire for peace," the United States told the U.N. Security Council on Friday, warning that Washington could punish Moscow with economic measures if it continues the war.

"The United States calls on the Russian Federation to avoid these consequences by stopping the violence and engaging constructively to end the war," U.S. diplomat John Kelley told the 15-member council.

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"Russia must decide now to move toward peace. The leaders of Russia and Ukraine must agree to meet bilaterally," he said.

Russia pounded Ukraine with deadly missiles and drone strikes early on Thursday in a sweeping attack. The strikes on Kyiv "cast doubt on the seriousness of Russias desire for peace. These strikes on civilian areas must stop immediately," Kelley said.

Diplomatic efforts to end Russia's full-scale invasion have so far yielded little, even after U.S. President Donald Trump met separately with the Russian and Ukrainian leaders earlier this month.

"Russia continues to choose killing over ending the war," Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko told the Security Council. "We should take this into account in our efforts aimed at peaceful resolution and establishment of reliable security guarantees. These guarantees shall protect both Ukrainian sovereignty and the lives of Ukrainian people, especially children."

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"Our people must feel safe already today. That's why ceasefire remains an essential prerequisite for successful future negotiation," she said.

Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said Moscow was prepared to consider a summit with Ukraine "provided that there is thorough prior preparation for such a meeting and the substantive content of it, otherwise, it would simply not have any meaning."

He said the United States was "more and more understanding the need to address the root causes of the conflict without which it won't be possible to resolve it." Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, calling it a "special military operation" designed to "denazify" its neighbour and halt dangerous NATO expansion to the east.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
The United States is boosting its maritime force in the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels with the expected arrival of more vessels next week, an action that will undoubtedly fuel more speculation in Venezuela.

The U.S. government has not signaled any planned land incursion from the thousands of personnel being deployed, and analysts and current and former government officials see no possibility of an invasion in Venezuela.

Still, the deployment has dominated conversations in the streets and at dinner tables in Venezuela, where an alleged threat of invasion is spilling over from social media and state television.

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The government has capitalized on the speculation by appealing to people, primarily its diminishing base, to enlist in a beleaguered militia, while the opposition is again characterizing U.S. actions as a sign of President Nicolas Maduros rule nearing an end.

The U.S. Navy now has two Aegis guided-missile destroyers  the USS Gravely and the USS Jason Dunham  in the Caribbean, as well as the destroyer USS Sampson and the cruiser USS Lake Erie in the Pacific Ocean off Latin America, according to a defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe ongoing operations.

That military presence is set to expand. Three amphibious assault ships  a force that encompasses more than 4,000 sailors and Marines  would be entering the waters off Latin America by next week, the official said.

Pentagon officials have refused to say exactly where the USS Iwo Jima, the USS San Antonio and the USS Fort Lauderdale are heading.

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Heres what to know about the situation:

Whats the purpose of the US deployment?

Adm. Daryl Caudle, the new chief of naval operations, told reporters that U.S. ships are heading into waters off South America to support Venezuelan operations and missions that involve drug cartels.

Speaking Thursday at a Navy base in Norfolk, Virginia, Caudle cited the concern that some Venezuelans are taking part in large drug operations. But he declined to provide specifics about the militarys goals, saying much of the information is classified.

Caudle said his job is to provide naval forces for military commanders to deploy, which in turn gives the president and secretary of defense options.

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The deployment comes as President Donald Trump has pushed 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.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked by a reporter Thursday about the presence of the U.S. warships and whether the Republican president was considering military strikes on Venezuela.

She said she would not get ahead of Trump but many nations in the region cheered U.S. counterdrug efforts and the president is prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice.

Trump has designated Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations, pointing to the international connections and operations of the groups that include drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory.

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Christopher Sabatini, a research fellow at the Chatham House in London, said the deployment, the Tren de Araguas designation and the recent doubling of a bounty for Maduro are parts of the White Houses strategy of making as much noise as possible to satisfy Venezuelas opposition, many of whom are Trump supporters, and to scare maneuver high-level government officials into defecting.

But, he added, theres no realism here in terms of the likelihood of an actual invasion.

How has Maduros government reacted to the deployment?

When a state television presenter on Monday asked Maduro for his take on these siren songs about a fleet of marines coming to end his government, the president said more than 90% of Venezuelans reject the announcements and threats from the U.S. government.

We, Venezuelans, are within our own law, and no one touches this land, Maduro added during his weekly television show.

Trucks transport tanks east from Valencia, Venezuela, Aug. 27, 2025, after the government announced a military mobilization following the U.S. deployment of warships off Venezuela. (Jacinto Oliveros/AP)

Maduro also repudiated the drug trafficking accusations from the U.S. and insisted Venezuela, unlike neighboring Colombia, is free of coca leaf crops and free of cocaine production. He also suggested that drug crimes are the White Houses accusations du jour.

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They have changed the narrative and no longer accuse those they want to destroy of being communists. That was the accusation they made during the Soviet Union, Maduro said. They no longer accuse them of being terrorists  (like) when they accused Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya of being terrorists. Now, the crude  Id say extravagant  outlandish accusation is drug trafficking.

Venezuelas U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada met with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday and said he asked the U.N. chief to call on the U.S. government to stop all its hostile actions and threats and respect his countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Why is Venezuela pressing for sign-ups for its volunteer militia?

The announcement of the U.S. deployment prompted Maduro to call on Venezuelans to join a volunteer militia meant to assist the armed forces in case of attack. Members hosted sign-up drives over the past weekend, which Maduro characterized as successful without providing the number of new recruits.

The government has scheduled enlistment events for Friday and Saturday.

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The ruling party has long claimed the militias membership to be above 4.5 million, but that is certainly an overcount as support for the government has plummeted, and millions, including Maduro supporters, have migrated in search of better living conditions.

The figure contrasts sharply with the results of last years presidential election, which ruling party-loyal electoral authorities said Maduro won despite credible evidence to the contrary. Electoral authorities claimed Maduro received 6.4 million votes, while detailed tally sheets released from the opposition showed he lost with 3.4 million votes.

What is Venezuelas political opposition saying about the US ships?

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whose surrogate Edmundo Gonzalez is recognized by the U.S. and several other governments as the legitimate winner of the 2024 election, appeared on Fox News following the announcement and thanked Trump administration officials for taking the right approach, with courage and clarity, towards the criminal enterprise that has taken over Venezuela.

The time has come for change, Machado said.

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She also posted on X that Venezuelans had disobeyed the government by not showing up to last weekends militia recruitment effort.

The empty squares of Venezuela today herald the future that is approaching, she wrote.

But that promise is not new for Venezuelans.

Sabatini of Chatham House criticized opposition leaders for cynically manipulating peoples hopes again and falling into this trap that an invasion is imminent.

Theyve just been sort of parked in neutral, Sabatini said, referring to the factions inability to energize its base since the presidential election. This is a new opportunity theyre trying to seize on.

___

Garcia Cano reported from Mexico City. Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
[Source]

A violinist in Utah performing with major orchestras has been detained by ICE, sparking an outpouring of support from fellow musicians and community members across Salt Lake City.

What happened: John Shin, a University of Utah music graduate who performs with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West, was detained by ICE agents at around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. He was reportedly allowed a mere 30 seconds to contact his family. Honey, I dont have much time. Ive been arrested by ICE and they are sending me to a detainment center. I love you and the kids, I will be OK, please call our attorney, his wife Danae Snow recalled him as saying to KUTV.

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New details emerge: Speaking to FOX 13, Shins attorney, Adam Crayk, revealed that the detention stems from an impaired driving conviction from 2020, making him a priority for immigration enforcement. He came in under his fathers student visa originally, has married a United States citizen, and for some reasons that were kind of beyond the control of theirs, werent able to file for the green card in a timely fashion, Crayk said.

Snow, who set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for legal fees, said the driving incident occurred in 2019 while her husband was grieving the passing of his father from brain cancer. She acknowledged her husbands mistake but emphasized their efforts to make things right. I know that weve been doing everything that we can to make it right, and I hope that as Ive been able to forgive him, I hope that our community can too, she told FOX 13.

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What community members are saying: Robert Baldwin, Shins former teacher and conductor of both the Salt Lake Symphony and Sinfonia Salt Lake, expressed shock over the news. Hes worked really hard to make an impact and be a part of that community  John is a really unique individual. And I knew that as soon as he showed up as a young freshman and its continued to develop to this day. Hes very serious. He is dedicated and committed, and he also has an awful lot of fun, Baldwin told KUTV.

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The broader music community has mobilized support across social media platforms. Composer Sarah Kirkland Snider urged fellow musicians to write character letters, while violin maker Jordan Hess noted that Shin is the only person in the Salt Lake music community who is universally liked. Friends have also organized violin performances in the Utah State Capitol rotunda to advocate for his release.

A bond hearing scheduled for next week will determine Shins immediate future. In the meantime, Snow and Crayk have offered full refunds to donors who feel uncomfortable about the conviction details.

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The Republican-led Utah state legislature remains committed to combating the legal challenge it now faces over the 2021 congressional maps it drew, which were recently thrown out by a third district judge.

In a press release on Thursday, the legislatures leadership said Judge Dianna Gibsons ruling unconstitutionally ties the Legislatures hands by mandating certain redistricting criteria when the U.S. and Utah constitutions leave it to the peoples representatives in the legislature to redistrict.

In an interview Thursday, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, told the Deseret News that Article Nine of the Utah Constitution could not be clearer on whose role it is to establish congressional district boundaries.

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Schultz said the Utah Constitution clearly says the legislature is in charge of redistricting. And so, ultimately, to have a court or a judge make the final decision on this, its not right, he said.

The lawsuit against the legislatures maps was filed by the organization Better Boundaries. In 2018, Utah voters passed Proposition 4, a ballot initiative proposed by the group to ensure what they called fair voting maps in Republican-dominated Utah. It passed, but very narrowly  50.34% voted yes, 49.66% no.

Then, in the 2020 legislative session, the bill SB200 was introduced and passed to address provisions in the proposition. It transformed the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission created by the proposition into an advisory body.

But Schultz said Better Boundaries was at the table during the creation of the 2021 congressional maps.

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The legislature at the time worked collaboratively with Better Boundaries, and there was an agreement reached and a compromise reached, he said. They locked arms in the Gold Room and announced that they had a compromise path forward. And that just all got thrown out.

This judge has taken the decision out of the elected officials hands  those that are elected by the people to represent the people.

In her ruling, Gibson sided with the groups backing the initiative that the legislatures enactment of S.B. 200 unconstitutionally impaired Proposition 4. The lawmakers now have less than 30 days to essentially create new congressional maps that meet the standards laid out in Proposition 4.

Schultz noted that back in 2020, lawmakers in charge of drawing the maps traveled all over the state and held over 20 public hearings over about six months to gain input from voters on how to draw the boundary lines.

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It is not fair to the citizens of the state to rush this type of a process on drawing these maps that are so important to the state of Utah. This shouldnt be done in less than 30 days, Schultz said.

Hes hoping Gibson will give more clarity on what she is expecting in her hearing to discuss scheduling on Friday.

In the lawmakers press release, they said that legal action will be taken and they will request that the Utah Supreme Court stay the judges deadline.

You dont get the best maps by trying to rush them, he said. What theyre trying to do is to gerrymander to get one Democrat in Salt Lake County.

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The most controversial aspect of the 2021 congressional maps is that lawmakers divided Salt Lake County, which leans Democratic, into all four districts. Critics of the current maps drawn by the legislators in 2021 say that those boundaries dilute the impact of voters from the states largest county and give Republicans an edge in all four districts.

But Schultz argues that dividing Salt Lake County is the fairest route for both urban and rural Utahns.

We want Congressmen and women that understand the needs of the whole state, not just certain areas of the state, he said. I would argue that having four members represent them is what gives them the better representation.

Better Boundaries issued a statement on Thursday, doubling down on what they see as the standards lawmakers should follow.

Prop 4 required equal population in districts, minimized city and county splits, emphasized compact and contiguous boundaries, preserved neighborhoods and communities of interest, and followed natural geographic features. The measure also prohibited maps drawn to favor politicians or parties, they said.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  On Monday, the Utah Legislatures lawyers filed a motion for stay with the Third District Judge on her order to redraw congressional district maps in 30 days. Lawyers for both sides were also in court for a status conference hashing out whether they can agree on a new timeline for the order.

Judge Dianna Gibson ruled Monday that the Legislature unconstitutionally overrode a citizen ballot initiative by enacting its own maps.

The ruling was a major decision from the lower courts, revealing they deem Utahs Congressional boundaries from H.B. 2004, which made the 2021 Congressional Map, were enacted unconstitutionally. Therefore, it cannot lawfully govern future elections, and the legislature must redistrict a new map.

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Judge Gibson ruled that Proposition 4 is the law on redistricting in Utah.

In court on Friday, lawyers spent two hours debating whether they could amend Prop 4s requirements that the legislature must publish their new version for 10 days before they vote on it.

Ultimately, Judge Gibson decided to ask Utahs lieutenant governor via her lawyers to see if there was any wiggle room to push her Nov. 1 deadline back to Nov. 9 to give the parties more time and still get maps in time for the 2026 midterm elections.

Judge Gibson also said she will be reviewing the legislatures arguments for why they deserve a stay and consider whether to grant it. She has, however, already denied a preemptive stay that the legislature requested last year. She clarified today that that ruling was not dictating her long term position on a stay, and that she will consider this stay.

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Fridays status conference comes after Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz released a statement Thursday about their plans to redraw the maps despite a misguided court ruling and an arbitrary 30-day deadline.

Background on the lawsuit

This issue began in 2018, when Utah voters passed Proposition 4, a citizen ballot initiative run by Better Boundaries. The initiative created a redistricting commission to draw new boundary lines for Utahs congressional districts and prohibited partisan gerrymandering.

In 2020, the Utah Legislature gutted the commission created by the initiative in S.B. 200, and it replaced maps with its own in H.B. 2004.

Plaintiffs filed the lawsuit arguing that the current district maps break up Salt Lake City into four districts that dilute minority votes in the traditionally red state. They also argued that Utahns have a constitutionally protected right to alter and reform their government, which was what Proposition 4 did before it was changed by the Legislature.

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The Utah Supreme Court upheld the peoples right to alter and reform government in a major ruling from July of last year, which meant that the lawsuit was able to move forward in 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 legislatures filing of a motion for stay on Monday is being deliberated with the plaintiffs. 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.

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JD Vance has said he is ready to step into the role of president if a terrible tragedy struck Donald Trump.

Discussing the US presidents health in an interview with USA today, the vice-president said: If, God forbid, theres a terrible tragedy, I cant think of better on-the-job training than what Ive gotten over the last 200 days.

However, he said the 79-year-old president, the oldest ever to be sworn into office, was in good health and had incredible energy despite recent questions about Mr Trumps well-being.

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The 41-year-old vice-president is the third youngest in history, but said he could not keep up with the president at times.

Hes got incredible energy, and while most of the people who work around the president of the United States are younger than he is, Mr Vance said.

I think we find that he actually is the last person who goes to sleep, hes the last person making phone calls at night, and hes the first person who wakes up and the first person making phone calls in the morning.

Yes, terrible tragedies happen, but I feel very confident the president of the United States is in good shape, is going to serve out the remainder of his term and do great things for the American people.

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And if, God forbid, theres a terrible tragedy, I cant think of better on-the-job training than what Ive gotten over the last 200 days.

Speculation has surfaced around the US presidents health over his swollen ankles and makeup on his hand

The White House announced last month that Mr Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory problem that had caused some swelling around his ankles.

They also said bruising seen on the presidents hand, which has continually been covered up with makeup, was caused by minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.

Mr Trump also survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign.

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His vice-president is one of the least experienced in history, serving only two years in the Senate before being catapulted into the national role.

He serves as Mr Trumps television attack dog as well as his top messenger, travelling the country to sell the administrations domestic policy agenda.

Mr Vance also fired warning shots at two of the Democratic partys biggest stars: Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, and Zohran Mamdani, the hard-Left candidate for New York mayor, in a sign that Republicans are preparing attack lines for battles ahead.

The vice-president accused Mr Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, of being a cheap copy of the president and said that Mr Mamdanis hardline views did not represent the party of previous generations of Democrats.

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It would be nice for him to occasionally show a sense of gratitude instead of just attacking the US for all of its problems, he told Fox News.

Mr Mamdani and Mr Newsom both pose a threat to Mr Trump by aping his populist approach from the Left.

The California governor has copied the language and brusque approach of the president in a series of viral social media posts.

Mr Vance dismissed the imitation as fake.

You cant mimic the master; you ought to just go and be yourself. And I think the people would like that a lot more than a cheap imitation of the president of the United States, he said.

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Vice President Vance, along with a top Kremlin negotiator and a chorus of critics allied with President Trump, attacked Politico on Friday over an article about special envoy Steve Witkoffs struggles to manage peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

This story from Politico is journalistic malpractice. But its more than that: its a foreign influence operation meant to hurt the administration and one of our most effective members, Vance wrote Friday on the social platform X.

Witkoff has been Trumps interlocutor in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, visiting Moscow at least five times in the past six months.

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Following the presidents summit with Putin in Alaska earlier this month, Witkoff said Russia had agreed to a Western security presence in Ukraine, which he called a significant concession. However, over the past two weeks, Russia has repeatedly said it will tolerate no such thing, and Moscow has resisted Trumps demand for Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet face-to-face.

The Politico article quotes anonymous sources saying Witkoffs inexperience shines through, calling him a rogue actor who will say things publicly but then he changes his mind, and that he will pop in for a visit to Vladimir Putin, say a bunch of stuff, not tell anyone what really happened and then just f off to his life again.

Sources also say the former real estate developer is overstretched, given his vast diplomatic portfolio, which also includes the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Vance complained that the news outlet quoted anonymous critics but left out on-the-record statements from senior Trump officials, questioning the motives of Felicia Schwartz, the diplomatic correspondent at Politico who authored the piece.

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To set the record straight: Steve Witkoff is an invaluable member of our team. He did not mislead anyone on what the Russians told him and what the Russians conceded. (Trust me, Ive seen the intel.), he wrote.

The Hill reached out to Politico for comment.

Others in Trump World who jumped to Witkoffs defense included his son Donald Trump Jr., Secretary of State Marco Rubio and deputy White House chief of staff Taylor Budowich. The Russia envoy responded to Vances note, saying, This statement from our amazing Vice President speaks for itself.

Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund who has led Russias delegation in talks on Ukraine, wrote on X that Fake articles lie exactly as @JDVance confirms.

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Steve Witkoff is under media attack by warmongers who want to derail peace.  Lies will fail, Peace will win, he wrote, with an emoji of a dove.

Russia has killed nearly 14,000 Ukrainian civilians since it invaded Ukraine more than three years ago, according to the United Nations. This week it launched one of its largest aerial attacks of the war, killing at least 21 people in the capital Kyiv.

Trump had previously called for an immediate ceasefire while the two sides negotiate a permanent end to the war but dropped that demand following his meeting with Putin on Aug. 15, expressing optimism that a comprehensive peace agreement could be reached soon.

The president expressed uncertainty this week about whether Putin and Zelensky will meet but has continued to insist that the Russian leader wants to end the war.

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I think were going to get the war done, he told reporters on Tuesday in the Oval Office. You never know whats 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.

Witkoff met with Andriy Yermak, the top adviser to Zelensky, in New York on Friday to discuss efforts to build momentum behind a peace deal. Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. are hashing out the details of postwar security guarantees, which Kyiv views as a precondition for any negotiations over territorial concessions.

Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv on Friday that he expected several meetings at different venues with European leaders next week.

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Every pound of tax that is not delivered to the Exchequer damages our public services.

Or so said Angela Rayner in 2023 when she called for a Conservative cabinet minister to be sacked over his tax affairs. It seems she feels differently today.

The Deputy Prime Minister has avoided paying 40,000 of stamp duty on the purchase of her new 800,000 seaside apartment in Hove by telling tax authorities it is her primary home.

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In order to do this she has apparently removed her name from the title deeds of her constituency home in Ashton-under-Lyne, although this remains her primary home for council tax purposes.

She also benefits from (although does not own) a grace-and-favour flat in Admiralty House, central London. This is presumably where she spends the majority of her time, given her job  making it, by any common definition, her primary home. This property is designated as a second home for council tax purposes, which means the taxpayer foots the bill.

Rayner is registered on the electoral roll in all three places.

The public despises politicians who look like they are feathering their nests and on the make. Do what I say, not what I do is just the sort of behaviour that has taken British politics to a very low ebb and seen many voters desert Labour and the Conservatives, with a poll this week putting both parties below 20pc.

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Rayner is entitled to make her arrangements tax efficient and, if she is sensible, has paid professional advisers to make sure she is within the letter of the law. What will infuriate many people  justifiably in my view  is how she has long been an outspoken critic of other taxpayers using perfectly legal means to minimise their tax liabilities.

She seems to view paying tax as a moral duty and avoiding it a sickening sin, although seemingly only when this applies to other people. She has called for the closure of loopholes and the removal of allowances and reliefs  but has been happy to use them to her benefit in the meantime.

A memo sent by Rayner to Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, ahead of the Spring Statement in March 2025  published by The Telegraph in May  demanded an extensive package of tax increases in stamp duty, inheritance tax, pensions allowances, banking taxes and dividend taxes.

Meanwhile she has cheered on policies charging VAT on independent school fees, removing inheritance tax reliefs on family farms and businesses as well as pension savings, and encouraging non-doms to leave the country  taking their generous tax contributions with them and leaving us to make up the difference.

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Her government also increased the stamp duty surcharge paid on second homes from the 3pc introduced by George Osborne in 2016 to 5pc  which would have raised Rayners stamp duty bill on her Hove flat from 30,000 to 70,000, had it been designated an additional property.

The Deputy Prime Minister can no longer stand on her pedestal to berate and shame those she deems to be exploiting the laws for their own financial gain. She is entitled to do exactly the same  and she has done so.

Rayner has opened herself up to a level of ridicule that she may never be able to shake off. As with the capital gains confusion around the sale of her old council house, which came to a fore last year, the conclusion seems to be that she has done nothing wrong  but the odour will hang around.

This is not a good place for any politician to be, especially not one with aspirations to go further.

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In the Tony Blair years we had two Jags John Prescott  now in the Keir Starmer years we have three homes Rayner. It certainly looks like double standards Rayner too.

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In 2003 Richard Dearlove, the then head of MI6, received a curious message: Muammar Gaddafi, the dictator of Libya, was thinking about how to get rid of his nuclear weapons program. Would the British spy chief like to talk?

Within days, Dearlove and a colleague were shivering in a tent deep in the Libyan desert while Gaddafi, looking like an ageing Mick Jagger and surrounded by female bodyguards, harangued them faster than his interpreters could keep up.

It was, says Dearlove, a bizarre encounter  but also extraordinarily successful. A deal was quickly reached. Within weeks, Western teams were dismantling Libyas entire WMD programme.

Muammar Gaddafi, The former dictator of Libya, agreed to dismantle his WMD programme following negotiations with Britain - STR/Reuters

Covert diplomacy  the art of speaking to those people who domestic politics, international diplomacy, common sense and basic morality make untouchable  is by definition a discreet affair.

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The usually shadowy art was dragged into the spotlight this week when Nigel Farage said he wanted to sign an agreement with the Taliban to return Afghan immigrants.

The Taliban have told The Telegraph that they are open to such a deal  should Farage ever become prime minister.

But is a deal even possible with a government that harboured al Qaeda, has killed hundreds of British soldiers, and continues to hunt Afghans who served with them? A regime which, moreover, Britain does not even recognise?

And it opens wider questions: Should governments ever speak to their enemies? If they do, how? And when do the benefits of engagement outweigh the moral, political, and security risks?

The go-betweens

Covert diplomacy is so sensitive, and the cases often so complicated, that there is no universal handbook or dedicated service for conducting it.

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Sometimes, and especially when such talks must remain secret, it is the preserve of spies like Sir Richard. At other times, one particular official or diplomat may lead the way.

In the late 1990s, Jonathan Powell, Tony Blairs then chief of staff and Keir Starmers current national security adviser, held a series of secret meetings with Martin McGuinness that eventually led to the Good Friday agreements.

Former PM Tony Blair and his then chief of staff Jonathan Powell who collaborated on the Good Friday Agreements - Paul Grover

At other times, an intermediary will be called on, perhaps a third countrys intelligence service, a freelancing businessman, or a particularly well-regarded and trusted neutral official.

Gerhard Conrad, the German BND intelligence service officer who brokered prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, and later the release by Hamas of Gilad Shalit in 2011, is one such figure.

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Raoul Nordling, the Swedish diplomat who mediated between the French Resistance and the German Army to prevent the destruction of Paris in 1944, was another.

But whether using your own spies or someone elses, discretion is paramount.

Raoul Nordling received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour for his diplomatic efforts during the Second World War - Gamma-Rapho/Keystone-France

I dont want to have to stand up in the House of Commons and lie if a member asks whether we have been talking to this or that terrorist group, said one former minister who has been involved in such cases.

So I dont necessarily need  or want  to know where a particular piece of information has come from. Sometimes you know when not to ask.

Finding your level

When distrust runs deep, such talks can take years. Powells famous chats over tea in McGuinness Derry safe house only followed a series of even more sensitive preliminary talks between the IRA and MI6 officers.

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Powell has written books championing the principle of engagement with ones enemies and, before returning to Downing Street, ran a consultancy called Inter-Mediate to advance political solutions toward a more peaceful and secure world by doing just that.

Its about building trust from zero and trying to establish some overlap, some human to human rapport before you go anywhere near dealing with issues, said one diplomatic source.

Such conversations are not only confined to terror groups.

Britain does not challenge the current Russian governments right to run Russia in the same way that it refuses to recognise the Taliban regime. But the fraught state of relations between London and Moscow means a meeting with David Lammy, the foreign secretary, or Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, is oddly more unlikely than a deal with Kabul.

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Forget a summit between Vladimir Putin and Keir Starmer.

Dont expect to see Vladimir Putin (right) and Sergei Lavrov strolling into Downing Street any time soon - Getty

Yet one former diplomat speculated that Powell, living up to his principle of talking to adversaries, might already have been quietly speaking to an opposite number in the Kremlin. Also living up to the usual tactics of deniability, there is no suggestion any such talks have actually occurred.

At a purely technical level, however, the mechanism for talking and making deals is there.

It would just have to be at a lower level of engagement. Lavrov has made himself beyond the pale, so it couldnt be with him. Youd probably do it as ambassadors at the UN, where they are sitting round the table all the time, said one diplomatic source.

The trouble with Taliban talks

Until they swept back to power in 2021, the Taliban were regarded as a terrorist group and thus untouchable. Britain still officially refuses to recognise the Taliban government, and the British embassy to Afghanistan remains in Doha, rather than in Kabul.

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What [Farage] is proposing sounds like a returns deal, says the diplomatic source. If we dont have an embassy in the country, and we dont have full recognition of the Taliban as the legal government, how do you do that?

You cant just just have a phone call, or have some intermediary in Qatar saying, Yeah, theyve agreed to do this, and then you put people on a plane, they fly into Kabul, they get off the plane, and thats the last they heard of, and then you put some money in a Swiss bank account.

This is a particular issue with Farages proposed returns deal, but it points to a hurdle that affects all such talks: turning discreet contacts into an actionable, above board policy.

It is an old dilemma.

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In December 1948, Winston Churchill urged the Labour government to let Francos Spain into the United Nations and send a British ambassador back to Madrid, on the grounds that the alternative would mean relying on a kind of black market diplomacy.

Impossible, replied the government of the time: Francos fascism, support for Hitler during the war, and lack of democratic elections barred it from the community of free nations.

But principles are malleable. In the Spanish case, the realpolitik of the Cold War soon told. Spain was a full member of the UN by 1955, thanks to votes from US allies including Britain.

Francisco Francos incompatibility with the UNs values didnt stop him from becoming a member in 1955 - Hulton Deutsch/Corbis Historical

So recognition of the Taliban, which Farage would need to sign his returns deal, is imaginable.

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If the Spanish example is any guide, the government would probably try to assuage the moral revulsion and anger from the families of those killed and wounded fighting in Afghanistan with three arguments: That isolation has failed; that geopolitical considerations have changed; and that, as Churhill argued, the more difficult relations are with any country in question, the more necessary it is to have the very highest form of representation on the spot.

No one is off limits

If youre an intelligence officer, youve probably sat down with all kinds of people. Ive met some real weirdos at the behest of government, said Dearlove, when asked about the ethics of meeting people like Gaddafi. I mean, if you think theres a purpose, Id talk to anybody. I dont find that distasteful.

If you think theres a purpose, Id talk to anybody says Sir Richard Dearlove - Martin Pope

So when, exactly, do the benefits of talking to enemies, be they terrorists, or a government waging a war of aggression, outweigh the repugnance of doing so?

There is a kind of guideline, which is about where is the national interest greater: to engage or not to engage? said the diplomatic source.

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When a government realises the national interest, taken in the round  which means everything: security, economics, national politics  is in engaging, then they should find a way of doing so, said a former senior diplomat.

For me in foreign policy, and I think any seasoned diplomat worth their salt would say the same, national interest should always trump values. That is not a very fashionable thing to say now. But that would have been Palmerstons view.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A person was rescued after their vehicle wound up in a ravine in Peoria Thursday night.

At 7:40 p.m. on Aug. 28, the Peoria Fire Department crews went to 1700 W. War Memorial Drive near Salem Lutheran Preschool for a vehicle accident, said Battalion Chief Larry Carter.

He said arriving crews had trouble finding the vehicle as it was in the ravine within the woods.

The vehicle was unstable and balancing on an embankment 60 feet below the roadway, Carter said. The driver was still in the vehicle and having medical issues.

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He said rescue crews used cables and a rescue winch to keep the vehicle from falling further. Firefighters treated the driver and got the person out of the woods using a Stokes basket and rescue rope.

The driver was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. Their vehicle was secured and removed from the ravine.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said there was no way United States troops could invade his country as tension rises with Washington and a US naval force builds up in the Southern Caribbean near Venezuelas territorial waters.

Theres no way they can enter Venezuela, Maduro said on Thursday, stating that his country was well prepared to defend its sovereignty as US warships arrive in the region in a so-called operation against Latin American drug cartels.

Today, we are stronger than yesterday. Today, we are more prepared to defend peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity, Maduro said in a speech to troops, according to the state-run Venezuela News Agency.

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Maduro made his comment as Venezuelas ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to protest the US military build-up.

Its a massive propaganda operation to justify what the experts call kinetic action  meaning military intervention in a country which is a sovereign and independent country and is no threat to anyone, Moncada told reporters after meeting with Guterres.

They are saying that they are sending a nuclear submarine  I mean, its ridiculous to think that theyre fighting drug trafficking with nuclear submarines, the ambassador said.

Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro, centre, giving a thumbs up next to Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, left, and First Lady Cilia Flores, right, as they watch military exercises at a training camp in Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday [Handout/Venezuelan Presidency via AFP]

Earlier on Thursday, Admiral Daryl Claude, the US Navys chief of naval operations, confirmed that US warships were deployed to waters off South America, citing concerns that some Venezuelans were participating in large-scale drug operations.

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Seven US warships, along with one nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, were either in the region or were expected to be there in the coming week, a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Reuters news agency.

More than 4,500 US service members, including some 2,200 Marines, were also reported to be on board the ships in an operation that was launched after the Trump administration accused Maduro and other members of his government of links to cocaine trafficking.

Venezuela has responded to the US threats by sending warships and drones to patrol its coastline and launching a drive to recruit thousands of militia members to bolster domestic defences.

Caracas has also deployed 15,000 troops to its borders with Colombia to crack down on drug trafficking and other criminal gangs.

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On Thursday, Maduro thanked Colombia for sending an additional 25,000 military personnel to the Colombia-Venezuela frontier to tackle narco-terrorist gangs, the Venezuela News Agency reported.

While the US has made no public threats to invade Venezuela, Trumps threats against the country have focused chiefly on its powerful criminal gangs, particularly the cocaine trafficking Cartel de los Soles, which the Trump administration has designated a terrorist organisation and accused Maduro of leading.

Maduro has, in turn, accused Washington, which is offering a $50m reward for his capture over alleged drug offences, of seeking to implement regime change in Venezuela.




When Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez appeared on a nationwide TV broadcast in June 2012, proudly announcing that his country was now manufacturing unmanned aircraft, the news took both supporters and critics by surprise. In a defiant tone, the president showcased three prototypes, saying the country had the right to build them while claiming that they were not armed.

Today, as the Caracas regime declares it will deploy drones to defend itself amid growing tensions triggered by the dispatch of more than half a dozen powerful U.S. warships to the waters off its Caribbean coast, few people know the details of how Venezuela developed one of Latin Americas most advanced unmanned aircraft programs.

Fewer still know an element associated with the program that has sparked interest  and alarm  from some officials in Washington: The drones, though built on Venezuelan soil, are controlled to some extent by Iran.

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The long-standing links between Caracas and Tehran have been a source of contention between Venezuela and the United States amid recurrent accusations that the Venezuelan regime has allowed Hezbollah, an Iran-controlled organization considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and other nations, to use the Latin American country as an entry point into the region.

The U.S. is watching closely. Think tanks like the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the U.S. Southern Commands Dialogo Initiative have published analyses on the new asymmetric threat posed by drones in the hands of an Iranian-allied regime. The main concern isnt just that Venezuela might use them to surveil or intimidate internal opponents, but that it could transfer technology to other governments or to criminal and paramilitary organizations in the region.

Read more: From zero to a diverse arsenal: A look at Venezuelas military drones

There is also concern that the Teheran-Caracas relationship might turn the South American country into an important center for the production of Irans kamikaze drones, said Farzin Nadimi, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East policy, who warned that by 2022 drones coming from the military installations in Venezuelans were armed with four small bombs hung under their wings.

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U.S. Southern Command watched all of these developments closely and with some concern, he wrote, referring to the Doral-based Defense Department unit responsible for operations in Central and South America.

Chavezs secret project hadnt emerged from nowhere. Behind the scenes were more than six years of cooperation with Tehran. What began with a $28 million contract and shipments of Iranian Mohajer-2 drone assembly kits eventually evolved into a robust unmanned aerial vehicle program that now produces not only reconnaissance units but also armed systems, stealth models, and kamikaze drones loaded with explosivesall inspired by Iranian designs.

The technological leap has alarmed neighbors like Colombia and is being closely monitored by Washington because of its strategic implications for the hemisphere.

The Miami Herald spoke with half a dozen people familiar with the close relationship Venezuela forged with Iran over the past two decades. The Herald also reviewed dozens of official Venezuelan government documentssome signed by Chavez himselfthat reveal how billions of dollars were poured into the secretive partnership. Many of the deals were hidden behind development projects that, on paper, seemed harmlesslike bicycle or tractor factoriesbut in reality served as fronts for far more sensitive purposes.

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At the heart of the military alliance between Caracas and Tehran was Chavezs desire to arm himself with weapons capable of challenging U.S. military power.

Venezuelan version of Irans Mohajer drone at an air base in the western part of the country.

The drone revolutions

In the early 2000s, Venezuelas Bolivarian National Armed Forces had no experience with drone technology. Its operations depended entirely on conventional aircraft and traditional surveillance systems.

The situation changed in 2006, when Caracas signed a technical-military agreement with Tehran that included drone technology transfer, training and parts supply. Iranian manufacturer Qods Aviation Industries, creator of the Mohajer-2, provided the initial kits. Venezuelan engineers traveled to Iran for training, while Iranian teams set up shop at the El Libertador Air Base in Maracay, in the central state of Aragua, under the supervision of the an entity known as the Venezuelan Military Industries Company.

Secret assembly began in 2009. The Arpia-001 drone, a direct derivative of the Mohajer-2, an Iranian unmnaned aerial vehicle with 12-foot wingspan, became the first drone produced in Venezuela. In 2012, Chavez showcased it publicly for the first time.

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The Arpia 1 weighs around about 190 pounds, can fly for and has a range of about 60 miles. It is equipped with high-resolution video and photo cameras, primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. It can also support civilian missions, such as monitoring oil and power infrastructure, managing natural disasters or combating drug trafficking. In fact, in 2012 it was reported that a Venezuelan drone detected a small aircraft suspected of transporting drugs.

Other models soon followed, developed with Irans help, sources told the Herald.

Cooperation with Iran was essential. Not only could Venezuela never have developed drones on its own, but even today its the Iranians who control those facilities. Venezuelan personnel cant enter without their authorization, one source who asked not to be identified told the Herald.

The drone plant in Maracay has operated intermittently depending on economic and political crises. By 2013, under Nicolas Maduros leadership, only about 15 Arpia units had been built, used for border patrol and monitoring oil infrastructure.

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Venezuelas economic collapse stalled the project between 2014-18. By 2019, just one Arpia drone remained operational, according to leaked Venezuelan internal documents. Ironically, that same year Maduro survived an assassination attempt using explosive-laden commercial drones an episode that convinced him to revive the national drone industry.

In 2020, the Venezuelan government created Empresa Aeronautica Nacional S.A., a subsidiary of Conviasa, the countrys flag carrier airline, tasked with producing drones and aircraft. The Maracay workshops resumed operations with Iranian assistance, just as international arms export restrictions on Tehran were being lifted.

Two years later, Venezuela stunned observers by unveiling two advanced drone models during the July 5, 2022, military parade: the ANSU-100 and the ANSU-200.

The Ansu 100 is an updated, armed version of the Arpia, capable of launching Iranian-designed Qaem  air-to-ground guided bombs. The Ansu-200 is a flying-wing prototype inspired by Iranian stealth designs, presented as next-generation technology.

Iranian-designed Qaem rocket, an air-to-ground guided bomb often fitted to drones.

With the ANSU-100, Venezuela became the first Latin American country to operate armed drones, sources told the Herald.

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Now, as U.S. Navy ships begin to gather in the Caribbean in what is being called an anti-narcotics operation but is widely interpreted as an open threat to Maduros regime, Caracas has sought to showcase its own military muscle. It recently mobilized millions of militia members and announced it will deploy its own warships and drones.

U.S warships in the Caribbean

In a video shared Wednesday on social media, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the operation involves a significant deployment of drones with different missions, citizen support points, exploration and surveillance, river patrols with the Marine Infantry, and naval patrols in Lake Maracaibo and the Gulf of Venezuela.

Part of the plan is the dispatch of about 15,000 troops to border regions with Colombia to bolster anti-drug operations, according to the government. Padrino Lopez emphasized that the measure responds to the need to protect sovereignty and fight drug trafficking.

The decision coincides with the U.S. naval deployment in the southern Caribbean. The Trump administration recently ordered three guided-missile destroyers, three amphibious operations vessels, a guided-missile cruiser, a nuclear attack submarine and about 4,000 Marines to the region as part of what it calls international anti-drug operations.

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Although U.S. officials have refrained from saying the naval force could be used against Venezuela, the maneuver coincides with the increase of a U.S. reward for Maduros capture to $50 million, as Washington accuses him of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns, a drug-trafficking network run by senior government officials.

Caracas has called the U.S. deployment an escalation of hostile actions. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil appealed to the United Nations on Wednesday for the immediate cessation of the military operation and asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to intervene to restore sanity.

Military cooperation between Venezuela and Iran has remained low-profile, but several episodes have raised international alarms. In 2022, a cargo plane owned by Emtrasur, a Conviasa subsidiary, was detained in Argentina with a mixed Venezuelan-Iranian crew. Although Caracas insisted it was transporting auto parts, news reports out of Israel suggested it could have been tied to drone technology transfers.

Allegations that the plane served as a front for Iranian intelligence operations in the region have drawn significant attention to the case in several South American countries, the United States and Israel. Both Iran and Venezuela have strongly denied the claims.

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One Western intelligence report claims that Conviasa/EANSA has served as an air bridge to bring control stations, high-resolution cameras and possibly missiles from Iran. Israel has also voiced concern. In 2022, Benny Gantz, the Israeli defense minister at the time, accused Iran of transferring armed drones to Venezuela. Tehran denied it, but photos taken in Venezuela of the missile-capable ANSU-100 continued to fuel suspicions.

Between 2009-16 Venezuelan drones were used mainly for surveillance and patrol. Since 2022, with the development of the ANSU-100, the focus has shifted: the drones not only observe, they can attack. Analysts describe this as an Iranization of Venezuelas military doctrine, seeking to compensate for conventional shortcomings through armed drones and what are called loitering munitions, or suicide drones. These are expendable unmanned aerial weapons with a built-in warhead that can hover over a target area before crashing and exploding on a target.

The Zamora V-1, unveiled by Venezuela in 2024, is an example. Inspired by Irans Shahed-136, used by Russia in the Ukraine war, its a short-range suicide drone with limited explosive capability. Though rudimentary, it marks another step in the transfer of military technology from Tehran.

The presence of armed drones in Venezuela worries neighboring countries. In 2021, Colombia formally protested the violation of its airspace by a Russian Orlan-10 drone operated by the Venezuelan military. With ANSU-100 systems operational, the risk of these type of incidents between the two countries has increased.
NEWPORT, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  A Newport man is in custody after he was accused of making a bomb threat to one high school Thursday, leading to an evacuation and multiple lockdowns nearby.

Authorities were notified at roughly 12:23 p.m. about a threat sent via text message. Said message, reportedly connected to suspect Cypher Aiken, age 25, claimed that bombs had been planted inside North County Union High School.

The school was evacuated and searched while others nearby remained in lockdown until the suspect was taken into custody.

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Aiken was eventually located at a Shaws supermarket on Route 5 in Derby. He was arrested, and the state police bomb team searched his vehicle for potential devices.

Explosives reportedly discovered on Pearl Street in Burlington Sunday

Officers note that It was eventually determined that Aiken did not have any explosives.

Aiken faces charges like domestic terrorism, and was ordered held on $50,000 bail pending an arraignment Friday, August 29.

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WJBF  U.S. Army Veteran Nicole Pruitt, the recipient of the Mary L. Jones Black Affirmation Award for the month of August, was on a Delta flight on her way to Tucson, Arizona from Atlanta on Wednesday, July 16th, and her act of bravery is continuing to make headlines across the country.

Pruitt chats with WJBF about what happened that day on the flight and why she is being hailed as a national hero.

Congratulations on being the winner of the Mary L. Jones Black Affirmation Award for Celebrating Black Excellence 365 for the month of August. How long did you serve in the military?

26 years.

And how long have you been retired?

Since September 1st, 2023.

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ALSO ON WJBF: Judge Tianna Bias inspiring next generation with her passion for law | July CBE365 Affirmation Award Winner

Now, lets discuss what happened on Delta Flight 37 on Wednesday, July 16th. Where were you headed?

I was headed to Tucson to meet my new grandson.

So, can you walk us through exactly what happened that day?

We were headed to Tucson. We were in the air for at least 15, 20 minutes. Then, that situation broke out. The young lady she was pretty much in that zone of she didnt want to be on the plane anymore. She said she had a calling and God told her to do this, and she wanted to get off the plane. May I remind you that we were mid-air, so there was nowhere to go. So the flight attendant in first class, she kept telling her, Maam, you need to return to your seat. Return to your seat. She didnt. She kept saying that she had a calling. So, that flight attendant she did her job. I will say that. That was an alert where I noticed what was really going on, and there were people just sitting there like this was a social event. When you got me in this air, I was not even playing like that. So, I came from behind and got her down, and then after that, thats where, you know, the flight attendant was able to let people know what was going on in the back of the plane, and they came up and started helping.

Where were you seated exactly?

First Class 4A at the window.

Now, what was going through your mind during those moments?

So technically, what I was thinking about was getting to my final destination safely. Then also, it was a spark of what happened on 9/11. Thats something that all Americans should have as a fact. Like, were not doing all this on this plane. It is too risky. It could have went all types of ways.

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THE KULTURE | Actress Bailey Tippen talks Tyler Perrys Beauty In Black, BMF

Now, when you realized that your story was going nationwide, what was your reaction to that?

I didnt even have a feeling because of the job that I did for so many years, it was to serve protect. So if I can do this job like this downrange in the state side, I know I could do it in the air.

Thank you again for heroism. Now, lets switch gears. Where are you originally from?

Edenton, North Carolina.

Was it the military that brought you here to Augusta?

You can say that, but I had several duty stations.

If you had to pick your favorite duty station, where would it be and why?

It would be Belgium. It was the excitement and the traveling. My children were able to attend school overseas. My son graduated from there, and we have family and friends that would come over to visit, and it was the highlight because when we were over there, the most expensive thing is the lodging. When you have family over there, you just come visit and just have a good time.

Now, what are some of your hobbies? What are some things that you like to do in your free time?

Of course, shopping. Couponing and retail therapy. Most importantly now, my new hobby is spending time with my grandbabies. I have two of them: Chosen and Braylen.

How is life post-military? Hows the retired life treating you?

Its different in a good way because now Im at the most nobodys schedule but my own. So, if feel like I want to lounge around and be, this is what Im gonna do. If I feel like Im gonna go out to the store, thats what Im gonna do. Im actually in this mode where Im living life.

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THE KULTURE | Mustard Seed Eatery

As you should. Now, you were honored by a group of neighbors. How did that make you feel that people came out to celebrate you?

Oh, it felt magnificent. Just the love and the people that showed up: my family, my brothers, my sisters, my really close friends in the neighborhood it felt really good for that celebration and them taking the time to be there. So, I really appreciate it.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I feel good. Im thankful God woke me up this morning because its so many that did not wake up this morning. So, you have to be appreciative for the small things in life.

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Vice was the biggest media story of the 2010s. Originally a skate magazine, at the peak of its powers, in 2017, Vice had a valuation of $5.7 billion  more than the New York Times. It was the 10th most valuable private company in America.

As the old publishing world collapsed in the wake of internet disruption, its founders convinced the old guard of newspaper and TV magnates  the likes of Rupert Murdoch, WPP and Disney bought substantial shareholdings  that they had a bead on the emerging online landscape. And, crucially, that they had the full attention of the already hard-to-reach millennial generation.

Its founders were a pair of itinerant hipsters. Shane Smith  the frontman  had been selling US currency on the black market in Budapest in 1994, when his co-founder, Suroosh Alvi, recovering from heroin addiction, asked him to come back to Montreal, to help out on a tiny skate magazine he had taken over. Third co-founder Gavin McInnes, now a Right-wing commentator, also came on board as an assistant editor, and Vice re-launched, with a website, two years later.

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Twenty years later, they employed 1,000 people at its Williamsburg, New York headquarters: the largest single employer in the district.

At its height, Vice had a valuation of $5.7 billion

Alvi and Smith seemed like the future because of their casually sleazy model of journalism. They sought to outrage, titillate, disrupt. They made documentaries about Bolivian donkey sex initiation rites. About trepanation  drilling a hole in the skull as a sort of wellbeing hack. They sent their intern off to do stand-up comedy high on LSD. And mixed the lighter stuff with crude but brave news pieces  reports from the frontlines of Syria, of Donetsk and Liberia that were first-person, intimate slices of life beyond the plummy objectivity of a Kate Adie figure.

The typical reportage was a host watching Afghan regulars high on heroin shoot their rifles into the air mid-fire fight with the Taliban, whispering into his microphone: Woah, this is nuts.

A decade later, though, and Vice is broke. In 2023, after four years of listing at the waterline, its assets were finally flogged off in a fire sale. That $5.7 billion collapsed into $1.5 billion.

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Along the way, they made a lot of dreams come true  a whole generation of presenters, producers and journalists were minted into the media and told to reach for the moon. But the fast and loose cynicism of its senior executives could only be sustained by breaking lots of things along the way. They were notoriously noxious employers.

They were notoriously noxious employers: Inside Vices London office

Smith used to boast of the 22/22/22 that they would hire 22-year-olds, work them 22 hours a day and pay them only $22,000 a year. For those who took the bargain, implicitly there was meant to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that would one day make up for the privations. Many were given share options to keep them on the treadmill. Now worthless.

I myself had to win a County Court judgment against Vice UK. And this wasnt even in the bankruptcy era  it was just an average day in 2019, when Id been working for them for 11 years. They would employ new hires at fantastic rates, and kept others on subsistence wages, even as the paper profits stacked. To suck in the big media giants, they juiced their traffic statistics beyond any reasonable level of cynicism.

Many felt bruised by their encounters, even those ostensibly winning. Thats certainly the flavour that comes across from Eddie Huangs new documentary: Vice Is Broke, debuting on Mubi on Friday.

Huang has been stiffed a sum of $250,000 in unpaid royalties: now, he is on the trail of his money, and by way of that, to tell the story of the rise and fall of what was once billed as The Millennial CNN (yes, millennials were the future once).

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One day there will be an Alex Gibney documentary that tells the Vice story, Huang posits. In the same way as Enron, or WeWork But this isnt that film.

From 2012 onwards, his Huangs World cookery show gave him a platform as a heavily-tattooed Anthony Bourdain, meeting the world and eating it. He was a great brand fit: a likeable, gruff, ballsy, card-carrying hipster at the peak of the hipster era. Huang recalls doing the show as the best gig he ever had: true creative freedom. But then, as he describes, the corporate goons moved in. Back in 2008, Vices London office was a wood-walled hutch on Leonard Street, home to four editorial staff. By 2010, it had moved to a glass-walled former ice cream factory  massive.

Inside, every financial quarter, an ever-swelling team would be treated to a crisp video montage of recent expansions: the huge deals they were doing, the innovative films, the top artists they were working with. Walking away from those briefings was narcotic: the sense was of everything growing in every dimension all the time.

Eddie Huang is owed $250,000 in unpaid royalties from Vice. He created the documentary Vice Is Broke

But cool is a one-time resource, as legendary early editor Jesse Pearson tells Huang. You can sell it once. Then youre done.

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And by the end of 2014, Vice was on the cusp of cashing out its cool. It had probably done about 80 per cent of all the great work it ever would.

Vices problems arrived a couple years after the big investments. Its a story as old as time; suddenly, that high valuation implies high profitability; that means traffic targets; that means brand-incompatible advertisers must be seduced. Now, what began as an honest dialogue with your audience becomes metricised to within an inch of its life  and the targets quickly become impossible.

To meet them, Vice needed women: the other 50 per cent of the millennial demographic, who were less keen on the cackling gross-out libertarianism that McInnes had pioneered. So Smith pivoted towards the new style of progressivism bubbling through US campuses. The new vibe was about personal essays, and the problematisation of ordinary things. Thrift shop Judith Butlers multiplied. Counter-cultural witticisms became crowd-pleasing eye-rolls. Smith, who last year returned to a re-launched Vice as editor-in-chief, told the Ankler podcast in 2024: F--- big platforms, f--- big advertisers. They killed us in the long run.

Yet despite this progressive veneer, editors were tasked by the company with maintaining relations with Right-wing influencers like Milo Yiannopoulos. In one of the most revealing segments of the film, Huang speaks to a former section editor, Mitchell Sunderland, who was part of an email group devoted to mocking social justice stories, according to BuzzFeed, and who was a senior staff writer at Broadly, Vices womens channel.

Vice editors were tasked by the company with maintaining relations with Right-wing influencers like Milo Yiannopoulos (right)

As BuzzFeed reported at the time: Please mock this fat feminist, Sunderland wrote to Yiannopoulos in May 2016, along with a link to an article by the New York Times columnist Lindy West, who frequently writes about fat acceptance. When the story broke, rather than fess up, Vice simply fired Sunderland. Around this time, as Vice is Broke points out, Smith even said he was looking to buy the BBC with Elon Musk.

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As Huang highlights in his film, one day this story will be a comedy-drama feature film in the style of The Wolf of Wall Street  perhaps with Jonah Hill as Smith  plus an Alex Gibney docu-drama, plus umpteen books. It will be a cliche: a part of the cultural furniture of the 2010s as much as Biba and Oz were for the 1960s. After all, Vice began as a joke that got out of hand, and then became a kind of psychic prison for those whod once been in on it.

Vice is Broke is now streaming on Mubi

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(The Center Square)  As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.

Those are the words of the parents of 10-year-old Harper Moyski, one of the victims of a Wednesday shooting at the Church of Annunciation in Minneapolis. The other was 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel.

The students were shot while attending Mass on Wednesday morning by a 23-year-old shooter who formerly attended the church and school.

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Both of the students who were killed were identified, along with many of the other 18 injured in the shooting, as families have begun GoFundMe pages to raise funds in the victims honor.

Moyskis family has nearly $100,000 raised of a goal of $180,000.

Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her, wrote parents Mike Moyski and Jackie Flavin. Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harpers sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss.

Another victim was 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was shot in the attack and is currently in the intensive care unit at an area hospital. Her mother is a pediatric critical care nurse who was called to assist in the shooting before finding out that it was her childs school.

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She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her, the fundraiser said. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult  but she is strong, and she is not alone.

The family of 13-year-old Endre say that he was shot twice during Mass on Wednesday morning.

In the face of unimaginable fear and pain, Endre showed strength and faith beyond his years, the fundraiser said. Before he was rushed into surgery, Endre looked at the surgeon and asked one simple, powerful request, Can you say a prayer with me?
HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam will hand out 100,000 dong ($3.80) to every one of its citizens to mark National Day on September 2, the government said, in a package that could cost the country as much as $380 million.

The unprecedented move "continues to demonstrate the deep concern of the Party and State for all people," the government said in a statement Thursday night.

The money could be transferred to people's bank accounts or paid in cash, and the central bank and finance ministry have been instructed to complete the payments before National Day on Tuesday next week, the statement said.

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"I'm very surprised at the offer," said Hanoi resident Pham Tien Luat. "At first I thought it was just a hoax."

Vietnam's average worker salary rose 8.6% last year to 7.7 million dong per month, according to official data.

"I'll use the money for coffee... that'll be three cups of coffee," Luat said.

The capital Hanoi is preparing to host Vietnam's largest National Day parade in decades next week as the Southeast Asian country celebrates the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence.

State media reports said public transport in Hanoi and the business hub Ho Chi Minh City will also be free of charge on the day.

($1 = 26,300 dong)

(Reporting by Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio; Editing by David Stanway)
Vietnam is on a South China Sea island-building binge that will likely see it soon surpass the area China has reclaimed in the strategic and contested Spratly Islands, according to a new report from the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Since the start of 2025, Hanoi has been dredging and adding surface area to eight features it controls in the island chain in the southeastern quarter of the South China Sea, said the AMTI report, based on satellite imagery from MAXAR and Planet Labs.

The Spratly Island chain consists of more than 100 small islands or reefs and is claimed in full by China, Vietnam and Taiwan with partial claims by the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei, according to the CIA World Factbook.

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Chinas claims have drawn headlines for more than a decade, as Beijing has reclaimed land at several features, building runways and military installations to solidify its positions. Its building of fortifications came despite leader Xi Jinping in telling then-US President Barack Obama in 2015 that it had no plans of doing so.

Beijing claims almost all of the 1.2 million-square-mile South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in global trade passes annually, as its sovereign territory. It bases that claim on its so-called Nine Dash Line, which the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has previously ruled has no legal basis.

Vietnams claims have not been as outspoken as Chinas and its previous reclamation efforts less ambitious.

East Reef in the Spratly Islands, one of several features in the South China Sea where Vietnam has been island-building this year. - CSIS/AMTI/Maxar/Airbus

Some of the reefs where island-building is now going full tilt have long been held by just small pillboxes, including Alison Reef, Collins Reef, East Reef, Landsdowne Reef and Petley Reef, according to the AMTI, which is a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). New land is also being constructed at three features that were built up in earlier rounds of reclamation  Amboyna Cay, Grierson Reef and West Reef  the AMTI report said.

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All 21 Vietnamese-occupied rocks and low-tide elevations in the Spratly Islands have now been expanded to include artificial land, AMTI said.

As of March 2025, Vietnam had created about 70 percent as much artificial land in the Spratlys as China had. Reclamation at these eight new features all but ensures that Vietnam will matchand likely surpassthe scale of Beijings island-building, the report said.

Those 21 features under Hanois control compare to just seven under Beijings, according to AMTI.

Meanwhile, on seven other Vietnamese-controlled islands where reclamation work has largely been completed, military-related structures, including munitions depots, have been or are being built, according to the report.

Tensions, clashes

The new report comes amid a spike in tensions between China and the Philippines over South China Sea territory.

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Competing claims by Beijing and Manila have become increasingly contentious in the past few years, including violent clashes between their coast guards with water cannons and, in one case, bladed weapons. That clash in the Spratlys near Second Thomas Shoal, on which Philippine marines are stationed in a rusting World War II naval vessel, left a Filipino crewman missing a thumb.

Last month, north of the Spratlys near Scarborough Shoal, a Chinese navy destroyer collided with a China Coast Guard ship as the two harassed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in contested waters. Images showed heavy damage to the bow of the China Coast Guard ship.

The China-Philippines flare-ups may have provided Vietnam with excellent cover for its move to build up the islands it controls, analysts said.

For now much of Chinas bandwidth of attention is directed at the Philippines, and it would rather maintain a stable front with each of the other Southeast Asian rivals in the South China Sea, said Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.

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Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project at Stanford Universitys Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, echoed Kohs comments.

It seems that Beijing has calculated that keeping the Philippines isolated from the other South China Sea claimants is worth more right now than preventing Vietnam from making substantial territorial gains, Powell said.

Hanoi may owe Manila a debt of gratitude, since its hard to see how this could have happened if Beijing hadnt been so preoccupied with the problem to the east, Powell said, adding that, China has been remarkably muted about Vietnams island-building campaign.

That was reflected in Beijings official reaction to the AMTI report.

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The Spratly Islands are Chinas inherent territory. China firmly opposes relevant countries construction activities on illegally occupied islands and reefs. China will take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing Monday.

Vietnam and the Philippines did not comment on the AMTI report when asked by CNN.

Past disagreements between China and Vietnam over South China Sea territory have resulted in bloodshed, including in 1974 when a South Vietnamese naval vessel was sunk and 53 South Vietnamese troops killed in a battle with Chinese forces over the Paracel Island chain in the northwestern part of the South China Sea.

Beijing has maintained a big edge in the South China Sea since, and Koh said it may not find Hanois latest moves to be overly threatening.

Collins Reef in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, one of several reefs where Vietnam has been rapidly building up land this year, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. - CSIS/AMTI/Maxar/Airbus

China commands a yawning gap in mobile military and coast guard assets  hence this probably explains why Beijing is not deemed to be alarmed enough to do anything to stop Hanoi, he said.

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But he cautioned Beijing must not overestimate that advantage, noting that Vietnam and the Philippines enjoy improving relations.

Theres been effort between Vietnam and the Philippines to come closer on maritime security cooperation, as evidenced by the recent bilateral coast guard exchanges and joint exercise. That should serve as a timely reminder to Beijing that Hanoi owns the Manila card of leverage, Koh said.

CNNs Yong Xiong contributed to this report.

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A Michigan man will serve a life sentence after being convicted for the sexual abuse of two Gwinnett County girls over seven years.

According to the Gwinnett County District Attorneys Office, Carlos Leroy Benson, 55, abused two girls between 2012 and 2019 and got one of them pregnant.

The abuse happened at homes in Snellville, Lawrenceville and Norcross, the DAs office said.

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At trial, Benson faced eight charges, four counts of rape and four counts of child molestation for the seven years of abuse he inflicted upon two girls.

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During his sentencing hearing, Superior Court Judge George Hutchinson said Benson was a vile and reprehensible person, adding that evidence in this trial fully supports that you are an evil person.

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The DAs office said it began with grooming by Benson when both girls were around 9-years-old, then turned to inappropriate touching before he escalated to sexual abuse.

Benson threatened to kill both girls and their family if they told anyone what hed done to them, the DAs office said.

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The abuse continued, including his rape of the oldest victim up until she was days away from her 18th birthday, which is when the DAs office said he got her pregnant.

These victims displayed true courage for being able to face this defendant in court and call out his wrongdoing, District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said in a statement. We pray that these young women have all the support that they need to move beyond the abuse they suffered and thrive.

In court, Benson was convicted and sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences plus 20 years in prison, followed by 20 years of probation. Hell also have to register for life as a child sex offender.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Andrew Christian Brundidge plays his violin on the West Federal Street side of Youngstowns Phelps Street Gateway.

The song is Twinkle Hop.

I was home-schooled in Virginia, and the curriculum that my mom was using to teach us had a strong program, and I started at 9 years old, Brundidge said.

Brundidge is 27. Eight years ago, young and adventurous, he wanted something new and chose Youngstown as where he wanted to live, basically pulling it out of a hat.

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Just looking at the map and exploring different places, he said.



Two and a half years ago, he started playing outside a Boardman Plaza and was kindly asked to leave, after which he was told he would be welcomed downtown. Why? Well, one reason to promote his business. He plays at events, but more than that.

I really enjoy the reaction that I get from other people watching. They seem to really enjoy it, Brundidge said.

At one point, Brundidge switched to something more classical  Bach Arioso, to which people passing by gave a thumbs up.

Brittany Russell is the shift leader at West 34, next to where Brundidge plays.

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Hes phenomenal. I think hes a great addition to the downtown area, Russell said. Anytime hes out here playing, I always suggest people sit on our patio just so they can listen while they dine with us.



Brundidge plays mostly classical, contemporary Christian, and hip-hop. He loves the acoustics of downtown  the music reverberating off the tall buildings. Some people tip, though its not lucrative. But it is fun.

I have had people come to me in tears before from listening to my music, Brundidge said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a man Saturday on felony forcible rape and sexual battery charges before he boarded a cruise ship in Norfolk.

While conducting the passenger vetting process, CBP officers identified Fard Shaheed Matthews, 49, of Virginia Beach, who had an outstanding arrest warrant from Norfolk police, according to a release issued Friday afternoon.

CBP officers turned Matthews over to Norfolk police.

Border officers compare international passenger and cargo manifests to numerous law enforcement databases, including the National Crime Information Center, to identify passengers and cargo that may require additional inspectional scrutiny, such as those with outstanding arrest warrants, the release notes.
A gas ring on a domestic stove powered by natural gas (Photo Illustration by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) residential users could see their utility bills increase by an average of over $8 monthly, if state regulators accept the companys current proposal to make an interim rake hike permanent.

The interim rate was put into place in January 2025 to help the company keep operations going amid demand increases and other investments. Now the company is proposing the rate be made permanent to help them keep the lights on as business grows.

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The gas utilitys original proposal asked the State Corporation Commission to allow them additional revenue of over $60 million that would have added an average of $11 to residential gas users bills. A stipulation was proposed earlier this month to lower that to $40 million, bringing the average bill increase to $8, which the SCC will have to approve.

Since the interim rate has been put into place, however, consumer advocates said they have learned of major increases for some households.

One resident in Williamsburg said their bill went from $29 to $202 one month after the rate change went into effect, said Elizabeth Putfark, an associate attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. That average is just such a poor metric to show what people are experiencing, both because of the monthly difference in temperature, but also because somebody that has a 1400 square foot home or condo thats using gas for all of their major appliances (will be affected differently than) someone whos got a different style home and just gas logs or just has a grill.

VNG has been working to make upgrades to their pipelines through the Steps to Advance Virginias Energy initiative to the tune of $16 million and other efforts to meet growing energy demands.

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VNGs requested rate increase is driven by the substantial investments needed to improve the operations, safety, reliability and resiliency of its system to meet growing energy demand. These investments are essential to maintaining a modern and secure natural gas infrastructure for customers, said Morgan Chase, a spokesman for VNG.

The SELC is representing Appalachian Voices, Virginia Majority, and Virginia Organizing in the case. They believe VNG has not fairly calculated how this rate change will impact low-income households, which stand to take the brunt of the impact, and should have implemented payment plans or invested in weatherization funds to help manage the costs for those homes.

Utilities have bills. They have to occasionally, sometimes raise rates to keep reliable service going. Were arguing that they should not be raising bills without having taken a hard look at the impacts on their customers and trying to mitigate those impacts where they would be disproportionate, Putfark said. Both because of the just and reasonable ratemaking obligation, which is about striking a balance between customers and shareholders.

The company, which covers gas service for many of Virginias coastal counties, has been advertising its use of new generation gas, which they claim is cleaner. This is drawing in new customers, the utility said, and driving the need for more revenue to make sure service is sustained.

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The SCC will receive legal briefs from the parties and then consider their approval or denial of the rate increase later in the year.

The companys infrastructure is expanding in other ways that might levy a cost on ratepayers. Recently, VNG proposed a new compressor site in Chesapeake that would provide more gas from pipelines to corporate and residential users farther from the source. The project was championed by a paper manufacturer who wanted to pay to have reliable service at all times.

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VIRGINIA BEACH  Hundreds of students, city leaders and administrators gathered on campus at Virginia Wesleyan University last week to hear about the latest developments in the universitys 10-year plan.

At the State of the University event, school leaders announced a big change in the schools branding  its name is being changed to Batten University to honor Jane Batten, a longtime supporter.

While school officials said the change would usher in a new era for the Virginia Beach institution, many alumni arent happy about it. As word of the name change spread, so did anger and frustration toward how the announcement was handled.

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A petition protesting the change had garnered more than 5,000 signatures as of Friday morning. That afternoon, about two dozen alumni gathered outside the school to protest the change.

A name is more than a label, the organizers of the petition wrote online. It is an embodiment of values, traditions and the pioneering spirit of its founders and students alike. Removing Virginia Wesleyan from our institution disregards this proud legacy. The name of the university is more than a reflection of financial partnerships; it reflects the soul of a community dedicated to enriching lives through education.

The new name goes into effect July 1, 2026. Only a small number of people knew of the change before the public announcement on Aug. 20.

Sheila Hightower, a 1975 graduate from the university who signed the petition, said she wished there had been some outreach to alumni before the change was announced. She and other graduates of the school told The Virginian-Pilot they found out through media reports instead of directly from the school.

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Theyve built up a reputation in sports, in academics and everything with the name of Virginia Wesleyan University, Hightower said. The attachment to the Methodist religion is something else that I think has always impressed people, and theres the audacity of someone like (VWU president Scott Miller) to come in and just say, Oh, its a done deal. Theres nothing anybody can do about it.

Like Hightower, 1998 graduate Kim Mayo echoed concerns about the process. Mayo, who is on the schools Alumni Council, said she has received calls from other alums expressing concerns about the new name. She said while all of the former graduates have commended the Batten legacy and are thankful for the contributions, they believe renaming the school feels like a step too far.

I kind of feel powerless, like my voice doesnt matter, Mayo said. I know a lot of our alumni feel disrespected throughout the process, so I share those concerns as well. I feel, as an Alumni Council member, my role is not to be a mouthpiece for the current administration, but to represent alumni from near and far, because we have a lot of alumni in this local region where I am (in) Virginia Beach, but also all over the world.

Fridays protest had graduates from across decades. Protesters carried signs that focused on the legacy of the VWU name, and many drivers traveling on Wesleyan Drive honked in support of the demonstration.

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The university, which first opened its doors to students in 1966, was founded by the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. VWU now has about 2,100 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

The university did not respond to a request for comment before publication. Virginia Wesleyan University leaders said at last weeks event that the schools commitment to Methodist values will continue after the name is changed next year. In a statement included on its website after the name change was announced, VWU said that keeping (its) alumni connected during this important transition is a priority.

Above all, we want every graduate to know that their story does not change  they are, and always will be, proud graduates of Virginia Wesleyan, the statement reads. The Virginia Wesleyan name will always be honored, and our history will remain central to the identity of Batten University. At the same time, we want alumni to share in the excitement of what this new chapter brings.

In a statement, the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church said the change reflects the support and visionary embrace of the Battens, and in recent years, the partnership between the school and the conference has strengthened at a conference, district, and local church level.

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Jane Batten, a VWU board member, is the widow of media mogul and former publisher of The Virginian-Pilot Frank Batten Sr. Over the years, the Batten family has contributed millions of dollars toward various programs and initiatives at the school.

VWU graduate Erica Tachoir said she knows how important the Battens contributions to the school have been. She initially attended the school in the 1990s, but had to end her enrollment. Then in the early 2000s, she came back thanks to financial help provided through the university. She said she hopes going forward, the school leadership will be more transparent.

I think they need to approach the situation from a different standpoint  besides, our minds are made up and theres nothing you can do about it, because thats not getting them anywhere, Tachoir said. (Administrators) need to start being open and honest as much as (they) can be. Now Im not saying that you can make me privy to every piece of the decision making process  but approach us with what you can approach us with. Give us a timeline, answer our questions, open your door to us, sit down and have that constructive conversation that you want to have.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
SAO PAULO (AP)  Brazils labor court on Friday ordered Volkswagen to pay 165 million reais (about $30 million) for collective moral damages after workers were subjected to slave-like conditions at a company-owned farm in the Amazon during the 1970s and 1980s. Prosecutors said it is the largest such reparation in the countrys history.

The Labor Prosecutors Office launched an investigation in 2019 after obtaining extensive documentation from a local priest who had tracked the case for decades. Following further inquiries and witness testimony, prosecutors formally charged Volkswagen in 2024.

The court accepted the charges that hundreds of workers were subjected to degrading conditions between 1974 and 1986 at a farm in Para state, owned by Volkswagen through a subsidiary. The farm was used for cattle ranching and logging.

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According to court filings, about 300 workers were hired under irregular contracts to clear the forest and prepare pastures. They were monitored by armed guards, lived in precarious housing, received insufficient food and were forced to stay on the farm under a system of debt bondage. No medical care was provided, even to those who contracted malaria.

These practices constituted one of the largest cases of slave labor exploitation in Brazils recent history, the Labor Prosecutors Office said in a statement.

In his ruling, Judge Otavio Bruno da Silva Ferreira said evidence confirmed the farm belonged to Volkswagen and that conditions met the legal definition of slave labor.

Slavery is a present past, because its marks remain in Brazilian society, especially in labor relations, Ferreira wrote. He added that the legacy of Brazils colonial slave system continues to shape social structures and that recovering this memory is essential to understanding current realities and guiding antidiscrimination judgments.

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Volkswagens Brazilian headquarters said in a statement it will appeal the decision. The company said that in its 72 years of operation in Brazil, it has consistently defended the principles of human dignity and strictly complied with all applicable labor laws and regulations.

Volkswagen reaffirms its unwavering commitment to social responsibility, which is intrinsically linked to its conduct as a legal entity and employer, the company said.

Brazil enslaved more people from Africa than any other country, according to estimates from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade database. It was the last country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery, in 1888.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Volkswagen's Brazil unit has been ordered to pay 165 million reais ($30.44 million) in damages for subjecting workers on a farm to slavery-like conditions in the 1970s and 1980s, labor prosecutors said on Friday.

A labor court found that hundreds of workers at a Volkswagen-run ranch were subjected to degrading work conditions, forced into debt bondage and were held under armed surveillance.

Volkswagen said it would appeal the decision.

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VW's cattle ranching and logging ventures in the Amazon during that time were backed by government incentives under Brazil's military dictatorship, part of a broader state plan to develop the region.

The ruling comes after talks to reach a settlement with VW's Brazil unit failed when the company "showed no interest" in negotiations, prosecutors had alleged.

Now, Volkswagen must publicly admit its responsibility in the case and issue a formal apology, prosecutors said. Volkswagen is also required to implement a "zero-tolerance" policy for slave-labor conditions.

In a statement, the automaker said it "consistently defends the principles of human dignity and strictly complies with all applicable labor laws and regulations."

($1 = 5.4212 reais)

(Reporting by Alberto Alegiri Jr.; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Leslie Adler)
POPLAR GROVE, Ill. (WTVO)  Volunteers at the Poplar Grove Airport at Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum is hoping to keep a historic aircraft in use.

I was probably only 25 or 30 people in the country who can say theyve flown a Jenny, and I was lucky enough to be one of them. So, I feel honored to be able to say that, shared Wally Falardeau.

Dozens of volunteers rebuilt the 1918 JN4-D Curtiss Jenny Replica entirely from scratch after designer and builder Glenn Curtiss built it for World War One training purposes.

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We were able to acquire about 1,200 original drawings from 1915. Its so rewarding to see the aircraft fly after all the time we put into it, explained pilot and volunteer Steve McGreevy.

Two years ago, the engine died due to the magneto, which is a generator that powers the engine. McGreevy, Falardeau and his crew found a magneto in Indiana, costing $4,800. Now, they are asking the community for donations.

We really, really want to see it fly. We dont want it to become a static display in the museum, said McGreevy.

Falardeau helped build and flew Jenny. He said hes hopeful the aircraft will be sky bound soon.

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This entire airplane was built on donations; we had probably around $100,000 in materials. All the labor was donated just to get it built and that was all from the local community, said Falardeau.

The museum has raised some funds towards the new magneto. To help reach the museums goal, visit their website.

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By Akbar Novruz



Turkiye has welcomed the recent series of agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the bilateral agreement between Azerbaijan and the United States, describing them as creating a very positive picture for the region, Azernews reports via TGRT.

Speaking on the issue, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan noted that progress was made in close consultation with Azerbaijan. There is nothing concrete regarding the Zangazur Corridor (recently labelled as TRIPP) yet. The parties will negotiate among themselves who will operate it and what will happen, Fidan said, emphasizing that Turkiyes stance is based on trust in Azerbaijan. We trust our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters, and we have close cooperation. Our colleagues there, especially Ilham Aliyev, are also talented people. Pashinyans stance and political risk-taking are also commendable, he added.

Regarding the Zangazur Corridor specifically, Fidan explained that several fundamental demands were raised by Azerbaijan from the outset. This means their acceptance in principle. It was accepted as a concept and reflected in the document. But the parties will negotiate among themselves on who will operate it and how it will happen, he said, highlighting the collaborative approach in implementing the agreements.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned about the risks that Russia poses to Europe, stressing the importance of securing the EUs eastern borders.

Source: The Guardian quoting Ursula von der Leyen during a visit to Latvia, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Speaking alongside Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina, von der Leyen said that "Europe is only safe if the eastern border is safe".

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Quote: "The risks your country and the other Baltic states warned us about, unfortunately, have materialised. Russias brutal war against Ukraine is now in its fourth year, Putin is a predator, Putins proxies have been targeting our societies for years with hybrid attacks, with cyber-attacks, [and] the weaponising of migrants is another example."

Details: Von der Leyen stressed that the entire European Union "needs to understand that it is important to work on readiness, immediate readiness" to respond to growing risks and threats.

She noted that this includes ensuring financial flexibility for EU member states to "invest in their own defence" and the need to consider joint procurement across Europe.

The president added that the EU must also continue strengthening the Ukrainian Armed Forces to turn them into "a steel porcupine, undigestible for potential invaders".

Background:

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Bostons municipal elections are creeping closer by the day. For voters who would like to cast ballots in the citys Sept. 9 preliminary election, the registration deadline is Saturday, Aug. 30.

It also happens to be the day that early voting opens in Boston.

Voters have until 5 p.m. Saturday to register to vote in person at the Election Department or 11:59 p.m. to register to vote online through the Secretary of States website. To register by mail, the application must be postmarked by Saturday.

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Detailed instructions for each registration method can be found on the citys website.

Not sure if youre registered? Check your status on the Secretary of States website.

You must be at least 18 years old on Election Day, an American citizen and a resident of Boston to vote in the city.

Residents of other cities should also note  the registration deadline for any municipal election is 10 days before Election Day.

The Secretary of States website lists all upcoming municipal elections across the state, which are scheduled in dozens of towns and cities.

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Early voting opens Saturday and will also be held Sunday, Aug. 31, and Tuesday, Sept. 2, through Friday, Sept. 5.

Unlike on Election Day, when voters head to specific polling places near their home address, registered Boston voters can vote at any voting location during early voting.

Voters dont need a specific reason or excuse to cast their ballots early.

A full list of early voting locations can be found on the city website.

The preliminary election on Sept. 9 will narrow the fields of candidates for mayor, city council seats and other races. A general election will be held on Nov. 4.

Voters who miss the chance to cast a ballot in the preliminary election can still register and vote in the general election.

More on Boston's 2025 race for mayor

Read the original article on MassLive.
Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity presented new homes to families on Wednesday, the third and fourth houses built by the organization in 2025.

Keys to the three-bedroom, two-bath homes were handed to the new homeowners, Olympia Turner and Ansyee Shelton, who were visibly touched by the gesture.

Shelton said she had put sweat equity into her home by installing shelving in the closets and cleaning up after the builders, and promised to continue to assist Habitat as it builds other domiciles.

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The Vigo County Public Library presented the homeowners and their families with book bags stuff full of reading material.

Habitat for Humanity Board President Chuck Norman also presented two Golden Hammer Awards honoring those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the Habitat mission. Other Habitats around the country have bestowed Golden Hammers in the past, but these were the first two that Norman has bestowed.

One Golden Hammer  a plaque with an attached hammer  went to First Financial Banks President and CEO Norman Lowery.

They have a super commitment to affordable housing, Norman said.

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Lowery said the bank wanted to make a difference in the community with its gift of $100,000 over five years to the charitable organization. The bank provides zero-percent mortgages for those served by Habitat.

The other was given to Joe Hoopingarner of Joe Hoop Construction, who Norman said has done some heavy lifting for Habitat.

He doesnt have to do this  hes busy and could be making money rather than helping us  but he has a moral center, Norman said.

Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun, who attended the event, said of Hoopingarner, He took time out of his busy schedule to dedicate his crew to these projects.

This is what this city needs  we need a lot more of this, he added.

The homes were built at 1618 and 1626 Third Ave. They were the 80th and 81st homes created by Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Bonnie Blue isnt backing down  even after being arrested in Bali  and her first public comment made that very clear. The 26-year-old adult content creator, whose real name is Tia Billinger, broke her silence after being arrested in Bali on suspicion of violating local morality laws. Her five-word message came as she was...
Patch AM CT brings you the breaking and trending news stories from across Connecticut each weekday morning. The headlines and stories featured below are from towns all across the state. If you want to go directly to your hometown news, click here.

Police said one employee is accused of punching a customer in the head and the other is accused of ridiculing a customer with a disability.>>>Read More.

Crews responded to the call early Friday morning, according to fire officials.>>>Read More.

"We are so tired of sounding like a broken record: Stop abandoning your animals.">>>Read More.

The newest Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have received FDA approval, but federal authorities are limiting access to them.>>>Read More.

A "wrong number" scam is circulating throughout Connecticut, consumer protection officials said.>>Read More.



"So mark your calendars for Friday. If you happen to wander in a little earlier this week, let's just say we won't kick you out:" NEBCO.>>>Read More.

A band known for two hits in the 1990s will be performing in town.>>>Read More.

Walmart Employees Arrested After Altercation With Customers: PD: CT News originally appeared on the Across Connecticut Patch
A day after state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters abruptly canceled a regular meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, a special meeting of the board has been called.

According to a notice posted by the Oklahoma Secretary of States office, the meeting will be held at the Oklahoma State Capitol, in House Conference Room 110, on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. Board meetings usually are held elsewhere in the Capitol complex, in the Oliver Hodge Building, which houses the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Walters had cited a transition in the position of board counsel as a reason for canceling the meeting scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28.

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Board member Chris Van Denhende said board members aligned with him had found a way to post the special meeting notice through the Secretary of States office, which is legally required for meetings of public bodies in Oklahoma.

State Board of Education member Chris Van Denhende had called in July for a special meeting of the board.

"We are extremely disappointed that these board members are playing games with Oklahomas education and children," said Madison Cercy, a spokeswoman for Walters. "It is hard to take them seriously when their clear intention is to distract from the outstanding work being accomplished at OSDE under the Walters administration."

Board member Ryan Deatherage said he and his colleagues were doing what they've been charged to do.

As appointed members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education, we have accepted a solemn responsibility to serve the people of this state," Deatherage said. "We will fulfill that responsibility through effective governance, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.

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Longtime Oklahoma attorney Bob Burke said he represents "a majority of the members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education" and that on their behalf, he emailed a letter to Walters on Thursday afternoon. Burke said the four board members -- Van Denhende, Deatherage, Michael Tinney and Becky Carson -- "have been rebuffed in their attempt to have a special meeting so they can hire an attorney" to represent the board's interest.

Burke's letter included a paragraph in all capital letters: "IF LAWFUL NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING IS NOT POSTED BY THE OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BY 9:00 A.M., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025, I AM PREPARED TO ASK THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS AND ORDER YOU TO SET THE SPECIAL MEETING.

"To advance the issue, the majority of the members of the Board of Education have called a meeting for 10 a.m. on September 3. The notice of such meeting will be posted on the website of the Oklahoma Secretary of State. It is the hope of my clients that you will join them in convening the special session so that this urgent matter of business can be considered."

Burke said, "There is no question that the law requires Mr. Walters to post notice of a special meeting if a majority of the seven-member board requests it. That has been done."

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Burke is representing the board members on a pro bono basis.

As of 5 p.m. Thursday, a notice of the meeting had not been posted to the Oklahoma State Department of Education website.

Van Denhende, Deatherage, Tinney and Carson -- the four newest members of the seven-person board -- have been at loggerheads with Walters on multiple issues since their appointment earlier this year by Gov. Kevin Stitt.

The idea of a special meeting was first broached during the boards regular July meeting by Van Denhende. He then asked for a special meeting of the board to be set within the next three weeks, citing a portion of the law governing the board that reads, Special meetings may be called by the president or by a majority of the members of the board.

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The boards then-counsel, Chad Kutmas, said the July meeting wasnt an appropriate place for such a discussion. Van Denhende replied that the appropriate time to discuss the issue was during the meeting, because he'd raised the issue. Kutmas said such a request for a meeting wouldnt be made in the public. He suggested an email chain.

After the boards July meeting, three board members sent letters to the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office, asking it to revoke its approval for Kutmas, a private attorney, to represent a public board. Kutmas law firm, Norman Wohlgemuth of Tulsa, then withdrew from its role in representing the board.

There are two action items on the posted agenda for the special meeting. One is to consider hiring Ryan Leonard as the boards new attorney. Leonard is the son-in-law of former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and unsuccessfully ran in 2010 to become the states attorney general. More recently, he served as Stitts special counsel on Native American affairs.

Also during the July meeting, Kutmas shut down requests by board members to discuss the issue of allowing board members access to place items on meeting agendas, a power thats been solely reserved for the state superintendent since the 1990s, when Sandy Garrett held that position.

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Kutmas also suggested that the board had no mechanism to hire anyone, like an executive secretary or an attorney, because it has no budget. Van Denhende had noted the absence during the meeting of Amy London, who since December had served as the boards executive secretary, then asked why the board had not been notified about Londons departure.

Van Denhende had noted another section of Oklahoma state law that reads: the State Board of Education shall  appoint, prescribe the duties, and fix the compensation of a secretary, an attorney and all other personnel necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the State Board of Education.

Kutmas said the board was a part of the Oklahoma State Department of Education and not a separate entity, although the board and the state agency have separate attorneys because of sometimes-competing interests. The board also votes to approve or disapprove of multiple requests made by the agency.

The second action item on the agenda for Thursday concerns the establishment of a process for the hiring of a board secretary pursuant to state law.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma ed. board members call special meeting after Walters canceled
WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Hundreds gathered for the official opening of the Seacoast Collegiate High School and the Northwest Florida State College South Walton Center.

The center will provide a pathway for higher education for hundreds of students each year.

From an idea, to a groundbreaking, and now to fruition.

Through a dedicated team and tens of millions of dollars in funding, students have been enjoying the campus all month.

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The projects completion was on time and under budget. While thats enough of a cause for celebration, what the facility means for the Walton County community is even more of a cause.

Each year, we could have 200 or more AA graduates walking out of here with two diplomas and totally equipped for whatever steps come next, Seaside School Executive Director Dr. Tom Miller said.

Previously, high school students hoping to take advantage of dual enrollment courses would have to drive as far as Niceville.

Governor Ron DeSantis, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, and several other elected officials showed their support for what symbolizes accessible education.

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The young kids that are walking by right now, they have an opportunity not only to get their high school diploma, but to get an AA and enter into the workforce much quicker. And ultimately be able to seek a career, make a living, and then determine if they want to get more education on top of that later down the road, Congressman Jimmy Patronis said.

Because of this partnership and these new buildings, we can actually work with all of the county, dual students, traditional students alike, and give them a higher educational experience and opportunity. Right here within Walton County, Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder said.

School officials say theyve built in room for growth.

This has been very intentional and not only intentional with our student population, but our marketing and our conversations. In addition to our recruitment, we have recruited some of the most amazing adults to come and work here to add value to our students, Dr. Miller added.

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But the construction is not over.

The third building, which is going to be that, you know, center with an ecosystem for collaboration that Walton County needs. Were going to have a conference center, you know, because everybody knows if youre trying to create an event that has over 75 people, you cant find one. Were going to have it here, said Dr. Miller.

Dr. Miller says construction on the third building, which he calls the Dream big facility, could start within 9 months.

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Gov. Tim Walz embraces a mourner at the Academy of the Holy Angels in Richfield during a vigil for the two children who were killed and the several children and parishioners injured in a shooting at Annunciation Church Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 in south Minneapolis. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is considering calling the state Legislature into a special session to vote on an assault weapons ban and other gun control measures following a mass shooting in Minneapolis that killed two and wounded 18 others, a person close to the governor told the Reformer on Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about Walzs deliberations.

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Walzs office is expected to make an announcement related to the special session as soon as next week, the person said.

Its time to take serious action at the State Capitol to address gun violence, Walz said in a social media post Friday afternoon. The governor offered no further details.

A shooter opened fire at Annunciation Church in south Minneapolis on Wednesday, killing 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski and injuring 18 others, all children and senior citizens.

Federal, state and city Democratic lawmakers joined gun safety advocates Thursday to call for a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines.

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New gun legislation would face an uphill climb in the closely divided Legislature.

Republicans  led by Speaker Lisa Demuth and who are strongly aligned with the gun rights movement  have 67 members in the House, while Democrats count 66 in their ranks following the June assassination of Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus leader Melissa Hortman. Walz and DFL lawmakers are hoping the shooting of a church filled with schoolchildren would pressure Republicans to accede to new laws. A special election to replace Hortman in safely blue District 34B is Sept. 16.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, dismissed the idea of a special election: Republicans are committed to addressing the root causes of violence, supporting safe schools, and increasing access to mental health resources. Calling for a special session without even consulting legislative leaders is not a serious way to begin, he said in a statement. This is a partisan stunt from a governor who continues to engage in destructive political rhetoric.

Absent new laws, Republicans would be forced to vote on the issue a little more than a year from a crucial midterm election when all 201 legislative seats will be on the ballot.

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Democrats had control of the Legislature for two years and failed to pass a statewide ban on assault weapons. Democratic House Floor Leader Jamie Long of Minneapolis said he had the bill drafted but didnt introduce it because he didnt think they were ready.

Were ready now, Long said Thursday. It shouldnt have taken tragedy coming to Minnesota to be ready.

Democrats did pass a slate of gun control laws when they held power in 2023 and 2024. They instituted an extreme risk protection order, or red flag, law that allows family members or police to ask judges to take guns from people deemed a danger to themselves or others.

They also passed universal background check requirements on private gun sales as well as increased penalties for possession of converted machine guns and straw purchases when people buy guns for someone not legally allowed to possess them.

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One gun safety measure  a ban on binary triggers which increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic weapons  was recently struck down by a judge because it passed in a monster, 1,400-page bill that violated the state Constitutions requirement that laws are confined to a single subject.

Although a special legislative session would force Republicans to take potentially difficult votes on gun regulation, it would also give them an opportunity to propose legislation of their own. They could bring bills related to the latest wave of Medicaid fraud allegations, which were so significant in a housing stabilization program that Walz recently shuttered the entire program.

Given the apparent transgender identity of the shooter, Republicans could also be expected to bring forth anti-trans legislation. U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, 6th District Republican and House majority whip, told the New York Post this week that lawmakers should overturn a 2023 law that made Minnesota a trans refuge state.

Complicating matters, the state Senate is currently short two members until a Nov. 4 special election. Until then, the Senate is 33-32, with Democrats in control, but they cant pass any bills without 34 votes.

Although only the governor can call the Legislature into special session, lawmakers have the power to adjourn.
A former resident of Wampum, Thomas Hyatt-Baney, has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material.

The sentence, imposed by United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand on Thursday, also includes 15 years of supervised release. Hyatt-Baney was convicted of producing videos depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the sentencing, highlighting the role of the Pennsylvania State Police and Homeland Security Investigations in the successful prosecution.

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According to information presented in court, Hyatt-Baney used his phone in June of 2023 to produce three video clips depicting the sexual exploitation of a toddler. The court also considered his responsibility for another video of the toddler and the possession of hundreds of videos and images of child sexual exploitation.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch prosecuted the case, which was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Restitution will be determined at a future hearing, as noted by the court.

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EXETER, RI  A wanted Exeter man was captured at his home, police said.

Nicholas Lombardi, 64, was arrested shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday at his Mail Road residence, the Rhode Island State Police said in a media release.

Lombardi was wanted for failing to appear at an arraignment for a Warwick disorderly conduct case, according to the release.



Lombardi was processed and released with a Third Division District Court date, the release said.

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Wanted Exeter Man Arrested At His Home: Cops originally appeared on the Exeter Patch
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Washington Regional Medical Center is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

On Thursday, the Washington Regional staff came together to celebrate 75 years of serving the community.

On August 28, 1950, the hospital, then known as Washington County Hospital, opened for business.

According to its website, the hospital changed its name to Washington General Hospital in the 1960s, and then to Washington Regional Medical Center in the 1970s.

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Fayetteville showcases world-renowned Dutch artists murals

There have been many changes and additions over the years. But Washington Regional says one thing has stayed the same over the past 75 years: its commitment to the public.

Were going to continue to care for more and more folks. Were going to continue to be on that innovative edge of bringing new technology to Northwest Arkansas and continuing to truly have an impact on our community, said Larry Shackelford, CEO of Washington Regional Medical Center.

Before moving to N. Northhills Boulevard in August 2002, the hospital was at the corner of North Avenue and College Avenue in Fayetteville, where the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is located now.

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You can read more on the history of the Washington Regional Medical Center here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
(The Center Square)  The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday ruled in favor of a group of voters in the Yakima Valley in a case concerning recently redrawn legislative boundaries in Washington state. The court said the new boundaries for the 15th Legislative District do not discriminate based on race.

This means Republican state Sen. Nikki Torres of Pasco will have to move if she wants to run again in 2026 because a new map detailing the boundaries of Washingtons legislative districts has effectively drawn her out of the district.

The district courts thoughtful attention to the details of the maps, population and voter numbers, and viable alternatives does not furnish evidence of racial predominance. Instead, it confirms that race was not the predominant factor in shaping the map, U.S. Circuit Judge M. Margaret McKeown wrote in a 31-page ruling.

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The redistricting case goes back to 2021, when the Washington State Redistricting Commission reorganized the district to include a Latino majority.

In 2022, Susan Soto Palmer sued the state, arguing that the 15th Legislative District map violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting the voting strength of Latino voters.

A U.S. District court judge later threw out the redraw and required the state commission to create new boundaries ahead of the 2024 legislative session. The redrawn map included changes to 13 other districts.

The city of Yakima kind of feels like a segregated place. On the west side of Yakima, we have wealthier, whiter communities that have better infrastructure and resources. The east side, where Latinos and other people of color tend to live, people have less access to resources and worse infrastructure. In fact, some places in Yakima County dont even have street signs, Soto Palmer wrote in October 2023.

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As previously reported by The Center Square, the basis of the legal claim was that the Washington State Redistricting Commission fractured the Yakima Valleys Latino communities when the new boundaries were drawn.

Ironically, Torres, the first Latina senator elected to represent a central Washington district, noted that after the redistricting, Latinos lost representation in her district.

Many Republicans, including Torres, claimed it was an attempt by the Democratic Party to gain seats in the state Legislature.

It remains clear that what is happening here is gerrymandering at its finest. The Latino community was significantly, negatively impacted: A district that was once 52% Latino is now at only 50%, Torres noted in a Wednesday news release following the 9th Circuit Courts ruling.

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Torres spoke with The Center Square.

What the plaintiff Soto Palmer didn't like was that a Latina was elected, but it was the wrong Latina, so she wasn't happy with that, so they took it back to the courts and asked them to redraw the lines, Torres said.

The 9th Circuit Court found that Torres and others in the appeal had no standing because they did not show actual harm.

She explained she will have to move her primary residence next year to retain her seat in the 15th Legislative District.

If I need to move, then I will have to move to be in the new 15th, Torres said. Im willing to do it, especially because, you know, I think this whole gerrymandering issue, it needs to have a bigger spotlight on it, and I want to show them, Hey, look, you can keep redistricting me out but Im still here and Im still going to fight for the constituents and be the bigger person because gerrymandering is  I don't care who does it  it's not right.

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Torres said she and her team are considering the next steps following Wednesdays legal blow. However, given recent gerrymandering issues in Texas and California, they hope the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in.

Theres still an opportunity for the Supreme Court to take it up, and Im hoping that it will get a bigger spotlight, Torres noted.

State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, running for U.S. Congress in Washingtons 3rd Congressional District, told The Center Square on Thursday that he also hopes the nations highest court will take up the gerrymandering issue.

I fully expect that it will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Braun said. The Democrats are using the Federal Voting Rights Act not for the intention it was passed under, but strictly for political purposes to increase their majorities in Olympia in this case. It's wrong. It's frankly un-American, and we shouldn't allow it to stand.
Credit: Town of Oak Island

Footage has emerged of the dramatic rescue of a pilot who became trapped after his plane crashed into the sea.

Mark Finkelstein had taken off from a North Carolina airport in early August when the engine of his small aircraft cut out off the coast of Oak Island, in the south-east corner of the state.

With a beach full of holidaymakers nearby, he attempted a water landing in the Atlantic Ocean, but footage shows that as the plane skims the water, it suddenly tilts forward and flips tail-over-nose.

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Mr Finkelstein was trapped, surviving on air pockets at the back of the cockpit.

However, teams from the beach safety unit of the local fire department were on the scene almost immediately because they were responding to another incident nearby, and quickly set about rescuing the pilot

Mr Finkelstein said firefighters at the scene saved his life and presented them with an award for their actions - CHP

Video of the incident, from a drone operated by emergency services, shows two men helping Mr Finkelstein out of the aircraft feet-first.

The rescue workers each take one of the pilots legs and pull him through the windscreen and above the water, before loading him onto a raft and taking him ashore.

On August 2, my planes engine quit. I did a water landing just off Oak Island, NC, Mr Finkelstein wrote on social media after the incident.

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To my everlasting gratitude, rescue units from Southport and Oak Island FDs [fire departments] were quickly there. They saved my life.

Mr Finkelstein, who had taken off just a few miles away from Cape Fear regional jetport, visited the Southport fire station on Tuesday to thank the crew for saving him.

He presented rescuers Chris Dunham, Chad Butchello and Austin Lancaster with an award, praising them as literally life savers.

According to authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration is still working to establish why the planes single engine failed.

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(The Center Square)  In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares where there appears to be common ground between the Trump administration and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on public safety as both say there needs to be more law enforcement officers. But Pritzker alleged without evidence that President Donald Trump's push for using the National Guard for public safety is an attempt to interfere with the 2026 election.

Bishop also shares comments Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker made about sentiments across the state to split the state in two. He said if people don't want to make the state better, they can move. New Illinois Chairman G.H. Merritt reacts and said the governor doesn't understand what's behind the movement, saying he won't listen and doesn't care.

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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A water main break led to major potholes at Asher and University in Little Rock and impacted water for over a dozen customers in the area.

Heide Harrell, the Communications Director for Central Arkansas Water, said a 12-inch pipe that was set to be replaced broke early Thursday as rain was coming down on University and Asher.

The weather had no impact on this pipe break, Harrell said. We have aging infrastructure all across Central Arkansas and we are doing our best to repair that.

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Water main break leads to major pothole at Asher & University in Little Rock

Crews were able to install a temporary pipe and restore water service to 28 customers, mainly businesses, who were impacted. They were also able to fix the pothole.

One of the businesses impacted was 5 Star Cuts Barbershop. The owner, Marvin Cawthon, says it was shocking to see the large pothole and hurt their business when their water was turned off.

When your water is turned off, we cant shampoo clients, we cant use the bathroom, we cant wash our hands, so we have to literally cut off business, Cawthon said.

Cawthon said their team went out to buy water jugs for supplies but couldnt really do anything until their water turned back on, which took hours.

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Although water has been restored to customers, they will still need to be cautious.

There could be some discoloration once we get the water back on, but we recommend flushing the pipes, meaning just turn your water on for a few minutes and let it flow. It should return to normal, Harrell said.

Central Arkansas Water begins trickling into west Pulaski County

Cawthon hopes nothing like this ever happens again.

Harrell notes that a temporary pipe was placed in until theyre able to put in the replacement.

Officials say if there are any other concerns, customers can call Central Arkansas Water.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Several emergency crews are on scene of a water rescue just before midnight.

Fire and EMS are responding to the 2600 block of Embury Park Road along the Miami River on reports of a water rescue. The rescue was initiated around 11 p.m. Thursday night.

Dayton Fire Department officials on scene told 2 NEWS they are currently searching for a vehicle that went into the water.

2 NEWS sees crews searching along the banks as well as in the water.

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This is developing.

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Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said the company obeys law enforcement requests for data.

Mawakana said Waymo, however, has pushed back on requests that are "too broad."

"At the end of the day, we need communities to be able to trust us," Mawakana said.

Waymo's self-driving cars include a valuable resource for law enforcement: a bunch of cameras.

Police have long sought data from tech companies, like Amazon and others, during their investigations. Now they are doing the same for self-driving cars. Waymo installs 29 cameras in each robotaxi, prompting some to question how much access authorities have to footage captured during rides.

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During an interview on the "Hard Fork" podcast published on Friday, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said the company adheres to a legal process.

"On the question of when and how law enforcement gets access to our data, we make that publicly known," Mawakana said. "We follow the legal process to receive footage from our vehicles, and we narrow the scope of that as needed."

A Waymo spokesperson told Business Insider it requires law enforcement to make a "valid" request.

"As a general matter, we require valid legal process (in the form of a warrant or court order) from law enforcement agencies who seek information and data from Waymo," the spokesperson said. "Our policy is to challenge, limit, or reject requests that do not have a valid legal basis or are over broad."

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Autonomous vehicles, which are becoming more common in major US cities, have presented authorities with a new way to obtain footage that may be used as evidence. The LA Police Department posted footage obtained from a Waymo vehicle to its YouTube page in April. The footage showed a hit-and-run and displayed the phrase "Waymo Confidential Commercial Information."

Waymo's privacy policy details parties that may gain access to information, including law enforcement and third parties, "for legal reasons." A separate section outlines business purposes that would lead Waymo to disclose information.

"Waymo also uses information to satisfy applicable laws or regulations, and discloses information as required by regulation or in response to legal process or enforceable government requests, including to law enforcement," the company says.

Mawakana told "Hard Fork" that retaining riders' trust is a major focus for the company. In June, anti-ICE protesters set five Waymo cars on fire in Los Angeles, forcing the company to temporarily suspend service in the area.

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"At the end of the day, we need communities to be able to trust us," Mawakana said.

When asked if Waymo is "pushing back" on requests that are "too broad," Mawakana said, "of course."

"Not only is it burdensome, but also that's just our process," Mawakana.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Changes to a controversial holiday property tax in Wales are being discussed after owners complain of brutal regulations.

In 2023, new eligibility rules for business rates were introduced in England and Wales for self-catering properties.

To be eligible for business rates in Wales, the property must be available to let commercially for short periods, totalling 252 nights or more, and actually stayed in for 182 nights or more.

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The rules in Wales differ from those in England, where self-catering properties are eligible for the rates if they are available for at least 140 nights, and actually let out for at least 70 nights.

If a property does not meet the rules, owners must pay council tax out on business rates.

However, the Welsh government said that they are now discussing new proposals to amend this rule and are inviting people to share their views through a consultation, which remains open until 20 November.

One change, if approved, would mean that the 182 days of occupancy would be measured as an average over several years.

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This would mean those who narrowly miss the total one year could remain on business rates if they had reached the amount, on average, over a longer period of time.

Another proposal seeks to allow property owners to donate up to a fortnight of their 182 days for charity use  and not be penalised.

The consultation comes after years of outrage from second property and holiday let owners, stating that the rule does more harm than good to businesses that rely on tourists.

Nicky Williamson, of the Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASC) for Wales, warned many operators were struggling to meet the threshold, particularly during quieter months.

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She told BBC News that without the bed stock of self-catering properties, we don't have the facilities for tourists to stay.

If tourism failed, she added, then the number of people that are employed in tourism will start to lose jobs and pubs and cafes are not going to survive.

Ms Williamson claims this could have an impact on the mental health of self-catering operators, which she described as brutal.

The rule was initially put in place to ensure property owners make a fair contribution to the local community.

The Welsh government has previously said that while it recognises the importance of tourism to the Welsh economy, it must balance that with the needs of our communities, as everybody has a right to a decent, affordable home to buy or to rent that allows them to live and work locally.

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Cabinet secretary for finance and Welsh language, Mark Drakeford, reiterated this stance on Thursday during the announcement of the consultation, but recognised that tourism and hospitality businesses are seeking changes.

While most holiday let owners are already meeting the new rules brought in from 2023, with 60 per cent of properties meeting the letting criteria, we have listened to those working in the sector and are proposing small changes to the current rules to support them, he said.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health will spray for mosquitoes early next month after samples in Washington Township tested positive for West Nile Virus.

If the weather cooperates, the agency will spray the area of School House Park and Forest Field Park during dusk hours Tuesday, Sept. 2, following positive cases of West Nile Virus found in mosquito trapped at those locations.

Duet, the insecticide that will be used, has been determined to not pose a significant risk to people or animals when used according to the label. The insecticide will dissipate within 5-30 minutes.

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Residents are encouraged to call 937-225-4362 for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A Culex mosquito is overlaid atop a transmission electron micrograph showing colorized West Nile virus particles within an infected cell. (Photo collage by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)

Multiple mosquito samples infected with West Nile Virus have led state officials to raise Rhode Islands risk level from Medium to High, according to a joint announcement Thursday from the Rhode Island Departments of Health (RIDOH) and Environmental Management (RIDEM).

The positive cases prompting the raised level of caution were found in Johnston, East Providence, and Cranston. The infected mosquitoes were found in samples collected on Aug. 18. Eighty-six mosquito pools were tested over the time period, totaling 461 mosquitoes in all. The three positive samples were from the genus Culex, which includes a wide variety of mosquito species that can carry West Nile, including the common house mosquito. The mosquitoes were tested at the state health departments laboratory in Providence.

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The states highest level of West Nile risk is Critical, which is one step above High.

East Providence kicked off this summers West Nile season when the first positive mosquito sample was collected there on July 21. The second positive sample came from Bristol on July 28.

So far, the largest collection of positive cases this year was found in the Aug. 12 batch of routine trapping and testing. Two positive samples hailed from East Providence, one came from Westerly, and another positive was found in West Greenwich. The East Providence mosquitoes were both Culex. The Westerly sample was Culiseta melanura, or the black-tailed mosquito, and the West Greenwich mosquito was Coquillettidia perturbans.

Mosquitoes in the latest samples tested negative for other illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Jamestown Canyon Virus. West Nile remains the only mosquito-borne disease detected in Rhode Island this year.

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West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. While most people infected never develop symptoms, about one in five experience West Nile fever, which can bring on headaches, body aches, and other flu-like symptoms.

In rare cases, West Nile Virus can progress to serious neuroinvasive illnesses that involve encephalitis or meningitis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 10% of these severe infections are fatal, most often among people over age 60 or those who are immunocompromised.

As of Aug. 26, preliminary CDC data shows 433 West Nile Virus cases across the nation, with neuroinvasive illness involved in 257 of those cases. The virus has been recorded in 34 states so far this year.

Because the national database uses data reported by counties, the CDC notes that West Nile cases are often undercounted. The data can skew toward overrepresenting more severe cases because people without neuroinvasive illness are less likely to be reported.

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Between 1999 and 2024, the CDC documented 60,992 human cases of West Nile Virus nationwide, including 3,134 deaths.

Health officials advise Rhode Islanders to safeguard themselves against mosquito bites by using EPA-registered bug repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Residents are also advised to remove standing water from yards to reduce breeding sites and to repair holes in window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.

The Department of Health posts weekly mosquito testing updates on its website. More prevention tips are available at health.ri.gov/mosquito and dem.ri.gov/mosquito.

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After an hours-long standoff Thursday in West St. Paul, with the suspect shooting at police, he took aim at officers with a long gun and a SWAT officer returned fire, according to police.

The man was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.

The incident began when St. Paul officers were searching for a man wanted for multiple felony warrants, West St. Paul police said in a statement Thursday night. Officers found a motorcycle associated with the man in the 1200 block of Ottawa Avenue in West St. Paul just after 11 a.m.

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St. Paul officers surrounded a residence and evacuated people, who confirmed the man with warrants was inside.

The South Metro SWAT took over about 2:15 p.m. The suspect fired shots striking the armored SWAT vehicles and an officers handheld ballistic shield over the course of the next four hours, according to the police statement.

The SWAT team threw a cellphone into the home, and used drones and robotics in an attempt to negotiate with and obtain a visual of the suspect, the statement said. Officers used chemical irritants in an attempt to subdue the suspect. After multiple rounds of chemical irritants, the suspect continued firing at officers through multiple windows.

The suspect took aim at officers about 6:40 p.m. and a South Metro SWAT officer returned fire and shot the man, the statement said.

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During the incident, a shelter in place was issued for the area.

West St. Paul police said Thursday afternoon that a lockdown at St. Joseph Catholic school was a precautionary measure to ensure students remain away from an ongoing incident occurring a few blocks.  The active scene is not related to the school. Any rumors of danger to the school are untrue.

A day earlier, at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, two children were killed and another 18 people were injured as a assailant opened fire from outside the church during morning Mass.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the shooting in West St. Paul, and the agency said it will release more information after the preliminary investigation is complete.

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PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  A West Virginia woman was reportedly killed while trying to walk across a highway in Pike County on Friday, according to Kentucky State Police (KSP).

State police announced in a news release on Friday that around 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, troopers in Pikeville got a call about a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on US-119 in the South Williamson community.

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An initial investigation showed that 36-year-old Meghan Jones of Williamson, West Virginia, was trying to cross US-119 when a black Audi A3 was heading south, hitting her.

Jones was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pike County Coroners Office.

The deadly crash investigation remains ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Colorado lawmakers have concluded a special session focused on addressing the states budget challenges, reallocating over $264,000 from the wolf reintroduction program to the Health Insurance Affordability Cash Fund.

A bipartisan bill will divert over $264,000 from the wolf reintroduction program, while ensuring the program still receives more than $1.8 million from the general fund. This move is part of efforts to manage the states financial challenges without halting the wolf reintroduction initiative.

When were looking at trying to close a $800 million hole in the budget, this was one way that was going to help that by reallocating funds, State Sen. Janice Rich of District 7 said.

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Some senators expressed concerns and frustrations with the bill.

Are you guys just going to go around the legislatures wishes? You know, we told you what we wanted, State Sen. Marc Catlin of District 5 said.

The sponsors of Senate Bill 25B-005 proposed reallocating money from the wolf reintroduction program, which has been a contentious issue.

Catlin emphasized the need to pause the program to allow growers time to prepare for the wolves by implementing non-lethal measures. Despite the reallocation of funds, the wolf reintroduction program will not be paused, as it will continue to receive significant funding from the general fund.

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This decision has sparked debate about the bills effectiveness in addressing the budget shortfall. The governor and wolf advocates opposed the idea of diverting funds from the wolf program, fearing it might hinder the reintroduction efforts. However, the programs continuation with substantial funding aims to balance financial constraints with environmental commitments.

Ultimately, while the bill reallocates some funds to address the budget gap, the wolf reintroduction program remains active, raising questions about the bills impact on the states financial situation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
WHITE HALL  Residents in Fairmont no longer have to pick between Morgantown and Bridgeport because Panera Bread and its famous fast causal offerings have come to White Hall.

Its really great to bring another business not only to Marion County but out to the commons, Marion County Chamber of Commerce President Dani DeVito said. This project out here is just so great for our county and region, its just great to have another addition for people to take part in.

The new Panera at Middletown Commons held a ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday with the Marion County Chamber of Commerce. DeVito said with the chill in the air, soup and sandwich season approaches.

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Falls here, soup weathers here, she said.

Natalie Basilone, regional sales manager for Panera, said the new location brings a great meeting spot for guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Residents can come and do work or meet friends. She said the spot offers a nice place for guests to build communities and relationships.

Panera makes good baguettes, which is fitting considering its beginning as the St. Louis Bread Co. in Missouri. Basilone said customers love that the store offers a consistent, healthy option for eating out.

We offer fresh items, things that are made daily, Basilone said. We bake all of our breads daily. We do everything fresh, and I think thats really important to our guests.

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Basilone said they plan to be involved with the community, which is why the franchise joined the Chamber. Joining the Chamber will give the new location the ability to network, find out whats happening in the community and be part of events.

Jann Stewart, owner of Whites Fine Jewelry, talked to Basilone over bagels and crumpets about catering opportunities. As a small business, Stewart said its nice to have a close by option for catering when she wants to treat the staff or have a small event. Stewart and her employee, Julie England, love Panera. What they dont love is having to go to Clarksburg or Morgantown for a treat.

Panera becoming part of the Middletown Commons is a sign of the area growing. Stewart said the recent additions to the mall have really changed the White Hall community. Stewart and England both grew up in Fairmont.

It gives the greater Fairmont area a lot more options, Stewart said. So anytime theres growth for a place like Fairmont, thats our lifelong home. We love to see anything that brings change and growth and keeps supporting our community.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt struggled to defend President Donald Trumps decision to oust Susan Monarez, former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While taking questions at a White House press briefing Thursday, Leavitt was asked about a statement from Monarez lawyer Mark Zaid, who alleged she was fired after she refused to rubber-stamp unscientific, reckless directives and fire dedicated health experts.

What specifically did she do wrong? asked one reporter.

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Look, what I will say about this individual is that her lawyers statement made it abundantly clear themselves that she was not aligned with the presidents mission to make America healthy again, Leavitt said. And the secretary asked her to resign, she said she would, and then she said she wouldnt, so the president fired her, which he has every right to do.

It was President Trump who was overwhelmingly re-elected on November 5. This woman has never received a vote in her life, and the president has the authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission, Leavitt continued.

But Leavitt was wrong. Just one month ago, Monarez was confirmed by a Senate vote along party lines, and was sworn into office shortly after. If she wasnt aligned with Trumps mission, its unclear why that wouldnt have been determined in April when he nominated her, or anytime after.

Leavitt said a new nominee would be announced soon.

Monarezs firing has sparked outrage at the CDC. Four agency heads resigned Wednesday, warning that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had compromised the agencys mission with anti-vaccine policies and other growing misinformation. CDC staff also staged a walkout Thursday, in response to the ongoing turmoil.
President Donald Trump threw a grenade Friday into September government funding negotiations on Capitol Hill, declaring the unilateral power to cancel billions of dollars in foreign aid by using a so-called pocket rescission.

Escalating the administrations assault on Congress funding prerogatives, the White House budget office announced Friday morning that Trump has canceled $4.9 billion through the gambit that Congress' top watchdog and many lawmakers argue is an illegal end-run around their "power of the purse."

The move to unilaterally nix money previously approved by Congress raises tensions on Capitol Hill as lawmakers face an Oct. 1 deadline to avoid a government shutdown, pitting Republicans at the White House against GOP lawmakers and increasing pressure on Democrats to force a funding lapse unless Trump stands down.

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Democrats and Republicans alike have warned that a pocket rescissions request would hamper cross-party talks to avert a shutdown at the end of September, while fulfilling White House budget director Russ Vought's wish that the process of funding the government be less bipartisan" to accommodate a raft of conservative priorities.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hinted Friday that Democrats could refuse to offer the votes to get a government funding bill through the chamber before funding lapses late next month if congressional Republicans dont push back against Trumps latest funding move.

Republicans dont have to be a rubber stamp for this carnage, Schumer said, adding that if Republicans are insistent on going it alone, Democrats wont be party to their destruction.

A White House official told reporters Friday afternoon that the administration has no expectation of using the pocket rescissions tactic to cancel more funding this month but that they wouldnt take anything off the table. Three congressional Republicans, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said they do expect Vought to send additional requests to revoke funding between now and the end of the current fiscal year, which would only inflame tensions.

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"Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law," the Senate's top Republican appropriator, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, said in a quick and clear rebuke of the Trump administration's gambit.

But the Trump administration is embracing the strategy boldly and without apology, while also signaling it intends to stare down any legal challenges that may come its way as a result: Congress can choose to vote to rescind or continue the funds  it doesnt matter, an official from the White House budget office said in a statement. This approach is rare but not unprecedented.

The White House is allowed to send Congress a clawbacks request and then withhold the cash for 45 days while lawmakers consider whether to approve, reject or ignore the proposal. Because there are less than 45 days left before the end of the fiscal year, Trumps top budget officials  led by Vought  argue that they can employ the so-called pocket rescission to withhold the funding until it lapses at months end, ensuring its cancellation regardless of what Congress decides.

Collins' Democratic counterpart on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Washington Sen. Patty Murray, called Friday for Republicans to reject Vought's "brazen attempt to usurp their own power," arguing that the White House budget director is trying to market an illegal tactic as "some sort of get-out-of-jail free card for this administration to simply not spend investments Congress has made."

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Trumps new spate of clawbacks, first reported by the New York Post, targets more than $3.2 billion that runs through the U.S. Agency for International Development, which the president has been moving to dismantle since he was inaugurated in January and which Vought will now oversee, according to a Friday social media post from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for peacekeeping efforts is also deemed canceled under the White Houses latest moves.

The administration filed the rescissions memoin court on Friday, adding another twist to a prominent case moving through the federal courts challenging Trumps withholding of USAID funding.

That case has already been complicated this month by other questions beyond the expiration of the funds, including whether the head of the GAO  the comptroller general  is the only one who can sue over federal funding being withheld in violation of decades-old impoundment law.

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Trumps latest action is likely to supercharge this legal fight, which is back in the hands of U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, a Biden-era appointee who previously found the administrations withholding of USAID funds to be illegal on multiple grounds.

Ali is expected to rule quickly on whether there are other bases to order the administration to restore the funding  including whether the cuts were arbitrary and capricious under the law.

His decision is likely to send the case surging back to the appellate courts, and possibly even the Supreme Court, to determine whether Trumps pocket rescissions withstands legal scrutiny. Its unclear whether the comptroller general, Gene Dodaro, intends to take any additional legal action to force the restoration of funds.

The administration believes it has a strong legal case for defending the cancellation of the foreign aid funding in question, according to the White House official who briefed reporters Friday afternoon on condition of anonymity.

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Theres nothing that we can do with these accounts because of the way they're written, to shift them to things that the president would support in the foreign aid space, they argued, adding that we wanted to make the case as clean as we possibly could, as we navigate the different critics that we know would arise.

The official also said the latest funding move will help build support next month among conservative lawmakers for a clean stopgap funding patch that keeps the government running on autopilot spending levels beyond October. At the same time, the official said, its hard to believe Democrats would oppose a funding patch that would cause them to be responsible for a government shutdown.



Meredith Lee Hill, Jordain Carney and Megan Messerly contributed to this report.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt drew a parallel between a recent Russian deadly attack on Kyiv and Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities during a briefing in Washington on Aug. 28.

Leavitt's comments came after Moscow's forces launched another mass drone and missile attack on Ukraine overnight on Aug. 28, targeting Kyiv. The attack hit residential areas, killing at least 23 people, including four children, and injuring 63 others, including 11 children.

When asked about the attack, the White House spokesperson said that U.S. President Donald Trump "was not happy about this news, but he was also not surprised."

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Leavitt said that "perhaps both sides of this war are not ready to end it themselves," referring to Ukraine's strikes on Russian infrastructure sustaining Moscow's war effort.

"Russia launched this attack on Kyiv. And likewise, Ukraine recently dealt a blow to Russias oil refineries. They have taken out, as a matter of fact, 20% of Russias oil refinery capacity over the course of their attacks throughout the month of August," she said.

"The president wants it to end, but the leaders of these two countries need it to end and must want it to end as well."

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. In the meantime, Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine's capital hit residential buildings, killing and injuring dozens of civilians.

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While multiple European leaders condemned Moscow's latest deadly attack amid ongoing peace efforts, Trump himself did not comment on the strike.

Previously, the U.S. president has consistently said that he wants to end the war to prevent further deaths "on both sides," while accusing Ukraine of sharing the blame for the Russian invasion.

Despite his meeting with Trump in Alaska earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of easing his assault on Ukraine. He returned from the summit without facing any new sanctions.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested on Aug. 28 that a proposed bilateral meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin will not take place.

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This is "different from what was agreed between President Trump and President Putin last week when we were in Washington together," Merz said following the attack.

Read also: Its like a funeral  As US mimics peace talks, Russian missile strike on Kyiv kills at least 23

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The White House informed Congress of its plans to cut $4.9 billion in foreign aid funding through a seldom-used budgetary tactic dubbed pocket rescissions, two congressional sources tell NBC News.

The rescissions process allows the executive branch to cancel funding or other actions lawfully approved by Congress. The process typically requires the White House to go back to Congress to ask for authorization to alter the appropriated funding. Congress approved a rescissions package in July that, among other things, canceled funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

A pocket rescission is a secondary maneuver where the president attempts to cancel funding in a window of time so late in the fiscal year that there is not enough time for Congress to weigh in. Congress typically has a 45-day window to act on rescissions, but the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, less than 45 days away.

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Democrats, and some Republicans, have been vocally opposed to the tactic, and its legality is dubious at best. It hasnt been attempted in close to 50 years and is already being challenged in court.

In a post on the Government Accountability Office's "WatchBlog" from earlier this month, lawyers for the nonpartisan federal agency wrote that pocket rescissions are illegal.

"Congress holds the power of the purse  approving a budget and appropriating funds," the post said.

"A pocket rescission could allow a president to avoid spending the money regardless of whether Congress approves the rescission request. This would cede Congresss power of the purse by allowing a president to, in effect, change the law by shortening the period of availability for fixed-period funds," the post reads. "The Impoundment Control Act (ICA) does not provide that authority. If Congress wanted a president to have that authority, it would need to change the law."

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The rescission package announced Friday by the White House includes $3.2 billion in cuts to USAID, $322 million in cuts for the USAIDs State Democracy fund and cuts to hundreds of millions of dollars in funding designed to support peacekeeping activities around the world.

The New York Post was the first to report the news of the pocket rescissions package.

In a post on X, the White House Office of Management and Budget on Friday morning wrote: "Last night, President Trump CANCELLED $4.9 billion in America Last foreign aid using a pocket rescission. @POTUS will always put AMERICA FIRST!"

In a statement, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, staunchly disagreed with the president's decision, saying, "Any effort to rescind appropriated funds without congressional approval is a clear violation of the law.

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Instead of this attempt to undermine the law, the appropriate way is to identify ways to reduce excessive spending through the bipartisan, annual appropriations process. Congress approves rescissions regularly as part of this process, she added.

Earlier this month, Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., called a pocket rescission "quite frankly, unconstitutional," in a video posted on X by Democrats on the committee.

"Why do I say unconstitutional? Because the Constitution gives the power of the purse to Congress and then the president is supposed to execute that," Merkley said, adding, "Its not the normal way of doing this, its not acceptable."

"No matter how they do it or what they call it, unilaterally withholding or canceling funding approved by Congress is illegal and it will devastate hard working families," the Oregon senator added.

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The video was posted days before the president notified Congress of his intent to use a pocket rescission, but Merkley promised that if Trump went through with such a move, "Along with other Senate Democrats, I will do everything I can to stop these illegal and unconstitutional funding cuts and end Trumps power grab."

In a statement on Friday, Merkley reiterated his message from earlier in the month, saying that Trump's rescission is an "illegal and unconstitutional tactic" and adding, "Republicans should be appalled that the longstanding, bipartisan work of Congress is once again going to be trampled on by an Administration that thinks it can do whatever it wants, checks and balances be damned."

In July, after the Senate approved Trump's earlier proposal for a rescissions package that included cuts to public media like NPR and PBS, senators on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about the threat rescissions posed to Congress' power of the purse.

Congress has the power of the purse. The president has the power to enforce. In this situation, theres a specific amount stated that will be rescinded, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said on the Senate floor at the time. But this Congress will not be allowed to choose those specific cuts. That will be done by somebody in the Office of Management and Budget in the White House. And in this situation, it will amount to the House and Senate basically saying: We concede that decision voluntarily to the executive branch.

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Senate lawmakers have been out of town for most of August for recess, but a fight over government funding already loomed large over their September return to Washington, even before Trump's decision to pursue a pocket rescission.

Government funding runs out on Sept. 30 and lawmakers will begin to return to the nation's capital on Sept. 2.

In a statement reacting to Trump's pocket rescission, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said that he expects Republicans to "go it alone" on government funding next month, without negotiating with Democrats.

Todays announcement of the Administrations plan to advance an unlawful 'pocket rescission' package is further proof President Trump and Congressional Republicans are hellbent on rejecting bipartisanship and going it alone this fall," Schumer said.

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"As the country stares down next months government funding deadline on September 30th, it is clear neither President Trump nor Congressional Republicans have any plan to avoid a painful and entirely unnecessary shutdown. In fact, it seems Republicans are eager to inflict further pain on the American people, raising their health care costs, compromising essential services and further damaging our national security," the minority leader added.

The White House has attempted to slash foreign aid since Trump took office for his second term. As part of the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to reduce federal government spending earlier this year, Trump and his then-adviser Elon Musk attempted to gut USAID, eventually allowing the State Department to absorb the agency.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump, when confronted with data showing crime here already declining before he took over the citys police force, has repeatedly dismissed the data as fake and manipulated.

But with the same agency now reporting continued drops in crime, his White House is eager to tout data it once derided as untrustworthy.

Total crime in D.C. is down 19% and violent crime is down 30%, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during Thursdays press briefing, ticking off double-digit percentage reductions in homicides, robberies, car thefts and assaults. These numbers prove the presidents bold actions to make D.C. safe and beautiful again are working just like he said they would.

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The numbers come from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, which the president had previously accused of releasing fake crime data to create a false impression of safety. (The White House confirmed to HuffPost its using MPD numbers but declined to comment.)

Related: Joe Rogan Turns On Trump To Shut Down His Signature Claim

The embrace of the citys crime statistics is no surprise from an administration that bragged about positive economic data all year, only to fire its head statistician as soon as the jobs numbers went south. Its not complicated: The White House now likes D.C. crime data because the positive numbers reflect well on the president.

When Trump first announced hed commandeer city police, in response to a supposed crime emergency that coincided with a teenage assault on an administration staffer, city leaders and national Democrats all pointed out violent crime had fallen to a 30-year low. The trend went against Trumps claims that the city was an increasingly violent hellscape, so he said it wasnt true.

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D.C. gave Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety, Trump wrote on Truth Social this month, announcing an investigation into alleged manipulation of data by D.C. police. This is a very bad and dangerous thing to do, and they are under serious investigation for so doing!

Members of the North Carolina Army National Guard's 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team patrol near the US Capitol on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. President Donald Trump threatened that prosecutors would seek the death penalty for anyone found guilty of murder in Washington, D.C., a move that would escalate his crime crackdown in the nation's capital. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In addition to controlling the D.C. police, Trump swarmed hundreds of federal agents and called in the National Guard. The White House has touted nightly arrest totals, nabbed immigrants and made a dramatic video out of arresting the guy who hit a fed with a sub.

Even after the administration had begun bragging about falling crime over the past week and a half, Trump continued bashing the citys stats. At the outset, the numbers suggested that violent crime had dropped 26% so far this year, after falling 35% the previous year.

They have to stop issuing false crime numbers, Trump said Tuesday at the White House. What they did is they issued numbers that it was the best in 30 years. Its not the best. Its the worst. They gave phony numbers and they fired the man that did not want to write the phony numbers.

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The allegation that the numbers had been manipulated originally came from the citys police union, which said a commander in one of the citys seven police districts had falsified crime data by incorrectly categorizing certain offenses in that district. The commander has been put on administrative leave; Fraternal Order of Police chairman Gregg Pemberton has claimed the problem is widespread.

When our members respond to the scene of a felony offense where there is a victim reporting that a felony occurred, inevitably there will be a lieutenant or a captain that will show up on that scene and direct those members to take a report for a lesser offense, Pemberton told NBC News in July.

The police union didnt respond to a request for comment. On social media, the union has pointed to falling crime statistics, apparently from MPD, showing the success of the federal intervention.

Republicans in Congress, meanwhile, have continued suggesting the citys crime data is bogus as they run their own investigation of the matter.

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A whistleblower with firsthand knowledge has told the Oversight Committee that D.C. crime data is being widely manipulated under orders from top D.C. police leadership, House Oversight Committee chair James Comer (R-Ky.) said Monday on social media.

Related: Trump Makes Rare Admission On Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: 'I Thought I Had It Done'

The Council on Criminal Justice, a think tank that analyzes crime statistics, has said theres been an unmistakable drop in D.C. crime since 2023, one that tracks with crime trends in other cities, but that the capital has more violence than most.

Thaddeus Johnson, a senior fellow at CCJ and an associate professor of criminal justice at Georgia State University, said a citys crime trends are more complex than just up or down, with patterns varying from neighborhood to neighborhood. But he said the way D.C.s numbers have been politicized isnt helpful.

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How are you gonna call it cooked, and then turn around and use it? Johnson told HuffPost. It confuses the people and causes them to be uncertain on what to believe.

When Trump announced the takeover, saying the city was overrun by roving gangs and maniacs, with innocent residents cowering in their homes, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) pushed back.

I believe that the presidents view of D.C. is shaped by his COVID-era experience during his first term, and it is true that those were more challenging related to some issues, Bowser said. This year, crime is not just down from 2023. It is also down from 2019, before the pandemic, and we are at a 30-year violent crime low.

This week, Bowser and Trump were essentially singing from the same song sheet, as the mayor held a press conference to announce double-digit percentage declines in various crime statistics, especially carjacking, since the Trump takeover started. Its unclear how much of the 21% increase in arrests compared to the same period last year can be attributed to the presence of federal police. Most arrests are made by the MPD, often with officers from federal agencies backing them up. But Bowser suggested the extra help made up for a long-standing shortage of MPD personnel.

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Having more federal law enforcement officers on the street, we think, having more stops that got to illegal guns, has helped, Bowser said. We think that theres more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system, that is driving down illegal behavior. We know that we have had fewer gun crimes, fewer homicides, and we have experienced an extreme reduction in carjackings.

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Read the original on HuffPost
Less than two months after a controversial South Florida immigrant detention center launched to Republican fanfare, alligator-themed merch, a visit from President Donald Trump, lawsuits and protests, "Alligator Alcatraz" may be empty soon with a $218 million price tag.

The Department of Homeland Security has started moving detainees out of the mass detention facility in the Big Cypress National Preserve in the Everglades, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference Aug. 27, days after a federal judge ordered a stop to new construction and blocked the transfer of any new detainees.

In a preliminary injunction during a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and joined by the Miccosukee Tribe, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Aug. 7 issued a temporary restraining order against new construction. Two weeks later, she doubled down and ordered the state and federal government to close it up within 60 days. The state appealed, but on Aug. 27 Williams denied the state's motion.

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Florida Division of Emergency Management executive director Kevin Guthrie, in an email sent to a South Florida rabbi on Aug. 22, said that we are probably going to be down to 0 individuals within a few days.

Gov. Ron DeSantis won't let it go without a fight, though, and both he and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier  who first suggested and championed the Everglades facility  has vowed that operations will continue.

Since its launch on July 3 less than two weeks after it was announced, the Everglades facility has faced charges of inhumane living conditions and detainee civil rights violations. The environmental lawsuit accuses the state of failing to have a federally required impact investigation done. More lawsuits on plaintiffs' legal rights, including lack of access to attorneys and whether the state has the legal authority to operate the site, are working their way through the courts.

Meanwhile, Florida is already planning a second site and Indiana and Nebraska have similar sites planned.

What is 'Alligator Alcatraz'?

The South Florida Detention Facility, nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" by Uthmeier, is a temporary detainment site in a remote location in the Florida Everglades designed to hold undocumented imigrants taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials and law enforcement where they can be processed and flown out of the country.

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Previously, it was the Miami-Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport, a 39-square-mile airport facility with a 10,500-foot runway. Now surrounded by more than five miles of barbed wire, the tent city was scheduled to hold up to 3,000 detainees and was staffed by 1,000 workers and 400 guards.

The site was launched with breathtaking speed as both DeSantis and the Trump administration ramp up aggressive, widespread efforts to seize and ship out undocumented immigrants in Florida and across the country. State officials have said dentention sites such as this are necessary to alleviate crowding at local jails and state prisons from the increased arrests.

How much did 'Alligator Alcatraz' cost Florida?

It's not gone yet. But the Florida Division of Emergency Management said in court filings that the state has invested $218 million to convert the largely abandoned airstrip into a detention center consisting of chain-link and barbed wire fences surrounding an array of white tents full of bunk beds.

Shutting the facility down, even temporarily, would cost the state $15-$20 million, with a similar amount needed if Florida is allowed to reopen it, the state said.

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An Associated Press analysis of publicly available data revealed that Florida signed at least $405 million in vendor contracts to build and run the facility.

What is 'Deportation Depot'?

DeSantis announced the state's second detention site, nicknamed "Deportation Depot," would open at Baker Correctional Institution, a prison in Sanderson closed due to staffing shortages.

Previously, Camp Blanding in Clay County, Florida, was planned, but the governor said the Baker CI facility would be cheaper and only cost about $6 million to get it "up and running."

The facility at Baker CI would likely not face the environmental issues plaguiing the first site, but legal challenges over how detainees are treated and processed will almost certainly continue.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 'Alligator Alcatraz' closure may leave Florida on hook for $218 million
Editors note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service. Subscribe to their newsletter.

For many Americans, the U.S. Army is nearly synonymous with its helicopters. Think of popular films such as Black Hawk Down, We Were Soldiers, and Apocalypse Now.

But in recent months, the service announced a plan to pare down its helicopter fleet, catching many of its aviators off guard.

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The cuts are part of a larger reorganization as the Army prepares for the changing landscape of warfare with one of the services smallest budget increases. The War Horse spoke with Jeremiah Gertler, senior analyst at the Teal Group defense and aerospace consulting company, to better understand why the Army is nixing so many of its iconic aircraft, what might replace them, and what might happen to the soldiers who work with them.

First, some background and a look back at how we got here.

Heavy helicopter losses among Russian forces in Ukraine led top U.S. Army officials to question the survivability of manned rotorcraft in future conflicts. Last year, the service cancelled the development of a new attack and reconnaissance helicopter, with Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George pointing out that sensors and weapons mounted on unmanned aerial systemsthink dronesare more ubiquitous, further reaching, and more inexpensive than ever before.

That effort accelerated in May, when the Army said it will reduce one air cavalry squadron per active-duty combat aviation brigade.

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In the months since, the Army said it would also divest many of its older UH-60s and AH-64s and inactivate the helicopter units in both of its Reserve expeditionary combat aviation brigades. Inactivate is not the same as deactivate, which means a permanent closure, but the Army has not announced plans for what it intends to do next with the units.

Q: What does the U.S. Army use helicopters for?

The Army generally uses helicopters for attack and logistics missions, Gertler explained. The AH-64 Apache carries an arsenal of rockets, missiles, and a 30 mm chain gun in the attack and reconnaissance role. Meanwhile, the smaller UH-72 Lakota, medium-sized H-60 Black Hawk, and large H-47 Chinook helicopters carry troops, medical supplies, ammunition, humanitarian aid, and other cargo in and out of battlefields and crisis zones.

Q: Why does the Army want to get rid of so many helicopters?

Gertler said it is the result of two influences: budgetary pressure to reduce the number of units in the Army and analysis of the war in Ukraine, where large numbers of surface-to-air missiles threaten helicopters, and modular, affordable drones can perform low-altitude attack and reconnaissance missions.

That is part of whats informing it, just the fact that pretty much anything that flies on that battlefield dies, Gertler said about the shrinking helicopter fleet.

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He said the divestments are unrelated to the safety issues plaguing Army aviation in recent years, even before 67 people died on Jan. 29 when an Army Black Hawk collided with an American Airlines flight outside Washington, D.C.

Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade power on a first-person view drone during a training exercise in Tunisia. (Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez/Army)

Q: Can drones do what helicopters do?

Well, right now the Army is looking to experiment and find out what really works, Gertler said.

Both armies in Ukraine use drones extensively in reconnaissance and surveillance roles, as spotters to guide artillery strikes, and as jammers to disrupt enemy communication and navigation systems. They have also proven useful in limited attack roles by dropping small munitions such as hand grenades or by loitering above a target before striking like a missile.

Maj. Gen. Clair Gill, a top Army aviation official, wrote in Army Aviation Magazine that drones should do the dirty, dull, dangerous work that do not require a humans rapid decision-making or ethical judgment.

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But manned rotorcraft writ large are not going away any time soon, particularly for the transport role. Army officials expect to operate the H-60 until 2070, and the service is steaming ahead on its replacement, the MV-75, a tiltrotor that can fly like a fixed-wing airplane and land like a helicopter, similar to the Osprey flown by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. NATO experts also point out that changing Russian tactics have made its attack helicopter fleet more effective now than it was at the start of the war.

Operation Timeline: The Trump Administrations Impact on Veterans and the Military

Q: Why the heavy cuts for the Reserve in particular?

The helicopters in the National Guard have significant state roles for things like search and rescue and disaster relief, so its hard to draw those down, Gertler said. And because, frankly, Congress has traditionally defended the Guard more strongly than the Reserve.

Q: What happens to the soldiers in those units?

The ideal solution is to retrain those troops in a new role, Gertler said, but not all unit members may want to switch. Some may try to find a helicopter job in a new unit, or leave the Army.

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Command Sgt. Maj. Nathan Smith, the top enlisted leader in one of the units being inactivated, the 5-159th General Support Aviation Battalion, voiced the same concern.

People that come here live and breathe flying Army helicopters, he told The Virginian-Pilot. Depending on where they are in their careers, the sentiment is, well, now what am I going to do?

More than a dozen Army Reserve aviators told Military.com they were frustrated with the rollout of the decision, which they said was chaotic and poorly communicated.

Q: Whats the risk of divesting these aircraft?

Army leaders frame the transition as a way to stay relevant in modern war, though its not clear at this point what will replace the helicopters.

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Anytime that you reduce the budget for the military without reducing the number of threats, youre taking a risk, Gertler said. The Army is also at a strategic risk now, because they are figuring out, as they come out of a very busy period over the last 20 years, what is their role going forward in a more globally oriented and Pacific-oriented fight?

Hopefully, at the other end of that, Gertler said, the Army units losing their helicopters will find a new way to contribute.

Whereas if they continued with the helicopter mission, he said, the unit might be in danger of going away entirely.

This War Horse explainer was reported by David Roza, edited by Mike Frankel, fact-checked by Jess Rohan, and copy-edited by Mitchell Hansen-Dewar.
U.S. flags continue to fly at half-staff across the country today, Aug. 29.

Hours after a mass shooting at a Minnesota Catholic school, President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States as a mark of respect for the victims of a "senseless acts of violence."

Two children were killed and 18 were injured  15 of them children  when a shooter fired through the windows of Annunciation Church and school in Minneapolis. Young students were at Mass at the time of the shooting, authorities said.

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Here's what you should know.

Hours after the shooting on Aug. 27, Trump issued a proclamation ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States.

"As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence ... I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff," the proclamation said.

How long will flags fly at half-staff for the victims of Minnesota shooting?

Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset Aug. 31.

Where should US flag be flown at half-staff?

The U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia.

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Flags also should be flown at half-staff at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

What happened at Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota?

Two children were killed Aug. 27 and 18 were injured when a shooter fired through the windows of Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, authorities said. Inside were young students worshipping at Mass days after classes started for the new school year on Aug. 25.

The two children killed in the shooting were 8 and 10 years old.

Of the 18 injured, 15 were students ages 6 to 18 and three were parishioners in their 80s, authorities said.

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 'We lost two angels': Families remember children slain, wounded in Minnesota shooting

All the injured were expected to recover, though family members of some say they will have long roads to recovery from serious bullet wounds.

"We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care. Never again can we let this happen," said Annunciation School Principal Matt DeBoer.

An all-school Mass was scheduled for 8:15 Wednesday, just minutes before the shooting started shortly before 8:30 a.m.

The shooter, later identified as Robin Westman, 23, approached the outside of the church building and fired inside toward the children sitting in pews, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.

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 'Absolutely breaks my heart': Minneapolis community mourns after deadly shooting

The assailant died at the rear of the church from a self-inflicted wound, according to O'Hara, who said the weapons used in the attack had been purchased legally and recently.

How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff

On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code.

Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day.

What is a mass shooting?

The GVA  and the Congressional Research Service  defines a mass shooting based on the number of people shot in an incident: four or more, not including the shooter. The GVA numbers  which have been disputed by pro-firearm organizations  may differ from the FBI or CDC as they collect data from 7,500 law enforcement, government and media sources, the site explains.

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USA TODAY defines a mass shooting as an incident where at least four people are hit with gunfire. Mass killing refers to an incident in which at least four people are killed.

The FBI does not define "mass shooting" at all. The agency defines "mass killing" or "mass murder" as an incident in which four or more victims are killed by any intentional means, which may include gun violence.

Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff?

On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.

On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.

Contributing: Thao Nguyen, USA Today; C.A. Bridges, USA Network-Florida

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Flags at half-staff today after Minnesota church shooting
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week narrowed approval of the new, updated COVID-19 vaccines only to people who are over 65, or younger people with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease.

That decision has raised questions about access for the millions of Americans who don't fall in those categories  and potentially even for some who do.

According to pharmacists, insurance groups and trade organizations, it will be more difficult for younger, otherwise healthy people to get a COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the winter respiratory virus season, as it will involve a trip to the doctor instead of walking into a pharmacy, and insurance coverage is, for now, unclear.

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For at least the next few weeks, as the policy shifts are absorbed, the confusion may also impact access for older, higher-risk people.

This comes as Trump administration officials maintain that "100% of adults in this country can still get the vaccine if they choose," as FDA Commissioner Marty Makary wrote on X. "We are not limiting availability to anyone," he said.

"The FDA's decision does not affect the availability of COVID vaccines for Americans who want them," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday during a press conference. "We believe in individual choice. That's a promise both the president and [HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.] have made. And it's a promise they have now delivered on."

MORE: COVID cases, hospitalizations ticking up in the US but remain lower than last year

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Experts interviewed by ABC News said this may be technically accurate, as a doctor can still determine that a non-eligible person needs the vaccine "off label."

But in practice, the confusion around the new policy and fear from doctors of going against the federal guidelines could make it significantly more challenging for people to get that prescription.

Moderna via AP - PHOTO: This photo provided by Moderna in August 2025 shows fill and finish production of the updated mNEXSPIKE COVID-19 vaccine.

It also creates another hurdle to getting the vaccine, if someone needs to add in the step of going to their doctor rather than a pharmacy. The vast majority of Americans have gotten their COVID vaccines from pharmacies, not the doctor's office.

"It's a mess," said Dorit Reiss, a professor at University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, who focuses on vaccine law.

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MORE: Mass layoffs, resignations and major vaccine policy changes: Timeline of turmoil at CDC

"The starting point is it's a mess. And by the way, that's going to probably decrease uptake all by itself, because people aren't going to know," she said.

For years, health officials have encouraged virtually all Americans to get annual COVID shots, akin to the annual flu vaccine. Under President Donald Trump, health officials have made the case that the benefits of COVID vaccination are clearer for older, high-risk Americans, and there needs to be more research on the benefits for young and healthy people.

COVID vaccine uptake has been low, with just 23 percent of adults and 13 percent of children reported getting an updated COVID vaccine last season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The laws are different in each state. Where can you get a COVID vaccine where you live?

There are 19 states where pharmacists are permitted to only give vaccines to people who qualify under FDA and CDC guidelines, according to Brigid Groves, vice president of professional affairs at the American Pharmacist Association.

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Those states are: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia.

"We're concerned that that pharmacy is no longer going to be able to service the patient population because of the limits that have been placed and the narrowing indication that has occurred," said Groves.

"A pharmacist could administer the vaccine even though it is off label, but may open themselves to additional liability concerns," said Groves.

This reality is playing out at CVS pharmacies nationwide, which is the largest pharmacy chain in the country.

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In 34 states, CVS will continue to offer COVID vaccines for those who fall under the new FDA authorizations.

Shannon Stapleton/Reuters, FILE - PHOTO: In this Jan. 29, 2022, file photo, a health care administer gives the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to a person at the L.A. Care Health Plan free testing and vaccination site in Los Angeles.

But in a further twist, CVS says that in another 13 states, people will need a prescription to get a COVID shot, even if they meet those qualifications. Those states are: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

And in three states, New Mexico, Nevada and Massachusetts, CVS is holding off on giving COVID shots, company spokesperson Amy Thibault said, citing "the current regulatory environment."

If you're young and healthy, and you want a COVID vaccine, will it be covered?

When it comes to insurance coverage, private insurance providers have suggested they could continue to cover the cost of COVID vaccines for anyone who gets a shot, even for younger, otherwise healthy adults  although they are awaiting guidance from the CDC's advisory panel, which meets Sept. 18 and 19.

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That leaves a few weeks of limbo, just before the fall and winter when cases of COVID could rise.

The meeting is also potentially up in the air. After high-profile departures from officials at the CDC and a public fallout between Kennedy and the since-fired CDC director, Susan Monarez, over changing COVID vaccine policy, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate committee on health, called for it to be postponed.

MORE: White House says new CDC chief to be picked 'soon' as standoff over Monarez firing continues

Insurance providers are watching and waiting, said Tina Stow, spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans, the trade group for the health insurance industry.

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"Individual health plans and plan sponsors will be prepared to make coverage decisions informed by science, the latest medical evidence and data," Stow said.

Insurers don't have to only cover vaccines recommended by the CDC, but they're still planning to wait and see just what the recommendations are  particularly because the committee, which is made up of all new members handpicked by Kennedy, is less predictable than in the past.

"They might decide that it's cost effective for them to do it," Reiss said. "They may, but they might not. And we may see variation [by provider]."

It's not clear what would happen for people covered by government-funded insurance like Medicare and Medicaid  which is tied to the CDC recommendations.

There is also the question of access for healthy children under 5, who are no longer approved for any COVID vaccines under the FDA's latest decision. Previously, they were authorized for the Pfizer vaccine, which was available to kids as young as 6 months.
Pro-wrestler Stuart Smith, known to fans on the indie circuit as Syko Stu, is now awake and communicating after being brutally attacked by a former UFC Champs son, Raja Jackson, during an event in Los Angeles last week.

Smiths brother, Andrew, confirmed in a social media post that the wrestler, and former Army veteran, has regained consciousness, has some recollection of the incident, and is capable of communicating with family members.

Doctors reportedly say Smiths recovery will be long, as he continues to deal with the severe head trauma and other injuries sustained during the attack.

Stuart is resting since he sustained severe injuries to his head. He is currently conscious and able to talk but will have a difficult recovery ahead, His brother posted to Facebook on August 25. With all the media and social media attention, its been hard to get back to everyone. Stuart Smith appreciates all the love and support. He loves wrestling, his wrestling family, and all his fans and supporters. Wrestling has been a huge part of his life and he lives to put on a performance. Hes also just a regular guy with a life and family outside the ring. His wife Contessa has currently set up a go fund me for those wishing to donate.

The health update comes after Smith was left hospitalized and unresponsive following the assault, which was live-streamed by Raja Jackson, son of former UFC fighter Quinton Rampage Jackson.

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Video shows Raja entering the ring, slamming Smith onto the back of his head, and repeatedly punching Msith while he lay unconscious. Other wrestlers intervened to remove Raja from Smith, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

While Smiths condition has stabilized, the lack of legal consequences for Raja has sparked outrage.

Fans and fellow wrestlers have flooded social media with demands for his arrest, questioning why the Los Angeles Police Department has yet to file charges, even though the department claimed to be investigating the attack as a Felony Battery.

Some online commentators have accused the LAPD of dragging its feet despite the blatant, graphic video evidence of the attack.

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Smiths wife, Contessa, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical bills and lost income during his recovery. The fundraiser has already surpassed $207,000 as of Friday morning, drawing support from fans and wrestlers worldwide.

For now, Smith remains hospitalized but stable, with his family focused on his rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Raja Jackson remains under investigation, but no arrest has been announced as of the time of publication.

Rajas father, Quentin Rampage Jackson, has since returned to livestreaming on the KICK platform, the same platform where his son livestreamed the ruthless attack on Smith.

KICK has not responded to an inquiry for comment on the attack from The Dallas Express.
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI)  President Trump doesnt like the way Massachusetts Democrats have drawn the states congressional map.

I got 40% in Massachusetts and yet they have 100% of the vote in terms of Congress, Trump said of Democrats earlier this month. So theres no Republican, theres no anything  we should have 40%. You know why? They redistricted.

The presidents comments came as Republicans defend their decision to implement a mid-decade redistricting of Texas, which is expected to yield the party additional U.S. House seats after the 2026 election. California Democrats have countered by attempting the same move there.

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Trumps general point about Massachusetts is accurate, give or take a few percentage points. He received 36% of the vote in Massachusetts in last Novembers election, yet Democrats won all of the states U.S. House seats  just as they have in every election since 1996.

Theres no doubt that Democrats in the Bay State have drawn the lines to help their party and its incumbents  the practice of gerrymandering is actually named for a nineteenth-century Massachusetts governor, Elbridge Gerry.

But there is another factor: Republican voters are so scattered across the state that its hard to draw a winnable district, according to a New York Times analysis.

The analysis, by Nate Cohn and Eve Washington, tried to draw a hypothetical district that favors Trump by a few points. The one they came up stretches from Southeastern Massachusetts through Worcester to northern communities not far from the New Hampshire and Vermont borders  a far from compact district.

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Computer simulations underscore the challenge. Of 5,000 algorithmically-drawn maps that attempted to create compact districts respecting county lines, only three produced a single Trump district, and by just a tenth of a percentage point, The Times reported.

It appears all potential Republican-friendly districts would need to include substantial portions of Bristol County, where Trump came within 4,000 votes of winning in 2024 and flipped Fall River red for the first time in 100 years.

Currently, Bristol County is split between two districts.

The 4th District stretches north from Fall River through the Attleboros and Greater Taunton to the Boston suburbs of Brookline and Newton, where incumbent Democrat Jake Auchincloss resides.

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The 9th District includes Greater New Bedford as well as the South Shore, Cape and Islands, and is represented by Bourne Democrat Bill Keating. The 9th also used to include a portion of Fall River, but Auchincloss prevailed in a battle with Keating for control of the city back in 2021.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
ST. LOUIS  At some Schnucks stores, grabbing everyday essentials, like deodorant, shampoo or laundry detergent, might now mean asking an employee to unlock a glass case first.

Earlier this month, one user on a St. Louis Reddit community page shared a photo of deodorant and other personal hygiene items locked behind a glass case. FOX 2 has since confirmed the use of glass cases at the Schnucks Loughborough location in south St. Louis City.

Its unclear how long this arrangement has been in effect at the Loughborough store or how many Schnucks stores in the region may be using glass cases to secure products. However, FOX 2 has confirmed that customers may see glass cases at various locations.

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Protesters rally in Clayton over Mo.s redistricting plan

Last week, a Schnucks spokesperson shared this statement with FOX 2: In an effort to reduce theft and keep prices low for our customers, we utilize these glass cases in select locations in areas where we are seeing an increase in organized retail crime activity.

The spokesperson added that the companys security practices are confidential and did not provide further details on the matter.

Glass cases in use at the Schnucks  Loughborough location. Photo: FOX 2

Glass cases in use at the Schnucks  Loughborough location. Photo: FOX 2

The glass-case protocol at some Schnucks locations renews attention on concerns about retail theft nationwide.

According to the National Retail Federation, in 2021, retail theft accounted for nearly $95 billion in losses. In response, many retailers have ramped up security efforts. Around 45% have invested more in loss prevention, while more than 60% have increased their technology budgets.

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Industry experts say theft not only hurts profit margins, but can also drive up prices and cut into staffing or store improvements. In some cases, security measures like glass cases can even boost sales. A June 2025 blog from ShowcasesDirect.com reported that some retailers using locked display cases saw theft drop by 35% in just four months and also increased sales of nearby-located items.

In recent years, some retailers have turned to glass cases and digital tools to curb theft. CVS now allows shoppers to unlock display cases through a mobile app in select stores. Target and Walgreens have also experimented with glass cases, either with employees unlocking cases or customers using kiosks to order locked items.

Schnucks operates more than 100 stores across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, with a major presence in the St. Louis area. As of late-August, it remains unclear how many Schnucks stores currently have locked glass cases or may move forward with them in the future to secure items.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Thursday, a SkyWest Airlines flight flew out of Colorado, but it was diverted to Austin instead of its planned destination.

SkyWest said the flight was diverted to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after experiencing turbulence.

After landing safely at AUS, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries. Two adult patients were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution. ATCEMS reported to the airport that no injuries are expected to be life-threatening, a spokesperson for the airport told KXAN in a statement.

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According to the airline, SkyWest flight 5971 was operating as United Express at the time, and it was heading from Aspen to Houston.

The flight landed safely and was met by medical personnel upon arrival, SkyWest Airlines said. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard, and we are working with our partner United to assist customers.

What is turbulence

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), turbulence is air movement that often occurs unexpectedly.

It can be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts or thunderstorms, the FAA said. Turbulence can even occur when the sky appears to be clear.

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What is in-flight turbulence, and when does it become dangerous for passengers and crews?

In order to prevent injuries, the FAA said passengers should keep their seat belts buckled, listen to flight crews and pay attention during the pre-flight safety briefing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
South African opposition leader Julius Malema was found guilty of hate speech by the countrys Equality Court on Wednesday this week over comments he made during a political rally in 2022.

This is the third such ruling for the frequently outspoken and controversial leader of the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party.

In May, United States President Donald Trump accused South Africa of discriminating against whites in the country, citing Malema as the leader of an anti-white movement. Relations between the two countries soured dismally this year, with Washington cutting aid to Pretoria and imposing high tariffs.





Heres what we know about the conviction and Malemas run-ins with the law:

Who is Julius Malema?

Malema, 44, is a longtime politician in South Africa and the founder of the EFF, a small leftist party that is notable for its focus on the rights of Black South Africans. Its members often don red berets or military-style clothing.

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Malema is known for his outspoken criticism of the major governing party, the African National Congress (ANC). He was formerly president of the ANC Youth League, until he was expelled in 2012 for going against then-president Jacob Zuma.

The politician has championed controversial policies that many white South Africans see as targeting them, such as expropriating land without compensation and nationalising South African mines, both for the benefit of Black South Africans. Apartheid-era policies saw Blacks disadvantaged in access to wealth and land. That legacy persists today, with most of the countrys privately-owned land still being white-owned.

Malemas vocal support for the Palestinian armed group, Hamas, has also drawn controversy.

In June, Malema was denied a visa to the United Kingdom because he was regarded as non-conducive to the public good, according to the UK Home Office. The EFF described the move as an act of cowardice.

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The EFF has 39 members of parliament. It came fourth in South Africas general elections last May, and is not part of the governing coalition government.

An electoral poster of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is seen in Polokwane, on May 2, 2024, before the 2024 South African general election [File: Lucas Ledwaba/AFP]

What comments has Julius Malema been found guilty over?

On Wednesday, in a case brought by the South African Human Rights Commission, the Western Cape Division of South Africas Equality Court found Malema guilty of hate speech because of comments he made at a rally in Cape Town in October 2022, which the court said violated the countrys Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

At the time he made the comments, Malema was addressing EFF colleagues. He referred to an earlier incident in which party members had come to blows with some white residents outside the Brackenfell High School. Black protesters had gathered outside the school to protest against the alleged exclusion of Black students.

Afterwards, Malema criticised his colleagues for not retaliating more forcefully. He urged them to follow up with one white man seen in the footage so that the man could be attended to properly.

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Malema went on to say that revolutionaries must not be scared to kill, and that racist acts should be interpreted as an application to meet your maker with immediate effect.

No white man is going to beat me up Revolution demands that at some point there must be killing, he said.

The statements, the court found on Wednesday, could be interpreted as a clear intention to incite harm.

Whilst calling out someone who behaves as a racist may be acceptable, calling for them to be killed is not, the court said in its ruling.

No punishment orders have been made yet, but Malema could face an order to apologise publicly, be forced to pay compensation or be recommended for criminal prosecution.

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), arrives at Cape Town City Hall before the State Of The Nation (SONA) address by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town, South Africa, on February 6, 2025 [Nic Bothma/Reuters]

What have Malema and the EFF said about the courts ruling?

In a statement reacting to the ruling on Wednesday, the EFF accused the court of presenting a grave distortion of history and political speech, and of attacking democracy.

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Malemas comments, the party argued, were made in relation to South Africas history of apartheid and subsequent liberation movements, and were meant theoretically. The EFF argued that the court had taken Malemas words out of context and disregarded the events surrounding it, including the Brackenfell school incident and the countrys apartheid history.

This decision is fundamentally flawed and deliberately misreads both the context and the meaning of the speech, the EFF said.

When Malema spoke of war, it was a reference to the irreconcilable conflict between white supremacy and Black consciousness, a war of ideas and systems, not an instruction to kill people, the statement further read.

Has Malema been accused of hate speech before?

Yes, Malema has appeared in court several times for alleged hate speech. He has been found guilty twice, although one ruling was overturned.

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In 2009, he was found guilty of hate speech against a woman who had accused former President Zuma of rape. At the time, Malema and Zuma were close. In a comment, Malema said the woman had a nice time with Zuma. The Equality Court ordered him to publicly apologise to the accuser, and to pay 50,000 rand ($2,824) to a centre for abused women.

He was again found guilty of hate speech in 2011 for singing the isiXhosa song Dubulibhunu or Kill the Boer at a rally. The song, which refers to white Afrikaans speakers, became popular in the 1980s when Black opposition to white minority rule was ramping up. The countrys apartheid government collapsed in 1994, when Black people were able to vote for the first time.

Later, in 2022, after Malema was once more taken to court for singing racially charged songs, the Equality Court overturned that earlier judgement, accepting Malemas arguments that the lyrics were not meant literally, but as a metaphorical statement of resistance.

Afrikaner lobby groups, such as the AfriForum, have continued to appeal the overturning of that ruling. In May, the Constitutional Court dismissed another suit to appeal the case.

Has Trump cited Malema in his allegations of white genocide?

Yes, US President Donald Trump has referred to Malemas speeches as evidence of an alleged white genocide in South Africa.

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Trump, as well as senior officials in his administration, including former adviser Elon Musk, have also backed claims by fringe white South African groups that a genocide of white people is taking place in South Africa.

Several South African experts have debunked this claim, however, and say there is no evidence that white people are being targeted for their race in the country.

Despite this, Trump has used those claims to justify his cutting of foreign aid to South Africa in March and imposing high trade tariffs on the country. He also criticised South Africa for taking Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on allegations that it is committing genocide in Gaza.





In February, the Trump administration launched a refugee programme for white South Africans, even as the US halted migrant protection programmes for people from Afghanistan, for example. Some 59 white South Africans have since migrated to the US as refugees under the new programme. Additionally, the South African ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled in May.

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When President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House in May, in an attempt to rebuild the countries worsening relations, Trump confronted his counterpart with old clips of Malemas rallies and songs and reiterated claims of whites being targeted.

Ramaphosa explained that Malemas EFF is not part of the governing coalition government and is in opposition to the presidents ANC party. He also told Trump that claims of white South Africans being targeted were false, although he acknowledged that the country is facing high crime rates.

Musk, Trumps former adviser, was also present at the high-profile meeting. Musk, who has South African citizenship, has in the past posted clips of Malemas songs and accused the politician of actively promoting white genocide.

How are relations between South Africa and the US generally?

Tensions remain high between the US and South Africa. On Wednesday, South Africas foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, while speaking to the press, accused the US of preferential treatment of white South Africans and Washington of a second apartheid.

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The refugee programme is preferential treatment of Afrikaners, Lamola said. Preferential treatment of a particular privileged group, the Afrikaners, who are not running away from any genocide in this country, is definitely apartheid 2.0, he added.




There's a new buzzword in capitals across Europe and North America  "security guarantees"  a set of measures that are supposed to ensure that if the war in Ukraine stops, Russia won't just simply reinvade Ukraine.

Presidents and prime ministers across the two continents are scrambling to come up with a plan. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 28 that they'll be "set out on paper next week."

But there are significant problems, not least that they rely on Russia agreeing to a ceasefire, a proposal the Kremlin continues to respond to only with more violence and the escalation of hostilities both on the front lines, and in cities across Ukraine.

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Further, diplomats, officials, and experts who spoke to the Kyiv Independent say there's little chance Russia will ever agree to robust security guarantees, and Ukraine's Western allies lack the political and military resolve necessary to enforce them.

"It is widely expected that Russia will decisively oppose any security framework that involves the deployment of foreign, particularly NATO, forces in Ukraine," a senior European official speaking on condition of anonymity told the Kyiv Independent.

The plan

What form security guarantees will take is still up for debate.

One of the earliest iterations floated was the idea of a French and U.K.-led multinational "reassurance force" under the banner of the Coalition of the Willing, though multiple other options have been raised since.

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According to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a robust security mechanism inspired by NATO's Article 5 remains the main guarantee under consideration, though what this would look like in reality remains murky.

A report by the Financial Times on Aug. 26 said the U.S. was prepared to back a European-led peacekeeping contingent in postwar Ukraine by contributing intelligence assets, air defense support, and battlefield oversight.

President Volodymyr Zelensky during a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (Andrew Kravchenko/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Another option under discussion, according to Politico, is a European-backed 40-kilometer buffer zone as an option for a ceasefire or postwar arrangement between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

A source in Ukraine's President's Office told the Kyiv Independent that these are simply a handful of the multiple different plans currently being discussed, with none of them close to being decided upon.

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"What will actually happen? No one knows yet," the source said.

The first problem

Regardless, any security guarantees that effectively deter future Russian aggression would almost certainly require Western troops on the ground in Ukraine.

But there's one problem  Russia.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Aug. 27 once again rejected the idea of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, saying Moscow has a "negative attitude" to any such deployment.

This contradicts previous claims made by U.S. President Donald in February that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has no problem with it."

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Some European capitals don't even believe that Russia would agree to steps far below the "troops on the ground" threshold.

"It is highly improbable that Russia will agree to security guarantees that include U.S. air defense and much more extensive intelligence support," a senior European official told the Kyiv Independent.

"These measures would strategically undermine Russia's deterrence capabilities and compromise its operational autonomy against Ukrainian forces."

In short, agreeing to any security guarantees would mean Russia would have to abandon the maximalist demands for Ukraine that it has consistently voiced, even throughout the ongoing peace process.

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In what appears to be an effort to make sure the Kremlin still has a direct line to Trump's ear as security guarantees are thrashed out, Moscow this week insisted any talks on the issue with the U.S. should be held in private.

"Undoubtedly, (security guarantees are) one of the key issues in the context of efforts to find a settlement," Peskov said on Aug. 27.

"But we would not like to discuss this matter in public. We consider it unhelpful for the overall effectiveness," he added.

This raises an obvious problem  how does the U.S. and Europe develop effective security guarantees if Russia won't agree to them?

A soldier of an artillery crew stands by a 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzer that is fired during a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia sector, Ukraine, on August 20, 2025. (Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The solution

Experts and Ukrainian officials who spoke to the Kyiv Independent are unanimous in their solution  don't let Moscow have any say in the process and implement them regardless of their objections.

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"The bottom line is that Russia will not agree to security guarantees, but Russia should not be given the veto of what these security guarantees are because Russia is the aggressor," Kateryna Stepanenko, Russia deputy team lead and analyst at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), told the Kyiv Independent.

It's a sentiment that is echoed in Kyiv, as well as European capitals closer both geographically and historically to Russian aggression.

"Russia is an aggressor. Security guarantees are directed against the aggressor," Oleksandr Merezhko, a top lawmaker from President Volodymyr Zelensky's party, told the Kyiv Independent.

"It makes no sense to get Russia involved in any kind of discussions about that."

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Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told the Kyiv Independent that the Kremlin must have no influence over this process, adding "We cannot let the aggressor decide how the victim can defend itself. It would both legitimize the aggression and render the guarantees meaningless.

"The purpose of these guarantees is to deter further Russian aggression, not to give Russia a voice in shaping them."

The second problem

Excluding Russia from discussions about security guarantees is one thing  implementing them without Russia's permission is another entirely, and would risk a direct confrontation between Europe and Russia.

"(Europe is) not going to have the balls to do that," Peter Rutland, a professor of government at Wesleyan University and expert in Russian nationalism and politics, told the Kyiv Independent.

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"Who wins if you escalate? Well, that's completely one sided because Putin is crazy, Putin doesn't care about human life, and he has 20,000 nuclear weapons.

"There's no argument on that one."

Rutland's sentiment is echoed by former U.K. Defense Attache in Moscow, John Foreman, who told the Kyiv Independent it was "unlikely that any Western nation would promise to punish Russia should a peace deal break down."

Any confrontation "leading to casualties is a political liability that most nations cannot afford," the senior European official added.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for a press conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

This all leaves the very idea of Ukraine's security guarantees largely dead in the water  anything genuinely strong enough to deter Russian aggression would have to be implemented in defiance of Moscow and risk causing a war that Europe is unprepared for, both politically and militarily.

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"In the longer term, Ukraines membership in NATO and the EU remains the strongest guarantee for its security and that of wider Europe," Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, told the Kyiv Independent.

But with NATO membership off the table for now, EU membership still a long way off, and Russia giving no indication it is willing to end its full-scale invasion, Ukraine faces uncertain months and perhaps years ahead if all the talk of security guarantees amounts to nothing.

According to Foreman, the only thing Ukraine can rely on are its own armed forces.

"I think the biggest security guarantee is ongoing support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian army with money, arms and expertise to deny Russia any military advantage and to raise the costs of a renewed invasion," he said.

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Read also: Exclusive: Maker of Ukraines new Flamingo cruise missile facing corruption probe

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
SPRINGFIELD  A Wilbraham radiologist is suing MassMutual over a lawsuit in which a defense attorney was lead counsel in a case while not being admitted to practice law in this state.

Jeffrey C. Allard became embroiled in a lawsuit filed in 2020 because the insurance giant refused to pay his individual disability policies out after Allard experienced loss of vision which impaired his ability to practice medicine, according to court records.

His claim in that case says he lost more than $330,000 when the company refused to pay his policies, despite that they never lapsed nor canceled.

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A judge dismissed the claims filed by Allard last year and Allards appeal also was denied, the court docket shows.

After that, Allards attorney determined that an attorney for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Michael Welnicki, sponsored another lawyer, Sandra Jones, to assist him in litigation for three years while she was not licensed to practice in the Bay State, according to the more recent lawsuit filed in Hampden Superior Court on Aug. 19.

A judge admitted Jones three years on in the litigation on an emergency basis when a court clerk informed the parties Jones was not properly licensed. Allard is suing for money damages and lawyers fees.

MassMutual has not yet responded in court because of the freshness of the lawsuit.

Read the original article on MassLive.
Aug. 29---- The man who was arrested after crashing on a residential lawn in southwest Willmar was sentenced to more than nine years in the drive-by shooting he had committed a few hours earlier that day.

Travis Richard Summerlet, 37, of Willmar, was charged in spring of 2024 with second-degree attempted murder after a

Court documents say a woman found a vehicle driven by Summerlet blocking her driveway and he fired one shot at her before driving away.

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A Willmar police officer later located and followed the suspect vehicle before it crashed on the front lawn of a residence in southwest Willmar. Shortly afterward, police later found Summerlet hiding in a nearby shed and arrested him without incident.

He was

including second-degree attempted murder, dangerous weapons  drive-by shooting, second-degree assault and illegal possession of a firearm/ammunition.

Summerlet pleaded guilty in April to the drive-by shooting charge and to possession of a firearm. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to withdraw a motion seeking a longer sentence and to dismiss the two remaining charges.

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Summerlet was ordered to serve 111 months for the drive-by shooting charge and 60 months for the illegal possession of a firearm. He received credit for 510 days already served in custody. Both sentences will be served concurrently.

For his Aug. 21 sentencing hearing, Summerlet appeared remotely from the correctional facility in Rush City where he had been incarcerated since June 20 on an unrelated criminal matter.

In Minnesota, convicted offenders must serve at least two-thirds of their sentence in custody before being eligible to serve remaining time on supervised release. According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Summerlet's expected release date from prison is May 29, 2030.

On March 28, 2024, the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of shots being fired at approximately 1:07 p.m. in the 1300 block of 105th Street Southeast in rural Kandiyohi.

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According to the filed criminal complaint, a woman at the scene told officers that she was attempting to leave her driveway in her vehicle when Summerlet, driving another vehicle, parked directly in front of her, blocking the driveway. Summerlet then began yelling directly at her.

She said she asked Summerlet, whom she knew, to leave but he reached across the passenger seat of his vehicle and produced a handgun. He fired one shot directly at her.

The woman estimated she was approximately 15 feet away from Summerlet when he fired the gun.

According to the complaint, the woman attempted to avoid the gunfire by ducking her head and putting her vehicle in reverse.

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She said Summerlet's vehicle then drove away rapidly and turned westbound onto Kandiyohi County Road 23.

A bullet hole was found on the driver's side headlight of the woman's vehicle, and investigators recovered a bullet from the engine compartment of the vehicle.

The woman advised responding officers that in past instances Summerlet had threatened to kill her, her dog and her parents.

A police officer later located Summerlet's vehicle on Willmar Avenue Southeast. According to the complaint, when the officer turned around to follow the vehicle, it began accelerating to speeds up to 55 miles per hour and ran through multiple traffic signals and stop signs before crashing near the intersection of Willmar Avenue and 16th Street Southwest.

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According to the complaint, Summerlet and two other passengers in the vehicle then fled on foot after the vehicle crashed.

An officer at the scene of the crash was advised by a resident that someone, later determined to be Summerlet, had entered their shed within the 1100 block of 18th Street Southwest. Law enforcement quickly set up a perimeter around the location, and Summerlet was arrested without incident.

According to the complaint, Summerlet declined to speak with officers once he was in custody.

A search of the vehicle yielded a tablet with Summerlet's Minnesota offender identification number from the Department of Corrections.

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The complaint also alleges Summerlet was wearing a GPS ankle monitor as part of his release conditions in another matter. GPS data from the monitor located Summerlet at the scene of the shooting around the time it was reported to law enforcement.

A witness interviewed the day after the incident told police that Summerlet was upset after recently being served paperwork that terminated parental rights to one of his children.
RAIFORD, Fla.  More than 33 years after he murdered three people in Orange County, Curtis Windom was executed Thursday evening at Florida State Prison.

Windom, 59, was pronounced dead at 6:17 p.m. and became the 11th inmate executed in Florida this year  a modern-era record. Gov. Ron DeSantis also has signed a death warrant to execute David Pittman, 63, on Sept. 17 in the 1990 Polk County murders of three family members of Pittmans estranged wife.

It took 33 years to get some closure, Kemene Hunter, sister of one of Windoms victims, Valerie Davis, told reporters after Thursdays execution.

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She added, Justice for her, healing for me.

Windom woke at 5 a.m. Thursday and ate a last meal of ribs, baked beans, collard greens, potato salad, pie, ice cream, and a soda, Florida Department of Corrections spokesman Ted Veerman said. Windom did not have any visitors on Thursday.

He made a last statement, but it was unintelligible from a witness room adjoining the execution chamber. The lethal-injection process started at 6:02 p.m. and, as is common, Windoms chest could be seen moving up and down in the following minutes. No movement was visible after about 6:08 p.m.

DeSantis, on July 2,9 signed a death warrant for Windom, who was convicted of killing Davis, Johnnie Lee, and Mary Lubin on Feb. 7, 1992.

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A document filed at the Florida Supreme Court with the death warrant said Windom claimed that Lee owed him $2,000. After finding out that Lee had won $114 at a greyhound track, Windom bought a .38-caliber revolver and ammunition.

Minutes later, Windom drove his car next to where Lee was standing and shot Lee twice in the back, the document, which came from Attorney General James Uthmeier, said. He then got out of the car and shot Lee two more times at close range as Lee lay on the ground.

It said Windom then ran toward the apartment of Davis, who the document described as his on-again-off-again girlfriend, and fatally shot her. Lubin, who was Davis mother, left work and drove down a street after finding out her daughter had been shot.

When she stopped at a stop sign, Windom approached her car, said something to her, and then shot her twice, killing her, the document said. Another man, Kenneth Williams, was wounded in the shooting spree but survived.

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In trying to prevent the execution, Windoms attorneys argued primarily that he received incompetent legal representation during his 1992 trial. But the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a final appeal, after the Florida Supreme Court last week turned down the arguments.

Floridas previous record for executions in a year during the modern era was eight in 1984 and 2014. The modern era represents the time since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, after a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court Ruling halted it.

Other inmates executed this year were Kayle Bates on Aug. 19; Edward Zakrzewski on July 31; Michael Bell on July 15; Thomas Gudinas on June 24; Anthony Wainwright on June 10; Glen Rogers on May 15; Jeffrey Hutchinson on May 1; Michael Tanzi on April 8; Edward James on March 20; and James Ford on Feb. 13.

Members of Windoms family, the group Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops this month called for halting Windoms execution.

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Curtis was sentenced to death for the 1992 murders of Johnnie Lee, Valerie Davis, and Mary Lubin, Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty said on its website. We acknowledge and honor the loss experienced by the families of these individuals. Still, we cannot honor the victims with more killings. Governor DeSantis must stop this execution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Now that Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has requested a disaster declaration from President Donald Trump after historic flooding, how long will it be until residents receive aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency?

It depends on how long Trump takes to approve the request. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley's office anticipates it will be several weeks before residents can begin applying for aid.

Under the Trump administration, some governors have had their requests denied. Some states with pending declarations have waited a month or longer, though that timeline was common for Wisconsin under past presidents.

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When local media asked about FEMA aid during Vice President JD Vance's visit to La Crosse Aug. 28, Vance said it was the first he was hearing of the request Evers made Aug. 27 and it may not have reached Trump's desk yet.

"What I can promise you is, now that I'm aware of it, we're going to take a look at it, we're going to make sure that it gets the review that it requires," Vance said. "We love Wisconsin."

Here's what to know about the expected timeline, how long other states waited to receive aid and what local officials want residents to know:

When will FEMA aid become available in Wisconsin?

There's no required timeline for Trump to approve or deny Wisconsin's request, but it's likely to take several weeks. Crowley's office said information on applying for aid will be shared with the public once Trump makes his decision.

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Milwaukee County's Office of Emergency Management created a flow chart in English and Spanish to help residents understand the process.

The flyer explains that residents who called 211 to report damage won't automatically get federal aid. Depending on Trump's decision, individuals and households in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties will likely apply through disasterassistance.gov.

Officials determined Ozaukee County's damage was more limited, so individuals won't be able to apply for FEMA aid. Funding could be approved for public infrastructure in Ozaukee, Door and Grant counties, however.

FEMA Process Infographic by Post-Crescent

What has the White House said about Wisconsin's disaster declaration request?

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Trump "responds to each request for federal assistance under the Stafford Act with great care and consideration, ensuring American tax dollars are used appropriately and efficiently by the states to supplement  not substitute  their obligation to respond to and recover from disasters."

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Responding to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel inquiry, Jackson also said: "The Trump administration remains committed to empowering and working with state and local governments to invest in their own resilience before disaster strikes, making response less urgent and recovery less prolonged."

Evers also asked Trump to approve Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for six counties in Wisconsin. Trump has denied that form of aid, which funds long-term projects like storm sewer upgrades, for many states this year.

More: Naturalized streams, rivers may have prevented worse flooding. MMSD spent $580 million.

What has Trump said about overhauling FEMA?

Wisconsin's plea came two days after nearly 200 current and former FEMA employees sent a sent a letter to Congress, warning that top officials' inexperience is slowing their ability to quickly respond to disasters. Some employees who signed their name have been suspended.

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Trump has suggested overhauling or abolishing FEMA and said states and local governments should play a more "active and significant role" in disaster preparedness.

Evers said Wisconsin will find and deploy as much state, local and nonprofit aid as possible, but "due to the magnitude of this event, those resources alone will not meet all recovery and mitigation needs."

"Federal funding is a critical piece of the puzzle," Evers' letter read, urging Trump to "act quickly" to declare a disaster before flood victims left without furnaces or water heaters encounter winter weather.

What happens if Wisconsin's request is delayed or denied?

If Trump denies Wisconsin's request, the state could appeal the denial within 30 days.

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If federal aid isn't approved, Milwaukee County could seek smaller pools of funds, Crowley's office said. That includes the Wisconsin Disaster Fund, which helps local governments but doesn't provide aid for individuals or businesses.

Individual households could still get assistance if counties seek additional help from non-governmental organizations. The American Red Cross is already providing financial assistance to Milwaukee-area residents with severely damaged homes.

More: As wait for federal aid continues, Red Cross will provide financial assistance to flood victims

How long has it taken for states to get FEMA aid in 2025?

FEMA's daily operations briefing from Aug. 28 showed 12 states and tribes, including Wisconsin, are awaiting action from Trump on their disaster declaration requests.

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Some have waited more than a month, including the Crow Tribe of Montana, which submitted its request July 17 following severe storms and flooding. North Dakota and Nebraska are also awaiting declarations after submitting requests July 21 and 24.

An investigation by Seattle public radio station KUOW found that, in his first 100 days in office, Trump approved half of states' disaster declaration requests. He denied six of 10 requests from Democratic governors in that timeframe, the investigation found, and one of 15 from Republicans.

Democratic Gov. Wes Moore called Trump's denial of Maryland's request in July a partisan decision. Trump also rejected a request from Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a Republican and Trump's former press secretary.

How long has it taken for Wisconsin to get past disaster declarations?

Under past presidential administrations, it was common for Wisconsin to wait several weeks between the weather event and an approved disaster declaration. Some were approved within days.

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Here's a sampling of past major disaster declarations for Wisconsin, according to FEMA records, and the number of days between the weather event start date and the declaration:

Severe winter storm and flooding in 2020: 61 days

Severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and landslides in 2018: 62 days

Severe storms, flooding and mudslides in 2016: 29 days

Severe storms and flooding in 2012: 44 days

Severe winter storm and snowstorm in 2011: 64 days

Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2008: 9 days

Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2002: 8 days

Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in 2000: 29 days

Since 1991, presidential disaster declarations have been approved for flooding in 70 out of Wisconsin's 72 counties, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jessie Opoien contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: When will FEMA aid for floods reach Wisconsin, Milwaukee? It's unsure
CHICOPEE  Gov. Maura Healey is asking the Legislature for $33.4 million to plug a budget deficit for the Hampden County Sheriffs Department.

It spent far more than the $102 million the state budgeted for the agency for fiscal 2025, which ended several weeks ago.

Across the state last fiscal year, spending by county sheriffs exploded, with nearly every Sheriffs Department ending the year with a deficit. Hampden County had the largest shortfall. The next closest gaps are $28.4 million for Suffolk County and $21.6 for Plymouth County, according to an Executive Office of Administration and Finance breakdown.

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Healey has stepped in and asked the Legislature to bail out the Sheriffs Departments with an additional $163 million.

Its typical that funding for the states Sheriffs Departments is inadequate in the annual budget for the commonwealth. In fiscal 2024, Healey asked the Legislature for $46 million to address their budget gaps.

If approved, Healeys request would raise projected spending of $720 million in the core Sheriffs Departments funding accounts by 22% for fiscal 2025, according to a State House News Service analysis of the governors recent proposal. For Hampden County, the budget increase would be 32%.

While the state estimated the Hampden County Sheriffs Department gap was $33.4 million, the department expects it will be closer to $28 million, said Robert Rizzuto, the sheriffs communications director.

A number of factors

He pointed to a variety of cost increases in the last year as part of the issue.

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Medication-assisted treatment program costs have increased exponentially, Rizzuto said.

Both no-cost communications and medication-assisted treatment are state-mandated programs that continue to grow in scope and cost each year. However, the funding allocated in the state budget for these programs has been decreasing, Rizzuto said.

No-cost calls are free incoming and outgoing phone calls to and from prisoners, which officials say helps with combating recidivism and community re-integration for convicts. The medication-assisted treatment is for prisoners who are battling addiction; it typically involves prescription drugs such as methadone or suboxone.

Although the treatment program has increased since its initial pilot, the funding available is spread across more agencies and the state Department of Correction, Rizzuto said, meaning the amount available for each individual department has decreased while program costs grow.

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The department spent $4 million on medication-assisted treatment last year, according to Rizzuto. No-cost calls cost the department $750,000 last year, he said.

Other increased expenses from the previous fiscal year include an additional $600,000 on pharmaceuticals, $600,000 for information technology upgrades, $425,000 in laundry and clothing, and $250,000 in utilities, according to the department.

Unionized staff also received a 4% pay bump in 2025 for cost of living increases, and thats on top of a 3% increase the previous year.

For an agency of our size, this adds millions to payroll obligations, the department said in the statement.

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The Sheriffs Department also operates major facilities, including the Western Massachusetts Regional Womens Correctional Center and Western Massachusetts Regional Wellness and Recovery Center.

These facilities provide specialized services that are critical to public safety and rehabilitation across the commonwealth, yet they lack adequate dedicated funding, the department wrote in a funding breakdown provided to the News Service and The Republican.

The department receives $5 million in a line item from the state toward the Womens Correctional Centers $25 million annual operational cost. The rest of that cost is covered by state funds that come to the Sheriffs Department through its general budget.

The annual operational cost of the Wellness and Recovery Center sits at $10 million, which does not get any funds in a specific state line item and is covered by the state-funded general budget for the Sheriffs Department.

Statewide look

According to the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, the above-budget spending across the state was tied to costs associated with salary increases, programs that provides care for inmates with substance use disorder, and the statewide no-cost calls program.

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Sheriffs offices have seen a 175% increase in offender calls, a 188% increase in call duration and a 574% increase in e-communications by offenders since the law was enacted, said Jordan Noe, director of communications at the Sheriffs Association.

Sheriffs manage their own expenses, and the Legislature over the years has made allocations after the end of each fiscal year to finance underfunded accounts. For fiscal 2024, it constituted about 6% of their annual projected $755.9 million spend across departments.

There are some consistent financial challenges facing all sheriffs offices, and some that are unique to individual counties, Noe said.

The total deficiencies across departments per the administrations breakdown totals about $145 million. The $163 million proposed in Healeys spending bill includes estimated funding for additional unpaid fiscal 2025 accounts, according to Administration and Finance Deputy Chief of External Affairs Stephanie Knapp.

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Several sheriffs asked lawmakers in April at a budget hearing to consider making adjustments to the no-cost calls program, because of skyrocketing costs and demand associated with monitoring communications.

Its important that inmates keep in contact with friends and family to facilitate reentry. Nobody disputes that, Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said at the time, calling unlimited calls unreasonable.

But whats happened is that, a lot of times, inmates are now talking on the phone when they would have been doing programming. You also have a correlation with an increase in witness intimidation and (an) increase in drug-dealing coordination, as well, Heroux said.

At the hearing, Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins  who recently stepped away from his role to face extortion charges  called the calls cost-ineffective. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott said that his staff was experiencing an overwhelming commitment to the monitoring responsibilities.

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The state initially allocated $20 million for the program when the law took effect in fiscal 2023. Projected spending was cut to $10 million in fiscal 2025. While Healey proposed $15 million for fiscal 2026, the final allocation in the budget she signed this summer sits at only $1 million.

Those communications must also be reviewed by security staff, which adds to the expense, and there are fees charged by the vendors. While the reform provides positive steps for justice and equity, it also removed revenue streams that sheriffs offices had relied upon to offset programming costs, Noe said. The Sheriffs Association anticipates that the cost of no-cost communications in fiscal 2025 is $12.5 million.

Rizzuto said sheriffs were surprised to see the annual budget for no-cost communications decrease year-over-year from $10 million to $1 million.

Meanwhile, the demand for justice-involved communications continues to rise, especially with the addition of tablet-based communications on top of traditional phone calls, which has significantly increased costs, Rizzuto said.

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In Plymouth County, Sheriff Joseph McDonald is estimating no-cost calls will cost his department alone $2 million this fiscal year.

The Legislatures current appropriation to the Communication Access Trust Fund of $1 million for reimbursement is woefully underfunded to cover the expenses incurred by the sheriffs who manage the 13 correctional facilities and all of the Department of Correction, McDonald said. We will continue to work with the administration and Legislature on how to meet this mandate and budget shortfall.

Noe said that cost-of-living salary adjustments for those working in correctional facilities have significantly outpaced annual budget increases. In one recent fiscal year, for example, the staff at one office received a 4% COLA while their operating budget increased by 2%.

The Norfolk County Sheriffs Department, which experienced one of the smallest fiscal 2025 deficits  $876,000  has certainly seen trends over the last fiscal year that have led to significant increases in our approved operational expenditures, department Communications Director Pete Wilson told the News Service.

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Along with no-cost calls and addiction treatment, Wilson said collective bargaining agreements and employee turnover and overtime are also playing a role. Recruitment challenges across law enforcement have affected staffing, leading to increases in overtime expenses, Wilson wrote.

The Sheriffs Association called the supplemental budget a reflection of the real costs associated with the needs of our populations and the responsibilities of our public safety offices, adding that offices are audited regularly by outside agencies.

Read the original article on MassLive.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 51-year-old woman has been arrested after her two dogs viciously mauled a man, resulting in life-threatening injuries on Wednesday, Aug. 27, in San Elizario, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office.

Laura Mendez Gonzalez, 51, has been charged with attack by dog resulting in serious bodily injury and was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $25,000 bond, according to the Sheriffs Office.

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, deputies with the East Montana Patrol Station were dispatched to the area of Saltillo and Guitar by the El Paso County Animal Control, following a reported dog attack.

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When deputies arrived, they found a 60-year-old man had been viciously mauled by two pit bulls. The man suffered life-threatening injuries to his neck and limbs and lost consciousness due to severe blood loss, the Sheriffs Office said.

The man was transported to a local hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for emergency treatment, EPCSO said.

According to the department, animal control officers at the scene were able to find and secure one of the attacking dogs. Detectives with EPCSO immediately opened an investigation, which led to the identification of the dogs owner as Mendez Gonzalez.

Investigators learned that Mendez Gonzalez resided in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and had been leaving the dogs unattended at a residence in San Elizario, returning only once a week to provide food and water, according to the Sheriffs Office.

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EPCSO said detectives believe the dogs escaped through a broken chain-link fence in search of food and water.

Detectives then obtained a search warrant to seize the second dog and an arrest warrant for Mendez Gonzalez.

On Aug. 27, detectives working with El Paso County Animal Control seized the second dog and coordinated the arrest of Mendez Gonzalez, where she was taken into custody, according to the Sheriffs Office.

The El Paso County Sheriffs Office remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding

the community and will continue to hold accountable those whose actions place others in

danger, read the news release from the Sheriffs Office.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Aug. 28A Valencia County woman was indicted this week for allegedly using stolen nursing credentials to illegally provide care for hospice patients, the New Mexico Department of Justice said Thursday.

In one case, April Guadalupe Hernandez allegedly miswrote a medication order that nearly led to the administration of a fatal dose of morphine to a patient, the agency said in a statement.

Hernandez, 26, was indicted on 19 criminal counts including nursing without a license, identity theft, fraud and other charges, according to the indictment.

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Hernandez, a certified nurse assistant, allegedly stole the identities of out-of-state nurses to gain employment with three New Mexico hospice providers from August 2024 to June 2025, the indictment said.

Attempts to reach Hernandez on Thursday were unsuccessful. Court records indicate she is represented by the Law Offices of the Public Defender, but the agency had no record of representing Hernandez, a spokeswoman said.

"To exploit trusting patients in their most vulnerable moments is unconscionable," Attorney General Raul Torrez said in the statement. "These charges send a clear message: the New Mexico Department of Justice will not tolerate those who endanger the safety of patients or betray the trust of our health care system."

Hernandez was indicted Monday by a 2nd Judicial District Court grand jury. She is scheduled for arraignment Sept. 8 before Judge Britt Baca.

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Hernandez is charged with three felony counts of identity theft for allegedly stealing the identities of two registered nurses from California and Texas and a licensed practical nurse from Kansas, the indictment said.

She also is charged with three felony counts of fraud for using false nursing credentials to obtain employment with New Mexico hospice providers that collectively paid her $40,000, the Department of Justice said. She is also charged with three felony counts of falsification of Medicaid documents.

Hernandez was employed by Luna Del Valle Healthcare Services, Lily Care of New Mexico and Hospice De La Luz, which hired her based on the fraudulent licenses, the indictment said. Lily Care of New Mexico and Hospice De La Luz declined comment or did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment.

Luna Del Valle Healthcare Services, in a statement Thursday, said it takes the charges leveled against Hernandez "extremely seriously."

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"Patient safety and regulatory compliance are our highest priorities, and we are deeply concerned by these allegations," according to the statement.

Hernandez was hired in August 2024 with a nursing license verified as being active in Kansas. In December 2024, concerns that Hernandez had not switched over her license led to an internal investigation  which led to her being removed from "all patient care."

"The appropriate documentation and behavior became increasingly suspicious over the following days, including abruptly resigning from her position rather than providing the required documentation," according to the statement.

The company said it has "reviewed and enhanced" license verification "to ensure this type of situation cannot occur again."
NEED TO KNOW

The day after Hurricane Katrina hit, Lynette Boutte was part of a group of women and children forced to leave the salon where they were sheltering at gunpoint

What followed was a long journey to safety, which was plagued by fear, heat, lack of water and injustice, Boutte, now 77, tells PEOPLE

She went on to spend more than a decade trying to reopen her salon in the same location

Lynette Boutte had no intention of leaving her salon when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, but she would soon learn she had no choice.

On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 30, a day after the storm made landfall, men in uniforms with guns banged on her door. The levees had already broken, bringing flood waters to the Treme neighborhood where her salon, Image Makers, and her home stood.

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They held guns at us and told us we had to leave, the stylist and educator, now 77, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue marking the 20th anniversary of the natural disaster.

It would take Boutte, one of the survivors featured in the new National Geographic five-part documentary, Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, more than a decade to reopen the building she loved so dearly.

Despite what was lost, the business owner says shes happy she made sacrifices so she could return home. My heart's in this place, she says.

Even after two decades, Katrina remains one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in United States history.

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By Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005, at least 80% of New Orleans was under water after levees separating the historic city from Lake Pontchartrain fractured. The storm caused 1,833 deaths and more than $100 billion in damage, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Geographic series dives into footage and narratives from officials leading the disaster response at the time, revealing incompetencies and false information from the media that cost locals their lives. It also puts a spotlight on the courage of first responders and the residents' fight for survival.

This series goes beyond the headlines. It reveals stories of survival, heroism and resilience, executive producers Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian say in a statement. Its a vital historical record and a call to witness, remember and reckon with the truth of Hurricane Katrinas legacy.

Take PEOPLE with you! Subscribe to PEOPLE magazine to get the latest details on celebrity news, exclusive royal updates, how-it-happened true crime stories and more  right to your mailbox.

Born in the 1940s and raised alongside nine siblings, Boutte tells PEOPLE she climbed telephone poles during her time with a telephone company before becoming a stylist  and her ties to the neighborhood ran deep. Her grandmother was born down the street from the future salon and Boutte was raised just two doors down.

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The history that is here is something that most people don't understand, says Boutte, who purchased her building in 1995. A

decade later, she finished paying off the business loan.

The building and her well-known clients, mostly local musicians and politicians, remain a point of pride. I'm from an artistic family, so my color is not always what you would wear to go to church, says the color specialist.

National Geographic Lynette Boutte styling a client. Lynette Boutte styling a client.

In January 2005, Boutte took out a lien on her property to cover the cost of repairs and a new roof was installed.

Just three days later, Katrina destroyed everything shed worked for.

Even before the hurricane struck, Boutte, her sister, a friend and the womans three children had all been sheltering at the property, which included the salon with a house on the top floor and a secondary building.

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Although they quickly lost power, Boutte wasnt overly concerned because she had a portable TV, radios, water and dry goods. The day of the storm, there was about six inches of water on the street, but again, as her building stood a few feet above sea level, floodwaters didn't seem like a threat.

All of a sudden, we hear an explosion, she recalls. It was the levees and floodwalls failing.

We had three feet nine inches of water on the street, which meant my salon became breached and flooded, Boutte says.

As they watched people traveling by on flat boats, the group realized something wasnt right. By Tuesday, men in uniform arrived. The group were told to make their way to a facility three-quarters of a mile away, even though it meant going through chin-high water.

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We went from three feet nine inches of water to nearly five feet of water, says Boutte. I'm 4' 11", all right? So, that meant we had to try and maneuver so that we could not drown.

The group picked up a pair of elderly twins and a male relative along the way, putting them in a boat and dropping them off at a safe location with others. Then Boutte, her sister and the rest of their group made their way to the interstate, one of the highest points in the area.

It was a long journey to safety, one plagued by fear, heat, lack of water and injustice, Boutte says.

After she was transported to Texas, she and others were dropped off at a stadium. The group was told to leave their belongings on the bus and searched. An exasperated Boutte, who hadn't bathed in a week, replied, 'I hope it smells good, m-----------."

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From there, she caught a plane from Dallas to Florida, where one of her sibling's lived.

I ended up in the hospital, says Boutte, who suffered from dehydration, high blood pressure and an eye infection. I was really ill when I got there.

Courtesy Lynette Boutte Inside the salon, Image Makers. Inside the salon, Image Makers.

By October 2005, Boutte visited her devastated home city, but didnt move back until January the following year. Every cent she received from the insurance company was immediately snapped up by the bank, she says. Her building had been destroyed, but she refused to sell.

I done paid for this building three times, she says. There's nothing really I can do about it because I want to stay where I am  this is where I'm established.

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Boutte began working as a stylist and teacher at another location, saving for years until she could reopen her salon in Treme in 2017. For Boutte, theres no regret in reclaiming her home.

As her mom once told her, New Orleans is a boomerang city. You're going to come right back.

Read the original article on People
NEED TO KNOW

A woman drove her car off a highway into a river in Texas, with three kids in tow

The woman and her 1-year-old infant died, while two older children survived

Authorities have concluded the incident was a murder-suicide

A woman who drove her car into a river in April, killing herself and her infant child, did it intentionally, authorities in Texas now claim.

The woman was driving a Kia SUV in Channelview, Texas, just east of Houston, with her 7, 5 and 1-year-old children in tow when the car veered off the road and plunged into the San Jacinto River on April 25, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said on social media.

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The two older children were rescued by a Good Samaritan, Harris noted, but the woman and the infant were pronounced dead at the scene.

They had each drowned, and the infant was still strapped into her car seat when discovered, the Houston Chronicle reported. The two older children were taken to the hospital in stable condition, the outlet reported.

Gonzalez said on Thursday, Aug. 28, that the incident had been ruled a murder-suicide, and that the woman had intentionally driven the car into the river. Authorities subsequently found a suicide note in the submerged Kia, Gonzalez said.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Authorities did not name the deceased mother and child, but the woman's sister named them as 39-year-old Crystal Hall-Njepu and 1-year-old Annah in a GoFundMe appeal.

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Hall-Njepu's sister, Shannon Jackson, set up the fundraiser to cover funeral costs and support for the surviving children  more than $17,000 has been raised since April.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Read the original article on People
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A Romanian woman pled guilty to a wire fraud scheme that defrauded grocery stores in Central Mississippi.

According to court documents, a supermarket chain observed Loredana Sava, 36, and an accomplice execute a quick change scheme on May 7, 2025, which involved a wire transaction to steal money from five local stores and impacting five others in the district.

Jackson man pleads guilty to attempted robbery of dollar store

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Prosecutors said Sava could be seen on surveillance video at various stores on May 7 in Flowood, Brandon, Ridgeland and Jackson requesting $2,500 wire transfers from kiosks inside the stores, using sleight-of-hand techniques to trick cashiers into giving over money to which she was not entitled. The schemes design exploited the supermarket terminals and interstate wires for servers located in Denver, Colorado. They also said Sava did not have authorization to be lawfully present in the United States.

Sava is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Loredana Sava (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center)

The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney Generals Office are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
A woman has suffered serious injuries in Alaska when a bear attacked her near her driveway while she was out on her early morning jog, officials said.

The incident occurred early Tuesday morning when the Kenai Police Department in Alaska received a call at 6:58 a.m. informing them that there had been a bear attack near the intersection of Chinook Drive in Kenai, the Alaska Department of Public Safety said in their statement on Tuesday.

MORE: New York shuts down hiking trail in Adirondack Mountains due to moose engaging in 'unusual behaviors'

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[An] investigation revealed a 36-year-old female departed her residence at 5:45 a.m. to go jogging and was near her driveway when the initial attack occurred, police said.

A neighbor eventually came outside and located the unnamed victim before alerting authorities to the incident.

MORE: New species of ancient shark discovered at Mammoth Cave National Park

The jogger was taken by helicopter to an Anchorage area hospital where she was treated for serious injuries, according to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, though no details were given about what injuries she sustained or what condition she was in following her initial medical evaluation and treatment.

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Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Kenai Police Department, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game personnel searched the area on foot and with a drone looking for the bear, officials said. The bear has not been located. Patrols of the area will continue, and the public is advised to remain vigilant while outdoors.

MORE: 2 hikers rescued by helicopter from remote beach after rising tides cut off exit route

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge nearby contains almost 2 million acres of land along with an estimated 2,183 different animal species living there, according to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

The investigation into the attack is currently ongoing.
Not long ago, Guillermina ran into a coworker at her doctors office. The two women work together at a McDonalds near San Jose, California. When Guillermina asked what her coworker was doing at the doctor, she responded that shed been feeling ill, adding, You know how hot it gets in the kitchen.

Guillermina understood. She is the shift manager at McDonalds, and has worked in fast food for 22 years. The air-conditioning in her building is old, she said, and isnt designed for the scorching summer temperatures experienced today. Last year, the employees went on strike after temperatures in the kitchen rose above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to Guillermina, she and her coworkers  mostly women, mostly Spanish-speakers  often work through excessive heat, struggling with dizziness, headaches, and fatigue, to the point of vomiting.

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She tried to comfort her coworker. Guillermina is a member of the California Fast Food Workers Union, a new effort by the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, to organize low-wage, fast-food workers. She had invited her coworker to join the union many times before, but shed always declined. At the doctors office, Guillermina took another chance at her pitch, but her coworker answered plainly: She and the other employees were scared.

In an interview in Spanish, Guillermina shared that she also fears retribution in the workplace for organizing. (Grist is only identifying Guillermina by her first name to protect her identity.) Twice shed had her hours cut, and after she and her coworkers went on strike, her managers threatened her, saying that because of her, they were all going to be fired.

This month, SEIU held a series of actions with workers like Guillermina across California to protest dangerous heat in fast-food restaurants. In San Jose, workers at an El Pollo Loco location walked out on the job and went on a two-day strike after temperatures in the restaurant reached 90 degrees. The unions Heat Week is the latest in a new wave of labor organizing focused on how climate change impacts workers. But the reasonable fear that Guillermina and her coworkers face underscores the challenges of holding employers accountable for worker safety on a warming planet.

Ive been retaliated against, said Guillermina, and Im not OK, physically or mentally, because of it. After the strike, when her hours were cut, she fell behind on car payments and bills. Her husband, who suffers from diabetes and hearing problems, cannot work, and without her usual income, she couldnt afford groceries. She later went to the hospital with signs of cardiac arrest. But Im not going to be quiet, and Im not going to leave the union, she said. Thats the only place that cares about me knowing my rights.

A group of fast-food workers stand outside an El Pollo Loco holding strike signs

Heat is the deadliest weather event in the U.S. And for decades, the fight to protect the U.S. labor force from heat-related illness has focused on outdoor industries, like farming and construction. But increasingly, the labor movement, environmental justice advocates, and policymakers acknowledge that indoor workers are also vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. It is common in the fast food industry, for example, for the lobbies and seating areas to be well air-conditioned  but there are many sources of heat in restaurant kitchens, making them extremely difficult to cool down.

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Workers fighting to level these disparities intimately understand the connection between the heat stress they experience indoors and the grueling heat outside, said Yana Kalmyka, a labor organizer. Since 2023, Kalmyka has volunteered with the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee, or EWOC, a project born out of the COVID pandemic to help workers organize in response to the unforeseen public health crisis. EWOC has been especially effective at organizing restaurant and fast-food workers.

Those workers feel that the heats getting worse every year. They also know that if its really hot and their boss is pushing them to get out orders in 45 seconds, that the quickness theyre forced to move with is going to exacerbate their heat stress, said Kalmyka, who previously helped organize Starbucks workers in Texas.

It isnt just that restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-casual chains might lack adequate climate control  or that working next to a scalding-hot oven is physically exhausting. If workers are commuting to work during a heat wave, especially if they walk, bike, or rely on public transit, then they are often starting their shifts with some degree of heat exposure. Once they clock in, the conditions increase the chances of health complications.

Unfortunately, this problem is only getting worse, said Kalmyka, because on the climate side, were not making the kinds of changes we need to be making as a society to prevent extreme heat from getting worse.

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In California, employers are now required to offer water breaks and rest areas for indoor workers when the temperature gets above 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a new report from the SEIU found that 3 out of 5 fast-food workers reported excessive heat in their restaurants, and nearly half experienced symptoms of heat-related illness.

Laura Stock, author of the foreword to the SEIU report, previously served on the Cal/OSHA Standards Board, which establishes the states workplace regulations. When the indoor heat rule was being developed, Stock said, workers testimonies, including those from fast-food and restaurant workers, demonstrated the need for stronger protections. It was a tremendous victory to have this regulation passed, said Stock. But the only way it has any value is if its enforced.

In this way, California serves as a kind of test case for the U.S., as the federal government considers a nationwide heat standard for outdoor and indoor workers. Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal workplace safety agency, shared a draft text of a proposed rule aimed at shielding workers from heat stress and illness; it includes provisions that advocates have described as necessary and common-sense, such as employers providing access to drinking water and shade, as well as training employees on how to identify signs of heat-related illness. The agency appears to be moving forward with finalizing the rule, although experts worry the Trump administration might stifle the process. Its in this context that SEIU is organizing, at a time when its unclear whether the Trump administration is going to cancel or move ahead with Bidens good, proposed heat standard, said Steven Greenhouse, a former labor reporter for The New York Times.

The results of SEIUs survey of fast-food workers suggest that, even in the best-case scenario, well-written laws may be toothless without extensive outreach, education, and enforcement. This presents a problem in California, where Cal/OSHA suffers from staffing shortages.

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But even if the law were followed perfectly, workers like Guillermina say current regulations, as well-intentioned as they may be, are insufficient when employers value profits over employee safety and comfort. For example, Californias indoor heat rule specifies that employers must provide workers with a cool place to rest when temperatures pass 82 degrees and encourage taking proactive breaks. But Guillermina says resting is often a lost cause at her McDonalds, where the kitchen is staffed by two or three women at most. If its rush hour, when the restaurant is at its busiest and orders keep coming in, even if the workers are dying of heat, do you think they can stop and take a break? she said.

When indoor temperatures surpass 87 degrees, Californias indoor heat rule does require businesses to slow the pace of production. Still, Guillermina says workers health is often an afterthought for bosses. Were just a number to them, she said, and when we make them money, it comes at great personal cost to our safety. She says what would really help is if leadership fixed the air conditioning in their kitchen.

SEIUs report found that 4 out of 5 fast-food workers reported problems with their restaurant air-conditioning, and half said management claimed it was too expensive to permanently repair these appliances.

If good laws are insufficient to protect workers, then the onus falls on advocacy groups to fight for change. Its very important to act collectively, said Stock, adding, your rights are often easier to protect if youre working in a group. Although Guillerminas store didnt participate in any Heat Week strikes, she hopes her coworkers can overcome their fear together to raise standards at work. We have rights, the same as any other workers, she said, and we should know that.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Workers are facing dangerous heat  even inside fast-food restaurants on Aug 29, 2025.
More than a thousand "Workers Over Billionaires" events were planned nationwide, including several in metro Phoenix, to protest Donald Trump and the billionaires who support him.

The events were designed to build on the momentum gathered from other large-scale protests earlier this summer, like "No Kings Day" in June and "Good Trouble Lives On" in July.

From the Arizona state Capitol in Phoenix to Tempe, Chandler and Queen Creek, more than a dozen "Workers over Billionaires" events are planned statewide, organizers say. There are even events planned in Sierra Vista, Patagonia, Payson, Kingman and Flagstaff.

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In Scottsdale, organizers Fuerte Arts Movement and Poder Latinx planned a "die-in" complete with tombstones and coffins "to dramatize how billionaires and politicians are killing our communities through corporate greed, school privatization, and attacks on working people," according to the event description.

The protest events are often led by labor organizations, including the AFL-CIO, and other advocacy groups such as May Day Strong, Public Citizen and Indivisible.

While protests in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York are expected to be larger in size, there is no flagship event this time. Organizers said they want activists to focus on the needs in their local communities.

Where are the events being held?

A listing and a map of the events planned can be found on May Day Strong's page on Mobilize. So far, there are listings for 16 different events across Arizona.

For some, you must sign up before finding out the exact location.

Where are Workers over Billionaires events being held in Arizona?

According to May Day Strong's page on Mobilize.us, there are events in the following cities:

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Anthem, Chandler, Flagstaff, Globe, Kingman, Paradise Valley, Patagonia, Payson, Phoenix and Queen Creek, Scottsdale (two), Sierra Vista, Tempe, Tucson, Village of Oak Creek and Yuma.

What to know about the 'Die in' in Scottsdale

A protest in Scottsdale was planned by Furete Arts Movement, an organization dedicated to using art and culture to mobilize communities, and PoderLatinx, an advocacy group aiming to empower Latinx communities to build sustained political power and actively participate in democracy.

The "Die in" event was scheduled for 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Sept. 1. Details about the event's location can be accessed after signing up for the event.

As part of the "Die in," participants will lie on the ground with tombstones, banners and visuals that protest the closing of public schools, families losing access to health care, tenants being forced out of their homes and workers struggling to survive, according to the event description.

How should I prepare for the 'Die-in' protest in Scottsdale?

If you're planning to attend the "Die in" in Scottsdale, participants can choose whether to sit, stand or lie down during the protest. Participants were encouraged to bring the following:

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Comfortable clothes to sit or lie down in

A yoga mat or towel to lie on

Sun protection

A hat

Water

The forecast for Sept. 1 was described as mostly sunny with a high near 107 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

"A core principle of all Fuerte and PoderLatinx actions is nonviolent direct action. We expect all participants to support de-escalation and uphold our values of dignity and solidarity," organizers said in the event description.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Workers Over Billionaires' protests scheduled in Arizona on Labor Day


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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

The African Union has started an effort to oust the Mercator projection map and replace it with what it says is a more accurately drawn map.

The 16 th -century-drawn Mercator projectionthe most commonly used map of the worlddistorts sizes of land areas for the benefit of navigation, and Africa appears much smaller than it really is.

Backers of the effort say its about more than an accurate map, but also about giving Africa its rightful place on the global stage.

The African Union is officially fed up with the 16th-century representation of its continent that the world has accepted as the norm. The AU, which comprises 55 African nations, has set off on a formal effort to redraw the map of the world, creating one that it believes accurately represents Africa.

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Hanging in classrooms and government buildings the world over, the 16th-century-drawn map from Flemish cartographer Geradus Mercatororiginally created for navigational purposeshas become so accepted that many people dont know about the give-and-take process the cartographer went through to represent a globe onto flat paper. To get evenly distributed longitudinal and latitudinal lines, Mercator enlarged land areas near the poles and shrunk spots near the equator. That gives North America and Europe larger-than-life depictions and shrivels Africa and South America.

AUs new campaign aims to fix that.

It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not, Selma Malika Haddadi, AU Commission deputy chair, told Reuters. The group has backed the Correct the Map campaign led by Africa-based advocacy groups, promoting the 2018-created Equal Earth projection as a better representation of our world.

Africa is misrepresented on the worlds maps, and its not just a matter of geography, according to a Correct the Map statement. Its a reflection of how the world views the continent.

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The Mercator projection has served as a global baseline for centuries. Its impossible to represent a curved world on a flat map without some level of distortion, so Mercators cylindrical projection took a navigational viewa mathematical way to help navigators plot a straight line from one point to another. Compromises were made, though, and one is that Africa does appear significantly smaller than it truly is.

The projection doesnt give Africa its due as the second-largest continent in the world, covering over 11 million square milesroughly three times the size of the United States. As Equal Earth Map noted on its website, Greenland appears bigger than Africa on the Mercator projection, but Africa is actually 14 times larger than the island.

The Correct the Map campaign seeks to challenge this long-standing misrepresentation and bring awareness to the importance of accurately representing Africa on the world map, the group said. By correcting the map, we aim to shift perceptions and highlight the true scale, power, and potential of the African continent. Accurate map projections are vital not only for education and geography but also for fostering a deeper understanding of Africas role in the global community.

The AU wants the Equal Earth projection to replace the Mercator projection as the standard global map. Of course, the Equal Earth projection isnt perfect either, making its compromises elsewhere on the map. Based off the Robinson projection, Equal Earth increases the size of equatorial regions. That means the projection more accurately shows landmass size and total area, but makes compromises in representing the shapes of regions, angles, and land linesespecially near the poles.

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Mercator remains the norm across the worldin casual use when Google Maps users switch off the 3D globe view, and in official channels like the United Nations alike. But there are other projections out there. In the mid-1990s, the National Geographic Society adopted the Winkel Tripel projection, although it also uses the Mollweide projection in certain situations. As National Geographics Education department wrote on its website: There are three basic kinds of projections: planar, conical, and cylindrical. Each is useful in different situations.

The groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa collectives both told Reuters that the use of the Mercator is misinformation that impacts Africans identity and pride. Were actively working on promoting a curriculum where the Equal Earth projection will be the main standard across all [African] classrooms, said Fara Ndiaye, co-founder of Speak Up Africa. Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter dubbed the Mercator projection the worlds longest misinformation and disinformation campaign.

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The African Union has endorsed the #CorrectTheMap Campaign, a call for the United Nations and the wider global community to use a different kind of world map. The campaign currently has over 4,500 signatures.

The map most commonly used is called the Mercator projection. Map projections are how cartographers (map makers) flatten the three-dimensional Earth into a two-dimensional map.

The Mercator projection was created over 450 years ago, designed for colonial exploration and maritime trade. But, over the centuries, it has become an all purpose projection for many governments, educators and companies.

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That flat drawing inflates the size of countries closer to the North or South Pole. It exaggerates the area of North America and Eurasia while under-representing the size of much of South America and Africa. As the largest continent in the global south, Africa is a victim of this cartographic inequity.

The #CorrectTheMap campaign calls for a move to the Equal Earth map projection, developed in 2018 by an international team of cartographers. It addresses the distortions found in the Mercator projection.

Controversies over map projections are not new. Since the 1970s cartographers have discussed how certain projections distort how the Earth looks and how people imagine their place in that world.

At the heart of the debates about maps are tensions about what sort of power maps have in the world.

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A change in map projections, for the African Union, is about more than correcting a technical flaw. Its also a chance to influence how current and future map users view, talk about and value Africa.

The call is a demand for Africans to be represented on their own terms, rather than through cartographic traditions that have long diminished their scale and significance.

As cartographers, we pay attention to the social and communicative power of maps.

Given that maps help shape how we make sense of the world, the simplest decisions that go into crafting a map can have major geopolitical consequences.

Maps are not neutral

There are over 200 major projections of the world map. Each one warps the image of the Earth in different ways, making the choice of projection a consequential and complicated decision rather than a neutral one.

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For example the Dymaxion projection, developed by the American engineer Buckminster Fuller, was designed to challenge ideas of the north and the south. Others, like the Lambert conformal conic projection, are used extensively in aviation to aid in flight planning.

Maps are a form of storytelling, as well as an information source. Even the lines, colours, symbols and size of regions depicted on maps communicate social meaning. They subtly but powerfully educate people, from schoolchildren to world leaders, about who and what matters.

US president Donald Trumps recent interest in the US buying Greenland, citing its large size, was likely influenced by map distortion. The Mercator projection shows Greenland as nearly the same size as Africa, when in reality Africa is about 14 times larger.

Other projections do a better job at more accurately representing the true size of continents. Some projections are better than others for this specific task; for example the Gall-Peters projection has been used in the past as an alternative to the Mercator projection.

Cartography as a tool of control

Cartography has been a powerful tool of control throughout Africas history. Topographers and surveyors participated in the European conquest and colonisation of Africa, regularly accompanying military expeditions. Map-makers in Europe framed Africa as a landscape to be exploited by populating maps with trade routes, resources and blank spaces ready for development  all while often ignoring the mapping traditions and geographic knowledge of indigenous Africans.

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The Berlin Conference of 1885, where European powers assembled with no African representation, was one of the pinnacles of this cartographic and colonial grab and partitioning of the continent.

The Mercator projection is joined by other kinds of western storytelling  found across popular culture, the news and diplomatic circles  that have stereotyped, degraded and undersized Africas place in the world.

Viewed in this light, the public reckoning over the Mercator projection can be interpreted as not just about the visual accuracy of a map, also the restoration of dignity and autonomy.

Why changing the world map is difficult

Bringing about changes wont be easy.

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Firstly, global map production is not governed by a single authority. Even if the United Nations were to adopt the Equal Earth projection, world maps could still be drawn in other projections. Cartographers are frequently commissioned to update world maps to reflect changes to names and borders. But the changes dont always find quick acceptance. For example, cartographers changed English-language world maps after the Czech Republic adopted the name Czechia as its English name in 2016. While making the change was not difficult, broader acceptance has been harder to achieve.

A persons mental image of the world is solidified at a young age. The effects of a shift to the Equal Earth projection may take years to materialise. Previous efforts to move away from Mercator projection, such as by Boston Public Schools in 2017, upset cartographers and parents alike.

Given the African Unions larger goals, supporting the Equal Earth projection is the first step in pushing the global community to see the world more fairly and reframing how the world values Africa. Mobilising social support for the new projection through workshops with educators, diplomatic advocacy, forums with textbook publishers, journalists, and Africas corporate partners could help move the world away from the Mercator projection for everyday use.

Shifting to the Equal Earth projection alone will not undo centuries of distorted representations or guarantee more equitable global relations. But its a step towards restoring Africas rightful visibility on the world stage.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jack Swab, University of Tennessee and Derek H. Alderman, University of Tennessee

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
8/31 UPDATE: Gracie Wilson has been safely located.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  A 17-year-old girl from Washington County is missing, according to a media release issued Friday by the Washington County Sheriffs Office.

Gracie Wilson was last seen on Thursday, August 28, around 10:30 P.M., leaving her residence in the area of Carters Circle.

The WSCO says she is 54 with blonde hair and hazel eyes.

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If you have any information, the WSCO is asking you to call them at 850-638-6111.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
xAI is promising to renovate four schools, including John P. Freeman Optional, that need over $60 million for repairs in the next decade. (Andrea Morales for Chalkbeat)

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters

Sign up for Chalkbeat Tennessees free newsletter to keep up with statewide education policy and Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

Jasmine Bernard, a 16-year-old Memphis-Shelby County Schools student, remembers gaps in ceiling tiles and constant lighting issues at her middle school.

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Like many other schools in the district, Bernard said, John P. Freeman Optional is critically underfunded.

I cant deny that the school definitely needs renovations, she told Chalkbeat Tennessee. And the Memphis education system needs funding.

But Bernard, now a junior at University High School, doesnt think turning to Elon Musks xAI for help is the answer.

In July, the MSCS school board voted to accept an unspecified amount of money from xAI to fix deferred maintenance issues at John P. Freeman Optional as well as Fairley, Mitchell, and Westwood high schools in Southwest Memphis. Its not yet clear how much money the district will accept from the company, though a 2024 facilities report estimated those four buildings need $61 million for repairs over the next decade.

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Bernard and a small group of student activists say xAIs funding comes with a moral and environmental cost. She leads Youth Minds United, a climate justice group for Memphis-Shelby County students that helped organize protests and community meetings against xAI in the spring.

xAI isnt giving the schools a gift or an innocent here you go; were helping the community, Bernard said. Its part of a bigger scheme to hide how theyre inherently disrupting the futures of the young people who go to those schools and live in those communities.

Student and community activists say the AI company is contributing to toxic air pollution in historically Black Memphis neighborhoods. Research links supercomputer sites like the one in Memphis to premature deaths for neighboring residents and increased asthma and disease risk from gas turbines that the centers use for power.

xAI isnt giving the schools a gift or an innocent here you go; were helping the community.' Its part of a bigger scheme to hide how theyre inherently disrupting the futures of the young people who go to those schools and live in those communities.

 Jasmine Bernard, Memphis Shelby County Schools student

xAI did not respond to Chalkbeat Tennessee requests for comment. But the company has previously denied contributions to environmental pollution in the area, saying in a July statement on X that its turbines are equipped with state-of-the-art emissions control technology, making this facility the lowest emitting of its kind in the country.

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Watchdog organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency and American Lung Association already report high rates of pollution in Shelby County, citing toxic emissions from factories in Southwest Memphis. Local residents also face high rates of respiratory illness and other adverse health effects.

You can give the school $100,000 for a smart board, but that doesnt erase the fact that when [students] go home, it smells like gas, said Rubi Salgado, a junior at Frederick Douglass High School who leads the Shelby County High School Democrats.

But MSCS is in need of funding, with school buildings districtwide needing over $1.6 billion in maintenance repairs over the next decade.

A committee of local officials is just starting to create a plan to mitigate rising costs, which is expected to include some school closures. During its first meeting in early August, students said that deteriorating building conditions are negatively impacting their ability to learn.

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xAI is pledging to fix many of the specific concerns raised by those students, such as HVAC and plumbing systems. The AI company is focusing on four schools with some of the most dire facilities needs in the district, according to The Daily Memphian.

Bernard says that just shows xAI is really good at propaganda.

They are focusing on things that historically, the community has needed and they have not received, she said. But I dont want to frame it in a way that makes them seem like saviors or anything, because theyre not.

Bobby White, policy advisor for the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, has been a community advocate for xAI officials in school board meetings and community hearings. He said the district is currently finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the company.

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White said xAI is doing everything within their power to ensure that they are as environmentally conscious as they can be.

The company received approval from the Shelby County Health Department in early July to operate 15 methane-fueled gas turbines, after the city found no early evidence of increased air pollution. But some community members and experts question the validity of those results, saying the testing didnt measure key pollutants or follow Environmental Protection Agency standards.

White said he commends students for paying attention to issues affecting their schools.

I think the unfortunate part is that weve had a community that has been whipped into a frenzy, thinking that officials have not done their jobs by holding a company accountable, he said, when, in fact, officials have done their job by ensuring theyre applying the law.

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MSCS board member Natalie McKinney said she wants to see xAI commit to being a collaborative partner with the district, not a one-time donor. Part of that, she said, includes addressing the valid and legitimate concerns about potential air pollution.

As long as they are here and are expressing they want to be good neighbors, then lets figure out what that looks like, McKinney said. We have obligations, I think, to ask these questions and figure out how we can potentially mitigate some of these concerns.

White contends that xAI leaders arent trying to win the publics favor and the donation to schools is a gift for neighbors living near the companys second facility, which is still under construction in Southaven.

Earlier this month, the company purchased over 60 gas turbines to be delivered to the Colossus 2 site  but its unclear whether they will actually be used to power the facility there.

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Rubi Salgado, the Frederick Douglass junior, said she doesnt believe its possible for xAI to establish a trusting relationship with the community.

People are getting hurt due to the increase in pollution, and I dont think that anything that they do except stopping is going to make up for what theyve done, they said.

Bri Hatch covers Memphis-Shelby County Schools for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Reach Bri at bhatch@chalkbeat.org.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
China this weekend kicks off a days-long show of diplomatic and military force when it hosts an array of world leaders, most of whom are opposed to Western hegemony.

Sundays meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be the blocs biggest ever, to be followed soon after by a mammoth military parade aimed at highlighting Chinas contributions in World War II.

Yet even as Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosts allies such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, the events illustrate the limits of Beijings power: The SCO, though expansive, has had limited real-world influence because many of its members have their own internal disputes, and one notable summit attendee, Indias prime minister, is not sticking around for the parade.
Editors Note: The video attached to this article was edited because it contained unlicensed images. We apologize for the error.

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  This Sunday marks International Overdose Awareness Day, but across the city, families, advocates, and recovery groups gathered Friday to honor lives lost and learn how to save others.

At Washington Square Park, the everyday scene of students, tourists, and dog walkers is mixed with something far more troubling.

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Ive seen every day there is somebody overdosing. There are ambulances overnight, and there are needles all over, said Brittany Spring, who has lived in Greenwich Village for the past decade and works as a dog walker. Dogs are stepping on needles.

Spring says overdoses have become an almost daily sight in the park. There is a lot of drug activity, and its sad, unfortunately, to see a lot of these lost souls, she said.

Thats why groups like Alliance for Positive Change launched a citywide outreach effort on Friday. At Washington Square Park, the nonprofit handed out Narcan kits, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, and offered free overdose prevention training.

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We must be more aware, we need to have education, said Ana Edmondes of Alliance for Positive Change.

Demonstrations showed how to use Narcan, the overdose reversal spray.

So every one of these blue bags has two intranasal Narcan, a pair of rubber gloves, a how to use Narcan pamphlet, and a blue card you can carry, explained Ryan, who led one of the trainings.

For some volunteers, the fight is deeply personal. Shante Owens said his drug use began at just 11 years old and lasted until he was 37. Now 50, Owens has been in recovery for years.

I went from street homeless, substance history, unemployment, to gaining full-time employment. I got educated, Owens said, crediting the Alliance with giving him the courage to stop.

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Meanwhile in Brooklyn, another event carried the same message of remembrance and action. At Restoration West Plaza in Bed-Stuy, Phoenix House of New York & Long Island hosted a vigil and prevention fair. Families made candles in memory of loved ones lost to overdose and joined in training sessions on prevention tools like Narcan.

Were doing two activities: one is a candlelight where people can make their own candles for anyone they lost to overdose, and also commemorate those lives together, said Shawn Willis, Director of Recovery Services and Community Outreach.

Back at Washington Square Park, Brittany Spring said what she sees in her neighborhood makes days like this all the more urgent.

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As she stepped carefully past discarded needles, she reflected: International Overdose Awareness Day is a reminder for herand for many New Yorkersthat awareness means little without action.

Events continue through the weekend as the city prepares for International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 24-year-old and his team are taking the development world by storm. Their first project, transforming the old historic Aladdin Hotel in Downtown Kansas City.

Not only is the $38 million project on time and moving full steam ahead, but the developer behind it, Molzer Development, is also giving FOX4 a first look at their next project.

Blue ribbons in KCK support KCKPD and Officer Hunter Simoncic

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The Aladdins transformation is less than a year from completion and founder Zach Molzer is still in awe of the original craftsmanship thats being carefully preserved and reimagined.

Our brains cant comprehend something like that  they didnt have a budget, they just had a vision, and they said lets build it, Molzer said.

Hes referring to the historic materials that make this project one of a kind from the marble columns in the lobby to the decorative ballroom walls on the top floor.

Demolition of non-historic elements is already complete, and the next phase of work includes plumbing, HVAC, and other core systems needed to bring this abandoned hotel back to life.

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But this project isnt just about preserving history, its about redefining who gets to shape the future of Kansas City real estate.

Once complete, the building will house 122 apartment units designed for individuals earning between $60,000 and $65,000 a year.

The space will also be mixed-use, with a cocktail bar on the rooftop offering stunning views of downtown.

Leading the charge are Molzer and his equally young Chief of Brand, Annie Bogart, both determined to shake up the development world.

I have confidence, and I have the ability to put a team together and ideally execute. Development is viewed as a hush-hush world, you need to be old to be successful and start, and Im trying to change that narrative, Molzer said.

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Working for a young team and to see that we really are capable of whatever we set our mind to, Bogart said.

Molzer Development has already purchased The Holtman Building in the Crossroads Arts District  Project 2.

The vision there includes a 10,000-square-foot office and retail space on the first floor, state of the art lofts on the second, and a rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.

Molzer and Bogart are just as innovative online as they are with development. They frequently post behind the scenes updates and they often produce viral videos.

One no ones doing it. And I want to again challenge the narrative that you can just do things in life, Zach Molzer said.

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Things to do during Labor Day Weekend in Kansas City

The goal isnt just views its visibility. The transparency, they say, builds trust and shows that success can start early, with the right mindset and mission.

They say its fun, but also meant to inspire anybody  that yes, you can too.

And theyre just getting started.

So, when will it all be done? June 2026 is the target completion date for the Aladdin.

Before then, the Molzer team is planning to release a new Instagram reel that surely will go viral right? Its focused on trees and some little-known facts.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The bells at the Cathedral of the Incarnation ring out as they always have. But inside, something new is happening.

Alongside the echoes of the organ, there are new voices and new faces filling the pews.

We have an incredible influx of young people approaching us, interested in the Catholic faith and even coming into the Catholic Church, Father John Hammond, pastor at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, said.

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Its a trend stretching far beyond Tennessee. Nationally, some dioceses are reporting double-digit increases in conversions, with new members rising as much as 70% in a single year. Hammond said Middle Tennessee is no different.

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Those numbers have risen steadily over the years, but in the past couple of years, theyve risen dramatically almost doubled, he said.

Maybe it started with the pandemic, when people were alone with their thoughts. Or maybe its todays world, which feels divided, expensive and sometimes heavy. Whatever the reason, young parishioners said the choice is simple: theyre searching for something that lasts, and for many, that journey begins the moment they open church doors.

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Natalie, who attends Mass with her fiance, Seamus Moran, said Sunday services feel different than when she was younger.

Majority of people here are way younger  mid-to-late twenties, early thirties, starting families, newlyweds, all of that, she said.

For her and Moran, who will marry this fall, the church is now a constant in their week. We worked with Deacon Thales to do the preparation course, Moran said.

Research suggests this isnt just anecdotal. One study shows members of Gen Z, particularly men, are more likely to attend weekly religious services than Millennials or even some Gen Xers.

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Father Bruce Morrill, a Jesuit priest and professor of divinity at Vanderbilt University, said the reasons go deeper.

Its hit the wall for these young people, he said. The economics, the social, mass murders  there was one yet again yesterday slaughtering children in church. That stuff altogether is having an accumulative effect that I think is different than a once-off event.

Morrill added that many are searching for something grounded.

The increased participation in young people, especially young men, in the Roman Catholic church tracks with the desire for community, for tradition, he said. They find the world they grew up in quite ephemeral like being online, everything just vanishes instantly. Theyre drawn to something tactile and steeped in history.

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And its not just Catholics. At the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, leaders are noticing more young people attending synagogue.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Especially since the rise in antisemitism and October 7th, our Jewish community programming has seen a lot more non-Jews joining. That could be people wanting to stand in solidarity with the community and/or people that are converting, Emma Canter said.

A generation sometimes labeled disconnected is finding its way back to sanctuaries that have stood for centuries.

Theyre looking for something holistic that nothing on a phone can provide, Morrill said.

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More young faces not chasing the quick or the fleeting, but choosing to sit in silence, to pray, and to be part of something that feels permanent in a world that so often doesnt.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  In the wake of the Minneapolis church shooting this week, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is creating a task force.

The task force comes at the request of the bishop, but its chaired by both school and parish leaders. They want to do everything they can to address any safety issues.

Your first feeling is just, here we go again, said Superintendent of Schools Teven Jones.

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After Wednesdays shooting in Minneapolis, the diocese wanted to do everything it could to avoid that feeling again in the future. Bishop David Bonnar announced a safety and security Task Force to address schools and churches in the diocese. But leaders say it isnt just because of this one incident.

Weve been taking a pretty serious look at school safety over the last couple of years, Jones said. I just came on board as the superintendent a year ago and made an unannounced safety visit, safety inspection of every one of my schools.



Jones says all Schools in the diocese already have a safety plan, and most have volunteer safety committees. He says Wednesdays shooting was a catalyst to start involving law enforcement in their safety plans.

That includes EMTs, other first responders who, when they arrive, if there is a problem, there is a crisis, I want them to know exactly where to go, Jones said. I want our kids to know they need to go under the leadership of their teachers. And so some of it is just publicizing what is already in place.

Jones is co-chair of the new committee along with the head of security for the diocese, Deacon Bill Bancroft. Their other goal for the task force is to train school leadership. Jones says each school will go through threat assessment training.

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There are teachers who act heroically. Principals who act heroically. And Catholic schools, private schools, public schools, all over this country, I want them to feel support that were getting them the best advice we can, so they can be focused on the kids that they already have relationships with.

The task force will work to protect both its classroom buildings and churches.

A lot of our church and school buildings are older. Weve got some updates that we might need to look at in terms of what doors can be shut off permanently and things like that, Jones said.

Next week, the task force will start doing school perimeter visits to assess security

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Federal authorities say a YouTube duo and a fellow content creator helped bring down a $65 million international fraud ring that scammed thousands of seniors, including a San Diego woman who lost her entire life savings.

More than two dozen people were arrested in California, New York, Texas and Michigan after investigators dismantled the scheme, which had been operating since 2019. Prosecutors say the scam originated from India-based call centers posing as government officials, bank employees or tech support agents. Victims were tricked into sending cash, often through packages, to Chinese nationals living legally in the United States.

Among the victims was a 97-year-old widow of a Holocaust survivor in San Diego who was repeatedly targeted until she had lost everything, said Kevin Mokhtari, chief of the Southern Division of the U.S. attorneys office.

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The investigation received an unusual boost from YouTubers Ashton Bingham and Art Kulik of Trilogy Media, along with another creator known as Pierogi from the channel Scammer Payback. The three men have gained large followings for recording their encounters with fraudsters, often posing as victims and then confronting so-called money mules who attempted to collect packages of cash.

It was kind of this perfect marriage of us already wanting to entertain people and also serving a good purpose, Bingham said. Something we didnt know was such a big issue has only gotten worse over time.

Authorities say their videos documenting scammers in action caught the attention of federal investigators and provided valuable evidence.

You have to be a special piece of crap human being to rob an elderly person, Kulik said. To go to grandmother and grandfather and take their retirement account  thats beyond low.

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U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon praised the YouTubers contributions, saying, Not all heroes wear capes  some have YouTube channels.

So far, investigators have identified more than 2,000 victims but believe the true number is higher.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, students at Bel Air, Del Valle, Eastwood, Hanks, and Parkland high schools who qualify for reduced-price school lunches will now be able to receive lunch for free for the rest of the school year, the district said.

Earlier this month, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that students eligible for reduced-price meals can now receive school meals at no cost to their families. The 89th Texas Legislature approved funding as part of the General Appropriations Act so that students who qualify for reduced-price school meals can eat breakfast and lunch at no charge for the next two years, through the 2026-27 school year.

At Ysleta ISD, students enjoy free breakfast meals every school day at the campus. As part of the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), about 88% of Ysleta ISD schools offer free lunch meals to all students in the 2025-26 school year and do not require parents to fill out lunch applications.

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But with this new state funding, Ysleta ISD students at non-CEP schools  Bel Air, Del Valle, Eastwood, Hanks, and Parkland high schools  may also be eligible to receive lunch meals at no cost based on their family income, the district said.

To determine whether they are eligible, Ysleta ISD parents must complete and submit a lunch application, which can be accessed by clicking here.

I commend the Texas Legislature for removing obstacles that prevent children from accessing healthy school meals, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. Free and reduced-price school meals will open the door for more children to receive nutritious foods that support academic success.

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs in the state of Texas. For more information, Ysleta ISD parents may contact the districts Child Nutrition Services Department at (915) 434-0120.



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Charitie Ropati, a young Alaska Native engineer with roots in Kongiganak, has been appointed as a youth climate advisor to the United Nations. (Photo courtesy of Charitie Ropati/KYUK Public Media)

Twenty-four-year-old Charitie Ropati is Yupik and Samoan, and has roots in the Bering Sea coastal village of Kongiganak. She said that the community has inspired her.

Following a flood event in 1966, many members relocated from the village of Kwigillingok to higher ground, a settlement which would become known as Kongiganak. Now, the permafrost under the village is thawing and Kongiganak is facing its own set of climate impacts.

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It really started with the story of my community, Ropati explained. And its because of that story of survival, I think, that brought me to where Im at now.

Now for Ropati means working in New York City as an engineer designing public housing infrastructure for Indigenous communities across the country. Ropati has also started her own nonprofit education organization called LilnativegirlinSTEM and was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

Ropati said that she was back in Alaska, driving around Anchorage with her mom and her partner, when she got the news that shed been selected as a youth climate advisor to the United Nations (U.N.)s secretary general.

It really meant a lot to be there, especially with my mom where these stories of survival really originated from her and specifically that story of relocation, Ropati said. Just our ability as Yupik people to do these type of things. Not only for survival, but for the love of each other and community.

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As a youth climate advisor, Ropati will be part of a cohort working with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide practical and outcome-focused advice, diverse youth perspectives around climate action, according to a press release from the U.N.

The youth advisor roles are pretty new to the U.N. In 2025, the number of selected advisors doubled from seven to 14. According to the press release, thats to help support young people who dont often have a seat at the table. Ropati is one of the first Alaska Native youth to be appointed as an advisor.

I think this is a huge win, especially for youth in the Arctic, Ropai said. Because I dont think weve ever been given this type of platform before.

Its a big year to be involved. The United Nations annual climate conference will take place this November in Brazil. Also this coming year, countries in the U.N. are required to submit new climate plans.

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The plans will follow the Paris Agreement, a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep the global surface temperature below 1.5 degrees Celsius . Its a figure the U.N. has emphasized as a tipping point for damaging climate impacts, a point Ropati said affects the human rights of Indigenous people in the Arctic.

We know that if that happens, and if our world does do that, thats going to have devastating impacts, not only on these nations or states, but its going to have devastating impacts on Indigenous peoples, and especially on us, on Yupik, on Inuit, on Inupiaq, on all of us in our state, Ropati said.

Ropati said human rights form the foundation of her climate advocacy. She said that Indigenous people on the front lines of climate change are often left out of the discussion when it comes to climate solutions. But she said theyre a group well-equipped with answers.

When we talk about the climate work weve been doing, this is work that has been carried on through generations, Ropati said. This is work that didnt start with me. It started with my great grandfather, to my grandmother, to my mother, and now me.

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Ropati said that climate conversations in the Western world often involve looking for quick fixes. But in Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta villages facing relocation, Ropati said that its understood that climate solutions can take generations. The recent relocation of the village of Newtok to a new site, Mertarvik, was one that was decades of planning and discussions in the making.

Its not just up to our youth to do this, and it needs to be intergenerational, Ropati said. I think this is something we as Indigenous people have always understood and continue to do, especially in our communities.

In her capacity as a U.N. youth climate advisor, Ropati will work for the next three years alongside appointees from around the world, including Kenya, Sweden, and Indonesia.

Ropati said that shes looking forward to bringing Indigenous perspectives to the forefront of the international climate discussions.

This story was originally published by KYUK Public Media.
Credit: Courtesy of New Zealand Police

A fugitive in New Zealand who went on the run with his three children almost four years ago has been spotted on CCTV.

Police said they were confident that Tom Phillips and one of his children were filmed robbing a supermarket and fleeing on a quad bike.

A nationwide search has been under way for Phillips since he took Ember, now 9, Maverick, 10, and Jayda, 12, from their family home in December 2021 after losing legal custody of them.

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It is the first confirmed sighting of Phillips in almost a year.

Releasing the footage, taken in the early hours of Wednesday in the rural northern town of Piopio, police said they hoped locals would report any sighting of them.

Detective Senior Sergeant Andy Saunders told a press conference on Friday that the pair were dressed in camouflage clothing and had made off with some grocery items.

At the heart of this are three children who have been away from their home for four years. Their well-being is our main focus, he added.

The Phillips children  Ember (left), Maverick (centre) and Jayda  are believed to be living in the wilderness with their father - New Zealand On Air/Paddy Gower Has Issues

It is believed the four were spotted for the first time in October 2024 when a group of teenagers saw them trekking through remote farmland on North Island and filmed them.

The only previous credible sighting of Phillips and his three children occurred in October 2024 - TVNZ

Phillips is facing a slew of charges, including aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and illegally possessing a firearm.

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Investigators previously said they believe the father was receiving help from other people, but are now questioning whether Phillips has become more desperate.

Does it mean that hes potentially had a falling out with whos helping him? Or is he just that brazen and confident that hes quite happy to come out at night and commit a burglary? Detective Saunders said.

Tom Phillips has been on the run for over two-and-a-half years and continues to evade authorities - NZ Police

Last week, Phillips family broke their silence to publicly plead for him to come home.

I miss you, miss being part of your life and I really want to see you and the kids, said his sister Rozzi Phillips, in an emotional interview with the Stuff news website.

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She also read a handwritten letter from their mother Julia, which said: Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you all come home.

Tom  I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this. Not considering how much we love you and can support you, Julia wrote, adding: Jayda, Maverick, Ember  I love you so much and really miss being part of your lives.

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By Yuliia Dysa and Dan Peleschuk

KYIV (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged allies on Friday to swiftly elevate talks on security guarantees for Ukraine to the level of leaders, as European Union defence ministers pledged to train Kyiv's troops on Ukrainian soil in the event of a truce.

Kyiv is engaged in a diplomatic push to try and bring to an end Russia's war, now in its fourth year, and to secure critical commitments from its partners to fend off any future invasion.

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The Ukrainian president said he expected to continue talks with European leaders next week on "NATO-like" commitments to protect Ukraine, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump should also be involved.

"We need the architecture to be clear to everyone," he said, adding that he wanted to tell Trump "how we see it".

Zelenskiy spoke shortly before his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York to discuss the need to increase pressure on Moscow.

A senior U.S. official said the Ukrainians invited Witkoff to visit Ukraine. The official said the meeting gave Witkoff the opportunity to stress that Ukraine and Russia should meet to reach an end to the war.

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In comments posted online later, Yermak said he described to Witkoff the aftermath of the mass Russian attack on Kyiv on Thursday that killed 25 people. The strike, he said, showed that Russia "is not even showing any willingness to end the war".

"This means we must continue to apply pressure and discuss what the next steps are," Yermak said.

"We also talked about working with American and European partners on security guarantees. This is very important. Without them, it is impossible to look forward."

Ukrainian officials say Russia, which has continued attacking cities with missiles and drones and is pressing a battlefield offensive, has no interest in seeking peace.

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Diplomatic efforts to end Russia's full-scale invasion have so far yielded little, even after Trump met separately with the Russian and Ukrainian leaders earlier this month.

Zelenskiy also raised Trump's self-imposed deadline for deciding on new measures against Russia if President Vladimir Putin fails to commit to a one-on-one meeting with the Ukrainian leader.

"Two weeks will be on Monday. And we will remind everybody," he said.

Russia has said there is no agenda for a potential summit between Putin and Zelenskiy.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, also visiting New York, was expected to meet U.S. business representatives to discuss investments in Ukraine, Zelenskiy added.

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Officials in Kyiv see U.S. funding, particularly as part of a critical minerals deal struck earlier this year, as central to securing a durable peace settlement.

EU SUPPORT

European Union defence ministers meeting in Copenhagen on Friday expressed "broad support" for expanding the bloc's military training mission to operate inside Ukraine, the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said.

Trump, who has in recent weeks appeared more willing to support Kyiv's defence against Russia, has said Europe must provide the lion's share of any effort to bolster Ukraine's security.

"The EU has already trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers," Kallas wrote on X. "We must be ready to do more."

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Russia has consistently opposed the presence of any NATO troops in Ukraine.

Zelenskiy said he wanted allies to ratify any security guarantees through their parliaments, invoking a 1994 deal in which Kyiv gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances that proved insufficient to deter Russia.

"We want legally binding security guarantees. We don't want (another) Budapest Memorandum."

Germany and France on Friday outlined plans to cooperate more deeply on security, including a missile early-warning system, following a meeting between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron.

(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa and Anastasiia Malenko; Additional reporting by Andrew Gray and Steve Holland; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Tomasz Janowski, Sharon Singleton, Gareth Jones, Cynthia Osterman and Ron Popeski)
A proposed bilateral meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not take place, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Aug. 28.

"We have to deal with this issue again today, given the fact that there will obviously not be a meeting between President Zelensky and President Putin," Merz said alongside French President Emmanuel Macron as the two leaders met to discuss peace efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

The German leader's remarks come following a massive Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, which killed at least 23 people, including four children, and injured another 63.

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U.S. President Donald Trump previously proposed that Zelensky and Putin meet directly at a bilateral summit. The U.S. leader would then join the two for a trilateral meeting if talks went well.

This is "different from what was agreed between President Trump and President Putin last week when we were in Washington together," Merz said as Russia continues to target civilian infrastructure with missiles and drones.

Trump met Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 as the U.S. leader intensifies efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

He then met Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18 to further discuss peace efforts and security guarantees for Ukraine.

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In May, Zelensky invited Putin to meet him directly for peace talks in Turkey, but the Russian leader refused.

On Aug. 24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow will not accept Zelensky's signature on legal documents establishing terms for an end to Russia's war. The Kremlin has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky's power.

Trump slammed the Russian remarks in response as he attempts to broker a peace deal.

"It doesn't matter what they say. Everybody's posturing. It's all bullsh*it, okay. Everybody's posturing," he said.

Presidential Office Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov are heading to New York City this week to discuss security guarantees and future peace talks, Zelensky confirmed on Aug. 27, following media reports of the talks.

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Read also: Deadlines, delusions, and ballistic missiles: Trumps theater of peace talks with Putin

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russian troops are gearing up for another large-scale offensive in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, as Moscow hailed the progress made in the invasion so far.

Zelensky told reporters that there was no doubt Russian troops in the Pokrovsk area were preparing for an advance.

"The concentration [of troops] there is up to 100,000," Zelensky said in comments carried by Interfax Ukraine.

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But the president said Ukraine was prepared and the situation was under control.

Pokrovsk is a mining town in the southern Donetsk region, home to some 60,000 before the war. Most residents have left following months under Russian siege and fire, but Russia has not yet managed to capture the strategically important settlement.

Meanwhile, Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov painted a rosy picture of his country's campaign in Ukraine, claiming the invasion has picked up speed.

"After liberating 300 to 400 square kilometres every month at the beginning of the year, we have now liberated 600 to 700," he said.

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Beloussov also expressed satisfaction with Russia's ongoing deadly airstrikes on Ukraine, which have been widely condemned by the international community.

He said 35 aerial assaults against 146 strategically important objects so far this year have resulted in severe damage to Ukraine's military infrastructure.

Beloussov also said Ukraine has lost 340,000 soldiers this year so far, without providing information on Russian casualties.

The claims cannot be verified independently. Both Russia and Ukraine tend to exaggerate enemy losses, however.

Following more than three and a half years of war, Russia controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory. However, even at the pace described by Beloussov, it would take Russian forces another 60 years

to fully occupy Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is confident that US President Donald Trump has not lost interest in the negotiation process regarding the RussoUkrainian war.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference on 29 August

Details: Zelenskyy was asked to comment on Trumps statement that he did not want to be involved in the talks.

"No, no, I had a very good conversation with him, truly. He understands that this is not an easy path," the Ukrainian president said.

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He also suggested that Trumps comment might have referred specifically to the first potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, noting that the American president believes a bilateral meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia should precede any trilateral meeting involving him.

"Trump wants to succeed  for himself and for the US  and he understands that during the first meeting he will probably not achieve success. But I am sure that if all of us are strong enough, we will succeed," Zelenskyy added.

Background:

The Guardian reported that Trump intended to leave it to Russia and Ukraine to organise a meeting between their leaders, thereby temporarily stepping back from negotiations to end Russias invasion of Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it is obvious that Zelenskyy and Putin will not meet in the near future.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commented on media reports suggesting that, as part of a future peace agreement, European leaders are considering the creation of a 40-kilometre buffer zone between Ukrainian and Russian forces.

Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference on 29 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said that he has heard this idea multiple times from Europeans and Americans.

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In his opinion, such a proposal can only come from those "who do not understand the technological state in which the war is currently being fought".

"Today, our heavy weapons are already positioned more than 10 kilometres apart, because everything is targeted by drones. This buffer zone  which I call a dead zone, and some call a grey zone  already exists," the Ukrainian president noted.

Background:

According to Politico, the buffer zone proposal is one of several ideas that military and civilian officials are discussing as a potential scenario for post-war settlement.

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Ukraines Western partners had prepared a plan providing for a demilitarised zone, which would likely be patrolled by neutral peacekeeping forces from a third country.

Meanwhile, Russia has rejected the idea of European troops being present in Ukraine, as well as forces from any NATO member state, contradicting US President Donald Trumps assertion that Putin would agree to such forces under a peace agreement.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa on Friday 29 August.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy said he had thanked Costa for his condolences following the large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of 27-28 August.

He added that Russia has not shown readiness for a leaders meeting to discuss ending its aggression: "That is why pressure is needed. We are counting on the 19th EU sanctions package to be truly strong."

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Zelenskyy also said he and Costa discussed work on security guarantees, noting that "work is now underway on finalising all components, which will consist of three blocks".

"One of the key guarantees we see is Ukraines membership in the European Union. We expect that soon, together with Moldova, we will have progress on this matter," he said.

The Ukrainian president added that another topic was additional funding for the production of Ukrainian drones and the implementation of the EUs SAFE defence fund and the PURL programme for purchasing American weapons for Ukraine.

"We agreed to meet in the near future. Always glad to see Antonio in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

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Background:

As reported by European Pravda, Costa begins a tour of EU capitals to discuss key European issues, with Ukraine and the peace process being among the top priorities.

Costa will also raise Hungarys position on Ukraines European integration during his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest on 10 September.

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ZION NATL PARK, Utah (ABC4)  Zion National Park has rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions after heavy rain recently hit the state, reducing fire danger. The park has resumed its year-round fire restrictions, which are always in effect.

On Friday morning, Aug. 29, Zion National Park rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions, which called for no open fires of any kind. The decision comes after the rescission of Stage 2 fire restrictions across the state of Utah, where all state and private unincorporated lands shifted to Stage 1 restrictions on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Recent rains have reduced fire danger in many locations across the state, and with the lessened fire danger, park managers reduced fire restrictions ahead of the holiday weekend, a press release from Zion National Park states.

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Zions year-round fire restrictions include the following:

Campfires are only allowed in established fire rings or grills at Watchman and Lava Point campgrounds.

Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of public buildings and in non-developed areas (including trails) from May 1 to September 30 each year unless the individual is in an area at least six feet in diameter that is barren or clear to mineral soil.

Fireworks and pyrotechnics are always prohibited within the park.

Visitors are asked to be mindful when having a fire in the park. That means keeping fires small, never leaving a fire unattended, and ensuring that all fires are dead out before leaving the area.

Reduced fire danger does not mean no fire danger, said Zion Fire Management Officer Lyndsay Fonger. We encourage anyone recreating in Utah over the holiday weekend to be cautious with any fires they choose to have.

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For information on fire restrictions for other recreational lands across Utah, visit the Utah Fire Info website here.

Latest headlines:

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On Aug. 29, 2005  exactly 20 years ago today  Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. America hasnt suffered a storm as devastating since.

Katrinas winds, rains, floodwaters and aftereffects killed nearly 1,400 people across the South; more than 600 went missing. Only the Galveston, Texas, hurricane of 1900 and the Lake Okeechobee, Fla., hurricane of 1928 are known to have claimed more lives.

Total damages from Katrina surpassed $125 billion, making it the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history. Entire coastal communities were obliterated, and some of the lowest-lying  and poorest  New Orleans neighborhoods were wiped out by a storm surge that reached as high as 28 feet.

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A botched government response  on the federal, state and local level  only made matters worse.

Two decades later, heres a look back at why Hurricane Katrina was so uniquely catastrophic.

Hurricane evacuees wait in line to enter the Superdome in downtown New Orleans, which was converted into a shelter for people with special needs and for those who did not evacuate. (Marko Georgiev/Getty Images)

Lower Ninth Ward residents stranded on roofs wait for rescue boats. (Marko Georgiev/Getty Images)

A man stands on the porch of his flooded home in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans. (Michael Appleton/N.Y. Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

The tropical depression that ultimately became Katrina formed over the southeastern Bahamas on Aug. 23, 2005. By the following morning, it had become a tropical storm. The next day, it crossed over South Florida as a Category 1 hurricane.

The real trouble started, however, when Katrina reached the unusually warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where it started to rapidly intensify. By Aug. 27, Katrina was a Category 3 storm; that same day, a meteorological phenomenon known as an eyewall replacement cycle caused it to nearly double in size. Within just nine hours, Katrina had strengthened from a Category 3 to Category 5, with maximum sustained winds of 175 miles per hour.

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At the time, it was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf.

When Katrina made landfall in Louisiana on Aug. 29, it had weakened slightly to a Category 3. But it was still generating sustained gusts of 120 miles per hour, with hurricane-force winds extending outward for 120 miles. Underscoring its raw power, Katrina wasnt downgraded to a tropical storm until it had traveled 150 miles inland.

Initially, forecasters expected Katrina to turn north and hit the Florida Panhandle. But it looped toward New Orleans instead. As it churned across the Gulf, the storm pushed a wall of water ahead of it. On Aug. 28, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered the first-ever mandatory evacuation of the city, calling Katrina the "storm that most of us have long feared." An estimated 1.3 million people complied, but many refused. The same day, the National Weather Service's New Orleans/Baton Rouge office predicted that the area would be "uninhabitable for weeks" after "devastating damage."

Evelyn Turner cries alongside the body of her common-law husband, Xavier Bowie, on Aug. 30, 2005. Bowie and Turner decided to ride out Hurricane Katrina when they could not find a way to leave the city. Bowie, who had lung cancer, died when he ran out of oxygen. (Eric Gay/AP)

Water spills over a levee east of downtown New Orleans on Aug. 30, 2005. (Dave Einsel/Getty Images)<

Much of the city of New Orleans and the surrounding metro area sits below sea level. Existing federally built levees offered 23 feet of protection  but they were no match for Katrinas storm surge. When it struck on Aug. 29, the water breached various flood protection structures in 53 places, submerging 80% of the city. Poor design and construction were partly to blame: short, inadequate sheet pilings and weak foundation materials like sand and clay.

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Lower-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods such as the Lower Ninth Ward were hardest hit; homes were swept off their foundations. Hurricane-force winds blew out windows and ripped part of the roof off the Superdome, where approximately 26,000 people were sheltering. Eight to 15 inches of rain fell across Louisiana in a matter of hours. The coasts of Mississippi and Alabama were decimated as well.

In the aftermath of Katrina, national attention turned toward the governments disaster response  and the officials who had been in charge of leading it.

In Louisiana alone, 900,000 people had lost power; major roads into and out of New Orleans were impassable; communications were cut off. With corpses still floating in the streets, some survivors struggled to find food and fresh water. Nagin was criticized for delaying his evacuation order until less than a day before landfall and failing to implement a flood plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency was slammed for its slow, insufficient response; FEMA head Michael Brown was soon forced to resign. President George W. Bush came under fire as well, and his political standing never recovered.

The controversy came to be known as Katrinagate.

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In the end, more than 200,000 New Orleans homes were damaged or destroyed, and more than 800,000 residents were displaced  the greatest displacement in the U.S. since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Reconstruction and repopulation efforts took years. Even now, two decades later, the city of New Orleans still bears the scars of Hurricane Katrina.

A military vehicle takes people to the Superdome as water begins to rise in the area on Aug. 30, 2005. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

A person is lifted to safety by a Coast Guard helicopter in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (Vincent Laforet/AFP via Getty Images)

Two men paddle in high water after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A first responder carries a woman who was trapped in her home in high water. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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A stranded dog runs on a church rooftop on Aug. 31, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Quintella Williams feeds her baby girl, Akea, outside the Superdome. (Michael Appleton/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Residents on a rooftop wait to be rescued from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 1, 2005. Authorities had suspended an evacuation of New Orleans after a reported shooting at a U.S. military helicopter. (David J. Phillip/Reuters)

Thomas Walker, the sexton of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, carries a bronze plaque from the church, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, as he walks with lifetime church member Melba Smith on Sept. 1, 2005, in Biloxi, Miss. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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Stranded victims of Hurricane Katrina wait outside the Superdome. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

A woman looking for a relative writes a message on a makeshift bulletin board at the Astrodome in Houston. (Omar Torres/AFP via Getty Images)

Evacuees board a helicopter near the convention center in New Orleans on Sept. 4, 2005. (Chris Hondros/Getty Images)<

A man looks out at victims of Hurricane Katrina at the Astrodome in Houston, where medical care was provided and evacuees of Hurricane Katrina were evaluated for assignment to other facilities. (Carlos Barria/CB/JJ/Reuters)

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A Navy helicopter drops boxes of food and bottled water onto the roof of a public school for a man who chose to remain in the flooded Ninth Ward instead of evacuating. (Corey Sipkin/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

A man clings to the top of a vehicle before being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. (Robert Galbraith/Reuters)

A Chinook helicopter drops sandbags to plug a levee break in the Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans on Sept. 11, 2005. (Jerry Grayson/Helifilms Australia PTY Ltd/Getty Images)

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Federal law enforcement agents, including some with the U.S. Border Patrol, arrived at a site in Mason County on Wednesday afternoon to demand identification from private contracting crews fighting the Bear Gulch fire near Lake Cushman. (Courtesy of fire crew)
Federal law enforcement agents, including with U.S. Border Patrol, arrived at a site Wednesday afternoon to demand identification from private contracting crews fighting the Bear Gulch Fire near Lake Cushman. (Courtesy of fire crew)
By Akbar Novruz



About two months ago, a high-profile arrest shook Armenias diplomatic corps, though officials sought to keep the matter out of the public eye, Azernews reports via Hraparak.

The Armenian consul in Austria, Ashken Aleksanyan, was detained upon her arrival at Yerevan airport. According to reports, sensitive documents were found in her possession, and she was suspected of conducting espionage activities on behalf of Azerbaijan.

Following her arrest, Armenias National Security Service (MNS) carried out a full-day search at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reportedly inspecting computers, documents, and other classified materials. Officials then decided to conceal the arrest from the public, fearing it could spark a major scandal.

The secrecy has raised uncomfortable questions. Before anyone is appointed to a high-ranking post in Armenias diplomatic corps, the MNS is expected to conduct a thorough vetting processexamining personal history, connections, and potential vulnerabilities. Appointments are generally approved only after the candidate is fully cleared.

The case of Aleksanyan, however, has exposed either a serious lapse in the vetting process or a deliberate disregard of warning signs. To limit the fallout, authorities have allegedly attempted to erase traces of Aleksanyans career from the internet and public records, even removing official announcements of her appointment.

A former employee of Armenias Foreign Ministry told Hraparak that he personally knew Aleksanyan. According to him, she began her career as a civil servant before moving to the consular department, where she earned the rank of diplomat. After her transfer abroad, her professional trajectory became opaqueuntil her sudden arrest.
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to arrive in Budapest on October 1 to present the Hungarian-language edition of her memoirs, published in German earlier this year.

Merkel will talk about her governance which ran for 16 years in her memoir and about how, as a woman from East Germany she reached the pinnacle of the Christian Democratic Union party and became Germanys first female chancellor.



Merkel will sign copies of her book at the event in the CEU building.



Several tickets are available. The least expensive one costs Ft 25,000 but there is a variant which carries a copy of the book and a toast with the chancellor, costing Ft 50,000.

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The strict enforcement of anti-drug laws is critical in the fight against drugs, Laszlo Horvath told a press conference, adding, at the same time, that rehabilitation and prevention were also key.

Horvath cited a new government decree under which civil society groups and individuals will also be able to contribute to school drug prevention programmes in the coming school year.



Sandor Toreki, a deputy police chief, said 215 million forints (EUR 542,100) have been allocated to the programme launching on Sept 1.



A total of 3,049 experts will be involved, including 2,222 police officers, he said, adding that the national police headquarters will set up a working group to coordinate the tasks concerning the programme.



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

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Britannica International School is proud to celebrate another year of outstanding success in the Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel A Level and IGCSE examinationsan achievement that reflects the schools continued dedication to supporting every student in reaching their full potential.

From Britannica International School Team: We are extremely proud of our Class of 2025. This year, Britannica International School achieved a 98% pass rate, matching last year's amazing record. Across the year group, an impressive 37% of exams were graded at A*-A (compared to the global average of 28%)! This was identical to last year and maintains the consistent trend of incredibly high performance in the Britannica sixth form.



Congratulations to our top performers, who achieved remarkable grades; Napsugar attaining 5 A*-s, Mark receiving 4 A*-s, Sophie 1 A* and 4 A-s, Guillermo 2 A* and A, Vanja 1 A*, 2 A-s and a B and Ali having 3 A-s.



Levente, who started in Year 1 at Britannica 13 years ago, also received exceptional results (A*, A, B) and now continues his studies at Bocconi University in Milan. He said: "At Britannica my growth was not merely academic; I developed in ways that shaped my character and outlook far beyond the classroom. As I head to Milan this autumn to begin my studies, I carry with me the core values instilled by Britannica  excellence, respect, responsibility, integrity, and compassion."



Our school's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in these impressive outcomes, a demonstration of the dedication, hard work and resilience of our students and the incredible expertise of our subject specialist teachers.



Considered the top qualification by British universities, passing A-Levels is a huge accomplishment. Year after year, we see our students succeed in this pursuit and we are extremely proud of their achievements.



We now look forward to hearing about the next steps in our graduating students' lives as they attend universities all around the world including the University of Oxford, UCL, King's College, Exeter University, University of the Arts London, University of Edinburgh, University of Manchester, Bocconi University, Utrecht University, University of Amsterdam, Ecole Ducasse Paris, EU Business School Barcelona, University of Seoul.



Our IGCSE students also achieved an outstanding set of results this year.



Key results:

35% of the grades were 7-9 (A*- A) vs global average of 21,7%

78% of grades were 4-9 (A*- C) vs global average of 67,6%



A special round of applause go to Karen, Kalina, Alessandra, Parmida, Ruofan, Emma, Fanqi, Zsigmond, and Sofia for their exceptional performance  each achieving the highest grade possible (9) in some of their subjects!



"These impressive outcomes are a demonstration of the dedication, hard work and resilience of our students and the incredible expertise of our subject specialist teachers. " Neil McGarry- Principal



Click here to virtually visit Britannica International School
Mizoram's ZPM government passed the Mizoram Prohibition of Beggary Bill, 2025, to ban begging and aid rehabilitation, despite MNF opposition citing Christian values.
The creation of the Bhairav Commandos marks a monumental step in the Indian Armys evolving structure, with an eye on modern warfare tactics and threats. According to media reports, the Bhairav units are expected to be operational by the end of 2025, with five units to be deployed in various critical regions such as Leh, Srinagar, Nagrota, Western India, and Northeast India.
Despite these constraints, the Pakistani government, in June this year, after clashes with India, approved a 20% hike in the defence budget, now at PKR 2.55 trillion, or 1.97% of GDP, citing regional threats and military modernisation.
(Photo courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)



Check out whats going on around the city this weekend in Busan.

Please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel so you can keep up-to-date on whats happening around the city.

(Image: Accuweather)



Music

Busan Immersed in Jazz @ Domoheon  Busans only outdoor jazz concert highlighting live music and storytelling by leading Korean and international musicians. Domoheon, Suyeong-gu, Saturday, 5 p.m.

Awesome Stage in Busan @ BEXCO Auditorium  Kwon Jin-ah performs a Saturday evening concert. BEXCO Auditorium, Centum City, Saturday, 6 p.m.

Bernard Werber X Sejong Soloists @ Busan Concert Hall  Enjoy a colloberation concert under the theme The Age of Chimera. Busan Concert Hall, Busanjin-gu, Saturday, 5 p.m.

Hayato Sumino @ Busan Concert Hall  Japanese pianist Hayato Sumino perforrms a Sunday afternoon concert. Busan Concert Hall, Busanjin-gu, Sunday, 2 p.m.

Millak Waterside Music Festa @ Millak Waterside Park  Suyeong District will continue its regular Millak Waterside Music Festa performances in August, part of a seasonal series running every Saturday evening from May through September. Millak Waterside Park, Suyeong-gu, Saturday, 7 p.m.

Live Music @ Ol55  Open stage events ta

Other stuff

Events

Yeongnam Dance Festival @ Busan National Gugak Center  15 performances are scheduled through September 13. Busan National Gugak Center, Busanjin-gu, Through September 13

World Climate Industry Expo @ BEXCO  Climate experts from around the world converge at BEXCO. BEXCO, Centum City, Friday

ENTECH @ BEXCO  Koreas largest professional expo on the environment and energy, will be held at BEXCO for three days. BEXCO, Centum City, Friday

MAD STARS @ Signiel Hotel  The largest advertising expo brings together the worlds of marketing, advertising, and digital content, emphasizing the intersection of creativity and cutting-edge technology. Signiel Hotel, Haeundae, Friday

Busan International Comedy Festival @ BEXCO Auditorium and around Busan  10 days of laughs from comedians from Korea and abroad. BEXCO Auditorium and around Busan, August 29 through September 7

Busan Intercity Film Festival @ Busan Cinema Center  The festival carries the slogan Film People City and will showcase 30 works from 11 international cities, including several UNESCO Creative Cities of Film. Busan Cinema Center, Centum City, Through Sunday

KOOZA @ Shinsegae Big Top  To celebrate its 30th anniversary, KNN will present Cirque du Soleils acclaimed production KOOZA under the Big Top at Shinsegae Centum City in Busan. Shinsegae Big Top, Centum City, Through September 28

Busan Buk-gu Downtown Water Park @ Waseok Park and Hayanmaeum Park  Kids can cool down at two water parks in Buk-gu. Waseok Park and Hayanmaeum Park, Buk-gu, Through August 31

Aladdin @ Busan Dream Theatre  As the first Korean staging of Aladdin, the production is expected to introduce Busan audiences to this beloved musical in a grand new presentation setting over the summer. Dream Theatre, Busanjin-gu, Through September 28

Beach Season Opening  All seven beaches open for summer operations on Tuesday. Through August 31

Haeundae Festa @ Haeundae Beach  A summers worth of activities are taking place at the beach until the end of August. Haeundae Beach, Through August 31

Gwangalli Character Zone @ Gwangalli Beach  Popular Kakao characters Ryan and Chunsik take part at the Friends Tour IN Gwangalli pop-up. Gwangalli Beach, Through August 31

Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams Music Show @ Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams  The fountain show is back for another year of excitement. Daily except for Monday, Dadaepo, 8 p.m.

Gwangalli M Drone Light Show @ Gwangalli Beach  The drone show resumes its regular schedule this week. Gwangalli Beach, Saturday, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.  Canceled

International Meet-up @ Cafe With  Join a new language exchange and culture program each Friday night. Cafe With, Kyungsung University, Friday, 7 p.m.

Culture

HAEUNDAE FC @ Mezzanine Gallery  A group exhibition of 21 contemporary craft artists exploring tea culture through fine craft. Mezzanine Gallery (Maison de Karine), Haeundae-gu, Through August 31

Temporary Residence @ Gallery Jaehee  Jeong Eun-yuls solo exhibition navigating memory and imaginary spaces through digital drawings and oil paintings. Gallery Jaehee, Haeundae-gu, Through August 30

Fake World @ Ssamm Cultural Space  International relay exhibition featuring Korean and Russian artists Baek Bo-rim, Cho Ye-sol, and Alexander Sokolov, exploring truth and fabrication in modern society. Ssamm Cultural Space, Suyeong-gu, Through August 31

Colonized Earth 2025  Eyes of the Universe, Tears of the Earth @ Democracy Park  A large-scale group exhibition reflecting on environmental and social colonization through experimental art. Democracy Park, Jung-gu, Through August 31

Echoes of Summer @ Lina Gallery Busan  Featuring Min Woo-gi, Jeon Hee-kyung, and Jung Go-yo-na, the exhibition captures the colors and impressions of summer through unique painterly expressions. Lina Gallery, Haeundae-gu, Through September 28

Around the Campfire @ Ewell Gallery  Ko Seong-mins first solo exhibition, exploring themes of connection and comfort through painting. Ewell Gallery, Suyeong-gu, Through August 30

We Are Connected: Circular Heart @ Objethood Gallery  Yu Su-jis solo exhibition exploring empathy and interconnectedness among living beings. Objethood Gallery, Gijang-gun, Through September 7

Ordinary Life @ Space Topping  Ahn Da-euns solo exhibition on fleeting travel moments and emotions of daily life. Space Topping, Haeundae-gu, Through September 7

Patina  Busan Tour @ Busan Gallery  Park Nam-sa revitalizes damaged archival photos from the Library of Congress with new aesthetic interpretations. Busan Gallery, Saha-gu, Through August 30

The Room Remains @ Space Bv  Lee Jeong-yuns installation inaugurates Space Bvs new venue, using collected objects to create metaphoric connections. Space Bv, Geumjeong-gu, Through October 12

Module Logics @ Dioti Museum  Lee Sung-bok presents experimental works based on the artists self-designed number-symbol system, C.P. Gradations. Dioti Museum, Geumjeong-gu, Through September 20

Breathe @ Chosun Gallery  Kim Min-youngs solo exhibition exploring cycles of breath, body, and nature through painting and mixed media. Chosun Gallery, Haeundae-gu, August 23September 3

Liquid Frontiers @ Dongbaek Art Center  Group show featuring works by Cho In-seo, Park Ji-hoon, and Lee Ji-yeon, examining shifting boundaries between land, sea, and identity. Dongbaek Art Center, Haeundae-gu, August 24September 15

Tracing Memory @ Yejin Gallery  Sculptor Kwon Hye-rims exhibition of organic forms inspired by geology and personal memory. Yejin Gallery, Nam-gu, August 24September 10

Hilma af Klint: Proper Summons @ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery 5  Enjoy a collection of 140 works, including paintings, drawings, videos, and archival materials. Busan Museum of Contemporary Art Gallery 5, July 19October 26

Brise-Soleil and Rounded Corners: Art Deco and Modernist Architecture in Southeast Asia Today @ ASEAN Culture House  The event aims to understand the background of the formation of major ASEAN cities through modern and contemporary architectural heritage. ASEAN Culture House, Haeundae-gu, Through November 9

Steidl Book Culture Magic On Paper @ Domoheon  This cross-genre archival exhibition illuminates the multifaceted world of Gerhard Steidl, the renowned German publisher of photography and art books. Domoheon Multipurpose Room, Suyeong-gu, Through December 7

Summer Story Exhibition @ Bakery Cafe Gawon  Featuring three artists, this exhibition evokes forgotten emotions and quiet summer memories. Bakery Cafe Gawon, Nam-gu, Through September 29

Topography of Labor  12 Scenes @ Busan Museum of Modern Art  Eunbi Kwons installation explores invisible and peripheral labor through moving sculptures. Busan Museum of Modern Art, Saha-gu, Through October 19

Ideal Phenomenon @ Asti Gallery  Lim In-gus exhibition examines capitalism and longing through his symbolic Gold Bar series. Asti Gallery, Dong-gu, Through August 31

FLOATING: THE OCEAN @ Gallery Haas  A multi-artist show exploring boundaries and the sense of water through diverse media. Gallery Haas, Haeundae-gu, Through September 2

The Blooming Tale @ Lotus Gallery  Lee Ki-taeks paintings use nature and fairy tale imagery to explore imagination and nostalgia. Lotus Gallery, Haeundae-gu, Through August 30

Kim Dae-yoon Retrospective @ Picasso Gallery  A major retrospective of late artist Kim Dae-yoons vibrant depictions of everyday Busan life. Picasso Gallery, Haeundae-gu, Through August 31

Kariya Miki Invitational @ Maison de Karin  Fantastical yet familiar images explore childhood memories, emotion, and Japanese kawaii aesthetics. Maison de Karin, Haeundae-gu, Through August 31

Everyday Happiness @ Busan Police Agency Gallery  Myung Chae-kyungs paintings reflect joy in daily moments and the memories they create. Busan Police Agency Gallery, Yeonje-gu, Through August 31

The Moment Between @ Gallery Playlist  Kim Yeon-su and Park Se-bin examine fleeting intersections between vitality and stillness. Gallery Playlist, Jung-gu, Through September 13

If the Time Comes When You Ask If Youve Eaten @ Space Sail  Lee Hyeong-sas personal drawings reflect familial love and cycles of emotion. Space Sail, Jung-gu, Through August 29

Beom and Chu @ Open Space Bae & Annyeong Artist  Artists explore faith, doubt, and illusion through conceptual forms and experimental works. Open Space Bae & Annyeong Artist, Jung-gu, Through August 31

Mita Artist Invitational @ Gallery T (Lotte Department Store)  Known for shark imagery, Mita reinterprets fear into positive, vibrant iconography. Gallery T, Busanjin-gu, Through September 1

Return @ National Museum of Forced Mobilization  Commemorating Koreas liberation, this exhibition tells stories of repatriated forced laborers. National Museum of Forced Mobilization, Nam-gu, Through October 31

The Comma Gaze @ Vitree Gallery  Summers solo show explores femininity, identity, and inner emotion through comma-eyed portraits. Vitree Gallery, Suyeong-gu, Through August 30

Seeing with Ten Fingers @ Busan Museum of Contemporary Art  Featuring the works of 20 multidisciplinary artists from Korea and abroad, the exhibition showcases over 70 synesthetic works. Busan Museum of Contemporary Art, Through September 7

Sawadee Thailand @ Sasang Life History Museum  437 cultural items from the Land of Smiles are on display. Sasang Life History Museum, Through November

Arte Museum Busan  The exhibition features 19 works themed CIRCLE, highlighting the natural and cultural elements of Busan. Arte Museum Busan, Yeongdo-gu, Ongoing

Sports

Doosan vs. Lotte @ Sajik Stadium  The Giants enter a crucial three-game series with the Bears. Sajik Stadium, Sajik-dong, Friday 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 6 p.m.

Cheongju vs. Busan IPark @ Gudeok Stadium  The IPark look to continue their impressive form. Gudeok Stadium, Sunday, 7 p.m.

13th Korea Open Busan International Dragon Boat Competition and the 16th Busan Mayors Cup Dragon Boat Competition @ Suyeong River  Two exciting events take over the river this weekend. Suyeong River, Through Monday

Please note that some events may be postponed or canceled around the city. While we do strive for accuracy, some events may change their operating times and days.
Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands firmly opposes cyberattack claim, calling it groundless

Global Times) 08:32, August 29, 2025

In response to the so-called cyberattack carried out by Chinese hackers against the Netherlands, the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands said on late Thursday that such allegation about Chinese hackers carrying out cyberattack against the Netherlands is groundless, and China firmly opposes this.

China is a staunch defender of cyber security, and at the same time one of the biggest victims of hacker and cyberattacks. The Chinese government resolutely opposes and combats all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law, and will not allow any country or individual to engage in cyberattacks or other similar illegal activities within China's territory or by utilizing China's infrastructure, the embassy said.

China urges the relevant department of Netherlands to adopt a responsible attitude, stop smearing China by using cyber security issues, the embassy said. Cyber security is a common challenge faced by all countries, China and the Netherlands should work together to address this global threats through dialogue and cooperation, the embassy noted.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Mexicos healthcare system is undergoing a severe decline, according to the study Changes in Public Healthcare in Mexico, 2018-2024, conducted by Mexico Evalua. The analysis reveals that in just six years, the number of people without access to healthcare services doubled, rising from 20.1 million in 2018 to 44.5 million in 2024, according to official data from Inegi.

Among the main findings of the study, prepared by researcher Jorge Cano of Mexico Evalua, and presented within the framework of President Claudia Sheinbaums first government report:

Budget cuts. The 2025 economic package reduced by more than 100 billion pesos the resources allocated to healthcare for people without social security, compromising the States ability to respond to growing needs.

for people without social security, compromising the States ability to respond to growing needs. Higher out-of-pocket spending. In 2024, Mexican households spent on average 1,605 pesos per quarter on healthcare , an increase of 469.8 pesos compared to 2018. The impact was greater on the poorest households, whose spending rose by over 80%, from 355 pesos per quarter to 651 pesos, while in wealthier households it increased only 34%.

, an increase of 469.8 pesos compared to 2018. The impact was greater on the poorest households, whose spending rose by over 80%, from 355 pesos per quarter to 651 pesos, while in wealthier households it increased only 34%. Rising drug costs. Spending on medicines doubled between 2018 and 2024, with sharp increases in treatments for diabetes (261%), hypertension (242%), and migraines (333%).

Shift to private care. More than half of Mexicans who sought medical attention in 2024 went to the private sector (55.1%). Only 34% of those with a health problem received care at public institutions.

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Structural factors

The study underscores that the historical fragmentation of the systemwith multiple institutions such as IMSS, ISSSTE, Pemex, and the Armed Forces, in addition to services for those without social securitycreates inequities.

The elimination of Seguro Popular and its replacement first by INSABI and later IMSS-Bienestar reduced explicit healthcare guarantees and weakened per capita funding. Per-person health spending fell 8% between 2018 and 2024, despite the growth in the target population.

Where public policy should go

Mexicos health policy in the last six years shifted from a model with proven progress in financial protectionsuch as Seguro Popularto institutional schemes that, while promising free and universal coverage, have lacked solid financing and management mechanisms, according to the conclusions of Changes in Public Healthcare in Mexico, 2018-2024.

Seguro Popular succeeded in reducing out-of-pocket spending, catastrophic expenses, and lack of healthcare access, though it maintained territorial inequalities and weak preventive care. Its replacement by INSABI, and later IMSS-Bienestar, expanded the target population and promised coverage for more conditions, but by eliminating affiliation, the benefit catalog, and per capita financing, it undermined budgetary and operational certainty.

The result has been a measurable setback: falling public spending per capita for those without social security, fewer consultations provided, higher out-of-pocket and catastrophic household expenses, and a growing de facto privatization of healthcare, reflected in the rise of private clinics, pharmacy consultations, and self-medication.

ALSO READ: El Mayo Zambada pleads guilty to drug trafficking charges in US court

According to Mexico Evalua researchers, the country will not be able to build an equitable, universal, and sustainable healthcare system unless it addresses the structural roots of segmentation, conditional financing, and governance. The experiences of Brazil, Chile, and Denmark show that institutional integration, solidarity-based financing, smart regulation of the private sector, and explicit guarantees are the pillars of any effective transformation.

Toward a single, universal, non-segmented system:

Sustained public financing based on general taxation Universalize effective access, not just nominal affiliation Regulated private-sector participation in drug supply Reduce geographic inequality in infrastructure and medical staff Strengthen early detection of chronic diseases and cancer Public health in Mexico: between cuts and shortages

One year into President Claudia Sheinbaums administration, the outlook for Mexicos healthcare system confirms that the sector is undergoing a structural crisis, according to experts.

Financial indicators show that a substantial improvement is unlikely with the current budget allocation, casting doubt on healths priority in the national agenda, said Jorge Cano of Mexico Evalua.

The 2025 Economic Package included a cut of more than 100 billion pesos to healthcare services for people without social security, a reduction that alone reflects the sectors low priority. This, despite 2024 ENIGH data showing an accelerated deterioration: more than 44 million Mexicans lack access to medical services and out-of-pocket spending has risen sharply.

Mariana Campos, director of Mexico Evalua, said the recently presented study largely reflects the closing of the previous administration and, although it does not measure the performance of the current government, it highlights a structural problem that persists. Researcher Jorge Cano noted that the budget adjustment not only reduces the systems response capacity but has also reached hospitals and clinics only in dribs and drabs.

At the same time, problems in the supply of medicines have become a visible symptom of the crisis. Doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and patient organizations have denounced the lack of basic supplies, which has forced the suspension of services, closure of labs, and even limits on surgeries or imaging studies. Each hospital has had to adjust and reduce the care it offers, deepening inequalities.

Experts agree that the challenge is enormous: without sufficient resources and without public policies that guarantee supply and access.

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Analysis

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is creating a network of innovation hubs to become an internationally influential technology center. Central to this effort is strengthening educational collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, driving innovation and talent development across its 11 cities.

This strategy is crucial for boosting the areas competitive position in the global economy. It builds on the unique strengths of universities in the region and AIs transformative potential to ensure long-term sustainable growth. This multi-city approach also prevents over-reliance on a single city, where each city contributes complementary strengths.

In recent years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has promoted active and continuous collaboration among the government, industry, academic and research sectors through various measures.

For example, Hong Kong is using targeted funding and tax breaks to help university research teams launch successful startups. The Hong Kong governments Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+), a 10 billion Hong Kong dollar ($1.28 billion) program under the Innovation and Technology Fund, provides matching funds to accelerate commercialization. The government has also introduced enhanced tax deductions for qualifying R&D expenditure.

The city has established interdisciplinary research centers that bridge academia and industry, conducting applied R&D work tailored to market needs and facilitating technology transfer through contract studies and licensing partnerships.

Hong Kong universities have started offering AI-related undergraduate and postgraduate programs, such as AI in digital media, business, education, data analytics and engineering. This development is notable given that five local universities rank in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings.

Hong Kong universities also run joint and dual degrees with mainland partners such as Tsinghua University, China Foreign Affairs University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, alongside exchange programs that allow semester, summer or winter placements. Additionally, many MPhil and Ph.D. students now have supervisors from both Hong Kong and GBA universities, which again leverages expertise and facilities from both sides.

Beyond these, newly established universities of applied sciences, including Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Saint Francis University, offer students additional vocational and professional opportunities through cross-border internships and work-based learning.

Regional alliances are further enhancing scientific and technological innovation collaborations across the GBA. A good example is the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Academicians and Experts Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance, which offers a shared platform for exchanges and cooperation among high-end scientific and technological talent. The alliance was established in April 2019 and was jointly initiated by more than 22 universities and enterprises in the region.

Similar multilateral, cross-disciplinary partnerships are emerging across the GBA, pooling complementary academic strengths to advance research and development, knowledge transfer and industrialization.

Ultimately, the success of the GBA hinges on its foundational principle of complementarity. Hong Kongs strengths lie in its international outlook, prowess in fundamental research, common law system and concentration of top-tier talent and global financial services. Meanwhile, mainland GBA cities contribute immense manufacturing capacity, market size, human resources, governmental support for industry policy and unparalleled geographical advantages within domestic supply chains.

Hong Kongs unique status allows this complementarity to thrive in the educational dimension, permitting the special administrative region to maintain its global systems while deepening integration with the mainlands dynamic development. By leveraging this unique advantage, the GBA can develop a new generation of talent and innovative industries, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for all stakeholders. By Mathew Wong*, MDT/China.org.cn

*The author is an associate professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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The Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) has called on the government to set clear localization targets for managerial roles in finance and administration, citing survey results that highlight weak career prospects and heavy work pressures among clerical staff.

Recent statistics indicate that, as of June, there were still 900 non-local workers in clerical positions, including those in finance, in Macau, with over half occupying non-professional roles.

In light of this, the federation urged the government to prioritize local hiring, clarify exit arrangements for non-local workers, and conduct a thorough review of the citys Labor Relations Law to improve the employment landscape.

The federation asserted that, to effectively implement the local employment priority policy, clear exit arrangements for non-local workers must be established.

Proposed measures include setting localization targets for managerial positions in sectors such as finance and administration, as well as increasing investment in vocational training to gradually raise the proportion of locals in professional and managerial roles.

According to the federation, enterprises and labor unions can work together to integrate employees into training systems, establish training hour requirements, link training outcomes to promotions, and create exchange platforms for conducting targeted training programs.

The development of Macaus clerical sector faces significant challenges.

The special administrative region government, enterprises, and labor unions must collaborate to comprehensively improve industry conditions, safeguard workers rights, and promote sustainable development, stated Ng Chi Peng, chairman of the General Association of Macau Clerical Employees.

He also recommended that the government refine the remuneration system by enhancing regulatory enforcement and oversight of wage payments, and suggested leveraging research findings to establish a guiding framework.

The two groups collaborated to conduct a survey from January to early August, targeting clerical staff in Macau.

Out of the 1,510 valid questionnaires collected, only 27% of clerical staff expressed optimism about their career prospects, while approximately 45% reported neutral attitudes. This indicates the work pressures faced by clerical staff, along with concerns about promotion opportunities and anxieties regarding their professional positions.

According to the findings, nearly one-quarter of respondents felt their compensation was disproportionate to their workload, and about 19% expressed dissatisfaction with the benefits system.

Over 40% reported feeling pressured due to tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and limited promotion opportunities. Additionally, 43% experienced physical or mental health impacts from work stress, yet only 18% of employers provided psychological support, with nearly 60% lacking relevant measures.

In response, it was emphasized that the government must establish a long-term oversight mechanism and implement a dynamic workload assessment system.

This system should integrate mental health considerations into corporate social responsibility evaluation frameworks.

The survey also revealed that 83% of respondents had only partial knowledge or no understanding of the Labor Relations Law, and nearly 30% reported experiencing rights violations.

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Final arguments concluded yesterday in the landmark national security trial of Hong Kong pro-democracy newspaper founder Jimmy Lai, who could face up to a life sentence if convicted.

Lai founded the now-defunct Apple Daily, which had been one of the local news outlets most critical of the government. He was arrested in 2020 under the national security law.

Lai is charged with colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to issue seditious publications. His trial has stretched nearly 160 days, almost double the original estimate. The verdict date is unclear but is expected to be delivered in weeks or months. He could face a sentence ranging from three years in prison to a life term if he is convicted.

His case has drawn international attention as a test of press freedom and judicial independence in the Asian financial hub.

Heated discussion

Over the past week, defense lawyer Robert Pang repeatedly butted heads with judges when he tried to argue that his clients comments made online were just armchair punditry, pushing back against the prosecutions notion that he was requesting sanctions, blockages or hostile activities against China or Hong Kong.

Last Friday, Esther Toh, one of the judges approved by the government to handle the case, challenged Pangs arguments about freedom of expression. She said that right has its limits, and pointed to the arrests of people who expressed views about Palestinian issues in the U.S. and Britain.

On Wednesday, lawyer Marc Corlett, who was also representing Lai, disputed the allegation that his client was conspiring with others, including those linked with an advocacy group called Stand with Hong Kong Fight for Freedom, to call for foreign actions.

Corlett described one of the prosecution witnesses involved in the alleged conspiracy as a serial liar. Even if the court took his evidence seriously, it doesnt mean that Lai had entered into an ongoing agreement with others to work toward the alleged goal, he said.

The prosecution accused Lai of asking foreign countries, especially the United States, to take actions against Beijing under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy.

It said Lai continued to request foreign actions even after his arrest in August 2020, citing Lais persistent foreign collaborations as his unwavering intent to solicit foreign actions. It argued Lais testimony was not credible and that he had used the Apple Daily to seek foreign sanctions, describing the acts as a betrayal of national interest and security.

Lais yearslong detention raises concerns

Lai, who is 77, has been in jail for about four years and eight months and has reported experiencing heart palpitations. Concerns over his health delayed the start of the final arguments this month. The government said a medical examination of Lai found no abnormalities and that the medical care he received in custody was adequate.

When Lai entered the courtroom, he smiled and waved at people sitting in the public gallery. He also pressed his palms together in an apparent expression of gratitude.

After Toh said the judges would inform the parties in good time about when the verdict may come and left the courtroom, Lai spoke with his lawyers briefly and waved at the public gallery before departing.

Hours ahead of the hearing, dozens of people were in line outside the court building for a seat in the main courtroom.

Foreign governments and rights groups have raised concerns about Lais case. U.S. President Donald Trump said in a Fox News radio interview released Aug. 14 that he had already brought up the issue with China. Im going to do everything I can to save him, he said.

Reporters Without Borders, alongside a coalition of 72 human rights and press freedom organizations, last week sent a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to urge him to demand Lais urgent humanitarian release.

China has accused Lai of stirring up a rise in anti-China sentiments in Hong Kong, saying it firmly opposes the interference of other countries in its internal affairs.

Chinese and Hong Kong authorities insist the law was necessary for the citys stability. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP

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Amid rising health challenges and an aging population, Macau should leverage artificial intelligence and digital health technologies to strengthen healthcare services and drive economic diversification, Professor Henry Tong of Macau Polytechnic University (MPU) said.

In a keynote speech Wednesday at the France Macau Chamber of Commerces (FMCC) Breakfast Talk Rendez-Vous, Tong delved into how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the public services, with a particular focus on its potential in the healthcare sector.

As a free trade zone, Macau has unique advantages that allow it to focus on emerging technologies such as digital health platforms and telemedicine, the professor told the Times on the sidelines of yesterday mornings event.

These technologies can not only improve residents health conditions but also attract external investment and foster economic diversification.

With a background in pharmacy, Tong has worked as a pharmacist and health professional coordinator, overseeing the training of various healthcare professionals.

Currently, he leads a drug discovery project focused on neglected tropical diseases and conducts research in smart healthy aging, using big data analytics to predict the health needs of the elderly.

Before 2020, I was trained as a pharmacist, graduating from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I practiced for a few years as a pharmacist before joining MPU, which was still an institute at the time, as a pharmacy teacher. I later became the allied health professional coordinator, training not only pharmacy technologists but also medical laboratory technologists, public health analysts, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and radiation therapists. In 2020, I was asked to explore AI in surgery at my university, which led me to transition into the field of AI in healthcare.

Referencing his experience, Tong noted that the performance of AI has exceeded expectations.

From yesterdays meeting, it was learned that Tongs research not only aims to enhance the quality of elderly healthcare but also seeks to inspire greater attention to AIs potential in the medical field, thereby advancing societys overall health standards.

The professor noted, Macau is one of the places with the highest life expectancy in the world. Currently, the top three regions are Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan. This data is open and can be validated [] What we are focusing on is AI prediction in elderly care services. Collaborating with the University of Hong Kong and the elderly survey and social administration department, he has collected two decades of big data to predict the future health demands of the aging population.

Tong pointed out that by analyzing this data, his team can forecast how many elderly individuals will require walkers and other rehabilitation services. He emphasized that data cleansing is a critical step  though time-consuming  that must be performed manually to ensure high-quality data.

In a specific case, he mentioned their ongoing AI predictive research designed to assist the Shenzhen government in planning elderly care services.

We are collaborating with the Shenzhen government to utilize Hong Kong data to predict the healthcare and social needs of the elderly in the future [] This data can help the government plan elderly care services effectively. The business implications are significant; by using this data, we can determine how many immobile elderly patients are in Hong Kong. This means we can predict the demand for walking sticks and other rehabilitation services in the near future, allowing for precise calculations, the professor stated.

He also stressed the importance of considering Chinas cultural context, particularly the value of filial piety, when developing the silver economy. Elderly individuals often wish to live with their children, so our service models must adapt to this cultural characteristic to avoid the risk of failure, he noted.

Tong believes Macau is an ideal location for commercial development, thanks to its mix of expatriate and local populations, as well as its participation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area connectivity initiative.

He noted, Products registered in Macau can leverage this initiative to sell into Guangdong Province. Additionally, there are opportunities for online sales. He asserted that successful brands can easily sell products online from Macau to mainland China, positioning it as an excellent testing ground.

He emphasized that AI represents a high-value industry for Macaus development: We can use it not only as a testing ground for the silver economy but also for emerging industries.

He highlighted promising prospects for technologies like digital diagnostics, treatments, and devices in Macau, especially given its status as a free trade zone with relatively relaxed regulatory environment.

Addressing AI reliability, Tong stated, AI effectiveness is highly dependent on data. He noted that Macaus limited population could compromise the reliability of generated datasets, necessitating thorough validation before AI implementation. He suggested that algorithm development in Macau should consider leveraging data from Hong Kong or the Greater Bay Area to access more comprehensive datasets.

Additionally, he highlighted AIs potential to analyze healthcare needs among the elderly, assisting the government in better planning community healthcare and home-visit services. He urged citizens to enhance health awareness and emphasized the importance of early screening to improve overall health standards.

Despite certain challenges, Tong believes that collaboration with the Greater Bay Area will help expand market potential: Macau possesses unique advantages in utilizing patient data, which will accelerate the integration of research outcomes with international standards.

The professor pointed out to the Times that AI can play a significant role in disease recognition, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

However, when addressing the issue of healthcare workforce shortages, he believes AI should be viewed as an assistant to enhance work efficiency rather than as a replacement for humans. He emphasized that while AI can automate certain functions, human-centered care and emotional support remain indispensable.

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The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), together with local travel trade representatives, promoted the city at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2025, held from August 26 to 28 in Bangkok.

A key highlight was the PATA Gold Awards presentation on August 27, where MGTOs Experience Macao Limited Edition campaign, created with six integrated resort operators, won the Grand Award in Marketing.

The campaign, launched in 2024, reached more than 5.1 billion impressions worldwide through interactive games, celebrity promotions, and social media engagement.

Melco Resorts and Sands China also earned Gold Awards for their hospitality and community-based marketing efforts.

Melcos Sanrio Characters Studio City Carnival won best marketing campaign in hospitality, while Sands Chinas bilingual publication In Search of Its Roots  An Illustrated History of Rua das Estalagens won best printed marketing campaign.

More than 1,000 delegates from 50 countries attended this years PATA Travel Mart, one of Asia Pacifics leading tourism trade shows. MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes officiated at the events opening and led a delegation of 12 local tourism stakeholders, including Air Macau.

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the current state of labor market regulation in Macau, particularly the insufficient oversight of non-resident workers and the impact this has on the employment opportunities of local residents.

Consultancy and construction companies

Several consultancy firms in the engineering and construction sector operate in Macau while being headquartered outside the territory. These companies stipulate English as their primary contractual and working language.

Nevertheless, according to information provided by DSAL staff, some of these firms have rejected applicants solely because they were unable to read documents in Chinese, despite otherwise meeting all requirements.

Furthermore, evidence suggests that some companies employ non-resident workers on-site whose blue cards are registered under the name of the main contractor or third-party firms, in violation of labor quotas and legal hiring procedures.

It has also been observed that, shortly before official labor inspections, contractor representatives checked workers blue cards and instructed those in irregular situations to leave the site temporarily. This raises the troubling question of how companies might have had prior access to privileged information about upcoming inspections.

Tax compliance and work-related travel

Many of these companies require frequent work-related travel by their employees between Macau, Hong Kong, and Mainland China.

Additionally, some companies do not maintain a valid registered address in Macau  a requirement for tax purposes  thereby potentially violating local fiscal obligations.

Impact on the local labor market

These issues were previously reported by telephone to DSAL in July.

They clearly disrupt the balance of the labor market and limit the employment prospects of Macau residents.

Language barriers in other sectors

The candidate in question has demonstrated availability for jobs in multiple sectors  not only construction  including casinos, having applied online for positions such as driver, security officer, fitness instructor, and doorman.

Despite English being the official working language at many of these casino operators, interviews were often conducted in Cantonese, which effectively excluded the candidate without fluency in Cantonese or Mandarin.

As a result, it appears that only candidates with fluency in both Chinese languages are considered eligible, while other valuable qualifications  such as fluency in Portuguese and English, higher education, and professional experience  are disregarded.

Selection criteria, therefore, seem to function mainly on the basis of exclusion rather than inclusion.

Lack of local worker protection and reporting mechanisms

When contacting DSAL, the candidate was advised to file a formal complaint with the Labor Inspection Department.

However, this suggestion disregards the workers right to anonymity and exposes them to risks regarding their personal safety.

No alternative labor protective measures were proposed.

This raises the broader question of whether labor inspections in Macau are conducted only in response to complaints, instead of being carried out preventively to protect and regulate the local labor market.

In conclusion, these practices undermine fair access to employment opportunities for local residents and call into question the effectiveness of current regulatory measures.

Final note: For legal reasons, the names of companies or casino operators mentioned have been omitted from this letter.

A Macau resident

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The Zhuhai Fire Services reported that two residents of Macau became lost while hiking on Mount Naobei in Hengqin last Sunday. A drone and ground search-and-rescue team were deployed and successfully located them after more than an hour. The operation involved a multifunctional emergency rescue vehicle and a six-person team, along with a thermal imaging drone used to scan the mountainous terrain. In their statement, authorities warned hikers that Mount Naobei has areas with weak mobile phone signals. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, increasing the risk of hypothermia from prolonged exposure.

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The Judiciary Police arrested two Filipino men, aged 36 and 39, on suspicion of drug trafficking in the central district early yesterday. Officers seized about three grams of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of MOP9,600, along with tools for packaging drugs and MOP9,000 in suspected proceeds. The men, employed locally as a laborer and a security guard, are believed to have been selling drugs to fellow nationals for at least two months.

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KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29  A new art gallery, Ruang Teduh, has opened at Exchange 106 with the RASA Merdeka! exhibition, celebrating Malaysian creativity this season.

Former ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz who launched it yesterday called it a vital space to preserve Malaysias cultural identity.

Without culture, a country is empty. It is art, dance, food, music and traditions that give us our soul and identity.

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We have so many malls and shopping complexes selling branded goods, but those places have no soul. What we need are spaces like this, to exhibit the culture of our country. That is what makes Malaysia alive, he said.

Nazri cited the band Alleycats, made up of ethnic Indian musicians but famous for their Malay-language songs, as proof that culture cuts across race.

Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz speaks at the launch of Ruang Teduh art gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz speaks at the launch of Ruang Teduh art gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

He also noted how artworks at the gallery blended Malay and Chinese elements yet remained distinctly Malaysian.

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Faris Najhan Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of Exchange 106, said he was proud to house the gallery in the mall.

This art gallery now embraces the exchange process, a beacon of progress. Art is the language of the soul. It transcends words, binding human hearts to their heritage and uniting us as a people, he said.

The launch of Ruang Teduh is not merely the unveiling of a gallery. It is the opening of a sanctuary, a place of reflection, appreciation and remembrance of the freedom to express thoughts, emotions and imaginations.

It is our hope that this space will serve not only as a platform for artists to unveil their craft, but also as a vessel for society to draw inspiration. From these walls, adorned with works of vision and beauty, may arise compositions and awakenings that remind us art is the very path that sustains our spirit, he added.

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With humility, I invite all of us to see Ruang Teduh not just as a gallery, but as a platform, a place where we shelter our shared spirit and uplift our hearts. Let us move forward together, with the spirit of Merdeka burning brightly within us, so that art and culture may forever be the light that guides our nations journey.

Artist Azzaha Ibrahim (right) speaks at the launch of Ruang Teduh art gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

Artist Azzaha Ibrahim (right) speaks at the launch of Ruang Teduh art gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

Veteran musician Datuk M. Nasir said galleries like Ruang Teduh are crucial for giving local artists recognition.

Compared to the 80s there are still people who love the arts. Numbers-wise, I think its the same. The difference is in the exposure. Nowadays if youre not on social media you wont be known, he said.

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For example painters, there are a lot of painters, and theyre good, but compared to the past they havent received the same exposure or following. One of the reasons a gallery like this is important is because it gives them a platform and helps more people discover their work, he told Malay Mail.

Musician Datuk M. Nasir speaks at the launch of Ruang Teduh art gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

Musician Datuk M. Nasir speaks at the launch of Ruang Teduh art gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

He added he attended the launch to support artists whose works he has long followed on social media.

Award-winning director U-Wei Saari urged visitors to experience the art for themselves without overthinking.

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Not understanding art is beautiful. You dont have to decode it nor relate to it. Its visual, so you need to be present to appreciate it with your own eyes. By doing that, your soul feels something. Thats where the connection begins, or I call it the second wave, he said.

Once you get that craving you will keep seeking it and that opens your heart to different things. This gallery is full of lovely art pieces and I hope people take advantage and come see it for themselves.

Malaysian filmmaker U-Wei Saari speaks with Malay Mail at the launch of Ruang Teduhart gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

Malaysian filmmaker U-Wei Saari speaks with Malay Mail at the launch of Ruang Teduhart gallery at Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange in Kuala Lumpur on August 28, 2025.  Picture by Firdaus Latif

Senimalaya editorial lead Irwan Muhammad Zain also encouraged the public to visit as admission is free.

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We wanted to create a space in the middle of a commercial hub where people can slow down, sit, and enjoy art. TRX 106 is an ideal location and is accessible, lively, yet with corners that allow for reflection, said Irwan.

The staff at 106 have been dropping by as well to look at the paintings and thats the spirit we want, to make art an everyday part of life.

The works on display are diverse, from abstract paintings, surrealism, sculptors and more. We hope visitors not only come to appreciate them, but also to bring some of these pieces home. Buying art keeps the ecosystem alive.

The RASA Merdeka! exhibition at Ruang Teduh features bold canvases, surrealist works, sculptures and abstract paintings  some accented with gold leaf.

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Highlights include Kide Baharudins Tekong Funfair Maghin, Husin Othmans Cari Makan series, Long Thien Shihs Dont Prey Prey, and Johan Marjonids sweeping paddy field scene Benih Padi Belum Tiba II.

Ruang Teduh opened its doors on August 16 in collaboration with Galeri Puteh. The show runs until September 16.

Senimalaya, launched last year as a portal dedicated to arts, culture, heritage and literature, is part of Media Works Sdn Bhd.

The gallery is located at Lot UG 31 & 32, Exchange 106, Lingkaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, Kuala Lumpur.
Antipolo City Rep. Ronaldo Puno said an ethics complaint can be filed against Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez for accusing journalists of getting paid.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines earlier criticized Gomez regarding a social media post iwherein he scored media men asking for his comment on a flood control structure in Matag-ob, Leyte that reportedly collapsed.

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In another development, BICOL Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the damaged flood control project in Leyte may be part of an investigation by the House Committee on Infrastructure.

In his post, Gomezs included the journalists names and cellphone numbers, after he was asked to comment on allegations of flood control projects in his district being substandard.

Absolutely, I encourage you to bring it before the Ethics Committee here. These things must not continue. I mean, you are asked to explain something, youre a legislator, you explain, Puno said.

Citing similarities in the questions and interview requests , Gomez claimed that someone was orchestrating the simple fact of media trying to get his side.

The film actor-turned legislator alleged that the media were being paid to get his comment as fairness would dictate.

Apart from the allegations that colleagues were paid as part of supposed media spin, Gomez posted screenshots with media workers names and numbers, a potential violation of data privacy and an action that puts them at risk of harassment and fraud.

The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) is a Philippine law that protects individuals personal information by regulating its collection, processing, and storage in information and communications systems.

We remind Gomez that media asking for his side on the matter actually favors him, the NUJP stated.

The requests give him a chance to address allegations made by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy, who has also criticized him for alleged lack of support during heavy flooding, and making them is part of journalists jobs, the group added.

If Gomez preferred to not speak about the issue, a simple no comment or lack of response would have sent that message without imputing malice or exposing our colleagues private information, the NUJP asserted.

Despite the recent introspection within the media community regarding the conduct of some of its members, claiming media bias and spin to evade answering questions will only have limited effectiveness, it stated.

We can include that, particularly if there was a collapse that happened in the project and within the expectation that these project could last long, Ridon told GMA News.

Matag-ob, Leyte Mayor Bernie Tacoy, in a social media post, linked Gomez to the to the flood control project that collapsed on Aug. 25..

Ridon said they may conduct a probe of the issue after receiving a report from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
LBC Express, the Philippines leading logistics and courier service provider, announces a major leadership transition as President and CEO Mike A. Camahort steps down after 16 years of dedicated service. His tenure, marked by resilience, innovation, and growth, has left an enduring impact on the company and the millions of Filipinos it serves worldwide.

A Legacy of Leadership

Since joining LBC in 2009, Mike Camahort has led the company through transformative milestones that redefined its position in the logistics industry. He expanded ISO 9001:2015 certifications nationwide, strengthening LBCs reputation as the Philippines most trusted logistics partner.

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Under his leadership, LBC also expanded globally with the 2018 overseas acquisitions, sustained e-commerce logistics through COD and COP services, and successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic with innovative digital solutions. His guidance earned the company numerous top industry awards, reflecting a legacy of resilience, growth, and excellence.

Among his most significant accomplishments was the creation and rapid expansion of LBCs Corporate Solutions, the companys dedicated business-to-business division. This arm has become one of LBCs strongest revenue drivers, serving small enterprises, government agencies, and some of the countrys largest corporationscementing LBCs dual role as both a household retail brand and a trusted partner for large-scale operations.

A Time for Renewal

With this transition, LBC ushers in a new era of leadership built on the solid foundation established under Camahorts stewardship.

Effective October 1, 2025, Enrique V. Rey Jr. will assume the role of President and CEO, bringing his deep experience in business strategy and transformation.

Joining him in steering the company forward are Rosalie H. Infantado as Chief Financial Officer, known for her strong financial stewardship and governance, and Rene E. Fuentes as Chairman of the Board, who has led efficiency and innovation initiatives across LBCs global operations.

Together, this new leadership team reaffirms LBCs commitment to operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and its mission to move lives, businesses, and communities with care.

Moving Forward Together

As LBC celebrates its 75th year, this leadership renewal marks both a tribute to the companys legacy and a bold step into the future. The new management remains committed to strengthening LBCs role as the trusted logistics partner of Filipinos everywheredelivering not just packages, but care, connection, and progress.
On Monday, seemingly out of nowhere, thousands upon thousands of young people took to the streets in Indonesia. Gathering in front of the parliament building and valiantly facing down hundreds of police officers with water cannons, they shouted Down with the parliament!. Street fighting between the protesters and the police continued until past midnight. By morning, 400 people had been arrested, including about 200 school students.

This was followed by an even fiercer demonstration in Jakarta on Thursday, which resulted in the death of a delivery driver, who was rammed by an armoured vehicle driven by the police. At time of writing (29 August), demonstrations are ongoing and have spread to many cities, with increasingly violent clashes with the police as the masses express their anger over the killing.

The immediate issue that sparked this protest was the decision by members of parliament to grant themselves a lavish spending allowance. Amid the strict austerity measures that Prabowo Subiantos government implemented earlier this year, these peoples representatives decided that they deserve a monthly housing allowance of Rp50 million (US$3,075). This brings their total monthly income to Rp239 million (US$14,600), which is 50 times that of the average worker.

Naturally, politicians have tried to justify their big paychecks. Vice Chair of the House, Adies Kadir, nonchalantly stated that they would need to rent a larger house to accommodate their maids and private drivers. He even had the gall to add that his food allowance was only [!] Rp12 million per month, while most workers would consider themselves very lucky to earn Rp4 million in a month in total.

This quickly created a storm on social media. 12 million rupiah can buy you 40 sacks of rice. Go ahead and eat them! said one user. Another added, Food allowance for public sector workers and pensioners is only Rp72,000 per month.

Another member of parliament, artist-turned-politician Nafa Urbach, said that she needed this housing allowance so she could rent a house near the parliament to avoid traffic jams. This only sparked further backlash on social media, with one user saying: People from Bogor who work in Jakarta have to leave their house before dawn. Taking a crowded commuter train, and they dont get a housing allowance, maam.

Every word that comes out of the politicians mouths just adds fuel to the fire, as it shows how out of touch they are with the masses they are supposed to represent.

This public anger has, in fact, been accumulating since Prabowo implemented a nearly 20 percent cut to the state budget earlier this year. Carried out in the name of government efficiency, the cuts were immediately passed to working people to foot the bill.

The first response against this attack on the working class was the Dark Indonesia movement back in February. After weathering the onslaught of this mass movement, the regime was feeling quite confident, which explains their arrogant decision to increase their own allowances while the poor were told to tighten their belts. But the austerity budget has built dynamite into the governments foundations.

Every word that comes out of the politicians mouths just adds fuel to the fire / Image: Maria Cynthia, Wikimedia Commons

We predicted that the Dark Indonesia movement would be a prelude to an even greater upheaval, and months later, that upheaval erupted from the most unexpected place.

On 13 August, a massive protest broke out in Pati  a small regency on the northern coast of Central Java  in response to the governments decision to increase property tax by 250 percent. With the central governments austerity budget, financial support for the provinces had been drastically cut, forcing provincial and municipal governments to raise taxes to fill in the gaps. In Pati alone, Rp50 billion had been cut.

One week before the planned demonstration, Pati Regent Sudewo arrogantly challenged the people: Go ahead, protest. Dont just mobilise 5,000 people, bring out 50,000 people. I am not afraid. I will not change my decision. In the end, an estimated 100,000 people  out of a population of 1.3 million  descended upon Pati Regency Hall, where the demonstration quickly turned into an open rebellion.

Regent Sudewo hid inside the regency hall and only emerged after being urged by the police chief to address the demonstrators, as his police forces had lost control of the situation. Under a hail of bottles, vegetables, stones, and any objects the masses could lay their hands on, Sudewo was forced to apologise and rescind his tax increase. But the people had tasted their own power, and they demanded his immediate resignation.

After spreading to several cities, there seemed to be signs that this movement against tax increases might have subsided. But the decision by members of parliament to give themselves a raise was just too much for the masses. It immediately sparked an unstoppable wave of demonstrations that has now reached semi-insurrectionary proportions.

On Monday, a spontaneous demonstration broke out, led by the youth. The protest was not organised by the usual university student unions (BEM) but mainly through social media. There was also a significant turnout from school students, who showed no fear against the police and were on the front lines in confronting them. It was these school students who gave the movement such explosive energy and militancy.

The youth did not just demand the cancellation of the housing allowance, they also demanded for the House of Representatives to be disbanded. Down with the House of Representatives! was their main slogan. They immediately connected the lavish lifestyle of their elected representatives with the very existence of this corrupt institution. They correctly understand that this is a systemic issue, that the entire system is corrupt. They might not know exactly what should replace this body, but they know that they do not want it and do not need it.

The police immediately went on the offensive against them, believing they could cow the youth into retreat, as they had previously. Yet this time it was different. Young people see no future for themselves under the current conditions and thus rightfully feel that there is no way out but to fight.

Recent reports show that one million university graduates and 1.6 million vocational school graduates are unemployed. A recent viral video of thousands of people lining up to apply for just 50 job openings illustrates how desperate the situation has become for the youth. There was even a story of university graduates applying for jobs as street sweepers. One of them stated: It is better to sweep the street than sleep on the street.

When police began beating and arresting the young protesters, many local residents stepped in to defend them / Image: fair use

Furthermore, the youth can feel the full sympathy of the people behind them. When police began beating and arresting the young protesters, many local residents stepped in to defend them. In one video, when the police entered a restaurant to arrest a group of young people who took refuge there, the workers and patrons put themselves between the police and the protesters, in an attempt to protect them.

In another instance, residents of an apartment complex rescued a young protester who was surrounded by police officers trying to arrest him. Attempts by the government and their paid media to portray the demonstrators as violent anarchists are no longer effective. The broad masses see that these young people are fighting for their cause.

The death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old delivery driver (ojol driver), has sparked further escalation. Videos of police brutality against the protesters over the past few days had been shared throughout social media, eliciting disgust and anger among the public. People could already sense that, at this level of brutality, it was only a matter of time before someone lost their life.

This ultimately took place on Thursday evening, during one of the street battles, as police rammed an armored vehicle into the demonstrators, killing one of them. This escalated the entire movement. Public fury surged both online and in the streets, as the video of this brutal killing went viral.

Immediately afterwards, thousands of delivery drivers surrounded the police station to demand justice. Thousands more joined them in the morning, and riots broke out as protesters tried to occupy the police station. Prior to this, ojol drivers  many of whom are young people unable to find formal employment  had already been seen at the demonstrations. Today, they are mobilising in their tens of thousands across Indonesia.

At time of writing, an unrelenting tide of demonstrations has swept the nation. Students, ojol drivers, and working people are gathering in even larger numbers today in front of police stations and parliament buildings. The government has attempted to calm the situation by offering their condolences and promising to prosecute those responsible for the death of the ojol driver. But while they offer a carrot with one hand, their other hand violently wields a stick against the people. We must not be fooled by this tactic and must remain vigilant.

The situation is developing rapidly. The crisis of capitalism and all its consequences are finally expressing themselves in Indonesia. This wave of demonstrations must be followed by a call for a general strike. However, the movement cannot rely on the current trade union leaders to call for such a strike, as they have shown themselves to be loyal lackeys of the ruling class.

As young people are being beaten on the streets, these reformist leaders are telling their members not to be provoked by irresponsible anarchist elements. On Thursday, they deliberately organised their demonstration in the morning and instructed their members to go home early to prevent them from coming into contact with the youth, fearing that their militancy could be contagious. The movement must establish their own action committees in neighbourhoods and schools, to further coordinate the movement, form self-defence units against police brutality, and to escalate the struggle into a general strike. This is the only way to deal a fatal blow to the government.
At least two people were killed and more than 100 others, mostly women and children, abducted in a violent raid on Gamdum Mallam village in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, community leaders and local authorities confirmed on Wednesday, August 27.

Witnesses said the attackers, riding motorbikes, stormed the community around midday on Saturday, firing indiscriminately before herding captives into the Makakari forest. Local residents reported that the assailants divided into groupsone seizing villagers and livestock, while another blocked main roads, shooting at those who attempted to flee.

The attack was confirmed by local lawmaker Hamisu Faru, who noted that the armed group also raided nearby Nasarawa Burkullum and Ruwan Rana villages, abducting dozens more under heavy rain. Zamfara has long suffered from persistent raids by heavily armed gangs known locally as bandits, who have made farming and travel perilous. Between July 2024 and June 2025 alone, nearly 5,000 people were abducted in the region. Residents now fear further assaults as the gunmen are reportedly regrouping near forest boundaries.
A South African equality Court has found Julius Malema, leader of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), guilty of hate speech on Wednesday, August 27, over racially charged remarks he made in 2022.

At a political rally, Malema declared that no white man could overpower him and suggested that killing was an inevitable part of revolution. His comments sparked controversy and were deemed a direct incitement to violence.

This is not Malemas first brush with hate speech charges. He was previously convicted for singing an apartheid-era struggle song with the lyrics shoot the boer, a phrase targeting South Africas minority Afrikaner farmers. That conviction was later overturned, but the repetition of inflammatory rhetoric has kept him at the centre of national debates about race, land ownership, and political expression.

Malemas prominence extends beyond South Africas borders. In 2018, he featured in a video shown by then-U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa. The video was used to push unsubstantiated claims that the South African government was sanctioning attacks on white farmers to seize land. His latest conviction once again places him under scrutiny, intensifying concerns about race relations and political radicalism in the country.
Senegal has become the first French-speaking sub-Saharan African country to adopt a whistleblower protection law, marking what campaigners call a historic step for democracy and transparency. The legislation, passed on Tuesday, August 26, by Parliament, safeguards individuals who report crimes, financial offences, or harm to the public interest.

Whistleblowers may submit information anonymously through internal or external channels, and those whose disclosures lead to the recovery of illicit funds will be rewarded with 10 percent of the recovered amount or a sum determined by authorities.

The law was accompanied by three additional measures to strengthen governance: improved access to information, the creation of an anti-fraud body, and extended asset declaration requirements for magistrates and judges.

The Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) welcomed the reform but also highlighted its limitations. Jimmy Kande, the groups West Africa director, noted that protections are currently confined to corruption and financial crimes, excluding areas such as environmental, health, and human rights issues. PPLAAF also urged clearer definitions of good faith, stronger safeguards against retaliation, and the establishment of a dedicated fund for whistleblowers. Despite these shortcomings, the organisation expressed hope that Senegals pioneering move would inspire other African countries to follow suit, signalling a growing regional commitment to transparency and accountability.
At least 24 people were killed and 55 others injured when Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelled El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, on Thursday, August 28, according to the Sudan Doctors Network.

The strikes targeted a central market and the Awlad Al-Reef neighbourhood, with victims including five women. The medical group condemned the attack as part of ongoing war crimes and acts of genocide against civilians in the city, which has faced a prolonged siege marked by acute shortages of food, medicine, and basic services.

The organization urged the international community to act swiftly to halt the RSFs deliberate shelling and the blockade of El-Fasher. The city has been under siege since May, with repeated allegations of indiscriminate attacks despite calls for safe humanitarian access. Sudans civil war, raging since April 2023 between the army and RSF, has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to UN figures.

However, research from US universities suggests the actual death toll could be as high as 130,000. The RSF has yet to comment on the latest attack.
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Machine learning (ML) models predict in-hospital mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with lymphoma, according to a study published online Aug. 20 in PLOS ONE.

Ling Xu, from the Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Dongguan, China, and colleagues developed and validated ML models to predict in-hospital mortality in adult ICU patients with lymphoma in a retrospective cohort study using data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. Fifteen machine learning models were developed and compared using receiver operating characteristic curves and an area under the curve (AUC) analysis.

The analyses included 1,591 patients, with 342 (21.5%) in-hospital deaths. The researchers found that Lasso regression identified significant predictors of mortality, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), platelets, prothrombin time (PT), heart rate, systolic blood pressure, activated partial thromboplastin time, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate.

The highest predictive performance was seen for the CatBoost classifier, with an AUC of 0.7766. The critical role of BUN was highlighted in a SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) analysis, which was the most important factor in mortality prediction, followed by platelets and PT. Individualized risk assessments were provided by the SHAP force plot, demonstrating the ability of the model to identify high-risk subgroups.

"The ML models, particularly the CatBoost Classifier, may assist in risk estimation of in-hospital mortality among ICU patients with lymphoma," the authors write. "These models not only offer additional insights alongside traditional approaches but also provide interpretable risk assessments through SHAP value analysis."

More information Ling Xu et al, Predicting in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with lymphoma using machine learning models, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0330197 Journal information: PLoS ONE

Key medical concepts Lymphoma Blood Platelets

 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
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Researchers at Endeavor Health and Northwestern University have created an artificial intelligence-based tool to help doctors recognize an underdiagnosed, often fatal respiratory syndrome found in critically ill hospital patients. The tool has already identified historical cases with 93% accuracy, and it will soon be piloted for patients in treatment at Endeavor.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, happens when the lungs become severely inflamedmuch more so than from a typical lung infection. This inflammation leads to extensive damage, causing fluid to leak from other parts of the lung into the air sacs. Because of this fluid buildup, patients can't get oxygen into their bloodstream.

It's often referred to as a sort of "drowning on dry land," where the body's own immune system fills the lungs with fluid. Felix Morales, the lead data scientist on the project, described it as "leaks from your own circulatory system into the lungs."

ARDS has a very high mortality rate, with up to 46% of patients dying from the condition. For those who survive, it often means permanent scarring in the lungs, or cognitive impairments due to prolonged lack of oxygen. It can be triggered by many different medical conditions, but is often seen in people who are already critically ill with conditions like sepsis or pneumonia. It's also a primary cause of death in COVID-19 patients.

"During the first year of the pandemic, we had otherwise healthy-appearing 20-year-olds and 30-year-olds who were dying from ARDS as a result of severe COVID," said Dr. Curtis Weiss, an Endeavor Health pulmonologist and co-director of critical care medicine. He has been working on this problem since 2018, and was part of the team that created the machine learning tool to recognize the signs of ARDS in patients.

This is not generative AI like ChatGPTthere is no way for it to create new information and "hallucinate" data that isn't real. Instead, it will look at the information already available to doctors in patients' medical records, such as lab results and imaging.

The end result, the team hopes, will be an automated review system watching out for signs of ARDS in patients. The system won't diagnose patients with ARDSit will let doctors know that their patients may be suffering from it, and suggest they look from that angle.

Weiss learned early in his career that ARDS is underdiagnosed, both because of its many potential causes and because it is easily mistaken for other conditions. In order to diagnose ARDS, doctors have to observe many factors, such as oxygen levels, chest X-rays, and whether the patient has another condition such as sepsis or pneumonia that is known to trigger ARDS.

"My hypothesis is that one of the reasons for the under-recognition is that the physician is not integrating those various different parts of the diagnosis," Weiss said. Doctors in ICU settings are under an "information overload" from dozens of critically ill patients each day, so it's no surprise that the perfect storm of factors for ARDS might be missed by even the most competent of doctors.

Knowing that ARDS is the reason the lungs are obstructed, however, can significantly change the way patients are treated.

Weiss used the example of congestive heart failure, which presents very similarly to ARDS. Congestive heart failure can also cause fluid buildup in the lungs, but the fluid comes from the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, not lung inflammation causing damage.

If fluid in a patient's lungs is making them unable to breathe, a doctor may put them on a ventilator; the specific operation of the ventilator, however, is different for congestive heart failure and ARDS.

Furthermore, studies have shown that placing a person with ARDS on their stomach helps their lungs clear fluid better. In patients with congestive heart failure, this kind of posture could put too much strain on the heart.

"Sometimes that means that we underrecognize something as severe as ARDS because it requires picking out the right information and putting it all together in the right sequence at the right time to say, OK, this patient has ARDS," Weiss said.

If there was a computer program that could put these pieces together and alert doctors when they're all in place, more ARDS cases could be diagnosed and treated.

The next step for the team is to see if it can identify ARDS in patients who are currently in the hospital, in essence predicting the diagnosis before it's made by a doctor.

Right now, the tool has only been used on medical cases that have already been resolvedpatients who came in sick and were diagnosed with ARDS. The tool positively identified 93% of cases, with false positives only 17% of the time. The team said they can adjust the tool to have fewer false alarms, but given the severity of the condition, they'd rather it flag patients who are safe than miss patients who aren't.

"I would rather treat all the ARDS patients and then a few others that may not have ARDS, as opposed to not treating a certain portion of patients who actually do have ARDS," Weiss said. "We're trying to solve an ARDS under-recognition problem."

2025 Chicago Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Premenstrual symptoms affect millions of people across the UKyet nearly half never seek professional help, according to Cambridge researchers.

A new study, published in PLOS Mental Health, sheds light on the critical reasons behind this troubling gap in care, revealing how social and work impairments, symptom perception, and previous health care experiences shape help-seeking behavior.

Led by research assistant Erin Funnell of the Cambridge Center for Neuropsychiatric Research (CCNR) within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB), the study surveyed 592 UK-based adults who had experienced premenstrual symptoms. Despite many reporting severe and disruptive symptoms, 42.74% of participants had never sought help from a health care professional.

The study found that people were more likely to seek medical help for premenstrual symptoms if these symptoms seriously affected their social life or ability to work or study, if they believed their symptoms were severe, or if they had previously experienced poor care related to reproductive or gynecological health. These insights show how symptoms and their impact on daily life can influence whether someone decides to seek medical help.

Applying these figures to the UK population, as many as 13 million women and girls in England and Wales alone could be managing, have managed, or will manage, premenstrual symptoms without professional care. This gap poses a risk of unnecessary distress and missed opportunities for effective treatment to ameliorate symptomsespecially for those experiencing high-risk symptoms such as suicidality.

Instead of poor prior health care experiences discouraging people from seeking help, the study suggests these experiences may sometimes prompt further attempts to access care. This indicates a need for improved service quality and better patient support.

The authors emphasize the urgent need for better public education and clearer clinical guidance to improve recognition of severe premenstrual disorders and encourage timely help-seeking. Digital symptom tracking and psychoeducation are promising tools that could empower individuals to identify problematic symptoms early and distinguish them from normal cyclical changes.

"Many people are still suffering in silencenot because they don't need help, but because they've been dismissed, misunderstood, or simply don't know where to turn to," said Funnell.

"By understanding what actually motivates people to seek helpand what puts them offwe can design better ways of supporting them. That includes improving GP training, public health campaigns to increase awareness, and ensuring symptoms are taken seriously."

The findings could help primary care services identify those at risk of missing out on support and design more targeted interventions. Funnell hopes this work will improve clinical awareness and guidance around premenstrual mental health, which remain under-recognized and under-researched.

Professor Sabine Bahn, Principal Investigator of the study, added, "This work addresses a critical gap in our understanding of premenstrual disordersnot just in terms of the symptoms themselves, but the real-world challenges people face in accessing care. It's a vital step towards designing better services and improving outcomes."

This research is part of CCNR's broader work on mental health, including combined digital and biomarker diagnostics for affective disorder and women's mental health in relation to menstruation and the menopause.

A previous survey published in BMC Health Services Research in January 2025, involving 339 UK adults who had sought help for premenstrual symptoms, revealed widespread dissatisfaction with health care provisions.

The study highlighted the urgent need for improved training, clearer assessment protocols, and more empathetic care from health care professionals.

More information Erin L. Funnell et al, Identifying predictors of formal help-seeking for premenstrual symptoms: A machine learning analysis of symptom, functional impairment and barriers data, PLOS Mental Health (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000274 Population figures taken from 2021 Census data: www.ethnicity-facts-figures.se  -populations/latest/

Key medical concepts Mood Disorders
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This is how cancer cells transfer their mitochondria (green) to connective tissue cells (fibroblasts). Credit: Michael Cangkrama / ETH Zurich / BioRender

Cancer cells provide healthy neighboring cells with additional mitochondria to put them to work. This has been demonstrated by researchers at ETH Zurich in a new study. In this way, cancer is exploiting a mechanism that frequently serves to repair damaged cells.

Tumors have developed many strategies and tricks to gain advantages in the body. Led by cell biology professor Sabine Werner, researchers at ETH Zurich have now discovered another surprising trick that certain tumors resort to in ensuring their survival and growth.

In a study published in the journal Nature Cancer, biologists show that skin cancer cells are able to transfer their mitochondria to healthy connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) in their immediate vicinity. Mitochondria are the cell compartments that provide energy in the form of the molecule ATP.

The cancer cells use tiny tubes made of cell membrane material to transfer the mitochondria and connect the two cellsmuch like in a pneumatic tube system.

Functional reprogramming

The mitochondrial transfer reprograms the fibroblasts functionally into tumor-associated fibroblasts, which mainly support cancer cells: tumor-associated fibroblasts usually multiply faster than normal fibroblasts and produce more ATP, while also secreting higher amounts of growth factors and cytokines. And all this benefits the tumor cells: they also multiply faster, making the tumor more aggressive.

Last, but not least, the hijacked fibroblasts also alter the cell environmentthe so-called extracellular matrixby increasing the production of certain matrix components in such a way that cancer cells thrive. The extracellular matrix is vital for the mechanical stability of tissues and influences growth, wound healing and intercellular communication.

From chance discovery to therapy?

It was actually a chance discovery, as Sabine Werner related. Her former postdoctoral researcher, Michael Cangkrama, discovered tiny tube-like connections between the two cell types in a Petri dish containing a co-culture of fibroblasts and skin cancer cells. He was then able to show that mitochondria from cancer cells are transferred into fibroblasts by way of these nano-connections.

The fact that cells are able to exchange mitochondria by way of such connections is nothing new in itself. For example, scientists discovered several years ago that after a stroke, healthy cells in nerve tissue pass on their powerhouse organelles to damaged nerve cells to ensure their survival.

"Cancer cells actually exploit a mechanism for their own purposes that is beneficial in the event of injury. This allows them to grow into malignant tumors," Werner explains.

Other research groups have shown that cells from the tumor environment can transfer their mitochondria to cancer cells, which enhances the fitness of the recipient cancer cells. To date, however, it was not known that the mitochondrial transfer also works in reverse, from skin cancer cells to healthy connective tissue cells.

In collaboration with other research groups at ETH Zurich, the researchers found evidence that this transfer also plays a role in other cancer types, such as breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. This is particularly important in the latter case because pancreatic tumors contain many fibroblasts, and their connective tissue is relatively large.

The protein MIRO2 aids in the transfer

Finally, the researchers also clarified the molecular mechanism behind the mitochondrial transfer. Some proteins were already known to assist in transporting mitochondria. The researchers investigated which of these proteins were present in large numbers in cancer cells that transfer mitochondria and came across the protein MIRO2.

"This protein is produced in very high quantities in cancer cells that transfer their mitochondria," says Werner.

The researchers detected MIRO2 not only in cell cultures, but also in samples of human tissueespecially in tumor cells at the edges of tumors that grow invasively into the tissue and occur in close proximity to fibroblasts.

"We were able to detect MIRO2 exactly where we expected it to be," as first author Michael Cangkrama stated.

In search of an inhibitor

The new findings offer starting points for arresting tumor growth. When the researchers blocked the formation of MIRO2, the mitochondrial transfer was inhibited, and the fibroblasts did not develop into tumor-promoting fibroblasts.

"The MIRO2 blockade worked in the test tube and in mouse models. "Whether it also works in human tissue remains to be seen," says Werner. To find this out, the researchers first need to identify an inhibitor for MIRO2 that has few side effects in the human body.

"If successful, such an inhibitor could be transferred to clinical applications in the longer term." It is likely to be years, however, before such a therapy is developed and tested.

More information Michael Cangkrama et al, MIRO2-mediated mitochondrial transfer from cancer cells induces cancer-associated fibroblast differentiation, Nature Cancer (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43018-025-01038-6 Journal information: Nature Cancer

Key medical concepts Mitochondria Carcinoma, Pancreatic
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Updated ESC Guidelines, published at ESC Congress 2025 and featured in the European Heart Journal, put a focus on a woman's autonomy in making her own reproductive choices by promoting transparent dialogue and shared decision-making for pregnancies that are high-risk of an adverse maternal and/or fetal event.

The guidance moves away from advising women with rare health conditions that make their pregnancy high-risk (such as vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension) against pregnancy.

Instead, the guidelines recommend that women should receive counseling about the high-risk nature of their pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team, which takes into consideration their genetic background (if applicable), family history and previous vascular events.

The updated ESC Guidelines have been produced by an international panel of experts that includes co-Chairpersons, Professor Julie De Backer, Cardiologist and Clinical Geneticist from the Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Ghent University and Professor Kristina Hermann Haugaa, Cardiologist and Head of the Outpatient Clinic and Unit for Genetic Cardiac Diseases at Dept of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo.

Professor Julie De Backer explained, "More women with a history of cardiovascular disease are considering pregnancy. This is for many reasons, such as more women who were born with heart conditions are surviving to adulthood, a greater number of women who have had a transplant or cancer treatment, and more women with acquired heart disease. This guidance gives clinicians and patients clear and accessible advice based on the latest evidence."

"In our updated guidance, we have shifted away from a rigid 'pregnancy is forbidden' policy in high-risk cases to a model of shared decision-making, allowing women to make fully informed choices with appropriate psychosocial support," Professor De Backer added.

Maternal cardiovascular disease is now the leading cause of non-obstetric mortality in pregnant women, accounting for 33% of pregnancy-related deaths worldwide, and 68% of pregnancy-related deaths caused by cardiovascular disease are preventable.

Up to 4% of pregnancies are complicated by cardiovascular disease globally, rising to 10% when including high blood pressure disorders. Reducing maternal mortality and morbidity is a key priority of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The updated ESC Guidelines recommend that a personalized pregnancy-related risk assessment is needed in all women with cardiovascular disease. This should include reviewing their medical needs, medication and wider factors including maternal age, smoking history, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), obstetric history and socio-economic status.

The guidelines recommend that maternal preferences should be thoroughly explored as part of the shared decision-making process.

The ESC Guidelines recommend discussions about the risks of pregnancy from puberty for young women with congenital or inherited heart disease. This is because of the high rates of unintended pregnancies, up to 45%, which have been reported in adolescents with congenital heart disease.

New guidance has also been given about medication used to treat women with cardiovascular disease during pregnancy, for example, encouraging the use of statins throughout pregnancy for some women. There are also updates to the recommended medications for high blood pressure during pregnancy, and more detailed guidance on medication in cardiogenetic disorders.

"Due to limited data on medications tolerable in pregnancy, pregnant women are at risk of receiving sub-optimal treatment. Our guidelines give detailed and up-to-date guidance to ensure that important medication is not withheld unnecessarily. We hope that health care providers and patients will find the guideline useful and that it will reach a wide clinical audience," Professor Kristina Hermann Haugaa said.

The important role of Pregnancy Heart Teams in supporting women's mental and physical health before, during and after pregnancy is highlighted by the updated guidance. Pregnancy Heart Teams are associated with lower maternal death rates, lower hospital readmission rates and improved patient safety.

The guidelines recommend that Institutional Pregnancy Heart Teams should be established in specialist hospitals, tailored to the geographical area, numbers of births and sociocultural factors.

"Too often, women who would benefit from care by a specialized Pregnancy Heart Team are not referred in time. Conversely, some women are referred unnecessarily, thereby putting strain on these services. This guidance clearly defines which women should receive care from a Pregnancy Heart Team," Professor Kristina Hermann Haugaa concluded.

The updated ESC Guidelines also:

Give clearer information about when cesarean sections are appropriate in women with cardiovascular risk. The updated guidelines note that women with cardiovascular risk often receive cesarean sections without evidence that this reduces risks, and, despite evidence that suggests, it may even increase fetal risk.

Recommend postponing pregnancy for at least one year after heart transplantation, taking individual risk factors into account.

Provide a more nuanced risk assessment for patient counseling responding to new data.

The '2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy" have been endorsed by the European Society of Gynecology and replace previous guidelines from 2018.

Pregnancy is a high-risk period for women with cardiovascular disease, due to the physiological changes in heart and blood system needed to meet the increased metabolic needs of the mother and fetus.

From the sixth week of pregnancy, stroke volume and cardiac output increase in women by 3050%, and heart rate increases by 1020 beats per minute. In women with heart disease, the adaptations needed from the heart can be faulty and can lead to heart failure and atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

More information Julie De Backer et al, 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy, European Heart Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf193 Journal information: European Heart Journal

Key medical concepts Cardiovascular Diseases Cardiac Output
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education have announced an initiative urging medical schools to integrate nutrition education and training.

"We train physicians to wield the latest surgical tools, but not to guide patients on how to stay out of the operating room in the first place," HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., wrote in a commentary announcing the initiative in the Wall Street Journal. "We know that when applied properly, nutrition counseling can prevent and even reverse chronic disease."

Medical education organizations have until Sept. 10 to submit plans detailing "the scope, timeline, standards alignment, measurable milestones, and accountability measures of their own nutrition education commitments," according to an HHS press release.

Kennedy called for medical education organizations to "embed rigorous, measurable nutrition education at every stage of medical training," including premedical standards, medical school curriculum integration, medical licensing examination, residency requirements, board certification, and continuing education.

"Future physicians must graduate prepared to prevent diseaseby assessing risk, guiding lifestyle change, providing nutritional counseling, educating patients, and addressing environmental factors, with nutrition education as the most proven and powerful tool," Kennedy wrote.

Survey data published this month from the American Association of Medical Colleges showed that all 149 participating medical degree-granting schools reported covering nutrition content in their required curricula.

Less than half of the participating schools, however, reported including nutrition in multiple sources or rotations and just 17% reported that nutrition information was fully integrated across all years or phases of their curriculum.

There have been efforts in the past to increase nutrition education in medical training. Last year, physicians and professors, including a representative from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, published a consensus statement in JAMA Network Open recommending 36 nutrition competencies to be included for licensing and board certification exams.

The authors cited a U.S. House of Representatives bipartisan resolution passed in 2022 calling for "meaningful" nutrition education for medical trainees, "prompted by increasing health care spending attributed to the growing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases."

"In an imagined future, physicians will be appropriately trained in nutrition and will be able to translate nutrition science into practical, evidence-based, accessible, and culturally sensitive advice about food for patients, families, and communities," the authors wrote in the consensus statement.

Key medical concepts Nutrition Education Chronic Disease

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Australian GPs are not adequately monitoring for adverse health outcomes in children and adolescents who are prescribed antipsychotic drugs, according to a new study by University of Adelaide researchers.

The study, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed medical data from 20112017 to see how often children and adolescents were checked for cardiometabolic side effects such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood glucose levels, which can develop into type 2 diabetes.

These adverse effects are commonly associated with prescription antipsychotics and often develop more rapidly in young people than in adults.

Researchers discovered that only 10.4% of patients had their weight monitored at least three times within 12 months of starting on antipsychotics, well below the seven to nine occasions recommended in guidelines. Measurement of total cholesterol and blood sugar levels was even lower, with only 0.6% and 0.9% of patients being monitored at recommended levels.

Only a handful of patients had any checks done for the hormone prolactin, which is recommended in guidelines because antipsychotics can elevate levels, increasing the risk of developing low bone density and osteoporosis. It can also interfere with the production of sex hormones.

"These monitoring levels are unacceptably low and are putting the health of children and adolescents at risk," said University of Adelaide researcher and lead author Dr. Julie Klau, of the Robinson Research Institute's Critical and Ethical Mental Health research group.

"Hormonal disruptions during puberty are especially concerning. The antipsychotic risperidone is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in children and adolescents with severe behavioral problems associated with autism and conduct disorder, or schizophrenia. It is known to increase prolactin levels in over 30% of patients and is the most frequently prescribed antipsychotic to children under 15 years in Australian general practice."

The researchers also looked at the number of times monitoring occurred in antipsychotic users compared to non-users within a 12-month follow-up period. Patients who were prescribed antipsychotics received, on average, only an extra half visit during which any metabolic measure was checked.

"We just don't know how well children and adolescents are being monitored within the medical system as a whole," said University of Adelaide Professor Jon Jureidini, Research Leader of the Critical and Ethical Mental Health research group.

"Some monitoring may be done by specialists, but this study could not look at that. What is clear is that GPs are not doing these health checks often enough."

According to the authors, there is an urgent need to investigate the extent of safety monitoring that is occurring within the Australian health system when children and adolescents are prescribed antipsychotics, and reasons why so little monitoring is occurring in Australian general practices.

"There also needs to be a coordinated system-wide approach that makes it easier for doctors to ensure that timely monitoring occurs," said Professor Jureidini.

More information Julie Klau et al, Cardiometabolic monitoring in children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotics in Australian primary care, 2011 to 2017, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1177/00048674251361696
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With colorful heart, bow, and flower patterns, the backpacks designed by a Philadelphia cancer philanthropy look from the outside just like the dozens of others filling store shelves as a new school year approaches.

But these backpacks have a special mission: They are designed to hold an infusion pump, IV bag, and tubing for children with leukemia being treated with an at-home immunotherapy medication.

The 28-day infusion of blinatumomab allows children to spend less time in the hospital. But the bags typically provided with the drug are adult-sizedmuch too big for children to comfortably and safely carry.

Families have often resorted to buying children's backpacks or purses, which aren't designed to hold medical equipment.

Now a Philadelphia-area philanthropy has created a solution to help families coming to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment.

New child-sized bags designed by the Madelyn James Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Burning Tree Designs have a clear pouch and elastic straps in the front pocket to hold an infusion pump, as well as clips to keep the IV bag upright. Plastic tubing laces through the side of the bag to connect to the patient's medication port.

The foundation, created by a Philadelphia couple after the death of their daughter who was treated for leukemia at CHOP, is donating 300 of the backpacks to the hospital for future leukemia patients.

Jackie and Dan Didio, whose daughter Maddy died of leukemia in 2022 when she was 14 months old, said they hope the bags will help improve quality of life for children receiving at-home cancer treatment.

"We want to see kids running on the playground with these bags," said Jackie Didio, who lives in Philadelphia with her husband and their daughter Hannah, Maddy's twin.

Honoring a leukemia patient

Maddy was diagnosed with leukemia at 3 months old.

Didio said she felt privileged that she and her husband were able to interview cancer programs up and down the East Coast to find the right fit for Maddy. They relocated from Virginia to Philadelphia so that Maddy could be treated at CHOP.

The family's health insurance covered most of Maddy's treatment and provided a stipend to put toward their long-term hotel stay. Dan Didio kept his job by traveling between Philadelphia and Virginia.

Maddy received several different treatments at CHOP, including the CAR-T therapy pioneered at Penn that has been heralded as a cure for certain types of leukemia.

But Maddy's cancer evolved, and became resistant to treatment.

After her death, the Didios decided that they wanted to honor her memory by creating a foundation that could help families with nonmedical expenses, which can be an added hardship on top of significant medical costs.

The foundation gives away about $45,000 a year to families with a child being treated for leukemia to be used for rent, car payments, food, and other nonmedical expenses "that make it possible to be by your child's bedside," Didio said.

Innovative backpacks for cancer care

On Tuesday, volunteers from Philadelphia Insurance Companies helped set up the backpacks, attaching key chains and filling them with back-to-school supplies at the company's Bala Cynwyd offices.

The national property, casualty, and professional liability insurance firm supported the initiative, named "Backpacks with Barbara," in honor of Barbara Friedes, a CHOP medical resident and family friend of the Didios, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding her bicycle last year.

The 300 backpacks given to CHOP will be distributed over the next five years, helping families to "safely and comfortably manage their child's treatment both at home and on the go," said Susan Rheingold, an attending physician with the Cancer Center at CHOP, who serves on the foundation's board.

Key medical concepts Leukemia blinatumomab

2025 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A Kentucky lawmaker wants to revisit a previously abandoned idea for the state to fund research of an illegal psychedelic drug for its potential to treat drug addiction.

Calling addiction a "scourge" in Kentucky, Nicholasville Republican state Sen. Donald Douglas told the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services on Aug. 27 in Frankfort, "we can'tand we shouldn'tcontinue in this same cycle."

Douglas, who is also a doctor, said an alternative to medication-assisted treatment drugs like Suboxone, a low-grade opioid prescribed to treat opioid use disorder, is needed.

"We've been dealing with the same clinical model for decades," Douglas said. "It ain't working, folks."

Douglas proposed investing state resources to research ibogaine, a psychedelic, as a possible therapeutic to curb drug addiction and other mental health diagnoses, like post-traumatic stress disorder, with the goal of helping it get formal Food and Drug Administration approval as a widely-available medication.

Currently a Schedule I drug that's illegal in the United Statesthe same category as heroin, LSD and ecstasyibogaine is derived from the bark of an iboga tree native to Africa.

Douglas' idea is a repackaged proposal dating back to 2023, when the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission first floated investing $42 million into clinical trials of ibogaine as a treatment for addiction. But incoming Attorney General Russell Coleman all but shut the idea down as he prepared to take office at the beginning of 2024.

Since then, investment in the research of psychoactive drugs has gained traction nationally, at least in the Republican Party. Rooted at least partially in a distrust of historically trustworthy medical and research institutions like the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, what has emerged in recent years is a push for alternatives to mainstream medication across the board. That includes psychedelics.

Members of the GOP are embracing, even championing, alternative methods for treating sickness and disease. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., appointed by Republican President Donald Trump, explicitly champions investing in the clinical study of psychedelics.

Texas, a Republican-controlled state, just agreed to invest $50 million in ibogaine research.

Though he didn't provide specifics, Douglas said he plans to file a bill in the 2026 regular legislative session that compliments this new Texas law, to "create an avenue or pathway where we can start doing some research on this compound." Douglas also said he's been in talks with lawmakers in roughly 15 other states about forming a "legislative consortium" that pools money for ibogaine research. He also suggested adjusting the scheduling classification of ibogaine so it's no longer illegal in Kentucky.

No other lawmakers on the committee signaled whether they would co-sponsor Douglas' bill in the next session. But chairman Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, asked whether either the University of Kentucky or the University of Louisville had given input on the proposal, since both are possible venues for future clinical trials, should they occur.

"Have either of our research universities expressed an interest in doing this research, or have you reached out to them?" Meredith, a former hospital CEO, asked.

"I haven't reached out to them," Douglas said. He then alluded to creating more "public-private sector partnerships" and "develop other areas" where the state can "share the wealth."

'Kentucky has a second chance' with ibogaine

The original effort to bring ibogaine to Kentucky originated with Bryan Hubbard, former head of the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission.

At the time, no state had done anything similar. Hubbard, who spoke with several people who credited ibogaine with their long-term sobriety, suggested investing $42 million in opioid lawsuit settlement funds to research ibogaine as an alternative to the FDA drugs on the market.

His pitch was similar to Douglas' on Wednesday in Frankfort: In a state decimated by opioids, where generations of Kentuckians are still struggling with addiction, what if there was an alternative to the currently available, FDA-approved medication-assisted treatment options that could help people achieve long-term sobriety?

But in December 2023, just weeks before Hubbard was slated to call it for a vote before the commission, he was asked to resign by incoming Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman, who did not share Hubbard's enthusiasm for investing in the experimental psychedelic. Any possibility of ibogaine research in Kentucky was effectively halted, with no promises it would be revived.

Over the next year, Hubbard shopped the idea around to other states.

In June, Hubbardwith help from former Texas Gov. Rick Perryfound major success in Texas. The Lone Star state elected to invest $50 million in researching the psychedelic by way of clinical trials, an amount to be matched by private sector investments.

Hubbard, now head of "Americans for Ibogaine," hopes that with Texas breaking the mold, Kentucky and other states are more likely to consider following suit.

Hubbard didn't attend Wednesday's meeting with Kentucky lawmakers because he was traveling to Jackson, Mississippi, to attend the first of two public hearings on Aug. 28 to consider a near-identical proposal in that state legislature to invest in ibogaine research.

"Texas has provided the people of Kentucky with the social, political, and cultural leverage necessary to break the institutional capture of our government by the opioid maintenance industry forever," Hubbard wrote in a text Wednesday. "The leadership of the Kentucky legislature have my gratitude for restoring this opportunity for us."

Still, there is limited peer-reviewed research across the country into the impact of ibogaine on the body. Research from clinical trials that have mostly taken place in other countries notes the drug's risk of cardiac arrest.

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear noted this risk when he was asked about the proposal.

"A lot more research needs to be done on ibogaine. It can also cause really significant reactions," he said. "You don't tread lightly into something that can be that powerful or potentially be that damaging. This is what the FDA is for, this is what they ought to be researching."

Beshear then said the system of combating opioid addiction that's currently in place, and the medication available through the FDA, is a "system that works."

"Let's make sure that we're not just looking at the next bright, shiny object, but that we're recognizing the hard work with the structure we have in place, (which) has done so much to help our people."

Ibogaine blocks certain channels of the heart, prolonging the time between heartbeats and increasing the chance of cardiac arrhythmia, which spikes the likelihood of a heart attack. Ibogaine has caused fatal heart attacks, according to the National Institute of Health. A handful of medical researchers in 2023 told the Herald-Leader this side effect is likely part of the reason why the FDA has not given the greenlight for ibogaine to be studied in a clinical setting.

Rep. Adrielle Camuel, a Lexington Democrat, raised this question.

"It may occur naturally, but it seems to cause cardiotoxicity, psychosis, neurotoxicity. Where's the urgency to study this when we do have medications, therapies to help people who are struggling with addiction?" Camuel said.

"We do not have studies with long-term follow-up," said Dr. Jean Loftus, a volunteer with Americans for Ibogaine and a plastic surgeon in Northern Kentucky. "That's the whole reason we're here: the drug is not yet FDA-approved. It needs to get FDA approved."

Jessica Blackburn offered the only personal history with ibogaine, explaining that, in her experience, years of relying on FDA-approved medication didn't work to curb her addiction to heroin and OxyContin, which began when she was a teenager.

Blackburn previously shared her story with the Herald-Leader in 2023. She traveled to Mexico in 2008 at age 22 to take ibogaine, and she says it saved her life. Blackburn has been sober for a decade.

During that multi-hour experience, she hallucinated vividly and attended her own funeral through her mother's eyes, watching her family and friends grieve her death. When she came to, she said her withdrawals and cravings had been nipped entirely.

"Because of ibogaine, I was able to reclaim my autonomy and make the conscious decision to make healthier choices and allow myself to heal and grow," Blackburn said. "Every person who suffers should be afforded the same opportunity.

"Kentucky has a second chance to bring our state out of the despair from the opioid epidemic and into a place of healing and innovation and mental health care and treatment."

Key medical concepts Ibogaine Cardiotoxicity Arrhythmia

2025 Lexington Herald-Leader. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers at the University of Arizona College of MedicineTucson found evidence that a drug that improves the ability to walk in people with multiple sclerosis can also make bone fractures heal faster.

The findings help further the understanding of specific factors involved in the bone healing process, and potentially open avenues for new therapeutic approaches.

"Broken bones are typically slow to heal in many people, and they can impact lives for months and in different ways. People lose time at work and daily activities at home with family and friends are impacted," said senior author John Elfar, MD, professor, surgeon and chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the U of A College of MedicineTucson. "This drug has the potential to change that."

Elfar partnered with Prem Kumar Govindappa, Ph.D., DVM, an assistant professor in the department, on a preclinical study that showed treatment with the drug 4-aminopyridine, or 4-AP, resulted in leg fractures healing faster and stronger than without the drug.

The paper was published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

"Mice with bone fractures healed quicker and were stronger after they healed after treatment with 4-AP," said Elfar, who is a member of the university's BIO5 Institute. "We saw more bone mass and less intermediate cartilage, meaning there was accelerated bone healing."

The drug is approved for use in chronic neurological conditions, where it helps with walking by improving how signals from the brain and spinal cord reach limbs.

The team also saw improvements in bone mass and the ability to bear weight after treatment with 4-AP. Collagen deposition and bone mineralization, both of which are necessary for bone healing, also received a boost.

Collagen forms the structural foundation of bones. In bone mineralization, minerals like calcium and phosphate join the newly forming bone matrix, strengthening and hardening the bone.

"We found that every fine-tuned measure of the strength of bone was better after administering 4-AP to mice," Elfar said.

"We also found more BMP2 protein in bone-forming cells at the fracture site, which again told us we found something that could accelerate the process."

Examining human bone cells exposed to 4-AP in a dish, the scientists saw increased production of bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP2, a bone-building substance used clinically to help with some kinds of bone repair. BMP2 prompted the production of stem cells that become cells called osteoblasts, which are essential to form new bone.

The research team also measured 4-AP's effects on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human osteoblast cells in the lab. 4-AP increased the conversion of the stem cells into osteoblasts and the latter's ability to migrate and grow, which are essential to the healing process.

Elfar said that 4-AP's role in driving BMP2 gene and protein activity is key to its bone healing effects, and using 4-AP to prompt BMP2 production in the body could be especially important.

"BMP2 is a hormone the body makes to accelerate bone healing," Elfar said.

BMP2 is known to modulate bone healing and is approved for use in certain medical procedures, including spinal fusion and sinus reconstruction surgery. An artificial version that has orthopedic medicine uses can have side effects, though, including bone resorption and cervical spine swelling. Finding a way to channel naturally produced BMP2 could improve bone healing while avoiding such problems.

The scientists previously showed that 4-AP could prevent bone and muscle loss in a mouse model of nerve damage. Similarly, they saw indications of 4-AP's healing effects for wound, nerve and limb injuries.

The researchers plan to eventually test 4-AP's potential use in healing bones in a clinical trial. They also want to better understand the drug's effects on BMP2 production, and more broadly, on the biology of healing bone.

More information Govindaraj Ellur et al, 4-Aminopyridine Promotes BMP2 Expression and Accelerates Tibial Fracture Healing in Mice, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (2025). DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00311 Journal information: Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Graphical abstract. Credit: Circulation Research (2025). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.125.326948

A groundbreaking new study led by researchers at the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) has identified that two closely related proteins, RBPMS and RBPMS2, act in tandem to protect the heart's ability to process the genetic information needed for normal heart development and function.

This process, called splicing, edits a gene's RNA by rearranging or skipping sections to create multiple versions of a protein from the same gene. This ensures that heart muscle cells produce the right proteins at the right time, to allow for normal heart function.

Disruptions or mutations involved in this process cause cardiomyopathies and congenital heart diseases. While it has been suspected that splicing factors may cooperate, the functional importance of such a collaboration in the heart has remained unclear.

In a research article titled "RBPMS and RBPMS2 Cooperate to Safeguard Cardiac Splicing," published in Circulation Research, Tongbin Wu, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI, discovered that RBPMS and RBPMS2 perform overlapping, but indispensable, roles in regulating gene splicing during heart development.

Using advanced genetic models, the team found that removing both proteins from cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) proved embryonically lethal, causing severe structural defects in the heart's contractile machinery. In contrast, removing either protein alone had little to no impact on survival or heart function.

Dr. Wu in MMRI laboratory. Credit: MMRI

"This study shows that splicing factors need to work together to safeguard and keep the heart functioning properly during development," said Wu.

"By working together, they ensure that genes critical for cardiac contraction are spliced correctly, preventing the kinds of errors that can lead to devastating heart disease."

Through RNA sequencing and mechanistic experiments, the team uncovered that RBPMS and RBPMS2 not only promote heart-specific splicing programs, but that they also actively suppress non-cardiac genes, ensuring the heart maintains its unique molecular signature.

Importantly, the study also demonstrates that the position of where these proteins bind to precursor messenger RNA determines whether they act as activators or repressors of splicing.

"These findings provide hope for the 40,000 children born each year in the United States with congenital heart disease, as well as the 1.1 million adults with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)," said Maria I. Kontaridis, Ph.D., executive director, Gordon K. Moe professor and chair of biomedical research and translational medicine at MMRI.

"Understanding the cooperative network of these splicing factors opens the door to new therapeutic strategies- a testament to MMRI's position as a global leader in cardiovascular research."

More information Tongbin Wu et al, RBPMS and RBPMS2 Cooperate to Safeguard Cardiac Splicing, Circulation Research (2025). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.125.326948 Journal information: Circulation Research
The Mumbai Police, which deployed most of its personnel for Ganpati Bandobast duties, was forced to scale down those operations to ensure tight security for the Maratha Morcha. The Morcha, led by activist Jarange Patil, began its 400-kilometre march from Jalna and is set to reach Azad Maidan, where the court granted permission for a one-day protest, today. Police also requisitioned five companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in addition to the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), anticipating that around 30,000 protestors may enter the city. Patil is accompanied by thousands of protestors, though Azad Maidan can accommodate only about 5,000 people. The protest is considered politically significant, especially with upcoming civic elections, similar to Patils previous agitations during Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls, which turned violent. The Mumbai Police implemented a massive security bandobast along the protest route. Protestors have been directed to use the freeway to enter the city, reach the Wadi Bunder area, and park their vehicles at designated locations. In a letter to organisers, Azad Maidan Police laid out guidelines: only five vehicles will be allowed inside, the rest must be parked at Wadi Bunder. The number of participants must be capped at 5,000. Organisers were asked to obtain permission for loudspeakers and were warned against making statements that could hurt religious sentiments during Ganpati. However, sources expressed uncertainty over adherence to these conditions. Over 5,000 people had already reached Azad Maidan, exceeding the limit, forcing police to stop arrivals at entry points, raising the possibility of scuffles. Joint CP (Law and Order) Satyanarayan Chowdhary said 700 constables and 200 officers, including DCP-rank officials, were assigned as per the High Court directive. By August 28, crowds had already crossed the permitted number, prompting police to barricade entry points like Mankhurd and Airoli toll nakas. Only five vehicles were allowed inside Azad Maidan; others were diverted to Cotton Green, Sewri, and nearby areas. Jarange criticised the one-day permission, calling it an insult to the Maratha community. The government will ensure justice for both OBCs and Marathas. We resolved this issue in the past, and we will resolve it again, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
The Forgotten Genocide of the Assyrian People

For over a century, the Assyrian people--an ancient indigenous community rooted in the heartlands of Mesopotamia (modern-day Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria)--have endured a haunting legacy of violence, displacement, and erasure. Their history is not marked by a single tragedy, but by a series of genocidal campaigns that have spanned through generations.

Descendants of the ancient Assyrian Empire, whose capitals, Nineveh and Ashur, once dominated Mesopotamia, Assyrians today are followers of apostolic traditions, while others follow various evangelical churches. Their enduring presence is a testament to a people who, despite centuries of displacement and persecution, have refused to disappear. Before the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Assyrian population was estimated at 1.5 million, with most residing in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul, and the Kurdistan Region. Their continued resilience is a testament to a people who, despite centuries of persecution, have refused to succumb to despair.

Currently, there are as few as 300,000 Assyrians remaining in the region. A recent database conducted by the Shlama Foundation, an Assyrian non-profit organization, finds that approximately 139,581 Assyrians are currently residing in Iraq. Most fled the region due to the number of genocides targeting Assyrians for their ancestral roots to the area, as well as political instability.

A majority of the Assyrian population today is spread across the diaspora with no nation-state of their own. The exodus of the Assyrian population comes from ongoing efforts to erase the indigenous group from the homeland at the hands of successive regimes and extremist groups.

The earliest documented genocide against the Assyrians began in 1843. Militias led by Bedr Khan Beg unjustly targeted Assyrians residing in Hakkari (modern-day Turkey). The massacres were sanctioned by Ottoman Turkish officials attempting to suppress the threat of Assyrian independence in the region. A reported ten thousand Assyrians perished during this genocidal campaign. Villages in this region were looted, churches were burned to the ground, and women and children were also not spared from the atrocities. While Assyrians fought back, they were vastly outnumbered by the Beg's growing army.

In 1914, at the height of World War I, the Ottoman Empire initiated a systematic extermination of its Christian minorities--including Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians--in what is commonly known as the Armenian Genocide. Nearly 300,000 Assyrians were killed during this genocidal campaign.

But the violence did not end there.

After gaining independence from Britain in 1933, the newly established Iraqi army carried out the Simele Massacre, a brutal attack targeting Assyrian civilians in the town of Simele. For days, around 3,000 Assyrians were murdered -- including women and children -- under the orders of Bakr Sidai. During this time, the violence was fueled by ethnic and religious tensions, as Assyrians were seen as a pro-British minority and perceived as a threat to Arab nationalist ambitions. Villages were looted, destroyed, and the Assyrian population was forcibly displaced, setting a chilling precedent for future state-sponsored persecution.

In 1969, the Ba'athist regime bombed the village of Soriya, another brutal assault on Assyrian lives. While there is little information found on this massacre, an eyewitness testimony of a survivor recalls the horror that unfolded during the doom day of doom. The survivor recounts women and children being targeted, houses in the village being burned, and soldiers shooting into houses. The eyewitness also retells how, as they were running, wounded people escaping alongside them succumbed to their injuries due to the gunshot wounds. The exact motive behind the Soriya Massacre continues to remain unknown. However, it is believed the massacre happened in response to a mine detonated under a military vehicle during a time when Assyrians were involved in the armed resistance against the ruling Ba'ath Party.

During the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Assyrian Christians in Baghdad and Basra faced persecution once again. In Baghdad, churches were bombed, clergy were kidnapped, some assassinated, and families received death threats, leading to the exodus of tens of thousands of Assyrians from neighborhoods like Dora and Karada.

In 2010, parishioners of the Our Lady of Salvation Syriac Church were attacked during mass by extremists affiliated with Al-Qaeda. One hundred worshippers were taken hostage and held in captivity until Iraqi security forces arrived, several hours later. Fifty-eight people were killed, including two priests, and many others were left injured or traumatized by the events. Had the Iraqi forces taken action sooner, these fatalities could have been avoided. This attack prompted even more Assyrians to flee due to their distrust of their government, hoping to avoid further persecution.

In Basra, Assyrians faced harassment from Islamist militias, with liquor stores owned by Christians being bombed and looted, contributing to a significant decline in the Christian population. Basra once housed around 7,000 Assyrians. At one time, approximately 17 churches were active and thriving; however, today, nine have closed, and two have been destroyed by fire.

Most recently, in 2014 through 2015, the rise of ISIS unleashed a new wave of terror marked by beheadings, abductions, forced exile, and the destruction of villages in the Nineveh Plains. Assyrians living in this region were given ultimatums: convert to Islam, pay a tax fee (jizya), leave, or be killed. As a result, over 200,000 Assyrians were displaced from their ancestral village, and churches were destroyed, with some being used as shooting ranges by ISIS. Assyrian homes were marked with the Arabic letter "", meaning Nazarene, allowing ISIS to target their homes. Entire towns like Qaraqosh, Bartella, and Bakhdida were emptied, and many Assyrian families were too afraid to return home.

The persecution of Assyrians in the Middle East cannot solely be reduced to religious intolerance against Christians; the violence they face is also due to their ancestral ties to their homeland. Assyrians' claims to Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria predate both Islam and the modern-day state borders, making their existence a living reminder of histories modern-day regimes wish to erase. Through their dual identity of being Christian and indigenous, Assyrians are left vulnerable to forces that seek a homogenous national narrative.

In 2009, the Iraqi government passed Law No. 20, Law on Compensation for Victims of War Operations, Military Mistakes, and Terrorist Operations. In recent years, this law has been amended twice, once in 2015 to enhance eligibility for compensation and again in 2020 to simplify the application process. Reparations for Assyrians are not explicitly mentioned; however, the law does apply to Assyrians as they are Iraqi citizens. Under this law, Assyrians displaced by genocidal attempts are subject to compensation from the government. Unfortunately, no reports indicate Assyrians received any compensation for the torture they endured during the invasion of ISIS. Instead, Assyrians rely on diaspora-led non-profit organizations, such as the Shlama Foundation and the Assyrian Aid Society, to rebuild their villages, churches, schools, and other infrastructures.

The threats against the Assyrian community in Iraq still exist to this day. The Assyrians remaining in Iraq still advocate for their rights and political representation amid the ongoing challenges. Despite the Iraqi government granting Assyrians five parliamentary seats, all seats are currently occupied by proxy groups backed by dominant political factions, such as the Iranian-backed Babylon movement, which currently holds four out of the five seats, and the Iran-aligned Badr Organization, which undermines genuine Assyrian representation. This manipulation of the quota system has marginalized independent Assyrian voices in the political sphere. With little political representation, Assyrians remaining in Iraq have very little trust in the government to guarantee their protection and rights.

Currently, the Iraqi government has yet to recognize any genocides listed in this article. But that only pushes Assyrians in the homeland and abroad to continue advocating for their community. Across the globe, Assyrians living in the diaspora have also become a powerful voice, transforming displacement into determined activism. Several diaspora-led organizations work to lobby for the Assyrian cause, organize protests, and utilize social media to highlight the daily challenges Assyrians face in their homelands.

Other organizations focus on preserving the Assyrian culture and tradition within the diaspora, offering language courses and history lessons to ensure the community remains closely tied to its original roots. Some of these organizations have even initiated homeland trips, bringing Assyrians from around the world to see their native homeland. A notable organization that initially promoted this idea is "Gishru" (a word meaning "bridge" in Neo-Aramaic), a non-profit organization connecting Assyrians in the diaspora to their homeland through guided trips visiting ancient Assyrian sites, villages, and ruins. In recent years, the organization has seen an increase in participants, with some young individuals feeling inspired enough to move to the homeland and continue advocating for the cause.

The story of the Assyrians is not just one of repeated attempts at erasure; it is a powerful story of resilience. In the face of genocide and continuous threats of cultural extinction, Assyrians have held onto their identity, language, culture, and faith. Regardless of the challenges faced, the Assyrians will never give up their advocacy efforts. The world may turn a blind eye to the Assyrians, but no matter how many times their history has been attempted to be erased, their community will always shine light on the truth. Their survival is an act of resistance against ongoing genocidal campaigns to uproot them from their homeland entirely.
A delegation of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) called on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday and received assurances of full government support to safeguard exporters' interests following the recent escalation of tariffs by the United States, said the industry body. FIEO's delegation led by President S C Ralhan and Vice President Ravikant Kapur apprised the minister of the immediate challenges arising from higher US tariffs, including pressures on market access, competitiveness and employment in export-oriented sectors. According to FIEO, Ralhan underlined that the exporting community needs quick and calibrated policy measures to cushion the impact, noting that exporters have been key drivers of growth and jobs. The body said the Finance Minister reassured the delegation that the government "stands firmly behind Indian exporters" and will explore every possible avenue to address their concerns and protect their interests. Sitharaman also stressed the importance of protecting workers' livelihoods during global headwinds and urged industry leaders to reassure employees of job continuity as policy responses are rolled out. The minister, FIEO added, conveyed that comprehensive support would be extended to sustain growth momentum and uphold India's resilience in international trade. Ralhan said the minister's reassurance was a "great source of confidence" for the exporting fraternity. "Her commitment that the Government will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with exporters demonstrates the priority being accorded to safeguarding India's trade interests and employment." FIEO said it will work closely with the government to navigate the current challenges, diversify markets and strengthen India's global trade position. The delegation's outreach comes amid concerns that higher tariff walls could weigh on India's market access and dampen near-term order flows in select categories until mitigation measures are in place. The export body reiterated that targeted support, policy clarity and continued engagement with key partners would be crucial to maintaining competitiveness and protecting jobs in the sector. It added that it would remain in dialogue with the government on steps to ease the strain on exporters and ensure continuity in production and employment. FIEO, the apex body of Indian export promotion councils, said it remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to overcome the immediate headwinds and build long term resilience in India's external sector. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) has urged the Union government to withdraw its decision to extend the exemption on cotton import duty till December 31, warning that the move could harm domestic farmers and push India towards import dependency. The appeal was made in a letter addressed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. According to the letter, the BKS stated that India's cotton production stands at around 320 lakh bales, while domestic demand is approximately 391 lakh bales. A standard bale of cotton weighs approximately 170 kilograms (kg) in India. Mills estimate that around 60-70 lakh bales are usually imported every year, which accounts for nearly 12 per cent of the country's total cotton use. The farmers' body noted that this year, the area under cotton cultivation has fallen by 3.2 per cent compared to the previous year. "If the availability of domestic cotton seed does not increase, India, instead of being an exporter of cotton, will become an importer country," the BKS warned in the letter. It said that cotton prices had already fallen from Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 6,000 per quintal after the announcement, and if duty-free imports continue till December, prices may dip further. "If cotton is imported at only Rs. 2,000 per quintal, then will anyone buy from our farmers at Rs. 5,000 per quintal?" the BKS questioned in the letter. The Ministry of Finance had initially granted an exemption on cotton import duty from August 11 to September 30, 2025. However, the recent decision extended this exemption until the end of December. General Secretary of BKS, Mohan Mitra, stressed that the government must reconsider the decision. "If the government does not stop this exemption decision of cotton import, then India, instead of being self-reliant, will become dependent on foreigners in the cotton sector," he wrote in the letter to the finance minister. The letter concluded with an appeal to withdraw the notification immediately, stating that ensuring better prices for domestic cotton would encourage farmers and protect the sector from sliding into dependence. A copy of the letter was also sent to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. (ANI)
NewsVoir Chandigarh [India], August 29: Homeland Group, one of North India's most trusted real estate developers, has unveiled its latest 360 Degree brand campaign titled "Homeland Group's Bold Campaign Answers Every Buyer's Doubt." Anchored around "Where Questions End. Homeland Begins," the campaign directly addresses the most pressing concerns of today's homebuyers regarding delivery, pricing, and investment safety by providing fact-backed answers that highlight Homeland's unmatched credibility and legacy. he campaign is anchored in the belief "When buyers doubt everything, we don't hide. We answer." By addressing real buyer questions head-on and responding with data, delivery, and trust, Homeland Group reinforces why it remains the first choice for both families and investors. With 13+ years of market presence, Homeland Group has evolved into a full-scale developer of landmark residential, commercial, and mixed-use spaces. Headquartered in Mohali, Punjab, the company commands a strong footprint across key North Indian markets. Its modern growth trajectory has been marked by bold designs, premium collaborations, and a delivery record that inspires trust. Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, said, "Every homebuyer carries questions, whether the project will be delivered on time, whether the premium truly reflects value, or whether their investment is secure. At Homeland, we believe such doubts deserve answers, not avoidance. Over the past 13+ years, we have built a reputation on data, trust, and timely delivery, consistently proving our commitment to families and investors. Our campaign captures this journey and reinforces our promise for the future. Because where questions end, Homeland begins, and that has always been our defining difference." From delivery timelines to investment returns, Homeland's track record speaks volumes. With over 3.5 million sq. ft. delivered across Punjab and beyond, the Group has consistently set new benchmarks in real estate. Its flagship developments, including Homeland Heights, Homeland Paradise, and Homeland Regalia, with Tower A delivered ahead of schedule, stand as proof of its commitment to timely execution. The trust is further evident in the fact that 90 percentage of its inventory is often sold before launch, backed by the confidence of over 500 channel partners. Adding to its credibility, Homeland has also collaborated with leading international designers and adopted world-class construction practices to deliver premium living and investment experiences. Strategically timed ahead of the festive season, the campaign reinforces Homeland Group's position as Punjab and North India's most trusted developer. At its core, the campaign reminds audiences that while questions may be endless, the answer remains unchanged - It's Homeland. (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)
State-owned gas major GAIL (India) Ltd reported strong operational and financial performance in FY25, marked by record additions in its city gas distribution business and highest-ever profits. Addressing shareholders at the company's 41st Annual General Meeting on Friday, GAIL Chairman Sandeep Kumar Gupta said that the company and its group entities continue to hold the largest footprint in the City Gas Distribution (CGD) domain. GAIL has authorization to develop CGD networks across 72 Geographical Areas (GAs) out of a total 307 in the country. He said, "During the year, your Company and its group companies added approx. 12.28 lakh PNG connections and approx. 507 CNG stations, thereby reaching a cumulative base of approximately 95.7 lakh domestic PNG consumers and over 3,100 CNG stations". He shared that with this expansion, GAIL's network reached nearly 95.7 lakh domestic PNG consumers and over 3,100 CNG stations across the country. The combined sales of CNG and D-PNG from GAIL's CGD entities in FY25 stood at about 15.4 MMSCM, giving the company over 54 per cent market share in this segment. Gupta highlighted that FY25 was also a record year for LNG imports. GAIL imported 141 LNG cargoes, the highest ever in its operational history. To meet the additional power demand during the summer months, the company also sourced five spot cargoes and about 112 MMSCMD of RLNG during April to June 2024 to maximize generation from gas-based power plants. On the financial side, he also shared that GAIL posted its highest-ever profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) in FY25. The PBT rose by 28 per cent to Rs 14,825 crore compared with Rs 11,555 crore in the previous year, while PAT increased by 28 per cent to Rs 11,312 crore from Rs 8,836 crore in FY24. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,37,288 crore from Rs 1,30,638 crore in the preceding year. The company executed capital expenditure worth Rs 10,512 crore during the year. In infrastructure, GAIL continued to strengthen the National Gas Grid. The company operates a pipeline network of about 16,421 km. During FY25, it commissioned 277 km of pipelines and undertook lowering works over 717 km. In LNG shipping, Gupta stated that GAIL expanded its fleet with the induction of a new state-of-the-art vessel renamed 'GAIL Sagar'. The ship, delivered in February 2025 at Cove Point, USA, is under a long-term charter agreement with Kool Panther Corporation, a subsidiary of Cool Company (UK). It is the fifth LNG carrier in GAIL's fleet and will remain on charter until December 2038, the longest charter in the company's history. GAIL also awarded a long-term vessel charter contract to a subsidiary of K-Line, Tokyo, for deployment between 2027 and 2038. (ANI)
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said Qatar is ready to start trade pact negotiations with India, which was initially indicated during the State Visit of Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in February this year. "Yesterday, the Qatar minister told me they want to start negotiations," Piyush Goyal said, addressing an industry event. During Amir's state visit to India, the two sides had agreed on the need to explore strategies for enhanced and diversified trade between the two countries and address, as a priority, market access issues related to trade in goods and services. The two sides agreed to explore the possibility of entering into a bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Both sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030. Piyush Goyal also hinted today that the trade deal with Oman should be "sorted out" in the next few weeks. The minister, in his reply, however, didn't mention any date or timeline for the expected signing ceremony for the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal between India and Oman, which commenced in 2023, were recently concluded. India has strengthened its trade ties over the past five years, signing five major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and progressing on several new deals. "We have a hundred billion dollar FDI commitment from the EFTA countries, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland, they're rich countries...They need a reliable partner like India, where there's talent, where there's skill, where there's a big domestic market, with growing incomes," Piyush Goyal said, as he underlined the ongoing trade pact talks with various countries. The government is working with advanced countries to secure better trading options and free trade agreements, he said. "We already concluded Mauritius, Australia, UAE, UK, the four block FTA will come into effect on October 1, one month away...We are working with the European Union on overdrive. We are working with Eurasia, a block of many nations...Chile and Peru are going on," he said. "We are also talking to the US for a bilateral trade agreement, which we had planned to complete in the first phase by fall, October-November 2025." All these engagements will open up new opportunities, new markets, and new investment possibilities to bring scale, quality, and innovation into India, he added. The agreements inked over the past 5 years include the India-Mauritius Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) implemented in 2021, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) in 2022, the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in 2024, and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed in 2025, which is yet to come into force. (ANI)
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 29: The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI), the apex body representing amusement parks, water parks, theme parks, snow parks, trampoline parks, and adventure parks, has made a strong plea to the Government of India to slash GST on the amusement sector from 18% to 5%. IAAPI stresses that such a move is critical to attract heavy investments in the industry, which entertains millions of families and children each year. At present, the sector is being stifled under the burden of 18% GST, even as zoos, museums, national parks, war memorials, and melas are taxed at 0%, creating a striking disparity for an industry that contributes equally, if not more, to India's social infrastructure and tourism. Globally, governments have embraced lower taxes to encourage leisure and tourism: UAE (5%), Bahrain (5%), Canada (5%), Japan (5%), Malaysia (6%), Singapore (7%). India's 18% is among the harshest, pushing away investors and limiting growth in a country with one of the youngest populations in the world. The impact is especially severe on school-going children, who constitute nearly 70% of visitors. With academic pressure and rising cases of stress and anxiety among youth, amusement parks serve as more than recreation--they are a vital medicine for mental well-being. These venues provide safe spaces for joy, laughter, and family bonding, directly contributing to the nation's emotional health and social fabric. At a time when India ranks 118 out of 147 countries in the World Happiness Report 2025, IAAPI argues that supporting affordable access to amusement will help uplift the country's Happiness Index and overall quality of life. The amusement industry is also a powerful generator of employment. From ride operators and technicians to food courts, merchandise, events, and security, the sector creates lakhs of direct and indirect jobs across the country. Lowering GST will not reduce revenue -- instead, it will fuel higher footfalls, greater formalisation, and stronger compliance, leading to larger overall tax collection from tickets as well as ancillary services. Equally important, amusement parks have become an inseparable part of tourism ecosystems. Every park visit translates into business for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, and retail outlets, creating a multiplier effect for local economies. With rationalised taxation, India's amusement sector can become a cornerstone of tourism-led growth. IAAPI projects that with GST reduced to 5%, the industry could grow at a 20% CAGR, reaching 30,000 crore by 2030 -- far beyond earlier estimates of 23,000 crore -- and emerge as one of the most dynamic pillars of India's tourism economy. Ankur Maheshwari, Chairman of IAAPI, said: "Amusement is not a luxury; it is social infrastructure that touches the daily lives of children and families. Lowering GST to 5% will make joy affordable, attract heavy investments, and position India's amusement industry as a global tourism powerhouse." IAAPI appeals to the government to act with urgency and foresight -- to protect jobs, strengthen tourism, and give children and families the affordable happiness they deserve. (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)
Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, while addressing the audience at ESYA, the tech fest of IIIT-Delhi, made a stirring call for the youth to lead India's next chapter as Vishwaguru Bharat. Invoking India's grand legacy as a global knowledge hub, the Minister said, "From Aryabhata's zero, to advances in medical science and surgery, to Nalanda and Takshashila that drew seekers from across the world, this quest for knowledge is in our DNA. The largest library at Harvard pales in comparison to Nalanda. That spark still lies within us." Calling the Tech Fest a "launchpad to enact bold dreams," Scindia stressed that India's rise rests on the shoulders of its youth. On technology, he reiterated the role of AI, saying that what IT did 40 years ago, AI will do today. However, the task is not just to build AI; it is to build responsible AI for All, and it must elevate humanity, not dominate it. The Minister highlighted India's growing leadership in frontier technologies. The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) has already invested in over 120 futuristic projects spanning quantum computing, terahertz communication, bio-nano systems, indigenous chipsets, and encrypted routers. He reaffirmed India's goal to emerge as a global leader in 6G and contribute at least 10 per cent of global patents by 2030, with the heart of this ambitious target lying within India's students. Scindia reminded students that India's rise is anchored in its civilizational values: "We are a country that has never raised war, that believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam." He urged the students to build for Bharat with solutions for the farmer awaiting precision agriculture, the child in a digital classroom, and the patient in a small town relying on tele-health. Addressing the future innovators who may study abroad, the minister appealed that they may study at the best universities, work in the best labs, but must come back home and bring their knowledge, their ambition, and rebuild India into the Golden Bird it once was by turning brain drain into brain gain. In conclusion, he offered the youth three guiding principles to "Be Bold, Be Rooted and to Build for Bharat", as the auditorium erupted in applause. "The opportunity of the next 100 years lies in India. Carry forward the spirit of Asia, the spirit of India, to shine on the world stage," he concluded. (ANI)
Reliance Industries has partnered with Google to bring "world-class AI" in the country and reach every corner of India, announced Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani at their Annual General Meeting on Friday. The partnership will help Reliance's businesses transform through the use of AI in energy, retail, telecom, and financial services. Reliance will work with Google Cloud to establish a state-of-the-art, AI-focused cloud region dedicated to Reliance in Jamnagar. Google Cloud will bring world-class, latest-generation AI compute expertise, while Reliance will design, build, and power state-of-the-art cloud facilities. "Through this partnership, we are marrying Reliance's proven capability to build world-class assets and execute at an India scale with Google's leading cloud and AI technologies so that developers, startups, and enterprises can innovate faster, operate more securely, and reach every corner of India," Ambani told the shareholders. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, speaking virtually, said they have long been investing in India's digital future. "Our partnership with Reliance and Jio has been an important part of how we do them. Our work together over the last decade has helped bring affordable Internet access to millions, helping to power India's digital revolution," Pichai said. "Now we are building on this to help shape the next leap with AI. The AI opportunity in India is advanced. It will transform every industry and organisation, from the largest enterprises to the smallest Kirana Store." To support the AI adoption together, they are establishing a Jamnagar cloud region built for and dedicated to Reliance, Pichai said. "It will bring world-class AI and compute from Google Cloud, powered by clean energy from Reliance and connected by Jio's advanced network." "As Reliance's largest public cloud partner, Google Cloud is not only powering the company's mission-critical workloads, we are innovating with you on advanced AI initiatives and with Reliance and the Jio ecosystem, we are excited to put AI into the hands of more people and businesses so they can do extraordinary things as well," Pichai asserted. (ANI)
India's real GDP has been estimated to grow by 7.8 per cent in the April-June quarter of the financial year 2025-26 over the growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the same quarter of the previous fiscal, official data showed Friday. The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Quarterly Estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the April-June Quarter of financial year 2025-26. India's nominal GDP grew at an 8.8 per cent rate during the April-June quarter. The Agriculture and Allied Sector has observed the Real GVA (gross value addition) growth rate of 3.7 per cent, as compared to the growth rate of 1.5 per cent registered in Q1 of the last financial year. Secondary Sectors, prominently Manufacturing (7.7 per cent) and Construction (7.6 per cent) sector have registered above 7.5 per cent growth rate at Constant Prices in this quarter. Mining and Quarrying (-3.1 per cent) and Electricity, Gas, Water Supply and Other Utility Services Sector (0.5 per cent) have seen a moderated real growth rate during Q1 of 2025-26. In 2024-25, the Indian economy grew by 6.5 per cent in real terms. The Reserve Bank of India had projected 6.5 per cent GDP growth for the fiscal year 2024-25. In 2023-24, India's GDP grew by an impressive 9.2 per cent, continuing to be the fastest-growing major economy. According to official data, the economy grew 8.7 per cent and 7.2 percent, respectively, in 2021-22 and 2022-23. Earlier this year, the World Bank said India will need to grow by 7.8 per cent on average over the next 22 years to achieve its aspirations of becoming a developed country by 2047. However, the World Bank asserted that getting there would require reforms and their implementation to be as ambitious as the target itself. To realise the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', a developed nation dream by 2047, India will need to achieve a growth rate of around 8 per cent at constant prices, on average, for about a decade or two, the Economic Survey document for 2024-25 tabled on January 31 asserted. India has made quite a turnaround, climbing the ladder of economic growth. This can be gauged from the progress in terms of size of economy. India was placed 11th in 2013-14 and is now the fourth-largest economy. India has surpassed many countries in terms of economic size over the past decade and needs to continue making progress in terms of per capita income. In 2013, India was placed in the league of 'Fragile 5' economies. The term 'Fragile 5' was coined by a Morgan Stanley analyst and refers to a set of five emerging countries, including India, whose economies were not doing well. The other four countries were Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and Turkey. Today, India is one of the fastest-growing major economies. (ANI)
The 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods have raised concerns about trade relations between the two countries, but India remains confident of finding a way forward, said C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Former Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Speaking to ANI, Ananthakrishnan said the immediate effect of the new duties could slow down certain sectors but stressed India's resilience. "The present situation is that there has been an additional tariff which has been issued, which will for a shorter period it may have an impact. But I am sure that with the sort of governance and with the sort of resiliency the country's economy has got, we will be able to overcome that. And I am sure that in the days to come, we will find a solution and we will be able to sort it out," he said. The steep 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods are largely a result of President Donald Trump's "personal pique" at not being allowed to mediate in the India-Pakistan conflict, according to a recent report by American multinational investment bank and financial services company Jefferies. The report said the American president had reportedly hoped to intervene following the four-day military conflict between the two countries in May. It stated "tariffs are primarily the consequence of the American president's "personal pique" that he was not allowed to play a role in seeking to end the long running acrimony between India and Pakistan". India has consistently maintained that it does not accept third-party intervention in its conflicts with Pakistan. Jefferies pointed out that this "red line" was upheld despite the heavy economic costs, effectively denying the 47th American president one of his opportunities to strengthen his international standing and potentially seek recognition such as the Nobel Peace Prize. Another sticking point is agriculture. The report highlighted that no Indian government, including the current one, is willing to open up the agriculture sector to imports because of the severe consequences it would have on millions of people. Nearly 250 million farmers and related labourers depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, with the sector accounting for nearly 40 per cent of India's workforce, the report noted. (ANI)
Japanese companies can look at India as a crucial market to sell their products and also make it a manufacturing base, as the Asian country grapples with tariff barriers according to Rajeev Khanna, Managing Executive Director and head of the India division at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). "They (Japanese countries) see a very challenging market environment with particularly tariff barriers being imposed in a few countries and obviously a shrinking domestic market. So from that perspective, having the ability to cater to a very large market in India through their own products but also building and manufacturing in India to sell to the world I think is a real opportunity," Khanna said. Speaking to ANI from Tokyo during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, Khanna noted that the auto industry and high-tech semiconductors present significant opportunities for Japanese firms in India. "There could be a lot more done," he said. India's technical talent pool can support advanced manufacturing. He added that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the prime minister's visit to Japan, but stressed that the key challenge is execution. "The proof of the pudding will be how each of these Japanese companies will take the very specific step to put money and people in India. And I'm reasonably optimistic," Khanna supplemented. "I think the key is how do we convert these MoUs into real investment. I believe some of these investments will take time because they are in complex industries and sectors." He said the SMBC, which is one of Japan's largest banks, has continued to increase their presence in India and "we're looking forward to doing a lot more." "My understanding is the Prime Minister of Japan also highlighted the ability of creating a win-win situation between the two countries, the ability of Japanese companies to use the domestic manufacturing base of India and the technical people of India to grow much more," Khanna said. Khanna said that the Japanese Prime Minister stated that the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail is just the starting point, indicating that there could be a lot more of this kind of investment coming in from Japan. While Japan has already invested a substantial amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, Khanna argued that the figure remains modest when compared to Japan's global FDI footprint. "Actually, we should be looking at the greater opportunity. How can we attract a lot more of that FDI flow from Japan into India," he said. Addressing the India-Japan Forum, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Keidanren [Japan Business Federation] in Tokyo, PM Modi pitched for a partnership with Japan in the area of manufacturing with special focus in the fields of batteries, robotics, semiconductors, ship-building and nuclear energy. Other areas for partnerships include, technology, innovation, green energy, and skill development, he said. "In manufacturing and the auto sector, our collaboration has been highly successful as the Prime Minister (Shigeru Ishiba) has already elaborated. We can create the same magic together in batteries, robotics, semiconductor ship buildings and nuclear energy," Prime Minister Modi said. Inviting Japanese companies to further enhance their footprint in India, he noted that the Indian growth story presented exciting opportunities for them. Leading industry figures from India and Japan, including CEOs of the India-Japan Business Leaders' Forum, participated in the key business meeting. At the invitation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Japan for the 15th Annual Summit. (ANI)
The Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) has conferred the Eminence Award for Outstanding Women Leadership on A Manimekhalai, former Managing Director & CEO of Union Bank of India, in recognition of her impactful leadership and role in transforming one of India's oldest public sector banks. President Droupadi Murmu on Friday honoured ex-UBI CEO Manimekhalai with the SCOPE Eminence Award in the national capital. Manimekhalai made history in June 2022 by becoming the first woman to head Union Bank of India since its inception in 1919. At the time, she was the only woman leading a public sector bank in the country. She took charge during a critical period, following the complex merger with Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank. Her leadership was aimed at stabilising the bank, integrating systems and people, and driving growth, a release said. Under her tenure, Union Bank saw a strong turnaround. Net profit rose from Rs 5,232 crore to Rs 17,987 crore, gross NPAs came down from 10.22 per cent to 3.60 per cent, and return on assets improved from 0.53 per cent to 1.35 per cent. The bank's total business crossed Rs 22.9 lakh crore, and market capitalisation crossed Rs 1 lakh crore, making it the fourth PSU bank to reach the milestone, the release said. A major focus was on digital transformation. The bank introduced AI-powered CRM systems, digital lending platforms, and scaled its Vyom Super App to over 3 crore users. It also integrated innovations like Central Bank Digital Currency and established a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. Equally important was the people-centric approach. Initiatives like Union Advith (HR strategy), DEI policies, and performance-linked incentives aimed to create a culture of transparency and merit. The EmpowerHER programme, Nari Shakti branches, and support for women entrepreneurs reinforced the bank's commitment to women-led inclusion. Manimekhalai also strengthened governance by restructuring compliance systems and appointing a Chief Ethics Officer. On the sustainability front, Union Bank funded Rs 28,742 crore in renewable energy projects and became the first Indian PSU bank to join the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials. After the award, Manimekhalai said that though she has completed her tenure as MD & CEO, she remains committed to nation-building and purposeful leadership, continuing to champion institutions that learn, adapt, and serve with intent. On receiving the Eminence Award, she expressed deep gratitude to President Murmu, the eminent jury, SCOPE and Deloitte for the recognition. (ANI)
The movie is directed by Karthik Gattamneni and stars Manoj Manchu and Shriya Saran, along with 'HanuMan' breakout star Teja Sajja in the lead roles.

The trailer begins with Teja Sajja falling from the train to land before a giant eagle. It was followed by a looming danger of the generation helmed by actor Manchu Manoj, who appears to be a warrior who sides with cruelty.

The next part of the video introduces actress Ritika Nayak, who is tasked with finding Mirai, which is actually Teja Sajja himself; however, he appears to be unaware of his past and his destiny, as shown in the trailer.

Moved by the people's plight, Teja Sajja agrees to join the fight against Manoj Manhcu to save humanity. Motivated by Shriya Saran's inspiring words, the actor begins searching for weapons to fight evil, especially a sacred staff that was born during the Treta Yuga.

He was also shown fighting against some evil forces with the help of the sacred weapon before facing off against Manoj himself.

The trailer ends with the introduction of Lord Ram. The movie is slated to release in theatres on September 12, 2025.

Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, which is set to distribute the movie in the North India belt, shared the trailer from their Instagram handle.

Take a look at the trailer here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN5FsxFjN2A/

Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under the banner of People Media Factory, the movie 'Mirai' blends myth, action, and cutting-edge visuals, promising a larger-than-life experience for the cinemagoers.

As per the press note, the story follows a fearless warrior chosen to safeguard nine sacred scriptures, setting the stage for an epic battle that fuses heritage with spectacle.

The movie was earlier slated to release in theatres on September 5, 2025. (ANI)
Filmmaker Doug Liman has signed on to direct 'Killing Satoshi,' a conspiracy thriller that looks to unravel one of the most enduring mysteries of the 21st century: the secret identity of Nakamoto, the founder of Bitcoin, according to Variety.

Oscar winner Casey Affleck and Pete Davidson will star in the film, with their character descriptions being kept under wraps.

Nick Schenk, who has collaborated with Clint Eastwood on two of his more recent films, 'Gran Torino' and 'The Mule', wrote the screenplay of the film.

The project was originally developed by Kavanaugh and is being fully financed through his production company, Proxima, in conjunction with Aperture Media Partners.

Filming is set to begin in October in London, with an expected 2026 release, reported Variety.

"I love David and Goliath stories. 'Killing Satoshi' follows unlikely antiheroes taking on the most powerful people on the planet in an epic battle that strikes at the core of what money is and who controls it. 'I'm so excited to be collaborating with Casey Affleck again opposite the incredible Pete Davidson," said Liman as quoted by Variety.

Pete Davidson was recently seen in the film 'The Pickup' alongside Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer.

The film features a diverse cast including Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, Joe "Roman Reigns" Anoa'i, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ismael Cruz Cordova.

The film was written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Rider. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. (ANI)
Actor Anne Hathaway, who is busy shooting for 'The Devil Wears Prada' sequel in New York City, got captured on camera while she tumbled from the heel of her shoe, in the midst of the shoot. The actress, however, bounced back and recovered gracefully, holding a bagel in her hand, as reported by People. Now, it has gone viral on social media for the Oscar winner to address the incident. In an Instagram post, she shared a video of her recent fall, captioned with "witnessing the queen herself take a tumble like a champ," and also posted a scene from The Princess Diaries that shows her character, Mia Thermopolis, slipping on the school bleachers in a move that was unscripted but perfectly fitting for the film. "Twenty years later, still falling for you..." Hathaway captioned her post, reported by People. Sitting down in 2020 for The Happy Days of Garry Marshall program, Hathaway reflected on the accidental stumble that ended up becoming Hollywood gold. "I turned really fast, slipped on a puddle, and just I mean fell. I mean, just absolutely fell, and burst out laughing and kept going with the scene. Never thought about it again," she said. "All of a sudden, like six months later, it's in the trailer ... He kept it because it was a charming moment," she added of director Marshall. Filming for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' began on June 30 in N.Y.C. Several of the cast from the original released in 2006 will be returning, including Meryl Streep (Miranda Priestly), Emily Blunt (Emily Charlton) and Stanley Tucci (Nigel). Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Pauline Chalamet, and Simone Ashley were announced as newcomers to the film, reported People. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran has welcomed the extension of India's cotton import duty exemption till December 31. "I extend my heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This ensures affordable raw material for the textile industry and provides major relief to exporters through sustained tax rebates," he said. Tamil Nadu BJP chief also stated that the INDIA bloc leaders are spreading panic among cotton farmers and deliberately "underestimating India's efforts to shield the sector from global disruptions". "Rather than politicising every challenge, it is time to recognise that India's cotton-textile ecosystem today is far more resilient - because it integrates farm security with global competitiveness. To put it simply, our cotton farmers remain protected; our exporters remain competitive. As my Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has vowed, farmers are and will always remain the foremost priority of this nation. In times of uncertainty, the NDA Government has not only stood firmly with the people but has consistently walked the talk - taking proactive measures to address challenges arising from factors beyond our control," he said. He also stated that the Centre has steadily increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton, and highlighted that Cotton Corporation of India has procured 100 lakh bales worth Rs 37,450 crore by March 2025, "with every rupee reaching farmers directly via Aadhaar-linked systems - ensuring transparency and timely income support". Earlier, the Ministry of Textiles, on Thursday, said that in view of the persistent demand-supply gap, the government has extended the import duty exemption on cotton until 31st December 2025. The decision, notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, is expected to stabilise the input costs across the textile value chain, including yarn, fabric, garments, and made-ups, providing relief to manufacturers and consumers alike. This strategic intervention ensures that the textile sector remains globally competitive while safeguarding the interests of domestic cotton farmers. Most imports cater to specialised industrial requirements or brand-linked export contracts and do not replace domestic cotton, the ministry stated. (ANI)
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha said that already 1,08,281 women, which is around 95 per cent of the total estimated targeted didis, have become 'Lakhpati Didis' in Tripura. CM Saha said this while addressing the National Workshop on Integrated Farming Cluster for the North Eastern States at Hotel Polo Tower, Agartala. He said that agriculture remains the backbone of the country and its economy, as well as the lifeline of rural households. He said in order to strengthen livelihoods, particularly for members of women's self-help groups, the Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) approach has been conceptualised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. "In Tripura, we have already launched activities for 80 Integrated Farming Clusters (IFCs) with an investment of Rs 32 crore. These were inaugurated at the Sampurnata Abhijan Samman Samaroh on August 2, 2025. The objective of these integrated farming clusters is to diversify and intensify livelihood interventions so that rural households can increase their incomes through integration and synergy," said Dr. Saha. He said that today there are about 4.85 lakh women members in 54,113 self-help groups, 2,470 village organisations and 173 cluster-level federations. "For strengthening their livelihood, 2,628 producer groups and 118 non-farm collectives have been developed, and we have facilitated Rs 1,677 crore in bank loans along with Rs 787 crore as revolving fund and community investment fund support. I am proud to share that in Tripura, we are moving forward with this mission at full speed. Out of the 1.14 Lakh targeted Didis, already 1,08,281 have become Lakhpati Didi, which is around 95% in Tripura," said Dr. Saha. He further said that this transformation has been made possible because of the determination of women, government support and community solidarity. "Our women are now actively involved in piggery, pottery, poultry, fisheries, entrepreneurship, micro-enterprises, group-based ventures, catering services and agro-ecological practices, making rural Tripura vibrant and self-reliant. In the North-East Rising Summit 2025 at New Delhi, our Prime Minister rightly said that the North-East is Ashtalakshmi. To realise this vision, our government is giving maximum attention to infrastructure, connectivity and livelihood generation. Over the last seven years, Tripura has undertaken several groundbreaking initiatives that are changing the socio-economic landscape of the state," he added. (ANI)
Senior Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain has expressed support for the recently submitted report on the violence which took place in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal in 2024, saying that "multiple international terror modules" are active in the area and are directly linked to the violence. "So many international terror modules are active in Sambhal and directly linked to the violence, and all these things I have gotten to know are in the report, but I am yet to study this report," the senior advocate said. The senior advocate also claimed that the report shows that the "demographic changes" in the area have revealed the "suffering" endured by Hindus since Independence. "The demographic change in Sambhal ever since independence shows the barbarism that the Hindus have had to endure. There have been 15 such riots, which have seen ethnic cleansing. Fundamental rights of Hindus have been violated. Recently, you all saw what happened after the survey, so many temples and wells are being discovered in the region, it proves that Sambhal has been a holy site as per our scriptures," the senior advocate said. Claiming that the whole area, especially the Harihar mandir, has been "forcibly converted," he further said that there are many "international terror modules" which are active in the area. Earlier on Thursday, a three-member panel appointed to investigate the Sambhal violence case submitted its report to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The 450-page report consists of details about the November 2024 Sambhal violence and also touches on the previous riots which took place in the city. The report also mentions key details about the demographic changes in Sambhal, where, at one point, the Hindu community members comprised 45 per cent, but their number has since decreased to 20 per cent. According to the report, during independence, 55% of the population was Muslim and 45% Hindu in the Sambhal Nagar Palika area; however, at the present time, the Hindu population has decreased to 15%, whereas the Muslim community has increased to 85%. On 24 November 2024, violence erupted during a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal. The violence had resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. As local Muslims gathered outside the mosque and tensions escalated, police resorted to force and opened fire on the protesters, killing at least four men and injuring several, including officials and locals. The violence resulted in 12 FIRs and 80 arrests for allegedly pelting stones at police from rooftops. According to the charge sheet, there were 159 total accused in the case. Following the violence, the UP government constituted a three-tier judicial inquiry commission to investigate Sambhal violence. The commission is chaired by retired judge Devendra Arora, former DGP AK Jain and former IAS Amit Mohan Prasad. (ANI)
7th China-Arab States Expo opens with record participation

Xinhua) 08:57, August 29, 2025

This photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows a view outside the venue of the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. Themed "Innovation, Green Development and Prosperity," the four-day expo will host trade fairs and forums focused on eight key sectors, including investment, technology transfer and innovation cooperation, modern agriculture, tourism, and intellectual property. The offline exhibition is divided into six sections, showcasing Belt and Road cooperation, regional economic partnerships, central state-owned enterprises, clean energy, the digital economy, and specialty products. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

YINCHUAN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions.

Marking a historic first, all 22 Arab countries are taking part, alongside delegations from China's 31 provincial-level regions, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

Themed "Innovation, Green Development and Prosperity," the four-day expo will host trade fairs and forums focused on eight key sectors, including investment, technology transfer and innovation cooperation, modern agriculture, tourism, and intellectual property.

This year's event features the United Arab Emirates as the Guest Country of Honor. The offline exhibition is divided into six sections, showcasing Belt and Road cooperation, regional economic partnerships, central state-owned enterprises, clean energy, the digital economy, and specialty products.

Launched in 2013, the China-Arab States Expo has held six editions, serving as a major platform to boost cooperation between China and Arab countries. A multitude of cooperation projects across various fields, including modern agriculture, high and new technology, energy, and chemical industries, have been reached.

China has been the Arab states' largest trading partner for years. Bilateral trade reached 407.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, up 2.3 percent year on year.

A visitor shakes hands with a humanoid robot at the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2025. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi)

Visitors interact with a humanoid robot at the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2025. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi)

The seventh China-Arab States Expo opens in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2025. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

This photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows an outside view of the venue of the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

Exhibitors from Afghanistan arrange exhibits at the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2025. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi)

An exhibitor from Senegal performs African drum at the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2025. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhao Yusi)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows an outside view of the venue of the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

This photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows a view of the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

This photo taken on Aug. 28, 2025 shows a view of the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

People visit the seventh China-Arab States Expo in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Aug. 28, 2025. The seventh China-Arab States Expo kicked off on Thursday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, attracting more than 7,600 participants and over 2,200 enterprises and institutions from 75 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua)

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
According to an official statement from the Union Minister's office, he informed the state minister that an Army helicopter has already been deployed in Narmal to carry out relief and rescue measures.

He assured the Telangana Government of the Centre's complete cooperation and further stated that, if necessary, additional NDRF teams are prepared to be sent immediately to strengthen the operations.

The deployed helicopters are being engaged in extensive rescue operations to evacuate and support people stranded in submerged areas.

Earlier on Thursday, amid heavy rainfall, the Army rescued several people stranded near the Upper Manair Project at Narmala village in the Gambhiraopet mandal of Rajanna Sircilla district of Telangana.

The stranded individuals were evacuated to safety with the help of helicopters. The military helicopters from Hakimpet transported the stranded individuals to safety. The Upper Manair project is an irrigation project situated on the Manair River.

Earlier in the day, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Party president K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) spoke with party leaders of flood-affected areas. The president instructed the party's working president, KTR, to ensure that party cadres participate in relief efforts, as per a statement released by the BRS public relations officer.

BRS working president, KT Rama Rao, criticised CM Revanth Reddy, accusing him of negligence in handling the severe flood situation in the state.

Drawing a comparison to Emperor Nero, KTR said Reddy was reviewing projects like Musi River beautification and the Olympics while the state was drowning in floods.

Dubbaak MLA Kotta Prabhakar Reddy inspected flood-affected areas in Soorampalli Dommaata Gaajula Palli villages, where ponds and roads were overflowing with rainwater, causing traffic blockages. The MLA advised farmers to take necessary precautions before venturing out into agricultural fields and warned fishermen not to go hunting until the situation improves. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha attended the one-day North Eastern Regional Convention on Child Rights at Prajna Bhavan, Agartala, on Thursday. Addressing the programme, Saha said that everyone must protect children as they are the future of the nation. He emphasised that children are the foundation of society, and safeguarding their rights is not merely the responsibility of governments or institutions alone, but a collective duty of families, communities, and society as a whole. Highlighting initiatives taken in Tripura, the Chief Minister informed that between 2022 and 2025, around 28 children have found loving homes through legal adoption. During the event, the Minister of Social Welfare and Social Education, Tinku Roy, the Chairperson of the NCPCR, Tripti Gurha, the Secretary of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, Tapas Roy, and the Director of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, Tapan Kumar Das, were present. Meanwhile, while addressing the National Workshop on Integrated Farming Cluster for the North Eastern States at Hotel Polo Tower, Agartala, the Chief Minister stated that 108,281 women, which is around 95 per cent of the total estimated targeted didis, have become 'Lakhpati Didis' in Tripura. He said that agriculture remains the backbone of the country and its economy, as well as the lifeline of rural households. CM stated that in order to strengthen livelihoods, particularly for members of women's self-help groups, the Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) approach has been conceptualised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. "In Tripura, we have already launched activities for 80 Integrated Farming Clusters (IFCs) with an investment of Rs 32 crore. These were inaugurated at the Sampurnata Abhijan Samman Samaroh on August 2, 2025. The objective of these integrated farming clusters is to diversify and intensify livelihood interventions so that rural households can increase their incomes through integration and synergy," said Saha. He said that today there are about 4.85 lakh women members in 54,113 self-help groups, 2,470 village organisations and 173 cluster-level federations. (ANI)
Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra demanded that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar immediately withdraw his remarks on Chamundi Hill, calling them "an insult to Hindus" and "an unforgivable offence." On Thursday, Vijayendra told media persons that, "Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar immediately retracted his statement claiming that Chamundi Hill is not solely the property of Hindus." He further condemned Shivakumar's remarks as an insult to the Hindu community, asserting that such statements, made to appease certain groups or the Gandhi family, are unacceptable to Hindu society. "People from all religions visit Chamundi Hill and participate in the Dasara festival. Still, he emphasised that declaring the hill as unrelated to Hindus is a grave affront and an unforgivable offence," Vijayendra added. He accused Shivakumar of making such statements to please the Gandhi family and fuel his ambitions for the "chief ministerial position". "Shivakumar's remarks are driven by his ambition to become Chief Minister and his desire to please the Gandhi family. Earlier, he even proposed a 115-foot statue of Jesus Christ in Ramanagara, a place Hindus believe Lord Rama visited during his exile," he said. Vijayendra warned that such politically motivated statements, disregarding Hindu sentiments, are unacceptable, adding that even divine forces would not forgive such actions. Vijayendra also criticised the Deputy CM for reciting the Namaste Sada Vatsale verse in the Assembly only to later apologise under pressure from the Congress leadership in Delhi. He alleged that since coming to power, the Congress government has repeatedly disrespected Hindu traditions and activists, citing the lack of action against misinformation campaigns on Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala. Meanwhile, the controversy arose when Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar responded to criticism from Yaduveer Wadiyar, a member of the Mysuru royal family, regarding the state government's decision to invite Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the 2025 Mysuru Dasara festival in the Goddess Chamundeshwari temple. In a post on X, Shivakumar urged critics not to communalise the iconic festival, emphasising its inclusive nature. In his statement, Shivakumar said, "Our region's festival - Dasara, our region's deity - Chamundeshwari. Chamundeshwari Mother is the presiding deity of our region. Those who worship her, believe in her, and honour her are found in all castes and religions. Her darshan is the right of everyone. Mother is the asset of all devotees, of all the children of the region, not limited to anyone. No one can say no to worshipping the Mother." He further accused the BJP of creating controversy, stating, "Creating controversy is the BJP's principle! Everyone from all religions and communities has access to Chamundi Hill. They pray to the Goddess. Our Durga Devi removes everyone's sorrows." Shivakumar highlighted the universal appeal of the festival, noting that people from across the country and abroad participate in Dasara, and the royal family has historically supported its inclusive nature. The Deputy CM concluded by urging against politicising religion, adding, "One should not do politics in the name of religion; even that Mother would not approve of it!" (ANI)
The District and Sessions Court in Vellore on Thursday convicted 22 persons in connection with riots that broke out following the death of 26-year-old Shameel Ahamed in Ambur in 2015. 106 others were acquitted. Judge Meenakumari of the Tirupattur District Sessions Court delivered the verdict against 22 individuals who were found guilty in connection with the 2015 Ambur riots. The case stemmed from the disappearance of Pavithra, wife of Palani from Kuschipalayam near Anaikattu, under Pallikonda police limits. During the investigation, police led by Inspector Martin Prem Raj summoned Shameel Ahmed, a youth from Ambur. While under inquiry, Shameel developed health complications and was admitted to the Government General Hospital in Chennai, where he died despite treatment. His relatives alleged that he died due to police assault while in custody. Following this, thousands of people staged a roadblock protest on the Ambur National Highway. During the protest, buses, police vehicles, a liquor shop, a private hospital, and several shops were damaged. A total of 71 policemen were injured, and cases were filed against 134 individuals. Out of them, 6 died during the course of the proceedings, and the trial against the remaining 128 continued in the Tirupattur District Sessions Court, leading to today's verdict by Judge Meenakumari. In the first six cases, 106 accused were acquitted on grounds of insufficient evidence. The judge also criticized the then government for its failure to act promptly during the riots and ordered compensation for damages. Further, the properties of late Aslam Basha, former Ambur MLA of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, who was identified as one of the key instigators, were ordered to be confiscated and paid as penalty to the government. In the seventh case, 22 accused were convicted of crimes including damaging public property, attacking police personnel, and misbehaving with women police officers. Depending on the severity of charges, they were sentenced to a minimum of 3 years to a maximum of 14 years imprisonment, along with fines ranging from 3,000 to 25,000. Additionally, the court ordered compensation of 10 lakh each to Head Constable Vijayakumar and Woman Constable Rajalakshmi, both of whom were injured, and 1 lakh each to government witnesses. The court also commended policeman Raja, who carried injured women officers on his shoulders to safety during the riots. For the pronouncement of this verdict, more than 700 police personnel were deployed across Tirupattur district under the supervision of Tirupattur District SP Shyamala Devi and Vellore District SP Mayilvaganan. (ANI)
Ahead of the Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil's protest on Friday, a large number of people from the Maratha community have gathered outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Azad Maidan in Maharashtra's Mumbai. Manoj Jarange Patil, who led the Maratha reservation movement last year, will hold a protest at Azad Maidan from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm today, as per the permission granted by the Mumbai Police. Police forces have been deployed in strength near the CSMT and surrounding localities to maintain law and order in anticipation of a significant crowd. Jarange Patil, known for his advocacy on Marathi reservation issues, has urged supporters to rally peacefully and called on authorities to address community concerns regarding reservation policies. Manoj Jarange Patil held multiple protest rallies and hunger strikes demanding reservation for the Maratha community ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections in 2024. He had begun his hunger strikes in the Marathwada region, and the movement was later extended to cities including Pune and Mumbai. He had demanded Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas, free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level, and reservation of seats for Marathas in government job recruitments. On February 20, 2024, amid the tussle between the Marathas and the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Eknath Shinde-led government in the state brought a Bill to extend 10 per cent reservation to Marathas above the 50 per cent mark cap. This was the third time in a decade that the state introduced legislation for the Maratha quota. The Bill was based on a report submitted to the state government by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC) headed by Chairman Justice (Retired) Sunil Shukre. The Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission on Friday submitted a report on the social and educational backwardness of the Maratha community, for which it had undertaken a survey of around 2.5 crore homes within only nine days. The committee proposed a 10 per cent reservation for Marathas in education and jobs, similar to that of the previous bill brought in 2018 by the then-state government. Earlier, in June 2017, the then Devendra Fadnavis government constituted the Maharashtra State Backward Class Commission (MSBCC) headed by Justice (retired) MG Gaikwad to study the social, financial and educational status of the Maratha community. The Commission submitted its report in November 2018, classifying Marathas as a socially and educationally backward class (SEBC). However, on May 5, 2021, the Supreme Court struck down reservations for the Maratha community in colleges, higher educational institutions, and jobs, after noting that there was no valid ground to breach the 50 per cent reservation while granting Maratha reservation. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato has slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of indulging in language politics and betraying Bengal. "Mamata Banerjee is doing language politics. This does not suit her. If anyone has betrayed Bengal the most, it is Mamata Banerjee," Mahato told ANI. "This count includes more than one crore Rohingyas, Bangladeshi infiltrators and many others who died years ago. These include the parents of many TMC ministers, and their names are also in the list. I think there are not one crore, but one and a quarter crore people who do not live here, but whose names are in the voter list. I believe all of them should be removed," he added. Meanwhile, addressing a gathering on the occasion of Triamool Chatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day in Kolkata on Thursday, Mamata Banerjee hit out at the Centre and ECI over Special Intensive Revision (SIR). "This is a 'Lollipop Sarkar'. They are trying to threaten the BDO, SDO, DM, and Police. They are saying that either they will take away their jobs or put them in jail. The ECI comes and goes, but the State Government remains. The ECI has a lifespan of 3 months only during elections. Just like we have Lakshmir Bhandar, we also know about your 'Corruption Bhandar'. I will expose everything," West Bengal CM said. "On one hand, there is the BJP; on the other hand, we have their friend, the Left Front. I respect the chair of the ECI. It suits children to have a lollipop, but it does not suit the ECI to act like a lollipop. This is Bengal. Kolkata was once the capital of undivided India. The British then changed it because they knew that even if they defeated other States, they could not fight us," she added. CM Mamata also said that people of Bengal will not tolerate the "torture" of the BJP here. "During the partition of Bangladesh, the people's language was Bangla, that's why they speak in Bangla... BJP is conducting a survey by bringing a 500-member team to delete names from the electoral roll. Don't share your documents with them. Because they're planning to collect your documents and remove your names from the voter list. Just take an Aadhar card because it's a mandatory ID proof," she said. (ANI)
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) on Friday began road clearance operations in the Pir Panjal mountain range after rainfall and flash floods caused landslides and blocked connectivity in Rajouri district, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts for several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Local resident Ram Krishan expressed relief over the ongoing work, stating, "There has been a lot of relief now..The construction is facilitating a lot of people.. People are working tirelessly to restore the roads ..We are grateful to the Border Roads Organisation department...The construction will be completed in some time". Krishan added, "At least an 80% effect was attributed to the rain...But the construction work continued..Due to the rainfall, numerous landslides have occurred. The work was slow for a few days..Our problems will be solved soon." Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for the region. A yellow alert has been sounded for Friday in Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts, predicting thunderstorms and lightning. An orange alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, indicating the possibility of heavier rainfall. On Thursday, the Jammu and Kashmir region faced adverse weather conditions marked by heavy rainfall and landslides, which severely disrupted daily life for the local population. In a significant move to ensure student safety, all Government and Private Schools across the Jammu Division were ordered to remain closed until August 30, 2025. The decision was made following alarming reports from several districts, which highlighted severe conditions affecting school operations. Heads of Institutions were advised to explore the possibility of conducting online classes, particularly for students in Classes 9 to 12, wherever suitable infrastructure and internet connectivity were available. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the flood situation in the region. He expressed concern over the damage caused by two days of continuous rainfall, stating that the Union Territory had narrowly escaped a major crisis. (ANI)
People gathered in large numbers to take a holy dip in Lolark Kund on Friday in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, on the occasion of the sixth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. According to the police, four to five lakh devotees have taken the holy dip in the Lolark Kund. "Arrangements for drinking water and toilets have also been made. It is estimated that 4-5 lakh people have taken the dip in the Kund today," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime, Varanasi, Saravanan Thangamani, said. More than a thousand police personnel, along with the teams of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Jal Police, have been deployed for the safety and security of the devotees. DCP Saravanan Thangamani told ANI, "People have come from various districts and states to take a holy dip on the occasion of the Lolark Chhath. To ensure the security of the devotees, more than a thousand police officers have been deployed in two shifts, along with a company of the PAC. To ensure the safety inside the Kund, NDRF and Jal Police have been deployed." He added that the Quick Response Teams of UP Police, ambulances and medical teams have also been deployed. "Entry and exit points are different to ensure the smooth movement of the gathering. Barricades have been put up in a two-kilometre radius of the Tulsi gate, which is also the main gate. Our drone team is conducting continuous surveillance. Our QRTs, ambulance and medical teams are also deployed," the police official said. Lolark Chhath is organised on the Shashthi Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha, in which devotees take a dip in this pond and worship the Sun, known as Lord Surya. Lolark Kund is a holy pond located near Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi, dedicated to Lord Surya. (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir region is currently witnessing heavy rainfall and landslides that have disrupted daily life. Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju on Friday met flood-affected families in lower Maitra, Ward 6, and announced financial assistance for the construction of a protection wall to safeguard their homes. Speaking to reporters, MLA Raju said, "The rainfall has damaged the houses in lower Maitra. We will not be able to fully compensate them. We reached here yesterday. I will deposit Rs. 5,00,000 in MNREGA and contribute Rs. 5,00,000 from my side towards the construction of a protection wall." "We will advise the administration to take the advisory seriously...Administration needs to be cautious. The government and administration will support them. We are committed to our people," he added. Earlier today, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) commenced road clearance operations in the Pir Panjal mountain range following rainfall and flash floods that caused landslides and blocked connectivity in Rajouri district. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts for several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Local resident Ram Krishan expressed relief over the ongoing work, stating, "There has been a lot of relief now. The construction is facilitating a lot of people. People are working tirelessly to restore the roads ..We are grateful to the Border Roads Organisation department...The construction will be completed in some time". Krishan added, "At least an 80% effect was attributed to the rain...But the construction work continued. Due to the rainfall, numerous landslides have occurred. The work was slow for a few days. Our problems will be solved soon." Furthermore, schools in Srinagar, part of the Kashmir division, reopened after remaining closed for two days due to heavy rainfall and flood warnings. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for the region. A yellow alert has been sounded for Friday in Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts, predicting thunderstorms and lightning. An orange alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, indicating the possibility of heavier rainfall. (ANI)
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Friday stated that the US is attempting to bully India by imposing a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports. He urged the people to follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "vocal for local" call. "America is trying to bully India. PM Narendra Modi has said that we will not come under any pressure and work for the welfare of our people. The call given by the Prime Minister to go 'vocal for local' shall be followed," Tamang told reporters after his visit to Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. "I have been able to come here after many years and offer prayers. I prayed for the Lord to bless the people of Sikkim and the country. I want to thank the administration and temple trust," he said. Meanwhile, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing at the White House, Peter Navarro, has again accused India of profiting from Russian oil in scathing remarks. Navarro, considered the key driver behind the 50 per cent tariffs on India, said that India engaged in unfair trade, which the tariffs aim to curb. In a post on X, he said, "President Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect. This isn't just about India's unfair trade--it's about cutting off the financial lifeline India has extended to Putin's war machine." "Here's how the India-Russia oil mathematics works: American consumers buy Indian goods while India keeps out U.S. exports through high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. India uses our dollars to buy discounted Russian crude. Indian refiners, with their silent Russian partners, refine and flip the black-market oil for big profits on the international market - while Russia pockets hard currency to fund its war on Ukraine," he said. However, China, which is the biggest buyer of Russian oil, did not find a place in his arguments. "Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil made up less than 1% of India's imports. Today? Over 30%--more than 1.5 million barrels a day. This surge isn't driven by domestic demand--it's driven by Indian profiteers and carries an added price of blood and devastation in Ukraine. India's Big Oil lobby has turned the largest democracy in the world into a massive refining hub and oil money laundromat for the Kremlin. Indian refiners buy cheap Russian oil, process it, and export fuels to Europe, Africa, and Asia--shielded from sanctions under the pretense of neutrality," he claimed. (ANI)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday condemned the use of indecent language in an alleged video against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a political rally, and stated it as "extremely unbecoming," https://x.com/NitishKumar/status/1961289996305842470 "The use of indecent language against the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and his late mother from the Congress and RJD platforms during the Voter Rights Yatra in Darbhanga is extremely unbecoming, and I condemn it.," the post read. Meanwhile, the man accused of hurling abuses in the video was arrested today by the Darbhanga Police, stated Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday slammed the opposition parties taking out the 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra' over alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother, and said that such remarks were an insult to 140 crore Indians. "He (PM Modi) is the world's most popular leader now. This undignified language from the INDIA bloc platform is an insult to 140 crore Indians. The people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. No civilised society can accept such language. Congress and RJD leaders should apologise for this," Adityanath told reporters. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also took on the INDIA bloc parties over alleged derogatory remarks during their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Darbhanga. He termed them an insult to the country's women. "I condemn the words used by someone against the late mother of PM Modi, from the stage of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav of the INDI bloc. This shows the ideology of the INDI bloc, which never existed in Indian democracy, and it is an insult to all the women of the country. The country will not tolerate this," Sawant told ANI. Meanwhile, BJP leader Krishna Singh Kallu has filed a complaint against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling for putting a stop to the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in the poll-bound state. In turn, the Opposition party has hit back, saying that the BJP is "raising 'irrelevant' issues to distract from the real ones. (ANI)
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday criticised the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), after an alleged video showed a person hurling abuses at Prime Minister Modi and his late mother during an INDIA bloc rally in Darbhanga, Bihar. CM Gupta stated that such remarks reflect poor "upbringing" and a lack of respect for "Mother Earth, Mother India, or the word mother." Speaking to media persons, CM Gupta said, "This behaviour of the opposition leaders is very shameful. Insulting any of our mothers on the land of Sita Ma is not tolerable. The people of the country reject such cheap thinking and cheap politics of speaking ill of the mother of the Prime Minister of the country." "As a woman, I honestly say that only those people can insult a mother who neither know the respect of Mother Earth, Mother India, nor the word mother... Were such people brought up in the country or somewhere else? This is a question mark on their upbringing," Delhi CM added. Earlier today, the man accused of hurling abuses at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a political rally in Bihar was arrested, Darbhanga Senior Superintendent of Police told ANI. This comes after an alleged video on the internet showed the accused hurling abusive slurs against PM Modi during an INDIA bloc event. This sparked a political row in the poll-bound state of Bihar. On Thursday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma slammed the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal for "crossing all limits of shamelessness" on the purported viral video. "Congress-RJD in Bihar have crossed all limits of shamelessness. The indecent remarks made by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav on the late revered mother of PM Modi, from the stage, are highly condemnable. The country will never forgive Congress-RJD for this act," the Rajasthan CM said. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also took on the INDIA bloc parties over alleged derogatory remarks during their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Darbhanga, and termed them an insult to the country's women. "I condemn the words used by someone against the late mother of PM Modi, from the stage of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav of the INDI bloc. This shows the ideology of the INDI bloc, which never existed in Indian democracy, and it is an insult to all the women of the country. The country will not tolerate this," Sawant told ANI. "The ideology of the parties of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav can insult women.... I show support to PM Narendra Modi on behalf of Goa and the entire country. This will not be forgiven even after a thousand apologies... Such a low level of people and words are brought into the politics because they (Congress and RJD) don't have any issues to raise... Such people do not deserve to stay in politics. I once again condemn this on behalf of the people of Goa," he added. Meanwhile, BJP leader Krishna Singh Kallu has filed a complaint against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, calling for putting a stop to the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in the poll-bound state. In turn, the Opposition party has hit back, saying that the BJP is "raising 'irrelevant' issues to distract from the real ones. (ANI)
The Badrinath highway between Srinagar and Rudraprayag has been completely submerged by the Alaknanda River, causing a total blockade of traffic along the route. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pauri, Lokeshwar Singh, told ANI, "Traffic has been stopped at safe places. Arrangements are being made to send the pilgrims forward through alternative routes. Police has been deployed for security purposes." Meanwhile, The District Administration of Rudraprayag has confirmed extensive damage following a cloudburst in the Badeth Dungar Tok area of Basukedaar tehsil. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing to aid affected communities. According to the district administration relief and rescue operations are being conducted on a war footing by the district administration in the affected areas. District Magistrate Rudraprayag Prateek Jain is constantly in touch with the officials from the disaster control room and action is being taken to deploy district level officers in the affected areas. The District Magistrate has given necessary guidelines to conduct rescue operations effectively. Under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate, all the district level officers are continuously working in coordination with each other in the District Disaster Control Room. Different teams from National Highway (NH), Public Works Department (PWD), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are engaged in opening the way in the affected areas. Relief and rescue teams are being sent by identifying alternative routes to reach the affected areas. Various officers from the district level have been sent to the affected villages along with the concerned Revenue Inspector and other personnel for immediate action. Damage reports include one house damaged and a vehicle (Bolero) washed away in Syur, water and debris flow affecting Badeth, Bagaddhar, and Taljaman villages, and agricultural land covered by large boulders and debris in Kimana. Additionally, a fish pond and poultry farm have been destroyed in Arkhund, while the Chenagad market area suffered debris deposits and vehicle losses. According to the District Administration, there are reports of missing persons in Chhenagad Dugar and Joula Badeth villages. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and the revenue department are actively conducting rescue operations and ensuring the swift evacuation and assistance of affected people to safe locations. (ANI)
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visit to Japan and upcoming visit to China, stating that the PM had washed his hands off the violence-hit northeastern state Manipur. In a post on social media X, Ramesh stated that while the PM kept travelling to countries, the long- suffering people of Manipur still awaited his visit to heal their wounds, to which the PM had simply and stubbornly refused. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1961285933430706185 Further in his post, the Congress leader also stated that India was being forced to "normalize" it's relations with China, largely on their own terms. "The Frequently Flying (and more frequently lying) Prime Minister is off to Japan and China. His visit to China is a moment of some reckoning for India. We are being forced to normalise relations with China -- largely on their terms, with China trying to take advantage of the downturn in Indo-US ties as well. China's jugalbandi with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor - revealed by our own military establishment itself - has been forgotten. The extraordinarily bizarre statement of the Prime Minister of June 19, 2020, when he proclaimed that "Na koi hamari seema mein ghus aaya hai, na hi koi ghusa hua hai" greatly hurt our negotiating strength. It left us with little room to manoeuvre and this visit, despite the failure to restore the pre-April 2020 status quo, is the inevitable result of that notorious and cowardly clean chit," the post read. "Even as the PM jets off abroad, the long-suffering people of Manipur are still awaiting his visit there to heal the wounds of May 2023. But the PM simply and stubbornly refuses to engage with the state, its political parties and leaders, civil society organisations, and the people themselves. He has simply washed his hands off Manipur - which stands as a tragic testimony to the blundering of the Union Home Minister," the post further read. PM Modi is currently on his visit to Japan where he was welcomed by the Indian diaspora in Tokyo today. This marks PM Modi's first standalone visit to the country in nearly seven years, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. Post his visit to Japan, the PM will travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. he will hold bilateral meetings with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Puting on the sidelines of the SCO. (ANI)
The Delhi Police have dismantled an inter-state gang engaged in a mobile phone snatching and smuggling racket, arresting eight accused and seizing more than 300 stolen devices. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, South Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ankit Chauhan explained the modus operandi of the gang, stating that they operated through a well-established network. After being pickpocketed, the stolen phones are transported to West Bengal and then smuggled into Bangladesh. "We have busted an inter-state gang involved in mobile snatching and smuggling of mobile phones. We have arrested a total of eight accused and recovered more than 300 mobile phones. After pickpocketing, a man named Mohammad Mujahir takes the mobiles from here to West Bengal. In West Bengal, he meets Mohammad Khalid, who then takes the mobiles to Bangladesh and smuggles them illegally," DCP Chauhan said. Explaining the reason for smuggling these stolen phones to Bangladesh, the senior official stated that once a device is reported stolen, it is blocked on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) of the Government of India, preventing its use anywhere in the country. He said, "The main reason for this nexus is that once a mobile is reported stolen on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) of the Government of India and we block it, that mobile device cannot be used anywhere in India. To avoid these technological advancements, people send their mobile phones from here to Bangladesh so that they can be used there." Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Police's Crime Branch busted a fraudulent visa racket that allegedly duped Nepalese nationals on the pretext of providing employment opportunities in Serbia. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Vikram Singh, two persons have been arrested in connection with the case, while two others remain absconding. On Tuesday, in another operation, the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police busted an online investment fraud racket with the arrest of its key mastermind and associates, who allegedly duped unsuspecting investors of large sums through fake cryptocurrency schemes, officials said. (ANI)
The Indian Army has begun constructing a Bailey bridge on the River Tawi in Jammu after a portion of the fourth bridge was washed away following heavy rainfall and river swelling earlier this week, said an official. Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Farooq Qaiser said the incident occurred on Tuesday, when part of the bridge collapsed due to rising water levels in the river. "A portion of the bridge (fourth bridge on the Tawi river in Jammu) collapsed on 26th August. One-way traffic is open between Satwari Chowk and Asia Crossing. Many people are on the job here," he said. Meanwhile, in the pilgrimage town of Katra, heavy rainfall has led to misty conditions, with the Trikuta Hills--home to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine--covered in a blanket of clouds. Earlier today, Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju met flood-affected families in lower Maitra, Ward 6, and announced financial assistance for the construction of a protection wall to safeguard their homes. Speaking to reporters, MLA Raju said, "The rainfall has damaged the houses in lower Maitra. We will not be able to fully compensate them. We reached here yesterday. I will deposit Rs. 5,00,000 in MNREGA and contribute Rs. 5,00,000 from my side towards the construction of a protection wall." "We will advise the administration to take the advisory seriously...Administration needs to be cautious. The government and administration will support them. We are committed to our people," he added. Meanwhile, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) commenced road clearance operations in the Pir Panjal mountain range following rainfall and flash floods that caused landslides and blocked connectivity in Rajouri district. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather alerts for several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather warnings for the region. A yellow alert has been sounded for Friday in Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts, predicting thunderstorms and lightning. An orange alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, indicating the possibility of heavier rainfall. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress workers clashed in Bihar's Patna on Friday over the alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during an INDIA bloc rally in Darbhanga. Stones were pelted at the site as the BJP staged a protest against the Congress in front of the Congress office in Patna. Bihar Minister and BJP leader Nitin Nabin stated that the public will give a "befitting reply" to Congress. Nabin told ANI, "Every son of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Congress for insulting a mother. We will take revenge for this." While Congress worker Ashutosh slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, claiming that the clash happened with the government's involvement. "A befitting reply will be given. This is happening with the government's involvement. Nitish Kumar is doing wrong," Ashutosh said. Earlier today, Darbhanga Police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi. Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Chaudhary stated that a case has been registered and action will be taken against those found to be involved. SP City Ashok Kumar Chaudhary told ANI, "A case has been registered, and an accused arrested. His name is being verified. The person is identifying himself as Raja...Action will be taken against those found involved." This comes after an alleged video on the internet showed the accused hurling abusive slurs against PM Modi during an INDIA bloc event. Amid a political row over the video, BJP leaders have slammed the Opposition's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' for the alleged derogatory language. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday slammed the Opposition parties, saying such remarks were an insult to 140 crore Indians. "He (PM Modi) is the world's most popular leader now. This undignified language from the INDIA bloc platform is an insult to 140 crore Indians. The people of Bihar will give them a befitting reply. No civilised society can accept such language. Congress and RJD leaders should apologise for this," Adityanath told reporters Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav also criticised Congress and RJD. Sharing an X post, CM Yadav demanded an apology, saying that the public will not tolerate such statements. "I strongly condemn in the harshest words the indecent language used for the late revered mother of the successful Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in the so-called Voter Adhikar Yatra of the Congress. This abusive language cannot be the language of this country, nor can it be the language of Bihar. Neither Bihar will tolerate such statements, nor will the country tolerate them. Congress and RJD should immediately apologise," the Chief Minister wrote. In turn, the Opposition party has hit back, saying that the BJP is "raising 'irrelevant' issues to distract from the real ones. (ANI)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that Bharat is Akhand (undivided) and its unity rests on its ancestors, sanskriti, and motherland. "Bharat is Akhand (undivided); it is a fact of life. Our ancestors, sanskriti, and motherland unite us. Akhand Bharat is not merely about politics but about the unity of the people's consciousness. When this sentiment awakens, everyone will live in peace and prosperity," Bhagwat said while addressing questions related to various issues concerning the Sangh on Thursday, the final day of a three-day lecture series in Delhi. He emphasised that it is a misconception to believe that the Sangh is opposed to anyone. "Our ancestors and sanskriti are the same. Worship practices may differ, but our identity is one. Changing religion does not change one's community. Mutual trust must be built on all sides. Muslims must overcome the fear that joining hands with others will erase their Islam." He also noted that the Hindu society's sentiments regarding Mathura and Kashi are natural. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Bhagwat interacted with people from various walks of life at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi, during the centenary dialogue programme marking 100 years of RSS. On the third day, he responded to queries related to the Sangh. The theme of the conference was "100 Years of RSS Journey - New Horizons." RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, Northern Region Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, and Delhi Prant Sanghchalak Anil Agarwal were present on stage. The programme was conducted by Prant Karyavah Anil Gupta. In his speech, Bhagwat highlighted the role of the Sangh in Bharat's freedom struggle and various social movements. He said the Sangh never raises a separate flag for social movements, but swayamsevaks are free to contribute wherever good work is being done. Clarifying the working method of RSS, Bhagwat said, "The Sangh has no subordinate organisations; all are independent, autonomous, and self-reliant." Sometimes, differences may appear between the Sangh and its associated organisations or political parties, but, he explained, this is part of the search for truth. Considering struggle as a means of progress, everyone works selflessly in their respective fields. "There can be differences of opinion, but never differences of heart. This conviction takes everyone to the same destination," he said. Speaking on cooperation with other political parties and on those who have held opposing views of the Sangh, Bhagwat gave examples of how leaders--from Jayprakash Narayan to Pranab Mukherjee--changed their opinion about RSS over time. "If help is sought from the Sangh for good work, we always extend support. If obstacles come from the other side, respecting their wish, the Sangh withdraws." Bhagwat said, "We should not be job-seekers but job-givers. The illusion that livelihood means a job must end." He stressed that this will benefit society and reduce pressure on jobs. "The government can provide at most 30 per cent of employment opportunities; the rest must be earned through our own labour. Considering some work as 'lowly' has harmed society. Dignity of Labour must be established. Youth have the strength to build their families, and from this strength, Bharat can provide a workforce to the world." On the subject of population, Bhagwat emphasised the need for balance in birth rates. He said, "In the national interest, every family should have three children and limit themselves to that. The population should remain controlled, yet sufficient. For this, the new generation must be prepared." He noted that birth rates among all religions are declining. While speaking on demographic change, he expressed objection over conversions and infiltration. "Demographic changes can have serious consequences, even leading to partition of a country. More than numbers, intent is the real concern. Conversions must not happen through coercion or force--if they do, they must be stopped. Infiltration is also worrying. Jobs should be given to our own citizens, not to illegal immigrants," he said. Bhagwat said the Sangh had opposed the partition of Bharat and that its adverse consequences are visible today in the neighbouring countries that were separated. "Bharat is Akhand (undivided)--it is a fact of life. Ancestors, sanskriti, and motherland unite us. Akhand Bharat is not just politics but the unity of the people's consciousness. When this sentiment awakens, everyone will be happy and peaceful." Bhagwat based Hindu-Muslim unity on shared ancestry and sanskriti. He said a false notion has been spread that the Sangh is against someone. "This veil must be lifted and the Sangh should be seen as it is. We say 'Hindu'; you may call it 'Bharatiya'--the meaning is the same. Our ancestors and sanskriti are common." He clarified that while modes of worship may differ, identity remains one. "Changing religion does not change the community. Both sides must build trust. Hindus must awaken their strength, and Muslims must shed the fear that joining together will end Islam." He added, "We may follow Christianity or Islam, but we are not Europeans or Arabs; we are Bharatiyas. The leaders of these religions must teach their followers this truth." Bhagwat also said that places in Bharat should not be named after invaders; it does not mean that it cannot be in the names of Muslims, but rather in the name of true heroes who inspire us, such as Abdul Hamid, Ashfaqullah Khan and APJ Abdul Kalam. He firmly stated, "If the Sangh were a violent organisation, we would not have reached 75 thousand places. There is not a single example of a Sangh Swayamsevak being involved in violence. On the contrary, one should look at the service work of the Sangh, which Swayamsevaks carry out without any discrimination." On the subject of reservation, Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said, "Reservation is not a matter of argument, but of sensitivity. If injustice has been done, it must be corrected." He clarified that the Sangh has always supported constitutionally valid reservations and will continue to do so. "As long as the beneficiaries feel the need, the Sangh will stand with them. To give up for one's own people is Dharma." On Hindu scriptures and the Manusmriti, Bhagwat said, "In 1972, religious leaders had clearly stated that untouchability and caste-based discrimination have no place in Hindu Dharma. If references to caste discrimination are found somewhere, they must be understood as misinterpretations." He explained that Hindus do not follow one single scripture, nor has it been the case that all lived strictly by one text. "We have two standards of conduct--one is scripture, the other is 'lok' (the people). What the people accept becomes practice. And the people of Bharat oppose caste discrimination. The Sangh also inspires leaders of all communities to come together, and together they should care for themselves and for the whole society." He further said that religious and social programmes should enhance quality and values among people, and the Sangh works in this direction. On the subject of language, Bhagwat said, "All Bharatiya languages are national, but for mutual communication, we need one Vyawahar Bhasha (common language)--and it should not be foreign." He added that ideals and conduct are the same in every language, so there is no need for dispute. "We must know our mother tongue, we should be able to converse in the language of our region, and we should adopt one common language for everyday interaction. This is the way to the prosperity and unity of Bharatiya languages. Apart from this, there is no harm in learning the languages of the world." (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Friday called for a medical report of PFI Leader E. Abubacker from the jail authorities as he sought permission for treatment in a private hospital. He is currently getting treatment from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Abubacker was arrested in November 2022 during a nationwide crackdown on the outfit. Justice Ravinder Dudeja called for a medical report from the jail authorities. The High Court has also issued notice to the NIA and sought a response. The matter has been listed on November 26 for a hearing. Abubacker's application was filed before the High Court after it was declined by the Special NIA court at New Delhi. Advocate Adit S Pujari appeared for Abubacker and submitted that he is not getting satisfactory treatment at AIIMS, and the conduct of the staff is hostile towards him. It was also argued that the accused has a fundamental right to receive treatment at the hospital of their choice. He is ready to pay the expenses. On the other hand, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Rahul Tyagi appeared for the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He submitted that the applicant is getting treatment from the country's best hospital. What else does he want? He further submitted that the treatment received at AIIMS can be cleared from the medical report. "Please call a report from the AIIMS". (ANI)
As the Opposition's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' entered its final stages, Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) chief Mukesh Sahani on Friday took part in the campaign in Bettiah. The Voter Adhikar Yatra is being conducted in Bettiah, West Champaran, to Siwan via Gopalganj on Friday. Meanwhile, a political row has erupted over the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at the Opposition's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' event in Bihar's Darbhanga, with BJP and NDA leaders targeting the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for the incident. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the incident, stating that such remarks reflect poor "upbringing" and a lack of respect for "Mother Earth, Mother India, or the word mother." Speaking to media persons, CM Gupta said, "This behaviour of the opposition leaders is very shameful. Insulting any of our mothers on the land of Sita Maa is not tolerable. The people of the country reject such cheap thinking and cheap politics of speaking ill of the mother of the Prime Minister of the country." Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also condemned the use of indecent language in an alleged video against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a political rally, calling it an "extremely unbecoming" incident. Earlier on Thursday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being a "vote chor" (vote thief) and questioning his silence on the matter. Speaking in Motihari, Rahul Gandhi said, "If I am accusing the Prime Minister of being a 'vote chor', why is he quiet about it? Why is the Prime Minister not uttering a single word? 'Kyuki Pradhan Mantri vote chor hai aur wo jaanta hai ki humne usko pakad lia hai.'" The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar led by 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. 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, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by the Congress with 19, the CPI(ML) with 11, the CPI(M) with 2, and the CPI with 2. (ANI)
By David Bujiashvili and Tomas Baranec

In a resolution on July 9, 2025, the European Parliament called for a review of the EUGeorgia Association Agreement (AA) and its Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), citing Georgias continued violations of the Agreements core principles. The resolution warned that persistent backsliding on democratic values could lead to the suspension of Georgias economic and trade benefits. Accordingly, the Parliament urged the European Commission and the Council to assess Georgias compliance with these standards and consider suspending the visa-free regime in case democratic norms are not respected.

BACKGROUND: The signing of the EUGeorgia Association Agreement in 2014, establishing a comprehensive framework for deeper political association and economic integration was a culmination of a systematic rapprochement between Tbilisi and Brussels. The AA encompasses cooperation in democratic governance, justice, human rights, energy, environmental policy and other sectoral areas. A key component of the agreement is the DCFTA granting Georgian goods duty-free access to the EUs Single Market.

Building on the comprehensive framework of the AA/DCFTA, Georgian citizens also gained one of the most tangible benefits of EU integration: visa-free access to the Schengen Area in March 2017. This milestone held both symbolic and practical significance, allowing Georgian nationals to travel for up to 90 days without a visa. It was widely seen as a reward for the countrys reform efforts and remains one of the most tangible benefits delivered to the Georgian public as part of the European integration process.

The geopolitical landscape shifted again in 2022 with Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, prompting the EU to reassess its enlargement policy towards the Eastern Neighbourhood. In this context, Georgia was granted EU candidate status in 2023 recognizing Georgias European aspirations and progress in the AA implementation.

However, shortly after gaining EU candidate status, internal challenges in Georgia, including political polarization and pressure on the judiciary, raised concerns about the countrys adherence to EU norms. This led to a major turning point on 28 November 2024, when Georgias ruling party declared that it would not place the issue of opening EU accession talks on the national agenda until the end of 2028.

In reaction to these developments, the EU has taken concrete steps, including suspending high-level political dialogue with Georgia. The European Council suspended visa facilitation privileges for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports as an initial step toward broader restrictions. Following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on July 15, 2025, Georgia was given a deadline to implement 8 key recommendations by August 31. Failure to comply could lead to the suspension of the visa-free regime for all Georgian citizens and potentially a review or suspension of specific AA/DCFTA provisions.

Meanwhile, several EU member states are keen to impose personal sanctions asset freezes and travel bans on Georgian officials but are constrained by the lack of unanimity among EU members. Past instances, such as Hungary and Slovakia blocking personal sanctions against Georgia illustrate the complexity of achieving full consent.

Alongside political developments, Georgias economic integration with the EU has delivered measurable results. Since the 2014 signing of the EUGeorgia AA/DCFTA, exports to the EU have grown about 17 percent, expanding beyond wine, mineral water, and hazelnuts to include kiwifruit, blueberries, berries, organic honey, essential oils, dried and processed fruits, and, since 2022, snails. Export activity is strongest in Kakheti (wine and agriculture), Imereti (food processing), and Adjara, which benefits from its Black Sea access facilitating trade. Shida Kartli, bordering Russia, remains less export-oriented due to geopolitical challenges and limited market access.

Complementing trade growth, visa-free travel has expanded opportunities for tourism, business, education, and family ties, while significantly increasing remittances from EU countries. Since its introduction in 2017, over 500,000 Georgian citizens have benefited, making more than 1 million visits to Schengen Area countries. Starting at around US$ 414 million in 2017, EU-origin remittances more than tripled to approximately US$ 1.4 billion by 2024, reflecting a 238 percent increase. On the contrary, remittances from Russia started at approximately US$ 380 million in 2017 but grew only modestly to around US$ 420 million by 2024. Consequently, the EU now accounts for roughly 44 percent of Georgias total remittances, overshadowing Russias declining share.

IMPLICATIONS: The DCFTA plays a critical role in Georgias economic interests. Its suspension would have serious consequences, threatening jobs, competitiveness, and rural development. For years, it has provided Georgian producers, farmers, and entrepreneurs with tariff-free access to the EU market. Its suspension would damage the economy, erode public trust, and increase social vulnerability.

In contrast to the gradual economic impact of the DCFTA, the suspension of visa-free travel would hit ordinary Georgians immediately, undermining free mobility. Thousands rely on it for tourism, personal matters, and medical access to EU clinics. Students, entrepreneurs, and families would face new bureaucratic obstacles. Restrictions would hinder Georgian entrepreneurs from attending EU exhibitions and forums, limiting partnerships and market growth, while reduced EU access could deepen reliance on Russia and China, both visa-free partners.

This impact would be compounded by low-cost airlines, particularly WizzAir, which could reduce routes or raise fares. WizzAir, operating in both Georgia and Armenia, may even close its Georgian operations entirely and shift all flights to Armenia if the EU suspends visa-free travel for Georgians, especially given the prospect that Armenia could gain visa-free access in the coming years. Such a shift would make flights from and to Georgia more expensive and less accessible, further reducing European tourist arrivals. Meanwhile, flights from Russia have risen sharply in recent years, increasing the risk of greater reliance on Russian tourists if European arrivals decline due to fewer low-cost flights.

The economic consequences would not be limited to tourism. Suspension of visa-free travel would also negatively affect household incomes derived from remittances, underscoring the EUs crucial role in supporting Georgias economic development through these flows. Many Georgians working in the EU without proper permitsoften in informal sectors such as caregiving or domestic workwould no longer be able to sustain these livelihoods. Currently, they avoid breaching the 90-day visa-free limit by rotating their stays among friends and relatives, a practice that complies with entry rules while significantly contributing to remittance inflows. This informal mobility has provided a vital boost to Georgias economy.

Beyond economic costs, the suspension would deal a profound emotional blow to pro-European Georgians, deepening frustration and a sense of isolation. It would be perceived not merely as a bureaucratic measure but as a symbolic break - a clear signal that the countrys European path is no longer guaranteed.

Domestically, the suspension would likely be attributed to the governments democratic backsliding rather than external pressures. Attempts by authorities to deflect responsibility onto the opposition, civil society, or the EU are unlikely to convince the pro-European majority. This could heighten polarization and, with local elections on 4 October 2025, trigger protests and increase pressure on the ruling party.

From a legal and procedural perspective, suspending parts of the AA/DCFTA is highly complex, requiring unanimity among all 27 member states. Therefore, suspension of the AA/DCFTA is unlikely, while in contrast, suspending the visa-free regime requires only a qualified majority of 15 member states, making it a more feasible short-term option if Georgia fails to meet EU benchmarks.

Despite these considerations, the EU remains cautious about measures that could directly harm ordinary Georgian citizens, especially given the 86 percent public support for EU membership. However, internal divisions over targeted personal sanctions have increased the likelihood of collective measures, including suspending visa-free travel. While affecting ordinary Georgians, this step may be the EUs only remaining leverage if the government continues undermining democratic norms and fails to implement the recommended reforms by the end of August.

CONCLUSION: In the absence of a unified position towards the Georgian government, the EU currently has only a limited set of sanctions, which primarily target the local population rather than key representatives of the ruling party and business circles close to it. The ability of these tools to change the Georgian governments position is likely limited. Moreover, both the suspension of visa liberalization and the less likely suspension of parts of the AA/DCFTA may be double-edged in the medium term, as they could increase the dependence of the Georgian economy and business on Russia and China.

Even if the current status quo with Georgia remains, while Ukraine and Moldova continue advancing towards EU membership, freezing Georgias accession process would create a damaging gap in EU enlargement policy. This could result in a Turkey-style scenario, where candidate status is maintained in name but the accession perspective is practically frozen.

AUTHORS BIOS: David Bujiashvili is a Georgian diplomat and expert in European integration with over 26 years of experience in EU Affairs. He has held senior government positions, coordinated the implementation of the EUGeorgia Association Agreement, visa liberalization, and EU assistance to Georgia, and served as Chief Coordinator of Georgias EU Accession Questionnaire (20212022), directly contributing to Georgias EU candidate status. He is also an Associate Professor at ALTE University of Georgia and author of the book Steps for Comprehending the European Union and 12 academic publications on EU Affairs.

Tomas Baranec is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Black Sea Studies as well as a Research Fellow and Head of the Caucasus Program of the Slovak think tank Strategic Analysis. He currently works as a field researcher on the Georgian-Ossetian ABL. Tomas studied Balkan, Central European and Eurasian Studies at Charles University in Prague.
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea of the RJD on September 1 seeking an extension of time for filing claims and objections for voter registration in Bihar. Advocate Prashant Bhushan mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant, seeking a one-week extension on the September 1 deadline. Bhushan informed the bench that the RJD and a few other parties have filed applications seeking an extension of the September 1 deadline to file claims and objections regarding the draft voters' list. The apex court was informed that parties want a one-week extension of the deadline, claiming that over 1,75,000 claims were made before and after the August 22 court order. On August 22, the top court had ordered that persons excluded from the draft electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar can submit their applications for inclusion through online mode and that physical submission of forms is not necessary. It had been said that an individual, on their own or with the assistance of booth-level agents (BLAs) of a political party, is entitled to apply online and does not need to submit an application in physical form. The bench had said all 12 political parties in Bihar shall issue specific directions to party workers to assist people in filing and submission of requisite forms with any 11 documents in Form 6 or the Aadhaar Card to get themselves included in the voters' list. It had stated that BLAs of all political parties are directed to make an endeavour that approximately 65 lakh persons not included in the draft rolls are facilitated, except those who are dead or have voluntarily migrated, in submitting their objections by the cutoff date of September 1. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the poll panel's move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Election Commission had also filed an affidavit stating that the list of names and details of 65 lakh electors in Bihar who were not included in the draft roll published on August 1 had been posted on the websites of all 38 District Electoral Officers in the state. The list also contained the reasons for their non-inclusion, including death, shifting of ordinary residence or duplicate entries, ECI had told the apex court. ECI had filed an affidavit in compliance with the August 14 directions of the Supreme Court directing it to publish an enumerated, booth-wise list of approximately 65 lakh electors not included in the draft electoral roll during the ongoing SIR exercise in poll-bound Bihar. The petitions challenging the ECI decision were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam. The pleas sought direction to quash the ECI's June 24 directive that requires large sections of voters in Bihar to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the electoral rolls. The petitions also raised concerns over the exclusion of widely held documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, stating that this would disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised voters, especially in rural Bihar. (ANI)
Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) founder Mukesh Sahani on Friday questioned the legitimacy of the alleged video showing a man hurling abuses at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during an INDIA bloc rally in Bihar's Darbhanga. Speaking to ANI, Mukesh Sahani said, "I have heard about it. Who knows if the video is legit or fake, or if BJP workers have gone on stage and said all that?" He added that if such an incident had happened, it would be "wrong." Denying liability of his party, he stated that the VIP did not share the stage with the other Opposition parties in Darbhanga. "If this is true, it is wrong; it shouldn't have happened. We did not even share a stage in Darbhanga. We only did a roadshow," he said. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed Congress over alleged abuses hurled at PM Modi during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. Addressing a public meeting in Assam's Guwahati, Shah asked Rahul Gandhi to apologise to PM Modi. "A low level of Rahul Gandhi's negative politics of hatred was seen in his 'Ghuspaithiya Bachao Yatra'. Congress has committed the most condemnable act by using derogatory language against PM Modi's late mother. I condemn it. The politics Rahul Gandhi has begun will take us into a pit... I ask Rahul Gandhi, if there is any shame left, apologise from PM Modi and his late mother," he said. The row began when an alleged video on the internet showed the accused hurling abusive slurs against PM Modi during an INDIA bloc event. Darbhanga Police have arrested an accused and registered a case in the matter. Earlier today, Mukesh Sahani took part in the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Bettiah. "Lakhs of people come out to welcome the Voter Adhikaar Yatra. There was a huge crowd yesterday in Motihari. We are seeing good support. The discrepancies in the voter list must be resolved at the earliest. We have heard that around 9 lakh people have filled Form 6 and filed their claim to vote," he said. Resumed in Bettiah, the Yatra will move via West Champaran to Siwan via Gopalganj on Friday. (ANI)
Ahead of the Vice Presidential elections on September 9, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday stated that the party would vote unanimously in favour of the INDIA bloc candidate. Addressing a press conference, Thackeray further stated that his party was still unaware as to why the former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar had resigned all of a sudden. "We will vote unanimously in favour of the INDIA bloc candidate... The upcoming elections are important for the country because we have to vote to maintain the dignity of the post of Vice President. We need a suitable person for that post. We dont know what happened to the former Vice President that he had to suddenly resign... " Thackeray told while addressing the media. The INDIA bloc has picked the former Supreme Court Judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as it's candidate for the Vice Presidential elections. The announcement was made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital following the INDIA bloc meeting. A day earlier, VCK Founder-president Thol Thirumavalavan slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for "forcing" the Vice President Dhankar to resign, an action which he claimed has created "crisis" in the country. He also urged all members of Parliament from the Opposition parties to vote for INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential nominee, former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy. "The BJP has forced the Vice President elections on us. They have already forced the Vice President to resign. No one knows his condition yet...It is shocking that such a crisis has been created in our country by the BJP and RSS," Thirumavalavan told reporters in Viluppuram on Wednesday. "Someone with the right understanding and courage is needed to protect the Constitution. Therefore, all members of Parliament from the democratic forces should vote for the INDIA alliance's VP candidate, B. Sudershan Reddy. We request that the votes of the opposition parties should not be scattered," he added. The election for the Vice President of India will feature a direct contest between Justice Reddy and the NDA's nominee, C P Radhakrishnan. (ANI)
JDU leader Neeraj Kumar on Friday condemned alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at the Opposition's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' event in Bihar's Darbhanga, saying that no one has the right to make objectionable remarks. Speaking to ANI, the JDU leader asked Congress and the RJD to clarify their stance following the incident and further demanded that they take disciplinary action. "The important issue is what kind of group of political workers is being gathered that uses such derogatory words. Whether in power or in opposition, there may be differences of heart or opinion, but no one has the right to make objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, judges, or the head of a political party. The law will take its course, but the Congress party should clarify whether it agrees with such statements. Tejashwi Yadav should make his stance clear on this...Disciplinary action should be taken by the party against this," Kumar said. Earlier today, Congress leader Sachin Pilot strongly denounced the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at the Opposition's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' event in Bihar's Darbhanga. Pilot further stated that the incident had nothing to do with the Congress party, as their Voter Adhikar Yatra had already moved forward. Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said, "I condemn this, I denounce it. The Congress party had nothing to do with it, our journey had already moved forward... In civilized and gentle politics, there is no place for such words... Our party is Mahatma Gandhi's party, and we have never supported any such statement till date and nor will we in the future." A political row has erupted over the alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at the Opposition's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' event in Bihar's Darbhanga, with BJP and NDA leaders targeting the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for the incident. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the incident, stating that such remarks reflect poor "upbringing" and a lack of respect for "Mother Earth, Mother India, or the word mother." Speaking to media persons, CM Gupta said, "This behaviour of the opposition leaders is very shameful. Insulting any of our mothers on the land of Sita Maa is not tolerable. The people of the country reject such cheap thinking and cheap politics of speaking ill of the mother of the Prime Minister of the country." Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also condemned the use of indecent language in an alleged video against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during a political rally, calling it an "extremely unbecoming" incident. The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar led by 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. (ANI)
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday hit out at analysts and sections of the media, calling them "weak-kneed people" who, he said, fail to understand India's capability, capacity and confidence, and cannot see the country's growth story. Speaking at the Curtain Raiser event of Bharat Buildcon in the national capital, he said, "I feel that some analysts and journalists look at India's future with weakness, as if they are trying to paint a picture that doomsday has arrived in India, while they have no idea about India's capability, capacity, and confidence. These things cannot be understood by weak-kneed people. A few TV channels and newspapers run an agenda against India all the time." The Union Minister added, "They fail to see India's growth story, India's self-respect, and India's own international image -- that today the whole world looks at India from a new perspective, recognising the courage within India and the energy in India's industries." He stressed the government's focus on creating opportunities and expanding capacity across sectors. Goyal said, 'We in government are focused on finding opportunities for all of you so that truly no sector has to face difficulties, whether it's international or domestic opportunities. We want to expand your capacity." He urged industry players to uphold quality standards, warning that poor suppliers could harm India's reputation for quality products. "Towards that end, I have been trying to introduce quality control orders, hoping that everyone will participate wholeheartedly in that. Whoever is not up to the mark will upgrade its quality and even one or two bad suppliers can completely ruin the great India's story, the image of Indian quality products," the Union Minister added. Urging industry leaders to take responsibility, the minister noted the impact of infrastructure spending. "I urge all big players in various sectors involved here to participate wholeheartedly, to make the program completely self-sufficient. We all understand 1 rupee spent on infrastructure gives 3.5-4 times multiplier impact to the economy and GDP because everyone's businesses get increased because of it. People get employment through suppliers, construction. It's a continuous evolution. This year also the infrastructure spending budget is 12,000 crores," Goyal added. The minister also stated that industry representatives have been supportive of the government's measures. "I have been having many interactions with different sectors. Sure, they tell how they will be impacted, but till today, not even a single sector has complained about anything. Everyone comes and asks to send a message to the prime minister that we are standing with you. With all strength India together will move forward at a fast pace", Goyal said. On free trade agreements, Goyal asserted India's position of strength. Piyush Goyal stated, "If any country wants to enter into a free trade agreement with us, we are always ready. But I believe that any form of discrimination affects the self-confidence and self-respect of India's 1.4 billion citizens. Keeping that in mind, we will neither bow down nor ever appear weak. Together, we will continue moving forward and capture new markets. I can confidently say that this year our exports will surpass last year's." Piyush Goyal pointed out India's small share in the global market, questioning why there should be fear. "In the global market, our share is so small. Why do we have to be afraid? Don't know what these analysts understand and write. They don't even know yet that India is an import-dependent economy," Goyal added. Referring to India's resilience during Covid-19, he stated, "During Covid, when difficulties arose, on one hand the government stood firmly with you, and with full courage India's industry managed a pandemic like Covid, managed even nuclear sanctions, and after that, if there was some impact of about 2% on India's GDP, even in that, 40% of the items are such that they are not even covered." He added, "Apart from that, among the items that are covered, there are some sectors like gems & jewellery, where the value addition is probably not more than 3 to 5 per cent. I am fully confident that journalists and analysts understand this well." Piyush Goyal expressed strong confidence in India's rapid growth, citing free trade agreements with developed countries. "I am fully confident that India will move forward at an even faster pace. The FTAs we have signed, now you see, all with developed countries like Australia, UAE, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, the UK, and going forward, fast-paced discussions are happening with the European Union. Perhaps the Commerce Secretary is going today itself for talks. Their team is coming to India next week, and their minister will come after that," he added. Piyush Goyal also highlighted India's growing global economic stature, with multiple countries eager to sign or expand free trade agreements, including the EU, Australia, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. "The whole world knows that India is such a rising country, whose economy will create such a huge volume of opportunities in the coming days that whether it is the European Union or Australia, they want us to do the second tranche of the FTA. Oman's FTA will be finalized very soon. Yesterday, the minister of Qatar came, they also want to sign an FTA with us. Talks are also ongoing with Saudi Arabia. With New Zealand, Chile, and Peru, discussions are progressing at the fastest pace," he noted. (ANI)
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Koinadhara Guest House in Guwahati during his two-day stay in Assam's Guwahati. On this occasion, Governor Kataria expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Union Home Minister for the recently approved grant amount of Rs 125 crore for the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation. He stated that this amount will prove helpful in further strengthening the city's infrastructure and civic amenities, according to an official release from the Punjab Raj Bhavan. The Governor also gave detailed information to the Union Home Minister about the recent flood situation in Punjab. He also apprised him of the progress of relief and rescue operations, the current situation in the affected areas, and the cooperation required in the future. During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed various issues, including regional development, public service, and disaster management. Earlier on Thursday, the Indian Army, in response to the massive floods in parts of Punjab, deployed Army Aviation Helicopters for flood relief and rescue operations as part of its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts, the Additional Directorate General (ADG) of Public Information (PI), Indian Army said. The social media post read, "Displaying selfless commitment and extraordinary flying skills, the Army Aviation units are tirelessly working around the clock in inclement weather to save lives". In one such incident on August 27, at around 4 pm, upon receiving information of rising floodwaters threatening lives in the general area of Lassian, Gurdaspur, Punjab, a daring rescue effort was undertaken, consisting of multiple shuttles by three Cheetah helicopters of the Army Aviation Units. Their heroic and timely action in the most extreme flying conditions led to the successful evacuation of 27 persons. Relief efforts were continuing in the flood-hit areas of Pathankot. Relief materials were delivered to affected residents via Chinook helicopters as part of an ongoing joint operation by the Indian Air Force and Punjab Police in the flood-affected areas of Pathankot. Earlier, the Indian Army deployed its all-terrain vehicle, ATOR N1200 Specialist Mobility Vehicle (SMV) for the rescue of people in the flood-affected areas of Punjab's Amritsar district on Thursday, according to a release from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). (ANI)
After workers of the BJP and Congress party clashed in Patna, Bihar on Friday, Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has emphasised the importance of truth and non-violence, stating that falsehood and violence cannot stand before it. In a social media post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote posted in Hindi, "Truth and non-violence prevail; falsehood and violence cannot stand before them. Beat and break, as much as you want to beat and break - we will continue to protect truth and the Constitution. Satyameva Jayate." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1961341023772422427?s=08 Members of both parties clashed over alleged abuses hurled at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother at a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' event in Darbhanga. Visuals from the site in Patna showed party workers attacking each other with party flags. Congress MP KC Venugopal accused the BJP of intimidating and scaring his party workers, claiming that the BJP is "baffled" by the soaring popularity of the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. He termed the clash incident an "act of cowardice." In a post on social media platform X, Venugopal wrote, "Baffled by the soaring popularity of the Voter Adhikar Yatra and the groundswell of public sentiment against them, the BJP has once again unleashed its hooligans to intimidate and scare us. The attack on our Bihar PCC Office Sadaqat Ashram in Patna, led by a sitting cabinet minister and other BJP leaders, is an act of cowardice and will not deter us from continuing to expose the massive Vote Chori being carried out in the name of SIR." https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1961339148373262551?s=08 He further called it an "worst form of political hooliganism" which according to him is "unforgivable." The social media posting read, "The BJP has sensed its imminent downfall and the growing anger of the people in Bihar, and its desperation knows no limits. Attacking a party office is the worst form of political hooliganism and can never be pardoned. Such violence has no place in a democracy, and the BJP's vandalism of this scale exposes its true character. This must be condemned and protested against by all those who believe in democracy, and we call upon every citizen to rise in united protest against this brazen act." The Congress MP demanded strict action against the perpetrators of this crime from the Bihar Police. He wrote, "The Bihar Police must take strict and exemplary action against the perpetrators of this crime, and must arrest the ministers and leaders who led this hooliganism." Earlier today, BJP and Congress workers clashed in Bihar's Patna over the alleged derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother. Stones were pelted at the site as the BJP staged a protest against the Congress in front of the Congress office in Patna. Bihar Minister and BJP leader Nitin Nabin stated that the public will give a "befitting reply" to Congress. Nabin told ANI, "Every son of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Congress for insulting a mother. We will take revenge for this." While Congress worker Ashutosh slammed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, claiming that the clash happened with the government's involvement. "A befitting reply will be given. This is happening with the government's involvement. Nitish Kumar is doing wrong," Ashutosh said. Earlier today, Darbhanga Police arrested the man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi. (ANI)
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, participated in the 110th Anniversary Celebration of Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji at Sri Suttur Math in Mysuru. Addressing the event, Union Minister Chouhan called for national unity on issues of national interest, urging citizens to rise above political differences. Highlighting global challenges, he criticized leaders of some countries for acting like dictators, creating a crisis for the world. "I want to make a request, there are political differences of ideology, but the whole country should stand together on the issues of national interest. Some countries' leaders are behaving like dictators, which has become a crisis for the whole world. In such a situation, I have the courage to stand up and say that, if anyone will show the path of eternal peace to the world, humanity burning in the fire of materialism, it will be our India, our country. There is no other way, so it is important that our country becomes strong. Our country should strive to set a direction for the world. Therefore, I do not want to go into the details of the challenges that India is facing today, but our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an appeal," he said. Referring to recent global economic pressures, including imposed tariffs, Chouhan echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to ignite patriotism across the country. He urged every Indian to resolve to use only domestically made products to strengthen the economy. "Today's fresh crisis, tariffs are being imposed, in such an environment, the feeling of patriotism should be ignited in the whole country. Every Indian should make a resolution that we will use only those products in our daily life that are made in our country. It is important that our country's economy is strengthened. I have full faith that the countrymen will create a new history in this direction," he added. On Wednesday, the 50 per cent tariffs on imports from India to the United States came into effect. This follows the draft notice published by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which stated that the order would take effect on August 27. According to the notice, the additional duties are being imposed to give effect to the President's Executive Order 14329 of August 6, 2025, titled "Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation." The order set a new rate of duty on imports of articles that are products of India. The move follows the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to raise tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Friday hit out at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his recent remark suggesting that families should have three children. Taking a swipe at the Sangh, Rai said if Bhagwat truly believed in the idea, he should first ask RSS members to marry and follow it themselves. "If the Sangh is saying this, then Mohan Bhagwat ji should immediately issue a directive to all RSS members to get married and follow what he has said. In Sangh, everyone is roaming unmarried," Rai quipped. On the RSS chief's other statement that political leaders should retire at the age of 75, Rai alleged that the BJP and RSS had earlier used such rules to sideline senior leaders. "This limit is set by their people only. This rule is being formed just to put L.K. Advani and M.M. Joshi in Margdarshak Mandal for their political murder. And now, when their time has come, they are saying nothing like this. So, this is a double standard of RSS, and the public is watching this," the Congress leader said. Bhagwat, while addressing the centenary celebrations of RSS in New Delhi on Thursday, had said every Indian citizen should consider having three children. He said that population growth could be both an asset and a burden, but a stable birth rate will help keep the population in control while maintaining an acceptable level. "Our country's population policy recommends 2.1 children, on average. But when one has children, then they don't have 0.1 children. In maths, 2.1 is 2, but with the birth of children after 2, it is 3, which is why 2.1 means 3. Every citizen should see that there should be three children in his/her family," the RSS chief said. "This is a vision for the country. Secondly, there is also a concern. A population is an asset, but it can also be a burden. We have to feed everyone, which is why the population policy recommends this. In one way, the population is controlled, and on the other hand, it is sufficient; that is why 3 (children) should happen, but after that, it should not increase too much, looking at giving them a good upbringing. This is a thing to be accepted by everyone," Bhagwat said. He added that the decreasing birth rate was visible across communities, including among Hindus. The RSS chief's remarks come ahead of the government's preparation for the 2027 Census, which will provide fresh demographic data since 2011. A recent United Nations report on the state of the world's population has warned that India's birth rate has declined to 1.9, below the target of 2.1. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday sounded the poll bugle for the 2026 Assam assembly elections, addressing a mega Panchayat Pratinidhi Sanmilan of the NDA at Veterinary College Field, Khanapara in Guwahati. In a sharp attack on the Congress, Shah said that Assam cannot be led by leaders who "settle infiltrators and repeatedly visit Pakistan." He further stated that the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has transformed the state through development and increased employment opportunities. "Himanta Biswa Sarma organised an Investment Summit in Assam, resulting in MoUs worth Rs 5.18 lakh crore, out of which projects worth Rs 1.40 lakh crore have already been implemented on the ground. There was a time when Congress said 'bye-bye' to Assam. Today, Assam is being transformed into a developed state under the leadership of Modi Ji and Himanta Biswa Sarma," Shah said. He claimed that the BJP has removed encroachments by infiltrators from Satras associated with Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva and Mahapurush Madhavdev, thereby "restoring the sanctity of the Satras." He also mocked Congress's performance in the recent panchayat elections, saying, "So massive was the BJP's victory that you won't be able to find Congress even with a telescope." Taking aim at Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, Shah said that the BJP government has worked to free lakhs of acres of land that had been encroached upon by infiltrators. "But Gaurav Gogoi is opposing this. Today, I want to say - Gaurav Ji, oppose as much as you want. This is a BJP government, and we will reclaim every single inch of land from the infiltrators, because this land rightfully belongs to our youth. Assam can't be led by a leader who settles infiltrators and repeatedly visits Pakistan. Assam's leadership can only be provided by Modi Ji and Himanta Biswa Sharma," Shah said. Amit Shah added, "There is a great significance of these panchayat elections because it was the first election after the Assam delimitation..." BJP-led NDA had registered a massive victory in the last panchayat polls in Assam. The Union Home Minister urged NDA Panchayat representatives and BJP-AGP party workers to be prepared for the upcoming 2026 assembly polls in Assam and to ensure a NDA victory in the state for a third consecutive term. "Not only the third term, we all will have to be ready to form an NDA government again and again," Shah said. (ANI)
Tajik President Emomali Rahmon receives a joint interview with Xinhua and other Chinese media outlets at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Renzi)

DUSHANBE, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Since its establishment, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has played a vital role in promoting regional relations and maintaining stability, and proved to be a successful and influential multilateral cooperation platform, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has said.

"The SCO is an effective organization. Be it in economic, trade or political mechanisms, it delivers concrete actions rather than empty words," Rahmon said in a recent joint interview with Xinhua and other Chinese media outlets at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe.

As one of the SCO's founding members, Tajikistan has been deeply engaged in its growth. Rahmon compared the organization to a child "jointly created and nurtured" by the six founding states. "Today, the SCO has developed into a heavyweight international organization, recognized not only in the region but also globally," he said.

From the outset, Rahmon noted, the SCO has placed security at the top of its agenda, especially in Central Asia.

"Ensuring security remains the key issue for our region today," he said, stressing that the SCO's cooperation mechanisms, information-sharing platforms and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure have enabled member states to collectively and effectively respond to security challenges.

Rahmon spoke highly of China's role as the rotating chair of the SCO. He said that under China's chairmanship, the country's strong potential has been effectively aligned with the SCO's vast opportunities, significantly enhancing the organization's status and overall strength.

"China has supported infrastructure projects, expanded transportation and communication links, developed renewable energy and increased bilateral trade, strengthening the foundation for deeper integration among member states," Rahmon said.

He added that "China is well known worldwide for its active and peaceful image, and enjoys great respect among the people of Tajikistan."

Tajikistan fully supports the agenda proposed by China as the rotating chair, Rahmon said, expressing particular appreciation for China's support for the establishment of an SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. "We are confident that the center will make tangible contributions to strengthening regional cooperation and combating illicit drug trafficking," he said.

Rahmon, who has visited China many times, said he has witnessed China's rapid development, especially over the past decade.

"China has shown in practice that every nation can achieve rapid development by relying on its own history, culture and characteristics," Rahmon said. "This fact inspires developing countries, including those in Central Asia, and opens broad space for cooperation and experience-sharing."

In July 2024, China and Tajikistan elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Rahmon noted that the joint statement signed by the two heads of state signaled both sides' determination to elevate cooperation to new heights.

"Our cooperation covers all fields -- economy, trade, water resources, finance, education, healthcare, as well as industry, particularly mining and innovation," Rahmon said. "Most importantly, our relations are built on mutual trust and confidence."

He stressed that both countries pay special attention to strategic projects of regional significance, including transport infrastructure, power networks, industrial projects, and collaboration in digital technologies.

"The elevation of our relations also enables us to expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, covering education, science, culture and tourism, further strengthening the friendship between our two peoples," Rahmon said.

Tajikistan was among the first countries to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on building the Silk Road Economic Belt.

"Over the years, with China's investment support, Tajikistan has implemented numerous infrastructure, energy and industrial projects," he said, noting that major undertakings -- including highways, tunnels, power transmission lines and industrial facilities -- have enhanced the country's connectivity and facilitated its integration into regional and global networks.

Rahmon highlighted his close relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he described as "my friend and brother."

"He is not only an experienced and visionary leader, but also a man of profound culture, loyal to his people and steadfast in character," Rahmon said. He praised major global initiatives proposed by Xi, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which "offer vast opportunities for economic integration, infrastructure development and broader international cooperation. These initiatives serve not only China's interests but also benefit the world."

Looking ahead to the upcoming SCO Tianjin Summit, Rahmon said he had high expectations. "This grand event will open a new chapter for cooperation among member states and the development of the organization, marking a qualitative leap forward," he said. 
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently travelled to space, arrived in his hometown Lucknow on Friday before departing for Delhi later in the day. During his brief visit, he received a warm welcome and said that this is the perfect time to pursue and explore space. While interacting with the media, Captain Shubhanshu Shukla expressed his excitement. He said, "It felt really good coming back home, and I am really overwhelmed by the unexpected love and enthusiasm shown by the people. The people are particularly thrilled by the recent space mission and feel confident about future missions." He also added, "I am really happy to see the curiosity and interest shown by children, who asked insightful questions, indicating a promising future for space exploration. I believe this is the right time to pursue and explore space, encouraged by the positive response and support received." Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday hailed the achievement of Lucknow-born astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a matter of pride for the state and the entire nation, calling his journey an inspiration for the youth. After four decades, an Indian once again travelled to space, and this historic opportunity came to Lucknow-born astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was felicitated in a civic reception at Lok Bhavan on Monday, a release said. During the event, CM Yogi honoured Shukla with a shawl and memento, while Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak and Mayor Sushma Kharkwal extended felicitations to his family. A short film about Shukla's space mission, during which he orbited the Earth 320 times in 18 days aboard the ISS, was also screened. Shukla was part of NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission, which took off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, on June 25. He returned to Earth on July 15, splashing down off the coast of California. He became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space. (ANI)
An illegal structure near Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain was demolished on Friday in a joint drive carried out by the Ujjain Development Authority, Municipal Corporation and police, officials said. The anti-encroachment drive was carried out in Begum Bagh locality under the jurisdiction of Mahakal police station. A large police force and Ujjain Municipal Corporation staff were deployed to maintain order during the demolition action. According to UDA CEO Sandeep Soni, the UDA had allocated around 30 plots in the Begumbagh area on a 30-year lease for residential purposes in 1985. However, the plot holders used them for commercial purposes, which was against the rules. Additionally, the leases for these plots expired in the year 2014-15, and they were not renewed. The Authority continuously issued notices regarding the plots and terminated the leases of the plot holders in 2023-24. Following this, the plot holders went to the court and received a stay. The case regarding the plots is pending in court, although the court's stay has been lifted for some plots that were demolished. Previously, around 12 buildings were razed here in two phases, approximately two and a half months ago. Now, one more structure was removed on Friday. UDA CEO Soni told ANI, "This plot is part of a residential scheme developed by Ujjain Development Authority. All the leases on the front road were initially intended for residential use, but instead, people used them for commercial purposes, which is against the rules. Almost one and a half years ago, the Ujjain Development Authority terminated the leases, after which the structures became illegal constructions. Afterwards, legal orders were issued. Today, house number 19, which was used for commercial activities in two sections, is being demolished under the supervision of Municipal Corporation, police and the district administration." He added that some matters were pending in the court, and the trial was ongoing. After the completion of the legal procedures in these matters, further action will be taken in accordance with the rules. Ujjain Municipal Corporation Deputy Commissioner Santosh Tagore said that they were directed to provide machinery and support for the demolition action; as a result, municipal corporation employees and machines were deployed at the site. "We were directed by UDA to provide machinery and support, following which the Municipal Corporation deployed, including 2 JCBs, 2 Poclains, and a dumper. Approximately 60-70 of our employees are currently working here. We are supporting the work being done here," Tagore said. Mahakal Police Station in-charge, Gagan Badal, said that UDA was demolishing the illegal structures located in the Begumbag area of the district, and around 50 police personnel were present at the spot for safety and security reasons. (ANI)
Congress leader KC Venugopal has condemned the "attack" on party's state unit in Patna, alleging that it was led by a sitting cabinet minister and other BJP leaders, and asserted that the party will continue to expose the "massive vote chori being carried out in the name of SIR". The clash broke out in front of the Congress office in Patna on Friday after BJP workers staged a protest over the alleged derogatory remarks made by a man against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his late mother during the Congress-RJD's Vote Adhikar Yatra in Darbhanga on Wednesday. Stones were reportedly pelted during the protest. Venugopal, in a post on X, accused BJP of "unleashing hooligans to intimidate us" "Baffled by the soaring popularity of the Voter Adhikar Yatra and the groundswell of public sentiment against them, the BJP has once again unleashed its hooligans to intimidate and scare us," he said. "The attack on our Bihar PCC Office Sadaqat Ashram in Patna, led by a sitting cabinet minister and other BJP leaders, is an act of cowardice and will not deter us from continuing to expose the massive Vote Chori being carried out in the name of SIR. The BJP has sensed its imminent downfall and the growing anger of the people in Bihar, and its desperation knows no limits. Attacking a party office is the worst form of political hooliganism and can never be pardoned," he added. Venugopal said such violence has no place in a democracy, and the BJP's vandalism of this scale exposes its true character. He said the Bihar Police must take strict action against those responsible. "This must be condemned and protested against by all those who believe in democracy, and we call upon every citizen to rise in united protest against this brazen act. The Bihar Police must take strict and exemplary action against the perpetrators of this crime, and must arrest the ministers and leaders who led this hooliganism," Venugopal said. Earlier, Congress leader Sachin Pilot blamed the BJP for the violence during a clash between workers of the two parties in Patna, saying it was triggered by growing support for the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'."This violence is a response to this yatra. Lakhs of people are joining the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' started by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav. This is a fight for votes, a fight for the rights of voters. They (BJP) are scared of this support, which is why they are resorting to violence," Pilot told ANI. He condemned the incident and urged the government to take strict action. "I condemn this. And the government should take strict action against this. It will not be possible to suppress the voice of the opposition through violence. We will fight with full strength... We ask questions from the Election Commission, and the BJP responds... This yatra is a journey to make people aware," he said. Meanwhile, Bihar minister and BJP leader Nitin Nabin stated that the public will give a "befitting reply" to Congress. "Every son of Bihar will give a befitting reply to Congress for insulting a mother. We will take revenge for this," he said. Ashutosh, a Congress worker, blamed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleging that the clash took place with the government's involvement. "This is happening with the government's involvement. Nitish Kumar is doing wrong," he said. Earlier in the day, Darbhanga Police arrested a man accused of hurling abuses against PM Modi during Congress-RJD's Vote Adhikar Yatra. Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Chaudhary said a case has been registered."A case has been registered, and an accused arrested. His name is being verified. The person is identifying himself as Raja...Action will be taken against those found involved," Chaudhary said. A video of the incident showing the man allegedly making abusive remarks against the Prime Minister had gone viral on social media. (ANI)
The delegation, comprising doctors, nurses, national health directors, educators and IT professionals, interacted with staff and reviewed services being provided at the clinic. They were briefed about patient footfall, infrastructure, diagnostic facilities, treatment protocols and free medicine delivery, and expressed appreciation for the Punjab Government's initiatives in strengthening primary healthcare.

District Immunisation Officer Girish Dogra and State Nodal Officer (e-Governance) Manjot Singh explained the operational framework of the clinics and addressed queries from the visiting representatives.

The international participants are in India as part of a special training programme on Digital Health for global representatives, organised by C-DAC Mohali in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The programme aims to showcase India's digital healthcare infrastructure and share best practices in primary healthcare services.

Delegates hailed from Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tajikistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

During the visit, the team was also given a detailed presentation on eSushrut HMIS (Hospital Management Information System) adopted by the Punjab Government, which demonstrated the digital processes implemented in Aam Aadmi Clinics -- including patient registration, consultations, diagnostic services, pharmacy operations and follow-up care.

Officials said the visit reflects growing international recognition of Punjab's efforts to deliver accessible and affordable healthcare through its network of Aam Aadmi Clinics. (ANI)
As Maratha quota agitation leader Manoj Jarange Patil on Friday continued his hunger strike demanding reservation for the community, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended his government's efforts while accusing the opposition of politicising the agitation. "When I was the Chief Minister, 10 per cent reservation was given to the Maratha community, the benefit of which is being received even today... CM Devendra Fadnavis also extended reservations to the Maratha community, but the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was unable to sustain it. I request the Maratha community that we will definitely do whatever is possible..." Shinde said. "These people (Uddhav Thackeray) are doing politics only for votes. If they had the courage, they would have done something when they were the Chief Minister. What have they done for the Maratha community? They have absolutely no moral right to speak on the Maratha community," he added. Echoing the appeal for restraint, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil cautioned against bringing the agitation to Mumbai. "We have always been appealing to Manoj Jarange Patil that he should not come to Mumbai and raise these questions here because questions will not be resolved by chaos, they will only be resolved through discussion, as the Chief Minister also said yesterday," he said. Patil noted that significant progress had been made in granting benefits to eligible Marathas. "Already 58 lakh Marathas have received OBC certificates. The Shinde committee has been working for the last two years, even examining gazettes in Hyderabad and Satara, to ensure eligible people are granted certificates," he explained. At the same time, Patil warned that prolonged protests in Mumbai could inconvenience ordinary citizens. "If you disturb Mumbai in this way through agitation, then naturally people will comment against the protest itself. What fault is it of the people of Mumbai? They are ordinary working-class people who have to go to their duties," he said, reminding that the Bombay High Court had permitted only a one-day protest with certain conditions. On the other hand, after supporters of activist Manoj Jarange Patil gathered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Thursday as part of their ongoing agitation demanding Maratha reservation, railway officials said that relevant authorities had been alerted to manage the situation. The train services are witnessing slight delays. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the signing of 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth nearly Rs 34,000 crore, claiming the agreements would generate over 33,000 new jobs in the state. Fadnavis said, "Today, we have signed 17 MoUs in Maharashtra. The MoUs are worth approximately Rs 34,000 crores. 33 thousand new jobs are being generated in this." "These MoUs have been signed with credible businesses in sectors like EV bus and truck, solar modules, defence manufacturing, and GCC. And people have shown faith in the work we have done for ease of doing business," he added. Further, the Maharashtra CM launched a sharp attack on his predecessor, Uddhav Thackeray, over the Maratha quota issue. "During his tenure, can Uddhav Thackeray name one thing he did for the Maratha community?" Fadnavis questioned. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also defended his government's efforts on the Maratha quota issue while accusing the opposition of politicising the agitation. "When I was the Chief Minister, 10% reservation was given to the Maratha community, the benefit of which is being received even today... CM Devendra Fadnavis also extended reservations to the Maratha community, but the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was unable to sustain it. I request the Maratha community that we will definitely do whatever is possible..." he said. "These people (Uddhav Thackeray) are doing politics only for votes. If they had the courage, they would have done something when they were the Chief Minister. What have they done for the Maratha community? They have absolutely no moral right to speak on the Maratha community," he added. On the other hand, after supporters of activist Manoj Jarange Patil gathered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Thursday as part of their ongoing agitation demanding Maratha reservation, railway officials said that relevant authorities had been alerted to manage the situation. The train services are witnessing slight delays. According to the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, Dr Swapnil Nila, the rush at the station swelled further due to heavy rains outside, as many commuters took shelter within the premises. "There was a crowd at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, which increased after the rain outside. We have requested the relevant authorities to ensure that passengers arriving by local trains do not encounter any issues. Additionally, our RPF, GRP, commercial department employees, and more than 240 MSF staff are deployed at all locations... Currently, Central Railway services are running 8 to 10 minutes late on the Harbour Line," Nila stated while speaking to ANI. (ANI)
The Government of India has increased usage charges for gunny bags by nearly 40 per cent providing financial relief to State Governments and Union Territories in the country, said Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi here on Friday. Joshi said, "The decision is aimed at ensuring smooth procurement operations thereby, supporting sustainable packaging practices while strengthening Centre-State cooperation in foodgrain procurement and distribution." The Centre received requests from various States and UTs for the revision following which, the Department of Food and Public Distribution, GoI, constituted a committee. The committee comprised members from State Governments/UTs and Food Corporation of India (FCI) for a comprehensive review of packaging charges. State Government of Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana provided their suggestions to the committee. On the basis of recommendations of the committee, the Government of India has revised usage charges from Rs 7.32 per used bag to Rs 10.22 per used bag or the actual cost incurred by the State Govt/UT, which ever lower. The usage charges for used gunny bags are increased in proportion to increase in cost of new gunny bags from KMS 2017-18 to KMS 2024-25. The revised rate is applicable from KMS 2025-26 onwards. Pralhad Joshi had on August 24 said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should act against "diversion" and "misuse of food" meant for the poor instead of making allegations on the Central Government of "foodgrain theft." The Union Minister said the Mann government should act instead of making allegations against the Centre for illegal diversion and misuse of foodgrains meant for the poor. After allegations of 'vote theft', Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has now accused the Central Government of 'foodgrain theft'. The Chief Minister alleged that the Centre is conspiring to block Punjab's share of the Public Distribution System (PDS) ration. Mann claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government wants to snatch free ration from the poor of the state. He said Punjab has a total of 1.53 crore ration card holders, out of which there is a plan to stop free ration for 55 lakh people. According to the Chief Minister, in July, free ration for 23 lakh people was stopped under the pretext of e-KYC, and now there is a threat to block ration for another 32 lakh people from September 30. (ANI)
Congress corporator Anwar Qadri, accused of criminal conspiracy in two rape cases, surrendered before a district court in Indore on Friday after remaining absconding for over two months, police said. According to officials, Qadri reached the court clean-shaven and dressed in a white shirt and black pants (posing as a lawyer) to avoid detection. Under sustained police pressure, he eventually surrendered. Banganga police had registered a case against Qadri for criminal conspiracy in connection with two rape cases reported in June this year. Police said that olice said the main accused in both cases had already been arrested and sections of the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act were also invoked. During the investigation, Qadri's name surfaced for his alleged role in the conspiracy, following which he went underground. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl DCP, Crime Branch), Rajesh Dandotiya, told ANI, "In June this year, two cases related to rape were registered after receiving the complaints from the victims. The main accused in both the cases had been arrested. The case also included the sections of MP Freedom of Religion Act. During the investigation, Qadri's role in the conspiracy came to light, and a search was launched to nab him." A cash reward of Rs 10,000 announced on Qadri's arrest was later raised to Rs 40,000. Police teams searched for him in different states, questioned his relatives, and arrested his daughter in Delhi. A court proclamation directed him to surrender by September 8, and his property details were sought from the municipal corporation to mount further pressure. "As a result of this, Anwar Qadri surrendered before the court on Friday. The police and the Investigating officer reached the court and demanded a police remand of eight days. The court granted five days till September 3," Dandotiya said. He added that further evidence will now be collected in the criminal conspiracy case, and further action will be taken accordingly. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Friday initiated suo motu cognizance on the basis of a media report which highlighted the plight of a 12-year-old boy who was unable to secure an ICU bed in any government hospital across the city after suffering a fall from the first floor of his house. A bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora noted that the child was eventually admitted to Shree Aggrasain International Hospital in Rohini after his family's desperate search for treatment at institutions, including Safdarjung Hospital, yielded no results. The court observed that the boy's father, a daily wage worker engaged in tailoring work, was in no position to bear the cost of treatment in a private facility. Considering the seriousness of the issue, the judges directed that the child be treated under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category at the private hospital, ensuring that no payments were demanded from the family until the next hearing. While the bench initially considered transferring the boy to a government hospital, it refrained from doing so after being informed that the child had shown signs of improvement. The court ordered the hospital to continue providing proper and adequate treatment without interruption. The order was communicated to the hospital's CEO by counsel representing the Delhi Government, with directions also issued to the court registry to email the hospital directly. Senior counsel and amicus curiae Ashok Agarwal further submitted that most private hospitals fail to extend mandated benefits to patients under the EWS quota despite their legal obligations. The court also indicated that this larger issue would be examined in detail during subsequent hearings. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 2, 2025. (ANI)
Floods triggered by heavy rainfall have thrown road connectivity out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir, with Poonch and Doda districts facing the brunt. Major routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), have been damaged, bringing traffic to a halt. In Poonch, traffic carrying essential commodities through the Mughal Road has been suspended, as NH-44 from Udhampur to Srinagar remained closed on Friday. This closure followed the washing away of up and down tubes on the highway in the Samroli area due to heavy rainfall. Officials said that restoration work is underway. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also visited the area to assess the restoration work on NH-44. Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma told ANI, "Several roads were damaged due to the rain in the past few days. The NH-44 is closed. It might open this evening or by tomorrow morning... In Poonch, there was significant damage due to rainfall..." "I myself went to the Mughal Road. We are removing the hurdles...We have provided all the necessary directions. Everything will be smoothed out by this evening.." he said, adding, "this road (Mughal Road) is through. The allowed transportation is permitted to travel with essential commodities." In Doda district, a portion of the Pul Doda-Ghat Road was severely damaged on Friday following floods, further hampering movement. Earlier, a portion of the bridge (the fourth bridge on the Tawi River in Jammu) collapsed on August 26. Vehicular movement on the route remained affected on Friday, and the restoration work was ongoing. "One-way traffic is open between Satwari Chowk and Asia Crossing. Many people are on the job here," SSP Traffic Farooq Qaiser told ANI. The region has been witnessing heavy rainfall and landslides, disrupting normal life. Earlier in the day, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) began clearance operations in the Pir Panjal range after flash floods triggered landslides that blocked roads in Rajouri district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several parts of the Union Territory. A yellow alert was sounded for Friday in Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts, warning of thunderstorms and lightning. An orange alert has been issued for Saturday and Sunday in Poonch, Kishtwar, Jammu, Ramban, and Udhampur, indicating the possibility of heavier rainfall. Meanwhile, all government and private schools across the Jammu division will remain closed till August 30. The decision was made in light of several alarming reports from various districts, highlighting severe conditions that were affecting school operations, officials said. Heads of Institutions have been advised to evaluate the possibility of conducting online classes, specifically for students in Classes 9 to 12, whenever suitable infrastructure and internet connectivity are available. Earlier on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the flood situation in the region and expressed concern over the damage caused by two days of continuous rainfall, saying the Union Territory had narrowly escaped a major crisis. Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister drew parallels to the devastating floods of 2014, noting that further rainfall could have triggered a disaster of similar scale. "If it had rained for 1-1.5 more days, we would have faced a lot of difficulties. However, the water has now started receding... But going forward, I will have to hold meetings with the officers myself to understand what we did after 2014. If this is the situation after two days of rain, then God forbid if it had rained for four days, our situation would have been like it was in 2014... We will have to take stock of our shortcomings because we cannot continue to live in fear," CM Abdullah said. Earlier, Chief Minister Abdullah spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the situation in the worst-hit areas of Jammu, particularly along the banks of the Tawi River, which had suffered significant damage due to recent events. The Indian Army's Rising Star Corps has been working tirelessly round-the-clock to conduct extensive rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected regions of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur. Deploying 20 columns, the Army has successfully rescued over 943 individuals, including 50 children from an orphanage in RS Pura, 56 BSF personnel, and 21 CRPF personnel. In addition to rescue efforts, the Corps has been instrumental in providing essential supplies and medicines to those stranded, while also restoring critical data connectivity in Jammu to facilitate communication and coordination. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps personally engaged with the troops and Army Aviation units, lauding their unwavering dedication and commitment. (ANI)
For the first time in over two decades, the beloved cast of the legendary teen TV series Dawson's Creek is reuniting on stage in New York City, for a special one-night very special and important event.

James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson will join forces on September 22 in Broadway, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, for a live script reading of the show's iconic pilot episode.

The charity gathering will raise funds for the nonprofit F Cancer and support Van Der Beek, who revealed last year that he is battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.

The reunion, titled Dawson's Creek Class Reunion, will also feature former cast members, including Busy Philipps, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, and Nina Repeta.

Directed by Jason Moore and produced alongside creator Kevin Williamson and Greg Berlanti, the evening promises a nostalgic return to Capeside, where the beloved teen drama first captured audiences in 1998. The series ran for six seasons from 1998 to 2003 in the WB network, under the production of Sony Pictures.

Tickets go on sale at Broadway Direct on Friday, August 22, at 10am PT.

"I am so excited to reunite with James, Michelle, Katie, Joshua, and our 'Dawson's Creek' family for such a special night. 'Dawson's Creek' changed my life," Williamson said in a statement. "What began as a personal story about a young man and his friends navigating their way through the challenges of life became so much more than I ever dreamed. It created an enduring fandom and legacy all over the world. I am so honored to be a part of it and to support our beautiful friend, James, as we continue to navigate our way through life and its many challenges."

"We grew up in Capeside and that's a bond that will last a lifetime. We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been, and we always will be. And I know the fans of 'Dawson's Creek' feel the same way," said Michelle Williams.

Popular on Variety

For fans, the event marks not only a rare chance to see the original cast together again but also an opportunity to celebrate the enduring legacy of the show while supporting a meaningful cause.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Amid heavy rains and flooding in Rudraprayag, villagers in Taljamal and Kumm were trapped and helpless before rescue teams reached them.

Upon receiving the information, a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) at the Agastyamuni Post, led by Additional Sub-Inspector Harish Bangari, arrived at the affected area. Despite adverse conditions and risky roads, the team evacuated 40 people from Taljamal to safety, bringing visible relief to the villagers.

The team then moved to Kumm, where 30 more residents were rescued and reunited with their families. Officials said gratitude and relief were evident on the faces of those evacuated.

In Badeth Dungar Tok under Basukedaar tehsil, heavy debris from continuous rainfall has affected several families.

SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvanshi ordered teams from Sonprayag, Agastyamuni, and Ratuda to rush to the site with rescue equipment.

Officials said SDRF personnel are navigating overflowing streams and landslide-hit routes to reach affected villages and are carrying out coordinated evacuation and relief operations.

Meanwhile, police in Uttarakhand have issued urgent advisories for Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts after heavy rainfall led to a sharp rise in river levels.

In Chamoli, authorities have warned that rivers have reached critical levels and urged residents near riverbanks to relocate to safer areas immediately.

The Chamoli Police has strongly urged residents living along the riverbanks to relocate to safer areas immediately. "Your vigilance is your safety," it said, while urging people to act swiftly and responsibly.

In Rudraprayag, the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have swelled dangerously. Police and administration teams are alerting people to stay away from riverbanks and shift to secure areas.

"Due to continuous rainfall, water levels of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers have risen significantly. The public is advised to avoid going near riverbanks and to move to safe locations," Rudraprayag Police said in a statement. (ANI)
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that PM Modi wins elections through vote theft, but "we won't let them steal votes in Bihar." "Modi wins elections through vote theft. We have to tell him that in Bihar, we won't let them steal votes. The Constitution of India grants the right to one vote per person, not more. Voting is the right of the poor, backwards, Dalits, and minorities," Gandhi asserted at the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Siwan. The Congress leader emphasised the need to protect the constitutional right to vote and vowed to safeguard the Constitution drafted by Dr B R Ambedkar. "PM Modi, who is in cahoots with Ambani and Adani, will first take your vote, then your ration card, and then your land. 'Vote Chori' is an attack on the Constitution of Ambedkar. We will not let anyone attack this Constitution," the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. He further said that Congress will further expose more "vote theft" in the coming days. "We have exposed the theft in Mahadevapura (in Bengaluru) till now. In the coming time, we will expose such thefts in the rest of the country. Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, in all these places, we are going to expose the theft of the BJP, the theft of PM Modi..," he said. He said voting is a right for all, including the poor, the backwards classes, and the Dalits. "People like Anil Ambani or Mukesh Ambani have the same voting rights as the poorest children of India. Voting is the right of the poor, the backwards, the Dalits," he said. The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar led by 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. 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, comprising 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 members, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U) having 45, HAM(S) having 4, and the support of 2 Independent Candidates. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam on Friday hailed the latest GDP figures, terming the numbers a "slap on the face of the Opposition" and a testament to the robust growth of India's economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leader emphasised that the GDP numbers have surpassed expectations, showcasing the strength of India's economy amidst global economic challenges. "The GDP figures are in, and they are another slap on the face of the Opposition. The figures have exceeded expectations and show that our country's economy is growing rapidly. This is the result of PM Modi's decisions taken over the last 11 years, which have enabled India's economy to remain strong when the world economy is struggling," he stated. Commenting on the potential impact of US President Donald Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, Syed Islam acknowledged a short-term effect but expressed confidence in India's resilience due to the 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' policy. "Yes, Trump's 50 per cent tariffs will definitely have a short-term impact. In the long term, it will be mitigated due to PM Modi's 'Aatmnirbhar' policy," he said, highlighting the policy's role in bolstering economic self-reliance. Real GDP has been estimated to grow by 7.8 per cent in Q1 of FY 2025-26 over the growth rate of 6.5 per cent during Q1 of FY 2024-25. Nominal GDP has witnessed a growth rate of 8.8 per cent in Q1 of FY 2025-26. He also took a dig at critics who anticipated an economic downturn following the tariff announcement. "Those who had previously kept us in the dock were happy after Trump announced increased tariffs, believing the country's economy would be ruined. But the country's economy is in strong hands," he asserted, crediting the Modi government's economic reforms for maintaining stability. Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices in Q1 of FY 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 47.89 lakh crore, against Rs 44.42 lakh crore in Q1 of FY 2024-25. The Agriculture and Allied Sector has observed the Real GVA growth rate of 3.7%, as compared to the growth rate of 1.5% registered in Q1 of the last financial year. Secondary Sectors, prominently Manufacturing (7.7%) and Construction (7.6%) Sector has registered above 7.5 per cent growth rate at Constant Prices in this quarter. The data was released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Friday. (ANI)
The cuts affect Afghans who risked their lives by working alongside American forces during the war with the Taliban.

According to US media reports cited by Khaama Press, the budgets for "Operation Enduring Freedom" and Temporary Protected Status are set to expire in September. These programs were designed to protect Afghans vulnerable to Taliban retaliation.

The decision has sparked criticism in Washington. Congressman Scott Peters said cutting the funds sends the "wrong message" to future partners and undermines America's reputation as a reliable ally. He stressed that those who showed the courage to stand against the Taliban are the very people the US should protect.

Civil society groups echoed these concerns. Shawn VanDiver, head of the San Diego-based AfghanEvac initiative, cautioned that thousands of Afghans will face severe risks if funding ends, leaving them exposed to Taliban revenge, Khaama Press noted.

Congressional statistics show nearly 60,000 Afghans in Afghanistan are still awaiting asylum case reviews, while more than 170,000 remain in the queue for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).

Immigration lawyers have also raised alarms about the fate of women and girls, warning that a return to Taliban rule could strip them of education, employment, and basic freedoms. One lawyer described the prospect as "deeply frightening."

Critics argue that the cuts not only endanger Afghan allies but also threaten to weaken US moral authority and credibility worldwide.

Without renewed commitments, thousands who once stood with American forces may be left to face an uncertain and dangerous future, Khaama Press reported.

The concern came as United States President Donald Trump signed a proclamation earlier this week 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. (ANI)
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for Israel to annexe the Gaza Strip if Hamas refuses to disarm, Al Jazeera reported. Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Smotrich said that if Hamas does not agree to surrender, disarm and release Israeli captives, "Israel should annexe a section of Gaza each week for four weeks." He explained that Palestinians would first be told to move south in Gaza, after which Israel would impose a siege on the territory's north and centre before ending with annexation. "This can be achieved in three to four months," Smotrich said, adding that these measures were part of a plan to "win in Gaza by the end of the year," according to Al Jazeera. The remarks came as the Israeli army advanced deeper into Gaza City in an attempt to seize the area and displace nearly one million Palestinians living there. The military escalation has been widely condemned, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning last week that Israel's campaign would cause "massive death and destruction," Al Jazeera reported. Gaza continues to face extreme shortages of food, water and other humanitarian supplies as Israel maintains its blockade. "Famine is no longer a looming possibility; it's a present-day catastrophe," Guterres said on Thursday. "People are dying of hunger. Families are being torn apart by displacement and despair. Pregnant women are facing unimaginable risks, and the systems that sustain life - food, water, healthcare - have been systematically dismantled." Hamas strongly rejected Smotrich's remarks, saying they represent "an official call to exterminate our people" and "an official admission of the use of starvation and siege against innocent civilians as a weapon." "Smotrich's statement is not an isolated extremist opinion, but rather a declared government policy that has been implemented for nearly 23 months," Hamas said in a statement quoted by Al Jazeera. The group added that such comments "expose the reality of the occupation to the world and confirm that what is happening in Gaza is not a 'military battle' but rather a project of genocide and mass displacement." Smotrich urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt his annexation plan "in full immediately." Netanyahu has not commented publicly on the proposal but has previously suggested that Israel could "take control of all Gaza" and reoccupy the enclave, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday, beginning a two-day official visit to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This marks his first standalone visit to the country in nearly seven years, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. The visit comes at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. During the summit, PM Modi will hold in-depth talks with his Japanese counterpart, reviewing progress across multiple domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Following the Japan visit, he will travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the trip, stating that India and Japan will focus on the "next phase" of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has seen steady progress over the past 11 months. The summit will provide an opportunity to launch new initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Japan cooperation and addressing emerging global challenges. PM Modi will engage with Japanese political leaders, business leaders, and the Friends of India in Japan, fostering deeper trade, investment, and technology relations between the two countries. This visit is PM Modi's eighth to Japan since taking office in 2014 and his first annual summit with PM Ishiba, underscoring the high priority India places on its relationship with Japan. The two nations share a long history of diplomatic engagement, including multiple high-level visits and partnerships in trade, investment, clean energy, infrastructure, and technology. Bilateral trade between India and Japan reached USD 22.8 billion in 2023-24, with Japan being India's fifth-largest source of foreign direct investment, amounting to USD 43.2 billion up to December 2024. Both countries are also exploring cooperation in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, startups, clean energy, supply chain resilience, industrial competitiveness, and skill development. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi's visit will consolidate the longstanding friendship between India and Japan, open new avenues for cooperation, and reaffirm the shared commitment of both countries to peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. (ANI)
Members of the Indian diaspora in Tokyo are enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Japan. Speaking about the visit, a member of the Indian diaspora said, "We are feeling privileged and honoured to welcome PM Modi here. We feel proud that India is flourishing and shining." Another member, who has been living in Japan for 12 years, expressed excitement, saying, "I have been living in Japan for 12 years. We are all very excited to welcome PM Modi. This visit will unite Indians in Japan." Sharing his perspective, a resident from Mumbai, Maharashtra, said, "I am from Mumbai, Maharashtra and have been staying in Japan for the past 6 years. We are very excited to meet PM Modi." Meanwhile, a diaspora member from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, said, "I am from Varanasi, UP, and I am feeling very proud as PM Modi will be arriving in Japan. We are proud to say that the Prime Minister of our nation is Narendra Modi." People from the Japanese community will welcome PM Modi by reciting the Gayatri Mantra and other mantras. The enthusiastic reception underscores the deep connection and pride of the Indian community in Japan, who are eagerly preparing to welcome the Prime Minister. As they await his arrival, PM Modi is set to begin his two-day visit, which includes a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, for the annual summit. During the summit, the two leaders will focus on further bolstering ties between the two countries. At the invitation of Prime Minister Ishiba, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Japan from August 29 to 30, and will then depart for China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Both Prime Ministers will conduct an in-depth review of their ties, take stock of progress over the last few years across multiple domains, and exchange views on regional and global issues of importance. The summit will also provide an opportunity to launch several new initiatives to build greater resilience in the relationship and respond to emerging opportunities and challenges. The program includes a visit outside Tokyo, which is highlighted as a notable part of the itinerary for the two leaders. PM Modi's visit further includes interactions with several other political leaders from Japan, as well as with Friends of India in Japan. He will also participate in a business leaders' forum with captains of the Japanese and Indian industry, aimed at deepening trade, investment, and technology ties between the two countries. This visit marks PM Modi's first standalone trip to Japan in nearly seven years and his first annual summit with Prime Minister Ishiba. (ANI)
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday sent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan's nephew, Shershah Khan, to jail on judicial remand in connection with the Jinnah House attack in the May 2023 riots, Dawn reported. Shershah, son of Imran's sister Aleema Khan, was arrested by Lahore Police from outside his home on August 22. His brother Shahrez Khan was taken into custody a day earlier and handed over to the police for eight days on similar allegations. Upon completion of his five-day physical remand, Shershah was presented before ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill amid tight security, Dawn stated. Advocate Rana Mudassar Umer, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and Barrister Taimur Malik represented Shershah, while state prosecutor Imtiaz Ahmad Sipra appeared on behalf of the prosecution. Aleema Khan and her sisters, Uzma Khan and Noreen, were also present in court. The prosecution sought a 30-day physical remand, while the defence requested that Shershah be discharged from the case. Judge Gill, however, rejected the plea and sent him on judicial remand. According to Dawn, Aleema also filed a bail plea on Shershah's behalf through Advocate Umer. "The suspect has been arrested on political motives," the plea said, adding that there was no evidence against him and requesting his release on bail. The court order noted that Shershah's photogrammetry test had been conducted, and a "wooden danda (baton)" was recovered from his possession. Judge Gill observed, "So far as investigation into the extent of social media accounts is concerned, in the present era of technology as well as digital devices, social media accounts of each and every person could be easily traced and recovered without the support of the accused." He added, "This court is of the further view that there is no sufficient ground available for further physical remand." At the hearing's outset, prosecutor Sipra informed the court that a baton had been recovered from Shershah, but added his "mobile, tear gas mask and social media accounts were yet to be recovered." Advocate Umer countered that his client was "falsely accused" and that "his arrest in the case was illegal." Dawn reported that Umer also told the court Shershah had not been served any notice for 27 months. Barrister Malik later wrote on X that they had submitted a copy of a similar case where PTI leader Dr Yasmin Rashid was discharged, noting, "On similar facts, Dr Yasmin Rashid was discharged from this case." Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan have expressed concern over the arrests of Shahrez and Shershah. Amnesty termed them a "political witch-hunt." Shahrez's wife said her husband was in Chitral with family on May 9, 2023, and shared pictures from the trip, while the PTI maintained that a video being circulated of him was actually from a party rally in Kahna in September 2024. Last week, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry defended the arrests, saying they could not be dismissed as "fake, fabricated [or] politically motivated." The May 9 riots erupted after Imran Khan's arrest, with PTI supporters vandalising military and government buildings, including the Lahore corps commander's residence. The state subsequently launched a major crackdown on the party, detaining thousands of supporters and senior leaders. Several PTI leaders have since been convicted and disqualified from holding parliamentary roles. (ANI)
Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing of the White Hosue, Peter Navarro has again accused India of profiting out of Russian oil in scalding remarks. Navarro, considered the key driver behind the 50 per cent tariffs on India, said that India engaged in unfair trade, which the tariffs aim to curb. In a post on X, he said, "President Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect. This isn't just about India's unfair trade--it's about cutting off the financial lifeline India has extended to Putin's war machine." https://x.com/RealPNavarro/status/1961152705931735255 "Here's how the India-Russia oil mathematics works: American consumers buy Indian goods while India keeps out U.S. exports through high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. India uses our dollars to buy discounted Russian crude. Indian refiners, with their silent Russian partners, refine and flip the black-market oil for big profits on the international market - while Russia pockets hard currency to fund its war on Ukraine," he said. However, China, which is the biggest buyer of Russian oil, did not find a place in his arguments. "Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil made up less than 1% of India's imports. Today? Over 30%--more than 1.5 million barrels a day. This surge isn't driven by domestic demand--it's driven by Indian profiteers and carries an added price of blood and devastation in Ukraine. India's Big Oil lobby has turned the largest democracy in the world into a massive refining hub and oil money laundromat for the Kremlin. Indian refiners buy cheap Russian oil, process it, and export fuels to Europe, Africa, and Asia--shielded from sanctions under the pretense of neutrality," he claimed. Navarro also accused India of imposing high tariffs on the US, and filling Putin's war chest instead. "India now exports over 1 million barrels a day in refined petroleum--more than half the volume of Russian crude it imports. The proceeds flow to India's politically connected energy titans--and directly into Putin's war chest. While the United States pays to arm Ukraine, India bankrolls Russia even as it slaps some of the world's highest tariffs on U.S. goods, which in turn punishes American exporters. We run a $50-billion trade deficit with India--and they're using our dollars to buy Russian oil. They make a killing and Ukrainians die," Navarro said. The comments by Navarro appear lopsided, as Russian President Vladimir Putin noted during Alaska's press conference with Trump on August 16 that bilateral trade between the two nations has increased by 20 per cent since Trump's reinstatement as President. "Incidentally, when the new administration came to power, bilateral trade started to grow. It's still very symbolic. Still, we have a growth of 20%. As I've said, we have a lot of dimensions for joint work. It is clear that the US and Russian investment and business cooperation has tremendous potential," Putin had said. Navarro further said that US President Donald Trump looked to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and India bought Russian weapons. "It doesn't stop there. India continues to buy Russian weapons--while demanding that U.S. firms transfer sensitive military tech and build plants in India. That's strategic freeloading. The Biden admin largely looked the other way at this madness. President Trump is confronting it. A 50% tariff--25% for unfair trade and 25% for national security--is a direct response. If India, the world's largest democracy, wants to be treated like a strategic partner of the U.S., it needs to act like one. The road to peace in Ukraine runs through New Delhi," Navarro concluded. Navarro also failed to note that the Alaska Summit between Trump and Putin did not arrive at any conclusions, after which the White House made the media a scapegoat for 'rooting against' the peace efforts. Similarly, here too, the Trump administration failed to note that China imports more Russian oil than India, or has spared it. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude toward the Indian community for the warm welcome in Tokyo and said that he is "deeply touched by the warmth and affection" that he received upon his arrival. PM Modi praised the Indian community in Japan for their contribution to Japanese society and commended their commitment to preserving their cultural roots. "Deeply touched by the warmth and affection of the Indian community here in Tokyo. Their commitment to preserving our cultural roots while contributing meaningfully to Japanese society is truly commendable," PM Modi said in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961255440463147046 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday morning, where he was welcomed by the members of the Indian and Japanese communities with cultural performances. PM Modi also informed about his scheduled meeting with business leaders to add "vigour" to India-Japan trade and investment ties. "In a few hours from now, I will be interacting with a group of business leaders with a focus on adding vigour to India-Japan trade and investment ties," PM Modi said. Upon PM Modi's arrival in Tokyo, A group of Japanese people dressed up in Rajasthani attire welcomed PM Modi with a traditional folk song. Another group performed various classical dances, including Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi. "It was such a great chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very happy. I performed Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from South India. I have more than 25 years of experience. This dance is an individual dance form, but for Prime Minister Modi, we made it a group performance," one of the Japanese artists said. Another Japanese artist who performed Kathak said performing in front of PM Modi is like a gold medal for us. "We performed Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Odissi together, on live music... This is the third time I came in front of him, but this is the first time I got to be close to him. This is like a gold medal for us," she said. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who warmly welcomed him with chants of "Bharat Mata ki jai." This marks PM Modi's first standalone visit to the country in nearly seven years, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. The visit comes at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. During the summit, PM Modi will hold in-depth talks with his Japanese counterpart, reviewing progress across multiple domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Following the Japan visit, he will travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
A postcard that went missing for over seven decades has been delivered back to its sender.

USPS delivery truck

The card was originally mailed in 1953 by then-teenager Alan Ball to his parents, Frederic and Elizabeth, while he was away from home in Ottawa, Canada.

Somehow, it never reached its destination and was instead discovered earlier this year by postmaster Mark Thompson in a batch of old, undelivered mail at the Ottawa Post Office.

Mark enlisting the help of local genealogists to locate Alan.

Now, 72 years later, the postcard - which depicts the United Nations (U.N.) building in New York - has been returned to Alan, who is 89 and now lives in Sandpoint, Idaho.

He was shown a digital photo of the card, and Alan recognised his handwriting,

Even though Alan does not remember mailing the card, he can recall spending time in New York whilst enroute to Puerto Rico for a summer trip in 1953.
As per the MND, of the 19 sorties, 16 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "19 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1961232338999783928

Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan detected the presence of 41 Chinse military aircraft, seven naval vessels and an official ship. Of the 41 sorties, 21 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "41 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 24 out of 41 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1960870409857098113

Earlier, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung had 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)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday morning, where he was welcomed by the members of the Indian and Japanese communities with cultural performances. Members of the Japanese community embracing Indian culture presented several performances, ranging from various forms of classical dance to folk songs. A group of Japanese people dressed up in Rajasthani attire welcomed PM Modi with a traditional folk song. Another group performed various classical dances, including Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi. "It was such a great chance to perform for Prime Minister Modi. I am very happy. I performed Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from South India. I have more than 25 years of experience. This dance is an individual dance form, but for Prime Minister Modi, we made it a group performance," one of the Japanese artists said. Another Japanese artist who performed Kathak said performing in front of PM Modi is like a gold medal for us. "We performed Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mohiniattam and Odissi together, on live music... This is the third time I came in front of him, but this is the first time I got to be close to him. This is like a gold medal for us," she said. "I was surprised, and I didn't expect him to take a picture with us. I was happy to perform and also get a picture with him," another artist. Adding spiritual mysticism to the welcome, a group of Japanese nationals performed the Gayatri Mantra in front of PM Modi. PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, who warmly welcomed him with chants of "Bharat Mata ki jai." PM Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday morning, beginning a two-day official visit to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This marks his first standalone visit to the country in nearly seven years, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and advancing the Special Strategic and Global Partnership with Japan. The visit comes at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. During the summit, PM Modi will hold in-depth talks with his Japanese counterpart, reviewing progress across multiple domains and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Following the Japan visit, he will travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
Pakistan's Punjab province has witnessed the worst floods in decades, affecting more than 1.46 million people across the province. Dawn reported. The Punjab government has launched one of its largest evacuation drives in decades, with authorities expecting a rise in the water levels of the Chenab River at Head Trimmu. At least 17 people have died as extremely heavy floods in the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers inundated hundreds of villages, submerging farmlands and damaging vital grain crops. The crisis, triggered by heavy monsoon downpours, pushed the three rivers into spate. To contain the pressure, authorities breached embankments at several locations, resulting in flooding that affected over 1,400 villages. The Flood Forecasting Division has warned that 700,000-800,000 cusecs of water could pass through the Chenab system in the next 48 hours, raising fears of large-scale destruction, Dawn reported. The relocation drive spans multiple districts, including Jhang, Shorkot, Khanewal, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Shujaabad, Jalalpur Pirwala, and Alipur. As of midnight Friday, water at Trimmu near Jhang stood at 117,534 cusecs and was rising, though flows upstream were declining. At Marala Headworks near Sialkot, levels had dropped to 106,496 cusecs (low flood), while Khanki and Qadirabad both registered 305,436 cusecs. On the Ravi, Jassar near Narowal was steady at 95,580 cusecs, but Shahdara recorded an "exceptionally high flood" with 219,770 cusecs. Head Balloki near Pattoki was in "high flood" at 114,110 cusecs, also showing a rising trend. Further downstream, Head Sidhnai near Abdul Hakeem reported an inflow of 25,443 cusecs against an outflow of 10,093 cusecs. The Sutlej was at "exceptionally high flood" near Kasur at 261,053 cusecs, while Sulemanki near Bahawalnagar was at 113,124 cusecs (medium flood) and Head Islam at 52,706 cusecs (low flood). Meanwhile, the Indus at Tarbela Dam recorded a normal outflow of 155,400 cusecs. Dawn reported. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), 1,692 mouzas have been impacted, displacing over 1.46 million people. Authorities have evacuated more than 265,000 residents; 1,372 people are being housed in 355 relief camps, and nearly 6,700 have received medical aid. Floods in the Chenab alone submerged 991 villages, affecting more than one million people. District-level damage includes 395 villages in Sialkot, 127 in Jhang, 124 in Multan, 48 in Chiniot, 66 in Gujrat, 51 in Khanewal, 45 in Hafizabad, 41 in Sargodha, 35 in Mandi Bahauddin, and 19 in Wazirabad. More than 73,000 animals were shifted to safety, with 72 veterinary camps established, Dawn reported. In the Ravi basin, 80 villages were swamped--75 in Narowal, four in Sheikhupura, and one in Nankana Sahib--forcing the evacuation of 11,000 people and nearly 4,500 livestock. Fifty-two veterinary camps were set up. The Sutlej floods drowned 361 villages, including 72 in Kasur, 86 in Okara, 24 in Pakpattan, 27 in Multan, 23 in Vehari, 104 in Bahawalnagar, and 25 in Bahawalpur. Nearly 127,000 people were relocated and 70,000 animals rescued, with 90 veterinary camps operational. (ANI)
South Korean prosecutors have indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for supporting ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol's short-lived martial law declaration last year and former First Lady Kim Keon-hee on bribery and related counts, Al Jazeera reported. 76-year-old former PM Han was indicted on multiple charges, including perjury and falsifying state documents, in addition to his role in aiding Yoon's martial law plan, Al Jazeera reported, citing Yanhop news agency. According to media reports, Han had been under scrutiny by a team of special prosecutors for several weeks before the charges were announced. On the other side, the former first lady Kim Keon-hee was separately indicted on allegations tied to her role in a stock manipulation scheme and accusations that she accepted gifts, including from the controversial Unification Church, as well as other questionable dealings. Her lawyers rejected the allegations, saying that some of the reporting on gifts she supposedly received amounted to unfounded speculation, Al Jazeera reported. At a televised briefing, assistant special counsel Park Ji-young said Han, as the highest-ranking official in office at the time, had the authority to stop Yoon's declaration but instead took an "active" part in advancing it. Prosecutors alleged that he tried to push Yoon's decree through a Cabinet Council meeting in order to provide it with "procedural legitimacy." Han has insisted that he informed Yoon of his opposition to the martial law plan. Both Kim and Yoon have been arrested and remain in custody. The former president is already standing trial on charges that include insurrection over his attempt to impose military rule, Al Jazeera reported. Kim, meanwhile, has been embroiled in several controversies spanning more than 15 years, scandals that clouded Yoon's presidency and hurt the image of his conservative People Power Party (PPP). Yoon was impeached in April. During the post-martial law turmoil, Han twice assumed the role of acting president between December and May, before stepping down to seek the PPP's presidential nomination. He ultimately failed to secure the party's ticket. The June 3 presidential election was won by the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, who drew attention after livestreaming himself climbing over the walls of the National Assembly to cast his vote against Yoon's martial law declaration. (ANI)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Afghanistan faces a severe health crisis as 22 million people need aid, funding gaps have shut clinics, and mass refugee returns threaten to overwhelm fragile systems, Khaama Press reported. The WHO has warned that Afghanistan faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with more than 22 million of the country's 46 million people in urgent need of assistance. The country's health system, already fragile, is now on the verge of collapse. In its latest report released Thursday, WHO said over 16 million Afghans have been targeted for life-saving aid this year, yet only 24 per cent of the required funding has been secured. The shortfall has left millions without access to critical support. The funding crisis has forced the closure of more than 420 health facilities, cutting off nearly three million people from essential medical services. Vulnerable groups, including women and children, have been hit hardest by these restrictions. The WHO highlighted that maternal and child health problems, widespread malnutrition, and outbreaks of diseases such as measles and polio pose serious threats. In addition, rising mental health challenges are affecting large segments of the Afghan population, compounding the humanitarian emergency. Adding further pressure, Afghanistan is also bracing for large-scale returns of migrants. According to the report, over one million people are expected to return from Pakistan and up to two million from Iran in 2025. So far, more than 8,36,000 Afghans have already returned, 92 per cent of them from Iran, as per the Khaama Press report. The looming crisis underscores how inadequate international funding is worsening Afghanistan's humanitarian emergency. Without urgent support, millions could face preventable deaths from disease, hunger, and lack of medical care. The WHO has urged the global community to step up aid contributions, warning that failure to act will deepen suffering and destabilize an already vulnerable country, as per Khaama Press. (ANI)
A session of the Mexican Senate turned chaotic when a dispute over speaking time escalated into a physical altercation between senior lawmakers, CNN reported. The fight broke out near the end of the meeting, which had included an intense debate on potential US military intervention in Mexico. As the national anthem played, Alejandro Moreno, president of the opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), stormed toward the podium and grabbed the arm of Senate President Gerardo Fernandez Norona of the ruling Morena party. The two quickly got involved in a shoving match, CNN reported. Footage of the scuffle, as reported by CNN, showed another suited man throwing a punch at Norona, while Moreno pushed a man in a green shirt to the ground. Norona later identified the man in green as a member of his staff, who later appeared at a press conference wearing a neck brace and arm bandages. Moreno defended his actions in a post on social media, alleging that the ruling party had altered the session's agenda to silence the opposition. "That cowardice provoked what followed. Let it be clear: the first physical aggression came from Norona," he wrote, accusing the Senate president of initiating the confrontation. Norona rejected Moreno's version of events, insisting that opposition senators had attacked him. "They ganged up on me. They will say this is freedom of expression," he remarked. He added that he planned to file a formal complaint against Moreno, whom he accused of threatening to kill him, and said he would seek the expulsion of Moreno and other opposition figures involved. The session included debate over whether US military forces could intervene in Mexico, a proposal that Norona claimed the opposition had endorsed. While violence in Mexico's legislature is uncommon, it has happened before. In 2006, lawmakers clashed in a full-scale brawl just before the inauguration of then-President Felipe Calderon following a contested election, according to CNN (ANI)
Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday, noted that Japan's technology and India's raw talent can make an outstanding blend of economic cooperation. Ishiba, while addressing the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that Japan has played a key role in the 'Make in India' initiative. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961300287676887085 "Japan's advanced technology and India's outstanding talent complement each other, leading to a dramatic expansion of our economic ties. Many Japanese companies are playing a key role in Make in India initiative, with cooperation extending globally. Today, the signing of new cooperation documents between our companies demonstrates Japan's firm commitment to further its investment in India and to strengthening cooperation. It is clear evidence that we are steadily building our supply chain centred around our two nations," the Japanese PM said. Ishiba said that cooperation is also underway between both counties in Artificial Intelligence, space and clean energy sectors. "Key initiatives include promoting people-to-people exchanges, leveraging technology and markets under Prime Minister Modi's self-reliant India policy, and collaborating in critical sectors like semiconductors and biofuels. Efforts are also underway in AI, space, and clean energy. Both governments support these initiatives, aiming for resilient supply chains and economic security in an uncertain global economy," he said. Ishiba further said that he wished to see growth in the cooperation and people-to-people ties. Ishiba also recounted his visit to Varanasi and praised the intermingling of technology and culture. "I wish to see our bilateral cooperation continue to develop in the future. To achieve this, I will outline three key initiatives- promotion of people-to-people exchanges. Six years ago, I visited Varanasi and met some really hardworking people there... I was overwhelmed by India's energy for growth. The fusion of technology and the market is the second initiative. Many Japanese companies are working together on the construction of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail... Maruti Suzuki which entered India 40 years ago, now commands a significant market share," he said. PM Modi is on an official visit to Japan from August 29-30 to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. (ANI)
In Waziristan, a group of schoolgirls staged a protest demanding the immediate recruitment of teachers in their institutions. Carrying placards that read "Education is our right" and "Don't ruin our future," the students highlighted how a severe shortage of female staff has left their school on the brink of collapse. According to The Express Tribune, the middle section of the school is functioning without a single teacher, while just two female instructors are responsible for handling all primary-level classes. Parents and elders of the community say the crisis has made regular learning impossible. Locals accused the Education Office (Female), Upper Waziristan, of poor planning and negligence. They strongly objected to the policy of shifting teachers from running schools to those that remain non-functional, describing it as a move that has worsened the educational breakdown rather than fixing it, as cited by The Express Tribune. "Our daughters put on their uniforms and go to school each morning, but they return without attending a single proper class," a parent stated. "We are too poor to send them to private schools. If officials remain silent, our children's future will be destroyed." Education officers often pressure parents to stop raising their voices. Tribal elder also emphasised that female education is vital for development, urging the government to act swiftly: "If our girls learn, the whole community benefits. This issue must not be ignored any longer." The protesting girls issued a warning that unless teachers are appointed quickly, they will spread demonstrations across both Upper and South Waziristan and may even suspend classes in all girls' schools. Over 250 schools in North and South Waziristan are completely non-functional, with girls' institutions suffering the most. Enrolment rates remain shockingly low, with just 22 per cent of girls in primary school and fewer than seven per cent continuing to middle or high levels, as reported by The Express Tribune. Education activists fear that unless the government intervenes immediately, the fragile system in Waziristan could collapse altogether, silencing the hope of learning for thousands of young girls. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the India-Japan Economic Forum where he spoke about India's deep economic ties with Japan. PM Modi also listed areas where both the countries can deepen ties in the times to come. In a post on X, he said, "Addressed a business event in Tokyo. The presence of Prime Minister Ishiba made this even more special, also indicating the priority we accord to bilateral economic linkages. Spoke about India's deep economic ties with Japan and also listed areas where cooperation can deepen in the years to come: Like we did in automobiles, recreate the same magic in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, nuclear energy." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961319744625385694 "Tech-Talent synergy to power this century's technology revolution. Green energy focus for a better future. Next-gen infrastructure, where Japan's excellence and India's scale can do wonders. Skill development and people-to-people ties," he added. PM Modi while addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo today, PM Modi said that Japan has always been an important partner in India's 'Vikas Yatra' and pitched for a partnership in the areas of manufacturing, technology, innovation, green energy, and skill development. He also said that the world is not just watching India but also counting on it. He echoed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's remarks at the forum and said, "Japan's excellence and India's scale can create a perfect partnership." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961300287676887085 In his address to the economic forum, PM Modi highlighted that the technology of Japan and talent of India can together lead the tech revolution of this century. "Japan is a tech powerhouse and India is a talent powerhouse. India has taken AI, semiconductor, quantum computing biotech and space has taken bold and ambitious intiatives," PM Modi said. He noted that India-Japan have signed an agreement on Joint Credit Mechanism for cooperation on clean fuel and green future. Today, India has political stability, economic stability, transparency in policy, and predictability, the Prime Minister said. "Today, India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. And, very soon, it is going to become the third largest economy in the world," he said. PM Modi is visiting Japan from August 29-30 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. (ANI)
"I warmly welcome Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan. I look forward to discussing the strengthening of Japan-India relations in various fields with the Prime Minister," he said in a post on X.

https://x.com/shigeruishiba/status/1961316341299781746

"It is my great honor to welcome Prime Minister H.E. Shri Narendra Modi ji to Japan. I am looking forward to having discussions to strengthen Japan-India relations in various fields with His Excellency," Ishiba added.

https://x.com/shigeruishiba/status/1961317276810187129

Ishiba, while addressing the India-Japan Economic Forum along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that Japan has played a key role in the 'Make in India' initiative. He highlighted that Japan's technology and India's raw talent can make an outstanding blend of economic cooperation.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961300287676887085

"Japan's advanced technology and India's outstanding talent complement each other, leading to a dramatic expansion of our economic ties. Many Japanese companies are playing a key role in the Make in India initiative, with cooperation extending globally. Today, the signing of new cooperation documents between our companies demonstrates Japan's firm commitment to further its investment in India and to strengthening cooperation. It is clear evidence that we are steadily building our supply chain centred around our two nations," the Japanese PM said.

Ishiba said that cooperation is also underway between both countries in the Artificial Intelligence, space and clean energy sectors.

"Key initiatives include promoting people-to-people exchanges, leveraging technology and markets under Prime Minister Modi's self-reliant India policy, and collaborating in critical sectors like semiconductors and biofuels. Efforts are also underway in AI, space, and clean energy. Both governments support these initiatives, aiming for resilient supply chains and economic security in an uncertain global economy," he said.

PM Modi is visiting Japan from August 29-30 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. (ANI)
The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemns the arrests and torture of students and youth in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to the post shared by UKPNP on Facebook, it stressed the unconditional and immediate release of all detained students. "Those responsible for torturing students must be arrested and held accountable. Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are fundamental rights that must be protected", stated the post. UKPNP raised this issue at international forums and informed the United Nations. Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), has strongly condemned the wave of arrests, student repression, and police crackdowns in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He warned that the administration's heavy-handed tactics are fueling unrest across Rawalakot, PoJK. According to Maqsood, the chain of events began on the night of 13-14 August, when following slogan-chanting in Rawalakot, security forces carried out widespread arrests. Over the next two days, 41 people were detained, out of whom 10, including four students, were booked under terrorism-related charges, while 31 were released unconditionally. He said these arrests triggered immediate protests. On August 16, pro-independence parties staged demonstrations demanding the release of detainees and set a deadline of August 19. When the deadline passed, another rally was staged on 19 August, though it was scaled down after a female lecturer of Poonch University tragically died in flash floods. Protesters, however, warned that if detainees were not freed by 29 August, a complete lockdown would be imposed from 30 August. Maqsood highlighted that students then took the lead.The Students' Alliance announced its protest on 22 August and staged a sit-in outside the court on 26 August, launching a hunger strike when their demands were ignored. On the same evening, the Awami Action Committee (AAC) also met in Rawalakot and later expressed solidarity with the students. AAC leader Umar Nazir warned that the administration would be held responsible for any harm to the youth. Maqsood noted that the health of two students deteriorated, and they were hospitalised. Reports also emerged that detainees' families were being forced to sign legal documents against their will. On 28 August, the Students' Alliance escalated their protest into a sit-in at the hunger strike camp, joined by Umar Nazir. The mediation effort, however, failed to convince students, who rejected the proposal of delaying releases until 30 August. Accusations were also made that negotiators were deliberately stalling due to political affiliations. The protest later turned into a rally and sit-in near the District Jail. But instead of resolving the matter, police launched a baton charge, arresting 17 protesters and dispersing the crowd. In response, Umar Nazir called for a complete lockdown across the Poonch Division from midnight on August 29, a day earlier than the pro-independence groups' original protest plan. Maqsood said these developments reveal the administration's intolerance of democratic rights. He emphasised that students and peaceful activists are being treated as criminals simply for demanding justice and unconditional release of detainees. "The misuse of terrorism laws against innocent students and citizens is unacceptable," Maqsood stated, urging the international community to take notice of what he described as a systematic suppression of political dissent in PoJK. He reiterated UKPNP's demand for: Immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, withdrawal of false terrorism charges, and protection of democratic freedoms in the region. "The people of PoJK cannot be silenced by arrests and baton charges," Maqsood stated. "Their voice for justice, dignity, and freedom will only grow stronger." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that strong business ties between India and Japan are a vital element in the friendship between the two countries. He took to his social media platform X to detail his address to the India-Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo, which he said was made special by the presence of his Japanese counterpart. "Addressed a business event in Tokyo. The presence of Prime Minister Ishiba made this even more special, also indicating the priority we accord to bilateral economic linkages," PM Modi said on X. He said that he spoke about India's deep economic ties with Japan and also listed areas where cooperation can deepen in the years to come "Like we did in automobiles, recreate the same magic in batteries, robotics, semiconductors, shipbuilding, nuclear energy." Prime Minister's X post read. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961319976092266555 Tech-Talent synergy to power this century's technology revolution. Green energy focus for a better future. Next-gen infrastructure, where Japan's excellence and India's scale can do wonders. Skill development and people-to-people ties." The Japanese Prime Minister also shared a post on X. "At the Japan-India Economic Forum, I gave a greeting and welcomed the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr. Modi." Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that both PM Modi and Shigeru Ishiba addressed the key business forum which also saw participation from CEOs and business leaders from various fields. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961319744625385694 PM Modi highlighted the significant potential of India-Japan collaboration in cutting edge technologies, manufacturing and investments and human resource exchanges, Jaiswal said. He also highlighted that Japan's excellence & India's scale together can create a perfect partnership for Make in India & Viksit Bharat. The MEA spokesperson also outlined the main points of the speech delivered by Prime Minister Modi at the forum. "Japan's excellence and India's scale are a perfect combination for Make in India and Viksit Bharat," PM Modi said. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961300287676887085 In his address, PM Modi also listed areas where both the countries can deepen ties in the times to come. PM Modi pitched for a partnership in the areas of manufacturing, technology, innovation, green energy, and skill development. He also said that the world is not just watching India but also counting on it. He echoed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's remarks at the forum and said, "Japan's excellence and India's scale can create a perfect partnership." "Be it solar cells or green hydrogen, there are immense possibilities of partnership.An agreement has been signd between India and Japan on Joint Credit Mechanism. Taking advantage of this, cooperation can be done in building a clean and green future," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister further said that over the last decade, India has made unprecedented progress in next generation mobility and logistics infrastructure. Japan's excellence and India's scale can create a perfect partnership. Further, PM Modi stated that Japan is a tech powerhouse while India is a talent powerhouse. "Japan's technology and India's talent together can lead the tech revolution of this century," the Prime Minister said. PM Modi is visiting Japan from August 29-30 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. (ANI)
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for a series of coordinated attacks on Pakistani security forces across several districts of Balochistan, including Panjgur, Kachi, Quetta, Jeewani, Kharan, Buleda, and Dalbandin. According to a statement issued by BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the group carried out eight separate operations in recent days, targeting Pakistani army personnel, supply convoys, and intelligence agents. The BLA stated that its fighters targeted a Pakistani army vehicle with a remote-controlled IED in the Paroom area of Panjgur. The blast killed six soldiers on the spot and destroyed the vehicle. The group also warned residents allegedly aiding the Pakistani military with supplies and rations to cease their activities, saying they risk being treated as collaborators. In a separate attack in the Kolpur area of Kachi, BLA fighters struck army bomb disposal personnel with another remote-controlled IED while they were clearing a rail track. The group claimed one soldier was killed instantly. On 28 August, another vehicle of the Pakistani army was targeted in Kolpur, reportedly causing additional casualties and material losses. The BLA further claimed that its fighters intercepted police personnel in the Mian Ghundi area of Quetta. Their weapons, including three Kalashnikov rifles, were seized. The personnel were released after being warned not to participate in operations against the Baloch people. On Thursday night, a grenade attack was launched on the Bandri army camp in Jeewani city, Gwadar, with the group claiming it inflicted losses on the Pakistani forces stationed there. Separately, on 21 August, the BLA said it had "neutralised" a man identified as Munir, alleged to be an informant for Pakistani military intelligence, in the Guwash area of Kharan. The group also reported targeting military supply routes. On 23 August, BLA fighters set fire to and destroyed three trucks and a crane transporting supplies for the Pakistani army in Buleda, Kochig. On the same day, in Dalbandin (Chagai District), two more supply vehicles were set ablaze and destroyed. The BLA spokesperson, Jeeyand Baloch, said the organisation accepts full responsibility for all the operations. The statement reiterated that those who assist Pakistani forces, either by supplying rations or by working as informants, will be considered legitimate targets. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga and group of Members of Parliament from Japan on friendly relations between India and Japan. PM Modi said that their talks also focused on AI, technology, economy among other aspects of bilateral cooperation. In a post on X, he said, "I had a wonderful meeting with Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga and group of Members of Parliament from Japan. We discussed the strong and friendly relations between India and Japan, with a special focus on parliamentary exchanges, human resource development, cultural exchanges and cooperation across key sectors including the economy, health, mobility partnership, AI, science, technology and more." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961348439079632906 https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961350824589947218 PM Modi also held talks with former Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida and discussed the progress in India-Japan bilateral relationship. In a post on X, he said, "Had a wonderful meeting with the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida. He has always been a great advocate of closer India-Japan relations. We discussed the progress in our bilateral partnership across trade, critical technologies and human resource mobility. We also discussed the vast potential in emerging areas such as technology and semiconductors." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961343906316272027 https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961350392488313152 PM Modi also spoke to Yoshihide Suga, former Prime Minister of Japan and Chairperson of the Japan-India Association on how to build closer collaboration. In a post on X, he said, "I had a very good meeting with Mr. Yoshihide Suga, former Prime Minister of Japan and Chairperson of the Japan-India Association. We spoke about the many dimensions of India-Japan cooperation and how we can further deepen it. Our discussions covered how to build closer collaboration, including in technology, AI, trade, investment and beyond." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1961343474420318265 https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961349891893936268 Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed the Japan-India Economic Forum. In a post on X, Ishiba said, "At the Japan-India Economic Forum, I gave a greeting and welcomed the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr. Modi." https://x.com/shigeruishiba/status/1961334944334254086 https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961339713714806849 PM Modi arrived in Tokyo on Friday morning for a two-day official visit during which he will also attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday in his interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, said that his visit to China is an ode to the steady bilateral ties with the nation. PM Modi said that the steady ties with China is essential for peace in the Indo-Pacific region. "At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, I would be traveling to Tianjin from here to take part in the SCO Summit. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, steady and positive progress has been made in our bilateral ties," he said in written response to an interview for The Yomiuri Shimbun. https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/1961355841438978350 PM Modi said that good relations between the neighbours will have a positive impact on prosperity of the region. "Stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity," he said. PM Modi said that stable India-China relations was also essential for the multipolar world, given the volatility. "This is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world. Given the current volatility in world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order. India is ready to advance bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, and to enhance strategic communication to address our developmental challenges," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his Japan leg, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. "From Japan, I will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. India is an active and constructive member of the SCO. During our Presidency, we have introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges," PM Modi said in his departing statement. During his China visit PM Modi will hold two crucial bilateral meetings, one with the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and one with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANI)
Bangkok Post news outlet said that Paetongtarn, who was Thailand's youngest prime minister, becomes the sixth premier from or backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family to be removed by the military or judiciary in a tumultuous two-decade battle for power between the country's warring elites.

According to the Thai court, Paetongtarn violated ethics in a leaked June telephone call, during which she appeared to kowtow to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen when both countries were at the brink of an armed border conflict.

Fighting erupted weeks later and lasted five days.

Paetongtarn, 39, had issued a public apology on June 19 over the leaked call and said she was trying to avert a war. She had assumed office a year ago in August 2024.

Cambodian leader Hun Sen released online a recording of his telephone conversation with her. In the June 15 telephone conversation to discuss the recent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia in which one Cambodian soldier was killed, Paetongtarn had addressed Hun Sen as "uncle" and referred to Lt Gen Padklang as an adversary.

It also led to the exit of the main partner from her government's ruling coalition, the conservative Bhumjaithai Party.

Paetongtarn had been provisionally suspended since July 1 as the nine-judge court considered its decision in the case. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was ousted in a 2006 military coup

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Phumtham Wechayachai and the current cabinet will oversee the government in a caretaker capacity until a new prime minister is elected by the house, with no time limit on when that must take place, Bangkok Post reported. (ANI)
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks in Tokyo and issued a joint statement focusing on strengthening security cooperation and economic ties between the two countries. "We have set a goal of investment of 10 Trillion Yen from Japan in India in the next 10 years. Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India's and Japan's small and medium enterprises and startups," PM Modi said in the joint press conference after bilateral talks. The sectors of AI, semiconductors, environment and medicine, said the Prime Minister. The two leaders later held talks as part of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, following which both sides exchanged agreements to further strengthen their cooperation. Apart from the joint statement, which outlined the roadmap for the next 10 years, Prime Minister Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba exchanged two more documents on Long-Term Vision Document on Bilateral Relations. The Prime Minister said that this heralds a new chapter in the India-Japan partnership. "Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India's and Japan's small and medium enterprises and startups. Even in the India-Japan Business Forum, I told the Japanese companies, 'Make in India, Make for the World'." PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi said that India and Japan, as the two largest economies and vibrant democracies, share a partnership that is essential not only for their nations but also for global peace and security. "Our discussions today were productive as well as purposeful. We agree that as the two largest economies of the world and living democracies, our partnership is essential not just for the two countries but also for global peace and security. Strong democracies are natural partners in shaping a better world. Today, we have laid the foundation of a new and golden chapter in our special strategic and global partnership. We have charted a roadmap for the next decade, with investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges at the centre of our vision," PM Modi said in a joint statement. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in his address welcomed PM Modi and his delegation, recalling the cultural and spiritual bonds between the two countries. "I would like to welcome Prime Minister Modi and his delegation. Our relationship dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. We have a long shared relationship culturally and spiritually, we are able to influence each other," he said. PM Modi, who is on his first visit to Japan since May 2023, arrived in Japan this morning and received a Guard of Honour earlier today. The two countries had upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Global Partnership 10 years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.Following his Japan leg, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
The Nobel Peace Centre, located in Oslo, Norway, has discreetly taken down Christmas tree ornaments featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama from its gift shop after facing backlash over the revelation that these items were produced in China, where possessing a photograph of the Tibetan spiritual leader can lead to imprisonment, as reported by Phayul. The issue came to light when Theresa Fallon, an analyst based in Brussels, spotted the Dalai Lama-themed ornaments while visiting Oslo as a tourist. The label on the box indicated that it was manufactured in China. "It's surreal. In China, it's illegal to have photos of the Dalai Lama, yet a Chinese company is selling Christmas tree decorations with his image on them," Fallon stated, as quoted by the Phayul report. "This represents globalisation at its most appalling: a spiritual leader oppressed in China is being commercialised by China itself," wrote the advocacy group Chinese Youth Stand 4 Tibet, which connects Chinese-Tibetan youth and is led by activist Ginger Duan, according to the Phayul report. The Nobel Peace Centre, which honoured the Dalai Lama with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, admitted that the Tibetan leader had not authorised the product and did not receive any financial gains from it. Ingvill Bryn Rambol, the Centre's Director of Information, clarified, "The ornaments were custom-made by a reputable Norwegian supplier who utilised Chinese factories as subcontractors." In response to the criticism, the Nobel Peace Centre confirmed that the ornaments had been removed from sale, and the product is no longer listed on its online store. This situation underscores a significant hypocrisy. Within Tibet, possessing a picture of the Dalai Lama is treated as a political offence. For many years, Chinese authorities have prohibited the display of his portrait in monasteries, educational institutions, and even private residences. Individuals caught with such images can face severe repercussions, including imprisonment on charges of "separatism" or "endangering state security," as stated in the Phayul report. Human rights organisations have reported numerous instances where Tibetans were arrested or sentenced merely for possessing the Dalai Lama's portrait, organising prayer gatherings for his longevity, or sharing his teachings on the internet. Both monks and laypeople have been compelled to participate in "patriotic re-education" efforts where they must renounce the Dalai Lama and affirm their allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party, according to the Phayul report. Tibetans risk their freedom for the slightest demonstration of loyalty to their spiritual leader, as the image of this venerated figure is criminalised at home while being exploited for profit abroad. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a position that is "equally appreciated" by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He made the remarks during an interview with Japanese news outlet 'The Yomiuri Shimbun' during his visit to the country. "India has maintained a principled and humanitarian stance on the conflict which is equally appreciated by both President Putin and President Zelenskyy. In line with this, both the leaders spoke to me to share their perspectives on the developments related to the conflict. I reiterated India's principled and consistent stand and encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict," the Prime Minister said. Responding to a question on what role India envisions in peace efforts between the two nations, PM Modi said, "I have already indicated India's willingness to support meaningful efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I believe, by virtue of our good relations with both sides, including key stakeholders, we can strengthen efforts dedicated to the restoration of an early and lasting peace in Ukraine." This comes at a time when India is facing 50 per cent tariffs from the United States for purchasing Russian oil, with the US administration accusing New Delhi of "funding the war" by trading with Moscow. India has strongly criticised Washington for what it called "unjustified and unreasonable" tariffs on Indian goods, after the Trump administration raised duties to over 50 per cent as a penalty for India's continued oil trade with Russia. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing the issue last week, said the government remains firm in protecting domestic interests. "What we are concerned about is that red lines are primarily in the interest of our farmers and, to some extent, our small producers. So when people pronounce that we have succeeded or failed, we, as a government, are committed to defending the interests of our farmers and small producers. We are determined on that. That's not something we can compromise," Jaishankar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30 where he attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his visit to Japan, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. "From Japan, I will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. India is an active and constructive member of the SCO. During our Presidency, we have introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges," PM Modi said in his departing statement.During his China visit PM Modi will hold two crucial bilateral meetings, one with the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and one with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANI)
The iconic Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, was illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the visuals on X, posting, "Tokyo Sky Tree lit up in Indian flag colours in honour of PM @narendramodi's visit to Japan for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. It is the tallest tower in Japan." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1961391722967306255 PM Modi, who is on his first visit to Japan since May 2023, arrived in Japan this morning and received a Guard of Honour earlier today. The two leaders later held talks as part of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, following which both sides exchanged agreements to further strengthen their cooperation. Apart from the joint statement, which outlined the roadmap for the next 10 years, Prime Minister Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba exchanged two more documents on Long-Term Vision Document on Bilateral Relations. The Prime Minister said that this heralds a new chapter in the India-Japan partnership. "Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India's and Japan's small and medium enterprises and startups. Even in the India-Japan Business Forum, I told the Japanese companies, 'Make in India, Make for the World'." PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi said that India and Japan, as the two largest economies and vibrant democracies, share a partnership that is essential not only for their nations but also for global peace and security. "Our discussions today were productive as well as purposeful. We agree that as the two largest economies of the world and living democracies, our partnership is essential not just for the two countries but also for global peace and security. Strong democracies are natural partners in shaping a better world. Today, we have laid the foundation of a new and golden chapter in our special strategic and global partnership. We have charted a roadmap for the next decade, with investment, innovation, economic security, environment, technology, health, mobility, and people-to-people exchanges at the centre of our vision," PM Modi said in a joint statement. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in his address welcomed PM Modi and his delegation, recalling the cultural and spiritual bonds between the two countries. "I would like to welcome Prime Minister Modi and his delegation. Our relationship dates back to the 6th century, when Buddhism was introduced into Japan. We have a long shared relationship culturally and spiritually, we are able to influence each other," he said. The two countries had upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Global Partnership 10 years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.Following his Japan leg, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday welcomed the agreement between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency for Chandrayaan-5 mission. The Chandrayaan-5 under the LUPEX (Lunar Polar Exploration) mission is a joint ISRO-JAXA initiative aimed at exploring the moon's south pole and its hidden resources, including lunar water. It will be the fifth mission in the Chandrayaan series of lunar missions. Addressing a joint press briefing after bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi said, "We welcome the collaboration between ISRO and JAXA for the Chandrayaan-5 mission. Our active participation has gone beyond the limits of the earth and will become a symbol of mankind's progress in space." The Implementing Arrangement for the joint lunar polar exploration mission (LUPEX) between ISRO and JAXA defines terms and conditions for cooperation between India and Japan, giving practical shape to a landmark collaboration. The Implementation Agreement on LUPEX was exchanged by JAXA Vice President Matsuura Mayumi Ambassador Sibi George. Referring to the global praise received by Chandrayaan-3's successful landing near the moon's south pole in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the next challenge lies in deeper exploration of the lunar surface, particularly areas that may hold critical resources such as water ice. "We believe that Japanese technology and Indian ingenuity are a winning combination. We are working on high-speed rail, and will also make rapid progress in sectors such as ports, aviation and shipbuilding under the Next Generation Mobility Partnership. We welcome the agreement reached between ISRO and JAXA for cooperation in Chandrayaan 5 mission..."the Prime Minister said. The two leaders earlier today held discussions as part of the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit, following which both sides exchanged agreements to deepen cooperation in multiple sectors, including advanced technology and space. Ahead of his visit, in an interview with Japanese publication, 'The Yomiuri Shimbun,' PM Modi had underlined India's expanding vision for space exploration and highlighted the collaboration with Japan on the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission. "India's space journey is a story of determination, hard work and innovation of our scientists. From Chandrayaan-3's historic landing on the moon's south pole to our advances in interplanetary missions, India has consistently demonstrated that space is not the final frontier, it is the next frontier. I am glad that India and Japan are joining hands for the next edition of the Chandrayaan series or the LUPEX mission. This will contribute to deepening our understanding of the permanently shadowed regions at the lunar south pole," PM Modi said. He further added that the government-to-government collaboration between ISRO and JAXA is also fostering cooperation between industries and startups in both countries. "I am confident that our scientific teams will be working together to push the boundaries of space science. And, our partnership in space will not only expand horizons above us, but also improve lives around us," he said. The Chandrayaan 5 mission will be launched by JAXA onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, carrying the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will carry a Japan-made lunar rover. ISRO, apart from developing the lunar lander, is also responsible for developing a few scientific instruments for the mission. The Chandrayaan-5/; LUPEX missions will be one of the major short-term milestones in India's lunar exploration odyssey, which envisions Indian Gaganyatris (astronauts) landing on the Moon by year 2040. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a written interview to the Japanese publication The Yomiuri Shimbun, has said that he looks forward to charting the next phase of strategic ties between India and Japan. "During my meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, I look forward to charting the next phase of our partnership. Our focus will be to strengthen security, enhance resilience, drive innovation and deliver prosperity for our people," PM Modi said. He expressed confidence that his visit, though short, will be long in impact. "India and Japan will continue to be a force for peace, progress and stability in Asia and the world," he said. Prime Minister Modi further said that he would improve defence cooperation with Japan. "Collaboration in the defence sector has been a strong success story for India and Japan. Both countries have a shared interest in peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, he told the Japanese publication. He noted that the partnership between the two countries spans across all three services with regular bilateral and multilateral exercises. The two countries, he said are building a robust Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation, and "working on codevelopment and coproduction of UNICORN masts for our Navy." "In recent years, Indian defence products are rapidly expanding their global footprint. Japan also has a proven record in the field of defence technology. Together, with political trust and natural complementarities, we can design and produce next generation defense platforms not just for ourselves, but also for the world," he told the Yomiuri Shimbun. He further said, "the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to be adopted during my visit will further military modernization and defence industry collaboration, and advance our ambition for shaping a secure and stable Indo-Pacific for generations to come." Among the outcomes of the Prime Minister's visit to Japan include a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. The declaration is a comprehensive framework to evolve defence and security cooperation to respond to contemporary security challenges in line with the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan. At the India-Japan Summit that PM Modi held with Ishiba, the two sides released a joint statement as well as the "2035 Vision Statement" for the future of the relationship to upgrade the 2025 Vision Statement announced by PM Modi and then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a decade ago. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, to attend the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in February 2026. Addressing a special briefing in Tokyo on PM Narendra Modi's two-day official visit to Japan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that AI Impact Summit is scheduled to be hled on February 19-20 next year. The two Prime Ministers also announced the launch of a Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative, which is aimed at deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence including Large Language Models (LLMs) and to foster an innovative and trusted AI ecosystem. Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with his Japanese counterpart Ishiba ShigeruAs part of the bilateral talks, India and Japan launched the Japan-India Artificial Intelligence Initiative, aimed at deepening collaboration in areas such as large language models (LLMs), data centres, and AI governance. According to MEA, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress made under the India-Japan Digital Partnership, which promotes joint collaboration in emerging technologies through digital talent exchange, research and development, startups, and corporate partnerships. They welcomed the India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0, which will elevate cooperation to the next stage of the digital revolution. "The two Prime Ministers also announced the launch of a Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative, which is aimed at deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence, including Large Language Models (LLMs), establishing platforms for exchange between industry and academia, supporting joint research projects, and facilitating the development and operations of data centres in India. Furthermore, the two Prime Ministers emphasised the importance of support for startups and concurred in promoting activities of startups of both countries in India, including through the Japan-India Startup Support Initiative (JISSI)," the MEA said in a statement. As the outcome of PM Modi's visit to Japan, a joint document was also signed to strengthen cooperation in digital public infrastructure, development of digital talent, and research in futuristic technological fields, including AI, IoT, and semiconductors. Addressing a joint press briefing after talks with his Japanese counterpart, PM Modi said, "Cooperation in the area of High Technology is a priority for both of us. In this context, Digital Partnership 2.0 and AI cooperation initiatives are being undertaken. Semiconductors and rare earth minerals shall remain at the top of our agendas." In the joint statement, Prime Minister Modi further outlined a roadmap for India-Japan relations focusing on strengthening security cooperation and economic ties between the two countries. "We have set a goal of investment of 10 Trillion Yen from Japan in India in the next 10 years. Special emphasis will be laid on connecting India's and Japan's small and medium enterprises and startups," PM Modi said. "I express my heartfelt gratitude for your friendship. And I cordially invite you to visit India for the next Annual Summit," PM Modi said in his concluding remarks at the joint press statement. Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30 where he attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his visit to Japan, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
India and Japan have taken their partnership to a new level by signing a landmark Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo for the 15th Annual India-Japan Summit on Friday. The declaration aims to strengthen defence ties and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, which both countries see as vital for their security and economic growth. It provides a new framework for the two nations to work together on modern-day challenges ranging from maritime safety to cyber threats. Under this agreement, India and Japan will expand military cooperation through more frequent joint exercises involving all three of their forces, the army, navy and air force. The two sides also agreed to share defence technology and explore possibilities of jointly producing equipment. Naval cooperation will be scaled up with more ship visits, coordination to keep sea routes safe, and stronger action against piracy and other crimes at sea. The pact also goes beyond traditional defence matters. It includes closer collaboration in areas such as counter-terrorism, disaster relief, cybersecurity, defence research and even cooperation on critical minerals needed for modern industries. Both countries have also committed to sharing information on new and emerging security risks. The External Affairs Ministry (MEA) statement said that the Joint declaration aims at exploring opportunities to cooperate in niche areas of each other's priorities, such as counterterrorism, peacekeeping operations and cyber defence as well as sharing information, including assessments with respect to emerging security risks. The MEA described the agreement as a reflection of a "new stage" in the India-Japan partnership and said it aligns with their shared vision of a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific. The agreement also talks about regular dialogue between the National Security Advisors of the two countries, ensuring deeper, long-term cooperation. The Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation is among the Key outcomes of the visit of Prime Minister Modi's Japan visit. Explaining the significance of the Declaration, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said it provides an enabling framework for both countries to respond more effectively to contemporary security challenges. "An important feature of this document is the broad concept of security it embodies, which includes cooperation on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, defence industry, research and development, and closer cooperation on security issues in multilateral groupings. One of the new features of the security engagement between the two countries would be an institutionalised dialogue between the national security advisors of the two countries, " he said addressing a media briefing in Tokyo today. This is PM Modi's first visit to Japan since May 2023. Earlier today, he was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Tokyo. India and Japan had elevated their relationship to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership a decade ago, and the new declaration further consolidates that bond. Following his engagements in Tokyo, the Prime Minister will depart for Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit scheduled later this week. (ANI)
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday night at Ukraine's request following a deadly wave of Russian missile and drone attacks that struck Kyiv and other cities this week, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. The meeting, scheduled for 10 pm Kyiv time, comes after Ukrainian officials reported dozens of civilian deaths, including children, in the latest strikes. "We call on the Security Council members to use this meeting to express support for Ukraine in the face of Russian terror and increase pressure on the Russian aggressor. Only pressure, including new tough sanctions, can force Moscow to stop imitating diplomacy and engage in meaningful efforts to end the war," Sybiha wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/andrii_sybiha/status/1961366912887054843 Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday stated that 22 people, including four children, were killed after Russia's barrage of missiles hit a residential building in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district on Thursday night. In a post on X, Zelenskyy, citing a report from Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, said that rescue operations at the residential building have been completed, while updating the number of casualties. "There was a report from Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko. At the site of the Russian strike on a residential building in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, rescue operations have been completed, and work continues to clear the destroyed structures. At this moment, it is known that 22 people were killed at this one site alone, including four children. The youngest girl was not even three years old. My condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed." Zelenskyy said. Earlier on Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine. A statement issued by the UN said, "The Secretary-General condemns the overnight missile and drone attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukrainian cities, which killed and injured many civilians, including children. The attacks also damaged the facilities of diplomatic delegations and offices in the capital Kyiv. Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law, are unacceptable and must end immediately." (ANI)
Former diplomat Vikas Swarup on Friday said that the Trump administration is trying to put all kinds of pressure on the Indian government, but India has always followed the principle of strategic autonomy and will not be "dictated" by anyone. Swarup, who also served as the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs during his stint, was commenting on the remarks made by White House trade advisor Peter Navarro. Speaking to ANI, Vikas Swarup said, "The current relationship is not in good shape. We all thought that, given the personal relationship that PM Modi has developed with President Trump and the fact that President Trump really respects PM Modi, we thought that an India-US Trade Deal would come quite early. But unfortunately, that has not happened." "US officials are trying to put all kinds of pressure on India. But India is a very proud nation, India is a country which has always followed the principle of strategic autonomy. We will not be dictated by anyone," he added. At the same time, Swarup expressed hope for progress, saying, "I think the time is still there for the two sides to find a mutually acceptable solution." He, however, underlined that "certainly, these current comments coming from the Trump administration are not helping the cause". The comments by Navarro come in the backdrop of these strained relations. He has taken a strident position while justifying US President Donald Trump's decision to levy a 50 per cent tariff on imports from India, accusing the country of profiting from Russian oil in scalding remarks. Considered the key driver behind the 50 per cent tariffs, he claimed that the measure was aimed at cutting off the financial support India allegedly provides to Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. The White House Trade advisor claimed that the tariffs were aimed at cutting off the Financial lifeline given by India to Putin's war in Ukraine. In the post on X, he said, "President Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect. This isn't just about India's unfair trade--it's about cutting off the financial lifeline India has extended to Putin's war machine." "Here's how the India-Russia oil mathematics works: American consumers buy Indian goods while India keeps out U.S. exports through high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. India uses our dollars to buy discounted Russian crude. Indian refiners, with their silent Russian partners, refine and flip the black-market oil for big profits on the international market - while Russia pockets hard currency to fund its war on Ukraine," he further said. Navarro also accused India of imposing high tariffs on the US and filling Putin's war chest instead. The comments by Navarro appear lopsided, as Russian President Vladimir Putin noted during Alaska's press conference with Trump on August 16 that bilateral trade between the two nations has increased by 20 per cent since Trump's reinstatement as President. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba "unequivocally and strongly" condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxies. As per an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office referring to the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit Joint Statement, the two Prime Ministers called for the elimination of terrorist financing channels and their nexus with transnational crime, and a halt to the cross-border movement of terrorists. "They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, and took note of the United Nations Security Council Monitoring Team Report of 29 July, mentioning The Resistance Front (TRF). Prime Minister Modi further explained that the TRF had claimed responsibility for the attack. Prime Minister Ishiba noted this with concern. They called for the perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay," the PMO release stated. "They also called for concerted actions against all UN-listed terrorist groups and entities including Al Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxies, and to take resolute actions to root out terrorists' safe havens, eliminate terrorist financing channels and its nexus with transnational crime, and halt cross-border movement of terrorists," it added. The tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, killed 26 innocent civilians. On the situation in Myanmar, both Prime Ministers called on all parties to immediately cease all acts of violence. The two Prime Ministers noted the recent announcement of ending the state of emergency and plans for holding an election. "The two Prime Ministers strongly urged a return to the path of democracy that allows for inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders and free and fair elections, and urged the release of those who are detained. They reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN's efforts, including calling for the full and effective implementation of the Five Point Consensus in seeking an inclusive, durable, and peaceful resolution to the crisis," PMO release stated. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of collaborative projects between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region, including Africa. They welcomed the launch of the Japan-India Cooperation Initiative for Sustainable Economic Development in Africa, aimed at promoting industrial concentration in India to establish an industrial hub for trade and investment with Africa. Both Prime Ministers expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter. They also welcomed the ongoing diplomatic efforts by various countries to achieve a just and lasting peace. The two Prime Ministers also condemned North Korea's destabilising launches using ballistic missile technology and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of North Korea in accordance with relevant UNSCRs, and urged North Korea to abide by all its obligations under the United Nations Charter and the UNSCRs. They called on North Korea to return to dialogue to promote peace and stability in the Korean peninsula, the release stated. Prime Minister Modi also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Ishiba to visit India on the occasion of the Quad Leaders' Summit, to be hosted later this year. Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, where he attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his visit to Japan, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
India and Japan are working together to bolster critical minerals supply chains through partnerships in the Mineral Security Partnership, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and Quad Critical Minerals Initiatives, according to a factsheet released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday. The Ministry of Mines of India and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Mineral Resources in August 2025. Both countries also deepened collaboration through Toyota Tsusho's rare earth refining project in Andhra Pradesh, which aims to establish a stable supply chain for rare earth materials, the factsheet said. India and Japan have welcomed the initiative for promoting battery supply chain cooperation, including the business matchmaking and roundtable organised in India by JETRO and the Government of Japan on battery and critical minerals supply chain, with participation of over 70 companies and government organisations, it added. The India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, anchored in shared values and mutual respect, remains critical to advancing the security and prosperity of both countries. Cooperation in economic security is a key pillar of this partnership, stemming from a growing convergence in strategic outlook and economic imperatives, the document underlined. As per the MEA, India and Japan launched the first round of the Dialogue on Economic Security, including Strategic Trade and Technology, at the Foreign Secretary/Vice Foreign Minister level in November 2024. The two sides shared policy perspectives on foreign policy and security challenges arising from economic interlinkages. The MEA factsheet stressed that New Delhi and Tokyo, recognising their shared interest in safeguarding critical economic interests in the backdrop of evolving global challenges, are committed to deepening cooperation across government, industry, and academia. The partnership, it noted, is anchored in a common vision for a rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, where he attended the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his visit to Japan, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. (ANI)
Former diplomat Vikas Swarup on Friday spoke about India-China relations, recalling that the process of improvement had begun in October 2024 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan. "Relationship with China had started improving since October 2024 when the PM met President Xi Jinping in Kazan, and the decisions that they took, the eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation that was happening at the border is not good; there should be some kind of disengagement. So, I think that is happening," Swarup told ANI. He added that Beijing also appeared keen on improving ties. "China also wants to improve relations with India...At the end of the day, China is also a neighbour of ours. We cannot have a situation where even direct flights are suspended between the two countries, visas are not being given, journalists are no longer reporting from each other's country," he noted. "So, hopefully, these things will set into process the process of normalisation which has been ongoing. But at the end of the day, we have to ensure that China continues to follow the principles that we have articulated, that relations between India and China can only be based on mutual respect, on mutual sensitivity and mutual interest," the former diplomat added. Echoing the sentiment of strengthening ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun on Friday, said that his visit to China is an ode to the steady bilateral ties with the nation. He underlined that the steady ties with China are essential for peace in the Indo-Pacific region. "At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, I will be travelling to Tianjin from here to take part in the SCO Summit. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, steady and positive progress has been made in our bilateral ties," he said in a written response to an interview for The Yomiuri Shimbun. PM Modi said that good relations between the neighbours will have a positive impact on the prosperity of the region. "Stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity," he said. PM Modi said that stable India-China relations was also essential for the multipolar world, given the volatility. "This is also crucial for a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world. Given the current volatility in world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order. India is ready to advance bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, and to enhance strategic communication to address our developmental challenges," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Japan, scheduled from August 29 to 30, to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. Following his Japan leg, the Prime Minister will head to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin. "From Japan, I will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. India is an active and constructive member of the SCO. During our Presidency, we have introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges," PM Modi said in his departing statement. During his China visit PM Modi will hold two crucial bilateral meetings, one with the Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and one with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (ANI)
Benedict Cumberbatch refuses to be away from his family for more than two weeks at a time.

Benedict Cumberbatch is determined to remain close to his family

The 49-year-old actor has revealed that he has a "two-week rule" with his family, because he wants to retain a close bond with his loved ones.

Asked what irritates his family, Benedict said on the Happy Sad Confused podcast: "Being away from home p***** them off."

Benedict - who has Christopher, ten, Hal, eight, and Finn, six, with his wife Sophie Hunter - also hates being away from his family for long periods of time.

The actor explained that he tries to prioritise his family life by implementing the "two-week rule".

He said: "It p***** me off too, so we try and do as much to make that not the case  the two-week rule, and try to work as hard as possible on making work happen here nearer home so I can get home, or take them with me."

Benedict previously admitted that he's thought more about "mortality" since becoming a dad.

The film star revealed that fatherhood has changed his entire outlook on life.

Speaking to Variety, Benedict explained: "The minute you have kids this sense of time sinks in far more profoundly.

"My youngest is turning six, and Im like, I will be in my 60s when hes 21, you know? Its crazy. Its gone so fast. So theres a huge shift in priorities, and it makes you value what you do with your life in a very different way.

"It does weigh on me. When you become a parent, your thoughts turn more towards mortality."

In 2004, Benedict and some friends were robbed and abducted by six men while they were in South Africa.

The actor confessed that the terrifying incident has left an indelible mark on his own personality.

He reflected: "It gave me a sense of time, but not necessarily a good one. It made me impatient to live a life less ordinary, and Im still dealing with that impatience."

The near-death experience also turned Benedict into a so-called adrenaline junkie.

The movie star shared: "The near-death stuff turbo-fuelled all that. It made me go, Oh, right, yeah, I could die at any moment.

"I was throwing myself out of planes, taking all sorts of risks. But apart from my parents, I didnt have any real dependents at that point.

"Now thats changed, and that sobers you."
President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa made a harsh statement about US President Donald Trump. In his opinion, the American leader is "objectively a Soviet or Russian agent," reports Euronews .

"The supreme leader of the world's largest superpower is objectively a Soviet or Russian asset," said de Sousa on August 27 during a speech in Castelo de Vide.

Trump's efforts to present himself as the main mediator in reconciling Ukraine and Russia did not make a good impression on the Portuguese president. De Sousa noted that Trump's attempts to "settle" the war were not beneficial for Ukraine.

"Objectively, the new US leadership strategically contributed to Russia," he added.

As an example, de Sousa reminded that "every day" there are new threats from the US to impose sanctions on the Kremlin. However, in reality, none of Trump's promises to strengthen sanctions had been fulfilled.

According to the Portuguese leader, Trump tries to play the role of an "arbiter," but at the same time wants to negotiate "only with one side." Kyiv and its European allies are literally forced to pressure Washington to also take part in the negotiations.

De Sousa added that Europe downplayed "the importance of Trump and Trumpism" and also did not believe that the balance of power in the White House and US policy could change so drastically after Trump came to power.

Meanwhile, media write that US President Donald Trump is not satisfied with the demands of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Europe for ending the war. He wants peace at any cost.

In recent days, Trump has expressed in private conversations his frustration that his loud diplomatic efforts have not brought results  but he blames not Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Pierce Brosnan thinks playing James Bond has given him career "longevity".

Pierce Brosnan played Bond between 1995 and 2002

The 72-year-old actor was actually warned against accepting the role of Bond by Christopher Fettes, his teacher and mentor - but Pierce insists he doesn't have any regrets about his decision.

He told the Guardian newspaper: "Christopher wanted me doing obscure 19th-century plays, but my dream was always movies."

Daniel Craig, Pierce's successor as 007, actually returned to theatre work after leaving the role. However, Pierce has never been tempted to swap movies for theatre work.

He said: "I was impressed that Daniel had the bottle to go back out there. I thought, Why the heck didnt I? You have to really want it, and I didnt."

Pierce played Bond between 1995 and 2002, and he's never regretted accepting the part.

Asked whether Christopher was correct about Bond being beneath him, Pierce replied: "Its very kind of Christopher. But thank God for Bond. Its given me longevity. Its given me the world in many respects."

Pierce previously insisted that the next Bond actor should be British.

Numerous high-profile actors have been linked with the role in recent years, including the likes of James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Paul Mescal, Cillian Murphy and Aidan Turner - but Pierce believes that the role should be awarded to a Brit.

The Hollywood star also supported the decision for the franchise's long-standing producers - Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson - to hand creative control to Amazon.

He told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper: "It takes great courage for them to let go.

"I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the character with dignity and imagination and respect."

Pierce also insisted that he feels proud of his own legacy with the Bond franchise.

He said: "History has been passed on and I'm very proud to have been part of the history and the legacy of Bond and the movies I made with Barbara and Michael."

Meanwhile, Taron Egerton recently claimed that he's too "messy" to play James Bond.

The 35-year-old actor believes there are "so many cool, younger actors" who would be better suited to the coveted role.

Asked about the possibility of playing Bond, he told Collider: "I don't think I'm a good choice for it. I think I'm too messy for that.

"I think I'm not I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig's tenure. But I think I wouldn't be good at it, and I think there's so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. I think it would be wasted on me, probably."

Taron observed that leading the Bond franchise is "quite an undertaking".

He said: "I think I'm a period in my life where, as you say, I've been probably following the things that speak to me on a creative level a little bit more, but, you know, I'm sure I won't feel that way forever.

"But James Bond is quite an undertaking and I think, one, as far as I'm aware, nobody's asking me to do it."

Pierce Brosnan is an Irish actor, film producer, and activist.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the United Nations has raised alarm over the dire humanitarian crisis in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where about 260,000 people remain trapped under siege by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The city has been a frontline in Sudans year-long conflict between the RSF and the national Army, leaving civilians stranded without access to aid for more than 16 months. Half of those still in the city are children, facing hunger, disease, and violence daily.

UNICEF reports that more than 600,000 people have already fled El-Fasher and surrounding camps in recent months, but those left behind are living in desperate conditions. The agency estimates that at least 6,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, putting them at immediate risk of death. With supply lines cut, the flow of humanitarian assistance has been completely blocked, worsening the plight of civilians caught in the conflict.

Catherine Russell, UNICEFs executive director, described the situation as an unfolding tragedy, warning that El-Fasher has become an epicentre of child suffering. She stressed that malnutrition, preventable diseases, and relentless violence are claiming young lives, while lifesaving services remain out of reach due to the siege. The UN is urging all parties to grant immediate humanitarian access to avert further catastrophe.
Lt. General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces & Commander of the South Zone met on Thursday at the Headquarters of the Southern Zone Staff in Agadir with Maj. General Fakhrul Ahsan, Commander of MINURSO force.

Talks focused on coordination between the two parties in the areas of operations, security, demining, and logistical support. The meeting comes ahead of the October gathering of the UN Security Council expected to take pivotal decisions on the Sahara issue as three of the five veto holders (the United States, the United Kingdom and France) are joining forces for the closure of the Sahara conflict this year for the sake of regional peace and stability.

Last week, a U.S. delegation composed of diplomats and military officials visited MINURSO HQ in Laayoune. They met with Head of UN Mission Alexander Ivanko and Commander of MINURSO Force, Major Gen. Fakhrul Ahsan.
Algerias President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has just dismissed Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui and appointed Sifi Ghrieb in his place, marking the fourth time he has replaced his cabinet chief since taking office in 2019.

This revolving-door approach to leadership, with a new prime minister roughly every two years, reflects a deeper pattern: a blame-shifting strategy that sacrifices heads of government to shield the presidency from accountability.

Tebbounes tenure has been defined by erratic governance and policy reversals. Each prime minister has been discarded amid crises or public dissatisfaction, allowing Tebboune to deflect criticism while maintaining control.

The latest dismissal follows a tragic bus accident near Algiers that killed 18 people and injured 23. The incident exposed the consequences of import ban policy and long-standing neglect in infrastructure and public safety.

Rather than addressing the root causes, Tebboune has once again opted for a cosmetic fix. Sifi Ghrieb, a physicist with no prior executive experience, now serves as acting prime minister.

The appointment is reflective of a cycle of inconsistency in public policy, where ministers are shuffled, priorities are reset, and long-term planning is sacrificed for short-term political survival.

This instability extends beyond the premiership. Tebboune has reshuffled key ministries multiple times, including finance, industry, foreign affairs, and justice. In early 2025, Finance Minister Laaziz Faid was replaced by Abdelkrim Bouzred, and the pharmaceutical portfolio was reorganized. These moves followed months of economic stagnation and public frustration.

These frequent changes have paralyzed reform efforts and undermined Algerias credibility both domestically and abroad.

The presidents decision to ban the import of spare parts and vehicles is widely blamed for the rise in deadly road accidents.

Tebbounes presidency has become a case study in centralized power without accountability. As public anger grows and calls for responsibility mount, the coming months may determine whether he can finish his term, or whether he becomes the next casualty of his own political tactics.
The Moroccan judiciary issued its first sentence replacing a custodial sentence with electronic surveillance.

The decision, handed down on August 27, marks a significant step toward implementing alternative sentencing measures aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and modernizing penal practices.

The case involved a defendant who had been placed in pre-trial detention over the weekend at Tangiers civil prison following an offense. While the prosecution initially sought a six-month prison term due to the severity of the charges, the presiding judge opted for a more rehabilitative approach. The court ordered the defendant to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and remain under house arrest, deeming the measure proportionate and sufficient given the individuals clean criminal record.

Though the ruling is not yet final and remains subject to appeal, it has been welcomed by the defendants legal team and family. If uncontested, the judgment will be forwarded to the public prosecutor for validation and then executed by the sentencing enforcement judge in coordination with the Tangier penitentiary administration.

This decision aligns with Moroccos broader judicial reform agenda, which includes the introduction of alternative penalties such as community service, therapeutic monitoring, and daily fines. Since August 22, courts across the country have issued 29 such rulings, but the Tangier case is the first to involve electronic monitoring.

Morocco has already prepared 650 electronic bracelets for deployment. The supplier is equipped to meet the needs of the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) based on judicial demand.

To support implementation, a dedicated platform has been established in Rabat, staffed by trained personnel capable of simulating the installation and removal of the devices and ensuring remote monitoring of individuals under surveillance.
Morocco has earmarked 11 billion dirhams ($ 1.22 billion) to support small farmers in a bid to rebuild the countrys livestock herd through 2026, agriculture minister Ahmed El Bouari said.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the government spokesperson, El Bouari explained that under the program financial aid will be provided for the purchase of animal feed and the preservation of breeding females.

The support will be distributed equitably, with individual allocations calculated based on the number of livestock registered and tagged per beneficiary.

The plan also includes measures to reduce farmers debt burdens, conduct nationwide vaccination campaigns, and provide ongoing technical support, he said.

90% of sheep and goat farmers own fewer than 50 animals, and 74% have herds of fewer than 20, he said, underscoring the programs focus on vulnerable producers.

In addition to direct aid, the government has introduced fiscal adjustments to stabilize the market.

These measures include the suspension of customs duties and VAT on the import of sheep, goats, and powdered milk, while exemptions for cattle imports remain in place to support the gradual recovery of this strategic herd.

To further bolster supply, the government adopted a decree raising the import quota for cattle intended for slaughter to 300,000 head by the end of the year. This measure is designed to ensure market availability and protect consumer purchasing power.

The announcement follows the latest national livestock census, conducted between June 26 and August 11, which recorded 32.8 million animals. However, the survey revealed a concerning 30% decline in the number of cattle and camels.
Morocco, under the far-sighted leadership of King Mohammed VI, is moving forward and the more it advances, the more its enemies become agitated to the point of waging a smear campaign targeting the countrys unity and stability.

The North African Kingdom is establishing itself as a regional power, expanding its African influence, gaining growing international recognition of its sovereignty over its Sahara and projecting an image of stability in a fractured world.

Moroccos economic and industrial achievements and rising star in the region unsettle apparently those who struggle to admit that a country of the south, once underdeveloped, is now a major regional and global player.

The latest biased stories published by French Daily Le Monde on Moroccan monarchy is a striking evidence of this post-colonial chauvinist vision, disconnected from reality.

Some journalism mistakes can be forgiven because they are made by inadvertence, but those of French newspaper reveal a deeper ideological bias intended to cast doubts over Moroccos monarchy, the main pillar of the Kingdoms stability and driver of its prosperity.

The Royal Palace has always kept Moroccans informed about the health of their King and shared updates. Moroccans remember the statements issued by his personal physician and the images of King Mohammed VI surrounded by his family after an operation, and his public appearances.

This transparency, rare in the Arab world and beyond, is precisely what inspires Moroccans trust and this is where Le Monde showed a brazen contradiction.

In France, leaders have governed for a long period of time, without revealing their serious illnesses. Francois Mitterrand, who served two seven-year terms, kept his cancer secret. George Pompidou has governed until his last days without revealing the extent of his illness.

In the United States, President Roosevelt defeated Nazism from his wheelchair. Winston Churchill stood up to Hitler despite his health problems. In Morocco itself, during the Battle of Oued el Makhazine, also known as Battle of Alcacer Quibir or the Battle of the Three Kings (1578), Sultan Abdelmalek was seriously ill and died, but the Kingdom triumphed. His brother sultan Ahmed Mansour Dahabi took over, ensuring continuity of the country.

Under the current reign of King Mohammed VI, all countrys sovereign domainsmilitary, security, diplomatic, and spiritualoperate in real time. Strategic decisions are made instantly, state institutions are working and the country moving forward. Impressive changes are taking place and visible on the ground thanks to royal stewardship.

But why the French newspaper refuses to acknowledge the major strides accomplished by the Kingdom and why it chooses to look the other way as if trying to find the slightest imperfection?

Mostly importantly, the timing of the smear campaign makes everyone convinced about the endgame of those behind this hostile move as Le Monde conducts simultaneously subtle operations to improve Algerias image in France.

According to intelligence reports, the French journalists, who were assigned the mission of targeting Moroccos stability and sacred institutions, paid several visits to Algeria while others were denied entry amid heightened tension between Algiers and Paris.

The authors of the stories on Moroccan monarchy do not understand the reality and history of the bond existing between the Moroccan people and their King. This bond is not an institutional formality. It is a historical, spiritual, and emotional reality, built over centuries of mutual trust and shared loyalty.

And this is precisely what French daily was not able to grasp or recognize. Its strategy is weakening and undermining the strong bonds between the Moroccan people and the Alaouite Throne. Le Monde forgets that this special relationship of trust is Moroccos real strength and force, based on Bayah (oath of allegiance) that has united the King and his people for centuries and generations.

Morocco does not need, after all, to prove its unity to French editorialists seeking elusive scoops and social media buzz. Every reform launched or carried out by the Kingdom, its landmark projects and diplomatic victories are clear evidence of its achievements

Ultimately, this is the best proof of its success and take-off. Behind all suspicious controversies and biased interpretations, one truth remains: Morocco is moving forward, driven by the strength of its people and the wise guidance of its King. Lets remain vigilant and united against conspirators and haters because unity makes strength!
Members of the U.S. Congress reaffirmed on Friday from Rabat the United States recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara.

Following talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, the congressmen highlighted the prospects for cooperation between Morocco and the United States.

We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration between our two countries, especially in the Sahara, Congressman Mike Lawler emphasized, reaffirming Washingtons recognition of Moroccos sovereignty of its Sahara.

Lawler also reiterated U.S. support for the Autonomy Plan presented by the Kingdom in 2007, and expressed the hope that this recognition would encourage more US investments in the southern provinces, which would further strengthen the centuries-old relations between the two countries. In this regard, he recalled that Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the United States of America in 1777.

He likewise expressed his gratitude for the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, in favor of stability and peace at both the regional and continental levels, while praising the historic partnership between the United States and Morocco, particularly in the areas of security and economic development.

For his part, Congressman Ritchie Torres welcomed the bonds of friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, expressing satisfaction with the United States recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, a position recently reaffirmed by President Donald Trump.

Morocco is at a strategic crossroads, a connection to Europe and Africa and the Middle East, he said, describing the Kingdom as Washingtons greater friend in North Africa.

The State Department has recently celebrated this US-Morocco relationship, posting on its website a factsheet on this alliance that is rooted in historical ties.

Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the newly independent United States, opening its ports to American ships by decree of Sultan Mohammed III in 1777, the paper recalled, noting that Morocco formally recognized the United States by signing a treaty of peace and friendship in 1786, a document that remains the longest unbroken relationship in U.S. history.

The two countries, which have a long history of working together bilaterally and regionally, share common concerns and consult closely on security, political, and economic issues and sustainable development. The United States designated Morocco a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2004, and the U.S. and Moroccan militaries hold joint exercises and training. Morocco is a strong partner in counterterrorism efforts and works closely with U.S. law enforcement to safeguard both countries national security interests, the State Department said, underlining that the U.S. and Morocco coordinate their efforts to promote regional stability and security, including through the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
China-Northeast Asia expo highlights cooperation, openness

Xinhua) 09:01, August 29, 2025

People visit the 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 27, 2025. The 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo kicked off here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

CHANGCHUN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo opened Wednesday in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, drawing more than 10,000 participants from over 40 countries and regions, with cooperation and openness becoming buzzwords among attendees.

Themed "Join Hands with Northeast Asia, Open Up for a Win-Win Future," the expo, jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the Jilin provincial government, runs from Aug. 27 to 31.

Covering an exhibition area of 73,000 square meters, the venue resembles a global marketplace. Products ranging from Russian chocolates and Mongolian cashmere hats to Pakistani vases and Thai balms are showcasing diverse cultures and traditions while reflecting strong business interest in cross-border cooperation and market expansion.

Visitors buy Russian products at the 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 27, 2025. The 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo kicked off here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

Featuring Chinese characteristics and innovative products, the expo has also drawn strong interest from international exhibitors. At the exhibition, a personalized 3D sock knitting machine is attracting crowds of businesspeople eager to test the device, which tailors socks based on precise foot measurements.

"We came from Khabarovsk, Russia. I was surprised to see socks being made on the spot. China has many high-quality clothes and socks. We would like to place an order," said Russian exhibitor Olya.

Chen Aiping, an exhibitor from the Republic of Korea (ROK), expressed strong interest in pharmaceutical innovations, particularly Xiuzheng Pharmaceutical's Xiongdan Kaiming Tablet, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine compound widely used in the treatment of acute iridocyclitis and primary open-angle glaucoma. She expressed the hope to introduce the medicine to the ROK market.

Drone technology from the city of Tonghua in Jilin, meanwhile, has caught the attention of Indonesian exhibitor Chen Hongping. "The dry season in Indonesia is hot, and the risk of forest fires is high. Fire-extinguishing drones are very convenient and practical for emergency use in mountainous areas," he said.

Launched in 2005, this expo is the only international comprehensive expo to feature joint participation by six Northeast Asian countries and is also open to the rest of the world.

In the course of its 14 previous editions, the expo has generated commodity trade worth 10 billion yuan and facilitated 3,032 signed cooperation projects with a combined investment of over 2.05 trillion yuan (about 288.48 billion U.S. dollars), covering infrastructure, modern services, new energy, new materials, green food processing, auto parts manufacturing, cultural tourism and biomedicine.

The event reflects a broader trend of expanding regional trade. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, China's trade with the other five Northeast Asian countries had reached 901.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, up 1.6 percent year on year, accounting for nearly 15 percent of China's total foreign trade.

An exhibitor (L) and a guest talk at the 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Aug. 27, 2025. The 15th China-Northeast Asia Expo kicked off here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)

China has maintained its position as the largest trading partner for all of the five countries, with ROK and Japan ranking as its second and third-largest trading partners, respectively.

Two-way investment between China and the five countries had exceeded 7 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, and has seen cooperation expanding into emerging fields including digital economy, green development, advanced manufacturing and modern services.

These figures highlight China's steady steps in terms of both opening up and regional economic cooperation. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China has added or expanded 40 ports of entry, bringing the total to 311.

Customs now supervises an annual average of 5.2 billion tonnes of foreign trade worth 41.5 trillion yuan, the largest volume globally.

Infrastructure projects are also accelerating. In the city of Hunchun, located at the junction of China, Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a 200-million-yuan inspection building project at a local highway port is under construction. Once completed, it will be able to handle 2 million passengers and 2 million tonnes of cargo annually.

"China is fully implementing the new development philosophy and building a new development pattern. The country is continuously meeting people's aspirations for a better life through the development of Chinese modernization, and providing new opportunities for the development of other countries," said Lu Xiangdong, vice president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
Britains largest undeveloped oilfield has been thrown into limbo. Equinors Rosebank project, a $3.8 billion investment once known as the future backbone of UK energy security, has been suspended after regulators demanded new environmental approvals that account for the full carbon footprint of the oil and gas it would produce. What was supposed to be a flagship development on the UK Continental Shelf has instead become the clearest example yet of how legal challenges and climate politics are reshaping the fate of offshore hydrocarbons.

Rosebank, discovered in 2004, lies 130 kilometers northwest of Shetland in deep waters close to the Faroe Islands border. Containing an estimated 336 million barrels of oil equivalent, split between 210 million barrels of oil and 177 billion cubic feet of gas, it is the largest untapped field in UK waters. Operated by Equinor, with Ithaca Energy as a minority partner, Rosebank was expected to peak at about 70,000 b/d and 1.8 million m3/d before gradually declining. At full tilt, the project could have covered as much as 7% of domestic oil demand in the UK. For a country facing a steep decline in domestic production, the project promised both a lifeline for energy security and hundreds of skilled jobs.

Instead, a 2024 ruling by Scotlands Court of Session transformed Rosebank into a battleground. The court determined that Environmental Impact Assessments must account not only for direct emissions from operations but also for the downstream emissions created when oil and gas are ultimately burned. The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning responded by ordering Equinor to resubmit Rosebanks Environmental Statement under these expanded terms, halting the project just as it neared a final investment decision.

Related: Indian Refiners Increase Russian Crude Purchases Despite Tariffs

Development drilling at Rosebank, originally planned for the second quarter of 2025, has been postponed to early 2026 after the intervention of UKs Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED). In a formal letter dated July 21, 2025, the regulator instructed Equinor to resubmit the projects Environmental Statement, this time incorporating downstream Scope 3 emissions in line with new government guidance published a month earlier. Until this revised assessment is filed and approved, no drilling can move forward. Equinor has indicated it will submit the updated documents within 2025, but new consent is not expected before 2026  a shift that may delay the fields onstream date beyond the current 2026-27 target.

The suspension highlights how quickly the regulatory goalposts can shift. For Equinor, it means no oil or gas can flow until new consent is granted. For investors, it signals that the UK North Sea  once among the most stable offshore provinces  has become a top-risk destination to deploy capital. And for environmental groups, the precedent provides a powerful new tool to contest future developments, effectively rewriting the rules for the basin.

The timing could hardly be more consequential. UK oil production has already been declining in last years, from 1.1 million b/d in January 2020 to 570 kb/d in July 2025, hitting the lower bounds of its five-year range in recent months. The country is now a net importer, increasingly exposed to global price swings and geopolitical shocks. Supporters of Rosebank warn that suspending the field accelerates this trend, discourages investment, and increases reliance on overseas supply. Opponents counter that halting the project is necessary if Britain is to meet its net-zero targets, arguing that approving Rosebank would lock in fossil fuel use for decades and undermine the countrys climate commitments.

Adding another layer to the debate is the quality of Rosebanks output. What is particularly striking is that Rosebank would yield a very high-quality oil, as opposed to other untapped UK projects that generally tend to tilt towards heavier crude. Cambo, for instance, located only a couple of miles to the south of Rosebank, has been in the crosshairs of climate activists who argued that the fields heavy viscous oil (22-23 API) would be particularly damaging to the environment. That argument cannot be really made vis-a-vis Rosebank, with a 35 API gravity and barely any sulphur.

The uncertainty over Rosebank also comes as Equinor and Shell reshape their UK portfolios. The two companies are merging their offshore businesses under a new joint venture, Adura, which will become the countrys largest independent oil and gas producer. Announced in late 2024 and set to be completed at the end of 2025, the merger will be shared 50/50 between the partners. Equinor has framed the move as a way to reduce risk exposure while gaining scale, with Adura expected to rank as the UKs second-largest producer after Harbour Energy. The new entity is designed to be more agile, cost-competitive, and better positioned to extend the life of existing fields  a strategy that underscores the tension between bolstering energy security and navigating stricter climate regulation.

The battle over Rosebank is more than a dispute over one oilfield. It captures the core dilemma of Britains energy transition: how to maintain a reliable supply while advancing aggressive decarbonization goals. Its outcome will shape not only the trajectory of the UKs offshore industry but also its credibility as a place to invest in long-term energy projects. Whether Rosebank is revived or left on the shelf will send a signal far beyond Shetland  about how the UK intends to manage the most difficult trade-offs of its energy future.

By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com

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In the late 2010s, petrochemicals were seen as the biggest driver of oil demand in the futureand it was a distant future. Yet petrochemicals are already the biggest source of oil demand growth. This growth is only going to accelerate. But first, refiners need to take care of overcapacity.

Over the five years to 2024, growth in demand for petrochemicals accounted for 95% of total oil demand growth, Reuters Ron Bousso wrote in a column arguing that President Donald Trumps trade war was a silver lining for the petrochemical industry that would help it shed excess capacity and ultimately improve margins.

Indeed, overcapacity is a problemespecially in China. The country has emerged as a global leader in petrochemicals, and these products have driven as much as 90% of crude oil demand growth since 2021, according to the International Energy Agency. But this growth has been too strong, pretty similar to growth in solar, for instance, or electric vehicles. With too many players on the field, margins have shrunk all the way to zero and below, prompting a rethink of the governments strategy.

Earlier this month, the authorities in Beijing said they would shut down some smaller refineries and upgrade outdated facilities. The outdated refineries account for some 40% of Chinas total refining capacity, Bloomberg reported last week, which is a rather substantial portion of the total.

Related: Indian Refiners Increase Russian Crude Purchases Despite Tariffs

This does not exactly sound like shrinking petrochemicals capacity, but in fairness, the capacity squeeze will involve a new focus on specialty chemicals, where demand is healthy, instead of the bulk refined products, where supply significantly exceeds demandand has driven Chinese refiners margins below zero over the past couple of years, according to Bousso.

Chinas government is already taking steps towards eliminating excess petrochemical capacity, but the tariff war that Trump has waged on the world is going to prompt more efforts in this respect, including a potential change in feedstock import flows, seeing as China is highly dependent on the United States for its propane and ethane supply. This made these two a target in the insane-tariff spat between Washington and Beijing this spring that saw the two try to out-tariff each other on certain key goods and raw materials.

The tariff war may also accelerate the trimming of excess capacity. China alone has some 18.2 million barrels daily in refining and petrochemicals capacity. This number is seen growing further, to over 21 million barrels daily, as soon as 2026, according to Wood Mackenzie, which earlier this year warned such capacity is unsustainable and by 2034, a tenth of these refineries will be shut down because it would be impossible for them to turn in a profit.

Meanwhile, besides the Dangote refinery in Nigeria, the only place where new refineries are getting built is the Middle East, while in Europe, refineries are being shut down, which will contribute to a tighter supply situation in both fuels and petrochemicals. This is not such good news for Europe itself, because it may well end up with no petrochemical industry at all at some point, while demand for these petroleum products remains strong, even in transition-focused Europe. Incidentally, the petrochemicals industry contributes over $180 billion to the EUs economy.

President Trumps tariffs, then, have turned out to be a blessing in disguise with respect to petrochemicals, stimulating efforts to thin out capacity that has become unnecessary and has hurt the industry overall. Demand for petrochemicals, meanwhile, remains as strong as analyst projections expected it to be seven years ago when they said petrochemicals would turn into the biggest growth driver for crude demand.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Over the past decade, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, has advanced bold strategies to reshape its economies by reducing reliance on oil while developing new sectors like renewable energy, tourism, financial services, and digital innovation. Charting a course toward long-term economic resilience, these nations have launched sweeping infrastructure projects and enacted reforms designed to attract foreign investment. And it has worked swimmingly, so far.

During his May 2025 tour of Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, U.S. President Donald Trump announced investment pledges totaling over $2?trillion, according to the White House, while some outlets, such as Al?Monitor, reported figures nearing $3.2?trillion. These announcements included roughly $600?billion from Saudi Arabia, $1.2?trillion from the UAE, and $1.4?trillion from Qatar, though most remain at the memorandum-of-understanding stage.

Meanwhile, the Trump administrations "Liberation Day" tariff, a baseline 10% customs duty on imports from all countries, including the GCC, has posed a modest headwind for regional exporters.

Nonetheless, GCC states have responded proactively by deepening U.S. economic ties, scaling up their AI and data infrastructure, and doubling down on non?oil growth strategiesefforts that underscore their determination to build more diversified, stable, and climate-aligned economies.

These diversification efforts, coupled with the recent rollback of OPEC+ oil production cuts, are paying off, with the economies of the oil-rich monarchies thriving again. The World Bank has projected that the GCC economy will expand by 3.2% in 2025 and 4.50% in 2026, a significant rebound after growing at an anemic 1.7% clip in 2024 and just 0.3% in 2023. In contrast, the biggest Bretton Woods institution has forecast that the global economy will grow at a slower 2.3% clip in 2025, slowing to its weakest pace since 2008 outside of recessions, before a tepid recovery averaging 2.5 percent over 2026-27. This downward revision from earlier forecasts is attributed to heightened trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and the dampening effects on investment and consumer sentiment.

Related: Saudi Arabia and India Top the List of Russias Fuel Oil Buyers

Heres the GCC countries' outlook:

Saudi Arabia: the largest GCC economy is projected to continue on its recovery path, rising to 2.8% in 2025 and averaging robust growth of 4.6% in 2026-2027 after declining to 1.3% in 2023. Saudi Arabia is expected to post a healthy hydrocarbon GDP growth of 6.7% in 2026 and 6.1% in 2027, thanks to the phasing out of OPEC+ voluntary production cuts. Meanwhile, the kingdoms non-oil GDP is expected to continue growing at a steady 3.6% rate between 2025 and 2027 as it pursues the Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.

United Arab Emirates: Economic growth is expected to maintain its upward trajectory to hit 4.6% in 2025 before stabilizing at 4.9% in 2026 and 2027. The UAEs non-oil sectors are expected to remain a key growth engine (4.9% growth in 2025), thanks in large part to ongoing governance improvements, targeted public investment and expanding external partnerships. Meanwhile, normalization of oil production levels is expected to support this ascending trend. The UAE cut oil production multiple times in recent years, including a voluntary 144,000 bpd cut effective May 2023 and a further 163,000 bpd cut from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024.

Qatar: Economic growth is projected to decline slightly to 2.4% in 2025 from 2.6% in 2024, before accelerating to 6.5% in 2026-2027 thanks to the ongoing expansion of LNG capacity. Qatar is undertaking a major, multi-phase expansion of its North Field liquefaction plant to significantly increase its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, aiming to boost capacity from its current 77 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 142 mtpa by 2030. The expansion, encompassing the North Field East (NFE) (first phase) and North Field South (NFS) projects, will add new trains to the existing facilities, with the final phase, North Field West (NFW), announced in February 2024, bringing the total to 142 mtpa. This expansion aims to provide a stable, low-cost supply of LNG to meet global demand, with significant portions expected to go to East Asian markets and Europe, a key transitional fuel for decarbonization

Meanwhile, Qatar is also expected to record strong non-hydrocarbon growth, particularly in services, tourism and education. Non-hydrocarbon growth is expected to be robust thanks to international investments and infrastructure upgrades.

Bahrain: Economic growth is predicted to stabilize at 3.5% in the current year after recording two years of decline. The improvement is driven by the completion of BAPCO refinery upgrades coupled with robust non-hydrocarbon growth supported by Bahrains Economic Vision 2030. BAPCO refinery upgrades are part of the major Bapco Modernization Program (BMP) in Bahrain, which aims to increase refining capacity by 42% from 267,000 to 380,000 barrels per day (bpd) by upgrading the existing Sitra refinery. Key aspects of the BMP include improving energy efficiency, expanding the product slate by processing heavier crude components into high-value distillates, and meeting stringent environmental standards. The program involves introducing new high-conversion units, such as Resid Hydrocracking and VGO Hydrocracking units, and updating existing infrastructure and utilities. The BMP is considered Bahrain's largest energy investment and a significant step to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of its refining operations.

Kuwait: Economic growth is expected to rebound to 2.2% in 2025, after contracting -2.9% in 2024 and -3.6% in 2023, mainly driven by the phase out of OPEC+ production caps and the expansion of non-hydrocarbon sectors supported by large infrastructure projects and credit growth. Kuwaits economic growth is expected to remain stable at 2.7% over 2026-2027, with the long-term economic outlook pegged to the successful implementation of diversification and structural reforms.

Oman: Growth is expected to accelerate to 3% in 2025, 3.7% in 2026, and 4% in 2027 after expanding only 1.7% in 2024. The growth will be driven by a rebound in oil production, with oil GDP growth of 2.1% in 2025, along with solid non-hydrocarbon growth (3.4%) driven by robust growth in manufacturing, construction, and services. This growth aligns with the final year of the sultanate's Tenth Five-Year Plan, which aims for diversification and fiscal stability through measures like non-oil revenue generation. However, global economic uncertainties and oil price volatility remain potential risks, according to the IMF.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Britain, France, and Germany have triggered the so-called snapback mechanism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to reinstate UN sanctions against Tehran.

The European trio, known as the E3, wrote to the UN Security Council on August 28 to initiate the process, which takes 30 days.

In a statement, the E3 foreign ministers said, "We will use the 30-day period to continue engaging with Iran regarding our extension offer or any meaningful diplomatic efforts to restore its compliance with commitments."

They emphasized that they "share the fundamental objective that Iran must never seek, acquire, or develop a nuclear weapon."

This step puts Iran at risk of facing renewed sanctions that had been removed as part of the 2015 landmark nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the E3 move.

"At the same time, the United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran -- in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue," he said in a statement.

"Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy; it only enhances it," he added.

Iran condemned the move.

"This decision by the three European countries will seriously undermine the ongoing process of interaction and cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, calling the move a "provocative and unnecessary escalation."

Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said the decision was "baseless and unlawful." He added that Tehran would respond to what he called the "unjustified action," without being specific.

Later, though, Aragchi appeared more conciliatory in a letter set to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, saying Tehran is ready to restart "fair " negotiations over its nuclear program if the West shows goodwill.

He stated, "Iran's readiness to resume fair and balanced diplomatic negotiations, on the condition that the other parties show seriousness and goodwill and avoid actions that harm the chances of success."

The UN called on Iran and world powers to press forward on reaching a new nuclear deal before the snapback sanctions take effect.

"In the next 30 days, there is a window of opportunity to avoid any further escalation and find a way forward that serves peace," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres.

Once the snapback process is finalized, the already moribund JCPOA would effectively come to an end.

The deal was designed to stop the Islamic Republic from developing a nuclear weapon -- something Tehran has long insisted it is not pursuing. It outlines strict rules for independent monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities and imposes caps on both the amount of uranium it can possess and the level to which it may be enriched.

Iran started to roll back its commitments after the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Iran has progressively accelerated its nuclear program since, now enriching uranium to 60 percent purity -- far above the 3.67 percent cap under the JCPOA.

Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in July in response to the US and Israeli bombing of its key nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. One of the conditions that the E3 had set to delay the process was for Tehran to resume full cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog before the end of August.

By RFE/RL

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Oil prices fell on Friday due to expectations of lower demand in the U.S.

Friday, August 29, 2025

Oil prices are headed towards a second straight weekly gain of 1%, with ICE Brent hovering slightly above $68 per barrel, as hopes for a negotiated settlement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict dissipate and US-India trade tensions remain unresolved. Market activity was seasonally low in late August; however, next week could provide a much-needed boost to oil trade as OPEC+ countries meet on September 7 to assess current market conditions and their output cuts.

Europe Wants Its Own Secondary Sanctions. French President Macron and German Chancellor Merz issued a joint statement calling for secondary sanctions on buyers of Russian oil, potentially prohibiting European exports and technology transfers to countries such as India, China, and Turkey.

Saudi Arabia to Slash October Prices. As OPEC+ countries finalize the 2.2 million b/d unwinding next month, Saudi Arabia is expected to cut Asia-bound October formula prices by $0.50-0.70 per barrel in line with easing Dubai time spreads and waning demand as Asian refiners start seasonal maintenance.



Gazproms Eastward Ambitions Hit The Beijing Wall. Russias pipeline gas monopoly Gazprom has failed to advance negotiations on the stalled Power of Siberia-2 pipeline ahead of Putins visit to China this weekend; however, Beijing expressed readiness to boost gas supplies via PoS-1 by 6 bcm per year.

Pipeline Damage Hampers Russian Exports. Russias crude oil exports via the Baltic port of Ust-Luga are expected to be capped at around 350,000 b/d, or half the usual throughput capacity, after Ukraine damaged the Unecha pumping station in a drone strike last week, diverting oil to other export terminals.

LA Refinery to Start Closure Next Week. US downstream giant Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) will begin the decommissioning of its 140,000 b/d Los Angeles refinery next week, perhaps even earlier than the previously mentioned Q4 2025 deadline for idling, creating a void in fuel supply in California.



Related: Oil Deal Between China and Taliban Falls Apart

Beijing Sets Eyes on Steel Overcapacity. According to media reports, Chinese authorities are set to initiate industry consultations to limit steel production between 2025 and 2026, forcing the closure of inefficient furnaces as the countrys steel exports hit a record high this year to date, at 68 million tonnes.

Mexicos Refinery Jewel Goes Offline. Mexicos much-anticipated 340,000 b/d Dos Bocas refinery has been taken offline following a power outage in the state of Tabasco, a force majeure triggered by heavy rainfall that damaged the plants transformer just as it was ramping up runs to half capacity.

Vitol Latches onto Syrian Oil Supplies. Global trading house Vitol is expected to load the first cargo of Syrian oil  known for its viscosity and high sulphur content  ever since the United States lifted sanctions on the al-Sharaa government this June, reportedly taking the crude to an Italian refiner.



Related: California Faces High Pump Prices as Phillips 66 Shuts LA Refinery

South Koreas Petchem Curbs Are Progressing. As South Korean petrochemical firms agreed to cut 25% of the countrys naphtha cracking capacity earlier this month, it is reported that small and stand-alone crackers would be the first ones to be scrapped, with cash-strapped YNCC bearing the brunt of closures.



US to Thwart Chinese Takeover of Tungsten. US and European officials have been voicing their concerns around a potential Chinese takeover of Vietnams Nui Phao tungsten mining complex, currently owned by Masan, which was put up for sale and prompting Chinese firms to look out for reliable proxy bidders.

Brazil Readies for Key Exploration Well. Brazils national oil company Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) concluded an emergency drill in the untapped Foz do Amazonas basin, the last step to secure a final exploration license at the mouth of the Amazon River, believed to be the countrys next oil-producing frontier.



Lithium Prices Start to Fall Again. The rebound in lithium carbonate futures lasted less than a month as Chinese miners started securing renewals of production licences, sending prices to a three-week low of 75,700 ($10,585/mt) this week as Yongxings (SHE:002756) Jiangxi mine reported a successful extension.

Bangladesh Courts Saudi LNG Deal. The government of Bangladesh started talks with Saudi national oil firm Saudi Aramco (TADAWUL:2222) to sign an MoU for energy cooperation, including a term deal covering LNG imports after the South Asian nation signed a 17-cargo contract with Omans OQ Trading.

By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com

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These events added a layer of risk to global oil markets. While no major

Russia responded by launching a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukrainian cities, killing at least 21 people in Kyiv alone. The violence prompted the White House to announce that President Donald Trump was not happy with Russias actions, and a formal statement is expected soon.

The Russia-Ukraine war re-entered the spotlight this week as military activity intensified on both sides. Ukraine launched fresh drone attacks targeting major Russian oil infrastructure, including the Novoshakhtinsk refinery and Ust-Luga export terminal. These facilities are critical to Russias oil exports, and the strikes have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global crude supply.

For the average investor, the big picture remains mixed: while oil prices continue to respond to headlines around Russia and Ukraine, the market is also grappling with weaker consumption trends and the anticipation of increased supply heading into September.

Crude oil prices were modestly higher through Thursdays close, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures settling at $64.24up nearly 1% so far for the week. While the market remains open, the early gain masks what has been a turbulent stretch marked by intensifying geopolitical conflict, evolving global trade tensions, seasonal demand softening, and volatile inventory data.

Crude oil prices were modestly higher through Thursdays close, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures settling at $64.24up nearly 1% so far for the week. While the market remains open, the early gain masks what has been a turbulent stretch marked by intensifying geopolitical conflict, evolving global trade tensions, seasonal demand softening, and volatile inventory data.

For the average investor, the big picture remains mixed: while oil prices continue to respond to headlines around Russia and Ukraine, the market is also grappling with weaker consumption trends and the anticipation of increased supply heading into September.

Geopolitical Tensions Rise as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalates

The Russia-Ukraine war re-entered the spotlight this week as military activity intensified on both sides. Ukraine launched fresh drone attacks targeting major Russian oil infrastructure, including the Novoshakhtinsk refinery and Ust-Luga export terminal. These facilities are critical to Russias oil exports, and the strikes have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global crude supply.

Russia responded by launching a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukrainian cities, killing at least 21 people in Kyiv alone. The violence prompted the White House to announce that President Donald Trump was not happy with Russias actions, and a formal statement is expected soon.

These events added a layer of risk to global oil markets. While no major export disruption has materialized yet, traders are pricing in the possibility that the conflict could flare into something more severeespecially if critical Russian export terminals or pipelines face long-term damage.

U.S. Tariffs Target India as Oil Trade Realigns

Another key development was Washingtons decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods, doubling import duties to as much as 50%. The move is part of broader U.S. efforts to pressure Indianow one of the largest buyers of Russian crudeto curb its purchases.

Despite mounting pressure, Indian refiners are expected to boost Russian oil imports in September. This trend undermines U.S. foreign policy aims and reflects how deeply global energy markets are being reshaped by war, sanctions, and realignment of trade flows.

From a supply perspective, India's continued appetite for Russian crude acts as a buffer against any significant shortfall caused by war-related outages. For oil investors, this suggests that even with geopolitical tension, the global market may remain well-supplied in the near term.

OPEC+ Set to Raise Production in September

While attention remained fixed on war headlines and U.S. trade policy, OPEC+ made its own quiet impact on market sentiment. The producer group is planning to raise crude oil output by 547,000 barrels per day starting in September.

This anticipated supply increase comes at a time when seasonal demand is expected to weaken. Analysts warn that higher production could lead to a build-up in inventories and cap any significant price gains.

OPEC+s move highlights a shift away from earlier supply cuts that had helped stabilize prices through the first half of the year. As more barrels return to the market, traders are watching closely to see whether demand will keep upor if excess supply will once again dominate headlines.

Seasonal Demand Weakens as Driving Season Ends

One of the clearest bearish signals this week came from the demand side. The U.S. summer driving season, a key period of gasoline consumption, is coming to a close with the Labor Day holiday on the horizon.

Traders are already adjusting expectations lower, citing softer-than-expected gasoline demand over the past several weeks. Refiners are beginning to shift production toward cheaper winter-grade fuel, and expectations for September and October consumption are falling.

According to analysts at Ritterbusch and Associates, weaker demand and higher supply will cause oil inventories to rise, a trend that could weigh on energy prices across the board as summer turns to fall.

Inventory Draw Offers Temporary Support

Despite the broader bearish tilt, one midweek data point gave oil bulls a reason to pause. U.S. crude inventories fell by 2.4 million barrels, exceeding expectations and suggesting short-term tightness in physical supply.

Gasoline and distillate stocks also declined, helping to stabilize prices temporarily. While the draw did not spark a major rally, it underscored that the market remains sensitive to physical supply signalseven as macroeconomic and geopolitical forces dominate headlines.

Still, many traders viewed the inventory news as a short-term stabilizer rather than a longer-term bullish catalyst, particularly in light of the incoming OPEC+ supply and softening U.S. fuel consumption.

Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures

Trend Indicator Analysis

The main trend is down, according to the weekly swing chart. A trade through $61.12 will signal a resumption of the downtrend. The trend will change to up on a move through $69.69.

According to the 52-week moving average at $63.35, the market is showing signs of strengthening with a second consecutive close on the strong side of this indicator.

The markets relationship with the long-term 50% level at $64.56 is neutral.

Weekly Technical Forecast

The direction of the Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market the week ending September 5 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to the 52-week moving average at $63.35.

Bullish Scenario

A sustained move over $63.35 will signal the presence of buyers. If this creates enough upside momentum, we could see a near-term rally into the resistance cluster at $68.70 to $69.69.

Bearish Scenario

A sustained move under the 52-week moving average at $63.35 will indicate the presence of sellers. This could lead to a quick test of the minor bottom at $61.12, followed by Fibonacci support at $60.26. The latter is a potential trigger point for an acceleration to the downside. $56.09 is the first target.

Crude Oil Market Forecast: Bearish Tilt as Supply Increases and Demand Cools

Looking ahead, the fundamental landscape suggests a cautious-to-bearish bias for crude oil.

Despite ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and potential disruptions to Russian supply, the broader market is showing signs of resilience. Russian exports are recovering quicklyeven after Ukrainian attacksand India remains a willing buyer. Combined with the OPEC+ production hike and the end of the U.S. summer driving season, the global supply-demand balance appears tilted toward oversupply.

Unless there is a material escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict that removes a significant volume of oil from the marketor a surprise rebound in global demandoil prices are likely to face downward pressure in the weeks ahead.

For average investors, this means crude oil may not offer strong upside in the near term. Instead, the market is entering a phase where fundamental supply and demand forcesnot just headlineswill drive the next move.

Technically, trader reaction to the 52-week moving average at $63.35 sets the tone.

With the fundamentals leaning bearish and the technicals bullish, traders could be facing above-average volatility.
A second access track is the Ethiopia corridor. The Berbera corridor aligns with Ethiopias push to diversify away from sole reliance on Djibouti. Ethiopia moves more than 90% of its trade through Djibouti, and the Berbera corridor is the only near-term alternative. By backing

The security case does not hinge on recognition. Red Sea risk remains elevated, with Houthi activity continuing to reshape routing, insurance, and naval posture across Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden. That drives demand for contingency nodes, surveillance, and patrol coordination above all. U.S. access, then, becomes a security necessity for both Washington and Somaliland.

As we digest U.S. Senator Ted Cruzs call for the U.S. to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, the fact is, Washington can get what it needs in Somaliland without recognition and without disrupting a fragile geopolitical ecosystem. For a transactional president, which is what we have right now, the pathway is clear. What Washington could gain, one way or another, is episodic access to Berberas port and airfield, logistics pre-positioning through the DP Worldrun economic zone, and tighter maritime domain awareness tied to Red Sea security. The infrastructure and commercial platform already exist under DP Worlds Berbera Port and Berbera Economic Zone, which provide a ready channel for U.S. commercial pre-positioning and quiet government-to-government arrangements that fall short of diplomatic recognition.

As we digest U.S. Senator Ted Cruzs call for the U.S. to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, the fact is, Washington can get what it needs in Somaliland without recognition and without disrupting a fragile geopolitical ecosystem. For a transactional president, which is what we have right now, the pathway is clear. What Washington could gain, one way or another, is episodic access to Berberas port and airfield, logistics pre-positioning through the DP Worldrun economic zone, and tighter maritime domain awareness tied to Red Sea security. The infrastructure and commercial platform already exist under DP Worlds Berbera Port and Berbera Economic Zone, which provide a ready channel for U.S. commercial pre-positioning and quiet government-to-government arrangements that fall short of diplomatic recognition.

The security case does not hinge on recognition. Red Sea risk remains elevated, with Houthi activity continuing to reshape routing, insurance, and naval posture across Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden. That drives demand for contingency nodes, surveillance, and patrol coordination above all. U.S. access, then, becomes a security necessity for both Washington and Somaliland.

A second access track is the Ethiopia corridor. The Berbera corridor aligns with Ethiopias push to diversify away from sole reliance on Djibouti. Ethiopia moves more than 90% of its trade through Djibouti, and the Berbera corridor is the only near-term alternative. By backing upgrades (roads, customs, and logistics) the U.S. makes that outlet viable, giving Ethiopia leverage over Djibouti. For Somaliland, U.S. support (instead of recognition) validates economic autonomy and builds political capital without breaching the One Somalia commitment. The result is leverage in both capitals: Ethiopia gets options, Somaliland gets stature, and Washington secures influence without recognition.



Recognition is a geopolitical problem with limited operational upside. The U.S. has publicly reaffirmed support for Somalias sovereignty and territorial integrity; a recognition move would undercut that position and complicate counterterrorism and security cooperation with Mogadishu at a sensitive moment. It would also put Washington at odds with the African Union and IGAD, both of which reacted to the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU (2024) by restating core principles on unity and territorial integrity and warning of regional destabilization.

Regionally, recognition risks widening fault lines: it would inflame the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute over sea access, harden Somalias stance against external partners seen as enabling secession, and drag in outside actors (Turkey, Egypt, Gulf states) whose positions and security equities run through Mogadishu and the Red Sea. Corridor politics already intersect with interstate tensions.

The endgame here should be to pursue access by locking in logistics at Berbera without causing more security concerns in the region.
After months of saber-rattling and harsh rhetoric, U.S. President Donald Trump dispatched military assets to Latin America to combat the narcotics trade. Three Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers were sent to Caribbean waters off Venezuela, with Washington planning to send 4,000 marines to the region. The White House also issued a $50 million bounty for President Nicolas Maduros arrest as part of the crackdown on Venezuela. The autocratic president, who was charged with cocaine trafficking and narco-terrorism in 2020, is accused of leading the Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking organization tied to Venezuelas military leadership. Fears are growing that the U.S. is building up to a military confrontation with Venezuela, especially since sanctions failed.

Countries across Latin America are growing worried that Washingtons actions presage unilateral U.S. military action against Caracas and further intervention in the region. President Trump appears determined to use whatever means available to oust President Maduro after his policy of maximum pressure, including strict sanctions, failed to spark regime change. The motivation to remove the despotic regime in Caracas is rooted in its profound illegitimacy. Not only did President Maduro renege on earlier promises to reintroduce democracy, but healso stole the July 2024 presidential election. Venezuelas incumbent leader declared victory after the countrys regime-controlled electoral authority announced he won 51% of the vote despite evidence of a landslide win for the opposition.

Well before the July 2024 election, the Maduro regime had long been seen as illegitimate. During 2019, the National Assembly, then led by Juan Guaido, invoked Venezuelas Constitution to declare that President Maduro had usurped power and was not the legitimate leader of Venezuela. Afterward, Guaido was internationally recognised as Venezuelas lawful president, provoking a lengthy struggle with the despotic Maduro regime, which refused to cede power. By April 2023, this failed after the death of dozens of pro-opposition supporters and Guaido losing office, which forced him to flee Venezuela fearing for his safety.

The events of July 2024 were followed by a brutal crackdown on political criticism and dissent ,exacerbating Caracas existing exclusion from the international community. This appears to have little impact on Venezuelas despotic leader nor his grip on power. Indeed, U.S. sanctions targeting government officials and related entities have been in place since 2005. The Obama White House ramped up sanctions declaring a national emergency in 2015 because of the extraordinary threat posed to U.S. national security by the Maduro regime. In his first term, President Trump implemented even harsher sanctions, which crippled Venezuelas economically vital oil industry. After July 2024, Washington, Brussels and their allies, including 10 Latin American countries, refused to recognize President Maduros victory.

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are hawkish about invading Venezuela. Between 2016 and 2020, various plans were discussed by the Trump White House about how to use the U.S. military to topple Maduros autocratic regime. In 2018, then Senator Rubio proposed that a U.S. military intervention in Venezuela would provide a solution to the long-time threat posed by Caracas to the stability of the Americas. The failure of diplomatic negotiations and economic sanctions to oust Maduro and restore democracy in Venezuela points to military intervention as the only remaining option. Venezuelas increasing international isolation, along with traditional allies Russia and Iran being preoccupied with their own serious conflict,s makes now an ideal time to strike against the profoundly unlawful regime in Caracas.

In response to Washingtons deployment of warships capable of conducting surgical strikes with Tomahawk missiles off Venezuelas coast and the bounty for President Maduros arrest, Caracas activated the 4.5-million-strong Bolivarian militia. This branch of Venezuelas military, composed of poorly trained and lightly armed volunteers, is the least combat-ready component of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces. The militarys main branches, the army, navy and air force, with 123,000 active personnel, are on high alert. Caracas sent 15,000 military personnel to the border with Colombia, ostensibly to fight drug trafficking and bolster security.

Venezuela, unlike Washingtons last regional interventions in Grenada and Panama, possesses a strong military. There is a blue-water navy operating seven frigates and one submarine, a 63,000-strong army equipped with main battle tanks, and an air force flying modern jet fighters. Indeed, Venezuelas military is ranked as the seventh most powerful in Latin America, ahead of Ecuador but behind Peru. Despite those credible numbers, if Washington commits U.S. forces to combat operations in Venezuela it will win an overwhelming tactical victory against a military ill-prepared to fight a medium to high intensity war.

A decade-long crippling economic meltdown is impacting the quality as well as the quantity of training, logistics, and equipment, severely degrading the armed forces combat capability. This is further exacerbated by a heightened focus on maintaining domestic security and internal order, particularly for the army, which distracts the military from its core war-fighting role. Events from 2021 support this hypothesis. A handful of Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents, leftist guerrillas who rejected Bogotas 2016 peace deal, resoundingly defeated Venezuelas military in a series of clashes over a year-long conflict in the state of Apure.

A U.S. invasion of Venezuela, despite leading to an unqualified military victory, is fraught with extreme risk. The greatest threat is that U.S. troops will not be welcomed in Venezuela or Latin America. There is a long history of distrust borne of Washingtons brutal regional military interventions and coups, which destabilized many countries, leading to cruel military dictatorships that persecuted civil society. In many instances, where U.S. ground forces were deployed in Latin America, the troops behaved poorly, breeding considerable hostility among local communities. These feelings are aggravated by Washingtons lack of positive regional engagement since 2016 and President Trumps decision to slash aid.

Despotic President Maduro will use that sentiment, along with Chavist Venezuelas anti-imperialist credentials, to whip up hate and anti-American resistance in Latin America. There is already a resounding response to Maduros call for citizens to respond to U.S. threats; thousands of Venezuelans are volunteering for the Bolivarian Militia. For these reasons, after invading Venezuela, Washington could find itself fighting a grueling, long-term asymmetric war. The difficulties associated with that conflict will be magnified by Venezuelas shattered infrastructure and broken institutions, which were decimated by the countrys profound economic collapse. Another further concern is the potential for multiple centers of resistance because of Venezuelas highly fragmented civil society and the existence of various non-state armed groups operating in the country.

In a country that is double the size of Iraq, any invasion and subsequent occupation to rebuild a devastated Venezuela will require a massive number of troops. Estimates vary, but reliable sources point to the deployment of more than 100,000 U.S. troops with supporting naval, air and logistical elements, with double or more of that number required if Washingtons experience in Iraq is any indication. At its peak the U.S. deployed 170,300 personnel who struggled to control Iraqs territory and defeat an ideologically driven anti-American multiparty insurgency.

Opposition to a U.S. invasion is considerable and growing. Mexico, Cuba and Colombia have rejected the deployment of U.S. military assets near Venezuela. President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico stated she was opposed to any sort of military intervention in Latin America. Colombias President Gustavo Petro warned a U.S. invasion risks turning Venezuela into another Syria, where a savage 14-year multiparty civil war spawned terrorist movements and displaced over 13 million refugees. President Petro was quoted by major Colombian newspaper El Tiempo as saying:

"The gringos are in the pot, they think that by invading Venezuela they solve their problem, they put Venezuela in the case of Syria, only with the problem that they are dragging the same thing into Colombia,"

The Andean countrys leader further cautioned that such a conflict could spill over into Colombia, dragging the long-standing U.S. ally into the war. Various leftist guerrillas still fighting in Colombia, including FARC dissidents and the National Liberation Army (ELN), potentially will join the conflict to boost their flagging popularity, territory and influence. Even if those insurgents do not become directly involved, they will emerge as important conduits for arms, training and logistical support to Venezuelas resistance. Consequently, they strengthened their power base in Colombia and Venezuela, while bolstering recruitment and income. This will further destabilize a fragile Colombia a country recovering from a lengthy multi-party civil war. These possible outcomes highlight the considerable risk of regional contagion and destabilization that U.S. military intervention in Venezuela will cause.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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The court-ordered auction for the parent company of Citgo just got more interesting as the former preferred bidder has to sweeten its offer to stay in the race after the emergence of a surprise rival.

Earlier this week, media reported that a company affiliated with hedge fund Elliott Management had emerged as the frontrunner in the bidding for PDV Holding, a PDVSA unit that owns U.S.-based Citgo.

The new bidder, Amber Energy, had beaten the offer of the consortium led by miner Gold Reserve, which had previously been considered the best one of all. That bid amounted to $7.38 billion, which was much higher than the floor price of $3.7 billion set by court officer Robert Pincus, who is in charge of the auction.

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.

This has prompted the Golden Reserve-led consortium to improve its own offer, Reuters reported, although the company did not provide any details about the size of the improvement. The company that represents the consortium, Dalinar Energy, had materially increased its proposed purchase price, arranged for additional financial support, and increased the certainty of its bid in non-economic ways, Golden Reserve said.

The company also issued a document earlier this week, in which it argued that the competing bid of Amber Energy was going to short-change PDV Holdings creditors and that it was in fact contrary to the courts orders because the sum offered for the companys creditors was much smaller than the one that Dalinar Energy had offered.

Golden Reserve is seeking $1.8 billion in compensation for assets it had in Venezuela that go expropriated by the Hugo Chavez government.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Competitive prices for U.S. crude in an open arbitrage window to Asia have prompted Indian state and private refiners to accelerate buying of American oil in August, trade sources told Reuters on Friday.

A few weeks ago, rising prices of Middle Eastern grades opened the arbitrage window for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) to flow to Asia.

Key grades from the Middle East, such as Dubai and Murban, have seen their prices rise in recent weeks on the back of strong demand for high-sulfur crude in Asia and reduced shipments of Murban.

Moreover, the prices for Middle Eastern crudes going to Asia have jumped amid concerns that the hiked U.S. tariff on India due to its purchases of Russian oil could disrupt flows of Russias cheap crude.

Adding to all these factors is the falling freight cost for supertankers to ship crude from the U.S. Gulf Coast to key import centers in Asia, including Singapore, China, and Indias west coast.

As Indias purchases are driven by economics above all else, both state and private refiners bought more U.S. crude in August to take advantage of the lower freight costs and the open arbitrage window.

The top refiner, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IndianOil), has purchased in a tender 5 million barrels of WTI for October and November delivery, according to Reuters trade sources.

Another state-owned refiner, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), has bought 2 million barrels of WTI, and private refiner Reliance Industries has purchased another 2 million barrels of WTI crude from Vitol, the sources told Reuters.

The higher purchases of U.S. crude could help reduce the huge trade deficit that the United States runs with India.

With difficult U.S.-India trade talks, the Trump Administration has singled out India to punish as a buyer of Russian crude.

Indian refiners, however, are not giving up on Russian crudethey continue to seek bargain prices and are expected to import more Russian oil in September compared to August levels as discounts are deepening amid Russias constrained refining capacity due to Ukrainian drone strikes.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Voters in Guyana, one of the worlds fastest growing economies thanks to its oil riches, are heading to the polls on September 1 to elect new parliament and president, with current President Irfaan Ali seeking a second and final term in office.

Ali and his Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) won the previous elections in 2020 and managed to hold a 33 seat-majority in a 65-seat Parliament.

Opinion polls point that PPP will win the most seats again, but it is not a given that it could scrape through a majority again. The ruling party could be forced to seek a coalition to pass its legislative agenda.

Opposition parties are unhappy with the governments spending of Guyanas oil income, claiming not all Guyanese are seeing the benefits of spending programs, while the quality of life has not improved for all residents.

Three of Guyanas opposition parties pledge to seek a larger share for Guyana from its contract with ExxonMobil, the U.S. supermajor leading the oil production projects in the country.

Exxon has said it would not re-open negotiations on the contract, which PPP and Ali want to keep as-is.

Oil income from offshore projects in the Stabroek block has propelled Guyanas economy soaring by double digits in recent years.

Earlier this month, Guyanas oil producing capacity jumped to 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) after ExxonMobil launched production from Yellowtail, the fourth oil development in the prolific Stabroek block.

Exxon and partners have found more than 11 billion oil equivalent barrels in the Stabroek block, where production was already above 660,000 bpd before the start of production at Yellowtail.

Guyanas offshore oil field is a top-performing asset with the potential to yield even more barrels and billions of U.S. dollars for the projects partners. Both Chevron and Exxon will benefit from Stabroek even at relatively lower oil prices, because the Guyana block is estimated to have a breakeven oil price of about $30 per barrel.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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When the Taliban retook control over Afghanistan four years ago, China was quick to sign an oil field development deal to extract crude in the central Asian country and boost its footprint and influence there.

But the oil deal, signed in 2023 by the Taliban and Chinas Xinjiang Central Asia Petroleum and Gas Co., Ltd (CAPEIC) and planned to last for 25 years, has now collapsed, with each side accusing the other of breaching the contract.

In early 2023, the Taliban signed the 25-year deal with CAPEIC for the Amu Darya oil project. Under the terms of the deal, CAPEIC was set to invest $540 million per year in the first three years.

The Amu Darya oil project encompasses a 4,500 square kilometer area that will be explored by 2026, during which between 1,000 and 20,000 tons of oil will be extracted, the Talibans Acting Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Shahabuddin Dilawar said at the time.

But disputes and allegations soon emerged and led to the collapse of the deal.

Afghanistan has accused CAPEIC, the Chinese company, of failing to meet its commitments of investment, pay royalties on time, and complete key infrastructure and geological survey projects.

The Chinese firm disputes this and claims that the Taliban took over the project by force.

The Taliban forcibly took over our joint venture oil fields and unreasonably drove our Chinese personnel out of the oil field at gunpoint, one Chinese employee of the joint venture told NPR.

The employee, who had asked not to be named, told the media outlet that the Taliban detained 12 Chinese employees in Kabul and confiscated their passports. The Taliban also demanded that the Chinese leave all their equipment behind and leave the Taliban a Kabul bank account with millions of U.S. dollars in it.

A second Chinese employee told NPR, commenting on the Taliban practices, Their business mindset does not include win-win outcomes. Like a bandit committing a robbery, they think, if I like it, then it's mine.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Reasons for this shift include a perceived lack of tangible business value from previous ESG initiatives, cost-cutting pressures, and the difficulty in implementing and assessing climate-related risks.

Key financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, HSBC, and Barclays, have exited the Net Zero Banking Alliance or delayed climate targets.

Major banks globally are withdrawing from or diluting their net zero and ESG commitments, citing political shifts like the return of President Donald Trump and internal operational challenges.

Over the past year, the worlds biggest banks net zero enthusiasm has quickly and quietly dried up.

Top lenders have backtracked, diluted or outright abandoned their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies.

The return of President Donald Trump has been highlighted as a turning point for green finance with firms across the financial industry turning sour on ESG commitments.

Trump has made no secret of his disdain for such policies, branding ESG investing as a way to attack American business.

The President, who ran for office on the motto drill baby drill, moved quickly to withdraw the US from the Paris Climate Agreement with his bullish attitudes triggering firms to follow suit.

Net zero club gets Trumped

Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs announced in the month after Trumps election win it would exit the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), which was convened in 2021 by the UN Environment Programme finance initiative.

Just months later in January, JP Morgans sealed a Wall Street exodus after Citi, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo all quit the group.

The exits of The Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal and Toronto-Dominion Bank at the end of January erased the fingerprint of North America on NZBA.

The ripple effect has spread to London, where HSBC and Barclays both ditched the club over the last month.

Barclays, whilst reiterating ambitions to become a net zero bank by 2050, argued the group no longer has the membership to support our transition.

A spokesperson for NZBA told City AM the group remains focused on supporting the many banks that are leading this transformation despite the mass exodus.

They added amid a changing climate to environmental policies the need for bold, resolute action from the banking sector has never been greater.

Banks climate policies melt under heat

Maia Mesanger, sustainable finance research senior associate at BloombergNEF, told City AM: Although financial institutions are reconsidering their climate goals, the concrete implications of the journeys they started will likely continue to progress.

She said the consideration of climate risk in investing and lending was contingent on policymakers continuing to enforce such practices.

But Scott Lane, founder and chief executive of ESG business solutions service Speeki, told City AM: its easy to blame Trumps anti-ESG crusade for the retreats but argued the real issue was internal.

The biggest factor behind the scrapping of these initiatives is that they were half-baked and never given the chance to demonstrate value to shareholders and customers, he argued.

In February, HSBC slapped a 20-year delay on its net zero target, which followed the bank shelving plans to build a dedicated carbon credits desk.

Barclays and Natwest have also dropped their climate goals from bonus schemes for senior executives, arguing it would better reflect the lenders long-term climate goals.

And in March Lloyds Banking Group watered down its net zero pledge that prohibited bankers long-haul flights.

Lane said: Banks and the like made micro improvements, set far-flung net-zero goals, and ran empty marketing campaigns based on promises  and no one felt any tangible business value from them.

This echoed calls from Aberdeen chair and former HSBC chairman Sir Douglas Flint, who told a City conference earlier this year the financial services industry had made a huge mistake in ESG investing.

It became a marketing thing, he said, lets tell everyone were saving the world, were saving the planet.

Banks trim the green

The row backs from the Citys banking giants come as top bosses look to slash costs across operations.

Barclays CS Venkatkrishnan, known as Venkat, is in the middle of a three-year plan that targets a reduced reliance on the lenders investment bank, which made up over 50 per cent of its first-quarter income.

Meanwhile, HSBCs Georges Elhedery has spent his near-12 months since taking the helm at the lender deploying strategies to reduce expenses, namely a significant scaling down of European operations.

Lane said investors will be eying failed ESG investments that have not materially benefitted the company.

[Banks] spent a bit of money, wasted some time here and there, and kicked the can down the road, he said.

Now, shareholders are demanding to know why money is being spent on unproductive initiatives.

Bill Winters, boss of Standard Chartered, scorned his banking peers last month for only speaking about climate issues when it was fashionable.

Shame on them, the FTSE 100 chief said, though did not name specific firms.

But a report from the UK banking regulator in April revealed the industry was battling an uphill battle to meet commitments.

The Prudential Regulation Authoritys (PRA) report said it observed a common challenge among firms in the complexity involved in constructing and implementing CSA (climate scenario analysis).

It added they face difficulty in using the outputs from CSA to assess their overall exposures to climate-related risks.

Data remain a significant challenge the PRA said, with firms struggling to access information on both climate projections and the data necessary to link those to their asset and lending portfolios.

This included the likes of location data that without, banks were unable to effectively evaluate their exposure to physical climate risks, such as floods, heatwaves, or wildfires, which are tied to specific geographical areas

Cloudy ahead

A global index ranking from Z/Yen showed the worlds leading financial hubs were ditching ESG policies.

It marked the second consecutive report where almost all of the top ten hubs had their green finance rating slashed by double digits.

In the latest release London, despite topping the rankings, lost 36 points.

A report from business information system CRIF in June revealed over half of UK senior financial professionals believe their leadership will place less focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies in the coming years.

Lane said the inconvenient Trumpian political headwinds, and financial services executive who want to stay in his good books along with the desire to appease shareholders through cost-cutting had provided a good excuse to drop sustainability from the agenda.

Though, should the political pendulum swing so ESG once more becomes fashionable, Bill Winters may be welcoming his peers back to the club.

By City AM

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

The recent car crashing into the Columbia River in Portland along Marine Drive tells an evolving story.

 The driver was a young man, Guillermo Soto Briceno, 43, of Portland. This reflect the tragedy of so many young people dying in Portland.

 The driver plowed through a protective barrier. This suggests that alcohol, drugs or speeding was involved. Portland has a problem with all three of these crimes.

 The Portland driver who died had no public online presence and is not a voter in Oregon. Is this someone who has fallen through the cracks of our community? If so, how many others are falling through?

 The car fell into the river surrounded by trash which has become the new face of the Columbia River in Portland due to rampant homeless camps and the City neglecting to pick up trash. Although this is minor compared to the death of person, it is interesting that this random car accident at a random location reveals how different Portland has become in the last 10 years.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will have "played" his US counterpart Donald Trump if the Kremlin chief fails to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday.

Macron expressed hope that such a meeting would take place, but said if the Russian leader did not meet a Monday deadline to agree to the talks "it will show again President Putin has played President Trump", and warned that France would push for new "primary and secondary sanctions" to pressure Moscow.

His comments came as diplomatic efforts to end the three-and-a-half-year conflict sparked by Russia's 2022 invasion of its neighbour appear to have lost steam after Trump moved to restore dialogue with Moscow at the start of his second presidency.

"I think this is not a good thing for us all. This cannot stay without response," Macron said, after talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the south of France, saying they would both have new telephone talks with Trump at the weekend.

"I hope it (the meeting between Putin and Zelensky) takes place but if not... we will push for primary and secondary sanctions which will pressure Russia and force it to come to the negotiating table," Macron said.

Macron also showed no regret for describing Putin earlier this month as an "ogre at our gates", comments which angered Moscow.

"We say there is an ogre at the gates of Europe... this is very much what the Georgians (after a 2008 invasion) and Ukrainians and many other nations feel very deeply," he said.

"That is a man who has decided to go down an authoritarian path and impose an imperialism to change international frontiers."

After deadly drone and missile attacks on Kyiv on Thursday, Macron also warned that Putin had a habit of saying one thing at international talks and then acting differently.

"The gap between President Putin's positions at international summits and the reality on the ground shows how insincere he is," he said.

Merz said that Russia's war against Ukraine war could yet go on for "many more months", adding that he had "no illusions" about the prospects of a swift conclusion.

He vowed that "we will not abandon Ukraine" but said it looked like Putin was showing "no readiness" to meet with Zelensky.

"To be frank that does not surprise me as this belongs to the strategy of the Russian president," Merz said.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

With its luxury vacation homes dotted through alpine forests, its tens of thousands of tourists, and its huge concentration of the species Ursus americanus has long been at the center of California's human-bear conflicts.

Bears stroll out of the woods and across crowded beaches to snatch food from coolers. They sneak into ice-cream stores, smash through car windows and break into houses, trashing kitchens. Often, they go viral on Instagram and TikTok in the process.

They have become as much a part of Lake Tahoe lore as lazy afternoons by the water or starlit evenings under mountain peaks. And so too have the fights about what to do about problem bearswith some activists accusing the California Department of Fish and Wildlife of being too quick to euthanize naughty bruins, instead of educating the public to better coexist with their ursine neighbors.

But even in this environment, the fight that has roared up in South Lake Tahoe this summer is unlike anything many on both sides of this issue have seen in years.

For the last few days, bear activists have been staging a round-the-clock bodyguard operation, including sleeping out in the woods, to protect a cub and a home-raiding bear that the state has targeted for "lethal removal." The activists have also launched a public relations campaign to try to lobby the government to spare the bear's life.

The bear in question is a young mother, with a cub by her side. She is known to the government as "Sow #753," while bear activists and their hundreds of thousands of social media followers call her "Hope." They call her cub "Bounce." (The state of California does not approve of naming bears because authorities believe wild animals should not be anthropomorphized.)

Whatever she is called, Hope/Sow #753 has a long history with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. She has been on the department's radar since 2022, according to wildlife officials. But this summer, she took things up a notch. She has been linked, via her DNA, to more than a dozen home break-ins in the South Lake Tahoe area since mid-July, state wildlife officials say.

On Aug. 21, she and her cub broke into a home on Butler Avenue in South Lake Tahoe and accidentally lighted a burner on the gas stove while rummaging through the kitchen.

"This bear and its cub came very close to igniting a fire and burning down a house, and potentially creating a forest fire," said Peter Tira, spokesperson for the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

A staff member at Fish and Wildlife who was in the area happened to smell the gas and called 911.

As emergency responders dealt with that situation, mother and cub fled up a nearby tree.

The Fish and Wildlife staff member stood below to monitor them.

The staffer was holding a paintball gun, which is often used to haze bears. But when some in the community saw it, they feared that it was a real gun, and that the bears were at risk of being shot.

The Bear League, an organization that works to protect bears by teaching people to coexist with them, blasted out an urgent message to its 200,000 Facebook followers: "NEWSBREAK: Hope and Bounce are currently high up in a tree on the 2000 block of Butler Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, and Fish and Wildlife are there and we know they have issued a standing order to kill Hope. If you are in the area, please go act as a respectful witness.

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People began rushing to the scene. Many of them were furious at Fish and Wildlife. "How would they like it if an ex-USMC sniper came to protect those bears?" one man wrote on the Bear League's Facebook page.

Eventually, the police were called to defuse the situation.

Ever since, said Ann Bryant, the executive director of the Bear League, teams of volunteers have tried to stick by the bear at all times, to protect her from being killed by Fish and Wildlife.

"We have some people who are sleeping out in the wilderness at night," Bryant said, adding that they do so because the bear's "life has meaning, and she wants to live and she has a baby. We don't want her to be murdered."

Bryant said she would like the mother bear and her cub to be left alone, but if Fish and Wildlife won't allow that, she wants the bear to be trapped and transported to a bear sanctuary out of state, while her cub could be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

She noted that the Department of Fish and Wildlife has often been reluctant to send bears to out-of-state havens, but hopes that the lobbying that has been unleashed on the department "from people all over the world" who are "extremely upset about her potential death" will help sway officials.

Tira, of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, said bears sent to sanctuaries often fail to thrive and "have to be on antidepressant medications."

"Shipping California wildlife all over the place is not necessarily a long-term solution," he said.

But it was clear to officials, he said, that something had to be done about this particular bear.

"It's a dangerous situation," he said. "We know this bear has broken into at least a half a dozen [homes] just within the last week. This is not normal bear behavior."

Still, he added, "Things in Lake Tahoe are very emotionally charged with this bear."

Bryant and other bear activists have been keeping up a regular stream of updates on their efforts to keep the bear from being killed. They also dispute the idea that Hope/Sow #753 is particularly badly behaved.

"She has not done much more than walk in through unlocked doors and windows," Bryant said, adding that once the bodyguard operation was launched, the bear is now being constantly watched and hazed away from homes when she tries to get in.

"She has never even bluff charged anybody. She's absolutely 10 times better than some of the other mama bears down in that area," Bryant said, adding that the real problem was that some homeowners in the neighborhood were not being responsible about their garbage or closing and locking their doors and windows and "she is being scapegoated."

Despite the brouhaha over Hope/Sow #753, officials said there has not been a huge uptick in bear conflict this summer in Lake Tahoe.

Since May 1, officials said, there have been 170 incidents of bear-related property damage reported to the state, along with 18 cases of "general nuisance" caused by bears and two unspecified public safety incidents.

In 2024, there were a total of 521 reports of property damage. The total was 607 in 2023; the first and only known instance of a person being killed by a bear was recorded in California that year: a 71-year-old woman in Downieville who was partially eaten by an animal who broke into her home.

Bears have also continued to draw social media attention for their food-lusting foibles. On Aug. 17, four days before the standoff on Butler Avenue, deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office found a bear inside an ice-cream store in South Lake Tahoe and snapped a photo. It went viral.

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Eastern rockhopper penguins. Credit: Tawaki Project

International researchers have taken an in-depth look at three Aotearoa New Zealand crested penguin species, revealing one is thriving while others face uncertain futures.

Led by the Tawaki Project at the University of OtagoOtakou Whakaihu Waka, the study provides what is believed to be the most comprehensive look yet at the population genetics of three Aotearoa crested penguin speciestawaki/Fiordland penguins, erect-crested penguins, and eastern rockhopper penguins.

Published in PLOS One, the findings reveal tawaki are flourishing as a single, healthy population but their subantarctic cousins face worrying declines and fragmented population structures.

Lead author Dr. Jeff White, of Cornell University, who has collaborated with Otago throughout his studies, says the study underscores both good and bad news. "It's encouraging to see tawaki maintaining strong genetic health, which bodes well for their future if we continue to safeguard their marine habitats.

"But the situation for erect-crested and eastern rockhopper penguins is far more concerning. Their genetic isolation and loss of diversity highlight just how urgent it is to understand and address their causes of their ongoing decline."

Researchers used cutting-edge DNA sequencing to analyze thousands of genetic markers from penguin colonies across the South Island and the subantarctic Antipodes and Bounty Islands.

They found tawaki form a single, genetically diverse population with no signs of isolation between coloniesa reassuring result that aligns with recent surveys indicating stable or even increasing numbers.

This resilience is thought to stem from the species' ability to forage successfully across a wide range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters around Rakiura/Stewart Island and the open ocean to the enclosed fjord systems of Fiordland.

In contrast, eastern rockhopper penguins on the Antipodes Islands were found to have alarmingly low genetic diversity, consistent with decades of sharp population decline.

Erect-crested penguins, meanwhile, are split into two distinct populations: one on the Antipodes Islands, which is shrinking, and another on the Bounty Islands, which has remained more stable.

Co-author and Tawaki Project co-leader Dr. Thomas Mattern says these results are only possible thanks to long-term collaborations in the field.

"These findings show why New Zealand's subantarctic penguins should not be managed as a single unit," Dr. Mattern says.

"The Bounty Islands population of erect-crested penguins is hanging on, while those on the Antipodes are heading towards collapse. We need to tailor conservation strategies to the unique realities of each species and island group."

The study underscores the importance of New Zealand's Fiordland region as a genetic stronghold for tawaki.

In contrast, the outlook for subantarctic penguins is more complex: while ongoing climate change may soon render the Antipodes Islands unsuitable for rockhopper and erect-crested penguins, the Bounty Islands will then represent the last viable refuge for erect-crested penguins, Dr. Mattern says.

"Protecting this population is critical, particularly as proposals to loosen fisheries regulations could expose the Bounty Islands to intensified industrial fishing pressure."

More information: Jeff White et al, Population structure of three New Zealand crested penguins identifies current conservation challenges for the Fiordland penguin/tawaki, erect-crested penguin, and eastern rockhopper penguin, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0329545 Journal information: PLoS ONE
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A team of archaeologists works at the site of a Colonial-era church amid the ruins of the former Maya town known as Hunacti in northern Yucatan, Mexico. Credit: Marilyn Masson/University at Albany

In the rolling countryside of the northern Yucatan, a team of researchers has brought to light the story of Hunactia short-lived 16th-century mission town whose stone streets and Spanish-style church mask a deeper narrative of relentless persecution, resilience and a quiet adherence to Maya religious traditions.

Led by UAlbany anthropologist Marilyn A. Masson, researchers from Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, Morehead State University and the University of South Wales have pieced together a vivid portrait of Hunacti's 15-year lifespan, from its founding in 1557 to its abandonment by 1572.

Excavations of three elite residences, the central plaza and the church reveal a settlement that initially aligned itself with Spanish colonial expectations, only to maintainand in some cases intensifytraditional Maya practices in the face of persecution and natural disaster.

Published in Latin American Antiquity, the study "Archaeological Perspectives on Confronting Social Change at the Sixteenth-Century Visita Town of Hunacti, Yucatan" offers an in-depth look at how one short-lived Maya mission town navigated the upheavals of early Spanish colonial rule.

"Hunacti is a paradox," Masson said. "It was grandly built, with cooperative leaders at first, yet it became known for ongoing resistance, even when the costs were high."

A model townand a target

Hunacti was established as a visita mission sitea satellite community visited periodically by Franciscan friars from larger convent centers. Its layout reflected Spanish ideals: Gridded streets radiated from a central plaza where a T-shaped church rose against the backdrop of pre-Hispanic pyramids and administrative buildings. Three large elite houses, built in a Spanish style with plastered walls, arched windows and niches, surrounded the plaza.

Historical records suggest the site's founding leaders enjoyed privileges rare for Maya elites under early colonial ruleaccess to horses, ownership of a cacao orchard and control over significant labor for construction.

"But Hunacti's prominence drew unwanted attention," explained Masson. "In the 1560s, the town figured prominently in the infamous Franciscan 'idolatry trials' led by Diego de Landa, which targeted Maya leaders for continuing traditional religious rites."

The research shows that in 1562, one Maya leader of the community, Juan Xiu, was arrested along with eight others and died under torture after being accused of human sacrifice. Later, in 1565 and 1570, subsequent leaders were punished for idolatry, including public lashings. Then, in 1572, famine struck and Hunacti was abandoned, with town residents likely relocating to nearby Tixmehuac.

A bizarre episode in 1561when Xiu himself reported a stillborn infant with crucifixion-like marksmay have sealed the town's fate by drawing Franciscan scrutiny, according to the researchers.

The archaeology of resilience

According to the authors, excavations at the church and elite homes tell a story the Spanish chronicles only hint at: beneath the veneer of European architecture, Hunacti's residents held fast to Maya traditions.

The researchers found effigy censersceramic incense burners with modeled faces or figures representing ancient Maya deities in all three elite houses and in several areas of the church.

"Many of the censers were found above the last colonial floors, suggesting their use continued until the settlement's end, despite Franciscan prohibitions," said Masson.

Other key findings include:

Local production and provisioning: The stone tool assemblage relied on local chert and limestone; only one European metal tool was recovered (a hatchet)

Sparse European goods: Unlike some contemporary mission towns, Hunacti yielded few imported items and little evidence of surplus production for Spanish markets

Faunal remains: Mostly native species such as deer, peccary, and iguana; at least one horsea status symbol for eliteswas present

A calculated autonomy

While Hunacti's short occupation might be seen as a failure in colonial terms, Masson and her colleagues interpret it differently. The settlement's leaders appear to have shifted from early cooperation to a more self-sufficient, resistant stance, limiting engagement with Spanish trade networks and maintaining control over religious life.

This choice likely came at the expense of long-term stability and access to Spanish goods, but it preserved a degree of local autonomyan outcome valued by many Indigenous communities navigating the pressures of colonization.

"Success in this context isn't just about wealth or imported goods," Masson noted. "It's also about sustaining your own traditions and making your own decisions, even under intense outside pressure."

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Colonial-era Maya life

Hunacti's archaeology enriches our understanding of the diversity of experiences among Colonial-era Maya towns. While some communities embraced elements of Christianity and colonial governance to secure material benefits, otherslike Hunactiaccepted the costs of resisting Spanish rule by maintaining pre-colonial Maya religious traditions.

The research also highlights the value of household archaeology in rewriting the narratives of Indigenous passivity that once dominated colonial histories.

"In the refuse of kitchens, the layout of houses and the hidden placement of ritual objects, we can see the subtle strategies of negotiation, adaptation and defiance," explained Masson.

For Hunacti, those strategies left a material record that still speaks, more than four centuries after the last residents walked away from their grand plaza.

More information: Marilyn A. Masson et al, Archaeological Perspectives on Confronting Social Change at the Sixteenth-Century Visita Town of Hunacti, Yucatan, Latin American Antiquity (2025). DOI: 10.1017/laq.2025.1
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association's Master Woodland Manager program is returning for its fifth year this fall with a record-breaking 75 students despite having half the budget it started with last year.

To kick off the fifth anniversary of the program, CFPA will host a cohort launch at Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center on Sept. 6. The year-long program will combine hands-on field and virtual learning led by Connecticut's top forestry and wildlife professionals. The program, which earned national recognition in 2023, has trained 169 woodland managers since its launch in 2021.

The training program was developed to improve communications and connections with woodland owners and land managers to increase their knowledge about forest management and improve woodland conditions in the state, according to officials.

The Master Woodland Manager training program course topics include forest ecology, wildlife ecology, forests and climate change, forest management practice, Connecticut's forests, resources for woodland managers and forest health. Course organizers and partners used web-based and email marketing strategies along with social media and local news outlets to get the word out to woodland owners and land managers in Connecticut.

"A big part of the growth is word of mouth. We ask every applicant how they heard about the program, and so often the answer is a friend, neighbor or colleague who participated and encouraged them to apply. We've also been more intentional about raising the program's visibility through social media and e-newsletters, and our partners have been fantastic about spreading the word as well," said Beth Merow, education director with the CFPA.

"At the same time, the growth speaks to the public's growing interest in forest health, climate change, wildlife habitats, and sustainable land management," she said. "More and more, people want to be proactive about the land they own or manage. As a program that's built for landowners, woodland managers, professionals and volunteers alike, this program gives them the tools and confidence to do just that."

This year, the CFPA has had its federal funding cut in half as part of the Department of Government Efficiency's federal chopping block under President Donald Trump's administration. As a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, CFPA receives federal funding to support "essential work the CFPA does, like maintaining trails, training volunteers, providing safety equipment, building bridges and educating future stewards of our natural world," according to the association.

According to the National Parks Conservation Association, DOGE cut 9% of the National Park Service workforce this year, eliminating 1,000 probationary staff, freezing vacant permanent positions and delaying the hiring of seasonal employees.

"Up until now, the program has relied on two federal grants from the U.S. Forest Service's Landscape Scale Restoration program," Merow said.

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"The most recent one runs out this year, and, unfortunately, there is no other federal opportunity on the horizon. Like many grant-funded programs, cycles change and funding priorities shift so long-term funding isn't permanent or secure. That's why we're working hard with our partners to build new, critical support so the program doesn't lose the momentum it's built."

CFPA manages and maintains 137 miles of the popular New England Trail in the state for the National Park Service, but trail management may be impacted, along with the Master Woodland Manager Program. The program helps protect over 61,000 acres of wild spaces in Connecticut by training landowners to make decisions that benefit forests, wildlife and communities through conservation.

"For five years, the Master Woodland Manager program has empowered people to care for Connecticut's forests with knowledge, dedication and love for the land. Losing half of federal funding in 2026 means CFPA has to raise $86,000 a year to keep this incredible program going. It's a heavy lift, but we owe it to our forests and the future to do everything we can to continue this critical work," the CFPA said in a statement.

Federal funding makes up around 10% of CFPA's annual revenue plan, according to CFPA executive director Andy Bicking. But despite the impact of losing federal dollars, the program continues to gain popularity.

"We absolutely don't want to lose the momentum or the impact of this woodland manager education program. This program is central to our mission because it empowers Connecticut residents to take an active role in caring for our forests. As a result, it's building a community of woodland managers, leading to healthier forests and creating lasting benefits for the state," Merow said.

The program was developed by CFPA in partnership with Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Audubon Connecticut, the University of Connecticut Extension, Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station with funding from the U.S. Forest Service. The CFPA launched its Master Woodland Manager training program using a $216,025 USDA Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration grant.

Participants include private woodland ownersfrom those managing a single acre to those caring for hundredsalong with municipal land stewards, nonprofit staff and volunteers, educators who bring what they've learned into classrooms and schoolyards and those managing land for hunting clubs, game refuges and other community spaces, according to the program's website.

Each year, students participate in an interactive, flexible learning experience and join a growing statewide network of woodland advocates. Graduates give back to their communities through outreach, according to the CFPA.

"Our MWMs show what's possible when conservation organizations come together to give significant time and attention in support of landowners," CFPA Board of Directors president Laurie Giannotti said.

Collectively, graduates and the incoming class manage over 75,000 acres of forest land across 112 Connecticut municipalities, two Rhode Island municipalities and one New York.

"Its success has even drawn attention from outside Connecticut, where it has become a model for effective, grassroots forest management that works," Merow said. "With the full support of our partners, CFPA is committed to continuing the program and is actively exploring new funding sourcesincluding private donors, foundations and other grant opportunitiesto ensure it remains strong into the future."

2025 Hartford Courant. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Scientists are harnessing AI to discover and generate novel antibiotics. Credit: de la Fuente-Nunez, C./mSystems, 2019

On a bench in a Philadelphia lab, a robot the size of a microwave clicks through tiny vials, building molecules that existed only as lines of code a week earlier.

Some of those molecules trace their lineage to woolly mammoths and Neanderthalsnot their bones, but their biological blueprints (e.g., genomes and proteomes). Others were conjured up from scratch by algorithms. All are being tested against bacteria that are increasingly shrugging off our best medicines.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) already kills large numbers of people each year worldwide and threatens many more in the decades ahead. Yet, the world has not discovered a new class of antibiotics in decades, and the pipeline of drug candidates remains sparse.

This is why a growing number of scientists are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to compress the long, failure-prone search for antibiotics into something faster, cheaper and broader, leveraging digital tools to uncover or design novel candidates.

"A number of years ago, we had this idea of thinking of all of biology as an information source, as a bunch of code," said Cesar de la Fuente, Ph.D., a Presidential Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

"If you think about it that way, you can devise algorithms to sort through that code and identify things that might look like antibiotics."

But while AI could be a game-changer for antibiotic discovery, it is not completely re-writing the rules. Turning an antibiotic candidate into a viable therapeutic depends not only on computers, but also on mobilizing resources that help transform drug contenders into clinical tools.

Discovering new antibiotics is hard

Though much has happened over the last 40 years, the discovery of a new class of antibiotics is not one of them. This isn't great, considering AMR is expected to kill 39 million people over the next 25 years (it already kills roughly 1 person every 20 seconds).

There are antibiotics in pre-clinical and clinical development. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are not enough innovative compounds in the pipeline to address the escalating AMR threat.

The dearth in antibiotic discovery is not for a lack of effort. Most of the world's existing antibiotics were discovered by prospecting in nature for compounds that kill microbes without harming people. This traditional approach workeduntil it didn't.

"It's a very physical process where scientists literally go around nature and dig into dirt and water samples and try to purify active compounds that might be contained within all of that complex organic matter," de la Fuente said. "But as you can imagine, that's a painstaking process that is unpredictable."

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Complicating matters, antibiotics can't simply destroy bacteria outright; the host must also be taken into consideration. Meaning, effective antibiotics must also be soluble, get to the right anatomic site at the right concentration and not kill the host in the process, said Jonathan Stokes, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at McMaster University.

"Given that drug discovery for any therapeutic application is a multi-property optimization problem, it necessitates that we look at a ton of molecules."

In addition to antibiotic discovery, AI is being used to detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Learn how scientists are leveraging AI to develop detection tactics that are easy, accurateand quick. Credit: American Society for Microbiology

High-throughput screens, in which hundreds of thousands of compounds are experimentally tested against bacteria/purified microbial targets, have helped streamline drug discovery. Yet, they are also costly, time-consuming and tend to bias toward compounds that can't surpass the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria (some of the trickiest AMR organisms to combat).

Confronted with these barriers, researchers are increasingly turning toward something that, unlike the world's repertoire of antibiotics, has rapidly advanced: AI.

AI accelerates antibiotic discovery

When we talk about AI, we usually refer to machine learning (ML)a subset of AI in which algorithms learn from training data to make predictions about new data; the more quality data going in, the better the predictions coming out.

ML models can quickly identify patterns and distill countless possibilities into a smaller number to guide decision-making. Such technology has dramatically accelerated the discovery of new antibiotic candidates.

Drug development is a yearslong, multi-step process. Credit: BioRender.com

For instance, scientists can feed an ML model the chemical structures of thousands of compounds experimentally demonstrated to be either active or inactive against a target bacterium. When presented with billions of new chemical structures, the model parses out potential "hits" based on what it learned differentiates active compounds from inactive compounds.

"ML models are suggestion generation boxes," Stokes said. "I, as the scientist, can then take those suggestions, pick the best ones and move into the lab and run the real-world experiment.

The data underlying these suggestions are vast, varied and largely underexplored. The efficiency and speed of ML means scientists can now look for new antibiotics in places they never have beforeincluding the distant past.

Mining (ancient) biology for new antibiotics

Biology has long been a primary source for new antibiotics (think soil microbes). However, in this era of computational power, finding drug candidates is less about digging through dirt, and more about digging through data.

De la Fuente's lab, which has become a hub for the emerging field of AI-first antibiotic discovery, spearheaded the approach of using ML to comb through genomic and proteomic sequencing data spanning the Tree of Life, pulling out snippets that encode products with antimicrobial potential.

The lab's primary interest is in identifying antimicrobial peptidesshort amino acid sequences with extensive diversity and attractive antibiotic propertiesfrom the blueprints of both living (e.g., humans) and extinct organisms.

Case in point: his team built a model that, upon parsing through the proteomes of our closest extinct relatives, Neanderthals and Denisovans, uncovered peptides with predicted antimicrobial activity. When synthesized in the lab, the peptides effectively killed the pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii in vitro and in vivo.

With another model, they mined the proteomes of the woolly mammoth, straight-tusked elephant, giant sloth, ancient sea cow and other archaic animals. Several peptides exhibited anti-infective activity in mice with skin abscess or thigh infections.

Notably, the peptides (with names like mammothisin-1 and elephasin-2) were generally as effective as polymyxin B, an existing peptide antibiotic, and killed bacteria by depolarizing their cytoplasmic membrane.

De la Fuente noted this process of so-called molecular de-extinction can provide important insights into biology and evolution (i.e., how do changes in a sequence influence molecular function over time?). At the same time, it unlocks molecules that may have benefited long-dead organisms, and could also help us address today's problems, including AMR.

"Evolution encodes immense biological intelligence," he said. "We see molecules as documents of that historymolecular fossils we can read to extract useful insights and, potentially, molecules that could help humanity."

Generating new antibiotics using AI

But what if the most promising antibiotics are molecules that don't existand have never existed? The number of theoretically possible chemical compounds is roughly 100 times that of all the grains of sand on Earth.

"It's such a vast number, it's nonsensical," Stokes said. Some compounds may be buried in biological code; others are represented in online repositories housing millions of chemical structures, which ML can sift through for antibiotic candidates. However, considering the sheer number of chemical possibilities, such repositories are limited.

The solution: design new compounds from scratch. Using what's known as generative modeling, scientists train ML models on molecules known to be active or inactive antibiotics.

"But, instead of now showing pictures of new molecules from the internet, you say, "Hey, model, draw me a brand-new picture of a molecule that you think is going to be active,'" explained Stokes, highlighting that this dramatically opens the search space for novel chemicals.

Generative models can also unify both biology and chemistry. De la Fuente's group recently described a system that takes a pathogen's genome sequenceor even a brief phenotypic sketchand suggests "new-to-nature" molecules to neutralize it, a strategy that could be deployed against emerging threats.

The team has also built generative AI tools to systematically tune and enhance the antibacterial potency of candidate compounds.

What's tricky about generative AI is that it tends to invent compounds that seem great in the digital world but are next to impossible to synthesize in the real one. And if you can't make a compound, you can't use it. It's a roadblock that Stokes and his collaborators have worked to overcome.

They built a generative ML model that pulls from libraries of multi-atomic molecule "building blocks," rather than piecing together molecules atom-by-atom, as most generative models do.

Because how each building block reacts with every other fragment is knownand can be feasibly, quickly and cheaply made using standard chemical reactionsthe model's output molecules are not just theoretically promising, but synthetically tractable. Indeed, compounds designed by the model demonstrated antibacterial activity against A. baumannii and other pathogens in the lab.

"Now we've no longer said, "Hey, model go nuts," because it's going to draw something crazy. We can constrain it to this chemical space," Stokes explained. The model still generates a cornucopia of new chemicals46 billion in its current formbut ensures their experimental, and, thus, therapeutic, possibility.

It takes more than AI to make an antibiotic

Armed with AI's affinity for efficient data-mining and molecular design, there is no doubt we'll see some new antibiotics on the market soon, right?

Not quite. Discovering lead compounds is a small step in the yearslong process of drug development. Many hindrances occur after the discovery phase, when candidates fail in clinical trials for various reasons (e.g., toxicity), or don't have the financial backing to progress through the pipeline. It takes a lot of money to develop an antibiotic.

But because they cost little after commercialization, and people only take them for short periods of time, pharmaceutical companies see little, if any, profit. For this reason, both Stokes and de la Fuente emphasized that the success of new antibioticsregardless of AI's involvementwill rely on governments and philanthropists putting up the funds as a service to public health.

When it comes to AI-assisted antibiotic discovery, the future depends on data, data and more data. ML model predictions are only as good as the data they are trained on, meaning developing quality, standardized, biologically relevant training data sets is important. Anticipating that need, de la Fuente's lab spent years assembling rigorously curated training data for its models.

The team measured minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for thousands of molecules across diverse bacterial strains, holding temperature, pH, media and other variables constant so results would be comparable. It's painstaking work, but, as de la Fuente argues, standardization is what turns clever code into models that are genuinely useful and meaningful.

Those models could eventually do more than find or generate antibiotic structures. Stokes noted that researchers must ultimately think beyond using AI to uncover drug "hits" and begin integrating it into the entire antibiotic development process, from preclinical studies to clinical trials. For example, models could help predict how likely a drug is to succeed (or fail) in clinical trials and why.

Nevertheless, while there is a vast amount of potential, algorithms won't defeat AMR on their own. "AI is just a pipette," Stokes said. "It's just another tool in our toolbox to accelerate solutions to the problems we were going to try to address anyway. That's itno more and no less than that."

AI can help yield fresh antibiotics with a fighting chance at success. But, when all is said and done, getting antibiotics out of the lab, through the development pipeline and ultimately to the people who need them, remains a human endeavor.
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Researchers found that the Ignacio Library serves as a modern, multi-functional hub for a community where broadband access is not universal. Credit: Brian Burke/UAlbany

A new study led by researchers at the University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government finds that in some rural and tribal communities, the public library remains the single most important access point for technology, learning and civic engagementoften functioning as the community's primary link to the digital world.

Published in Public Library Quarterly, the study examines the Ignacio Community Library (ICL) on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reservation in Colorado. Researchers found that ICL not only provides books and basic services but has evolved into a modern, multi-functional hub that helps address the specific challenges of a rural, multi-ethnic community where broadband access and computer ownership are not universal.

"In many rural and tribal areas, public libraries are the only place residents can reliably access broadband and computing devices," said principal investigator Mila Gasco-Hernandez, Associate Professor at UAlbany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and research director at CTG UAlbany. "That access is not simply about connecting to the internetit's about opening the door to jobs, education, cultural preservation and innovation."

The Center for Technology in Government is a globally recognized research institute that works with governments and communities to improve public services through technology, data and collaboration.

A lifeline in a digital desert

The Town of Ignacio lies within La Plata County, where internet and device access varies widely. While some areas meet state averages, certain census tracts on the reservation see more than a quarter of residents without home internet and nearly 10% without a computing device.

"ICL stands out because it meets people where they are," said co-author Battulga "Tulga" Buyannemekh, who recently earned his Ph.D. in public administration and policy from UAlbany. "In a community where connectivity can be patchy and costly, the library becomes the classroom, the business center, the tech lab and sometimes even the town hall."

Technology and smart innovation

ICL's transformation from a traditional library to a technology-rich hub includes:

Broadband access and device lending for patrons without reliable internet or computers at home

An Idea Lab makerspace with a 3D printer, multimedia editing tools, Arduino and Raspberry Pi kits, and sensor technology for coding and Internet of Things projects

One-on-one technology training and drop-in digital skills sessions for everything from basic computer use to advanced design software like Blender and TinkerCAD

Support for telehealth, virtual legal aid and e-commerce, helping residents navigate services that increasingly require high-speed internet

Youth-focused STEM programming that builds hard skills (robotics, coding, circuitry) alongside soft skills like collaboration and creative problem-solving

These offerings are not just about exposure to new toolsthey are intended to prepare the next generation of workers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders.

"Places like libraries are going to be innovation hubs," said Marcia Vining, library director at Ignacio Community Library. "For our patrons, the Ignacio Community Library is the place where children can learn to code, explore robotics or explore any number of technology-related fields."

The Ignacio Community Library provides residents with access to high speed internet, 3D printers and other digital tools. Credit: Brian Burke/UAlbany

A civic and gathering place

In addition to technology access, ICL serves as a safe, neutral venue for community dialog and cultural connection.

The library hosts:

Forums with local and state officials and political candidates to encourage informed voting and participation in civic life

Community discussions on pressing issues such as water rights, public health and suicide preventionoften in partnership with the Southern Ute Tribe's SunUte Community Center

Programs to preserve and share cultural heritage, including digital storytelling, oral history projects and access to genealogy resources

"Libraries in tribal settings are not just service providers; they are community conveners," said co-author J. Ramon Gil-Garcia, director of the Center for Technology in Government and Professor at Rockefeller College.

"ICL's partnerships with the Tribal Council, schools and nonprofits show how a library can unify different parts of a community toward shared goals."

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A national model

Unlike many small-town libraries, ICL's service area extends beyond its district, with 40% of patrons coming from outsideincluding from neighboring New Mexico. This reflects both the scarcity of similar resources nearby and the library's reputation as a place to find technology, training and community support all under one roof.

The library's role is also shaped by the dual governance structure of the areathe Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council and the Ignacio Town Boardwhich creates a unique opportunity for the library to bridge government services and community needs.

The researchers say Ignacio's story offers lessons for rural and tribal communities nationwide where broadband gaps persist and technology access is uneven. In such places, the public library is often more than an amenityit is infrastructure.

"ICL shows us what's possible when a library embraces its role as both a technological gateway and a cultural hub," Gasco-Hernandez said. "It's a model worth studying and supporting."

More information: Battulga Buyannemekh et al, The Expanding Role of Public Libraries in Tribal Settings: From Traditional Services to (Advanced) Digital Skills, Citizen Engagement, and Innovation, Public Library Quarterly (2024). DOI: 10.1080/01616846.2024.2430060
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The reach of Instagram and other social media channel influencers has taken hold of the global travel business, with tourism operators and consumers seeking the best deals tailored to their budget and destination desires. As marketing spending and management focus switches to social channels, Flinders University's Dr. Naser Pourazad and colleagues asked 530 Australian customers how much their travel plans could be swayed by such influencers. Credit: Mariakray from Pixabay

The reach of Instagram and other social media channel influencers has taken hold of the global travel business, with tourism operators and consumers seeking the best deals tailored to their budget and destination desires.

As marketing spending and management focus switches to social channels, Flinders University's Dr. Naser Pourazad and colleagues asked 530 Australian customers how much their travel plans could be swayed by such influencers.

The researchers sought to measure how travel social media influencers (TSMIs) could affect travel decisions in the pre-, post- and purchasing stages of the customer's journey.

Their article, "Influencers and the choice of a travel destination: a customer journey and information processing perspective," has been published in Information Technology & Tourism.

"It emerges that the informativeness and persuasiveness of TSMIs seems to significantly impact destination choice, while identification with the influencer plays a lesser role," says Dr. Pourazad, a senior lecturer in marketing at Flinders University's College of Business, Government and Law.

"Lumped together, it appears that TSMIs can gather significant involvement and outreach by tapping into the attitudes and needs of target consumers, forming optimal engagement or partnerships by the right messagingincluding post-visit experience sharing."

With Instagram, Facebook and TikTok among the most influential platforms, Instagram has the ability to visually provide persuasive storytelling capable of shaping destination image and choice. Successful influencers on the platform have been seen to engage a large customer base, especially Millennials and Generation Z, by building trust and endorsing their travel destination choices.

"Our study delves deeper into understanding the customer's processing of influencer information and the psychological persuasion it might exert, giving guidelines to improve the success of brands' use of TSMIs and, ultimately, the tourist experienceincluding to new, less-explored places," Dr. Pourazad says.

The research from Flinders University and UniSA concludes that successful interactive TSMI content (such as campaigns, contests, shared tourist photos and personalized tips and 'travel hacks') will continue to build key connections in all stages of the customer journey.

They say pre-testing content can ensure that it will be seen as informative and persuasive enough to enhance the overall customer experience.

As well, future research could explore the dynamics between TSMIs in other social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, and compare against other digital sources of information such as generative AI tools including ChatGPT, traditional media or peer recommendations.

More information: Naser Pourazad et al, Influencers and the choice of a travel destination: a customer journey and information processing perspective, Information Technology & Tourism (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s40558-025-00330-6
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Simultaneous excitation of YbTm-doped upconverting nanoparticles at 975 and 1213 or 1732 nm results in significantly stronger anti-Stokes emission than excitation with either beam alone. Credit: ACS Nano (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c08510

Light still holds surprisesas demonstrated by researchers from the Ultrafast Phenomena Lab at the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, in collaboration with the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, the Polish Academy of Sciences, who have discovered a new enhancement effect in the emission of upconverting nanoparticles. They demonstrated that simultaneous excitation of these nanostructures with two nearinfrared beams of laser light leads to a significant increase in emission intensity.

Under carefully chosen conditions, visible emission emerges only when both beams are applied together, even though neither beam alone produces any emission at all. This discovery paves the way for visualizing infrared radiation beyond the sensitivity range of standard detectors. The findings, potentially applicable in microscopy and photonic technologies, have been published in the journal ACS Nano.

Among photoactive materials used in photonic technologies, those that absorb lower-energy photons and emit higher-energy ones stand out. This process is made possible by sequential absorption of multiple photons, followed by the emission of a single photon with higher energy.

While photon upconversion remains one of the most widely used features of these materials, other applications arise from their nonlinear response. That is, the intensity of the emitted light is not a linear function of the excitation intensity. This nonlinearity makes lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles particularly useful in enhancing the resolution of microscopic imaging.

Influence of 975 nm and NIR beam intensity on the 800 nm emission intensity of YbTm nanoparticles under coexcitation. (a, b) Surplus emission from nanoparticles excited simultaneously by the 975 nm beam and (a) 1732 or (b) 1213 nm beam, plotted as a function of the NIR beam intensity for selected intensity levels of the 975 nm beam (dashed lines are an aid for the eye). (c, d) Surplus emission from nanoparticles excited simultaneously with a 975 nm beam and a (c) 1732 or (d) 1213 nm beam (black dots), plotted as a function of the intensity of both excitation beams. The fitted function is represented by the two-dimensional power-law surface. Credit: ACS Nano (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c08510

A completely new area of potential applications has been opened by Paulina Rajchel-Mieldzioc, a Ph.D. candidate at the Ultrafast Phenomena Lab at the Institute of Experimental Physics. Her work leveraged the fact that rare-earth metal ions, the photoactive core of upconverting nanoparticles, exhibit a complex structure of energy levels, allowing them to interact with light across a wide range of wavelengths.

She discovered that when these nanoparticles are illuminated not only with light of a wavelength typically used for excitation but also with additional beams in the nearinfrared range, the emitted light intensity can increase dramatically, sometimes by several-fold.

"Furthermore, under specific conditions, visible light emission can be triggered only through the joint action of two NIR beamsneither of which produces the effect on its own," says Rajchel-Mieldzioc.

This newly observed phenomenon may find applications in infrared detection and its conversion to the visible light, as well as in the development of novel microscopy techniques and purely optical computing opening new possibilities for the future of photonic technologies.

The study was carried out in collaboration with the research group led by prof. Artur Bednarkiewicz from the Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, the Polish Academy of Sciences.

More information: Paulina Rajchel-Mieldzioc et al, Strong Emission Enhancement via Dual-Wavelength Coexcitation in YbTm-Doped Upconverting Nanoparticles for Near-Infrared and Subdiffraction Imaging, ACS Nano (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c08510 Journal information: ACS Nano
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In this frame from video provided by Survival International, Dabi Nishida, of the Yine Indigenous group, maneuvers a boat near a bridge built by the company Maderera Canales Tahuamanu along the Tahuamanu River in the Peruvian Amazons Mashco Piro territory near the Nueva Oceania village on Aug. 18, 2025. Credit: Courtesy of Survival International via AP

Members of an Indigenous tribe who live deep in Peru's Amazon rainforest and avoid contact with outsiders have been reported entering a neighboring village in what activists consider an alarming sign that the group is under stress from development.

The sightings of members of Mashco Piro tribe come as a logging company is building a bridge that could give outsiders easier access to the tribe's territory, a move that could raise the risk of disease and conflict, according to Survival International, which advocates for Indigenous rights.

The Mashco Piro are among the world's largest uncontacted groups, living without regular interaction with outside society to protect their culture and health. Even a simple cold can be deadly to the group because it lacks immunity to common diseases.

Loggers who encroached on the tribe's lands have previously been killed.

Enrique Anez, president of the nearby Yine community, another Indigenous group, said in a statement Tuesday that Mashco Piro members had been seen around the Yine village of Nueva Oceania.

"It is very worrying; they are in danger," Anez said.

Anez said heavy machinery near Nueva Oceania is cutting paths through the jungle and across rivers into Mashco Piro territory. The village sits at a key access point to the Mashco Piro's territory, making it one of the few places where members of the tribe have occasionally been seen.

Increased risk for logging workers and Indigenous peoples

Survival International last year released photos showing dozens of Mashco Piro close to active logging zones. The group warns that contact with outsiders could spread disease or lead to violent conflictrisks that have previously wiped out other isolated groups in the Amazon.

Last year, two loggers were killed in bow-and-arrow attacks after entering Mashco Piro territory.

"Exactly one year after the encounters and the deaths, nothing has changed in terms of land protection and the Yine are now reporting to have seen both the Mashco Piro and the loggers exactly in the same space almost at the same time," said Teresa Mayo, a researcher at Survival International. "The clash could be imminent."

Mayo said the logging company near the Indigenous group has restarted operations as normal.

"They still have the license of the government, and that is how they back their activities even if they know they are putting both Mashco Piro and their workers' lives at risk," she said.

The Forest Stewardship Councilan international body that certifies sustainable wood productshas suspended its approval of the logging company, Maderera Canales Tahuamanu, until November. However, Survival International said the bridge and heavy machinery footprints are evidence that logging is still taking place.

The company's concessions, or licensed logging areas, border the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve and overlap recognized Mashco Piro land proposed by Indigenous organizations for new protections.

The Associated Press reached out to Maderera Canales Tahuamanu but did not receive an immediate response.

Peru's Culture Ministrytasked with promoting cultural identity and overseeing Indigenous rightstold AP it is reviewing Survival International's report.

When questioned on what measures the government is taking to protect groups like the Mashco Piro it noted it has created eight reserves for Indigenous peoples in isolation, has five more pending, and operates 19 control posts with 59 protection agents. It said more than 440 patrols have been carried out this year and that its budget for protecting isolated communities more than doubled in 2025.

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Encroachment fuels more encounters with isolated group

The Tahuamanu River is a key transport route in this part of the Amazon. A permanent bridge will allow year-round truck access, which environmentalists say could accelerate logging and deforestation deeper inside the forest.

Rights advocates say logging is pushing the Mashco Piro toward nearby villages, making encounters more likely.

Cesar Ipenza, a Peruvian environmental lawyer following the issue, told AP "these Indigenous peoples are exposed and vulnerable to any type of contact or disease, yet extractive activities continue despite all the evidence of the problems they cause in the territory."

He noted that the Madre de Dios Territorial Reservecreated by the Peruvian government in 2002 to protect the lands of uncontacted and recently contacted Indigenous peopleshas not prevented conflict because "they do not necessarily know its boundaries."

Madre de Dios is a remote southeastern Amazon region bordering Brazil and Bolivia. It is one of Peru's most biodiverse areas, but it has also been a hot spot for illegal gold mining, logging and other extractive industries that bring outsiders into contact with isolated tribes.

"The growing presence of forestry operations will almost certainly lead to renewed contact with isolated Indigenous peoples, creating a violent situation that endangers them as well as the workers in the area," Ipenza said.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Chain of the symbiotic diatom with its N 2 fixing cyanobacterial symbiont. In the brightfield (top) the symbiont is inconspicuous inside the host, whereas with epi-fluorescence (bottom) the filaments of the symbionts (arrows) are easily distinguished. Credit: Dr. Vesna Grujcic.

The microscopic alliance between algae and bacteria offers rare, step-by-step snapshots of how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. This is shown by a new study led by researchers from Stockholm University, in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnaeus University, published in Current Biology.

In some of the most nutrient-poor waters of our oceans, tiny partnerships are hard at work keeping life going. These partnerships, called symbioses, are between microscopic algae known as diatoms and a specific bacteria called cyanobacteria that can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that living things can use.

In some of these symbioses, the cyanobacteria belong to the genus Richelia, and their main role is to supply nitrogen to their diatom hosts. The diatom hosts are highly active photosynthesizers. Photosynthesis is the metabolic process common to all plants, algae, and some bacteria which use sunlight energy to reduce carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into chemical energy, usually in the form of sugars.

A continuum of integration

How the Richelia physically interact with their diatom hosts varies widely. Some Richelia live attached to the outside of their host, others live in the space between the diatom's outer cell wall (called a frustule) and inner cell membrane, and some live fully inside. This "continuum" of integration reflects different stages of the partnerships and provides researchers with a unique opportunity to examine the evolutionary process at these different time points of their relationship.

"In general, as symbionts become more dependent on their hosts, they become more integrated into the host, for example, live inside the host cell, and start to lose genomic information that is redundant with their hosts," explains co-author, Professor Rachel Foster at Stockholm University.

A chain of the open ocean symbiotic diatom Hemiaulus hauckii with its N 2 fixing cyanobacterial symbiont Richelia euintracellularis (yellow filaments). Credit: Sepehr Bardi

Genomes in transition

Using a comparative genomics approach, postdoctoral researcher Dr. Vesna Grujcic identified that several genomic features of the different Richelia reflect key transitional stages in the evolutionary process.

"As Richelia become more dependent to their hosts, the set of genes they carry changes a lot. We can see which genes disappear and which staygiving us a rare view of how these partnerships evolve step by step. Moreover, by comparing Richelia to other nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterial symbionts, we found both shared patterns of gene loss and unique changes that reflect each lineage's evolutionary path," says Grujcic.

"What excites me most with this research is that different steps on the way to a fully integrated symbiont exist at the same time. This allowed us to study the genetics behind how evolution towards a lifestyle characterized by complete dependence of the symbiont on its host happened," says Daniel Lundin, from Linnaeus University.

Grujcic led the pangenome analysis, identifying the set of genes shared by all Richelia (the core genome) as well as the accessory genes that differ between species. Together with Maliheh Mehrshad from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grujcic also examined patterns of genome reduction, the size and distribution of spaces between genes known as intergenic spacers, and the extent of pseudogenizationwhen genes accumulate mutations and lose their function.

"The level of integration between Richelia and their hosts affects not only genome size and gene content, but also the proportion of coding regionsthe parts of DNA that carry instructions for making proteins. Looking at the non-coding DNA, such as the intergenic spacers and broken genes that no longer work (pseudogenes), also tells us a lot about their evolutionary journey," says Mehrshad.

Epi-fluorescent images of open ocean symbiotic diatoms with their N 2 fixing cyanobacterial symbionts. The symbionts auto fluoresce yellow whereas the diatom chloroplasts fluoresce red. A continuum of integration exists where symbionts reside inside (endobiont, left), or in transition (partially endobionts, middle), or attached (epibionts, right). Credit: Rachel A Foster

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The role of 'jumping genes'

Another interesting result came from the work of the researcher Theo Vigil-Stenman, a former postdoc at Stockholm University, who characterized all the insertion sequences and transposonspieces of DNA known as "jumping genes" because they can move genetic information within the genome.

The researchers had earlier noticed that the genome of the partially integrated symbiont, which lives wedged between the outer cell wall of the diatom and the inner cell membrane, only had a slightly smaller genome than the symbiont that attaches to the outside of the host diatom and was missing similar metabolic pathways as the most internal symbiont. Typically, genome size decreases as symbionts become more integrated, or live further inside their respective hosts.

"We didn't understand why it could maintain this genome size despite lacking several functional metabolic pathways," reflects Foster. "Theo Vigil-Stenman identified that these partially integrated symbiont genomes were full of insertion sequences which inflated their genome size."

A model for studying evolution in action

The research group suggest that these diatom-Richelia symbioses represent a valuable model for studying symbiont genome evolution. The work offers a unique glimpse into evolution in action, as there are few known examples of symbioses caught in transitional stages. Such comparative analysis is rare among planktonic systems and places the diatomRichelia partnership alongside other notable models of symbiosis.

Much remains, however, to learn about how living in symbioses has impacted the evolutionary trajectory of the host diatom genomes and how such models of N 2 fixing symbioses can be used in other fields. For example, can such systems lend valuable insights to synthetic biology for making N 2 -fixing crops?

More information: Vesna Grujcic et al, Stepwise genome evolution from a facultative symbiont to an endosymbiont in the N 2 -fixing diatom-Richelia symbioses, Current Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.003 Journal information: Current Biology
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - A total of 62 illegal migrants of various nationalities, including an infant, detained by a gang from the Na'am district in the municipality of Tajoura, east of Tripoli, have been released, the Ministry of the Interior of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) announced on Thursday
Kigali, Rwanda (PANA) - The Rwandan government has confirmed the arrival of seven migrants from the United States, as part of a resettlement agreement signed this year with the President Donald Trump's Administration to deport undocumented migrants
Jaguar Park managing company announces free Sunday access after President pushes already-existing law

Tulum, Q.R.  Jaguar Park managing company Grupo Mundo Maya says people can enter the park free on Sundays. On Thursday, the company released a statement announcing as of August 31, for citizens of our Mexico, all people of any age, social condition or any other circumstance of status within the national territory, without distinction, starting August 31, 2025, access to Jaguar Park will be free every Sunday.

The announcement came after President Claudia Sheinbaum guaranteed free entry to the archaeological sites of Mexico. Sheinbaum promoted the law even though it is already established. According to Article 288 of the Federal Rights Law, National visitors and foreign residents of Mexico who access museums, monuments and archaeological sites on Sundays, shall be exempt from paying a fee.

The announcement came after Mundo Maya was recently called out publicaly by Tulum Mayor Diego Castanon Trejo who said he was aware of people being charged to enter the park on Sundays.

We are trying to resolve it. We will resolve it even if I have to speak out. We made an agreement with them. We talked with them more than 10 times. We had meetings, we held working groups.

At first, agreements were reached, but now agreements with the local people, the people of Tulum, havent been honored and obviously theres a growing sense of exhaustion, the Mayor explained last week.

Free admission to the Tulum archaeological site on Sundays was no longer allowed since visitors must pay to enter the Parque del Jaguar, which encompasses the Tulum archaeological zone.

Last week, Mayor Castanon said he paid a visit to Ricardo Monreal, coordinator of deputies in the Congress of the Union, who proposed to guarantee free access to all protected natural areas in the country at least one day a week. The proposal was for free park access Saturday or Sunday in addition to holidays.

Mayor Castanon, left, and Ricardo Monreal, right, sent a proposal to Congress to ensure free access.

What Im trying to do is have Congress itself grant that day of the week plus holidays so that not only local people, but also nationals who want to come to Tulum and visit all the protected natural areas can enter free of charge, he said.

In their August 28 statement, Mundo Maya did not comment on free Sunday access in addition to holidays.
PDC residents win judicial ruling to close LP gas station

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  A court has ruled in favor of residents that an LP gas station poses danger to nearby areas. The court also agreed that the gas station was constructed illegally without a public consultation.

The up-and-coming LP gas station, built on on CTM Avenue and Paloma Street, was shut by municipal authorities in November of 2024 after Villas del Sol residents filed a complaint. The company who owns the gas station appealed the closure, which was upheld in a court ruling Thursday.

Mayor Estefania Mercado celebrated the ruling of the Administrative and Anti-Corruption Court of the State of Quintana Roo after agreeing that the residents of Villas del Sol were right about the danger posed by a gas station.

A few months ago we closed this gas station whose permit was granted days before the end of the previous municipal administration. This gas station jeopardized the safety of our residents in Villas del Sol, the Mayor explained during a visit to the site Thursday accompanied by local residents.

Mayor Mercado thanked the judges, especially Claudia Carrillo, for ruling in favor of the town to maintain the closure of the facilities.

These facilities, owned by the Gas Tomza company, were closed in November of last year by personnel from the Secretariat of Civil Protection, Risk Protection and Firefighters, following citizen requests denouncing the danger to local residents and students at two nearby schools.

Residents of the area expressed their displeasure at the time, claiming that no one consulted them or informed them about the construction. The gas station, they said, posed a latent risk to the public.

For this reason, Mayor Mercados government addressed public concerns regarding irregularities in the construction of the service station and the issuance of operating permits.
United States Sen. Chris Murphy issued a warning that President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" will create a food crisis for children across the country.

On Monday, Murphy said that there will be tens of millions of kids who will get less food because the average SNAP benefit will become much lower for families across the nation. His warning comes as lawmakers and advocates argue that children who go hungry have a harder time concentrating on assignments and homework.

Food Crisis for Kids

The former U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, added that it is impossible to create a strong education system if the foundation in education is weak. SNAP benefits allow students to automatically enroll in free school meals without having to fill out an application to qualify.

The possibility of losing access to a program such as SNAP could result in a student no longer being directly certified in the school meals program. They will then be forced to fill out paperwork to see if they are eligible for the programs, according to CT Mirror.

Read more: DHS To Allow Teenagers To Become ICE Agents by Removing Age Restrictions for Prospective Officers

School districts in higher poverty areas can qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which is a federal program that lets a school offer free meals to all enrolled students. In the prior school year, dozens of school districts in Connecticut were approved for a universal free school meals program under the provision.

Now, because of the changes to SNAP under Trump's new federal law, some of these universal school meal programs could face higher costs and lose access to the CEP. The situation could affect roughly 18 million students across the United States.

The Big Beautiful Bill

Trump's new tax bill, which was overwhelmingly voted to pass by Republican lawmakers, slashes food assistance benefits by roughly $186 billion over the next decade. This is the largest cut in the history of the U.S., Time reported.

The cuts will cost schools more than they could afford, in a time when they are already struggling with tighter budgets and substantial Republican-led Medicaid cuts. A warning by 23 governors claims that the cuts will result in millions of Americans losing vital food assistance.

The changes in Trump's new law can remove recipients from SNAP if they are unable to demonstrate that they are working enough hours. Many parents find it difficult to work the minimum 20 hours per week while taking care of their children, which puts their benefits at risk, as per the American Progress.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

It can be difficult to predict the impact of a scholarly article, but "Unpacking constitutional literacy," a paper co-authored by Maartje De Visser, a Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU), is off to a promising start with its publication by Cambridge University Press.

But this is not the first time Professor De Visser has made a mark with her work on constitutional literacy.

"An earlier article of mine, that looked at how highest courts can promote constitutional literacy, has been referenced by judges of the Italian Constitutional Court in their efforts to better connect with members of the public about constitutional topics," she says. "In addition, the notion is beginning to have traction within the scholarly discourse on comparative constitutional law."

So, what is constitutional literacy?

"The understanding of constitutional rules, principles and values, including how they (should) operate in practice to enable individuals to actively participate in public life," Professor De Visser says.

And why is it important?

"When constitutions confer rights on individuals or impose duties, these can only be fully effective if individuals are aware of their existence and substance," Professor De Visser says.

"And having constitutional literacy helps to support the functioning and success of constitutional democracy, as individuals know (or should know) what democracy entails, why it matters, and have the ability to identify behavior that would be at odds with constitutional democracy and call out such behavior."

Creative pitching

Some say that constitutional literacy is at crisis levels. This would be difficult to quantify, but it does appear the notion has been unable to capture a broad public engagement.

"My sense is that in several countries there exists partial constitutional literacy, where individuals know a bit about what this text says," notes Professor De Visser.

"Think of the protests in India surrounding the adoption of the Citizen Amendment Act 2019, when parts of the preamble of the Indian Constitution were chanted during protests. For it to be an integral part of the public's imagination, there is a serious need for outreach and educational efforts, either in schools, but also through other and perhaps less conventional means such as the arts."

Professor De Visser suggests a way to foster interest could be to tailor information about the constitution to the issue at hand.

"For instance, explain the role and responsibilities of Singapore's president in the run-up to presidential elections (as indeed happened in the media), and by encouraging institutions and officials to role-model good constitutional behavior and showcasing this," she says.

"The point we seek to make is that we should be creative in pitching constitutional content to the public and do (much) more than simply hand out copies of the text of the constitution."

With diverse audiences, different predispositions and varying levels of interest, is it even possible to measure the state of constitutional literacy?

"Exactly. We explain that it is very difficult to arrive at a single measure of the level of constitutional literacy in a country, which will vary among audiences as well as over time," Professor De Visser says.

"What we call for in any event is to move beyond administering surveys that ask questions about the content of the text of the constitution. Our article suggests that a broader understanding that also includes civic and political knowledge, aspects of constitutional literacy and lived practices and behaviors matters, too."

Wider knowledge

As the authors point out, the constitutional text is only one part of a multi-faceted puzzle. There are other knowledge elements to fit in.

"Legal knowledge primarily refers to the constitution and related legislation that implements parts of the constitution or give effect to its ideas. Think of the Parliamentary Elections Act 1954 in Singapore, or the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act 1990," Professor De Visser says.

"Political knowledge relates to an understanding of how the different state institutions actually operate in daily life and current affairs, which may, for instance, encompass knowing the name of the prime minister or other members of government, or an understanding of (some of the) political parties that exist.

"Civic knowledge is more practical and applied, and focuses on the skills that individuals should have to use political and legal knowledge. For example, engage with an MP during a Meet the People session, attend an event in Hong Lim Park, or participate in a public consultation organized by REACH."

Formative events

Professor De Visser stresses the importance of being familiar with constitutional history.

"History matters because it can help explain why certain choices were made in drafting the constitutional text or why particular practices are in use. The idea is not to expect individuals to become historians and familiar with the intricacies of the drafting of the constitution, but to know about certain formative events," she says.

"[Such as] how the experience of the racial riots in Singapore helped promote an emphasis on the value of multiculturalism and racial/religious harmony, or how the specter of a freak election result and a rogue government helped induce the transformation of the office of the president from an appointed to an elected one."

The doctrine, 'ignorance of the law is no excuse' is widely accepted. It seems surprising that its currency has not prompted more interest in the constitutional framework that sustains the laws.

"I agree. This is why it is interesting to note that certain countries (such as Bhutan and Peru) explicitly require, in their constitution, that individuals respect or obey this text," Professor De Visser says.

There can be downsides to constitutional literacy.

"One possible downside is that it could impair critical engagement with existing constitutional designs and practices. In the US, for instance, the constitution is widely respected if not revered, but this symbolic presence seems to have prevented regular changes that arguably would have been better from a democratic perspective," Professor De Visser says.

Provided by Singapore Management University
Each week, Prudence asks readers for their thoughts on the letters shes received. Her reply will be available every Friday only for Slate Plus members.

Hi Prudie readers! I was out for a couple of weeks, so some of these are responses to older letters. As always, thank you so much for reading and for the feedback.

Hey Prudence,

Just read your advice to Happy For Myself, Hurting for Her, about navigating her pregnancy in light of a coworkers fertility struggles. As someone who has been that infertile co-worker, I agree with your advice 100 percent.

The key part is letting her colleague hear the news in one particular circumstance.

Id suggest doing it while shes not at work, and ideally when she has time to compose her answer. For me, it was always really hard when I realized someone was pregnant, and often, by the time I found out, they were six months along and showing, and it wasnt really possible for me to process the news before I was expected to congratulate them. I struggled not only with my intense envy, but also with the shame of knowing that I should be happy for them, along with grief for the old me that was happy whenever someone had this type of news, before I started trying myself and had trouble.

So, I think time to process and feel all the emotionsenvy, sadness, loneliness, joy, happiness, and hopewas key. I actually had another co-worker on baby watch duty, and this kind friend would keep her ear to the ground and warn me of any coming announcements as soon as she knew.

Great advice!

Been there, done that

Thanks for saying this. If I could go back and add something, I think I might also suggest saying something that gives the co-worker complete permission to not appear celebratory or happy.

Get advice from Prudiesubmit 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 Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit

Hey Prudence,

Re Next Time, Im Vacationing With Strangers: I think you may have missed the main reason this hurt has lingered for so long. Its not just that the letter writers mom and sister withheld the information. There were numerous opportunities where the LW and her mom could have gone out while the sister was busy, but her mom insisted they all be together. As soon as it was just her mom and sister they had no problem going out on a duo outing. Im guessing this isnt the only time our letter writer has felt like the least-favored daughter. This one event may be hard to let go of because its actually a concrete picture of how she feels less loved by her mother.

EF

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Hey Prudence,

Your response to Next Time, Im Vacationing With Strangers didnt address a point I think is crucial. Yes, her sister is self-centered and sneaky. But her mother also chose to go on the tour with her sister, instead of going on it with her (when the sister was too tired). I have no doubt that she feels as though her mom prefers her sister, which may also be a long-standing dynamic. Difficult all the way around to manage those feelings and relationships.

JDub

I guess I was thinking that when the sister was working, the options were a) hang out with both daughters or b) hang out with one daughter, and the mom chose both. Later, when the letter writer went to run an errand, there was no option to hang around the hotel with both daughters. The options were a) stay at the hotel or b) go do something. All that said, I think youre both right that the sense of the mom preferring one daughter over the other played a big role here. And its probably based on a lot more than what we read.

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Hey Prudence,

Re Et Tu, Valerie?: Its very painful to move on from a friendship that was once very good and valuable. But if you stay because you like the good stuff while ignoring the hard, hurtful stuff, it will only get harder. This is a glimpse of who she has always been, but even more of who she is becoming. She will hurt you again and again. Leave the friendship and find new ones that are kinder.

Nancy

Well said. There are far too many kind people in the world to spend your time with someone who goes out of her way to hurt your feelings.

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Hey Prudence,

Re Dog Lover, Not Dog Owner: Heres some food for thought: Leader Dog schools began training German shepherds decades ago. Now, Labradors and retrievers have joined them on the list of gentle, loyal, and protective breeds. And yesalso great with kids! Ive seen examples myself. These are big dogs who need exercise, of course, but theyre not as insatiable about it as Aussies or Border Collies. Plus, theyve got those big ole slobbery tongues, just right for loving kisses!

KayT

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Hey Prudence,

In your advice to Dog Lover, Not Dog Owner, you suggested a smaller breed more suitable for urban living. Might I also suggest considering a GIANT breed, like a Great Dane? Giant breeds can also be great with kids in smaller spaces, acting as a center of gravity instead of a comet spinning around the perimeter.

If the kids are young enough to be herded, they are young enough to benefit from a giant dog to stabilize them as they toddle aroundand as a soft landing place for naps and quiet time. I suggest investigating a well-bred, purebred dog, as this increases the likelihood that the family will get exactly what they want and expect, while enjoying the support of a responsible breeder as the household integrates their first canine companion.

Dog Fancier

My dog knowledge is pretty limited, so I always appreciate this kind of insight. I assume the large dog would be OK in a small space? I want the kids to get what they need, but not at the expense of making a big, sweet Great Dane feel claustrophobic.

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Hey Prudence,

Re Unmarried But Still Permanent: Have you considered a marriage ceremony with an exchange of rings and vowsbut no legally binding documentation? If that appeals to your own romantic notions, of course. Perhaps it would appease nosy family members and give you and your partner a lovely wedding day to cherish. Anyone can say lovely things and wear jewelry, after all.

With This Ring, Still Get Meds

Yes, a very good ideaof course, if the couple thinks a wedding-like event sounds fun. These things can be expensive and stressful, so they should do it for themselves, not the family. Especially because people who are intrusive about whether youre married are almost certainly going to be intrusive about the details of any celebration.

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Hey Prudence,

Re Nun Nonsense: Your advice is excellent. I know this because my family went through the same thing. I have cousins who are all deeply religious. One of themwho had a very lucrative career in his early 30ssuddenly decided he wanted to join a contemplative monastic order. We all thought it was a mistake; it was not his personality. Even his very observant mother was appalled. We were right. He only lasted a few years before leaving, but then he moved into a new career he liked much more. Feeling better about himself, he found a lovely woman, got married, and is happier than hes ever been. It all worked out.

Seen It Before

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Im glad to hear this. And if hes ever asked to share a fun fact about himself as an icebreaker, I was a member of a monastic order for a few years is a really great one.

Classic Prudie

I have a boyfriend of two years with a weird hobby. He has a mannequin hes kept since college, named Barbara. I discovered her existence when wed been seeing each other for over a year. He spends a significant amount of money for her maintenance and talks to it like a real person. When he comes home from a trip he kisses her and tells her he missed her. He sleeps next to her at night when Im not there and basically treats her like a second girlfriend.
Everyones favorite unfettered female rapper, Cardi B, is making headlines lately for her testimony in court. The hip-hop artist is currently litigating a civil suit filed by a security guard who alleges the rapper physically assaulted her in 2018. Anyone who expected Cardi B to show up and show out with theatrics, jokes, and a big personality has yet to be disappointed by the footage making its wayvia media outlets livestreams and bite-size clips circulating onlinefrom the Alhambra, California, courtroom. As the ancient wisdom dictates, when you combine videos and Cardi B, youre sure to get some viral moments. Since the trial began on Monday, it has turned into what NBC describes as an online spectacle, entertaining the masses far and wide. But dont worry if you, like me, didnt even know that Cardi B was being sued or why people are laughing about it so much. I present to you a sorting of the details.

Why is Cardi B being sued?

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almanzar, is currently embroiled in a civil suit for $24 million that was initially filed in 2020 by a security guard, Emani Ellis, who alleges that the Bodak Yellow rapper assaulted her in 2018 outside of a medical office in Beverly Hills, California. The trial is litigating Ellis claims related to the incident, which occurred while Cardi Bwho at the time was secretly pregnant with her first child with her thenhusband and Migos rapper, Offsetwas arriving to a covert obstetrics appointment. According to Ellis earlier testimony, while doing her work patrols in the building that housed the doctors office, she voiced out loud her shock at seeing the celebrity rapper. Ellis claims that this triggered Cardi B into believing that the security guard was filming her with her cellphone, which would have given Ellis material to leak the rappers pregnancy to the public. Ellis claims that the miscommunication turned into a physical altercation, during which Cardi B allegedly screamed profanities (including, she claims, racial slurs and body-shaming terms), spit on Ellis, and cut Ellis cheek with her fingernail, all leaving Ellis deeply traumatized. Ellis refutes the claim that she was using her phone at the time and alleges that Cardi B used her celebrity status to get Ellis fired from her job as a security guard.

Cardi B, who took the stand on Tuesday and Wednesday, tells a different story. According to the Grammy-winning artist, a verbal argument most definitely occurred, but she maintains that nothing physical transpired between her and the plaintiff. According to Cardi B, Ellis was following and filming her while she was clearly trying to get into the medical office undetected. Cardi B alleges that Ellis was the aggressor, not the other way around, but that still nothing physical happened.

Shouldnt this be a fairly straightforward case? There has to be security footage of this somewhere!

Well, thats just the thing: No footage of the altercation, which purportedly happened seven years ago, has been found via the buildings security cameras, if they even had any on the fifth floor, where the incident took place. Additionally, theres been much back-and-forth about whether Ellis was even using a phone at the time. Ellis claims in her testimony that she wasnt, but according to Cardi Bs lawyers, an incident report that Ellis submitted to her supervisor at the time stated that she had been using her phone to check her voicemail. Whats more, Ellis seemingly contradicted herself about where the alleged scratch was. (The security guard eventually got a scar treated by a plastic surgeon, although it has not yet been established where that scar came from.) So far, a handful of experts have testified about the potential merits of both testimonies, but theres been plenty of inconsistencies on Ellis part and a significant lack of material proof overall.

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Ive been seeing a lot of (Ill admit) funny clips of Cardi B on the witness stand. What are all of these viral moments and why are they happening in a courtroom?

As with any videotaped celebrity trial made available to the publicGwyneth Paltrows 2023 trial comes to mindthere are certain to be some viral moments clipped and circulated on the internet. Naturally, a number of clips from Cardi Bs days on the stand have gone viral on social media. This is not only because of the nature of the case itself, but because the rapper has partially made her fame on being a hilariously unfiltered, profane, and endearingly big personality. This personality translated to some rather interesting moments in the courtroom this week, partially aided by the line of questioning from Ellis legal representation, which oscillated between comedic and downright insulting to Cardi B.

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For example, for some reason Ellis lawyers asked the rapper about her hairstyles changing daily, prompting the rapperwho is known for her flashy style choicesto explain that theyre wigs. There was also the moment where Ellis lawyers asked if Cardi B called Ellis fat, to which she responded, straight-faced, No, I was calling her a bitch. At one point, after getting exasperated with the lawyers line of questioning about why she might have seen Ellis as a threat, Cardi B said that she was very concerned because, from her point of view, Im pregnant and this girls about to fucking beat my ass, hello?! (Ellis lawyer then volleyed the rappers sarcasm with a comical, Hello, hello, Im here.) When Ellis lawyers asked if Cardi was disabled at the time of the incident, she responded with a heavy eye roll, saying: At that moment, when youre pregnantIm very disabled. You want me to tell you the things I cant do? That one got a big laugh from the courtroom. When lawyers probed Cardi B to describe Ellis physical stature, the rapper referred to the security guard as security heavy, and when questioned further on what that meant, she explained knowingly, She looked like she could protect a building. And while needling Cardi B on her definition of verbal altercation, Ellis lawyer asked whether he and the rapper were having a verbal altercation at that very moment in the courtroom, to which Cardi B coyly responded that they were having a debate.

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Then there were all of the times Cardi B may not have said something, but made faces so comedic that Jim Carrey would be jealous. Just see her incredulous reaction to Ellis lawyer asking her to repeat the obscenities she said on that day back to the plaintiffs face in the courtroom. (This bonkers demand was, naturally, objected to by Cardi Bs legal team; the judge sustained that request, as well as countless others throughout the off-kilter trial so far.)

I could keep going, but thankfully Cardi Bs fans have made supercuts of these moments that you can watch instead. One of these supercuts is attached to a tweet from a Cardi B fanpage on X that summarized the whole ordeal in the most accurate and succinct way possible: Cardi B in court today was like an SNL skit.

Cardi B in court today was like an SNL skit  pic.twitter.com/ZiZBkI9xw3  Brimcess (@Belcardi11) August 27, 2025

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Without wading into the legalese, I have to admit that Cardi B is coming across as hilarious here.

This is true! But its worth noting that not all of the artists time on the stand was comedic. There were also moments of the opposing lawyers questioning that carried the whiff of racial microaggressions. (Cardi B identifies as Afro-Caribbean, and the plaintiff, Ellis, is Black.) Yes, the non-Black lawyer asking Cardi B about her various hairstyles is funny, but its hard not to think of how Black womens hair and hairstyles are often politicized and racially coded. This strange undertone is well illustrated by the very next question Ellis lawyer asked, which was whether the famous rapper is affiliated with a gang. According to a tweet from Meghann Cuniff, a legal affairs reporter who is known for covering celebrity trials, Ellis lawyer had an All-Star Fail when he eventually annoyed the judge with inane questions like these and others.

How does it look like this case is going to go?

Its never easy to tell and only a fool would try to be absolute about what a jury will decide, but its not looking good for Ellis so far. Not only is there a lack of proof of her claimsand not only is Cardi B incredibly charming in these moments of her testimonybut in the latest development from the trial, a receptionist who witnessed the incident testified that Ellis was the aggressor, and in fact possibly scratched the receptionist. It doesnt help that, from what the world has seen of the trial so far, Ellis lawyer doesnt appear to be the most astute, shall we say. (Multiple tweets have joked that the plaintiff must have gotten her lawyer off of the bargain-priced Chinese online shopping site Temu.) All of these stumbling blocks, plus the fact that the plaintiff is suing for a staggering amount of money, have led many onlookers to conclude that this case smells a bit like a money grab.

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Related From Slate It Was the Crime Saga That Baffled the Nation Six Years Ago. Now a Netflix Documentary Promises New Insights. Read More

I also heard that Cardis long-awaited sophomore album is coming out next month. This isnt just album promo, right?

Despite the growing online belief that everything celebrities do these days is staged, I dont think anyone, regardless of status, would like to pay legal fees and risk their reputation or legal standing for promotion. Plus, Cardi B has a long and storied history of behaving exactly like this in damn well every situation. Rather than hamming it up in court, her time would be better spent getting this over with so she can chop it up with Zane Lowe or eat hot wings for Complex. Still, this is serving as pretty good marketing for Cardi B so far. And, astonishingly, there might be more in store: In July, an Ohio woman filed a suit against the rapper for battery, assault, and negligence related to a viral incident during which Cardi B threw a microphone at the woman in the crowd during a performance in Las Vegas in 2023. (The owners of the beach club where the incident took place are also being sued for negligence.) If that goes to trial, theres a good chance we might be privy to more of these viral moments and snippets of absurdity from court.
The parents of a California teenager are suing OpenAI, claiming that the company's chatbot, ChatGPT, encouraged their son to commit suicide.

Matt and Maria Raine filed the lawsuit in the Superior Court of California on Tuesday following their son's, 16-year-old Adam Raine, death. It marks an important milestone in being the first legal action accusing OpenAI of wrongful death.

OpenAI Faces Lawsuit Following Teenager's Suicide

In their lawsuit, the family included chat logs between their son, who committed suicide in April, and ChatGPT. These allegedly show the teenager explaining to the chatbot that he has suicidal thoughts. The parents argue that the program validated his "most harmful and self-destructive thoughts."

In response, OpenAI issued a statement saying that it was now reviewing the filing, adding that they were extending its deepest sympathies to the Raine family during this difficult time. The company also published a note on its website on Tuesday regarding the recent suicide.

It noted that recent heartbreaking cases of people who use ChatGPT in the midst of acute crises weigh "heavily on us." The company adds that its chatbot is trained to direct people to seek professional help, including the 988 suicide and crisis hotline in the U.S. or the Samaritans in the United Kingdom, according to BBC.

However, the company also acknowledged that there have been moments where its systems did not behave as they intended, particularly in sensitive situations. The Raine family's lawsuit accused OpenAI of negligence and wrongful death in Adam's suicide.

The family argues in the lawsuit that the company was aware that ChatGPT had an emotional attachment feature that could hurt vulnerable individuals. However, they said that the company chose to ignore safety concerns, CBS News reported.

ChatGPT's Lack of Safety Measures

The suit also alleges that OpenAI made a new version of ChatGPT available to the public without the proper safeguards for vulnerable people. When the company entered the market with its then-latest model GPT-4 in May 2024, its valuation skyrocketed from $86 billion to $300 billion.

Center for Humane Technology Policy Director Camille Carlton said the tragic loss of 16-year-old Adam is not an isolated incident. She argues that it is the inevitable outcome of an industry that focuses on market dominance above all else.

After the Raine family filed the lawsuit, OpenAI said it will continue to improve its services while being guided by experts and grounded in responsibility to the people who use its tools. The company is also working on an update to its GPT-5 model that lets it de-escalate conversations, as per CNBC.
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Carissa Gooding, a pressed-penny collector in Columbus, Ohio, who makes very satisfying-to-watch TikToks in which she cleans souvenir pennies with a Q-tip and metal polish while telling stories about where she pressed the coins, recently had a self-described penny mental breakdown.

She found an old pressed penny from the Cincinnati Museum Center among her things, which led her to drive two hours to the museum, both to see a Barbie exhibit and to check out the machinebut it was nowhere to be found. An attendant told her theyd gotten rid of it last year, a result of the cost of maintenance compared to the money they actually make from the pennies, not to mention the imminent end of penny minting. I was freaking out about this silly little penny press, she told me. After that, I went home and was like, I have to collect every single penny.

In May, Donald Trump announced that in 2026, the U.S. Mint will cease production of the penny, one of which costs 3.69 cents to make. What will come of the good old-fashioned American vacation practice of pancaking our smallest monetary denomination? The machines have become a mainstay in tourist locations such as zoos, museums, theme parks, and historical attractions, and the coins usually feature designs of things you can see at the sites (the facades of buildings, zoo animals, roller coasters, spaceships, artworksthe options are endless). Though theyve become more widespread and DIY in the past half century, pressed pennies have been around for more than 100 years. The first one is said to have been created for the Worlds Columbian Exposition, a fair in Chicago, in 1893. Its only now, in the twilight year of the penny, that machines for penny pressingaka penny squishing, penny smashing, coin elongatingseem to be at risk. Voracious collectors are, perhaps counterintuitively, looking forward to it.

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In addition to being some of the cheapest souvenirs, pressed pennies boast a community of exonumists, the technical name for these enthusiastic collectors. These hobbyists share photos and machine locations; they mail pressed pennies to other collectors around the country; they build penny chandeliers and set up elaborate displays for their hoards. And while many feel somewhat wistful about the end of the penny, they arent too concerned that the practice will die out. In fact, it might even be made more special by the coins impending rarity.

Gooding is not so worried about Trumps order having an effect, but shes still concerned that the machines will start falling out of favor with the destinations that host them. In the meantime, she plans to take advantage of the ones still in use and visit all the penny squishers in the state. Her most recent sojourn was to the Ohio State Reformatory, where much of The Shawshank Redemption was filmed. (Im sorry, I asked, even prisons have penny pressers? Gooding confirmed.) Like many other pressing fanatics, she has experienced places she might not have visited otherwise, thanks to the draw of cranking out a new elongated coin.

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Im not someone who necessarily seeks out a museum, she said, so it forces me to go learn about the history of where I grew upor birds or whatever.

Those who are in the machine business arent sweating just yet, either. Albert and Amy Guerrero founded a company, Pennybandz, that makes various types of pressed-penny displayssome, such as their bracelets and keychains, allow you to bring your pennies around with you, and others, like their journals, help you compile them in one place. The Guerreros have since expanded to creating custom machines; they now provide them for various Buc-ees travel stops across the country, with each location getting a unique set of designs.

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Pennybandz was the result of a vacation eureka moment as the couple looked down at a cup full of pennies that their kids had pressed and wondered how they might find a way to show the keepsakes off. Surprisingly, though, the end of the penny doesnt yet spell ruin for a business based on it. To Amy and Albert, the news means pressed pennies will become even more special.

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I wouldnt say were excited about it, but once we really thought about it, its actually boosted the nostalgic appeal, Albert said. And were probably about 15 to 20 years away from people saying, you know, Oh, I want to press a penny, but I cant find one. 

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Once that time comes, many of the machines, particularly in Canada, where coin mutilation is illegal, are already equipped to take copper blanks instead of pennies (though the thrill isnt quite the same without the illicit feeling of turning a crank to smash official currency). Nevertheless, many machines in operation now dont even have a crank, and they come pre-equipped with brand-new pennies.

When you have both machines side by side, though, the hand-crank always outperforms the electric machines, Albert said. The nostalgia for an old-fashioned souvenir is strong. Not to mention that any collector worth their salt will tell you that pre-1982 pennies are the best to pressbefore that year, they were made of 95 percent copper, but since then have been crafted from 97.5 percent zinc, with just a bit of copper plating.

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If the machines are already preloaded, it would be better for collectors if they used copper discs, Kian Breslin, of the Pressed Penny Collectors group on Facebook, wrote. When these newer pennies are rolled, the zinc shows underneath, leaving an undesirable streaking appearance. So the preferred coins for pressing were already a finite resourcefinding these pennies that happened to be minted before, you know, 40 years ago, Gooding said.

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Another member of the Facebook group, Becca Billera, thinks tourist sites are more likely to scrap the penny machines altogether and switch to commemorative medallions, which are already popular at Disney parks. I absolutely loathe those and will never switch to those if pressed pennies become obsolete, she wrote.

There are currently between 114 billion and 240 billion pennies in circulation, varied estimates saymeaning, like Albert said, that itll be a long while before they become impossible to find. In the meantime, the souvenirs will continue to connect people and remind them of some of their best moments. Isnt there something about the pennythe knowledge that, before its pressing, its exchanged hands maybe thousands of times, or been plucked off the street for luck, or ridden along on hundreds of car trips with someone, rattling around a consolethat makes it more meaningful than a copper blank or medallion? It seems that, no matter the decrees of the Trump administration, the one-cent coin, and its flattened versions, wont be tossed to the ground so easily.
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Florida and Texas made a quiet move last week that could have huge implications nationwide: Their attorneys general asked to join a federal lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration that seeks to drastically roll back access to the main abortion drug, mifepristone. The states argue that the medications FDA approval should be revoked or, failing that, that telemedicine prescriptions should be once again banned. Telehealth has allowed thousands of people to get abortion pills in states where the procedure is prohibited.

The judge with whom they filed the request is Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Donald Trump appointee in Amarillo, Texas, notorious for his 2023 ruling purporting to rescind federal approval of mifepristone. That was in an earlier iteration of the abortion pill case, which is still stalking abortion access like a zombie.

Last we heard, the Trump administration said that three state AGs, none of whom are from Texas, should not be able to continue a lawsuit that was originally filed by a group of anti-abortion doctors. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously last June that those doctors werent injured by the FDAs actions and lacked standing to sue the agency. That never meant that the legal threat to mifepristone was gone, of coursejust that the physicians werent the right plaintiffs. And now Texas especially appears to think that it could present a better vehicle for the case. If Kacsmaryk allows the state to join the litigation, the Justice Department may no longer argue that the suit should be dismissed, and the case could once again return to the Supreme Court.

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This is all, frankly, a scarier version of the lawsuit filed by the doctors in 2022 because Texas might actually have a shot at getting the high court to say it has standing to sue. Its claims are at least more plausible than the two previous tries because Amarillo is a valid place for Texas to sue and because Texas lawyers have been making a lot of noise about mifepristone by mail harming the state and its residents.

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The state has been amassing legal actions against abortion providers and rights groups, said Rachel Rebouche, the dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law, who specializes in reproductive health law. Texas intervening is an argument that gets closer to demonstrating harm because Texas has sued [a physician], and there are litigants from Texas suing people in other states, she said.

The original case concerned mifepristones harms to anti-abortion doctors and womens safetyneither of which were based in evidence, not that that would stop conservative plaintiffs. Then the first set of AGs claimed that telemedicine abortions rendered them unable to enforce their laws, arguing that the FDA had created an interstate conflict. Texas AG Ken Paxton is taking elements of both complaints and packaging them in a way that seems designed to force action, Rebouche said.

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Harm is something people are going to disagree about, she said. Conflict between New York and Texaswhose law applies and how? Thats a Supreme Court [problem], and thats a federal administration problem. These arguments are an on-ramp for the court or the Trump administration to weigh in on mifepristone regulations, blue state protections, or both.

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Abortion pills are an existential threat to the anti-abortion movement because people in banned states can access them somewhat easily via the mail and end their pregnancies in private. Conservatives knew that this would be the case before the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, but the post-Dobbs statistics may have surprised even them. Nearly two-thirds of abortions in the U.S. in 2023 were performed with pills, for which the typical regimen is mifepristone followed by misoprostol. According to recent data from the Society of Family Planning, 1 in 4 abortions in the U.S. by the end of 2024 was done with pills via telehealth. In the quarter before the Dobbs decision, that figure was 1 in 20.

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Several Democratic-controlled states have passed shield laws to protect health care workers from criminal and civil actions when they treat patients across state lines. The SFP estimates that under these laws, doctors prescribed abortion pills to an average of 12,330 people a month by the end of 2024. A single abortion-pill service, Aid Access, said that between July 2023 and August 2024, it prescribed nearly 100,000 sets of pills to people who lived in states that have banned the procedure or have banned telemedicine.

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Texas and Florida cite the SFP report in their legal filings to argue that states like them cant enforce their abortion bans due to the FDAs allowing of telemedicine prescriptions since 2021. The filings also cite junk-science findings from the far-right Ethics and Public Policy Center that conservatives are rallying around to try to get the FDA to restrict the drug. This datathe SFPs legitimate, the EPPCs notdid not exist when the doctors first filed their case in late 2022.

Its worth a recitation of the original cases backstory at this point, because this litigation has become a house of cards, with new, precarious levels being added all the time. Less than six months after Dobbs, a group of conservative doctors and dentists sued the FDA, represented by the Christian law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, seeking to rescind the approval of mifepristone. The doctors were part of the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, a shadowy group incorporated in Amarillo a few months earlier, and they claimed that the mere existence of the abortion pill meant that in rare cases when the pills caused too much bleeding or didnt work, they would have to treat patients experiencing complicationsand possibly perform abortionsover their religious objections. Although the doctors couldnt prove that any of this had happened, Kacsmaryk tried to revoke the drugs approval in April 2023.

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Likely sensing that the doctors would lose, the AGs of Missouri, Idaho, and Kansas asked to join the lawsuit in November 2023, a request Kacsmaryk granted in early 2024. The states werent asking the FDA to rescind the drugs approval; rather, they sought to force the agency to roll back changes made since 2016 that allowed telehealth prescriptions of mifepristone and permitted the drug to be used through 10 weeks of pregnancy (up from seven) and be prescribed to minors. The AGs also argued that the drugs couldnt be mailed because of the Comstock Act, an 1873 anti-obscenity law that conservatives want to resuscitate to restrict abortion. A suit from Missouri, Idaho, and Kansas claimed that these FDA actions undermined the states abortion laws and caused economic and political harm due to lower teen birth rates.

After ping-ponging through the appeals process, the case was finally heard at the Supreme Court in March 2024. (Perhaps unsurprisingly, Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas seemed open to the Comstock idea during oral arguments.) Then, in June 2024, the justices said that the doctors couldnt proceed with the lawsuit, meaning that the case should have been dismissed after the court kicked it back to Kacsmaryk. Plus, the original plaintiff physicians have since dismissed their claimsso its as if the whole case never existed. But in January, during the final days of the Biden administration, Kacsmaryk ruled that the three AGs could continue the litigation.

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In May, Trumps DOJ asked Kacsmaryk to drop the case because Missouri et al. had no connection to Texas. That struck some abortion rights supporters as good news, but the department said nothing about the underlying merits of challenging FDA regulations. The States cannot keep alive a lawsuit in which the original plaintiffs were held to lack standing, those plaintiffs have now voluntarily dismissed their claims, and the States own claims have no connection to this District, the government attorneys wrote.

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The DOJ said that Kacsmaryk had to dismiss or transfer the case, but he did neither, giving abortion opponents an opening to try to revive the case. And in recent months, Texas has been taking steps that appear to be those of a state trying to establish that it has standing to sue the FDA over mifepristone, Rebouche said. Paxton sued a New York doctor in December for mailing pills to a Texan; he cant get the civil judgment enforced and is now suing a New York county clerk. Two days before filing in Kacsmaryks courtroom, Paxton sent cease-and-desist letters to the informational site Plan C and two telehealth abortion-pill providers, threatening to sue them if they didnt stop facilitating abortions in the state. Plus, there are two federal wrongful-death lawsuits filed by Texans against abortion-pill providersthe lawyer in both cases is former Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell.

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Conservatives likely knew that the doctors original case would get punted, so its possible theyve been working together to create something that will stick. I think everything in anticipation of that [June 2024] ruling, and since, has been in part with an eye to how to make those arguments legitimate, and how to do it on a multipronged front, Rebouche said.

Part of that effort may well include the EPPC research published at the end of April, which claims that mifepristone is far less safe than the FDA suggests. The methodologically flawed paper was not published in a peer-reviewed journal and overestimates complications of the drug but has since been cited in congressional letters to the agency, cease-and-desist letters from both Paxton and Arkansas AG Tim Griffin, and, now, this motion for Florida and Texas to join the case.

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In hindsight, the DOJs highlighting the lack of connection that Missouri, Kansas, and Idaho have to Texas might seem like a hint for anti-abortion advocates to bring it something passable. But regardless of intent, conservative activists have a history of reading tea leaves and concocting claims that serve their end goal, Rebouche said. Mitchells assertions in civil court about coerced abortions face a lower burden of proof than criminal cases do, and the EPPC study is a manufactured piece of data that Paxton and others can point to in footnotes.

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These are the ways that these arguments get circulated: Theyre tested out in litigation, theyre tested out in reports, and then they show up in legislation and attorney general press releases, she said. I think the anti-abortion movement has long been very, very good at creating a narrative and then getting people to get on board with it.

The complaint from Texas and Florida, she said, is the encapsulation of what all these strategies have really been about. Still, its not clear how Florida can argue that it should be suing in a Texas district court, Rebouche said. The motion does, however, refer to a Louisiana criminal case against an abortion provider and claims that similar criminal investigations of out-of-state abortionists are pending in Florida. One cynical scenario is that the states are offering Kacsmaryk something to reject to give this farce a patina of legitimacy should it continue.

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Although the states argue that telemedicine prescriptions are the real threat to their abortion bans, they cant help themselves from making a maximalist ask: Should the FDA revoke its original approval of mifepristone from 2000, and should Comstock ban the mailing of abortion drugs? They have a fresh opportunity, and theyre not wasting it. I dont want to sound flip about it, but why wouldnt they? Rebouche said. Kacsmaryk already said he thought the FDA was acting unlawfully, so why not give him another chance to do it?

The Dobbs decision was never, as Justice Brett Kavanaugh claimed, going to get the Supreme Court out of abortion disputes. Conservatives, not satisfied with their state bans, will keep pushing to restrict access at the federal level. Supporters of abortion rights now have to hold their breath every time a case like this is filed.
The three-year-old Always B Miki-Thecrowdiswatching filly Milagro, a defending Pennsylvania Fair Champion, continued to be the circuits big story in 2025, winning her 10th Pennsylvania Fair Sire Stakes A event of the year during Thursday, Aug. 28 racing at the Stoneboro Fair in the northwest section of the state.

Co-owned by the leading driver and trainer on the fair circuit this year, trainer Linda and driver Tony Schadel, Milagro won the fastest of the three A-class Fair Sire Stakes divisions for her group (and for the meet) in 1:59.4, giving her six sub-2:00 miles during the summer for top spot in that category. Earlier this season, she paced the fastest mile of the year on the circuit, 1:55.2 at Hughesville, which tied the record for any Pennsylvania fair for her age, sex, and gait.

The other A-level filly winners were the Always B Miki-Dime A Dance filly Golden Magic in 2:00 for driver Case Bateson and trainer Doug Snyder, and Milagros stablemate Tinas Wish, a 2:00.2 winner with Tony Schadel driving.

Two other sophomores entered Thursday with nine fair victories, but both were upset in going for double digits. Bettor Not, undefeated in his nine prior fair races in 2025, was beaten by the Heston Blue Chip-Hawaiian Drink gelding Happy Hour Blues, who won three straight in Bs and now has taken two in As, this one part of driver Steven Fedokovitzs first career driving double. The winner is trained by Aaron Johnston. The other section for pacing males was faster, as the Papi Rob Hanover-Apple Hanover gelding Stealing Apples got the stopwatch to click in 2:00 for Team Barnard  driver Jesse and trainer Savannah, the latter of which owns him.

The second horse to stall at the nine-win count was male trotter Lionheart Hanover, who was upended by Andovers Hotrod and trainer-driver Todd Schadel. He co-owns the Andover Hall-No Excuses colt with Calvin Hoover. Todd Schadel also drove and trained the fastest trotting winner at Stoneboro, the International Moni-Cantab Cabela filly Tally The Tab, who has eight fair successes after covering Stoneboro in 2:02.1. She is owned by Todd and Christine Schadel.

Thursday had another noteworthy accomplishment, the first-ever driving victory for 22-year-old Abigail Wright, behind the Captain Ahab-Jo Pas Eato filly Melville, a filly she co-owns with trainer Gary Johnston. Wright won for the first time in her 10th drive after making her first nine starts behind Eureka Moment. The Butler, Pa. resident debuted in July and has hit the board five times.

Turning to the Wednesday card and the two-year-olds, another pacing filly emerged as her classs biggest winner, with the Sweet Lou-Takara Rose filly Vegas Queen the first to get six A-level freshman triumphs with a 2:03 mile for driver David Brickell, trainer Neil Balcerak, and owner George Prushnok.

In a parallel to the sophomores, two other freshmen were entered for Stoneboro tied with Vegas Queen as five-time winners. But pacing gelding Quill Gordon was scratched from a race that produced the quickest two-year-old clocking, the 2:01.2 mile authored by the Tall Dark Stranger-Viva La Deo gelding Venom Hanover. He is trained and driven by Todd Schadel, who co-owns him with Jim Simpson, Timothy Hayes, and Dr. Megan Moschgat. And trotting gelding Rt Wonder Colt came up shy in a 2:06 victory by Mohawk, an altered son of Captain Corey-Chips N Caviar, who is driven by Eric Neal, trained by Tom Loughry, and owned by Brocious Racing Stable Inc. Mohawks time tied for the fastest freshman trotting mile with the winning effort of the International Moni-By A Nose Hanover gelding Nose Jammer, who won for Todd and Christine Schadel.

Todd Schadel took Stoneboro honours as top horseman on both the driving and training side with seven victories in each category. The tussle for yearly fair honours figures to be very close. After Stoneboro, the standings among drivers are Tony Schadel 61, Eric Neal 59, and Todd Schadel 57. The trainers standings have Linda Schadel leading Todd Schadel 60-59.

After completing the racing at Stoneboro, the Pennsylvania Fair Circuit is about to reach the three-quarter pole for 2025, with only five more stops among the 19 meets that comprise the circuit. Gratz will host the next two Fair Sire Stakes races, with its two-day meet on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7, and then its fair meet on the following Sunday and Monday. Post time for all four Gratz cards has been set for noon.

(Pennsylvania Fair Harness Horsemen Association, Pennsylvania Harness Horsemens Association, and Meadows Standardbred Owners Association)
Veteran campaigner American History returned to action during the session of qualifiers on Friday, Aug. 29 at Woodbine Mohawk Park, besting one of the sport's hottest horses  2023 Horse of the Year Sylvia Hanover.

In the final Friday qualifier at Mohawk, American History and driver Dale Spence made every call a winning one. After cutting the mile through fractions of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:24.1, American History hurried home in :27.3 for the sharp 1:51.4 tally. Sylvia Hanover followed willingly throughout and finished second under a very snug hold to driver Bob McClure.

Back in the barn of trainer MacKenzie Spence, American History is a 49-time winner is his decorated career with more than $1.9 million in earnings. Patrick Hill of Fredericton, N.B. owns the 10-year-old son of American Ideal - Perfect Touch.

Sylvia Hanover missed her last scheduled start, the G3 Cleopatra Invitational for older female pacers at Scioto Downs on Saturday, Aug. 23, due to sickness. Mark Steacy told Trot Insider that the daughter of Always B Miki - Shyaway had something akin to an allergic reaction just before the trip to Ohio, necessitating the scratch. Expect to see the Hudson Standardbred Stable-owned double millionaire and world champion dropped into the box for the 2025 Milton Stakes, with eliminations for that event on tap next weekend.

The full video stream is available below.

For results from the qualifying session, click the following link: Friday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers).

(Standardbred Canada)
BEIJING, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the occasion of Qixi Festival, often referred to as the Chinese Valentine's Day, CGTN published an article highlighting President Xi Jinping's deep values of family and nation. The piece underscored Xi's belief that only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper.

On Chinese President Xi Jinping's bookshelves, photos of him and his wife, Peng Liyuan, are prominently displayed, reflecting the softer side of the Chinese leader. Although their work often kept them apart, Xi and Peng have always shared a deep mutual understanding and concern for each other.

"Don't sever genuine connections due to distance, lose sight of true feelings amid a hectic life, or overlook your core emotions amidst the hustle and bustle," Xi said when addressing a Spring Festival gathering in 2017.

The warmth of family

"I have a very happy family. My wife and I both have our own careers, but we work together to build the family," Xi once said.

In 2004, while serving as the secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Xi shared with Yan'an Television that he would call Peng every day, as they could not often be together.

During a visit to a farmer's home in Costa Rica in 2013, Xi instinctively broke off a piece of the host's pastry and gently passed it to his wife, the gesture so natural it spoke of years of quiet intimacy.

In 2014, during Xi's state visit to India, Peng accompanied his visit. She accepted the invitation to sit on a swing, gently swaying a few times before patting the empty seat next to her. Her husband responded without hesitation, settling in beside her. Together, they swung in quiet harmony, a tender moment that spoke volumes about their closeness.

Combining love for family with love of country

Xi has consistently emphasized the interconnectedness between family and nation, saying that the family is the basic unit of society where love for one's country and family should unite.

"Only when millions of households prosper can the nation truly prosper," Xi has said.

From his early days as a local official to his role as the country's top leader, Xi has always aspired to help countless families live a good life.

As Party chief of Liangjiahe Village in north China's Hebei Province, he lived and worked alongside farmers. In Zhengding County, Hebei Province, Xi, then secretary of the CPC Zhengding County Committee, visited every village to assess the welfare of the local people.

Since elected as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee in October 2012, Xi has conducted at least 30 inspections across the country, many of which focused on poverty alleviation and development.

At the end of 2020, through eight years of hard work, China achieved the goal of eliminating extreme poverty as the 98.99 million people in rural areas who were living below the poverty threshold all shook off poverty, all the 128,000 impoverished villages and 832 designated poor counties got rid of poverty, according to the white paper titled "Poverty Alleviation: China's Experience and Contribution."

Looking forward to the 2025 conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Xi underscored the importance of prioritizing people's livelihoods in the country's future development.

At a symposium on China's economic and social development in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) in late April, Xi stressed the importance of benefiting the people in formulating the plan, calling for ensuring and enhancing people's livelihoods through development and steadily advancing common prosperity.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-29/Why-Chinese-value-love-for-family-and-nation-1Gemls0tFUQ/p.html

SOURCE CGTN
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Author and inventor Ray Kurzweil, 56, stands for a portrait in front of words from his internet site projected on a screen in his office in Wellesley, Mass., Jan. 12, 2005. Credit: AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

At 77 years old, Geoffrey Hinton has a new calling in life. Like a modern-day prophet, the Nobel Prize winner is raising alarms about the dangers of uncontrolled and unregulated artificial intelligence.

Frequently dubbed the "Godfather of AI," Hinton is known for his pioneering work on deep learning and neural networks which helped lay the foundation for the AI technology often used today. Feeling "somewhat responsible," he began speaking publicly about his concerns in 2023 after he left his job at Google, where he worked for more than a decade.

As the technologyand investment dollarspowering AI have advanced in recent years, so too have the stakes behind it.

"It really is godlike," Hinton said.

Hinton is among a growing number of prominent tech figures who speak of AI using language once reserved for the divine. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has referred to his company's technology as a "magic intelligence in the sky," while Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has even argued that AI could help bring about the Antichrist.

Will AI bring condemnation or salvation?

There are plenty of skeptics who doubt the technology merits this kind of fear, including Dylan Baker, a former Google employee and lead research engineer at the Distributed AI Research Institute, which studies the harmful impacts of AI.

"I think oftentimes they're operating from magical fantastical thinking informed by a lot of sci-fi that presumably they got in their formative years," Baker said. "They're really detached from reality."

Although chatbots like ChatGPT only recently penetrated the zeitgeist, certain Silicon Valley circles have prophesied of AI's power for decades.

Dario Amodei, CEO & Co-Founder of Anthropic, speaks at the convening of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes at the Golden Gate Club at the Presidio in San Francisco, Nov. 20, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File

"We're trying to wake people up," Hinton said. "To get the public to understand the risks so that the public pressures politicians to do something about it."

While researchers like Hinton are warning about the existential threat they believe AI poses to humanity, there are CEOs and theorists on the other side of the spectrum who argue we are approaching a kind of technological apocalypse that will usher in a new age of human evolution.

In an essay published last year titled "Machines of Loving Grace: How AI Could Transform the World for the Better," Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei lays out his vision for a future "if everything goes right with AI."

The AI entrepreneur predicts "the defeat of most diseases, the growth in biological and cognitive freedom, the lifting of billions of people out of poverty to share in the new technologies, a renaissance of liberal democracy and human rights."

While Amodei opts for the phrase "powerful AI," others use terms like "the singularity" or "artificial general intelligence (AGI)." Though proponents of these concepts don't often agree on how to define them, they refer broadly to a hypothetical future point at which AI will surpass human-level intelligence, potentially triggering rapid, irreversible changes to society.

Computer scientist and author Ray Kurzweil has been predicting since the 1990s that humans will one day merge with technology, a concept often called transhumanism.

"We're not going to actually tell what comes from our own brain versus what comes from AI. It's all going to be embedded within ourselves. And it's going to make ourselves more intelligent," Kurzweil said.

In his latest book, "The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI," Kurzweil doubles down on his earlier predictions. He believes that by 2045 we will have "multiplied our own intelligence a millionfold."

"Yes," he eventually conceded when asked if he considers AI to be his religion. It informs his sense of purpose.

"My thoughts about the future and the future of technology and how quickly it's coming definitely affects my attitudes towards being here and what I'm doing and how I can influence other people," he said.

Computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, who studies neural networks used in artificial intelligence applications, stands for a portrait at Google's Mountain View, Calif, headquarters on March 25, 2015. Credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger, File

Visions of the apocalypse bubble up

Despite Thiel's explicit invocation of language from the Book of Revelation, the positive visions of an AI future are more "apocalyptic" in the historical sense of the word.

"In the ancient world, apocalyptic is not negative," explains Domenico Agostini, a professor at the University of Naples L'Orientale who studies ancient apocalyptic literature. "We've completely changed the semantics of this word."

The term "apocalypse" comes from the Greek word "apokalypsis," meaning "revelation." Although often associated today with the end of the world, apocalypses in ancient Jewish and Christian thought were a source of encouragement in times of hardship or persecution.

"God is promising a new world," said Professor Robert Geraci, who studies religion and technology at Knox College. "In order to occupy that new world, you have to have a glorious new body that triumphs over the evil we all experience."

Geraci first noticed apocalyptic language being used to describe AI's potential in the early 2000s. Kurzweil and other theorists eventually inspired him to write his 2010 book, "Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality."

The language reminded him of early Christianity. "Only we're gonna slide out God and slide in  your pick of cosmic science laws that supposedly do this and then we were going to have the same kind of glorious future to come," he said.

Geraci argues this kind of language hasn't changed much since he began studying it. What surprises him is how pervasive it has become.

"What was once very weird is kind of everywhere," he said.

This late 1980s photo provided by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research shows computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton in Toronto. Credit: CIFAR via AP

Has Silicon Valley finally found its God?

One factor in the growing cult of AI is profitability.

"Twenty years ago, that fantasy, true or not, wasn't really generating a lot of money," Geraci said. Now, though, "there's a financial incentive to Sam Altman saying AGI is right around the corner."

But Geraci, who argues ChatGPT "isn't even remotely, vaguely, plausibly conscious," believes there may be more driving this phenomenon.

Historically, the tech world has been notoriously devoid of religion. Its secular reputation had so preceded it that one episode of the satirical HBO comedy series, "Silicon Valley," revolves around "outing" a co-worker as Christian.

Rather than viewing the skeptical tech world's veneration of AI as ironic, Geraci believes they're causally linked.

"We human beings are deeply, profoundly, inherently religious," he said, adding that the impressive technologies behind AI might appeal to people in Silicon Valley who have already pushed aside "ordinary approaches to transcendence and meaning."

No religion is without skeptics

Not every Silicon Valley CEO has been convertedeven if they want in on the tech.

This photo provided by Ray Kurzweil shows him in Boston in August 2024. Credit: Courtesy Ray Kurzweil via AP

"When people in the tech industry talk about building this one true AI, it's almost as if they think they're creating God or something," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on a podcast last year as he promoted his company's own venture into AI.

Although transhumanist theories like Kurzweil's have become more widespread, they are still not ubiquitous within Silicon Valley.

"The scientific case for that is in no way stronger than the case for a religious afterlife," argues Max Tegmark, a physicist and machine learning researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Like Hinton, Tegmark has been outspoken about the potential risks of unregulated AI. In 2023, as president of the Future of Life Institute, Tegmark helped spearhead an open letter calling for powerful AI labs to "immediately pause" the training of their systems.

The letter collected more than 33,000 signatures, including from Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Tegmark considers the letter to have been successful because it helped "mainstream the conversation" about AI safety, but believes his work is far from over.

With regulations and safeguards, Tegmark thinks AI can be used as a tool to do things like cure diseases and increase human productivity. But it is imperative, he argues, to stay away from the "quite fringe" race that some companies are running"the pseudoreligious pursuit to try to build an alternative God."

"There are a lot of stories, both in religious texts and in, for example, ancient Greek mythology, about how when we humans start playing gods, it ends badly," he said. "And I feel there's a lot of hubris in San Francisco right now."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Bigfoot vlogs are an example of AI-generated content that has gained attention for its use of hyperrealistic storytelling and digital personas in online media. Credit: Georgia Institute of Technology

From Bigfoot vlogs to algorithmically created personas, hyperrealistic AI content is redefining the boundaries of digital creators. These influencers are entirely virtual personas created using generative AI tools that simulate human features, voices, and behaviors. They post lifestyle content, interact with followers, and even secure brand endorsementsall without existing in the physical world.

As these technologies grow more widely available and their results more believable, specialists caution that we are moving into a new age where the line separating fiction from reality is becoming increasingly blurred.

The rise of synthetic creativity

Experts at Georgia Tech say the surge in AI hyperrealismcontent that mimics human emotion, speech, and appearance with uncanny precisionis both a technological marvel and a societal challenge.

"AI does not have emotions as we understand them in humans, but it knows how to mimic emotional speech," said Mark Riedl, professor in the School of Interactive Computing.

"Once we understand that AI is mimicking us, it is easy to understand how they can create believable outputs that sound authentic."

Riedl points to the democratization of video creation as a major shift. "AI video generation tools and the ability to bypass traditional content channels and post directly to social media have opened up the floodgates," he said.

Recent examples include synthetic influencers such as Nobody Sausage, a digitally animated character that has attracted over 30 million followers across multiple social media platforms through short-form dance videos and brand collaborations. On platforms like Character.AI, users engage with millions of virtual personas designed to simulate conversation and personality traits. These AI-generated figures are reshaping how audiences interact with content, marketing, and identity across Instagram, TikTok, and other social media channels.

Mental health and the reality gap

Munmun De Choudhury, professor in the School of Interactive Computing, warns that hyperreal AI content can distort users' perception of reality, especially among vulnerable populations.

"This distortion can fuel anxiety, exacerbate body image and self-comparison issues, and contribute to a broader erosion of epistemic trustour basic belief in what others present as true," she said.

Her research shows that social media already blurs the line between authentic self-expression and performative identity. Hyperreal AI contentfrom deepfakes to emotionally resonant synthetic personasfurther complicates users' ability to evaluate what is real or trustworthy. Adolescents and those facing mental health challenges may be especially susceptible.

"Individuals experiencing stress or social isolation may be more prone to believe deepfakes," De Choudhury explained. "Such content often reinforces existing beliefs or fills gaps in social connection."

The AI content challenges our understanding of authenticity, trust, and digital identity. It also raises questions about consent, misinformation, and the psychological effects of interacting with synthetic personas. Gen Z users, she notes, often judge AI content by emotional resonance rather than factual accuracy, while older users may struggle to detect synthetic cues altogether.

Platforms, persuasion, and misinformation

Riedl emphasizes that AI storytelling tools can be used to sway public opinion through "narrative transportation," a psychological phenomenon in which audiences become immersed in a story and are less likely to question its truth.

"Storytelling is a means of persuasive communication," he said. "Our brains are attuned to stories in a way that can bypass critical thinking."

Recent incidents highlight the changing landscape. Deepfakes of public figures such as Taylor Swift and Tom Hanks have surged in 2025, with over 179 incidentsin the first four months of the year alonesurpassing all of 2024. These deepfakes range from humorous impersonations to fraudulent and explicit content, raising ethical and legal concerns about identity misuse and misinformation.

Riedl notes that video misinformation has historically been harder to produce but is now easier and more likely to be tailored to niche audiences.

Social media companies face mounting pressure to take action. De Choudhury argues that labeling AI-generated content is necessary but insufficient.

"Platforms must invest in user-centered design, digital literacy interventions, and transparency about how algorithms surface such content," she said.

The stakes are especially high in mental health communities, where authenticity and lived experience are critical. "Users often feel overwhelmed or deceived when they encounter synthetic content without clear cues of its artificial origin," she added.

Governance in a globalized AI era

Milton Mueller, professor at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy, argues that regulation may be ineffective or even counterproductive in a decentralized digital ecosystem.

"Generative AI is part of a globalized and distributed digital ecosystem," Mueller said. "So, which regulatory authority are you talking about, and how does it gain the leverage needed to control the outputs?"

While the EU's AI Act mandates labeling and imposes steep fines, U.S. efforts remain fragmented. The Federal Communications Commission has made AI-generated voices in robocalls illegal, with entities facing fines, and several states are pushing for watermarking and criminal penalties for political deepfakes. But experts warn that First Amendment protections complicate enforcement.

Mueller cautions that governments are already using AI as a geopolitical tool, which could undermine global cooperation and lead to strategic escalation. "Instead of freely trading data and establishing common rules, governments are asserting digital sovereignty," he said.

He advocates for addressing AI-generated misinformation through decentralized governance, public debate, and media literacy, rather than centralized regulation or automated controls, emphasizing that content moderation should be guided by open processes and existing legal remedies applied after the fact.

As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated and widespread, researchers say the challenge lies not only in technological safeguards but in how society adapts. Experts at Georgia Tech emphasize the need for transparency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement. The future of hyperreal media, they say, will depend on how well platforms, policymakers, and users navigate its risks and possibilities.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Aircraft surface inspections are a critical and mandatory component of airworthiness that uses visual and digital checks to spot minute damage, wear, or malfunction.

These are weighty issues in any jurisdiction, not least an aircraft maintenance hub such as Singapore. For SMU Assistant Professor Pang Guansong, they also carry persistent challenges that he aims to overcome with his latest cutting-edge project to improve artificial intelligence augmenting the task.

The project, titled "Leveraging Foundation Models for Aircraft Surface Inspection in Open Environments," tackles three main machine learning concerns: a lack of precedents of actual defects required to adequately train an AI system; a lack of a standardized or comprehensive list of defect types; and the anomaly of flaws tending to appear dissimilar under different lighting and weather conditions.

The project's goal? Even safer flying at lower maintenance costs. As Professor Pang's research proposal noted, the project's "solutions will helpenhance the inspection performance in sophisticated practical application environments."

The project uses knowledge from current large vision-language models (LVLMs) "that are pretrained on Internet-scale data to help the system spot defects, regardless of whether we have demonstrations of the defect types."

"The techniques will also be able to adapt to changing conditions, that is, if the inspection conditions changelike different lighting or new camera typesthe system adjusts itself so it still works well without retraining everything," Professor Pang told the Office of Research Governance & Administration (ORGA).

Generally, LVLMs are advanced AI systems programmed to understand and provide reasoning to images and text that are placed together. In other words, it allows a system to "see" and "read" at the same time.

Existing solutions in the industry are focused more on the scanning techniques, Professor Pang continued. These may perform well in detecting defects similar to previously recorded defects but not if the flaws are new to the system.

"The proposed techniques [in our project] will largely extend the capabilities to inspect defect types that are not seen in the training data and/or exhibit shifting defect appearance due to changes in natural conditions," he said.

The research is being carried out jointly with collaborators Jamie Ng and Joey Zhou, both senior scientists at A*STAR, with mentorship from Professor Lim Ee-Peng, Director of AI & Data Science at SMU.

Three projects in one

Now well underway, the project is split into three parts, each a mini-project of its own that tackles the three identified challenges of aircraft inspection in open environments. The first part seeks to enable existing LVLMs to recognize defects even when they have not been given much to go on in terms of examples and demonstrations.

The irony here, Professor Pang acknowledged, is that such LVLMswhich are trained with massive sets of images and textare not as effective when working with a small number of "say just five to 10" defect images, without text.

As its proposal sets out, this is the first research of its kind to adapt the current recognition ability of LVLMs towards learning about defects within a small targeted area. This will then improve a LVLMs' ability to, for example, distinguish false positives from actual defects, it says.

The second mini-project then deals with the fact that the flaws that LVLMs are trained to recognize "illustrate only an incomplete view of all defect types."

Here, the aim is to train the AI to recognize patterns in normal aircraft images and compare them to slightly altered images and actual defect images. This will enable the technology to better distinguish between normal surfaces and flawed ones, and avoid incidents where it misclassified new defects as normal.

The third phase, Professor Pang explained, aims to "utilize in-context images to instantly adapt the models to the ongoing maintenance scenes." This is crucial as the LVLM-driven detection models from the first two phases of the project might fail when any part of the aircraft maintenance processaircraft types, lighting conditions, etc.varies with the environment. This third part hence seeks to deliver context to those models.

Inspired by A*STAR's Smart Automated Aircraft Visual Inspection System program led by project collaborator Dr. Ng, Professor Pang's interest in the subject was also piqued by recent public research that showed rapid improvement in defect detection performance.

These factors, coupled with his expertise in anomaly detection, laid "a strong foundation" for the project.

"In our prior research, we have established strong competencies in both the utilization of large vision models and defect detection," said the academic, adding that he was "very confident" of hitting proposed project targets.

Advancing safety impact in a billion-dollar industry

With the global market for aircraft surface inspections projected to grow from US$4 billion in 2023 to US$8 billion by 2032, such research is expected to further benefit air safety issues on the back of better technology such as smart cameras, advanced image processors and robots.

While the project focuses on two-dimensional images, future research can build on them by introducing and integrating a variety of imagery, the academic continued. Bringing in "more modality input  into the models will help further improve the detection accuracy and extend the application scenarios," he said.

"Industrial maintenance is of central importance to smart industry or industry 4.0," said Professor Pang.

"We look forward to building foundation models that can support quality control in not only aircraft maintenance but also a broad range of other objects/materials/products."

Given the right opportunity, the AI and data science expert is "very keen" to work with both government agencies and industry partners to "develop solutions for defect inspection in diverse real-world scenarios."

For a kid who, by his own admission, "was not lucky enough" to play with keyboards or computers, Professor Pang has not looked back since wetting his beak in a hands-on data mining project in his second year of undergraduate study. He has since dedicated himself to his chosen discipline for over a decade.

"The driving force  is my strong interest in making learning machines that help solve challenging problems in society," he said.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

I recently returned from visiting family in America and was struck by how hot I felt back home in London, despite the temperatures being lower. Partly, this was down to humidity: London is sticky in summer, while Utah, where my uncle lives, is very dry.

But it's also down to the buildings. My brick house absorbs and retains heat while every building I went to in America was either well ventilated or had air conditioning blasting away.

That contrast got me thinking: as the UK warms, can it keep its homes and workplaces comfortable without relying solely on air-con?

Jesus Lizana, Nicole Miranda and Radhika Khosla at the University of Oxford say that northern Europe is dangerously unprepared for the heat of the near future.

They looked at the coming demand for cooling using the concept of "cooling degree days," which essentially assesses how often people will need to take extra measures, like switching the air-conditioning on, to keep themselves cool.

They found countries like Nigeria and Chad will see the biggest absolute rise in cooling degree days. "A clear indication that Africa is shouldering the burden of a problem it did not create," they note.

But they also found that countries in northern latitudes will face the greatest relative increase in uncomfortably hot days.

"Of the top ten countries with the most significant relative change in cooling degree days as global warming exceeds 1.5C and reaches 2C, eight are located in northern Europe."

It gets worse. "Buildings in the northern hemisphere," they write, "are primarily designed to withstand cold seasons by maximizing solar gains and minimizing ventilationlike greenhouses."

The solution seems obvious: let's all get air-con.

Coal-powered air-con?

But Mehri Khosravi says it isn't that simple. An energy researcher at the University of East London, she warns that:

"Cooling requires huge amounts of energy at the exact moments when demand is already high. In 2022 and 2023, the UK had to briefly restart a coal power plant to keep the lightsand the air conditionerson."

Khosravi says the UK and similar countries should instead focus on reducing demand for cooling.

In winter, she says, we rightly focus on better insulation to reduce heating demand, as "it's a lot harder to warm a house than it is to stop heat escaping in the first place."

So how do we stop a northern European brick house from heating up in the first place?

Khosravi suggests we look to southern Europe for inspiration, where 35C summers were common long before climate change. Her suggestions include shading and shutters to block sunlight before it enters a building, natural ventilation to let heat escape in cooler hours, and reflective or light-colored buildings that reflect sunlight.

It's hard to imagine Scarborough being turned into Santorini any time soon. But while we wait to adapt our buildings for the new normal, Khosravi says we should adapt our behavior too.

In Spain, the hottest hours are for siestas. Outdoor activities are paused, and people are more active in the mornings and evenings. Culturally, they understand that keeping curtains closed during the day and opening windows at night can prevent homes from overheating.

In the UK, heat is still culturally framed as "good weather". Sunny weekends trigger beach trips, barbecues and more outdoor activity, even when it's dangerously hot. This mismatch between perception and risk is a major public health challenge.

Smarter cooling

Perhaps there are smarter ways to cool down. Academics in Australia recently published research suggesting a "fan first" approach, even when air-conditioning is installed.

"The approach is simple," they write: "use electric fans as your first cooling strategy, and only turn on air conditioning when the indoor temperature exceeds 27C."

These fans use only a tiny fraction of the electricity used to run air conditioning, but "can make you feel up to 4C cooler." In their research, the Australian team increased an office's air conditioning set-point from 24 to 26.5C, with supplementary air movement from desk and ceiling fans. This "reduced energy consumption by 32%, without compromising thermal comfort."

Air conditioning doesn't have to mean the typical rows of humming white boxes. Heat pumpsalready central to Britain's low-carbon heating planscan also keep homes cool in summer.

Essentially, they're able to act like reversible air conditioners: in winter, they draw warmth into a building, and in summer they can run in reverse to push heat out.

Crucially, they do so with far greater efficiency than traditional systems. Theresa Pistochini, an engineer at UC Davis in California, points out that heat pumps can be "anywhere from 200% to 400% efficient," meaning they move more than twice as much energy (heat) than the energy required to operate them.

Her analysis found that "buying a heat pump today will reduce global-warming impact in almost all geographical locations."

For households, this could mean one appliance that covers both heating and cooling, slashes energy bills, and avoids the climate-damaging lock-in of conventional air conditioning. For policymakers, heat pumps may offer a way to meet surging cooling demand without blowing the carbon budget.

But heat pumps aren't a perfect fix. Installation is costly, many older homes will still need upgrades, and there aren't enough trained engineers. They'll need further support if they're to become a mainstream alternative to air-con.

Nonetheless, together with simple measures like fans and shutters, heat pumps point to a smarter approach to cooling. And it could be made even more sustainable if paired with clean energy from rooftop solar.

Homes equipped with solar panels can generate electricity during the hottest parts of the dayexactly when air conditioners or heat pumps are working hardest.

Tom Rogers and colleagues at Nottingham Trent University say solar will play a "pivotal role" in "addressing summer cooling demand and enhancing climate resilience." They analyzed satellite images to estimate that rooftop solar could provide "nearly one third" of the city's electricity demand.

The UK is warming, and staying comfortable in hotter summers is a must. But there's more than one way to cool down. Simple measures like fans, efficient heat pumps and rooftop solarcombined with smarter building design and passive coolingcould keep homes safe, energy use low and emissions in check.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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The EU and Europe's bio-based industries are tapping into the hidden potential of wood to replace fossil resources in the production of high-performance resins with a low carbon footprint.

In one of Europe's most forested nations, Estonia, a quiet revolution is transforming the way we think about wood. For centuries, timber has shaped everyday life. It's used for building homes, crafting furniture and fueling fires.

Now, a lesser-known wood product is taking center stage. This natural substance is opening new doors for replacing fossil-based materials in modern manufacturing, making wood not just a traditional resource, but a key to a more sustainable future.

Sustainable performance

What if we could replace fossil-based chemicals with something as simple and renewable as wood?

With support from the EU, Estonian biotech company Fibenol joined forces in 2018 with partners from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Latvia and Sweden to find out.

Their mission was to turn hardwood leftoversmaterials that might otherwise go to wasteinto clean, high-performance alternatives to the polluting substances currently used in many everyday products.

"Lignin can replace bitumen in asphalt mixes for example," said Peep Pitk, Fibenol's chief development officer. "It can also replace phenol in resins used to glue together veneers in wood panels and sugars can be used as a binder in insulation products."

This collaboration, known as the SWEETWOODS project, is part of a much larger 2 billion EU- and industry-backed push to build a more circular, bio-based economy where nothing goes to waste and nature is part of the solution.

Nature's glue

At the heart of the SWEETWOODS team's work was the extraction of lignina natural polymer that acts like a plant's glue, giving it rigidity and strength.

Once dismissed as a byproduct, lignin is now being transformed into a valuable resource for applications ranging from construction materials and packaging to food, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals. And this is just the beginning.

The EU plans to introduce a new Bioeconomy Strategy by the end of 2025. The aim is to speed up the shift toward a circular, bio-based economy across Europe.

Part of the Clean Industrial Deal, this strategy is about more than sustainabilityit is about scaling up breakthrough technologies like those pioneered in Estonia and turning them into mainstream industrial solutions.

Fueling the future

Fibenol's story began in the wood-for-energy sector, but by 2016, its founders started asking a bigger question: how can we unlock more value from wood than simply burning it? They envisioned uses that would deliver longer lifecycles, higher value and greater sustainability.

"After scouting the world for two to three years, we decided to go with a new technology to extract lignin and sugars using minimal chemicals," said Pitk. "Our goal was to scale it up, commercialize it, and ultimately license this technology worldwide."

With EU support, Fibenol built a flagship biorefinery in Imavere, Estonia, designed to tap the potential of ligninknown in the bioeconomy as "brown gold". The biorefinery started scaling up production in 2024 and now produces high-purity lignin and wood sugars that are already replacing toxic petrochemicals in a range of industries.

The process relies on low-grade wood from sustainably managed forests or waste wood from the plywood industry, material that traditionally would have been burned for energy.

What's more, the Imavere biorefinery runs entirely on renewable energy, operating with zero waste and creating a truly circular bioeconomy model for the future.

New alliances driving innovation

Building on the success of the SWEETWOODS project that wrapped up in 2024, Fibenol is now part of a new international consortium pushing lignin innovation even further.

The initiative, called VIOBOND, brings together partners from Austria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia and Spain to develop next-generation bio-based resins.

As with SWEETWOODS, the new collaboration draws on the expertise of multiple partners in different countries to strengthen the bioeconomy across Europe and reduce reliance on fossil resources.

Central to the VIOBOND effort is a unique bio-based resin factory being built in Riga, Latvia, with trials set to begin in summer 2026.

The research team is being led by Latvijas Finieris AS, the EU's largest birch plywood producer. It has relied for decades on phenol-formaldehyde resins derived from fossil resources.

These engineered woods are essential for industries where strength and durability are non-negotiablethink flooring for transport trucks or liners for liquefied gas tankers.

According to project coordinator Kristaps Stankus, lignin's unique properties have led to a breakthrough productone that defies common trade-offs in sustainable solutions.

"It's not typical for green technologies. You usually have to compromiseeither cost, strength or appearance. But that's not the case here."

Still, producing sustainable resins at an industrial scale while preserving critical performance remains a technical challenge. For now, a small proportion of fossil-based components is still required.

"Our goal is to replace 70% of phenol and formaldehyde with lignin in the resins used in our plywood factories," said Stankus. "We will be using lignin as nature intended, as a superior adhesive."

Scaling up sustainability

Once refined, the VIOBOND technology will enable manufacturers across Europe to produce more sustainable resins for a variety of applications, from plywood and sandpaper to insulation wool.

"In the next 5 to 10 years, we expect lignin prices to fall significantly. That will attract more industries to make the shift toward sustainable solutions," said Stankus.

Fibenol shares this vision, but sees an even broader future for lignin and wood sugars, extending well beyond resins to replace fossil-based chemicals across the material and chemical sectors.

"We are enablers of change," said Pitk, stressing that there are viable alternatives available today. What is needed now, he said, is for end users to demand sustainable solutions and for major market players to prioritize sustainability alongside cost efficiency.

"When sustainability becomes a key criterion, innovation can truly competeand when that happens, it will be inspiring to see what can be done."
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A commuter watches a video on his mobile phone lying down at a bus stop in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Manish Swarup

The summer holidays are here and many of us will heading off on trips to hot and sunny destinations, and bringing our electronic devices along.

But don't forget that phones, tablets and other electronics are vulnerable to extreme heat. Southern European nations like Spain, Italy and Greece have been baking under the sun, while forecasters have consistently issued heat advisories across the United States, particularly in the Southeast.

Here's what device makers and experts say on keeping your electronics cool:

What heat does to a phone:

Most electronic devices work best in a specific temperature range. Apple says iPhones and iPads are designed to be used in temperatures between 32-95 degrees Fahrenheit (0-35 degrees Celsius).

A device might change its behavior to deal with extreme temperatures, Apple warns. "Using an iOS or iPadOS device in very hot conditions can permanently shorten battery life."

Your phone might temporarily warm up if you're charging wirelessly, downloading big files, streaming high-quality video or doing anything else that requires lots of power or data. Samsung says that's normal and it won't affect the performance or battery lifespan.

What happens if the device gets too hot

If your phone gets so hot that it becomes uncomfortable to hold, Samsung recommends that you stop using it.

An overheating iPhone will alert users with a warning message that it needs to cool down before it can be used. Android devices will display a similar message, telling user that the screen will dim, apps will be closed and charging will be paused.

What not to do

There are things you can do to protect your device from high heat.

Don't leave it in a car on hot day and don't leave it in direct sunlight for long.

Apple also warns against using some features when it's very hot or in direct sunlight for long periods, like GPS navigation when driving, playing a graphics-heavy video game or using the camera.

Google, which makes Pixel Android phones, advises users not to use resource-intensive features or apps while charging.

Keep your gear cool

The best thing you can do in extreme heat is turn off your device completely.

"Even background processes can generate heat," say experts at British electronics chain Currys. "A full shutdown helps it cool faster."

Remove the case, if your phone or tablet has one, because they can trap heat.

Also keep it out of direct sunlight and put it somewhere cool, like an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan. But be careful about putting it in cool places.

"Never put your device in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can cause water damage," Currys says.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
An abandoned update server associated with input method editor (IME) software Sogou Zhuyin was leveraged by threat actors as part of an espionage campaign to deliver several malware families, including C6DOOR and GTELAM, in attacks primarily targeting users across Eastern Asia.

"Attackers employed sophisticated infection chains, such as hijacked software updates and fake cloud storage or login pages, to distribute malware and collect sensitive information," Trend Micro researchers Nick Dai and Pierre Lee said in an exhaustive report.

The campaign, identified in June 2025, has been codenamed TAOTH by the cybersecurity company. Targets of the activity mainly include dissidents, journalists, researchers, and technology/business leaders in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and overseas Taiwanese communities. Taiwan accounts for 49% of all targets, followed by Cambodia (11%) and the U.S. (7%).

It's said the attackers, in October 2024, took control of the lapsed domain name ("sogouzhuyin[.]com") associated with Sogou Zhuyin, a legitimate IME service that stopped receiving updates in June 2019, to disseminate malicious payloads a month later. It's estimated that several hundred victims were impacted.

"The attacker took over the abandoned update server and, after registering it, used the domain to host malicious updates since October 2024," the researchers said. "Through this channel, multiple malware families have been deployed, including GTELAM, C6DOOR, DESFY, and TOSHIS."

The deployed malware families serve different purposes, including remote access (RAT), information theft, and backdoor functionality. To evade detection, the threat actors also leveraged third-party cloud services to conceal their network activities across the attack chain.

These malware strains enable remote access, information theft, and backdoor functionality, with the attackers also using legitimate cloud storage services like Google Drive as a data exfiltration point and to conceal the malicious network traffic.

The attack chain begins when unsuspecting users download the official installer for Sogou Zhuyin from the Internet, such as the Traditional Chinese Wikipedia page entry for Sogou Zhuyin, which, in March 2025, was modified to point users to the malicious domain dl[.]sogouzhuyin[.]com.

While the installer is completely innocuous, the malicious activity kicks in when the automatic update process is triggered a couple of hours after installation, causing the updater binary, "ZhuyinUp.exe," to fetch an update configuration file from an embedded URL: "srv-pc.sogouzhuyin[.]com/v1/upgrade/version."

It's this update process that has been tampered with to DESFY, GTELAM, C6DOOR, and TOSHIS with the ultimate goal of profiling and gathering data from high-value targets -

TOSHIS (First detected December 2024), a loader designed to fetch next-stage payloads (Cobalt Strike or Merlin agent for Mythic framework) from an external server. It's also a variant of Xiangoop, which has been attributed to Tropic Trooper and has been used to deliver Cobalt Strike or a backdoor called EntryShell in the past.

(First detected December 2024), a loader designed to fetch next-stage payloads (Cobalt Strike or Merlin agent for Mythic framework) from an external server. It's also a variant of Xiangoop, which has been attributed to Tropic Trooper and has been used to deliver Cobalt Strike or a backdoor called EntryShell in the past. DESFY (First detected May 2025), a spyware that collects file names from two locations: Desktop and Program Files

(First detected May 2025), a spyware that collects file names from two locations: Desktop and Program Files GTELAM (First detected May 2025), another spyware that collects file names matching a specific set of extensions (PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPTX), and exfiltrates the details to Google Drive

(First detected May 2025), another spyware that collects file names matching a specific set of extensions (PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, and PPTX), and exfiltrates the details to Google Drive C6DOOR, a bespoke Go-based backdoor that uses HTTP and WebSocket protocols for command-and-control so as to receive instructions to gather system information, run arbitrary commands, perform file operations, upload/download files, capture screenshots, list running processes, enumerate directories, and inject shellcode into a targeted process

Further analysis of C6DOOR has uncovered the presence of embedded Simplified Chinese characters within the sample, suggesting that the threat actor behind the artifact may be proficient in Chinese.

"It appears that the attacker was still in the reconnaissance phase, primarily seeking high-value targets," Trend Micro said. "As a result, no further post-exploitation activities were observed in the majority of victim systems. In one of the cases we analyzed, the attacker was inspecting the victim's environment and establishing a tunnel using Visual Studio Code."

Interestingly, there is evidence that TOSHIS was also distributed to targets using a phishing website, likely in connection with a spear-phishing campaign targeting Eastern Asia and, to a lesser extent, Norway and the U.S. The phishing attacks have also been observed adopting a two-pronged approach -

Serving fake login pages with lures related to free coupons or PDF readers that redirect and grant OAuth consent to attacker-controlled apps, or

Serving fake cloud storage pages that mimic Tencent Cloud StreamLink to download malicious ZIP archives containing TOSHIS

These phishing emails include a booby-trapped URL and a decoy document that tricks the recipient into interacting with the malicious content, ultimately activating a multi-stage attack sequence designed to drop TOSHIS using DLL side-loading or obtain unauthorized access and control over their Google or Microsoft mailboxes through an OAuth permission prompt.

Trend Micro said the TAOTH shares infrastructure and tooling overlap with previously documented threat activity by ITOCHU, painting the picture of a persistent threat actor with a focus on reconnaissance, espionage, and email abuse.

To combat these threats, organizations are recommended to routinely audit their environments for any end-of-support software and promptly remove or replace such applications. Users are urged to review the permissions requested by cloud applications before granting access.

"In the Sogou Zhuyin operation, the threat actor maintained a low profile, conducting reconnaissance to identify valuable targets among victims," the company said. "Meanwhile, in the ongoing spear-phishing operations, the attacker distributed malicious emails to the targets for further exploitation."
Authorities from the Netherlands and the United States have announced the dismantling of an illicit marketplace called VerifTools that peddled fraudulent identity documents to cybercriminals across the world.

To that end, two marketplace domains (verif[.]tools and veriftools[.]net) and one blog have been taken down, redirecting site visitors to a splash page stating the action was undertaken by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to a warrant issued by a United States District Court. The servers were seized in Amsterdam.

However, a Telegram message posted by operators on August 28, 2025, shows that they have already relaunched the service on the domain "veriftools[.]com." The domain was created on December 10, 2018, per DomainTools. It's currently not known who the administrators of the platform are.

"The operators of VerifTools produced and sold counterfeit driver's licenses, passports, and other identification documents that could be used to bypass identity verification systems and gain unauthorized access to online accounts," the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) said Thursday.

The DoJ said the FBI began investigating the service in 2022 after it discovered a criminal operation to leverage stolen identities to access cryptocurrency accounts. The probe revealed that the illegal platform was being used to generate counterfeit identification documents for all 50 states of the U.S., as well as other foreign countries, for as little as $9.

An equivalent of approximately $6.4 million of illicit proceeds has been linked to the VerifTools marketplace, the FBI said.

On the VerifTools website, the operators argue plausible deniability by stating that: "Legal usage of the service is your responsibility. By using the service, you must be aware of the local, state, and federal laws in your jurisdiction and take sole responsibility for your actions."

Following the takedown, a Reddit user by the name Powda_reaper claimed on the r/blackhat subreddit that the site owners messaged them saying "the website is currently down due to major issues" and that they were bringing the site back up by August 29, while reassuring them that "Your funds are safe."

"The internet is not a refuge for criminals. If you build or sell tools that let offenders impersonate victims, you are part of the crime," said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. "We will use every lawful tool to disrupt your business, take the profit out of it, and bring you to justice. No one operation is bigger than us together."

The Dutch National Police, in a coordinated statement, described VerifTools as one of the largest providers of false identity documents. In addition to two physical servers, more than 21 virtual servers have been confiscated.

The officials also noted that the website's entire infrastructure on the servers has been secured and copied for subsequent analysis. In the Netherlands, forgery, false proof of identity, and deploying counterfeit payment instruments each carry a maximum prison sentence of six years.

"Many companies and agencies use so-called Know Your Customer verification (KYC), which often requires only an image of an ID. By using VerifTools, that KYC control could be bypassed," the Politie said. "Criminals gratefully use platforms such as VerifTools, because they can commit their fraud with the created documents, such as bank helpdesk fraud and phishing."
Chinese defense ministry slams Taiwan authorities' increase of defense budget

Xinhua) 09:04, August 29, 2025

BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of National Defense on Thursday slammed Taiwan authorities for increasing the region's defense budget, describing it as "rushing down the wrong path of belligerence."

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the ministry, made the remarks at a press conference on Thursday in response to the 2026 fiscal budget approved by Taiwan authorities, in which the defense budget will amount to a record high of 3.32 percent of the island's projected GDP, a move said to be made at the request of the United States.

The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan is for peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation, the spokesperson said.

However, the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te keep making endless concessions to the United States and willingly serve as an "ATM" that drains Taiwan's resources, which will inevitably lead to self-destruction, Zhang said.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army is strengthening its training and combat readiness to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Zhang added.

(Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun)
More than 66.7 million Americans now covered for safe, effective at-home treatment for psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo

BRYAN, Ohio, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phothera announced today that Cigna has updated its coverage policy to remove prior restrictions on home phototherapy, effective 7/15/2025. This change opens access for Cigna's 19.2 million covered lives nationwide, allowing eligible members with conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo to receive convenient, clinically proven treatment at home without unnecessary coverage limitations.

This follows a similar recent coverage decision by Elevance Health/Anthem, which covers 47.5 million lives, further expanding national access to home phototherapy across major health plans.

With both Cigna and Elevance now covering home phototherapy without restrictions, more than 66.7 million insured Americans have expanded access to a safe, non-invasive treatment clinically proven to achieve clearance or significant improvement in up to 80% of patients. In the U.S., an estimated 8 million people live with psoriasis, over 16 million with eczema (atopic dermatitis), and approximately 6.5 million with vitiligo  many of whom require ongoing phototherapy to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

These decisions lower patient out-of-pocket costs by up to 90%, enable earlier intervention that may reduce reliance on costly biologic drugs, and help insurers control costs. For insurers, home phototherapy offers a cost-effective alternative that can reduce annual treatment expenses by thousands of dollars per patient compared to systemic and biologic therapies.

The peer-reviewed LITE Study found that home phototherapy delivers equivalent efficacy to in-office care, ~3 higher adherence, and the convenience of avoiding 23 clinic visits per week.

"With both Cigna and Elevance now on board, this is a watershed moment for dermatologic care," said Padma Sundar, Chief Commercial Officer at Phothera. "Millions more patients can now receive proven, effective treatment in the comfort of their own home  without unnecessary cost or access barriers. We remain committed to ensuring cost is never a barrier to treatment  working directly with insurance providers for coverage and offering financial assistance to eligible patients."

About Phothera:

Phothera is a leader in phototherapy solutions, partnering with healthcare providers to deliver safe, effective treatment in-clinic and directly to patients' homes. Our mission is to help people with chronic skin conditions  including psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo  live fuller, healthier lives by ensuring cost and geography are never barriers to care. Through direct insurer partnerships, patient financial assistance programs, and innovative technology, Phothera empowers patients and providers with safe, accessible, clinically proven solutions that drive better adherence, outcomes, and quality of life.

1 Feldman SR, et al. Home vs Office-Based Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy for Patients With Psoriasis: A Randomized Clinical Trial (LITE Study). JAMA Dermatology. 2022;158(6):665672. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0996

 Also supported by: Health.com. "A Guide to Using Light Therapy for Psoriasis." https://www.health.com/condition/psoriasis/a-guide-to-using-light-therapy-for-psoriasis

 Dermatology Times. "Home phototherapy proves effective and preferred in LITE study." https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/home-phototherapy-proves-effective-and-preferred-in-lite-study-for-psoriasis-treatment

2 Pharmacy Times. "Psoriasis Treatment Cost Comparison: Biologics Versus Home Phototherapy." https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/psoriasis-treatment-cost-comparison-biologics-versus-home-phototherapy

 JAAD. "Cost-effectiveness of Home Phototherapy in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis." https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(11)02023-8/fulltext

SOURCE Phothera
Christopher Laird lauded Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley (pictured here at the CBU 2025 Hall of fame Induction Ceremony) for moving quickly to save the Banyan archives. (Photo Source: Trinidad Guardian)

The Barbados government has purchased TT production company Banyan Ltd.s archives, a collection spanning four decades and at least 15,000 digitised items. Managing director Christopher Laird called the agreement "extraordinary, noting it came after ten years of failed attempts to finalise a deal with Trinidad and Tobago institutions.





Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the acquisition at the opening of Carifesta in Barbados on August 22, describing it as a commitment to Caribbean unity. "I understood then that we have a story to tell the world, she said, recalling the first Carifesta held in Barbados in 1981 when she was a teenager. "One of the things that pleases my government is that it signed an agreement to purchase the historical records of Banyan Productions out of TT.





Founded in 1974, Banyan created several programmes and later launched Gayelle The Caribbean, the regions first community TV channel. Its archive includes rare, often uncut footage of festivals, religion, art, music, dance, literature and politics. Laird confirmed the deal was struck in two days, after Mottley granted him a 15-minute meeting during his induction into the Caribbean Broadcasting Union Hall of Fame. "Within 24 hours of her team working with our solicitors, we signed an agreement, he said.





The purchase secures the Banyan archives for regional use, with Barbados planning to house them in a new national archival complex. "We in Barbados are committed to making those archives available to all Caribbean people, Mottley said.





For Laird, the deal validates years of advocacy after failed overtures to the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS). Despite disappointment at TTs lack of commitment, he stressed the goal was always to keep the collection in the Caribbean.





The move positions Barbados as a leader in cultural stewardship at a time when questions of heritage, ownership and regional identity remain urgent.





Cultural activist and TV Host Errol Fabien, who has worked with Banyan since 1985, responded to concerns raised by Trinidadians over the sale, saying that while some feel the archive was lost, the material remains intact and will now be managed by Barbados.





"I understand a lot of people are upset that the records have been sold. Well, I am overjoyed because the principals of Banyan - Christopher Laird, Bruce Paddington and the late Anthony Hall - worked so very hard to create that archive, documenting so much about Caribbean life, he said.





Fabien noted that without intervention, the material risked being discarded.




Governor General (GG) Dame Susan Dougan (centre back) with students, reps. Of school and Foundation members at the presentation ceremony.

Several students and secondary schools across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) have once again benefited from the Dame Susan Dougan Foundation for Girls.





On August 25, 2025, at Government House, Governor General (GG) Dame Susan Dougan presented financial assistance, supplies, and other educational resources to twelve (12) students and several secondary schools, as part of the Foundations continuing support to young learners.





The Dame Susan Dougan Foundation for Girls was officially launched on September 7, 2023, with the mission of giving young people who have dropped out of the formal school system a second chance at education and training.





Since its inception, the Foundation has assisted students who have gone on to achieve academic success, including one teen mother who, with the Foundations help, recently gained seven passes at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.





"I am happy to once again assist in the education sector. We have already seen progress since the Foundation began, and we are looking forward to even greater things from all of you, Dame Susan told the gathering of principals, teachers, and students.





Among the schools receiving support this year were Sandy Bay Secondary, George Stephens Secondary, North Union Secondary, Thomas Saunders Secondary, Bishops College Kingstown, Campden Park Secondary, West St. George Secondary, Georgetown Secondary, Dr. JP Eustace Memorial, and the St. Clair Dacon Secondary School.





Her Excellency noted that while the Foundation is still a fledgling initiative, contributions from loyal supporters have made it possible to reach many young people. A $56,000 donation from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), as well as support from Vincentians living in the United Kingdom, have provided funding for facilitators, school resources, and financial assistance.





On Monday, the Foundation also welcomed a contribution from Mr. Vaughn Keir, a Vincentian returning from the United Kingdom (UK), whose support Dame Susan described as "substantial.





The Governor General praised the tireless work of the Foundations team, including secretary Chantel Williams, Ministry of Education liaison Carmie Francis, Alexandra Grant, and Mrs. Nicole McLean, along with several directors in SVG and abroad who continue to send resources.





Though focused on young females, Dame Susan noted that provisions were also made to support young males in need.
Education Minister Curtis King highlighted an improved performance in the 2025 CSEC exams even as some school await full results from CXC.

Minister of Education Curtis King said that preliminary results from the 2025 Caribbean Examination Council (CXC)/Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations indicate an overall improvement in student performance across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).





Speaking on radio earlier this week, King said that while some schools are still awaiting complete results from CXC, the available data shows a significant upward trend.





He said that in 2024, the overall pass rate was just over 73 percent but this year, despite some results still pending, the Ministry is already seeing a pass rate above 78 percent across the 28 participating institutions, a noteworthy improvement.





Among the schools awaiting full results are the Girls High School (GHS) and St. Josephs Convent Marriaqua (SJCM), where entire classes remain ungraded in Social Studies and other subjects.





King, however, noted that institutions such as the GHS, St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS), St. Martins Secondary School (SMS), the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSS), and the Canouan Secondary School have already recorded outstanding performances, many with pass rates exceeding 85 percent.





The Education Minister said that a particularly encouraging development is in English A (English Language), where students have continued a consistent upward trajectory. The national pass rate has risen from approximately 61 percent in 2014 to over 85 percent in 2025.





However, the Minister noted that Mathematics remains a challenge as in contrast, performances in this area continues to be an area of concern.





Minister King announced that the national pass rate has declined from 47 percent in 2014 to just 30.5 percent in 2025 despite the Ministry implementing interventions, including government-funded extra classes and a program to enhance the capacity of teachers in delivering the mathematics curriculum.





He commended students for their resilience, reminding the nation that this cohort began secondary school in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later faced the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in 2021 and other natural and social disruptions.





"Despite these challenges, our students have persevered and excelled. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, the dedication of teachers, principals, parents, and the unwavering support of communities, the Minister said.




Ashford Peters remains committed to fulfill his calling as a journalist, even in the face of threats on his life.

Not for the first time, a journalist here has reported a threat on his life.





Ashford Peters, the man behind Facebook news site- Caribbean Independent Broadcasting Service (CIBS), and is a reporter for THE NEWS newspaper, in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, said that he was recently informed of the threat on his life and reported the matter to the police, who promised to initiate an investigation.





According to the journalist, the man who made the threat is someone who is known to the police and he was overheard making repeated threats to kill him.





Specific details of the threat remain confidential so as not to infringe the ongoing investigation,

Peter said that he suspected the threats were made because of a news story he had published.





Up to press time, he has not heard anything further from the police, so he is uncertain about the status of the police investigation.





This is not the first time Peters has been threatened for doing his work as a journalist. He recalled that in 1997, while working with THE VINCENTIAN, a known criminal threatened to kill him.





He recalled the persons saying, on entering the office which was then situated on the ground floor of the newspapers current location, "Prepare to defend yourself, I will kill you.





That threat like any other was taken seriously and the police were called in. They apprehended the person making the threats and secreted Peters safely away from the scene.





Peters recalled, "This man boasted about killing people before.





Despite the threats and the inherent risks involved in covering crime-related and court matters, Peters, with some three decades of reporting to his credit, remains true and steadfast to his profession.





Journalists are essential in a society because they inform the public, providing factual and contextualized information to help people make informed decisions. In that way, journalists also play a critical role in facilitating social change and shaping public opinion so as to foster full participation in a democracy. They must be allowed to do their work free of harassment and threats whether those come from individuals or state institutions.
H. E. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines co-hosted the 2025 "MOFA Taiwan Scholarship & TaiwanICDF Scholarship Certificate Awarding Ceremony on August 21, 2025. There was a total of 30 scholarship recipients this year.





During the Ceremony, Prime Minister Gonsalves thanked the steadfast ally Taiwan for contributing to the programme for over two decades, which have benefited hundreds of Vincentian youths. Turning his attention to the recipients, he encouraged them to dedicate themselves to their studies, while remembering to transform lives and lead changes to the community upon their return.





Ambassador Fan indicated that including the new addition this year, there are a total of 321 Vincentian scholarship recipients since its inception in 2004.





For a student pursuing bachelors degree and the pre-degree Mandarin Language Enrichment Program (LEP), the scholarship will cover one round-trip flight ticket, and up to 5 years of tuition and a monthly stipend.





The scholarships awarded this year reflect a variety in the areas of study, including public health, international affairs and diplomacy, information engineering, economics and social development, digital media, business and trade and culinary art.





Ambassador Fan encouraged the students to immerse themselves in the Taiwanese society, which cherishes democracy, freedom and civil participation, the common values shared by both countries.





The Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Consumer Affairs as well as the Hon. Curtis King, Minister of Education and National Reconciliation also joined the ceremony with family members of the scholarship recipients.




The Mary Hutchinson Primary School on Union Island is set to re-open for the new school term in September 2025.

Police on Union Island are investigating the theft of some electrical material from the reconstruction site of the Mary Hutchinson Primary School.





This recent theft follows within a week of when construction material was reportedly stolen from the same site.

Montgomery Daniel, Minister of Transport and Works spoke about the issue on radio on August 27.





According to Daniel, a subcontractor was hired to complete the work on the facility.





BRAGSA sent material down to Union Island on August 18 but by midday on August 19, Daniel said that some of the material had disappeared.





Immediately, BRAGSA re-ordered material and it was sent down on August 22, Daniel assured.





He added that he led a team to the Southern Grenadines, including Union Island, on August 21 during which visits were made to the schools.





Among those in the team were personnel from the Electrical Inspectorate who, according to Danie, were expected to inspect the electrical work on the Mary Hutchinson Primary School.





That work, he said, was expected to be conducted on August 22 but due to the delay caused by the theft of the materials, the team was unable to conduct the inspection.





The team from the Electrical Inspectorate returned to Union Island on August 25 only to come upon indications of tampering of the circuit breaker panel.





"Its unfortunate when we have a civilised society and these things happen, Daniel said. "I can only urge our people to let good sense prevail when such incidents occurred, it slows down the work and creates problems for everyone.





Daniel reported that the police were contacted and that an investigation had been launched. He was waiting an official report.
SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Poison Center (WAPC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Colleen Cowdery, MD as its Chief Medical Officer. Board certified in emergency medicine and fellowship trained in medical toxicology, Dr. Cowdery will provide medical oversight to WAPC's call center pharmacists, nurses, and physicians, ensuring WAPC continues its provision of high-quality poisoning treatment advice and consultations. Dr. Cowdery will also support clinical education and outreach at the local, state, and national level for healthcare providers, as well as WAPC's toxicology training programs for emergency medicine physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and EMTs.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Cowdery to Washington Poison Center's team," said Dr. Scott Phillips, CEO of WAPC. "Her expertise in emergency medicine and toxicology, combined with her passion for teaching and research, will strengthen our ability to provide exceptional care and education across the state. Dr. Cowdery's leadership will additionally enhance our clinical services and expand our outreach to healthcare providers and the community."

Dr. Cowdery comes to WAPC from the Oregon Poison Center, where she completed a two-year fellowship in medical toxicology. Born and raised in north Florida, Dr. Cowdery attended medical school at the University of Florida College of Medicine and an emergency medicine residency at University of Florida Health Jacksonville. She then moved to the Pacific Northwest to join family living in the Seattle area.

Dr. Cowdery has authored manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals in the fields of emergency medicine and toxicology and continues to lecture on these topics to medical students, residents, fellows, attending physicians, and the general public. Her current areas of active research include hydrofluoric acid, calcium channel antagonist toxicity, and the poisonous Amanita smithiana mushroom which grows in the Pacific Northwest.

Meet Dr. Cowdery on September 11, 2025, at noon PST in a livestream on the WAPC's YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Media contact: [email protected]

About Washington Poison Center: Washington Poison Center (WAPC) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and reducing harm from poisonings and overdoses. WAPC's expert staff of nurses, pharmacists, and physicians are a reliable and consistent resource for timely, relevant, and life-saving information, 24/7, at no cost to everyone in Washington State.

SOURCE Washington Poison Center
The USS Lake Erie (CG 70), one of the US warships on track for Venezuelas waters, is equipped with the Aegis weapons system which uses computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets.

The United States warships are approaching Venezuelan waters in the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trumps effort to fight drug trafficking, reports said.





The Trump administration has accused Venezuelas left-wing President Nicolas Maduro of being involved in cocaine trafficking and working with drug cartels. On August 7, the US Departments of State and Justice doubled the reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro to $50m after accusing him of being "one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.





In response, Maduro has urged millions of Venezuelans to join militias, saying, "No empire will touch the sacred soil of Venezuela.





On Monday, the Venezuelan government announced that it is sending 15,000 soldiers to its border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking, amid growing pressure from the Trump administration.





US warships heading to Venezuelan: Why?





The New York Times reported last month that Trump signed a secret directive ordering the Pentagon to use military force against certain Latin American drug cartels that the US has deemed foreign "terrorist organisations.





On Monday, the Reuters news agency reported that the US had ordered additional ships to the southern Caribbean, citing two sources familiar with the deployment.





The sources told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that the USS Lake Erie, a guided missile cruiser and the USS Newport News, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, would arrive in the region by early next week.

Last week, multiple news agencies reported that three US Aegis-class guided missile destroyers were headed to Venezuelan waters.





According to two individuals briefed on the deployment  who anonymously spoke to Reuters  the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale were headed towards the Venezuelan coast, carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines.





In both reports, Reuters said the unnamed sources refrained from disclosing the specific objectives of the deployments but indicated that recent military movements were intended to address threats to US national security posed by designated "narco-terrorist organizations.





On August 14, the US Fleet Forces Command published a news release saying that sailors and Marines assigned to the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group had departed from Norfolk, Virginia and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The news release does not explicitly state details of the mission or specify where the group is being deployed.





The release stated: "More than 4,500 Sailors and Marines from the 22nd MEU comprise the force aboard the ARGs three amphibious ships: flagship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).





Reporters asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt about the possibility of US boots on the ground in Venezuela on August 19. In response, she said, "President [Donald] Trump has been very clear and consistent. Hes prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice.





Is this action legal?





Constitutional law expert Bruce Fein told Al Jazeera that if the US is sending its ships into Venezuelan waters, then that is "a violation of the War Powers Resolution of 1973 by provoking Venezuela to attack the US Navy, an act of belligerency that only Congress can constitutionally authorise.





The War Powers Resolution is a federal law that decrees that the president may not declare war without congressional approval. Under the law, the president must inform Congress within 48 hours of military action. Congress has not held a vote and is currently in recess until after Labor Day, which is on September 1.





Fein added that Trumps designation of the cartels as foreign terrorist organisations is "illegal because [it is] contrary to the statutory standards to qualify as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. These standards are set forth in Section 1189 of Title 8 of the US, which covers immigration and nationality law.





Under this law, an organisation must be foreign, be engaging in terrorist activity or terrorism, and this terrorism must threaten the security of US nationals or the national security of the US for it to be designated a foreign terrorist organisation.





"The drug cartels have been around for more than 50 years. Their standard operating procedure has stayed the same. They are the same as during Trumps first term, Fein said, explaining why the cartels do not pose a threat to US nationals or national security.





"The threat comes from the demand, not the supply side of the equation. And the US supplies the demand. To borrow from Pogo, we have met the enemy, and we are they, Fein continued, referencing Walt Kellys animal comic strip, Pogo, published in 1972.





Leavitt reiterated that the US does not recognise Maduros administration as the legitimate government of Venezuela. Maduro won last years disputed election. The US and Venezuela have not had a formal diplomatic relationship since 2019. (Source: Al Jazeera)




A blessing: Inshan Ishmael speaks to the Express and TV6 about his health during an interview on May 18 at his home in Bamboo #2, Valsayn.

@Caption:Photo: ISHMAEL SALANDY
3M Company allegedly failed to provide employees with all legally required meal and rest periods. This resulted in employees working off the clock and not receiving full wages.

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles labor and employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP , filed a lawsuit against 3M Compan, alleging the companies violated Labor Code  2699, et seq. seeking penalties for DEFENDANT's alleged violation of California Labor Code  201-203, 204, 210, 226(a), 226.7, 227.3, 246, 510, 512, 558(a)(1)(2), 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 1198 and 2802. The lawsuit against 3M Company is currently pending in the Riverside County Superior Court, Case No. CVRI2504145. To read a copy of the Complaint, please click here .

The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

According to the lawsuit filed, 3M Company allegedly failed to provide employees with legally required meal and rest breaks . Specifically, employees were allegedly required from time to time to perform work as ordered by Defendant for more than five (5) hours during some shifts without receiving a meal break. The applicable California Wage Order requires employers to provide employees with off-duty rest periods, which the California Supreme Court defined as time during which an employee is relieved from all work related duties and free from employer control.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

PAGA is a mechanism by which the State of California itself can enforce state labor laws through the employee suing under the PAGA who does so as the proxy or agent of the state's labor law enforcement agencies. An action to recover civil penalties under PAGA is fundamentally a law enforcement action designed to protect the public and not to benefit private parties. The purpose of PAGA is not to recover damages or restitution, but to create a means of "deputizing" citizens as private attorneys general to enforce the Labor Code.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against 3M Company, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today.

**THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT**

Media Contact

Nicholas De Blouw

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP

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SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP
We are hearing a lot about the 10% to be paid to public servants, but nothing is said about 
Whether the $20.8 million land sale the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved for the Project Blue data center development remains valid will be discussed behind closed doors at Tuesdays board meeting.

Two supervisors, Jennifer Allen and Andres Cano, who both voted against the sale, said Thursday they have serious questions about the validity of the sale agreement, approved 3-2 by the board on June 17. They cite the Tucson City Councils decision on Aug. 6 not to proceed with the project and not to annex the land for Project Blue from unincorporated Pima County. The land sale agreement includes the annexation as a condition that must be met for closing the sale.

However, a third supervisor, Matt Heinz, who supports the project and the land sale, said his reading of the sales contract is that the buyer of the land  Humphreys Peak LLC  can cancel the sale agreement if contingencies such as annexation arent met, but not the seller, Pima County. As far as hes concerned, the land sale agreement remains valid, Heinz said.

The County Attorneys Office asked that this issue be discussed in the boards executive session Tuesday because several board members and members of the news media were asking questions about the legal status of the sale agreement now that the City Council voted not to proceed with Project Blue, said Carmine DeBonis, a deputy county administrator.

The question of whether the June sales agreement remains valid is a central part of the discussion that is going to occur with the board and the County Attorneys office, said DeBonis, who declined to weigh in on that issue because thats a a legal question, best addressed by the County Attorneys Office.

The sales agreement gives the county and Humphreys Peak LLC up to a year to close the deal. But weve not had any discussions with the development group about what their planned approach is since the City Council turned Project Blue down, DeBonis said. We dont have details about what theyd like to do.

The board discussion will come eight days after Tucson Electric Power and Beale Infrastructure, Project Blues developer, formally asked the Arizona Corporation Commission to approve an agreement between the two parties for TEP to deliver up to a capacity of 286 megawatts of electricity to Project Blue at the far southeast side site the county had voted to sell to Humphreys Peak Properties.

The project was planned to put up to 10 data centers on the entire property, although its first phase was to include only four data centers. The 280 megawatts is supposed to serve the first phase only. The site lies near the Pima County Fairgrounds along Brekke Road, between Harrison and Houghton roads.

Since the boards June 17 vote, the sale hasnt closed. Now, a major reason Allen and Cano believe the councils decision not to annex that land and not to proceed with the project is important is that the county board approved the land sale with the understanding that the data centers would use reclaimed water from Tucson Water, the city utility, to cool them. Also, the company had committed to pay to build an 18-mile pipeline to take that water to the data center site. With the councils decision, those elements will no longer be in the project.

What the board approved and what Beale is now planning to do are vastly different, Allen said. For that reason alone the contract should be voided.

Beale is progressing with a new plan: this is not what was presented to the Board of Supervisors, Allen said. Per the land sale contract, without annexation, we believe the land should revert to Pima County.

Cano said, Personally, Im of the mindset that Project Blue is a project that no longer has legs with the county and city. So much of the discussion thats happened to date, those actions were always incumbent on the county acting first, the city acting second, moving forwards to a path to make this project happen. Now, its no longer Project Blue. its Project X with an undefined pathway.

I cant imagine this proceeding without us looking at every detail as to what are the countys next steps, Cano said. We were presented background material that this would be a large-scale infrastructure project, benefiting the city, using reclaimed water. For us to now not have those agreements, for us to have uncertainty about what jobs will be created now  I have so many questions.

Heinz, however, said he reviewed the sale contract with the countys legal team, with Deputy County Administrator Carmine DeBonis and with county economic development officials, and it is very clear to me that the people who can stop it (the sale) based on items not being met is the buyer. It also says the buyer may opt to waive the contingencies. The seller is not given authority to waive anything.

I dont understand what they are trying to do, Heinz said of Allen and Cano. I dont think there needs to be a new contract, or another vote. When I read and review the contract, it is pretty clear the entity able to enforce conditions at time of closing is the buyer.

He faulted the Tucson City Council for giving up its control over what happens with the project by simply killing its role outright. If you have conversations with the developer, you have a lot of power. You can put in guardrails, Heinz said. Now that Tucson took themselves out of consideration, we dont have the same control that we had. What if they find a parcel of land where they get to drill wells? That would be pretty crappy.

Heinz wouldnt be surprised if Beale ultimately chose another location for its first Project Blue site because of the difficulties of getting water to that site without the city reclaimed water line, he said.

He spoke to Beale officials earlier this week and asked them about the water situation for Project Blue, and their response was stay tuned, Heinz said.

It does not have to be on the 290-acre parcel involved in the county land sale. Most likely, it wouldnt work there without Tucson Water, he said.

Beale Infrastructure officials didnt respond to a Star request for comment on the pending issues going before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Supervisor Rex Scott, who also supported the land sale for Project Blue in June, said its prudent to refrain from commenting on the pending executive session item until at least after the board discusses it Tuesday because he doesnt know why the County Attorneys Office asked that it be discussed.

Supervisor Steve Christy, the boards lone Republican, who also supported the Project Blue land sale, said he cant answer questions at this time about the legal ramifications of how the sale contract would work without Project Blue being annexed into the city.

Im not a contract lawyer or that much involved in actual contractual elements, he said. All I can say is that is a good question. I wish I could be more clarifying on that. Its a question somebody else is going to have to answer, mainly Project Blue and county lawyers.

It just seems to me it was initially assumed if annexation didnt happen, that the whole deal was off. It appears there may be more to that piece than originally was conveyed, that gave Project Blue folks an option to take that or pursue it, meaning the county-owned parcel even after the annexation into the city was killed, Christy said.
The Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on August 27 presented an Uncle Hos Bookshelf to a memorial site dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Udon Thani province, northeastern Thailand.



The handover formed part of a series of activities hosted by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Khon Kaen to honour President Ho Chi Minh and celebrate the 80th National Day of Vietnam (September 2).



The bookshelf comprises more than 300 titles carefully selected by Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh Relic Site. These publications, in Vietnamese, Thai, and English, provide valuable documentation about the late leader. Many of them were newly released by the relic site and contain important materials on his life and revolutionary career, particularly his activities in Thailand from 1928 to 1929.



Nguyen Van Duong, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace, said the donation aims to enrich the Udon Thani sites collection for research and dissemination about the President.



According to the management board of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site in Udon Thani, the bookshelf is not only an invaluable spiritual gift but also a treasure of knowledge with profound historical and cultural values. It serves as an important resource to help educate younger generations and the Vietnamese community in Thailand about Ho Chi Minhs thought, patriotism, and the spirit of national unity.



The board pledged to preserve and maximise the value of the bookshelf in the service of local people, the Vietnamese community in Udon Thani, and visitors, thereby spreading pride and solidarity across generations.



Nguyen Thi Van, deputy head of the Udon Thani relic site, noted that local Thai schools offering Vietnamese language courses have also organised visits, training activities, and book borrowing. Students in Udon Thani can access these books to learn about President Ho Chi Minhs ethics, ideology, and career, which will help them build stronger connections with Vietnam in the future, she said.



Earlier, a delegation from the Hanoi site had donated a Uncle Hos Bookshelf with over 300 titles and planted a But moc (Taxodium distichum) tree at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site in Nakhon Phanom province, northeastern Thailand./.VNA
Vietnam extended invitations to the defense ministries of four countries, requesting their armed forces to participate in the celebratory parade. By noon today, the Chinese military parade unit had arrived in Hanoi.

The four participating parade units include personnel from the People's Liberation Army of China, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Lao People's Army, and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

The involvement of military personnel from these international allies in the parade is a powerful symbol of national and global solidarity, championing peace, cooperation, friendship, and development. Their participation reflects international recognition and appreciation for Vietnam's journey of struggle, nation-building, and progress, while affirming the countrys and the Vietnam People's Armys growing prestige on the global stage.

Speaking at the event, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, extended warm congratulations and gratitude on behalf of Vietnams Ministry of National Defense to the governments, defense ministries, and armed forces of the participating nations for sending troops to join the 80th National Day parade.

"The presence of our comrades and friends here is a vivid expression of noble international solidarity and our shared commitment to building a world of peace, friendship, and cooperation. We are deeply moved by the sight of our comrades, especially the Chinese soldiers who, having just landed at Noi Bai International Airport, made it in time to attend this heartfelt gathering," said Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien.

The Deputy Minister noted that in just three days, Vietnam will host the official parade to commemorate its 80th National Day. A full rehearsal is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. tomorrow.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed confidence that the four international parade contingents will overcome challenges such as time zone differences and living conditions to march in unison with the Vietnam People's Army and mass units at the historic Ba Dinh Square, fulfilling their duties with excellence.

He extended his congratulations and gratitude to the defense ministries and armed forces of the participating countries, particularly the 405 officers and soldiers contributing to this important milestone in Vietnams history.

Parade unit of the People's Liberation Army of China

Parade unit of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation

Parade unit of the Lao People's Army

Parade unit of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, speaking at the event

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien greets, encourages, and presents gifts to the parade contingents

Tran Thuong - Thach Thao
AMARILLO, Texas, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fermi America, the world's largest private grid uniquely designed to power the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI), in partnership with the Texas Tech University System, has named former Amarillo Mayor, Trent Sisemore, to its growing team of world-class talent. As Fermi's Community Lead, Sisemore will serve as the company's boots-on-the-ground liaison, ensuring the community's voice is heard at the highest levels of the company while engaging strategic partnerships that show Fermi's commitment to stewarding the area as good neighbors.

Fermi America's new boots-on-the-ground liaison, Community Lead Trent Sisemore

Sisemore is known for his deep involvement in the governance of Amarillo, having served as Amarillo mayor, and prior to that, as an Amarillo city commissioner. During his time in public office, Sisemore was instrumental in bringing the Bell Helicopter manufacturing plant to town, building the performing arts center, and purchasing water rights for the next 300 years for the city of Amarillo. In addition to his involvement in local government, Sisemore served on the board of Happy State Bank for 17 years, has been a pillar in the community, and integral to numerous local charities. A successful businessman, he has used his experience to cultivate key economic development and urban renewal projects in Amarillo.

Trent and his father, Jack Sisemore, co-owned Jack Sisemore Traveland, which sold to Marcus Lemonis' (the star of CNBC's "The Profit") Camping World in 2017. Trent was one of the original founders of Keystone RV, the largest travel trailer and fifth wheel manufacturer in the world at the time of sale.

As is true for many Texans, faith, love of family and country have been at the heart of all he has done in Amarillo. Sisemore was the worship leader for 26 years at San Jacinto Baptist Church, which later became The Church at Quail Creek.

"Trent is a good man, with a world of respect, mine included," said former Texas Governor and Fermi Co-founder, Rick Perry. "I've known him well for years, and the fact he's willing to come and work with us here at Fermi is a well-earned stamp of approval for what we are building here."

"Growing up in the region forged shared values that Trent exemplifies including the meaning of a handshake and being a good neighbor," added Fermi Co-founder and CEO, Toby Neugebauer. "Fermi America is going big places, but Trent will always remind us where we started, and for that and countless other reasons, I'm so thankful he's on the team."

"When Governor Perry called me and explained the critical mission behind Fermi America, I was proud to step up and serve," noted Trent Sisemore. "I believe in this team and this project, as well as the significant opportunity and impact it will have for our region, the state of Texas, and the country as a whole. This region has a skilled workforce that is ready to make this project a reality, and I look forward to doing my part by joining an exceptionally-talented and proven team working so hard to ensure the U.S. wins this global AI race."

Co-founded by former Texas Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy, Rick Perry, and the Co-founder and Co-managing Partner of Quantum Energy Partners, Toby Neugebauer, Fermi plans to deliver up to 11 gigawatts of highly-redundant power and 15 million square feet of artificial intelligence capacity, with the first gigawatt of natural gas power generation online by the end of 2026 and one GW per year, every year for a decade. The private grid campus spans 5,236 acres on sovereign Texas Tech University System land. Nuclear construction is slated to begin in 2027, with the first reactor online by 2032.

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About Fermi America

Fermi America is pioneering the development of next-generation electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at 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, 1 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

1995, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, prospects, plans and objectives of management. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "will be," "will likely result," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "would," "foresees," "intends," "target," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "outlook," or "continue" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, but are based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effect on us, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements may not turn out to be correct. Our results could be materially different from our expectations because of various risks.

SOURCE Fermi America
1. Background

As a federally owned enterprise, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in four priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental, (3) Energy, and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam.

GIZ Office Hanoi on behalf of projects is conducting a local open tender on Cisco Meraki network devices for GIZ in Vietnam

The equipment shall be delivered as follows:

 Place of delivery: 6th floor, Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.

 Delivery time: Please indicate your shortest delivery time after order placement

 Payment: Payment after receipt of goods or to be negotiated against required documentation.

2. Eligible requirements for bidder

 Commercial register entry

 Average annual turnover for the last three financial years:

At least: 2,700,000,000 VND

 Average number of employees and managers for the past three years:

At least: 15 persons

 Technical experience assessment is based on reference projects that were conducted by bid-der with a minimum value of 400,000,000 VND to satisfy the following:

 at least 3 reference project in the technical field about IT equipment or equivalent

 at least 3 reference project in Asia/Vietnam in the last 5 years (for the period of 01/2021-08/2025)

3. Interested companies are requested to prepare the following documents:

 Letter of interest (with Directors or an Authorized persons signature and company stamp).

- Financial reports of the last 03 years. Important/key information in the audited financial reports or in annual tax reports must be briefly translated into English if documents are in Vietnamese.

- Company profile and technical experience, incl. Business license (for firm) or Decision of establishment (for association); Business Registration Certificate showing the Enter-prise Identification Number and Tax code registration; Organisational chart; Consortium agreement and Nomination of consortium leading firm (if at least 02 entities join the as-signment); similar experience/copy of contracts related to this assignment.

 Technical proposal: must correspond to the requirements of the Technical Specifications.

 Financial proposal: calculate your financial bid exactly in line with the Quantitative require-ments specified in the Technical Specifications.

Cost of preparing the bid: No remuneration will be granted for the preparation of the bid and the documents to be attached thereto.

4. Method of bid submission

The complete tender dossier is to be received only by email to VN_PoG_Quotation@giz.de by 21/09/2025, 17.00 (Hanoi time). We request you to submit the eligibility documents, technical proposal and price quotation in 2/3 separate files in pdf format (either in 1 email or 2/3 sepa-rate emails) with email subject or file name as follows:

 91189649 - Eligibility Documents - Company name

 91189649 - Technical Offer - Company name

 91189649 - Price Quotation - Company name

In case the total size of your documents is below 10 MB, you can attach them directly in the email sent to us. In case the total size of your documents is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ file transfer system. The Bidders are required to record the password on file transfer and send the correct ones to GIZ. Wrong passwords could lead to bidding failure.

5. Deadlines

 To receive a complete Tender Dossier, interested bidders can contact GIZ via email to question-from-bidder-pog-vn@giz.de before 15/09/2025.

 For questions about the tender, please send to the email question-from-bidder-pog-vn@giz.de before 15/09/2025

 The complete eligibility/tender documents are sent by only email to VN_PoG_Quotation@giz.de by 21/09/2025, 17.00 (Hanoi time).

6. Notes

 Only formality-conform offers will be eligible assessed and only eligible bidders will be techni-cally assessed, and only technically suitable quotations will be financially assessed.

 Sending bids to the wrong email address will lead to disqualification of the supplier.

 Bids sent after the deadline will be disqualified.

 For data protection and information security reasons: In case the total volume of your bids is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ file transfer system. Files sent via other applica-tions/systems such as Google drive, Dropboxwill not be accepted. Guidance on how to use file transfer will be provided.

GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all submitted documents by bidder(s) during the tender process!




HA NOI  Despite rising anticipation, Viet Nams stock market has yet to experience the expected wave of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) going public, as lingering regulatory hurdles continue to hold back progress.

At present, just ten FDI firms are listed across the countrys three stock exchanges  a figure that has remained virtually unchanged for over a decade. Of these, six are listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HoSE), one on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX) and three are on the unlisted public company market UPCoM.

The most notable push came between 2003 and 2008, following the introduction of Decree 38/2003, which created a legal path for foreign companies to convert into joint-stock companies.

However, since the listing of Siam Brothers Vietnam in 2017, no new FDI enterprises have joined the market.

Market experts cite the absence of a clear legal framework as the primary obstacle.

The biggest obstacle is the lack of a clear legal corridor for FDI enterprises to go public in Viet Nam, said Vo Bich Van, financial advisor at FIDT Investment Consulting.

According to Van, although the Investment Law 2020 and Securities Law 2019 have modernised aspects of the capital market, neither provides concrete guidance for foreign-invested companies to list.

Many FDI firms are keen to raise capital and build brand visibility in Viet Nam, but, as she put it, they cannot find the legal door to enter the market.

This frustration is shared by the businesses themselves. A representative from CP Vietnam told Tuoi Tre (Youth) the company was ready to proceed with a listing, pending formal guidance from the authorities.

The group is also ready. If there are regulations and a process, we will be ready to implement, the spokesperson affirmed.

The limited presence of FDI enterprises on Viet Nams stock exchanges is widely viewed as a missed opportunity for the countrys financial ecosystem.

Industry insiders argue that many of these firms possess significant financial strength, international management expertise and reputable global brands  all of which could deepen the market and enhance its diversity.

Their participation would also help reinforce market indices, attract long-term institutional investment, and bolster Viet Nams case for an upgrade to emerging market status by major global index providers.

Chief Global Markets Officer at SSI Securities Thomas Nguyen underscored the importance of FDI firm listings for the development of Viet Nams capital markets.

Foreign-invested firms, he noted, could bring both scale and credibility. But to make listings viable, he said, two key conditions must be met: domestic market valuations must be competitive with those in regional financial centres and the listing process must be more streamlined and flexible than in heavily regulated and costly jurisdictions such as the United States.

Risks control

Still, the regulatory authorities remain cautious.

Chairman of the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (VSDC) Nguyen Son highlighted that while attracting FDI listings is a priority, risks cannot be ignored.

Concerns include the possibility of post-listing capital flight, transfer pricing manipulation, or weaknesses in financial disclosure.

It is vital to ensure that only quality enterprises list, with safeguards to protect investors and the broader market, Son said.

Experts believe a middle ground can be achieved by introducing a tailored legal framework. This could include criteria such as a minimum operating track record of two to three years, requirements for sustained revenue growth and commitments to technology transfer.

To prevent opportunistic behaviour, lock-up periods could be imposed, requiring founding foreign shareholders to hold their shares for three to five years after listing.

Pilot programmes, or so-called 'listing sandboxes,' could be introduced to test the model with a small number of firms before scaling it up, Van said.

Complementary policies such as IPO support centres, shortened IFRS transition requirements, or temporary tax incentives could also encourage participation.

The need for reform is pressing. Viet Nam is seeking to deepen its financial markets to match the scale of its fast-growing economy, which continues to attract strong inflows of foreign direct investment.

Yet without a mechanism to bring FDI enterprises to the bourse, the market risks being dominated by domestic firms, leaving a major segment of the economy absent from public capital mobilisation.

For investors, the listing of FDI enterprises would open a window into companies that are already major contributors to Viet Nams industrial output and exports.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed stricter rules on the import of automobiles disguised as gifts in a move aiming at closing loopholes that have allowed tax avoidance.

The proposal was raised in a draft Prime Ministers decision on imports of automobiles classified as gifts, donations or movable assets.

If passed, the decision would put an end to the practice of individuals and unqualified firms directly declaring imported cars as gifts.

Car imports must be conducted through licensed dealers following regulations on car assembly, import and warranty services, making non-commercial imports aligned with the existing regulations for commercial imports.

Individuals or organisations receiving cars as gifts would have to authorise licensed firms to complete import procedures, rather than importing directly.

The draft requires imported vehicles, whether commercial or non-commercial, to meet technical safety and environmental standards and be eligible for servicing at authorised facilities within the country.

Used cars brought in as gifts or moving assets would remain subject to foreign trade laws.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will publish a list of licensed importers, while the Ministry of Construction will announce eligible service facilities. Customs authorities will process clearance only once dossiers are deemed complete.

The ministry said the move would help prevent loopholes from bringing in luxury cars under the guise of gifts, which had led to significant tax losses in past years.

Statistics of the Ministry of Finance showed that customs authorities approved imports of more than 3,800 'gifted' cars of fewer than nine seats between 2016 and 2022. Declared tax payments totaled VN8.8 trillion ($347 million), but reassessment raised the figure to VN13.3 trillion, meaning a shortfall of VN4.4 trillion due to under-valuation.

Besides the loophole in valuation, which requires a transparent pricing mechanism, there were also problems with post-import monitoring. Many gifted cars appeared almost immediately in showrooms after import.

Experts said that it is also necessary to develop regulations requiring imported gift cars to be used for a minimum period before they can be resold to prevent illegal trading.

Industry insiders said that if the draft is approved, the supply of luxury cars entering the market through unofficial channels will immediately reduce, which could drive up prices of these models in the short term. However, it is critical to ensure transparency to stabilise the market, ensure compliance and create a fair playing field.

The fact showed that most cars imported as gifts are luxury models, sourced mainly from the Middle East, the US, Japan, the Uk and Austria, such as Mercedes Benz AMG G63, Lexus (LX570, RX350, LM300h), Land Rover Range Rover, Ford F150, Toyota (Highlander, Sienna), Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Urus and Maybach GLS600.

The General Department of Customs has put the import of gifted automobiles under scrutiny since 2022 to handle violations.

Car imports surge, China emerges as a key supplier

Viet Nams car imports have surged significantly since the beginning of this year with China emerging as one of key suppliers and reshaping the markets structure.

According to statistics of the General Department of Customs, the country imported 128,355 completely-built-units (CBUs) as of August 15, worth US$2.82 billion, representing increases by 31.3 per cent in volume and 40.8 per cent in value over the same period last year.

Vehicles with up to nine seats accounted for the majority with more than 98,000 units worth $1.73 billion, accounting for 75.6 per cent of the total import volume and 61.3 per cent of the total import value.

In January - August, Viet Nam imported an average of 17,114 units per month, higher than 2024s monthly average at 14,463 which set a record.

Indonesia, Thailand and China are the biggest suppliers in the period with shipments from China rising considerably.

Customs data showed that Indonesia was the top supplier by volume in the first seven months of this year, with 45,282 units worth $645 million, up 19 per cent in volume. Thailand came the second with 41,988 units, worth $882 million, up 28 per cent in volume.

Notably, China ranked third in volume with 27,331 units but lead in value at $888 million, reflecting a 59 per cent rise in shipments and a 70 per cent surge in value.

In comparison, Thailand ranked first in import value last year with $1.2 billion, followed by Indonesia with more than $1 billion and China with $909 million.

According to the Viet Nam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), imported cars continued to outsell locally assembled vehicles in July, making the fifth consecutive month of stronger demand for imported units.

VAMAs statistics showed that more than 16,000 CBUs were sold in July, outnumbering sale of locally assembled vehicles at 15,700 units.

The trend underscores Vietnamese buyers preference for imports, which often offer more diverse models, brands and features at increasingly competitive prices, particularly those from Thailand and Indonesia that enjoy zero import tariffs under ASEAN trade agreements.

Sales in seven-month period totaled 301,613 units, of which imported CBUs reached 101,940 units, up 25 per cent and locally assembled units reached 92,820 units, up 13 per cent.  VNS
HA NOI  As global coffee prices surge, Viet Nam's coffee industry is presented with a significant opportunity to expand its export market share, industry insiders say.

A recent study by the Food and Agriculture Organization noted that coffee prices rose globally by around 40 per cent in 2024, largely due to unfavourable weather conditions caused by climate change.

This has reduced production in Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, while demand in Europe, the US and Asia has soared.

Last month, Viet Nam's coffee export turnover reached more than US$560 million, bringing the total export value for the first seven months of the year to $3.6 billion and marking an impressive year-on-year growth of 20 per cent, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The industry's growth is mostly attributed to the jump in global coffee prices.

Viet Nam is the largest exporter of Robusta coffee in the world, accounting for about 40 per cent of global market share. The country is now looking to seize the opportunity to expand its market share.

Nguyen Nam Hai, president of the Vietnam Coffee Cocoa Association (Vicofa), said that the international coffee market has never been as favourable as it is now.

With high prices and growing demand, coupled with Viet Nams stable supply, the country is in an advantageous position, he said.

However, to fully capitalise on this opportunity, Viet Nam needs to delve deeper into processing, rather than relying on raw bean exports, he added.

Although exports have increased in value, the product structure of Viet Nams coffee exports still reveals significant limitations.

The share of deep-processed coffee, including roasted, instant and specialty coffee, currently accounts for only 12-15 per cent of total exports, according to Vicofa.

This figure is modest compared to the products' potential. In Brazil and Colombia, the ratio ranges from 30-40 per cent.

Thoi bao Ngan hang (The Banking Times) quoted founder and CEO of TNI King Coffee Le Hoang Diep Thao as saying that investing in deep processing helps companies multiply the value of their products significantly.

But initial investments can be substantial, especially for instant coffee technology, which she said requires hundreds of billions of Vietnamese ong in capital. Not all businesses are financially capable of such investments.

Other reasons Viet Nams coffee sector has been slow to transition to deep processing are technological challenges and branding issues, she added.

Technology and branding challenges

The technology for processing instant coffee and specialty coffee in Viet Nam is still not uniformly developed.

Large enterprises like Vinacafe, Trung Nguyen and Nestle have made significant investments, but the number of small and medium-sized enterprises with sufficient capabilities is limited.

Vietnamese coffee brands have not yet been firmly established on the international market. While Viet Nam is well known for its production volume, when it comes to global brands, consumers often think of Starbucks (USA), Lavazza (Italy) or Nestle (Switzerland). This makes it difficult for processed coffee products from Viet Nam to compete in the premium segment.

inh Van Thanh, an agricultural economics expert, said that if Viet Nam continued to depend on raw coffee exports, it would remain only an "ingredient factory" for large corporations.

A long-term strategy for investment in deep processing is needed, along with efforts to elevate the national coffee brand on the global stage, he added.

Despite these challenges, positive signals are emerging from businesses. Trung Nguyen Legend, for example, is expanding its instant coffee exports to the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Vinacafe is focusing on developing the ASEAN market, while several start-ups in Lam ong and Gia Lai are boldly building specialty coffee brands for markets like Japan and South Korea.

Instead of selling raw beans, they are partnering with companies to process roasted coffee and sell it directly to the South Korean market, said Thao. The selling price is double that of raw beans, while farmers also earn better profits.

To capitalise on high coffee prices and expand export potential, experts recommended three key strategies for Viet Nams coffee industry.

Viet Nam should first invest in deep processing technology. The Government should offer preferential credit policies to businesses that invest in production lines for instant and specialty coffee, rather than leaving them to manage on their own.

Experts also suggest that the country focus on building a national coffee brand, similar to Thailand's Jasmine rice or Colombias Arabica coffee. A strong, internationally recognised coffee brand is essential for Viet Nam.

Finally, Viet Nam should prioritise emerging markets like the Middle East, South Asia and Eastern Europe, where coffee demand is growing rapidly. This presents an opportunity for processed Vietnamese coffee to expand its distribution channels.  VNS
JAKARTA  National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is showcasing its proudcts and destinations in Vietnam at the ASTINDO Travel Fair 2025 that opened in Indonesia on August 28.

Organised annually by the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO), the event is one of the countrys largest tourism fairs, offering promotional tour packages, flights, and accommodations. The four-day event featured more than 60 booths from airlines, travel agencies, hotels, resorts, and tourism boards,

Tran Tuan Nghia, Chief Representative of Vietnam Airlines in Indonesia, said the event was an opportunity to strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.

He revealed plans to launch a Ha NoiJakarta route soon, reaffirming the airlines strong presence in the market.

Addressing the event, ASTINDO Vice Chairman Anton Sumarli said the fair not only promotes domestic and international destinations but also serves as a platform to connect airlines, tour operators, and international partners, helping drive Indonesias tourism growth.

At the event, many Indonesian travel agencies showcased Vietnam as a popular destination. Promotions and customised tours to Ha Noi, Sapa, and a Nang were featured.

Jeslyn Kyla, representative of Obaja Travel, noted that Indonesian visitors are particularly impressed by Viet Nam's cool climate and diverse cuisine, making the country an attractive choice for repeat visits.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  New Zealand sees Viet Nam as a very important partner and hopes to deepen trade, education, and parliamentary cooperation as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, New Zealand Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee said in an interview.

Speaking to Vietnamese media on Thursday during his visit to Ha Noi at the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Brownlee said the elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership earlier this year reflects a trust that has built steadily over five decades.

On a political level, we see it as being a very valuable friendship thats grown over those 50 years to a point now where we can say, well, how do we take this a bit further? he said. The comprehensive strategic partnership is built around the idea that on almost every aspect of governance, we have some arrangement that recognises a mutual benefit.

Brownlee said both countries, as international traders, had set a modest goal of raising two-way trade to about $3 billion by 2026. I think its modest. I think we can do better also, he added.

Beyond trade, Brownlee said people-to-people ties would be strengthened through education, business and cultural exchanges. That would mean more people from Viet Nam can come to New Zealand for study, education, or for any business activities as well, and Viet Nam will do the same for New Zealand.

Parliamentary cooperation

Brownlee highlighted the role of legislatures in both countries, despite their different political systems.

Parliaments throughout the world are important. It doesnt really matter what sort of political system  parliaments are the place where the voice of the people are heard, he said. In a population of over 100 million as youve got in Viet Nam, there are going to be lots of views about lots of different issues  so having a parliament with those opinions can be voiced, and also where decisions taken by the government can be ratified or endorsed is extremely important.

He said Wellington would continue seeking ways for greater cooperation between lawmakers and parliamentary officials in both capitals.

Shared positions in multilateral fora

The Speaker said Viet Nams leadership role in ASEAN and other regional platforms had made it a reliable partner for New Zealand in an era of growing uncertainty in global trade.

If you look at the world at the moment, particularly with the worlds biggest economy reshaping itself through tariffs and other such, that has a flow-on effect to all other countries, he said, in an apparent reference to the United States' controversial duty policies imposed on over 100 partner countries (Viet Nam was hit with a 20 per cent on imports into the US, and New Zealand with 15 per cent).

So having a strong relationship with countries in this part of the world is very important for New Zealand, and we see Viet Nam as being strategically quite a leader in the area as well.

He praised Viet Nams very big aspirations for economic growth, saying that New Zealand sought to learn from its experience in sustaining high growth rates despite global headwinds.

Education ties

Brownlee said New Zealand had recently boosted the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students by 56 per cent and would continue promoting itself as a study destination.

New Zealand is a peaceful country  our universities and polytechnics all rate in the top 2 per cent of the world, he said. The desire from New Zealands point of view to offer those scholarships is to ensure that we have people who are going to be part of the future leadership of this country, who have fond memories of their time in New Zealand and have been able to springboard off their education to do better things, not only for this country, but probably for us as well.

He noted that his delegation included Vietnamese-born New Zealand MP Pham Thi Ngoc Lan, underscoring the presence of a small but active Vietnamese community in the country.

Cooperation on peacekeeping and security

Turning to international security, Brownlee said both countries shared commitments to peacekeeping and conflict resolution, a potential area where New Zealand and Viet Nam can further engage in the new elevated relations.

The commitment by the leadership of Viet Nam to an independent foreign policy that doesnt particularly take sides tends to lend itself to the peacekeeping goals, he said.

New Zealand currently deploys troops in 32 missions worldwide, including long-standing operations in the Sinai desert and the Golan Heights.

Conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine may require future peacekeeping roles, where both New Zealand and Viet Nam could contribute, the official remarked.

Internationally, therell be a search for countries that have that deep commitment to peace, he said, adding that there are a lot of prospects there for Viet Nam.

Reflections on Viet Nams development

Brownlees visit coincided with busy preparations for Viet Nams 80th National Day (September 2).

He said the celebratory atmosphere in the streets of Ha Noi was quite palpable, describing the joy and pride of people celebrating independence as a remarkable thing to see.

He reflected on Viet Nams transformation since the wars of the 20th century. Looking back from say, 1972, what extraordinary change has come over this country, he said. Now the very ambitious levels of growth thats happening  you can feel this country being much more on the verge of massively increasing GDP per capita, and therefore the well-being of people.

Brownlee congratulated the Vietnamese National Assembly for achieving the milestone with "such willing participation from the population," and expressed his excitement to be able to witness that here on the trip.  VNS
HCM CITY - The National Exhibition of Achievements, held from August 28 to September 5 in Ha Noi, is one of the countrys key celebratory activities for the National Holiday, honouring Viet Nams 80 years of history and development.

HCM City partakes in the exhibition as the economic and cultural leader of the country, showcasing its rich history and accomplishment.

Viet Nam News Agency spoke with Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, deputy chairwoman of HCM City Peoples Committee, on what HCM City has to offer in this momentous exhibition.

As an economic spearhead, what is HCM City introducing to the public in the National Exhibition of Achievements?

HCM Citys exhibition area is called Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh - Tam voc thoi ai, kien tao tuong lai (HCM City  A contemporary stature, building the future), which comprehensively conveys the 300-year-journey of Sai Gon  Gia inh, up to its current status of being merged with Binh Duong and Ba Ria  Vung Tau to become a new HCM City that is both bigger in size and ambitions for the future.

The pioneering city of HCM City have written many important chapters in Viet Nams history, from its expansion and efforts to protect the homeland, to the work of building and global integration.

We hope that visitors will not only see HCM Citys achievements, but also its unyielding spirit, humanity and innovation  the key values that make up the city named with the great President Ho Chi Minh.

What are some outstanding achievements that HCM City is showcasing?

In terms of economy, we reaffirm our position as the economic leader with an important contribution to the national budget. HCM City is promoting its accomplishments in hi-tech industry, fin-tech, logistics, international trade and co-operations, as well as key infrastructure works such as expressways, the metro line and the Cai Mep  Thi Vai deep water port.

For culture and society, HCM City introduces tangible and intangible cultural relics, including southern folk music, cai luong (reformed opera), traditional festivals and others. We also showcase our accomplishments in the field of education, healthcare and social welfare, and our other efforts to improve the quality of life for the people.

For science and technology, we focus on digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart city development, innovation hubs, and researches towards sustainable development.

For foreign affairs, we are proud to affirm our position as an attractive destination for foreign investment and intentional co-operation activities, paying a great deal of attention to maintaining security and social order.

All of these are displayed through artifacts, photos, videos and interactive technologies to provide visitors a comprehensive experience.

Can you go into more details about the sector of culture, art and cuisine?

As we understand that culture is the spiritual foundation of any society, HCM City has dedicated a large area to introduce its cultural, artistic and culinary values  the soft power that has helped the city grow not only in terms of economy, but also as a culturally rich destination on the global map.

For example, visitors will get to learn more about the traditional arts of the Southern Vietnamese people. They include: southern folk music, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity; cai luong, a treasure of the South; and hat boi (classical drama), a form of royal stage performance preserved for many generations.

We also showcase exemplary festivals such as the Whale Worshiping Festival, Ba Ngu Hanh Temple Festival and the Lantern Festival, which demonstrates the intertwined cultures of Vietnamese, Chinese-Vietnamese, Khmer and Cham people.

As for contemporary art, HCM City displays photographic works and paintings that portray the citys liveliness, and promotes its pedestrian streets, street festivals, outdoor musical performances. HCM City not only focus on preserving the past, but also constantly making itself new and modern.

Additionally, domestic and international friends will get to enjoy the unique flavours of Southern cuisine, with dishes such as broken rice and ribs, rice noodle, banh mi, ice coffee and spring roll. They are not only delicious, but also convey the stories of growth and cultural exchange.

What went into the design of HCM Citys exhibition area to best leave an impression on visitors?

Our exhibition venue is divided into four areas, which portrays the citys beginning and establishment; long history of resistance wars against colonialism and imperialism; 50 years of building and development; and HCM Citys vision for the future.

To reflect the citys position as a hub for innovation and technology, we utilise both traditional methods of displays and modern multimedia tech, such as 3D Mapping, VR/AR, interactive screens and an AI-powered Q&A system, which make our exhibition very approachable to visitors, while also inspiring a sense of pride.

We implement an AI assistant system for visitors; curved, scroll-up LED screens and transparent LCD screens for impressive displays of the citys view; 3D holograms can react to visitors actions; virtual reality and augmented reality tech; among others.

Aside from our indoor displays, our outdoor exhibition area is also especially eye-catching, with a giant map of HCM City that details the unique landmarks or characteristics of all of its 168 wards, communes and special zone.

There are also giant decorative hot air balloons and models of the citys iconic destinations such as Nha Rong Wharf, Thu Dau Mot Market, BK21 oil rig, as well as food stalls and other beautifully decorated open spaces, sure to impress any visitors.

What is the message that HCM City wants to convey through its exhibition area?

With our over 300 years of history, HCM City has never yielded to any challenges. From a new city on a strange land, it had went through many historical turmoils and changes to become a leader in economy, culture, education and technology of Viet Nam, making great contributions to the countrys growth.

HCM City, now with the added strengths of Binh Duong and Ba Ria  Vung Tau provinces, has set itself a new target: Building a smart and green megacity with high international competitiveness, and becoming a hub for finance, trade, logistics and hi-tech in South East Asia.

This is not just a simple economic development target, but a vow to the entire country of Viet Nam: HCM City will maintain its position as a spearhead and growth driver, a region to pilot and promote innovative models, and an open hand to Viet Nams international friends.

As mentioned above, our exhibition not only showcases the citys accomplishment, but also reaffirms its capabilities and status in the new era. We are always ready to compete, confident to integrate globally, and determined to reach new heights. - VNS
ALGIERS  Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh has discussed the similarities between Viet Nam and Algeria, noting that while the two nations once shared the aspiration for independence, today they pursue the common goal of sustainable and prosperous development.

In an interview with international correspondents on the occasion of the 80th National Day of Viet Nam (September 2, 19452025) and the 63rd anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic relations (19622025), the ambassador highlighted major achievements and prospects of bilateral ties.

He said Viet Nam aims to become a developing country with modern industry by 2030 and a high-income and developed nation by 2045. Meanwhile, Algeria is striving to become an emerging economy by 2027. These goals, he stressed, provide strong motivation for both sides to enhance cooperation.

Viet Nam and Algeria established diplomatic relations in 1962, soon after Algerias independence, though their bonds date back to 1958, when Viet Nam was among the first to recognise the Provisional Government of the Algeria Republic

Their solidarity was further reflected in the families formed between Algerian fighters who joined the Vietnamese resistance, and married local women after the ien Bien Phu Victory in 1954. Today, these Vietnamese-Algerian families, spanning five to six generations, continue to live in Algeria, serving as a humanistic bridge between the two peoples, according to the diplomat.

Over six decades, he went on, bilateral relations have expanded across multiple fields, with economic and trade cooperation standing out. Two-way trade exceeded US$300 million in the first seven months of 2025.

The Bir Seba oil and gas project, operated by the Viet Nam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam), has been a symbol of partnership success for more than a decade. Beyond energy, cooperation potential is substantial in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and digital transformation.

However, Khanh noted that the bilateral trade agreement signed in 1994 has become outdated. Both sides are working to modernise the legal framework to facilitate trade and investment flows, which he described as essential for a new phase of cooperation.

Cultural exchange is another highlight. Vovinam, Viet Nam's traditional martial arts, now attracts over 30,000 practitioners across Algeria, mostly young people, while joint film projects have been screened at international festivals. The two sides plan to expand collaboration in tourism, arts, and cultural training, he added.

Political trust remains strong, with frequent high-level exchanges. Viet Nam has repeatedly invited Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for a state visit which is expected to be made soon.

The two countries have also coordinated closely at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, G77, and UNESCO, the ambassador said, noting Algerias recent participation in the ASEAN cooperation mechanism has further expanded its engagement with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

The 13th meeting of the Viet NamAlgeria Inter-Governmental Committee is scheduled to take place in Algeria soon, with about 15 memoranda of understanding expected to be signed in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and digitalisation. Meanwhile, relations between the Communist Party of Viet Nam and Algerias National Liberation Front (FLN) continue to thrive, alongside the twinning relationship between Viet Nam's ien Bien Province and Algerias Batna Province.

The ambassador also recalled the special bond between General Vo Nguyen Giap and Algerias liberation movement. The late general's son, Vo Hong Nam, has visited Algeria several times to honour this legacy, further deepening mutual affection and historical remembrance.

With strong political trust and determination from both sides, Khanh expressed confidence that Viet NamAlgeria relations will enter a new stage of development, worthy of their long-standing solidarity and the expectations of their peoples.  VNA/VNS
BUENOS AIRES _ Viet Nam's Declaration of Independence, delivered by President Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945, stands as not only a sacred symbol of national freedom for the Vietnamese people but also a powerful source of inspiration for the struggles for national liberation in colonies and dependent territories across Southeast Asia and around the world, stated an Argentinian scholar.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency's correspondents in Buenos Aires, Dr. Nadia Radulovich, an international relations expert at the Faculty of Oriental Studies under the University of Salvador (USAL), gave profound insights into Vietnams historical significance, development achievements and social policies.

According to her, the successful August Revolution, which led to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (today the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), strongly encouraged liberation movements across Southeast Asia and the wider world.

As a member of the Argentine Council on International Relations (CARI), she noted that the Vietnamese people demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination through two major wars against French colonialism and American imperialism, culminating in the liberation of the South and national reunification on April 30, 1975.

In the challenging post-war years, Viet Nam restructured its economy through five-year plans before embarking on the oi moi (Renewal) process in 1986, transitioning to a socialist-oriented market economy, she noted.

These reforms produced sweeping transformations. Industry grew by nearly 14 per cent annually between 1991 and 1995, Viet Nam became a major rice exporter, achieved universal primary education, and joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995. Between 1986 and 2024, Viet Nams GDP expanded from US$8 billion to over $476 billion, while per capita income rose from less than $700 to around $4,500, the scholar highlighted.

Dr. Radulovich assessed that Viet Nam has emerged as a middle power in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, skilfully maintaining a balance between the US and China, enhancing security cooperation with India and Japan, and playing a mediating role in major international events such as hosting the 2019 US-DPRK Summit in Ha Noi.

She underlined in particular Viet Nams people-centred development model, with policies focusing on social welfare, poverty reduction and quality of life. This is reflected in the Party Central Committees Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW (2022), which set out multidimensional poverty standards, combining income with access to basic services such as health care, education, housing, clean water, and information.

Dr. Radulovich also praised Viet Nams breakthrough policy to abolish tuition fees for all students in public schools from pre-school to high school, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. She affirmed that this represents a clear commitment to human development and equal educational opportunities for every child in Viet Nam.

According to the scholar, Viet Nams journey since 1945 illustrates a remarkable combination of national independence, decisive economic reform and a strong commitment to human-centred development, securing an increasingly firm position for the country on the global stage. _ VNS
PHNOM PENH  By promoting the national spirit  a cornerstone of self-reliant, resilient, and creative development, Viet Nam has obtained significant development achievements and become a model for other countries across ASEAN, Asia, and the wider international community, said Dr. Eng Kok Thay, Secretary of State at the Office of the Cabinet of the Royal Cambodian Government.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945  2025), Eng Kok Thay, who is also a political analyst, lauded the achievements of the Vietnamese people, highlighting their industriousness, self-reliance, and resilience.

He recalled the shared history of Viet Nam and Cambodia under the French colonial rule, the joint struggles against foreign aggression, their common political and social journey, and the engagement in peace building in each country. He also highlighted Vietnams reunification and shift to a socialist-oriented market economy, which brought about lasting peace and robust growth.

According to the Cambodian official, the countrys bold economic reforms and policy adjustments under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam have led to remarkable progress in poverty reduction, higher life expectancy, improved living standards, and gender equality.

He noted that with the household poverty rate now at a very low level, the Vietnamese people are enjoying happiness, every freedom right, and the right to decide their own future.

Eng Kok Thay expressed his admiration for the Vietnamese people's creativity and relentless efforts, especially in fulfilling the United Nations Millennium Development Goals ahead of many other nations in ASEAN and the world, and it is well on track to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

He is confident Viet Nam will continue to meet and even surpass its development targets, given what it has attained over the past eight decades and its people's virtues, he added.

The official also congratulated Viet Nam on the achievements in caring for the well-being and interests of ethnic minorities, as well as in promoting their cultural and religious life, describing these as demonstrations of Vietnam's commitment to inclusive and harmonious development and the great national solidarity.

Beyond its domestic progress, he stressed, Viet Nam has actively engaged in international issues in the spirit of independence, peace, multilateralism, and respect for each other's sovereignties. Its participation in the ASEAN security cooperation and UN peacekeeping missions clearly reflect Vietnams contributions to regional and global stability.

Eng Kok Thay affirmed that based on its spirit of independence, resilience, and creativity, along with steadfastness in independence and sovereignty, Viet Nam has secured enormous development achievements and joined the international community in maintaining peace, adapting to climate change, fighting disease outbreaks, and handling other issues. _ VNS
HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of 29 August, Fosun International held an interim results presentation in Shanghai, with attendees including Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, Wang Qunbin, Co-Chairman of Fosun International, Chen Qiyu, Co-CEO of Fosun International, Xu Xiaoliang, Co-CEO of Fosun International, Gong Ping, CFO of Fosun International, along with numerous institutional investors and analysts.

Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, highlighted that Fosun achieved significant breakthroughs across several business segments in the first half of 2025, particularly in the biopharmaceutical segment. Moving forward, Fosun will focus on deepening and thoroughly developing industries that it has established significant industry advantages, striving to achieve breakthroughs, accelerate growth, and ascend to the pinnacle within these mature sectors, securing a commanding global position.

In recent years, Fosun has continued to advance its business streamlining and core business-focused strategy. While divesting from a series of non-core assets, it has focused on high-growth core industries. Wang Qunbin, Co-Chairman of Fosun International, noted the importance of managing and reducing debt levels during the process of focused development. Building on ample cash flow and a reasonable debt ratio, Fosun is prioritizing growth in its core industries such as biopharmaceuticals, cultural tourism, and consumption, to strengthen its competitiveness.

Innovation is at the heart of Fosun's ongoing strategy. In the first half of 2025, Fosun's technology innovation strategy delivered breakthroughs, fostering a number of globally competitive innovations. Chen Qiyu, Co-CEO of Fosun International, emphasized that Fosun's future development ultimately hinges on a strong focus on innovation. He noted that innovation must be built on a solid foundation, which involves strengthening and refining Fosun's technology platforms. Building on these platforms, Fosun must also effectively leverage China's local innovation capabilities. At the same time, Fosun should accelerate the development of two capabilities. The first is enhancing external collaboration and conversion capabilities to achieve efficient value realization. The second is expanding its capacity for global commercialization across international markets. This strategy, known as "Innovation + Globalization", enables Fosun to unlock the full value of innovation through strong global commercial capabilities.

Regarding public concerns about innovative drug R&D, Guo Guangchang stated that Fosun's current pipeline includes several innovative blockbuster products with significant global market potential, offering ample room for growth. Fosun's pharmaceutical innovation extends beyond Henlius. It also includes Fosun Kite's CAR-T therapy, along with innovative drugs from its established product divisions, all of which hold immense potential.

Guo Guangchang said, "I have been emphasizing to our team that we shouldn't just sell off all our innovative drugs. Both licensing in and licensing out are important. Some products may command a high price if simply licensed out, but we are not in a rush. We should continue to advance our R&D to make these products the best in the world."

As one of China's largest private enterprises with the most extensive global business presence and operational capabilities, Fosun reached a new globalization milestone in the first half of 2025, with overseas revenue now accounting for 53% of the Group's total revenue. Xu Xiaoliang, Co-CEO of Fosun International, said that Fosun has evolved from "combining China's growth momentum with global resources" to "integrating China's capabilities with global assets". These capabilities are reflected in several areas: global R&D and business development, global investment, promoting Chinese culture abroad, and global operations. Fosun will continue to focus on its strategy, address challenges through development, and adopt a long-term approach to navigate economic cycles, creating greater value for shareholders and society.

Regarding the Group's financial results in the first half of the year, Gong Ping, CFO of Fosun International, stated that Fosun's financial strategy continues to evolve around strategic focus and steady development. In implementing this strategy, the Group has been disciplined in prioritizing its industries, concentrating resources on businesses with the potential to become industry leaders, and steadily advancing asset-light operations. Looking ahead, Fosun aims to gradually increase the proportion of overseas revenue while reducing interest-bearing debt to around RMB60 billion or less. At the same time, the Group strives to achieve RMB10 billion in both industrial operation profit and profit attributable to owners of the parent. Building on this, Fosun plans to gradually raise its dividend payout ratio and steadily raise its credit rating, ultimately achieving investment-grade rating.

In the first half of 2025, Fosun actively captured macroeconomic trends, maintained a clear strategic focus, and leveraged its strong capabilities in innovation and globalization to drive steady business development. During the Reporting Period, the Group's total revenue reached RMB87.28 billion, industrial operation profit amounted to RMB3.15 billion, and profit attributable to owners of the parent reached RMB661.2 million. The four core subsidiaries - Fosun Pharma, Yuyuan, Fosun Insurance Portugal and Fosun Tourism Group - achieved a total revenue of RMB63.61 billion in the first half of 2025, accounting for 73% of the Group's total revenue. As at the end of the Reporting Period, the total debt to total capital ratio stood at 53%, with debt ratio remaining at a healthy level. In May 2025, the international credit rating agency S&P affirmed Fosun's credit metrics and maintained its rating outlook as "Stable".

SOURCE Fosun
HA NOI  On September 2, Viet Nam will celebrate its 80th National Day with a grand parade at Ba inh Square, where, for the first time, the spotlight will fall on advanced military equipment designed and built domestically by Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group.

The display will include a wide range of systems, from surface-to-air missiles and coastal defence launchers to electronic warfare vehicles and drones, highlighting both the modernisation of the armed forces and the countrys push for technological self-reliance.

One of the parades key highlights will be the S-125-VT surface-to-air missile system, an upgraded version of the Pechora complex.

Viettel has re-engineered the system to allow simultaneous engagement of two separate targets with two missiles, significantly improving its combat effectiveness.

According to engineers, the strike probability against tactical aircraft can reach up to 90 per cent  considered a high success rate for air-defence weaponry of its class.

Mobility and speed of deployment have also been enhanced. All system components are mounted on hydraulic lifts and off-road vehicle chassis, reducing deployment and withdrawal times to around 20 minutes, compared with more than 90 minutes for the standard version.

This improvement is seen as critical for repositioning quickly in combat and avoiding enemy counterstrikes.

In addition to radar guidance, the system integrates an electro-optical observation unit, enabling it to detect and track low-flying aircraft even under conditions of heavy electronic jamming or complete radar suppression.

Also making its debut is the Truong Son coastal missile complex, fully researched, developed and manufactured by Vietnamese engineers.

The system is composed of multiple vehicles, including a command truck, radar vehicle, launcher, transport and reloading unit, and testing vehicle.

Its long-range radar can scan for and designate surface targets, giving the complex the ability to engage enemy ships at sea.

The system is designed to fire anti-ship cruise missiles, among them the Song Hong (Red River) missile, a subsonic cruise missile. The pairing of names  Truong Son (mountains) and Song Hong (river)  is deliberately symbolic, representing Viet Nams determination to protect its land and maritime sovereignty.

For Viettels engineers, the Truong Son complex stands as a source of pride: the result of years of independent research, development and production, entirely within Viet Nam.

The parade will also feature a series of Viettels radar and electronic warfare systems.

The VRS-2DM radar has been designed specifically to detect and track low-altitude targets, including stealth aircraft and weapons, enhancing Viet Nams airspace surveillance capability.

The VRS-MRS three-coordinate radar can pinpoint a targets distance, azimuth and altitude simultaneously, delivering high-precision data to improve overall air-defence effectiveness.

Supporting these is Viettels Electronic Warfare Vehicle, designed to detect, intercept and jam adversary electromagnetic signals. Engineers describe the system as providing a soft shield that helps secure Viet Nams electromagnetic environment in the event of conflict.

The formation will also include a Communications Vehicle, showcasing Viettels core expertise in telecommunications.

Equipped with radio, satellite, optical and IP-based transmission, along with advanced military-grade encryption, it ensures that battlefield command communications remain secure and uninterrupted.

A further demonstration of Viettels technological ambitions comes in the form of three UAV models: a reconnaissance UAV, a multi-purpose UAV and the VU-C2 loitering munition UAV.

The reconnaissance UAVs feature vertical take-off and landing, advanced cameras and automated surveillance capabilities, able to monitor land and sea targets with high precision.

The VU-C2, meanwhile, is designed as a loitering munition, equipped with a warhead, AI-driven sensors and a camera system. It can autonomously search for, detect and lock onto targets, only striking when authorised by a commander.

With a wingspan of 1.5 metres, length of 1.1 metres, maximum take-off weight of 8kg and a flight endurance of 40 minutes, the VU-C2 can attack targets at speeds exceeding 130km/h.

The UAVs have already undergone testing and are being introduced into training, marking what defence experts describe as a significant breakthrough for Viet Nams defence industry.

At the squad level, Viettel will also present the UX18A personal radio, designed for tactical communications in the UHF band. Lightweight and compact, the device supports operations requiring high mobility.

Operating on a Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET), it can self-establish links and route signals without the need for base stations, ensuring robust communication for soldiers and rapid-response units in the field.

From long-range radars and coastal missiles to UAVs and encrypted radios, the Made in Vietnam systems on display at Ba inh Square embody a new phase of technological self-reliance.

For the engineers, technicians and workers behind these projects, it is also a moment of national pride  showcasing years of innovation, determination and a commitment to strengthening the countrys defence capabilities.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has written an article entitled 'The Government under the leadership of the Party: 80 years of service to the nation and the people', reviewing the Governments formation, achievements and future direction since its establishment in 1945.

In the article, the PM reviewed eight decades of history, recalling the Governments formation following the August Revolution and the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and President Ho Chi Minh, the Government stood shoulder to shoulder with the entire political system, the people and the armed forces to overcome immense challenges, harness the strength of national unity and secure historic victories.

Chinh pointed to the decisive leadership that helped mobilise the peoples strength during the resistance wars against colonialism and imperialism, culminating in such milestones as the ien Bien Phu Victory of 1954, the Geneva Accords, the 1973 Paris Agreement and the historic Spring Offensive of 1975 that achieved national reunification.

After reunification, the Government guided post-war reconstruction, economic recovery and defence of the countrys borders, while fulfilling international obligations.

Facing economic stagnation in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reforms in agriculture and State industry laid the foundation for oi moi (Renewal). These reform policies transformed Viet Nam from a food-deficit nation into one of the worlds leading rice exporters, marking the beginning of its transition to a socialist-oriented market economy.

The PM also highlighted Viet Nams achievements in international integration. Over recent decades, the country has joined the United Nations, ASEAN and a wide network of free trade agreements, forged partnerships with nearly 200 nations and built strategic or comprehensive relations with 38 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Viet Nam has earned a spot among the worlds top 20 trading economies and has emerged as a major destination for foreign investment.

At home, the Government has prioritised poverty reduction, social security and improving livelihoods, making Viet Nam a success story in achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. At the same time, it has strengthened national defence and security, consolidated a strong peoples security posture and contributed actively to international peacekeeping operations.

PM Chinh reaffirmed the Governments determination to build a development-oriented, transparent and action-driven administration that serves the people. Structural reforms are being pushed to streamline the State apparatus, enhance decentralisation and improve governance efficiency. Infrastructure development is also being accelerated, with major projects on expressways, airports, seaports and high-speed rail to create momentum for growth.

Science, technology, digital transformation, education, healthcare and environmental protection remain key priorities. Policies will continue to ensure inclusive development so that no one is left behind. The Government aims for GDP growth of more than 8 per cent in 2025, creating the basis for an average growth rate of 10 per cent or higher in the subsequent period.

The PM stressed the importance of enduring lessons from 80 years of governance, which include placing national independence and socialism as guiding principles, continuing to consider the people as the foundation, strengthening unity, combining domestic strength with global trends and maintaining the Partys leadership as the decisive factor for success.

He wrote that over 80 years the Government had shown determination, resilience and aspiration, and under the Partys leadership, with the support of political institutions and the unity of the people and armed forces, it would continue serving the people and guiding the nation towards prosperity, happiness and global stature.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang hosted a tea gathering on Thursday for ambassadors and charges daffaires from the UK, Switzerland, Norway and EU member states in Ha Noi on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's August Revolution, National Day and the diplomatic service and 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties of Viet Nam and the EU.

Deputy FM Hang invited foreign diplomats to savour Vietnamese tea and treats, including bean cakes, mooncakes and peanut sweets, showcasing the countrys vibrant tea culture and warm hospitality.

The official emphasised Viet Nams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, affirming that the country attaches importance to fostering friendship and multifaceted cooperation with European nations.

She thanked the ambassadors and charges daffaires for joining the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams diplomatic service, stressing that the milestone reflects decades of dedication by thousands of diplomats in safeguarding national interests and Viet Nams global position.

Hang also expressed appreciation to international partners for their support for Viet Nam in building a proactive, humane and responsible diplomacy.

The official noted that 2025 marks 35 years of the Viet NamEU relations, highlighted by the planned signing of a framework cooperation agreement with the EU.

She affirmed Viet Nams desire to strengthen cooperation and exchanges with Europe, towards further deepening relations in a more substantive and effective manner, contributing to peace, security, and development in the world.

International friends extended congratulations to the Vietnamese people on the 80th National Day, praising the nations proud history.

They expressed their delight in experiencing Vietnamese tea, noting that it represents not only a culinary tradition but also a message of happiness, peace, cooperation and shared sustainable development and prosperity among nations.  VNA
HA NOI  Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong and Deputy Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dato Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani co-chaired the third Viet NamMalaysia Senior Officials Strategic Dialogue in Ha Noi on Thursday.

Deputy Minister Cuong welcomed the timely organisation of the meeting following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the historic visit to Malaysia by Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse in November 2024. He stressed that the dialogue reflected the proactive efforts of both foreign ministries in implementing the new partnership and the agreements reached by the two countries high-ranking leaders. The event was all the more meaningful as it coincided with major national celebrations: Malaysias 68th National Day and Viet Nam's 80th August Revolution and National Day.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and discussed orientations for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with high-level agreements. They noted with satisfaction that under the Action Programme for 202125, and particularly after the recent upgrade in ties, cooperation has deepened and become more effective across multiple fields, including politics, economytradeinvestment, defencesecurity, labour, culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Ghani highlighted economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a bright spot in recent years. Malaysia remains Viet Nam's third-largest trading partner in ASEAN and ninth globally, while also ranking among the top 10 foreign investors in Viet Nam. Bilateral trade has steadily increased, approaching the target of $18 billion in a more balanced manner.

Looking ahead, both sides pledged close coordination to soon adopt the Action Programme for implementing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 202630. They agreed to promote emerging areas of complementary cooperation such as digital transformation, innovation, artificial intelligence, technology, agriculture and Halal products, energy, and power transmission, and to accelerate the signing of cooperation documents in these fields to establish a solid legal framework for joint activities.

Exchanging views on regional and international developments, the two sides concurred that amid a fast-changing strategic environment fraught with risks and challenges, countries in the region should diversify partnerships, and promote sustainable economic recovery and green growth. At the same time, they underscored the need to enhance coordination within multilateral mechanisms, with ASEAN continuing to play a leading role in fostering the blocs resilience and shaping the regional architecture.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) into a sea of peace, cooperation, and development. They agreed to work with other ASEAN members to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), thereby facilitating negotiations on a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC). They also vowed continued mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within the United Nations.

Deputy Minister Cuong urged Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and country coordinator of ASEANChina dialogue relations for 202427, to maintain strong commitment and leadership in upholding international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to make positive, constructive, and responsible contributions to the COC negotiation process.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  As Viet Nam prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the Ministry of Public Security has launched a full-scale security operation to keep the celebrations safe and seamless.

At a deployment ceremony held on Friday in Ha Noi, the units were tasked with maintaining public order and safety throughout the historic events.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung emphasised that security efforts must be executed at the highest and most resolute level, ensuring absolute safety without a single error.

He added that alongside rigorous security measures, organisers must also guarantee the best possible conditions for the smooth running of the anniversary events, allowing the public to fully enjoy and participate in the parade and celebrations.

Officers are required to be fully aware of their roles, responsibilities and tasks. They must avoid complacency or negligence, maintain the highest vigilance and focus and mobilise all resources to ensure absolute safety for the anniversary celebrations.

Priority must be given to preventing hostile, reactionary or criminal factors from disrupting the events, along with information and cyber security.

Efforts will also focus on crime suppression, increased patrols and controls, strict management of weapons, explosives, precursors and support tools, as well as ensuring fire prevention and firefighting, rescue and safety at celebration venues, delegate accommodations and service facilities.

Effective traffic management plans will be executed to ensure smooth flows, avoiding accidents and congestion.

Reception and escort of delegates must be handled flawlessly. Communications systems must operate without interruption to support command and control.

The Ministry of Public Security has issued plans, procedures and measures for security and order at all levels.

To date, field deployments have been synchronised and interconnected, forming a seamless security posture. Traffic flows have been organised smoothly, particularly along routes used by the parade forces and convoys.

Eight campaigns were also simultaneously launched across the nation today to combat criminal activities and illegal entry and exit, helping to secure the environment for the commemorative activities.  VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnamese Government will continue to work closely with the United Nations (UN) to address obstacles, accelerate project approval and implementation, and ensure the successful completion of the 202226 cooperation programme, laying a solid foundation for the 202731 period, Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong affirmed.

Recently, the Viet NamUN Joint Steering Committee held its annual session to review the mobilisation and utilisation of official development assistance (ODA) during the 202226 cooperation period and to discuss and establish the roadmap for the 202731 strategy.

Michaela Bauer, Co-Chair of the UN Program & Management Team (PMT) and Deputy Representative of UNICEF Viet Nam, noted that in 2024, the programme achieved six notable joint results of promoting just energy transitions; supporting accelerated progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs); enhancing emergency response and disaster resilience; fostering partnerships and financial catalysis; leveraging innovation; and strengthening gender equality while preventing exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment.

Additionally, the programme advocated for the Vietnamese Government to simplify regulations on ODA management by contributing to revisions of the Public Investment Law, State Budget Law, and related sub-laws, reflecting the special nature of UN-provided technical assistance. Joint work plans and UN contributions are regularly updated and made public, including cooperation framework assessments, national analyses, and development of the new cooperation framework.

Bauer stressed that the priority for 202526 is to support Viet Nam's 2045 goals, promote key transformational areas for SDG implementation, foster financial innovation for SDGs, and strengthen partnerships aligned with Viet Nam's administrative reform and restructuring, among other work.

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Finances state budget department, inh Xuan Ha, noted that Viet Nam aims for high growth, targeting an average of 10% or more during 202630, with dynamic, rapid, and sustainable economic development while maintaining macroeconomic balances.

In the process of developing the 202731 cooperation framework, Shin Umezu, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office, stated that the plan will be divided into specific milestones, linked to broad consultations and national analysis. A multilateral workshop in September will mark the starting point of a long-term policy dialogue, ensuring that the new cooperation framework aligns with both Viet Nam's practical needs and global development trends.  VNS
HA NOI  The participation of foreign military personnel in the upcoming parade on September 2 is seen as a powerful symbol of national and international solidarity for peace, cooperation, friendship, and development, said Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien.

It also reflects Viet Nams appreciation of its international friends while underscoring the prestige and stature of the country and the Viet Nam Peoples Army on the global stage, he told a reception for nearly 400 servicemen from the military forces of China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia, who will participate in the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam.

On behalf of the Ministry of National Defence, Chien extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the foreign troops for their participation. He commended their determination and training efforts, noting their swift integration into rehearsals alongside the Vietnamese forces.

Since their arrival, the delegations have received warm attention from both local leaders and the public. Their presence has been widely covered by the media, leaving strong impressions of military discipline, professionalism, and precision, he noted.

Expressing confidence in their contributions, Chien affirmed that the foreign contingents, together with the Viet Nam Peoples Army, will complete their mission, adding to the grandeur of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of Viet Nam.  VNS
HA NOI  Phan inh Trac, Politburo member, Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and head of its Commission for Internal Affairs, on August 29 hosted a high-ranking delegation of the Mexican Labour Party (PT) led by Pedro Vazquez Gonzalez, a member of its Politburo and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico.

Trac appreciated the PT sending senior representatives to Viet Nam to attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. He stressed that the visit demonstrates the strong friendship, cooperation, and political trust between the two parties, contributing to the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Mexico.

For his part, Pedro Vazquez conveyed warm congratulations from PT General Secretary Alberto Anaya Gutierrez to CPV General Secretary To Lam, other leaders, and people of Viet Nam. He showed admiration for Viet Nams remarkable achievements in national renewal, construction, and defence.

The Mexican official emphasised that Viet Nams nearly 40 years of renewal and international integration have produced valuable experiences and lessons that serve as a model for communist and progressive left-wing parties worldwide. He voiced confidence that the country will succeed in its new era of development, realising President Ho Chi Minhs aspiration of building a stronger and more prosperous Viet Nam.

Meanwhile, Trac briefed the guests on Viet Nams recent socio-economic and foreign policy achievements, the Partys strategic decisions, preparations for the 14th National Party Congress, and the development goals for 2030 and 2045.

He underlined the need for the two parties to strengthen theory exchanges and experience sharing, encourage businesses of both countries to expand cooperation, and continue to support each other at international organisations, especially the United Nations and other multilateral forums, to protect their legitimate national interests.

Expressing satisfaction with the growth of relations between the CPV and the PT over the last 30 years, as well as between Viet Nam and Mexico over the past five decades, the host proposed closer coordination in implementing the parties' cooperation agreement.

He suggested both parties review and develop new forms, measures, and fields of cooperation to enhance sustainability in key areas such as external relations communications, acupuncture, and agriculture, while further leveraging their roles in the two countries to promote high-level mutual visits and strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties.

Pedro Vazquez affirmed that the PT will support high-level exchanges between the two countries. He agreed with the CPVs proposals to enhance bilateral relations, highlighting the potential of both countries as members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to expand economic, trade, and investment partnerships.

He also concurred that the two parties should work towards renewing their cooperation agreement and expressed readiness to help the CPV broaden ties with political parties across Latin America. _ VNS
HA NOI  President Luong Cuong on August 29 received Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (Parliament) Gerry Brownlee, who is on an official visit to Viet Nam.

President Cuong welcomed Brownlee to Viet Nam, noting that the trip is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (19752025) and Vietnams 80th National Day. He expressed his confidence that the visit will further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The President appreciated New Zealand as a reliable partner that has actively cooperated with and supported Viet Nam over the past five decades. He stressed that the upgrading of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025 opened up a new stage of cooperation, making the collaboration more comprehensive and deeper, at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

For his part, Speaker Brownlee said he was delighted to visit Vietnam at a time when the Vietnamese people are celebrating the National Day, calling it a special occasion to witness their national pride and patriotism. He thanked Viet Nam for the warm hospitality, expressed admiration for the countrys strong development over the past 80 years, and recognised Viet Nams growing role and position at regional and international forums. He affirmed that his country wishes to further enhance the friendship with the Southeast Asian nation.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the achievements in bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in education, agriculture, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to soon sign an Action Programme to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2025-2030 with concrete measures across sectors.

They also underlined the need to strengthen political trust, increase visits and exchanges at all levels, especially high level, and foster closer defence and security cooperation. Both sides agreed to step up the sharing of information and assessments on regional and global issues.

Highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges, the leaders agreed to boost ties through cooperation in education, tourism, and trade. President Cuong proposed that New Zealand increase scholarships for Vietnamese students and continue to support the Vietnamese community in the country.

Speaker Brownlee affirmed that New Zealand values the contributions of the Vietnamese community and is committed to creating favourable conditions for them.

The two leaders also shared common views on regional and international issues, and agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and ASEAN-led mechanisms. _ VNS
HCM CITY  Vietnamese prosecutors have indicted 43 people for a US$3.8 billion transnational crypto gambling ring using USDT, Ethereum and Naga tokens, in a case that highlights the countrys legal grey zone around digital assets and the growing risks facing investors.

The HCM City Peoples Procuracy on Friday charged Huynh Long Nhu, 32, and three of his siblings with organising and running the gambling network, alongside dozens of accomplices.

Authorities have identified an Indian national as the alleged mastermind of this ring, but he remains at large.

Investigators said the ring, which was dismantled in late 2021 after four years of probes and 15 rounds of supplementary investigation, processed bets worth nearly VN88 trillion (US$3.8 billion) through platforms Swiftonline.live and Nagaclubs.com.

At its peak, the network attracted some 25 million user accounts and operated a multi-level marketing scheme promising investors daily returns of up to 1.5 per cent.

Profits were laundered through real estate and luxury assets, according to the indictment. Nhu alone pocketed about VN53 billion ($2.1 million), while his brother earned more than VN44 billion.

Loophole

The defendants allegedly exploited a regulatory loophole: Viet Nam has not recognised cryptocurrencies as legal tender or as lawful means of payment, but crypto trading and peer-to-peer transfers remain widespread.

Players reportedly converted Vietnamese ong into digital tokens via exchanges such as Binance and Remitano, then used them to gamble online before cashing out.

The case has reignited concerns over Viet Nams fast-growing but unregulated crypto market.

Despite repeated warnings from the State Bank of Viet Nam, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework has allowed digital assets to be used in cross-border fraud, money laundering, and illegal online betting.

Analysts say the scandal reflects broader financial risks in Viet Nam, where investorsoften retail users seeking high returnsare vulnerable to scams in the absence of investor protection mechanisms.

Authorities have pledged to tighten oversight, but a long-delayed legal framework for digital assets remains under discussion.

Insiders said criminals are exploiting Viet Nams legal vacuum to build multi-billion-dollar schemes, urging policymakers to close regulatory gaps before more investors are caught in similar traps.  VNS
BOSTON, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) (the "Fund"), a closed-end fund managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC and subadvised by Manulife Investment Management (US) LLC, announced today sources of its monthly distribution of $0.0825 per share paid to all shareholders of record as of August 11, 2025, pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan. This press release is issued as required by an exemptive order granted to the Fund by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Notification of Sources of Distribution

This notice provides shareholders of the John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) with important information concerning the distribution declared on August 1, 2025, and payable on August 29, 2025. No action is required on your part.

Distribution Period: August 2025

Distribution Amount Per Common Share: $0.0825

The following table sets forth the estimated sources of the current distribution, payable August 29, 2025, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short term capital gains; net realized long term capital gains; and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per common share basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount.





For the period 08/01/2025-08/31/2025

For the fiscal year-to-date period

11/1/2024-08/31/2025 [1] Source

Current

Distribution ($)

% Breakdown

of the Current

Distribution

Total Cumulative

Distributions ($)

% Breakdown

of the Total

Cumulative

Distributions Net Investment Income

0.0653

79 %

0.5330

65 % Net Realized Short-

Term Capital Gains

0.0009

1 %

0.1100

13 % Net Realized Long-

Term Capital Gains

0.0090

11 %

0.0802

10 % Return of Capital or

Other Capital

Source

0.0073

9 %

0.1018

12 % Total per common

share

0.0825

100 %

0.8250

100 %

















Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5 years ended on July 31, 2025

10.55 %





Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of July 31, 2025

7.12 %





Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through July 31, 2025

8.26 %





Cumulative fiscal year-to-date distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of July 31, 2025

5.94 %









1 The Fund's current fiscal year began on November 1, 2024 and will end on October 31, 2025.

You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's managed distribution plan.

The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net realized capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income."

The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund has declared the August 2025 distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "Plan"). Under the Plan, the Fund makes fixed monthly distributions in the amount of $0.0825 per share, which will continue to be paid monthly until further notice.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your financial professional or call the Manulife John Hancock Closed-End Fund Information Line at 1-800-843-0090, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About Manulife John Hancock Investments

We serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.

About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management

As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management provides global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering people today to invest for a better tomorrow. As a committed partner to our clients and as a responsible steward of investor capital, we offer a heritage of risk management, deep expertise across public and private markets, and comprehensive retirement plan services. We seek to provide better investment and impact outcomes and to help people confidently save and invest for a more secure financial future. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

Media Contact: Gordon Haight

(617) 572-0034

Investor Contact: (800) 843-0090

SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
HA NOI  Ha Noi police have ordered more patrols and strict penalties on the trading, flying or releasing of kites, balloons or flying toys, as well as the burning and releasing of sky lanterns, which may affect the Air Defence  Air Force Services flight operations in preparation for the 80th National Day parade.

The move follows recent reports of flying objects such as balloons, sky lanterns and flying toys being released, along with the unauthorised use of flycams by organisations and individuals, which have affected the security and safety of flight training for the national parade.

As flight operations will continue on August 30, 31 and September 2, Ha Noi Capital Command has directed local defence commands to notify agencies, organisations and individuals to temporarily suspend the operation of unmanned aircraft and other aerial vehicles previously licensed by the Department of Operations under the General Staff of the Viet Nam Peoples Army.

UAVs in violation of this rule will be seized and handled in accordance with the law.

Road closures

To serve the full rehearsal of the parade at 6.30am on Saturday, Ha Noi police announced road closures from 10pm Friday until 1pm the following day.

Compared to the notice issued on August 13, the duration of road closures and traffic restrictions has been shortened to 15 hours, down from 21 hours.

Streets subject to a complete traffic ban (except for vehicles with security badges and those serving the anniversary celebration) include Hoang Hoa Tham, Thuy Khue (from Hung Vuong to Van Cao), Mai Xuan Thuong, Quan Thanh, Phan inh Phung, Hung Vuong, Hoang Van Thu, oc Lap, Chua Mot Cot, Bac Son, Ton That am, Nguyen Canh Chan, Hoang Dieu, Cua Bac, Yen Phu and Thanh Nien.

The following streets will also be closed: ien Bien Phu, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Le Hong Phong, Ong Ich Khiem, Ngoc Ha, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Chu Van An, Ton uc Thang, Cat Linh, Trinh Hoai uc, Hang Chao, Tran Phu, Son Tay, Kim Ma, Lieu Giai, Van Cao, Nghi Tam, oi Can, Doc La-Pho, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Le Duan, Tran Nhan Tong (from Le Duan to Quang Trung), Trang Thi, Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Co Tan and Phan Chu Trinh (from Hai Ba Trung to Trang Tien).

Le Thanh Tong, Tong an (from Ly ao Thanh to Trang Tien), Tran Quang Khai, Tran Khanh Du, Quang Trung (tu Ly Thuong Kiet en Trang Thi), Ly Thai To, Nguyen Huu Huan, Ngo Quyen (from State Bank of Vietnam Square to Trang Tien), Giang Vo, Lang Ha and Lang (from Lang Ha to Tran Duy Hung) streets will also be completely closed during the specified hours.

Police have advised visitors from other localities attending National Day activities in the capital to use passenger cars or public transport, especially the elevated railway, and to walk on designated streets in Ba inh, Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, Hai Ba Trung, Giang Vo and Ngoc Ha wards, as well as areas around Ba inh Square, where the rehearsals and the main event takes place.  VNS
HCM CITY  Women in HCM City who have two children before turning 35 years old will receive financial support of VN5 million (US$200).

This is part of a resolution recently approved by the HCM City Peoples Council, regarding incentives and financial support for individuals and collectives contributing to population affairs, which will take effect on September 1.

This policy applies to Vietnamese citizens residing in HCM City who comply with the two-child policy.

The Councils Committee for Culture and Society said the benefit is VN2 million (US$79) higher than the current regulation of VN3 million (US$118) per woman.

The new policy aims to raise the city's total fertility rate to 1.6 children per woman (currently 1.43 per woman) under the 2030 national population strategy.

In addition, pregnant women and infants from low-income households living in island communes and special zones would receive a package worth VN2 million, including VN1 million for prenatal and newborn screening, and the rest in cash.

Additionally, the municipal Peoples Committee will award a certificate of merit and VN60 million (US$2,362) to communes with more than 60 per cent of couples of reproductive age having two children for five years in a row.

The programme will be funded by the state budget.

With this resolution, HCM City is now the locality with the most generous fertility incentives and support for pregnant women nationwide.  VNS
HA NOI _ The Office of the President held a press conference on August 29 to announce the President's amnesty decision in the second phase in 2025 on the occasion of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

Decision No. 1693/QD-CTN, signed by President Luong Cuong on August 29 and will be effective on September 1, grants amnesty to 13,920 individuals, including 13,915 serving sentences and five with sentences temporarily suspended, according to Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Le Van Tuyen.

Earlier this year, over 8,000 prisoners were released on April 30 on the occasion of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

This is the largest number of prisoners ever granted amnesty in a single year, Tuyen said, calling it evidence of the Party's and the States humanitarian policy.

Among the beneficiaries are 66 foreign nationals from 18 countries. None are linked to corruption or negative cases under the supervision of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Practices.

Viet Nam has implemented 40 amnesties in 80 years. Since 2009, 11 presidential decisions have benefited nearly 100,000 prisoners.

Addressing the press conference, deputy head of the Presidential Office Can inh Tai said that amnesty is a constitutional institution under the 2018 Law on Amnesty, reflecting the nations humanitarian tradition and the Party's and the States leniency policy. It recognises prisoners' improvement and good conduct, supported by correctional facilities, authorities, families and society. _ VNS
TAY NINH  The Tan Nam (Tay Ninh, Viet Nam)-Meun Chey (Prey Veng, Cambodia) international border gate pair is scheduled to be inaugurated between October 20-30.

The consensus was reached by authorities of Viet Nams Tay Ninh Province and Cambodias Prey Veng Province during their talks at the Tan Nam International Border Guard Station to review preparations for the inauguration on August 29.

The event will feature a cultural performance, the announcement of government resolutions, the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and trial immigration and customs clearance.

Both localities' administrations will report the outcomes of the talks to their respective governments and foreign ministries for approval before finalising the official schedule.

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Hong Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Tay Ninh Peoples Committee, stressed that the inauguration is intended to promote international cooperation, accelerate deep and sustainable economic integration, and enhance activities in defence diplomacy, security diplomacy, and border diplomacy. He urged close collaboration with Prey Veng Province to ensure the success of the event.

For his part, Pich Sotharoth, Deputy Governor of Prey Veng, affirmed the provinces readiness to cooperate with Tay Ninh to make the inauguration proceeds as planned, highlighting the political will and friendship that underpin bilateral trade, cooperation, and development.

Following the talks, both sides signed the minutes of the meeting, officially agreeing on the preparatory plan for the inauguration ceremony of the Tan Nam-Meun Chey international border gate pair. _ VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Friday signed a resolution on adjustments to the central budget expenditure plan for 2025 to support the delivery of gifts to people on the occasion of the National Day.

Under Resolution No. 1811/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the NA Standing Committee, money will be sourced from the central budget planned for the 2025 expenditure that was previously approved by the NA but has yet to be allocated in detail. It will be disbursed for the provision of gifts for citizens.

The total budget amounts to around VN11 trillion (US$417.53 million). Each citizen will receive a one-time gift valued at VN100,000 ($3.8).

Beneficiaries include all Vietnamese citizens, as well as people of Vietnamese origin without nationality but holding an identity certificate and residing in Viet Nam, who have been registered in the National Population Data Center and given a personal identification number by August 30, 2025.

The Government is tasked with implementing this resolution, ensuring the gifts are delivered promptly, transparently and to the correct recipients, without losses, waste, or wrongdoings.

The NA's Ethnic Council, NA committees, NA deputies' delegations, and the State Audit Office of Vietnam will supervise and audit the implementation within their assigned mandates.

The resolution takes effect on the date of signing, August 29.

Also on August 29, following the Prime Minister's directions on the National Day gift distribution, the State Treasury rolled out a number of measures to guarantee the programme is completed on time.

The solutions include adjusting the operation of the bilateral electronic payment system and postponing the rollout of new eight-digit bank codes.

The agency confirmed its top priority is to ensure the gifts  via bank transfer or cash  are fully delivered before the National Day (September 2).

Treasury offices will remain open on September 12 to secure uninterrupted disbursement, with bilateral electronic transactions and coordination with commercial banks operating as usual.  VNS
NEW DELHI  US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods come into effect Wednesday, marking one of the steepest trade measures against any American partner.

Earlier this month, Trump announced the punitive tariffs in response to New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil. The new levies raise duties to 50 per cent on a wide range of Indian exports.

On August 1, 2025, Trumps administration initiated a 25 per cent 'reciprocal' tariff on Indian imports, aimed at addressing trade imbalances and stalled negotiations.

While on August 6, 2025, an additional 25 per cent tariff was imposed as a punitive measure over Indias continued purchase of Russian oil, raising the cumulative tariff level to 50 per cent.

On Monday, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a draft notice confirming the implementation timeline. It stated that the tariffs will apply to Indian goods "entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12.01am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27, 2025."

The move is set to hit Indian merchandise exports worth an estimated 4,00,060 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to deal with the economic blow by promising tax cuts and pushing for greater domestic self-reliance to offset the impact of the tariffs.

President Trump repeatedly labelled India the 'tariff king' and accused it of being a 'big abuser' of trade, citing Indias trade-weighted average tariff of around 12 per cent, compared to the U.S. rate of 2.2 per cent.

PM Modi reportedly ignored Trumps calls amid Tariff standoff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allegedly refused to take four phone calls from President Trump in recent weeks, according to a report by German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).

Citing sources, the paper said PM Modis silence reflected both the "depth of his anger" and a measure of caution in handling the ongoing tariff dispute.

Japanese outlet Nikkei Asia echoed the claim, reporting that PM Modi was deliberately avoiding Trumps calls, further fueling the American Presidents frustration.

Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla expresses hope for successful FTA with the US

Former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla remains hopeful that India will be able to conclude a 'satisfactory mutually beneficial' Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US as 50 per cent tariffs kick in on Wednesday, highlighting the 'close and special partnership' between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump.

Contrary to certain reports suggesting that the former FS indicated a Free Trade Agreement would happen soon, he actually expressed that he was hopeful about the possibility. This distinction provides important context about how the Modi-Trump relationship could potentially pave a pathway for future trade cooperation, rather than suggesting any imminent certainty.

Referring to the 'Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump' events that emphasised on friendship between the two leaders, Shringla highlighted that the 'connection' was developed from the first term of US President Trump.

The Former Foreign Secretary said, "One thing that I know is that President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi enjoy a very close and special partnership. Its been evident in many of the meetings that I have been present in myself That connection doesnt come from today. It comes from President Trumps first term in office, when you had events like Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump."

"Hopefully, we will find a way to conclude a satisfactory mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement with the United States early rather than late and that would certainly take us to the next step of the visit of President Trump to India," Shringla added.

Shringla said that India is constantly working to "minimise" the impact of the tariffs and suggested shifting toward alternative markets, pointing at Indias FTAs with the UK, Australia and the UAE.

"We will be at the receiving end of 50 per cent customs duties for goods exported into the United States from India. We are working on minimising the impact. One way is to find alternative markets. We have Free Trade Agreements with Australia, the UAE and the UK; we are close to concluding a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. This means that we can access different markets and we would have the opportunity to divert some of our exports in that direction." Shringla said.

Shringla expressed confidence in Indias strong relationship with the US and emphasised that through the shared values and principles, India will 'undoubtedly' see through this tariff issue.

"I believe in the relationship. We have the most comprehensive, multi-faceted relationship with the United States, the one that we have more than any other country. The strength of that relationship is the values and principles that we share, which will see us through any ups and downs in the relationship. We will undoubtedly see this through as well," he said.

He acknowledged that the appointment of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India is a 'positive step.' Shringla added that India is constantly developing its capacity in the field of semi-conductor, rare earth minerals through collaboration with other countries.

"We are developing our own capacities, in collaboration with countries like the USA. We are also developing a very strong semiconductor capacity. We are also undertaking a rare earth mission We envision ourselves growing over the next 20 years We have to prepare for the next stage and critical and emerging technologies are a very important part of that," Shringla said.

Trumps 50 per cent tariffs imposed on Indian goods come into effect today. According to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the exports of the labour intensive sectors in the country brace for a collapse of up to 70 per cent as US tariffs take effect.

As per the GTRI report, it will impact a large portion of Indias export basket, particularly in sectors generating massive employment.

The report noted that U.S. tariffs will hit 66 per cent of Indias total exports worth USD$86.5 billion, amounting to $60.2 billion in goods, which will face duties of 50 per cent or higher. Among the most vulnerable sectors are textiles, gems and jewellery and shrimp exports.

On the other hand, around 30 per cent of exports to the US will remain duty-free, largely dominated by pharmaceuticals, APIs and electronics.  THE STATESMAN
BANGKOK Phumtham Wechayachai, Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, on August 29, held a press conference alongside leaders of five coalition parties after the Constitutional Court ruled that Paetongtarn Shinawatra was to be removed from the role of Prime Minister.

The press conference was attended by key figures, including Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Somsak Thepsuthin, leaders from the Pheu Thai Party, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, leader of the United Thai Nation Party, Akanat Promphan, Secretary-General of the United Thai Nation Party, Chalermchai Sri-on, leader of the Democrat Party, Dej-is Khaothong, the partys Secretary-General, Varawut Silpa-archa, leader of the Chartthaipattana Party, and Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, leader of the Prachachat Party. However, the leader of the Kla Tham Party, Narumon Pinyosinwat, was notably absent.

Phumtham expressed solidarity with Paetongtarn, saying that it was important for the government to continue operating smoothly and avoid a political vacuum, especially given the current national challenges. He reiterated the determination to maintain the momentum of government operations and address the people's issues without interruption.

He further explained that the coalition parties agreed to work together to form a government with Pheu Thai taking the lead in line with democratic procedures. The main goal is to quickly progress the process of selecting a new Prime Minister. He said the democratic process must continue without delay and that once Parliament reconvenes, the process to select the new Prime Minister will begin immediately.

Earlier, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister, arrived at Pheu Thai Party headquarters with her husband, Pidok Sooksawas, where she was warmly greeted by Pheu Thai supporters and citizens offering flowers.

Paetongtarn paid her respects to a portrait of His Majesty the King at the party office and embraced her mother, Potjaman Damapong, who had been waiting for her inside the party office. Her sister, Pintongta Shinawatra, was also there offering her support. Paetongtarn then posed for a group photo with MPs before they gradually left the party office after the meeting.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family remained at Pheu Thais headquarters for further discussions. _ THE NATION/ANN
Held on August 28, the event was co-organised by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen, the Ho Chi Minh City Young Entrepreneurs Association, and the Thai-Vietnam Business Association, aiming to boost economic cooperation and socioeconomic development in both nations.

The event drew nearly 150 delegates, including diplomats, business leaders, partner organisations, and overseas Vietnamese. It was also part of activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of Vietnams National Day, and came just months after Vietnam and Thailand elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on May 16. Against this backdrop, the forum carried both symbolic and practical significance.

The forum served as a platform for businesses from both countries to exchange insights, share development visions, and engage in discussions on policy directions aligned with business realities. This convergence of perspectives highlighted the determination of both governments and the private sector to deepen economic linkages at a time when regional integration is accelerating.

Dinh Hoang Linh, consul general of Vietnam in Khon Kaen. Photo: baodautu.vn

In his keynote speech, Vietnams consul general in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh emphasised the role of the Thai-Vietnam Business Association, overseas Vietnamese business networks, and the expatriate community in Northeast Thailand. Linh also underscored the spirit of entrepreneurship as a driving force in this new era.

"This event demonstrates the vision and determination of the private sector, particularly young Vietnamese entrepreneurs. It highlights their commitment to regional integration and global expansion, the building of value chains, and the promotion of the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit. This is worthy of the trust and mission entrusted to the private sector as the nation enters a new era," said Linh.

Discussions at the forum examined opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the green economy, brand development, and market expansion in northeast Thailand, alongside the evolving role of young entrepreneurs. A dialogue session addressed more structural issues, including supply chains, logistics, legal frameworks, the digital economy, innovation, and overseas Vietnamese collaboration. Delegates widely agreed that Vietnam and Thailand are positioned as two economic engines in the Mekong subregion, with the potential to drive integration through strategic economic corridors.

The call for stronger institutional support was echoed by Nguyen Ngoc Tan, chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Tourism Club of Vietnam. He urged both governments, and ASEAN, to create more enabling conditions for the private sector.

"Most entrepreneurs hope that the governments of both countries and within ASEAN can establish a single gateway for private sector engagement. By enabling data sharing, reducing time-consuming regulations, and creating a unified direction, such a mechanism would accelerate private-sector growth and help shape a more sustainable and efficient global supply chain," said Tan.

Tan further emphasised that the forum was not simply a trade promotion initiative but a powerful message of innovation, integration, and value creation, reaffirming the pioneering role of the private sector in the new era.

Photo: baodautu.vn

Complementing the forum, delegates also attended the opening of the Vietnam-Northeast Thailand Trade Fair, which featured nearly 50 booths from businesses of both countries. On this occasion, several cooperation agreements were signed between the Thai-Vietnam Business Association and Vietnamese enterprises, signalling concrete steps towards deeper collaboration.

Speaking at the trade fair, Ho Van Lam, chairman of the Thai-Vietnam Business Association, said, "This event presents an excellent opportunity for businesses from both sides to promote their brands, seek partnerships, and expand their markets."

The 2025 Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum provided a platform for business exchange and reaffirmed the shared aspirations of both sides. Through discussions on innovation, integration, and practical cooperation, the event underscored the growing role of the private sector in advancing bilateral economic ties.

Thailand increases spending on Vietnamese fruit and vegetables Thailand spent $97 million on Vietnamese fruit and vegetables in the first six months of the year, doubling the figure from the same period in 2023.

Amata fosters economic ties between Vietnam and Thailand Amata Vietnam welcomed a delegation from the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association on September 13, led by the association's president Nguyen Van Thanh to attend a luncheon at Amata Corporation in the eastern province of Chonburi in Thailand.
According to the latest data from the Department of Customs, wood and wood products ranked seventh among Vietnams top ten export categories in the first seven months of 2025, reaching $9.65 billion, up 8.1 per cent on-year.

The United States remained Vietnams largest export market, accounting for $5.41 billion or 56 per cent of the total, up 10.5 per cent from the same period last year.

Experts attribute Vietnams strong position in the US market  now among the top three wood exporters to the country  to its cost advantages, including low labour costs and the use of 70 per cent domestically sourced materials.

However, the US administration announcement in early April of a potential 46 per cent countervailing tariff on Vietnamese goods immediately placed the wood sector among those most at risk. If implemented, this tariff would significantly erode the price competitiveness of Vietnamese wood products, pushing up costs significantly.

During the tariff negotiation phase, with businesses hopeful for a more moderate 20 per cent rate, many leading exporters ramped up production to seize a golden window, resulting in relatively strong short-term growth.

Yet, business results from the second quarter (Q2) of 2025 suggest that the anticipated recovery has not fully materialised.

In Q2 of 2025, Duc Thanh Wood Processing JSC reported a 20 per cent decline in revenue to approximately $2.84 million. Its post-tax profit, however, rose 13 per cent to nearly $680,000, mainly due to cost-cutting measures and workforce reduction.

Similarly, An Cuong Wood Working JSC saw a 6 per cent drop in revenue, down to $38.4 million, while its post-tax profit rose 17 per cent to $5.52 million, driven largely by financial gains- specifically, the sale of shares in Central Hill Estate JSC.

Meanwhile, Thuan An Wood Processing JSC posted a 19 per cent decline in revenue to 2.16 million, with post-tax profits plummeting 38 per cent to just $40,000.

In contrast, Phu Tai JSC, which operates across multiple sectors, reported strong growth with revenue reaching $77.6 million and post-tax profits reaching $5.3 million, up 18.6 per cent and 17 per cent on-year, respectively.

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, export prospects appear even more uncertain. Tran Quoc Manh, vice chairman of Vietnam Handicraft Exporters Association, noted that adverse impacts are becoming visible as early as Q3, particularly in August and September.

"Most businesses are still operating but largely in a holding pattern," Manh said. "Selling prices are falling, product ranges are narrowing, and many customers, despite having placed orders, are delaying delivery ahead of market developments. Even import partners are uncertain about the situation, which is causing transaction timelines to stretch out."

He added that while the US market is already facing difficulties, the European market continues to shrink, increasing the pressure on Vietnamese exporters. The situation is expected to deteriorate further in Q4 as orders continue to decline.

Dang Quoc Hung, chairman and CEO of Alliance Handicraft and Wooden Fine Art Corporation, warned that the export wood market will face even greater challenges in the near future.

"Maritime freight costs have been trending upward, especially on routes to Europe and the US. However, the greater concern lies in the countervailing tariffs. Some recent shipments to the US have already encountered tax-related hurdles, and this is expected to continue affecting orders in the upcoming months. As taxes increase, companies are forced to raise prices, which reduces competitiveness and directly hits sales," Hung explained.

Hung also pointed out a shift in buyer expectations. "Previously, exporters typically absorbed all import taxes for shipments to the US, but now clients are pushing for shared cost responsibility. This forces businesses to raise prices, impacting customers and partners directly, some of whom have already raised concerns in recent weeks."

Despite growing instability, the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association remains optimistic that the country can still achieve its 2025 wood and wood product export target of $18 billion. However, the industrys heavy dependence on the US market poses significant risks. Any fluctuation in American consumer demand can immediately affect Vietnams export revenues. As a result, regulatory bodies are encouraging firms to diversify their markets and tap into new growth areas.

Echoing this sentiment, Manh from Vietnam Handicraft Exporters Association said, "In reality, this is incredibly difficult. No market can replace the US in the short term."

Wood industry striving to regain growth momentum Having undergone numerous hardships, businesses in the wood industry are showing great resilience with a high level of adaption and flexibility to regain their growth momentum.

Wood industry eyes positive signals in early 2025 Figures from Foreign Trade Agency under Ministry of Industry and Trade show that Vietnams export value of wood and wood products in the first half of January reached $738.8 million, a 15.6 per cent jump on-year.
The partnership marks the first verse of Johnnie Walker's plans to collaborate with progressive voices in music to tell their unique stories of progress, and shape the future of how and where people can enjoy Johnnie Walker Black Label. Timed to the release of Carpenter's highly-anticipated new album, Man's Best Friend, the Johnnie Walker x Sabrina Carpenter partnership will offer fans of legal drinking age Sabrina's take on her favorite classic whisky cocktails, and album-inspired content that reflects the confident, playful spirit of her new sound.

The campaign debuts globally alongside the final leg of her Short n' Sweet Tour, with content rolling out in key cities and across digital platforms. Designed to spark conversation and inspire fans around the world to mix up their own Sabrina-inspired Johnnie Walker cocktails, the campaign is a cultural moment made to be shared.

"Music plays such a meaningful role in everyone's life journey, and it has always been a way of connecting people to Johnnie Walker's 'Keep Walking' mantra, which is aimed at inspiring personal progress," said John Williams, Global Head of Whiskeys at Diageo. "We are thrilled to welcome Sabrina as the newest voice in our story. Her fearless creativity and deep connection with a new generation make her a powerhouse addition to our Johnnie Walker family. Together, we'll harness the power of music to bring a bold, new energy to the whisky experience."

"Stepping into this next chapter of my music has been such a thrill. It feels more confident and a lot more unapologetic. This partnership is about celebrating boldly, pushing boundaries, and moving forward with purpose," said Sabrina Carpenter.

"Johnnie Walker has evolved through generations to become the modern icon it is today, and Sabrina is on a similar path with Man's Best Friend, stepping into a more confident, self-assured chapter while keeping her signature charm," said JJ Stratford, director and video artist. "In developing this campaign, we nodded to the golden age of spirits advertising, then layered in Sabrina's bold yet timeless aesthetic, clever humor and a modern wink to make it unmistakably her own."

At select stops on the Short n' Sweet Tour, fans 21+ can enjoy Sabrina's signature Johnnie Walker Black Label cocktails including a Manhattan, a whisky sour and a whisky highball, served with surprise-and-delight moments that make the night every bit as memorable as the music.

Be sure to follow @JohnnieWalker and @JohnnieWalkerUS on Instagram and Facebook for updates on the partnership. And whether in a stadium or at home, please enjoy Johnnie Walker responsibly.

ABOUT JOHNNIE WALKER:

Johnnie Walker is the world's number one Scotch Whisky brand* (IWSR 2024), enjoyed by people in over 160 countries. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who craft its whiskies have pursued flavor and quality above all else.

Today's range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Johnnie Walker High Rye Blended Scotch Whisky, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for nearly 19 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2019), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world.

ABOUT DIAGEO:

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).

For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ABOUT SABRINA CARPENTER:

Two-time GRAMMY award winning global superstar, Sabrina Carpenter, has enchanted an audience of millions as a singer, songwriter, actress, and style icon. With her music, she has delivered one anthem after another on stage and in the studio, earning multiple gold and multi-platinum certifications, and performing to sold-out crowds worldwide. On-screen, she has generated mega-fandom through starring roles on television and film. She is signed to Island Records, where she debuted her acclaimed Gold-certified fifth studio album, "emails i can't send", which appeared on many "Best Of 2022" lists, including Rolling Stone and Billboard. The album features her hit single "Feather," which went #1 at Top 40 Radio, earning Sabrina her first #1. Her sold-out "emails i can't send" tour took her to North America, Europe, Asia and Brazil, and she recently served as direct support for Taylor Swift in Latin America, Australia, and Singapore on the Eras Tour. In April, Sabrina made her Coachella debut and was one of the most talked-about artists of the festival. Ahead of her Coachella debut, she released her single "Espresso," which quickly climbed the charts. Upon release, Pitchfork declared "Espresso" as "in pole position to be this year's song of the summer," and The New York Times heralded the single as the song ready to "propel her to the next level". Since its release, "Espresso" has gone on to reach #1 on the UK & Australian singles charts, Top 5 in the US, and #1 on Spotify globally, where it reached over 200M streams within its first month. Her second single, "Please Please Please," was released in June and shot straight up to the top of the charts. The single hit #1 on Spotify's Global and US charts, #1 on Apple Music, and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 before claiming the #1 spot a week later and went #1 at US Pop Radio. Sabrina made her Saturday Night Live debut in May on the season finale, where she performed "Espresso" and "Feather/Nonsense." In August, she released her highly anticipated sixth studio album, Short n' Sweet. The album was instantly met with an outpouring of critical acclaim from the likes of the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Variety, and many more. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, making it the 3rd biggest first week debut in the US in 2024, and became only the second album that year to spend its first three weeks atop the list. "Short n' Sweet" also topped the charts around the world, reaching #1 in UK, Canada, Australia, Spain, and France. The album earned Sabrina an impressive six GRAMMY nominations as a first-time nominee. "Short n' Sweet" took home the GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Vocal Album and Sabrina also won the "Best Pop Solo Performance" GRAMMY Award for the album's lead single "Espresso." She made her debut at the 67th GRAMMY Awards with a captivating performance of "Espresso/Please Please Please." Last Fall, Sabrina wrapped the 33 date North American leg of her monumental sold-out Short n' Sweet Tour and recently wrapped the sold-out European leg. Later this year, Sabrina will return for a second North America leg that includes six shows at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and five shows at Madison Square Garden in New York.

SOURCE Diageo

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Drought status declared for North Wales say Natural Resources Wales

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 29th, 2025

Natural Resources Wales has announced today that despite the change in weather, trigger levels have been met to move North Wales into drought status, closely following south east Wales, which declared drought earlier this month.

While many parts of Wales have received some welcome rainfall this week, the extended hot and dry weather this spring/summer is continuing to impact Waless rivers, groundwaters, land and wildlife say NRW.

In a statement this afternoon NRW said, The decision was shared with a meeting of the Welsh Governments Drought Liaison Group this morning, where the latest hydrological data and the wider implications of low river flows and groundwater levels was considered.

Concerns were shared about the impacts witnessed by our teams on the ground, as well as members of the public via NRWs incident hotline.

In North Wales, more reports are being received about streams drying up and fish found in distress. A significant wildfire impacted the Newborough National Nature reserve over the bank holiday weekend, causing a temporary closure to the site.

NRWs decision to move North Wales to drought status is a consideration of these impacts on the environment, agriculture and land management.

Water companies confirm that drinking water supplies remain safe, and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water confirms there are no plans for any temporary use (hosepipe) bans

There has been no comment from Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Ben Wilson, Principal Advisor, from Natural Resources Wales said: The rainfall this week will provide some welcome respite for our environment, land and wildlife, but it will take many months, and more consistent rainfall for our environment to fully recover.

The six-month period between February and July was the driest since the drought of 1976, and has placed extreme pressure on our rivers, groundwaters, agriculture and wildlife. In some areas, this has caused river flows and groundwater levels to drop below historic lows.

As we head into Autumn, we continue to keep a close eye on weather forecasts, river flows and groundwater levels, as well as responding to reports of environmental incidents caused by the drought. We remain in close contact with the Welsh Government, water companies and other partners to provide a full picture of conditions across the country.

Other impacts of the drought include the drying of private water supplies in some areas, impacts on land management, tree planting, navigation and recreations and farmers needing to seek alternative livestock watering supplies and supplementary feeding due to reduced grass growth and the loss of recently planted trees.

The areas affected by the move to drought status by NRW include:

Dee (Wales)

Upper Severn

North Gwynedd (Conwy, Anglesey, Arfon, Dwyfor)

South Gwynedd (Meirionydd)

Clywd

As a whole for Wales, the period between February-July has been the 16th driest in 190 years (February-July)  and the driest since 1976.

Wales so far this year has received 555mm rainfall (Jan to July 2025), which is almost as dry as conditions in 2022, where the whole of Wales was placed into drought status by September.

As of Tuesday, 26th August, Wales had only received 22.43% of the monthly average rainfall.

The majority of river flows across Wales are therefore low or exceptionally low, as are groundwater levels.

Ben added: As climate change accelerates, summers in the UK are expected to become drier, and extreme weather events will become more frequent and intense.

While essential water supplies remain safe, were urging people to think carefully about their own water usage in the home and at work, to protect supplies for the environment as well as public water supplies.

Water companies, with responsibility for public water supply, have their own definitions and triggers for drought in line with their own drought plans. These do not neccesarily align with NRWs drought status.
Rare snow leopards name revealed as she takes her first steps outside at Chester Zoo!

This article is old - Published: Friday, Aug 29th, 2025

A rare snow leopard cub, the first to be born at Chester Zoo in its 94-year history, has taken her first steps outside.

Born to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, the 10-week-old cub has spent her early weeks snuggled away in a secluded den with mum. During this time, intimate moments captured on the zoos den cams quickly went viral, captivating animal lovers across the globe.

Now, for the first time, the female cub has ventured out to explore the zoos Himalayan habitat.

After receiving thousands of name suggestions from zoo visitors and online followers around the world, conservationists have chosen the name Bheri.

The name is a nod to the cubs mountain origins, with Bheri being named after a river in Nepal that runs through the Himalayas  a fitting tribute to the rugged, high-altitude landscapes where snow leopards roam.

Rachael Boatwright, Assistant Team Manager of carnivores at Chester Zoo, said: After several weeks of watching Nubra and her cub behind the scenes on our cameras, its just fantastic to see Nubra gently guide her precious cub into the outside world for the very first time.

She is already so full of confidence and character as she playfully explores her new surroundings. Nubra is proving herself to be a wonderfully attentive first-time mum, staying close by and keeping a watchful eye as her cub explores further and further each day  its a real privilege.

We were overwhelmed by the volume of name suggestions we received. In the end, we decided to honour the cubs wild mountain roots, where our teams work closely with the Snow Leopard Trust to protect this species in the wild. We feel that, naming her Bheri is a fitting tribute to that important work.

Snow leopards are typically found in high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas. But habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict has meant that this incredible species is vulnerable to extinction, with as few as 4,000 snow leopards estimated to remain in the wild.

Bheri is the first snow leopard to be born at Chester Zoo, as part of the European endangered species breeding programme  a vital conservation initiative working to safeguard a healthy and genetically diverse population of the rare big cats in leading conservation zoos across the European continent.

Alongside its conservation breeding work, Chester Zoo is also helping to protect the species by working alongside the Snow Leopard Trust and communities in Kyrgyzstan to reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect vital habitats and support sustainable livelihoods that benefit both people and wildlife.

Often referred to as the ghosts of the mountains, they are known for their elusive nature and ability to thrive in some of the worlds harshest terrain.
Fire crews are heading to a fire north of Reno near Doyle in Lassen County.

The South Constantia Fire started after noon on Friday.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue tells 2 News Nevada that since the fire is located in California, federal resources will handle it.

Thick white smoke can be seen coming from the fire, which appears to be along a mountain, as a few fire cameras show.

There's no immediate word on if there are any evacuations or if there any injuries.

This is a breaking news story.
HONG KONG, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeTech Scientific Corporation ("LifeTech" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, the "Group", stock code: 1302.HK), a medical device company specializing in minimally invasive interventional solutions for cardio-cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, today announced its unaudited consolidated results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (the "Reporting Period").

Revenue Growth: The Group achieved revenue of approximately RMB676.7 million during the Reporting Period, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 3.7%.

Stable Profitability: Gross profit was approximately RMB497.8 million. Excluding certain non-recurring items[1], net profit attributable to owners of the Company was approximately RMB238.5 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 2.1%.

Strong Cash Position: As at 30 June 2025, the Group's cash and cash equivalents amounted to approximately RMB782.6 million, representing an increase of approximately 17.5% compared with 31 December 2024.

Note [1]: Such non-recurring items include (i) the other gains arising from financial assets at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"); and (ii) the share-based payment expenses.

Increase in Both Domestic and Overseas Sales

In the first half of 2025, the Group continued to implement a proactive and prudent development strategy, with a strong focus on addressing unmet clinical needs worldwide. By leveraging its synergies in branding, intellectual property, distribution, clinical registration, and global operations, the Group strengthened its long-term growth fundamentals and achieved sales growth in both domestic and overseas markets, driven by an expanding portfolio of innovative products and professional academic services.

China's mainland remained the foundation and largest market of the Group, where the sales generated accounted for approximately 74.1% of the total revenue of the Group during the Reporting Period. The Group continued to deepen its presence in the mainland China market, achieving a sales increase of approximately 2.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2025.

Meanwhile, overseas business maintained its upward momentum. Benefiting from proactive expansion and effective marketing strategies, the Group's overseas sales grew by approximately 8.0% year-on-year. Asia (excluding China's mainland) and Europe were the two largest overseas markets of the Group, where the sales generated accounted for approximately 11.4% and 11.0%, respectively, of the total revenue.

Core Business Demonstrated Resilience

The Group currently has three main product lines, covering the Structural Heart Diseases (SHD) business, the Peripheral Vascular Diseases (PVD) business and the Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology (CPE) business.

The revenue of the Group was approximately RMB676.7 million during the Reporting Period, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 3.7%. The revenue increase was primarily driven by the sales increase of stent grafts and left atrial appendage (LAA) occluders, which rose by approximately 9.6% and 14.7% year-on-year, respectively.

SHD Business

The Group has established a diversified product portfolio in the SHD business, mainly including LAA occluders and three generations of congenital heart diseases occluders, aiming to address various market demands through differentiated product strategies.

During the Reporting Period, the sales contributed by the SHD business were approximately RMB271.5 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 0.1%. Continuous technological innovation and product upgrades will further enrich the Group's SHD product portfolio and enhance its global sales layout.

PVD Business

The Group is committed to providing patients worldwide with technology-leading systematic and comprehensive interventional medical devices solutions of PVD. The products offered by the Group in the PVD business mainly include vena cava filters, thoracic aortic stent grafts, abdominal aortic stent grafts, iliac artery bifurcation stent grafts, aortic stent graft systems and aortic arch stent graft systems.

During the Reporting Period, the sales contributed by the PVD business were approximately RMB391.7 million, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 2.9%.

CPE Business

The Company is the first manufacturer in China that has a complete product portfolio of domestic implantable cardiac pacemakers with international-level technology and functions.

During the Reporting Period, the sales contributed by the CPE business were approximately RMB13.5 million, representing a significant year-on-year growth of approximately 1,400.0%.

R&D and Commercialization Progress

The Group is committed to independent innovation, aiming to provide medical devices that deliver exceptional clinical value to physicians and patients while enhancing its long-term competitiveness.

In the first half of 2025, the R&D investment (including capitalized expenditure) of the Group amounted to approximately RMB156.0 million, leading to the following key milestones:

Aortic Stent Graft System (consists of the Ankura Pro Aortic Stent Graft System and Longuette Aortic Branch Stent Graft System), Aortic Arch Stent Graft System (consists of the Ankura Plus Aortic Arch Stent Graft System and CSkirt Aortic Arch Branch Stent Graft System), Peripheral Balloon Dilatation Catheter (Large diameter), Yoscop Multi-loop Snare System and SteerEase-m Introducer have obtained the National Medical Products Administration ("NMPA") certification;





IrisFit PFO Occluder and SteerEase Introducer have obtained the CE MDR (Medical Device Regulation) certification. Such products have previously obtained the CE MDD (Medical Device Directive) certification;





Thoracoabdominal Artery Stent Graft System (consists of the G-Branch Thoracoabdominal Aortic Stent Graft System, SilverFlow PV Peripheral Vascular Stent Graft System and Aortic Extension Stent Graft System) and Iliac Bifurcation Device (consists of the G-iliac Pro Iliac Bifurcation Stent Graft System and SilverFlow Pro Internal Iliac Stent Graft System), etc. are pending registration approval in China ;





; Aortic Stent Graft System (consists of the Ankura Pro Aortic Stent Graft System and Longuette Aortic Branch Stent Graft System), Fitaya Vena Cava Filter System, Futhrough Stent Graft Balloon Catheter, Yuranos Abdominal Aortic Stent Graft System and G-iliac Iliac Bifurcation Device are pending registration approval of CE certification;





Concave Supra-arch Branched Stent-Graft System, X-Clip Mitral Valve Clip System and Aortic Arch Single Branch Stent Graft System (consists of the Aortic Arch Stent Graft System and Aortic Branch Stent Graft System) are currently at the stage of pre-registration clinical enrollment in China ;





; Cera PFO Occluder has completed pre-marketing clinical enrollment and is currently under clinical follow-up in China ;





; IBS Titan Sirolimus-Eluting Iron Bioresorbable Peripheral Scaffold System is currently at the stage of clinical enrollment in China and in Europe , and its CE registration application has been submitted; and





and in , and its CE registration application has been submitted; and IBS Sirolimus-Eluting Iron Bioresorbable Coronary Scaffold System has successfully completed the five-year follow-up of the phase I clinical study and the two-year follow-up of the phase II and III clinical study, further confirming its safety and efficacy. Additionally, its CE and NMPA registration application have been submitted.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property is an internal driving force to improve our core competitiveness in the medical device market. As at 30 June 2025, the Group had filed a total of 2,464 valid patent applications worldwide, of which 1,123 patents had been granted.

Strategic Collaboration to Enter Electrophysiology Market

On 6 June 2025, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary LifeTech Shenzhen, entered into a series of agreements to invest RMB150.0 million in Affector Medtech (Suzhou) Ltd., ("Affector Medtech"), a high-tech company specializing in electrophysiology and innovative medical devices.

The investment will be carried out in stages, subject to the achievement of certain milestones as set out in the investment agreement. As at the date of the Group's 2025 interim results announcement, the first stage of the investment has been completed, and Lifetech Shenzhen has acquired a 22.22% equity interest in Affector Medtech. After completion of all stages of the investment, Lifetech Shenzhen will be entitled to 30% of the equity interest in Affector Medtech.

The two parties will focus on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative products and advanced technologies in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, accelerating global breakthroughs in domestically innovated products in cardiac electrophysiology.

The Chairman and CEO of LifeTech, Mr. XIE Yuehui Said:

In the first half of 2025, through our continuous efforts in R&D, channel expansion, production quality control, and internal management, our market foundation has been further strengthened, our globalization process has deepened, and the clinical translation of our product R&D has achieved milestones, demonstrating our strong business resilience. At the same time, the strategic investment in Affector Medtech has opened up vast opportunities in the high-growth electrophysiology market, which will further expand our growth potential with significant synergistic effects.

Guided by our two core development strategies of "innovation" and "internationalization", we will continuously stimulate our business vitality in the global market and accelerate product development alongside the clinical application of new technologies to benefit more patients worldwide. Leveraging our strong technological capabilities and differentiated portfolio of innovative products, we are poised to capture a larger global market share and further solidify our industry leadership.

Meanwhile, we will strategically position ourselves to capture new growth opportunities worldwide, continuously enhance our resource integration capabilities, strengthen internal and external collaboration, and maintain a prudent yet efficient business operation and capital allocation strategy to advance the company toward higher-quality sustainable development and create long-term value for patients, healthcare providers, shareholders, and all other stakeholders.

About LifeTech Scientific Corporation

Established in 1999 in Shenzhen, China, LifeTech Scientific Corporation (Stock Code: 1302.HK) specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of minimally invasive interventional medical devices for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases. The Company offers innovative solutions for structural heart diseases, peripheral vascular diseases, bradycardia, and neurovascular conditions. It also possesses the world's first innovative iron-based bioabsorbable material technology platform.

Guided by the core strategy of "innovation" and "internationalization", LifeTech maintains a leading market position for its key products in the home country and has established 7 subsidiaries overseas, extending its sales network to nearly 120 countries and regions worldwide.

SOURCE LifeTech Scientific Corporation
We're praying "summer" will arrive soon in San Francisco and along the foggy coast. (Please!?)

In that spirit, we've decided to forget the current temperature and instead start planning for sun with this guide to the area's dog-friendly beaches. Even if Karl never returns to his lair, these sandy stretches are still worth layering up for. We promise your dog won't mindjust be sure to check leash rules and restrictions before heading out.

From Tomales Bay to Santa Cruz, these are our favorite dog friendly beaches in and near San Francisco.

Kehoe Beach (Courtesy of @garrettburdickrealestate)

Kehoe Beach

The 0.6 mile trail to the beach is short (even if you've got kids in tow, chances are good you'll hear no complaining). The beautiful grassy hills, wildflowers, and mustard plants along the trail make the trip worth it. Bring your own food since there aren't many restaurants nearby. // Point Reyes National Seashore (Tomales Bay), nps.gov

Baker Beach

The picnic areas and gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge are definite draws to many of the sun-bathers here. Warning: don't walk toward the north end unless you're prepared for nudity. // 1504 Pershing Dr. (Outer Richmond), presidio.gov

Limantour Beach

This wide beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet afternoon without crowds. Bonus: parking is free. // Point Reyes National Seashore (Point Reyes Station), nps.gov

Crissy Field East Beach (Courtesy of @boomibringsthings)

Crissy Field East Beach

This local favorite is a great place to enjoy a picnic while your dog frolics off-leash in the water. (Note, dogs must always be leashed in the Wildlife Protection Area at the west end of the beach). And if it gets gets too cold, stroll into the Warming Hut for a cup of coffee. //1199 E.Beach (Marina), presidio.gov

Lands End

A San Francisco classic. Come relax among the cypress trees. If for some reason you're unhappy with this rugged coast, you can walk to the other pocket beaches nearby. // 680 Point Lobos (Outer Richmond), nps.gov

Ocean Beach

Dogs are allowed off-leash on the far northern end of Ocean Beach. Stroll the rest of the 3.5 mile stretch with one. Watch out for dangerous undertows (and surfers). Point Lobos Ave. & Great Hwy (Outer Sunset), parksconservancy.org

Fort (Courtesy of @gouda.doodle)

Fort Funston

The walk to this beach may be a bit of a haul, but there will be tons of dogs and their owners to keep you company. The gorgeous beach with its 200-foot high sandy bluffs is wild, fun, and perfect for four-legged frolicking. // Fort Funston Rd. & Skyline Blvd. (Outer Sunset), parksconservancy.org

Miramar Beach

Just north of Half Moon Bay, this popular beach is the only one where pups can live their best off-leash life on the San Mateo County coast. For a longer walk, try the adjacent three-mile Blufftop Trail. // 131 Mirada Rd. (Half Moon Bay), visithalfmoonbay.org

Poplar Beach

This popular beach near Half Moon Bay is a sweet one for a walk in the sand. Leashes are required and you're likely to see equestrians out for their own daily jaunt below the towering cliffs. // 620 Correas St. (Half Moon Bay), visithalfmoonbay.org

Bean Hollow State Beach (Courtesy of @calparks)

Bean Hollow State Beach

On this pebble beach between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, dogs are welcome for on-leash walks and tide pool exploration. A 1.5-mile trail along the cliffs has lovely views of the ocean. // 11000 Cabrillo Hwy (Pescadero), parks.ca.gov

Seabright Beach

Bring some meat and veggies and grill over a bonfire. It's busy enough to be lively but not as crowded as Boardwalk. Plus, it's very close to eateries and downtown Santa Cruz. // 1305 E. Cliff Dr. (Santa Cruz), santacruz.org
Premier US Flag Marine Transportation Company Joins Maritime Partners' Growing Portfolio

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Maritime Partners, LLC ("Maritime Partners") announced today that its flagship fund has acquired Centerline Logistics Corporation ("Centerline Logistics" or "Centerline"), a leading marine transportation company operating along the West Coast, East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States. The transaction, which was first announced on June 24, 2025, closed on August 28, 2025.

The transaction incorporates Centerline into Maritime Partners' growing portfolio of diversified marine assets, with Centerline's highly experienced and dedicated management team remaining in place. In particular, Centerline's Chief Executive Officer, Matt Godden, will continue to lead the company as CEO and as a minority investor in Centerline, as the transaction seeks to ensure continuity of both leadership and Centerline's longstanding reputation for operational excellence, safety, and customer service.

"We are thrilled to complete this acquisition and welcome Centerline into our growing portfolio of proven industry leaders and innovators," said Bick Brooks, Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Partners. "Centerline's position as one of the nation's largest operators of Jones Act-qualified liquid petroleum barges, their best-in-class leadership team, and their impressive track record of all-around operational excellence make this an ideal addition to our portfolio. Building on a decades-long legacy, the outstanding work by their entire team since 2019 has transformed Centerline into a truly unique and differentiated business that has consistently outperformed the market and competitors. Our strategic partnership with management and recognition of Centerline's organization-wide excellence position us to leverage the expertise and capabilities of the existing team while providing the capital and resources needed to accelerate Centerline's positive momentum and realize additional growth opportunities."

"Maritime Partners is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, growth-oriented owner that Centerline needs to maintain our core culture of operational excellence, safety and customer support as we pursue emerging opportunities in today's competitive and fast-evolving environment," said Matt Godden, CEO of Centerline Logistics. "Maritime Partners' deep understanding of the maritime industry, combined with their long-term investment approach, makes them an ideal partner for Centerline, aligning interests at all levels of the organization around providing truly differentiated service to our customers and partners. I'm excited about the opportunities that today's transaction will create for our team and our business."

Maritime Partners worked with ATLAS SP Partners to structure and arrange a warehouse facility supporting the acquisition of Centerline. The facility underscores Maritime Partners' strong access to capital and provides both upfront funding for the acquisition as well as capital to support future growth as the platform scales.

About Maritime Partners

Maritime Partners is a leading provider of maritime solutions. Maritime Partners manages a diversified fleet of approximately 1,800 vessels, specializing in vessels that are used in the domestic Jones Act trades. A privately held company founded in 2015, Maritime Partners provides the assets that transport the commodities that represent the primary building blocks of the domestic economy, including agricultural products, chemicals, aggregates, crude oil, and refined petroleum products. Our management team leverages more than 50 years of combined operational experience in chartering, asset management, shipbuilding, and financing across all marine asset classes.

About Centerline Logistics

Centerline Logistics is a leading marine transportation company and one of the nation's larger operators of Jones Act-qualified liquid petroleum barges, providing bunkering services, terminal transportation, ship-assist, and other critical services to customers along the West Coast, East Coast and Gulf Coast of the United States. Known for its exceptional safety record, operational reliability, and customer-focused approach, Centerline has established itself as a trusted partner to energy majors, shipping companies, and ports [for nearly 40 years]. Since 2019, the dedicated efforts of Centerline's entire team have built a differentiated business that has delivered consistent operational outperformance versus competitors and market benchmarks while introducing innovative solutions and superior customer service. This collective commitment to excellence has solidified Centerline's position as a premier operator in the Jones Act sector.

Media Contact

Greg Chase

Maritime Partners, LLC

[email protected]

(504) 264-5870

SOURCE Maritime Partners, LLC


FY2025 Results Announcement

Brisbane, Aug 29, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - North American lithium producer Sayona Mining Limited ( ASX:SYA ) ( DML:FRA ) ( SYAXF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce its FY25 full year results reflecting a period of record production and sales from the operations at North American Lithium (Sayona 75%, Piedmont Lithium 25%).



Operational Highlights



- North American Lithium (NAL) FY25 full year concentrate production was 204,858 dry metric tonnes (dmt), up 31% on the prior corresponding period (PCP).



- Spodumene concentrate sold totalled 209,038 dmt which was up 32% on PCP and was delivered to customers in Asia and United States.



- Lithium recoveries improved incrementally throughout the year to average 69% which was a 5% increase on the PCP recovery rate of 64%. Importantly, they have averaged 73% throughout the June quarter and continue to exceed expectations.



- Capital projects of $20 million were completed at NAL including phase 2 of the Tailings Storage Facility capacity upgrade and other site enhancements.



- Continuous improvements throughout 2025 have delivered record mill utilisation with the June quarter at 93%.



- Extensive exploration programs were completed at NAL and Moblan in Quebec which contributed significant increases in reserves and resources at both projects. The Moblan resource increased 30% to 121Mt @ 1.19% Li2O and Reserves increased 39% to 48.08Mt @ 1.31% Li2O. The NAL reserve increased 124% to 48.6Mt @ 1.11% Li2O while the resource increased 8% to 95Mt @ 1.15% Li2O.



Financial Highlights



- Revenue of $223 million generated by NAL was up 11% on PCP with a 32% increase in sales volumes offset by a 16% decline in average realised selling prices reflecting market conditions. The lower prices were realised despite a $23 million improvement in commercial terms on sales from a combination of significant savings achieved in seaborne freight costs with pooled cargos in addition to pricing gains from the forward sales program.



- Underlying EBITDA loss of $67 million for the Group which resulted from sales of high-cost inventory carried over from the NAL ramp up phase, partly offset by lower operating expenditures at NAL in addition to a $12 million reduction in corporate costs.



- The Group's consolidated loss after income tax for the year ended 30 June 2025 was $382 million (30 June 2024: $119 million loss), which includes non-recurring merger transaction costs of $13 million (30 June 2024: nil) and $265 million non-cash extraordinary items predominantly associated with a $271 million impairment of assets at North American Lithium as at 30 June 2025 due to a decline in forecast long-term lithium prices.



- Net cash outflow from operating activities of $15 million, which is a 76% reduction on the operating cash outflow compared to the prior year.



- Investment in capital and exploration projects totalled $50 million with $20 million of capital expenditure predominantly on NAL sustaining capital projects and $30 million on exploration in Canada utilising all remaining Flow Through Share funds.



- Closing cash balance of $72 million was 20% lower than the end of June 2024 with the Group having no secured debt underpinning a solid financial position.



Management Commentary



Mr Lucas Dow, MD and CEO said, "FY25 was a defining year for Sayona, marked by strong operational performance, disciplined cost management, and strategic milestones that have positioned us for the next phase of growth in the global lithium supply chain. We delivered on every full-year guidance metric, including a 31% increase in annual production and a 9% reduction in unit operating cost sold compared to FY24, while also achieving material gains in safety and sustainability performance. These results reflect the dedication of our team and the strength of our operating model.



"A standout achievement was the progress made at North American Lithium, where we set new quarterly records for mill utilisation and lithium recovery, culminating in our highest-ever monthly production in May. Through process optimisation, improved crushing availability, and collaborative logistics initiatives with Piedmont Lithium, we enhanced both efficiency and cost competitiveness. Our exploration success at NAL also unlocked significant growth potential, with expanded Reserves and Resources providing the foundation for a possible brownfield expansion.



"Moblan continued to emerge as one of North America's most promising undeveloped lithium assets, with an updated JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate of 121Mt at 1.19% Li2O representing a more than sixfold increase since acquisition. The substantial uplift in Reserves further underlines the long-term strategic value of this asset to our portfolio.



"The proposed merger with Piedmont Lithium, overwhelmingly approved by Sayona shareholders and Piedmont stockholders, is a transformative step that will see the creation of Elevra Lithium Limited - a premier North American lithium producer with world-class assets, technical expertise, and enhanced market reach. The combined entity will be wellpositioned to unlock synergies, enhance downstream optionality, and meet the surging global demand for lithium in the decades ahead.



"As we move into FY26, our focus is clear: complete the transition to Elevra Lithium, progress the NAL expansion studies, and advance our broader growth pipeline. With a talented and committed team, robust assets, and the momentum of a transformational year behind us, we are confident in our ability to deliver sustained value for shareholders, strengthen our position in the global battery materials supply chain, and contribute meaningfully to the clean energy transition."



Production and Financial Summary



Mining operations at NAL continued to ramp up over the year, with a 14% increase in ore extraction compared to the previous corresponding period. A total of 1,294,972 wet metric tonnes (wmt) of ore was mined over the period. The primary focus of mining activities was to optimise ore production and maintain ROM stockpile levels to meet higher levels of plant throughput. Operational improvements, including blasting techniques, geotechnical and dewatering adjustments contributed to the increased mining rates, although productivity was still constrained by safety measures around historical underground mining areas.



The production of spodumene concentrate reached a record of 204,858 dry metric tonnes (dmt) produced over twelve months which was up 31% on the prior period. Mill utilisation was a major driver of this performance, averaging 88% over the year despite weather-related challenges in January 2025 and planned maintenance shutdowns in October 2024 and March 2025. Lithium recovery rates increased further to 69% over the period up from 64% in the prior corresponding period and continued to improve throughout the June quarter to average 73%.



Unit operating costs per tonne sold decreased 9% to $1,290/dmt during the year (US$835/dmt). Excluding the impact of inventory movements, unit costs per tonne produced declined 27% to $1,198/dmt (US$775/dmt) compared to the prior corresponding period. Focused cost control measures contributed to the stability in operating costs, supported by stronger volumes produced and sold, ensuring reduced margin losses despite lithium price fluctuations.



Sales of spodumene concentrate increased significantly, with a total of 209,038 dmt sold over the year. The 32% increase in sales volumes drove revenue growth of 11%, with revenue achieved of $223 million over the period. The average realised selling price over the year declined 16% to $1,069/dmt. The lower average realised price included the benefit of from a $23 million improvement in commercial terms on sales. This was delivered through a combination of optimised seaborne freight logistics to reduce freight costs and pricing gains from the forward sales program.



The underlying EBITDA loss for the period was $67 million resulting from increased sales volumes of high-cost inventory carried over from the NAL operational ramp up phase, partly offset by lower operating expenditures at NAL. Corporate costs were $12 million lower than the prior corresponding period reflecting an ongoing focus on cost reduction both operationally and in the corporate function.



The Group's consolidated loss after income tax for the year ended 30 June 2025 was $382 million (30 June 2024: $119 million loss), which included non-cash extraordinary items of $265 million (30 June 2024: $32 million) and $13 million of merger transaction and integration costs (30 June 2024: nil). The non-cash extraordinary items included income from the sale of tax benefits under flow through share arrangements of $6 million (30 June 2024: $5 million) and impairment of the assets of North American Lithium of $271 million as at 30 June 2025 due to a decline in forecast long-term lithium prices.



The Group has reviewed the carrying value of the NAL Cash Generating Unit (CGU) as of 30 June 2025 as required under the Accounting Standards. The softening of the forward lithium prices over the past 12 months combined with the Company's limited ability to take advantage of any upswings in forward lithium prices due to onerous conditions in the offtake agreement with Piedmont have been major factors in recognising the $271 million impairment charge against the NAL assets. Once the merger with Piedmont is completed, the impact of the offtake agreement will no longer be a factor in assessing future recoverable amounts for NAL's assets.



The Group recorded a net cash outflow from operating activities of $15 million for the year, which was a 76% reduction on the operating cash outflow compared to the prior year. Operating cashflows benefited from the receipt of customer prepayments to support NAL operations in a low-price environment, and included $13 million of non-recurring merger transaction and integration costs. Cash outflows for exploration expenditure and capital expenditure totalled $50 million, a decrease of 56% compared to the prior corresponding period. Capital expenditure for the period totalled $20 million, focused predominantly on NAL sustaining capital projects, including phase 2 of the tailing storage facility capacity upgrade and expansion of waste rock stockpiles. Exploration activity was designed to utilise the remaining Flow Through Share funding, with $30 million of exploration activity conducted at NAL and Moblan.



Closing cash decreased by 20% to $72 million from $91 million at 30 June 2024, with the receipt of proceeds from a capital raise completed in November 2024 partially offsetting the cash outflow from operating activities including merger transaction and integration costs, and supported the NAL capital investment program in the period.



Exploration



North American Lithium



Throughout calendar year 2024, Sayona completed a further 53,444 metres of drilling across 153 drill holes, with a focus on increasing confidence in existing deposits and exploring extensions outside of current mining operations.



This drilling was supported by Flow Through Share (FTS) funding that was raised in March 2023 specifically for exploration and resource definition drilling as allowed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) (refer ASX release 7 March 2023). This Flow Through Share funding was required to be fully expended by 31 December 2024 and now the FTS funding has been fully utilised, no further exploration drilling is currently planned.



A recent review of resources and reserves defined a Resource of 95 Mt @ 1.15% Li2O and a 124% increase in Reserves to 48.6 Mt @ 1.11% Li2O.



Moblan Lithium Project



Exploration at Moblan saw significant site activity over the last year, with a total of 76,202 metres drilled across 281 holes in 2024. This extensive drilling campaign also utilised FTS funding, providing robust backing for exploration and resource definition activities. Now the FTS funding has been fully utilised, no further exploration drilling is currently planned.



Drilling has identified further extensions of high-grade lithium mineralisation beyond previously defined zones. The drilling program focused on deepening the understanding of mineral continuity and refining the geological model, providing the basis for future development and a potential increase in planned production.



A recent review of Resources and Reserves defined a material 30% upgrade in Resources to 121Mt @ 1.19% Li2O and 39% increase in Reserves to 48.08Mt @ 1.31% Li2O which may underpin higher production and/or longer mine life.



Australian Exploration Activities



During the year Sayona continued to advance its portfolio of early-stage lithium and gold projects in Western Australia through systematic exploration, joint venture collaboration and disciplined investment. The Western Australian assets offer exposure to discoveries within one of the world's most prospective mining jurisdictions.



In the Pilbara region the Company holds 100% of the lithium rights to seven tenements covering 346km2. At the Tabba Tabba project, which is the most advanced, Sayona continued its drill programmes which have provided valuable geochemical and geological data, enhancing the understanding of the tenement's potential. Work is focused in the search for flat lying pegmatite systems, principally hosted along a six-kilometre strike of the Western Gabbro Corridor. The Tabba Tabba project is directly south and along strike from Wildcat Resources' ( ASX:WC8 ) Tabba Tabba lithium deposit.



Within the 597km2 of tenure where Sayona has 100% of the gold rights, exploration is focused on intrusion hosted gold mineralisation in a style similar to Northern Star's nearby Hemi gold deposit.



The Morella Lithium Joint Venture remains a material component of Sayona's Western Australian lithium strategy and is managed by Morella Corporation Limited ( ASX:1MC ). The Pilbara JV area comprises six tenements covering 356 km2.



Projects include the advanced Mallina area which is host to spodumene pegmatite, as well as strategically placed tenure in the Tabba Tabba area. The JV also includes two tenements in the South Murchison covering 48 km2 where first drilling at Mt Edon has identified rubidium-bearing pegmatites.



Merger with Piedmont Lithium and Capital Raise



In November 2024, Sayona Mining Limited and Piedmont Lithium Inc. announced a definitive merger agreement, forming a leading North American lithium producer with an approximately 50/50 equity split upon completion. The merger is anticipated to create significant synergies by integrating Sayona's production capabilities with Piedmont's market presence in North America. Upon completion, the newly merged entity will have expanded operational efficiencies, a significant project portfolio and a stronger financial position, enhancing its ability to meet growing demand for lithium products. Following the announcement, Sayona successfully completed a capital raise of $38 million (net of costs) in the December 2024 quarter.



Shareholder meetings for both Sayona and Piedmont Lithium have now approved the merger and completion is expected to occur on 30 August 2025. The combined company will be named Elevra Lithium Limited.



Post merger completion a conditional placement of Sayona shares to Resource Capital Fund VIII, L.P. to raise approximately $69 million (~US$45M, before costs) at $0.032 per Sayona share will be finalised and the consolidation of Sayona shares through the conversion of every 150 Sayona shares held by a Sayona shareholder into 1 Sayona share will also be completed.



The Company remains committed to disciplined capital allocation, focusing on cost optimisation and strategic growth initiatives subject to market conditions, to strengthen its financial position and ensure long-term sustainability.



Corporate



During the reporting period, Sayona strengthened its Board with the appointment of Ms Laurie Lefcourt as a Non Executive Director, effective 16 October 2024. With over three decades of experience in finance, governance, and major resource projects, Ms Lefcourt brings strategic expertise to Sayona's Board. She was also appointed Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee on 17 October 2024 and is a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.



Additionally, in July 2024 Sayona announced the appointment of Mr Lucas Dow as Managing Director and CEO. Mr Dow, who previously served as CEO of a major mining corporation, brings extensive operational and leadership experience to Sayona at a critical time of expansion and transformation. Under his leadership, Sayona is expected to drive further improvements in operational efficiency, corporate strategy, and shareholder value.



Mr Dow assumed the role of Managing Director and CEO with a hand over from interim CEO, Mr James Brown. During the reporting period, Mr Brown continued as an Executive Director of the Company to ensure business continuity and a structured handover of responsibilities to Mr Dow, in addition to assisting with the Piedmont merger and the associated capital raisings. The Board has determined that Mr Brown will continue in this role until the completion of the merger.



FY26 Guidance and Investor Engagement



Due to the timing of merger completion, an investor webcast/teleconference will be held in early to mid-September 2025 which will allow a discussion of these results and future Elevra Lithium strategy. At that stage FY26 guidance will also be provided allowing suitable time for the new Board of Elevra Lithium to consider this matter.



To view the FY25 Full Year Results Presentation, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/4PYFDF3F



To view the Annual Report, please visit:

https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/AI84W35V





About Elevra Lithium Limited





Elevra Lithium Limited is a North American lithium producer (ASX:ELV) (NASDAQ:ELVR) OTCMKTS:SYAXF) with projects in Quebec, Canada, United States, Ghana and Western Australia. In Quebec, Elevra's assets comprise North American Lithium (100%) and a 60% stake in the Moblan Lithium Project in Northern Quebec. In the United States, Elevra has the Carolina Lithium project (100%) and in Ghana the Ewoyaa Lithium project (22.5%) in joint venture with Atlantic Lithium. In Western Australia, the Company holds a large tenement portfolio in the Pilbara region prospective for gold and lithium.

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GlobalDatas 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey reveals that over half of brokers (53.6%) believe cyber insurance has the potential to record the strongest growth among new or emerging commercial insurance products. Cyber insurance significantly surpasses the potential of other emerging products, with renewable energy insurancethe second-most popular productattaining 8.8% of responses.

Beatriz Benito, Lead Insurance Analyst, GlobalData, comments: Both insurers and reinsurers are diversifying their strategies to tap into emerging risks, which will support growth in the cyber insurance market. A greater appetite around this line of business will help soften market conditions, as an increase in capacity can help insurers combat soaring premiums. Findings from GlobalDatas 2025 UK SME Insurance Survey reveal that 60.8% of SMEs do not hold cyber insurance. The most common reason for not holding such cover is because businesses believe it is unlikely that they will be a target of a cyberattack, as cited by 40.5% of SMEs. Benito continues: Despite the growing awareness of cyber risks among businesses, the adoption of cyber insurance is far from universal, with underinsurance remaining a key challenge to the industry. The protection gap is more pronounced among smaller businesses despite SMEs being more vulnerable of an attack. Insurers will need to tackle the protection gap through several fronts to grow the cyber insurance market. Focusing on conveying the impact that a cyberattack can have on a businessnot only in terms of operations but also reputationcan be beneficial. Equally, there could be greater transparency on policy wording, making it clearer what the perils and exclusions are to avoid this being a barrier to buyers. Lastly, SMEs remain a largely untapped market and are often more vulnerable to attacks but have fewer resources to respond effectively. This makes them strong candidates for tailored cover, developing products that address their specific needs.


DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law is her alcoholic husbands enabler. He has health conditions that make walking difficult. He falls down often and cant make it to the bathroom. Being drunk all the time (he consumes a fifth of vodka every two days) also prevents him from getting the surgery he needs.

My SIL buys his liquor for him. She says if she doesnt, he will drive himself, endangering others. She has tried talking with his doctors, friends, family, priest and rehab facilities. He wont go or listen. Taking care of him is wearing her down. He needs a medical facility that also treats addiction.

Desperate to help her, I took her to an Al-Anon meeting so she could get support, but she found it boring. I realize this is out of my control, and Im finding it hard to listen and sympathize when she complains. What now? -- ENABLERS SISTER-IN-LAW

DEAR S.I.L.: Your sister-in-law definitely could use some help. While I have mentioned AA and Al-Anon often in my column, another support resource I have heard good things about is called SMART Recovery. It is a space where loved ones of those who are struggling with addiction can find understanding, support and a plan to regain control of their own lives. She can locate a Family and Friends meeting by visiting smartrecovery.org/family. If she gives it a try, she may feel more comfortable there.

Read more Dear Abby and other advice columns.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
A 23-year-old man is under arrest after an alleged sexual assault inside an Alabama Walmart.

The incident happened, police said, while the suspect was being assessed for job-related skills by a non-profit organization that works with people with mental deficiencies.

The organization is not affiliated with Walmart.

Foley police officers responded early Thursday afternoon to the complaint at the Walmart Supercenter on South McKenzie Street.

Details of the assault have not been released.

The Foley Police Department is investigating a reported sexual assault that occurred inside the Walmart located on South McKenzie Street in Foley.

Deputy Police Chief Kevin Carnley said a store employee, who was not connected to either party, quickly came to the aid of the victim. The employee was able to intervene and stop the assault.

The swift action of the employee allowed for our officers to quickly apprehend the offender, Carnley said in a press release. Foley PD commends this employee for their courage and instinct to intervene.

Jaheim Jamaal Williams, age 23, of Gulf Shores, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and reckless endangerment.
Four Birmingham mothers are under arrest after police say they encouraged a fight among juveniles that was captured on video and posted to social media. (Contributed)

Four Birmingham mothers are under arrest after police say they encouraged a fight among children that was captured on video and posted to social media.

I have two words  parental accountability, Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said Thursday night.

This kind of parental neglect is a disgrace to our community and to society as a whole.

The investigation began earlier Thursday when the police department High Intensity Community Oriented Police Patrol Unit, also known as HICOPP, responded to Tom Brown Village public housing community on a report of a fight involving students from Hayes K-8 School.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said officers learned that several adults may have encouraged the fight between the students.

In one instance, as two girls squared off, one woman was heard saying, Hit her.

The adults were shown on video continuingly encouraging the girls to fight.

The fight was seen starting in a grassy area and spilling over to the middle of the street. The video has since been removed from Facebook.

The fight reportedly happened during school hours.

It was not immediately clear why the students were not in school.

Four women, ages 27, 30, 31, and 32, are charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

One of the four is also charged with child endangerment, Wade said.

Pickett said police took swift action by arresting the parents of those involved.

As adults, we have a responsibility to serve as role modelsproviding the proper guidance, support, and good example for our children to follow, Pickett said.

While BPD is committed to helping parents who are struggling with troubled children, let me be clear: we have zero tolerance for parents who encourage, promote, or facilitate violence among our youth, he said.

These swift arrests were made to send a clear message to the few parents who choose to act irresponsibly.

It truly takes a village to raise and protect our children, Pickett said.

BPD will continue to do its part to support the amazing youth of our city and ensure they have a safe and positive environment to grow in.
Alfred Louis Logan Jr., 45, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Wednesday on a 2022 indictment charging him with capital murder in the killing during a carjacking of David Michael Hammons. (Jefferson County Jail/Contributed)

The suspect in the 2021 shooting death of 64-year-old man in Irondale is back in Alabama after being convicted of two separate murders in North Carolina.

Alfred Louis Logan Jr., 45, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Wednesday on a 2022 indictment charging him with capital murder in the killing during a carjacking of David Michael Hammons.

The indictment against Logan was made public Thursday once he was in custody of Alabama authorities.

Hammons was shot to death Dec. 8, 2021, during a carjacking in Irondale and died five days later.

Police said Hammons was in his vehicle in the parking lot of a now-closed Burger King on U.S. 11 in Trussville on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, when Logan and his girlfriend, Lindsey Nicole Calton, 37, tried to carjack him.

The victim did not know the suspects.

Police said the suspects, who had their own vehicle, wanted a second car. They forced Hammons into the back seat of his own vehicle at gunpoint.

At some point, investigators said, Hammons began to fight them and thats when he was shot.

The suspects stopped the car just before 8 a.m. at the Shell station on Edwards Lake Road and fled the scene in their other vehicle.

Alfred Louis Logan Jr., 42, and Lindsey Nicole Calton, 37. (Contributed/Jefferson County Jail)

Irondale, Trussville, and Birmingham police, as well as Jefferson County sheriffs deputies, responded to the gas station where they found Hammons on the ground outside of his vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Hammons rushed to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:22 p.m. on Dec. 13.

Hammons was a mechanical engineer for Southern Company.

He had lived in Trussville for 33 years and was the father of two adult children and had become a grandfather the year before he was killed.

He was very family-oriented, said his son, Danny Hammons. He loved to visit his siblings and parents whenever he could, and spent lots of time with my sister and I.

Calton was quickly taken into custody.

Logan fled the state and was captured a week later by U.S. Marshals in North Carolina.

At the time of his arrest, Logan was also wanted for murder in Buncombe County, N.C., Wake County, N.C. and York County, S.C.

In 2023, Logan pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the 2021 death of another man in Buncombe County.

The victim was found dead in his car with a gunshot wound.

Officers from the Buncombe County Sheriffs Office obtained surveillance video from nearby businesses that showed Logan in the area.

They later found cell phone data indicating that the victims cell phone had been moved from his car to Logans home address.

Logan has also been sentenced to life in a Wake County murder. Additional details of that case, and the South Carolina case werent immediately available.

This man has a history of violence and is clearly a threat to North Carolinians, said North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein after Logans 2023 guilty plea.

Logans Alabama trial date has not yet been set.

Calton has remained jailed without bond since 2022. Her trial date has not yet been set either.
(Original Caption) Selmer, Tenn.: His face marked by the scars where two 30 caliber carbine slugs blasted half of his face away, former McNairy County Sheriff Buford Pusser points to a section along a lonely blacktop road where he and his wife Pauline were ambushed in 1967. Bettmann Archive

A renewed investigation into the unsolved 1967 murder of the wife of McNairy County, Tenn. sheriff Buford Pusser debunks what has for decades been depicted in movies and implicates the long-dead lawman in his wifes shooting, officials said Friday.

The sheriff, who died in a 1974 car crash, long said Pauline Pusser went with him on a call on Aug. 12, 1967 when a car pulled up alongside them and shots were fired, killing her and leaving Buford shot in the face.

She was 33 and left behind three children.

The scene was depicted in the 1973 movie Walking Tall, with Buford Pusser portrayed by Joe Don Baker. The movie spawned sequels and remakes. Baker died earlier this year at age 89.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and District Attorney General Mark Davidson said that the evidence instead shows Buford Pusser most likely shot his wife, put her in a car and then shot himself.

See also: How a Hollywood legend hid the truth of a murder that went unsolved for 58 years

We believe are as close as possible to justice, Davidson said.

The case files reveals inconsistencies in Buford Pussers statements to law enforcements and to others about Paulines murder.

The evidence is instead indicative of a staged crime scene, Davidson said.

The TBI has produced evidence sufficient .... that would allow us, if he were alive today, to present an indictment to the McNairy County grand jury for their consideration against Buford Pusser for the murder of his wife Pauline.

That obviously cannot happen, Davidson said. But there is probable cause to believe Paulines death was not an accident, not an act of chance, but .. an act of intimate deliberate violence.

Davidson noted that an examination of Paulines body revealed she had a healed fracture of her nose.

She was the leader of our family. She was the most caring, personable person, Griffon Mullins, Pauline Pussers brother, said in a taped statement. Ive missed her horribly these last 57 years.

I knew deep down there were problems in her marriage.Perfectly honest with you, Im not totally shocked.

Madison Garrison Bush, the granddaughter of Buford and Pauline Pusser, and the daughter of the only child the two had together, questioned what was accomplished by officials making the announcement.

My family has endured traumatic loss that few people can comprehend. A dead man, who cannot defend himself, is being accused of an unspeakable crime, she wrote in a statement.

I dont understand what justice can be accomplished by pursuing this theory of my grandmothers death. Our family has been through enough pain and loss because of my grandfathers law enforcement career and we arent looking to reopen closed wounds.

The investigative file will be kept at University of Tennessee at Martin because of the decades of public interest in the case, Davidson said.

This case is not about tearing down a legend, Davidson said. It is about giving dignity and closure to Pauline and her family and insuring that the truth is not buried with time.

In 2024, the TBI exhumed Pauline Pussers body at Adamsville Cemetery after receiving a tip concerning her murder. The case had been under review since 2022 when a tip pertaining to a murder weapon was received, the TBI said.

Buford Pusser spent six years as McNairy County sheriff beginning in 1964, and aimed to rid McNairy County of organized crime, from moonshiners to gamblers. He was allegedly shot eight times, stabbed seven times and killed two people in self-defense.

He was one of the youngest sheriffs in Tennessee history at the time and was occasionally mentioned as a possible candidate for governor.

Buford Pusser died in August 1974 at age 36 in a car wreck the day he agreed to portray himself in the ``Walking Tall sequel.

For many, the story of Buford Pusser is part of west Tennessee history and the shooting death of his wife, Pauline, has long stood as an especially tragic chapter, said TBI Director David Rausch.

The case, built largely on Bufords own statements, closed quickly. Perhaps too quickly, Rausch said.

The new investigation found significant inconsistencies in Buford Pussers statements and provided new information from people with knowledge of the murder, Rausch said.

Many of our law enforcement partners maybe even became law enforcement because of that (Walking Tall) story, Davidson said. The investigation was important enough to push that aside.

No one is above the law.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Vic Angoco Appointed Executive Vice President, Operations

Jennifer Tungul Appointed SVP, Alaska

Rob Olson Appointed VP, Alaska Operations

HONOLULU, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson has announced that Vic Angoco, senior vice president, Alaska, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations, based at Matson's new corporate office in Walnut Creek, California.

In his new role, Angoco will oversee Matson's network operations, including West Coast terminals, vessel operations and engineering, equipment operations and engineering, and corporate facilities.

Vic Ancogo 2025 Jennifer Tungul 2025 Rob Olson 2025

Angoco began his 35-year maritime career on Guam and has held a wide range of operations and sales management roles. He joined Matson in 1996 as sales and customer service manager on Guam, and quickly rose through the ranks in successive sales, customer service and operations leadership positions in San Francisco, Guam and Hawaii. In 2010, he was promoted to senior vice president of Matson's Pacific Division, with responsibility for all operations in Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and the South Pacific. He has led Matson's Alaska team since 2022.

Tungul, Olson Promoted

The company concurrently announced the following related promotions:

Jennifer Tungul, Vice President, Alaska Operations, was promoted to succeed Angoco as Senior Vice President, Alaska. Tungul now oversees all of Matson's business activities in the 49th state,

Tungul joined Matson's Alaska operations in 2002 and has served in a series of finance and operations leadership roles, including terminal manager in Dutch Harbor. She was promoted to general manager for Dutch Harbor in 2019 and later that year to director, Alaska operations. She was promoted to her most recent position in 2022.

Rob Olson, General Manager, Alaska Terminal Operations & Safety, Quality, Environment and Security, was promoted to succeed Tungul as Vice President, Alaska Operations and will have primary management responsibility for Matson's terminal operations in Anchorage, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor.

Olson joined Matson in 2022 as General Manager, Anchorage Terminal. Later that year, he took on additional responsibilities to include the oversight of Safety, Quality, Environment, and Security for Alaska Terminals. Prior to joining Matson, he was transportation and maintenance manager for a major retail grocery chain and served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

"Vic is one of Matson's most experienced and trusted leaders, and will add depth to the talented leadership team overseeing our vessel and terminal operations divisions," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Matt Cox. "Likewise, Jenn and Rob have distinguished themselves among the next generation of senior leaders at Matson and are well positioned to lead our Alaska operations into the future."

About Matson

Founded in 1882, Matson is a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the economies of Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and select South Pacific islands, and operates a premium, expedited service from China to Southern California. The Company's fleet of 22 owned vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout the continental U.S. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, and less-than-container load freight consolidation and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about Matson Inc. is available at www.matson.com.

Contact:

Keoni Wagner

Matson

510-628-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE MATSON, INC. - PR
Bruce Willis is now living in a second home near his primary residence, so he can get 24-hour care, his wife told Diane Sawyer on Tuesday night.

Leading up to the broadcast of the interview, Emma Heming Willis revealed the Die Hard actor was losing the ability to communicate.

It was one of the hardest decisions that Ive had to make so far, she said of moving the 70-year-old actor. But I knew, first and foremost, Bruce would want that for our daughters.

The decision to move the action star came when Emma Heming Willis learned noise can cause agitation to Bruce Willis condition. As a result, the mom stopped hosting playdates and sleepovers for the girls.

I didnt know if parents would feel comfortable leaving their kid at our home, she said. I isolated our whole family, and that was by design. ... That was a hard time.

Still, she said the family sees Bruce Willis often.

Were there a lot, Emma Heming Willis said. Its our second home, so the girls have their things there.

It is, you know, a house that is filled with love and warmth and care and laughter. Its been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruces friends continue to show up for him, you know, they bring in life and fun.
The Worlds Largest Peanut Boil will take place 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 31, at 1704 Montgomery Highway in Luverne, Ala. Amber Sutton

Theres a peanut boil happening in rural Alabama this weekend, and with 32 tons of the beloved Southern snack up for grabs, its not your typical roadside stand.

The annual Worlds Largest Peanut Boil, hosted by The Crenshaw County Alcazar Shrine Club each year, is underway in the small town of Luverne, marking its 55th year of supplying the Southern staple to those eager to get their hands on them.

Andy Compton, president of The Crenshaw County Alcazar Shrine Club, said the boil has become a community event that attracts customers from all over the state and beyond, with proceeds going to Shriners Hospitals for Children as well as other philanthropy projects by the organization.

Last year, the boil sold 32 tons of peanuts during its six days in business, and Compton said theyre expecting to sell just as much, if not more, this year. The peanuts, which have been provided by Holland Farms in Milton, Fla., for the past two decades, are boiled for around four hours in five 10-foot-long tanks, with each tank holding about 720 pounds of peanuts.

It has been a privilege for Holland Farms to supply peanuts for the Crenshaw County Shriners Club, Bruce Holland, of Holland Farms, said of the annual event. They are a remarkable organization that does so much to support and strengthen the community, and were honored to play a part in this tradition.

Volunteers and members of the The Crenshaw County Alcazar Shrine Club bag up boiled peanuts at the World's Largest Peanut Boil on Aug. 27, 2025, in Luverne, Ala. Amber Sutton

Compton said the tradition got its start around 1970 when members of the club would sell the peanuts alongside the only two red lights in the small town as a way to raise funds.

In the early stages of our Shriner Club, all of the members were trying to think about doing a fundraiser to help the Shriner center in Montgomery, said Compton. They decided to boil peanuts. It started out with one pickup truck load of peanuts on the vine, which probably wouldnt have even been 500 pounds. They picked them off the vine, boiled them and sold them in the street from red light to red light because theres two red lights in Luverne, up and down the sidewalk, and it just kind of evolved from there.

While the event itself and the amount of peanuts used in the boil has certainly evolved, from 500 pounds at the start to 64,000 pounds now, the recipe used has remained simple.

Green peanuts, salt, water and time. Thats it, said Compton.

Still, the boil has been known to attract long lines. Last year, the first two days were already sold out from preorders. The event, which kicked off on Aug. 27, didnt take preorders this year, and Compton said its just as busy as ever.

Were selling peanuts as fast as we can cook them, said Compton. Everythings going along as it does every year. Were very blessed to have the support of the local community.

In addition to being grateful for the show of support provided by customers and volunteers, Compton said the success of the event for more than five decades is also due to the lasting appeal of the quintessential Southern snack its selling.

Its just tradition, said Compton. Everybody dont like boiled peanuts, but for the majority of people in the South, they do. Its just, you know, everybody grows up eating boiled peanuts. Its the taste of the South.

The Worlds Largest Peanut Boil will continue 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. today through Sunday at 1704 Montgomery Highway in Luverne. Small bags of green, parched and boiled peanuts are $5 while large bags are $10. For more information and updates, visit the events Facebook page.
Next year, Disneyland will no longer allow guests who stay at its theme park resorts to have early access to its parks.

That perk, according to the theme parks website, will end on January 5, 2026.

Instead of early entry, Disneyland will grant guests who are checked in and staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels entry to Lightning Lane for one time during their stay.

According to USA TODAY, the resort bookings team found most hotel guests werent taking advantage of early entry.

Past Disneyland changes

Last year, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland changed their policies for guests with disabilities.

Disneys DAS program is designed to assist guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in traditional lines. The parks adjusted to program to allow guests who qualify for and enroll in Disneys DAS program to either join lines virtually or wait in another area of the park until its time to return to the physical line in person.

The Florida and California theme parks plan adjusted their Disability Access Service program to ensure more guests receive the accommodations they need, reports USA TODAY.

The changes included modifying qualifications, registration procedures, and length of validity to help ensure guests receive any needed accommodations.
The Retirement Systems of Alabama is building a new warehouse for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on Congressman Dickinson Drive in Montgomery. (Mike Cason/mcason@al.com)

A new warehouse under construction for the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is expected to be operating by August 2026.

Neil Graff, chief operating officer for product management for the ABC Board, gave an update on the project to state lawmakers on Wednesday.

The warehouse will be on Dickinson Drive in Montgomery, near the Gunter Annex of Maxwell Air Force base.

The Retirement Systems of Alabama is building the 250,000-square foot facility, which will replace four leased warehouses that the ABC Board uses now.

Graff said the project will cost $98 million. That includes $62 million for the building and $35 million for material-handling equipment.

The ABC Board plans to lease the building from the RSA for 20 years and will own it at the end of that term.

The lease payments will be set up so that RSA earns its standard 8% rate of return on the money it invests to build the warehouse, said Neah Scott, legislative counsel for the RSA.

The material-handling equipment will be paid for over six years, Graff said.

Our material handling equipment is about 22 years old and has really kind of reached the end of its life, Graff told lawmakers.

Graff said a modern warehouse will help the ABC Board produce more tax revenue for the state.

We understand that $98 million is a lot of money and we dont take that lightly, he said.

The square footage of the new warehouse will exceed the combined space for the four leased warehouses.

Graff said products can be stacked higher in the new warehouse, making the space more efficient.

The ABC Board contributed $360 million to the state budgets last year. Almost all of that was from tax revenues, he said, with about $2 million from profits on its operations.

Graff told the legislators that the investment in the new warehouse will have a long-term benefit for state budgets.

The biggest windfall for the General Fund and for the state of Alabama is us owning that property and not paying any more rent, Graff said.

The new warehouse will require fewer employees to operate because of automation, Graff said, another cost savings.

We will not be firing anybody, but through attrition, well get down to the manpower necessary, Graff said. Currently were operating with about 84 people and we think well get down to 53 people in the new warehouse.

Last year, the Legislature passed a bill to allow the ABC Board to own its warehouse.

The Retirement Systems of Alabama is also building a new State House that the Legislature expects to begin using late next year in a lease-to-purchase agreement.

That project, including demolition of the current State House, a new parking deck, and a mechanical facility to support heating and cooling in the State Capitol, is projected to cost $400 million.

The RSA has built more than a half-dozen other office buildings in Montgomery.
Katherine Robertson speaks during a public hearing Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) AL.com

An Alabama politician is pushing back against California Governor Gavin Newsoms press offices statement about Alabamas crime rate.

Katherine Robertson, Alabama deputy attorney general and attorney general candidate, said the focus should be on Democrat-run cities in her reply to the governors press office post that homicide rates in Alabama are 290% higher than Californias.

Crime rates in Alabama are high in democrat-led cities which have a difficult time retaining and recruiting LEOs (law enforcement officers), Robertson said in the post. Officers dont want to work in the most dangerous areas of our state when they question whether city leadership will have their backs.

Crime rates in Alabama are high in democrat-led cities which have a difficult time retaining and recruiting LEOs. Officers dont want to work in the most dangerous areas of our state when they question whether city leadership will have their backs. https://t.co/jD1qgPTl1C  Katherine G. Robertson (@KGRob27) August 29, 2025

Earlier in the week, the largest Democratic-led city in Alabama re-elected its mayor for a third term on Tuesday.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin thanked supporters in a post on X, where he touted a drop in the citys homicide rate, stating, Homicides are down 50% this year.

In a press event on Thursday, however, Newsom outlined his vision for combating crime in California and addressed questions about President Donald Trumps plan to expand the military and federal law enforcement presence in the country. This followed Trumps federalization of the Washington, D.C., Police Department.

Newsom said the president should pay attention to Republican led states while reeling off statistics comparing murder rates in California to some of those states.

Alabamas top three murder states in America. Wheres the president of the United States? I thought he cared? These are the folks, these are his states that voted for him, Newsom said.

Alabamas homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people, based on FBI crime statistics from 2022, is the fourth-highest in the country.

His state of mind does not seem to be focused on the issue of crime and violence. Its about expression of authoritarianism, Newsom said of the president who he accused of militarizing American cities,

If he is to invest in crime suppression, I hope the president of the United States will look at the facts, Newsom said.

The fact remains that if the president is sincere about the issues of crime and violence, there is no question in my mind that he will likely be sending the troops in those Republican-led states to address the unquestionable wave of violence that continues to plague those states.
An investigation is underway in the shooting death of an Alabama middle school student.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Friday announced the agency is leading the probe.

State Bureau of Investigation agents responded to the scene in the 200 block of Hickory Street in West Blocton in Bibb County about 6:30 a.m. Thursday.

The victim was 13 years old but no additional information has been released.

ALEA spokeswoman Amanda Wasden said once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Bibb County District Attorneys Office for review.

West Blocton Middle School officials released a statement saying the 13-year-old was a student.

Our West Blocton Middle family has been deeply impacted by this tragic loss, the statement read. We know our students and staff will react in different ways to this tragic loss.

We all should expect to try and understand that there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and encourage our West Blocton family.

School officials, according to the statement, were briefed on the schools plans for responding to such incidents and have received guidelines for discussing death and reactions to it.

District counselors and mental health professionals were available to students Thursday and Friday.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of the family members affected by this tragic event. We know you will join us in our concern, prayers, and sympathy for this precious family.
The Urban Impact pitch competition will take place in the Historic Fourth Avenue Business District.

On Saturday, Aug. 30, Urban Impact, Inc., a local nonprofit focused on creating economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, will host its fifth annual BECOME Pitch Competition.

The competition is the grand finale of Urban Impacts business program that gives entrepreneurs access to educational opportunities and a network of professionals and mentors. The free event will be hosted at The Alcove in Birminghams Historic Fourth Avenue Business District from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Spectators will be able to meet competitors, network and connect with local business leaders.

This competition is a powerful example of the innovation and determination of the small business community in Birmingham, Courtney Craig, an Urban Impact spokesperson said in a statement.

It takes courage to build a business, but even more to share it openly. These entrepreneurs are stepping up and taking risks for the chance to secure funding that can open new doors for their businesses.

Launched in 1980, Urban Impact, Inc. works to provide opportunity and revitalization in underserved communities. Since its launch, the program has supported dozens of small business owners through their business endeavors.

This year is the first time 11 entrepreneurs will compete, putting their skills to the test by presenting their business plans to a panel of judges for the chance to win up to $8,5000 in funding for their ideas.

Click here to register for the event.
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A woman who has accused a well-known Alabama priest of paying her as much as $400,000 to engage in an ongoing relationship that included sex has been arrested.

Heather Lynn Jones, 33, is charged in Marshall County with practicing law without a license.

Jones earlier this month took her allegations against the priest, Bob Sullivan, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood, to British newspaper The Guardian.

In that article, the north Alabama mother of two said she was studying to become an attorney.

Jones was booked into the Marshall County Jail at 12:21 p.m. Aug. 21, jail records show.

She was released the following day after posting $6,000 bond that was secured through a bail bondsman.

Court records show her bond was initially set at $1,000 but that was increased after she tested positive for methamphetamine.

In court documents, Jones listed herself as advocate/law student.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Jones received a bachelors degree in psychology from Argosy University, a private, for-profit university that closed all its campuses on March 8, 2019.

Marshall County District Attorney Jennifer Bray, whose office is prosecuting Jones on the misdemeanor charge, said the woman was attempting to legally represent a 36-year-old man in court.

Its someone thats in our drug court program, Bray said of the man.

(He) has quite the lengthy history.

Bray said he may be a boyfriend and she was offering him legal assistance. It appears that theyre in a relationship, Bray said.

She filed some motions acting as an attorney, and shes not an attorney, Bray said. She was filing motions for a hearing. She actually came to court and tried to argue as an attorney.

Jones, reached by phone by Alabama Media Group on Thursday, was asked if she could answer questions about her allegations against Sullivan.

Do you have some questions that you want to ask me? she said.

Told it would be questions about the allegations against the priest and the allegations that she practiced law without a license in Marshall County, she hung up on the reporter.

Court records do not list an attorney to comment on Jones behalf about her arrest.

The district attorney said she hadnt heard about the priest accusations until a reporter asked her about the connection.

She checked with an assistant district attorney who saw Jones in the courtroom and had seen the photo of her that was published by The Guardian.

Its for sure her, in his opinion, Bray said.

The Guardian reported that Jones said she met Sullivan in 2009 when she was 17, dancing at a strip club where Sullivan was a patron, although the legal age for an exotic dancer is 19.

He offered her money to begin a sexual relationship and offered to pay her $273,000 to sign a legal non-disclosure document, according to the Guardian.

Jones, who agreed to let the Guardian go public with her identity, shared an unsigned copy of the non-disclosure agreement with the Guardian.

She also provided a copy of a March 27 message from Sullivans Our Lady of Sorrows email address, which had the sentence: Someone will be calling you to sign the NDA.

The Guardian said she shared bank records that show four days after that email, Jones received a wire transfer of $136,500 from an account under the name of the attorneys law office.

She received another $136,500 wire transfer from the same law office account a day later, the bank records indicated, per The Guardian report.

The Guardian also reported that she shared records of more than 125 different transactions from July 18, 2024, to March 26 this year, showing a Venmo account under Sullivans name paid nearly $120,000 to Jones.

Public records show that Jones on April 15, 2025, bought a house on Valder Johnson Road in Albertville for $182,5000.

Jones, in a statement to the Diocese of Birmingham and the Guardian, wrote that she had attended church services throughout her youth and had difficulty reconciling Sullivans public role and private behavior.

Sullivan, 61, announced Aug. 2 that he was taking personal leave from his duties as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood beginning Aug. 4.

He remains on leave from the church amid the ongoing investigation of Jones allegations. Efforts to reach his attorney for comment were unsuccessful.

Her Marshall County charges are set for trial in October.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is calling for voters to unseat Rep. Juandalynn Givan, the state lawmaker who challenged him in the election. (Photo Illustration/ Al.com) Photo Illustration/ Al.com

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, just days after sailing to a third term, is calling for voters to unseat the state lawmaker who challenged him in the election.

Woodfin turned to social media to endorse an early challenger to State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, his most vocal opponent.

Givan came in a distant third place in her bid to unseat Woodfin for mayor. Now Woodfin is endorsing Alicia Lumpkin, a city employee, who is running for Givans seat representing Birmingham in the State House.

District 60 deserves better than finger-pointing and excuses, Woodfin wrote on his Facebook page Thursday. The people of District 60 are more than ready for strong women in leadership. Lets send Alicia to Montgomery.

Lumpkin is the citys director of process improvement.

The election for the House seat is in 2026.

If she is successful, Lumpkin would be the third Birmingham city employee to get elected to the Alabama legislature during Woodfins tenure as mayor. And she would be the second elected while working directly in Woodfins office.

The rhetoric between Woodfin and Givan and their supporters was especially cutting during the race, and it shows no signs of receding.

Being a person of true politics, for me when its over its over, Givan told supporters in a live Facebook video Thursday. I dont dwell on it. I dont wallow in it. I do not sit in it. I dont stink in it. I move on and I take everything as a life lesson.

Givan also swiped back at Woodfin for his post on election night criticizing her and endorsing her challenger.

If you have to wake up and relish a day after the election in which you go and make posts to talk about District 60 because you hate me so much, and you stoop to the level that you have stooped to the last few days  the sadness is really within you, Givan said. And what people see outwardly is a ruse.

Woodfins closest challenger in the mayoral race, Lashunda Scales, also faces early opposition from a city employee seeking to take her seat on the Jefferson County Commission.

Shonae Eddins-Bennett, Birminghams parks and recreation director, is running for Scales seat.

Eddins-Bennett turned to social media to embrace Woodfin following his victory.

As Birmingham steps boldly into the 2026 election season, your continued leadership reminds us what it means to serve with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to community. I celebrate your re-election and the trust our city has placed in you once again, she wrote. As a candidate for Jefferson County Commission, District One, I look forward to building a strong, collaborative bridge between city and county leadership.

Some of Woodfins most vocal political defenders have bolstered Eddins on their social media pages and urged voters to support her.

Scales did not respond to a request for comment.

Givan said she has spoken to Scales to form a partnership to retain their seats on the County Commission and in the legislature.

I have spoken with Lashunda Scales and Lashunda Scales and I have decided were going to team up to fight for our seats, Givan said in her video message. At the end of the day Im going to fight like hell to win District 60.